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A61148 The history of the Church of Scotland, beginning in the year of our Lord 203 and continued to the end of the reign of King James the VI of ever blessed memory wherein are described the progress of Christianity, the persecutions and interruptions of it, the foundation of churches, the erecting of bishopricks, the building and endowing monasteries, and other religious places, the succession of bishops in their sees, the reformation of religion, and the frequent disturbances of that nation by wars, conspiracies, tumults, schisms : together with great variety of other matters, both ecclesiasticall and politicall / written by John Spotswood ... Spottiswood, John, 1565-1639.; Duppa, Brian, 1588-1662. 1655 (1655) Wing S5022; ESTC R17108 916,071 584

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Countreymen Richardus de sancto Victore a Channon regular of the order of S. Angustine and David a Presbyter This David lived in Germany and was chosen by the Emperour Henry the fifth to accompany him in that expedition which he made to Italy against Pope Paschal the Story whereof he wrote as likewise a Treatise de regno Scotorum both which are perished Richardus was a professor of Divinity at Paris in the Abbey of S. Victor a great Philosopher and left many books that witnesse his learning the Titles whereof you may read in Baleus He died in the same Abbey and was buried with this Epitaph Moribus ingenio doctrina clarus arte Pulvereo hîc tegeris docte Richarde situ Quem tellus genuit foelici Scotica partu Te fovet in gremio Gallica terra suo Nil tibi Parca ferox nocuit quae stamina parco Tempore tracta gravirupit acerba manu Plurima namque tui super ant monumenta laboris Qua tibi perpetuam sunt paritura decus Segnior ut lento sceler atas mors pelit aedes Sic propero nimis it sub piatecta gradu 16. Bishop Robert deceasing Walthemius Abbot of Melrosse was earnestly entreated to accept the Charge but would not forsake the Monastery saying That he had washed his feet and could not contaminate them again with the dust of earthly cares Whereupon Arnold Abbot of Kelso was elected and in presence of King Malcolm the fourth consecrated by William Bishop of Murray This Bishop had been the year preceding directed to Rome with one Nicholaus the Kings Secretary to complain of the Archbishop of York his usurpation upon the Church of Scotland and being then returned carried himself as Legate to the Pope which power he resigned to Arnold after his Consecration as he was enjoyned by Engenius the third who then held the Chair In a Convention of the Estates kept the same year Arnold did earnestly insist with the King to make choice of a wise for assuring the royall succession and to that effect made a long speech in the hearing of the Estates but the King had taken a resolution to live single and would not be diverted Edward Bishop of Aberdene was much blamed for confirming him in that course and for that cause hated of many The Cathedrall of S. Andrews a fair and stately Church whilest it stood was founded by this Arnold but before the work was raised to any height he died having sate Bishop one year ten moneths and seventeen days onely 17. Upon Arnold his death the King did recommend his Chaplain Richard to the place who was immediately elected by the Convent but not consecrated for the space of two years after because of the Archbishop of York his pretensions One Roger held at that time the See of York a man ambitious beyond all measure who from being Archdeacon of Canterbury was by the means of the Archbishop Thomas Becket preferred to that place no sooner was he advanced but he procured of Pope Anastasius the fourth a Bull whereby he was designed Metropolitane of Scotland but the King and the Clergy notwithstanding the Popes authority was in those days greatly respected refused to acknowledge him Anastasius dying by whom the Archbishop Roger was maintained the Prelates of Scotland did convene and by themselves performed the Consecration Roger incensed herewith sent to Rome and complaining of this contempt found the favour to be made Legate of Scotland by vertue whereof he caused cite all the Scottish Clergy to appear before him at Norham in England whither he came in great pomp Angelramus Archdeacon of Glasgow accompanied with Walter Prior of Kelso Solomon Dean of Glasgow and some others of the Clergy went and kept the Diet and in the name of the Church of Scotland appealing to the Pope took journey to Rome Where the business being debated before Pope Alexander the third sentence was given against Roger his pretended Legation and the Church of Scotland declared to be exempted from all spirituall Jurisdiction the Apostolique See only excepted This exemption Angelramus who in the mean time was promoted to the See of Glasgow by the death of Bishop Herbert and consecrated at Rome brought back and presented to the King The Bull is yet extant and begins thus Alexander P. servus servorum Dei Malcolmo Regi c. A few days after the Bishops return King Malcolm died at Iedbrough in the 25. year of his age and 12. of his reign a sweet and meek Prince uncourteously used by King Henry the second King of England but more rudely by his own Subjects This Henry by nature ambitious and one that could not keep himself within bounds took many ways to wrong this good King and make him despised of his own people yet for that he had sworn to King David Malcolms Grandfather that he should never molest him nor any of his posterity in the possession of the lands they held in England and could not for shame go against his oath he stirred up the Bishop of York to place a Bishop at Carlile thinking the King of Scots would not endure that wrong Iohn Bishop of Glasgow under whose charge the Countrey of Cumberland then was did exceedingly offend with this and finding that the King would not break with Henry for so little a cause nor seeing a way to repair himself abandoned his charge and went unto the Monastery of Tours in France where he abode till he was forced by the Popes authority to return King Henry finding this injury dissembled went afterwards more plainly to work for having desired Malcolm to come to London to do homage for the lands he held in England he compelled him to follow him in the Warre he made upon France thinking thereby to alienate the minde of the French King from the Scots Again when he had returned home inviting him of new to a Parliament kept at York upon a forged quarrell as if he had crossed King Henry his affairs in France he was declared to have lost all his lands in England And not content to have wronged him in this sort to stir up his own Subjects against him made the report goe that King Malcolm had voluntarily resigned all those lands Which did so irritate the Nobles as presently after his return putting themselves in Arms they did besiege the Town of Bertha where the King remained and had not failed to use violence but that by the intercession of some wise Prelates matters were composed The Nobility being grieved to see the King so abused did urge him to denounce warre but he loving rather to have matters peaceably agreed was content to accept Cumberland and Huntington and suffer Northumberland to goe to King Henry This displeased the Subjects and diminished much of the regard that was formerly carried to him which he took greatly to heart and shortly after died as was thought of displeasure The good King being thus taken away
his brother William succeeded in the year 1165. The first thing he undertook was the repetition of Northumberland for which Ambassadours were sent to King Henry His answer was That he should have right done him at his coming to London after he had performed his homage for the Countries he held in England King William taking journey thither with David his younger brother found the King at his Easter in VVindsore where insisting for the restitution of Northumberland he had many good words given him and promise made that at the meeting of the Parliament a course should be taken to his content In this hope he followed King Henry going then in expedition to France and staid there with him some moneths but when he perceived the King was not shortly to return unto England and that he was sed onely with fair promises he took his leave and came home Presently after his return he sent an Herald to denounce warre unlesse Northumberland were restored King Henry being then ingaged in the French warres and not willing to make himself more businesse was content to quit that part of Northumberland which King VVilliam his great Grandfather had possessed Yet suddenly forethinking what he had done he stirred up underhand those that lived in the Borders to make incursions upon the Scots This being complained and no redresse made King VVilliam raised an Army and went into England and at Anwick as he was taking the aire suspecting no Enemy to be at hand he was surprised by some English and sent Prisoner to King Henry in France who put him in the Castle of Calice in Picardie where he was some moneths detained A great dysaster this was and how grievous to the whole State may appear by the Articles condescended upon for obtaining his liberty which were 1. That for his redemption there should be paid one hundred thousand pounds sterling money the one half in hand the other half after a short time and for assurance thereof the Counties of Cumberland Huntington and Northumberland be morgaged to King Henry 2. That the Scots should move no warre against England for retention of these Counties 3. And for the more security the Castles of Roxburgh Berwick Edinburgh and Sterling should be delivered to the King of England or unto such as he should appoint to receive the same Hollinshed setteth down other Conditions besides these as That the King of Scots should acknowledge the King of England for his supreme Lord That the Prelates of Scotland and their successors should be subject to the Church of England And that the Lords and Barons of Scotland should swear fealty to the King of England and his successours which are meer forgeries it being certain that the Scots howsoever they loved their King and for his liberty would not refuse to undergoe very hard conditions yet would never have renounced their liberties maintained so long and with so much blood and yeelded themselves in any case to such a slavish subjection Always the agreement concluded in Normandy the 8. of December 1175. by Richard Bishop of S. Andrews and divers Noblemen sent thither to treat in that businesse was at August thereafter confirmed in York by both Kings all the Bishops Abbots and Nobility almost of Scotland being present In Ianuary thereafter at a meeting in Norham where King VVilliam was also in person the King of England dealt earnestly to have the Clergy of Scotland accept the Archbishop of York for their Metropolitane but they p●etending the absence of many of their number and the want of the inferiour Clergies consent deferred to give any answer at that time The next year the same matter was renued and followed earnestly by a Legate sent from the Pope with Commission to reform the abuses he should finde in the Churches both in England and Scotland This Legate called Hugo and styled Cardinall de sancto Angelo having sent his Apparitors with a citation to the Bishops of Scotland for their appearing before him at a certain day in Northampton they went thither with a great number of their Clergy The Assembly being met and all ranked in their places the Cardinall who had his seat somewhat higher then the rest made a long speech in commendation of humility and obedience shewing what excellent Virtues these were and how much to be desired of men of spirituall profession whereof when he talked a while he came in end to perswade the Clergy of Scotland to submit themselves to the Primate of York which he said was a thing very convenient for them and would turn greatly to their ease and commodity for having no Superiour amongst themselves nor Metropolitane to decide Controversies that possibly might happen there could none be fitter then their neighbour the Archbishop of York a Prelate of great respect and one whose credit in the Court of Rome might serve them to good use therefore besought them to lay aside all grudges and emulations and dispose themselves to live in all times after as members of one and the same Church The Bishops who feared to offend the Legate made no answer and after a long silence a young Chanon named Gilbert rose up and spake to this effect The Church of Scotland ever since the faith of Christ was embraced in that Kingdome hath been a free and independent Church subject to none but the Bishop of Rome whose authority we refuse not to acknowledge To admit any other for our Metropolitane especially the Archbishop of York we neither can nor will for notwithstanding the present peace which we wish may long continue warres may break up betwixt the two Kingdomes and if it shall fall out so neither shall he be able to discharge any duty amongst us nor can we safely and without suspicion resort to him For the controversies which you my Lord Cardinall say may arise amongst our selves we have learned and wise Prelates who can determine the same and if they should be deficient in their duties we have a good and religious King who is able to keep all things in frame and order so as we have no necessity of any stranger to be set over us And I cannot think that either his Holinesse hath forgotten or you my Lord that are his Legate can be ignorant of the late exemption granted unto Malcolm our last King since the grant whereof we have done nothing which may make us seem unworthy of that favour Wherefore in the name of all the Scotish Church we doe humbly entreat the preservation of our ancient liberberties and that we be not brought under subjection to our enemies These speeches he delivered with an extraordnary grace and in so passionate a manner that all the hearers were exceedingly moved the English themselves commending his courage and the affection he shewed to his Country But the Archbishop of York who looked not for such opposition called the young Chanon to come unto him and laying his hand
upon his head said Ex tua pharetra nunquam venit ista sagitta meaning that he was set on to speak by some others of greater note So the Legate perceiving that the businesse would not work and that the opposition was like to grow greater he brake up the Assembly After which the Prelates returning home were universally welcomed but above the rest the Chanon Gilbert was in the mouthes of all men and judged worthy of a good preferment and soon after was promoved to the Bishopr●ck of Cathenes and made Chancellor of the Kingdome The year following one Vibianus a Cardinal titulo sancti Stephani in monte Caelio came into Scotland in shew to reform abuses and do some good to the Church but in effect to extort moneys from Churchmen For at this time it was grown to be an ordinary trick of the Popes when they stood in need of moneys to send forth their Legates unto all Countreys sometimes under a colour of reforming abuses sometimes for the recovering of the Holy land and sometimes upon other pretexts This Cardinall having stayed a while in Scotland took his journey into Ireland and in his return would needs make a new visit of this Church for which effect he convened the Clergy at Edinburgh in the moneth of August and established divers Canons which the Clergy esteeming prejudiciall to their liberties did incontinent after he was gone revoke and disannull but what these Canons were our Writers do not remember 18. It was a fatall year this to many of our Churchmen both Bishops and Abbots amongst others Richard Bishop of S. Andrews deceasing King William recommended Hugo one of his Chaplains whom he much favoured to the Convent But they taking another course made choice of the Archdeacon Iohn Scot who was an English born The King displeased therewith did swear by the Arm of S. Iames●this ●this was his ordinary oath that so long as he lived Scot should never enjoy that place So he sent a Command unto the Chanons to make a new election appointing Ioceline Bishop of Glasgow their assistant and thus was Hugo his Chaplain elected The Archdeacon appealed to Rome and going thither complained of the wrong done to the Church entreating the Pope for redresse Hereupon Alexius Subdean of the Romane See was dispatched to try and examine the cause At first the King made difficulty to admit him but afterwards yeelding the two elections being tried by the Legate sentence was given for the first and Iocelin Bishop of Glasgow with the rest of the Clergy that assisted the second excommunicated This done the Legate called an Assembly of the Bishops Abbots and whole Clergy at Haliroudhouse and made Matthew Bishop of Aberdene publickly to consecrate the Archdeacon upon Trinity Sunday 1178. He not the lesse fearing the Kings displeasure left the Realm and went to Rome where he was honourably entertained by Pope Lucius the third who sent Letters to the King and admonished him not to usurp upon the Church and to remit the Bishop who was lawfully elected and consecrated to enjoy his place with quietnesse This Letter the Story saith was conceived in milde terms for the Pope feared to incense the King lest he should follow the ensample of his Cousin Henry King of England that some 8. years before had made away Thomas Becket Bishop of Canterbury for his obstinate and wilfull opposition in some matters not unlike yet the King nothing moved with the Letter to make his displeasure the better known did confiscate all the revenues pertaining to the See of S. Andrews and banished those whom he understood to favour the Bishops cause The Pope advertised hereof resolved to put the Realm under Interdiction But the Bishop prostrating himself at his feet besought him not to use any such rigour saying That he would much rather renounce his dignity then have so many Christian souls for ought that concerned him defrauded of spirituall benefits The Pope highly commending the goodnesse and patience of the Bishop held him from that time forth in more regard and at his request forbare the Interdiction Mean while it happened that VValter Bishop of Dunkeld departed this life whereupon the King taking occasion sent to recall the Bishop with offers of great kindenesse protesting that if it had not been for the oath he rashly made he would willingly have contented to his enjoying of the See of S. Andrews But seeing it did touch him in Honour and Conscience as he esteemed to be yeelding thereto he requested the Bishop to accept the Benefice of Dunkeld which was then fallen void and was in value not much inferiour to the other This the Bishop communicated to the Pope who desired to have the matter quieted advised him to return and accept the offer Thus was the Archdeacon by the Popes consent preferred to Dunkeld having the rents of the Archdeaconry reserved to him during his life in recompence of his losses Hugo this way coming to be possessed Andrews took journey to Rome that he might be reconciled to the Pope and being absolved for his intrusion in his return died some six miles from the City of Rome the 6. of August 1188. ten years and ten moneths after his election At this time newes was brought from the East of the prevailing of Sultan Saladine of Egypt against the Christians in the Holy land which moved Philip the second of France and Henry King of England to undertake the recovery of the Holy land and to employ all their credit and means as well in their own countreys as with other Christian Princes their neighbours for the furtherance of that enterprise To befray the charges of the voyage both Kings by consent of their Clergy and Nobles ordained that all their subjects both Clergy and Laity such excepted as went in the voyage should pay the tenth of all their moveables either in gold or silver King Henry having laid this imposition upon his subjects at home sent Hugh Pusar then Bishop of Duresme with other Commissioners to collect the tenths of the Clergy and Laity in this kingdom which the King and States interpreting to be an encroachment upon their liberties would not permit yet for advancing that holy action they did offer a supply of 5000. Marks sterling which King Henry refused but the enterprise upon a quarel that arose betwixt the Kings of France and England was at that time dashed and so the collection was no further urged King Henry a little after this ended his life and Richard his son who succeeded resolving to pursue the action of the holy Warre to assure the King of Scotland who he feared would take some advantage in his absence restored all the Castles which were delivered to King Henry his Father and released him and his posterity of all Covenants made and confirmed by Charter unto King Henry as extorted from him being then his prisoner reserving only such
rights to himself as had been and were to be performed by Malcolme his brother to his Ancestors Kings of England King William to requite his kindnesse gave unto Richard ten thousand Marks sterling and caused his brother David to whom he resigned the Earldom of Huntington go in company with him There went under his charge 500. Gentlemen who were all in their return cast away by a tempest at sea only the Earl himself having his ship driven upon the coast of Egypt was taken prisoner and led to Alexandria where being redeemed by some Venetians he was brought to Constantinople and freed by an English Merchant in the City that had known him in former times From thence he returned safe unto his countrey the fourth year after his setting forth to the great joy and contentment of the King his brother who took him to be lost The part where he arrived being as Boethius writeth before that time called Alectum had the name changed and upon that occasion was called Dei donum But the opinion of Buchannan is more probable that the Town now called Dundy is a compound word of Down and Tay. As ever this was the Town there situated received many priviledges of King William at that time for his brothers happy arrival which to this day they enjoy Likewise in memory thereof was the Abbey of Lundors founded for the Benedictine Monks and divers lands gifted thereto by the King and the Earl his brother The King of England after many distresses being returned home King William to congratulate his safety went into England where he contracted a great sickness the rumour whereof being dispersed and his death much suspected gave occasion of divers insolencies at home amongst others Herald Earl of Orkney and Cathnes upon a malice conceived against the Bishop of that countrey who as he alledged had impeded the grant of some thing he demanded of the King took him prisoner put out his eyes and cut forth his tongue This inhumanity the King at his return punished most severely for the Earl being apprehended and brought to his trial had his eyes in like sort pulled out and was thereafter publickly strangled by the hands of the hangman all his male children being gelded to extinguish his succession His kinsmen and others accounted accessors to the fact for not rescuing the Bishop were fined in great summes of money This exemplary justice reported to Pope Innocent the third he sent unto the King by his Legate Ioannes Cardinalis de monte Celio a sword richly set with precious stones a purple hat in from of a diadem and a large Bull of priviledges whereby the Church of Scotland was exempted from all Ecclesiastical censures the Pope himself and his Legate à latere only excepted It was also declared That it should not be lawful to any to excommunicate the King and his successors or yet to interdict the kingdom but the Pope or his Legate and that no stranger should exercise any legation within the Realm except a Cardinal or such a one as the Conclave did appoint This Bull is yet extant and beginneth thus Innocentius Episcopus servus servorum Dei charissimo filio Gulielmo illustri Scotorum Regi e●usque successoribus This Cardinal before his departing forth of the Realm kept a Convocation of the Clergy at Perth in which all the Priests were deposed who were found to have taken Orders upon Sunday The Abbot of Dunfermlin called Robert was removed from his place the cause whereof is not mentioned and one Patrick Superiour of Dur●sme appointed Abbot in his stead In this convention also it was decreed That every Saturday from twelve of the clock should be kept as holy day and that all people at the sound of the Bell should addresse themselves to hear service and abstain from all handy work until Munday morning After this meeting he took journey into Ireland taking with him Radolph Abbot of Melrosse a man of good respect whom he preferred to the Bishoprick of Down which at his coming thither happened to fall void Bishop Hugo dying Roger son to the Earl of Leicester succeeded he had been Chancellour to the King and at his election to the Bishoprick resigned the office to one of the King his Chaplaines For in those dayes the office of a Chancellor was not in that reputation to which afterwards it grew in some old Records I find at one time two officers in that kinde the one called Cancellarius Regis the other Cancellarius regni but which of the two was in greatest dignity I know not nor in what their charge did differ only my conjecture is that he who is now the writer of the Great Seal and is called The director to the Chancellary was then styled Cancellarius Regis But remitting this to others of greater skill Ten years this Roger stood elect and was not consecrated before the year of God 1198. at which time Richard Bishop of Murray performed the ceremony the reason of the delay is not mentioned by writers four years only he lived after his consecration and died at Combuskenneth the ninth of Iuly 1202. his corps with great solemnity convoyed to Saint Andrews was interred in the old Church of Saint Rewle 20. William Malvoisin Bishop of Glasgow a Frenchman born was after the death of Roger by the Kings recommendation translated to S. Andrews a man of singular wisdome and courage he lived a long time for he sate Bishop after his translation 35. years and governed the Church most happily The rents alienated by his predecessors or lost by their negligence he recovered to his See advanced the fabrick of the Church which was then a building more then any that went before him and suffered no man of what quality soever he was to usurp upon the Church or possessions of it Some years after his translation King William died at Striveling to the great regret of all men especially those of the Clergy to whom he had been very beneficial for besides the Abbey of Aberbrothock which he founded to the memory of Thomas Becket then generally held to be a Martyr and Saint he gave divers lands to the See of Argyle which had been in his time erected and to the Monasteries of Newbottle Halyrudhouse and Dunfermlin many richgifts as likewise for the Trinity Monks of Aberdene an Order lately invented and then confirmed by Innocentius the third he made a competent provision Never were the funerals of any of our Kings performed with greater solemnity All the Prelates and Nobles of the kingdome attending the corps from Striveling to Aberbrothock where he had appointed his body to be buried There they continued 14. dayes spending that time in the devotions accustomed and before their parting by a common consent ordained that for a year thereafter no publick playes nor feasts should be made in any part of the kingdom such
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
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
