preferred him to that See but farther admitted him for his prudence and dexterity in Civil things to be one of his Privy Councel in Scotland And being graced with these honors he was sent back from England the same year to attend Queen Anne in her journey to London who knowing his integrity made him her Almoner for the better dispensing of her Charity which could not confidently be credited but to clean hands and an uncorrupt heart such as his really was Not long after this he presided in the Assembly at Glasgow where the power of Bishops ex Iure postliminii was restored The same year upon the Kings command he with the Bishops of Brechin and Galloway repaired to London where he received the solemnities of consecration from the Bishops of London Ely and Bath in the Chappel at Londonâhouse At his entry to the Archbishoprick of Glasgow he found the Revenues of it so dilapidate that there was not One hundred pounds sterling of yearly Rent left to tempt to a new Sacrilege But such was his care and husbandry for his Successors that he greatly improved it and yet with so much content to his Diocese that generally both the Nobility and Gentry and the whole City of Glasgow were as unwilling to part with him as if he had been in the place of a Tutelar Angel to them But part with him they must for after eleven years presiding there the See of S. Andrews being vacant King Iames who like another Constantine thought himself as highly concerned in providing Successors for Churches as Heirs for his Crown removed him from Glasgow being then about the age of fourty nine years to be the Primate and Metropolitan of all Scotland The next year after this he presided in the Assembly at Aberdene where the Earl of Montross being the Kings Commissioner the excommunicated Marquis of Huntley was upon his Penitence received into the Bosome of the Church And at the same Assembly there past an Act for the drawing up a Liturgie for the Church of Scotland and some of the most learned and grave among the rest William Cowper Bishop of Galloway being designed the chief were deputed to that Work wherein the Service of God and the Peace of that Church was so deeply concern'd Which I the more willingly mention that the deceived party might know that the designe of a Liturgie which was afterward look'd upon as the dangerous Trojan horse sent in by their suspected Neighbours might have proved more properly such a Palladium to them as might have preserved them to this day had they not onely scornfully but seditiously rejected it and have therefore found the same fate as they of Troy did of whom it was observed Peritura Troja perdidit primùm Deos. Being invested by the Kings favour in this Primacy he made so much farther use of it as he procured Three hundred pounds sterling of yearly Rent being by the Sacrilege of former times swallow'd up in the Crown-Revenues to be restored to his See Nor did he finde any difficult business of it for certainly these latter Ages have not produced in any Nation a Christian Prince that understood better then he the horror of Sacrilege and the Concernments of Religion which never suffers more then when the Professors of it are exposed to Scorn and Poverty For however this was the portion of the best and Primitive Times when the Christian Faith had no publick Civil Authority to own it yet after it had pleased God to make Kings the Nursing-Fathers and Churches were endowed by pious men their Revenues were ever held Sacred till the Covetousness of some and the Profaneness of others had consulted with that subtile Oracle that delivers it tanquam è Tripode that there can be no such sin as Sacrilege for as Nothing can be given to God so Nothing can be taken from him All King Iames his time he lived in great favour with him and was the prime Instrument used by him in several Assemblies for the restoring the ancient Discipline and bringing that Church to some degrees of Uniformity with her Sister Church of England which had we on both sides been worthy of might have proved a Wall of Brass to both Nations Nor was his Industry less for the recovery of some remnants and parcels of the Churches Patrimony which though they were but as a few Crums in comparison of that which at a full Meal Sacrilege had swallow'd he found to be an hard Province yet by his zeal and diligence he overcame many difficulties and so little regarded his own ease that for the effecting of this and what else conduced to the recovery of that Church in Patrimony and Discipline they who knew the passages of his life have computed that he made no less then fifty journeys from Scotland to London Nor was he less gracious with King Charles his blessed Son who was Crown'd by him in the Abbey Church of Holyrude-house with such high applause and acclamations of that Nation that it could not have been possibly imagined that such an Hosanna should ever be turned into a Crucifige or that a Prince so passionate a lover of his own native Countrey should finde such enemies in the bowels of it as either to contrive or to assist his Ruine But thus God had ordered it as in the case of Iosiah rather as a Punishment for our sins then his that leaving his earthly Crown which to him really proved but a Crown of Thorns whatever it may prove to others to the bold Hand that would next venture to take it up he might be put in possession of a more glorious Diadem and sit Crowned there where if the joyes of heaven admit of such a diversion he looks down upon things below and all that happens here with so much unconcernment as what was said of the brave Roman may in a Christian sense be more sutable to him Illic postquam se lumine vero Implevit stellásque vagas miratur Astra Fixa Polis vidit quantâ sub nocte jaceret Nostra dies ridétque sui ludibria trunci But to return to this pious man who was so happy as to have his eyes closed before the Crown which he so solemnly set upon his Masters Head was to the astonishment of the World snatcht from him there must be added to this story That as he enrich'd his See of Glasgow so he did the like for S. Andrews procuring the Revenues of the Priory being then in Lay hands to be added to his Church But having compassed this to shew that it was done rather for the Churches interest then his own he dealt by way of humble Petition with the King that of his large Diocese of S. Andrews so much as was of the South-side of the River of Forth might be dismembred for the erecting of a new Bishoprick which accordingly was done and being amply endowed was seated in their Prime City of Edinburgh Two years after this the
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 paâticular 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
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 pâetending 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 Bishoprâck of Cathenes and made Chancellor of the Kingdome The year following one Vibianus a Cardinal titulo sancti Stephani in monte Caelio came into Scotland in shew to reform abuses and do some good to the Church but in effect to extort moneys from Churchmen For at this time it was grown to be an ordinary trick of the Popes when they stood in need of moneys to send forth their Legates unto all Countreys sometimes under a colour of reforming abuses sometimes for the recovering of the Holy land and sometimes upon other pretexts This Cardinall having stayed a while in Scotland took his journey into Ireland and in his return would needs make a new visit of this Church for which effect he convened the Clergy at Edinburgh in the moneth of August and established divers Canons which the Clergy esteeming prejudiciall to their liberties did incontinent after he was gone revoke and disannull but what these Canons were our Writers do not remember 18. It was a fatall year this to many of our Churchmen both Bishops and Abbots amongst others Richard Bishop of S. Andrews deceasing King William recommended Hugo one of his Chaplains whom he much favoured to the Convent But they taking another course made choice of the Archdeacon Iohn Scot who was an English born The King displeased therewith did swear by the Arm of S. Iamesâthis âthis was his ordinary oath that so long as he lived Scot should never enjoy that place So he sent a Command unto the Chanons to make a new election appointing Ioceline Bishop of Glasgow their assistant and thus was Hugo his Chaplain elected The Archdeacon appealed to Rome and going thither complained of the wrong done to the Church entreating the Pope for redresse Hereupon Alexius Subdean of the Romane See was dispatched to try and examine the cause At first the King made difficulty to admit him but afterwards yeelding the two elections being tried by the Legate sentence was given for the first and Iocelin Bishop of Glasgow with the rest of the Clergy that assisted the second excommunicated This done the Legate called an Assembly of the Bishops Abbots and whole Clergy at Haliroudhouse and made Matthew Bishop of Aberdene publickly to consecrate the Archdeacon upon Trinity Sunday 1178. He not the lesse fearing the Kings displeasure left the Realm and went to Rome where he was honourably entertained by Pope Lucius the third who sent Letters to the King and admonished him not to usurp upon the Church and to remit the Bishop who was lawfully elected and consecrated to enjoy his place with quietnesse This Letter the Story saith was conceived in milde terms for the Pope feared to incense the King lest he should follow the ensample of his Cousin Henry King of England that some 8. years before had made away Thomas Becket Bishop of Canterbury for his obstinate and wilfull opposition in some matters not unlike yet the King nothing moved with the Letter to make his displeasure the better known did confiscate all the revenues pertaining to the See of S. Andrews and banished those whom he understood to favour the Bishops cause The Pope advertised hereof resolved to put the Realm under Interdiction But the Bishop prostrating himself at his feet besought him not to use any such rigour saying That he would much rather renounce his dignity then have so many Christian souls for ought that concerned him defrauded of spirituall benefits The Pope highly commending the goodnesse and patience of the Bishop held him from that time forth in more regard and at his request forbare the Interdiction Mean while it happened that VValter Bishop of Dunkeld departed this life whereupon the King taking occasion sent to recall the Bishop with offers of great kindenesse protesting that if it had not been for the oath he rashly made he would willingly have contented to his enjoying of the See of S. Andrews But seeing it did touch him in Honour and Conscience as he esteemed to be yeelding thereto he requested the Bishop to accept the Benefice of Dunkeld which was then fallen void and was in value not much inferiour to the other This the Bishop communicated to the Pope who desired to have the matter quieted advised him to return and accept the offer Thus was the Archdeacon by the Popes consent preferred to Dunkeld having the rents of the Archdeaconry reserved to him during his life in recompence of his losses Hugo this way coming to be possessed Andrews took journey to Rome that he might be reconciled to the Pope and being absolved for his intrusion in his return died some six miles from the City of Rome the 6. of August 1188. ten years and ten moneths after his election At this time newes was brought from the East of the prevailing of Sultan Saladine of Egypt against the Christians in the Holy land which moved Philip the second of France and Henry King of England to undertake the recovery of the Holy land and to employ all their credit and means as well in their own countreys as with other Christian Princes their neighbours for the furtherance of that enterprise To befray the charges of the voyage both Kings by consent of their Clergy and Nobles ordained that all their subjects both Clergy and Laity such excepted as went in the voyage should pay the tenth of all their moveables either in gold or silver King Henry having laid this imposition upon his subjects at home sent Hugh Pusar then Bishop of Duresme with other Commissioners to collect the tenths of the Clergy and Laity in this kingdom which the King and States interpreting to be an encroachment upon their liberties would not permit yet for advancing that holy action they did offer a supply of 5000. Marks sterling which King Henry refused but the enterprise upon a quarel that arose betwixt the Kings of France and England was at that time dashed and so the collection was no further urged King Henry a little after this ended his life and Richard his son who succeeded resolving to pursue the action of the holy Warre to assure the King of Scotland who he feared would take some advantage in his absence restored all the Castles which were delivered to King Henry his Father and released him and his posterity of all Covenants made and confirmed by Charter unto King Henry as extorted from him being then his prisoner reserving only such
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
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 âope or from a Generall Councell Ottobon was not well gone when another Legate named Rustaneus was sent to demand a tenth of all the Church rents within the Kingdome for advancing the journey of King Henries son who had undertaken the holy Warre at the solicitation of Ottobon but this seeming to crosse the liberties granted by former Popes unto the Church and it being notorious that the Pope was to employ the moneys to other ends for he was then warring against Manfred King of Naples and Sicily therefore the same was denied and Rustane prohibited to enter into the Realm The King not the lesse in token of his affection sent to the Pope 100. Marks sterling and for the furtherance of the holy Warre did levy 1000. men which he sent to Lewes the French King who had determined to adventure himself of new against the Infidels under the charge of the Earls of Atholl and Carrick All these dyed in that Warre partly of the plague as did Lewes himself and partly by the sword of the Enemy In this Bishops time the Carmelite Friers came into Scotland and had a dwelling assigned them at Perth by Richard Bishop of Dunkeld The Crosse-Church at Peblis was at that same time built and endowed by the King with large Revenews The reason why this Church was erected was a Crosse as they write found in that place enclosed in a little Shrine on which the name of Nicolaus a Bishop was written The Church was dedicated with many pompous Ceremonies divers Prelates being present amongst whom was Gamelinus who at his return home was taken with a Palsie and died in Inchmurtach having sate Bishop 16. years his Corps was laid in the new Church of S. Andrews nigh to the high Altar 24. William Wishart elect of Glasgow was upon the death of Gamelinus preferred to S. Andrews Pope Urban the fourth had not long before ordained That every Bishop and Abbot elect should travell to Rome for Consecration but the Papacy then vacant by reason of a Schism that continued two years and nine moneths after the death of Clement the fourth he was unwilling to goe thither four other Prelates being kept there depending at the same time William elect of Brichen Matthew elect of Rosse Nicoll elect of Cathnes and Hugh Benham elect of Abredene The elect of Brichen died at Rome Aberdene and Rosse were consecrated by Gregory the tenth upon the ending of the schisme at Viturbium Nicoll was rejected and the Chapter of Cathnes appointed to make a new election The Agents that Wishart sent for licence to be consecrated were detained a long time and had returned without effectuating their errand if Edward the first of England who coming from the Holy land was then at Rome had not by his intercession prevailed with the Pope and obtained licence for the consecration which was performed at Scone in the year 1274. in the presence of the King and divers of his Nobles At the same time William Fraser Dean of Glasgow was preferred to be Chancellour The Pope shortly after this having convocated a Councell at Lyons caused cite all the Prelates thereto to this effect a meeting of the Clergy was kept at perth where it was concluded that the Bishops Dunkeld and Murray onely excepted should addresse themselves to the journey and be at Lyons before the first of May. Hopes were given of great reformation to be made in that Councel especially of the Orders of Mendicants who were mightily increased and grown to the highest of depravation The Councel was frequent there being present as my Authour saith two Patriarchs fifteen Cardinals five hundred Bishops and a thousand other mitred Prelates besides the King of France and the Emperour of Greece and many other Princes The first proposition was for the holy warre and concerning it the Councel decreed That a tenth of all the Benefices in Christendome the priviledged Churches not excepted should be paid for six yeares That all Penitentiaries and Confessors should urge offendors to assist that holy businesse with their wealth and riches and that every Christian without exception of sex or quality should pay a yearly penny during that space under pain of excommunication For remedying abuses in the Church the Councel ordained 1. That no procurations should be paid to Bishops or Archdeacons unlesse they did visit the Churches in their own persons 2. That no Churchman should possesse more Benefices then one and should make his residence at the Church he retained 3. That without the Popes licence no Clergy should answer the impositions which might happen to be laid upon them by Princes or States 4. That the Mendicants should be reduced to four orders the Minorites the Predicants Carmelites and Heremites of S. Augustine who should continue in their present state untill the Pope should otherwise think good And 5. a geneprohibition was made to advise or admit any new orders besides those which the Councel had allowed Some other Acts of lesse moment were passed whereof the extract under the hands of the publick notaries of the Councel was sent to this Church but all these statutes turned in a short time to smoke pluralities being of new dispensed with with the clause of Non obstante which then first came in use The orders of the Friers and Monks restored one by one as first the Cistertian Monks who redeemed their order by the paiment of 500000. Marks then the Bernardines with the summe of 600000. Crownes the other Orders made in little sort their Compositions Whereby it appeared that the statutes there enacted were only devised to raise summes of
had valiantly defended themselves and their liberties against the Romanes Picts Britains Danes Norishes and all others who sought to usurp upon them and howbeit said he the present occasion hath bred some distraction of mindes all true hearted Scotch men will stand for the liberty of their countrey to the death for they esteem their liberty more precious then their lives and in that quarrel will neither separate nor divide wherefore as he had professed in way of friendship and as an Arbiter elected by themselves to cognosce and decide the present controversie they were all in most humble manner to intreat him that he would proceed to determine the question which they and their posterities should remember with their best affections and services King Edward although he was not well pleased with the Bishops free speech made no speech thereof at the time but continuing his purpose desired the competitors to be called They all being severally heard the right was found to lie chiefly betwixt Iohn Baliol and Robert Bruce and the rest ordained to cease from their claime Of Baliol and Bruce an oath was taken that they should abide by the sentence which King Edward should pronounce The like oath was taken by the Prelates Nobles and other Commissioners of the State who swear all to accept him for their King that should be tried to have the best right and for the greater assurance all their Seales were appended to the Compromise Then Edward proceeding made twelve of either kingdome men learned in the Law to be elected for examination of the right declaring that he would take the opinions also of the best Civilians in the Universities of France In this sort was the businesse carried in publick but privately and amongst some few the consultation was how to bring Scotland under his subjection Five years and some more were spent before the controversie was brought to an end at last every one longing to have it concluded the King returned to Berwick and calling the 24. who had been named at the first meeting he did enclose them within the Church commanding them to debate the matter and permitting none to have accesse unto them he himself went in now and then to feel their mindes and perceiving the most part inclining to Bruce his right he dealt first with him promising to invest him in the kingdom so as he would hold the same of the Crown of England Bruce answered that he was not so desirous of rule as he would therefore prejudice the liberties of the countrey The like offer he made to Baliol who being more greedy of a kingdome then careful of his honour did yield thereunto and so was Crowned King at Scone all the Nobility Bruce excepted doing him homage Some dayes after his Coronation he went to Newcastle to do the homage as he had promised to King Edward as unto his Soveraigne Lord. The Nobles that accompanied him thither fearing to withstand the two Kings so farre from home did likewise swear subjection to King Edward Which as soon as the rest of the Nobility and others of the State who were tender of their countreys liberty understood they grew highly displeased they that were in Baliols company were excused as not daring oppose the fact in that place but he himself having done it upon a secret paction which then began first to break out he became so universally hated as after that time could he never purchase their love nor was it long before he felt the smart of his own error For being cited to answer before the Parliament of England upon a complaint exhibited against him he appeared and having desired to answer by Procurator the same was denied him and he forced to descend to the ordinary place of pleading and stand as a subject This affront did so vexe his minde that from thenceforth he did meditate upon nothing but revenge whereof a good opportunity was offered him by the warre which then burst forth between France and England The Ambassadours of both these Kings coming at one time into Scotland the French to seek the renuing of the ancient League and the English to crave a supply of men to be sent unto King Edward by vertue of the late allegiance sworne by Baliol the desire of England was utterly rejected as unjust Because the allegiance sworne by their King was as they said forced and granting he had done it willingly it was not in his power without consent of the State to do any such act Therefore whatsoever was done by him that way both he and they did recall renouncing Edwards friendship both for that and other wrongs committed by him Thereupon it was concluded that two Ambassadours should be sent one to France for renuing the League and confirming it by new alliance of Edward Baliol the Kings son with the daughter of France another to England for defying King Edward and renouncing his allegiance Towards France William Bishop of S. Andrewes Matthew Bishop of Dunkeld Sir Iohn Sowlis and Sir Ingram Umphraville Knights were imployed The Ambassadour to England being declined by many Henry Abbot of Aberbrothock a man of great stomach undertook and performed Upon this defection of Baliol King Edward summoned him to appear at Newcastle and upon his refuse entered into Scotland with a mighty Army took Berwick with the slaughter of 7000. Scots and had delivered into his hands the Castles of Dumbar Roxburgh Edinburgh and Striveling Baliol thus overthrown was again by the perswasion of Iohn Cumin of Strathbogy brought to submit himself and swear fealty of new to King Edward After which the Parliament of Scotland was called to meet at Berwick there did all the Nobility that were present perform homage to the King of England William Douglas a man nobly born and of great courage onely refused and was therefore cast in prison where he died This done King Edward turned home leaving Iohn Warren Earl of Surrey and Sussex Governour of the kingdome Hugh Cressingham Treasurer and Ormsley chief Justice The Bishop of S. Andrewes who was lately come from France not enduring to see the countrey so thralled returned thither appointing Mr. William Knigorne and Peter de Campaigne his Chaplains to supply his absence in all spiritual affaires Robert Bishop of Glasgow and Maurice Bishop of Isles were taken and sent prisoers to London The rest of the Churchmen though permitted to attend their Cures were held under miserable bondage whereupon they secretly dispatched a message to the Pope with William Archdeacon of Lothian Baldred Bisset and William Egishame willing them to lament the oppressions of the Church and the usurpation made upon the countrey and so intreat him as the universal Father of Christendome to use his authority with the King of England ever whom he had power and take the matter to his own hearing unto whose judgement they would simply submit themselves Pope Boniface the eighth
