should be called and to pay the summes contained in their bonds This advice presented to the King went much against his minde for his desire was to have the banished Lords reclaimed and brought to obedience which he esteemed to be the greatest assurance both of his own peace and the Countries quiet therefore did he onely answer That if it could be proved that the Lords since their departing from Scotland had traffiqued with strangers to the prejudice of Religion or State they should be used with all extremity but otherwise neither could their Cautioners be convicted nor would he change the course which he had kept with their wives and children Not long before this Assembly the King had communicated his minde to Mr. Robert Bruce touching that business hoping that by the sway he carried in those meetings some such Propositions as tended to the reclaiming of the banished Lords should have been made by the Assembly but finding his expectation not answered he brake to him the matter of new and shewed how greatly it concerned his estate to have them reduced and called home That the Queen of England was grown old and if any should after her death withstand his Title he would have need of his subjects assistance And that having so many Nobles exiled he would be lesse respected of strangers and be a great deal weaker at home If he could therefore win them to acknowledge their offence and so embrace the true Religion without which they should never get any favour from him he believed the course would not be disallowed of wise men and those that loved him Alwaies he desired to know his judgment for as yet he had not shewed his minde in that matter to any person Mr. Robert Bruce being as then in great favour and credit with the King said that he did think well of his Majesties reasons and that he should not doe amisse to bring home Angus and Arroll so as they would conform themselves in Religion But that Huntley could not be pardoned being so hated as he was of the subjects The King reasoning to the contrary that if Huntley be willing to satisfie the Church and fulfill the Conditions which he would require of him he saw no reason why he should not be received as well as the other two And as he could not but know that his care of that man was great and he having married his Cousin whom he accounted his own Daughter so was he the man of greatest power and one that could stand him in most stead Therefore desired Mr. Robert to think of that matter and after a day or two give him his advice in it At the next meeting being enquired what he had thought of the business he answered as before saying That Huntley's return would be ill interpreted and offend all good men The King repeating the former Reasons and adding That if he brought one home he would bring them all he replied I see Sir that your resolution is to take Huntley in favour which if you doe I will oppose and you shall choose whether you will lose Huntley or me for us both you cannot keep This saucy reply the King did never forget and it was this which lost him the favour which formerly he carried with the King The exiled Lords not finding that respect given unto them in forain parts which they expected took a resolution to return and to use all means for reconciling themselves to the King Church And that their return might be the more secret they separated one from another Arroll taking his journey homewards through the United Provinces was intercepted and delivered into the hands of Mr. Robert Danielston Conservator of the Scotish priviledges to be kept by him till the King should be advertised But whether by the Conservators knowledge or otherwise he made an escape and came into the Countrey Huntley came some moneths before and lurking secretly in the North sent a supplication to his Majesty and the Convention which met at Falkland the 12 of August the effect whereof was that he might be permitted to return and remain within any part of the Countrey his Majesty should appoint he giving sufficient surety for his quiet and peaceable behaviour The King having heard the Supplication took occasion to say That one of the two courses was needfull to be followed with him and the rest that were in his condition that is either utterly to exterminate them their race and posterity or then upon their humble acknowledgment of their offence and surety made for the state of Religion to receive in favour for to continue in the condition wherein they presently were could not stand either with the safety of Religion or with his own honour and estate The first course said he hath the own difficulties and will not be performed without great trouble And for my self so long as there is any hope that they may be reduced to the profession of the truth I desire not their destruction but like rather to extend my clemency towards them which I believe is the minde of all good and peaceable men As to the present offer made by Huntley I do not think it well generall and to no purpose therefore by your advise I would have particular Conditions condescended upon such as may serve for security of Religion mine own honour and the tranquillity of the Countrey such Conditions being offered and security found for performance I should then think that license might be granted him to return he being confined in such a part of the Countrey as should be thought most convenient The Convention approving his Majesties judgment resolved upon this as the fittest course remitting the Conditions to be formed by his Highness and the Lords of Councell September the same conclusion was ratified at another Convention of the Estates at Dunfermling and the Baptisme of the Princesse who was born the 19 of August appointed to be at Halyrud-house the 28 of November next How soon this their return into the Countrey was known and that such an Act was passed in their favours the Commissioners of the Church assembled at Edenburgh where falling to consider the dangers threatned to Religion by their return it was thought necessary to acquaint all the Presbyteries with the present state of things particularly that the forfaited Earls were returned into the Countrey without his Majesties warrant and approbation that they remained peaceably in the same using all means to be restored to their livings albeit they had neither acknowledged their offence in that treasonable dealing with the King of Spaine nor their defection and apostasie from the truth And that they had maintained an Act of Councell in their favours at the Convention of Falkland which was ratified thereafter at Dunfermling whereby they were licensed to remain upon certain Conditions to be prescribed unto them by his Majesty and Councell to the manifest hazard both of Church and
gentleman had travelled in Germany and falling in familiarity with Martin Luther Philip Melanchthon Francis Lamberd and other learned men was by them instructed in the knowledge of true Religion in the profession whereof he was so zealous as he was resolved to come back into his countrey and communicate the light he had received unto others At his return wheresoever he came he spared not to lay open the corruptions of the Romane Church and to shew the errours crept into Christian Religion whereunto many gave eare and a great following he had both for his learning and courteous behaviour to all sorts of people The Clergy grudging at this under colour of conference enticed him to the city of S. Andrews and when he came thither appointed Frier Alexander Campbel to keep company with him and to use the best perswasions he could to divert him from his opinions Sundry conferences they had wherein the Frier acknowledging that many things in the Church did need to be reformed and applauding his judgement in most of the points his minde was rather confirmed then in any sort weakened Thus having stayed some few dayes in the city whilest he suspected no violence to be used under night he was apprehended being in bed and carried prisoner to the Castle the next day he was presented before the Bishop accused for maintaining the Articles following 1. That the corruption of sin remains in children after their Baptism 2. That no man by the power of his free will can do any good 3. That no man is without sin so long as he liveth 4. That every true Christian may know himself to be in the state of grace 5. That a man is not justified by works but by faith onely 6. That good works make not a good man but that a good man doeth good works and that an ill man doeth ill works yet the same ill works truly repented make not an ill man 7. That Faith Hope and Charity are so linked together that he who hath one of them hath all and he that lacketh one lacketh all 8. That God is the cause of sin in this sense that he withdraweth his grace from man and grace withdrawn he cannot but sin 9. That it is a devillish Doctrine to teach that by any actuall penance remission of sin is purchased 10. That auricular Confession is not necessary to salvation 11. That there is no Purgatory 12. That the holy Patriarchs were in heaven before Christs Passion 13. That the Pope is Antichrist and that every Priest hath as much power as the Pope Being desired to expresse his minde touching these Articles he said That he held the first seven to be undoubtedly true whereunto he offered to set his hand the rest he said were disputable points but such as he could not condemne unlesse he saw better reasons then yet he had heard After some conference kept with him on each Article the whole were remitted to the judgement of the Theologues There met to this effect Master Hugh Spence Provost of S. Salvators Colledge Master Iames Waddall Parson of Flisk and Rector of the University Master Iames Simson Officiall of S. Andrews Master Thomas Ramsay professour of the holy Scriptures Master Iohn Grison Theologue and Provinciall of the Black Friers Iohn Tillidaff Warden of the Gray Friers Master Martine Balfoure and Master Iohn Spence Lawyers Sir Alexander Young Batchelar of Divinity Sir Iohn Annand Chanon of of S. Andrews Frier Alexander Campbell Prior of the Black Friers and Master Robert Bannerman Regent of the Pedagogy These men within a day or two presented their Censure of the Articles judging them all Hereticall and contrary to the faith of the Church This subscribed with all their hands and delivered to the Bishop in a solemne meeting kept in the Cathedrall Church the first of March 1527. sentence was pronounced against the young Gentleman declaring him an Heretick and giving him over in the hands of the secular power to suffer punishment due to Heresie There assisted the Bishop in that meeting Gawine Archbishop of Glasgow George Bishop of Dunkeld Iohn Bishop of Brichen and William Bishop of Dumblane Patrick Prior of S. Andrews David Abbot of Aberbrothock George Abbot of Dumfermling Alexander Abbot of Cambuskenneth Henry Abbot of Lundors and Iohn Prior of Pettenweem the Dean Subdean and Thesaurer of the Church of Glasgow with the Rectors of Stobo Areskin Carstares Goven and Glasgow All which set their hands to the sentence and to give it the greater authority whosoever were of any estimation in the University were made to subscrive the same amongst whom was the Earl of Cassels a child of thirteen years old The same day for the execution was hastened lest the King who was gone at that time in Pilgrimage to S. Duthak in Rosse should impede the proceeding he was condemned by the secular Judge and in the afternoon led to the place of his suffering which was appointed to be at the gate of S. Salvators Colledge Being come to the place he put off his Gown and gave it with his Bonnet Coat and other apparell to his servant saying This stuffe will not help in the fire yet will doe thee some good I have no more to leave thee but the ensample of my death which I pray thee keep in minde For albeit the same be bitter and painfull in mans judgement yet is it the entrance to everlasting life which none can inherit that denieth Christ before this congregation Then was he tied to the stake about it a great quantity of coal wood and other combustible matter was heaped whereof he seemed to have no fear but seriously commending his soul into the hands of God held his eyes fixed towards the heavens The Executioner firing the powder that was laid to kindle the wood his lest hand and the side of his face was a little scorched therewith yet the fire did not kindle Whereupon some were sent to the Castle to bring more powder whilest this was bringing he uttered divers comfortable speeches to them that stood by The Friers all that time molesting him with their cries bidding him convert pray to our Lady and say Salve Regina amongst them none was more troublesome then Frier Alexander Campbell who as we said kept company with him at his first coming to the City often he besought him to depart and not to vex him but when he would not cease his crying he said Wicked man thou knowest I am not an heretick and that it is the truth of God for which I now suffer so much thou diddest confesse unto me in private and thereupon I appeal thee to answer before the Iudgement seat of Christ. The powder by this time was brought and the fire kindled after which with a loud voice he was heard to say How long O Lord shall darknesse oppresse this Realm how long wilt thou suffer this tyranny of men and then closed his speeches with these words
