from that expedition an Ambassage was sent to Rome for reconciling the Kingdome and a Letter subscribed by the Nobility and Barons to the Pope the Copy whereof I have thought good to insert Sanctissimo in Christo Patri domino Iohani c. filii sui humiles devoti Duncamus Comes de Fife Thomas Ranulphus Comes Moraviae dominus Manviae dominus Wallis Annandiae Patricius Dumbar Comes Marchiae Malisius Comes Strathern Malcolm us Comes de Lennox Gulielmus Comes de Rosse Magnus Comes Cathannon Orcaden Gulielmus Comes Sutherlandiae Walterus Senescallus Scotiae Gulielmus de Souls Buttelarius Scotiae Iacobus de Douglas David de Brichen David Grahame Ingelramus Umphravile Iohannes Monteith Custos Comitatus ejusdem Alexander Fraser Gilbertus de Haya Constabularius Scotiae Robertus Marescallus Scotiae Henricus de Santo Claro Panitarius Scotiae Iohannes Grahame David Lindsay Patritius Grahame Iohannes de Fenton Gulielmus de Abernethy David de Weymis Gulielmus de Montefixo Fergusius de Androssen Eustathius Maxwell Gulielmus Ramsey Alanus de Moravia Donaldus Champell Iohannes Cameron Reginaldus Loquhoir Alexander Seaton Andreas Leslie Alexander de Straton caeterÃque Barones liberè tenentes tota communitas Regni Scotiae c. Thereafter they said That Scotland being an ancient Kingdome governed by a continued succession of 97. Kings and amongst the first that embraced the faith of Christ living under the patronage of S. Andrew the brother of S. Peter and graced with many privileges by the Popes his predecessors had always been free from usurpation of any stranger before that Edward the father of him that now reigneth in England did in the time of the interreign when the question was of a successour labour by violence to establish the Kingdome to himself since which time they have endured many injuries having their Churches spoiled their Monasteries burnt and their Countrey intolerably oppressed till of late it hath pleased God to stirre up King Robert Bruce who as another Iosua or Iudas Maccabeus had redeemed them by his valour with whom they resolved in defence of their Countrey to spend their lives And if he should forsake them which they knew he would not do so long as they wâ—ere any of them in life England should never bring them in subjection Wherefore they besought his Holinesse to make the English content themselves with the spacious bounds they possessed in which there reigned sometimes seven Kings and suffer the Scots quietly to enjoy that little piece of ground which their progenitors had long defended and left free unto them In end they entreated To be received again into his grace and favour promising all dutifull obedience to him and to the See Apostolick This was the tenor of the Letter which the Pope favourably accepted and thereupon gave order that the â—nglish and Scots should both be warned to a certain Diet for debating their rigâ—â—s The Diet come and the English not appearing the Pope after he had examined the case and perused the rescripts of divers his predecessours released the Interdiction which his Legate had published and declared the Scots to be reconciled to the Church The great discontents which were then amongst the English for the government of affairs under Edward the third who was then made King upon his Fathers resignation brought them to sue for peace which after a short Treaty was concluded and the Peace confirmed by a Match betwixt David Prince of Scotland and Iane sister to King Edward The Conditions of the Peace were these That King Edward should surrender by Charter his Title of Soveraignty of the Kingdom of Scotland Restore whatsoever Acts Deeds and Instruments he had of Homage and Fealty done by the Kings of Scotland or their Nobility to any of his antecessors especially those which Edward the first his Grandfather had by force extorted and leave the Kingdome of Scotland as free as it was at the death of King Alexander the third That the Scots should quit and renounce all the lands they held in England and Stanmore be taken for the March both in Cumberland and in Northumberland That no Englishman should enjoy lands in Scotland unlesse he dwelt in the Countrey And that in satisfaction of the lands possessed by some of them who would not remain in Scotland the King of Scots should pay 30000. Marks Peace thus made and the mariage with great solemnity performed though the Prince was then but seven years old King Robert waxing sickly lived private in a sort untill his death which happened some two years after He was a King of incomparable wisdome and valour whose worth and vertue no pen can expresse Whilest this Peace was treating Lamberton departed this life having continued Bishop thirty years a Prelate wise active and a great Benefactor to the Abbey wherein for the most part he kept his residence The buildings whereof now we onely behold the ruines were erected upon his charges It is reported that being asked by one of his servants on a night Why he did lay out so great summes for the Monastery and forget to build for himself he answered That ere he died he hoped to build more then his successors should well maintain Which he indeed performed for besides the repairing of his Palace in S. Andrews he built at Monymaill Torrey Dersey Inchmortach Mufchart Ketins Lincon Monymusk and Stow in Twaddale houses of good receipt for himself and his successors He finished the Cathedrall Church which had been many years a building and dedicated the same with great solemnity in the year 1318. He adorned the Chapter house with curious seats and ceeling furnished the Chanons with pretious vestments for the daily service stored their Library with Books and at the Dedication of the Church procured of the King who honoured the same with his presence a yearly rent of 100. Marks to be paid to the Abbey forth of the Exchequer which annuity was afterward redeemed by the donation of the Church of Fordon in Mernis he himself the same very day gave unto the Prior and Convent the Churches of Dersey Abercromby as the donations yet extant do testifie and dying at the last in the Priors Chamber within the Monastery was buried in the new Church on the north side of the high Altar in the year 1328. The famous Doctor Ioannes Duns alià s Scotus lived in his time he was born in the Town of Duns in the Countrey of Mers and being yet a childe after some taste he had got of the Latine Tongue by the perswasion of two Minorite Friers went to Oxford studying Logick in Merton College then applying himself to Scholastick Divinity grew to such a perfection therein as he was called The subtile Doctor and was followed of a number who after his name are called to this day Scotistae After he had professed a while at Oxford he was called to reade Divinity in the
ant Boeth l. 11. Buchan l. 6. King Kenneth murthered in the Castle of Fettercarne An. 1004. Buchan l. â— Scon. li. in Catalog Episc. S. Andrews Buchan l. 6. Boeth l. 11. The Danes defeat at Muâ—tâ—lack in Angus by Malcolm An Episcopal See at Murthlack Boeth l. 11. Past. l. 4. c. 44. Buchan l. 6. An. 1034. Buchan l. 7. Boeth l. 12. An. 1057. A discourse between Mackduffe and Malcolme Boeth l. 12. Pasâ— l. 5. c. 3 4. Scotichron l 7. Buchan l. 7. Dioces appointed by the Bishops Cathnes and Murray erected by King Malcolme the third The History of Queen Margaret and her marriage with King Malcolâ— King Malcolm and the Conquerour at Warre Peace concluded amongst them The contrary disposition of King Malcolm and William Rufus Bishop Gregorius dieth Turgot elected in his place Buchan l. 7. An. 1117. The vertues of King Malcolm the third The praise of Queen Margaret Her issue by King Malcolm Buchan l. 7. Sa. Daniel in his Collection Scon. lib. in Catalog Episâ— S. Andrews An. 1098. Marianus King Edgar erected the Abbey of Cauldingham in a Priory King Alexander the Fierce seeketh advice of the Archbishop of canterbury The Archbishop of Canterbury and York at difference Archbishop of Canterbury his letter to king Alexander Eadmerus hist. l. 5. 6. King Alexander offended that Eadmerus would not be consecrated in Scotland He is invested in the Bishoprick by the intercession of the Noblemen Thurstan the Archbishop of York opposes the consecration of Eadmerus An. 1124. Eadmerus departeth into England upon the Kings dislike He purgeth himself to the Archbishop Robert Prior of Scone elected Bishop of Saint Andrews and consecrated at York The Abbey of Scone and Saint Columbe founded Cursus Apri given to Saint Andrews King David succeeded to Alexander and his beneficence to the Church King David taxed of profusion His magnificence vindicate from these â—spersions An. 1159. Buch. l. 7. The faults of person ought not to be cast on things abused Whence the superflous enriching of Abbeys proceed Buch. l. 7. Bishop Robert dieth Richardus de sancto Victore with David a Presbyter He citeth the Scottish Clergy to Norham The Clergy by some Delegates appeal to Rome to the Pope Pope Alexander the third giveth sentence for Scotland Angelramus elected Bishop of Glasgow King Malcolm the fourth his death A Bishop placed at Carlile by the Archbishop of York Buch. l. 7. An. 1165. Boeth l. 13. Buch. l. 7. King William secketh to have Northumberland restored King William surprised at Anwick Boeth l. 13. Hollinshed History of Scotland An. 1175. Buch. l. 16. 7. Sa. Daniel A meeting of the Scotish Clergy at Northampton Gilbertus Canonicus his reply to the Legate Boeth ibidem Scon. l. 8. c. 16. Boeth l. 13. An. 1178. Scon. l. 8. The Archdeacon of S. Andrews elected Bishop The King displeased maketh his Chaplain to be choosed of new The Archdeacon appealeth to Rome His journey thither Pope Lucius his Letter to the King The Pope purposeth to interdict the Realm is stayed by the entreaty of the Archdeacon The Bishop of Dunkeld dieth and the Bishoprick offered by the King to the Archdeacon An. 1188. The Archbishop accepted Dunkeld Bishop Hugo dieth The Kings of England and France prepare to recover the Holy land Sa. Daniel Buchan l. 7. Sa. Daniel Lesl. l. 6. King of Scots his kindnesse to the King of England Boeth l. 13. The Abbey of lundors founded King william goeth to England to congratulate King Richard his return The Bishop of Cathnes cruelly used by the Earl of the countrey The King punished it severely Buchan l. 7. Pope Innocent the third his thanks to the King for the justice of execution A Convocation of the Clergy at Perth Boeth l. 13. Lesl. l. 8. Saturday from 12. of the clock to be kept as holy An. 1189. Bishop Roger succeedeth to Hugo after his death Roger consecrated in the year 1198. dieth in Iuly 1202. William Malvoisin translated from Glasgow to S. Andrewes Scon. l. 8. Pasl l. 6. c. 27. King William dieth his pious devotion Boeth l. 13. Buchan l. 7. An. 1214. King Alexander the second Crowned at Scone Boeth l. 7. Buchan l. 13. The Kingdom interdicted by the Popes Legate Scon. l. c. 33. The priviledge of the white monks suspended Peace concluded betwixt the King and Henry the third of England The Kingdom of Scotland absolved from the interdiction Boeth l. 13. Buchan l. 7. The course taken with the inferiour Churchmen Scon. l. 9. c. 32. The Scots Clergy complain of the Legates extortions An. 1219. Buchan l. 7. Scon. ibideâ— The King offended with the contributions of Rome The Popes Legate discharged from entering into Scotland Orders of S. Dominick and Francis brought into Scotland Scon. l. 10. c. â— Foundation of religious houses Gilbert Earl of Stratherne his donations to the Church Scon. l. 8. c. 73. An. 1238. David the Kings Chamberlain elected Bishop upon Malvoisin his death King Alexander the second buried at Melrosse His Epitaph King Alexander the third crowned Sa Daniel in the life of Henry the third Scon l. 10. c. 8. Abell Archdeacon of S. Andrews elected Bishop after David Abell his rigour exercised upon the Chanons An. 1255. Gamelinus elected Bishop upon Abels death Pasl l. 6. Boeth l. 13. Buch. l. 7. The Court displeased with the Bishop A Legate sent from Rome Scon. l. 2. c. 24. Boeth l. 13. Buch. l. 7. Boeth l. 13. The Carmelite Friers received in Scotland Crosse-Church at Peblis erected Boeth l. 13. Scon. l. 30. An. 1271. William Wishart elected Bishop upon Gamelinus his death Scon. l. 10. c. 30. Pasl l. 6. Bishops attending a Rome for Consecration A Councel at Lyons Scon. l. 10. c. 34. A supply for the holy Warre The Acts of the Councel All the Acts overturned by dispensations Scon. l. 10. c. 35. An. 1279. Bishop Wishart dieth Scon. l. 10. c. 31. Michael Scot and Tho. Lermouth Buchan l. 13. Lesl. l. 6. Boeth l. 13. William Fraser elected Bishop after Wishart Buchan l. 7. The death of of King Alexander the third and his children Two Knights of Fife directed to the maid of Norway whom they found dead Boeth l. 14. Buchan l. 8. Competitors for the Crown Scon. l. 11. c. 2. King Edward his speech at the meeting in Norham Robert Bishop of Glasgow his reply Scon. l. 11. c. 10. The right of the Crown found to lie betwixt Baliol and Bruce Buchan l. 8. A meeting at Berwick for determinating the right Sa. Daniel Boeth l. 14. Bruce refuseth the offer which Baliol embraceth Baliol hated for swearing subjection to the King of England Buchan l. 8. Baliol breaketh with England Ambassadors from France and England Boeth l. 14. Scon. l. 11. c. 18. Baliol cited to Newcastle Scotland invaded by King Edward Buchan l. 8. Boeth l. 14. The Bishops of Glasgow and Isles sent prisoners to London A message sent to the Pope from the Clergy Scon. l. 11. c. 36. The Popes
with you for as to these vices we have been talking of I thank God none of them do reign in me onely I speak this to discover your minde and disposition Thus both agreeing upon the enterprise they gave private notice to their friends of their coming and obtaining a supply of ten thousand men from King Edward under the leading of Sibard Earl of Northumberland Malcolmes Grand-father by the Mother they entered into Scotland The rumour of this Army did cast Mackbeth into a great terrour and not knowing what to do for he was deserted of all he shut up himself at first in the Castle of Dunsinnan a Fort that he had lately built The Army marching thither how soon they came in sight Mackbeth out of a new fear forsook the Fort and made to flye by horse but being pursued by some of Malcolme his friends he was overtaken and killed Upon this victory Malcolme was declared King and crowned in Scone the 25. of April 1057. Soon after his Coronation calling the Estates together at Forfar he restored the children of those that Mackbeth had forfeited and to correct the intemperances of the people and to recall them to the ancient frugality made divers good statutes repealing that beastly Act of Eugenius the third which appointed the first night of the new married woman to appertain to the Lord of the ground and granting the husband liberty to redeem the same by payment of an half Mark of silver which portion they call Marchetas mulierum and is as yet disponed by superiours in the Charters they give to their vassals In this Convention likewise the Bishops who as we shewed before did indifferently administrate their functions in all places to which they came had limits appointed to them for the exercise of their jurisdiction To Saint Andrewes was committed the oversight of Fife Louthian Merce Striveling-shire Angus and Mernis Glasgow had the charge given him of the West parts and Borders Galloway this countrey which yet beareth the name and Murthlack all that is now of the Diocy of Aberdeen Besides these the King did erect Murray and Cathnes in two Bishopricks appointing able men for the discharge of the service and providing them with maintenance sufficient he gave the Lordship of Momemusk the superiority whereof belongs as yet to that See The Church of Dunfermling he built from the ground and laid the foundation of the Cathedral in Durham advancing great summes to the perfection thereof In all which he was much furthered by that blessed Lady Queen Margaret his wife That we may better know this Lady and how she came to be married unto Malcolme I must relate a few things belonging to that purpose Edmond King of England surnamed Ironside being treacherously killed at Oxford Canutus a Dane who reigned in a part of that kingdome attained the absolute dominion of the whole This Edmond left two sons Edwin and Edward whom Canutus in the beginning entertained very kindly but afterwards seeking to establish the Crown in his own posterity he sent them to Volgarus the Governour of Swain to be murthered The Governour pitying the estate of these innocent youths conveyed them secretly unto Solomon King of Hungary giving out to Canutus that they were made away Edward surviving Edwin his brother married Agatha sister to the Queen of Hungary and daughter to the Emperour Henry the second by whom he had a son called Edgar and two daughters Margaret and Christian. After Canutus his death succeeded Harold his eldest son whose reign was cruel and short and four years only And after him Hardicanutus who died suddenly in the second year of his reign and was the last of the Danes that ruled in England Upon his death Edward brother to Edmondlronside living then in Nomandy was recalled and Crowned King of England at Winchester in the year 1042. This is he that is called Edward the Confessor a most pious King who having no issue sent to Hungary for his Cousin Edward and for his children Edward soon after his coming died so Edgar surnamed Atheling remained to whom King Edward would willingly have resigned the Crown but such was the modesty of that young Prince as he did absolutely refuse to reign during the King his life That lost him the Crown for upon the death of the King Harold son to Earl Godwin was preferred Prince Edgar his right utterly misknown But Harold his reign continued not long William Duke of Normandy commonly called the Conqueror having killed him in a battel fought in Sussex the next year usurped the kingdom to himself Edgar fearing the Conquerors cruelty took sea with his mother Agatha and his two sisters Margaret and Christian intending to return into Hungargy but were by Tempest driven upon the coast of Scotland where King Malcolme that had learned by his own sufferances to compassionate the distresses of others did most courteously receive them and shortly after their coming took Margaret the eldest sister of Edgar to wife a Lady of rare vertue who though she brought him little or no portion made both him and his kingdom happy How soon the Norman had setled his dominion in England he sent to King Malcolme to require Edgar his competitor and fugitive as he termed him to be rendered Malcolme refused holding it an unseemly deed in a King to deliver any person that took their refuge to him much more to betray a Prince allyed to himself unto his mortal enemy Hereupon Warre was proclaimed and one Roger a Nobleman of Normandy sent to invade Northumberland which was then in the possession of the Scots Richard Earl of Gloucester did second him with a great power but both these were put to the worse Odon the Normans brother who of a Bishop of Bayeux was made Earl of Kent as likewise his own son Robert whom he employed with several Armies did prosper no better so as wearied of the warres he began to think of peace neither was Malcolme unwilling unto it and after some treaty it was accorded That King Malcolme should retain Cumberland with the same right that his predecessours did enjoy it and that the subjects of each kingdom might know their limits and how farre they were to passe a stone-crosse was erected in Stammore which was called the Ree Crosse that is the Crosse of Kings for on the North side thereof the Armes of the King of Scotland were graven and upon the South the Armes of the King of England This peace held firm all the Conquerours time but William called Rufus his son succeeding it quickly dissolved neither could it be otherwise considering the contrary disposition of the two Kings for as Malcolme was religiously given and a great Benefactor to the Church so Rufus in all his carriage manifested no affection that way For to inlarge his Forest at Winchester he demolished thirty Churches and forced Anselme that good Bishop of Canterbury to quit the kingdom for the liberty he used in his
a sorrow they shewed notwithstanding he had reigned long and died being of a great age for it was the 74. of his age and the the 49. of his reign when he departed this life The funerals ended his son Alexander the second accompanied with all the Prelates and Nobles of the kingdome went to Scone and received the Crown by the hands of the Bishop of Saint Andrews This King did no wayes degenerate from the vertues of his predecessors and was a great protector of the Church against the rapines and extortions of Rome Guallo others call him Waldo a Cardinal sent Legate into England by Pope Innocentius the third to assist King Iohn who was then become his vassal did put the kingdom of Scotland under interdiction because the King had supplied the French in his invasion of England and as he pretended robbed some Churches and religious places in his return from that war The Church-men ceasing by this occasion from their ordinary services no religious exercise was performed by any through the whole Realm but the white Monks whose priviledge did warrant them to celebrate at such times which the Legate hearing did suspend inhibiting them by one Weshbeck Archdeacon of York to do any service under pain of the highest spiritual censures till the rest of the Clergy were absolved But King Iohn dying and Henry his son Crowned by mediation of certain Prelates peace was made betwixt King Alexander and him upon the conditions following That Ioane the sister of Henry should be given in marriage to Alexander King of Scots and Magaret his sister to Hubert de Burgh Justiciar of England the man who then ruled all affaires That Berwick should be rendred to the Scots and Carlile to the English The King of Scots absolved from the Legates censures and his kingdome released from the Interdiction For performing the last Article the Bishops of York and Salisbury by whose meanes especially the peace was concluded had Commission given them by the Legate which presently they discharged But Guallo being displeased that the Interdict had passed so easily for he was a man extremely avaritious and one who made his profit of every businesse since he could not retreat what was done took him to the Clergy saying That the absolution granted did not comprehend them and thereupon did summon them to appear before him at Anwick The Diet was kept and thither went all the Bishops Abbots Priors and beneficed men in great numbers Absolution was offered but not without the payment of large summes which were at first denied but after some menacings that he should make them answer it at Rome the most out of fear did transact A few Prelates only standing out went afterwards to Rome to justifie their Cause With the inferiour Churchmen he took a course in shew beneficial and for their ease that some one or two should go with Commission and absolve them in their own Provinces at home but it turned to their great molestation for the Prior of Duresme and Westbeck the Archdeacon who were imployed in that businesse beginning at Berwick went through all the Realm and making the Priests and Canons convene at the principal City of the bounds caused them to take oath that they should confesse themselves and answer truly unto every particular enquired of them which done and their several depositions taken what by terrifying some with deprivation from their places for faults confessed by themselves what by wearying others with the protractions they made from day to day great summes were extorted from them and the poor Priests forced notwithstanding all this oppression to go barefooted to the door of the principal Church where they were convened and ask their absolution in a most base and abject form The Clergy offended herewith sent Walter Bishop of Glasgow Brice Bishop of Murray and Adam Bishop of Cathnes to complain at Rome where finding Pope Innocent dead and Honorius the third preferred in his room they exhibited in name of the Church of Scotland a grievous complaint against Guallo charging him to have been the especial cause of these miserable combustions which both the kingdomes had endured to have abused his legation unto his private commodity and to have extorted monies from Churchmen and others under colour of absolution Guallo brought to his answer because he did not clear himself sufficiently in divers points was declared not to have carried himself as became his Holinesse Legate and fined in a pecuniary mulct so as he escaped by dividing the spoil which he had made in those parts betwixt his Master and himself The Bishops who preferred the complaint were upon confession of their fault absolved one of the Cardinals who stood by scornfully commending their humility and saying Quòd piarum mentium esset crimen agnoscere ubi nec culpa reperitur That it was the part of devout men to acknowledge an offence even where no fault was committed and for some recompence of their pains a confirmation was given them of the old priviledges granted to the Church of Scotland by four Popes This priviledge is dated at Rome in the year of Christ 1218. and in the second of Pope Honorius his Pontificat Yet the next year Egidius a Spaniard by nation and by place a Cardinal was sent to gather contribution for the holy warre wherein both the Clergy and Laity shewed themselves so forward as in a short space great summes were collected all which he spent most prodigally in his return to Rome giving out for an excuse that he was robbed by certain Brigants in the way And no sooner was this Cardinal gone then another followed having the like Commission but the King considering how prejudicial these contributions might prove to the kingdome and that through the easie yieldings of the State the See of Rome was grown impudent in their exactions would not permit him to enter into the Realm till he had propounded the matter in Councel at which time one of the Bishops his name is not expressed in the story made a long speech against the rapine of these Legates where in recounting the insolent oppressions of Guallo and the riotous profusion of Egidius he disswaded by many good reasons his admission or the receiving of any other who should afterwards happen to come about the like businesse This speech seconded with the applause of all that were present an Act was made prohibiting the reception of the Legate or any others without licence from the King The Bishop of St. Andrewes being all this while in France did now return bringing with him some of the order of S. Dominick some Franciscans Iacobins and of the Monks called Vallis umbrosae These Orders not being known before in this Church by their crafty insinuations with people and the profession they made in leading an austere life did supplant the credit of the Priests drawing to themselves all the
money and not out of any purpose those Fathers had to redresse abuses The same year was one Bagimund a Legate directed hither who calling before him all the Beneficed persons within the kingdom caused them upon their oath give up the worth and value of their Benefices according to which they were taxed The table commonly called Bagiments rolls served for the present collection and was a rule in after times for the prizes taken of those that came to sue for Benefices in the Court of Rome Wishart not long after his return from this Councel being employed by the King and State in a Commission of the Borders sickned at Marbotle in Teriotdale and there died He is commended to have been a man careful in his charge and a great lover of peace then which there is no vertue more required in a Churchman he continued Bishop 5. years and 8. monthes only his corps was honourably conveyed from Marbotle and interred in his own Church nigh to the high Altar in the year 1279. There lived in the kingdome at this time Michael Scot and Thomas Lermouth men greatly admired the first for his rarest skill in the secrets of nature the other for his predictions and foretelling of things to come Picus Mirandula and Cornelius Agrippa do make honourable mention of Michael Scot in their writings and accompt him to have been a subtile Philosopher and most expert in the Mathematick sciences The prophecies yet extant in the Scottish Rymes of the other whereupon he was commonly called Thomas the Rymer may justly be admired having foretold so many ages before the union of the kingdomes of England and Scotland in the ninth degree of the Bruces blood with the succession of Bruce himselfe to the Crown being yet a childe and other divers particulars which the event hath ratified and made good Boeth in his story relateth his prediction of King Alexanders death and that he did foretell the same to the Earl of March the day before it fell out saying That before the next day at noon such a tempest should blow as Scotland had not felt many years before The next morning the day being clear and no change appearing in the aire the Nobleman did challenge Thomas of his saying calling him an Impostor he replied that noon was not yet passed About which time a Post came to advertise the Earl of the King his sudden death Then said Thomas This is the tempest I foretold and so it shall prove to Scotland Whence or how he had this knowledge can hardly be affirmed but sure it is that he did divine and answer truly of many things to come 25. William Fraser Chancellour of the kingdom was after Wishart elected Bishop and going to Rome was consecrated by Pope Nicolaus the third in the year 1280. The office of Chancery upon his resignation was given by the King to Mâ— Iohn Pebles Archdeacon of S. Andrewes At his return from Rome a pestilential feaver never before known in this kingdome brake up to the destruction of an infinite number of people This visitation was scarce ceased when all the Kings children were taken away one after another first David his yongest son died then Alexander the Prince who had married a daughter of the Earl of Flanders after him Margret Queen of Norway who left behinde her one onely daughter and last the King himself who had taken to wife after the death of his Queen Iolet a daughter to the Count of Dreux in hope to restore his issue was most unfortunately killed by the fall of his horse a little space from the town of Kingorne So many deaths falling out together in the Royal family did presage great calamities to ensue The onely hope that remained was in the Norvegian maid for whom Sir David Wemis and Sir Michael Scot two Knights of Fife were directed by the Estates The administration of affaires was in the mean time committed to William Fraser Bishop of S. Andrewes Duncan Earl of Fife and Iohn Coming Earl of Bughan for the countries on the North side of Forth and to Robert Bishop of Glasgow Iohn Lord Comin and Iohn Lord Stewart for the South parts but it was not long before that these Gentlemen that were sent to Norway returned bringing word that the maid of Norway was likewise departed this life At which newes it cannot be told whether the fears or sorrowes of the subjects were greater for as their sorrow for the losse of so worthy a King was great so their fear was no lesse because of the uncertainty of the succession for so many Competitors six they were in number claiming the inheritance of the Crown and all of them men of power and friendship they could not but divide the Realme and so beget a civil warre yet they who were trusted during the interreigne did by their mediation work them to a compromise and to remit the decision of the controversie to King Edward the first of England a Prince of long experience and much respected in that time To this purpose the Bishop of Brichen with the Abbot of Iedbrugh and Galfred Mowbray a Gentleman were sent to King Edward who finding him at Xantoign in France did expone to him the inconveniences that were feared to fall out in the kingdome and the course they had taken to prevent the same intreating his help for quieting the State King Edward glad to have an hand in the making of a King in Scotland dimitted them with many loving words assigning a Diet to the Competitors at Norham upon Tweed which he promised to keep The day come and the Competitors all present with the Prelates and other Nobles the King by a long and premeditated speech declared That albeit he might justly claim the superiority of the kingdome of Scotland as belonging to him by right yet as a friend and arbiter elected by themselves he would labour to compose the present controversie in the best sort he could for the right said he howsoever there be divers pretenders belongeth to one onely and for my self I determine to wrong no man but to do that whâ—ch is just assuring my self you will all acquiesce and take him for King who shall be pronounced so to be This said Robert Bishop of Glasgow arose and gave the King most hearty thanks in name of the rest for the good affection he bare to their countrey and the paines he had taken to come and remove their debates shewing that out of a perswasion they all had of his wisdome and equity they were well pleased to submit to him as sole Arbiter the judgement and decision of that weighty affaire But where it had pleased him to speak of a right of superiority over the kingdome it was sufficiently known that Scotland from the first foundation of the State had been a free and independent kingdome and not subject to any other power whatsoever That their ancestors
had valiantly defended themselves and their liberties against the Romanes Picts Britains Danes Norishes and all others who sought to usurp upon them and howbeit said he the present occasion hath bred some distraction of mindes all true hearted Scotch men will stand for the liberty of their countrey to the death for they esteem their liberty more precious then their lives and in that quarrel will neither separate nor divide wherefore as he had professed in way of friendship and as an Arbiter elected by themselves to cognosce and decide the present controversie they were all in most humble manner to intreat him that he would proceed to determine the question which they and their posterities should remember with their best affections and services King Edward although he was not well pleased with the Bishops free speech made no speech thereof at the time but continuing his purpose desired the competitors to be called They all being severally heard the right was found to lie chiefly betwixt Iohn Baliol and Robert Bruce and the rest ordained to cease from their claime Of Baliol and Bruce an oath was taken that they should abide by the sentence which King Edward should pronounce The like oath was taken by the Prelates Nobles and other Commissioners of the State who swear all to accept him for their King that should be tried to have the best right and for the greater assurance all their Seales were appended to the Compromise Then Edward proceeding made twelve of either kingdome men learned in the Law to be elected for examination of the right declaring that he would take the opinions also of the best Civilians in the Universities of France In this sort was the businesse carried in publick but privately and amongst some few the consultation was how to bring Scotland under his subjection Five years and some more were spent before the controversie was brought to an end at last every one longing to have it concluded the King returned to Berwick and calling the 24. who had been named at the first meeting he did enclose them within the Church commanding them to debate the matter and permitting none to have accesse unto them he himself went in now and then to feel their mindes and perceiving the most part inclining to Bruce his right he dealt first with him promising to invest him in the kingdom so as he would hold the same of the Crown of England Bruce answered that he was not so desirous of rule as he would therefore prejudice the liberties of the countrey The like offer he made to Baliol who being more greedy of a kingdome then careful of his honour did yield thereunto and so was Crowned King at Scone all the Nobility Bruce excepted doing him homage Some dayes after his Coronation he went to Newcastle to do the homage as he had promised to King Edward as unto his Soveraigne Lord. The Nobles that accompanied him thither fearing to withstand the two Kings so farre from home did likewise swear subjection to King Edward Which as soon as the rest of the Nobility and others of the State who were tender of their countreys liberty understood they grew highly displeased they that were in Baliols company were excused as not daring oppose the fact in that place but he himself having done it upon a secret paction which then began first to break out he became so universally hated as after that time could he never purchase their love nor was it long before he felt the smart of his own error For being cited to answer before the Parliament of England upon a complaint exhibited against him he appeared and having desired to answer by Procurator the same was denied him and he forced to descend to the ordinary place of pleading and stand as a subject This affront did so vexe his minde that from thenceforth he did meditate upon nothing but revenge whereof a good opportunity was offered him by the warre which then burst forth between France and England The Ambassadours of both these Kings coming at one time into Scotland the French to seek the renuing of the ancient League and the English to crave a supply of men to be sent unto King Edward by vertue of the late allegiance sworne by Baliol the desire of England was utterly rejected as unjust Because the allegiance sworne by their King was as they said forced and granting he had done it willingly it was not in his power without consent of the State to do any such act Therefore whatsoever was done by him that way both he and they did recall renouncing Edwards friendship both for that and other wrongs committed by him Thereupon it was concluded that two Ambassadours should be sent one to France for renuing the League and confirming it by new alliance of Edward Baliol the Kings son with the daughter of France another to England for defying King Edward and renouncing his allegiance Towards France William Bishop of S. Andrewes Matthew Bishop of Dunkeld Sir Iohn Sowlis and Sir Ingram Umphraville Knights were imployed The Ambassadour to England being declined by many Henry Abbot of Aberbrothock a man of great stomach undertook and performed Upon this defection of Baliol King Edward summoned him to appear at Newcastle and upon his refuse entered into Scotland with a mighty Army took Berwick with the slaughter of 7000. Scots and had delivered into his hands the Castles of Dumbar Roxburgh Edinburgh and Striveling Baliol thus overthrown was again by the perswasion of Iohn Cumin of Strathbogy brought to submit himself and swear fealty of new to King Edward After which the Parliament of Scotland was called to meet at Berwick there did all the Nobility that were present perform homage to the King of England William Douglas a man nobly born and of great courage onely refused and was therefore cast in prison where he died This done King Edward turned home leaving Iohn Warren Earl of Surrey and Sussex Governour of the kingdome Hugh Cressingham Treasurer and Ormsley chief Justice The Bishop of S. Andrewes who was lately come from France not enduring to see the countrey so thralled returned thither appointing Mr. William Knigorne and Peter de Campaigne his Chaplains to supply his absence in all spiritual affaires Robert Bishop of Glasgow and Maurice Bishop of Isles were taken and sent prisoers to London The rest of the Churchmen though permitted to attend their Cures were held under miserable bondage whereupon they secretly dispatched a message to the Pope with William Archdeacon of Lothian Baldred Bisset and William Egishame willing them to lament the oppressions of the Church and the usurpation made upon the countrey and so intreat him as the universal Father of Christendome to use his authority with the King of England ever whom he had power and take the matter to his own hearing unto whose judgement they would simply submit themselves Pope Boniface the eighth
sore envied Some report that degenerating from their first institution they became execrably vicious But Bocatius Villanus Antonius Naâ—clerus Aventinus and other Authorus do all purge them of the crimes laid to their charge The rumour in that time went that Philip King of France to get one of his sons made King of Ierusalem and possessed with their revenues did labour to have them and the Order condemned But others say that the Pope this was Clement the fifth was mightily offended with them for inveighing against the corruptions of his Court and sinfulnesse of the Clergy which they maintained to be the only cause of all the miseries of Christendome especially of the Holy land But howsoever their destruction was wrought all Authours testifie that notwithstanding the cruel torments which divers of that profession were put unto none of the crimes laid to their charge could ever be made out against them Paulus Emilius in his history writeth that Iames Burgond the Principal of that Order being brought forth to die and whilest the fire was kindling before him having his life offered if he would quickly declare that what he had deponed in the time of his imprisonment both of himself and of his whole Order was true did utter these words In these my last actions it being unpardonable impiety to lie I freely and frankly confess that I committed a great offence both against my self and my Order and that therein I have deserved a most tormenting punishment because in favour of them for whom I should not and allured with the sweetness of life I have in my tortures slanderously imposed many impieties and detractions upon the Order which hath ever deserved well of the Christian world I have no need of life obtained by intreaty much less retained by lying and defamation This said and he being set to the pile and fire kindled about the neather parts of his feet to wring out from him a confession even when the flames began to waste and fire his entrails he never swarved from the constancy of his former speech or shewed the least change and alteration of minde With him two other of the same Order did suffer one of them being of a great family and brother to the Daulphin of Vienna who shewed the like constancie There be other Authours of no small esteem saith Plessis who report That two Cardinals being present at their execution the great Master did summon Pope Clement before the Tribunal of God to answer for the wrongous judgement and sentence given against them and that the Pope died the same day to which he was cited being the 40. day after their execution Partly by these testimonies and partly by the clause insert in the condemnatory Bull of Pope Clement in which it was said Quanquam de jure non possumus tamen pro plenitudine potestatis dictum ordinem reprobamus Albeit by way of right we cannot yet of the fulnesse of our power we reprobate and condemn the said Order by this I say it would appear that they were rigorously used But howsoever all the Kings of Christendome as combining together caused them at one instant to be apprehended within their dominions and put from their estates which afterwards were given to the Hospitalers and Knights of S. Iohn But to return to Lamberton he stood not long in King Edwards favour being suspected for the entertainment he gave to Iames Douglas the son of Willam Douglas who died in Prison at Berwick This Gentleman at the time of his fathers death was in Paris following his studies and being advertised that his father was dead and his estate given away to strangers returned home where finding no means to maintain himself he took his recourse to the Bishop who pitying the Gentlemans estate did accept him amongst his followers and in the next expedition which King Edward made into Scotland taking the Gentleman with him to Striveling did present him to the King intreating that he might have his lands restored and be admitted into his service King Edward answered That he could not look for good service of him whose father had proved such an enemy and that the lands were disponed to others that had merited better So the Gentleman despairing to finde any favour with the King did await still upon the Bishop Afterwards hearing that Robert Bruce had taken the field he stole away secretly taking with him the Bishops horses and moneys and went to assist Bruce King Edward apprehending this to be done with the Bishops knowledge did commit him to Prison where he remained till the death of King Edward which happened in the year 1307. King Robert Bruce was in this time crowned King and by the troubles which Edward the second found in the beginning of his Reign got leisure to settle himself in the Kingdome so as when King Edward returned which was not till seven years after his fathers death to take possession of the Countrey and came with a world of people they are reckoned to be no fewer then two hundreth thousand they were encountred by King Robert at the River of Bannockburn and wholly defeated This victory did so much discourage the English as after a long surcease of warre when some eight years after they attempted to repair themselves they were forced with much dishonour to return and become suiters to the Pope to intercede for peace To this effect a Legate was sent into Scotland who had audience given him at Aberbrothock his Proposition was That the Scots should desist from troubling England till the Pope should hear the questions that were amongst them and be enformed of the right which King Edward had to the Crown of Scotland King Robert answered That the Pope could not be ignorant of the estate of that businesse the same having been often exponed by the Commissioners of Scotland to divers of his predecessours in the hearing of many Cardinals then alive who could relate the insolent answers which Pope Boniface received when he desired the English to forbear their cruell oppression of the Scots And now saith he when it hath pleased God to give us the better by some Victories and that we have not onely recovered our own but are in a possibility to make them live as good neighbours they have recourse to such Treaties seeking onely to gain time that when they have setled their affairs they may fall again upon us with the greater force but in this his Holinesse must excuse me for I will not be so unwise as to let the advantage I have slip out of my hands The Legate not satisfied with this Answer and interpreting it as a disobedience to the Apostolick See did put the Kingdome under Interdiction and so departed But the King to shew how little he esteemed these proceedings followed the Legate at the heels and entering into England wasted all the adjacent Countries with fire and sword At his return
proceeding divers were cited to appear at Halirudhouse by Iames Hay Bishop of Ross who sate as Commissioner for the Archbishop of S. Andrews amongst others Iames Hamilton of Levingston brother-germane to Master Patrick with Katharine Hamilton his sister The Gentleman was advised by the King secretly for he loved the man not to appear and was for his contumacie condemned His sister appearing and questioned upon the point of justification by works answered simply that she believed no person could be saved by their works Master Iohn Spence the Lawyer whom we named before held a long discourse with her about that purpose telling her that there were divers sorts of works works of congruity and works of condignity in the application whereof he consumed a long time The woman growing thereupon into a chafe cried out Work here work there what kind of working is all this I know perfectly that no works can save me but the works of Christ my Saviour The King was present all the time and laughed heartily at the answer yet taking the Gentlewoman aside he moved her to recant her opinions and by her ensample divers others at the same time abjured their profession of which number were Sir William Kirk Priest Adam Daes Henry Cairnes Master William Iohnston Advocate Master Henry Henryson Schoolmaster in Edinburgh and Iohn Stewart In-dweller in Leith These persons scarce dismissed Master Normand Gourlay and David Straiton were brought to trial Master Normand was charged for denying Purgatory and saying that the Pope had no jurisdiction within Scotland David Straiton was charged with the same points and further was accused for maintaining that Tythes were not due to Churchmen which point he denied confessing that the tithes of some fishes which his servants had taken at sea being too rigorously exacted he said that if they would have the tithes of the fishes they should go and receive them where the stock was taken and that he gave order to his servants to cast every tenth fish they took into the Sea because he saw nothing but rigour would content the Church This Gentleman had been in former times very quarellous and turbulent but was then become another man through frequenting the company of Iohn Areskyn of Dun by whom it pleased God to enlighten his mind with the knowledge of his truth and to kindle in his heart such a love to the same as usually he was heard to pray for strength and spiritual courage that if he should be brought to suffer for Christ no fear of death nor corporal pain might cause him shrink And it clearly appeared when he was brought to his answer that his prayers were heard For notwithstanding of the offers made him to recant and burn his bill as they spoke at that time he stood most constantly to the defence of the truth and gave great incouragement to Master Normand Gourlay who suffered with him These two were burnt at one stake the 27. of August 1534. At the same time was sentence pronounced against Alexander Alesse Master Iohn Fife Iohn Mackbee and one Macdongal who were summoned to the said Diet and compeered not These persons fled afterwards into England where they remained a while well entertained Alexander Alesse by the commendation of the Lord Cromwel came in favour with King Henry the eighth and was called commonly the Kings Scholar as he was indeed a man of good learning and gave thereof a notable proof in his dispute with Stockeslie Bishop of London before the Convocation in the year 1537. After Cromwels death taking with him Master Iohn Fife he went into Saxony where they lived Professours together a long time in the University of Lipsia Macdongal went also in their company and came to good credit being elected Burgomaster of one of their Townes Iohn Macbee commonly ealled Doctor Machabeus during his aboad in England was liberally entertained by Nicol Saxton Bishop of Salisbury who made much accompt of him but afterwards going to Denmark became Chaplain to King Christian in whose service he died in the year 1550. Thus it pleased God to provide for these men after their exile Some four years after the Bishops kept a meeting at Edinburgh in the moneth of February 1538. where divers were accused of heresie and condemned to die Frier Killore Frier Beverage Sir Duncane Simpson Priest Robert Forrester a Gentleman and Dean Thomas Forrest a Chanon of S. Colinsinch called commonly The Vicar of Dolour This poor man not long before had been called before the Bishop of Dunkeld his Ordinary for preaching every Sunday to his Parishioners upon the Epistles and Gospels of the day and desired to forbear seeing his diligence that way brought him in suspicion of heresie If he could find a good Gospel or a good Epistle that made for the liberty of the holy Church the Bishop willed him to preach that to his people and let the rest be The honest man replying That he had read both the new Testament and the old and that he had never found an ill Epistle or an ill Gospel in any of them The Bishop said I thank God I have lived well these many years and never knew either the old or new I content me with my Portuise and Pontificall and if you Dean Thomas leave not these fantasies you will repent when you cannot mend it Dean Thomas answered that he believed it was his duty to do what he did and that he had laid his accompt with any danger that might follow So at this time being brought in question with the persons above named they were all together condemned and burnt in the fire upon the Castle hill of Edinburgh This year in Glasgow Hieronymus Russel of the Order of the Gray Friers and one Kennedy a young man of Aire not past 18. years of age were accused likewise of heresie but because the Archbishop Mr. Gawine Dumbar was esteemed somewhat cold in those businesses Master Iohn Lawder Master Andrew Oliphant and Frier Maltman were sent from Edinburgh to assist at their trial Kennedy at his first appearing in judgement discovered some weaknesse and would gladly have saved his life by denying the points laid to his charge but encouraged by Hieronymus and by the answers he made to the Judges he gathered his spirits and falling down upon his knees brake forth in these words Wonderful O God is thy love and mercy towards me a miserable wretch for even now when I would have denied thee and thy Son the Lord Iesus Christ my onely Saviour and so have thrown my self into everlasting condemnation thou by thine own hand hast pulled me back from the bottome of hell and given me to feel most heavenly comfort which hath removed the ungodly fear that before oppressed my mind Now I defie death do what you please I praise God I am ready The Frier reasoned long and learnedly against his accusers and being answered only with railings and
thereunto These accusations he not appearing nor any in his behalfe were taken as confessed and he denounced an heretick yea an heresiarch for so the sentence beareth his goods ordained to be confiscat himself burnt in effigie if he could not otherwise be apprehended and all manner of persons inhibited to relieve or entertain him under the pain of cursing or forfeiture This sentence was given against him the 28 of May Anno 1540. and the same day was his picture burnt in the open Market place of S. Andrews as likewise in Edinburgh some two dayes after Sir Iohn Borthwick hearing how they had proceeded against him fled into England where he was kindly received by Henry the eighth then reigning and by him imployed in a Commission to the Protestant Princes in Germany for a confederation betwixt him and them in defence of their common profession King Henry had some years before sent into Scotland the Bishop of S. Davids to present the King his Nephew with some English books containing an Exposition of the principal heads of Christian Religion thinking to induce him to make the like reformation which he had made in England And at that time came Lord William Howard to desire the King to meet his Uncle King Henry at York upon some occasions tending to the common good of both Kingdomes The King consenting a Diet was appointed and all things prepared for the journey But the Cardinal and Clergy fearing the effects of that conference laboured with the Courtiers to divert him and before the King himselfe they laid divers terrours as That he would be detained prisoner in England as King Iames the first had beenâ— That he should make himself suspected to the Emperour and to his old confederate the French King And which he was most to regard incurre the Popes displeasure by treating too familiarly with him that was lying under the highest censure of the Church Yet stood the King resolute for the journey foreseeing as also it happened that if he should break the Diet the same might breed the English Kings dislike and be an occasion of warre on which he would not hazard unlesse he knew of means to entertain the same The Clergy hereupon besides the representation of some moneys in hand made offer of an annuity of fifty thousand Crownes if warre should fall out declaring withall that by confiscating the goods of hereticks he might gain an hundred thousand more And with such vain hopes they brought him to send a fair excuse to King Henry by Sir Iames Learmouth his domestick After this the King being ruled wholly by the Cardinal followed in all things the appetite of the Clergy giving commission to Sir Iames Hamilton his Theasurer to call and convene all persons suspected of heresie and inflict the punishments which after trial they should be found to merit The King was also heard say That none of that sort should expect any favour at his hands nay not his own sonnes if they should prove guilty which put many in fear But this continued not long for Sir Iames Hamilton becoming suspected and accused of a practice against the King his life was shortly after executed and warre breaking out with England he found the Nobility averse from the incursions he intended to make which did greatly discontent him These thoughts with some fearful visions he had by night that much terrified him withdrew his mind wholly from the extremities on which the Clergy had set him for at Linlithgow on a night as he slept it seemed to him that Thomas Scot Justice Clerk came unto him with a company of devils crying Woe worth the day that ever I knew thee or thy service serving thee against God and against his servants I am adjudged to hell torments Hereupon awaking he called for lights and causing his servants to arise told what he had heard and seen The next morrow by the light of day advertisement was brought him of the Justice Clerk his death which fell out just at the time that the King found himself so troubled and in the same manner almost for he died in great unquietnesse iterating often these words Iusto Dei judicio condemnatus sum by the righteous judgement of God I am condemned The form of his death answering the dream so justly made it the more terrible Another vision he had in the same place not many nights after which did more affright him whilest he lay a sleeping he imagined that Sir Iames Hamilton whom he caused to be executed came unto him with a sword drawn in his hand and therewith cut off both his Armes threatening within a short time to return and deprive him of his life With this he awaked and as he lay musing what the dream could import news were brought him of the death of his two sonnes Iames and Arthur who died at S. Andrews and Striveling at one and the very same hour The next year which was the year of our Lord 1542. being overwhelmed with grief and passion for the losse of his Army received at Solway he departed this life at Falkland in the 32. year of his age Some few dayes before he died he had advertisement that his Queen was delivered of a daughter at Linlithgow at which time it is said he burst forth in passion saying It came with a lasse meaning the Crown and will go with a lasse fie upon it after which he was not heard to utter many words The Cardinal hearing that the King was deceased did suborn a Priest called Henry Balfour to form his last Will whereby it was declared that he had committed to the Cardinal the Earls of Huntley Argyle and Murray the government of the Realm during his daughters minority This Will he caused publish in Edinburgh on the Monday after the Kings death but the Nobles giving it no credit and esteeming it a meer forgery did choose the Earle of Arran Regent and Governour of the Realme Never was any Governour received with greater love and opinion of all sorts for besides the favour carried to himselfe every one was glad to be freed of the Cardinals Government and by his first beginnings a strong hope was conceived that all things should be reformed which were amisse both in Church and Kingdome But this hope soon vanished in the manner that ye shall hear King Henry of England hearing that his Nephew the King of Scots was dead and that he had left one only daughter of seven dayes old began to think of uniting the two Kingdomes and reducing the whole Isle under one Government by the marriage of Edward his son a Prince of five years old to the young Queen of Scots Hereupon he sent for the Earls of Cassils and Glancarne the Lords of Fleming Maxwell and Gray who were taken prisoners at Solway and detained in England to Hampton Court where he then lay and at their coming proponed the businesse
words said he can be uttered then to call the Pope the Vicar of Christ the successour of Peter the head of the universal Church most holy most blessed one who cannot erre that may make right of wrong and wrong of right that of nothing may make somewhat that hath all verity inclosed in the shrine of his breast that hath power over all men no man having power over him and through he draw ten thousand millions of souls with himself to hell that none may or ought to say that he doth wrong which words he shewed were expressed in the common law and could not be denied Another note more remarkable he adduced forth of S. Iohn his Revelation where it is said that the Babylonian whore shall make merchandise of the souls of men which never any did of what profession soever they were the Pope and his followers excepted for they said he take upon them to mitigate the paines of souls in Purgatory and to release them by saying of Masses selling of Pardons and Indulgences which none besides them ever did whereupon he inferred that the Church of Rome was quite degenerate from her first purity and that very beast foreshewed in the Scriptures c. At this Sermon Master Iohn Maior the Sub-prior a number of Chanons and Friers of both Orders with the whole University were present whom he appealed to answer his allegations if they found any one of them not consonant to truth The Archbishop being advertised of this wrote to the Sub-prior saying that he wondered how he could suffer such heretical and schismatical doctrines to be taught and not oppose himself thereto Whereupon Iohn Rough and Iohn Knox were cited to answer unto certain heads collected out of their Sermons and set down as followeth 1. That no mortal man can be the head of Christs Church 2. That the Pope is Antichrist and so not a member of Christs mystical body 3. That no man may make or devise a Religion that is acceptable to God but that he is bound to observe and keep the Religion received from God without chopping or changing the same 4. That the Sacraments of the New Testament ought to bee ministred as they were instituted by Christ Iesus and practised by his Apostles nor ought there any thing be added unto them nor diminished from them 5. That the Masse is abominable idolatry blasphemous to the death of Iesus Christ and a profanation to the Lords Suppers 6. That there is no Purgatory in the which the souls of men can either be pined or purged after this life Heaven being appointed for the faithful and Hell for the reprobate and unfaithful 7. That prayer for the dead is vain and to the dead is idolatry 8. That Bishops are no Bishops except they preach themselves wthout a Substitute 9. That tithes by Gods law do not appertain necessarily to Churchmen This last Article I would not omit because it is alledged by those that penned the story whether it was a point of Iohn Roughs preaching or not I cannot say but for Iohn Knox it is clear by his Sermons and writings still extant that he held it a point of high Sacriledge to rob and spoile the Church of tithes It is true that many in these times offending with the extortion of Churchmen did hold that tithes belonged not to the Church by any divine right and knowing that this opinion would find easie passage among the people as also serve to abridge the means and power of Churchmen they were the more ready to deliver such doctrines but this was done rather out of passion then judgement for he that will not wilfully shut his eyes against the truth cannot but know that tithes are the Lords and the portion that he hath served for the maintenance of his worship and service But to leave this The Sub-prior and others of the Clergy that convened with him having laid these Articles to their charge Iohn Knox answered that for himself he was glad to declare his mind in those points before so modest and judicious an auditory and turning to the Sub-prior It is a long time said he since I have heard that you are not ignorant of the truth Therefore I do appeal your conscience before the supreme Iudge that if you think the Articles wherewith we are charged contrarious to the truth of God that you plainly open your self and suffer not the people to be deceived but if in your conscience you know them to be true and sound then I will crave your patrocinie that by your authority the people may be moved to embrace the truth whereof now many doubt because of your indifferencie The Sub-prior answered That he came not there to judge but to conferre of these points and would if he pleased reason a little of the power of the Church which in my opinion said he may very lawfully devise rights and ceremonies for decoring the Sacraments and other parts of divine service Iohn Knox replying That no man in the worship of God might appoint any ceremony giving it a signification to his pleasure One Arbuthnet a gray Frier reasoned so hotly in the contrary that forgetting himself he denied the Apostles to have received the Holy Ghost when they penned their Epistles The Sub-prior checking the Frier did after a little space dimit the Preachers with a brotherly admonition to take heed what doctrine they delivered in publick When they were gone such of the Clergy as were present entred in consultation what was fittest to be done for staying the defection of the people and in end resolved that every learned man of the Abbey and University should preach in the Parish Churches on Sundayes the Sub-prior beginning the Officials following and the rest according to their seniority eschewing all of them to speak of any controverted point which might breed question and minister unto people occasion of talk Iohn Knox who by this mean was excluded from the Pulpit on the Sunday preached on the week dayes sometimes none daring to offer him any wrong because of the fear they stood in of them within the Castle But Iohn Rough being grieved with the wicked and licencious living of the souldiers and others in the Castle took his leave of them and departed into England preaching some years in the Townes of Carlile Berwick and Newcastle he was afterwards provided to a Benefice by the Archbishop of York nor farre from the Town of Hull and resided upon it untill the death of King Edward the sixth In the time of Queen Maries persecution he fled with the wife that he had married unto Friesland and wonne his living with the knitting of Caps hose and such like wares and in November 1557. coming to London for providing some necessaries to maintain his trade was apprehended by the Queens Vice-Chamberlain at the Saracens head in Islington where they who professed Religion used quietly to meet Being brought before Bonner Bishop of London and
questioned if at any time since his last coming into England he had preached he answered That he had not preached but in some places where godly people were assembled he did read the prayers of the the Communion Book set forth in the Reign of King Edward the sixth And being asked what his judgement was of the said book he confessed That he did approve the same as agreeing in all points with the word of God The Bishop used many perswasions to make him recant and detained him some weeks in prison to try what he would do but finding him resolute and constant in his profession he brought him forth to be judged Where one Morgan a Bishop of S. Davids assisting he was charged first That being a Priest and in Orders he had married a wife next That he refused to use the Latine Service and thirdly That he would not go to the Masse To the first point he answered That Orders were not an impediment to marriage and that he had done lawfully in taking a wife To the second and third he said If he were to live Methuselahs dayes he would neither use the Latine Service nor be present at Masse which he counted abominable Upon these answers he was condemned degraded and put in the hands of the secular Magistrate who the next morning being the 21. of November caused him to be burnt in Smithfield Thus ended that worthy Minister and Martyz of Christ of whom I thought fit in this place to say so much though his sufferings fell out some years after The summer following about the beginning of Iune the absolution promised to those of the Castle returned from Rome whereupon the Keepers were required to render the house according to the capitulation made But they alledging the absolution not to be sufficient because of some words contained in the Bull wherein it was said remittimus crimen irremissibile we remit a crime which cannot be remitted refused to accept the same It was answered that such a clause was insert only for aggravating the crime and that the absolution was in it self valid enough But they would not be satisfied and so complaining that promise was not kept with them resolved to stand to their defence In the end of the same moneth there arrived twenty one Gallies sent from France under the command of Leon Strozius within sight of the Castle The Governour was at that time in the borders and upon advertisement of the Gallies arriving came with such diligence as divers who belonged to the Castle being in the City had no leisure to re enter and some who were gone thither for private businesse were forced to stay within Shortly after his coming the siege was confirmed by sea and land trenches cast and the Canons planted some in the Abbey steeple some in S. Salvators and some in the street that leads to the Castle Then began the battery both by sea and land but that of the sea did not great harm The siege continuing all the moneth of Iuly upon the twenty nineth day in the South-quarter on which the Canon had played furiously that morning a great breach was made this terrifying the defendants who to that time shewed great courage expecting reliefe from England and indeed a navall Army was prepared to come but King Henry dying about the same time it was stayed beside the danger they apprehended of the breach the plague within the house was hot thereof every day a number died So perceiving no help and the sickness increasing they came to a capitulation where it was agreed that the lives of all within the Castle should be saved the Principals transported unto France and if they liked not to remain there be conveighed upon the French Kings charges to what countrey they pleased Scotland excepted Immediately the Castle was rendered to the French Captain who sent his men to receive the prisoners and make spoile of all that was in the house They found of victuals great store wherewith they furnished the Gallies But the Cardinals treasure and household-stuffe which was very precious pleased them better All this with the wealth the defendants had for they had brought all their substance thither fell into the hands of the French the fourth or fifth day after the Gallies put to Sea and about the midst of August arrived safe at Roan in Normandy where some of the prisoners were incarcerated others detained all the winter in the Gallies especially Iohn Knox Mr. Iames Balsom with his brothers David and Gilbert The Castle after the French were gone was by act of Councel demolished which some said was done to satisfie the Popes law that ordaines the places where Cardinals are slain to be ruinated but the true cause was the fear the Governour had that England should take the house and fortifie it as they did some others a short while after This revenge taken of the Cardinals death gave the Priests some satisfaction who reckoned it a part of their happinesse to be rid in this sort of Iohn Knox and others that they knew to be their enemies But the Duke of Somerset entering with a strong Army into Scotland in September next put all in a new feare The Governour sent Proclamations through the countrey charging all that could bear Armes to meet at Edinburgh for the defence of the Realm many of all sorts assembled and with greater diligence then was expected which made the Duke of Somerset who was a Nobleman well inclined and hated the shedding of blood to write unto the Governour and Nobility intreating them to consider That both the Armies consisted of Christian men who above all things if they were not forgetful of their profession ought to wish peace and quietnesse and have in detestation warre and unjust force as likewise to remember that the cause of the present invasion did not proceed from covetousnesse or malice but from the desire of a perpetual peace which could not be so firmly made up by any mean as by marriage which they knew was promised and by the publick consent of the whole Estates ratified upon conditions more beneficial to the Scots then to the English insomuch that they were called not unto a servitude but unto a common fellowship and a liberal communication of all their fortunes which could not but be more commodious to the Scots then to the English the hope of advantage and the fear of injuries being alwayes greater from the party that is more strong to that which is the weaker And for the businesse in hand he desired them to consider this especially that seeing there was a necessity of giving their Queen in marriage to some man if they did either respect their profit or honour they could not make a better choice then of a King their neighbour born in the same Isle joyned in propinquity of blood instructed in the same lawes educated in the same manners and language superiour in riches and in all
external commodities and ornaments and such a one as would bring with him a perpetual peace together with the oblivion of ancient grudges and hatreds For should they take a stranger to be their King differing from themselves in language manners and lawes great evils and discommodities could not but arise as they might know by that which had fallen out in the like case to other nations by whose ensample he wished they should be made wise As for the part of England he said if they did find the minds of the Scots not estranged from peace they would remit somewhat of their right and be contented that the young Queen should be kept amongst themselves untill she were fit for marriage and might chuse a husband to her self by advice of the Nobility during which time all hostility should cease betwixt the two Kingdomes it being provided that the Queen should not be sent to any forain countrey nor contracted in marriage with the French King nor any other Prince which if the Scots would faithfully promise he would presently retire with his Army and recompense all injuries done since his coming into Scotland at the sight and estimation of honest men This letter the Governour communicated to his brother and to a few others on whose counsel he depended such as George Dury Abbot of Dunfermlin Mr. Archebald Beaton and Mr. Hugh Rig a Lawyer who gave him advice to suppresse the letter for they feared if the offers were published the greater part of the Nobility would embrace the same and in stead thereof they made a rumour to be dispersed through the Army that the English were come to take away the Queen by force and bring the Kingdome into subjection The Nobles and whole Army believing this to be the effect of the letter became mightily incensed Nor did any kithe so foolish as the Priests and Clergy men who dreaming of nothing but victory cried out that the English hereticks had no spirits and durst not come to a battaile But they found themselves deceived for upon Saterday the tenth of September 1547. the Armies joyning the Scots were put to the worse and many thousands slain few in the fight which lasted not long but exceeding many in the chase The English pursuing the victory came forwards to Leith where they remained eight dayes dividing the spoile and prisoners and in that time surprised the Isles of Inchkeith and Inchcolme in the river of Forth with Broughtie Castle in the mouth of Tay which places they strongly fortified In their return homewards they took the Castle of Home with the house of Fascastle and placed Garisons in the Townes of Haddington Lawder and Roxborough The Governour the Bishop his brother and such of the Nobles as escaped in the flight went to Striveling and there taking counsel what should be done with the young Queen concluded to send her to the Castle of Dumbarton under the custody of the Lords Areskin and Levingston and to advertise the King of France how matters went intreating of him a supply both of men and money Hereupon the next summer arrived at Leith three thousand Germanes under the charge of Count Rhingrave with as many French commanded by Monsieur de Andelot Monsieur de Mallery and Monsieur d' Ossel Monsieur d' Esse being General of the whole This supply did so hearten the Governour as gathering together an Army he beleaguered the Town of Haddington which the English had at that time made very strong The Nobility being there convened entered of new into a consultation touching the young Queen and the course that should be taken with her The French Generall desired she should be sent into France and espoused to the Daulphin which the Queen her Mother longed to have done The Noblemen were not of one minde for such as favoured the reformation were of opinion that the conditions offered by England which were then come to light should be embraced because that would bring with it ten years of peace at least in which time if either King Edward of England or the young Queen should depart this life all things would return to their first estate and if no such things happened yet the Kingdome being at rest and freed of the present troubles would grow to some better ease within it self and they might more maturely advise what course was fittest to be taken Delay they said in matters of such consequence was safest and that precipitation might bring with it a suddain but untimely repentance The rest stood all for the French most of them being corrupted with gold and others with large promises The Governour himself had an annuity promised of twelve thousand francks and a company of men at Armes to the Earle of Arran his sonne All these pretending the safety of the young Queen did reason that there was no other way to be rid of the English warres but that one For as long as the English have any hope said they to speed they will still be troubling but when they shall see the Queen gone and that there is no remedy they will cease from their pursuit The greatest number inclining that way it was concluded that the young Queen should be conveyed to France Shortly after the French Navy that lay at Leith giving out that they were to return home compassing the North Isles received her at Dunbrition and after much tossing at sea did safely land her in France The warres with England in the mean time went on and continued full two years till by the treaty of Bulloign in the yare 1550. a peace was made the Lord Chastilion being Commissioner for the French the Earl of Bedford for the English and David Panter Bishop of Ross for the Scots At that time were Normond Lesley Mr. Henry Balnaves Iohn Knox and others who had been kept partly in prison and partly in the Gallies since the taking of S. Andrews Castle put to liberty Mr. Iames Balfour had freed himself long before by abjuring his profession and was become Official to the Bishop of S. Andrews Iames Melvil died in the Tower of Brest in Britain William Kircaldie Peter Carmichal with Robert and William Leslies who were imprisoned in Mont S. Michael found means to escape before the Treaty and went into England Norman after he was freed returned into Scotland but fearing the Governour he went into Denmark where not finding that kind reception he expected he betook himself to England and had an honourable pension allowed him which was thankfully answered during the life of King Edward the sixt Queen Mary succeeding he found not the like favour and thereupon went to France where he had a company of men of Armes given him with which he served the French King in his warres against the Emperour Charles the fifth and in pursuing the enemy whom he had in chase was wounded with the shot of a Pistoll whereof he died the day after at Montreul He was
like manner except their will had been the will of God they had never come to that Kingdome therefore seeing their will is Gods will we may say to every one of them Thy will be done But when he came to the fourth Petition he was much troubled to find a colour for it confessing it was not in the Saints power to give us daily bread yet they may pray said he to God for us that he will give us our daily bread The like glosse he made upon the rest of the Petitions but with so little satisfaction of the hearers as they all fell a laughing and the children meeting him in the streets did cry and call him Frier Pater noster whereof he grew so ashamed that he left the City Yet in the University the contention ceased not whereupon the Doctors did assemble to dispute and decide the question In that meeting some held that the Pater noster was said to God Formaliter and to Saints Materialiter others not liking the distinction said that the Pater noster ought to be said to God Principaliter and to Saints minus Principaliter others would have it Ultimate non ultimate others Primariò secundariò and some wherewith the most voices went said that the Pater noster should be said to God Capiendo strictè and to Saints Capiendo largè Yet did they not setle upon the distinction and after divers meetings when they could not agree by common consent the decision was remitted to the Provincial Synod which was to meet at Edinburgh in Ianuary following A simple fellow that served the Sub-prior in his chamber for the time thinking there was some great matter in hand that made the Doctors to convene so often asked him one night as he went to bed what the matter was The Sub-prior merrily answering Tom that was the fellowes name we cannot agree whom to the Pater noster should be said he suddainly replyed Sir whom to should it be said but unto God then said the Sub-prior What shall we do with the Saints he answered Give them Ave's and Creeds enow in the devils name for that may suffice them This answer going abroad many said He hath given a wiser decision then all the Doctors had done with their distinctions When the Synod convened the question was again agitated and after much reasoning the same being put to voices it was found that the Pater noster might be said unto the Saints But the Bishops and such as had any judgement would not suffer the conclusiou to be enacted ordaining the Sub-prior at his return to S. Andrews for setling the minds of people to shew that the Pater noster ought to be said to God yet so that the Saints ought also to be invocated And thus ended that contention In this meeting order was taken for publishing an English Catethisme containing a short explanation of the Commandements Belief and Lords Prayer and the Curates enjoyned to read a part thereof every Sunday and holy day to the people when there was no Sermon This being imprinted was sold for two pence and therefore called by the vulgar The two-peny faith The year following another Provincial Councel was kept at Linlithgow in which the maintainers of any opinions contrary to the Church of Rome were accused and the Decrees of the Councel of Tyent made in the time of Pope Paul the third received Some Acts were made for reforming corrupt lives of the Clergy but little or no execution followed they to whom the correction belonged being themselves in the highest measure faulty and culpable But the next year brought with it an alteration in both Kingdomes to the Clergies great content for in England King Edward the sixt departed this life a Prince of rare piety and the special comfort of those who professed the Reformed Religion in whose place Queen Mary succeded one wholly devoted to the Pope and his faction And at home the Governour was induced by Robert Carnegie on whom he relied much and by Panter Bishop of Ross to dimit the Regencie to Queen mother of whom the Clergy held themselves more assured She following the directions of her brother the Duke of Guise and the Cardinal of Loraine set her self to maintain Popish superstition at the uttermost using lesse cruelty then did Queen Mary but more policie and to the same end So as now the fear of change in Religion was gone and the hopes quite dasht of those that sought Reformation yet the Lord by his providence did otherwise dispose things and made that a mean to advance Religion amongst us which men thought should be utterly extinguished for some of those that fled from Queen Maries persecution taking their refuge unto this Kingdome did not onely help to keep in the light which was begun to shine but made the Sunne break up more cleare then before William Harlow a man of simple and mean condition came first into the countrey he had served some years in the English Church with good approbation and was at this time very comfortable to the faithful After him came Iohn Willock a Franciscan sometime in the Town of Aire who for love of Religion had left the countrey and lived in England when the persecution arose there he fled into Embden in Friesland where he professed Medicine and by that occasion was made known to Anna Countesse of Friesland then a widow who employed him in a Commission to the Queen Regent in the year 1554. His Commission giving him some liberty he kept most company with those he saw well affected in Religion and during the time of his aboad was a great encourager of the professors Returning the next year with commendatory letters from the same Countesse to Queen Regent he made his stay in Edinburgh where notwithstanding he was visited with an heavy sickness for divers moneths he ceased not daily to instruct and exhort such as came unto him who were neither few nor of the meaner sort In the end of the year Iohn Knox came into Scotland to whom many of good note repaired for he taught daily in the house of one Iames Sim at Edinburgh where he was secretly kept In his teaching he laboured chiefly to inform his hearers that in no case it was lawful to be present at the Masse or to partake of the Papistical Sacraments William Maitland younger of Lethington a man of good learning and utterance resorting often to his Sermons and perceiving his vehemency in that point took occasion one day in the presence of his auditors to say That he did not think his doctrine well grounded and that wise men ought to serve the time and not expose their lives to unnecessary dangers and so make themselves unprofitable to the Church For even the Apostle S. Paul said he to eschew the tumult of the people at Ierusalem went into the Temple and purified himself with four men that had a vow
Viterbium in the year 1274. Then succeed these in order 6. Thomas Dundie 7. Roger. 8. Alexander 9. Thomas Urwhart 10. Alexander Kilbuines 11. VVilliam Bullock 12. Thomas Tullich 13. Henry Cokborne 14. Iames Woodman 15. Thomas Hay 16. Iohn Guthrye 17. Iohn Fraser 18. Robert Cokburn 19. William Elphinstone who was afterwards Bishop of Aberdene 20. Iames Hay 21. Robert Carncrosse Abbot of Halirudhouse a man of great wealth and preferred by King Iames the fifth to this See about the 1534. year and lived ten years Bishop 22. David Panter Secretary to the Governour was after his death elected in the year 1544. and immediately after imployed in a legation to France where he remained seven years At his return he was solemnly consecrated the Governour and many of the Nobility being present He was a man learned and of great experience in publick affaires and died about the year 1550. 23. To him succeeded Henry Sinclar Dean of Glasgow and Vice-president in the Colledge of Justice a man of singular wisdom and learning especially in the lawes which place he discharged with good credit By his advice many things were bettered in the form of Justice and divers abuses in the formes of processe amended his death fell out shortly after the Reformation and in his place Mr. Iohn Lesley of whom we shall have often occasion to speak was preferred The Bishops of CATHNES 1. This Bishoprick was founded by Malcolme the third about the yeare 1066. who preferred thereto one Darrus whom he favoured greatly This man lived long and in a good reputation and after his death was honoured for a Saint 2. There succeeded to him one Andrew of whom Roger Hoveden makes mention saying that he came into England with VVilliam King of Scots in the year 1176. and shortly after his return home departed this life 3. To him succeeded Iohn the Bishop that Harold the Earl of Orkney and Cathnes used most cruelly cutting forth his tongue and pulling out his eyes which King VVilliam in whose reign it happened punished exemplarly for he caused the Earl his eyes first to be pulled out then made him to be executed by the hands of the hangman and all his male children to be gelded to extinguish their succession 4. Adam another Bishop whether his immediate successour or not I cannot say was no lesse barbarously used for in the year 1222. or much thereabout some wicked people suborned by the Earl of Cathnes assailed him being private at home and killing his chamber boy with a Monk of Melross that did ordinarily attend him for he had been Abbot of that Monastery drew him by force into his kitchen and when they had scourged him with rods set the kitchen on fire and burnt him therein King Alexander the second was at that time upon his journey towards England and upon notice of this cruel fact turned back and went in haste to Cathnes where he put the offenders and their partakers to trial 400. by publick sentence were executed and all their male children gelded that no succession should spring from so wicked a seed The place where their stones were cast in a heap together is to this day known by the name of the Stony hill The Earl for withholding his help and because he did not rescue the Bishop was forfeited And howbeit after some little time he found means to be restored yet did he not escape the judgement of God being murthered by some of his own servants who conspired to kill him and to conceal the fact set the house on fire and burnt his body therein so was he paid home in the same measure he had used the Bishop 5. To this Adam succeeded Gilbert the Chanon surnamed Murray and sonne to the Lord of Duffus who was in great esteem for the bold and couragious answer he made to the Popes Legate at Northampton he built the Cathedral Church of Cathnes upon his own charges and lived to see the same finished and shortly after the dedication died at Scravister in the year 1245. the posteri gave him the reputation of a Saint 6. VVilliam who succeeded followed his steps and did much good in his time he died in the year 1261. 7. Then VValter Doctor in the Canon law who lived ten years and ended his dayes in the year 1271. 8. Archibald a man much commended for his meek and tractable disposition succeeding died in the year 1288. 9. Andrew a man skilled in the lawes was preferred after his death and lived Bishop 13. years 10. Ferquhard succeeded to him this Bishop was a strong defender of the liberties of the Church and died in the year 1328. 11. David that followed lived 20. years Bishop and departed this life an 1348. 12. Thomas Fingask was next Bishop he died in the Chanonry of Elgin anno 1360. and lieth buried in S. Maries Isle in a Tombe erected by VVilliam Earl of Sutherland whom he left his Executor 13. To him succeeded Bishop Alexander who lived many years in that See and died in the year 1409. Then these in order 14. Malcolm a zealous and devout man who died anno 1421. 15. Robert Strackbock died anno 1440. 16. Iohn Innes Dean of Rosse in the year 1448. 17. VVilliam Mudie died anno 1460. 18. After whom one Prosper was elected but he resigned the place in favours of Iohn Sinclar sonne to the Earle of Cathnes who was never consecrated and so the See remained void the space of 24. years during which time Mr. Adam Gordon governed the affaires of that See After Sinclars death succeeded Andrew Stewart Commendatory of Kelso and Ferne he died in the year 1517. and was buried in the Cathedral Church of Cathnes Andrew Stewart son to the Earl of Athol was preferred after him and died in the year 1542. Then Robert Stewart brother to Matthew Earl of Lenox was made Bishop he was afterwards made Prior of S. Andrews and created Earl of March upon his resignation of the Earldome of Lenox to Duke Esme a man of noble disposition but much addicted to his servants whom he rewarded with dilapidation of the Church rents whereto he was provided he died at S. Andrews very old in the year 1586. The Bishops of ORKNEY The Islands of Orkney lying over against Cathnes have alwayes since they were made Christians been governed by Bishops but being possessed by the ... whilest that Kingdome stood and for a long time in the hands of the Norvegians from whom Alexander the third King of Scots recovered the same by composition The first Bishops and their successours are utterly unknown of the latter I have no intelligence nor in the records that remain is there any mention of them onely I read of four or five that sate in this See before the Reformation 1. One VVilliam that lived in the time of King Robert the third 2. VVilliam Tullock who was translated to Murray in the reign of King Iames the third 3. To whom succeeded one Andrew 4. After Andrew
Edward 5. And after Edward Robert Reid a man of excellent wit and great experience employed in divers legations and selected amongst others by the Estates to assist the marriage of Queen Mary with the Daulphin of France he died in his return at Deep much regretted for he was a man of great integrity and careful in the administration of Justice The Bishops of GLASGOW This City at first was made famous by Kentigern commonly called Saint Mungho who is esteemed the first Bishop thereof I spake of him before and shewed how he was begotten by Eugenius the third upon Thametis daughter to the King of Picts his mother finding her self with childe out of shame and fear of her fathers wrath stole privately away and entring into a little vessel that she found at the nearest coast was by the winde and waves cast on land where the town of Culross is now situated there was delivered of her birth and leaving the childe with a nurse returned home his Parents being unknown he was brought to Servanus and baptized and bred up by him yet it â—â—ems by the hymne they did ordinarily sing in the Festivals that his Father came afterwards to be known for thus it beginnes ... They report of him that a Lady of good place in the countrey having lost a ring which her husband gave her as she crossed the river of Cluyd and her husband waxing jealous as if she had bestowed the same upon one of her lovers she did mean her self unto him intreating his help for the safety of her honour and that he going to the river after he had used his devotion willed one who was making to fish to bring him the first that he caught which was done in the mouth of that fish he found the ring and sending it to the Lady she was thereby freed of her husbands suspicion The credit of this I believe upon the reporters but howsoever it be the See and City do both of them wear in their Armes a fish with a ring in the mouth even to this day He was certainly a man of rare piety and to the poor exceeding bountiful lived to a great age beyond the ordinary course of men as in the conclusion of the hymne is said Cum octogenos centum quoque quinque vir annos Complerat sanctus est Glasgow funere functus After his death for many ages the See was in a manner desolate unto the reign of Malcolm the third who restored the same to some integrity The first Bishop I find named after the restitution was 1. Iohn Achaian who took great paines in building the Cathedral and having brought it to a reasonable perfection did dedicate the same in the year 1137. King David being there in person and bestowing upon the See the lands of Patrick which the Bishops do yet enjoy It was in his time that Thurstan Archbishop of York encroaching upon his jurisdiction which at that time comprehended the countrey of Cumberland placed a new Bishop at Carlisle by the instigation of Henry King of England This the Bishop took so heavily as when he perceived his complaints not much regarded he forsook his charge and went into France inclosing himself in the Monastery of Tours where he abode untill the Pope at the request of King Malcolm the fourth compelled him to return after which time he lived not long for he died at Glasgow in the year 1146. the twenty eighth of May. 2. To him succeeded another called Iohn who was greatly favoured by King Alexander the first and did counsel Eadmerus because of the Kings dislike to leave S. Andrews and return unto England 3. Herbert was his successour and in his time the controversie with York was great for the superiority claimed by one Roger Archbishop of York over the Bishops of Scotland This contention drew Angelramus Archdeacon of Glasgow and Chancellour of the Kingdom for the time to travel unto Rome as was touched before and Herbert dying whilest he was there 4. Angelramus by an uniform consent of the Clergy and Laity was elected in his place and upon notice given of the election consecrated by Pope Alexander at Rome from whom he obtained an exemption to the Church of Scotland from the jurisdiction of the English and all others the Apostolick See only excepted Shortly after his return he died 5. Iocelin Abbot of Melrosse was his successour in his time the City of Glasgow was erected into a Burgh Royal he died at Melrosse and was interred in that Monastery 6. Eugenius was chosen after his death but how long he lived I read not 7. Hugo Chancellour of the Kingdome succeeded and lived but a few years 8. After him VVilliam Malvoisin a French man was elected and consecrated in France by the Popes direction he was afterward translated to S. Andrews and preferred to the office of Chancellary 9. Florentius sonne to the Count of Holland was assumed in his place and shortly after upon licence obtained of the Pope he resigned the office and died at Rome in the year 1207. 10. And then VValter Chaplain to King William was consecrated Bishop he lived in the place 27. yeares 11. VVilliam Babington Chancellor of the Kingdom was after his death elected Bishop In his time as Boeth writeth the fabrick of the Church of Glasgow was fully accomplished his words are Absolutum est ea tempestate templum Cathedrale Glasguense sedes profectò magnifica cujus haud exiguam partem Gulielmus ibidem Episcopus liberalitate sua extruxerat nec diu operi perfecto superfuit He died the 25. of Ianuary 1261. 12. The Chanons meeting to choose a successor condescended upon Nicole Moffet Archdeacon of Teviot-dale yet shortly after forthinking their election they procured the same to be cassed at Rome whither he was gone to obtain Confirmation Thereupon Iohn de Chyan an English man was by the Pope provided to the See whom King Alexander the third admitted with great difficulty This man is said to have been learned but very troublesome to the Chanons upon whom he laid grievous impositions The discord betwixt him and them waxing hot he left the countrey and going to France died there in the year 1268. 13. Nicole Moffet Archdeacon of Teviot-dale was upon his death provided to the See notwithstanding the opposition of the Chanons but he lived a short time and died at Tannigham of the Apoplexie He was no lesse hated of his Clergy whom he is said to vex with many injuries 14. William Wishart Archdeacon of S. Andrews and Chancellor of the Kingdome was chosen of the Chanons in the year 1270. but S. Andrews falling void by the death of Gamelinus before his consecration he was postulated thereto and so returned to S. Andrews 15. Robert Wishart Archdeacon of Lothian and Cousen to the said VVilliam was upon his change by the Kings recommendation admitted to the place This is he who made that reply to King Edward in the consultation held at Norham for the right of the
censures and excommunications This dissension betwixt the King and the Church brought with it many evils for upon the notice of it divers Jesuits and Priests did resort into the countrey and at home such as were Popishly affected began openly to avow their profession In S. Andrews Mr. Nicholl Burn professor of Philosophy in S. Leonards Colledge made open Apostasie from the truth as Mr. Archihald and Iohn Hamiltons Regents in the new Colledge had not long before done In Dumfreis Mr. Ninean Daliel Schoolmaster did read to his Scholars the Romane Catechisme and in Paisley a number of Papists assembling together did in derision sing a Soule Masse for the Ministers as if they and their religion had been utterly gone These things being complained of and not much hearkened to the Ministers in their Sermons fell to regrate the countenance given to Papists in the Court and the dangers wherein both the King and countrey were brought by the secret practises of the French The King to stay these declaimings which he knew to be made against the Earl of Lennox called the Ministers to Edinburgh and shewed them what travel he had taken to convert his Cousen and how he had obtained his consent for taking a Minister in his house which would be to good purpose and serve both to debarre Jesuits from accesse to the Nobleman and win him by conference to a greater liking of the truth desiring therefore that one of their number might be appointed for some short space to attend him Mr. David Lindesay then Minister at Leth being held the fittest as well for his skill in the French tongue as for his moderation otherwise was with the Kings approbation nominated to this service by whose labours the Nobleman was brought in a short space to joyn himself to the Church and openly in S. Giles to renounce the errours wherein he had been educated Yet did not this remove the jealousies of the people which were increased by the intercepting of certain dispensations sent from Rome whereby the Catholicks were permitted to promise swear subscribe and do what else should be required of them so as in mind they continued firm and did use their diligence to advance in secret the Romane Faith These dispensations being shewed to the King he caused his Minister Mr. Iohn Craig form a short confession of faith wherein all the corruptions of Rome as well in doctrine as outward rites were particularly abjured and a clause inserted because of these dispensations by which the subscribers did call God to witnesse that in their minds and hearts they did fully agree to the said Confession and did not fain or dissemble in any sort This confession the King for an Example to others did publickly swear and subscribe the like was done by the whole Councel Court and observers appointed to take notice of those that did not resort to Sermon or behaved themselves in any sort scandalously So careful was the King to have the Church satisfied and the rumours of the Courts defection from Religion repressed After this all things continued quiet for a while till by a bruit suddainly raised none knew by whom the Earl of Morton was taxed for keeping secret intelligence with the Queen of England and a purpose he had to put the King in her hands Morton complaineth of this in Councel and desireth a trial But the King not willing to make businesse for a tale whereof the Authour would hardly be found put it off saying that he knew it to be a lie and a malicious invention of enemies and thereupon sent forth a Proclamation against lies carriers of tales tending to breed discord betwixt him and his Nobility Yet as if some such thing had been feared a motion was made some days after in Councel for guarding the Kings person and electing of an high Chamberlain which office none had borne for many years in this Kingdome who should have twenty four to attend him all of them the sonnes of Barons or Noblemen and be ever at hand to accompany the King whither soever he went The motion was applauded of all and after some ten days deliberation the Earl of Lennox preferred to the place Alexander Areskin Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh was chosen to be his Deputy and a roll made of the Gentlemen that should give attendance These were the Masters of Marshall Rothes Cassils Lindesay Levingston Elphingston Hereis and Ogilvy the Lairds of Cowdinknowes Bargainy Bomby Kilsyth Minto Strathurd and Moncreeffe Mr. Mark Ker of Preston Grange George Douglas of Rumgawy Captain Iames Stewart son to the Lord Ochiltrie Alexander Ruthven the Commendator of Inchaffrey the Prior of Coldingham Alexander Home of North-Berwick and Iames Chisholme As extraordinaries the Lord Maxwel the Lairds of Cesford Alexander Home of Manderston and William Stewart of Caverston were added to the number All these took the oath of fidelity to the King and obedience to his Chamberlain in the things they should be directed for his Majesties service The Earl of Morton albeit he was much displeased with these courses did carry a fair countenance and concealing his discontents waited still on the King and was assisting in Councel and publick meetings Once he minded to have withdrawn himself from Court and to have lived privately but was detained by a dissension that fell out in the time betwixt the Lord Ruthven and Master of Oliphant who had married a daughter of Lochlevin whom whilest he laboured to protect he drew upon himself the hatred of the Lord Ruthven and thereby was laid more open to the malice of his enemies Sir Robert Bowes being sent at the same time Ambassadour from England to charge the Earl of Lennox with some practises against the peace of the two Realms the blame aswell of his employments as his suddain departing was laid upon him for the Ambassadours Commission and instructions being questioned and he desired to exhibit the same before the Councel he refused to shew them but to the King himself which not being admitted he went away complaining that the Queen had deserved better then thus to have her Ambassage misregarded His suddain departure amazed the Court not a little before wherefore to excuse the King and try what the accusations were wherewith Lennox should have been charged Alexander Home of North-Berwick was sent in Commission to England but the Queen denying him accesse he was remitted to the Lord Thesaurer who courteously told him That the Queen had refused him presence not for any dislike she had of himself whom she knew to be sound in Religion and one that loved his King and his Countrey but because the King had not used her well calling in question the credit of her Ambassadour and requiring him to shew his instructions which was strange he keeping himself within the bounds of his Commission But your King saith he is young and misled by new Counsellours whose fault the Queen
thereof sent his natural brother Robert Maxwel to intercept the two Captains ere they should joyn with Iohnston They encountering in the Moore of Crawford after a sharp conflict the Captains were defeated Lamby and most of his company killed and Cranston with divers others taken prisoners Iohnston left he should be thought to do nothing did then make incursions upon Maxwels lands raising fire and carrying away great spoyle which Maxwel repayed with the burning of the house of Lockwood and the slaughter of some of Iohnstons in Annandale And thus did they make warre one against another till it happened that Iohnston in a certain conflict was taken by Maxwel and made prisoner The grief of this overthrow gave Iohnston shortly after he was liberated his death but the wrath of the Court still continuing a convention of the Estates was called to suppresse Maxwel and a Subsidy granted of 20000. pounds for levying of souldiers to pursue him Thereafter all that could bear Armes dwelling on the South of Forth were commanded to be in readinesse for attending the King in an expedition that he intended towards these parts But the plague breaking out in Edinburgh did rage so vehemently all that summer as nothing could be done so the expedition was put off for certain moneths Mean while there fell out an accident which did quite alienate the Queen of Englands favour from Arran Sir Iohn Forrester and Thomas Kar of Farnherst Wardens of the middle Marches being met for restoring some goods taken from the English a tumult fell out wherein Sir Francis Russel sonne to the Earl of Bedford was killed this was laid upon Farnherst and he said to have done it by Arrans instigation for they two were at that time in great friendship And when the Queen did require Farnherst to be delivered Arran did strongly oppose it yet the King for her satisfaction did confine them both the one in S. Andrews and the other in Aberdene Arran after a little time was relieved to his house at Kinneil the other contracting sickness kept bed a long space and as was thought died of displeasure at Aberdene A man he was of an haughty spirit and had endured much trouble in the service of the Kings mother which he esteemed should have made him better respected then as he conceived he was Shortly after this accident Sir Edward Wotton was imployed in an Ambassage from England for contracting a league offensive and defensive with the King in the cause of Religion For then came that holy league as they called it to be discovered which the Pope the Spanish King the Guises and others had made to extirpate the Reformed Religion The Queen of England understanding her self to be principally aimed at found nothing better then to make a counter-league with the Princes reformed and to that effect sent Sir Thomas Bodley to treat with the King of Denmark and the Protestant princes in Germany and at the same time imployed Sir Edward Wotton towards the King The motion did so please him as presently he called the Estates at S. Andrews and having in a long and pithy speech expressed the dangers threatened to Religion with the necessity that the reformed Princes had to unite themselves strongly together procured the act following to be concluded We the Nobility and Estates presently convened understanding that divers Princes and Potentates who term themselves Catholicks have joyned under the Popes authority in a most unchristian confederacy against the true Religion and Professors thereof with full intent to prosecute their wicked resolution not only within their own estates and dominions but likewise in other Kingdomes where they can pretend no lawful power nor authority A purpose long since projected and hitherto cunningly carried but now openly manifested and in divers parts begun to be executed with hard and cruel effects And considering withall how it hath pleased God to blesse this Realm with the sincerity of the Gospel the defence whereof is the most just and lawful cause that Christians can maintain we have thought it requisite not only to unite our selves and joyn the whole forces which God hath granted us under our most religious and Christian Soveraign for the better assurance of our own estates and the more peaceable enjoying of so great a benefit but aâ—so for withstanding the dangerous course intended against all the professors of the truth we have judged it needful that a general League and Christian confederacy of Princes and States professing the true Religion should be opposed to the ungodly confederacy of the enemies thereof especially that the two Crowns of Scotland and England which nature blood habitation and the profession of one Religion hath joyned may be unseparably united by a more firm and strict League then hath been betwixt any Princes their Progenitors in times past for which effect we under subscribing for our selves and in name and behalf of the whole Estates of this Realm whose body in this convention we represent have given and granted like as we by the tenour hereof do give and grant to our Soveraign Lord King James the sixth his Council or such of them as his Majesty shall please to nominate our full power priviledge assent and authority whatsoever competent to us and to the three Estates of this Realm to treat or cause to treat conferre transact and conclude a Christian league betwixt his Majesty and his Highness dearest sister and Cousen the Queen of England and to nominate and appoint Commissioners for that purpose who shall meet at such time and place as his Highness shall agree upon with the Commissioners to be directed from his said dearest sister the nomination and election of whom we have remitted and do humbly remit to our dread Soveraign Lord faithfully promising for us and in behalf foresaid to ratify approve and confirm in the first Parliament whatsoever thing his Majesty shall agree unto or his Highnesse Commissioners in his name shall contract indent subscribe or seal concerning the said league with all heads clauses and Articles thereof which we do and have the more willingly done because of the trust we repose in his Majesties wisdom circumspection earnest zeal to maintain the truth of God against all that shall happen to attempt anything to the contrary providing alwayes that the league do not infringe or prejudge in any sort any former alliances and leagues betwixt this Realm and any other ancient friends and confederates thereof except only in matter of Religion concerning which we do fully consent that the said league be made offensive and defensive avowing and by our solemn oaths swearing neither to spare life lands houses goods nor whatsoever it hath pleased God to grant unto us in defence and maintenance thereof This Act was past on the last of Iuly with a great consent and was subscribed by the Archbishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow the Bishop of Dunkeld the Commendators of Culross Balmerinoch Driburgh
forces in parts remote from the Realm of Scotland the King upon signification made unto him by the Queen of England should furnish 2000 horsemen and 5000 footmen or a lesser number as it shall please the said Queen to require and should cause them be conducted from the borders of Scotland into any part of the Kingdom of England upon the charges of the said Queen And in case the said Realm of Scotland be invaded in any part remote from the borders of England by any forain force the Queen of England upon requisition made to her by the King should furnish 3000 horsemen and 6000 footmen or a lesser number at the option of the said King and shall cause them to be conducted to any part of the Realm of Scotland upon the Kings charges 6. That in case the invasion should be upon the North parts of the Realm of England within 60 miles of the borders of Scotland the King being required by the Queen should gather all the forces he could make and joyn with the English power for pursuing the said invaders and keep them together for the space of thirty days or so much longer if it be required as the subjects of Scotland are usually accustomed to stay in the fields for the defence of their own Kingdom 7. That upon any invasion or trouble arising in the Realm of Ireland the King upon notice given to him thereof should not only inhibit the repair thither of any of the inhabitants of Argile Isles and places adjacent or any other parts of his dominions but also if it shall happen them or any of them to go into Ireland with a number extraordinary and in hostile manner the King upon signification of the same should denonnce them his Rebels and pursue them as Traitors 8. That neither of their Majesties should hereafter aid supply assist or entertain the Rebels or adversaries of the other nor permit them to reside either privately or publickly in any part of their dominions but upon the first requisition of the Prince to whom they are Rebels they should undelayedly be delivered according to the old leagues and treaties or then expulsed forth of their dominions and redresse made for any injuries they should happen to commit during their abode in the same 9. That all controversies about matters of borders or wrongs committed in the Marches since the time of the Kings accepting the government in his own person and by the space of four years preceding should be friendly determined and satisfied at the sight of Commissioners to be appointed on both sides who should meet at the within six moneths after the date of the presents and decide thereupon 10. That neither of their Majesties should enter into any league or treaty without the consent of the other by letters signed with their hands under their privy signet with any other Prince or State whatsoever to the prejudice of the present Treaty 11. That all former treaties betwixt their Majesties progenitors and both Realms notwithstanding any discontinuance thereof should stand in full force so farre as they should not be found derogatory to the present treaty and that this treaty should not infringe any league made by either of their Majesties or their progenitors with other their friends and confederates in any time by-gone the cause of Religion onely excepted wherein the present league is declared to be offensive and defensive 12. That both their Majesties should confirm the league by their oathes and great Seals which should be interchanged and mutually delivered to others 13. Lastly that the King at his coming to the perfect age of 25. years should cause the present league to be ratified by the States of the Kingdome like as the Queen at the same time should cause it to be confirmed in her Parliament of England These were the Articles of the league concluded at Berwick and signed by Francis Earl Bothwel Robert Lord Boyd and Sir Iames Home of Coldinknowes Commissioners for the King As likewise by Edward Earl of Rutland William Lord Evers and Sir Thomas Randolph Commissioners for the Queen of England It was believed that this amity contracted with such deliberation should have continued firm for besides the publick league the Queen had sent to the King a letter under her own hand wherein she did faithfully promise to suffer nothing to be done that might derogate or prejudge his right and title to the Crown of England And for a further demonstration of her kindnesse had presented him with a gift of annuity answerable to the lands possessed by the Lady Lennox in her time which the King by divers Ambassadours had formerly required as due to him Yet a few moneths after brake out a businesse that put them in worse terms then before and was with no small difficulty pacified the story whereof shall next be related The Queen of Scots being touched in the trial of Babingtons conspiracy as having interchanged divers letters with him a consultation was kept concerning her and what was fittest to be done for they considered that all the conspiracies made against the Queen of England being chiefly intended in hope of the Scottish Queen her succession so long as she lived their Soveraign should never be secured and that therefore the surest course was to put her out of the way But how this should be done the opinions were different The Earl of Leicester advising to dispatch her secretly by poyson Secretary Walsingham did mightily oppose it as that which would draw upon the Queen both danger and dishonour and besides in it self was a thing injust and no better then a cruel murther Wherefore his opinion was that the course of Law should be kept and Commission given for making her process and as the trial should prove for giving sentence and judgement This opinion prevailing certain Noblemen Counsellours and Judges were chosen for the businesse who meeting at the Castle of Fotheringham where the Queen of Scots was kept the eleventh of October and calling her before them did charge her with the said conspiracy and entercourse of letters She refusing to answer and be tried as a subject being her self an absolute Queen they notthelesse went on and finding her guilty pronounced the sentence of death which was shortly thereafter confirmed by the Estates of Parliament and a supplication therewith delivered to the Queen for putting their decree in execution How soon the King was advertised hereof he sent William Keith Gentleman of his chamber to the Queen with a letter to this effect That howbeit it seemed strange to him that the Nobility and Counsellors of England should take upon them to give sentence upon a Queen of Scotland and one descended of the Royal blood of England yet he would think it much more strange if she should stain her hands with the blood of his mother who was of the same Royal condition with her self and of the same sexe which as he could not believe would enter
