much kindnesse of this Gregory at Tholouse in the year 1527. and saith that he died in that City having left divers monuments of his ingenie to the posterity the Catalogue whereof you may see in the place With this I shall joyn another not for any commendation of his learning for he had none nor for his good qualities which were as few but for strange and extraordinary things seen in him which in the time ministred occasion of great talk and wondring to many This man named Iohn Scot having succumbed in a plea at law and knowing himself unable to pay that wherein he was adjudged took sanctuary in the Abbey of Halirudhouse where out of a deep displeasure he abstained from all meat and drink the space of 30 or 40 dayes together Publick rumour bringing this abroad the King would have it put to trial and to that effect shut him up in a private room within the Castle of Edinburgh whereunto no man had accesse he caused a little bread and water to be set by him which he was found not to have tasted in the space of 32. days This proof given of his abstinence he was dimitted and coming forth into the street halfe naked made a speech to the people that flocked about him wherein he professed to do all this by the help of the Blessed Virgin and that he could fast as long as he pleased Many did take it for a miracle esteeming him a person of wonderful holinesse others thought him to be phrentick and mad so as in a short time he came to be neglected and thereupon leaving the countrey went to Rome where he gave the like proof of his fasting to Pope Clement the seventh From Rome he came to Venice apparelled with holy vestures such as the Priests use when they say Masse and carrying in his hand a Testimonial of his abstinence under the Popes Seal he gave there the like proof and was allowed some five Duckats to make his expence towards the holy Sepulcher which he pretended to visit This voyage he performed and then returned home â— bringing with him some palm-tree leaves and a scripful of stones which he said were a part of the pillar to which our Saviour was tied when he was scourged and coming by London went up into the Pulpit in Panls Church-yard where he cast forth many speeches against the divorce of King Henry from Katherine his Queen inveying bitterly against him for his defection from the Roman See and thereupon was thrust in prison where he continued 50. dayes fasting After that being dimitted for they held him to be a mad man he came directly into Scotland and remained in company with one Thomas Doughty who a little before was returned from Italy and had built a little Chappel to the holy Virgin with the money he had begged in his travel This man by his counterfeit miracles made great advantage amongst the simple people and albeit he was known to be a cousening fellow and in life extremely vicious yet was he suffered by the Clergy to abuse the ignorant multitude for that the opinion of Purgatory Pardons and prayers to Saints which began then every where to be despised was by this mean nourished amongst the people Scot grudging that Doughty did appropriate all the gain he made to himselfe did not admit him a partner in the same retired to a house in the suburbs of Edinburgh at the Western part of the Town and therein erected a religious Altar which he adorned in the best manner he could setting up his daughter a young maid of reasonable beauty upon the Altar and placing lights and torches round about her the simple sort for a long time believed her to be the Virgin Mâ—ry and frequented the place in great numbers to do her worship but the knavery coming to be detected he forsook his Altar and forgetting all his devotion returned to his first trade and manner of life Lesley in his story saith that he prophesied many things concerning the decay of the Romish Religion and the restitution of it in a short time of the decay he might speak having seen it begun but for other things he was a dreamer rather then a Propher 40. The first act of the Cardinal after his promotion did shew what an enemy he would be to those who in that time were called hereticks for he was not well warmed in his seat when to make his greatnesse seen he brought to S. Andrews the Earles of Huntley Arran Marshall and Montrosse the Lords Fleming Lindsay 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 with divers other Barons and men of quality There came thither also Gawine Archbishop of Glasgow Chancellour William Bishop of Aberdene Henry Bishop of Galloway Iohn Bishop of Briâ—â—en and William Bishop of Dumblane The Abbots of Melross Dunfermlin Lindors and Kinlosse with a number of Priors Deans and Doctors of Theologie And they all having convened in the Cathedral Church he sitting in a Chair somewhat erected above the rest for that he was a Cardinal began to expone the dangers wherein the Catholick faith stood by the increase of hereticks and the boldnesse they took to professe their opinions openly even in the Kings Court where he said they found too great countenance In special he named Sir Iohn Borthwick commonly called Captain Borthwick whom he had caused cite to that Diet for dispersing heretical books and for maintaining divers Articles contrary to the doctrine of the Romane Church desiring their assistance in the procedure of Justice against him The heads of the accusation were read 1. That he held the Pope to have no greater authority over Christians then any other Bishop or Prelat had 2. That Indulgences and Pardons granted by the Pope were of no force nor effect but devised to abuse people and deceive poor ignorant soules 3. That Bishops Priests and other Clergy men may lawfully marry 4. That the heresies commonly called the heresies of England and their new Liturgy was commendable and to be embraced of all Christians 5. That the people of Scotland are blinded by their Clergy and professed not the true faith 6. That Churchmen ought not to enjoy any temporalties 7. That the King ought to convert the rents of the Church into other pious uses 8. That the Church of Scotland ought to be governed after the manner of the English 9. That the Canons and Decrees of the Church were of no force as being contrary to the law of God 10. That the Orders of Friers and Monks should be abolished as had been done in England 11. That he did openly call the Pope Simoniack for that he sold spritual things 12. That he did read heretical books and the New Testament in English and some other Treatises written by Melanchthon Oecolampadius and Erasmus which he gave likewise unto others 13. The last and greatest point was that he refused to acknowledge the authority of the Romane See or be subject