from that expedition an Ambassage was sent to Rome for reconciling the Kingdome and a Letter subscribed by the Nobility and Barons to the Pope the Copy whereof I have thought good to insert Sanctissimo in Christo Patri domino Iohani c. filii sui humiles devoti Duncamus Comes de Fife Thomas Ranulphus Comes Moraviae dominus Manviae dominus Wallis Annandiae Patricius Dumbar Comes Marchiae Malisius Comes Strathern Malcolm us Comes de Lennox Gulielmus Comes de Rosse Magnus Comes Cathannon Orcaden Gulielmus Comes Sutherlandiae Walterus Senescallus Scotiae Gulielmus de Souls Buttelarius Scotiae Iacobus de Douglas David de Brichen David Grahame Ingelramus Umphravile Iohannes Monteith Custos Comitatus ejusdem Alexander Fraser Gilbertus de Haya Constabularius Scotiae Robertus Marescallus Scotiae Henricus de Santo Claro Panitarius Scotiae Iohannes Grahame David Lindsay Patritius Grahame Iohannes de Fenton Gulielmus de Abernethy David de Weymis Gulielmus de Montefixo Fergusius de Androssen Eustathius Maxwell Gulielmus Ramsey Alanus de Moravia Donaldus Champell Iohannes Cameron Reginaldus Loquhoir Alexander Seaton Andreas Leslie Alexander de Straton caeterÃque Barones liberè tenentes tota communitas Regni Scotiae c. Thereafter they said That Scotland being an ancient Kingdome governed by a continued succession of 97. Kings and amongst the first that embraced the faith of Christ living under the patronage of S. Andrew the brother of S. Peter and graced with many privileges by the Popes his predecessors had always been free from usurpation of any stranger before that Edward the father of him that now reigneth in England did in the time of the interreign when the question was of a successour labour by violence to establish the Kingdome to himself since which time they have endured many injuries having their Churches spoiled their Monasteries burnt and their Countrey intolerably oppressed till of late it hath pleased God to stirre up King Robert Bruce who as another Iosua or Iudas Maccabeus had redeemed them by his valour with whom they resolved in defence of their Countrey to spend their lives And if he should forsake them which they knew he would not do so long as they wâere 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 ânglish and Scots should both be warned to a certain Diet for debating their rigââs 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
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
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 affâirs 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
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
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 murtherâr 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
he not charged with this nor seemed he to be touched therewith in his death which to the judgement of the beholders was very peaceable and quiet He was heard to make that common regret which many great men have done in such misfortunes That if he had served God as faithfully as he had done the King he had not come to that end but otherwise died patiently with a contempt of the world and assurance of mercy at the hands of God The same day Archibald Douglas called the Constable and Mr. Iohn Forbes servant to the Earl of Marre were executed the rest who were taken in the Castle had their lives spared and were banished the countrey and David Home of Argaty and one Iohn Shaw were pardoned The King after this returned to Edinburgh where he gave order for charging the houses of the fugitive Lords and their friends and upon information made that certain of the Ministery had dealing with the Rebels summons were directed to charge Mr. Andrew Hay Parson of Ranfrew Mr. Andrew Polwart Subdean of Glasgow Mr. Patrick Galloway and Mr. Iames Carmichael Ministers to compeir before the Councel Mr. Andrew Hay compeired and nothing being qualified against him was upon suspicion confined in the North. The other three not compeiring were denounced Rebels and fled into England The Parliament declared current at the time for the more speedy dispatch of businesse convened the 22. of May In it his Majesties declaration concerning the attempt of Ruthven was ratified The King his authority over all persons in all causes confirmed The declining of his Majesties judgement and the Councels in whatsoever matter declared to be Treason The impugning of the authority of the three Estates or procuring the innovation or diminution of the power of any of them inhibited under the same pain All jurisdictions and judicatures spiritual or temporal not approved of by his Highnesse and the three Estates discharged and an Ordinance made That none of whatsoever function quality or degree should presume privately or publickly in Sermons Declamations or familiar conferences to utter any false untrue or slanderous speeches to the reproach of his Majesty his Councel and proceedings or to the dishonour hurt or prejudice of his Highnesse his parents and progenitors or to meddle with the affaires of his Highnesse and Estate under the pains contained in the Acts of Parliaments made against the makers and reporters of lies Whilest these statutes were in framing the Ministers who were informed thereof to work at least a delay sent Mr. David Lindesay to intreat the King that nothing should pass in Act concerning the Church till they were first heard Arran getting intelligence of this caused arrest him as one that kept intelligence with England so as he was not permitted to come towards the King The first night he was kept in Halirudhouse and the next morning sent prisoner to Blackness where he was detained 47. weeks Mr. Iames Lawson and Mr. Walter Balcanquell Ministers of Edinburgh hearing that he was committed forsook their charge and fled into England leaving a short writing behind them to shew the reasons of their departing Iohn Dury some weeks before was removed and confined in the Town of Montrosse so as Edinburgh was left without any Preacher Mr. Robert Pont Minister of S. Cutberts and one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice because of the misregard of the Church as he pretended in concluding these Acts as the Heraulds were proclaiming them according to the Custome took instruments in the hands of a Notary of the Churches disassenting and that they were not obliged to give their obedience thereto which done he likewise fleeing was denounced Rebel and put from the place in Session Rumours hereupon being dispersed that the King was declined to Popery had made divers Acts to hinder the free passage of the Gospel and abolish all order and policy in the Church Command was given to form a brief declaration of his Majesties intention in those Acts that concerned the Church and to publish the same for detecting the falshood of those rumours In this declaration the occasions that enforced the King to the making of these statutes were particularly set down and the equity thereof maintained by divers reasons Amongst the occasions were reckoned the allowance of the fact of Ruthven by the assembly of the Church Mr. Andrew Melvil his declining of the King and Councel the fast kept at the feasting of the French Ambassadors general fasts indicted through the Realm without the King his knowledge the usurping of the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction by a number of Ministers and Gentlemen the alteration of the lawes at their pleasure and a number of like abuses And for satisfying good people strangers as well as subjects touching his Majesties good affection towards the maintenance of Religion certain Articles were drawn up and subjoyned to the said Declaration to make it appear that his Majesty had intended nothing but to have a setled form of policy established in the Church But these things gave not much satisfaction so great was the discontent and were replied unto in Pamphlets defamatory libels and scurril poems which daily came forth against the Court and the rulers of it To furnish the vacant places of Edinburgh till some were moved to undertake the charge the King did appoint his own Ministers Mr. Iohn Craig and Mr. Iohn Duncanson the Archbishop of Saint Andrews supplying the ordinary preaching at Court Soon after there came a letter from the Ministers directed to the Session of the Church at Edinburgh and to the Councel of the town of this tenour That seeing they were assured many calumnies would be forged against them for absenting themselves from their flock they had good to write unto them the true causes thereof which were as they said The great indignation conceived against them by the rulers of the Court for resisting the dangerous courses then in hand the Acts made in the late Parliament repugnant to the word of God and doctrine oftentimes by them preached the iniquity committed in the passing the said Acts and violence wherein they were defended the Articles penned and presented to some Ministers for submitting themselves to the tyrannical Regiment of Bishops whom they called gross libertines belly-gods and infamous the charge given to the Provost and Bayliffes of Edinburgh to take and apprehend all Ministers that should convene to the Eldership and those that in Sermon should utter any thing against the Acts and present unhappy course with the insolent words cast forth against them That if they followed the same course they were in though their heads were as haystacks they should be laid at their heels These things they said did cast them in a grievous temptation for to go from their good course they could not unlesse they should be traitors to God to continue in it and stay would be counted treason against the King and be hazardous of their
delation only it served to discover the falshood of the suborner In December following a Parliament was held at Linlithgow for ratifying the peace and abolishing the memory of things past In this meeting the Ministers who returned in company of the Lords did earnestly urge the repealing of the Acts concluded the year preceding against their discipline which the King did utterly refuse ordaining that none should either publickly declare or privately speak or write in reproach of his Majesties person estate or government as is to be seen in the first Act of the parliament The Ministers offending greatly therewith especially with the Lords who had promised to see these Statutes repealed stirred up one Mr. William Watson in his preaching before the King to complain of the neglect that was made of the Church and condemn the acts above mentioned This young man the Bishop of S. Andrews had placed in Edinburgh after the departing of the Ministers of England and he to this time had carried himself very orderly but now either fearing that his admission by the Bishop should be questioned or to insinuate himself this way in the favours of the Ministers who he thought would rule all matters of Church as they pleased he took the boldnesse to reprove the King to his face This his unseasonable and insolent doing was by all wisemen condemned and he therefore committed to the Castle of Blacknesse Notthelesse another of the same humour called Iames Gibson Minister at that time at Pencaitland usurping the Pulpit at Edinburgh where the sicknesse was somewhat relented fell out in the like impertinent railing saying That Captain James with his Lady Jesabel and William Stewart meaning the Colonel were taken to be the persecutors of the Church but that now it was seen to be the King himself against whom he denounced the curse that fell on Jeroboam That he should die childless and be the last of his race This man called before the Councel confessed the speeches and proudly maintained the same for which he was likewise committed Watson upon promise to amend and behave himself more dutifully was suffered to return to his charge but the businesse with the other lasted to a longer time as we will afterwards hear A few days before this Parliament deceased Mr. Iohn Spottiswood Superintendant of Lothian a sonne of the house of Spottiswood in the Mers within the Barony of Gordon of which Surname it seems his first progenitors were by the armes they have common with the Gordons his Father was killed at Floudon in the unfortunate battel wherein King Iames the fourth died and he left an Orphane of four years old When he was come to some years his friends put him to Schoole in Glasgow where he took the degree of a Master of Arts and having a purpose to study Divinity which he most affected was wholly diverted from following the same by the perfecutions he saw used against those they called hereticks So leaving the countrey he went into England and there falling in familiarity with Archbishop Cranmer was by his means brought to the knowledge of the truth Soon after the death of King Iames the fifth he returned to Scotland and stayed a long time with Alexander Earl of Glencarne who was known to be affected that way In his company he came to be acquainted with Matthew Earl of Lennox and was by him imployed towards Henry the eighth at the time that France did cast him off by the Cardinals dealing as we touched before Matters succeeding to the Earl of Lennox his mind and he setled in England he remained with him some moneths after which longing to visit his friends he returned and being known to Sir Iames Sandylands of Calder a man of great authority in those times he was by him allowed to accept the Parsonage of Calder which fell then void And living sometimes with him sometimes with the Prior of S. Andrews in whose company he went to France at the time of the Queens marriage he made no great stay in any one place till the work of reformation began at which time he took himself to reside in Calder and was how soon those troubles ended chosen Superintendent of the Churches of Lothian Mers and Tiviotdale which by the space of 20. years he governed most wisely his care in teaching planting of Churches reducing people and persons of all sorts into the right way was great and so successful as within the bounds of his charge none was found refractary from the Religion professed In his last days when he saw the Ministers take such liberty as they did and heard of the disorders raised in the Church through that confused parity which men laboured to introduce as likewise the irritations the King received by a sort of foolish Preachers he lamented extremely the case of the Church to those that came to visit him who were not a few and of the better sort he continually foretold That the Ministers by their follies would bring Religion in hazard and as he feared provoke the King to forsake the truth Therefore wished some to be placed in authority over them to keep them in awe for the doctrine said he we profess is good but the old policy was undoubtedly the better God is my witness I lie not And that these were his ordinary speeches some two years before his death many then alive could witnesse He was a man well esteemed for his piety and wisdome loving and beloved of all persons charitable to the poor and careful above all things to give no man offence His happy life was crowned with a blessed death which happened the 5. of December 1585. in the 76. year of his age But to turn to the history the King having setled with the Noblemen was very desirous to be at rest with the Church and for that effect called some of the principal Ministers to a conference wherein certain Articles were agreed for the better ordering of the Ecclesiastical affairs the full determination thereof being remitted to the general Assembly of the Church which was appointed to meet at Edinburgh the tenth of May following In the mean time Maxwel puffed up with the victory at Striveling the praise whereof he ascrived wholly to himself grew so insolent as that the next Christmas taking with him a company of lewd and dissolute persons he went in procession from Dumfreis to the Colledge Church of Lincluden and caused a Masse to be said complaint being made to the King he was brought before the Councel and committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained some moneths This gave occasion to the Proclamations which followed against Priests Jesuits and traffiquing Papists who were all commanded to leave the countrey before a certain day under pain of death Whilest these things were a doing Mr. Andrew Melvil to be revenged of Saint Andrews who had devised as he imagined the Acts made in the parliament 1584. and penned the
it is hard for men in drink at which they were continually kept long to agree A little strife at his first coming to Upslo arose betwixt the Chancellor and Earl Marshal for priority of place the Earl thinking it due to him because of the honour he had in the espousal of the Queen and the Chancellor excepting that his Ambassage ceased in regard of the Kings presence and that the same precedency belonged to him by vertue of his office in those parts being with the King that he had at home But this was pacified without any noise by the Kings determination who declared the place to belong to the Chancellor Brunswicks Marriage and solemnity thereof finished the King conveyed with many great ships took journey homewards and arrived with his Queen at Leth the 20. of May where he was received with a wonderful joy and a great concourse of people After his landing he went first to Church and caused publick thanks to be given to God for his safe and happy return then after to the Noblemen and Councel he gave many thanks for the care they had taken in administration of affairs and the quietnesse they had maintained in the countrey The Earl of Bothwel besides the rest was received with a most gracious countenance for that contrary to all mens expectation he had carried himself orderly all that time And he indeed soon after the Kings departing whether to purchase the opinion of a reformed man or that as he pretended remorse of conscience did move him in a conference with Iames Gibson Minister who was then privately returned from England did offer for removing the many scandals he had given by his dissolutenesse to acknowledge publickly his offence and make any satisfaction the Church should enjoyn which also he performed appearing as he was appointed in the Church where Mr. Robert Bruce did ordinarily preach and making confession of his sinnes promised to live more regularly and not to give offence thereafter to good Christians But it was not long after the Kings return that falling to his wonted forms he became more disordered then ever and there through procuring the Kings displeasure wrought his own undoing as we shall hear The next day after the Kings arrival the Councel assembled to advise upon the Queens Coronation The King determining to have it done in most solemn manner because none of the Bishops were present nor could conveniently be brought against the day made choice of Mr. Robert Bruce to perform the ceremony The Ministers that were in town being therewith acquainted some of the number more curious then wise did except against the ceremony of Unction saying that it was Jewish and abolished at the coming of Christ introduced into Christian Kingdoms by the Pope and not to be used The chief of this opposition was one Mr. Iohn Davison an idle and turbulent man who as then had no charge in the Church but had gained some credit with certain foolish people that would be thought more holy and zealous then other Mr. Andrew Melvil sided with him at first reasoning for the same opinion It was shewed them That the ceremony could not be Jewish seeing it never had the beginning from the Jewes nor was it used by that people only That the anointing of Kings was mentioned in the book of Judges which albeit uttered in a parable did shew that it was a custom received in creating of Kings And that it was practised in other Kingdomes besides that of Judea was a thing manifest for Hasael King of Aram was anointed by Elias and Cyrus King of Persia is called by Esay Gods anointed Both these were strangers to the Law and people of the Jewes yet were they anointed wherefore the ceremony could not be Jewish Then where they said that this rite was introduced by the Pope of Rome as that could not be made out so no reasonable man would think that every rite used amongst Papists was to be rejected for in that case we should be forced to remove many things that are both of good institution and use Seeing therefore the function and authority of Princes continueth the same and is alike in all free Monarchies their anointing could no more be excepted against then their crowning and the bearing of the Sword and Scepter before them which have all the like warrant Thus they were reasoned with but nothing could remove their scruples which the King hearing he called them before him and finding them obstinate in their opinions told them That he would not have the right of Unction omitted and if Mr. Robert Bruce would not do it for they had threatned him with Church censures he would prorogue the day of Coronation and stay till one of the Bishops came who would not refuse Upon this they fell to a second deliberation and Mr. Andrew Melvil altogether misliking that a Bishop should be employed in the action divided from the others so that by the plurality of voices in end it was concluded that the ceremony should be used Thus the Sunday following the Queen was solemnly crowned and all the rites accustomed performed by Mr. Robert Bruce in the Abbey Church of Halyrudhouse On Tuesday thereafter she made her triumphant entry into the Town of Edinburgh where nothing was omitted that might serve to expresse the love and affection of the people The rest of the moneth and much of the next was spent in banquets and royall shewes for the entertaining of the strangers These finished and order taken for administration of the rents assigned to the Queen the strangers were dimitted and had rich presents given them both from the King and Queen How soon they were gone the King upon information that the Ministers of Edinburgh and Dalkeith had permitted Iames Gibson to preach in their Churches notwithstanding he was silenced by the general Assembly caused cite them before the Councel They answered That his silencing as they took it was only to the time of his appearance before the Assembly and that he was purged of contumacy But the Act being produced and hearing that he was silenced during the pleasure of the Assembly which as yet was not declared they confessed their oversight and promised that he should not have place amongst them till his Majesty was satisfyed The King constructing their answer to the best gave order to summon Gibson for his contempt and he not appearing was denounced Rebell At the same time there was a marriage treated betwixt the Earl of Arrol and a daughter of the Earl of Morton at which the King took exception and did inhibit the same as not liking that he who had so lately rebelled and was not yet reconciled to the Church should be strengthened by such an alliance Notthelesse the marriage went on for which the Earl of Morton being called before the Councel answered that he could not restrain the affection of his daughter and was forced to give way unto it The Councel