when the Ambassadour understood that they had lost the benefit of that grant in their own default and that the King had proceeded so farre as to make publick Declaration thereof he was satisfied and insisted to have the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against them This not proceeding with such haste as he desired he fell to treat secretly with Bothwell who was making new stirrs and had drawn numbers of all sorts to follow him yea with some specialls of the Ministery he found such credit as both in their publick Sermons and otherwise by their private dealings they did incourage people to joyn with them and which did most offence the King sent one Mr. Andrew Hunter a Minister to be his Preacher and attend him as a Chaplain nor did their folly or madnesse rather subsist here but even the moneys which had been collected in the Churches for the supply of Geneva which was then in trouble and deposed in the hands of Mr. Iames Melvill Minister of Anstruther were given to Robert Melvill and George Strong two Captains for leavying Souldiers to assist him Bothwell was then gathering new forces and had appointed with the Earls of Argile and Atholl to meet at Leith for the banishing of the Popish Lords and revenge of the Earle of Murray his slaughter that was the pretext and with them did the English Ambassadour keep intelligence This being discovered to the King one of his servants who had been spied in Bothwells company was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh Being examined he confessed that by direction of his Master he had spoken with Bothwell and Mr. Iohn Colvill and that he believed they had some enterprise in hand but what it was he knew not The King perceiving by his Confession that the Ambassadour had a secret dealing with Bothwell was greatly offended yet because he would not seem to infringe the priviledges of Ambassadors after he had checkt him with some sharp words he dimitted his servant and the Ambassador departed the King not vouchsafing him a farewell Bothwell in the mean time with the forces that he had gathered in the Borders being about 400 horsemen or thereby advanced and came to Leith the 2. of April at 3 of the clock in the morning The King remained at the time in Edinburgh not well accompanied yet hearing that Bothwell was come so high he commanded the Citizens and those that were with him to arm He himself going to Church made a speech at the end of the Sermon to the people for the removing the suspicions conceived of his favouring the Popish Lords and recounting Bothwells treacherous attempts desired them to remember that he was their King to whom they owed all fidelity and to consider in what case they themselves should be if Bothwell with his Borderers men given to theft and robbery should get the upper hand The hearers moved with his speeches shewed great forwardnesse and went incontinent to armes The Lord Hume was commanded to take the fields and lead the horsemen that were in town The King stayed with the foot and before them marched the Canon which was brought forth of the Castle and making directly towards Leith How soon Bothwell understood that the Kings forces were marching considering he could not equall them in number he removed from Leith and dividing his men in three troops took the way by Restalrig towards Dalkeith The Lord Hume with the horsemen followed to observe what course he held and the King with the foot removing to the other side of the town made his stand in the field called the Borrow moore Hume with his company being advanced so far as Muddry edge Bothwell turned upon him and being far superiour in horsemen gave him the chase which they that stood by the King perceiving advised him to return into the town but he refusing to stir answered That he would never quit the fields to a Traytor yet the danger was great and in the opinion of many if Bothwell had taken his course directly to the King and not pursued the chase so hotly he might have carried the day but in following it happened his horse to stumble and fall to the ground and he bruised with the fall was forced to retire That night he went to Dalkeith and on the morrow dissolved all his troops which when Atholl heard he also went back into his Countrey The Fiffe Captains with their souldiers arriving at Leith about midnight when they understood how things had passed turned saile and went sundry wayes This purpose so defeated the King sent the Lord Colvill and M. Edward Bruce to the Queen of England to complain of the misdemeanor of her Ambassador and the resset that Bothwell found in her kingdome In his letter to the Queen using a round plainness he said That although it had pleased her to commend the Ambassador she had imployed for a wise religious and honest man yet he had in his opinion been fitter to carry the message of an Herauld then a friendly Commission betwixt two neighbour Princes That he had seen nothing in him but pride and wilfulness and that therefore denying to give him any answer he chused to send the same by his own messengers whom he desired her to credit as himself in all that they had in charge to deliver For Bothwell he said That he wondred how notwithstanding of the many solemn promises made as well by her Ambassadors as by letters of her own hand that he should have no harbor within her Countrey yet was he not only resset by her people but suffered to reside in some of her proper houses and had received a good summe of English monie wherewith he waged both Scots and English in this late treacherous attempt To think this was by her direction or privity he would not so farre it was against all princely honour on the other part that she being so wise and prudent a Prince and having so long and so happily governed her kingdoms should be so slighted and contemned by a number of her subjects as that such things should be done without her knowledge it could hardly be believed wherefore leaving it to her self to solve these doubts he would onely remember her of the promise made at the delivery of Ororick an Irish rebell and desire her not to put him in ballance with such a traiterous counterpoise lest he should be constrained to say with the Poet Flectere si nequeo superos c. This was the substance of the letter the credit committed to them was to assure the Queen That seeing the Popish Lords had not imbraced the conditions offered he should prosecute the Lawes against them proscribe their persons and confiscate their lands and to crave of her as one whom that cause equally touched a supply of moneys till either they were expulsed the Realm or their persons apprehended and presented to justice The Queen excusing the oversight given to Bothwell by the
slow pursuit of the Popish Lords and the favour shewed to them promised that from thenceforth he should find no more resset in her Countrey and for pursuing the Popish Earls the King should lack no supply that was in her power to give With this answer did Mr. Edward Bruce return for the Lord Colvill went from that into France to congratulate the victorious and happy successe of the French King against those of the League and invite him to assist the Baptisme of the Prince which was to be in Iuly next The Queen of England immediately upon the Ambassadours return by a Proclamation in all the Borders did inhibit the resset and harbouring of Bothwell and the aiding of him in any sort which the king did so kindly accept as rendring her many thanks for the same he did therewith intreat her to assist the Baptisme of the Prince his son The like imployment Peter Young his Majesties Elemosynar received for Denmark the Dukes of Brunswick and Megleburgh and to the generall Estates Sir William Keith and Captain William Murray the Provost of Saint Andrewes were directed The Parliament being in the mean time indicted to the 27. of May the Assembly of the Church conveened at Edinburgh the seventh of the same moneth where the Excommunication of the Popish Lords was ratified and ordained to be published in all the Churches of the Kingdome The King did reside then at Striveling and thither were Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Patrick Simson Mr. Iames Melvill and Mr. Iames Nicholson directed by the Assembly to represent the dangers wherein his Majesties Person Crown and Liberty of the Countrey stood and to propone such remedies as in their judgement were fittest for preventing the same Both the one and the other were conceived in this form The perills which oft before were threatned by the pernicious practices of Jesuits and the malicious unnaturall and treasonable conspiracies of the Earl of Huntley Arroll and Angus and their complices in betraying their native Countrey to the cruell and mercilesse Spaniard are no lesse urgent and now more to be feared then when the danger seemed to be greatest as may appear by the reasons following 1. It is certain that the Spaniard who with so great preparations in the year 1588. enterprised the Conquest of the whole Isle retaineth the same intention wanting an occasion onely to accomplish his promise as is manifest by the intelligence he hath kept with the Popish Lords ever since the disputation of that Navie 2. The open rebellion of the said Lords at the bridge of De Falkland c. with their continuance in the like treasonable attempts notwithstanding his Majesties clemency in pardoning the same doth evidence their obstinacy in prosecuting the same conspiracies 3. Whereas the Church hath not ceased at all occasions to lay open these dangers and humbly intreated that some remedy should be provided nothing hath been obtained to the emboldening of the enemies in their practices and attempts 4. Notwithstanding that it was enacted in Councell that none should presume to request for the said Popish Lords under the pain of losing their places and Offices yet none are in such credit as their favourers who contrary to their promises labour still to procure them oversight and immunitie 5. The Masses openly celebrated in the house of Balgawy pertaining to Mr. Walter Lindesay the house of Birnes appertaining to the young Laird of Bonyton the houses of Douglas Strathbolgy Logyamont and Slams pertaining to the said Earles do shew that either they think themselves assured of favour in the Court or of such assistance in the Countrey as may maintain their cause or then that they are perswaded to be supplyed by strangers 6. The Act of oblivion offered to them with the great discontent of all good subjects would not have been rejected except they had looked for greater favour and better conditions 7. The disobedience they have shewed in entering to their wards when they were charged doth prove that they think themselves assured of the aid and concurrence of others 8. The arriving of the Spanish Bark lately at Montrosse declareth that they have some practice to be put in execution presently if the same shall not be timely prevented 9. The open conventions they keep since the arriving of the said Bark do shew that they esteem their plots so substantially laid as they regard not what can be done for resisting the same 10. The diligence they use in preparing and putting their friends and followers in armes specially in the North parts is an argument of some interprise they go about 11. And last whereas his Majesty and Estates did upon the first discovery of their plots and practices apprehend a great danger to Religion the Kings Estate and liberty of the Countrey notwithstanding that the cause is not removed there is no care taken to withstand their courses which declareth that there is either a purpose to cover extenuate and bear forth their wickednesse or that the Lord hath in his judgement blinded and hardened the hearts of all Estates that while the danger is greatest they can neither see nor apprehend the same The remedies of the foresaid dangers were proponed as followeth 1. That the Parliament indicted to the 27. of the same moneth should not be prorogated but the time thereof precisely kept and the Popish Lords forfeited and to that effect the Advocate sufficiently instructed for maintaining the relievancy of the summons and probation in due time provided 2. That none suspected in Religion be chosen upon the Articles 3. That after the forfeiture they be pursued with all extremity their Lands and Rents annexed to the Crown and no part thereof disponed in favours of the persons forfeited 4. That the Guard be imployed for apprehending Mr. Walter Lindesay the Abbot of New-Abbey Iames Wood of Bonyton younger Mr. George Ker who had made an escape out of the Castle the year before Mr. Alexander Lesley Thomas Tyrie and other Traffiquers and Jesuits 5. That the houses of the Rebells be possessed and their livings intrometted with to his Majesties use 6. That all persons be inhibited to resset supply or entertain any intelligence with the said Lords especially their vassals and dependers and that none under whatsoever pretext contravene the same 7. That the subjects be charged to put themselves in armes by all good means and be in readinesse to pursue and defend as they shall be warned by his Majesty or otherwise upon urgent occasions 8. That the Bark arrived at Montrosse be apprehended and the persons that were within her with such others as have had any dealing with them and that they be examined diligently for the discovery of the practice they have presently in hand Somewhat was adjected concerning the Lord Hume but he compeiring in the same Assembly gave satisfaction to the Church and was absolved from the sentence of Excommunication All the remedies the King allowed
Borders and for creating Lieutenants one or more upon occasions The persons he chused to attend him in the journey were the Duke of Lennox the Earls of Marre Murray and Argile the Lord Hume Sir George Hume Treasurer Mr. Iames Elphingston Secretary Sir David Murray Comptroller Sir Robert Ker of Cessord with the ordinary Gentlemen of the Chamber and of the Clergy David â—ishop of Rosse Peter Bishop of Dunkeld Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Andrew Lamb Mr. Iohn Spotswood Mr. Gawen Hamilton and Mr. Alexander Forbes Ministers Things thus ordered the King went the next morning to S. Giles to hear a Sermon Mr. Iohn Hall whose course it was preaching took occasion to remember the great mercies of God towards his Majesty reckoning the peaceable succession to the Crown of England none of the least This he said was Gods own proper work for who could else directed the hearts of so numerous a people with such an unanime consent to follow the way of right Thereupon he did exhort his Majesty to thankfulness to the maintenance of Gods truth and that he would send home some of those commendable orders he would find whither he was going The King accepting his exhortation in good part did upon the end of the Sermon make a speech to the people which at the time were frequently convened and promising to have care of them and their good gave them a most loving and kind farewell This was followed with such a mourning and lamentation of all sorts as cannot be well expressed For albeit they joyed not a little at first to hear of that accession of honour to their King yet considering they should be deprived of his presence and have no more a resident King among them they were grieved out of all measure This affection of the people moved also the King greatly therefore when the Magistrates Ministers and others of the better sort came to receive his commandments he spake gratiously unto them willing them not to be troubled with his departing for that they should finde the fruits of his government as well afarre off as when he was neer at hand and as his power was now encreased and made greater so his love towards them should not be a whit diminished In this sort did he part and beginning his journey on Wednesday the fourth of Aprill came the day to Berwick there he was welcomed with a most eloquent Sermon by Toby Matthew Bishop of Durham for he went first to the Church which finished he was conveyed to the Palace by the Governor and garrison the munition playing from the walls and the Citizens with showts and acclamations testifying their gladness The ninth of that moneth he went to Newcastle where he aboad some few days and because multitudes of people from all quarters were daily coming to see the King and offer their service Order was taken that no strangers should have access granted till the Chamberlain or Master of the Guard was acquainted with their business At York he was met with the Councellors and from thence by easie journeys travelled to London how his Majesty was there received and what other things happened in the time I remit to the English History my purpose being only to relate the things passed in Scotland or had some reference to matters of that Church and Kingdome Being at Burleigh house neer unto Stamford the King was advertised of the death of Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow who deceased at Paris in the same moneth This man was descended of the house of Balfoure in Fife and consecrate Bishop at Rome in the year 1552 and at the time of reformation forsook the Countrey out of the hatred he bare to those that had hand in that work and carried with him all the writs and evidents of the Sea of Glasgow with the vessels and ornaments of the Cathedrall Church things of exceeding great worth for besides those of ordinary use there belonged to that Church the Image of our Saviour in beaten gold and the portraits of the twelve Apostles in silver The Queen returning from France did establish him Ambassadour in these parts for her affairs under the government of the Regents he was forfeited and deprived of his living which as we shewed before was conferred upon Mr. Iames Boyd Trochrig and after him went through divers hands till the King at his majority did restore him to his dignity honour and living employing him likewise for his Ambassadour in France a man honourably disposed faithfull to the Queen while she lived and to the King her son a lover of his Countrey and liberall according to his meanes to all his Countreymen in his last Will he bequeathed all his means to pious uses leaving as was said ten thousand Crownes for the education of poor Scholars being Scottish men born The evidents vessels and ornaments of the Sea of Glasgow he consigned in the hands of the Carthusians of Paris appointing the same to be redelivered how soon Glasgow should become Catholick and this year being the 66 of his age departed peaceably this life The King having destinated Mr. Iohn Spotswood for his successor sent him back to attend the Queen in her journey and serve her for elemosynar Soon after his coming her Majesty went to Striveling of mind to bring away the Prince her son and carry him along with her self to England but being denied by the friends of the house of Marre she became so incensed as falling into a feaver she made a pitifull abortion Advertisement of this being sent unto the King he caused the Earl of Marre to return and after him sending the Duke of Lennox with a warrant to receive the Prince and deliver him to the Queen he was brought unto her at Halirudhouse about the end of May yet she not satisfied herewith complained bitterly of the dishonour she had received and by a letter written to the King full of passron and anger which she gave her Elemosynar to carry required a publick reparation by the punishment of the Earl of Marre and his servants The King who knew the Earl himself to be blameless and desired not to be troubled with such business especially at that time returned this answer That she should doe wisely to forget the grudges she carryed to the Earl of Marre and thank God of the peaceable possession they had obtained of these Kingdomes which next unto God his goodness he ascribed to the last negotiation of the Earl of Marre in England This reported to the Queen for the messenger was commanded to speak so much she in a great choler replyed That she rather would have wished never see England then to be in any sort beholden to him for the same Yet as she was a most mild Princess and very carefull to please the King in every thing at her coming to Windsor which was about the end of Iune she was reconciled to the Earl of Marre and he by Act of Councell declared to
Commissioners chosen to present these Petitions were the Archbishop of Glasgow the Earl of VVigton the Lord Kilsith Mr. VVilliam Couper Minister at Perth and Iames Nisbit Burgess of Edinburgh together with the Petitions they received a Letter from the Assembly conceived in these terms HAving convened in this Generall Assembly by your Majesties favourable licence and permission and shadowed under your Majesties wings with the presence of your Majesties Commissioners we did set our selves principally to consider the cause of the late growth of Papists among us and found by an universall complaint the chief cause to be this that where the Church in these parts was accustomed to be nourished by your Majesties fatherly affection as the most kinde parent of piety and Religion we have been left in the hands of unkinde stepfathers who esteeming us an uncouth birth to them have intreated us hardly and cherished our adversaries by all means they could as your Majesties highness will perceive more clearly by the overtures for remedy which in all humble submission we present to your Majesty by these honourable Commissioners and brethren humbly intreating your Majesty to take compassion upon us your Majesties loving children in this land that we may be taken out of the hands of these who are more ready to deliver the heads of the Kings sons to Jehu if the time were answerable to their wishes then to nourish and bring them up to perfection There is no cause Sir why the Apostates who have lately grown up in this land should be feared whatever they be in estate or number for with them are the golden Calves which God will destroy with them is Dagon whose second fall shall be worse then the first but with your Majesty is the Lord your God to fight for you and under your standard are the best of the Nobility the greatest number of Barons and all your Majesties Burgesses unspotted in Religion and resolute all of them for Gods honour and your Majesties preservation to spend their goods and lives and whatever is due to them VVe also your Majesties humble servants the Bishops and Ministers of the Gospel in this land now reconciled to others with a most hearty affection by your Majesties only means and the carefull labours of your Majesties trusty Counsellor and our very good Lord the Earl of Dunbar are for out parts most ready to all service in our callings to stirre up your Majesties subjects by the word that God hath put in our mouths to the performing of that obedience which God and nature doth oblige them unto and by Gods grace shall go before them in all good eâ—sample These things we leave to be delivered by our Commissioners whom we beseech your Majesty to hear graciously and after some favourable consideration of our case and present suits to give such answer as in your Highness wisdome shall be thought fittest And now with our humble thanks to your Majesty for the liberty granted to meet in this Assembly and our most hearty prayers to God Almighty for your Highness long life and prosperous reign we rest This letter was subscribed by the Earls of Crawford Glencarne and Kinghorne the Lords Lindesay Baclugh Salton London Torphichen Blantire Scone Halirudhouse and a great number of the Clergy and Barons The Chancellor hearing of the Assemblies proceedings and supposing himself to be specially aimed at in all that business wherein he was not mistaken moved the Secretary to take journey to Court for obviating these courses so farre as he might But he at his coming did meet with a business that concerned himself more nearly for about the same time Cardinall Bellarminâ— had published an Answer to the Kings Apology and therein charged him with inconstancy objecting a Letter that he had sent to Clement the eighth whilst he lived in Scotland in which he had recommended to his Holiness the Bishop of Vaison for obtaining the dignity of a Cardinall that so he might be the more able to advance his affairs in the Court of Rome The Treatise coming to the Kings hands and he falling upon that passage did presently conceive that he had been abused by his Secretary which he remembred had moved on a time for such a letter and thereupon began to think that among the letters sent to the Dukes of Savoy and Florence at the time another might have been shuffled in to the Pope and his hand surreptitiously got thereunto The King lay then at Royston and the Secretary coming thither he inquired if any such letter had been sent to the Pope at any time The Secretary apprehending no danger and thinking that his policy in procuring the Popes favour to the King should not be ill interpreted confessed that such a letter he had written by his Majesties own knowledge But perceiving the King to wax angry he fell on his knees and intreated mercy seeing that which he had done was out of a good minde and desire to purchase the Popes favour which might at the time have advanced his title to England The King then putting him in minde of the challenge made by the late Queen in the year 1599 for writing the same letter and how being at that time questioned thereupon he had not onely denyed his own knowledge thereof but likewise moved Sir Edward Drummond who carried the letter to the Pope to come into Scotland and abjure the same he answered That he did not think the matter would be brought again in hearing and that fearing his Majesties offence he had denyed the letter and had moved his Cousin Sir Edward to do the like but now that he saw that which he had done in the politick course turned to the Kings reproach with many tears he besought his Majesty to pardon his fault and not to undo him who was own creature and willing to suffer what he thought meet for repairing the offence The King replying that the fault was greater then he apprehended and that it could not be so easily passed enjoyned him to go to London and keep his chamber till he returned thither After some eight days the King returned to White Hall where the Secretary was brought before the Councell and charged with the fault which the Lords did aggravate in such manner as they made the same to be the ground of all the conspiracies devised against the King since his coming into England especially of the Powder Treason For the Papists said they finding themselves disappointed of the hopes which that letter did give them had taken the desperate course which they followed to the endangering of his Majesties person posterity and whole estates The Secretary having heard their discourses kneeled to the ground and fetching a deep sigh spake to this effect Curas leves loquuntur ingentes stupent My Lords I cannot speak nor finde words to express the grief I have conceived for the offence committed by me against my gracious Soveraign for on the one side when I call to minde
children and their exhibition as was appointed made them in after times no less troublesome to the Countrey then before In the end of the year the Earl of Dunbarre departed his life at whitehall a man of deep wit few words and in his Majesties service no less faithfull then fortunate The most difficile affaires he compassed without any noise and never returned when he was employed without the work performed that he was sent to doe His death made a great change in our Estate Sir Robert Ker a son of Farnherst who had served the King long in the quality of a Page and was then grown powerfull in Court carrying all things by his credit At first the Thesaurers Office which was in the person of Dunbar whilest he lived was trusted to certain Commissioners but after a little space the same was bestowed upon the said Sir Robert and he preferred to be Earl of Somerset The guard that Sir William Cranston a Gentleman of great worth did command and wherewith he had performed divers notable services in the Borders was taken from him and given to Sir Robert Ker of Ancram Somersets cousin Sir Gedeon Murray his Uncle by the Mother made Deputy in the Office of Thesaury and Sir Thomas Hamilton his Majesties Advocate who had married his sister placed first in the office of Register and afterwards made Secretary all which was ascribed to Somerset his credit Yet these things were not ill taken the last excepted for Sir William Cranston being content to resigne his place the King in remembrance of his good service did preferre him to be a Lord of Parliament Sir Gedeon his abilities for the services he was trusted with were known to all and for the Advocate his sufficiency was undoubted only the manner of his coming to be Register was not so well interpreted Sir Iohn Skeen had enjoyed the place a good many years and being grown in age and infirme thinking to get his son provided to his office had sent him to Court with a dimission of the place but with a charge not to use it unless he found the King willing to admit him yet he abused by some politick wits made a resignation of the Office accepting an ordinary place among the Lords of Session The office upon his resignation was presently disponed to the Advocate which grieved the Father beyond all measure And the case indeed was pitifull and much regrated by all honest men for he had been a man much employed and honoured with divers legations which he discharged with good credit and now in age to be circumvented in this sort by the simplicity or folly of his son 't was held lamentable The King being informed of the abuse by the old mans complaint was very carefull to satisfie him and to have the son reconciled to his father which after some travell was brought to passe yet so exceeding was the old mans discontent as within a few daies he deceased The office of Register was shortly after enterchanged with the Secretary Sir Alexander Hay and he made keeper of the Rolls the Lord Binning Secretary and Sir William Oliphant received to be his Majesties Advocate In the beginning of the next year there happened diverse unhappy quarrels betwixt the Scots and English at Court which was like to have produced very bad effects and nothing worse taken then the slaughter of an English Fencer by the Lord Sanqhars instigation who for an injury alledged did hire one called Carleill to kill the Fencer this fact committed in the City of London and so near to the Kings Court caused such a heart-burning among the people as it was not farre from breaking forth into a generall commotion But his Majesty preventing the danger made Sanqhar to be arrested and brought to his triall where being convicted he was hanged publickly at the Palace-gate of Westminster This act of justice gave the English a great content nor was the death of the Nobleman much regrated by his own Countrey people for he had lived all his time dissolutely and falling in familiarity with a base Curtesan at Paris had by her a son to whom he entailed his lands intending to defraud the heir But the King taking the matter into his own cognition did by compromise adjudge the succession to the just inheritour appointing a little portion to the base son who in a short time made away the same prodigally Not long before his Majesty being informed of a course kept by the Church in excommunicating persons that were fugitives for capitall crimes sent to the Bishops and Clergy a Letter of this tenor The Ecclesiasticall Censure of Excommunication which should be inflicted upon such as having committed any scandalous offence are contemners of the admonitions of the Church is as we have been enformed so farre absued against the first institution that we cannot sufficiently mervail of the proceeding said to be commonly used among you namely that persons fugitive for capitall crimes being cited before Ecclesiastical Iudicatories although it be known that they dare not compeir for fear of their life are sentenced as persons contumacious whereas the fear they stand in ought in reason to excuse their absence since they cannot be judged contemners of the Church who upon just terrors are kept back from giving their personall appearance In a late Treatise the Venetian Padre Paulo did learnedly confute the sentence pronounced by the present Pope against him for his not appearing to answer in the cause of heresie only upon the just fear be pretended and had his appeal justified by all indifferent men from the Popes sentence as abusive your proceedings for the manner is no other and by the learnedst Divines in these parts resembled to the Moscovites form who if he be offended with any person commandeth him to send his head unto him just so your citations are in the foresaid case which is to will the offenders come in and be hanged which were they never so penitent is not to be thought they will doe for they will rather fall under your censure then hazard themselves in the hands of the justice This being the ready way to bring the Censures of the Church in contempt Our pleasure is that hereafter there be no such form of proceeding used among you Notwithstanding if it shall happen such offenders to obtain our pardon and that the fear they stand in of their life be removed we mean not but that they should be called before the Church and Censures used against such of those that are impenitent Hereof perswading our selves that you will have care and not give way to the abuse in time coming We bid you farewell Upon the receipt of this Letter the Bishops convening with certain of the Clergie to advise what course was fittest to be held in these cases a long reasoning was kept some maintaining That the form practised by the Church was not to be changed they having tried the good thereof
conceived by his death This following penned by a learned Divine in our vulgar language did affect me so as I thought good to subjoin it ALL who have eyes awake and weep For he whose waking wrought our sleep Is fallen asleep himself and never Shall wake again till wak'd for ever Deaths iron handhath clos'd those Eyes Which were at once three Kingdoms spies Both to foresee and to prevent Dangers as soon as they were meant That Head whose working brain alone VVrought all mens quiet but its own Now lies at rest O let him have The peace he lent us in his grave If that no Naboth all his Reign Was for his fruitfull vineyard slain If no Vriah lost his life Because he had too fair a wife Then let no Shimei's curses wound His honour or profane his ground Let no black-mouth'd no rank-breath'd cur Peacefull JAMES his Ashes stir Princes are Gods ô doe not then Rake in their graves to prove them men For two and twenty years long care For providing such an Heir VVho to the peace we had before May adde twice two and twenty more For his daies travels and nights watches For his craz'd sleep stoln by snatches For two fair Kingdoms joyn'd in one For all he did or meant t' have done Doe this for him write on his dust IAMES the Peacefull and the Iust. The End A brief Table directing to the Principall Matter of this HISTORY A St. Andrews made an University by the Bishop of the place procuring it Page 57 Made an Archiepiscopal See 58 Aidanus in Northumberland within seven dayes after his first arrival converteth and baptizeth 15000 14 Augustine The King of Northumberland with an army by instigation as was supposed of Augustine the Monk slayeth 1200 Monks that refused to receive the Rites of Rome 12 Alcuinus born in Scotland 22 B BIshop The ancient manner of a Bishop in Scotland 4 Anciently in Scotland all the moveable goods of any Bishop belonged to the King and were seized for his use 55 An English Army put to flight by a Bishop 99 A Bishop went on foot through the whole Kingdome preaching the Gospel wheresoever he came 108 The ancient variance between the Scots and Holland reconciled by a Bishop 105 The difference between Iames III. of Scotland and Lewis XI of France reconciled principally by the prudence of a Bishop ibid. A Bishop barbarously maimed by an Earl in the Kings absence and the Justice done upon him for it 40 110 A very pious Bishop lived to the age of 185 years 112 Iohn Dury a reformed Minister at his death giveth advice to the Assembly of the Church to restore the Episcopal government 457 Bishops restored in the Church and to their temporalities in Scotland 496 Cautions whereby the Episcopal power was moderated in Scotland 501 Scottish Bishops came to England for consecration 514 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth by his great authority the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Buchannan by his verses he incenseth the Franciscans 67 His death 525 Benefices the temporality of them annexed to the Crown 365 Bothwell in open Rebellion is encouraged by the English Ambassadors 402 The King would have it inserted into the Acts of the Church that Ministers shall make publick declaration in the Church the Sunday following after they have baptized any privately first refused 529 After passed by the Church 539 C CArdinals by the Popes Law the placeâ—s are to be ruinated where Cardinals are slain 88 Charles after King of Great Britain born 461 His Journey to Spain 544 His return 545 A Letter to him from Gregory XV. then being Suitor in the Spanish Court 544 Church A form of Church-policy presented to the Convention of Estates at Edinburgh drawn up by Knox 152 The Church and Regent cross one the others proceedings 271 A model of Church-policy presented to the Parliament at Striveling 289 The Church appointeth a Fast on the same day that the King appointeth a Feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador with a design to cross the King 322 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject the Protestation 318 Contentions between the King and Church 319 They allow not the Councel authority to judge of Treason spoken by them in the Pulpit 330 The Ministers yield more to the desires of the basest people then to reasonable Propositions of the King 394 They provide a Chaplain of their own interest for Bothwell endevouring Rebellion 402 They refuse to submit their doctrine to the triall of the King and Councel 420 They style the Queen of England Elizabeth an Atheist in their Sermons 419 422 One of them affiâ—med in his Sermon that it is lawful for subjects to take arms against their King 430 They sollicite the Lord Hamilton and people to take arms 431 Articles proposed in the form of Question by the King concerning affairs of the Church 435 The bosome of the Church ought alwaies to be open to Penitents 437 The Assembly vote that it is lawfull for Ministers to sit in Parliament 449 Some of them refuse to give thanks in their Churches for the Kings deliverance from the attempts of Gowrie 460 Catholikes are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their religion so as in minde they continued firme 308 Covenant is taken by the Ministers obliging them to a better discharge of their duty 416 A Scottish prisoner rescued out of the Castle of Carlisle by a strange attempt 414 A strange event at a Councel held in Wiltsh 27 The Charity of a certain man saved his life 462 Conference at Hampton Court 478 Another Conference there between Scottish Bishops and Ministers of the Presbytery 497 D DRuids what they were 3 Are expelled by Cratilinth 3 The Diocese of Dunkeld divided into two Bishopricks 98 The Synod of Dort in Holland 540 Did not ratifie the Acts of Perth ibid. E A Controversie between six Competitors for the Crown of Scotland referred to the arbitration of Edward I of England 48 England the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland united upon the intended marriage of Edward VI. being about five years old and Mary daughter of Scotland being about one year old 72 That Contract broken by Scotland 73 The King of Scots with many of his Nobles swear subjection to Edward I. of England at Newcastle 49 The King of Scots and the Parliament of Scotland convened at Berwick do homage to the King of England ibid. The King of England refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 The Earls and Barons of Scotland in a Parliament at S. Andrewes swear obedience the third time to the King of England ib. The Scottish Lords of the Congregation have aid from England 140 The Articles of Contract between England and Scotland 142 Scottish Bishops come to England to be consecrated 514 Easter The ancient manner of observing it in Scotland not the same with that of the Roman 15
The Scottish Preachers that lived in the Province of York chose rather to forsake their Benefices then admit the rites of Rome 18 Reformation the first proposals made 119 First artempted at Perth 121 The death of Lodowick Duke of Richmond 546 S SCotland converted before Pope Victor 2 Patrick a Scot converted Ireland 8 The Universities of Pavia and Paris founded by Scottish men 22 Scotus the Schoolman Claudius Clemens Rabanus Maurus Flaccus Albinus al. Alcuinus born in Scotland 22 Invaded and subdued by Edward I. of England 49 The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes arbitration concerning his incursions upon England and the title that the King of England had to Scotland 52 Edward III of England promiseth by Charter to release the Scots from all duties of subjection and homage 53 Divers prodigies in Scotland 94 The Articles of contract between England and Scotland 142 English Ambassadors sent to mediate a peace in Scotland 146 A Scottish prisoner rescued out of the Castle of Carlisle by a strange attempt 414 The Archbishop of Canterbury in a Letter acknowledgeth the independent Jurisdiction of the Church of Scotland 527 The King of Northumberland obtaineth of the King of Scots the assistance of some learned Bishops 13 Scottish Bishops preach the Christian faith and convert many in England 15 Pope Sixtus IV. giveth sentence in favour of the Church of Scotland that the Scots should have a Primate of their own 58 Celius Sedulius proved that he was a native of Scotland and not of Ireland 8 Iohn D. Scotus proved that he was born in Scotland and not in England 55 Subjects rebellion of the Subjects if it succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 The history of the Spanish Armada 370 Schisme in the Presbytery of S. Andrewes 386 A great one in the See of Rome 56 Mary Stewart sent into France 90 Returneth into Scotland 178 Queen Elizabeth acknowledgeth her to be next heir to the crown of England 180 But refuseth to declare it openly 181 She marrieth Henry son to the Earl of Lennox 191 Discontents arise between them 193 She putteth her husbands name after her own ibid. Married to Bothwell after the manner of the reformed Church 203 Surrendereth her self to the Lords and is received and kept as a Prisoner 207 The Scots cannot resolve to arraigne her 214 She escapeth out of prison 215 Her army overcome at Glasgow 216 She seeketh refuge in England 217 Loseth her expectation ibid. Consultations in England about putting her to death 350 The Queen of England signeth a warrant for her execution 355 The circumstances of her death 356 King Iames her son interposeth for her exemption from tryall 351 He offereth pledges of the chief of his nobility to be given for his mothers faithfulness toward the Queen of England 352 The King commandeth the Ministers to make publick intercession in their Prayers for his Mother and they refuse 354 The Queen of England taketh cognisance by her Commissioners of the dealing of the Regent of Scotland toward the Queen-mother of Scotland 219 Queen Elizabeth in her Patent to the Commissioners is so much a friend to the right and cause of Mary that she giveth not the title of Regent to the Earl of Murray 219 T TEmplars The dissolution of them 51 They were condemned and suffered unjust torments partly for their great riches partly for their freedome of taxing the vices of the Court of Rome ibid. U UNion The Articles of Union between both Kingdomes of England and Scotland 481 They are not passed in the English Parliament 505 Objections made against the Ceremony of Vnction in the solemnity of Coronation answered 381 W WItches Agnes Sampson a Witch apprehended 383 Her familiar Spirit had no power to kill the King ibid. Y YEar The account thereof changed from March to Ianuary in Scotland 456 THE KINGS Of SCOTLAND From the first Plantation of Christian Religion there mentioned in this History DOnald I. Converted and Baptized Page 2 Ethodius 3 Cratilinth ibid. Fincormachus 4 Eugenius ibid. Hergustus ibid. Ethodius alià s Echadius 5 Erthus ibid. Fergus ibid. Eugenius II. Greem Regent 6 Congallus II. 9 Kinnatellus ibid. Aidanus 10 Eugenius IV. 14 Donald IV ibid. Ferqhard 18 Eugenius VI. ibid. Eugenius VII ibid. Achaius An. D. 800. 23 Alpin ibid. Kenneth 24 Constantine II. 25 Gregory the Great 26 Constantine III. ibid. Kenneth III. 27 Malcolm II. 28 Duncan I. ibid. Mackbeth an Usuper ibid. Malcolm III. 29 Edgar 31 32 Alexander the Fierce ibid. David ibid. 36 Malcolm IV. 36 William 37 Alexander II. 42 Alexander III. 44 Iohn Baliol 48 Robert Bruce 52 David Bruce 55 Edward Baliol ibid. Robert Stewart ibid. Iames I. 57 Iames II. ibid. Iames III. 58 Iames IV. 61 Duke of Albany Regent of Scotland 62 Iames V. 70 Earl of Arran Governour during the minority of Mary Stewart 71 He resigneth the Regency to the Queen-mother 92 Mary Stewart Queen taketh into her hands the Government 178 She resigneth the Government 211 Iames VI. Crowned ibid. Earl of Murray Regent 212 Earl of Lennox Grandfather to the young King chosen Regent 241 Iohn Earl of Marre Regent 258 Earl of Moreton Regent 267 The King himself accepteth of the Government 280 Bishops that lived in Scotland or the adjacent Isles before the distribution of the Kingdome into DIOCESES AMphibalus Bishop in the Isle of Man 4 Regulus 5 Ninian 6 Palladius 7 Hildebert 8 Columba 9 Servanus 11 Colman 15 Adamannus or Adamnamus 18 19 Wiro and Plechelmus consecratâ—d at Rome by Pope Honorius 19 Bonifacius an Italian 20 Mocharius Glacianus and Gervadius 23 Archbishops and Bishops of the See of S. Andrews 1 Adrian 25 2 Kellach 26 3 Malisius ibid. 4 Kellach II 26 5 Malmore 26 6 Malisius II 26 7 Alwinus 26 8 Muldwin 26 9 Tuthaldus 26 10 Fothadus 27 11 Gregorius 28 12 Turgot 30 13 Godricus 32 14 Eâ—dmerus a Monk of Canterbury 33 15 Robert Prior of Scone 34 16 Arnold Abbot of Kelso 36 17 Richard ibid. 18 Hugo by the Kings mandate 39 Iohn Scot by the Pope in opposition to the King ibid. 19 Roger son to the Earl of Leicester succeedeth Hugo 41 20 William Malvoisin a Frenchman ibid. 21 David Benham 43 22 Abel 44 23 Gamelinus 45 24 William Wishart 46 25 William Fraser 47 26 William Lamberton 51 27 Iames Bane 55 The See vacant nine years ib. 28 William Landells 55 29 Stephen ibid. 30 Walter Traill ibid. 31 Thomas Steward son of Robert II chosen but refuseth it The See vacant during his life 56 32 Henry Wardlaw ibid. 33 Iames Kennedy ibid. 34 Patrick Graham first Archbishop of S. Andrews 58 35 William Shevez 59 36 Iames Stewart 61 37 Alexander Steward ibid. 38 Andrew Forman 62 39 Iames Beaton ibid. 40 Beaton Nephew of the former Archbishop and Cardinall 67 69 41 The base brother of the Earl of Arran Governor of Scotland made Archbishop 84 42 Iohn Dowglas 261 43 Patrick Adamson 276 44 George Gladstaves
Agreed 2. Agreed 3. Agreed that the Church is sometimes taken for them that exercise the spiritual function in particular congregations 4. Continued to further reasoning and when it is said this power sheweth from God to his Church whether this should be understood of the whole Church or of the office-bearers and wheither it sheweth mediately or immediately 5. Referred to further reasoning 6. The last words of the Article are thought not necessary and therefore to be delete 7. Agreed 8. Agreed 9. Say in stead hereof For this power is spiritual not having-deleting the other words 10. Agreed 11. Agreed 12. Agreed changing these word they should not be called Lords over their flock 13. Change the last words of Ecclesiastical government and Ecclesiastical discipline according to the word of God 14. Referred to further reasoning when the order of Bishops shall be discussed 15. Referred till they come to the attribution of the power 16. Agreed as the words are conceived 17. Disserreth this to be resclved with the 15. 18. Referred 19. 20. Agreed that neither ought the Magistrate preach nor minister the Sacraments nor execute the censures of the Church which is to be understood of excommunication and referreth the second part of this Article to further reasoning 21. Referred 22. Referred 1. The name of the Church in this Article is taken for the Church in the first signification to wit for the whole Church Agreed with the rest of the Articles 2. Referred 3. Referred 4. Referred 5. Referred 6. Referred to reasoning of the head of Visiters 7. Referred 8. Referred 9. Referred 10. Referred 11. Referred 1. Agreed 2. Agreed 3. Agreed 4. Agreed 5. Agreed 6. 7. Referred 8. Agreed with the generality hereof 9. Agreed 11. Agreed 12. Agreed 13. Agreed 14. Agreed 15. Agreed 16. Agreed 1. Agreed saving the word Bishop is referred to the place of Visitation 2. Agreed 3. Agreed 4. Agreed 5. Referred 7. Agreed 8. Agreed 9. Agreed that the Minister of the Word may pronounce the sentence of excommunication after lawful proceeding 10. Agreed with the present orders concerning marriage This whole Chapter referred to further reasoning 1. Passed over 2. Agreed that name of Elders be joyned with Ministers 3. The perpepetuity of Elders referred to further deliberation 4. Agreed 5. Referred 6. Referred 7. Agreed 8. Agreed 9. Agreed 10. Agreed 11. Agreed 12. Agreed 13. Agreed 1. Agreed that Ministers and Elders may judge spiritual things within their owne bounds 2. Agreed 3. Agreed that Synods be kept twice in the year by him that hath the charge of visitation 4. General Assemblies once yearly his Majesties authority being interponed and from the General Assembly Noblemen and such as please to come shall not be excluded providing that fifteen onely with his Majesties Commissioner have voice therein 5. Agreed 6. Agreed 7. Agreed 8. Differed to the head of Bishops and their Reformation 9. Agreed 10. Agreed joyning in the end of the Article these words or spiritual things onely 11. Agreed that as they make Acts in spiritual things so they may alter the same as the necessity of time requires 12. Referred 13. Referred 14. Referred 15. Referred 16. Referred 17. Referred 18. Referred 19. Referred 20. Referred 21. Referred 22. Referred 23. Referred 24. 25. Referred 26. Referred 27. Referred 28. Referred 29. Referred 30. Passed over 31. Answered before 32. The last part of the Article referred to the heads of Bishops 33. Diffâ—rred 34. Agreed in spiritual matters 35. Referred 1. The Chapter of Deacons and 〈◊〉 of the Church are thought to be suppressed till the head of corruptions be teasoned 1. For this whole Chapter it is thought meet that an Article be presented to his Majesty and Estates craving a punishment to be appointed for those that put violent hands in Ministers and likewise to desire such immunities and priviledges to them as shall be thought convenient 3. Let his Majesty and Estates be supplicated for dissolving these Prelacies that Ministers may be provided to the several Churches at least after the death of the present possessors 4. Passed over 5. Passed over 6. Answered by the act of dissolution 7. An Act to be sought for disposing these united Churches to Ministers after decease of the present possessors 8. Referred 6. The last part of the Article differred 10. Agreed that Bishops have a particular flock 11. Let the Diocese be divided in such sort as a man may reasonably visit and for the perpetuity of Visitors it is referred to further reasoning 13. Passed over 14. Agreed 15. Passed over 16. Passed over 17. Agreed 18. Referred 19. Agreed â—hat an Act be made that none hurt or diminish the patrimony of the Church 5 Agreed 21. Answered before 2. Agreed 3. Agreed 4. Agreed 5. Differred untill joyning of Churches 6. Agreed as depending on the former 7. Passed over in the Article of Provincial Assemblies 8. Agreed as before 9. Agreed to the general 10. Referred 11. To be sought of the Parliament 12. Referred to the head of Deacons This was the course the Assembly took for admitting this form of policy The Archbishop of Glasgow urged to submit himself The Archbishops answer presented in writing The answer doth not content be Assembly The Archbishop contracts sicknesse and dieth The conditions prescribed to Bishops A tumult in Glasgow for pulling down the Cathedral The matter brouâ—ht before the Councel The Abbot of Dunfermlin returned from England The report of his Commission The Lord Ruthven made Lieutenant of the Borders An. 1579. Articles presented by the Lord Hereis The Lord Maxwel excepteth against the Articles The Earl of Athol dieth Certain Libellers executed at Striveling Commission for apprehending the Lord Hamilton and his brother Lord Claud. They escape and depart forth of the Realm Charges directed for the rendring the houses of Hamilton and Draffan A complaint presented in name of the Earl of Arran The Queen of Scots her Secretary denied accesse to the King The Gentlemen of the name of Hamilton put under surety The Earl of Argile created Chancellor A Parliament indicted An. 1580. The Lord D' Aubigny cometh from France He is created Earl of Lennox The Earl of Lennox hated because of his credit with the King The King writeth to the Assembly of the Church The proceedings of the Church displease the King Jesuits and Priests resort to the countrey The King his care for reclaiming the Earl of Lennox The Earl joyns himself to the Church but is still suspected A confession of faith formed because of the dispensations from Rome A rumour raised against the Earl of Morton A motion of electing a Chamberlain The Earl of Lennox created Chamberlain A trouble betwixt Oliphant and Ruthven The Earl of Lennox charged by the Ambassadour of England Alexander Home sent into England He is remitted to the Lord Thesaurer The Thesaurers conference with Alexander Home Alexander Homes his answer to the Thesaurer Vlt. Deâ—emb The Earl of Morton challenged for the murther of the Kings father The Earl of Morton his
Theology to which by the guidance of Gods Spirit over him he stood most affected But matters of Religion being at that time in his Countrey like the eddies of waters rowling and confused the old way questioned and the new persecuted none knowing in this turning tyde which wayes the times would run he withdrew himself into England where bringing with him an unsetled mind and doubtfull what party he should incline to Providence cast him upon a familiarity with Archbishop Cranmer who soon confirm'd him in those truths which afterward he never varied from About the time of the death of King Iames the fift he returned into Scotland whereby occasion given by the Earl of Glencarn to whom he had applied himself he became known to Matthew Earl of Lennox who finding him a person judicious and discreet and fitted by these qualities for managing of business emploied him to Henry the eight of England when France upon some jealousies was so unkind to him as to cast him off Affaires upon this succeeding to the Earl of Lennox his mind the Earl came into England with whom some moneths he there remained But longing to see the smoak of his own Countrey he returned once more to enjoy himself among his friends where being known to Sir Iames Sandilands of Calder a person of great authority in those times he was moved by him to accept of the Parsonage of Calder which upon the beginning of the Reformation was then void Not long after this he was made Super-intendent of Lothian Merse and Teviot-dale where he exercised fully the power and discharged faithfully the Office of a Bishop though under another style For it was not the Office but the name which the first Reformers out of humor startled at though they who have succeeded them for in errors of this kinde the last comers think they have done nothing unless they out-bid the former have since to their own ruin cast out both He continued in this holy function with the approbation of all good men till his death when being full of days and leaving the persume of a good name behinde him he peaceably departed out of this life on the fift of December in the year 1585. His Wife was Beatrix Crichton a grave and a discreet Matron daughter to the Laird of Lugton an ancient Baron of Scotland And from these Parents Iohn Spotiswood the Author of this History descended Born he was in the year of our Lord 1565 when he was no sooner brought into the World but a remarkable passage accompanied it For among the rest that were present not ordinary Gossipers but women of good note there was one among them who in a sober though in a prophetick fit taking the childe in her armes called aloud to the rest in these or the like tearms You may all very well rejoyce at the birth of this childe for he will become the Prop and Pillar of this Church and the main and chief instrument in the defending of it From what principle this praediction came or how she was thus inspired I will not search into but that her words came really to pass may evidently appear to him that reads this short story of his life His education was answerable to his birth for being a child of a pregnant wit great spirit and good memory he was by the care of his parents brought up in the University of Glasgow where he came so early to perfection that he received his degrees in the sixteenth year of his age for though the fruits of the earth under that Northern Clime do not mature so soon the men generally are of a better mold and mellow as early into a ripeness as any of those Nations who because they have more of the Sun plead for a priority forgetting that some kinde of grain are ripened best by Frosts And this so many excellent men of all sorts as have been of that Nation are so many examples of But to revert to this one among the rest who having laid his foundation in humane Arts and Sciences did not make his period there but used them as the rundles of a ladder by which he might climbe higher to the knowledge of diviner things to the practise of which by way of charge he was sooner called then he expected for his father being by age and weakness of body unable to appear any more in publick none was thought fitter to succeed in the Parsonage of Calder then his son though otherwise in a well-govern'd Church his age being then but eighteen might in an ordinary course have been a barre against him but his early parts and his conscientious diligence in attending this cure supplied his defect of years and the greenness of his youth was corrected and tempered by so sober a gravity as no man could either despise his youth or think him unfit for the employment Nor were these virtues of his buried and confined within the boundaries of his Parish for having formerly had a relation to the Noble family of Lennox he was looked upon as the fittest person of his quality to attend Lodowick Duke of Lennox as his Chaplain in that honourable Ambassy to Henry the fourth of France for confirming the ancient amity between both the Nations wherein he so discreetly carried himself as added much to his reputation and made it appear that men bred up in the shade of learning might possibly endure the Sun-shine and when it came to their turnes might carry themselves as handsomely abroad as they whose education being in a more pragmatick way usually undervalue them In the retinue of this Noble Person he returned from France through England where Queen Elizabeth being in her declining age was in his Masters name saluted by this Ambassadour who seeing her night draw on so fast could the easier guess that his Masters rising in this Horizon was not then far off Some two years after this Queen Elizabeth after the glorious reign of fourty four years by her death made way for King Iames her successor and when all the World stood at gaze what would become of the Crown of England which the Jesuit under the name of Dolman had bandied over into Spain and some of the contrary extreme were then in consultation though upon different purposes to make a game of it at home there was a diviner hand of Providence which so unexpectedly ordered it that without any contest at all it settled on the right heir to the admiration of the neighbouring Nations and had we known our own good to the infinite happiness of this This King being to take possession of his hereditary Crown here chose out for his attendants the most eminent persons of all kindes and among his Clergy this Author being then no farther advanced then to his Cure of Calder was summoned to this service That year Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow dying the King who being of excellent parts himself could the better discover and value them in others not only
great Place and Parts he was not easily tempted to trouble the Press and to shew himself abroad Nor was this History undertaken by him by any free motion of his own but by the instance and command of King Iames whose discerning spirit had singled out him as a person best qualified for an Historian with Prudence and Candor and clearness of style and so much innocent courage as neither to fear to speak the Truth nor to dare to speak a Lie And though his obedience to the Commands of his Soveraign had a very powerful influence upon him yet being to deal with a King who made not his Will his Law but being a great Master of Reason was as ready to hear as to give it he took the liberty in an humble way to propound several Objections one of which more especially deserves to be remembred not onely for the Historians sake but for his that set him on work and it was thus It is not unknown to your Majesty saith the Bishop being willing enough to finde an hansom excuse that your Majesties Mother being defamed by the bold Writings of a malicious Party and the credulity of easie people who to avoid the trouble of searching into them use to swallow such Reports as these without chewing hath not left a clear name behinde her And as in mine own paâ—ticular judgement I cannot joyn with them in those Scandals which they have with so malicious a falshood cast upon her so your Majesty must give me leave to say that in all things she did I cannot approve her And being of necessity to speak of her in the Series of this History what to do therein I know not To whom the King replied Speak the Truth man and spare not And upon this encouragement from so excellent a King which few of the Rulers of this present world dare give to their Historians he chearfully set about this Work and laying aside all Partialities that he might more faithfully go through with it he had not onely the use of all the Registers both of Church and State in Scotland but of all Letters of State that could any way concern the Work he was about which either were sent to him to be survey'd by his own eyes or transcribed by sworn Officers and attested by the Clerks hands With this caution and with these advantages he undertook continued and finish'd this History as the Intervals of publick business and his own private Studies and Devotions would give him leave And the Work being of that nature as not to be Res Ingenii and to be woven out of his own Brain but such as required search and deliberation and such helps as were not alwayes ready at command but were to be waited for let not the Reader wonder that this History begun by King Iames command should not come into the world till both King Iames was in his grave and the Writer too but let him rather wonder that it comes out now for it was left like an Infant of the Israelites in an Ark of Reeds and if Providence had not found out very tender hands and heart to save it it had been lost And now it is time to bring this Reverend Prelat to his grave though his good name and story may be longer lived The manner of his burial by the command and care of his religious King was solemnly ordered for the corps being attended by many mourners and at least 800 Torches and being brought neer the Abbey Church of Westminster the whole Nobility of England and Scotland then present at Court with all the Kings servants and many Gentlemen came out of their Coaches and conveied the body to the West-dore where it was met by the Dean and Prebendaries of that Church in their Clerical habits and buried according to the solemn Rites of the English Church before the extermination of decent Christian burial was come in fashion Above his Corps these words following are engraven in brass MEMORIAE SACRUM DOMINUS JOANNES SPOTISWOOD ECCLESIAE SANCTI ANDREAE ARCHIEPISCOPUS SCOTIAE PRIMAS ET REGNI CANCELLARIUS VIGINTI ANNOS PRESBYTER UNDECEM ANNOS ARCHIEPIS COPUS GLASGOENSIS VIGINTI QUIN QUE ANNOS S. ANDREAE ET PER QUATUOR ANNOS REGNI SCOTIAE CANCELLARIUS EX HAC VITA IN PACE MIGRAVIT ANNO DOMINI 1639 SEXTO CALENDAS DECEMBRIS REGNI CAROLI 15. AETATIS SUAE 74. PRAESUL SENATOR pene MARTYR hìc jacet Quo nemo Sanctior Gravior Constantior Pro Ecclesia pro Rege pro Recta Fide Contra Sacrilegos Perduelles Perfidos Stetit ad extremum usque Vitae Spiritum Solitumque talium Meritorum Praemium Diras Rapinas Exiliumque pertulit Sed hac in Urna in Ore Posterum in Deo Victor potitur Pace Fama Gloria D. M. The Authors Dedication To The High Mighty Monarch Charles by the grace of God King of Great Brittaine France Ireland Defender of the Faith Per Ecclesiam Petor To the KING His most Sacred Majesty CHARLES By the Grace of God King of Great Britain France and Ireland Defender of the Faith c. MOST DREAD SOVERAIGN THere is not amongst men a greater help for the attaining unto wisdome then is the reading of History We call Experience a good Mistris and so she is but as it is in our Scottish Proverb It seldome quits the cost History not so it teacheth us at other mens cost and carrieth this advantage more that in a few hours reading a man may gather moe Instructions out of the same then twenty men living successively one after another can possibly learn by their own experience Therefore hath History by all wise men been ever held in good estimation and none thought to deserve better of the Church and State wherein they lived then they that have taken the pains to record unto Posterity the things fallen forth in their dayes For there is no new thing under the Sun what hath been or is the same also shall be saith the Preacher To know the success and event of every course there needs onely the knowledge of things past and a fit comparing of them with the present Now this knowledge is chiefly got by History The want whereof hath bred in our Church many strange mistakings For did men understand how things went at our Reformation and since that time they would never have been moved to think that Episcopacy was against the Constitutions of this Church One of the first things done in it being the placing of Superintendents with Episcopal Power in the same and no act so often iterated in the General Assemblies of the Church as that Ministers should be obedient to their Superintendents under pain of deprivation Then for the Consistorial Discipline brought from Geneva some sixteen years after the Reformation did men know the troubles raised thereby both in the Church and State with the necessity that your Majesties Father of blessed Memory was put to for Reforming that confused Government they would never
Dagamus the Bishop who is come hither and by Columbanus the Abbot in France that the Scots differ nothing in their observations from the Britains for Bishop Dagamus being here refused not onely to eat with us but even to stay in the same Inne or Lodging I finde no answer returned to this letter some thirteen years after Honorius Bishop of Rome did move the matter of new and in his letters directed to the Church of Scotland exhorted them Ne paucitatem suam in extremis terrae finibus constitutam sapieâ—tiorem antiquis sive modernis quae per orbem terrae erant Christi Ecclesiis aestimarent neve contra Paschales compuâ—os decreta Synodalia totius orbis Pontificum aliud Pascha celebrarent That they being a few and seated in the utmost borders of the earth would not think themselves more wise then the Ancient or Modern Churches of Christ through the whole world and that they would not celebrate another Easter contrary to the Paschal compts and Synodal decrees of the Bishops of the whole world Pope Honorius dying Severinus that succeeded insisted for an answer which was sent but he also departing this life before the same came to Rome the Clergy there replyed as followes Dilectissimis sanctissimis Thomiano Columbano Chromano Dimao Bathano Episcopis Chromano Hermanno Laustrano Stellano Sergiano Presbyteris Sarano caeterÃsque Doctoribus seu Abbatibus Scotis Hilaricus Archipresbyter servans locum sedis Apostolicae Johannes diaconus in nomine Dei electus item Joannes primicerius servans locum sanctae sedis Apostolicae Joannes servus Dei Consiliarius ejusdem sedis Apostolicae Scripta quae latores ad sanctae memoriae Severinum adduxerunt eo de hac luce migrante reciproca responsa ad ea quae postulata fuerant siluerunt Quibus reseratisâ— ne diu tantae quaestionis caligo indiscussa remaneret reperimus quosdam provinciae vestrae contra orthodoxam fidem novam de veteri heresin renovare conantes Pascha nostrum in quo immolatus est Christus nebulosa caligine refutantes et quarta decima luna cum Hebraeis celebrare nitentes c. Deinde exposita ratione Paschalis observantiae de Pelagianis subdunt Et hoc quoque cognovimus quod virus Pelagianae haereseos apud vos denuo reviviscat quod omnino hortamur ut à vestris mentibus hujusmodi venenatum superstitionis facinus auferatur Nam qualiter ipsa quoque execranda haeresis damnata est latere vos non debet quia non solùm per istos ducentos annos abolita est sed quotidiano nobis anathemate sepulta damnatur hortamur ne quorum arma combusta sunt apud vos eorum cineres suscitentur That is Hilarius the Archbishop conservator of the priviledges of the Apostolick See and Iohn the Deacon in the name of God elect of the same See likewise Iohn the pronotary and conservator of the said priviledges and Iohn the servant of God Counsellor of the Apostolick See to our best beloved and most holy Bishops Thomianus Columbanus Chromanus Dimaus and Bathanus and to the Presbyters Chromanus Hermannus Laustranus Stellanus and Serganus also to Saranus and the rest of the Doctors or Abbots of Scotland The letters which were brought unto Pope Severinus of blessed memory have to this time received no answer by reason of his decease We having now unsealed them lest questions of such consequence should be too long unsatisfied do perceive some of your Province to be renuing an old heresie against the Orthodox faith and ignorantly refuse to celebrate our Easter in which Christ was offered observing the fourteench Moon after the manner of the Hebrewes Then shewing how and when Easter should be observed they subjoyn touching the Pelagians these words We further understand that the poison of Pelagian heresie is again breaking out among you wherefore we exhort you to beware and to keep your mindes free of that venemous superstition for ye should not be ignorant how that execrable heresie is condemnedâ— and by us every day anathematised notwithstanding that two hundred years since the same hath been abolished therefore we beseech you not to stirre the ashes of those who have had their Armes once burnt and consumed Beda setting down this letter saith that it was full of learning and contained evident proofes that Easter should be kept upon the Sunday which falleth betwixt the 15. and 21. of the Moon Whereas it was the custome of the Scots Church to keep it upon the Sunday falling betwixt the 14 and 20. which he calleth an heresie and taketh our Church to have been newly infected therewith neither yet the whole Church but some certain in it only But in this last he doth not agree with himself for speaking afterwards of Bishop Aidan he thus excuses his disconformity with Rome in the keeping of Easter quòd suae gentis authoritate devictus that he was overcome with the authority of his own Nation contra morem eâ—rum qui ipsum miserant facere non potuit and could not keep Easter contrary to the custome of them who had sent him So he ackowledgeth it to have been the custome of the Scots Church and not of a certain in it only And whereas he sayes that it was an error or heresie newly sprung up he greatly mistaketh for in the contention about the keeping of Easter which grew afterwards very hot we shall hear them plead the Antiquity of their custome and derive it from the very first times of the Church But that we may know how this contention grew and who they were that withstood the alteration desired we must make a litle digression The Saxons having overcome the Britains and brought the countrey of England to an Heptarchy by the partition they made of it were never quiet encroaching still one upon anothers state till at last one got all Ethelfrid King of Northumberland the mightiest of the whole after he had reigned 22. years with great avaâ—ice and cruelty was killed by Redwald King of the East Angles and Edwin whom he had expelled placed in his room this Ethelfrid left behind him seven sons Eufred or Eanfred Oswald Ossaus Oswin Offas Osmond Osik or Osrick and one daughter named Ebba who upon their fathers death fled into Scotland and were liberally entertained by King Eugenius the fourth notwithstanding the enmity betwixt him and their father whilest he lived Eighteen years they remained in Scotland exiled from their countrey and were by the care of the same Eugenius instructed in the knowledge of Christ and baptized Edwin being killed in the 17. of his Reign by Penda King of Mercia they returned all home Ebba onely excepted who remained still in Scotland The successour of Edwin named Osrick parting the Kingdom with Eufred the eldest son of Ethelfrid was made King of the Deirians and Eufred King of this Bernicians these two turning Apostates and forsaking the
would have followed the same as well in this matter as in others which they knew But if you and your associates should refuse the decrees of the Apostolick Sea or rather of the whole Church allowed by holy Scripture now after you have heard the same without all question you sin heavily Howbeit your fathers were holy men you must not think that a few dwelling in a corner of a remote Isle are to be preferred to the universal Church of Christ. And if Columba your Father yea and ours also if he was of Christ was mighty in miracles yet is he not to be equalled to the Prince of the holy Apostles unto whom the Lord said Thou art Peter and upon this rock will I build my Church against which the gates of hell shall not prevail and will give unto the keyes of the kingdom of heaven The King who had hearkened diligently unto all which they spake taking hold of these last words asked Colman if it was so that the Lord had spoken these words unto Peter he answered that it was truth And can you shew sayes he that the like authority was given to your Father Columba Colman answered Not. Then said the King Do both agree in this that these words were spoken to St. Peter and that the Keyes of the kingdom of heaven were given to him They answered that they did Then said he Seeing St. Peter is the dorekeeper of heaven I will follow his rule in every thing lest when I come to heavens gates the dores shall be shut against me These speeches of the King full of simplicity were seconded with the acclamations of many of the hearers and the victory adjudged to the adversaries of Colman But he nothing moved therewith retained still his opinion and would not change yet fearing that some trouble might arise if he should make longer stay in those parts he resigned his Bishoprick in which one Tuda a Scottishman succeeded who was content to submit himself to the Romane observation of Easter and to receive the Clerical tonsure but he lived not one whole year and died of the Plague Colman returning into Scotland was welcomed by his countreymen for he was in great esteem and bare no small authority both in the Church and State before he went into England as appeared in the insurrection made against King Ferqhard the Nobility having consulted to depose him from his Kingdom for the detestable cruelties he had committed by Colman his authority they were onely kept back who told them That the punishment of Kings belonged to God and that he ere it were long would take vengeanee of his wickednesse which as he foretold came to passe for the King after a few dayes being at hunting happened to be bitten by a Wolfe and falling into a feaver such a putrefaction ensued in his body that out of every part there issued abundance of lice and vermine which made him abhorred of all men Languishing in this consumption a long space and touched with a bitter remorse for his wicked life he sent for Colman to whom he expressed a great sorrow for the ill life he had led intreating the help of his prayers and to testifie his humiliation would needs be carried forth to the next fields wrapped in sackcloth where after an open confession made of his wickednesse he was absolved by Colman and shortly after yielded up the ghost The memory of this which was yet fresh in the mindes of people together with the report of his constancy for so it was interpreted did purchase unto him great love and reputation but he making short stay at home went soon after into Ireland where he built a Monastery for the English and Scots that followed him thither They not well agreeing he bought a piece of ground and founded a religious house for the English apart Bishop Lesly in his Chronicle writeth that after this he passed into Germany and having travelled through Boheme Hungary and a great part of Greece as he returned by Austria he was killed by some Pagans in those parts for this he citeth Iohannes Stabius the Historiographer of Maximilian the first But whatsoever became of him he was certainly a man of great integrity and therefore much respected of all men After this time we finde a continual declining in the Church for the decision taken in that conference of Whitby touching the controversie of Easter increased the dissension and put all out of frame they that were in place urging the rites more strictly then was convenient and others choosing rather to quit their places then to give way unto them Theodorus then Archbishop of Canterbury is blamed for exercisiug the authority of his place too peremptorily about these things and forcing the British Bishops to conform themselves Wilfrid Archbishop of York dealing in like sort with the Scottish preachers that had planted the Gospel among the English thrust them all from their places Nam optione data maluerunt loco cedere quà m Pascha Catholicum caeterósque ritus canonicos Romanae Ecclesiae recipere It being given to their option whether they would stay and admit the observation of Easter and other rites of the Church of Rome they made choice to leave their places and depart The Clergy at home became also divided for Adamannus or Adamnanus a Bishop who had been Tutor to Eugenius the sixt being sent in Ambassage to Alfrid King of Northumberland fell in such a liking of the rites he saw there used as at his return he became an earnest perswader of his countreymen to receive them and prevailed with many Yet the Monks of Iona whose governor he had sometimes been did strongly oppose others that loved not to be contentious retired themselves among whom Disybodius and Levinus are said to have been two Disybodius going into Germany lived a Monk in the Abbey of Fulden many years Adamannus whom even now I named is much commended for the care he took to keep the Picts and Scots in peace which albeit he did not effect according to his desire for they were ever making incursions one against another yet so far he prevailed as during his life no publick war arose amongst them To bind the two people in friendship he was a means to make Eugenius the seventh take to wife Spondana daughter to Granard King of Picts but she not long after being killed as she lay in bed by two Athol men that had conspired to kill the King and were mistaken in the execution the friendship contracted had almost turned into deadly enmity because of a rumour that went that she was made away by the Kings knowledge The Picts complaining of the injury done to their bloud and many of the subjects apprehending it to be the Kings own fact he was forced with some indignity to his person to plead his innocency in a Parliament called to that purpose It happened that in the mean time the murtherers were discovered and taken
and by the punishment they suffered the Kings innocency was sufficiently cleared wherewith he not contented would needs be avenged of his subjects that had called his name in question This raised a great stirre and had doubtlesse burst forth in a civil war if Adamannus by his wisdom had not mitigated the King and wrought the subjects reconcilement Beda speaking of this Adamannus saith that he was Vir â—nitatis pacis studiosissimus a man most careful to preserve unity and peace And indeed he shewed as much for having the favour of the King although he stood divided in opinion from his brethren he never moved him to use his authority in these matters as easily he might have done judging as he did rightly uniformity to be a work of time and that constraint and violence are not the means to bring it to passe Chilianus or Kilianus a man of great learning taking a contrary course fell into the dislike of many for his too great forwardnesse in advancing the Romish ceremonies and out of indignation conceived against those that maligned him left his place betaking himself to travel with Câ—lonatus or Columbanus a Presbyter and Theotrianus a Deacon After a vâ—ew taken of England and France he took journey into Germany and coming to Herbipolis now called Wâ—rtsburg where one Gosbertus governed as Deputy to Theodorick king of France he was enformed that the Governour had lately taken Geilana his brothers widow to wife which he esteeming a great wickednesse and not to be endured where Christianity was professed he went to Rome and meaned the matter to Pope Conon who liking well the zeale of the man did consecrate him Bishop of Wirtsburg and sent him back thither At his return shewing the Governour what an unlawful match he had made he laboured earnestly to have him dimit Geilana and was in likelyhood to prevail whereupon the malicious woman having conduced some murtherers to make him away both he and his two companions were strangled in their Chambers and lest the fact should be disclosed their bodies books and vestments were all hidden under the ground But God who never suffereth murther to be long concealed brought the same shortly after to light by the means of one of her maids Whereupon Burchardus his successor made the corpses to be raised and laid in the great Church of the City with these verses appended nigh unto their Sepulcher Hi sunt Herbipolis qui te docuere Magistri Qua verum coleres religione Deum Impia quos tandem jussit Geilana necari CelavÃtque sub hunc corporacaesa locum Ne turpi sine laude situ defossa jacerent Corpora Burchardus sub monumenta locat But to proceed as it falleth out commonly at such times there were not a few that upon hope to raise their fortunes and gain preferment were after this still gadding to Rome Baronius telleth us in his Annals of two of our countreymen Wiro and Plechelmus that came to Rome to visit as he speaketh Limina Apostolorum Wiro he saith had been earnestly entreated to accept the charge of a Bishop but it being a custome in the Scottish Church first to elect their Bishops then to send them to Rome for seeking confirmation he took this occasion to visit the holy City But by the Cardinals leave our Church had no such custom before that time nor will it be shewed that before these two any did go to Rome either to be consecrated or confirmed They indeed obtained what they sought and were consecrated by Pope Honorius who used them with much respect that upon the report they should make others should be allured to keep the same course Wiro returning made an ample discourse of their entertainment and incited many to try the same way yet made no long stay at home for we finde him shortly after turn Confessor to King Pipin with whom he found such favour as he did build a Monastery in Franconia to the memory of St. Peter and retiring thither in his age did there end his days What became of Plechelmus I read not onely I finde both him and Wiro present at a Synod in Utrecht called by Pope Sergius in the year 697. and in the Records Plechelmus styled Episcopus candidae casae There came about the same time into Scotland an Italian named Bonifacius a grave and venerable person as he described and was judged by the vulgar sort to be the Pope some hath written that he was elected successour to Gregory the great but declined the charge out of a desire to promove religion in these Northern parts I rather think he came hither to confirm our acquaintance with the Romane Church As ever that was for the paines he took in preaching the Gospel and the Churches he erected in this Kingdom he deserveth of us an honourable remembrance For landing in the River of Tay at the mouth of a little water that divided the countreyes of Angus and Mermis he there built a Church to the memory of St. Peter the Apostle another not farre from thence he built at Telin and a third at Restennoth and having finished these works he did visit the countreys of Marre Bughan Murray and Bogieland preaching the Gospel whithersoever he came neither did he rest till he came to the countrey of Ross and choosing Rosmarkie for the place of his residence erected there a Church where after his death he was buried Molochus a learned Bishop of his countrey taking delight in his company followed him in all these ways and that he should not be separate from him in death gave order that he should be interred in the same Church and near unto Boniface for he out-lived him many years and died in the 94. of his age his bones were afterwards translated to Lismore in Argile because of his labours employed in reforming that Church Whether or not I should mention among these that Boniface who was by Gregory the second preferred to be Bishop of Mentz I know not so many writers affirming him to have been born in England but of what countrey soever he was none did ever adventure more for the Pope then he did for he is said to have brought the Bavarians Thuringians Hessians and a great part of Germany more to submit themselves in all matters Ecclesiastick to the See of Rome yet was he therein greatly opposed besides some Germanes by two of the Scottish Nation Clemens and Sampson who at the time remained in those parts These did openly in their Sermons inveigh against him as a corrupter of Christian doctrine charging him First for that he studied to winne men to the subjection of the Pope and not to the obedience of Christ. 2. That he laboured to establish a soveraign authority in the Pope his person as if he were onely the successour of the Apostles whereas all Bishops are their successours as well as he 3. That he went about the abolishing of Priests marriage and extolled
Chronology wherein he attained to such a perfection as he was accompted the only Chronologist in his dayes the Chronicle he wrote from the beginning of the world unto the year of Christ 1183. yet extant doth testifie no lesse He died at Mentz in the year 1186. and was buried in the Church of St Martin within the City and thus much for the learned men of our countrey that lived in the time of Turgot 13. Next after Turgot Godricus succeeded in the See of Saint Andrewes this Bishop did anoint King Edgar the son of Malcolme in the year 1098. after the manner of other Christian Princes which rite had not been formerly used in the Coronation of our Kings and as they write was obtained from Pope Urban the second at the request of Queen Margareâ— for the Popes of Rome having as then advanced themselves above Kings did take on them the conferring of these Ensignes of Majesty to whom and where they pleased This Edgar was a good King and greatly beloved of all his subjects The Abbey of Cauldingham which in former times had been a sanctuary of Virgins he gave to the Church of Duresme but upon the ungrate behaviour of Ranulph Bishop of that See a man noted of much corruption he recalled his gift and erected the same into a Priory Upon the death of Godricus King Alexander surnamed the Fierce sent to Radolph Archbishop of Canterbury to have his advice for the promoving of some worthy person unto the place and in his letters directed to that effect complained of the Archbishop of York his encroaching upon the Church of Scotland through the oversight of Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury that had given way to the consecration of some of the Bishops of Saint Andrews at York whereas in old times they were not wont to receive Consecration but either from the Bishop himself or from the Archbishop of Canterbury Therefore desired his assistance in redressing that abuse which he said he could not any longer tolerate Now this Radolph was at the same time in question with Thurstan the elect of York for his consecration to which by no means he would assent unlesse Thurstan would make profession of obedience to the See of Canterbury And about that was so much businesse made that Radolph though he was then both aged and sickly did undertake a journey to Rome to debate his right At his return which was some four years after so long did the See of Saint Andrews remain void the King sent to him Peter Prior of Dunfermlin and one of his own Gentlemen to congratulate his safe return and request that Eadmerus a Monk of Canterbury a man well reported of might be sent hither for filling the place Radolph knowing that Eadmerus had neither by himself nor by any other indirect meanes moved the businesse and so taking it to come of God howsoever it grieved him that the Church of Canterbury should lack the benefit of his service gave his consent and having obtained King Henry his licence without whose knowledge he would not have him go into a strange countrey sent him to Alexander with an ample recommendation in substance this We give unto God said he everlasting thanks for that it hath pleased him to open the eyes of your mind and make you know and seek that which you should and to your Highness self we esteem our selves greatly bound because of your friendly and familiar usage for albeit your desires tend to our hurt and are not lesse grievous to us then if you should pull out our eyes or cut off our right hand we cannot but commend your desire and so far as we may in God obey the same Therefore unwilling and yet willing we yield unto your will willing in so farre as we perceive it is Gods will which we dare not withstand nor will we in any thing willingly displease yet unwilling for that we are left alone and deprived of his fellowship who as a Father ministred unto us consolation in time of grief giving us sound advice in many perplexed cases and was to us a most helpful Brother in this our infirm and old age If any other should have required him of us we would no more have parted with him then with our own heart but there is nothing which in God we can deny you Thus we send unto you the person that you desired and so free as you may lay on him what charge you will so as it be to the honour of God and to the credit of the Mother Church of Canterbury Do therefore what you purpose wisely and remit him unto us with diligence to be consecrated because delay in that errand may breed impediments that we desire to eschew c. Eadmerus bringing with him this Commendatory letter was the third day after his coming elected Bishop by the Kings licence and with consent both of the Clergy and Laity but the next morning whilest the King conferred with him apart touching his consecration he began to magnifie the Church of Canterbury and the authority it had over all the Churches of Britain declaring that by his leave he would seek the Episcopal benediction from the Bishop and not receive it at the hands of any other which offended the King greatly for by no meanes could he endure to hear of this Churches subjection to the English Thereupon the Monks who had been trusted in the yeares preceding with the intromission of the rents were charged to uplift the same and to impede the elect his possession Yet within a few dayes the King going in an expedition against some rebels in the countrey of Ross by the intercession of Noblemen it was agreed that Eadmerus should receive the Ring out of the Kings hand and the Crosier being laid upon the Altar he should take up the same and that way be invested into the Bishoprick In this sort was he entered to his charge the Clergy and people accepting him for their Bishop Mean while Thurstan the Archbishop of York who was then beyond sea ceased not to solicit King Henry of England by his letters to impede the consecration for which effect three several messages were sent to King Alexander Eadmerus upon the distast the King had taken of him was not much respected which he perceiving and withall considering that the King being his unfriend his service could not be very profitable to the Church and Kingdome resolved to go unto Canterbury and seek the advice of his brethren and friends in those parts This signified to the King he said that the Bishop had nothing to do with Canterbury nor so long as he lived should any Bishop of Scotland professe subjection to that See Which being reported to the Bishop he replied in passion That not for the Bishoprick nay not for all Scotland would he deny himself to be a Monk of Canterbury Falling thus more and more in the dislike of the King and jarres daily
Countreymen Richardus de sancto Victore a Channon regular of the order of S. Angustine and David a Presbyter This David lived in Germany and was chosen by the Emperour Henry the fifth to accompany him in that expedition which he made to Italy against Pope Paschal the Story whereof he wrote as likewise a Treatise de regno Scotorum both which are perished Richardus was a professor of Divinity at Paris in the Abbey of S. Victor a great Philosopher and left many books that witnesse his learning the Titles whereof you may read in Baleus He died in the same Abbey and was buried with this Epitaph Moribus ingenio doctrina clarus arte Pulvereo hîc tegeris docte Richarde situ Quem tellus genuit foelici Scotica partu Te fovet in gremio Gallica terra suo Nil tibi Parca ferox nocuit quae stamina parco Tempore tracta gravirupit acerba manu Plurima namque tui super ant monumenta laboris Qua tibi perpetuam sunt paritura decus Segnior ut lento sceler atas mors pelit aedes Sic propero nimis it sub piatecta gradu 16. Bishop Robert deceasing Walthemius Abbot of Melrosse was earnestly entreated to accept the Charge but would not forsake the Monastery saying That he had washed his feet and could not contaminate them again with the dust of earthly cares Whereupon Arnold Abbot of Kelso was elected and in presence of King Malcolm the fourth consecrated by William Bishop of Murray This Bishop had been the year preceding directed to Rome with one Nicholaus the Kings Secretary to complain of the Archbishop of York his usurpation upon the Church of Scotland and being then returned carried himself as Legate to the Pope which power he resigned to Arnold after his Consecration as he was enjoyned by Engenius the third who then held the Chair In a Convention of the Estates kept the same year Arnold did earnestly insist with the King to make choice of a wise for assuring the royall succession and to that effect made a long speech in the hearing of the Estates but the King had taken a resolution to live single and would not be diverted Edward Bishop of Aberdene was much blamed for confirming him in that course and for that cause hated of many The Cathedrall of S. Andrews a fair and stately Church whilest it stood was founded by this Arnold but before the work was raised to any height he died having sate Bishop one year ten moneths and seventeen days onely 17. Upon Arnold his death the King did recommend his Chaplain Richard to the place who was immediately elected by the Convent but not consecrated for the space of two years after because of the Archbishop of York his pretensions One Roger held at that time the See of York a man ambitious beyond all measure who from being Archdeacon of Canterbury was by the means of the Archbishop Thomas Becket preferred to that place no sooner was he advanced but he procured of Pope Anastasius the fourth a Bull whereby he was designed Metropolitane of Scotland but the King and the Clergy notwithstanding the Popes authority was in those days greatly respected refused to acknowledge him Anastasius dying by whom the Archbishop Roger was maintained the Prelates of Scotland did convene and by themselves performed the Consecration Roger incensed herewith sent to Rome and complaining of this contempt found the favour to be made Legate of Scotland by vertue whereof he caused cite all the Scottish Clergy to appear before him at Norham in England whither he came in great pomp Angelramus Archdeacon of Glasgow accompanied with Walter Prior of Kelso Solomon Dean of Glasgow and some others of the Clergy went and kept the Diet and in the name of the Church of Scotland appealing to the Pope took journey to Rome Where the business being debated before Pope Alexander the third sentence was given against Roger his pretended Legation and the Church of Scotland declared to be exempted from all spirituall Jurisdiction the Apostolique See only excepted This exemption Angelramus who in the mean time was promoted to the See of Glasgow by the death of Bishop Herbert and consecrated at Rome brought back and presented to the King The Bull is yet extant and begins thus Alexander P. servus servorum Dei Malcolmo Regi c. A few days after the Bishops return King Malcolm died at Iedbrough in the 25. year of his age and 12. of his reign a sweet and meek Prince uncourteously used by King Henry the second King of England but more rudely by his own Subjects This Henry by nature ambitious and one that could not keep himself within bounds took many ways to wrong this good King and make him despised of his own people yet for that he had sworn to King David Malcolms Grandfather that he should never molest him nor any of his posterity in the possession of the lands they held in England and could not for shame go against his oath he stirred up the Bishop of York to place a Bishop at Carlile thinking the King of Scots would not endure that wrong Iohn Bishop of Glasgow under whose charge the Countrey of Cumberland then was did exceedingly offend with this and finding that the King would not break with Henry for so little a cause nor seeing a way to repair himself abandoned his charge and went unto the Monastery of Tours in France where he abode till he was forced by the Popes authority to return King Henry finding this injury dissembled went afterwards more plainly to work for having desired Malcolm to come to London to do homage for the lands he held in England he compelled him to follow him in the Warre he made upon France thinking thereby to alienate the minde of the French King from the Scots Again when he had returned home inviting him of new to a Parliament kept at York upon a forged quarrell as if he had crossed King Henry his affairs in France he was declared to have lost all his lands in England And not content to have wronged him in this sort to stir up his own Subjects against him made the report goe that King Malcolm had voluntarily resigned all those lands Which did so irritate the Nobles as presently after his return putting themselves in Arms they did besiege the Town of Bertha where the King remained and had not failed to use violence but that by the intercession of some wise Prelates matters were composed The Nobility being grieved to see the King so abused did urge him to denounce warre but he loving rather to have matters peaceably agreed was content to accept Cumberland and Huntington and suffer Northumberland to goe to King Henry This displeased the Subjects and diminished much of the regard that was formerly carried to him which he took greatly to heart and shortly after died as was thought of displeasure The good King being thus taken away
his brother William succeeded in the year 1165. The first thing he undertook was the repetition of Northumberland for which Ambassadours were sent to King Henry His answer was That he should have right done him at his coming to London after he had performed his homage for the Countries he held in England King William taking journey thither with David his younger brother found the King at his Easter in VVindsore where insisting for the restitution of Northumberland he had many good words given him and promise made that at the meeting of the Parliament a course should be taken to his content In this hope he followed King Henry going then in expedition to France and staid there with him some moneths but when he perceived the King was not shortly to return unto England and that he was sed onely with fair promises he took his leave and came home Presently after his return he sent an Herald to denounce warre unlesse Northumberland were restored King Henry being then ingaged in the French warres and not willing to make himself more businesse was content to quit that part of Northumberland which King VVilliam his great Grandfather had possessed Yet suddenly forethinking what he had done he stirred up underhand those that lived in the Borders to make incursions upon the Scots This being complained and no redresse made King VVilliam raised an Army and went into England and at Anwick as he was taking the aire suspecting no Enemy to be at hand he was surprised by some English and sent Prisoner to King Henry in France who put him in the Castle of Calice in Picardie where he was some moneths detained A great dysaster this was and how grievous to the whole State may appear by the Articles condescended upon for obtaining his liberty which were 1. That for his redemption there should be paid one hundred thousand pounds sterling money the one half in hand the other half after a short time and for assurance thereof the Counties of Cumberland Huntington and Northumberland be morgaged to King Henry 2. That the Scots should move no warre against England for retention of these Counties 3. And for the more security the Castles of Roxburgh Berwick Edinburgh and Sterling should be delivered to the King of England or unto such as he should appoint to receive the same Hollinshed setteth down other Conditions besides these as That the King of Scots should acknowledge the King of England for his supreme Lord That the Prelates of Scotland and their successors should be subject to the Church of England And that the Lords and Barons of Scotland should swear fealty to the King of England and his successours which are meer forgeries it being certain that the Scots howsoever they loved their King and for his liberty would not refuse to undergoe very hard conditions yet would never have renounced their liberties maintained so long and with so much blood and yeelded themselves in any case to such a slavish subjection Always the agreement concluded in Normandy the 8. of December 1175. by Richard Bishop of S. Andrews and divers Noblemen sent thither to treat in that businesse was at August thereafter confirmed in York by both Kings all the Bishops Abbots and Nobility almost of Scotland being present In Ianuary thereafter at a meeting in Norham where King VVilliam was also in person the King of England dealt earnestly to have the Clergy of Scotland accept the Archbishop of York for their Metropolitane but they pâ—etending the absence of many of their number and the want of the inferiour Clergies consent deferred to give any answer at that time The next year the same matter was renued and followed earnestly by a Legate sent from the Pope with Commission to reform the abuses he should finde in the Churches both in England and Scotland This Legate called Hugo and styled Cardinall de sancto Angelo having sent his Apparitors with a citation to the Bishops of Scotland for their appearing before him at a certain day in Northampton they went thither with a great number of their Clergy The Assembly being met and all ranked in their places the Cardinall who had his seat somewhat higher then the rest made a long speech in commendation of humility and obedience shewing what excellent Virtues these were and how much to be desired of men of spirituall profession whereof when he talked a while he came in end to perswade the Clergy of Scotland to submit themselves to the Primate of York which he said was a thing very convenient for them and would turn greatly to their ease and commodity for having no Superiour amongst themselves nor Metropolitane to decide Controversies that possibly might happen there could none be fitter then their neighbour the Archbishop of York a Prelate of great respect and one whose credit in the Court of Rome might serve them to good use therefore besought them to lay aside all grudges and emulations and dispose themselves to live in all times after as members of one and the same Church The Bishops who feared to offend the Legate made no answer and after a long silence a young Chanon named Gilbert rose up and spake to this effect The Church of Scotland ever since the faith of Christ was embraced in that Kingdome hath been a free and independent Church subject to none but the Bishop of Rome whose authority we refuse not to acknowledge To admit any other for our Metropolitane especially the Archbishop of York we neither can nor will for notwithstanding the present peace which we wish may long continue warres may break up betwixt the two Kingdomes and if it shall fall out so neither shall he be able to discharge any duty amongst us nor can we safely and without suspicion resort to him For the controversies which you my Lord Cardinall say may arise amongst our selves we have learned and wise Prelates who can determine the same and if they should be deficient in their duties we have a good and religious King who is able to keep all things in frame and order so as we have no necessity of any stranger to be set over us And I cannot think that either his Holinesse hath forgotten or you my Lord that are his Legate can be ignorant of the late exemption granted unto Malcolm our last King since the grant whereof we have done nothing which may make us seem unworthy of that favour Wherefore in the name of all the Scotish Church we doe humbly entreat the preservation of our ancient liberberties and that we be not brought under subjection to our enemies These speeches he delivered with an extraordnary grace and in so passionate a manner that all the hearers were exceedingly moved the English themselves commending his courage and the affection he shewed to his Country But the Archbishop of York who looked not for such opposition called the young Chanon to come unto him and laying his hand
upon his head said Ex tua pharetra nunquam venit ista sagitta meaning that he was set on to speak by some others of greater note So the Legate perceiving that the businesse would not work and that the opposition was like to grow greater he brake up the Assembly After which the Prelates returning home were universally welcomed but above the rest the Chanon Gilbert was in the mouthes of all men and judged worthy of a good preferment and soon after was promoved to the Bishoprâ—ck of Cathenes and made Chancellor of the Kingdome The year following one Vibianus a Cardinal titulo sancti Stephani in monte Caelio came into Scotland in shew to reform abuses and do some good to the Church but in effect to extort moneys from Churchmen For at this time it was grown to be an ordinary trick of the Popes when they stood in need of moneys to send forth their Legates unto all Countreys sometimes under a colour of reforming abuses sometimes for the recovering of the Holy land and sometimes upon other pretexts This Cardinall having stayed a while in Scotland took his journey into Ireland and in his return would needs make a new visit of this Church for which effect he convened the Clergy at Edinburgh in the moneth of August and established divers Canons which the Clergy esteeming prejudiciall to their liberties did incontinent after he was gone revoke and disannull but what these Canons were our Writers do not remember 18. It was a fatall year this to many of our Churchmen both Bishops and Abbots amongst others Richard Bishop of S. Andrews deceasing King William recommended Hugo one of his Chaplains whom he much favoured to the Convent But they taking another course made choice of the Archdeacon Iohn Scot who was an English born The King displeased therewith did swear by the Arm of S. Iamesâ—this â—this was his ordinary oath that so long as he lived Scot should never enjoy that place So he sent a Command unto the Chanons to make a new election appointing Ioceline Bishop of Glasgow their assistant and thus was Hugo his Chaplain elected The Archdeacon appealed to Rome and going thither complained of the wrong done to the Church entreating the Pope for redresse Hereupon Alexius Subdean of the Romane See was dispatched to try and examine the cause At first the King made difficulty to admit him but afterwards yeelding the two elections being tried by the Legate sentence was given for the first and Iocelin Bishop of Glasgow with the rest of the Clergy that assisted the second excommunicated This done the Legate called an Assembly of the Bishops Abbots and whole Clergy at Haliroudhouse and made Matthew Bishop of Aberdene publickly to consecrate the Archdeacon upon Trinity Sunday 1178. He not the lesse fearing the Kings displeasure left the Realm and went to Rome where he was honourably entertained by Pope Lucius the third who sent Letters to the King and admonished him not to usurp upon the Church and to remit the Bishop who was lawfully elected and consecrated to enjoy his place with quietnesse This Letter the Story saith was conceived in milde terms for the Pope feared to incense the King lest he should follow the ensample of his Cousin Henry King of England that some 8. years before had made away Thomas Becket Bishop of Canterbury for his obstinate and wilfull opposition in some matters not unlike yet the King nothing moved with the Letter to make his displeasure the better known did confiscate all the revenues pertaining to the See of S. Andrews and banished those whom he understood to favour the Bishops cause The Pope advertised hereof resolved to put the Realm under Interdiction But the Bishop prostrating himself at his feet besought him not to use any such rigour saying That he would much rather renounce his dignity then have so many Christian souls for ought that concerned him defrauded of spirituall benefits The Pope highly commending the goodnesse and patience of the Bishop held him from that time forth in more regard and at his request forbare the Interdiction Mean while it happened that VValter Bishop of Dunkeld departed this life whereupon the King taking occasion sent to recall the Bishop with offers of great kindenesse protesting that if it had not been for the oath he rashly made he would willingly have contented to his enjoying of the See of S. Andrews But seeing it did touch him in Honour and Conscience as he esteemed to be yeelding thereto he requested the Bishop to accept the Benefice of Dunkeld which was then fallen void and was in value not much inferiour to the other This the Bishop communicated to the Pope who desired to have the matter quieted advised him to return and accept the offer Thus was the Archdeacon by the Popes consent preferred to Dunkeld having the rents of the Archdeaconry reserved to him during his life in recompence of his losses Hugo this way coming to be possessed Andrews took journey to Rome that he might be reconciled to the Pope and being absolved for his intrusion in his return died some six miles from the City of Rome the 6. of August 1188. ten years and ten moneths after his election At this time newes was brought from the East of the prevailing of Sultan Saladine of Egypt against the Christians in the Holy land which moved Philip the second of France and Henry King of England to undertake the recovery of the Holy land and to employ all their credit and means as well in their own countreys as with other Christian Princes their neighbours for the furtherance of that enterprise To befray the charges of the voyage both Kings by consent of their Clergy and Nobles ordained that all their subjects both Clergy and Laity such excepted as went in the voyage should pay the tenth of all their moveables either in gold or silver King Henry having laid this imposition upon his subjects at home sent Hugh Pusar then Bishop of Duresme with other Commissioners to collect the tenths of the Clergy and Laity in this kingdom which the King and States interpreting to be an encroachment upon their liberties would not permit yet for advancing that holy action they did offer a supply of 5000. Marks sterling which King Henry refused but the enterprise upon a quarel that arose betwixt the Kings of France and England was at that time dashed and so the collection was no further urged King Henry a little after this ended his life and Richard his son who succeeded resolving to pursue the action of the holy Warre to assure the King of Scotland who he feared would take some advantage in his absence restored all the Castles which were delivered to King Henry his Father and released him and his posterity of all Covenants made and confirmed by Charter unto King Henry as extorted from him being then his prisoner reserving only such
rights to himself as had been and were to be performed by Malcolme his brother to his Ancestors Kings of England King William to requite his kindnesse gave unto Richard ten thousand Marks sterling and caused his brother David to whom he resigned the Earldom of Huntington go in company with him There went under his charge 500. Gentlemen who were all in their return cast away by a tempest at sea only the Earl himself having his ship driven upon the coast of Egypt was taken prisoner and led to Alexandria where being redeemed by some Venetians he was brought to Constantinople and freed by an English Merchant in the City that had known him in former times From thence he returned safe unto his countrey the fourth year after his setting forth to the great joy and contentment of the King his brother who took him to be lost The part where he arrived being as Boethius writeth before that time called Alectum had the name changed and upon that occasion was called Dei donum But the opinion of Buchannan is more probable that the Town now called Dundy is a compound word of Down and Tay. As ever this was the Town there situated received many priviledges of King William at that time for his brothers happy arrival which to this day they enjoy Likewise in memory thereof was the Abbey of Lundors founded for the Benedictine Monks and divers lands gifted thereto by the King and the Earl his brother The King of England after many distresses being returned home King William to congratulate his safety went into England where he contracted a great sickness the rumour whereof being dispersed and his death much suspected gave occasion of divers insolencies at home amongst others Herald Earl of Orkney and Cathnes upon a malice conceived against the Bishop of that countrey who as he alledged had impeded the grant of some thing he demanded of the King took him prisoner put out his eyes and cut forth his tongue This inhumanity the King at his return punished most severely for the Earl being apprehended and brought to his trial had his eyes in like sort pulled out and was thereafter publickly strangled by the hands of the hangman all his male children being gelded to extinguish his succession His kinsmen and others accounted accessors to the fact for not rescuing the Bishop were fined in great summes of money This exemplary justice reported to Pope Innocent the third he sent unto the King by his Legate Ioannes Cardinalis de monte Celio a sword richly set with precious stones a purple hat in from of a diadem and a large Bull of priviledges whereby the Church of Scotland was exempted from all Ecclesiastical censures the Pope himself and his Legate à latere only excepted It was also declared That it should not be lawful to any to excommunicate the King and his successors or yet to interdict the kingdom but the Pope or his Legate and that no stranger should exercise any legation within the Realm except a Cardinal or such a one as the Conclave did appoint This Bull is yet extant and beginneth thus Innocentius Episcopus servus servorum Dei charissimo filio Gulielmo illustri Scotorum Regi eâ—usque successoribus This Cardinal before his departing forth of the Realm kept a Convocation of the Clergy at Perth in which all the Priests were deposed who were found to have taken Orders upon Sunday The Abbot of Dunfermlin called Robert was removed from his place the cause whereof is not mentioned and one Patrick Superiour of Durâ—sme appointed Abbot in his stead In this convention also it was decreed That every Saturday from twelve of the clock should be kept as holy day and that all people at the sound of the Bell should addresse themselves to hear service and abstain from all handy work until Munday morning After this meeting he took journey into Ireland taking with him Radolph Abbot of Melrosse a man of good respect whom he preferred to the Bishoprick of Down which at his coming thither happened to fall void Bishop Hugo dying Roger son to the Earl of Leicester succeeded he had been Chancellour to the King and at his election to the Bishoprick resigned the office to one of the King his Chaplaines For in those dayes the office of a Chancellor was not in that reputation to which afterwards it grew in some old Records I find at one time two officers in that kinde the one called Cancellarius Regis the other Cancellarius regni but which of the two was in greatest dignity I know not nor in what their charge did differ only my conjecture is that he who is now the writer of the Great Seal and is called The director to the Chancellary was then styled Cancellarius Regis But remitting this to others of greater skill Ten years this Roger stood elect and was not consecrated before the year of God 1198. at which time Richard Bishop of Murray performed the ceremony the reason of the delay is not mentioned by writers four years only he lived after his consecration and died at Combuskenneth the ninth of Iuly 1202. his corps with great solemnity convoyed to Saint Andrews was interred in the old Church of Saint Rewle 20. William Malvoisin Bishop of Glasgow a Frenchman born was after the death of Roger by the Kings recommendation translated to S. Andrews a man of singular wisdome and courage he lived a long time for he sate Bishop after his translation 35. years and governed the Church most happily The rents alienated by his predecessors or lost by their negligence he recovered to his See advanced the fabrick of the Church which was then a building more then any that went before him and suffered no man of what quality soever he was to usurp upon the Church or possessions of it Some years after his translation King William died at Striveling to the great regret of all men especially those of the Clergy to whom he had been very beneficial for besides the Abbey of Aberbrothock which he founded to the memory of Thomas Becket then generally held to be a Martyr and Saint he gave divers lands to the See of Argyle which had been in his time erected and to the Monasteries of Newbottle Halyrudhouse and Dunfermlin many richgifts as likewise for the Trinity Monks of Aberdene an Order lately invented and then confirmed by Innocentius the third he made a competent provision Never were the funerals of any of our Kings performed with greater solemnity All the Prelates and Nobles of the kingdome attending the corps from Striveling to Aberbrothock where he had appointed his body to be buried There they continued 14. dayes spending that time in the devotions accustomed and before their parting by a common consent ordained that for a year thereafter no publick playes nor feasts should be made in any part of the kingdom such
