ability of parts according to the learning of that age was much augmented by a constant resolution at his death which put the younger students and novices upon a combination for maintaining his Tenents and the breach they made let out some Friars to rail against the abuses of the Bishops The patronage of Mr. Gawin Logie and Mr. Iohn Maire added some reputation to these actions and a reformation was attempted by some more unworthy instruments upon their credit The light pulpit discourse of Friar Arithe with his gossips catched some slight people in a jest while other graver men by more serious arguments multiplied considerâ—ble proselytes in good earnest insomuch as the Archbishop of S. Andrews according to the rigour of his Religion began to call for more fire and faggots but was stopt a little by the witty advice of Mr. Iohn Lindsey who told him My Lord If ye will burn them let them be burnt in hollow Cellars for the smoak of Mr. Patrick Hamilton hath infected as many as it blew upon some touch of it was thought to have tainted Alexander Seton a black Friar and Confâ—ssor to King Iames the fifth who presuming upon the opportunity of his privacy endeavoured to withdraw the Kings affections from the Bishops and his conscience from some part of his Religion which by more prevalent counsell of Ecclesiastical persons about the Court made him be discharged of his office and his dread of the fire carried him out of the Realme From Berwick by letter he appeals to the King whom notwithstanding he accuseth to himself of weakness and ignorance being very invective against the Churchmen who at that time as well as the Presbyters since waved in many things their due subjection and in the name of Christ took upon themselves the authority of the King I finde no mention of any answer returned but I do of his progresse from thence to London where at S. Pauls Crosse he retracted some of the new divinity he had published After this for ten years space these violent oppositions in Religion were interrupted the civil warres making other disputes and partizans upon temporal principles among the Scots In which time began a reformation in England from King Henry the eights differences with the Pope whether the pillage of Abbies and demolishing other religious places easily invited the Scotish labourers who would alwayes be found at leisure for such work About the year 1534. began a new Inquisition in Scotland wherein was eminent the perverse demeanour of one David Straton an ignorant Gentleman though in the Catalogue of their Martyrs of whom when the Bishop of Murray Prior of S. Andrews demanded the customary Tythe of his Fish his answer was If they would have Tythe of that which his servants wan in the seâ— it were but reason that they should come and receive it where they got the stock and so as it was constantly affirmed he caused his servants to cast the tenth fish into the sea The processe of cursing laid against him by the Church being encountered with his contempt was re-enforced by a summons to answer for his heresie to maintain which having hitherto no pretense but the perversness of his will the Laird of Dun Arskin very lately illuminated in the point lends him his lamp to look out some better reason and because he could not read bids him hearken which he did with more diligence than devotion desirous to meet with what might colour the affectation of his errours to which purpose the Laird of Lawristons field-lecture conduced luckily chancing to be rather out of S. Matthew than the Prophet Malachy where the Pharisaical tything of Mint and Cummin being taxed might serve his turn to slight all Christian Decimations as publican-extortions and no weighty matters of the law Though that was not the text that brought the spirit of prayer upon him but another on which he might have made a better comment by his repentance than unwildy resolution and known that the denial of tenths is the denial of God in his institution before men and may perhaps be retaliated before the holy Angels by his Sonne Sentence of death being passed he asked grace of the King which Knox saith he willingly would have granted but the Bishop proudly answered no more proudly than the Presbyters more than once since then That the Kings hands were bound in that case and that he had no grace to give to such as by their law were condemned Notwithstanding the severity exercised upon him and many other the Reformation for precedents unto which by this time their Merchants and Mariners had traffiqued in forreign parts makes its way into the cloysters and by Friar Killors contrivance which Iohn Knox seems to approve of very well shews it self upon the stage in a Satyrick play and that on a Good-Friday morning the subject whereof was the passion of our Saviour Christ most envious paralels being made between the Iewish Priests and the Scotish Bishops This gave the occasion of a more close search into the Friars opinions which being found such as suited not with the present profession and government of the Church sent him with many other too zealous reforming complices unto the fire Not long after George Buchanan laid his cockatrice egge not onely of Iudaisme which himself hatched in a Lenten meeting at the eating of a Paschal lamb but of Schisme and Rebellion which His Majesty endeavoured to crush upon the first discovery notwithstanding the trust he had reposed in him of instituting some his natural children He was by the Kings special Order as they say committed to prison whence he made an unhappy escape to the ruine almost of that Kingdome by his writing All this while the Royal Reformers in England marched furiously so as King Iames had no minde to meet them at York nor give King Henry there the interview he desired This though imputed to his Clergy was taken as a discourtesie from himself which set the English jealousie on fire and that at last burnt out into a warre King Iames was not so absolute at home as to cement at pleasure the Scotish intestine divisions where the equality of power did so mi-party his thoughts that he knew not wch side to head nor had he alwaieâ— the liberty of his choice His distrust of both made him enter into secret counsel with his Clergy by whose advice and assistance he levied on a suddain a vâ—ry numerous Army the design whereof was scarcely thought of in England when it actualy entred upon the borders But such scruples were scatered by some disaffected persons to the Church and Crown as made most of the Souldiery dispute the justce of the quarrell when they were to handle their armes or without consulting their conscience leave them in the field The loss of this Army so troubled the King that he