countenance and that she was a Papist they might blame themselves who had never taken care to enform her of the truth Lastly for his Daughter the Princesse he had trusted her to the Lord Levingston a Nobleman known to be of good Religion and not to his Lady who should not be suffered to take any care of her unlesse she conformed in point of Religion Whilst things thus past betwixt the King and the Church a new occasion of trouble was presented by M. David Blake one of the Ministers of S. Andrews who had in one of his Sermons cast forth divers speeches full of spight against the King the Queen the Lords of Councell and Session and amongst the rest had called the Queen of England an Atheist a woman of no Religion This being dilated to the English Ambassadour he complained to the King and thereupon was Mr. David Blake cited to appear before the Councell the 10 of November Mr. Andrew Melvill accompanying him to Edinburgh did labour to make this a common cause giving out that the same was done onely for a preparative against the Ministers to bring theâr Doctrine under the censure and controlement of the King and Councell and so farre he prevailed with the Commissioners of the Church as they sent certain of their number to intreat the deserting of the Diet saying It would be ill taken to draw Ministers in question upon trifling delations when as the enemies of the truth were spared and overseen The King some daies before had published the Conditions upon which he was to grant a Protection to Huntley and asking those Commissioners if they had seen the Conditions said That both he and the rest should either satisfie the Church in every point or be pursued with all extremity so as they should have no reason to complain of the oversight of Papists For Master Blake he said he did not think much of that matter onely they should cause him appear and take some course for pacifying the English Ambassadour But take heed said the King that you doe not decline the judicatory for if you doe it will be worse then any thing yet fallen out Now the Conditions proponed to Huntley were as followeth That he should give sufficient and reasonable caution of Inland-men and landed Barons to the number of sixteen at least who should be acted in the Books of Councell under the pain of forty thousand pounds each two of the Cautioners conjunctly and severally for five thousand pounds of the said summe that he should faithfully observe and fulfill the whole Articles undermentioned and every one of them as first that betwixt and the first day of April next to come he should either satisfie the Church for his Apostasie and return to the bosome thereof in uniformity of Religion or before the expiring of the said time depart again forth of the Countrey and not return again without his Majesties license 2 Next that during the said space he should not receive in his company any Jesuit Masse-priests or excommunicate Papists nor have any dealing communication or intelligence with them especially with his Uncle Mr. Iames Gordon nor suffer his Children in case any be brought forth in the mean time to be baptized by another then a Minister 3 That so long as he remained in the Countrey as likewise in case of his departing at the time aforesaid he should not traffick with any stranger or others whomsoever for alteration of the true Religion or disquieting the state of the Countrey in any sort 4 That his former Cautioners should remain obliged in case after lawfull triall it should be found that since his last departing he had trafficked with strangers for subversion of Religion or the alteration of the State in the summes for which they were bound 5 That he should presently enter his person in ward within such a place as his Majesty should appoint 6 That within fifteen daies next he should enter his eldest Son and apparent Heir as a Hostage to his Majesty for observing the Articles before and after mentioned and that his said Son should abide in such company ward or Castle as his Majesty should appoint where most conveniently he might be instructed in the true Religion and not escape by his Fathers knowledge or assistance Lastly that he should compeir personally before the Councell whensoever he should be called upon fifteen daies warning for trying the contravention of any of the Articles above expressed providing the cause for which he should be charged were expressed in the Letters and warrant given himâ that he should not be challenged for any other fact done before his last passing forth of Scotland These Articles the King caused to be imprinted that all men might see he meant not to bestow any favour either upon him or the rest unlesse they joyned themselves to the Religion publickly professed yet this served not to stop the mouths of people nor did it remove the jealousie of the Preachers who were daily complaining That Papists were favoured the Ministers troubled for the free rebuke of sin and the scepter of Christs kingdome sought to be overthrown The processe they said intended against Mr. Blake was but a policy to divert the Ministers from prosecuting their suite against the Popish Earls and if he should submit his Doctrine to the triall of the Councell the liberties of the Church and spirituall government of the house of God would be quite subverted In any case therefore they concluded that a Declinator should be used and protestation made against these proceedings This was held a dangerous course and earnestly disswaded by some few but they were cried down by the greater number that said it was the cause of God whereunto it concerned them to stand at all hazard So a Declinator was formed and given Mr. Blake to present bearing this in substance That howbeit the conscience of his innocency did uphold him sufficiently against the calumnies of whomsoever and that he was ready to defend the doctrine uttered by him whether in opening the words or in application yet seeing he was brought thither to be judged by his Majesty and Councell for his doctrine and that his answering to the pretended accusation might import a prejudice to the liberties of the Church and be taken for an acknowledgement of his Majesties jurisdiction in matters meerly spiritual he was constrained in all humility to decline that Judicatory for the reasons following First because the Lord Iesus of whom he had the grace of his calling had given him albeit unworthy of the honour to bear his name his Word for a rule to his preaching and that he could not fall in the reverence of any Civill law but in so farre as he should be tried to have passed his instructions which trial belonged onely to the Prophets and Pastors the spirits of the Prophets being subject to them alone for as first it must be declared whether he had kept his instruction or
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 ãâã 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
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
the custome Mr. Andrew Melvill in a great passion said That he followed the instructions of Mr. John Hamilton his uncle who had poysoned the North with his Papistry and that he was now become ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã Northampton asking what he meant by that speech the King said he calleth him the mickle Devill and then foulding up the Petition said I see you are all set for maintaining that base Conventicle of Aberdene But what answers have you to give to the questions I moved It was answered that they had conferred together and finding them to concern the whole Church they would not by their particular voices prejudge the same But you will not I trust said the King call my authority in question and subject the determination of the same to your Assemblies This they said was farre from their thoughts but if his Majesty should be pleased to set down in writing what he required they should labour to give him satisfaction Thus were they dismissed for that time and being the next day called before the Scottish Councell for after this they were no more admitted to his Majesties presence they were enquired whether they had in their publick prayers prayed for the warded Ministers as persons afflicted and sufferers for Gods cause Some of them confessed that they had prayed for them as persons in trouble and distress others that they had commended them to God but remembred not in what words The 20 of October they were again brought before the Scots Councell and had the three questions delivered to them in writing which they were commandâto answer severally mean while they were discharged to return into Scotland without his Majesties license and prohibited to come towards the Queen and Princes Court The Bishops and others of the Clergy that assisted them were permitted to return The conference breaking up in this sort matters made worse rather then better his Majesties pleasure concerning the warded Ministers which to this time had been delayed was signified by two severall letters to the Councell and Justice The letter to the Justice was as followeth Whereas in our Justice Court holden at Linlithgow the 10 of Ianuary last Mr. Iohn Forbes Minister of Awford Mr. Iohn Welch Minister at Aire Mr. Robert Dury Minister at Anstruther Mr. Andrew Duncan Minister at Crail Mr. Alexander Straghan Minister at Crech and Mr. Iohn Sharp Minister at Kilmeny were convicted of the crime of Treason for their contemptuous and treasonable declining the judgement of us and the Lords our secret Councell by a Declinatour subscribed with their hands and presented in judgement before the said Lords and that the pronunciation of the doom was upon grave and weighty respects continued till our pleasure was declared We now considering the great insolency committed by them and how dangerous the example of such a fact may prove if it should goâ unpunished specially since we of our accustomed lenity have given to these declared Traitours more then sufficient time to have acknowledged their offence and made sute for our pardon and that yet nothing hath appeared in them but an obdured obstinacy without any token of resipiscence albeit the greatness of the offence in men of their function whose actions should be patterns of duty and obedience to others hath demerited most justly the extremity of punishment appointed by law yet according to our wonted clemency being willing to dispense with the rigour of law at this time and not to inflict the punishment of death upon them Our will and pleasure is that you affix a Justice Court at Linlithgow or any other place our Councell shall appoint the 23 of October and then cause doom of punishment forth of our Dominions during their naturall lives to be pronounced against the said Traitours After which you shall return them to their wards there to remain for the space of a moneth till they have made their preparations to depart before the expiring whereof if they doe not depart wind and weather serving or being departed shall return unto our Dominions without our licence the ordinary death usually inflicted upon Traitours shall be executed upon them And because this our clemency extended towards these above named may perhaps move others to think that for trespasses of this quality no greater rigour will hereafter be used to remove all such conceits and that notice may be taken of our full determination in the like case you shall in open Court make intimation to all our lieges That if any hereafter shall offend in such an high trespass they shall be punished with all severity and the death due unto Traitours be inflicted upon them with all rigour the example of this our present lenity not withstanding And that it is our will you cause to be recorded in your books of Adjournall and publication made thereof at the Market Cross of Edinburgh and all other places needfull By the letter directed to the Councell Mr. Charles Farum was ordained to be confined in the Isle of Bute Mr. Iohn Monroe in Kintire Mr. Robert Yongson in the Isle of Arran Mr. Iames Irwin in Orkney Mr. William Forbes in Yeteland Mr. Iames Grey in Cathnes Mr. Nathaniel Inglis in Southerland and Mr. Iohn Rosse in Lewis The Justice as he was commanded did keep his Court at Linlithgow and pronounced the sentence and doom in the manner prescribed Messengers were also directed to charge the other Ministers to enter into the parts appointed for their confining and not to exceed the same without licence under pain of death After which a Proclamation was made inhibiting all Ministers to recommend either in their sermons or prayers the persons so sentenced And lest the Iesuits Seminary Priests and others of their faction should presume of any oversight to be given to them because of these proceedings against the seditious Ministers they were in like sort commanded by Proclamation to depart forth of the Realme and all the subjects inhibited to resset or entertain them under the pain of his Majesties displeasure Mr. Andrew Melvill that would not be idle and was still speaking against the Orders of the English Church having dispersed some bitter and scornfull verses against the Rites used in his Majesties Chappell which was brought to the King by one of the Chaplains was called before the Councell of England and charged with the injuring of the State and Church where in stead of acknowledging his offence he behaved himself insolently and more like a mad man then Divine for which he was committed in the Tower of London There he remained three years and more and afterwards upon the Duke of Bulloign his request was sent to Sedan where he lived in no great respect and contracting the Gout lay almost bedfast to his death Whilest I am writing this there cometh to my mind the hard and uncharitable dealing that he and his faction used towards Patrick sometimes Archbishop of St. Andrewes who not content to
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
reasonable desire then doe we in all humility with that dutifull acknowledgment of our loyalty to your Majesty as becometh protest for our selves and all our brethren that shall adhere to this our Protestation that as we are free of the same so must we be forced rather to incurre the censure of your Majesties law then to admit or obtemper any imposition that shall not flow from the Church orderly convened or others having power from the same This Protestation was subscribed by Mr. Archibald Sympson Minister at Dalkeith in name of the brethren and supplicants In another paper the Ministers who were present set down their names each of them with his own hand for a testimony of their concurrence which was committed to the said Mr. Archibald in custody But as it falleth out in things unadvisedly done and in the heat of humour the principalls in that business quickly forthinking that which they had done came the next morning early to the Archbishop of S. Andrews intreating him to stop the presenting thereof which he shewed he might easily doe by taking the same from Mr. Peter Hewet in whose hand it was given to present This man being one of the Ministers of Edinburgh had lately before been preferred to the Abbacy of Crossragwell and having thereby a place in the Parliament house was held the most fitting to present the Protestation which he willingly undertook for he loved ever to be medling and was alwaies set to make trouble The Parliament was that day to close and the Archbishop knowing how ill the King would take their doing went the more timely to the Palace where meeting with the Abbot he asked him concerning the Protestation desiring to see it and having perused a few lines began to rebuke him for taking in hand such a business he making some excuse and saying it was a Protestation only which could not offend put forth his hand to take back the paper but the Archbishop holding it fast the Protestation was neer rent betwixt them It happened one of the Grooms called Iohn Levingston to see them at strife for they had met in the private gallery neer to his Majesties chamber who shewing the King what he had seen his Majesty came forth being as yet undressed and asked what the matter was The Archbishop answered That a number of Ministers having framed a Protestation against the Article of his Majesties Prerogative had given it to the man that he had made Abbot to present and that he had undertaken to doe the same for which he had been chiding him it being an undutifull part in him without signifying the matter to his Ordinary to take such a business in hand The man falling upon his knees and trembling said That he supposed the Protestation would never offend his Majesty and that he had promised to present the same in Parliament but now that it appeared to him otherwise he would no more meddle therewith The King taking the Protestation and perceiving it subscribed by one only Minister inquired who these others were that convened The Abbot answered that they had all signed a paper besides which the subscriver kept by him for his warrant Then the King commanding the Bishop to keep the Protestation went to prepare himself for the meeting and suspecting that some other might come and protest against the Article commanded the Register Sir George Hay who upon the death of Sir Alexander Hay had been preferred to the office the year before to passe by that Article as a thing no way necessary the prerogative of his Crown bearing him to more then was declared by it Thus when the hour of meeting came the Register as he was commanded laying by that Article caused read the others that were concluded as the custome is and the same being assented to by the Estates were ratified by his Majesty Thereafter the King in a most grave speech having commended the execution of the laws made to the Judges and other inferiour Magistrates gave the Estates a most kinde and loving farewell The same night the Bishops had warning given them to meet his Majesty at S. Andrews the tenth of Iuly whither he minded to call the principall Ministers also that they might know his minde before he went away The Diet held as was appointed and there assembled with the Bishops the Ministers of chief accompt to the number of thirty six who being convened in the Chappel of the Castle the King did speak to them to this purpose What and how great my care hath been for this Church as well before as since my going into England is so well known to you all as I neither need nor doe I mean to speak much of it lest any should think I am seeking thanks for that I have done It sufficeth me that God knows my intention is and ever was to have his true worship maintained and a decent and comely order established in the Church But of you I must complain and of your causless jealousies even when my meaning towards you is best Before my coming home to visit this Kingdom being advertised that in your last Assembly an Act was made for gathering the Acts of the Church and putting them in form I desired a few Articles to be inserted one was for the yearly comemoration of our Saviour his greatest blessings bestowed upon mankinde as his Nativity ãâã Resurrection Ascension and the descent of the holy Spirit Another for the private use of both Sacraments in urgent and necessary cases A third for the reverent administration of his holy Supper And a fourth for Catechising and Confirming young Children by Bishops It was answered that these particulars had not been moved in any of the Church Assemblies and so could not be inserted with the rest which excuse I admitted and was not minded to presse them any more till you after advice did give consent thereto yet when in the late Parliament I desired my prerogative to be declared in the making of the Ecclesiasticall laws certain of your number did mutinously assemble themselves and form a Protestation to cross my just desires But I will pass that among many other wrongs I have received at your hands the errand for which I have now called you is to hear what your scruples are in these points and the reasons if any you have why the same ought not to be admitted I mean not to doe any thing against reason and on the other part my demands being just and religious you must not think that I will be refused or resisted It is a power innated and a speciall prerogative which we that are Christian Kings have to order and dispose of externall things in the policy of the Church as we by advice of our Bishops shall finde most fitting and for your approving or disapproving deceive not your selves I will never regard it unlesse you bring me a reason which I cannot answer The Ministers at these words falling on their knees
conceived by his death This following penned by a learned Divine in our vulgar language did affect me so as I thought good to subjoin it ALL who have eyes awake and weep For he whose waking wrought our sleep Is fallen asleep himself and never Shall wake again till wak'd for ever Deaths iron handhath clos'd those Eyes Which were at once three Kingdoms spies Both to foresee and to prevent Dangers as soon as they were meant That Head whose working brain alone VVrought all mens quiet but its own Now lies at rest O let him have The peace he lent us in his grave If that no Naboth all his Reign Was for his fruitfull vineyard slain If no Vriah lost his life Because he had too fair a wife Then let no Shimei's curses wound His honour or profane his ground Let no black-mouth'd no rank-breath'd cur Peacefull JAMES his Ashes stir Princes are Gods ô doe not then Rake in their graves to prove them men For two and twenty years long care For providing such an Heir VVho to the peace we had before May adde twice two and twenty more For his daies travels and nights watches For his craz'd sleep stoln by snatches For two fair Kingdoms joyn'd in one For all he did or meant t' have done Doe this for him write on his dust IAMES the Peacefull and the Iust. The End A brief Table directing to the Principall Matter of this HISTORY A St. Andrews made an University by the Bishop of the place procuring it Page 57 Made an Archiepiscopal See 58 Aidanus in Northumberland within seven dayes after his first arrival converteth and baptizeth 15000 14 Augustine The King of Northumberland with an army by instigation as was supposed of Augustine the Monk slayeth 1200 Monks that refused to receive the Rites of Rome 12 Alcuinus born in Scotland 22 B BIshop The ancient manner of a Bishop in Scotland 4 Anciently in Scotland all the moveable goods of any Bishop belonged to the King and were seized for his use 55 An English Army put to flight by a Bishop 99 A Bishop went on foot through the whole Kingdome preaching the Gospel wheresoever he came 108 The ancient variance between the Scots and Holland reconciled by a Bishop 105 The difference between Iames III. of Scotland and Lewis XI of France reconciled principally by the prudence of a Bishop ibid. A Bishop barbarously maimed by an Earl in the Kings absence and the Justice done upon him for it 40 110 A very pious Bishop lived to the age of 185 years 112 Iohn Dury a reformed Minister at his death giveth advice to the Assembly of the Church to restore the Episcopal government 457 Bishops restored in the Church and to their temporalities in Scotland 496 Cautions whereby the Episcopal power was moderated in Scotland 501 Scottish Bishops came to England for consecration 514 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth by his great authority the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Buchannan by his verses he incenseth the Franciscans 67 His death 525 Benefices the temporality of them annexed to the Crown 365 Bothwell in open Rebellion is encouraged by the English Ambassadors 402 The King would have it inserted into the Acts of the Church that Ministers shall make publick declaration in the Church the Sunday following after they have baptized any privately first refused 529 After passed by the Church 539 C CArdinals by the Popes Law the placeâs are to be ruinated where Cardinals are slain 88 Charles after King of Great Britain born 461 His Journey to Spain 544 His return 545 A Letter to him from Gregory XV. then being Suitor in the Spanish Court 544 Church A form of Church-policy presented to the Convention of Estates at Edinburgh drawn up by Knox 152 The Church and Regent cross one the others proceedings 271 A model of Church-policy presented to the Parliament at Striveling 289 The Church appointeth a Fast on the same day that the King appointeth a Feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador with a design to cross the King 322 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject the Protestation 318 Contentions between the King and Church 319 They allow not the Councel authority to judge of Treason spoken by them in the Pulpit 330 The Ministers yield more to the desires of the basest people then to reasonable Propositions of the King 394 They provide a Chaplain of their own interest for Bothwell endevouring Rebellion 402 They refuse to submit their doctrine to the triall of the King and Councel 420 They style the Queen of England Elizabeth an Atheist in their Sermons 419 422 One of them affiâmed in his Sermon that it is lawful for subjects to take arms against their King 430 They sollicite the Lord Hamilton and people to take arms 431 Articles proposed in the form of Question by the King concerning affairs of the Church 435 The bosome of the Church ought alwaies to be open to Penitents 437 The Assembly vote that it is lawfull for Ministers to sit in Parliament 449 Some of them refuse to give thanks in their Churches for the Kings deliverance from the attempts of Gowrie 460 Catholikes are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their religion so as in minde they continued firme 308 Covenant is taken by the Ministers obliging them to a better discharge of their duty 416 A Scottish prisoner rescued out of the Castle of Carlisle by a strange attempt 414 A strange event at a Councel held in Wiltsh 27 The Charity of a certain man saved his life 462 Conference at Hampton Court 478 Another Conference there between Scottish Bishops and Ministers of the Presbytery 497 D DRuids what they were 3 Are expelled by Cratilinth 3 The Diocese of Dunkeld divided into two Bishopricks 98 The Synod of Dort in Holland 540 Did not ratifie the Acts of Perth ibid. E A Controversie between six Competitors for the Crown of Scotland referred to the arbitration of Edward I of England 48 England the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland united upon the intended marriage of Edward VI. being about five years old and Mary daughter of Scotland being about one year old 72 That Contract broken by Scotland 73 The King of Scots with many of his Nobles swear subjection to Edward I. of England at Newcastle 49 The King of Scots and the Parliament of Scotland convened at Berwick do homage to the King of England ibid. The King of England refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 The Earls and Barons of Scotland in a Parliament at S. Andrewes swear obedience the third time to the King of England ib. The Scottish Lords of the Congregation have aid from England 140 The Articles of Contract between England and Scotland 142 Scottish Bishops come to England to be consecrated 514 Easter The ancient manner of observing it in Scotland not the same with that of the Roman 15