force and credit of the spiritual Ministery and were upheld by the Popes whose designes they studied especially to advance The King who looked no further then the devout profession they made gave them all a kinde reception and to the Monks Vallis umbrosae he erected a Monastery in Pluscardy within the countrey of Murray In the countrey of Rosse the Lord Bisset founded Beawly for Monks of the same order And one Maccolloch a man of great wealth did found the Priory of Archatton in Lorne About the same time did Ada or Adhama Grandmother to the King found the Abbey of Haddington for consecrated Virgins The like was erected at Northberwick by Malcolm Earle of Fife who also founded the Abbey of Culrosse for the Cistercian Monks Dornagilla the daughter of Allan Lord of Galloway erected for the same order a Monastery at New Abbey and by a rare example Gilbert Earl of Strathern having divided his inhereitance in three parts gave one third thereof to the See of Dumblane and another to the Abbey of Inchaffray reserving to himself and his heires a third onely of the whole Shortly after in the year 1327. died William Malvoisin at Inchmurtach and as he himself had directed was buried in the new Church of S. Andrewes 21. Galfrid Bishop of Dunkeld being earnestly desired both of the Clergy and Laity the King would not permit his translation so David Benham Chamberlain to the King was elected and on S. Vincents day in the year 1238. consecrated by William Bishop of Glasgow Gilbert Bishop of Cathnes and Clement Bishop of Dumblane This Bishop kept a severe hand over the Clergy especially the Monks and others that lived in religious Orders and calling an assembly by the Kings consent at Perth in the 1242. where the King himself with divers of the Nobility did assist made many good Constitutions as well for reformation of abuses as for securing of Clergy men in their possessions and rights In his time fell out great troubles betwixt the Emperour Frederick the second and Pope Gregory the ninth for which a generall Councell was called by the said Gregory at Rome and thither were summoned all the Bishops of Christendome The pretext was the relief of the Holy land which at that time was in great distresse but Frederick apprehending the intention to be against himself resolved to hinder the meeting of the Councell and having belayed the ways made the Bishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow prisoners as they travelled through Germany Upon their promise to return home they were afterwards set at liberty not the lesse they sent their procurations thither by some religious persons who took another way but the Councell held not because of the Popes death that intervened Some few years after this King Alexander deceased at Carnire in the West Isles and as he had appointed was interred in the Abbey Church of Melrosse with an Inscription according to the rudenesse of the time yet such as shewed how greatly he was beloved of his Subjects Ecclesiae clypeus pax plebis dux miserorum Rex rectus rigidus sapiens consultus honestus Rex pius Rex fortis Rex optimus Rex opulentus Nominis istius ipse secundus erat Annis ter denis quinis Rex fuit ipse Insula quae Carneri dicitur hunc rapuit Spiritus alta petit Celestibus associatus Sed Melrossensis ossa sepulta tenet His son Alexander the third by Maria the daughter of Sir Ingram de Consey for his first wife died without children succeded and was crowned of eight years old at the age of ten years he was married to Margaret the daughter of Henry the third of England The marriage being solemnized at York and the Bishop of Saint Andrews sent thither with others of the Nobility to see all things duly performed fell there in a Feaver and departed this life on the first of May 1251. his Corps brought from thence was buried in the Abbey Church of Kelsoe some thirteen years and three moneths after his Consecration 22. The Prior and Chanons convening to elect a new Bishop did all give their voices to Robert Sutevile Dean of Dunkeld a man of great virtue and learning but this election took no effect Abel Archdean of S. Andrews by the favour of some that ruled the Court having procured an inhibition to the Bishop to proceed in the Consecration with a Mandate to the Chanons to make a new election The Chapter refusing made their appeal to Rome and Abell posting thither by the bribes he bestowed in that Court got himself preferred and was Consecrated by Pope Innocentius the fourth At his return to be revenged of the Prior and Chanons he behaved himself well insolently calling them in question for every light occasion and censuring them with great rigour whereupon he became extremely hated They write of him that in a vain-glorious humour as he was walking in his Church one day he did with a little Chalk draw this line upon the gate of the Church Haec mihi sunt tria Lex Canon Philosophia Bragging of his knowledge and skill in those professions and that going to Church the next day he found another line drawn beneath the former which said Te levant absque tria fraus favor vanasophia This did so gall him as taking bed he died within a few days having sate Bishop ten moneths and two days only 23. After Abels death Gamelinus was elected to govern the See and by a warrant from Rome was consecrated on S. Stephens day in the year 1255. Two years he stood elect his consecration being stayed by the Rulers of the Court who had sent also to Rome for cassing his election A time this was such as usually falleth out in the minority of Princes full of choppings and changes Under the last King the Cummings had ruled all publick business for they were of great power the Earls of Monteth Bughaâ— Athol and Marre being all of that name besides thirty two Barons and Knights Robert Abbot of Dunfermlin Chancellor of the Kingdome for the time enclining to their course had legitimated a base sister of the Kings who was married to one Allan Dooroward and for the same was put from his place Gamelinus being preferred thereto but he enjoyed the same a short space for upon some discontents he was likewise thrust out and Richard Bishop of Dunkeld made Chancellor This made the Court to oppose Gamelinus his election not the lesse he prevailed by his gifts at Rome and procured a warrant to VVilliam Bishop of Glasgow to proceed to his Consecration The Court highly displeased at this there fell out another occasion which did greatly incense them against him a Knight called Sir Iohn Dinmure for some oppressions committed upon the Prior of S. Andrews was excommunicated he complaining to the King obtained by Moyen a command to Gamelinus to absolve him who simply refused unless
satisfaction was made for the offence and because no redresse was offered a new intimation was made of his cursing through the whole Province This the King and the Court took so ill as forthwith a messenger was sent to charge the Bishop to depart forth of the Realm which as he was preparing to obey the news of a Legate sent from Rome into England made the Court take a more moderate course fearing the consequence of so rigorous a proceeding This Legate called Ottobon being employed for pacifying the troubles raised betwixt the King of England and his Barons did summon the Clergy of Scotland to appear before him by their Commissioners and to bring with them a Collection of four Marks for every Parish within the Realm and six Marks for every Cathedrall Church The Clergy meaning themselves to the King he did prohibit any such Contribution and sent his Chancellour to the Bishop of Dunkeld and Robert Bishop of Dumblane partly to declare the reasons of his prohibition and partly to observe the proceedings of the Legate with these of England At their return some Acts were shewed which the Legate had set down to be observed by the Clergy all which they rejected saying That they would acknowledge no Statutes but such as proceeded either from the â—ope or from a Generall Councell Ottobon was not well gone when another Legate named Rustaneus was sent to demand a tenth of all the Church rents within the Kingdome for advancing the journey of King Henries son who had undertaken the holy Warre at the solicitation of Ottobon but this seeming to crosse the liberties granted by former Popes unto the Church and it being notorious that the Pope was to employ the moneys to other ends for he was then warring against Manfred King of Naples and Sicily therefore the same was denied and Rustane prohibited to enter into the Realm The King not the lesse in token of his affection sent to the Pope 100. Marks sterling and for the furtherance of the holy Warre did levy 1000. men which he sent to Lewes the French King who had determined to adventure himself of new against the Infidels under the charge of the Earls of Atholl and Carrick All these dyed in that Warre partly of the plague as did Lewes himself and partly by the sword of the Enemy In this Bishops time the Carmelite Friers came into Scotland and had a dwelling assigned them at Perth by Richard Bishop of Dunkeld The Crosse-Church at Peblis was at that same time built and endowed by the King with large Revenews The reason why this Church was erected was a Crosse as they write found in that place enclosed in a little Shrine on which the name of Nicolaus a Bishop was written The Church was dedicated with many pompous Ceremonies divers Prelates being present amongst whom was Gamelinus who at his return home was taken with a Palsie and died in Inchmurtach having sate Bishop 16. years his Corps was laid in the new Church of S. Andrews nigh to the high Altar 24. William Wishart elect of Glasgow was upon the death of Gamelinus preferred to S. Andrews Pope Urban the fourth had not long before ordained That every Bishop and Abbot elect should travell to Rome for Consecration but the Papacy then vacant by reason of a Schism that continued two years and nine moneths after the death of Clement the fourth he was unwilling to goe thither four other Prelates being kept there depending at the same time William elect of Brichen Matthew elect of Rosse Nicoll elect of Cathnes and Hugh Benham elect of Abredene The elect of Brichen died at Rome Aberdene and Rosse were consecrated by Gregory the tenth upon the ending of the schisme at Viturbium Nicoll was rejected and the Chapter of Cathnes appointed to make a new election The Agents that Wishart sent for licence to be consecrated were detained a long time and had returned without effectuating their errand if Edward the first of England who coming from the Holy land was then at Rome had not by his intercession prevailed with the Pope and obtained licence for the consecration which was performed at Scone in the year 1274. in the presence of the King and divers of his Nobles At the same time William Fraser Dean of Glasgow was preferred to be Chancellour The Pope shortly after this having convocated a Councell at Lyons caused cite all the Prelates thereto to this effect a meeting of the Clergy was kept at perth where it was concluded that the Bishops Dunkeld and Murray onely excepted should addresse themselves to the journey and be at Lyons before the first of May. Hopes were given of great reformation to be made in that Councel especially of the Orders of Mendicants who were mightily increased and grown to the highest of depravation The Councel was frequent there being present as my Authour saith two Patriarchs fifteen Cardinals five hundred Bishops and a thousand other mitred Prelates besides the King of France and the Emperour of Greece and many other Princes The first proposition was for the holy warre and concerning it the Councel decreed That a tenth of all the Benefices in Christendome the priviledged Churches not excepted should be paid for six yeares That all Penitentiaries and Confessors should urge offendors to assist that holy businesse with their wealth and riches and that every Christian without exception of sex or quality should pay a yearly penny during that space under pain of excommunication For remedying abuses in the Church the Councel ordained 1. That no procurations should be paid to Bishops or Archdeacons unlesse they did visit the Churches in their own persons 2. That no Churchman should possesse more Benefices then one and should make his residence at the Church he retained 3. That without the Popes licence no Clergy should answer the impositions which might happen to be laid upon them by Princes or States 4. That the Mendicants should be reduced to four orders the Minorites the Predicants Carmelites and Heremites of S. Augustine who should continue in their present state untill the Pope should otherwise think good And 5. a geneprohibition was made to advise or admit any new orders besides those which the Councel had allowed Some other Acts of lesse moment were passed whereof the extract under the hands of the publick notaries of the Councel was sent to this Church but all these statutes turned in a short time to smoke pluralities being of new dispensed with with the clause of Non obstante which then first came in use The orders of the Friers and Monks restored one by one as first the Cistertian Monks who redeemed their order by the paiment of 500000. Marks then the Bernardines with the summe of 600000. Crownes the other Orders made in little sort their Compositions Whereby it appeared that the statutes there enacted were only devised to raise summes of
who then ruled that See moved with their prayers sent immediately to Edward and desired him forbear any further proceeding against the Scots alledging with a strange impudence the Soveraignty of Scotland to belong unto the Church The Commissioners nothing pleased with the Popes claim did notwithstanding forbear to take notice of it lest they should make him also their enemy To the same purpose did the Pope write letters to Robert Winchelsey then Archbishop of Canterbury willing him to deal with the King for setling the Bishops of Glasgow and Isles at liberty and the submitting of all controversies between him and the Scots to the judgement of the Apostolick See Kings Edwards answer to the Popes letter was That from all antiquity the direct and superiour dominion of Scotland did appertain to the Kingdome of England even from Brutus unto his own time That it was never yet heard that the Kingdome of Scotland belonged to the Church nor did he think the Scots would confesse so much And that if he should yield to his desire he would unquiet his own Kingdome and draw upon himself the hatred of his subjects which he knew his Holiness would not wish Therefore prayed him to hold him excused and to be perswaded of his affection to the See Apostolick He moved likewise his Nobility who were then met in Parliament at Linclne to write to the Pope to the same effect Albeit somewhat more roundly they told him That the King their Lord ought not to undergoe his judgement in matters of that kinde neither send his Procurators about that business as he had been required seeing that was to call in doubt their Kings title to the prejudice of his Crown the royal dignity the liberties customes and laws of England which by their oath they were bound to observe and would defend with their lives Nor would they permit the King although he would in any way to attempt the same Wherefore they besought his Holiliness to meddle no more in that matter The Pope having his hands full otherwise at the time did upon this dimit the Scottish Commissioners who had made a long stay at Rome with great promises of favour when he should see it to be convenient The supplication directed to the Pope is by some of our Writers said to be sent after King Edwards second expedition into Scotland but I rather think it was at the first Whilest these things were a doing William VVallace a Gentleman well descened but of no great estate began to shew himselfe and gathering out of a desire to free his countrey from the subjection of England a company of such as would adventure with him effected things beyond all expectation for he slew Sir Hugh Cressingham who was left Governour of the Realme recovered most of the strengths and Castles wonne again the Town of Berwick expulsed the English Clergy that had planted themselves in the kingdome and if he had not been hindered by his own countreymen had made his victory absolute King Edward being all that time in Flanders and informed at his return to England of the distractions amongst the Scots themselves fell of new upon them and after a sore defeat given them at Falkirk called a Parlament at S. Andrewes where all the Earls and Barons did again swear obedience unto him not one of any note VVallace excepted standing out in the whole kingdome And now did the State seem to be wholly ruined for Edward intending to make sure his conquest led away captive all that had the least ability to stirre and to extinguish if it had been possible the very memory of the Nation he abolished all the ancient Lawes of Scotland traduced the Ecclesiastical râ—ites to the form of England destroyed the antique monuments erected either by the Romanes or by their own progentitors burnt all the Registers with that famous Library of Restennoth wherein besides many other volumes were reserved the books which King Fergus the second brought with him from Rome removed the Marble Chaire in which as the vulgar believed the fate of the kingdome did consist and to be short left nothing which might incite generous spirits to remember their former fortunes or encourage them in any sort to vertue and worthinesse The Bishop of S. Andrewes who then remained at Artevile in France upon the report of this pitiful vastation did contract such a melancholy as within a few dayes he died his body was interred at the Predicants Church at Paris and his heart brought into Scotland and entombed by Lamberton his successour in the wall of the Church of S. Andrewes nigh to the sepulcher of Gamelinus He was a man careful of the Church and sought by all means to better the estate thereof At his first admission to the See he purchased the Priory of May from the Abbot of Reading in England which he gave afterwards to the Prior and Chanons and had he falled in peaceable times would have performed many good works 26. William Lamberton Parson of Campsey and Chancellour of the Church of Glasgow was then preferred to the place This man after the Bishop of Glasgow was sent prisoner to London made his own peace with King Edward and sware fealty unto him which was the thing that wrought his advancement yet the Culdees who claimed a chief voice in the election of the Bishop withstood him mightily at the first Before the Abbey was founded the Culdees were the onely electors of the Bishop afterwards being excluded by a Bull of Pope Innocent the second the election was committed to the Prior and Chanons whereupon arose a great controversie amongst them which by the authority of good King David was agreed in these times that so many of the Culdees as would become Chanons and enter in the Monastery should have voice with them But to elude this appointment a Mandat was procured from the Pope to admit none in the Convent without the advice of the Prior and most part of the Chanons by which means the Culdees were kept out and deprived quite of all voice in the election William Comin their Provost supposing to get some advantage of the Prior in these troublesome times did strongly oppose Lambertons election and the matter by an appeal drawn to the Consistory of Rome they both went thither to debate their rights in end Lamberton prevailed and was consecrated by Pope Boniface in Iune 1298. This turned so to the disgrace of the Culdees as after this time we hear no more of them the name and Order being by little and little quite extinguished About the same time were the Templars otherwise called the Red-friers made away an Order instituted by Baldwinâ— King of Ierusalem some 200. years before for the defence of that city and the safe conveying of all such as travelled thither by the pious liberality of Princes and others well affected they were in a short time greatly enriched and for their wealth
much kindnesse of this Gregory at Tholouse in the year 1527. and saith that he died in that City having left divers monuments of his ingenie to the posterity the Catalogue whereof you may see in the place With this I shall joyn another not for any commendation of his learning for he had none nor for his good qualities which were as few but for strange and extraordinary things seen in him which in the time ministred occasion of great talk and wondring to many This man named Iohn Scot having succumbed in a plea at law and knowing himself unable to pay that wherein he was adjudged took sanctuary in the Abbey of Halirudhouse where out of a deep displeasure he abstained from all meat and drink the space of 30 or 40 dayes together Publick rumour bringing this abroad the King would have it put to trial and to that effect shut him up in a private room within the Castle of Edinburgh whereunto no man had accesse he caused a little bread and water to be set by him which he was found not to have tasted in the space of 32. days This proof given of his abstinence he was dimitted and coming forth into the street halfe naked made a speech to the people that flocked about him wherein he professed to do all this by the help of the Blessed Virgin and that he could fast as long as he pleased Many did take it for a miracle esteeming him a person of wonderful holinesse others thought him to be phrentick and mad so as in a short time he came to be neglected and thereupon leaving the countrey went to Rome where he gave the like proof of his fasting to Pope Clement the seventh From Rome he came to Venice apparelled with holy vestures such as the Priests use when they say Masse and carrying in his hand a Testimonial of his abstinence under the Popes Seal he gave there the like proof and was allowed some five Duckats to make his expence towards the holy Sepulcher which he pretended to visit This voyage he performed and then returned home â— bringing with him some palm-tree leaves and a scripful of stones which he said were a part of the pillar to which our Saviour was tied when he was scourged and coming by London went up into the Pulpit in Panls Church-yard where he cast forth many speeches against the divorce of King Henry from Katherine his Queen inveying bitterly against him for his defection from the Roman See and thereupon was thrust in prison where he continued 50. dayes fasting After that being dimitted for they held him to be a mad man he came directly into Scotland and remained in company with one Thomas Doughty who a little before was returned from Italy and had built a little Chappel to the holy Virgin with the money he had begged in his travel This man by his counterfeit miracles made great advantage amongst the simple people and albeit he was known to be a cousening fellow and in life extremely vicious yet was he suffered by the Clergy to abuse the ignorant multitude for that the opinion of Purgatory Pardons and prayers to Saints which began then every where to be despised was by this mean nourished amongst the people Scot grudging that Doughty did appropriate all the gain he made to himselfe did not admit him a partner in the same retired to a house in the suburbs of Edinburgh at the Western part of the Town and therein erected a religious Altar which he adorned in the best manner he could setting up his daughter a young maid of reasonable beauty upon the Altar and placing lights and torches round about her the simple sort for a long time believed her to be the Virgin Mâ—ry and frequented the place in great numbers to do her worship but the knavery coming to be detected he forsook his Altar and forgetting all his devotion returned to his first trade and manner of life Lesley in his story saith that he prophesied many things concerning the decay of the Romish Religion and the restitution of it in a short time of the decay he might speak having seen it begun but for other things he was a dreamer rather then a Propher 40. The first act of the Cardinal after his promotion did shew what an enemy he would be to those who in that time were called hereticks for he was not well warmed in his seat when to make his greatnesse seen he brought to S. Andrews the Earles of Huntley Arran Marshall and Montrosse the Lords Fleming Lindsay 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 with divers other Barons and men of quality There came thither also Gawine Archbishop of Glasgow Chancellour William Bishop of Aberdene Henry Bishop of Galloway Iohn Bishop of Briâ—â—en and William Bishop of Dumblane The Abbots of Melross Dunfermlin Lindors and Kinlosse with a number of Priors Deans and Doctors of Theologie And they all having convened in the Cathedral Church he sitting in a Chair somewhat erected above the rest for that he was a Cardinal began to expone the dangers wherein the Catholick faith stood by the increase of hereticks and the boldnesse they took to professe their opinions openly even in the Kings Court where he said they found too great countenance In special he named Sir Iohn Borthwick commonly called Captain Borthwick whom he had caused cite to that Diet for dispersing heretical books and for maintaining divers Articles contrary to the doctrine of the Romane Church desiring their assistance in the procedure of Justice against him The heads of the accusation were read 1. That he held the Pope to have no greater authority over Christians then any other Bishop or Prelat had 2. That Indulgences and Pardons granted by the Pope were of no force nor effect but devised to abuse people and deceive poor ignorant soules 3. That Bishops Priests and other Clergy men may lawfully marry 4. That the heresies commonly called the heresies of England and their new Liturgy was commendable and to be embraced of all Christians 5. That the people of Scotland are blinded by their Clergy and professed not the true faith 6. That Churchmen ought not to enjoy any temporalties 7. That the King ought to convert the rents of the Church into other pious uses 8. That the Church of Scotland ought to be governed after the manner of the English 9. That the Canons and Decrees of the Church were of no force as being contrary to the law of God 10. That the Orders of Friers and Monks should be abolished as had been done in England 11. That he did openly call the Pope Simoniack for that he sold spritual things 12. That he did read heretical books and the New Testament in English and some other Treatises written by Melanchthon Oecolampadius and Erasmus which he gave likewise unto others 13. The last and greatest point was that he refused to acknowledge the authority of the Romane See or be subject
unto them with an offer to dimit them freely so as they would promise to use their best means with the Governour and others of the Nobility of Scotland for obtaining their consents to the Match The Noblemen liking the motion and esteeming it a ready means to establish a lasting Peace gave their promise to deal faithfully in it and so were sent home with many liberal promises if the marriage should take effect In their company returned the Earl of Angus and his brother Sir George who had been exiled a long time in England with letters to the Governour from the King for their restitution The matter being moved to the Governour and Councel it was liked by all the Queen-mother and the Cardinal only excepted and for this a Parliament was called at Edinburgh the 13. of March following whither came Sir Ralph Sadler as Ambassadour from King Henry to attend the successe In the beginning a great stirre was made by the Cardinal and Clergy that adhered to him so as the Estates could come to no conclusion whereupon the Cardinal was committed in the Castle of Dalkeith The day following by an uniform consent the Match was agreed and the Earl of Glancarne Sir George Dowglas brother to the Earl of Angus Sir William Hamilton of Forne and Sir Iames Learmouth of Dersay imployed by the Estates to transact with King Henry upon all particulars In this Parliament upon a petition presented to the Estates for restraining the power of the Prelates in pursuing those they called hereticks and for liberty to read the Scripture in the English language Commission was granted to some selected persons for considering the petition and prescribing what was fit to be done therein The Commissioners meeting after the Parliament was broke up declared That it should be lawful for every one that could read to use the English Translation of the Bible untill the Prelates should publish one more correct Intimation of this liberty being sent through all the Kingdome by the Governours direction the Clergy did declaim against him as a favourer of hereticks taking exception at two Preachers he entertained in his house the one called Frier William the other Iohn Rough who did openly in their Sermons inveigh against the Popes authority the adoration of Images invocation of Saints and other superstitious inventions of Rome In the end of Iuly the Ambassadours directed towards England returned with satisfaction in all particulars concerning the marriage and so the contract betwixt the two Kingdomes was signed by the Governor and those whom the States had deputed for the part of Scotland and by Sir Ralph Sadler Ambassadour for the part of England and the Seals of the Kingdome interchanged as use is The Governour and English Ambassadour for the greater assurance did solemnly swear to observe the Contract in all Articles thereof dividing the holy Sacrament amongst them as the custome then was And now all matters lookt fair no man wishing them to go better for in the Governours Court was nothing seen that the severest eye could censure or reprove In the publick Government such a moderation was kept as no man was heard to complain The Governour was reverently obeyed and held in as great respect as any Kings of preceding times To be short every man did promise himself a blessed and happy time which on suddain all was overturned and the Realm cast in greater troubles then before Iohn Hamilton Abbot of Paisley base brother to the Governour and David Panter afterwards removed to the Bishoprick of Ross who had lived a long time in France returning about this time into the countrey and being devoted to the French dealt privately with the Governour who was of an easie nature and apt to be taken by those he trusted to break the contract with England But having small hope to prevaile so long as the Preachers and Gentlemen whose counsel he followed remained with him they used all means to be rid of them Frier Guilielm fearing to be called in question for his doctrine at which the Abbot was ever excepting withdrew himself and went into England Iohn Rough upon some colour was dimitted to preach in the parts of Kile and Carrick The Laird of Grainge Master Henry Balnaves Master Thomas Ballenden and Sir David Lindsay of the Mont who had attended the Governour ever since the time of his promoving to the Regency had such discontents given them as they were made too weary of their attendance and the meaner sort such as Mr. Michael Durham Mr. David Borthwick David Forres and David Bothwel men that had served him faithfully and of a long time were openly menaced and forced to quit their services Neither was the Cardinal in this time idle for being by the Queens intercession removed from Dalkeith to the place of Seaton he went from thence without warrant to S. Andrews none calling him therefore in question for the Governours brother who was then preferred to be Theasurer and ruled all things at Court made up a secret friendship with him Shortly after in a frequent meeting of the Clergy at S. Andrews the Cardinal laying before them the dangers wherewith the Clergy was threatned by the Match with England did earnestly incite them to oppose it and contribute moneys and imploy all their friendship to the contrary seeing it concerned them no lesse then their lives or estates were worth They making no difficulty and offering to contribute all their means to that effect appointed a present collection to be made which was trusted to his disposing The Friers were directed to inveigh in their Sermons against their alliance and the Priests set on to stirre up the popular against the Ambassadour who had many indignities offered him which he patiently digested lest he should be thought to minister any occasion of breach How soon the day appointed for delivering the pledges was come for that was a condition in the contract the Ambassadour went unto the Governour and put him in mind of the pledges that by the contract he was obliged to enter complaining withall of the disgraces that he and his Master the King of England received The Governour answering first his complaint of the insolencies committed said He should take trial and punish the committers in such sort as all might see what affection he bore to the King and Countrey of England But for the pledges he said I can neither move them to enter willingly nor force them if they be unwilling For you see what a mutiny is raised in the countrey by the Cardinal and how uncertain I am of mine own estate Till this be quieted I know not in that point what to answer The Ambassadour who understood that to be truth which he spoke forbare to urge the delivery of the pledges any more saying he would advertise his Master how the case stood and attend his directions Soon after the Ambassadour was recalled the
Scots ships and Merchants that were in England arrested and open warre denounced The countrey hereupon drew into factions The Governour and some few Noblemen that abode with him at Halirudhouse professing a willingnesse to keep the contract with England and Queen mother with the Cardinal and his followers directly opposing They having the young Queen in their hands whom they kept still at Linlithgow to strengthen their party sent to recall the Earl of Lenox who lived then in France for the old emulation between the two houses of lenox and Hamilton as also the slaughter of his Father in the field of Linlithgow which he could not have forgotten would easily as they thought move him to joyn with them Besides they considered that his presence and friendship which was great in the countrey would aid and countenance their course not a little Hereupon were messengers dispatched in haste with letters to the French King and to the Earl himself The letters written to himselfe were full of affection and therein hopes given of his Match with the Queen mother and of the Regencie of the Realme during her daughters minority And as flatterers are never wanting to great men there were some about him when they understood that he was called home put him in hope of the Crown it self if the young Queen should happen to depart this life For the late King was known to have intended the same and the Governours title they said would trie nought himselfe being illegitimate and procreated in an unlawful marriage upon a divorce led between his Father and Dame Elizabeth Home his wife which made him uncapable not of the Crown only but even of his private inheritance With such conceipts they filled the young Noblemans head and as men are made easily to believe what they earnestly desire encouraged by these hopes and the French Kings promises he returned home At his coming having saluted the Governour with whom he dissembled in the best sort he could and visiting the Queen-mother and Cardinal at Linlithgow who did very kindly receive him he went to see his friends and imparted to them the causes of his return with the hopes that were given him and the promise he had of aid and supply from the King of France They approving the course he had taken advised him to follow his fortune and promised their assistance to the uttermost A few dayes after being advertised that the Governour was gathering forces to take the young Queen from her Mother he came to the Queen-mother with four thousand men and abode with her till by a common consent her daughter was sent to Striveling and committed to the custody of the Lords Grahame Areskin Levingston and Lindsay Mean while the Governours brother did earnestly ply him to relinquish the English alliance laying before him the danger wherein he thrust himself in suffering the Popes authority to be weakned on which he said the security of his title and succession to the Crown did stand and giving him hopes of benefit and advancement from the French King and so farre in end prevailed as the Governour without imparting his mind to the Noblemen who kept Court with him at Halirudhouse went privately to Striveling and submitted himself to the Cardidal receiving absolution at his hands and renouncing the profession he made of the truth with the alliance contracted with England A deed that lost him the favour of the countrey and brought him in great contempt for after this fact was he never in regard the Cardinal from thenceforth carrying all the sway and leaving him only the shadow of authority This done the Cardinals next care was to rid the Court and the Councel of the Earl of Lenox which was brought about in this sort Queen-mother by her letters to the French King did advertise what an alteration was made how the Governour was brought by the Cardinals means to break with England and that for assuring the peace of the countrey there was nothing more required then the calling the Earl of Lenox back under some fair colour for that his stay at home might prove dangerous and a suspicion there was already of his inclining to England which might breed greater troubles then yet had been seen therefore intreated the King to recall him with speed The Nobleman suspecting no such dealing for all that time he was used with great demonstrations of love and kindnesse by the Queen-mother began to urge the performance of promises and had his hopes cunningly entertained till the answer returned from France at which time he was advertised by some friends in that Court that the French King was hardly informed of him and some courses he had taken and howbeit he was invited to return he should not find the welcome he expected This made him more instant with Queen-mother then before but it was not long ere he felt himself deluded whereupon he retired home discontent and laid many wayes to repair himself but all sorted to no effect so as he resolved in end having lost the French to offer his service to the King of England by whom he was kindly received and afterwards honoured with the alliance of King Henry his Neece Lady Margaret Dowglas How soon the Cardinal was freed of the Earl of Lenox he set himself to pursue those that were called hereticks and leading the Governour along with him went first to the Town of Perth where by delation of one Frier Spence Robert Lamb William Anderson Iames Rannald Iames Hunter Iames Finlason and Hellene Stirk his wife were apprehended Robert Lamb being accused for interrupting the said Frier in a Sermon he made a Perth whilest he was teaching that a man could not be saved without praying to the Saints confessed that he had done it saying It was the duty of every man that knoweth the truth to bear testimony unto it and not to suffer people to be abused with false doctrine such as that was William Anderson Iames Rannald and Iames Finlason were indited for nailing two Rams horns on S. Francis head the putting of a Cowes rump to his tail and for the eating of a Goose upon All-hallow evening Iames Hunter a Fletcher by occupation and a simple man without any learning was charged to have kept company with the said persons The woman Helene Stirke was accused for her refusing to pray unto the Virgin Mary when she was in labour of her birth and saying she would only pray to God in the name of Iesus Christ. These were the inditements whereupon they were put to trial and being found guilty by a Jury were condemned to die great intercession was made for their lives to the Governour but he was so subject to the Cardinal as without his consent he would give no pardon Thus the poor innocents were taken to the common place of execution and hanged Robert Lamb at the foot of the Ladder made a pithy exhortation to the people beseeching
nominate his base brother for the place who was elected by the Chanons and soon after confirmed by Pope Paul the third For he fearing the defection of the Realme from the obedience of the Romane See as England had given the ensample was glad to gratifie the Governour and with the Bulls which were freely exped wrote both to the Governour and to the Bishop that they should make their zeal appear in vindicating the injury done to the Ecclesiastick estate Upon the receipt of these letters it was resolved to besiege the Castle which beginning about the end of August continued untill the moneth of Ianuary howbeit to small effect for the passage by Sea being open they were supplyed with all necessaries from England by King Henry to whom they had obliged their faith by two several messages for defending the Castle and maintaining the contract with England which the Governour fearing he was induced to capitulate with the besieged and yield unto the conditions following 1. That the Governour should procure unto them a sufficient absolution from the Pope for the slaughter of the Cardinal and till the same was returned that they should retain the Castle and not be pursued by force 2. That they their friends servants and partakers should simply be remitted by the Governour and never be called in question for the said slaughter but should enjoy all commodities spiritual and temporal which they possessed before the committing thereof 3. That the besieged should give pledges for rendering the Castle how soon the absolution was returned from Rome and for surety of the pledges that the Earl of Arran eldest sonne to the Governour should remain in their custody untill the absolution was returned and they secured to their content The conditions were to the besieged more advantagious then honourable to the Governour but neither the one nor the other intended performance for the Governour at the same time sent a messenger to France with letters from the Queen Dowager and from himself intreating a supply of Ships and Gallies to batter the house on that part which looked towards the Sea and debarre the Keepers of further provision They on the other side were resolved not to forsake King Henries protection of whose assistance they were confident The proceedings of the next summer shall clear the intentions on either side in the mean time let us hear how the affaires of Religion went the rest of this winter Divers as we touched before upon the newes of the Cardlnals death came and joyned with those that had killed him especially Master Henry Balnaves the Melvils of the house of Raith and some Gentlemen of Fife to the number of sevenscore persons who all entered into the Castle the day after the slaughter and abode there during the time of the first siege Iohn Rough he that had attended the Governour as Chaplain in the beginning of his Regiment came also thither and became their Preacher After him came Iohn Knox but not till the siege was raised and the appointment made whereof we have spoken The adversaries of Religion taking advantage of this did cast in the teeth of both the Preachers and Professours the murther committed as though they did all approve the same and Bishop Lesley in his Chronicle speaking of Iohn Knox saying that He did think to attain to the top of Evangelical profession by triumphing that way upon the slaughter of a Priest and Cardinall I deny not but this his doing was scarce allowable and that it had been a wiser part in him not to have gone towards them at all yet since he did neither accompany them at the fact nor came unto them till the conditions of peace were granted his guiltinesse was not such as they make it to be neither will I say that he was grieved at the Cardinals death but rather glad that such an enemy was taken out of the way but that he did insult upon his death or allow the manner of it cannot be truly affirmed as to that which is objected forth of the narration made of this accident in the book intituled The History of the Church of Scotland where the Authour seemeth indeed to commend the fact though that history be ascribed to Iohn Knox it is sure that he did not penne the same as I shall make clear in another place How soon the Governour was gone Iohn Rough did openly preach in the Parish Church and was much haunted by the people at which the Clergy offending a great stirre was raised Dean Iohn Anand oppugning his doctrine both by word and writing Iohn Knox did take on him to maintain the same and the matter being brought to a dispute after long reasoning upon the authority of the Romane Church Iohn Knox did offer to prove That the present Church of Rome was more degenerate from the purity which it had in the dayes of the Apostles then was the Church of the Jewes from the Ordinances given by Moses when they consented to the death of our Saviour Such as were present at the reasoning having requested Iohn Knox to make good what he had spoken he took occasion the Sunday following to preach in the Parish Church chusing for his Theam the 24 and 25. verses of the seventh Chapter of Daniel In the Sermon after he had spoken of the care that God had alwayes of his Church to forewarne her of the dangers that were to happen many years before the same fell out and illustrated that point by the predictions of Israels captivity the prophesie of the four Empires namely the Babylonian Persian Grecian and Romane and foretelling of the Beast that should afise out of the destruction of the Romane Empire he said that by that Beast the Church of Rome was to be understood in regard all the marks assigned by Daniel did pertain to that Church and to no other power which ever was in the world Then falling to speak of Antichrist he shewed that there was not any one person meant by that title but a body and multitude of people having a wicked head that should not only be sinful himself but the occasion also of sin to all that should be subject unto him And that he was called Antichrist because he was contrary to Christ in life and doctrine in lawes The contrariety of life he made clearly by deciphering the corrupt and beastly conversation both of the Popes themselves and of their Clergy The contraiety of doctrine he qualified by comparing the doctrine of the justification by faith taught in the Scriptures with the doctrine of justification by works maintained by the Church of Rome And the contrariety of lawes he proved by the observation of dayes abstaining from mears and forbidding of marriage which Christ had made free In end he came to speak of the marks of the Beast one he said was in the Text where it was said He shall speak great words against the most high but what greater
was of old an Abbey founded by Constantine the third King of Picts about the year 729. to the memory of S Columbe in which the Culdees were placed King David in the year 1130. did erect it to be a Bishops See and recommending one Gregorius to the place obtained Pope Alexander the third his confirmation thereof he sate 42. years and was much favoured by that good King The lands of Anchtertaile with divers others appertaining to that See were of King David his gift This Bishop diet at Dunkeld in the year 1169. 2. Richard Chaplain to King William was elected in his place and consecrated in S. Andrews upon the vigils of S. Laurrence by Richard Bishop of S. Andrews This Bishop was commended for vindicating the Church of Abercorne forth of the hands of a laick person named Iohn Avonele who claimed the Patronage thereof he sate four years and dying at Crawmold was buried in S. Colmes Inche in the year 1173. 3. Cormacus succeeded in his place to whom King William gave the lands of Dalgathy he died in the year 1177. 4. In his place was chosen Walter de Bidden who was Chancellour to King William but he lived not many years 5. Iohn Scot an English man born being Archdeacon of S. Andrews had been elected Bishop of that See but that his election being withstood by the King as we shewed before he was after Biddens death promoved by the Popes consent to Dunkeld a man that made conscience of his charge and was painful in his office The countrey of Argyle was at that time of the Dioces of Dunkeld the people whereof did only speak Irish and neither understood the Bishop nor he them Upon this he travelled to have the Dioces divided and Argyle erected into an Episcopal See and to that effect sent a letter to Pope Clement the third intreating that one Evaldus his Chaplain who could speak Irish a wise and godly person might have the charge of that part committed to him for How said he can I make an accompt to the Iudge of the world in the last day when I cannot be understood of them whom I teach The maintenance is sufficient for two Bishops if we be not prodigal of the patrimony of Christ and will live with that moderation which becometh his servants it shall therefore be much better to diminish the charge and increase the number of able workmen in the Lords field The Pope reading the letter and considering how earnest he was to be eased of his charge though to his own temporal losse said It is the study of others to enlarge their bounds and livings not caring how it goeth with the people and here is one that requesteth his Benefice may be parted in two O how few Bishops are now in the Christian world so disposed and so commending greatly the Bishops disposition granted his request sending back Evaldus for he was the messenger consecrated Bishop as was desired The Bishop glad to have obtained his desire entered Evaldus to the charge and followed diligently his own in that part which remained Some few dayes before his death he rendred himself a Monk in Newbotle and there departed this life in the year 1203. his body was interred in the Quire of that Church upon the North side of the Altar William Bining afterwards Abbot of Cowper did write his life but the story is perished 6. After his death Richard Provand King Williams Chaplain was consecrated Bishop and lived a few years onely in the See for he departed this world in the year 1210. and was buried in Inchcolme 7. Iohn Leicester cousen to King William and elected successour and dying at Crawmond was buried in Inchcolme with his predecessour in the year 1214. 8. Hugo called Hugo de sigillo a Monk of Aberbrothock succeeded unto Leicester a man of a sweet and amiable disposition he was called the poor mans Bishop and lived not a year after his consecration 9. Matthew Chancellour of Scotland was then elected but he died the same year before he was consecrated 10. To him succeeded Gilbert Chaplain to Bishop Hugo he sate 22. years and died in the year 1236. 11. Galfrid Liverance was elected in his stead This Bishop was a zealous man he reformed the service of the Church ad usum Sarum and ordained the Chanons to make residence at Dunkeld giving them the Commons of that Church for their entertainment He died at Tibbermoore in the yeare 1249. and was buried at Dunkeld 12. After Galfrids death Richard Chancellour to the King succeeded and dying the same year at Crawmond was buried in Inchcolme 13. After him Mr. Richard of Innerkething Chancellour of Scotland was elected who sate 22. years he built the great Quire of the Abbey Church in Inchcolme upon his own charges and died very old in the year 1272. He is much commended for his faithful service done to King Alexander His body was interred at Dunkeld and his heart laid in the North wall of the Quire which he built in Inchcolme 14. Robert Sutevile Dean of Dunkeld debarred at first from the Bishoprick of S. Andrews by the ambitious suite of Abill the Archdeacon was at this time preferred to be Bishop of Dunkeld he died in the year 1300. and governed the See 28. yeares Moribus scientia vita praeclarus 15. After him Matthew by recommendation of Edward the first of England who kept Scotland then under subjection was advanced to the Bishoprick and sate 12. yeares 16. William Sinclare a brother of the house of Roslin and Uncle to William Lord Bisset succeeded This is he that King Robert the Bruce used to call his own Bishop for the King being in Ireland with an Army for the supply of his brother Edward the English taking advantage of his absence sent two Armies to invade the kingdom the one by land the other by sea The Sea Army landed in Fife near to Anchtertaile where the Bishop had his residence which the Sheriffe of the countrey for hindering their depredations went to encounter but at the sight of their numbers he gave back and fled the Bishop hearing of their flight brought forth his ordinary train and casting himself in the Sheriffes way asked why he fled and having checkt him bitterly for his cowardize called for a lance crying aloud You that love the honour of Scotland follow me By this forwardnesse he put such courage in the rest as they returning upon the English did chase them all back to their ships one of the ship-boats overcharged with the company that leapt into it was sunk and in that conflict were drowned and slain 500. English and above The honour of this victory was wholly ascribed to the Bishops courage for which he was greatly favoured by the King He built in his time the Quire of Dunkeld from the ground which the Army of England had demolished redeemed the lands of Green oke from one Simon Cader and gave to his Archdeacon the Church of Logia Leguhy with
agitated he loved to have things calmly carried but his counsel took little place It was he that said to one of his Vicars whom he was perswading to leave his opinions That he thanked God that he knew neither the Old nor the New Testaments and yet had prospered well enough all his dayes 31. Robert Creighton his Nephew was preferred upon his death to the See in whose time fell out the reformation of the Church The Bishops of ABERDENE 1. Malcolme the second in memory of the defeat he gave the Danes at Murthlack founded there a Bishops seat in the year 1010. and preferred one Beanus thereto a man of singular vertue and godlinesse gifting to him and his successors the lands of Murthlack Cloveth and Dummeth This Bishop sate 32. years and dying in Murthlack was buried at the Postern door of the Church which himself had built 2. Donortius who succeeded him lived Bishop 42. years and was interred with his predecessor 3. Cormachus the third Bishop of this See governed the same 39. years and was buried likewise with his predecessors 4. Nectanus succeeded in his time King David did translate the See from Murthlack to Aberdene and gave to him and his successors the lands of old Aberdene Sclaty Goull Moorecroft Kurmundy Mowmenlach Clat Talynstine Rayne Dawyot and their Churches with divers others lands whereby the See was greatly enriched this Bishop died in the year 1154. having sate 14. years at Murthlack and 17. at Aberdene 5. After the death of Nectanus one Edward was promoved who was greatly favoured by Malcolme the fourth called the Maiden and was thought to have perswaded the King to continue in his single life he was the first Bishop that brought the Chanons to do ordinary service in the Church of Aberdene and died in the eleventh year after his consecration 6. Matthew Kinninmouth Archdeacon of S. Andrews succeeded a man famous for learning and other excellent vertues In his time began the Cathedral Church of Aberdene to be built unto the memory of S. Machar to whom King Malcolme gave the lands of Tuligreg Fetternew Invercrowden Banchordeneif Balhelvy and the Patronages of the Churches He sate Bishop 34. years 7. Iohn Prior of Kelso was next elected Bishop this man is greatly commended for liberality to the poor and magnificence in the buildings and ornaments of the Church he died the next year after his consecration 8. One Adam was assumed in his place rather for satisfying King Williams pleasure then for any good affection born to the man by the rest of the Clergy at first he shewed no great care in his charge giving himselfe wholly to temporall affaires yet after King Williams death he grew quite another man setting himself to amend his former negligences He sate 21. years 9. Upon his death the Clergy and people of Aberdene postulated Matthew Chancellour of the kingdome who was willing to accept the place but Dunkeld falling void in the mean season King Alexander the second preferred him to that See 10. And Gilbert Striveling a man well born and much esteemed for his integrity of life obtained the place but he lived not many years departing this world in the eleventh year after his election 11. Radolph Abbot of Aberbrothotk succeeded being with an uniform consent of the Clergy and people elected Bishop he was brought with great difficulty to accept the charge a man of great prudence and painful in his calling for he travelled through all his Dioces on foot preaching and visiting the Churches that he might know their true estate and is said never to have changed his form of living that he used in the Cloister and to have been more abstinent and sparing both in diet and apparel then he was before he died some eight years after his consecration which was about the year of Christ 1247. 12. Peter Ramsay a man of good learning was next chosen Bishop he was a man very kind to the Chanons and parted many of his rents amongst them he sate Bishop ten years and deceased about the seventh or eighth year of King Alexander the third his reign 13. Presently after his death Richard Pottock an English man was elected who sate Bishop 13. years 14. Hugh Benham elected by the Monks went to Rome and was there consecrated by Pope Martin the fourth after he had remained there the space of a year he returned to Scotland at which time there was a great contention between the Churchmen and the people of the countrey for certain tithes that the Priests did exact too rigorously The difference being submitted to him he composed the same in a Convention of the Clergy at Perth wherein the King and many of the Nobles were present and died of a Catarrhe being very old in the Isle of Louchgoull about the year 1280. 15. Henry Cheyn Nephew to the Lord Cummyn was preferred to the See the troubles which in his time brake forth in the Kingdome between Bruce and Baliol wrought him great vexation for whilest he took part with his Uncle against Bruce he was banished into England where he lived untill the end of these warres and then licenced by King Robert to return he gave himselfe to repair the Church and restore all things which the licenciousnesse of warre had disordered he died the same year in which King Robert the Bruce ended his life that is in the year of Christ 1329. which was the 48. year after his consecration 16. Alexander Kinninmouth Doctor of Divinity succeeded in his place a great lover of learning and learned men whom out of all parts he drew to make residence with himself In the winter season he dwelt at Murthlack and when the the spring opened at Aberdene because of the confluence of people all that time of the year all the summer and harvest time he remained at Fetterneir and Rain that he might the more commodiously discharge his office in every part of his Dioces The English in his time set on fire the Town of Aberdene which burnt six dayes together and did much harm his own Palace with the whole houses of the Chanons were thereby consumed which was thought to have hastened his death he departed this life in the eleventh year of his consecration 17. William Deyn was made Bishop in his stead the most of his time the Realme was infested with warres whereby he was impeded in many good purposes that he intended and had much adoe to keep the Clergy in obedience for every man during the warre took liberty to do what they thought good he sate Bishop the space of ten years 18. After him Iohn Raith Doctor of Divinity was chosen Bishop by the Monks he lived only six years Bishop and was buried in the Quire of Aberdene 19. King David Bruce returning from France about this time had brought with him in company one Nicolaus a corrupt and ambitious man who procured the Kings recommendation to the Chapter of Aberdene for his election The Chanons excused themselves saying
The Church of Aberdene was not so scant of men as to admit an unworthy person into the place And howsoever the King in his Kingdome might do what he pleased they were by their oathes astricted to admit none but learned men and such as were approved for integrity of life wherefore intreated the King in humble manner to suffer them as they had been accustomed to elect some wise and grave person that could discharge the place with credit which after some moneths they obtained making choice of one Alexander Kinninmouth who was consecrated in the Town of Perth the King himself being present This man answered fully the hopes conceived of hâ—m and took great pains in his calling for on the ferial dayes he taught the Civil and Canon law and the holy dayes he spent in preaching and prayer Thrice every week he fasted contenting himself in the holy Eves with bread and water He caused demolish the old Church of Aberdene which he esteemed not so beautiful as was fitting for a Cathedral Church and laid the foundation of another more magnificent But ere the work was advanced six cubits high he was employed by King Robert the second in an Ambassage to France for renewing the old league which he worthily performed shortly after his return he died having sate Bishop 24. years 20. Adam Conningham a man well descended and of great authority was after him elected This Bishop is said to have been in such accompt for the his wisdom and sincerity that in all matters of importance propounded in Councel his opinion did ever prevail His frequent imployments with the French King as well before as after his preferment to the See and the happy successe he had therein manifested his prudence and dexterity of wit yet as it falleth out often in Courts upon some envious delations the King became jealous of him as if he had practised with some Noblemen against the Royal succession and pressed to reduce the old form of election of Kings Finding that the King had taken some impression of the report albeit nothing was more false he took counsell to retire himself and attend his charge at home where he had not long staid but he fell in a new trouble with a base sonne of the Kings named Alexander a man extremely vicious and for his oppressions hated of all good men To the Bishop he bare a special grudge because of the liberty he had used in reproving his wickednesse and hearing in what dislike the Bishop was with the King he violently possessed himself in the Bishops lands thrust forth his tenants and behaved himself as Master and Lord of all The Bishop complained to the King but finding no redresse he pronounced him excommunicate wherewith the wicked man incensed associating a number as wickedly disposed as himself did swear to take the Bishops life and came to Aberdene of that intention Whereof the Bishop getting advertisement he went forth to meet him on the way and how soon he saw him discovering his head which was all white for he was a man of great age said If this be it that thou seekest I have brought it unto thee take thee head life and all The company admiring the old mans courage and moved with some compassion of his white haires perswaded Alexander not to meddle with his blood The report of this insolencie going to the King he sent for his sonne and committing him to prison caused satisfaction to be given for all the injuries the Bishop had sustained and surety for his indemnity thereafter After which he enjoyed reasenable quietnesse untill his death which happened in the year of Christ 1390. having sate Bishop ten years 21. Gilbert Grimlaw a man learned wise and of great esteem with the Nobles of the Kingdom was consecrated Bishop of Aberdene the same year he had been Chancellour to King Robert the third a long time which office he discharged with great credit and to the contentment of all the subjects after the Kings death the Earle of Fife brother to the deceased King then governing the Realm he was employed in an Ambassage to Charles the seventh of France and went thither in the company of the Earls of Buchan and Douglas who with divers other Noblemen were afterward unfortunately killed at the battel of Vernoil The Bishop at his return found all things out of frame the Governour dead his sonne Mordach placed in his room and the whole estate miserable by the riots and oppressions which were used every where without punishment This made the Bishop retire himself and live private at home where soon after he died of a consumption in the year 1424. his body was interred in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 22. After his death Henry Leighton Bishop of Murray was translated to Aberdene a man learned both in the Civil and Canon law of great experience and in that regard postulated Bishop by the Chanons he stood doubtful a while whether he should condescend to the charge or not yet was induced to consent at last and so came to Aberdene where he applied himself carefully to do the charge of a Bishop But the Estates of the Realme meeting in a solemn convention for putting some order to the present confusions he was sent with some others in Commission to England to treat for redemption of King Iames the first who was there detained captive This businesse happily performed he returned with the King to whom he gave great content by his services and forwardnesse in reforming publick abuses he advanced greatly the fabrick of the Church of Aberdene and bestowed large summes for perfecting that work he built also the Chappel called Saint Iohns Chappel within the Cathedral and was therein buried himself in the year 1441. 17. years after his translation 23. Ingram Lindesay Doctor of the Canon law was upon his death with the great applause of all good men received Bishop he was at that time very old and by the policie of one Alexander who aimed at his place moved to take journey to Rome the man imagining that he should die in the voyage whereof yet he was deceived For the Bishop sailing to Marselles in France went from thence by sea to Rome and after some moneths stay returned more healthful then before 17 yeares he continued Bishop and ruled the affaires of the Church very wisely A man constant in his promises of a spare diet but very hospitable for he entertained great numbers both of learned men and others especially the eldest sonnes of Noblemen and Barons in the North parts and notwithstanding of his age and publick employments was ever at study when he could find any free time from those cares A little before his death he fell in the Kings displeasure for denying admission to some whom the King had presented to certain Benefices for that they were either meer ignorants or for their years incapable But this did not much trouble his mind as being no way conscious to himself of any
betwixt the Queen of Scots and the French King and a year after should employ her best means for and in their defence 2. That her Majesty should send with all convenient diligence into Scotland a sufficient aid of men of warre horse and foot with artillery munition and other instruments of warre as well by sea as by land to joyn with the forces of Scotland for the expelling the French forces presently within that Realm and stopping so farre as may be all others to enter therein in time coming 3. That her Majesty should continue her aid to the Nobility and subjects of Scotland untill such time as the French enemies to the said Realm should be utterly expelled thence and should transact agree nor conclude any league with the French except the Scots and French should be also agreed and the Realm of Scotland left in freedom neither should she leave the maintenance of the said Nobility and other subjects whereby they might fall as a prey into their enemies hands so long as they did acknowledge their Soveraign Lady and Queen and should endevour themselves to maintain their own liberty and the estate of the Crown of Scotland 4. If in case any Forts or Strengths within the Realm shall be recovered out of the hands of the French by her Majesties aid the same shoudl be immediately demolished or delivered to the Duke of Chattellerault and his partakers at their election neither should the power of England fortifie within the ground of Scotland but by the advice of the said Duke Nobility and Estates of Scotland 5. That the said Duke and Nobility as well such as be already joyned as such as hereafter shall joyn with him for defence of the liberty of the Realm should to the uttermost of their power aid and support her Majesties Army against the French and their assisters with horse and foot and all manner of other aid they possibly can make and shall provide victuals to the Army by land and sea and continue so doing during the time her Majesties Army shall remain in Scotland 6. That they should be enemies to all such Scottish men and French as shall in any wayes shew themselves enemies to the Realm of England for the aiding and supporting of the said Duke and Nobility and should never assent nor permit the Realm of Scotland to be conquered or otherwise united to the Crown of France then it is at the present only by the marriage of the Queen their Soveraing to the French King and as the Lawes and liberties of the Realm do allow 7. That if it should happen the French men at any time thereafter to invade or cause the Realm of England to be invaded they should furnish the number of 1000 horsemen and 2000. footmen at the least or such part of either of them as should be required at the charge of the Queen of England and should conduct the same to any part of the Realm of England that should be appointed upon the charges alwayes of the Queen of England And in case the invasion should be made on the North part of England either upon the North of the water of Tyne towards Scotland or against Berwick on the North side of the water of Twede they should convene and gather their whole forces upon their own charges and should joyn with the English power and continue in an earnest pursuit of the quarrel of England during the space of 30. dayes or so much longer as they are accustomed to abide in the fields for defence of Scotland 8. That the Earl of Argyle Lord Justice of Scotland being presently joyned with the said Duke should employ his force and good will when he should be required by the Queen of England for reducing the North parts of Ireland to her obedience conform to a mutual contract which should be made betwixt her Majesties Deputy of Ireland for the time and the said Earl wherein should be expressed what each of them should do for support of others in case either of them had businesse with Macc-o-neale or any other of the Isles of Scotland or Realm of Ireland 9. That the Scots for performance and sure keeping of their part of this contract should deliver such pledges to the Duke of Norfolk before the entrie of her Majesties Army in Scottish ground as the said Duke did presently name who should remain in England for the space of six moneths and be exchanged by deliverance of new hostages for six moneths to six moneths or four moneths to four moneths at the pleasure of Scotland the pledges alwayes being of the like or as good condition as the former and the lawful sonnes brethren or heirs of some of the Earls or Barons of the Parliament and the time of the continuance of the said hostages should be during the marriage of the Queen of Scots to the French King and a year after the dissolution of the same till further order may be had betwixt both the Realms for peace and concord 10. That the Duke and Nobility joyned with him being Earles and Barons of Parliament should subscrive and â—eale these Articles within the space of twenty or thirty dayes at the furthest after the delivering of the said hostages and should procure and perswade all others of the Nobility that should joyn themselves thereafter with the said Duke for the cause above specified to subscrive and seal the same Articles within the space of twenty dayes after their conjunction upon requisition made by them of England 11. That the said Duke and Nobility joyned with him certainly understanding that the Queens Majesty of England was moved to grant the present support only upon respect of Princely honour and neighbourhood for defence of the freedom of Scotland from conquest and not of any sinister intent did by these presents testifie and declare that neither they nor any of them do mean by this contract to withdraw their due obedience from their Soveraign Lady the Queen or yet to withstand the French King her husband in any lawful thing which tendeth not to the subversion of the just and ancient liberties of Scotland for the preservation whereof they acknowledge themselves bound to spend their goods lands and lives This contract of the date at Berwick the 27. of February 1559. was confirmed by the Queen of England and a Patent thereof delivered under the great Seal of England to the Duke and Nobility the Lords of Scotland did in like manner ratifie the same by their subscriptions at the Camp before Leth the tenth of May following How soon the French heard that the Lords were removed from Dysert they marched forward according to their first purpose towards S. Andrews and kept the Coast partly because of the ships which carried their victuals partly by reason of a great snow which then was fallen and made the nearest wayes unpassable After that they had crossed the water of Leven and were come unto Kincraige they espied a fleet of ships bearing up
The Lord Gray lodging in the Deans house in Restalrig and the most part of his horsemen in the same village the foot lay all in the tents upon the South and South-east side of Leth and near unto them were the Scots Noblemen encamped trenches cast and a little mount erected which was called Mount Pellain from the name of the Captain whereupon eight Canons were placed to play upon S. Antonies Steeple on which the French had planted some Ordinance These thundering night and day battered the steeple and forced the French to dismount their artillery The English after this growing negligent and supposing the French would make no more fallies followed their sports some of the Captains going to Edinburgh and the souldiers falling to play at Dice and Cards as though there had been no enemies to fear wherefore the French getting intelligence they issued forth and entring the English trenches before they were perceived put many to the sword The slaughter was great and esteemed to exceed the losse of the French in the first encounter This accident taught them to be more watchful all the time that the siege continued and because their numbers were so few for besieging the Town in all parts they devised to raise certain mounts in every quarter and to remove the Canon to the West side of the water of Leth. more near the walls then before The last of April a sudden fire kindling within the Town burned all that night which destroyed many houses and consumed a great part of the souldiers provision During this burning the English playing continually with the Canon upon the places where they saw the flames rising to stop the quenching of the fire and entring the ditches did in the mean time measure the height of the walls to provide ladders for the scaling which they intended The seventh of May having resolved to give an assault they brought the ladders a little before day towards the walls but they proved too short and so that purpose failed The English lost 160. at this enterprise such as were affected to the French did hereupon take courage trusting the siege would rise and the English Army depart but the accident did no way dismay either the English or Scots every man animating another to constancie and continuance and about the time came letters from the Duke of Norfolk which greatly confirmed their mindes Thereby he charged them not to break up the siege by any means assuring they should not lack men so long as any could be had between Twede and Trent for in those bounds he commanded as Lieutenant and giving hopes to come in person to the Camp he caused his Pavilion to be set up and sent thither his officers and provision Shortly after a fresh supply came from England of 2000. men which made all former losses to be forgotten The French for some dayes made divers fallies but were ever put to the worst for all the hurt which fell either to Scottish or English from that time untill the rendring of the Town was only the losse of two men Robert Colvil of Cleish Master houshold to Lord Iames a Gentleman much commended both for wisdom and valour he was wounded in the thigh by the shot of a great piece from the town and died of it within two houres and Alexander Lochart brother to the Laird of Barre who lying too open in the trenches was discovered by the enemy and shot in the head The French King hearing in what distresse the companies at Leth were and by reason of other affaires not able to supply them in time sent Count Randon and Monsieur Monluâ—k Bishop of Valence Ambassadours to the Queen of England desiring her to retire her Army out of Scotland with offers to restore the town of Callais if she would call them back her answer was that she did not value that fisher Town so much as to hazard for it the state of Britain The French perceiving that peace could not otherwise be made but by calling back the French souldiers and thinking it dishonorable for the King and Queen of France to treat with their own subjects they intreated the Queen of England to send her Ambassadours to mediate an agreement which was easily assented unto and Mr. William Cecill principal Secretary of England with Doctor wotton Dean of Canterbury and York appointed to go with the French Ambassadours into Scotland and use their best means for pacifying the present troubles Whilest they were in their journey Queen Regent partly out of sicknesse and partly of displeasure died in the Castle of Edinburgh the tenth of Iune 1560. Before her death she desired to speak with the Duke of Chattellerault the Earls of Argyle Glencarn Marshall and Lord Iames to whom she expressed her grief for the troubles of the Realm commending earnestly the study of peace unto them advising them to send both French and English forth of the countrey and beseeching them to continue in the obedience of the Queen their Soveraign and to entertain the old amity with the King and Realm of France After some speeches to this purpose bursting forth in tears she asked pardon of then all whom any way she had offended professing that she did forgive those who had injured her in any sort and imbracing all the Nobles one by one kissing them she took her farewell To others of meaner sort that stood by she gave her hand and so they departed Afterwards disposing her self for another world she sent for Iohn Willock the Preacher who was then returned from England and conferring with him a reasonable space openy professed that she did trust to be saved only by the death and merits of Iesus Christ and thus ended her life most Christianly She was a Lady of honest and honourable conditions of singular judgement and full of humanity a great lover of justice helpful to the poor especially to those that she knew to be indigent but for shame could not beg Compassionate of women in travel whom she did often visit in her own person and help both with her skill and counsel In her Court she kept a wonderful gravity tolerating no licenciousnesse her maids were alwayes busied in some virtuous exercise and to them she was an ensample every way of modesty chastity and the best vertues A great dexterity she had in government which appeared in the composing the tumults in the North and in pacifying the Isles which by her wisdome were reduced to perfect obedience â—s to those warres which afficted the Kingdome in her last dayes it is not to be doubted but the same happened much against her will neither had they fallen out at all if affaires had been carried according to her mind But she was to govern by direction and in all matters of weight must needs attend responses from the French Court which were the Oracles whereby all affairs at those times were framed This made her in matters of Religion more
severe then of her own nature she was and led her into many errours of State neglecting the Natives and born Noblemen of the countrey and following the counsels of the French that attended her who making no conscience of their promises and minding nothing but the bringing of Scotland in subjection to France as they conceived things to serve unto their ends moved her to follow courses unsure and dishonourable Otherwise she was of a most milde disposition and was heard often to say That if her own counsel might take place she doubted nothing to compose all the dissensions within the Realm and settle the same upon good conditions in a perfect tranquillity The Author of the story ascrived to Iohn Knox in his whole discourse sheweth a bitter and hateful spite against her forging dishonest things which was never so much as suspected by any setting down his own conjectures as certain truths and misinterpreting all her words and actions yea the least syllable that did escape her in passion he maketh in an argument of her cruel and inhumane disposition but when he cometh to speak of her end he will have all her sickness and death though in none of the two there was any thing extraordinary to be the judgement of God inflicted upon her as if death and the ordinary visitations which bring death were not common to Princes as well as others Then for her burial because by direction of her friends and as some say at her own desire order was taken to carry her corps to the Abbey of Rhemes in Campaigne where her sister was Abbesse which of all necessity required a protraction of time he construed the delay to be the punishment of her inhumanity and the want of sepulchre in this Kingdom a prognostick of the short continuance of her race and the Guisian blood as he speaks in this Realm Pardon me good Reader for this digression To detract from the same of Princes and miscensure their words and actions favoureth of malice and no way becometh a Christian much lesse a Minister of Christ. Shortly after the death of Queen Regent truce was taken for hearing the Ambassadours sent from France and England who coming to Edinburgh entred into consultation first amongst themselves upon the best and easiest means to compose the present quarrels Then calling to them certain of the Scottish Nobility began to treat of the sending of the French souldiers forth of the Realm Wherein two difficulties occurred One was that the Commissioners of France did urge the retaining of a number of men of war in some sorts of the countrey for the King and Queen after peace was concluded The other that the companies that should be broken might depart unchallenged with all their baggage The Scottish Noblemen did oppose these desires esteeming it unreasonable that they should be suffered to depart before they gave satisfaction to those they had wronged And to place strangers in forts they thought it could not but breed trouble and occasion a new warre more dangerous then the present This contention held some dayes at last both parties wearying they were brought to agree upon the conditions following 1. That the French men of warre in the town of Leth should be sent home within the space of twenty dayes with bag and baggage and for their better transport should be furnished with ships of England they giving pledges for the safe return of the same 2. That Leth being rendered to the Lords of Scotland the walls thereof should be demolished as likewise the fortifications at Dumbar if so it should seem good to the Lords after they had viewed the same and that the King and Queen should make no new forts within the Realm nor augment these that were already made nor yet repair these that were demolished without counsel and consent of the Estates 3. That a Garison of threescore French men should be permitted to remain in the Castle of Dumbar and as many in the Isle of Inchkeeth untill the Estates should find means to maintain the said forts upon their own charges from all peril of forain invasion the said souldiers in the mean time living obedient to the lawes of the Realm and taking nothing from the subjects without paiment of ready money 4. That an Act of oblivion should be made for abolishing the memory of all injuries and wrongs attempted or committed against the lawes of the Realm since the sixth day of March 1558. untill the first of August 1560. which Act should be ratified in the next Parliament and confirmed by the Queen with consent of her husband 5. That a general peace and reconciliation should be made amongst the Lords and subjects of the Realm so as they who were called of the Congregation and they who were not of the same should bear no quarrel to others for any thing done since the sixth of March 1558. 6. That the King and Queen should not pursue revenge or suffer to be revenged any violence or injury that had been done since the said time nor should deprive or seek any colour to dispossess the subjects or any of them of the benefices houses and estates which they have enjoyed before they alwayes continuing in the due obedience of their Soveraigns And that it might be known that the King and Queen were not willing to keep any remembrance of the troubles past it was accorded the Duke of Chattellerault and all other Noblemen of Scotland should be repossessed in their livings and benefices within France after the manner that they did enjoy the same before the said sixth day of March and that all capitulations agreed upon in time past should be observed as well for the part of their Majesties as the part of the Nobility and people of Scotland 7. That where any Bishops Abbots or other Churchmen should alledge themselves to have received any injuries either in their persons or goods the same should be considered by the Estates of Parliament and redresse made according to reason and in the mean time that no man should stop them to enjoy their rents nor do any hurt or violence to their persons and if any should do contrary to this Article he should be pursued by the Lords as a perturber of the Commonwealth 8. That in time coming the King and Queen should depute no strangers in the administration of Civil and Common Justice nor bestow the offices of Chancellary Thesaurer Comptrollary and the like upon others then born subjects of the Realm as likewise that it should not be lawful to give the office of Thesaurary or Comptrollary to any Churchman or other person that is not able to administrate the same Further that the Thesaurer and Comptroller appointed by them and instructed with sufficient commission should do nothing in disposing of casualties without the consent of the Councel to the effect all things may be done for the profit of the King and Queen yet should it not be thought that this Article did either
who formerly had given it to others The first thing they moved in the Articles was a supplication of the Barons Gentlemen Burgesses and other subjects concerning religion wherein three things were petitioned First that the Doctrine of the Romane Church professed and tyrannously maintained by the Clergy should be condemned and by Act of Parliament abolished Some particulars they named such as the Doctrine of Transubstantiation the adoration of Christs body under the form of bread the merit of works Papisticall Indulgences Purgatory Pilgrimage and praying to Saints departed These they reckoned to be pestilent errours such as could not but bring damnation to the souls of those who were therewith infected therefore desired a punishment to be appointed for the teachers and maintainers of such Doctrines Next that a remedy should be found against the profaning of the holy Sacraments by men of that profession and the true Discipline of the ancient Church revived and restored Thirdly that the Pope of Rome his usurped authority should be discharged and the patrimony of the Church imployed to the sustentation of the Ministery the provision of Schools and intertainment of the poore of a long time neglected This last clause was not very pleasing to divers of the Nobility who though they liked well to have the Pope his authority and doctrine condemned had no will to quit the Church Patrimony wherewith in that stirring time they had possessed themselves So making no answer to the last point the Ministers were desired to draw into severall heads the summe of the Doctrine they craved to be established that the same might be seen and considered by the Parliament This accordingly was done and the fourth day after which was the 17. of August exhibited to the Estates under this title The confession of the Faith and Doctrine believed and professed by the Protestants of Scotland It is the same confession word by word that you have registred in the first Parliament of King Iames the sixth which that the story may on with an uninterrupted delivery I thought not needfull here to insert The Confession read in open Parliament and put to voyces the Earle of Atholl the Lords Sommervill and Bothwick onely of all the temporall Estate disassented saying They would believe as their fathers before them had believed The Popish Prelats were silent and answered nothing whereupon the Earle Marshall brake forth into these speeches It is long since I carried some favour unto the truth and was somewhat jealous of the Romane religion but this day hath fully resolved me of the truth of the one and falshood of the other for seeing my Lords the Bishops who by their learning can and for the zeal they should have to the truth would as I suppose gainsay any thing repugnant unto it say nothing against the confession we have heard I cannot think but it is the very truth of God and the contrary of it false and deceiveable doctrine Thus was the confession of Faith approved and by publick voices of the Estates authorized At the same time there passed three other Acts in favour of the Professors one for abolishing the Popes Jurisdiction and authority within the Realm a second annulling all Statutes made in preceding times for maintenance of idolatry and a third for punishment of the sayers and hearers of Mass. With these Acts Sr. Iames Sandelands Knight of the Rhodes a Gentleman of good account who had carried himself as neuter in all these broiles was directed to France for obtaining a ratification of the same from the Queen and the King her husband and therewith was desired to clear the Noblemen and other Subjects from imputations of disloyalty cast upon them and to pacifie the mindes of their Soveraignes whom they understood to be much exasperated by all the good wayes he could use But he found his Ambassage and himself both contemned the Guisians who were the onely men then in account with the King checking him bitterly at his first audience for that he being a Knight of the holy Order should have taken a Commission from Rebells to sollicite a ratification of execrable Heresies The Gentleman did what he could to mitigate their wrath but nothing could avail So was he dismissed without answer whereof the Archbishop of Glasgow the Abbat of Dunfermlin and the Lord Seaton 〈◊〉 from Leth with the company of French were generally blamed The cold entertainment he found in that Court was soon advertised which troubled greatly the 〈◊〉 of the Professors for they were sensible of their own weakness and 〈…〉 from England if France should again invade because of the loss the 〈…〉 received in the late expedition neither had the Earl of Morton and Glencarn who upon the breaking up of the Parliament were sent into England to render thanks to the Queen and to intreat the continuance of her favour given any advertisement of their acceptance But whilest they stood thus fearfull newes was brought of the French Kings death which raised their hearts not a little neither were they more glad then the French faction were sorrowfull These meeting in the most secret manner they could took counsell to send Mr. Iohn Lesley afterwards Bishop of Rosse with letters to the Queen intreating her to return into Scotland withall to shew her that the best course she could take was to land at Aberdene where she should be honourably received and find such assistance of the Noblemen in these quarters as at her first coming she might re-establish the Catholick Religion he was also desired to warn the Queen not to give ear to the counsels of her brother who as they said was of an aspiring minde and aimed at no less then the Government of the Realm whom she should do wisely to cause be detained in France till matters at home were fully settled The letter he carried was subscribed by the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes the Bishops of Aberdene Murray and Rosse the Earles of Huntly Craford Athol Sutherland and Cathnesse On the other side the Noblemen that had assisted the expulsion of the French how soon they heard of the death of King Francis convened at Edinburgh and after counsell taken directed Lord Iames to the Queen to perswade her in like manner to return But Lesly using greater diligence came to her some dayes before him and finding her at Vitrie in Champaigne wthier she was gone to seek a secret place for her sorrow delivered the letters and credit he was trusted with The Queen hearing all answered that the Prelats and Noblemen by whom he was imployed should rest assured of her favour willing him to advertise so much and to attend till she could resolve upon her return Incontinent after Leslies coming the Queens uncles did enter in deliberation what course was best for her to take and whether or not she should return to Scotland for they conceived the passage by Sea would be dangerous she not being assured of the Queen
the Church could never be induced to part therewith and turned greater enemies in that point of Church Patrimony then were the Papists or any other whatsoever THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE FOURTH BOOK The Contents The things that fell out after Queen Mary her coming from France into this Kingdome unto her resignation of the Crown to King Iames her son THe Queen preparing to return home was taken with the Feaver tertian and forced to stay at Ianville some moneths In the end of Iune she came to Paris where Francis Earl of Bedford who was sent from England to condole King Francis his death did in the name of his Mistress salute her and after some gratulatory speeches for her recovery propone the ratification of the contract made at Leth entreating the performance of it The Queen thanking her sister for her kindness answered That she was not as yet in perfect health but hoped shortly to be well Touching the ratification she said that she remembred the business but could give no resolute answer till she had the advice of the Nobles and estates of her own Realm For though the matter concerned her principally yet the same did touch them also and they having shewed themselves displeased in former times because she did not take their advice in affairs would now be much more offended if she should proceed in that matter not having first acquainted them therewith But as she trusted the same should not be long a doing seeing she intended to make her voyage shortly home The Ambassadour replying that there was no cause to doubt of their consents in that particular the accord being made by themselves It was made said the Queen by some of them not by all and when I come amongst them it will appear what minde they are of But I will send Monsieur d' Oysell to my sister who shall give her I trust good satisfaction and by him I will signifie that I am to go into Scotland and will require those favours of her that Princes do one to another in the like cases Soon after this she sent Monsieur d'Oysell into England with a direction that after he had done this message unto the Queen he should go into Scotland and take order that the Garrisons kept in the Castle of Dunbar and the Isle of Inchkeith should keep those Forts untill she were safely arrived But the Queen of England taking ill the delay of the ratification answered him in the hearing of all the attendants That except the Queen of Scots did confirm the conditions agreed upon at Leth wherein she found her self still frustrated there could be no perfect amity amongst them and if she would do that the kindness which became a Queen her cousen and neighbour should not be wanting on her part This she desired him to report and leave his journey unto Scotland for that she would not permit the same through her Countrey The Queen of Scots highly offended with this answer did call Nicholas Throgmorton the Ambassador Legier of England and kept a long conference with him about these matters which out of the Ambassadors own letters sent to the Queen his Mistress I shall relate Commanding her attendants to go aside she brake forth in these speeches How great soever my weakness be I like not to have so many witnesses of it as your Queen of late had when she talked with Monsieur d'Oysell And now I must tell you that nothing grieves me more then that I should have desired a thing of her that I stood in no great need of having Gods favour I can return to my Countrey without her leave as I came hither against the will of King Edward her brother Neither do I lack friends that both will and may convey me safefy thither yet I desire rather to try her friendship then any others Oftentimes you have said that it were good both for our selves and for our Kingdomes that we should live friends and keep kindness one to another but it seemeth not that she is so minded otherwise she would never have returned me such an answer It is like she favoureth my rebellious subjects more then me yet she should with reason think that my subjects who have rebelled against me will never be so trusty and loving to her as I my self My friends do marvell what her purpose could be in assisting my Subjects against me and now to hinder my return unto my own Countrey being a widow I know not what it should mean I work her no trouble I have no medling with the affairs of England and yet I know there be numbers in that Countrey who are not well contented with the present times I require nothing of her but amity and friendship and this I cannot have She objects to me that I have small experience of the world It is true that years bring experience yet I am of that age that I know how to carry my self towards my friends and well-willers I will not use many speeches unworthy of her but let me with her good leave say that I am a Queen as she is that I have as good friends and as good a stomach as her self But comparisons they say are odious therefore I will contain my self For that treaty at Leth wherewith she so troubleth her self it was made whilest the King my husband was alive to whom according to my duty I was in all things obsequent That he delayed to ratifie the accord it was his fault not mine After his decease the Councell of France left me to my own Counsellors neither would my uncle meddle in Scottish affâ—irs lest they should offend The Scots that are here with me are not Counsellors neither can I deliberate with them in weighty matters assoon as I have consulted with the Estates of my Kingdom I shall give her a reasonable answer and that she may have it the sooner I shall haste my journey homewards But she perhaps will belay my way and so impede her own satisfaction and it may be she desireth no satisfaction of her demands that there may be alwayes some occasion of jarring and discord amongst us She casteth often in my teeth that I am young and unadvised and so she might justly think me if I should treat of matters of such importance but as now I will not reason that point This I may truly say that I never did any thing to my sister which I would not have done to my self I have alwayes performed the duty of a kinswoman unto her but she doth either not believe it or then despiseth my friendship Would to God I were as dear to her as I am near of bloud for this were a precious sort of kindred but God forgive them if there be any that stirreth up these contentions amongst us You are her Ambassadour let me know what is it offendeth her or in what word or action I have wronged her Hereunto Throgmorton answered Madam
no less respect then before In the beginning of the next summer there was a great speech of the interview of the Queens of England and Scotland and messengers to and fro sent to agree upon the place the time and manner of the meeting The motion came from the Queen of Scots who as it was thought greatly affected the same out of a desire she had to live in a firm peace with the Queen of England and make her self known to the subjects of that Countrey Neither was the meeting disliked of the better sort as thinking it would serve besides the preservation of the common peace to bring her unto a liking of the reformed religion But they who were popishly set fearing greatly the conference spake openly against it saying That of such interviewes there was never seen any good fruit and that it would not be safe for the Queen of Scots to put her self in the power of her whose Kingdom she had claimed Not the less the treaty went on and was concluded York condescended to be the place of meeting the numbers on either side agreed unto and the time designed about the end of Iune But whilest all things were in readiness for the journy the Queen of England excused her self by letters desiring the interview should be put off till the next year which the Queen of Scots was not ill pleased to hear for she feared if the same had held that the French King and her uncles should have been much offended This journey being stayed the Queen took her progress unto the North. Being at Striveling she was petitioned by certain Commissioners of the Church for abolishing the Mass and other superstitious rites of the Roman religion and for inflicting some punishment against blasphemy against the contempt of the Word the profanation of the Sacraments the violation of the Sabbaths adultery fornication and other the like vices condemned by the word of God whereof the laws of the Countrey did not take any hold For actions of divorce it was likewise desired that they should be remitted to the judgement of the Church or at least trusted to men of good knowledge and conversation and that Popish Churchmen might be excluded from places in Session and Councell To these Petitions exhibited in writing the Queen after she had perused the same made answer That she would do nothing in prejudice of the religion she professed and hoped before a year was expired to have the Masse and Cattholick profession restored through the whole Kingdome and thus parted from them in a choler About the midst of August she entred into Aberdene and was met by the Lady Huntly a woman of an haughty disposition wise and crafty withall in sifting the minds of others she knowing the mutability of Princes favours laboured to insinuate her selfe in the Queens affection using all servile flattery extolling the power of her husband and repeating the offer he had made for reestablishing the Romane profession in these North parts Then falling to intercede for her son Iohn Gordon who had offended the Queen by his escape forth of ward in which he was put for wounding the Lord Ogilvie upon the high street of Edinburgh she intreated her Majesties favour for that oversight and that he might be licensed to attend her Majesty during her abode in those quarters The Queen understanding what they went about and how they flattered themselves with a conceipt of her marriage answered that it stood not with her honour to admit him in her presence unless he should reenter himself in the place from which he had escap't The Lady thanking her Majesty and promising obedience in her sons behalf did only intreat that the place of his Ward might be changed to the Castle of Striveling whereunto the Queen having yielded the Lord Glames was appointed to convey him thither and he indeed went so farre on the way as to the Nobleman his house of Glames but whether called back by his Father and friends or of his own private motion it is uncertain there he changed his mind and returned to the North where gathering some forces a thousand horse or thereabout with them he drew near to Aberdene The Queen highly commoved with his contempt yet dissembling her anger did after a day or two keep on her journey towards Innerness whither she intended The eighth of September the night before her setting forth were seen in the firmament great inflamations and lightnings extraordinary which continued the space of two houres and above It feared the common sort who do always interpret such accidents to be prognosticks of some trouble But the Queen contemning these things as casual would not hear of altering her journey so the first day she went to Buquhaine the next to Rothemay and the third day being invited by Huntley to his house of Straâ—thbogie where great preparations were made for her receipt she denied to go with him or grace him in any sort till his son gave obedience and so kept on her way The day following she came to Innerness and thinking to lodge in the Castle the Keeper Alexander Gordon refused to give her entry Thereupon she began to suspect some treachery In the Townesmen she could repose no assurance as being all vassals and dependers of Huntley The town it self was unfenced with walls and the countrey all in Arms as she was advertised to attend his coming Yet disposing of things in the best sort she could order was given to keep a strong watch to fortify the passages into the town and have ships prepared in the Road whereunto if need were she might take her refuge About midnight some spies sent from Huntley unto the town were apprehended who discovering his numbers and enterprise were made fast And the next morning upon a rumour that went of her danget the Queen stood in there flocked out of all quarters unto her number of Highlandmen the Frasers and Munroes chiefly with their followers and friendship The Clanchattan in Huntleys company how soon they knew that the enterprise was against the Queen forsook him and slipped aside came and yielded themselves unto her She finding her forces increased commanded to lay siege to the Castle which rendered upon the first assault The Captain and principal Keepers were executed but the lives of the common souldiers spared After some four days abode in the Castle the Queen returned to Aberdene accompanied with all the Noblemen and clans of the countrey and thither came the Lady Huntley with offers of submission for her husband but was denied accesse Huntley perceiving the world thus altered and himself fallen in the Queens displeasure so as there was no hope of regaining her favour betook himself to desperate courses and assembling his friends and others that would run hazard with him he approached to Aberdene presuming much of the affection of the inhabitants At Court he had the Earl of Sutherland and Iohn Lesley of Bughaine men
particulars it was desired That the persons nominated in Parliament for the matter of policy or juridiction of the Church should be ordained to meet at a certain day and place for concluding the same This was promised and the eighth of August appointed to that effect but the Diet did not hold and so these matters continued unresolved as before In the end of the Assembly the Bishop of Orkney who had been deposed from all function in the Church for the marriage of Bothwel with the Queen was upon his submission reponed to his place and for removing the scandal he was injoyned in his first Sermon to make publick acknowledgement of his fault and crave forgivenesse of God the Church and Estate which he had offended About the end of September the Regent and those that were joyned with him in commission took their journey into England and came to York the fifth of October the same day and almost the same hour came Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk Thomas Earl of Suffex and Sir Ralph Sadler Chancellour of the Dutchy of Lancaster having Commission from the Queen of England to hear and determine all questions controversies debates and contentions betwixt her sister the Queen of Scots and the subjects adhering unto her on the one part and the Earl of Murray and others refusing to acknowledge her authority and adhering to the Prince her son on the other as likewise to decide all matters depending betwixt them two to confirm the peace before that time contracted or establish a new confederation betwixt them their people and subjects as they should think most convenient Some two days after Iohn Lesley Bishop of Ross William Lord Levingston Robert Lord Boyd Gawan Commendator of Kilwining and Iames Cockburn of Skirling Commissioners for the Scottish Queen came to the City where being all convened and the Commissions exhibited an oath was presented to both parties by the Commissioners of England by which they were required to swear That they should proceed sincerely in that conference and treaty and neither for affection malice or any other worldly respect propone any thing before the Commissioners which in their consciences they did not hold to be true just and godly and reasonable as also not to withdraw hide or conceal any matter fit to be opened and declared for the better knowledge of the truth in the controversies standing amongst them The Commissioners of the Queen of Scotland before they took the oath protested That although the Queen their Mistresse was pleased to have the differences betwixt her and her disobedient subjects considered and dressed by her dearest sister and cousen the Queen of England or by the Commissioners authorized by her yet she did not acknowledge her self subject to any Judge on earth she being a free Princesse and holding her imperial Crown of God alone This their protestation they desired to be put in record left the Queen or her posterity should be prejudiced in their Soveraignty by the present proceedings The Commissioners of England did contrariwise protest that they did neither admit nor allow that protestation in any sort to the hurt or prejudice of that right which the Kings of England have claimed had and enjoyed as superiours over the Realm of Scotland which Superiority they protested should belong and appertain to the Queen their Mistresse in the right of the Crown of England These protestations made both parties took the oath in manner as was required and this was the Act of the first meeting The next day the Commissioners of the Queen of Scotland presented a Declaration in writing bearing that Iames Earl of Morton Iohn Earl of Marre Alexander Earl of Glencâ—rne the Lords Homes Lindesay Ruthven Simple Cathcart Ochiltrie and other their assistants had levied an Army in the Queens name against the Queen taking her most noble peron used her in vile manner and thrust into prison in Lochlevin and forcibly broken her Mint-house taken away the printing Irons with all the silver and gold coyned and uncoyned which was in the house for the time And going to the Castle of Striveling and made a fashion to crown her sonne the Prince being then but thirteen moneths old That Iames Earl of Murray taking upon him the name of Regent had usurped the Royal authority and possessed himself with the whole forts Castles Munition Jewels and Revenues of the Kingdom And when it had pleased God to relieve her out of that prison wherein she was so straitly detained by the space of eleven moneths as none of her friends and true subjects could once be permitted to see or speak with her and that she had publickly declared by a solemn oath in the presence of divers of the Nobility at Hamilton that whatsoever was done by her in prison was extorted by force threats and fear of death she out of that natural affection which she carried to her realm and subjects did appoint the Earls of Argile Eglington Cassils and Rothes to agree and make a pacification with the said Regent and his partakers but they were so farre from admitting any peaceable Treaty as they did invade her in her passing to Dumbritton with the men of Warre whom she had hired with her own moneys killed divers of her faithful subjects led others away prisoners and banished some of good note for no other cause but for serving faithfully their lawful Princesse and so after a great many injuries had forced her to flye into England to request the help of Queen Elizabeth her dearest sister and in blood the nearest Cousen she had in the world for restoring her in her former estate and compelling her rebellious subjects to acknowledge their due obedience unto her Majesty which they in her Highnesse name did most instantly intreat The day following which was the ninth of October the Regent and rest of the Commissioners for the young King appearing before they would give any answer to the preceding writ craved first to be resolved Whether the Duke and those that were appointed with him for hearing their controversies bad power to pronounce in the cause of the Kings Mother guilty or not guilty and if according to the same they meant to give sentence without delay As likewise if it should appear by the Declaration they were to make that the Queen of Scots was guilty whether she should be delivered in their hands or detained in England and if the Queen of England would from thenceforth maintain the authority of the King and the Regency established in the person of the Earle of Murray Which points they desired to have cleared before they could enter into the accusation intended The Duke of Norfolk replied that they would proceed according to the Commission given unto them and render an account to her who had trusted them therewith Lethington upon this turning himself to the Regent said That it seemed the English haâ— no other purpose but to defame and disgrace the reputation of
is apparent that wickedness did never reign more and with lesse controlment in the Realm murther bloodshed with theft and robbery every where abounding policy destroyed Churches thrown down honourable families ruinated and true men bereft of their goods for satisfying the souldiers hired by them to maintain the Regents usurped government the like whereof hath not been seen nor heard for many ages before In regard whereof they in behalf of the Queen of Scotland their Mistresse did earnestly request the support and assistance of the Queen of England her cousin for restoring her to her Crown and suppressing the rebels that had attempted against her The English Commmissioners having perused the writings of both sides declared that as yet they were not satisfied with any thing the Regent had shewed requiring him to produce some better and more sound reasons for the severity they had used against their Soveraign otherwise they could not but think she had been too hardly dealt with and report so much to the Queen their Mistresse The Regent who disliked nothing more then to be drawn into the accusation of the Queen his sister answered that he could not be more particular till he should be assured that the Queen of England would undertake the protection of the young King and relinquish the cause of his Mother The Commissioners replying that they had no warrant to promise any such thing he besought them to try the Queens mind that her pleasure being known he might sooner resolve what to do Letters hereupon was sent to the Queen who willed the Regent to direct some one or moe of his side to Court for her better information To this effect Secretary Lethington and Mr. Iames Macgill Clerk of the Rolls were sent thither with whom the Queen having conferred a little time she gave order to recall her Commissioners and advertise the Regent himself to come unto her At his coming the Queen laid to his charge the proceeding against his sister the Queen of Scots saying that she did not see how he and the rest of his faction could well be excused and that unlesse matters were better cleard on their parts she could not deny the help and assistance that was required at her hands The Regent according to the condition proposed at York answered That if she would take upon her the defence of the King they should be more particular in their reasons for rejecting the Queens authority and clear every thing they should speak sufficiently otherwise to accuse his sister and Queen would be held odious in the judgement of all men Whilest these things were a doing in England the Queens faction at home sought all occasions to make trouble abusing the popular sort with rumours they dispersed Sometimes giving out that the Regent was made prisoner in the Tower At other times that he had promised to subject the Kingdom of Scotland to the English to deliver the young King to be brought up in England and put all the forts and strong holds in the Realm in their hands Nor was any man more busied in dispersing such lies and using all means else for stirring up tumult then Sir Iames Balfour instigated thereto by advertisement from the Secretary as was commonly thought For by his advise it was that the Scottish Queen at the same time sent Commissions of Lieutenandrie to divers Noblemen for erecting again her authority like as all the while he remained in England he did ever keep intelligence with the Bishop of Rosse and others the Queens agents and was one of the chief plotters of the match intended betwixt her and the Duke of Norfolk which came shortly after to be detected The Regent who was not ignorant of these secret workings did finde there was a necessity of his returning home to prevent the commotions that were breeding before they grew into a greater ripeness and fearing to offend the Queen of England if he should depart without giving her satisfaction in the particulars she desired to be informed of touching the Queen of Scots resolved to do it but with a protestation which he presented in writing to the Councell at Westminster the 28. of November in this form Albeit our whole proceedings from the beginning of our interprise directed onely for the punishment of the King murther and the purging of our Nation from the scandall of that abominable fact may let the world see how unwilling we have been to touch the Queen our Soveraign Lords Mother in honour or to publish unto strangers matters tending to her infamy yet shall it not be amisse upon the present occasion to shew briefly what hath been and still is our meaning therein Such and so great was our devotion toward her as well for private affection whereby every one of us was led to wish her well as for publick respects that rather then we would blemish her honour with the foreknowledge of that detestable murther we choosed to wink at the shrewd reports of the world and let our selves to be blasoned as rebels and traitours to our native Prince which had been easie for us to have wiped away with the uttering of a few words if the desire we had to save her reputation bad not made us content that the world should still live in doubt of the justice of our quarrell and speak every one as their affections were inclined So when we were urged by the Queens Majesty of England and the French Kings Ambassadours to give a reason why we detained our Queen at Lochleven we gave no other answer but that her affection was so excessively towards Bothwell the committer of that odious murther that she being at liberty it would not be possible to punish him and that it behooved us for a season to sequestrate her person till he might be apprehendâ—d and punished In what danger this dealing brought us we have no need to shew From France we had nothing to expect but open Hostility and by keeping up the chief causes of her rejection we had reason to fear that the Queen of England should call our proceeding in doubt and so leave us destitute of her Majesties aid at whose hands we look principally to receive comfort in time of danger This course nottheless we should still have kept if the importunity of our adversaries had not forced us to take another way For remembring what a person she is whom we are brought to accuse the Mother of our King and soveraign Lord a Lady to whom in particular the greatest part of us are so farre obliged for benefits received that if with the perpetuall exile of any one or of a number of us forth of our Native Countrey we could redeem her honour without the danger of the King and whole Estate we would willingly banish our selves to that end And therefore ere we dip further in the matter which to this boure we have shunned we solemnly protest that it is not any delight we take in accusing her but a necessity