bind the King or Queen but that they may give where and when they should think expedient 9. That the Estates of the Realm should convene and hold a Parliament in the moneth of August next for which a Commission should be sent from the French King and the Queen of Scotland and that the said convention should be as lawful in all respects as if the same had been ordained by the express Commandment of their Majesties providing all tumults of warre be discharged and they who ought by their places to be present may come without fear 10. That for the better government of this Realm choice should be made of a Councel which should consist of twelve worthy men of the Kingdom of which number the Queen should chuse seven and the Estates five which twelve in their Majesties absence should take order with the affaires of Government and without their authority and consent nothing should be done in the administration of publick businesse And that the said Councel should convene as oft as they might conveniently but no fewer then six together or if any matter of importance occurred they should all be called or the most part of them providing it should not be prejudicial to the King and Queen and to the Rights of the Crown 11. That the King and Queen should neither make peace nor warre in these parts but by the counsel and advise of the Estates according to the custome of the countrey as it was observed by their predecessors 12. That none of the Lords of the Nobility of Scotland should make convocation of men of warre except in ordinary cases approved by the lawes and custome of the Realm nor should any of them cause men of warre strangers to come into these parts much lesse attempt to do any thing against the King and Queen or against the authority of the Councel and other Magistrates of the Realm and in case any of them had occasion to take Armes the same being first communicated to the Councel their Majesties likewise should be made acquainted therewith and nothing to be done by them that ought not to be done by good and faithful subjects that love the quietnesse of the Realm and will abide in the obedience of their Soveraigns 13. That Lord David son to the Duke of Chattellerault detained prisoner at Bois de Vincennes should be put to liberty and suffered to return into Scotland at his pleasure 14. That with the French men no Artillery should be transported forth of the Realm but those which were sent and brought in since the decease of Francis the first and that all other Artillery and Munition especially that which hath the Armes of Scotland should be put into the places out of which they were taken 15. That the Army of England should return home immediately after the embarking of the French and that all the Scottish men of warre should be broken and licenced to depart 16. That for the Articles concerning Religion presented for the part of the Nobility and people of Scotland which the Commissioners would not touch but referred to their Majesties it was promised that a certain number of Noblemen should be chosen in the next Convention and Parliament to be sent to their Majesties to expone unto them the things that should be thought needful for the estate thereof and for the Articles presently decided they should carry with them the ratification of the same by the Estates and return a confirmation thereof from their Majesties Lastly that the Queen of Scotland and King of France should not hereafter usurp the titles of England and Ireland and should delete the Arms of England and Ireland out of their scutchions and whole housholdstuffe This accord made the French prepared to depart and for returning the ships of England that were lent to transport them the Bishop of Amiens and Monsieur le Broche remained hostages On the sixteenth day of Iuly the French embarked and the same day did the English Army depart towards Berwick the third day after their parting a solemn thanksgiving was kept in the Church of S. Giles by the Lords and others professing true Religion and then were the Ministers by common advice distributed among the Burghs Iohn Knox was appointed to serve at Edinburgh Christopher Goodman at S. Andrews Adam Heriote at Aberdene Iohn Row at Perth William Christeson at Dundy David Ferguson at Dunfermlin Paul Methven at Iedburgh and Mr. David Lindesay at Leth besides these they did nominate for the direction of Church affaires some to be Superintendents as Mr. Iohn Spotswood for Lothian and Mers Mr. Iohn Winram for Fife and Iohn Areskin of Dun for Angus and Mernis Mr. Iohn Willock for Glasgow and Mr. Iohn Kerswel for Argyle and Isles with this small number was the plantation of the Church at first undertaken The time appointed for the Parliament approaching warning was made to all such as by law or ancient custome had any voice therein to be present and at the day the meeting was frequent In the beginning there was great altercation divers holding that no Parliament could be kept seeing their Soveraigns had sent no Commission nor authorized any to represent their persons Others alledging that Article of the peace whereby it was agreed That a Parliament should be kept in the moneth of August and that the same should be as lawful in all respects as if it were ordained by the expresse commandments of their Majesties maintained that the said Article was a warrant sufficient for their present meeting and this opinion by voices prevailed So after some eight dayes spent in these contentions they began to treat of affairs but as they had no commission so the solemnities accustomed of Crown Scepter and Sword which are in use to be carried at these times were neglected There were present of the spiritual Estate the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld Dumblane Galloway Argyle and Isles The Prior of S. Andrews the Abbots of Couper Landors Culross S. Colmes Inch Newbottle Halirudhouse Kinlose Deire and New-Abbey with the Priors of Coningham and S. Mary Isle Of the Nobility the Lord Duke the Earls of Arrane Argyle Marshal Cassils Cathnes Athol Glencarne Merton and Rothes The Lords Ruthven Glammis Areskin Boyd Ochiltrie Carlile Levingston Ogilvy and Somervil with many of the inferiour Barons and of the Commissioners of Burghs none were absent In electing the Lords of the Articles the Noblemen that had the nomination of the Clergy passing by such amongst them as they knew to be Popishly affected made choice of the Bishops of Galloway and Argyle the Prior of S. Andrews the Abbots of Abberbrothock Kilwining Lundors Newbottle and Culross at which the Prelates stormed mightily alledging that some of them were meer Laicks and all of them Apostates for they had openly renounced popery and joyned themselves with the Professors of the truth but there was no remedy the course was changed and now it behoved them to take law
