had valiantly defended themselves and their liberties against the Romanes Picts Britains Danes Norishes and all others who sought to usurp upon them and howbeit said he the present occasion hath bred some distraction of mindes all true hearted Scotch men will stand for the liberty of their countrey to the death for they esteem their liberty more precious then their lives and in that quarrel will neither separate nor divide wherefore as he had professed in way of friendship and as an Arbiter elected by themselves to cognosce and decide the present controversie they were all in most humble manner to intreat him that he would proceed to determine the question which they and their posterities should remember with their best affections and services King Edward although he was not well pleased with the Bishops free speech made no speech thereof at the time but continuing his purpose desired the competitors to be called They all being severally heard the right was found to lie chiefly betwixt Iohn Baliol and Robert Bruce and the rest ordained to cease from their claime Of Baliol and Bruce an oath was taken that they should abide by the sentence which King Edward should pronounce The like oath was taken by the Prelates Nobles and other Commissioners of the State who swear all to accept him for their King that should be tried to have the best right and for the greater assurance all their Seales were appended to the Compromise Then Edward proceeding made twelve of either kingdome men learned in the Law to be elected for examination of the right declaring that he would take the opinions also of the best Civilians in the Universities of France In this sort was the businesse carried in publick but privately and amongst some few the consultation was how to bring Scotland under his subjection Five years and some more were spent before the controversie was brought to an end at last every one longing to have it concluded the King returned to Berwick and calling the 24. who had been named at the first meeting he did enclose them within the Church commanding them to debate the matter and permitting none to have accesse unto them he himself went in now and then to feel their mindes and perceiving the most part inclining to Bruce his right he dealt first with him promising to invest him in the kingdom so as he would hold the same of the Crown of England Bruce answered that he was not so desirous of rule as he would therefore prejudice the liberties of the countrey The like offer he made to Baliol who being more greedy of a kingdome then careful of his honour did yield thereunto and so was Crowned King at Scone all the Nobility Bruce excepted doing him homage Some dayes after his Coronation he went to Newcastle to do the homage as he had promised to King Edward as unto his Soveraigne Lord. The Nobles that accompanied him thither fearing to withstand the two Kings so farre from home did likewise swear subjection to King Edward Which as soon as the rest of the Nobility and others of the State who were tender of their countreys liberty understood they grew highly displeased they that were in Baliols company were excused as not daring oppose the fact in that place but he himself having done it upon a secret paction which then began first to break out he became so universally hated as after that time could he never purchase their love nor was it long before he felt the smart of his own error For being cited to answer before the Parliament of England upon a complaint exhibited against him he appeared and having desired to answer by Procurator the same was denied him and he forced to descend to the ordinary place of pleading and stand as a subject This affront did so vexe his minde that from thenceforth he did meditate upon nothing but revenge whereof a good opportunity was offered him by the warre which then burst forth between France and England The Ambassadours of both these Kings coming at one time into Scotland the French to seek the renuing of the ancient League and the English to crave a supply of men to be sent unto King Edward by vertue of the late allegiance sworne by Baliol the desire of England was utterly rejected as unjust Because the allegiance sworne by their King was as they said forced and granting he had done it willingly it was not in his power without consent of the State to do any such act Therefore whatsoever was done by him that way both he and they did recall renouncing Edwards friendship both for that and other wrongs committed by him Thereupon it was concluded that two Ambassadours should be sent one to France for renuing the League and confirming it by new alliance of Edward Baliol the Kings son with the daughter of France another to England for defying King Edward and renouncing his allegiance Towards France William Bishop of S. Andrewes Matthew Bishop of Dunkeld Sir Iohn Sowlis and Sir Ingram Umphraville Knights were imployed The Ambassadour to England being declined by many Henry Abbot of Aberbrothock a man of great stomach undertook and performed Upon this defection of Baliol King Edward summoned him to appear at Newcastle and upon his refuse entered into Scotland with a mighty Army took Berwick with the slaughter of 7000. Scots and had delivered into his hands the Castles of Dumbar Roxburgh Edinburgh and Striveling Baliol thus overthrown was again by the perswasion of Iohn Cumin of Strathbogy brought to submit himself and swear fealty of new to King Edward After which the Parliament of Scotland was called to meet at Berwick there did all the Nobility that were present perform homage to the King of England William Douglas a man nobly born and of great courage onely refused and was therefore cast in prison where he died This done King Edward turned home leaving Iohn Warren Earl of Surrey and Sussex Governour of the kingdome Hugh Cressingham Treasurer and Ormsley chief Justice The Bishop of S. Andrewes who was lately come from France not enduring to see the countrey so thralled returned thither appointing Mr. William Knigorne and Peter de Campaigne his Chaplains to supply his absence in all spiritual affaires Robert Bishop of Glasgow and Maurice Bishop of Isles were taken and sent prisoers to London The rest of the Churchmen though permitted to attend their Cures were held under miserable bondage whereupon they secretly dispatched a message to the Pope with William Archdeacon of Lothian Baldred Bisset and William Egishame willing them to lament the oppressions of the Church and the usurpation made upon the countrey and so intreat him as the universal Father of Christendome to use his authority with the King of England ever whom he had power and take the matter to his own hearing unto whose judgement they would simply submit themselves Pope Boniface the eighth
the Queen their Kings mother Therefore willed him and his associates to consider what hurt and danger they should draw upon themselves by accusing her in such a publick form not onely with those of her own Nation that loved the Queen but also with other Christian Princes especially with her cousins in France and what could they answer unto the King when he being of ripe years should esteem that manner of doing dishonorable to himself his mother and whole Kingdom They notwithstanding went on and presented their answer conceived in the terms following The King Henry father to their soveraign Lord the King now reigning being horribly murthered in his bed Iames sometimes Earl of Bothwell who was known to be the chief Author thereof entered in such credit with the Queen then their Soveraign as within two moneths after the murther committed he openly attempted a rape of her person and carried her to Dumbar Castle where he did keep her as captive a certain space causing a divorce to be led betwixt him and his lawfull wife and upon the conclusion thereof did suddenly accomplish a pretended marriage with the Queea which insolent proceedings together with the shamefull report that passed in all Nations of the Kings murther as if the whole Nobility had been alike culpable thereof so moved the hearts of a good number of them as they thought nothing could be performed more honourable to themselves in the sight of all the world then by punishing the said Earl who had committed the murther to free themselves of the vile reports spread every where to set the Queen at liberty from the bondage of that traitour who had so presumptuously interprised the rape and marriage of her whose lawfull husband he could not be and to preserve the innocent person of the King from the hands of him that had murthered his father For which purpose they taking arms when the said Earl came against them with forces leading in his company the Queen to defend his wickednesse they offered for sparing the blood of innocent men to decide the quarrell in a single combate whereof himself by Cartell and Proclamation and sundry times made offer But after many shifts he in end directly refused the same and the Queen prefering his impunity to her own honour that he might have leasure to escape came willingly to the Noblemen that were in Arms and conferred with them a certain space after which they conveyed her to Edinburgh informing her of the true causes that moved them to that form of dealing did humbly intreat her Majesty to suffer the said Earl and others the King her husbands murtherers to be punished according to the laws and the ptetended marriage wherein she was rashly entered to be dissolved as well for her own honour as for the safety of her son and quietnesse of the Realm and Subjects But having received no other answer but rigerous threats against the Noblemen and she avouching to be revenged upon all those that had shown themselves in that cause they were driven by necessity to sequestrate her person for a season from the company of Bothwell and the keeping of any intelligence with him untill punishment might be taken of him as murtherer of the King her husband In the mean time she finding her self wearied with the troubles of government and perceiving by things that had passed before that time betwixt her and the people that neither could she well allow of their doings nor they like of her forms upon these and other consirations she voluntarily resigned her Kingdome and transferred the same unto her son appointing the Earl of Murray who was at that time absent forth of the Realme to be Regent during her sonnes minority and in case of the said Earles decease or not acceptance of the said Office divers other Noblemen whose names are expressed in the Commissions signed by her self and sealed with the seals of the Kingdom The King hereupon being duely rightly and orderly crowned and anointed and the Earl of Murray after his return lawfully placed and admitted Regent all those things were ratified and confirmed by the three Estates of Parliament most of these that had withdrawn themselves from his authority being present and giving their consent to the same Notthelesfe when as matters were thus established and the Kings authority univerâ—ally obeyed without contradiction certain persons envying the publick quietnesse had by their subtile practices first brought the Queen out of Lochlevin and afterwards by open force against their promised fidelity gone about to subvert the government received wherein as they were proceeding it pleased God to disappoint their interprise and give unto the King and those who stood for his authority a notable victory unpon the 13. day of May last Wherefore their desire was that the King and the Regent might peaceably rule and govern the subjects according to the authority they had received of God and that the same might be conserved and established against the factions of turbulent subjects The Commissioners of the Queen of Scots having seen this answer made a long and particular reply to all the points thereof wherein adhering to their former protestation first they said That the pretext of taking arms against the Queen because Bothwell the authour of her husbands murther was in such favour with her could not warrant their rebellion fith it never was made known to the Queen that he was the murtherer But to the contrary Bothwell being indited and orderly summoned to underly the triall of Law he was by the judgement of his Peers absolved and the same absolution ratified by the authority of Parliament where the principalls that now accuse him and had withdrawn themselves from her Majesties obedience were present and not onely consented to his purgation but solicited the Queen to take him to her husband as the man most worthy to bear rule of any other in all the Realm giving their bonds to defend him against all that should pursue him for the said crime as their subscriptions would testifie And so neither before the marriage with Bothwell nor after did they or any of them which had been the dutie of true subjects so much as in words utter their dislike of it or advertise her Majesty of the suspicions that were taken of him untill they had drawn the keeper of the Castle of Edinburgh and the Provost of the town to their faction Then secretly putting themselves in arms they suddenly under silence of night invironed the Castle of Borthwick where her Majesty remained and after she had escaped to Dumbar levied an army under pretence to defend the Queen wherewith invading her person in the way berwixt Dumbar and Edinburgh they did take her Majesty captive And where they alledge that her Majesty preferring the impunity of Bothwell to her own honour made him to be conveighed safely away The same was most untrue for they themselves sent the Laird of Grange to her Majesty desiring her to cause Bothwell
forces in parts remote from the Realm of Scotland the King upon signification made unto him by the Queen of England should furnish 2000 horsemen and 5000 footmen or a lesser number as it shall please the said Queen to require and should cause them be conducted from the borders of Scotland into any part of the Kingdom of England upon the charges of the said Queen And in case the said Realm of Scotland be invaded in any part remote from the borders of England by any forain force the Queen of England upon requisition made to her by the King should furnish 3000 horsemen and 6000 footmen or a lesser number at the option of the said King and shall cause them to be conducted to any part of the Realm of Scotland upon the Kings charges 6. That in case the invasion should be upon the North parts of the Realm of England within 60 miles of the borders of Scotland the King being required by the Queen should gather all the forces he could make and joyn with the English power for pursuing the said invaders and keep them together for the space of thirty days or so much longer if it be required as the subjects of Scotland are usually accustomed to stay in the fields for the defence of their own Kingdom 7. That upon any invasion or trouble arising in the Realm of Ireland the King upon notice given to him thereof should not only inhibit the repair thither of any of the inhabitants of Argile Isles and places adjacent or any other parts of his dominions but also if it shall happen them or any of them to go into Ireland with a number extraordinary and in hostile manner the King upon signification of the same should denonnce them his Rebels and pursue them as Traitors 8. That neither of their Majesties should hereafter aid supply assist or entertain the Rebels or adversaries of the other nor permit them to reside either privately or publickly in any part of their dominions but upon the first requisition of the Prince to whom they are Rebels they should undelayedly be delivered according to the old leagues and treaties or then expulsed forth of their dominions and redresse made for any injuries they should happen to commit during their abode in the same 9. That all controversies about matters of borders or wrongs committed in the Marches since the time of the Kings accepting the government in his own person and by the space of four years preceding should be friendly determined and satisfied at the sight of Commissioners to be appointed on both sides who should meet at the within six moneths after the date of the presents and decide thereupon 10. That neither of their Majesties should enter into any league or treaty without the consent of the other by letters signed with their hands under their privy signet with any other Prince or State whatsoever to the prejudice of the present Treaty 11. That all former treaties betwixt their Majesties progenitors and both Realms notwithstanding any discontinuance thereof should stand in full force so farre as they should not be found derogatory to the present treaty and that this treaty should not infringe any league made by either of their Majesties or their progenitors with other their friends and confederates in any time by-gone the cause of Religion onely excepted wherein the present league is declared to be offensive and defensive 12. That both their Majesties should confirm the league by their oathes and great Seals which should be interchanged and mutually delivered to others 13. Lastly that the King at his coming to the perfect age of 25. years should cause the present league to be ratified by the States of the Kingdome like as the Queen at the same time should cause it to be confirmed in her Parliament of England These were the Articles of the league concluded at Berwick and signed by Francis Earl Bothwel Robert Lord Boyd and Sir Iames Home of Coldinknowes Commissioners for the King As likewise by Edward Earl of Rutland William Lord Evers and Sir Thomas Randolph Commissioners for the Queen of England It was believed that this amity contracted with such deliberation should have continued firm for besides the publick league the Queen had sent to the King a letter under her own hand wherein she did faithfully promise to suffer nothing to be done that might derogate or prejudge his right and title to the Crown of England And for a further demonstration of her kindnesse had presented him with a gift of annuity answerable to the lands possessed by the Lady Lennox in her time which the King by divers Ambassadours had formerly required as due to him Yet a few moneths after brake out a businesse that put them in worse terms then before and was with no small difficulty pacified the story whereof shall next be related The Queen of Scots being touched in the trial of Babingtons conspiracy as having interchanged divers letters with him a consultation was kept concerning her and what was fittest to be done for they considered that all the conspiracies made against the Queen of England being chiefly intended in hope of the Scottish Queen her succession so long as she lived their Soveraign should never be secured and that therefore the surest course was to put her out of the way But how this should be done the opinions were different The Earl of Leicester advising to dispatch her secretly by poyson Secretary Walsingham did mightily oppose it as that which would draw upon the Queen both danger and dishonour and besides in it self was a thing injust and no better then a cruel murther Wherefore his opinion was that the course of Law should be kept and Commission given for making her process and as the trial should prove for giving sentence and judgement This opinion prevailing certain Noblemen Counsellours and Judges were chosen for the businesse who meeting at the Castle of Fotheringham where the Queen of Scots was kept the eleventh of October and calling her before them did charge her with the said conspiracy and entercourse of letters She refusing to answer and be tried as a subject being her self an absolute Queen they notthelesse went on and finding her guilty pronounced the sentence of death which was shortly thereafter confirmed by the Estates of Parliament and a supplication therewith delivered to the Queen for putting their decree in execution How soon the King was advertised hereof he sent William Keith Gentleman of his chamber to the Queen with a letter to this effect That howbeit it seemed strange to him that the Nobility and Counsellors of England should take upon them to give sentence upon a Queen of Scotland and one descended of the Royal blood of England yet he would think it much more strange if she should stain her hands with the blood of his mother who was of the same Royal condition with her self and of the same sexe which as he could not believe would enter
peace and quietnesse observed then was before or since that time known to have been kept And notwithstanding our expectation is nothing lesse of the good behaviour of our subjects in this our absence we have taken order for the better government of the publick affairs that our privy Councell should reside at Edinburgh and ordained the Duke of Lennox our Nephew to be President thereof and to be assisted by our Cousen Francis Earl of Bothwel whom we appoint to attend him with the other officers of State namely the Thesaurer Comptroller Master of requests Privy Seal the Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh Advocate and Clerk of Register who shall ever be present five of them at least with our said Nephew We have likewise given order that some Noblemen in their courses shall attend at Edinburgh the space of 15. dayes the Earls of Angus and Athol with the Lords Fleming and Innermeth to begin and the next course to be kept by the Earls of Marre and Morton with the Lords Seaton and Yester The Barons of Lothian Fife Sriveling-shire and Strathern we appoint to attend as they shall be warned and directed by the Councel For the South parts we have made the Lord Hamilton our Lieutenant that is within the three Wardenries and Sheriffdom of Lanrick and to be assisted when need is by the Lords Boyd Hereis Maxwell Home Cesford and other chief Barons within the Marches his residence to be at Dumfreis or Jedburgh and his charges to be furnished out of the readiest of the Taxation by Mr. John Colvill Collector thereof And that peace and quietnesse may be the better observed we discharge all Conventions for any cause whatsoever unto our return Finally we require the Ministers and Preachers of the Word to exhort the people to peace and obedience and commend us and our journey in their prayers to the protection of Almighty God As this is our desire so we expect that all our good subjects will follow the same especially they who have tried our favour of late and that they will persist in the loyalty promised by them certifying those that do in the contrary that they shall incurre our high displeasure and be punished with all rigour as on the other part we shall remember the peaceable and obedient thankfully when occasion presents By another Missive presented at the same time to the Councel the Earl Bothwel was declared second to the Duke of Lennox Sir Robert Melvil Vicechancellor Alexander Hay Secretary for the Scottish language and Mr. Iames Elphinston for the Latin and French The King having thus provided for the publick affairs took with him in company Sir Iohn Maitland Chancellor Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice Clerk Mr. Robert Douglas Provost of Linclowden the Gentlemen of his Chamber and other ordinary officers of the house He took also with him Mr. David Lindesay Minister at Leth leaving Mr. Patrick Galloway his ordinary Preacher to attend the Councel and having a prosperous wind arrived safely in a Sound or Haven of Norway not farre from Upslo where the Queen remained the fourth or fifth day after his embarking The Sunday following he solemnized the Marriage in his own person Mr. David Lindesay performing the ceremony in the French language After which consultation being taken for his return unto Scotland because it was held dangerous to go to Sea in that season and that the Counsellors of Denmark did oppose the journey advising him rather to visit the Queens mother and her son Christiern elected King of Denmark he was easily induced to follow their advice and send back the Scottish ships with Mr. Iames Sir Krymgeour and Mr. Iohn Skein Whilest the King lay at Upslo the Earl Marshall in Councel made report of his proceedings in the Ambassage and how according to the contract past and interchangeably sealed and signed the Marriage was compleated and a form of Attestation taken touching the Isles of Orkney bearing that the King and Regents of Denmark should supersede all claim of right to the said Isles unto the Kings perfect age reserving to each Kingdome their own Right which by that treaty should not be prejudged as the Copy thereof subscrived by the four Governours presently exhibited did shew together with the attestation he produced the form of an oath given by him and his associats for his Majesties performing of all things promised on his part concerning the Marriage and was in all and every one of these found to have done good service and have carried himself honourably according to his Commission Soon after this came certain Ambassadors from Denmark to invite the King thither who parting from Upslo with his Queen the 22. of December came to Bahouse a Castle standing in the Borders of Norway and Sweden the first of Ianuary There he remained seven dayes attending a safe conduct from the King of Sweden which Captain William Murray was employed to bring from Stockholme where that King kept his residence The conduct brought he removed from Bahouse the eighth of Ianuary and was met by a Captain of Sweden upon the River then frozen with 400. horsemen and by the space of two Dutch miles conveyed unto the land of Denmark The next day he went to the Castle of wertbury where he remained five days and from thence journeying by Falkenburgh the Town of Holmestade and Castle of Cowholm he came to Elsingburgh where he was stayed some three days from crossing the Ferry by tempest of weather and on the 21. of Ianuary was received at Crownenburgh Castle by the Queen-Mother the young King the Duke of Holstat his brother and the four Regents of the Realm with all magnificence possible There he remained to the end of February royally entertained and because he was to stay upon the marriage of his Queens eldest sister with the Duke of Brunswick which was appointed in April next he directed home William Shaw Master of Worke to advertise the Councel of the reason of his stay and to cause some ships and expert Pilots be sent with all diligence for his more safe convoy The Councel upon this advertisement employed Collonel William Stewart with six well furnished ships together and with him Mr. Patrick Galloway the Kings Minister was sent to further his Majesties return They arriving at Elsingore about the middlest of April in the very time that Brunswicks marriage was solemnizing did signify to the King the longing that the subjects had for his return and the peace that had been observed since his going from Scotland For all that while which considering the feuds of the countrey was strange two riots only did happen one committed by Archibald Wachop of Nudry a wicked and insolent man another by the Clangregore in Bachudder It rejoyced the King to hear that the subjects had been so quiet as he did likewise accompt it a great happinesse that in his own company there had no quarrels fallen out either amongst themselves or with the strangers whereas
magnifie nor cry it up as they do To remedy this want and let all that desire to be truly informed of things fallen out in our times I took the pains to collect this History which I do now humbly present unto Your Sacred Majesty If the same shall be graciously accepted as I cannot but presume upon Your accustomed humanity to all I have that I desire for with me it is a small thing to be judged of others God knoweth I have followed the Truth and studied to observe the Laws of History The Collection premitted in the two first Books concerning the planting and progress of Christian Religion in this Kingdome with the worthy Instruments that God raised to propagate the true Faith both here and in the neighbouring Countries contained no great matters as of those first Ages whereof we have few or no Records remaining how should any great things be truly affirmed Yet the little I have found and brought together may let us see the exceeding goodness of God toward this Nation having so soon after the Ascension of our Saviour unto the heavens made the Gospel here to be Preached and a Church thereby gathered which to this day hath found a safe harbour under Your Majesties Royall Progenitors Fourteen hundred years and above we reckon since King Donald the first of that name his imbracing the Christian Faith All which time there hath not been wanting in the Royall Stock a most kinde Nursing Father to this Church or if a careless and dissolute King which in so long a succession of Princes is not to be wondred happened to reign the same was ever abundantly repaired by one or other of the Kings that followed neither did this bring them less happiness then honour For give me leave Sir to speak it which I hold not unworthy of your Majesties consideration the Scottish Kingdom once the least of nine Kingdoms that ruled in the Isle by the wonderfull providence of God is now so encreased first in the person of your Majesties blessed Father and now in your own as the Scepter of the whole is put into your Majesties hands which that you may long happily sway and your posterity after you to the worlds end is the hearty wish of all loyall Subjects For my part next to God his undeserved love I do ascribe this happiness to the piety and devotion of your princely Ancestors and to their zeal in maintaining the rights and liberties of this Church Your Majestie keeping the same course which blessed be God you hold you may be confident of God his protection against all dangers whatsoever for he will honour them that honour him and never turn away his face from his Anointed God Almighty I beseech to multiply his blessings upon your Majesty and your Royal Progeny to give you the desire of your heart and clothe all your Enemies with shame So he prayeth that is Your Sacred Majesties Most humble Subject and Servant S. Andrewes From the place of my Peregrination 15 Novemb. 1639. The Contents of the severall Books THe First Book containeth the planting and progress of Christian Religion in this Kingdome unto the subversion of the Picts which fell out about the year of our Lord 840 Fol. 1. The Second Book containeth succession of Bishops in the severall seas of this Kingdome especially in the sea of S. Andrews with other principall things that happened in their times fol. 25. The Third sheweth the History of the Reformation of the Church and how it was wrought fol. 117. The Fourth Book sheweth the things that fell out after Queen MARY her coming from France into this Kingdome unto her resignation of the Crown to King JAMES her Sonne fol. 176. The Fifth declareth how matters passed in the State and Church during the Government of the four Regents His Majesty being yet Minor fol. 213. The Sixth containeth the things that happened after his Majesties assuming of the Government in his own person unto his happy Succession to the Crown of England fol. 282. The Last and Seventh Book rehearseth the proceedings after his Majesties going into England unto his dying fol. 473. THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE FIRST BOOK The Contents The planting and progresse of Christian Religion in this Kingdome unto the subversion of the PICTS which fell out about the year of our Lord 480. HAving purposed to write the History of this Church I have thought meet to begin at the time in which this Kingdom did first receive the Christian faith for albeit we have few or no Records left us of those first times yet as much is to be found in stories as will shew what was the condition of this Church in every age And herewith we must content our selves till we come to the times that yield greater plenty of matter when I shall come to our own time I purpose to set down at length the things that have happened both in the Church and State together with the counsels and causes of those events without the which the History should be of little use For take away from story the causes whereupon the manner how and the purpose wherefore things were done that which remaineth is more like a Fable then an History delighting the Reader it may be for the present but giving little or no instruction at all I am not ignorant how unsafe it is to write of matters so recent and what offence it may give to divers persons but the desire I have to give posterity a true information of things and to have them made wise by our errours weigheth down with me all such feares wherefore without further prefacing to begin IN the year of our Lord 203. which was the fourth of Donald the first his Reign the Faith of Christ was in this Kingdom first publickly embraced King Donald with his Queen and divers of his Nobles being then solemnly baptized Yet was not that the first time wherein Christ was here made known for Tertullian who lived some yeares before speaking of the propagation of the Gospel throughout the world doth reckon among the countreys the parts of Britannie unto which the Romanes could not finde accesse and what these parts were we cannot doubt all the In-land of Britannie being then made subject to the Romanes and no part free but that little corner of the Isle which the Scots did inhabit Moreover it cannot in reason be thought that the conversion of this Kingdome was all wrought at one instant great alterations such as that must needs have been not being made but by little and little so as we may well think that numbers of people have been won to the Christian profession before the same was publickly embraced by the King and his Nobles But who they were that God used as instruments in that work is not certainly known Nicephorus writeth that Simon Zelotes after he had travelled through Egypt Cyrene Afrique Mauritania and Lybia came at last ad occidentalem Oceanum
insulásque Britannicas and there preached the Gospel Dorotheus addeth that he was crucified in these parts There be Authours likewise of no small credit who write that S. Paul the Apostle after his first imprisonment at Rome did visit this Isle and preach the Gospel in the utmost parts thereof The opinion most commonly received is that Pope Victor upon the intreaty of King Donald did send hither some Preachers and that these were the men that wrought our conversion but this cannot hold for divers reasons As first if the King did move the Pope in any such businesse it must needs have been upon some knowledge and liking he had of the Christian profession and if so the Preachers that he sent hither could not be the first that taught us the faith of Christ. Again the estate of the time maketh this opinion improbable for the year in which the King is said to have sent that legation to Rome was the very last of Pope Victor for he suffered Martyrdome in the year 203. and hardly we can think that in the heat of persecution which then did rage in all the Romanâ— Provinces the King would have imployed any in such a message Thirdly if our conversion had been wrought by Pope Victor how came it that our Church was not fashioned to the Romane in outward Rites especially in the observance of Easter whereof Victor was so zealous as he excommunicated all the Churches of the East for their disconformity with the Romane in that point And it is clear that for the space of many ages our Church did keep a form different from the Romane and with much adoe was brought to accept their Customes and Rites Last of all the learned Cardinal Baronius although he will have our conversion to be made by some one of the Romane Bishops esteemeth this which is said of Victor no better then a fable for how is it sayes he that neither Beda nor Marianus nor S. Hierom have made any mention of it In all likelihood if any such thing had been some one or other of them would have remembred the same Leaving therefore this conceit and not deeming these other opinions very warrantable if place may be given to conjecture I verily think that under Domitians persecution when the Apostle S. Iohn was relegated to Pathmos some of his disciples have taken their refuge hither and been the first Preachers of the Gospel in this Kingdome And this I am induced the rather to believe because in that hot contention moved about Easter some two hundred yeares after I finde our Church did still retain the custom of the Oriental and maintain their practice by the authority of S. Iohn from whom they pleaded to have received the faith But whatsoever be in this sure not long after the Ascension of our Lord at least whilest the Apostle Saint Iohn yet lived the faith of Christ was known and embraced in divers places of this kingdom so as we may truly glory in this that we were inter primitias as Origen speaketh amongst the first-fruits of the Gentiles gathered unto Christ this made that venerable Abbot Petrus Cluniacensis call the Scots antiquiores Christianos of greater Antiquity then many others But to return to King Donald it was in his purpose to have rooted out Paganisme and planted the Christian Faith every where in his Kingdome but whilest he was about to do it the Emperour Severus put him to other businesse he thinketh to take in the whole Isle and joyn the same to the Romane Empire entered into Britaine with a mightier Army then had ever here been seen and leaving his son Geta in the South went himself in expedition to the North parts making no stay though he was gowty and compelled to travel in a litter till he was come to the utmost ends of the Isle The Scots in the mean time keeping the Marishes and Mountains though they durst not encounter the Romane forces because of their numbers yet did annoy them much taking them at advantages which Severus perceiving and that there were no means utterly to subdue them as he had first intended he made offer of peace if so they would quit what they possessed betwixt the Wall of Adrian and the River of Forth The condition though hard and unreasonable was yielded unto by the Scots who desired to be freed of so mighty an enemy and he to exclude them from the rest of Britaine did raise a wall of stone betwixt the Rivers of Forth and Clâ—yd two and thirty miles long fortifying the same with Bulwarks and Watchtowers in many places Nor was it long after this peace obtained that King Donald departed this life whereupon the Christian Religion for many yeares was little or nothing promoted For Ethodius that succeeded was a Prince of no government and the Kings that came after him all unto Cratilinth either wickedly inclined or intangled with warres and troubles but Cratilinth coming unto the Crown in the year 277. made it one of his first works to purge the Kingdome of heathenish superstition and expulse the Druids a sort of Priests held in those dayes in great reputation Their manner was to celebrate sacrifices and perform their other rites in Groves with leaves and branches of Oake and thence saith Pliny they were called Druides for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Greek language doth signify an Oake Caesar in his Commentaries doth further write that besides the managing of sacrifices which were committed to them they were trusted with the decision of controversies private and publick and that such as would not stand to their judgement were interdicted from being present at their sacrifices and holy rites which was taken for a grievous punishment It is likewise testified of them that they were well learned in all natural Philosophy men of moral conversation and for Religion not so grossely ignorant and superstitious as other heathen Priests for they taught That there was one only God and that it was not lawful to present him in an image That the soules of men did not perish with the bodies and that after death men were rewarded according to the life they led on earth Some also have written that they did prophecie of the conception of a Virgin and of the birth of him who should be the Saviour of the world But that such mysteries were revealed unto them and so plainly as the Prophets of God in the Old Testament had scarce the like is not credible They lived likewise in great respect with all sorts of people and ruled their affaires very politickly for being governed by a President who kept his residence in the Isle of Man which then was under the dominion of the Scots they did once every year meet in that place to take counsel together for the ordering of affaires and carried matters with such discretion that Cratilinth found it difficil enough to expulse them because of the favour they had among the people But
that which furthered not a little the propagation of the Gospel in these parts was the persecution raised by Diocletian which at that time was hot in the South parts of Britaine This brought many Christians both Preachers and Professors into this Kingdom who were all kindly received by Cratilinth and had the Isle of Man given them for their remaining and revenues sufficient assigned for their maintenance In this Isle King Cratilinth erected a stately Church to the honour of our Saviour which he adorned with all necessary ornaments and called Sodorense fanum that is the Temple of our Saviour hence it is that the Bishops of the Isles are styled Sodorenses Episcopi For so long as that Isle remained in the possession of the Scots the Bishops of Isles made that Church their Cathedral After their dispossession the Isle Iona commonly called Hecombekil hath been the seat of the Bishops and continueth so untill this day In this Isle Amphibalus sate first Bishop a Britaine born and a man of excellent piety he lived long preaching carefully the doctrine of Christ both amongst the Scots and the Picts and after many labours taken for promoting Christian Religion died peaceably in the same Isle Our stories report that at the same time there lived in this Kingdom divers zealous and notable Preachers of which number they name these six Modocus Priseus Calanus Ferranus Ambianus and Carnocus that seem to have been men of principal note and of them all generally it is witnessed that living solitary they were in such a reputation for their holinesse of life as the Cells wherein they lived were after their deaths turned into Temples or Churches And of this it came that all the Churches afterwards erected were called Cells which word I hear is yet retained amongst the Irish Scots The Priests they termed Culdees which Hector Boeth thinks to have signified as much as Cultores Dei the worshippers of God but it is more like this title was given them for their living in these Cells whereas people assembled to hear service somewhat it maketh for this that in certain old Bulls and rescripts of Popes I finde them termed Keledei and not Culdei The same Boeth out of ancient Annals reports that these Priests were wont for their better government to elect some one of their number by common suffrage to be chief and principal among them without whose knowledge and consent nothing was done in any matter of importance and that the person so elected was called Scotorum Episcopus a Scots Bishop or a Bishop of Scotland Neither had our Bishops any other title whereby they were distinguished before the dayes of Malcolm the third who first divided the countrey into Dioceses appointing to every Bishop the limits within which they should keep and exercise their jurisdiction After that time they were styled either by the countreys whereof they had the oversight or by the City where they kept their residence But to return to Cratilinth during his Reign Christian Religion did prosper exceedingly and Fincormachus his Cousin-germane that succeeded keeping the same course gave in his time a perfect setling unto it So great a happinesse it is to have two Kings of qualities alike good succeed one to another for what the one beginneth the other doth perfect and accomplish Yet this felicity endureth not long the state both of the Kingdome and Church being within a few yeares after his death quite overturned by this occasion Maximus a man born in Spain but of Romane education being sent Lieutenant into Pritaine and presuming to bring the whole Isle under his power did practise secretly with the Picts for rooting out the Scots promising that all the lands which the Scots possessed should be given to them The Picts a perfidious people greedily embracing this offer did joyn their forces with the Romanes and both made invasion upon the Scots who doing the best they could for their own defence after divers sharp encounters in a battel fought at the water of Dun in Carrick were wholly defeated and King Eugenius with the most part of his Nobility slain This defeat was followed with a rigorous edict commanding all the Scots of what age sexe or condition soever to depart out of this Isle before a certain day which was so precisely executed as neither man nor woman young nor old were permitted to stay nay not a Church-man though all of that profession were in good esteem among the Picts themselves at the time Thus all the Scots went in exile betaking themselves some into Ireland others into the countreys of Denmark Norway Sweden or where it was in their fate to be cast onely some few Church-men after they had long wandred from place to place got privately into Iona one of the West Isles where living in a poor condition they laid the foundation of a Monastery which in succeeding ages became famous by the beneficence of our Kings and the sanctity of the Monks that there professed Never was any Church or Kingdom brought to a greater desolation but how long it continued our writers do not agree for Boeth will have the Scots to live in exile the space of 44. years and saith that they returned in the year 422. Buthannan casts their return into the year 404. and so maketh their exile to have lasted 27. years only Now whilest they lived thus exiled it happened that one Regulus a Greciâ—â— Monk arrived in these parts This man as they write living in Achala had warning given him in a vision by night to forsake his countrey and go into Albion an Isle fited in the utmost parts of the world and to carry with him the arm-bone three fingers and as many toes of S. Andrew the Apostle The man troubled at first with the strangenesse of the vision did after a little time resolve to follow the warning and take a little box in which he put those Reliques went to seâ— taking some persons in company with him The story nameth Damia nus a Priest 〈◊〉 Thebaculus and Mermacus brother to Damianus Deacons 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 a Cretain Merinus and Silvinâ—s his brother Monks by profession Some eight more are said to be in his company but their names are not expressed The ship wherein they sailed being tossed with grievous tempests was driven at last into the Port or Haven called then 〈◊〉 now St. Andrewes Hergustus King of Picts under whose dominion that part of the countrey as then was advertised of the strangers arrive and the Reliques they had brought with them came thither and pitying their losses for besides the Reliques they had nothing saved When he beheld the men and the form of their service did so like it as he took order for their entertainment shortly after he gave unto Regulus his own Palace with certain lands adjoyning and nigh thereunto erected a Church the same whereof we see a part yet remaining on
the South of the ruined Cathedral called to this day The Church of St. Rewle Here did Regulâ—s and his company abide serving God devoutly and for the austere life they led were in great reputation with all men Whether Regulus had such a vision or not I leave it to those that list to believe But that he did bring with him such Reliques is not improbable for in these times Christians did hold the bones and reliques of Martyrs in a respectful reverence which doth in no sort justify the abuses which afterwards crept into the Church when from the keeping of Reliques they grew to worship and adore them yea and in many places Priests out of their covetousnesse did use impostures foâ—â—â—ing in the bones of Asses and other beasts in stead of the Reliques of Martyrs and saints departed These and the like abuses did justly bring the keeping and carrying about of Reliques to be detested In the time of persecution when the bodies of Martyrs were thrown into the fields and cast into dung hills it might be held a charitable and pious work to gather and preserve them but now that those things are superstitiously used and vile receipts therewith practised no wise man will allow such follies Better it were as Cassander advised to incite people to the imitation of the Saints vertues then to reserve their bones which can serve is no use and savoureth only of vain oftenâ—â—â—â—â—â— But leaving this let us follow the story In the battel wherein Eâ—genius fell Echadius or as others call him Ethodius his brother being sore wounded and found among the dead was saved by the clemency of the Roman Prefect and flying into Denmark with his young son Eâ—hus was received by the King of that Countrey and kindly entertained This Eâ—â—hus Marching with one Raâ—a the daughter of a Nobleman in these quarters had by her a son called Fergus a Prince of much valour who growing in years and his Father and Grandfather both deceased out of an hatred against the Romanes joyned with the 〈◊〉 in a war they made upon the Gaules that were subject to the Romanes That expedition not succeeding he followed Alarick King of Gâ—â—es and was vvith him aâ— the sâ—ek of Rome Alarick dying he served under 〈◊〉 his successour and by the Fortunate exploits he made purchased the reputation of a great Captain The fame whereof with the news that were daily brought of the defection of the Romane Provinces and of the irruptions made upon the Empire by the Gâ—â—es 〈…〉 and other Barbars gave the Scots encouragement and put themâ—â— some hopes of returning to their countrey Once or twice by the help of the Irish having sought to repossess themselves still they were put to the worst But 〈…〉 proclaiming himself Caesar and transporting beyond Sea the whole power of Britain they resumed new courage and upon advertisemement of Fergus his return to Denmark did intreat him to take the opportunity and do somewhat for himself and for his countrey The Picts in the mean time being held in miserable subjection by one Victorinus a new Governour sent into Britain and so repenting the course they had taken did secretly reconcile with Fergus offering restitution of all they possessed belonging to the Scots and their assistance for recovering the rest Fergus upon these advertisements prepared to return and with him divers voluntaries of the Danes Norwegians and others did joyn besides the Scots that lived exiles in those parts With this company taking Sea on the eight day after his embarking he landed in the Firth of Murray and from thence marching directly to Aâ—gyle where the Chaire of Marble was kept was placed therein and crowned with the Rites accustomed The news hereof dispersed there gathered to him from all parts numbers of people with whom in a short time he recovered all the countreys out of which the Scots had been expulsed The Britains upon this sent to implore aid of the Romanes of whom they obtained the supply of a legion under the conduct of Heraclianus but he making no long stay one Placidius was left in place whom Fergus overthrew in battel and forced to seek peace This concluded Fergus dividing the lands among the Scots and strangers that had ventured with him did reorder all things according to the ancient form The Churches that were ruined or defaced he caused repair restored the Church-men to their places and in the Isle Iona erected a religious house with a Library furnished with the books that he had brought with him from Rome Never was any Prince more nobly given nor in so short space performed greater actions having regained the Kingdom that was lost and reduced it to a better estate then before neither had he ceased there if the Romanes had not fallen upon him with a fresh power and sent one Maximianus hither by whom he was in battel vanquished and slain in the sixteenth year of his Reign This overthrow did so terrifie the Scots that they looked for nothing but to have been chased again forth of the Isle but the irruptions made upon all the parts of the Empire did not suffer the Romanes to make long stay wherefore having repaired the Wall of Severus and made it much stronger then it was at first they departed advising the Britains to use their own forces without any more expectation of succour from them Upon intelligence of their departure Greem a Nobleman of Britain who had lived long among the Scots and whose daughter King Fergus had married raised an Army and battering down the Wall which the Romanes had fortified chased the Britains beyond the Wall of Adrian an hundred miles more inward and forced them to accept that for the march and content themselves with the lands lying in the South of that Wall Peace on these terms made with the Britains Eugenius the eldest of King Fergus his sonnes was declared King and because he was yet within yeares the Regency of the Realm committed to Greem his Grandfather which he discharged so well as whilest he lived there was no trouble either within or without the Kingdom But he dying Eugenius who was then grown to some years laying claim to his Grandfathers lands did repeat the same by his Ambassadours and the Britains defending themselves by the conditions of the late peace when after divers messages no satisfaction could be had war was of new raised The Picts assisting the Scots a sore overthrow was given to the Britains and they compelled to resigne all the lands lying betwixt Tyne and Humber which the Scots and Picts did peaceably enjoy unto the coming of the Saxons about the year 450. The Church notwithstanding these wars did flourish all this time by King Eugenius his favour Ninian he who with the posterity had the reputation of a Saint was of great fame at that time This man was born in Britain and had his education in France under Martine Bishop of Towers his
but was of a much later time and lived about the year 850. For the opinion of a fiery Purgatory in which souls are tormented after their going forth of the body was not then known among Christians nor did the ancient Irish believe any such matter In our Church at the same time one Hildebert a Bishop was in great accompt for his learning and piety Celius Sedulius had his education under him a man of excellent qualities as his works yet extant both in prose and poesie do witnesse how long Hildebert lived he aboad in his company but after his death he betook himself to travel aud journeying through France and Italy sailed unto Greece there he wrote certain explanations upon the Epistles of St. Paul and returned from thence to Rome made his abode in that city In a Synod gathered by Gelasius Bishop of Rome in the year 494. one of the Canons then made touching books allowed we read these words Venerabilis viri Seâ—ulii Paschale opus quod heroicis descripsit versibus insigni lande proferimus We esteem the Paschal work that venerable Sedulius composed in heroick verses worthy of singular recommendations And even at this day in the Church of Rome certain hymnes compiled by him are sung in the Festivals of the Nativity and Epiphany which sheweth in what esteem he was held Some Irish writers contend that this Sedulius was their countrey man born as the like they affirm of all that were of any note in our Church in those first ages And albeit in divers of his works he doth intitle himself Sedulius Scotigena and that Sixtus Senensis Trithemius Baronius and divers others do all witnesse him to be of the Scottish Nation yet they will have him to be an Irish because forsooth in those elder times the name of Scoti was common to the inhabitants of the greater and lesser Scotland But this reason is naught for granting that the countreys were so distinguished of old and that Ireland was called Scotia major and the part of Britain which the Colonie deduced from thence did inhabit Scotia minor whereof there is some appearance yet that will not infer him to be an Irish more then a Scot. This I trust they will not deny that Scotland was Christian long before Ireland and that Sedulius of whom we speak was come to a good age before Patrick went about their conversion Now if he had been an Irish by Nation would not he much rather have imployed his travels to instruct his countrey men in the truth then have spent his time abroad among strangers Further I should desire these who plead so earnestly to have our men esteemed to be of their countrey to name any one another worthy of credit that since the Scots were reduced from their exile by Fergus the second did ever call Ireland Scotland the greater They will not finde any of trust the name of Scots being long before appropriated to the Colonie reduced from thence and quite extinct among the Irish. It is true that we oftfinde the Scots called Irishes like as yet we term commonly our Highland-men in regard they speak the Irish language and retain divers of their customes But that the Irish were called Scots or the countrey of Ireland called Scotland since they grew to be different nations and were known to be so I am confident will not be shewed To close this howsoever Ireland be the Mother and Scotland the daughter as a reverend Prelate hath written we deny not for our first progenitors we hold came from that countrey there is no reason why the sons which the daughter hath brought forth should be reckoned the sons of another Mother and she thereby robbed of her honor But to our story the condition of this Church in those times was most happy all the care of Preachers being to winne souls unto Christ Avarice and Ambition the two main pests of the Church had not as yet seised upon them so as they were held with all people in great veneration Beda saith that whosoever did meet them by occasion either in the streets or otherwise in journeying by the way they would not depart without their blessing And which increased greatly the felicity of the time the Kings who then reigned were all wise and religious Congallus the second deserves by the rest to be mentioned Vir ob egregias virtutes saith Buchannan omnium seculorum memoria dignus Nam praeter aequitatem in jure dicundo animum adversâ—is avaritiam invictum certabat moderatione vitae cum Monachis qui ea aetate severissima disciplina utebantur Thas is he was a man for his notable vertues worthy to be had in everlasting remembrance For besides his equity in the ministration of Justice and the uncorrupt mind he carried being free of all covetousnesse in moderation of life he was nothing inferiour to the Monks who in that age observed a most strict discipline This good King considering how easily people are brought to contemn Ministers that stand in need of their supply and that the contempt of Ministers breedeth ever contempt of Religion did carefully provide for their necessities appointing to them Mansion places at the Churches where they served with a competent portion of land thereto adjoyning and declaring the tenth of all cornes fruits herbs and flocks which did either produce or nourish to appertain properly to the Church He did further enact for the safety of their persons That if any should happen to smite a Church-man his hand should be cut off and if the Church-man was killed that the murtherer should lose all his goods and be burnt alive For the greater reverence of Church-censures it was likewise his ordinance That whosoever were by the Church excommunicated should not be admitted to stand in judgement nor credit given to their testimony The fame of this Kings pious disposition drew Columba back from Ireland where he had lived a long time There came with him some twelve in company of whom the principals were Sibthacus and Ethernanus his nephews by his brother both of them Presbyters Domitius Rutheus and Comineus men of excellent learning and good behaviour who were all well accepted of the King But of Columba he made such accompt as he did nothing in any matter of importance till he had first consulted with him By his advice the Monks that in former times lived dispersed were gathered into Cloysters or Colledges and had Rules prescribed unto them which falling afterward to be neglected in place of religious Monks there crept in a sort of idle-bellies that disordered all things and made the profession which in the begining was well devised to be misliked and hated of all King Congallus after a little time sickning sent Columba into Ireland to bring home Aidanus the right heir of the Kingdom who had fled thither after the murther of his Father Goranus that he might possesse him
parts and worthy to have been made a subject of truth to posterity not of fables and fictions as the Legends of Monks have made him Baldred and Convallus were his disciples and zealous preachers of the truth the first served for the most part in Lothiaen which as then was under the dominion of the Picts and was so beloved and honoured in his life as after his death the Parishes of Aldham Tuningham and Preston did contend who should have his corps to bury As they grew to some heat the Bishop of the bounds the story doth not expresse his name intervened and willed the people to deferre the funeral to the next morrow and in the mean time be earnest in prayer with God that he would declare his wil in that businesse The next day they found three Coffins with as many corpses betwixt which no difference could be perceived and interpreting this for a miracle went away each of them with a Coffin well satisfied and pleased What policy the Bishop used in this is not known but hereby we may see how easily people were in those times led with their teachers The other Convallus lived at Inchynnan some seven miles from Glasgow and made the Oration at the funeral of King Aidanus in which he foretold many things that came afterward to passe touching the state of the Kingdome There lived at this time in the Isle of Iona one Convallanus who was Governour of that Monastery a man of excellent holinesse and learning from under his hand as they write prodierunt examina sanctissimorum virorum hives or multitudes of most holy men came forth Among these are named Mornanus a Bishop Cormachus a Presbyter Hebred Dunstan Ionas Gabrianus Gallus and Columbanus all famous men for their holinesse of life Gallus travelling into Switzerland was in great esteem and having converted many to the faith of Christ laid there the foundation of a Monastery which was afterward greatly inriched and to this day is called by his name St. Gall. Columbanus in Burgundy did found the Abbey of Luxeule resolving to make his abode in these parts but the licentiousnesse of King Theodâ—rick whom by no meanes he could reclaime from his unchast life did enforce him to change so that going to Italy in the borders thereof he setled himself and there erected the Monastery of Bobie Neither lacked there in the female sex examples of rare piety Brigida commonly Sâ— Bride was above the rest renowned both among the Scots and Picts this woman was born in Cathnes of honourable parents and the heir of a fair patrimony which she voluntarily forsook that she might be consecrated to God Divers Virgins moved by her example did in like sort apply themselves to the solitary life not as the Votarists that in after times rose up for they did not bind themselves by vowes to that which was not in their power nor did they think to merit thereby at Gods hands and the chastity they professed they kept inviolate Did the times wherein we live afford such Virgins so farre are we from disliking that state of life as we think it should bring a great benefit to the Kingdom But the bondage of vowes with the opinion of merit and perfection is it we discommend things unknown to the holy women of those primitive times Another Brigida or rather Brigitta there was born in Sweden who as Trimethius writeth came to Avignion in the year 1362. to sue for the Popes confirmation to an Order of Nunnes by her invented But our Brigida was of a much older time and died at Abernethie in the year 518. where she was also interred Now are we come to the time in which Augustine the Monk was sent into Britain Gregory Bishop of Rome did choose this man for planting Religion among the English Saxons who had at that time subdued the Britaines and driven them beyond Severn into narrow bounds At his first arrival he converted King Ethelbert to the Christian faith and wrought much good But whilest he strove to conform the Britain Churches to the Romane in rites Ecclesiastick and to have himself acknowledged for the only Archbishop of Britain he did cast the Church into a sea of troubles After divers conferences and much pains taken by him to perswade the Britains unto conformity when he could not prevail he made offer that if they would yield to minister Baptisme and observe Easter according to the Romane manner and be assisting to him in reforming the Saxons for all other things they should be left to their Ancient customes But they refusing to make any alteration he fell a threatening and said That they who would not have peace with their brethren should finde warre with their enemies This falling out as he foretold for Edelfrid King of Northumberland invading them with a strong Army slew at one time 1200. Monks that were assembled to pray for the safety of their countrey-men made Augustine to be suspected of the murther and did purchase him a great deal of hatred whether he foreknew the practice or not is uncertain but shortly after the murther of thesâ— Monks he himself died There succeeded to him Laurentius a Romane also who followed the businesse of conformity no lesse earnestly and with his fellow Bishops â—ellitus and Iustus wrote to the Church of Scotland in this manner Dominis charissimis Fratribus Episcopis Abbatibus per universam Scotiam Laurentius Mellitus Justus Episcopi servi servorum Dei. Dum nos sedes Apostolica more suo sicut in universo orbe terrarum in his occiduis partibus ad praedicandum gentibus paganis dirigeret atque in hanc insulam quae Britannia nuâ—cupatur contigit introisse antequam cognosceremus credentes quòd juxta morem universalis Ecclesiae ingrederentur in magna reverentia sanctitatis tam Britones quà m Scotos venerati sumus sed cognoscentes Britones Scotos meliores putavimus Scotos verò per Dagamum Episcopum in hanc quam suprà memor avimus Insulam Columbanum Abbatem in Galliis venientem nihil discrepare à Britonibus in eorum conversatione didicimus Nam Dagamus Episcopus ad nos veniens non solùm cibum nobiscum sed nec in hospitio quo vescebamur sumere voluit In English thus Laurence Mellitus and Justus Bishops servants of all the servants of God to our Lords and dearest brethren the Bishops and Abbots through all Scotland while as the Apostolick See according to the custome it hath observed in the rest of the world did send us to preach the Gospel unto the Heathen in these Western parts and that it happened us to come into this Isle which is called Britain we held in religious reverence both the Scots and Britains believing that they did walk after the custome of the universal Church But after we had known the Britains we judged the Scots to be better minded yet now we perceive by
Dagamus the Bishop who is come hither and by Columbanus the Abbot in France that the Scots differ nothing in their observations from the Britains for Bishop Dagamus being here refused not onely to eat with us but even to stay in the same Inne or Lodging I finde no answer returned to this letter some thirteen years after Honorius Bishop of Rome did move the matter of new and in his letters directed to the Church of Scotland exhorted them Ne paucitatem suam in extremis terrae finibus constitutam sapieâ—tiorem antiquis sive modernis quae per orbem terrae erant Christi Ecclesiis aestimarent neve contra Paschales compuâ—os decreta Synodalia totius orbis Pontificum aliud Pascha celebrarent That they being a few and seated in the utmost borders of the earth would not think themselves more wise then the Ancient or Modern Churches of Christ through the whole world and that they would not celebrate another Easter contrary to the Paschal compts and Synodal decrees of the Bishops of the whole world Pope Honorius dying Severinus that succeeded insisted for an answer which was sent but he also departing this life before the same came to Rome the Clergy there replyed as followes Dilectissimis sanctissimis Thomiano Columbano Chromano Dimao Bathano Episcopis Chromano Hermanno Laustrano Stellano Sergiano Presbyteris Sarano caeterÃsque Doctoribus seu Abbatibus Scotis Hilaricus Archipresbyter servans locum sedis Apostolicae Johannes diaconus in nomine Dei electus item Joannes primicerius servans locum sanctae sedis Apostolicae Joannes servus Dei Consiliarius ejusdem sedis Apostolicae Scripta quae latores ad sanctae memoriae Severinum adduxerunt eo de hac luce migrante reciproca responsa ad ea quae postulata fuerant siluerunt Quibus reseratisâ— ne diu tantae quaestionis caligo indiscussa remaneret reperimus quosdam provinciae vestrae contra orthodoxam fidem novam de veteri heresin renovare conantes Pascha nostrum in quo immolatus est Christus nebulosa caligine refutantes et quarta decima luna cum Hebraeis celebrare nitentes c. Deinde exposita ratione Paschalis observantiae de Pelagianis subdunt Et hoc quoque cognovimus quod virus Pelagianae haereseos apud vos denuo reviviscat quod omnino hortamur ut à vestris mentibus hujusmodi venenatum superstitionis facinus auferatur Nam qualiter ipsa quoque execranda haeresis damnata est latere vos non debet quia non solùm per istos ducentos annos abolita est sed quotidiano nobis anathemate sepulta damnatur hortamur ne quorum arma combusta sunt apud vos eorum cineres suscitentur That is Hilarius the Archbishop conservator of the priviledges of the Apostolick See and Iohn the Deacon in the name of God elect of the same See likewise Iohn the pronotary and conservator of the said priviledges and Iohn the servant of God Counsellor of the Apostolick See to our best beloved and most holy Bishops Thomianus Columbanus Chromanus Dimaus and Bathanus and to the Presbyters Chromanus Hermannus Laustranus Stellanus and Serganus also to Saranus and the rest of the Doctors or Abbots of Scotland The letters which were brought unto Pope Severinus of blessed memory have to this time received no answer by reason of his decease We having now unsealed them lest questions of such consequence should be too long unsatisfied do perceive some of your Province to be renuing an old heresie against the Orthodox faith and ignorantly refuse to celebrate our Easter in which Christ was offered observing the fourteench Moon after the manner of the Hebrewes Then shewing how and when Easter should be observed they subjoyn touching the Pelagians these words We further understand that the poison of Pelagian heresie is again breaking out among you wherefore we exhort you to beware and to keep your mindes free of that venemous superstition for ye should not be ignorant how that execrable heresie is condemnedâ— and by us every day anathematised notwithstanding that two hundred years since the same hath been abolished therefore we beseech you not to stirre the ashes of those who have had their Armes once burnt and consumed Beda setting down this letter saith that it was full of learning and contained evident proofes that Easter should be kept upon the Sunday which falleth betwixt the 15. and 21. of the Moon Whereas it was the custome of the Scots Church to keep it upon the Sunday falling betwixt the 14 and 20. which he calleth an heresie and taketh our Church to have been newly infected therewith neither yet the whole Church but some certain in it only But in this last he doth not agree with himself for speaking afterwards of Bishop Aidan he thus excuses his disconformity with Rome in the keeping of Easter quòd suae gentis authoritate devictus that he was overcome with the authority of his own Nation contra morem eâ—rum qui ipsum miserant facere non potuit and could not keep Easter contrary to the custome of them who had sent him So he ackowledgeth it to have been the custome of the Scots Church and not of a certain in it only And whereas he sayes that it was an error or heresie newly sprung up he greatly mistaketh for in the contention about the keeping of Easter which grew afterwards very hot we shall hear them plead the Antiquity of their custome and derive it from the very first times of the Church But that we may know how this contention grew and who they were that withstood the alteration desired we must make a litle digression The Saxons having overcome the Britains and brought the countrey of England to an Heptarchy by the partition they made of it were never quiet encroaching still one upon anothers state till at last one got all Ethelfrid King of Northumberland the mightiest of the whole after he had reigned 22. years with great avaâ—ice and cruelty was killed by Redwald King of the East Angles and Edwin whom he had expelled placed in his room this Ethelfrid left behind him seven sons Eufred or Eanfred Oswald Ossaus Oswin Offas Osmond Osik or Osrick and one daughter named Ebba who upon their fathers death fled into Scotland and were liberally entertained by King Eugenius the fourth notwithstanding the enmity betwixt him and their father whilest he lived Eighteen years they remained in Scotland exiled from their countrey and were by the care of the same Eugenius instructed in the knowledge of Christ and baptized Edwin being killed in the 17. of his Reign by Penda King of Mercia they returned all home Ebba onely excepted who remained still in Scotland The successour of Edwin named Osrick parting the Kingdom with Eufred the eldest son of Ethelfrid was made King of the Deirians and Eufred King of this Bernicians these two turning Apostates and forsaking the
