ant Boeth l. 11. Buchan l. 6. King Kenneth murthered in the Castle of Fettercarne An. 1004. Buchan l. â— Scon. li. in Catalog Episc. S. Andrews Buchan l. 6. Boeth l. 11. The Danes defeat at Muâ—tâ—lack in Angus by Malcolm An Episcopal See at Murthlack Boeth l. 11. Past. l. 4. c. 44. Buchan l. 6. An. 1034. Buchan l. 7. Boeth l. 12. An. 1057. A discourse between Mackduffe and Malcolme Boeth l. 12. Pasâ— l. 5. c. 3 4. Scotichron l 7. Buchan l. 7. Dioces appointed by the Bishops Cathnes and Murray erected by King Malcolme the third The History of Queen Margaret and her marriage with King Malcolâ— King Malcolm and the Conquerour at Warre Peace concluded amongst them The contrary disposition of King Malcolm and William Rufus Bishop Gregorius dieth Turgot elected in his place Buchan l. 7. An. 1117. The vertues of King Malcolm the third The praise of Queen Margaret Her issue by King Malcolm Buchan l. 7. Sa. Daniel in his Collection Scon. lib. in Catalog Episâ— S. Andrews An. 1098. Marianus King Edgar erected the Abbey of Cauldingham in a Priory King Alexander the Fierce seeketh advice of the Archbishop of canterbury The Archbishop of Canterbury and York at difference Archbishop of Canterbury his letter to king Alexander Eadmerus hist. l. 5. 6. King Alexander offended that Eadmerus would not be consecrated in Scotland He is invested in the Bishoprick by the intercession of the Noblemen Thurstan the Archbishop of York opposes the consecration of Eadmerus An. 1124. Eadmerus departeth into England upon the Kings dislike He purgeth himself to the Archbishop Robert Prior of Scone elected Bishop of Saint Andrews and consecrated at York The Abbey of Scone and Saint Columbe founded Cursus Apri given to Saint Andrews King David succeeded to Alexander and his beneficence to the Church King David taxed of profusion His magnificence vindicate from these â—spersions An. 1159. Buch. l. 7. The faults of person ought not to be cast on things abused Whence the superflous enriching of Abbeys proceed Buch. l. 7. Bishop Robert dieth Richardus de sancto Victore with David a Presbyter He citeth the Scottish Clergy to Norham The Clergy by some Delegates appeal to Rome to the Pope Pope Alexander the third giveth sentence for Scotland Angelramus elected Bishop of Glasgow King Malcolm the fourth his death A Bishop placed at Carlile by the Archbishop of York Buch. l. 7. An. 1165. Boeth l. 13. Buch. l. 7. King William secketh to have Northumberland restored King William surprised at Anwick Boeth l. 13. Hollinshed History of Scotland An. 1175. Buch. l. 16. 7. Sa. Daniel A meeting of the Scotish Clergy at Northampton Gilbertus Canonicus his reply to the Legate Boeth ibidem Scon. l. 8. c. 16. Boeth l. 13. An. 1178. Scon. l. 8. The Archdeacon of S. Andrews elected Bishop The King displeased maketh his Chaplain to be choosed of new The Archdeacon appealeth to Rome His journey thither Pope Lucius his Letter to the King The Pope purposeth to interdict the Realm is stayed by the entreaty of the Archdeacon The Bishop of Dunkeld dieth and the Bishoprick offered by the King to the Archdeacon An. 1188. The Archbishop accepted Dunkeld Bishop Hugo dieth The Kings of England and France prepare to recover the Holy land Sa. Daniel Buchan l. 7. Sa. Daniel Lesl. l. 6. King of Scots his kindnesse to the King of England Boeth l. 13. The Abbey of lundors founded King william goeth to England to congratulate King Richard his return The Bishop of Cathnes cruelly used by the Earl of the countrey The King punished it severely Buchan l. 7. Pope Innocent the third his thanks to the King for the justice of execution A Convocation of the Clergy at Perth Boeth l. 13. Lesl. l. 8. Saturday from 12. of the clock to be kept as holy An. 1189. Bishop Roger succeedeth to Hugo after his death Roger consecrated in the year 1198. dieth in Iuly 1202. William Malvoisin translated from Glasgow to S. Andrewes Scon. l. 8. Pasl l. 6. c. 27. King William dieth his pious devotion Boeth l. 13. Buchan l. 7. An. 1214. King Alexander the second Crowned at Scone Boeth l. 7. Buchan l. 13. The Kingdom interdicted by the Popes Legate Scon. l. c. 33. The priviledge of the white monks suspended Peace concluded betwixt the King and Henry the third of England The Kingdom of Scotland absolved from the interdiction Boeth l. 13. Buchan l. 7. The course taken with the inferiour Churchmen Scon. l. 9. c. 32. The Scots Clergy complain of the Legates extortions An. 1219. Buchan l. 7. Scon. ibideâ— The King offended with the contributions of Rome The Popes Legate discharged from entering into Scotland Orders of S. Dominick and Francis brought into Scotland Scon. l. 10. c. â— Foundation of religious houses Gilbert Earl of Stratherne his donations to the Church Scon. l. 8. c. 73. An. 1238. David the Kings Chamberlain elected Bishop upon Malvoisin his death King Alexander the second buried at Melrosse His Epitaph King Alexander the third crowned Sa Daniel in the life of Henry the third Scon l. 10. c. 8. Abell Archdeacon of S. Andrews elected Bishop after David Abell his rigour exercised upon the Chanons An. 1255. Gamelinus elected Bishop upon Abels death Pasl l. 6. Boeth l. 13. Buch. l. 7. The Court displeased with the Bishop A Legate sent from Rome Scon. l. 2. c. 24. Boeth l. 13. Buch. l. 7. Boeth l. 13. The Carmelite Friers received in Scotland Crosse-Church at Peblis erected Boeth l. 13. Scon. l. 30. An. 1271. William Wishart elected Bishop upon Gamelinus his death Scon. l. 10. c. 30. Pasl l. 6. Bishops attending a Rome for Consecration A Councel at Lyons Scon. l. 10. c. 34. A supply for the holy Warre The Acts of the Councel All the Acts overturned by dispensations Scon. l. 10. c. 35. An. 1279. Bishop Wishart dieth Scon. l. 10. c. 31. Michael Scot and Tho. Lermouth Buchan l. 13. Lesl. l. 6. Boeth l. 13. William Fraser elected Bishop after Wishart Buchan l. 7. The death of of King Alexander the third and his children Two Knights of Fife directed to the maid of Norway whom they found dead Boeth l. 14. Buchan l. 8. Competitors for the Crown Scon. l. 11. c. 2. King Edward his speech at the meeting in Norham Robert Bishop of Glasgow his reply Scon. l. 11. c. 10. The right of the Crown found to lie betwixt Baliol and Bruce Buchan l. 8. A meeting at Berwick for determinating the right Sa. Daniel Boeth l. 14. Bruce refuseth the offer which Baliol embraceth Baliol hated for swearing subjection to the King of England Buchan l. 8. Baliol breaketh with England Ambassadors from France and England Boeth l. 14. Scon. l. 11. c. 18. Baliol cited to Newcastle Scotland invaded by King Edward Buchan l. 8. Boeth l. 14. The Bishops of Glasgow and Isles sent prisoners to London A message sent to the Pope from the Clergy Scon. l. 11. c. 36. The Popes
this point made answer That the Secretary could claim no benefit by the Abstinence seeing he was the Kings subject and stood to the defence of the Kings cause both in England and Scotland professing himself as much displeased with the Proclamation of the Queens authority as any man else And howbeit of late he had accompanied the contrary faction yet he never declined his subjection to the King That being required to attend his office he had refused whereupon the same was justly taken from him and for the confiscation complained if he would yet declare on what side he was he should be reasonably used The Secretary who had often changed his party finding that now he must declare himself on the one side or the other sent to the Earl of Sussex this answer That he did think it strange the Regent should enquire on which side he was seeing his speeches writings and actions had declared the same Always now he would plainly professe that he was not of the Lord Regents side nor would he acknowledge him for Regent That he was of that side which would perform their duties to the Queen of Scotland and to her son so as neither of them should have cause to find fault with him that he was of that side which wished to either of them the place which in reason and justice they ought to possesse and that he was of that side which requested the Queen of England to enter into good conditions with the Queen whereby Scotland might be brought in an union and she restored to her liberty and Realm He confessed that he did not allow of the proclaiming of the Queens authority nor of the Parliament indited by those of he part because he foresaw the same would impede the Treaty betwixt the two Queens and might do hurt many ways and hinder the good he was about to do But that would not inser an allowance of their doings And this he said might give the Regent to understand on what side he was This answer neither expressing a reason of his falling away from the Kings obedience nor discovering plainly as was desired of what side he should be esteemed being delivered to the Regent received this reply That it was no marvel he should not acknowledge him for Regent having deserved so ill at his hands and being attainted of the soul and cruel murther of his son the Kings father That his Declaration did not satisfy that which was demanded for where he made a shew to observe a duty both to the Queen and to her son and would have it appear that he was about the effecting of great matters the duties he had done to either of them were well enough known neither could any man look for any good to proceed from him Therefore howsoever he had against his promise and subscription declined from the Kings party he must still be subject to answer such particulars as should be laid against him in the Kings name And seeing it was neither her Majesties meaning that any person guilty of the Kings murther should enjoy benefit by the Abstinence he that was challenged thereof in the late Regents time and had in Councel offered himself to the severest trial that could be taken could not complain of the breach of Abstinence for any thing done or intended against him But that neither this particular nor any other should be an occasion to dissolove that Treaty begun he said that he was content the notes of all injuries alledged on either side should be delivered in writing to the Earl of Sussex and the trial or redresse thereof continued till it should appear what effect the Treaty brought forth The prorogation of the Abstinence in the mean time as was desired by the Queen of England was yielded unto and subscrived the fourth of November with this provision That the goods and the ships of the Scottish Merchants arrested at that time in France should be released and no stay made of such as should happen to repair thither during the time of the Abstinence Whilest these things were debating the copy of the Articles proponed by the Commissioners of England to the Queen of Scots for the surety of the Queen were sent to the Lords of her faction to be considered which were as followeth 1. That the Treaty at Leth should be confirmed and that she should not claim any right nor pretend title to the Crown of England during the life of Queen Elizabeth 2. That she should not renew nor keep any League with any Prince against England nor yet receive forein forces into Scotland 3. That she should neither practise nor keep intelligence with Irish or English without the Queens knowledge and in the mean time cause the English fugitives and rebels to be rendered 4. That she should redresse the wrongs and harms done by her faction in the borders of England 5. That she should not joyn in marriage with any English man without the consent of the Queen of England nor with any other against the liking of the Estates of Scotland 6. That she should not permit the Scots to passe into Ireland without licence obtained from the Queen of England 7. That for the performance of these Articles her son should be delivered to be brought up in England and six other hostages such as the Queen of England should name should be sent thither The Castles of Home Fastâ— Castle kept by the English for the space of three years and some Fort in Galloway or Cantire be put in the English mens hands for restraining the Irish Scots from going into Ireland 8. That she should do justice according to the law upon the murtherers of her husband and the late Earl of Murray 9. That she should set her hand and cause the Commissioners to be appointed by her party set their hands and seals to these Articles 10. And lastly that all these particulars should be confirmed by the Estates of Scotland Now albeit divers of these Articles were misliked by the Lords of her faction yet conceiving thereby some hope of her restitution they dispersed certain copies in the countrey to encourage those that professed her obedience holding back such of the Articles as seemed most hard trusting to obtain a mitigation thereof in the conference And she indeed I mean the Scottish Queen shewed her self pleased withall onely she remitted the full answer to her Commissioners that should come from Scotland The rumour of the Accord held good a few days and amused the Regent and other Noblemen not a little till a letter directed by Sir William Cecil from Chattesworth in Derbyshire where the Queen of Scots then lay did otherwise inform which was to this effect That he was put upon that imployment much against his heart and yet had not dealt therein but with a great regard of the safety of the young King and whole Estate And that all he had done touching Scottish affairs was under protestation that it should be in
the Warre he had intended These working privately with the Kings chief Counsellours and such of his chamber as he was known to affect dealt so as they kept off things from breaking forth unto open hostility which was every day expected Secretary Walsingham first by a long letter directed to the Lord Thirlstane who was then in most credit and had the chief administration of affairs proponed divers weighty and important considerations that should keep the King from taking any such resolution Because the letter contained the very true reasons that in end moved his Majesty to forhear violence and take a more calm course I thought meet to set it down word by word as it standeth in the Original SIr being absent from Court when the late execution of the Queen your Soveraigns mother happened I did forthwith upon my return impart to Mr. Douglas some things concerning the course was conceived here by your said Soveraigns best friends fit to be holden in this remedilesse accident for continuance of peace and amity between the two Crowns as a thing for the weal of both Nations to be desired But finding him unwilling to meddle therewith I have thought good to write to the same effect unto your self The rather for that I presently understand by some advertisements out of that countrey that the death of the Queen is likely to breed so strange an alienation of his Majesties mind towards this Realm tending as is reported wholly to violence and to revenge of that which hath been so necessarily done by the whole body of the same whereof as for mine own part I should be right sorry so it is generally hoped that his Majesty being of that singular judgement himself by the good help and advice of such as you are in credit and authority about him men of wisdom and experience whom he will hear this mischief will notwithstanding be carefully and prudently prevented considering how every way all things being rightly weighed this course will be found prejudicial as well to your said Soveraigns estate as to his reputation if he resolve to persist therein For first the enterprise will undoubtedly be condemned in the sight of all such as shall not be transported with some particular passion for that they shall see that he takes Armes for revenge of an Action besides the necessity wherein it is grounded full of so honourable and just proceedings as howsoever the effect was contrary to their liking the manner thereof by the late Queens great favourers could not but be approved and allowed And as on the one side the King your Soveraign oppugning the course of Justice of so unlawful unjust and desperate a quarrel cannot be expected any other thing then a most unhappy