the Queen his sister or others who had interest in the business that his consent was extorted and not willingly given To this effect he advised him to send the Laird of Lethington to England with speed as the wisest and most sufficient man he could chuse who would provide for him the rest that had assisted him substantially and assuredly His conscience he said some over precise objections might perhaps trouble him but if he could have espied any other thing then his overthrow in resisting he would not have written so peremptorily unto him Then concluded with these words No mans friendship will be more embraced then yours no mans estimation be greater if you shal conform your self concurwith your friends in thisâ— contrariwise if you withstand or become an adverse party you wil be so incumbred both from hence from thence all other places as no man can advise you what to do Therefore God send you to direct your course for the best This letter was accompanied with another from Sir Nicholas to Lethington wherein he shewed that according to his advice he had written to the Regent with a great zeal and care of his well doing these were the words he used and requested he should hasten his coming to Court for that businesse the same being as yet concealed from the Queen till he as the fittest Minister might propone the same in behalf of the Regent and Nobility of Scotland whereunto he held it assured the Queen would assent as preferring her own surety the tranquillity of her Kingdom and conservation of her people before any device that might proceed from the inconsiderate passions of whomsoever And that he might be the more incouraged he did inform him particularly of the Duke of Norfolks consent and the approbation of the Earls of Arundel Pembrook Leicester Bedford Shrewsbury and the rest of the wisest noblest ablest and mightiest of that Realm And it was truth that he wrote of their consenting howbeit with a condition so that the Queen of England was not against it yea beside these divers well affected both to Religion and State did wish the purpose a good successe for perceiving no inclination in the Queen of England her self to take a husband they feared the Queen of Scots who was her undoubted heir by matching with some forain Prince might endanger both Religion and State and therefore desired the marriage with the Duke might take effect he being a Nobleman of England beloved of the people and educated in the Protestant Religion for by this match as they made account if it should happen the young King to die the two Kingdomes might be united in a Prince of the English Nation or if he lived unto a ripe age he might be married with the Dukes youngest daughter who was near of the same age and that way the two Crowns be made one But these devices proved idle and vain as we shall hear The Regent for answering these letters did appoint a meeting of the Estates at Perth in Iuly thereafter At which time an Assembly of the Church was also kept in Edinburgh and from it Commissioners directed to the Convention to renew the Petitions made the year preceding that as yet had received no answer And further to desire that a portion of the tithes might be allotted for sustentation of the poor the labourers of the ground permitted to gather the tithes of their proper corns paying for the same a reasonable duty and that the thirds of Benefices being really separated from the two other parts the Collectors of the Church might peaceably intromet therewith for the more ready paiment of Ministers according to their assignations But these Petitions in regard of the more weighty businesse were deferred to another time And the Convention falling to consider the letters sent from England did hardly accord upon an answer Beginning with that of the Queen of England they judged the first condition so derogatory to the Kings authority as they did simply reject it The second of Association was held dangerous and third onely thought reasonable and meet to be accepted But when they came to speak of the Queen of Scots desires the contention was great they that stood for the Kings authority taking exception first of her imperious form of writing and that she did command them as though she were their absolute Queen then at the desire it self they excepted not holding it safe to condescend unto the same before the Queen of England should be acquainted therewith for they conceived some other thing to be lurking under that purpose of divorce then was openly pretended Such as affected the Queen and were privy to the marriage intended with Northfolk excusing the form of writing and laying the blame upon her Secretaries made offer to procure new letters in what tearms they pleased so as judges were named to proceed in the divorce and when they saw this not to be regarded in a chasing mood they said That it was strange to think how that they not many moneths passed seemed to desire nothing more then the Queenes separation from Bothwell should now when it was offered decline the same It was answered again in heat That if the Queen was so earnest in the Divorce she might write to the King of Denmark and desire him to doe justice upon Bothwell for the murther of the King her husband That done the divorce would not be needfull and she freed to marry where and when she pleased The Conventâ— on breaking up and neither the Queens faction obtaining what they desired nor Lethington the imployment which he affected new suspitions began to rise on all sides and as in the most secret practices somewhat alwayes is bursting forth a rumour went riâ—e amongst the common sort that some great interprise was in hand which would bring with it a wonderfull change in both Kingdomes Mr. Iohn Wood one of the Regents domesticks being sent with the answer of the convention did signifie to the Queen of England the business made about the divorce and what was done concerning it but she not seeming to regard the matter professed that she was not satisfied with the answer of the convention and desired they should think better of the conditions proposed The truth was that she held not the Gentleman of sufficient quality to deal in such business for otherwise she was not ignorant of the cause wherefore the divorce was sought and had warned Northfolk to take heed on what pillow he laid his head yea she took so ill the Queen of Scots carriage in that matter as shortly after she caused her to be removed to Coventry more within the Countrey and gave her in custody to George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury and Edward Hastings Earl of Huntingdon The Regent upon his servants return convened the Nobility again at Striveling where in effect the same answer that of before was given to the Propositions made by the Queen of England and
for he had warrant so to do and seeing them full of vain and idle brags for to shew the strength of the faction they had set down a Roll of all the Noblemen of their party inserting there in both some of their opposites and some that had carried themselves newters in all these broyls returned answer by the messenger that he would do as he was directed and not grant any truce nor keep the Army at their pleasure without imployment The time of the Convention approaching they who favoured the King his authority came in great numbers to Edinburgh At their first meeting it was thought convenient seeing the adverse party professed a desire of peace to make trial of their disposition and thereupon a Gentleman was sent with this message that if they would joyn for revenge of the murther of the Kings Father and Regent and would acknowledge the King for their Soveraign whatsoever else in reason they could crave should be granted unto them The answer was short and peremptory on their part That they acknowledge none for their Soveraign but the Queen and that she having committed the Government of affairs to the Earls of Arrane Argile and Huntley they would follow and obey them in her service Then they caused proclaim the Queens authority with the several Commissions of their Lieutenandries and in the Queens name indicted a Parliament to be kept at Linlithgow in August ensuing The Estates perceiving there would be no agreement gave forth a Proclamation to this effect First they said that it was not unknown to all the subjects in what a happy state the Realm stood under the government of the late Regent and what calamities it was fallen into by his death divers Lords and other subjects conspiring with them having presumed to erect another authority under the name of the Queen his Majesties mother But as such treasonable attempts had been often taken in hand and as often through Gods favour disappointed to the shame and ignominy of the enterprisers so they wished all men should understand what sort of people they were that had massed themselves together in the present conspiracy The Conspirators they ranked in three orders the principles they said were the authours of the cruel murthers of the King his father and Regent Others were manifestly purjured as having bound themselves by their oathes and subscriptions to defend the King his authority which now they impugned A third sort were such as had servile minos and without regard to conscience or honour did follow those to whom they had addicted themselves All which did pretend the maintenance of true Religion the liberty of the Countrie and the preservation of peace both abroad and at home But with what probability any man of judgement might consider for neither could he who was known to have been a persecutor of the truth and now carried the chief sway amongst them meaning the Archbishop of St. Andrews be thought a maintainer of Religion nor could they be esteemed favourers of their Country and the quietness thereof who without any just provocation had invaded the neighbour Realm of England and publickly entertained the Queens Rebells professing enemies to God and Religion As to the care they professed of the Kings preservation any man might conjecture how he should be preserved by them who exiled his Grandfather murthered his father did wickedly counsell his mother led her on courses that had brought her to shame and dishonour and now at last had unworthily cut off his Uncle and Regent by suborning a mischant to kill him treacherously It is like said they that they will be content to live subjects to a King discended of that house which they have so long a time persecuted and will they not fear if God shall bring him to perfection of years that he will be avenged of his fathers and uncles murther Neither can any be ignorant what the hope of a Kingdome will work in ambitious spirits especially when they finde themselves in a possibility to succeed unto the present possession And these are the men said they who seek to rule and command under the name of her whom they have undone by their wicked practices Of this they thought fit to advertise the subjects and to inhibit them from giving any assistance to the said conspirators under pain of death Such as of simplicity or ignorance had joyned with them they commanded to separate and return to their houses within the space of 24. houres promising in that case impunity and pardon for their by-past defection those onely excepted who were suspect of the foresaid murthers and had resset the Queen of Englands Rebells and violated the publick peace betwixt the two Realms This Proclamation was indited with much passion and matters now reduced to these termes that each side prepared to maintain their quarrell with the destruction of their adversaries The Queens faction dispatched Veraâ— to France to inform how matters went and to further the supply promised The Lord Seaton was sent to Flanders to intreat the Duke of Alva at that time Governour of the Neatherlands for the King of Spain for some aid of moneys and men and to impede the traffique of the Scottish rebells so they termed them that acknowledged the Kings authority in those parts For the point of traffick the Duke excused himself saying That he could not inhibit the same it being against the liberty of the Low-countreys but in other things he would do his best to further the Queen of Scots cause Like as shortly after he sent Mr. Iohn Hamilton Parson of Dumbar who lay Agent with him for the Scottish Queen to the Earl of Huntley with great store of Armor and gunpowder and the summe of ten thousand Crowns to levie Souldiers The Lord Seaton in the mean while who could not be idle wheresoever he was and had a great desire to approve himself by some service to the King of Spain dissembling his habit went into the United Provinces and dealt with Scottish Captains and Under officers to make them leave the service of the Estates and follow the King of Spain which being detected he was apprehended and by sentence of the Councell of Warre condemned to ride the Canon yet by some help he escaped and fled to the Duke of Alva who sent him home loaden with promises and rewarded with some little present for himselfe because of his good affection The Lords on the other side who stood for the Kings authority sent to the Earl of Sussex intreating the assistance of his forces or some part thereof because of the common danger and to move him the more they advertised that the Earl of Westmerland and other English Rebels were with the Lords convened at Linlithgow in Armes with intention as it seemed to work some mischief which had need for the good of both Realms to be prevented which they doubted not so the letters bear having his assistance to
do and to put them off the fields whereas if supply were not sent in time and that matters should happen to be put to a day amongst themselves the issue might prove dangerous Answer was made that the forces should be sent upon sufficient hostages for their surety during their remaining in Scotland Withall he craved that the English Rebels whom the Lords had in their hands and such others as should happen to be apprehended might be delivered to him as the Queens Lieutenant and left to her Majesties disposition For the hastages it was condescended that the chief Noblemen should deliver some of their friends to remain in England during the abode of the English forces and their safe return assured the chance and fortune of Warre only excepted which should be common and alike both to the Scots and them But touching the delivery of the English Rebells the Lords intreated that the same might be continued unto the return of her Majesties answer to the instructions sent by the Abbot of Dunfermlin who was upon his journey and had warrant from them to satisfie her Majesty in that point To this the Earl consented providing the Noblemen would give their bonds for the safe custody of the Rebels and the performance of that which her Majesty and the Ambassadour should agree unto The Laird of Grange and Secretary Lethington who as yet made a show to desire peace laboured by their letters to keep back the English forces offering what satisfaction the Earl of Sussex in name of her Majesty would require That the Earl answered that if the Lords of Linlithgow would disannull the Proclamation of the Queen of Scots authority and discharge all capitulations for aid out of France and all other parts beyond the Sea remitting the present dissension to the hearing and ordering of the Queen his Mistress and oblieging themselves by their subscriptions to stand at her Majesties determination he should stay his forces and detain them with himself till he received new direction from her Majesty Though these answers did in no wayes please them yet to gain some time they gave hopes that after conference with the Lords at Linlithgow he should receive all satisfaction But he smelling their intentions after he had received the bonds and pledges from the Noblemen of the Kings party sent Sir William Drury Governour of Berwick with a thousand foot and three hundreth horsmen into Scotland How soon the Lords that were convened at Linlithgow heard of their coming and that the Earl of Lennox was in their company they departed towards Glasgow and besieged the Castle purposing to raze it lest it should be usefull to the Earl of Lennox who was now returned from England But the house was so well defended by a few young men they passed not 24. in all that the siege after it had continued the space of five or six dayes brake up upon the rumour of the Noblemen and the English forces their approaching The Duke of Chattellerault went with the Earl of Argile into his Countrey the Earl of Huntley and the rest into the North. The Noblemen assisted with the English forces coming to Glasgow after a short stay marched to Hamilton and laid siege to the Castle which at the sight of the Ordinance that was brought thither for the battery was yielded to the English by Andrew Hamilton of Meryton Captain upon promise to have their lives spared The Castle was set on fire and pitifully defaced as also the Dukes palace within the town of Hamilton and divers other houses in Cliddisdale In their return to Edinburgh they destroyed the houses and lands pertaining to the Lords Flemyn and Levingston with the Dukes lodging in the town of Linlithgow the houses of Kinneill Powdowy Peill of Levingston and others that appertained to the Hamiltons in that shire This done the English forces returned to Berwick and were accompanied thither by the Earl of Morton who received again the hostages that were delivered in England Whilest these things were a doing at home the Abbot of Dunfermlin was following his legation in England His instructions from the Noblemen of the Kings party were First to shew the Queen that by the delay of her Majesties Declaration in the cause of the Kings Mother all these commotions had been raised and therefore to intreat her Majesty plainly to declare her self and take upon her the protection of the young King Secondly to inform her of the difficulties they had in electing of a Regent and crave her opinion therein Thirdly to shew what a necessity there was of intreating some forces of foot and horse till the present troubles were pacified and in regard of the publick burthens to request her for moneys to maintain 300 horse and 700. foot which was esteemed sufficient for repressing the adversaries power Lastly concerning the Rebells of England who were in hands to give her Majesty assurance that they should be safely kept and to beseech her Highnes if she would have them delivered that some respect might be had to their credit and mercy shewed so far as could stand with her Majesties safety and the quiet of the Realm For the other Rebells that were as yet in the Countrey he was desired to promise in their name all diligence for their apprehension and if it should happen them to be taken that they should be committed in sure custody till her Majesties pleasure was known These things proponed to the Queen she answered That having heard nothing from the Lords since the late Regents death and being dayly importuned by forain Ambassadours she had yielded to a new hearing of the controversies betwixt them and their Queen and that she intended to have a meeting of the Commissioners of both parties ere it was long Therefore desired them to cease from using further hostility and not to precipitate the Election of a Regent the delay whereof would work them no prejudice This answer reported to the Lords did trouble them exceedingly from the one part they saw a necessity of accommodating themselves and their proceedings to the Queen of Englands pleasure and on the other they did find a great hurt by the want of a Regent That adverse faction having thereby taken occasion to erect another Authority and divers of their own partakers falling back from their wonted forwardness as not knowing on whom they should depend After long consultation this expedient was taken That a Lieutenant should be appointed for certain time with full authority to administrate all affairs and notice sent to the Queen of England of the necessity they stood in of a Regent and that there was no other way to keep the subjects in obedience Choice accordingly was made of the Earl of Lennox grandfather to the King and a Commission of Lieutenandry given him to indure to the 11. of Iuly next at which time the Estates were warned to meet for the election of a Regent Letters were also directed to the
Queen of England requesting her advice in the choice and an answer to the other Petitions moved by the Abbot of Dunfermlin The Queen who was put in hope that Westmerland and the other Rebells of England entertained by the Queen of Scots faction should be delivered unto her had shewed her self very favourable unto them but hearing that they were escaped she made answer as followes That she did kindly accept the good will of the Noblemen testified by their seeking her advice in the choice of a Regent being a matter of such importance and so nearly touching the estate of their King and Realm That her minde once was they should do best to continue the election for a time but now considering the disorders that were raised and possibly thereafter might arise if some person was not placed in that charge she did allow their resolution And seeing the abilities of men for that place were best known to themselves she should be satisfied with their choice whatsoever it was Howbeit out of the care she had of the young King she would not dissemble her opinion which was that the Earl of Lennox her cousin whom as she was informed they had made Lieutenant of the Realm would be more carefull of his safety then any other But in any case desired them not to think that in so doing she did prescribe them any choice but left it free to themselves to do what was fittest Further she desired them to rest assured notwithstanding of the reports dispersed by their adversaries that she had neither yielded nor would yield to the alteration of the state of their King and Government unlesse she did see a more just and clear reason then had yet appeared For howbeit she condescended to hear what the Queen of Scots would say offer as well for her own assurance as for the good of that Realm a thing w th in honor she could not refuse yet not knowing what the same would be she meant not to break the order of Law and Iustice either to the advancing or prejudging of her cause Therefore finding the Realm governed by a King and him invested by Coronation and other solemnities requisite as also generally received by the three Estates she minded not to do any act that might breed alteration in the Estate or make a confusion of governments But as she had found so to suffer the same continue and net permit any change therein so far as she might impede the same except by some eminent reason she should be induced to alter her opinion In end she desired them beware that neither by misconceiving her good meaning towards them nor by the insolent brags of their adversaries they should take any course that might hinder or weaken their cause and make her intentions for their good ineffectual This letter communicated to the Estates convened at Edinburgh the twelfth of Iuly and a long discourse made to the same effect by Mr. Thomas Randolph her Ambassadour they were exceedingly joyed So following the advice given them they made choice of Matthew Earl of Lennox declaring him Regent and Governour of the Realme unto the Kings majority or till he were able by himself to administrate the publick affaires This was done with the great applause of all that were present and published the next day at the Crosse of Edinburgh In an Assembly of the Church kept the same moneth there was some businesse moved by Mr. Iames Carmichal then Master of the Grammar School of S. Andrews against Mr. Robert Hamilton Minister of the City for some points of doctrine delivered by the said Mr. Robert in Pulpit The points are not particularly expressed but in the sixt Session of that Assembly Mr. Iames Macgill Clerk of Register Mr. Iohn Bellenden of Auchnoâ—le Justice Clerk and Mr. Archibald Douglas one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice were directed from the Chancellor and Councel to require them to forbear all decision in that matter seeing it concerned the Kâ—ngs authority and contained some heads tending to treason so is it there said which ought to be tried by the Nobility and Councel willing them notthelesse to proceed in such things as did appertain to their own jurisdiction which was judged reasonable and agreed unto by the Church So farre were they in these times from declining the King and Councel in doctrines savouring of treason and sedition as they did esteem them competent Judges thereof In the same Assembly Commission was given to Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Andrew Hay to travel with the Duke of Chattellerault the Earls of Argile Eglington and Cassils the Lord Boyd and other Barons and Gentlemen in the West parts for reducing them to the obedience of the King and his authority The like Commission was given to the Laird of Dun for the Earl of Crawford the Lord Ogilvy and their assisters in Angus and certification ordained to be made unto them that if they did not return to the Kings obedience the spiritual sword of excommunication should be drawn against them which I cannot think was really intended considering the quality and number of the persons The Regent immediately upon his creation and oath taken according to the custom for maintaining true Religion and observing the lawes and liberties of the Realm prepared to keep the Diet appointed at Linlithgow by the Lords of the Queens party who were said to be gathering forces for holding the Parliament they had indicted And because much depended upon the success of that business he sent to the Earl of Sussex for assistance of his forces And to the Laird of Grange with whom he kept some correspondence for some Field-pieces and other things belonging to their furniture Grange at first made fair promises but shifting those who were sent to receive the munition said This his service should not be wanting to the making of a concord but he would not be accessary to the shedding of the blood of Scotâ—ish men The Earl of Sussex deferred his answer likewise till the Queen should be advertised Notthelesse the Regent observed the Diet accompanied with 5000 Gentlemen none of the adverse party appearing Thereafter a Parliament was indicted to hold at Edinburgh the tenth of October and the Regent understanding that the Earl of Huntley had sent some 160. souldiers to Brichen and given order for providing victuals to the companies who were there to meet him made an hasty expedition thither having sent the Lords Lindesay and Ruthven with Sir Iames Haliburton Provost of Dundy a little before himself went nigh to have intercepted the Earl of Crawford the Lord Ogilvy and Sir Iames Balfour who were there attending Huntley But they escaping the souldiers fled to the Steeple of the Church Castle which they had fortified The steeple at the Regents first coming did yield so many as were therein had their lives saved the Castle held out some days till they heard the Canon was at hand
this point made answer That the Secretary could claim no benefit by the Abstinence seeing he was the Kings subject and stood to the defence of the Kings cause both in England and Scotland professing himself as much displeased with the Proclamation of the Queens authority as any man else And howbeit of late he had accompanied the contrary faction yet he never declined his subjection to the King That being required to attend his office he had refused whereupon the same was justly taken from him and for the confiscation complained if he would yet declare on what side he was he should be reasonably used The Secretary who had often changed his party finding that now he must declare himself on the one side or the other sent to the Earl of Sussex this answer That he did think it strange the Regent should enquire on which side he was seeing his speeches writings and actions had declared the same Always now he would plainly professe that he was not of the Lord Regents side nor would he acknowledge him for Regent That he was of that side which would perform their duties to the Queen of Scotland and to her son so as neither of them should have cause to find fault with him that he was of that side which wished to either of them the place which in reason and justice they ought to possesse and that he was of that side which requested the Queen of England to enter into good conditions with the Queen whereby Scotland might be brought in an union and she restored to her liberty and Realm He confessed that he did not allow of the proclaiming of the Queens authority nor of the Parliament indited by those of he part because he foresaw the same would impede the Treaty betwixt the two Queens and might do hurt many ways and hinder the good he was about to do But that would not inser an allowance of their doings And this he said might give the Regent to understand on what side he was This answer neither expressing a reason of his falling away from the Kings obedience nor discovering plainly as was desired of what side he should be esteemed being delivered to the Regent received this reply That it was no marvel he should not acknowledge him for Regent having deserved so ill at his hands and being attainted of the soul and cruel murther of his son the Kings father That his Declaration did not satisfy that which was demanded for where he made a shew to observe a duty both to the Queen and to her son and would have it appear that he was about the effecting of great matters the duties he had done to either of them were well enough known neither could any man look for any good to proceed from him Therefore howsoever he had against his promise and subscription declined from the Kings party he must still be subject to answer such particulars as should be laid against him in the Kings name And seeing it was neither her Majesties meaning that any person guilty of the Kings murther should enjoy benefit by the Abstinence he that was challenged thereof in the late Regents time and had in Councel offered himself to the severest trial that could be taken could not complain of the breach of Abstinence for any thing done or intended against him But that neither this particular nor any other should be an occasion to dissolove that Treaty begun he said that he was content the notes of all injuries alledged on either side should be delivered in writing to the Earl of Sussex and the trial or redresse thereof continued till it should appear what effect the Treaty brought forth The prorogation of the Abstinence in the mean time as was desired by the Queen of England was yielded unto and subscrived the fourth of November with this provision That the goods and the ships of the Scottish Merchants arrested at that time in France should be released and no stay made of such as should happen to repair thither during the time of the Abstinence Whilest these things were debating the copy of the Articles proponed by the Commissioners of England to the Queen of Scots for the surety of the Queen were sent to the Lords of her faction to be considered which were as followeth 1. That the Treaty at Leth should be confirmed and that she should not claim any right nor pretend title to the Crown of England during the life of Queen Elizabeth 2. That she should not renew nor keep any League with any Prince against England nor yet receive forein forces into Scotland 3. That she should neither practise nor keep intelligence with Irish or English without the Queens knowledge and in the mean time cause the English fugitives and rebels to be rendered 4. That she should redresse the wrongs and harms done by her faction in the borders of England 5. That she should not joyn in marriage with any English man without the consent of the Queen of England nor with any other against the liking of the Estates of Scotland 6. That she should not permit the Scots to passe into Ireland without licence obtained from the Queen of England 7. That for the performance of these Articles her son should be delivered to be brought up in England and six other hostages such as the Queen of England should name should be sent thither The Castles of Home Fastâ— Castle kept by the English for the space of three years and some Fort in Galloway or Cantire be put in the English mens hands for restraining the Irish Scots from going into Ireland 8. That she should do justice according to the law upon the murtherers of her husband and the late Earl of Murray 9. That she should set her hand and cause the Commissioners to be appointed by her party set their hands and seals to these Articles 10. And lastly that all these particulars should be confirmed by the Estates of Scotland Now albeit divers of these Articles were misliked by the Lords of her faction yet conceiving thereby some hope of her restitution they dispersed certain copies in the countrey to encourage those that professed her obedience holding back such of the Articles as seemed most hard trusting to obtain a mitigation thereof in the conference And she indeed I mean the Scottish Queen shewed her self pleased withall onely she remitted the full answer to her Commissioners that should come from Scotland The rumour of the Accord held good a few days and amused the Regent and other Noblemen not a little till a letter directed by Sir William Cecil from Chattesworth in Derbyshire where the Queen of Scots then lay did otherwise inform which was to this effect That he was put upon that imployment much against his heart and yet had not dealt therein but with a great regard of the safety of the young King and whole Estate And that all he had done touching Scottish affairs was under protestation that it should be in
the power of those whom the Queen and Regent should send in Commission to change diminish or augment the Articles at their pleasures Therefore did he advise the Regent to send a Nobleman with some other well learned and practised in the affairs of the countrey to deal in these matters taking care that the persons he choosed were constant and firm and such as would not be wonne from him nor from the cause This Letter of the date the thirteenth of October 1570. written in so friendly and familiar a manner for therein he named some whom the Regent had lately imployed of whom he willed him to beware gave him to understand that matters were not so farre gone as his adversary did bragge After a few dayes the Earl of Sussex advertised the Regent that the Lords of the other faction had made choice of certain Commissioners to attend the treaty begun betwixt their Queen and the Queen of England desiring that no trouble nor molestation should be made to them and their train in that journey as also to send some speciall persons instructed with Commission from the King and the Nobility of his side to give their best advice for the surety of the King and his dependants if matters should happen to be accorded And if it fell out otherwise to consider what should be the most sure course for continuance of amity betwixt the two Realms the preservation of the young King the reducing of the subjects to his obedience and the defence of the Isle against forain invasions These Commissioners he desired to be sent with expedition for that her Majesty longed to have an end of the business and could not grow to any resolution till she had conferred with them and understood their minds This he did by direction from the Queen his Mistris as he wrote howbeit he himself had thought of some particulars that he held convenient to be thought upon but for the Kings security and theirs if his mother should be set at liberty wherein he prayed him familiarly to shew what was his opinion As first if she should happen to be restored to her Crown and the King to be made to dimit the authority it might be upon condition that in case of her death or the breach of the present agreement he might reenter to the kingdome without any Solemnities to be used Next that a Councell of both parties might be provided to her by the Queen of England for avoyding all sorts of practises Thirdly that the young King should be educated in the Realm of England under the custody of such persons as the Nobility of his party should appoint which would be the greatest sureâ—y for those that depended on him and tie his mother to the performance of the Articles Fourthly that a new Act of Parliament should be made for the establishing of true Religion and oblivion of all injuries committed on either side Fifthly that the Queen should give some principall men of her side Hostages to remain in England for fulfilling the heads of the agreement Lastly he advised the Regent to send with the Commissioners that should be imployed in that errand a writing signed and scaled by all the Noblemen of the Kings party to shâ—w who they were that stood on that side Because besides the credit it would bring to the cause the same would be to good purpose howsoever matters went For if the Treaty should break off it would be seen who would maintain and defend the King Or if otherwise an accord were made it would be known for what persons the Queen of England was to provide a surety Whether these Propositions were made as he gave out of his own head or which would rather appear that he was set on by the Queen of England to try the Regent and Nobilities mind he answered very advisedly and beginning at the last he said That he held his opinion good touching the sealing of a writing by the Nobility of the Kings party whose number would not be found so great as he wished because there were divers Neuters that adhered to no side and many that desired to keep things loose some for impunity of crimes whereof they were suspected and others hoping to better their condition in an unquiet time yet he trusted to obtain the subscriptions of a sufficient number who had sincerely continued in the profession of true Religion and his Majesties obedience and from their hearts abhorred the murtherers of the King his sonne and the late Regent For the other points he said that he could not give his private opinion in matters so important by reason of his oath made at the acceptation of the government to have no dealing in matters of that kind without the knowledge of the Nobility and Councell And touching the Commissioners which the Queen required to be sent there should be diligence used therein how soon they understood of what quality the others were that the Lords of the Queens party did choose Neither should any molestation be made to them in their journy so as their names the number of their train and the way they minded to take were notified For otherwise as he said the King and Estate might receive hurt and some that were culpable of those odious murthers steal away privately in their company Mean while he shewed that till Commissioners might be chosen by the advice of the Noblemen then absent the Councell had appointed the Abbot of Dunfermlin Ambassadour to the Queen of England and given him such instructions as they held needfull for the time by whom she should be more fully advertised of their minds in all matters About the midst of November the Abbot of Dunfermlin then made Secretary went into England He was desired to shew the Queen How it was the expectation of all the good subjects in Scotland that she would never forget the motherly care she had professed to have of the innocent person of their young King nor yet be unmindfull of the Noblemen and others professing his obedience who had studied to maintain peace betwixt the two Realms ever since her Majesties entry to the Crown and that they being required as well by letters from her Lieutenant in the North as by her Ambassadour resident amongst them to direct some speciall persons towards her for communicating such things as they thought requisite for the surely of their King and themselves although they had resolved upon a number sufficient for that Legation yet they deferred to send away till they should understand who were nominated for the Lords of the other party to the end they might equall them in birth and quality That in the mean time lest they should be thought more negligent then became them in matter of such importance they had laid upon him the charge to come and signifie to her Majesty the opinion that was held in Scotland of the Articles framed at Chattesworth which the adversaries gave out to have been craved by her
ready to be restored to the Crown if the Queen his Mother break the Covenants agreed betwixt her and the Queen of England 10. That for his entertainment he should not only have the revenues which the Princes of Scotland in former times possessed but also the Rents and Offices belonging sometime to the Earl of Bothwel 11. And last that a convenient number of Hostages being all Noblemen and of those who have adhered to the Queen and solicited her delivery should enter in England to remain there for assurance of observing the conditions made both to the King of Scots and the subjects under his obedience and to the Queen of England for the peace and quiet of her dominions And that the said Hostages should be entered in England before the Queen of Scots shall be put to liberty These Articles delivered to them were answered the next day as followeth We have seen and considered the note of the Heads which we received from your Lordships for pacifying the controversies between the Queen our Soveraigns mother and the King her Son and his Subjects touching the Title of the Crown of Scotland if it be found that her dimission either was or may be lawfully revoked by her And therewithall having diligently perused our Commission and Instructions to know how far we might enter in Treaty upon the same Heads for satisfaction of the Queens Majesty and your Lordships to whom the hearing of the cause is committed We find our selves no ways able nor sufficiently authorised to enter into any treaty or conference touching the King our Soveraign his Crown the abdication or diminution of the same or yet the removing of his person from the place where he abideth For as we confesse our selves his Highnesse subjects and have all our power and Commission from him to treat in his name in matters tending to the maintenance of true Religion his honour and estate and for the continuance of amity betwixt the two Realms So we cannot presume to abuse our Commission in any thing that may prejudge him wherein we trust your Lordships shall allow and approve us At the same time some others were appointed to conferre with those of his Mothers party And to them it was proposed that for the security of the Queen of England and the Noblemen that followed the King of Scots the Duke of Chatteller ault with the Earls of Huntley Argile the Lord Home and any other Nobleman they pleased to name should be delivered as pledges and the Castles of Dumbar and Home be put in the hands of English men to be kept for three years The answer they gave was that she who of her own motive committed her self to the protection of the Queen of England would most willingly give her satisfaction in all things which conveniently might be done but to deliver those great men and the Fortresses required was no other thing but to spoil and deprive the distressed Queen of the succour of her most faithful friends and the strength of those places yet if in all other points they did agree they made offer that two Earls one whereof should be of the number nominated and two Lords should enter as Hostages and remain in England for the space of two years but for the Holds and Castles they could not because of the League with France put them in the hands of English men unlesse others were put also in the hands of the French The Queen of England perceiving that there were on both sides great impediments sent for the Kings Commissioners and told them how she had considered that the Articles proponed could not be resolved but in a Parliament and therefore leaving the Treaty for a time seeing she understood there was a meeting of the Estates appointed in May next she held it meetest they should return and in that meeting condescend upon an equal number of both parties that should have power to compose matters The Abstinence in the mean time being renewed in hope that all differences should be taken away and matters peaceably agreed This she would cause signify to the Agents of their Queen and doubted not but they would assent thereto yet when it was moved unto them they refused to agree to any delay till they should know what was her own mind Hereupon the Kings Commissioners were commanded to stay till her Answer should be returned In this time the Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston trusting to speed better by conference with the Earl of Morton and the rest sent to desire a meeting of them which was yielded unto provided the Bishop of Ross came not in their company for him they would not admit as being the Kings Rebel Having met they talked kindly one to another But that the Queen should be restored to her authority in no condition though divers were proponed could be admitted which when she heard and that the Queen of England had taken a course to delay things she grew into a great choler and inhibited her Commissioners to treat any more This reported to the Queen of England she sent for the Earl of Morton and his Associates and told him that their Queen took in evil part the motion she had made And seeing it is so saith she I will not detain you longer ye shall go home and if afterwards she be brought to agree to this course as I hope she shall I have no doubt but you will for your parts do that which is fitting Thus were they dimitted Whilest these things were doing in England the factions at home notwithstanding of the Abstinence were not idle but taking their advantage of others Lord Claud Hamilton ejecting the Lord Semple his servant forth of the house of Paslay placed therein a number of souldiers and by them kept all these parts in in fear The Regent upon this gathering some forces besieged the house and had it rendered to him within a few days The Souldiers were conveyed to Edinburgh and hanged on the Gallows without the Town Not long after upon intelligence that the Castle of Dunbarton was negligently kept and might easily be surprised he sent three companies under the command of Captain Crawford Captain Home and Captain Ramsey to give the attempt Ladders and other necessaries for scaling being prepared they went thither in the night conducted by a fellow that had served in the house and as then had quit his service upon a private discontent A little before day carrying the ladders with the least noise they could make they placed the same in the most commodious part for ascent and notwithstanding of sundry difficulties that happened got up in the end to the top of the Rock There having a wall of stone likewise to climbe Captain Alexander Ramsey by a ladder which they drew up after them was the first that entered and for a short space defended himself against three watchmen that assailed him Crawford and Home following quickly with their companies the
and for this Sir William proponed that he should stand between the companies and upon a sign to be given by him both should turn at one instant The Earl of Morton accepted the condition lest he should offend the Gentleman who had taken such pains amongst them the others refused giving forth great brags that they should make them leave the fields with shame if they did it not willingly How soon Morton was advertised of the difficulty they made he cried aloud On on we shall see who keeps the fields last and therewith gave so hard a charge upon them as they disordered both the horse and foot The Chase held towards the Watergate where by reason of the skant and narrow passage many were killed and trod to death but the number of prisoner were greater for there were 150. taken amongst whom were the Lord Home and Capt. Iames Cullen the Abbot of Kilwining was killed a Gentleman of good worth and greatly lamented for he was of all that faction esteemed most moderate There died some 50. in all most of them common souldiers and of mean accompt On Mortons side Captain Weymis with one only souldier was slain this conflict happened on Satturday the 28. of Iune 1571. Advertisement hereof sent to the Regent he came the next day to Leth where first order was taken with the prisoners and the Lord Home sent to Tantallan But he stayed not long there for the Lord of Drumlanrig being intercepted by Sir David Spence of Wormston as he was making homewards an exchange was made of the Lord Home with him Captain Cullen a man infamous and who in the last wars had used great cruelty was hanged on a Gibbet The rest upon promise not to serve against the King were dimitted Resolution then was taken for the Regents abode at Leth and the countreys attendance upon him by quarters to keep the adversaries busied and hinder the victualling of the town During which time no day passed without one conflict or other wherein sometimes the Regent and sometimes the Queens party had the better at this time upon a report carried to the Laird of Grange that he was commonly called by those of Leth the Traytor he sent a Trumpet to appeal any one of their side to combat that should dare to affirm so much The Laird of Garleys offering to maintain it time and place were appointed for the sight and when all were expecting the issue of it Grange excused himself by the publick charge he bare saying that it was not thought convenient he should hazard the cause in his own person Notwithstanding of this great heat amongst the parties the Queen of England ceased not to mediate an accord and by a letter to the Marshal dated the 19th of Iuly willed him to move them of new for an abstinence offering to send persons of authority and credit to the borders who should travel to agree them and remove all differences as well concerning the title of the Crown as other private matters and because it was given her to understand that both parties had indicted Parliaments to August next she desired that no proceeding should be made therein either by making of lawes or by denouncing any persons forfeited and that only they should authorize certain persons to meet with her Commissioners for consulting upon the best means to conclude a solid peace There was also a letter of safe conduct sent for any one that Grange would direct unto England for this he had desired Lethington excepted and those that were suspected of the late Kings murther But whether this exception gave the cause or the daily incouragements sent by the French none was directed thither The Regent by his answer of the 27. excused the not yielding to the abstinence which he said without evident prejudice to the Kings cause could not be granted so long as Edinburgh was detained For other points he answered That by himself without the consent of the Nobility and Estates he could say nothing but at their meeting in August her Majesty should receive all reasonable satisfaction The adversary party in the mean time nothing relenting of their course did keep a form of Parliament at Edinburgh the 22. August and though they were but five persons in all present that had any voice in the State to wit two Bishops and three Noblemen they pronounced above 200. persons forfeited The Regent advertising the Queen of England how they had proceeded and what disorder did shew the necessity whereunto they that lived in the Kings obedience were brought and how it concerned him and the rest to prosecute what they had justly intended in regard of their enemies precipitation So in the Parliament kept at Striveling the 28. of the same moneth sentence of forfeiture was pronounced against the Duke of Chatteller ault and his two sons the Abbot of Aberbrothock and Lord Claud the Earl of Huntley the Laird of Grange and some others And for satisfying the Queen of Englands desire the Earl of Morton Marre and Glencarn the Lords Semple Ruthven and Glamis with the Bishop of Orkney the Abbots of Dunfermlin and S. Colmes Inche Sir Iohn Ballendine Justice Clerk and Mr. Iames Mr. Gill Clerk of Register were nominated by the Estates and Commission given or to any four three or two of that number to treat with such as the Queen of England should appoint upon the differences arisen amongst the subjects by occasion of the late troubles and for contracting a League offensive and defensive betwixt the two Realms Of all that did the Regent give notice to the Queen beseeching her not to presse them with any thing that might seem to call the Kings authority in question But before these letters came to her hands he was killed as ye shall hear Lord Claud Hamilton having intelligence given him of the security wherein the Regent and Nobility lived at Striveling and how as in a time of setled peace they did not so much as keep a watch by night took resolution to invade them and was therein greatly incouraged by Cap. George Bell a man born in Striveling one that knew all the passages streets who made offerto put him the company he should bring with him safely in the town This he communicated to the Earl of Huntley Walter Scot of Bacleugh and David Spence of Wormeston who were all content to joyn in the enterprise The second of September they went from Edinburgh a little before Sun-setting accompanied with 200. horse and 300. foot and lest their journey should be suspected they made the rumour go that they went towards Iedburgh to compose a discord fallen out betwixt the town and the Laird of Fernherst To ease the footmen they had taken all the horses which came the day before to the Market and as many as they could otherwise purchase by the way and so marching with a wonderful confidence for by the wayall their discourse
the rest betook them to a little bush of wood where being environed on all sides they yielded at discretion the prisoners were many of whom some few were retained as pledges and the rest dimitted upon promise to enter themselves at a certain day The rest of the winter and all the next spring was spent in light skirmishes with small losse on either side for they of the Queens faction did seldom come to the open fields or if they shewed themselves at any time upon the first onset they took the flight and retired to the town Whilest matters did thus proceed in the Queen of Scots quarrel at home the Bishop of Ross in England renewed the purpose of marriage with the Duke of Norfolk and practised with divers for setting the Queen at liberty This being discovered the Duke was committed to the Tower of London and being arraigned at Westminster Hall the 16. of Ianuary was convicted of Treason and condemned to die yet was the execution delayed to the Iune after The Bishop of Ross called also in question defended himself by the priviledges of his Ambassage saying That he had done nothing but what his place and duty tied him unto for procuring the liberty of his Princess and that he came unto England with sufficient authority which he had shewed and was at the time accepted When it was replied that the priviledges of Ambassadours could not protect them who did offend against the Majesty of the Princes they were sent unto and that they were not to be reputed other then enemies who practised rebellion against the State He answered that he had neither raised nor practisâ—d rebellion but perceiving the adversaries of his Princess countenanced and her out of all hope of liberty he could not abandon his Soveraign in her affliction but do his best to procure her freedom And that it would never be found that the priviledges of Ambassadours were violated via juris by course of law but only via facti by way of fact which seldom had a good success After long altercation he was sent to the Isle of Ely and from thence brought and imprisoned in the Tower where he remained nigh two years Some ten days after Norfolks execution the Queen of England directed certain of her Councel to the Queen of Scots to expostulate with her for making suit to the Pope and King of Spain and for receiving letters from the Pope together with a sentence declaratory published against her self whereunto after protestation that she was a free Queen and subject to none she answered that she had indeed by letters solicited both the Pope and King of Spain for restoring her unto her Kingdom which was no prejudice to the Q. of England that she had received godly and consolatory letters from the Pope But for the sentence given by him she never knew thereof till a printed copy was brought unto her which after she had read she did cast into the fire These answers did not satisfy the Q. of Engl. who having understood that she had entered in a secret confederacy with the Spaniard kept her from that time in a more strict custody then before Yet at the request of the French King she sent of new Sir William Drury unto Scotland to treat for peace and if that could not be wrought to procure a cessation of Arms for a certain space But he prevailed nothing the warres being then very hot and the parties mightily incensed against others No quarters were given nor interchange of prisoners made but all that were taken on either side presently executed This device was held to proceed from the Earl of Morton who thought the troubles would not hastily cease if a greater severity were not used towards them who withstood the Kings authority But whose device soever it was it proved exceeding hateful The common sort taking it to have come of Morton called the warres of that time the Douglasses warres This form of doing continued from the 16. of April to the 8. of Iune at which time both parties wearied of execution daily made were content to cease from such rigour and use fair warres as in former times In the North Adam Gordon after the Forbesses were defeated found no resistance and following his fortune reduced all beyond the river of Dee to the Queens obedience To impede his proceedings for he had entered then into the countrey of Mernis and was besieging the house of William Douglass of Glenbervy The Regent directed the Earl of Crawford and Buchan with the Lord Glamis and Master of Marshell These Noblemen meeting at Brichen and waiting there till forces should assemble Adam Gordon came upon them in the night and killing the watches that were placed at the Bridge on the North side of the town had very nigh taken them all in bed but they wakened by the noise of the Trumpets espcaped many were taken prisoners and some 39. persons slain within the City This done he besieged the town of Montross and forced them to pay a great summe of mony which put the town of Dundy in such fear as they were driven to seek aid of their Neighbours in Fife At the same time the Castle of Blacknes a Fort on the South-side of the river of Forth was sold by the Keeper to the Hamiltons and thereby the Navigation betwixt Leth and Striveling barred at Edinburgh were divers skirmishes betwixt them and the companies that lay at Leth and which was greatly lamented of both parties the Lord Methven killed by a shot of Cannon from the Castle The Duke in the mean time having proclaimed a Justice Court at Hamilton and divers persons within the Sheriffdom of Ranfrew and Lennox to answer to certain crimes whereof they were delated The Regent prepared to keep the diet and leaving the Earl of Montross and the Lord Lindesay to follow the service at Leth took journey to Glasgow and from thence to Hamilton But neither the Duke nor any in his name appearing to hold the Court he appointed the Lord Semple Lieutenant in those West parts for the King and returned to Striveling He had intended an expedition in the North but upon advertisement that two Ambassadours were arrived at Leth he turned thither The one was Monsieur de Crock imployed by the French the other Mr. Randolph by England who professed both of them to be sent for negotiating a peace amongst the parties yet was it thought the French did not much affect the peace For even then the Lord Fleming came from France with moneys to pay the souldiers that served the Lords at Edinburgh This Nobleman some ten days after walking in the street was unhappily wounded in the knee by the shot of an Harquesk whereof he died the sixth of September As to the Queen of England howbeit she desired peace to be made yet she would have it in such manner as both factions might depend on her and so she had carried her self in
all the late treaties as however she favoured the Kings party most the other party did never despair of her good will The two Ambassadours having tried the minds of both parties they found them more tractable then they expected and after some travel taken amongst them obtained a cessation of Arms and for the space of two moneths continuing from the first of August to the first of October upon the conditions following 1. That the Regent and all other subjects of the Realm partakers with them in the present troubles should faithfully promise during the said space to abstain from all hostility 2. That before expiring of the said Abstinence the Nobility and Estates should convene and advise upon the best means to establish a final peace and if any difficulty should arise in the said treaty which amongst themselves could not be composed that the same should be remitted to the determination of the most Christian King and Queen of England 3. That the town of Edinburgh should be set at liberty and made patent to all the subjects and no place thereof be withholden or fortified with Garrisons the Castle only excepted which before these troubles arose was accustomed to be kept and guarded with souldiers 4. That all the subjects of whatsoever quality and condition they were should freely converse together without trouble or molestation to be offered them by word or deed excepting such as should be found guilty of the murther of the King his Father and Regents The thieves and broken men of the Borders and Highlands with the disturbers of the publick peace betwixt the Realms of Scotland and England none of which should be comprised in the present Abstinence but remitted to the trial and censure of the Common law and wheresoever they might be apprehended presented 5. And last because there were divers persons who in the time of these troubles had possessed themselves in other mens lands and the tenth whereof in that season were to be collected To the effect no impediment should be made to the peace intended it was agreed that the corns and fruits growing upon the said lands should be gathered and put in Granges or stalked upon the fields and not applied to any private use before the expiring of the Abstinence These Articles were published the first day of August both at Edinburgh and Leth and the same day the Duke with the Earl of Huntley and their followers departed from Edinburgh leaving the town free and patent as was agreed This beginning of peace joyed not a little the good subjects for which publick thanks were given in all the churches and solemn prayers made for the continuance and perfection thereof At this time or much about the same the Earl of Northumberland who had been kept a long time at Lochlevin was delivered by the Earl of Morton to the Lord Hunsden Governour of Berwick and shortly after beheaded at York Hereat many did offend esteeming the fact dishonourable and a discredit to the whole nation others did excuse it by the necessity of the time and the inconvenience that the publick affairs might receive if the Queen of England should be in any sort displeased But so much the worse it was taken that as the rumour went Morton received for his delivery in England a great summe of money and so the Nobleman thought rather to be sold then delivered The next day after the publication of the Abstinence the Regent and Nobility adhering to the King did enter into Edinburgh where the Ambassadours after thanks given them for their pains they had taken were courteously dimitted It was the 27 of September some three days only before the expiring of the Abstinence that the Noblemen â—id meet as was appointed to consult upon the means of a perfect peace Whereupon it was first agreed that the Abstinence should be prorogued unto Ianuary next after that falling to treat of the businesse it self they agreed in many points and even then had made a final accord if the Laird of Grange had not marred the same with his petitions These were as followeth 1. He craved a discharge to himself and all that were in the Castle of all things which they or any of them had committed since the beginning of the troubles and that all Acts Decrees and Sentences pronounced against them either in Parliament secret Councel or before the Justice general and his Deputies might be declared null and of no effect 2. That they should be repossessed in their rooms heritages and possessions without any challenge to be made thereafter of the same by whatsoever person or persons 3. That the heirs of the Lord Fleming the Lord of Wormeston and others who were slain in the Queens cause might enter to their heritage and rooms as though they had never been forfeited 4. That the Castle of Edinburgh should be consigned in the hands of the Earl of Rothes with the whole furnishing munition and rent belonging there to the Captain making an account of the Jewels and other goods which he received with the house As also restoring all the goods of the people of Edinburgh that were put in his custody which he was content to do he being freely discharged of all and secured by Act of Parliament 5. That the Castle of Blacknes should be put in the keeping of some one of their side and the rents appertaining thereto assigned for the entertainment of a Garrison within the same 6. In respect of the great debt he had contracted in these warres he craved the summ of twenty thousand merks to be given him for satisfying his creditors 7. That the Earl of Morton should resign the superiority of the lands of Grange and other lands annexed thereto to be holden of the Crown in all time coming And lastly that the Lords within the Castle might be licenced to go into the Kingdom of France or any other countrey they pleased forth of Scotland and that the Earl of Rothes should be surety for the accomplishment the whole premises These Articles being presented to the Regent and Councel were for the first three judged reasonable but to commit any places of strength to others then those who had constantly adhered to the King they esteemed it not safe and to give him any recompence that was known to be the author of the last troubles they said it would be a matter of ill ensample For the licence craved to those of the Castle to goe out of the countrey they held the petition very suspicious and could not think there was a sound meaning in them that had moved the same yet was it not thought meet to answer him by a simple denial at that time but rather to keep him in hope and appoint a new diet for pursuing the treaty begun Thus by consent the Abstinence was prorogued and the last of Octob. assigned for a new meeting at Perth The delay grieved the Regent exceedingly and as it was supposed partly for this and partly for
should prefer none thereto but such as was sound in Religion and for other qualities apt and worthy That during his Regencie he should grant no respits nor remissions for hainous crimes That he should not transport the King forth of the Castle of Striveling without the advice of the Councel That he should grant no favour to the murtherers of the Kings Father and Regents That he should neither enter into league with forainers nor denounce warre without the consent of the Estates And that he should be careful to entertain the amity contracted with the Queen of England The Estates on the other part did promise to assist him with all their power against the Kings enemies and to joyn with him in the reformation of whatsoever abuses crept in by occasion of the late troubles without offending at the execution of justice upon their nearest and dearest friend Order was also taken for the entertainment of his house the setling of a resident Councel and the advancing of the revenues of the Crown to the best profit And these were the things done in that meeting Soon after came Sir Henry Killigrew Ambassadour from England partly to declare the content which the Queen had received in the choice of the Earl of Morton to be Regent and partly to renew the Abstinence which was then near the expiring Herein he prevailed so farre with the Duke and Huntley as they were brought not only to prorogate the Abstinence but also to name certain Noblemen who should meet for them at Perth with such as the Regent by advice of the Councel should nominate for concluding a perfect peace The Laird of Grange and those that remained with him in the Castle refusing to be comprehended in that treaty went on in victualling and fortifying the house for impeding whereof the Regent did levie some companies of souldiers to inclose the Castle and because the time of Parliament was approaching he caused erect Bulwarks in divers places of the street to secure the people at their meetings to Sermon and the Judges that convened to the ministration of Justice Grange finding himself thus pent up did by a Proclamation from the Castle wall command all the Queens subjects to depart forth of the town within the space of 24. hours The time expired he made the Cannon thunder upon the town to the great terrour of the Inhabitants yet there was no great hurt done that way which when he perceived he hired one of his souldiers to set fire in the night time to some houses under the wall which destroyed a number of tenements for a strong Western wind blowing in the time the fire did so rage as from S. Magdalens Chappel Westward all was consumed none daring to put hand to quench the fire because of the Canon that played still on the part where they saw any concurse of people This made him extremely hated and even they that otherwise wished him well were greatly offended with this doing The Parliament notthelesse kept and thre in divers Acts were mode partly for maintaining the Kings authority partly for preservation of true Religion which causes were held in those days so conjoyned as the enemies of the one were likewise esteemed enemies to the other Therefore was it then enacted That none should be reputed loyal and faithful subjects to the King or his authority but be punished as rebels who made not profession of true Religion And that all such as made profession thereof and yet withstood the Kings authority should be admonished by their teachers to acknowledge their offence and return to his Majesties obedience and if they refused that they should be excommunicated and cut of from the society of the Church as putrid and corrupted members The Parliament breaking up the Regent by advice of the Councel directed to the meeting at Perth the Earl of Argile then created Chancellour the Earl of Montrosse the Abbot of Dunfermlin Secretary the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Sir Iohn Ballenden Justice Clerk There met with them the Earl of Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton Commendatory of Aberbrothock authorised by the rest that maintained the Queens authority The English Ambassadour assisting them after some days conference they were brought to agree upon these Articles 1. That all persons comprehended in the present pacification should acknowledge and professe the true Religion established and professed within the Realm and maintain the Preachers and professours thereof against all opposers specially against the confederates of the Councel of Trent 2. That the Earl of Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton with their friends and followers should submit themselves to the King and to the government of the Earl of Morton his Regent and his successours in the same acknowledging themselves the Kings subjects by their oaths and subscriptions 3. That they should confesse all things done by them under colour of any other authority since the time of his Majesties Coronation to have been unlawful and of no force nor effect 4. That an Act of Parliament should be made with all their consents ordaining that none of the subjects should assist fortify supply or shew any favour directly nor indirectly to those who should happen to practise against the religion presently professed the Kings person his authority or Regent And if they should be tried to do any thing to the contrary the remissions granted to them with all other benefits of the pacification should be null and they pursued for their offences past as if they had never obtained pardon for the same 5. That all persons professing his Highnesse obedience who had been dispossessed during the late troubles should be reponed to their houses lands livings benefices and whatsoever goods belonging to them if so the same were extant in the hands of the intrometters horses and armour only excepted 6. That the Master of Forbes Iames Glen of Barre and all other persons should be set at liberty as likewise the bonds given by the Lord Semple and others for entry of prisoners or for paiment of any ransomes be discharged 7. That the Earl or Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton should dimit and cause all souldiers hired or maintained by them or any of their party to be forthwith dimitted 8. That all processes of forfeiture which had been led especially the sentences given against the Earl of Huntley Lord Iohn Hamilton and Lord Claud his brother William Bishop of Aberdene Alexander Bishop of Galloway Adam Gordon of Awchindown and the rest of their friendship for any crimes or offences done in the common cause against the King and his authority since the 15th of Iune 1567. or for any other cause contained in the summons of forfeiture raised against them should be declared null and of no force without any other special declaration And that the foresaid persons should have liberty given them to reduce the said forfeitures as they should please 9. That all persons then returning or who should return to the Kings obedience and
advice take order for preventing the troubles that might arise by their dissensions The King liking the advice commanded letters to be written for all the Noblemen in the countrey to meet at Striveling the tenth day of March yet the advertisement went only the two Earls having the direction of the letters to those that were their own friends and enemies to the Regent Amongst others the Lords Maxwel and Ogilvy were invited to come of whom the first had been lately dispatched from his office of Wardanrie in the West Marches and committed in the Castle of Blackness the other had of a long time been confined in the City of S. Andrews How soon the Regent was advertised of Argile and Athols being with the King and that they had moved him to call the Nobility to a meeting upon a pretext of trying Argiles complaint he sent the Earl of Angus the Lord Glammis Chancelcellour and the Lord Ruthven Thesaurer with a letter and certain notes under his hand to be communicated to the King In the notes he made a particular relation of the contempt done by the Earl of Argile to his Majesties authority and of his practises with Athol to disturb the common peace desiring to know his Majesties pleasure concerning them that if his Highness would allow him to follow the course of law he might do his duty if otherwise his Majesty thought fit to oversee their disobedience that he would be pleased to disburthen him of his office and not suffer his own name and authority to be despised in the person of his servant for as he had at sundry times made offer to dimit the Regiment whensoever his Majesty was pleased to take it in his own hands so will he now most willingly resign the same so as a substantial course were taken for the preservation of his Highness person the ordering of his Majesties house and the dispensing of the revenues of the Crown Herewith he recommended the keeping of the peace contracted with England because of the danger that a warre might bring not only to the Realm but also to his Highness title and right of succession in that Kingdom And having recounted the services done by himself from his Majesties birth unto that present specially his assistance at the Kings Coronation the danger whereunto he exposed himself and his friends in Lanside field and at the siege of Brichen The legations which he had undertaken to England the recovery of the Castle of Edinburgh the pacification of the Realm which at his entry to the government he found in great trouble the redeeming of the jewels and moveables pertaining to the Cown and the restoring of the royal Patrimony to some reasonable estate in regard of all these services he craved no more but an allowance of what he had done in his office and a discharge of his intromissions by the Estates of Parliament These notes being shewed to the Noblemen who were about the King for numbers were come upon the rumour of a change that was in hand they did all advise him to take hold of the offer of dimission made by the Regent and accept the government in his own person after which he might deliberate upon such things as the Regent had moved Some were of opinion that the King should write to the Regent and require of him a dimission but the greater part misliking delays did reckon it more sure to do that which was meant at once and not to protract time with a communing such as that manner of proceedings would necessarily breed The King liking best the perswasions that were given him to reign a thing natural to Princes resolution was taken to discharge the Regent of his authority and publish the Kings acceptation of the government This conclusion was the same day imparted to the Regent who thereupon sent the Laird of Whittingham to desire the King before any innovation was made to reconcile those of the Nobility that were in variance with others thinking this way to hold off the publication intended at least for some days But it availed nothing for immediately were the Chancellour and Lord Hereis sent with this Commission to him in writing That his Majesty considering the dislike which many had of his government and the apparent troubles to fail upon the Realm had by the advice of the Nobility determined to accept the rule in his own person and because delay of time might breed some further grudge and inconvenience he did therefore require him to send his Declaration in writ with all speed for testifying his obedience and allowance of what was done and to abstain from all further administration or exercise of the office of Regency As concerning his desires for the surety of his Majesties person the ordering of his house and revenues of the Crown with preservation of the peace with England and the setling of the Borders and Highlands his Highnes should omit nothing that lay in his power to do for effecting the same and therein would follow the counsel which he and the rest of the Nobility should give unto him and for the discharge of his administration he should have all granted which with reason he could require the form whereof his Majesty did will him to draw up that he might deliberate with his Councel what was fit to be done therein assuring him that he should be well and graciously used With this Commission they did likewise carry a letter written by the King himself in very loving terms declaring that because he saw no other way to maintain concord amongst his subjects he had accepted the government in his own hands and that he was confident to have the defects of his age and experience supplied by his Nobility especially by himself whom he would ever love and acknowledge as his trusty Coâ—sen most tender to him in blood these be the words of the letter and one of his true and faithful Counsellours In the mean time the Kings acceptation was published at Striveling and the next day being the 12th of March proclaimed at Edinburgh where the Regent himself was assisting and took instruments of his dimission in the hands of two Notaries It grieved divers of his friends that he had so easily condescended to quit the place which they thought he might with good reason have kept till a Parliament had been called for that purpose Amongst others the Lord Boyd who was most intire with him and came to Edinburgh some few houres after his dimission did chide him bitterly speaking to this effect That he did presume too much of his own wit who in a matter of so great moment would not once ask the opinion of his friends and that in a short time he should find that he had done unwisely to forsake the place committed to him by the whole Estates of the Kingdome at the pleasure of his enemies For it is sufficiently known said he that the King is a childe and that these motions
have not proceeded from himself Now when he hath assumed the government and ye left the place intrusted to you shall he not be governed by those that are about him whom you know to be your enemies But ye perhaps do promise ease and safety to your self in a private life as if you might descend without any danger from the place which ye have held Wise men have observed that between highest and nothing there is not a mean and it feares me you have wronged your self in imagining the rest you shall never find If you had kept your place they should have seen the faces of men and not carried things thus at their pleasure but having forsaken your self there is nothing left to your friends but to lament your misfortune and God grant that this be the worst of things This said he went aside and burst forth in tears The Regent whom we will no more call so excused his doing by the instance that the King made for his dimission saying that his refuse would have made a great commotion in the Realm yet did he perceive his errour and in his secret thoughts which he covered so well as he could blamed his own rash and precipitate yielding But there being no place left to resile the next best he thought was to secure himself and his friends by discharge of all things that might be laid to him or them during his administration and therein he employed the Earl of Angus and the Chancellour whom he did constitute his procurators to compeir before the King and make dimission of his office with such solemnities as by law were requisite This done the discharge was given him in most ample form Therein after a general approbation of his service he was declared not to be accusable of any manner of crime of whatsoever greatnesse or weight without exception that might be alledged to have been committed by him in times past which declaration was ordained to be as valid and sufficient in all respects as if the highest crime that could or might be imputed to any person had been specially expressed in the same He was also exonerated of all summes of money rents and profits as well of property as casualty intrometted with by him or his factours and servants since his acceptation of the Regiment the jewels of the Crown the furniture of his Majesties house Munition and Artillery onely excepted A provision was adjected That the present discharge should not prejudge the King and his successours in the revocation or reduction of whatsoever infeoffments given of the property during his Highness minorityâ— or of whatsoever lands Lordships offices or dignities fallen in his Majesties hands by forfeiture recognition bastardy or by any other right and priviledge of the Crown In all other points the discharge was ordained to stand firm and sure for him his heirs and successors and the same never to be revoked or any thing attempted to the contrary and for his greater assurance the same was promised to be confirmed by the Estates of Parliament in their first convention and meeting The Noblemen and others of the Estates then present with the King did likewise bind themselves their heirs and successours to see all the foresaid points truly fulfilled under the pain of five hundred thousand pound So as nothing was omitted which he could devise for his securing Yet in all this he found no assurance to teach men that it is not to be had in any worldly thing but to be sought of God alone All men are compelled to acknowledge so much in the end though often too late which was the case of this Nobleman as we shall hear But better late as the saying is then never THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE SIXTH BOOK The Contents The things that happened after his Majesties assuming of the Government in his own person unto his happy succession to the Crown of ENGLAND THE King was not yet twelve years compleat when in the manner ye have heard they moved him to assume the Government yet did he shew more judgement in his very beginning then could be expected from one of his years The Earl of Mortons enemies not satisfied with his displacing were still casting how to bring him into the Kings dislike And first shewing that there was a necessity of the Kings residing at Edinburgh where was the place of Justice they desired he should be charged to render the Castle Then informed that he had amassed a great treasure in the time of his Regiment they moved the King to require of him some moneys for supporting the charges whereunto he would be put at his first entry They did further talk of the Mint-house and the commodity he reaped thereby And to denude him of all power they desired the state of the borders to be looked unto and the office of Lieutenandry which the Earl of Angus his Nephew had in those parts discharged To one or other of these they conceived he should be unwilling and so they should find some matter against him But the King refusing to use him with charges took a more moderate course and sent the Chancellour and Thesaurer to feel his mind in those things He lay then at Dalkeith and having heard their propositions howbeit he knew those motions did proceed from his adversaries and was not ignorant what they intended he answered calmly That the jewels and moveables appertaining to the Crown being received of his hand and he and his deputies discharged the Castle should be rendered most willingly But for the advancing of moneys he excused himself saying that was not unknown how he had received his office in a time full of trouble and when the countrey was embroiled in a civil warre the burthen whereof he sustained upon his private Charge and that since the troubles ceased he had payed a great many debts repaired his Majesties houses and Castles and put them in a better case then for many years before they had been That the entertainment of his Majesties house and maintaining of his own as Regent was a matter of no small charge which the ordinary revenues of the Crown would hardly do yet when his Majesty should be of perfect age and his honourable occasions did require it he should not be wanting according to his ability and bestow all his means for his Majesties honour Concerning the Mint-house he said that he had kept it in the best order he could and having now no more charge of it he wished the King to do therewith as he thought best For the affairs of the border that he had moved the Earl of Angus to undertake that service for the quietnesse of the countrey but seeing he had no lands in those quarters and that the offices of Wardenrie might suffice to hold those parts in order he would advise the King to dispose them to the most sufficient that could be found The Noblemen returning with these answers the King did
hold The other concerned an Ambassage which he intended to send into England For the Parliament he said that he longed to see a meeting of the Estates and would have the time to which it was called precisely observed wishing them all to addrâ—sse themselves thereto in time and to come in a peaceable manner as men disposed to do good and seeking the common profit of their countrey And for the place seeing his own presence was necessary and that he could not conveniently remove from Striveling he desired the Parliament to be fenced at Edinburgh at the day appointed and then prorogated some four or five days and brought to Striveling For the Ambassage he gave divers reasons First that having assumed the government in his own hands he was bound in courtesie to visit the Queen of England and give her thanks for the kindnesse he had received of her in his minority Next that the disorder lately fallen out in the borders for about that time some borderers had entred into England and committed great robberies laid a necessity upon him to clear the countrey of that fact and make offer of redresse Thirdly that he had a private business which touched him nearly his Grandmother the Lady Lennox being newly deceased and he being her only heir it concerned him he said to inquire what her last will was and to see that no prejudice was done to him in his succession to the lands she possessed in England Lastly if they did think meet but this he remitted to their wisdomes he shewed that he could like well to have a motion made of a more strict league betwixt the two Realms during the Queens life and his It grieved the ordinary Counsellours much that the place of Parliament should be changed who therefore laboured to disswade the King from it but perceiving him resolved that way they gave their consents though most unwillingly When they came to speak of the Ambassage to England they acknowledged the necessity thereof but took exception at the league pretending the ancient league with France It was replied That the case of things was much altered from that in former times that England and Scotland had now the same enemies because of their common profession so as for their own safety it was needful they should joyn together in strict friendship and that the league with England might be so contracted as the old amity with France should remain inviolate The King further declared that he did not mean to give power to his Ambassadour for concluding a league wherein he would do nothing rashly nor without the advice of the Estates only be desired the same should be moved and upon the report of the Queens liking thereof that the conditions of the league should be well and gravely advised After long reasoning the matter being put unto voices it was by plurality agreed that the same should be made one of the Ambassadours instructions against which the Earls of Argile Montross and Cathnes the Lords Lindesay and Innermaith with the Commendatary of Deir took publick protestation These things bred a new heart-burning amongst the Noblemen for they took Morton to be deviser of all and that he was craftily drawing back the administration of affairs unto himself which albeit they dissembled for the present brake forth after a few days in an open dissension The Citizens of Edinburgh were much offended with the Kings remaining in Striveling and the remove of the Parliament from their town and as it happeneth in such times of discontent rumors were dispersed that the King was detained captive and was shortly to be sent into England and the ancient league with France dissolved This being in the mouthes of all men and talked of not in corners but in open and publick meetings a Proclamation was given out the sixth of Iuly Declaring the falshood of those rumors and that the same were raised by some seditious spirits that could not live quiet under any sort of government for as to the Kings detention it was known to be most false and that it was his own choice to remain at Striveling attended by those whom the Councel by common consent had appointed for the safe custody of his person And for the Parliament which they said was to treat of the dissolution of peace with their old confederates and to make up new leagues with others there was no such matter it being his Majesties only purpose to have such things intreated in that meeting as might tend to the advancement of Gods honour the safety of his Royal person and the establishment of good laws for the quietnesse of the Realm Whereof if any made doubt they might be resolved at their coming to the Parliament which was now approaching Therefore were all good subjects advertised not to believe those seditious reports nor suffer themselves to be led by such wicked suggestions into rebellion This declaration prevailed little with the most part for the mindes of men were much exasperated And the time of Parliament come the Lords that remained at Edinburgh took counsel not to go thither but to send of their number one or two to protest against the lawfulnesse of it The Earl of Montross and Lord Lindesay were chosen to that purpose who coming to Striveling shew the King the Noblemens excuse and declared all they had in Commission to say wishing his Majesty to prorogate the Parliament unto a better time and make choice of a fitter place But he resolved by the counsel of those that were present to go on and coming the next day which was the 16th of Iuly to the great Hall where the Estates were advertised to meet he made a short speech touching the liberty of Parliaments and the necessity he had to keep one at that time and in that place assuring all persons who had any thing to move or propone that they should have free accesse and receive satisfaction according to Justice After the King had closed his speech the Earl of Montross and Lord Lindesay arose and in the name of the Councel and others of the Nobility adhering to them protested against the lawfulnesse of the Parliament in so far as it was kept within the Castle whither they could not safely repair the same being in the enemies power The King offended with the protestation commanded them to keep their lodgings and not to depart forth of Striveling without his licence which the Lord Lindesay obeyed but Montross the next day early in the morning went away and returned to Edinburgh where it was given out that he had brought from the King a secret direction to the Lords to convene the subjects in Arms and liberate him out of Mortons hands Thereupon a Declaration was published bearing that his Majesty having assumed the government in his own person because of the enormities committed in the time of Mortons Regiment had appointed the Councel to remain at Edinburgh for the better ministration of Justice
reconciliation intended was brought to an end These Articles being signed by the King and subscrived by the principals of both parties the accord and heads thereof were published at Striveling and Falkirk the fourteenth of August upon which the Armies dissolved No stirre in our memory was more happily pacified for should it have come to the worst as it was not far off such was the heat and hate of both factions that the mischief could not but have been great which would have ensued The place and time of the Noblemens meeting for considering the grievances of both parties being left to the Kings appointing because delay might breed greater difficulties his Majesty did assign the 20. of September to meet at Striveling whereof he caused the Ambassadour give the Chancellour notice and to desire him to name the four Noblemen whose advice he and the rest would use in that treaty The Chancellour answered by letter That neither he nor Argile could agree to meet at Striveling nor could they design the four Noblemen whom they would use because death sickness and other accidents might hinder one or more of them to convene but if it should please the King to appoint the place of meeting at Edinburgh about the end of November they should keep the day and for the present nominate ten of which number hey should choose some four at that time as arbiters for their party The ten they named were the Earls of Montross and Cathnes the Lords Lindesay Maxwel Hereis Ogilvy and Innermeath the Abbot of Newbottle and the Lairds of Bargenny and Drumwhassil Herewith he desired three things to be granted One was that licence might be given to such an one as they would choose to pass into England next that they who were dispossessed of their places and offices since the tenth of July might be restored namely Mr. Mark Ker sonne to the Abbot of Newbottle Master of Requests and William Cunningham sonne to the Laird of Drumwhassil Gentleman of the Kings Bedchamber Thirdly that none should be called in question for their absence upon the late Proclamations seeing all they who came not to Striveling must be understood to have been their adherents This answer communicated to the King did highly offend him First that they should usurp the appointing of the time and place of meeting which was left in his power next that they would presume to send a message into England they being his subjects and neither acquaint him with the person nor the message For the other Petitions he judged them impertinent and more fit to be proponed at the meeting of the Noblemen wherefore in a letter sent by Mr. William Areskin to the Chancellour he shewed that since they had delayed to nominate the four Noblemen he himself would make choice of four of them whose names they had given to the Ambassadour to wit the Lords Lindesay Ogilvy Innermeath and Hereis to whom he would joyn the Earls of Rothes and Buchan with the Lords Ruthven and Boyd and by their advice proceed in the reconciliation by him intended which if they should refuse he would notifie to the Queen of England and other Christian Princes the care he had taken to perform all things as they had been lately accorded To this letter no answer was given but that they should advise with their friends and afterwards signify their minds wherewith the King being discontent he summoned the Noblemen to meet at Striveling the 20. of September warning all the subjects whom that businesse concerned to addresse themselves thither against the day At the day none of them appeared and the more careful the King was to have peace made the more they seemed to draw back protracting time upon frivolous excuses Wherefore the King for the last Diet appointed the 20. of October which most of them kept Being all assembled the King spake to them to this effect Ye do all understand what an earnest desire I have that you should joyn in friendship one with another which cannot be more contentment to me then it is benefit to your selves although I have many occasions given me to fall from that desire yet I abide in the same mind and shall wish you to lay aside your needless jealousies and suspicions For as to me I will sindy to be indifferent and bestow my favours unpartially and never repose my self upon any one so much as to deny others the regard which is due to them Ye that are Noblemen have a special interest in me and unlesse there be a correspondence of wills and mindes amongst you I shall never find that concurrence that ought to be for mine honour and the good of the Commonwealth It is not long since at your own desires I accepted the government of the Realm being perswaded by you that this was the only way to cease all grudges but now that I see them increased it repents me to have yielded to your desires and intangled my self in such businesse What should let you to be reconciled and become perfect friends I know not if there by any grief or offence that hath exasperated your minds will ye shew it I am here with the advice of my Lords to remove it and see satisfaction made by those that have done the wrong I hope you do not carry mindes irreconcilcable ye professed that ye laid down Arms for the love ye bare to your King by the same love I intreat you to lay aside jealousies and suspicâ—ons which ye will doubtlesse do except ye mind to expose your countrey and your selves to utter ruine The Lords moved with this speech professed themselves willing at his Majesties desire to bury all discords and that their agreement might be the more sound they were required to set down in writing the injuries and unkindness whereof they complained that satisfaction might be made at the sight of the King and Noblemen whom he had named Hereupon the Chancellour and Argile presented their grievances in some short Articles bearing the unkindnesse they had received from the Earl of Morton in the time of his Regiment Whereunto he answered first generally that what he did in that time was done by order of law and that they themselves had allowed his proceedings and were sureties for ratifying the same in Parliament Then replying more particularly to every Article he gave the King and other Noblemen full satisfaction and made it seen that on the part of the other Lords there was a great mistaking for what he did he could not leave undone without a manifest violation of justice Yet for himself he said although he had been ill rewarded by them for his pains taken in the publick service and received more unkindnesse at their hands then he had deserved he would freely remit all at the Kings desire After some days spent in such reckonings they were brought in end to joyn hands During these contentions in the State Mr. Andrew Melvil held the Church
should not usurp any criminal jurisdiction 3. That they should not vote in Parliament in name of the Church unlesse they had a Commission from the general Assembly 4. That they should not take up for maintaining their ambition the rents which might maintain many Pastors Schooles and poor but content themselves with a reasonable portion for discharging their office 5. That they should not claim the title of temporal Lords nor usurp any Civil jurisdiction whereby they might be withdrawn from their charge 6. That they should not empire over Presbyteries but be subject to the same 7. That they should not usurp the power of Presbyteries nor take upon them to visit any bounds that were not committed to them by the Church Lastly it was provided that if any more corruptions should afterwards be tried the Bishops should agree to have them reformed What troubles hereupon arose both in the Church and Countrey we shall afterwards hear In Glasgow the next spring there happened a little disturbance by this occasion The Magistrates of the City by the earnest dealing of Mr. Andrew Melvil and other Ministers had condescended to demolish the Cathedral and build with the materials thereof some little Churches in other parts for the ease of the Citizens Divers reasons were given for it such as the resort of superstitious people to do their devotion in that place the huge vastnesse of the Church and that the voice of a Preacher could not be heard by the multitudes that convened to Sermon the more commodious service of the people and the removing of that idolatrous monument so they called it which was of all the Cathedrals in the Countrey only left unruined and in a possibility to be repaired To do this work a number of Quarriers Masons and other workmen was conduced and the day assigned when it should take beginning Intimation being given thereof and the workmen by sound of a Drum warned to go unto their work the Crafts of the City in a tumult took Armes swearing with many oathes that he who did cast down the first stone should be buried under it Neither could they be pacified till the workmen were discharged by the Magistrates A complaint was hereupon made and the principals cited before the Councel for insurrection where the King not as then thirteen years of age taking the protection of the Crafts did allow the opposition they had made and inhibited the Ministers for they were the complainers to meddle any more in that businesse saying That too many Churches had been already destroyed and that he would not tolerate more abuses in that kind A little before this time the Abbot of Dunfermlin being returned from England related in Councel the effects of his negotiation and was approved by all For that which he had in Commission touching the Lady Lennox he remitted the answer to the Queens own letters delivered to the King Concerning the disorders fallen out in the Borders the Queen he said did accept the excuse he made in good part saying she was assured that both the King and Councel were offended therewith and that she was content the same should be redressed by the advice of the Wardens on both sides onely desired that in time coming the King would make choice of wise and experienced men inclined to peace and justice to command in those parts As to the League he declared that the Queen had a good inclination unto it holding the same a most sure means to represse the practises of enemies both at home and abroad But in regard he had no warrant to descend into particulars he had abstained from any dealing therein and could not but testify that he saw in her a great care of the King his good Estate and that both he and his message were most kindly accepted The King in this mean time to pacify the Borders which were broken loose chiefly in the West parts gave the Lord Ruthven a Commission of Lieutenandry which he discharged with great commendation and bringing with him the Lord Maxwel who was Warden of the bounds returned to Striveling the twentieth of Ianuary A frequent Councel was there kept for the time wherein the Lord Maxwel being challenged of negligence in his office did answer That he had only the title of a Warden and that the limitations of his charge and the exceptions granted to the Gentlemen of the Countrey made the office needlesse and contemptible But if the King should be pleased to discharge the exceptions and give him a free Commission such as his predecessors had wont to have he should strive to do his best service to his Majesty and the Countrey This answer was not well taken and the Lord Hereis as one known to have greatest experience in these matters being desired to give his opinion delivered the same in a long speech to this purpose Your Majesty said he hath in deliberation a businesse of great importance whereof it were more fitting any man should give his opinion then I by reason of the suspicion I stand in with the present Warden for what I say will be interpreted to proceed of spleen and of a desire to have the charge taken from him and not of any care I take of your Majesties service or the good and benefit of the Countrey yet seeing your Majesty commands me to speak I will rather hazard on such misinterpretings then keep back any thing which I know to be useful and necessary for the errand And what I speak I desire it to be understood of the West marches onely to which my experience chiefly reacheth But because the evils would first be known I will begin at them and then propone the fittest and most easie remedies to my conception Sir a little before the death of your Majesties Noble Grandfather King James the fifth some few disloyal subjects of this Realm fleeing into England did plant themselves in a parcel of waste ground that lies opposite to the West Borders of Scotland and being maintained by the English grew unto such numbers and became so insolent as they made daily incursions upon the Countrey Your Majesties Grandfather did hereupon imploy certain forces against them intending to sack and destroy their houses and make them unable from thenceforth to annoy his subjects But these forces not being rightly governed and lacking the provision that was required for such an enterprise were put to the worse and shamefully discomfited At that time what by ransoming prisoners what by the spoyl they got they gained above one hundred thousand Merks wherewith and by the depredations they have made since that time they are become wealthy have built eight or nine strong houses upon the frontiers of your Realm that no Wardens power is able to force They have joyned in alliance with divers of our own Borders as wickedly disposed as themselves and are so feared that every man is glad of their friendship without which none is thought to have any surety
knoweth it to be I should therefore advise your King to hearken to her Majesties counsel who carrieth to him a true motherly affection and make more accompt of her then of his French Cousen who is subject to the French King matched with a French woman addicted wholly to that faction and what profession soever he maketh a Papist in Religion The Hamiltons saith he being now exiled he hopeth to be designed successor and heir to the Crown but let your King know that ambition hath no limits and that the troubles which the French made in Scotland are not yet forgotten which would have perilled the liberty of that Kingdome if the Queen by her prudence and power had not prevented the same The Gentleman professing his thankfulnesse for her Majesties good opinion of him answered That if he should be permitted to speak with the Queen he would satisfy her Majesty in that point which concerned her Ambassadour And for the King his Master albeit he was young and of few years yet God had given him great wisdom and understanding and that he would never willingly do the thing that might displease the Queen nor hearken to any that should otherwise advise him for he knew her Majesties good affection and would not forget the care she had of him in his tender age That he could not be justly blamed for favouring his Cousen but as the Nobleman he believed would never advise the King his Master to any that might prejudice the amity with England so he was perswaded that his credit did not extend so farre as to make any publick breach with the Queen But there are more dangerous plots in hand saith the Thesaurer then your King is wary of and it is no wisdome to put too much confidence in any one person Alwayes time will discover the truth of every thing at the present you must have patience for the Queen will not see you Thus was he dimitted Upon his return and report of the conference he had with the Thesaurer the King was easily made to believe that all proceeded from the Earl of Morton and his intelligence in the Court of England which by one way or other was held needful to be stopt After some consultation taken about this it was resolved to charge him with the murther of the Kings Father for a rumour had gone in former times that he was conscious and privy unto it Captain Iames Stewart a man eager to win credit by what means soever takes the matter in hand and coming one day as the King was sitting in Councel at Halirudhouse desired to be heard being admitted he fell upon his knees and directing his speech to the King he said Out of the duty I owe to your Majesty I am come hither to reveal a wickednesse that hath been long obscured The Earl of Morton who sitteth there in a place unseemly for him was one of those that conspired your Fathers death and how dangerous it is to your Majesties person that he should be so near unto you let the Noblemen here present consider for me I shall make good what I speak only let him be committed and put to trial The Earl rising up with a disdainful smile answered By whose instigation this Gentleman cometh to accuse me I know not and I wonder what grounds he buildeth upon in charging me with this crime for none that ever suffered for it did touch me therewith and it is known what diligence and severity I used against those that were suspected of that murther If I pleased I could many wayes decline this challenge but my innocency is such as I fear not the most rigorous trial Sir with this he turned himself to the King and said do in it as you please either here or before any other Iudge I shall be ready to answer and when my innocency is cleared your Majesty will think what the malice of those that have set on this man to accuse me deserveth Captain Iames Stewart sitting all this time on his knees replied that by no mans instigation nor out of any private grudge of his own did he intend this accusation but his detestation of the fact and the love of his Majesties safety and honour had only incited him thereto For that he speaks of his diligence and severity let me but aske him said he how and why he did preferre Mr. Archibald Douglas his Cousen to the place of a Senator in the Colledge of Iustice who was known to have been an actor in that murther if he himself had no part in it As the Earl was about to answer the King commanded the Captain to go forth and the Earl being likewise removed after a short deliberation taken with the Councel he was committed in a chamber of the Palace where he abode two nights The third day he was conveyed to the Castle with a company of his own friends who did earnestly move him to make an escape But he chiding them with great bitternesse said That he had rather die ten thousand deaths then betray his innocency in declining triall After some few dayes he was removed to Dumbritton Castle that he might be further from his friends and kept from all intelligence with them The King had sent privily to apprehend Mr. Archibald Douglas who dwelt then at Norham but he having notice of the Earls committing fled into England In the Iuly preceding the Assembly of the Church had convened at Dundy where it was concluded That the office of a Bishop as it was then used and commonly taken within the Realm had neither foundation ground nor warrant in the word of God and thereupon an Ordinance was made that all persons either called to the said office or that should be called thereto at any time thereafter should be charged to dimit and forsake the same as an office whereunto they are not called of God As also to desist and cease from preaching ministring the Sacraments or using in any sort the office of a Pastor till they should be admitted of new of the general Assembly under the pain of excommunication In the end of the Act it was directed That concerning the patrimony of the Church possessed by the Bishops the next Assembly should reason and advise upon the disponing thereof Whether the folly or iniquity of this Ordinance was greater it can hardly be said for granting that the office of a Bishop had been as they judged unlawful there was no reason to discharge them of using the ministerial office till they should be received of new And what a foolish thing was it to think that the Prince and Estates would permit the rents of the Bishops to be disponed at their appetites They saw what was done with the other Prelaces and how the Abbots and Priors were no sooner declared to be no office-bearers in the Church but presently they turned temporal Lords and carried the rents with them quite away from the Church
And could they look for other dealing with the Bishopricks sure it was if the titulars themselves did not find the credit to enjoy them that others of the Laity would have invaded the same as afterwards also they did But to passe this the Earl of Lennox desiring by all means to win the favour of the Church sent to this Assembly Sir William Stewart a brother of Traquaire with a letter to this effect That it was not unknown to them how it had pleased God to bring him since his coming into the countrey to the knowledge of the truth which he esteemed more then all worldly happinesse and that he had made open profession thereof first in S. Giles Church at Edinburgh and afterwards subscribed the confession of faith at Striveling and was yet if any farther was thought needful ready to perform whatsoever should be required assuring them of his best advice in all things tending to God his glory and to the good of the Church requesting together with the assistance of their prayers that he might continue in their good favours But all this could not remove their suspicions of his counterfeiting still he was taxed in publick Sermons and made odious to the people Neither was it long after this assembly dissolved that Iohn Dury one of the Ministers of Edinburgh was called before the Councel and committed in the Castle for certain speeches of that kind uttered by him in Pulpit but upon the supplication of his fellow Ministers and promise of forbearing he was after a short stay in the Castle licenced to return to his charge In October following Mr. Iohn Row Minister of Perth departed this life who for his piety and singular moderation deserveth here to be mentioned In his younger years having applied his mind to letters and taking the degree of a Master in Arts he became a pleader in the Consistory of S. Andrews a Judicatory then much frequented and grew to be so skilled in the Canon law as he was chosen to negotiate the affairs of the Church in the Court of Rome Iulius the third did then govern that See of whom he was well accepted and in possibility to have attained unto some preferment if he would have stayed there for he gained the favour of all to whom he was known and was in special grace with Guido Ascanius Sfortia Cardinal of Sancta Flora who made such account of his skill and knowledge in the lawes that he would have him pass Doctor in the University whereof he was Chancellor After some eight or nine years abode in those parts coming home to visit his countrey and giving account of the affairs wherewith he had been trusted he found the state of the Church quite overturned and the countrey all in tumult by the reformation which was then in hand Thereupon doubting what course then to take and minding to return to Rome he was disswaded by the Prior of S. Andrewes who held him in good esteem and afterwards induced by the perswasion of Iohn Knox to betake himself to the Ministery which he exercised a certain space at ... in Fife till by the General Assembly he was translated to the Town of Perth there he continued unto his death which happened in the year of our Lord 1580. and of his age the 54. a man whilest he lived well respected and much lamented at his death by the people whom he served In Ianuary next Sir Thomas Randolph came Ambassadour from England his errand was to intercede with the King for the Earl of Morton his liberty to which purpose having called to mind the services done by the Nobleman in his Majesties minority and chiefly the diligence he had used in finding out and punishing the murtherers of his Father which by the malice of his adversaries was now laid to his charge he requested in the name of the Queen his Mistris that the Nobleman might be released from his Ward declaring that her Majesty would esteem it a singular kindnesse done unto her and otherwise would take it ill to be denied in so just and reasonable a matter The King after he had heard him patiently made answer That the many good offices he had received from his sister the Queen did tie him to a thankfull requital but in that particular which touched him so nigh the trial of his Fathers murther he knew she would excuse him alwayes because of her intercession he would be the more careful to have the trial rightly carried and as liberty had been given to his adversaries to accuse so the like and greater should be allowed him for his defence The Assembly of the Estates being called at the same time and the Ambassador pretending that his instructions concerned them in a part did in the hearing of them all charge the Earl of Lennox as one that had travelled to divert the Kings mind from keeping friendship with England and done besides many ill offices since his coming to Scotland both to the King and Kingdome For he hath put said he the Kings most faithful subjects and servants from their places brought in others nothing so trusty stirred up the King against the Ministers of Gods word making no other account of them then as of seditious rulers and turbulent persons he hath loosed the Borders said he and made Iustice there to cease and hath practised with forair Princes for the invading of England which he offered to manifest by letters intercepted and brought to the Queen his Mistris But this beyond all measure doth grieve her that a Prince of such hopes joyned in such neerness of blood and for whom she had taken so great care should be thus misled and abused by wicked devices If such a person ought to be tolerated to possess the King alone and rule all things at his pleasure your honours may judge This discourse moved few or none the wiser sort esteeming the letters he produced counterfeit as afterwards also was known This course not prevailing he dealt privately with the friends of Morton and those that he knew envied Lennox his credit to take Armes and procure both Mortons liberty and the banishment of the Earl of Lennox assuring them of aid both of men and monies from the Queen of England and by his perswasions brought the Earls of Argile Montrosse Angus Marre and Glencarn to enter into a confederation for performance both of the one and other But this combination held not long being quickly discovered and broken Of all the number Angus and Marre onely stood firm resolving to hazard all rather then Morton should perish The Queen of England to make good her Ambassadours promise sent down at the same time certain forces to the Borders which troubled the Court a little but was to no purpose only it gave occasion to hasten Mortons trial and execution The King not to be taken unprovided if invasion should be made by England sent forth Proclamations commanding all the subjects to be