The Lord Gray lodging in the Deans house in Restalrig and the most part of his horsemen in the same village the foot lay all in the tents upon the South and South-east side of Leth and near unto them were the Scots Noblemen encamped trenches cast and a little mount erected which was called Mount Pellain from the name of the Captain whereupon eight Canons were placed to play upon S. Antonies Steeple on which the French had planted some Ordinance These thundering night and day battered the steeple and forced the French to dismount their artillery The English after this growing negligent and supposing the French would make no more fallies followed their sports some of the Captains going to Edinburgh and the souldiers falling to play at Dice and Cards as though there had been no enemies to fear wherefore the French getting intelligence they issued forth and entring the English trenches before they were perceived put many to the sword The slaughter was great and esteemed to exceed the losse of the French in the first encounter This accident taught them to be more watchful all the time that the siege continued and because their numbers were so few for besieging the Town in all parts they devised to raise certain mounts in every quarter and to remove the Canon to the West side of the water of Leth. more near the walls then before The last of April a sudden fire kindling within the Town burned all that night which destroyed many houses and consumed a great part of the souldiers provision During this burning the English playing continually with the Canon upon the places where they saw the flames rising to stop the quenching of the fire and entring the ditches did in the mean time measure the height of the walls to provide ladders for the scaling which they intended The seventh of May having resolved to give an assault they brought the ladders a little before day towards the walls but they proved too short and so that purpose failed The English lost 160. at this enterprise such as were affected to the French did hereupon take courage trusting the siege would rise and the English Army depart but the accident did no way dismay either the English or Scots every man animating another to constancie and continuance and about the time came letters from the Duke of Norfolk which greatly confirmed their mindes Thereby he charged them not to break up the siege by any means assuring they should not lack men so long as any could be had between Twede and Trent for in those bounds he commanded as Lieutenant and giving hopes to come in person to the Camp he caused his Pavilion to be set up and sent thither his officers and provision Shortly after a fresh supply came from England of 2000. men which made all former losses to be forgotten The French for some dayes made divers fallies but were ever put to the worst for all the hurt which fell either to Scottish or English from that time untill the rendring of the Town was only the losse of two men Robert Colvil of Cleish Master houshold to Lord Iames a Gentleman much commended both for wisdom and valour he was wounded in the thigh by the shot of a great piece from the town and died of it within two houres and Alexander Lochart brother to the Laird of Barre who lying too open in the trenches was discovered by the enemy and shot in the head The French King hearing in what distresse the companies at Leth were and by reason of other affaires not able to supply them in time sent Count Randon and Monsieur Monluâ—k Bishop of Valence Ambassadours to the Queen of England desiring her to retire her Army out of Scotland with offers to restore the town of Callais if she would call them back her answer was that she did not value that fisher Town so much as to hazard for it the state of Britain The French perceiving that peace could not otherwise be made but by calling back the French souldiers and thinking it dishonorable for the King and Queen of France to treat with their own subjects they intreated the Queen of England to send her Ambassadours to mediate an agreement which was easily assented unto and Mr. William Cecill principal Secretary of England with Doctor wotton Dean of Canterbury and York appointed to go with the French Ambassadours into Scotland and use their best means for pacifying the present troubles Whilest they were in their journey Queen Regent partly out of sicknesse and partly of displeasure died in the Castle of Edinburgh the tenth of Iune 1560. Before her death she desired to speak with the Duke of Chattellerault the Earls of Argyle Glencarn Marshall and Lord Iames to whom she expressed her grief for the troubles of the Realm commending earnestly the study of peace unto them advising them to send both French and English forth of the countrey and beseeching them to continue in the obedience of the Queen their Soveraign and to entertain the old amity with the King and Realm of France After some speeches to this purpose bursting forth in tears she asked pardon of then all whom any way she had offended professing that she did forgive those who had injured her in any sort and imbracing all the Nobles one by one kissing them she took her farewell To others of meaner sort that stood by she gave her hand and so they departed Afterwards disposing her self for another world she sent for Iohn Willock the Preacher who was then returned from England and conferring with him a reasonable space openy professed that she did trust to be saved only by the death and merits of Iesus Christ and thus ended her life most Christianly She was a Lady of honest and honourable conditions of singular judgement and full of humanity a great lover of justice helpful to the poor especially to those that she knew to be indigent but for shame could not beg Compassionate of women in travel whom she did often visit in her own person and help both with her skill and counsel In her Court she kept a wonderful gravity tolerating no licenciousnesse her maids were alwayes busied in some virtuous exercise and to them she was an ensample every way of modesty chastity and the best vertues A great dexterity she had in government which appeared in the composing the tumults in the North and in pacifying the Isles which by her wisdome were reduced to perfect obedience â—s to those warres which afficted the Kingdome in her last dayes it is not to be doubted but the same happened much against her will neither had they fallen out at all if affaires had been carried according to her mind But she was to govern by direction and in all matters of weight must needs attend responses from the French Court which were the Oracles whereby all affairs at those times were framed This made her in matters of Religion more
is used in some of our Churches is sufficient to instruct the diligent Reader how that both these Sacraments may be rightly ministred yet for an uniformity to be kept we thought good to adde this as superabundant In Baptisme we acknowledge nothing to be used except the element of water only and that the word and declaration of the promises as we said before ought to precede therefore whosoever presumeth in Baptisme to use oyle salt wax spittle conjuration and crossing as they accuse the institution of Christ of imperfection for it was void of all these inventions so for altering Christs perfect Ordinance they ought to be severely punished The table of the Lord is then most rightly ministred when it approacheth most nigh to Christs own action But plain it is that at the Supper Christ Iesus sate with his Disciples and therefore do we judge that sitting at table is most convenient to that holy action that Bread and Wine ought to be given distribution of the same made that the Bread should be taken and eaten and likewise that all should drink of the Cup with declaration what both the one and the other is For touching the damnable errour of the Papists who defraud the people of the Cup of the Lords blood their errour is so manifest as it needeth no confutation That the Minister break the bread and distribute the same to those that be next unto him commanding the rest every one with reverence and sobriety to break with other we think it neerest to Christs action and to the perfect practice of the Apostles as we reade in Saint Paul During which action we think it necessary that some comfortable places of Scripture be read which may bring in minde the death of the Lord Iesus and the benefit of the same for seeing in that Action we ought chiefly to remember the Lords death we judge the Scriptures making mention of the same most apt to stir up our dull minds then and at all times The Ministers at their discretion may appoint the places to be read as they think good but what times we think most convenient for ministration of the one and other Sacrament shall be declared when we come to the policy of the Church The third head touching the abolishing of Idolatry AS we require Christ Iesus to be truly preached and his holy Sacraments rightly ministred so we can not cease to require Idolatry with all monuments and places of the same as Abbeys Chappels Monkeries Friers Nunneries Chantries Cathedrall Churches Chanonries Colledges other then presently are Parish Churches or Schools to be utterly suppressed in all places of this Realm Palaces Mansions and dwelling houses with their Orchards and Gardens onely excepted As also we desire that no persons of what estate or condition soever they be be permitted to use idolatrous service for that wheresoever idolatry is maintained if so it may be suppressed the wrath of God shall reigne both upon the blinde and obstinate idolaters and those that negligently suffer the same By Idolatrie we understand the Masse invocation of Saints adoration of Images and the keeping and retaining of the same finally all honouring of God not contained in his holy word The fourth head concerning Ministers and their lawfull Election IN a Church reformed or tending to reformation none ought to presume either to preach or yet minister the Sacraments untill they be called orderly to the same Ordinary vocation consisteth in Election Examination and Admission and because the election of Ministers in Papistry hath been altogether abused we think expedient to intreat of it more largely It appertaineth to the people and to every severall congregation to elect their Minister and in case they be found negligent therein the space of fourty dayes the best reformed Church to wit the Church of the Superintendent with his councell may present unto them a man that they judge apt to feed the flock of Christ Iesus who must be examined as well in life and manners as in doctrine and knowledge That this may be done with more exact diligence the persons who are to be examined must be commanded to appear before men of soundest judgement remaining in some principall town next adjacent unto them As they that be in Fife Angus Mernis or Stratherne to present themselves in St. Andrewes those that be in Lothian Mers or Tivioâ—dale in Edinburgh and likewise those that be in other countries must resort to the best reformed Cities and Towns that is to the Town of the Superintendent where first in the Schools or failing thereof in open assembly and before the congregation they must give declaration of their gifts utterance and knowledge by interpreting some place of Scripture to be appointed by the Ministery which being ended the person that is presented or that offereth himself to the service of the Church must be examined by the Ministers and Elders of the Church openly before all that list to hear in all the chief points that be now in controversie betwixt us and the Papists Anabaptists Arrians and other such enemies to the Christian Religion In which if he be sound and able to perswade by wholsome Doctrine and to convince the gain-sayers then must he be directed to the Church and Congregation where he would serve that there in open audience of the flock he may preach and deliver his knowledge in the Article of Justification the Offices of Christ Iesus the number effect and use of the Sacraments and finally the whole Religion which hereto fore hath been corrupted by Papists If his Doctrine be found wholsome and able to instruct the simple and if the Church can justly reprehend nothing in his life doctrine or utterance then we judge the Church which before was destitute unreasonable if they refuse him whom the Church doth offer and that they should be compelled by the censure of the Councell and Church to receive the person appointed and approved by the judgement of the Godly and Learned unless that the same Church hath presented a man better or as well qualified to examination before that the foresaid triall was taken of the person presented by the Councell of the whole Church As for example the Councell of the Church presents a man unto a Church to be their Minister not knowing that they are otherwise provided in the mean time the Church hath another sufficient in their judgment for that charge whom they present to the learned Ministers and next reformed Church to be examined In this case the presentation of the people to whom he should be appointed Pastor must be preâ—erred to the presentation of the Councell or greater Church unless the person presented by the inferiour Church be judged unable for the regiment by the learned For this is alwayes to be avoyded that no man be intruded or thrust in upon any congregation But this liberty with all care must be reserved for every severall Church to have their voices and suffrages in election of their Ministers