But agreeth with the Iewes 13 Augustine the Monk endevoureth to perswade the Saxons in Britain to observe Easter according to the Roman account but they refuse 12 A dispute held in England in Yorkshire concerning the computation of Easter between a Scottishman a Bishop and the abettors of the Roman Church 15 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury with the content of the Church of Scotland 527 The tryall of the Earl of Somerset 525 The Earl of Essex his death and the cause 463 Edinburgh Castle surrendred by the Queens party 271 The Town having maintained tumults against the King submit themselves 432 Elizabeth Queen of England is styled an Atheist by the Ministers of Scotland in their sermons 419 423 The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palsgrave 19 Excommunication of persons of capitall crimes if they are fugitives forbidden 517 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the content of the Scottish Ministers 527 F FAst one fasteth fourty daies without any the least kinde of food another time thirty daies 69 Francis II of France husband to Mary Stewart Queen of Scots dâeth 69 H PRince Henry baptized 406 His death 510 The death of Iames Marquiss of Hamilton 546 I IReland Patrick a Scot converteth that Nation 8 Ignorance Some Priests so ignorant as that they thought the New Testament written by Luther 76 Iames VI. born 196 Baptized according to the rites of the Roman Church 197 His Father attempted by poyson ibid. His Father murthered by Bothwell 200 Crowned in the Church of Striveling being thirteen moneths old Some Lords rebel against him at Edinb 287 He is offended at some proceedings of the Church and does not favour them much 308 Surprised by a combination of Nobles and sequestred from the Duke of Lennox 321 Temporiseth with the Church 322 He appointeth a feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador the Ministers to cross him on the same day appoint a fast 322 A promise made in time of restraint he judgeth not obliging 327 He giveth clear testimony of the care of the Church 347 A letter written by Walsingham to perswade the King to pass by the revenge of his Mothers death 359 An offer made by an English Ambassador and accordingly done to bring a Declaration signed by all the Judges in England to shew that the sentence against his Mother did not invalidate his right 365 Married to the King of Denmarks daughter 377 Goeth in person to Norway 377 Giveth directions for government in his absence 378 Bringeth his Queen to Scotland 380 Bothwells plot to surprise him discovered and prevented 386 He is surprised by Bothwell 394 He writeth an Epitaph on the death of his Chancellour 411 His just complaint against the petulancy of Churchmen 419 Publisheth his ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 455 Gowry's conspiracy against him 457 A letter written to him from the Councel and Nobility of England 473 Crowned at Westminster 478 He would never hang Priests of the Roman profession onely for their Religion 523 He foretelleth his own death therefore not likely to be poisoned 546 He died of an Hemitritaea a disease very dangerous for the aged 546 A Witch had not power to kill him 383 K KIngs Iohn Knox his opinion concerning deposing them for ill-government 137 Reasons why they are not to be punished by their Subjects ibid. The Scots cannot resolve to arraign their Queen 214 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject their Protestation 318 A Minister of Scotland affirmeth in his Sermon that it is lawful for Subjects to take arms against their King 430 Rebellion of the Subjects if they succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 Conspiracies against Princes not thought true unless they are slain 460 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Knox his death 266 Proved that he was not the Author of the book published in his name under the title of the History of Scotland 267 A form of Church policy drawn up by him 152. L LAws Malcolm repealeth that wicked Law of Eugenius III which appointed the first night of the new married woman to belong to the Lord of the ground 29 Lollards Articles of Religion taught by them 61 The Earl of Lennox Grandfather to Iames VI and Regent slain in fight 256 The Lord Aubigny Earl and after Duke of Lennox embraceth the Protestant faith 308 He dieth in the Protestant Religion 324 M JOhn Maior Hector Boeth Gilbert Crab William Gregory learned men lived in Scotland A. D. 1539. 68 The Earl of Murray Regent of Scotland murthered 233 Earl of Marre Regent of Scotland dieth a natural death 264 The Earl of Morton then Regent his covetousness and sacrilege 271 Executed upon suspicion that he consented to the murther of the Father of Iames VI 314 Rabanus Maurus born in Scotland 22 O OAths The Catholicks are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their Religion so as in minde they continued firm and laboured secretly in promoting the Roman faith 308 Ordination One Bruce being to be made Minister of a Parish in Edinburgh refuseth Ordination 451 Had preached many years before without Ordination ibid. Ordination by Presbyters in case of necessity that it is lawful 514 The death of Sir Thomas Overbury 514 P PRiests called Culdees and why 4 Pope his league not suffered to enter into Scotland 43 The Clergy will acknowledge no Statute imposed upon them by the Legate 45 A Collection demanded by the Pope denied and the Legate not permitted to enter the Realm ibid. VRbane IV. ordained that every Bishop and Abbat elect of Scotland should travail to Rome for consecration 46 A Councel held at Lyons by the Pope the Acts thereof ibid. The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 One thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of Rome and are all slain 12 Prayer A great question arose among the Churchmen whether the Pater noster were to be said to the Saints or God only Protestants the Queen Regent Dowager of Iames V. dieth in the faith of Protestants 146 The Queen of England contriveth a counter-league against the Holy league made in France for the extirpation of Protestants 389 The Articles of that League 349 Election of Ministers by the People discharged by authority in Scotland 545 The same Portent interpreted to contrary significations 542 Presbyters excluded from intermedling with the making of Ecclesiastical laws in Scotland 531 Ordination by them in case of necessity is lawfull 514 The marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth 519 The history of the Powder-treason 491 This conspiracy carried on in secrecy a whole year 492 R ROme one thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of the Roman Church and are all slain 12 A ploâto reintroduce the Roman religion 390
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 consecratâd 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 Eâdmerus 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
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 ââtirpating 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. Boâth 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 Aâââ 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 Legaâion 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 insufââcient Shevez conspireth with the Rector The Bishop contemning the censure hath his goods confiscated The ââhop 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 emulaâion 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
An. 1561. The Queen prepareth to return from France Her conference with the Earle of Bedford Monsicâr d' Oyfell sent into England The Queen of Englandâ answer The Queen of Scots offended with it Her conference with Nicoolas Throgmorâon The Queen of Scots reasons for delaying the ratification Throgmorton his answer The Queen of Englands letter to thâ Noâility The Councels answer Heâ ãâã with the English Ambassadour at ãâã The Qâeen ãâã at Leâh The Nobility assembles to congratuâate her return No change to be made in religion and a private Masse pârmitted 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 Englandsâeasons âeasons for her refuse Lethingtons third audience The conclusion taken by the Queen of England The Queen of Scots her progresse in the countrey Aâchibald 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 prefermenâs 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 goâth to Aberdâne The Lady Huntley intercedes for her son The Queen taketh journey to Innernesse The Castle of Innâânâsse denied to the Queen The Castle beiseged and rendered Huntley resolves to invade the Queen The battel of Corrichie The Earl of Huntlây taken prisoner and dieth Thanksgiving for the victory Iohn Gordon beheaded at Abârdene The Lord Gordon forfeited and commitâed 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 atâendant on the Queen favoureth the mariage Secretary Lâthington sent into England A Convocâtion of the Estates at Striveling The Lord of Darnely created Duke of Rothâsay 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 thâm the opportuniy they wished for The Proclamation of Glaidsmore The Lords cast themselves in the Queens way The order of the Lords Aâmy 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
answer Captain Iames Stewart his reply Morton is commited 2Ìâ 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 Moderâtor 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 âend 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 directeâh Amâassadours 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 ãâ¦ã Being at Dundy he is apprehended by Colonel Stewart April 16. The Castle of Striveling surâââed April 18. The King ãâã 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 Dâuwwhasil 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 goâth 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 exhorâed 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 Mackoââil 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 Peterburâow 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. caâies Declaration in writing The Declaration giveth no content to the King The Queen laboureâh to divert the King from Warre A letter of Walsâgham to the Lord Thâlsâan 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 ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã 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
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 shâuâd 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 aâse 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 Minâsters 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 sicknâss 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 Maâwell The Duke of Leânox 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
magnifie nor cry it up as they do To remedy this want and let all that desire to be truly informed of things fallen out in our times I took the pains to collect this History which I do now humbly present unto Your Sacred Majesty If the same shall be graciously accepted as I cannot but presume upon Your accustomed humanity to all I have that I desire for with me it is a small thing to be judged of others God knoweth I have followed the Truth and studied to observe the Laws of History The Collection premitted in the two first Books concerning the planting and progress of Christian Religion in this Kingdome with the worthy Instruments that God raised to propagate the true Faith both here and in the neighbouring Countries contained no great matters as of those first Ages whereof we have few or no Records remaining how should any great things be truly affirmed Yet the little I have found and brought together may let us see the exceeding goodness of God toward this Nation having so soon after the Ascension of our Saviour unto the heavens made the Gospel here to be Preached and a Church thereby gathered which to this day hath found a safe harbour under Your Majesties Royall Progenitors Fourteen hundred years and above we reckon since King Donald the first of that name his imbracing the Christian Faith All which time there hath not been wanting in the Royall Stock a most kinde Nursing Father to this Church or if a careless and dissolute King which in so long a succession of Princes is not to be wondred happened to reign the same was ever abundantly repaired by one or other of the Kings that followed neither did this bring them less happiness then honour For give me leave Sir to speak it which I hold not unworthy of your Majesties consideration the Scottish Kingdom once the least of nine Kingdoms that ruled in the Isle by the wonderfull providence of God is now so encreased first in the person of your Majesties blessed Father and now in your own as the Scepter of the whole is put into your Majesties hands which that you may long happily sway and your posterity after you to the worlds end is the hearty wish of all loyall Subjects For my part next to God his undeserved love I do ascribe this happiness to the piety and devotion of your princely Ancestors and to their zeal in maintaining the rights and liberties of this Church Your Majestie keeping the same course which blessed be God you hold you may be confident of God his protection against all dangers whatsoever for he will honour them that honour him and never turn away his face from his Anointed God Almighty I beseech to multiply his blessings upon your Majesty and your Royal Progeny to give you the desire of your heart and clothe all your Enemies with shame So he prayeth that is Your Sacred Majesties Most humble Subject and Servant S. Andrewes From the place of my Peregrination 15 Novemb. 1639. The Contents of the severall Books THe First Book containeth the planting and progress of Christian Religion in this Kingdome unto the subversion of the Picts which fell out about the year of our Lord 840 Fol. 1. The Second Book containeth succession of Bishops in the severall seas of this Kingdome especially in the sea of S. Andrews with other principall things that happened in their times fol. 25. The Third sheweth the History of the Reformation of the Church and how it was wrought fol. 117. The Fourth Book sheweth the things that fell out after Queen MARY her coming from France into this Kingdome unto her resignation of the Crown to King JAMES her Sonne fol. 176. The Fifth declareth how matters passed in the State and Church during the Government of the four Regents His Majesty being yet Minor fol. 213. The Sixth containeth the things that happened after his Majesties assuming of the Government in his own person unto his happy Succession to the Crown of England fol. 282. The Last and Seventh Book rehearseth the proceedings after his Majesties going into England unto his dying fol. 473. THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE FIRST BOOK The Contents The planting and progresse of Christian Religion in this Kingdome unto the subversion of the PICTS which fell out about the year of our Lord 480. HAving purposed to write the History of this Church I have thought meet to begin at the time in which this Kingdom did first receive the Christian faith for albeit we have few or no Records left us of those first times yet as much is to be found in stories as will shew what was the condition of this Church in every age And herewith we must content our selves till we come to the times that yield greater plenty of matter when I shall come to our own time I purpose to set down at length the things that have happened both in the Church and State together with the counsels and causes of those events without the which the History should be of little use For take away from story the causes whereupon the manner how and the purpose wherefore things were done that which remaineth is more like a Fable then an History delighting the Reader it may be for the present but giving little or no instruction at all I am not ignorant how unsafe it is to write of matters so recent and what offence it may give to divers persons but the desire I have to give posterity a true information of things and to have them made wise by our errours weigheth down with me all such feares wherefore without further prefacing to begin IN the year of our Lord 203. which was the fourth of Donald the first his Reign the Faith of Christ was in this Kingdom first publickly embraced King Donald with his Queen and divers of his Nobles being then solemnly baptized Yet was not that the first time wherein Christ was here made known for Tertullian who lived some yeares before speaking of the propagation of the Gospel throughout the world doth reckon among the countreys the parts of Britannie unto which the Romanes could not finde accesse and what these parts were we cannot doubt all the In-land of Britannie being then made subject to the Romanes and no part free but that little corner of the Isle which the Scots did inhabit Moreover it cannot in reason be thought that the conversion of this Kingdome was all wrought at one instant great alterations such as that must needs have been not being made but by little and little so as we may well think that numbers of people have been won to the Christian profession before the same was publickly embraced by the King and his Nobles But who they were that God used as instruments in that work is not certainly known Nicephorus writeth that Simon Zelotes after he had travelled through Egypt Cyrene Afrique Mauritania and Lybia came at last ad occidentalem Oceanum
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 sapieâtiorem antiquis sive modernis quae per orbem terrae erant Christi Ecclesiis aestimarent neve contra Paschales compuâos 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 eârum 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 avaâice 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 ânitatis 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 Câlonatus or Columbanus a Presbyter and Theotrianus a Deacon After a vâew taken of England and France he took journey into Germany and coming to Herbipolis now called Wârtsburg 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
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 râites 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
University of Paris and from thence went to Colein where he died of the Apoplexy They write that after he was laid in grave his spirits did return and that striving to get forth he was there smothered whereupon an Italian did write this Epigram Quaecunque humani fuerant jurÃsque sacrati In dubium veniunt cunct a vocante Scoto Quid quòd in dubium illius sit vita vocata Morte illum simili ludificante strophâ Quum non antè virum vitâ jugulârit ademptâ Quà m vivus tumulo conditus ille foret The English Writers contend that this Scotus was born in England in Dunstane Village within the Parish of Emilden in the Country of Northumberland and confirm it by the Manuscripts reserved in the Library of Merton College in one whereof are written these words Explicit lectura subtilis Doctor is in Universitate Oxoniensi super libros Sententiarum Doctor is Joannis Duns nati in Villa de Emilden vocata Dunstan contract a Duns in Comitatu Northumbriae pertinens ad domum scolasticorum de Merton Hall in Oxonio quondam dict ae a domus socii Thus ends the Lecture of the subtile Doctor in the University of Oxford upon the book of sentences Doctor Iohn Duns born in a Village of Emilden callen Dunstan or by abbreviation Duns in the County of Northumberland pertaining to the house of Scholars of Merton Hall in Oxford and sometimes one of the Fellows of the said House But this is no sufficient proof for it may be probably supposed that he living at Oxford in England when the warres were so hot betwixt the two Kingdomes did dissemble his Countrey and pretend himself to be an English born to eschew the hatred of the Students In Colein where he might without danger shew of what Countrey he was he did professe himself a Scot and the Minorites of which Order he was did therefore upon his Tomb erected in their Church at the end of the Quire nigh unto the high Altar set this Inscription which is there yet to be seen Scotia me genuit Anglia suscepit Gallia edocuit Germania tenet What a fine subtile wit he had the Monuments left by him to posterity do witness He died young in the year 1308. 27. The Chapter after Lambertons death meeting for the election of a new Bishop went into factions the one half giving their voices to Sir Iames Bane Archdeacon of S. Andrews the other half to Sir Alexander Kinnimmouth Archdeacon of Lothian but Bane being then in the Court of Rome and advertised of the Bishops death obtained the Bishoprick of the Pope who in those times disposed all Church livings as he thought good having no regard to Canonicall elections This Bishop lived four years onely after his Consecration and died at Bruges in Flanders for upon breach of the Peace with England and the Coronation of Edward Baliol when David with his Queen went into France he withdrew himself to the Low-Countreys He was buried in the Monastery of the Regular Chanons within Bruges 28. How soon Bane his death was made known the Convent meeting elected William Bell Dean of Dunkeld The Pope refusing to confirm the election the See remained void for the space of nine years and more At last William Landells Provost of Kinkell upon the recommendation of the Kings of France and Scotland was preferred and consecrated by Pope Benedict the tenth at Avignion in the year 1341. This Prelate was nobly born and the heir of great possessions in Scotland of a generous minde and given to all goodnesse he lived Bishop 44. years and in that time saw many alterations King David Bruce peaceably repossessed in the Kingdome taken captive in the Battell of Duresme where he himself was made Prisonerâ set again at liberty for the payment of one hundred thousand Marks sterling to the help whereof he procured from the Churchmen with the consent of Pope Innocent the sixth the tenth of all Ecclesiasticall livings within the Kingdome for the space of three years and after King David his death his son Robert Stewart called Robert the second crowned King to the fifteenth year of whose reign he attained and then died in the Abbey of S. Andrews his body was buried in the Cathedrall Church at the âhancery door It was a custome before these times that when any Bishop deceased all his moveable goods were seised on by the Kings Officers as belonging to the King this he got discharged and liberty granted to all the Prelates to dispose their goods by Testament to whom they pleased or if they should happen to die intestate it was made lawfull to their nearest kinsmen to call and pursue for the same The benefit of this privilege he himself first enjoyed 29. In his place the Prior of S. Andrews called Stephen a man of great experience and wisdome was chosen Bishop who going towards Rome for Confirmation was taken Prisoner at Sea by the English and died at Anwick of sicknesse in the year 1385. 30. Walter Traill was then attending Pope Clement at Avignion a man singularly learned and well expert both in the Civill and Chanon Law So great an opinion the Pope had of his worth as at his preferment he did say to those that stood by him This man deserveth better to be Pope then Bishop the place is better provided then the person Which proved true in effect for when he came to govern the See he administred all affairs most wisely Nor had he the charge onely of the Church but the whole affairs of the Kingdome being cast upon him he governed the same in such sort as the Realme was never remembred to have been better and more peaceably ruled Writers describe him to have been a man of courteous behaviour affable pitiful and compassionate of those that were in any sort distressed a hater of vice and of most sincere conversation He lived unto a great age in much esteem and died in the Castle of S. Andrews built by himselfe in the year 1401. his body was interred with great solemnity amongst his predecessors with this inscription ingraven upon his monument Hic fuit Ecclesiae columna fenestra lucida Thuribulum aureum Campana sonora 31. After him was Thomas Stewart son to King Robert the second being then Archdeacon of S. Andrews elected Bishop but he affecting the retired life refused to accept the place which thereupon remained void the space of three yeares for the Chapter would not in his life time proceed to a new election the rents were in the mean time assigned by King Robert the third with the Convents permission to Walter Danzelston in recompence of the Castle of Dumbriton which he enjoyed by an hereditary title and did at that time resign unto the King 32. Thomas Stewart deceasing Gilbert Grinlaw Bishop of Aberdene and Chancellour of the kingdome was postulated Bishop but Henry Wardlaw presentor