cast off all care to recruit it and measuring the shortnesse of his daies by the extremity of his grief he becomes too true a prophet of his death Some six dayes before his Queen was delivered at Linlitquow of a daughter whom Iohn Knox very civâ—lly calls the scourge of that Realm as her mother one that brought continuing plagues upon the same and that hâ—r whole life declared hâ—r to be such No lesse did his brethren spare the deceased King but call'd him Murtherer and rejoyced at the taking away of such an enemy to Gods truth In the Kings last will were four Protectors oâ—Regents of the Kingdome appointed the Cardinall of S. Aâ—drews the Earls of Huntley Arguyle and Murray but these were men especially while in the Cardinals company very unlikely to promote the new Religion or the more unjustifiable ends of the pretended Reformers of the Church The young Earl of Arran was found a fitter subject to work on the facility of his nature rendring him very flexible to their desires and the narrownes of his judgment admitting in no latitude an abilitie to counterplot at any time their designs or a discovery of their purposes but what they laid directly in his sight His pretence of the second place in succession to the Crown gave him colour and the Lord Grange furnished him with courage to claim the government during the minority of the Queen which that faction of the Nobility soon bestowed upon him who had more will to rule with him than reason to suppose that in his hands lay the best security for her person Yet to enable him for that or some other more secret ends were presently delivered up to him the Kings Treasure Jeweâ—ls Plate Horse c. which notwithstanding they scarcely give him liberty to look on before they set him to study controversies in Religion and tutor him as well in the polemick divinity as politicks of that party And to point the bluntness of his nature by some new animosity of spirit they shew him his own name among others in a private Schedule of the K. being a memoriall of such as of whose disaffection to his person government religion good notice being taken as good care might be had to prevent the â—ll effects of that humour which they suggested to be a destination of them unto ruin This was called the bloudy Scroll and the discovery of it a great deliverance of Gods which some godly men as they term'd themselves that is such as whose guilt made them conscious how much concerned they were in it fearing the execution of their ends and intents thereof being left to the Cardinal as a Legacy by the King pressed the Governour to â—ake notice of to betake himself for what puâ—pose God had exalted him to that honour and how great expectation was had of him The principal of their meaning being to depose the Cardinal for their own security he understood not and therefore they put upon him one Guilliame a lapsed Friar with some others to be priviledged in the preaching down Superstition a word of as great extent in those times as since from which was taken as much advantage for a licentious and violent Reformation But the Friars arguments being more powerfull to draw the people into sedition than the Bishops to a dispute one of their servants thought to rime down the ridiculous part of the practice in a ballad for which he had like to have lost his life as the Cardinal his liberty who for some time was their prisoner in Dalkeith and Seaton but this project being advanced and another pass'd the vote in Parliament about a marriage between Prince Edward of England and their Queen whether by command or connivance of the Governour or intercession of the Queen Mother to which they adde the bribing of his keeper the Lâ—rd Seaton and Lethington he was soon after set free About this time they obtained with some difficulty the use of the Bible in the vulgar tongue not to leaâ—n out of it the duty of obedience to the supreme Magistrate not to study the sincere doctrine and sense of the holy word but to have the same advantage with the hereticks of old to wrest the authority of sacred writ out of the hands of the Catholick Church and to serve their purposes at any time rend the letter from the meaning of the holy Spirit For this they cited the pattern of primitive Christians whom they never meant to imitate and the authority of some Fathers who countenanced that indulgence to humble holy men but in canvasing the question I finde not them calling upon Tertullian who spake his minde too freely adjudging them for Hereticks who came short of them in pertinacy and errour and excluded all that were so from any benefit of the Bible in their oppositions unto the Church The first good use they made of it was the garnishing their libells and rebellious Pamphlets and the first fruits of the new amity between England and them was the lâ—berty of getting thence in great numbers the most angry Treatises penned in favour of King Henries fury against the Church The contract of Marriage was made solemnly in the Abbey of Hallirud-house to the confirmation of which howsoever the Governour was prevail'd with to have Christs sacred body bâ—oken between him and Mr. Sadler the Ambassadour from England yet the Queen and Cardinal and what they call the faction of France which was the principal nobility are confessed to have no consent in it upon which the Commissioners were afterward questioned for their proceedings but being maintained by the great politick Patriot the pretended Parliament it mattered not what the Holy spiritual father or natural mother had to say against them the young Queen must be disposed of as they thought fittest and the great Seals of both Kingdomes for a second ratification interchanged But soon after came out of France I. Hamilton the Abbot of