On the other part Agilbert a French-man born Bishop of the East Saxons Wilfrid and Agath Presbyters with Iacob and Romans two learned men Cedda lately consecrated a Bishop by the Scots was choosed to be part is utriusque interpres that is as I take it the Recorder of all that should be spoken by either party or enacted in that conference and meeting The King himself did incline to Colman but his son favoured the other party for that Wilfrid had been his Tutor When all were placed in their seats the King using a short speech said That it was meet they who served one God and looked to be heires of one Kingdom in the heavens should keep one rule and form and not vary in their rites and ceremonies Therefore desired seeing they were come together for composing of differences especially touching the celebration of Easter that they should calmely enquire what was the most ancient and best form to the effect all might observe and follow the same Then turning towards Colman he willed him to deliver his opinion and reasons who answered as followeth The Easter which I observe I received from my elders who did send me hither and ordained me Bishop all our forefathers men beloved of God are known to have celebrated Easter in the same manner that I do and if any think light of this the blessed Evangelist St. Iohn the disciple whom our Lord especially loved with all the Churches whereof he had the oversight observed the same which to us is a warrant sufficient Agilbert being desired next to declare his minde excused himself by the want of the English tongue entreating the King the Wilfrid might be allowed to answer for them all which granted Wilfrid began in this sort The Easter which we keep we have seen observed at Rome where the holy Apostles Peter and Paul did preach and suffered Martyrdom As we travelled through France and Italy we saw the same order every where kept and by relation we hear that the Churches of Africk Asia Egypt Greece and to be short the whole Christiâ—n world doth observe the same time onely these men and their followers the Britains and Picts with some remote Islands and not all these neither do foolishly contend in this point against the whole world Here Colman interrupting his speech said It is a marvel you should call our doing foolish seeing we follow the ensample of that great Apostle who was held worthy to lie in the Lords bosome and is known to have lived most wisely Wilfrid replying said Farre be it from me to charge Sâ— Iohn with folly he observed the rites of Moses Law according to the letter the Church as yet Iudiazing in many things and the Apostles not being able to abdicate upon the suddain the whole observations of the Law which God had ordained for this cause did Sâ— Paul circumcise Timothy offer sacrifices in the Temple and shave his head at Corinth with Aquila and Priscilla which things he did onely to eschew the offence of the Jewes In this consideration Sâ— Iames said to the Apostle St. Paul Thou seest brother that many thousands of the Jewes do believe yet are they all zealous followers of the law But the light of the Gospel now shining throughout the world it is not lawful for a Christian to be circumcised or to offer carnal sacrifices unto God Thus S. Iohn keeping the custom of the law began the celebration of Easter upon the 14. day of the first moneth at evening not caring whether it fell upon the Sabbath day or any other day of the week But Sâ— Peter preaching at Rome when he considered that the Lord did rise from the death on the first day after the Sabbath thought good to institute Easter on that day And that this is the true Easter to be observed by all Christians it is clear by the Nicene Councel which did ratify and confirm the same by their decree But you neither follow the example of St. Iohn nor St. Peter nor doth your celebration of Easter agree either with the Law oâ— Gospel for St. Iohn observing it according to the Law had no respect to the first day after the Sabbath whereas you keep not Easter but on the first of the Sabbath Saint Peter did celebrate Easter from the 15. of the Moon to the 21. which you do not for you keep Easter from the 14. to the 20. day and often you begin Easter on the 13. day at night whereof the Law maketh to mention neither did our Lord the authour of the Gospel eat the Passover on the 13. day but upon the 14. at night and at the same time he did celebrate the Sacrament of the New Testament in remembrance of his death and passion So as I have said you neither agree with Law nor Gospel with St. Iohn nor with St. Peter in the celebration of the greatest festivity To this Colman answered And did Anatholius then who in the Ecclesiastick history is so highly commended go against both the Law and the Gospel when as he said that Easter ought to be kept from the 13. day to the 20 or shall we think our most reverent father Columba and his successours who were all dear unto God did transgresse in observing Easter after that manner They were men of great piety and vertue and their miracles have declared and I making no doubt of their holinesse will endevour to follow their order and discipline Then said Wilfrid It is known that Anatholius was a godly and learned man but what have you to do with him that observe not his customes for he followed the true rule of keeping Easter and observed the circle of 19. yeares which either you know not or if you do ye set at nought although the same be observed in the universal Church of Christ he did so account the 14. day as he acknowledged the same to be the 15. at night after the manner of the Egyptians and so the 20. day he believed to be the 21. in the evening which distinction you know not as appears by this that sometimes you keep Easter on the 13. day before the full Moon As to your father Columba and his followers whose rule and precepts confirmed by miracles you confesse to follow I may answer That in the day of judgement the Lord will say to many that prophesied in his name did cast out devils and wrought other miracles I know you not But God forbid I should speak this of your fathers seeing it is better to believe good of those we know not then ill Therefore I will not deny them to have been the servants of God and be loved of him seeing they served God with good intent though in simplicity Neither do I think the order they keep in Easter did hurt them much so long as they had none among them that could shew the right observation thereof If the truth had been shewed them I doubt not they
would have followed the same as well in this matter as in others which they knew But if you and your associates should refuse the decrees of the Apostolick Sea or rather of the whole Church allowed by holy Scripture now after you have heard the same without all question you sin heavily Howbeit your fathers were holy men you must not think that a few dwelling in a corner of a remote Isle are to be preferred to the universal Church of Christ. And if Columba your Father yea and ours also if he was of Christ was mighty in miracles yet is he not to be equalled to the Prince of the holy Apostles unto whom the Lord said Thou art Peter and upon this rock will I build my Church against which the gates of hell shall not prevail and will give unto the keyes of the kingdom of heaven The King who had hearkened diligently unto all which they spake taking hold of these last words asked Colman if it was so that the Lord had spoken these words unto Peter he answered that it was truth And can you shew sayes he that the like authority was given to your Father Columba Colman answered Not. Then said the King Do both agree in this that these words were spoken to St. Peter and that the Keyes of the kingdom of heaven were given to him They answered that they did Then said he Seeing St. Peter is the dorekeeper of heaven I will follow his rule in every thing lest when I come to heavens gates the dores shall be shut against me These speeches of the King full of simplicity were seconded with the acclamations of many of the hearers and the victory adjudged to the adversaries of Colman But he nothing moved therewith retained still his opinion and would not change yet fearing that some trouble might arise if he should make longer stay in those parts he resigned his Bishoprick in which one Tuda a Scottishman succeeded who was content to submit himself to the Romane observation of Easter and to receive the Clerical tonsure but he lived not one whole year and died of the Plague Colman returning into Scotland was welcomed by his countreymen for he was in great esteem and bare no small authority both in the Church and State before he went into England as appeared in the insurrection made against King Ferqhard the Nobility having consulted to depose him from his Kingdom for the detestable cruelties he had committed by Colman his authority they were onely kept back who told them That the punishment of Kings belonged to God and that he ere it were long would take vengeanee of his wickednesse which as he foretold came to passe for the King after a few dayes being at hunting happened to be bitten by a Wolfe and falling into a feaver such a putrefaction ensued in his body that out of every part there issued abundance of lice and vermine which made him abhorred of all men Languishing in this consumption a long space and touched with a bitter remorse for his wicked life he sent for Colman to whom he expressed a great sorrow for the ill life he had led intreating the help of his prayers and to testifie his humiliation would needs be carried forth to the next fields wrapped in sackcloth where after an open confession made of his wickednesse he was absolved by Colman and shortly after yielded up the ghost The memory of this which was yet fresh in the mindes of people together with the report of his constancy for so it was interpreted did purchase unto him great love and reputation but he making short stay at home went soon after into Ireland where he built a Monastery for the English and Scots that followed him thither They not well agreeing he bought a piece of ground and founded a religious house for the English apart Bishop Lesly in his Chronicle writeth that after this he passed into Germany and having travelled through Boheme Hungary and a great part of Greece as he returned by Austria he was killed by some Pagans in those parts for this he citeth Iohannes Stabius the Historiographer of Maximilian the first But whatsoever became of him he was certainly a man of great integrity and therefore much respected of all men After this time we finde a continual declining in the Church for the decision taken in that conference of Whitby touching the controversie of Easter increased the dissension and put all out of frame they that were in place urging the rites more strictly then was convenient and others choosing rather to quit their places then to give way unto them Theodorus then Archbishop of Canterbury is blamed for exercisiug the authority of his place too peremptorily about these things and forcing the British Bishops to conform themselves Wilfrid Archbishop of York dealing in like sort with the Scottish preachers that had planted the Gospel among the English thrust them all from their places Nam optione data maluerunt loco cedere quà m Pascha Catholicum caeterósque ritus canonicos Romanae Ecclesiae recipere It being given to their option whether they would stay and admit the observation of Easter and other rites of the Church of Rome they made choice to leave their places and depart The Clergy at home became also divided for Adamannus or Adamnanus a Bishop who had been Tutor to Eugenius the sixt being sent in Ambassage to Alfrid King of Northumberland fell in such a liking of the rites he saw there used as at his return he became an earnest perswader of his countreymen to receive them and prevailed with many Yet the Monks of Iona whose governor he had sometimes been did strongly oppose others that loved not to be contentious retired themselves among whom Disybodius and Levinus are said to have been two Disybodius going into Germany lived a Monk in the Abbey of Fulden many years Adamannus whom even now I named is much commended for the care he took to keep the Picts and Scots in peace which albeit he did not effect according to his desire for they were ever making incursions one against another yet so far he prevailed as during his life no publick war arose amongst them To bind the two people in friendship he was a means to make Eugenius the seventh take to wife Spondana daughter to Granard King of Picts but she not long after being killed as she lay in bed by two Athol men that had conspired to kill the King and were mistaken in the execution the friendship contracted had almost turned into deadly enmity because of a rumour that went that she was made away by the Kings knowledge The Picts complaining of the injury done to their bloud and many of the subjects apprehending it to be the Kings own fact he was forced with some indignity to his person to plead his innocency in a Parliament called to that purpose It happened that in the mean time the murtherers were discovered and taken
the single life beyond measure and 4. That he caused Masses to be said for the dead erected Images in Churches and introduced diver rites unknown to the ancient Church For this Clemens in a Councel holden at Rome was excommunicated and condemned for an heretick The sentence is to be seen in the third Tome of the Councels wherein none of these particulars is mentioned but other false aspersions are cast upon his fame as hath been the custom of handling those that oppose the corruption of the Romane Church Bonifacius alwayes going on in his course and seeking to make the like reformation amongst the Frizons was with 54. of his followers killed in the 64. year of his age and hath therefore a chief place in the Romane Martyrologie But this did so little terrifie others as about the same time certain Scottish Monks did adventure upon the Saxons to bring them under the Popes obedience Palto Tanco Korvila and Haruchus so they name them being consecrated Bishops of Verden in Saxony one after another did all of them lay down their lives in that quarrel Quasi exoptanteâ— coronam Matyrii sayes Balâ—us longing for the Crown of Martyrdom and counting it their glory to suffer in the Bishop of Rome his cause Nor were they Monks onely that were so given but even of the Bishops Sedulus and Pergustus were vehemently set that way and having assisted in a Synod called at Rome by Gregory the second in the year 721. as their subscriptions extant in the books of Councels do testify after their return made great disturbance in the Church for the erecting of Images and put divers preachers from their livings for resisting that course In all this time which is not a little to be admired the Eremitical life was in such esteem not with Clergy-men alone but with the greatest Nobles and Princes that they forsaking their honours and dignities betook themselves thereto as the most contented and desirarable sort of life Of these last our stories do name Drostanus the Uncle or as others say the Nephew of King Aidanus Prince Fiacre the second son of Eugenius the fourth and Florentius a Gentleman of honourable birth and estate who did all nigh at one time sequester themselves from the world not out of any grief or discontent whereof they had no cause but upon a meer apprehension of the vanity of worldly greatnesse The story of Fiacre as Boeth rehearseth it is especially memorable This Prince being committed to the education of Conanus Bishop of Man after he came to some years did steal away privately to France and his intention being discovered to Pharo Bishop of Meaux he had by his gift a little Cell in a solitary place appointed for him There separating himself from all company he spent his time wholly in prayer and divine contemplation It happened after a litle time his elder brother King Ferquhard to be deposed for his Tyrannical government whereupon Commissioners were sent to recall him as being the next heir of the Kingdom He getting intelligence of their coming did betake him to his prayers and with many teares besought God to confirm his mind in the resolution he had taken and divert them by some means from disturbing his rest So as when they came unto him he appeared unto them leprous looked so deformed as they were amazed to behold him but they notwithstanding this did not judge him unfit for government resolved to deliver their Commission intreating him to return to his countrey where he would finde the aire more healthfull and in a short time by the help of Physicians recover his health Fiacre at first excusing himself by his infirmity when he perceived them insist for his return and relinquishing that sort of life did cut them off with this answer I have said he made choice of this condition of life which you see and am contented with this litle Cell for my dwelling these garments pointing to his apparel serve me for clothing and my food is a simple pottage of herbs which I dresse to my selfe more I desire not nor would I change this state of life with the most fortunate King in the world I seem to you deformed yet is my body sound and my blood uncorrupted but it is the will of God I should look so that I may be kept humble and learn to amend my life Go you therefore home and shew my brother and the Noblemen that sent you hither that I live content in this private manner and will not change it with any state whatsoever and from me desire them to serve God purely to live justly and entertain peace among themselves which if they do they shall be alwayes victorious over their enemies This said he withdrew himself into his Cell and they finding that there was no means to prevail with him departed The Commissioners at their return making report of that they had seen and his resolution his only sister Syra was so much moved with it as taking with her some Virgins in company she went to visit him and after some conference rendered self and those that came with her religious in the city of Meaux This Fiacre is the same to whose memory divers Churches in France are dedicated and is said to have died in the year 665. Florentius whom I named taking the like resolution went into Germany and in the countrey of Alsatia upon the River Hasel built a little Chappel for his private use where he lived retired from all company and purchased to himself great reputation It happened Rathildis the daughter of Dagobert King of France to fall sick in the time of a disease that deprived her both of sight and speech and being recommended to Florentius prayers she within a little while recovered Whereupon King Dagobert did build a magnifick Abbey called yet The Abbey of Haselah and committed the Government thereof to Florentius There was difficulty enough to winne him from his solitary life yet so earnest were the solicitations used unto him that in end he yielded and was after that made Bishop of Strasburg upon the death of Rotharius Twelve years he governed that See most wisely giving proof of his vertue and worth as well in the active as contemplative life Before his death he founded a Monastery for Scottish men at the river Bruschius in Alsatia and placed therein Argobastus Theodotus and Hidolphus who had accompanied him from Scotland his body according as he directed was there interred after his death Never did this countrey abound more in learned men then at this time our writers speak of Mocharius Glacianus and Gervadius Bishops of great reputation they name likewise Divinicus Conganus Dunstanus Medanus and Modanus as famous men all for their piety and learning But they that King Achaius sent to Charles the Great upon his earnest intreaty did excell all the rest Iohannes Scotus Claudius Clemens Rabanus Maurus and Flaccus Albinus otherwise called Alcuinus these four he sent with
Prince Gulielme his brother into France at the time of the league made with that people which to this day remaineth inviolate and by them it was that the University of Paris was first founded Scotus after he had stayed some years at Paris was imployed by the same Charles for founding an University at Pavia and was in great respect with all the Romane Church excepted who could nto away with the liberty he used in his reproofes of the errors then springing up his Treatise of the Eucharist a pious and learned work was by Pope Leo the ninth condemned in Synodo Vercellensi in the year 1030. long after his death Claudius Clemens was afterwards preferred to the Bishoprick of Auxew where he lived to his death in great esteem Alcuin commonly held to be Charles the Great his Master was made his Eleemosynar and lived in special credit with him The book that came forth under Charles his name against Images was thought to be penned by him for he was a man of great learning as the many books left by him to posterity do shew Ubique pius ubique doctus sayes Balaeus succinctus gravis ante multos alios praecipuè dignus qui in manibus hominum habeatur The English writers will have him born in their countrey not farre from the city of York To which I onely say that the English at that time being adversaries to the French and Scots speaking of them as common enemies to both people it is not probable if he had been of the English Nation that he would be so inward with Charles the Great Rabanus Maurus was his Auditor many years and under his hand grew to such perfection of learning that it is said Quòd nec Italia similem nec Germania aequalem peperit That neither did Italy breed his like nor Germany his equal Tantam viri eruditionem sayes Bruschius omnes Bibliothecae nobis commendant quantum ingenio valuerit edita ab eo valumina demonstrant Bibliothecam enim Fuldensem tanta librorum multitudine lacupletavit ut dinumerari vix queant All Bibliotheques do witnesse the rare erudition of that man and what a fertile ingenie he had the volumes published by him do shew The Library of Fulden he enriched with such multitudes of Books as can scarce be numbred And certainly who shall but read the catalogue of his works will wonder how any one man should in his life have penned so much and upon so divers subjects for besides that he did illustrate the whole Books of Scripture with his Expositions he left a number of profitable tractates in every Science to posterity After Clemens was gone from Paris he continued in the University some years and being made Abbot of Fulden upon a displeasure he conceived against the Monks he went to the Court of Ludovicus the Emperour where he had not long attended when upon the death of Otgarius Arch-bishop of Mentz he was elected to the government of that See Ten years he â—ate Bishop having no opposition made to him nor to his doctrine though he taught no other then what is with us in these times taught and professed as in his workâ— yet extant may be seen In this reckoning we must not forget our countreyman Maidulphus Scotus who was of great fame in these days for his skill in training up the youth in letters and kept a publick school at Caerbladon in Wiltshire there being as yet no University in England he also is said to have been a strong defender of the Bishop of Rome his authority and placed in that part by Eleutherius Bishop of the West Saxons for withstanding the British Doctors that opposed the Romane rites After some time bestowed that way embracing the Monastical life he erected an Abbey at Malmsbury which Aldelin his disciple and successour did much increase and from him it is thought that Malmsbury took the name being at first called Maidulphsbury or Maidulps city We are now at the 800. year or thereabout when as the warres were renewed betwixt the Scots and the Picts which brought in end the utter subversion of that people I mean the Picts Their Kingdom had continued near 1200. years under the Reign of 65. Kings and was fortunate enough till the days of King Feredeth who I know not by what ill counsel bare an heavy hand upon the Church and made spoil of her rents especially of the ornaments bestowed by his predecessour King Hungus upon the Church of St. Andrews the occasion of these troubles I shall briefly set down after I have remembred the magnificence of Prince Gulielme which ought never to be forgotten After the league contracted with France which he was sent to ratifie he followed Charles the Great in all his warres performing notable services especially in Italy where he was made Lieutenant for the King upon the end of the warres being grown in age he went to Germany resolving to bestow his means which were very great in founding religious houses which he did at Coleyn Franckford Vienna Herford Luneburg Wirtsburg Muleren and Ratisbone fifteen Abbeys and Hospitals they reckon founded by him some in Italy but the most part in Germany all which he indowed with a reasonable proportion of lands and rents but with this Proviso that none should be admitted therein but Scottish men born This for many years according to his appointment was observed and even at this time notwithstanding the manifold alterations that have happened there be some of these foundations that are no ways changed from their first institution They also may possibly decay yet the magnificence of that Noble Prince shall ever be recorded to his everlasting honour And now to the occasion of these troubles I mentioned There reigned in the time of King Achaius amongst the Picts Hungus a Prince well inclined and a great lover of Religion and Justice Athelstane King of the West Saxons having usurped upon divers of his neighbours and inlarged his Kingdome by subduing the Northumbers did likewise invade the Picts intending the conquest of that part of their Kingdom which lay next unto his Hungus hereupon did move King Achaius who had married Fergusiana his sister for some supply and he no lesse offended with Athelstans oppressions then was Hungus himself sent to his aid ten thousaud men under the leading of of Prince Alpin his son Hungus supplied with this power entered into Northumberland and having made great depredations returned home with a rich booty Athelstan following upon his heels overtook him at a little Village not farre from Hadington which put Hungus in a sore fright for a great part of his Army was dismissed and gone home yet not seeing a way to eschew the fight he gave order for the battel against the next day and in the mean time betook himself to prayer spending most part of the night in that exercise A litle before day falling into a slumber it seemed to him that the
Apostle St. Andrew stood by him and assured him of the victory which vision being related to the Army did much encourage them The History addeth that in the joyning of the battel there appeared in the aire a Crosse in form of the letter X which so terrified the enemies as presently they gave back King Athelstane was himself there killed whereupon the Village took the name which at this day it enjoyeth of Athelstan Foord Hungus to expresse his thankfulnesse for the victory gave to the Church of Regulus now called St. Andrews divers rich gifts as Chalices Basons the Image of Christ in gold and of his twelve Apostles in silver He gave likewise a case of beaten gold for preserving the Reliques of S. Andrew and restored to the Spirituality the tithes of all cornes cattel and herbage within the Realm exempting them from answering before any temporal Judge Further he did appoint the Crosse of St. Andrew to be the badge and cognisance of the Picts both in their warres and otherwise which as long as that Kingdom stood was observed as is by the Scots as yet retained But all this was spoiled as we said by Feredeth the third in succession from Hungus after which time nothing prospered either with him or with that people For the line masculine of their Kings failing Alpin the son of Achaius did claim the Crown as next in blood by vertue of an old Covenant betwixt the Scots and Picts the Picts refusing to accept him being a stranger made choice of this Feredeth whom we named and thereupon warre was denounced The first encounter was at Restennoth in Angus where in a cruel fight which continued from the morning untill night Feredeth was killed his son Brudeus who succeeded was made away by the Picts themselves in the first year of his reign and Kenneth his brother that succeeded to him came to the like unfortunate end After Kenneth another called Brudeus was elected King and he in a battel fought not farre from Dundy took King Alpin and many of his Nobles prisoners which victory he used most foully putting all the Nobles to death killing the King and causing his head to be set upon a pole in Abernethy or as others write in the city of Camelon The Picts upon this victory supposing that they had utterly broken the courage of the Scots did purpose nothing lesse then their extermination which after the death of Brudeus his brother Drusken that succeeded went earnestly about But Kenneth the second the son of Alpin a Prince of a brave and heroick spirit pursued so hotly the revenge of his fathers death as having defeated the Picts in divers battels he drave them all in the end forth of the Kingdom and united that Crown to his own of Scotland This Kenneth was a most wise and valiant King and so circumspect in his businesse that from that time forth none of the Picts were ever heard to resume the title of a King The countreys which they inhabited he divided amongst the Nobles and others whose labours in these warres had merited a recompence He established good and wholesome Lawes To the Church he gave another face and a greater outward splendour then the former ages had seen translating the Episcopal See which whilest the Pictish Kingdom stood was setled in Abernethy to the Church of St. Reul and ordaining it from thenceforth to be called The Church of S. Andrews and the Bishop thereof Maximus Scotorum Episcopus The principal Bishop of Scotland Churches Chappels and Oratories with their Priests and all sorts of religious men he caused to be held in great reverence and in a word did so nobly perform all actions both a Warre and Peace as he may rightly be placed amongst the best Kings and reckoned the third Founder of the Scottish Monarchy THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE SECOND BOOK The Contents The Succession of Bishops in the several Sees of this Kingdome especially in the See of Saint ANDREVVS with other principal things that happened in their times HAving made a collection of such things as I found dispersed in stories and warranted in any sort for the first six hundred years of our Church and being now come to the time wherein this Church by enlarging of the Kingdom received a further extention in bounds and therewith an addition of more wealth and state I will as beginning with a new accompt follow the story therof by the succession of Bishops especially in the See of Saint Andrewes upon which the rest did depend The first Bishop who fate in this See was Adrian killed by the Danes in the Isle of May in the year 872. with Stolbrandus a Bishop Monanus an Archdeacon Glodianus a Presbyter and a number of other Churchmen who fled thither for their safety Whilest this Bishop lived Constantine the second the son of Kenneth did keep a convention in Scone for reforming the disorders which the loose and dissolute government of his predecessour Donald the first had caused In that convention beginning was made at the Clergy and concerning them it was ordained That they should reside upon their charges and have no medling with secular businesse That they should instruct the people diligently and be good ensamples in their conversation That they should not keep Hawks Hounds or Horses for pleasure That they should carry no weapons nor be pleaders of civil causes but live contented with their own provisions And if they were tried to transgresse in any of these points that for the first fault they should be fined in a pecuniary mulct and for the second deprived from their office and living Thus was it not held in that time a diminution of Ecclesiastical authority for Princes to give Lawes to the Clergy and to punish them if they were found guilty of any offence or crime Divers other statutes for redressing abuses crept into the Realme were then also concluded as That drunkennesse should be punished with death that none should eat above one meal a day nor accustome themselves to lye softly or use any recreations but such as might inure them to sufferance and labour Whereby that good King did banish all riot and luxury and in a short time brought the Kingdom again to a flourishing estate But the Danes as we said invaded the countrey and practising many cruelties whilest he did pursue them who had entrenched themselves not farre from the Town of Carrail he was unfortunately with all his Army overthrowne and being taken prisoner the day following beheaded at the mouth of a little cave which in detestation of that fact is to this day called The Devils Cave 2. Unto Bishop Adrian succeeded Kellach how long he lived I finde not 3. After him Malisius governed the See by the space of eight years This Bishop had the happinesse to live under Gregory called the Great a King indued with all the vertues that can be wished for or
stricken with great terrour in the morning early calling Moveanus he laid open to him the grief and vexation of his minde who giving the King his best counsel for the pacifying of his conscience did advise him to bestow almes upon the poor visit the graves of holy men have the Clergy in greater regard then he was accustomed and perform such other external satisfactions as were used in those times The King following his directions did carry himself most piously not thinking by these outward deeds of penance to make expiation for his sin for they were not become as yet so grossely ignorant as to believe that by such external works the justice of God is satisfied albeit some idle toyes such as the visiting the graves of the Saints kissing of Reliques hearing of Masses and others of that kinde which Avarice and Superstition had invented were then crept into the Church yet people were still taught that Christ is the only propitiation for sin and that by his blood the guilt thereof is only washed away This being still the doctrine of the Church to think that Kenneth was any other is scarce charitable Alwayes as he was visiting the grave of Palladius being invited to lodge in the Castle of Fettercarne he was there treacherously murthered But to return to our Bishops 10. Fothadus succeeded next after Tuthaldus a man greatly respected for the opinion conceived of his holinesse In the competition which Grimus had with Malcolme the second for the succession of the Crown by his wisdom and the trust they reposed in him they were brought to an agreement and a most perilous commotion stayed How long he sate Bishop is not recorded in his time lived Vigiamus a Monk an eloquent Preacher Coganus an Abbot and Onanus a Deacon men of especial accompt 11 After the death of Fothadus Gregorius was elected and consecrated Bishop he lived in a troublesome time for soon after his election the Danes did of new invade the countrey and landing in Murray had such successe at first as they did think to make conquest of the Realme But Malcolm the second having repulsed them at a battel fought at Pambride in Angus did pursue them unto Buchane where at a Village called Murthlack he gave them an utter overthrow and forced those that escaped to swear that during the reign of Malcolm and the life of Swane their King they should never return into Scotland To memorize this victory the King did Found an Episcopal See at Murthlack enduing the same with rents forth of the adjacent lands and calling the Clergy to an assembly in the Town of Bertha now Perth he enacted by the advice of Bishop Gregorius divers Canons for their better government At the same time in a convention kept at Scone to reward those that had done well in the late warres he gave away all the Crown lands reserving little or nothing to himself The Barons to requite his liberality did grant to him and his successours Kings of Scotland the Ward of all their lands with the benefit that might accrew by the marriage of the heir But this being casual and uncertain proved unsufficient for maintaining his Royal estate so that necessity the sure companion of immoderate largition did force him to make unlawful shifts whereby he came to be as much hated in end as he was loved at first and by some villains that thought themselves wronged by him was murthered in the Castle of Glammes after he had reigned 30. years Before his time the titles of Thane and Abthane were the only titles of honour and dignity in the Realme whereas he to give a greater splendor to the State did introduce all these offices which are now in use and are commonly called Offices of Estate Duncan the first his Nephew by Beatrix his daughter succeeded to the Crown whose weaknesse and simplicity made way to Mackbeth his Cousin-germans usurpation for he conspiring with Bancho a man of great place deprived the King both of his Crown and life in the seventh year of his reign The Kings two sons Malcolme surnamed Canmore and Donald Bane fearing the cruelty of the Tyrant withdrew themselves and fled Malcolme into Wales and Donald into the West Isles Thus none being to oppose Mackbeth did assume to himself the Crown and for the first ten years governed the Kingdom better with justice then he got it Afterward growing suspicious and seeking to rid himself of those that might prove his enemies he began his cruelty at Bancho who had an hand with him in the Kings murther and inviting him on a night to supper with his son Fleanche as they were returning to their lodgings made some lie in the way to murther them Bancho doubting no harm was killed but his son Fleanche through the darknesse of the night escaped The Nobles detesting this treachery and fearing it might turn to be their own case retired home to their dwellings Mackbeth finding himself to be forsaken of his Nobles and knowing that he was hated by the people fell then to practise open Tyranny and forging quarrels against the better sort did upon light causes put divers to death The Thane of Fife called Mackduffe a man of great power out of a suspicion he conceived fled into England where meeting with Malcolme the lawful heir of the Crown after he had exponed the misery whereunto the countrey was brought by the cruelties of Mackbeth and the reasons of his own flight did perswade him to return and repeat his Fathers Kingdom Malcolme who often before had been solicited to return by such as Mackbeth did suborn made answer That he understood all these things to be true which were related but if said he ye knew how unfit I am for government you would not be so earnest as you seem to call me home for not to dissemble with you whom I esteem my friend the vices which have overthrown many Kings Lust and Avarice do reign in me whilest I live obscure and in a private sort these faults are not espied but if I were in place of Rule the same would soon appear and break forth Mackduffe replying That these were no reasons to keep him back for that marriage and time would quench Lust and for avarice when he should have abundance and be out of fear of want it would cease That said he possible may be but I have an imperfection greater then these for I can trust no man and have found such falshood in the world as I am jealous of every one and upon the smallest suspicions for I measure every man by my self I break and alter all my courses Away then said Mackduffe I am unfortunate and thou unworthy to Reign and with this word he made to depart Then Malcolme taking him by the hand said I do now know thou art a man worthy of trust and will not refuse to undergoe any hazard
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
Chronology wherein he attained to such a perfection as he was accompted the only Chronologist in his dayes the Chronicle he wrote from the beginning of the world unto the year of Christ 1183. yet extant doth testifie no lesse He died at Mentz in the year 1186. and was buried in the Church of St Martin within the City and thus much for the learned men of our countrey that lived in the time of Turgot 13. Next after Turgot Godricus succeeded in the See of Saint Andrewes this Bishop did anoint King Edgar the son of Malcolme in the year 1098. after the manner of other Christian Princes which rite had not been formerly used in the Coronation of our Kings and as they write was obtained from Pope Urban the second at the request of Queen Margareâ— for the Popes of Rome having as then advanced themselves above Kings did take on them the conferring of these Ensignes of Majesty to whom and where they pleased This Edgar was a good King and greatly beloved of all his subjects The Abbey of Cauldingham which in former times had been a sanctuary of Virgins he gave to the Church of Duresme but upon the ungrate behaviour of Ranulph Bishop of that See a man noted of much corruption he recalled his gift and erected the same into a Priory Upon the death of Godricus King Alexander surnamed the Fierce sent to Radolph Archbishop of Canterbury to have his advice for the promoving of some worthy person unto the place and in his letters directed to that effect complained of the Archbishop of York his encroaching upon the Church of Scotland through the oversight of Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury that had given way to the consecration of some of the Bishops of Saint Andrews at York whereas in old times they were not wont to receive Consecration but either from the Bishop himself or from the Archbishop of Canterbury Therefore desired his assistance in redressing that abuse which he said he could not any longer tolerate Now this Radolph was at the same time in question with Thurstan the elect of York for his consecration to which by no means he would assent unlesse Thurstan would make profession of obedience to the See of Canterbury And about that was so much businesse made that Radolph though he was then both aged and sickly did undertake a journey to Rome to debate his right At his return which was some four years after so long did the See of Saint Andrews remain void the King sent to him Peter Prior of Dunfermlin and one of his own Gentlemen to congratulate his safe return and request that Eadmerus a Monk of Canterbury a man well reported of might be sent hither for filling the place Radolph knowing that Eadmerus had neither by himself nor by any other indirect meanes moved the businesse and so taking it to come of God howsoever it grieved him that the Church of Canterbury should lack the benefit of his service gave his consent and having obtained King Henry his licence without whose knowledge he would not have him go into a strange countrey sent him to Alexander with an ample recommendation in substance this We give unto God said he everlasting thanks for that it hath pleased him to open the eyes of your mind and make you know and seek that which you should and to your Highness self we esteem our selves greatly bound because of your friendly and familiar usage for albeit your desires tend to our hurt and are not lesse grievous to us then if you should pull out our eyes or cut off our right hand we cannot but commend your desire and so far as we may in God obey the same Therefore unwilling and yet willing we yield unto your will willing in so farre as we perceive it is Gods will which we dare not withstand nor will we in any thing willingly displease yet unwilling for that we are left alone and deprived of his fellowship who as a Father ministred unto us consolation in time of grief giving us sound advice in many perplexed cases and was to us a most helpful Brother in this our infirm and old age If any other should have required him of us we would no more have parted with him then with our own heart but there is nothing which in God we can deny you Thus we send unto you the person that you desired and so free as you may lay on him what charge you will so as it be to the honour of God and to the credit of the Mother Church of Canterbury Do therefore what you purpose wisely and remit him unto us with diligence to be consecrated because delay in that errand may breed impediments that we desire to eschew c. Eadmerus bringing with him this Commendatory letter was the third day after his coming elected Bishop by the Kings licence and with consent both of the Clergy and Laity but the next morning whilest the King conferred with him apart touching his consecration he began to magnifie the Church of Canterbury and the authority it had over all the Churches of Britain declaring that by his leave he would seek the Episcopal benediction from the Bishop and not receive it at the hands of any other which offended the King greatly for by no meanes could he endure to hear of this Churches subjection to the English Thereupon the Monks who had been trusted in the yeares preceding with the intromission of the rents were charged to uplift the same and to impede the elect his possession Yet within a few dayes the King going in an expedition against some rebels in the countrey of Ross by the intercession of Noblemen it was agreed that Eadmerus should receive the Ring out of the Kings hand and the Crosier being laid upon the Altar he should take up the same and that way be invested into the Bishoprick In this sort was he entered to his charge the Clergy and people accepting him for their Bishop Mean while Thurstan the Archbishop of York who was then beyond sea ceased not to solicit King Henry of England by his letters to impede the consecration for which effect three several messages were sent to King Alexander Eadmerus upon the distast the King had taken of him was not much respected which he perceiving and withall considering that the King being his unfriend his service could not be very profitable to the Church and Kingdome resolved to go unto Canterbury and seek the advice of his brethren and friends in those parts This signified to the King he said that the Bishop had nothing to do with Canterbury nor so long as he lived should any Bishop of Scotland professe subjection to that See Which being reported to the Bishop he replied in passion That not for the Bishoprick nay not for all Scotland would he deny himself to be a Monk of Canterbury Falling thus more and more in the dislike of the King and jarres daily
encreasing he employed the Bishop of Glasgow to try the king his minde towards him who told him that he found the King greatly displeased with his courses and if he continued in the same minde he was not to expect his favour Hereupon Eadmerus resolving to depart delivered back the Ring which he had received from the King and laid down his Crosier upon the Altar with a protestation that he was forced thereunto and so went away The King did by his Letter purge himself to the Archbishop of Canterbury declaring that it was not his fault but wilfulness on Eadmerus his part which made him relinquish his charge But the Archbishop a man of courteous nature not willing further to enquire of the reasons of Eadmerus his departure passed over the businesse with a gentle answer to the King for that time I finde upon better advice that Eadmerus made offer to return and give the King satisfaction in all he required but herein he was prevented by a new election which the King had caused to be made 15. For how soon it was advertised that Eadmerus had a purpose to return the King for his own peace did think it most sure to have one of his Subjects preferred to the place and so recommending to the Chapter Robert Prior of Scone he with an uniform consent was chosen Bishop and stood elect two years for before King Alexander his death which happened in the year of our Lord 1114. he was not consecrated then he received the benediction at the hands of Thurstan Bishop of York with reservation of the priviledges of both Churches which if the King had lived would not have been permitted for he was a Prince that stood much upon his royalty and would not endure at any hand the least encroachment either upon his Kingdome or upon the Church The Abbeys of Scone and S. Columbe were founded by this King To the See of S. Andrews he was a great Benefactor and gave the lands called Cursus apri the Boars chace and was resolved to do more in that kinde if he had not been taken away by death But what may be thought lacking in him was abundantly supplied by his brother and successor King David whose beneficence that way exceeded all others for besides the repairing of these Monasteries which was either by age become ruinous or were defaced by injuries of warre he erected the Bishopricks of Rosse Brichen Dunkeld and Dumblane with the Abbeys of Iedburgh Kelsoe Melrose Newbottle Halirudhouse Kinlosse Combuskenneth Dundrennan and Holmecultram in Cumberland he founded likewise two religious Houses at Newcastle one for the Benedictins another for the white Monks and for professed Virgins two Monasteries one at Berwick and another at Carlile all which he provided with competent Revenues Some of our Writers have taxed this most worthy King for his immoderate profusion as they call it on these Monasteries and Holinshed saith that his unmeasurable liberality towards the Church made his Successors oppresse their Nobles at home lay impositions upon the people and doe many other things prejudiciall to the Commonwealth that they might have wherewith to maintain their royall estates But herein he erreth greatly for let an examination be taken of the behaviour of our Kings in the ages succeeding it will appear that their proceedings either with their own Subjects at home or with their Enemies abroad have been more justifiable then the doings of any of their Neighbours neither can it be shewed that any one of them did ever take those indirect courses which he mentioneth for penury or want But it is easie to speak ill and deprave the actions of the best Princes It is true that profusenesse in any person especially in a King is not to be allowed for that it bringeth a great mischief both to the King and Subjects but the bestowing of sixscore thousand Franks that is the highest estimate they make of his donations cannot be called an immoderate profusion He was certainly a most wise King and knew well his own work and could proportion his Gifts to his Revenues Neither was his liberality an hindrance to his Successors in the doing of the like pious works for Malcolm who succeeded did erect the Abbey of Couper in Angus Santray in Lothian and a religious house at Manwell for professed Virgins King William erected the Abbey of Aberbrothock and his Queen Emergarda the Abbey of Balmerinoch The like did the following Kings in their own times which shewed that he did not leave his Successors destitute of means to support their royall estate This further will I boldly affirm that if there be any profusion excusable in Princes it is this for besides that these foundations are the most lasting monuments to glorifie their memories they are the readiest helps which they shall finde to supply their necessities at all occasions Now whereas some have disapproved these donations because of the fruits that ensued meaning the abuses that crept in by the corruption of the persons who did afterwards enjoy them if this reason should hold the best of Gods creatures and the most pious institutions which ever were in the world should be all condemned for what is it that was ever put in the hands of men to use that hath not been corrupted and to cast the faults of men upon the things themselves is a great iniquity But this superfluous enriching of Monasteries whereof they speak came not by this mean The foundations at first were moderate and no way excessive but in after tâ—mes the Prelates growing sluggish and shaking off the care of preaching as a work not beseeming their dignity they to flatter the Predicans who had then all the way among the popular and to be recommended of them for charitable and devout Prelates gave away almost all their own Churches and impropriated them to Abbeys leaving a poor Priest to do service in the Parish and of this did spring a world of evils which since that time could never be remedied This I thought needfull to be said for vindicating the same of that good King who in all his actions both private and publick lived beyond all censure so as it is truly said of him That the most learned wits who have gone about to frame the character of a good King could never devise nor imagine such a one as he did expresse himself in the whole course of his life But to follow our purpose Bishop Robert living under this King and some six years after did carry himself in all the parts of his charge commendably he founded the Priory of S. Andrews and obtained to the City the liberties of a Burgh Royall placing therein one Mainard a Fleming to be Provost and departing this life in the year 1159. after he had sate Bishop 35. years was buried in the Church of S. Rewle the Cathedrall not being as yet built There flourished in this time two of our
upon his head said Ex tua pharetra nunquam venit ista sagitta meaning that he was set on to speak by some others of greater note So the Legate perceiving that the businesse would not work and that the opposition was like to grow greater he brake up the Assembly After which the Prelates returning home were universally welcomed but above the rest the Chanon Gilbert was in the mouthes of all men and judged worthy of a good preferment and soon after was promoved to the Bishoprâ—ck of Cathenes and made Chancellor of the Kingdome The year following one Vibianus a Cardinal titulo sancti Stephani in monte Caelio came into Scotland in shew to reform abuses and do some good to the Church but in effect to extort moneys from Churchmen For at this time it was grown to be an ordinary trick of the Popes when they stood in need of moneys to send forth their Legates unto all Countreys sometimes under a colour of reforming abuses sometimes for the recovering of the Holy land and sometimes upon other pretexts This Cardinall having stayed a while in Scotland took his journey into Ireland and in his return would needs make a new visit of this Church for which effect he convened the Clergy at Edinburgh in the moneth of August and established divers Canons which the Clergy esteeming prejudiciall to their liberties did incontinent after he was gone revoke and disannull but what these Canons were our Writers do not remember 18. It was a fatall year this to many of our Churchmen both Bishops and Abbots amongst others Richard Bishop of S. Andrews deceasing King William recommended Hugo one of his Chaplains whom he much favoured to the Convent But they taking another course made choice of the Archdeacon Iohn Scot who was an English born The King displeased therewith did swear by the Arm of S. Iamesâ—this â—this was his ordinary oath that so long as he lived Scot should never enjoy that place So he sent a Command unto the Chanons to make a new election appointing Ioceline Bishop of Glasgow their assistant and thus was Hugo his Chaplain elected The Archdeacon appealed to Rome and going thither complained of the wrong done to the Church entreating the Pope for redresse Hereupon Alexius Subdean of the Romane See was dispatched to try and examine the cause At first the King made difficulty to admit him but afterwards yeelding the two elections being tried by the Legate sentence was given for the first and Iocelin Bishop of Glasgow with the rest of the Clergy that assisted the second excommunicated This done the Legate called an Assembly of the Bishops Abbots and whole Clergy at Haliroudhouse and made Matthew Bishop of Aberdene publickly to consecrate the Archdeacon upon Trinity Sunday 1178. He not the lesse fearing the Kings displeasure left the Realm and went to Rome where he was honourably entertained by Pope Lucius the third who sent Letters to the King and admonished him not to usurp upon the Church and to remit the Bishop who was lawfully elected and consecrated to enjoy his place with quietnesse This Letter the Story saith was conceived in milde terms for the Pope feared to incense the King lest he should follow the ensample of his Cousin Henry King of England that some 8. years before had made away Thomas Becket Bishop of Canterbury for his obstinate and wilfull opposition in some matters not unlike yet the King nothing moved with the Letter to make his displeasure the better known did confiscate all the revenues pertaining to the See of S. Andrews and banished those whom he understood to favour the Bishops cause The Pope advertised hereof resolved to put the Realm under Interdiction But the Bishop prostrating himself at his feet besought him not to use any such rigour saying That he would much rather renounce his dignity then have so many Christian souls for ought that concerned him defrauded of spirituall benefits The Pope highly commending the goodnesse and patience of the Bishop held him from that time forth in more regard and at his request forbare the Interdiction Mean while it happened that VValter Bishop of Dunkeld departed this life whereupon the King taking occasion sent to recall the Bishop with offers of great kindenesse protesting that if it had not been for the oath he rashly made he would willingly have contented to his enjoying of the See of S. Andrews But seeing it did touch him in Honour and Conscience as he esteemed to be yeelding thereto he requested the Bishop to accept the Benefice of Dunkeld which was then fallen void and was in value not much inferiour to the other This the Bishop communicated to the Pope who desired to have the matter quieted advised him to return and accept the offer Thus was the Archdeacon by the Popes consent preferred to Dunkeld having the rents of the Archdeaconry reserved to him during his life in recompence of his losses Hugo this way coming to be possessed Andrews took journey to Rome that he might be reconciled to the Pope and being absolved for his intrusion in his return died some six miles from the City of Rome the 6. of August 1188. ten years and ten moneths after his election At this time newes was brought from the East of the prevailing of Sultan Saladine of Egypt against the Christians in the Holy land which moved Philip the second of France and Henry King of England to undertake the recovery of the Holy land and to employ all their credit and means as well in their own countreys as with other Christian Princes their neighbours for the furtherance of that enterprise To befray the charges of the voyage both Kings by consent of their Clergy and Nobles ordained that all their subjects both Clergy and Laity such excepted as went in the voyage should pay the tenth of all their moveables either in gold or silver King Henry having laid this imposition upon his subjects at home sent Hugh Pusar then Bishop of Duresme with other Commissioners to collect the tenths of the Clergy and Laity in this kingdom which the King and States interpreting to be an encroachment upon their liberties would not permit yet for advancing that holy action they did offer a supply of 5000. Marks sterling which King Henry refused but the enterprise upon a quarel that arose betwixt the Kings of France and England was at that time dashed and so the collection was no further urged King Henry a little after this ended his life and Richard his son who succeeded resolving to pursue the action of the holy Warre to assure the King of Scotland who he feared would take some advantage in his absence restored all the Castles which were delivered to King Henry his Father and released him and his posterity of all Covenants made and confirmed by Charter unto King Henry as extorted from him being then his prisoner reserving only such
rights to himself as had been and were to be performed by Malcolme his brother to his Ancestors Kings of England King William to requite his kindnesse gave unto Richard ten thousand Marks sterling and caused his brother David to whom he resigned the Earldom of Huntington go in company with him There went under his charge 500. Gentlemen who were all in their return cast away by a tempest at sea only the Earl himself having his ship driven upon the coast of Egypt was taken prisoner and led to Alexandria where being redeemed by some Venetians he was brought to Constantinople and freed by an English Merchant in the City that had known him in former times From thence he returned safe unto his countrey the fourth year after his setting forth to the great joy and contentment of the King his brother who took him to be lost The part where he arrived being as Boethius writeth before that time called Alectum had the name changed and upon that occasion was called Dei donum But the opinion of Buchannan is more probable that the Town now called Dundy is a compound word of Down and Tay. As ever this was the Town there situated received many priviledges of King William at that time for his brothers happy arrival which to this day they enjoy Likewise in memory thereof was the Abbey of Lundors founded for the Benedictine Monks and divers lands gifted thereto by the King and the Earl his brother The King of England after many distresses being returned home King William to congratulate his safety went into England where he contracted a great sickness the rumour whereof being dispersed and his death much suspected gave occasion of divers insolencies at home amongst others Herald Earl of Orkney and Cathnes upon a malice conceived against the Bishop of that countrey who as he alledged had impeded the grant of some thing he demanded of the King took him prisoner put out his eyes and cut forth his tongue This inhumanity the King at his return punished most severely for the Earl being apprehended and brought to his trial had his eyes in like sort pulled out and was thereafter publickly strangled by the hands of the hangman all his male children being gelded to extinguish his succession His kinsmen and others accounted accessors to the fact for not rescuing the Bishop were fined in great summes of money This exemplary justice reported to Pope Innocent the third he sent unto the King by his Legate Ioannes Cardinalis de monte Celio a sword richly set with precious stones a purple hat in from of a diadem and a large Bull of priviledges whereby the Church of Scotland was exempted from all Ecclesiastical censures the Pope himself and his Legate à latere only excepted It was also declared That it should not be lawful to any to excommunicate the King and his successors or yet to interdict the kingdom but the Pope or his Legate and that no stranger should exercise any legation within the Realm except a Cardinal or such a one as the Conclave did appoint This Bull is yet extant and beginneth thus Innocentius Episcopus servus servorum Dei charissimo filio Gulielmo illustri Scotorum Regi eâ—usque successoribus This Cardinal before his departing forth of the Realm kept a Convocation of the Clergy at Perth in which all the Priests were deposed who were found to have taken Orders upon Sunday The Abbot of Dunfermlin called Robert was removed from his place the cause whereof is not mentioned and one Patrick Superiour of Durâ—sme appointed Abbot in his stead In this convention also it was decreed That every Saturday from twelve of the clock should be kept as holy day and that all people at the sound of the Bell should addresse themselves to hear service and abstain from all handy work until Munday morning After this meeting he took journey into Ireland taking with him Radolph Abbot of Melrosse a man of good respect whom he preferred to the Bishoprick of Down which at his coming thither happened to fall void Bishop Hugo dying Roger son to the Earl of Leicester succeeded he had been Chancellour to the King and at his election to the Bishoprick resigned the office to one of the King his Chaplaines For in those dayes the office of a Chancellor was not in that reputation to which afterwards it grew in some old Records I find at one time two officers in that kinde the one called Cancellarius Regis the other Cancellarius regni but which of the two was in greatest dignity I know not nor in what their charge did differ only my conjecture is that he who is now the writer of the Great Seal and is called The director to the Chancellary was then styled Cancellarius Regis But remitting this to others of greater skill Ten years this Roger stood elect and was not consecrated before the year of God 1198. at which time Richard Bishop of Murray performed the ceremony the reason of the delay is not mentioned by writers four years only he lived after his consecration and died at Combuskenneth the ninth of Iuly 1202. his corps with great solemnity convoyed to Saint Andrews was interred in the old Church of Saint Rewle 20. William Malvoisin Bishop of Glasgow a Frenchman born was after the death of Roger by the Kings recommendation translated to S. Andrews a man of singular wisdome and courage he lived a long time for he sate Bishop after his translation 35. years and governed the Church most happily The rents alienated by his predecessors or lost by their negligence he recovered to his See advanced the fabrick of the Church which was then a building more then any that went before him and suffered no man of what quality soever he was to usurp upon the Church or possessions of it Some years after his translation King William died at Striveling to the great regret of all men especially those of the Clergy to whom he had been very beneficial for besides the Abbey of Aberbrothock which he founded to the memory of Thomas Becket then generally held to be a Martyr and Saint he gave divers lands to the See of Argyle which had been in his time erected and to the Monasteries of Newbottle Halyrudhouse and Dunfermlin many richgifts as likewise for the Trinity Monks of Aberdene an Order lately invented and then confirmed by Innocentius the third he made a competent provision Never were the funerals of any of our Kings performed with greater solemnity All the Prelates and Nobles of the kingdome attending the corps from Striveling to Aberbrothock where he had appointed his body to be buried There they continued 14. dayes spending that time in the devotions accustomed and before their parting by a common consent ordained that for a year thereafter no publick playes nor feasts should be made in any part of the kingdom such
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