in preparing his apparel Mean while the Ambassadours had a watchword given them not to see nor salute him And such of the Nobility as were known to bear him any favour or out of their compassion did vouchsafe him a visit were frowned upon by the Court His Father advertised of these things sent for him to come unto Glasgow where he then remained but scarce was he past a mile from Striveling when a vehement pain seised on all the parts of his body which at his coming to Glasgow was manifestly perceived to proceed of poison that treacherously had been ministred unto him for through all his body brake out blisters of a blewish colour with such a dolour and vexation in all his parts as nothing but death was a long time expected Yet his youth and natural strength vanquishing the force of the poison he began a little to convalesce and put his enemies to other shifts wherein shortly after but to their own undoing they prevailed The report of what passed at Striveling coming to Edinburgh where the Assembly of the Church was then gathered did greatly offend the better sort yet nothing grieved them so much as a Commission granted to the Archbishop of S. Andrews whereby he was reponed to his ancient jurisdiction in confirming Testaments giving collation to Benefices and other such things as were judged in the spiritual Courts The Assembly taking this greatly to heart ordained a supplication to be made to the Nobility and Lords of secret Councel professing Christ with them and who had renounced the Romane Antichrist I use the words of the superscription for impeding the said Commission and letting it to take effect In this supplication they said That the causes judged in these Courts did for the most part pertain to the true Church and that howsoever in hope of some good effect to have followed the Church had overseen the Commission granted by the Queen in these matters to men who for the greater number were of their own profession they would never be content that he whom they knew to be an enemy to Christ and his truth should exerce that jurisdiction seeing under the colour thereof he might usurp again his own authority and take upon him the judgement of heresie in which case none could be ignorant what his sentence could be wherefore their desire was the Queen should be informed that this was a violation of the laws of the Realm and the setting up again of the Romane Antichrist whose authority and usurped power in an open and free Parliament had been condemned which her Majesty also at her first arriving into this Realm and since that time by divers Proclamations had expressely forbidden to be acknowledged here of they said if their honours should plainly and boldly admonish the Queen using that reverence which was due from Subjects and doing nothing in a tumult they did perswade themselves she would do nothing against Justice and that such Tyrants should not dare once to appear in Judgement But howsoever matters went they humbly craved to understand their minds and what they would do if it should happen such wolfes to invade the flock of Christ. This the summe of the supplication I find not what answer it received nor that the Bishop made any use of his Commission but the change it seems which shortly after happened in the State did quite frustrate the same Master Knox being licenced at this time to visit his sons who were following their studies at Cambridge did move the Assembly to write unto the Bishops of England in favour of some Preachers who were troubled for not conforming themselves to the Orders of that Church Because it will appear by the letter in what esteem our reformers did hold the Church of England and how farre they were from accounting the government thereof Antichristian I thought meet to insert the same word by word The Superintendents Ministers and Commissioners of the Church within the Realm of Scotland to their Brethren the Bishops and Pastors of England who have renounced the Romane Antichrist and do professe with them the Lord Iesus in sincerity wish the increase of the holy Spirit BY word and writing it is come to our knowledge Reverend Pastors that divers of our brethren amongst whom some be of the best learned within that Realm are deprived from all Ecclesiastical function and forbidden to preach and so by you are stayed to promove the Kingdome of Iesus Christ because their conscience will not suffer them to take upon them at the commandment of the authority such garments as Idolaters in time of blindness have used in their idolatrous service which rumour cannot but be most dolorous to our hearts considering the sentence of the Apostle If ye bite and devour one another take heed ye be not consumed one of another We purpose not at the present to enter into the Question which we hear is agitated with greater vehemencie by either party then well liketh us to wit whether such apparel is to be accounted amongst things indifferent or not But in the bowels of Iesus Christ we crave that Christian charity may so far prevail with you that are the Pastors and guides of Christs flock in that Realm as ye do not to others that which ye would not others did unto you Ye cannot be ignorant how tender a thing Conscience is and all that have knowledge are not alike perswaded your conscience stirres not with the wearing of such things but many thousands both godly and learned are otherwise perswaded whose consciences are continually stricken with these sentences What hath Christ to do with Belial what fellowship is there betwixt light and darknesse If Surplice Corner-cap and Tippet have been the badges of Idolaters in the very act of their Idolatry what have the Preachers of Christian liberty and the rebukers of superstition to do with the dregges of that Romane beast yea what is he that ought not to fear either to take in his hand or forehead the print and mark of that odious beast Our brethren that refuse such unprofitable apparel do neither damne nor molest you who use such vain trifles if ye shall do the like to them we doubt not therein you shall please God and comfort the hearts of many which are wounded with the extremity used against those godly brethren Colour of Rhetorick or humane perswasion we use none but charitably we desire you to call to mind the sentence of S. Peter Feed the flock of God which is committed to your charge caring for it not by constraint but willingly not as being Lords of Gods heritage but being examples to the flock We further desire you to meditate upon that sentence of the Apostle Give not offence either to the Iewes or to the Grecians or to the Church of God In what condition ye and we both travel for the promoving of Christs Kingdom ye are not ignorant therefore we are the more bold to exhort you to
passe out of the fields as suspected of the Kings murther till the same might be tried and that she would go with them and follow the counsell of the Nobility which if she would do they would honour serve and obey her as their Princess and Soveraign whereunto her Majesty for the love she bare unto her subjects and to avoid the effusion of Christian blood did willingly assent In verification whereof the said Laird of Grange took the Earl of Bothwell at the same time by the hand and willed him to depart giving his word that no man should pursue him So as nothing is more clear then that he passed away by their own consents for if they had been minded against him only would they not have pursued him so long as he was in the Countrey for he remained a great space after that in his own house and might more easily have been taken there then upon the Seas where they in a coloured manner did pursue him Hereby said they may all men of found judgement perceive that they cared not what became of him if so they might advance their own ambitious purposes and designes Thirdly where she is charged to have used them with threats and menacings that they said was not to be thought strange considering their undutiful behaviour and the rude and vile usage her Majesty suffered by them For when the Earl of Morton at her highnesse first coming to them had reverently as it became him said Madame here is the place where your grace should be and we will honour and serve you as truly as ever the Nobility of the Realm did any of your progenitors in former times ratifying thereby the promise made by the Laird Grange in their names to her Majesty and that she trusting their speeches had gone with him to Edinburgh they first lodging her in a simple Burgesse house and contrary to their promises did most rudely intreat her whereupon she sent Lethington her Secretary and made offer unto them that for any thing wherewith they or any of the subjects were offended she was content the same should be reformed by the Nobility and the Estates of the Realm her Highnesse being present and permitted to answer for her self yet would they not hearken once to the motion but in the night secretly and against her will carried her to Lochivin and put her in prison As to that they say that she wearied with the molestations of government did make a voluntary resignation of the Kingdom in favours of the Prince her sonne appointing the Earl of Murray his Regent during his minority The falshood thereof did as they said many ways appear For first her Majesty is neither decayed by age nor weakned by sicknesse but praised be God both in mind and body able to discharge the most weighty affairs As also the truth is that the Earl of Athol the Lairds of Tullibardin and Lethington who were of their Councel sent Robert Melvil with a ring and some other tokens to her Majesty advising her to subscrive the letters of resignation and what else should be presented unto her to save her own life and avoid the death which was assuredly prepared for her if she should happen to refuse the same and at the same time the said Gentleman did bring unto her Majesty a letter written by Sir Nicholas Throgmorton Ambassadour of England requesting her Highnesse to set her hand to whatsoever they should desire of her To whom her Majesty answered that she would follow his counsel praying him to declare to her dearest sister the Queen of England how she was used by her subjects and that the resignation of the Crown made by her was extorted by fear which her Highnesse doubted not but the said Nicholas performed Further it is notorious that the Lord Lindesay at the presenting of the letters of resignation unto her Majesty did menace to put her in close prison if she refused to put her hand to the same adding that in that case worse would shortly follow and that her Highnesse never looked what was in the writings presented but signed the same with many tears protesting that if ever she should recover her liberty she would disavow that which he compelled her at that time to do And to testify that the said resignation was made against her will the Laird of Lochlevin who was then her Keeper refused to subscrive it as witnesse and did obtain a Testificat under her Majesties own hand declaring that he refused to be present at the said resignation Neither can that renuciation be sustained by any reason considering that no portion of Revenue was reserved for her to live upon neither was her liberty granted or any security given her of her life All which weighed in the ballance of reason will to men of indifferent judgement make manifest that the alledged dimission so unlawfully procured can never prejudge her Majesty in her Royal estate especially considering that at her first escape out of prison she did revoke the same and in the presence of a great part of the Nobility at Hamilton by a solemn oath declared that what she had done was by compulsion and upon just cause of her life For the Coronation of her Highnesse son they said that the same was most unorderly done because there being in the Realm above an hundred Earls Bishops and Lords having voice in Parliament of whom the greatest part at least ought to have consented thereto it being an Action of such consequence four Earls and six Lords the same that were present at her apprehension with one Bishop and two or three Abbots and Priors were only assisting and of the same number some did put in a protestation that nothing then done should prejudge the Queen or her successor by reason she was at that time a captive Nor can any man think that if the dimission had been willingly made her Highnesse she would ever have nominated the Earl of Murray Regent there being many others more lawful and that have better right thereto then he of whom some have been governours of the Realm in former times and during her Majesties minority had worthily exerced that place It is to as little purpose that they object of the Parliament and the ratification made therein Seeing the principalls of the Nobility disassented and put in their protestations both to the Lords of the Articles and in the open Parliament against their proceedings affirming that they would never agree to any thing that might hurt the Queens Majesties person her Crown and Royall estate further then her Highnesse self being at liberty would freely approve Lastly where they would have it seen that the authority established by them was universally obeyed in the Realm and all things well and justly administred both these are alike untrue for a great part of the Nobility have never acknowledged another authority then that of the Queen keeping and holding their Courts in her Majesties name And for the administration of affairs it