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
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
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
his coming for as to himself he would not consent to his death before the cause were well examined and if the Cardinal should do otherwise he would make protestation that the mans blood should be required at his hands This answer grieved the Cardinal not a little for he knew that the delay would work the prisoners escape and to commit the cause to examination he saw it was more dangerous Therefore in a great passion he replied That he wrote not unto the Governour as though he depended in any matter upon his authority but out of a desire he had that the hereticks condemnation might proceed with a shew of publick consent which since he could not obtain he would be doing himselfe that which he held most fitting Thus he made a citation to be given forth and Master George to be charged to appear the next morrow to answer for his seditious and heretical doctrine Master George receiving the summons said The Cardinal hath no need to summon me for I am in his hands and kept fast in irons so as he may compell me to answer at what time he pleaseth But to manifest saith he what men you are it is well done to keep your formes and constitutions The next day the Cardinal and Prelates being met in the Abbey Church the prisoner was presented by the Captain of the Castle and then the Sub-prior called Master Iohn Winrame a man of good learining and one who secretly favoured the truth went up into the Pulpit as he had been injoyned he took for his Theam the words of our Saviour in the thirteenth of Matthewes Gospel concerning the good seed which he interpreted to be the word of God heresie he said was the ill seed and that he defined to be a false opinion fighting directly against the word and defended with pertinacie Thereafter falling to speak of the causes of heresie he said the main cause was the ignorance and negligence of those who had the cure of soules and neither understood the word of God nor could use the same to the convincing of false teachers and the reducing of those who were gone astray In the latter part of his Sermon speaking of the way how heresies should be discerned he said That as the Goldsmith knoweth the fine gold from the counterfeit by the touchstone so is heresie discerned by the true sincere and undefiled word of God And in the end concluded that hereticks ought to be punished and might lawfully be put to death by the Magistrate Now albeit that was said made directly against themselves who were there met not to confute heresie but to bear down the truth and punish those that found fault with their pride and licentiousnesse yet as all had been spoken for them they proceeded and after their wonted form placed Mr. George in a seat erected for that purpose and over against him Master Iohn Lawder a Priest in another who having a scroll of a paper in his hand containing the Articles laid unto Mr. George his charge did use many bitter and reproachful words all which he heard very patiently not moving or changing once his countenance Being required to answer before he would utter a word he bowed his knees and made his prayer to God then standing up intreating them in most humble manner to suffer him repeat the summe of the doctrine which he had taught since his coming into Scotland which he said was nothing but what the ten Commandements of God the 12. Articles of Christian faith and the Lords prayer contained In Dundy he said that he had preached a part of the Epistle to the Romanes And as he was going on to shew what form he kept in his preaching he was interrupted by the accuser who with many opprobrious speeches calling him an heretick a runnegate a traitour and thief said that it was not lawful for him to preach and that he had usurped the power at his own hand without any lawful calling of the Church The Prelates also prohibiting all discourses willed him to answer simply yea or nay fearing if liberty was given him to speak he should draw some of the hearers to his mind Mr. George perceiving that he could not have audience appealed to an equal and indifferent Judge Whereunto Lawder replied that the Cardinal was a more then sufficient Judge for him and then he reckoned out all his styles saying that he was Archbishop of S. Andrews Bishop of Meropois Chancellour of Scotland Commendatory of Aberbrothock Legatus natus legatus à latere and the second person within the Realm Mr. George calmly answered I do not condemn my Lord Cardinal but I desire the word of God to be my Iudge and some of the Temporal estate with certain of your Lordships here present because I am my Lord Governours prisoner At which words some foolish people that stood by cried out Such man such Iudge meaning that the Governour and others of the Temporal State were hereticks like unto himself Then would the Cardinal have pronounced sentence without any further process but being advertised to let the accusation be read and hear what he would say lest people should think him wrongfully condemned he commanded the Priest to read the points distinctly and receive his answer to every one of them severally The Articles laid to his charge were eighteen in number which with the answers he made the Reader may at his leisure see in the book of Martyrs After they had spent some houres in this sort sentence was pronounced against him and he condemned to be burnt as an heretick Then was he led back to the Castle and lodged in the Captains chamber that night the greatest part whereof he spent in prayer Early in the morning the Prelates sent two Friers to advertise him that he must die and askt if he would confesse himself he answered That he had no businesse with Friers nor would he willingly conferre with them but if they were disposed to gratify him in that sort he desired to speak with the learned man that preached the day before This being permitted the Sub-prior came and talked with him a good space At last he askt Mr. George if he would receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper he answered Most willingly so I may have it ministred according to Christs institution under both kindes of bread and wine Hereupon the Sub-prior went to the Bishops and told that he had conferred with the prisoner who did solemnly affirm that he was free of all the crimes and that he did utter this not out of a desire he had of life but to manifest his innocency which was known to God before men The Cardinal offended with these speeches of the Sub-prior said It is a long time since we knew what a man thou art The Sub-prior answering nothing asked if they would permit the Sacrament to be given to the prisoner the Cardinal conferring with the rest of the Bishops a