force and credit of the spiritual Ministery and were upheld by the Popes whose designes they studied especially to advance The King who looked no further then the devout profession they made gave them all a kinde reception and to the Monks Vallis umbrosae he erected a Monastery in Pluscardy within the countrey of Murray In the countrey of Rosse the Lord Bisset founded Beawly for Monks of the same order And one Maccolloch a man of great wealth did found the Priory of Archatton in Lorne About the same time did Ada or Adhama Grandmother to the King found the Abbey of Haddington for consecrated Virgins The like was erected at Northberwick by Malcolm Earle of Fife who also founded the Abbey of Culrosse for the Cistercian Monks Dornagilla the daughter of Allan Lord of Galloway erected for the same order a Monastery at New Abbey and by a rare example Gilbert Earl of Strathern having divided his inhereitance in three parts gave one third thereof to the See of Dumblane and another to the Abbey of Inchaffray reserving to himself and his heires a third onely of the whole Shortly after in the year 1327. died William Malvoisin at Inchmurtach and as he himself had directed was buried in the new Church of S. Andrewes 21. Galfrid Bishop of Dunkeld being earnestly desired both of the Clergy and Laity the King would not permit his translation so David Benham Chamberlain to the King was elected and on S. Vincents day in the year 1238. consecrated by William Bishop of Glasgow Gilbert Bishop of Cathnes and Clement Bishop of Dumblane This Bishop kept a severe hand over the Clergy especially the Monks and others that lived in religious Orders and calling an assembly by the Kings consent at Perth in the 1242. where the King himself with divers of the Nobility did assist made many good Constitutions as well for reformation of abuses as for securing of Clergy men in their possessions and rights In his time fell out great troubles betwixt the Emperour Frederick the second and Pope Gregory the ninth for which a generall Councell was called by the said Gregory at Rome and thither were summoned all the Bishops of Christendome The pretext was the relief of the Holy land which at that time was in great distresse but Frederick apprehending the intention to be against himself resolved to hinder the meeting of the Councell and having belayed the ways made the Bishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow prisoners as they travelled through Germany Upon their promise to return home they were afterwards set at liberty not the lesse they sent their procurations thither by some religious persons who took another way but the Councell held not because of the Popes death that intervened Some few years after this King Alexander deceased at Carnire in the West Isles and as he had appointed was interred in the Abbey Church of Melrosse with an Inscription according to the rudenesse of the time yet such as shewed how greatly he was beloved of his Subjects Ecclesiae clypeus pax plebis dux miserorum Rex rectus rigidus sapiens consultus honestus Rex pius Rex fortis Rex optimus Rex opulentus Nominis istius ipse secundus erat Annis ter denis quinis Rex fuit ipse Insula quae Carneri dicitur hunc rapuit Spiritus alta petit Celestibus associatus Sed Melrossensis ossa sepulta tenet His son Alexander the third by Maria the daughter of Sir Ingram de Consey for his first wife died without children succeded and was crowned of eight years old at the age of ten years he was married to Margaret the daughter of Henry the third of England The marriage being solemnized at York and the Bishop of Saint Andrews sent thither with others of the Nobility to see all things duly performed fell there in a Feaver and departed this life on the first of May 1251. his Corps brought from thence was buried in the Abbey Church of Kelsoe some thirteen years and three moneths after his Consecration 22. The Prior and Chanons convening to elect a new Bishop did all give their voices to Robert Sutevile Dean of Dunkeld a man of great virtue and learning but this election took no effect Abel Archdean of S. Andrews by the favour of some that ruled the Court having procured an inhibition to the Bishop to proceed in the Consecration with a Mandate to the Chanons to make a new election The Chapter refusing made their appeal to Rome and Abell posting thither by the bribes he bestowed in that Court got himself preferred and was Consecrated by Pope Innocentius the fourth At his return to be revenged of the Prior and Chanons he behaved himself well insolently calling them in question for every light occasion and censuring them with great rigour whereupon he became extremely hated They write of him that in a vain-glorious humour as he was walking in his Church one day he did with a little Chalk draw this line upon the gate of the Church Haec mihi sunt tria Lex Canon Philosophia Bragging of his knowledge and skill in those professions and that going to Church the next day he found another line drawn beneath the former which said Te levant absque tria fraus favor vanasophia This did so gall him as taking bed he died within a few days having sate Bishop ten moneths and two days only 23. After Abels death Gamelinus was elected to govern the See and by a warrant from Rome was consecrated on S. Stephens day in the year 1255. Two years he stood elect his consecration being stayed by the Rulers of the Court who had sent also to Rome for cassing his election A time this was such as usually falleth out in the minority of Princes full of choppings and changes Under the last King the Cummings had ruled all publick business for they were of great power the Earls of Monteth Bughaâ— Athol and Marre being all of that name besides thirty two Barons and Knights Robert Abbot of Dunfermlin Chancellor of the Kingdome for the time enclining to their course had legitimated a base sister of the Kings who was married to one Allan Dooroward and for the same was put from his place Gamelinus being preferred thereto but he enjoyed the same a short space for upon some discontents he was likewise thrust out and Richard Bishop of Dunkeld made Chancellor This made the Court to oppose Gamelinus his election not the lesse he prevailed by his gifts at Rome and procured a warrant to VVilliam Bishop of Glasgow to proceed to his Consecration The Court highly displeased at this there fell out another occasion which did greatly incense them against him a Knight called Sir Iohn Dinmure for some oppressions committed upon the Prior of S. Andrews was excommunicated he complaining to the King obtained by Moyen a command to Gamelinus to absolve him who simply refused unless
money and not out of any purpose those Fathers had to redresse abuses The same year was one Bagimund a Legate directed hither who calling before him all the Beneficed persons within the kingdom caused them upon their oath give up the worth and value of their Benefices according to which they were taxed The table commonly called Bagiments rolls served for the present collection and was a rule in after times for the prizes taken of those that came to sue for Benefices in the Court of Rome Wishart not long after his return from this Councel being employed by the King and State in a Commission of the Borders sickned at Marbotle in Teriotdale and there died He is commended to have been a man careful in his charge and a great lover of peace then which there is no vertue more required in a Churchman he continued Bishop 5. years and 8. monthes only his corps was honourably conveyed from Marbotle and interred in his own Church nigh to the high Altar in the year 1279. There lived in the kingdome at this time Michael Scot and Thomas Lermouth men greatly admired the first for his rarest skill in the secrets of nature the other for his predictions and foretelling of things to come Picus Mirandula and Cornelius Agrippa do make honourable mention of Michael Scot in their writings and accompt him to have been a subtile Philosopher and most expert in the Mathematick sciences The prophecies yet extant in the Scottish Rymes of the other whereupon he was commonly called Thomas the Rymer may justly be admired having foretold so many ages before the union of the kingdomes of England and Scotland in the ninth degree of the Bruces blood with the succession of Bruce himselfe to the Crown being yet a childe and other divers particulars which the event hath ratified and made good Boeth in his story relateth his prediction of King Alexanders death and that he did foretell the same to the Earl of March the day before it fell out saying That before the next day at noon such a tempest should blow as Scotland had not felt many years before The next morning the day being clear and no change appearing in the aire the Nobleman did challenge Thomas of his saying calling him an Impostor he replied that noon was not yet passed About which time a Post came to advertise the Earl of the King his sudden death Then said Thomas This is the tempest I foretold and so it shall prove to Scotland Whence or how he had this knowledge can hardly be affirmed but sure it is that he did divine and answer truly of many things to come 25. William Fraser Chancellour of the kingdom was after Wishart elected Bishop and going to Rome was consecrated by Pope Nicolaus the third in the year 1280. The office of Chancery upon his resignation was given by the King to Mâ— Iohn Pebles Archdeacon of S. Andrewes At his return from Rome a pestilential feaver never before known in this kingdome brake up to the destruction of an infinite number of people This visitation was scarce ceased when all the Kings children were taken away one after another first David his yongest son died then Alexander the Prince who had married a daughter of the Earl of Flanders after him Margret Queen of Norway who left behinde her one onely daughter and last the King himself who had taken to wife after the death of his Queen Iolet a daughter to the Count of Dreux in hope to restore his issue was most unfortunately killed by the fall of his horse a little space from the town of Kingorne So many deaths falling out together in the Royal family did presage great calamities to ensue The onely hope that remained was in the Norvegian maid for whom Sir David Wemis and Sir Michael Scot two Knights of Fife were directed by the Estates The administration of affaires was in the mean time committed to William Fraser Bishop of S. Andrewes Duncan Earl of Fife and Iohn Coming Earl of Bughan for the countries on the North side of Forth and to Robert Bishop of Glasgow Iohn Lord Comin and Iohn Lord Stewart for the South parts but it was not long before that these Gentlemen that were sent to Norway returned bringing word that the maid of Norway was likewise departed this life At which newes it cannot be told whether the fears or sorrowes of the subjects were greater for as their sorrow for the losse of so worthy a King was great so their fear was no lesse because of the uncertainty of the succession for so many Competitors six they were in number claiming the inheritance of the Crown and all of them men of power and friendship they could not but divide the Realme and so beget a civil warre yet they who were trusted during the interreigne did by their mediation work them to a compromise and to remit the decision of the controversie to King Edward the first of England a Prince of long experience and much respected in that time To this purpose the Bishop of Brichen with the Abbot of Iedbrugh and Galfred Mowbray a Gentleman were sent to King Edward who finding him at Xantoign in France did expone to him the inconveniences that were feared to fall out in the kingdome and the course they had taken to prevent the same intreating his help for quieting the State King Edward glad to have an hand in the making of a King in Scotland dimitted them with many loving words assigning a Diet to the Competitors at Norham upon Tweed which he promised to keep The day come and the Competitors all present with the Prelates and other Nobles the King by a long and premeditated speech declared That albeit he might justly claim the superiority of the kingdome of Scotland as belonging to him by right yet as a friend and arbiter elected by themselves he would labour to compose the present controversie in the best sort he could for the right said he howsoever there be divers pretenders belongeth to one onely and for my self I determine to wrong no man but to do that whâ—ch is just assuring my self you will all acquiesce and take him for King who shall be pronounced so to be This said Robert Bishop of Glasgow arose and gave the King most hearty thanks in name of the rest for the good affection he bare to their countrey and the paines he had taken to come and remove their debates shewing that out of a perswasion they all had of his wisdome and equity they were well pleased to submit to him as sole Arbiter the judgement and decision of that weighty affaire But where it had pleased him to speak of a right of superiority over the kingdome it was sufficiently known that Scotland from the first foundation of the State had been a free and independent kingdome and not subject to any other power whatsoever That their ancestors
who then ruled that See moved with their prayers sent immediately to Edward and desired him forbear any further proceeding against the Scots alledging with a strange impudence the Soveraignty of Scotland to belong unto the Church The Commissioners nothing pleased with the Popes claim did notwithstanding forbear to take notice of it lest they should make him also their enemy To the same purpose did the Pope write letters to Robert Winchelsey then Archbishop of Canterbury willing him to deal with the King for setling the Bishops of Glasgow and Isles at liberty and the submitting of all controversies between him and the Scots to the judgement of the Apostolick See Kings Edwards answer to the Popes letter was That from all antiquity the direct and superiour dominion of Scotland did appertain to the Kingdome of England even from Brutus unto his own time That it was never yet heard that the Kingdome of Scotland belonged to the Church nor did he think the Scots would confesse so much And that if he should yield to his desire he would unquiet his own Kingdome and draw upon himself the hatred of his subjects which he knew his Holiness would not wish Therefore prayed him to hold him excused and to be perswaded of his affection to the See Apostolick He moved likewise his Nobility who were then met in Parliament at Linclne to write to the Pope to the same effect Albeit somewhat more roundly they told him That the King their Lord ought not to undergoe his judgement in matters of that kinde neither send his Procurators about that business as he had been required seeing that was to call in doubt their Kings title to the prejudice of his Crown the royal dignity the liberties customes and laws of England which by their oath they were bound to observe and would defend with their lives Nor would they permit the King although he would in any way to attempt the same Wherefore they besought his Holiliness to meddle no more in that matter The Pope having his hands full otherwise at the time did upon this dimit the Scottish Commissioners who had made a long stay at Rome with great promises of favour when he should see it to be convenient The supplication directed to the Pope is by some of our Writers said to be sent after King Edwards second expedition into Scotland but I rather think it was at the first Whilest these things were a doing William VVallace a Gentleman well descened but of no great estate began to shew himselfe and gathering out of a desire to free his countrey from the subjection of England a company of such as would adventure with him effected things beyond all expectation for he slew Sir Hugh Cressingham who was left Governour of the Realme recovered most of the strengths and Castles wonne again the Town of Berwick expulsed the English Clergy that had planted themselves in the kingdome and if he had not been hindered by his own countreymen had made his victory absolute King Edward being all that time in Flanders and informed at his return to England of the distractions amongst the Scots themselves fell of new upon them and after a sore defeat given them at Falkirk called a Parlament at S. Andrewes where all the Earls and Barons did again swear obedience unto him not one of any note VVallace excepted standing out in the whole kingdome And now did the State seem to be wholly ruined for Edward intending to make sure his conquest led away captive all that had the least ability to stirre and to extinguish if it had been possible the very memory of the Nation he abolished all the ancient Lawes of Scotland traduced the Ecclesiastical râ—ites to the form of England destroyed the antique monuments erected either by the Romanes or by their own progentitors burnt all the Registers with that famous Library of Restennoth wherein besides many other volumes were reserved the books which King Fergus the second brought with him from Rome removed the Marble Chaire in which as the vulgar believed the fate of the kingdome did consist and to be short left nothing which might incite generous spirits to remember their former fortunes or encourage them in any sort to vertue and worthinesse The Bishop of S. Andrewes who then remained at Artevile in France upon the report of this pitiful vastation did contract such a melancholy as within a few dayes he died his body was interred at the Predicants Church at Paris and his heart brought into Scotland and entombed by Lamberton his successour in the wall of the Church of S. Andrewes nigh to the sepulcher of Gamelinus He was a man careful of the Church and sought by all means to better the estate thereof At his first admission to the See he purchased the Priory of May from the Abbot of Reading in England which he gave afterwards to the Prior and Chanons and had he falled in peaceable times would have performed many good works 26. William Lamberton Parson of Campsey and Chancellour of the Church of Glasgow was then preferred to the place This man after the Bishop of Glasgow was sent prisoner to London made his own peace with King Edward and sware fealty unto him which was the thing that wrought his advancement yet the Culdees who claimed a chief voice in the election of the Bishop withstood him mightily at the first Before the Abbey was founded the Culdees were the onely electors of the Bishop afterwards being excluded by a Bull of Pope Innocent the second the election was committed to the Prior and Chanons whereupon arose a great controversie amongst them which by the authority of good King David was agreed in these times that so many of the Culdees as would become Chanons and enter in the Monastery should have voice with them But to elude this appointment a Mandat was procured from the Pope to admit none in the Convent without the advice of the Prior and most part of the Chanons by which means the Culdees were kept out and deprived quite of all voice in the election William Comin their Provost supposing to get some advantage of the Prior in these troublesome times did strongly oppose Lambertons election and the matter by an appeal drawn to the Consistory of Rome they both went thither to debate their rights in end Lamberton prevailed and was consecrated by Pope Boniface in Iune 1298. This turned so to the disgrace of the Culdees as after this time we hear no more of them the name and Order being by little and little quite extinguished About the same time were the Templars otherwise called the Red-friers made away an Order instituted by Baldwinâ— King of Ierusalem some 200. years before for the defence of that city and the safe conveying of all such as travelled thither by the pious liberality of Princes and others well affected they were in a short time greatly enriched and for their wealth
sore envied Some report that degenerating from their first institution they became execrably vicious But Bocatius Villanus Antonius Naâ—clerus Aventinus and other Authorus do all purge them of the crimes laid to their charge The rumour in that time went that Philip King of France to get one of his sons made King of Ierusalem and possessed with their revenues did labour to have them and the Order condemned But others say that the Pope this was Clement the fifth was mightily offended with them for inveighing against the corruptions of his Court and sinfulnesse of the Clergy which they maintained to be the only cause of all the miseries of Christendome especially of the Holy land But howsoever their destruction was wrought all Authours testifie that notwithstanding the cruel torments which divers of that profession were put unto none of the crimes laid to their charge could ever be made out against them Paulus Emilius in his history writeth that Iames Burgond the Principal of that Order being brought forth to die and whilest the fire was kindling before him having his life offered if he would quickly declare that what he had deponed in the time of his imprisonment both of himself and of his whole Order was true did utter these words In these my last actions it being unpardonable impiety to lie I freely and frankly confess that I committed a great offence both against my self and my Order and that therein I have deserved a most tormenting punishment because in favour of them for whom I should not and allured with the sweetness of life I have in my tortures slanderously imposed many impieties and detractions upon the Order which hath ever deserved well of the Christian world I have no need of life obtained by intreaty much less retained by lying and defamation This said and he being set to the pile and fire kindled about the neather parts of his feet to wring out from him a confession even when the flames began to waste and fire his entrails he never swarved from the constancy of his former speech or shewed the least change and alteration of minde With him two other of the same Order did suffer one of them being of a great family and brother to the Daulphin of Vienna who shewed the like constancie There be other Authours of no small esteem saith Plessis who report That two Cardinals being present at their execution the great Master did summon Pope Clement before the Tribunal of God to answer for the wrongous judgement and sentence given against them and that the Pope died the same day to which he was cited being the 40. day after their execution Partly by these testimonies and partly by the clause insert in the condemnatory Bull of Pope Clement in which it was said Quanquam de jure non possumus tamen pro plenitudine potestatis dictum ordinem reprobamus Albeit by way of right we cannot yet of the fulnesse of our power we reprobate and condemn the said Order by this I say it would appear that they were rigorously used But howsoever all the Kings of Christendome as combining together caused them at one instant to be apprehended within their dominions and put from their estates which afterwards were given to the Hospitalers and Knights of S. Iohn But to return to Lamberton he stood not long in King Edwards favour being suspected for the entertainment he gave to Iames Douglas the son of Willam Douglas who died in Prison at Berwick This Gentleman at the time of his fathers death was in Paris following his studies and being advertised that his father was dead and his estate given away to strangers returned home where finding no means to maintain himself he took his recourse to the Bishop who pitying the Gentlemans estate did accept him amongst his followers and in the next expedition which King Edward made into Scotland taking the Gentleman with him to Striveling did present him to the King intreating that he might have his lands restored and be admitted into his service King Edward answered That he could not look for good service of him whose father had proved such an enemy and that the lands were disponed to others that had merited better So the Gentleman despairing to finde any favour with the King did await still upon the Bishop Afterwards hearing that Robert Bruce had taken the field he stole away secretly taking with him the Bishops horses and moneys and went to assist Bruce King Edward apprehending this to be done with the Bishops knowledge did commit him to Prison where he remained till the death of King Edward which happened in the year 1307. King Robert Bruce was in this time crowned King and by the troubles which Edward the second found in the beginning of his Reign got leisure to settle himself in the Kingdome so as when King Edward returned which was not till seven years after his fathers death to take possession of the Countrey and came with a world of people they are reckoned to be no fewer then two hundreth thousand they were encountred by King Robert at the River of Bannockburn and wholly defeated This victory did so much discourage the English as after a long surcease of warre when some eight years after they attempted to repair themselves they were forced with much dishonour to return and become suiters to the Pope to intercede for peace To this effect a Legate was sent into Scotland who had audience given him at Aberbrothock his Proposition was That the Scots should desist from troubling England till the Pope should hear the questions that were amongst them and be enformed of the right which King Edward had to the Crown of Scotland King Robert answered That the Pope could not be ignorant of the estate of that businesse the same having been often exponed by the Commissioners of Scotland to divers of his predecessours in the hearing of many Cardinals then alive who could relate the insolent answers which Pope Boniface received when he desired the English to forbear their cruell oppression of the Scots And now saith he when it hath pleased God to give us the better by some Victories and that we have not onely recovered our own but are in a possibility to make them live as good neighbours they have recourse to such Treaties seeking onely to gain time that when they have setled their affairs they may fall again upon us with the greater force but in this his Holinesse must excuse me for I will not be so unwise as to let the advantage I have slip out of my hands The Legate not satisfied with this Answer and interpreting it as a disobedience to the Apostolick See did put the Kingdome under Interdiction and so departed But the King to shew how little he esteemed these proceedings followed the Legate at the heels and entering into England wasted all the adjacent Countries with fire and sword At his return
from that expedition an Ambassage was sent to Rome for reconciling the Kingdome and a Letter subscribed by the Nobility and Barons to the Pope the Copy whereof I have thought good to insert Sanctissimo in Christo Patri domino Iohani c. filii sui humiles devoti Duncamus Comes de Fife Thomas Ranulphus Comes Moraviae dominus Manviae dominus Wallis Annandiae Patricius Dumbar Comes Marchiae Malisius Comes Strathern Malcolm us Comes de Lennox Gulielmus Comes de Rosse Magnus Comes Cathannon Orcaden Gulielmus Comes Sutherlandiae Walterus Senescallus Scotiae Gulielmus de Souls Buttelarius Scotiae Iacobus de Douglas David de Brichen David Grahame Ingelramus Umphravile Iohannes Monteith Custos Comitatus ejusdem Alexander Fraser Gilbertus de Haya Constabularius Scotiae Robertus Marescallus Scotiae Henricus de Santo Claro Panitarius Scotiae Iohannes Grahame David Lindsay Patritius Grahame Iohannes de Fenton Gulielmus de Abernethy David de Weymis Gulielmus de Montefixo Fergusius de Androssen Eustathius Maxwell Gulielmus Ramsey Alanus de Moravia Donaldus Champell Iohannes Cameron Reginaldus Loquhoir Alexander Seaton Andreas Leslie Alexander de Straton caeterÃque Barones liberè tenentes tota communitas Regni Scotiae c. Thereafter they said That Scotland being an ancient Kingdome governed by a continued succession of 97. Kings and amongst the first that embraced the faith of Christ living under the patronage of S. Andrew the brother of S. Peter and graced with many privileges by the Popes his predecessors had always been free from usurpation of any stranger before that Edward the father of him that now reigneth in England did in the time of the interreign when the question was of a successour labour by violence to establish the Kingdome to himself since which time they have endured many injuries having their Churches spoiled their Monasteries burnt and their Countrey intolerably oppressed till of late it hath pleased God to stirre up King Robert Bruce who as another Iosua or Iudas Maccabeus had redeemed them by his valour with whom they resolved in defence of their Countrey to spend their lives And if he should forsake them which they knew he would not do so long as they wâ—ere any of them in life England should never bring them in subjection Wherefore they besought his Holinesse to make the English content themselves with the spacious bounds they possessed in which there reigned sometimes seven Kings and suffer the Scots quietly to enjoy that little piece of ground which their progenitors had long defended and left free unto them In end they entreated To be received again into his grace and favour promising all dutifull obedience to him and to the See Apostolick This was the tenor of the Letter which the Pope favourably accepted and thereupon gave order that the â—nglish and Scots should both be warned to a certain Diet for debating their rigâ—â—s The Diet come and the English not appearing the Pope after he had examined the case and perused the rescripts of divers his predecessours released the Interdiction which his Legate had published and declared the Scots to be reconciled to the Church The great discontents which were then amongst the English for the government of affairs under Edward the third who was then made King upon his Fathers resignation brought them to sue for peace which after a short Treaty was concluded and the Peace confirmed by a Match betwixt David Prince of Scotland and Iane sister to King Edward The Conditions of the Peace were these That King Edward should surrender by Charter his Title of Soveraignty of the Kingdom of Scotland Restore whatsoever Acts Deeds and Instruments he had of Homage and Fealty done by the Kings of Scotland or their Nobility to any of his antecessors especially those which Edward the first his Grandfather had by force extorted and leave the Kingdome of Scotland as free as it was at the death of King Alexander the third That the Scots should quit and renounce all the lands they held in England and Stanmore be taken for the March both in Cumberland and in Northumberland That no Englishman should enjoy lands in Scotland unlesse he dwelt in the Countrey And that in satisfaction of the lands possessed by some of them who would not remain in Scotland the King of Scots should pay 30000. Marks Peace thus made and the mariage with great solemnity performed though the Prince was then but seven years old King Robert waxing sickly lived private in a sort untill his death which happened some two years after He was a King of incomparable wisdome and valour whose worth and vertue no pen can expresse Whilest this Peace was treating Lamberton departed this life having continued Bishop thirty years a Prelate wise active and a great Benefactor to the Abbey wherein for the most part he kept his residence The buildings whereof now we onely behold the ruines were erected upon his charges It is reported that being asked by one of his servants on a night Why he did lay out so great summes for the Monastery and forget to build for himself he answered That ere he died he hoped to build more then his successors should well maintain Which he indeed performed for besides the repairing of his Palace in S. Andrews he built at Monymaill Torrey Dersey Inchmortach Mufchart Ketins Lincon Monymusk and Stow in Twaddale houses of good receipt for himself and his successors He finished the Cathedrall Church which had been many years a building and dedicated the same with great solemnity in the year 1318. He adorned the Chapter house with curious seats and ceeling furnished the Chanons with pretious vestments for the daily service stored their Library with Books and at the Dedication of the Church procured of the King who honoured the same with his presence a yearly rent of 100. Marks to be paid to the Abbey forth of the Exchequer which annuity was afterward redeemed by the donation of the Church of Fordon in Mernis he himself the same very day gave unto the Prior and Convent the Churches of Dersey Abercromby as the donations yet extant do testifie and dying at the last in the Priors Chamber within the Monastery was buried in the new Church on the north side of the high Altar in the year 1328. The famous Doctor Ioannes Duns alià s Scotus lived in his time he was born in the Town of Duns in the Countrey of Mers and being yet a childe after some taste he had got of the Latine Tongue by the perswasion of two Minorite Friers went to Oxford studying Logick in Merton College then applying himself to Scholastick Divinity grew to such a perfection therein as he was called The subtile Doctor and was followed of a number who after his name are called to this day Scotistae After he had professed a while at Oxford he was called to reade Divinity in the
University of Paris and from thence went to Colein where he died of the Apoplexy They write that after he was laid in grave his spirits did return and that striving to get forth he was there smothered whereupon an Italian did write this Epigram Quaecunque humani fuerant jurÃsque sacrati In dubium veniunt cunct a vocante Scoto Quid quòd in dubium illius sit vita vocata Morte illum simili ludificante strophâ Quum non antè virum vitâ jugulârit ademptâ Quà m vivus tumulo conditus ille foret The English Writers contend that this Scotus was born in England in Dunstane Village within the Parish of Emilden in the Country of Northumberland and confirm it by the Manuscripts reserved in the Library of Merton College in one whereof are written these words Explicit lectura subtilis Doctor is in Universitate Oxoniensi super libros Sententiarum Doctor is Joannis Duns nati in Villa de Emilden vocata Dunstan contract a Duns in Comitatu Northumbriae pertinens ad domum scolasticorum de Merton Hall in Oxonio quondam dict ae a domus socii Thus ends the Lecture of the subtile Doctor in the University of Oxford upon the book of sentences Doctor Iohn Duns born in a Village of Emilden callen Dunstan or by abbreviation Duns in the County of Northumberland pertaining to the house of Scholars of Merton Hall in Oxford and sometimes one of the Fellows of the said House But this is no sufficient proof for it may be probably supposed that he living at Oxford in England when the warres were so hot betwixt the two Kingdomes did dissemble his Countrey and pretend himself to be an English born to eschew the hatred of the Students In Colein where he might without danger shew of what Countrey he was he did professe himself a Scot and the Minorites of which Order he was did therefore upon his Tomb erected in their Church at the end of the Quire nigh unto the high Altar set this Inscription which is there yet to be seen Scotia me genuit Anglia suscepit Gallia edocuit Germania tenet What a fine subtile wit he had the Monuments left by him to posterity do witness He died young in the year 1308. 27. The Chapter after Lambertons death meeting for the election of a new Bishop went into factions the one half giving their voices to Sir Iames Bane Archdeacon of S. Andrews the other half to Sir Alexander Kinnimmouth Archdeacon of Lothian but Bane being then in the Court of Rome and advertised of the Bishops death obtained the Bishoprick of the Pope who in those times disposed all Church livings as he thought good having no regard to Canonicall elections This Bishop lived four years onely after his Consecration and died at Bruges in Flanders for upon breach of the Peace with England and the Coronation of Edward Baliol when David with his Queen went into France he withdrew himself to the Low-Countreys He was buried in the Monastery of the Regular Chanons within Bruges 28. How soon Bane his death was made known the Convent meeting elected William Bell Dean of Dunkeld The Pope refusing to confirm the election the See remained void for the space of nine years and more At last William Landells Provost of Kinkell upon the recommendation of the Kings of France and Scotland was preferred and consecrated by Pope Benedict the tenth at Avignion in the year 1341. This Prelate was nobly born and the heir of great possessions in Scotland of a generous minde and given to all goodnesse he lived Bishop 44. years and in that time saw many alterations King David Bruce peaceably repossessed in the Kingdome taken captive in the Battell of Duresme where he himself was made Prisonerâ— set again at liberty for the payment of one hundred thousand Marks sterling to the help whereof he procured from the Churchmen with the consent of Pope Innocent the sixth the tenth of all Ecclesiasticall livings within the Kingdome for the space of three years and after King David his death his son Robert Stewart called Robert the second crowned King to the fifteenth year of whose reign he attained and then died in the Abbey of S. Andrews his body was buried in the Cathedrall Church at the â—hancery door It was a custome before these times that when any Bishop deceased all his moveable goods were seised on by the Kings Officers as belonging to the King this he got discharged and liberty granted to all the Prelates to dispose their goods by Testament to whom they pleased or if they should happen to die intestate it was made lawfull to their nearest kinsmen to call and pursue for the same The benefit of this privilege he himself first enjoyed 29. In his place the Prior of S. Andrews called Stephen a man of great experience and wisdome was chosen Bishop who going towards Rome for Confirmation was taken Prisoner at Sea by the English and died at Anwick of sicknesse in the year 1385. 30. Walter Traill was then attending Pope Clement at Avignion a man singularly learned and well expert both in the Civill and Chanon Law So great an opinion the Pope had of his worth as at his preferment he did say to those that stood by him This man deserveth better to be Pope then Bishop the place is better provided then the person Which proved true in effect for when he came to govern the See he administred all affairs most wisely Nor had he the charge onely of the Church but the whole affairs of the Kingdome being cast upon him he governed the same in such sort as the Realme was never remembred to have been better and more peaceably ruled Writers describe him to have been a man of courteous behaviour affable pitiful and compassionate of those that were in any sort distressed a hater of vice and of most sincere conversation He lived unto a great age in much esteem and died in the Castle of S. Andrews built by himselfe in the year 1401. his body was interred with great solemnity amongst his predecessors with this inscription ingraven upon his monument Hic fuit Ecclesiae columna fenestra lucida Thuribulum aureum Campana sonora 31. After him was Thomas Stewart son to King Robert the second being then Archdeacon of S. Andrews elected Bishop but he affecting the retired life refused to accept the place which thereupon remained void the space of three yeares for the Chapter would not in his life time proceed to a new election the rents were in the mean time assigned by King Robert the third with the Convents permission to Walter Danzelston in recompence of the Castle of Dumbriton which he enjoyed by an hereditary title and did at that time resign unto the King 32. Thomas Stewart deceasing Gilbert Grinlaw Bishop of Aberdene and Chancellour of the kingdome was postulated Bishop but Henry Wardlaw presentor
for partly by his own ensample partly by the strict observance of discipline he induced them all to live as became men of their profession And as he was to the Clergy a pattern of vertue so was he a great supporter of the King and Kingdome by his wise and prudent counsel For in that insurrection of the Earls of Douglas and Crawford against King Iames the second when the King had determined to leave the countrey and flye into France he found the meanes to disunite the rebels and break their forces restoring the King to his estate and the kingdome to peace And in the beginning of King Iames the third his reign when matters were very troubled he did so carry all things by his prudence as whilest he lived the publick estate received no harm Of what and how great worth he was it appeared soon after his death all things turning to confusion both in the Church and State A monument of his piety and magnificent minde towards the advancement of letters is the Colledge he erected in S. Andrewes now called Saint Salvators Colledge which he built from the ground provided with large revenues and furnished with most costly ornaments Thus having lived a great benefactor to the publick and in much glory he died at S. Andrews in the year 1466. 22. years he sate Bishop in this See and was interred after his death in a sepulcher prepared by himself within the Chappel of the same Colledge 34 Patrick Grahame his Nephew Buchannan calleth him his brother saying that they were born of one and the same mother being Bishop of Brichen for the time a man of singular vertues was chosen to succeed The Boyds who then ruled the Court envying his preferment because of the variance betwixt the Kennedies and them withstood his journey to Rome where he was to get his confirmation but he not staying upon the Kings licence which he saw without their favour could not be obtained took his way thither and at his coming was well accepted of Pope Paul the second Whilest he abode there for he stayed a long time fearing to return so long as the Boyds were in credit the old controversie of the Archbishop of york his superiority over the Church of Scotland was renued by George Nevill Archbishop of that See for the time The matter drawn in dispute before Pope Sixtus the fourth for Paul the second was then dead sentence was given for the Church of Scotland whereby it was declared a thing unfitting that an English Prelate should be Primate of Scotland by reason of the warres that might break forth betwixt the two kingdomes And to the effect a Primate should not be lacking from thenceforth in Scotland the See of S. Andrews by the Bull of Sixtus was erected in an Archbishoprick and the rest of the Bishops of Scotland twelve in number ordained all to be subject unto that See Further the Pope for the Bishops more graceing did appoint him his Legate for the space of three years with commission to reform all abuses in the Church and to correct the dissolutenesse of the Clergy How soon the Bishop was advertised of the alteration of Court and that the King was begun to govern of himself he made haste to return sending before him the Bulls of Primacy and Legation to be published thinking the same should have purchased to him a great respect But he found himself deceived for upon the publication made at Edinburgh in September 1472. the Bishops out of spite and emulation because of the Primacie the inferiour Clergy fearing his rigour in executing the Legation and the Courtiers who made sale of all the Church-livings apprehending that the same would be reformed combined all against him and went to the King informing that he had accepted a Legation from the Pope without his licence which was prohibited by the Lawes of the kingdome and might prove hurtful to the king and that in contempt of his Majesty he had gone to Rome without once asking him licence The King possessed with these informations did inhibit the Bishop how soon he landed to exerce any part of his Legation till the King should try the complaints preferred against him assigning the first of November for his compeirance At the day he exhibited his Bulls and shewed the power he had to reform abuses in the Ecclesiastical state intreating the King not to impede him in the execution of his charge but his adversaries having corrupted some of the Kings Officers and given as it was said the summe of eleven thousand Marks in hand his petition was not regarded his accusers to colour their proceedings the better made an appeal to the Pope offering to qualify before him the invalidity of the Bulls which he had purchased So he was dimitted with expresse charge not to use the title and dignity of an Archbishop nor to attempt any thing but that which the Bishops his predecessors had been accustomed to do by vertue of their places untill the decision of the controversie A while after a fresh and bitter enemy was raised against himâ— William Shevez a young man of a quick and active spirit having studied some years at Lovaine under Iohn Spernick who was famous in those dayes for his knowledge in the studies of physick and astrology did insinuate himself in the favour of the Court which then was madly given to all sorts of divination and the Archdeaconry of S. Andrews falling void in the midle time procured the Kings recommendation to the Bishop for the same The Bishop toek exception at his studies and in end gave him an absolute denial as being insufficient for the charge and otherwise not trained up in the knowledge of Divinity Shevez taking to heart this disgrace for so he did accompt it combined with one Locky Rector at that time in the University and a professed enemy to the Bishop these two conspired against him and Locky who pretended he was the Bishops equal in jurisdiction forging a quarel denounced him excommunicate but the Bishop contemning the sentence of his inferiour carried himself both at home and abroad as he was wont whereupon his enemies as the custome is when Church censures are despised did implore the Kings assistance Who being made to their effect discharged the Bishop from coming into any sacred place declared his goods confiscat and sequestring all his servants did appoint to him other attendants The rest of the Bishops to witnesse their gratitude did present the King with a summe of money which they had collected with grudge enough amongst the inferiour Priests not the lesse shortly after by the intercession of friends and the advancing of moneys to the rulers of the Court the Bishop was taken in favour who then thinking all his troubles to be overpast withdrew himself to his house of Monymaill where he was scarce well setled when the bankers of Rome stirred up by his
the Church is not to be feared 19. That in no case it is lawful to swear 20. That Priests may have wives according to the Ordinance of the old Law and that true Christians receive the body of Christ every day The maintainers of these Articles were by an opprobrious title called Lollards but whether or not they did hold all these opinions may well be doubted seeing we have them onely from the report of adversaries whose chief study was to make them and their doctrine odious and granting that they held the same we are not to wonder that in the first breaking up of the light men saw not the truth in every point considering the darknesse and grosse ignorance of preceding times For dispersing these Articles some thirty persons were cited before the Councel of whom the principals were George Campbel of Sesnock Adam Read of Barskining Iohn Campbel of Newmilus and Andrew Shaw of Polkennet The Archbishiop of Glasgow laying these things to their charge they answered all with such confidence as it was thought safest to dimit them with admonition to take heed of new doctrines and content themselves with the faith of the Church Of Shevez I find nothing said all this time onely that he departed this life at S. Andrews in the year 1496. and was buried in the Cathedral Church before the high Altar 36. Iames Stewart brother to King Iames the fourth was provided after Shevez to the See being yet very young and lived but a short space for he died at S. Andrews in the year 1503. his body was interred in the Cathedral Church amongst the Bishops his predecessors In an old Charter produced by one of the vassals I have seen him thus styled Iacobus sancti Andreae Archiepiscopus Dux Rossiae Marchio de Ormond Comes de Ardmannach Dominus de Brichen Never Commendatorius perpetuus Monasterii de Dunfermline ac Regni Scotiae Canâ—ellarius The Charter is dated in this manner Apud Ecclesiam nostram Metropolitanam sancti Andreâ— 7º die Mensis Februarii An. Dom. 1502. nostrarum administrationum quinto 37. To him succeeded Alexander Stewart base son to King Iames the fourth a youth of great hopes he died with his father in the unfortunate battle of Flowdon Anno 1513. and was much lamented by Erasmus Roterodamus under whom he had studied some yeares I finde him styled Chancellour of the Kingdome in one of the vassals Characters which is dated in the year 1512. 38. Three strong competitours fell then at strife for the place Gawane Dowglas Bishop of Dunkeld Iohn Hepburn Prior of S. Andrews and Andrew Forman Bishop of Murray Gawane Dowglas was nobly born for he was brother to the Earl of Angus and greatly esteemed for his vertue and learning He upon the Queens presentation who at that time governed all publick affairs possessed himselfe with the Castle of S. Andrews Hepburne a factious man and of great power procured the Chanons to elect him and under this colour expulsed Dowglas his servants fortifying the house with a Garison of souldiers Forman was provided by the gift of Pope Iulius the second and made Legatus à latere for by his many employments in France and at the Court of Rome he had gained to himself much credit But the Power of Hepburn was such as for a while no man could be found to publish Formans Bulls Alexander Lord Home who some write was Formans Uncle was at last moved by the dimission of Coldingham in favour of his brother David to take his part and coming to Edinburgh proclaimed the Popes gift and Formans Legation with great solemnity This Act divided the Homes and the Hepburnes who after that time were never in sound friendship Dowglas not willing to be seen more in that contention did quit his interesse leaving the quarrel to the other two who did pursue it both Hepburn posting to Rome laboured to have his election confirmed but prevailed not Forman because of his Legation was followed of the Churchmen for the most part and acknowledged by all the vassals of the See yet the jarring still continued untill the Duke of Albany his coming into the countrey who at his acceptation of the Regencyâ— brought them to a submission and pacified all these strifes distributing the Benefices in this manner To Forman he left the Archbishoprick of S. Andrews and Abbacy of Dunfermlin which was given him by the Pope in Commendam The Abbacy of Aberbrothock which Forman likewise possessed he gave to Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow and Chancellour for the time The Prior Iohn Hepburn was contented with a pension of three thousand Crows which Forman was ordained to pay him during life and upon his brother Master Iames Hepburn was the Bishoprick of Murray bestowed Alexander Gordon Cousen to the Earl of Huntley was made Bishop of Aberdene Iames Ogilvy a brother of the house of Ogilvy Abbot of Drybrugh and George Dundass of the house of Dundass Commendator of the preceptory of Torphichen This partition did satisfie them all and so they were fully reconciled Some few years after Forman died at Dunfermlin where he was also buried A plain and open man but said to be profuse besides the Benefices he possessed in Scotland he was Archbishop of Burges in France by the gift of King Lewis the twelfth which did greatly increase his means 39. Upon the death of Forman Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow and Chancellour of the Kingdome was translated to S. Andrews Master Gawane Dumbar to whose instruction the young King was committed was preferred to this place The troubles of the time were great because of the minority of the King and therein this Bishop had not the least part being chased from the Court and from his own dwellings glad to lurk and shift himself a long time from place to place amongst friends to eschew the violence of the Dowglasses who had setled themselves about the King and swayed all affaires at their pleasures But it was not long ere he made even with them The Queen-mother who had taken the Earl of Angus to her husband falling into dislike of him and pursuing a divorce in the Bishops Court which she easily obtained Thereupon the young King his escape from the Dowglasses and their exile in England at which time the Bishop was reponed to his office and place seventeen years he lived Bishop of this See and was herein most unfortunate that under the shadow of his authority many good men were put to death for the cause of Religion though he himself was neither violently set nor much solicitous as it was thought how matters went in the Church The first that was called in question was Master Patrick Hamilton Abbot of Ferm a man nobly descended for he was Nephew to the Earl of Arrane by his father and to the Duke of Albany by the Mother and not much past twenty three yeares of age This young
thereunto These accusations he not appearing nor any in his behalfe were taken as confessed and he denounced an heretick yea an heresiarch for so the sentence beareth his goods ordained to be confiscat himself burnt in effigie if he could not otherwise be apprehended and all manner of persons inhibited to relieve or entertain him under the pain of cursing or forfeiture This sentence was given against him the 28 of May Anno 1540. and the same day was his picture burnt in the open Market place of S. Andrews as likewise in Edinburgh some two dayes after Sir Iohn Borthwick hearing how they had proceeded against him fled into England where he was kindly received by Henry the eighth then reigning and by him imployed in a Commission to the Protestant Princes in Germany for a confederation betwixt him and them in defence of their common profession King Henry had some years before sent into Scotland the Bishop of S. Davids to present the King his Nephew with some English books containing an Exposition of the principal heads of Christian Religion thinking to induce him to make the like reformation which he had made in England And at that time came Lord William Howard to desire the King to meet his Uncle King Henry at York upon some occasions tending to the common good of both Kingdomes The King consenting a Diet was appointed and all things prepared for the journey But the Cardinal and Clergy fearing the effects of that conference laboured with the Courtiers to divert him and before the King himselfe they laid divers terrours as That he would be detained prisoner in England as King Iames the first had beenâ— That he should make himself suspected to the Emperour and to his old confederate the French King And which he was most to regard incurre the Popes displeasure by treating too familiarly with him that was lying under the highest censure of the Church Yet stood the King resolute for the journey foreseeing as also it happened that if he should break the Diet the same might breed the English Kings dislike and be an occasion of warre on which he would not hazard unlesse he knew of means to entertain the same The Clergy hereupon besides the representation of some moneys in hand made offer of an annuity of fifty thousand Crownes if warre should fall out declaring withall that by confiscating the goods of hereticks he might gain an hundred thousand more And with such vain hopes they brought him to send a fair excuse to King Henry by Sir Iames Learmouth his domestick After this the King being ruled wholly by the Cardinal followed in all things the appetite of the Clergy giving commission to Sir Iames Hamilton his Theasurer to call and convene all persons suspected of heresie and inflict the punishments which after trial they should be found to merit The King was also heard say That none of that sort should expect any favour at his hands nay not his own sonnes if they should prove guilty which put many in fear But this continued not long for Sir Iames Hamilton becoming suspected and accused of a practice against the King his life was shortly after executed and warre breaking out with England he found the Nobility averse from the incursions he intended to make which did greatly discontent him These thoughts with some fearful visions he had by night that much terrified him withdrew his mind wholly from the extremities on which the Clergy had set him for at Linlithgow on a night as he slept it seemed to him that Thomas Scot Justice Clerk came unto him with a company of devils crying Woe worth the day that ever I knew thee or thy service serving thee against God and against his servants I am adjudged to hell torments Hereupon awaking he called for lights and causing his servants to arise told what he had heard and seen The next morrow by the light of day advertisement was brought him of the Justice Clerk his death which fell out just at the time that the King found himself so troubled and in the same manner almost for he died in great unquietnesse iterating often these words Iusto Dei judicio condemnatus sum by the righteous judgement of God I am condemned The form of his death answering the dream so justly made it the more terrible Another vision he had in the same place not many nights after which did more affright him whilest he lay a sleeping he imagined that Sir Iames Hamilton whom he caused to be executed came unto him with a sword drawn in his hand and therewith cut off both his Armes threatening within a short time to return and deprive him of his life With this he awaked and as he lay musing what the dream could import news were brought him of the death of his two sonnes Iames and Arthur who died at S. Andrews and Striveling at one and the very same hour The next year which was the year of our Lord 1542. being overwhelmed with grief and passion for the losse of his Army received at Solway he departed this life at Falkland in the 32. year of his age Some few dayes before he died he had advertisement that his Queen was delivered of a daughter at Linlithgow at which time it is said he burst forth in passion saying It came with a lasse meaning the Crown and will go with a lasse fie upon it after which he was not heard to utter many words The Cardinal hearing that the King was deceased did suborn a Priest called Henry Balfour to form his last Will whereby it was declared that he had committed to the Cardinal the Earls of Huntley Argyle and Murray the government of the Realm during his daughters minority This Will he caused publish in Edinburgh on the Monday after the Kings death but the Nobles giving it no credit and esteeming it a meer forgery did choose the Earle of Arran Regent and Governour of the Realme Never was any Governour received with greater love and opinion of all sorts for besides the favour carried to himselfe every one was glad to be freed of the Cardinals Government and by his first beginnings a strong hope was conceived that all things should be reformed which were amisse both in Church and Kingdome But this hope soon vanished in the manner that ye shall hear King Henry of England hearing that his Nephew the King of Scots was dead and that he had left one only daughter of seven dayes old began to think of uniting the two Kingdomes and reducing the whole Isle under one Government by the marriage of Edward his son a Prince of five years old to the young Queen of Scots Hereupon he sent for the Earls of Cassils and Glancarne the Lords of Fleming Maxwell and Gray who were taken prisoners at Solway and detained in England to Hampton Court where he then lay and at their coming proponed the businesse
external commodities and ornaments and such a one as would bring with him a perpetual peace together with the oblivion of ancient grudges and hatreds For should they take a stranger to be their King differing from themselves in language manners and lawes great evils and discommodities could not but arise as they might know by that which had fallen out in the like case to other nations by whose ensample he wished they should be made wise As for the part of England he said if they did find the minds of the Scots not estranged from peace they would remit somewhat of their right and be contented that the young Queen should be kept amongst themselves untill she were fit for marriage and might chuse a husband to her self by advice of the Nobility during which time all hostility should cease betwixt the two Kingdomes it being provided that the Queen should not be sent to any forain countrey nor contracted in marriage with the French King nor any other Prince which if the Scots would faithfully promise he would presently retire with his Army and recompense all injuries done since his coming into Scotland at the sight and estimation of honest men This letter the Governour communicated to his brother and to a few others on whose counsel he depended such as George Dury Abbot of Dunfermlin Mr. Archebald Beaton and Mr. Hugh Rig a Lawyer who gave him advice to suppresse the letter for they feared if the offers were published the greater part of the Nobility would embrace the same and in stead thereof they made a rumour to be dispersed through the Army that the English were come to take away the Queen by force and bring the Kingdome into subjection The Nobles and whole Army believing this to be the effect of the letter became mightily incensed Nor did any kithe so foolish as the Priests and Clergy men who dreaming of nothing but victory cried out that the English hereticks had no spirits and durst not come to a battaile But they found themselves deceived for upon Saterday the tenth of September 1547. the Armies joyning the Scots were put to the worse and many thousands slain few in the fight which lasted not long but exceeding many in the chase The English pursuing the victory came forwards to Leith where they remained eight dayes dividing the spoile and prisoners and in that time surprised the Isles of Inchkeith and Inchcolme in the river of Forth with Broughtie Castle in the mouth of Tay which places they strongly fortified In their return homewards they took the Castle of Home with the house of Fascastle and placed Garisons in the Townes of Haddington Lawder and Roxborough The Governour the Bishop his brother and such of the Nobles as escaped in the flight went to Striveling and there taking counsel what should be done with the young Queen concluded to send her to the Castle of Dumbarton under the custody of the Lords Areskin and Levingston and to advertise the King of France how matters went intreating of him a supply both of men and money Hereupon the next summer arrived at Leith three thousand Germanes under the charge of Count Rhingrave with as many French commanded by Monsieur de Andelot Monsieur de Mallery and Monsieur d' Ossel Monsieur d' Esse being General of the whole This supply did so hearten the Governour as gathering together an Army he beleaguered the Town of Haddington which the English had at that time made very strong The Nobility being there convened entered of new into a consultation touching the young Queen and the course that should be taken with her The French Generall desired she should be sent into France and espoused to the Daulphin which the Queen her Mother longed to have done The Noblemen were not of one minde for such as favoured the reformation were of opinion that the conditions offered by England which were then come to light should be embraced because that would bring with it ten years of peace at least in which time if either King Edward of England or the young Queen should depart this life all things would return to their first estate and if no such things happened yet the Kingdome being at rest and freed of the present troubles would grow to some better ease within it self and they might more maturely advise what course was fittest to be taken Delay they said in matters of such consequence was safest and that precipitation might bring with it a suddain but untimely repentance The rest stood all for the French most of them being corrupted with gold and others with large promises The Governour himself had an annuity promised of twelve thousand francks and a company of men at Armes to the Earle of Arran his sonne All these pretending the safety of the young Queen did reason that there was no other way to be rid of the English warres but that one For as long as the English have any hope said they to speed they will still be troubling but when they shall see the Queen gone and that there is no remedy they will cease from their pursuit The greatest number inclining that way it was concluded that the young Queen should be conveyed to France Shortly after the French Navy that lay at Leith giving out that they were to return home compassing the North Isles received her at Dunbrition and after much tossing at sea did safely land her in France The warres with England in the mean time went on and continued full two years till by the treaty of Bulloign in the yare 1550. a peace was made the Lord Chastilion being Commissioner for the French the Earl of Bedford for the English and David Panter Bishop of Ross for the Scots At that time were Normond Lesley Mr. Henry Balnaves Iohn Knox and others who had been kept partly in prison and partly in the Gallies since the taking of S. Andrews Castle put to liberty Mr. Iames Balfour had freed himself long before by abjuring his profession and was become Official to the Bishop of S. Andrews Iames Melvil died in the Tower of Brest in Britain William Kircaldie Peter Carmichal with Robert and William Leslies who were imprisoned in Mont S. Michael found means to escape before the Treaty and went into England Norman after he was freed returned into Scotland but fearing the Governour he went into Denmark where not finding that kind reception he expected he betook himself to England and had an honourable pension allowed him which was thankfully answered during the life of King Edward the sixt Queen Mary succeeding he found not the like favour and thereupon went to France where he had a company of men of Armes given him with which he served the French King in his warres against the Emperour Charles the fifth and in pursuing the enemy whom he had in chase was wounded with the shot of a Pistoll whereof he died the day after at Montreul He was
was of old an Abbey founded by Constantine the third King of Picts about the year 729. to the memory of S Columbe in which the Culdees were placed King David in the year 1130. did erect it to be a Bishops See and recommending one Gregorius to the place obtained Pope Alexander the third his confirmation thereof he sate 42. years and was much favoured by that good King The lands of Anchtertaile with divers others appertaining to that See were of King David his gift This Bishop diet at Dunkeld in the year 1169. 2. Richard Chaplain to King William was elected in his place and consecrated in S. Andrews upon the vigils of S. Laurrence by Richard Bishop of S. Andrews This Bishop was commended for vindicating the Church of Abercorne forth of the hands of a laick person named Iohn Avonele who claimed the Patronage thereof he sate four years and dying at Crawmold was buried in S. Colmes Inche in the year 1173. 3. Cormacus succeeded in his place to whom King William gave the lands of Dalgathy he died in the year 1177. 4. In his place was chosen Walter de Bidden who was Chancellour to King William but he lived not many years 5. Iohn Scot an English man born being Archdeacon of S. Andrews had been elected Bishop of that See but that his election being withstood by the King as we shewed before he was after Biddens death promoved by the Popes consent to Dunkeld a man that made conscience of his charge and was painful in his office The countrey of Argyle was at that time of the Dioces of Dunkeld the people whereof did only speak Irish and neither understood the Bishop nor he them Upon this he travelled to have the Dioces divided and Argyle erected into an Episcopal See and to that effect sent a letter to Pope Clement the third intreating that one Evaldus his Chaplain who could speak Irish a wise and godly person might have the charge of that part committed to him for How said he can I make an accompt to the Iudge of the world in the last day when I cannot be understood of them whom I teach The maintenance is sufficient for two Bishops if we be not prodigal of the patrimony of Christ and will live with that moderation which becometh his servants it shall therefore be much better to diminish the charge and increase the number of able workmen in the Lords field The Pope reading the letter and considering how earnest he was to be eased of his charge though to his own temporal losse said It is the study of others to enlarge their bounds and livings not caring how it goeth with the people and here is one that requesteth his Benefice may be parted in two O how few Bishops are now in the Christian world so disposed and so commending greatly the Bishops disposition granted his request sending back Evaldus for he was the messenger consecrated Bishop as was desired The Bishop glad to have obtained his desire entered Evaldus to the charge and followed diligently his own in that part which remained Some few dayes before his death he rendred himself a Monk in Newbotle and there departed this life in the year 1203. his body was interred in the Quire of that Church upon the North side of the Altar William Bining afterwards Abbot of Cowper did write his life but the story is perished 6. After his death Richard Provand King Williams Chaplain was consecrated Bishop and lived a few years onely in the See for he departed this world in the year 1210. and was buried in Inchcolme 7. Iohn Leicester cousen to King William and elected successour and dying at Crawmond was buried in Inchcolme with his predecessour in the year 1214. 8. Hugo called Hugo de sigillo a Monk of Aberbrothock succeeded unto Leicester a man of a sweet and amiable disposition he was called the poor mans Bishop and lived not a year after his consecration 9. Matthew Chancellour of Scotland was then elected but he died the same year before he was consecrated 10. To him succeeded Gilbert Chaplain to Bishop Hugo he sate 22. years and died in the year 1236. 11. Galfrid Liverance was elected in his stead This Bishop was a zealous man he reformed the service of the Church ad usum Sarum and ordained the Chanons to make residence at Dunkeld giving them the Commons of that Church for their entertainment He died at Tibbermoore in the yeare 1249. and was buried at Dunkeld 12. After Galfrids death Richard Chancellour to the King succeeded and dying the same year at Crawmond was buried in Inchcolme 13. After him Mr. Richard of Innerkething Chancellour of Scotland was elected who sate 22. years he built the great Quire of the Abbey Church in Inchcolme upon his own charges and died very old in the year 1272. He is much commended for his faithful service done to King Alexander His body was interred at Dunkeld and his heart laid in the North wall of the Quire which he built in Inchcolme 14. Robert Sutevile Dean of Dunkeld debarred at first from the Bishoprick of S. Andrews by the ambitious suite of Abill the Archdeacon was at this time preferred to be Bishop of Dunkeld he died in the year 1300. and governed the See 28. yeares Moribus scientia vita praeclarus 15. After him Matthew by recommendation of Edward the first of England who kept Scotland then under subjection was advanced to the Bishoprick and sate 12. yeares 16. William Sinclare a brother of the house of Roslin and Uncle to William Lord Bisset succeeded This is he that King Robert the Bruce used to call his own Bishop for the King being in Ireland with an Army for the supply of his brother Edward the English taking advantage of his absence sent two Armies to invade the kingdom the one by land the other by sea The Sea Army landed in Fife near to Anchtertaile where the Bishop had his residence which the Sheriffe of the countrey for hindering their depredations went to encounter but at the sight of their numbers he gave back and fled the Bishop hearing of their flight brought forth his ordinary train and casting himself in the Sheriffes way asked why he fled and having checkt him bitterly for his cowardize called for a lance crying aloud You that love the honour of Scotland follow me By this forwardnesse he put such courage in the rest as they returning upon the English did chase them all back to their ships one of the ship-boats overcharged with the company that leapt into it was sunk and in that conflict were drowned and slain 500. English and above The honour of this victory was wholly ascribed to the Bishops courage for which he was greatly favoured by the King He built in his time the Quire of Dunkeld from the ground which the Army of England had demolished redeemed the lands of Green oke from one Simon Cader and gave to his Archdeacon the Church of Logia Leguhy with