from the Regent at Corstorphin had the foot souldiers left with him to withstand the enemy if he should make any suddain attempt Nor did there many days passe when the Earl of Huntley and Lord Claud Hamilton with their forces enterprised the burning of Dalkeith Morton who remained there being forewarned of their coming took the fields and entertained a long fight with them though in number he was far inferiour divers on either side were killed 25. of the Earl of Mortons men taken prisoners and of the adverse party Captain Hackerston Neither had the conflict ended so soon if they had not been separated by an accident that happened in the time The Earl of Huntley and Lord Claud had carried with them a great quantity of powder wherewith the souldiers striving to furnish themselves and one of the matches falling amongst the powder it took fire and with a terrible noise overthrew all that stood by Captain Iames Melvil and number of his company were thereby killed in the place many died a few days after of the hurt they received at that time The Earl of Morton by this invasion being taught to look unto himself did hire a band of souldiers that was lately come from Denmark under the command of Captain Michael Weymes or as others write Captain David Weymes The Lords that remained at Edinburgh thinking to intercept him and his company as he crossed the river of Forth imployed Mr. Iames Kircaldy brother to the Lord of Grange who a few days before was come from France with a supply of money and Arms and Capt. Cullen a man well skilled in sea affairs to lie in wait for their landing But the purpose being detected to the Earl of Morton he came upon them at Leth as they were taking Boat so unexpected as 16. of the number were taken prisoners which served to redeem certain of Captain Weymes company that were the next day taken at sea for he himself with the greatest part arrived safely at Leth. The Regent having advertised the Queen of England of those troubles and by the common danger of both the Realms intreated that she should no longer remain a neuter she sent Sir William Drury Marshal of Berwick to try the estate of things the power that the Regent had and the means whereby the Castle of Edinburgh might be recovered and perceiving by the information returned that without her assistance neither could that strength be regained nor the waged souldiers be kept long together because as yet she held it not fit to declare her self for the King she began of new to treat with both parties for a surceasance of arms and that the town of Edinburgh might be freed of the souldiers left patent for the Court of Justice the Captain of the Castle having in the mean time a convenient revenue for guarding the house allowed unto him But this turned to no effect for the conditions for the surceasance required could not be agreed unto by either side for the Regent would have the town of Edinburgh put in the estate wherein it was at the going of the Commissioners to the Court of England in Ianuary preceding and Grange to content him self with such an ordinary garrison as other Keepers of the Castle were accustomed to entertain The other faction was content to leave the town patent but so that neither the Regent nor the Earl of Morton should come unto it And for the surety of the Castle they would have Grange to retain 150. souldiers besides the ordinary guard who should lodge in that part of the town which was nearest unto the same The conditions of either side rejected they of Edinburgh not to be wanting of the authority of a Parliament kept a publick meeting in the town-house the twelfth day of Iune to which day they had indicted a Parliament where a supplication was presented in name of the Queen bearing That it was not unknown how certain of her rebellious subjects having imprisoned her person in the Tower of Lochlevin did hereafter constrain her to make a dimission of the Crown in favours of her son which by the advice of Mr. Iohn Spence of Condy her Advocate she had lawfully revoked albeit otherwise the same could not subsist being done without the consent and advice of the Estates and upon a narrative of her inability and weakness which any of mean judgement may consider to be a meer forgery seeing her weaknesse to govern cannot be esteemed so great as is the weaknesse of an insant lying in the cradle neither can he who hath the present administration of affairs compare with her in any for aptness and ability to govern Therefore was it desired that the Nobility and Estates there convened after they had examined the grounds of the said dimission and found them in reason naught should discern the same to be null in all time coming The supplication once or twice read it was pronounced as followeth The Lords Spiritual and Temporal with the Commissioners of Burghs presently assembled being ripely advised with the supplication presented have by authority of Parliament ordained the said pretended dimission renunciation and overgiving of the Crown by the Queen consequently the Coronation of her son the usurped government of his Regents and all that hath followed thereupon to have been from the beginning null and of no force nor effect for the reasons contained in the said supplication and other considerations notour to the whole Estates And therefore commands all the subjects to acknowledge the Queen for their only Soveraign notwithstanding the said dimission and as it had never been in rerum naturâ Herewith to conciliate the favour of the Church and people by another statute they ordained That none should innovate alter or pervert the form of Religion and ministration of Sacraments presently professed and established within the Realm but that the same should have free course without any let or impediment to be made thereto And therewithall the Superintendents Ministers Exhorters and Readers in Churches were commanded in their publick service to pray for the Queen as their only Soveraign the Prince her son the Councel Nobility and whole body of the Commonwealth These statutes they caused to be proclaimed at the Market Crosse the day following which was the 13th of Iune Sir William Drury finding his labours unprofitable and preparing to depart the Lords of Edinburgh would needs of courtesie bring him on the way The Earl of Morton who lay then at Leth pained with a Cholick hearing that they were in the the fields and taking it to be done for ostentation of their power arose from his bed and putting his men in order marched to Restalrig which way they were to passe Sir William Drury perceiving the companies of Leth in the way and sorry that his Convoy should have given the occasion travelled between them and by his perswasions made them both to retire But then the question fell who should first retire
the crossings he found in the publick affairs he contracted a sicknesse whereof he died at Striveling the eighth of October The adversary faction flattering themselves in their own conceits made the like construction of his death which they had made of the other Regents that proceeded saying that it was an evident sign of Gods displeasure with the present courses and that none of those who joyned in the enterprise against the Queen could prosper better But to measure Gods love or hatred by these outward accidents is folly seeing they fall out alike to all both good and wicked and for this Nobleman howsoever he was taken away to the countrey untimely he died happily for himself and well reported of all Before his dying he commended the care of the Kings person in most earnest manner to his Lady and to Alexander Ereskin his brother appointing him keeper of the Castle till his son should be grown up and be of a perfectage and giving most wise directions both for the one and the other ended his days in great quietness and in the assurance of that better life In the next moneth Iohn Knox who had returned a little before to Edinburgh departed this life The Reader will pardon me if here I make a little digression to shew what a man this was both in his life and death the rather because some malicious and wicked spirits have studied by many forged lies to deprave his fame only out of hatred of true Religion whereof he was a zealous promover He was born in Gifford within Lothian of a mean but honest parentage and being put to school made such profit in his studies under that famous Doctor Mr. Iohn Major as he was held worthy to enter into orders before the years allowed By reading the ancients especially the works of S. Austen he was brought to the knowledge of the truth and for the profession thereof endured many troubles as well in the Cardinals life as after his death Having happily escaped these dangers he went into England and became a Preacher of the Gospel making his chief abode in the towns of Berwick and Newcastle In the beginning of Queen Maries persecution he fled in the company of some other Ministers to Geneva and served with them in an English Congregation which was there gathered untill the year 1559. at which time he was called home by the Noblemen that enterprised the Reformation and how soon the Church got liberty placed Minister at Edinburgh in this charge he continued to his last for the civil troubles which forced him to leave the town ceased no sooner then he returned to the place But his body grown infirm and his voyce so weak as people could not hear him teaching in the ordinary place he made choice of another more commodious within the town reading to his auditory the history of the Passion in which he said It was his desire to finish and close his Ministery Thus he continued preaching though with much weaknesse two moneths and more after his return and knowing that he was not to remain a long time with them he was instant with the Councel of the town to provide themselves of a worthy Parson to succeed in his place Mr. Iames Lawson who at that time professed Philosophy in the Colledge of Aberdene being commended for a good Preacher Commissioners were directed from the Superintendent of Lothian the Church of Edinburgh and Mr. Iohn Knox himself to desire him to accept the charge To the letter that the Commissioners carried after he had set his hand he added this Postscript Accelcra mifrater alioqui serò venies make haste brother otherwise you come too late meaning that if he made any stay he should find him dead and gone These last words moved Mr. Lawson to take journey the more quickly when he was come to the town and had preached once or twice to the good liking of the people order was taken by the Superintendent for his admission and the Diet appointed at which Iohn Knox himself would be present and teach though he could scarcewalk on foot to the chaire At no time was he heard to speak with greater power and more content to the hearers and in the end of his Sermon calling God to witness that he had walked in a good conscience amongst them not seeking to please men nor serving either his own or other mens affections but in all sincerity and truth preached the Gospel of Christ with most grave and pithy words he exhorted them to stand fast in the faith they had received and having conceived a zealous prayer for the continuance of Gods blessings upon them and the multiplying of his spirit upon the Preacher who was then to be admitted he gave them his last farewell The people did convey him to his lodging and could not be drawn from it so loth they were to part with him and he the same day in the afternoon by sicknesse was forced to take bed During the time he lay which was not long he was much visited by all sorts of persons to whom he spake most comfortably amongst others to the Earl of Morton that came to see him he was heard say My Lord God hath given you many blessings he hath given you wisdom riches many good and great friends and is now to preferre you to the government of the Realm In his name I charge you that you use these blessings aright and better in time to come nor ye have done in times past In all your actions seek first the glory of God the furtherance of his Gospel the maintenance of his Church and Ministery and next be careful of the King to procure his good and the welfare of the Realm If ye shall do this God will be with you and honour you if otherwise ye shall do it not he shall deprive you of all these benefits and your end shall be shame and ignominy These speeches the Earl nine years after at the time of his execution called to mind saying that he had found them to be true and him therein a Prophet His last speech to the Ministers A day or two before his death he sent for Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Iames Lawson and the Elders and Deacons of the Church to whom he said The time is approaching for which I have long thirsted wherein I shall be relieved of all cares and be with my Saviour Christ for ever And now God is my witnesse whom I have served with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son that I have taught nothing but the true and solid doctrine of the Gospel and that the end I proponed in all my preaching was to instruct the ignorant to confirm the weak to comfort the consciences of those who were humbled under the sense of their sinnes and bear down with the threatenings of Gods judgements such as were prou◠and rebellious I am not ignorant that many have blamed and yet do blame my too great rigour