Scots ships and Merchants that were in England arrested and open warre denounced The countrey hereupon drew into factions The Governour and some few Noblemen that abode with him at Halirudhouse professing a willingnesse to keep the contract with England and Queen mother with the Cardinal and his followers directly opposing They having the young Queen in their hands whom they kept still at Linlithgow to strengthen their party sent to recall the Earl of Lenox who lived then in France for the old emulation between the two houses of lenox and Hamilton as also the slaughter of his Father in the field of Linlithgow which he could not have forgotten would easily as they thought move him to joyn with them Besides they considered that his presence and friendship which was great in the countrey would aid and countenance their course not a little Hereupon were messengers dispatched in haste with letters to the French King and to the Earl himself The letters written to himselfe were full of affection and therein hopes given of his Match with the Queen mother and of the Regencie of the Realme during her daughters minority And as flatterers are never wanting to great men there were some about him when they understood that he was called home put him in hope of the Crown it self if the young Queen should happen to depart this life For the late King was known to have intended the same and the Governours title they said would trie nought himselfe being illegitimate and procreated in an unlawful marriage upon a divorce led between his Father and Dame Elizabeth Home his wife which made him uncapable not of the Crown only but even of his private inheritance With such conceipts they filled the young Noblemans head and as men are made easily to believe what they earnestly desire encouraged by these hopes and the French Kings promises he returned home At his coming having saluted the Governour with whom he dissembled in the best sort he could and visiting the Queen-mother and Cardinal at Linlithgow who did very kindly receive him he went to see his friends and imparted to them the causes of his return with the hopes that were given him and the promise he had of aid and supply from the King of France They approving the course he had taken advised him to follow his fortune and promised their assistance to the uttermost A few dayes after being advertised that the Governour was gathering forces to take the young Queen from her Mother he came to the Queen-mother with four thousand men and abode with her till by a common consent her daughter was sent to Striveling and committed to the custody of the Lords Grahame Areskin Levingston and Lindsay Mean while the Governours brother did earnestly ply him to relinquish the English alliance laying before him the danger wherein he thrust himself in suffering the Popes authority to be weakned on which he said the security of his title and succession to the Crown did stand and giving him hopes of benefit and advancement from the French King and so farre in end prevailed as the Governour without imparting his mind to the Noblemen who kept Court with him at Halirudhouse went privately to Striveling and submitted himself to the Cardidal receiving absolution at his hands and renouncing the profession he made of the truth with the alliance contracted with England A deed that lost him the favour of the countrey and brought him in great contempt for after this fact was he never in regard the Cardinal from thenceforth carrying all the sway and leaving him only the shadow of authority This done the Cardinals next care was to rid the Court and the Councel of the Earl of Lenox which was brought about in this sort Queen-mother by her letters to the French King did advertise what an alteration was made how the Governour was brought by the Cardinals means to break with England and that for assuring the peace of the countrey there was nothing more required then the calling the Earl of Lenox back under some fair colour for that his stay at home might prove dangerous and a suspicion there was already of his inclining to England which might breed greater troubles then yet had been seen therefore intreated the King to recall him with speed The Nobleman suspecting no such dealing for all that time he was used with great demonstrations of love and kindnesse by the Queen-mother began to urge the performance of promises and had his hopes cunningly entertained till the answer returned from France at which time he was advertised by some friends in that Court that the French King was hardly informed of him and some courses he had taken and howbeit he was invited to return he should not find the welcome he expected This made him more instant with Queen-mother then before but it was not long ere he felt himself deluded whereupon he retired home discontent and laid many wayes to repair himself but all sorted to no effect so as he resolved in end having lost the French to offer his service to the King of England by whom he was kindly received and afterwards honoured with the alliance of King Henry his Neece Lady Margaret Dowglas How soon the Cardinal was freed of the Earl of Lenox he set himself to pursue those that were called hereticks and leading the Governour along with him went first to the Town of Perth where by delation of one Frier Spence Robert Lamb William Anderson Iames Rannald Iames Hunter Iames Finlason and Hellene Stirk his wife were apprehended Robert Lamb being accused for interrupting the said Frier in a Sermon he made a Perth whilest he was teaching that a man could not be saved without praying to the Saints confessed that he had done it saying It was the duty of every man that knoweth the truth to bear testimony unto it and not to suffer people to be abused with false doctrine such as that was William Anderson Iames Rannald and Iames Finlason were indited for nailing two Rams horns on S. Francis head the putting of a Cowes rump to his tail and for the eating of a Goose upon All-hallow evening Iames Hunter a Fletcher by occupation and a simple man without any learning was charged to have kept company with the said persons The woman Helene Stirke was accused for her refusing to pray unto the Virgin Mary when she was in labour of her birth and saying she would only pray to God in the name of Iesus Christ. These were the inditements whereupon they were put to trial and being found guilty by a Jury were condemned to die great intercession was made for their lives to the Governour but he was so subject to the Cardinal as without his consent he would give no pardon Thus the poor innocents were taken to the common place of execution and hanged Robert Lamb at the foot of the Ladder made a pithy exhortation to the people beseeching
betwixt the Queen of Scots and the French King and a year after should employ her best means for and in their defence 2. That her Majesty should send with all convenient diligence into Scotland a sufficient aid of men of warre horse and foot with artillery munition and other instruments of warre as well by sea as by land to joyn with the forces of Scotland for the expelling the French forces presently within that Realm and stopping so farre as may be all others to enter therein in time coming 3. That her Majesty should continue her aid to the Nobility and subjects of Scotland untill such time as the French enemies to the said Realm should be utterly expelled thence and should transact agree nor conclude any league with the French except the Scots and French should be also agreed and the Realm of Scotland left in freedom neither should she leave the maintenance of the said Nobility and other subjects whereby they might fall as a prey into their enemies hands so long as they did acknowledge their Soveraign Lady and Queen and should endevour themselves to maintain their own liberty and the estate of the Crown of Scotland 4. If in case any Forts or Strengths within the Realm shall be recovered out of the hands of the French by her Majesties aid the same shoudl be immediately demolished or delivered to the Duke of Chattellerault and his partakers at their election neither should the power of England fortifie within the ground of Scotland but by the advice of the said Duke Nobility and Estates of Scotland 5. That the said Duke and Nobility as well such as be already joyned as such as hereafter shall joyn with him for defence of the liberty of the Realm should to the uttermost of their power aid and support her Majesties Army against the French and their assisters with horse and foot and all manner of other aid they possibly can make and shall provide victuals to the Army by land and sea and continue so doing during the time her Majesties Army shall remain in Scotland 6. That they should be enemies to all such Scottish men and French as shall in any wayes shew themselves enemies to the Realm of England for the aiding and supporting of the said Duke and Nobility and should never assent nor permit the Realm of Scotland to be conquered or otherwise united to the Crown of France then it is at the present only by the marriage of the Queen their Soveraing to the French King and as the Lawes and liberties of the Realm do allow 7. That if it should happen the French men at any time thereafter to invade or cause the Realm of England to be invaded they should furnish the number of 1000 horsemen and 2000. footmen at the least or such part of either of them as should be required at the charge of the Queen of England and should conduct the same to any part of the Realm of England that should be appointed upon the charges alwayes of the Queen of England And in case the invasion should be made on the North part of England either upon the North of the water of Tyne towards Scotland or against Berwick on the North side of the water of Twede they should convene and gather their whole forces upon their own charges and should joyn with the English power and continue in an earnest pursuit of the quarrel of England during the space of 30. dayes or so much longer as they are accustomed to abide in the fields for defence of Scotland 8. That the Earl of Argyle Lord Justice of Scotland being presently joyned with the said Duke should employ his force and good will when he should be required by the Queen of England for reducing the North parts of Ireland to her obedience conform to a mutual contract which should be made betwixt her Majesties Deputy of Ireland for the time and the said Earl wherein should be expressed what each of them should do for support of others in case either of them had businesse with Macc-o-neale or any other of the Isles of Scotland or Realm of Ireland 9. That the Scots for performance and sure keeping of their part of this contract should deliver such pledges to the Duke of Norfolk before the entrie of her Majesties Army in Scottish ground as the said Duke did presently name who should remain in England for the space of six moneths and be exchanged by deliverance of new hostages for six moneths to six moneths or four moneths to four moneths at the pleasure of Scotland the pledges alwayes being of the like or as good condition as the former and the lawful sonnes brethren or heirs of some of the Earls or Barons of the Parliament and the time of the continuance of the said hostages should be during the marriage of the Queen of Scots to the French King and a year after the dissolution of the same till further order may be had betwixt both the Realms for peace and concord 10. That the Duke and Nobility joyned with him being Earles and Barons of Parliament should subscrive and ●eale these Articles within the space of twenty or thirty dayes at the furthest after the delivering of the said hostages and should procure and perswade all others of the Nobility that should joyn themselves thereafter with the said Duke for the cause above specified to subscrive and seal the same Articles within the space of twenty dayes after their conjunction upon requisition made by them of England 11. That the said Duke and Nobility joyned with him certainly understanding that the Queens Majesty of England was moved to grant the present support only upon respect of Princely honour and neighbourhood for defence of the freedom of Scotland from conquest and not of any sinister intent did by these presents testifie and declare that neither they nor any of them do mean by this contract to withdraw their due obedience from their Soveraign Lady the Queen or yet to withstand the French King her husband in any lawful thing which tendeth not to the subversion of the just and ancient liberties of Scotland for the preservation whereof they acknowledge themselves bound to spend their goods lands and lives This contract of the date at Berwick the 27. of February 1559. was confirmed by the Queen of England and a Patent thereof delivered under the great Seal of England to the Duke and Nobility the Lords of Scotland did in like manner ratifie the same by their subscriptions at the Camp before Leth the tenth of May following How soon the French heard that the Lords were removed from Dysert they marched forward according to their first purpose towards S. Andrews and kept the Coast partly because of the ships which carried their victuals partly by reason of a great snow which then was fallen and made the nearest wayes unpassable After that they had crossed the water of Leven and were come unto Kincraige they espied a fleet of ships bearing up
The Lord Gray lodging in the Deans house in Restalrig and the most part of his horsemen in the same village the foot lay all in the tents upon the South and South-east side of Leth and near unto them were the Scots Noblemen encamped trenches cast and a little mount erected which was called Mount Pellain from the name of the Captain whereupon eight Canons were placed to play upon S. Antonies Steeple on which the French had planted some Ordinance These thundering night and day battered the steeple and forced the French to dismount their artillery The English after this growing negligent and supposing the French would make no more fallies followed their sports some of the Captains going to Edinburgh and the souldiers falling to play at Dice and Cards as though there had been no enemies to fear wherefore the French getting intelligence they issued forth and entring the English trenches before they were perceived put many to the sword The slaughter was great and esteemed to exceed the losse of the French in the first encounter This accident taught them to be more watchful all the time that the siege continued and because their numbers were so few for besieging the Town in all parts they devised to raise certain mounts in every quarter and to remove the Canon to the West side of the water of Leth. more near the walls then before The last of April a sudden fire kindling within the Town burned all that night which destroyed many houses and consumed a great part of the souldiers provision During this burning the English playing continually with the Canon upon the places where they saw the flames rising to stop the quenching of the fire and entring the ditches did in the mean time measure the height of the walls to provide ladders for the scaling which they intended The seventh of May having resolved to give an assault they brought the ladders a little before day towards the walls but they proved too short and so that purpose failed The English lost 160. at this enterprise such as were affected to the French did hereupon take courage trusting the siege would rise and the English Army depart but the accident did no way dismay either the English or Scots every man animating another to constancie and continuance and about the time came letters from the Duke of Norfolk which greatly confirmed their mindes Thereby he charged them not to break up the siege by any means assuring they should not lack men so long as any could be had between Twede and Trent for in those bounds he commanded as Lieutenant and giving hopes to come in person to the Camp he caused his Pavilion to be set up and sent thither his officers and provision Shortly after a fresh supply came from England of 2000. men which made all former losses to be forgotten The French for some dayes made divers fallies but were ever put to the worst for all the hurt which fell either to Scottish or English from that time untill the rendring of the Town was only the losse of two men Robert Colvil of Cleish Master houshold to Lord Iames a Gentleman much commended both for wisdom and valour he was wounded in the thigh by the shot of a great piece from the town and died of it within two houres and Alexander Lochart brother to the Laird of Barre who lying too open in the trenches was discovered by the enemy and shot in the head The French King hearing in what distresse the companies at Leth were and by reason of other affaires not able to supply them in time sent Count Randon and Monsieur Monlu●k Bishop of Valence Ambassadours to the Queen of England desiring her to retire her Army out of Scotland with offers to restore the town of Callais if she would call them back her answer was that she did not value that fisher Town so much as to hazard for it the state of Britain The French perceiving that peace could not otherwise be made but by calling back the French souldiers and thinking it dishonorable for the King and Queen of France to treat with their own subjects they intreated the Queen of England to send her Ambassadours to mediate an agreement which was easily assented unto and Mr. William Cecill principal Secretary of England with Doctor wotton Dean of Canterbury and York appointed to go with the French Ambassadours into Scotland and use their best means for pacifying the present troubles Whilest they were in their journey Queen Regent partly out of sicknesse and partly of displeasure died in the Castle of Edinburgh the tenth of Iune 1560. Before her death she desired to speak with the Duke of Chattellerault the Earls of Argyle Glencarn Marshall and Lord Iames to whom she expressed her grief for the troubles of the Realm commending earnestly the study of peace unto them advising them to send both French and English forth of the countrey and beseeching them to continue in the obedience of the Queen their Soveraign and to entertain the old amity with the King and Realm of France After some speeches to this purpose bursting forth in tears she asked pardon of then all whom any way she had offended professing that she did forgive those who had injured her in any sort and imbracing all the Nobles one by one kissing them she took her farewell To others of meaner sort that stood by she gave her hand and so they departed Afterwards disposing her self for another world she sent for Iohn Willock the Preacher who was then returned from England and conferring with him a reasonable space openy professed that she did trust to be saved only by the death and merits of Iesus Christ and thus ended her life most Christianly She was a Lady of honest and honourable conditions of singular judgement and full of humanity a great lover of justice helpful to the poor especially to those that she knew to be indigent but for shame could not beg Compassionate of women in travel whom she did often visit in her own person and help both with her skill and counsel In her Court she kept a wonderful gravity tolerating no licenciousnesse her maids were alwayes busied in some virtuous exercise and to them she was an ensample every way of modesty chastity and the best vertues A great dexterity she had in government which appeared in the composing the tumults in the North and in pacifying the Isles which by her wisdome were reduced to perfect obedience ●s to those warres which afficted the Kingdome in her last dayes it is not to be doubted but the same happened much against her will neither had they fallen out at all if affaires had been carried according to her mind But she was to govern by direction and in all matters of weight must needs attend responses from the French Court which were the Oracles whereby all affairs at those times were framed This made her in matters of Religion more
bind the King or Queen but that they may give where and when they should think expedient 9. That the Estates of the Realm should convene and hold a Parliament in the moneth of August next for which a Commission should be sent from the French King and the Queen of Scotland and that the said convention should be as lawful in all respects as if the same had been ordained by the express Commandment of their Majesties providing all tumults of warre be discharged and they who ought by their places to be present may come without fear 10. That for the better government of this Realm choice should be made of a Councel which should consist of twelve worthy men of the Kingdom of which number the Queen should chuse seven and the Estates five which twelve in their Majesties absence should take order with the affaires of Government and without their authority and consent nothing should be done in the administration of publick businesse And that the said Councel should convene as oft as they might conveniently but no fewer then six together or if any matter of importance occurred they should all be called or the most part of them providing it should not be prejudicial to the King and Queen and to the Rights of the Crown 11. That the King and Queen should neither make peace nor warre in these parts but by the counsel and advise of the Estates according to the custome of the countrey as it was observed by their predecessors 12. That none of the Lords of the Nobility of Scotland should make convocation of men of warre except in ordinary cases approved by the lawes and custome of the Realm nor should any of them cause men of warre strangers to come into these parts much lesse attempt to do any thing against the King and Queen or against the authority of the Councel and other Magistrates of the Realm and in case any of them had occasion to take Armes the same being first communicated to the Councel their Majesties likewise should be made acquainted therewith and nothing to be done by them that ought not to be done by good and faithful subjects that love the quietnesse of the Realm and will abide in the obedience of their Soveraigns 13. That Lord David son to the Duke of Chattellerault detained prisoner at Bois de Vincennes should be put to liberty and suffered to return into Scotland at his pleasure 14. That with the French men no Artillery should be transported forth of the Realm but those which were sent and brought in since the decease of Francis the first and that all other Artillery and Munition especially that which hath the Armes of Scotland should be put into the places out of which they were taken 15. That the Army of England should return home immediately after the embarking of the French and that all the Scottish men of warre should be broken and licenced to depart 16. That for the Articles concerning Religion presented for the part of the Nobility and people of Scotland which the Commissioners would not touch but referred to their Majesties it was promised that a certain number of Noblemen should be chosen in the next Convention and Parliament to be sent to their Majesties to expone unto them the things that should be thought needful for the estate thereof and for the Articles presently decided they should carry with them the ratification of the same by the Estates and return a confirmation thereof from their Majesties Lastly that the Queen of Scotland and King of France should not hereafter usurp the titles of England and Ireland and should delete the Arms of England and Ireland out of their scutchions and whole housholdstuffe This accord made the French prepared to depart and for returning the ships of England that were lent to transport them the Bishop of Amiens and Monsieur le Broche remained hostages On the sixteenth day of Iuly the French embarked and the same day did the English Army depart towards Berwick the third day after their parting a solemn thanksgiving was kept in the Church of S. Giles by the Lords and others professing true Religion and then were the Ministers by common advice distributed among the Burghs Iohn Knox was appointed to serve at Edinburgh Christopher Goodman at S. Andrews Adam Heriote at Aberdene Iohn Row at Perth William Christeson at Dundy David Ferguson at Dunfermlin Paul Methven at Iedburgh and Mr. David Lindesay at Leth besides these they did nominate for the direction of Church affaires some to be Superintendents as Mr. Iohn Spotswood for Lothian and Mers Mr. Iohn Winram for Fife and Iohn Areskin of Dun for Angus and Mernis Mr. Iohn Willock for Glasgow and Mr. Iohn Kerswel for Argyle and Isles with this small number was the plantation of the Church at first undertaken The time appointed for the Parliament approaching warning was made to all such as by law or ancient custome had any voice therein to be present and at the day the meeting was frequent In the beginning there was great altercation divers holding that no Parliament could be kept seeing their Soveraigns had sent no Commission nor authorized any to represent their persons Others alledging that Article of the peace whereby it was agreed That a Parliament should be kept in the moneth of August and that the same should be as lawful in all respects as if it were ordained by the expresse commandments of their Majesties maintained that the said Article was a warrant sufficient for their present meeting and this opinion by voices prevailed So after some eight dayes spent in these contentions they began to treat of affairs but as they had no commission so the solemnities accustomed of Crown Scepter and Sword which are in use to be carried at these times were neglected There were present of the spiritual Estate the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld Dumblane Galloway Argyle and Isles The Prior of S. Andrews the Abbots of Couper Landors Culross S. Colmes Inch Newbottle Halirudhouse Kinlose Deire and New-Abbey with the Priors of Coningham and S. Mary Isle Of the Nobility the Lord Duke the Earls of Arrane Argyle Marshal Cassils Cathnes Athol Glencarne Merton and Rothes The Lords Ruthven Glammis Areskin Boyd Ochiltrie Carlile Levingston Ogilvy and Somervil with many of the inferiour Barons and of the Commissioners of Burghs none were absent In electing the Lords of the Articles the Noblemen that had the nomination of the Clergy passing by such amongst them as they knew to be Popishly affected made choice of the Bishops of Galloway and Argyle the Prior of S. Andrews the Abbots of Abberbrothock Kilwining Lundors Newbottle and Culross at which the Prelates stormed mightily alledging that some of them were meer Laicks and all of them Apostates for they had openly renounced popery and joyned themselves with the Professors of the truth but there was no remedy the course was changed and now it behoved them to take law
I have no Commission to your Majesty but for the ratification of the treaty at Leth yet if you will have me to shew what I think be the cause of my Mistresse offence I will tell it in few words but not as an Ambassadour How soon the Queen my Mistress was crowned you usurped the Title and Arms of England which during Queen Maries reign you never attempted and a greater injury could not be offered to a Prince then that was But saith she My father in law and husband who lived both at that time commanded me so to do after they were deceased and since I have been at mine own liberty I have neither used her Armes nor Titles And yet I see not what wrong it can be to me who am a Queen and had to my grandmother the eldest sister of King Henry the eight to use the Armes of England seeing others more remote in blood have done the like The Marquess of Exeter and Dutchess of Suffolk Neece unto Henry the eight by his youngest sister did bear the Armes of England with borders for a difference and should it be imputed as an injury to me so to do But well I see so she concluded that nothing I do is taken in good part The Quen of England in the mean time falling in some jealousie of the Lords of Scotland because of that which the Queen had said that the treaty at Leth was not made by all their consents and that when she should be amongst them it would appear whether they continued in the same mind sent a letter full sharpnes of to the Nobility and Councel wherein after an ample declaration of the friendship done to them in the late aid they received against the French she complained of the delayes made in the ratification of the accord past at Leth which as it seemed by their Queens words was in their default seeing she had said that before she gave a resolute answer in that matter it behoved her to know their mindes whereof she could not be ignorant so many of themselves being with her of late and messengers going daily betwixt them therefore she desired to know if they did minde to keep the peace contracted and if they continued in that mind that they should procure the Queen to ratifie it at least to advertise her what she might look for at their own hands This letter was speedily answered by the Councel with great attestations that it came never in their mindes to break the peace contracted for in so doing they should make themselves infamous in the world and sin highly against their consciences Of the delay which their Queen made and the reasons thereof they professed to be ignorant Therefore intreated her Majesty to be perswaded of them that next to the glory of God they would study to keep the peace inviolate and that there should be no blame in them if the ratification was not made to her contentment Whilest these things passed at home the Queen of Scots set forward to Callais attended by the Cardinals of Loraine and Guise the Dukes of Guise and d'Aumarll the grand Prior and the Marquess d' Elbeuf her Uncles the Duke of Nemours Monsieur d' Anvile the Constables son and divers others her friends and kinsmen At Abbavile which is in the way to Callais she sent for the English Ambassadour and asked him by what means she might satisfie Queen Elizabeth He answered by ratifying the Treaty of Leth. To whom she replied I have very just reasons to refuse it which ought not to be interpreted as delayes For first that treaty should have been confirmed by my husband and me and cannot now be ratified unlesse it be concluded in my own name alone seeing the King then my husband is expressely named in the accord Next the most of the Articles are performed for all preparations of warre are ceased and the French called back from Scotland But the Queen offendeth said she that I use the title and arms of England This I have not done since my husbands death And if it be alledged that the same is used in Letters Patents given me through France it is known I cannot hinder that for they who pass those letters are not my subjects And for the Articles conc●rning Religion I trust my own subjects shall have no cause to complain of my severity Thus what I may do I will to give my sister satisfaction And I pray you Monsieur l' Embassadeur do the part of an Ambassadour and rather pacify the Queen then exasperate her in any sort So earnest she was to have all matters of quarrel laid aside fearing that the Queen of England should seek to intercept her by the way and indeed a Navy was put to Sea under colour of suppressing Pirats but the taking of one of the ships wherein were the Earl of Eglinton and other passengers made it suspected that a worse thing was meant Alwayes it fell out so that the Queen of Scots having a prosperous wind passed by the English ships the weather being foggy unperceived and after the sixt day after her embarking which was the 20. of August 1561. did safely arrive at Leth. The fame of the Queens coming noised abroad the Nobility from all the parts of the Realm assembled to congratulate her return and besides them numbers of all sorts of people convened as unto a joyful spectacle for they had not seen the face of their Soveraign for many years and after her marriage with the French King had scarce any hope of a King to reside amongst them which would most certainly have happened if any succession had followed of that marriage For Scotland in that case would have been but an accession to France the mightier Kingdome as Henry the seventh foretold of England and we have seen it verified in our days drawing unto it the weaker and lesser Crown That the Queen therefore was now returned and they delivered of the fears of redacting the Kingdom into a Province they did justly esteem it one of the greatest benefits that could happen unto them Then when they called to mind the variablenesse of fortune how she left a pupill of six dayes old only by the death of the Father was exposed as a prey to those that were most mighty and partly by civil seditions at home partly by the invasions of external enemies from abroad even before she could have any sense oftrouble was forced to forsake her countrey and relegated as it were into exile having hardly escaped the hands of enemies that lay in wait to intercept her and the violence of tempestuous and raging seas And again when fortune began to smile a little upon her and she was honoured with a royal Marriage how these joyes on the suddain came to be changed into extreme sorrows being first deprived of her mother then of her husband a new Kingdome lost and her ancient crown which belonged to her by inheritance standing in a