Paisly and Mr. David Painter afterward Bishop of Rosse men formerly cried up by the Reformers for their learning life religion and expected by them to become pillars of the new Temple they were building but their private instructions directed them to the Court with new advice to the Governour to consider whither his petty Counsellors were carrying him what the consequences might be of the alterations in religion what commodity in continuing the ancient League with France and what hazzard of his own â—ightful succession to the crown under the displeasure of the Pope who legitimated his birth by favouring the marriage of his mother after the divorcement of his father from Elizabeth Hume then alive although he might have had security as to the last from the Reformers who acknowledged afterward they would with their whole force have fortified him in the place that God had given unto him and would never have called in Question things done in time of darkness
So it seems they can digest the Popes dispensations when they serve their turn The Abbots counsel being observed to make impression in the Governor some of the Courtiers took courage to confront his zealous party and one let flye a desperate speech That neither He nor his friends could ever be at quietness till a dozen of those Knaves that abus'd his Grace were hanged Some of them about him that had deserved it disliked the liberty taken to speak so much truth and secretly withdrew themselves Friar Guilliame being inhibited his licentious preaching went for Engand others had their dismission and the Lord Governour betook himself unto the Cardinal Lords better affected unto the Q. This was call'd renouncing the profession of Christ Iesus holy Gospell as if the Christian Creed were then confined to the Cabinet as since to the Consistory But this impetuous calumnie forc'd not through his resolution nor did his rash oath lately taken to the English Ambassadour oblige him to withstand the counsell of breaking the imperfect League the onely difficulty was how to raise mony for preparations requisite to a defensive warre which they must now expect from King Henry of England whose will in woing though for his Sonne must not be checked without â—evenge Toward this the Clergy upon the motion of the Cardinal who made it a case of conscience in the vindication of Religion raised great contribution and an opportunity of breaking the league offer'd it self when the hostages for the observance of conditions were to be delivered the denial of whom was seconded with the stay in Scotland of some noble personages late prisoners in England who had their liberty but on parole or bail none returning to custody but the Earl of Cassils who stood more upon his honor word passed unto King Henry then his duty to serve his Queen and Country for which singular instance of adhering unto his promise and for the hopes King Henry had that being gratified with his liberty he might gain him to some future service he commended his fidelity rewarded him and sent him home but being deceived in the rest and by the Governour in the contract he seiz'd upon all the Scotish Ships withâ—n his ports and proclaim'd a warre yet made no haste to it that Summeâ— but us'd the prudence and industry of his Ambassadour before he recall'd him and afterward of the party he had in Scotland to regain the Governours faith in the performance of his word In the mean time comes from France the young Earl of Lenox who setting aside the custom the Governour had by the Popes cherishing the divorce was reputed to have a nearâ—r relation unto the Crown and so far said to be justified in his pretences by the deceased King as that he had intended to declare him succâ—ssor in default of heirs Much contrivance is charged on the Queen Dowager and the Cardinal in and after the Earls coming over somewhat whereof may be not improbable to keep the Governour more firm to them to the title of whose estate as well as honour the Earl was rival and ready to step into all if the importunity of that parâ—y he first headed had â—ecovered him from the Court which prevailing not the Earl thereby frustrate of his hopes and the amarous addresses he made to the Queen Dowager not so entertained as to correspond with his ambition of a Royal marriage he takes livery and sâ—isin of what was left him the forlorn party of Reformers joyning his with their counsells and discontents His interest added somewhat to the number they got together out of anger against the Cardinal and now revenge against the Governour whom they took to be a creature of their own making and thought he would have continued to acknowledge their soveraignty while he did wear the badge of honour they bestowed upon him Those who on other reasons were of a faction for England came in to them Having modell'd their Army they send a challenge to the Cardinal at Edenburgh undertaking to give him and whatsoever forces would come out against them battail between that and Leith This the Cardinal seemed not to decline yet prudently judging the medley of those bravadoes could not be kept long together and that he might have a greater necessity ere long to use a better Army against the English than he had yet in readiness put the appointment off from day to day whereupon the more impatient part deserted them and some other by good conference received good sâ—tisfaction to that their General the young Earl became jealous of the remainder and thought it better policy to resign himself and pass over voluntarily than to stay till he were fetched by his enemies or delivered up by his despairing friends Thus perswaded he goes to Edenburgh where he was entertained with a litâ—le more cuâ—tesie in the City than he would have been in the field yet he liked not the complement so well as to trust to it but by the advice of some friends withdrew in the night to Glascow and from thence having garison'd the Bishops Palace to Dunbarton Some offers were made of an accommodation between the Governour and the Earl but the jealousies on both sides were such as could not be concentred in a point of mutual satisfaction and so multiplied into counter designs and perturbations of publick pâ—ace This civil discord