he not charged with this nor seemed he to be touched therewith in his death which to the judgement of the beholders was very peaceable and quiet He was heard to make that common regret which many great men have done in such misfortunes That if he had served God as faithfully as he had done the King he had not come to that end but otherwise died patiently with a contempt of the world and assurance of mercy at the hands of God The same day Archibald Douglas called the Constable and Mr. Iohn Forbes servant to the Earl of Marre were executed the rest who were taken in the Castle had their lives spared and were banished the countrey and David Home of Argaty and one Iohn Shaw were pardoned The King after this returned to Edinburgh where he gave order for charging the houses of the fugitive Lords and their friends and upon information made that certain of the Ministery had dealing with the Rebels summons were directed to charge Mr. Andrew Hay Parson of Ranfrew Mr. Andrew Polwart Subdean of Glasgow Mr. Patrick Galloway and Mr. Iames Carmichael Ministers to compeir before the Councel Mr. Andrew Hay compeired and nothing being qualified against him was upon suspicion confined in the North. The other three not compeiring were denounced Rebels and fled into England The Parliament declared current at the time for the more speedy dispatch of businesse convened the 22. of May In it his Majesties declaration concerning the attempt of Ruthven was ratified The King his authority over all persons in all causes confirmed The declining of his Majesties judgement and the Councels in whatsoever matter declared to be Treason The impugning of the authority of the three Estates or procuring the innovation or diminution of the power of any of them inhibited under the same pain All jurisdictions and judicatures spiritual or temporal not approved of by his Highnesse and the three Estates discharged and an Ordinance made That none of whatsoever function quality or degree should presume privately or publickly in Sermons Declamations or familiar conferences to utter any false untrue or slanderous speeches to the reproach of his Majesty his Councel and proceedings or to the dishonour hurt or prejudice of his Highnesse his parents and progenitors or to meddle with the affaires of his Highnesse and Estate under the pains contained in the Acts of Parliaments made against the makers and reporters of lies Whilest these statutes were in framing the Ministers who were informed thereof to work at least a delay sent Mr. David Lindesay to intreat the King that nothing should pass in Act concerning the Church till they were first heard Arran getting intelligence of this caused arrest him as one that kept intelligence with England so as he was not permitted to come towards the King The first night he was kept in Halirudhouse and the next morning sent prisoner to Blackness where he was detained 47. weeks Mr. Iames Lawson and Mr. Walter Balcanquell Ministers of Edinburgh hearing that he was committed forsook their charge and fled into England leaving a short writing behind them to shew the reasons of their departing Iohn Dury some weeks before was removed and confined in the Town of Montrosse so as Edinburgh was left without any Preacher Mr. Robert Pont Minister of S. Cutberts and one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice because of the misregard of the Church as he pretended in concluding these Acts as the Heraulds were proclaiming them according to the Custome took instruments in the hands of a Notary of the Churches disassenting and that they were not obliged to give their obedience thereto which done he likewise fleeing was denounced Rebel and put from the place in Session Rumours hereupon being dispersed that the King was declined to Popery had made divers Acts to hinder the free passage of the Gospel and abolish all order and policy in the Church Command was given to form a brief declaration of his Majesties intention in those Acts that concerned the Church and to publish the same for detecting the falshood of those rumours In this declaration the occasions that enforced the King to the making of these statutes were particularly set down and the equity thereof maintained by divers reasons Amongst the occasions were reckoned the allowance of the fact of Ruthven by the assembly of the Church Mr. Andrew Melvil his declining of the King and Councel the fast kept at the feasting of the French Ambassadors general fasts indicted through the Realm without the King his knowledge the usurping of the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction by a number of Ministers and Gentlemen the alteration of the lawes at their pleasure and a number of like abuses And for satisfying good people strangers as well as subjects touching his Majesties good affection towards the maintenance of Religion certain Articles were drawn up and subjoyned to the said Declaration to make it appear that his Majesty had intended nothing but to have a setled form of policy established in the Church But these things gave not much satisfaction so great was the discontent and were replied unto in Pamphlets defamatory libels and scurril poems which daily came forth against the Court and the rulers of it To furnish the vacant places of Edinburgh till some were moved to undertake the charge the King did appoint his own Ministers Mr. Iohn Craig and Mr. Iohn Duncanson the Archbishop of Saint Andrews supplying the ordinary preaching at Court Soon after there came a letter from the Ministers directed to the Session of the Church at Edinburgh and to the Councel of the town of this tenour That seeing they were assured many calumnies would be forged against them for absenting themselves from their flock they had good to write unto them the true causes thereof which were as they said The great indignation conceived against them by the rulers of the Court for resisting the dangerous courses then in hand the Acts made in the late Parliament repugnant to the word of God and doctrine oftentimes by them preached the iniquity committed in the passing the said Acts and violence wherein they were defended the Articles penned and presented to some Ministers for submitting themselves to the tyrannical Regiment of Bishops whom they called gross libertines belly-gods and infamous the charge given to the Provost and Bayliffes of Edinburgh to take and apprehend all Ministers that should convene to the Eldership and those that in Sermon should utter any thing against the Acts and present unhappy course with the insolent words cast forth against them That if they followed the same course they were in though their heads were as haystacks they should be laid at their heels These things they said did cast them in a grievous temptation for to go from their good course they could not unlesse they should be traitors to God to continue in it and stay would be counted treason against the King and be hazardous of their
mightiest Potentates that reigned in long time And that this present Don Antonio may suffice for ensamples to teach all Princes if they can avoid it to beware how they fall into that state whereby they shall be inforced to seek their own by other Potentates means Princes are not so ready in these days to embrace other mens quarrels but where they are extraordinarily interressed in their own fortunes Wherefore I doubt not but it will be seen by men of judgement not transported with passion or led away with private respects that it should be every way the only best course for your Soveraign by a good and kind usage of her Majesty and by shewing that Princely moderation as well in this grievous accident of his mothers death as his whole proceeding with this Realm which the excellency of his Highness education seemeth to promise to seek to win the hearty good wills of this Realm as the chief and principal assurance he can in any sort obtain For to trust or depend either upon the French King or the King of Spain as if by their assistance he might attain to the present possession of this Crown which be indeed the only two Potentates whom he must have recourse unto if he reject the Amity of England whosoever shall so counsel your Soveraign as things presently stand shall in the judgement of men of best understanding bewray great want either of fidelity or judgement drawing his Majesty unto so untoward and desperate a course For it is no way safe for any Prince to repose his trust and strength upon their favour and assistance to whose desires and designes his greatnesse may yeild any impeachment and hinderance so were it clearly against common reason to expect other support and assistance from them then might stand with their own commodities and pretensions in respect whereof neither of the two foresaid Kings can simply and roundly joyn with your Soveraign to his good First his Religion being odious to them both and likely to prove most prejudicial to the Catholick cause he growing so great as he should be made by the union of the two Crowns the consideration whereof caused his mothers affairs to stick a long time and made now in end leave him quite out of the reckoning ordaining the King of Spain her heir if her son became not Catholick Next it is meerly repugnant to the policy of France were it but in respect of the ancient claim England maketh to that Crown to suffer the uniting of this Island under one Prince They have been content in former times when England had a footing in France to serve themselves of your Nation therewith to annoy this Realm by the means of diverting or dividing the forces thereof and so perhaps the Politicks of France can be content to wish at this day by your Soveraigns quarrel or any other such like to be eased of the burthen and miseries of the present Warre wherewith they are plagued by transporting the same into this Island But as this Realm hath good means to prevent that mischief if it were intended so were your Soveraign to look when all were done but to be made an instrument as his predecessors have been of the effusion of much Scottish blood for French quarrels and the desolation of that Realm And as things stand presently in France it is not thought that you should find the King ready to hearken to any enterprise against this Land the said King being most desirous to live in peace both with his neighbours abroad and his subjects at home but that he hath been forced full sore against his will by the practise of them of the house of Guise to countenance with his authority the Civil Warre raised in that Realm which maketh him whatsoever shew he maketh of the contrary to hate them in his heart Neither would it be held sound counsel to be given him by any that depends upon his fortune to further the advancement of a King of Scots so nearly allied to that family which he hath discovered and greatly feareth to level at his own Crown with any intention to depose him which by the greatnesse of a King of Scots they should be so much the sooner and better able to effect The King of Spains assistance being now in Warre with this Realm were more likely to be obtained but farre more dangerous to be used in respect of his insatiable ambition deep practises and power accompanied in this case with a colour of right wherein how farre he would seek to prevail any opportunity or advantage being offered it may justly be doubted by the experience that sundry States have had which upon slender grounds of title have been extorted and wrung from the true inheritours and annexed to his own Kingdom as Navarre Portugal and all he possesseth in Italy hath been It is believed that the King of Spain considering his years and unsetled estate every way would willingly incline to peace if it were offered with reasonable conditions and not over-readily at this present embark himself in any new enterprise But otherwise it is well known that as he had fancied to himself an Empire of all this part of Europe so he had an eye to this Realm ever since he was King in right of his wife The conquest was intended under colour of Religion as was discovered by some that were of his own Privy Councel at that time his pretention to be the heir of the house of Lancaster and since the late Queens death the first Catholick Prince of the blood Royal of England as also the donation of this Crown made him by the Queen of Scots in her letters with a promise to confirm it by Testiment things blazed abroad by the said Kings Ambassadour at Paris ought to breed jealousy and suspicion in your Soveraigns head and give him to think how he should be used at such an assistants hand Auxiliary forces have ever been reputed dangerous if they either in number or policy were superiour to them that called them in The assistance therefore of Spain and France being of this nature as your Soveraign hath need of neither so he shall do well to forbear them both and so shall it be most for his ease It may be some will pretend that by change of his Religion your Soveraign shall better his condition in regard of these forain Princes besides a great party within this Realm that thereby shall be drawn wholly to depend upon his fortune But the poor distressed estate of Don Anthonio being a Catholick Prince spoiled by a Catholick and receiving so little succour at Catholick Princes hands shall be a sufficient barre to all that can be alleadged in that behalf As for the Catholick party in England in his mothers life it was never so united as they drew all in one line much lesse will they be brought suddenly to relye upon him if he should alter his Religion as God defend which would be his utter discredit and