and miserable issue so we being assured that in the defence of Justice the assistance of his mighty arm will not fail us whose judgement this was need not to fear whatsoever man shall attempt to the contrary against this Realm But not to stand upon the justnesse of the quarrel which every man perhaps will not so much regard It would be considered what means your Soveraign shall have to go through with such an enterprise if he take it in hand For the forces of his own Realm being so farre inferiour to these in England no man is so simple but seeth it were no way safe for his Majesty trusting only thereto to make head against the power of this land neither is it thought that any man will be found so unadvised as to wish him so to do But as it may be that a great number for lack of understanding are carried away with such vain discourses as some without solid ground imagine of that might be done in this case by a King of Scotland backed and assisted as they conceive in the aire with the French and Spanish aid so it is likely enough there shall not want those that either satisfaction of their private passions or supply of their necessities or better affectionating some other their private designes would be content to serve themselves of this present publick occasion and opportunity who will propound and promise also more to his Majesty of such forain assistance then they know in their consciences can be performed if he would declare himself enemy to this Realm which that he should though to his own ruine the enemies of both Realms will do what they can to procure But men of wisdom and understanding laying before their eyes as well the accustomed delayes and after long solicitation and pursuit the simple supplies and support commonly found at these forain Potentates hands as also how doubtful and uncertain the successe of warre may prove England God be thanked being so prepared and in case to defend it self both otherwise and by the conjunction of Holland and Zelands forces by Sea in respect whereof this Realm need not fear what all the Potentates of Europe being bended against us can do for to annoy the same Due consideration I say being taken hereof you will easily judge and find how vain it were for your Soveraign upon so uncertain hopes to embark himself and estate in an unnecessary warre But much more if you shall consider what a sequell and train of dangers and hazards this warre draweth therewith the consequence whereof reacheth to whatsoever your Soveraign possesseth or hopeth for in this life For escaping to be slain in field if he should happen to be taken prisoner or be constrained to retire himself out of the Realm things that have fallen out oft in experience and then having incensed this whole Realm against him he should be disabled from any right in the succession of this Crown as authority is given to do it by the same Statute whereby they proceeded against the mother for attempting the invasion of this land what extremity should he be reduced unto And truly it could not otherwise be the ancient enmity between the two Nations now forgotten being by drawing blood one of another again likely to be in such sort revived as it would be impossible to make them like of a Prince of that Nation and specially him who had been upon so unjust a ground the authour of that unfortunate breach Besides that the greatest part of the ancient Nobility by whose judgement the late Queen was condemned and the rest of the principal Gentlemen of the Realm who confirmed the same in Parliament should have just cause to adventure any thing even to the marching over their bellies rather then to yeild to his government who carrying such a vindictive minde they might doubt would one day call their lives and honours in question And as for the remedy and relief which he might attend standing in these terms of forain Princes there are many examples of the former ages and within fresh memory As the King of Navarres Grandfather by the mothers side and Christiern King of Denmark both were allied to Francis the first and Charles the fist two of the
into consideration how soon and in what manner it shall seem best to your Majesties excellent wisdome to inspire a new life into this languishing body the circumstances whereof are wholly to be left to your Majesty holding it enough for us humbly to acknowledge our selves your true subjects ready to obey all your commandments assuing you with all that as we have hereby as many of us as have underwritten this letter declared our recognition and humble submission to your Majâ—sties soveraign power and right so we do know by all good proofs that the minde of the rest of the Nobility and all others who are absent in their severall qualities places and charges whom the time permitted not without the prejudice of your affairs to assemble so soon as we were desirous this should be performed are wholly and absolutely with us in all zeal and duety for all things that shall be imposed upon them by your royall will and pleasure Further we have thought meet and necessary to advertise your Highness that Sir Robert Cary this morning departed from hence towards your Majesty not onely without the consent of any of us who were present at Richmond at the time of our late Soveraigns decease but also contrary to such commandement as we had power to lay upon him and to all decency and good manners and respect which he ought to so many persons of our degree whereby it may be that your Majesty hearing by a bare report onely of the death of the late Queen and not of our care and diligence in establishment of your Majesties right here in such manner as is above specified may conceive doubts of other nature then God be thanked there is cause you should which we would have clearly prevented if he had born so much respect to us as to have stayed for a common relation of our proceedings and not thought it better to anticipate the same for we would have been loath that any person of quality should have gone from hence who should not with the report of her death have been able to declare the first effects of our assured loyalties And lastly it may please your Majesty to receive this advertisement that of late there was made ready by the commandement of the Queen our Mistresse a good fleet of eight or ten of her ships well manned and furnished under the charge of Sir Richard Lawson Knight to have been employed upon the coast of Spain which employment by her decease is ceased for want of Commission to exercise the saine and now is kept together in the narrow Seas to prevent any suddain attempt against the Low Countreys and that now there is nothing either of land or sea that is not yours it may please your Majesty to signifie your pleasure concerning that Fleet and whether you will have it or any part thereof resort to your coast of Scotland where it may serve you either for the safe convoy of your person to this realm if there shall because to use it in this manner or to transport any of yours whilest you come by land or any other service In which point we humbly beseech you to make known under whose charge it shall beyour pleasure the whole Fleet or any part thereof shall come unto you And this being all that for the present doth occurre to be advertised to your Majesty by us whose mindes are occupied about the conservation of this your realm in peace as farre forth as by any power for your Majesties service onely assumed the interruption thereof may be prevented saving that we have sent a Copy of the Proclamation made here to your Majesties deputy of Ireland to be published in that kingdome we will and with our humble prayers to Almighty God that we may be so happy as speedily to enjoy the comfortable presence of your Highness royall person amongst us the onely object of that glory and those felicities which in the earth we have proponed to our selves Written in your Majesties City of London the 24 of March 1603 at ten hours of the clock at night This Letter was subscribed by Robert Leigh Mayor John Canterbury Thomas Egerton Thomas Buckhurst Nottingham Northumberland Gilbert Shrewsbury William Darby Edward Worcester Geo. Cumberland R. Suffex Henry Lincoln Pembroke Clanrickard G. Hunsdon Tho. Howard Richard London Robert Hartford John Norwich Morley Henry Cobham Thomas Laware Gray Edward Cromwell R. Riche Lumley Chandois W. Compton W. Knowlles Edward Wootton John Stanhop Raleigh John Fortescue and John Popham The King having imparted this letter to the Councell it was thought meet that the Contents thereof should be published for begetting a greater kindness betwixt the people and the two Kingdomes whereupon a Proclamation was made shewing That the Queen before her death continuing in that loving affection which she professed to his Majesty all the course of her life had declared him her only true heir and successor in the imperiall Crownes of England France and Ireland and that the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assisted by the Lord Maior of London and others of the Gentry of good quality had upon the 24 of March last proclaimed him their only liege Lord and undoubted Soveraign which being the most cleer demonstration that a people could give of their affection and a sure pledge of their future obedience ought to move all true hearted subjects to account of them no otherwise then as their brethren and friends and to forget and bury all quarrels and grounds of former dissensions That therefore none should pretend ignorance nor carry themselves in any unkind sort towards the inhabitants of England his Majesty with the advice of the Lords of Councell had ordained Proclamation to be made of the premisses assuring them that should so apply themselves of his gracious favour when occasion presented and certifying such as did in the contrary that they should incurre his wrath and extreme displeasure This notwithstanding the word no sooner came of the Queens death then the loose and broken men in the borders assembling in companies made incursions upon England doing what in them lay to divide the two Kingdomes which the year following was severely punished the principals that were tried to have been partners in that business being all executed to the death The King in the mean time giving order for his journey did appoint the Queen to follow him some twenty dayes after and for his children ordained the Prince to remain at Striveling the Duke of Albany his brother to abide with the Lord Fyvie President of the Session and the Princess Elizabeth their sister with Alexander Earl of Linlithgow To the Lords of Councell an ample Commission was given for the administration of all affairs receiving resignations hearing the accounts of the Exchequer continuing daies of law adjoining assessors to the justice granting of licences to depart forth of the Realm altering the place of their residence as they should find it convenient repressing the troubles of the
Religion The King desireth to have the Noblemen reclaimed He communicated his mind with M. Robert Bruce M. Robert Bruce his answer and advice The King reasoneth with him to the contrary of his advise Mr. Robert's saucy Reply to the King Shortly after the Lords exiled return The Earle of Arroll intercepted in the Low Countreys escapeth A Convention at Falkland The King's judgment of Huntley's supplication A Convention at Dunfermling The Commissioners for the Church upon the report of the Lords meet at Edinburgh A publick humiliation indicted Persons nominated to attend at Edinburgh for the Church The Lord Seaton President of the Session cited to appear before the Synod of Lothian A Conference betwixt certain of the Councell and some moderate men of the Ministery The King offended wâ—th the pertinacy of the Ministers Commissioners directed to his Majesty His Majesties peremptory answer to the Commissioners The grievances of the Church proponed The King his answer A new trouble by Mr. David Blake a Minister at S. Andrews Mr. Andrew Melvill labourreth to make it a common cause The Conditions proponed to Huntley The Conditions give no content A Declinatour advised to be droponed M. David Blake his Declinator M. Blakes answer to the Diet. The Declinatour sent to the Presbyteries to be subserived A Proclamation discharing the meeting of the Commissioners The Commissioners of the Church upon this discharge enter into a new consultation They sent a Commission to the Octavians Commissioners sent to his Majesty for surceasing M. Blakes proeess His Majesties offer to the Commissioners The wiser sort of the Ministers advise to accept of the offer but they are over-ruled M. Blake cited to the last of November The Baptisme of the Princess Elizabeth A Petition presented by the Commissioners to his Majesty and Councell The Petition rejected The points laid to M. Blaks charge Mr. Robert Pont protesteth for the liberties of the Church Mr. Blake declineth the Councell of new The Councell write the Declinatour The Kings care to keep peace with the Church The King conferreth with some Ministers touching Mr. Blakes businesse The Ministers desire a declaration to be made in favour of Church Assemblies His Majestie consenteth to the Declaration Mr. Blake refuseth to acknowledg his offence to the Queen The witnesses examined and Mr. Blake found guilty A new treaty for making an accord Conditions craved by his Majesty The Commissioners refuse to agree to any censure of M. Blake The Ministers indict a fast and complain of wrong done to the kingdom of Christ. His Majesties Declaration published A Bond of obedience subscrived by the Ministers Master Blake charged to go to his ward and the Commissioners to leave the Town A new motion of agreement overthrown by the practise of some of his Majesties Chamber The Ministers deluded by a counterfeit Letter M. Walter Balcanquall in his Sermon inveigheth against the Counsellors He exhorteth the Noblemen and Bâ—rons to a meeting A Petition directed to the King from the meeting Mr. R. Bruce his Speech to those that convened The King offended with the meeting The L d Lindesey his insolent words to the King Atumult raised in the Church and City A Deacon of the Crafts appeaseth the fury of the people Noble men directed from the King to inquire the cause of the tumult The Ministers purge themselves A new Petition moved to the King The Kings answer to the Petions proponed Articles condescended upon to be proponed to his Majesty The Commissioners chused to present the Articles Bargenny declineth the charge the business ceaseth The King with the Councell departeth to Linlithgow A Proclamation discharging all Judicatories to sit in Edinburgh A great alteration in the mindes of people A Bond for mutuall concurrence The excommunication of the President deferred A Fast in the City M. Welch and his Sermon A rumour dispersed that Arroll had some forces assembled The copie of the Letter sent to the Lord Hamilton shewed to the King This Letter did offend many of the better sort A charge for apprehending the Ministers The King refuseth the purgation offered by the Town The tumult declared treason by act of Counsell The Town employed others towards the King The Proposition made by those that were sent by the Town His Majesties answer The King cometh to Leth and the next day to Edinburgh Offers made by the Town for pacifying his Majesties anger The effects of the mutiny contrary to that which was intended Advice given to raze the Town The Queen of Englands letter to the King The letter pleased the King well The tumult declared Treason in the Convention of Estates The Town of Edinburgh charged to appear at Perth The Octavians quit their Commission of the Exchequer Captain Iames Stewart killed A Nationall Assembly indicted at Perth Articles published in print for the better preparation to the Assembly The Ministers greatly perplexed with these Questions Sir Patrick Murray directed to the North to deal with the Ministers The Ministers Answer His Majesties Letter to the Earl of Huntley Letters directed to the Presbyteries for keeping the Assembly The Assembly declared to be a lawfull Generall Assembly Articles presented by his Commissioners to the Assembly The advice of certain Brethren set apart to consider the Articles The Assembly required to meet with the Estates Protestation made by Mr. Tho Buchannan in name of the Church The answers of the Articles reformed Persons nominated to reason the questions Commission given for absolving the Popish Lords The conditions required of the Earl of Huntley The like condition prescrived to Angus and Arroll The King taketh the Ministers in his protection The Assembly intercedes for the Ministery of Edunburgh and others charged with the tumuls The Kings answer The death of Mr. Iohn Lesly Bishop of Rosse The Town of Edinburgh denounced Rebels An. 1597. The Town received into favour at the intercession of Noblemen Articles injoyned to be performed by the Town The Ministers of Edinburgh suffered to return but inhibited to preach An Assembly at Dundy Mr. Robert Rollock elected to preside Order given for absolution of the Popish Lords Proceedings of the Assembly The rest of the questions determined A generall commission foâ— Church affairs Sir Patrick Murray directed to the North. A Proclamation against Mr. Iames Gourdon The Laird of Lady-land having surprized the rock Elsa is drowned The Kings care for removing of deadly fewds A meeting of the Commissioners of the Assembly at Falkland The Secretary complaineth of Mr. Robert Wallace Minister at S. Andrews Mr. Wallace declineth the Commissioners Mr. Nicoll Dalgleish protesteth against the Commissioners proceedings The declination and protestation declared invalid The Witnesses examined doe verifie the complaint Mr. Wallace his obstinacy A visitation of the Church of S. Andrews Sentence given for removing Mr. Blake and Mr. Wallace from the Ministery of S. Andrews Master George Gladstaves admitted Minister of S. Andrews Abuses in the University reformed In the new Colledge all things found out of order