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
brought thither but that since her coming she had been used so courteously as she would not remember any more that injury Now this rape as afterwards came to be known was devised to secure the murtherers of the King For it being held sufficient by a custome commonly received that in remissions granted for crimes committed the most hainous fact being particularly expressed others of less moment might be comprehended in generall words they were advised to pass a remission for violence offered to the Queen and the laying of hands upon her person then to subjoyn And for all other crimes and nefarious acts whatsoever under which clause they esteemed the murther of the King might be comprised which otherwise was neither safe for them to express nor could the Queen with her honour pardon Thus did they think both that Bothwell himself should be secured and safety to all his partakers in the Murther Whilest the Queen was detained at Dumbar a divorce was sued for Bothwell from Lady Ieane Gordon his wife in two severall Courts In the one sate by Commission from the Archbishop of St. Andrews Robert Bishop of Dunkeld William Bishop of Dumblane Mr. Archibald Crawford Parson of Egilsham Mr. Iohn Manderstor Chanon of the Colledge Church of Dumbar Mr. Alexander Chrichton and Mr. George Cooke Chanons of the Church of Dunkeld In the other Court Mr. Robert Martland Mr. Edward Henryson Mr. Alexander Sim and Mr. Clement Little Judges constitute by the Queens authority in all causes consistoriall and in both Courts was the sentence of divorce pronounced but upon divers grounds In the Archbishops Court sentence was pronounced upon the consanguinity standing betwixt Bothwell and his wife at the time of her marriage they mutually attinging others in the fourth degree and no dispensation granted by the Pope for consummating the same In the other Court the sentence was grounded upon adultery committed by him which these Judges held to be the only lawfull cause of divorce both the processes were posted and such festination made in them as in the space of ten dayes they were begun and concluded The divorce passed the Queen came to the Castle of Edinburgh and the next morning Bothwell sent to ask his banes with the Queen The Reader Iohn Cairnes whose office it was did simply refuse thereupon Mr. Thomas Hepburn was directed to the Minister Mr. Iohn Craig to desire him to publish the same The Minister likewise refusing as having no warrant from the Queen and for that the rumour went that she was ravished and kept captive by Bothwell upon wednesday thereafter the Justice Clerk came unto him with a letter signed by the Queen wherein she declared that she was neither ravished nor detained captive and therefore willed him to publish the banes his answer was that he could ask no banes especially such as these were without the knowledge and consent of the Church The matter being motioned in the Session of the Church after much reasoning kept with the Justice Clerk it was concluded that the three next preaching dayes the Queens minde should be intimated to the people The Minister protested that in obeying their desire it should be lawfull to him to declare his own mind touching the marriage and that he should not be tied by that asking of their banes to solemnize the same The first preaching day falling to be friday in the hearing of divers Noblemen and Counsellors he shewed what he was enjoyned to do That he held the marriage betwixt the Queen and Bothwell unlawfull whereof he would give the reasons to the parties themselves if he might have hearing and if this was denied he said that he would either cease from proclaiming their banes or declare the cause of his disallowance in the hearing of all the people The same day at after-noon being called before the Councell and required by Bothwell to shew what reason he had to oppose his marriage he answered First that the Church had in the last Assembly inhibited the marriage of persons divorced for adultery Next he alledged the divorce from his wife to have proceeded upon collusion betwixt them which appeared as he said by the precipitation of that sentence and the contract made so suddenly after his divorce with the Queen Thirdly he laid to his charge the rape of the Queen and the suspicion of the Kings murhter which that marriage would confirm For these reasons he most gravely admonished him to surcease and leve that course as he would eschiew the wrath and indgnation of Almighty God He desired also the Lords present to advertise the Queen of the infamy and dishonour that would fall upon her by that match and to use their best means to divert her from it The Sunday following publickly he declared what he had spoken in Councell and that it seemed to him they would proceed in the marriage what mischief soever should ensue For himself he said that he had already liberated his conscience and yet again would take heaven and earth to record that he abhorred and detested that marriage as scandalous and hatefull in the sight of the world But seeing the great ones as he perceived did approve it either by their flattery or by their silence he would beseech the faithfull to pray fervently unto God that he might be pleased to turn that which they intended against Law reason and good conscience to the comfort and benefit of the Church and Realme These speeches offended the Court extremely therefore they fummoned him to answer before the Councell for passing the bounds of his Commission For the bounds said he of my Commission are the Word of God good Lawes and naturall reason and by all three I will make good that this marriage if it proceed will be hatefull and scandalous to all that shall hear of it As he was proceeding in his discourse Bothwell commanded him silence and thus was he dimitted Nottheless of this opposition the marriage went on and was celebrated the 15. of May by Adam Bishop of Orkney in the Palace of Halirudhouse after the manner of the reformed Church Few of the Nobility were present for the greater part did retire themselves to their houses in the Countrey and such as remained were noted to carry heavy countenances Monsieur le Crock the Ambassadour being defired to the feast excused himself thinking it did not sort with the dignity of his Legation to approve the marriage by his presence which he heard was so universally hated His Master the French King as likewise the Queen of England had seriously disswaded the Queen from the same by their Letters but she led by the violence of passion and abused by the treacherous counsell of some about her who sought only their own ends would hearken to no advice given her to the contrary Yet was it no sooner finished then the ill fruits thereof began to break out for the wonted acclamations and good wishes of the people were no more heard
the rest betook them to a little bush of wood where being environed on all sides they yielded at discretion the prisoners were many of whom some few were retained as pledges and the rest dimitted upon promise to enter themselves at a certain day The rest of the winter and all the next spring was spent in light skirmishes with small losse on either side for they of the Queens faction did seldom come to the open fields or if they shewed themselves at any time upon the first onset they took the flight and retired to the town Whilest matters did thus proceed in the Queen of Scots quarrel at home the Bishop of Ross in England renewed the purpose of marriage with the Duke of Norfolk and practised with divers for setting the Queen at liberty This being discovered the Duke was committed to the Tower of London and being arraigned at Westminster Hall the 16. of Ianuary was convicted of Treason and condemned to die yet was the execution delayed to the Iune after The Bishop of Ross called also in question defended himself by the priviledges of his Ambassage saying That he had done nothing but what his place and duty tied him unto for procuring the liberty of his Princess and that he came unto England with sufficient authority which he had shewed and was at the time accepted When it was replied that the priviledges of Ambassadours could not protect them who did offend against the Majesty of the Princes they were sent unto and that they were not to be reputed other then enemies who practised rebellion against the State He answered that he had neither raised nor practis●d rebellion but perceiving the adversaries of his Princess countenanced and her out of all hope of liberty he could not abandon his Soveraign in her affliction but do his best to procure her freedom And that it would never be found that the priviledges of Ambassadours were violated via juris by course of law but only via facti by way of fact which seldom had a good success After long altercation he was sent to the Isle of Ely and from thence brought and imprisoned in the Tower where he remained nigh two years Some ten days after Norfolks execution the Queen of England directed certain of her Councel to the Queen of Scots to expostulate with her for making suit to the Pope and King of Spain and for receiving letters from the Pope together with a sentence declaratory published against her self whereunto after protestation that she was a free Queen and subject to none she answered that she had indeed by letters solicited both the Pope and King of Spain for restoring her unto her Kingdom which was no prejudice to the Q. of England that she had received godly and consolatory letters from the Pope But for the sentence given by him she never knew thereof till a printed copy was brought unto her which after she had read she did cast into the fire These answers did not satisfy the Q. of Engl. who having understood that she had entered in a secret confederacy with the Spaniard kept her from that time in a more strict custody then before Yet at the request of the French King she sent of new Sir William Drury unto Scotland to treat for peace and if that could not be wrought to procure a cessation of Arms for a certain space But he prevailed nothing the warres being then very hot and the parties mightily incensed against others No quarters were given nor interchange of prisoners made but all that were taken on either side presently executed This device was held to proceed from the Earl of Morton who thought the troubles would not hastily cease if a greater severity were not used towards them who withstood the Kings authority But whose device soever it was it proved exceeding hateful The common sort taking it to have come of Morton called the warres of that time the Douglasses warres This form of doing continued from the 16. of April to the 8. of Iune at which time both parties wearied of execution daily made were content to cease from such rigour and use fair warres as in former times In the North Adam Gordon after the Forbesses were defeated found no resistance and following his fortune reduced all beyond the river of Dee to the Queens obedience To impede his proceedings for he had entered then into the countrey of Mernis and was besieging the house of William Douglass of Glenbervy The Regent directed the Earl of Crawford and Buchan with the Lord Glamis and Master of Marshell These Noblemen meeting at Brichen and waiting there till forces should assemble Adam Gordon came upon them in the night and killing the watches that were placed at the Bridge on the North side of the town had very nigh taken them all in bed but they wakened by the noise of the Trumpets espcaped many were taken prisoners and some 39. persons slain within the City This done he besieged the town of Montross and forced them to pay a great summe of mony which put the town of Dundy in such fear as they were driven to seek aid of their Neighbours in Fife At the same time the Castle of Blacknes a Fort on the South-side of the river of Forth was sold by the Keeper to the Hamiltons and thereby the Navigation betwixt Leth and Striveling barred at Edinburgh were divers skirmishes betwixt them and the companies that lay at Leth and which was greatly lamented of both parties the Lord Methven killed by a shot of Cannon from the Castle The Duke in the mean time having proclaimed a Justice Court at Hamilton and divers persons within the Sheriffdom of Ranfrew and Lennox to answer to certain crimes whereof they were delated The Regent prepared to keep the diet and leaving the Earl of Montross and the Lord Lindesay to follow the service at Leth took journey to Glasgow and from thence to Hamilton But neither the Duke nor any in his name appearing to hold the Court he appointed the Lord Semple Lieutenant in those West parts for the King and returned to Striveling He had intended an expedition in the North but upon advertisement that two Ambassadours were arrived at Leth he turned thither The one was Monsieur de Crock imployed by the French the other Mr. Randolph by England who professed both of them to be sent for negotiating a peace amongst the parties yet was it thought the French did not much affect the peace For even then the Lord Fleming came from France with moneys to pay the souldiers that served the Lords at Edinburgh This Nobleman some ten days after walking in the street was unhappily wounded in the knee by the shot of an Harquesk whereof he died the sixth of September As to the Queen of England howbeit she desired peace to be made yet she would have it in such manner as both factions might depend on her and so she had carried her self in
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 murther●r meaning the Duke of Guise who they said procured him to be sent hither It grieved the Ambassadours much to hear these out-cries which daily were brought unto them but perceiving the Kings authority not able to restrain the liberty which the Preachers had taken they did not complain but urged earnestly their dimission The King desirous to entertain the ancient amity betwixt the two nations and dimit them with some contentment desired the Magistrates of Edinburgh to give them the Feast before their parting To impede this Feast the Ministers did on the Sunday preceding proclaim a Fast to be kept the same day on which the Feast was appointed and to detain the people at Church the three ordinary Preachers did one after another make Sermon in S. Giles Church without any intermission of time thundering curses against the Magistrates and other Noblemen that waited on the Ambassadours by the Kings direction nor stayed their folly here but the Ambassadors being gone they pursued the Magistrates with the censures of the Church and were with difficulty enough stayed from proceeding with excommunication against them for not observing the Fast they proclaimed Of all this the King seemed to take no notice for he saw not a way to represse these disorders and much perplexed he was with the reports of the Duke of Lennox his death who partly of grief partly through the long and troublesome journey he made in that cold and rainy season contracted a fever at his coming to Paris whereof after a few days he died Some hours before his expiring there came to him a Priest or two to do their accustomed service whom he could not admit professing to die in the faith of the Church of Scotland and to keep the oath he had given to the King inviolate This the King made to be proclaimed at Edinburgh that the people might see what wrong the Duke had sustained during his abode in the Realm by the uncharitable suspicions both of Ministers and others But this belongs to the year following Meanwhile the King ceascth not to think of his own liberty using all means to put the Lords that attended him out of an opinion that he had any meaning to free himself And the Duke being gone whom they feared most they esteemed the danger the lesse for Arran was not well loved because of his violent courses and Morton who had the greatest following was put from his charge in the Borders and the same given to the Laird of Iohnston The King had likewise by their advice sent Colonel Stewart and Mr. Iohn Colvil in a joynt Commission to the Queen of England to move her for restoring the lands in that Kingdome which appertained to his Grandfather the Earl of Lennox and the Lady Margaret his Grandmother together with the by-run profits intrometted by the Thesaurer or Master of Wards as likewise to communicate unto her the course he had taken for quieting the Realm and to desire her aid and assistance therein Some instructions besides were given them to propone as touching the Kings marriage the matters of the Border and the contracting of a defensive league by all which they held themselves secured of his Majesties favour But for the negotiation it
mightiest Potentates that reigned in long time And that this present Don Antonio may suffice for ensamples to teach all Princes if they can avoid it to beware how they fall into that state whereby they shall be inforced to seek their own by other Potentates means Princes are not so ready in these days to embrace other mens quarrels but where they are extraordinarily interressed in their own fortunes Wherefore I doubt not but it will be seen by men of judgement not transported with passion or led away with private respects that it should be every way the only best course for your Soveraign by a good and kind usage of her Majesty and by shewing that Princely moderation as well in this grievous accident of his mothers death as his whole proceeding with this Realm which the excellency of his Highness education seemeth to promise to seek to win the hearty good wills of this Realm as the chief and principal assurance he can in any sort obtain For to trust or depend either upon the French King or the King of Spain as if by their assistance he might attain to the present possession of this Crown which be indeed the only two Potentates whom he must have recourse unto if he reject the Amity of England whosoever shall so counsel your Soveraign as things presently stand shall in the judgement of men of best understanding bewray great want either of fidelity or judgement drawing his Majesty unto so untoward and desperate a course For it is no way safe for any Prince to repose his trust and strength upon their favour and assistance to whose desires and designes his greatnesse may yeild any impeachment and hinderance so were it clearly against common reason to expect other support and assistance from them then might stand with their own commodities and pretensions in respect whereof neither of the two foresaid Kings can simply and roundly joyn with your Soveraign to his good First his Religion being odious to them both and likely to prove most prejudicial to the Catholick cause he growing so great as he should be made by the union of the two Crowns the consideration whereof caused his mothers affairs to stick a long time and made now in end leave him quite out of the reckoning ordaining the King of Spain her heir if her son became not Catholick Next it is meerly repugnant to the policy of France were it but in respect of the ancient claim England maketh to that Crown to suffer the uniting of this Island under one Prince They have been content in former times when England had a footing in France to serve themselves of your Nation therewith to annoy this Realm by the means of diverting or dividing the forces thereof and so perhaps the Politicks of France can be content to wish at this day by your Soveraigns quarrel or any other such like to be eased of the burthen and miseries of the present Warre wherewith they are plagued by transporting the same into this Island But as this Realm hath good means to prevent that mischief if it were intended so were your Soveraign to look when all were done but to be made an instrument as his predecessors have been of the effusion of much Scottish blood for French quarrels and the desolation of that Realm And as things stand presently in France it is not thought that you should find the King ready to hearken to any enterprise against this Land the said King being most desirous to live in peace both with his neighbours abroad and his subjects at home but that he hath been forced full sore against his will by the practise of them of the house of Guise to countenance with his authority the Civil Warre raised in that Realm which maketh him whatsoever shew he maketh of the contrary to hate them in his heart Neither would it be held sound counsel to be given him by any that depends upon his fortune to further the advancement of a King of Scots so nearly allied to that family which he hath discovered and greatly feareth to level at his own Crown with any intention to depose him which by the greatnesse of a King of Scots they should be so much the sooner and better able to effect The King of Spains assistance being now in Warre with this Realm were more likely to be obtained but farre more dangerous to be used in respect of his insatiable ambition deep practises and power accompanied in this case with a colour of right wherein how farre he would seek to prevail any opportunity or advantage being offered it may justly be doubted by the experience that sundry States have had which upon slender grounds of title have been extorted and wrung from the true inheritours and annexed to his own Kingdom as Navarre Portugal and all he possesseth in Italy hath been It is believed that the King of Spain considering his years and unsetled estate every way would willingly incline to peace if it were offered with reasonable conditions and not over-readily at this present embark himself in any new enterprise But otherwise it is well known that as he had fancied to himself an Empire of all this part of Europe so he had an eye to this Realm ever since he was King in right of his wife The conquest was intended under colour of Religion as was discovered by some that were of his own Privy Councel at that time his pretention to be the heir of the house of Lancaster and since the late Queens death the first Catholick Prince of the blood Royal of England as also the donation of this Crown made him by the Queen of Scots in her letters with a promise to confirm it by Testiment things blazed abroad by the said Kings Ambassadour at Paris ought to breed jealousy and suspicion in your Soveraigns head and give him to think how he should be used at such an assistants hand Auxiliary forces have ever been reputed dangerous if they either in number or policy were superiour to them that called them in The assistance therefore of Spain and France being of this nature as your Soveraign hath need of neither so he shall do well to forbear them both and so shall it be most for his ease It may be some will pretend that by change of his Religion your Soveraign shall better his condition in regard of these forain Princes besides a great party within this Realm that thereby shall be drawn wholly to depend upon his fortune But the poor distressed estate of Don Anthonio being a Catholick Prince spoiled by a Catholick and receiving so little succour at Catholick Princes hands shall be a sufficient barre to all that can be alleadged in that behalf As for the Catholick party in England in his mothers life it was never so united as they drew all in one line much lesse will they be brought suddenly to relye upon him if he should alter his Religion as God defend which would be his utter discredit and