hastened King Henries preparations who in the beginning of May 1544. poured forces into Scotland by sea and land which troubled many the great ones there little as Sr. George Douglasse who being taken out of prison upon their approach said in meriment I thank King Henry and my gentle Masters of England And indeed he had so many fellow servants devoted to the English that the Governour and Cardinal could not raise a sufficient power of loyal subjects to make resistance So the Army having sacked and burn'd Edenburgh wrought their pleasure at Leith and other places adjacent returned home After this the Earl of Lenox sends an expresse into France with as advantageous pretenses as he could contrive for his proceedings in Scotland but King Francis who advised his going thâ—ther to some better purpose than upon a private quarrell he had against the Protector to raise a power against the Crown would vouchsafe his Messenger no hearing nor his Letters reading but set such a guard upon him as made him doubt whether he had the liberty of his person at least fear to hazard it by giving intelligence to his Lord about the counsels of that Court This straitned the Earl in the necessity he was reduced to of seeking some protection for himself In the midst of which distraction the Governour after few dayes siege took the Castle of Glascow and left no secure sanctuary for the Earl but England which he soon resolved on having promises of his welcome yet could not
or on this side her guilt and onely for the security of Queen Elizabeth and her Kingdom yet room was left for the Queens ingenuity to acknowledge that the former extraordinary and extrajudicial examples were not drawn cleer off from their Lees nor justifiable in every circumstance that accompanied them After this the Duke of Momorancie Ambassador from the King of France presseth a cessation of Arms in Scotland a free Parliament or at least delegates from both sides to treat at London with the like deputed by the Queen of England and French King but this could not be hearkened to and the aversion of Lord Grange with his Garrison in Edenburgh Castle from peace upon hopes of supplies out of France is made the only barr against a general accord Since the Earl of Marre's death there had been no Regent in Scotland but Christs viceroies in black took the care of both Swords and passed Assembly acts at pleasure authentick no question so long as the young King breathed in the Country who must pay the Church tribute for his life by an innocent compliance to enact what they list to which purpose they kept him and would not part with this Jewel to England nor France though both desired to have him out of the noise and danger of their Wars but this look'd like a Monarchy divinely limited by the boundaries of the Discipline which might sweeten their liberty by degrees to a silent desertion of all future Government by a King Queen Elizabeth therefore who was in a manner perpetuall Protectrice calls upon them to go about the election of a Regent The Earl Morton was the man they made choice of whereby they seem'd both to gratifie the Queen and provide a mercenarie creature to their purpose he having not long before delivered up the Earl of Northumberland who had fled to Scotland for refuge and for a piece of mony unworthily as to the point of personall honour betrayed an obliging Friend who had fed and harbour'd him in his exile The late Earl of Marre had broak the Assemblies Instructions in his Regency by offering at some restraint unto the Church which had been better doubted upon the Infant person of the King and therefore his Son might well be opposed in his hereditary priviledge to have the young King in his custody especially his own minority requiring rather to have than to become a Guardian yet conditions being made the charge was conferr'd upon him for to secure the main good order was taken by the new Regent That no Papist nor factious person under which were comprised all loyal Subjects should have accesse unto the King An Earl with onely two Servants attending him A Baron with one All others single and unarmed The Queen of Scots deplorable condition in England discouraged her principal abettors at home The Duke of Castle Herald and Huntley are drawn in to acknowledge the King and his Regent the Lord Grange Humes and Lidington maintain their loyalty so long as they can in Edenburgh Castle which after a siege laid to it by Queen Elizabeths Forces which she lent the Regent out of kindness hastened by her jealousie of the French from whom the Queens Royalists in Scotland expected succour was resigned and according to the Disciplinarian mercy the first was hanged the second scarcely pardoned at Queen Elizabeths intreaty the third having sometime been a Friend sent to Leith and yet upon-after-thought because of a subtile and active headpiece supposed very probably to be poison'd by which Christian proceedings the Presbyterian Rebells become absolute Masters rule King and Country without contradiction And now their work being done they turn their pack-horse Souldiers to grass some of whom get new entertainment in Swedeland others agree better with the imployment in France and the Low-Countries The cessation of armes in Scotland gives the restless Brethren some respite to bethink themselves how to work mischief abroad The Bishop of Rosse though a prisoner in England had his head at liberty to devise and too many hands in readiness to execute what he should command upon any visible advantage against them Their importunity being not able to prevail for injustice and cruelty enough to put him to death they accept of his exile out of England though they foresee that will not quit them of their fears Morton the Regent craves a league with England of mutual defense against all forraign Forces and would have a large pension for himself and some Scots his devoted guards against the pretended attempts to depose him but that would not be hearkened to somewhat else with lesse charge and slight proofs did accumulate guâ—lt upon the Queen of Scots for contriving a dangerous Match between a Scotch Earl of the blood the Kings Vnkle and the Lady Elizabeth Candish the Countess of Shrewsburies Daughter