in readinesse for resisting such attempts and withall levied some companies of horse and foot to guard his person against any suddain assault Next a course was taken for confining those of Mortons friendship in some remote parts of the Realm and the Earl of Angus charged to keep Ward beyond the river of Spey the Laird of Lochlevin being benorth the water of Cromarty The Lairds of Mains and Carmichal with Mortons two natural sons Iames and Archibald were cited to appear before the Councel The Laird of Iohnston was discharged of his Wardenry in the West marches and the Lord Maxwel put in his place Angus for not entring within the time prefixed was denounced Rebel and prohibitions made to resset or supply him in any sort under pain of treason Mains and Carmichall and Mortons two sonnes not appearing before the Councel were likewise proclaimed Rebels This rigorous proceeding and a fear the Ambassadour took that his practises were discovered made him to depart secretly to Berwick Sir Iohn Seaton Master of the horses was thereupon directed to complain both of his dealings and of the forces sent unto the Borders in a time of peace but he was stayed at Berwick and not suffered to go any further Then order was taken for bringing Morton to his trial and Commission given to the Earl of Montrosse and Captain Iames who was then first styled Earl of Arran to make his convoy to Edinburgh When the Commission was shewed to the Earl of Morton and that he found named in it Iames Earl of Arran he wondered what man he was for he knew the Earl of Arran to be deceased and had not heard that Captain Iames did assume that title Thereupon asking the Keeper of the Castle who was Earl of Arran when it was answered that Captain Iames was the man after a short pause he said And is it so I know then what I may look for meaning as was thought that the old prophesie of the falling of the heart by the mouth of Arran should then be fulfilled Whether this was his mind or not it is not known but some spared not at the time when the Hamiltons were banished in which businesse he was held too earnest to say that he stood in fear of that prediction and went that course only to disappoint it But if so it was he did find himself now deluded for he fell by the mouth of another Arran then he imagined However it was this is sure that the newes did at first perplexe his mind not a little and that after this time he gave over all hope of life Being brought to Edinburgh his proces was made the first of Iune The indictment charged him with conspiring and concealing the murther of King Henry and of being art and part as the phrase is in committing the same He denied all and pleaded not guilty The Jutors being called he excepted against Argile the Lord Seaton and the Laird Waughton yet they were all received upon their purgation that they had not given any counsel to his hurt or prejudice This done and they all sworne according to the custome they went apart and after they had consulted a while returning into the Court the Earl of Montrosse Chancellor of the Assise declared him convict of counsel concealing and being art and part of the Kings murther At these last words he shewed himself much grieved and beating the ground once or twice with a little staffe he carried in his hand said Art and part art and part God knoweth the contrary When doom was given that he should be taken to the place of execution hanged on the gibbet have his head cut off his body quartered and affixed in the most publick places he uttered not a word nor did he seem to be moved therewith and because it was drawing towards night he was conveyed back to the lodging wherein he was kept In the morning Mr. Iames Lawson with two or three other Ministers did visit him They asking how he had rested that night he answered that of a long time he had not slept more soundly Now I am saith he at an end of my troubles some nights before my trial I was thinking what to answer for my self and that kept me from sleep but this night I had no such thoughts Then falling to speak of his present case and the sentence pronounced against him they said that he should do well to unburthen his mind and declare what his part was of the Kings murther he answered with a great attestation that he never gave consent to that wicked fact The Earl Bothwel said he upon my return from England where I remained a while because of Seignior Davies slaughter came to me in Whittingham and after a long discourse brake the matter unto me saying that the Queen would have the King taken away for that she blamed him more of Davies mother then all the actors and asked What would my part be therein I made him this answer that being newly relieved of a great trouble I would not willingly enter into another and that I would have no medling in that businesse He not satisfied with my answer insisted to have me consent saying The Queen would have it done If so be said I bring me the Queens hand-writing that I may know that it is her mind This he never did and if he had brought it I was fully resolved to have turned my back upon Scotland and banisht my self till I saw better times Next they inquired whether Mr. Archibald Douglas had any dealing with him in that purpose Whereunto he answered that Mr. Archibald being at that time a depender upon Bothwell did bring him he being then at S. Andrews a letter from Bothwell containing credit and that he travelled to perswade him to give his assistance to that fact but he excused himself because he saw no warrant from the Queen as Bothwell had promised After the murther committed he said that Mr. Archibald came again unto him and told him that he did accompany Bothwell and Huntley to the place and was assisting to the fact Therefore can I not not deny saith he that I foreknew and concealed the same but to whom should I have revealed it for the King when he was advertised of the danger would not believe it But they have condemned me of art and part said he which is more then concealing but as I wish God to be merciful to me now at my last I never gave counsel nor consent thereto The Ministers replying that he could not justly complain of the sentence being guilty of foreknowledge and concealing by his own declaration he acknowledged the same to be true but saith he It would have gone alike with me if I had been as innocent as S. Steven or as guilty as Judas But of that I am not to complain nor will I stand to my justification being assured howsoever men have carried themselves in it God hath dealt
Noblemens being at Court in such numbers which made the Earl of Arran haste thither for he held himself assured of the Earl of Gowries friendship as being of his alliance and having kept one course in the pursuit of the Earl of Morton his only fear was that he should be stayed by the way therefore having crossed the ferry he singled himself from his company and taking one only servant with himself directed his brother William Stewart to keep the high way with the rest By this mean he did escape those that lay in wait for him and came in the evening to Ruthven where when he had entered the gate he asked what the King was doing as meaning to go directly to him but was conveyed to another room and told that he must have patience and think his fortune good that he was come to that place with his life saved as he himself judged when a little after he heard that the horsemen which lay in wait of him and encountred his brother near unto Dublin after divers wounds given him had taken him prisoner A day or two after some Noblemen imployed by the Duke of Lennox who remained then in Dalkeith came to Court but were not permitted to speak with the King nor see him except in Councel Being examined what their businesse was they told that the Duke of Lennox had sent them to learn of the King in what condition he was and if he was detained against his will as the rumour went he might with the assistance of other good subjects see him made free The King presently cried out that he was captive which he desired all his subjects know and that the Duke should do what he might to procure his liberty The Lords prayed his Majesty not to say so for that he should not be denied to go whither he pleased only they would not permit the Duke of Lennox and Earl of Arran to mislead him any longer and oppresse both Church and Kingdom as they have done Wherefore he should do well to cause the Duke retire himself quietly to France otherwise they would be forced to bring him to an accompt of his doings and proceed against him with rigour of law This they willed the same Noblemen whom he had sent to signifie unto the Duke and that they were resolved to maintain what they had undertaken at the utmost hazard of their lives and estates After they were gone the Kings anger being somewhat asswaged and fearing the Dukes case more then his own he was moved to send forth a Proclamation to this effect That for pacifying the present commotions and removing some differences fallen out amongst the Nobility his Majesty had thought it expedient to interpose himself a Mediator and for the better working of an union amongst them had resolved to make his residence in Perth for a time till he saw what good effects his travels might produce And lest his stay in these parts should be interpreted to be a detention of his person because of the Noblemen and others that had lately repaired to Court his Majesty declared that it was his own free and voluntary choice to abide there and that the Noblemen and others who did presently attend had done nothing but what their duties obliged them unto and which he took for a good service performed both to himself and to the Common-wealth Therefore inhibited all the subjects to attempt any thing that might tend to the disturbance of the Realm commanding them also that had levied any forces upon pretext of his Majesties restraint to dissolve the same within six houres under the pain of death This Proclamation was dated at Perth the 28. of August some six dayes after the surprise of his person at Ruthven The Duke in the mean time was gathering forces and grown to be strong by his friends and others that repaired unto him when a letter came from the King signifying that it was his pleasure he should leave the Realm and depart forth thereof before the 20. of September The letter he communicated to his friends who did all advise him to retire unto Dumbritton where he might with more safety stay for a while and if he found not an opportunity to right himself should have good occasion of shipping for France When he was come thither the resort of Noblemen and Barons and others were so great unto him that the Nobility offending therewith directed letters charging him to live more private with his ordinary retinue and all others that were in his company to return to their houses within 12. houres after the charge and not to come nigh the part where he remained or should happen to reside during the time of his abode in the Countrey The bruit of this change being carried to England the Queen sent Sir Henry Cary and Sir Bobert Bowes unto the King to advise him in regard of the danger he was fallen into by the perverse counsels of the Duke and Earl of Arran to take in good part the Lords enterprise and restore the Earl of Angus who had lived exiled in England since the time of Mortons execution This last they obtained with no great difficulty so as the Nobleman was soon after reconciled accepted in favour but to the first point the King having a suspicion that the attempt was not made without the Queen of Englands knowledge he gave good general answers whereby it was hoped that upon the Noblemans good behaviour in a short time his offence would be mitigated The King also conceiving that a gentle usage would bring them to reconcile with the Duke of Lennox began to give them a more gracious countenance then before But he found them untractable and not without great instance did purchase their consents to a few dayes prorogation of his departing upon promise that he should be pursued as a Rebel if he went not away at the time appointed wind and weather serving yet was his going put off upon divers occasions till the middest of December at which time he was forced to depart as we shall hear The Lords in the mean while careful to strengthen themselves brought the King to Halirudhouse in the beginning of October knowing that the people of Edinburgh did affect their enterprise as appeared by the reducing of Iohn Dury their Minister immediately upon the newes of the Kings restraint and the triumph they made singing as they went up the street the 124. Psalm Now Israel may say c. They understood also that the Assembly of the Church was to convene in the same town the nineth of that moneth and doubted not to find them favourable enough To this Assembly Mr. William Areskin styled then Commendatory of Paisley was sent by the Noblemen to declare that the causes moving them to that enterprise were the evident perill they perceived the Religion was brought unto with the disorders and confusions introduced into the State whereof having discoursed a while he
that time they had done good thankful and necessary service to the King and countrey Also that their taking of Armes making of Conventions entring in conflicts taking and detaining of prisoners contracting of leagues and bonds and all other deeds done by them which might appear to be against his Majesties authority in so farre as the same was done without his Highness warrant should be reputed and esteemed good service done to the King and State And that they and their partakers should be exonered of all action civil or criminal that might be intended against them or any of them in that respect Inhibiting therefore all the subjects to speak or utter any thing to the contrary under the pain to be esteemed calumniators and dispersers of false rumors and to be punished for the same accordingly The declaration passed it was ordained that the Earl of Arran should be detained in the Castle of Ruthven till the Duke was gone out of the Realm after which he should be confined on the North of the water of Iern and that four companies should be levied upon the publick charges two of horsemen and as many foot to guard the King and Noblemen who did attend him till the present troubles were quieted Then were some grievances proponed in name of the Church but these laid by till another time the Lords not willing to irritate the King for such matters having once secured themselves The Duke to keep the word which the King had given for his departing took shiping in the West parts about the midst of October and being hindred by contrary winds fell sick at Sea The King advertised of his ill disposition advised him to travel through England in regard of the winter season and to remain at Blackness till a safe conduct was procured from the Queen He had not stayed many dayes there when a rumour was raised as was thought by his enemies that he was to be brought again to Court and the Lords turned out or used with more violence This made a new stirre whereupon the Lord Hereis was sent to command him to begin his journey and to be in Berwick the 22. day of December he craved to see the King and be permitted only to salute him but this being denied he departed in great heavinesse In the beginning of Ianuary two Ambassadours arrived sent by the French King the one named Monsieur la Motte the other Monsieur Menevel La Motte came by England with whom came alongst Mr. Davidson Ambassadour from Queen Elizabeth the other by Sea both having the same instructions which were to work the Kings liberty in the best sort they could to confirm his mind in the love he bare to the French and to renue the purpose of Association This last businesse was set on foot the year before and almost concluded in this sort That the Queen of Scots should communicate the Crown with her sonne and both be joyned in the administration of affaires that so he might be acknowledged for a lawful King by all Christian Princes and all domestick factions suppressed But upon the Dukes sequestring from Court it was left off and not mentioned again till now The Assembly of the Church in the last meeting had made this one of their special grievances and complained of it as a most wicked practise And now the Ministers of Edinburgh hearing that purpose to be moved of new by the French Ambassadours declaimed bitterly against them in their Sermons especially against La Motte who being a Knight of the order of S. Esprit did wear the badge of a white Crosse upon his shoulder This they called the badge of Antichrist and him the Ambassadour of the bloudy murtherâ—r meaning the Duke of Guise who they said procured him to be sent hither It grieved the Ambassadours much to hear these out-cries which daily were brought unto them but perceiving the Kings authority not able to restrain the liberty which the Preachers had taken they did not complain but urged earnestly their dimission The King desirous to entertain the ancient amity betwixt the two nations and dimit them with some contentment desired the Magistrates of Edinburgh to give them the Feast before their parting To impede this Feast the Ministers did on the Sunday preceding proclaim a Fast to be kept the same day on which the Feast was appointed and to detain the people at Church the three ordinary Preachers did one after another make Sermon in S. Giles Church without any intermission of time thundering curses against the Magistrates and other Noblemen that waited on the Ambassadours by the Kings direction nor stayed their folly here but the Ambassadors being gone they pursued the Magistrates with the censures of the Church and were with difficulty enough stayed from proceeding with excommunication against them for not observing the Fast they proclaimed Of all this the King seemed to take no notice for he saw not a way to represse these disorders and much perplexed he was with the reports of the Duke of Lennox his death who partly of grief partly through the long and troublesome journey he made in that cold and rainy season contracted a fever at his coming to Paris whereof after a few days he died Some hours before his expiring there came to him a Priest or two to do their accustomed service whom he could not admit professing to die in the faith of the Church of Scotland and to keep the oath he had given to the King inviolate This the King made to be proclaimed at Edinburgh that the people might see what wrong the Duke had sustained during his abode in the Realm by the uncharitable suspicions both of Ministers and others But this belongs to the year following Meanwhile the King ceascth not to think of his own liberty using all means to put the Lords that attended him out of an opinion that he had any meaning to free himself And the Duke being gone whom they feared most they esteemed the danger the lesse for Arran was not well loved because of his violent courses and Morton who had the greatest following was put from his charge in the Borders and the same given to the Laird of Iohnston The King had likewise by their advice sent Colonel Stewart and Mr. Iohn Colvil in a joynt Commission to the Queen of England to move her for restoring the lands in that Kingdome which appertained to his Grandfather the Earl of Lennox and the Lady Margaret his Grandmother together with the by-run profits intrometted by the Thesaurer or Master of Wards as likewise to communicate unto her the course he had taken for quieting the Realm and to desire her aid and assistance therein Some instructions besides were given them to propone as touching the Kings marriage the matters of the Border and the contracting of a defensive league by all which they held themselves secured of his Majesties favour But for the negotiation it
sorted to no effect by the contrary courses the two Commissioners took after their coming to the Court of England The King foreseeing the same when they were first imployed had moved Mr. David Lindesay Preacher at Leth a man wise and moderate to accompany them and pacify the contentions which possibly might arise amongst them but their emulations were so great as all he could do scarce served to keep them from open discord Before I enter upon the accidents of the next year the death of Mr. George Buchannan which happened in the end of September must not be passed a man so well deserving of his countrey as none more he was of an excellent wit and learning incomparable born nigh to the Highlands within the Parish of Killern and of the house of Drunmakill his Uncle by the mother called Herriot took care to have him trained up in letters perceiving his inclination to be set that way wherein he profited so much as he went beyond all his instructors Nature it seems having formed him thereunto In the year 1539 being called in question by the Franciscan Friers upon the malice they bare him for some bitter verses written against them and their profession which he did to please King Iames the fifth whom they had in some things offended he was committed as suspected of Lutheranisme but made an escape to France where he lived a long time and became acquainted with many learned men with which that countrey did then abound His paraphrase of the Psalmes a rare work and other Poems he wrote for most part whilest he stayed abroad and for his learning and quick ingenie was admired of all men Returning into Scotland about the year 1560. after he had professed Philosophy some yeares in S. Leonards College within the University of S. Andrews he was chosen to attend the King and bring him up in letters In his age he applied himself to write the Scottish History which he penned with such judgement and eloquence as no countrey can shew a better Only in this is he justly blamed that with the factions of the time and to justify the proceedings of the Noblemen against the Queen he went too farre in depressing the Royal authority of Princes and allowing their controllment by subjects his bitternesse also in writing of the Queen and troubles of the time all wise men have disliked But otherwise no man did merit better of his nation for learning nor thereby did bring to it more glory He died in a great age at Edinburgh and was buried in the common place though worthy to have been laid in marble and have had some Statue erected for his memory But such pompous monuments in his life he was wont to scorne and despise esteeming it a greater credit as it was said of the Roman Cato to have it asked why he doth lack a Statue then to have had one though never so glorious erected The summer following the King found the occasion to free himself of his attenders For being at Falkland and pretending to visit his Uncle the Earl of March who did then reside in the Abbey of S. Andrewes after he had taken some little refreshment he went to take a view of the Castle accompanied with Colonel Stewart Captain of the Guard to whom he had communicated his purpose and having entered into the Castle commanded the gates to be shut and these that followed to be excluded The Earls of Argile Marshal Montross and Rothes came thither the next morning and were all welcomed by the King Of the Noblemen that had waited on him since his restraint at Ruthven only the Earl of Gowry was admitted into the Castle by the Colonels means for he had sometimes followed him as a servant The Earl how soon he came in presence fell on his knees and craving pardon for the fact of Ruthven did humbly submit himself to the Kings mercy who after he had checked him in some few but grave speeches for his ingratitude to the Duke of Lennox accepted him in favour upon condition of a more loyal behaviour in time coming Some few days the King abode in the Castle and in a Councel keptthere the second of Iuly made choice of the Earls of March Argile Gowry Marshal Montrosse and Rothes to remain with him as Noblemen that he held of best judgement most indifferent and freest of faction the rest he commanded to retire to their houses till he should take further order In the same meeting was Colonel Stewarts service approved and a Proclamation ordained to be made charging all the subjects to contain themselves in quietnesse and prohibiting any to come towards Court accompanied with a greater number then was appointed to wit 15. with an Earl as many with a Bishop ten with a Lord and as many with an Abbot or Prior with a Baron six and all these commanded to come in a peaceable manner under great penalties Then the King to shew himself at liberty went to Edinburgh and from thence he went to Falkland then to Perth where he remained some weeks Being there the Earl of Arran by Gowries procurement was brought again to Court after whose coming a Declaration was published by the King to this effect We with advice of the Lords of our Privy Councel having thought expedient to notify unto the world but especially to all our good and loyal subjects our true mind touching the things that fell out in the year past declare the same to be as followeth That is howsoever for preserving of publick quietnesse we did patiently endure the restraint of our person at Ruthven with the secluding of our Counsellors from us and all that ensued thereupon yet did we take it deeply to heart and did account no otherwise of it then a fact most treasonable attending till it should please God to restore us to our former estate and liberty which having now by his goodness obtained to make known our indifferent disposition towards all our good subjects and that we do not seek the harm and ruine of any one whomsoever we have resolved to forgive and forget all offences bygone especially that which was committed in August last and hath been since that time strongly maintained providing the Actors and assisters do shew themselves penitent for the same ask pardon in due time and do not provoke us by their unlawful actions hereafter to remember that attempt Willing all our subjects by the example of this our clemency whereof some already have made proof to discharge all quarrels amongst themselves and not to malice one another for whatsoever cause by gone all which we will have buried in oblivion and to this have ordained publication to be made hereof in all the principal Burghs c. The discontented Lords notwithstanding of this declaration were still convening and making the best provision they could for their own surety For at Arrans hand who had now the disposing of all things they expected no good The
King hereupon took purpose to confine some of the principals in several countreys and to commit others who were reckoned most turbulent The Earl of Angus was confined beyond Spey Iohn Levingston of Dunypace and Patrick Drummond of Carnock in the countrey of Galloway Lochlevin and Buchan in Innerness the Master of Glammis Abbot of Dunfermlin and Lord of Cleish were charged to enter themselves in the Castle of Dumbritton William Commendator of Paisley in Blackness and Mr. Iohn Colvil commanded to keep Ward in Edinburgh The whole Angus only excepted disobeying the charge were denounced rebels and Proclamations made commanding all the subjects to be in readinesse for resisting the practises of seditious subjects An oath also was taken of all the Kings domesticks that they should not keep intelligence with any of the rebels or others known to be in his Majesties mal-grace and at this time was Mr. Iohn Metellan who came afterwards to be Chancellour admitted Counsellour of Estate The Queen of England being advertised of this alteration in Court sent Sir Francis Walsingham her principal Secretary to the King to challenge him for breach of promise in readmitting the Earl of Arran and casting off the Noblemen who had maintained his authority and hazarded their lives and estates in defence of his Crown The King answered that he was a free Prince and in ruling his affaires might follow the course which he thought to be most convenient that the Queen would not take it well if he or any other should direct her in matters that concerned her subjects and for the promise alledged he said it was made in time of his restraint to the performance whereof he was not tied As to these subjects of whom the Queen seemed so careful he said that he had freely offered to pardon them upon the acknowledgement of their offence and promise of amendment which he would faithfully observe expecting of the Queen his sister that neighbourhood which became Princes living in amity and friendship and that she would not countenance his subjects in their rebellion The Ambassadour replying Sir the Queen my Mistris will never meddle with your affaires but to work your good and quietnesse Yet she taketh it unkindly that the promises made unto her are so lightly regarded One Holt an English Jesuit who is thought to have an hand in Throgmortons treason that was of late detected being in your prison at the request of the French Ambassadour was permitted to escape whereas the Queen my Soveraign looked daily to have been delivered in England as was promised Nay said the King it was not promised that he should be delivered but as the Queen answered my Ambassadours when I desired Mr. Archibald Douglas to be rendered who is known to be guilty of my Fathers murther I said that the man was charged with certain suspicious practises in my Kingdom which I believed first to try and if the Queen had been pleased to have delivered my subject to me whom I had more then reason to remand I would have made no delay in the rendering of Holt. But for his dimission or my connivence at his escape there is no such thing and if you know or can learn that any indirect means have been used for letting him go the trial and punishment of the doers shall clear my part This said the Ambassadour who was a most worthy and discreet Gentleman declaring that he was satisfied fell to speak of the preservation of peace betwixt the two Kingdomes and of a new league to be made with the Queen whereof the King did shew a good liking and in these termes they left for that time In October next the Church Assembly convened at Edinburgh where great regrates were made and presented in certain Articles to the King First they complained that the benefit of pacification was extended to Mr. David Chalmers a professed enemy to Religion and suspected of the murther of his Majesties Father Next that Papists were grown too familiar in Court and namely the Laird of Fintry who had made defection from the true Religion in which he was educated 3. That Holt a wicked Papist sent to the countrey to traffique against Religion and the State was suffered to escape and no trial taken of the workers thereof 4. That his Majesty seemed to favour too much the enemies of the truth both in France and at home 5. That he had received in his service men of dissolute life and who had never given any testimony of their good meaning either to Religion or the state of the countrey and put others from his service that were known to be zealous of Gods cause and faithful to his Majesties self from his very tender age 6. That since his acceptation of the government the Church had received many fair promises without any performance and that to the contrary the liberties and priviledges thereof were daily infringed 7. That the thirds were set in taks or leases in defraud of the Church 8. That Abbacies were disponed against the Acts of Parliament and no care taken for provision of the Ministers that served at the Churches annexed 9. That spiritual livings were conferred to children and erected in temporal Lordships 10. That there were no punishment for incest adultery witchcraft and the like abominations 11. That there was an universal murmur that no man could be assured of his lands and life the laws of the countrey being wholly perverted 12. That his Majesty did interpone his authority to stay the execution of the Churches Acts in matters properly Ecclesiastical Lastly they regrated the division of the Nobility one part seeking the ruine and overthrow of another for which they did intreat his Majesty to call unto himself the most wise and indifferent amongst them and by their advice to take some moderate course for uniting the hearts of all good subjects to the maintenance of Gods truth the preservation of his Highnesse person and estate and the comfort of all that were grieved at the present division The King desiring to give the Church satisfaction made answer the next day to all these particulars And first concerning Mr. David Chalmers he said that he was only forfeited for the common action for being at Landside field field for which pardon had been given to many so as it should not be thought strange to give him the like benefit especially at their request who had moved him therein and that he no ways intended to grant oversight to him or any others that should be found culpable of his fathers murther or yet professed themselves adversaries to the Religion Touching Fintry he said that he had not impeded the proceedings of the Church against him or any other Popishly affected nor had he been countenanced at Court if the Minister of Edinburgh had not testified that he was willing to conform That for Holts escape he had satisfied the English Ambassadour and that it was no uncouth thing to see
a prisoner deceive his keepers Concerning the intelligence he kept with forain Princes for the entertaining of civil peace that he did not think the Assembly would disallow it seeing diversity of Religion made not leagues of friendship unlawful And that they should meddle with the choice of his servants he held it strange This he hoped they would remit to himself and not to be too curious in examining the occasions of their placing or displacing And where they complained that since his accepting of the government the liberties of the Church had been refringed he said that since that time more good and profitable lawes had been made for the advancement of true Religion then ever before and if any thing lacked in the execution the fault was not his For that which concerned the Church rents he answered that those things must be helped in Parliament and that he should assist the reformation thereof at his power As for the punishment of the abominations mentioned that the fault could not be imputed to him sith he was willing to give Commission to such as the Ministers should judge most fit for the execution of lawes And for Ecclesiastical Acts which his authority was said to impede he knew none of late onely he had stayed the remove of Mr. Alexander Arbuthnet from the Colledge of Aberdene to be Minister of S. Andrews which being rightly considered would not be found prejudicial to the Church nor impertinent for him to deal in Lastly for the murmur of people perverting of lawes and difference amongst the Nobility his Majesty said that he was ready to hearken to any good advice for reformation of that which should be found amisse The answers all most reasonable and proceeding from the King ought to have been well taken but the discontent they had received for the late change in Court made every thing distasteful and still the displeasure betwixt the King and Church did grow as we shall hear In the beginning of November Lodowick eldest son to the late Duke of Lennox arrived at Leth and was conveyed by the Earls of Huntley Crawford and Montross to the King who lay then at Kinneill Soon after the advertisement of the Noblemans death the King had sent the Master of Gray into France to bring home all his children But Lodowick excepted who then was 13. years of age the rest were young and not able to indure so long a journey The King receiving him with great expressions of love did presently invest him in his Fathers lands and honours committing the trust of his affairs to the Earl of Montrosse till he should grow up to maturity for his education in letters Mr. Gilbert Moncreef the King his principal Physician was appointed to attend him a man wise and of good learning Some years after two of his sisters were brought into the countrey Henrietta the eldest was married to George Earl of Huntley Mary the younger of the two to Iohn Earl of Marre to the third the King had provided an honourable match but she having vowed her self to God would not be wonne from the Cloyster by any perswasion a younger son came to the King after he went into England and was by him advanced to great honours Thus the untimely losse of their Father did turn to the childrens benefit by the constant and unmatchable kindness of a loving King In the countrey matters grew daily more and more troubled Those that disobeyed the charges given them for entering in Ward pretended the time assigned for their entry to have been so short and the distance of the place so great as there was no possibility in them to obey yet under hand they were still seeking to strengthen themselves and associate others to be of their faction To take from them this pretext the first of December was allowed them for their entring in Ward and so many as should find surety to obey had favour promised them The Laird of Braid Colluthy Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Andrew Hay were licenced also to conferre with them and with all that had any part in the attempt of Ruthven for informing them of his Majesties gracious inclination towards all of that number who should acknowledge their offence and live obedient and peaceably from thenceforth But little or nothing was wrought this way whereupon the King took purpose to convene the Estates this 17th of December and having exponed his whole proceeding in that business an Act was passed by an universal consent of this tenour Albeit the late surprise and restraint of our person perpetrated in August bygone a year was a crime of laesae Majestatis hainous in it self of dangerous sequel and most pernicious example meriting the more severe punishment because the committers thereof for the most part besides the allegiance and common duty of subjects were specially bound to us by particular favours and benefits bestowed on them yet out of our natural disposition to clemency we resolved to reduce them by all gentle means to their duties and not only forbare to use them with rigour but made offer of pardon and mercy to such as would acknowledge their offence and continue thereafter in a dutiful obedience satisfying our selves with that moderate declaration which tended not in any sort to their detriment and prorogating days and moneths to see what they could perform Hereof we gave our promise to the Queen of England which was certified to them by divers and of late by certain Ministers and well disposed Gentlemen whom we licenced to conferre with them for perswading them of our sincere meaning behaving our selves in all this as a kind Father that seeketh to recover his children and not as a Prince that respected his estate But our lenity not having produced the effects which were wished we took counsel to assemble our Estates and make them witnesses of our clemency whatsoever might happen to their persons hereafter and now by their advice we have determined to prosecute with all rigour such of that number as shall continue in their disobedience and shall not embrace the offers of pardon made unto them In the execution whereof our Nobility and Estates convened have solemnly promised their assistance and for the greater authority both We and our said Estates have subscribed this Act with our hands Further by their advice We have ordained and ordain the Act of Councel past in October 1582. touching the attempt at Ruthven to be delete forth of the Books inhibiting all and sundry of whatsoever estate quality and degree to allow by word writing or otherwise the foresaid fact which We being now at liberty and our Estates have so publickly condemned This Act made the Earl of Rothes protested that his subscription to the Act in October 1582. approving the attempt of Ruthven for good service should not be laid to his charge seeing he did the same unwillingly and by his Majesties special command and direction like as soon after the
committing of the fact he had satisfied his dislike thereof The King acknowledging the same to be of truth made his protestation to be admitted Then began all the faction to fall asunder every man suing his pardon which was granted upon condition they should depart forth of the Realm and not return without his Majesties licence The Earl of Marre the Master of Glammis with the Abbots of Driburgh and Cambuskenneth went into Ireland the Lord Boid Lochlevin and Easter Weymis unto France others of the meaner sort were confined within certain bounds The Earl of Gowry notwithstanding he was reconciled to Arran fearing to be troubled obtained licence to go into France but whilest he delayes to go and putteth off his journey from day to day he falleth into new practises which brought him unto his end The rest of the winter was quiet but now and then the Court was kept in exercises by the Sermons of some Preachers who were therefore called in question Iohn Dury Minister at Edinburgh had in one of his Sermons justified publickly the fact of Ruthven for which being cited before the Councel he stood to the defence of that he had spoken yet after advice taken with Mr. Iames Lawson his Colleague he was moved to submit himself to the King who continued the declaration of his pleasure till he had proof of his better behaviour The businesse with Mr. Andrew Melvil was greater for he being cited to answer for certain speeches uttered by him in a Sermon preached at S. Andrewes declined the judgement of the King and Councel affirming That what was spoken in Pulpit ought first to be tried and judged by the Presbytery and that neither the King nor Councel might in primâ instantiâ meddle therewith though the speeches were treasonable When by no perswasion he could be induced to submit himself and that the King and Councel finding themselves Judges did proceed to examine the witnesses he burst forth in undutiful speeches against the King saying he perverted the lawes both of God and man which unreverent words proceeding from a Divine in whom moderation and humility should chiefly have appeared did greatly offend the Councel Thereupon was he charged to enter his person in Blackness within the space of ten hours but in stead of obeying he turned his back and fled that night to Berwick Then did all the Pulpits sound and every day were the Ministers exclaiming that the light of the countrey for learning and he that was only most fit to resist the adversaries of religion was exiled and compelled for safety of his life to quit the Kingdom Pity it is to think how the King was then used for though he cleared himself by Proclamations shewing that the mans flight was voluntary and that he meant not to have used him with any rigour yet nothing was believed and every where people began to stirr Hereupon charges were directed commanding those who had obtained leave to depart out of the Realm to use the benefit of their licences and inhibiting all intelligence by letters or otherwise with those that are already gone This wrought not much only made those that travelled to and fro with advertisements the more wary and circumspect The Earl of Gowry to liberate himself of suspicion came to Dundy and conducing a ship gave out that he would forthwith depart yet still he lingred attending the return of the Earl of Marre and the Master of Glammis from Ireland at which time he and others of that faction were to joyn and take Arms for reformation of abuses the securing of Religion and preservation of the King his person and estate for that was made the pretext The King having notice given him of these practises sent Colonel Stewart Captain of the guard to apprehend the Earl of Gowry who was suspected because of his lingring The Colonel coming upon him unexpected as he lay in the house of William Drummond Burgesse of Dundy he made to defend the lodging and stood to it some space but the Town concurring with the Captain he was forced to yield and the next day conveyed to Edinburgh and committed to the custody of Arran A night or two after the Earls of Angus and Marre with some of their friends and followers surprised the Town and Castle of Striveling intending there to fortify themselves But the suddain expedition which the King made compelled them to fly into England and leave the Castle victualled for some days and in it a few Gentlemen whom they promised to relieve Such a readinesse the King found in his subjects at this time as upon a short warning a greater Army and better appointed was in no mans memory known to have been assembled The Town of Edinburgh shewed a great forwardnesse for both they advanced moneys to levy souldiers and put divers of their own inhabitants in Armes to attend the King It was the 19th of April when knowledge was given first of the taking of Striveling and before 24. all the Army was in readinesse to march The same day advertisement came of the Rebels flight whereupon the Wardens and Keepers of the Marches were directed to pursue them The King himself with the Army marching towards Striveling Alexander Master of Levingston was sent to inclose the Castle which yielded upon the hearing of his Majesties approach and was delivered in keeping to the Earl of Arran The Earl of Gowry after he had been kept some days in Kinneil was brought to Striveling Before his transporting from Edinburgh the Earl of Montrosse the Lord Down and Mr. Robert Melvil were directed to examine him and hopes given that he should find favour if he would discover the conspiracy and what the Rebels had intended to do he upon promise that what he declared should not be made an endictment against himself disclosed all the plot setting down the same with his own hand as followeth Perceiving his Majesties favour altered towards me by misreport of my unfriends and my life and my living aimed at I was of necessity forced to seek my relief by concurring with others of the Nobility who laboured to secure themselves and their estates And hearing that there was some trafficking betwixt the Noblemen in Ireland and others at home I used all means though I was suspected by them to know what their courses and hopes were after some diligence I made that way I met with Mr. Iames Areskin who travelled to and fro betwixt them And he at first obscured himself from me and would not be plain till I promised my assistance Then he shewed me that he had been with the Earl of Angus whom he found cold and in some hope to make addresse for himself and so lesse careful of their relief who were absent Yet he believed if the Nobleman saw any good concurrence of others he would give his assistance but refused to deal in these matters till they should return and things be determined
with a common consent This I thought likewise fittest but in the mean time I prepared to depart and would have been gone if contrary winds had not stayed me The same Gentleman came afterwards unto me and shewed that they were returned and would shortly be seen at Striveling This moved me to remain albeit doubting of a sufficient concurrence of Noblemen I was not resolved what course to take and lay in a carelesse security at Dundy more inclined to go then to stay I protest always before God that I never heard nor was in counsel of any plot against his Majesties Person Crown or Estate but only studied to keep my self from ruine by the assistance of others At our meeting together unto which time all was deferred it was thought that a course should be taken by common advice for securing our selves in his Majesties favour And whereas I am asked what Noblemen were privy to the enterprise and what was looked for from England I will truly declare all upon the firm assurance of his Majesties clemency At home it was expected that all those who subscribed the bond in that first alteration would joyn themselves with us and besides those divers others namely the Earl of Marshal and Bothwel with the Lord Lindesay and some of the West parts So it was affirmed to me but how truly I cannot say From England we expected a supply but no certain time was appointed and it was said that the Queen minded to intercede for restitution of the Hamiltons if she found the King tractable This is all I know and if there by any other particular tending to his Majesties well or hurt which I do not at the present remember I shall plainly reveal the same whosoever be offended therewith At his coming to Striveling he sent to the King a letter penned in this form Please your Majesty it is neither diffidence nor despair in your Highnesse favour and clemency towards me nor any desire I have to live in this world that moves me to require some short audience of your Majesty But there is a purpose of so weighty importance which I desire to impart unto your Highnesse which might have endangered the life and estate of your mother and your self if I had not stayed and impeded the same the revealing whereof may avail your Majesty more then the lives and livings of 500. such as my self most humbly therefore I beseech your Highnesse that my Petition may be granted I assure my self of your Majesties gracious answer Striveling the last of April 1584. In a Postscript this was added The matter I have to speak is not the concealing of treason but the revealing of a benefit This Petition was denied and the same made a part of his indictment for being brought to his trial the fourth of May Mr. Iohn Grahame sitting as Justice and assisted by Sir Iohn Gordon of Lochinvar Alexander Master of Levingston Alexander Bruce of Airth and Iames Edminston of Duntraith he was indicted of four points First that in the beginning of February Mr. David Home servant to the Earl of Marre came to him privately in the town of Perth under silence of night and communicated to him the treasonable device of surprizing the Burghs of Perth and Striveling at least of one or other of them and that he agreed to the taking and fortifying of the said towns whereby he had incurred the crime of Treason as well in concealing as consenting to that wicked purpose 2. That understanding Mr. Iames Areskin to be a trafficker betwixt Marre Angus and others he did belay the ways to the end he might speak with him and after meeting kept conference with him touching the surprise of the Castle of Striveling and the furnishing thereof with men and ammunition 3. That being charged in Dundy by his Majesties letters to render himself to the Lord Petten Weyme his Majesties Chancellor and Captain of his Highnesse guard he did enter into the house of William Drummond Burgesse of Dundy and with his Complices defended the same by the space of 6. houres making exclamations to the people that he was pursued for Religion and desiring them to aid and assist him 4. That he being obliged to maintain his Majesties person life honour and Crown and having intelligence of a most weighty purpose that concerned the life and estate of the King and the Queen his mother he had treasonably concealed the same and did as yet keep up the specialties thereof albeit he professed he knew it so perfectly that in his letter written to the King he saith that it had not failed to have taken effect if he had not stayed and impeded the same The indictment read he first excepted against Lochinvar that he could not be assessor to the Justice in his trial in regard of the deadly enmity betwixt Gartland who had married his Ladies sister and him This exception was repelled because the propinquity alledged was only affinitas affinitatis Then he complained that the Noblemen who were sent to examine him had not kept their word having promised that whatsoever he had confessed should not be laid to his charge It was answered that the Noblemens word could not warrant him Thirdly he said that being indicted for treason he ought to have been cited upon 40. days and a delation made by some accuser which was not observed The Advocate replied that in matters of Treason the King might arrest any person upon the space it pleased him Fourthly he alledged the license granted him to depart the countrey This was found nought except he did therewith produce a respit or permission To the last point of the indictment he said that what he offered to reveal tended to his benefit if he had vouchsafed him hearing and was no matter of treason It was answered that the concealing of that might tend to the hurt of the Kings life and mothers was treason So the indictment was found relevant and the persons of the Jury called These were Colin Earl of Argile David Earl of Crawford Iohn Earl of Montrosse Iames Earl of Glencarne Hugh Earl of Eglinton Iames Earl of Arran George Earl of Marshal Alexander Lord Seaton Hugh Lord Sommervil Iames Lord Down William Lord Levingston Patrick Lord Drummond Iames Lord Ogilvy Alexander Master of Oliphant and Iohn Murray of Tillibardin They retiring themselves as the custom is and returning within a short space pronounced him guilty whereupon sentence was given that he should be taken to the Market Crosse have his head cut off and be dismembred as a traitor The last part thereof was dispensed and he in the evening beheaded His servants were permitted to take the head with the body and bury it This was the end of that Nobleman who in his life was much honoured and imployed in the chief offices of Court a man wise but said to have been too curious and to have consulted with Wizards touching the state of things in future times yet was
he not charged with this nor seemed he to be touched therewith in his death which to the judgement of the beholders was very peaceable and quiet He was heard to make that common regret which many great men have done in such misfortunes That if he had served God as faithfully as he had done the King he had not come to that end but otherwise died patiently with a contempt of the world and assurance of mercy at the hands of God The same day Archibald Douglas called the Constable and Mr. Iohn Forbes servant to the Earl of Marre were executed the rest who were taken in the Castle had their lives spared and were banished the countrey and David Home of Argaty and one Iohn Shaw were pardoned The King after this returned to Edinburgh where he gave order for charging the houses of the fugitive Lords and their friends and upon information made that certain of the Ministery had dealing with the Rebels summons were directed to charge Mr. Andrew Hay Parson of Ranfrew Mr. Andrew Polwart Subdean of Glasgow Mr. Patrick Galloway and Mr. Iames Carmichael Ministers to compeir before the Councel Mr. Andrew Hay compeired and nothing being qualified against him was upon suspicion confined in the North. The other three not compeiring were denounced Rebels and fled into England The Parliament declared current at the time for the more speedy dispatch of businesse convened the 22. of May In it his Majesties declaration concerning the attempt of Ruthven was ratified The King his authority over all persons in all causes confirmed The declining of his Majesties judgement and the Councels in whatsoever matter declared to be Treason The impugning of the authority of the three Estates or procuring the innovation or diminution of the power of any of them inhibited under the same pain All jurisdictions and judicatures spiritual or temporal not approved of by his Highnesse and the three Estates discharged and an Ordinance made That none of whatsoever function quality or degree should presume privately or publickly in Sermons Declamations or familiar conferences to utter any false untrue or slanderous speeches to the reproach of his Majesty his Councel and proceedings or to the dishonour hurt or prejudice of his Highnesse his parents and progenitors or to meddle with the affaires of his Highnesse and Estate under the pains contained in the Acts of Parliaments made against the makers and reporters of lies Whilest these statutes were in framing the Ministers who were informed thereof to work at least a delay sent Mr. David Lindesay to intreat the King that nothing should pass in Act concerning the Church till they were first heard Arran getting intelligence of this caused arrest him as one that kept intelligence with England so as he was not permitted to come towards the King The first night he was kept in Halirudhouse and the next morning sent prisoner to Blackness where he was detained 47. weeks Mr. Iames Lawson and Mr. Walter Balcanquell Ministers of Edinburgh hearing that he was committed forsook their charge and fled into England leaving a short writing behind them to shew the reasons of their departing Iohn Dury some weeks before was removed and confined in the Town of Montrosse so as Edinburgh was left without any Preacher Mr. Robert Pont Minister of S. Cutberts and one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice because of the misregard of the Church as he pretended in concluding these Acts as the Heraulds were proclaiming them according to the Custome took instruments in the hands of a Notary of the Churches disassenting and that they were not obliged to give their obedience thereto which done he likewise fleeing was denounced Rebel and put from the place in Session Rumours hereupon being dispersed that the King was declined to Popery had made divers Acts to hinder the free passage of the Gospel and abolish all order and policy in the Church Command was given to form a brief declaration of his Majesties intention in those Acts that concerned the Church and to publish the same for detecting the falshood of those rumours In this declaration the occasions that enforced the King to the making of these statutes were particularly set down and the equity thereof maintained by divers reasons Amongst the occasions were reckoned the allowance of the fact of Ruthven by the assembly of the Church Mr. Andrew Melvil his declining of the King and Councel the fast kept at the feasting of the French Ambassadors general fasts indicted through the Realm without the King his knowledge the usurping of the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction by a number of Ministers and Gentlemen the alteration of the lawes at their pleasure and a number of like abuses And for satisfying good people strangers as well as subjects touching his Majesties good affection towards the maintenance of Religion certain Articles were drawn up and subjoyned to the said Declaration to make it appear that his Majesty had intended nothing but to have a setled form of policy established in the Church But these things gave not much satisfaction so great was the discontent and were replied unto in Pamphlets defamatory libels and scurril poems which daily came forth against the Court and the rulers of it To furnish the vacant places of Edinburgh till some were moved to undertake the charge the King did appoint his own Ministers Mr. Iohn Craig and Mr. Iohn Duncanson the Archbishop of Saint Andrews supplying the ordinary preaching at Court Soon after there came a letter from the Ministers directed to the Session of the Church at Edinburgh and to the Councel of the town of this tenour That seeing they were assured many calumnies would be forged against them for absenting themselves from their flock they had good to write unto them the true causes thereof which were as they said The great indignation conceived against them by the rulers of the Court for resisting the dangerous courses then in hand the Acts made in the late Parliament repugnant to the word of God and doctrine oftentimes by them preached the iniquity committed in the passing the said Acts and violence wherein they were defended the Articles penned and presented to some Ministers for submitting themselves to the tyrannical Regiment of Bishops whom they called gross libertines belly-gods and infamous the charge given to the Provost and Bayliffes of Edinburgh to take and apprehend all Ministers that should convene to the Eldership and those that in Sermon should utter any thing against the Acts and present unhappy course with the insolent words cast forth against them That if they followed the same course they were in though their heads were as haystacks they should be laid at their heels These things they said did cast them in a grievous temptation for to go from their good course they could not unlesse they should be traitors to God to continue in it and stay would be counted treason against the King and be hazardous of their
Notwithstanding they all three were convicted and declared guilty of treason doom was only pronounced against Drumwhasill and Mains and they the same day hanged in the publick street of Edinburgh The Gentlemens case was much pitied Mains his case especially Hamilton who made the delation lived after this in a continual fear and abhorred of all men he kept still in the company of Arran unto the alteration of Court at Striveling at which time Iames Iohnston of Westraw pretending a vow that he had made to revenge Mains his death did kill him as he was flying through the Park on the South side of the Town These cruel and rigorous proceedings caused such a generall fear as all familiar society and intercourse of humanity was in a manner left no man knowing to whom he might safely speak or open his mind Arran in the mean time went on drawing into his own hands the whole managing of affairs for he would be sole and supreme over all The Earl of Argile having departed this life the year preceding he was created Chancellour The office of Secretary he gave to Mr. Iohn Metellan Lethingtons son having banished the Abbot of Dunfermlin who formerly possessed the same The Castles of Edinburgh and Striveling he had himself in custody then made himself be chosen Provost of the Town and as if all this had not been enough he was declared General Lieutenant over the whole Kingdom In a word whatsoever he was pleased was done and without him nothing could be done This stirred up great emulation against him in Court The Master of Gray a great favourite at that time did take it disdainfully that every thing should be governed by him Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice Clerk a man of brave spirit did also hardly endure it and Mr. Iohn Metellan though he had followed still from Mortons execution to that time began to fall away and work his own credit those things were cunningly dissembled as among Courtiers and all outward respect given him by those that were plotting his ruine To his felicity nothing as he thought was wanting but the friendship of England this he was advised by the Master of Gray to seek by the Lord Hunsdons means who lay then Governour of Berwick a meeting whereupon wrought betwixt them and at Foulden some three miles from Berwick whither Arran went matters so dressed as upon the assurance of his service to the Queen of England it was promised that the exiled Lords who lay near the borders waiting to raise some stirres should be called to London and upon verification of the conspiracy wherewith Mains and the rest were charged put forth of England In this hope the Master of Gray is sent into England and Commission given him for remanding the fugitive Rebels or if that could not be obtained for removing them further off from the Borders of Scotland more privately he was desired to use all means for winning the Queens favour to the Earl of Arran And for preparing the way to his Legation the Archbishop of S. Andrews was sent some weeks before to inform the Queen of the King his sinccerity in Religion because of the rumour which the Ministers who fled thither had dispersed to the contrary The Queen professing to have received great content by his information recommended to the King above all things constancy in his profession assuring him in that case of her unchangeable friendship The Master of Gray as his coming had favourable acceptance though he was known to be a Catholick Romane and for the point of remanding was answered that she did not think those Gentlemen whom the King called Rebels intended any harm to his person but if the contrary was made to appear they should be suffered to remain in her Kingdomes And for that the King required touching their further remove from the Borders the same was promised and the Lords accordingly called from thence and commanded to stay at Norwich This answer reported to the King by the Master of Gray at his return drew another Legation wherein Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice Clerk was imployed the thing committed to him was the accusation of the banished Lords and verifying against them the conspiracy for which Mains and Drumwhasill had suffered The Lords upon this were brought from Norwich to London and there challenged by the Ambassadour who as appeared insisted with great servour against them But the Master of Glammis answering for the rest made their innocency in that particular to be clearly seen which was heard no lesse willingly by the Judges then delivered by the Speaker Neither was the accuser any worse minded towards them for all the shew he made and at the same time were grounds laid both for their restitution and Arran his subversion the Queen and Councel of England being privy to all and secretly advancing their enterprise Arran in the mean time had assurance given him of the Queens friendship and supposing all things to be right went on in his accustomed manner not caring what enmity he drew upon himself The Earl of Athol the Lord Home and Master of Cassils were committed to prison The first because he refused to divorce from his wife a daughter of the Earl of Gowry and intaile his lands to him the next for that he denied him his part of the lands of Dirleton and the third for denying him a loan of some moneys which it was thought he might spare His last falling out in that kind was with the Lord Maxwel for an excambion of the Barony of Mernis and the lands of Maxwel heath with the Barony of Kinnel which he possessed by the forfeiture of the Hamiltons Maxwel not liking to change his old inheritance with such a new and uncertain purchase excused himselfe and would not hearken to the change but he thinking to force him thereto by some indirect means travelleth with the Lady Iohnston who gave attendance at Court to cause her husband to accept of the Provostry of Dumfreis and moveth the King to write unto the Town to elect Iohnston their Provost for that he being Warden of the West marches would thereby be made more able to keep good order in these parts Maxwel interpreting this to be done as it was to his disgrace at the time of Election convocated his friends and debarring Iohnston from entring the Town procured himself to be continued in the office Hereupon informations were made to the King that there could no quietnesse be expected in these parts unlesse Maxwel his power was curbed Charges were also directed to cause him present certain of the name of Armestrong for whom he was obliged which he not performing was denounced Rebel and Commission given to the Laird Iohnston to pursue him for whose better enabling he had two companies of hired souldiers allowed him under the charge of two Captains Lamby and Cranston Maxwel hearing of these preparations gathered his forces and with a part
Kinloss Lindors Blanire and Pettin Weyme representing the spiritual estate by the Earls of Arran March Athol Montrosse Marshall and Rothes the Lords Oliphant Thirlstane Gray Sinclare Down and Fleming for the Nobility and by the Commissioners of Burghs and all the Officers of Estate amongst the rest by the Master of Gray who though he did professe himâ— himself a Romane Catholick would in nothing that the King affected be thought refractary It was thought that the Ambassadour did rest well satisfied with the Kings forwardnesse towards the league and that he should have presently returned But he had some other businesse in trust which was carried more closely This was to make friends to the exiled Lords and labour their restitution as had been concluded in England To this effect he kept divers private meetings with the Master of Gray the Secretary and Justice Clerk giving the Lords intelligence from time to time of his proceedings among other means he thought expedient that they should reconcile their private quarrels with the Lord Hamilton and his brother Claud who were likewise exiled and lived then in England he wrought so as they were brought as it seemed to a perfect accord promising to take one course and joyn all in the same cause But Claud fearing either the event of the enterprise or not having buried his former grudges did afterwards separate and by discovering their purpose procured to himself liberty to return yet did he not find that acceptance which he expected being shortly after his coming confined in Aberdene and within a little while commanded to leave the countrey and goe into France There came this Summer from Denmark certain Ambassadours to redeem as they pretended the Isles of Orkney and Shetland alienated of old from that Crown yet the true errand was to propone that marriage unto the King which was some four years after happily perfected The King receiving them kindly and excusing himsel for the matter of Orkney because of the Pestilence which raged as then in Edinburgh Where the Registers of the Kingdom were kept promised how soon commodity served to give all reasonable satisfaction and to send some in Commission to treat of those matters How soon they were dimitted the King went into Striveling and from thence to Hamilton to recreate himself as he was accustomed where he received advertisement that the banished Lords were come down to the borders and that Maxwel was to joyn his forces with them Hereupon he returneth to Striveling and sending for Arran made Proclamations to go through the countrey commanding all the subjects to meet him at the Castle of Crawford the 22. of October for resisting the attempts of the Rebels But things were so prepared at Court by the English Ambassadour as the Lords did prevent the King in his expedition They had appointed their rendezvous at Linton in Tweddale and meeting there did solemnly swear not to separate nor give over the profecution of their enterprise till the King should be moved to accept them in favour and put Arran forth of his company Maxwel brough with him 300 souldiers that had served against Iohnston and about 700 horsemen all the others did scarce equall that number though Bothwel Home Yester Cesford and Drumlanrig had joyned with them To justify their proceedings they gave forth a Proclamation in all the places they came unto declaring the causes of their enterprise to be the defence of the truth the deliverance of the King from corrupt Counsellors and the preserving of amity with England In this Proclamation nothing was left unsaid that might make Arran odious and hateful amongst other things he was charged to have bragged of his descent from Duck Mordoch who was beheaded in the time of King Iames the first and to lay claim to the Crown by that title calling himself King Iames the seventh It is true that in the Parliament held the year preceding he took protestation in open Court that he renounced any title that he might pretend to the Crown that way which I suppose he did to purge himself of that aspersion but the protestation was laughed at in the time by the wiser sort and gave them to think that such a folly had once possessed his mind The Proclamation did often mention him and Col. Stewart as abusers of the King Of the rest of the Counsellours there was no speech which increased Arrans jealousy of them Now how soon the Ambassadour heard that the Lords were entred in the countrey fearing that some notice should be taken of his dealing he left Striveling and went in haste to Berwick without saluting any man They sent a Post after him with a letter desiring to know the cause of his suddain departure and whether he was directed by the Queen his Soveraign to go away in such sort Being overtaken at Anwick he answered that he had no such direction from the Queen when he was first imployed but that of late he had received a command to retire because she saw no hope of the delivery of that wretched Farnherst This he made the pretext of his departure yet in reason he could not alledge it Farnherst lying bedfast at the time in Aberdene where he was committed which was notified to him and he knew to be a truth In the conclusion of his letter he said that he could not grant that he had departed insalutato hospite seeing he performed that office both with his heart and hand and that he should by all possible means endevour that his departure should rather help to maintain then dissolve the amity betwixt his Soveraign and him That which he speaketh of his hand was a letter that he left to be given to the King the day after he was gone in which he laid the cause upon Arrans credit without whom he saw nothing could be obtained Arran seeing the letter that he left to be given to the King began to think that all was not sound and accused the Master of Gray as being privy to the Ambassadors departure which he denied yet all that time nothing was done that was sitting either for the Kings safety or reputation and not so much as the Castle furnished with victuals which might have easily been provided Neither were the Lords ignorant of this which made them use the greater speed marching directly to Falkirk and the next day which was the last of October to Striveling At the Church called Sanct Nineans a half mile or lesse from the Town they put themselves in order of battel and stood so till night fell at which time upon warning given them by their friends within the Town they advanced and knowing all the passages entred by a certain back way without any resistance Arran had taken upon him to watch that night and was keeping the Town gate when a cry was raised that the Town was taken The Earl of Crawford who watched with him fled to the Castle but he escaped by the
delation only it served to discover the falshood of the suborner In December following a Parliament was held at Linlithgow for ratifying the peace and abolishing the memory of things past In this meeting the Ministers who returned in company of the Lords did earnestly urge the repealing of the Acts concluded the year preceding against their discipline which the King did utterly refuse ordaining that none should either publickly declare or privately speak or write in reproach of his Majesties person estate or government as is to be seen in the first Act of the parliament The Ministers offending greatly therewith especially with the Lords who had promised to see these Statutes repealed stirred up one Mr. William Watson in his preaching before the King to complain of the neglect that was made of the Church and condemn the acts above mentioned This young man the Bishop of S. Andrews had placed in Edinburgh after the departing of the Ministers of England and he to this time had carried himself very orderly but now either fearing that his admission by the Bishop should be questioned or to insinuate himself this way in the favours of the Ministers who he thought would rule all matters of Church as they pleased he took the boldnesse to reprove the King to his face This his unseasonable and insolent doing was by all wisemen condemned and he therefore committed to the Castle of Blacknesse Notthelesse another of the same humour called Iames Gibson Minister at that time at Pencaitland usurping the Pulpit at Edinburgh where the sicknesse was somewhat relented fell out in the like impertinent railing saying That Captain James with his Lady Jesabel and William Stewart meaning the Colonel were taken to be the persecutors of the Church but that now it was seen to be the King himself against whom he denounced the curse that fell on Jeroboam That he should die childless and be the last of his race This man called before the Councel confessed the speeches and proudly maintained the same for which he was likewise committed Watson upon promise to amend and behave himself more dutifully was suffered to return to his charge but the businesse with the other lasted to a longer time as we will afterwards hear A few days before this Parliament deceased Mr. Iohn Spottiswood Superintendant of Lothian a sonne of the house of Spottiswood in the Mers within the Barony of Gordon of which Surname it seems his first progenitors were by the armes they have common with the Gordons his Father was killed at Floudon in the unfortunate battel wherein King Iames the fourth died and he left an Orphane of four years old When he was come to some years his friends put him to Schoole in Glasgow where he took the degree of a Master of Arts and having a purpose to study Divinity which he most affected was wholly diverted from following the same by the perfecutions he saw used against those they called hereticks So leaving the countrey he went into England and there falling in familiarity with Archbishop Cranmer was by his means brought to the knowledge of the truth Soon after the death of King Iames the fifth he returned to Scotland and stayed a long time with Alexander Earl of Glencarne who was known to be affected that way In his company he came to be acquainted with Matthew Earl of Lennox and was by him imployed towards Henry the eighth at the time that France did cast him off by the Cardinals dealing as we touched before Matters succeeding to the Earl of Lennox his mind and he setled in England he remained with him some moneths after which longing to visit his friends he returned and being known to Sir Iames Sandylands of Calder a man of great authority in those times he was by him allowed to accept the Parsonage of Calder which fell then void And living sometimes with him sometimes with the Prior of S. Andrews in whose company he went to France at the time of the Queens marriage he made no great stay in any one place till the work of reformation began at which time he took himself to reside in Calder and was how soon those troubles ended chosen Superintendent of the Churches of Lothian Mers and Tiviotdale which by the space of 20. years he governed most wisely his care in teaching planting of Churches reducing people and persons of all sorts into the right way was great and so successful as within the bounds of his charge none was found refractary from the Religion professed In his last days when he saw the Ministers take such liberty as they did and heard of the disorders raised in the Church through that confused parity which men laboured to introduce as likewise the irritations the King received by a sort of foolish Preachers he lamented extremely the case of the Church to those that came to visit him who were not a few and of the better sort he continually foretold That the Ministers by their follies would bring Religion in hazard and as he feared provoke the King to forsake the truth Therefore wished some to be placed in authority over them to keep them in awe for the doctrine said he we profess is good but the old policy was undoubtedly the better God is my witness I lie not And that these were his ordinary speeches some two years before his death many then alive could witnesse He was a man well esteemed for his piety and wisdome loving and beloved of all persons charitable to the poor and careful above all things to give no man offence His happy life was crowned with a blessed death which happened the 5. of December 1585. in the 76. year of his age But to turn to the history the King having setled with the Noblemen was very desirous to be at rest with the Church and for that effect called some of the principal Ministers to a conference wherein certain Articles were agreed for the better ordering of the Ecclesiastical affairs the full determination thereof being remitted to the general Assembly of the Church which was appointed to meet at Edinburgh the tenth of May following In the mean time Maxwel puffed up with the victory at Striveling the praise whereof he ascrived wholly to himself grew so insolent as that the next Christmas taking with him a company of lewd and dissolute persons he went in procession from Dumfreis to the Colledge Church of Lincluden and caused a Masse to be said complaint being made to the King he was brought before the Councel and committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained some moneths This gave occasion to the Proclamations which followed against Priests Jesuits and traffiquing Papists who were all commanded to leave the countrey before a certain day under pain of death Whilest these things were a doing Mr. Andrew Melvil to be revenged of Saint Andrews who had devised as he imagined the Acts made in the parliament 1584. and penned the
matter to that time where in stead of examining the process or discussing the Bishops Appellation a transaction was made in this sort That the Bishop by his hand-writing or personal appearance in the Assembly should deny that ever he publickly professed or meaned to claim any supremacy or to be Judge over other Pastors and Ministers or yet avowed the same to have a ground in Gods word and if so he had done it had been an error against his conscience and knowledge That he should also deny that in the last Synodal Assembly he did claim to be Judge of the same and if he had done it that he erred therein and in his emperious behaviour and contempt of the said Synod That thirdly he should promise to behave himself better in time coming and crave pardon for any oversight by him committed claiming no further then justly he might by Gods word and in all other things carry himself as a moderate Pastor ought labouring to be the Bishop described by S. Paul submitting his life and doctrine to the judgment and censure of the general Assembly without any reclamation provocation or appellation from the same in any time coming That the Assembly on the other part for his Majesties satisfaction and to give testimony of their willing minds to obey his Highness so far as they could and in conscience they might and for the good hope they had of his Majesties favourable concurrence in building up the house of God should hold the said process and sentence as undeduced and not pronounced and restore the Bishop in so far as concerned the said process and sentence to the estate wherein he was before the pronouncing of the same especially because the said process was led and deduced during the time of the conference whereupon his Majesty had conceived offence with this proviso Always that the Bishop should observe what he promised in the premises and carry himself dutifully in his vocation in all times thereafter What should have moved the King to hearken to a mediation so prejudicial both to his own authority and the Episcopal jurisdiction which he laboured to establish cannot well be conjectured except we will think that by yeilding to the Churches advice in this particular he hoped to winne them in end to those things which served for his peace and their own quietnesse or which I rather believe that he did only temporise not seeing another way how to come by his ends and was content to keep them in any tolerable terms till he should find himself of power sufficient to redresse these confusions Whatsoever the reason was the Bishop did set his hand to the conditions proposed by the Assembly and received that declaratour for an absolution Yet did not this satisfy the adverse party who peremptorily urged the justifying of their process with the confirmation of the sentence they had pronounced which when they could not obtain the same Hunter that pronounced the sentence protested publickly against the Assemblies proceeding and that notwithstanding the absolution granted the Bishop should still be esteemed as one justly delivered to Satan till his conversion were seen to be true and effectual unto which protestation Mr. Andrew Melvil and Mr. Thomas Buchannan did adhere A motion was made in the same Assembly for censuring the Ministers that had allowed the Acts concluded in the Parliament 1584. by their subscriptions but they were found to be so many as it was feared the urging thereof would breed aschisme and division in the Church wherefore after some altercation the matter was left and all the Ministers exhorted to judge charitably one of another notwithstanding their diversity of opinions The Articles agreed upon in the conference with certain Ministers whereof the determination was remitted to this Assembly made more adoe for they having condescended to accept Bishops and to give them a chief hand in the government of Church affairs they always being subject to the censure of the general Assembly It was strongly opposed and after a long dispute concluded That in respect the Bishop was a Pastor as other ordinary Pastors are he should for matters of life and doctrine be tried by the Presbytery and Synod and for his Commission otherwise in Church affairs be subject to the general Assembly The Secretary Justice Clerk with the Lord Privy Seal and other Commissioners for the King disassented and made protestation That seeing the Assembly had gone from the Articles agreed upon in the conference nothing either then or at the present concluded should stand in force And thus were they like to dissolve but that Mr. Robert Pont Iames Martin and Patrick Galloway being directed to inform his Majesty of the difference things were drawn to this middest That the Bishops and others having Commission to visit Churches should be only subject to the trial of the general Assembly and such as had power from them till further order was taken And that where Bishops and Commissioners were resident they should preside in the meetings of Presbyteries and Synods Fife only excepted where Mr. Robert Wilkie was appointed to moderate the Presbytery of Saint Andrews untill the next Synod In the mean time was the order of the Presbyteries set down and their power defined the King taking no notice of their doings in that kind The Secretary who then supplied the place of Chancellor perceiving the King so vexed with the affairs of the Church and the Ministers so refractary and unwilling to be ruled did advise him to leave them to their own courses saying That in a short time they would become so intolerable as the people would chase them forth of the countrey True answered the King if I were purposed to undoe the Church and Religion I should think your counsel not ill but my mind is to maintain both therefore can I not suffer them run into these disorders that will make Religion to be despised This answer did shew the Kings love to the Church and his care of the good estate thereof which in this place I thought was not to be passed In the Estate matters went not much better at this time and amongst others nothing gave more offence then the acquitting of Mr. Archibald Douglas by form of Assise This man was known to be guilty of the murther of the King his Father and had fled into England six yeares before The Earl of Morton at his death and one Binny Mr. Archibalds own servant who was executed about the same time did both declare that he was present at the doing of that wicked fact for which the King had often by his letters and Ambassages intreated the Queen of England to have him delivered yet could not obtain it At this time a remission being purchased to him for the concealing of that murther with a letter of rehabilitation whereby he might stand in judgement and plead against his forfeiture he was in a Jury held the 26. of May declared innocent and absolved of the
crime This was done by the procurement of the Prior of Blantire who had intruded himself in the Parsonage of Glasgow whereof Mr. Archibald had been titular and otherwise then by his restoring could have no right in law to retain it Many were grieved to see Justice in that sort abused for maintaining a facrilegious possession but to have sent him back to England with a Commission to reside there as Ambassador for the King which likewise was done was an errour inexcusable and how he and the Master of Gray who was chiefe man in that led Assise carried themselves in the Queen of Scotlands businesse wherewith they were trusted we will hear in the end of this year In the Isles this Summer there arose great trouble betwixt Mackoneil and Macklain two principal men in those parts Macklain by his education in the continent had learned civility and good manners and living accordingly was in great respect both with his own people and all his neighbours about Mackoneil out of an emulation made many quarrels to the other and in end laid a plot to murther him though he had married his sister which he went about in this manner He sent a message to Macklain offering to visit him at his house and to stay some days providing he would come back and make merry with him in his countrey that the world might see all injuries were forgotten and that they loved one another as brethren and good neighbours ought to do Macklain answered that he should be welcome but for his going back with him they should talk at meeting Mackoneil receiving this answer came the next day and was received very kindly by Macklain Some four or five days he stayed using the fairest shewes of amity that could be wished and being to part homewards intreated Macklain to go with him saying that he would leave his eldest son and a brother-germane pledges for his safety Macklain upon his importunity yielded to go but refused the pledges left he should seem to distrust him and so went taking with him of the trustiest of his kindred and servants some 45. They arrived in Kyntire early in the morning and all that day were welcomed with liberal feasting according to that peoples custome At night when they were gone to rest Mackoneil beset the house wherein Macklain and his people lay with a number of men and called him to come forth and drink he answered that of drink they had too much and that it was then time to rest Yet it is my will said Mackoneil that ye arise and come forth Macklain hearing this began to suspect some bad dealing and dressing himself and his men did open the dore where perceiving a company in Armes and Mackoneil with his sword drawn he asked what the matter was and if he meant to break his faith No faith said he I gave none and must now have an account of you and your friends for the wrong I have received Macklain had taken that night his nephew a little child to bed with him and being put to his defence kept the childe upon his left shoulder in manner of a targe The childe cried for mercy to his Uncle wherewith Mackoneil moved did promise to spare his life providing he would render his weapons and become his prisoner Macklain seeing no better was content and thereupon was conveighed with some keepers to another house All the rest two excepted upon the like promise rendred themselves The two whom he refused to spare defended the dore so desperately as neither he nor his men durst enter whereupon fire was put to the house and they burnt within the same The others that rendered notwithstanding the promise given them were all beheaded in Macklains sight some of them the next morning and the rest the days following Macklain himself had gone the same way but that it happened Mackoneil by a fall from his horse to break his leg by which accident his execution was prolonged In the mean time upon notice given to the King of that barbarous fact an Herauld was sent with a charge to deliver Macklain to the Earl of Argile but this availed not but still he was detained and compelled to yeild vnto most unreasonable conditions before he got his liberty which was no sooner obtained then Macklain to revenge himself fell upon Mackoneils bounds burning and killing man wife and childe without mercy and so took a cruel revenge of the others treachery A little before this trouble in the Isles Hugh Montgomry Earl of Eglington a young Nobleman of good expectation was likewise treacherously killed by certain Cunninghams who envying the Noblemans worth otherwise they could pretend no just quarrel did conspire his death The chief Actors David Cunningham of Robert-land Alexander Cunningham of Aiket and Iohn Cunningham of Corsell who were set on work by the Earl of Glencarne upon promise that he should maintain them which afterwards he disclaimed This unhappy fact did cost much blood and was afterwards honourably revenged by Robert Master of Eglington the Noblemans brother In the moneth of Iune was the league with England concluded which the year preceding had been carefully laboured and by Commissioners sent from both Princes in a meeting at Berwick accorded in this form 1. That both their Majesties finding by the course of the present proceedings in forain parts that divers Princes terming themselves Catholicks and acknowledging the Popes authority were joyned in confederacy for extirpating true Religion not only within their own States and Dominions but also in other Kingdomes left they should seem to be lesse solicitous for the defence thereof then were their enemies who thought to overthrow the same have thought it necessary as well for the preservation of their own persons on whose safety doth the Well of their subjects depend as for the better maintenance of the true ancient Christian Religion which they now professe to joyn and unite themselves in a more strict league then hath been between any Princes their Progenitors 2. That they should labour and procure by their best endevours to draw the Princes professing the same Religion to joyn and concurre with them in the like defence thereof 3. That this league should be offensive and defensive against all that should attempt to disturb the exercise true Religion within their Kingdomes notwithstanding of any former leagues of friendship or amity contracted with the said attemptors 4. That if any Prince or State whatsoever should invade the Realms and Dominions of either of their Majesties or attempt any injury against their persons or subjects upon notice thereof given or received neither of them should yeild aid counsel advice or support directly or indirectly to the said inuader notwithstanding any consanguinity affinity league or treaty made or to be made That in case of invasion they should aid and assist each other in manner and form following That is to say if the Realm of England should be invaded by any forain
into her heart to do so if it should be he desired her to consider how much it touched him in honour that was both a King and a sonne to suffer his mother an absolute Prince to be put to an infamous death No answer being returned to this upon new advertisement that the Queen was like to be drawn by the importunity of her Estates to give way to the execution he wrote to William Keith more sharply requiring him to shew the Queen how unjust he held that proceeding against his mother and that it did neither agree with the will of God who prohibiteth to touch his anointed ones nor with the law of Nations That an absolute Prince should be sentenced and judged by subjects and if she would be the first to give that pernicious example of profaning her own and other Princes Diadems to remember her that both in respect of nature and honour it concerned him to be revenged of so great an indignity which if he should not do he should peril his credit both at home and abroad and therefore willed him for to labour for a delay untill he should send an Ambassadour with overtures that might content and satisfy her Majesty For by a letter sent from Mr. Archibald Douglas that stayed as Leiger in England he found him not well disposed in the businesse and thereupon resolved to employ a more honourable person and one of greater trust William Keith having intreated the Queen for a delay when as he could not obtain the same did shew her the direction he had received from the King at which she grew into such a passion that if Leicester and others of the Councel who stood by had not pacified her saying that the King did only request that his mother might be well used which was a thing natural and in him an honourable part and that some ill affected persons possibly had stirred him up to write so sharply she had simply refused him any more hearing But after she had calmed a little she said That she would give no answer in anger and would think of it to the next morning At which time calling him again she said That no precipitation should be used and if any did come from the King within a few days she would stay all proceeding to that time and be glad to hear such overtures as might save the Queen of Scots life and assure her own The King advertised of this and conceiving some hope that matters would draw to an agreement wrote of new to the Queen and shewed he was sorry to understand that his letter sent to William Keith had been construed as if he did threaten her and her Estates whereas his purpose was only to inform her of the rumours going in the countrey and how much his subjects were moved at these forms of proceeding with their Queen That for himself he knew well enough how hardly she was pressed by objecting unto her the perill of her own life and that he never blamed her directly for any thing that was done Therefore prayed her to accompt him her most honest and stedfast friend since he never had nor should deserve any other at her hand and that for his sake she would continue any proceeding against his mother till his overtures should be heard which the Master of Gray should bring with him who was to take journey on the Saterday following This letter was speedily carried to the Queen which gave her some content for thereby she perceived the rumours to be vain which were dispersed that he was minded to break the league and denounce warre The King in the mean time having convocated the Estates and imparted to them the case wherein his mother stood had very liberal promises given him and a present supply of money granted for dispatch of his Ambassadour And being advised by the Estates to joyn Sir Robert Melvil in Commission with the Master of Gray as one that had served his mother long and was truly affected unto her the Commission was given to them both and they put in equal trust So parting from Halirudhouse the 20th of December they came to London the penult of the moneth The next day Master Archtbald Douglas being sent to desire audience the same was refused upon information that they had been with Monsieur Bellieur the French Ambassadour who was imployed in the same errand and had parted from the Queen in wrath yet the contrary being shewed and that they refused to make any visit till they had prefence of her Majesty they had accesse granted the first of Ianuary At her first meeting she quarrelled the letter sent to William Keith asking if they were sent with the like threats They answering that his Majesties letter might receive a good construction and that he had interpreted himself by another directed since that time to her Majesties self she brake forth into these speeches I am unmeasurably sorry that there can be no means found to save the life of your Kings mother and assure mine own I have laboured to conserve the life of us both but now I see it cannot be done The Ambassadour replied that the case was nothing so desperate and that means would be found to put her Majesty in assurance yet because they perceived her to be somewhat commoved they did not think meet to enter at that time more deeply in the businesse At their second audience which was on the tenth day the Queen begun with them in this sort A thing long looked for should be good when it cometh I would now hear what are your Kings offers The Master as having the first place answered no man makes offer but for some cause If it like your Majesty we desire to know if the person be extant for whom we offer for the rumour went constantly that the execution was past As yet said the Queen I think she be but will not promise an hour Nay said the Master we come not to shift but to offer from our Soveraign whatsoever in reason can be required specially that he shall interpose his credit in behalf of his mother and give the chief of his Nobility for pledges that no plot nor practise should be contrived against your Majesty with her knowledge or privity or if that be not sufficient and that it shall please your Majesty to set her at liberty and send her into Scotland a course shall be taken for securing your Majesty from all such attempts by her occasion The Queen calling the Earl of Leicester with the Lords Admiral and Chamberlain who were nigh by repeated in their hearing these offers setting them all at nought whereupon the Master took occasion to ask What should move any man to attempt against her Majesty for the Queen of Scots Because said the Queen they think she shall succeed to me and that she is a Papist And if these means shall be taken away said the Master apparently the danger will cease This
sayes the Queen I would be glad to understand If her right succession to England shall be made over in our Soveraigns person said he Papists will have no more hope and this I think the Queen his mother will dimit and resign to him But she hath no right said the Queen for she is declared incapable of succession And if she have no right said the Master the hope of Papists ceaseth and it is not to be feared that they will enterprise for her But the Papists said the Queen do not allow our Declaration Then let it fall said he in the Kings person by her resignation The Earl of Leicester obâ—ecting that she was a prisoner and could not dimit the Master answered That the dimission being made to her son with the advice of all the friends in Europe in case as God forbid the Queen by any attempt should be cut off she would have none to partake with her against her son all the princes her friends standing obliged for her resignation that it should be valid and effectual to her son The Queen making as though she did not understand him the Earl of Leicester said that the Ambassadours meaning was that the king should be in his Mothers place Is it so sayes the Queen then I put my self in worse case before By Gods passion this was her oath that were to cut mine own throat he shall never come in that place and be party to me The Master answered that he would be more party if he should come in his Mothers place through her death Well said the Queen tell your King what I have done for him to keep the Crown on his head since he was born and that for my part I mind to keep the league that stands betwixt us which if he break it shall be a double fault And with these words she made away Sir Robert Melvil following her requested for some eight days continuance of the execution whereunto she answered Not an hour The King advertised of this conference and that nothing but extremity was to be expected wrote with his own hand to the Master of Gray as followeth Reserve your self no longer in your dealing for my mother for you have done it too long and think not that any thing will do good if her life be lost for then adicu with further dealing with that State Therefore if you look for the continuance of my favour spare no pains nor plainnesse in this case but read my letter written to William Keith and conform your self wholly to the contents thereof and in this let me reap the fruits of your great credit there either now or never Farewell But before this letter came unto the Master he was drawn upon another course and made more cold in the businesse and as the fame went had taken upon him to pacify the King though the execution proceeded Mean while the Earl of Leicester wrote to the King a letter wherein not obscurely shewing what was resolved he advised him to deal more moderately in that matter of his mother her cause not being worth the losing of such a friend as the Queen his Soveraign was For albeit no man said he can blame your Majesty to speak for the safety of your mothers life yet under your favour your Majesty being a Prince and a King you ought to weigh without partiality the case of other Kings and Princes as if it might be your own Iustice should in the bosome of all Princes have such place that whatsoever affection may draw them if the thing which any of them doth for the preservation of their own life and estate be warranted it ought to be borne withall by others And proceeding in this manner he said Let the case of the Queen my Soveraign be made your Majesties and that any King or Prince being in your hands claiming title to your Crown would raise warre within your Realm against you or conspire with traitors within your Court or countrey to kill you in that case I would fain know what would be thought fit by any faithful or good subject of yours that you should do to such a one Nay give me leave I humbly beseech you to ask even of your self what you would think fit in such a case there is no other difference but that this offence is done to the Queen Majesty by your mother And after that a little for the letter is long If my plain speech may be without offence to your Majesty I would wish you to think well of this case remember how near it is to you and how much nearer it may be to you it is seen to all the world wherefore the life of our Mistris is sought whose death may be as farre out of your way as your mothers liberty hath heretofore been dangerous to your estate And if it be true which I have heard your Majesties self by her will had as well been dispossessed of the possession of that you have as defeated of any remainder you thought to have interest in And therefore as Kings be and ought to be jealous of their own estate so I doubt not but your Majesty will deeply consider of this case of your mothers wherein you may perform both the Office of a Son and of a King And as I have always advised you so do I still except for a just cause which I am perswaded you shall never have give not her Majesty any cause to conceive a breach of love and friendship on your part She is the person and Prince in the world that may do you most good or most harm let no perswasion or device make you think otherwise the world is full of practise and the worst heads most busy c. At the same time Secretary Walsingham writing to the Lord Thirlstan the Kings Secretary with whom he kept intelligence declared that it was wondred by all wise and religious men in England that the King should be so earnest in the cause of his mother seeing all the Papists in Europe that affected the change of Religion in both Realms did build their hopes altogether upon her and that she had shewed her self so passionate in point of Religion as she had transferred her pretended right to both the Crowns untothe King of Spain in case the King her son should persist in his profession It is true that such informations were given out amongst the Papists to divert the King from constancy in his profession but that any such tranflation was made by her it is not probable and a thing not to be believed her Declaration at the time of her death being far other as we shall hear Albeit a Popish Abbot descriving the life of Laurens the Cardinal who was at that time Protector of the Scottish Nation affirmeth the foresaid translation to have been in his hands and to have been delivered to him by Count Olivarez the Spanish Ambassadour at Rome But that doth merit little credit such forged titles would
mightiest Potentates that reigned in long time And that this present Don Antonio may suffice for ensamples to teach all Princes if they can avoid it to beware how they fall into that state whereby they shall be inforced to seek their own by other Potentates means Princes are not so ready in these days to embrace other mens quarrels but where they are extraordinarily interressed in their own fortunes Wherefore I doubt not but it will be seen by men of judgement not transported with passion or led away with private respects that it should be every way the only best course for your Soveraign by a good and kind usage of her Majesty and by shewing that Princely moderation as well in this grievous accident of his mothers death as his whole proceeding with this Realm which the excellency of his Highness education seemeth to promise to seek to win the hearty good wills of this Realm as the chief and principal assurance he can in any sort obtain For to trust or depend either upon the French King or the King of Spain as if by their assistance he might attain to the present possession of this Crown which be indeed the only two Potentates whom he must have recourse unto if he reject the Amity of England whosoever shall so counsel your Soveraign as things presently stand shall in the judgement of men of best understanding bewray great want either of fidelity or judgement drawing his Majesty unto so untoward and desperate a course For it is no way safe for any Prince to repose his trust and strength upon their favour and assistance to whose desires and designes his greatnesse may yeild any impeachment and hinderance so were it clearly against common reason to expect other support and assistance from them then might stand with their own commodities and pretensions in respect whereof neither of the two foresaid Kings can simply and roundly joyn with your Soveraign to his good First his Religion being odious to them both and likely to prove most prejudicial to the Catholick cause he growing so great as he should be made by the union of the two Crowns the consideration whereof caused his mothers affairs to stick a long time and made now in end leave him quite out of the reckoning ordaining the King of Spain her heir if her son became not Catholick Next it is meerly repugnant to the policy of France were it but in respect of the ancient claim England maketh to that Crown to suffer the uniting of this Island under one Prince They have been content in former times when England had a footing in France to serve themselves of your Nation therewith to annoy this Realm by the means of diverting or dividing the forces thereof and so perhaps the Politicks of France can be content to wish at this day by your Soveraigns quarrel or any other such like to be eased of the burthen and miseries of the present Warre wherewith they are plagued by transporting the same into this Island But as this Realm hath good means to prevent that mischief if it were intended so were your Soveraign to look when all were done but to be made an instrument as his predecessors have been of the effusion of much Scottish blood for French quarrels and the desolation of that Realm And as things stand presently in France it is not thought that you should find the King ready to hearken to any enterprise against this Land the said King being most desirous to live in peace both with his neighbours abroad and his subjects at home but that he hath been forced full sore against his will by the practise of them of the house of Guise to countenance with his authority the Civil Warre raised in that Realm which maketh him whatsoever shew he maketh of the contrary to hate them in his heart Neither would it be held sound counsel to be given him by any that depends upon his fortune to further the advancement of a King of Scots so nearly allied to that family which he hath discovered and greatly feareth to level at his own Crown with any intention to depose him which by the greatnesse of a King of Scots they should be so much the sooner and better able to effect The King of Spains assistance being now in Warre with this Realm were more likely to be obtained but farre more dangerous to be used in respect of his insatiable ambition deep practises and power accompanied in this case with a colour of right wherein how farre he would seek to prevail any opportunity or advantage being offered it may justly be doubted by the experience that sundry States have had which upon slender grounds of title have been extorted and wrung from the true inheritours and annexed to his own Kingdom as Navarre Portugal and all he possesseth in Italy hath been It is believed that the King of Spain considering his years and unsetled estate every way would willingly incline to peace if it were offered with reasonable conditions and not over-readily at this present embark himself in any new enterprise But otherwise it is well known that as he had fancied to himself an Empire of all this part of Europe so he had an eye to this Realm ever since he was King in right of his wife The conquest was intended under colour of Religion as was discovered by some that were of his own Privy Councel at that time his pretention to be the heir of the house of Lancaster and since the late Queens death the first Catholick Prince of the blood Royal of England as also the donation of this Crown made him by the Queen of Scots in her letters with a promise to confirm it by Testiment things blazed abroad by the said Kings Ambassadour at Paris ought to breed jealousy and suspicion in your Soveraigns head and give him to think how he should be used at such an assistants hand Auxiliary forces have ever been reputed dangerous if they either in number or policy were superiour to them that called them in The assistance therefore of Spain and France being of this nature as your Soveraign hath need of neither so he shall do well to forbear them both and so shall it be most for his ease It may be some will pretend that by change of his Religion your Soveraign shall better his condition in regard of these forain Princes besides a great party within this Realm that thereby shall be drawn wholly to depend upon his fortune But the poor distressed estate of Don Anthonio being a Catholick Prince spoiled by a Catholick and receiving so little succour at Catholick Princes hands shall be a sufficient barre to all that can be alleadged in that behalf As for the Catholick party in England in his mothers life it was never so united as they drew all in one line much lesse will they be brought suddenly to relye upon him if he should alter his Religion as God defend which would be his utter discredit and
overthrow both with the one and the other party neither having cause to repose any confidence in him The Protestants because he had renounced the Religion wherein he was with great care brought up the Papists because they could not be assured in short space that he was truly turned to their faith Yea all men should have reason to forsake him who had thus dissembled and forsaken his God And where it was given out that divers do insinuate unto your Soveraign that his honour and reputation is so deeply interessed herein as it must necessarily turn to his perpetual ignominy and reproach if he give not some notable testimony to the world of the affection and dutiful love he bare to his mother your King being of that singular judgement that he is thought to have cannot be ignorant how farre true honour ought to possesse a Christian Prince that is not whither passion or fury useth to carry men but whether reason and wisdome have laid the bounds that is within the compasse of possibility decency and justice If the late Queen had been innocent revenge had been necessarily just and honourable but being culpable contrary in all reasonable mens judgements he hath sufficiently discharged the duty of a son in mediating for his mother so long as she was alive and so farre as he was able to prevail They which require more at his Highnesse hands may be presumed not to regard what beseemeth his place and dignity but to seek the satisfaction of their own particular passions and desires And whosoever perswadeth his Highnesse that the mediation used by him for his Mother contrary to the humble pursuit of the whole Parliament hath already given that offence to the Nobility and people of this land as it behoveth him of force to have recourse to forain supports doth greatly abuse both his Highnesse and this Realm for as they were not ignorant what nature might and ought to move his Highnesse unto so long as there was any hope of her life so they do not doubt but that reason will induce him to leave sorrowing and thinking of her in due time Thus have I troubled you with a long discourse whereunto the desire I have of the continuance of amity between the two Crowns hath carried me unawares further then I purposed all which I referre to your good consideration not doubting but you will afford most readily and willingly all good offices that shall lye in your power to the end that a happy conclusion may ensue hereof which shall tend to the common good of the whole Island and so I commit you to God From the Court at Greenwich the 4th of March 1586. Your Lordships assured Friend FRA. WALSINGHAM THis letter shewed to the King served much to allay his anger as afterwards appeared In the May after the Estates being assembled at Halirudhouse they shew a great forwardnesse all of them for assisting the revenge of his Mothers death every man offering to spend his goods and life in that quarrel yet the businesse was so timed out that summer by the private dealing of certain Counsellors as hopes were given to the Queen that matters should compose and a more peaceable course be taken It was at this time that Sir William Stewart brother to Captain Iames returned again to Court and gave his attendance upon the Master of Gray The Master then was plotting a change of Court and had conspired with the Lord Maxwel to kill the Lord Thirlstane Sir Iames Home of Coldingknowes and Mr. Robert Douglas Collector whose power with the King he greatly envied This he reveales to Sir William as one that he believed would take part in the businesse and to make him the more forward tells that it was Thirlstane the Iustice Clerk Blantyre and himself that brought in the Lords at Striveling and put his brother from Court which he repented and would help so farre as he could to recall him Sir William knowing the mans nature and that he was not to be trusted gave him some hopes of joyning with him but in the mean time related all to the King This coming to Thirlstanes knowledge he complaineth thereof in Councel and desireth a trial The Master denied that any such purpose had passed betwixt them whereupon Sir William was called and standing to that he had told the King they two fell a contesting after some bitter speeches Sir William taking him up roundly said that he deserved no credit as having abused his ambassage to England and treacherously consented to the death of the Kings Mother There had a rumour gone of a letter written by the Master to the Queen of England after his parting from that Court advising her to put the Queen of Scots out of the way and the words he had used Mortui non mordent Dead folks bite not were in every mans mouth and now the challenge being made publick the Councel moved the King to put the Master to trial and commit both the one and the other So were they both the same night sent to the Castle of Edinburgh The Lord Thirlstane and those others that were touched with the enterprise of Striveling made great instance to be cleared in that point but the King not liking to search too deeply in those businesses said That their own purgation with the Declaration of the Noblemen that came home at that time was sufficient There were present of that number the Lord Hamilton the Earls of Marre and Bothwel who upon oath declared that they had no assurance from any about the King at the time of their coming till they were received by his Majesty in favour The like purgation was made by the Lord Thirlstane the Justice Clerk and the rest and so that businesse ceased After some two or three days the Master of Gray and his accuser were brought again before the Councel where the same things that before we heard being repeated by Sir William Stewart he added further That he knew the Master to be a traffiquer against Religion and that he had written divers letters to the King of France and Duke of Guise declaring that the King was to seek their assistance in revenge of his mothers death but intreated them not to grant him any help unlesse he did grant toleration to the Catholicks for exercise of their Religion The Master being desired to answer and as he lookt for any favour to deal ingenuously and confesse the truth said That he could not deny his dealing for toleration of Catholicks and that he disliked some of the officers of State and could have wished an alteration but that â—e never had so much as a thought against his Majesties person beseeching to impute these things wherein he had offended to his youth and foolish ambition Being enquired touching the letter sent to the Queen of England he confessed That when he perceived her inclining to take the Queen of Scots life he advised her rather to take her away in some