slow pursuit of the Popish Lords and the favour shewed to them promised that from thenceforth he should find no more resset in her Countrey and for pursuing the Popish Earls the King should lack no supply that was in her power to give With this answer did Mr. Edward Bruce return for the Lord Colvill went from that into France to congratulate the victorious and happy successe of the French King against those of the League and invite him to assist the Baptisme of the Prince which was to be in Iuly next The Queen of England immediately upon the Ambassadours return by a Proclamation in all the Borders did inhibit the resset and harbouring of Bothwell and the aiding of him in any sort which the king did so kindly accept as rendring her many thanks for the same he did therewith intreat her to assist the Baptisme of the Prince his son The like imployment Peter Young his Majesties Elemosynar received for Denmark the Dukes of Brunswick and Megleburgh and to the generall Estates Sir William Keith and Captain William Murray the Provost of Saint Andrewes were directed The Parliament being in the mean time indicted to the 27. of May the Assembly of the Church conveened at Edinburgh the seventh of the same moneth where the Excommunication of the Popish Lords was ratified and ordained to be published in all the Churches of the Kingdome The King did reside then at Striveling and thither were Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Patrick Simson Mr. Iames Melvill and Mr. Iames Nicholson directed by the Assembly to represent the dangers wherein his Majesties Person Crown and Liberty of the Countrey stood and to propone such remedies as in their judgement were fittest for preventing the same Both the one and the other were conceived in this form The perills which oft before were threatned by the pernicious practices of Jesuits and the malicious unnaturall and treasonable conspiracies of the Earl of Huntley Arroll and Angus and their complices in betraying their native Countrey to the cruell and mercilesse Spaniard are no lesse urgent and now more to be feared then when the danger seemed to be greatest as may appear by the reasons following 1. It is certain that the Spaniard who with so great preparations in the year 1588. enterprised the Conquest of the whole Isle retaineth the same intention wanting an occasion onely to accomplish his promise as is manifest by the intelligence he hath kept with the Popish Lords ever since the disputation of that Navie 2. The open rebellion of the said Lords at the bridge of De Falkland c. with their continuance in the like treasonable attempts notwithstanding his Majesties clemency in pardoning the same doth evidence their obstinacy in prosecuting the same conspiracies 3. Whereas the Church hath not ceased at all occasions to lay open these dangers and humbly intreated that some remedy should be provided nothing hath been obtained to the emboldening of the enemies in their practices and attempts 4. Notwithstanding that it was enacted in Councell that none should presume to request for the said Popish Lords under the pain of losing their places and Offices yet none are in such credit as their favourers who contrary to their promises labour still to procure them oversight and immunitie 5. The Masses openly celebrated in the house of Balgawy pertaining to Mr. Walter Lindesay the house of Birnes appertaining to the young Laird of Bonyton the houses of Douglas Strathbolgy Logyamont and Slams pertaining to the said Earles do shew that either they think themselves assured of favour in the Court or of such assistance in the Countrey as may maintain their cause or then that they are perswaded to be supplyed by strangers 6. The Act of oblivion offered to them with the great discontent of all good subjects would not have been rejected except they had looked for greater favour and better conditions 7. The disobedience they have shewed in entering to their wards when they were charged doth prove that they think themselves assured of the aid and concurrence of others 8. The arriving of the Spanish Bark lately at Montrosse declareth that they have some practice to be put in execution presently if the same shall not be timely prevented 9. The open conventions they keep since the arriving of the said Bark do shew that they esteem their plots so substantially laid as they regard not what can be done for resisting the same 10. The diligence they use in preparing and putting their friends and followers in armes specially in the North parts is an argument of some interprise they go about 11. And last whereas his Majesty and Estates did upon the first discovery of their plots and practices apprehend a great danger to Religion the Kings Estate and liberty of the Countrey notwithstanding that the cause is not removed there is no care taken to withstand their courses which declareth that there is either a purpose to cover extenuate and bear forth their wickednesse or that the Lord hath in his judgement blinded and hardened the hearts of all Estates that while the danger is greatest they can neither see nor apprehend the same The remedies of the foresaid dangers were proponed as followeth 1. That the Parliament indicted to the 27. of the same moneth should not be prorogated but the time thereof precisely kept and the Popish Lords forfeited and to that effect the Advocate sufficiently instructed for maintaining the relievancy of the summons and probation in due time provided 2. That none suspected in Religion be chosen upon the Articles 3. That after the forfeiture they be pursued with all extremity their Lands and Rents annexed to the Crown and no part thereof disponed in favours of the persons forfeited 4. That the Guard be imployed for apprehending Mr. Walter Lindesay the Abbot of New-Abbey Iames Wood of Bonyton younger Mr. George Ker who had made an escape out of the Castle the year before Mr. Alexander Lesley Thomas Tyrie and other Traffiquers and Jesuits 5. That the houses of the Rebells be possessed and their livings intrometted with to his Majesties use 6. That all persons be inhibited to resset supply or entertain any intelligence with the said Lords especially their vassals and dependers and that none under whatsoever pretext contravene the same 7. That the subjects be charged to put themselves in armes by all good means and be in readinesse to pursue and defend as they shall be warned by his Majesty or otherwise upon urgent occasions 8. That the Bark arrived at Montrosse be apprehended and the persons that were within her with such others as have had any dealing with them and that they be examined diligently for the discovery of the practice they have presently in hand Somewhat was adjected concerning the Lord Hume but he compeiring in the same Assembly gave satisfaction to the Church and was absolved from the sentence of Excommunication All the remedies the King allowed
the Duke did follow him and was entertained with hunting and the like sports unto the Queens delivery which fell out the 17 of September Going then unto the Countrey to salute his mother Madam D' Aubigney and other his friends whilest he was about these offices of kindness the King went by post to Callais upon some intelligence as it was said from England that the Queen was fallen sick he himself gave out that the affairs of Flanders did occasion his journey for as then the Archduke was besieging Ostend But whatsoever the businesse was no man doubted but that he had an eye upon the succession of England and if he could have found a faction would have foisted in another Bastard of Normandy which oftentimes in a merriment and gallantry he spared not to utter The Duke after his return to Paris made no long stay but taking his leave of the French King who was then come back from Callais took journey towards England and came to London in the beginning of November A Parliament was then sitting at VVestminster the last that Queen Elizabeth held which with his coming upon that instant gave many to think that he was come to urge a Declaration of the Kings right of succession and not a few they were nor of small note that offered to assist if he should move any such business but he told them that neither had he any such Commission nor would the King ever agree to any thing that might breed a jealousie in the Queen And his Commission indeed was no other but to salute the Queen in the Kings name and let her know the kinde and filiall affection he carried unto her whereof he should be willing to give proof at all occasions And for that he was given to understand that the Irish Rebells had drawn in some Spanish forces into Ireland to fortifie themselves in their Rebellion he would if his ayde should be thought necessary employ the same for their expulsion The Queen giving the King many thanks said That if those troubles continued she would take his help and hire some of his High-landers and Isles men but she trusted to hear other news shortly and not be vexed long with those strangers As also it came to passe for the very next moneth the Lord Montjoy her Deputy did in a battell fought neer Kinsale defeat the Irish utterly and afterwards forced the Spaniards that had taken the Town to render upon condition of their lives saved and that they might be transported again into their Countrey The Duke after three weeks stay being feasted by the Queen and entertained with all complements of amity returned home and came to Edinburgh in the end of December where having related his proceedings in Councell they were all approved The Lord Elphingston had in his absence resigned the office of Treasury upon an offence as was thought he conceived for adjoyning some others unto him in the componing of Signators and now was Sir George Hume one of the Masters of the Quirie preferred to the office which he discharged by his Deputy Sir Iohn Arnot both to his Majesty and the Countreys content The next sommer the King having resolved to plant Lowland-men in the Isles and transport the inhabitants into the main land where they might learn civility made a beginning at the Isle of Lewis The undertakers were Patrick Abbot of Lendors Colonell William Stewart Captain William Murray Mr. Iohn Lermouth of Balcolmy Mr. Iames Spence of wormeston Sir Iames Anstruther of that ilke and Iames Forret of Fingaske These Gentlemen furnishing themselves with armes and shipping and having conduced a number of souldiers took sea and in the third or fourth day arrived in the Lake of Sternoway within the same Isle Murdoch Macklond base son to old Macklond who carried himself as Lord of the Isle made at the first some resistance but after a little conflict distrusting the people for he had used them with great tyranny he fled and forsook the Isle leaving the Indwellers to the discretion of the Invaders they how soon he was gone did all submit themselves and accept such conditions as were offered by the undertakers Being thus peaceably possessed the Laird of Balcolmy either sent by the rest to signifie their good successe and to make preparation against the Winter or for some private business of his own took purpose to return home and being lanched alittle from the coast and by reason of the calm forced to cast anchor was suddenly invaded by the said Murdach Macklowd with a number of Birlings so they call the little vessels those Isles men use the ship boarded the mariners killed and himself made prisoner The Gentleman being detained some daies and hourly threatned with death was afterwards ransomed by one of his friends and conveyed to Orkeney where contracting a feaver he died The rest of the Gentlemen to repair this injury conduced Neill Macklowd brother to the said Murdach to betray and deliver him in their hands which he performed shortly after having by an ambush laid for his brother apprehended him and some twelve more that were in his company The twelve he presently beheaded Murdach he delivered to the Gentlemen as he had promised who was afterwards transported to S. Andrews and there executed The undertakers thinking themselves now secured began to build and made a partition of lands letting the same to the Countrey people who did all swear fidelity to them but whilest they expected no trouble Norman Macklowd son to old Macklowd did on the suddain beset them put fire to their lodgings and force them to the Conditions following First that they should purchase to them remission from the King of all crimes and offences past Next that they should resigne to Norman all the right that they had acquired of the Isle of Lewis And thirdly that Sir Iames Spence with his son in law Thomas Monypenny of Kinkell should remain as pledges untill the remission was brought unto him and such a surety given of the Isle as he could devise This condescended unto Sir Iames Anstruther departed with the whole company that was left for many were killed before their yeilding and for relief of the pledges obtained of the King both the remission and security of the Isle that was desired which was sent to Norman by Iames Lermouth son to the Laird of Darcie By this mean were the pledges freed and for that time the whole enterprise defeated some three years after the same was of new attempted with what successe we shall hear in the own place Master Robert Bruce who as we shewed before was exiled in France obtained licence to return in the beginning of this Summer by the intercession of the Earl of Marre whom he had intreated to mediate his peace upon promise at his return to satisfie the King and declare his resolution in that matter of Gowries The King who never shewed himself difficile especially to Ministers
and not otherwise Some other Acts were concluded in the same Assembly as That in memory of his Majesties deliverance there should be Sermons in all the Burghs every Tuesday and the fifth of August solemnly kept as the Parliament had prescribed in all the Churches of the Kingdome That Ministers should not refuse the Sacrament of Baptisme to Infants nor delay the same upon whatsoever pretext the same being required by the parents or others in their name for as then except at ordinary hours of preaching Ministers denied to baptize And because they had taken a custome not to celebrate marriage upon the Sunday pretending that the day was profaned by feasting dancing and the like it was ordained They should hereafter at the parties desire celebrate the same either on the sunday or week day These things concluded and Commissioners chosen to attend the common affairs of the Church the Assembly dissolved having appointed the next meeting at Aberdene the last Tuesday of Iuly Anno 1604. All this time were the enemies of our Religion the Jesuits especially busied to stirre up a party against the King and his title to England They had lost all hope of gaining his affection or obtaining any promise of toleration when he should come to that Crown and had found their writings and pamphlets for the Infanta of Spain her right to move few or none Thereupon they fell to treat of a marriage betwixt Lady Arbella and Robert Prince of Savoy and that not succeeding to speak of a match betwixt her and a grandchilde of the Earl of Hartfords judging that their pretensions being conjoyned many would befriend them to the excluding of the King of Scots but the Queen who truly favoured his right though she would not openly professe so much dashed all those projects and caused an eye to be kept upon that Lady and such as resorted unto her About the same time the King had intelligence given him that one Francis Mowbray son to the Laird of Barnebowgall who had lived a while in the Infants Court at Bruxells had undertaken to kill him This brake out first at London by an Italian a fencer whose name was Daniel which coming to the Queens ears she commanded Sir Robert Cecill her Secretary to call the persons for they were both in the City and examine them the Italian abode by his speeches Mowbray denied and offered to prove him a lyar in combat which the other accepted Both being sent unto Scotland they were tried first severally then confronted before certain of the Councell the Italian produced Witnesses who verified all that he had deponed whereupon Mowbray was committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where seeking to escape by night at a window of the chamber where he was detained the sheets proving too short by which he thought to descend he fell from a great precipice and was found the next morning dead at the foot of the rock The corps was the same day being the last of Ianuary presented to the Justice and sentence of forfeiture pronounced against him his body hanged for a space upon the gibbet and afterwards quartered and affixed on the gates and most open places of the Town His friends for he was well born and a proper young Gentleman gave out that he had been strangled and his corps thrown down at the window But this carried no appearance and was believed of few The Queen of England in the winter being perceived to wax heavy and dull and the rumour thereof dispersed as there is nothing that can be worse concealed then the sickness or death of a Prince there was much business every where and she held for the most part dead The French King had sent the summer preceding two Ambassadors one to reside in England and another in Scotland under colour of impeaching the courses of Spain but in effect to observe the strength and affection of both people He that was sent into England brought a Letter from the French King to Secretary Cecill of infinite kindness and breaking with him one day upon the miseries of the Kingdome when it should please God to translate the Queen fell to speak of the losse he should sustain by the exchange and the case wherein he would be if the Scotish King did succeed which to his apprehension should be more hard and miserable then any others being likely to undergoe the revenge of faults laid upon his father about matters concerning the Kings mother and other courses that he was esteemed to have run himself since the death of his Father The Secretary that was no childe knowing that the Ambassador did but sound him for making some other project answered That this was the reward of unspotted duty when Ministers did only regard the service of their Soveraigns without respect of their own particular And that for himself he should never grieve to endure trouble for so just a cause the same being to a man that valued his credit more then his security a kinde of martyrdome notwithstanding he supposed that things passed would not be called to minde or if so were and that he saw his case desperate he should flee to another City and take the benefit of the Kings royall offer The Ambassador being so answered made a fair retreat saying That in case the King of Scots did carry himself towards the King of France with the respect which was due he was not purposed to impeach his interest The Secretary replying That it was a wise resolution his Master had taken The Ambassadour ceased to tempt him any further in that businesse Hereof the King was advertised by Letters from the Secretary who therein did assure him of his true and honest service when occasion required howbeit he would not as some others had done needlesly hazard his fortune and reputation before the time It shall not be amisse to hear what was the Kings answer to the Secretary As I doe heartily thank you said he for your plain and honest offer so may you assure your self that it would doe me no pleasure that you should hazard either your fortune or reputation since the losse of either of these would make you the lesse vailable to me No I love not to feed upon such fantasticall humours although I cannot let busie-bodies to live upon their own imaginations But for my part I hold it the office of a King as sitting on the throne of God to imitate the primum mobile and by his steady and ever constant course to govern all the other changeable and uncertain motions of the inferiour planets And I protest in Gods presence that for your constant and honest behaviour in your Soveraigns service I loved your virtues long before I could be certain that you would deserve at my hand the love of your person wherefore go on and serve her truly that reigneth as you have done for he that is false to the present will never be true to the future In another
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 d●eth 69 H PRince Henry baptized 406 His death 510 The death of Iames Marquiss of Hamilton 546 I IReland Patrick a Scot converteth that Nation 8 Ignorance Some Priests so ignorant as that they thought the New Testament written by Luther 76 Iames VI. born 196 Baptized according to the rites of the Roman Church 197 His Father attempted by poyson ibid. His Father murthered by Bothwell 200 Crowned in the Church of Striveling being thirteen moneths old Some Lords rebel against him at Edinb 287 He is offended at some proceedings of the Church and does not favour them much 308 Surprised by a combination of Nobles and sequestred from the Duke of Lennox 321 Temporiseth with the Church 322 He appointeth a feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador the Ministers to cross him on the same day appoint a fast 322 A promise made in time of restraint he judgeth not obliging 327 He giveth clear testimony of the care of the Church 347 A letter written by Walsingham to perswade the King to pass by the revenge of his Mothers death 359 An offer made by an English Ambassador and accordingly done to bring a Declaration signed by all the Judges in England to shew that the sentence against his Mother did not invalidate his right 365 Married to the King of Denmarks daughter 377 Goeth in person to Norway 377 Giveth directions for government in his absence 378 Bringeth his Queen to Scotland 380 Bothwells plot to surprise him discovered and prevented 386 He is surprised by Bothwell 394 He writeth an Epitaph on the death of his Chancellour 411 His just complaint against the petulancy of Churchmen 419 Publisheth his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 455 Gowry's conspiracy against him 457 A letter written to him from the Councel and Nobility of England 473 Crowned at Westminster 478 He would never hang Priests of the Roman profession onely for their Religion 523 He foretelleth his own death therefore not likely to be poisoned 546 He died of an Hemitritaea a disease very dangerous for the aged 546 A Witch had not power to kill him 383 K KIngs Iohn Knox his opinion concerning deposing them for ill-government 137 Reasons why they are not to be punished by their Subjects ibid. The Scots cannot resolve to arraign their Queen 214 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject their Protestation 318 A Minister of Scotland affirmeth in his Sermon that it is lawful for Subjects to take arms against their King 430 Rebellion of the Subjects if they succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 Conspiracies against Princes not thought true unless they are slain 460 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Knox his death 266 Proved that he was not the Author of the book published in his name under the title of the History of Scotland 267 A form of Church policy drawn up by him 152. L LAws Malcolm repealeth that wicked Law of Eugenius III which appointed the first night of the new married woman to belong to the Lord of the ground 29 Lollards Articles of Religion taught by them 61 The Earl of Lennox Grandfather to Iames VI and Regent slain in fight 256 The Lord Aubigny Earl and after Duke of Lennox embraceth the Protestant faith 308 He dieth in the Protestant Religion 324 M JOhn Maior Hector Boeth Gilbert Crab William Gregory learned men lived in Scotland A. D. 1539. 68 The Earl of Murray Regent of Scotland murthered 233 Earl of Marre Regent of Scotland dieth a natural death 264 The Earl of Morton then Regent his covetousness and sacrilege 271 Executed upon suspicion that he consented to the murther of the Father of Iames VI 314 Rabanus Maurus born in Scotland 22 O OAths The Catholicks are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their Religion so as in minde they continued firm and laboured secretly in promoting the Roman faith 308 Ordination One Bruce being to be made Minister of a Parish in Edinburgh refuseth Ordination 451 Had preached many years before without Ordination ibid. Ordination by Presbyters in case of necessity that it is lawful 514 The death of Sir Thomas Overbury 514 P PRiests called Culdees and why 4 Pope his league not suffered to enter into Scotland 43 The Clergy will acknowledge no Statute imposed upon them by the Legate 45 A Collection demanded by the Pope denied and the Legate not permitted to enter the Realm ibid. VRbane IV. ordained that every Bishop and Abbat elect of Scotland should travail to Rome for consecration 46 A Councel held at Lyons by the Pope the Acts thereof ibid. The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 One thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of Rome and are all slain 12 Prayer A great question arose among the Churchmen whether the Pater noster were to be said to the Saints or God only Protestants the Queen Regent Dowager of Iames V. dieth in the faith of Protestants 146 The Queen of England contriveth a counter-league against the Holy league made in France for the extirpation of Protestants 389 The Articles of that League 349 Election of Ministers by the People discharged by authority in Scotland 545 The same Portent interpreted to contrary significations 542 Presbyters excluded from intermedling with the making of Ecclesiastical laws in Scotland 531 Ordination by them in case of necessity is lawfull 514 The marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth 519 The history of the Powder-treason 491 This conspiracy carried on in secrecy a whole year 492 R ROme one thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of the Roman Church and are all slain 12 A plo●to reintroduce the Roman religion 390
ant Boeth l. 11. Buchan l. 6. King Kenneth murthered in the Castle of Fettercarne An. 1004. Buchan l. ● Scon. li. in Catalog Episc. S. Andrews Buchan l. 6. Boeth l. 11. The Danes defeat at Mu●t●lack in Angus by Malcolm An Episcopal See at Murthlack Boeth l. 11. Past. l. 4. c. 44. Buchan l. 6. An. 1034. Buchan l. 7. Boeth l. 12. An. 1057. A discourse between Mackduffe and Malcolme Boeth l. 12. Pas● l. 5. c. 3 4. Scotichron l 7. Buchan l. 7. Dioces appointed by the Bishops Cathnes and Murray erected by King Malcolme the third The History of Queen Margaret and her marriage with King Malcol● King Malcolm and the Conquerour at Warre Peace concluded amongst them The contrary disposition of King Malcolm and William Rufus Bishop Gregorius dieth Turgot elected in his place Buchan l. 7. An. 1117. The vertues of King Malcolm the third The praise of Queen Margaret Her issue by King Malcolm Buchan l. 7. Sa. Daniel in his Collection Scon. lib. in Catalog Epis● S. Andrews An. 1098. Marianus King Edgar erected the Abbey of Cauldingham in a Priory King Alexander the Fierce seeketh advice of the Archbishop of canterbury The Archbishop of Canterbury and York at difference Archbishop of Canterbury his letter to king Alexander Eadmerus hist. l. 5. 6. King Alexander offended that Eadmerus would not be consecrated in Scotland He is invested in the Bishoprick by the intercession of the Noblemen Thurstan the Archbishop of York opposes the consecration of Eadmerus An. 1124. Eadmerus departeth into England upon the Kings dislike He purgeth himself to the Archbishop Robert Prior of Scone elected Bishop of Saint Andrews and consecrated at York The Abbey of Scone and Saint Columbe founded Cursus Apri given to Saint Andrews King David succeeded to Alexander and his beneficence to the Church King David taxed of profusion His magnificence vindicate from these ●spersions An. 1159. Buch. l. 7. The faults of person ought not to be cast on things abused Whence the superflous enriching of Abbeys proceed Buch. l. 7. Bishop Robert dieth Richardus de sancto Victore with David a Presbyter He citeth the Scottish Clergy to Norham The Clergy by some Delegates appeal to Rome to the Pope Pope Alexander the third giveth sentence for Scotland Angelramus elected Bishop of Glasgow King Malcolm the fourth his death A Bishop placed at Carlile by the Archbishop of York Buch. l. 7. An. 1165. Boeth l. 13. Buch. l. 7. King William secketh to have Northumberland restored King William surprised at Anwick Boeth l. 13. Hollinshed History of Scotland An. 1175. Buch. l. 16. 7. Sa. Daniel A meeting of the Scotish Clergy at Northampton Gilbertus Canonicus his reply to the Legate Boeth ibidem Scon. l. 8. c. 16. Boeth l. 13. An. 1178. Scon. l. 8. The Archdeacon of S. Andrews elected Bishop The King displeased maketh his Chaplain to be choosed of new The Archdeacon appealeth to Rome His journey thither Pope Lucius his Letter to the King The Pope purposeth to interdict the Realm is stayed by the entreaty of the Archdeacon The Bishop of Dunkeld dieth and the Bishoprick offered by the King to the Archdeacon An. 1188. The Archbishop accepted Dunkeld Bishop Hugo dieth The Kings of England and France prepare to recover the Holy land Sa. Daniel Buchan l. 7. Sa. Daniel Lesl. l. 6. King of Scots his kindnesse to the King of England Boeth l. 13. The Abbey of lundors founded King william goeth to England to congratulate King Richard his return The Bishop of Cathnes cruelly used by the Earl of the countrey The King punished it severely Buchan l. 7. Pope Innocent the third his thanks to the King for the justice of execution A Convocation of the Clergy at Perth Boeth l. 13. Lesl. l. 8. Saturday from 12. of the clock to be kept as holy An. 1189. Bishop Roger succeedeth to Hugo after his death Roger consecrated in the year 1198. dieth in Iuly 1202. William Malvoisin translated from Glasgow to S. Andrewes Scon. l. 8. Pasl l. 6. c. 27. King William dieth his pious devotion Boeth l. 13. Buchan l. 7. An. 1214. King Alexander the second Crowned at Scone Boeth l. 7. Buchan l. 13. The Kingdom interdicted by the Popes Legate Scon. l. c. 33. The priviledge of the white monks suspended Peace concluded betwixt the King and Henry the third of England The Kingdom of Scotland absolved from the interdiction Boeth l. 13. Buchan l. 7. The course taken with the inferiour Churchmen Scon. l. 9. c. 32. The Scots Clergy complain of the Legates extortions An. 1219. Buchan l. 7. Scon. ibide● The King offended with the contributions of Rome The Popes Legate discharged from entering into Scotland Orders of S. Dominick and Francis brought into Scotland Scon. l. 10. c. ● Foundation of religious houses Gilbert Earl of Stratherne his donations to the Church Scon. l. 8. c. 73. An. 1238. David the Kings Chamberlain elected Bishop upon Malvoisin his death King Alexander the second buried at Melrosse His Epitaph King Alexander the third crowned Sa Daniel in the life of Henry the third Scon l. 10. c. 8. Abell Archdeacon of S. Andrews elected Bishop after David Abell his rigour exercised upon the Chanons An. 1255. Gamelinus elected Bishop upon Abels death Pasl l. 6. Boeth l. 13. Buch. l. 7. The Court displeased with the Bishop A Legate sent from Rome Scon. l. 2. c. 24. Boeth l. 13. Buch. l. 7. Boeth l. 13. The Carmelite Friers received in Scotland Crosse-Church at Peblis erected Boeth l. 13. Scon. l. 30. An. 1271. William Wishart elected Bishop upon Gamelinus his death Scon. l. 10. c. 30. Pasl l. 6. Bishops attending a Rome for Consecration A Councel at Lyons Scon. l. 10. c. 34. A supply for the holy Warre The Acts of the Councel All the Acts overturned by dispensations Scon. l. 10. c. 35. An. 1279. Bishop Wishart dieth Scon. l. 10. c. 31. Michael Scot and Tho. Lermouth Buchan l. 13. Lesl. l. 6. Boeth l. 13. William Fraser elected Bishop after Wishart Buchan l. 7. The death of of King Alexander the third and his children Two Knights of Fife directed to the maid of Norway whom they found dead Boeth l. 14. Buchan l. 8. Competitors for the Crown Scon. l. 11. c. 2. King Edward his speech at the meeting in Norham Robert Bishop of Glasgow his reply Scon. l. 11. c. 10. The right of the Crown found to lie betwixt Baliol and Bruce Buchan l. 8. A meeting at Berwick for determinating the right Sa. Daniel Boeth l. 14. Bruce refuseth the offer which Baliol embraceth Baliol hated for swearing subjection to the King of England Buchan l. 8. Baliol breaketh with England Ambassadors from France and England Boeth l. 14. Scon. l. 11. c. 18. Baliol cited to Newcastle Scotland invaded by King Edward Buchan l. 8. Boeth l. 14. The Bishops of Glasgow and Isles sent prisoners to London A message sent to the Pope from the Clergy Scon. l. 11. c. 36. The Popes