for which her Mother and divers Ladies were imprisoned Soon after the good old Earl of Castleherault having taken no great content in changing sides and forsaking his quondâ—m pupill and Queen by the modâ—rate way of disciplinarâ—an dispatch was vexed into a sickness and dyed In the year 1577 was discovered Don Iohn of Austria's designe to marry the Queen of Scots which the Brethren foresâ—eing would imply the liberty of her person and confusion of their cause were not wanting in dâ—ligence to quicken information and aggravate prejudice to the Queen of England The Donâ—ailing of strength and assistance to carry on this and other vast youthfull designes the next year as 't is thought took no other pestilent infection then grief which brought him to his Grave In the year following the face of Government in Scotland was alter'd Earl Mortons covetous converting that publick treasure to his temporal use which should maintaine Christs Ecclesiastick Kingdom in luster brings upon him the damnation of the Discipline in deposing him from his Regency being scarcely afforded the favour of communion with his Peers The King yet but twelve years of age was apprehensive enough of the tyranny he had been under and in capacity to accept any courteous tender as well of his liberty as of his Crown It was found convenient to trust him with the title of Governing but that he might be sure not to surfeit upon the power he had his twelve Godfathers to passe upon him for every year one Earl Morton was kept in to instruct the rest rather how to give in verdict upon His Majesties actions then Counsel to his person and had the cunning to keep himself fore-man of the Jury but unadvisedly endeavouring to improve his interest to the retroduction of detestable regency split his own with the twelve Members superintendency in pieces and to little purpose secur'd the King in the Castle of Sterling there being a Regal power pretended abroad that gave the Earl of Athol commission to leavy an Army to meet him in the Field Sir Robert Bowes the English
of marrying E. Bothwel Having forecasted all difficulties to be encountred Iohn Craig declaims against it and excites the people to rebellion The Queen demands Edenburgh Castle and obtains it on an hard condition for the person of the Prince the original of her ruine They address now no more supplicates Isai. 22.23 Their malitious calumnie of the Queen and E. Bothwell's resolution to murder the young Prince The Queen raiseth an Army Yet proclaims great concessions They besiege Her Majesty at Borthwike-Castle Thence they go to Edenburgh Yet incline to disband but are prevented by the Queens approach An unfortunate Treaty by the French Agents means The Queens Army discouraged Her Majesties discourse with L. Kirkaldic of Grange while E. Bothwell slips away Her horrid entertâ—inment in the Rebells Army She is thrust into an Inne at Edenburgh and guarded Thence posted away to the Isle of Lochlevin The Ministers â—ssemble Four Commissioners deputed by them to summon in the Hamilton's c. Articles agreed on by the Rebells They are yet pâ—rplex'd in their thoughts what to do with the Queen Queen Elizabeths emulation c. made her countenance some of their proceedings Their ingratitude and scorn return'd upon her The Queen moved to qâ—it her Crown and permit Murray to be Regent K Iames 6. The Prince Crowned at Sterlin K. Iames 6. Murray returned out of France and proclaimed Regent The Queen escapes out of prison Her last ill success in Battail She escapes to England for protection Queen Elizabeth's three Desires unto the Regent Queen of Scots demands a hearing about her last marriage All discussed in the Parliament at Perth Whence the two Queens reeeive little satisfaction They demurre about E. Bothwell Pelkarne sent with their apology to Queen Elizabeth Their subtilty in making a diffâ—rence between the two Queens by much falsehood mixed with little truth Q. of Scots and D. of Korfolk sâ—cured Regent Mâ—rray kill'd The Brethren prosecute revenge A scâ—upulous question put to them Tâ—eir applicatlons to Q. Eliz. rejected They confer regall power upon the Earl of Lenox Divest him again of it and make him Regent Q of Scots by all means endeavours her liberty Queen Eliz giveth fair answers to her and her intercessors Q. Eâ—izabeths Councill how affected at this time K. Iames 5. They involve her in a multitude of difficulties She calls the Scots to accounâ— about the deposition of their Queen They exhibâ—te a large Remonstrance rebellious and antimonarchiall enough K Iames 6. 1571. Queen Eliz dislikes it Yet persists in her high demand from the Qu of Scots Commissioners Their modest answer L Keepers sharp reply K. Iemes 5. A truce between the divided parties in Scotland made by Q Eliz. The Regent and his do notwithstanding what they please They hang up the Arâ—h-Bishop of St Andrews K Iames 6. Revenge taken upon the Regent They make the E of Marre his successor who is so vexed by them that he shortly dies with grâ—ef The Parliaments fierce proposition to Q Eliz. about the Queen of Scots Rejected A resolution taken by the Rebells in Scotland fatall to the Queen and her party Divers executed in England The Duke of Norfolk Beheaded The Brethren well-pleased at the successe of their designes and approach of the Ax so near their Queen To whom Commissioners are sent to expostulate The French interceding are answered with instances from their own and other Nations Momoranchies propositions not hearkened to The Assemblies domineer while no Regent in Scotland Q. Elizabeth calls upon them to chuse one They take E Morton as fittest for their purpose The young E of Marre becomes Guardian to the King Orders made by the new Regent The Queens party in Scotland faint Edenburgh Castle taken by the help of the English Forces The Scotch army disbanded Bishop of Rosse banish'd England upon the Scots importunity Morton cannot obtain a league c. with England Queen of Scots aâ—cused of contâ—â—ving a Match E Castleherault dies with grief Don Iohn of Austria faileth in his design to marry the Q. of Scots And dyeth Morton deposed from his Regency Twelve appointed to assist the King in governing Morton one of them but defeated in his purpose