private way then to do it in form of Iustice and acknowledged the words Mortui non mordent to be his but not used by him to the sense they were detorted His confession did liberate his accuser who was presently set at liberty and he himself sent to the Tolbuith of Edinburgh to attend his arraignment which was made a few days after There having repeated the same things in effect he submitted himself to the Kings mercy who thereupon gave order to the Justice to banish him the Realm and in case he did return without licence to pronounce the sentence of death Mean while he was prohibited to go either into England or Ireland under the like pain A punishment too mild as many at that time judged for crimes so hateful and odious But the innated clemency of the King and his unwillingnesse to use rigour towards them whom he had once favoured did not suffer him to inflict the punishment which the offence had merited Captain Iames who since the enterprise of Striveling had lurked amongst his friends did now begin to shew himself and importune the King with delations of Thirlstan and some other Counsellors as being accessary to his mothers death and having a purpose to deliver him into England These informations he sent inclosed in a letter to the King by Henry Stewart of Craigihall The King communicating the same to the Councel direction was given to charge him to enter his person within the Palace of Linlithgow and remain there till the truth of these delations should be tried certifying him that if he failed to obey processe of forfeiture should be laid against him as a sower of discord betwixt the King and his Nobility When at the time prefixed he entered not the office of Chancellary whereof as yet he used the title was declared void and bestowed upon the Lord Thirlstane The King being now 21. years compleat a Parliament was indicted to be holden at Edinburgh the 29. of Iuly for a preparation thereto and that the King might find the better assistance the Noblemen were sent for they especially betwixt whom there were known to be any quarrels At their coming the King did presse them with a submission of all controversies and having obtained their consents made them all friends Only William Lord Yester refusing to reconcile with Traquaire was committed and sent to the Castle of Edinburgh where he was detained some moneths till that variance was also composed Such content the King conceived of their agreement that he did feast them all royally at Halirudhouse thereafter caused them walk in hands two and two in form of procession from the Palace to the Mercat Crosse of Edinburgh where they sealed their concord by drinking healths one to another to the exceeding great joy of all the beholders A general Assembly was then also called by his Majesties Proclamation to the 20. of Iune where the King did purpose to have all matters setled betwixt him and the Church but this meeting had not the like successe For the Chancellar and Justice Clerk being sent thither with certain Articles of which two specials were to desire satisfaction for the offences committed by Iames Gibson and Mr. Iohn Cowper Ministers and that Mr. Robert Montgomery might be received without any ceremonies into their fellowship answer was made That if the Petitions of the Church in the approaching Parliament should be granted they would labour to bring matters to such a middest as might best agree with the honour of the Ministery satisfy the offence of the godly and the conscience of their brethren against whom his Majesty had taken offence And for Mr. Robert Montgomery they should dispense with some ceremonies used in admitting excommunicants in case the King was willing to remit somewhat of the satisfaction craved of the other two brethren This answer did so displease the King as refusing to enter into any such capitulations he left off all further treating with them at that time But Montgomery being redacted to great necessity and not knowing what course to take for the Duke of Lennox his agents having possessed themselves in the Bishoprick he was no more acknowledged did resign his title in favour of Mr. William Areskin Parson of Campsie a friend and follower of the Earl of Marre This Gentleman being well beloved of the Ministery and otherwise of good parts obtained the consent of the Presbytery of Glasgow and was admitted thereto by them although he was a Laick and bare no charge in the Church They being called to an accompt of this their doing in the next Assembly excused themselves saying That since Churchmen were not permitted to enjoy the Bishoprick they esteemed it better he should in title of it then any other and that he had given his bonds to renounce the same in case the general Assembly did not allow of his admission The excuse for the time was accepted yet their doing was disallowed and they ordained to pursue him upon his bonds for disanulling the admission but he found means to retain the same till Bishop Iames Beaton who lived in France was restored Montgomery his resignation being then made publick he was shortly after as informally absolved as he was excommunicated and placed at a Church in Cunningham where he lived in a poor estate to his death The Parliament keeping at the time appointed Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Robert Pont and some others having Commission from the Church did present themselves in the Parliament house at the first sitting and in name of the Church desired the Prelates that were presented to be removed as having no authority from the Church and the most of them no function nor charge in it at all Mr. Edward Bruce Abbot of Kinlosse rising up and directing his speech to the King made a long discourse of the right they had to sit and give voice for the Church in these meetings complaining that the Ministers had most disorderly shut them forth of their places in the Church and now they thought to exclude them from their places in the Estate which they hoped his Majesty would not suffer and would punish as a presumptuous arrogancy on the part of the Petitioners Mr. Robert Pont replying some what bitterly the King willed them to be quiet and present their Petitions orderly to the Lords of the Articles where they should be answered according to reason When it came to the Articles this being in the front of their Petitions was simply rejected some other Petitions were passed as they had desired for ratifying all lawes made in the Kings minority in favours of the Church for trying and censuring the adversaries of true Religion and for the punishment of such as did menace or invade the Ministers of the Church It was in this Parliament that the temporality of Benefices was annexed to the Crown upon a pretext of bettering the Patrimony thereof and that the King might have means to
bear forth the honour of his Estate and not burthen his subjects with taxations for his support This was the publick pretext and the King made to believe that the reservation of the Prelates houses and precincts with the tithes of the Churches annexed to their benefices would suffice to maintain their dignity and estate But privately to such of the ministery as sought the subversion of Episcopal government it was whispered That this was the only way to undoe the Prelacy for there being no livings to maintain them as in this case there would be little or nothing remaining most of the Bishopricks being founded on temporal lands and having but Churches annexed none would be found to accept those places which also proved true Hopes besides were given to those Ministers that they should have the tithes to use and dispone at their pleasure yet was it not long ere the King did find himself abused the temporalities formerly disponed which were not a few being all in the same Parliament confirmed and those that remained in a short time begged from him and given away to the followers of Court so as nothing was left to benefit or reward any well deserving servant When as he saw this and that the spiritual Estate was by this mean utterly decayed the Priors and Abbots being all turned temporal Lords he did sore forthink the passing of the Act calling it a vile and pernicious Act and recommending to the Prince his son the annulling thereof The Ministers that lookt for restoring the tithes perceiving themselves likewise deluded began also to exclaim and condemn the course howbeit somewhat too late In the same Parliament an Act was made in favour of the small Barons giving them by their Commissioners a voice in Parliament and Conventions with the others Estates The Earl of Crawford did strongly oppose and in name of the Nobility protested against their receiving That which the King intended by this was to free the Barons of their dependence upon Noblemen and have the Estates more particularly informed at their meeting of the abuses in the countrey But so farre was he from obtaining these ends as to the contrary they did work him great businesse in all the ensuing Parliaments Soon after the Estates dissolved the Lord Hunsdon Governour of Berwick sent to intreat presence of the King who yeilded the more willingly because he of all the Nobility of England had medled least in the proceedings against his Mother The Nobleman proposing the same reasons in effect which Walsingham had used in his letter to the Chancellour and laying before the King the danger wherein he might bring the title and right of succession which otherwise was undoubted if he should enter into open warre with England did earnestly beseech him seeing that which was done could not be undone to give place unto necessity promising because it was still beaten into the Kings ears that the execution of his Mother did barre his succession to bring unto him a Declaration under the hands of all the Judges of England that the sentence given against his Mother was no hurt to his right nor could work any prejudice to his succession This conference did break the King very much from his resolution yet the outcries of the countrey were great and their desires so vehement for revenge that he parted with Hunsdon in doubtful terms But when the Declaration of the Judges which he had promised was brought unto him and therewith the sentence given against Davison in the Starre Chamber whereby it appeared that the execution was done without the Queens knowledge he became more appeased and suffered Proclamations to go out inhibiting all that dwelt in the Borders to make incursions upon England as they were begun to do About the same time did Patrick Vaus of Barnbarrough and Mr. Peter Young his Majesties Elemosynar who had bin sent unto Denmark to treat of the marriage return making report of their agreement whereupon conclusion was taken that in the opening of the spring a Nobleman should be directed to accomplish the ceremonies and bring home the young Queen But the death of King Frederick her Father who departed this life in the moneth of April next with other occasions that intervened made the businesse to be delayed certain moneths In the end of the year there came from beyond Sea divers Jesuits and Priests to deal with the Catholick Noblemen for assisting the Spanish Armada which was then preparing to invade England if possibly they should take land in Scotland for their hope was to find the King favourable because of the Queens proceedings against his Mother and that he should joyn his forces with the Spanish for revenge of that wrong But he considering his own danger if strangers should set foot in the Isle and not trusting that the Spaniard would take the pains to conquer for him the Crown of England for that also was proffered refused to give ear unto such motions Mr. Iames Gordon Jesuit and Uncle to the Earl of Huntley had been all the summer before in the countrey and was overseen because of his Nephew whom the King intended to match with the Duke of Lennox his eldest sister neither was he much feared as being a simple man and not deeply learned Mr. Edmond Hay brother to Peter Hay of Megnish a Jesuit also but of greater account and more politick and wise did thereafter arrive pretending that he came to take his farewel of his friends and after him came divers others which made the King give out a Proclamation against the resetters and for apprehending their persons In this Proclamation besides Mr. Iames Gordon and the said Mr. Edmond Hay I find named Mr. Gilbert Brown Abbot of Newbottle Mr. Iohn Drury son natural to George Drury sometimes Abbot of Dunfermling Mr. Alexander Mackwhirry Mr. Iames Cheyn Mr. Alexander Meldrum Mr. William Crichton Mr. Iames Seaton and Mr. Iohn Morton most of these upon their supplications and sureties given to depart in the first ships obtained a protection unto the last of Ianuary which did so offend the Ministers as they did call a number of Noblemen Barons and Commissioners of Burghs to meet at Edinburgh the sixth of February for advising upon some remedy against the present dangers The meeting was frequent and Mr. Robert Bruce by the suffrages of all chosen to preside He had preached ordinarily at Edinburgh a year or somewhat more and was in great respect with all sorts of people but had not entered as yet unto the ministerial function Certain assessors chosen according to the custome the first thing proposed was touching the dangers threatened to Religion and the readiest means for quenching the fire of Papistry kindled through the whole countrey which they were all greatly exhorted to take to heart and to consider what course was best to obviate these dangers And to the end things might be done advisedly the Noblemen were advised to
contumacy and thereby a way made to his reponing The King as he had reason being greatly offended with these proceedings and intending to right himself otherwise the Minister fled to England and remained there a long space entertained by the factious brethren in those parts who were labouring at that time to bring in the holy discipline as they termed it into that Church The Lord Hereis in the mean time being certified of the Kings intended expedition into the West Marches prevented him and came to Court offering himself to trial nothing being found but certain neglects in the administration of his office for the complaint of erecting Masse at Dumfreis and compelling the Minister to leave the Town was not verified Upon promise to amend and surety given that he should resort to Sermons and suffer nothing to be done within his Wardenry to the prejudice of Religion he was sent back to his charge Soon after the Lord Maxwel who had been licenced to go abroad and had remained some moneths in Spain having seen the preparation made for invading of England by the advice of some Scottish Catholicks returned into the countrey notwithstanding the assurance he had given not to return without licence taking land at Kirkudbright a part of Galloway about the end of April It was then expected that the Navy should take their course to the West parts of Scotland where they might land more safely and with the assistance of Maxwel and others that would joyn with them enter into England by the Borders which if they had done would doubtlesse have been more to their advantage but they took their counsels as we shall hear Upon Maxwels return number of broken men and countrey people resorted unto him conjecturing there was somewhat in hand which would give them work The Lord Hereis not able to command them and fearing if any disorder arose the same should be imputed to him came and shewed the King what appearance there was of trouble Charges were incontinent directed for Maxwels appearing before the Councel but he disobeyed and fortifying his houses and other strengths that he had in custody began to levie some companies of foot and horse which being told to the King he with such forces as he could have of a sudden took journey to Dumfries and came upon him so unexpected as he had almost surprised hin in his house at Dumfries But upon warning given him an hour before the Kings coming he escaped and went to Galloway Some little resistance was made at the Port which gave him leisure to escape and was excused by the Towns ignorance of the King his being there in person The next narrow which was the 28 of May the houses of Lochmaben Langholm Treve and Carlaverok were summoned to render all which obeyed the Castle of Lochmaben excepted This was kept by one Mr. David Maxwell who trusting foolishly to the strength refused to yeild though the King himself going thither did call him by name for he knew the man commanding him to render Upon his disobedience the house was inclosed and because there was no munition at hand whereby to batter it a Post was directed to borrow some Ordinance from the English Warden which was quickly conveighed thither and a company of souldiers sent to guard the same These began no sooner to play then the Keepers terrified with the noyse craved a parley Sir William Stewart brother to Captain Iames being imployed to conferre with them they yeilded upon promise as was said that their lives should be spared But the Captain because he had refused the King himself at first was hanged the rest were pardoned and suffered to depart The King returning the same night to Dumfreis directed Sir William Stewart to try what course Maxwell had taken and to do as he found occasion having learned that he had taken sea in a small Bark he followed in a ship rigged forth by the town of Aire and overtaking him some miles off brought him back and delivered him prisoner to the King who was then returned to Edinburgh It was no small peece of service and by all men so esteemed But the countenance the King gave him made the man so swell as falling in a contest for I know not what matter with the Earl of Bothwel he used some uncivil speeches to the Nobleman who meeting him a few days after in the high street of Edinburgh did in a suddain conflict kill him outright The newes of the Spanish Navy being then divulged and the King advertised of their setting forth he called the Estates to a meeting at Edinburgh and imparting to them the advertisements he had received did ask their advice how he should carry himselfe in that businesse For howbeit said he I have no great occasion for my self to fear being under league and friendship with all Christian Princes and Estates yet the case of England ere it be long may turn to be our own and we forced to share with them in their troubles The intention of Spain I know is against England and considering the right I have to that Crown after the Queens death that now reignes I see not how it shall be safe for me to let another possess himself of that Kingdom nor will any man make me to think that the King of Spain if he shall chance to prevail will part with it and give place to my right having once made conquest thereof As now whilest the event is doubtful they speak fair and make liberal promises but if matters succeed to their mindes we shall hear other words They take Religion for a pretext of their invasion but it is the kingdom they seek and granting that Religion were the true cause are not we our selves in the same case with England The prosecution of the holy league will strike no lesse upon us then them But for my self I have ever thought mine own safety and the safety of Religion to be so conjoyned as they cannot well be separated neither desire I to live to reign any longer then I may serve to maintain the same I am not ignorant what the opinion of many is and that they think I have now a fair occasion to revenge the wrong and unkindness I received by the death of my mother But whatsoever I think of the excuses which the Queen hath made to me I will not be so foolish as to take the help of one that is mightier then my self nor will I give such liberty to mine own passions as therefore to neglect Religion and cast in hazard both this Kingdom and those others that belong to me after her death By this you see what my mind is and the reasons that lead me to it I I have called you that I may have your counsel and assistance at this time and therefore desire to hear of you what is the best both for you and me to do This speech was seconded by the Chancellor who did
out of his reading adduce divers Histories to make good what the King had said That it was no way expedient to side with Spain in that invasion or suffer him to possesse himself of England yet since the Queen had not required any aid from him his opinion was that he should strive to assure his own Kingdom and not to permit them to take land in his bounds That a general muster should be taken in the whole Realm and some Noblemen named unto whom upon occasion the subjects might resort watches appointed at all the Sea-ports and Beacons erected in the highest places for advertising the countrey if any fleet was seen at Sea and that the King and Councel should stay at Edinburgh to attend the successe of things and direct the subjects accordingly His opinion was applauded of all Bothwell excepted who was earnest to have the occasion imbraced of invading England and therein was so forward that upon his own charges he had levied souldiers to serve under him if the resolution which he expected should have been taken But the King willing him to look unto the Sea for he was Admiral by his office and to take care that the ships within the countrey were ready for service he acquiesced A little after the Convention dissolved Colonel Semple who had betrayed the town of Lire to the Spaniard some six years before and remained for the most part with the Prince of Parma in Flanders arrived at Leth pretending a Commission from that Prince to the King But the matters he proponed were of so small importance as the King apprehending the Commission to have been given him rather for a colour of his practises with some ill disposed subjects then for the businesse pretended commanded Sir Iohn Carmichael Captain of the Guard to have an eye upon him unto his return for he was then going to Falkland and if he perceived any letters brought unto him in the mean time to take and present them to the Councel Carmichael getting notice that a Pinnace was arrived in the Firth and a passenger landed went straight to the Colonels lodging in Leth and finding him unsealing the letters shewed what he had in charge and what it concerned him to present the same to the Lords The Colonel offering to go himself to the Councel the Earl of Huntley who did then reside in a lodging near the Palace of Halirudhouse with his young Lady whom he had married a few days before upon notice of his apprehension did meet Carmichael in the way and forced him to quit his prisoner saying that he would enter him to the Councel Advertisement going of this to the Chancellour who was then at the Evening service in S. Giles for it was a time of publick humiliation he came forth and being followed by a great number of people made towards Huntley and had certainly taken back the Colonel if the King who was then come from Falkland had not happened to encounter him as he went down the street with whom he returned to the lodging within the City where at that time and most of the Winter the King did keep his residence There the Chancellor declared what had fallen out and whither he was going intreating his Majesty to take some order with the insolency committed Huntley being called after some frivolous excuse did promise to present the Colonel the next morning but he escaping the same night was not any more seen The King did highly offend at his escape yet was loth to use the Nobleman with rigour having matched him so lately to his Cousen only he discharged him to come in his presence neither was he admitted unto it till the newes were brought of the dissipation of the Navy and then as in a time of publick joy that fault was overseen and pardoned The Queen of England in the mean time hearing what course the King had taken how he had committed Maxwel to prison and was preparing to resist the Spaniard sent Sir Robert Sidney to give him thanks for his good affection and to make offer of her assistance if the Spaniard should make offer to land in Scotland The King received him graciously and as he was discoursing of the ambition of Spain and his purpose to take in England said that the King needed not to expect any greater kindnesse at his hand if he prevailed The King merrily answered That he lookt for no other benefit of the Spaniard in that case then that which Polyphemus promised to Ulysses namely to devour him after all his fellowes were devoured Neither did Sidney sooner return then a fresh advertisement was sent from the Queen of their overthrow Of this Navy and the destruction that befell it many have written so particularly as nothing can be added Yet because the benefit redounded to this Church and Kingdome no lesse then others and that the spoiles of that wreck fell for some part in our Northern Isles we shall touch it a little The Navy consisted of 134. saile a great part whereof were Galleasses and rather like Castles pitched in the Seas then ships The vessels carried 8000. saylers 22000. souldiers and above besides the Commanders and voluntary adventurers who were reckoned 124. and for provision they had abundance of whatsoever was necessary either at sea or at land Their direction was to joyn with the Prince of Parma and his forces who were appointed to meet them in the narrow Seas and to invade England together But whether the Prince had not time sufficient to prepare himself or that he was kept in by the Holland Fleet he came not as was expected At Plimmouth the English had the first sight of the Navy and kept combat with them till they anchored in the road of Callais Before they came thither they lost the Gallion wherein Don Pedro de Valder and divers other Noblemen were which was taken in fight and sent to Plimmouth And the Gallion commanded by Don Michael de Oquendo took fire and therein many were burnt to death yet the nether part of the ship being saved was likewise sent thither The Galliasse of Naples commanded by Don Hugo de Moncada perished in the sands of Callais where whilest they lay at Anchor Captain Drake by a stratagem put them in great confusion for choosing out eight small ships that were least useful he filled them with pitch brimstone gunpowder and the like combustible matter and charged the Ordinance with bullets stones broken iron and chaines The ships driven with the wind and tide into the midst of the Navy and the traines taking fire put the Spanish in such fear the same falling out in the night season as having no leisure to weigh their Anchors they were forced to cut their Cables and make to the Sea The next morning ranging themselves again in order they approached to Graveling but no supply coming from Parma and the English ships hotly pursuing them they were compelled to passeby In this
conflict perished the Gallion of Biskay and two other great ships Two Gallions of Portugal the one called S. Philip the other S. Matthew having lost their tackling and being torn with shot made towards the coast of Flanders and were taken by the Zelanders Once as it seemed the General with the rest of the Navy bent their course towards Scotland but not knowing what favour they should find there and the wind blowing fair they resolved to make home by the North Isles The General himself with the best provided vessels took the main Ocean towards Biscay and arrived safely in Spain The rest seeking to take in fresh water partly in the Isles and partly in Ireland were so tossed with tempests and contrary winds that 40. and above were cast away in those Seas A ship of Florence driven upon the West coast of Scotland was spoiled and set on fire by certain Highlanders Shortly the destruction was so great as of the 134. Ships that set fail from Lisbone 53. onely returned to Spain of the souldiers besides the mariners 13500. were lost by one way or other And as they write not a family in Spain of any note there was which suffered not in this expedition having lost either a son or a brother or some nigh kinsman Such was the successe of the Spanish Navy which had been four years in preparing with no small cost and in a few days was thus overthrown one English ship onely being lost and about 100. men in all The King caused solemn thanksgiving for this deliverance to be given to God in all Churches of the Kingdome beginning in his own Court for an ensample to others This was the marvellous year talked of so long before by the Astrologues which this defeat and the accidents that fell forth in France about the end of the same year did in a part make good In this kingdom which we ought ever to remember with thankfulnesse to Almighty God happened no dysaster for which we had cause to be grieved the death of Archibald Earl of Angus excepted who deceased in the moneth of Iuly a Nobleman as in place and rank so in worth and virtue above other subjects of a comely personage affable and full of grace a lover of Justice peaceable sober and given to all goodnesse and which crowned all his virtues truly pious A long time he lived in exile in England not through his own fault but the misfortune of his friends whom he could not forsake After he was restored to the Kings favour no man did carry himself in better sort and in that time which was full of factions he kept himself free of all partakings being imployed in the Lieftenandry of the Borders he discharged himself to his Majesties great content and to the liking of all the subjects and not long after fell into that disease whereof he died leaving no heir male and one only daughter by his second marriage who did not long survive him Never died any Nobleman with greater regrate and so much the more was his death lamented that as it was then thought and afterwards confessed that he was taken away by forcery and incantation In the time of his sicknesse when the Physicians found his disease not to proceed of any natural cause one Richard Graham who was executed some years after for witchcraft being brought to give his opinion of it made offer to cure him saying as the manner of these Wizards is that he had received wrong But when he heard that the man was suspected to use unlawful arts he would by no means admit him saying That his life was not so dear unto him as for the continuance of it some years he would be beholden to any of the Devils instruments That he held his life of God and was willing to render the same at his good pleasure knowing he should change it for a better Thus after a long and languishing disease he died in Smeton near to Dalkeith and was buried in Abernethy in the sepulchre of his progenitors The houses of Angus and Morton which within his person were conjoyned went by provision of Taile to the Lairds of Glenbervy and Lochlevin The hopes that our Catholicks conceived of the Spanish Navy being now frustrated they had lost heart quite but that the Prince of Parma did of new encourage them by his letters shewing that the losse was nothing so great as it was given out to be and giving them hopes of another Army that set out more timely and to be with them the next spring These letters were sent by one Mr. Robert Bruce and delivered to Huntley to be communicated with the rest of that faction Shortly after came one Iohn Chesholme bringing with him ten thousand Crowns which were delivered to Bruce to be used as he thought most fit for advancing the cause The Earl of Huntley made instance to have the third part of the summe Lord Claud Hamilton pleaded for as much and Maxwel lying then in prison held no lesse to be due to him But Bruce excused himself by the charge he had to dispone the mony by the advice of David Graham of Fintrey who was warded at the same time in Dundey and payed them all with one answer The Lord Claud more covetous then the rest because he could not come by any part of the money grew more cold in the business Maxwel had some sent him for his consolation in the prison But Huntley having at the Kings desire subscrived the confession of faith and reconciled himself to the Church was wholly neglected This he excused afterwards by a letter to the Prince of Parma professing That after the escape of Colonel Semple he found himself so busied on all hands and in such sort pressed by the King as it behoved him either to yeild or depart out of the countrey or then to have taken the fields which well he could not do all hope of help being taken from him by the return of the Navy of Spain but in what he had failed he should endevour to amend by some good service tending to the advancement of the cause of God who had put him he said in such credit with the King as he had broken his former guards and made him establish others about his person by whom at all occasions he might assure himself and be Master of the King and so when the support promised should arrive spoile the hereticks of his authority and make sure the Catholicks enterprises Therefore besought him to be perswaded of his unchangeable affection albeit in outward action he was forced to accommodate himself to the necessity of the time This letter was dated at Edinburgh the 24. of Ianuary 1589. Another of the same date was sent by the Earl of Arrol whom Mr. Edmond Hay the Jesuit had seduced and brought on that course to Parma bearing That since his conversion to the Catholick faith he did ever think himself obliged to procure the
said and promised to meddle no more in that businesse Huntley upon the like promise after a few dayes obtained his liberty and went into the North. In his going thither whether of purpose or by accident it is uncertain the Earl of Crawford did meet him at Perth where at first they concluded to fortifie the town as a place most convenient for drawing forces together from all quarters but doubting how they should make good the enterprise they gave it over and getting intelligence that the Thesaurer was come to Angus and had appointed a meeting of some friends at the Church of Megle they belayed the wayes and gave him the Chase unto the house of Kiâ—khill where he was received being desired to render upon his refuse fire was cast to the house and he forced to yield himself as he did to his Cousen the Laird of Achindown who kept him some weeks prisoner in the North. The Letters written to the King of Spain and Prince of Parma whereof we made mention and some others from Mr. Bruce directed to the same Prince being about this time intercepted laid open all the practises of these Noblemen which being reported to the Queen of England she wrote to the King a sharp letter wherein complaining of his remisnesse in punishing these treacheries of the entertainment he gave to the Spaniards that had fled into Scotland after their wrack in the Irish Seas she besought him not to overslip such happy occasions as itâ— had pleased God to offer him by revealing these practises as likewise to rid the Realm of those strangers and send them away with speed Hereupon order was taken for their dispatch and ships conduced to transport them unto West-Flanders The Hollanders advertised of their coming sent forth some ships to intercept them and meeting them some two miles from the coast of Flanders took one of the vessels and put to the sword all the Spaniards that were therein the rest ran their vessels on ground where a number seeking to save themselves by swimming were pitifully drowned A Proclamation was likewise renewed against the Jesuits and their ressetters and Mr. Edmond Hay Mr. William Creichton Mr. Robert Bruce and David Graham of Fentry commanded under pain of death to depart the Realm But they contemning the charges did stir up the Earls of Huntley Crawford and Arrol to make open insurrection These three taking Arms and assembling all the forces they could gather came to Aberdene in the beginning of April where they made Proclamations in the Kings name Declaring that he was held captive forced against his mind to use his Nobles more rigorously then he desired requiring all the Lieges to concurre and assist them for setting his person at liberty Their hopes were that Bothwel with his friendship in the South should make the King such businesse as they needed not to fear any suddain pursuit but the King having caused denounce Bothwel and the chief of his followers Rebels resolved to begin with them and leave him to his return So charges being directed to warn all the subjects remaining on the South of Aberdene to accompany the King and they gathering somewhat slowly he made forward with those he had in his company toward the middle of April and having advanced as farre as Cowy a little Village some ten miles off Aberdene was there advertised that the Earls were 3000. strong and marching directly towards him The King nothing dismayed called the Noblemen that were in the Army together and spake cheerfully unto them saying That they had a great deal of advantage of their enemies the better cause and the King on their part Neither oaths nor subscriptions said he can assure these men and if benefits or good deeds could have made them loyal and obedient I have not been sparing to them all Now that I am drawn against my will by their open Rebellion to use force I do assure my self of your fidelity and that you will not forsake me I shall desire you stand no longer then ye see me stand and howbeit I do not think they dare set their faces against me yet I shall pray you to dispose all things in the best order you can This speech he delivered with such a grace as thereby the Noblemen and others that stood by were greatly incouraged every one avowing to do their uttermost for his Majesties honour But a question falling between the Lord Hamilton and the Earl of Angus for leading the Vant-guard was like to have caused some trouble Angus claiming the place by the priviledges granted to his predecessors and the Lord Hamilton alledging that none ought to contend with him in honour because of his proximity to the Royal blood but the King interposing his authority gave the leading of the Vant-guard for that time to the Lord Hamilton reserving the rights and priviledges of the house of Angus whereunto nothing was done at that time should work any prejudice All that night the King did watch himself and kept his Army on foot In the morning early he was advertised that the Rebels were dispersed and gone back for Huntley understanding that the King was resolved to put it to a day declined the fight because of the danger that might come to the Kings person Crawford for the same reason seemed not very bent but Arroll insisting to have gone forward when he saw they would not be moved parted from them at the bridge of Dee in great wrath The King came the same day to Aberdene and calling the Magistrates did threaten them sharply for receiving the Rebels into their City They excused themselves by their weaknesse and the want of power to resist the great forces which was admitted upon promise that they should look better to their town in after times Whilest the King stayed there the Noblemen and Barons of the countrey came in and made offer of their service giving surety not to reset nor intercommune with the Rebels and to concurre with his Majesties Lieutenant when they should be required This done the King returned to Edinburgh for he was then about the directing of the Earl of Marshall to Denmark for the accomplishing of his marriage and bringing home the Queen there went with him Andrew Lord Dingwell Sir Iames Scrymgeour of Dudap Mr. Iohn Sheen Advocate and Mr. George Young Archdeacon of S. Andrewes For defraying the Ambassadours charges a Subsidy of an hundred thousand pounds was granted by the Councel according to a warrant given them in the Parliament 1587. whereof the subjects made ready payment so great was their desire to have the King matched and the royal succession established in his race The enterprise of the Rebels being in this sort defeated the Thesaurer was put to liberty and at his coming to Court did solicit the King in favours of the Earl of Huntley and Crawford who forthinking the attempt they had made did offer to enter their persons in
Religion presently professed should be a just cause to infer the pain and crime of treason against Iesuites Mass Priests trafficking Papists and their ressetters with a provision That if the Iesuits and seminary Priests did satisfie the Prince and the Church the foresaid penalty should not strick upon the ressetters which in effect was no restraint neither was the trafficking against Religion declared to be a crime of Treason unless the same was proved a trafficking likewise against the King So in this point the Church received small satisfaction As to the complaint of blood the same was remitted to the ordinary course of Justice But the first Petition was longer debated the King being unwilling either to abrogate the Acts of the 84. or grant the ratification desired of the present discipline for he foresaw the inconvenients that would grow by the liberty that Ministers should assume to themselves yet Bothwels business and the many discontentments within the Realm moved him to give way lest he should be troubled likewise with their outcries So the Act passed but in the most wary tearms that could be devised As for the Statute confirming his Majesties royall power the abrogation whereof was chiefly sought it was onely declared That the said Statute should be no wayes prejudiciall nor derogatory to the priviledge that God hath given to the spirituall office-bearer in the Church concerning heads of Religion matters of Heresie Excommunication collation or deprivation of Ministers or any such essentiall censures grounded and having warrant of the Word of God Upon the end of the Parliament the King went to Falkland where Bothwell made a new attempt encouraged thereunto by the Earls of Angus and Arroll the Master of Gray Colonell Stewart and the Lairds of Iohnston and Balwery who did all promise their concurrence in bringing him unto the Kings presence The Master of Gray and Balwery did meet him with a good number of horse Angus kept the Diet but with a small company Arroll remained with the King within the Palace and had taken upon him with the assistance of Colonel Stewart to open the Gates but either out of fear their hearts failing them or not having a number sufficient to make good their undertaking nothing was done yet upon suspicions they were apprehended and Arroll sent to the Castle of Edinburgh and the Colonel to Blackness the company that came with Bothwell was not great and did not exceed sixscore in all broken men for the most part whom he had taken up in the English and Scottish borders with these he had journied 2 dayes and nights without either meat or sleep came to Falkland a little before midnight where finding his expectation disappointed and those in the Palace provided to defend he stayed on the side of the hill till a little after Sun-rising some of his followers in the mean time breaking open the Queens stables took away the horses and what else they could lay hands upon The night was then at the shortest for it was the 26. of Iune and the Countrey gathering from all parts to relieve the King he was forced to flee But what way to take he was uncertain for to pass the Ferrie with his company he could not safely and to return by the bridge of Striveling was a long way which neither the horses nor their riders after so long watching could indure yet seeing no better then to be gone with the haste he could make about nine of the clock he caused sound the trumpets and retired The King after the Countrey people were come followed by the Queens Ferry thinking he had gone that way but finding that he had taken his course by Striveling and knowing that the company would separate how soon they had passed the bridge he directed most of his followers to apprehend such as they could overtake Divers were taken in the Moors of Calder and Carnwath but suffered to escape by their takers many horses were found straying in the fields the riders being overcome with sleep and fallen from them Amongst others Archibald Wachop of Nudry and some 7. or 8. with him whilest they lay sleeping in a meadow nigh to Cambusnetham were taken by the Lord Hamilton and sent to be kept in the Castle of Draffan but his Lady the day after out of a womanly commiseration whilest her Lord was absent suffered them to depart Bothwell himself fled unto the West borders and from thence into England The badness of this attempt put the borders in a great fear for many of them especially of the Iohnstons had followed him in that journey yet so great was the Kings clemency as being at Dumfreise whither he went in the beginning of Iuly a generall pardon was proclaimed to all that would submit themselves whereupon numbers did enter and were received in favour Bothwell thus forsaken almost of all did notwithstanding in the Court again find some that out of emulation and private rancour more then for any affection they carried unto him wrought the King new troubles Alexander Lindesay Lord Spinie a great favourite in that time out of the malice he bare to the Master of Glamis Thesaurer whom he knew Bothwell also hated did secretly practise to bring him into the Kings presence and make his reconciliation This coming to the knowledge of Colonel Stewart who was still detained in Blackness to procure his own liberty and recover the Kings favour he signified the same to the King by Sir Iames Sandelands who as then was keeper of the house and being brought before the Councell at Dalkeith stood to the declaration affirming that the Lord Spinie had resset Bothwell in his Ladies house at Aberdowre which he offered to prove by witnesses circumstances and other clear demonstrations These were his words Spinie denying all appealed the Colonell to combat which the King would not permit assigning the 12 of September for his triall before the Justice Spinie appearing at the day the Colonell excused himself by the shortnesse of the time and had a new diet assigned him at which his probation failing Spinie was restored to his honour dignity and service yet did he never recover his former credit with the King but was held still suspected and whether offending at this or that the first declaration was true in it self the year following he took open part with Bothwell and was therefore denounced Rebell At the same time Iohn Weymis younger of Logie Gentleman of his Majesties Chamber and in great favour both with the King and Queen was discovered to have the like dealing with Bothwell and being committed to the keeping of the Guard escaped by the policy of one of the Dutch Maids with whom he entertained a secret love The Gentlewoman named mistress Margaret Twinslace coming one night whilest the King and Queen were in bed to his keepers shewed that the King called for the prisoner to ask of him some question the keepers suspecting nothing for they
in most serious manner all his good subjects to beware of these Iesuits traitors to their native Countrey and in their prayers to implore the mercy of God for preservation of themselves their wives and children from the conspiracy intended The Ministers of Edinburgh esteeming it their duty to make the Churches of the Countrey foreseen of the conspiracy that was detected gave notice thereof by their letters to such as were most nigh at hand desiring them to meet at Edinburgh the 8. of Ianuary for giving their advice touching these dangers and how the same might best be prevented The meeting was frequent for the report of the discovery drew many thither Mr. Robert Bruce in a short speech having related the perill wherein the Countrey and Church were brought by these practises it was thought meet by some Commissioners to entreat of his Majesty the execution of the lawes against Jesuits and their ressetters with the punishment of such as should be found guilty of the present conspiracy The King accepting graciously those that were sent unto him and giving the whole Assembly thanks for the readinesse they shewed to assist him in the prosecution of that triall wished them to consider of what importance the businesse was and not onely to give their advice for the course that should be taken but also to let him know what help they would contribute for strengthening him in his proceeding against the unnaturall Subjects His Majesties desire being reported to the Meeting their advice was that a Parliament should be indicted and the subscrivers of the blanks cited thereto and because it was not expected that they would appear so as his Majesty should be compelled to pursue them by force of Armes they did humbly offer their attendance upon his Majesties person till they should be apprehended or expulsed the Countrey as likewise to entertain a guard to his Majesty of three hundreth horsemen and an hundreth foot so long as any necessity was and till the laws of the Countrey had taken effect against the rebells providing it should not be drawn into a custome nor prejudge the liberty of the Realm in time coming The offer was thankfully accepted and a Proclamation made to meet the King at Aberdene the 20 of February for settling the North parts and for a beginning of Justice David Graham of Fintrie was arraigned and being found guilty beheaded in the publick street of Edinburgh the 16. of February Some two dayes before his execution Mr. Iohn Graham one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice being charged because of the businesse he made in behalf of Fintrie to depart forth of the Town and keep ward in Strathern was killed as he was going to the tide at Leith There had been a question long depending betwixt Sir Iames Sanderlands and him for the lands of Halyards and by reason thereof a professed enmity amongst them and it falling out at the same time when he was going to Leith that the Duke of Lennox accompanied with Sir Iames and divers others was making towards their sport in the sands Mr. Iohn Graham apprehending that they did pursue him made a turn upon that ascent which is without the gate of the town as if he would stand there to his defence which S. Iames taking for a sort of provocation he made towards him and entering in conflict Sir Alexander Stewart a grave Gentleman servant to the Duke of Lennox was killed by the shot of a pistoll presently after M. Iohn Graham by another shot was stricken in the breast and fell to the ground they who did give him the convoy seeing him fall did all flie and the companies separating he was led to a poor Cottage near unto the place and as he lay in bed killed by the said Sir Alexander his Page in revenge of his Masters death A man he was but meanly born and descended of that unhappy race which had an hand in the murther of King Iames the first a long time he served as Deputy to the Earl of Argile in the Justice Courts and after his death waited on Captain Iames Stewart by whose means he was preferred to be one of the Senatours of the Colledge of Justice in the place of Mr. Robert Pont of a quick wit and a good and ready utterance but was excessively proud covetous and unhonest in his dealings as appeared in suborning of the Notary of whom we spake and the fraud which he used to Mr. Andrew Polwart subdean of Glasgow a man of great learning who being forced to fly into England in the year 1584. with the other Ministers that took their refuge thither had intrusted him with his living and rent upon assurance to be repossessed when the time should change yet being returned and having obtained his peace could he never bring him to fulfill his promise whereupon after a long plea at law not finding an outgate the honest man conceived a displeasure and died The Earl of Angus the same day that he was killed made an escape out of the Castle of Edinburgh by the connivence of the keepers and flying to the North joyned with Huntley and Arroll They upon the report of the Kings coming to Aberdene left their houses and betook themselves to the mountains sending their Ladies to intercede for them and make offer of the keyes of their houses which they had been charged to render The King receiving the Ladies courteously told them that if their husbands would enter and abide triall they should receive no wrong otherwise the crime laid to their charge did so highly touch the Estate as he could not stay the course of Justice In the mean time for preserving the Countrey in peace the Earl of Atholl was made Lieutenant within the bounds of Elgin Forres Narne Innernesse and Cromartie and the like Commission given to the Earl of Marshall of the Sherifdoms of Kincardin Bamffe and Aberdene This done the King returned to Edinburgh where the Lord Burgh did meet him He was sent from the Queen of England to congratulate the discoveries of these treacherous practices and make offer of her assistance in pursuing and punishing those that should trie culpable wherein she wished him to doe as a King ought in such a case and if he could not apprehend their persons to confiscate their lands and rents whereby he should undoe them and better the Estate of his Crown And seeing the cause was common and touched all Princes professing the same Religion she desired to be certified what his resolution was that she might assure other Princes her confederates of the course taken in both their dominions for resisting the attempts of Spain The King thanking the Queen for her friendly offer and advice said That he knew Sir Robert Bowes her resident Ambassadour had advertised her of the whole particulars and of the blanks and letters intercepted that he had made a beginning and was fully resolved to prosecute the
same with all rigour against those that he should trie culpable but willed her to consider how dangerous it was for him to have so many great men his Rebells and what a businesse it would be to hunt them out of those holes and desert places where they lurked That he would stand in need of her help and supply which he doubted not to finde it being more dangerous for her estate to have the Spaniard set foot in his Kingdome then either in France or the Low-Countries both which she had liberally helped and supplyed with men and moneys But what particular supply he would crave his own Ambassadour whom he minded to send speedily should declare This was the effect of the conference kept with the Lord Burgh at his first hearing At the next audience the Ambassadour falling again upon the same purpose said That her Majesty did wish the King to fortifie himself with a wise sound and well affected Councell that might help to discover such wicked practices and represse them when they were detected and then casting in somewhat of the punishment that the Queen had taken of those that had given Bothwel countenance in England he wished the King to consider what course was best to be held with him in so troublesome a time and if it were not for his Majesties quiet having so many rebells to receive him upon his submission in favour The King passing that which he had told of the punishing of Bothwells ressetters albeit he knew no such thing was done answered That if the Queen did either respect his countenance or her own honour she would be so far from giving him refuge in her Dominions as he thought certainly she would deliver him according to the tenour of the league standing among them But for taking him in favour his offences were unpardonable and to be abhorred of all soveraign Princes therefore desired him to shew the Queen his Mistresse that if he should understand any resset to be given Bothwell after that time he could not but joyn with her greatest enemies for his own safety As for his resolution in persecuting the triall begun he should have it with him in a Letter of his own hand This done he was dimitted Sir Robert Bowes residing still as Legier In the end of April there was an Assembly kept at Dundy wherein his Majesty directed Sir Iames Melvill of Halhill with certain Articles in the first whereof he declared That he would not suffer the priviledge and honour of his Crown to be diminished and Assemblies to be made when and where they pleased Therefore willed them before the dissolution of the present Assembly to send two or three of their number by whom they should know his mind touching the time and place of their next meeting By the second it was desired That an Act should be made inhibiting Ministers to declame in Pulpit against the proceedings of his Majesty Councel under pain of deprivation both in regard of his Majesties good intentions known to themselves for maintaining Religion and Iustice and for the easie accesse that divers of the Ministery had unto him by whom they might signifie their complaints and grievances if any they had Thirdly In regard of Mr. Craigs decrepit age his Majesty desired to have five or sixe nominated to him by the Assembly that he might chuse some two of them to serve in his house Fourthly Seeing the standing of Religion and safety of his person were so straightly eonjoyned as they that were enemies to the one could not be friends to the other that some of every Presbytery should be appointed to inform and advertise his Majesty of the practises of the Papists and the ressetters of Bothwell whose whole courses tended to the subversion of Religion no lesse then the indangering of his Majesties person And fifthly That they should appoint some of their number to cause the Magistrates of Burghes where there are any Sea-ports try those that came into the Countery or passed forth of the same to delate their names that the plots and practises against Religion might be better discovered These Articles especially the first two savouring of discontent were answered generally by the Assembly concerning their Meetings they said that they should follow the Act of Parliament made the year preceding and for the declaming in Pulpit an Act was made prohibiting any Minister to utter in Pulpit any rash or irreveverent speeches against his Majesty and Councell or their proceedings and to give their admonitions upon just and necessary causes and in all fear love and reverence Which the King esteeming to be no restraint but rather to minister an excuse to the unruly sort when they transgressed then otherwise rejected as not satisfying his demand whereupon the Petitions of the Church proponed against Papists at the same time and against the erections of Tithes in Temporalities were not much regarded In this Assembly it was enacted That none professing Religion within the Church of Scotland should from thenceforth repair to any of the King of Spains Dominions where the tyranny of Inquisition was used for traffick of Merchandise or other the like negotiations till the King did obtain liberty from the King of Spain to his Subjects for traffick in these bounds without any danger of their person or goods for the cause of Religion under the pain of Excommunication The Merchants offending hereat did petition his Majesty and Councell for maintaining their liberty of traffick which was granted Notwithstanding whereof the Ministers proceeded in their censures till the Merchants made offer to surcease their trade with Spain how soon their accompts were made and they payed by their creditors in those parts But the abolishing of the Mondayes Mercat in Edinburgh though assented unto by the Councell of the Town and past in an Act took not the like effect for the shoomakers who were most interessed in that businesse hearing that the same was to be put in execution tumultuously gathering themselves together come to the Ministers houses menacing to chase them forth of the town if they did urge that matter any more after which the motion ceased the Mercat continuing as before This did minister great occasions of sport at that time in Court where it was said That rascalls and sowtars could obtain at the Ministers hands what the King could not in matters more reasonable In the beginning of Iune Sir Robert Melvil was sent in Ambassage to England his Commissionwas to signifie what had been done in the prosecution of the Authors and contrivers of the last practises since the Lord Burgh his return and to require some aid and assistance for inabling the King to follow that businesse to an end and particularly he was desired to crave a supply in money for levying 600. Souldiers and entertaining them some moneths till the service was finished and the Rebells either apprehended or forced to quit the Realm withall he was appointed to
renew the former complaints of Bothwel his resset and entertainment in the borders of England and to crave his delivery according to the league But while he was pressing that businesse in England Bothwel surprised the King at home and for a while made all these purposes to sleep so as he returned without effecting any thing The occasion and manner of the surprise was this The Chancellour who had all that year been absent from Court upon a discontent the Queen conceived against him had sent to the King a Letter requesting his licence to depart forth of the Countrey since he could not with safety attend his service for that to remain at home and live deprived of his Majesties presence he said was to him a very hell which he could hardly indure promising to return at such time as his Majesty should find convenient to recall him to his service The King did shew the letter to the Queen because in the same he had protested much of his sincere affection towards her and being loath to quite him whom he had tried to be so able a servant moved her to forget all quarrels so as he would resigne the Lordship of Mussilbrugh which had bred this dissension The resignation made and the Chancellour being on the point to return to Court the Duke of Lennox by the advice of Atholl Ochiltrie and others of the name of Stewart resolved to prevent his coming by the inbringing of Bothwell The Parliament had broke up some two dayes before and the Noblemen resorting to the Palace to take their leave of the King the Gates were kept patent and lesse heed taken of those who entred Atholl with his Lady had lodged all that time in the house then pertaining to the Earl of Gowry at the back of the Palace and kept Bothwell private with Mr. Iohn Colvill one of his followers So early in the morning the Lady pretending to bid the King farewell and making her entry through the Postern Gate taketh Bothwell and his companion along with her and bringeth them unperceived of any into the Kings bedchamber The King was then private in a retiring room and when he came back and saw them stand with their swords in their hands cried aloud Treason treason They falling on their knees called for mercy Nay said the King you have dishonoured me and placing himself in his chair Strike Traitor saith he to Bothwell and make an end of thy work for I desire not to live any longer He protesting with many oaths that he came only to beg pardon and to put himself in his Majesties will the King replyed That mercy extorted by violence was not mercy and that it was not the form of supplicants to come with weapons in their hands Whilest the King was thus talking the Earl of Marre and Sir William Keith entred into the Chamber and presently after them a number of Bothwells faction who by this time had possessed the utter Court and assumed the charge of the Gates The report of this accident going to the City the people went to armes and conducted by Sir Alexander Home their Provost made towards the Palace to give the King relief but he was then become somewhat pacified and following the Earl of Marre his advice after he had shewed himself from a window to the people and given them thanks for their readiness he willed them to return to their houses attend his advertisement All that day matters were caried fairly in a sort 〈◊〉 using speeches and offering himself to trial for the consultation which began his trouble for his other misdemeanors he desired mercy excusing himself by the want and necessity whereunto he and his friends were driven But when he perceived the Kings countenance not to be towards him as he wished he changed his forms and letting some words fall that sounded not well gave divers to suspect that he should attempt some violence This did set the English Ambassador on work who being assisted by the Ministers of Edinburgh did after long travell and much perswasion induce the King to set his hand to the Articles following 1 That remission should be granted to Bothwell his friends and partakers for all attempts against his Majesties person and authority in any time past and promise made never to call or pursue him and his foresaids for any by-past fact as likewise to repossess them in their houses and lands notwithstanding whatsoever process laid against them 2 That a Parliament should be called in November next and such an Act past in his and their favours as was made at Linlithgow Anno 1585 for their greater security 3 That during that time the King should not receive in his Company the Chancellor the Lord Home the Master of Glammis and Sir George Home knight 4 That from henceforth the Earl Bothwell his friends and followers should be esteemed as good and lawful subjects and used with much favour as if they had never offended These Articles the King did in the word of a Prince promise to perform and for Bothwells greater satisfaction after he had signed the same with his own hand caused so many of the Councell as were present together with the Magistrates and Ministers of Edinburgh subscrive as Witnesses The subscribers were the Duke of Lennox the Earl of Atholl the Lords Forbes Ochiltry Spiny and Urquhart the Master of Gray M. Iames Elphinston Mircarny the Clerk of Register Nicoll Edward Iohn Morison George Fodrick and David Williamson Baylifes of Edinburgh M. David Lindesay M. Robert Bruce M. Robert Rollock M. Walter Balcanquell and M. Patrick Galloway Ministers For Bothwell it was promised that he should leave the Court and not come towards the King till he was called by his Majesty These things were done at Halirudhouse the 14 of August 1593. some twenty days after the surprise The next day the King went to Falkland attended by the Duke of Lennox the Lord Ochiltry and Chreichton of Clany a follower of Atholl who did promise to waite upon the the King unto November and debarre those others that by the Articles were not to be admitted The rest of the moneth the King stayed at Falkland and in that time Bothwell did obtain himself purged by an Assise of practising and consulting with Witches which had been the original of his mischief In the beginning of September the King went to Striveling where he had appointed a Convention to meet for taking order with the broken men of the Highlands and borders Thither came the Lord Hamilton the Earls of Marre Morton Glencarne and Montrose with the Lords Lindesay and Levingston of the Church estate the Bishops of Dunkeld and Aberdene the Prior of Blantyre and Abbot of Lundors and divers Commissioners of Burghes After some speeches concerning the borders and Highlands and the means to quiet them which was the errand pretended the King declared that he had called them to that meeting for business that touched him
Gordon and Mr. William Ogilvie Iesuits and finde surety under the pain of fourty thousand pounds each of them to abide by their subscriptions and not to make defection from the Religion Achindowne and Sir James Chisholme finding the like surety under the pain of ten thousand pounds That such of them as make choice to leave the Countrey and will not imbrace the true Religion should give assurance to forbear all practising with Iesuits and others against Religion and the State when they are abroad and till their departing keep no intelligence with any of that Sect. That they should declare their choice of the two conditions before the 1 of January to the King and Church otherwise in case they doe not accept the same in manner and within the time above specified they should injoy no benefit by vertue thereof but should be liable to triall and punishment of Law as if the same had never been proponed nor offered unto them That the Church should in the mean time call all suspected persons before them requiring them to satisfie and if they be obstinate delate their names to his Majesty and Councell that they may be punished and that Masters and Landlords be holden to answer for persons so suspected as for other crimes These were the conclusions taken in this meeting by the Deputies of the Estates and signed by the King and them which likewise were to be subscribed by the 3 Earls and their complices in token of their acceptation what effect the same took we shall afterwards hear In the end of this year there fell out great troubles in the west marches some of the surname of Iohnston having in the Iuly preceding made a great depredation upon thelands of Sanwhare and Drumlanrig and killed eighteen persons that followed for rescue of their goods a Commission was given to the Lord Maxwell then Warden for pursuing the doers with all hostility Not long before a great friendship had been contracted betwixt him and the Laird of Iohnston and bonds interchanged for assisting one another which the Lord Sanwhare Drumlanrig and others interessed by the Iohnstons feared should make him remisse in executing the Commission yet considering his disposition and that he loved above all things to be followed they took advice to offer their services so as he would joyn with them for suppressing the power of the Iohnstons Maxwell thinking this to be a good occasion for bringing all Niddisdale to depend upon him embraced the offer whereupon a bond was formed and subscribed by them and these others with divers of their friendship This bond being negligently kept fell into the hands of one Iohnston of Commertries who served the Lord Maxwell and was by him carried to the Laird Iohnston who resolving to dissemble his knowledge of the Bond sent a Gentleman to learn of the Lord Maxwell himself if any such friendship was made up amongst them as was noysed in the Countrey Maxwell at first denied that there was any such thing but having missed the Bond and suspecting the same to have fallen into Iohnstons hands he excused the matter by the Commission that was sent to him saying He must obey the King and doe as he was directed Iohnston seeing whereto matters would turn did associate to himself the Scots of Teviotdale the Eliots and Grahams of Eske and hearing that Maxwell had levied some companies of horse and foot and placed the foot company with their Captain called Oliphant in Lochmaben to attend his coming to Annandale resolved to prevent him and cut them off and so falling upon them unexpected killed the Captain and divers of the souldiers Some fled to the Church thinking to save themselves but the same being set on fire they came forth and rendred Maxwell to repair his dishonour gathered in haste as good as 2000. men and entred into Annandale with displayed banner as the Kings Lieutenant intending to rase the houses of Lochwood and Lockerby Iohnston not equalling his forces kept aloof and after the Border fashion sent forth some prickers to ride and make provocation Against them a number went out of Maxwells Army who encountring with a great company were beaten and chased back to the stall or main host which by their breaking in was wholly disordered Iohnston that stood in a piece of high ground beholding the issue of the skirmish took the advantage of their confusion and breaking upon them without any resistance made put them all to flight The Lord Maxwell a tall man and heavy in armour was in the chase overtaken and stricken from his horse The report went that he called to Iohnston and desired to to be taken as he had some time taken his father but was unmercifully used and the hand that he reached forth cut off But of this I can affirm nothing There alwayes the Lord Maxwell fell having received many wounds He was a Nobleman of great spirit humane curteous and more learned then Noblemen commonly are but aspiring and ambitious of Rule his fall was pittied of many for that he was not known to have done much wrong in his time and was rather hurtfull to himself then others The King took these news very hardly that his Warden a Nobleman bearing his authority should be cut off in such a manner and he kept in such a businesse what with Bothwel on the one hand and the Popish Lords on the other as he could not take journey to those parts it grieved him exceedingly alwayes for quieting the Countrey order was taken that the Lord Hereis Drumlanrig Lagg and some other Barons should abide at Dumfreis with their friends and be ready upon all occasions to represse whatsoever stirs might arise The 18. of Ianuary in a convention of Estates called at Halirudhouse the Earls of Angus Huntley and Arroll were declared to have amitted the benefit of the Act of Abolition because of their misregard of his Majesties favour and not accepting of the benefit offered before the day prefixed The King had used divers means to gain them and would gladly upon assurance of their good behaviour have winked at crimes past but all was in vain the Jesuits prevailing with their counsels and feeding them still with hopes of forain aid whereupon charges were directed for entring their persons in ward till triall was taken of the accusations laid against them Angus was charged to enter in Blacknesse Huntley in Dumbriton and Arroll in the Castle of Edinburgh and Achindowne in Tentallon but none of them gave obedience Now the time of the Queens lying drawing near the King went to Striveling where she then abode and remained with her untill she was delivered upon the 19. of February of a sonne about which time came the Lord Souche Ambassadour from the Queen of England to complain of the King his lenity in proceeding against the Popish Lords for she had seen the conditions granted them in November and was highly displeased therewith But
promising how soon the forfeiture was past to follow forth the same Onely at the 7. he tooke exception where it was desired that the subjects should put themselves in armes upon urgent â—ccasions for he had not as yet forgotten the stirs of the year preceding and would have none to arm but upon his own warrant Withall he sent Sir Robert Melvill and Alexander Hume of North Berwick with certain instructions to the Assembly whereof one was That they should inhibit the Ministers to utter any irreverent speeches in Pulpit against his Majesties person Councell or Estate under pain of deprivation and because one of their number called Iohn Rosse had in a Sermon preached before the Synod of Perth uttered divers treasonable and irreverent speeches of his Majesty it was craved that they should censure him as his fault had deserved Another was That they should excommunicate Mr. Andrew Hunter for the scandall he had brought upon their profession he being the first open Traitor of their function against a Christian King of their own Religion and their naturall Soveraign A third instruction was That by Act of Assembly Ministers should be ordained to disswade both by publick and private exhortation their flocks from concurring with Bothwell in his treasonable attempts or any other that should make insurrection against the authority established by God in his Majesties person The last was assented unto and an Act made thereof but the censure of the Minister Rosse was carried more slightly and he onely admonished to speak in time coming so reverently and discreetly of his Majesty as there might be no just cause of complaint against him Hunter was deposed from the Ministery as a desertor of his flock and one suspected to have joyned himself with the Kings rebells but the excommunication was not pronounced The Parliament did hold at the time appointed yet because the Noblemen convened slowly 3 or 4. dayes were spent without doing any thing In end when by the excuses that divers made a greater number was not expected they that were present assembled in the Parliament house and keeping the form accustomed made choice of a number for the Articles of Noblemen there were three Earls and six Lords onely present Beginning was made at the summons of forfeiture the Letters and blanks intercepted with Mr. George Ker presented and the hand-writs cognosced by witnesses Some question there was about the Blancks and that which should have been insert in them but the presumptions were so clear as none would doubt what the subject should have been Yet the Noblemen urged a delay of the triall to a more full convention which the King would not admit knowing what misinterpretings that would make and so by pluralities of voices the crimes of Treason were found to be sufficiently proved and the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against the three Earls and Achindown their Scutcheons of Arms as the manner is torn by Herauld and they declared to have lost their honours lands and estates for treasonable practises against the King and their Native Countrey In this Parliament divers Statutes were concluded some in favours of the Church and others very beneficiall to the Countrey as the Stature made for punishment of theft robbery and oppression another against usury and a third against buying of Pleas by Judges and other members of the Court of Justice The next moneth passed in receiving the Ambassadors that came to assist the Baptisme which in the latter end of August next was performed with great solemnity from England the Earl of Sussex was sent the King of Denmark the Duke of Brunswick Megelbrugh with the Estates of the united Provinces had their Ambassadours present But from the French King there came not any though they also were expected at the day appointed for the solemnity The Prince was brought from his own chamber to the Queens Chamber of presence and laid in a bed dressed in a most stately form the Ambassadours entered into the Chamber the Countess of Marre accompanied with a number of Ladies took up the Prince and delivered him to the Duke of Lennox who presented him to the Ambassadors Sussex as having the first place received him and carried him in his arms to the Chappell the rest marching in their ranks and followed by the Ladies of honour the Mistresse nurse and others of inferiour note Before them went the Lord Hume carrying the Ducall Crown the Lord Levingston carried the Towell or Napkin the Lord Seaton the Bason and the Lord Semple the Laver. Above the English Ambassadour there was a Pale or Canabie born by the Laird of Cesford Buclerogh Duddope and Traquier The Princes train was sustained by the Lords Sinclar and Urqhart In this manner they walked toward the Chappell a guard of the youths of Edinburgh well arrayed standing on each side of the way and the trumpets sounding Being entred the Chappell the King arose from his seat and received the Ambassadours at the doore of the Quire and then was the Prince delivered to the Duke of Lennox who gave him to the Nurse After which the Ambassadours were conveyed to their places which were ordered in this manner Upon the Kings right hand a chair was set for the French Ambassadour but this was empty next to him the Ambassadour of Denmark was placed on the left the English Ambassadour and Legier did fit and next after them the Ambassadours of Brunswick Megelburgh and the States every chair had a tassell boord covered with fine Velvet and the Ambassadour of England besides the others had office men standing by him to wait The Service did then begin and upon the end thereof the English Ambassadour arose and presented the Prince to the Bishop who was appointed to administer the Sacrament This was Mr. David Cunningham Bishop of Aberdene The action finished Mr. David Lindsey Minister at Leith had a learned speech in French to the Ambassadours After which they returned to the Chappell in the same order that they came Then was the Prince laid upon a bed of honour and his Titles in this sort proclaimed by the Lyon Herauld Henry Frederick Knight and Baron of Renfrew Lord of the Isles Earl of Karrick Duke of Rothsay Prince and Stewart of Scotland This done certain pieces of silver and gold were cast forth at a window among the people and a number of Knights created at night for it was in the afternoon that the Baptisme was ministred The Ambassadours with their train and the Noblemen present were royally feasted nothing lacking that was required to such a triumph The rest of the moneth was spent in Playes running at Tilt and such other exercises as might give delight to the strangers Amidst these joyes the King was not forgetting his own serious affairs sent his Secretary Sir Richard Cockborne of Clerkinton to England to desire the Queens assistance in pursuing the Popish Lords according to the many promises made by the Lord Souche and Mr. Bowes that how soon he should
Master of Glamys Treasurer and his deputy Sir Robert Melvill and by examining their accompts found them liable in such sums to the King as to obtain a Quietus est they were glad to resigne the Treasurer which was bestowed on the Prior of Blantyre Then did they labour the Secretary Sir Richard Cockborne to resigne his place and exchange it with the office of Privie Seal which Blantyre had dimitted in favour of Mr. Iohn Lindesey This was easily effected the gentlemen not liking to contend or fall in question with them The office of the Collectorie resigned by the Provost of Linclowden was given to Mr. Iames Elphinston The President they intended to make Chancellor but to this the King would not condescend knowing how he stood affected in Religion and that his preferment to that chief place would open the mouths of the Ministers and raise a clamour in the Countrey These proceedings did work them much hatred and as is the lot of those that rule in Estates whatsoever was amisse they carried the blame albeit in many things they were innocent The next year begun with a trouble in the borders which was like to have destroyed the peace betwixt the two Realms and arose upon this occasion The Lord Scroope being then Warden of the West-Marches of England and the Laird of Baclugh having the charge of Liddisdale they sent their Deputies to keep a day of Truce for redresse of some ordinary matters The place of meeting was at the Dayholme of Kershop where a small Brook divideth England from Scotland and Liddisdale from Bewcastle There met as Deputie for the Laird of Baclugh Robert Scott of Hayninge and for the Lord Scroope a Gentleman within the West Wardenrie called Mr. Salkeld These two after truce taken and proclaimed as the custome was by sound of Trumpet met friendly and upon mutuall redresse of such wrongs as were then complained of parted in good tearms each of them taking his way homewards Mean while it happened one William Armstrong commonly called Will of Kinmouth to be in company with the Scottish Deputie against whom the English had a quarrell for many wrongs he had committed as he was indeed a notorious thief This man having taken his leave of the Scots Deputie and riding down the River of Liddell on the Scotish side towards his own house was pursued by the English that espied him from the other side of the River and after a chase of three or four miles taken prisoner and brought back to the English Deputie who carried him away to the Castle of Carlile The Laird of Baclugh complaining of the breach of truce which was alwaies taken from the time of meeting unto the next day at sun rising wrote to Mr. Salkeld and craved redresse he excused himself by the absence of the Lord Scroope whereupon Baclugh sent to the Lord Scroope and desired the prisoner might be set at liberty without any bond or condition seeing he was unlawfully taken Scroope answered that he could doe nothing in the matter it having so happened without a direction from the Queen and Councell of England considering the man was such a Malefactor Baclugh loath to inform the King of what was done lest it might have bred some misliking betwixt the Princes dealt with Mr. Bowes the Resident Ambassadour of England for the Prisoners liberty who wrote very seriously to the Lord Scroope in that business advising him to set the man free and not to bring the matter to a further hearing but no answer was returned the matter thereupon was imparted to the King and the Queen of England solicited by Letters to give direction for his liberty yet nothing was obtained which Baclugh perceiving and apprehending both the King and himself as the Kings officer to be touched in honour he resolved to work the Prisoners relief by the best means he could And upon intelligence that the Castle of Carlile wherein the Prisoner was kept was surprisable he imployed some trusty persons to take a view of the Postern-gate and measure the height of the wall which he meant to scale by ladders and if those failed to break through the wall with some iron instruments and force the gates This done so closely as he could he drew together some 200 horse assigning the place of meeting at the Tower of Morton some ten miles from Carlile an hour before sun-set With this company passing the water of Esk about the falling two howers before day he crossed Eden beneath Carlile bridge the water through the rain that had fallen being thick and came to the Sacery a plain under the Castle There making a little halt at the side of a small Bourn which they call Cadage he caused 80 of the company to light from their horses and take the ladders and other instruments which he had prepared with them he himself accompanying them to the foot of the wall caused the ladders to be set to it which proving too short he gave order to use the other instruments for opening the wall nigh the Postern and finding the business like to succeed retired to the rest whom he had left on horse-back for assuring those that entred upon the Castle against any eruption from the Town With some little labour a breach was made for single men to enter and they who first went in brake open the Postern for the rest the watchmen and some few the noise awaked made a little restraint but they were quickly repressed and taken captive after which they passed to the Chamber wherein the Prisoner was kept and having brought him forth sounded a trumpet which was a signall to them without that the enterprise was performed My Lord Scroope and Mr Salkeld were both within the house and to them the Prisoner cried a good night The captives taken in the first encounter were brought to Baclugh who presently returned them to their Master and would not suffer any spoil or booty as they tearm it to be carried away he had straitly forbidden to break open any door but that where the Prisoner was kept though he might have made prey of all the goods within the Castle and taken the Warden himself captive for he would have it seen that he did intend nothing but the reparation of his Majesties honour By this time the Prisoner was brought forth the Town had taken the Alarum the drums were beating the bells ringing and a beacon put on the top of the Castle to give warning to the Countrey Whereupon Baclugh commanded those that entred the Castle and the Prisoner to horse and march again by the Sacery made to the River at the stony bank on the other side whereof certain were assembled to stop his passage but he causing sound the Trumpet took the River day being then broken and they chusing to give him way he retired in order through the Grahams of Esk men at that time of great power and his unfriends and came back into Scotish ground two
howers after sun-rising and so homewards This fell out the 13 of Aprill 1596. The Queen of England having notice sent her of what was done stormed not a little one of her chief Castles surprised a prisoner taken forth of the hands of the Warden and carried away so far within England she esteemed a great affront The Lieger M. Bows in a frequent Convention kept at Edinburgh the â—2 of May did as he was charged in a long Oration aggravate the hainousness of the fact concluding that peace could not longer continue betwixt the two Realms unless Baclugh were delivered in England to be punished at the Queens pleasure Baclugh compiering and charged with the fact made answer That he went not into England with intention to assault any of the Queens houses or to do wrong to any of her Subjects but onely to relieve a subject of Scotland unlawfully taken and more unlawfully detained That in the time of a generall assurance in a day of truce he was taken prisoner against all order neither did he attempt his relief till redress was refused and that he had carried the business in such a moderate manner as no hostility was committed nor the least wrong offered to any within the Castle yet was he content according to the ancient treaties observed betwixt the two Realms when as mutuall injuries were alleadged to be tryed by the Commissioners that it should please their Majesties to appoint and submit himself to that which they should decern The Convention esteeming the answer reasonable did acquaint the Ambassadour therewith and offered to send Commissioners to the borders with all diligence to treat with such as the Queen should be pleased to appoint for her part But she not satisfied with the answer refused to appoint any Commissioners whereupon the Councell of England did renue the complaint in Iuly thereafter and the business being of new agitated it was resolved of as before and that the same should be remitted to the triall of Commissioners the King protesting That he might with great reason crave the delivery of the Lord Scroop for the injury committed by his deputy It being less favourable to take a prisoner then relieve him that is unlawfully taken yet for the continuing of peace he would forbear to do it and omit nothing on his part that could be desired either in equity or by the laws of friendship The borderers in the mean time making daily incursions one upon another filled all their parts with trouble the English being continually pâ—t to the worse neither were they made quiet till for satisfying the Queen the Laird of Baclugh was first committed in S. Andrews and afterwards entered in England where he remained not long At the same time for bringing the Isles to obedience Collonell Steward was imployed to levy 1000 men every shire furnishing 20 horsemen and 30 foot or so much money as would sustain them allowing the horsemen 24 pounds monthly and the foot 12 pound besides the supply of the free burghes These companies were appointed to meet at Dumbalton the 20 of August for aiding the King or his Lieutenant for the space of 40 days according to the customes and when the days were come were commanded to follow the Colonell as designed Lieutenant assigned by the King But upon the bruite of this expedition the principals of the Isles did all submit themselves offering obedience to appear before the King at the time his Majesty should appoint so that expedition ceased the Colonell going no further then Ila where he remained a few days and took assurance for their appearance In the March preceding the Assembly of the Church convened at Edinburgh for consulting upon the dangers threatned to religion by the invasion of the Spaniard which was then generally noised Some brethren directed to lay open the perils to his Majesty returned with this answer That albeit there was no great cause to fear any such invasion at that time yet they should do well to give their advice as if the danger were at hand which would serve when necessity did require The Assembly upon this thought meet to enter into consideration both of the dangers and remedies and first to enquire upon the causes that had provoked God to threaten the Realm with that tyrannous Nation to the end the same might be removed then to deliberate how by ordinary lawfull means the enemy should be resisted The causes they condescended to be sins of all estates and especially the sins of the Ministery which they held best should be penned and drawn to certain heads that the corruptions being laid open the remedies might be the better provided For this work some of the brethren were named set apart who after a day or two presented in writing a number of Articles touching the corruption of Ministers as well in their offices as in their lives and manners the offences in the Kings house in the Court and in the Judgment seats the defection and faults commune to all estates and the remedies which in their opinion were fit to be used The Assembly allowing their labours and acknowledging their own guiltiness in that which concerned themselves ordained a day of humiliation to be kept on Tuesday the week following by the Ministers that were there present for reconciling themselves to God and making up a new Covenant for the better discharge of their duties This is the Covenant that by some is so often objected and said to be violated by those that gave obedience to the Canons of the Church albeit in it there is not a word or syllable that sounds either to confirming of the Church government then in use or to the rejecting of that which since hath been established But when other Arguments fail them somewhat must be said to entertain the conceipts of the popular By this Covenant all did bind themselves to abide in the profession of the truth and to walk according to the same as God should enable them But for the rules of policy or ceremonies serving to good order or decency let inspection be taken of the Register which is extant and it shall plainly appear that at the time there was not so much as any mention thereof made But to proceed The advices they gave for resisting the practises of the enemy was That all who had kithed in action with the Popish Lords should enter their persons in ward till assurance was given that they should neither keep intelligence with the Rebels nor joyn with them in case they did return into the Countrey That the rents and livings of the Rebels should be uplifted for entertainment of souldiers and supporting other necessary affairs That in every Parish Captains should be chosen for the mustering and training of men in Armes and some Commanders in every Shire appointed for convening the County at needfull occasions Lastly that they who were Sureties for the good behaviour of the Rebels without the Realm
countenance and that she was a Papist they might blame themselves who had never taken care to enform her of the truth Lastly for his Daughter the Princesse he had trusted her to the Lord Levingston a Nobleman known to be of good Religion and not to his Lady who should not be suffered to take any care of her unlesse she conformed in point of Religion Whilst things thus past betwixt the King and the Church a new occasion of trouble was presented by M. David Blake one of the Ministers of S. Andrews who had in one of his Sermons cast forth divers speeches full of spight against the King the Queen the Lords of Councell and Session and amongst the rest had called the Queen of England an Atheist a woman of no Religion This being dilated to the English Ambassadour he complained to the King and thereupon was Mr. David Blake cited to appear before the Councell the 10 of November Mr. Andrew Melvill accompanying him to Edinburgh did labour to make this a common cause giving out that the same was done onely for a preparative against the Ministers to bring theâ—r Doctrine under the censure and controlement of the King and Councell and so farre he prevailed with the Commissioners of the Church as they sent certain of their number to intreat the deserting of the Diet saying It would be ill taken to draw Ministers in question upon trifling delations when as the enemies of the truth were spared and overseen The King some daies before had published the Conditions upon which he was to grant a Protection to Huntley and asking those Commissioners if they had seen the Conditions said That both he and the rest should either satisfie the Church in every point or be pursued with all extremity so as they should have no reason to complain of the oversight of Papists For Master Blake he said he did not think much of that matter onely they should cause him appear and take some course for pacifying the English Ambassadour But take heed said the King that you doe not decline the judicatory for if you doe it will be worse then any thing yet fallen out Now the Conditions proponed to Huntley were as followeth That he should give sufficient and reasonable caution of Inland-men and landed Barons to the number of sixteen at least who should be acted in the Books of Councell under the pain of forty thousand pounds each two of the Cautioners conjunctly and severally for five thousand pounds of the said summe that he should faithfully observe and fulfill the whole Articles undermentioned and every one of them as first that betwixt and the first day of April next to come he should either satisfie the Church for his Apostasie and return to the bosome thereof in uniformity of Religion or before the expiring of the said time depart again forth of the Countrey and not return again without his Majesties license 2 Next that during the said space he should not receive in his company any Jesuit Masse-priests or excommunicate Papists nor have any dealing communication or intelligence with them especially with his Uncle Mr. Iames Gordon nor suffer his Children in case any be brought forth in the mean time to be baptized by another then a Minister 3 That so long as he remained in the Countrey as likewise in case of his departing at the time aforesaid he should not traffick with any stranger or others whomsoever for alteration of the true Religion or disquieting the state of the Countrey in any sort 4 That his former Cautioners should remain obliged in case after lawfull triall it should be found that since his last departing he had trafficked with strangers for subversion of Religion or the alteration of the State in the summes for which they were bound 5 That he should presently enter his person in ward within such a place as his Majesty should appoint 6 That within fifteen daies next he should enter his eldest Son and apparent Heir as a Hostage to his Majesty for observing the Articles before and after mentioned and that his said Son should abide in such company ward or Castle as his Majesty should appoint where most conveniently he might be instructed in the true Religion and not escape by his Fathers knowledge or assistance Lastly that he should compeir personally before the Councell whensoever he should be called upon fifteen daies warning for trying the contravention of any of the Articles above expressed providing the cause for which he should be charged were expressed in the Letters and warrant given himâ— that he should not be challenged for any other fact done before his last passing forth of Scotland These Articles the King caused to be imprinted that all men might see he meant not to bestow any favour either upon him or the rest unlesse they joyned themselves to the Religion publickly professed yet this served not to stop the mouths of people nor did it remove the jealousie of the Preachers who were daily complaining That Papists were favoured the Ministers troubled for the free rebuke of sin and the scepter of Christs kingdome sought to be overthrown The processe they said intended against Mr. Blake was but a policy to divert the Ministers from prosecuting their suite against the Popish Earls and if he should submit his Doctrine to the triall of the Councell the liberties of the Church and spirituall government of the house of God would be quite subverted In any case therefore they concluded that a Declinator should be used and protestation made against these proceedings This was held a dangerous course and earnestly disswaded by some few but they were cried down by the greater number that said it was the cause of God whereunto it concerned them to stand at all hazard So a Declinator was formed and given Mr. Blake to present bearing this in substance That howbeit the conscience of his innocency did uphold him sufficiently against the calumnies of whomsoever and that he was ready to defend the doctrine uttered by him whether in opening the words or in application yet seeing he was brought thither to be judged by his Majesty and Councell for his doctrine and that his answering to the pretended accusation might import a prejudice to the liberties of the Church and be taken for an acknowledgement of his Majesties jurisdiction in matters meerly spiritual he was constrained in all humility to decline that Judicatory for the reasons following First because the Lord Iesus of whom he had the grace of his calling had given him albeit unworthy of the honour to bear his name his Word for a rule to his preaching and that he could not fall in the reverence of any Civill law but in so farre as he should be tried to have passed his instructions which trial belonged onely to the Prophets and Pastors the spirits of the Prophets being subject to them alone for as first it must be declared whether he had kept his instruction or
against him rejecting the testimonies of the Town and University When by no perswasion he could be moved unto it the King went to Councell and the same day it being the second of December caused read the deposition of the witnesses who did clearly testifie that all the speeches libelled were uttered by M. Blake in Pulpit Thereupon sentence was given that he had falsely slandered and treasonably calumniated the Kings Majesty his bedfellow the Queen his neighbour Princess the Queen of England the Lords of his Highness Councell and Session and therefore his punishment being remitted to the King it was ordained that till his Majesties pleasure should be declared he should be confined beyond the North water and enter to his ward within six days Notwithstanding of this Sentence the day following a new Treaty began which continued some ten daies and was like to have produced an agreement for the King was content as before to delete the Acts of Councell at which the Ministers took offence by writing on the margent of the book according to the custome of deleting This matter is agreed and the Act delete He was likewise pleased to mend the Narrative of the Proclamation turning that upon the Papists and enemies of Religion that was said of Ministers and for Mr. Blakes businesse was content that the Interloquutor pronounced should not be made a preparative against any other Minister and that none should be called upon their preaching before the Councell till it was found in a lawfull Assembly that the King might judge of those that passed their bounds in Doctrine Provided he might in the mean time be assured of the good behaviour of the Ministers and that they should not speak unreverently of him or of his Councell which assurance he would have in writing Some punishment also he would have afflicted on Mr. Blake as either to transport him from S. Andrews to another Congregation or suspend him for a time from his charge punishments not very rigorous nor answerable to the quality of the offence The Commissioners being herewith advised liked well of all the last excepted A punishment they said could not be afflicted where no cognition had proceeded for as to the triall taken neither was it done by the proper Iudge nor was that equity observed which ought to have been witnesses that were under the Censures of the Church and ill-affected to Mr. Blake being admitted to depone against him This reported to the King he made offer to name twenty persons against whom no exception could be alledged and to give Mr. Blake his choice of seven or eight of that number who should be new examined touching the verity of the speeches whereof he was accused if they upon their consciences did absolve him he should rest satisfied if otherwise he would crave him to be deposed But this came to no effect nor could any overture albeit divers were proponed serve to work an accord so as the communing broke off and greater displeasures arose on both hands then afore For the Commissioners having directed two of the Brethren to shew the King That since they could obtain no redresse for the wrongs done unto Christs kingdome and saw nothing but the enemies of the truth were favoured and the faithfull Pastors of the Church reviled and pursued they could not abstain from opposing these proceedings with the spirituall armour given them by God and did therefore indict a Fast to be kept the Sunday following being the 12 day of December with solemn prayers for averting the judgments which the present courses did threaten The King on the other side made his displeasure and the scorn he took of these proceedings known by a Declaration published on the 15 day wherein he shewed That out of a desire he had to keep peace with the Ministers he did condescend to abstain from troubling in any case bygone untill by a convention of Estates and a Generall Assembly of the Ministery the difference between the Civill and Ecclesiasticall judgments might be removed providing they should promise not to disgrace him and his proceedings in their Sermons which he was in hope to obtain by sundry Conferences and meetings that he had kept with some of them till at last publickly they had opposed themselves in Pulpit by approving the doings of Mr. David Blake accusing himself of persecution and falsly suggesting to the people that all Church Assemblies were discharged whereas his resolution was and is to maintain Religion and the Church discipline established by law and to suffer nothing to be done in prejudice thereof by whomsoever which his Highnesse thought good to make known to all his subjects ordaining all Ministers to subscrive their obedience to his Majesty and set their hands to the bonds which should be presented to them for that effect under the pain of sequestring their rents stipends ay and while they gave the obedience required The same day was Mr. Blake charged to go unto his ward and the Commissioners of new commanded to remove themselves forth of the Town How soon they were gone the Secretary Mr. Iohn Lindesey thinking the Ministers of Edinburgh would be more tractable being left to themselves did move the King to send for them and make a fresh Proposition for setling these divisions But they refusing to enter in any communing except the Commissioners were recalled by as publick a Proclamation as that whereby they were discharged hope was given that the next day the same should be done and all questions laid over unto their return which some of the Kings Chamber having understood and fearing if matters were once accorded the Octavians against whom they were chiefly set should contine in their imployment among other reports they informed the King that a mighty watch was kept in Edinburgh about the Ministers houses for fear of some violence to be offered unto them which laid an heavy imputation upon his Majesty and that the Ministers would never be quiet till these factious people were put forth of the Town The advice as truly meant was hearkned unto and direction given to some 24 of the Burgesses that were best affected to the Ministers to depart the Town within the space of six hours This they knew would be ill taken by the Ministers and to put them in a greater fear they did advertise them by a counterfeit Letter to look unto themselves because Huntley had been with the King that night late and caused that charge to be given This Letter sent to Mr. Robert Bruce was by him communicate to Mr. Walter Balcanquall whose course it was to preach that morning and they both apprehending the information to be true did think it the safest way for themselves to make the people advertised of the danger so when the hour of Sermon came the Preacher reading his Text out of the book of Canticles which was his ordinary at that time and taking occasion of the present
meet in the same place where the dishonor was done unto him and would follow their advice both in the triall and punishment With this answer they were dimitted The last of December which was the day preceding the Convention the King came to Leth and stayed there all night giving order for his entry into the Town the next morning which was in this manner The keys of the Town being delivered to one of the Kings Officers a guard of armed men was placed in the streets and the Citizens being commanded to stay within their houses and forbidden to carry any weapon The Earl of Marre with the Lord Seaton and Ochiltrie had the charge of the Town given them without the admission of the Magistrates and they having disposed all things in the best fashion the King accompanyed with a great train of Nobles entered the Town and riding up the street lighted at the Tolbuith where the Estates were appointed to meet after some generall discourses of the Tumult the King was advised to call the Magistrates and hear what they could say in behalf of the Town Sir Alexander Hume of North-berwick Provost Roger Matmath George Todrick Patrick Cothran and Alexander Hunter Bayliffes with a number of the Town Councell compeiring and falling on their knees after some few words delivered by the Provost did present in writing the offers following That for pacifying his Majesties wrath and satisfying the Lords of Councell they should upon their great oath purge themselves of all foreknowledge and partaking in that seditious Tumult And as already they had made a diligent search to find out the authors so they should not cease till they had brought the triall unto the uttermost point or if his Majesty and Councell doe think any others more fit to take the examination they should willingly resigne their places to such as his Highnes would appoint and assist them at their power And because his Majesty had taken that Tumult to proceed from certain Sermons preached by their Ministers who were now denounced Rebels they should promise never to readmit any of those Ministers unless his Majesty did command otherwise As also that the like should not fall out thereafter the Town should be obliged never to receive any Minister in time coming but by his Majesties advice and approbation and in the election of their Magistrates they should yearly present their lites to his Majesty and the Lords of Session to be allowed or disallowed at their pleasure and propone such others as his Majesty should think more apt and sufficient for the Charge and to that effect should alter the time of their election and make the same on some day of November when the Lords of Session were conveened aâ—d might give their advice thereto They did lastly offer to fulfill whatsoever his Majesty and Councell should think fit to be done in the premises under protestation that they did not take upon them the crime and that it should not be thought to have been committed of their foreknowledge Thus it proved true which Tacitus saith that all conspiracies of the Subjects if they succeed not advance the Soveraignty for by this Tumult was the Kings authority in matters Ecclesiasticall so farre advanced as he received little or no opposition thereafter The offers of the Town howbeit made in great submission were not accepted and counsell given by some Noblemen to raze the Town and erect a Pillar in place thereof for a monument of the insolency committed and the just punishment taken thereof Others were more mild in their opinions but for that time nothing was concluded The Queen of England upon notice sent to her of these broiles did write to the King a letter which for the loving advice it contained I thought meet here to insert My deare brother If arare accident and ill welcomed news had not broken my long silence I had not used now Pen-speech as being carefull of your quiet and mindfull of your safety To omit the expressing of both by letting you know how untimely I take this new begun phrensie that may urge you to take such a course as may bring into opinion the verifying of such a scandall as ye avowed to me to be farre from your thought In this sort I mean it some members of the Church with their companies have over audaciously emboldened themselves to redress some injurious acts that they feared might overthrow their profession which though I grant no King for the manner ought to bear with yet at the instant when the new banished Lords returned and they seen to be winked at without restraint and the spring time going on when promised succour is attend together with many letters from Rome and elsewhere sent abroad to tell the names of men authorized by you as they say though I hope falsly to assure your conformity as time may serve you to establish the dangerous party and fail your own I wail in unfeigned sort that any just cause should be given you to call in doubt so disguised acts and hope that you will so try this cause as that it harm not you though it ruine them Of this you may be sure that if you make your strength of so sandy a foundation as to call to your aid such as be not of your flock when as the one side be foolish rash headstrong and brainsick yet such as may defend you having no sure anchorage for themselves if you fail them and the others who have other props to sustain them though they lack you yea such as though your private love to their persons may inveigle your eyes not to pierce in the depth of their treason yet it is well known that their many petitions for forain aid might have tended to your perill and your Countreys wrack for seldome comes a stranger to a weaker soyl that thralleth not the possessour or indangereth him at least I trust you think no less or else they must justifie themselves to condemne you for without your displeasure not feared for such a fact no answer can shield them from blame Now to utter my folly in seeming busie in anothers affairs I suppose you will not mislike since the source of all is care of your good to desire that nought be done that may embolden the enemy decrease your love and endanger your surety This is in summe the line whereto I tend and God I beseech to direct your heart in such sort as ye please not your worst subjects but make all know in a measure what is fit for them and make difference between errour and malice So God bless you with a true thought of her that means you best Your most affectionate sister ELIZABETH R. This letter was to the Kings mind for albeit he judged the offence great yet it was not his purpose to use rigour but to assure the obedience of the subjects in time coming and make his own advantage of their disorders Therefore in the
should not so much promove the business as offend her Always they should advise and take counsell with their confederates and allies and follow the course which was most likely for his benefit This was the summe of the answer they returned The 24 of December the Queen was brought to bed of another daughter who was christened in the Chappell of Halirudhouse the 15 of Aprill by Mr. David Lindesay Minister of Leth and named Margaret The Earle of Montross created Chancellor in Ianuary preceding with the Lord Hamilton and Earl of Huntley assisted as witnesses These last two were at the same time preferred to the honour and dignity of Marquesses There died within the compass of this year divers worthy men amongst whom Mr. Iohn Lindesay of Batharres Secretary to the King shall first be named a man honourably descended of exquisite learning and a sound judgement held worthy by all men of the place he had in the Senate both for his wisedome and integrity he died of the Stone wherewith he had been pained many years Next to him Mr. David Carnegy of Colluthy a wise peaceable and sober man in good credit and estimation with the King and taken into his privy Councell for his skill and knowledge in civill affairs And in the Church Mr. Thomas Buchannan Provost of Kirkhench and Minister of Syres a man learned wise and a strong defender of the Churches rights having attained to a good age he dyed of a bruise which he received of a fall from his horse David Ferguson Minister of Dunfermlin of the age of 65 departed also this life the same year A good preacher wise and of a jocund and pleasant disposition which made him well regarded both in Court and Countrey But the death of Mr. Robert Rollock taken away in the 43 year of his age and in the time when the Church had greatest need of his service was beyond all the rest lamented This man was born not farre from Striveling and trained up in letters under Mr. Thomas Buchannan who did then keep a famous School in that time He passed his course in Philosophy at S. Andrews and no sooner received the degree of a Master in Arts then he was chosen Regent of the Colledge of S. Salvator where he had studied In the year 1583 he was removed to Edinburgh and made Principall of a Colledge which the Town had there erected where by his Lectures of divinity in the Schools and his Sermons to the people in both which he was assiduous he came to be greatly esteemed But the 17 days tumult and troubles that followed thereupon withdrawing him against his minde to the keeping of Assemblies and other Commissions of the Church he was thereby much weakned for he was of an infirm body and grievously pained with the Stone whereof at last he died In his sickness being visited by his brethren of the Ministry amongst other pious exhortations he did earnestly beseech them to carry themselves more dutifully towards the King lamenting he should be so ill used by some of their number and gave them a most comfortable farewell His torments were extreme yet was he not heard to use an impatient word but was still calling on God with these and the like sayings Hast Lord Iesus and tarry not put in thy hand and take this soul away to thy self At other times Goe out silly life that the better life of God may enter in Drawing neer his end he repeated a part of the 6 Psalm and framing a most pithy prayer out of the same as one exulting after victory he cried aloud Christ hath taken my yoake to bear and now strengthened by his grace I will follow with which words he yeelded up his spirit A rare example of holiness he was both in his life and death albeit now dead still preacheth by his learned works which it is pity should not be collected in one volume and preserved to posterity He deceased the last of February and had his corps honourably interred in the buriall place an innumerable multitude accompanying the same to the grave To return to the Estate the necessities of the King by forain Ambassages and other extraordinary employments daily encreasing he was forced to look the more narrowly to the administration of his rents for the ill managing whereof the Laird of Wedderburne was put from his place and the office of Controllerie given to Sir David Murray who was afterwards preferred to the Lordship of Scone The Prior of Blantire who was Treasurer for that he had offended the King by his partiall behaviour in an action betwixt Mr. Robert Bruce and the Ministers of Angus was committed to the Castle and forced to resigne his office which was conferred upon the Earl of Cassils by his Ladies procurement She was the widow of the Lord Thirlstan and said to be wealthy which induced him to take her to wife against the counsel of all his friends who could not away with the imparity of their age he being a young Nobleman never matched to any and she a woman past childbirth But the desire he had to keep his estate made him take that course and she loving to stay at Court and have her husband a ruler of affaires made offer to advance some moneys so as he might carry the place which was readily accepted Yet was it not long before they did both forthink the bargain being pressed with a multitude of precepts for the laying forth of money and so were glad to quit the office with the losse as was said of Fourty thousand marks which he did advance at his entry In his place was the Lord Elphingston chosen by the recommendation of his brother then Secretary Whilest these things were a doing in Court Sir William Bowes came Ambassadour from England upon some rumours that the King wes declining to Popery and had offered his obedience to the Bishop of Rome by a letter the copie whereof was brought by the Master of Gray from Rome and shewed the Queen of purpose to divide the two Princes and dissolve the amity which was amongst them The Queen though she did take the letter to be faigned and that the same was devised to breed a jealousie between her and the King thought meet to advertise what was rumoured and to advise him not to build upon the friendship of Rome The King did take the advertisement well and made the Ambassadour very welcome assuring him that they were false and faigned calumnies neither did the King think any other at that time Such a letter indeed was sent to the Pope and the Kings hand surreptitiously gotten thereto for which the Secretary Mr. Elphingston was some years after upon his own confession convicted as we shall hear Whilest this Ambassadour remained in the Countrey there fell out an accident which had almost wrought great trouble an English man called Ashfield who had brought some hunting horses to the