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 tumul●● 〈…〉 Supplication to Queen Regent for 〈◊〉 Petitions for reformation The Queens answer A dispute offered by the Clergy and accepted by the Congregation Ridiculous conditions offered to the Petitioners Articles presented by the Congregation to the Parliament Queen Regent stayeth the presenting of the Articles The Protestation made by those that desired Reformation The Protestation refused to be inserted in the records The Queens countenance changed towards the Congregation An. 1559. Ministers cited to appear at Striveling Commissions directed to the Queen Reformation begun at Perth The Queen Regent dealeth with the Lord of Dun to stay the contentions of people Iohn Knox joyneth with the Congregation at Perth The Monasteries demolished at Perth The Images pulled down at Couper in Fise Queen Regent intendeth to surprise Perth The Earle of Glencarne cometh to assist the town An accord mediated by the Earle of Argile and Lord Iames. The conditions of the accord Queen Regent entreth into Perth The Articles of peace violated The Earle of Argile and Lord Iames forsake the Regent Iohn Knox in a sermon preached at Craill perswadeth the expulsion of the French Images pulled down at Crail and Austruther The Monasteries of S. Andrewes demolished Proclamation to meet the Queen at Couper The Lords of the Congregation prevent her The meeting at Couper moore The estate of the Queens Army A treaty for peace The French required to be ●mitted The truce accorded The town of Perth complaineth of their oppressions The Lords be siege Perth Perth yeelded upon Composition The Abbey of Scone demolished The Abbey of Cambuskehneth ruined Images and Altars pulled down at Linlithgow and Edinburgh A Proclamation by Queen Regent Rumours dispersed to the prejudice of the Congregation The Lords purge themselve to the Queen The Proclamation of the Lords The Lairds of Pittarrow and Cunningham-head sent to the Queen The Queens desire to speak with the Earl of Argyle and the Lord Iames. The Lords suspecting some practice refuse to send the Noblemen A meeting at Preston The answer of the Lords to the condition proponed News of the French Kings death The Queen prepareth to enter into Edinburgh The Articles of the Truce The Lords depart to Striveling The Queen desireth the Church of S. Giles for the exercise of Masse The Magistrates answer The French Captains and souldiers trouble the people in hearing the Sermon A letter to Lord Iames from King Francis Another letter from the Queen of Scots to Lord Iames. The answer given by Lord Iames. A French Captain called Octavian arriveth with a regiment of souldiers The Queen maketh to fortifie Leth. The Earle of Arrane joynes with the Lords at Striveling A letter directed to the Queen from the Lords A letter sent by them to the Lord Ereskin Sr. Robert Carnagie and Mr. David Borthuick directed to the Duke A Proclamation given forth by the Queen The Queen seeketh to disunite the Lords The perswasions used Lord Iames his Answer A Proclamation by the Queen declaring her purpose in the fortifying of Leth. The Bishop of Amiens and some Doctors of Sorbon active at Leth. A declaration published by the Lords The Lords come to Edinburgh and write unto the Queen The Duke purgeth himself and his son of any aspiring The Herald directed to the Lords The credit given to the Herald by the Queen The Lords deliberate upon discharging the Queen of her Regency The opinion of the Preachers required Master Willock his opinion Iohn Knox his sentence The Preachers ought not to have medled in that busines The examples they brought did not warrant their opinion Act depriving Queen Regent of her government The Herald dimitted and the Act intimated to the Queen by letters from the Lords The town of Leth summoned Moneys failing they sent to borrow from England The Laird of Ormston surprised by Bothwel and spoiled of his money The house of Creichion on taken The Provost of Dundy put to flight by the souldiers at Leth. A conflict betwixt the Scots and French Secretary Lethington forsaketh the Queen Regent The Lords leave Edinburgh and the French possesse the Town The Queen sendeth for new forces from France The Lords send to England for a supply Altars and Images demolished at Glasgow The Bishop recovereth the Castle Commissions sent unto England A supply granted and the Duke of Norfolk sent to treat of the conditions The French resolve to make an end of the warre before the English be prepared An encounter with the French at Pitticurre The Lords came to Dysert to stay the progr●sse of the French The Laird of Grange defeats a company of the French Commissioners sent to treat with Norfolk The contract with England The French souldiers upon sight of the Navy return to Leth. Divers houses in Fi●e taken by the Lord. An. 1560. The Cathedral of Aberdene saved by the Earl of Huntl●y Pledges s●nt to the Admiral of England The English forces enter into Scotland Queen Regent entereth into the Castle of Edinburgh A letter from the Lords to the Queen Regent The English General intreateth the Queen to dimit the French The first conflict of the siege of Leth. The situation of the Scottish and English Camp The French entered into the English trenches where divers were killed A fire in the town of Leth The English thinking to scale the walls are repulsed The offer of the French King to the Queen of England The Queens answer Sir William Cecill and Doctor 〈◊〉 sent to mediate an agreement Queen Regent sickneth and dieth She conferreth with the Lords before her death Q●een Regent her just commen lations The malice ● of the author of the story called Iohn Knox his history A truce taken upon the death of the Queen Regent Conditions of the peace The French embark and the Army of England departeth The Ministers distributed amongst the Burghs A Parliament and the lawfulnesse thereof questioned The Clergy offended with the election of the Lords of the Articles Petitions proponed in favour of the Reformers The Confession of Faith put in form and presented The Confession approved The Popes authority abolished The Lord Torpichen directed to France The Earles Morton and Glencarn sent into England The French King dieth Mr Iohn Lesly sent from the French faction to perswade the Queens return Lord Iames by the Noblemen of the Reformation to the same end The Queen resolveth to return An ambassage from France Morton and Glencam return from England A form of Church policy The advertisement of the Archbishop of St. Andrewes sent to Iohn Knox. A direction for demolishing Cloysters and Abbey Churches All the Churches under this pretext spoyled and defaced
An. 1561. The Queen prepareth to return from France Her conference with the Earle of Bedford Monsic●r d' Oyfell sent into England The Queen of England● answer The Queen of Scots offended with it Her conference with Nicoolas Throgmor●on The Queen of Scots reasons for delaying the ratification Throgmorton his answer The Queen of Englands letter to th● No●ility The Councels answer He● 〈◊〉 with the English Ambassadour at 〈◊〉 The Q●een 〈◊〉 at Le●h The Nobility assembles to congratu●ate her return No change to be made in religion and a private Masse p●rmitted to the Queen The Earl of Arran opposeth A tumult in the Abbey The Nobles that came from France with the Queen return home William Maitland directed to England The Queen of Englands answer A second conference with Lethington The Queen of Englands reply The Queen of Englands●easons ●easons for her refuse Lethingtons third audience The conclusion taken by the Queen of England The Queen of Scots her progresse in the countrey A●chibald Douglas Provost of Edinburgh committed The Preachers are displeased The Queen maketh choice of a Councell Ninian Winyet a Priest exiled The thirds of Benefices granted to the Queen A guard of horse and foot levied to attend the Queen Lord Iames sent to the borders is at his return made Earl of Marr● He is preferred to the Earldome of Murray and the Lord Ereski● made Earl of Marre Huntly offendeth with thes● prefermen●s He chargeth Murray with the affectation of the Crown Bothwell stirreth up the Earl of Murray against the Hamiltons Practice against the Earl of Murray The practice discovered by the Earl of Arrane Arrane becometh distracted New devices for cutting oft Murray An. 1562. Letters sent from beyond sea in favour of Huntly An interview of the two Queens moved The interview stayed Petitions of the Church to the Queen The Queen go●th to Aberd●ne The Lady Huntley intercedes for her son The Queen taketh journey to Innernesse The Castle of Inn●●n●sse denied to the Queen The Castle beiseged and rendered Huntley resolves to invade the Queen The battel of Corrichie The Earl of Huntl●y taken prisoner and dieth Thanksgiving for the victory Iohn Gordon beheaded at Ab●rdene The Lord Gordon forfeited and commit●ed The Archbishop of Saint Andrews committed An. 1563. A Parliament at Edinburgh A trouble at Halirudhouse Iohn Knox called before the Councel The Earl of Lenox restored Henry Lord Darnely son to Lenox cometh into Scotland The Queen intendeth to take him to husband An. 1564. Enemies raised up against the Queen The Lord Gordon restored Signeur Davie an at●endant on the Queen favoureth the mariage Secretary L●thington sent into England A Convoc●tion of the Estates at Striveling The Lord of Darnely created Duke of Roth●say A mutiny at Edinburgh The Queen cometh to Edinburgh and the mutiners fly An Assembly at Edinburgh Petittions of the Church The Queens answer to the Petitions The Queen married to the Lord Darnly The complaints of the discontented Lords The king heareth a Sermon at St. Giles Iohn Knox cited before the Councell The Lords pursued by the King and Queen The Lords flie into England The Queen of England intercedeth for the Lords The Duke received in favor A generall Assembly of the Church A reply to the answer of their last Petitions An. 1565. The slaughter of Signeur Davie conspired A Parliament at Edinburgh deserted The slaughter of Davie Damiott a French Priest willed him to be gone The Queens behaviour after Davies murther The exiled Lords return The King protesteth his innocency The Conspirators flye into England Inquisition of the murtherers An. 1566. The Castle of Edinburgh made choice of for the Queen her lying in The Queen feasts the Noblemen The Queen delivered of a son Sir Henry Killigrew sent from England The desire of the Church for the Baptisme of the Prince The Queen goeth to Alloway Secretary Lethington soffereth her Majesties anger against the King The Queen goeth to Iedburgh Lethington renueth the purpose of divers Preparation for the Princes Baptisme The King withheld from the solemnity The King falleth sick in the way to Glasgow The Archbishop of S. Andrewes restored to his priviledges The Churches complaint for the same Master Knox goeth into England A letter from the Assembly of the Church to the Bishops of England Assignation of Ministers stipends The Queen visiteth the King at Glasgow He cometh to Edinburgh and there is murthered by Bothwel A rumour dispersed by Bothwel that Murray and Morton had murthered the King The names of the murtherers cast forth in the street The Earl of Lenox soliciteth the Queen to take trial of the murther An. 1567. The Castle of Edinburgh delivered to Bothwell and the Prince delivered to the Earl of Marre Bothwell put to a triall Robert Cuningham protesteth against the proceedings in the name of the Earl of Lenox The persons chused upon the Jury Bothwell acquited with a protestation of the Jury Bothwell offereth to try his innocency by combat The offer accepted upon security of the place A Parliament at Edinburgh Bothwell seeketh the consent of the Lords to the Queens marriage He ravisheth the Queen in her return from Striveling His design in committing this rape Bothwell his divorce from his wife The Queen cometh to the Castle of Edinburgh The banes of Bothwell with the Queen asked Mr. Iohn Craig protested Mr. Craig called before the Councell with the reasons of his opposition His publication thereof to the people The marriage of the Queen with Bothwell celebrated The Noblemens bond for preservation of the young Prince The Bishop of Dumblane sent to France Noblemen solicited to enter in bond with the Queen and Bothwell The Earl of Murray refused and is licensed to goe into France The Queen maketh choice of a Councell The order of their attendance A Proclamation to accompany the Queen to the borders The Castle of Borthwick invironed The Queen Bothwell escape The Lords retire to Edinburgh A Proclamation given out by the Lords The Queen gathereth forces Difficulties amongst the Lords The Queen giveth th●m the opportuniy they wished for The Proclamation of Glaidsmore The Lords cast themselves in the Queens way The order of the Lords A●my The meeting at Carberry hill The French Ambassadour laboureth to compose matters Bothwel offereth to try the cause in combat It is accepted and the Queen inhibiteth the fight The Queens Army unwilling to fight Bothwel flyeth and the Queen rendereth herself to the Lords The Queen sent prisoner to Lochlevin Sir Iames Balfour betrayeth his trust to Bothwel The Earl of Glencarn demolisheth the Altar The Lords write to the Noblemen of the Queens party The Noblemen made a motion to the Assembly and the Assemblies Commission to the Lords Instructions given to those that were sent from the Assembly The Earl of Argile his answer The Lord Boyd his answer Articles agreed in the Assembly of the Church The Articles subscribed The Queen moved to make resignation of the Crown The King crowned at Striveling
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 sh●u●d be provided to the places as Bishops Abbots or other Prelates The office for the spirituall government remitted to the Assembly An. 1598. A General Assembly at Dundie Ministers might give voice in Parliament The number to be a●se many as of old in the Papisticall Church The election of those that should give voice to be made by the King and Church Commission for discussing the rest of the points Ministers of Edinburgh permitted to preach upon condition Four others named to be joyned with the Edinburgh Min●sters Exception taken at two of the number The providing of the Commissioners in the planting of Edinburgh allowed Anact desining the number of Commissioners from Presbyteries to Assemblies His Majesty pleaseth to remit all offences past of the Ministers Mr. Iohn Dividson protesteth against the conclusions of the Assembly Question moved for Mr. Robert Bruce who refused the imposition of hands A declaration made for his satisfaction A tumult in the Church as his admission Mr. Robert Bruce cited before the Commissioners purgeth himself of the tumult He is admitted and receives imposition of hands Commissioners directed to Synod of Fife A meeting at Falkland for determining the vote of Parliament Caveats for eschewing of corruption His Majesties purpose in giving way to these conclusions Ambassadors directed to the Princes of Germany The success of that Ambassage The Queen brought to bed of a daughter Hamilton and Huntley created Marquesses Mr. Iohn Lindesay Secretary dieth The Lord of Colluthy his death Mr. Thomas Buchannan his death David Ferguson his death The death of Mr. Robert Rollock most lamented His behaviour in the time of his sickn●ss and at his dying An. 1599. Alteration of some officers of State The Earl of Cassills made Treasurer Lord Elphingston succeeded Treasurer Sr. William Bowes Ambassadour from England One Ashfield conveighed privately to Berwick by two of the Ambassadours servants A visitation of the University of S. Andrewes Discourse of his Majesties Title to the Crown of England The King publisheth his Basilicon Doron by occasion of a libell Mr. Iohn Dikes fugitive for the libell The book well received in England A trouble for receiving some English Comedians A generall Assembly of the Church The voice in Parliament determined Two Cavears more added The state of Bishopricks at that time Bishops appointed for Rosse and Cathnes An. 1600. Iohn Dury Minister at Montrosse his death with a short description of his life The conspiracy of the Earl of Gowry The Kings kindness to his brethren and sister The plot contrived for entrapping the King The King goeth to Perth Gowry meeting the King was much troubled Mr. Alexander did move the King to goe with him Mr. Alexander professeth what he was about The Kings voice heard and is discerned Sir Thomas Areskin challengeth Gowrie Iohn Ramsey doth first relieve the King The Kings servants prepare to defend Gowrie entereth and after a little space is killed The Lords come to the King The danger by the people of the Town The Caracters found at the Earls girdle Some servants of Gowrie executed Andrew Henderson his confession The Ministers of Edinburgh required by the Councell to give thanks for his Majesties deliverance Their excuse and refusing to obey The Bishop of Rosse giveth thanks at the Market-cross The King cometh to Edinburgh Master Patrick Galloway his preaching at the Crosse. 1000 l mortified to the poor at Scone A solemne thanksgiving appointed for the Kings deliverance The Ministers of Edinburgh removed from their places Three of the number acknowledging their fault are pardoned Mr. Iames Balfoure remitted Master Robert Bruce banished A Parliament wherein Gowrie and his brother are forfeited The fifth of August to be kept yearly in remembrance of his Majesties delivery Acts concluded in this Parliament The King goeth to Dunfermlin to visit the Queen Prince Charles born at Dunfermlin The death of M. Iohn Craig with a description of his life Accidents that befell M. Craig in his flight A strange accident and singular testimony of Gods care over him He preacheth to Maximilian the Emperour but is forced to leave those parts He cometh to Scotland and is appointed Minister at Halirudhouse An. 1601. A trouble in the Court of England The Earl of Marre sent Ambassadour to England Pope Clement sends his Breves to England for excluding the King A Proclamation against some Jesuits An Assembly at Brunt-island Mr. Iohn Hall elected Modederator The defection in Religion complained of and the causes searched The remedy of the evils Mr. Iohn Davidson his letter to the Assembly The letter offended greatly the wiser sort A combustion touching the Ministers of Edinburgh A Proposition was made for a new Translation of the Bible and correcting the Psalmes The liberty of Application restrained The Ministers of Edinburg● received in favour New troubles by the Lord Ma●well The Duke of Le●nox directed Ambassador to France The Queen of France lying of her first born The Duke returneth to Edinburgh An. 1602. Certain undertakers conque● 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. Rob● 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 Secretari● 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
unto them with an offer to dimit them freely so as they would promise to use their best means with the Governour and others of the Nobility of Scotland for obtaining their consents to the Match The Noblemen liking the motion and esteeming it a ready means to establish a lasting Peace gave their promise to deal faithfully in it and so were sent home with many liberal promises if the marriage should take effect In their company returned the Earl of Angus and his brother Sir George who had been exiled a long time in England with letters to the Governour from the King for their restitution The matter being moved to the Governour and Councel it was liked by all the Queen-mother and the Cardinal only excepted and for this a Parliament was called at Edinburgh the 13. of March following whither came Sir Ralph Sadler as Ambassadour from King Henry to attend the successe In the beginning a great stirre was made by the Cardinal and Clergy that adhered to him so as the Estates could come to no conclusion whereupon the Cardinal was committed in the Castle of Dalkeith The day following by an uniform consent the Match was agreed and the Earl of Glancarne Sir George Dowglas brother to the Earl of Angus Sir William Hamilton of Forne and Sir Iames Learmouth of Dersay imployed by the Estates to transact with King Henry upon all particulars In this Parliament upon a petition presented to the Estates for restraining the power of the Prelates in pursuing those they called hereticks and for liberty to read the Scripture in the English language Commission was granted to some selected persons for considering the petition and prescribing what was fit to be done therein The Commissioners meeting after the Parliament was broke up declared That it should be lawful for every one that could read to use the English Translation of the Bible untill the Prelates should publish one more correct Intimation of this liberty being sent through all the Kingdome by the Governours direction the Clergy did declaim against him as a favourer of hereticks taking exception at two Preachers he entertained in his house the one called Frier William the other Iohn Rough who did openly in their Sermons inveigh against the Popes authority the adoration of Images invocation of Saints and other superstitious inventions of Rome In the end of Iuly the Ambassadours directed towards England returned with satisfaction in all particulars concerning the marriage and so the contract betwixt the two Kingdomes was signed by the Governor and those whom the States had deputed for the part of Scotland and by Sir Ralph Sadler Ambassadour for the part of England and the Seals of the Kingdome interchanged as use is The Governour and English Ambassadour for the greater assurance did solemnly swear to observe the Contract in all Articles thereof dividing the holy Sacrament amongst them as the custome then was And now all matters lookt fair no man wishing them to go better for in the Governours Court was nothing seen that the severest eye could censure or reprove In the publick Government such a moderation was kept as no man was heard to complain The Governour was reverently obeyed and held in as great respect as any Kings of preceding times To be short every man did promise himself a blessed and happy time which on suddain all was overturned and the Realm cast in greater troubles then before Iohn Hamilton Abbot of Paisley base brother to the Governour and David Panter afterwards removed to the Bishoprick of Ross who had lived a long time in France returning about this time into the countrey and being devoted to the French dealt privately with the Governour who was of an easie nature and apt to be taken by those he trusted to break the contract with England But having small hope to prevaile so long as the Preachers and Gentlemen whose counsel he followed remained with him they used all means to be rid of them Frier Guilielm fearing to be called in question for his doctrine at which the Abbot was ever excepting withdrew himself and went into England Iohn Rough upon some colour was dimitted to preach in the parts of Kile and Carrick The Laird of Grainge Master Henry Balnaves Master Thomas Ballenden and Sir David Lindsay of the Mont who had attended the Governour ever since the time of his promoving to the Regency had such discontents given them as they were made too weary of their attendance and the meaner sort such as Mr. Michael Durham Mr. David Borthwick David Forres and David Bothwel men that had served him faithfully and of a long time were openly menaced and forced to quit their services Neither was the Cardinal in this time idle for being by the Queens intercession removed from Dalkeith to the place of Seaton he went from thence without warrant to S. Andrews none calling him therefore in question for the Governours brother who was then preferred to be Theasurer and ruled all things at Court made up a secret friendship with him Shortly after in a frequent meeting of the Clergy at S. Andrews the Cardinal laying before them the dangers wherewith the Clergy was threatned by the Match with England did earnestly incite them to oppose it and contribute moneys and imploy all their friendship to the contrary seeing it concerned them no lesse then their lives or estates were worth They making no difficulty and offering to contribute all their means to that effect appointed a present collection to be made which was trusted to his disposing The Friers were directed to inveigh in their Sermons against their alliance and the Priests set on to stirre up the popular against the Ambassadour who had many indignities offered him which he patiently digested lest he should be thought to minister any occasion of breach How soon the day appointed for delivering the pledges was come for that was a condition in the contract the Ambassadour went unto the Governour and put him in mind of the pledges that by the contract he was obliged to enter complaining withall of the disgraces that he and his Master the King of England received The Governour answering first his complaint of the insolencies committed said He should take trial and punish the committers in such sort as all might see what affection he bore to the King and Countrey of England But for the pledges he said I can neither move them to enter willingly nor force them if they be unwilling For you see what a mutiny is raised in the countrey by the Cardinal and how uncertain I am of mine own estate Till this be quieted I know not in that point what to answer The Ambassadour who understood that to be truth which he spoke forbare to urge the delivery of the pledges any more saying he would advertise his Master how the case stood and attend his directions Soon after the Ambassadour was recalled the