to do all The King begins to shew himself to the terror of the Assembly Preserves the Bishops in some part of their Rights and revenues whereof the other would deprive them 2 B of Discip. cannot yeâ— pass in Parliament D of Alanson attempts a marriage with Q Eliz. D. of Lenox and E of Arran set at difference by the Assembly Reconciled by the King Then they accuse Lenox to Q Elizabeth Who demands to have him banish'd The King will not part with him Humes his Agent hears of this from the L Treasurer in England Morton questioned Randolphs sent to intercede but prevails not Arrogant Assembly Acts. 1579. No Christianity allowed but in Scotland and where is a confâ—rmity in Religion unto the Kirk Th K checks thâ—m They contest with him by a Committee And extort his subscription to the Negative Confession with a câ—mmand of the like from all * This is that Craig and this that confession which K Iames reflects upon in Hampton-Court conference saying That with his I renounce and abhor his detestations and abrenuntiations he did to amaze the simple people that they not able to conceive all those things utterly gave over all falling back to Popery or remaining still in their former ignorance yea if I saith his Majesty should have been bound to his form the confession of my Faith must have been in my Table-book not in my head A publick stratagem practis'd by the Brethren The Queen of Scots directs her thoughts to an higher kingdom and means to resign all up to her Son Whereupon the Brethren put all into confusion The King invited to the Castle of Ruthen and detained prisoner They press him most insolently to do their business Buchanan deserts them and repents of what he had done heretofore Queen of Scots complains to Queen Eliz. Queen Eliz very uncertain what to do Sends two Commissioners to the Queen of Scots The Disciplinarians make new jealousies about Fa Holt. Qu Eliz by her Agents Courts King Iames kindness D Lenoxs's death King Iames makes an escape Offers pardon to all that ask it Sir Francis Walsingham sent to counsell him The Assemblies justifie their late Treason And commit new Gowrie c attempt again the surprisal of the King But himself is seised on c. Walsinghams Letters not observed by E Hunsdon E Gowrie behâ—aded Letters feigned in the nâ—me of the Queen of S.o.s. Vpon whiâ—h divers Nobles are questioned And the Iudges for their severity against Papists Throckmorton hanged A reconciliation between the two Queens prevented An â—ssociation in England Queen of Scots sees a necessity of complying with Q Eliz The Scots Presbytery foreseeing the effect of it declaim â—gainst her their Kingâ— and Council in the Pulpit Vpon their flighting the Kings summons they are inhibited and Episcopacy setled The Kings suprâ—macy established by Act of Parliament Hereupon â—ivers Miâ—isters take their flight Q Eliz restrains â—heir violence but countenâ—nceth them too much Earl of Arran offers a meeting with L Hunsdon upon the borders The fugitives proscribed Patrike Grey sent Ambassador for England Qu of Scots practises too much for her self And Leicester against her and her party Queen Eliz requires a reformation of Scots Bishops Earl of Northumberland â—urdered in the Tower Sir Edward Wotton sent Ambassador into Scotland E of Bedford slain at a meetiâ—g uâ—on the borders L Fernihurst imprisoned E of Arran confined Qu Eliz demands their persons is denyed She sends home the Scottish Fugitives A rebellious army raised by them E of Arran accuseth P Grey of Treason Is besieged and narrowly escapes The Rebells answer to L Grey They capitulate and hâ—ve what they ask of the Kiâ—g A league renewed with England A considerable Article had it been agreed and kept heretofore Another about Religion the ambiguity whereof doth more hurt than good A Conspiracy in England discovered Many executed for it The Queen of Scots how far concerned in it Walsingham and her own Secretaries charge more upon her then she owns She is prejudged too soon by persons uncommission'd The more prudent yet as loyal grue milder censures Leicester woâ—lâ— have her poiâ—on'd Walsingham not prevailed with to consent Yet dâ—rects the contrivers to a methodical proceeding Queen Elizabeth yeilds to their perswasions for signing a Writ oâ— Delegacy The Queen of Scots prudent dâ—meanour reward the Delegates at Fotheringham Castle Lord Treasurâ—r rigid witâ— her Her Majesty answâ—rs him accordingly Submits to a Tryal but on condition Iustice Gawdies too particular nâ—rration The Queen protests against it Nave disclaims his pâ—pers The English Parliaâ—ent passeth sentâ—nce according to the sense of the Delegates But Q Eliz makes no hast to signe the Bill King Iames endeavours to preâ—erve his Mother but â—annâ—t Commands the Ministers to prâ—y in pâ—blick for her who deny him and her that respect Paâ—rike Greys proverb to Qu Eâ—iz Who is troubled in mind about her execution Vâ—certain instructions given to Davison with the feigned Bill He is fined and imprisoned for gâ—ing beâ—ond tâ—e meaning of them The Queen very resoâ—ute and â—eligious at her death A Priest denied her Fletcher Dean of Peterburgh Iustice blushed when she suffered
her Page could scarcely furnish her with Handkirchiefs enough to dry her eyes To whom all the apology he makes is his moderation used out of the Pulpit a falsehood as may be evidâ—nc'd by his other discourses and Letters as likewise in that he said He was not master of himself but must obey him who commands him to speak plain and to flatter no flesh upon the face of the earth The Queens grief had so prevail'd with her that he was commanded to wait a time in the next chamber where to testifie his compassion and sense of those Royal Tears he entertained merry discourse with the Court Ladies jeering them about their beauties and apparel At last he had liberty given him to depart and that according to the Queens good nature without a câ—nsure In recompense of which kindness two Felons Armstrong and Cranstone being to undergo the tryal of the law Iohn Knox to whom by his own acknowledgement the charge was given to make advertisements whensoever danger should appear because zealous brethren summons in by Letters the Countrey to their rescue for