agitated he loved to have things calmly carried but his counsel took little place It was he that said to one of his Vicars whom he was perswading to leave his opinions That he thanked God that he knew neither the Old nor the New Testaments and yet had prospered well enough all his dayes 31. Robert Creighton his Nephew was preferred upon his death to the See in whose time fell out the reformation of the Church The Bishops of ABERDENE 1. Malcolme the second in memory of the defeat he gave the Danes at Murthlack founded there a Bishops seat in the year 1010. and preferred one Beanus thereto a man of singular vertue and godlinesse gifting to him and his successors the lands of Murthlack Cloveth and Dummeth This Bishop sate 32. years and dying in Murthlack was buried at the Postern door of the Church which himself had built 2. Donortius who succeeded him lived Bishop 42. years and was interred with his predecessor 3. Cormachus the third Bishop of this See governed the same 39. years and was buried likewise with his predecessors 4. Nectanus succeeded in his time King David did translate the See from Murthlack to Aberdene and gave to him and his successors the lands of old Aberdene Sclaty Goull Moorecroft Kurmundy Mowmenlach Clat Talynstine Rayne Dawyot and their Churches with divers others lands whereby the See was greatly enriched this Bishop died in the year 1154. having sate 14. years at Murthlack and 17. at Aberdene 5. After the death of Nectanus one Edward was promoved who was greatly favoured by Malcolme the fourth called the Maiden and was thought to have perswaded the King to continue in his single life he was the first Bishop that brought the Chanons to do ordinary service in the Church of Aberdene and died in the eleventh year after his consecration 6. Matthew Kinninmouth Archdeacon of S. Andrews succeeded a man famous for learning and other excellent vertues In his time began the Cathedral Church of Aberdene to be built unto the memory of S. Machar to whom King Malcolme gave the lands of Tuligreg Fetternew Invercrowden Banchordeneif Balhelvy and the Patronages of the Churches He sate Bishop 34. years 7. Iohn Prior of Kelso was next elected Bishop this man is greatly commended for liberality to the poor and magnificence in the buildings and ornaments of the Church he died the next year after his consecration 8. One Adam was assumed in his place rather for satisfying King Williams pleasure then for any good affection born to the man by the rest of the Clergy at first he shewed no great care in his charge giving himselfe wholly to temporall affaires yet after King Williams death he grew quite another man setting himself to amend his former negligences He sate 21. years 9. Upon his death the Clergy and people of Aberdene postulated Matthew Chancellour of the kingdome who was willing to accept the place but Dunkeld falling void in the mean season King Alexander the second preferred him to that See 10. And Gilbert Striveling a man well born and much esteemed for his integrity of life obtained the place but he lived not many years departing this world in the eleventh year after his election 11. Radolph Abbot of Aberbrothotk succeeded being with an uniform consent of the Clergy and people elected Bishop he was brought with great difficulty to accept the charge a man of great prudence and painful in his calling for he travelled through all his Dioces on foot preaching and visiting the Churches that he might know their true estate and is said never to have changed his form of living that he used in the Cloister and to have been more abstinent and sparing both in diet and apparel then he was before he died some eight years after his consecration which was about the year of Christ 1247. 12. Peter Ramsay a man of good learning was next chosen Bishop he was a man very kind to the Chanons and parted many of his rents amongst them he sate Bishop ten years and deceased about the seventh or eighth year of King Alexander the third his reign 13. Presently after his death Richard Pottock an English man was elected who sate Bishop 13. years 14. Hugh Benham elected by the Monks went to Rome and was there consecrated by Pope Martin the fourth after he had remained there the space of a year he returned to Scotland at which time there was a great contention between the Churchmen and the people of the countrey for certain tithes that the Priests did exact too rigorously The difference being submitted to him he composed the same in a Convention of the Clergy at Perth wherein the King and many of the Nobles were present and died of a Catarrhe being very old in the Isle of Louchgoull about the year 1280. 15. Henry Cheyn Nephew to the Lord Cummyn was preferred to the See the troubles which in his time brake forth in the Kingdome between Bruce and Baliol wrought him great vexation for whilest he took part with his Uncle against Bruce he was banished into England where he lived untill the end of these warres and then licenced by King Robert to return he gave himselfe to repair the Church and restore all things which the licenciousnesse of warre had disordered he died the same year in which King Robert the Bruce ended his life that is in the year of Christ 1329. which was the 48. year after his consecration 16. Alexander Kinninmouth Doctor of Divinity succeeded in his place a great lover of learning and learned men whom out of all parts he drew to make residence with himself In the winter season he dwelt at Murthlack and when the the spring opened at Aberdene because of the confluence of people all that time of the year all the summer and harvest time he remained at Fetterneir and Rain that he might the more commodiously discharge his office in every part of his Dioces The English in his time set on fire the Town of Aberdene which burnt six dayes together and did much harm his own Palace with the whole houses of the Chanons were thereby consumed which was thought to have hastened his death he departed this life in the eleventh year of his consecration 17. William Deyn was made Bishop in his stead the most of his time the Realme was infested with warres whereby he was impeded in many good purposes that he intended and had much adoe to keep the Clergy in obedience for every man during the warre took liberty to do what they thought good he sate Bishop the space of ten years 18. After him Iohn Raith Doctor of Divinity was chosen Bishop by the Monks he lived only six years Bishop and was buried in the Quire of Aberdene 19. King David Bruce returning from France about this time had brought with him in company one Nicolaus a corrupt and ambitious man who procured the Kings recommendation to the Chapter of Aberdene for his election The Chanons excused themselves saying
The Church of Aberdene was not so scant of men as to admit an unworthy person into the place And howsoever the King in his Kingdome might do what he pleased they were by their oathes astricted to admit none but learned men and such as were approved for integrity of life wherefore intreated the King in humble manner to suffer them as they had been accustomed to elect some wise and grave person that could discharge the place with credit which after some moneths they obtained making choice of one Alexander Kinninmouth who was consecrated in the Town of Perth the King himself being present This man answered fully the hopes conceived of hâ—m and took great pains in his calling for on the ferial dayes he taught the Civil and Canon law and the holy dayes he spent in preaching and prayer Thrice every week he fasted contenting himself in the holy Eves with bread and water He caused demolish the old Church of Aberdene which he esteemed not so beautiful as was fitting for a Cathedral Church and laid the foundation of another more magnificent But ere the work was advanced six cubits high he was employed by King Robert the second in an Ambassage to France for renewing the old league which he worthily performed shortly after his return he died having sate Bishop 24. years 20. Adam Conningham a man well descended and of great authority was after him elected This Bishop is said to have been in such accompt for the his wisdom and sincerity that in all matters of importance propounded in Councel his opinion did ever prevail His frequent imployments with the French King as well before as after his preferment to the See and the happy successe he had therein manifested his prudence and dexterity of wit yet as it falleth out often in Courts upon some envious delations the King became jealous of him as if he had practised with some Noblemen against the Royal succession and pressed to reduce the old form of election of Kings Finding that the King had taken some impression of the report albeit nothing was more false he took counsell to retire himself and attend his charge at home where he had not long staid but he fell in a new trouble with a base sonne of the Kings named Alexander a man extremely vicious and for his oppressions hated of all good men To the Bishop he bare a special grudge because of the liberty he had used in reproving his wickednesse and hearing in what dislike the Bishop was with the King he violently possessed himself in the Bishops lands thrust forth his tenants and behaved himself as Master and Lord of all The Bishop complained to the King but finding no redresse he pronounced him excommunicate wherewith the wicked man incensed associating a number as wickedly disposed as himself did swear to take the Bishops life and came to Aberdene of that intention Whereof the Bishop getting advertisement he went forth to meet him on the way and how soon he saw him discovering his head which was all white for he was a man of great age said If this be it that thou seekest I have brought it unto thee take thee head life and all The company admiring the old mans courage and moved with some compassion of his white haires perswaded Alexander not to meddle with his blood The report of this insolencie going to the King he sent for his sonne and committing him to prison caused satisfaction to be given for all the injuries the Bishop had sustained and surety for his indemnity thereafter After which he enjoyed reasenable quietnesse untill his death which happened in the year of Christ 1390. having sate Bishop ten years 21. Gilbert Grimlaw a man learned wise and of great esteem with the Nobles of the Kingdom was consecrated Bishop of Aberdene the same year he had been Chancellour to King Robert the third a long time which office he discharged with great credit and to the contentment of all the subjects after the Kings death the Earle of Fife brother to the deceased King then governing the Realm he was employed in an Ambassage to Charles the seventh of France and went thither in the company of the Earls of Buchan and Douglas who with divers other Noblemen were afterward unfortunately killed at the battel of Vernoil The Bishop at his return found all things out of frame the Governour dead his sonne Mordach placed in his room and the whole estate miserable by the riots and oppressions which were used every where without punishment This made the Bishop retire himself and live private at home where soon after he died of a consumption in the year 1424. his body was interred in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 22. After his death Henry Leighton Bishop of Murray was translated to Aberdene a man learned both in the Civil and Canon law of great experience and in that regard postulated Bishop by the Chanons he stood doubtful a while whether he should condescend to the charge or not yet was induced to consent at last and so came to Aberdene where he applied himself carefully to do the charge of a Bishop But the Estates of the Realme meeting in a solemn convention for putting some order to the present confusions he was sent with some others in Commission to England to treat for redemption of King Iames the first who was there detained captive This businesse happily performed he returned with the King to whom he gave great content by his services and forwardnesse in reforming publick abuses he advanced greatly the fabrick of the Church of Aberdene and bestowed large summes for perfecting that work he built also the Chappel called Saint Iohns Chappel within the Cathedral and was therein buried himself in the year 1441. 17. years after his translation 23. Ingram Lindesay Doctor of the Canon law was upon his death with the great applause of all good men received Bishop he was at that time very old and by the policie of one Alexander who aimed at his place moved to take journey to Rome the man imagining that he should die in the voyage whereof yet he was deceived For the Bishop sailing to Marselles in France went from thence by sea to Rome and after some moneths stay returned more healthful then before 17 yeares he continued Bishop and ruled the affaires of the Church very wisely A man constant in his promises of a spare diet but very hospitable for he entertained great numbers both of learned men and others especially the eldest sonnes of Noblemen and Barons in the North parts and notwithstanding of his age and publick employments was ever at study when he could find any free time from those cares A little before his death he fell in the Kings displeasure for denying admission to some whom the King had presented to certain Benefices for that they were either meer ignorants or for their years incapable But this did not much trouble his mind as being no way conscious to himself of any
just offence offered He died at Aberdene much lamented of the Citizens who loved him dearly and buried him in the Cathedral Church with great solemnity 24. Then was Thomas Spence Bishop of Galloway translated to the See a man of active spirit and fitted for great busines Whilest he was yet very young he went to France trusted with a Commission by King Iames the second and by his wise behaviour wonne such favour with Charles the seventh then reigning as after divers great services performed to that King he returned honoured with the place of a Chancellour and a yearly pension of 3000. French Crownes about which time the Bishoprick of Galloway falling void he was held most worthy to be preferred thereto and from thence by the occasion of Bishop Lindesay his death at the earnest intreaty of the Chanons was translated hither most of his time after he was translated he spent in Legations from the King and Estate sometimes to the Duke of Burgundy and sometimes to Edward the fourth of England Not thelesse mindeful of his Church he adorned the same in a most rich and sumptuous manner and built of new the Bishops palace which since the burning by the English had been wast and ruinous Amongst other charitable works he erected an hospital at Edinburgh acquiring thereto divers lands and ended his life by sicknesse the fifteenth of April 1480. his body was interred in the Trinity Colledge of Edinburgh 25. Robert Blaicater being for the time at Rome was by the provision of Pope Xistus the fourth made Bishop at whose hands also he received consecration a Gentleman well descended and of good knowledge both in divine and humane learning soon after he was translated to Glasgow where he died 26. William Elphinston succeeded to Blaicater a famous and memorable person he was born in the City of Glasgow and trained up in the Pedagogie of that City where he made such profit in his studies that all who knew him conceived even in his younger years great hopes of his advancement By the advice of his Uncle Laurence Elphinston he went to France being 29. years of age and there abode some nine years having purchased good reputation in the University of Paris for his skill in the lawes which six years together he professed reading daily the Lectures thereof in a most frequent auditory Then returning into his countrey was preferred first to be Official of Glasgow afterwards made Official of S. Andrewes and promoved to be of the Kings Councel Some jarres falling out at that time betwixt King Iames the third and Lewis the eleventh of France which was like to have dissolved the ancient friendship betwixt the two nations he was joyned in Commission with the Bishop of Dunkeld and Earl of â—uchan for pacifying the same and by a wise and most eloquent oration brought matters so about that the old league and amity was renewed and all occcasions of discord quite removed whereupon the Bishoprick of Rosse was at his return cast upon him which he accepted with great difficulty The See of Aberdene afterwards falling void he was translated thither and at that time was made Chancellour of the Kingdome in which charge he carried himself with that moderation and equity as he was both loved and reverenced of all persons But the unhappy troubles that fell out betwixt the King and some of his Nobility which by no means though he did use his uttermost diligence that way could be pacified made him retire to his charge at Aberdene where he gave himself to reform such things as he found disordered in the Church and had doubtlesse effected the same if he had not been called back to Court and employed much against his will in publick affaires King Iames the fourth then entring his reign he was by the consent of the whole estate sent Ambassadour to Maximilian the Emperour to suite his daughter Margaret in marriage for the King But she before his coming being promised to the Prince of Spain the businesse took no effect yet that his travel should not be altogether unprofitable in his return from the Emperours Court he reconciled the variance which long had continued betwixt this nation and the people of Holland and thereby grew in such favour with the King that whatsoever businesse he had either within or without the Kingdome the same was wholly committed to his trust Neither did he in the mean while neglect to use his best means for the advancement of learning having built a stately Colledge in Aberdene which for the beauty of the edifice and rich foundation was one of the rarest monuments this Kingdome had seen The expence he bestowed partly on that work partly for providing materials for building of the Bridge upon Dey with the large almes he gave daily to the poor and religious of all sorts not to speak of the help and relief he made to others of his kindred exceeded almost all credit and belief for he was ever observed to keep a good table and had no Benefices in Commendam which was then grown into a custome amongst Churchmen yet upon the rents of his own Bishoprick he did both maintain his estate do all those great and magnificent works and dying left in treasure ten thousand pounds in gold and silver which he bequeathed to the Colledge and the finishing of the bridge at Dey that in him we may truly see how it is not the abundance of worldly goods but the blessing of God that maketh rich What time he could spare from the publick service he spent in writing the history of his nation and gathered in one volume all the Antiquities that could be found thereof The memories also of those holy men who lived in former times in this kingdome he studied to preserve committing to writing their worthy and memorable acts and giving order that on solemn dayes the religious should read some part thereof in their common meetings neither was he seen to be idle but alwayes in labour and striving how to benefit the publick Nor was there any man known to have been of more integrity of life and manners sweet and pleasant conversation of a cheerful countenance and exceeding delightful The constitution of his body was healthful and strong old age which to others is of it self a disease wrought in him no alteration either of mind or body for being 83. yeares old his judgement in the weightiest matters of State was observed to be as quick and his memory as ripe as when he was in the middle of his youth That which is supposed to have hastened his death was the unfortunate death of the King at Flowden for after the report of that losse he was never perceived to laugh nor willingly did he hear any thing that sounded unto mirth or gladnesse and thereupon had resolved to live the rest of his time obscure and retired yet being called by the Councel to assist some great businesse which for the time was in hand he sickned
Peter and S. Pauls Isle upon the South of the Cathedral Church 18. After his death William Tulloch Bishop of Orkney was translated to Murray and lived five years onely after his consecration 19. Andrew Stewart Dean of Murray succeeded he sate Bishop 19. years and was buried in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 20. Andrew Forman sate after him Bishop 15. years and was then translated to S. Andrews 21. Next after him Iames Hepburn governed the See 9. years and was buried in our Lady Isle nigh unto the Tombe of Alexander the first Earle of Huntley 22. Robert Shaw Abbot of Paisley a man of great vertue and exceedingly beloved was next made Bishop but he lived not above two years in the place 23. Alexander Stewart Brother german to the Duke of Albany sate after him seven years and was buried in the Monastery of Scone 24. To him succeded Patrick Hepburn who was commendatory of Scone in his time the reformation of Religion was made he lived Bishop 36. years and died in the Castle of Spinie the 20. of Iune 1573. The Bishops of BRICHEN In this See since it was founded by King David which was about the year 1140. there have been many worthy Bishops yet most of them are buried in oblivion these few that follow I have gathered out of old Records 1. Urwardus or Edwardus lived about the year 1260. a Monk at first at Couper in Angus a man very zealous in his calling for it is testified of him that he went on foot through the whole kingdom with one Eustathius Abbot of Aberbrothock preaching the Gospel wheresoever he came 2. Albinus after him was Bishop some few years 3. VVilliam Dean of Brichen elected successor died at Rome in the year 1275. whilest he was attending to have his election confirmed 4. The fourth Bishop I find mentioned is one Iohn who governed the See in the year of God 1318. and got a new confirmation from King David Bruce of all the lands possessions and priviledges injoyed by his predecessors in former times because of their rights lost in the time of the last warre This confirmation is dated in the year 1359. 5. To him succeeded Adam Chancellor of the Kingdom but it seemed he sate few years 6. Then Patrick who was his successor both in the Bishoprick and in the office of Chancellary in the year 1372. 7. Steven in the year 1384. 8. Walter surnamed Forrester in the year 1413. 9. Iohn who was likewise Chancellor Anno 1434. In his time was the Church of Cortoguhy annexed to the Bishoprick by Walter Pallatine of Strathern Earl of Atholl Lord Brichen and Cortoguhy 10. George Shoreswood succeeded him in both charges anno 1483. In his time was the Church of Funeven made one of the Chapter 11. Another called Iohn was made Bishop in the year 1483. 12. William Meldrum succeeded in the year 1500. 13. And after his death Iohn Hepburn Anno 1552. 14. To him succeeded ... Sinclare Dean of Restalrig a little before the Reformation The Bishops of DUMBLANE The See of Dumblane was founded likewise by King David 1. Ionathus was the first Bishop he died in the year 1200. or thereabout and was buried at Inchaffray 2. Simon who succeeded him lived not a year 3. Abraham Chaplain to Gilbert Earl of Stratherne was consecrated in the year 1210. This was the Earl who gave a third part of his lands to the See of Dumblane and another third part to the Abbey of Inchaffray 4. William called Gulielmus de Bosco was next preferred to the See and shortly after created Chancellor 5. Osbert Abbot of Cambuskenneth succeeded he died in the year 1231. 6. The sixth Bishop was Clemens a Frier of the Dominican Order consecrated in the Stewe Church of Weddal in the year 1233. This man was an excellent Preacher learned above many of that time and of singular integrity of conversation he gave divers lands and rents to the Church of Culross and restored the Cathedral Church of Dumblane which was decayed Leander Bononiensis in his third book De viris illustribus Praedicatorum remembreth him with a special commendation The like doth Philippus Wolphius in his third book De vitis peritorum virorum He died in the year 1256. 7 Robert was after him elected This is he who was sent with Richard Bishop of Dunkeld by the rest of the Prelates in the year 1268. to protest against the proceedings of Ottobon the Popes Legate for the contribution imposed by him upon the Scottish Clergy towards the charge of the holy warre 8. Alpin after him governed the See some few years 9. Then one Nicolaus was made Bishop he gave the halfe of the Church of Strowan to the Abby of Inchaffray 10. After him succeeded Maurice Abbot of Inchaffray a Prelate of great spirit who gave great encouragement to his countreymen in that famous battel of Bonnockburn and was therefore chosen by King Robert Bruce to be his Confessor after that battel the See falling void he was preferred to the same 11. One William succeeded to him 12. Then Walter Cambuslang in the year 1363. 13. And after him was Finlaw commonly called Dermoch who built the bridge of Dumblane and died in the year 1419. 14. William Stephen one of the first Professors in the University of S. Andrews was after him preferred 15. Upon his death Michael Ochiltrie succeeded a wealthy Prelate and well esteemed he purchased to his See a great part of the forfeited lands of Stratherne adorned the Cathedral Church with many rich ornaments built the bridge of Knaig at Machant with the Church of Muthill and did in his time divers other good works 16. After him succeeded Robert Lawder who founded divers Prebendaries and Chanonries in the Church of Dumblane 17. Iohn Hepburn succeeded in the year 1471. This Bishop had a long contention with the Abbot of Inchaffray for certain Churches claimed by the Abbot but the matter was afterwards pacified He died in the year 1508. and was buried in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 18. Iames Chisholme obtained the Bishoprick after his death by the Popes provision and carried himself in his charge very commendably a severe censour he was of the corrupt manners of the Clergy and recovered many lands and possessions which were sacrilegiously taken from the Church before his time He died in the year 1534. 19. To whom succeeded William Chisholme his brother a wicked and vicious man who for hatred he bare to true religion made away all the lands of the Bishoprick and utterly spoyled the benefice The Bishops of Ross. 1. This See was also one of King Davids foundations the first Bishop I find was one Gregorins 2. Reynaldus a member of Melross who died in the year 1213. 3. Andrew Murray was chosen in his place but he shortly after resigned the same to 4. Robert Chaplain to Alexander the second 5. After him one Matthew was elected and consecrated by Pope Gregory the tenth at
Edward 5. And after Edward Robert Reid a man of excellent wit and great experience employed in divers legations and selected amongst others by the Estates to assist the marriage of Queen Mary with the Daulphin of France he died in his return at Deep much regretted for he was a man of great integrity and careful in the administration of Justice The Bishops of GLASGOW This City at first was made famous by Kentigern commonly called Saint Mungho who is esteemed the first Bishop thereof I spake of him before and shewed how he was begotten by Eugenius the third upon Thametis daughter to the King of Picts his mother finding her self with childe out of shame and fear of her fathers wrath stole privately away and entring into a little vessel that she found at the nearest coast was by the winde and waves cast on land where the town of Culross is now situated there was delivered of her birth and leaving the childe with a nurse returned home his Parents being unknown he was brought to Servanus and baptized and bred up by him yet it â—â—ems by the hymne they did ordinarily sing in the Festivals that his Father came afterwards to be known for thus it beginnes ... They report of him that a Lady of good place in the countrey having lost a ring which her husband gave her as she crossed the river of Cluyd and her husband waxing jealous as if she had bestowed the same upon one of her lovers she did mean her self unto him intreating his help for the safety of her honour and that he going to the river after he had used his devotion willed one who was making to fish to bring him the first that he caught which was done in the mouth of that fish he found the ring and sending it to the Lady she was thereby freed of her husbands suspicion The credit of this I believe upon the reporters but howsoever it be the See and City do both of them wear in their Armes a fish with a ring in the mouth even to this day He was certainly a man of rare piety and to the poor exceeding bountiful lived to a great age beyond the ordinary course of men as in the conclusion of the hymne is said Cum octogenos centum quoque quinque vir annos Complerat sanctus est Glasgow funere functus After his death for many ages the See was in a manner desolate unto the reign of Malcolm the third who restored the same to some integrity The first Bishop I find named after the restitution was 1. Iohn Achaian who took great paines in building the Cathedral and having brought it to a reasonable perfection did dedicate the same in the year 1137. King David being there in person and bestowing upon the See the lands of Patrick which the Bishops do yet enjoy It was in his time that Thurstan Archbishop of York encroaching upon his jurisdiction which at that time comprehended the countrey of Cumberland placed a new Bishop at Carlisle by the instigation of Henry King of England This the Bishop took so heavily as when he perceived his complaints not much regarded he forsook his charge and went into France inclosing himself in the Monastery of Tours where he abode untill the Pope at the request of King Malcolm the fourth compelled him to return after which time he lived not long for he died at Glasgow in the year 1146. the twenty eighth of May. 2. To him succeeded another called Iohn who was greatly favoured by King Alexander the first and did counsel Eadmerus because of the Kings dislike to leave S. Andrews and return unto England 3. Herbert was his successour and in his time the controversie with York was great for the superiority claimed by one Roger Archbishop of York over the Bishops of Scotland This contention drew Angelramus Archdeacon of Glasgow and Chancellour of the Kingdom for the time to travel unto Rome as was touched before and Herbert dying whilest he was there 4. Angelramus by an uniform consent of the Clergy and Laity was elected in his place and upon notice given of the election consecrated by Pope Alexander at Rome from whom he obtained an exemption to the Church of Scotland from the jurisdiction of the English and all others the Apostolick See only excepted Shortly after his return he died 5. Iocelin Abbot of Melrosse was his successour in his time the City of Glasgow was erected into a Burgh Royal he died at Melrosse and was interred in that Monastery 6. Eugenius was chosen after his death but how long he lived I read not 7. Hugo Chancellour of the Kingdome succeeded and lived but a few years 8. After him VVilliam Malvoisin a French man was elected and consecrated in France by the Popes direction he was afterward translated to S. Andrews and preferred to the office of Chancellary 9. Florentius sonne to the Count of Holland was assumed in his place and shortly after upon licence obtained of the Pope he resigned the office and died at Rome in the year 1207. 10. And then VValter Chaplain to King William was consecrated Bishop he lived in the place 27. yeares 11. VVilliam Babington Chancellor of the Kingdom was after his death elected Bishop In his time as Boeth writeth the fabrick of the Church of Glasgow was fully accomplished his words are Absolutum est ea tempestate templum Cathedrale Glasguense sedes profectò magnifica cujus haud exiguam partem Gulielmus ibidem Episcopus liberalitate sua extruxerat nec diu operi perfecto superfuit He died the 25. of Ianuary 1261. 12. The Chanons meeting to choose a successor condescended upon Nicole Moffet Archdeacon of Teviot-dale yet shortly after forthinking their election they procured the same to be cassed at Rome whither he was gone to obtain Confirmation Thereupon Iohn de Chyan an English man was by the Pope provided to the See whom King Alexander the third admitted with great difficulty This man is said to have been learned but very troublesome to the Chanons upon whom he laid grievous impositions The discord betwixt him and them waxing hot he left the countrey and going to France died there in the year 1268. 13. Nicole Moffet Archdeacon of Teviot-dale was upon his death provided to the See notwithstanding the opposition of the Chanons but he lived a short time and died at Tannigham of the Apoplexie He was no lesse hated of his Clergy whom he is said to vex with many injuries 14. William Wishart Archdeacon of S. Andrews and Chancellor of the Kingdome was chosen of the Chanons in the year 1270. but S. Andrews falling void by the death of Gamelinus before his consecration he was postulated thereto and so returned to S. Andrews 15. Robert Wishart Archdeacon of Lothian and Cousen to the said VVilliam was upon his change by the Kings recommendation admitted to the place This is he who made that reply to King Edward in the consultation held at Norham for the right of the
Crown whereof we spake in the life of VVilliam Fraser Bishop of S. Andrews a worthy man and a great lover of his countrey for which he suffered much trouble being made prisoner and sent unto London where he was kept some years afterwards obtaining liberty he returned to his See and therein performed many good works he died the 26. of November 1316. and was buried in the Church of Glasgow betwixt the altars of S. Peter and S. Andrew 16. Iohn Lindesay succeeded a man given much to the adorning of his Church he died the ninth of April 1325. and was buried in the Cathedrall nigh to the Altar of the Blessed Virgin 17. Mr. Stephen Dundy was the same year elected Bishop and going to Rome to be confirmed died by the way not without suspicion of poison given him at a feast made by the Friers predicant of Glasgow 18. In his place was chosen Iohn Wishart who in his return from Rome was taken prisoner by the English and died some few dayes after 19. William Rae a good and zealous man was after him chosen by the consent of the whole Chapter he redeemed the possessions of the Church which his predecessors had alienated built the stone bridge at Glasgow and having done many good works died in the year 1367. 20. After his death Walter Wardlaw succeeded Pope Urban the sixth did preferre him to bee Cardinal in the year 1384. and in the third year after he died 21. Then was Mr. Matthew Glendouning provided to the place In his time the steeple which was all built of timber was burnt by lightning in place whereof he intended to build one of stone and made therefore great preparation but was prevented by death in the year 1408. 22. His successor VVilliam Lawder finished the work he was Chancellor of Scotland and without the Chapters election provided by the Pope of meer authority which was never done in that See before 23. After him Iohn Cameron was Bishop a man given to violence and oppression who committing many deeds full of cruelty and covetousnesse especially upon his own Tenants and Vassals made as the fame goeth a fearful and unhappy end for in the year 1446. the night before Christmas day as he lay asleep in his house of Lockwood some seven miles from the City of Glasgow he seemed to hear a voice summoning him to appear before the tribunal of Christ and give an accompt of his doings Thereupon he awak't and being greatly terrified did call his servants to bring lights and sit by him he himself took a book in his hand and began to read but the voice being again heard struck all the servants with amazement The same voice calling the third time farre lowder and more fearfully the Bishop after a heavy groane was found dead in the bed his tongue hanging out of his mouth This reported by Buchannan almost in the same words I thought good to remember as a notable example of Gods judgement against the crying sin of oppression 24. To Cameron succeeded Iames Bruce who was translated from Dunkeld to this See in the year 1446. and preferred to be Chancellour of the Kingdome 25. After him Mr. VVilliam Turnbull others called him David was chosen Bishop he founded the Colledge of Glasgow 26. Upon his death Andrew Moorehead was elected The hospital near the Castle was his foundation 27. To Moorehead succeeded Iohn Lang who was Chancellour of Scotland 28. He dying Mr. George Carmighal was promoved but not consecrated for he died going to Rome for Confirmation 29. Robert Blacader Bishop of Aberdene was after his death translated to this See In his time was the See of Glasgow erected into an Archbishoprick for which arose a great contention betwixt Shevez Archbishop of S. Andrewes and him which was after some treaty pacified and Galloway Argyle and Isles appointed Suffragans to Glasgow He lived untill the yeare 1500. at what time taking his journey toward Ierusalem he departed this life in the way thither 30. Mr. Iames Beaton upon his death was preferred and sate Bishop twenty two yeares thereafter he was translated to S. Andrewes of whom you may there read 31. Mr. Gawan Dumbar tutour to the King upon his translation was promoved a good and learned man he was afterwards made Chancellour of the Kingdome and administred the office with good commendation 32. Mr. Iames Beaton succeeded after his death in whose time the Reformation fell forth and of him we shall have occasion afterwards to speak The Bishops of GALLOWAY 1. Sâ— Ninnian had his chiefe abode in the countrey of Galloway and built there a Church all of white stone which was therefore called Candida casa and to this day in the countrey language Whitherne as you would say a white house he is accompted the first Bishop of this See 2. In the year 631. one Plechelmus Beda calleth him Pectelmus was here Bishop 3. Frithwoldus succeeded to him and died in the year 768. 4. After him Pethumus who deceased anno 778. 5. Then Ethelbert 6. And after him Baldulphus Further mention I find not of any Bishop in this See in those first times and it seems it hath been quite decayed before Malcolm the third restored the same In the latter times I read only of these following 7. Iohn Bishop of Galloway who resigned his charge and became a Monk in the Abbey of Halirudhouse 8. Thomas Spence translated from Galloway to Aberdene in the year 1458. 9. David who was also Dean of the Kings Chappel 10. Alexander 11. Henry 12. George 13. And Bishop ... Gordon who lived at the Reformation and embraced the truth The Bishops of ARGYLE This Bishoprick was part of the Dioces of Dunkeld untill Iohn Scot Bishop thereof obtained of Pope Clement the third a division of the Bishoprick as you may read in the Catalogue of the Bishops of Dunkeld 1. Then was Evaldus or Harold his Chaplain consecrated Bishop and the seat appointed to be at Lismore within the countrey of Argyle whence the Bishop of this See is styled Lismorensis Episcopus this erection was made in the year 1200. 2. To Harold succeeded William who perished by a tempest at Sea in the year 1240. 3. And to him another of the same name 4. Then David who was Bishop in the year 1330. 5. In the year 1425. one Finlaw Bishop of Argyle Vir ordinis Dominicani as Buchannan saith upon the apprehension of Duke Murdach joyned with the Dukes youngest sonne against King Iames the first and fled with him into Ireland The King complaining of him to Pope Martin the fifth he gave Commission to the Bishops of S. Andrewes and Dumblane to call him before them and finding him guilty to depose him from the place but he in the mean time died in Ireland 6. So by the provision George Laird of Balcomie in Fife was preferred to the See how long he lived Bishop and who succeeded since his time I have not learned The Bishops of the ISLES
before they did shew themselves manifest contemners of the Authority by surprising Townes and making bonds both amongst themselves and with the ancient enemies of the Kingdome and to omit other things Could they think it lawful to them to keep an Army at Edinburgh for pursuing her who was their Regent and her Councel and that it should not be lawful to her to entertain a few companies at Leth for her own safety Belike they would have her to flee from place to place as hitherto she hath done declining their fury In their whole letters was there a word sounding to obedience any overture of peace or so much as an intimation of willingnesse in them to have debates composed and all things reduced to their former estate They might cover it as they pleased with the pretexts of the Commonwealth and their care of the good and quiet thereof but nothing lesse was meaned by them For if they desired peace she hath often shewed the way unto it Neither could they be ignorant that the French souldiers would long before that time have been recalled by the command of their King if they themselves had not been a let and hinderance thereto Further he was required to say that if as yet they would live obedient to their Soveraigns she for her own part would refuse no meanes of concord nor should she omit any thing that made for the good of the Commonwealth Neither was this her mind alone but the mind likewise of their Soveraigns who had sent two chief men one of the Church estate and the other an honourable Knight to signifie so much unto them whom they so farre despised as they would not vouchsafe them either answer or audience Lastly the said Herald as he was enjoined did charge the Duke the Noblemen and others their assisters and partakers to depart forth of the Town of Edinburgh and dissolve their forces under the pain of lese Majestie The Herald having in this sort delivered his credit the Lords convened in Councell with a number of Barons and Burgesses whom they called to assist In this meeting the Lord Ruthven presiding declared how the Queen had refused their Petitions and that there was no expectation of the yeelding up the Town of Leth or dimitting the French companies by a peaceable treaty so as now they were to think of the next course The reverence of authority which as yet was in the person of Queen Regent deterred many at first from uttering their mindes yet after some short silence they began to speak of discharging the Queen of her Regencie The motion seemed dangerous to some as wanting example at least for a long time The like they said had been sometimes done but it was alwayes carried under the shew of authority they in whose hands the King was at that time taking upon them in his name to suspend the present Government But that the Nobility and Estates without and against the Princes consent should assume that power to themselves was never heard and would be thought strange Others held that she being a Regent only might very well be prohibited to use the name of the King and Queen for authorising of her proceedings especially when they were known to be hurtful and pernicious to the whole Kingdomes In this variation of judgements it was thought meet to take the opinion of the Preachers and to that effect Mr. Iohn Willock and Iohn Knox being called they delivered their mindes one after another in this sort Mr. Iohn Willock first speaking said That albeit Magistracie be Gods Ordinance and that they who bear rule have their authority from him yet their power is not so largely extended but that the same is bounded and limited by God in his word And albeit God had appointed Magistrates his Lieutenants on earth honouring them with his own title and calling them Gods yet did he never so establish any but for just causes they might be deprived for even as subjects said he are commanded to obey their Magistrates so Magistrates have direction given them for their behaviour towards those they rule and God in his word hath defined the duties both of the one and the other In deposing Princes and those that have borne authority God did not alwayes use his immediate power but sometimes he used other means such as in his wisdome he thought good As by Asa he removed Maacha his own Mother from the honour and authority which before she did exerce By Jehu he destroyed Joram and the whole posterity of Achab and by divers others he deposed from the Government those whom he established before by his own word Of these ensamples he inferred That since Queen Regent had denied her chief duty to the subjects of the Realme which was to minister Iustice indifferently to preserve them from the invasion of strangers and to suffer the word of God to be freely preached seeing also she was a maintainer of superstition and despised the counsell of the Nobility he did think they might justly deprive her from all regiment and authority over them Iohn Knox being next desired to speak after he had approved all which his brother had said did adde this more That the iniquity of the Queen Regent ought not to withdraw their hearts from the obedience due to their Soveraigns nor did he wish any such sentence to be pronounced against her but that when she should change her course and submit her self to good counsel there should be place left unto her of regresse to the same honours from which for just causes she ought now to be deprived It had been a better and wiser part in these Preachers to have excused themselves from giving any opinion in these matters for they might be sure to have it cast in their teeth to the scandal of their profession Neither was the opinion they gave sound in it self not had it any warrant in the word of God for howbeit the power of the Magistrates be limited and their office prescribed by God and that they may likewise fall into great offences yet it is no where permitted to subjects to call their Princes in question or to make insurrections against them God having reserved the punishment of Princes to himself And for the ensamples they alleadged they are nothing to the purpose for Asa was King of Iudah and in possession of the Crown and Maacha though in nature his Mother was by condition his subject and might lawfully be discharged from the authority which by his favour she enjoyed after she fell to the erecting and worshipping of Idols As to the ensample of Iehu it is nothing better seeing what he did was by Gods expresse Commandment who giveth and taketh away Kingdomes as he pleaseth but no man hath this power and they that presume otherwise go expresly against the Commandment of God and the duty of Christian profession Alwayes the Lords and others then assembled as having now their determination
the Firth which they did apprehend to be a supply sent unto them but when they saw them fall upon the ships that carried their victuals they became doubtful and shortly after were assured by a boat which had spoken them that it was an English Navy sent to the support of the Congregation and that a land Army was also prepared to come into Scotland These newes troubled them not a little and made them doubtful what course to take for to return by Striveling was a long way and to transport the souldiers to the other coast there were no vessels so as they feared to be kept from joyning with their fellows at Leth. Their resolution therefore was to make the longer journeys as they did and setting to the way the same night they came on the third day to Leth having lost divers of their company by the way Fife thus delivered from their oppressions publick thanks were given to God in the Church of S. Andrews This done the Lords took purpose to besiege the houses of Weimes Seafield Bagome and Dury which were taken without resistance and the Lords thereof made prisoners but shortly after they were dimitted and the houses restored upon condition not to assist the French any more The Earl of Huntley at the same time being advertised that the Barons of Mernis were come to Aberdene to make reformation in that City hastened thither to withstand their proceedings and by his coming saved the Cathedral Church the houses of the Dominicans Carmelites and other Religions being already demolished and cast down Yet when he heard that the English forces were advancing he sent to the Lords and made offer to joyn with them A meeting to this effect was appointed at Perth whither he came and staying some three dayes departed homewards upon promise to return unto the Army in the beginning of April for Proclamatinos were gone through the countrey charging all the subjects to meet in Armes at Linlithgow the last of March and from thence to passe forwards in pursuit of the French that had fortified at Leth. For fulfilling the Article whereby the Lords were tied to send pledges unto England Colin Campbel Cousen to the Earl of Argyle Robert Douglas brother to the Laird of Lochleven and ... Ruthven son to the Lord Ruthven were delivered to the Englâ—sh Admiral and by sea conveyed to the Town of Newcastle After which the English forces consisting of 2000. horse and six thousand foot entered into Scotland conducted by the Lord Gray under whom commanded the Lord Scroop Sir Iames Crofts Sir Henry Percie and Sir Francis Lake The Scottish Army joyned with them at Preston the fourth of April whereof the principal leaders were the Duke of Chattellerault the Earles of Argyle Glencarn and Menteith Lord Iames. the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Ochiltrie who were assisted by all the Barons and Gentlemen professing Religion in Lothian Fife Angus Mernis and the West countries The same day the Queen Regent removed her family to the Castle of Edinburgh and was received by the Lord Aresken a Nobleman of approved honesty and wisdom he was not ignorant of the Queens intentions and the desire she had to have the French Masters of that strength yet he would not at that time deny her entrie but used such circumspection as she and the house both were still in his power The Noblemen resolving to fall presently to work did yet think to move the Queen of new for dismissing the French companies and to that effect they directed a letter of this tenor Madame We have often before this time by letters and messages been instant with you to remove the French souldiers out of the Realm who now the space of a year and more have oppressed the poor people with evils intolerable and threaten to bring this Kingdom under a miserable servitude But seeing we could not prevaile by our lawful requests we were forced to mean our estate to the Queen of England our nearest neighbour and intreat her support for expulsing these strangers by Armes if otherwise we cannot obtain it And now albeit she pitying our distresses hath taken us and our cause in her protection yet for the duty we owe unto you as the Mother of our Queen and the desire we have to eschew the shedding of Christian blood we have advised once again to intreat the dismission of these French men with their Captains and Commanders for whose commodious transport the Queen of England will be pleased to lend her Navy and give to others of them a safe passage by land If this condition shall be rejected we take God and men to record that it is not malice nor hatred which moveth us to take Armes but that we are driven by necessity to use extreme remedies for preserving the commonwealth and saving our selves our estates and posterities from utter ruine neither shall we for any peril that can happen howsoever we suffer many wrongs and indignities and are daily in expectation of worse forsake that dutiful obedience which we owe to our Queen or yet resist the King her husband in any thing that shall not tend to the subversion of the ancient liberties of this Kingdome Therefore most gracious Queen we beseech you again and again to weigh the equity of our Petition the inconveniences of warre and to consider how needful it is that thus your daughters afflicted Kingdom should be put to some rest and quietnesse If so you do you shall give to all nations a testimony of your moderation and procure the peace of the greatest part of Christendome This letter dated at Dalkeith the fifth of April was subscrived by all the Noblemen that were present The English General did in like manner direct Sir George Howard and Sir Iames Crofâ—s to make offer that if the French would peacably depart forth of Scotland they likewise should return into their countrey without molesting any person Her answer was that she would think of what was propounded and give answer the next day But the Army not liking to admit these delayes advanced the next day which was Saterday towards Leth keeping along the sea coast till they came to Restalrig The French issuing forth of Leth to the number of 1300. or thereby and planting themselves upon a little hill called the Hawkhill where they knew the English Army would encamp for the space of five houres continued in fight the one striving to make good the place the other to carry it At last the Scottish horsemen did charge the French with suh a fury that they not able to maintain it any longer took the flight and retired to the Town from which they had been quite cut off if the English horse had seconded the Scots as was appointed In this conflict three hundred of the French were killed and some few of the English Then begun the Army of England to place their Pavilions betwixt the Town of Leth and Restalrig
the Church could never be induced to part therewith and turned greater enemies in that point of Church Patrimony then were the Papists or any other whatsoever THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE FOURTH BOOK The Contents The things that fell out after Queen Mary her coming from France into this Kingdome unto her resignation of the Crown to King Iames her son THe Queen preparing to return home was taken with the Feaver tertian and forced to stay at Ianville some moneths In the end of Iune she came to Paris where Francis Earl of Bedford who was sent from England to condole King Francis his death did in the name of his Mistress salute her and after some gratulatory speeches for her recovery propone the ratification of the contract made at Leth entreating the performance of it The Queen thanking her sister for her kindness answered That she was not as yet in perfect health but hoped shortly to be well Touching the ratification she said that she remembred the business but could give no resolute answer till she had the advice of the Nobles and estates of her own Realm For though the matter concerned her principally yet the same did touch them also and they having shewed themselves displeased in former times because she did not take their advice in affairs would now be much more offended if she should proceed in that matter not having first acquainted them therewith But as she trusted the same should not be long a doing seeing she intended to make her voyage shortly home The Ambassadour replying that there was no cause to doubt of their consents in that particular the accord being made by themselves It was made said the Queen by some of them not by all and when I come amongst them it will appear what minde they are of But I will send Monsieur d' Oysell to my sister who shall give her I trust good satisfaction and by him I will signifie that I am to go into Scotland and will require those favours of her that Princes do one to another in the like cases Soon after this she sent Monsieur d'Oysell into England with a direction that after he had done this message unto the Queen he should go into Scotland and take order that the Garrisons kept in the Castle of Dunbar and the Isle of Inchkeith should keep those Forts untill she were safely arrived But the Queen of England taking ill the delay of the ratification answered him in the hearing of all the attendants That except the Queen of Scots did confirm the conditions agreed upon at Leth wherein she found her self still frustrated there could be no perfect amity amongst them and if she would do that the kindness which became a Queen her cousen and neighbour should not be wanting on her part This she desired him to report and leave his journey unto Scotland for that she would not permit the same through her Countrey The Queen of Scots highly offended with this answer did call Nicholas Throgmorton the Ambassador Legier of England and kept a long conference with him about these matters which out of the Ambassadors own letters sent to the Queen his Mistress I shall relate Commanding her attendants to go aside she brake forth in these speeches How great soever my weakness be I like not to have so many witnesses of it as your Queen of late had when she talked with Monsieur d'Oysell And now I must tell you that nothing grieves me more then that I should have desired a thing of her that I stood in no great need of having Gods favour I can return to my Countrey without her leave as I came hither against the will of King Edward her brother Neither do I lack friends that both will and may convey me safefy thither yet I desire rather to try her friendship then any others Oftentimes you have said that it were good both for our selves and for our Kingdomes that we should live friends and keep kindness one to another but it seemeth not that she is so minded otherwise she would never have returned me such an answer It is like she favoureth my rebellious subjects more then me yet she should with reason think that my subjects who have rebelled against me will never be so trusty and loving to her as I my self My friends do marvell what her purpose could be in assisting my Subjects against me and now to hinder my return unto my own Countrey being a widow I know not what it should mean I work her no trouble I have no medling with the affairs of England and yet I know there be numbers in that Countrey who are not well contented with the present times I require nothing of her but amity and friendship and this I cannot have She objects to me that I have small experience of the world It is true that years bring experience yet I am of that age that I know how to carry my self towards my friends and well-willers I will not use many speeches unworthy of her but let me with her good leave say that I am a Queen as she is that I have as good friends and as good a stomach as her self But comparisons they say are odious therefore I will contain my self For that treaty at Leth wherewith she so troubleth her self it was made whilest the King my husband was alive to whom according to my duty I was in all things obsequent That he delayed to ratifie the accord it was his fault not mine After his decease the Councell of France left me to my own Counsellors neither would my uncle meddle in Scottish affâ—irs lest they should offend The Scots that are here with me are not Counsellors neither can I deliberate with them in weighty matters assoon as I have consulted with the Estates of my Kingdom I shall give her a reasonable answer and that she may have it the sooner I shall haste my journey homewards But she perhaps will belay my way and so impede her own satisfaction and it may be she desireth no satisfaction of her demands that there may be alwayes some occasion of jarring and discord amongst us She casteth often in my teeth that I am young and unadvised and so she might justly think me if I should treat of matters of such importance but as now I will not reason that point This I may truly say that I never did any thing to my sister which I would not have done to my self I have alwayes performed the duty of a kinswoman unto her but she doth either not believe it or then despiseth my friendship Would to God I were as dear to her as I am near of bloud for this were a precious sort of kindred but God forgive them if there be any that stirreth up these contentions amongst us You are her Ambassadour let me know what is it offendeth her or in what word or action I have wronged her Hereunto Throgmorton answered Madam
I have no Commission to your Majesty but for the ratification of the treaty at Leth yet if you will have me to shew what I think be the cause of my Mistresse offence I will tell it in few words but not as an Ambassadour How soon the Queen my Mistress was crowned you usurped the Title and Arms of England which during Queen Maries reign you never attempted and a greater injury could not be offered to a Prince then that was But saith she My father in law and husband who lived both at that time commanded me so to do after they were deceased and since I have been at mine own liberty I have neither used her Armes nor Titles And yet I see not what wrong it can be to me who am a Queen and had to my grandmother the eldest sister of King Henry the eight to use the Armes of England seeing others more remote in blood have done the like The Marquess of Exeter and Dutchess of Suffolk Neece unto Henry the eight by his youngest sister did bear the Armes of England with borders for a difference and should it be imputed as an injury to me so to do But well I see so she concluded that nothing I do is taken in good part The Quen of England in the mean time falling in some jealousie of the Lords of Scotland because of that which the Queen had said that the treaty at Leth was not made by all their consents and that when she should be amongst them it would appear whether they continued in the same mind sent a letter full sharpnes of to the Nobility and Councel wherein after an ample declaration of the friendship done to them in the late aid they received against the French she complained of the delayes made in the ratification of the accord past at Leth which as it seemed by their Queens words was in their default seeing she had said that before she gave a resolute answer in that matter it behoved her to know their mindes whereof she could not be ignorant so many of themselves being with her of late and messengers going daily betwixt them therefore she desired to know if they did minde to keep the peace contracted and if they continued in that mind that they should procure the Queen to ratifie it at least to advertise her what she might look for at their own hands This letter was speedily answered by the Councel with great attestations that it came never in their mindes to break the peace contracted for in so doing they should make themselves infamous in the world and sin highly against their consciences Of the delay which their Queen made and the reasons thereof they professed to be ignorant Therefore intreated her Majesty to be perswaded of them that next to the glory of God they would study to keep the peace inviolate and that there should be no blame in them if the ratification was not made to her contentment Whilest these things passed at home the Queen of Scots set forward to Callais attended by the Cardinals of Loraine and Guise the Dukes of Guise and d'Aumarll the grand Prior and the Marquess d' Elbeuf her Uncles the Duke of Nemours Monsieur d' Anvile the Constables son and divers others her friends and kinsmen At Abbavile which is in the way to Callais she sent for the English Ambassadour and asked him by what means she might satisfie Queen Elizabeth He answered by ratifying the Treaty of Leth. To whom she replied I have very just reasons to refuse it which ought not to be interpreted as delayes For first that treaty should have been confirmed by my husband and me and cannot now be ratified unlesse it be concluded in my own name alone seeing the King then my husband is expressely named in the accord Next the most of the Articles are performed for all preparations of warre are ceased and the French called back from Scotland But the Queen offendeth said she that I use the title and arms of England This I have not done since my husbands death And if it be alledged that the same is used in Letters Patents given me through France it is known I cannot hinder that for they who pass those letters are not my subjects And for the Articles concâ—rning Religion I trust my own subjects shall have no cause to complain of my severity Thus what I may do I will to give my sister satisfaction And I pray you Monsieur l' Embassadeur do the part of an Ambassadour and rather pacify the Queen then exasperate her in any sort So earnest she was to have all matters of quarrel laid aside fearing that the Queen of England should seek to intercept her by the way and indeed a Navy was put to Sea under colour of suppressing Pirats but the taking of one of the ships wherein were the Earl of Eglinton and other passengers made it suspected that a worse thing was meant Alwayes it fell out so that the Queen of Scots having a prosperous wind passed by the English ships the weather being foggy unperceived and after the sixt day after her embarking which was the 20. of August 1561. did safely arrive at Leth. The fame of the Queens coming noised abroad the Nobility from all the parts of the Realm assembled to congratulate her return and besides them numbers of all sorts of people convened as unto a joyful spectacle for they had not seen the face of their Soveraign for many years and after her marriage with the French King had scarce any hope of a King to reside amongst them which would most certainly have happened if any succession had followed of that marriage For Scotland in that case would have been but an accession to France the mightier Kingdome as Henry the seventh foretold of England and we have seen it verified in our days drawing unto it the weaker and lesser Crown That the Queen therefore was now returned and they delivered of the fears of redacting the Kingdom into a Province they did justly esteem it one of the greatest benefits that could happen unto them Then when they called to mind the variablenesse of fortune how she left a pupill of six dayes old only by the death of the Father was exposed as a prey to those that were most mighty and partly by civil seditions at home partly by the invasions of external enemies from abroad even before she could have any sense oftrouble was forced to forsake her countrey and relegated as it were into exile having hardly escaped the hands of enemies that lay in wait to intercept her and the violence of tempestuous and raging seas And again when fortune began to smile a little upon her and she was honoured with a royal Marriage how these joyes on the suddain came to be changed into extreme sorrows being first deprived of her mother then of her husband a new Kingdome lost and her ancient crown which belonged to her by inheritance standing in a
Estates convened in Parliament should appoint About the midst of Iuly the dispensation of the marriage being brought from Rome the Queen was espoused to the Lord Darnelie after the Popish manner in the Chappel of Halirudhruse by the Dean of Restalrig and the next day was he by the sound of the Trumpet proclaimed King and declared to be associated with her in the Government The discontented Lords sent forth their complaints upon this alledging That the Kingdome was openly wronged the liberties thereof oppressed and a King imposed upon the people without advise and consent of the Estates a thing not practised before at any time and contrary to the Laws and received custom of the Countrey Desiring therefore all good subjects to take the matter to heart and joyn with them in resisting these beginnings of Tyranny But few or none were thereby won to shew themselves openly of their party so as when the Queen with her husband went against them they left the town of Striveling where the first convened and fled into Paislay The King to make himself more popular and take from the Lords the pretext of Religion wherewith they coloured their designes took purpose to go unto St. Giles Church in Edinburgh and hear Sermon Iohn Knox either doubting his sincerity or favouring the faction of the Noblemen fell upon him with a bitter reproof for which being cited before the Queen and Councell he not onely stood to that he had spoken but added That as the King for her pleasure had gone to Masse and dishonoured the Lord God so should he in his Iustice make her the instrument of his ruine The Queen incensed with this answer burst forth in tears whereupon he was inhibited preaching by the Councell and silenced for some moneths Mr. Iohn Craig who a little before was brought to Edinburgh because of the prohibition given to his Colleague refused to do any service there which put the people in a stur yet upon better advice he was moved to continue in his charge In the end of August the King and Queen accompanied with five thousand or thereabouts went to Glasgow to pursue the Lords They removing from Paisley to Hamilton an Herald was sent thither to summon the Castle which they denied to render giving out that they would try the matter in battell the next day But the manifold distractions amongst themselves did let this resolution and divers falling away from their side they went to Edinburgh where supposing to finde assistance the Captain of the Castle forced them by his continuall playing on the town to quit it After which they tooke their course to Dumfreis allured by the fair promises of Iohn Maxwell Lord Hereis A new expedition upon this was concluded and the Lieges warned to meet at Bigger the 9. of October in the mid time the King and Queen leaving the Earl of Lenox Lieutenant in the West parts made a Progress through Fife to punish those that had assisted the Lords The Lairds of Grainge Balcomie Pitmillie and Ramormie were fugitive some others of meaner sort taken prisoners and the towns of Perth Dundie and St. Andrewes fined in great summes This done they returned to Edinburgh and from thence went into Dumfrâ—is where the Lords had stayed all that while The Lord Hereis pretending to make their peace concluded his own advising them to fly into England as they did Thither went the Duke of Chattellerault the Earl of Murray Glencarne and Rothes the Lord Ochiltrie the Commendatory of Kilwinning and divers others of good note A few dayes they abode in Carlile with the Earle of Bedford Lieutenant at that time in the North. Then going to Newcastle they sent the Earl of Murray to the English Court to intreat the Queens intercession for them she incontinent dispatched a Gentleman of her Privie Chamber named Tamerorth with Letters to the Queen of Scots requesting that Murray and the rest might be received in favour The Gentleman not vouchsafing to give her husband the title of a King nor bringing any Commission to him was denied presence and had his answer delivered him in writing to this effect That Queen Elizabeth should do well to have no medling with the subjects of Scotland but leave them to their Princes discretion seeing neither she nor her husband did trouble themselves with the causes of her subjects The Duke perceiving that by these means their peace would not be hastily made and knowing his reconcilement to be more easie resolved to sever his cause from the rest and sent the Abbot of Kilwinning to entreat favour to himself and his friends which he easily obtained for he was known to be nothing so guilty as the others and to have been craftily drawn upon that faction so he returned into Scotland in December following In this moneth a generall Assembly of the Church convened again at Edinburgh where the answer made by the Queen to their last petitions was presented and replied unto by the same Assembly in this manner First they said That it was no small grief to the hearts of good and Christian subjects to hear that notwithstanding the Evangel of Christ had been so long preached in the Realm and his mercy so plainly offered her Majesty should yet continue unperswaded of the truth of that Religion which they preached and professed it being the same which Christ Iesus had revealed to the world which he commanded his Apostles to preach and ordained to be received of all the faithfull and firmly retained by them untill his second coming A religion that had God the Father his onely Son Christ Iesus and the Holy Spirit for the Authors thereof and was most clearly grounded upon the Doctrine and practice aswell of the Prophets as Apostles which no other religion upon the face of the earth could justifie alledge or prove For whatsoever assurance the Papist had or could alledge for his profession the same the Turk had for his Alcoran And the Jews more probably might alledge for their rites and traditions whether it be antiquity of time or consent of people or authority of Princes or multitudes and number of Professors or any the like cloakes they do pretend Wherefore in the Name of the eternall God with the reverence that became them they required her highness to use the means whereby she might be perswaded of the truth such as the preaching of the Word of God the ordinary mean that he hath appointed for working knowledge and begetting faith in the hearts of his chosen ones conference with learned men and disputation with the adversaries which they were ready to offer when and where her Grace should think expedient Next where she could not believe any impiety to be in the Mass they made offer to prove the whole Mass from the beginning to the ending to be nothing else but a mass of impietie and that the Priest his actions the opinion which the hearers or rather the gazers