questioned if at any time since his last coming into England he had preached he answered That he had not preached but in some places where godly people were assembled he did read the prayers of the the Communion Book set forth in the Reign of King Edward the sixth And being asked what his judgement was of the said book he confessed That he did approve the same as agreeing in all points with the word of God The Bishop used many perswasions to make him recant and detained him some weeks in prison to try what he would do but finding him resolute and constant in his profession he brought him forth to be judged Where one Morgan a Bishop of S. Davids assisting he was charged first That being a Priest and in Orders he had married a wife next That he refused to use the Latine Service and thirdly That he would not go to the Masse To the first point he answered That Orders were not an impediment to marriage and that he had done lawfully in taking a wife To the second and third he said If he were to live Methuselahs dayes he would neither use the Latine Service nor be present at Masse which he counted abominable Upon these answers he was condemned degraded and put in the hands of the secular Magistrate who the next morning being the 21. of November caused him to be burnt in Smithfield Thus ended that worthy Minister and Martyz of Christ of whom I thought fit in this place to say so much though his sufferings fell out some years after The summer following about the beginning of Iune the absolution promised to those of the Castle returned from Rome whereupon the Keepers were required to render the house according to the capitulation made But they alledging the absolution not to be sufficient because of some words contained in the Bull wherein it was said remittimus crimen irremissibile we remit a crime which cannot be remitted refused to accept the same It was answered that such a clause was insert only for aggravating the crime and that the absolution was in it self valid enough But they would not be satisfied and so complaining that promise was not kept with them resolved to stand to their defence In the end of the same moneth there arrived twenty one Gallies sent from France under the command of Leon Strozius within sight of the Castle The Governour was at that time in the borders and upon advertisement of the Gallies arriving came with such diligence as divers who belonged to the Castle being in the City had no leisure to re enter and some who were gone thither for private businesse were forced to stay within Shortly after his coming the siege was confirmed by sea and land trenches cast and the Canons planted some in the Abbey steeple some in S. Salvators and some in the street that leads to the Castle Then began the battery both by sea and land but that of the sea did not great harm The siege continuing all the moneth of Iuly upon the twenty nineth day in the South-quarter on which the Canon had played furiously that morning a great breach was made this terrifying the defendants who to that time shewed great courage expecting reliefe from England and indeed a navall Army was prepared to come but King Henry dying about the same time it was stayed beside the danger they apprehended of the breach the plague within the house was hot thereof every day a number died So perceiving no help and the sickness increasing they came to a capitulation where it was agreed that the lives of all within the Castle should be saved the Principals transported unto France and if they liked not to remain there be conveighed upon the French Kings charges to what countrey they pleased Scotland excepted Immediately the Castle was rendered to the French Captain who sent his men to receive the prisoners and make spoile of all that was in the house They found of victuals great store wherewith they furnished the Gallies But the Cardinals treasure and household-stuffe which was very precious pleased them better All this with the wealth the defendants had for they had brought all their substance thither fell into the hands of the French the fourth or fifth day after the Gallies put to Sea and about the midst of August arrived safe at Roan in Normandy where some of the prisoners were incarcerated others detained all the winter in the Gallies especially Iohn Knox Mr. Iames Balsom with his brothers David and Gilbert The Castle after the French were gone was by act of Councel demolished which some said was done to satisfie the Popes law that ordaines the places where Cardinals are slain to be ruinated but the true cause was the fear the Governour had that England should take the house and fortifie it as they did some others a short while after This revenge taken of the Cardinals death gave the Priests some satisfaction who reckoned it a part of their happinesse to be rid in this sort of Iohn Knox and others that they knew to be their enemies But the Duke of Somerset entering with a strong Army into Scotland in September next put all in a new feare The Governour sent Proclamations through the countrey charging all that could bear Armes to meet at Edinburgh for the defence of the Realm many of all sorts assembled and with greater diligence then was expected which made the Duke of Somerset who was a Nobleman well inclined and hated the shedding of blood to write unto the Governour and Nobility intreating them to consider That both the Armies consisted of Christian men who above all things if they were not forgetful of their profession ought to wish peace and quietnesse and have in detestation warre and unjust force as likewise to remember that the cause of the present invasion did not proceed from covetousnesse or malice but from the desire of a perpetual peace which could not be so firmly made up by any mean as by marriage which they knew was promised and by the publick consent of the whole Estates ratified upon conditions more beneficial to the Scots then to the English insomuch that they were called not unto a servitude but unto a common fellowship and a liberal communication of all their fortunes which could not but be more commodious to the Scots then to the English the hope of advantage and the fear of injuries being alwayes greater from the party that is more strong to that which is the weaker And for the businesse in hand he desired them to consider this especially that seeing there was a necessity of giving their Queen in marriage to some man if they did either respect their profit or honour they could not make a better choice then of a King their neighbour born in the same Isle joyned in propinquity of blood instructed in the same lawes educated in the same manners and language superiour in riches and in all
external commodities and ornaments and such a one as would bring with him a perpetual peace together with the oblivion of ancient grudges and hatreds For should they take a stranger to be their King differing from themselves in language manners and lawes great evils and discommodities could not but arise as they might know by that which had fallen out in the like case to other nations by whose ensample he wished they should be made wise As for the part of England he said if they did find the minds of the Scots not estranged from peace they would remit somewhat of their right and be contented that the young Queen should be kept amongst themselves untill she were fit for marriage and might chuse a husband to her self by advice of the Nobility during which time all hostility should cease betwixt the two Kingdomes it being provided that the Queen should not be sent to any forain countrey nor contracted in marriage with the French King nor any other Prince which if the Scots would faithfully promise he would presently retire with his Army and recompense all injuries done since his coming into Scotland at the sight and estimation of honest men This letter the Governour communicated to his brother and to a few others on whose counsel he depended such as George Dury Abbot of Dunfermlin Mr. Archebald Beaton and Mr. Hugh Rig a Lawyer who gave him advice to suppresse the letter for they feared if the offers were published the greater part of the Nobility would embrace the same and in stead thereof they made a rumour to be dispersed through the Army that the English were come to take away the Queen by force and bring the Kingdome into subjection The Nobles and whole Army believing this to be the effect of the letter became mightily incensed Nor did any kithe so foolish as the Priests and Clergy men who dreaming of nothing but victory cried out that the English hereticks had no spirits and durst not come to a battaile But they found themselves deceived for upon Saterday the tenth of September 1547. the Armies joyning the Scots were put to the worse and many thousands slain few in the fight which lasted not long but exceeding many in the chase The English pursuing the victory came forwards to Leith where they remained eight dayes dividing the spoile and prisoners and in that time surprised the Isles of Inchkeith and Inchcolme in the river of Forth with Broughtie Castle in the mouth of Tay which places they strongly fortified In their return homewards they took the Castle of Home with the house of Fascastle and placed Garisons in the Townes of Haddington Lawder and Roxborough The Governour the Bishop his brother and such of the Nobles as escaped in the flight went to Striveling and there taking counsel what should be done with the young Queen concluded to send her to the Castle of Dumbarton under the custody of the Lords Areskin and Levingston and to advertise the King of France how matters went intreating of him a supply both of men and money Hereupon the next summer arrived at Leith three thousand Germanes under the charge of Count Rhingrave with as many French commanded by Monsieur de Andelot Monsieur de Mallery and Monsieur d' Ossel Monsieur d' Esse being General of the whole This supply did so hearten the Governour as gathering together an Army he beleaguered the Town of Haddington which the English had at that time made very strong The Nobility being there convened entered of new into a consultation touching the young Queen and the course that should be taken with her The French Generall desired she should be sent into France and espoused to the Daulphin which the Queen her Mother longed to have done The Noblemen were not of one minde for such as favoured the reformation were of opinion that the conditions offered by England which were then come to light should be embraced because that would bring with it ten years of peace at least in which time if either King Edward of England or the young Queen should depart this life all things would return to their first estate and if no such things happened yet the Kingdome being at rest and freed of the present troubles would grow to some better ease within it self and they might more maturely advise what course was fittest to be taken Delay they said in matters of such consequence was safest and that precipitation might bring with it a suddain but untimely repentance The rest stood all for the French most of them being corrupted with gold and others with large promises The Governour himself had an annuity promised of twelve thousand francks and a company of men at Armes to the Earle of Arran his sonne All these pretending the safety of the young Queen did reason that there was no other way to be rid of the English warres but that one For as long as the English have any hope said they to speed they will still be troubling but when they shall see the Queen gone and that there is no remedy they will cease from their pursuit The greatest number inclining that way it was concluded that the young Queen should be conveyed to France Shortly after the French Navy that lay at Leith giving out that they were to return home compassing the North Isles received her at Dunbrition and after much tossing at sea did safely land her in France The warres with England in the mean time went on and continued full two years till by the treaty of Bulloign in the yare 1550. a peace was made the Lord Chastilion being Commissioner for the French the Earl of Bedford for the English and David Panter Bishop of Ross for the Scots At that time were Normond Lesley Mr. Henry Balnaves Iohn Knox and others who had been kept partly in prison and partly in the Gallies since the taking of S. Andrews Castle put to liberty Mr. Iames Balfour had freed himself long before by abjuring his profession and was become Official to the Bishop of S. Andrews Iames Melvil died in the Tower of Brest in Britain William Kircaldie Peter Carmichal with Robert and William Leslies who were imprisoned in Mont S. Michael found means to escape before the Treaty and went into England Norman after he was freed returned into Scotland but fearing the Governour he went into Denmark where not finding that kind reception he expected he betook himself to England and had an honourable pension allowed him which was thankfully answered during the life of King Edward the sixt Queen Mary succeeding he found not the like favour and thereupon went to France where he had a company of men of Armes given him with which he served the French King in his warres against the Emperour Charles the fifth and in pursuing the enemy whom he had in chase was wounded with the shot of a Pistoll whereof he died the day after at Montreul He was
of Arrane and Lord Iames taking some companies of horse with them made towards Creichton whither Bothwel as they were advertised was gone But finding that he was escap'd they seised upon the house and gave it in keeping to Captain Forbes The same day that this happened the Provost of Dundy with his Townesmen and a few mercenary souldiers went down towards Leth carrying with them some pieces of Artillery which he planted on a hill near unto the Town The French had warning that most of the horsemen were gone about other businesse and knowing the footmen to be few made a salley upon them with some companies The Townesmen of Dundy sustained the fight for a while trusting to be seconded by the souldiers but they turned backs in the very beginning of the conflict the townesmen were forced to retire keeping still their ranks till a cry was raised that the French were entring by Leth Winde to cut them off from the Town This caused such a perturbation as every man took the way he held best for his safety and in the flight as commonly it falleth one hindering another many were overthrown some ten souldiers were killed Captain Mowak taken prisoner and Mr. Charles Geddes servant to the Master of Maxwell The flight held to the middest of the Canon gate where the Earl of Argyle and Lord Robert Abbot of Halirudhouse turned the Chase and pursuing the French made them flie as fast as they followed This little advantage of the French made Bothwel so insolent as he simply refused to restore the moneys he had taken And thus all hopes of money failing and the souldiers refusing to serve some not of the meanest sort stole away secretly the few that remained were distracted in opinions among themselves and grew doubtful what to do The fifth of November upon advertisement that the French were issued forth of Leth to intercept the provision that was carrying to Edinburgh the Earle of Arrane and Lord Iames with their domesticks went out to defend the Careers and were followed with divers of the Citizens these giving the onset upon the French with more courage then foresight advanced so farre as they were almost encompas●ed by the enemy and cut off from the Town For the French had divided their companies in two one part took the way directly from Leth to Halirudhouse the other marched somewhat more Eastward and nearer the Sea The Lords who were gone as farre as Restalrig beholding the French to march towards Edinburgh returned with expedition fearing the case of the Citizens and that they themselves should be cut off which in all appearance had been done if the Laird of Grange and Alexander Whitlaw with a few horsemen had not kept them in skirmish for a little time The other French companies that came by Restalrig beholding the Lords retire made after them and pursued so hotly as the Earle of Arrane and Lord Iames were forced to quit their horses for safety of the foot who were in great disorder Captain Alexander Halliberton a man of good spirit and forward in the cause of Religion staying behinde to hold off the French received divers wounds whereof the same night he died In this conflict there fell some 25. or 30. men The Master of Buchan with the Lairds of Pitmilly Fairnay and some others of smaller note were taken prisoners A little before this time William Maitland of Lethington Secretary to the Queen perceiving that he was hated of the French for the freedom he used in his counsel did secretly withdraw himself and joyned with the Lords He was earnest to have them abide together laying before them the dangers that might ensue upon their dissolving but few or none consenting conclusion was taken to leave the Town and after midnight to depart towards Striveling The day after the Lords departing the French went up to Edinburgh and took possession of the Town All that professed the Religion were compelled to flie and seek their refuge in other places Mr. Willock the Minister went unto England and immediately was the Romane service restored The Church of S. Giles as if infected with some contagion by the Sermons preached therein was of new hallowed by the Bishop of Amiens with a number of Ceremonies and such triumphing was amongst the Popish sort as they thought the game to be theirs The Queen sent advertisement to France requiring new forces with expedition to make the victory absolute Whereupon the Marquesse D'Elbeuf and Count Martiques a young Nobleman were directed with some companies both of foot and horse but they imbarking at Deep were dispersed by tempest 18. Ensignes cast away upon the coast of Holland and the rest driven back into France A while after the Marquesse putting to Sea arrived at Leth about the beginning of the spring with a thousand foot and some few horsemen The Lords at their coming to Striveling were in great heavinesse and doubtful what course to take till encouraged by a Sermon that Iohn Knox made unto them they gathered new spirits resolving to send unto England for supply and till answer should come to divide their companies The Duke and Earl of Glencarne with the Lords Boyde Ochiltry and their friends were appointed to remain at Glasgow the Earles of Arrane and Rothes Lord Iames the Master of Lindesay and their friendship to stay together in Fife and for making intelligence one to the other Mr. Henry Balnaves was ordained to attend the Noblemen at Glasgow and Iohn Knox these of Fife The Duke at his coming to Glasgow caused all the Images and Altars to be pulled down and took the Castle pertaining to the Bishop Upon the report of this the Bishop taking with him a number of French men and assisted by the Lords Semple Seaton and Rosse marched hastily thither recovered the Castle for the Lords advertised of their coming had left the Town and staying there one onely night returned to Edinburgh In Fife there was more quietnesse all things continuing peaceable till a little before Christmas at which time answer was returned from England and hopes given of support from thence William Maitland younger of Lethington and Robert Melvil brother of the Laird of Raith had been intrusted with that businesse They at their coming to the Court of England did inform the Queen of the troubles of the countrey the difficulties whereunto it was reduced and the danger that England should fall into if Scotland were once subdued by the French entreating her aid and assistance for their expulsion She remitting the matter to the Councel it was long debated whether or no any supply should be granted some maintaining that it was a thing of ill example to assist the subjects of another Prince in their Rebellion and that the same might draw upon themselves a dangerous warre Others holding that they were obliged in conscience to defend their neighbours from the oppression of strangers and that to suffer the French who
were naturally enemies to the English fortifie themselves in Scotland would prove a hurtful and preposterous course In end the Queen enclining that way it was concluded that a supply should be granted and the Duke of Norfolk sent to Berwick to treat of the conditions with the Commissioners of the Scottish Nobility The French advertised of this conclusion taken resolved to make an end of the warre before the English support could be in readinesse and to begin with the Lords residing at Fife Thereupon taking their journey to Striveling they spoyled Linlithgow in the way with the lands of Kinneil and all that they understood belonged to the Duke in those parts The like pillage they made in Striveling and passing the Bridge they kept the side of the River robbing all the villages and Coast Towns which were in their way It was their purpose to have kept the coast still till they came to S. Andrews and then to have fortified the Castle and City but the Earl of Arrane and Lord Iames hearing that they were past Striveling sent some forces under the charge of the Lord Ruthven a Nobleman of good experience and courage to withstand their attempts In his company was the Earl of Sutherland who was come to the Lords some dayes before directed as he gave out by the Earl of Huntley to make offer of his assistance howbeit his principal Commission was unto the Queen Regent as afterwards was knowne The first encounter with the French was at Pitticurre so they call the Haven on the West of Kingorne by occasion of some small vessels that were espied to come from Leth which as the Lord Ruthven did stop from landing the French that were further advanced then he supposed did charge him on the back and forced him to flie six or seven souldiers were killed in this conflict and a Dutchman called Paul Lambird with a French boy taken and hanged upon the Steeple of Kingarne The Earl of Sutherland wounded a little in the Arm with the shot of an Harquebuse returned the same day to Couper The Lords to stay the further progress of the French drew all the forces they could make in these parts to the Town of Dysert where they remained 20. dayes together keeping the French souldiers that were numbred to be 4000. in such work that the countrey was generally saved from spoile and the hurt and damage that was done falling for the greatest part upon their friends and confederates For of all that were professed enemies to the French the Laird of Grange onely had his house blown up with Gunpowder whereas the Laird of Weimes Seafield Balmaito Balwery Balgony Dury and others of the French faction were forced to furnish them with cornes cattel and what else they stood in need of or if the souldiers lacked any thing the readiest goods upon their ground were taken to provide them Hereof divers complaints being made to the French Captains the poor owners were scornfully answered that their goods were of the Congregation and if they made faith that the same were their own proper goods they were railed upon and called cowards and unworthy niggards that made more accompt of their goods then of their friends Such as professed Religion and expected the worst putting their goods out of the way or standing to their defence were in a much better condition and Grange who had his house cast down as I have said avenged himselfe sufficiently a few dayes after For knowing that the French used to send forth some souldiers into the countrey every day to bring in provision he laid an Ambush near to Kingorne and as Captain le Batu with an hundred souldiers came forth after they were passed a mile from the town he brake upon them with a number that he had selected to that purpose the Captain with his souldiers retiring to a little countrey house defended themselves a while with their shot and dangerously wounded David Kircaldy brother to the Laird of Grange and a Gentleman called Robert Hamilton who were both at first supposed to be slain The French had the advantage for they were within ditches and Le Batu having taken a little house kept the gate with some Harquebuses Grange and his company carried spears onely yet in that heat of valour which ordinarily at such occasions he shewed he rushed in upon the French and was followed by the Master of Lindesay and others whom his example did animate The Captain refusing to render himself with fifty of his company was slain the rest were all taken and sent prisoners to Dundy By this time the Lords that remained in the West parts being advertised of the answer returned from England and how the Duke of Norfolke was coming to Berwick to attend the Scottish Commissioners that should be chosen to treat of the conditions of the supply they sent of their number some to assist the Noblemen of Fife in making that choice The meeting was at Couper where by common consent choice was made of Lord Iames the Lord Ruthven the Masters of Maxwel and Lindesay the Laird Lethington younger and Laird of Pittarrow and Mr. Henry Balnaves and power given them by the Duke and remnant Lords to contract and agree with the Queen of England and her Lieutenant upon all such things as might serve for the good and conjunction of the two Kingdomes and particularly for expelling the French souldiers out of the Realm of Scotland These taking journey by Sea came about the middest of February to Berwick and after some short treaty a contract was formed betwixt Thomas Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshall of England and Lieutenant to the Queens Majesty in the North in name and behalf of her Highness on the one part and Lord Iames Stewart Patrick Lord Ruthven Sir Iohn Maxwel of Tareglife Knight William Maitland of Lethington younger Iohn Wishart of Pittarrow and Mr. Henry Balnaves of Halhil in name and behalfe of the noble and mighty Prince Iames Duke of Chattellerault second person of the Realm of Scotland and the remnant Lords joyned with him for maintenance and defence of the ancient Rights and liberties of the countrey on the other part to the effect following 1. That the Queens Majesty having sufficiently understood as well by information from the Nobility of Scotland as by the proceedings of the French that they did intend to conquer the Realm of Scotland suppress the Nobility thereof and unite the same to the Crown of France perpetually contrary to the Lawes of the same Realm and the pactions oathes and promises of France and being most humbly and earnestly requested by the said Nobility for and in the name of the whole Realm to receive the Kingdom of Scotland the Duke of Chattellerault declared heir to the Crown thereof with the Nobility and other subjects into her protection and maintenance only for preservation of the Scots in their own freedomes and liberties during the time that the marriage did continue
the Firth which they did apprehend to be a supply sent unto them but when they saw them fall upon the ships that carried their victuals they became doubtful and shortly after were assured by a boat which had spoken them that it was an English Navy sent to the support of the Congregation and that a land Army was also prepared to come into Scotland These newes troubled them not a little and made them doubtful what course to take for to return by Striveling was a long way and to transport the souldiers to the other coast there were no vessels so as they feared to be kept from joyning with their fellows at Leth. Their resolution therefore was to make the longer journeys as they did and setting to the way the same night they came on the third day to Leth having lost divers of their company by the way Fife thus delivered from their oppressions publick thanks were given to God in the Church of S. Andrews This done the Lords took purpose to besiege the houses of Weimes Seafield Bagome and Dury which were taken without resistance and the Lords thereof made prisoners but shortly after they were dimitted and the houses restored upon condition not to assist the French any more The Earl of Huntley at the same time being advertised that the Barons of Mernis were come to Aberdene to make reformation in that City hastened thither to withstand their proceedings and by his coming saved the Cathedral Church the houses of the Dominicans Carmelites and other Religions being already demolished and cast down Yet when he heard that the English forces were advancing he sent to the Lords and made offer to joyn with them A meeting to this effect was appointed at Perth whither he came and staying some three dayes departed homewards upon promise to return unto the Army in the beginning of April for Proclamatinos were gone through the countrey charging all the subjects to meet in Armes at Linlithgow the last of March and from thence to passe forwards in pursuit of the French that had fortified at Leth. For fulfilling the Article whereby the Lords were tied to send pledges unto England Colin Campbel Cousen to the Earl of Argyle Robert Douglas brother to the Laird of Lochleven and ... Ruthven son to the Lord Ruthven were delivered to the Engl●sh Admiral and by sea conveyed to the Town of Newcastle After which the English forces consisting of 2000. horse and six thousand foot entered into Scotland conducted by the Lord Gray under whom commanded the Lord Scroop Sir Iames Crofts Sir Henry Percie and Sir Francis Lake The Scottish Army joyned with them at Preston the fourth of April whereof the principal leaders were the Duke of Chattellerault the Earles of Argyle Glencarn and Menteith Lord Iames. the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Ochiltrie who were assisted by all the Barons and Gentlemen professing Religion in Lothian Fife Angus Mernis and the West countries The same day the Queen Regent removed her family to the Castle of Edinburgh and was received by the Lord Aresken a Nobleman of approved honesty and wisdom he was not ignorant of the Queens intentions and the desire she had to have the French Masters of that strength yet he would not at that time deny her entrie but used such circumspection as she and the house both were still in his power The Noblemen resolving to fall presently to work did yet think to move the Queen of new for dismissing the French companies and to that effect they directed a letter of this tenor Madame We have often before this time by letters and messages been instant with you to remove the French souldiers out of the Realm who now the space of a year and more have oppressed the poor people with evils intolerable and threaten to bring this Kingdom under a miserable servitude But seeing we could not prevaile by our lawful requests we were forced to mean our estate to the Queen of England our nearest neighbour and intreat her support for expulsing these strangers by Armes if otherwise we cannot obtain it And now albeit she pitying our distresses hath taken us and our cause in her protection yet for the duty we owe unto you as the Mother of our Queen and the desire we have to eschew the shedding of Christian blood we have advised once again to intreat the dismission of these French men with their Captains and Commanders for whose commodious transport the Queen of England will be pleased to lend her Navy and give to others of them a safe passage by land If this condition shall be rejected we take God and men to record that it is not malice nor hatred which moveth us to take Armes but that we are driven by necessity to use extreme remedies for preserving the commonwealth and saving our selves our estates and posterities from utter ruine neither shall we for any peril that can happen howsoever we suffer many wrongs and indignities and are daily in expectation of worse forsake that dutiful obedience which we owe to our Queen or yet resist the King her husband in any thing that shall not tend to the subversion of the ancient liberties of this Kingdome Therefore most gracious Queen we beseech you again and again to weigh the equity of our Petition the inconveniences of warre and to consider how needful it is that thus your daughters afflicted Kingdom should be put to some rest and quietnesse If so you do you shall give to all nations a testimony of your moderation and procure the peace of the greatest part of Christendome This letter dated at Dalkeith the fifth of April was subscrived by all the Noblemen that were present The English General did in like manner direct Sir George Howard and Sir Iames Crof●s to make offer that if the French would peacably depart forth of Scotland they likewise should return into their countrey without molesting any person Her answer was that she would think of what was propounded and give answer the next day But the Army not liking to admit these delayes advanced the next day which was Saterday towards Leth keeping along the sea coast till they came to Restalrig The French issuing forth of Leth to the number of 1300. or thereby and planting themselves upon a little hill called the Hawkhill where they knew the English Army would encamp for the space of five houres continued in fight the one striving to make good the place the other to carry it At last the Scottish horsemen did charge the French with suh a fury that they not able to maintain it any longer took the flight and retired to the Town from which they had been quite cut off if the English horse had seconded the Scots as was appointed In this conflict three hundred of the French were killed and some few of the English Then begun the Army of England to place their Pavilions betwixt the Town of Leth and Restalrig