King and cunningly abused the English Warden did make his aboad at Court and was there well entertained The Ambassadour whether desired by the Queen or the Warden it is uncertain caused some of his servants keep company with the man and allure him one day to Leth where having drunk liberally he was by Coach instead of returning to Court carried to Berwick This being told the King he was greatly offended and giving order to watch the Ambassadours lodging 〈◊〉 to Berwick to bring back the man The Governour prayed the King to have him excused for that the man being come within his charge he could not dimit him without the Queens knowledge The King receiving this answer did challenge the Ambassadour as not having carried himself dutifully and wronged both him and the Countrey but he denying the fact affirmed the same to have been contrived by two of his servants without his knowledge and direction This none did believe neither did the King vouchsafe him any more countenance Whereupon he parted in a great discontent Soon after the King went to S. Andrewes for a new visit of the Universitie where it was ordained That there should be yearly upon the 3 of March a Dean of facultie of Theologie elected by the Doctors the Ministers resident within the City and the principall Masters of the Colledges which Deane so chosen should have the like priviledge and jurisdiction upon the students and professors of Theologie that the Deans of Philosophy had by the foundation over the professors thereof with expresse provision that that he who was elected Dean should not till after three years space be received again into the office Other conclusions were taken for distributing the Students of Theologie in Classes and their yearly examination but were ill observed At this time came forth sundry Discourses touching the succession of the Crown of England some oppugning some maintaining the Kings title amongst others Mr. Iohn Colvill taking upon him one of the opposite Treatises did publish a recantation wherein having confuted all the contrary reasons he professed that in malice in time of his exile he had penned the Treatise which then out of conscience he refuted This was believed of many and helped greatly to discredit the adversary writings yet was he not the Author of that which he oppugned only to merit favour at the Kings hands he did profess the work that came forth without a name to be his and indeed a more pithie and perswasive Discourse was not penned all that time in that subject The same year did the King publish his Doron Basilicon upon this occasion Sir Iames Semple one of his Majesties servants whose hands was used in transcribing that Treatise upon an old familiarity with Mr. Andrew Melvill did give it him to read who offending with some passages that touched the Ministery and present discipline took copies thereof and dispersed the same amongst the Ministers thereupon a Libell was formed and cast in before the Synod of St. Andrews wherein the passages at which they excepted being first set down it was asked What Censure should be inflict upon him that had given such instructions to the Prince for that Treatise was directed to Prince Henry and if he could be thought well affected to religion that had delivered such precepts of Government Sir Patrick Murray and Mr. Iames Nicolson being present in the Synod as Commissioners for the King and apprehending the libell to concern his Majesty made diligent enquiry to find out the presenters The whole number pretending ignorance the Commissioners commanded the doors to be shut and the Roll of the Ministers names to be called who being put to their oath one by one did purge themselves yet was it tried the very next day to be laid on the table by Mr. Iohn Dikes Minister at Anstruther who being therefore cited before the Councell was fugitive and denounced Rebell The rumor by this occasion dispersed that the King had left certain directions to his son prejudiciall to the Church and Religion he took purpose to publish the work which being come abroad and carried to England it cannot be said how well the same was accepted and what an admiration it raised in all mens hearts of him and of his piety and wisdome Certain it is that all the Discourses that came forth at that time and those were not a few for maintaining his right to the Crown of England prevailed nothing so much as did the Treatise against which such exceptions had been taken In the end of the year happened some new jarrs betwixt the King and the Ministers of Edinburgh because of a company of English Comedians whom the King had licensed to play within the Burgh The Ministers offending with the liberty given them did exclaim in their Sermons against Stageplayers their unruliness and immodest behaviour and in their Sessions made an Act prohibiting people to resort unto their plaies under pain of the Church censures The King taking this to be a discharge of his Licence called the Sessions before the Councell and ordained them to annull their Act and not to restrain the people from going to these Comedies which they promised and accordingly performed whereof publication was made the day after and all that pleased permitted to repaire unto the same to the great offence of the Ministers The next year which by publick Ordinance was appointed to have the beginning at the Calends of Ianuary and from thenceforth so to continue for before that time the year with us was reckoned from the 25 of March there was an Assembly kept at Montrosse the 28 of March where the King himself was present Therein that great business of the Churches voice in Parliament was determined and first the conclusions taken at Falkland in Iuly 1598 were ratified Then touching the continuance of those that should be chosen to give voice for the Church it was after much debating concluded That be who was admitted should yearly render an account of his Commission to the generall Assembly and laying the same down at their foot should be therein continued or if his Majesty and the Assembly did think fit to employ another he should give place to him that was appointed Two points more were adjoyned to the former one was That they who had voice in Parliament should not have place in the generall Assembly unless they were authorised by a Commission from the Presbyters whereof they were members The other caveat was That crimen ambitus should be a sufficient reason to deprive him both of his place and office And now there rested no more but to nominate persons to the Bishopricks that were void Aberdene and Argile had their own incumbents at the time both actual preachers S. Andrewes and Glasgow were in the hands of the Duke of Lennox Murray possessed by the Lord Spinie Orkney by the Earl of Orkney Dunkeld Birchen and Dumblane had their own titulars but these
private at home comforting himself with the remembrance of the mercies of God that he had tasted in his life past and this year on the 12 of December without all pain dyed peaceably at Edinburgh in the 88 year of his age In the beginning of the next year there happened a great stirre in the Court of England which concerning the King in some sort I must needs touch the Earl of Essex who had been a long time in speciall favour with the Queen and was then upon some displeasure kept from the Court not enduring to be thrust down as he complained by his adversaries into a private life did resolve to make his way unto the Queen by force to seise upon her person and remove from her company those he judged to be his adversaries But the purpose failing he was taken himself and committed to the Tower A little before he had written letters to the King full of respect informing that they who had the managing of all affairs under the Queen were inclining to the Infanta of Spain and advising him to send Ambassadors into England and urge the declaration of his title of succession The King though he could have wished his title to be declared did not think that time fitting for such propositions yet upon the report of his apprehension he resolved to employ some in Commission to the Queen And to this effect made choice of the Earl of Marre joyning with him the Abbot of Kinlosse who coming to the Court some days after the execution of Essex and having access to the Queen did congratulate her good success in repressing that audacious attempt This she took well and was glad to hear so much from them because of the rumours which were then dispersed That Essex was made away for favouring the King of Scots title and that if the Ambassadors had come in time they would have dealt for him A good answer was hereupon given to all their instructions and whereas among other points of their Commission they were willed to seek an assignment of some portion of land in recompence of the lands belonging to the Lady Lennox the King being her lawfull heir the Queen excusing herself touching the lands was content to adde to the annuity formerly paid the summe of 2000 pounds yearly as long as he kept fast and held one course with her Besides this satisfaction obtained of the Queen they did so work with the principall Noblemen and Counsellors as they won them to be the Kings friends and at their return gave his Majesty assurance of a peaceable reception of that Crown after the decease of the Queen which was some two years after really performed Much about this time had Pope Clement the eight sent his Breves as they call them into England warning all the Clergy and laity that professed the Roman faith not to admit after the Queens death any man how near soever in blood to be king unless he should binde himself by oath to promove the Catholick Roman Religion at his power And at the same time came Mr. Iohn Hamilton and Mr. Edmond Hay Jesuits into Scotland two factious and working spirits and therefore much suspected by the King the first especially for that he was known to have been a chief instrument of the seditions raised in the City of Paris in the time of the league How soon the King understood of their repairing into the Countrey a Proclamation was given out inhibiting their resort under the pain of treason In this Proclamation to make them the more odious they were compared to Bothwell and Gowry the King declaring that he would judge no otherwise of their receptors then of those that did treasonably pursue his own life This notwithstanding they found lurking holes amongst the Papists in the North and kept the Countrey till after some years that Mr. Iohn Hamilton was apprehended and carried to the Tower of London where he died The Church of Edinburgh remained all this while destitute of a number of their Ministers the conditions prescribed unto them when they were pardoned not being performed of the four onely Mr. Iohn Hall having given obedience was licenced to return to his charge the other three upon I know not what pretext deferred to make their declaration as was appointed and were thereupon in the Assembly convened at Brunt-island the 12 of May ordained to be transported from the Ministery of Edinburgh and placed in such parts of the Countrey as the Commissioners of the Countrey should think meet This Assembly was called by his Majesties Proclamation partly for taking order with the Church of Edinburgh partly for repressing the growth of Popery which was then increasing and where it should have held at S. Andrews was in regard of the Kings indisposition brought to Brunt-Island Mr. Iohn Hall being elected to moderate the meeting did begin with a regrate of the generall defection from the purity and practise of true Religion which he said was so great that it must of necessity at last conclude either in Popery or Atheisme except a substantious remedy were in time provided And because the ill could not be well cured unless the causes and occasions thereof should be ript up he exhorteth those that were assembled to consider seriously both of the cause of the defection and the remedies that were fittest to be applyed After long conference the causes were condescended to be the wrath of God kindled against the land for the unreverend estimation of the Gospel and the sinnes in all estates to the dishonour of their profession lack of care in the Ministery to discover Apostates too hasty admission of men unto the Ministery Ministers framing themselves to the humors of people the desolation of the Churches of Edinburgh the advancing of men to places of credit that were ill affected to Religion the education of his Majesties children in the company of Papists the training up of Noblemens children under suspect Pedagogues the decay of Schools and the not urging of the reconciled Lords to perform their conditions For remedy of the foresaid evills it was ordained That a publick humiliation should be kept throughout the realm the last two Sundays of June with fasting and prayer for appeasing the wrath of God kindled against the land that the Ministers of every Presbytery should after the dissolving of the Assembly take up the names of the Recusants within their bounds and send them to the Kings Ministers that places of greatest need should be furnished with learned and wise preachers and in the mean time till that might take effect by a constant provision of Ministers to those places that the meetest for that purpose should be appointed to attend for a certain time in the families of the reconciled Lords for their better confirmation in the truth The rest of the remedies resolved all in Petitions to his Majesty for the planting of Churches the not permitting of those who were under
the Duke did follow him and was entertained with hunting and the like sports unto the Queens delivery which fell out the 17 of September Going then unto the Countrey to salute his mother Madam D' Aubigney and other his friends whilest he was about these offices of kindness the King went by post to Callais upon some intelligence as it was said from England that the Queen was fallen sick he himself gave out that the affairs of Flanders did occasion his journey for as then the Archduke was besieging Ostend But whatsoever the businesse was no man doubted but that he had an eye upon the succession of England and if he could have found a faction would have foisted in another Bastard of Normandy which oftentimes in a merriment and gallantry he spared not to utter The Duke after his return to Paris made no long stay but taking his leave of the French King who was then come back from Callais took journey towards England and came to London in the beginning of November A Parliament was then sitting at VVestminster the last that Queen Elizabeth held which with his coming upon that instant gave many to think that he was come to urge a Declaration of the Kings right of succession and not a few they were nor of small note that offered to assist if he should move any such business but he told them that neither had he any such Commission nor would the King ever agree to any thing that might breed a jealousie in the Queen And his Commission indeed was no other but to salute the Queen in the Kings name and let her know the kinde and filiall affection he carried unto her whereof he should be willing to give proof at all occasions And for that he was given to understand that the Irish Rebells had drawn in some Spanish forces into Ireland to fortifie themselves in their Rebellion he would if his ayde should be thought necessary employ the same for their expulsion The Queen giving the King many thanks said That if those troubles continued she would take his help and hire some of his High-landers and Isles men but she trusted to hear other news shortly and not be vexed long with those strangers As also it came to passe for the very next moneth the Lord Montjoy her Deputy did in a battell fought neer Kinsale defeat the Irish utterly and afterwards forced the Spaniards that had taken the Town to render upon condition of their lives saved and that they might be transported again into their Countrey The Duke after three weeks stay being feasted by the Queen and entertained with all complements of amity returned home and came to Edinburgh in the end of December where having related his proceedings in Councell they were all approved The Lord Elphingston had in his absence resigned the office of Treasury upon an offence as was thought he conceived for adjoyning some others unto him in the componing of Signators and now was Sir George Hume one of the Masters of the Quirie preferred to the office which he discharged by his Deputy Sir Iohn Arnot both to his Majesty and the Countreys content The next sommer the King having resolved to plant Lowland-men in the Isles and transport the inhabitants into the main land where they might learn civility made a beginning at the Isle of Lewis The undertakers were Patrick Abbot of Lendors Colonell William Stewart Captain William Murray Mr. Iohn Lermouth of Balcolmy Mr. Iames Spence of wormeston Sir Iames Anstruther of that ilke and Iames Forret of Fingaske These Gentlemen furnishing themselves with armes and shipping and having conduced a number of souldiers took sea and in the third or fourth day arrived in the Lake of Sternoway within the same Isle Murdoch Macklond base son to old Macklond who carried himself as Lord of the Isle made at the first some resistance but after a little conflict distrusting the people for he had used them with great tyranny he fled and forsook the Isle leaving the Indwellers to the discretion of the Invaders they how soon he was gone did all submit themselves and accept such conditions as were offered by the undertakers Being thus peaceably possessed the Laird of Balcolmy either sent by the rest to signifie their good successe and to make preparation against the Winter or for some private business of his own took purpose to return home and being lanched alittle from the coast and by reason of the calm forced to cast anchor was suddenly invaded by the said Murdach Macklowd with a number of Birlings so they call the little vessels those Isles men use the ship boarded the mariners killed and himself made prisoner The Gentleman being detained some daies and hourly threatned with death was afterwards ransomed by one of his friends and conveyed to Orkeney where contracting a feaver he died The rest of the Gentlemen to repair this injury conduced Neill Macklowd brother to the said Murdach to betray and deliver him in their hands which he performed shortly after having by an ambush laid for his brother apprehended him and some twelve more that were in his company The twelve he presently beheaded Murdach he delivered to the Gentlemen as he had promised who was afterwards transported to S. Andrews and there executed The undertakers thinking themselves now secured began to build and made a partition of lands letting the same to the Countrey people who did all swear fidelity to them but whilest they expected no trouble Norman Macklowd son to old Macklowd did on the suddain beset them put fire to their lodgings and force them to the Conditions following First that they should purchase to them remission from the King of all crimes and offences past Next that they should resigne to Norman all the right that they had acquired of the Isle of Lewis And thirdly that Sir Iames Spence with his son in law Thomas Monypenny of Kinkell should remain as pledges untill the remission was brought unto him and such a surety given of the Isle as he could devise This condescended unto Sir Iames Anstruther departed with the whole company that was left for many were killed before their yeilding and for relief of the pledges obtained of the King both the remission and security of the Isle that was desired which was sent to Norman by Iames Lermouth son to the Laird of Darcie By this mean were the pledges freed and for that time the whole enterprise defeated some three years after the same was of new attempted with what successe we shall hear in the own place Master Robert Bruce who as we shewed before was exiled in France obtained licence to return in the beginning of this Summer by the intercession of the Earl of Marre whom he had intreated to mediate his peace upon promise at his return to satisfie the King and declare his resolution in that matter of Gowries The King who never shewed himself difficile especially to Ministers
and not otherwise Some other Acts were concluded in the same Assembly as That in memory of his Majesties deliverance there should be Sermons in all the Burghs every Tuesday and the fifth of August solemnly kept as the Parliament had prescribed in all the Churches of the Kingdome That Ministers should not refuse the Sacrament of Baptisme to Infants nor delay the same upon whatsoever pretext the same being required by the parents or others in their name for as then except at ordinary hours of preaching Ministers denied to baptize And because they had taken a custome not to celebrate marriage upon the Sunday pretending that the day was profaned by feasting dancing and the like it was ordained They should hereafter at the parties desire celebrate the same either on the sunday or week day These things concluded and Commissioners chosen to attend the common affairs of the Church the Assembly dissolved having appointed the next meeting at Aberdene the last Tuesday of Iuly Anno 1604. All this time were the enemies of our Religion the Jesuits especially busied to stirre up a party against the King and his title to England They had lost all hope of gaining his affection or obtaining any promise of toleration when he should come to that Crown and had found their writings and pamphlets for the Infanta of Spain her right to move few or none Thereupon they fell to treat of a marriage betwixt Lady Arbella and Robert Prince of Savoy and that not succeeding to speak of a match betwixt her and a grandchilde of the Earl of Hartfords judging that their pretensions being conjoyned many would befriend them to the excluding of the King of Scots but the Queen who truly favoured his right though she would not openly professe so much dashed all those projects and caused an eye to be kept upon that Lady and such as resorted unto her About the same time the King had intelligence given him that one Francis Mowbray son to the Laird of Barnebowgall who had lived a while in the Infants Court at Bruxells had undertaken to kill him This brake out first at London by an Italian a fencer whose name was Daniel which coming to the Queens ears she commanded Sir Robert Cecill her Secretary to call the persons for they were both in the City and examine them the Italian abode by his speeches Mowbray denied and offered to prove him a lyar in combat which the other accepted Both being sent unto Scotland they were tried first severally then confronted before certain of the Councell the Italian produced Witnesses who verified all that he had deponed whereupon Mowbray was committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where seeking to escape by night at a window of the chamber where he was detained the sheets proving too short by which he thought to descend he fell from a great precipice and was found the next morning dead at the foot of the rock The corps was the same day being the last of Ianuary presented to the Justice and sentence of forfeiture pronounced against him his body hanged for a space upon the gibbet and afterwards quartered and affixed on the gates and most open places of the Town His friends for he was well born and a proper young Gentleman gave out that he had been strangled and his corps thrown down at the window But this carried no appearance and was believed of few The Queen of England in the winter being perceived to wax heavy and dull and the rumour thereof dispersed as there is nothing that can be worse concealed then the sickness or death of a Prince there was much business every where and she held for the most part dead The French King had sent the summer preceding two Ambassadors one to reside in England and another in Scotland under colour of impeaching the courses of Spain but in effect to observe the strength and affection of both people He that was sent into England brought a Letter from the French King to Secretary Cecill of infinite kindness and breaking with him one day upon the miseries of the Kingdome when it should please God to translate the Queen fell to speak of the losse he should sustain by the exchange and the case wherein he would be if the Scotish King did succeed which to his apprehension should be more hard and miserable then any others being likely to undergoe the revenge of faults laid upon his father about matters concerning the Kings mother and other courses that he was esteemed to have run himself since the death of his Father The Secretary that was no childe knowing that the Ambassador did but sound him for making some other project answered That this was the reward of unspotted duty when Ministers did only regard the service of their Soveraigns without respect of their own particular And that for himself he should never grieve to endure trouble for so just a cause the same being to a man that valued his credit more then his security a kinde of martyrdome notwithstanding he supposed that things passed would not be called to minde or if so were and that he saw his case desperate he should flee to another City and take the benefit of the Kings royall offer The Ambassador being so answered made a fair retreat saying That in case the King of Scots did carry himself towards the King of France with the respect which was due he was not purposed to impeach his interest The Secretary replying That it was a wise resolution his Master had taken The Ambassadour ceased to tempt him any further in that businesse Hereof the King was advertised by Letters from the Secretary who therein did assure him of his true and honest service when occasion required howbeit he would not as some others had done needlesly hazard his fortune and reputation before the time It shall not be amisse to hear what was the Kings answer to the Secretary As I doe heartily thank you said he for your plain and honest offer so may you assure your self that it would doe me no pleasure that you should hazard either your fortune or reputation since the losse of either of these would make you the lesse vailable to me No I love not to feed upon such fantasticall humours although I cannot let busie-bodies to live upon their own imaginations But for my part I hold it the office of a King as sitting on the throne of God to imitate the primum mobile and by his steady and ever constant course to govern all the other changeable and uncertain motions of the inferiour planets And I protest in Gods presence that for your constant and honest behaviour in your Soveraigns service I loved your virtues long before I could be certain that you would deserve at my hand the love of your person wherefore go on and serve her truly that reigneth as you have done for he that is false to the present will never be true to the future In another
letter directed to the E. of Northumberland that we may know the wisdome and piety of the King who had sent him advertisement of the Queens weaknesse and advised him to make sure his title by apprehending possession in time he said That man can neither be religious nor just that dealeth worse with his neighbour then he would be dealt withall and in a man of quality it can be no wisdome to leap hedge and ditch and adventure the breaking of his neck for gathering forbidden fruit before it be ripe when as by attending the due time he may be sure to finde all the gates of the orchard open and with free scope enter take and tast at liberty Sure it were a great weakness and unworthiness in me to come in as an Usurper with offence and scandall to the laws and present estate of government when I may in the right time claim the Crown as nearest Heir to the Prince deceased and possesse with equity should I out of untimely ambition fall to break the long continued and faithfully preserved amity that by the proof of many kinde offices hath taken root among us it were an error inexcusable And howbeit I doe acknowledge your kinde affection in the offers you make of assistance I must tell you freely that no Prince can presume of any subjects loyalty to himself that hath been unsound and unfaithfull to his own Soveraign nor would I ever look to be secure in a Kingdome so trayterously disposed In end he advised the Earl to forbear such writing and when he wrote which he wished him to doe rarely and not but upon great occasions to beware of any thing that might justly offend the Queen lest by interception or other misadventure he might be disabled to serve him another day This was the Kings resolution which God so blessed as it brought him within a short time after against the opinions and desires of many to the quiet and peaceable possession of his right and inheritance for in the Spring the Queens disease encreasing which was judged to be a melancholy incorrigible and by some conceived to proceed from a sorrow for Essex others ascribed it to the accepting of the Rebell Tyrone to peace and all apprehending it to be deadly the hearts of people did so incline to the King as a great many in that State did write unto him That all England was grown to be Scotish The Queen her self continuing constant in her affection when she was askt a little before her death by the Lord Keeper and Secretary who were directed by the Councell to understand her will touching her Successor answered None but my Cousen the King of Scots After which words she spake not much only being desired by the Archbishop of Canterbury whom she would not suffer to go from her all that time to fix her thoughts upon God she said So I doe neither doth my minde wander from him and then commending her soul to God in devout manner died most patiently and willingly A Queen imcomparable for wisdome and fidelity of government she departed this life the 24th of March in the 70 year of her age and 44 of her Reign The same day in the forenoon the King of Scots was proclaimed King first at the Palace of whitehall next at the Crosse in Cheapside within the City of London with an infinite applause of all sorts of people The end of the sixth Book THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE SEVENTH BOOK The Contents The proceedings after his Majesties going into England unto his death THE news of the Queens death were brought the third day after by Sir Robert Cary a son of the Lord Hunsdon after whom Sir Charles Percy brother to the Earl of Northumberland and Thomas Somerset sonne to the Earl of Worcester were directed from the Councell of England with the Letter following RIght High Right Excellent and mighty Prince and our dread Soveraign Lord as we cannot but confess unto your Majesty that the grief we have conceived by the loss of our late Soveraign Lady whose soul in your palace of Richmond passed from her earthly body to the joyes of heaven betwixt two and three of the clock this morning was nothing less then our loyalty and love to her whilest she lived being a Princesse adorned with vertues meet for Government prosperous in the success of her affairs and under whose obedience we have lived in greater tranquillity these many years then commonly happeneth to Princes so we must acknowledge that our sorrow is extingushed by the impression we have of those heroicall vertues of wisdome piety and magnanimity which we know to be in your Majesties person to whose right the lineall and lawfull succession of all our late Soveraigns dominions doth justly and onely appertain wherein we presume to profess this much as well for the honour which will thereby remain to our posterity as for your Majesties security of a peaceable possession of your kingdomes that we have never found either of those of the Nobility or of any other of the Estates of this realm any divided humour about the receiving and acknowledging your Majesty to be the onely head that must give life to the present maimed body of this kingdome which is so happy as with an universall consent to have received one sole uniform and constant impression of bright blood as next of kin to our Soveraign deceased and consequently by the Laws of this realm true and next heir to her kingdomes and dominions whereof we have made outward demonstration by publick Proclamation this very day a fore noon first in the City of Westminster at your Majesties palace gate at White-Hall and next at the Cross of Cheap-side within your Majesties City of London with an infinite applause of your people and with such solemnity as the shortness of time would permit Of all which we have thought it our duty immediately to advertise your Majesty by these two Gentlemen Sir Charles Percy brother to the Earl of Northumberland and Thomas Somerset Esq son to the Earl of Worcester of whom we have made choice to be the bearers of our Letters humbly beseeching your Highness to accept the same as the first fruits and offering of our tender and loyall affections towards you our gracious Soveraign and to rest assured that the same shall be ever hereafter seconded with all faith obedience and humble service which shall be in our power to perform for maintaining that which we have begun with the sacrifice of our lives lands and goods which we with all our other means do here humbly present at your Majesties feet craving of your Highness that seeing hereby you may perceive in what estate we remain as body without a head or rather without that spirit here amongst us which from the head might give vigor to every member to exercise the duty to it belonging thereby to keep the whole body from confusion you will be pleased to enter
into consideration how soon and in what manner it shall seem best to your Majesties excellent wisdome to inspire a new life into this languishing body the circumstances whereof are wholly to be left to your Majesty holding it enough for us humbly to acknowledge our selves your true subjects ready to obey all your commandments assuing you with all that as we have hereby as many of us as have underwritten this letter declared our recognition and humble submission to your Majâ—sties soveraign power and right so we do know by all good proofs that the minde of the rest of the Nobility and all others who are absent in their severall qualities places and charges whom the time permitted not without the prejudice of your affairs to assemble so soon as we were desirous this should be performed are wholly and absolutely with us in all zeal and duety for all things that shall be imposed upon them by your royall will and pleasure Further we have thought meet and necessary to advertise your Highness that Sir Robert Cary this morning departed from hence towards your Majesty not onely without the consent of any of us who were present at Richmond at the time of our late Soveraigns decease but also contrary to such commandement as we had power to lay upon him and to all decency and good manners and respect which he ought to so many persons of our degree whereby it may be that your Majesty hearing by a bare report onely of the death of the late Queen and not of our care and diligence in establishment of your Majesties right here in such manner as is above specified may conceive doubts of other nature then God be thanked there is cause you should which we would have clearly prevented if he had born so much respect to us as to have stayed for a common relation of our proceedings and not thought it better to anticipate the same for we would have been loath that any person of quality should have gone from hence who should not with the report of her death have been able to declare the first effects of our assured loyalties And lastly it may please your Majesty to receive this advertisement that of late there was made ready by the commandement of the Queen our Mistresse a good fleet of eight or ten of her ships well manned and furnished under the charge of Sir Richard Lawson Knight to have been employed upon the coast of Spain which employment by her decease is ceased for want of Commission to exercise the saine and now is kept together in the narrow Seas to prevent any suddain attempt against the Low Countreys and that now there is nothing either of land or sea that is not yours it may please your Majesty to signifie your pleasure concerning that Fleet and whether you will have it or any part thereof resort to your coast of Scotland where it may serve you either for the safe convoy of your person to this realm if there shall because to use it in this manner or to transport any of yours whilest you come by land or any other service In which point we humbly beseech you to make known under whose charge it shall beyour pleasure the whole Fleet or any part thereof shall come unto you And this being all that for the present doth occurre to be advertised to your Majesty by us whose mindes are occupied about the conservation of this your realm in peace as farre forth as by any power for your Majesties service onely assumed the interruption thereof may be prevented saving that we have sent a Copy of the Proclamation made here to your Majesties deputy of Ireland to be published in that kingdome we will and with our humble prayers to Almighty God that we may be so happy as speedily to enjoy the comfortable presence of your Highness royall person amongst us the onely object of that glory and those felicities which in the earth we have proponed to our selves Written in your Majesties City of London the 24 of March 1603 at ten hours of the clock at night This Letter was subscribed by Robert Leigh Mayor John Canterbury Thomas Egerton Thomas Buckhurst Nottingham Northumberland Gilbert Shrewsbury William Darby Edward Worcester Geo. Cumberland R. Suffex Henry Lincoln Pembroke Clanrickard G. Hunsdon Tho. Howard Richard London Robert Hartford John Norwich Morley Henry Cobham Thomas Laware Gray Edward Cromwell R. Riche Lumley Chandois W. Compton W. Knowlles Edward Wootton John Stanhop Raleigh John Fortescue and John Popham The King having imparted this letter to the Councell it was thought meet that the Contents thereof should be published for begetting a greater kindness betwixt the people and the two Kingdomes whereupon a Proclamation was made shewing That the Queen before her death continuing in that loving affection which she professed to his Majesty all the course of her life had declared him her only true heir and successor in the imperiall Crownes of England France and Ireland and that the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assisted by the Lord Maior of London and others of the Gentry of good quality had upon the 24 of March last proclaimed him their only liege Lord and undoubted Soveraign which being the most cleer demonstration that a people could give of their affection and a sure pledge of their future obedience ought to move all true hearted subjects to account of them no otherwise then as their brethren and friends and to forget and bury all quarrels and grounds of former dissensions That therefore none should pretend ignorance nor carry themselves in any unkind sort towards the inhabitants of England his Majesty with the advice of the Lords of Councell had ordained Proclamation to be made of the premisses assuring them that should so apply themselves of his gracious favour when occasion presented and certifying such as did in the contrary that they should incurre his wrath and extreme displeasure This notwithstanding the word no sooner came of the Queens death then the loose and broken men in the borders assembling in companies made incursions upon England doing what in them lay to divide the two Kingdomes which the year following was severely punished the principals that were tried to have been partners in that business being all executed to the death The King in the mean time giving order for his journey did appoint the Queen to follow him some twenty dayes after and for his children ordained the Prince to remain at Striveling the Duke of Albany his brother to abide with the Lord Fyvie President of the Session and the Princess Elizabeth their sister with Alexander Earl of Linlithgow To the Lords of Councell an ample Commission was given for the administration of all affairs receiving resignations hearing the accounts of the Exchequer continuing daies of law adjoining assessors to the justice granting of licences to depart forth of the Realm altering the place of their residence as they should find it convenient repressing the troubles of the
will answer that it is not their purpose presently and out of hand to enforce obedience but by fatherly admonitions and conferences to induce such as are disaffected But if any be of an opposite and turbulent spirit I will have them inforced to a conformity Neither tell me that the wearing of a surplice or using the Crosse in Baptism will diminish the credit of Ministers that have formerly dissallowed the same for that is just the Scotish Argument when any thing was concluded that sorted not with their humour the only reason why they would not obey was that it stood not with their credit to yield having been so long of a contrary opinion I will none of that but that a time be limited by the Bishops of every Diocese to such and they that will not yield whatsoever they are let them be removed for we must not preferre the credit of a few private men to the generall peace of the Church Throughout all this conference in every point that was moved or came to be talked of the King did shew such knowledge and readiness as bred not a small admiration in the hearers Chancellour Egerton wondering to see him so expedite and perfect in all sort of Divinity said That he had often heard and read that Rex est mixta persona cum Sacerdote but that he saw never the truth of it untill that day Let me adde that which I was afterward told by Richard Bancroft Archbishop of Canterbury for Whitgift died the next moneth after the conference one of the great glories of the English Church that when the Rolles were brought in of those that stood out and were deposed which was some years after they were found to be fourty nine in all England when as the Ministers of that Kingdome are reckoned nine thousand and above such a noise will a few disturbers cause in any society where they are tolerated In the March thereafter a Parliament was kept in England where the King after he had given thanks to the State for the generall applause they shewed in receiving him to the place which God by birthright and lineall descent had provided for him did earnestly move the union of the two Kingdomes that as they were made one in the head so among themselves they might be inseparably conjoyned and all memory of by-past divisions extinguished A motion that took well at first and seemed to be generally desired of both Nations but did not succeed as was wished The Parliament alwaies at his Majesties desire and for a demonstration of their obedience did nominate Thomas Ellesmore Lord Chancellor of England Thomas Earl of Dorset Thesaurer Charles Earl of Nottingham Lord high Admirall Henry Earl of Southampton William Earl of Pembroke Henry Earl of Northampton Richard Bishop of London Toby Bishop of Durham Anthony Bishop of St Davids Robert Lord Cecill principall Secretary to his Majesty Edward Lord Souch Lord President of Wales William Lord Monteagle Ralph Lord Eure Edmond Lord Sheffeild Lord President of the Councell of the North Lords of the higher House And Thomas Lord Clinton Robert Lord Buckhurst Sir Francis Hastings knight Sir Iohn Stanhop knight Vice-chamberlain to the Kings Majesty Sir George Carew knight Vice-chamberlain to the Queens Majesty Sir Iohn Herbert knight second Secretary to his Majesty Sir Thomas Strickland knight Sir Edward Stafford knight Sir Henry Nevill of Barkshire knight Sir Richard Buckly knight Sir Henry Billingsly knight Sir Daniell Dunne knight Dean of the Arches Sir Edward Hobby knight Sir Iohn Savile knight Sir Robert Wroth knight Sir Thomas Challoner knight Sir Robert Mansell knight Sir Thomas Ridgway knight Sir Thomas Holcraft knight Sir Thomas Hasketh knight his Majesties Attorney of the Court of Wards and Liveries Sir Francis Bacon knight Sir Lawrence Cawfield knight Serjeant at Law Sir Henry Hubbard knight Serjeant at Law Sir Iohn Bennet knight Doctor of the Lawes Sir Henry VVitherington Sir Ralph Grey and Sir Thomas Lake knights Robert Ashwith Thomas Iames and Henry Chapman Merchants Knights and Burgesses of the house of Commons Giving them or any eight or more of the said Lords of the higher house and any twenty of the said Knights and Burgesses of the said house of Commons full power liberty and Commission to assemble and meet at any time or times before the next Session of Parliament â—or treating and consulting with certain selected Commissioners to be nominated and authorized by authority of the Parliament of the realm of Scotland of and concerning such an union of the said realms of England and Scotland and of and concerning such other matters causes and things whatsoever as upon mature deliberation and consideration the greatest part of the said Lords Knights Citizens and Burgesses being assembled with the Commissioners to be nominated by the Parliament of Scotland shall in their wisdome think and deem convenient and necessary for the honour of his Majesty and the weal and commmon good of both the said realms during his Majesties life and under all his progenie and royall posterity for ever which Commissioners of both the said realms shall according to the tenor of their said Commissions reduce their doings and proceedings into writings or instruments tripartite every part to be subscribed and sealed by them to the end that one part thereof may in all humility be presented to his most excellent Majesty the second part to be offered to the consideration of the next Session of Parliament for the realm of England and the third to be offered to the consideration of the next Parliament for the realm of Scotland that thereupon such further proceeding may be had as by both the said Parliaments may be thought fit and necessary for the weal and common good of both the said realms A Parliament in Scotland for the same purpose was indicted to the tenth of Aprill and thereafter prorogated to the eleventh of Iuly at which time the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assembled by virtue of his Majesties Commission did ordain the persons following they are to say Iohn Earl of Montrosse Chancellor of Scotland Francis Earl of Arroll high Constable of Scotland Iames Earl of Glencarn Alexander Earl of Linlithgow Iohn Archbishop of Glasgow David Bishop of Rosse George Bishop of Cathnes Walter Prior of Blantire Patrick Lord Glammis Alexander Lord Elphingston Alexander Lord Fyvie President of the Session of Scotland Robert Lord Roxbrugh Iames Lord Abircorn Iames Lord Balmerinoth Principall Secretary of Scotland David Lord of Scone Sir Iames Scrimgeour of Dudop knight Sir Iohn Cockburn of Ormston knight Sir Iohn Hume of Couldenknowes knight Sir David Carnegie of Kinnard knight Sir Robert Melvill elder of Murdocarmie knight Sir Thomas Hamilton of Binnie knight Sir Iohn Lermouth of Balcony knight Sir Alexander Straton of Lawriston knight Sir Iohn Sheen of Curry-hill knight Mr. Iohn Sharp of Howston Lawyer Mr. Thomas Craig Lawyer Henry Nisbit George Bruce Alexander Rutherford and Mr. Alexander
Wedderburne Merchants or any twelve of them to assemble and convene themselves after the ending of the present Session of Parliament and before the next Session thereof at such time and in such place as it should please his Majesties to appoint with certain selected Commissioners nominated and authorized by the Parliament of England according to the tenour of their Commissions in that behalf to conferre treat and consult upon a perfect union of the realms of Scotland and England and concerning such other matters things and causes whatsoever tending to his Majesties honor and contentment and to the weal and tranquillity of both the Kingdomes during his Majesties life and his royall posterity for ever as upon mature deliberation the greater part of the said Commissioners assembled as is aforesaid with the Commissioners authorized by the Parliament of England shall in their wisdome think most expedient and necessary not derogating from any fundamentall Lawes ancient priviledges and rights offices dignities and liberties of the Kingdome This last clause was added because of the narrative of the English Act wherein it was said That it was not his Majesties mind to alter or innovate the fundamentall lawes priviledges and good customes of the Kingdome of England by the abolishing or alteration whereof it was impossible but that a present confusion should fall upon the whole state and frame of that Kingdome In all other things the Statute in substance was the same with the English Soon after this the King resolving to have Westminster at London the place of the meeting letters were directed to the Noblemen and others nominated for Scotland willing them to addresse themselves to the journey and to be ready to meet with the other Commissioners the 20 of October and lest any disorder should fall out in the absence of the Chancellor and others of the Councell the Lord Newbottle was appointed to attend and reside in Councell unto their return The day and place of meeting was precisely observed by the Commissioners of both Kingdomes who after many dayes conferences agreed unto certain Articles to be presented to his Majesty and to the Courts of Parliament of both Kingdomes there to receive such strength and approbation as in their wisdomes should seem expedient the Articles were as followeth It is agreed by the Commissioners of England and Scotland to be mutually proponed to the Parliament of both realms at the next Sessions That all hostile lawes made and conceived expressely either by England against Scotland or Scotland against England shall in the next Sessions be abrogated and utterly extinguished It is also agreed that all Lawes Customes and Treaties of the Borders betwixt England and Scotland shall be declared by a generall Act to be abrogated and abolished and that the subjects on either part shall be governed by the Lawes and statutes of the Kingdomes where they dwell and the name of the Borders extinguished And because by abolishing the Border Lawes and Customes it may be doubted that the executions shall cease upon those sentences that have heretofore been given by the opposite Officers of those Borders upon wrongs committed before the death of the late Queen of happy memory It is thought fit that in case the Commissioners or Officers to be appointed by his Majesty before the time of the next Sessions of Parliament shall not procure sufficient redresse of such filed Bills and Sentences that then the said Parliaments may be moved to take such order as to their wisdomes shall seem convenient for satisfaction of that which hath been decerned by some Officers as also how disorders and insolencies may be hereafter repressed and the countrey which was lately of the Borders kept in peace and quietnesse in time to come As likewise to prescribe some order how the pursuits of former wrongs preceding the death of the late Queen and since the last treatise of the Borders in the years 1596 and 1597. which have never as yet been moved may be continued and prosecuted to a definitive sentence And forasmuch as the next degree to the abolition of all memory of hostility is the participation of mutuall commodities and commerce It is agreed first concerning importation of Merchandise into either realm from forein parts that whereas certain commodities are wholly prohibited by the severall lawes of both realms to be brought into either of them by the natives themselves or by any other the said prohibitions shall now be made mutuall to both and neither an English man bring into Scotland nor a Scotch man into England any of these prohibited Wares and Commodities Neverthelesse if the said Commodities be made in Scotland it shall be lawfull to bring them out of Scotland to England and so reciprocally of the Commodities made in England and carried to Scotland Whereas a doubt hath been conceived against the equall communication of trade betwixt English and Scottish subjects in matter of importation grounded upon some inequality of priviledges which the Scots are reported to have in forain parts and namely in France above the English whereby the English might be prejudged And that after a very deliberate consideration had of the said supposed inequalities both private and publick examination of divers Merchants of either side touching all liberties immunities priviledges imposts and paiments on the part of the English and on the part of the Scottish either at Burdeaux for their trade of wines or in Normandy or any other part of France for other Commodities it appeared that in the Trade of Burdeaux there was and is so little difference in any advantage of priviledges or immunities or in the imposts and paiments all being reckoned and well weighed on either side as it could not justly hinder the communication of trade In the trade of Normandy likewise or any other parts of France the advantage that the Scottish subjects by their priviledge is acknowledged to have is such as without much difficulty may be reconciled and reduced to an equality with the English by such means as is hereafter declared It is agreed that the Scottish men shall be free for the transporting of wine from Burdeaux into England paying the same customes and duties that the English men doe pay and the English men shall be likewise free for transporting of wine or other commodities from Burdeaux into Scotland paying the same Customes and duties that the Scottish men doe pay there And likewise for clearing and resolving the doubts touching the advantage that the Scots are supposed to have above the English in buying and transporting the commodities of Normandy and of other parts of the Kingdome of France excepting the buying of wine in Burdeaux which is already determined It is agreed that there shall be sent some meet and discreet persons into France two for either side to take perfect notice of any such advantage as either the English have above the Scots or the Scots above the English in the buying or
transporting of any Commodities of Normandy or any parts of France excepting the wine of Burdeaux and as the said persons shall finde the advantage to be so for making the trade equall the custome shall be advanced to the King in England and Scotland And for the part of those that have the advantage and according to the proportion of the said advantage the advancement of the custome to continue no longer then the priviledge having such advantage shall continue and that generally for all other Trade from any parts the English and Scottish subjects each in others Countrey shall have liberty of importation as freely as any of the native subjects themselves having speciall Priviledge Next concerning exportation It is agreed that all such goods as are prohibited and forbidden to English men themselves to be transported forth of England to any forein part the same shall be unlawfull for any Scottish men or any other to transport to any forein Nation beyond sea under the same penalties and forfeitures that the English are subject unto and reciprocally that forth of Scotland no English men shall transport to any forein part the Goods or Commodities that are prohibited in Scotland to Scottish men themselves Nevertheless such Goods and Commodities and Merchandises as are licensed to English men to transport out of England to any forein part the same may be likewise transported by Scottish men thither they certifying their going into forein parts and taking a Cocquet accordingly and paying the ordinary Custome that English men doe pay themselves at the exporting of such Wares The like liberty to be for English men in Scotland As for the Native Commodities which either of the Countreys doe yield and may serve for the use and benefit of the other It is agreed that mutually there may be transported forth of England to Scotland and forth of Scotland to England all such Wares as are either of the growth or handy-work of either of the said realmes without payment of any impost custome or exaction and as freely in all respects as any Wares may be transported either in England from part to part or in Scotland from part to part excepting such particular sorts of Goods and Merchandises as are hereafter mentioned being restrained for the proper and inward use of each Countrey And for that purpose it is declared That both this communication of benefit and participation of the Native Commodities of the one Countrey with the other there shall be specially reserved and excepted the sorts hereafter specified That is to say Wool Sheep Sheepfell Cattell Leather Hides and Linnen yarn which are specially restrained withâ—â— each Countrey not to be transported from the one to the other Excepting also and reserving to the Scottish men their trade of fishing within their Loches Forthes and Bayes within land and in the Seas within fourteen miles of the Coasts of the Realm of Scotland where neither English men nor any Strangers have used to fish And so reciprocally in the point of fishing on the behalf of England All which exceptions and restrictions are not to be understood or mentioned in any sort for a mark or note of separation or disunion but only as matters of policy and conveniency for the severall estate of each Countrey Furthermore it is agreed that all forein Wares to be transported forth of Scotland to England or out of England to Scotland by any of the Kings subjects of either Kingdomes having at their first entry once paid custome in either of the Kingdomes shall not pay outward custome therein afterwards save only inward custome at that Port whereunto they shall be transported But the owner of the Goods or the Factor or Master of the ship shall give bond not to transport the same into any forein part It is also agreed that Scottish men shall not be debarred from being associates unto any English company of Merchants as Merchant-venturers or others upon such conditions as any English man may be admited and so reciprocally for English men in Scotland It is nevertheless agreed by mutuall consent and so to be understood that the mutuall libertie aforesaid of Exportation and Trade in each part from the one to the other shall serve for the inward use only of either Realm and order taken for restraining and prohibiting the transportation of the said Commodities into forein parts and for due punishment of those that shall transgresse in that behalf And for the better assurance and caution herein It is agreed that every Merchant so offending shall forfeit his Goods The Ships wherein the said Goods shall be transported Consiscated The Customers Searchers and other Officers of the Custome whatsoever in case of consent or knowledge on their part to lose their Offices and Goods and their bodies to be imprisoned at his Majesties pleasure Of which escheats and forfeitures two parts shall appertain to his Majesty if the Customs be unfarmed and the third to the Informer and if the Customes be farmed one third of the forfeiture shall belong to his Majesty a third to the farmers of the Customes and the other third to the Informer The triall of the offence to be summar in either Countrey in the Exchequer Chamber by writ sufficient witnesses or oath of partie or before the Justice by Jury or Affise and his Majesties Officers in either Countrey to convene with the Complainers that interest in the pursuit As also for the more surety that there shall be no transportation of such Goods It is agreed that at the shipping of all such Native Commodities there be taken by the Customer of the Port where the Goods or Wares are imbarked a Bond or Obligation subscribed by the Owner of the said Goods and Master of the Ship by the Owner if he be present and in case of his absence by the Master of the Ship and Factor or party that ladeth the same which Bond shall contain a summe of money answerable to the value of the Goods with condition of relieving the party obliged and discharging him of the said Bond in case return be made of a due certificate to the Custome where the Goods were laden from any part within England or Scotland The Certificate to be subscribed and sealed by the Officers of the Customes of the part where the said Goods shall arrive and be unladened or if there be no such Officers there by the Chief Magistrate and Town Clerk of that Harbour or Town under their hand and Seal It is further agreed touching the indifferent fraighting of Comodities either in English or Scotish bottomes that English men and Scotish men fraight and laden their goods each in others Shâ—ps and bottoms indifferently paying only English Scotish custome notwithstanding any contrary laws or prohibitions And that a proposition be made to the Parliament of England for establiâ—ing some good orders for upholding and maintaining the great fishing of England as likewise that a proposition be made
their right In August they took journey thither and by the assistance of Mackey Mackenzie and Donold Gorum forced the Inhabitants to remove forth of the Isle and give surety not to return Ardrie and his Copartners thinking all made sure and that there was no more danger returned South about Martinmas leaving some Companies to maintain their possession which they made good all that Winter though now and then they were assaulted by the Isles-men In the Spring Ardrie went back taking with him fresh provision and fell to build and manure the lands But this continued not long for moneys failing the workmen went away and the Companies diminishing daily the Natives having associated a number of Isles-men made a new invasion about the end of harvest and by continuall incursions so outwearied the new possessors as they gave over the enterprise and were contented for a little summe of money to make away their rights to the Laird of Mackenzie This turned to the ruine of divers of the undertakers who were exhausted in means before they took the enterprise in hand and had not the power which was required in a business of that importance In the end of the year a horrible Conspiracy was detected against the King and the whole body of the State of England the names of the Conspirators were Robert Catesby Thomas Percy Thomas VVinter Iohn VVright and Guido Faulks English men all and Papists by profession These five meeting together and consulting by what mean they might best relieve the Catholick Cause so they spake Thomas Percy proponed the killing of the King and at his own perill made offer to perform the same Catesby who had another plot in his head answered That they would not hazard him so and that albeit it should succeed the case of the Catholick cause would be no better the Prince and Duke of Yorke being left alive yea if both these were cast away yet the Counsellors Nobility Judges Knights and a great many others addicted to Religion would be remaining who should be able enough to restore the estate and crosse all their purposes That therefore he had bethought himself of a better and more safe way which was at one time and with one blow to cut off all their enemies This he said was by blowing up the Parliament house with gunpowder at the time when the King and Estates were assembled The advice pleased them all but first it was thought meet to ask the opinion of their ghostly Fathers and be informed of the lawfulness of the fact as of Henry Garnet Oswould Tesmond aliàs Greenwall and Iohn Gerard Jesuits who being consulted commended the enterprise assuring them they might go on with a good conscience and perform the deed seeing they were Hereticks and persons ipso jure excommunicated against whom they were set This resolution satisfying their consciences for their greater security they took an Oath of Secrecy swearing each to other by the sacred Trinity and the blessed Sacrament they were at that time to receive that neither directly nor indirectly by word or circumstances they should discover the purpose they had taken to any whomsoever nor should desert from performing the same without licence of their associates This Oath was given upon a Primer in the presence of Gerard the Jesuit and having heard Masse and received the Sacrament Thomas Percy was appointed to hire a house nigh adjoyning to the Parliament for the more safe and secret working of the myne This being obtained yet with difficulty enough they entred to work and after divers intermissions because of proroguing the Parliament when they had brought the myne to the midst of the wall they found the opportunity of a Cellar under the Parliament house to be let and leaving the myne for that the wall was hard to be digged through they hired the cellar and put in it 36 barrels of powder a number of billets faggots and a great quantity of coles wherewith they covered the barrels They had called in Christopher Wright Robert Winter Iohn Graunt and Catesby's servant and communicated the matter to them This last was troubled at first with the cruelty of the plot and had forsaken them if he had not been confirmed and encouraged by Tesmond the Jesuit to go with the rest After these Ambrose Rockwood and Robert Keyes were made of the Councell all taking the Oath of Secrecy and receiving the sacrament upon the same And because the charge in buying powder billets and hiring of houses had been a burthen heavy for Thomas Percy it was thought meet to bring in some mo whereupon Sir Edward Digby and Francis Tresham were assumed All things being now as they judged made sure they began to think what course was fittest to take after the deed was performed The first doubt was made touching the Prince and surprise of his person or if he should accompany his Father to the Parliament how they might seise upon the Duke of Yorke his brother But this Piercy undertook to doe by reason of his acquaintance in the house into which he could enter without suspicion and how soon the blow was given carry him away by the help of such as he should have in a readinesse to assist Of the Lady Elizabeth they made small question for that she was kept in the Countrey by the Lady Harrington near to Catesby's dwelling house The next doubt they proponed where they should have money and horses and for this Digby made offer of fifteen hundred pounds English Tresham two hundred and Piercy promised to bring all he could gather of Northumberland Rents which he thought would extend to four thousand pounds and to provide ten horses for his part Neither doubted they but having the Heir apparent in their hands they should finde means sufficient A third question they made what Lords they should save from going to the Parliament which they agreed to be as many Catholicks as conveniently they might Fourthly it was moved among them what forain Princes they should acquaint with the purpose and whose aid they should seek Concerning which it was agreed that none of them should be made privie to the plot fearing they could not enjoyn secrecy to Princes and for ayd after the deed performed there would be time enough to intreat the same either of Spaine or France or the Countrey of Flanders Lastly because they saw no way to assure the Duke of Yorke his person for Piercy his undertaking they held unsure they resolved to serve their turn with the Lady Elizabeth and to proclaim her Queen to which purpose they had a Proclamation formed wherein no mention was made of altering Religion because they had no forces sufficient and till they might make good their party they would not avow the deed to be theirs but lay it so farre as they could upon the Puritans Now there remained nothing all dangers being foreseen and every thing provided but the last act of
of the Church The Synod being cited before the Councell for this presumption was discharged to meet thereafter and the Presbyteries within the bounds commanded under pain of Rebellion to accept their Moderators In Fife the resistance was no lesse for the Synod being continued twice first from April to Iune then from Iune to September meeting at that time in Dysert and pressed by the Lords Lindesay Scone and Halirudhouse Commissioners from the Councell to accept the Archbishop of S. Andrews for their Moderator did obstinately refuse and dissolved without doing any thing hereupon was that Synod likewise discharged and all the Burghs inhibited to receive them if perhaps they should reassemble after the Commissioners were gone The Presbyteries of Mers were also very troublesome and the Councell so vexed with complaints of that kinde as not a day passed without some one or other But all this opposition proved vain and they in end forced to obey did finde by experience this setled course much better then their circular elections A Commission came in this mean time for planting some learned and worthy person in the place of Mr. Andrew Melvill at S. Andrews The Commission was directed to the Archbishop of Saint Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld Rosse and Birchen the Lord Balmerinoch the Advocate the Laird of Balcomy and Commissar of S. Andrews who meeting in the new Colledge the 16 of Iune after the reading of his Majesties Letter whereby it was declared That the said Mr. Andrew being judged by the Councel of England to have trespassed in the highest sort against his Majesty and for the same committed to the Tower till he should receive his just punishment was no more to return to that charge they according to the power given them did proceed and make choice of Mr. Robert Howy to be Provost of the said Colledge ordaining him to be invested in the said office with all the immunities and priviledges accustomed which was accordingly performed in the Iuly thereafter and he entred to his Charge the 27 of that moneth It remained that some course should be taken with the Ministers that were stayed at London as it was once purposed were to be provided with some Livings in England but that Church not liking to entertain such guests they were all permitted to return home upon their promise to live obedient and peaceable M. Iames Melvill was only retained who lived a while confined at Newcastle was after some months licensed to come to Berwick where he deceased A man of good learning sober and modest but so addicted to the courses of Mr. Andrew Melvill his Uncle as by following him he lost the Kings favour which once he enjoyed in a good measure and so made himself and his labours unprofitable to the Church Now let us see what happened in the Kingdome during this time The King was ever seriously commending to the Councell the removing of the barbarous fewds wherewith he had been so greatly troubled divers whereof by their travells were this year agreed yet new occasions daily arising they were kept in a continuall business David Lindesay younger of Edyell seeking to revenge the slaughter of his Uncle Mr. Walter Lindesay whom David Master of Crawford had killed as he lay in wait of the said Master who was then by the decease of his Father succeeded in the Earldome through a pitifull mistake did invade Alexander Lord Spynie and killed him in stead of the other The Noblemans death was much regrated for the many good parts he had and the hopes his friends conceived that he should have raised again that noble and antient house of Crawford to the former splendor and dignity all which perished with him he that was in place and escaped the perill being a base unworthy prodigall and the undoer of all that by the virtue of his Ancestors had been long kept together Another business no lesse troublesome did also then happen betwixt the Earl of Morton and the Lord Maxwell for holding of Courts in Eskdale unto which both did pretend right The preparation on both sides was great and like to have caused much unquietness if the same had not been carefully prevented both parties being charged by the Councell to dissolve their forces and not to come towards the bounds the Earl of Morton obeyed Maxwell contemning the charge went on and by a cartell did appeal Morton to the combate whereupon he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh and after some two moneths stay made an escape No sooner found he himself at liberty then he fell a plotting the Laird of Iohnstons murther which he wrought in a most treacherous manner he pretending to use his friendship in obtaining his Majesties pardon employed Sir Robert Maxwell of Orchardtowne whose Sister Iohnston had married to draw on a meeting betwixt them as he did at a little hill called Achmanhill they did bring each of them one servant only as was agreed the said Sir Robert being present as a friend to both At meeting after they had courteously saluted one another and conferred a little space very friendly the two servants going aside the one called Charles Maxwell a Brother of Kirkhouse the other William Iohnston of Lockerby Charles falleth in quarrelling the other shooteth a pistoll at him the Laird of Iohnston making to part them the Lord Maxwell shooteth him in the back with two bullets whereupon he falleth and for a while keeping off the Lord Maxwell who made to strike him with his sword expired in the place it was the 6th of April in the year 1608 that this happened The fact was detested by all honest men and the Gentlemans misfortune sore lamented for he was a man full of wisdome and courage and every way well inclined and to have been by his too much confidence in this sort treacherously cut off was a thing most pitifull Maxwell ashamed of that he had done forsook the Countrey and had his estate forfeited some years after stealing quietly into the Kingdome he was apprehended in the Countrey of Cathnes and beheaded at Edinburgh the 21 of May 1613. The purpose of civilizing the Isles was this year again renewed and a long Treaty kept with the Marquis of Huntley thereupon but he breaking off by reason of the small duty he did offer for the North Isles the Earl of Argile was made Lieutenant thereof for the space of six moneths in which time it was hoped that some good should be wrought and the people reduced to good manners yet nothing was done to any purpose the great men of those parts studying only the increase of their own grandeur and striving whose command should be greatest In the Parliament of England that held in November preceding the matter of union received many crossings and of all the Articles condescended among the Commissioners only that was enacted which concerneth the abolishing of hostile laws The King grieved at this exceedingly and conceiving that the
his Majesties favors bestowed upon me having raised me out of the dust to a fortune farre exceeding my merit and on the other side I look to my foul fault in abusing his Majesties trust bringing thereby such an imputation upon his innocency as will hardly be taken away but with the forlorn childe to say Pecavi in coelum terram my offence is great I confess nor am I worthy to be reckoned any longer among his Majesties subjects or servants his Majesties rare piety singular wisdome and unspotted sincerity in all his actions whereof I had so long experience might have taught me that when he refused to have any dealing with the Pope the event of the course I took could not be good but I unhappy man would needs follow the way which to me seemed best and whereof I finde now the smart If no other thing can liberate his Majesty of this imputation caused by my folly let neither my life nor estate nor credit be spared but as I have all by his Majesties favour so let all go even to the last drop of my blood before any reproach for my offence be brought upon his Majesty Then rising up he said It shall not be necessary to remit my tryall to Scotland which I hear your Honours do intend for I do simply submit my self to his Majesties will and had much rather not live then lye any longer under his Majesties displeasure Therefore my humble suit to your honours is that in consideration of my miserable estate and ignominious confession you would be pleased to move his Majesty for accepting me in will and that without delay whatsoever may be done for reparation of his honour may be performed whereunto most willingly I submit my self The Chancellor Sir Thomas Egerton without taking any notice of these last words declared that his Majesties pleasure was to remit the tryall of his offence to the Judges in Scotland and that he should be conveyed thither as a Prisoner the Sheriffes attending him from shire to shire till he was delivered in Scotland in the mean time he did pronounce him deprived of all places honours dignities and every thing else that he possessed in England Whether or not I should mention the arraignment and execution of George Sprot notary in Eymouth who suffered at Edinburgh in the August preceding I am doubtfull his confession though voluntary and constant carrying small probability This man had deponed that he knew Robert Logan of Restalrig who was dead two years before to have been privy to Gowries conspiracy and that he understood so much by a letter that fell in his hand written by Restalrig to Gowry bearing that he would take part with him in the revenge of his fathers death and that his best course should be to bring the King by sea to Fascastle where he might be safely kept till advertisement came from those with whom the Earl kept intelligence It seemed a very fiction and to be a meer invention of the mans own brain for neither did he shew the letter nor could any wise man think that Gowry who went about that treason so secretly would have communicated the matter with such a man as this Restalrig was known to be as ever it was the man remained constant in his confession and at his dying when he was to be cast off the ladder for he was hanged in the publick street of Edinburgh promised to give the beholders a sign for confirming them in the truth of what he had spoken which also he performed by clapping his hands three severall times after he was cast off by the executioner To return to the Commissioners of the Assembly they had presence of the King in Hampton Court the 10 of September where the Archbishop of Glasgow having declared the occasion of their coming did present the Assemblies letter together with their Petitions The King having read both the one and other said That the difference between the lawfull and unlawfull meetings might be perceived by the fruits arising from both for as that unlawful conventicle at Aberdene had caused a schisme in the Church and given the enemies of Religion a great advantage so in this Assembly they had not onely joyned in love among themselves wich is the main point of religion but also had taken a solid course for the repressing of Popery and superstition that he did allow all their Petitions and would give order for a Convention which should ratifie the conclusions of the Assembly assuring them that the Church keeping that course should never lack his Patrociny and Protection Letters were immediately directed to publish his Majesties acceptation of the Assemblies proceedings and the Councell joyned to commit the Marquesse of Huntley in the Castle of Striveling the Earl of Angus in the Castle of Edinburgh and the Earl of Arroll in Dumbritton A convention was likewise indicted at Edinburgh the sixth of December which was afterward prorogued to the 27 of Ianuary The Archbishop of Glasgow was in the mean time sent home to inform the Councell concerning Balmerinoch his business and how these matters had been carried in England This report made The Chancellor who had been much ruled by the Secretary was greatly afraid as suspecting the next assault should have been made upon him self But the King who knew his disposition and expected that the Chancellor would carry himself more advisedly especially in the matters of the Church the Secretary being gone did hast the Earl of Dunbar home with a warrant to receive the Chancellor in the number of the Counsellors of England and therewith appointed him Commissioner with Dunbar in the Convention of Estates all which was done to make it seem that his credit was no way diminished with his Majesty In this convention divers Acts were made in favours of the Church As first that Noblemen sending their sons forth of the Countrey should direct them to places where the reformed Religion was professed at least where the same was not restrained by the Inquisition and that the Pedagogues sent to attend them should be chosen by the Bishop of the Dioces wherin if they should happen to transgress the Nobleman being an Earl should incur the pain of four thousand pounds if he was a Lord five thousand Marks and if a Baron three thousand Marks And if their sons should happen to decline from the true Religion that their Parents should withdraw all entertainment from them and finde surety to that effect That the Bishop of the Dioces should give up to the Treasurer Controller Collector and their deputies the names of all persons excommunicated for Religion to the end they might be known and that no confirmations resignations nor infestiments should be granted to any contained in that Roll. That the Director of the Chancery should give forth no briefes directories precepts of returns nor precept upon comprisement till they produced the Bishops Testificate of their absolution and obedience and
that it should be lawfull to Superiours and Lords of Regalities to refuse the entry of all such to their lands by precepts of Clarè constat or any other way Lastly that persons excommunicated for not conforming themselves to the Religion presently professed should neither in their own names nor covertly in name of any other enjoy their lands or rents but that the same should be intrometted with and uplifted to his Majesties use These were the Acts concluded touching Religion for the punishment of rapes which was grown as then too common his Majesty by a speciall letter did recommend to the Estates some overtures for restraining such violences As if any widow woman or maid should be forced and abused against her will the crime should be capital and not purged by the subsequent consent of the woman In like manner if any woman should be taken away albeit no further injury was done and she relieved either by her friends or by the Magistrate or by what so ever means the onely violence intended should be punished by death in regard the party had indevoured to do his worst And for those that did intice any woman to go away without their parents or tutors consent that they should be secluded from any part of the goods or lands belonging to the woman so inticed Some other Acts for the publick good of the kingdome were passed at the same time neither was it remembred that in any one convention so much good of a long time was done as in this In the beginning of February the Secretary was brought to Edinburgh and delivered to the Magistrates who received him at the neither port and conveyed him as a Prisoner to the lodging that was appointed A great gazing there was of people which troubled him not a little as he shewed by his countenance The next day he was delivered to the Lord Scone who with a guard of horse did convey him to the prison of Falkland there he remained to the 10 of March and was at that time taken to S. Andrews to abide his triall with the Justice there sate as Assessors the Earls of Dunbar Montross and Lothian the Lord Privy seal and Clerk Register His indictment was to this effect That in the year 1598 by the instigation of his Cousin Sir Edward Drummond a professed Papist he had stoln and surreptitiously purchased his Majesties hand to a letter written by the said Sir Edward and directed to Pope Clement the eighth in favour of the Bishop of Vaison for the said Bishops preferment to the dignity of a Cardinall And that notwithstanding the many denialls the King gave him in that busines he had treasonably conspired with the said Sir Edward to deceive and abuse his Majesty shuffling in a letter among others that were to be signed and filling it up after it was signed with the styles and titles usually given to the Pope and sealed the letter with his Majesties fignet the keeping whereof was intrusted to him by virtue of his office and in so doing had mostundutifully and treasonably behaved himself to the indangering of his Majesties Honour Life Crown and Estate and to the subversion of true Religion and the whole professors thereof Upon the reading of the indictment he was enquired if he would use any friends or advocates to speak in his defence as the order of the Court did allow him his answer was That he stood never in so great need of a Proloquutor the matter concerning his life estate and all that he possessed in this world yet he had choosed to keep silence and not employ either friends or advocates the offence he had committed being such as could admit no defence for howsoever he conceived that the keeping of intelligence with the Pope might advance his Majesties succession to the Crown of England yet knowing as he did his Majesties resolution never to use any crooked course but to rest upon Gods providence and his own right it did not become him to have medled in a matter of that importance Therefore did he intreat all gentlemen and others that were present to bear witness of his confession and the true remorse he had for the offence committed which he esteemed so great as neither his lands nor life may not twenty thousand lives such as his could repair onely two things he asked liberty to protest one was that he never intended to work an alteration of Religion or a toleration of the contrary the thing he had done being a meer worldly course whereby he judged some good might have been wrought at the time Next he protested that neither the love of gain nor hope of commodity had led him on that having never received nor expected benefit from any Prince living his Master the King onely excepted but an opinion he foolishly conceited that he might that way promote his Masters right In end he said that he would not make the Iudges any more business that he had confessed the truth and as he wished God to be mercifull to his soul in that great day his Majesty was most falsely and wrongfully charged with the writing of that letter to the Pope and that he never could move him to consent thereto The Jury was then called and the persons following sworn in face of Court David Earl of Crawford George Earl Marshall Iohn Earl Wigton Patrick Earl of Kingborne Iohn Earl of Tillibarden Alban L. Cathcart Iohn L. Salton David L. Scone Alexander L Garlies William Master of Tillibarden Sir Iames Douglas of Drâ—mlanrick Sir Robert Gordon of Lochinvar Sir William Levingston of Kilsith Sir Iohn Houston of the Ilke and Sir Patrick Home of Polwart These going apart returned after a short space into the Court and by the mouth of the Earl of Marshall pronounced Iames Lord Balmerinoch guilty of treasonable surreptitious fraudulent and false stealing of his Majesties hand to the letter specified in the indictment without his Majesties knowledge and contrary to his will declared As also of the treasonable affixing of his Majesties signet to the said letter and of assisting known and professed Papists in their treasonable courses to the danger of Religion the overthrow of the true professors thereof and drawing of his Majesties life estate and right of succession to the Crown of England in most extreme perill besides the bringing of most false and scandalous imputations upon his Majesty as well in Religion as honour and of art and part of the whole treasonable crimes contained in the said indictment The King being advertised of his conviction for he had commanded before any doom should be pronounced by a warrant directed to the Justice he was brought again to Edinburgh and in a Justice Court kept the first of Aprill decerned to be taken to the place of execution and there to have his head cut off his lands heritages Lordships Baronies taks steadings rooms possessions offices benefices cornes cattell c. forfeited and escheated to his
had borne the charge certain of the discontented sort did interpret it to be a sort of corruption giving out That this was done for obtaining the Ministers voices Howbeit the debt was known to be just and that no motion was made of that business before the foresaid conclusions were enacted In the Assembly a Supplication was presented in the names of the Marquiss of Huntly and the two Earls of Angus and Arroll for their absolution and a Commission given to that effect upon their satisfaction they subscriving the confession of faith and swearing to continue in the profession of the Religion presently established The Marquiss of Huntly was at that time confined in Styiveling and to him were the Archbishop of Glasgow the Bishops of Cathnes and Orkney directed They found him not unwilling to subscrive the confession of Faith and make satisfaction for his Apostasie but in regard of his many relapses did not judge it fitting to absolve him wheresore they gave order that he should conferre with Mr. Patrick Sympson the Minister of the Town a learned and moderate man that so he might subscrive with knowledge and resolution not to fall back In the December following having professed himself resolute in all points he was liberated from his confinement at Striveling and licensed to goe home to Strathbogy With the Earl of Arroll the difficulty was greater for when in a publick meeting of the Councell within the Castle of Edinburgh he had professed his conformity in every point of Religion and made offer to subscrive the very night after he fell in such a trouble of minde as he went near to have killed himself Early in the morning the Archbishop of Glasgow being called he confessed his disinclination with many tears and beseeching them that were present to bear witness of his remorse was hardly brought to any setling all that day The Nobleman was of a tender heart and of all that I have known that most conscientious in his prosession and thereupon to his dying was used by the Church with greater lenity then were others of that sect The Earl of Angus who lived confined at Glasgow took another course and upon license obtained from his Majesty went to France where he might enjoy the exercise of his Religion with liberty and dyed at Paris in a voluntary banishment some years after Shortly after the Assembly dissolved the Archbishop of Glasgow was called to Court and commanded to bring with him two others such as he thought fit The Archbishop taking with him the Bishops of Brichen and Galloway came to Court in the midst of September At their first audience the King declared what the business was for which he had called them speaking to this purpose That he had to his great charge recovered the Bishopricks forth of the hands of those that possessed them and bestowed the same upon such as he hoped should prove worthy of their places but since he could not make them Bishops nor could they assume that honour to themselves and that in Scotland there was not a sufficient number to enter charge by consecration he had called them to England that being consecrated themselves they might at their return give Ordination to those at home and so the adversaries mouths be stopped who said that he did take upon him to create Bishops and bestow spirituall offices which he never did nor would he presume to doe acknowledging that authority to belong to Christ alone and those he had authorized with his power The Archbishop answering in the name of the rest That they were willing to obey his Majesties desire and only feared that the Church of Scotland because of old usurpations might take this for a sort of subjection to the Church of England The King said That he had provided sufficiently against that for neither should the Archbishop of Canterbury nor York who were the only pretenders have hand in the business but Consecration should be used by the Bishops of London Ely and Bathe The Scots Bishops thanking his Majesty for the care he had of their Church and professing their willingness to obey what he would command the 21 of October was appointed to be the time and the Chappell of London house the place of Consecration A question in the mean time was moved by Dr. Andrewes Bishop of Ely touching the consecration of the Scottish Bishops who as he said must first be ordained Presbyters as having received no Ordination from a Bishop The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Bancroft who was by maintained That thereof there was no necessity seeing where Bishops could not be had the Ordination given by the Presbyters must be esteemed lawfull otherwise that it might be doubted if there were any lawfull vocation in most of the reformed Churches This applauded to by the other Bishops Ely acquiesced and at the day and in the place appointed the three Scottish Bishops were consecrated At the same time did the King institute a High Commission in Scotland for the ordering of Causes Ecclesiasticall and therewith sent to the Clergy the directions following 1 That every particular matter should not be brought at first before the high Commission nor any thing moved unto itexcept the same was appealed unto or complained by one of the Bishops as a thing that could not be rectified in their Dioces or then some enorme offence in the triall whereof the Bishops should be found too remiss 2 That every Archbishop and Bishop should make his residence at the Cathedrall Church of his Dioces and labour so farre as they could and were able to repaire the same 3 That all Archbishops and Bishops be carefull in visitation of their Dioces and every third year at least take inspection of the Ministers Readers and others serving cure within their bounds 4 That every Archbishop visit his Province every seven years at least 5 Whereas there be in sundry Dioceses some Churches belonging to other Bishops that care be taken to exchange the Churches one with another that all the Dioceses may lie contigue if possibly the same may be performed As likewise in regard some Dioceses are too large and others have a small number of Churches Scarce deserving the title of a Dioces that a course be taken for enlarging the same in a reasonable proportion by uniting the neerest Churches of the greater Dioces thereto 6 That the convention of Ministers for the exercise of Doctrine exceed not the number of ten or twelve at most over them a Moderator placed by the ordinaâ—y of the Dioces where the said Conventions are licensed with power to call before them all scandalous persons within that Precinct and censure and correct offenders according to the Canons of the Church yet are not these Moderators to proceed in any case either to excommunication or suspension without the allowance of the Ordinary And if it shall be tryed that these Ministers doe usurp any further power then
recover But neither this nor the other poisons that were continually put in his meats serving to dispatch him Mistresse Turner the preparer of all procured an Apothecaries boy to give him a poysoned glyster which brought him to his end Overbury thus dead was presently buried and because of the blanes and blisters that appeared in his body after his death a report was dispersed that he dyed of the French Pox which few believed and still the rumour went according to the truth that he was made away by poyson The greatness of the procurers kept all hidden for a time but God who never suffereth such vile acts to go unpunished did bring the same to light after a miraculous manner It happenned the Earl of Shrewsbury in conference with a Counsellour of Estate to recommend the Lieutenant of the Tower to his favour as a man of good parts and one that desired to be known to him The Counsellour answering that he took it for a favour from the Lieutenant that he should desire his friendship added withall that there lay upon him an heavy imputation of Overburies death whereof he wished the Gentleman to cleer himself This related to the Lieutenant he was stricken a little with it and said That to his knowledge some attempts were made against Overbury but that the same took no effect which being told to the King he willed the Counsellor to move the Lieutenâ—nt to set down in writing what he knew of that matter as he also did thereupon certain of the Councell were appointed to examine and finde out the truth From Weston somewhat was found whereupon he was made prisoner Turner and Franklin the preparers of the poyson being examined confessed every thing and then all breaking forth the Earl of Somerset with his Lady and the Lieutenant were Committed Weston at his first arraignment stood mute yet was induced afterwards to put himself to the triall of the Countrey and being found guilty was hanged at Tyburne Mistresse Turner and Iames Franklin were in like sort executed The Lieutenant who had winked at their doings was judged accessary to the crime and condemned to death which he suffered expressing a great penitency and assurance of mercy at the hands of God In the May following the Earl and his Lady were brought to their triall which by their friends they laboured earnestly to eschew but the King would not be intreated for the love he had to maintain justice The Judge by Commission was Thomas Lord Ellesmore Chancellour of England and Lord High Stewart for that time his assistants were Sir Edward Coke Lord Chief Justice of England Sir Henry Hubbart Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas Sir Laurence Tanfield Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer Judge Althared one of the Barons of the Exchequer Judge Crook Judge Dodderidge and Judge Haughton Judges of the Kings Bench and Judge Nicols one of the Judges of the Common Pleas. The Peers by whom they were tryed was the Earl of Worcester Lord Privy-seal the Earl of Pmebroke Chamberlain the Earls of Rutland Sussex Montgomery and Hartford the Viscount Lisle the Lord Souch Warden of the Cinque Ports the Lord Willowby of Eresby the Lord Dacres the Lord Monteagle the Lord Wtentworth the Lord Rich the Lord willowby of Parham the Lord Hansdon the Lord Russell the Lord Compton the Lord Norris the Lord Gerard the Lord Cavendish and the Lord Dormer With the Lady there was not much ado for she with many tears confessing the fact desired mercy The Earl who was the next day presented before the Judges made some defences but the confessions of those that were executed and a letter he had sent to his Majesty did so cleerly convincehim of being accessary to the crime at least that they were both sentenced to be taken to the Tower of London and from thence to the place of execution and hanged till they were dead It was a foul and hatefull fact on the Earles part especially who did betray his friend for satisfying the appetite of a revengefull woman yet by his Majesties clemency the lives of both were afterwards spared A new business was about the same time made by the Marquis of Huntly some eight years before he had been excommunicated and giving hopes from time to time of his reconcilement did not onely frustrate the same but breaking out in open insolencies had caused his officers discharge his Tenants from hearing the Sermons of some Ministers with whom he made shew to offend Being for this called before the high Commission he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh and had not remained there two or three days when upon the Chancellors warrant he was put to liberty The Bishops that were in Town complaining to himself of that he had done were disdainfully answered That he might enlarge without their advice any that were imprisoned by the high Commission and when it was told that the Church would take this ill said that he cared not what their Church thought of him whereupon the Ministers made great exclamations in the pulpits as against one that abused his place and power Complaints hereupon were sent from all hands to the King The Bishops complained of the Chancellour his usurping upon the Commission and to this effect directed Alexander Bishop of Cathnes to Court The Chancellour complained of the turbulency of the Ministers and the liberty they took to censure the publick actions of Statesmen in their Sermons The Marquis upon a suit he made before his imprisonment had obtained licence to come unto Court and had taken his journey thither But the King upon the Clergies complaint sent Mr. Patrick Hamilton then waiting as Secretary deputy at Court to command the Marquis to return and enter himself in the Castle of Edinburgh for satisfying the high Commission withall he carried a letter to the Councell sharply rebuking them for releasing the Marquis he being warded by the Lords of the Commission The Gentleman meeting the Marquis at Huntingdon within a daies journey to London did use his message who intreated him to go back and shew the King that he was come to give his Majesty satisfaction in every thing he would enjoyn and to beseech his Majesty since he was so farre on his journey not to deny him his presence The offer of satisfaction pleased the King very well and permitting him to come forward to Court directed him to the Archbishop of Canterbury with whom he offered to communicate His excommunication standing in the way and it being contrary to the Canons that one excommunicated by the Church should without their consent who had so sentenced him be absolved in another it was a while doubted what course they should take The King on the one side was desirous to win him home and on the other loath to infringe the Order of the Church yet inclining to have the Marquis absolved it was thought that the Bishop of Cathnes his consent in
Kings resolution to visit the Kingdom which he said did proceed of a longing he had to see the place of his breeding a Salmon-like instinct as he was pleased to call it and because he knew that evill disposed persons would disperse rumours as if he came to make alterations in the civill and ecclesiasticall Estate he commanded Proclamation to be made for certifying the subjects of the contrary It was true he said that he desired to doe some good at his coming and to have abuses reformed both in the Church and Common-wealth yet foreseing the impediments that his good intentions would meet with and regarding the love of his people no less then their benefit he would be loath to give them any discontent and therefore willed all his good subjects to lay aside their jealousies and accommodate themselves in the best sort they could for his receiving and the entertainment of the Noblemen of England who were to accompany him in the journey The Earl of Marre was at that time made Thesaurer and Sir Gedeon Murray continued in his depuâ—ation A motion had been made a little before for appointing a Commissioner or Deputie in the Kingdome which was hearkened unto by the King as that which would ease him of many vexations and in his absence maintain a face of court and breed a great respect among the people and so farre was that purpose advanced as both the King had made offer of the place to the Earl of Marre and he yielded to accept the same but this breaking out and coming to the Chancellors knowledge whether that he desired not to have any in place above himself or as he pretended wishing the Noblemans good he diverted him from accepting that charge and brought him to embrace the office of Thesaurer as the most profitable and that which should bring with it a less envy Sir Gedeon had the intromission withall as when Somerset was in place and did provide things so carefully and with such foresight as when the King came he found nothing lacking that was required for a Royall and Princely entertainment Among other directions sent from the King one was for repairing of the Chappell and some English carpenters employed who brought with them the portraits of the Apostles to be set in the Pews or Stalls as they were proceeding in their work a foolish and idle rumour went that Images were to be set up in the Chappell and as people are given to speak the worst it was current among them that the Organs came first now the Images and ere long they should have the Masse The Bishop of Galloway then Dean of the Chappell moved with these speeches did pen a letter to the King entreating his Majesty for the offence that was taken to stay the affixing of these portraits To this letter he procured the subscriptions of the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishops of Aberdene and Berchin and divers of the Ministers of Edinburgh The answer returned by the King was full of anger objecting ignorance unto them that could not distinguish betwixt pictures intended for ornament and decoration and images erected for worship and adoration and resembling them to the Constable of Castile who being sent to swear the peace concluded with Spain when he understood the business was to be performed in the Chappell where some anthems were to be sung desired that whatsoever was sung Gods name might not be used in it and that being forborn he was content they should sing what they listed just so said the King you can endure Lyons Dragons and Devills to be figured in your Churches but will not allow the like place to the Patriarchs and Apostles His Majesty alwaies gave order for some other form and staying the erecting of these portraits which in the same letter he said was not done for ease of their hearts or confirming them in their errour but because the work could not be done so quickly in that kind as was first appointed This letter was of the date at Whitehall the 13 of March 1617. The King was much laboured to deferre his journey to the next year when as he should find things better prepared but he refusing to hearken to any such motion made the greater haste and in the beginning of May came to Berwick where he was met with divers of the Councell and by their advice the Parliament which had been indicted to the 17 of May prorogued to the 13 of Iune All this time intervened the King spent in a progress through the Countrey makingâ— his entry in the speciall Burghs after a most Royall manner and welcomed with all the expressions of joy that could be devised At the day appoynted the Estates were frequently assembled where his Majesty made a long speech for the establishing Religion and Iustice neither of which he said could be lookt for so long as a regard was not had to the Ministers of both For Religion he complained That notwithstanding of the long profession of the truth numbers of Churches remained unplanted and of those that were planted few or none had any competent maintenance for this he wished some course to be taken and certain Commissioners to be chosen for appointing to every Church a perpetuall locall stipend such as might suffice to entertain a Minister and make him able to attend on his charge of justice He discoursed long remembring the pains he had taken as well when he lived among them as since his going into England and how he had placed Iustices and Constables a most ladable kind of government for the preserving of peace and the keeping of the laws in due regard which he understood as he said to be much neglected partly in default of some that were named to those places and held it a scorne to be employed in such a charge and partly by the opposition which the Lords and great men of the Countrey made unto them and to their settling but he would have both the one and other to know that as it was a place of no small honour to be a Minister of the Kings Iustice in the service of the Common wealth so he did esteem none to deserve better at his hands then they who gave countenance thereto as on the other part whosoever should shew themselves hinderers thereof should be accounted with him enemies to his Crown and the quiet of the Kingdom In end he said that he had long striven to have the barbarities of the Countrey which they knew to be too many removed and extinct and in place thereof Civility and Iustice established and that he would still indevour to doe his best that way till he might say of Scotland as one of the Emperours said of Rome Inveni lateritiam relinquo marmoream The King having closed and the Lords gone apart to choose those that should be upon the Articles the humours of some discontented Lords begun to kithe for whosoever were by the
King recommended as fit persons were passed by as men suspected and others named who stood worse affected to his Majesties service Another question they made for admitting the Officers of State refusing to admit any but the Chancellor Thesaurer and Clerk of the Rolls This being long and sharply debated was in end agreed by the admission of the whole number Among these Articles proponed the first was of his Majesties authority in causes Ecclesiasticall concerning which it was desired to be enacted That whatsoever conclusion was taken by his Majesty with advice of the Archbishops and Bishops in matters of externall policy the same should have the power and strength of an Ecclesiasticall law The Bishops interceding did humbly intreat that the Article might be better considered for that in making of Ecclesiasticall laws the advice and consent of Presbyters was also required The King replying That he was not against the taking of Ministers their advice and that a competent number of the most grave and learned among them should be called to assist the Bishops but to have matters ruled as they have been in your Generall Assemblies I will never agree for the Bishops must rule the Ministers and the King rule both in matters indifferent and not repugnant to the Word of God So the Article passed in this form That whatsoever his Majesty should determine in the externall government of the Church with the advice of the Archbishops Bishops and a competent number of the Ministery should have the strength of a law This coming to the Ministers ears they began to stirre as if the whole Rites and Ceremonies of England were to be brought upon them without their consents whereupon the Ministers that were in Town were called together and warned to be quiet for that such a generall Act did not lay upon them any bond and if any particular was urged the same should be communicated to them and nothing concluded without their consents It was further told them that there would not be wanting informations enough to stirre them up unto unquietness but they should doe well not to irritate his Majesty whom they knew to be a gracious Prince and one that would hear reason and give way to the same This they did all promise yet upon the suggestion of some discontented people the very next day Mr. William Struthers one of the Ministers of Edinburgh did unhappily break out in his Sermon upon these matters condemning the Rites received in the Church of England and praying God to save Scotland from the same This reported to the King by some of the English Doctors that were his hearers he became greatly incensed But the Ministers not contented with this did the same day in the afternoon tumultuously convene and form a Protestation in the words following Most gracious and dread Soveraign most honourable Lords and remanent Commissioners of this present Parliament We the Ministers of Christs evangel being here convened from all the parts of this your Majesties Kingdome doe in all reverence and submission intreat your Majesties and honours patient and favourable hearing of this our reasonable and humble supplication And first it will please your Highness honorable Estates presently convened to be informed that we are here a number of the Ministery out of all the parts of the Kingdome and that the Bishops have protested to a great many of us since our coming that nothing should be agreed nor consented unto by them in this present Parliament in matters concerning the discipline order of the Church without our knowledge and advice affirming that neither we nor they have any power to consent to any novation or smallest change of the order established without the advice of the Generall Assembly whereupon we resting in security have received a sudden report of an Article to passe for a law in the Parliament decerning and declaring that your Majesty with the advice of the Archbishops and Bishops and such a competent number of the Ministery as your Majesty out of your wisdome should think expedient shall in all time coming have full power to advise and conclude all matters of decency and which any way may concern the policy of the Church And that such conclusions shall have the strength and power of laws Ecclesiasticall wherein it will please your Majesty and honourable Estates to hear our own just griefs and to consider our reasonable desires and not to put us your Majesties humble subjects to that poor and simple part of protestation Which if remedy be not provided we shall be forced to use for the freedome of our Church and discharge of our consciences We then first plead our reformation and that the purity of our Church in doctrine ministration of the sacraments discipline and all convenient order with the best reformed Churches in Europe hath been acknowledged rather as a pattern to be followed of others then that we should seek our reformation from those that never attained to that perfection which we by the mercy of God this long time past have enjoyed under your Highness protection Next we plead the liberty of our Church which by the laws of your Majesties Kingdome and divers Acts of Parliament is established with power of publick meetings and annuall Assemblies and allowance to make Canons and constitutions such as may serve for the comely order thereof all which by this conclusion that is intended will be utterly overthrown Thirdly we plead for the peace and tranquillity of our Church that being nearest the Divine and Apostolicall institution hath lived without schisme and rent in the self and by introduction of any novelty against order may be miserably divided and so our peace broken Fourthly we have been at divers times sufficiently secured from all suspicions of innovation and specially by your Majesties Letter sent down this last Winter to take away all fear of any alteration which might arise upon your Majesties lovingly intended journey which Letter by your Majesties speciall will and direction of your Highness Councell was intimated in pulpits as also by that Proclamation given out the 26 of September 1616 when rumours of an intended conformity with the Church of England were dispersed whereby your Majesty sufficiently avoided all such suspicion and setled the hearts of honest men in a confidence that no such thing should be attempted These and many other reasons have moved us in all reverence by this our humble supplication to entreat your Highness and honourable Estates not to suffer the aforenamed Article or any other prejudiciall to our former liberties to passe at this time to the grief of this poor Church that the universall hope of thousands in this land who rejoiced at your Majesties happy arrivall be not turned into mourning wherein as we we are earnest supplicants to God to incline your Majesties heart this way as the most expedient for the honour of God and well of your subjects so if we shall be frustrated of this our
