and then rendered at discretion Cap. Cowts with 30. of his souldiers were executed because they had once served and made defection The rest were pardoned upon surety not to carry arms against the present authority This expedition ended the Regent returned to Edinburgh In the the Moneth of August by letters from Denmark it was advertised that Colonel Iohn Clerk who had served the King there in his warres with Sweden was imprisoned by the suggestion of some countreymen that laboured for Bothwels liberty Whereupon Mr. Thomas Buchannan brother to Mr. George Buchannan the Kings Tutor was sent in Ambassage to Denmark to require that Bothwel might be delivered and sent into Scotland to the effect justice might be done upon him or then that he might be judged there for the detestable murther committed upon the person of the Kings father and receive his due punishment This had before that time been often desired but was delayed by divers occasions and now the report of Bothwels greater liberty and that he had been permitted to accuse colonel Clerk a Gentleman well esteemed of good reputation for his service done both at home and in parts abroad the Regent and Councel took occasion to put that King in remembrance of their former requests and if any doubt was made in those parts of Bothwels guiltiness they offered to clear the same by evident probation thereupon intreated him by the communion of blood and nigh kindred betwixt him and the King of Scotland that he would not suffer such a nefarious person to escape In the same letters they requested that the Colonel might be set at liberty and restored to the Kings wonted favour or then be licenced to return into Scotland where there was present use for his service This Ambassage was not without fruit and put Bothwel out of all credit so as desperate of liberty he turned mad and ended his wicked life some years after as before was touched most miserably All things now went ill with the Queens saction neither saw they a way to subsist but by labouring an Abstinence which the Secretary earnestly went about and prevailed so farre with the two Liegers of France and Spain as they brought the Queen of England to a new Treaty with the Scots Queen and to hearken unto some overtures which she did make both for the Queens assurance and for the setling of a perfect peace betwixt her and her son and those that stood in his obedience This moved the Regent he did greatly oppose it yet the Queen of England would needs have him agree to the Abstinence for the space of two moneths in which it was thought the Treaty should take an end Great dispute there was about the tenour and form of the Abstinence which at last was accorded in these terms That the Regent should oblige himself and his partakers to cease from Arms and not to molest any that pretended obedience to the Kings mother during the space of two moneths which should be understood to begin the third day of September providing that no innovation should be made in the government and all things continue in the same estate wherein they were at the death of the late Regent As also that the ordinary administration of the Law and Justice in Parliament Session and other Courts with the punishment of thieves and trespassers might proceed in the mean time by law or force in the Kings name and under his authority without any opposition This granted by a second letter the Queen of England signified That she had appointed Sir William Cecill her principal Secretary and Sir Walter Mildmay Chancellour of the Exchequer to repair to the Queen of Scots and learn what offers she would make for her Majesties surety and the not disturbing the Realms if she should be put to liberty In which treaty she minded not to neglect the surety of the young King and the estate of the Nobility adhering to him whereof she would be no lesse careful then of what concerned her self most But in regard that treaty could take no good effect if the Regent and the Nobility on his side should do any thing to the prejudice of the Queen of Scots and her party she desired that no Parliament should be kept during the time of the treaty or if it had taken beginning before the receipt of the letter that nothing should passe therein which might give her cause to complain And for the Abstinence taken unto the third of November seeing there was no likelihood the treaty should take an end in so short a time he was further desired to prorogue the same for other two moneths The letter dated at Windsor the seventh of October was brought to the Regent the thirteenth some two days after the Parliament was begun This treaty did much perplex the Regent for albeit he was advertised before of the Queen of Englands condescending to hear what the Scottish Queen would say in her own cause yet he did not expect any such suddain dealing or that it should have begun without his knowledge But making the best construction of all things he answered That the Parliament had taken a beginning before her Majesties letters came to his hand and for the reverence he did carry to her he had abstained from all proceeding in any matters only his office of Regiment was confirmed and the Parliament adjourned unto the moneth of January before which time he hoped the fruit of that treaty would appear For the prorogation of the Abstinence he had declared at the first how hurtful the same was to the King his affairs and that there was no true meaning in the adverse party ad did manifestly appear by the arresting of the ships and goods of the Scottish Merchants professing the King his obedience in the Kingdome of France and other divers insolencies practised at home since the granting thereof That howsoever he was perswaded her Majesty had not a mind under colour of the Abstinence to ruine the young King and those that stood in defence of his authority yet they had received more hurt thereby then they could have done if open hostility had been professed Therefore he desired that before he was urged with a further cessation the ships and goods stayed in France might be set free the injuries committed at home repaired and all things innovated in the Government since the late Regents death disannulled by Proclamation which things performed he should willingly obey her Majesties desire Upon this last part of the letter many debates arose amongst the parties and divers particulars on either side were exhibited in writing to the Earl of Sussex for verifying a breach of the Abstinence against others That which I find most insisted upon was the denouncing of Secretary Lethington Rebell who being cited to appear at a certain day before the Regent and Councel was for his contumacy sentenced to lose his office and have his goods consiscated The Regent challenged of
and for this Sir William proponed that he should stand between the companies and upon a sign to be given by him both should turn at one instant The Earl of Morton accepted the condition lest he should offend the Gentleman who had taken such pains amongst them the others refused giving forth great brags that they should make them leave the fields with shame if they did it not willingly How soon Morton was advertised of the difficulty they made he cried aloud On on we shall see who keeps the fields last and therewith gave so hard a charge upon them as they disordered both the horse and foot The Chase held towards the Watergate where by reason of the skant and narrow passage many were killed and trod to death but the number of prisoner were greater for there were 150. taken amongst whom were the Lord Home and Capt. Iames Cullen the Abbot of Kilwining was killed a Gentleman of good worth and greatly lamented for he was of all that faction esteemed most moderate There died some 50. in all most of them common souldiers and of mean accompt On Mortons side Captain Weymis with one only souldier was slain this conflict happened on Satturday the 28. of Iune 1571. Advertisement hereof sent to the Regent he came the next day to Leth where first order was taken with the prisoners and the Lord Home sent to Tantallan But he stayed not long there for the Lord of Drumlanrig being intercepted by Sir David Spence of Wormston as he was making homewards an exchange was made of the Lord Home with him Captain Cullen a man infamous and who in the last wars had used great cruelty was hanged on a Gibbet The rest upon promise not to serve against the King were dimitted Resolution then was taken for the Regents abode at Leth and the countreys attendance upon him by quarters to keep the adversaries busied and hinder the victualling of the town During which time no day passed without one conflict or other wherein sometimes the Regent and sometimes the Queens party had the better at this time upon a report carried to the Laird of Grange that he was commonly called by those of Leth the Traytor he sent a Trumpet to appeal any one of their side to combat that should dare to affirm so much The Laird of Garleys offering to maintain it time and place were appointed for the sight and when all were expecting the issue of it Grange excused himself by the publick charge he bare saying that it was not thought convenient he should hazard the cause in his own person Notwithstanding of this great heat amongst the parties the Queen of England ceased not to mediate an accord and by a letter to the Marshal dated the 19th of Iuly willed him to move them of new for an abstinence offering to send persons of authority and credit to the borders who should travel to agree them and remove all differences as well concerning the title of the Crown as other private matters and because it was given her to understand that both parties had indicted Parliaments to August next she desired that no proceeding should be made therein either by making of lawes or by denouncing any persons forfeited and that only they should authorize certain persons to meet with her Commissioners for consulting upon the best means to conclude a solid peace There was also a letter of safe conduct sent for any one that Grange would direct unto England for this he had desired Lethington excepted and those that were suspected of the late Kings murther But whether this exception gave the cause or the daily incouragements sent by the French none was directed thither The Regent by his answer of the 27. excused the not yielding to the abstinence which he said without evident prejudice to the Kings cause could not be granted so long as Edinburgh was detained For other points he answered That by himself without the consent of the Nobility and Estates he could say nothing but at their meeting in August her Majesty should receive all reasonable satisfaction The adversary party in the mean time nothing relenting of their course did keep a form of Parliament at Edinburgh the 22. August and though they were but five persons in all present that had any voice in the State to wit two Bishops and three Noblemen they pronounced above 200. persons forfeited The Regent advertising the Queen of England how they had proceeded and what disorder did shew the necessity whereunto they that lived in the Kings obedience were brought and how it concerned him and the rest to prosecute what they had justly intended in regard of their enemies precipitation So in the Parliament kept at Striveling the 28. of the same moneth sentence of forfeiture was pronounced against the Duke of Chatteller ault and his two sons the Abbot of Aberbrothock and Lord Claud the Earl of Huntley the Laird of Grange and some others And for satisfying the Queen of Englands desire the Earl of Morton Marre and Glencarn the Lords Semple Ruthven and Glamis with the Bishop of Orkney the Abbots of Dunfermlin and S. Colmes Inche Sir Iohn Ballendine Justice Clerk and Mr. Iames Mr. Gill Clerk of Register were nominated by the Estates and Commission given or to any four three or two of that number to treat with such as the Queen of England should appoint upon the differences arisen amongst the subjects by occasion of the late troubles and for contracting a League offensive and defensive betwixt the two Realms Of all that did the Regent give notice to the Queen beseeching her not to presse them with any thing that might seem to call the Kings authority in question But before these letters came to her hands he was killed as ye shall hear Lord Claud Hamilton having intelligence given him of the security wherein the Regent and Nobility lived at Striveling and how as in a time of setled peace they did not so much as keep a watch by night took resolution to invade them and was therein greatly incouraged by Cap. George Bell a man born in Striveling one that knew all the passages streets who made offerto put him the company he should bring with him safely in the town This he communicated to the Earl of Huntley Walter Scot of Bacleugh and David Spence of Wormeston who were all content to joyn in the enterprise The second of September they went from Edinburgh a little before Sun-setting accompanied with 200. horse and 300. foot and lest their journey should be suspected they made the rumour go that they went towards Iedburgh to compose a discord fallen out betwixt the town and the Laird of Fernherst To ease the footmen they had taken all the horses which came the day before to the Market and as many as they could otherwise purchase by the way and so marching with a wonderful confidence for by the wayall their discourse
The Earl of Murray returneth from France He visiteth the Queen at Lochlevin The Earl of Murray elected Regent Bothwell taketh the Sea and is pursued by Grange The custody of Edinburgh Castle committed to Grange The Lords convened at Hamilton write to the Regent An. 1566. The first Parliament of King Iames the 6. The Acts concluded in Parliament The Queen ordained to be kept in prison The Bishop of Orkney deposed for marrying the Queen The confession of these that were executed for the Kings murther An. 1568. The Queen escapeth from Lochlevin The manner of the Queens escape The Queens resignation decerned null The Regent advertised of the Queens escape The Lord Boyd falleth to the Queen The Regent resolveth to stay at Glasgow and assemble forces The battel of Landside 13 May 1568. The order of the Regents Army The number of the slain The ptisoners that were taken The Castles of Hamilton and Darffan rendered to the Regent The Queen flieth to England and writes to Queen Elizabeth The Queen of Scots begins to see her error A Parliament called by the Regent The Queen of England desires the Parliament to be delayed The Râ—gent refuseth The Queen of England writeth to the Regent Commissiooners choosed to go into England The tenour of the Commission An Assembly of the Church Who should have voice in Assemblies Acts of discipline The Bishop of Orkney reponed A meeting of the English and Scots Commissioners at York Commissioners for the Scottish Queen Protestation for the Queen of Scotland Commissioners of Eâ—gland protest in the contrary A declaration in behalf of the Queen of Scotland The Regents â—etire to the â—ommissioners oâ— England The Duke of Norfolks answer Lethington disswadeth the Regent from accusing the Queen The information presented against the Queen of Scots The Commissioners of the Queen of Scots reply The Commissioners of England desire the Regent to give better reasons 〈◊〉 disperied of the Râ—gents imprisonment A Declaration presented in writing by the Râ—gent The answer of the Commissioners for the Queen of Scots The Queen of England doubteth how to cary her self in the business The Queens Commissioners purge the Regent of the Kings murther The Duke of Chattellerault claimeth the Regency A reply to the Dukes petition The Queen of Scots letters intercepted The Regent returneth to Scotland The Duke made Deputy by the Queen of Scots He writeth to the Assembly of the Church The Assemblies answer Commissioners from the Churches the Regent Petitions in behalf of the Church Orders for giving degrees in Divinity The Regent and Duke agreed An. 1569. He forthinketh his yielding The Duke and Lord Hereis commitâ—ed to the Castle of Edinburgh A treaty with Argile and Huntley Huntky remitted upon some conditions The Regents expedition into the North. The Lord Boyd briageth letteâ—s from both Queens to the Regent A letter from Sir Nicholas Throgmorion to the Regent A letter from Sir Nicholas to Lethington A Convention of Estates at Perth Their judgement of the Letters sent from the two Queens A message sent into England The Abbot of Dunsermling sent into England The Earl of Northumberland imprisoned in Lochlevin Lethington charged with the Kings murther The Laird of Grange counterâ—â—en the Regents hand and taketh Lethington to the Castle The Regent makes an expedition to the borders He is informed of practices against his life Lethingtons triall deferred Iames Hamilton of Bothwell-haugh taketh in hand the Regents murder The Regent killed by the shot of a bulbullet The murtherer escapeth Thuanus 46. The death of the Regent greatly lamented A prediction of Iohn Knox. An Ambassadour sent from England The Ambassadours speech in Councell An. 1570. The Laird of Lochlevin urgeth a revenge of the Regents murther The delay ill taken of the people The principals of the Queens faction writ to the Earl of Morton Lethington offereth himself to a trial A meeting at Edenburgh of the Noblemen of both parties in March They deliberate upon the choice of a Regent An Ambassadour from France A meeting at Linlithgow of the Noblemen that stood for the Queen They give out a Proclamation They deal wiâ—h the Earl of Morton but he will not hearken to them An Army cometh to Berwick under conduct of the Earl of Sussex The Lords forsake Edinburgh upon the report They give warrant for fortifying the Castle The Army of England entereth in Scotland The Lords desire a Truce from the Earl of Sussex which he refused A Convention of the Estates at Edinburgh An offer of peace to those of the Queens party The Queens authority proclaimed A Proclamation made by the Estates The Conspirators ranked in their Orders All prepare for Warre The Lord Seaton sent to Flanders The Parson of Dumbar brings moneys and Armour to Huntley The Lords who stood for the King send to Sussex for supply Grange and Lethington seek to stay the English forces upon offers Sir William 〈…〉 in Scotland with an Army The Castle of Hamilton rendered The Abbot of Dunfemlin Ambassadour in England His instructions The Queens answer to the instructions The Earl of Lennox made Lieutenant of the Countrey The Queen of Englands answer to the Lords that stood for the King The Earl of Lennox created King An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh Commissioners directed from the Assembly of the Church to the Lords of the Queens party The Regent goeth to impede the Parliament indicted at Linlithgow A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Regents expedition to Brichâ—n An Ambassadour to Denmark An Abstinence agreed unto A Treaty with the Queen of Scots Tâ—is Regents letter to the Queen of England Secretary Lethington denounced Rebel and loses his office The Secretaries Declaration The Regents Reply Articles propounded to the Queen of Scotland Sir William Cecil his letters to the Regent The Earl of Sussex his advertisement to the Regent His particular advice The Regents answer The Abbot of Dunfermlin made Secretary and sent into England The Queen of Englands answer ult November 1570. The Laird of Grange raiseth a trouble in Edinburgh and breaks out in open Rebellion Commissioners sent into England Reasons justifying the Queen of Scots deposition Articles proponed to the Commissioners of Scotland Answer to the foresaid Articles Propositions made to the Queen of Scots Commissioners The Answer The Treaty continued to a more convenient time The Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston conferre with the Earl of Morton Paslay taken by Lord Claud Hamilton and recovered by the Regent The Castle of Dunbartâ—n surprized The Archbishop of S. Andrews executed His Declaration at his death They who stood for the Queen take Arms and come to Edinbugh The Regent resolveth to hold the Parliament An. 1571. Persons forfeited in this Parliament The civil war renewed The Regent goeth to Striveling A conflict betwixt Morton and the Lords at Edinburgh The Eaâ—l of Morton hireth souldiers The Queen of England sendeth to Sir William Drury to try the estate of things The Lords on the Queens party hold
a Parliament at Edinburgh A supplication presented in name of the Queen The Queens resignation of the Crown discerned null A conflict betwixt the Earl of Morton and the Lords at Edinburgh The Lord Home taken prisoner The Regent returneth to Leth. The combat offered by Grange is accepted and thereafter by himself declined The Queen of England insisteth for peace The Regent excuseth his refuse of the Abstinence A Parliament kept at Edinburgh by the Lords The Regent kept a Parliament at Striveling Persons forfeited in the Parliament An enterprise of the Lord claud Hamilton The number of the slain on both sides An ominous speech of the King being yet a child The Regâ—nts speech to the Nobility An Assembly of the Church at Striveling Iohn Knox his letter to the Assembly A consultation for setling the policy of the Church The power of the Superintendents Commissioners named to deal with he Regent and Estate The Earl of Marre elected Regent Adam Gordon deputy for Huntley in the North. A conflict betwixt Adam Gordon and the Forbesses A supply granted by the Regent to the Lord Forbes Another conflict betwixt the Gordons and Foâ—besses An Assembly of the Church at Leth. An. 1572. Commissioners named for the Councel and Church Articles agreed unto by the Councel and Church An Assembly of the Church at Perth The Lord Ruthven sent to assist the town of Iedburgh The Bishop of Ross called inquestion for the Queens marriage with Norfolk The Bishop of Ross imprisoned at Ely The Duke of Norfolk executed Certain of the Councel directed to the Queen of Scots The Queen of Englandâ— reateth for peace among the parties The Earls of â—tawford and Buchan directed against Adam Gordan The Castle of Blacknes betrayed by the Keeper Ambassadours from France and England The Lord Fleming unhappâ—y killed A cessâ—tion from warre concluded The Anicles of Abâ—â—â—ence The Regent and Councel do answer to the Articles The Regent dieth at Striveling He commendeth the care of the Kings pâ—rson to his Lady and Brother The description of Ioâ—n Knox his life and death Mr. Iames Lawson admitted Minister at Edinburgh Iohn Knox his speech to the Earl of Morton His last speech to the Ministers and Elders of the Church The Ministers carry a Commission to the Laird of Gâ—ange from Iohn Knox. He giveth order for making his Coffin The History given forth in his name was not of his inditing The Earl of Morton elected Regent Rules given to the Regent for his government Sir Henry Killigrew sent from England A treaty of peace The Laird of Grange refuseth to be comprehended in the treaty He molesteth the town of Edinburgh and fireth the houses A Parliament kept at Edinburgh The pacification concluded at Perth A time given to those of the Castle to accept the pacification Sir Iames Kirkaldy returneth from France He takes land 〈…〉 Captain to the Regent The English Ambassadour travelleth to make Grange accept peace which he refuseth The Regent inâ—reateth the Queen of Englands help for â—pugnation of the Castle Articles agreed betwixt the Regent and the English An. 1573. A Proclamation given out by the Regent The Castle summoned The Captain answereth by a token of defiance The Castle made assaultable A truce taken and the Captain willing to yield upon conditions The Castle rendered to the English Generall Lethington dieth at Leth. Grange and his brother executed The Queens faction quite deâ—â—ated The Regents expedition to the borders His care for the Kings houses and rents He falleth out with the Church Two three or four Churches appointed to one Minister The Superintendents denied paiment of their means The Church desired to be restored to the thirds but is denied An. 1574. The Countrey vexed with Justice Courts A motion for compiling a body of our Law Black Oâ—meston executed for the Kings murther An. 1575. Adam Heriot Minister at Aberdene his death and qualities A conflict betwixt the Scots and English A meeting in the Borders betwixt the Regent and the Earl of Huntington Duke Hamilton dieth Lord Aberbrothock pursued by Lochlevin He is saved in the house of Darsey Innovations in the Church of Mr. Andrew Melvil The Episcopal function called in question Some brethren selected to conferre upon the question The Bishops present in the Assembly Another Assembly of the Church The Regents motion to the Assembly The Archbishop of Glasgow urged with a particular flock answereth the Assembly Mr. Patrick Adamson provided to S. Andrews An. 1576. The Church off 〈◊〉 with the Bishopâ— answer A form of policy presented to the Regent The discontents great in the countrey Iohn Semple and Adam Whitford accused for conspiring the Regents death An. 1577. The Earl of Argile and Athol at variance A great insolence committed by Argile Alexander Aâ—â—skin practiseth a change Argile and Athol agreed Argile complaineth of the Regent to the King Athol his advice to the King for trying Argiles complaint The Regent sendeth to inform the King of Argiles contempt His offer to dimit the Regâ—ncy The King is advised to accept â—he Regents dimission A Commission from the King to the Regent The Kings acceptation of the Government The Lord Boyd chideth the Regent for his dimission The Chancellour and Earl of Angus imployed in the Regents dimission to the King The Regents discharge of his administration Mortons enemies are still practising against him The King his calm proceedings with Morton An. 1578. A pitiful Accident The Chancellour killed in a tumult The Earl of Athol created Chancellour The Castle of Edinburgh delivered to the Earl of Marre The Castle of Striveling surprised by the Earl of Marre his friends The Councel goeth to Striveling and composeth the controversy Conditions prescrived to the Earl of Marre A Convention at Striveling The Earl of Morton cometh to Striveling The Kings motion to the Lords and the rest of the Estates The Counsellours disswade the change of the place of Parliament An Ambassage to the Queen of England Jealousies among the Noblemen A Proclamation against the false rumors dispersed The Lords remaining at Edinburgh protest against the holding of the Parliament Mantross and Lindesay charged to keep their lodgings for using the protestation A Declaration of the Lords remaining at Edinburgh Proclamations to follow the King or his Lieutenant The Lords charged to depart out of Edinburgh The Provost of Edinburgh committed A Proclamation for dissolving the forces convened at Edinburgh The Lords march towards Striveling The English Ambassadour laboureth to to compose matters Conditions agreed upon The Articles signed The twentieth of September appointed for a meeting of Noblemen at Striveling The Noblemen decline the meeting The petitions of thâ— Chanceâ—â—â—â—r and the Lords and Gentlemen adhering to him The King offended with the petition The Noblemen cited to appear at Striveling His Majestics speech at the meeting The Lords are desireâ— to set down their complaints in writing The Lords reconciled A form of Church-policy presented to the Parliament and remitted to certain Commissionres 1.