with you for as to these vices we have been talking of I thank God none of them do reign in me onely I speak this to discover your minde and disposition Thus both agreeing upon the enterprise they gave private notice to their friends of their coming and obtaining a supply of ten thousand men from King Edward under the leading of Sibard Earl of Northumberland Malcolmes Grand-father by the Mother they entered into Scotland The rumour of this Army did cast Mackbeth into a great terrour and not knowing what to do for he was deserted of all he shut up himself at first in the Castle of Dunsinnan a Fort that he had lately built The Army marching thither how soon they came in sight Mackbeth out of a new fear forsook the Fort and made to flye by horse but being pursued by some of Malcolme his friends he was overtaken and killed Upon this victory Malcolme was declared King and crowned in Scone the 25. of April 1057. Soon after his Coronation calling the Estates together at Forfar he restored the children of those that Mackbeth had forfeited and to correct the intemperances of the people and to recall them to the ancient frugality made divers good statutes repealing that beastly Act of Eugenius the third which appointed the first night of the new married woman to appertain to the Lord of the ground and granting the husband liberty to redeem the same by payment of an half Mark of silver which portion they call Marchetas mulierum and is as yet disponed by superiours in the Charters they give to their vassals In this Convention likewise the Bishops who as we shewed before did indifferently administrate their functions in all places to which they came had limits appointed to them for the exercise of their jurisdiction To Saint Andrewes was committed the oversight of Fife Louthian Merce Striveling-shire Angus and Mernis Glasgow had the charge given him of the West parts and Borders Galloway this countrey which yet beareth the name and Murthlack all that is now of the Diocy of Aberdeen Besides these the King did erect Murray and Cathnes in two Bishopricks appointing able men for the discharge of the service and providing them with maintenance sufficient he gave the Lordship of Momemusk the superiority whereof belongs as yet to that See The Church of Dunfermling he built from the ground and laid the foundation of the Cathedral in Durham advancing great summes to the perfection thereof In all which he was much furthered by that blessed Lady Queen Margaret his wife That we may better know this Lady and how she came to be married unto Malcolme I must relate a few things belonging to that purpose Edmond King of England surnamed Ironside being treacherously killed at Oxford Canutus a Dane who reigned in a part of that kingdome attained the absolute dominion of the whole This Edmond left two sons Edwin and Edward whom Canutus in the beginning entertained very kindly but afterwards seeking to establish the Crown in his own posterity he sent them to Volgarus the Governour of Swain to be murthered The Governour pitying the estate of these innocent youths conveyed them secretly unto Solomon King of Hungary giving out to Canutus that they were made away Edward surviving Edwin his brother married Agatha sister to the Queen of Hungary and daughter to the Emperour Henry the second by whom he had a son called Edgar and two daughters Margaret and Christian. After Canutus his death succeeded Harold his eldest son whose reign was cruel and short and four years only And after him Hardicanutus who died suddenly in the second year of his reign and was the last of the Danes that ruled in England Upon his death Edward brother to Edmondlronside living then in Nomandy was recalled and Crowned King of England at Winchester in the year 1042. This is he that is called Edward the Confessor a most pious King who having no issue sent to Hungary for his Cousin Edward and for his children Edward soon after his coming died so Edgar surnamed Atheling remained to whom King Edward would willingly have resigned the Crown but such was the modesty of that young Prince as he did absolutely refuse to reign during the King his life That lost him the Crown for upon the death of the King Harold son to Earl Godwin was preferred Prince Edgar his right utterly misknown But Harold his reign continued not long William Duke of Normandy commonly called the Conqueror having killed him in a battel fought in Sussex the next year usurped the kingdom to himself Edgar fearing the Conquerors cruelty took sea with his mother Agatha and his two sisters Margaret and Christian intending to return into Hungargy but were by Tempest driven upon the coast of Scotland where King Malcolme that had learned by his own sufferances to compassionate the distresses of others did most courteously receive them and shortly after their coming took Margaret the eldest sister of Edgar to wife a Lady of rare vertue who though she brought him little or no portion made both him and his kingdom happy How soon the Norman had setled his dominion in England he sent to King Malcolme to require Edgar his competitor and fugitive as he termed him to be rendered Malcolme refused holding it an unseemly deed in a King to deliver any person that took their refuge to him much more to betray a Prince allyed to himself unto his mortal enemy Hereupon Warre was proclaimed and one Roger a Nobleman of Normandy sent to invade Northumberland which was then in the possession of the Scots Richard Earl of Gloucester did second him with a great power but both these were put to the worse Odon the Normans brother who of a Bishop of Bayeux was made Earl of Kent as likewise his own son Robert whom he employed with several Armies did prosper no better so as wearied of the warres he began to think of peace neither was Malcolme unwilling unto it and after some treaty it was accorded That King Malcolme should retain Cumberland with the same right that his predecessours did enjoy it and that the subjects of each kingdom might know their limits and how farre they were to passe a stone-crosse was erected in Stammore which was called the Ree Crosse that is the Crosse of Kings for on the North side thereof the Armes of the King of Scotland were graven and upon the South the Armes of the King of England This peace held firm all the Conquerours time but William called Rufus his son succeeding it quickly dissolved neither could it be otherwise considering the contrary disposition of the two Kings for as Malcolme was religiously given and a great Benefactor to the Church so Rufus in all his carriage manifested no affection that way For to inlarge his Forest at Winchester he demolished thirty Churches and forced Anselme that good Bishop of Canterbury to quit the kingdom for the liberty he used in his
a sorrow they shewed notwithstanding he had reigned long and died being of a great age for it was the 74. of his age and the the 49. of his reign when he departed this life The funerals ended his son Alexander the second accompanied with all the Prelates and Nobles of the kingdome went to Scone and received the Crown by the hands of the Bishop of Saint Andrews This King did no wayes degenerate from the vertues of his predecessors and was a great protector of the Church against the rapines and extortions of Rome Guallo others call him Waldo a Cardinal sent Legate into England by Pope Innocentius the third to assist King Iohn who was then become his vassal did put the kingdom of Scotland under interdiction because the King had supplied the French in his invasion of England and as he pretended robbed some Churches and religious places in his return from that war The Church-men ceasing by this occasion from their ordinary services no religious exercise was performed by any through the whole Realm but the white Monks whose priviledge did warrant them to celebrate at such times which the Legate hearing did suspend inhibiting them by one Weshbeck Archdeacon of York to do any service under pain of the highest spiritual censures till the rest of the Clergy were absolved But King Iohn dying and Henry his son Crowned by mediation of certain Prelates peace was made betwixt King Alexander and him upon the conditions following That Ioane the sister of Henry should be given in marriage to Alexander King of Scots and Magaret his sister to Hubert de Burgh Justiciar of England the man who then ruled all affaires That Berwick should be rendred to the Scots and Carlile to the English The King of Scots absolved from the Legates censures and his kingdome released from the Interdiction For performing the last Article the Bishops of York and Salisbury by whose meanes especially the peace was concluded had Commission given them by the Legate which presently they discharged But Guallo being displeased that the Interdict had passed so easily for he was a man extremely avaritious and one who made his profit of every businesse since he could not retreat what was done took him to the Clergy saying That the absolution granted did not comprehend them and thereupon did summon them to appear before him at Anwick The Diet was kept and thither went all the Bishops Abbots Priors and beneficed men in great numbers Absolution was offered but not without the payment of large summes which were at first denied but after some menacings that he should make them answer it at Rome the most out of fear did transact A few Prelates only standing out went afterwards to Rome to justifie their Cause With the inferiour Churchmen he took a course in shew beneficial and for their ease that some one or two should go with Commission and absolve them in their own Provinces at home but it turned to their great molestation for the Prior of Duresme and Westbeck the Archdeacon who were imployed in that businesse beginning at Berwick went through all the Realm and making the Priests and Canons convene at the principal City of the bounds caused them to take oath that they should confesse themselves and answer truly unto every particular enquired of them which done and their several depositions taken what by terrifying some with deprivation from their places for faults confessed by themselves what by wearying others with the protractions they made from day to day great summes were extorted from them and the poor Priests forced notwithstanding all this oppression to go barefooted to the door of the principal Church where they were convened and ask their absolution in a most base and abject form The Clergy offended herewith sent Walter Bishop of Glasgow Brice Bishop of Murray and Adam Bishop of Cathnes to complain at Rome where finding Pope Innocent dead and Honorius the third preferred in his room they exhibited in name of the Church of Scotland a grievous complaint against Guallo charging him to have been the especial cause of these miserable combustions which both the kingdomes had endured to have abused his legation unto his private commodity and to have extorted monies from Churchmen and others under colour of absolution Guallo brought to his answer because he did not clear himself sufficiently in divers points was declared not to have carried himself as became his Holinesse Legate and fined in a pecuniary mulct so as he escaped by dividing the spoil which he had made in those parts betwixt his Master and himself The Bishops who preferred the complaint were upon confession of their fault absolved one of the Cardinals who stood by scornfully commending their humility and saying Quòd piarum mentium esset crimen agnoscere ubi nec culpa reperitur That it was the part of devout men to acknowledge an offence even where no fault was committed and for some recompence of their pains a confirmation was given them of the old priviledges granted to the Church of Scotland by four Popes This priviledge is dated at Rome in the year of Christ 1218. and in the second of Pope Honorius his Pontificat Yet the next year Egidius a Spaniard by nation and by place a Cardinal was sent to gather contribution for the holy warre wherein both the Clergy and Laity shewed themselves so forward as in a short space great summes were collected all which he spent most prodigally in his return to Rome giving out for an excuse that he was robbed by certain Brigants in the way And no sooner was this Cardinal gone then another followed having the like Commission but the King considering how prejudicial these contributions might prove to the kingdome and that through the easie yieldings of the State the See of Rome was grown impudent in their exactions would not permit him to enter into the Realm till he had propounded the matter in Councel at which time one of the Bishops his name is not expressed in the story made a long speech against the rapine of these Legates where in recounting the insolent oppressions of Guallo and the riotous profusion of Egidius he disswaded by many good reasons his admission or the receiving of any other who should afterwards happen to come about the like businesse This speech seconded with the applause of all that were present an Act was made prohibiting the reception of the Legate or any others without licence from the King The Bishop of St. Andrewes being all this while in France did now return bringing with him some of the order of S. Dominick some Franciscans Iacobins and of the Monks called Vallis umbrosae These Orders not being known before in this Church by their crafty insinuations with people and the profession they made in leading an austere life did supplant the credit of the Priests drawing to themselves all the