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
good words praying them to use no violence and saying that she meant no ill to their Preachers that she would hear the controversie betwixt the Bishops and them and that the present Diet with the Proclamation given out should be discharged so the force ceased and all was quiet for that time Not long after there arrived a messenger from the French King with letters to the Nobility desiring that the marriage should be consummated betwixt the young Queen and the Daulphin his son and that certain Commissioners should be sent to assist the solemnity A convention of Estates being called to this purpose in December following choice was made of eight persons to go in that journey for the spiritual Estate were named Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow and Iames Stewart Prior of S. Andrews base brother to the young Queen For the Nobility Gilbert Kennedy Earl of Cassils George Lesley Earle of Rothes and Iames Lord Fleming For the Burrowes George Lord Seaton Provost of Edinburgh and Iohn Areskin of Dun Provost of Montrosse The great dysasters that happened both in their going and returning brought many to think the marriage would not prove happy and prosperous For having shipped at Leith in the moneth of February they were dispersed by a mighty tempest and one of their vessels that carried their horses cast away at S. Ebbes head before they left the Scottish shore another wherein the Earl of Rothes and Bishop of Orkney sailed with all the furniture for the marriage which was very rich and costly perished upon the coast of France nigh unto Bulloign the Earl and Bishop hardly escaping by the shipboat which carried them to land Neither had they any better fortune in their return homewards for at Deep divers of the chief persons fell sick and died The Bishop of Orkney a man of singular wisdome and experience who in his time had performed many honourable ambassages to the credit and benefit of his countrey ended there his life the 14. of September 1558. the Earl of Rothes died two-dayes after him and the Earl of Cassils Thesaurer of the Realm a vertuous Nobleman went the same way The Lord Fleming a brave young Nobleman returned to Paris suspecting some contagion and deceased in December following These deaths falling out so suddainly together bred a suspicion in many that they were made away by poison which was the rather believed because the French King was known to be displeased for their refuse of the matrimonial Crown to his son however it was the apprehension taken therefore begate a great hatred of the French amongst the people of this Realme In the moneth of April Walter Mill an old decrepit Priest having ceased from saying of Masse became suspected and was upon the same apprehended in Dysert by Sir George Strachen and Sir Hugh Torry two of the Archbishops of S. Andews Priests he was kept in the Castle and earnestly laboured to recant and acknowledge his errors but continuing firm and constant in his opinions his trial at last made and he accused in presence of the Bishops of S. Andrews Murray Brichen Cathnes and Athens the Abbots of Dunfermlin Lundors Balmerinoth and Couper Dean Iohn Winrame Sub-prior Iohn Grison a black Frier Mr. William Cranston Provost of the old Colledge and divers other Doctors of the University When he came into the Church and was led to the place where they had appointed him to stand he looked so feeble partly by age and travel partly by ill entertainment as it was feared none should hear what he answered Yet how soon he began to speak he delivered his mind with such quicknesse and courage as amazed his very enemies Sir Andrew Oliphant one of the Archbishops Priests commanded him to arise for he was upon his knees and answer to the Articles said Sir Walter Mill get up and answer for you keep my Lord here too long he notthelesse continued in his devotion and that done he arose and said he ought to obey God more then man I serve a mightier Lord then your Lord is And where you call me Sir Walter they call me Walter and not Sir Walter I have been too long one of the Popes Knights now say what you have to say Oliphant then began with this question What thinkest thou of Priests marriage He answered I esteem it a blessed bond ordained by God approved by Christ and made free to all sorts of men but you abhorre it and in the mean time take other mens wives and daughters you vow chastity and keep it not Oliphant proceeding said Thou sayest that there is not seven Sacraments He answered Give me the Lords Supper and Baptisme and take you the rest and part them amongst you Oliphant Thou sayest that the Masse is idolatry He answered A Lord sendeth and calleth many to his dinner and when it is ready ringeth the Bell and they come into the Hall but he turning his back upon the guests eateth all himself giving them no part and so do you Oliph Thou deniest the Sacrament of the Altar to be the body of Christ really in flesh and blood He answered The Scripture is not be taken carnally but spiritually and your Masse is wrong for Christ was once offered on the Crosse for mans sin and will never be offered again for then he put end to all sacrifices Oliph Thou deniest the office of the Bishop He answered I affirm they whom you call Bishops do not Bishops works nor use the Offices of Bishops but live after their own sensual pleasures taking no care for the flock nor yet regarding the word of God Oliph Thou speakest against pilgrimage and callest it a pilgrimage to whoredome He answered I say that pilgrimage is not commanded in the Scripture and that there is no greater whoredome in any place then at your pilgrimages except it be in the common brothels Oliph Thou preachest privately in houses and sometimes in the fields He answered Yea man and upon the sea too when I am sailing Oliph If thou wilt not recant thy opinions I will pronounce sentence against thee He answered I know I must die once therefore as Christ said to Judas Quod facis fac citò you shall know that I will not recant the truth for I am corn and no chaffe I will neither be blowne away with the wind nor burst with the flaile but will abide both These answers he gave with a great boldnesse to the admiration of all that were present Then did Oliphant pronounce sentence ordaining him to be delivered to the temporal Judge and burnt as an heretick but because no man could be found to supply the place of a Judge for Patrick Lermond Bailiffe of the Regalty did absolutely refuse nor in the whole City so much as a cord to be had for money to tye him after he should be condemned his life for one day was prolonged The next morning one of the Archbishops domesticks called Alexander Somervaile a wicked and