Countreymen Richardus de sancto Victore a Channon regular of the order of S. Angustine and David a Presbyter This David lived in Germany and was chosen by the Emperour Henry the fifth to accompany him in that expedition which he made to Italy against Pope Paschal the Story whereof he wrote as likewise a Treatise de regno Scotorum both which are perished Richardus was a professor of Divinity at Paris in the Abbey of S. Victor a great Philosopher and left many books that witnesse his learning the Titles whereof you may read in Baleus He died in the same Abbey and was buried with this Epitaph Moribus ingenio doctrina clarus arte Pulvereo hîc tegeris docte Richarde situ Quem tellus genuit foelici Scotica partu Te fovet in gremio Gallica terra suo Nil tibi Parca ferox nocuit quae stamina parco Tempore tracta gravirupit acerba manu Plurima namque tui super ant monumenta laboris Qua tibi perpetuam sunt paritura decus Segnior ut lento sceler atas mors pelit aedes Sic propero nimis it sub piatecta gradu 16. Bishop Robert deceasing Walthemius Abbot of Melrosse was earnestly entreated to accept the Charge but would not forsake the Monastery saying That he had washed his feet and could not contaminate them again with the dust of earthly cares Whereupon Arnold Abbot of Kelso was elected and in presence of King Malcolm the fourth consecrated by William Bishop of Murray This Bishop had been the year preceding directed to Rome with one Nicholaus the Kings Secretary to complain of the Archbishop of York his usurpation upon the Church of Scotland and being then returned carried himself as Legate to the Pope which power he resigned to Arnold after his Consecration as he was enjoyned by Engenius the third who then held the Chair In a Convention of the Estates kept the same year Arnold did earnestly insist with the King to make choice of a wise for assuring the royall succession and to that effect made a long speech in the hearing of the Estates but the King had taken a resolution to live single and would not be diverted Edward Bishop of Aberdene was much blamed for confirming him in that course and for that cause hated of many The Cathedrall of S. Andrews a fair and stately Church whilest it stood was founded by this Arnold but before the work was raised to any height he died having sate Bishop one year ten moneths and seventeen days onely 17. Upon Arnold his death the King did recommend his Chaplain Richard to the place who was immediately elected by the Convent but not consecrated for the space of two years after because of the Archbishop of York his pretensions One Roger held at that time the See of York a man ambitious beyond all measure who from being Archdeacon of Canterbury was by the means of the Archbishop Thomas Becket preferred to that place no sooner was he advanced but he procured of Pope Anastasius the fourth a Bull whereby he was designed Metropolitane of Scotland but the King and the Clergy notwithstanding the Popes authority was in those days greatly respected refused to acknowledge him Anastasius dying by whom the Archbishop Roger was maintained the Prelates of Scotland did convene and by themselves performed the Consecration Roger incensed herewith sent to Rome and complaining of this contempt found the favour to be made Legate of Scotland by vertue whereof he caused cite all the Scottish Clergy to appear before him at Norham in England whither he came in great pomp Angelramus Archdeacon of Glasgow accompanied with Walter Prior of Kelso Solomon Dean of Glasgow and some others of the Clergy went and kept the Diet and in the name of the Church of Scotland appealing to the Pope took journey to Rome Where the business being debated before Pope Alexander the third sentence was given against Roger his pretended Legation and the Church of Scotland declared to be exempted from all spirituall Jurisdiction the Apostolique See only excepted This exemption Angelramus who in the mean time was promoted to the See of Glasgow by the death of Bishop Herbert and consecrated at Rome brought back and presented to the King The Bull is yet extant and begins thus Alexander P. servus servorum Dei Malcolmo Regi c. A few days after the Bishops return King Malcolm died at Iedbrough in the 25. year of his age and 12. of his reign a sweet and meek Prince uncourteously used by King Henry the second King of England but more rudely by his own Subjects This Henry by nature ambitious and one that could not keep himself within bounds took many ways to wrong this good King and make him despised of his own people yet for that he had sworn to King David Malcolms Grandfather that he should never molest him nor any of his posterity in the possession of the lands they held in England and could not for shame go against his oath he stirred up the Bishop of York to place a Bishop at Carlile thinking the King of Scots would not endure that wrong Iohn Bishop of Glasgow under whose charge the Countrey of Cumberland then was did exceedingly offend with this and finding that the King would not break with Henry for so little a cause nor seeing a way to repair himself abandoned his charge and went unto the Monastery of Tours in France where he abode till he was forced by the Popes authority to return King Henry finding this injury dissembled went afterwards more plainly to work for having desired Malcolm to come to London to do homage for the lands he held in England he compelled him to follow him in the Warre he made upon France thinking thereby to alienate the minde of the French King from the Scots Again when he had returned home inviting him of new to a Parliament kept at York upon a forged quarrell as if he had crossed King Henry his affairs in France he was declared to have lost all his lands in England And not content to have wronged him in this sort to stir up his own Subjects against him made the report goe that King Malcolm had voluntarily resigned all those lands Which did so irritate the Nobles as presently after his return putting themselves in Arms they did besiege the Town of Bertha where the King remained and had not failed to use violence but that by the intercession of some wise Prelates matters were composed The Nobility being grieved to see the King so abused did urge him to denounce warre but he loving rather to have matters peaceably agreed was content to accept Cumberland and Huntington and suffer Northumberland to goe to King Henry This displeased the Subjects and diminished much of the regard that was formerly carried to him which he took greatly to heart and shortly after died as was thought of displeasure The good King being thus taken away
his brother William succeeded in the year 1165. The first thing he undertook was the repetition of Northumberland for which Ambassadours were sent to King Henry His answer was That he should have right done him at his coming to London after he had performed his homage for the Countries he held in England King William taking journey thither with David his younger brother found the King at his Easter in VVindsore where insisting for the restitution of Northumberland he had many good words given him and promise made that at the meeting of the Parliament a course should be taken to his content In this hope he followed King Henry going then in expedition to France and staid there with him some moneths but when he perceived the King was not shortly to return unto England and that he was sed onely with fair promises he took his leave and came home Presently after his return he sent an Herald to denounce warre unlesse Northumberland were restored King Henry being then ingaged in the French warres and not willing to make himself more businesse was content to quit that part of Northumberland which King VVilliam his great Grandfather had possessed Yet suddenly forethinking what he had done he stirred up underhand those that lived in the Borders to make incursions upon the Scots This being complained and no redresse made King VVilliam raised an Army and went into England and at Anwick as he was taking the aire suspecting no Enemy to be at hand he was surprised by some English and sent Prisoner to King Henry in France who put him in the Castle of Calice in Picardie where he was some moneths detained A great dysaster this was and how grievous to the whole State may appear by the Articles condescended upon for obtaining his liberty which were 1. That for his redemption there should be paid one hundred thousand pounds sterling money the one half in hand the other half after a short time and for assurance thereof the Counties of Cumberland Huntington and Northumberland be morgaged to King Henry 2. That the Scots should move no warre against England for retention of these Counties 3. And for the more security the Castles of Roxburgh Berwick Edinburgh and Sterling should be delivered to the King of England or unto such as he should appoint to receive the same Hollinshed setteth down other Conditions besides these as That the King of Scots should acknowledge the King of England for his supreme Lord That the Prelates of Scotland and their successors should be subject to the Church of England And that the Lords and Barons of Scotland should swear fealty to the King of England and his successours which are meer forgeries it being certain that the Scots howsoever they loved their King and for his liberty would not refuse to undergoe very hard conditions yet would never have renounced their liberties maintained so long and with so much blood and yeelded themselves in any case to such a slavish subjection Always the agreement concluded in Normandy the 8. of December 1175. by Richard Bishop of S. Andrews and divers Noblemen sent thither to treat in that businesse was at August thereafter confirmed in York by both Kings all the Bishops Abbots and Nobility almost of Scotland being present In Ianuary thereafter at a meeting in Norham where King VVilliam was also in person the King of England dealt earnestly to have the Clergy of Scotland accept the Archbishop of York for their Metropolitane but they pâ—etending the absence of many of their number and the want of the inferiour Clergies consent deferred to give any answer at that time The next year the same matter was renued and followed earnestly by a Legate sent from the Pope with Commission to reform the abuses he should finde in the Churches both in England and Scotland This Legate called Hugo and styled Cardinall de sancto Angelo having sent his Apparitors with a citation to the Bishops of Scotland for their appearing before him at a certain day in Northampton they went thither with a great number of their Clergy The Assembly being met and all ranked in their places the Cardinall who had his seat somewhat higher then the rest made a long speech in commendation of humility and obedience shewing what excellent Virtues these were and how much to be desired of men of spirituall profession whereof when he talked a while he came in end to perswade the Clergy of Scotland to submit themselves to the Primate of York which he said was a thing very convenient for them and would turn greatly to their ease and commodity for having no Superiour amongst themselves nor Metropolitane to decide Controversies that possibly might happen there could none be fitter then their neighbour the Archbishop of York a Prelate of great respect and one whose credit in the Court of Rome might serve them to good use therefore besought them to lay aside all grudges and emulations and dispose themselves to live in all times after as members of one and the same Church The Bishops who feared to offend the Legate made no answer and after a long silence a young Chanon named Gilbert rose up and spake to this effect The Church of Scotland ever since the faith of Christ was embraced in that Kingdome hath been a free and independent Church subject to none but the Bishop of Rome whose authority we refuse not to acknowledge To admit any other for our Metropolitane especially the Archbishop of York we neither can nor will for notwithstanding the present peace which we wish may long continue warres may break up betwixt the two Kingdomes and if it shall fall out so neither shall he be able to discharge any duty amongst us nor can we safely and without suspicion resort to him For the controversies which you my Lord Cardinall say may arise amongst our selves we have learned and wise Prelates who can determine the same and if they should be deficient in their duties we have a good and religious King who is able to keep all things in frame and order so as we have no necessity of any stranger to be set over us And I cannot think that either his Holinesse hath forgotten or you my Lord that are his Legate can be ignorant of the late exemption granted unto Malcolm our last King since the grant whereof we have done nothing which may make us seem unworthy of that favour Wherefore in the name of all the Scotish Church we doe humbly entreat the preservation of our ancient liberberties and that we be not brought under subjection to our enemies These speeches he delivered with an extraordnary grace and in so passionate a manner that all the hearers were exceedingly moved the English themselves commending his courage and the affection he shewed to his Country But the Archbishop of York who looked not for such opposition called the young Chanon to come unto him and laying his hand
rights to himself as had been and were to be performed by Malcolme his brother to his Ancestors Kings of England King William to requite his kindnesse gave unto Richard ten thousand Marks sterling and caused his brother David to whom he resigned the Earldom of Huntington go in company with him There went under his charge 500. Gentlemen who were all in their return cast away by a tempest at sea only the Earl himself having his ship driven upon the coast of Egypt was taken prisoner and led to Alexandria where being redeemed by some Venetians he was brought to Constantinople and freed by an English Merchant in the City that had known him in former times From thence he returned safe unto his countrey the fourth year after his setting forth to the great joy and contentment of the King his brother who took him to be lost The part where he arrived being as Boethius writeth before that time called Alectum had the name changed and upon that occasion was called Dei donum But the opinion of Buchannan is more probable that the Town now called Dundy is a compound word of Down and Tay. As ever this was the Town there situated received many priviledges of King William at that time for his brothers happy arrival which to this day they enjoy Likewise in memory thereof was the Abbey of Lundors founded for the Benedictine Monks and divers lands gifted thereto by the King and the Earl his brother The King of England after many distresses being returned home King William to congratulate his safety went into England where he contracted a great sickness the rumour whereof being dispersed and his death much suspected gave occasion of divers insolencies at home amongst others Herald Earl of Orkney and Cathnes upon a malice conceived against the Bishop of that countrey who as he alledged had impeded the grant of some thing he demanded of the King took him prisoner put out his eyes and cut forth his tongue This inhumanity the King at his return punished most severely for the Earl being apprehended and brought to his trial had his eyes in like sort pulled out and was thereafter publickly strangled by the hands of the hangman all his male children being gelded to extinguish his succession His kinsmen and others accounted accessors to the fact for not rescuing the Bishop were fined in great summes of money This exemplary justice reported to Pope Innocent the third he sent unto the King by his Legate Ioannes Cardinalis de monte Celio a sword richly set with precious stones a purple hat in from of a diadem and a large Bull of priviledges whereby the Church of Scotland was exempted from all Ecclesiastical censures the Pope himself and his Legate à latere only excepted It was also declared That it should not be lawful to any to excommunicate the King and his successors or yet to interdict the kingdom but the Pope or his Legate and that no stranger should exercise any legation within the Realm except a Cardinal or such a one as the Conclave did appoint This Bull is yet extant and beginneth thus Innocentius Episcopus servus servorum Dei charissimo filio Gulielmo illustri Scotorum Regi eâ—usque successoribus This Cardinal before his departing forth of the Realm kept a Convocation of the Clergy at Perth in which all the Priests were deposed who were found to have taken Orders upon Sunday The Abbot of Dunfermlin called Robert was removed from his place the cause whereof is not mentioned and one Patrick Superiour of Durâ—sme appointed Abbot in his stead In this convention also it was decreed That every Saturday from twelve of the clock should be kept as holy day and that all people at the sound of the Bell should addresse themselves to hear service and abstain from all handy work until Munday morning After this meeting he took journey into Ireland taking with him Radolph Abbot of Melrosse a man of good respect whom he preferred to the Bishoprick of Down which at his coming thither happened to fall void Bishop Hugo dying Roger son to the Earl of Leicester succeeded he had been Chancellour to the King and at his election to the Bishoprick resigned the office to one of the King his Chaplaines For in those dayes the office of a Chancellor was not in that reputation to which afterwards it grew in some old Records I find at one time two officers in that kinde the one called Cancellarius Regis the other Cancellarius regni but which of the two was in greatest dignity I know not nor in what their charge did differ only my conjecture is that he who is now the writer of the Great Seal and is called The director to the Chancellary was then styled Cancellarius Regis But remitting this to others of greater skill Ten years this Roger stood elect and was not consecrated before the year of God 1198. at which time Richard Bishop of Murray performed the ceremony the reason of the delay is not mentioned by writers four years only he lived after his consecration and died at Combuskenneth the ninth of Iuly 1202. his corps with great solemnity convoyed to Saint Andrews was interred in the old Church of Saint Rewle 20. William Malvoisin Bishop of Glasgow a Frenchman born was after the death of Roger by the Kings recommendation translated to S. Andrews a man of singular wisdome and courage he lived a long time for he sate Bishop after his translation 35. years and governed the Church most happily The rents alienated by his predecessors or lost by their negligence he recovered to his See advanced the fabrick of the Church which was then a building more then any that went before him and suffered no man of what quality soever he was to usurp upon the Church or possessions of it Some years after his translation King William died at Striveling to the great regret of all men especially those of the Clergy to whom he had been very beneficial for besides the Abbey of Aberbrothock which he founded to the memory of Thomas Becket then generally held to be a Martyr and Saint he gave divers lands to the See of Argyle which had been in his time erected and to the Monasteries of Newbottle Halyrudhouse and Dunfermlin many richgifts as likewise for the Trinity Monks of Aberdene an Order lately invented and then confirmed by Innocentius the third he made a competent provision Never were the funerals of any of our Kings performed with greater solemnity All the Prelates and Nobles of the kingdome attending the corps from Striveling to Aberbrothock where he had appointed his body to be buried There they continued 14. dayes spending that time in the devotions accustomed and before their parting by a common consent ordained that for a year thereafter no publick playes nor feasts should be made in any part of the kingdom such
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
horsemen and four ships well appointed to keep the Haven of Leth trusting therewith as she said and with the assistance she promised her self in the Countrey to daunt all the rebells and bring them to obedience Meane while she began to fortifie the towne of Leth as being a Port fit to receive fresh supplies and a place that might serve the French companies for a refuge if they should happen to be redacted to any necessitie The Lords of the Congregation kept at that time a Convention in Striveling and thither came the Earle of Arrane the Duke his eldest son having left France upon this occasion Being one day in conference with the Duke of Guise who then ruled all things in the French Court and falling in speech of those that professed the reformed Religion he did utter his minde too freely in their favours which was so ill taken as it was resolved to call him in question Of this and other speeches that had escaped the Cardinall of Lorraine in the Court of Parliament he was advertised and thereupon retired quickly from Court and went to Geneva there he became acquainted with Mr. Randolph an English man who was afterwards imployed in many honourable Legations to Scotland and came with him into England where he was much graced by Queen Elizabeth and by her perswasions induced to promise that at his return he should joyn himself with those that sought to expell the French forth of Scotland and move his father so far as in him lay to take part in that cause Both which he truly performed for immediately upon his return he came to the Noblemen at Sriveling and made offer of his assistance in the common quarrell both of Religion and the liberty of the Countrey Then going to visit his Father at Hamilton he won him to their side and reconciling some old grudges betwixt his father and certain Noblemen brought them all to meet together at Hamilton and to write a common Letter to Queen Regent which was to this effect That it was to them a marvell ho she not provoked by any injury could go so soon from the late appointment as to expulse the ancient inhabitants of the town of Leth place therein a Colonie of strangers as minding to keep the Countrey under a Tyrannicall subjection This they said was against her promise against the publick weale and against the lawes and liberties of the Kingdome wherefore they intreated her to desist from that course and not to drive them into a necessity of seeking the concurrence of the Subjects for resisting the mischief intended against the whole This letter dated at Hamilton the 29. of September was subserived by the Duke of Chattellerault the Earles of Arrane Argile Glencarn and Mentieth the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Ochiltrie and divers other Barons and Gentlemen They wrote also to the Lord Ereskin keeper of the Castles of Edinburgh and Striveling Desiring him as a Nobleman and a Member with them of the same Common-wealth to look circumspectly to his own person and to the strengths committed to his trust and not to suffer himself to be abused with the promises and policies which they knew would be used Hereof they did think it needfull as they said to give him warning not that they stood in doubt of his sidelity but that they esteemed it their duty to advertise him of the common danger and to assure him if by violence any should go about to bereave him of those sorts their assistance should not be lacking Queen Regent not liking to make an answer to the Lords in writing sent Sir Robert Carnagie and Mr. David Borthuick with a letter of credit to the Duke That which they had in credit to say was that she wondred much at his joyning with the Lords or that he should have permitted the Earle of Arrane his son take that course and to advise him to come and stay with her at Court or if they could not obtain that point that they should disswade him from taking part with them The Duke asking what the Queen meant to do concerning the fortification at Leth and dispatch of the French men they said If all things were put in the Queen will she would be gracious enough Whereunto he replayed That both he and the rest of the Lords would most willingly serve her so as she would be ruled by the counsell of naturall Scottish men but so long as she kept about her strangers who were a trouble and great to the Countrey he beleeved no wise man would give either him or them advise to put themselves in her hands This answer reported to the Queen because she perceived the arriving of the French souldiers to be generally ill taken she gave forth a Proclamation Wherein complaining of the calumnies dispersed against her by wicked people especially that she had broken the appointment made with the Congregation at Leth which she said was onely to entertain division in the Realm by receiving of French forces which they aggredged so far against all reason it not being an Article of the appointment that albeit for every Frenchman that was in Scotland there were a hundreth at her command there should not a jot that was promised be broken nor the least alteration be made in any thing if the Congregation did in like manner faithfully keep their part Therefore willed all good subjects not to give eare to such informations nor suffer themselves to be led thereby from their due obedience assuring them that they should ever finde with her truth in promise and a motherly love towards all loyall subjects Besides the Proclamation she imployed in the Countrey some whom she especially trusted to inform the Subjects of her good meaning the principalls were Mr. Iames Balfoure Officiall of Lothian Mr. Thomas and Mr. William Scots sons to the Laird of Balwery Sir Robert Carnagy and some others Neither did she omit to deal with the specials of the Congregation sending Sir Iohn Bannatyne Justice Clerk to the Lord Ruthven with many liberall promises if he would leave the faction and Mr. Iohn Spence of Condy to Lord Iames with a letter bearing this effect That having understood the cause of his departing from her to be the love he bare to Religion Albeit she did mislike the same yet knowing his minde and the mindes of other Noble men to be so far bent that way as there was no possiblity to reclaim them she had now resolved to tolerate their profession and at their own sights to grant such liberty as might stand with the common policy of the Realm and their Soveraigns honour As for the men of Warre and fortification at Leth so much complained of she said that some had given her to understand that it was not the advancement of Religion which was sought but that the same was made a pretext to overthrow the authority of his sister whereof she beleeved he would never be participant and this was the