constitutions for the profit and good of the Countrey as in the Acts imprinted may be seen At the closing of the Parliament which was the fourth of August such abundance of rain with such thunderings and lightnings did fall as the Noblemen and others of the Estates were compelled to leave their horses and betake them to their Coaches which the factious sort did interpret to be a visible sign of Gods anger for ratifying the Acts of Perth others in derision of their folly said that it was to be taken for an approbation from heaven likening the same to the thunderings and lightnings at the giving of the law to Moses This was the last Parliament of King Iames in this Kingdome and that wherein he received greatest content for the Puritan faction had boasted that the Acts of Perth should never pass in a law so confident they were of their favourers in the Parliament house and now that they failed in their hopes he trusted they would become more wise But the King no less carefull to have the Acts obeyed then he was to have them pass in a law did commend the same by two severall letters to the Bâ—shops and Lords of the Councell To the Bishops he said That as they had to do with two sorts of enemies Papists and Puritans so they should go forward in Action both against the one and the other That Papistry was a disease of the minde and Puritanisme of the braine and the antidote of both a grave settled and well ordered Church in the obedience of God and their King whereof he willed them to be carefull and to use all means for reducing those that either of simplicity or wilfulness did erre In his letter directed to the Councel he put them in minde of that he had written in his Basilicon dorâ—n That he would have reformation begin at his own elbow which he esteemed the Privy Councel and Session with their members to be as having their places and promotions by him Therefore commanded them and every one of that number to conform themselves to the obedience of the orders of the Church now established by law which he trusted they would readily do otherwise if any Counsellor or Sessioner should refuse and make difficulty he did assure them that if within 14 dayes before Christmas they did not resolve to conform themselves they should lose their places in his service And if any Advocate or Clerk should not at that time obey they should be suspended from the exercises of their offices and the fees and casualities thereunto belonging unto such time as they gave obedience In the same letter he willed the Councell to take order That none should bear office in any Burgh nor be chosen Sheriffe Deputy or Clerk but such as did conforme themselves in all points to the said orders This letter was of the date At the Honour of Hampton the 29 of September 1621. By this may the Reader judge of that which hath been commonly affirmed That the Nobleman who was Commissioner should have promised at the passing of the Acts that none should be pressed with the obedience of them but all left to their own pleasures That his Majesty gave no such warrant it appears by the foresaid Letters and that the Nobleman would go an inch from that he was trusted with none that knew will believe The truth is that in most perswasive words and with that majesty which became the place he represented he did require them all to acquiesce and willingly obey the conclusions taken and not to draw upon themselves by their disobedience his Majesties anger assuring them in that case that his Majesty should not in his daies presse any more change or alteration in matters of that kinde without their own consents And this was all the Nobleman spake as divers yet living may remember In the beginning of the next year the Chancellor died at his house of Pinky neer to Mâ—silburgh in a good age and with the regrate of many for he exerced his place with great moderation and to the contentment of all honest men he was ever inclining to the Roman faith as being educated at Rome in his younger years but very observant of good order and one that hated lying and dissimulation and above all things studied to maintain peace and quietness Sir George Hay Clerk of Register being then at Court was preferred to the place and by his dismission Mr. Iohn Hamilton brother to the Earl of Hadington made Keeper of the Register About this time upon advertisements sent from England of the enlargement of certain Priests and Papists that were there imprisoned a rumour was dispersed that the King was inclining to a toleration of Popery and would grant liberty of conscience This rumour was increased by occasion of certain directions sent from the King to the Bishops of England for reforming certain abuses crept into the Church whereby the Preachers and Lecturers were commanded on Sundaies and Holy-daies in the afternoon to teach the Catechisme only or then some text taken out of the Creed the ten Commandements or Lords Prayer and in their preaching to abstain from handling the deep points of Predestination Reprobation Election the universality efficacy resistibility or irresistibility of Grace leaving these themes as fitter for the Schools then for simple auditors as likewise not to presume in any Lecture or Sermon to limit and bound by way of positive doctrine the power prerogative jurisdiction authority or duty of soveraign Princes or to meddle with matters of State having reference betwixt Princes and people otherwise then they were instructed and presidented in the Homily of Obedience and others of that sort set forth by publick authority These directions were interpreted to be a discharge of preaching at least a confining of Preachers to certain points of doctrine which they called a limiting of the Spirit of God and as people will ever be judging and censuring publick actions every one made the construction whereunto their humours did lead them The better and wiser sort who considered the present estate of things gave a farre other judgment thereof for as then the King was treating with the French King for peace to the Protestants in France and with the King of Spain for withdrawing his forces from the Palatinate at which time it was no way fitting that he should be executing the rigour of his laws against Papists at home while he did labour for peace to them of the Religion abroad the most likely way to obtain what he did seek of these Princes being a moderation of the severity of laws against Priests Papists at least for a time And as to the directions given to the Preachers the same they judged both necessary and profitable considering the indiscretion of divers of that sort who to make ostentation of their learning or to gain the applause of the popular would be medling with controversies they scarce understood and
with matters exceeding the capacities of people The King offending with these rumours which he heard were dispersed in both Kingdoms took occasion in a Parliament assembled about that time in England to speak to them and say I understand that I am blamed for not executing the laws made against Papists but ye should know that a King and his laws are not unfitly compared to a rider and his horse the spurre is sometime to be used but not alwaies the bridle is sometimes to be held in at other times to be let loose as the rider finds cause just so a King is not at all times to put in execution the rigour of his laws but he must for a time and upon just grounds dispense with the same as I protest to have done in the present case and to have connived only for a time upon just cause howbeit not known to all If any man for the favour shewed to a Priest or Papist will judge me to be inclining that way he wrongs me exceedingly My words and writings and actions have sufficiently demonstrated what my resolution is in all matters of Religion Some mo words to this purpose he uttered in that meeting but in a Letter directed to the Councel of Scotland he was somewhat more rough finding fault with those that presumed to censure his proceedings and commanding them to take an exact triall of such as had broken out into any such insolencies either in word or deed and to punish them severely according to the laws This was not well published when the news of the Princes journey to Spain made all good men amazed for hearing that he was gone accompanied only with the Duke of Buckingham and another servant the fear of inconveniences that might befall his person did mightily trouble them But it pleased God both in his going and returning safely to conduct and protect him The occasion and successe of that journey I shall shortly relate A match had been treating of a long time betwixt the Prince and a Daughter of Spain which received many hinderances both at home and in that Court but it being thought that the delaies made in these parts would be easily removed by the presence of the Prince himself whereof great hopes were given by Gundamar the Spanish Ambassadour the King gave way to the journey as hoping by this mean to have the Palatinate freed from the vexations of warre and a generall peace established throughout Christendome Thus the Prince accompanied in manner aforesaid departly secretly from Court and landing at Callais went through France undiscovered and after a few daies came safely to the Court of Spain At his coming he was kindly received and welcomed with divers courtly Complements but found a greater strangeness then he expected for although he was still kept in hope of the Match yet he was not permitted to visit the Lady but upon condition to speak in such and such terms and no otherwise Afterward they began to move him touching his Religion desiring he should conferre with some Divines for that he could not have the Infanta to wife unlesse he was converted and became a Roman Catholick The Prince replying That he would not change his Religion for such a worldly respect nor would he enter in conference with any Divines to that purpose for if they did not prevaile with him it would breed a greater discontent It was then told him that he must attend till a dispensation was procured from Rome and that in the mean time be should be entertained as a Prince but not as a Sutor This Dispensation being returned which had in it a condition that the King of Spain should take oath to obtain the King of Britains consent unto certain demands concerning Religion there was a letter therewith sent from Pope Gregory the 15th to the Prince wherein after many fair and plausible words he said that as Pope Gregory was the first that induced the people of England to submit themselves to the See Apostolick so he bearing the same name and being his equall in the height of dignity though inferiour to him in vertue and holiness desired nothing more then to follow his pattern and promove the health and happiness of that Kingdome the rather because his peregrination at that time had given such hopes of an happy success for since he was arrived in Spain and at the Court of the Catholick King with a desire to joyn in mariage with the house of Austria which intention he greatly commended he could not believe that he did really desire the Match and in heart abhorre the Catholick Religion and seek to ruine the holy See of Rome Then falling to a prayer he besought God the Father of lights to advance him the most fair flower of the Christian world and the only hope of Great Britain to that noble inheritance which his illustrious progenitours had gained by the defence of the Apostolick authority and the suppression of the monsters of all heresies Towards the end of the Letter willing him to call to minde the antient times â—nd make his prayers to his ancestors that they would vouchsafe to teach him the way by which they went to heaven he askt how he could with patience hear the hereticks call them damned whom the Catholick faith doth testifie to reign in heaven and to dwell exalted above all the Princes of the earth In end returning to his supplications he said that the Catholick Church Roman stretching forth her armes to embrace him with all affection as her most desired son he could not perform any thing of greater comfort to the Nations of Christendome then to bring again the profession of that most noble Island to the Prince of the Apostles whereof he could not despaire his hopes being set on God in whose hands are the hearts of Kings c. This Letter given at Rome in the Palace of S. Peter the 20 of April 1623 and in the third year of his Apostolate was delivered to the Prince about the midst of May which he received courteously thanking the Pope for his good affection Thereafter understanding that the Dispensation was granted he pressed the performance of the Marriage but was answered That the Conditions must first be fulfilled and the Articles concerning the Infanta her liberty of profession when she came into England and the education of her Children if God should grant her any by him drawn up in form These Articles being advised by a Commission of Divines were sent into England and shortly after returned signed with his Majesties hand and approved by the Councell And now it was thought there should be no more delaies used but other excuses were forged as that it was not fitting the Infanta should go to England before the business of the Parliament was setled and that these Articles must be sent to Rome and allowed by the Pope The Prince perceiving that there was nothing really intended on the King of Spain his
part and that the Treaty was only entertained till the King of Spain had reduced Germany in his power resolved to be gone and declaring the necessity he had to return did leave a Proxie in the hands of the Earl of Bristoll the Ambassadour legier for espousing the Infanta how soon the Articles returned from Rome So the King of Spain having conveyed the Prince a little way towards the sea they parted in most loving tearms and in hope the Match should take effect But the Prince being after that informed of a conclusion laid That if the Match should be further pressed the Infanta to eschew the same should presently enter into the house of los Discalceatos a Monastery of bare-footed Nunnes after he was parted sent and commanded Bristoll not to make use of the proxie till he should advertise The Prince having for his convoy home eleven of the Kings ships and some Merchants arrived at Portsmouth the 5 of October with his whole retinue and went the next day to Royston where the King lay The joy was exceeding great of all sorts of people and publick thanks given to God throughout all the Churches of both the Kingdoms for his safe return Soon after when the King perceived by the report that neither was the Match truly meant nor the Palatinate like to be restored he directed the Earl of Bristoll to insist for the restitution and if he was put off with delaies to take his leave and come home which also he did Thus was the marriage which had been long treated of quite dissolved the King saying That he would never marry his Son with a Portion of his only Sistes tears The year following the Ministers of Edinburgh were greatly vexed by a sort of mutinous people who separating themselves from the publick Assemblies kept private Conventicles and went so far as to oppose publickly the order established for receiving the holy Communion The leader of those was William Rigge elected one of the Bailiffs for that year This man puffed up with a conceit of his own abilities did dream of no lesse then the overturning of the Church orders and reforming of the Ministery in such things as he held to be amisse hereupon in a meeting ordinarily kept before the celebration of the holy Sacrament he did publickly challenge Doctor William Forbes who was afterwards preferred to the Bishoprick of Edinburgh for divers points of doctrine delivered by him in his Sermons and when as he refused to be judged by him and the Laicks that assisted the said Baliffe did openly threaten them all that unlesse they returned to the old form of ministring the holy Communion the whole people should forsake them Herein he was assisteed by Iohn Hamilton an Apothecary Iohn Dickson William Thomson Iohn Meene and some other base companions who being called before the Councell were charged to leave the Town and the Bailiffe William Rigge deprived of his Bailiwick and declared incapable of any publick office in time comming This trouble gave occasion of setling the state of that Church in a better case then in former times the Ministers being ordained to reside in their own Parishes and have allowed to them a sufficient maintenance the popular election of Ministers when as places by any occasion fell void discharged and the presentation appointed to be made by the Provost Bayliffs and Councell the Sessions to be choosed yearly by the Magistrates and Ministers for the particular Parishes who should convene every year some ten daies after the election of the Magistrates for that business the meeting before the Communion wherein the Ministers were accustomed to be censured by the people simply prohibited with divers other particulars serving to the orderly ministration of all things in the Church The 16 of February Lodovick Duke of Richmond and Lâ—nnox deceased to the great regrate of all that knew him a Nobleman of excellent parts whose very aspect and countenance did promise much good He was thrice married first to a Sister of the Earl of Gowry by whom he had no children his second Wife was a Sister of the Lord London by whom he had a daughter and son that died both young In his third and last marriage with the Countesse of Hartford he found more content then in both the other but lived with her only some few years being taken away in the 48 year of his age His brother a noble Gentleman succeeded but did not survive him long for he died the next year leaving a hopefull succession of children behinde him The next year in the moneth of March Iames Marquis of Hamilton deceased also a Nobleman of rare gifts and fitted for the greatest affairs which he shewed at his deputation to the Parliament 1621 and at other divers occasions his death was the more grievously taken that it was thought it was procured by poyson whereof the monstrous swellings in his face and body afore his death gave great appearance his corps brought to Scotland by sea was interred at Hamilton with his predecessours These two deaths affected the King exceedingly and when it was told him that the Marquis was dead he said If the branches be thus cut down the stock cannot continue long which saying proved too true for shortly after he fell into the feaver that the Physitians call Hemitritaeam a dangerous feaver to those that are grown in years and thereof died at Theobalds the 27 of March being Sunday about twelve of the clock in the forenoon The Thursday preceding his death he desired the blessed Sacrament to be ministred unto him which he received with great devotion professing to the Prince his son and those that stood by that he had received a singular comfort thereby wishing all men to doe the like when they were visited in that sort From that time to the hour of his death he was still almost praying and some one sentence or other of piety ever in his mouth As he drew neer to his end the prayer usually said at the hour of death being ended having repeated once or twice these words Veni Domine Iesu he gave up the ghost without any pangs as are commonly seen in persons that are dying He was the Salomon of this age admired for his wise government and for his knowledge of all manner of learning for his wisdome moderation love of justice for his patience and piety which shined above all his other virtues and is witnessed in the learned works he left to posterity his name shall never be forgotten but remain in honour so long as the world indureth We that have had the honour and happiness many times to hear him discourse of the most weighty matters as well of Policy as Divinity now that he is gone must comfort our selves with the remembrance of these excellencies and reckon it not the least part of our happinesse to have lived in his daies Many dolefull Epitaphs in all Languages were composed to expresse the sorrow
But agreeth with the Iewes 13 Augustine the Monk endevoureth to perswade the Saxons in Britain to observe Easter according to the Roman account but they refuse 12 A dispute held in England in Yorkshire concerning the computation of Easter between a Scottishman a Bishop and the abettors of the Roman Church 15 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury with the content of the Church of Scotland 527 The tryall of the Earl of Somerset 525 The Earl of Essex his death and the cause 463 Edinburgh Castle surrendred by the Queens party 271 The Town having maintained tumults against the King submit themselves 432 Elizabeth Queen of England is styled an Atheist by the Ministers of Scotland in their sermons 419 423 The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palsgrave 19 Excommunication of persons of capitall crimes if they are fugitives forbidden 517 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the content of the Scottish Ministers 527 F FAst one fasteth fourty daies without any the least kinde of food another time thirty daies 69 Francis II of France husband to Mary Stewart Queen of Scots dâ—eth 69 H PRince Henry baptized 406 His death 510 The death of Iames Marquiss of Hamilton 546 I IReland Patrick a Scot converteth that Nation 8 Ignorance Some Priests so ignorant as that they thought the New Testament written by Luther 76 Iames VI. born 196 Baptized according to the rites of the Roman Church 197 His Father attempted by poyson ibid. His Father murthered by Bothwell 200 Crowned in the Church of Striveling being thirteen moneths old Some Lords rebel against him at Edinb 287 He is offended at some proceedings of the Church and does not favour them much 308 Surprised by a combination of Nobles and sequestred from the Duke of Lennox 321 Temporiseth with the Church 322 He appointeth a feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador the Ministers to cross him on the same day appoint a fast 322 A promise made in time of restraint he judgeth not obliging 327 He giveth clear testimony of the care of the Church 347 A letter written by Walsingham to perswade the King to pass by the revenge of his Mothers death 359 An offer made by an English Ambassador and accordingly done to bring a Declaration signed by all the Judges in England to shew that the sentence against his Mother did not invalidate his right 365 Married to the King of Denmarks daughter 377 Goeth in person to Norway 377 Giveth directions for government in his absence 378 Bringeth his Queen to Scotland 380 Bothwells plot to surprise him discovered and prevented 386 He is surprised by Bothwell 394 He writeth an Epitaph on the death of his Chancellour 411 His just complaint against the petulancy of Churchmen 419 Publisheth his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 455 Gowry's conspiracy against him 457 A letter written to him from the Councel and Nobility of England 473 Crowned at Westminster 478 He would never hang Priests of the Roman profession onely for their Religion 523 He foretelleth his own death therefore not likely to be poisoned 546 He died of an Hemitritaea a disease very dangerous for the aged 546 A Witch had not power to kill him 383 K KIngs Iohn Knox his opinion concerning deposing them for ill-government 137 Reasons why they are not to be punished by their Subjects ibid. The Scots cannot resolve to arraign their Queen 214 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject their Protestation 318 A Minister of Scotland affirmeth in his Sermon that it is lawful for Subjects to take arms against their King 430 Rebellion of the Subjects if they succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 Conspiracies against Princes not thought true unless they are slain 460 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Knox his death 266 Proved that he was not the Author of the book published in his name under the title of the History of Scotland 267 A form of Church policy drawn up by him 152. L LAws Malcolm repealeth that wicked Law of Eugenius III which appointed the first night of the new married woman to belong to the Lord of the ground 29 Lollards Articles of Religion taught by them 61 The Earl of Lennox Grandfather to Iames VI and Regent slain in fight 256 The Lord Aubigny Earl and after Duke of Lennox embraceth the Protestant faith 308 He dieth in the Protestant Religion 324 M JOhn Maior Hector Boeth Gilbert Crab William Gregory learned men lived in Scotland A. D. 1539. 68 The Earl of Murray Regent of Scotland murthered 233 Earl of Marre Regent of Scotland dieth a natural death 264 The Earl of Morton then Regent his covetousness and sacrilege 271 Executed upon suspicion that he consented to the murther of the Father of Iames VI 314 Rabanus Maurus born in Scotland 22 O OAths The Catholicks are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their Religion so as in minde they continued firm and laboured secretly in promoting the Roman faith 308 Ordination One Bruce being to be made Minister of a Parish in Edinburgh refuseth Ordination 451 Had preached many years before without Ordination ibid. Ordination by Presbyters in case of necessity that it is lawful 514 The death of Sir Thomas Overbury 514 P PRiests called Culdees and why 4 Pope his league not suffered to enter into Scotland 43 The Clergy will acknowledge no Statute imposed upon them by the Legate 45 A Collection demanded by the Pope denied and the Legate not permitted to enter the Realm ibid. VRbane IV. ordained that every Bishop and Abbat elect of Scotland should travail to Rome for consecration 46 A Councel held at Lyons by the Pope the Acts thereof ibid. The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 One thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of Rome and are all slain 12 Prayer A great question arose among the Churchmen whether the Pater noster were to be said to the Saints or God only Protestants the Queen Regent Dowager of Iames V. dieth in the faith of Protestants 146 The Queen of England contriveth a counter-league against the Holy league made in France for the extirpation of Protestants 389 The Articles of that League 349 Election of Ministers by the People discharged by authority in Scotland 545 The same Portent interpreted to contrary significations 542 Presbyters excluded from intermedling with the making of Ecclesiastical laws in Scotland 531 Ordination by them in case of necessity is lawfull 514 The marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth 519 The history of the Powder-treason 491 This conspiracy carried on in secrecy a whole year 492 R ROme one thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of the Roman Church and are all slain 12 A ploâ—to reintroduce the Roman religion 390
Church Catholick where it was before the Reformation by Edward Boughen D. D. in 4o. An Advertisement to the Jury-men of England touching Witches written by the Author of the Observations upon Mr. Hobbs Leviathan in 4o. New Episcopacy-and Presbytery considered by Hen. Fern. D. D. in 4o. A Sermon preached at the Isle of Wight before his Majesty by Hen. Fern D. D. in 4o. The Commoners Liberty or the English-mans Birth-right in 4o. An Expedient for composing Differences in Religion in 4o. A Treatise of self-denial in 4o. by a conceal'd Author The holy Life and Death of the late Vi-countesse Falkland in 12º Certain Considerations of present Concernment Touching the Reformed Church of England by H Fern in 12o. New Englands Faithfull Reprover and Monitour in 12o. by Io. Allington Newly published The grand Conspiracy of the Members against the Mind of Jewes against their King As it hath been delivered in four Sermons by Iohn Allington B. D. in 12o. The Quakers wilde questions objected against the Ministers of the Gospel and many sacred Acts and Offices of Religion with brief Answers thereunto Together with a Discourse of the holy Spirit his workings and impressions on the souls of men by R. Sherlock B. D. in 8o. White Salt or a sober correction of a mad world By Iohn Sherman B. D. a discontinuer in 12o. The Marching of the Magistrates Authority and the Christians true liberty in matters of Religion By William Lyford B. D. and late Minister of Sherborn in Dors. in 4o. An. 1601. An. 1603. An. 1610. An. 1615. An. 1616. The Assembly of Perth 1618. An. 1633. An. 1635. An. 1639. The Preface Anno 203. Scotland converted to the faith of Christ Anno 203. Boeth li. 6. Buch. li. 4. Lâ—st l. 3. The Planters of Christianity in this Kingdom Reasons why Pope Victor could not be the worker of our conversion An. 277. Buchan li. 4. Severus his expedition into Britain King Cratilinth expulses the Druides A short description of the Druides Diocletian his persecution Sodorense fanum Boeth li. 6. An. 360. Amphibalus the first Bishop of Man Culdees why so called Boeth l. 6. Bishops in Scotland at the first planting of the faith Boeth ibidem Maximus the Roman prefect practiseth with the Picts against the Scots Bouch. li. 6. Buchan li. 5. The Scots exiled Buchan li. 4. An. 370. Regulus arrives into Albion Hergustus King of the Picts gave his Palace to Regulus An. 404. King Fergus came to the Firth of Murâ—ray Boeth l. 7. He repaired the Churches King Fergus vanquished and slain Boeth li. 7. Greem battereth the wall of Severus Buch. l. 5. Eugenius assisted by the Picts overcometh the Britains Anno 450. St. Ninian St. Augustin de civitate Dei li. 22. cap. 10. Beda his Ecclesiast Hist. li. 3. cap. 4. Palladius sent into Scotland by Pope Celestine Beda li. 1. c. 13. Buch. li. 5. Buch. his opinion refelled Monks not reckoned among the Clergy Servanus and Tervanus ordained Bishops by Palladius Boeth li. 7. Hist. li. 4. An. 491. St. Patrick the converter of Ireland Baâ— cent 1. Bacon to 5. in Anno 431. Sect. 191. Camden in the description of Ireland Ioh. Biâ—sans in descriptione Britanmae Sedulius educated under Hildebert a Bishop Bal. cent 14. Lesl. li. 4. Anno 494. Gratin decret par distruct 15 Sedulius proved to be a Scottish man against the Irish writers An. 500. Scotland a Colonie deduced from Ireland Congallus an excellent Prince Buch. in vita Congalli Tithes declared to appertain to the Church A law for the safety of Church-men Columba returneth into Scotland Scotichron li. 3. Boeth li. 9. Monks placed in Monasteries Columba sent to bring Aidanus the heir of the Crown from Ireland Congallus dieth to whom his brother succeedeth An. 603. Boeth li. 9. Buchan l. 5. Lesl. li. 4. Aidanus crowned King Columba retired to the Isle Iona. Aidanus maketh warre against the Picts Aidanus rebuked by Columba Aidanus forced to take up Arms against the Picts The Picts overcome and Aidanus getteth the victory Columba dieth in the year of our Lord 603. Boeth li. 9. Kentigern or St. Mungo An. 500. Boeth li. 9. Mongah in the Norish tongue signifieth dear fâ—â—â—nd Kentigern his journey to Wales Kentigern his austere life and death Baldred and Convallus were Kentigerns disciples Boeth li. 9. Lesl. li. 4. Convallanus Governour of the Monastery in Iona. Boeth ibidem Brigida An. 518. Boeth li. 9. Brigida dieth at Abernetâ—â—â—â—y â—y Anno 600. Augustine the Monk sent into Britain Beda l. 3. c. 2. The Britains refuse to conform themselves to the rites of Rome A letter from the Bishops of England to the Scottish Church Beda l. 2. c. 4. Honorius writeth to the Church of Scotland Beda l. 2. c. 19. A letter from the Clergy of Rome to the Church of Scotland Beda ibidem Beda his judgement of the letter Buchan l. 5. Boeth li. 9. Lesl. li. 4. Buchan l. 9. Beda l. 3. c. 5. Cormanus sent into Northumberland Aidaus sent for the conversion of Northumberland Aidanus ordained Bishop and sent into Northumberland The vertues of King Oswald An. 651. The commendation of the Bishop Aidanus Finnanus succeeded Aidanus Finnan dieth to whom Colman succeeded The controversie about Easter wakened A dispute for the time of Easter Osâ—py King of Nuâ—thimbers his speech to the diâ—puters Colman his reasons for the observing of Easter after the Scottish manner â—ilfrid his repâ—y to Colman Colman interrupteth wilfrid for calling their observation foolish Wilfrid excusing himself persisteth in his reply Colman his answer Wilfrid his reply The King determineth the question Colman resigneth his place Colman returneth into Scotland Buchan l. 5. A declining in the Church by the dissensions that grew in the same Godwin de Praesulibus Angliae Buchan lib. 5. Adamannus a Bishop An. 689. Chilianus Baron in anâ—â— 689. Baron in anno 632. Wiro and Plechelmus consecrated Bishops by Pope Honorius An. 697. A Synod at Vtrect Bonifacius an Italian came into Scotland Bonifacius made Arch-Bishop of Mentz The story of Fiacre Bal. cent 14. The Universities of Paris and Pavia founded by Scottish men Alcuin Rabanus Maurus Maidulphus Scotus Camdens Antiquities An. 800. Warres renued between the Scots and the Picts Religious houses founded by Prince Gulielm Boeth li. 10. Hungus King of Picts supplyed by Achaius King of Scots Hungus his thankfulnesse for his victory The Scots claim the Kingdom of the Picts Kenneth utteâ—ly overthroweth the Picts Boeth li. 10. Lese l. 5. The succession of Bishops in this Church after the subversion of the Picts Adrian the first in this accompt killed by the Danes An. 872. A convention at Scone for reformation of the State An. 860. Statutes for redressing abuses An. 904. Scon. l. 2. in Catalogo Eipis S. Andreae King Gregoâ—y his favours to the Church Boeth l. 10. Io. Scotus called Aerigena Boeth l. 10. Lesl l. 5. King Constantine the third forsaketh the publick life Paslet l. 6. c. 27. An. 977. Camd
letters to King Edward and the Archbishop of Canterbury An. 1300. King Edward his answer William Wallace S. Daniel Boeth l. 14. Buch. l. 8. A Parliament S. Andrews King Edward his course for â—â—tirpating the Scots Scon. Catal. Episc. S. Andreâ— Pasl l. â— William Lamberton preferred to S. Andrewes upon the death of Fraser Pasl l. 6. c. 2. The Culdees and Chanons strife The dissolution of the Templars Paulus Emilius Plessis B. Lamberton loseth K. Edwards favour Buchan l. 8. Lesl. l. 7. Boâ—th l. 14. The Bishop committed to Prison Robert Bruce crowned King Boeth l. 14. Buchan l. 8. The Popes Legate sent to disswade the King from troubling England Boeth l. 14. The King his answer to the Legate The Kingdom interdicted Buch. l. 8. A Letter sent by the Nobles and Barons of Scotland to the Pope Scon. l. 13. c. 1. The Interdiction released The English sue for peace The conditions of the peace An. 1328. King Robert Bruce dieth B. Lamberton his death and vertues Scon. l. in Catalogo episc S. Andreae Io. Duns Bal. cent 14. Lesl. l. 7. Camd. Brit. Duns proved to be a Scottish man born An. 1341. Sir Iames Bane elected in Lambertons place Scon. l. in catal episc S. Andr. The Bishop dieth at Bruges in Flanders The See of S. Andrews void nine years William Landels chosen Bishop The Bishops obtained liberty to dispose of their goods by Testament Stephen chosen Bishop of S. Andrews he dieth at Anwick Walter Traill elected in his stead Scon. l. in Catal. episc S. Andr. An. 1401. His vertues and qualities Thomas Stewart son to Robert the second elected Bishop Scon. li. in Catalogo Episc S. Andreae Henry Wardlaw provided by Pope Benedict the 13. to the Bishoprick A Schisme in the Church Martin the 5. chosen Pope by the Councel of Constance The Abbot of Pontiniac directed to intimate the election Harding a Minorite perswadeth the Scots to continue in the obedience of Benedict Iohn Fogo a Monk of Melross refuseth Hardings Oration The schisme made way to the reformation Iohn Wickliffi Hus and Ierome of Prague Iames Resby Martyr Paul Craw Martyr The Bishop his qualities An. 1412. The University of S. Andrews founded in the year 1412. Boeth 1. 16. King Iames the first a great favourer of the University Bucban l. 10. The King his admonicion to the Church-men Buchan l. 10. Boeth l. 17. Bishop Wardlaw dieth Aâ—â—â— 1444. Bishop Iames Kennedy translated from Dunkeld to S. Andrews Buchan l. 12. Kennedy his just praises An. 1466. Bishop Kennedy his death the year 1466. Patrick Grahame chosen to succeed The See of S. Andrewes erected in an Archbishoprick The Bulls of Legaâ—ion and Primacie published Buchan l. 12. The King inhibiteth the exercise of his Legation An. 1444. William Shevez recommended to the Archdeaconry of S. Andrews The Bishop rejecteth him as insufâ—â—cient Shevez conspireth with the Rector The Bishop contemning the censure hath his goods confiscated The â—â—hop taken in favour Buchan l. 12. The Bishop of new troubled by the bankers of Rome The Bishop falling in some distraction is committed to Shevez Buchâ— n. l. 12. The Bishop condemned to lose his dignity Shevez provided to the Archbishoprick Patrick Grahame dieth at Lochleven An. 1478. The Church altogether in disorder Shevez receiveth the Pall and is invested Anno 1478. Lese l. 8. Archbishop of S. Andrew and Glasgow at diffension The History of the Church of Scotland An. 1513. The dispersers of these Articles cited before the Councell Iames Stewart brother to King Iames the fourth elected Bishop Anno 1503. B. Alexander Stewart succeedeth A Competition for the Archbishop Buchan l. 3. Lest. l. 3. The Bishop of Dunkeld quiteth his interest An. 1522. The Duke of Albany pacifieth the Competitors Lesl. l. 9. Iames Beaton translated from Glasgow to S. Andrews Lesl. l. 9. Buchan l. 14. Mr. Patrick Hamilton Abbot of Ferm Martyr Buchan l. 14. History of the Church p. 21. An. 1527. Articles wherewith the Abbot was charged Manuscript processe which is extant under the hands of the Theologues The subscrivers of the sentence The manner of his execution and speech at his dying History of the Church His appealing of Frier Campbell Frier Campbell dieth of a Phrensie History of the Church p. 23. Numbers brought to the knowledge of the truth by his suffering Buchan l. 14. Frier Seaton suspected of Heresie History of the Church Frier Seaton called before the Bishop The Frier flyeth to Berwick and from thence writeth to the King He becometh Chaplain to the Duke of Suffolk Acts of Martyrs Henry Forrest Martyr Divers cited to appear at Halirudhouse An. 1534. Normand Gourlay and David Straiton Martyrs Acts of Martyrs History of the Church Alexander Alesse and others fly to England Bal. cent 14. Divers accused of heresie in a meeting at Edinburgh An. 1538. The Vicar of Dolour his conference with the Bishop of Dunkeld History of the Church Vetimo Febr. 1538. Frier Russel and one Kennedy martyred at Glasgow History of the Church The Archbishop disswadeth the execution The courage of Russel at his dying Master George Buchannan eseapeth out of prison Buchan l. 14. The History of the Church The Archbishop committeth the charge of all affairs to his Nephew the Cardinal An. 1539. A contest for the imposition laid upon the Clergy for the Lords of Session Buchar l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. Bishop Beaton dieth The learned men that lived in this time M. Iohn Maior Bal cent 14. Lest. l. 9. Hector Boeth Bal. Cent. 14. Gilbert Crab. Bal. cent 15. William Gregory Bal. ibidem Iohn Scot his memorable fasting Buchan l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. He taketh his journey to the holy Sepulcher He is imprisoned in London Thomas Doughty suffered to abuse the people Scots emulaâ—ion of Doughty and his cousenage The history of Cardinal Beaton An. 1540. Sir Iohn Borthwick cited for heresie The heads of his accusation Sir Iohn Borthwick denounced heretick Acts of Mart. The King invited to meet his Uncle King Henry at York Buchan l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. Holinshed history of Scotland The Cardinal and Clergy seek to impede the meeting An. 1541. The King excuseth himself to King Henry Sir Iames Hamilton executed The King troubled with visions History of the Church The Justice Clerk his fearful death The King died at Falkland An. 1542 the eighth of December The Cardinal forgeth the Kings Testament Buchan l. 15. The Earl of Arran elected Governour An. 1542. The King of England seeketh to unite the Kingdomes by marriage Buchan l. 15. A Parliament at Edinburgh Lesl. l. 10. The Cardinal committed Ambassadors sent into England for concluding the match Buchan l. 15. The history of the Church The Governours Preachers suspected by the Clergy The Ambassadors return from England History of the Church The estate of the Governors Court The Bishop of Ross and Abbot of Paisley seek to divert the Governour from the Contract with England The Governours Preachers and servants part from him History
Bishops of Argyle An. 1289. The Bishops of the Isles The Nobles and Barons resolve upon a Reformation An. 1558. An act for publick service History of the Church The Clergy complaining to Queen Regent The Bishop of S. Andrewes letter to the Earl of Argyle The Earl of Argyle his answer The feast of S. Giles The procession disturbed by a tumulâ—◠〈…〉 Supplication to Queen Regent for 〈◊〉 Petitions for reformation The Queens answer A dispute offered by the Clergy and accepted by the Congregation Ridiculous conditions offered to the Petitioners Articles presented by the Congregation to the Parliament Queen Regent stayeth the presenting of the Articles The Protestation made by those that desired Reformation The Protestation refused to be inserted in the records The Queens countenance changed towards the Congregation An. 1559. Ministers cited to appear at Striveling Commissions directed to the Queen Reformation begun at Perth The Queen Regent dealeth with the Lord of Dun to stay the contentions of people Iohn Knox joyneth with the Congregation at Perth The Monasteries demolished at Perth The Images pulled down at Couper in Fise Queen Regent intendeth to surprise Perth The Earle of Glencarne cometh to assist the town An accord mediated by the Earle of Argile and Lord Iames. The conditions of the accord Queen Regent entreth into Perth The Articles of peace violated The Earle of Argile and Lord Iames forsake the Regent Iohn Knox in a sermon preached at Craill perswadeth the expulsion of the French Images pulled down at Crail and Austruther The Monasteries of S. Andrewes demolished Proclamation to meet the Queen at Couper The Lords of the Congregation prevent her The meeting at Couper moore The estate of the Queens Army A treaty for peace The French required to be â—mitted The truce accorded The town of Perth complaineth of their oppressions The Lords be siege Perth Perth yeelded upon Composition The Abbey of Scone demolished The Abbey of Cambuskehneth ruined Images and Altars pulled down at Linlithgow and Edinburgh A Proclamation by Queen Regent Rumours dispersed to the prejudice of the Congregation The Lords purge themselve to the Queen The Proclamation of the Lords The Lairds of Pittarrow and Cunningham-head sent to the Queen The Queens desire to speak with the Earl of Argyle and the Lord Iames. The Lords suspecting some practice refuse to send the Noblemen A meeting at Preston The answer of the Lords to the condition proponed News of the French Kings death The Queen prepareth to enter into Edinburgh The Articles of the Truce The Lords depart to Striveling The Queen desireth the Church of S. Giles for the exercise of Masse The Magistrates answer The French Captains and souldiers trouble the people in hearing the Sermon A letter to Lord Iames from King Francis Another letter from the Queen of Scots to Lord Iames. The answer given by Lord Iames. A French Captain called Octavian arriveth with a regiment of souldiers The Queen maketh to fortifie Leth. The Earle of Arrane joynes with the Lords at Striveling A letter directed to the Queen from the Lords A letter sent by them to the Lord Ereskin Sr. Robert Carnagie and Mr. David Borthuick directed to the Duke A Proclamation given forth by the Queen The Queen seeketh to disunite the Lords The perswasions used Lord Iames his Answer A Proclamation by the Queen declaring her purpose in the fortifying of Leth. The Bishop of Amiens and some Doctors of Sorbon active at Leth. A declaration published by the Lords The Lords come to Edinburgh and write unto the Queen The Duke purgeth himself and his son of any aspiring The Herald directed to the Lords The credit given to the Herald by the Queen The Lords deliberate upon discharging the Queen of her Regency The opinion of the Preachers required Master Willock his opinion Iohn Knox his sentence The Preachers ought not to have medled in that busines The examples they brought did not warrant their opinion Act depriving Queen Regent of her government The Herald dimitted and the Act intimated to the Queen by letters from the Lords The town of Leth summoned Moneys failing they sent to borrow from England The Laird of Ormston surprised by Bothwel and spoiled of his money The house of Creichion on taken The Provost of Dundy put to flight by the souldiers at Leth. A conflict betwixt the Scots and French Secretary Lethington forsaketh the Queen Regent The Lords leave Edinburgh and the French possesse the Town The Queen sendeth for new forces from France The Lords send to England for a supply Altars and Images demolished at Glasgow The Bishop recovereth the Castle Commissions sent unto England A supply granted and the Duke of Norfolk sent to treat of the conditions The French resolve to make an end of the warre before the English be prepared An encounter with the French at Pitticurre The Lords came to Dysert to stay the progrâ—sse of the French The Laird of Grange defeats a company of the French Commissioners sent to treat with Norfolk The contract with England The French souldiers upon sight of the Navy return to Leth. Divers houses in Fiâ—e taken by the Lord. An. 1560. The Cathedral of Aberdene saved by the Earl of Huntlâ—y Pledges sâ—nt to the Admiral of England The English forces enter into Scotland Queen Regent entereth into the Castle of Edinburgh A letter from the Lords to the Queen Regent The English General intreateth the Queen to dimit the French The first conflict of the siege of Leth. The situation of the Scottish and English Camp The French entered into the English trenches where divers were killed A fire in the town of Leth The English thinking to scale the walls are repulsed The offer of the French King to the Queen of England The Queens answer Sir William Cecill and Doctor 〈◊〉 sent to mediate an agreement Queen Regent sickneth and dieth She conferreth with the Lords before her death Qâ—een Regent her just commen lations The malice â— of the author of the story called Iohn Knox his history A truce taken upon the death of the Queen Regent Conditions of the peace The French embark and the Army of England departeth The Ministers distributed amongst the Burghs A Parliament and the lawfulnesse thereof questioned The Clergy offended with the election of the Lords of the Articles Petitions proponed in favour of the Reformers The Confession of Faith put in form and presented The Confession approved The Popes authority abolished The Lord Torpichen directed to France The Earles Morton and Glencarn sent into England The French King dieth Mr Iohn Lesly sent from the French faction to perswade the Queens return Lord Iames by the Noblemen of the Reformation to the same end The Queen resolveth to return An ambassage from France Morton and Glencam return from England A form of Church policy The advertisement of the Archbishop of St. Andrewes sent to Iohn Knox. A direction for demolishing Cloysters and Abbey Churches All the Churches under this pretext spoyled and defaced
An. 1561. The Queen prepareth to return from France Her conference with the Earle of Bedford Monsicâ—r d' Oyfell sent into England The Queen of Englandâ— answer The Queen of Scots offended with it Her conference with Nicoolas Throgmorâ—on The Queen of Scots reasons for delaying the ratification Throgmorton his answer The Queen of Englands letter to thâ— Noâ—ility The Councels answer He◠〈◊〉 with the English Ambassadour at 〈◊〉 The Qâ—een 〈◊〉 at Leâ—h The Nobility assembles to congratuâ—ate her return No change to be made in religion and a private Masse pâ—rmitted to the Queen The Earl of Arran opposeth A tumult in the Abbey The Nobles that came from France with the Queen return home William Maitland directed to England The Queen of Englands answer A second conference with Lethington The Queen of Englands reply The Queen of Englandsâ—easons â—easons for her refuse Lethingtons third audience The conclusion taken by the Queen of England The Queen of Scots her progresse in the countrey Aâ—chibald Douglas Provost of Edinburgh committed The Preachers are displeased The Queen maketh choice of a Councell Ninian Winyet a Priest exiled The thirds of Benefices granted to the Queen A guard of horse and foot levied to attend the Queen Lord Iames sent to the borders is at his return made Earl of Marrâ— He is preferred to the Earldome of Murray and the Lord Ereskiâ— made Earl of Marre Huntly offendeth with thesâ— prefermenâ—s He chargeth Murray with the affectation of the Crown Bothwell stirreth up the Earl of Murray against the Hamiltons Practice against the Earl of Murray The practice discovered by the Earl of Arrane Arrane becometh distracted New devices for cutting oft Murray An. 1562. Letters sent from beyond sea in favour of Huntly An interview of the two Queens moved The interview stayed Petitions of the Church to the Queen The Queen goâ—th to Aberdâ—ne The Lady Huntley intercedes for her son The Queen taketh journey to Innernesse The Castle of Innâ—â—nâ—sse denied to the Queen The Castle beiseged and rendered Huntley resolves to invade the Queen The battel of Corrichie The Earl of Huntlâ—y taken prisoner and dieth Thanksgiving for the victory Iohn Gordon beheaded at Abâ—rdene The Lord Gordon forfeited and commitâ—ed The Archbishop of Saint Andrews committed An. 1563. A Parliament at Edinburgh A trouble at Halirudhouse Iohn Knox called before the Councel The Earl of Lenox restored Henry Lord Darnely son to Lenox cometh into Scotland The Queen intendeth to take him to husband An. 1564. Enemies raised up against the Queen The Lord Gordon restored Signeur Davie an atâ—endant on the Queen favoureth the mariage Secretary Lâ—thington sent into England A Convocâ—tion of the Estates at Striveling The Lord of Darnely created Duke of Rothâ—say A mutiny at Edinburgh The Queen cometh to Edinburgh and the mutiners fly An Assembly at Edinburgh Petittions of the Church The Queens answer to the Petitions The Queen married to the Lord Darnly The complaints of the discontented Lords The king heareth a Sermon at St. Giles Iohn Knox cited before the Councell The Lords pursued by the King and Queen The Lords flie into England The Queen of England intercedeth for the Lords The Duke received in favor A generall Assembly of the Church A reply to the answer of their last Petitions An. 1565. The slaughter of Signeur Davie conspired A Parliament at Edinburgh deserted The slaughter of Davie Damiott a French Priest willed him to be gone The Queens behaviour after Davies murther The exiled Lords return The King protesteth his innocency The Conspirators flye into England Inquisition of the murtherers An. 1566. The Castle of Edinburgh made choice of for the Queen her lying in The Queen feasts the Noblemen The Queen delivered of a son Sir Henry Killigrew sent from England The desire of the Church for the Baptisme of the Prince The Queen goeth to Alloway Secretary Lethington soffereth her Majesties anger against the King The Queen goeth to Iedburgh Lethington renueth the purpose of divers Preparation for the Princes Baptisme The King withheld from the solemnity The King falleth sick in the way to Glasgow The Archbishop of S. Andrewes restored to his priviledges The Churches complaint for the same Master Knox goeth into England A letter from the Assembly of the Church to the Bishops of England Assignation of Ministers stipends The Queen visiteth the King at Glasgow He cometh to Edinburgh and there is murthered by Bothwel A rumour dispersed by Bothwel that Murray and Morton had murthered the King The names of the murtherers cast forth in the street The Earl of Lenox soliciteth the Queen to take trial of the murther An. 1567. The Castle of Edinburgh delivered to Bothwell and the Prince delivered to the Earl of Marre Bothwell put to a triall Robert Cuningham protesteth against the proceedings in the name of the Earl of Lenox The persons chused upon the Jury Bothwell acquited with a protestation of the Jury Bothwell offereth to try his innocency by combat The offer accepted upon security of the place A Parliament at Edinburgh Bothwell seeketh the consent of the Lords to the Queens marriage He ravisheth the Queen in her return from Striveling His design in committing this rape Bothwell his divorce from his wife The Queen cometh to the Castle of Edinburgh The banes of Bothwell with the Queen asked Mr. Iohn Craig protested Mr. Craig called before the Councell with the reasons of his opposition His publication thereof to the people The marriage of the Queen with Bothwell celebrated The Noblemens bond for preservation of the young Prince The Bishop of Dumblane sent to France Noblemen solicited to enter in bond with the Queen and Bothwell The Earl of Murray refused and is licensed to goe into France The Queen maketh choice of a Councell The order of their attendance A Proclamation to accompany the Queen to the borders The Castle of Borthwick invironed The Queen Bothwell escape The Lords retire to Edinburgh A Proclamation given out by the Lords The Queen gathereth forces Difficulties amongst the Lords The Queen giveth thâ—m the opportuniy they wished for The Proclamation of Glaidsmore The Lords cast themselves in the Queens way The order of the Lords Aâ—my The meeting at Carberry hill The French Ambassadour laboureth to compose matters Bothwel offereth to try the cause in combat It is accepted and the Queen inhibiteth the fight The Queens Army unwilling to fight Bothwel flyeth and the Queen rendereth herself to the Lords The Queen sent prisoner to Lochlevin Sir Iames Balfour betrayeth his trust to Bothwel The Earl of Glencarn demolisheth the Altar The Lords write to the Noblemen of the Queens party The Noblemen made a motion to the Assembly and the Assemblies Commission to the Lords Instructions given to those that were sent from the Assembly The Earl of Argile his answer The Lord Boyd his answer Articles agreed in the Assembly of the Church The Articles subscribed The Queen moved to make resignation of the Crown The King crowned at Striveling
The Earl of Murray returneth from France He visiteth the Queen at Lochlevin The Earl of Murray elected Regent Bothwell taketh the Sea and is pursued by Grange The custody of Edinburgh Castle committed to Grange The Lords convened at Hamilton write to the Regent An. 1566. The first Parliament of King Iames the 6. The Acts concluded in Parliament The Queen ordained to be kept in prison The Bishop of Orkney deposed for marrying the Queen The confession of these that were executed for the Kings murther An. 1568. The Queen escapeth from Lochlevin The manner of the Queens escape The Queens resignation decerned null The Regent advertised of the Queens escape The Lord Boyd falleth to the Queen The Regent resolveth to stay at Glasgow and assemble forces The battel of Landside 13 May 1568. The order of the Regents Army The number of the slain The ptisoners that were taken The Castles of Hamilton and Darffan rendered to the Regent The Queen flieth to England and writes to Queen Elizabeth The Queen of Scots begins to see her error A Parliament called by the Regent The Queen of England desires the Parliament to be delayed The Râ—gent refuseth The Queen of England writeth to the Regent Commissiooners choosed to go into England The tenour of the Commission An Assembly of the Church Who should have voice in Assemblies Acts of discipline The Bishop of Orkney reponed A meeting of the English and Scots Commissioners at York Commissioners for the Scottish Queen Protestation for the Queen of Scotland Commissioners of Eâ—gland protest in the contrary A declaration in behalf of the Queen of Scotland The Regents â—etire to the â—ommissioners oâ— England The Duke of Norfolks answer Lethington disswadeth the Regent from accusing the Queen The information presented against the Queen of Scots The Commissioners of the Queen of Scots reply The Commissioners of England desire the Regent to give better reasons 〈◊〉 disperied of the Râ—gents imprisonment A Declaration presented in writing by the Râ—gent The answer of the Commissioners for the Queen of Scots The Queen of England doubteth how to cary her self in the business The Queens Commissioners purge the Regent of the Kings murther The Duke of Chattellerault claimeth the Regency A reply to the Dukes petition The Queen of Scots letters intercepted The Regent returneth to Scotland The Duke made Deputy by the Queen of Scots He writeth to the Assembly of the Church The Assemblies answer Commissioners from the Churches the Regent Petitions in behalf of the Church Orders for giving degrees in Divinity The Regent and Duke agreed An. 1569. He forthinketh his yielding The Duke and Lord Hereis commitâ—ed to the Castle of Edinburgh A treaty with Argile and Huntley Huntky remitted upon some conditions The Regents expedition into the North. The Lord Boyd briageth letteâ—s from both Queens to the Regent A letter from Sir Nicholas Throgmorion to the Regent A letter from Sir Nicholas to Lethington A Convention of Estates at Perth Their judgement of the Letters sent from the two Queens A message sent into England The Abbot of Dunsermling sent into England The Earl of Northumberland imprisoned in Lochlevin Lethington charged with the Kings murther The Laird of Grange counterâ—â—en the Regents hand and taketh Lethington to the Castle The Regent makes an expedition to the borders He is informed of practices against his life Lethingtons triall deferred Iames Hamilton of Bothwell-haugh taketh in hand the Regents murder The Regent killed by the shot of a bulbullet The murtherer escapeth Thuanus 46. The death of the Regent greatly lamented A prediction of Iohn Knox. An Ambassadour sent from England The Ambassadours speech in Councell An. 1570. The Laird of Lochlevin urgeth a revenge of the Regents murther The delay ill taken of the people The principals of the Queens faction writ to the Earl of Morton Lethington offereth himself to a trial A meeting at Edenburgh of the Noblemen of both parties in March They deliberate upon the choice of a Regent An Ambassadour from France A meeting at Linlithgow of the Noblemen that stood for the Queen They give out a Proclamation They deal wiâ—h the Earl of Morton but he will not hearken to them An Army cometh to Berwick under conduct of the Earl of Sussex The Lords forsake Edinburgh upon the report They give warrant for fortifying the Castle The Army of England entereth in Scotland The Lords desire a Truce from the Earl of Sussex which he refused A Convention of the Estates at Edinburgh An offer of peace to those of the Queens party The Queens authority proclaimed A Proclamation made by the Estates The Conspirators ranked in their Orders All prepare for Warre The Lord Seaton sent to Flanders The Parson of Dumbar brings moneys and Armour to Huntley The Lords who stood for the King send to Sussex for supply Grange and Lethington seek to stay the English forces upon offers Sir William 〈…〉 in Scotland with an Army The Castle of Hamilton rendered The Abbot of Dunfemlin Ambassadour in England His instructions The Queens answer to the instructions The Earl of Lennox made Lieutenant of the Countrey The Queen of Englands answer to the Lords that stood for the King The Earl of Lennox created King An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh Commissioners directed from the Assembly of the Church to the Lords of the Queens party The Regent goeth to impede the Parliament indicted at Linlithgow A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Regents expedition to Brichâ—n An Ambassadour to Denmark An Abstinence agreed unto A Treaty with the Queen of Scots Tâ—is Regents letter to the Queen of England Secretary Lethington denounced Rebel and loses his office The Secretaries Declaration The Regents Reply Articles propounded to the Queen of Scotland Sir William Cecil his letters to the Regent The Earl of Sussex his advertisement to the Regent His particular advice The Regents answer The Abbot of Dunfermlin made Secretary and sent into England The Queen of Englands answer ult November 1570. The Laird of Grange raiseth a trouble in Edinburgh and breaks out in open Rebellion Commissioners sent into England Reasons justifying the Queen of Scots deposition Articles proponed to the Commissioners of Scotland Answer to the foresaid Articles Propositions made to the Queen of Scots Commissioners The Answer The Treaty continued to a more convenient time The Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston conferre with the Earl of Morton Paslay taken by Lord Claud Hamilton and recovered by the Regent The Castle of Dunbartâ—n surprized The Archbishop of S. Andrews executed His Declaration at his death They who stood for the Queen take Arms and come to Edinbugh The Regent resolveth to hold the Parliament An. 1571. Persons forfeited in this Parliament The civil war renewed The Regent goeth to Striveling A conflict betwixt Morton and the Lords at Edinburgh The Eaâ—l of Morton hireth souldiers The Queen of England sendeth to Sir William Drury to try the estate of things The Lords on the Queens party hold
a Parliament at Edinburgh A supplication presented in name of the Queen The Queens resignation of the Crown discerned null A conflict betwixt the Earl of Morton and the Lords at Edinburgh The Lord Home taken prisoner The Regent returneth to Leth. The combat offered by Grange is accepted and thereafter by himself declined The Queen of England insisteth for peace The Regent excuseth his refuse of the Abstinence A Parliament kept at Edinburgh by the Lords The Regent kept a Parliament at Striveling Persons forfeited in the Parliament An enterprise of the Lord claud Hamilton The number of the slain on both sides An ominous speech of the King being yet a child The Regâ—nts speech to the Nobility An Assembly of the Church at Striveling Iohn Knox his letter to the Assembly A consultation for setling the policy of the Church The power of the Superintendents Commissioners named to deal with he Regent and Estate The Earl of Marre elected Regent Adam Gordon deputy for Huntley in the North. A conflict betwixt Adam Gordon and the Forbesses A supply granted by the Regent to the Lord Forbes Another conflict betwixt the Gordons and Foâ—besses An Assembly of the Church at Leth. An. 1572. Commissioners named for the Councel and Church Articles agreed unto by the Councel and Church An Assembly of the Church at Perth The Lord Ruthven sent to assist the town of Iedburgh The Bishop of Ross called inquestion for the Queens marriage with Norfolk The Bishop of Ross imprisoned at Ely The Duke of Norfolk executed Certain of the Councel directed to the Queen of Scots The Queen of Englandâ— reateth for peace among the parties The Earls of â—tawford and Buchan directed against Adam Gordan The Castle of Blacknes betrayed by the Keeper Ambassadours from France and England The Lord Fleming unhappâ—y killed A cessâ—tion from warre concluded The Anicles of Abâ—â—â—ence The Regent and Councel do answer to the Articles The Regent dieth at Striveling He commendeth the care of the Kings pâ—rson to his Lady and Brother The description of Ioâ—n Knox his life and death Mr. Iames Lawson admitted Minister at Edinburgh Iohn Knox his speech to the Earl of Morton His last speech to the Ministers and Elders of the Church The Ministers carry a Commission to the Laird of Gâ—ange from Iohn Knox. He giveth order for making his Coffin The History given forth in his name was not of his inditing The Earl of Morton elected Regent Rules given to the Regent for his government Sir Henry Killigrew sent from England A treaty of peace The Laird of Grange refuseth to be comprehended in the treaty He molesteth the town of Edinburgh and fireth the houses A Parliament kept at Edinburgh The pacification concluded at Perth A time given to those of the Castle to accept the pacification Sir Iames Kirkaldy returneth from France He takes land 〈…〉 Captain to the Regent The English Ambassadour travelleth to make Grange accept peace which he refuseth The Regent inâ—reateth the Queen of Englands help for â—pugnation of the Castle Articles agreed betwixt the Regent and the English An. 1573. A Proclamation given out by the Regent The Castle summoned The Captain answereth by a token of defiance The Castle made assaultable A truce taken and the Captain willing to yield upon conditions The Castle rendered to the English Generall Lethington dieth at Leth. Grange and his brother executed The Queens faction quite deâ—â—ated The Regents expedition to the borders His care for the Kings houses and rents He falleth out with the Church Two three or four Churches appointed to one Minister The Superintendents denied paiment of their means The Church desired to be restored to the thirds but is denied An. 1574. The Countrey vexed with Justice Courts A motion for compiling a body of our Law Black Oâ—meston executed for the Kings murther An. 1575. Adam Heriot Minister at Aberdene his death and qualities A conflict betwixt the Scots and English A meeting in the Borders betwixt the Regent and the Earl of Huntington Duke Hamilton dieth Lord Aberbrothock pursued by Lochlevin He is saved in the house of Darsey Innovations in the Church of Mr. Andrew Melvil The Episcopal function called in question Some brethren selected to conferre upon the question The Bishops present in the Assembly Another Assembly of the Church The Regents motion to the Assembly The Archbishop of Glasgow urged with a particular flock answereth the Assembly Mr. Patrick Adamson provided to S. Andrews An. 1576. The Church off 〈◊〉 with the Bishopâ— answer A form of policy presented to the Regent The discontents great in the countrey Iohn Semple and Adam Whitford accused for conspiring the Regents death An. 1577. The Earl of Argile and Athol at variance A great insolence committed by Argile Alexander Aâ—â—skin practiseth a change Argile and Athol agreed Argile complaineth of the Regent to the King Athol his advice to the King for trying Argiles complaint The Regent sendeth to inform the King of Argiles contempt His offer to dimit the Regâ—ncy The King is advised to accept â—he Regents dimission A Commission from the King to the Regent The Kings acceptation of the Government The Lord Boyd chideth the Regent for his dimission The Chancellour and Earl of Angus imployed in the Regents dimission to the King The Regents discharge of his administration Mortons enemies are still practising against him The King his calm proceedings with Morton An. 1578. A pitiful Accident The Chancellour killed in a tumult The Earl of Athol created Chancellour The Castle of Edinburgh delivered to the Earl of Marre The Castle of Striveling surprised by the Earl of Marre his friends The Councel goeth to Striveling and composeth the controversy Conditions prescrived to the Earl of Marre A Convention at Striveling The Earl of Morton cometh to Striveling The Kings motion to the Lords and the rest of the Estates The Counsellours disswade the change of the place of Parliament An Ambassage to the Queen of England Jealousies among the Noblemen A Proclamation against the false rumors dispersed The Lords remaining at Edinburgh protest against the holding of the Parliament Mantross and Lindesay charged to keep their lodgings for using the protestation A Declaration of the Lords remaining at Edinburgh Proclamations to follow the King or his Lieutenant The Lords charged to depart out of Edinburgh The Provost of Edinburgh committed A Proclamation for dissolving the forces convened at Edinburgh The Lords march towards Striveling The English Ambassadour laboureth to to compose matters Conditions agreed upon The Articles signed The twentieth of September appointed for a meeting of Noblemen at Striveling The Noblemen decline the meeting The petitions of thâ— Chanceâ—â—â—â—r and the Lords and Gentlemen adhering to him The King offended with the petition The Noblemen cited to appear at Striveling His Majestics speech at the meeting The Lords are desireâ— to set down their complaints in writing The Lords reconciled A form of Church-policy presented to the Parliament and remitted to certain Commissionres 1.
answer Captain Iames Stewart his reply Morton is commited 2Ì„â— Ianuarii 18. Ianuar. An Assembly of the Church with their proceedings against the Bishops The iniquity of their proceedings A letter from the Earl of Lennox to the Assembly Iohn Dury committed to the Castle The death of Mr. Iohn Row An Ambassadour from England His Majesties answer to the Ambassadour An Assembly of the Estates The Ambassadour laboureth with Noblemen to take Arms for Mortons liberty Forces sent by the Queen of England to the Borders An. 1581. The proceeding against Mortons friends at Court The Ambassador departeth secretly to Berwick Sir Iohn Seaton denied passage into England Morton brought from Dumbritton to Edinburgh Morton his indictment Sentence pronounced The Ministers conference with the Earl of Morton The sentence mitigated Arran desireth Morton to subscribe his confession Morton his Answer Morton his behaviour at his death Mortons qualities and good parts Arrans proceeding against Morton and his servants approved Arran his marriage with the Countesse of Marche Montgomery his Simoniacal bargain for the Bishoprick of Glasgow Inquisition made of Montgomehy his life and doctrine The Articles against Montgomery communicated to the King Mr. Walter Balcanquel questioned for speeches in Pulpit Balcanquels answer The King ceaseth from pursuing the complaint Balcanquels Sermon approved by the Assembly An. 1582. Montgomery suspended by the Presbytery of Striveling He is cited to appear before the Synod of Lothian The Synod inhibited to proceed An Assembly at S. Andrews Mr. Mark Ker sent to discharge the Assemblies proceeding The Assembly discharged under pain of Rebellion to desist The Assembly proceedeth and findeth him culpable of divers crimes Montgomery falling from his resolution submits himself to the Assembly Montgomery changeth and returneth to his first course Mr. Thomas Smeton his Sermon at Glasgow Montgomery processed for preaching at Glasgow The Moderâ—tor of the Presbytery imprisoned in the Tolbuith A solemn Fast kept Iohn Dury Minister at Edinburgh was removed from his charge Ministers directed to the King Mr. Iohn Davidson excommunicated Montgomrie The surprise of the King at Ruthven 23. Aug. 1582. The King stayed from his sport by the Master of Glammit Arran withholden from the the King The Duke of Lennox sendeth to enquire of the Kings Estate The Duke of Lennox willed to retire to France A Proclamation declaring the Kings contentment with his stay at Perth The Duke is advised to go unto Dumbritton An Ambassador from England September 12. The Earl of Angus received in favour October 12. The Lords bring the King to Halirudhouse Octob. 8. An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lords â—end to obtain the Assemblies approbation The Assemblies ratificacation of the attempt at Ruthven A Convention of the Estates at Edinburgh The Kings speech to the Estates The attempt of Ruthven declared to be good service The Earl of Arran ordained to be detained till the Duke was gone The Duke falling sick at Seat taketh journey by land The Duke dering to see the King before he went away is denied Two Ambassador from France La Mott and Menevil The purpose of association renued The Ministers declared in their Sermons against the Ambassadors The Magistrates of Edinburgh desired to feast the Ambassadors The Ministers proclaim a fast Febr. 16. The Duke of Lennox dieth at Paris 26. May 1583. The King directeâ—h Amâ—assadours to England An. 1583. The negotiation took no effect The life and death of Mr. George Buchannan The King freeth himself of his attenders Ianuar. 28. The Earl of Gowry confesseth his fault and is pardoned An Act following the service of Colonel Stewart The Earl of Arran called again to Court His Majesties Declaration touching the attempt of Ruthven The discontented Lords confined All of them Angus except for their disobedience were denounced Rebels Ambassage from England the beginning of September His Majesties answer to the Ambassador The Ambassador complains of a Jesuits escape His Majesties answer An Assembly of the Church Grievances presented to his Majesty by the Church The King his answer to the grievances The answer did not satisfy the Church Lodowick son and heir to the late deceased Duke of Lennox cometh into Scotland Novemb. 13. The King his kindnesse to the Duke his children A Convention of Estates Prorogation granted to those that were charged to enter in Ward An offer of pardon to those who will acknowledge their offence at Ruthven The Earl of Rothes his protestation Iohn Dury questioned for allowing the attempt of Ruthven An. 1584. Mr. Andrew Melvil fleeth into England The King his Proclamations misregarded The Earl of 〈…〉 Being at Dundy he is apprehended by Colonel Stewart April 16. The Castle of Striveling surâ—â—â—ed April 18. The King 〈◊〉 to go towards Striveling The Rebels flee into England The Castle rendred April 27. Gowry examined touching the conspiracy His confession set down by himself in writing A letter from Gowry to his Majesty He is denied audience and put to the trial of a Jury The points of his endictment His exceptions repelled The names of the Assisers Gowry found guilty and sentence pronounced His execution and manner of death Archibald Douglas and another executed The houses of the Rebels charged Ministers called in question for the conspiracy Mr. David Lindesay Minister at Leth committed The Ministers at Edinburgh flee to England Mr. Robert Pont protesseth against the Acts. Libells and pamphlets against the Rulers of the Court. A letter from the Ministers of Edinburgh to the Session of the Church and Councel of the Town By the Kings direction an answer is returned in this form The letter grieveth the Ministers exceedingly Mr. Iames Lawson died at London Mr. Alexander Arbuthnet his death Mr. Thomas Smeton his death The Ministers charged with the subscription of certain Articles Mr. Nicol Dalgleish condemned David Home and his brother executed Robert Hamilton of Eglismachan delateth the Lairds of Dâ—uwwhasil and Mains Drumwhasil and Mains put to a trial They are found guilty and executed The unhappy end of Hamilton the delator Arran his power and credit at Court Arran laboureth to gain the Queen of England 12. Augusti An. 1585. The Master of Gray sent into England the beginning of October The Archbishop of S. Andrews sent into England The Queens answer to the Master of Gray The Justice Clerk directed into England April 1585. The banished Lords challenged by the Justice Clerk Arran draweth much envy upon himself His falling out with the Lord Maxwel Troubles betwixt the Maxwels and Iohnstons Johnston taken prisoner and shortly after dieth Sir Francis Russel sonne to the Earl of Bedford killed at a meeting in the Borders Arran and Farnherst confined Farnherst dieth at Aberdene Sir Edward Wotton Ambassador to Scotland about the beginning of Iune 1585. A convention of the Estates at S. Andrews A league continued with the Queen of England Lord Claud after his agreement with the banished Lords taketh a course by himself Ambassadors from Denmark Iuly 12. The King
advertised of the enterprise of the banished Lords A Proclamation to meet the King at the Castle of Crawford A Proclamation given out by the banished Lords The Ambassadour went not saluting the King A Post is sent after him and his excuse The Lords make haste to Striveling The town of Striveling taken Two of the Councel directed to the Lords The Lords Answer The Kings care of those that attented him The King is pleased to admit the Lords in his presence The Lord Hamilton in name of the rest supplicates mercy The Kings Answer The Kings speech to Bothwel The King his pardon proclaimed The Master of Glammis made Captain of the Guard Thuan. hist. 1. 43. Duntraith confesseth the deposition he made against the Lords to be false A Parliament at Linlithgow The Ministers offend with the reconciled Lords Mr. William Watson Minister committed Iames Gibson committed for the like insolence The Superintendent of Lothian his death with a short description of his life An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lord Maxwel goâ—th to Masse and is committed An. 1586. A Synod at S. Andrews called against the Bishop April 1586. The Bishop being cited compeireth and protesteth against the Judicatory His accusation He appealeth to the King and Estates The Bishop excommunicated by the Synod Mr. Andrew and Mr. Iames Melvil excommunicated by a servant and Cousen of the Bishop The Appellation with the reasons sent to the King A transaction betwixt the Bishop and the Assembly The reasons moving the King to give way to this transaction The Ministers exhorâ—ed to judge charitably one of another Acts concluded in the Assembly His Majesties answer to the advice given him by the Chancellor A trouble in the Isles betwixt Mackoâ—â—il and Macklain The Earl of Eglington treacherously murthered A league with England concluded The Articles of the league The names of the Commissioners of both Kingdomes A new breach between the King and Queen of England The proceedings against the Queen of Scots Sentence of death pronounced against her William Keith sent into England about the midst of November A letter to William Keith from the King The Queen in passion at the sight of the letter The King excuseth the sharpnesse of his letter The Master of Gray and Sir Robert Melvil sent into England The first audience The second audience and effect thereof A letter from the King to the Master of Gray The Master of Gray drawne upon another course Secretary Walsingham writeth to the Lord Thirlstan The King commandeth the Ministers to remember his mother in their prayers The third of February appointed for solemn prayers in her behalf The Bishop of S. Andrews appointed to preach Mr. Iohn Cowper usurpeth the place The Ministers at Edinburgh discharged The Queen of Scots her request to the Queen of England The Queen of England is doubtful which way to take The Queen of Scots willed to prepare her self for death Her behaviour and preparation She biddeth her servants farewell Her directions to Andrew Melvil her Steward She is brought to the place of execution The Dean of Peterburâ—ow offereth to comfort her She prayeth by her self The manner of the execution A brief description of her fortune The inscription secretly affixed on her Sepulchre The same Englished The Queen of England writeth to the King by Mr. Robert Cary. The King denieth him accesse Mr. caâ—ies Declaration in writing The Declaration giveth no content to the King The Queen laboureâ—h to divert the King from Warre A letter of Walsâ—gham to the Lord Thâ—lsâ—an A Convention of the Estates The King is informed of certain speeches uttered by the Master of Gray 20. Apr. The Master of Gray and Sir William Stewart committed Sir William Stewart insists in the challenge of the Master of Gray Sir William Stewart liberated and the Master of Gray imprisoned Captain Iame information against the Lord Thirlstane An. 1587. Thirlstane created Chancellor A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Noblemen reconciled A general Assembly of the Church The Kings propositions to the Assembly by his Commissioners Montgomery resigneth the Bishoprick of Glasgow to Mr. William Ereskin The Churches petition to the Parliament against the Prelates The temporalty of Benefices annexed to the Crown The King forthinketh the passing of the annexation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 2. pag. 43. The small Barons admitted to give voice in Parliament The Lord Hunsdon hath presence of the King A Proclamation against incursions in England The Ambassadors sent into Denmark return 15. May. Latter end of August A Proclamation against Jesuits and Priests The Jesuits find caution to depart A general Assembly of the Church A Proposition made for the dangers threatened to Religion The advice of the Noblemen and Barons The King refuseth accesse to the multitude A conference betwixt certain of the Councel and the Assembly The grievances of the Church presented to the King The Minister Iames Gibson censured for his speeches against the King An. 1588. Gibson suspended from his ministery The Lord Hereis cleared of the accusation made against him The Borders begin to stirre upon the Lord Maxwels return The Kings expedition to Dumfreis Lochmaben rendred and the Keeper executed The Lord Maxwel taken prisoner at sea by Sir William Stewart and brought prisoner to Edinburgh Sir William Stewart killed by Bothwel Penult Iulii A meeting of the Estates upon the rumour of the Spanish Navy beginning of August His Majesties speech to the Estates The Chancellor his speech seconding the King Bothwel perswadeth the invasion of England Colonel Semple his arrive at Leth. The Colonel apprehended and relieved by the Earl of Huntley * 21. Iuly Huntley offers to present the Colonel to the Councel Sir Robert Sidney sent from England to the King 29. August The History of the Spanish Navy Captain Drakes stratagem The Navy returneth to Spain The death of Archibald Earl of Angus An. 1589. His disposition in his sickness A message from the Prince of Parma to the Catholick Lords Huntley reconciled to the Church Huntley excuseth his reconcilement by a letter A letter from the Earl of Arroll to the Prince of Parma Letters sent to the King of Spain from the Catholick Lords The Jesuits stirre up the Lords to enterprise somewhat by themselves A plot for taking the King A practise against the Chancellor Huntley cometh to the King Huntley committed in the Castle of Edinburgh Huntley set at liberty A letter from the Queen of England to the King The Lords make open insurrection The Subjects warned to accompany the King His Majesties speech to the Noblemen in his Army A question for leading the Vant-guard The Lords dissolve their forces The King goeth to Aberdene He returneth to Edinburgh about the beninning of May. The Earl Marshall goeth to Denmark to accomplish the marriage 10. Iune The Rebels offer to submit themselves Huntley Crawford and Bothwel impanelled The points of their indictment The Lords found guilty and committed to several Wards An Assembly of
the Church at Edinburgh The Bishop of S. Andrews deprived for the marriage of Huntley The course taken with the imprisoned Lords Advertisement to the King of the marriage with the Queen The King intendeth a journey to Norway * 22. October He leaveth a Declaration under his hand Directions to the Councel The marriage solemnized at vpslo The Earl of Marshals proceedings ratâ—fied The Kings journey from Norway to Denmark An. 1590. Colonel Stewart sent with ships to the King Penult Martii The King and Queen return to Scotland Bothwel his satisfaction to the Church A difference among the Clergy for anointing the Queen The ceremony of Unction not Jewish The Queens Coronation at Halyrudhouse The Queens entry into Edinburgh The Ministers challenged for permitting Iames Gibson to preach The King offended with the alliance of Morton with Arrol An Assembly of the Church The King Commended to the Assembly the removing of the deadly feuds A trouble betwixt the Earl of Huntley and the Earl of Murray An. 1591. A sorceresse Agnes Samson apprehended Bothwell committed for consulting with witches The Laird of Dun his death Bothwell breaketh his Ward The doom of forfeiture pronounced against him His Majesties Declaration concerning Bothwell Bothwell layeth the blame of his rebellion upon the Chancellor A contest between the Church and Lords of Session Mr. Iohn Graham questioned by the Church The Archbishop of S Andrews his recantation A revocation made in name of the Church A Schisme in the Presbytery of S. Andrews Bothwells attempt upon Halyrudhouse The success of the attempt The Earl of Murray slain at Dunybâ—issell 7 Feb. 1692. The murther universally ill taken The Lord Ochiltrie maketh defection to Bothwell An. 1592. Petitions in behalf of the Church The first Petition granted and in what manner Bothwells attempt at Falkland Arroll and Collonell Stewart committed Bothwell and his company flyeth The King pursueth and cometh to Edinburgh Nidry taken by the Lord Hamilton and dimitted by his Lady Pardon granted to those that would forsake Bothwell The Lord Spinie delated for practising with the Lord Bothwell Iohn Weymis of Logie committed for his practises with Bothwell escaped A faction made against the Chancellor Troubles in the North betwixt Huntley and the Clanhattan The Earl of Angus imployed in a Commission to the North in November The Earl of Angus imprisoned in the Castle Mr. George Ker his Confession The Earl of Angus denieth the blanks The Kings resolution published for punishing that conspiracy A Meeting of the Mininistery The King his desire proponed to the Meeting An offer made by the Meeting Fintry beheaded An. 1593. The disposition and qualities of Mr. Iohn Graham The Earl of Angus escapeth The houses of the rebels rendered Atholl and Marshall made Lieutenants of the North. * 26. March A message from the Queen of England The Ambassador intercedeth for Bothwell An. 1592. Midst of April An Assembly of the Church at Dundiâ— Articles sent by his Majesty to the Church The Assemblies Answer A change of the Mondayes Mercat urged at Edinburgh An. 1593. Sir Robert Melvill sent into England The King surprised by Bothwell The manner of the surprise The Citie in armes Conditions granted to Bothwell by the Ambassadors mediation Articles subscribed by the witnesses The King goeth to Falkland A Convention at Striveling 7. Sept. The Estates finde the Conditions given to Bothwell dishonorable The Prior of Blantyre and sir Robert Melvill directed to Bothwell Bothwell falleth to his wonted forms Atholl coming to Striveling is charged to return home in the beginning of October Montrosse taken by the Lord Home Bothwell denounced Rebell The Popish Lords excommicated by the Synod of Fiâ—e The King dealeth with with M Robert Bruce to stay the publication of the sentence The Popish Lords meeâ—ing the King at Falaw desire a triall They are commanded to enter themselves in Perth Petitions of the Church sent to the King at Iedburgh The Conference betwixt his Majesty and the Commissioners of the Church The assembly resolved to keep the Diet appointed for the Lords trial A Proclamation inhibiting all convocations A Convocation of the Estates Certain of the Estates selected to judge of the Lords offers Conclusion taken touching the Popish Lords Troubles betwixt the Maxwells and the Iohnstons Iohnston preventeth the Lord Maxwell and killeth Captain Oliphant Maxwell invadeth Annandale The Lord Maxwell killed 6. December The Lord Here is and Barons of the Countrey appointed to remain at Drumfreis A Convention of the Estates The Popish Lords declared to have lost the benefit of Abolition An. 1594. The Queen delivered of a son at Striveling The Lord Souche Ambassadour from England Mr. Andrew Hunter Minister waiteth upon Bothwell as his Chaplain Bothwell prepareth of new to invade the King The Ambassadours dealing with Bothwell discovered The Roade of Leith The King Commanded the people to Arm. Bothwell removeth from Leith The Conflict betwixt Bothwell and Hume The Lord Colvill and Mr. Edward Bruce directed to England The Kings letter to the Queen of England The Commission given to the Ambassadours The Queen of Englands answer The Queen dischargeth Bothwell his resset in England An Assembly of the Church Petitions directed from the Church to the King A Remonstrance of the perills threatned to Religion The remedies of the dangers The Lord Hume reconciled to the Church Instructions sent from the King to the Church and Assembly A Parliament wherein the Lords are forfeited An. 1595. The bond betwixt the Popish Lords and Balwery exhibited Sir Iames Duglas of Spot excommunicated An. 1695. An assembly of the Church at Montrose Articles sent from the King to the Assembly An. 1595. The Assemblies answer The Queen seeketh to have the Prince in custody The King diverteth her from that course The Kings letter to the Earl of Marre for receiving the Prince The Chancellor contracteth sickness and dieth The Kings letter to the Chancellor The Chancellor his qualities His Epitaph written by the King Great death of Corns and great bloodshed in the Countrey David Forester Citizen of Striveling treacherously betrayed A Commission to eight of the Councel to rule the Exchequer The tenor of the Commission The King his promise to the Commissioners The Commissioners make faith Exception taken at the ampleness of the Commissioners The Commissioners possesse themselves with offices of Estate An. 1596. William Armstrong called Will of Kinmouth taken Prisoner The Laird of Baclugh complaineth of the breach of truce No satisfaction made Baclugh sets the Prisoner at liberty The Castle of Carlile surprised and the Prisoner freed The Queen of England greatly offended with the enterprise This matter debated in Councell The trouble quieted by Baclugh in England Col. Stewart design'd Lieutenant for the Isles An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh A search of the causes of the present fear of invasion A new Covenant made by the Ministers for abiding to the profession of the truth and living according to the same Advice for resisting the enemies of
Religion The King desireth to have the Noblemen reclaimed He communicated his mind with M. Robert Bruce M. Robert Bruce his answer and advice The King reasoneth with him to the contrary of his advise Mr. Robert's saucy Reply to the King Shortly after the Lords exiled return The Earle of Arroll intercepted in the Low Countreys escapeth A Convention at Falkland The King's judgment of Huntley's supplication A Convention at Dunfermling The Commissioners for the Church upon the report of the Lords meet at Edinburgh A publick humiliation indicted Persons nominated to attend at Edinburgh for the Church The Lord Seaton President of the Session cited to appear before the Synod of Lothian A Conference betwixt certain of the Councell and some moderate men of the Ministery The King offended wâ—th the pertinacy of the Ministers Commissioners directed to his Majesty His Majesties peremptory answer to the Commissioners The grievances of the Church proponed The King his answer A new trouble by Mr. David Blake a Minister at S. Andrews Mr. Andrew Melvill labourreth to make it a common cause The Conditions proponed to Huntley The Conditions give no content A Declinatour advised to be droponed M. David Blake his Declinator M. Blakes answer to the Diet. The Declinatour sent to the Presbyteries to be subserived A Proclamation discharing the meeting of the Commissioners The Commissioners of the Church upon this discharge enter into a new consultation They sent a Commission to the Octavians Commissioners sent to his Majesty for surceasing M. Blakes proeess His Majesties offer to the Commissioners The wiser sort of the Ministers advise to accept of the offer but they are over-ruled M. Blake cited to the last of November The Baptisme of the Princess Elizabeth A Petition presented by the Commissioners to his Majesty and Councell The Petition rejected The points laid to M. Blaks charge Mr. Robert Pont protesteth for the liberties of the Church Mr. Blake declineth the Councell of new The Councell write the Declinatour The Kings care to keep peace with the Church The King conferreth with some Ministers touching Mr. Blakes businesse The Ministers desire a declaration to be made in favour of Church Assemblies His Majestie consenteth to the Declaration Mr. Blake refuseth to acknowledg his offence to the Queen The witnesses examined and Mr. Blake found guilty A new treaty for making an accord Conditions craved by his Majesty The Commissioners refuse to agree to any censure of M. Blake The Ministers indict a fast and complain of wrong done to the kingdom of Christ. His Majesties Declaration published A Bond of obedience subscrived by the Ministers Master Blake charged to go to his ward and the Commissioners to leave the Town A new motion of agreement overthrown by the practise of some of his Majesties Chamber The Ministers deluded by a counterfeit Letter M. Walter Balcanquall in his Sermon inveigheth against the Counsellors He exhorteth the Noblemen and Bâ—rons to a meeting A Petition directed to the King from the meeting Mr. R. Bruce his Speech to those that convened The King offended with the meeting The L d Lindesey his insolent words to the King Atumult raised in the Church and City A Deacon of the Crafts appeaseth the fury of the people Noble men directed from the King to inquire the cause of the tumult The Ministers purge themselves A new Petition moved to the King The Kings answer to the Petions proponed Articles condescended upon to be proponed to his Majesty The Commissioners chused to present the Articles Bargenny declineth the charge the business ceaseth The King with the Councell departeth to Linlithgow A Proclamation discharging all Judicatories to sit in Edinburgh A great alteration in the mindes of people A Bond for mutuall concurrence The excommunication of the President deferred A Fast in the City M. Welch and his Sermon A rumour dispersed that Arroll had some forces assembled The copie of the Letter sent to the Lord Hamilton shewed to the King This Letter did offend many of the better sort A charge for apprehending the Ministers The King refuseth the purgation offered by the Town The tumult declared treason by act of Counsell The Town employed others towards the King The Proposition made by those that were sent by the Town His Majesties answer The King cometh to Leth and the next day to Edinburgh Offers made by the Town for pacifying his Majesties anger The effects of the mutiny contrary to that which was intended Advice given to raze the Town The Queen of Englands letter to the King The letter pleased the King well The tumult declared Treason in the Convention of Estates The Town of Edinburgh charged to appear at Perth The Octavians quit their Commission of the Exchequer Captain Iames Stewart killed A Nationall Assembly indicted at Perth Articles published in print for the better preparation to the Assembly The Ministers greatly perplexed with these Questions Sir Patrick Murray directed to the North to deal with the Ministers The Ministers Answer His Majesties Letter to the Earl of Huntley Letters directed to the Presbyteries for keeping the Assembly The Assembly declared to be a lawfull Generall Assembly Articles presented by his Commissioners to the Assembly The advice of certain Brethren set apart to consider the Articles The Assembly required to meet with the Estates Protestation made by Mr. Tho Buchannan in name of the Church The answers of the Articles reformed Persons nominated to reason the questions Commission given for absolving the Popish Lords The conditions required of the Earl of Huntley The like condition prescrived to Angus and Arroll The King taketh the Ministers in his protection The Assembly intercedes for the Ministery of Edunburgh and others charged with the tumuls The Kings answer The death of Mr. Iohn Lesly Bishop of Rosse The Town of Edinburgh denounced Rebels An. 1597. The Town received into favour at the intercession of Noblemen Articles injoyned to be performed by the Town The Ministers of Edinburgh suffered to return but inhibited to preach An Assembly at Dundy Mr. Robert Rollock elected to preside Order given for absolution of the Popish Lords Proceedings of the Assembly The rest of the questions determined A generall commission foâ— Church affairs Sir Patrick Murray directed to the North. A Proclamation against Mr. Iames Gourdon The Laird of Lady-land having surprized the rock Elsa is drowned The Kings care for removing of deadly fewds A meeting of the Commissioners of the Assembly at Falkland The Secretary complaineth of Mr. Robert Wallace Minister at S. Andrews Mr. Wallace declineth the Commissioners Mr. Nicoll Dalgleish protesteth against the Commissioners proceedings The declination and protestation declared invalid The Witnesses examined doe verifie the complaint Mr. Wallace his obstinacy A visitation of the Church of S. Andrews Sentence given for removing Mr. Blake and Mr. Wallace from the Ministery of S. Andrews Master George Gladstaves admitted Minister of S. Andrews Abuses in the University reformed In the new Colledge all things found out of order
A Councell appointed for the University The Doctors Professors and Regents exempted for the Church-meetings A discovery of Witches A discharge of proceedings against Witches except in case of voluntary confession Troubles in the Borders A Parliament at Edinburgh Articles presented in the name of the Church Voice in Parliament granted to such Ministers as shâ—uâ—d be provided to the places as Bishops Abbots or other Prelates The office for the spirituall government remitted to the Assembly An. 1598. A General Assembly at Dundie Ministers might give voice in Parliament The number to be aâ—se many as of old in the Papisticall Church The election of those that should give voice to be made by the King and Church Commission for discussing the rest of the points Ministers of Edinburgh permitted to preach upon condition Four others named to be joyned with the Edinburgh Minâ—sters Exception taken at two of the number The providing of the Commissioners in the planting of Edinburgh allowed Anact desining the number of Commissioners from Presbyteries to Assemblies His Majesty pleaseth to remit all offences past of the Ministers Mr. Iohn Dividson protesteth against the conclusions of the Assembly Question moved for Mr. Robert Bruce who refused the imposition of hands A declaration made for his satisfaction A tumult in the Church as his admission Mr. Robert Bruce cited before the Commissioners purgeth himself of the tumult He is admitted and receives imposition of hands Commissioners directed to Synod of Fife A meeting at Falkland for determining the vote of Parliament Caveats for eschewing of corruption His Majesties purpose in giving way to these conclusions Ambassadors directed to the Princes of Germany The success of that Ambassage The Queen brought to bed of a daughter Hamilton and Huntley created Marquesses Mr. Iohn Lindesay Secretary dieth The Lord of Colluthy his death Mr. Thomas Buchannan his death David Ferguson his death The death of Mr. Robert Rollock most lamented His behaviour in the time of his sicknâ—ss and at his dying An. 1599. Alteration of some officers of State The Earl of Cassills made Treasurer Lord Elphingston succeeded Treasurer Sr. William Bowes Ambassadour from England One Ashfield conveighed privately to Berwick by two of the Ambassadours servants A visitation of the University of S. Andrewes Discourse of his Majesties Title to the Crown of England The King publisheth his Basilicon Doron by occasion of a libell Mr. Iohn Dikes fugitive for the libell The book well received in England A trouble for receiving some English Comedians A generall Assembly of the Church The voice in Parliament determined Two Cavears more added The state of Bishopricks at that time Bishops appointed for Rosse and Cathnes An. 1600. Iohn Dury Minister at Montrosse his death with a short description of his life The conspiracy of the Earl of Gowry The Kings kindness to his brethren and sister The plot contrived for entrapping the King The King goeth to Perth Gowry meeting the King was much troubled Mr. Alexander did move the King to goe with him Mr. Alexander professeth what he was about The Kings voice heard and is discerned Sir Thomas Areskin challengeth Gowrie Iohn Ramsey doth first relieve the King The Kings servants prepare to defend Gowrie entereth and after a little space is killed The Lords come to the King The danger by the people of the Town The Caracters found at the Earls girdle Some servants of Gowrie executed Andrew Henderson his confession The Ministers of Edinburgh required by the Councell to give thanks for his Majesties deliverance Their excuse and refusing to obey The Bishop of Rosse giveth thanks at the Market-cross The King cometh to Edinburgh Master Patrick Galloway his preaching at the Crosse. 1000 l mortified to the poor at Scone A solemne thanksgiving appointed for the Kings deliverance The Ministers of Edinburgh removed from their places Three of the number acknowledging their fault are pardoned Mr. Iames Balfoure remitted Master Robert Bruce banished A Parliament wherein Gowrie and his brother are forfeited The fifth of August to be kept yearly in remembrance of his Majesties delivery Acts concluded in this Parliament The King goeth to Dunfermlin to visit the Queen Prince Charles born at Dunfermlin The death of M. Iohn Craig with a description of his life Accidents that befell M. Craig in his flight A strange accident and singular testimony of Gods care over him He preacheth to Maximilian the Emperour but is forced to leave those parts He cometh to Scotland and is appointed Minister at Halirudhouse An. 1601. A trouble in the Court of England The Earl of Marre sent Ambassadour to England Pope Clement sends his Breves to England for excluding the King A Proclamation against some Jesuits An Assembly at Brunt-island Mr. Iohn Hall elected Modederator The defection in Religion complained of and the causes searched The remedy of the evils Mr. Iohn Davidson his letter to the Assembly The letter offended greatly the wiser sort A combustion touching the Ministers of Edinburgh A Proposition was made for a new Translation of the Bible and correcting the Psalmes The liberty of Application restrained The Ministers of Edinburgâ— received in favour New troubles by the Lord Maâ—well The Duke of Leâ—nox directed Ambassador to France The Queen of France lying of her first born The Duke returneth to Edinburgh An. 1602. Certain undertakers conqueâ— the Isles The Laird of Balcomy taken prisoner and dieth in Oikeney Neill betrayeth his brother Murdach The Lewis lost by the undertakers security Mr. Robâ— Bruce licenced to return upon promise of satisfaction Mr. Rob Bruce his inconstancy A Generall Assembly in the Chappell of Halirudhouse Petitions to his Majesty in name of the Church Overtures for provision of the Ministers The overtures deferred to another time Grievances of the Synod of Fife An answer to the grievances Acts concluded in the Assembly The businesse of Jesuits in England The story of Francis Mowbray and an Italian The Queen of England groweth sick A Conference betwixt the French Ambassadour Secretariâ— Cicill The King advertised of this conference His Majesties letter to the Secretary A letter from the King to the Earle of Northumberland An. 1603. The Queen of England her death The King advised of the Queens death A letter from the Councell and Nobility of England to the King The contents of the letter published The Borders make incursions upon the report of the Queens death The King giveth order for his journey The persons chused to attend the King in his journey He goeth to S. Giles to hear sermon The King makes a speech to the People which is followed with a great lamentation of the hearers The King cometh to Berwick The Councellors meet him at York The death of Mr. Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow The Queen falleth sick at Striveling The Prince delivered to the Queen The King and Queen inaugurated at Westminster A conspiracy detected a-against the King George Brook and two Priests executed The Noble-men and others spared Ann. 1604. The
conference at Hampton Court His Majesties proposition at the meeting An. 1603. Doctor Reynolds speech in behalf of the Petitioners The particulars complained of The meeting continued to 18 of Ianuary The effect of the meeting and his Majesties exhortation to the Clergy The Chancellor of England his judgement of the King The number deposed for disconformity An. 1604. A Parliament in England for the union The English Commissioners The power given them by the Parliament A Parliament in Scotland to that purpose The Scottish Commissioners The power granted hâ—em Westminster appointed for the place of meetting Articles of the union Hostile lawes extinguished The name of Borders abolished Order for sentences not satisfied Participation of Commâ—dito be mutuall Inequality of priviledges to be be tried Importation to be free to both people Exportation of Goods prohibited made unlawfull to both Order for Native Commodities Order for Customes Scots may be associated in English Companies Order for transportation Punishment of such as shall transgress Caution to be given by the owners and Masters of Ships Indifferency of fraighting Poâ—â—nati declared free Exception for Offices of the Crown Reservation of his Majesties Prerogative Remanding of malefactors A scroll of the Articles presented to the King The Kings speech to the Commissioners The title of great Britain assumed Peeces of gold and silver coyned The Earl of Montrosse made Commissioner of the kingdom The Lord Fiâ—â— received Chancellor An. 1605. The generall Assembly continued A number convene notwithstanding the discharge The names of them convened The Kings Commissioner dischargeth the meeting The Ministers denounced and cited by the councell for their disobedience Some confess their fault and are pardoned Oâ—hers maintain their meeting and are Committed The proceeding of the Councell condemned by the Ministery His Majesties Declaration touching some rumours dispersed The King his resolution in making no sudden change in the Church policy The form of their Declinatour The Assembly declared unlawfull Some of the Ministers pursued criminally The Indictment Exception proponed by the Advocates The Reply to the Exception The Ministers found guilty of Treason A Proclamation that none should oppose the decision of the Justice A Convention of Estates His Majesties Letter directed to the Estates The Acts passed in the Convention The history of the Powder Treason The Jesuits approve of the enterprise The Conspirers swear secrecy A Cellar hired for the myne A deliberation for the Kings children Contribution for the enterprise Catholicks to be stopped from coming to the Parliament No forain Princes to be acquainted therewith Intention to proclaim Lady Elizabeth Queen The Conspiracy detected The Letter sent to the L d Mounteagle The secrecy of so many very strange An. 1606. Mr. Iames Melvills answer in name of the rest His Majesty proponeth three questions to them A time is desired by them and granted The second audience The Bishops judgement of the meeting at Aberdene Mr. Addrew Melvills answer touching the same Mr. Iames Balfour his answer Mr. Melvill his answer Mr. William Scot his answer interrupted by Mr. Andrew Melvill The Ministers called before the Scottish Councell They are discharged to return into Scotland The Kings pleasure touching the warded Ministers The letter to the Justice prescriving the forme of the sentence A Letter from his Majesty to the Councell The sentence pronounced by the Justice A Proclamation against Jesuits Mr. Andrew Melvill committed to the Tower The Observation of the Writer An Assembly indicted at Linlithgow His Majesties letter to the Assembly An overture sent from his Majesty to the Assembly Some brethren deputed undergoe to consider the overture The overture embraced with some cautions Cautions for the constant Moderators The cautions and overture approved A complaint of the Papists and their ininsolencie Petition from the Assembly to his Majesty His Majesties answer An. 1607. His Majesties pleasure touching the Popish Noblemen Direction to the Councell for constant Moderators The Synod of Perth discharged The Synod of Fife discharged A Provest placed in the new Colledge of S. Andrews The Ministers permitted to return from London Alexander Lord Spynie killed Trouble betwixt the Earl of Morton and Lord Maxwell Maxwell committed maketh an escape The Laird of Iohnston most treacherously killed by Maxwell An. 1608. The Earl of Argile made Lieutenant of the Isles A Parliament in Scotland for the union Provisions for the union An Assembly in Linlithgow for restraining Papists The Marquis of Huntley excommunicated The causes of the defection partly in the Church The remedies of the same The cause of the defection proceeding from others Supplication to his Majesty for redresse of these evils Petitions to his Majesty for repressing Popery The Secretaries journey to Court He is charged for writing a letter to the Pope and stealing his Majesties hand thereto The Secretary charged with the fault before the Councell His answer tothe Lords of the Councell Chancellor Egerton pronounceth sentence against him Sprot his execution The Commissioners of the Assembly have audience His Majesties answer A convention at Edinburgh An. 1609. The Chancellor admitted Counsellor of England Acts made for Religion Acts made against ravishing of women The Secretaries tryall at S. Andrews His indictment The Secretary his speech and answer to the indictment His protestation of two things The Jury sworn The doom pronounced against Balmerinoch A Parliament at Edingburgh An. 1610. An Assembly at Glasgow The moderators paid of the stipend promised A supplication in name of the Popish Lords Huntly freed of his confining The Earl of Arroll troubled for his simulation The Earl of Angus goeth to Paris The Archbishop of Glasgow called to Court The business proponed by his Majesty The Archbishop his answer The consecration questioned The High Commissioners appointed Directions for the High Commissioners and other matters Ecclesiasticall An. 1601. Directions for matters Ecclesiasticall The Clergy doth approve the directions Orders for the Councell An. 1611. A Proclamation against bearing of quarrell The troubles of Orkney The Earl of Orkney committed and his Acts of Court discharged The Clangregore to be rooted out The deuh of the Earl of Dunbarre Somerset his rising Advocate made first Clerk Register afterwards Secretary Sir Iohn Skeen dyeth of grief An. 1612 The Lord Samqhar executed in England Excommunication of persons for criminall and capitall cases if they become fugitive The Clergy agree to reform this point The death of the earl of Eglington and the disposition of his living to his Cousin A Parliament in Scotland A subsidy granted The L d Burleigh removed from Councell An. 1613. The death of Prince Henry The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palgrave The King acquireth the lands of Orkney Rebellion in Orkney The Earl of Cathnes imployed to suppresse the Rebels Persons executed for the Rebellion The death of the Bishop of Rosse The Earl of Orkney put to triall An. 1614 The Earl of Orkney his indictment The persons named for the Jury The sentence pronounced The execution of
the Earl of Orkney Iohn Ogilvy a Jesuit apprehended His examinamination by certain Commissioners A direction from his Majesty touching their proceeding with him Certain Questions moved to the Jesuit His Answer to the Questions His Answer sent to his Majesty Commission for the Jesuits triall The Jesuits defence at his indictment The exception proponed by the Jesuit The exception proponed by the Jesuit The Jesuite convicted and executed Moffet another jesuit licenced to depart An. 1615. The Archbishop of S. Andrews his death Bishops translated by this occasion The History of Somersets fall Sir Tho Overburie his free advice to Somerset Overbury committed to the Tower Overbury poysoned and dyeth The murther discovered and laid open An. 1616. Somerset and his Lady brought to triall The persons of the Jury The Earl and his Lady convicted and sentenced The Marquis of Huntly called before the Commissioners He is Committed He is released by the Chancellour The Bishops complain to his Majesty A Command to the Marquis to return to his ward The Marquis permitted to come to Court The form of the absolution His Majesties letter to the Bishops for justifying the absolution The Archbishop of Canterbury's excuse for the absolution The Archbishops letter giveth some content An Assembly at Aberdene The Marquiss of new absolved Acts concluded in the Assembly Commissioners directed to the King from the Assembly His Majesties answer returned Articles craved to be incerted among the Canons Reasons why the Articles could not be inserted among the Canons A Proclamation touching the Kings purpose to visit the Countrey The Earl of Marre made Thesaurer A direction for repairing the Chapell The Bishops entreat the stay of some carved pictures upon fear of offence Ann. 1617. His Majesties answer The King refutech to deferre his journey as he was desired A Parliament in Scotland His Majesties speech to the Estates A Trouble in choosing the Lords of the Articles Article concerning his Majesties prerogative in caâ—ses Ecclesiasticall A stir among the Ministers because of the Article The Ministers Protestation The subscrivers of the Protestation Mr. Peter Hewet undertakes the presenting of the Protestation The Clerk of Register commanded to pass by the Article of Prerogative The Bishops warned to meet at S. Andrews His Majesties speech at the meeting The Ministers promise obedience upon permission of a general Assembly Mr. Arâ—hibald Sympson and Mr. David Catherwood committed The King departeth towards London An assembly at S. Andrews The Assembly inclineth to a delay The Commissioners obtain a grant of private Communion The King offended with the Assemblies proceedings writeth to the two Archbishops Another letter to the Archbishop of S. Andrews Letters to the Councell for inhibiting the payment of Stipends Mr. Archibald Sympson put to liberty His inconstancie and change A warrant to proceed with the Commission of Stipends A generall Assembly indicted at Perth His Majesties Letter to the Assembly An. 1618. The five Artiticles concluded Article for kneeling Private Communion Private Biptisme Confirmation of Children Observation of Festivities The Articles ordained to be intimated in all Churches The Earl of Argile falleth from his profession A Comet or blasing Starre Queen Anne dieth Ann. 1619. The Synod of Dordrecht said to have condemned the five articles of Perth The Bishop of Galloway dieth The Bishop of Brichen translated to Galloway A distraction betwixt the Ministers and Magistrates of Edinburgh The disorder pacified Four other Ministers planted at Edinburgh An. 1620. A contribution required for defence of the Palatinate Ann. 1621. A Parliament desired by the estates Sir Gideon Murray his death The Marquis of Hamilton keepeth the Parliament Matters concluded in Parliament The King receiveth great content by the things concluded A Letter from his Majestie to the Bishops A Letter from his Majesty to the Councell The Marquis of Hamilton wronged by a false rumour An. 1622. The Chancellor Seaâ—on dieth Rumors dispersed of Tolerations intended The judgment of the wiseâ— sort His Majesties speech in a Parliament held at that time in England An. 1623. His Majesties directions to the Councell of Scotland The Princes journey to Spain and the occasion thereof The Princes entertainment in Spain The Letter of Pope Gâ—gory the 15 to the Prince The successe of the Match intended with Spaiâ— The Prince returneth to England An. 1624. A trouble in Edinburgh raised against the Minisâ—es The death of Lodovick Duke of Richmond and Lennox An. 1625. The death of Iames Marquis of Hamilton The King much affected with these deaths contracts a feaver and dieth An Epitaph upon King IAMES his death written by the Reverend Divine Dr. Morley C. C. C. Oxon.
here with Robert Pitcarne Abbot of Dunfermline a man of good sufficiency was directed who was willed to say for the point of assotiation That the same could not be granted as tending to the utter overthrow of the Kings authority and the indangering of his person For besides that the participation of a Crown was obnoxious to many perils there could be no equality of Government betwixt an infant King and a woman of mature age who would finde a thousand wayes being once possessed with a part of the rule to draw the whole unto her self And if it should fall that she matched with some forrain Prince or other great Personage who must needs be partner with her in the Government the danger would be so much the greater These and the like reasons he was willed to use for the Queen of Englands satisfaction But before his coming to Court the face of things was quite changed The Duke of Northfolk committed to the Tower and the Bishop of Ross put in the keeping of the Bishop of London After which brake shortly forth that rebellion in the North part of England whereof Thomas Piercie Earl of Northumberland and Charles Nevill Earl of Westmerland were the heads A rebellion that in the beginning caused great stirre and put the Queen of England in such fears as once she resolved to send the Queen of Scots by Sea to the Regent but the sudden dispersing of the rebells altered that resolution The two Earles fleeing into Scotland Northumberland was not long after put out by some borderers to the Regent and sent to be kept in Lochlevin Westmerland found the means to escape into Flanders where he lived long in a poor and contemptible estate Lethington perceiving all his devices frustrated and being conscious to himself of diversill practices remained for the most part with the Earl of Atholl at Perth who being sent for to come to the Regent made divers excuses and when he could not shift his coming any longer intreated Atholl to accompany him that if need was he might use his intercession Being at Striveling in Councell Captain Thomas Crawfourd servant to the Earl of Lenox did openly charge him with the Kings murther whereupon he was committed in a chamber within the Castle of Striveling â—nd at the same time were certain directed to apprehend Sr. Iames Balfour who was guilty of the same crime but he made an escape Lethington was sent prisoner to Edinburgh where he was to have his triall under the charge of Alexander Home of North Berwick a trusty Gentleman Having stayed some dayes in lodging not far from the Castle the Laird of Grange counterfeiting the Regents hand came about ten of the clock at night and presented a warrant for receiving the prisoner in his keeping the Gentleman taking no suspicion obeyed for he knew no man to be more inward with the Regent then was Grange And he indeed unto that time did carry the reputation of an honest man nor was any one thought more sure and fast then he was But from thenceforth he became hated of all good men and was in no esteem as having abused his credit and deceived the Regent to whom he was many wayes obliged For besides other benefits he had preferred him before all his own friends to be keeper of the Castle of Edinburgh The next day being sent for to come to the Regent he refused Nottheless the next day following so carefull the Regent was to reclaim the man he went himself to the Castle and conferred a good space with him accepting the excuse he made and contenting himself with a promise to exhibite Lethington when he should be called to his triall After which keeping his journey to the borders which he had intended he went by the Mers and as he was accustomed tooke up his lodging in the Castle of Home But there he was coldly received the Lord of the place having changed his party and taken himself to the contrary faction From thence he went to Teviotdale and though he was advised by his friends because of his small company to return and deferre his journey to another time he would needs go on and had great obedience shewed in all the parts to whom he came All the time of this expedition he had warning given him dayly of some practices against his life wherein Grange was ever named as one of the principalls But he not trusting these informations sent the copies of all his advertisements to Grange whose purgations were so slender as he was ever after that time held suspected Soon after the Regents return from the borders the Abbot of Dunfermline came home from England shewing that the Queen had taken in good part the answer of the Councell and was specially pleased with the taking of Northumberland which she promised to remember with all kindness And now the Diet approaching of Lethingtons triall because of the numbers that were preparing to keep the day the Regent disliking such convocations and for that he would not have Justice outbragged did prorogate the same for foure moneths The adverse faction finding his authority dayly to increase and despairing of any success in their attempts so long as he lived resolved by some violent means to cut him off and to bring the matter to pass one Iames Hamilton of Bothwell-haugh did offer his service This man had been imprisoned some time and being in danger of his life redeemed the same by making over a parcell of land in Lothian called Woodhously that came to him by his wife to Sir Iames Ballenden Justice Clerk How soon he was let at liberty he sought to be repossessed to his own and not seeing a way to recover it for the Justice Clerk would not part therewith he made his quarrell to the Regent who was most innocent and had restored him both to life and liberty The great promises made him by the faction with his private discontent did so confirm his mind as he ceased not till he put to execution the mischief he had conceived against him and having failed the occasion which he attended at Glasgow and Striveling he followed the Regent to Linlithgo where lurking privately in the Archbishop of St. Andrews his lodging the next day as the Regent did pass that way he killed him with the shot of a bullet that entering a little beneath the navell and piercing the bowels did strike dead the horse of a Gentleman who was riding on his other side The Regent had warning given him the same morning that one did ly in wait for his life and had the house designed where the man did lurk but giving small ear unto it answered that his life was in the hands of God which he was ready to yield at his good pleasure Onely he resolved to pass out of the Town by the same gate at which he entered and to turn on the back of the Town unto the way that led to Edinburgh whither