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
who formerly had given it to others The first thing they moved in the Articles was a supplication of the Barons Gentlemen Burgesses and other subjects concerning religion wherein three things were petitioned First that the Doctrine of the Romane Church professed and tyrannously maintained by the Clergy should be condemned and by Act of Parliament abolished Some particulars they named such as the Doctrine of Transubstantiation the adoration of Christs body under the form of bread the merit of works Papisticall Indulgences Purgatory Pilgrimage and praying to Saints departed These they reckoned to be pestilent errours such as could not but bring damnation to the souls of those who were therewith infected therefore desired a punishment to be appointed for the teachers and maintainers of such Doctrines Next that a remedy should be found against the profaning of the holy Sacraments by men of that profession and the true Discipline of the ancient Church revived and restored Thirdly that the Pope of Rome his usurped authority should be discharged and the patrimony of the Church imployed to the sustentation of the Ministery the provision of Schools and intertainment of the poore of a long time neglected This last clause was not very pleasing to divers of the Nobility who though they liked well to have the Pope his authority and doctrine condemned had no will to quit the Church Patrimony wherewith in that stirring time they had possessed themselves So making no answer to the last point the Ministers were desired to draw into severall heads the summe of the Doctrine they craved to be established that the same might be seen and considered by the Parliament This accordingly was done and the fourth day after which was the 17. of August exhibited to the Estates under this title The confession of the Faith and Doctrine believed and professed by the Protestants of Scotland It is the same confession word by word that you have registred in the first Parliament of King Iames the sixth which that the story may on with an uninterrupted delivery I thought not needfull here to insert The Confession read in open Parliament and put to voyces the Earle of Atholl the Lords Sommervill and Bothwick onely of all the temporall Estate disassented saying They would believe as their fathers before them had believed The Popish Prelats were silent and answered nothing whereupon the Earle Marshall brake forth into these speeches It is long since I carried some favour unto the truth and was somewhat jealous of the Romane religion but this day hath fully resolved me of the truth of the one and falshood of the other for seeing my Lords the Bishops who by their learning can and for the zeal they should have to the truth would as I suppose gainsay any thing repugnant unto it say nothing against the confession we have heard I cannot think but it is the very truth of God and the contrary of it false and deceiveable doctrine Thus was the confession of Faith approved and by publick voices of the Estates authorized At the same time there passed three other Acts in favour of the Professors one for abolishing the Popes Jurisdiction and authority within the Realm a second annulling all Statutes made in preceding times for maintenance of idolatry and a third for punishment of the sayers and hearers of Mass. With these Acts Sr. Iames Sandelands Knight of the Rhodes a Gentleman of good account who had carried himself as neuter in all these broiles was directed to France for obtaining a ratification of the same from the Queen and the King her husband and therewith was desired to clear the Noblemen and other Subjects from imputations of disloyalty cast upon them and to pacifie the mindes of their Soveraignes whom they understood to be much exasperated by all the good wayes he could use But he found his Ambassage and himself both contemned the Guisians who were the onely men then in account with the King checking him bitterly at his first audience for that he being a Knight of the holy Order should have taken a Commission from Rebells to sollicite a ratification of execrable Heresies The Gentleman did what he could to mitigate their wrath but nothing could avail So was he dismissed without answer whereof the Archbishop of Glasgow the Abbat of Dunfermlin and the Lord Seaton 〈◊〉 from Leth with the company of French were generally blamed The cold entertainment he found in that Court was soon advertised which troubled greatly the 〈◊〉 of the Professors for they were sensible of their own weakness and 〈…〉 from England if France should again invade because of the loss the 〈…〉 received in the late expedition neither had the Earl of Morton and Glencarn who upon the breaking up of the Parliament were sent into England to render thanks to the Queen and to intreat the continuance of her favour given any advertisement of their acceptance But whilest they stood thus fearfull newes was brought of the French Kings death which raised their hearts not a little neither were they more glad then the French faction were sorrowfull These meeting in the most secret manner they could took counsell to send Mr. Iohn Lesley afterwards Bishop of Rosse with letters to the Queen intreating her to return into Scotland withall to shew her that the best course she could take was to land at Aberdene where she should be honourably received and find such assistance of the Noblemen in these quarters as at her first coming she might re-establish the Catholick Religion he was also desired to warn the Queen not to give ear to the counsels of her brother who as they said was of an aspiring minde and aimed at no less then the Government of the Realm whom she should do wisely to cause be detained in France till matters at home were fully settled The letter he carried was subscribed by the Archbishop of Saint Andrewes the Bishops of Aberdene Murray and Rosse the Earles of Huntly Craford Athol Sutherland and Cathnesse On the other side the Noblemen that had assisted the expulsion of the French how soon they heard of the death of King Francis convened at Edinburgh and after counsell taken directed Lord Iames to the Queen to perswade her in like manner to return But Lesly using greater diligence came to her some dayes before him and finding her at Vitrie in Champaigne wthier she was gone to seek a secret place for her sorrow delivered the letters and credit he was trusted with The Queen hearing all answered that the Prelats and Noblemen by whom he was imployed should rest assured of her favour willing him to advertise so much and to attend till she could resolve upon her return Incontinent after Leslies coming the Queens uncles did enter in deliberation what course was best for her to take and whether or not she should return to Scotland for they conceived the passage by Sea would be dangerous she not being assured of the Queen