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
And to shew that in his election no respect was had to neerness of bloud his elder brother Alexander was then alive who would not have been passed if propinquity or kindred had carried the sway How Duke Murdack and his father before him came to govern it was well known King Robert the third waxing infirm and unable to rule by himself did substitute his brother called Robert likewise his Lieutenant in the Kingdome commending his tow sons David and Iames to his care But the kindness he shewed to them was that the elder of the two was starved to death in the Palace of Falkland and the younger forced fly for his life he being detained prisoner in England After the fathers death the uncle usurped still the place wherewith he was possessed and at his dying left the same to Murdack his son As to that he speaks of his own Regiment they said he had done more wisely not to have mentioned it considering his preferment proceeded rather of hatred born to the Cardinall who had supposed a false testament then of any favour carried to himself And that being possessed in the place he sold both it and the young Queen to the French which had bred a great deal of trouble And granting the custome had been such as he pratends will any man in reason judge it safe to commit the tuition of an innocent child to him whose family hath entertained so long enmity with that of which the King is descended and will ever be waiting and wishing the death of his Pupill none will think it This was the substance of the reply which when the Queen of England heard she directed certain of the Councell to shew the Duke that he was not to look for any help from her in that businesse and to prohibite his journey into Scotland till the Regent was parted and gone home About the same time there were letters of the Queen of Scots intercepted sent to the Noblemen of her party in Scotland wherein she complained That the Queen of England had not kept promise unto her yet desired them to be of good heart because she was assured of aid by some other means and hoped to be with them in a short time These letters sent from Scotland to the Regent he delivered to the Queen of England who from thenceforth was much estranged from the Queen of Scots as well for that she charged her with breach of promise as because it appeared she leaned to some others besides her self The Regent presently after took his journey homewards and being attended by the Sheriffes and Gentlemen of the Countrey at the Queen of Englands direction came safely to Berwick the first of February and the day following to Edinburgh within a few days he went to Striveling and in a convention of the Estates having related the proceedings in England had all ratified and approved The twentieth of the same moneth the Duke of Chattellerault returned and being made deputy by the Queen of Scots caused publish his letters prohibitting the subjects to acknowledge any other Soveraign then the Queen Hereupon the Regent gave forth Proclamations charging the lieges in the Kings name to meet him in Arms at Glasgow the tenth of March The Duke in the mean time sent to the Assembly of the Church convened at that time in Edinburgh a prolixe letter wherein he signified That being in France and hearing what troubles were moved at home the love he carried to his native countrey made him return with intent to pacify these stirres at his utmost power And howbeit in his absence he had suffered wrong yet he assured them that his own particular did not grieve him so much as the danger wherein the Kingdom was brought by the diversity that had happened betwixt the Queen their native Soveraign and a part of her subjects which he wished to be removed in some quiet and peaceable manner and that the Estates convening might after they had considered the ground and beginning of these troubles which he conceived to be the murther of the Queens late husband with one consent agree upon soem reasonable course to be followed for redresse thereof and of the evils which thence had proceeded whereunto he and all the Nobility continuing in the obedience of the Queen their Soveraign should be found pliable which he did not write as he said because of the Proclamations made by the Earl of Murray to convene people in Glasgow the tenth of March for since these troubles began he was not in the countrey and if all Scotland were gathered he would trust for his own and his predecessors good deserving to find such favour as if the Earl of Murray would invade him and his friends he should not be assisted by any of them to do him wrong Therefore desired them in Gods behalfe so the letter beareth to make his minde and intention known to the people or if they did not think his desires and offers reasonable that they would come and reason with himself whom they should finde easy to be ruled in all matters according to Gods word and equity To this letter dated at Hamilton the 27. of February 1568. the Assembly answered That they would communicate the Letter with the Regent and know his pleasure whether or not they should send any of their number to the Duke in Commission to treat with his Grace Which accordingly they did appointing the Superintendents of Lothian and Fise with Mr. Iohn Row to go unto the Regent and having obtained his licence to pass to the Duke and Noblemen that were in his company and use all means possible for reconciling them to the obedience of the King and his Regent They had also certain Petitions given them to be presented to the Regent in name of the Church as to desire That benesiced persons not bearing function in the Church and subject only in paiment of thirds should be compelled to contribute for sustentation of the poor That remedy might be provided against the chopping and changing of Benefices diminution of rentals and setting of Tithes in long leases to the defrauding of Ministers and their successors that they who possessed plurality of Benesices might be caused dimit all saving one That the jurisdiction of the Church might be separated from the Civil and that they might without his Graces offence and the Councels use their censures against the Earl of Huntley for deposing the Collectors of the Church and placing others in their roomes by his own authority Such a respect was carried in that time to Civil power as the Church could not proceed in censures against men in prime places without their knowledge the neglect whereof in after times brought with it great troubles both to the Church and State I find in the same Assembly the University of S. Andrews ordained to meet and form such orders as they should think fit for giving degrees in divinity whereby it appeareth that our first
the Queen his sister or others who had interest in the business that his consent was extorted and not willingly given To this effect he advised him to send the Laird of Lethington to England with speed as the wisest and most sufficient man he could chuse who would provide for him the rest that had assisted him substantially and assuredly His conscience he said some over precise objections might perhaps trouble him but if he could have espied any other thing then his overthrow in resisting he would not have written so peremptorily unto him Then concluded with these words No mans friendship will be more embraced then yours no mans estimation be greater if you shal conform your self concurwith your friends in thisâ— contrariwise if you withstand or become an adverse party you wil be so incumbred both from hence from thence all other places as no man can advise you what to do Therefore God send you to direct your course for the best This letter was accompanied with another from Sir Nicholas to Lethington wherein he shewed that according to his advice he had written to the Regent with a great zeal and care of his well doing these were the words he used and requested he should hasten his coming to Court for that businesse the same being as yet concealed from the Queen till he as the fittest Minister might propone the same in behalf of the Regent and Nobility of Scotland whereunto he held it assured the Queen would assent as preferring her own surety the tranquillity of her Kingdom and conservation of her people before any device that might proceed from the inconsiderate passions of whomsoever And that he might be the more incouraged he did inform him particularly of the Duke of Norfolks consent and the approbation of the Earls of Arundel Pembrook Leicester Bedford Shrewsbury and the rest of the wisest noblest ablest and mightiest of that Realm And it was truth that he wrote of their consenting howbeit with a condition so that the Queen of England was not against it yea beside these divers well affected both to Religion and State did wish the purpose a good successe for perceiving no inclination in the Queen of England her self to take a husband they feared the Queen of Scots who was her undoubted heir by matching with some forain Prince might endanger both Religion and State and therefore desired the marriage with the Duke might take effect he being a Nobleman of England beloved of the people and educated in the Protestant Religion for by this match as they made account if it should happen the young King to die the two Kingdomes might be united in a Prince of the English Nation or if he lived unto a ripe age he might be married with the Dukes youngest daughter who was near of the same age and that way the two Crowns be made one But these devices proved idle and vain as we shall hear The Regent for answering these letters did appoint a meeting of the Estates at Perth in Iuly thereafter At which time an Assembly of the Church was also kept in Edinburgh and from it Commissioners directed to the Convention to renew the Petitions made the year preceding that as yet had received no answer And further to desire that a portion of the tithes might be allotted for sustentation of the poor the labourers of the ground permitted to gather the tithes of their proper corns paying for the same a reasonable duty and that the thirds of Benefices being really separated from the two other parts the Collectors of the Church might peaceably intromet therewith for the more ready paiment of Ministers according to their assignations But these Petitions in regard of the more weighty businesse were deferred to another time And the Convention falling to consider the letters sent from England did hardly accord upon an answer Beginning with that of the Queen of England they judged the first condition so derogatory to the Kings authority as they did simply reject it The second of Association was held dangerous and third onely thought reasonable and meet to be accepted But when they came to speak of the Queen of Scots desires the contention was great they that stood for the Kings authority taking exception first of her imperious form of writing and that she did command them as though she were their absolute Queen then at the desire it self they excepted not holding it safe to condescend unto the same before the Queen of England should be acquainted therewith for they conceived some other thing to be lurking under that purpose of divorce then was openly pretended Such as affected the Queen and were privy to the marriage intended with Northfolk excusing the form of writing and laying the blame upon her Secretaries made offer to procure new letters in what tearms they pleased so as judges were named to proceed in the divorce and when they saw this not to be regarded in a chasing mood they said That it was strange to think how that they not many moneths passed seemed to desire nothing more then the Queenes separation from Bothwell should now when it was offered decline the same It was answered again in heat That if the Queen was so earnest in the Divorce she might write to the King of Denmark and desire him to doe justice upon Bothwell for the murther of the King her husband That done the divorce would not be needfull and she freed to marry where and when she pleased The Conventâ— on breaking up and neither the Queens faction obtaining what they desired nor Lethington the imployment which he affected new suspitions began to rise on all sides and as in the most secret practices somewhat alwayes is bursting forth a rumour went riâ—e amongst the common sort that some great interprise was in hand which would bring with it a wonderfull change in both Kingdomes Mr. Iohn Wood one of the Regents domesticks being sent with the answer of the convention did signifie to the Queen of England the business made about the divorce and what was done concerning it but she not seeming to regard the matter professed that she was not satisfied with the answer of the convention and desired they should think better of the conditions proposed The truth was that she held not the Gentleman of sufficient quality to deal in such business for otherwise she was not ignorant of the cause wherefore the divorce was sought and had warned Northfolk to take heed on what pillow he laid his head yea she took so ill the Queen of Scots carriage in that matter as shortly after she caused her to be removed to Coventry more within the Countrey and gave her in custody to George Talbot Earl of Shrewsbury and Edward Hastings Earl of Huntingdon The Regent upon his servants return convened the Nobility again at Striveling where in effect the same answer that of before was given to the Propositions made by the Queen of England and
for he had warrant so to do and seeing them full of vain and idle brags for to shew the strength of the faction they had set down a Roll of all the Noblemen of their party inserting there in both some of their opposites and some that had carried themselves newters in all these broyls returned answer by the messenger that he would do as he was directed and not grant any truce nor keep the Army at their pleasure without imployment The time of the Convention approaching they who favoured the King his authority came in great numbers to Edinburgh At their first meeting it was thought convenient seeing the adverse party professed a desire of peace to make trial of their disposition and thereupon a Gentleman was sent with this message that if they would joyn for revenge of the murther of the Kings Father and Regent and would acknowledge the King for their Soveraign whatsoever else in reason they could crave should be granted unto them The answer was short and peremptory on their part That they acknowledge none for their Soveraign but the Queen and that she having committed the Government of affairs to the Earls of Arrane Argile and Huntley they would follow and obey them in her service Then they caused proclaim the Queens authority with the several Commissions of their Lieutenandries and in the Queens name indicted a Parliament to be kept at Linlithgow in August ensuing The Estates perceiving there would be no agreement gave forth a Proclamation to this effect First they said that it was not unknown to all the subjects in what a happy state the Realm stood under the government of the late Regent and what calamities it was fallen into by his death divers Lords and other subjects conspiring with them having presumed to erect another authority under the name of the Queen his Majesties mother But as such treasonable attempts had been often taken in hand and as often through Gods favour disappointed to the shame and ignominy of the enterprisers so they wished all men should understand what sort of people they were that had massed themselves together in the present conspiracy The Conspirators they ranked in three orders the principles they said were the authours of the cruel murthers of the King his father and Regent Others were manifestly purjured as having bound themselves by their oathes and subscriptions to defend the King his authority which now they impugned A third sort were such as had servile minos and without regard to conscience or honour did follow those to whom they had addicted themselves All which did pretend the maintenance of true Religion the liberty of the Countrie and the preservation of peace both abroad and at home But with what probability any man of judgement might consider for neither could he who was known to have been a persecutor of the truth and now carried the chief sway amongst them meaning the Archbishop of St. Andrews be thought a maintainer of Religion nor could they be esteemed favourers of their Country and the quietness thereof who without any just provocation had invaded the neighbour Realm of England and publickly entertained the Queens Rebells professing enemies to God and Religion As to the care they professed of the Kings preservation any man might conjecture how he should be preserved by them who exiled his Grandfather murthered his father did wickedly counsell his mother led her on courses that had brought her to shame and dishonour and now at last had unworthily cut off his Uncle and Regent by suborning a mischant to kill him treacherously It is like said they that they will be content to live subjects to a King discended of that house which they have so long a time persecuted and will they not fear if God shall bring him to perfection of years that he will be avenged of his fathers and uncles murther Neither can any be ignorant what the hope of a Kingdome will work in ambitious spirits especially when they finde themselves in a possibility to succeed unto the present possession And these are the men said they who seek to rule and command under the name of her whom they have undone by their wicked practices Of this they thought fit to advertise the subjects and to inhibit them from giving any assistance to the said conspirators under pain of death Such as of simplicity or ignorance had joyned with them they commanded to separate and return to their houses within the space of 24. houres promising in that case impunity and pardon for their by-past defection those onely excepted who were suspect of the foresaid murthers and had resset the Queen of Englands Rebells and violated the publick peace betwixt the two Realms This Proclamation was indited with much passion and matters now reduced to these termes that each side prepared to maintain their quarrell with the destruction of their adversaries The Queens faction dispatched Veraâ— to France to inform how matters went and to further the supply promised The Lord Seaton was sent to Flanders to intreat the Duke of Alva at that time Governour of the Neatherlands for the King of Spain for some aid of moneys and men and to impede the traffique of the Scottish rebells so they termed them that acknowledged the Kings authority in those parts For the point of traffick the Duke excused himself saying That he could not inhibit the same it being against the liberty of the Low-countreys but in other things he would do his best to further the Queen of Scots cause Like as shortly after he sent Mr. Iohn Hamilton Parson of Dumbar who lay Agent with him for the Scottish Queen to the Earl of Huntley with great store of Armor and gunpowder and the summe of ten thousand Crowns to levie Souldiers The Lord Seaton in the mean while who could not be idle wheresoever he was and had a great desire to approve himself by some service to the King of Spain dissembling his habit went into the United Provinces and dealt with Scottish Captains and Under officers to make them leave the service of the Estates and follow the King of Spain which being detected he was apprehended and by sentence of the Councell of Warre condemned to ride the Canon yet by some help he escaped and fled to the Duke of Alva who sent him home loaden with promises and rewarded with some little present for himselfe because of his good affection The Lords on the other side who stood for the Kings authority sent to the Earl of Sussex intreating the assistance of his forces or some part thereof because of the common danger and to move him the more they advertised that the Earl of Westmerland and other English Rebels were with the Lords convened at Linlithgow in Armes with intention as it seemed to work some mischief which had need for the good of both Realms to be prevented which they doubted not so the letters bear having his assistance to
and then rendered at discretion Cap. Cowts with 30. of his souldiers were executed because they had once served and made defection The rest were pardoned upon surety not to carry arms against the present authority This expedition ended the Regent returned to Edinburgh In the the Moneth of August by letters from Denmark it was advertised that Colonel Iohn Clerk who had served the King there in his warres with Sweden was imprisoned by the suggestion of some countreymen that laboured for Bothwels liberty Whereupon Mr. Thomas Buchannan brother to Mr. George Buchannan the Kings Tutor was sent in Ambassage to Denmark to require that Bothwel might be delivered and sent into Scotland to the effect justice might be done upon him or then that he might be judged there for the detestable murther committed upon the person of the Kings father and receive his due punishment This had before that time been often desired but was delayed by divers occasions and now the report of Bothwels greater liberty and that he had been permitted to accuse colonel Clerk a Gentleman well esteemed of good reputation for his service done both at home and in parts abroad the Regent and Councel took occasion to put that King in remembrance of their former requests and if any doubt was made in those parts of Bothwels guiltiness they offered to clear the same by evident probation thereupon intreated him by the communion of blood and nigh kindred betwixt him and the King of Scotland that he would not suffer such a nefarious person to escape In the same letters they requested that the Colonel might be set at liberty and restored to the Kings wonted favour or then be licenced to return into Scotland where there was present use for his service This Ambassage was not without fruit and put Bothwel out of all credit so as desperate of liberty he turned mad and ended his wicked life some years after as before was touched most miserably All things now went ill with the Queens saction neither saw they a way to subsist but by labouring an Abstinence which the Secretary earnestly went about and prevailed so farre with the two Liegers of France and Spain as they brought the Queen of England to a new Treaty with the Scots Queen and to hearken unto some overtures which she did make both for the Queens assurance and for the setling of a perfect peace betwixt her and her son and those that stood in his obedience This moved the Regent he did greatly oppose it yet the Queen of England would needs have him agree to the Abstinence for the space of two moneths in which it was thought the Treaty should take an end Great dispute there was about the tenour and form of the Abstinence which at last was accorded in these terms That the Regent should oblige himself and his partakers to cease from Arms and not to molest any that pretended obedience to the Kings mother during the space of two moneths which should be understood to begin the third day of September providing that no innovation should be made in the government and all things continue in the same estate wherein they were at the death of the late Regent As also that the ordinary administration of the Law and Justice in Parliament Session and other Courts with the punishment of thieves and trespassers might proceed in the mean time by law or force in the Kings name and under his authority without any opposition This granted by a second letter the Queen of England signified That she had appointed Sir William Cecill her principal Secretary and Sir Walter Mildmay Chancellour of the Exchequer to repair to the Queen of Scots and learn what offers she would make for her Majesties surety and the not disturbing the Realms if she should be put to liberty In which treaty she minded not to neglect the surety of the young King and the estate of the Nobility adhering to him whereof she would be no lesse careful then of what concerned her self most But in regard that treaty could take no good effect if the Regent and the Nobility on his side should do any thing to the prejudice of the Queen of Scots and her party she desired that no Parliament should be kept during the time of the treaty or if it had taken beginning before the receipt of the letter that nothing should passe therein which might give her cause to complain And for the Abstinence taken unto the third of November seeing there was no likelihood the treaty should take an end in so short a time he was further desired to prorogue the same for other two moneths The letter dated at Windsor the seventh of October was brought to the Regent the thirteenth some two days after the Parliament was begun This treaty did much perplex the Regent for albeit he was advertised before of the Queen of Englands condescending to hear what the Scottish Queen would say in her own cause yet he did not expect any such suddain dealing or that it should have begun without his knowledge But making the best construction of all things he answered That the Parliament had taken a beginning before her Majesties letters came to his hand and for the reverence he did carry to her he had abstained from all proceeding in any matters only his office of Regiment was confirmed and the Parliament adjourned unto the moneth of January before which time he hoped the fruit of that treaty would appear For the prorogation of the Abstinence he had declared at the first how hurtful the same was to the King his affairs and that there was no true meaning in the adverse party ad did manifestly appear by the arresting of the ships and goods of the Scottish Merchants professing the King his obedience in the Kingdome of France and other divers insolencies practised at home since the granting thereof That howsoever he was perswaded her Majesty had not a mind under colour of the Abstinence to ruine the young King and those that stood in defence of his authority yet they had received more hurt thereby then they could have done if open hostility had been professed Therefore he desired that before he was urged with a further cessation the ships and goods stayed in France might be set free the injuries committed at home repaired and all things innovated in the Government since the late Regents death disannulled by Proclamation which things performed he should willingly obey her Majesties desire Upon this last part of the letter many debates arose amongst the parties and divers particulars on either side were exhibited in writing to the Earl of Sussex for verifying a breach of the Abstinence against others That which I find most insisted upon was the denouncing of Secretary Lethington Rebell who being cited to appear at a certain day before the Regent and Councel was for his contumacy sentenced to lose his office and have his goods consiscated The Regent challenged of
the power of those whom the Queen and Regent should send in Commission to change diminish or augment the Articles at their pleasures Therefore did he advise the Regent to send a Nobleman with some other well learned and practised in the affairs of the countrey to deal in these matters taking care that the persons he choosed were constant and firm and such as would not be wonne from him nor from the cause This Letter of the date the thirteenth of October 1570. written in so friendly and familiar a manner for therein he named some whom the Regent had lately imployed of whom he willed him to beware gave him to understand that matters were not so farre gone as his adversary did bragge After a few dayes the Earl of Sussex advertised the Regent that the Lords of the other faction had made choice of certain Commissioners to attend the treaty begun betwixt their Queen and the Queen of England desiring that no trouble nor molestation should be made to them and their train in that journey as also to send some speciall persons instructed with Commission from the King and the Nobility of his side to give their best advice for the surety of the King and his dependants if matters should happen to be accorded And if it fell out otherwise to consider what should be the most sure course for continuance of amity betwixt the two Realms the preservation of the young King the reducing of the subjects to his obedience and the defence of the Isle against forain invasions These Commissioners he desired to be sent with expedition for that her Majesty longed to have an end of the business and could not grow to any resolution till she had conferred with them and understood their minds This he did by direction from the Queen his Mistris as he wrote howbeit he himself had thought of some particulars that he held convenient to be thought upon but for the Kings security and theirs if his mother should be set at liberty wherein he prayed him familiarly to shew what was his opinion As first if she should happen to be restored to her Crown and the King to be made to dimit the authority it might be upon condition that in case of her death or the breach of the present agreement he might reenter to the kingdome without any Solemnities to be used Next that a Councell of both parties might be provided to her by the Queen of England for avoyding all sorts of practises Thirdly that the young King should be educated in the Realm of England under the custody of such persons as the Nobility of his party should appoint which would be the greatest sureâ—y for those that depended on him and tie his mother to the performance of the Articles Fourthly that a new Act of Parliament should be made for the establishing of true Religion and oblivion of all injuries committed on either side Fifthly that the Queen should give some principall men of her side Hostages to remain in England for fulfilling the heads of the agreement Lastly he advised the Regent to send with the Commissioners that should be imployed in that errand a writing signed and scaled by all the Noblemen of the Kings party to shâ—w who they were that stood on that side Because besides the credit it would bring to the cause the same would be to good purpose howsoever matters went For if the Treaty should break off it would be seen who would maintain and defend the King Or if otherwise an accord were made it would be known for what persons the Queen of England was to provide a surety Whether these Propositions were made as he gave out of his own head or which would rather appear that he was set on by the Queen of England to try the Regent and Nobilities mind he answered very advisedly and beginning at the last he said That he held his opinion good touching the sealing of a writing by the Nobility of the Kings party whose number would not be found so great as he wished because there were divers Neuters that adhered to no side and many that desired to keep things loose some for impunity of crimes whereof they were suspected and others hoping to better their condition in an unquiet time yet he trusted to obtain the subscriptions of a sufficient number who had sincerely continued in the profession of true Religion and his Majesties obedience and from their hearts abhorred the murtherers of the King his sonne and the late Regent For the other points he said that he could not give his private opinion in matters so important by reason of his oath made at the acceptation of the government to have no dealing in matters of that kind without the knowledge of the Nobility and Councell And touching the Commissioners which the Queen required to be sent there should be diligence used therein how soon they understood of what quality the others were that the Lords of the Queens party did choose Neither should any molestation be made to them in their journy so as their names the number of their train and the way they minded to take were notified For otherwise as he said the King and Estate might receive hurt and some that were culpable of those odious murthers steal away privately in their company Mean while he shewed that till Commissioners might be chosen by the advice of the Noblemen then absent the Councell had appointed the Abbot of Dunfermlin Ambassadour to the Queen of England and given him such instructions as they held needfull for the time by whom she should be more fully advertised of their minds in all matters About the midst of November the Abbot of Dunfermlin then made Secretary went into England He was desired to shew the Queen How it was the expectation of all the good subjects in Scotland that she would never forget the motherly care she had professed to have of the innocent person of their young King nor yet be unmindfull of the Noblemen and others professing his obedience who had studied to maintain peace betwixt the two Realms ever since her Majesties entry to the Crown and that they being required as well by letters from her Lieutenant in the North as by her Ambassadour resident amongst them to direct some speciall persons towards her for communicating such things as they thought requisite for the surely of their King and themselves although they had resolved upon a number sufficient for that Legation yet they deferred to send away till they should understand who were nominated for the Lords of the other party to the end they might equall them in birth and quality That in the mean time lest they should be thought more negligent then became them in matter of such importance they had laid upon him the charge to come and signifie to her Majesty the opinion that was held in Scotland of the Articles framed at Chattesworth which the adversaries gave out to have been craved by her
the rest betook them to a little bush of wood where being environed on all sides they yielded at discretion the prisoners were many of whom some few were retained as pledges and the rest dimitted upon promise to enter themselves at a certain day The rest of the winter and all the next spring was spent in light skirmishes with small losse on either side for they of the Queens faction did seldom come to the open fields or if they shewed themselves at any time upon the first onset they took the flight and retired to the town Whilest matters did thus proceed in the Queen of Scots quarrel at home the Bishop of Ross in England renewed the purpose of marriage with the Duke of Norfolk and practised with divers for setting the Queen at liberty This being discovered the Duke was committed to the Tower of London and being arraigned at Westminster Hall the 16. of Ianuary was convicted of Treason and condemned to die yet was the execution delayed to the Iune after The Bishop of Ross called also in question defended himself by the priviledges of his Ambassage saying That he had done nothing but what his place and duty tied him unto for procuring the liberty of his Princess and that he came unto England with sufficient authority which he had shewed and was at the time accepted When it was replied that the priviledges of Ambassadours could not protect them who did offend against the Majesty of the Princes they were sent unto and that they were not to be reputed other then enemies who practised rebellion against the State He answered that he had neither raised nor practisâ—d rebellion but perceiving the adversaries of his Princess countenanced and her out of all hope of liberty he could not abandon his Soveraign in her affliction but do his best to procure her freedom And that it would never be found that the priviledges of Ambassadours were violated via juris by course of law but only via facti by way of fact which seldom had a good success After long altercation he was sent to the Isle of Ely and from thence brought and imprisoned in the Tower where he remained nigh two years Some ten days after Norfolks execution the Queen of England directed certain of her Councel to the Queen of Scots to expostulate with her for making suit to the Pope and King of Spain and for receiving letters from the Pope together with a sentence declaratory published against her self whereunto after protestation that she was a free Queen and subject to none she answered that she had indeed by letters solicited both the Pope and King of Spain for restoring her unto her Kingdom which was no prejudice to the Q. of England that she had received godly and consolatory letters from the Pope But for the sentence given by him she never knew thereof till a printed copy was brought unto her which after she had read she did cast into the fire These answers did not satisfy the Q. of Engl. who having understood that she had entered in a secret confederacy with the Spaniard kept her from that time in a more strict custody then before Yet at the request of the French King she sent of new Sir William Drury unto Scotland to treat for peace and if that could not be wrought to procure a cessation of Arms for a certain space But he prevailed nothing the warres being then very hot and the parties mightily incensed against others No quarters were given nor interchange of prisoners made but all that were taken on either side presently executed This device was held to proceed from the Earl of Morton who thought the troubles would not hastily cease if a greater severity were not used towards them who withstood the Kings authority But whose device soever it was it proved exceeding hateful The common sort taking it to have come of Morton called the warres of that time the Douglasses warres This form of doing continued from the 16. of April to the 8. of Iune at which time both parties wearied of execution daily made were content to cease from such rigour and use fair warres as in former times In the North Adam Gordon after the Forbesses were defeated found no resistance and following his fortune reduced all beyond the river of Dee to the Queens obedience To impede his proceedings for he had entered then into the countrey of Mernis and was besieging the house of William Douglass of Glenbervy The Regent directed the Earl of Crawford and Buchan with the Lord Glamis and Master of Marshell These Noblemen meeting at Brichen and waiting there till forces should assemble Adam Gordon came upon them in the night and killing the watches that were placed at the Bridge on the North side of the town had very nigh taken them all in bed but they wakened by the noise of the Trumpets espcaped many were taken prisoners and some 39. persons slain within the City This done he besieged the town of Montross and forced them to pay a great summe of mony which put the town of Dundy in such fear as they were driven to seek aid of their Neighbours in Fife At the same time the Castle of Blacknes a Fort on the South-side of the river of Forth was sold by the Keeper to the Hamiltons and thereby the Navigation betwixt Leth and Striveling barred at Edinburgh were divers skirmishes betwixt them and the companies that lay at Leth and which was greatly lamented of both parties the Lord Methven killed by a shot of Cannon from the Castle The Duke in the mean time having proclaimed a Justice Court at Hamilton and divers persons within the Sheriffdom of Ranfrew and Lennox to answer to certain crimes whereof they were delated The Regent prepared to keep the diet and leaving the Earl of Montross and the Lord Lindesay to follow the service at Leth took journey to Glasgow and from thence to Hamilton But neither the Duke nor any in his name appearing to hold the Court he appointed the Lord Semple Lieutenant in those West parts for the King and returned to Striveling He had intended an expedition in the North but upon advertisement that two Ambassadours were arrived at Leth he turned thither The one was Monsieur de Crock imployed by the French the other Mr. Randolph by England who professed both of them to be sent for negotiating a peace amongst the parties yet was it thought the French did not much affect the peace For even then the Lord Fleming came from France with moneys to pay the souldiers that served the Lords at Edinburgh This Nobleman some ten days after walking in the street was unhappily wounded in the knee by the shot of an Harquesk whereof he died the sixth of September As to the Queen of England howbeit she desired peace to be made yet she would have it in such manner as both factions might depend on her and so she had carried her self in
munition plate jewels and housholdstuffe pertaining to the King with the Registers and publick records of the Kingdom there reserved should be all delivered to the Regent within three days after the house was recovered and the rest of the spoil distributed amongst the souldiers 3. That so far as might be the persons within the Castle should be reserved to the trial of law wherein the Regent should proceed by the advice of the Queen of England 4. That the Regent should provide the English forces with victuals and all other things necessary during the siege as likewise assist them with a convenient power of horse and foot 5. That recompence should be given at the Generals sight to the wives and nearest friends of the English souldiers who should happen to be killed 6. That if any of the Ordinance should break or be otherwise spoiled the same should be changed with other pieces of the like quantity within the Castle 7. That the English General should not fortify within the ground of Scotland without the Regents advice and the service finished should immediately retire his forces 8. And lastly that for the safe return of the souldiers and munition the losse which fortune of war should make being excepted hostages of Noblemens sons should be delivered to the English and entertained in the parts most adjacent to Scotland These conditions made and the Masters of Ruthven and Semple Iohn Cunningham son to the Earl of Glencarn and Douglas of Kilspindie being entred in Berwick as pledges Sir William Drary marched with his forces into Scotland and came to Edinburgh the 25. of April The Regent giving out a Proclamation Wherein was shewed the care that the Queen of England had taken for the peace of the Realm in times past and the liberal succours she had granted at the present for the expugnation of the Castle treasonably detained and fortified by the Laird of Grange Did require and charge all good subjects to carry themselves as became them towards the English General and his company and not to injure them either by word or deed except they would be esteemed enemies to the peace and partakers to the Traitors in their rebellious attempts The next day the Castle was summoned and offer made of their lives if they should yield before the planting of the Canon but the Captain in stead of answer set upon the highest Tower his ensign for a token of defiance Then the Pioneers were put to work and begun to cast trenches and raise mounts for planting the Artillery The besieged made all the hinderance they could playing with their Ordinance upon the workmen and killing divers ere the mounts were brought to perfection How soon they were erected being five in all and entituled by the names of their several Commanders the Artillery was planted 31. pieces in number more and lesse All things prepared and the Parliament finished which the Regent had called to the last of April for ratifying the Articles of pacification the battery began the 17. of May on the 27. the Castle was made assaultable the Canon having made great breaches in the fore and back walls and the Tower called Davids Tower being also demolished The 26 early in the morning the assault was given in two places at the West part where the ascent was most difficult the assailers were repulsed after an obstinate sight that continued 3. hours and 24. persons killed on the East side the blockhouse called the Spurre was taken with less resistance which put the defendants in fear and made them demand a parle This granted a truce was taken for the space of two days in which time the English General used many perswasions to the Captain to make him render the house neither was he then unwilling so as the lives and honours of these within might be saved but the Regent would give no condition and have him simply to yield The Captain seeing nothing but extremity resolved to stand to his utmost defence yet when he came back to the house he found them all within divided and the greater part so discouraged as they refused to undergo the hazard of a second assault which forced him to other counsels and so following Lethingtons advice upon the 29. of May being let down by a rope over the wall he and Piltadrow his Constable did yield themselves and the house to the English General in the name of his Queen whose discretion misknowing the Regent they were willing to abide The General made them to be attended to his lodging whither all that were of any note in the Castle were brought Thereafter they were commitred to several places most of them transported to Leth and some detained in Edinburgh till the Queen of England should signify her will concerning them the Ladies and Gentlewomen were licenced to depart as likewise the private souldiers and others of meaner sort It was thought that the Queen in regard of the render made to her Lieutenant would take a favourable course with them and save their lives but she gave direction to put them all in the Regents hands to be used as he thought meet which when Lethington heard either despairing of life or not willing to injoy it by the mercy of an enemy he died at Leth so suddenly as he was thought to have made himself away by poison A man he was of deep wit great experience and one whose counsels were held in that time for Oracles but variable and unconstant turning and changing from one faction to another as he thought it to make for his standing This did greatly diminish his reputation and failed him at last which should warn all Counsellours to direct their courses by the lines of piety and true wisdom without which the most politick prudence will prove nothing but folly in the end His brother Mr. Iohn Maitelan who came afterwards to great honours had his life spared and was imprisoned in Tentallon George Creichton Bishop of Dunkeld was sent to Blackness and the Lord Home detained in the Castle which the Regent gave to his brother George Douglas in custody Grange himself with his brother Sir Iames Kirkaldy and two Goldsmiths Iames Mosman and Iames Cockey were publickly hanged in the Mercat street of Edinburgh Such was the end of Sir William Kirkaldy of Grange a man full of valour and courage who had sometimes done good service to his countrey against the French and purchased by that means great honour But seeking ambitiously to raise his fortunes and hearkening to perverse counsel he did break his faith to the Regent who had put him in trust and thereby lost all his former esteem and drew upon himself these troubles wherein he perished His part was foul in the death of the Cardinal and for it when he was in his best estate many did foredeem that he should not escape some misfortune Yet herein he was happy that at his death he expressed a great sorrow for his
censures and excommunications This dissension betwixt the King and the Church brought with it many evils for upon the notice of it divers Jesuits and Priests did resort into the countrey and at home such as were Popishly affected began openly to avow their profession In S. Andrews Mr. Nicholl Burn professor of Philosophy in S. Leonards Colledge made open Apostasie from the truth as Mr. Archihald and Iohn Hamiltons Regents in the new Colledge had not long before done In Dumfreis Mr. Ninean Daliel Schoolmaster did read to his Scholars the Romane Catechisme and in Paisley a number of Papists assembling together did in derision sing a Soule Masse for the Ministers as if they and their religion had been utterly gone These things being complained of and not much hearkened to the Ministers in their Sermons fell to regrate the countenance given to Papists in the Court and the dangers wherein both the King and countrey were brought by the secret practises of the French The King to stay these declaimings which he knew to be made against the Earl of Lennox called the Ministers to Edinburgh and shewed them what travel he had taken to convert his Cousen and how he had obtained his consent for taking a Minister in his house which would be to good purpose and serve both to debarre Jesuits from accesse to the Nobleman and win him by conference to a greater liking of the truth desiring therefore that one of their number might be appointed for some short space to attend him Mr. David Lindesay then Minister at Leth being held the fittest as well for his skill in the French tongue as for his moderation otherwise was with the Kings approbation nominated to this service by whose labours the Nobleman was brought in a short space to joyn himself to the Church and openly in S. Giles to renounce the errours wherein he had been educated Yet did not this remove the jealousies of the people which were increased by the intercepting of certain dispensations sent from Rome whereby the Catholicks were permitted to promise swear subscribe and do what else should be required of them so as in mind they continued firm and did use their diligence to advance in secret the Romane Faith These dispensations being shewed to the King he caused his Minister Mr. Iohn Craig form a short confession of faith wherein all the corruptions of Rome as well in doctrine as outward rites were particularly abjured and a clause inserted because of these dispensations by which the subscribers did call God to witnesse that in their minds and hearts they did fully agree to the said Confession and did not fain or dissemble in any sort This confession the King for an Example to others did publickly swear and subscribe the like was done by the whole Councel Court and observers appointed to take notice of those that did not resort to Sermon or behaved themselves in any sort scandalously So careful was the King to have the Church satisfied and the rumours of the Courts defection from Religion repressed After this all things continued quiet for a while till by a bruit suddainly raised none knew by whom the Earl of Morton was taxed for keeping secret intelligence with the Queen of England and a purpose he had to put the King in her hands Morton complaineth of this in Councel and desireth a trial But the King not willing to make businesse for a tale whereof the Authour would hardly be found put it off saying that he knew it to be a lie and a malicious invention of enemies and thereupon sent forth a Proclamation against lies carriers of tales tending to breed discord betwixt him and his Nobility Yet as if some such thing had been feared a motion was made some days after in Councel for guarding the Kings person and electing of an high Chamberlain which office none had borne for many years in this Kingdome who should have twenty four to attend him all of them the sonnes of Barons or Noblemen and be ever at hand to accompany the King whither soever he went The motion was applauded of all and after some ten days deliberation the Earl of Lennox preferred to the place Alexander Areskin Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh was chosen to be his Deputy and a roll made of the Gentlemen that should give attendance These were the Masters of Marshall Rothes Cassils Lindesay Levingston Elphingston Hereis and Ogilvy the Lairds of Cowdinknowes Bargainy Bomby Kilsyth Minto Strathurd and Moncreeffe Mr. Mark Ker of Preston Grange George Douglas of Rumgawy Captain Iames Stewart son to the Lord Ochiltrie Alexander Ruthven the Commendator of Inchaffrey the Prior of Coldingham Alexander Home of North-Berwick and Iames Chisholme As extraordinaries the Lord Maxwel the Lairds of Cesford Alexander Home of Manderston and William Stewart of Caverston were added to the number All these took the oath of fidelity to the King and obedience to his Chamberlain in the things they should be directed for his Majesties service The Earl of Morton albeit he was much displeased with these courses did carry a fair countenance and concealing his discontents waited still on the King and was assisting in Councel and publick meetings Once he minded to have withdrawn himself from Court and to have lived privately but was detained by a dissension that fell out in the time betwixt the Lord Ruthven and Master of Oliphant who had married a daughter of Lochlevin whom whilest he laboured to protect he drew upon himself the hatred of the Lord Ruthven and thereby was laid more open to the malice of his enemies Sir Robert Bowes being sent at the same time Ambassadour from England to charge the Earl of Lennox with some practises against the peace of the two Realms the blame aswell of his employments as his suddain departing was laid upon him for the Ambassadours Commission and instructions being questioned and he desired to exhibit the same before the Councel he refused to shew them but to the King himself which not being admitted he went away complaining that the Queen had deserved better then thus to have her Ambassage misregarded His suddain departure amazed the Court not a little before wherefore to excuse the King and try what the accusations were wherewith Lennox should have been charged Alexander Home of North-Berwick was sent in Commission to England but the Queen denying him accesse he was remitted to the Lord Thesaurer who courteously told him That the Queen had refused him presence not for any dislike she had of himself whom she knew to be sound in Religion and one that loved his King and his Countrey but because the King had not used her well calling in question the credit of her Ambassadour and requiring him to shew his instructions which was strange he keeping himself within the bounds of his Commission But your King saith he is young and misled by new Counsellours whose fault the Queen
knoweth it to be I should therefore advise your King to hearken to her Majesties counsel who carrieth to him a true motherly affection and make more accompt of her then of his French Cousen who is subject to the French King matched with a French woman addicted wholly to that faction and what profession soever he maketh a Papist in Religion The Hamiltons saith he being now exiled he hopeth to be designed successor and heir to the Crown but let your King know that ambition hath no limits and that the troubles which the French made in Scotland are not yet forgotten which would have perilled the liberty of that Kingdome if the Queen by her prudence and power had not prevented the same The Gentleman professing his thankfulnesse for her Majesties good opinion of him answered That if he should be permitted to speak with the Queen he would satisfy her Majesty in that point which concerned her Ambassadour And for the King his Master albeit he was young and of few years yet God had given him great wisdom and understanding and that he would never willingly do the thing that might displease the Queen nor hearken to any that should otherwise advise him for he knew her Majesties good affection and would not forget the care she had of him in his tender age That he could not be justly blamed for favouring his Cousen but as the Nobleman he believed would never advise the King his Master to any that might prejudice the amity with England so he was perswaded that his credit did not extend so farre as to make any publick breach with the Queen But there are more dangerous plots in hand saith the Thesaurer then your King is wary of and it is no wisdome to put too much confidence in any one person Alwayes time will discover the truth of every thing at the present you must have patience for the Queen will not see you Thus was he dimitted Upon his return and report of the conference he had with the Thesaurer the King was easily made to believe that all proceeded from the Earl of Morton and his intelligence in the Court of England which by one way or other was held needful to be stopt After some consultation taken about this it was resolved to charge him with the murther of the Kings Father for a rumour had gone in former times that he was conscious and privy unto it Captain Iames Stewart a man eager to win credit by what means soever takes the matter in hand and coming one day as the King was sitting in Councel at Halirudhouse desired to be heard being admitted he fell upon his knees and directing his speech to the King he said Out of the duty I owe to your Majesty I am come hither to reveal a wickednesse that hath been long obscured The Earl of Morton who sitteth there in a place unseemly for him was one of those that conspired your Fathers death and how dangerous it is to your Majesties person that he should be so near unto you let the Noblemen here present consider for me I shall make good what I speak only let him be committed and put to trial The Earl rising up with a disdainful smile answered By whose instigation this Gentleman cometh to accuse me I know not and I wonder what grounds he buildeth upon in charging me with this crime for none that ever suffered for it did touch me therewith and it is known what diligence and severity I used against those that were suspected of that murther If I pleased I could many wayes decline this challenge but my innocency is such as I fear not the most rigorous trial Sir with this he turned himself to the King and said do in it as you please either here or before any other Iudge I shall be ready to answer and when my innocency is cleared your Majesty will think what the malice of those that have set on this man to accuse me deserveth Captain Iames Stewart sitting all this time on his knees replied that by no mans instigation nor out of any private grudge of his own did he intend this accusation but his detestation of the fact and the love of his Majesties safety and honour had only incited him thereto For that he speaks of his diligence and severity let me but aske him said he how and why he did preferre Mr. Archibald Douglas his Cousen to the place of a Senator in the Colledge of Iustice who was known to have been an actor in that murther if he himself had no part in it As the Earl was about to answer the King commanded the Captain to go forth and the Earl being likewise removed after a short deliberation taken with the Councel he was committed in a chamber of the Palace where he abode two nights The third day he was conveyed to the Castle with a company of his own friends who did earnestly move him to make an escape But he chiding them with great bitternesse said That he had rather die ten thousand deaths then betray his innocency in declining triall After some few dayes he was removed to Dumbritton Castle that he might be further from his friends and kept from all intelligence with them The King had sent privily to apprehend Mr. Archibald Douglas who dwelt then at Norham but he having notice of the Earls committing fled into England In the Iuly preceding the Assembly of the Church had convened at Dundy where it was concluded That the office of a Bishop as it was then used and commonly taken within the Realm had neither foundation ground nor warrant in the word of God and thereupon an Ordinance was made that all persons either called to the said office or that should be called thereto at any time thereafter should be charged to dimit and forsake the same as an office whereunto they are not called of God As also to desist and cease from preaching ministring the Sacraments or using in any sort the office of a Pastor till they should be admitted of new of the general Assembly under the pain of excommunication In the end of the Act it was directed That concerning the patrimony of the Church possessed by the Bishops the next Assembly should reason and advise upon the disponing thereof Whether the folly or iniquity of this Ordinance was greater it can hardly be said for granting that the office of a Bishop had been as they judged unlawful there was no reason to discharge them of using the ministerial office till they should be received of new And what a foolish thing was it to think that the Prince and Estates would permit the rents of the Bishops to be disponed at their appetites They saw what was done with the other Prelaces and how the Abbots and Priors were no sooner declared to be no office-bearers in the Church but presently they turned temporal Lords and carried the rents with them quite away from the Church
And could they look for other dealing with the Bishopricks sure it was if the titulars themselves did not find the credit to enjoy them that others of the Laity would have invaded the same as afterwards also they did But to passe this the Earl of Lennox desiring by all means to win the favour of the Church sent to this Assembly Sir William Stewart a brother of Traquaire with a letter to this effect That it was not unknown to them how it had pleased God to bring him since his coming into the countrey to the knowledge of the truth which he esteemed more then all worldly happinesse and that he had made open profession thereof first in S. Giles Church at Edinburgh and afterwards subscribed the confession of faith at Striveling and was yet if any farther was thought needful ready to perform whatsoever should be required assuring them of his best advice in all things tending to God his glory and to the good of the Church requesting together with the assistance of their prayers that he might continue in their good favours But all this could not remove their suspicions of his counterfeiting still he was taxed in publick Sermons and made odious to the people Neither was it long after this assembly dissolved that Iohn Dury one of the Ministers of Edinburgh was called before the Councel and committed in the Castle for certain speeches of that kind uttered by him in Pulpit but upon the supplication of his fellow Ministers and promise of forbearing he was after a short stay in the Castle licenced to return to his charge In October following Mr. Iohn Row Minister of Perth departed this life who for his piety and singular moderation deserveth here to be mentioned In his younger years having applied his mind to letters and taking the degree of a Master in Arts he became a pleader in the Consistory of S. Andrews a Judicatory then much frequented and grew to be so skilled in the Canon law as he was chosen to negotiate the affairs of the Church in the Court of Rome Iulius the third did then govern that See of whom he was well accepted and in possibility to have attained unto some preferment if he would have stayed there for he gained the favour of all to whom he was known and was in special grace with Guido Ascanius Sfortia Cardinal of Sancta Flora who made such account of his skill and knowledge in the lawes that he would have him pass Doctor in the University whereof he was Chancellor After some eight or nine years abode in those parts coming home to visit his countrey and giving account of the affairs wherewith he had been trusted he found the state of the Church quite overturned and the countrey all in tumult by the reformation which was then in hand Thereupon doubting what course then to take and minding to return to Rome he was disswaded by the Prior of S. Andrewes who held him in good esteem and afterwards induced by the perswasion of Iohn Knox to betake himself to the Ministery which he exercised a certain space at ... in Fife till by the General Assembly he was translated to the Town of Perth there he continued unto his death which happened in the year of our Lord 1580. and of his age the 54. a man whilest he lived well respected and much lamented at his death by the people whom he served In Ianuary next Sir Thomas Randolph came Ambassadour from England his errand was to intercede with the King for the Earl of Morton his liberty to which purpose having called to mind the services done by the Nobleman in his Majesties minority and chiefly the diligence he had used in finding out and punishing the murtherers of his Father which by the malice of his adversaries was now laid to his charge he requested in the name of the Queen his Mistris that the Nobleman might be released from his Ward declaring that her Majesty would esteem it a singular kindnesse done unto her and otherwise would take it ill to be denied in so just and reasonable a matter The King after he had heard him patiently made answer That the many good offices he had received from his sister the Queen did tie him to a thankfull requital but in that particular which touched him so nigh the trial of his Fathers murther he knew she would excuse him alwayes because of her intercession he would be the more careful to have the trial rightly carried and as liberty had been given to his adversaries to accuse so the like and greater should be allowed him for his defence The Assembly of the Estates being called at the same time and the Ambassador pretending that his instructions concerned them in a part did in the hearing of them all charge the Earl of Lennox as one that had travelled to divert the Kings mind from keeping friendship with England and done besides many ill offices since his coming to Scotland both to the King and Kingdome For he hath put said he the Kings most faithful subjects and servants from their places brought in others nothing so trusty stirred up the King against the Ministers of Gods word making no other account of them then as of seditious rulers and turbulent persons he hath loosed the Borders said he and made Iustice there to cease and hath practised with forair Princes for the invading of England which he offered to manifest by letters intercepted and brought to the Queen his Mistris But this beyond all measure doth grieve her that a Prince of such hopes joyned in such neerness of blood and for whom she had taken so great care should be thus misled and abused by wicked devices If such a person ought to be tolerated to possess the King alone and rule all things at his pleasure your honours may judge This discourse moved few or none the wiser sort esteeming the letters he produced counterfeit as afterwards also was known This course not prevailing he dealt privately with the friends of Morton and those that he knew envied Lennox his credit to take Armes and procure both Mortons liberty and the banishment of the Earl of Lennox assuring them of aid both of men and monies from the Queen of England and by his perswasions brought the Earls of Argile Montrosse Angus Marre and Glencarn to enter into a confederation for performance both of the one and other But this combination held not long being quickly discovered and broken Of all the number Angus and Marre onely stood firm resolving to hazard all rather then Morton should perish The Queen of England to make good her Ambassadours promise sent down at the same time certain forces to the Borders which troubled the Court a little but was to no purpose only it gave occasion to hasten Mortons trial and execution The King not to be taken unprovided if invasion should be made by England sent forth Proclamations commanding all the subjects to be