of Glasgow being then at Avignion was provided thereto by Pope Benedict the thirteenth There was at this time a fearful schisme in the Church of all that we do read the most scandalous and of longest continuance two and sometimes three Popes warning one against another and condemning each anothers Ordinances which did so divide the Christian world and made such partakings as were pitiful This schisme lasting 29. years and more was at last quenched in the Councel of Constance and Martin the first chosen Pope Scotland at that time living in the obedience of Benedict the Abbot of Pontiniac was directed to intimate the election of the Councel and had audience given him in a Convocation of the Clergy at Perth thither came also one Harding a Minorite Frier sent by Benedict to solicite the Churches adherence to him against the decree of the Councel who taking for his Theam these words My sonne do nothing without advicement so shall it not repent thee after the deed held a long discourse of the proceedings of the Councel and the informality thereof affirming that none was bound to obey and acknowledge the same Master Iohn Fogo a Monk of the Abbey of Melrosse replying to his Oration began his speech with that precept of the Apostle Withdraw your selves from every brother that walketh inordinately and refuting all the Minorites reasons brought against the Councel concluded that whosoever did procure for Peter de Luna this was Benedicts name before he was elected Pope was a very disturber of the Churches peace and not to be countenanced in any sort The Clergy in end disclaiming Benedict promised obedience to Pope Martin whom the Councel had elected By occasion of this schisme the mouths of many were opened against the corrupt doctrine and manners of Rome Iohn Wickliffe in England Iohn Hus and Ierome of Prague in Bohemia did openly preach against the Tyranny of the Pope and the abuses introduced in the Church and in this countrey one called Ioannes Resby an English man de Schola Wickliffi as the Story speaketh was brought in question for some points of doctrine which he taught and condemned to the fire He was charged by Master Laurence Lendors with forty heretical opinions whereof we have two only mentioned One that the Pope was noâ Christs Vicar The other that he was not to be esteemed Pope if he was a man of wicked life For maintaining these two points he suffered in the year 1407. Some 24. years after Paul Craw a Bohemian came into Scotland and for venting certain opinions touching the Sacrament of the Supper the adoration of Saints and auricular Confession he was also condemned and burnt at S. Andrewes in the year 1432. The death of these two Martyrs lieth heavy upon the memory of this Bishop who otherwise deserved well of the countrey and Church for in his time he laboured much to have the riotous formes crept in among all sorts of men repressed and was a man most hospitable They report of him that the Masters of his house complaining of the great numbers that resorted unto him for entertainment and desiring that for the ease of the servants he would condescend to make a bill of household that they might know who were to be served he condescended and when his Secretary was called to set down the names of the houshold being asked whom he would first name he answered Fife and Angus these are two large countreys containing millions of people his servants hearing this gave over their purpose of retrenching his family for they saw he would have no man refused that came to his house The bridge at the mouth of Eden was his work And besides he was the first that opened the publick Schooles at S. Andrewes making Divinity Lawes Logick and all other parts of Philosophy to be there taught In the founding of this University he took his example from that of Paris and obtained the Popes confirmation thereof which in the year 1412. being brought from Rome by Alexander Ogilvy Master of Arts was received with solemn processions fires of joy sounding of bells and all the tokens of gladnesse that could be expressed Master Iohn Sheves Official Master VVilliam Stephen afterwards Bishop of Dumblane and Sir Iohn Lister a Chanon of the Abbey were appointed to read Divinity Master Laurence Lindors was ordained to read the Common law and Master Richard Cornwal the Civil Master Iohn Gaw Master VVilliam Fowlis and Master William Crosier were chosen for Philosophy men worthy to be remembred for being the first instruments that were imployed in that service and the attendance they gave upon it having no allowance at all for their labours King Iames the first at his return from England 12. years after did greatly advance this work by the encouragement he gave to studies for not onely did he countenance professors with his presence at their Lectures but also took order that none should be preferred to any Benefice unlesse it was testified by them that the person recommended had made a reasonable progresse in learning and for that effect kept a roll of the most qualified persons by him for the filling of places that happened to fall void This that good King esteemed to be the most sure and easie way for banishing ignorance forth of the Church and ceased not to admonish the Churchmen that were in places to live as they professed and not to shame the bountyfulnesse of Princes by abusing their Donations unto Riot and Luxury Further to allure them by good example he brought home the Carthusian Monks who were at that time greatly respected for their precisenesse of living and erected for them a beautiful Monastery at Perth bestowing large revenues upon the same The Bishop surviving the King some seven years for the King was treacherously murthered at Perth in the year 1437. departed this life in the Castle of S. Andrews the fixt day of April 1444. having governed that See 35. years and was buried in the wall betwixt the Chore and the Chappel called Our Ladies Chappel 33. Iames Kennedy Bishop of Dunkeld and Nephew to King Iames the first by his sister the Countesse of Angus was after Wardlaw his death elected Bishop by the Prior and Chanons he himself was then at Florence with Pope Eugenius the fourth and had gone thither out of a desire to have the disorders crept in among Churchmen redressed hoping to be strengthened with greater authority from thence But finding all things troubled in these parts Eugenius keeping a Councel at Florence whilest another was held at Bâsile and each of them condemning another as unlawful he returned with a resolution to do the best he could at home by his own credit Upon his translation to S. Andrewes he did put all things in such order as no man then living did remember to have seen the Church in so good an estate
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 Mâry 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 ãâã and ãâã 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 Briââen 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
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
of Englands friendship And in her own Kingdome the late troubles not being fully appeased they considered her peril would be great and that she should be cast in many difficulties yet finding her own mind to incline that way and hoping to have her more subject to their counsels whilest she lived at home then if she remained in France they resolved to give way to her return and to provide a fleet for her safe transport Lord Iames at his coming though he was advertised of the conclusion taken yet dissembling his knowledge thereof did signify the great desire that the subjects had to enjoy her presence and their longing for her return using the best reasons he could to perswade her unto it Hereby she was much confirmed in her purpose and after a day or two imparting to him her resolution willed him to return with diligence and making advertisement of her journey take care that nothing should be attempted against the pacification made at Leth before her coming In March following there arrived at Leth one Noalius a Senator of Burdeaux bringing a Commission from the King that had now succeeded his brother whereby three things were craved First that the old league betwixt France and Scotland should be renewed Secondly that the late confederacie with England should be dissolved Thirdly that the Churchmen should be restored to their places from which they had been thrust The Councel not willing to medle with matters of that importance delayed his answer to the Convention appointed in May at which time Lord Iames returned he had audience and answer given him to this effect That the Scots were no way conscious to themselves of any breach of the ancient league but contrariwise the French had broken to them seeking of late ãâã deprive them of their ancient liberties and under the profession of friendship to bring them into a miserable servitude That they could not violate the contract made with England except they would ãâã accompted of all men living the most ingrate for having received the greatest ãâã and benefit at the hands of the English which one neighbour Nation could possibly ãâã another if they should requite them with such ingratitude they would bring upon themselves a perpetual and everlasting shame And for repairing the Churchmen in their places they said that they did not acknowledge those whom they so styled to be Office-bearers in the Church and that Scotland having renounced the Pope would maintain no longer his Priests and vassals Noalius dismissed with this answer the Earls of Morton and Glencarn who a little before this time were returned from England did relate the good acceptance they received from the Queen and the promises she made to assist them in the defence of the liberties of the Kingdome if they should stand in need at any time of her help which was heard with great content They had been trusted with a more private businesse this was to try if the Queen might be pleased to take the Earl of Arrane to her husband and that way to unite the Kingdomes in a more firm amity But to this she did in fair terms answer That she was not as yet wearied of the single life and professing her self adepted to the Noblemans good affection said that if she should try her kindnesse in any other matter he should find his love not ill bestowed The Earl took the repulse more patiently because of the French Kings death and trusting he should gain the favour of his own Queen whom he greatly affected but of this he was likewise disappointed as we will hear IN the Convention kept at Edinburgh in Ianuary preceding a form of Church-policy was presented and desired to be ratified Because this will fall to be often mentioned and serveth to the clearing of many questions which were afterward agitated in the Church I thought meet word by word here to insert the same that the Reader may see what were the grounds laid down at first for the Government of the Church so we shall the better decerne of the changes that followed The first Head of Doctrine SEeing that Christ Iesus is he whom God the Father hath commended onely to be heard and followed of his sheep we judge it necessary that his Gospel be truly and openly preached in every Church and Assembly of this Realm and that all Doctrine repugning to the same be utterly suppressed as damnable to mans salvation The Explication of the first Head Lest that upon this our generality ungodly men take occasion to cavill this we adde for explication By preaching of the Gospel we understand not only the Scriptures of the New Testament but also the Old to wit the Law the Prophets and Histories in which Christ Iesus is no lesse contained in figure then we have him now expressed in vertue And therefore with the Apostle we affirm that all Scripture inspired of God is profitable to instruct to reprove and to exhort In which books of Old and New Testaments we affirm that all things necessary for the instruction of the Church and to make the man of God perfect are contained and sufficiently expressed By the contrary Doctrine we understand whatsoever men by Lawes Councels or Constitutions have imposed upon the consciences of men without the expresse Commandment of Gods word such as are the vowes of chastity forswearing of marriage binding of men and women to a several and disguised apparel to the superstitious observing of Fasting-dayes difference of meats for conscience sake prayer for the dead and keeping of Holy dayes of certain Saints commanded by man such as be all these the Papists have invented as the Feasts so as they term them of the Apostles Martyrs Virgins of Christmas Circumcision Epiphany Purification and other said Feasts of our Lady which things because in the Scriptures of God they neither have commandment nor assurance we judge them utterly to be abolished from this Realm Affirming further that the obstinate maintainers and teachers of such abominations ought not to escape the punishment of the Civil Magistrate The second head of Sacraments TO Christ Iesus his holy Gospel truly preached of necessity it is that his holy Sacraments be annexed and truly ministred as seals and visible confirmations of the spiritual promises contained in the words These Sacraments are two to wit Baptisme and the holy Supper of the Lord Iesus which are then rightly ministred when by a lawful Minister the people before the administration of the same are plainly instructed and put in mind of Gods free grace and mercy offered unto the penitent in Christ Iesus when Gods promises are rehearsed the end and use of the Sacraments preached and declared in such a language as the people do understand when also to them nothing is added and from them nothing diminished and in their administration all things done according to the institution of the Lord Iesus and practice of his holy Apostles And albeit the order of Geneva which now
Majesty should stay made choice of the Castle of Edinburgh as the part most commodious and ordained the Earl of Arrane who was there kept prisoner to be removed to the Castle of Hamilton with a liberty to travel by the space of two miles about providing he should do nothing to the prejudice of his house and enter himself unto 20. days warning in the Castles of Edinburgh Dumbar and Dumbarton or any of them for observance whereof the Earls of Murray and Glencarn became sureties The Queen at her first entrie into the Castle did feast the Nobility and made them all friends Argyle Murray and Athol had lodgings assigned them within the Castle Huntley Bothwel and others of the Nobility remained in the Town The 19. of Iune betwixt nine and ten of the clock in the evening she was brought to bed of a son to the exceeding joy of the subjects for which the Nobles and whole people assembled the next day in the Church of S. Giles gave solemn thanks to God Presently was Sir Iames Melvil sent to carry the newes to the Queen of England who to congratulate her safe and happy delivery sent Sir Henry Killigrew to Scotland by Post. The Assembly of the Church convened the same time in Edinburgh sent the Superintendent of Lothian to testify their gladnesse for the Princes birth and to desire that he should be baptized according to the form used in the reformed Church To this last she gave no answer otherwise the Superintendent and his Commission were very graciously accepted The Queen calling to bring the Infant that the Superintendent might see him he took him in his Armes and falling upon his knees conceived a short and pithy prayer which was very attentively heard by her having closed his prayer he took the babe and willed him to say Amen for himself which she took in so good part as continually afterwards she called the Superintendent her Amen This story told to the Prince when he came to years of understanding he alwayes called him his Amen and whilest he lived did respect and reverence him as his Spiritual Father The Queen waxing strong went by water to Alloway a house pertaining to the Earl of Marre and kept private a few dayes In that place brake out first her displeasure against the King her husband for the following her thither was not suffered to stay but commanded to be gone and when at any time after he came to Court his company was so loathsome unto her as all men perceived she had no pleasure nor content in it such a deep indignation had possessed her mind because of the disgrace offered to her in the slaughter of her servant Davie the envy whereof was all laid upon the King as she could never digest it Secretary Lethington who by his subtle flatteries was crept again into favour did wickedly foster this passion by putting in her head a possibility to divorce from the King which he said was an easie work and a thing that might be done only by abstracting the Popes dispensation of their marriage And the Earl Bothwel a man sold to all wickednes did likewise by himself and by his instruments of whom Sir Iames Balfour was the chief take all occasions to incense her and by exaggerating the Kings ingratitude towards her wrought her mind to an hatred implacable In the beginning of October the Queen went to Iedburgh to keep some Justice Courts where she fell dangerously sick the King coming there to visit her had no countenance given him and was forced to depart At her return from the Borders being in Craigmillar Lethington renuing the purpose of divorce in the hearing of the Earls of Argyle and Huntley did perswade her to take some course for her separation from the King seeing they could not live together in Scotland with security The Queen asking him how that could be done without some blemish to her honour he replied that none would think ill of her part therein she being so ungratefully used by him but that all might know the murther of Davie to have been his fact her Majesty should do well to pardon the Lords that were fled to England and call them home Nay said the Queen I will rather have matters to continue as they are till God remedie them Yet within few days Morton and Lindesay were recalled at the intreaty of the Earls of Argyle and Huntley as was touched before Preparation was then making for the Baptisme of the Prince who about the end of August had been transported to Striveling To honour this solemnity the Counte de Briance was sent Ambassadour from the French King Monsieur de Croke from the Duke of Savey and the Earl of Bedford from the Queen of England who brought with him a Font of gold weighing two stone weight with a Bason and Ewer for the Baptisme At the day appointed for the solemnity which was the fifteenth of December they all convened in the Castle of Striveling The Prince was carried by the French Ambassadour walking betwixt two ranks of Barons and Gentlemen that stood in the way from the Chamber to the Chappel holding every one a proket of wax in their hands The Earl of Athol went next to the French Ambassador bearing the grear fierge of wax The Earl of Eglington carried the Salt the Lord Semple the Cude and the Lord Ross the Bason and Ewer all these were of the Romane profession In the entry of the Chappel the Prince was received by the Archbishop of S. Andrews whose Collaterals were the Bishops of Dunkeld Dumblane and Ross there followed them the Prior of Whithern sundry Deans and Archdeans with the Gentlemen of the Chappel in their several habits and Copes The Countesse of Argyle by Commission from the Queen of England did hold up the Prince at the Font where the Archbishop did administer the Baptisme with all ceremonies accustomed in the Romane Church the spittle excepted which the Queen did inhibit The Earl of Bedford entered not in the Chappel during the service and without the dores stood all the Noblemen professors of the reformed Religion The rites performed the Prince was proclaimed by his name and Titles Iames Prince and Stewart of Scotland Duke of Rothesay Earl of Carrick Lord of the Isles and Baron of Renfrew then did the Musick begin which having continued a good space the Prince was again conveighed to his chamber It was night before the solemnity took end for it was done in the afternoon The feasting and triumphal sports that followed were kept some days with exceeding cost and magnificence yet the content the people received thereby was nothing so great as their offence for the Kings neglect for neither was he admitted to be present at the Baptisme nor suffered to come unto the feast To some his ill disposition was given for an excuse others more scornfully were told that his fashioners had not used the diligence they ought
in preparing his apparel Mean while the Ambassadours had a watchword given them not to see nor salute him And such of the Nobility as were known to bear him any favour or out of their compassion did vouchsafe him a visit were frowned upon by the Court His Father advertised of these things sent for him to come unto Glasgow where he then remained but scarce was he past a mile from Striveling when a vehement pain seised on all the parts of his body which at his coming to Glasgow was manifestly perceived to proceed of poison that treacherously had been ministred unto him for through all his body brake out blisters of a blewish colour with such a dolour and vexation in all his parts as nothing but death was a long time expected Yet his youth and natural strength vanquishing the force of the poison he began a little to convalesce and put his enemies to other shifts wherein shortly after but to their own undoing they prevailed The report of what passed at Striveling coming to Edinburgh where the Assembly of the Church was then gathered did greatly offend the better sort yet nothing grieved them so much as a Commission granted to the Archbishop of S. Andrews whereby he was reponed to his ancient jurisdiction in confirming Testaments giving collation to Benefices and other such things as were judged in the spiritual Courts The Assembly taking this greatly to heart ordained a supplication to be made to the Nobility and Lords of secret Councel professing Christ with them and who had renounced the Romane Antichrist I use the words of the superscription for impeding the said Commission and letting it to take effect In this supplication they said That the causes judged in these Courts did for the most part pertain to the true Church and that howsoever in hope of some good effect to have followed the Church had overseen the Commission granted by the Queen in these matters to men who for the greater number were of their own profession they would never be content that he whom they knew to be an enemy to Christ and his truth should exerce that jurisdiction seeing under the colour thereof he might usurp again his own authority and take upon him the judgement of heresie in which case none could be ignorant what his sentence could be wherefore their desire was the Queen should be informed that this was a violation of the laws of the Realm and the setting up again of the Romane Antichrist whose authority and usurped power in an open and free Parliament had been condemned which her Majesty also at her first arriving into this Realm and since that time by divers Proclamations had expressely forbidden to be acknowledged here of they said if their honours should plainly and boldly admonish the Queen using that reverence which was due from Subjects and doing nothing in a tumult they did perswade themselves she would do nothing against Justice and that such Tyrants should not dare once to appear in Judgement But howsoever matters went they humbly craved to understand their minds and what they would do if it should happen such wolfes to invade the flock of Christ. This the summe of the supplication I find not what answer it received nor that the Bishop made any use of his Commission but the change it seems which shortly after happened in the State did quite frustrate the same Master Knox being licenced at this time to visit his sons who were following their studies at Cambridge did move the Assembly to write unto the Bishops of England in favour of some Preachers who were troubled for not conforming themselves to the Orders of that Church Because it will appear by the letter in what esteem our reformers did hold the Church of England and how farre they were from accounting the government thereof Antichristian I thought meet to insert the same word by word The Superintendents Ministers and Commissioners of the Church within the Realm of Scotland to their Brethren the Bishops and Pastors of England who have renounced the Romane Antichrist and do professe with them the Lord Iesus in sincerity wish the increase of the holy Spirit BY word and writing it is come to our knowledge Reverend Pastors that divers of our brethren amongst whom some be of the best learned within that Realm are deprived from all Ecclesiastical function and forbidden to preach and so by you are stayed to promove the Kingdome of Iesus Christ because their conscience will not suffer them to take upon them at the commandment of the authority such garments as Idolaters in time of blindness have used in their idolatrous service which rumour cannot but be most dolorous to our hearts considering the sentence of the Apostle If ye bite and devour one another take heed ye be not consumed one of another We purpose not at the present to enter into the Question which we hear is agitated with greater vehemencie by either party then well liketh us to wit whether such apparel is to be accounted amongst things indifferent or not But in the bowels of Iesus Christ we crave that Christian charity may so far prevail with you that are the Pastors and guides of Christs flock in that Realm as ye do not to others that which ye would not others did unto you Ye cannot be ignorant how tender a thing Conscience is and all that have knowledge are not alike perswaded your conscience stirres not with the wearing of such things but many thousands both godly and learned are otherwise perswaded whose consciences are continually stricken with these sentences What hath Christ to do with Belial what fellowship is there betwixt light and darknesse If Surplice Corner-cap and Tippet have been the badges of Idolaters in the very act of their Idolatry what have the Preachers of Christian liberty and the rebukers of superstition to do with the dregges of that Romane beast yea what is he that ought not to fear either to take in his hand or forehead the print and mark of that odious beast Our brethren that refuse such unprofitable apparel do neither damne nor molest you who use such vain trifles if ye shall do the like to them we doubt not therein you shall please God and comfort the hearts of many which are wounded with the extremity used against those godly brethren Colour of Rhetorick or humane perswasion we use none but charitably we desire you to call to mind the sentence of S. Peter Feed the flock of God which is committed to your charge caring for it not by constraint but willingly not as being Lords of Gods heritage but being examples to the flock We further desire you to meditate upon that sentence of the Apostle Give not offence either to the Iewes or to the Grecians or to the Church of God In what condition ye and we both travel for the promoving of Christs Kingdom ye are not ignorant therefore we are the more bold to exhort you to