right and reason surely I my self would never think my estate assured if once my successor were known to the world This is the summe of that which passed at this second audience Not many days after getting accesse he askt the Queen what answer she would give to the Nobility she said At this time I have no answer to give but that I approve the affection and sedulous care they have of their Soveraigns good estate but the matter is of such weight as I cannot on a suddain or directly answer it When your Queen shall perform her promise concerning the treaty of Leth it will be time to require a proof of my affection towards her till then I cannot with safety of mine honour gratify her in any thing Lethington replied as before that he had no Commission in that businesse and that in the matter of succession he had shewed more his own judgement then the mind of the Queen his Mistresse for he could never think the confirmation of the treaty of Leth to be a thing of that importance as for the delay or refusal of that the Queen of Scots and her posterity should be excluded from the succession of the Crown of England Neither will I now saith he enquire by whom that treaty was concluded at what time in what manner by what authority and for what cause it was done for I have no warrant to speak of these things but this I dare affirm that albeit the Queen following her husbands direction had ratified the treaty she should have found her self thereby so farre interessed as she would doubtless used all means to free her self of the same And this I say not in the Queens name but only to make it seem that our Noblemen have reason to travel that all debates and controversies may cease and a firm and perpetual peace may be established This and some other speeches interchanged amongst them touching the treaty moved the Queen of England to agree that the same should be revised by some Commissioners and corrected after this form That the Queen of Scots should thenceforth abstain from using the English Armes and from the titles of the Crown of England and Ireland during the life of Queen Elizabeth and her posteriy That on the other part the Queen of England should oblige her self and the children begotten of her to do nothing in prejudice of the Queen of Scots her succession These were the things acted in this legation Now at home the Queen keeping a progresse in the countrey went from Edinburgh to Striveling from thence to Perth Dundy and S. Andrews and other special Burghs where she was received with much honour and triumph returning to Edinburgh a little before the feast of Michaelmas at which time the Burgesses are wont to elect their annual Magistrates and to set down statutes for the good of the town amongst other acts one was published inhibiting that any adulterer fornicator drunkard Masse Priest or obstinate Papist should be received in the town under such pains as the law did prescribe The Queen interpreting that to be an usurpation of royal power did commit Archibald Douglas Provost to the Castle of Edinburgh charging the Councel of the Town to make a new election which they obeyed chusing Mr. Thomas ... in his place A Proclamation was likewise made granting liberty to all good and faithfull subjects to repair and remain within the Burgh at their pleasure for doing their lawfull and ordinary business These things ministred great offence who seeing the Queen take more liberty then she did in the beginning keeping her Masses more publick and causing them to be celebrated with a greater pomp did mightily complain thereof in their Sermons but profited little for some of the Noblemen who had in former times shewed themselves most jealous against the toleration of idolatrie were grown a little more cold by the flatteries of Court and all of them emulous of others greatness were striving who should be in most favour with the Queen She had some while before this taken to be of her privy Councell the Duke of Chattellerault the Earls of Huntly Argile Atholl Morton Marshall Glencarn Montrosse and Arroll Lord Iames her brother the Lord Ereskin and Mr. Iohn Lesly Bishop of Rosse Huntly was created Chancellor one that in matters of religion had behaved himself very unconstantly and to win the Queens favour was now become altogether Popish This animated the Priests and others of that faction which before were quiet and put them in some heart One Ninian Winyet Schoolmaster at Linlithgow a man of reasonable learning set forth a Book of questions against the confession of Faith which went currant in the Court and was much esteemed by them of his Profession Being cited and divers conferences kept with him to make him acknowledge his errors he continued obstinate and was therefore sentenced by the Church wherefore he forsook the Countrey and flying to Germany was preferred to be Abbot of the Scottish Monastery at Ratisbone where he lived many years The Abbot of Corsragnell in the West published about the same time another Faith Whereunto Iohn Knox having made a reply and the Author in regard of his age and quality of birth for he was of the house of Cassils was thought fit to be overseen Mean while the Court was busied in a consultation how to supply the charge of the Queens house which the ordinary revenues of the Crown could not so honourably maintain as was required Divers being thought upon the readiest seemed to fall upon the Church rents and draw somewhat from the Prelates and beneficed Persons To this purpose they were convened before the Councell and after a long Treaty and many perswasions used considering with themselves how they subsisted merely by the Queens favour and that by refusing a part they might endanger the whole they were induced to yield the third part of their benefices to be disposed of at the Queens pleasure and assumed forth of what places her Collectors should choose her Majesty securing them of the two parts during their lives and liberating them of the Ministers with whose maintenance they were continually boasted It carried some shew of commodity this at first but turned to little or nothing the Prelates and beneficed men undervaluing their rents and making up a third which did afterwards when the number of Ministers increased scarce suffice to their provisions Much about this time a rumour was raised in the Court and went a while uncontrolled that the Earl of Arran intended to ravish the Queen whom he was known to love most passionately She whether counterfeiting a fear or that there was any cause given that way it is not known did leavy a guard of horse and foot to attend her person which put divers in fear and opened the mouths of discontented people as if some grounds of tyranny had been thereby laid But she not regarding these surmises and