severe then of her own nature she was and led her into many errours of State neglecting the Natives and born Noblemen of the countrey and following the counsels of the French that attended her who making no conscience of their promises and minding nothing but the bringing of Scotland in subjection to France as they conceived things to serve unto their ends moved her to follow courses unsure and dishonourable Otherwise she was of a most milde disposition and was heard often to say That if her own counsel might take place she doubted nothing to compose all the dissensions within the Realm and settle the same upon good conditions in a perfect tranquillity The Author of the story ascrived to Iohn Knox in his whole discourse sheweth a bitter and hateful spite against her forging dishonest things which was never so much as suspected by any setting down his own conjectures as certain truths and misinterpreting all her words and actions yea the least syllable that did escape her in passion he maketh in an argument of her cruel and inhumane disposition but when he cometh to speak of her end he will have all her sickness and death though in none of the two there was any thing extraordinary to be the judgement of God inflicted upon her as if death and the ordinary visitations which bring death were not common to Princes as well as others Then for her burial because by direction of her friends and as some say at her own desire order was taken to carry her corps to the Abbey of Rhemes in Campaigne where her sister was Abbesse which of all necessity required a protraction of time he construed the delay to be the punishment of her inhumanity and the want of sepulchre in this Kingdom a prognostick of the short continuance of her race and the Guisian blood as he speaks in this Realm Pardon me good Reader for this digression To detract from the same of Princes and miscensure their words and actions favoureth of malice and no way becometh a Christian much lesse a Minister of Christ. Shortly after the death of Queen Regent truce was taken for hearing the Ambassadours sent from France and England who coming to Edinburgh entred into consultation first amongst themselves upon the best and easiest means to compose the present quarrels Then calling to them certain of the Scottish Nobility began to treat of the sending of the French souldiers forth of the Realm Wherein two difficulties occurred One was that the Commissioners of France did urge the retaining of a number of men of war in some sorts of the countrey for the King and Queen after peace was concluded The other that the companies that should be broken might depart unchallenged with all their baggage The Scottish Noblemen did oppose these desires esteeming it unreasonable that they should be suffered to depart before they gave satisfaction to those they had wronged And to place strangers in forts they thought it could not but breed trouble and occasion a new warre more dangerous then the present This contention held some dayes at last both parties wearying they were brought to agree upon the conditions following 1. That the French men of warre in the town of Leth should be sent home within the space of twenty dayes with bag and baggage and for their better transport should be furnished with ships of England they giving pledges for the safe return of the same 2. That Leth being rendered to the Lords of Scotland the walls thereof should be demolished as likewise the fortifications at Dumbar if so it should seem good to the Lords after they had viewed the same and that the King and Queen should make no new forts within the Realm nor augment these that were already made nor yet repair these that were demolished without counsel and consent of the Estates 3. That a Garison of threescore French men should be permitted to remain in the Castle of Dumbar and as many in the Isle of Inchkeeth untill the Estates should find means to maintain the said forts upon their own charges from all peril of forain invasion the said souldiers in the mean time living obedient to the lawes of the Realm and taking nothing from the subjects without paiment of ready money 4. That an Act of oblivion should be made for abolishing the memory of all injuries and wrongs attempted or committed against the lawes of the Realm since the sixth day of March 1558. untill the first of August 1560. which Act should be ratified in the next Parliament and confirmed by the Queen with consent of her husband 5. That a general peace and reconciliation should be made amongst the Lords and subjects of the Realm so as they who were called of the Congregation and they who were not of the same should bear no quarrel to others for any thing done since the sixth of March 1558. 6. That the King and Queen should not pursue revenge or suffer to be revenged any violence or injury that had been done since the said time nor should deprive or seek any colour to dispossess the subjects or any of them of the benefices houses and estates which they have enjoyed before they alwayes continuing in the due obedience of their Soveraigns And that it might be known that the King and Queen were not willing to keep any remembrance of the troubles past it was accorded the Duke of Chattellerault and all other Noblemen of Scotland should be repossessed in their livings and benefices within France after the manner that they did enjoy the same before the said sixth day of March and that all capitulations agreed upon in time past should be observed as well for the part of their Majesties as the part of the Nobility and people of Scotland 7. That where any Bishops Abbots or other Churchmen should alledge themselves to have received any injuries either in their persons or goods the same should be considered by the Estates of Parliament and redresse made according to reason and in the mean time that no man should stop them to enjoy their rents nor do any hurt or violence to their persons and if any should do contrary to this Article he should be pursued by the Lords as a perturber of the Commonwealth 8. That in time coming the King and Queen should depute no strangers in the administration of Civil and Common Justice nor bestow the offices of Chancellary Thesaurer Comptrollary and the like upon others then born subjects of the Realm as likewise that it should not be lawful to give the office of Thesaurary or Comptrollary to any Churchman or other person that is not able to administrate the same Further that the Thesaurer and Comptroller appointed by them and instructed with sufficient commission should do nothing in disposing of casualties without the consent of the Councel to the effect all things may be done for the profit of the King and Queen yet should it not be thought that this Article did either
especially if he saw Religion to be in peril and had often craved to be exonerated of that burthen but still was refused Then directing his speech to the Queen with a wonderful boldness He charged her in the name of the Almighty God and as she desired to escape his heavy wrath and indignation to forsake that Idolatrous religion which she professed and by her power maintained against the statutes of the Realm And as he was proceeding was required by the Earl of Morton then Chancellor fearing the Queens irritation to hold his peace and go away After which time matters were carried more peaceably betwixt the Queen and the Church the Earl of Murray alwayes interposing himself and propounding the Petitions of the Church unto her as likewise returning her answers to their satisfaction In the end of this year Matthew Stewart Earl of Lenox by the permission of the Queen returned into Scotland and in a Parliament called to that effect in Ianuary next had the proces of forfeiture laid against him whilest the Duke was Governour reduced and so restored to his lands and possessions after 22. years exile Henry his son followed him some moneths after and came to Edinburgh in the beginning of February A young man not past 21. years of comely personage and of a milde and sweet behaviour He had presence of the Queen in the place of Weymis and was received with great demonstrations of favour Nor was it long that she was perceived to bear some affection unto him Whereupon a speech went that she would take him unto her husband And indeed besides the love she carried to the young Nobleman there was great respects that led her that way He was descended of the Royal blood of England And next unto her self the apparant heir of that Crown If it should fall him to marry with one of the greatest families of England it was to be feared that some impediment might be made to her in the Right of succession which she thought was a wise part in her to prevent Again the Queen of England had advised her by Thomas Randolph her Ambassadour to chuse unto her self a husband in England for the better conservation of the peace contracted betwixt the kingdomes and had of late recommended the Earl of Leicester as a worthy match to her She therefore as well to satisfie the Queen of Englands desire in not matching with a stranger but with some Englishman born as likewise to cut off all debates of succession resolved to take the Nobleman to her husband But no sooner was her intention discovered then on all sides enemies rose up against her Of the Nobility at home some opposed the Marriage under pretext of Religion for the Earl of Lenox and his son were both esteemed to be Popish The Queen of England by Nicholas Throgmorton her Ambassadour advised her not to use hast in a business of that importance and to interpose some impediment charged the Earl of Lenox and his son to return into England the time being not yet expired contained in their licences And universally amongst the subject the question was agitated Whether the Queen might chuse to her self an husband or it were more fitting that the Estates of the land should appoint one unto her Some maintaining that the liberty could not be denied unto her which was granted to the meanest subject others excepting that in the heirs of the Kingdom the case was different because they in assuring an husband to themselves did withall appoint a King over the people and that it was more reason the whole people should chuse an husband to one woman then that one woman should elect a King to rule over the whole people It was objected also by some that the marriage was unlawful and contrary to the Canon law Lady Margaret Douglas his mother being sister uterine to King Iames the fifth her father But for this the Queen had provided a remedy having sent William Chisholin Bishop of Dumblane to bring a dispensation from Rome And to strengthen her self at home she restored George Gordon son to the Earl of Huntley unto his lands and honours recalled the Earl of Sutherland who lived an exile in Flanders and Bothwel that was banished in France This wicked man was not well returned into the countrey when he devised a new plot against the Earl of Murray his life for which being called in question he forsook the countrey and fled again unto France The only man that seemed to stand for the marriage and used his best means to promove it was an Italian called David Risio who had great credit that time with the Queen This man had followed the Savoâ—an Ambassadour into Scotland and in hope of bettering his fortune gave himself to attend the Queen at first in the quality of a Musician afterwards growing in more favour he was admitted to write her French letters and in the end preferred to be principal Secretary to the Estate It grieved many to see a stranger thus advanced Lethington chiefly was displeased for that he found his credit this way impaired yet being one that could put on any disguise on his nature of all others he most fawned on this Italian and shewing him as it was truth that he was the object of divers Noblemens envy did perswade him by all means to work the match and procute if it could be the consent of the Queen of England thereto wherein offering his own service for he longed after some employment abroad he procured to himself a message towards the Queen of England By him the Earl of Lenox and his son did excuse their not returning into England as they were charged beseeching Queen Elizabeths favour unto the match intended and that which might prove more profitable to her and her Realm then any other course the Scottish Queen should take Signieur Davie for so he was commonly called did after this labour with all his power to have the marriage perfected and as he was of a politick wit the more to bind the young Nobleman and his friendship unto him studied to have the same finished before the return of the Queen of Englands answer either fearing that her disassent might work some delay in the match or that the Noblemans obligation to himself should be the lesse in case she consented For this purpose a Convocation of the Estates was kept at Striveling in the moneth of May where the matter being propounded and the advice of the Estates craved many did yield their consents with a provision that no change should be made in the present estate of Religion The greater part to gratifie the Queen without making any exception agreed that the mariage should proceed Of the whole number Andrew Lord Ochiltrie did onely oppose plainly professing that he would never consent to admit a King of the Popish Religion Shortly after was Henry Lord Darnly created Lord of Arâ—manoch Earl of Rosse and Duke of
that is laid upon us to purge our selves that drawes us unto it For if our adversaries would rested content with our former answer which they know to be true no further would we needed But against our hearts in defence of our just cause they compelled us to utter the things which we wish were buried in perpetuall oblivion So if our doing seem hatefull to any let these bear the blame who force us to answer which they know we may and in the end must give One thing onely we desire that they who have brought us to this necessitie may be present and hear what is said that if we speak any untruth they may refute the same for even in point of greatest moment we will use their own testimonie This being communicated with the Agents of the Scottish Queen they answered That they did not force them to any accusations and if they did utter untruths or calumniate the Queen in any sort they would not patiently hear it That all their desires were to have their Queen restored to her Kingdome from which by force of armes she was expulsed or if it should please the Queen of England to hear any more of that matter they requested that the Queen of Scots might be sent for and permitted to speak for her self Mean while by a new Patent there were joyned to the other Commissioners Bacon keeper of the great Seal the Earls of Arundell and Leicester with the Lord Admirall and Sir William Cecill and a time assigned to the Regent for producing the reasons for the Queens rejecting When the day was come he presented the confessions of some that were executed for the Kings murther the Statutes of Parliament ratifying her resignation of the Crown and her sons Coronation subscribed by divers of her own party certain amatory verses and epistles written to Bothwell as they said with her own hand three severall contracts of marriage betwixt her and Bothwell with a number of presumptuous likelyhoods and conjectures to make it appear that she was privy to the murther Bothwell had committed The Queen of England having seen and perused all these stood doubtfull what to do for albeit she was content to have some blot rubbed upon the Queen of Stots as many supposed yet the pity of her misfortune made her sometimes to think of composing matters betwixt her and her subjects The terms besides wherein she stood with the French King who was dayly by his Ambassadours soliciting the Queen of Scots liberty made her uncertain what course to take for if she should simply deny his request it would be esteemed a breach of friendship and to yield to his desire she thought it scarce safe for her own estate Therefore keeping a middle course she resolved to suspend her Declaration unto another time and willed the Regent seeing he could make no longer stay to leave some of his company to answer the criminations which possibly his adversaries would charge him with after he was gone But he replying said That he was not so desirous to return home but he would willingly stay to hear what they could alledge against him Nor was he ignorant of the rumours they had dispresed and what they had spoken to some of the Councell and to the French Ambassadour which were more convenient to be told whilest he was himself in place and might make