particulars it was desired That the persons nominated in Parliament for the matter of policy or juridiction of the Church should be ordained to meet at a certain day and place for concluding the same This was promised and the eighth of August appointed to that effect but the Diet did not hold and so these matters continued unresolved as before In the end of the Assembly the Bishop of Orkney who had been deposed from all function in the Church for the marriage of Bothwel with the Queen was upon his submission reponed to his place and for removing the scandal he was injoyned in his first Sermon to make publick acknowledgement of his fault and crave forgivenesse of God the Church and Estate which he had offended About the end of September the Regent and those that were joyned with him in commission took their journey into England and came to York the fifth of October the same day and almost the same hour came Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk Thomas Earl of Suffex and Sir Ralph Sadler Chancellour of the Dutchy of Lancaster having Commission from the Queen of England to hear and determine all questions controversies debates and contentions betwixt her sister the Queen of Scots and the subjects adhering unto her on the one part and the Earl of Murray and others refusing to acknowledge her authority and adhering to the Prince her son on the other as likewise to decide all matters depending betwixt them two to confirm the peace before that time contracted or establish a new confederation betwixt them their people and subjects as they should think most convenient Some two days after Iohn Lesley Bishop of Ross William Lord Levingston Robert Lord Boyd Gawan Commendator of Kilwining and Iames Cockburn of Skirling Commissioners for the Scottish Queen came to the City where being all convened and the Commissions exhibited an oath was presented to both parties by the Commissioners of England by which they were required to swear That they should proceed sincerely in that conference and treaty and neither for affection malice or any other worldly respect propone any thing before the Commissioners which in their consciences they did not hold to be true just and godly and reasonable as also not to withdraw hide or conceal any matter fit to be opened and declared for the better knowledge of the truth in the controversies standing amongst them The Commissioners of the Queen of Scotland before they took the oath protested That although the Queen their Mistresse was pleased to have the differences betwixt her and her disobedient subjects considered and dressed by her dearest sister and cousen the Queen of England or by the Commissioners authorized by her yet she did not acknowledge her self subject to any Judge on earth she being a free Princesse and holding her imperial Crown of God alone This their protestation they desired to be put in record left the Queen or her posterity should be prejudiced in their Soveraignty by the present proceedings The Commissioners of England did contrariwise protest that they did neither admit nor allow that protestation in any sort to the hurt or prejudice of that right which the Kings of England have claimed had and enjoyed as superiours over the Realm of Scotland which Superiority they protested should belong and appertain to the Queen their Mistresse in the right of the Crown of England These protestations made both parties took the oath in manner as was required and this was the Act of the first meeting The next day the Commissioners of the Queen of Scotland presented a Declaration in writing bearing that Iames Earl of Morton Iohn Earl of Marre Alexander Earl of Glencârne the Lords Homes Lindesay Ruthven Simple Cathcart Ochiltrie and other their assistants had levied an Army in the Queens name against the Queen taking her most noble peron used her in vile manner and thrust into prison in Lochlevin and forcibly broken her Mint-house taken away the printing Irons with all the silver and gold coyned and uncoyned which was in the house for the time And going to the Castle of Striveling and made a fashion to crown her sonne the Prince being then but thirteen moneths old That Iames Earl of Murray taking upon him the name of Regent had usurped the Royal authority and possessed himself with the whole forts Castles Munition Jewels and Revenues of the Kingdom And when it had pleased God to relieve her out of that prison wherein she was so straitly detained by the space of eleven moneths as none of her friends and true subjects could once be permitted to see or speak with her and that she had publickly declared by a solemn oath in the presence of divers of the Nobility at Hamilton that whatsoever was done by her in prison was extorted by force threats and fear of death she out of that natural affection which she carried to her realm and subjects did appoint the Earls of Argile Eglington Cassils and Rothes to agree and make a pacification with the said Regent and his partakers but they were so farre from admitting any peaceable Treaty as they did invade her in her passing to Dumbritton with the men of Warre whom she had hired with her own moneys killed divers of her faithful subjects led others away prisoners and banished some of good note for no other cause but for serving faithfully their lawful Princesse and so after a great many injuries had forced her to flye into England to request the help of Queen Elizabeth her dearest sister and in blood the nearest Cousen she had in the world for restoring her in her former estate and compelling her rebellious subjects to acknowledge their due obedience unto her Majesty which they in her Highnesse name did most instantly intreat The day following which was the ninth of October the Regent and rest of the Commissioners for the young King appearing before they would give any answer to the preceding writ craved first to be resolved Whether the Duke and those that were appointed with him for hearing their controversies bad power to pronounce in the cause of the Kings Mother guilty or not guilty and if according to the same they meant to give sentence without delay As likewise if it should appear by the Declaration they were to make that the Queen of Scots was guilty whether she should be delivered in their hands or detained in England and if the Queen of England would from thenceforth maintain the authority of the King and the Regency established in the person of the Earle of Murray Which points they desired to have cleared before they could enter into the accusation intended The Duke of Norfolk replied that they would proceed according to the Commission given unto them and render an account to her who had trusted them therewith Lethington upon this turning himself to the Regent said That it seemed the English haâ no other purpose but to defame and disgrace the reputation of
the Queen 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 riâe 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
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
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
servants at the ordinary hour she went to bed and slept some hours quietly after which having awaked she spent the rest of the night in prayer The day beginning to break she apparelled her self as she was wont to do on the Festival days and calling together her servants shewed unto them her Will desiring them to take in good part the Legacies she had bequeathed unto them since her means were at the time no better and then gave her self wholly to devotion About eight of the clock the Sheriffe of the Shire named named Thomas Andrews entered the Chappel where she was praying on her knees and told her that all was ready and I am likewise said she Thus arising she came forth to her Chamber of presence where she made a short speech to her servants willing them to fear God and live vertuously and so kissing her women and giving the men-servants her hand to kisse she bad them farewel The Earls and other Gentlemen meeting her she shewed a most chearful countenance nothing dejected but looking grave and devout with a Crucifix of Ivory in her hands As she was going towarâs the Hall where she was to suffer when Andrew Melvil her Steward did bewaile his mishap in that he should be the carrier of the news of his Ladies death into Scotland she said Do not lament but rather be glad for thou shalt straightway see Mary Stewart delivered from all her cares you may tell them that I die constant in my Relâgion and firm in affection towards Scotland and France Hitherto thou haft served me faithfully and howbeit I take thee to be in Religion a Protestant and I my self am Catholick yet seeing there is but one Christ I charge thee upon thine accompt to him that thou carry these my last woâds to my sonne and shew that I pray him to serve God to defend the Catholick Church and govern his Kingdom in peace and nâver to put himself in the power of another as I have done Certify him that I have done nothing preâudicial to the Crown of Scotland and will him to keep friendship wiâh the âueen England and serve thou him faithfully With these words some tears falling from her eâe she bad him farewell After this she was brought to the Hall in the midst whereof over against the Chimney where was a great fire a scaffold was erected of two foot high and tweâve âoot broad hâving two steps to ascend the Scaffold was railed about almost a yard high and all covered with black cloth as were the Chair Stools and block and Cuâhions to kneel upon Before she went up turning to the Earls she requested that her servants might stand by at her death They answered that their passionate weeping would diquiet her and do no good else Nay said she I will promise for them they shall not do so it is but a small favour and such as Queen Elizabeth would not deny me to have my maids present She named Melvil her Steward Buâgotâ her Physician her Apothecary and Chirurgeon with two maids Being on the Scaffold and silence made the Cleâk of the Councel did read the Commission which she listened to as it had been some other matter That ended the Dean of Peâerburrow began to remember her of her present condition and to comfort her in the best way he could she interrupting his speech willed him to hold his peace for that she would not hear him An when excusing himself that what he did was by command of her Majesties Councel he began again to speak Peace Mr. Dean said she I have nothing to do with you nor you with me The Noblemen desiring him not to trouble her further she said That is best for I am setled in the ancient Catholick Religion wherein I was born and bred and new will die in the same The Earl of Kent saying that as yet they would not cease to pray unto God for her that he would vouchsafe to open her eyes and enlighten her mind with the knowledge of his truth that she might die therein She answered That you may do at your pleasure but I will pray by my self So the Dean conceiving a prayer and all the company following him she likewise prayed aloud in the Latin Tongue and when the Dean had finished she in the English Language commended unto God the estate of the afflicted Church prayed for her sonne that he might prosper and live happily and for Queen Elizabeth that she might live long and govern her subjects peace blyâaâding that she hoped only to be saved by the blood of Christ at the feeâ of whose picture presented on the Crucifix she would willingly shed her blood Then lifting up the ârucifix and kissing it she said As thy arms O Christ were spread abroad on the Crâsse so with the on stretched Armes of thy mercy receive me and forgive me my sins This said she rose up and was by two of her women disrobed of her upper garments the executioners offering their help and putting to their hands she put them back saying She was not accustomed to be served with such grooms nor dressed before such a multitude Her upper robe taken off she did quickly lose her doublet which was laced on the back and putting on her Armes a pair of silken sleeves her body covered with a smock only she kissed her maids again and bad them farewel They bursting forth in tears she said I promised for you that you should be quiet get you hence and remember me After which kneeling down most resolutely and with the least token of fear that might be having her eyes covered with a handkerchief she repeated the Psalm In te Domine confido ne confundar in aeternum Then stretching forth her body with great quietnesse and laying her neck over the block she cried aloud In manus tuas Domine commendo spiritum meum One of the executioners holding down her hands the other at two blowes cut off her head which falling out of her attire seemed to be somewhat gray All things about her were taken from the executioners and they not suffered to carry their Aprons or anything else with them that her blood had touched the clothes and block were also burnt her body embalmed and in solemn manner buried in the Cathedral Church at Peterburrow and after many years taken up by the King her son and interred at Westminster amongst the rest of the Kings This was the end of Queen Maries life a Princesse of many rare vertues but crossed with all the crosses of Fortune which never any did bear with greater courage and magnanimity to the last Upon her return from France for the first two or three years she carried her self most worthily but then giving ear to some wicked persons and transported with the passion of revenge for the indignity done unto her in the murther of David Rizio her Secretary she fell into a Labyrinth of troubles which forced her
a good issue to the conference intended whereupon letters were sent desiring the Doctors of the Universities and Commissioners of the Synod to be at Falkland the 29 of Iuly There after along deliberation it was with an unanime consent agreed 1 Touching the manner of his Election who should have voice in Parliament that the Church should name for each Prelacy that was void six of their number of whom the King should take one or if his Majesty did not like any of those six that as many others should be recommended by the Church of which number he should accept one without any more refusall 2 That the nomination should be made by the generall Assembly with advice of the Synods and Presbyteries who should present the generall Assembly in writing the names of the persons as well without as within the bounds of their Jurisdiction providing if there was any person within the bounds meet and qualified he should be preferred caeteris paribus 3 Concerning his rent that the Churches being sufficiently planted and no prejudice done to Schools Colledges and Universities already erected he should be provided to all the rest of the Prelacy whereunto he is preferred 4. The Cautions to preserve him should be these 1. That he should not propone to Councell Convention or Parliament in name of the Church any thing without express warrant and direction from the Church neither should he consent nor keep silence in the said Conventions if any thing was moved prejudiciall to the weal and liberty thereof under pain of deposition from his office 2 Next he should be bound to give an accompt of his proceedings in the discharge of his Commission to every generall Assembly and obtain their ratification of the same submitting himself to their judgement without making any appeal under the pain of infamy and excommunication 3 He should content himself with that part of his Benefice which should be given him for his living and not hurt nor prejudice the rest of the Ministers within his Benefice planted or to be planted nor any other Minister in the Countrey whatsoever and this clause to be inserted in his Provision 4 He should not delapidate his Benefice in any sort nor make any set or disposition thereof without the speciall advice or consent of his Majesty and the generall Assembly And for the greater warrant should interdict himself and be content that inhibition be raised against him to that effect 5 He should be bound to attend the congregation faithfully at which he should be appointed Minister in all the points of a Pastor and be subject to the triall and censure of his own Presbytery or provinciall Assembly as any other of the Ministers that bear no Commission 6 In the administration of discipline collation of benefices visitation and other points of Ecclesiasticall government he should neither usurp nor claim to himself any more power or jurisdiction then any of his brethren except he be imployed under pain of deprivation and in case he do usurpe any part of the Ecclesiasticall government the Presbytery Synod or generall Assembly opposing and making impediment thereto whatsoever he should do thereafter should be null ipso facto without any declaratour 7 In Presbyteries Provinciall and generall Assemblies he should behave himself in all things as one of the brethren and be subject to their censure 8 At his admission to the office of Commissionary he should swear and subscrive all these and other points necessary otherwise he should not be admitted 9 If it should happen him to be deposed from the Ministery by the Presbytery Synod or generall Assembly he should lose his place in Parliament and the Benefice be void ipso facto 10 That he should be called Commissioner of such or such a place if so the Parliament be induced by his Majesty to accept that title otherwise the generall Assembly should consider and determine the same as also how long he should continue in office whether ad vitam except some offence make him unworthy or for a shorter space at pleasure of the Church It was neither the Kings intention nor the minds of the wiser sort to have these Cautions stand in force for to subject the decrees of Parliament to the Assembly as in the second caution or to interdict Churchmen as in the fourth and serve Inhibitions upon them were things absurd but to have matters peaceably ended and the reformation of the policy made without any noise the King gave way to these conceits knowing that with time the utility of the Government which he purposed to have established would appear and trusting that they whom he should place in these rooms would by their care for the Church and their wise and good behaviour purchase to themselves the Authority which appertained He had also matters of greater importance in hand which made him desire to be setled in some sort with the Church from Iune preceding he had directed an Ambassage to the Princes of Germany wherein David Bishop of Aberdene and Sr. Peter Young his Elemosynar men of good abilities and learning were employed Their Commission was to inform the Princes of his right and title to the Crown of England after the death of the Queen Elizabeth and to request their assistance if he should stand in need thereof The Queen was then stricken in years and diverse libells and pamphlets divulged against his title to that Crown which made him carefull to have his friends rightly informed and to understand what aid he might expect if opposition should be made Not that he minded this they were willed to declare to wrong or offend the Queen in any sort whom he loved and honoured as his Mother wishing her many and happy days but onely to strengthen himself against injust pretenders and if in the mean time they should be pleased by a common Ambassage to entreat the Queen to declare in her own time the right successour for preventing the plots and practises of enemies he would take it for a singular friendship at their hands It was a painfull Ambassage and by them faithfully discharged for taking their journey by Denmark as they were directed and receiving letters commendatory from that King to the Princes they travelled to Udalrick Duke of Megleburgh Maurice Lantsgrave of Hesse Frederick Duke of Saxony and administrator of the Electorate Henry Duke of Brunswick Iohn Adolph Duke of Gleswick and Ioachim Marquesse of Brandenburgh and having comunicated their message to them all severally returned not before the end of the year Of all the Princes they obtained an answer in substance which was That albeit his Majesties right was not unknown unto them they did esteem it an act of great wisdome in him to make his friends acquainted with the exceptions taken against his Title that when occasion required nothing might be wanting that lay in their power But to move the Queen for declaring her successour they held it dangerous and feared it
will answer that it is not their purpose presently and out of hand to enforce obedience but by fatherly admonitions and conferences to induce such as are disaffected But if any be of an opposite and turbulent spirit I will have them inforced to a conformity Neither tell me that the wearing of a surplice or using the Crosse in Baptism will diminish the credit of Ministers that have formerly dissallowed the same for that is just the Scotish Argument when any thing was concluded that sorted not with their humour the only reason why they would not obey was that it stood not with their credit to yield having been so long of a contrary opinion I will none of that but that a time be limited by the Bishops of every Diocese to such and they that will not yield whatsoever they are let them be removed for we must not preferre the credit of a few private men to the generall peace of the Church Throughout all this conference in every point that was moved or came to be talked of the King did shew such knowledge and readiness as bred not a small admiration in the hearers Chancellour Egerton wondering to see him so expedite and perfect in all sort of Divinity said That he had often heard and read that Rex est mixta persona cum Sacerdote but that he saw never the truth of it untill that day Let me adde that which I was afterward told by Richard Bancroft Archbishop of Canterbury for Whitgift died the next moneth after the conference one of the great glories of the English Church that when the Rolles were brought in of those that stood out and were deposed which was some years after they were found to be fourty nine in all England when as the Ministers of that Kingdome are reckoned nine thousand and above such a noise will a few disturbers cause in any society where they are tolerated In the March thereafter a Parliament was kept in England where the King after he had given thanks to the State for the generall applause they shewed in receiving him to the place which God by birthright and lineall descent had provided for him did earnestly move the union of the two Kingdomes that as they were made one in the head so among themselves they might be inseparably conjoyned and all memory of by-past divisions extinguished A motion that took well at first and seemed to be generally desired of both Nations but did not succeed as was wished The Parliament alwaies at his Majesties desire and for a demonstration of their obedience did nominate Thomas Ellesmore Lord Chancellor of England Thomas Earl of Dorset Thesaurer Charles Earl of Nottingham Lord high Admirall Henry Earl of Southampton William Earl of Pembroke Henry Earl of Northampton Richard Bishop of London Toby Bishop of Durham Anthony Bishop of St Davids Robert Lord Cecill principall Secretary to his Majesty Edward Lord Souch Lord President of Wales William Lord Monteagle Ralph Lord Eure Edmond Lord Sheffeild Lord President of the Councell of the North Lords of the higher House And Thomas Lord Clinton Robert Lord Buckhurst Sir Francis Hastings knight Sir Iohn Stanhop knight Vice-chamberlain to the Kings Majesty Sir George Carew knight Vice-chamberlain to the Queens Majesty Sir Iohn Herbert knight second Secretary to his Majesty Sir Thomas Strickland knight Sir Edward Stafford knight Sir Henry Nevill of Barkshire knight Sir Richard Buckly knight Sir Henry Billingsly knight Sir Daniell Dunne knight Dean of the Arches Sir Edward Hobby knight Sir Iohn Savile knight Sir Robert Wroth knight Sir Thomas Challoner knight Sir Robert Mansell knight Sir Thomas Ridgway knight Sir Thomas Holcraft knight Sir Thomas Hasketh knight his Majesties Attorney of the Court of Wards and Liveries Sir Francis Bacon knight Sir Lawrence Cawfield knight Serjeant at Law Sir Henry Hubbard knight Serjeant at Law Sir Iohn Bennet knight Doctor of the Lawes Sir Henry VVitherington Sir Ralph Grey and Sir Thomas Lake knights Robert Ashwith Thomas Iames and Henry Chapman Merchants Knights and Burgesses of the house of Commons Giving them or any eight or more of the said Lords of the higher house and any twenty of the said Knights and Burgesses of the said house of Commons full power liberty and Commission to assemble and meet at any time or times before the next Session of Parliament âor treating and consulting with certain selected Commissioners to be nominated and authorized by authority of the Parliament of the realm of Scotland of and concerning such an union of the said realms of England and Scotland and of and concerning such other matters causes and things whatsoever as upon mature deliberation and consideration the greatest part of the said Lords Knights Citizens and Burgesses being assembled with the Commissioners to be nominated by the Parliament of Scotland shall in their wisdome think and deem convenient and necessary for the honour of his Majesty and the weal and commmon good of both the said realms during his Majesties life and under all his progenie and royall posterity for ever which Commissioners of both the said realms shall according to the tenor of their said Commissions reduce their doings and proceedings into writings or instruments tripartite every part to be subscribed and sealed by them to the end that one part thereof may in all humility be presented to his most excellent Majesty the second part to be offered to the consideration of the next Session of Parliament for the realm of England and the third to be offered to the consideration of the next Parliament for the realm of Scotland that thereupon such further proceeding may be had as by both the said Parliaments may be thought fit and necessary for the weal and common good of both the said realms A Parliament in Scotland for the same purpose was indicted to the tenth of Aprill and thereafter prorogated to the eleventh of Iuly at which time the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assembled by virtue of his Majesties Commission did ordain the persons following they are to say Iohn Earl of Montrosse Chancellor of Scotland Francis Earl of Arroll high Constable of Scotland Iames Earl of Glencarn Alexander Earl of Linlithgow Iohn Archbishop of Glasgow David Bishop of Rosse George Bishop of Cathnes Walter Prior of Blantire Patrick Lord Glammis Alexander Lord Elphingston Alexander Lord Fyvie President of the Session of Scotland Robert Lord Roxbrugh Iames Lord Abircorn Iames Lord Balmerinoth Principall Secretary of Scotland David Lord of Scone Sir Iames Scrimgeour of Dudop knight Sir Iohn Cockburn of Ormston knight Sir Iohn Hume of Couldenknowes knight Sir David Carnegie of Kinnard knight Sir Robert Melvill elder of Murdocarmie knight Sir Thomas Hamilton of Binnie knight Sir Iohn Lermouth of Balcony knight Sir Alexander Straton of Lawriston knight Sir Iohn Sheen of Curry-hill knight Mr. Iohn Sharp of Howston Lawyer Mr. Thomas Craig Lawyer Henry Nisbit George Bruce Alexander Rutherford and Mr. Alexander