when she came in publick and divers that had set their hands and seals to the marriage fell now openly to condemn it as that which ministred too just a suspicion that she was consenting to the death of the King her husband The Earl of Athol immediately after the murther of the King had forsaken the Court and lived at home waiting some occasion to be revenged of the doers and now esteeming it fit to shew himself he came to Striveling where in a meeting of Noblemen that were desired to come thither upon his motion a bond was made for the preservation of the young Prince lest Bothwell getting him in custody should make him away as no man doubted he would as well to advance his own succession as to cut off the innocent childe who in all probability would one day revenge his fathers death The principals of this combination were the Earls of Argile Atholl Morton Marre and Glencarne with the Lords Lindesay and Boyd But Argile out of a facility which was naturall unto him detected all their counsells to the Queen and the Lord Boyd with great promises was won to the adverse party Bothwell suspecting some insurrection advised the Queen for saving her reputation in forain parts to acquaint the French King and her kinsmen of the house of Guise with her marriage and the reasons thereof desiring them sith that which was done could not be again undone to favour her husband no less then they did her self And to this effect the Bishop of Dumblane was sent into France with letters to all her friends Neither did he admit to do at home what he thought might serve to fortifie himself for divers Noblemen and Barons were invited to Court and at their coming solicited to enter into bond for the defence of the Queen and Bothwell who should on the other part be obliged to protect them in all their affairs Some of these being wrought to the purpose did set their hands willingly to the bond the rest though they would gladly have shunned it yet because they held it dangerous to refuse subscribed in like sort Onely the Earl of Murray of all that were called denied to enter in any bond with the Queen it being neither lawfull for him as he said nor honourable for her whom in all things it was his duty to obey Concerning Bothwell he said that he was reconciled unto him by the Queens mediation and would faithfully keep all that he had promised but to enter in bond with him or any other he did not think it the part of a good subject Shortly after this he obtained leave howbeit not without some difficulty to go into France for he saw troubles breeding in which he loved not to have an hand How soon he was gone choice was made of a new Councell and the Archbishop of St. Andrewes with the Lords Oliphant and Beyd received into the number for their better and more easie attendance they had their times of waiting particularly assigned The Earls of Crawford Arroll and Cassils with the Bishop of Ross and the Lord Oliphant were appointed to begin and attend from the 1. of Iune to the 16. of Iuly The Earls of Morton and Rothes with the Bishop of Calloway and the Lord Fleming were to succeed and remain from the 16. of Iuly to the penult of August After them the Archbishop of St. Andrews the Earls of Argile and Cathnes with the Lord Hereis to the 15. of October And from that day to the 1. of December the Earl of Huntley who was then created Chancellour the Earls of Atholl Marshall and Lord Boyd were appointed to wait at which time Crawford and Arroll were again to begin and the rest to follow in their order for the same space So as during the whole year the Counsellours should be tied to the attendance of 3 moneths onely It was alwayes provided that so many of the forenamed persons as happened to be at Court should during their abode notwithstanding of their severall assignments be present with the others And that it should be lawfull for the Queen to adjoyn at any time such as she thought worthy of that honour The same day a Proclamation was given out Declaring all writings purchased from the Queen for permitting Papists to use the exercise of their Religion to make no faith her Majesty being no way minded to violate the Act made at her first arrivall and often since that time renued in favours of the true Religion But this did not repress the murmurs of the people for which it was specially intended Wherefore some few dayes after the Queen by Bothwels perswasion taking purpose to visit the borders and having charged the subjects to accompany her thither with a provision for 15. dayes according to the custome it was publickly rumored that these forces were gathering for some other business and that the intention was to have the Prince her son in her own custody and taken out of the Earl of Marre his hands So as a new Declaration came forth To certify the people of her good affection and that she never meaned to make any novations in the Kingdom by altering the lawes thereof nor do any thing in the publick affairs but by the advice of the Noblemen of her Councel And for her sonne as she had trusted him to such a Governour as other Princes in former times were custome to have so her motherly care for his safety and good education should be made apparent to all But no regard was had to these Declarations and the Noblemen who had combined themselves at Striveling taking Armes and being assisted by the Lord Home environed on the suddain the Castle of Borthwick wherein the Queen and Bothwel were then remaining yet their companies not sufficing to inclose the house for Athol did not keep the Diet Bothwel first escaped and after him the Queen disguised in mans apparel fled to Dumbar The Lords upon their escape retired to Edinburgh where they expected the rest of their forces would meet There lay in the Town at that by the Queens direction the Earl of Huntley the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishop of Ross the Abbot of Kilwining and the Lord Boyd How soon they heard of the Lords coming they went to the street offering themselves to conduct the people and to assist them in the defence of the Town but they found few or none willing to joyn with them and the peoples affections wholly inclining to the Lords The Magistrates gave order to shut the gates but no further resistance was made so as the Lords entering by the gate called S. Maryport which was easily brokeup they made themselves Master of the Town Huntley and the rest taking their refuge to the Castle were received by the Keeper Sir Iames Balfour a man much trusted by Bothwel though at the same time he was treating with the Lords for delivering the Castle into their hands The