severe then of her own nature she was and led her into many errours of State neglecting the Natives and born Noblemen of the countrey and following the counsels of the French that attended her who making no conscience of their promises and minding nothing but the bringing of Scotland in subjection to France as they conceived things to serve unto their ends moved her to follow courses unsure and dishonourable Otherwise she was of a most milde disposition and was heard often to say That if her own counsel might take place she doubted nothing to compose all the dissensions within the Realm and settle the same upon good conditions in a perfect tranquillity The Author of the story ascrived to Iohn Knox in his whole discourse sheweth a bitter and hateful spite against her forging dishonest things which was never so much as suspected by any setting down his own conjectures as certain truths and misinterpreting all her words and actions yea the least syllable that did escape her in passion he maketh in an argument of her cruel and inhumane disposition but when he cometh to speak of her end he will have all her sickness and death though in none of the two there was any thing extraordinary to be the judgement of God inflicted upon her as if death and the ordinary visitations which bring death were not common to Princes as well as others Then for her burial because by direction of her friends and as some say at her own desire order was taken to carry her corps to the Abbey of Rhemes in Campaigne where her sister was Abbesse which of all necessity required a protraction of time he construed the delay to be the punishment of her inhumanity and the want of sepulchre in this Kingdom a prognostick of the short continuance of her race and the Guisian blood as he speaks in this Realm Pardon me good Reader for this digression To detract from the same of Princes and miscensure their words and actions favoureth of malice and no way becometh a Christian much lesse a Minister of Christ. Shortly after the death of Queen Regent truce was taken for hearing the Ambassadours sent from France and England who coming to Edinburgh entred into consultation first amongst themselves upon the best and easiest means to compose the present quarrels Then calling to them certain of the Scottish Nobility began to treat of the sending of the French souldiers forth of the Realm Wherein two difficulties occurred One was that the Commissioners of France did urge the retaining of a number of men of war in some sorts of the countrey for the King and Queen after peace was concluded The other that the companies that should be broken might depart unchallenged with all their baggage The Scottish Noblemen did oppose these desires esteeming it unreasonable that they should be suffered to depart before they gave satisfaction to those they had wronged And to place strangers in forts they thought it could not but breed trouble and occasion a new warre more dangerous then the present This contention held some dayes at last both parties wearying they were brought to agree upon the conditions following 1. That the French men of warre in the town of Leth should be sent home within the space of twenty dayes with bag and baggage and for their better transport should be furnished with ships of England they giving pledges for the safe return of the same 2. That Leth being rendered to the Lords of Scotland the walls thereof should be demolished as likewise the fortifications at Dumbar if so it should seem good to the Lords after they had viewed the same and that the King and Queen should make no new forts within the Realm nor augment these that were already made nor yet repair these that were demolished without counsel and consent of the Estates 3. That a Garison of threescore French men should be permitted to remain in the Castle of Dumbar and as many in the Isle of Inchkeeth untill the Estates should find means to maintain the said forts upon their own charges from all peril of forain invasion the said souldiers in the mean time living obedient to the lawes of the Realm and taking nothing from the subjects without paiment of ready money 4. That an Act of oblivion should be made for abolishing the memory of all injuries and wrongs attempted or committed against the lawes of the Realm since the sixth day of March 1558. untill the first of August 1560. which Act should be ratified in the next Parliament and confirmed by the Queen with consent of her husband 5. That a general peace and reconciliation should be made amongst the Lords and subjects of the Realm so as they who were called of the Congregation and they who were not of the same should bear no quarrel to others for any thing done since the sixth of March 1558. 6. That the King and Queen should not pursue revenge or suffer to be revenged any violence or injury that had been done since the said time nor should deprive or seek any colour to dispossess the subjects or any of them of the benefices houses and estates which they have enjoyed before they alwayes continuing in the due obedience of their Soveraigns And that it might be known that the King and Queen were not willing to keep any remembrance of the troubles past it was accorded the Duke of Chattellerault and all other Noblemen of Scotland should be repossessed in their livings and benefices within France after the manner that they did enjoy the same before the said sixth day of March and that all capitulations agreed upon in time past should be observed as well for the part of their Majesties as the part of the Nobility and people of Scotland 7. That where any Bishops Abbots or other Churchmen should alledge themselves to have received any injuries either in their persons or goods the same should be considered by the Estates of Parliament and redresse made according to reason and in the mean time that no man should stop them to enjoy their rents nor do any hurt or violence to their persons and if any should do contrary to this Article he should be pursued by the Lords as a perturber of the Commonwealth 8. That in time coming the King and Queen should depute no strangers in the administration of Civil and Common Justice nor bestow the offices of Chancellary Thesaurer Comptrollary and the like upon others then born subjects of the Realm as likewise that it should not be lawful to give the office of Thesaurary or Comptrollary to any Churchman or other person that is not able to administrate the same Further that the Thesaurer and Comptroller appointed by them and instructed with sufficient commission should do nothing in disposing of casualties without the consent of the Councel to the effect all things may be done for the profit of the King and Queen yet should it not be thought that this Article did either
who formerly had given it to others The first thing they moved in the Articles was a supplication of the Barons Gentlemen Burgesses and other subjects concerning religion wherein three things were petitioned First that the Doctrine of the Romane Church professed and tyrannously maintained by the Clergy should be condemned and by Act of Parliament abolished Some particulars they named such as the Doctrine of Transubstantiation the adoration of Christs body under the form of bread the merit of works Papisticall Indulgences Purgatory Pilgrimage and praying to Saints departed These they reckoned to be pestilent errours such as could not but bring damnation to the souls of those who were therewith infected therefore desired a punishment to be appointed for the teachers and maintainers of such Doctrines Next that a remedy should be found against the profaning of the holy Sacraments by men of that profession and the true Discipline of the ancient Church revived and restored Thirdly that the Pope of Rome his usurped authority should be discharged and the patrimony of the Church imployed to the sustentation of the Ministery the provision of Schools and intertainment of the poore of a long time neglected This last clause was not very pleasing to divers of the Nobility who though they liked well to have the Pope his authority and doctrine condemned had no will to quit the Church Patrimony wherewith in that stirring time they had possessed themselves So making no answer to the last point the Ministers were desired to draw into severall heads the summe of the Doctrine they craved to be established that the same might be seen and considered by the Parliament This accordingly was done and the fourth day after which was the 17. of August exhibited to the Estates under this title The confession of the Faith and Doctrine believed and professed by the Protestants of Scotland It is the same confession word by word that you have registred in the first Parliament of King Iames the sixth which that the story may on with an uninterrupted delivery I thought not needfull here to insert The Confession read in open Parliament and put to voyces the Earle of Atholl the Lords Sommervill and Bothwick onely of all the temporall Estate disassented saying They would believe as their fathers before them had believed The Popish Prelats were silent and answered nothing whereupon the Earle Marshall brake forth into these speeches It is long since I carried some favour unto the truth and was somewhat jealous of the Romane religion but this day hath fully resolved me of the truth of the one and falshood of the other for seeing my Lords the Bishops who by their learning can and for the zeal they should have to the truth would as I suppose gainsay any thing repugnant unto it say nothing against the confession we have heard I cannot think but it is the very truth of God and the contrary of it false and deceiveable doctrine Thus was the confession of Faith approved and by publick voices of the Estates authorized At the same time there passed three other Acts in favour of the Professors one for abolishing the Popes Jurisdiction and authority within the Realm a second annulling all Statutes made in preceding times for maintenance of idolatry and a third for punishment of the sayers and hearers of Mass. With these Acts Sr. Iames Sandelands Knight of the Rhodes a Gentleman of good account who had carried himself as neuter in all these broiles was directed to France for obtaining a ratification of the same from the Queen and the King her husband and therewith was desired to clear the Noblemen and other Subjects from imputations of disloyalty cast upon them and to pacifie the mindes of their Soveraignes whom they understood to be much exasperated by all the good wayes he could use But he found his Ambassage and himself both contemned the Guisians who were the onely men then in account with the King checking him bitterly at his first audience for that he being a Knight of the holy Order should have taken a Commission from Rebells to sollicite a ratification of execrable Heresies The Gentleman did what he could to mitigate their wrath but nothing could avail So was he dismissed without answer whereof the Archbishop of Glasgow the Abbat of Dunfermlin and the Lord Seaton 〈◊〉 from Leth with the company of French were generally blamed The cold entertainment he found in that Court was soon advertised which troubled greatly the 〈◊〉 of the Professors for they were sensible of their own weakness and 〈…〉 from England if France should again invade because of the loss the 〈…〉 received in the late expedition neither had the Earl of Morton and Glencarn who upon the breaking up of the Parliament were sent into England to render thanks to the Queen and to intreat the continuance of her favour given any advertisement of their acceptance But whilest they stood thus fearfull newes was brought of the French Kings death which raised their hearts not a little neither were they more glad then the French faction were sorrowfull These meeting in the most secret manner they could took counsell to send Mr. Iohn Lesley afterwards Bishop of Rosse with letters to the Queen intreating her to return into Scotland withall to shew her that the best course she could take was to land at Aberdene where she should be honourably received and find such assistance of the Noblemen in these quarters as at her first coming she might re-establish the Catholick Religion he was also desired to warn the Queen not to give ear to the counsels of her brother who as they said was of an aspiring minde and aimed at no less then the Government of the Realm whom she should do wisely to cause be detained in France till matters at home were fully settled The letter he carried was subscribed by the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes the Bishops of Aberdene Murray and Rosse the Earles of Huntly Craford Athol Sutherland and Cathnesse On the other side the Noblemen that had assisted the expulsion of the French how soon they heard of the death of King Francis convened at Edinburgh and after counsell taken directed Lord Iames to the Queen to perswade her in like manner to return But Lesly using greater diligence came to her some dayes before him and finding her at Vitrie in Champaigne wthier she was gone to seek a secret place for her sorrow delivered the letters and credit he was trusted with The Queen hearing all answered that the Prelats and Noblemen by whom he was imployed should rest assured of her favour willing him to advertise so much and to attend till she could resolve upon her return Incontinent after Leslies coming the Queens uncles did enter in deliberation what course was best for her to take and whether or not she should return to Scotland for they conceived the passage by Sea would be dangerous she not being assured of the Queen
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 〈◊〉 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 〈◊〉 accompted of all men living the most ingrate for having received the greatest 〈◊〉 and benefit at the hands of the English which one neighbour Nation could possibly 〈◊〉 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
state very uncertain whilest I say they called to mind these variable fortunes and the●ewith considered the excellencies that nature had bestowed upon her as the beauty and comelinesse of her person her mild inclination and gracious demeanour toward all sorts of people it cannot be told what a joy and love this begat in the hearts of all the subjects The beginning of her government was likewise very gracious for some few dayes after her arriving in a Councel kept with the Nobility to remove the occasions of trouble she condescended that no change nor alteration should be made in the present state of Religion only she would use her own service as she said apart with her family and have a Masse in private This was thought by many a thing not intolerable considering she was the Soveraign Princesse of the Realm and educated from her youth in the Romane faith from which there was hope by better instruction and humble and courteous behaviour she might be reclaimed yet the Preachers in their Sermons did publickly condemn that toleration as unlawful And amongst the Nobility the Earl of Arrane did oppose it taking protestation that he did neither agree to private nor publick Masse which highly displeased the Queen and was thought to have alienated her affection that before seemed much inclining towards him There fell out upon this an Accident which was like to have caused great trouble The Queen purposing to hear Masse the next day in her Chappel of Halirudhouse whilest the tapers and other things required to that service were carried through the Court one of the common sort invading him that bore the waxe lights brake them all in pieces and if by the intervention of some more moderate spirits the tumult had not been repressed the rest of the furniture had been wholly spoiled and that day Masse disappointed It was held a proud and insolent fact and condemned by many others said that the patience of men was too farre tempted and some maintained that if right were done the Priest according to Gods law made against idolaters ought to suffer death But this stirre was quickly appeased by Lord Iames much against the Earl of Huntley his mind who by this occasion thought to win credit with the Queen and in conference with her Uncles bragged that if the Queen pleased to use his service he would reduce all the North countries to the Romane profession But his courses being suspected and the Quen misliking all counsels that tended unto trouble no heed was given to his offers The moneth following was spent in the entertainment of the French that had accompanied the Queen homewards they made but short stay in the countrey For about the middest of September Duke d' Aumarll returned unto France by Sea the grand Prior and Monsieur d' Anvile took their journey through England the Marquesse d' Elbeuf of all that company only remained and abode all the Winter with the Queen In this mean time was William Maitland of Lethington directed to the Queen of England with letters both from the Queen and from the Nobility The Queens letters were full of kindnesse tending all to expresse the love and affection she bare unto her as to her dearest sister and kinswoman and the desire she had to continue in true and sincere friendship with her The letters sent by the Nobility were to the same effect but containing this more That the surest way to preserve friendship 〈◊〉 true amtty amongst them two was to declare the Queen of Scots her nearest and lawful heir to the Crown of England in case she should have no issue Lethington urging this last point strongly as he was commanded after he had used his best perswasions to that effect was answered by the Queen of England as followeth I did expect another message from your Queen then this is which you have brought me and do marvel that she should forget the promise made before her coming out of France touching the ratification of the treaty of Leth which was that how soon she returned to her own countrey she should give me a full and resolute answer I have long enough said she suffered my self to be abused with fair speeches and now it had been time if she had regarded her own honour to have made good her promises Lethington replied that within a few days after the Queen took land he was imployed in this legation and that she had no leasure to deal in any publick matters being taken up with admitting the Noblemen that came to welcome her into the Realm and with the fetling of the estate of Religion which her Majesty understood to be a work of no small weight neither were all the Noblemen whose advice she must take in matters of that importance come into the Court before his parting from it Here the Queen interrupting his speech said What need is there of advice or counsel to do that which by her subscription and seal she is bound to perform He answered that no commission was given him in that matter nor did his Mistresse think that any accompt thereof would have been required of him but that she might justly excuse her self by the occasions he ha● mentioned Then after a few more speeches of that purpose the Queen returning to the chief point of his legation said I have observed that you have often in your discourse said that your Queen is descended of the blood Royal of England and that I am obliged to love her as being nearest to me in blood of any other which I neither will or can deny Neither have I in any of my actions as the world knoweth attempted ought against the safety and tranquillity of her and her kingdom yea they that ●e most inward with me can witness that even when I had just cause of offence given me by her usurpation of the Titles and Armes of England I could never be induced to think other then that th● was the politick device of some enemies to breed dissension amongst us But howsoever that be I hope so long as I live she shall not bereave me of my Kingdom nor yet be able if God shall bless me with children to impede their succession And if it shall happen otherwise that I be taken away she shall never find that I have prejudged the Right which she claimeth to the Kingdom of England What a right it is I have never been curious to know nor do I purpose to search and examine it but will leave the same to the cognition of those whom it concerneth This your Queen may assuredly expect at my hands that I shall never wrong her nor her cause if it be just in the least point And God I take to witness who heareth this our conference that next my self I know not any whom I would preferre to her or who if the t●tle should fall to be controverted might exclude her You know saith she who the compe●itors be but alas
with the Citizens of Glasgow the Harquebusiers were planted in the Village beneath and within the hedges upon the high-way Before the joyning both sides played with their Ordinance upon others but the advantage was on the Regents part the Queens Canoniers being forced to quit their munition His Cavalrie on the other side being much inferiour to the Queens was compelled to give ground but when they entered upon the foot thinking to put them in disorder the Archers from the Regents side rained such a shower of arrowes upon them as they could not hold up their faces and were forced to turn back The left wing of the Queens Army advancing it self in the mean while howbeit greatly annoyed by the Harquebusiers that beat them in the strait on both sides got into the plain and displayed it self Then did the Armies joyn and enter into a hot fight striving in thick ranks to maintain their places and by force of spears to break and bear down one another for the space of half an hour and more the fight continued doubtful and so eagerly they strove that they whose spears were broke stood throwing their poynards stones and what came readiest to their hands in the faces of their adversaries The Regents second battel perceiving that none came against them and fearing the other should be overlaid for they saw some in the last ranks recoiling went unto their aid whereupon the Queens Army gave back and so were put to rout The Regent and those on his side shewed great manhood all their hopes consisting in the victory nor were his enemies any lesse couragious but the advantage of the ground were to those of his part no small help There were not many slain on the place most of the slaughter being made in the chace and unlesse the Regent had with his presence wheresoever he came and by sending horse into all parts stayed the fury of those that pursued the victory had been much more bloody The Queen who stood a mile off from the battel on a litle height perceiving the field lost made towards the borders The rest that escaped fled the readiest way they could find every man to his own home The number of the slain was about 300. many were taken prisoners amongst whom the most eminent the Lords of Seaton and Ross the Masters of Cassils and Eglington Sir Iames Hamilton of Avendale and the Sheriffes of Aire and Linlithgow Of the Regents side one only was slain the Lords Home and Ochiltrie wounded All the rest a few excepted that followed the chace too farre returned with him to Glasgow where they went first to Church and gave thanks to God for the victory they had obtained almost without any effusion of blood This conflict happened upon the 13th of May. the eleventh day after her escape from Lochlevin The French Ambassadour who had conceived an assured hope of her prevailing perceiving things fall out otherwise took horse and made away to England not once saluting the Regent to whom as he pretended he was sent By the way he fell in the hands of some robbers that rifled all his baggage which the Laird of Drumlanrig for the respects he carried to the title of an Ambassadour caused to be restored The rest of that day the Regent bestowed in taking order with the prisoners some he freely dimitted others upon surety but the Principals were detained they especially of the Surname of Hamilton and committed to several prisons The next day taking with him 500. horse he rode unto Hamilton and had the Castle thereof with the house of Draffan another strong hold belonging to the Duke rendered in his hands Such a terrour this defeat wrought that the whole inhabitants of Cluid did relinquish and forsake their houses upon the like fear did the Queen against the counsel of her best friends take Sea at Kirkcadbright and sail into England landing at Wirkinton in Cumberland near to the mouth of the river Derwent from which place she sent a letter to Queen Elizabeth declaring that she was come into her Kingdome upon hope of aid and assistance from her requesting she might be conducted to her with all speed because of her present distresse Iohn Beaton one of her domesticks was some days before sent with the Diamond she had received from the Queen of England for a token of kindnesse to signify her purpose of coming into England if she should be further pursued by her subjects who did shortly return with large promises of love and kindnesse if she should happen to come But as soon as her coming was known the directions sent by Sir Francis Knowles were not so loving for by him she was desired to go unto Carlile as a place of more safety whither the Lieutenant of the countrey should conduct her and stay there till the Queen was informed of the equity of her cause This direction did much displease her and then began she to see her errour but seeming to take all in good part she sent the Lord Hereis to intreat the Queen for an hearing in her own presence where she might both clear her self and shew how injuriously she had been dealt with by those whom at her intercession she had recalled from exile or if that could not be obtained to crave that she might be permitted to depart forth of England and not detained as a prisoner seeing she came willingly thither in confidence of her kindnesse often promised and confirmed as well by letters as messages Queen Elizabeth moved with these speeches said that she would send to the Regent and desire him to stay all proceeding against the subjects that stood in her defence till matters were brought to an hearing For the Regent at the same time had called a Parliament to the 25. of Iune for proceeding against those that had accompanied the Queen in the fields by course of law They of the Queens faction were in the mean time preparing to hinder the meeting and when as the Diet drew near the Earl of Argile with his forces met Lord Claude Hamilton at Glasgow the Earl of Huntley brought from the North 1000. foot with as many horsemen almost and came as farre as Perth but was not permitted to crosse the river of ●ay the channels and passages being all guarded by the Lord Ruthven and such in those quarters as maintained the Kings authority So being forced to return home the Earl of Argile and other Lords not seeing how they could hinder the meeting of the Parliament dissolved their companies and returned to their own countrey At this time came the letters promised by the Queen of England whereby the Regent was desired to delay the Parliament and not to precipitate the giving of sentence in these matters till she was rightly informed of the whole cause But the Regent considering that the delay of the Parliament would be constructed to proceed of fear resolved to keep the Diet. At the meeting it was long disputed