gave not an end to the business for how soon he returned to the Court and perceived the King countenance cast down upon him for that he had done he undertook of new to settle himself at Glasgow and had letters from his Majesty to the Gentlemen of those parts to assist him At his coming to Glasgow with purpose to preach the Sunday following a number of the Students in the Colledge entered into the Church on Saturday at night and excluding him did keep the Chair for Mr. Thomas Smeton their Principal who taking for his Theam that saying in the Gospel He that enters not by the door but by the window is a thief and a robber inveighed against the Bishop for his simonaical entry and the levity he had shewed in all his proceedings The next Sunday the Bishop with a great convocation of Gentlemen came to the Church and displacing the ordinary Preacher Mr. David Weymes made the Sermon himself The Presbytery of Glasgow intending proces against him for molestation of the Church and usurping the place of the ordinary Preacher Matthew Stewart of Minto Provost of the City came and presented a Warrant from the King to stay all proceedings against the Bishop willing them to desist Mr. Iohn Howeson Minister of Cambustange moderating in his course as the custome then was and replying somewhat peremptorily that notwithstanding his Warrant they would proceed some words of offence passed whereupon the Provost pulling him from the Seat made him prisoner in the Tolbuith The rumour of this fact ran quickly through the Kingdom and a solemn fast being kept by the appointment of the former Assembly the causes whereof were made to be the abundance of sin the oppression of the Church the dilapidation of the rents and the danger wherein the King stood by the company of wicked persons who did seek to corrupt him in manners and Religion the insolency committed at Glasgow was likewise adjected and furnished matter of long discourse to the Preachers Amongst others Iohn Dury did exclaime mightily against the Duke of Lennox upon whom the blame of all things was laid and thereby did so irritate the King as he would needs have him removed forth of the Town Charges to that effect were directed commanding the Magistrates within the space of 24. houres to remove him who not daring disobey yet being unwilling to use their Minister in that sort travelled with him to depart quietly and leave the Town The Minister proponing the case to the General Assembly for upon advertisement given by the Ministers of Edinburgh they were there convened desired their advice for to leave his flock at the pleasure of the Court he said might work a prejudice to the Church and to depart privately as the Magistrates advised him might be imputed to fear or then make him to be thought guilty of some fault The brethren after a short consultation did advise him to stay till he should be commanded to depart and then obey Mean while Mr. Thomas Buchannan and David Ferguson were sent to the King who was then at Striveling to intreat his Majesties favour unto him and therewith to request a continuation of the Diet for the appearing of the Ministers of Glasgow at Perth The King desiring to have matters quieted answered the last proposition first saying That if the Assembly would delay the proces which they had against the Provest of Glasgow and his assisters he would likewise dispense with the appearing of the Ministers at the appointed time And as to Iohn Dury he said that upon his suppliâ—ation how soon the Duke returned to Court whose interesse was greatest in that business order should be taken with him and consideration had of the Assemblies request But they not satisfied herewith striving to make good what they had taken in hand went on with the proces of Glasgow and leading probation against Minto and the rest decerned them to be excommunicated and cast forth of the society of the Church onely the pronouncing of the sentence was delayed till they saw what course was kept with their brethren before the Councel Mr. Iohn Davidson then Minister at Liberton pretending a warrant from the Church had in his private Parish pronounced Bishop Montgomery excommunicate which albeit done against all form was allowed and intimated in all the Churches of the countrey The Duke of Lennox notwithstanding did still entertain him in his company and at some occasions had made him to preach publickly Thereupon Mr. Alexander Archbuthnet and Mr. Adam Iohnston were directed by the Assembly to intimate unto the Duke his excommunication and the Acts of the Church against such as kept excommunicate persons in their company The Duke taking them up somewhat hotly asked them Whether the King or the Church were superiours and thereafter answered them directly That he was commanded by the King and Councel to entertain him which he would not forbear to do for any fear he had of their censures This amongst other grievances of the Church was ordained to be represented to his Majesty by the Commissioners appointed to attend the Councel at Perth But touching this the King answered That the excommunication was null and declared such by the Councel as being pronounced against equity and all lawful form no citation being used nor any admonition preceding which all lawes and even their own discipline appointed to be observed To their other grievances they received general answers and for the brethren of Glasgow their trial was continued to the tenth of September next Before which time the surprise of the Kings person at Ruthven fell out which altered the state of all affairs some of the Nobility combining themselves for defence of Religion and the liberty of the Kingdom as they pretended upon notice of the Duke of Arrans absence from the Court placed themselves about the King and detained him some dayes at the house of Ruthven The principals in this attempt were Iohn Earl of Marre William Earl of Gowry Patrick Lord Lindesay Robert Lord Boyd the Masters of Glammis and Oliphant the Abbots of Dunfermlin Paisley Driburgh and Cambush keneth the Lairds of Lochlevin Easter Weemes Cleish and the Constable of Dundy The King at their first coming suspected there was some practise in hand yet dissembled the matter thinking to free himself the next day when he went abroad to his sport but as he was about to go the Master of Glammit stept to the dore of the Parlour and told him he must stay The King askt the reason he answered he should know it shortly When he saw it to be so and found his liberty restrained he grew into a passion and after some threatening speeches burst forth in tears The Master seeing him weep said It is no matter of his tears better that bairnes should weep then bearded men which words entered so deeply into the Kings heart as he did never forget them The newes went quickly of the
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
King hereupon took purpose to confine some of the principals in several countreys and to commit others who were reckoned most turbulent The Earl of Angus was confined beyond Spey Iohn Levingston of Dunypace and Patrick Drummond of Carnock in the countrey of Galloway Lochlevin and Buchan in Innerness the Master of Glammis Abbot of Dunfermlin and Lord of Cleish were charged to enter themselves in the Castle of Dumbritton William Commendator of Paisley in Blackness and Mr. Iohn Colvil commanded to keep Ward in Edinburgh The whole Angus only excepted disobeying the charge were denounced rebels and Proclamations made commanding all the subjects to be in readinesse for resisting the practises of seditious subjects An oath also was taken of all the Kings domesticks that they should not keep intelligence with any of the rebels or others known to be in his Majesties mal-grace and at this time was Mr. Iohn Metellan who came afterwards to be Chancellour admitted Counsellour of Estate The Queen of England being advertised of this alteration in Court sent Sir Francis Walsingham her principal Secretary to the King to challenge him for breach of promise in readmitting the Earl of Arran and casting off the Noblemen who had maintained his authority and hazarded their lives and estates in defence of his Crown The King answered that he was a free Prince and in ruling his affaires might follow the course which he thought to be most convenient that the Queen would not take it well if he or any other should direct her in matters that concerned her subjects and for the promise alledged he said it was made in time of his restraint to the performance whereof he was not tied As to these subjects of whom the Queen seemed so careful he said that he had freely offered to pardon them upon the acknowledgement of their offence and promise of amendment which he would faithfully observe expecting of the Queen his sister that neighbourhood which became Princes living in amity and friendship and that she would not countenance his subjects in their rebellion The Ambassadour replying Sir the Queen my Mistris will never meddle with your affaires but to work your good and quietnesse Yet she taketh it unkindly that the promises made unto her are so lightly regarded One Holt an English Jesuit who is thought to have an hand in Throgmortons treason that was of late detected being in your prison at the request of the French Ambassadour was permitted to escape whereas the Queen my Soveraign looked daily to have been delivered in England as was promised Nay said the King it was not promised that he should be delivered but as the Queen answered my Ambassadours when I desired Mr. Archibald Douglas to be rendered who is known to be guilty of my Fathers murther I said that the man was charged with certain suspicious practises in my Kingdom which I believed first to try and if the Queen had been pleased to have delivered my subject to me whom I had more then reason to remand I would have made no delay in the rendering of Holt. But for his dimission or my connivence at his escape there is no such thing and if you know or can learn that any indirect means have been used for letting him go the trial and punishment of the doers shall clear my part This said the Ambassadour who was a most worthy and discreet Gentleman declaring that he was satisfied fell to speak of the preservation of peace betwixt the two Kingdomes and of a new league to be made with the Queen whereof the King did shew a good liking and in these termes they left for that time In October next the Church Assembly convened at Edinburgh where great regrates were made and presented in certain Articles to the King First they complained that the benefit of pacification was extended to Mr. David Chalmers a professed enemy to Religion and suspected of the murther of his Majesties Father Next that Papists were grown too familiar in Court and namely the Laird of Fintry who had made defection from the true Religion in which he was educated 3. That Holt a wicked Papist sent to the countrey to traffique against Religion and the State was suffered to escape and no trial taken of the workers thereof 4. That his Majesty seemed to favour too much the enemies of the truth both in France and at home 5. That he had received in his service men of dissolute life and who had never given any testimony of their good meaning either to Religion or the state of the countrey and put others from his service that were known to be zealous of Gods cause and faithful to his Majesties self from his very tender age 6. That since his acceptation of the government the Church had received many fair promises without any performance and that to the contrary the liberties and priviledges thereof were daily infringed 7. That the thirds were set in taks or leases in defraud of the Church 8. That Abbacies were disponed against the Acts of Parliament and no care taken for provision of the Ministers that served at the Churches annexed 9. That spiritual livings were conferred to children and erected in temporal Lordships 10. That there were no punishment for incest adultery witchcraft and the like abominations 11. That there was an universal murmur that no man could be assured of his lands and life the laws of the countrey being wholly perverted 12. That his Majesty did interpone his authority to stay the execution of the Churches Acts in matters properly Ecclesiastical Lastly they regrated the division of the Nobility one part seeking the ruine and overthrow of another for which they did intreat his Majesty to call unto himself the most wise and indifferent amongst them and by their advice to take some moderate course for uniting the hearts of all good subjects to the maintenance of Gods truth the preservation of his Highnesse person and estate and the comfort of all that were grieved at the present division The King desiring to give the Church satisfaction made answer the next day to all these particulars And first concerning Mr. David Chalmers he said that he was only forfeited for the common action for being at Landside field field for which pardon had been given to many so as it should not be thought strange to give him the like benefit especially at their request who had moved him therein and that he no ways intended to grant oversight to him or any others that should be found culpable of his fathers murther or yet professed themselves adversaries to the Religion Touching Fintry he said that he had not impeded the proceedings of the Church against him or any other Popishly affected nor had he been countenanced at Court if the Minister of Edinburgh had not testified that he was willing to conform That for Holts escape he had satisfied the English Ambassadour and that it was no uncouth thing to see
Notwithstanding they all three were convicted and declared guilty of treason doom was only pronounced against Drumwhasill and Mains and they the same day hanged in the publick street of Edinburgh The Gentlemens case was much pitied Mains his case especially Hamilton who made the delation lived after this in a continual fear and abhorred of all men he kept still in the company of Arran unto the alteration of Court at Striveling at which time Iames Iohnston of Westraw pretending a vow that he had made to revenge Mains his death did kill him as he was flying through the Park on the South side of the Town These cruel and rigorous proceedings caused such a generall fear as all familiar society and intercourse of humanity was in a manner left no man knowing to whom he might safely speak or open his mind Arran in the mean time went on drawing into his own hands the whole managing of affairs for he would be sole and supreme over all The Earl of Argile having departed this life the year preceding he was created Chancellour The office of Secretary he gave to Mr. Iohn Metellan Lethingtons son having banished the Abbot of Dunfermlin who formerly possessed the same The Castles of Edinburgh and Striveling he had himself in custody then made himself be chosen Provost of the Town and as if all this had not been enough he was declared General Lieutenant over the whole Kingdom In a word whatsoever he was pleased was done and without him nothing could be done This stirred up great emulation against him in Court The Master of Gray a great favourite at that time did take it disdainfully that every thing should be governed by him Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice Clerk a man of brave spirit did also hardly endure it and Mr. Iohn Metellan though he had followed still from Mortons execution to that time began to fall away and work his own credit those things were cunningly dissembled as among Courtiers and all outward respect given him by those that were plotting his ruine To his felicity nothing as he thought was wanting but the friendship of England this he was advised by the Master of Gray to seek by the Lord Hunsdons means who lay then Governour of Berwick a meeting whereupon wrought betwixt them and at Foulden some three miles from Berwick whither Arran went matters so dressed as upon the assurance of his service to the Queen of England it was promised that the exiled Lords who lay near the borders waiting to raise some stirres should be called to London and upon verification of the conspiracy wherewith Mains and the rest were charged put forth of England In this hope the Master of Gray is sent into England and Commission given him for remanding the fugitive Rebels or if that could not be obtained for removing them further off from the Borders of Scotland more privately he was desired to use all means for winning the Queens favour to the Earl of Arran And for preparing the way to his Legation the Archbishop of S. Andrews was sent some weeks before to inform the Queen of the King his sinccerity in Religion because of the rumour which the Ministers who fled thither had dispersed to the contrary The Queen professing to have received great content by his information recommended to the King above all things constancy in his profession assuring him in that case of her unchangeable friendship The Master of Gray as his coming had favourable acceptance though he was known to be a Catholick Romane and for the point of remanding was answered that she did not think those Gentlemen whom the King called Rebels intended any harm to his person but if the contrary was made to appear they should be suffered to remain in her Kingdomes And for that the King required touching their further remove from the Borders the same was promised and the Lords accordingly called from thence and commanded to stay at Norwich This answer reported to the King by the Master of Gray at his return drew another Legation wherein Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice Clerk was imployed the thing committed to him was the accusation of the banished Lords and verifying against them the conspiracy for which Mains and Drumwhasill had suffered The Lords upon this were brought from Norwich to London and there challenged by the Ambassadour who as appeared insisted with great servour against them But the Master of Glammis answering for the rest made their innocency in that particular to be clearly seen which was heard no lesse willingly by the Judges then delivered by the Speaker Neither was the accuser any worse minded towards them for all the shew he made and at the same time were grounds laid both for their restitution and Arran his subversion the Queen and Councel of England being privy to all and secretly advancing their enterprise Arran in the mean time had assurance given him of the Queens friendship and supposing all things to be right went on in his accustomed manner not caring what enmity he drew upon himself The Earl of Athol the Lord Home and Master of Cassils were committed to prison The first because he refused to divorce from his wife a daughter of the Earl of Gowry and intaile his lands to him the next for that he denied him his part of the lands of Dirleton and the third for denying him a loan of some moneys which it was thought he might spare His last falling out in that kind was with the Lord Maxwel for an excambion of the Barony of Mernis and the lands of Maxwel heath with the Barony of Kinnel which he possessed by the forfeiture of the Hamiltons Maxwel not liking to change his old inheritance with such a new and uncertain purchase excused himselfe and would not hearken to the change but he thinking to force him thereto by some indirect means travelleth with the Lady Iohnston who gave attendance at Court to cause her husband to accept of the Provostry of Dumfreis and moveth the King to write unto the Town to elect Iohnston their Provost for that he being Warden of the West marches would thereby be made more able to keep good order in these parts Maxwel interpreting this to be done as it was to his disgrace at the time of Election convocated his friends and debarring Iohnston from entring the Town procured himself to be continued in the office Hereupon informations were made to the King that there could no quietnesse be expected in these parts unlesse Maxwel his power was curbed Charges were also directed to cause him present certain of the name of Armestrong for whom he was obliged which he not performing was denounced Rebel and Commission given to the Laird Iohnston to pursue him for whose better enabling he had two companies of hired souldiers allowed him under the charge of two Captains Lamby and Cranston Maxwel hearing of these preparations gathered his forces and with a part
Kinloss Lindors Blanire and Pettin Weyme representing the spiritual estate by the Earls of Arran March Athol Montrosse Marshall and Rothes the Lords Oliphant Thirlstane Gray Sinclare Down and Fleming for the Nobility and by the Commissioners of Burghs and all the Officers of Estate amongst the rest by the Master of Gray who though he did professe himâ— himself a Romane Catholick would in nothing that the King affected be thought refractary It was thought that the Ambassadour did rest well satisfied with the Kings forwardnesse towards the league and that he should have presently returned But he had some other businesse in trust which was carried more closely This was to make friends to the exiled Lords and labour their restitution as had been concluded in England To this effect he kept divers private meetings with the Master of Gray the Secretary and Justice Clerk giving the Lords intelligence from time to time of his proceedings among other means he thought expedient that they should reconcile their private quarrels with the Lord Hamilton and his brother Claud who were likewise exiled and lived then in England he wrought so as they were brought as it seemed to a perfect accord promising to take one course and joyn all in the same cause But Claud fearing either the event of the enterprise or not having buried his former grudges did afterwards separate and by discovering their purpose procured to himself liberty to return yet did he not find that acceptance which he expected being shortly after his coming confined in Aberdene and within a little while commanded to leave the countrey and goe into France There came this Summer from Denmark certain Ambassadours to redeem as they pretended the Isles of Orkney and Shetland alienated of old from that Crown yet the true errand was to propone that marriage unto the King which was some four years after happily perfected The King receiving them kindly and excusing himsel for the matter of Orkney because of the Pestilence which raged as then in Edinburgh Where the Registers of the Kingdom were kept promised how soon commodity served to give all reasonable satisfaction and to send some in Commission to treat of those matters How soon they were dimitted the King went into Striveling and from thence to Hamilton to recreate himself as he was accustomed where he received advertisement that the banished Lords were come down to the borders and that Maxwel was to joyn his forces with them Hereupon he returneth to Striveling and sending for Arran made Proclamations to go through the countrey commanding all the subjects to meet him at the Castle of Crawford the 22. of October for resisting the attempts of the Rebels But things were so prepared at Court by the English Ambassadour as the Lords did prevent the King in his expedition They had appointed their rendezvous at Linton in Tweddale and meeting there did solemnly swear not to separate nor give over the profecution of their enterprise till the King should be moved to accept them in favour and put Arran forth of his company Maxwel brough with him 300 souldiers that had served against Iohnston and about 700 horsemen all the others did scarce equall that number though Bothwel Home Yester Cesford and Drumlanrig had joyned with them To justify their proceedings they gave forth a Proclamation in all the places they came unto declaring the causes of their enterprise to be the defence of the truth the deliverance of the King from corrupt Counsellors and the preserving of amity with England In this Proclamation nothing was left unsaid that might make Arran odious and hateful amongst other things he was charged to have bragged of his descent from Duck Mordoch who was beheaded in the time of King Iames the first and to lay claim to the Crown by that title calling himself King Iames the seventh It is true that in the Parliament held the year preceding he took protestation in open Court that he renounced any title that he might pretend to the Crown that way which I suppose he did to purge himself of that aspersion but the protestation was laughed at in the time by the wiser sort and gave them to think that such a folly had once possessed his mind The Proclamation did often mention him and Col. Stewart as abusers of the King Of the rest of the Counsellours there was no speech which increased Arrans jealousy of them Now how soon the Ambassadour heard that the Lords were entred in the countrey fearing that some notice should be taken of his dealing he left Striveling and went in haste to Berwick without saluting any man They sent a Post after him with a letter desiring to know the cause of his suddain departure and whether he was directed by the Queen his Soveraign to go away in such sort Being overtaken at Anwick he answered that he had no such direction from the Queen when he was first imployed but that of late he had received a command to retire because she saw no hope of the delivery of that wretched Farnherst This he made the pretext of his departure yet in reason he could not alledge it Farnherst lying bedfast at the time in Aberdene where he was committed which was notified to him and he knew to be a truth In the conclusion of his letter he said that he could not grant that he had departed insalutato hospite seeing he performed that office both with his heart and hand and that he should by all possible means endevour that his departure should rather help to maintain then dissolve the amity betwixt his Soveraign and him That which he speaketh of his hand was a letter that he left to be given to the King the day after he was gone in which he laid the cause upon Arrans credit without whom he saw nothing could be obtained Arran seeing the letter that he left to be given to the King began to think that all was not sound and accused the Master of Gray as being privy to the Ambassadors departure which he denied yet all that time nothing was done that was sitting either for the Kings safety or reputation and not so much as the Castle furnished with victuals which might have easily been provided Neither were the Lords ignorant of this which made them use the greater speed marching directly to Falkirk and the next day which was the last of October to Striveling At the Church called Sanct Nineans a half mile or lesse from the Town they put themselves in order of battel and stood so till night fell at which time upon warning given them by their friends within the Town they advanced and knowing all the passages entred by a certain back way without any resistance Arran had taken upon him to watch that night and was keeping the Town gate when a cry was raised that the Town was taken The Earl of Crawford who watched with him fled to the Castle but he escaped by the
bridge of which he kept the keyes Some weak resistance was made by Colonel Stewart at the head of the Market street but he was soon put back with the slaughter of one or two of his company The borderers according to their custome fell upon the stables and made prey of all the Gentlemens horses whereof they found good store The spoile otherwise was not great as of a town not very rich in merchandise In the morning betimes the Castle was inclosed which they knew could not long hold out for it was unfurnished and scarce provided with victuals of one day in this extremity the King was advised to employ two of his Councel towards the Lords to ask what they intended Choice was made of the Secretary and Justice Clerk as men whom they would willingly hear At the first meeting the Secretary was rough enough with them saying That such violent formes were not to be approved and to deal in that manner with their King they would finde it unsure for what was extorted from him by force or fear he would soon finde means to undo and never want men to serve him in that whereunto his will was bent that humble Petitions became subjects and had been more fitting then to come in the manner they did The Lords answered that it grieved them fore to be reduced to that necessity nothing being more dear to them then the Kings honour and safety But what could they have done they were banished from their countrey put from their livings their friends used with cruelty the King not permitted to hear them in their just defence and alwayes shut up from presenting their Petitions That their coming in that manner was not to dishonour nor force the King to whom they would be most humble supplicants and upon their knees if they should find accesse beg mercy at his hands All they did was to save themselves from ruine and to be secured from their adversaries who had wronged them and the whole States of the Kingdom wherefore they besought them as their countreymen and friends to intercede with his Majesty that they might be accepted in favour and all things composed in the most quiet and honourable manner for the King and State that could be devised This reported to the King did mitigate his mind a little For my self said he I did never like that mans violence meaning Arran and howbeit I cannot but offend with their doings yet for the countreys sake and preservation of publick quietnesse I can pardon and overpasse all but one thing I desire you that have been in conference with them to look to that none in my company receive any harm I know there are quarrels betwixt the Earl of Crawford and the Master of Glammis That the Earl of Angus doth not like Montrosse and I believe that Colonel Stewart is not well beloved for things done in my service These I cannot see with mine honour hurt provide for that and that they may be in safety and I shall willingly admit them When this was shewed the Lords they said that they had not taken up Arms for any private quarrel nor would they mixe their particulars with the publick but it should be good for eschewing such inconveniences as might happen that the Noblemen whom the King had named were put in custody with some special persons and that the Colonel should be discharged from his office of the guard and the same conferred to another This being declared to the King he gave his consent to receive them Being brought unto his prefence they fell all upon their knees and the Lord Hamilton who had the precedency in regard of blood taking the speech said that they were come in most humble manner to beg mercy and his Majesties love and favour The King answered My Lord I did never see you before and must confesse that of all this company you have been most wronged you were a faithful servant to the Queen my mother in my minority and when I understood not as I do the estate of things hardly used The rest of you that have since that time been exiled and put from your livings cannot say but it was your own fault and that your misbehaviour procured the same But turning himself to Bothwel what should have moved thee Francis said he to take this course and come in Armes against me did I ever thee any wrong or what cause hadst thou to offend I wish thee a more quiet spirit and that thou mayest learn to live as a Subject otherwise thou wilt fall in trouble To you all who as I truly think have not meant any harm to any person I am pleased to give both my hand and my heart and will remember nothing that is past providing you carry your selves from henceforth as becomes men of your places and behave your selves as dutiful subjects So they arose one by one and kissed his Majesties hands It was observed that he received the Lord Hamilton with greatest kindnesse and gave him more respect then any others This was the day after their entering into Striveling Two days after in Councel the King renewing his promise did by publick Act confirm the pardon granted to them and their Assisters which was by sound of trumpet proclaimed The Earls of Crawford and Montross were commended to the Lord Hamilton who used them honourably and Colonel Stewart suffered quietly to depart Arran after his flight went unto Coile and lived private amongst his friends deprived of all his honours The charge of the guard was given to the Master of Glammis the Castle of Dumbritton put in the Lord Hamiltons custody Striveling restored to the Earl of Marre and the Castle of Edinburgh delivered to Sir Iames Home of Coldinknâ—ws In this manner did the banished Lords recover his Majesties favour and return to their places albeit Thuan deceived by some information hath otherwise related the same How soon the Noblemens peace was proclaimed Duntraith who had touched them in his deposition against Maius saying that he was told by one Iohn Home the Lords had hired every one of them two men to kill the King so comperired before the Councel undesired so the Act of Councel beareth and confessed that he was suborned by Captain Iames who is henceforth to be so named the title of Arran being returned to the right owner to make that deposition which in it self was false and untrue out of fear and to save his life For verifying whereof and to shew that he did not confesse this to please the Noblemen whom he had wronged by such a confession he declared that for the space of eight weeks before their return he had revealed the same to the Master of Gray and to the Provost of Linclouden both which upon oath testified no lesse to the King The Councel for clearing the Noblemen ordained his confession to be published which was not very needful for no man did beleive the
out of his reading adduce divers Histories to make good what the King had said That it was no way expedient to side with Spain in that invasion or suffer him to possesse himself of England yet since the Queen had not required any aid from him his opinion was that he should strive to assure his own Kingdom and not to permit them to take land in his bounds That a general muster should be taken in the whole Realm and some Noblemen named unto whom upon occasion the subjects might resort watches appointed at all the Sea-ports and Beacons erected in the highest places for advertising the countrey if any fleet was seen at Sea and that the King and Councel should stay at Edinburgh to attend the successe of things and direct the subjects accordingly His opinion was applauded of all Bothwell excepted who was earnest to have the occasion imbraced of invading England and therein was so forward that upon his own charges he had levied souldiers to serve under him if the resolution which he expected should have been taken But the King willing him to look unto the Sea for he was Admiral by his office and to take care that the ships within the countrey were ready for service he acquiesced A little after the Convention dissolved Colonel Semple who had betrayed the town of Lire to the Spaniard some six years before and remained for the most part with the Prince of Parma in Flanders arrived at Leth pretending a Commission from that Prince to the King But the matters he proponed were of so small importance as the King apprehending the Commission to have been given him rather for a colour of his practises with some ill disposed subjects then for the businesse pretended commanded Sir Iohn Carmichael Captain of the Guard to have an eye upon him unto his return for he was then going to Falkland and if he perceived any letters brought unto him in the mean time to take and present them to the Councel Carmichael getting notice that a Pinnace was arrived in the Firth and a passenger landed went straight to the Colonels lodging in Leth and finding him unsealing the letters shewed what he had in charge and what it concerned him to present the same to the Lords The Colonel offering to go himself to the Councel the Earl of Huntley who did then reside in a lodging near the Palace of Halirudhouse with his young Lady whom he had married a few days before upon notice of his apprehension did meet Carmichael in the way and forced him to quit his prisoner saying that he would enter him to the Councel Advertisement going of this to the Chancellour who was then at the Evening service in S. Giles for it was a time of publick humiliation he came forth and being followed by a great number of people made towards Huntley and had certainly taken back the Colonel if the King who was then come from Falkland had not happened to encounter him as he went down the street with whom he returned to the lodging within the City where at that time and most of the Winter the King did keep his residence There the Chancellor declared what had fallen out and whither he was going intreating his Majesty to take some order with the insolency committed Huntley being called after some frivolous excuse did promise to present the Colonel the next morning but he escaping the same night was not any more seen The King did highly offend at his escape yet was loth to use the Nobleman with rigour having matched him so lately to his Cousen only he discharged him to come in his presence neither was he admitted unto it till the newes were brought of the dissipation of the Navy and then as in a time of publick joy that fault was overseen and pardoned The Queen of England in the mean time hearing what course the King had taken how he had committed Maxwel to prison and was preparing to resist the Spaniard sent Sir Robert Sidney to give him thanks for his good affection and to make offer of her assistance if the Spaniard should make offer to land in Scotland The King received him graciously and as he was discoursing of the ambition of Spain and his purpose to take in England said that the King needed not to expect any greater kindnesse at his hand if he prevailed The King merrily answered That he lookt for no other benefit of the Spaniard in that case then that which Polyphemus promised to Ulysses namely to devour him after all his fellowes were devoured Neither did Sidney sooner return then a fresh advertisement was sent from the Queen of their overthrow Of this Navy and the destruction that befell it many have written so particularly as nothing can be added Yet because the benefit redounded to this Church and Kingdome no lesse then others and that the spoiles of that wreck fell for some part in our Northern Isles we shall touch it a little The Navy consisted of 134. saile a great part whereof were Galleasses and rather like Castles pitched in the Seas then ships The vessels carried 8000. saylers 22000. souldiers and above besides the Commanders and voluntary adventurers who were reckoned 124. and for provision they had abundance of whatsoever was necessary either at sea or at land Their direction was to joyn with the Prince of Parma and his forces who were appointed to meet them in the narrow Seas and to invade England together But whether the Prince had not time sufficient to prepare himself or that he was kept in by the Holland Fleet he came not as was expected At Plimmouth the English had the first sight of the Navy and kept combat with them till they anchored in the road of Callais Before they came thither they lost the Gallion wherein Don Pedro de Valder and divers other Noblemen were which was taken in fight and sent to Plimmouth And the Gallion commanded by Don Michael de Oquendo took fire and therein many were burnt to death yet the nether part of the ship being saved was likewise sent thither The Galliasse of Naples commanded by Don Hugo de Moncada perished in the sands of Callais where whilest they lay at Anchor Captain Drake by a stratagem put them in great confusion for choosing out eight small ships that were least useful he filled them with pitch brimstone gunpowder and the like combustible matter and charged the Ordinance with bullets stones broken iron and chaines The ships driven with the wind and tide into the midst of the Navy and the traines taking fire put the Spanish in such fear the same falling out in the night season as having no leisure to weigh their Anchors they were forced to cut their Cables and make to the Sea The next morning ranging themselves again in order they approached to Graveling but no supply coming from Parma and the English ships hotly pursuing them they were compelled to passeby In this
conflict perished the Gallion of Biskay and two other great ships Two Gallions of Portugal the one called S. Philip the other S. Matthew having lost their tackling and being torn with shot made towards the coast of Flanders and were taken by the Zelanders Once as it seemed the General with the rest of the Navy bent their course towards Scotland but not knowing what favour they should find there and the wind blowing fair they resolved to make home by the North Isles The General himself with the best provided vessels took the main Ocean towards Biscay and arrived safely in Spain The rest seeking to take in fresh water partly in the Isles and partly in Ireland were so tossed with tempests and contrary winds that 40. and above were cast away in those Seas A ship of Florence driven upon the West coast of Scotland was spoiled and set on fire by certain Highlanders Shortly the destruction was so great as of the 134. Ships that set fail from Lisbone 53. onely returned to Spain of the souldiers besides the mariners 13500. were lost by one way or other And as they write not a family in Spain of any note there was which suffered not in this expedition having lost either a son or a brother or some nigh kinsman Such was the successe of the Spanish Navy which had been four years in preparing with no small cost and in a few days was thus overthrown one English ship onely being lost and about 100. men in all The King caused solemn thanksgiving for this deliverance to be given to God in all Churches of the Kingdome beginning in his own Court for an ensample to others This was the marvellous year talked of so long before by the Astrologues which this defeat and the accidents that fell forth in France about the end of the same year did in a part make good In this kingdom which we ought ever to remember with thankfulnesse to Almighty God happened no dysaster for which we had cause to be grieved the death of Archibald Earl of Angus excepted who deceased in the moneth of Iuly a Nobleman as in place and rank so in worth and virtue above other subjects of a comely personage affable and full of grace a lover of Justice peaceable sober and given to all goodnesse and which crowned all his virtues truly pious A long time he lived in exile in England not through his own fault but the misfortune of his friends whom he could not forsake After he was restored to the Kings favour no man did carry himself in better sort and in that time which was full of factions he kept himself free of all partakings being imployed in the Lieftenandry of the Borders he discharged himself to his Majesties great content and to the liking of all the subjects and not long after fell into that disease whereof he died leaving no heir male and one only daughter by his second marriage who did not long survive him Never died any Nobleman with greater regrate and so much the more was his death lamented that as it was then thought and afterwards confessed that he was taken away by forcery and incantation In the time of his sicknesse when the Physicians found his disease not to proceed of any natural cause one Richard Graham who was executed some years after for witchcraft being brought to give his opinion of it made offer to cure him saying as the manner of these Wizards is that he had received wrong But when he heard that the man was suspected to use unlawful arts he would by no means admit him saying That his life was not so dear unto him as for the continuance of it some years he would be beholden to any of the Devils instruments That he held his life of God and was willing to render the same at his good pleasure knowing he should change it for a better Thus after a long and languishing disease he died in Smeton near to Dalkeith and was buried in Abernethy in the sepulchre of his progenitors The houses of Angus and Morton which within his person were conjoyned went by provision of Taile to the Lairds of Glenbervy and Lochlevin The hopes that our Catholicks conceived of the Spanish Navy being now frustrated they had lost heart quite but that the Prince of Parma did of new encourage them by his letters shewing that the losse was nothing so great as it was given out to be and giving them hopes of another Army that set out more timely and to be with them the next spring These letters were sent by one Mr. Robert Bruce and delivered to Huntley to be communicated with the rest of that faction Shortly after came one Iohn Chesholme bringing with him ten thousand Crowns which were delivered to Bruce to be used as he thought most fit for advancing the cause The Earl of Huntley made instance to have the third part of the summe Lord Claud Hamilton pleaded for as much and Maxwel lying then in prison held no lesse to be due to him But Bruce excused himself by the charge he had to dispone the mony by the advice of David Graham of Fintrey who was warded at the same time in Dundey and payed them all with one answer The Lord Claud more covetous then the rest because he could not come by any part of the money grew more cold in the business Maxwel had some sent him for his consolation in the prison But Huntley having at the Kings desire subscrived the confession of faith and reconciled himself to the Church was wholly neglected This he excused afterwards by a letter to the Prince of Parma professing That after the escape of Colonel Semple he found himself so busied on all hands and in such sort pressed by the King as it behoved him either to yeild or depart out of the countrey or then to have taken the fields which well he could not do all hope of help being taken from him by the return of the Navy of Spain but in what he had failed he should endevour to amend by some good service tending to the advancement of the cause of God who had put him he said in such credit with the King as he had broken his former guards and made him establish others about his person by whom at all occasions he might assure himself and be Master of the King and so when the support promised should arrive spoile the hereticks of his authority and make sure the Catholicks enterprises Therefore besought him to be perswaded of his unchangeable affection albeit in outward action he was forced to accommodate himself to the necessity of the time This letter was dated at Edinburgh the 24. of Ianuary 1589. Another of the same date was sent by the Earl of Arrol whom Mr. Edmond Hay the Jesuit had seduced and brought on that course to Parma bearing That since his conversion to the Catholick faith he did ever think himself obliged to procure the
it is hard for men in drink at which they were continually kept long to agree A little strife at his first coming to Upslo arose betwixt the Chancellor and Earl Marshal for priority of place the Earl thinking it due to him because of the honour he had in the espousal of the Queen and the Chancellor excepting that his Ambassage ceased in regard of the Kings presence and that the same precedency belonged to him by vertue of his office in those parts being with the King that he had at home But this was pacified without any noise by the Kings determination who declared the place to belong to the Chancellor Brunswicks Marriage and solemnity thereof finished the King conveyed with many great ships took journey homewards and arrived with his Queen at Leth the 20. of May where he was received with a wonderful joy and a great concourse of people After his landing he went first to Church and caused publick thanks to be given to God for his safe and happy return then after to the Noblemen and Councel he gave many thanks for the care they had taken in administration of affairs and the quietnesse they had maintained in the countrey The Earl of Bothwel besides the rest was received with a most gracious countenance for that contrary to all mens expectation he had carried himself orderly all that time And he indeed soon after the Kings departing whether to purchase the opinion of a reformed man or that as he pretended remorse of conscience did move him in a conference with Iames Gibson Minister who was then privately returned from England did offer for removing the many scandals he had given by his dissolutenesse to acknowledge publickly his offence and make any satisfaction the Church should enjoyn which also he performed appearing as he was appointed in the Church where Mr. Robert Bruce did ordinarily preach and making confession of his sinnes promised to live more regularly and not to give offence thereafter to good Christians But it was not long after the Kings return that falling to his wonted forms he became more disordered then ever and there through procuring the Kings displeasure wrought his own undoing as we shall hear The next day after the Kings arrival the Councel assembled to advise upon the Queens Coronation The King determining to have it done in most solemn manner because none of the Bishops were present nor could conveniently be brought against the day made choice of Mr. Robert Bruce to perform the ceremony The Ministers that were in town being therewith acquainted some of the number more curious then wise did except against the ceremony of Unction saying that it was Jewish and abolished at the coming of Christ introduced into Christian Kingdoms by the Pope and not to be used The chief of this opposition was one Mr. Iohn Davison an idle and turbulent man who as then had no charge in the Church but had gained some credit with certain foolish people that would be thought more holy and zealous then other Mr. Andrew Melvil sided with him at first reasoning for the same opinion It was shewed them That the ceremony could not be Jewish seeing it never had the beginning from the Jewes nor was it used by that people only That the anointing of Kings was mentioned in the book of Judges which albeit uttered in a parable did shew that it was a custom received in creating of Kings And that it was practised in other Kingdomes besides that of Judea was a thing manifest for Hasael King of Aram was anointed by Elias and Cyrus King of Persia is called by Esay Gods anointed Both these were strangers to the Law and people of the Jewes yet were they anointed wherefore the ceremony could not be Jewish Then where they said that this rite was introduced by the Pope of Rome as that could not be made out so no reasonable man would think that every rite used amongst Papists was to be rejected for in that case we should be forced to remove many things that are both of good institution and use Seeing therefore the function and authority of Princes continueth the same and is alike in all free Monarchies their anointing could no more be excepted against then their crowning and the bearing of the Sword and Scepter before them which have all the like warrant Thus they were reasoned with but nothing could remove their scruples which the King hearing he called them before him and finding them obstinate in their opinions told them That he would not have the right of Unction omitted and if Mr. Robert Bruce would not do it for they had threatned him with Church censures he would prorogue the day of Coronation and stay till one of the Bishops came who would not refuse Upon this they fell to a second deliberation and Mr. Andrew Melvil altogether misliking that a Bishop should be employed in the action divided from the others so that by the plurality of voices in end it was concluded that the ceremony should be used Thus the Sunday following the Queen was solemnly crowned and all the rites accustomed performed by Mr. Robert Bruce in the Abbey Church of Halyrudhouse On Tuesday thereafter she made her triumphant entry into the Town of Edinburgh where nothing was omitted that might serve to expresse the love and affection of the people The rest of the moneth and much of the next was spent in banquets and royall shewes for the entertaining of the strangers These finished and order taken for administration of the rents assigned to the Queen the strangers were dimitted and had rich presents given them both from the King and Queen How soon they were gone the King upon information that the Ministers of Edinburgh and Dalkeith had permitted Iames Gibson to preach in their Churches notwithstanding he was silenced by the general Assembly caused cite them before the Councel They answered That his silencing as they took it was only to the time of his appearance before the Assembly and that he was purged of contumacy But the Act being produced and hearing that he was silenced during the pleasure of the Assembly which as yet was not declared they confessed their oversight and promised that he should not have place amongst them till his Majesty was satisfyed The King constructing their answer to the best gave order to summon Gibson for his contempt and he not appearing was denounced Rebell At the same time there was a marriage treated betwixt the Earl of Arrol and a daughter of the Earl of Morton at which the King took exception and did inhibit the same as not liking that he who had so lately rebelled and was not yet reconciled to the Church should be strengthened by such an alliance Notthelesse the marriage went on for which the Earl of Morton being called before the Councel answered that he could not restrain the affection of his daughter and was forced to give way unto it The Councel
when the Ambassadour understood that they had lost the benefit of that grant in their own default and that the King had proceeded so farre as to make publick Declaration thereof he was satisfied and insisted to have the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against them This not proceeding with such haste as he desired he fell to treat secretly with Bothwell who was making new stirrs and had drawn numbers of all sorts to follow him yea with some specialls of the Ministery he found such credit as both in their publick Sermons and otherwise by their private dealings they did incourage people to joyn with them and which did most offence the King sent one Mr. Andrew Hunter a Minister to be his Preacher and attend him as a Chaplain nor did their folly or madnesse rather subsist here but even the moneys which had been collected in the Churches for the supply of Geneva which was then in trouble and deposed in the hands of Mr. Iames Melvill Minister of Anstruther were given to Robert Melvill and George Strong two Captains for leavying Souldiers to assist him Bothwell was then gathering new forces and had appointed with the Earls of Argile and Atholl to meet at Leith for the banishing of the Popish Lords and revenge of the Earle of Murray his slaughter that was the pretext and with them did the English Ambassadour keep intelligence This being discovered to the King one of his servants who had been spied in Bothwells company was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh Being examined he confessed that by direction of his Master he had spoken with Bothwell and Mr. Iohn Colvill and that he believed they had some enterprise in hand but what it was he knew not The King perceiving by his Confession that the Ambassadour had a secret dealing with Bothwell was greatly offended yet because he would not seem to infringe the priviledges of Ambassadors after he had checkt him with some sharp words he dimitted his servant and the Ambassador departed the King not vouchsafing him a farewell Bothwell in the mean time with the forces that he had gathered in the Borders being about 400 horsemen or thereby advanced and came to Leith the 2. of April at 3 of the clock in the morning The King remained at the time in Edinburgh not well accompanied yet hearing that Bothwell was come so high he commanded the Citizens and those that were with him to arm He himself going to Church made a speech at the end of the Sermon to the people for the removing the suspicions conceived of his favouring the Popish Lords and recounting Bothwells treacherous attempts desired them to remember that he was their King to whom they owed all fidelity and to consider in what case they themselves should be if Bothwell with his Borderers men given to theft and robbery should get the upper hand The hearers moved with his speeches shewed great forwardnesse and went incontinent to armes The Lord Hume was commanded to take the fields and lead the horsemen that were in town The King stayed with the foot and before them marched the Canon which was brought forth of the Castle and making directly towards Leith How soon Bothwell understood that the Kings forces were marching considering he could not equall them in number he removed from Leith and dividing his men in three troops took the way by Restalrig towards Dalkeith The Lord Hume with the horsemen followed to observe what course he held and the King with the foot removing to the other side of the town made his stand in the field called the Borrow moore Hume with his company being advanced so far as Muddry edge Bothwell turned upon him and being far superiour in horsemen gave him the chase which they that stood by the King perceiving advised him to return into the town but he refusing to stir answered That he would never quit the fields to a Traytor yet the danger was great and in the opinion of many if Bothwell had taken his course directly to the King and not pursued the chase so hotly he might have carried the day but in following it happened his horse to stumble and fall to the ground and he bruised with the fall was forced to retire That night he went to Dalkeith and on the morrow dissolved all his troops which when Atholl heard he also went back into his Countrey The Fiffe Captains with their souldiers arriving at Leith about midnight when they understood how things had passed turned saile and went sundry wayes This purpose so defeated the King sent the Lord Colvill and M. Edward Bruce to the Queen of England to complain of the misdemeanor of her Ambassador and the resset that Bothwell found in her kingdome In his letter to the Queen using a round plainness he said That although it had pleased her to commend the Ambassador she had imployed for a wise religious and honest man yet he had in his opinion been fitter to carry the message of an Herauld then a friendly Commission betwixt two neighbour Princes That he had seen nothing in him but pride and wilfulness and that therefore denying to give him any answer he chused to send the same by his own messengers whom he desired her to credit as himself in all that they had in charge to deliver For Bothwell he said That he wondred how notwithstanding of the many solemn promises made as well by her Ambassadors as by letters of her own hand that he should have no harbor within her Countrey yet was he not only resset by her people but suffered to reside in some of her proper houses and had received a good summe of English monie wherewith he waged both Scots and English in this late treacherous attempt To think this was by her direction or privity he would not so farre it was against all princely honour on the other part that she being so wise and prudent a Prince and having so long and so happily governed her kingdoms should be so slighted and contemned by a number of her subjects as that such things should be done without her knowledge it could hardly be believed wherefore leaving it to her self to solve these doubts he would onely remember her of the promise made at the delivery of Ororick an Irish rebell and desire her not to put him in ballance with such a traiterous counterpoise lest he should be constrained to say with the Poet Flectere si nequeo superos c. This was the substance of the letter the credit committed to them was to assure the Queen That seeing the Popish Lords had not imbraced the conditions offered he should prosecute the Lawes against them proscribe their persons and confiscate their lands and to crave of her as one whom that cause equally touched a supply of moneys till either they were expulsed the Realm or their persons apprehended and presented to justice The Queen excusing the oversight given to Bothwell by the
Archibald Campbell of Lochinzell his brother Iames Campbell Mackneill Baray and about 700 common-souldiers on Huntleys part besides his uncle Achindown 12 only were killed but many were hurt and wounded This fight happened on Thursday the 3 of October 1594 and is called by the Countrey people the battell of Glenlivat albeit it was fought on a hill three quarters of a mile distant The victory fell happily on Huntleys side for the Countrey people who should otherwise been miserably spoiled if Argile with his forces had prevailed The Lord Forbes with the Lairds of Bughan and Drumchat were advancing to assist Argile upon advertisement of his defeat and that he was turned back made after him thinking to perswade him return But by the way a gentleman of the name of Irwyn being killed by the shot of a Pistol in the dark of the night there entered such a distrust and jealousie amongst them none knowing who was the doer as presently they separated and went home The King had the news of Argiles defeat brought him to Dundee which made him hasten his journey to the North. The 16 of October he came to Aberdene where councell was taken for demolishing the houses of Strathbolgy Slains and Newton In this service the Earl of Marshall was imployed having some Companies of horse and foot allowed him till the same was accomplished Huntley and Arroll during that time did lurke in Sutherland thinking how soon the King returned Southto come back into their Countreys but the Duke of Lennox being left Lieutenant in those parts by the counsell and assistance of those that were appointed to attend him put them to such extremity as they made offer to depart forth of the Realm and laid surety neither to return without his Majesties license nor to practise against Religion and the State whilest they stayed abroad It was debated a while whether or not such a capitulation might stand with the Kings honour and his Majesty being thereupon consulted in regard of the many difficulties that pressed him in the time and that it made for the quietness of the kingdome to have them put away the surety offered was accepted which done the Duke of Lennox having stayed in those parts three moneths returned about the third of February to Edinburgh Bothwell now was in miserable plight being hated of the Queen of England for his combining with the Popish Lords Excommunicated by the Church and forsaken of his fellowes especially M. Iohn Colvell who had followed him in all his troubles and knew the places of his resset for he had made his peace and as the rumor went betrayed Hercules Stewart Bothwells brother who the same time was executed publickly in the street of Edinburgh These things did so increase his fears as not knowing whom to trust he stole away privately to France The King hearing that he was gone and had taken land at New haven in Normandy sent a Gentleman to the French King to demand him as one who was declared a traitor and if that was denyed to desire that he might be banished France The answer of the French King was That he should give him no Countenance but since he had taken his refuge thither he could not but suffer him enjoy the free ayre of his Countrey Some moneths he remained there till either wearied of the bad entertainment he found or as it was said for challenging a Gentleman to combate against the Kings edict he was forced to quit those partes and fly into Spain from thence he went to Naples where he lived in a poor estate unto his death which happened some years after the King his going into England How soon Bothwell was gone all his followers did sue for pardon Sr. Iames Scot of Balwery offering to exhibite the bond made at the Church of Menmore betwixt Bothwell and the Popish Lords which he had in custodie was brought before the Councell and having produced the same laid open all their plots By his deposition it appeared that Sir Iames Duglas of Spot was the principal worker of that agreement Whereupon the Ministers of Edinburgh were called and the bonds shewed unto them bearing a mutuall concurrence in all things Religion not excepted Whereupon they were desired to pronounce Spot excommunicated as one that had made defection from the truth and was otherwise suspected of haynous crimes but they excusing themselves the Commissioners of the generall Assembly were called to meet at Striveling who after some debating the sentence was pronounced against him Balwery after a few days imprisoned was set at liberty and remitted but never prospered after that time and ruined his house utterly for an ensample to all that will be medling with factious and seditious Rebells The year following an Assembly of the Church was kept at Montrose in the moneth of Iune where the Commissioners for the King did urge these Articles First Whosoever did medle or practise in any treasonable enterprise against his Majesties person and estate being found and declared culpable by law they should likewise incurre the sentence of Excommunication that so there might be an inseparable union betwixt the two swords Secondly that no Excommunication should be pronounced at the appetite of particular men but that a sufficient number of the Church should be first Assembled and the same determined by publick consent Thirdly That none should be Excommunicated for civill causes crimes of light importance or particular wrongs of Ministers lest the censure should fall into contempt and become like the Popes cursing Fourthly That no summare Excommunication should be thenceforth used but that lawfull citation of parties should go before in all causes whatsoever To the first the Assembly agreed with the clause Legitimâ cognitione Ecclesiasticâ praeeunte To the second they likewise condescended But to the third and fourth they answered that those being points of great weight and craving a mature deliberation could not on the sudden be determined and so continued the resolution thereof to the next Assembly discharging in the mean time any summary Excommunication to be used with this exception Nisi salus ecclesiae periclitetur The exception displeased the King for he thought it would serve the turbulent sort for a colour to all their proceedings But there fell out in the mean time a business which made all these things be forgotten The Queen moved by some that envied the Earl of Marre his credit laboured to have the Prince her son in her own custody and had drawn the Chancellor and divers of the Councell to promise their assistance Advertisement given of this to the King who was then at Falkland he came to the Queen at Halyrud-house and inhibiting any of the Councell to come towards him till he should call them dealt so with the Queen that he diverted her from that course and made her go and remain at Striveling How soon she was gone calling the Chancellor and such of the Councell as
against him rejecting the testimonies of the Town and University When by no perswasion he could be moved unto it the King went to Councell and the same day it being the second of December caused read the deposition of the witnesses who did clearly testifie that all the speeches libelled were uttered by M. Blake in Pulpit Thereupon sentence was given that he had falsely slandered and treasonably calumniated the Kings Majesty his bedfellow the Queen his neighbour Princess the Queen of England the Lords of his Highness Councell and Session and therefore his punishment being remitted to the King it was ordained that till his Majesties pleasure should be declared he should be confined beyond the North water and enter to his ward within six days Notwithstanding of this Sentence the day following a new Treaty began which continued some ten daies and was like to have produced an agreement for the King was content as before to delete the Acts of Councell at which the Ministers took offence by writing on the margent of the book according to the custome of deleting This matter is agreed and the Act delete He was likewise pleased to mend the Narrative of the Proclamation turning that upon the Papists and enemies of Religion that was said of Ministers and for Mr. Blakes businesse was content that the Interloquutor pronounced should not be made a preparative against any other Minister and that none should be called upon their preaching before the Councell till it was found in a lawfull Assembly that the King might judge of those that passed their bounds in Doctrine Provided he might in the mean time be assured of the good behaviour of the Ministers and that they should not speak unreverently of him or of his Councell which assurance he would have in writing Some punishment also he would have afflicted on Mr. Blake as either to transport him from S. Andrews to another Congregation or suspend him for a time from his charge punishments not very rigorous nor answerable to the quality of the offence The Commissioners being herewith advised liked well of all the last excepted A punishment they said could not be afflicted where no cognition had proceeded for as to the triall taken neither was it done by the proper Iudge nor was that equity observed which ought to have been witnesses that were under the Censures of the Church and ill-affected to Mr. Blake being admitted to depone against him This reported to the King he made offer to name twenty persons against whom no exception could be alledged and to give Mr. Blake his choice of seven or eight of that number who should be new examined touching the verity of the speeches whereof he was accused if they upon their consciences did absolve him he should rest satisfied if otherwise he would crave him to be deposed But this came to no effect nor could any overture albeit divers were proponed serve to work an accord so as the communing broke off and greater displeasures arose on both hands then afore For the Commissioners having directed two of the Brethren to shew the King That since they could obtain no redresse for the wrongs done unto Christs kingdome and saw nothing but the enemies of the truth were favoured and the faithfull Pastors of the Church reviled and pursued they could not abstain from opposing these proceedings with the spirituall armour given them by God and did therefore indict a Fast to be kept the Sunday following being the 12 day of December with solemn prayers for averting the judgments which the present courses did threaten The King on the other side made his displeasure and the scorn he took of these proceedings known by a Declaration published on the 15 day wherein he shewed That out of a desire he had to keep peace with the Ministers he did condescend to abstain from troubling in any case bygone untill by a convention of Estates and a Generall Assembly of the Ministery the difference between the Civill and Ecclesiasticall judgments might be removed providing they should promise not to disgrace him and his proceedings in their Sermons which he was in hope to obtain by sundry Conferences and meetings that he had kept with some of them till at last publickly they had opposed themselves in Pulpit by approving the doings of Mr. David Blake accusing himself of persecution and falsly suggesting to the people that all Church Assemblies were discharged whereas his resolution was and is to maintain Religion and the Church discipline established by law and to suffer nothing to be done in prejudice thereof by whomsoever which his Highnesse thought good to make known to all his subjects ordaining all Ministers to subscrive their obedience to his Majesty and set their hands to the bonds which should be presented to them for that effect under the pain of sequestring their rents stipends ay and while they gave the obedience required The same day was Mr. Blake charged to go unto his ward and the Commissioners of new commanded to remove themselves forth of the Town How soon they were gone the Secretary Mr. Iohn Lindesey thinking the Ministers of Edinburgh would be more tractable being left to themselves did move the King to send for them and make a fresh Proposition for setling these divisions But they refusing to enter in any communing except the Commissioners were recalled by as publick a Proclamation as that whereby they were discharged hope was given that the next day the same should be done and all questions laid over unto their return which some of the Kings Chamber having understood and fearing if matters were once accorded the Octavians against whom they were chiefly set should contine in their imployment among other reports they informed the King that a mighty watch was kept in Edinburgh about the Ministers houses for fear of some violence to be offered unto them which laid an heavy imputation upon his Majesty and that the Ministers would never be quiet till these factious people were put forth of the Town The advice as truly meant was hearkned unto and direction given to some 24 of the Burgesses that were best affected to the Ministers to depart the Town within the space of six hours This they knew would be ill taken by the Ministers and to put them in a greater fear they did advertise them by a counterfeit Letter to look unto themselves because Huntley had been with the King that night late and caused that charge to be given This Letter sent to Mr. Robert Bruce was by him communicate to Mr. Walter Balcanquall whose course it was to preach that morning and they both apprehending the information to be true did think it the safest way for themselves to make the people advertised of the danger so when the hour of Sermon came the Preacher reading his Text out of the book of Canticles which was his ordinary at that time and taking occasion of the present