slow pursuit of the Popish Lords and the favour shewed to them promised that from thenceforth he should find no more resset in her Countrey and for pursuing the Popish Earls the King should lack no supply that was in her power to give With this answer did Mr. Edward Bruce return for the Lord Colvill went from that into France to congratulate the victorious and happy successe of the French King against those of the League and invite him to assist the Baptisme of the Prince which was to be in Iuly next The Queen of England immediately upon the Ambassadours return by a Proclamation in all the Borders did inhibit the resset and harbouring of Bothwell and the aiding of him in any sort which the king did so kindly accept as rendring her many thanks for the same he did therewith intreat her to assist the Baptisme of the Prince his son The like imployment Peter Young his Majesties Elemosynar received for Denmark the Dukes of Brunswick and Megleburgh and to the generall Estates Sir William Keith and Captain William Murray the Provost of Saint Andrewes were directed The Parliament being in the mean time indicted to the 27. of May the Assembly of the Church conveened at Edinburgh the seventh of the same moneth where the Excommunication of the Popish Lords was ratified and ordained to be published in all the Churches of the Kingdome The King did reside then at Striveling and thither were Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Patrick Simson Mr. Iames Melvill and Mr. Iames Nicholson directed by the Assembly to represent the dangers wherein his Majesties Person Crown and Liberty of the Countrey stood and to propone such remedies as in their judgement were fittest for preventing the same Both the one and the other were conceived in this form The perills which oft before were threatned by the pernicious practices of Jesuits and the malicious unnaturall and treasonable conspiracies of the Earl of Huntley Arroll and Angus and their complices in betraying their native Countrey to the cruell and mercilesse Spaniard are no lesse urgent and now more to be feared then when the danger seemed to be greatest as may appear by the reasons following 1. It is certain that the Spaniard who with so great preparations in the year 1588. enterprised the Conquest of the whole Isle retaineth the same intention wanting an occasion onely to accomplish his promise as is manifest by the intelligence he hath kept with the Popish Lords ever since the disputation of that Navie 2. The open rebellion of the said Lords at the bridge of De Falkland c. with their continuance in the like treasonable attempts notwithstanding his Majesties clemency in pardoning the same doth evidence their obstinacy in prosecuting the same conspiracies 3. Whereas the Church hath not ceased at all occasions to lay open these dangers and humbly intreated that some remedy should be provided nothing hath been obtained to the emboldening of the enemies in their practices and attempts 4. Notwithstanding that it was enacted in Councell that none should presume to request for the said Popish Lords under the pain of losing their places and Offices yet none are in such credit as their favourers who contrary to their promises labour still to procure them oversight and immunitie 5. The Masses openly celebrated in the house of Balgawy pertaining to Mr. Walter Lindesay the house of Birnes appertaining to the young Laird of Bonyton the houses of Douglas Strathbolgy Logyamont and Slams pertaining to the said Earles do shew that either they think themselves assured of favour in the Court or of such assistance in the Countrey as may maintain their cause or then that they are perswaded to be supplyed by strangers 6. The Act of oblivion offered to them with the great discontent of all good subjects would not have been rejected except they had looked for greater favour and better conditions 7. The disobedience they have shewed in entering to their wards when they were charged doth prove that they think themselves assured of the aid and concurrence of others 8. The arriving of the Spanish Bark lately at Montrosse declareth that they have some practice to be put in execution presently if the same shall not be timely prevented 9. The open conventions they keep since the arriving of the said Bark do shew that they esteem their plots so substantially laid as they regard not what can be done for resisting the same 10. The diligence they use in preparing and putting their friends and followers in armes specially in the North parts is an argument of some interprise they go about 11. And last whereas his Majesty and Estates did upon the first discovery of their plots and practices apprehend a great danger to Religion the Kings Estate and liberty of the Countrey notwithstanding that the cause is not removed there is no care taken to withstand their courses which declareth that there is either a purpose to cover extenuate and bear forth their wickednesse or that the Lord hath in his judgement blinded and hardened the hearts of all Estates that while the danger is greatest they can neither see nor apprehend the same The remedies of the foresaid dangers were proponed as followeth 1. That the Parliament indicted to the 27. of the same moneth should not be prorogated but the time thereof precisely kept and the Popish Lords forfeited and to that effect the Advocate sufficiently instructed for maintaining the relievancy of the summons and probation in due time provided 2. That none suspected in Religion be chosen upon the Articles 3. That after the forfeiture they be pursued with all extremity their Lands and Rents annexed to the Crown and no part thereof disponed in favours of the persons forfeited 4. That the Guard be imployed for apprehending Mr. Walter Lindesay the Abbot of New-Abbey Iames Wood of Bonyton younger Mr. George Ker who had made an escape out of the Castle the year before Mr. Alexander Lesley Thomas Tyrie and other Traffiquers and Jesuits 5. That the houses of the Rebells be possessed and their livings intrometted with to his Majesties use 6. That all persons be inhibited to resset supply or entertain any intelligence with the said Lords especially their vassals and dependers and that none under whatsoever pretext contravene the same 7. That the subjects be charged to put themselves in armes by all good means and be in readinesse to pursue and defend as they shall be warned by his Majesty or otherwise upon urgent occasions 8. That the Bark arrived at Montrosse be apprehended and the persons that were within her with such others as have had any dealing with them and that they be examined diligently for the discovery of the practice they have presently in hand Somewhat was adjected concerning the Lord Hume but he compeiring in the same Assembly gave satisfaction to the Church and was absolved from the sentence of Excommunication All the remedies the King allowed
Spain this year returning to make good what he had undertaken with some few assisters he entered into the Isle a huge rock it is four miles in compass wherein an old ruinous Tower built on the ascent of the rock of difficult access meaning to have victualled the same Mr. Iohn Knox the same who took Mr. George Ker with the blanks some five years before getting intelligence of the purpose came upon him unlooked and landing in the Isle did encounter him in the very shore for the most of his company being gone to seek their sport he had stayed to see who those were that he espied coming to the Isle not thinking that his purpose was known or that any would pursue him but when he perceived them to be unfriends and to be set for his apprehension he ran into the Sea and drowned himself The King did esteem this as it was indeed a peece of good service and the newes thereof going to the Popish Lords made them more willing to fulfill that which they had promised So that on the 26. of Iune the Earls of Huntly and Arroll upon their solemn repentance oaths and subscriptions to the Articles of faith were absolved in the Church of Aberdene The Earl of Angus in the same manner was received by the Ministers of Mernis and Angus This businesse ended the King for repressing the barbarous fewds which abounded at that time in the North parts sent a Commission to the Bishop of Aberdene with concurrence of Sir Patrick Murray and some Ministers for taking up their quarrels and with charges to cause the parties give assurance one to another which should endure to the first of April 1598. The fewds mentioned in the instructions sent to Sir Patrick Murray were the fewds betwixt the Earl of Huntley and Lord Forbes the Earl of Arroll and the Laird of Ladwherne the Laird of Drum and young Frendraucht with a number more but the most deadly and dangerous betwixt the families of Huntley and Murray the King reserved to be his own work and ceased not till the same was removed and a friendship made up by marriage which should in all reason be most lasting Those others were by the diligence of the Bishop and Ministers setled and so the North parts reduced unto quietness In the end of Iune the King called the Commissioners of the Assembly to a meeting at Falkland where amongst other business a complaint was preferred by Mr. Iohn Lindesay of Balcarres Secretary against Mr. Robert Wallace Minister at S. Andrews for certain injurious speeches uttered in his Sermons having called him a briber and said That albeit he had made conquest of fifty Chalders victuall in Fife and built a house to the skyes yet his posterity should beg their bread which some of his Auditors should see and that it was doubtfull if ever God should grant him repentance The Secretary had complained of this to the Presbyterie but they refused to admit his accusation unlesse the same was assisted by two witnesses who could affirm that the accuser had just cause to pursue the complaint which they alledged to be the Apostles Canon in the 1 of Timothy ch 5. v. 19. and shewed themselves so partially affected as he was forced to pursue the complaint before his Majesty and Commissioners Mr. Wallace being summoned to that Diet and desired to answer to the complaint refused to acknowledge the judgment alledging That the general Assembly had given them no Commission in that particular and that the accusation once before the Presbyterie of S. Andrews ought to have been orderly taken out of their hands which was not done This Declinatour being proponed compeired Mr. Nicoll Dalgleish Moderator of the Presbyterie and in their name protested against the proceedings of the Commissioners in that cause as being once intended before them seeing by that form of doing all the Presbyteries of Scotland should be prejudged and that the Generall Assembly of whom they had their Commission would not take unto them the triall of any cause with a neglect of the inferiour judicatories Then said the King I will likewise protest that seeing one of the principall motives which induced me to crave and the Generall Assembly to yeild unto this Commission was to have the like of these offences when they did arise removed and justice done by the Ministers themselves rather then to be brought before the Councell ye either proceed in examining the complaint and doe that which is right or hold me excused if I take order with it by another form that will not please you so well The Commissioners having advised the Reasons of the Declinatour and Protestation did finde them all invalid and of no force and that they had warrant sufficient to proceed and minister justice in that action as well in respect of the generall power contained in their Commission as of the particular commended to their care in the planting of the Church of S. Andrews So the complaint was admitted and the 5 of Iuly appointed at S. Andrews for trying the same At the day the Secretary compeiring accompanied with Master Robert Mauld Commissar of Saint Andrews and Iohn Arnot Clerk to the Commissar whom he produced as assisting Witnesses to take away the Presbyteries exception did insist in his complaint Mr. Wallace being askt if he had any thing to oppose against the Witnesses refused to answer in respect of his Declinatour whereupon they were admitted and upon oath declared that they knew the accusation to be just and that the Secretary had not intended the same of any purpose to calumniate or slander the said Mr. Robert but only to be repaired to his credit and honour as one who had been greatly wronged by him The Witnesses for probation being then called and Mr. Wallace inquired if he had any exception against them refused as before to answer So they likewise were received and being sworn deponed that they heard the said Mr. Wallace utter the words complained of in his Sermon Notthelesse the Commissioners for their better information did think it meet to call to his Auditors of the University who were of better judgment and could truly relate what they heard The Masters of the new Colledge refusing to give any testimony in respect of the Presbyteries Protestation at Falkland all the rest affirmed what the Witnesses had deponed After which Mr. Wallace being again called and desired to shew what reason or warrant he had for uttering such speeches refused still to make answer nor could any perswasion break his obstinacy though he was earnestly laboured by Mr. Robert Rollock and Mr. Iames Melvill apart who did offer upon the confession of the fault that the processe should cease The Commissioners seeing no way to eschew the pronouncing of sentence in regard of his obstinacy did yet take counsell to visit the Church and inquire both of his and Mr. Blakes behaviour in that Ministery before they went