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
upon it had of the same were blasphemous and grosly idolatrous And where her Majesty said she would not hazard the displeasure of the King of France and other Princes with whom she was confederated they to the contrary did assure her That true Religion is the onely bond that joyneth men with God who is the King of Kings and hath the hearts of all Princes in his hands whose favour ought to be unto her more pretious then the favour of all the Princes on earth and without which no friendship or confederacy could possibly endure Thirdly touching her answer to the Article for sustentation of the Ministery they shew It was never their meaning that her Majesty or any other Patron should be defrauded of their just rights Onely they desired when any Benefice was void that a qualified person should be presented to the Superintendent of the bounds to be tried and examined by him For as the Presentation belongeth to the Patron so doth the Collation belong to the Church Otherwise were it in the Patrons power simply to present whom they pleased without triall or examination there should be no order in the Church and all be filled with ignorance and confusion Fourthly to that which her Majesty spake of retaining a great part of the Benefices in her own hands they answered That such doing was against the Law both of God and Man and could not stand with a good conscience seeing it tendeth to the destruction of many poor souls that by this means should be defrauded of instruction And for the offer she made to provide the Ministery by assignations in places most commodious her own necessities being first supplied they said That good order did require Ministers first to be provided Schools for instructing the youth maintained the fabrick of Churches repaired and upheld and the poore and indigent members of Christ sustained all which ought to be furnished out of the Tithes which are the proper Patrimony of the Church These things done if any thing were remaining that her Majesty and Councell might use it as they should think expedient In end giving thanks to her Majesty for the offer of assignations they humbly desired the generall offer to be made more particular and that it might please her to reform the answer given to the Articles of the Church in all the aforesaid points After this sort did the Church insist with the Queen but with small success for the provision of Ministers some small supply was obtained But in the point of Religion they found no contentment During the rest of this winter matters were quiet but the next year had a foul beginning Seigneur Davie who governed all affairs at Court had onely the Queens ear being slain upon the occasion and after the manner you shall hear There had fallen out a little before some private discontents betwixt the King and Queen whereupon first she caused change the order which was kept in the Proclamations and publick Records placing the name of her husband after her own name that the Royall authority might be known to belong unto her self wholly And after a little time upon a colour that the dispatch of business was much hindred through the Kings absence she had appointed in stead of his hand a cachet to be used in the signing of Letters which was committed to the custody of Seigneur Davie This being noted as they are never wanting some in Court to stirre the coals divers tales were brought to the King of the neglect and contempt that he was held in and of the great respect carried to the stranger The vanity and arrogancy of the man himself was likewise so great as not content to exceed the chief of the Court he would outbrave the King in his apparell in his domestick furniture in the number and sorts of his horses and in every thing else So as no speach was for the time more common and currant in the Countrey then that of Davies greatness of the credit and honour whereunto he was risen and of the small account that was taken of the King This the King taking in heart he did open his grief unto his father who advised him to assure the Nobility at home and to recall those that were banished into England which done he might easily correct the insolency and aspiring pride of that base fellow A parliament being then called to meet at Edinburgh the 12. of March for pronouncing sentence of forfeiture against the Earls of Murray Glencarn Argile Rothes and other Noblemen that were fled into England as the time of meeting drew nigh the Queen laboured earnestly to have the process laid against them found good and that matters might go to her mind she designed Davie to exercise the office of Chancellour in that meeting The Earl of Morton who after Huntlies death had supplied the place unto that time interpreted this as a disgrace offered unto him dealt with the King with whom he was grown familiar to make him sensible of his own contempt and misregard and finding him apprehensive enough that way drew him to a meeting in the Lord Ruthvens lodging upon pretext of visiting the Nobleman who lay then diseased where breaking forth in a speech of the present misgovernment the blame of all was cast upon the King as having for the pleasure of a wicked villain chased his cousins and best friends out of the Realm and helped to raise a base fellow to such a heighth of credit as now himself was become by him despised The King that could not deny it to be his fault in a great part professed his readines to joyn with them for remedying those evils and from thence forth promised to do nothing but by the consent of the Nobility Yet they not esteeming it safe to trust his promises whom they knew to be facile and somewhat uxorious lest afterwards he should go from that agreement did exhibite to him a Bond in writing wherein they were all sworn to joyn for maintaining Religion reducing the Noblemen lately exiled and making Davie out of the way Unto this the King did wittingly set his hand and with him subscribed the Earl of Morton the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay for he also was present and upon the plot The night following because matters could not be long kept close and needfull it was to go presently thorough with the designe by reason of the Parliament approaching they prepared to execute the same Morton whose forces were greatest was appointed to guard the utter Court of the Palace if perhaps any stir should be made For there lodged within the Earls of Huntly Atholl Bothwell Sutherland and Cathnesse with the Lords Flemyn and Levingston a force to have resisted any sudden attempt The King taking the Lord Ruthven with him who was but lately recovered of a Fever and followed by four or five men at most entered into the room where the Queen sate at supper Ruthven seeing Davie at the table for the Queen
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 â—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 aâ— 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 reasâ—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
the power of those whom the Queen and Regent should send in Commission to change diminish or augment the Articles at their pleasures Therefore did he advise the Regent to send a Nobleman with some other well learned and practised in the affairs of the countrey to deal in these matters taking care that the persons he choosed were constant and firm and such as would not be wonne from him nor from the cause This Letter of the date the thirteenth of October 1570. written in so friendly and familiar a manner for therein he named some whom the Regent had lately imployed of whom he willed him to beware gave him to understand that matters were not so farre gone as his adversary did bragge After a few dayes the Earl of Sussex advertised the Regent that the Lords of the other faction had made choice of certain Commissioners to attend the treaty begun betwixt their Queen and the Queen of England desiring that no trouble nor molestation should be made to them and their train in that journey as also to send some speciall persons instructed with Commission from the King and the Nobility of his side to give their best advice for the surety of the King and his dependants if matters should happen to be accorded And if it fell out otherwise to consider what should be the most sure course for continuance of amity betwixt the two Realms the preservation of the young King the reducing of the subjects to his obedience and the defence of the Isle against forain invasions These Commissioners he desired to be sent with expedition for that her Majesty longed to have an end of the business and could not grow to any resolution till she had conferred with them and understood their minds This he did by direction from the Queen his Mistris as he wrote howbeit he himself had thought of some particulars that he held convenient to be thought upon but for the Kings security and theirs if his mother should be set at liberty wherein he prayed him familiarly to shew what was his opinion As first if she should happen to be restored to her Crown and the King to be made to dimit the authority it might be upon condition that in case of her death or the breach of the present agreement he might reenter to the kingdome without any Solemnities to be used Next that a Councell of both parties might be provided to her by the Queen of England for avoyding all sorts of practises Thirdly that the young King should be educated in the Realm of England under the custody of such persons as the Nobility of his party should appoint which would be the greatest sureâ—y for those that depended on him and tie his mother to the performance of the Articles Fourthly that a new Act of Parliament should be made for the establishing of true Religion and oblivion of all injuries committed on either side Fifthly that the Queen should give some principall men of her side Hostages to remain in England for fulfilling the heads of the agreement Lastly he advised the Regent to send with the Commissioners that should be imployed in that errand a writing signed and scaled by all the Noblemen of the Kings party to shâ—w who they were that stood on that side Because besides the credit it would bring to the cause the same would be to good purpose howsoever matters went For if the Treaty should break off it would be seen who would maintain and defend the King Or if otherwise an accord were made it would be known for what persons the Queen of England was to provide a surety Whether these Propositions were made as he gave out of his own head or which would rather appear that he was set on by the Queen of England to try the Regent and Nobilities mind he answered very advisedly and beginning at the last he said That he held his opinion good touching the sealing of a writing by the Nobility of the Kings party whose number would not be found so great as he wished because there were divers Neuters that adhered to no side and many that desired to keep things loose some for impunity of crimes whereof they were suspected and others hoping to better their condition in an unquiet time yet he trusted to obtain the subscriptions of a sufficient number who had sincerely continued in the profession of true Religion and his Majesties obedience and from their hearts abhorred the murtherers of the King his sonne and the late Regent For the other points he said that he could not give his private opinion in matters so important by reason of his oath made at the acceptation of the government to have no dealing in matters of that kind without the knowledge of the Nobility and Councell And touching the Commissioners which the Queen required to be sent there should be diligence used therein how soon they understood of what quality the others were that the Lords of the Queens party did choose Neither should any molestation be made to them in their journy so as their names the number of their train and the way they minded to take were notified For otherwise as he said the King and Estate might receive hurt and some that were culpable of those odious murthers steal away privately in their company Mean while he shewed that till Commissioners might be chosen by the advice of the Noblemen then absent the Councell had appointed the Abbot of Dunfermlin Ambassadour to the Queen of England and given him such instructions as they held needfull for the time by whom she should be more fully advertised of their minds in all matters About the midst of November the Abbot of Dunfermlin then made Secretary went into England He was desired to shew the Queen How it was the expectation of all the good subjects in Scotland that she would never forget the motherly care she had professed to have of the innocent person of their young King nor yet be unmindfull of the Noblemen and others professing his obedience who had studied to maintain peace betwixt the two Realms ever since her Majesties entry to the Crown and that they being required as well by letters from her Lieutenant in the North as by her Ambassadour resident amongst them to direct some speciall persons towards her for communicating such things as they thought requisite for the surely of their King and themselves although they had resolved upon a number sufficient for that Legation yet they deferred to send away till they should understand who were nominated for the Lords of the other party to the end they might equall them in birth and quality That in the mean time lest they should be thought more negligent then became them in matter of such importance they had laid upon him the charge to come and signifie to her Majesty the opinion that was held in Scotland of the Articles framed at Chattesworth which the adversaries gave out to have been craved by her
watchmen were killed and the munition seâ—sed The Lord Fleming who commanded the Castle hearing the tumult fled to the neather Balze so they call the part by which they descend to the river and escaped in a little Boat The souldiers and other servants yielding were spared and freely dimitted Within the Castle were the Archbishop of S. Andrews Monsieur Veras the French man the Lady Fleming Iohn Fleming of Boghall Alexander Levingston sonne to the Lord Levingston and Iohn Hall an English man who were all made prisoners The next morning the Regent came thither for he was lying at Glasgow and using the Lady honourably suffered her to depart with her plate jewels and all that appertained either to her or to her husband Veras was sent to be kept at S. Andrews and permitted afterwards to depart The English man Hall was delivered to the Marshal of Berwick Boghall and the Lord Levingstons son were deteined The Archbishop was sent to Striveling and the first of April publickly hanged on a gibbet erected to that purpose This was the first Bishop that suffered by form of Justice in this Kingdome a man he was of great action wise and not unlearned but in life somewhat dissolute His death especially for the manner of it did greatly incense his friends and disliked of divers who wished a greater respect to have been carried to his age and place But the suspicion of his guiltinesse in the murthers of the King and Regent made him of the common sort lesse regrated It is said that being questioned of the Regents murther he answered That he might have stayed the same and was sorry he did it not But when he was charged with the Kings death he denied the same Yet a Priest called Thomas Robinson that was brought before him affirmed that one Iohn Hamilton commonly called Black Iohn had confessed to him on his death-bed that he was present by his direction at the murther Whereunto he replied That being a Priest he ought not to reveale Confessions and that no mans Confession could make him guilty But for none of those points was he condemned nor the ordinary form of Trial used though he did earnestly request the same Only upon the forfeiture laid against him in Parliament he was put to death and the execution hastened lest the Queen of England should have interceded for his life They who stood for the Queen upon advertisement that the Treatie was dissolved and that she had recalled the Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston did presently take Armes The Laird of Grange to keep the Town of Edinburgh under command did plant in the steeple of S. Giles some souldiers and transport all the Armour and Munition which was kept in the Town-house to the Castle After a few days the Duke of Chattellerault came thither with the Earls of Argile and Huntley the Lords Hereis Boyd and divers others to stay the holding of the Parliament which had been adjourned to the fourteenth of May. At their coming they compelled the Clerks and Keepers of the Register to deliver the books of Councel and Parliament and seised on every thing which they thought might hinder the States to convene The Ministers were commanded in their publick prayers to make mention of the Queen their Soveraign Princesse which they resused Iohn Knox withdrew himself and retired to S. Andrews Alexander Bishop of Galloway preaching in his place The Regent on the other side with the Nobility that adhered to the King came into Leth with a resolution to hold the Parliament whatsoever should follow and because it would be a difficil work to recover the town conclusion was taken to keep the Parliament in that part of the Canon gate which is subject to the townes jurisdiction the Lawyers having resolved that in what part soever of the towne the Estates should convene their meeting would be found lawful Thus on Munday the fourteenth of May which was the Diet appointed the Parliament according to the custome was fenced in a house without the gates yet within the liberties of the town The Saterday preceding the Regent had by advice of the Councel sent some men of warre to possesse that part of the town who were assisted by certain Noblemen voluntiers that joyned in the service And notwithstanding the continual playing of the Ordinance upon that part from the Castle both that day and all the time the Parliament sate not a man a thing most strange of the Regents side was either hurt or killed there were cited to the Parliament young Lethington his brother Mr. Iohn Maitland Prior of Coldingham Gawan Hamilton Abbot of Kilwining with his eldest son and a base son of the late Archbishop of S. Andrews who were all declared culpable of treason Young Lethington because of his foreknowledge and counsel given to King Henry his murther the rest for their rebellion against the King and his Regents As in such a troubled time the Parliament was very frequent for of the Nobility were present the Earls of Morton Marre Glencarn Crawford who some moneths before had forsaken the Queens faction and submitted himself to the King Buchan and Menteith the Lord Keith and Graham as proxies for their Fathers the Earls of Marshal and Montrosse with the Lords Lindesay Ruthven Glamis Zeister Methven Ochiltrie Cathcart two Bishops nine Abbots and Priors with twenty Commissioners of Burghs The forfeiture pronounced the Estates took counsel to dissolve because the danger was great and prorogued the Parliament to the third of August appointing the same to meet at Striveling A new Civil warre did then break up which kept the Realm in trouble the space of two years very nigh and was exherced with great enmity on all sides You should have seen fathers against their sons sons against their fathers brother fighting against brother nigh kinsmen and others allied together as enemies seeking one the destruction of another Every man as his affection led him joyned to the one or other party one professing to be the Kings men another the Queens The very young ones scarce taught to speak had these words in their mouthes and were sometimes observed to divide and have their childish conflicts in that quarrel But the condition of Edinburgh was of all parts of the countrey the most distressed they that were of quiet disposition and greatest substance being forced to forsake their houses which were partly by the souldiers partly by other necessitous people who made their profit of the present calamities rifled and abused The nineteenth day of May the Regent and other Noblemen leaving the Canon gate went to Leth and the next day in the afternoon took their journey towards Striveling where the ordinary Judges of Session were commanded to sit for ministring justice to the Leiges As they were taking horse the forces within Edinburgh issued forth making shew to sight yet still they kept themselves under guard of the Castle The Earl of Morton parting