further A Visitation for this effect being appointed the 11 of Iuly and Mr. Blake summoned to the same day the Elders and Deacons of the Church were inquired touching the behaviour of them both and the verity of the accusations laid against them who all upon oath deponed that the accusations were true and that Blake had spoken all that whereof he was convicted before the Councell as also that the Secretaries complaint of Mr. Wallace was most just And being askt touching their behaviour otherwise they declared that both the one and the other were given to factions and that they did not carry themselves with that indifferency which became Preachers This Declaration made clear way to the Commissioners for ending that business and providing S. Andrews with a more peaceable Ministery whereupon sentence was given that both the Ministers should be removed and Mr. George Gladstaves a man sufficiently qualified serving then at Arbirlot in Angus translated and placed in their room till another helper might be found out to be joyned with him This done the Sunday following he was accepted of the people with a great applause Mr. Thomas Buchannan Mr. Iames Nicolson and Mr. Iames Melvill entring him to the charge And because it concerned the peace of the Church no lesse to have the abuses of the University reformed the calling the Governours thereof and inquiring what order they kept when he understood that against the accustomed form Mr. Andrew Melvill had continued Rector in a number of years together he commanded a new election to be made and honouring the election with his own presence in the Schools of S. Salvator Mr. Robert Wilkie Principall of S. Leonards was chosen Rector and appointed to bear that charge unto the ordinary time of election as also for preventing the like disorders a Statute was made That none should be continued Rector above a year nor admitted to the said office but after the space of three years It was likewise declared That any Suppost having received the degree of a Master of Arts might be chosen Rector he residing in the University during his office or at least the most part of his time In the new Colledge whereof the said M. Andrew had the charge all things were found out of order the rents ill husbanded the professions neglected and in place of Divinity Lectures Politick Questions of tentimes agitated as Whether the election or succession of Kings were the better form of government How farre the Royall power extended and if Kings might be censured for abusing the same and deposed by the Estates of the Kingdome The King to correct these abuses did prescrive to every Professor his subject of teaching appointing the first Master to read the Common places to the Students with the Law and History of the Bible the second to read the New Testament the third the Prophets with the Books of Ecclesiastes and Canticles and the fourth the Hebrew Grammar with the Psalms the Proverbs and the Book of Iob. For the better husbanding of the Rents as well in that as in the other Colledges it was ordained That there should be a Councell chosen to the Vniversity which should have power to elect an Oeconomus in every Colledge for uplifting the rents and take care to see all things rightly administrated Of this Councell were named the Chancellar of the University the Conservator of the privileges the Laird of Colluthie Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Robert Rollock and Mr. Thomas Buchannan without whose consent and subscriptions it should not be lawfull to set any Lease or make other disposition whatsoever of any part of the rents And lest they should be distracted by any other employment it was concluded That all the Doctors Professors and Regents not being Pastors in the Church should be exempted from the keeping of Sessions Presbyteries Synodicall or Generall Assemblies and from all teaching in Churches and Congregations exercises excepted with a discharge to all and every one of them to accept any Commission prejudiciall to the said exemption under the pain of deprivation and rebellion at the Conservators instance the one execution not prejudging the other Yet that they should not be thought excluded from the Generall Assembly it was appointed That the Masters and Regents of the University should meet when any such occasion did offer and condescend upon some three persons of whom one should be elected by the foresaid Councell to be present at the Generall Assembly for that year which person so chosen should not for the space of three years thereafter be employed in that Commission These Articles being openly recited in presence of his Majesty and of the whole members of the University were accepted by the Masters and Regents with solemn promise of obedience This Summer there was a great business for the triall of Witches amongst others one Margaret Atkin being apprehended upon suspicion and threatned with torture did confesse her self guilty Being examined touching her associates in that trade she named a few and perceiving her delations finde credit made offer to detect all of that sort and to purge the Countrey of them so she might have her life granted for the reason of her knowledge she said That they had a secret mark all of that sort in their eyes whereby she could surely tell how soon she lookt upon any whether they were Witches or not and in this she was so readily believed that for the space of 3 or 4 months she was carried from town to town to make discoveries in that kinde Many were brought in question by her delations especially at Glasgow where divers innocent women through the credulity of the Minister M. Iohn Cowper were condemned and put to death In end she was found to be a meer deceiver for the same persons that the one day she had declared guilty the next day being presented in another habit she cleansed and sent back to Fife where first she was apprehended At her triall she affirmed all to be false that she had confessed either of her self or others and persisted in this to her death which made many forthink their too great forwardness that way and moved the King to recall the Commissions given out against such persons discharging all proceedings against them except in case of voluntary confession till a solid order should be taken by the Estates touching the form that should be kept in their triall In the Borders at the same time great troubles were raised by the broken men of Tindale and Rheadsdale who made incursions on the Scots side and wasted all the Countrey of Liddisdale The Laird of Baclugh that had the keeping of those parts to be repaired of that wrong made a road into England and apprehending 36 of the doers put them all to death and brought away a great spoil Sir William Bowes being sent to complain of this after much debating it was agreed that for keeping peace in the Borders Hostages
and not otherwise Some other Acts were concluded in the same Assembly as That in memory of his Majesties deliverance there should be Sermons in all the Burghs every Tuesday and the fifth of August solemnly kept as the Parliament had prescribed in all the Churches of the Kingdome That Ministers should not refuse the Sacrament of Baptisme to Infants nor delay the same upon whatsoever pretext the same being required by the parents or others in their name for as then except at ordinary hours of preaching Ministers denied to baptize And because they had taken a custome not to celebrate marriage upon the Sunday pretending that the day was profaned by feasting dancing and the like it was ordained They should hereafter at the parties desire celebrate the same either on the sunday or week day These things concluded and Commissioners chosen to attend the common affairs of the Church the Assembly dissolved having appointed the next meeting at Aberdene the last Tuesday of Iuly Anno 1604. All this time were the enemies of our Religion the Jesuits especially busied to stirre up a party against the King and his title to England They had lost all hope of gaining his affection or obtaining any promise of toleration when he should come to that Crown and had found their writings and pamphlets for the Infanta of Spain her right to move few or none Thereupon they fell to treat of a marriage betwixt Lady Arbella and Robert Prince of Savoy and that not succeeding to speak of a match betwixt her and a grandchilde of the Earl of Hartfords judging that their pretensions being conjoyned many would befriend them to the excluding of the King of Scots but the Queen who truly favoured his right though she would not openly professe so much dashed all those projects and caused an eye to be kept upon that Lady and such as resorted unto her About the same time the King had intelligence given him that one Francis Mowbray son to the Laird of Barnebowgall who had lived a while in the Infants Court at Bruxells had undertaken to kill him This brake out first at London by an Italian a fencer whose name was Daniel which coming to the Queens ears she commanded Sir Robert Cecill her Secretary to call the persons for they were both in the City and examine them the Italian abode by his speeches Mowbray denied and offered to prove him a lyar in combat which the other accepted Both being sent unto Scotland they were tried first severally then confronted before certain of the Councell the Italian produced Witnesses who verified all that he had deponed whereupon Mowbray was committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where seeking to escape by night at a window of the chamber where he was detained the sheets proving too short by which he thought to descend he fell from a great precipice and was found the next morning dead at the foot of the rock The corps was the same day being the last of Ianuary presented to the Justice and sentence of forfeiture pronounced against him his body hanged for a space upon the gibbet and afterwards quartered and affixed on the gates and most open places of the Town His friends for he was well born and a proper young Gentleman gave out that he had been strangled and his corps thrown down at the window But this carried no appearance and was believed of few The Queen of England in the winter being perceived to wax heavy and dull and the rumour thereof dispersed as there is nothing that can be worse concealed then the sickness or death of a Prince there was much business every where and she held for the most part dead The French King had sent the summer preceding two Ambassadors one to reside in England and another in Scotland under colour of impeaching the courses of Spain but in effect to observe the strength and affection of both people He that was sent into England brought a Letter from the French King to Secretary Cecill of infinite kindness and breaking with him one day upon the miseries of the Kingdome when it should please God to translate the Queen fell to speak of the losse he should sustain by the exchange and the case wherein he would be if the Scotish King did succeed which to his apprehension should be more hard and miserable then any others being likely to undergoe the revenge of faults laid upon his father about matters concerning the Kings mother and other courses that he was esteemed to have run himself since the death of his Father The Secretary that was no childe knowing that the Ambassador did but sound him for making some other project answered That this was the reward of unspotted duty when Ministers did only regard the service of their Soveraigns without respect of their own particular And that for himself he should never grieve to endure trouble for so just a cause the same being to a man that valued his credit more then his security a kinde of martyrdome notwithstanding he supposed that things passed would not be called to minde or if so were and that he saw his case desperate he should flee to another City and take the benefit of the Kings royall offer The Ambassador being so answered made a fair retreat saying That in case the King of Scots did carry himself towards the King of France with the respect which was due he was not purposed to impeach his interest The Secretary replying That it was a wise resolution his Master had taken The Ambassadour ceased to tempt him any further in that businesse Hereof the King was advertised by Letters from the Secretary who therein did assure him of his true and honest service when occasion required howbeit he would not as some others had done needlesly hazard his fortune and reputation before the time It shall not be amisse to hear what was the Kings answer to the Secretary As I doe heartily thank you said he for your plain and honest offer so may you assure your self that it would doe me no pleasure that you should hazard either your fortune or reputation since the losse of either of these would make you the lesse vailable to me No I love not to feed upon such fantasticall humours although I cannot let busie-bodies to live upon their own imaginations But for my part I hold it the office of a King as sitting on the throne of God to imitate the primum mobile and by his steady and ever constant course to govern all the other changeable and uncertain motions of the inferiour planets And I protest in Gods presence that for your constant and honest behaviour in your Soveraigns service I loved your virtues long before I could be certain that you would deserve at my hand the love of your person wherefore go on and serve her truly that reigneth as you have done for he that is false to the present will never be true to the future In another
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
will answer that it is not their purpose presently and out of hand to enforce obedience but by fatherly admonitions and conferences to induce such as are disaffected But if any be of an opposite and turbulent spirit I will have them inforced to a conformity Neither tell me that the wearing of a surplice or using the Crosse in Baptism will diminish the credit of Ministers that have formerly dissallowed the same for that is just the Scotish Argument when any thing was concluded that sorted not with their humour the only reason why they would not obey was that it stood not with their credit to yield having been so long of a contrary opinion I will none of that but that a time be limited by the Bishops of every Diocese to such and they that will not yield whatsoever they are let them be removed for we must not preferre the credit of a few private men to the generall peace of the Church Throughout all this conference in every point that was moved or came to be talked of the King did shew such knowledge and readiness as bred not a small admiration in the hearers Chancellour Egerton wondering to see him so expedite and perfect in all sort of Divinity said That he had often heard and read that Rex est mixta persona cum Sacerdote but that he saw never the truth of it untill that day Let me adde that which I was afterward told by Richard Bancroft Archbishop of Canterbury for Whitgift died the next moneth after the conference one of the great glories of the English Church that when the Rolles were brought in of those that stood out and were deposed which was some years after they were found to be fourty nine in all England when as the Ministers of that Kingdome are reckoned nine thousand and above such a noise will a few disturbers cause in any society where they are tolerated In the March thereafter a Parliament was kept in England where the King after he had given thanks to the State for the generall applause they shewed in receiving him to the place which God by birthright and lineall descent had provided for him did earnestly move the union of the two Kingdomes that as they were made one in the head so among themselves they might be inseparably conjoyned and all memory of by-past divisions extinguished A motion that took well at first and seemed to be generally desired of both Nations but did not succeed as was wished The Parliament alwaies at his Majesties desire and for a demonstration of their obedience did nominate Thomas Ellesmore Lord Chancellor of England Thomas Earl of Dorset Thesaurer Charles Earl of Nottingham Lord high Admirall Henry Earl of Southampton William Earl of Pembroke Henry Earl of Northampton Richard Bishop of London Toby Bishop of Durham Anthony Bishop of St Davids Robert Lord Cecill principall Secretary to his Majesty Edward Lord Souch Lord President of Wales William Lord Monteagle Ralph Lord Eure Edmond Lord Sheffeild Lord President of the Councell of the North Lords of the higher House And Thomas Lord Clinton Robert Lord Buckhurst Sir Francis Hastings knight Sir Iohn Stanhop knight Vice-chamberlain to the Kings Majesty Sir George Carew knight Vice-chamberlain to the Queens Majesty Sir Iohn Herbert knight second Secretary to his Majesty Sir Thomas Strickland knight Sir Edward Stafford knight Sir Henry Nevill of Barkshire knight Sir Richard Buckly knight Sir Henry Billingsly knight Sir Daniell Dunne knight Dean of the Arches Sir Edward Hobby knight Sir Iohn Savile knight Sir Robert Wroth knight Sir Thomas Challoner knight Sir Robert Mansell knight Sir Thomas Ridgway knight Sir Thomas Holcraft knight Sir Thomas Hasketh knight his Majesties Attorney of the Court of Wards and Liveries Sir Francis Bacon knight Sir Lawrence Cawfield knight Serjeant at Law Sir Henry Hubbard knight Serjeant at Law Sir Iohn Bennet knight Doctor of the Lawes Sir Henry VVitherington Sir Ralph Grey and Sir Thomas Lake knights Robert Ashwith Thomas Iames and Henry Chapman Merchants Knights and Burgesses of the house of Commons Giving them or any eight or more of the said Lords of the higher house and any twenty of the said Knights and Burgesses of the said house of Commons full power liberty and Commission to assemble and meet at any time or times before the next Session of Parliament â—or treating and consulting with certain selected Commissioners to be nominated and authorized by authority of the Parliament of the realm of Scotland of and concerning such an union of the said realms of England and Scotland and of and concerning such other matters causes and things whatsoever as upon mature deliberation and consideration the greatest part of the said Lords Knights Citizens and Burgesses being assembled with the Commissioners to be nominated by the Parliament of Scotland shall in their wisdome think and deem convenient and necessary for the honour of his Majesty and the weal and commmon good of both the said realms during his Majesties life and under all his progenie and royall posterity for ever which Commissioners of both the said realms shall according to the tenor of their said Commissions reduce their doings and proceedings into writings or instruments tripartite every part to be subscribed and sealed by them to the end that one part thereof may in all humility be presented to his most excellent Majesty the second part to be offered to the consideration of the next Session of Parliament for the realm of England and the third to be offered to the consideration of the next Parliament for the realm of Scotland that thereupon such further proceeding may be had as by both the said Parliaments may be thought fit and necessary for the weal and common good of both the said realms A Parliament in Scotland for the same purpose was indicted to the tenth of Aprill and thereafter prorogated to the eleventh of Iuly at which time the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assembled by virtue of his Majesties Commission did ordain the persons following they are to say Iohn Earl of Montrosse Chancellor of Scotland Francis Earl of Arroll high Constable of Scotland Iames Earl of Glencarn Alexander Earl of Linlithgow Iohn Archbishop of Glasgow David Bishop of Rosse George Bishop of Cathnes Walter Prior of Blantire Patrick Lord Glammis Alexander Lord Elphingston Alexander Lord Fyvie President of the Session of Scotland Robert Lord Roxbrugh Iames Lord Abircorn Iames Lord Balmerinoth Principall Secretary of Scotland David Lord of Scone Sir Iames Scrimgeour of Dudop knight Sir Iohn Cockburn of Ormston knight Sir Iohn Hume of Couldenknowes knight Sir David Carnegie of Kinnard knight Sir Robert Melvill elder of Murdocarmie knight Sir Thomas Hamilton of Binnie knight Sir Iohn Lermouth of Balcony knight Sir Alexander Straton of Lawriston knight Sir Iohn Sheen of Curry-hill knight Mr. Iohn Sharp of Howston Lawyer Mr. Thomas Craig Lawyer Henry Nisbit George Bruce Alexander Rutherford and Mr. Alexander
transporting of any Commodities of Normandy or any parts of France excepting the wine of Burdeaux and as the said persons shall finde the advantage to be so for making the trade equall the custome shall be advanced to the King in England and Scotland And for the part of those that have the advantage and according to the proportion of the said advantage the advancement of the custome to continue no longer then the priviledge having such advantage shall continue and that generally for all other Trade from any parts the English and Scottish subjects each in others Countrey shall have liberty of importation as freely as any of the native subjects themselves having speciall Priviledge Next concerning exportation It is agreed that all such goods as are prohibited and forbidden to English men themselves to be transported forth of England to any forein part the same shall be unlawfull for any Scottish men or any other to transport to any forein Nation beyond sea under the same penalties and forfeitures that the English are subject unto and reciprocally that forth of Scotland no English men shall transport to any forein part the Goods or Commodities that are prohibited in Scotland to Scottish men themselves Nevertheless such Goods and Commodities and Merchandises as are licensed to English men to transport out of England to any forein part the same may be likewise transported by Scottish men thither they certifying their going into forein parts and taking a Cocquet accordingly and paying the ordinary Custome that English men doe pay themselves at the exporting of such Wares The like liberty to be for English men in Scotland As for the Native Commodities which either of the Countreys doe yield and may serve for the use and benefit of the other It is agreed that mutually there may be transported forth of England to Scotland and forth of Scotland to England all such Wares as are either of the growth or handy-work of either of the said realmes without payment of any impost custome or exaction and as freely in all respects as any Wares may be transported either in England from part to part or in Scotland from part to part excepting such particular sorts of Goods and Merchandises as are hereafter mentioned being restrained for the proper and inward use of each Countrey And for that purpose it is declared That both this communication of benefit and participation of the Native Commodities of the one Countrey with the other there shall be specially reserved and excepted the sorts hereafter specified That is to say Wool Sheep Sheepfell Cattell Leather Hides and Linnen yarn which are specially restrained withâ—â— each Countrey not to be transported from the one to the other Excepting also and reserving to the Scottish men their trade of fishing within their Loches Forthes and Bayes within land and in the Seas within fourteen miles of the Coasts of the Realm of Scotland where neither English men nor any Strangers have used to fish And so reciprocally in the point of fishing on the behalf of England All which exceptions and restrictions are not to be understood or mentioned in any sort for a mark or note of separation or disunion but only as matters of policy and conveniency for the severall estate of each Countrey Furthermore it is agreed that all forein Wares to be transported forth of Scotland to England or out of England to Scotland by any of the Kings subjects of either Kingdomes having at their first entry once paid custome in either of the Kingdomes shall not pay outward custome therein afterwards save only inward custome at that Port whereunto they shall be transported But the owner of the Goods or the Factor or Master of the ship shall give bond not to transport the same into any forein part It is also agreed that Scottish men shall not be debarred from being associates unto any English company of Merchants as Merchant-venturers or others upon such conditions as any English man may be admited and so reciprocally for English men in Scotland It is nevertheless agreed by mutuall consent and so to be understood that the mutuall libertie aforesaid of Exportation and Trade in each part from the one to the other shall serve for the inward use only of either Realm and order taken for restraining and prohibiting the transportation of the said Commodities into forein parts and for due punishment of those that shall transgresse in that behalf And for the better assurance and caution herein It is agreed that every Merchant so offending shall forfeit his Goods The Ships wherein the said Goods shall be transported Consiscated The Customers Searchers and other Officers of the Custome whatsoever in case of consent or knowledge on their part to lose their Offices and Goods and their bodies to be imprisoned at his Majesties pleasure Of which escheats and forfeitures two parts shall appertain to his Majesty if the Customs be unfarmed and the third to the Informer and if the Customes be farmed one third of the forfeiture shall belong to his Majesty a third to the farmers of the Customes and the other third to the Informer The triall of the offence to be summar in either Countrey in the Exchequer Chamber by writ sufficient witnesses or oath of partie or before the Justice by Jury or Affise and his Majesties Officers in either Countrey to convene with the Complainers that interest in the pursuit As also for the more surety that there shall be no transportation of such Goods It is agreed that at the shipping of all such Native Commodities there be taken by the Customer of the Port where the Goods or Wares are imbarked a Bond or Obligation subscribed by the Owner of the said Goods and Master of the Ship by the Owner if he be present and in case of his absence by the Master of the Ship and Factor or party that ladeth the same which Bond shall contain a summe of money answerable to the value of the Goods with condition of relieving the party obliged and discharging him of the said Bond in case return be made of a due certificate to the Custome where the Goods were laden from any part within England or Scotland The Certificate to be subscribed and sealed by the Officers of the Customes of the part where the said Goods shall arrive and be unladened or if there be no such Officers there by the Chief Magistrate and Town Clerk of that Harbour or Town under their hand and Seal It is further agreed touching the indifferent fraighting of Comodities either in English or Scotish bottomes that English men and Scotish men fraight and laden their goods each in others Shâ—ps and bottoms indifferently paying only English Scotish custome notwithstanding any contrary laws or prohibitions And that a proposition be made to the Parliament of England for establiâ—ing some good orders for upholding and maintaining the great fishing of England as likewise that a proposition be made
besought his Majesty to accept graciously that which was done and made offer of their best service in perfecting that work as they should be imployed The king professing a great content did specially thank them for reserving his Prerogative in the preferment of men to offices and honours in either kingdome for inequality said he of liberties and priviledges is not the way to effect the union I desire capacity of offices ought to be equall to both people but the moderation of that equality must be left to me neither you to suspect that I will offer any manner of grievance to either of the Countreys or do any thing that may kindle emulation among them considering the desire I have to see you united in a fast and indissolveable amity This said he recommended the prosecution of that business in the severall Parliaments to their fidelity and trust wishing them to lay aside all jealousies needless fears and other worse passions in a matter that so nearly concerned the good and benefit of both kingdomes Some moneths before the King had assumed by virtue of his Prerogative the title of The King of great Britain commanding the same to be used from thenceforth in all Proclamations Missives and Treaties and the names of England and Scotland to be discontinued except in instruments of private parties and where legality of process would not admit the same this same in both kingdomes took ill but his Majesty esteeming those names whereby they had been called no better then names of hostility would needs have the antient name of Britain received and these of Scotland and England abolished In like manner he did prohibite the name of the borders to be used and ordained all places of strength in these parts the houses of Noblemen and Barons excepted to be demolished their Iron gates to be turned into Plow Irons and the inhabitants to betake themselves to labour and the exercises of peace for the same purpose he did break the Garisons at Barwick and Carlile And in memory of the union so happily begun made divers pieces of gold and silver to be coyned upon some whereof were engraven these inscriptions Quae Deus conjunxit nemo separet and Tueatur unita Deus On others Faciam eos in gentem unam and Henricus rosas Regna Iacobus During this conference the Lord Fivie President of the Session supplyed the place of the Scottish Chancellor and was shortly after preferred to the same office by the Earl of Montross his dismission who in stead thereof was made Commissioner and deputy of Scotland during life Secretary Elphingston was chosen President of the Session and all affairs trusted by his Majesty to the Chancellor and him with a speciall direction that they should be assisting to the Church and maintain those whom his Majesty had preferred in the places of Bishops in the same How they answered the trust committed to them in this particular we shall hear But leaving the matter of State let us now see how things went at that time in the Church The generall Assembly that should have kept at Aberdene in Iuly 1604 was continued because of the union to the same moneth in the year following The King being informed of a great preparation that the Ministers made for keeping that meeting and that they intended to call in question all the conclusions taken in former Assemblies for the Episcopall government directed the Commissioners of the Church to desert the Diet and make no indiction of another till he should be advertised They accordingly did intimate his Majesties pleasure to all the Presbyters and therewith as they were desired declare that his Majesty did purpose to call a number of the Bishops and disaffected Ministers to court and for preventing such disorderly meeting hear the differences that were among them debated in his own person The greater part resolved to obey nine Presbyteries onely of Fifty so many there are reckoned in the whole kingdome sent their Commissioners to keep the meeting The chief leaders of this stir was Mr. Iohn Forbes Minister of Awford and Mr. Iohn Welch Minister at Ayre These two having encouragement given them in private by some principally in the State used all means to bring the Ministers together were in expectation of a frequétassembly yet when the day appointed came there convened thirteen only and after some two or three days seven or eight more The names of the Ministers that convened were Mr. Charles Farum Minister of Fraserburgh Mr. Robert Youngson Minister at Clat Mr. Iames Mill Minister at lnnervry Mr. Alexander Straughen Minister at Creich Mr. David Robertson Minister at Feterangus Mr. Robert Rid Minister at Mr. Iames Irwyn Minister at Towch Mr. Iohn Monro Subdean at Rosse Mr. William Forbes Minister at Rinbethock Mr. William Davidson Minister at Ruthven Mr. Thomas Abernethy Minister at Hawick Mr. Iames Grey Minister at Lâ—wdon Mr. Nathaniel Ingly Minister at Cragy Mr. Iames Rosse and Mr. Archbold Blackburn Minister at Aberdene Iohn Rosse Minister at Blare Mr. Iohn Sharpe Minister at Kilmeny Mr. Andrew Duncan Minister at Cruill Mr. Robert Dury Minister at Anstruther with the said Mr. Iohn Forbes and Mr. Iohn Welch Sir Alexander Straiton of Lowreston Commissioner for his Majesty in Church affairs upon a rumour he heard of a meeting to be kept left any imputation of negligence should be laid on him prevented the same And by letters he had obtained from the secret Councell caused discharge the Assembly at the market Crosse of Aberdene they nevertheless convened the next day which being reported to the Commissioner he went to the place and in his Majesties name commanded to dissolve They replying That they were warranted by the laws of the Countrey and that they could not betray the liberties of the Church by giving way to such unlawfull prohibitions He shewed them that the libertie granted for keeping Assemblies could not annull his Majesties power nor denude him of his Prerogative in the continuing or discharging these meetings when he should finde cause For even the Parliament which is the highest Court of the kingdome said he is disposed as the King thinketh meet at his pleasure it is called prorogued dismissed and deserted as he judgeth most convenient And you will not I trust equall your Assemblies to the Parliament of the three Estates Besides you are not a number you want the ordinary Clark neither is the Moderator of the last Assembly present and can do nothing orderly After a little debating they request him to remove till they should del berate among themselves what were best for them to do but he was no sooner gone but then they choose Mr. Ihon Forbes Moderator and that done continued the Assembly to the last day of September thinking by this means to preserve their liberty Lowreston finding himself in this abused caused to execute the letters and denounced them Rebells And left they should make a
touching his complices taking all the blame upon himself and professing he had done it for Religion and Conscience sake Speaking of the King he denyed him to be his Soveraign or anointed of God in regard he was an heretick and that it was no sin to cut him off This was his behaviour at first but being conveighed to the Tower and the Rack presented he laid open the whole matter of conspiracy and confessed the truth There were in the City at that time Catesby Percy Tho Winter Francis Tresham and the younger Wright who hearing that all was disclosed made away to the Countrey appointing to meet the next morning at Dunchurch in Warwickshire Digbyes lodging Iohn Graunt with some Recusants that he had associated to himself had broke up the same night a stable of Bourch a Rider of great horses and carried away seven or eight belonging to certain Noblemen of the Countrey for he did think the conspiracy had taken effect and was preparing to surprise the Lady Elizabeth whose residence was not farre from the place But within a few hours Catesby Percy and the others that were fled from London bringing assurance that all was failed they resolved upon a publick rebellion and pretending the quarrell of Religion laboured to draw some companies together yet when they had gathered all their forces they did not exceed fourscore in all Sir Fulk Grevill Lieutenant deputy of Warwickshire hearing of the riot that Grant had committed and apprehending it to be the beginning of a Rebellion sent to advertise the Towns about and warned them to be on their gaurd The Sheriffes of the County convening the people likewise in armes pursued them from shire to shire Sir Richard Walch the Sheriffe of Worcestershire having tryed where they had taken harbour sent a Trumpet and Messenger to command them to render unto him in his Majesties name promising to intercede for their lives But they hearing their fault to be unpardonable returned answer that he had need of better assistants then the numbers that accompanied him before he could either command or compell them The Sheriffe provoked by their arrogant answer prepared to assail the house And they making defence it happened that a spark of fire falling among some powder which they were drying did kindle and blew up the same wherewith their hands faces and sides were sore scorched and burnt as they lost courage and opening the gate exposed themselves to the peoples fury Catesby Percy and Tho. Winter joyning backs and resolving rather to dye then to be taken the two first were killed with one shot the other after some wounds made prisoner the two Wrights were killed Rockwood Grant Digby and Bates were taken Tresham had stayed at London and changing his lodging thought to lurk till he he should find occasion to escape by sea but was in end found out So were Robert Winter and one Littleton and all of them committed to the Tower of London Being examined Thomas Winter ingenuously confessed all setting down the particulars under his hand and acknowledging the offence to be greater then could be forgotten Digby excused the crime by the despair they were driven unto having hopes given them at the Kings first coming to the Crown that the Catholicks should have the exercise of their Religion permitted which being denyed they had taken these wicked courses Tresham in his confession named Garnet the Jesuit as privy to the conspiracy but afterwards by his wives instigation did deny it affirming that he had wronged him and not seen him once these sixteen years Yet Garnet being apprehended some moneths after confessed that they met divers times within the last half year Tresham dyed in the prison the rest were put to the triall of a Jury and condemned Digby Grant Robert Winter and Thomas Bates were executed at the western gate of S. Pauls in the end of Ianuary Thomas VVinter Ambrose Rockwood Robert Keys and Guido Faulks who had wrought at the myne suffered in like sort in the Court near the Parliament house This was the end of that conspiracy the like whereof in no mans memory hath been heard We have heard of Kings treacherously killed of practises against Estates and Common-wealths but such a Monster of conspiracies as Thuan calls it no Country nor age did ever produce The King Queen with their posterity the Nobility Clergy Judges Barons Knights Gentry and in a manner the whole kingdome to be in one moment all destroyed was a wickedness beyond all expression but blessed be God this monster which was long in breeding in the very birth was choaked and smothered The King giving meeting of the Parliament the same day that the conspiracy was discovered made a long speech to the Estates wherein having aggravated the danger by many circumstances and greatly magnified the mercies of God in the discovery when he came to the triall and punishment was observed to keep a marvelous temper in his discourse wishing no innocent person either forain or domestick should receive blame or harm thereby For however said he the blinde superstition of their errors in religion hath been the onely motive of this desperate attempt it must not be thought that all who professe the Roman Religion are guilty of the same for as it is true I keep his Majesties own words that no other sect of Heretick not excepting Turke Iew or Pagan nay not those of Calecut that adore the Devill did ever maintain by the grounds of their religion that it was lawfull and meritorious to murther Princes or people for the quarrell of religion Yet it is as true on the other side that many honest men blinded peradventure with some opinions of Popery as if they be not sound in questions of Reall presence the number of the Sacraments and some such school questions do either not know or not believe at least all the true grounds of Popery which is indeed the Mystery of iniquity and therefore do we justly confess that many Papists especially our forefathers laying their onely trust upon Christ and his merits may be saved detesting in that point and thinking that cruelty of Puritanes worthy of fire that will admit no salvation to any Papists And so concluding that part of his discourse said As upon the one part many honest men seduced with some errors of Popery may yet remain good and faithfull subjects so upon the other part none of those that truly know and believe the whole grounds of Popery can prove either good Christians or faithfull subjects The speech is to be seen amongst his Majesties works and is worthy the reading for wise directions given in that business The news of this conspiracy were speedily advertised to the Councell of Scotland and a command given for a publick thanksgiving in all the Churches for his Majesties deliverance but the cause was left to every mans conjecture albeit the advertisement did bear expresly that the contrivers were Papists and their onely quarrell Religion This being told to the
of the Church The Synod being cited before the Councell for this presumption was discharged to meet thereafter and the Presbyteries within the bounds commanded under pain of Rebellion to accept their Moderators In Fife the resistance was no lesse for the Synod being continued twice first from April to Iune then from Iune to September meeting at that time in Dysert and pressed by the Lords Lindesay Scone and Halirudhouse Commissioners from the Councell to accept the Archbishop of S. Andrews for their Moderator did obstinately refuse and dissolved without doing any thing hereupon was that Synod likewise discharged and all the Burghs inhibited to receive them if perhaps they should reassemble after the Commissioners were gone The Presbyteries of Mers were also very troublesome and the Councell so vexed with complaints of that kinde as not a day passed without some one or other But all this opposition proved vain and they in end forced to obey did finde by experience this setled course much better then their circular elections A Commission came in this mean time for planting some learned and worthy person in the place of Mr. Andrew Melvill at S. Andrews The Commission was directed to the Archbishop of Saint Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld Rosse and Birchen the Lord Balmerinoch the Advocate the Laird of Balcomy and Commissar of S. Andrews who meeting in the new Colledge the 16 of Iune after the reading of his Majesties Letter whereby it was declared That the said Mr. Andrew being judged by the Councel of England to have trespassed in the highest sort against his Majesty and for the same committed to the Tower till he should receive his just punishment was no more to return to that charge they according to the power given them did proceed and make choice of Mr. Robert Howy to be Provost of the said Colledge ordaining him to be invested in the said office with all the immunities and priviledges accustomed which was accordingly performed in the Iuly thereafter and he entred to his Charge the 27 of that moneth It remained that some course should be taken with the Ministers that were stayed at London as it was once purposed were to be provided with some Livings in England but that Church not liking to entertain such guests they were all permitted to return home upon their promise to live obedient and peaceable M. Iames Melvill was only retained who lived a while confined at Newcastle was after some months licensed to come to Berwick where he deceased A man of good learning sober and modest but so addicted to the courses of Mr. Andrew Melvill his Uncle as by following him he lost the Kings favour which once he enjoyed in a good measure and so made himself and his labours unprofitable to the Church Now let us see what happened in the Kingdome during this time The King was ever seriously commending to the Councell the removing of the barbarous fewds wherewith he had been so greatly troubled divers whereof by their travells were this year agreed yet new occasions daily arising they were kept in a continuall business David Lindesay younger of Edyell seeking to revenge the slaughter of his Uncle Mr. Walter Lindesay whom David Master of Crawford had killed as he lay in wait of the said Master who was then by the decease of his Father succeeded in the Earldome through a pitifull mistake did invade Alexander Lord Spynie and killed him in stead of the other The Noblemans death was much regrated for the many good parts he had and the hopes his friends conceived that he should have raised again that noble and antient house of Crawford to the former splendor and dignity all which perished with him he that was in place and escaped the perill being a base unworthy prodigall and the undoer of all that by the virtue of his Ancestors had been long kept together Another business no lesse troublesome did also then happen betwixt the Earl of Morton and the Lord Maxwell for holding of Courts in Eskdale unto which both did pretend right The preparation on both sides was great and like to have caused much unquietness if the same had not been carefully prevented both parties being charged by the Councell to dissolve their forces and not to come towards the bounds the Earl of Morton obeyed Maxwell contemning the charge went on and by a cartell did appeal Morton to the combate whereupon he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh and after some two moneths stay made an escape No sooner found he himself at liberty then he fell a plotting the Laird of Iohnstons murther which he wrought in a most treacherous manner he pretending to use his friendship in obtaining his Majesties pardon employed Sir Robert Maxwell of Orchardtowne whose Sister Iohnston had married to draw on a meeting betwixt them as he did at a little hill called Achmanhill they did bring each of them one servant only as was agreed the said Sir Robert being present as a friend to both At meeting after they had courteously saluted one another and conferred a little space very friendly the two servants going aside the one called Charles Maxwell a Brother of Kirkhouse the other William Iohnston of Lockerby Charles falleth in quarrelling the other shooteth a pistoll at him the Laird of Iohnston making to part them the Lord Maxwell shooteth him in the back with two bullets whereupon he falleth and for a while keeping off the Lord Maxwell who made to strike him with his sword expired in the place it was the 6th of April in the year 1608 that this happened The fact was detested by all honest men and the Gentlemans misfortune sore lamented for he was a man full of wisdome and courage and every way well inclined and to have been by his too much confidence in this sort treacherously cut off was a thing most pitifull Maxwell ashamed of that he had done forsook the Countrey and had his estate forfeited some years after stealing quietly into the Kingdome he was apprehended in the Countrey of Cathnes and beheaded at Edinburgh the 21 of May 1613. The purpose of civilizing the Isles was this year again renewed and a long Treaty kept with the Marquis of Huntley thereupon but he breaking off by reason of the small duty he did offer for the North Isles the Earl of Argile was made Lieutenant thereof for the space of six moneths in which time it was hoped that some good should be wrought and the people reduced to good manners yet nothing was done to any purpose the great men of those parts studying only the increase of their own grandeur and striving whose command should be greatest In the Parliament of England that held in November preceding the matter of union received many crossings and of all the Articles condescended among the Commissioners only that was enacted which concerneth the abolishing of hostile laws The King grieved at this exceedingly and conceiving that the
work should more easily be effected if a beginning was made in Scotland did call a Parliament in August which was kept by Lodowick Duke of Lennox as Commissioner for his Majesty the Earl of Montrose being then deceased The Estates to satisfie the Kings desire did allow all the Articles concluded in the Treaty with a provision That the same should be in like manner ratified by the Parliament of England otherwise the conclusions taken should not have the strength of a law It was also declared that if the union should happen to take effect the Kingdome notwithstanding should remain an absolute and free Monarchy and the fundamentall laws receive no alteration But the Parliament of England either disliking the union as fearing some prejudice by it to their Estate or upon some other hidden cause did touch no more the business and so that good work tending to the advantage of both Kingdomes was left and quite deserted In the Church a new trouble was moved by the revolt that Huntley and the two Earls of Angus and Arroll made divers especially in the North parts falling away by their example This being represented to the King he gave order for calling an Assembly which convened at Linlithgow in the end of Iuly Therein the Earls of Dunbar Winton and Lothian sate Commissioners for the King The Bishop of Orkney elected to preside having shewed the occasion of the present meeting to be the growth and increase of Papists in all the quarters of the Kingdome it was thought meet to take up the names of those that made open profession of Popery and likewise of those that were suspected to favour the course that their number and forces being known the remedies might be the better advised and provided The number was found to very great chiefly in the North and the Marquis of Huntley delated by all as the only cause of the defection in those bounds he being cited to appear before the Assembly under the pain of excommunication and neither compeiring nor sending any excuse was ordained to be excommunicated and the sentence accordingly pronounced in the hearing of the whole Assembly This was appointed to be intimated in all the Churches and no absolution given upon whatsoever offers in regard of his manifold apostasies without the advice of the general Church The like course was concluded to be kept with Angus Arroll and the Lord Semple how soon the processes intended against them were brought to an end This done the Assembly began to rip up the causes of the defection more narrowly which they found to proceed from the Ministers in a part their negligence in teaching and catechising of people the too suddain admission of young men into the Ministery and the distraction of mindes among those that are admitted for remedy whereof it was ordained as followeth First that they should apply themselves to the exercise of their function with greater diligence then they were accustomed and take a speciall care of young children to see them instructed in the Belief the Lords prayer and ten Commandements whereof they should examine every childe at the age of six years and yearly enquire of their profiting and increase in knowledge 2 That some longer time should be prescrived for the admission of men to the Ministery and the exceptions contained in the Act of the age of Ministers to be admitted reserved to the cognition of the Generall Assembly 3 That they use a greater diligence in the processing of Papists and that none out of corrupt favour should grant them any oversight under the pain of deposition 4 That all who carried office in the Church should be carefull to eschew offences and endevour to keep love and peace among themselves 5 And for the present distractions in the Church seeing the same did arise partly from a diversity of opinions touching the externall government of the Church and partly from divided affections the last of these two being the most dangerous as not suffering the brethren to unite themselves against the common enemy they were all in the fear of God exhorted to lay down whatsoever grudge or rancour they had conceived and to be reconciled in heart and affection one to another Which all that were present did faithfully promise by the holding up their hands But the fault not being in the Ministers alone and seen to proceed from other causes also as from the oversight of Jesuits and Priests and their entertainment in the Countrey the preferment of men to publick offices that were suspected in Religion the favour shewed to Papists by them in places of chief authority Masie Priests admitted without his Majesties warrant and no security taken for their not returning Licences granted to Noblemens sons for going abroad and their education trusted to men of contrary profession advocation to the Councell of matters properly belonging to the Ecclesiasticall Judicatories and the lack of Preachers in many parts of the land It was concluded that certain Petitions should be formed and presented to his Majesty by some selected Commissioners for remedying these evils which were formed in this manner First that an humble supplication should be made by the whole Assembly intreating his Majesty not to permit any Papist or suspected of Popery to bear charge in Councell Session or in any Burgh or City and where his Majesty did know any such to occupie these places humbly to crave that order might be taken for their removing 2 That the laws made against Papists should receive execution and no favour be granted unto them by the Officers of State with a prohibition to the Councell to meddle in affairs Ecclesiasticall or to discharge the processes led by Ministers against Papists and others contemners of Church discipline 3 That Papists abjuring their Religion in hope of preferment to Offices of State should not be admitted thereto till they had given five years probation at least 4 That the sons of Noblemen professing Popery should be committed to the custody of such of their friends as are sound in Religion 5 That a Commission should be granted to every Bishop within his Dioces and to such well affected Noblemen Barons and Gentlemen as the Commissioners of the Assembly should nominate for apprehending of Jesuits Seminary Priests excommunicated Papists and traffiquers against Religion 6 That the Searchers of ships should seise upon all Books that are brought unto the Countrey and present them to the Ministers of the Town where the ships shall happen to arrive 7 That excommunicate Papists be put in close prison and none have accesse unto them but such as are known to be of sound Religion 8 That the Deputies of excommunicates be not suffered to enjoy any office under them and that some others be appointed by his Majesty to serve in their places 9 Finally that his Majesty should be humbly intreated to plant the unprovided Churches especially the Churches of the Chappel Royall with competent Stipends The
that he would not utter any thing that might work prejudice to others nor could he be induced either by perswasion or threatning to detect the persons with whom he had resorted The Commissioners offending at his obstinacy and meaning to extort a confession from him advised to keep him some nights from sleep and this indeed wrought somewhat with him so as he began to discover certain particulars but how soon he was permitted to take any rest he denied all and was as obstinate in denying as at first His Majesty being certified that without torture nothing would be drawn from him made answer That he would not have those forms used with men of his profession and if nothing could be found but that he was a Iesuit and had said Mass they should banish him the Countrey and inhibâ—t him to return without licence under pain of death Bâ—t if it should appear that he had been a practiser for the stirring up of subjects to Rebellion or did maintain the Popes transcendent power over Kings and refusâ—d to take the Oath of Allegeance they should leave him to the course of law and justice mean while his pleasure was that the questions following should be moved unto him and his answers there to required 1 Whether the Pope be Judge and hath power in spiritualibus in over his Majesty and whether that power will reach over his Majesty in tempor alibus if it be in ordine ad spiritualia as Bellarmine affirmeth 2 Whether the Pope hath power to excommunicate Kings especially such as are not of his Church as his Majesty 3 Whether the Pope hath power to depose Kings by him excommunicated and in particular whether he hath power to depose the Kings Majesty 4 Whether it be no murther to slay his Majesty being so excommunicated and deposed by the Pope 5 Whether the Pope hath power to assoile subjects from the oath of their born and native allegeance to his Majesty These Questions were sent inclosed in a Letter to the Archbishop of Glasgow who assuming to himself the Provost of the City the Principall of the Colledge and one of the Ministers as Witnesses did in their hearing read the Questions and receive his Answer which he gave under his hand as followeth I acknowledge the Pope of Rome to be Iudge unto his Majesty and to have power over him in spiritualibus and over all Christian Kings But where it is askt whether that power will reach over him in temporalibus I am not obliged to declare my opinion therein except to him that is Iudge in Controversies of Religion to wit the Pope or one having authority from him For the second point I think that the Pope hath power to excommunicate the King and where it is said that the King is not of the Popes Church I answer that all who are baptized are under the Popes power To the third where it is askt if the Pope hath power to depose the King being excommunicate I say that I am not tied to declare my minde except to him that is Iudge in controversies of Religion To the fourth and fifth I answer ut supra Being reasoned with a long time and the danger exponed wherein he did cast himself by maintaining such treasonable opinions he answered That he would not change his minde for any danger that could befall him and speaking of the Oath of Allegeance that it was a damnable Oath and treason against God to swear it Some daies being allowed him to bethink himself better of these points When as no advice could prevail and answers were sent to his Majesty subscribed by himself and therewith a testification of such as were present at the giving thereof Hereupon the Councell was commanded to passe a Commission to the Provost and Bayliffs of Glasgow for putting him to a triall there were assisting Iames Marquis of Hamilton Robert Earl of Lothian William Lord Sanqhar Iohn Lord Fleming and Robert Lord Boyd Some daies before he was brought to the Barre it was told him That he was not to be charged with saying of Masse nor anything that concerned his profession but only with the Answers made to the Questions proponed which if he should recall there being yet place to repentance the triall should be suspended till his Majesty were of new advertised His reply was That he did so little minde to recall any thing he had spoken as when he should be brought to his answer he should put a bonnet on it And this indeed he performed for when he was placed on pannell and the Indictment read which was grounded all upon the Acts of Parliament made against those that declined his Majesties authority or maintained any other Jurisdiction within the Realm and upon answer made to the above-written demands subscribed with his hand he brake forth in these speeches Under protestation that I doe no way acknowledge this judgment nor receive you that are named in that Commission for my Judges I deny any point laid against me to be treason for if it were treason it would be such in all places and all Kingdomes which you know not to be so As to your Acts of Parliament they were made by a number of partiall men and of matters not subject to their forum or judicatory for which I will not give a rotten figge And where I am said to be an enemy to the Kings authority I know not what authority he hath but what he received from his predecessors who acknowledged the Pope of Rome his jurisdiction If the King will be to me as his predecessors were to mine I will obey and acknowledge him for my King but if he doe otherwise and play the runnagate from God as he and you all doe I will not acknowledge him more then this old hat At these words being interrupted and commanded to speak more reverently of his Majesty he said That he should take the advertisement and not offend but the judgment he would not acknowledge And for the reverence I doe you to stand uncovered I let you know it is ad redemptionem vexationis not ad agnitionem Iudicii The persons cited upon the Jury being then called and he desired to shew if he would except against them said That he had but one exception against them all which was that either they were enemies to his cause or friends if enemies they could not sit upon his triall and if friends they ought to assist him at the Bar. Only he should wish the Gentlemen to consider well what they did and that he could not be judged by them That whatsoever he suffered was by way of injury and not of judgement and that he was accused of treason but had not committed any offence nor could he beg mercy And proceeding in this strain I am said he a subject as free as the King is a King I came by commandement of my Superior into this kingdome and if I were even now forth of it
Kings resolution to visit the Kingdom which he said did proceed of a longing he had to see the place of his breeding a Salmon-like instinct as he was pleased to call it and because he knew that evill disposed persons would disperse rumours as if he came to make alterations in the civill and ecclesiasticall Estate he commanded Proclamation to be made for certifying the subjects of the contrary It was true he said that he desired to doe some good at his coming and to have abuses reformed both in the Church and Common-wealth yet foreseing the impediments that his good intentions would meet with and regarding the love of his people no less then their benefit he would be loath to give them any discontent and therefore willed all his good subjects to lay aside their jealousies and accommodate themselves in the best sort they could for his receiving and the entertainment of the Noblemen of England who were to accompany him in the journey The Earl of Marre was at that time made Thesaurer and Sir Gedeon Murray continued in his depuâ—ation A motion had been made a little before for appointing a Commissioner or Deputie in the Kingdome which was hearkened unto by the King as that which would ease him of many vexations and in his absence maintain a face of court and breed a great respect among the people and so farre was that purpose advanced as both the King had made offer of the place to the Earl of Marre and he yielded to accept the same but this breaking out and coming to the Chancellors knowledge whether that he desired not to have any in place above himself or as he pretended wishing the Noblemans good he diverted him from accepting that charge and brought him to embrace the office of Thesaurer as the most profitable and that which should bring with it a less envy Sir Gedeon had the intromission withall as when Somerset was in place and did provide things so carefully and with such foresight as when the King came he found nothing lacking that was required for a Royall and Princely entertainment Among other directions sent from the King one was for repairing of the Chappell and some English carpenters employed who brought with them the portraits of the Apostles to be set in the Pews or Stalls as they were proceeding in their work a foolish and idle rumour went that Images were to be set up in the Chappell and as people are given to speak the worst it was current among them that the Organs came first now the Images and ere long they should have the Masse The Bishop of Galloway then Dean of the Chappell moved with these speeches did pen a letter to the King entreating his Majesty for the offence that was taken to stay the affixing of these portraits To this letter he procured the subscriptions of the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishops of Aberdene and Berchin and divers of the Ministers of Edinburgh The answer returned by the King was full of anger objecting ignorance unto them that could not distinguish betwixt pictures intended for ornament and decoration and images erected for worship and adoration and resembling them to the Constable of Castile who being sent to swear the peace concluded with Spain when he understood the business was to be performed in the Chappell where some anthems were to be sung desired that whatsoever was sung Gods name might not be used in it and that being forborn he was content they should sing what they listed just so said the King you can endure Lyons Dragons and Devills to be figured in your Churches but will not allow the like place to the Patriarchs and Apostles His Majesty alwaies gave order for some other form and staying the erecting of these portraits which in the same letter he said was not done for ease of their hearts or confirming them in their errour but because the work could not be done so quickly in that kind as was first appointed This letter was of the date at Whitehall the 13 of March 1617. The King was much laboured to deferre his journey to the next year when as he should find things better prepared but he refusing to hearken to any such motion made the greater haste and in the beginning of May came to Berwick where he was met with divers of the Councell and by their advice the Parliament which had been indicted to the 17 of May prorogued to the 13 of Iune All this time intervened the King spent in a progress through the Countrey makingâ— his entry in the speciall Burghs after a most Royall manner and welcomed with all the expressions of joy that could be devised At the day appoynted the Estates were frequently assembled where his Majesty made a long speech for the establishing Religion and Iustice neither of which he said could be lookt for so long as a regard was not had to the Ministers of both For Religion he complained That notwithstanding of the long profession of the truth numbers of Churches remained unplanted and of those that were planted few or none had any competent maintenance for this he wished some course to be taken and certain Commissioners to be chosen for appointing to every Church a perpetuall locall stipend such as might suffice to entertain a Minister and make him able to attend on his charge of justice He discoursed long remembring the pains he had taken as well when he lived among them as since his going into England and how he had placed Iustices and Constables a most ladable kind of government for the preserving of peace and the keeping of the laws in due regard which he understood as he said to be much neglected partly in default of some that were named to those places and held it a scorne to be employed in such a charge and partly by the opposition which the Lords and great men of the Countrey made unto them and to their settling but he would have both the one and other to know that as it was a place of no small honour to be a Minister of the Kings Iustice in the service of the Common wealth so he did esteem none to deserve better at his hands then they who gave countenance thereto as on the other part whosoever should shew themselves hinderers thereof should be accounted with him enemies to his Crown and the quiet of the Kingdom In end he said that he had long striven to have the barbarities of the Countrey which they knew to be too many removed and extinct and in place thereof Civility and Iustice established and that he would still indevour to doe his best that way till he might say of Scotland as one of the Emperours said of Rome Inveni lateritiam relinquo marmoream The King having closed and the Lords gone apart to choose those that should be upon the Articles the humours of some discontented Lords begun to kithe for whosoever were by the
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
were a misknowing of your places and withall a disclaiming of that innate power which we have by our calling from God whereby we have place to dispose of things external in the Church as we shall think them to be convenient profitable for advancing true religion among our subjects Wherefore let it be your care by all manner of wise discreet perswasions to induce them to an obedient yeelding to these things as in duty both to God and us they are bound and do not think we will be satisfied with delays mitigations and other we know not what shifts have been proponed for we will not be content with any thing but a simple and direct acceptation of these Articles in the form sent by us unto you a long time past considering both the lawfulness and undeniable convenience of them for the better furtherance of piety and Religion the establishing whereof it had rather have becomed you to beg of us then that we should have needed thus to urge the practise of them upon you These matters indeed concern you of the Ecclesiasticall charge chiefly neither would we have called Noblemen Barons and others of our good subjects to the determination of them but that we understand the offence of people that have been so much objected wherein you must bear with us to say that no Kingdome doth breed or hath at this time more loving dutifull and obedient subjects then we have in that our native kingdome of Scotland and so if any disposition hath appeared to the contrary in any of them we hold the same to have proceeded from among you albeit of all sorts of men ye are they that both of duty were bound and by particular benefits obliged to have continued your selves and confirmed others by sound doctrine and exemplary life in a reverent obedience to our commandments What and how many abuses were offered us by divers of the Ministery there before our happy coming to the Crown of England we can hardly forget and yet like not much to remember neither think we that any Prince living should have kept himself from falling in utter dislike with the profession it self considering the many provocations that were given unto us but the love of God and his truth still upheld us and will by his grace so do unto the end of our life our patience always in forgetting and forgiving of many faults of that sort and constant maintaining of true Religion against the adversaries by whose hatefull practises we live in greater perill then you all or any of you should have produced better effect among you then continuall resistance of our best purposes we wish that we be no more provoked nor the truth of God which you teach and profess any longer slandered by such as under the cloak of seeming holiness walk disorderly amongst you shaking hands as it were and joyning in this their disobedience to Magistracy with the upholders of Popery In summe our hearty desire is that at this time you make the world see by your proceedings what a dutifull respect you bear to us your Soveraign Prince and naturall King and Lord that as we in love and care are never wanting to you so ye in an humble submission to our so just demands be not found inferiour to others our subjects in any of our kingdomes and that the care and zeal of the good of Gods Church and of the advancing of piety and truth doth chiefly incite us to the following of these matters God is our witness the which that it may be before your eyes and that according to your callings you may strive in your particular places and in this generall meeting to do these things which may best serve to the promoving of the Gospell of Christ even our prayers are earnest to God for you requiring you in this and other things to credit the bearer hereof our servant and Chaplain the Dean of Winchester whom we have expresly sent thither that he may bring unto us a certain relation of the particular carriages of all matters and of the happy event of your meeting which by Gods blessing who is the God of order peace and truth we do assuredly expect unto whose gracious direction we commend you now and for ever Given at Theobalds the 10 of Iuly 1616. The Letter being read once and again as the custome is with letters of such importance the Archbishop of S. Andrews resumed shortly the heads thereof advising them as he had done in his exhortation to consider the inconveniencies they should draw upon the Church by the refusall of the Articles After which the rolls being called certain of the most wise and discreet Ministers were set apart to conferre upon the Articles How matters proceeded in the said Assembly you may learn by the Defence afterward published in answer to a lying and seditious pamphlet that came forth in print against the conclusions there taken To our story it shall suffice that after long reasoning first in the conference and then in the full Assembly the Articles were concluded in this form 1 Seeing we are commanded by God himself that when we come to worship him we fall down and kneel before the Lord our maker and considering with all that there is no part of divine worship more heavenly and spirituall then is the holy receiving of the blessed body blood of our Lord and Saviour Iesus Christ like as the most humble reverent gesture of our body in our meditation and the lifting up of our hearts best becometh so divine and sacred an action therefore notwithstanding that our Church hath used since the reformation of Religion to celebrate the holy communion to the people sitting by reason of the great abuse of kneeling used in the Idolatrous worship of the Sacrament by the Papists yet seeing all memory of by past superstitions is past in reverence of God and in due regard of so divine a Mystery and in remembrance of so mysticall an union as we are made partakers of the Assembly thinketh good that the blessed Sacrament be celebrated hereafter meekly and reverently upon their knees 2 If any good Christian visited with long sickness and known to the Pastor by reason of his present infirmity be unable to resort to the Church for receiving the holy communion or being sick shall declare to the Pastor upon his conscience that he thinks his sicknesse to be deadly and shall earnestly desire to receive the same in his house the Minister shall not deny him so great a comfort lawfull warning being given to him the night before and that there be three or four of good Religion and conversation free of all lawfull impediments present with the sick person to communicate with him who must also provide a convenient place in his house and all things necessary for the reverent administration thereof according to the order prescriâ—ed in the Church 3 Item The Minister shall often admonish the people