which the Master of Maxwell his old friend discharged himself of a rebellious familiar and never would own him more He was again brought before the Queen and Council but dismissed as formerly though as impudently as ever he maintained all his rebellious doctrine and blaspemously abused Scripture to confirm it In December 1563. was another General Assembly and several Petitions of Ministers presented but their dutiful demeanor had not been such as to win a speedy answer and grant of their demands They complained of some such speech given them As Ministers will not follow our counsel so will we suffer Ministers to labour for themselves and see what speed they come To which the whole Assembly made this modest reply If the Queen will not we must Some dispute there was between the Lord Secretary Lethington and the Brethren Goâ—dman being their speaker for Iohn Knox was sullen and musty at that time having lashed out so far that some even of the Protestants themselves said What can the Pope do more than to send forth his Letters and require them to be obeyed At length he made a speech wherein he desired to have his actions justified and owned by the whole Assembly or else he threatned he would never in publick nor private as a publick Minister open his mouth in doctrine or reasoning The Brethren trembling at this immediately voted and avowed his fact to be the fact of the whole Assembly But this with the rest alienated the affections not onely of the Queen and Court but of rational Lay-Protestants from their Ministers whereat they hating the name of Dumb dogs which was the inseparâ—ble title of the Bishops barked aloud every day in their Pulpits but as it happened this was no time to bite In the next Assembly 1564. their words were scan'd some advocates they found but more accusers Here as in the other was a publick Schismâ— among the Reformers divers Lords and Ministers withdrawing themselves and transacting many things about the Church At length they were drawn together to the hearâ—â—g of Knox's Cause which was very largely discussed between the Lord Secretary Lethington and him The propositions maintained by Knox were these five 1. That Subjects have delivered an innocent from the hands of their King and therefore offended not God 2. That Subjects have refused to strike innocents when a King commanded and in so doing denyed no just obedience 3. That such as struck at the commandement of the King were before God reputed murderers 4. That God hath not onely of a subject made a King but also he armed subjects against their natural King commanded them to take vengeance upon him according to his law 5. And lastly That Gods people hath executed Gods law against their King having no farther regard to him in that behalf than if he had been the most simple subject within the Realm To the proof of these holy Scripture and Ecclesiastick History is shamefully wrested all the extraordinary precedents in the Old Testament forced to justifie the new practice of the Schismatical Scots and Iohn Knox made as familiar with God and as private to his most secret counsels as any of the Prophets or Apostles in the Bible These are to this day the doctrines of the Disciplinarian Brethren by which Kings and Princes may see how much concerned they are to beware of and by an indispenâ—able coercive power when they have it to restrain them And all good subjects are to abandon utterly their opinions and practice lest the Devil possesse them as from the beginning he hath done these swine and cast them down headlong into Hell At the end of this dispute much ado there was about the votes of the Assembly but their divisions being many they at last advised Knox to send for the opinions of Calvin and other eminent Divines in the Reformed Churches which he cunningly declin'd pretending he was assured he had them all on his side a pretty credit for the forreign Reformation and would not so wrong his cause as to call it in question before any of them And so re infecta the Assembly brake up Not long after the banished Earl of Lenox had leave to return into Scotland and was graciously received by the Queen In favour of whom that he might be restored to his lands Her Majesty intended to call a Parliament but desired the Earl of Murray that nothing about Religion might be mentioned He said he could not promise it for the precise Ministry as they were now called did not use to stand to the Queens curtesie in Church affâ—irs Nor did they now forbear although they knew Her pleasure but gave in again their old factious articles and ordained many things in their Assembly about the Church Now begins the Queens affectiâ—on to shew itself toward the young Lord Darley and Secretary Lethington is dispatched into England to signifie to Queen Elizabeth that she minded to marry him Whether in reference to this or no I know not but Pope Knox's Bulls are dispersed abroad and the Brethren of Edenburgh Dundee Fife c summon'd to come in and arme themselves to make a new supplication to the Queen which was presented in very dutiful manner no question by the Superintendent of Lowthian wherein Her Majesty was advised to take heed of the matter if any Idolatry and Superstition were used at Easter following The poor Queens task was hard having two Popes to please but this nearer home threatening greater mischief to her Crown and person must be served first and accordingly prohibitions were sent out to all suspected places and persons especially to the Bishop of St. Andrews and Aberdeen not to use Masse And that they should not do any such thing as was feared by the Protestants or convene any Council