of the 20 chap. of the Acts whereby he took occasion to prove out of the Scriptures and Fathers the supremacy of Bishops above Presbyters and to shew the inconveniencies of Parity in the Church with the confusion arising from the same Dr. Buckridge Bishop of Rochester took for his text the Precept of the Apostle Omnis anima c Rom. 13. 1. where falling to speak of the Kings supremacy in causes Ecclesiasticall he did handle that point both soundly and learnedly to the satisfaction of all the hearers only it grieved the Scots Ministers to hear the Pope and Presbyterie so often equalled in their opposition to soveraign Princes Dr. Andrews Bishop of Chichester followed who choosed for his text the first verses of the 10 chapter of Numbers confirming thirdly the power of Kings in Convocating Synods and Councells The fourth was Dr. King Bishop of London he took for his theam the 11 verse of the 8 chapter of Canticles and thereupon discoursing of the Office of Presbyters did prove lay Elders to have no place nor office in the Church and the late device to be without all warrant of Precept or example either in Scripture or in Antiquity This course his Majesty took as conceiving that some of the Ministers should be moved by force of reason to quit their opinions and give place to the truth but that seldome happeneth where the minde is prepossessed with prejudice either against person or matter The first audience was at Hampton the 22 of September at whichâ— besides the Bishops and Ministers from Scotland were present the Earls of Dunbarre Argile Glencarne Sir Thomas Hamilton Advocate and Sir Alexander Straiton Of the English Dr. Montague Dean of the Charpell was only admitted to stay There the King declaring the purpose for which he had called them spake a few words to this effect That having left the Church of Scotland in peace at his parting forth of it he did now hear of great disturbances in the same whereof he desired to understand the true cause and to have their advice how the same might best be removed This being said he the errand in generall for which I have called you I should be glad to hear your opinions touching that meeting at Aberdene where an handfull of Ministers in contempt of my authority and against the discharge given them did assemble and though they were neither a sufficient number nor the accustomed order kept they would take upon them to call it a generall Assembly and have since proudly maintained it by declining my Councell and such other means as they pleased to use The rather I would hear your minds because I am informed that divers Ministers doe justifie that meeting and in their publick preachings commend these brethren as persons distressed which in effect is to proclaim me a tyrant and Persecutor Mr. Iames Melvill answering first said that there was no such discharge given to those Ministers that met at Aberdene as was alledged adjuring Sir Alexander Straiton who was said to have given the charge to declare in his Majesties presence how that matter was carried As to the absence of Moderator and Clerk he said that none of these were essentiall parts of an Assembly and that the Moderator absenting himself of purpose and the Clerk refusing to serve the brethren convened might lawfully create others in their places so as the Ministers having warrant to convene from the word of God and from his Majesties laws as also coming thither by direction of their Presbyteries he could not in his conscience condemne them Well then said the King I shall desire you to answer me three things that I will ask First if it be lawfull to pray publickly for persons convicted by the lawfull Iudge as persons being in distress and aflicted 2 Whether I may not being a Christian King by my authority royall convocate and prorogue and desert for just and necessary causes known to myself any Assemblies or meetings within my Dominions 3 Whether or not may I by my authority-call and convene before me and my Councell whatsoever person or persons Civil or Ecclesiastial for whatsoever offences committed by them in whatsoever place within my Dominions and if I may not take cognition of the offence and give sontence therein And further whether or not are all my subjects being cited to answer before me and my Councell obliged to compeir and acknowledge me or them for judges in these offences Mr. Iames answering said that the questions were weighty and craved a great deliberation wherefore he would humbly entreat his Majesty to grant them a time to conferre and advise together that they might all give one direct answer This desire granted they were commanded to advise and meet together that night and be ready to answer the next day At this meeting the Earls of Salisbury and Northampton with divers of the English Clergy were present The Ministers desiring to have the meeting more private requested the Earl of Dumbarre to move the King therein and that none but Scotsmen should be present fearing as they said that some unseemly words might escape them But this was denied and they warned to speak with that respect which became subjects It was believed that the King should have begun with the questions proponed in the former meeting but his Majesty taking another course required them to declare one by one their judgements touching Aberdene Assembly The Bishops being first askt did all condemn the meeting as turbulent factious and unlawfull Mr. Andrew Melvill then being enquired made answer That he could not condemn the Assembly being a private man that he came into England upon his Majesties letter without any Commission from the Church of Scotland and though he had Commission in dicta causa and not hearing what they could say for themselves he could not give his judgement Sentence he said was given against them in a justice Court how justly he did remit that to the great Judge but for himself he would say as our Saviour did in another case Quis me constituit judicem Mr. Iames Balfoure being next asked Did pray his Majesty not to press him with any answer for that he knew nothing would be well taken that proceeded from his mouth and that Mr. Andrew had answered his minde sufficiently Mr. Iames Melvill without giving a direct answer began to tell That sinceâ— his coming to London he had received divers letters and with them a Petition that should have been presented to the late Parliament in behalf of the warded Ministers which he was desired to offer unto his Majesty and as he thought the Petition would make all their mindes known The King taking the Petition and falling to read the same willed the Advocate to goe on and receive the answer of the rest And as the Advocate was questioning Mr. William Scot and urging him with a distinct answer for he used many circumlocutions according to
the custome Mr. Andrew Melvill in a great passion said That he followed the instructions of Mr. John Hamilton his uncle who had poysoned the North with his Papistry and that he was now become 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Northampton asking what he meant by that speech the King said he calleth him the mickle Devill and then foulding up the Petition said I see you are all set for maintaining that base Conventicle of Aberdene But what answers have you to give to the questions I moved It was answered that they had conferred together and finding them to concern the whole Church they would not by their particular voices prejudge the same But you will not I trust said the King call my authority in question and subject the determination of the same to your Assemblies This they said was farre from their thoughts but if his Majesty should be pleased to set down in writing what he required they should labour to give him satisfaction Thus were they dismissed for that time and being the next day called before the Scottish Councell for after this they were no more admitted to his Majesties presence they were enquired whether they had in their publick prayers prayed for the warded Ministers as persons afflicted and sufferers for Gods cause Some of them confessed that they had prayed for them as persons in trouble and distress others that they had commended them to God but remembred not in what words The 20 of October they were again brought before the Scots Councell and had the three questions delivered to them in writing which they were commandâ—to answer severally mean while they were discharged to return into Scotland without his Majesties license and prohibited to come towards the Queen and Princes Court The Bishops and others of the Clergy that assisted them were permitted to return The conference breaking up in this sort matters made worse rather then better his Majesties pleasure concerning the warded Ministers which to this time had been delayed was signified by two severall letters to the Councell and Justice The letter to the Justice was as followeth Whereas in our Justice Court holden at Linlithgow the 10 of Ianuary last Mr. Iohn Forbes Minister of Awford Mr. Iohn Welch Minister at Aire Mr. Robert Dury Minister at Anstruther Mr. Andrew Duncan Minister at Crail Mr. Alexander Straghan Minister at Crech and Mr. Iohn Sharp Minister at Kilmeny were convicted of the crime of Treason for their contemptuous and treasonable declining the judgement of us and the Lords our secret Councell by a Declinatour subscribed with their hands and presented in judgement before the said Lords and that the pronunciation of the doom was upon grave and weighty respects continued till our pleasure was declared We now considering the great insolency committed by them and how dangerous the example of such a fact may prove if it should goâ— unpunished specially since we of our accustomed lenity have given to these declared Traitours more then sufficient time to have acknowledged their offence and made sute for our pardon and that yet nothing hath appeared in them but an obdured obstinacy without any token of resipiscence albeit the greatness of the offence in men of their function whose actions should be patterns of duty and obedience to others hath demerited most justly the extremity of punishment appointed by law yet according to our wonted clemency being willing to dispense with the rigour of law at this time and not to inflict the punishment of death upon them Our will and pleasure is that you affix a Justice Court at Linlithgow or any other place our Councell shall appoint the 23 of October and then cause doom of punishment forth of our Dominions during their naturall lives to be pronounced against the said Traitours After which you shall return them to their wards there to remain for the space of a moneth till they have made their preparations to depart before the expiring whereof if they doe not depart wind and weather serving or being departed shall return unto our Dominions without our licence the ordinary death usually inflicted upon Traitours shall be executed upon them And because this our clemency extended towards these above named may perhaps move others to think that for trespasses of this quality no greater rigour will hereafter be used to remove all such conceits and that notice may be taken of our full determination in the like case you shall in open Court make intimation to all our lieges That if any hereafter shall offend in such an high trespass they shall be punished with all severity and the death due unto Traitours be inflicted upon them with all rigour the example of this our present lenity not withstanding And that it is our will you cause to be recorded in your books of Adjournall and publication made thereof at the Market Cross of Edinburgh and all other places needfull By the letter directed to the Councell Mr. Charles Farum was ordained to be confined in the Isle of Bute Mr. Iohn Monroe in Kintire Mr. Robert Yongson in the Isle of Arran Mr. Iames Irwin in Orkney Mr. William Forbes in Yeteland Mr. Iames Grey in Cathnes Mr. Nathaniel Inglis in Southerland and Mr. Iohn Rosse in Lewis The Justice as he was commanded did keep his Court at Linlithgow and pronounced the sentence and doom in the manner prescribed Messengers were also directed to charge the other Ministers to enter into the parts appointed for their confining and not to exceed the same without licence under pain of death After which a Proclamation was made inhibiting all Ministers to recommend either in their sermons or prayers the persons so sentenced And lest the Iesuits Seminary Priests and others of their faction should presume of any oversight to be given to them because of these proceedings against the seditious Ministers they were in like sort commanded by Proclamation to depart forth of the Realme and all the subjects inhibited to resset or entertain them under the pain of his Majesties displeasure Mr. Andrew Melvill that would not be idle and was still speaking against the Orders of the English Church having dispersed some bitter and scornfull verses against the Rites used in his Majesties Chappell which was brought to the King by one of the Chaplains was called before the Councell of England and charged with the injuring of the State and Church where in stead of acknowledging his offence he behaved himself insolently and more like a mad man then Divine for which he was committed in the Tower of London There he remained three years and more and afterwards upon the Duke of Bulloign his request was sent to Sedan where he lived in no great respect and contracting the Gout lay almost bedfast to his death Whilest I am writing this there cometh to my mind the hard and uncharitable dealing that he and his faction used towards Patrick sometimes Archbishop of St. Andrewes who not content to