whether all they that had taken Armes against the King and not sued for pardon should be forfeited or if sentence should be given against a few only to terrify the rest and hope of favour left unto others upon their obedience Secretary Lethington who did secretly favour the other faction maintained the calmest course to be the best and by the perswasions he used wrought so as the processe against the better sort was continued and some of meaner note only proscribed which was interpreted even as the Regent conceived to proceed of fear and not of a mind to reclaim them The Earl of Rothes only of all the Noblemen of that side reconciled himself accepting three years exile for his punishment Some others of meaner sort the Regent received into favour and such as stood out he pursued by force of Armes making an expedition into the countries of Nidisdale Annandale and the lower parts of Galloway where he put Garisons in the Castles and strong Forts that were judged necessary to be kept others he demolished threw to the ground and had in a short space as it was thought reduced the whole countrey to his obedience if he had not been stayed by other letters by the Queen of England for the offending that he should have gone on in that manner whereas she had willed him to deferre all things till she was informed of the whole cause sent by one of her servants called Middlemore a sharp letter unto him declaring that she would not endure the sacred authority of Kings to be in that sort abused at the appetite of factious subjects and howsoever they had forgot their duties to their Soveraign she would not neglect her sister and neighbour Queen Therefore willed him to direct certain Commissioners to enform her how matters had passed men that could answer the complaints made by the Queen of Scotland against him and his complices which if he failed to do she would restore her to her Kingdome with all the power she could make The Regent took it grievously that matters determined in Parliament should be brought again in question and to plead before forain Judges he held it dishonourable yet considering the adversaries he had the Cardinal of Lorain abroad who swayed all things in the French Court and at home many of the Nobility and that if he did offend the Queen of England his difficulties should be every way great he was glad to yield to the conditions required though against his will Thus it being condescended the Commissioners should be sent when as they could not agree upon the persons the principal Noblemen refusing the imployment the Regent himself offered to undertake the journey and to accompany him choice was made of the Bishop of Orkney and Abbot of Dunfermlin for the spiritual estate of the Earl of Morton and Lord Lindesay for the temporal and of Mr. Iames Macgill and Mr. Henry Balnaves Senators of the Colledge of Justice besides these there went with him Secretary Lethington and Mr. George Buchannan The Secretary had long withstood the sending of any Commissioners thither and simply refused to go in that journey yet the Regent not holding it safe to leave him at home whom he knew to be a busie man and a practiser under-hand with the other party did insist so with him as in end he consented The Commission was given in the Kings name under the Great Seal to the Regent the Earl of Morton the Bishop of Orkney the Abbot of Dunfermlin and Lord Lindesay or to any three of them for convening with the deputies of the Queen of England at York or any other place or places they should think expedient there to make plain and ample declarations to them I keep the very words of the Commission for informing his good sister of the true causes whereupon divers of the Nobility and good subjects during the time that the Queen his Mother was yet possessor of the Crown took occasion to put on Armes to take detain and sequestrate her person for a time with all causes actions circumstances and other their proceedings whatsoever towards her or any other subjects of the Realm since that time unto the day and date of the said Commission or that should fall out untill the return of the said Commissioners whereby the Justice of their cause and honourable dealing might be manifested to the world As likewise to commune treat determine and conclude with his said sister or her Commissioners having sufficient authority upon all differences causes or matters depending betwixt the subjects of either Realm or for further confirmation or augmentation of any treaty of peace heretofore made and concluded betwixt the Realms or for contracting and perfecting any other treaty or confederation as well maintenance of the true Religion publickly professed by the inhabitants of both the Realms as for resisting any forain or intestine power that might be stirred up within the same to disturb the present quietnesse that it hath pleased the Almighty God to grant unto both the Kingdomes in the unity of the said Religion and for increase of amity peace and concord betwixt him and his said sister their Realms dominions people and subjects And generally to do and conclude all things which by them or any three of them should seem convenient and necessary for the premises or any part thereof promising to hold firm and stable c. This Commission is of the date a● Edinburgh the 18th of September 1568. In Iuly preceding there was an Assembly of the Church kept at Edinburgh wherein Mr. Iohn Willock Superintendent of the west being elected to moderate the meeting made difficulty to accept the place unlesse some better order was observed then had been in former times for even then the multitudes that convened and indiscreet behaviour of some who loved to seem more zealous then others did cause a great confusion Obedience being promised by the whole number he assumed the Charge And there it was enacted That none should be admitted to have voice in these Assemblies but Superintendents Visiters of Churches Commissioners of Shires and Universities and such Ministers as the Superintendents should chuse in their Diocesan Synods and bring with them being men of knowledge and able to reas●n and judge of matters that should happen to be proponed And that the Assembly should not be troubled with unnecessary businesse it was ordained That no matters should be moved which the Superintendents might and ought to determine in their Synods Some Acts of discipline were also concluded as that Papists continuing obstinate after lawful admonitions should be excommunicated and that the committers of murther incest adultery and other such hainous crimes should not be admitted to make satisfaction by any particular Church till they did first appear in the habit of penitents before the general assembly and there receive their injunctions A supplication also was put up to the Regent and Councel wherein amongst other
ready to be restored to the Crown if the Queen his Mother break the Covenants agreed betwixt her and the Queen of England 10. That for his entertainment he should not only have the revenues which the Princes of Scotland in former times possessed but also the Rents and Offices belonging sometime to the Earl of Bothwel 11. And last that a convenient number of Hostages being all Noblemen and of those who have adhered to the Queen and solicited her delivery should enter in England to remain there for assurance of observing the conditions made both to the King of Scots and the subjects under his obedience and to the Queen of England for the peace and quiet of her dominions And that the said Hostages should be entered in England before the Queen of Scots shall be put to liberty These Articles delivered to them were answered the next day as followeth We have seen and considered the note of the Heads which we received from your Lordships for pacifying the controversies between the Queen our Soveraigns mother and the King her Son and his Subjects touching the Title of the Crown of Scotland if it be found that her dimission either was or may be lawfully revoked by her And therewithall having diligently perused our Commission and Instructions to know how far we might enter in Treaty upon the same Heads for satisfaction of the Queens Majesty and your Lordships to whom the hearing of the cause is committed We find our selves no ways able nor sufficiently authorised to enter into any treaty or conference touching the King our Soveraign his Crown the abdication or diminution of the same or yet the removing of his person from the place where he abideth For as we confesse our selves his Highnesse subjects and have all our power and Commission from him to treat in his name in matters tending to the maintenance of true Religion his honour and estate and for the continuance of amity betwixt the two Realms So we cannot presume to abuse our Commission in any thing that may prejudge him wherein we trust your Lordships shall allow and approve us At the same time some others were appointed to conferre with those of his Mothers party And to them it was proposed that for the security of the Queen of England and the Noblemen that followed the King of Scots the Duke of Chatteller ault with the Earls of Huntley Argile the Lord Home and any other Nobleman they pleased to name should be delivered as pledges and the Castles of Dumbar and Home be put in the hands of English men to be kept for three years The answer they gave was that she who of her own motive committed her self to the protection of the Queen of England would most willingly give her satisfaction in all things which conveniently might be done but to deliver those great men and the Fortresses required was no other thing but to spoil and deprive the distressed Queen of the succour of her most faithful friends and the strength of those places yet if in all other points they did agree they made offer that two Earls one whereof should be of the number nominated and two Lords should enter as Hostages and remain in England for the space of two years but for the Holds and Castles they could not because of the League with France put them in the hands of English men unlesse others were put also in the hands of the French The Queen of England perceiving that there were on both sides great impediments sent for the Kings Commissioners and told them how she had considered that the Articles proponed could not be resolved but in a Parliament and therefore leaving the Treaty for a time seeing she understood there was a meeting of the Estates appointed in May next she held it meetest they should return and in that meeting condescend upon an equal number of both parties that should have power to compose matters The Abstinence in the mean time being renewed in hope that all differences should be taken away and matters peaceably agreed This she would cause signify to the Agents of their Queen and doubted not but they would assent thereto yet when it was moved unto them they refused to agree to any delay till they should know what was her own mind Hereupon the Kings Commissioners were commanded to stay till her Answer should be returned In this time the Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston trusting to speed better by conference with the Earl of Morton and the rest sent to desire a meeting of them which was yielded unto provided the Bishop of Ross came not in their company for him they would not admit as being the Kings Rebel Having met they talked kindly one to another But that the Queen should be restored to her authority in no condition though divers were proponed could be admitted which when she heard and that the Queen of England had taken a course to delay things she grew into a great choler and inhibited her Commissioners to treat any more This reported to the Queen of England she sent for the Earl of Morton and his Associates and told him that their Queen took in evil part the motion she had made And seeing it is so saith she I will not detain you longer ye shall go home and if afterwards she be brought to agree to this course as I hope she shall I have no doubt but you will for your parts do that which is fitting Thus were they dimitted Whilest these things were doing in England the factions at home notwithstanding of the Abstinence were not idle but taking their advantage of others Lord Claud Hamilton ejecting the Lord Semple his servant forth of the house of Paslay placed therein a number of souldiers and by them kept all these parts in in fear The Regent upon this gathering some forces besieged the house and had it rendered to him within a few days The Souldiers were conveyed to Edinburgh and hanged on the Gallows without the Town Not long after upon intelligence that the Castle of Dunbarton was negligently kept and might easily be surprised he sent three companies under the command of Captain Crawford Captain Home and Captain Ramsey to give the attempt Ladders and other necessaries for scaling being prepared they went thither in the night conducted by a fellow that had served in the house and as then had quit his service upon a private discontent A little before day carrying the ladders with the least noise they could make they placed the same in the most commodious part for ascent and notwithstanding of sundry difficulties that happened got up in the end to the top of the Rock There having a wall of stone likewise to climbe Captain Alexander Ramsey by a ladder which they drew up after them was the first that entered and for a short space defended himself against three watchmen that assailed him Crawford and Home following quickly with their companies the
King hereupon took purpose to confine some of the principals in several countreys and to commit others who were reckoned most turbulent The Earl of Angus was confined beyond Spey Iohn Levingston of Dunypace and Patrick Drummond of Carnock in the countrey of Galloway Lochlevin and Buchan in Innerness the Master of Glammis Abbot of Dunfermlin and Lord of Cleish were charged to enter themselves in the Castle of Dumbritton William Commendator of Paisley in Blackness and Mr. Iohn Colvil commanded to keep Ward in Edinburgh The whole Angus only excepted disobeying the charge were denounced rebels and Proclamations made commanding all the subjects to be in readinesse for resisting the practises of seditious subjects An oath also was taken of all the Kings domesticks that they should not keep intelligence with any of the rebels or others known to be in his Majesties mal-grace and at this time was Mr. Iohn Metellan who came afterwards to be Chancellour admitted Counsellour of Estate The Queen of England being advertised of this alteration in Court sent Sir Francis Walsingham her principal Secretary to the King to challenge him for breach of promise in readmitting the Earl of Arran and casting off the Noblemen who had maintained his authority and hazarded their lives and estates in defence of his Crown The King answered that he was a free Prince and in ruling his affaires might follow the course which he thought to be most convenient that the Queen would not take it well if he or any other should direct her in matters that concerned her subjects and for the promise alledged he said it was made in time of his restraint to the performance whereof he was not tied As to these subjects of whom the Queen seemed so careful he said that he had freely offered to pardon them upon the acknowledgement of their offence and promise of amendment which he would faithfully observe expecting of the Queen his sister that neighbourhood which became Princes living in amity and friendship and that she would not countenance his subjects in their rebellion The Ambassadour replying Sir the Queen my Mistris will never meddle with your affaires but to work your good and quietnesse Yet she taketh it unkindly that the promises made unto her are so lightly regarded One Holt an English Jesuit who is thought to have an hand in Throgmortons treason that was of late detected being in your prison at the request of the French Ambassadour was permitted to escape whereas the Queen my Soveraign looked daily to have been delivered in England as was promised Nay said the King it was not promised that he should be delivered but as the Queen answered my Ambassadours when I desired Mr. Archibald Douglas to be rendered who is known to be guilty of my Fathers murther I said that the man was charged with certain suspicious practises in my Kingdom which I believed first to try and if the Queen had been pleased to have delivered my subject to me whom I had more then reason to remand I would have made no delay in the rendering of Holt. But for his dimission or my connivence at his escape there is no such thing and if you know or can learn that any indirect means have been used for letting him go the trial and punishment of the doers shall clear my part This said the Ambassadour who was a most worthy and discreet Gentleman declaring that he was satisfied fell to speak of the preservation of peace betwixt the two Kingdomes and of a new league to be made with the Queen whereof the King did shew a good liking and in these termes they left for that time In October next the Church Assembly convened at Edinburgh where great regrates were made and presented in certain Articles to the King First they complained that the benefit of pacification was extended to Mr. David Chalmers a professed enemy to Religion and suspected of the murther of his Majesties Father Next that Papists were grown too familiar in Court and namely the Laird of Fintry who had made defection from the true Religion in which he was educated 3. That Holt a wicked Papist sent to the countrey to traffique against Religion and the State was suffered to escape and no trial taken of the workers thereof 4. That his Majesty seemed to favour too much the enemies of the truth both in France and at home 5. That he had received in his service men of dissolute life and who had never given any testimony of their good meaning either to Religion or the state of the countrey and put others from his service that were known to be zealous of Gods cause and faithful to his Majesties self from his very tender age 6. That since his acceptation of the government the Church had received many fair promises without any performance and that to the contrary the liberties and priviledges thereof were daily infringed 7. That the thirds were set in taks or leases in defraud of the Church 8. That Abbacies were disponed against the Acts of Parliament and no care taken for provision of the Ministers that served at the Churches annexed 9. That spiritual livings were conferred to children and erected in temporal Lordships 10. That there were no punishment for incest adultery witchcraft and the like abominations 11. That there was an universal murmur that no man could be assured of his lands and life the laws of the countrey being wholly perverted 12. That his Majesty did interpone his authority to stay the execution of the Churches Acts in matters properly Ecclesiastical Lastly they regrated the division of the Nobility one part seeking the ruine and overthrow of another for which they did intreat his Majesty to call unto himself the most wise and indifferent amongst them and by their advice to take some moderate course for uniting the hearts of all good subjects to the maintenance of Gods truth the preservation of his Highnesse person and estate and the comfort of all that were grieved at the present division The King desiring to give the Church satisfaction made answer the next day to all these particulars And first concerning Mr. David Chalmers he said that he was only forfeited for the common action for being at Landside field field for which pardon had been given to many so as it should not be thought strange to give him the like benefit especially at their request who had moved him therein and that he no ways intended to grant oversight to him or any others that should be found culpable of his fathers murther or yet professed themselves adversaries to the Religion Touching Fintry he said that he had not impeded the proceedings of the Church against him or any other Popishly affected nor had he been countenanced at Court if the Minister of Edinburgh had not testified that he was willing to conform That for Holts escape he had satisfied the English Ambassadour and that it was no uncouth thing to see
promising how soon the forfeiture was past to follow forth the same Onely at the 7. he tooke exception where it was desired that the subjects should put themselves in armes upon urgent ●ccasions for he had not as yet forgotten the stirs of the year preceding and would have none to arm but upon his own warrant Withall he sent Sir Robert Melvill and Alexander Hume of North Berwick with certain instructions to the Assembly whereof one was That they should inhibit the Ministers to utter any irreverent speeches in Pulpit against his Majesties person Councell or Estate under pain of deprivation and because one of their number called Iohn Rosse had in a Sermon preached before the Synod of Perth uttered divers treasonable and irreverent speeches of his Majesty it was craved that they should censure him as his fault had deserved Another was That they should excommunicate Mr. Andrew Hunter for the scandall he had brought upon their profession he being the first open Traitor of their function against a Christian King of their own Religion and their naturall Soveraign A third instruction was That by Act of Assembly Ministers should be ordained to disswade both by publick and private exhortation their flocks from concurring with Bothwell in his treasonable attempts or any other that should make insurrection against the authority established by God in his Majesties person The last was assented unto and an Act made thereof but the censure of the Minister Rosse was carried more slightly and he onely admonished to speak in time coming so reverently and discreetly of his Majesty as there might be no just cause of complaint against him Hunter was deposed from the Ministery as a desertor of his flock and one suspected to have joyned himself with the Kings rebells but the excommunication was not pronounced The Parliament did hold at the time appointed yet because the Noblemen convened slowly 3 or 4. dayes were spent without doing any thing In end when by the excuses that divers made a greater number was not expected they that were present assembled in the Parliament house and keeping the form accustomed made choice of a number for the Articles of Noblemen there were three Earls and six Lords onely present Beginning was made at the summons of forfeiture the Letters and blanks intercepted with Mr. George Ker presented and the hand-writs cognosced by witnesses Some question there was about the Blancks and that which should have been insert in them but the presumptions were so clear as none would doubt what the subject should have been Yet the Noblemen urged a delay of the triall to a more full convention which the King would not admit knowing what misinterpretings that would make and so by pluralities of voices the crimes of Treason were found to be sufficiently proved and the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against the three Earls and Achindown their Scutcheons of Arms as the manner is torn by Herauld and they declared to have lost their honours lands and estates for treasonable practises against the King and their Native Countrey In this Parliament divers Statutes were concluded some in favours of the Church and others very beneficiall to the Countrey as the Stature made for punishment of theft robbery and oppression another against usury and a third against buying of Pleas by Judges and other members of the Court of Justice The next moneth passed in receiving the Ambassadors that came to assist the Baptisme which in the latter end of August next was performed with great solemnity from England the Earl of Sussex was sent the King of Denmark the Duke of Brunswick Megelbrugh with the Estates of the united Provinces had their Ambassadours present But from the French King there came not any though they also were expected at the day appointed for the solemnity The Prince was brought from his own chamber to the Queens Chamber of presence and laid in a bed dressed in a most stately form the Ambassadours entered into the Chamber the Countess of Marre accompanied with a number of Ladies took up the Prince and delivered him to the Duke of Lennox who presented him to the Ambassadors Sussex as having the first place received him and carried him in his arms to the Chappell the rest marching in their ranks and followed by the Ladies of honour the Mistresse nurse and others of inferiour note Before them went the Lord Hume carrying the Ducall Crown the Lord Levingston carried the Towell or Napkin the Lord Seaton the Bason and the Lord Semple the Laver. Above the English Ambassadour there was a Pale or Canabie born by the Laird of Cesford Buclerogh Duddope and Traquier The Princes train was sustained by the Lords Sinclar and Urqhart In this manner they walked toward the Chappell a guard of the youths of Edinburgh well arrayed standing on each side of the way and the trumpets sounding Being entred the Chappell the King arose from his seat and received the Ambassadours at the doore of the Quire and then was the Prince delivered to the Duke of Lennox who gave him to the Nurse After which the Ambassadours were conveyed to their places which were ordered in this manner Upon the Kings right hand a chair was set for the French Ambassadour but this was empty next to him the Ambassadour of Denmark was placed on the left the English Ambassadour and Legier did fit and next after them the Ambassadours of Brunswick Megelburgh and the States every chair had a tassell boord covered with fine Velvet and the Ambassadour of England besides the others had office men standing by him to wait The Service did then begin and upon the end thereof the English Ambassadour arose and presented the Prince to the Bishop who was appointed to administer the Sacrament This was Mr. David Cunningham Bishop of Aberdene The action finished Mr. David Lindsey Minister at Leith had a learned speech in French to the Ambassadours After which they returned to the Chappell in the same order that they came Then was the Prince laid upon a bed of honour and his Titles in this sort proclaimed by the Lyon Herauld Henry Frederick Knight and Baron of Renfrew Lord of the Isles Earl of Karrick Duke of Rothsay Prince and Stewart of Scotland This done certain pieces of silver and gold were cast forth at a window among the people and a number of Knights created at night for it was in the afternoon that the Baptisme was ministred The Ambassadours with their train and the Noblemen present were royally feasted nothing lacking that was required to such a triumph The rest of the moneth was spent in Playes running at Tilt and such other exercises as might give delight to the strangers Amidst these joyes the King was not forgetting his own serious affairs sent his Secretary Sir Richard Cockborne of Clerkinton to England to desire the Queens assistance in pursuing the Popish Lords according to the many promises made by the Lord Souche and Mr. Bowes that how soon he should
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 ●or treating and consulting with certain selected Commissioners to be nominated and authorized by authority of the Parliament of the realm of Scotland of and concerning such an union of the said realms of England and Scotland and of and concerning such other matters causes and things whatsoever as upon mature deliberation and consideration the greatest part of the said Lords Knights Citizens and Burgesses being assembled with the Commissioners to be nominated by the Parliament of Scotland shall in their wisdome think and deem convenient and necessary for the honour of his Majesty and the weal and commmon good of both the said realms during his Majesties life and under all his progenie and royall posterity for ever which Commissioners of both the said realms shall according to the tenor of their said Commissions reduce their doings and proceedings into writings or instruments tripartite every part to be subscribed and sealed by them to the end that one part thereof may in all humility be presented to his most excellent Majesty the second part to be offered to the consideration of the next Session of Parliament for the realm of England and the third to be offered to the consideration of the next Parliament for the realm of Scotland that thereupon such further proceeding may be had as by both the said Parliaments may be thought fit and necessary for the weal and common good of both the said realms A Parliament in Scotland for the same purpose was indicted to the tenth of Aprill and thereafter prorogated to the eleventh of Iuly at which time the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assembled by virtue of his Majesties Commission did ordain the persons following they are to say Iohn Earl of Montrosse Chancellor of Scotland Francis Earl of Arroll high Constable of Scotland Iames Earl of Glencarn Alexander Earl of Linlithgow Iohn Archbishop of Glasgow David Bishop of Rosse George Bishop of Cathnes Walter Prior of Blantire Patrick Lord Glammis Alexander Lord Elphingston Alexander Lord Fyvie President of the Session of Scotland Robert Lord Roxbrugh Iames Lord Abircorn Iames Lord Balmerinoth Principall Secretary of Scotland David Lord of Scone Sir Iames Scrimgeour of Dudop knight Sir Iohn Cockburn of Ormston knight Sir Iohn Hume of Couldenknowes knight Sir David Carnegie of Kinnard knight Sir Robert Melvill elder of Murdocarmie knight Sir Thomas Hamilton of Binnie knight Sir Iohn Lermouth of Balcony knight Sir Alexander Straton of Lawriston knight Sir Iohn Sheen of Curry-hill knight Mr. Iohn Sharp of Howston Lawyer Mr. Thomas Craig Lawyer Henry Nisbit George Bruce Alexander Rutherford and Mr. Alexander