answer then to bely and calumniate him in his absence wherefore he did humbly intreat her to cause them utter the things plainly that they muttered in secret Hereupon were the Queen of Scots Commissioners called and it being inquired Whether they had any thing to object against the Regent which might argue his guiltiness of the Kings murther they answered That when the Queen their Mistress should bid them accuse they would do it but for the present they had nothing to say The Regent replied That if the Queen or any other would accuse him he should ever be ready to give an account of his actions and neither decline place nor time but in the mean while till she should intend her accusation it was reason they should declare if they themselves had any thing to lay unto his charge After divers subterfuges in end they professed that they knew nothing which might make him or any of his associates suspected of the murther The Regent now at the point to depart a new let was made by the Duke of Chattellerault who coming from France by England drew himself into a contestation for the government pleading that the same did belong to him as being the nearest of bloud and lawfull heir of the Crown next after the Queen of Scots and her succession This he said was the Law and practice of all Nations and a custome perpetually observed in Scotland for proof whereof he alledged the Regency of Robert Steâ—art uncle to King Iames the first with that of his son Duke Murdack after the fathers death the government of Iohn Duke of Albany in the minority of King Iames the fifth and his own Regency in the nonage of the present Queen Contrary to which custom a few Rebels as he complained had most injuriously to his disgrace and which was most unsufferable to the contempt of the lawfull blood preferred one base born unto the supreme dignitie which honour if it should be restored to him the Civill troubles he said would cease and the Queen without any tumult be ressored to her content Whereupon he requested the Queen of Englands favour and that by her authority the Earl of Murray might be caused cease from his usurped Government To this in behalf of the Regent it was replied That the Dukes Petition was most injust and contrary to the custome and Lawes of the Countrey which provided that at such times as the Crown should fall in the hands of Minors one or more of the most sage and powerfull in the Estates should be elected for the administration of affairs unto the Kings ripe age This course they said the Scots had constantly kept the last six hundreth years and thereby secured the Kingdome and transmitted the same free and safe to their posterity As for instance after the death of King Robert Bruce Thomas Randolph Earl of Murray was elected Governour upon his death Duncan Earl of Marre after him Andrew Murray and then Robert Stewart who were all chosen Regents one after another In the minority of King Iames the second Sir Alexander Levingston was elected a man neither of bloud of the King nor a Nobleman of degree but for his worth and wisedome preferred In like sort King Iames the Third had four Tutours appointed to him by the Estates none of them for any respect of propinquity And for the examples adduced of Duke Murdack and Iohn Duke of Albany they made nothing to the purpose The last of the two in the minority of King Iames the fifth being called to the government by the Nobility and confirmed therein by the Estates
have not proceeded from himself Now when he hath assumed the government and ye left the place intrusted to you shall he not be governed by those that are about him whom you know to be your enemies But ye perhaps do promise ease and safety to your self in a private life as if you might descend without any danger from the place which ye have held Wise men have observed that between highest and nothing there is not a mean and it feares me you have wronged your self in imagining the rest you shall never find If you had kept your place they should have seen the faces of men and not carried things thus at their pleasure but having forsaken your self there is nothing left to your friends but to lament your misfortune and God grant that this be the worst of things This said he went aside and burst forth in tears The Regent whom we will no more call so excused his doing by the instance that the King made for his dimission saying that his refuse would have made a great commotion in the Realm yet did he perceive his errour and in his secret thoughts which he covered so well as he could blamed his own rash and precipitate yielding But there being no place left to resile the next best he thought was to secure himself and his friends by discharge of all things that might be laid to him or them during his administration and therein he employed the Earl of Angus and the Chancellour whom he did constitute his procurators to compeir before the King and make dimission of his office with such solemnities as by law were requisite This done the discharge was given him in most ample form Therein after a general approbation of his service he was declared not to be accusable of any manner of crime of whatsoever greatnesse or weight without exception that might be alledged to have been committed by him in times past which declaration was ordained to be as valid and sufficient in all respects as if the highest crime that could or might be imputed to any person had been specially expressed in the same He was also exonerated of all summes of money rents and profits as well of property as casualty intrometted with by him or his factours and servants since his acceptation of the Regiment the jewels of the Crown the furniture of his Majesties house Munition and Artillery onely excepted A provision was adjected That the present discharge should not prejudge the King and his successours in the revocation or reduction of whatsoever infeoffments given of the property during his Highness minorityâ— or of whatsoever lands Lordships offices or dignities fallen in his Majesties hands by forfeiture recognition bastardy or by any other right and priviledge of the Crown In all other points the discharge was ordained to stand firm and sure for him his heirs and successors and the same never to be revoked or any thing attempted to the contrary and for his greater assurance the same was promised to be confirmed by the Estates of Parliament in their first convention and meeting The Noblemen and others of the Estates then present with the King did likewise bind themselves their heirs and successours to see all the foresaid points truly fulfilled under the pain of five hundred thousand pound So as nothing was omitted which he could devise for his securing Yet in all this he found no assurance to teach men that it is not to be had in any worldly thing but to be sought of God alone All men are compelled to acknowledge so much in the end though often too late which was the case of this Nobleman as we shall hear But better late as the saying is then never THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE SIXTH BOOK The Contents The things that happened after his Majesties assuming of the Government in his own person unto his happy succession to the Crown of ENGLAND THE King was not yet twelve years compleat when in the manner ye have heard they moved him to assume the Government yet did he shew more judgement in his very beginning then could be expected from one of his years The Earl of Mortons enemies not satisfied with his displacing were still casting how to bring him into the Kings dislike And first shewing that there was a necessity of the Kings residing at Edinburgh where was the place of Justice they desired he should be charged to render the Castle Then informed that he had amassed a great treasure in the time of his Regiment they moved the King to require of him some moneys for supporting the charges whereunto he would be put at his first entry They did further talk of the Mint-house and the commodity he reaped thereby And to denude him of all power they desired the state of the borders to be looked unto and the office of Lieutenandry which the Earl of Angus his Nephew had in those parts discharged To one or other of these they conceived he should be unwilling and so they should find some matter against him But the King refusing to use him with charges took a more moderate course and sent the Chancellour and Thesaurer to feel his mind in those things He lay then at Dalkeith and having heard their propositions howbeit he knew those motions did proceed from his adversaries and was not ignorant what they intended he answered calmly That the jewels and moveables appertaining to the Crown being received of his hand and he and his deputies discharged the Castle should be rendered most willingly But for the advancing of moneys he excused himself saying that was not unknown how he had received his office in a time full of trouble and when the countrey was embroiled in a civil warre the burthen whereof he sustained upon his private Charge and that since the troubles ceased he had payed a great many debts repaired his Majesties houses and Castles and put them in a better case then for many years before they had been That the entertainment of his Majesties house and maintaining of his own as Regent was a matter of no small charge which the ordinary revenues of the Crown would hardly do yet when his Majesty should be of perfect age and his honourable occasions did require it he should not be wanting according to his ability and bestow all his means for his Majesties honour Concerning the Mint-house he said that he had kept it in the best order he could and having now no more charge of it he wished the King to do therewith as he thought best For the affairs of the border that he had moved the Earl of Angus to undertake that service for the quietnesse of the countrey but seeing he had no lands in those quarters and that the offices of Wardenrie might suffice to hold those parts in order he would advise the King to dispose them to the most sufficient that could be found The Noblemen returning with these answers the King did
that time they had done good thankful and necessary service to the King and countrey Also that their taking of Armes making of Conventions entring in conflicts taking and detaining of prisoners contracting of leagues and bonds and all other deeds done by them which might appear to be against his Majesties authority in so farre as the same was done without his Highness warrant should be reputed and esteemed good service done to the King and State And that they and their partakers should be exonered of all action civil or criminal that might be intended against them or any of them in that respect Inhibiting therefore all the subjects to speak or utter any thing to the contrary under the pain to be esteemed calumniators and dispersers of false rumors and to be punished for the same accordingly The declaration passed it was ordained that the Earl of Arran should be detained in the Castle of Ruthven till the Duke was gone out of the Realm after which he should be confined on the North of the water of Iern and that four companies should be levied upon the publick charges two of horsemen and as many foot to guard the King and Noblemen who did attend him till the present troubles were quieted Then were some grievances proponed in name of the Church but these laid by till another time the Lords not willing to irritate the King for such matters having once secured themselves The Duke to keep the word which the King had given for his departing took shiping in the West parts about the midst of October and being hindred by contrary winds fell sick at Sea The King advertised of his ill disposition advised him to travel through England in regard of the winter season and to remain at Blackness till a safe conduct was procured from the Queen He had not stayed many dayes there when a rumour was raised as was thought by his enemies that he was to be brought again to Court and the Lords turned out or used with more violence This made a new stirre whereupon the Lord Hereis was sent to command him to begin his journey and to be in Berwick the 22. day of December he craved to see the King and be permitted only to salute him but this being denied he departed in great heavinesse In the beginning of Ianuary two Ambassadours arrived sent by the French King the one named Monsieur la Motte the other Monsieur Menevel La Motte came by England with whom came alongst Mr. Davidson Ambassadour from Queen Elizabeth the other by Sea both having the same instructions which were to work the Kings liberty in the best sort they could to confirm his mind in the love he bare to the French and to renue the purpose of Association This last businesse was set on foot the year before and almost concluded in this sort That the Queen of Scots should communicate the Crown with her sonne and both be joyned in the administration of affaires that so he might be acknowledged for a lawful King by all Christian Princes and all domestick factions suppressed But upon the Dukes sequestring from Court it was left off and not mentioned again till now The Assembly of the Church in the last meeting had made this one of their special grievances and complained of it as a most wicked practise And now the Ministers of Edinburgh hearing that purpose to be moved of new by the French Ambassadours declaimed bitterly against them in their Sermons especially against La Motte who being a Knight of the order of S. Esprit did wear the badge of a white Crosse upon his shoulder This they called the badge of Antichrist and him the Ambassadour of the bloudy murtherâ—r meaning the Duke of Guise who they said procured him to be sent hither It grieved the Ambassadours much to hear these out-cries which daily were brought unto them but perceiving the Kings authority not able to restrain the liberty which the Preachers had taken they did not complain but urged earnestly their dimission The King desirous to entertain the ancient amity betwixt the two nations and dimit them with some contentment desired the Magistrates of Edinburgh to give them the Feast before their parting To impede this Feast the Ministers did on the Sunday preceding proclaim a Fast to be kept the same day on which the Feast was appointed and to detain the people at Church the three ordinary Preachers did one after another make Sermon in S. Giles Church without any intermission of time thundering curses against the Magistrates and other Noblemen that waited on the Ambassadours by the Kings direction nor stayed their folly here but the Ambassadors being gone they pursued the Magistrates with the censures of the Church and were with difficulty enough stayed from proceeding with excommunication against them for not observing the Fast they proclaimed Of all this the King seemed to take no notice for he saw not a way to represse these disorders and much perplexed he was with the reports of the Duke of Lennox his death who partly of grief partly through the long and troublesome journey he made in that cold and rainy season contracted a fever at his coming to Paris whereof after a few days he died Some hours before his expiring there came to him a Priest or two to do their accustomed service whom he could not admit professing to die in the faith of the Church of Scotland and to keep the oath he had given to the King inviolate This the King made to be proclaimed at Edinburgh that the people might see what wrong the Duke had sustained during his abode in the Realm by the uncharitable suspicions both of Ministers and others But this belongs to the year following Meanwhile the King ceascth not to think of his own liberty using all means to put the Lords that attended him out of an opinion that he had any meaning to free himself And the Duke being gone whom they feared most they esteemed the danger the lesse for Arran was not well loved because of his violent courses and Morton who had the greatest following was put from his charge in the Borders and the same given to the Laird of Iohnston The King had likewise by their advice sent Colonel Stewart and Mr. Iohn Colvil in a joynt Commission to the Queen of England to move her for restoring the lands in that Kingdome which appertained to his Grandfather the Earl of Lennox and the Lady Margaret his Grandmother together with the by-run profits intrometted by the Thesaurer or Master of Wards as likewise to communicate unto her the course he had taken for quieting the Realm and to desire her aid and assistance therein Some instructions besides were given them to propone as touching the Kings marriage the matters of the Border and the contracting of a defensive league by all which they held themselves secured of his Majesties favour But for the negotiation it