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 ordinaây 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
the name of the Clergy of Scotland was a warrant sufficient Thus the Bishop consenting the absolution was given him in the Chappell of Lambeth by the Archbishop of Canterbury in this form Whereas the purpose and intendment of the whole Church of Christ is to win men unto God and frame their souls for heaven and that there is such an agreement and correspondency betwixt the Churches of Scotland and England that what the Bishops and Pastors in the one without any earthly or wordly respect shall accomplish to satisfie the Christian and charitable end and desire of the other cannot be distastfull to either I therefore finding your earnest intreaty to be loosed from the bond of excommunication wherewith you stand bound in the Church of Scotland and well considering the reason and cause of that censure as also considering your desire on this present day to communicate here with us for the better effecting of this work of participation of the holy Sacrament of Christ our Saviour his blessed body and blood do absolve you from the said excommunication in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost And beseech the Almighty God that you may be so directed by the holy Spirit that you may continue in the truth of his Gospell unto your lives end and then be made partaker of his everlasting kingdome How soon it was known that the Marquis was absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury there were great exceptions taken by the Church and the same interpreted to be a sort of usurpation whereof the King being advertised in a long letter written to the Archbishop of S. Andrews he did justifie the doing by these reasons First that in absolving the Marquis nothing was intended to the prejudice of the Church of Scotland but what was done was out of a Christian necessity it being needfull that the Marquis should be absolved before he was admitted to the participation of the holy Sacrament Secondly he willed the Church to consider that his absolution at home was onely deferred upon the scruple he made of the Presence of our Saviour in the Sacrament and that upon his confession swearing and subscriving the other points of Religion they themselves had suspended his excommunication the lawfulânesse whereof he would not dispute but remit the same to the Canonists yet the suspension standing it was not much from an absolution Thirdly that the absolution given him in England did necessarily imply an acknowledgement of the authority of the Church of Scotland whereas if the Archbishop of Canterbury had received him to the holy Communion and not first absolved him being excommunicated by the Church of Scotland the contempt and neglect had been a great deal greater Fourthly that the Marquis being come into England and make offer to perform whatsoever should be required of him it was more fit to take him in that disposition then to have delayed it unto his return into Scotland For these reasons he said and especially because all that was done was with a due acknowledgement and reservation of the power and independent authority of the Church of Scotland which the Archbishop of Canterbury had by his own hand testified it was his pleasure that upon the Marquis his return a full form of absolution should be given him or a ratification made of that which was done in England so as neither the Archbishop of Canterbury his doing should be disapproved as unlawfull nor the same so approved as it might seem that the Church of Scotland was inferiour in any sort to that of England and that the Archbishops Letter written to that effect should be put in record and kept as a perpetuall monument for ages to come This Letter directed to the Archbishop of S. Andrews I have thought here meet to be inserted Salutem in Christo. Because I understand that a Generall Assembly is shortly to be held at Aberdene I cannot but esteem it an office of brotherly love to yeild you an accompt of that great action which lately befell us here with the Marquis of Huntley So it was then that upon the coming up of the said Marquis his Majesty sharply entreating him for not giving satisfaction to the Church of Scotland and for a time restraining him from his Royall presence the Marquis resolving to give his Majesty contentment did voluntarily proffer to communicate when and wheresoever his Highness should be pleased whereupon his Majesty being pleased to make known that offer to me it was held fit to strike the iron whilest it was hot and that his great work should be accomplished before his Majesties going to progresse whereunto a good opportunity was offered by the consecration of the Bishop of Chester which was to be in my Chappell of Lambeth the seventh of this moneth at which time a solemn communion was there to be celebrated The only pause was that the Marquis being excommunicated by the Church of Scotland there was in appearance some difficulty how he might be absolved in the Church of England wherewith his Majesty being acquainted who wished that it should not be deferred we grew to this peaceable resolution which I doubt not your Lordship and the rest of our brethren there will interpret to the best for first what was to be performed might be adventured upon as we esteemed out of a brotherly correspondency and unity of affection and not only of any authority for we well know that as the Kingdome of Scotland is a free and absolute Monarchy so the Church of Scotland is entire in it self and independent upon any other Church Secondly we finde by the advice of divers Doctors of the Civil law and men best experienced in things of this nature that the course of Ecclesiasticall proceedings would fairly permit that we might receive to our communion a man excommunicated in another Church if the said person doe declare that he had a purpose hereafter for some time to reside among us which the Lord Marquis did openly professe that he intended and I know his Majesty doth desire it and for my part I rest satisfied that it can bring no prejudice but rather contentment unto you and to that Kingdom Thirdly it pleased God the night before the celebration of the sacrament to send in our brother the Bishop of Cathnes with whom I taking counsel his Lordship resolved me that it was my best way to absolve the Lord Marquis and assured me that it would be well taken by the Bishops and Pastors of the Church of Scotland I leave the report of this to my Lord Cathnes himself who was an eye-witness with what reverence the Marquis did participate of that holy sacrament For all other circumstances I doubt not but you shall be certified of them from his Majesty whose gracious and princely desire is that this bruised reed should not be broken but that so great a personage whose example may doe much good should be cherished and comforted in his coming
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 depuâation 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
the Minister himself to give the Elements in the celebration out of his own hand to every one of the Communicants and that he may performe this the more commodiously by the advice of the Magistrates and honest men of his Session to prepare a Table at which the same may be conveniently ministred Truly in this we must say that the Ministers ease and commodious sitting on his taile hath been more lookt to then that kne eling which for reverence we directly required to be enjoyned to the receivers of so divine a Sacrament neither can we conceive what should be meant by that Table unless they mean to make a round Table as did the Jews to sit and receive it In conclusion seeing either we and this Church here must be held Idolatrous in this point of kneeling or they reputed rebellions knaves in refusing the same and that the two foresaid Acts are conceived so scornfully and so far from our meaning it is our pleasure that the same be altogether suppressed and that no effect follow thereupon So we bid you farewell Newmarket the 11 of December 1617. These letters were accompanyed with another to the Councell for inhibiting the payment of Stipends to any of the rebellious Ministers refusers of the said Articles either in Burgh or Landwart till they shew their conformity and that the same was testified by the subscriptions of the Primate or ordinary Bishop Which letters being shewed to the Ministers of Edinburgh and others that happened to repaire to that City for augmentation of stipends did cast them into a great fear and repenting their wilfulnesse as they had reason became requesters to the Archbishop of S. Andrews to preach as he was commanded on Christmas day at Edenburgh trusting his Majesty should be mitigated by his obedience and intercession for the rest Neither did he fail to use his best means for diverting the King from these rigorous courses and after a little time so loath was his Majesty to exerce any rigour against Ministers obtained a warrant for staying the execution of the former letters till their behaviour should be tried in the particular Synods and their disposition for accepting the Articles Mr. Archibald Sympson who all this while remained prisoner in the Castle of Edinburgh hearing that the King was so greatly displeased did supplicate the Lords of his Majesties Commission by whose command he was committed for liberty promising not to fall again in the like errours and professing a great sorrow for his medling with the Protestation as likewise for writing that letter wherein he had taxed the Church of England Being brought before the Commission after he had set his hand to his supplication he was permitted to return to his charge at Dalkeith Yet ere many days passed finding the countenances of the holy brethren cast down upon him he dispersed an Apologetick as he entituled it wherein making a gloss upon every word of his confession he concluded that whatsoever weakness or frailty had befallen him he hoped to be like Peter qui ore negavit corde confessus est and never to betray the Lords cause with Iudas This I have remembred by the way to make the humours of these men seen and the small regard they take of saying and gainsaying when it maketh for their purpose But to proceed the Bishops upon advertisement given them convened at Edinburgh the 29 of Ianuary and considering the hurt that the Church might receive if the Commission granted in Parliament for provision of Ministers which was to expire at Lambmas next should take no effect did by a common letter intreat his Majesty for a warrant to proceed in that Commission giving hopes that in their Synods they should induce the Ministers to obey The answer returned in February next was to this effect That howbeit his Majesty did interpret well their doings as intended to the good of his service yet considering the obstinate resistance of the Ministers to all his just and religious desires he could not expect any thing from them in their meetings but a further expression of their former misbehaviour Nottheless as he had once already upon the Archbishop of S. Andrews his intreaty suspended the execution of his last directions so at their requests he was pleased that the Commissioners for Stipends should meet and go on with the providing of Churches they in the mean time in their own persons and in their own Cathedralls observing the festivities that should intervene between and the Synods and ministring the holy Communion with the reverence required at the feast of Easter next Thus were maters pacified for that time and the Commission for augmentation of Stipends by the warrant of this letter put in practise Most of the next summer was spent in that work but with greater detriment then benefit to the Church for what augmentation soever was granted the same was recompensed to the givers by prorogation of their former leases for numbers of years and thereby the Church more damnified then bettered In the Synods all things were carried with reasonable quietness so as upon the Bishops humble requests licence was granted for meeting in a generall Assembly and the same indicted at Perth the 25 of August The Lords Hadington Carnegy and Scone were Commissioners in this Assembly for the King who upon the end of the Sermon presented his Majesties Letter conceived as followeth We were once fully resolved never in our time to have called any moe Assemblies here for ordering things concerning the policy of the Church by reason of the disgrace offered unto us in that late meeting of S. Andrews wherein our just and godly desires were not onely neglected but some of the Articles concluded in that scornfull manner as we wish they had been refused with the rest yet at this time we have suffered our selves to be intreated by you our Bishops for a new Convocation and have called you together who are now convened for the self same business which then was urged hoping assuredly that you will have some better regard to our desires and not permit the unruly and ignorant multitude after their wonted custome to oversway the better and more judicious sort in evill which we have gone about with much pains to have had amended in these Assemblies and for that purpose according to Gods ordinance and the constant practise of all well governed Churches we have placed you that are Bishops and overseers of the rest in the chiefest rooms You plead much we perceive to have things done by consent of Ministers and tell us often that what concerneth the Church in generall should be concluded by the advice of the whole neither do we altogether dislike your opinion for the greater is your consent the better are we contented But we will not have you to think that matters proponed by us of the nature whereof these Articles are may not without such a generall consent be enjoyned by our authority This
Scripturis Primaeva Antiquitale adstruuntur contra sentenliam D. Blondelli aliorum Authore Henrico Hammond in 4o. 4. A Letter of Resolution of six Quaere's in 12o. 5. Of Schisme A Dâfence of the Church of England against the Exceptions of the Romanists in 13o. 6. Of Fundamentals in a notion referring to Practise by H. Hammond D. D. in 12o. 7. An Answer to the Animadversions on the Dissertations touching Ignatius Epistles and the Episcopacy in them asserted subscribed by Iohn Owen servant of Jesus Christ in 40. 8. A Vindication of the Dissertations concerining Episcopacy from the Exceptions offered against them by the London Ministers in their Ius Divinum ministerii Evangelici in 4o. 9. A Reply to the Cathol Gent Answer to the most materiall part of the Book of Schisme together with an Account of H. T. His Appendix to his Manuall of Controversies c. 4o. The names of several Treatises and Sermons written by Ier Taylor D. D. 1. ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã ãâã A Course of Sermons for all the Sundayes of the Year Together with a Discourse of the Divine Institution Necessity Sacredness and Separation of the Office Ministerial in fol. 2. Episcopacy asserted in 4o. 3. The History of the Life and Death of the Ever-blâssed Jesus Christ 2d Edit in fol. 4. The Liberty of Prophesying in 4o. 5. An Apology for authorized and Set-forms of Liturgie in 4o. 6. A Discourse of Baptisme its institution and efficacy upon all Believers in 4o. 7. The Rule and Exercises of holy living in 12o. 8. The Rule and Exercises of holy dying in 12o. 9. A Short Catechisme for institution of yong persons in the Christian Religion in 12o. 10. A Short Institution of Grammar composed for Yong Scholars in 8o. 11. The Reall Presence and Spirituall of CHRIST in the Blessed Sacrament proved against the Doct. ine of Transubstantiation in 8o. 12. A Manuall of daily Prayers fitted to the daies of the week together with a Short Method of Peace and Holyness Certamen Religiosum or a Conference between the late King of England and the late Lord Marquiss of Worcester concerning Religion at Ragland Castle Together with a Vindication of the Protestant Cause by Chr. Cartwright in 4o. The Psalter of David with Titles and Collects according to the mâtter of each Psalm by the Right honourable Chr. Hatton in 12º the 5. Edition with Additionals Boanerges and Barnabas or Judgement and Mercy for wounded and âfflicted souls in several Soliloquies by Francis Quarles in 12o. The life of Faith in Dead Times by CBr Hudson Preacher at Putney in 12o. The Guide unto True Blessedness or a Body of the Doctrine of the Scriptures dirâcting a man to the saving knowledge of God by Sam. Crook in 12o. Six excellent Sermons upon several occasions preached by Edward Willan Vicar of Hoxne in 4o. The Dipper dipt or the Anabaptists duck'd and plung'd over head and ears by Daniel Featly D. D. in 4o. Hermes Theologus or a Divine Mercury new descants upon old Records by Theoph. Wodnote in 12o. Philosophical Elements concerning Government and Civil society by Thomas Hobbs of Malmesbury in 12º An Essay upon Statius or the five first books of Publ. Papinius Statius his Thebais by Tho. Stephens Schoolmaster in S. Edmonds-bury in 80. Nomenclatura Brevis Anglo-Latino-Graeca in usum Scholae Westmonasteriensis per F. Gregory in 8o. Etymologicum Parvum in usum Scholae publica Westmonasterieusis opera studio Francisci Gregorii in 8o. Grammatices Graecae Enchtridion in usum Scholae Collegialis Wigornae in 8o. A Discourse of Holy Love by Sir Geo Strode Knight in 12o. The Saints Honey-comb full of Divine Truths by R. Gove Preacher of Henton S. George in Somersetshire in 8o. The Communicants Guide directing the yonger sort which have never yet received and the elder and ignorant sort which have hitherto received unworthily how they may receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper with comfort by R. Gove in 8o. A Contemplation of Heaven with an Exercise of Love and a Descant on the Prayer in the Garden by a Catholick Gent. in 12o. A Full Answer to a Declaration of the House of Commons concerning no more addresses to the King printed at Oxford 1648 in 4o. The Royallists Defence Printed at Oxford 1648 in 4o. Mercurius Rusticus or the Conntreymans complaint Printed at Oxford 1648 in 8o. A Relation of the Conference between Will Laud Lord Archbishop of Canterbury and Mr. Fisher the Jesuit by command of K. Iames fol. Church Lands not to be sold 1647. in 8o. The Countreymans Catechisme or the Churches plea for Tithes by R. Boreman B. D. in 4o. The Regall Apology Printed at Oxford in 4o. A Fair Warning to take heed of the Scottish Discipline by Bishop Bramhall in 4o. Sacrosancta Regia Majestas in 4o. Printed at Oxford and written by the Archbishop of Tuum The Christians Directory in 12o. The Royall slave a Play in 4º acted at Christ Church in Oxford Devotion digested into several Discourses and Meditations upon the Lords most holy Prayer Together with additional Exercitations upon Baptism The Lords Supper Heresies Blasphemy The Creatures The souls pantings after God The Mercies of God The souls complaint of its absence from God by Peter Samwaies Fellow lately resident in Trinity College Cambridge in 12o. Of the Division between the English and Romish Church upon Reformation by Hen Fern D. D. in 12º the 2. Edition with many Additionals Directions for the profitable reading of the Scriptures by Iohn White M. A. in 8o. The Exemplary lives and Memorable Acts of 9 the most worthy women of the world 3 Jewes 3 Gentiles 3 Christians by Tho. Heywood in 4o. The Saints Legacies or a Collection of promises out of the Word of God in 12o. Iudicium Universitatis Oxoniensis de Solemni Lega Foedere Iuramento Negativo c. in 8o. Certain Sermons and Letters of Defence and Resolution to some of the late Controversaries of our times by Iasper Mayn D. D. in 4o. New Ianna Linguarum Reserata sive omnium Scientiarum Linguarum seminarium Auctore Cl. Viro I. A. Comenio in 12o. A Treatise concerning Divine providence very seasonable for all ages by Tho. Morton Bishop of Duresme in 8o. Observations upon Mr. Hobbs his Leviathan with some Observations upon Sir Walte Raleighs History of the World by Alex. Rosse in 12o. Fifty Sermons preached by that learned and reverend Divine Iohn Donne in fol. Wits-Common-Wealth in 12o. The Banquet of Jests new and old in 12o. Balzac's Letters the fourth part in 8o. Quarles Virgin Widow a Play in 4o. Solomons Recantation in 4o. by Francis Quarles Amesii antisynodalia in 12o. Christs Commination against Scandalizers by Iohn Tombes in 12o. New Dr. Stuart's Answer to Fountains Letter in 4o. A Tract of Fortifications with 22 brasse cuts in 4o. Dr. Griffiths Sermon preached at S. Pauls in 4o. Blessed birth-day printed at Oxford in 8o. A Discourse of the state Ecclesiastical in 4o. An Account of the
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. Lâst 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 Murâray 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. Biâsans 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 fââând 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 Abernetâââây ây 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 Osâpy King of Nuâthimbers his speech to the diâputers Colman his reasons for the observing of Easter after the Scottish manner âilfrid his repây 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 anââ 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 utteâly 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 Gregoây 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