hold The other concerned an Ambassage which he intended to send into England For the Parliament he said that he longed to see a meeting of the Estates and would have the time to which it was called precisely observed wishing them all to addrâ—sse themselves thereto in time and to come in a peaceable manner as men disposed to do good and seeking the common profit of their countrey And for the place seeing his own presence was necessary and that he could not conveniently remove from Striveling he desired the Parliament to be fenced at Edinburgh at the day appointed and then prorogated some four or five days and brought to Striveling For the Ambassage he gave divers reasons First that having assumed the government in his own hands he was bound in courtesie to visit the Queen of England and give her thanks for the kindnesse he had received of her in his minority Next that the disorder lately fallen out in the borders for about that time some borderers had entred into England and committed great robberies laid a necessity upon him to clear the countrey of that fact and make offer of redresse Thirdly that he had a private business which touched him nearly his Grandmother the Lady Lennox being newly deceased and he being her only heir it concerned him he said to inquire what her last will was and to see that no prejudice was done to him in his succession to the lands she possessed in England Lastly if they did think meet but this he remitted to their wisdomes he shewed that he could like well to have a motion made of a more strict league betwixt the two Realms during the Queens life and his It grieved the ordinary Counsellours much that the place of Parliament should be changed who therefore laboured to disswade the King from it but perceiving him resolved that way they gave their consents though most unwillingly When they came to speak of the Ambassage to England they acknowledged the necessity thereof but took exception at the league pretending the ancient league with France It was replied That the case of things was much altered from that in former times that England and Scotland had now the same enemies because of their common profession so as for their own safety it was needful they should joyn together in strict friendship and that the league with England might be so contracted as the old amity with France should remain inviolate The King further declared that he did not mean to give power to his Ambassadour for concluding a league wherein he would do nothing rashly nor without the advice of the Estates only be desired the same should be moved and upon the report of the Queens liking thereof that the conditions of the league should be well and gravely advised After long reasoning the matter being put unto voices it was by plurality agreed that the same should be made one of the Ambassadours instructions against which the Earls of Argile Montross and Cathnes the Lords Lindesay and Innermaith with the Commendatary of Deir took publick protestation These things bred a new heart-burning amongst the Noblemen for they took Morton to be deviser of all and that he was craftily drawing back the administration of affairs unto himself which albeit they dissembled for the present brake forth after a few days in an open dissension The Citizens of Edinburgh were much offended with the Kings remaining in Striveling and the remove of the Parliament from their town and as it happeneth in such times of discontent rumors were dispersed that the King was detained captive and was shortly to be sent into England and the ancient league with France dissolved This being in the mouthes of all men and talked of not in corners but in open and publick meetings a Proclamation was given out the sixth of Iuly Declaring the falshood of those rumors and that the same were raised by some seditious spirits that could not live quiet under any sort of government for as to the Kings detention it was known to be most false and that it was his own choice to remain at Striveling attended by those whom the Councel by common consent had appointed for the safe custody of his person And for the Parliament which they said was to treat of the dissolution of peace with their old confederates and to make up new leagues with others there was no such matter it being his Majesties only purpose to have such things intreated in that meeting as might tend to the advancement of Gods honour the safety of his Royal person and the establishment of good laws for the quietnesse of the Realm Whereof if any made doubt they might be resolved at their coming to the Parliament which was now approaching Therefore were all good subjects advertised not to believe those seditious reports nor suffer themselves to be led by such wicked suggestions into rebellion This declaration prevailed little with the most part for the mindes of men were much exasperated And the time of Parliament come the Lords that remained at Edinburgh took counsel not to go thither but to send of their number one or two to protest against the lawfulnesse of it The Earl of Montross and Lord Lindesay were chosen to that purpose who coming to Striveling shew the King the Noblemens excuse and declared all they had in Commission to say wishing his Majesty to prorogate the Parliament unto a better time and make choice of a fitter place But he resolved by the counsel of those that were present to go on and coming the next day which was the 16th of Iuly to the great Hall where the Estates were advertised to meet he made a short speech touching the liberty of Parliaments and the necessity he had to keep one at that time and in that place assuring all persons who had any thing to move or propone that they should have free accesse and receive satisfaction according to Justice After the King had closed his speech the Earl of Montross and Lord Lindesay arose and in the name of the Councel and others of the Nobility adhering to them protested against the lawfulnesse of the Parliament in so far as it was kept within the Castle whither they could not safely repair the same being in the enemies power The King offended with the protestation commanded them to keep their lodgings and not to depart forth of Striveling without his licence which the Lord Lindesay obeyed but Montross the next day early in the morning went away and returned to Edinburgh where it was given out that he had brought from the King a secret direction to the Lords to convene the subjects in Arms and liberate him out of Mortons hands Thereupon a Declaration was published bearing that his Majesty having assumed the government in his own person because of the enormities committed in the time of Mortons Regiment had appointed the Councel to remain at Edinburgh for the better ministration of Justice
forces in parts remote from the Realm of Scotland the King upon signification made unto him by the Queen of England should furnish 2000 horsemen and 5000 footmen or a lesser number as it shall please the said Queen to require and should cause them be conducted from the borders of Scotland into any part of the Kingdom of England upon the charges of the said Queen And in case the said Realm of Scotland be invaded in any part remote from the borders of England by any forain force the Queen of England upon requisition made to her by the King should furnish 3000 horsemen and 6000 footmen or a lesser number at the option of the said King and shall cause them to be conducted to any part of the Realm of Scotland upon the Kings charges 6. That in case the invasion should be upon the North parts of the Realm of England within 60 miles of the borders of Scotland the King being required by the Queen should gather all the forces he could make and joyn with the English power for pursuing the said invaders and keep them together for the space of thirty days or so much longer if it be required as the subjects of Scotland are usually accustomed to stay in the fields for the defence of their own Kingdom 7. That upon any invasion or trouble arising in the Realm of Ireland the King upon notice given to him thereof should not only inhibit the repair thither of any of the inhabitants of Argile Isles and places adjacent or any other parts of his dominions but also if it shall happen them or any of them to go into Ireland with a number extraordinary and in hostile manner the King upon signification of the same should denonnce them his Rebels and pursue them as Traitors 8. That neither of their Majesties should hereafter aid supply assist or entertain the Rebels or adversaries of the other nor permit them to reside either privately or publickly in any part of their dominions but upon the first requisition of the Prince to whom they are Rebels they should undelayedly be delivered according to the old leagues and treaties or then expulsed forth of their dominions and redresse made for any injuries they should happen to commit during their abode in the same 9. That all controversies about matters of borders or wrongs committed in the Marches since the time of the Kings accepting the government in his own person and by the space of four years preceding should be friendly determined and satisfied at the sight of Commissioners to be appointed on both sides who should meet at the within six moneths after the date of the presents and decide thereupon 10. That neither of their Majesties should enter into any league or treaty without the consent of the other by letters signed with their hands under their privy signet with any other Prince or State whatsoever to the prejudice of the present Treaty 11. That all former treaties betwixt their Majesties progenitors and both Realms notwithstanding any discontinuance thereof should stand in full force so farre as they should not be found derogatory to the present treaty and that this treaty should not infringe any league made by either of their Majesties or their progenitors with other their friends and confederates in any time by-gone the cause of Religion onely excepted wherein the present league is declared to be offensive and defensive 12. That both their Majesties should confirm the league by their oathes and great Seals which should be interchanged and mutually delivered to others 13. Lastly that the King at his coming to the perfect age of 25. years should cause the present league to be ratified by the States of the Kingdome like as the Queen at the same time should cause it to be confirmed in her Parliament of England These were the Articles of the league concluded at Berwick and signed by Francis Earl Bothwel Robert Lord Boyd and Sir Iames Home of Coldinknowes Commissioners for the King As likewise by Edward Earl of Rutland William Lord Evers and Sir Thomas Randolph Commissioners for the Queen of England It was believed that this amity contracted with such deliberation should have continued firm for besides the publick league the Queen had sent to the King a letter under her own hand wherein she did faithfully promise to suffer nothing to be done that might derogate or prejudge his right and title to the Crown of England And for a further demonstration of her kindnesse had presented him with a gift of annuity answerable to the lands possessed by the Lady Lennox in her time which the King by divers Ambassadours had formerly required as due to him Yet a few moneths after brake out a businesse that put them in worse terms then before and was with no small difficulty pacified the story whereof shall next be related The Queen of Scots being touched in the trial of Babingtons conspiracy as having interchanged divers letters with him a consultation was kept concerning her and what was fittest to be done for they considered that all the conspiracies made against the Queen of England being chiefly intended in hope of the Scottish Queen her succession so long as she lived their Soveraign should never be secured and that therefore the surest course was to put her out of the way But how this should be done the opinions were different The Earl of Leicester advising to dispatch her secretly by poyson Secretary Walsingham did mightily oppose it as that which would draw upon the Queen both danger and dishonour and besides in it self was a thing injust and no better then a cruel murther Wherefore his opinion was that the course of Law should be kept and Commission given for making her process and as the trial should prove for giving sentence and judgement This opinion prevailing certain Noblemen Counsellours and Judges were chosen for the businesse who meeting at the Castle of Fotheringham where the Queen of Scots was kept the eleventh of October and calling her before them did charge her with the said conspiracy and entercourse of letters She refusing to answer and be tried as a subject being her self an absolute Queen they notthelesse went on and finding her guilty pronounced the sentence of death which was shortly thereafter confirmed by the Estates of Parliament and a supplication therewith delivered to the Queen for putting their decree in execution How soon the King was advertised hereof he sent William Keith Gentleman of his chamber to the Queen with a letter to this effect That howbeit it seemed strange to him that the Nobility and Counsellors of England should take upon them to give sentence upon a Queen of Scotland and one descended of the Royal blood of England yet he would think it much more strange if she should stain her hands with the blood of his mother who was of the same Royal condition with her self and of the same sexe which as he could not believe would enter
bear forth the honour of his Estate and not burthen his subjects with taxations for his support This was the publick pretext and the King made to believe that the reservation of the Prelates houses and precincts with the tithes of the Churches annexed to their benefices would suffice to maintain their dignity and estate But privately to such of the ministery as sought the subversion of Episcopal government it was whispered That this was the only way to undoe the Prelacy for there being no livings to maintain them as in this case there would be little or nothing remaining most of the Bishopricks being founded on temporal lands and having but Churches annexed none would be found to accept those places which also proved true Hopes besides were given to those Ministers that they should have the tithes to use and dispone at their pleasure yet was it not long ere the King did find himself abused the temporalities formerly disponed which were not a few being all in the same Parliament confirmed and those that remained in a short time begged from him and given away to the followers of Court so as nothing was left to benefit or reward any well deserving servant When as he saw this and that the spiritual Estate was by this mean utterly decayed the Priors and Abbots being all turned temporal Lords he did sore forthink the passing of the Act calling it a vile and pernicious Act and recommending to the Prince his son the annulling thereof The Ministers that lookt for restoring the tithes perceiving themselves likewise deluded began also to exclaim and condemn the course howbeit somewhat too late In the same Parliament an Act was made in favour of the small Barons giving them by their Commissioners a voice in Parliament and Conventions with the others Estates The Earl of Crawford did strongly oppose and in name of the Nobility protested against their receiving That which the King intended by this was to free the Barons of their dependence upon Noblemen and have the Estates more particularly informed at their meeting of the abuses in the countrey But so farre was he from obtaining these ends as to the contrary they did work him great businesse in all the ensuing Parliaments Soon after the Estates dissolved the Lord Hunsdon Governour of Berwick sent to intreat presence of the King who yeilded the more willingly because he of all the Nobility of England had medled least in the proceedings against his Mother The Nobleman proposing the same reasons in effect which Walsingham had used in his letter to the Chancellour and laying before the King the danger wherein he might bring the title and right of succession which otherwise was undoubted if he should enter into open warre with England did earnestly beseech him seeing that which was done could not be undone to give place unto necessity promising because it was still beaten into the Kings ears that the execution of his Mother did barre his succession to bring unto him a Declaration under the hands of all the Judges of England that the sentence given against his Mother was no hurt to his right nor could work any prejudice to his succession This conference did break the King very much from his resolution yet the outcries of the countrey were great and their desires so vehement for revenge that he parted with Hunsdon in doubtful terms But when the Declaration of the Judges which he had promised was brought unto him and therewith the sentence given against Davison in the Starre Chamber whereby it appeared that the execution was done without the Queens knowledge he became more appeased and suffered Proclamations to go out inhibiting all that dwelt in the Borders to make incursions upon England as they were begun to do About the same time did Patrick Vaus of Barnbarrough and Mr. Peter Young his Majesties Elemosynar who had bin sent unto Denmark to treat of the marriage return making report of their agreement whereupon conclusion was taken that in the opening of the spring a Nobleman should be directed to accomplish the ceremonies and bring home the young Queen But the death of King Frederick her Father who departed this life in the moneth of April next with other occasions that intervened made the businesse to be delayed certain moneths In the end of the year there came from beyond Sea divers Jesuits and Priests to deal with the Catholick Noblemen for assisting the Spanish Armada which was then preparing to invade England if possibly they should take land in Scotland for their hope was to find the King favourable because of the Queens proceedings against his Mother and that he should joyn his forces with the Spanish for revenge of that wrong But he considering his own danger if strangers should set foot in the Isle and not trusting that the Spaniard would take the pains to conquer for him the Crown of England for that also was proffered refused to give ear unto such motions Mr. Iames Gordon Jesuit and Uncle to the Earl of Huntley had been all the summer before in the countrey and was overseen because of his Nephew whom the King intended to match with the Duke of Lennox his eldest sister neither was he much feared as being a simple man and not deeply learned Mr. Edmond Hay brother to Peter Hay of Megnish a Jesuit also but of greater account and more politick and wise did thereafter arrive pretending that he came to take his farewel of his friends and after him came divers others which made the King give out a Proclamation against the resetters and for apprehending their persons In this Proclamation besides Mr. Iames Gordon and the said Mr. Edmond Hay I find named Mr. Gilbert Brown Abbot of Newbottle Mr. Iohn Drury son natural to George Drury sometimes Abbot of Dunfermling Mr. Alexander Mackwhirry Mr. Iames Cheyn Mr. Alexander Meldrum Mr. William Crichton Mr. Iames Seaton and Mr. Iohn Morton most of these upon their supplications and sureties given to depart in the first ships obtained a protection unto the last of Ianuary which did so offend the Ministers as they did call a number of Noblemen Barons and Commissioners of Burghs to meet at Edinburgh the sixth of February for advising upon some remedy against the present dangers The meeting was frequent and Mr. Robert Bruce by the suffrages of all chosen to preside He had preached ordinarily at Edinburgh a year or somewhat more and was in great respect with all sorts of people but had not entered as yet unto the ministerial function Certain assessors chosen according to the custome the first thing proposed was touching the dangers threatened to Religion and the readiest means for quenching the fire of Papistry kindled through the whole countrey which they were all greatly exhorted to take to heart and to consider what course was best to obviate these dangers And to the end things might be done advisedly the Noblemen were advised to
will answer that it is not their purpose presently and out of hand to enforce obedience but by fatherly admonitions and conferences to induce such as are disaffected But if any be of an opposite and turbulent spirit I will have them inforced to a conformity Neither tell me that the wearing of a surplice or using the Crosse in Baptism will diminish the credit of Ministers that have formerly dissallowed the same for that is just the Scotish Argument when any thing was concluded that sorted not with their humour the only reason why they would not obey was that it stood not with their credit to yield having been so long of a contrary opinion I will none of that but that a time be limited by the Bishops of every Diocese to such and they that will not yield whatsoever they are let them be removed for we must not preferre the credit of a few private men to the generall peace of the Church Throughout all this conference in every point that was moved or came to be talked of the King did shew such knowledge and readiness as bred not a small admiration in the hearers Chancellour Egerton wondering to see him so expedite and perfect in all sort of Divinity said That he had often heard and read that Rex est mixta persona cum Sacerdote but that he saw never the truth of it untill that day Let me adde that which I was afterward told by Richard Bancroft Archbishop of Canterbury for Whitgift died the next moneth after the conference one of the great glories of the English Church that when the Rolles were brought in of those that stood out and were deposed which was some years after they were found to be fourty nine in all England when as the Ministers of that Kingdome are reckoned nine thousand and above such a noise will a few disturbers cause in any society where they are tolerated In the March thereafter a Parliament was kept in England where the King after he had given thanks to the State for the generall applause they shewed in receiving him to the place which God by birthright and lineall descent had provided for him did earnestly move the union of the two Kingdomes that as they were made one in the head so among themselves they might be inseparably conjoyned and all memory of by-past divisions extinguished A motion that took well at first and seemed to be generally desired of both Nations but did not succeed as was wished The Parliament alwaies at his Majesties desire and for a demonstration of their obedience did nominate Thomas Ellesmore Lord Chancellor of England Thomas Earl of Dorset Thesaurer Charles Earl of Nottingham Lord high Admirall Henry Earl of Southampton William Earl of Pembroke Henry Earl of Northampton Richard Bishop of London Toby Bishop of Durham Anthony Bishop of St Davids Robert Lord Cecill principall Secretary to his Majesty Edward Lord Souch Lord President of Wales William Lord Monteagle Ralph Lord Eure Edmond Lord Sheffeild Lord President of the Councell of the North Lords of the higher House And Thomas Lord Clinton Robert Lord Buckhurst Sir Francis Hastings knight Sir Iohn Stanhop knight Vice-chamberlain to the Kings Majesty Sir George Carew knight Vice-chamberlain to the Queens Majesty Sir Iohn Herbert knight second Secretary to his Majesty Sir Thomas Strickland knight Sir Edward Stafford knight Sir Henry Nevill of Barkshire knight Sir Richard Buckly knight Sir Henry Billingsly knight Sir Daniell Dunne knight Dean of the Arches Sir Edward Hobby knight Sir Iohn Savile knight Sir Robert Wroth knight Sir Thomas Challoner knight Sir Robert Mansell knight Sir Thomas Ridgway knight Sir Thomas Holcraft knight Sir Thomas Hasketh knight his Majesties Attorney of the Court of Wards and Liveries Sir Francis Bacon knight Sir Lawrence Cawfield knight Serjeant at Law Sir Henry Hubbard knight Serjeant at Law Sir Iohn Bennet knight Doctor of the Lawes Sir Henry VVitherington Sir Ralph Grey and Sir Thomas Lake knights Robert Ashwith Thomas Iames and Henry Chapman Merchants Knights and Burgesses of the house of Commons Giving them or any eight or more of the said Lords of the higher house and any twenty of the said Knights and Burgesses of the said house of Commons full power liberty and Commission to assemble and meet at any time or times before the next Session of Parliament â—or treating and consulting with certain selected Commissioners to be nominated and authorized by authority of the Parliament of the realm of Scotland of and concerning such an union of the said realms of England and Scotland and of and concerning such other matters causes and things whatsoever as upon mature deliberation and consideration the greatest part of the said Lords Knights Citizens and Burgesses being assembled with the Commissioners to be nominated by the Parliament of Scotland shall in their wisdome think and deem convenient and necessary for the honour of his Majesty and the weal and commmon good of both the said realms during his Majesties life and under all his progenie and royall posterity for ever which Commissioners of both the said realms shall according to the tenor of their said Commissions reduce their doings and proceedings into writings or instruments tripartite every part to be subscribed and sealed by them to the end that one part thereof may in all humility be presented to his most excellent Majesty the second part to be offered to the consideration of the next Session of Parliament for the realm of England and the third to be offered to the consideration of the next Parliament for the realm of Scotland that thereupon such further proceeding may be had as by both the said Parliaments may be thought fit and necessary for the weal and common good of both the said realms A Parliament in Scotland for the same purpose was indicted to the tenth of Aprill and thereafter prorogated to the eleventh of Iuly at which time the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assembled by virtue of his Majesties Commission did ordain the persons following they are to say Iohn Earl of Montrosse Chancellor of Scotland Francis Earl of Arroll high Constable of Scotland Iames Earl of Glencarn Alexander Earl of Linlithgow Iohn Archbishop of Glasgow David Bishop of Rosse George Bishop of Cathnes Walter Prior of Blantire Patrick Lord Glammis Alexander Lord Elphingston Alexander Lord Fyvie President of the Session of Scotland Robert Lord Roxbrugh Iames Lord Abircorn Iames Lord Balmerinoth Principall Secretary of Scotland David Lord of Scone Sir Iames Scrimgeour of Dudop knight Sir Iohn Cockburn of Ormston knight Sir Iohn Hume of Couldenknowes knight Sir David Carnegie of Kinnard knight Sir Robert Melvill elder of Murdocarmie knight Sir Thomas Hamilton of Binnie knight Sir Iohn Lermouth of Balcony knight Sir Alexander Straton of Lawriston knight Sir Iohn Sheen of Curry-hill knight Mr. Iohn Sharp of Howston Lawyer Mr. Thomas Craig Lawyer Henry Nisbit George Bruce Alexander Rutherford and Mr. Alexander