sorted to no effect by the contrary courses the two Commissioners took after their coming to the Court of England The King foreseeing the same when they were first imployed had moved Mr. David Lindesay Preacher at Leth a man wise and moderate to accompany them and pacify the contentions which possibly might arise amongst them but their emulations were so great as all he could do scarce served to keep them from open discord Before I enter upon the accidents of the next year the death of Mr. George Buchannan which happened in the end of September must not be passed a man so well deserving of his countrey as none more he was of an excellent wit and learning incomparable born nigh to the Highlands within the Parish of Killern and of the house of Drunmakill his Uncle by the mother called Herriot took care to have him trained up in letters perceiving his inclination to be set that way wherein he profited so much as he went beyond all his instructors Nature it seems having formed him thereunto In the year 1539 being called in question by the Franciscan Friers upon the malice they bare him for some bitter verses written against them and their profession which he did to please King Iames the fifth whom they had in some things offended he was committed as suspected of Lutheranisme but made an escape to France where he lived a long time and became acquainted with many learned men with which that countrey did then abound His paraphrase of the Psalmes a rare work and other Poems he wrote for most part whilest he stayed abroad and for his learning and quick ingenie was admired of all men Returning into Scotland about the year 1560. after he had professed Philosophy some yeares in S. Leonards College within the University of S. Andrews he was chosen to attend the King and bring him up in letters In his age he applied himself to write the Scottish History which he penned with such judgement and eloquence as no countrey can shew a better Only in this is he justly blamed that with the factions of the time and to justify the proceedings of the Noblemen against the Queen he went too farre in depressing the Royal authority of Princes and allowing their controllment by subjects his bitternesse also in writing of the Queen and troubles of the time all wise men have disliked But otherwise no man did merit better of his nation for learning nor thereby did bring to it more glory He died in a great age at Edinburgh and was buried in the common place though worthy to have been laid in marble and have had some Statue erected for his memory But such pompous monuments in his life he was wont to scorne and despise esteeming it a greater credit as it was said of the Roman Cato to have it asked why he doth lack a Statue then to have had one though never so glorious erected The summer following the King found the occasion to free himself of his attenders For being at Falkland and pretending to visit his Uncle the Earl of March who did then reside in the Abbey of S. Andrewes after he had taken some little refreshment he went to take a view of the Castle accompanied with Colonel Stewart Captain of the Guard to whom he had communicated his purpose and having entered into the Castle commanded the gates to be shut and these that followed to be excluded The Earls of Argile Marshal Montross and Rothes came thither the next morning and were all welcomed by the King Of the Noblemen that had waited on him since his restraint at Ruthven only the Earl of Gowry was admitted into the Castle by the Colonels means for he had sometimes followed him as a servant The Earl how soon he came in presence fell on his knees and craving pardon for the fact of Ruthven did humbly submit himself to the Kings mercy who after he had checked him in some few but grave speeches for his ingratitude to the Duke of Lennox accepted him in favour upon condition of a more loyal behaviour in time coming Some few days the King abode in the Castle and in a Councel keptthere the second of Iuly made choice of the Earls of March Argile Gowry Marshal Montrosse and Rothes to remain with him as Noblemen that he held of best judgement most indifferent and freest of faction the rest he commanded to retire to their houses till he should take further order In the same meeting was Colonel Stewarts service approved and a Proclamation ordained to be made charging all the subjects to contain themselves in quietnesse and prohibiting any to come towards Court accompanied with a greater number then was appointed to wit 15. with an Earl as many with a Bishop ten with a Lord and as many with an Abbot or Prior with a Baron six and all these commanded to come in a peaceable manner under great penalties Then the King to shew himself at liberty went to Edinburgh and from thence he went to Falkland then to Perth where he remained some weeks Being there the Earl of Arran by Gowries procurement was brought again to Court after whose coming a Declaration was published by the King to this effect We with advice of the Lords of our Privy Councel having thought expedient to notify unto the world but especially to all our good and loyal subjects our true mind touching the things that fell out in the year past declare the same to be as followeth That is howsoever for preserving of publick quietnesse we did patiently endure the restraint of our person at Ruthven with the secluding of our Counsellors from us and all that ensued thereupon yet did we take it deeply to heart and did account no otherwise of it then a fact most treasonable attending till it should please God to restore us to our former estate and liberty which having now by his goodness obtained to make known our indifferent disposition towards all our good subjects and that we do not seek the harm and ruine of any one whomsoever we have resolved to forgive and forget all offences bygone especially that which was committed in August last and hath been since that time strongly maintained providing the Actors and assisters do shew themselves penitent for the same ask pardon in due time and do not provoke us by their unlawful actions hereafter to remember that attempt Willing all our subjects by the example of this our clemency whereof some already have made proof to discharge all quarrels amongst themselves and not to malice one another for whatsoever cause by gone all which we will have buried in oblivion and to this have ordained publication to be made hereof in all the principal Burghs c. The discontented Lords notwithstanding of this declaration were still convening and making the best provision they could for their own surety For at Arrans hand who had now the disposing of all things they expected no good The
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
Ward and submit themselves to the punishment his Majesty should be pleased to impose The Chancellor made the like intercession for Bothwell but for Arroll none did speak After the King had thought a little of it he was content they should enter and present themselves to the Justice but would give no condition For this effect the 24. of May was assigned at the day Mr. Edward Bruce Mr. William Oliphant and Mr. Iames Wardlaw sitting Judges in the criminal Court by Commission the three Earls compiered Of Noblemen and others charged to passe upon their Assise there were present the Lord Hamilton the Earls of Angus Morton Atholl Marre and Marshall the Lords Seaton Somervill Dingwell and Cathcart the Lairds of Pittarrow Closburn Lagg and the Constable of Dundy These taking oath as the manner is the indictment was read which consisted of seven or eight points First they were charged with practising with Jesuits seminary Priests and other strangers against Religion receiving of Spanish gold and hiring souldiers therewith to disturb the quiet of the Realm 2. That they had entered in bond and confederacy with the Earls of Arroll Montrosse and others contrary to the Lawes kept Conventicles and treasonably surprised the Town of Perth of purpose to have fortified the same against his Majesty 3. That they had conspired to take the King prisoner at Halyrudhouse and kill his servants and Counsellours especially Sir Iohn Maitland of Thirlstane Chancellor 4. That they had besieged the house of Kirkhill put fire to the same and forced the Master of Glammis Thesaurer to render himself captive 5. That they had convocated the subjects by open Proclamation and given out that the King was detained prisoner against his will 6. That they came with displayed banners to the Bridge of Dee of mind to invade the King whom they knew to be upon an expedition to the North parts 7. That they had taken the Kings Herauld at Arms in the City of Aberdene spoyled him of his Coat and Letters when he was about to proclaim them The 8. and last concerned Bothwell particularly who besides the rest was charged to have hired souldiers as well strangers as men within the countrey entertaining them in Dalkeith and threatning to invade the town of Leth at his Majesties being in the North. Bothwell confessing that he had waged souldiers and entered in bonds with other Noblemen did therefore put himself in his Majesties will the rest of the points he denied remitting himself to the trial of his Peers Crawford confessed that he was in the fields at the taking of Kirkhill and with the Earl of Huntley in Aberdene but denied the other points Huntley come in will for the whole The Assise removing by themselves found Bothwell guilty of the enterprise at the quarrel holes besides that which he confessed They filed Crawford of surprising the Town of Perth and coming in Arms to the Bridge of Dee Huntley by his own confession was found guilty in all The sentence upon the Kings Warrant was suspended and they committed to divers places Bothwell in Tantallon Crawford in Blacknesse and Huntley in the Castle of Edinburgh In Iune following the Assembly of the Church convened at Edinburgh where the King giving his presence after he had spoken a little of his good affection towards the Church shewed that he was come to desire Mr. Patrick Galloway to be appointed one of his Ministers the Assembly by the mouth of their Moderator rendring his Majesty humble thanks for the beginnings he had made in suppressing the enemies of Religion did intreat him to prosecute the businesse and made offer of their humble service and assistance to the uttermost of their power As to that which he desired they acknowledged that his Majesty might command any Minister wheresoever he served to attend himself and his Court and so ordained Mr. Patrick Galloway to leave his charge at Perth and wait upon the King It was a good beginning and this gave no small content to all well disposed men But things continued not long in that case for before that meeting took an end a fresh offence was given The year preceding the King having contracted his Cousen the Duke of Lennox his sister to the Earl of Huntley had caused the Bishop of S. Andrews celebrate the marriage at which the Ministers of Edinburgh taking exception they complained of the same in a preceding Assembly and had obtained a Commission to the Presbytery for calling and censuring the Bishop according to the Acts of the Church Whether the Bishop would not ackowledge them for Judges or that he esteemed his Majesties command a Warrant sufficient for what he had done whilest as he neglected their proceedings they pronounce him deprived from all office and function in the Church and presenting the processe in this assembly the same was found formal the sentence ratified and ordained to be published in all the Churches of the Kingdome only to make the Bishop hateful and contemptible He complaineth to the King who shewed himself extremely displeased with their doings but what course he should take he was doubtful for every day he was expecting the arrival of his Queen and loved to have all things quiet and setled at her coming especially in the Church with whom it grieved him not a little to be still in question but espying no better way he resolved in end to dissemble his anger towards them and to take the imprisoned Lords in favour lest he should make himself too much businesse Thereupon he returneth to the Northâ— gives Arroll a pardon putteth Crawford to liberty and fully remits him Huntley and Bothwell he freeth from imprisonment but to hold them in awe he deferres the Declaration of his will concerning them The Lord Maxwel upon his bond not to practise against Religion under the pain of an hundred thousand pounds is likewise dimitted And in this case stood things when advertisement came that the marriage was accomplished and the Queen ready to take Sea All diligence was thereupon used to prepare for her reception and nothing left undone that was required for so great a solemnity But a second and unlookt for message cometh shortly after shewing that the Navy appointed for her conduct was driven by a tempest into Norway and that it was thought she should stay in those parts unto the spring The King taking this impatiently concludeth with himself to go thither in person and because he knew many impediments would be made if his purpose were known he giveth out that he would send the Chancellor and Justice Clerk to transport her in Scottish Vessels if the Danes would not adventure theirs in that season How soon the ships were prepared for their journey no man expecting any such matter he taketh Sea himself leaving direction to the Councel for the government of affaires during his absence with the following Declaration written all with his own hand but not seen to