to marry whom she pleased Queen Elizabeth not liking the Perth Parliaments answer nor the young Messenger that brought it they call'd another at Sterlin and from thence sent Pelkarn with a subtile enlargement about their declining the two former of her three Propositions but because they saw so long as the exil'd Queen had the countenance of Queen Elizabeth she had oppoâ—tunity to encourage and some means to assist their enemies which now began to be somewhat potent they take a sure way to set the two Queens at variance by severall suggestions wherein what was true had been done by Murray's advice if not fiâ—st procurement the private overture of a Marriage between the Queen of Scots and the Duke of Norfolk and what was false they were sure would incense Queen Elizabeth and prevent all possibility of farther mischief from the South Of this nature was That she had passed away to the D. of Andyn her right to the Crown of England That She and the Duke of Norfolke intended to cut off the present Royall possâ—ssours of both Kingdomes which plotâ— must be discoverd by providence just at Pelcarnes coming to the English Court whereupon the Queen and Duke were presently secured After this the Regent Murray goes on with less opposition and better success in Scotland yeâ— in the midst of his victories was rewarded for his murders rebellions and falsehood being shot at Lithgow in the belly upon a private revenge and so prevented of dispatching the young Prince which may be very fairly guessed by his proceedings to be intended his Mother boasting her self to have been the Wife not the Harlot of Iames the fifth and so this her son the lawfull inheritor of the Crown The holy Brethren would fain had Murray cannoniz'd for a Saint and Martyr in the cause and his bloud reveng'd they car'd not upon whom so any of the Queens dutifull Subjests might be cut off To bring such upon tryal as stood most in their way were many popular supplicates presented and what reason was rendred for deferring the enquiry at least till the Assizes if not rather till the next Assembly in May they either take for a close compliance of their Peers with the Queens or an impolitick yielding advantage to their enemies At length some of the wisest began to put in questions by what authority they could proceed to this or any other execution of Laws the Queen being deposed the King in his non-age and no legal establishment to be made of a successor to Murray in his Regency of the Kingdome Fain would they have made use of an old by grant extorted from the Queen but that they found null by the former election of Murray and if now taken up for authentick might be thought a recalling her Majesties authority from the dead This not holding good they leave all their sawcy French Proverbs behind them and come fawning upon Queen Elizabeth in English she denies them as well advice as assistance having before made plausible promises of both to the Queen of Scots though her prisoner The Rebeâ—lâ— were sensible what ground the Quâ—ens party daily got by their Anarchy though their necessities hastened them toward a conclusion of somewhat yet not knowing what they were to seek by what means and in what method to effect it Queen Elizabeth who seem'd not fullâ— satisfied with the thing must not be disgusted by the person The Earl of Lenox the young King's Grandfather is pitcht on for several reasons looking that way and first upon some Assembly revelation he was chosen an Interrex or Interloping King which soon after by some divine counter-light was discovered to be a monster in Government suspected for Saturnes unnatural stomack that might possibly devoure the young King and Iesus Christs Scepter to boot which the Presbytery had given him to play with in his hand To avoid this danger they divest him of his intercalary Kingship and having no law upon earth to impower them they furnish him with a Regency from heaven And now in his time no question all Parliamentary as well as Assembly authority may plead to be by divine right and their proceedings are justified by this extraordinary providence of God Upon this Patent the new Regent reforms what he could by the sword according to the true sense of the Discipline The poor captive Queen in compliance with the principles of nature and likewise in discharge of her civil duty who had the trust though not possession of a Kingdome by submisse yet enough Majestick requests in England by a mediation from France and Spain agitates what she can for her liberty and this for stopping farther effusion of Christian bloud in her Countrey and preventing the progresse of oppressive tyranny over her party Queen Elizabeth sensible of these unchristian proceedings by her arbitrary power sometimes orders a truce between the Scots gives fair answers as well to her prisoner as forein Ambasdours that interceded for her adviseth with her Council Wherein some were mis lead by too facile credulity of false informations from the North others not improbably corrupted all too much adâ—cted to their own interests and an overweening solicitude about the peace and security of England This begat an overture too high and imperious for a magnanimous free-born Princesse to yield to put new thoughts and designs into the Pope Spaniard and French enlarged the breach between her English Subjects for they had been divided and some unsatisfied in the proceedings relating to the Scotch Queen reviv'd and multiplied conspiracies at home Into all these did the northwind blow the sparkles of the Disciplinarian Rebellion which more or less encreased the flame where they lighted if upon matter ready to fire with a touch Queen Elizabeth finding her self environ'd with danger and apprehending no possible security but in a perfect composure of the Scotch differences in order to it calls upon the Presbyterian division for a new account about the deposition of their Queen They exhibit a large remonstrance upon it stuffed with so much pride and barbarous insolence as left no place for religion reason or law although they were great pretenders to the last pleading Ancient priviledge of the Scotch peoples superiority to their Prince This for which their Reformed Brethren may thank them they fortified with Calvins authority and in some cases enlarged it to imprisoning and deposing Kings what or wheresoever They not onely justified their censure but magnified their own lenity to their Queen as to the paâ—doning of her life to the succession of her son who being in their power and standing onely by their pleasure no marvail if in this years Assembly and Parliament all Acts and Statutes made before by him and his Predecessors annext the freedom and liberty of the true Kirk of God aâ—e ratified by his name whenas yet he could not superscribe them with his hand Queen