Wedderburne Merchants or any twelve of them to assemble and convene themselves after the ending of the present Session of Parliament and before the next Session thereof at such time and in such place as it should please his Majesties to appoint with certain selected Commissioners nominated and authorized by the Parliament of England according to the tenour of their Commissions in that behalf to conferre treat and consult upon a perfect union of the realms of Scotland and England and concerning such other matters things and causes whatsoever tending to his Majesties honor and contentment and to the weal and tranquillity of both the Kingdomes during his Majesties life and his royall posterity for ever as upon mature deliberation the greater part of the said Commissioners assembled as is aforesaid with the Commissioners authorized by the Parliament of England shall in their wisdome think most expedient and necessary not derogating from any fundamentall Lawes ancient priviledges and rights offices dignities and liberties of the Kingdome This last clause was added because of the narrative of the English Act wherein it was said That it was not his Majesties mind to alter or innovate the fundamentall lawes priviledges and good customes of the Kingdome of England by the abolishing or alteration whereof it was impossible but that a present confusion should fall upon the whole state and frame of that Kingdome In all other things the Statute in substance was the same with the English Soon after this the King resolving to have Westminster at London the place of the meeting letters were directed to the Noblemen and others nominated for Scotland willing them to addresse themselves to the journey and to be ready to meet with the other Commissioners the 20 of October and lest any disorder should fall out in the absence of the Chancellor and others of the Councell the Lord Newbottle was appointed to attend and reside in Councell unto their return The day and place of meeting was precisely observed by the Commissioners of both Kingdomes who after many dayes conferences agreed unto certain Articles to be presented to his Majesty and to the Courts of Parliament of both Kingdomes there to receive such strength and approbation as in their wisdomes should seem expedient the Articles were as followeth It is agreed by the Commissioners of England and Scotland to be mutually proponed to the Parliament of both realms at the next Sessions That all hostile lawes made and conceived expressely either by England against Scotland or Scotland against England shall in the next Sessions be abrogated and utterly extinguished It is also agreed that all Lawes Customes and Treaties of the Borders betwixt England and Scotland shall be declared by a generall Act to be abrogated and abolished and that the subjects on either part shall be governed by the Lawes and statutes of the Kingdomes where they dwell and the name of the Borders extinguished And because by abolishing the Border Lawes and Customes it may be doubted that the executions shall cease upon those sentences that have heretofore been given by the opposite Officers of those Borders upon wrongs committed before the death of the late Queen of happy memory It is thought fit that in case the Commissioners or Officers to be appointed by his Majesty before the time of the next Sessions of Parliament shall not procure sufficient redresse of such filed Bills and Sentences that then the said Parliaments may be moved to take such order as to their wisdomes shall seem convenient for satisfaction of that which hath been decerned by some Officers as also how disorders and insolencies may be hereafter repressed and the countrey which was lately of the Borders kept in peace and quietnesse in time to come As likewise to prescribe some order how the pursuits of former wrongs preceding the death of the late Queen and since the last treatise of the Borders in the years 1596 and 1597. which have never as yet been moved may be continued and prosecuted to a definitive sentence And forasmuch as the next degree to the abolition of all memory of hostility is the participation of mutuall commodities and commerce It is agreed first concerning importation of Merchandise into either realm from forein parts that whereas certain commodities are wholly prohibited by the severall lawes of both realms to be brought into either of them by the natives themselves or by any other the said prohibitions shall now be made mutuall to both and neither an English man bring into Scotland nor a Scotch man into England any of these prohibited Wares and Commodities Neverthelesse if the said Commodities be made in Scotland it shall be lawfull to bring them out of Scotland to England and so reciprocally of the Commodities made in England and carried to Scotland Whereas a doubt hath been conceived against the equall communication of trade betwixt English and Scottish subjects in matter of importation grounded upon some inequality of priviledges which the Scots are reported to have in forain parts and namely in France above the English whereby the English might be prejudged And that after a very deliberate consideration had of the said supposed inequalities both private and publick examination of divers Merchants of either side touching all liberties immunities priviledges imposts and paiments on the part of the English and on the part of the Scottish either at Burdeaux for their trade of wines or in Normandy or any other part of France for other Commodities it appeared that in the Trade of Burdeaux there was and is so little difference in any advantage of priviledges or immunities or in the imposts and paiments all being reckoned and well weighed on either side as it could not justly hinder the communication of trade In the trade of Normandy likewise or any other parts of France the advantage that the Scottish subjects by their priviledge is acknowledged to have is such as without much difficulty may be reconciled and reduced to an equality with the English by such means as is hereafter declared It is agreed that the Scottish men shall be free for the transporting of wine from Burdeaux into England paying the same customes and duties that the English men doe pay and the English men shall be likewise free for transporting of wine or other commodities from Burdeaux into Scotland paying the same Customes and duties that the Scottish men doe pay there And likewise for clearing and resolving the doubts touching the advantage that the Scots are supposed to have above the English in buying and transporting the commodities of Normandy and of other parts of the Kingdome of France excepting the buying of wine in Burdeaux which is already determined It is agreed that there shall be sent some meet and discreet persons into France two for either side to take perfect notice of any such advantage as either the English have above the Scots or the Scots above the English in the buying or
transporting of any Commodities of Normandy or any parts of France excepting the wine of Burdeaux and as the said persons shall finde the advantage to be so for making the trade equall the custome shall be advanced to the King in England and Scotland And for the part of those that have the advantage and according to the proportion of the said advantage the advancement of the custome to continue no longer then the priviledge having such advantage shall continue and that generally for all other Trade from any parts the English and Scottish subjects each in others Countrey shall have liberty of importation as freely as any of the native subjects themselves having speciall Priviledge Next concerning exportation It is agreed that all such goods as are prohibited and forbidden to English men themselves to be transported forth of England to any forein part the same shall be unlawfull for any Scottish men or any other to transport to any forein Nation beyond sea under the same penalties and forfeitures that the English are subject unto and reciprocally that forth of Scotland no English men shall transport to any forein part the Goods or Commodities that are prohibited in Scotland to Scottish men themselves Nevertheless such Goods and Commodities and Merchandises as are licensed to English men to transport out of England to any forein part the same may be likewise transported by Scottish men thither they certifying their going into forein parts and taking a Cocquet accordingly and paying the ordinary Custome that English men doe pay themselves at the exporting of such Wares The like liberty to be for English men in Scotland As for the Native Commodities which either of the Countreys doe yield and may serve for the use and benefit of the other It is agreed that mutually there may be transported forth of England to Scotland and forth of Scotland to England all such Wares as are either of the growth or handy-work of either of the said realmes without payment of any impost custome or exaction and as freely in all respects as any Wares may be transported either in England from part to part or in Scotland from part to part excepting such particular sorts of Goods and Merchandises as are hereafter mentioned being restrained for the proper and inward use of each Countrey And for that purpose it is declared That both this communication of benefit and participation of the Native Commodities of the one Countrey with the other there shall be specially reserved and excepted the sorts hereafter specified That is to say Wool Sheep Sheepfell Cattell Leather Hides and Linnen yarn which are specially restrained withâ—â— each Countrey not to be transported from the one to the other Excepting also and reserving to the Scottish men their trade of fishing within their Loches Forthes and Bayes within land and in the Seas within fourteen miles of the Coasts of the Realm of Scotland where neither English men nor any Strangers have used to fish And so reciprocally in the point of fishing on the behalf of England All which exceptions and restrictions are not to be understood or mentioned in any sort for a mark or note of separation or disunion but only as matters of policy and conveniency for the severall estate of each Countrey Furthermore it is agreed that all forein Wares to be transported forth of Scotland to England or out of England to Scotland by any of the Kings subjects of either Kingdomes having at their first entry once paid custome in either of the Kingdomes shall not pay outward custome therein afterwards save only inward custome at that Port whereunto they shall be transported But the owner of the Goods or the Factor or Master of the ship shall give bond not to transport the same into any forein part It is also agreed that Scottish men shall not be debarred from being associates unto any English company of Merchants as Merchant-venturers or others upon such conditions as any English man may be admited and so reciprocally for English men in Scotland It is nevertheless agreed by mutuall consent and so to be understood that the mutuall libertie aforesaid of Exportation and Trade in each part from the one to the other shall serve for the inward use only of either Realm and order taken for restraining and prohibiting the transportation of the said Commodities into forein parts and for due punishment of those that shall transgresse in that behalf And for the better assurance and caution herein It is agreed that every Merchant so offending shall forfeit his Goods The Ships wherein the said Goods shall be transported Consiscated The Customers Searchers and other Officers of the Custome whatsoever in case of consent or knowledge on their part to lose their Offices and Goods and their bodies to be imprisoned at his Majesties pleasure Of which escheats and forfeitures two parts shall appertain to his Majesty if the Customs be unfarmed and the third to the Informer and if the Customes be farmed one third of the forfeiture shall belong to his Majesty a third to the farmers of the Customes and the other third to the Informer The triall of the offence to be summar in either Countrey in the Exchequer Chamber by writ sufficient witnesses or oath of partie or before the Justice by Jury or Affise and his Majesties Officers in either Countrey to convene with the Complainers that interest in the pursuit As also for the more surety that there shall be no transportation of such Goods It is agreed that at the shipping of all such Native Commodities there be taken by the Customer of the Port where the Goods or Wares are imbarked a Bond or Obligation subscribed by the Owner of the said Goods and Master of the Ship by the Owner if he be present and in case of his absence by the Master of the Ship and Factor or party that ladeth the same which Bond shall contain a summe of money answerable to the value of the Goods with condition of relieving the party obliged and discharging him of the said Bond in case return be made of a due certificate to the Custome where the Goods were laden from any part within England or Scotland The Certificate to be subscribed and sealed by the Officers of the Customes of the part where the said Goods shall arrive and be unladened or if there be no such Officers there by the Chief Magistrate and Town Clerk of that Harbour or Town under their hand and Seal It is further agreed touching the indifferent fraighting of Comodities either in English or Scotish bottomes that English men and Scotish men fraight and laden their goods each in others Shâ—ps and bottoms indifferently paying only English Scotish custome notwithstanding any contrary laws or prohibitions And that a proposition be made to the Parliament of England for establiâ—ing some good orders for upholding and maintaining the great fishing of England as likewise that a proposition be made
to the Parliament of Scotland for the making of their shipping more proportionable in burthen to the shipping of England the better to serve for equality of trade and a common defence for the whole Isle And because it is requisite that the mutuall communication aforesaid be not only extended to matter of commerce but to all other benefits and priviledges of naturall born subjects it is agreed that an Act be proponed to be passed in manner following That all the subjects of both realms born since the decease of the late Queen and that shall be born hereafter under the obedience of his Majesty and of his Royall Progeny are by the Common laws of both realms and shall be for ever enabled to obtain succeed inherite and possess all goods lands and cattels honours dignities offices liberties priviledges and benefices Ecclesiasticall or Civill in Parliament and all other places of the kingdomes every one of the same in all respects and without any exception whatsoever as fully and amply as the subjects of either realm respectively might have done or may do in any sort within the kingdom where they are born Further whereas his Majesty out of his great judgement and providence hath not onely professed in publick and private speech to the Nobility and Councell of both but hath also vouchsafed to be contented that for a more full satisfaction and comfort of all his loving subjects it may be comprised in the said Act that his Majesty meaneth not to confer any office of the Crown any office of Judicature place voice or office in Parlâ—ament of either kingdome upon the subjects of the other born before the decease of the late Queen untill time and conversation have encreased accomplished an union of the said kingdomes as well in the hearts of all the people and in the conformity of laws and policies in these kingdoms as in the knowledge and sufficiency of particular men who being untimely imployed in such authorities could no way be able much less acceptable to discharge such duties belonging to them It is therefore resolved by us the Commissioners aforesaid not onely in regard of our desires and endevours to further the speedy conclusion of this happy work intended but also as a testimony of our love and thankfulness for his gracious promise on whose sincerity and benignity we build our full assurance even according to the inward sense and feeling of our own loyall and hearty affections to obey and please him in all things worthy the subjects of so worthy a Soveraign that it shall be desired of both the Parliaments to be enacted by their authority that all the subjects of both realmes born before the decease of the late Queen may be enabled and capable to acquire purchase inherit succeed use and dispose of all lands goods inheritances offices honours dignities liberties priviledges immunities benefices and preferments whatsoever each subject in either kingdome with the same freedome and as lawfully and peaceably as the very naturall and born subjects of either realm where the said rights estates or profits are established notwithstanding whatsoever law statute or former constitutions heretofore in force to the contrary other â—en to acquire possess succeed or inherit any office of the Crown office of Judicatory or any voice place or office in Parliament all which shall remain free from being claimed held or enjoyed by the subjects with the one kingdome within the other born before the decease of the late Queen notwithstanding any words sense or interception of the Act or any circumstance thereupon depending until there be such a perfect and full accomplishment of the union as is desired mutually by both the realms In all which points of reservation either in recitall of the words of his Majesties sacred promise or in any clause or sentence before specified from enabling them to any of the aforesaid places or dignities it hath been and ever shall be so far from the thoughts of any of us to presume to alter or impair his Majesties Prerogative royall who contrarywise do all with comfort and confidence depend herein upon the gracious assurance which his Majesty is pleased to give in the declaration of his so just and Princely care and favour to all his people as for a further laying open of our clear and dutifull intentions towards his Majesty in this and in all things else which may concern his prerogative we do also herein profess and declare that we think it fit there be inserted in the Act to be proponed and passed in express terms a sufficient reservation of his Majesties Prerogative royall to denizate enable and preferre to such offices honours dignities and benefices whatsoever in both the said kingdomes and either of them as are heretofore excepted in the preceding reservation of all English and Scottish subjects born before the decease of the late Queen as freely soveraignly and absolutely as any of his Majesties most noble progenitors or predecessors Kings of England or Scotland might have done at any time heretofore and to all other intents and purposes in as ample manner as no such Act had ever been thought of or mentioned And for as much as the severall jurisdictions and administrations of either realm may be abused by malefactors by their own impunity if they shall commit any offence in the one realm and afterwards remove their person and aboad unto the other It is agreed that there may be some fit course advised of by the wisdomes of the Parliaments for tryall and proceeding against the persons of offenders remaining in the one realm for and concerning the crimes and faults committed in the other realm And yet nevertheless that it may be lawfull for the Justice of the realm where the fact is committed to remand the offendor remaining in the other realm to be answerable unto justice in the same realm where the fact was committed and that upon such remand made the offender shall be accordingly delivered and all further proceeding if any be in the other realm shall cease so as it may be done without prejudice to his Majesty or other Lords in their Escheats and forfeitures with provision nevertheless that this be not thought necessary to be made for all criminall offences but in speciall cases onely as namely in the cases of wilfull murther falsifying of moneys and forging of Deeds Instruments and writings and such other like cases as upon further advice in the said Parliaments may be thought fit to be added These were the Articles agreed upon which written in their severall scrolls of Parchment were subscribed and sealed at Westminster the sixth of December by the Commissioners of both Parliaments and one thereof presented the same evening to his Majesty by the Earl of Salisbury who in name of the whole number there present having shewed what pains they had taken in that business and how after many conferences they were grown to the resolution contained in that scroll