it is hard for men in drink at which they were continually kept long to agree A little strife at his first coming to Upslo arose betwixt the Chancellor and Earl Marshal for priority of place the Earl thinking it due to him because of the honour he had in the espousal of the Queen and the Chancellor excepting that his Ambassage ceased in regard of the Kings presence and that the same precedency belonged to him by vertue of his office in those parts being with the King that he had at home But this was pacified without any noise by the Kings determination who declared the place to belong to the Chancellor Brunswicks Marriage and solemnity thereof finished the King conveyed with many great ships took journey homewards and arrived with his Queen at Leth the 20. of May where he was received with a wonderful joy and a great concourse of people After his landing he went first to Church and caused publick thanks to be given to God for his safe and happy return then after to the Noblemen and Councel he gave many thanks for the care they had taken in administration of affairs and the quietnesse they had maintained in the countrey The Earl of Bothwel besides the rest was received with a most gracious countenance for that contrary to all mens expectation he had carried himself orderly all that time And he indeed soon after the Kings departing whether to purchase the opinion of a reformed man or that as he pretended remorse of conscience did move him in a conference with Iames Gibson Minister who was then privately returned from England did offer for removing the many scandals he had given by his dissolutenesse to acknowledge publickly his offence and make any satisfaction the Church should enjoyn which also he performed appearing as he was appointed in the Church where Mr. Robert Bruce did ordinarily preach and making confession of his sinnes promised to live more regularly and not to give offence thereafter to good Christians But it was not long after the Kings return that falling to his wonted forms he became more disordered then ever and there through procuring the Kings displeasure wrought his own undoing as we shall hear The next day after the Kings arrival the Councel assembled to advise upon the Queens Coronation The King determining to have it done in most solemn manner because none of the Bishops were present nor could conveniently be brought against the day made choice of Mr. Robert Bruce to perform the ceremony The Ministers that were in town being therewith acquainted some of the number more curious then wise did except against the ceremony of Unction saying that it was Jewish and abolished at the coming of Christ introduced into Christian Kingdoms by the Pope and not to be used The chief of this opposition was one Mr. Iohn Davison an idle and turbulent man who as then had no charge in the Church but had gained some credit with certain foolish people that would be thought more holy and zealous then other Mr. Andrew Melvil sided with him at first reasoning for the same opinion It was shewed them That the ceremony could not be Jewish seeing it never had the beginning from the Jewes nor was it used by that people only That the anointing of Kings was mentioned in the book of Judges which albeit uttered in a parable did shew that it was a custom received in creating of Kings And that it was practised in other Kingdomes besides that of Judea was a thing manifest for Hasael King of Aram was anointed by Elias and Cyrus King of Persia is called by Esay Gods anointed Both these were strangers to the Law and people of the Jewes yet were they anointed wherefore the ceremony could not be Jewish Then where they said that this rite was introduced by the Pope of Rome as that could not be made out so no reasonable man would think that every rite used amongst Papists was to be rejected for in that case we should be forced to remove many things that are both of good institution and use Seeing therefore the function and authority of Princes continueth the same and is alike in all free Monarchies their anointing could no more be excepted against then their crowning and the bearing of the Sword and Scepter before them which have all the like warrant Thus they were reasoned with but nothing could remove their scruples which the King hearing he called them before him and finding them obstinate in their opinions told them That he would not have the right of Unction omitted and if Mr. Robert Bruce would not do it for they had threatned him with Church censures he would prorogue the day of Coronation and stay till one of the Bishops came who would not refuse Upon this they fell to a second deliberation and Mr. Andrew Melvil altogether misliking that a Bishop should be employed in the action divided from the others so that by the plurality of voices in end it was concluded that the ceremony should be used Thus the Sunday following the Queen was solemnly crowned and all the rites accustomed performed by Mr. Robert Bruce in the Abbey Church of Halyrudhouse On Tuesday thereafter she made her triumphant entry into the Town of Edinburgh where nothing was omitted that might serve to expresse the love and affection of the people The rest of the moneth and much of the next was spent in banquets and royall shewes for the entertaining of the strangers These finished and order taken for administration of the rents assigned to the Queen the strangers were dimitted and had rich presents given them both from the King and Queen How soon they were gone the King upon information that the Ministers of Edinburgh and Dalkeith had permitted Iames Gibson to preach in their Churches notwithstanding he was silenced by the general Assembly caused cite them before the Councel They answered That his silencing as they took it was only to the time of his appearance before the Assembly and that he was purged of contumacy But the Act being produced and hearing that he was silenced during the pleasure of the Assembly which as yet was not declared they confessed their oversight and promised that he should not have place amongst them till his Majesty was satisfyed The King constructing their answer to the best gave order to summon Gibson for his contempt and he not appearing was denounced Rebell At the same time there was a marriage treated betwixt the Earl of Arrol and a daughter of the Earl of Morton at which the King took exception and did inhibit the same as not liking that he who had so lately rebelled and was not yet reconciled to the Church should be strengthened by such an alliance Notthelesse the marriage went on for which the Earl of Morton being called before the Councel answered that he could not restrain the affection of his daughter and was forced to give way unto it The Councel
not 2 In regard the liberty of the Church and discipline presently exercised was confirmed by divers Acts of Parliament and the office-bearers thereof peaceably possessed therein particularly in the judicatory of the word preached as was clear by divers late examples he ought to be remitted for his preaching to the Ecclesiastick Senate as his competent Judge in the first instance For which and for other weighty considerations and namely for eschewing the inconveniencies that might fall to Religion and his Majesties own estate by the appearance of distraction and alienation of his Majesties mind from the Ministry and the cause of God in their hands he for himself and in name of the Commissioners of the general Assembly who had subscrived the same Declinatour did humbly beseech his Majesty not to infringe the liberty of the Church but rather manifest his care in maintaining the same When the Diet came and the summons were read being desired to answer he said That albeit he might object against the citation the same being directed super inquirendis contrary to the form prescrived by Parliament and no particular specified therein yet he would take him to the usuall remedy of law and desire to be remitted to his own Ordinary Being asked whom he meant he answered the Presbytery where the doctrine was taught The King then replying that the matter laid to his charge was Civill and that the generality of the summons was restricted to the particular letter produced by the English Ambassador he said That the speeches wherewith he was charged being uttered in pulpit must be judged by the Church In prima instantia Again being inquired whether the King might not judge matters of Treason as well as the Church did matters of Heresie he said That speeches delivered in pulpit albeit alledged to be treasonable could not be judged by the King till the Church took first cognition thereof but that he was not come thither to solve questions and so presented the Declinatour The King notwithstanding that he was greatly offended because the day appointed for the baptisme of the Princesse was approaching continued all further proceeding to the last of November Mean while had the Commissioners for the Church sent a copy of M. Blakes declinatour with a letter to all the Presbyteries requiring them for the greater corroboration of their doings to subscrive the same and to commend the cause in hand in their private and publick prayers to God using their best credit with their flocks and employing all their labours for the maintainance thereof The King being mightily incensed with this doing as tending to a direct mutiny and the stirring up of the subjects to rebellion gave forth a Proclamation wherein he said That certain persons of the Ministery abiding in the town of Edinburgh had of long time continued together devising plots prejudiciall to his Majesties authority and usurping a power over their brethren had directed letters for subscriving a Declinatour formed and already subscrived by themselves requiring them with the return of their subscriptions to send some of their number to assist their proceedings as though they were not subjects and that the King had no power nor authority over them intending as appeared by convocations and the like tumultuous forms to break the peace and make an insurrection in the Countrey whereas no care in the mean time was taken of their flocks but the same left comfortless and destitute of the preaching of the word all which they coloured with a generall Commission alledged to be given by the last generall assembly albeit there was no such Commission that which he produced containing only a power to consult and report and not to set down Acts or exercise any jurisdiction and granting that such a Commission had been given the same could not be lawfull as given without the consent and approbation of his Majesties Commissioners who were present at the time Therefore to prevent the disorders and confusion which therethrough might arise his Highness with the advice of the Councell discharged the said Commission as unlawful in it self and more unlawfully executed by the said Commissioners commanding the persons under written namely M. Andrew Melvill M. James Melvill M. Iohn Davidson M. Nicoll Dalgleish M. James Nicolson M. James Carmichaell and John Clapperton to depart home to their severall flocks within 24 hours after the charge and to attend upon the lawfull discharge of their callings and no ways to return for keeping such unlawfull convocations either within the said burgh or without under the pain of Rebellion The Commissioners upon information that such a charge was directed fell to consult what course they should take and first they resolved That since they were convened by the warrant of Christ in a most needfull and dangerous time to see unto the good of the Church Et ne quid Ecclesia detrimenti caperet they should obey God rather then man and notwithstanding of any charge that should be given continue together so long as conveniently they might and in the mean time send some of the number to the Octavians this was the title commonly given to those eight Counsellors that were trusted with all affairs to advertise them that seeing the Church at their entry to their places enjoyed a full peace and liberty and that now it was cast into great troubles and the enemies of the truth spared and overlooked they could not but think that all this proceeded from their counsells and therefore whatsoever the event should be the Church would take her self to them and they onely should bear the blame The President answering in choler said That these controversies were begun without their advice so they should end that for their good service they had reaped smal thanks and drawn upon themselves much envy and therefore would have no medling in that business betwixt the King them but leave it to him his Nobility This answer put them to a second advice and thinking they were mistaken and that these Commissioners were not in the fault but that all proceeded from the King himself they sent M. David Lindesay M. Robert Rollock M. Iames Nicolson and Iames Melvill to declare unto his Majesty the great inconveniencies that were like to arise upon this hard dealing with the Church and humbly intreat a surcease of the Process intended against M. David Blake and that all other controversies might be left off till some order was taken with the Papists and an Assembly convocated for deciding these questions to his Highness content The King answered That it was not his fault and that he was no less displeased then they were with the controversies arisen and that yet if they would pass from the declinator or declare at least that it was not a general but only a particular declinator used in the cause of M. David Blake as being a cause of slander and partaining to the judgement of the Church he should
Commissioners chosen to present these Petitions were the Archbishop of Glasgow the Earl of VVigton the Lord Kilsith Mr. VVilliam Couper Minister at Perth and Iames Nisbit Burgess of Edinburgh together with the Petitions they received a Letter from the Assembly conceived in these terms HAving convened in this Generall Assembly by your Majesties favourable licence and permission and shadowed under your Majesties wings with the presence of your Majesties Commissioners we did set our selves principally to consider the cause of the late growth of Papists among us and found by an universall complaint the chief cause to be this that where the Church in these parts was accustomed to be nourished by your Majesties fatherly affection as the most kinde parent of piety and Religion we have been left in the hands of unkinde stepfathers who esteeming us an uncouth birth to them have intreated us hardly and cherished our adversaries by all means they could as your Majesties highness will perceive more clearly by the overtures for remedy which in all humble submission we present to your Majesty by these honourable Commissioners and brethren humbly intreating your Majesty to take compassion upon us your Majesties loving children in this land that we may be taken out of the hands of these who are more ready to deliver the heads of the Kings sons to Jehu if the time were answerable to their wishes then to nourish and bring them up to perfection There is no cause Sir why the Apostates who have lately grown up in this land should be feared whatever they be in estate or number for with them are the golden Calves which God will destroy with them is Dagon whose second fall shall be worse then the first but with your Majesty is the Lord your God to fight for you and under your standard are the best of the Nobility the greatest number of Barons and all your Majesties Burgesses unspotted in Religion and resolute all of them for Gods honour and your Majesties preservation to spend their goods and lives and whatever is due to them VVe also your Majesties humble servants the Bishops and Ministers of the Gospel in this land now reconciled to others with a most hearty affection by your Majesties only means and the carefull labours of your Majesties trusty Counsellor and our very good Lord the Earl of Dunbar are for out parts most ready to all service in our callings to stirre up your Majesties subjects by the word that God hath put in our mouths to the performing of that obedience which God and nature doth oblige them unto and by Gods grace shall go before them in all good eâ—sample These things we leave to be delivered by our Commissioners whom we beseech your Majesty to hear graciously and after some favourable consideration of our case and present suits to give such answer as in your Highness wisdome shall be thought fittest And now with our humble thanks to your Majesty for the liberty granted to meet in this Assembly and our most hearty prayers to God Almighty for your Highness long life and prosperous reign we rest This letter was subscribed by the Earls of Crawford Glencarne and Kinghorne the Lords Lindesay Baclugh Salton London Torphichen Blantire Scone Halirudhouse and a great number of the Clergy and Barons The Chancellor hearing of the Assemblies proceedings and supposing himself to be specially aimed at in all that business wherein he was not mistaken moved the Secretary to take journey to Court for obviating these courses so farre as he might But he at his coming did meet with a business that concerned himself more nearly for about the same time Cardinall Bellarminâ— had published an Answer to the Kings Apology and therein charged him with inconstancy objecting a Letter that he had sent to Clement the eighth whilst he lived in Scotland in which he had recommended to his Holiness the Bishop of Vaison for obtaining the dignity of a Cardinall that so he might be the more able to advance his affairs in the Court of Rome The Treatise coming to the Kings hands and he falling upon that passage did presently conceive that he had been abused by his Secretary which he remembred had moved on a time for such a letter and thereupon began to think that among the letters sent to the Dukes of