of the Church The Cardinal set at liberty A Convention of the Clergy at S. Andrews Buchan l. 15. The Ambassadour of England complaineth of the indignity offered to him The Governours excuse Buchan l. 15. Warre denounced by England The countrey goeth into factions The Earle of Lenox recalled from France Buchan l. 15. The Earle of Lenox welcomed by the Queen-mother and the Cardinal The young Queen removed to Striveling The Governor forsaketh his party and receiveth absolution from the Cardinal Buchan l. 15. The Cardinals care to be rid of the Earl of Lenox Buchan l. 15. The Earl of Lenox finding himself abused goeth to England The persecution of the professors in Perth The inditement of the persons delated They are found guilty and their behaviour at their suffering Burgesses exiled and the Lord Ruthven put from his Provostry Kinfawn elected Provest seeketh to force the town to obedience Buchan l. 15. The Lord Gray invading Perth is repulsed The Cardinals proceeding against the Professors in Angus and Meânis Buchan l. 15. An. 1544. Roger a black Frier imprisoned at Saint Andrews The history of Mr. George Wishart Wishart discharged from preaching at Dundy History of the Church He goeth to the West where the Archbishop of Glasgow seeketh to apprehend him Wishart returneth to Dundy the pestilânce theâe raging A Priest apprehended that intended to kill him History of the Church He visiteth Montrosse A plot of the Cardinals for his intercepting and his wonderfull escape His journey to Edinburgh and what befell him in the way An. 1545. Wishart preacheth at Leith He goeth to East Lothian and preacheth at Haddington He goeth to Ormeston and dimitteth Iohn Knox. There he is apprehended and delivered to the Earle Bothwell upon promise History of the Church The Lairds of Calder and Ormeston committed Wishart carried to S. Andrews The Cardinal sends to the Governour for a Commission David Hamilton of Presson disswadeth the Governour Buchan l. 15. The Governour desires the Cardinal to deferre the trial A citation for his appearance History of the Church At his trial the Sub-prior preacheth He is accused by Master Iohn Lawder a Priest Buch. n. l. 15. His answer Mr. George Wishart his appellation Sentence of death pronounced against him Two Friers sent to confesse him The conference with the Sub-prior He communicateth with the Captain of the Castle Buchan l. 15. Two executioners lead him to the place of his suffering History of the Church His death and the manner of it 2. Martii 1545. An. 1546. His prophesie of the Cardinals death Buchan l. 15. Prayers inhibited to be made for him after his death The Priests extoll the Cardinal He contracted his base daughter to the heir of Craford Buchan l. 15. A conspiracy against the Cardinal The proceeding of the conspirators Grange entereth into the Castle The servants and workmen put to the gate The Cardinal killed A tumult in the City Buchon l. 15. The Cardinal his description How the fact was interpreted in the Countrey A great stirre in the Church by this occasion The murtherers accursed The Governours base brother elected Bishop The Castle besieged and supplied from England A câpitulation with the besieged The Governor sendeth to France for a supply Divers joyned with those within the Castle Iohn Rough and Iohn Knox preach to the besieged Iohn Rough preaching in the city is oppugned by the Clergy Iohn Knox maintained his doctrine in a Sermon The substance of Iohn Knox his Sermon The Archbishop offended with the Sub-prior for permitting these preachings The two preachers convened before the Sub-prior Iohn Knox his judgement of tithes Iohn Knox his answer to the Sub-prior and Clergy An. 1547. A consultation of the Clergy how to stay the defection of the people Iohn Rough for saking those in the Castle goeth into England He is brought in question and examined by Bonner Bishop of London He suffered Martyrdom and is burnt in Smithfield The absolution returned from Rome doth not satisfy them The Castle of S. Andrews again besieged at the coming of the French Gallies The Castle besieged and battered by land and sea The Castle reduced upon capitulation The Castle demolished The Duke of Somerset invadeth Scotland His letter to the Governour and Nobility An. 1548. The Duke of Somnsets letters suppresââd The battel of Pincâie The young Queen conveyed to Dumbartom The siege of Haddington A counsel taken for sending the young Queen to France An. 1550. Peace made with England The prisoners taken in the Castle of Saint Andrews put at liberty Norman Lesley his fortune and death The countrey vexed with Justice Courts Adam Wallace accused of heresie His answer History of the Church Acts of Martyrs A contention among Churchmen for saying of Pater noster The foolish preaching of a Frier in Saint Andrews upon this subject An. 1543. Acts of Martyrs p. 1274. A pleasant discourse and jest of the Subprliors servant The decision of the Provincial Synod The Catechisme called The two-peny faith A Provincial Synod kept at Linlithgow An. 1553. King Edward the sixth of England dieth Queen Regent admitted to rule by dimission of the Governour An. 1554. William Harlow a Minister Iohn Willock a Convert Iohn Knox returneth into Scotland Iohn Knox his conference with young Lethington touching the presence at the Masse The Priests offended at the dishant of the Masse Iohn Knox cited and the Diet deserted An. 1556. He goeth to Geneva He is condemned as an heretick and burnt in effigie Divers prodigious signes The esteem of the Clergy decayeth Mr. Iohn Douglas a Carmelite forsaketh his Order The Preachers cited before the Councel A Proclamaon for the borders The Gentlemen of the West complain of their oppression An. 1558. Commissioners chosen for the young Queens marriage with the Daulphin The misfortunes that happened in that voyage The history of Walter Mill Martyr His examination Sentence pronounced against Walter Mill. The Bailiffe of the Regality refuseth to be Judge His constancie at his suffering The people exceedingly moved at his speeches His Epitaph His death the death of Popery in this kingdome The worthy men that lived in this time Sir David Lindesay of the Mont. Mr. Patrick Cockburn Iohn Mackbrair Robert Wachop Archbishop of Armagh An. 1130. Dunkeld erected to be a Bishoprick The succeession of Bishops in that See An. 1210. An. 1376. An. 1010. The succession of Bishops in the See of Aberdene An. 1300. An. 1480. An. 1514. An. 1160. The succession of Bishops in the Dioces of Murray An. 1140. Since the writing of this Catalogue I have found four Bishops succeeding Edwardus one after another Turpimis Rodolphus Hugo and Gregonus But how long they sate Bishops I cannot say The succession of the Bishops of Dumblane An. 1210. The succession of the Bishops of Rosse An. 1066. The succession of the Bishops of Cathnes An. 1245. The Bishops of Orkney An. 1137. The succession of the Bishops of Glasgow An. 1207. An. 1325. An. 631. The Bishops of Galloway The
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. Diffârred 34. Agreed in spiritual matters 35. Referred 1. The Chapter of Deacons and ãâã 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 âhat 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 brouâht 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. Deâemb The Earl of Morton challenged for the murther of the Kings father The Earl of Morton his
the Church at Edinburgh The Bishop of S. Andrews deprived for the marriage of Huntley The course taken with the imprisoned Lords Advertisement to the King of the marriage with the Queen The King intendeth a journey to Norway * 22. October He leaveth a Declaration under his hand Directions to the Councel The marriage solemnized at vpslo The Earl of Marshals proceedings ratâfied The Kings journey from Norway to Denmark An. 1590. Colonel Stewart sent with ships to the King Penult Martii The King and Queen return to Scotland Bothwel his satisfaction to the Church A difference among the Clergy for anointing the Queen The ceremony of Unction not Jewish The Queens Coronation at Halyrudhouse The Queens entry into Edinburgh The Ministers challenged for permitting Iames Gibson to preach The King offended with the alliance of Morton with Arrol An Assembly of the Church The King Commended to the Assembly the removing of the deadly feuds A trouble betwixt the Earl of Huntley and the Earl of Murray An. 1591. A sorceresse Agnes Samson apprehended Bothwell committed for consulting with witches The Laird of Dun his death Bothwell breaketh his Ward The doom of forfeiture pronounced against him His Majesties Declaration concerning Bothwell Bothwell layeth the blame of his rebellion upon the Chancellor A contest between the Church and Lords of Session Mr. Iohn Graham questioned by the Church The Archbishop of S Andrews his recantation A revocation made in name of the Church A Schisme in the Presbytery of S. Andrews Bothwells attempt upon Halyrudhouse The success of the attempt The Earl of Murray slain at Dunybâissell 7 Feb. 1692. The murther universally ill taken The Lord Ochiltrie maketh defection to Bothwell An. 1592. Petitions in behalf of the Church The first Petition granted and in what manner Bothwells attempt at Falkland Arroll and Collonell Stewart committed Bothwell and his company flyeth The King pursueth and cometh to Edinburgh Nidry taken by the Lord Hamilton and dimitted by his Lady Pardon granted to those that would forsake Bothwell The Lord Spinie delated for practising with the Lord Bothwell Iohn Weymis of Logie committed for his practises with Bothwell escaped A faction made against the Chancellor Troubles in the North betwixt Huntley and the Clanhattan The Earl of Angus imployed in a Commission to the North in November The Earl of Angus imprisoned in the Castle Mr. George Ker his Confession The Earl of Angus denieth the blanks The Kings resolution published for punishing that conspiracy A Meeting of the Mininistery The King his desire proponed to the Meeting An offer made by the Meeting Fintry beheaded An. 1593. The disposition and qualities of Mr. Iohn Graham The Earl of Angus escapeth The houses of the rebels rendered Atholl and Marshall made Lieutenants of the North. * 26. March A message from the Queen of England The Ambassador intercedeth for Bothwell An. 1592. Midst of April An Assembly of the Church at Dundiâ Articles sent by his Majesty to the Church The Assemblies Answer A change of the Mondayes Mercat urged at Edinburgh An. 1593. Sir Robert Melvill sent into England The King surprised by Bothwell The manner of the surprise The Citie in armes Conditions granted to Bothwell by the Ambassadors mediation Articles subscribed by the witnesses The King goeth to Falkland A Convention at Striveling 7. Sept. The Estates finde the Conditions given to Bothwell dishonorable The Prior of Blantyre and sir Robert Melvill directed to Bothwell Bothwell falleth to his wonted forms Atholl coming to Striveling is charged to return home in the beginning of October Montrosse taken by the Lord Home Bothwell denounced Rebell The Popish Lords excommicated by the Synod of Fiâe The King dealeth with with M Robert Bruce to stay the publication of the sentence The Popish Lords meeâing the King at Falaw desire a triall They are commanded to enter themselves in Perth Petitions of the Church sent to the King at Iedburgh The Conference betwixt his Majesty and the Commissioners of the Church The assembly resolved to keep the Diet appointed for the Lords trial A Proclamation inhibiting all convocations A Convocation of the Estates Certain of the Estates selected to judge of the Lords offers Conclusion taken touching the Popish Lords Troubles betwixt the Maxwells and the Iohnstons Iohnston preventeth the Lord Maxwell and killeth Captain Oliphant Maxwell invadeth Annandale The Lord Maxwell killed 6. December The Lord Here is and Barons of the Countrey appointed to remain at Drumfreis A Convention of the Estates The Popish Lords declared to have lost the benefit of Abolition An. 1594. The Queen delivered of a son at Striveling The Lord Souche Ambassadour from England Mr. Andrew Hunter Minister waiteth upon Bothwell as his Chaplain Bothwell prepareth of new to invade the King The Ambassadours dealing with Bothwell discovered The Roade of Leith The King Commanded the people to Arm. Bothwell removeth from Leith The Conflict betwixt Bothwell and Hume The Lord Colvill and Mr. Edward Bruce directed to England The Kings letter to the Queen of England The Commission given to the Ambassadours The Queen of Englands answer The Queen dischargeth Bothwell his resset in England An Assembly of the Church Petitions directed from the Church to the King A Remonstrance of the perills threatned to Religion The remedies of the dangers The Lord Hume reconciled to the Church Instructions sent from the King to the Church and Assembly A Parliament wherein the Lords are forfeited An. 1595. The bond betwixt the Popish Lords and Balwery exhibited Sir Iames Duglas of Spot excommunicated An. 1695. An assembly of the Church at Montrose Articles sent from the King to the Assembly An. 1595. The Assemblies answer The Queen seeketh to have the Prince in custody The King diverteth her from that course The Kings letter to the Earl of Marre for receiving the Prince The Chancellor contracteth sickness and dieth The Kings letter to the Chancellor The Chancellor his qualities His Epitaph written by the King Great death of Corns and great bloodshed in the Countrey David Forester Citizen of Striveling treacherously betrayed A Commission to eight of the Councel to rule the Exchequer The tenor of the Commission The King his promise to the Commissioners The Commissioners make faith Exception taken at the ampleness of the Commissioners The Commissioners possesse themselves with offices of Estate An. 1596. William Armstrong called Will of Kinmouth taken Prisoner The Laird of Baclugh complaineth of the breach of truce No satisfaction made Baclugh sets the Prisoner at liberty The Castle of Carlile surprised and the Prisoner freed The Queen of England greatly offended with the enterprise This matter debated in Councell The trouble quieted by Baclugh in England Col. Stewart design'd Lieutenant for the Isles An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh A search of the causes of the present fear of invasion A new Covenant made by the Ministers for abiding to the profession of the truth and living according to the same Advice for resisting the enemies of
King and that one of the Privy Counsellors had said that the conspiracy proceeded of a meer discontent the people had conceived at his Majesties Government he was mightily offended and from that forth held his affection to his service continually suspected Information was made at the same time that some of the Ministers imprisoned at Blackness did blame the Chancellor for their meeting at Aberdene offering that they had warrant from him to meet and his promise that they should incur no danger for the same The King to understand the truth thereof directed his servant Sir VVilliam Irwyn to inquire at the imprisoned Ministers what dealing they had with the Chancellor in that business their answer was That a little before their meeting at Aberdene Mr. Iohn Forbes and Mr. Iohn VVelsh had sought his advice touching their convening and that he asking them what they intended to do they answered that fearing the establishment of Bishops they were to do their best for withstanding the same And that he to encourage them did promise all the assistance he could give that way which they took to be an allowance of their meeting A letter hereupon was directed to certain of the Councell to call the Ministers and if they stood to their saying to hear what the Chancellor would answer They maintaining that which they had said and the Chancellor called to his Answer affirmed that he was intreated by them to oppose the restitution of Bishops temporalities which then was in working promising that he should not be questioned for his Religion which they understood to be Popish This denyed by the Ministers they fell in a sharp contest which continued some space withwords not seemly on either part The Ministers for clearing his approbation of their Assembly did further alleadge that he had uttered so much to Mr. VValter Balcanquell and Mr. Iames Balfour Ministers at Edinburgh who being examined touching their knowledge Mr. VValter Balcanquel Balcanquell did affirm That the Chancellor in private to himself had commended them for maintaining the liberty of the Church which was not a little prejudiced as he said by the continuation of Assemblies from year to year The same he was said to have spoken to Mr. Iames Balfour but he excused himself by forgetfulness saying he did not remember any such speeches This report made to the King he said That none of the two deserved credit and that he saw the Ministers would betray Religion rather then submit themselves to government And that the Chancellor would betray the King for the malice he carried to the Bishops By this contest always the Chancellor was made more tractable in the restitution of Bishops temporalities which he had strongly resisted unto that time And in the Parliament kept at Perth in the beginning of Iuly shewed a great desire to promote the same This Parliament had been indicted to keep at Edinburgh in Iune preceding and the Earl of Dunbar imployed to see all matters carried therein to his Majesties minde The Chancellor whether out of emulation to shew his greatness or that he feared some affront by the Earl of Dunbar went on the streets accompanied with the Burgesses in great numbers who otherwise then was their custome did walk with their swords Dunbar taking this in ill part yet dissembling his offence caused adjourn the Parliament to the first of Iuly and therewith presented a warrant for removing the same to the Town of Perth which coming unlooked for made the Burgesses forthink their doing At Perth it happened the very first day the Lord Seaton and Alexander his brother to encounter the Earl of Glencarn in the Bridgegate where drawing their weapons against others a great tumult was raised which continued a certain space and disturbed the Councell that as then was sitting the Lord Seaton being tryed to have invaded the other which he did for revenge of his uncles slaughter he was cited before the Councell for troubling the Parliament but leaving the town he went home and for his not appearing was denounced Rebell It was held an ominous beginning and gave many to think that matters would not succeed well but the Earl of Dunbar did so wisely and with so great care prevent every thing that was like to breed trouble as all things were carried from that time forth in a most peaceable sort There were attending in the town aboundance of Ministers labouring all they could secretly to make some perturbation The Earl calling them to his lodging did rebuke them sharply saying That it seemed strange to him that they who had so often petitioned to have the Act of annexation dissolved should go about to hinder the same now when the King was to do it in part specially considering there was nothing to be moved in prejudice of their discipline And that for removing the differences that were amongst them in that point his Majesty had resolved as they knew by the letters some of them had received to call the most learned and discreet of both sides before himself and have matters composed so far as might be to their content More fitting he said it were for you to whom his Majesty hath addressed his letters to have been preparing your selves for the journey And I should advise you for your own good and the peace of the Church not to write to the King any more but rather study by your peaceable behaviour to procure favour to your brethren that are in trouble With these speeches he did quiet them and so the Parliament went on and after some few days ended in great peace In this Parliament divers good constitutions were made but the two principall were the Acts of his Majesties Prerogative and the Act entituled The restitution of the estate of Bishops which title giveth many to mistake the truth of things and think that before this time the estate of Bishops was overthrown and cast down whereas the same was never so much as intended Only by this Act the temporalities of Bishopricks which by the Act of Annexation were made to belong to the Crown were restored in regard it was seen that the Bishops were disabled to attend their service in the Church and State by the want thereof Soon after the Parliament dissolved such of the Clergy as his Majesty called to Court went together of the one side went the Archbishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow the Bishops of Orkney Galloway and Mr. Iames Nicolson who was destinate Bishop of Dunkeld on the other part were Mr. Andrew Melvill Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. Iames Balfour and Mr. William Watson Mr. William Scot Mr. Iohn Carmichall and Mr. Adam Colt All these arriving at London about the beginning of Sept. had warning given them to attend the 20th of that moneth at Hampton Court The King had appointed some of the Bishops of England to attend during the conference and preach by course upon the subjects presented to them Dr. Barlow Bishop of Lincoln began taking for his text the 28 verse
of the 20 chap. of the Acts whereby he took occasion to prove out of the Scriptures and Fathers the supremacy of Bishops above Presbyters and to shew the inconveniencies of Parity in the Church with the confusion arising from the same Dr. Buckridge Bishop of Rochester took for his text the Precept of the Apostle Omnis anima c Rom. 13. 1. where falling to speak of the Kings supremacy in causes Ecclesiasticall he did handle that point both soundly and learnedly to the satisfaction of all the hearers only it grieved the Scots Ministers to hear the Pope and Presbyterie so often equalled in their opposition to soveraign Princes Dr. Andrews Bishop of Chichester followed who choosed for his text the first verses of the 10 chapter of Numbers confirming thirdly the power of Kings in Convocating Synods and Councells The fourth was Dr. King Bishop of London he took for his theam the 11 verse of the 8 chapter of Canticles and thereupon discoursing of the Office of Presbyters did prove lay Elders to have no place nor office in the Church and the late device to be without all warrant of Precept or example either in Scripture or in Antiquity This course his Majesty took as conceiving that some of the Ministers should be moved by force of reason to quit their opinions and give place to the truth but that seldome happeneth where the minde is prepossessed with prejudice either against person or matter The first audience was at Hampton the 22 of September at whichâ besides the Bishops and Ministers from Scotland were present the Earls of Dunbarre Argile Glencarne Sir Thomas Hamilton Advocate and Sir Alexander Straiton Of the English Dr. Montague Dean of the Charpell was only admitted to stay There the King declaring the purpose for which he had called them spake a few words to this effect That having left the Church of Scotland in peace at his parting forth of it he did now hear of great disturbances in the same whereof he desired to understand the true cause and to have their advice how the same might best be removed This being said he the errand in generall for which I have called you I should be glad to hear your opinions touching that meeting at Aberdene where an handfull of Ministers in contempt of my authority and against the discharge given them did assemble and though they were neither a sufficient number nor the accustomed order kept they would take upon them to call it a generall Assembly and have since proudly maintained it by declining my Councell and such other means as they pleased to use The rather I would hear your minds because I am informed that divers Ministers doe justifie that meeting and in their publick preachings commend these brethren as persons distressed which in effect is to proclaim me a tyrant and Persecutor Mr. Iames Melvill answering first said that there was no such discharge given to those Ministers that met at Aberdene as was alledged adjuring Sir Alexander Straiton who was said to have given the charge to declare in his Majesties presence how that matter was carried As to the absence of Moderator and Clerk he said that none of these were essentiall parts of an Assembly and that the Moderator absenting himself of purpose and the Clerk refusing to serve the brethren convened might lawfully create others in their places so as the Ministers having warrant to convene from the word of God and from his Majesties laws as also coming thither by direction of their Presbyteries he could not in his conscience condemne them Well then said the King I shall desire you to answer me three things that I will ask First if it be lawfull to pray publickly for persons convicted by the lawfull Iudge as persons being in distress and aflicted 2 Whether I may not being a Christian King by my authority royall convocate and prorogue and desert for just and necessary causes known to myself any Assemblies or meetings within my Dominions 3 Whether or not may I by my authority-call and convene before me and my Councell whatsoever person or persons Civil or Ecclesiastial for whatsoever offences committed by them in whatsoever place within my Dominions and if I may not take cognition of the offence and give sontence therein And further whether or not are all my subjects being cited to answer before me and my Councell obliged to compeir and acknowledge me or them for judges in these offences Mr. Iames answering said that the questions were weighty and craved a great deliberation wherefore he would humbly entreat his Majesty to grant them a time to conferre and advise together that they might all give one direct answer This desire granted they were commanded to advise and meet together that night and be ready to answer the next day At this meeting the Earls of Salisbury and Northampton with divers of the English Clergy were present The Ministers desiring to have the meeting more private requested the Earl of Dumbarre to move the King therein and that none but Scotsmen should be present fearing as they said that some unseemly words might escape them But this was denied and they warned to speak with that respect which became subjects It was believed that the King should have begun with the questions proponed in the former meeting but his Majesty taking another course required them to declare one by one their judgements touching Aberdene Assembly The Bishops being first askt did all condemn the meeting as turbulent factious and unlawfull Mr. Andrew Melvill then being enquired made answer That he could not condemn the Assembly being a private man that he came into England upon his Majesties letter without any Commission from the Church of Scotland and though he had Commission in dicta causa and not hearing what they could say for themselves he could not give his judgement Sentence he said was given against them in a justice Court how justly he did remit that to the great Judge but for himself he would say as our Saviour did in another case Quis me constituit judicem Mr. Iames Balfoure being next asked Did pray his Majesty not to press him with any answer for that he knew nothing would be well taken that proceeded from his mouth and that Mr. Andrew had answered his minde sufficiently Mr. Iames Melvill without giving a direct answer began to tell That sinceâ his coming to London he had received divers letters and with them a Petition that should have been presented to the late Parliament in behalf of the warded Ministers which he was desired to offer unto his Majesty and as he thought the Petition would make all their mindes known The King taking the Petition and falling to read the same willed the Advocate to goe on and receive the answer of the rest And as the Advocate was questioning Mr. William Scot and urging him with a distinct answer for he used many circumlocutions according to
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 tumulââ ãâ¦ã Supplication to Queen Regent for ãâã 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 âmitted 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 progrâsse 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 Fiâe taken by the Lord. An. 1560. The Cathedral of Aberdene saved by the Earl of Huntlây Pledges sânt 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 ãâã sent to mediate an agreement Queen Regent sickneth and dieth She conferreth with the Lords before her death Qâeen 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