of the Church The Synod being cited before the Councell for this presumption was discharged to meet thereafter and the Presbyteries within the bounds commanded under pain of Rebellion to accept their Moderators In Fife the resistance was no lesse for the Synod being continued twice first from April to Iune then from Iune to September meeting at that time in Dysert and pressed by the Lords Lindesay Scone and Halirudhouse Commissioners from the Councell to accept the Archbishop of S. Andrews for their Moderator did obstinately refuse and dissolved without doing any thing hereupon was that Synod likewise discharged and all the Burghs inhibited to receive them if perhaps they should reassemble after the Commissioners were gone The Presbyteries of Mers were also very troublesome and the Councell so vexed with complaints of that kinde as not a day passed without some one or other But all this opposition proved vain and they in end forced to obey did finde by experience this setled course much better then their circular elections A Commission came in this mean time for planting some learned and worthy person in the place of Mr. Andrew Melvill at S. Andrews The Commission was directed to the Archbishop of Saint Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld Rosse and Birchen the Lord Balmerinoch the Advocate the Laird of Balcomy and Commissar of S. Andrews who meeting in the new Colledge the 16 of Iune after the reading of his Majesties Letter whereby it was declared That the said Mr. Andrew being judged by the Councel of England to have trespassed in the highest sort against his Majesty and for the same committed to the Tower till he should receive his just punishment was no more to return to that charge they according to the power given them did proceed and make choice of Mr. Robert Howy to be Provost of the said Colledge ordaining him to be invested in the said office with all the immunities and priviledges accustomed which was accordingly performed in the Iuly thereafter and he entred to his Charge the 27 of that moneth It remained that some course should be taken with the Ministers that were stayed at London as it was once purposed were to be provided with some Livings in England but that Church not liking to entertain such guests they were all permitted to return home upon their promise to live obedient and peaceable M. Iames Melvill was only retained who lived a while confined at Newcastle was after some months licensed to come to Berwick where he deceased A man of good learning sober and modest but so addicted to the courses of Mr. Andrew Melvill his Uncle as by following him he lost the Kings favour which once he enjoyed in a good measure and so made himself and his labours unprofitable to the Church Now let us see what happened in the Kingdome during this time The King was ever seriously commending to the Councell the removing of the barbarous fewds wherewith he had been so greatly troubled divers whereof by their travells were this year agreed yet new occasions daily arising they were kept in a continuall business David Lindesay younger of Edyell seeking to revenge the slaughter of his Uncle Mr. Walter Lindesay whom David Master of Crawford had killed as he lay in wait of the said Master who was then by the decease of his Father succeeded in the Earldome through a pitifull mistake did invade Alexander Lord Spynie and killed him in stead of the other The Noblemans death was much regrated for the many good parts he had and the hopes his friends conceived that he should have raised again that noble and antient house of Crawford to the former splendor and dignity all which perished with him he that was in place and escaped the perill being a base unworthy prodigall and the undoer of all that by the virtue of his Ancestors had been long kept together Another business no lesse troublesome did also then happen betwixt the Earl of Morton and the Lord Maxwell for holding of Courts in Eskdale unto which both did pretend right The preparation on both sides was great and like to have caused much unquietness if the same had not been carefully prevented both parties being charged by the Councell to dissolve their forces and not to come towards the bounds the Earl of Morton obeyed Maxwell contemning the charge went on and by a cartell did appeal Morton to the combate whereupon he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh and after some two moneths stay made an escape No sooner found he himself at liberty then he fell a plotting the Laird of Iohnstons murther which he wrought in a most treacherous manner he pretending to use his friendship in obtaining his Majesties pardon employed Sir Robert Maxwell of Orchardtowne whose Sister Iohnston had married to draw on a meeting betwixt them as he did at a little hill called Achmanhill they did bring each of them one servant only as was agreed the said Sir Robert being present as a friend to both At meeting after they had courteously saluted one another and conferred a little space very friendly the two servants going aside the one called Charles Maxwell a Brother of Kirkhouse the other William Iohnston of Lockerby Charles falleth in quarrelling the other shooteth a pistoll at him the Laird of Iohnston making to part them the Lord Maxwell shooteth him in the back with two bullets whereupon he falleth and for a while keeping off the Lord Maxwell who made to strike him with his sword expired in the place it was the 6th of April in the year 1608 that this happened The fact was detested by all honest men and the Gentlemans misfortune sore lamented for he was a man full of wisdome and courage and every way well inclined and to have been by his too much confidence in this sort treacherously cut off was a thing most pitifull Maxwell ashamed of that he had done forsook the Countrey and had his estate forfeited some years after stealing quietly into the Kingdome he was apprehended in the Countrey of Cathnes and beheaded at Edinburgh the 21 of May 1613. The purpose of civilizing the Isles was this year again renewed and a long Treaty kept with the Marquis of Huntley thereupon but he breaking off by reason of the small duty he did offer for the North Isles the Earl of Argile was made Lieutenant thereof for the space of six moneths in which time it was hoped that some good should be wrought and the people reduced to good manners yet nothing was done to any purpose the great men of those parts studying only the increase of their own grandeur and striving whose command should be greatest In the Parliament of England that held in November preceding the matter of union received many crossings and of all the Articles condescended among the Commissioners only that was enacted which concerneth the abolishing of hostile laws The King grieved at this exceedingly and conceiving that the
work should more easily be effected if a beginning was made in Scotland did call a Parliament in August which was kept by Lodowick Duke of Lennox as Commissioner for his Majesty the Earl of Montrose being then deceased The Estates to satisfie the Kings desire did allow all the Articles concluded in the Treaty with a provision That the same should be in like manner ratified by the Parliament of England otherwise the conclusions taken should not have the strength of a law It was also declared that if the union should happen to take effect the Kingdome notwithstanding should remain an absolute and free Monarchy and the fundamentall laws receive no alteration But the Parliament of England either disliking the union as fearing some prejudice by it to their Estate or upon some other hidden cause did touch no more the business and so that good work tending to the advantage of both Kingdomes was left and quite deserted In the Church a new trouble was moved by the revolt that Huntley and the two Earls of Angus and Arroll made divers especially in the North parts falling away by their example This being represented to the King he gave order for calling an Assembly which convened at Linlithgow in the end of Iuly Therein the Earls of Dunbar Winton and Lothian sate Commissioners for the King The Bishop of Orkney elected to preside having shewed the occasion of the present meeting to be the growth and increase of Papists in all the quarters of the Kingdome it was thought meet to take up the names of those that made open profession of Popery and likewise of those that were suspected to favour the course that their number and forces being known the remedies might be the better advised and provided The number was found to very great chiefly in the North and the Marquis of Huntley delated by all as the only cause of the defection in those bounds he being cited to appear before the Assembly under the pain of excommunication and neither compeiring nor sending any excuse was ordained to be excommunicated and the sentence accordingly pronounced in the hearing of the whole Assembly This was appointed to be intimated in all the Churches and no absolution given upon whatsoever offers in regard of his manifold apostasies without the advice of the general Church The like course was concluded to be kept with Angus Arroll and the Lord Semple how soon the processes intended against them were brought to an end This done the Assembly began to rip up the causes of the defection more narrowly which they found to proceed from the Ministers in a part their negligence in teaching and catechising of people the too suddain admission of young men into the Ministery and the distraction of mindes among those that are admitted for remedy whereof it was ordained as followeth First that they should apply themselves to the exercise of their function with greater diligence then they were accustomed and take a speciall care of young children to see them instructed in the Belief the Lords prayer and ten Commandements whereof they should examine every childe at the age of six years and yearly enquire of their profiting and increase in knowledge 2 That some longer time should be prescrived for the admission of men to the Ministery and the exceptions contained in the Act of the age of Ministers to be admitted reserved to the cognition of the Generall Assembly 3 That they use a greater diligence in the processing of Papists and that none out of corrupt favour should grant them any oversight under the pain of deposition 4 That all who carried office in the Church should be carefull to eschew offences and endevour to keep love and peace among themselves 5 And for the present distractions in the Church seeing the same did arise partly from a diversity of opinions touching the externall government of the Church and partly from divided affections the last of these two being the most dangerous as not suffering the brethren to unite themselves against the common enemy they were all in the fear of God exhorted to lay down whatsoever grudge or rancour they had conceived and to be reconciled in heart and affection one to another Which all that were present did faithfully promise by the holding up their hands But the fault not being in the Ministers alone and seen to proceed from other causes also as from the oversight of Jesuits and Priests and their entertainment in the Countrey the preferment of men to publick offices that were suspected in Religion the favour shewed to Papists by them in places of chief authority Masie Priests admitted without his Majesties warrant and no security taken for their not returning Licences granted to Noblemens sons for going abroad and their education trusted to men of contrary profession advocation to the Councell of matters properly belonging to the Ecclesiasticall Judicatories and the lack of Preachers in many parts of the land It was concluded that certain Petitions should be formed and presented to his Majesty by some selected Commissioners for remedying these evils which were formed in this manner First that an humble supplication should be made by the whole Assembly intreating his Majesty not to permit any Papist or suspected of Popery to bear charge in Councell Session or in any Burgh or City and where his Majesty did know any such to occupie these places humbly to crave that order might be taken for their removing 2 That the laws made against Papists should receive execution and no favour be granted unto them by the Officers of State with a prohibition to the Councell to meddle in affairs Ecclesiasticall or to discharge the processes led by Ministers against Papists and others contemners of Church discipline 3 That Papists abjuring their Religion in hope of preferment to Offices of State should not be admitted thereto till they had given five years probation at least 4 That the sons of Noblemen professing Popery should be committed to the custody of such of their friends as are sound in Religion 5 That a Commission should be granted to every Bishop within his Dioces and to such well affected Noblemen Barons and Gentlemen as the Commissioners of the Assembly should nominate for apprehending of Jesuits Seminary Priests excommunicated Papists and traffiquers against Religion 6 That the Searchers of ships should seise upon all Books that are brought unto the Countrey and present them to the Ministers of the Town where the ships shall happen to arrive 7 That excommunicate Papists be put in close prison and none have accesse unto them but such as are known to be of sound Religion 8 That the Deputies of excommunicates be not suffered to enjoy any office under them and that some others be appointed by his Majesty to serve in their places 9 Finally that his Majesty should be humbly intreated to plant the unprovided Churches especially the Churches of the Chappel Royall with competent Stipends The
and that people were terrified by this means from falling into these odious crimes Others reasoned That the principall end of all Church censures especially of Excommunication was the reclaiming of offenders and the bringing of them to the acknowledgment of their sin and that where the principall use had no place that other secondary ends ought not to be respected and so in case of Fugitives what could any Censure avail to their reclaiming they not being in place to answer or to receive any admonition yea and might it not fall that by proceeding against men in such case men truly sorrowfull for their sin should be sentenced and so the persons bound by the Church whom God hath loosed They did therefore judge it more safe in these cases to advertise people of the hainousness of the fact committed warning them to make their own profit thereof and to forbear all proceeding against the fugitive person till his condition should be made known This turned to be the resolution of the whole number and thereupon direction was given to the Ministers not to intend or follow any processe against fugitives in time coming This year the Earl of Eglington departed this life who having no childe nor heir male to succeed made a disposition of his lands and honours to Sir Alexander Seaton his Cousin germane with a proviso That he and his children should take the name and use the arms of the house of Montgomery The king who was alwaies most tender in the conveyance of honours being informed of the disposition made by the deceased Earl did by a Letter written to the Councell witness his displeasure at such alienations shewing that howsoever he could not stay Noblemen to dispose of their lands he being the fountain of all honour within his Kingdoms would not permit the same to be sold or alienated without his consent and thereupon did inhibit the said Sir Alexander to use the title of Lord or Earl notwithstanding the disposition made to him Some two years after his Majesty was pleased to bestow the honour upon him and so was he received into the place and honour formerly belonging to the house of Eglington In the month of october a Parliament was kept at Edinburgh the Chancellor being Commissioner for the King wherein the conclusions taken in the Assembly at Glasgow were ratified and all Acts and constitutions especially the Act made in the Parliament 1592 rescinded and annulled in so farre as they or any of them or any part of the same were derogatory to the Articles there concluded In this Parliament a subsidy was urged and a great contest made for the quantity which was required in a more large measure then in former times because of his Majesties affairs especially for the marriage of Lady Elizabeth with the Palsgrave who in the same moneth arrived in England The poverty of the Countrey with a fear that what was then granted should be made a Precedent for after times was pretended by those that withstood the motion albeit the true cause was known to be the dislike that the Popish faction had of the Match which by all means they laboured to crosse nor was any more busie then the Lord Burleigh to impede the subsidy he being a little before come from Court did affirm that the King in a private speech with him touching the same had said That he required no more then was granted in the Parliament 1606 and thereby made the opposition greater then otherwise it would have been yet in the end after long debating it was concluded that the supply should be more liberall in regard of the present occasion then at any time before The King upon advertisement of the Lord Burleighs business gave order to remove him from the Councel and to inhibit him from coming any more at Court which he apprehending to be the Lord Scones doing and that he had informed against him took so ill as he did send him a challenge and appeal him to the combat Hereupon he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained some two moneths thereafter upon the acknowledgment of his offence and being reconciled with the Lord Scone he was put to liberty In Court at this time was great rejoicing and the marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with Prince Palatine daily expected when on the suddain all was turned to mourning by the death of Prince Henry who departed this life at S. Iames in the beginning of November A Prince of excellent virtues and all the perfections that can be wished for in youth He died at the age of 18 years and 8 moneths greatly lamented both at home and abroad The Councell esteeming it their duty to express their doleance for that accident made choice of the Chancellor and the Archbishop of Glasgow for that business But the King having received an hard information of the Chancellors carriage in the late Parliament sent his servant William Shaw to discharge him from coming to Court who encountring him at Morpet caused him to return The Archbishop who was no further advanced then Berwick accompanied the Chancellor to Edinburgh and after a short stay there as he was willed went to his journey again towards Court whither he came a little before Christmas The Nuptials in regard of the Princes death were put off to the February following at which time the sorrow being a little worn out the same were performed with great solemnity It was shewed before concerning the oppressions of the people of Orkney that the Acts made by the Earl in his Courts were judged unlawfull and he discharged to put the same thereafter in execution Notthelesse going on in his wonted course he sent his base son called Robert into the Countrey in shew to uplift his rents and duties but in effect to trie and punish the transgressours of these Acts whereupon new complaints being preferred to the Councell the King was advised to make purchase of Sir Iohn Arnots right to whom the Earl had impignorated his estate as being the only means to relieve that distressed people from his oppressions the bargain shortly was made and the King possessed in the lands Sir Iames Stewart Captain Iames his sonne being made Chamberlain and the Sheriffe of the Countrey The Earl himself was transported from Edinburgh to the Castle of Dunbarton and had allowed to him six shillings eight pence sterling a day for his entertainment where he had not long remained when as he received advertisement that the Castles of Kirkwall Birsay and other his Houses in these Isles were all rendered to the Sheriffe This put him in a great passion and many waies he essayed to make an escape but finding no possibility he sent his base son who was lately returned with an expresse command to take back the houses and expulse the Deputy Mr. Iohn Finlason whom the Chamberlain had left there The young man at his coming to Orkney being assisted with some loose people made
with matters exceeding the capacities of people The King offending with these rumours which he heard were dispersed in both Kingdoms took occasion in a Parliament assembled about that time in England to speak to them and say I understand that I am blamed for not executing the laws made against Papists but ye should know that a King and his laws are not unfitly compared to a rider and his horse the spurre is sometime to be used but not alwaies the bridle is sometimes to be held in at other times to be let loose as the rider finds cause just so a King is not at all times to put in execution the rigour of his laws but he must for a time and upon just grounds dispense with the same as I protest to have done in the present case and to have connived only for a time upon just cause howbeit not known to all If any man for the favour shewed to a Priest or Papist will judge me to be inclining that way he wrongs me exceedingly My words and writings and actions have sufficiently demonstrated what my resolution is in all matters of Religion Some mo words to this purpose he uttered in that meeting but in a Letter directed to the Councel of Scotland he was somewhat more rough finding fault with those that presumed to censure his proceedings and commanding them to take an exact triall of such as had broken out into any such insolencies either in word or deed and to punish them severely according to the laws This was not well published when the news of the Princes journey to Spain made all good men amazed for hearing that he was gone accompanied only with the Duke of Buckingham and another servant the fear of inconveniences that might befall his person did mightily trouble them But it pleased God both in his going and returning safely to conduct and protect him The occasion and successe of that journey I shall shortly relate A match had been treating of a long time betwixt the Prince and a Daughter of Spain which received many hinderances both at home and in that Court but it being thought that the delaies made in these parts would be easily removed by the presence of the Prince himself whereof great hopes were given by Gundamar the Spanish Ambassadour the King gave way to the journey as hoping by this mean to have the Palatinate freed from the vexations of warre and a generall peace established throughout Christendome Thus the Prince accompanied in manner aforesaid departly secretly from Court and landing at Callais went through France undiscovered and after a few daies came safely to the Court of Spain At his coming he was kindly received and welcomed with divers courtly Complements but found a greater strangeness then he expected for although he was still kept in hope of the Match yet he was not permitted to visit the Lady but upon condition to speak in such and such terms and no otherwise Afterward they began to move him touching his Religion desiring he should conferre with some Divines for that he could not have the Infanta to wife unlesse he was converted and became a Roman Catholick The Prince replying That he would not change his Religion for such a worldly respect nor would he enter in conference with any Divines to that purpose for if they did not prevaile with him it would breed a greater discontent It was then told him that he must attend till a dispensation was procured from Rome and that in the mean time be should be entertained as a Prince but not as a Sutor This Dispensation being returned which had in it a condition that the King of Spain should take oath to obtain the King of Britains consent unto certain demands concerning Religion there was a letter therewith sent from Pope Gregory the 15th to the Prince wherein after many fair and plausible words he said that as Pope Gregory was the first that induced the people of England to submit themselves to the See Apostolick so he bearing the same name and being his equall in the height of dignity though inferiour to him in vertue and holiness desired nothing more then to follow his pattern and promove the health and happiness of that Kingdome the rather because his peregrination at that time had given such hopes of an happy success for since he was arrived in Spain and at the Court of the Catholick King with a desire to joyn in mariage with the house of Austria which intention he greatly commended he could not believe that he did really desire the Match and in heart abhorre the Catholick Religion and seek to ruine the holy See of Rome Then falling to a prayer he besought God the Father of lights to advance him the most fair flower of the Christian world and the only hope of Great Britain to that noble inheritance which his illustrious progenitours had gained by the defence of the Apostolick authority and the suppression of the monsters of all heresies Towards the end of the Letter willing him to call to minde the antient times â—nd make his prayers to his ancestors that they would vouchsafe to teach him the way by which they went to heaven he askt how he could with patience hear the hereticks call them damned whom the Catholick faith doth testifie to reign in heaven and to dwell exalted above all the Princes of the earth In end returning to his supplications he said that the Catholick Church Roman stretching forth her armes to embrace him with all affection as her most desired son he could not perform any thing of greater comfort to the Nations of Christendome then to bring again the profession of that most noble Island to the Prince of the Apostles whereof he could not despaire his hopes being set on God in whose hands are the hearts of Kings c. This Letter given at Rome in the Palace of S. Peter the 20 of April 1623 and in the third year of his Apostolate was delivered to the Prince about the midst of May which he received courteously thanking the Pope for his good affection Thereafter understanding that the Dispensation was granted he pressed the performance of the Marriage but was answered That the Conditions must first be fulfilled and the Articles concerning the Infanta her liberty of profession when she came into England and the education of her Children if God should grant her any by him drawn up in form These Articles being advised by a Commission of Divines were sent into England and shortly after returned signed with his Majesties hand and approved by the Councell And now it was thought there should be no more delaies used but other excuses were forged as that it was not fitting the Infanta should go to England before the business of the Parliament was setled and that these Articles must be sent to Rome and allowed by the Pope The Prince perceiving that there was nothing really intended on the King of Spain his