Savoy and Florence at the time another might have been shuffled in to the Pope and his hand surreptitiously got thereunto The King lay then at Royston and the Secretary coming thither he inquired if any such letter had been sent to the Pope at any time The Secretary apprehending no danger and thinking that his policy in procuring the Popes favour to the King should not be ill interpreted confessed that such a letter he had written by his Majesties own knowledge But perceiving the King to wax angry he fell on his knees and intreated mercy seeing that which he had done was out of a good minde and desire to purchase the Popes favour which might at the time have advanced his title to England The King then putting him in minde of the challenge made by the late Queen in the year 1599 for writing the same letter and how being at that time questioned thereupon he had not onely denyed his own knowledge thereof but likewise moved Sir Edward Drummond who carried the letter to the Pope to come into Scotland and abjure the same he answered That he did not think the matter would be brought again in hearing and that fearing his Majesties offence he had denyed the letter and had moved his Cousin Sir Edward to do the like but now that he saw that which he had done in the politick course turned to the Kings reproach with many tears he besought his Majesty to pardon his fault and not to undo him who was own creature and willing to suffer what he thought meet for repairing the offence The King replying that the fault was greater then he apprehended and that it could not be so easily passed enjoyned him to go to London and keep his chamber till he returned thither After some eight days the King returned to White Hall where the Secretary was brought before the Councell and charged with the fault which the Lords did aggravate in such manner as they made the same to be the ground of all the conspiracies devised against the King since his coming into England especially of the Powder Treason For the Papists said they finding themselves disappointed of the hopes which that letter did give them had taken the desperate course which they followed to the endangering of his Majesties person posterity and whole estates The Secretary having heard their discourses kneeled to the ground and fetching a deep sigh spake to this effect Curas leves loquuntur ingentes stupent My Lords I cannot speak nor finde words to express the grief I have conceived for the offence committed by me against my gracious Soveraign for on the one side when I call to minde
recover But neither this nor the other poisons that were continually put in his meats serving to dispatch him Mistresse Turner the preparer of all procured an Apothecaries boy to give him a poysoned glyster which brought him to his end Overbury thus dead was presently buried and because of the blanes and blisters that appeared in his body after his death a report was dispersed that he dyed of the French Pox which few believed and still the rumour went according to the truth that he was made away by poyson The greatness of the procurers kept all hidden for a time but God who never suffereth such vile acts to go unpunished did bring the same to light after a miraculous manner It happenned the Earl of Shrewsbury in conference with a Counsellour of Estate to recommend the Lieutenant of the Tower to his favour as a man of good parts and one that desired to be known to him The Counsellour answering that he took it for a favour from the Lieutenant that he should desire his friendship added withall that there lay upon him an heavy imputation of Overburies death whereof he wished the Gentleman to cleer himself This related to the Lieutenant he was stricken a little with it and said That to his knowledge some attempts were made against Overbury but that the same took no effect which being told to the King he willed the Counsellor to move the Lieutenâ—nt to set down in writing what he knew of that matter as he also did thereupon certain of the Councell were appointed to examine and finde out the truth From Weston somewhat was found whereupon he was made prisoner Turner and Franklin the preparers of the poyson being examined confessed every thing and then all breaking forth the Earl of Somerset with his Lady and the Lieutenant were Committed Weston at his first arraignment stood mute yet was induced afterwards to put himself to the triall of the Countrey and being found guilty was hanged at Tyburne Mistresse Turner and Iames Franklin were in like sort executed The Lieutenant who had winked at their doings was judged accessary to the crime and condemned to death which he suffered expressing a great penitency and assurance of mercy at the hands of God In the May following the Earl and his Lady were brought to their triall which by their friends they laboured earnestly to eschew but the King would not be intreated for the love he had to maintain justice The Judge by Commission was Thomas Lord Ellesmore Chancellour of England and Lord High Stewart for that time his assistants were Sir Edward Coke Lord Chief Justice of England Sir Henry Hubbart Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas Sir Laurence Tanfield Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer Judge Althared one of the Barons of the Exchequer Judge Crook Judge Dodderidge and Judge Haughton Judges of the Kings Bench and Judge Nicols one of the Judges of the Common Pleas. The Peers by whom they were tryed was the Earl of Worcester Lord Privy-seal the Earl of Pmebroke Chamberlain the Earls of Rutland Sussex Montgomery and Hartford the Viscount Lisle the Lord Souch Warden of the Cinque Ports the Lord Willowby of Eresby the Lord Dacres the Lord Monteagle the Lord Wtentworth the Lord Rich the Lord willowby of Parham the Lord Hansdon the Lord Russell the Lord Compton the Lord Norris the Lord Gerard the Lord Cavendish and the Lord Dormer With the Lady there was not much ado for she with many tears confessing the fact desired mercy The Earl who was the next day presented before the Judges made some defences but the confessions of those that were executed and a letter he had sent to his Majesty did so cleerly convincehim of being accessary to the crime at least that they were both sentenced to be taken to the Tower of London and from thence to the place of execution and hanged till they were dead It was a foul and hatefull fact on the Earles part especially who did betray his friend for satisfying the appetite of a revengefull woman yet by his Majesties clemency the lives of both were afterwards spared A new business was about the same time made by the Marquis of Huntly some eight years before he had been excommunicated and giving hopes from time to time of his reconcilement did not onely frustrate the same but breaking out in open insolencies had caused his officers discharge his Tenants from hearing the Sermons of some Ministers with whom he made shew to offend Being for this called before the high Commission he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh and had not remained there two or three days when upon the Chancellors warrant he was put to liberty The Bishops that were in Town complaining to himself of that he had done were disdainfully answered That he might enlarge without their advice any that were imprisoned by the high Commission and when it was told that the Church would take this ill said that he cared not what their Church thought of him whereupon the Ministers made great exclamations in the pulpits as against one that abused his place and power Complaints hereupon were sent from all hands to the King The Bishops complained of the Chancellour his usurping upon the Commission and to this effect directed Alexander Bishop of Cathnes to Court The Chancellour complained of the turbulency of the Ministers and the liberty they took to censure the publick actions of Statesmen in their Sermons The Marquis upon a suit he made before his imprisonment had obtained licence to come unto Court and had taken his journey thither But the King upon the Clergies complaint sent Mr. Patrick Hamilton then waiting as Secretary deputy at Court to command the Marquis to return and enter himself in the Castle of Edinburgh for satisfying the high Commission withall he carried a letter to the Councell sharply rebuking them for releasing the Marquis he being warded by the Lords of the Commission The Gentleman meeting the Marquis at Huntingdon within a daies journey to London did use his message who intreated him to go back and shew the King that he was come to give his Majesty satisfaction in every thing he would enjoyn and to beseech his Majesty since he was so farre on his journey not to deny him his presence The offer of satisfaction pleased the King very well and permitting him to come forward to Court directed him to the Archbishop of Canterbury with whom he offered to communicate His excommunication standing in the way and it being contrary to the Canons that one excommunicated by the Church should without their consent who had so sentenced him be absolved in another it was a while doubted what course they should take The King on the one side was desirous to win him home and on the other loath to infringe the Order of the Church yet inclining to have the Marquis absolved it was thought that the Bishop of Cathnes his consent in
did beseech his Majesty to think of them as his most humble and obedient subjects and to permit them to confer a little space among themselves that they might return with an uniforme answer This granted they went to the parish Church and after some two hours returned making petition for a generall Assembly wherein these Articles being proponed might be with a common consent received The King asking what assurance he might have of their consenting they answered that they found no reason to the contrary and knew the Assembly would yeeld to any reasonable thing demanded by his Majesty But if it fall out otherwise said the King and that the Articles be refused my difficulty shall be greater and when I shall use my authority in establishing them they shall call me a tyrant and persecutor All crying that none could be so mad as to speak so Yet experience sayes the King tels me it may be so therefore unless I be made sure I will not give way to an Assembly Mr. Patrick Galloway saying that the Bishop of S. Andrews should answer for them the Bishop refused for that he had been deceived by them they having against their promise in the time of Parliament taken the course which they did Then said Mr. Patrick If your Majestie will trust me I will assure for the Ministers The King replying that he would trust him it was condescended that an Assembly should be called for that end at S. Andrews the 25. of November next Mr. Archibald Sympson the subscriber of the Protestation had been called to the meeting but falling sick by the way he excused himself by a letter and therein was very earnest to have the brethren oppose the Articles which he called tricas Anglicanas using some other disdainfull words The letter being shewed to the King he asked for the bearer This was Mr. David Catherwood who carrying himself unreverently and breaking forth into speeches not becoming a subject was committed in the Town house of S. Andrews and afterwards banished the kingdome Sympson for his letter was warded in the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained unto December following The King after this taking his Journey to London by the west parts was all the way through Scotland royally entertained and at Dumfreis had a farewell Sermon preached by the Bishop of Galloway which made the hearers burst out in many tears When the diet of the Assembly came the Earle of Hadington and Viscount of Stormont were sent thither as Commissioners from his Majesty the Archbishop made the exhortation wherein having deduced the Story of the Church from the time of reformation he shewed that the greatest hinderance the Church received proceeded from the Ministers themselves who for the pleasure of ill disposed people spared not to provoke his Majesty to just anger exhorting them for the glory of God the honour of the Gospell and their own good to take another course and preferre the favour of their King under whom they enjoyed so many blessings to the vain applause of factious persons It seemed at first that matters should have gone well for the first two dayes there was much calmenesse and the reasoning very formall and free but then upon a motion to delay the conclusion to another Assembly that the Ministers might have time to informe the people of the equity of the Articles the greater part went that way and all almost cried for a delay His Majesties Commissioners declaring that the King would take in ill part the delay and that nothing should be done considering the promises they had made if a generall Assembly should be granted to receive the whole Articles a fashion was made to a condescending to private Communion and the Ministers ordained to give the elements in the ministration of the holy Supper out of their own hands to the people which two acts with a letter of excuse for the continuance of the rest were sent to his Majesty how the same was excepted may appear by the answer that came a few dayes after which was this We have received your letter and thereby understand what your proceedings have been in that Assembly of S. Andrews concerning which we will have you know that we are come to that age as we will not be content to be fed with broath as one of your Coat was wont to speak and think this your doing a disgrace no lesse then the protestation it self Wherefore it is our pleasure and we command you as you will avoid our highest displeasure the one of you by your Deputy in S. Andrews and by your self in Edinburgh and the other of you in Glasgow keep Christmas day precisely your selves preaching and chusing your Texts according to the time And likewise that ye discharge all modification of Stipends for this year to any Minister whatsoever such excepted as have testified their affection to our service at this time by furthering at their power the acceptation of the Articles proposed and in the premises willing you not to fail we bid you farewell Newmarket the 6 of December 1616. In a postscript to the same letter it was said So many Bishops as you can get warned in time to preach at their Seas on Christmas day urge them to it Thus much in haste for this time after two or three daies ye shall hear further from us With his Majesties own hand after all was written Since your Scottish Church hath so far contemned my Clemency they shall now find what it is to draw the anger of a King upon them This letter was directed to the Archbishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow the other which followeth to S. Andrews him alone After we had commanded the dispatch of our other letter we received an extract concluded we know not how in your Assembly and subscribed by the Clerk thereof The one concerning private Communion and the other concerning the forme to be used at the receiving of the holy Sacrament both so hedged and conceived in so ridiculous a manner as besides that of the whole Articles proponed these two were the least necessary to have been urged and hastned The scornfull condition and forme of their grant makes us justly wish that they had been refused with the rest for in the first concerning the Communion allowed to sick persons besides the number required to receive with such patients and a necessity tying them upon oath to declare that they truely think not to recover but to dye of that disease they are yet further hedged in with a necessity to receive the Sacrament in case foresaid to be ministred unto them in a convenient room which what it importeth we cannot guess seeing no room can be so convenient for a sick man sworn to dye as his bed and that it were injurious and inhumane from thence in any case to transport him were the room never so neat and handsome to which they should carry him And as to that other Act ordaining