that he would not utter any thing that might work prejudice to others nor could he be induced either by perswasion or threatning to detect the persons with whom he had resorted The Commissioners offending at his obstinacy and meaning to extort a confession from him advised to keep him some nights from sleep and this indeed wrought somewhat with him so as he began to discover certain particulars but how soon he was permitted to take any rest he denied all and was as obstinate in denying as at first His Majesty being certified that without torture nothing would be drawn from him made answer That he would not have those forms used with men of his profession and if nothing could be found but that he was a Iesuit and had said Mass they should banish him the Countrey and inhibâ—t him to return without licence under pain of death Bâ—t if it should appear that he had been a practiser for the stirring up of subjects to Rebellion or did maintain the Popes transcendent power over Kings and refusâ—d to take the Oath of Allegeance they should leave him to the course of law and justice mean while his pleasure was that the questions following should be moved unto him and his answers there to required 1 Whether the Pope be Judge and hath power in spiritualibus in over his Majesty and whether that power will reach over his Majesty in tempor alibus if it be in ordine ad spiritualia as Bellarmine affirmeth 2 Whether the Pope hath power to excommunicate Kings especially such as are not of his Church as his Majesty 3 Whether the Pope hath power to depose Kings by him excommunicated and in particular whether he hath power to depose the Kings Majesty 4 Whether it be no murther to slay his Majesty being so excommunicated and deposed by the Pope 5 Whether the Pope hath power to assoile subjects from the oath of their born and native allegeance to his Majesty These Questions were sent inclosed in a Letter to the Archbishop of Glasgow who assuming to himself the Provost of the City the Principall of the Colledge and one of the Ministers as Witnesses did in their hearing read the Questions and receive his Answer which he gave under his hand as followeth I acknowledge the Pope of Rome to be Iudge unto his Majesty and to have power over him in spiritualibus and over all Christian Kings But where it is askt whether that power will reach over him in temporalibus I am not obliged to declare my opinion therein except to him that is Iudge in Controversies of Religion to wit the Pope or one having authority from him For the second point I think that the Pope hath power to excommunicate the King and where it is said that the King is not of the Popes Church I answer that all who are baptized are under the Popes power To the third where it is askt if the Pope hath power to depose the King being excommunicate I say that I am not tied to declare my minde except to him that is Iudge in controversies of Religion To the fourth and fifth I answer ut supra Being reasoned with a long time and the danger exponed wherein he did cast himself by maintaining such treasonable opinions he answered That he would not change his minde for any danger that could befall him and speaking of the Oath of Allegeance that it was a damnable Oath and treason against God to swear it Some daies being allowed him to bethink himself better of these points When as no advice could prevail and answers were sent to his Majesty subscribed by himself and therewith a testification of such as were present at the giving thereof Hereupon the Councell was commanded to passe a Commission to the Provost and Bayliffs of Glasgow for putting him to a triall there were assisting Iames Marquis of Hamilton Robert Earl of Lothian William Lord Sanqhar Iohn Lord Fleming and Robert Lord Boyd Some daies before he was brought to the Barre it was told him That he was not to be charged with saying of Masse nor anything that concerned his profession but only with the Answers made to the Questions proponed which if he should recall there being yet place to repentance the triall should be suspended till his Majesty were of new advertised His reply was That he did so little minde to recall any thing he had spoken as when he should be brought to his answer he should put a bonnet on it And this indeed he performed for when he was placed on pannell and the Indictment read which was grounded all upon the Acts of Parliament made against those that declined his Majesties authority or maintained any other Jurisdiction within the Realm and upon answer made to the above-written demands subscribed with his hand he brake forth in these speeches Under protestation that I doe no way acknowledge this judgment nor receive you that are named in that Commission for my Judges I deny any point laid against me to be treason for if it were treason it would be such in all places and all Kingdomes which you know not to be so As to your Acts of Parliament they were made by a number of partiall men and of matters not subject to their forum or judicatory for which I will not give a rotten figge And where I am said to be an enemy to the Kings authority I know not what authority he hath but what he received from his predecessors who acknowledged the Pope of Rome his jurisdiction If the King will be to me as his predecessors were to mine I will obey and acknowledge him for my King but if he doe otherwise and play the runnagate from God as he and you all doe I will not acknowledge him more then this old hat At these words being interrupted and commanded to speak more reverently of his Majesty he said That he should take the advertisement and not offend but the judgment he would not acknowledge And for the reverence I doe you to stand uncovered I let you know it is ad redemptionem vexationis not ad agnitionem Iudicii The persons cited upon the Jury being then called and he desired to shew if he would except against them said That he had but one exception against them all which was that either they were enemies to his cause or friends if enemies they could not sit upon his triall and if friends they ought to assist him at the Bar. Only he should wish the Gentlemen to consider well what they did and that he could not be judged by them That whatsoever he suffered was by way of injury and not of judgement and that he was accused of treason but had not committed any offence nor could he beg mercy And proceeding in this strain I am said he a subject as free as the King is a King I came by commandement of my Superior into this kingdome and if I were even now forth of it
But agreeth with the Iewes 13 Augustine the Monk endevoureth to perswade the Saxons in Britain to observe Easter according to the Roman account but they refuse 12 A dispute held in England in Yorkshire concerning the computation of Easter between a Scottishman a Bishop and the abettors of the Roman Church 15 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury with the content of the Church of Scotland 527 The tryall of the Earl of Somerset 525 The Earl of Essex his death and the cause 463 Edinburgh Castle surrendred by the Queens party 271 The Town having maintained tumults against the King submit themselves 432 Elizabeth Queen of England is styled an Atheist by the Ministers of Scotland in their sermons 419 423 The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palsgrave 19 Excommunication of persons of capitall crimes if they are fugitives forbidden 517 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the content of the Scottish Ministers 527 F FAst one fasteth fourty daies without any the least kinde of food another time thirty daies 69 Francis II of France husband to Mary Stewart Queen of Scots dâ—eth 69 H PRince Henry baptized 406 His death 510 The death of Iames Marquiss of Hamilton 546 I IReland Patrick a Scot converteth that Nation 8 Ignorance Some Priests so ignorant as that they thought the New Testament written by Luther 76 Iames VI. born 196 Baptized according to the rites of the Roman Church 197 His Father attempted by poyson ibid. His Father murthered by Bothwell 200 Crowned in the Church of Striveling being thirteen moneths old Some Lords rebel against him at Edinb 287 He is offended at some proceedings of the Church and does not favour them much 308 Surprised by a combination of Nobles and sequestred from the Duke of Lennox 321 Temporiseth with the Church 322 He appointeth a feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador the Ministers to cross him on the same day appoint a fast 322 A promise made in time of restraint he judgeth not obliging 327 He giveth clear testimony of the care of the Church 347 A letter written by Walsingham to perswade the King to pass by the revenge of his Mothers death 359 An offer made by an English Ambassador and accordingly done to bring a Declaration signed by all the Judges in England to shew that the sentence against his Mother did not invalidate his right 365 Married to the King of Denmarks daughter 377 Goeth in person to Norway 377 Giveth directions for government in his absence 378 Bringeth his Queen to Scotland 380 Bothwells plot to surprise him discovered and prevented 386 He is surprised by Bothwell 394 He writeth an Epitaph on the death of his Chancellour 411 His just complaint against the petulancy of Churchmen 419 Publisheth his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 455 Gowry's conspiracy against him 457 A letter written to him from the Councel and Nobility of England 473 Crowned at Westminster 478 He would never hang Priests of the Roman profession onely for their Religion 523 He foretelleth his own death therefore not likely to be poisoned 546 He died of an Hemitritaea a disease very dangerous for the aged 546 A Witch had not power to kill him 383 K KIngs Iohn Knox his opinion concerning deposing them for ill-government 137 Reasons why they are not to be punished by their Subjects ibid. The Scots cannot resolve to arraign their Queen 214 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject their Protestation 318 A Minister of Scotland affirmeth in his Sermon that it is lawful for Subjects to take arms against their King 430 Rebellion of the Subjects if they succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 Conspiracies against Princes not thought true unless they are slain 460 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Knox his death 266 Proved that he was not the Author of the book published in his name under the title of the History of Scotland 267 A form of Church policy drawn up by him 152. L LAws Malcolm repealeth that wicked Law of Eugenius III which appointed the first night of the new married woman to belong to the Lord of the ground 29 Lollards Articles of Religion taught by them 61 The Earl of Lennox Grandfather to Iames VI and Regent slain in fight 256 The Lord Aubigny Earl and after Duke of Lennox embraceth the Protestant faith 308 He dieth in the Protestant Religion 324 M JOhn Maior Hector Boeth Gilbert Crab William Gregory learned men lived in Scotland A. D. 1539. 68 The Earl of Murray Regent of Scotland murthered 233 Earl of Marre Regent of Scotland dieth a natural death 264 The Earl of Morton then Regent his covetousness and sacrilege 271 Executed upon suspicion that he consented to the murther of the Father of Iames VI 314 Rabanus Maurus born in Scotland 22 O OAths The Catholicks are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their Religion so as in minde they continued firm and laboured secretly in promoting the Roman faith 308 Ordination One Bruce being to be made Minister of a Parish in Edinburgh refuseth Ordination 451 Had preached many years before without Ordination ibid. Ordination by Presbyters in case of necessity that it is lawful 514 The death of Sir Thomas Overbury 514 P PRiests called Culdees and why 4 Pope his league not suffered to enter into Scotland 43 The Clergy will acknowledge no Statute imposed upon them by the Legate 45 A Collection demanded by the Pope denied and the Legate not permitted to enter the Realm ibid. VRbane IV. ordained that every Bishop and Abbat elect of Scotland should travail to Rome for consecration 46 A Councel held at Lyons by the Pope the Acts thereof ibid. The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 One thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of Rome and are all slain 12 Prayer A great question arose among the Churchmen whether the Pater noster were to be said to the Saints or God only Protestants the Queen Regent Dowager of Iames V. dieth in the faith of Protestants 146 The Queen of England contriveth a counter-league against the Holy league made in France for the extirpation of Protestants 389 The Articles of that League 349 Election of Ministers by the People discharged by authority in Scotland 545 The same Portent interpreted to contrary significations 542 Presbyters excluded from intermedling with the making of Ecclesiastical laws in Scotland 531 Ordination by them in case of necessity is lawfull 514 The marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth 519 The history of the Powder-treason 491 This conspiracy carried on in secrecy a whole year 492 R ROme one thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of the Roman Church and are all slain 12 A ploâ—to reintroduce the Roman religion 390