conceived by his death This following penned by a learned Divine in our vulgar language did affect me so as I thought good to subjoin it ALL who have eyes awake and weep For he whose waking wrought our sleep Is fallen asleep himself and never Shall wake again till wak'd for ever Deaths iron handhath clos'd those Eyes Which were at once three Kingdoms spies Both to foresee and to prevent Dangers as soon as they were meant That Head whose working brain alone VVrought all mens quiet but its own Now lies at rest O let him have The peace he lent us in his grave If that no Naboth all his Reign Was for his fruitfull vineyard slain If no Vriah lost his life Because he had too fair a wife Then let no Shimei's curses wound His honour or profane his ground Let no black-mouth'd no rank-breath'd cur Peacefull JAMES his Ashes stir Princes are Gods ô doe not then Rake in their graves to prove them men For two and twenty years long care For providing such an Heir VVho to the peace we had before May adde twice two and twenty more For his daies travels and nights watches For his craz'd sleep stoln by snatches For two fair Kingdoms joyn'd in one For all he did or meant t' have done Doe this for him write on his dust IAMES the Peacefull and the Iust. The End A brief Table directing to the Principall Matter of this HISTORY A St. Andrews made an University by the Bishop of the place procuring it Page 57 Made an Archiepiscopal See 58 Aidanus in Northumberland within seven dayes after his first arrival converteth and baptizeth 15000 14 Augustine The King of Northumberland with an army by instigation as was supposed of Augustine the Monk slayeth 1200 Monks that refused to receive the Rites of Rome 12 Alcuinus born in Scotland 22 B BIshop The ancient manner of a Bishop in Scotland 4 Anciently in Scotland all the moveable goods of any Bishop belonged to the King and were seized for his use 55 An English Army put to flight by a Bishop 99 A Bishop went on foot through the whole Kingdome preaching the Gospel wheresoever he came 108 The ancient variance between the Scots and Holland reconciled by a Bishop 105 The difference between Iames III. of Scotland and Lewis XI of France reconciled principally by the prudence of a Bishop ibid. A Bishop barbarously maimed by an Earl in the Kings absence and the Justice done upon him for it 40 110 A very pious Bishop lived to the age of 185 years 112 Iohn Dury a reformed Minister at his death giveth advice to the Assembly of the Church to restore the Episcopal government 457 Bishops restored in the Church and to their temporalities in Scotland 496 Cautions whereby the Episcopal power was moderated in Scotland 501 Scottish Bishops came to England for consecration 514 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth by his great authority the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Buchannan by his verses he incenseth the Franciscans 67 His death 525 Benefices the temporality of them annexed to the Crown 365 Bothwell in open Rebellion is encouraged by the English Ambassadors 402 The King would have it inserted into the Acts of the Church that Ministers shall make publick declaration in the Church the Sunday following after they have baptized any privately first refused 529 After passed by the Church 539 C CArdinals by the Popes Law the placeâ—s are to be ruinated where Cardinals are slain 88 Charles after King of Great Britain born 461 His Journey to Spain 544 His return 545 A Letter to him from Gregory XV. then being Suitor in the Spanish Court 544 Church A form of Church-policy presented to the Convention of Estates at Edinburgh drawn up by Knox 152 The Church and Regent cross one the others proceedings 271 A model of Church-policy presented to the Parliament at Striveling 289 The Church appointeth a Fast on the same day that the King appointeth a Feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador with a design to cross the King 322 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject the Protestation 318 Contentions between the King and Church 319 They allow not the Councel authority to judge of Treason spoken by them in the Pulpit 330 The Ministers yield more to the desires of the basest people then to reasonable Propositions of the King 394 They provide a Chaplain of their own interest for Bothwell endevouring Rebellion 402 They refuse to submit their doctrine to the triall of the King and Councel 420 They style the Queen of England Elizabeth an Atheist in their Sermons 419 422 One of them affiâ—med in his Sermon that it is lawful for subjects to take arms against their King 430 They sollicite the Lord Hamilton and people to take arms 431 Articles proposed in the form of Question by the King concerning affairs of the Church 435 The bosome of the Church ought alwaies to be open to Penitents 437 The Assembly vote that it is lawfull for Ministers to sit in Parliament 449 Some of them refuse to give thanks in their Churches for the Kings deliverance from the attempts of Gowrie 460 Catholikes are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their religion so as in minde they continued firme 308 Covenant is taken by the Ministers obliging them to a better discharge of their duty 416 A Scottish prisoner rescued out of the Castle of Carlisle by a strange attempt 414 A strange event at a Councel held in Wiltsh 27 The Charity of a certain man saved his life 462 Conference at Hampton Court 478 Another Conference there between Scottish Bishops and Ministers of the Presbytery 497 D DRuids what they were 3 Are expelled by Cratilinth 3 The Diocese of Dunkeld divided into two Bishopricks 98 The Synod of Dort in Holland 540 Did not ratifie the Acts of Perth ibid. E A Controversie between six Competitors for the Crown of Scotland referred to the arbitration of Edward I of England 48 England the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland united upon the intended marriage of Edward VI. being about five years old and Mary daughter of Scotland being about one year old 72 That Contract broken by Scotland 73 The King of Scots with many of his Nobles swear subjection to Edward I. of England at Newcastle 49 The King of Scots and the Parliament of Scotland convened at Berwick do homage to the King of England ibid. The King of England refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 The Earls and Barons of Scotland in a Parliament at S. Andrewes swear obedience the third time to the King of England ib. The Scottish Lords of the Congregation have aid from England 140 The Articles of Contract between England and Scotland 142 Scottish Bishops come to England to be consecrated 514 Easter The ancient manner of observing it in Scotland not the same with that of the Roman 15
letters to King Edward and the Archbishop of Canterbury An. 1300. King Edward his answer William Wallace S. Daniel Boeth l. 14. Buch. l. 8. A Parliament S. Andrews King Edward his course for â—â—tirpating the Scots Scon. Catal. Episc. S. Andreâ— Pasl l. â— William Lamberton preferred to S. Andrewes upon the death of Fraser Pasl l. 6. c. 2. The Culdees and Chanons strife The dissolution of the Templars Paulus Emilius Plessis B. Lamberton loseth K. Edwards favour Buchan l. 8. Lesl. l. 7. Boâ—th l. 14. The Bishop committed to Prison Robert Bruce crowned King Boeth l. 14. Buchan l. 8. The Popes Legate sent to disswade the King from troubling England Boeth l. 14. The King his answer to the Legate The Kingdom interdicted Buch. l. 8. A Letter sent by the Nobles and Barons of Scotland to the Pope Scon. l. 13. c. 1. The Interdiction released The English sue for peace The conditions of the peace An. 1328. King Robert Bruce dieth B. Lamberton his death and vertues Scon. l. in Catalogo episc S. Andreae Io. Duns Bal. cent 14. Lesl. l. 7. Camd. Brit. Duns proved to be a Scottish man born An. 1341. Sir Iames Bane elected in Lambertons place Scon. l. in catal episc S. Andr. The Bishop dieth at Bruges in Flanders The See of S. Andrews void nine years William Landels chosen Bishop The Bishops obtained liberty to dispose of their goods by Testament Stephen chosen Bishop of S. Andrews he dieth at Anwick Walter Traill elected in his stead Scon. l. in Catal. episc S. Andr. An. 1401. His vertues and qualities Thomas Stewart son to Robert the second elected Bishop Scon. li. in Catalogo Episc S. Andreae Henry Wardlaw provided by Pope Benedict the 13. to the Bishoprick A Schisme in the Church Martin the 5. chosen Pope by the Councel of Constance The Abbot of Pontiniac directed to intimate the election Harding a Minorite perswadeth the Scots to continue in the obedience of Benedict Iohn Fogo a Monk of Melross refuseth Hardings Oration The schisme made way to the reformation Iohn Wickliffi Hus and Ierome of Prague Iames Resby Martyr Paul Craw Martyr The Bishop his qualities An. 1412. The University of S. Andrews founded in the year 1412. Boeth 1. 16. King Iames the first a great favourer of the University Bucban l. 10. The King his admonicion to the Church-men Buchan l. 10. Boeth l. 17. Bishop Wardlaw dieth Aâ—â—â— 1444. Bishop Iames Kennedy translated from Dunkeld to S. Andrews Buchan l. 12. Kennedy his just praises An. 1466. Bishop Kennedy his death the year 1466. Patrick Grahame chosen to succeed The See of S. Andrewes erected in an Archbishoprick The Bulls of Legaâ—ion and Primacie published Buchan l. 12. The King inhibiteth the exercise of his Legation An. 1444. William Shevez recommended to the Archdeaconry of S. Andrews The Bishop rejecteth him as insufâ—â—cient Shevez conspireth with the Rector The Bishop contemning the censure hath his goods confiscated The â—â—hop taken in favour Buchan l. 12. The Bishop of new troubled by the bankers of Rome The Bishop falling in some distraction is committed to Shevez Buchâ— n. l. 12. The Bishop condemned to lose his dignity Shevez provided to the Archbishoprick Patrick Grahame dieth at Lochleven An. 1478. The Church altogether in disorder Shevez receiveth the Pall and is invested Anno 1478. Lese l. 8. Archbishop of S. Andrew and Glasgow at diffension The History of the Church of Scotland An. 1513. The dispersers of these Articles cited before the Councell Iames Stewart brother to King Iames the fourth elected Bishop Anno 1503. B. Alexander Stewart succeedeth A Competition for the Archbishop Buchan l. 3. Lest. l. 3. The Bishop of Dunkeld quiteth his interest An. 1522. The Duke of Albany pacifieth the Competitors Lesl. l. 9. Iames Beaton translated from Glasgow to S. Andrews Lesl. l. 9. Buchan l. 14. Mr. Patrick Hamilton Abbot of Ferm Martyr Buchan l. 14. History of the Church p. 21. An. 1527. Articles wherewith the Abbot was charged Manuscript processe which is extant under the hands of the Theologues The subscrivers of the sentence The manner of his execution and speech at his dying History of the Church His appealing of Frier Campbell Frier Campbell dieth of a Phrensie History of the Church p. 23. Numbers brought to the knowledge of the truth by his suffering Buchan l. 14. Frier Seaton suspected of Heresie History of the Church Frier Seaton called before the Bishop The Frier flyeth to Berwick and from thence writeth to the King He becometh Chaplain to the Duke of Suffolk Acts of Martyrs Henry Forrest Martyr Divers cited to appear at Halirudhouse An. 1534. Normand Gourlay and David Straiton Martyrs Acts of Martyrs History of the Church Alexander Alesse and others fly to England Bal. cent 14. Divers accused of heresie in a meeting at Edinburgh An. 1538. The Vicar of Dolour his conference with the Bishop of Dunkeld History of the Church Vetimo Febr. 1538. Frier Russel and one Kennedy martyred at Glasgow History of the Church The Archbishop disswadeth the execution The courage of Russel at his dying Master George Buchannan eseapeth out of prison Buchan l. 14. The History of the Church The Archbishop committeth the charge of all affairs to his Nephew the Cardinal An. 1539. A contest for the imposition laid upon the Clergy for the Lords of Session Buchar l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. Bishop Beaton dieth The learned men that lived in this time M. Iohn Maior Bal cent 14. Lest. l. 9. Hector Boeth Bal. Cent. 14. Gilbert Crab. Bal. cent 15. William Gregory Bal. ibidem Iohn Scot his memorable fasting Buchan l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. He taketh his journey to the holy Sepulcher He is imprisoned in London Thomas Doughty suffered to abuse the people Scots emulaâ—ion of Doughty and his cousenage The history of Cardinal Beaton An. 1540. Sir Iohn Borthwick cited for heresie The heads of his accusation Sir Iohn Borthwick denounced heretick Acts of Mart. The King invited to meet his Uncle King Henry at York Buchan l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. Holinshed history of Scotland The Cardinal and Clergy seek to impede the meeting An. 1541. The King excuseth himself to King Henry Sir Iames Hamilton executed The King troubled with visions History of the Church The Justice Clerk his fearful death The King died at Falkland An. 1542 the eighth of December The Cardinal forgeth the Kings Testament Buchan l. 15. The Earl of Arran elected Governour An. 1542. The King of England seeketh to unite the Kingdomes by marriage Buchan l. 15. A Parliament at Edinburgh Lesl. l. 10. The Cardinal committed Ambassadors sent into England for concluding the match Buchan l. 15. The history of the Church The Governours Preachers suspected by the Clergy The Ambassadors return from England History of the Church The estate of the Governors Court The Bishop of Ross and Abbot of Paisley seek to divert the Governour from the Contract with England The Governours Preachers and servants part from him History
An. 1561. The Queen prepareth to return from France Her conference with the Earle of Bedford Monsicâ—r d' Oyfell sent into England The Queen of Englandâ— answer The Queen of Scots offended with it Her conference with Nicoolas Throgmorâ—on The Queen of Scots reasons for delaying the ratification Throgmorton his answer The Queen of Englands letter to thâ— Noâ—ility The Councels answer He◠〈◊〉 with the English Ambassadour at 〈◊〉 The Qâ—een 〈◊〉 at Leâ—h The Nobility assembles to congratuâ—ate her return No change to be made in religion and a private Masse pâ—rmitted to the Queen The Earl of Arran opposeth A tumult in the Abbey The Nobles that came from France with the Queen return home William Maitland directed to England The Queen of Englands answer A second conference with Lethington The Queen of Englands reply The Queen of Englandsâ—easons â—easons for her refuse Lethingtons third audience The conclusion taken by the Queen of England The Queen of Scots her progresse in the countrey Aâ—chibald Douglas Provost of Edinburgh committed The Preachers are displeased The Queen maketh choice of a Councell Ninian Winyet a Priest exiled The thirds of Benefices granted to the Queen A guard of horse and foot levied to attend the Queen Lord Iames sent to the borders is at his return made Earl of Marrâ— He is preferred to the Earldome of Murray and the Lord Ereskiâ— made Earl of Marre Huntly offendeth with thesâ— prefermenâ—s He chargeth Murray with the affectation of the Crown Bothwell stirreth up the Earl of Murray against the Hamiltons Practice against the Earl of Murray The practice discovered by the Earl of Arrane Arrane becometh distracted New devices for cutting oft Murray An. 1562. Letters sent from beyond sea in favour of Huntly An interview of the two Queens moved The interview stayed Petitions of the Church to the Queen The Queen goâ—th to Aberdâ—ne The Lady Huntley intercedes for her son The Queen taketh journey to Innernesse The Castle of Innâ—â—nâ—sse denied to the Queen The Castle beiseged and rendered Huntley resolves to invade the Queen The battel of Corrichie The Earl of Huntlâ—y taken prisoner and dieth Thanksgiving for the victory Iohn Gordon beheaded at Abâ—rdene The Lord Gordon forfeited and commitâ—ed The Archbishop of Saint Andrews committed An. 1563. A Parliament at Edinburgh A trouble at Halirudhouse Iohn Knox called before the Councel The Earl of Lenox restored Henry Lord Darnely son to Lenox cometh into Scotland The Queen intendeth to take him to husband An. 1564. Enemies raised up against the Queen The Lord Gordon restored Signeur Davie an atâ—endant on the Queen favoureth the mariage Secretary Lâ—thington sent into England A Convocâ—tion of the Estates at Striveling The Lord of Darnely created Duke of Rothâ—say A mutiny at Edinburgh The Queen cometh to Edinburgh and the mutiners fly An Assembly at Edinburgh Petittions of the Church The Queens answer to the Petitions The Queen married to the Lord Darnly The complaints of the discontented Lords The king heareth a Sermon at St. Giles Iohn Knox cited before the Councell The Lords pursued by the King and Queen The Lords flie into England The Queen of England intercedeth for the Lords The Duke received in favor A generall Assembly of the Church A reply to the answer of their last Petitions An. 1565. The slaughter of Signeur Davie conspired A Parliament at Edinburgh deserted The slaughter of Davie Damiott a French Priest willed him to be gone The Queens behaviour after Davies murther The exiled Lords return The King protesteth his innocency The Conspirators flye into England Inquisition of the murtherers An. 1566. The Castle of Edinburgh made choice of for the Queen her lying in The Queen feasts the Noblemen The Queen delivered of a son Sir Henry Killigrew sent from England The desire of the Church for the Baptisme of the Prince The Queen goeth to Alloway Secretary Lethington soffereth her Majesties anger against the King The Queen goeth to Iedburgh Lethington renueth the purpose of divers Preparation for the Princes Baptisme The King withheld from the solemnity The King falleth sick in the way to Glasgow The Archbishop of S. Andrewes restored to his priviledges The Churches complaint for the same Master Knox goeth into England A letter from the Assembly of the Church to the Bishops of England Assignation of Ministers stipends The Queen visiteth the King at Glasgow He cometh to Edinburgh and there is murthered by Bothwel A rumour dispersed by Bothwel that Murray and Morton had murthered the King The names of the murtherers cast forth in the street The Earl of Lenox soliciteth the Queen to take trial of the murther An. 1567. The Castle of Edinburgh delivered to Bothwell and the Prince delivered to the Earl of Marre Bothwell put to a triall Robert Cuningham protesteth against the proceedings in the name of the Earl of Lenox The persons chused upon the Jury Bothwell acquited with a protestation of the Jury Bothwell offereth to try his innocency by combat The offer accepted upon security of the place A Parliament at Edinburgh Bothwell seeketh the consent of the Lords to the Queens marriage He ravisheth the Queen in her return from Striveling His design in committing this rape Bothwell his divorce from his wife The Queen cometh to the Castle of Edinburgh The banes of Bothwell with the Queen asked Mr. Iohn Craig protested Mr. Craig called before the Councell with the reasons of his opposition His publication thereof to the people The marriage of the Queen with Bothwell celebrated The Noblemens bond for preservation of the young Prince The Bishop of Dumblane sent to France Noblemen solicited to enter in bond with the Queen and Bothwell The Earl of Murray refused and is licensed to goe into France The Queen maketh choice of a Councell The order of their attendance A Proclamation to accompany the Queen to the borders The Castle of Borthwick invironed The Queen Bothwell escape The Lords retire to Edinburgh A Proclamation given out by the Lords The Queen gathereth forces Difficulties amongst the Lords The Queen giveth thâ—m the opportuniy they wished for The Proclamation of Glaidsmore The Lords cast themselves in the Queens way The order of the Lords Aâ—my The meeting at Carberry hill The French Ambassadour laboureth to compose matters Bothwel offereth to try the cause in combat It is accepted and the Queen inhibiteth the fight The Queens Army unwilling to fight Bothwel flyeth and the Queen rendereth herself to the Lords The Queen sent prisoner to Lochlevin Sir Iames Balfour betrayeth his trust to Bothwel The Earl of Glencarn demolisheth the Altar The Lords write to the Noblemen of the Queens party The Noblemen made a motion to the Assembly and the Assemblies Commission to the Lords Instructions given to those that were sent from the Assembly The Earl of Argile his answer The Lord Boyd his answer Articles agreed in the Assembly of the Church The Articles subscribed The Queen moved to make resignation of the Crown The King crowned at Striveling