constitutions for the profit and good of the Countrey as in the Acts imprinted may be seen At the closing of the Parliament which was the fourth of August such abundance of rain with such thunderings and lightnings did fall as the Noblemen and others of the Estates were compelled to leave their horses and betake them to their Coaches which the factious sort did interpret to be a visible sign of Gods anger for ratifying the Acts of Perth others in derision of their folly said that it was to be taken for an approbation from heaven likening the same to the thunderings and lightnings at the giving of the law to Moses This was the last Parliament of King Iames in this Kingdome and that wherein he received greatest content for the Puritan faction had boasted that the Acts of Perth should never pass in a law so confident they were of their favourers in the Parliament house and now that they failed in their hopes he trusted they would become more wise But the King no less carefull to have the Acts obeyed then he was to have them pass in a law did commend the same by two severall letters to the Bâ—shops and Lords of the Councell To the Bishops he said That as they had to do with two sorts of enemies Papists and Puritans so they should go forward in Action both against the one and the other That Papistry was a disease of the minde and Puritanisme of the braine and the antidote of both a grave settled and well ordered Church in the obedience of God and their King whereof he willed them to be carefull and to use all means for reducing those that either of simplicity or wilfulness did erre In his letter directed to the Councel he put them in minde of that he had written in his Basilicon dorâ—n That he would have reformation begin at his own elbow which he esteemed the Privy Councel and Session with their members to be as having their places and promotions by him Therefore commanded them and every one of that number to conform themselves to the obedience of the orders of the Church now established by law which he trusted they would readily do otherwise if any Counsellor or Sessioner should refuse and make difficulty he did assure them that if within 14 dayes before Christmas they did not resolve to conform themselves they should lose their places in his service And if any Advocate or Clerk should not at that time obey they should be suspended from the exercises of their offices and the fees and casualities thereunto belonging unto such time as they gave obedience In the same letter he willed the Councell to take order That none should bear office in any Burgh nor be chosen Sheriffe Deputy or Clerk but such as did conforme themselves in all points to the said orders This letter was of the date At the Honour of Hampton the 29 of September 1621. By this may the Reader judge of that which hath been commonly affirmed That the Nobleman who was Commissioner should have promised at the passing of the Acts that none should be pressed with the obedience of them but all left to their own pleasures That his Majesty gave no such warrant it appears by the foresaid Letters and that the Nobleman would go an inch from that he was trusted with none that knew will believe The truth is that in most perswasive words and with that majesty which became the place he represented he did require them all to acquiesce and willingly obey the conclusions taken and not to draw upon themselves by their disobedience his Majesties anger assuring them in that case that his Majesty should not in his daies presse any more change or alteration in matters of that kinde without their own consents And this was all the Nobleman spake as divers yet living may remember In the beginning of the next year the Chancellor died at his house of Pinky neer to Mâ—silburgh in a good age and with the regrate of many for he exerced his place with great moderation and to the contentment of all honest men he was ever inclining to the Roman faith as being educated at Rome in his younger years but very observant of good order and one that hated lying and dissimulation and above all things studied to maintain peace and quietness Sir George Hay Clerk of Register being then at Court was preferred to the place and by his dismission Mr. Iohn Hamilton brother to the Earl of Hadington made Keeper of the Register About this time upon advertisements sent from England of the enlargement of certain Priests and Papists that were there imprisoned a rumour was dispersed that the King was inclining to a toleration of Popery and would grant liberty of conscience This rumour was increased by occasion of certain directions sent from the King to the Bishops of England for reforming certain abuses crept into the Church whereby the Preachers and Lecturers were commanded on Sundaies and Holy-daies in the afternoon to teach the Catechisme only or then some text taken out of the Creed the ten Commandements or Lords Prayer and in their preaching to abstain from handling the deep points of Predestination Reprobation Election the universality efficacy resistibility or irresistibility of Grace leaving these themes as fitter for the Schools then for simple auditors as likewise not to presume in any Lecture or Sermon to limit and bound by way of positive doctrine the power prerogative jurisdiction authority or duty of soveraign Princes or to meddle with matters of State having reference betwixt Princes and people otherwise then they were instructed and presidented in the Homily of Obedience and others of that sort set forth by publick authority These directions were interpreted to be a discharge of preaching at least a confining of Preachers to certain points of doctrine which they called a limiting of the Spirit of God and as people will ever be judging and censuring publick actions every one made the construction whereunto their humours did lead them The better and wiser sort who considered the present estate of things gave a farre other judgment thereof for as then the King was treating with the French King for peace to the Protestants in France and with the King of Spain for withdrawing his forces from the Palatinate at which time it was no way fitting that he should be executing the rigour of his laws against Papists at home while he did labour for peace to them of the Religion abroad the most likely way to obtain what he did seek of these Princes being a moderation of the severity of laws against Priests Papists at least for a time And as to the directions given to the Preachers the same they judged both necessary and profitable considering the indiscretion of divers of that sort who to make ostentation of their learning or to gain the applause of the popular would be medling with controversies they scarce understood and
with matters exceeding the capacities of people The King offending with these rumours which he heard were dispersed in both Kingdoms took occasion in a Parliament assembled about that time in England to speak to them and say I understand that I am blamed for not executing the laws made against Papists but ye should know that a King and his laws are not unfitly compared to a rider and his horse the spurre is sometime to be used but not alwaies the bridle is sometimes to be held in at other times to be let loose as the rider finds cause just so a King is not at all times to put in execution the rigour of his laws but he must for a time and upon just grounds dispense with the same as I protest to have done in the present case and to have connived only for a time upon just cause howbeit not known to all If any man for the favour shewed to a Priest or Papist will judge me to be inclining that way he wrongs me exceedingly My words and writings and actions have sufficiently demonstrated what my resolution is in all matters of Religion Some mo words to this purpose he uttered in that meeting but in a Letter directed to the Councel of Scotland he was somewhat more rough finding fault with those that presumed to censure his proceedings and commanding them to take an exact triall of such as had broken out into any such insolencies either in word or deed and to punish them severely according to the laws This was not well published when the news of the Princes journey to Spain made all good men amazed for hearing that he was gone accompanied only with the Duke of Buckingham and another servant the fear of inconveniences that might befall his person did mightily trouble them But it pleased God both in his going and returning safely to conduct and protect him The occasion and successe of that journey I shall shortly relate A match had been treating of a long time betwixt the Prince and a Daughter of Spain which received many hinderances both at home and in that Court but it being thought that the delaies made in these parts would be easily removed by the presence of the Prince himself whereof great hopes were given by Gundamar the Spanish Ambassadour the King gave way to the journey as hoping by this mean to have the Palatinate freed from the vexations of warre and a generall peace established throughout Christendome Thus the Prince accompanied in manner aforesaid departly secretly from Court and landing at Callais went through France undiscovered and after a few daies came safely to the Court of Spain At his coming he was kindly received and welcomed with divers courtly Complements but found a greater strangeness then he expected for although he was still kept in hope of the Match yet he was not permitted to visit the Lady but upon condition to speak in such and such terms and no otherwise Afterward they began to move him touching his Religion desiring he should conferre with some Divines for that he could not have the Infanta to wife unlesse he was converted and became a Roman Catholick The Prince replying That he would not change his Religion for such a worldly respect nor would he enter in conference with any Divines to that purpose for if they did not prevaile with him it would breed a greater discontent It was then told him that he must attend till a dispensation was procured from Rome and that in the mean time be should be entertained as a Prince but not as a Sutor This Dispensation being returned which had in it a condition that the King of Spain should take oath to obtain the King of Britains consent unto certain demands concerning Religion there was a letter therewith sent from Pope Gregory the 15th to the Prince wherein after many fair and plausible words he said that as Pope Gregory was the first that induced the people of England to submit themselves to the See Apostolick so he bearing the same name and being his equall in the height of dignity though inferiour to him in vertue and holiness desired nothing more then to follow his pattern and promove the health and happiness of that Kingdome the rather because his peregrination at that time had given such hopes of an happy success for since he was arrived in Spain and at the Court of the Catholick King with a desire to joyn in mariage with the house of Austria which intention he greatly commended he could not believe that he did really desire the Match and in heart abhorre the Catholick Religion and seek to ruine the holy See of Rome Then falling to a prayer he besought God the Father of lights to advance him the most fair flower of the Christian world and the only hope of Great Britain to that noble inheritance which his illustrious progenitours had gained by the defence of the Apostolick authority and the suppression of the monsters of all heresies Towards the end of the Letter willing him to call to minde the antient times â—nd make his prayers to his ancestors that they would vouchsafe to teach him the way by which they went to heaven he askt how he could with patience hear the hereticks call them damned whom the Catholick faith doth testifie to reign in heaven and to dwell exalted above all the Princes of the earth In end returning to his supplications he said that the Catholick Church Roman stretching forth her armes to embrace him with all affection as her most desired son he could not perform any thing of greater comfort to the Nations of Christendome then to bring again the profession of that most noble Island to the Prince of the Apostles whereof he could not despaire his hopes being set on God in whose hands are the hearts of Kings c. This Letter given at Rome in the Palace of S. Peter the 20 of April 1623 and in the third year of his Apostolate was delivered to the Prince about the midst of May which he received courteously thanking the Pope for his good affection Thereafter understanding that the Dispensation was granted he pressed the performance of the Marriage but was answered That the Conditions must first be fulfilled and the Articles concerning the Infanta her liberty of profession when she came into England and the education of her Children if God should grant her any by him drawn up in form These Articles being advised by a Commission of Divines were sent into England and shortly after returned signed with his Majesties hand and approved by the Councell And now it was thought there should be no more delaies used but other excuses were forged as that it was not fitting the Infanta should go to England before the business of the Parliament was setled and that these Articles must be sent to Rome and allowed by the Pope The Prince perceiving that there was nothing really intended on the King of Spain his
part and that the Treaty was only entertained till the King of Spain had reduced Germany in his power resolved to be gone and declaring the necessity he had to return did leave a Proxie in the hands of the Earl of Bristoll the Ambassadour legier for espousing the Infanta how soon the Articles returned from Rome So the King of Spain having conveyed the Prince a little way towards the sea they parted in most loving tearms and in hope the Match should take effect But the Prince being after that informed of a conclusion laid That if the Match should be further pressed the Infanta to eschew the same should presently enter into the house of los Discalceatos a Monastery of bare-footed Nunnes after he was parted sent and commanded Bristoll not to make use of the proxie till he should advertise The Prince having for his convoy home eleven of the Kings ships and some Merchants arrived at Portsmouth the 5 of October with his whole retinue and went the next day to Royston where the King lay The joy was exceeding great of all sorts of people and publick thanks given to God throughout all the Churches of both the Kingdoms for his safe return Soon after when the King perceived by the report that neither was the Match truly meant nor the Palatinate like to be restored he directed the Earl of Bristoll to insist for the restitution and if he was put off with delaies to take his leave and come home which also he did Thus was the marriage which had been long treated of quite dissolved the King saying That he would never marry his Son with a Portion of his only Sistes tears The year following the Ministers of Edinburgh were greatly vexed by a sort of mutinous people who separating themselves from the publick Assemblies kept private Conventicles and went so far as to oppose publickly the order established for receiving the holy Communion The leader of those was William Rigge elected one of the Bailiffs for that year This man puffed up with a conceit of his own abilities did dream of no lesse then the overturning of the Church orders and reforming of the Ministery in such things as he held to be amisse hereupon in a meeting ordinarily kept before the celebration of the holy Sacrament he did publickly challenge Doctor William Forbes who was afterwards preferred to the Bishoprick of Edinburgh for divers points of doctrine delivered by him in his Sermons and when as he refused to be judged by him and the Laicks that assisted the said Baliffe did openly threaten them all that unlesse they returned to the old form of ministring the holy Communion the whole people should forsake them Herein he was assisteed by Iohn Hamilton an Apothecary Iohn Dickson William Thomson Iohn Meene and some other base companions who being called before the Councell were charged to leave the Town and the Bailiffe William Rigge deprived of his Bailiwick and declared incapable of any publick office in time comming This trouble gave occasion of setling the state of that Church in a better case then in former times the Ministers being ordained to reside in their own Parishes and have allowed to them a sufficient maintenance the popular election of Ministers when as places by any occasion fell void discharged and the presentation appointed to be made by the Provost Bayliffs and Councell the Sessions to be choosed yearly by the Magistrates and Ministers for the particular Parishes who should convene every year some ten daies after the election of the Magistrates for that business the meeting before the Communion wherein the Ministers were accustomed to be censured by the people simply prohibited with divers other particulars serving to the orderly ministration of all things in the Church The 16 of February Lodovick Duke of Richmond and Lâ—nnox deceased to the great regrate of all that knew him a Nobleman of excellent parts whose very aspect and countenance did promise much good He was thrice married first to a Sister of the Earl of Gowry by whom he had no children his second Wife was a Sister of the Lord London by whom he had a daughter and son that died both young In his third and last marriage with the Countesse of Hartford he found more content then in both the other but lived with her only some few years being taken away in the 48 year of his age His brother a noble Gentleman succeeded but did not survive him long for he died the next year leaving a hopefull succession of children behinde him The next year in the moneth of March Iames Marquis of Hamilton deceased also a Nobleman of rare gifts and fitted for the greatest affairs which he shewed at his deputation to the Parliament 1621 and at other divers occasions his death was the more grievously taken that it was thought it was procured by poyson whereof the monstrous swellings in his face and body afore his death gave great appearance his corps brought to Scotland by sea was interred at Hamilton with his predecessours These two deaths affected the King exceedingly and when it was told him that the Marquis was dead he said If the branches be thus cut down the stock cannot continue long which saying proved too true for shortly after he fell into the feaver that the Physitians call Hemitritaeam a dangerous feaver to those that are grown in years and thereof died at Theobalds the 27 of March being Sunday about twelve of the clock in the forenoon The Thursday preceding his death he desired the blessed Sacrament to be ministred unto him which he received with great devotion professing to the Prince his son and those that stood by that he had received a singular comfort thereby wishing all men to doe the like when they were visited in that sort From that time to the hour of his death he was still almost praying and some one sentence or other of piety ever in his mouth As he drew neer to his end the prayer usually said at the hour of death being ended having repeated once or twice these words Veni Domine Iesu he gave up the ghost without any pangs as are commonly seen in persons that are dying He was the Salomon of this age admired for his wise government and for his knowledge of all manner of learning for his wisdome moderation love of justice for his patience and piety which shined above all his other virtues and is witnessed in the learned works he left to posterity his name shall never be forgotten but remain in honour so long as the world indureth We that have had the honour and happiness many times to hear him discourse of the most weighty matters as well of Policy as Divinity now that he is gone must comfort our selves with the remembrance of these excellencies and reckon it not the least part of our happinesse to have lived in his daies Many dolefull Epitaphs in all Languages were composed to expresse the sorrow
conceived by his death This following penned by a learned Divine in our vulgar language did affect me so as I thought good to subjoin it ALL who have eyes awake and weep For he whose waking wrought our sleep Is fallen asleep himself and never Shall wake again till wak'd for ever Deaths iron handhath clos'd those Eyes Which were at once three Kingdoms spies Both to foresee and to prevent Dangers as soon as they were meant That Head whose working brain alone VVrought all mens quiet but its own Now lies at rest O let him have The peace he lent us in his grave If that no Naboth all his Reign Was for his fruitfull vineyard slain If no Vriah lost his life Because he had too fair a wife Then let no Shimei's curses wound His honour or profane his ground Let no black-mouth'd no rank-breath'd cur Peacefull JAMES his Ashes stir Princes are Gods ô doe not then Rake in their graves to prove them men For two and twenty years long care For providing such an Heir VVho to the peace we had before May adde twice two and twenty more For his daies travels and nights watches For his craz'd sleep stoln by snatches For two fair Kingdoms joyn'd in one For all he did or meant t' have done Doe this for him write on his dust IAMES the Peacefull and the Iust. The End A brief Table directing to the Principall Matter of this HISTORY A St. Andrews made an University by the Bishop of the place procuring it Page 57 Made an Archiepiscopal See 58 Aidanus in Northumberland within seven dayes after his first arrival converteth and baptizeth 15000 14 Augustine The King of Northumberland with an army by instigation as was supposed of Augustine the Monk slayeth 1200 Monks that refused to receive the Rites of Rome 12 Alcuinus born in Scotland 22 B BIshop The ancient manner of a Bishop in Scotland 4 Anciently in Scotland all the moveable goods of any Bishop belonged to the King and were seized for his use 55 An English Army put to flight by a Bishop 99 A Bishop went on foot through the whole Kingdome preaching the Gospel wheresoever he came 108 The ancient variance between the Scots and Holland reconciled by a Bishop 105 The difference between Iames III. of Scotland and Lewis XI of France reconciled principally by the prudence of a Bishop ibid. A Bishop barbarously maimed by an Earl in the Kings absence and the Justice done upon him for it 40 110 A very pious Bishop lived to the age of 185 years 112 Iohn Dury a reformed Minister at his death giveth advice to the Assembly of the Church to restore the Episcopal government 457 Bishops restored in the Church and to their temporalities in Scotland 496 Cautions whereby the Episcopal power was moderated in Scotland 501 Scottish Bishops came to England for consecration 514 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth by his great authority the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Buchannan by his verses he incenseth the Franciscans 67 His death 525 Benefices the temporality of them annexed to the Crown 365 Bothwell in open Rebellion is encouraged by the English Ambassadors 402 The King would have it inserted into the Acts of the Church that Ministers shall make publick declaration in the Church the Sunday following after they have baptized any privately first refused 529 After passed by the Church 539 C CArdinals by the Popes Law the placeâ—s are to be ruinated where Cardinals are slain 88 Charles after King of Great Britain born 461 His Journey to Spain 544 His return 545 A Letter to him from Gregory XV. then being Suitor in the Spanish Court 544 Church A form of Church-policy presented to the Convention of Estates at Edinburgh drawn up by Knox 152 The Church and Regent cross one the others proceedings 271 A model of Church-policy presented to the Parliament at Striveling 289 The Church appointeth a Fast on the same day that the King appointeth a Feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador with a design to cross the King 322 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject the Protestation 318 Contentions between the King and Church 319 They allow not the Councel authority to judge of Treason spoken by them in the Pulpit 330 The Ministers yield more to the desires of the basest people then to reasonable Propositions of the King 394 They provide a Chaplain of their own interest for Bothwell endevouring Rebellion 402 They refuse to submit their doctrine to the triall of the King and Councel 420 They style the Queen of England Elizabeth an Atheist in their Sermons 419 422 One of them affiâ—med in his Sermon that it is lawful for subjects to take arms against their King 430 They sollicite the Lord Hamilton and people to take arms 431 Articles proposed in the form of Question by the King concerning affairs of the Church 435 The bosome of the Church ought alwaies to be open to Penitents 437 The Assembly vote that it is lawfull for Ministers to sit in Parliament 449 Some of them refuse to give thanks in their Churches for the Kings deliverance from the attempts of Gowrie 460 Catholikes are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their religion so as in minde they continued firme 308 Covenant is taken by the Ministers obliging them to a better discharge of their duty 416 A Scottish prisoner rescued out of the Castle of Carlisle by a strange attempt 414 A strange event at a Councel held in Wiltsh 27 The Charity of a certain man saved his life 462 Conference at Hampton Court 478 Another Conference there between Scottish Bishops and Ministers of the Presbytery 497 D DRuids what they were 3 Are expelled by Cratilinth 3 The Diocese of Dunkeld divided into two Bishopricks 98 The Synod of Dort in Holland 540 Did not ratifie the Acts of Perth ibid. E A Controversie between six Competitors for the Crown of Scotland referred to the arbitration of Edward I of England 48 England the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland united upon the intended marriage of Edward VI. being about five years old and Mary daughter of Scotland being about one year old 72 That Contract broken by Scotland 73 The King of Scots with many of his Nobles swear subjection to Edward I. of England at Newcastle 49 The King of Scots and the Parliament of Scotland convened at Berwick do homage to the King of England ibid. The King of England refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 The Earls and Barons of Scotland in a Parliament at S. Andrewes swear obedience the third time to the King of England ib. The Scottish Lords of the Congregation have aid from England 140 The Articles of Contract between England and Scotland 142 Scottish Bishops come to England to be consecrated 514 Easter The ancient manner of observing it in Scotland not the same with that of the Roman 15
The Scottish Preachers that lived in the Province of York chose rather to forsake their Benefices then admit the rites of Rome 18 Reformation the first proposals made 119 First artempted at Perth 121 The death of Lodowick Duke of Richmond 546 S SCotland converted before Pope Victor 2 Patrick a Scot converted Ireland 8 The Universities of Pavia and Paris founded by Scottish men 22 Scotus the Schoolman Claudius Clemens Rabanus Maurus Flaccus Albinus al. Alcuinus born in Scotland 22 Invaded and subdued by Edward I. of England 49 The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes arbitration concerning his incursions upon England and the title that the King of England had to Scotland 52 Edward III of England promiseth by Charter to release the Scots from all duties of subjection and homage 53 Divers prodigies in Scotland 94 The Articles of contract between England and Scotland 142 English Ambassadors sent to mediate a peace in Scotland 146 A Scottish prisoner rescued out of the Castle of Carlisle by a strange attempt 414 The Archbishop of Canterbury in a Letter acknowledgeth the independent Jurisdiction of the Church of Scotland 527 The King of Northumberland obtaineth of the King of Scots the assistance of some learned Bishops 13 Scottish Bishops preach the Christian faith and convert many in England 15 Pope Sixtus IV. giveth sentence in favour of the Church of Scotland that the Scots should have a Primate of their own 58 Celius Sedulius proved that he was a native of Scotland and not of Ireland 8 Iohn D. Scotus proved that he was born in Scotland and not in England 55 Subjects rebellion of the Subjects if it succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 The history of the Spanish Armada 370 Schisme in the Presbytery of S. Andrewes 386 A great one in the See of Rome 56 Mary Stewart sent into France 90 Returneth into Scotland 178 Queen Elizabeth acknowledgeth her to be next heir to the crown of England 180 But refuseth to declare it openly 181 She marrieth Henry son to the Earl of Lennox 191 Discontents arise between them 193 She putteth her husbands name after her own ibid. Married to Bothwell after the manner of the reformed Church 203 Surrendereth her self to the Lords and is received and kept as a Prisoner 207 The Scots cannot resolve to arraigne her 214 She escapeth out of prison 215 Her army overcome at Glasgow 216 She seeketh refuge in England 217 Loseth her expectation ibid. Consultations in England about putting her to death 350 The Queen of England signeth a warrant for her execution 355 The circumstances of her death 356 King Iames her son interposeth for her exemption from tryall 351 He offereth pledges of the chief of his nobility to be given for his mothers faithfulness toward the Queen of England 352 The King commandeth the Ministers to make publick intercession in their Prayers for his Mother and they refuse 354 The Queen of England taketh cognisance by her Commissioners of the dealing of the Regent of Scotland toward the Queen-mother of Scotland 219 Queen Elizabeth in her Patent to the Commissioners is so much a friend to the right and cause of Mary that she giveth not the title of Regent to the Earl of Murray 219 T TEmplars The dissolution of them 51 They were condemned and suffered unjust torments partly for their great riches partly for their freedome of taxing the vices of the Court of Rome ibid. U UNion The Articles of Union between both Kingdomes of England and Scotland 481 They are not passed in the English Parliament 505 Objections made against the Ceremony of Vnction in the solemnity of Coronation answered 381 W WItches Agnes Sampson a Witch apprehended 383 Her familiar Spirit had no power to kill the King ibid. Y YEar The account thereof changed from March to Ianuary in Scotland 456 THE KINGS Of SCOTLAND From the first Plantation of Christian Religion there mentioned in this History DOnald I. Converted and Baptized Page 2 Ethodius 3 Cratilinth ibid. Fincormachus 4 Eugenius ibid. Hergustus ibid. Ethodius alià s Echadius 5 Erthus ibid. Fergus ibid. Eugenius II. Greem Regent 6 Congallus II. 9 Kinnatellus ibid. Aidanus 10 Eugenius IV. 14 Donald IV ibid. Ferqhard 18 Eugenius VI. ibid. Eugenius VII ibid. Achaius An. D. 800. 23 Alpin ibid. Kenneth 24 Constantine II. 25 Gregory the Great 26 Constantine III. ibid. Kenneth III. 27 Malcolm II. 28 Duncan I. ibid. Mackbeth an Usuper ibid. Malcolm III. 29 Edgar 31 32 Alexander the Fierce ibid. David ibid. 36 Malcolm IV. 36 William 37 Alexander II. 42 Alexander III. 44 Iohn Baliol 48 Robert Bruce 52 David Bruce 55 Edward Baliol ibid. Robert Stewart ibid. Iames I. 57 Iames II. ibid. Iames III. 58 Iames IV. 61 Duke of Albany Regent of Scotland 62 Iames V. 70 Earl of Arran Governour during the minority of Mary Stewart 71 He resigneth the Regency to the Queen-mother 92 Mary Stewart Queen taketh into her hands the Government 178 She resigneth the Government 211 Iames VI. Crowned ibid. Earl of Murray Regent 212 Earl of Lennox Grandfather to the young King chosen Regent 241 Iohn Earl of Marre Regent 258 Earl of Moreton Regent 267 The King himself accepteth of the Government 280 Bishops that lived in Scotland or the adjacent Isles before the distribution of the Kingdome into DIOCESES AMphibalus Bishop in the Isle of Man 4 Regulus 5 Ninian 6 Palladius 7 Hildebert 8 Columba 9 Servanus 11 Colman 15 Adamannus or Adamnamus 18 19 Wiro and Plechelmus consecratâ—d at Rome by Pope Honorius 19 Bonifacius an Italian 20 Mocharius Glacianus and Gervadius 23 Archbishops and Bishops of the See of S. Andrews 1 Adrian 25 2 Kellach 26 3 Malisius ibid. 4 Kellach II 26 5 Malmore 26 6 Malisius II 26 7 Alwinus 26 8 Muldwin 26 9 Tuthaldus 26 10 Fothadus 27 11 Gregorius 28 12 Turgot 30 13 Godricus 32 14 Eâ—dmerus a Monk of Canterbury 33 15 Robert Prior of Scone 34 16 Arnold Abbot of Kelso 36 17 Richard ibid. 18 Hugo by the Kings mandate 39 Iohn Scot by the Pope in opposition to the King ibid. 19 Roger son to the Earl of Leicester succeedeth Hugo 41 20 William Malvoisin a Frenchman ibid. 21 David Benham 43 22 Abel 44 23 Gamelinus 45 24 William Wishart 46 25 William Fraser 47 26 William Lamberton 51 27 Iames Bane 55 The See vacant nine years ib. 28 William Landells 55 29 Stephen ibid. 30 Walter Traill ibid. 31 Thomas Steward son of Robert II chosen but refuseth it The See vacant during his life 56 32 Henry Wardlaw ibid. 33 Iames Kennedy ibid. 34 Patrick Graham first Archbishop of S. Andrews 58 35 William Shevez 59 36 Iames Stewart 61 37 Alexander Steward ibid. 38 Andrew Forman 62 39 Iames Beaton ibid. 40 Beaton Nephew of the former Archbishop and Cardinall 67 69 41 The base brother of the Earl of Arran Governor of Scotland made Archbishop 84 42 Iohn Dowglas 261 43 Patrick Adamson 276 44 George Gladstaves
Church Catholick where it was before the Reformation by Edward Boughen D. D. in 4o. An Advertisement to the Jury-men of England touching Witches written by the Author of the Observations upon Mr. Hobbs Leviathan in 4o. New Episcopacy-and Presbytery considered by Hen. Fern. D. D. in 4o. A Sermon preached at the Isle of Wight before his Majesty by Hen. Fern D. D. in 4o. The Commoners Liberty or the English-mans Birth-right in 4o. An Expedient for composing Differences in Religion in 4o. A Treatise of self-denial in 4o. by a conceal'd Author The holy Life and Death of the late Vi-countesse Falkland in 12º Certain Considerations of present Concernment Touching the Reformed Church of England by H Fern in 12o. New Englands Faithfull Reprover and Monitour in 12o. by Io. Allington Newly published The grand Conspiracy of the Members against the Mind of Jewes against their King As it hath been delivered in four Sermons by Iohn Allington B. D. in 12o. The Quakers wilde questions objected against the Ministers of the Gospel and many sacred Acts and Offices of Religion with brief Answers thereunto Together with a Discourse of the holy Spirit his workings and impressions on the souls of men by R. Sherlock B. D. in 8o. White Salt or a sober correction of a mad world By Iohn Sherman B. D. a discontinuer in 12o. The Marching of the Magistrates Authority and the Christians true liberty in matters of Religion By William Lyford B. D. and late Minister of Sherborn in Dors. in 4o. An. 1601. An. 1603. An. 1610. An. 1615. An. 1616. The Assembly of Perth 1618. An. 1633. An. 1635. An. 1639. The Preface Anno 203. Scotland converted to the faith of Christ Anno 203. Boeth li. 6. Buch. li. 4. Lâ—st l. 3. The Planters of Christianity in this Kingdom Reasons why Pope Victor could not be the worker of our conversion An. 277. Buchan li. 4. Severus his expedition into Britain King Cratilinth expulses the Druides A short description of the Druides Diocletian his persecution Sodorense fanum Boeth li. 6. An. 360. Amphibalus the first Bishop of Man Culdees why so called Boeth l. 6. Bishops in Scotland at the first planting of the faith Boeth ibidem Maximus the Roman prefect practiseth with the Picts against the Scots Bouch. li. 6. Buchan li. 5. The Scots exiled Buchan li. 4. An. 370. Regulus arrives into Albion Hergustus King of the Picts gave his Palace to Regulus An. 404. King Fergus came to the Firth of Murâ—ray Boeth l. 7. He repaired the Churches King Fergus vanquished and slain Boeth li. 7. Greem battereth the wall of Severus Buch. l. 5. Eugenius assisted by the Picts overcometh the Britains Anno 450. St. Ninian St. Augustin de civitate Dei li. 22. cap. 10. Beda his Ecclesiast Hist. li. 3. cap. 4. Palladius sent into Scotland by Pope Celestine Beda li. 1. c. 13. Buch. li. 5. Buch. his opinion refelled Monks not reckoned among the Clergy Servanus and Tervanus ordained Bishops by Palladius Boeth li. 7. Hist. li. 4. An. 491. St. Patrick the converter of Ireland Baâ— cent 1. Bacon to 5. in Anno 431. Sect. 191. Camden in the description of Ireland Ioh. Biâ—sans in descriptione Britanmae Sedulius educated under Hildebert a Bishop Bal. cent 14. Lesl. li. 4. Anno 494. Gratin decret par distruct 15 Sedulius proved to be a Scottish man against the Irish writers An. 500. Scotland a Colonie deduced from Ireland Congallus an excellent Prince Buch. in vita Congalli Tithes declared to appertain to the Church A law for the safety of Church-men Columba returneth into Scotland Scotichron li. 3. Boeth li. 9. Monks placed in Monasteries Columba sent to bring Aidanus the heir of the Crown from Ireland Congallus dieth to whom his brother succeedeth An. 603. Boeth li. 9. Buchan l. 5. Lesl. li. 4. Aidanus crowned King Columba retired to the Isle Iona. Aidanus maketh warre against the Picts Aidanus rebuked by Columba Aidanus forced to take up Arms against the Picts The Picts overcome and Aidanus getteth the victory Columba dieth in the year of our Lord 603. Boeth li. 9. Kentigern or St. Mungo An. 500. Boeth li. 9. Mongah in the Norish tongue signifieth dear fâ—â—â—nd Kentigern his journey to Wales Kentigern his austere life and death Baldred and Convallus were Kentigerns disciples Boeth li. 9. Lesl. li. 4. Convallanus Governour of the Monastery in Iona. Boeth ibidem Brigida An. 518. Boeth li. 9. Brigida dieth at Abernetâ—â—â—â—y â—y Anno 600. Augustine the Monk sent into Britain Beda l. 3. c. 2. The Britains refuse to conform themselves to the rites of Rome A letter from the Bishops of England to the Scottish Church Beda l. 2. c. 4. Honorius writeth to the Church of Scotland Beda l. 2. c. 19. A letter from the Clergy of Rome to the Church of Scotland Beda ibidem Beda his judgement of the letter Buchan l. 5. Boeth li. 9. Lesl. li. 4. Buchan l. 9. Beda l. 3. c. 5. Cormanus sent into Northumberland Aidaus sent for the conversion of Northumberland Aidanus ordained Bishop and sent into Northumberland The vertues of King Oswald An. 651. The commendation of the Bishop Aidanus Finnanus succeeded Aidanus Finnan dieth to whom Colman succeeded The controversie about Easter wakened A dispute for the time of Easter Osâ—py King of Nuâ—thimbers his speech to the diâ—puters Colman his reasons for the observing of Easter after the Scottish manner â—ilfrid his repâ—y to Colman Colman interrupteth wilfrid for calling their observation foolish Wilfrid excusing himself persisteth in his reply Colman his answer Wilfrid his reply The King determineth the question Colman resigneth his place Colman returneth into Scotland Buchan l. 5. A declining in the Church by the dissensions that grew in the same Godwin de Praesulibus Angliae Buchan lib. 5. Adamannus a Bishop An. 689. Chilianus Baron in anâ—â— 689. Baron in anno 632. Wiro and Plechelmus consecrated Bishops by Pope Honorius An. 697. A Synod at Vtrect Bonifacius an Italian came into Scotland Bonifacius made Arch-Bishop of Mentz The story of Fiacre Bal. cent 14. The Universities of Paris and Pavia founded by Scottish men Alcuin Rabanus Maurus Maidulphus Scotus Camdens Antiquities An. 800. Warres renued between the Scots and the Picts Religious houses founded by Prince Gulielm Boeth li. 10. Hungus King of Picts supplyed by Achaius King of Scots Hungus his thankfulnesse for his victory The Scots claim the Kingdom of the Picts Kenneth utteâ—ly overthroweth the Picts Boeth li. 10. Lese l. 5. The succession of Bishops in this Church after the subversion of the Picts Adrian the first in this accompt killed by the Danes An. 872. A convention at Scone for reformation of the State An. 860. Statutes for redressing abuses An. 904. Scon. l. 2. in Catalogo Eipis S. Andreae King Gregoâ—y his favours to the Church Boeth l. 10. Io. Scotus called Aerigena Boeth l. 10. Lesl l. 5. King Constantine the third forsaketh the publick life Paslet l. 6. c. 27. An. 977. Camd
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
letters to King Edward and the Archbishop of Canterbury An. 1300. King Edward his answer William Wallace S. Daniel Boeth l. 14. Buch. l. 8. A Parliament S. Andrews King Edward his course for â—â—tirpating the Scots Scon. Catal. Episc. S. Andreâ— Pasl l. â— William Lamberton preferred to S. Andrewes upon the death of Fraser Pasl l. 6. c. 2. The Culdees and Chanons strife The dissolution of the Templars Paulus Emilius Plessis B. Lamberton loseth K. Edwards favour Buchan l. 8. Lesl. l. 7. Boâ—th l. 14. The Bishop committed to Prison Robert Bruce crowned King Boeth l. 14. Buchan l. 8. The Popes Legate sent to disswade the King from troubling England Boeth l. 14. The King his answer to the Legate The Kingdom interdicted Buch. l. 8. A Letter sent by the Nobles and Barons of Scotland to the Pope Scon. l. 13. c. 1. The Interdiction released The English sue for peace The conditions of the peace An. 1328. King Robert Bruce dieth B. Lamberton his death and vertues Scon. l. in Catalogo episc S. Andreae Io. Duns Bal. cent 14. Lesl. l. 7. Camd. Brit. Duns proved to be a Scottish man born An. 1341. Sir Iames Bane elected in Lambertons place Scon. l. in catal episc S. Andr. The Bishop dieth at Bruges in Flanders The See of S. Andrews void nine years William Landels chosen Bishop The Bishops obtained liberty to dispose of their goods by Testament Stephen chosen Bishop of S. Andrews he dieth at Anwick Walter Traill elected in his stead Scon. l. in Catal. episc S. Andr. An. 1401. His vertues and qualities Thomas Stewart son to Robert the second elected Bishop Scon. li. in Catalogo Episc S. Andreae Henry Wardlaw provided by Pope Benedict the 13. to the Bishoprick A Schisme in the Church Martin the 5. chosen Pope by the Councel of Constance The Abbot of Pontiniac directed to intimate the election Harding a Minorite perswadeth the Scots to continue in the obedience of Benedict Iohn Fogo a Monk of Melross refuseth Hardings Oration The schisme made way to the reformation Iohn Wickliffi Hus and Ierome of Prague Iames Resby Martyr Paul Craw Martyr The Bishop his qualities An. 1412. The University of S. Andrews founded in the year 1412. Boeth 1. 16. King Iames the first a great favourer of the University Bucban l. 10. The King his admonicion to the Church-men Buchan l. 10. Boeth l. 17. Bishop Wardlaw dieth Aâ—â—â— 1444. Bishop Iames Kennedy translated from Dunkeld to S. Andrews Buchan l. 12. Kennedy his just praises An. 1466. Bishop Kennedy his death the year 1466. Patrick Grahame chosen to succeed The See of S. Andrewes erected in an Archbishoprick The Bulls of Legaâ—ion and Primacie published Buchan l. 12. The King inhibiteth the exercise of his Legation An. 1444. William Shevez recommended to the Archdeaconry of S. Andrews The Bishop rejecteth him as insufâ—â—cient Shevez conspireth with the Rector The Bishop contemning the censure hath his goods confiscated The â—â—hop taken in favour Buchan l. 12. The Bishop of new troubled by the bankers of Rome The Bishop falling in some distraction is committed to Shevez Buchâ— n. l. 12. The Bishop condemned to lose his dignity Shevez provided to the Archbishoprick Patrick Grahame dieth at Lochleven An. 1478. The Church altogether in disorder Shevez receiveth the Pall and is invested Anno 1478. Lese l. 8. Archbishop of S. Andrew and Glasgow at diffension The History of the Church of Scotland An. 1513. The dispersers of these Articles cited before the Councell Iames Stewart brother to King Iames the fourth elected Bishop Anno 1503. B. Alexander Stewart succeedeth A Competition for the Archbishop Buchan l. 3. Lest. l. 3. The Bishop of Dunkeld quiteth his interest An. 1522. The Duke of Albany pacifieth the Competitors Lesl. l. 9. Iames Beaton translated from Glasgow to S. Andrews Lesl. l. 9. Buchan l. 14. Mr. Patrick Hamilton Abbot of Ferm Martyr Buchan l. 14. History of the Church p. 21. An. 1527. Articles wherewith the Abbot was charged Manuscript processe which is extant under the hands of the Theologues The subscrivers of the sentence The manner of his execution and speech at his dying History of the Church His appealing of Frier Campbell Frier Campbell dieth of a Phrensie History of the Church p. 23. Numbers brought to the knowledge of the truth by his suffering Buchan l. 14. Frier Seaton suspected of Heresie History of the Church Frier Seaton called before the Bishop The Frier flyeth to Berwick and from thence writeth to the King He becometh Chaplain to the Duke of Suffolk Acts of Martyrs Henry Forrest Martyr Divers cited to appear at Halirudhouse An. 1534. Normand Gourlay and David Straiton Martyrs Acts of Martyrs History of the Church Alexander Alesse and others fly to England Bal. cent 14. Divers accused of heresie in a meeting at Edinburgh An. 1538. The Vicar of Dolour his conference with the Bishop of Dunkeld History of the Church Vetimo Febr. 1538. Frier Russel and one Kennedy martyred at Glasgow History of the Church The Archbishop disswadeth the execution The courage of Russel at his dying Master George Buchannan eseapeth out of prison Buchan l. 14. The History of the Church The Archbishop committeth the charge of all affairs to his Nephew the Cardinal An. 1539. A contest for the imposition laid upon the Clergy for the Lords of Session Buchar l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. Bishop Beaton dieth The learned men that lived in this time M. Iohn Maior Bal cent 14. Lest. l. 9. Hector Boeth Bal. Cent. 14. Gilbert Crab. Bal. cent 15. William Gregory Bal. ibidem Iohn Scot his memorable fasting Buchan l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. He taketh his journey to the holy Sepulcher He is imprisoned in London Thomas Doughty suffered to abuse the people Scots emulaâ—ion of Doughty and his cousenage The history of Cardinal Beaton An. 1540. Sir Iohn Borthwick cited for heresie The heads of his accusation Sir Iohn Borthwick denounced heretick Acts of Mart. The King invited to meet his Uncle King Henry at York Buchan l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. Holinshed history of Scotland The Cardinal and Clergy seek to impede the meeting An. 1541. The King excuseth himself to King Henry Sir Iames Hamilton executed The King troubled with visions History of the Church The Justice Clerk his fearful death The King died at Falkland An. 1542 the eighth of December The Cardinal forgeth the Kings Testament Buchan l. 15. The Earl of Arran elected Governour An. 1542. The King of England seeketh to unite the Kingdomes by marriage Buchan l. 15. A Parliament at Edinburgh Lesl. l. 10. The Cardinal committed Ambassadors sent into England for concluding the match Buchan l. 15. The history of the Church The Governours Preachers suspected by the Clergy The Ambassadors return from England History of the Church The estate of the Governors Court The Bishop of Ross and Abbot of Paisley seek to divert the Governour from the Contract with England The Governours Preachers and servants part from him History
conference at Hampton Court His Majesties proposition at the meeting An. 1603. Doctor Reynolds speech in behalf of the Petitioners The particulars complained of The meeting continued to 18 of Ianuary The effect of the meeting and his Majesties exhortation to the Clergy The Chancellor of England his judgement of the King The number deposed for disconformity An. 1604. A Parliament in England for the union The English Commissioners The power given them by the Parliament A Parliament in Scotland to that purpose The Scottish Commissioners The power granted hâ—em Westminster appointed for the place of meetting Articles of the union Hostile lawes extinguished The name of Borders abolished Order for sentences not satisfied Participation of Commâ—dito be mutuall Inequality of priviledges to be be tried Importation to be free to both people Exportation of Goods prohibited made unlawfull to both Order for Native Commodities Order for Customes Scots may be associated in English Companies Order for transportation Punishment of such as shall transgress Caution to be given by the owners and Masters of Ships Indifferency of fraighting Poâ—â—nati declared free Exception for Offices of the Crown Reservation of his Majesties Prerogative Remanding of malefactors A scroll of the Articles presented to the King The Kings speech to the Commissioners The title of great Britain assumed Peeces of gold and silver coyned The Earl of Montrosse made Commissioner of the kingdom The Lord Fiâ—â— received Chancellor An. 1605. The generall Assembly continued A number convene notwithstanding the discharge The names of them convened The Kings Commissioner dischargeth the meeting The Ministers denounced and cited by the councell for their disobedience Some confess their fault and are pardoned Oâ—hers maintain their meeting and are Committed The proceeding of the Councell condemned by the Ministery His Majesties Declaration touching some rumours dispersed The King his resolution in making no sudden change in the Church policy The form of their Declinatour The Assembly declared unlawfull Some of the Ministers pursued criminally The Indictment Exception proponed by the Advocates The Reply to the Exception The Ministers found guilty of Treason A Proclamation that none should oppose the decision of the Justice A Convention of Estates His Majesties Letter directed to the Estates The Acts passed in the Convention The history of the Powder Treason The Jesuits approve of the enterprise The Conspirers swear secrecy A Cellar hired for the myne A deliberation for the Kings children Contribution for the enterprise Catholicks to be stopped from coming to the Parliament No forain Princes to be acquainted therewith Intention to proclaim Lady Elizabeth Queen The Conspiracy detected The Letter sent to the L d Mounteagle The secrecy of so many very strange An. 1606. Mr. Iames Melvills answer in name of the rest His Majesty proponeth three questions to them A time is desired by them and granted The second audience The Bishops judgement of the meeting at Aberdene Mr. Addrew Melvills answer touching the same Mr. Iames Balfour his answer Mr. Melvill his answer Mr. William Scot his answer interrupted by Mr. Andrew Melvill The Ministers called before the Scottish Councell They are discharged to return into Scotland The Kings pleasure touching the warded Ministers The letter to the Justice prescriving the forme of the sentence A Letter from his Majesty to the Councell The sentence pronounced by the Justice A Proclamation against Jesuits Mr. Andrew Melvill committed to the Tower The Observation of the Writer An Assembly indicted at Linlithgow His Majesties letter to the Assembly An overture sent from his Majesty to the Assembly Some brethren deputed undergoe to consider the overture The overture embraced with some cautions Cautions for the constant Moderators The cautions and overture approved A complaint of the Papists and their ininsolencie Petition from the Assembly to his Majesty His Majesties answer An. 1607. His Majesties pleasure touching the Popish Noblemen Direction to the Councell for constant Moderators The Synod of Perth discharged The Synod of Fife discharged A Provest placed in the new Colledge of S. Andrews The Ministers permitted to return from London Alexander Lord Spynie killed Trouble betwixt the Earl of Morton and Lord Maxwell Maxwell committed maketh an escape The Laird of Iohnston most treacherously killed by Maxwell An. 1608. The Earl of Argile made Lieutenant of the Isles A Parliament in Scotland for the union Provisions for the union An Assembly in Linlithgow for restraining Papists The Marquis of Huntley excommunicated The causes of the defection partly in the Church The remedies of the same The cause of the defection proceeding from others Supplication to his Majesty for redresse of these evils Petitions to his Majesty for repressing Popery The Secretaries journey to Court He is charged for writing a letter to the Pope and stealing his Majesties hand thereto The Secretary charged with the fault before the Councell His answer tothe Lords of the Councell Chancellor Egerton pronounceth sentence against him Sprot his execution The Commissioners of the Assembly have audience His Majesties answer A convention at Edinburgh An. 1609. The Chancellor admitted Counsellor of England Acts made for Religion Acts made against ravishing of women The Secretaries tryall at S. Andrews His indictment The Secretary his speech and answer to the indictment His protestation of two things The Jury sworn The doom pronounced against Balmerinoch A Parliament at Edingburgh An. 1610. An Assembly at Glasgow The moderators paid of the stipend promised A supplication in name of the Popish Lords Huntly freed of his confining The Earl of Arroll troubled for his simulation The Earl of Angus goeth to Paris The Archbishop of Glasgow called to Court The business proponed by his Majesty The Archbishop his answer The consecration questioned The High Commissioners appointed Directions for the High Commissioners and other matters Ecclesiasticall An. 1601. Directions for matters Ecclesiasticall The Clergy doth approve the directions Orders for the Councell An. 1611. A Proclamation against bearing of quarrell The troubles of Orkney The Earl of Orkney committed and his Acts of Court discharged The Clangregore to be rooted out The deuh of the Earl of Dunbarre Somerset his rising Advocate made first Clerk Register afterwards Secretary Sir Iohn Skeen dyeth of grief An. 1612 The Lord Samqhar executed in England Excommunication of persons for criminall and capitall cases if they become fugitive The Clergy agree to reform this point The death of the earl of Eglington and the disposition of his living to his Cousin A Parliament in Scotland A subsidy granted The L d Burleigh removed from Councell An. 1613. The death of Prince Henry The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palgrave The King acquireth the lands of Orkney Rebellion in Orkney The Earl of Cathnes imployed to suppresse the Rebels Persons executed for the Rebellion The death of the Bishop of Rosse The Earl of Orkney put to triall An. 1614 The Earl of Orkney his indictment The persons named for the Jury The sentence pronounced The execution of
Christian profession which they had once embraced were the summer following deprived both of their lives and Kingdomes Oswald the second son of Ethelfrid did upon their deaths succeed in both the Kingdoms a noble and vertuous Prince whose chief study was to promore Christian Religion To this effect he sent his Ambassadors unto Donald the fourth then reigning in Scotland and entreated him by the old familiarity that had been among them to help him with some worthy and learned man that could instruct his people in the faith of Christ. The King recommending the matter to the Clergy one Cormanus was elected to go thither But his labours proving unprofitable he returned about the end of the year and in a Synod of the Bishops and Clergy informed that they were a people indocile and froward that the pains taken upon them were lost they neither being desirous nor capable of instruction It grieved the Synod exceedingly to hear this and while they were consulting what to do Aidanus a learned man and reverend preacher is said to have advised them not to give over the work at any hands for that the bad successe of Cormanus labours might possibly proceed from himself that had not used the people tenderly nor according to the Apostles rule fed them at first with milk and therefore desired some other approved man might be imployed of new who would possibly do good among them This opinion allowed by all none was thought fitter for this service then he who had given the advice and so with common consent was Aidan ordained Bishop and appointed to that charge Being come thither he set himself to amend the fault which he supposed Corman had committed and so tempered his doctrine as multitudes of people daily did resort unto him to be instructed It was a great hinderance unto him at first that he was not skilled in the Saxon tongue neither did the people understand his language but this defect the King himself supplied interpreting to the auditory all that Aidanus delivered in his Sermons So by the Kings zeal and Aidanus his diligence such numbers were brought to the Christian profession as in the space of seven days â—ifteen thousand persons were by him baptized Whether this people was more happy in their King or in this Bishop it is difficil to say For the King he did so excell in piety and prudence that as Beda writes all the Nations and Provinces within Britain were â—t his devotion and not the lesse his heart was never lifted up within him but still he shewed himselfe courteous and affable and of the poor most compassionate Among examples of his liberality towards these the same Beda relateth That sitting at Table on Easter day and Aidanus by him when it was told that a number of poor men were at the gate expecting his Almes he commanded to carry the meat that was set before him unto them and the platter of silver wherein it was to be broke in pieces and distributed among them Aidanus beholding it took the King by the right hand and kissing it said Nunquam marcescat haec manus never let this hand consume or wither Which as he writeth came also to passe For being killed in battel and his arm and his hand cut off the same was inclosed in a silver shrine and remained for many years uncorrupted in the Church of St. Peter at Bamborough This and the other miracles he reporteth I leave upon the credit of the writer who is too lavish oftentimes in such fables and fictions As to Aidanus he was an ensample of abstinence sobriety chastity charity and all other Episcopal vertues for as he taught so he lived was idle at no time nor did he admit any of his retinue to be so but kept them in a continual exercise either reading Scripture or learning the Psalmes of David by heart If he was invited to any feast as rarely he went he made no stay but after a little refreshment taken got himself away In preaching he was most diligent travailing through the countrey for the greater part on foot and instructing the people wheresoever he came In a word he was deficient in no duty required of a good Pastor and having governed the Church in those parts most happily the space of 17. years died in the Isle of Lindisfarne now called Holy-Island the place he choosed for his residence where he was also buried After his death which happened in the year 651. Finnanus was ordained Bishop and sent to the Northumbers from Scotland he followed his predecessor in all and was greatly troubled by Romanus or Conanus as other name him about the observing of Easter This Conanus born in Scotland had lived some years beyond Sea and was much taken by the Romane rites for advancing whereof so zealous he was that way he left his station in Kent and coming to Northumberland did challenge the Bishop to a dispute The Bishop answering that he would not refuse to dispute but to admit an alteration in Church rites whilest he lived he would not the dispute ceased and so for the time that he sate Bishop Easter was celebrated after the ancient manner of the Scots Finnanus in the mean time applying himself to better exercise did work the conversion of the East-Saxons and Mercians For having baptized Penda the Prince of Mercia he sent with him four preachers who reformed all that part of the countrey Divina or Duina a Scottish man was one of those preachers and consecrated Bishop of Finnan in the year 656. In the catalogue of the Bishops of Lichfield I finde him first placed There succeeded to him Kellach a Scottish man also but he renouncing his charge because of the contentions that arose returned to his countrey Now Finnan having governed the Churches of Northumberland the space of ten years died in Lindisfarne and was buried in a Church which he himself had there erected so great was the affection of these Northumbers to these preceding Bishops as they would accept of none other but a Scottish man Whereupon Colman was brought and placed in that See In his time the controversie of Easter was again wakened and more hotly followed then before great dealing there was to work him to a conformity but he would not forsake the course that his predecessors had kept After divers conferences a publick dispute was in end condescended to for deciding the question The place was chosen at Whitby Beda calleth it Sternshalt a Religious house in Yorkshire whereof Hilda a learned and devout woman was Abbesse she was a professed adversary to all the rites of Rome especially Clerical tonsure which made Colman more willingly to agree unto the meeting Oswy King of Northumbers with Elfred his son were present in person and many Ecclesiastick men of all degrees The reasoners were Colman on the one part who was assisted by the Scottish Clergy and Hilda the Abbesse
that professed penitencie for their errors gave warrant to recall him and he appearing before the Commissioners of the Church at Perth the 25 of Iune where his Majesty was present acknowledged his error professed his resolution touching the guiltiness of those unhappy brothers and promised if his Majesty should licence him to return to his place to declare the same publickly in the first Sermon he should have to the people The King doubting his performance for he had often in other matters tried his inconstancy caused the same to be set down in writing upon the back of the Letter he had sent to the Earl of Marre and after he had subscribed the same made all the Commissioners that were present eleven in number to set their hands thereto as Witnesses This done he was admitted to kisle his Majesties hand and licenced to return to his place but as the King had conjectured so it fell out for coming to Edinburgh where it was expected he should have done what he had both promised and subscribed he left the Town pretending that his Ministery should thereby be discredited and he esteemed to preach by injunction The Generall Assembly of the Church meeting in November following the King to remove this pretext after he had shewed all the particulars of his proceeding with Mr. Robert and produced the Letter sent by him to the Earl of Marre together with his subscription in the meeting of Perth desired the voices of the Assembly whether or not be ought to utter his resolution in pulpit as he had promised They all not one gainsaying declared That he was bound both in duty and conscience to fulfill his promise so much the rather that by his distrust and disobedience to the Councells charge he had confirmed ill-disposed people in their suspicions Yet this Ordinance did not content him and so delaying to give satisfaction he was by the Commissioners of the Church discharged from the Ministery of Edinburgh the year following In this Assembly Mr. Patrick Galloway being chosen to preside made a Speech to the King wherein he shewed That the Church was oppugned by two sorts of enemies to wit Papists and sacrilegious persons and therefore in the name of the whole Church entreated his Majesty that as he had with great travell and happy successe made the principalls of the Popish profession to conform themselves in outward obedience so he would use his princely authority towards the other sort and compell them if not to restore all at least to grant a competent allowance to Ministers forth of the tithes they possessed The King accepting the Petition graciously said That it should not be well with the Church so long as Ministers were drawn from their Charges to attend the yearly modification of stipends and that he held it fittest once to condescend upon a competent provision for every Church and deal with those that possessed the tithes to bestow a part thereof to the foresaid uses and seeing that business would require a longer time then they could well continue together that they should doe well to make some overtures to those that had the Commission for Stipends promising for himself that he should stand for the Church and be an advocate for the Ministers After a long deliberation these overtures were proponed First that the Ministers having stipends assigned to them forth of the tithes of the Churches where they served a perpetuall security should be made to the Takesmen and a certainer gressome condescended on for every chalder of victuall which should be paid for nineteen years lease at the expiring whereof another lease upon the like conditions should be renewed for as many years the principall Takesmen being obliged to grant the like security for his Subtakesmen 2. That the Prelacies should be disponed to actuall Ministers the Churches annexed thereto being sufficiently provided and the tenth of the superplus paid to the King or otherwise that all the great Benefices should be dissolved the Prelate enjoying the principall Church and temporall lands and the Churches annexed disponed to Ministers both they and the Prelate paying a yearly duty to the King And 3. that all inferiour Benefices should be provided to the Ministers serving the Cure The first of these overtures the King held reasonable and most advantagious to the Church but the Assembly esteeming it dangerous to make tithes heretable deferred to give their consent so as nothing at that time was concluded and the overtures remitted to a more deep consideration The Synod of Fife did after this present some grievances complaining That the Generall Assemblies were not kept at the ordinary times and both places and daies altered without the knowledge of Presbyters and Synods That Ministers were called before the Councell in prima instantia for matters of doctrine and discipline That the government of the Church continued in the hands of a few Ministers under the name of a Commission to the prejudice of the liberty of the Church That Doctors being an ordinary calling in the Church were debarred from coming to Assemblies That no triall was taken concerning the observation of Caveats That the Ministers of Edinburgh being the principall watch-tower of the Church were not permitted to attend their charge That the land was polluted with the French Ambassadors masse and excommunicates suffered to abide in the Countrey And lastly that the letters and practises of Papists were kept secret and not communicated to the watchmen These complaints being known to proceed from the private discontents of such as grieved to see the affairs of the Church carried by others then themselves were not much regarded yet to shew that they had no just cause to complain a particular answer was made to every one of them And first it was said That the Assemblies both were and should be kept according to the Act of Parliament That Ministers should not be called before the Councell but upon just grounds That Commissions given by the Assembly and rightly discharged were lawfull That Doctors authorized with a Commission from the University where they lived were not denied a voice in Assemblies and that if the Caveats were not observed they might instance the point and have the person after triall censured To the rest of the heads his Majesty by himself made this reply That the French Ambassadors masse was private and could not be refused to him considering that the Minister directed with his owne Ambassadours the yeare before was permitted to preach within the City of Paris And for the Ministers of Edinburgh they had received all the favour they desired As to him that lay back it was his own fault and no mans else But where saith he it is craved that the letters and practises of Papists should be communicate to Ministers as that were the ready way to procure the escape and no punishment of the practises so the proponers would remember that secrets must be imparted at the Kings pleasure