advertised of the enterprise of the banished Lords A Proclamation to meet the King at the Castle of Crawford A Proclamation given out by the banished Lords The Ambassadour went not saluting the King A Post is sent after him and his excuse The Lords make haste to Striveling The town of Striveling taken Two of the Councel directed to the Lords The Lords Answer The Kings care of those that attented him The King is pleased to admit the Lords in his presence The Lord Hamilton in name of the rest supplicates mercy The Kings Answer The Kings speech to Bothwel The King his pardon proclaimed The Master of Glammis made Captain of the Guard Thuan. hist. 1. 43. Duntraith confesseth the deposition he made against the Lords to be false A Parliament at Linlithgow The Ministers offend with the reconciled Lords Mr. William Watson Minister committed Iames Gibson committed for the like insolence The Superintendent of Lothian his death with a short description of his life An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lord Maxwel goâ—th to Masse and is committed An. 1586. A Synod at S. Andrews called against the Bishop April 1586. The Bishop being cited compeireth and protesteth against the Judicatory His accusation He appealeth to the King and Estates The Bishop excommunicated by the Synod Mr. Andrew and Mr. Iames Melvil excommunicated by a servant and Cousen of the Bishop The Appellation with the reasons sent to the King A transaction betwixt the Bishop and the Assembly The reasons moving the King to give way to this transaction The Ministers exhorâ—ed to judge charitably one of another Acts concluded in the Assembly His Majesties answer to the advice given him by the Chancellor A trouble in the Isles betwixt Mackoâ—â—il and Macklain The Earl of Eglington treacherously murthered A league with England concluded The Articles of the league The names of the Commissioners of both Kingdomes A new breach between the King and Queen of England The proceedings against the Queen of Scots Sentence of death pronounced against her William Keith sent into England about the midst of November A letter to William Keith from the King The Queen in passion at the sight of the letter The King excuseth the sharpnesse of his letter The Master of Gray and Sir Robert Melvil sent into England The first audience The second audience and effect thereof A letter from the King to the Master of Gray The Master of Gray drawne upon another course Secretary Walsingham writeth to the Lord Thirlstan The King commandeth the Ministers to remember his mother in their prayers The third of February appointed for solemn prayers in her behalf The Bishop of S. Andrews appointed to preach Mr. Iohn Cowper usurpeth the place The Ministers at Edinburgh discharged The Queen of Scots her request to the Queen of England The Queen of England is doubtful which way to take The Queen of Scots willed to prepare her self for death Her behaviour and preparation She biddeth her servants farewell Her directions to Andrew Melvil her Steward She is brought to the place of execution The Dean of Peterburâ—ow offereth to comfort her She prayeth by her self The manner of the execution A brief description of her fortune The inscription secretly affixed on her Sepulchre The same Englished The Queen of England writeth to the King by Mr. Robert Cary. The King denieth him accesse Mr. caâ—ies Declaration in writing The Declaration giveth no content to the King The Queen laboureâ—h to divert the King from Warre A letter of Walsâ—gham to the Lord Thâ—lsâ—an A Convention of the Estates The King is informed of certain speeches uttered by the Master of Gray 20. Apr. The Master of Gray and Sir William Stewart committed Sir William Stewart insists in the challenge of the Master of Gray Sir William Stewart liberated and the Master of Gray imprisoned Captain Iame information against the Lord Thirlstane An. 1587. Thirlstane created Chancellor A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Noblemen reconciled A general Assembly of the Church The Kings propositions to the Assembly by his Commissioners Montgomery resigneth the Bishoprick of Glasgow to Mr. William Ereskin The Churches petition to the Parliament against the Prelates The temporalty of Benefices annexed to the Crown The King forthinketh the passing of the annexation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 2. pag. 43. The small Barons admitted to give voice in Parliament The Lord Hunsdon hath presence of the King A Proclamation against incursions in England The Ambassadors sent into Denmark return 15. May. Latter end of August A Proclamation against Jesuits and Priests The Jesuits find caution to depart A general Assembly of the Church A Proposition made for the dangers threatened to Religion The advice of the Noblemen and Barons The King refuseth accesse to the multitude A conference betwixt certain of the Councel and the Assembly The grievances of the Church presented to the King The Minister Iames Gibson censured for his speeches against the King An. 1588. Gibson suspended from his ministery The Lord Hereis cleared of the accusation made against him The Borders begin to stirre upon the Lord Maxwels return The Kings expedition to Dumfreis Lochmaben rendred and the Keeper executed The Lord Maxwel taken prisoner at sea by Sir William Stewart and brought prisoner to Edinburgh Sir William Stewart killed by Bothwel Penult Iulii A meeting of the Estates upon the rumour of the Spanish Navy beginning of August His Majesties speech to the Estates The Chancellor his speech seconding the King Bothwel perswadeth the invasion of England Colonel Semple his arrive at Leth. The Colonel apprehended and relieved by the Earl of Huntley * 21. Iuly Huntley offers to present the Colonel to the Councel Sir Robert Sidney sent from England to the King 29. August The History of the Spanish Navy Captain Drakes stratagem The Navy returneth to Spain The death of Archibald Earl of Angus An. 1589. His disposition in his sickness A message from the Prince of Parma to the Catholick Lords Huntley reconciled to the Church Huntley excuseth his reconcilement by a letter A letter from the Earl of Arroll to the Prince of Parma Letters sent to the King of Spain from the Catholick Lords The Jesuits stirre up the Lords to enterprise somewhat by themselves A plot for taking the King A practise against the Chancellor Huntley cometh to the King Huntley committed in the Castle of Edinburgh Huntley set at liberty A letter from the Queen of England to the King The Lords make open insurrection The Subjects warned to accompany the King His Majesties speech to the Noblemen in his Army A question for leading the Vant-guard The Lords dissolve their forces The King goeth to Aberdene He returneth to Edinburgh about the beninning of May. The Earl Marshall goeth to Denmark to accomplish the marriage 10. Iune The Rebels offer to submit themselves Huntley Crawford and Bothwel impanelled The points of their indictment The Lords found guilty and committed to several Wards An Assembly of
conference at Hampton Court His Majesties proposition at the meeting An. 1603. Doctor Reynolds speech in behalf of the Petitioners The particulars complained of The meeting continued to 18 of Ianuary The effect of the meeting and his Majesties exhortation to the Clergy The Chancellor of England his judgement of the King The number deposed for disconformity An. 1604. A Parliament in England for the union The English Commissioners The power given them by the Parliament A Parliament in Scotland to that purpose The Scottish Commissioners The power granted hâ—em Westminster appointed for the place of meetting Articles of the union Hostile lawes extinguished The name of Borders abolished Order for sentences not satisfied Participation of Commâ—dito be mutuall Inequality of priviledges to be be tried Importation to be free to both people Exportation of Goods prohibited made unlawfull to both Order for Native Commodities Order for Customes Scots may be associated in English Companies Order for transportation Punishment of such as shall transgress Caution to be given by the owners and Masters of Ships Indifferency of fraighting Poâ—â—nati declared free Exception for Offices of the Crown Reservation of his Majesties Prerogative Remanding of malefactors A scroll of the Articles presented to the King The Kings speech to the Commissioners The title of great Britain assumed Peeces of gold and silver coyned The Earl of Montrosse made Commissioner of the kingdom The Lord Fiâ—â— received Chancellor An. 1605. The generall Assembly continued A number convene notwithstanding the discharge The names of them convened The Kings Commissioner dischargeth the meeting The Ministers denounced and cited by the councell for their disobedience Some confess their fault and are pardoned Oâ—hers maintain their meeting and are Committed The proceeding of the Councell condemned by the Ministery His Majesties Declaration touching some rumours dispersed The King his resolution in making no sudden change in the Church policy The form of their Declinatour The Assembly declared unlawfull Some of the Ministers pursued criminally The Indictment Exception proponed by the Advocates The Reply to the Exception The Ministers found guilty of Treason A Proclamation that none should oppose the decision of the Justice A Convention of Estates His Majesties Letter directed to the Estates The Acts passed in the Convention The history of the Powder Treason The Jesuits approve of the enterprise The Conspirers swear secrecy A Cellar hired for the myne A deliberation for the Kings children Contribution for the enterprise Catholicks to be stopped from coming to the Parliament No forain Princes to be acquainted therewith Intention to proclaim Lady Elizabeth Queen The Conspiracy detected The Letter sent to the L d Mounteagle The secrecy of so many very strange An. 1606. Mr. Iames Melvills answer in name of the rest His Majesty proponeth three questions to them A time is desired by them and granted The second audience The Bishops judgement of the meeting at Aberdene Mr. Addrew Melvills answer touching the same Mr. Iames Balfour his answer Mr. Melvill his answer Mr. William Scot his answer interrupted by Mr. Andrew Melvill The Ministers called before the Scottish Councell They are discharged to return into Scotland The Kings pleasure touching the warded Ministers The letter to the Justice prescriving the forme of the sentence A Letter from his Majesty to the Councell The sentence pronounced by the Justice A Proclamation against Jesuits Mr. Andrew Melvill committed to the Tower The Observation of the Writer An Assembly indicted at Linlithgow His Majesties letter to the Assembly An overture sent from his Majesty to the Assembly Some brethren deputed undergoe to consider the overture The overture embraced with some cautions Cautions for the constant Moderators The cautions and overture approved A complaint of the Papists and their ininsolencie Petition from the Assembly to his Majesty His Majesties answer An. 1607. His Majesties pleasure touching the Popish Noblemen Direction to the Councell for constant Moderators The Synod of Perth discharged The Synod of Fife discharged A Provest placed in the new Colledge of S. Andrews The Ministers permitted to return from London Alexander Lord Spynie killed Trouble betwixt the Earl of Morton and Lord Maxwell Maxwell committed maketh an escape The Laird of Iohnston most treacherously killed by Maxwell An. 1608. The Earl of Argile made Lieutenant of the Isles A Parliament in Scotland for the union Provisions for the union An Assembly in Linlithgow for restraining Papists The Marquis of Huntley excommunicated The causes of the defection partly in the Church The remedies of the same The cause of the defection proceeding from others Supplication to his Majesty for redresse of these evils Petitions to his Majesty for repressing Popery The Secretaries journey to Court He is charged for writing a letter to the Pope and stealing his Majesties hand thereto The Secretary charged with the fault before the Councell His answer tothe Lords of the Councell Chancellor Egerton pronounceth sentence against him Sprot his execution The Commissioners of the Assembly have audience His Majesties answer A convention at Edinburgh An. 1609. The Chancellor admitted Counsellor of England Acts made for Religion Acts made against ravishing of women The Secretaries tryall at S. Andrews His indictment The Secretary his speech and answer to the indictment His protestation of two things The Jury sworn The doom pronounced against Balmerinoch A Parliament at Edingburgh An. 1610. An Assembly at Glasgow The moderators paid of the stipend promised A supplication in name of the Popish Lords Huntly freed of his confining The Earl of Arroll troubled for his simulation The Earl of Angus goeth to Paris The Archbishop of Glasgow called to Court The business proponed by his Majesty The Archbishop his answer The consecration questioned The High Commissioners appointed Directions for the High Commissioners and other matters Ecclesiasticall An. 1601. Directions for matters Ecclesiasticall The Clergy doth approve the directions Orders for the Councell An. 1611. A Proclamation against bearing of quarrell The troubles of Orkney The Earl of Orkney committed and his Acts of Court discharged The Clangregore to be rooted out The deuh of the Earl of Dunbarre Somerset his rising Advocate made first Clerk Register afterwards Secretary Sir Iohn Skeen dyeth of grief An. 1612 The Lord Samqhar executed in England Excommunication of persons for criminall and capitall cases if they become fugitive The Clergy agree to reform this point The death of the earl of Eglington and the disposition of his living to his Cousin A Parliament in Scotland A subsidy granted The L d Burleigh removed from Councell An. 1613. The death of Prince Henry The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palgrave The King acquireth the lands of Orkney Rebellion in Orkney The Earl of Cathnes imployed to suppresse the Rebels Persons executed for the Rebellion The death of the Bishop of Rosse The Earl of Orkney put to triall An. 1614 The Earl of Orkney his indictment The persons named for the Jury The sentence pronounced The execution of
the Earl of Orkney Iohn Ogilvy a Jesuit apprehended His examinamination by certain Commissioners A direction from his Majesty touching their proceeding with him Certain Questions moved to the Jesuit His Answer to the Questions His Answer sent to his Majesty Commission for the Jesuits triall The Jesuits defence at his indictment The exception proponed by the Jesuit The exception proponed by the Jesuit The Jesuite convicted and executed Moffet another jesuit licenced to depart An. 1615. The Archbishop of S. Andrews his death Bishops translated by this occasion The History of Somersets fall Sir Tho Overburie his free advice to Somerset Overbury committed to the Tower Overbury poysoned and dyeth The murther discovered and laid open An. 1616. Somerset and his Lady brought to triall The persons of the Jury The Earl and his Lady convicted and sentenced The Marquis of Huntly called before the Commissioners He is Committed He is released by the Chancellour The Bishops complain to his Majesty A Command to the Marquis to return to his ward The Marquis permitted to come to Court The form of the absolution His Majesties letter to the Bishops for justifying the absolution The Archbishop of Canterbury's excuse for the absolution The Archbishops letter giveth some content An Assembly at Aberdene The Marquiss of new absolved Acts concluded in the Assembly Commissioners directed to the King from the Assembly His Majesties answer returned Articles craved to be incerted among the Canons Reasons why the Articles could not be inserted among the Canons A Proclamation touching the Kings purpose to visit the Countrey The Earl of Marre made Thesaurer A direction for repairing the Chapell The Bishops entreat the stay of some carved pictures upon fear of offence Ann. 1617. His Majesties answer The King refutech to deferre his journey as he was desired A Parliament in Scotland His Majesties speech to the Estates A Trouble in choosing the Lords of the Articles Article concerning his Majesties prerogative in caâ—ses Ecclesiasticall A stir among the Ministers because of the Article The Ministers Protestation The subscrivers of the Protestation Mr. Peter Hewet undertakes the presenting of the Protestation The Clerk of Register commanded to pass by the Article of Prerogative The Bishops warned to meet at S. Andrews His Majesties speech at the meeting The Ministers promise obedience upon permission of a general Assembly Mr. Arâ—hibald Sympson and Mr. David Catherwood committed The King departeth towards London An assembly at S. Andrews The Assembly inclineth to a delay The Commissioners obtain a grant of private Communion The King offended with the Assemblies proceedings writeth to the two Archbishops Another letter to the Archbishop of S. Andrews Letters to the Councell for inhibiting the payment of Stipends Mr. Archibald Sympson put to liberty His inconstancie and change A warrant to proceed with the Commission of Stipends A generall Assembly indicted at Perth His Majesties Letter to the Assembly An. 1618. The five Artiticles concluded Article for kneeling Private Communion Private Biptisme Confirmation of Children Observation of Festivities The Articles ordained to be intimated in all Churches The Earl of Argile falleth from his profession A Comet or blasing Starre Queen Anne dieth Ann. 1619. The Synod of Dordrecht said to have condemned the five articles of Perth The Bishop of Galloway dieth The Bishop of Brichen translated to Galloway A distraction betwixt the Ministers and Magistrates of Edinburgh The disorder pacified Four other Ministers planted at Edinburgh An. 1620. A contribution required for defence of the Palatinate Ann. 1621. A Parliament desired by the estates Sir Gideon Murray his death The Marquis of Hamilton keepeth the Parliament Matters concluded in Parliament The King receiveth great content by the things concluded A Letter from his Majestie to the Bishops A Letter from his Majesty to the Councell The Marquis of Hamilton wronged by a false rumour An. 1622. The Chancellor Seaâ—on dieth Rumors dispersed of Tolerations intended The judgment of the wiseâ— sort His Majesties speech in a Parliament held at that time in England An. 1623. His Majesties directions to the Councell of Scotland The Princes journey to Spain and the occasion thereof The Princes entertainment in Spain The Letter of Pope Gâ—gory the 15 to the Prince The successe of the Match intended with Spaiâ— The Prince returneth to England An. 1624. A trouble in Edinburgh raised against the Minisâ—es The death of Lodovick Duke of Richmond and Lennox An. 1625. The death of Iames Marquis of Hamilton The King much affected with these deaths contracts a feaver and dieth An Epitaph upon King IAMES his death written by the Reverend Divine Dr. Morley C. C. C. Oxon.
rest well satisfied But a pitiful accident that fell out in the time gave an hinderance to these business The Chancellour going to the Castle to make his report to the King as he returned to his lodging did encounter the Earl of Crawford in the street called commonly the Schoolhouse wynd There had been an old grudge bewixt the two families whereupon the Noblemen passed by others without salutations the street being narrow and the companies of each side great when they were almost parted two base fellowes fell a strugling for the way and by thrusting one at another raised a tumult in the very beginning whereof the Chancellour was killed with the shot of a Pistol It was certainly known that the Noblemen did purpose no harm to others for Crawford did call to his followers to give way to the Chancellour as he on the other side called to give way to the Earl of Crawford yet by this unhappy accident were the old dissensions that had long slept revived and a fresh enmity raised which turned to the great hurt of both The death of the Chancellour was much lamented falling out in the time when the King and countrey stood in most need of his service He had carried himself with much commendation in his place and acquired a great authority most careful was he to have peace conserved both in the countrey and Church and laboured much to have the question of Church policy setled upon which subject he interchanged divers letters with Theodore Beze Some have blamed him of too great curiosity in that matter but his intention certainly was pious and commendable Upon his death the Earl of Athol was preferred to be Chancellour at which the Church did mightily offend as likewise of the admission of the Earls of Cathnes and Eglinton with the Lord Ogilvy upon the Councel who were all thought to be Popishly inclined This being meaned to the King was in some sort satisfied by their promises and subscriptions to the Articles of religion yet the suspicions of their unsoundness still continued And now began they who longed for the change of Mortons government to repent the alteration that was made for howsoever he did not favour the novations in Church policy urged by some Ministers he kept a severe hand over Papists permitting none to enjoy and publick office who was not sincerely affected to the truth The first of April the Castle of Edinburgh was delivered to the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay who were appointed by the King to receive the house and a discharge given to the Earl of Morton of the jewels munition and moveables within the same And the same day Iohn Seaton of Touch and Iohn Cunningham of Drumwhassil received the keys in name of Alexander Areskin Uncle to the Earl of Marre upon a warrant directed to them for that effect The Earl of Morton resolving to live private and to have no more medling in publick affairs retired to Lochlevin where he stayed not long being recalled to Court by this occasion The friends of the house of Marre of whom the principals were the Abbots of Driburgh and Cambuskenneth out of some jealousie they conceived of Alexander Areskin his courses and a fear that the young Nobleman who was then grown to some years might be prejudged of his right in keeping the Castle practised secretly to exclude him and entring one morning with a number of his followers seised upon the keeper of the gate took the keys from him by force and putting him and his men forth placed others in their rooms whom they caused swear fidelity to the Earl of Marre How soon the Councel which then remained at Edinburgh was advertised of this change they prepared to go to Striveling and for their greater security were furnished with some companies of men by the Town of Edinburgh but by letters from the King they were stayed In these letters the King shewed that it was a private dissension only that had happened betwixt the friends of the house of Marre which he would have peaceably composed and therefore desired them to come unto him after a day or two in quiet and sober manner and assist the reconcilement They obeyed and coming to Striveling in a frequent Councel kept the third of May the controversy was in these termes composed That the Earl of Marre being new come to a reasonable age he should attend the Kings person and have the custody of the Castle of Striveling and that the Master his Uncle should remain Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh and when he came to Court have his table kept as before and enjoy the place of a Gentleman of his Majesties chamber The conditions prescrived to the Earl of Marre were That he should guard the Castle attend the Kings person therein and not remove him to any place whatsoever without the knowledge and consent of the Councel That he should not receive any within the house whom he knew not to be well affected to the King admitting an Earl with two only in train a Lord with one and Gentleman single that Mr. George Buchannan and Mr. Peter Young should continue his instructers and no others be admitted without the Councels consent nor any religious exercise kept within the Castle but that which the Parliament had approved For the observing of these Articles the Earls of Athol Angus Argile and Montross with the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay became sureties For the Master his Uncle and his fidelity in keeping the Castle of Edinburgh with the jewels munition and other moveables the Earls of Athol Argile Montross and the Lord Ruthven gave their bond and obligation Some days after this broile the Captain his eldest son called Alexander a youth of great hopes departed this life as it was thought of a grief he conceived for the indignity done to his Father This agreement being made and the Lords being then to return to Edinburgh the King did signify unto them that because the Parliament was indicted to the tenth of Iuly he would before that time call a number of every estate together for the preparing of matters and that all emulations laid aside they might concurre and joyn their counsels for the publick good of the Realm The Diet for this meeting he appointed at Striveling the tenth of Iune the Convention at the time was frequent of the Clergy eight Bishops and as many Abbots were present of the Nobility nine Earls and eleven Lords and divers Commissioners of Burghs The Earl of Morton at the Kings earnest intreaty came also thither and at his coming was admitted upon the Councel having the precedency allowed him with the consent of the rest because of the Regency he had a long time sustained In the first meeting the King after he had given thanks to the whole number for the readinesse they had shewed to convene in that place proponed two things One was touching the Parliament and the place where it should