watchmen were killed and the munition seâ—sed The Lord Fleming who commanded the Castle hearing the tumult fled to the neather Balze so they call the part by which they descend to the river and escaped in a little Boat The souldiers and other servants yielding were spared and freely dimitted Within the Castle were the Archbishop of S. Andrews Monsieur Veras the French man the Lady Fleming Iohn Fleming of Boghall Alexander Levingston sonne to the Lord Levingston and Iohn Hall an English man who were all made prisoners The next morning the Regent came thither for he was lying at Glasgow and using the Lady honourably suffered her to depart with her plate jewels and all that appertained either to her or to her husband Veras was sent to be kept at S. Andrews and permitted afterwards to depart The English man Hall was delivered to the Marshal of Berwick Boghall and the Lord Levingstons son were deteined The Archbishop was sent to Striveling and the first of April publickly hanged on a gibbet erected to that purpose This was the first Bishop that suffered by form of Justice in this Kingdome a man he was of great action wise and not unlearned but in life somewhat dissolute His death especially for the manner of it did greatly incense his friends and disliked of divers who wished a greater respect to have been carried to his age and place But the suspicion of his guiltinesse in the murthers of the King and Regent made him of the common sort lesse regrated It is said that being questioned of the Regents murther he answered That he might have stayed the same and was sorry he did it not But when he was charged with the Kings death he denied the same Yet a Priest called Thomas Robinson that was brought before him affirmed that one Iohn Hamilton commonly called Black Iohn had confessed to him on his death-bed that he was present by his direction at the murther Whereunto he replied That being a Priest he ought not to reveale Confessions and that no mans Confession could make him guilty But for none of those points was he condemned nor the ordinary form of Trial used though he did earnestly request the same Only upon the forfeiture laid against him in Parliament he was put to death and the execution hastened lest the Queen of England should have interceded for his life They who stood for the Queen upon advertisement that the Treatie was dissolved and that she had recalled the Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston did presently take Armes The Laird of Grange to keep the Town of Edinburgh under command did plant in the steeple of S. Giles some souldiers and transport all the Armour and Munition which was kept in the Town-house to the Castle After a few days the Duke of Chattellerault came thither with the Earls of Argile and Huntley the Lords Hereis Boyd and divers others to stay the holding of the Parliament which had been adjourned to the fourteenth of May. At their coming they compelled the Clerks and Keepers of the Register to deliver the books of Councel and Parliament and seised on every thing which they thought might hinder the States to convene The Ministers were commanded in their publick prayers to make mention of the Queen their Soveraign Princesse which they resused Iohn Knox withdrew himself and retired to S. Andrews Alexander Bishop of Galloway preaching in his place The Regent on the other side with the Nobility that adhered to the King came into Leth with a resolution to hold the Parliament whatsoever should follow and because it would be a difficil work to recover the town conclusion was taken to keep the Parliament in that part of the Canon gate which is subject to the townes jurisdiction the Lawyers having resolved that in what part soever of the towne the Estates should convene their meeting would be found lawful Thus on Munday the fourteenth of May which was the Diet appointed the Parliament according to the custome was fenced in a house without the gates yet within the liberties of the town The Saterday preceding the Regent had by advice of the Councel sent some men of warre to possesse that part of the town who were assisted by certain Noblemen voluntiers that joyned in the service And notwithstanding the continual playing of the Ordinance upon that part from the Castle both that day and all the time the Parliament sate not a man a thing most strange of the Regents side was either hurt or killed there were cited to the Parliament young Lethington his brother Mr. Iohn Maitland Prior of Coldingham Gawan Hamilton Abbot of Kilwining with his eldest son and a base son of the late Archbishop of S. Andrews who were all declared culpable of treason Young Lethington because of his foreknowledge and counsel given to King Henry his murther the rest for their rebellion against the King and his Regents As in such a troubled time the Parliament was very frequent for of the Nobility were present the Earls of Morton Marre Glencarn Crawford who some moneths before had forsaken the Queens faction and submitted himself to the King Buchan and Menteith the Lord Keith and Graham as proxies for their Fathers the Earls of Marshal and Montrosse with the Lords Lindesay Ruthven Glamis Zeister Methven Ochiltrie Cathcart two Bishops nine Abbots and Priors with twenty Commissioners of Burghs The forfeiture pronounced the Estates took counsel to dissolve because the danger was great and prorogued the Parliament to the third of August appointing the same to meet at Striveling A new Civil warre did then break up which kept the Realm in trouble the space of two years very nigh and was exherced with great enmity on all sides You should have seen fathers against their sons sons against their fathers brother fighting against brother nigh kinsmen and others allied together as enemies seeking one the destruction of another Every man as his affection led him joyned to the one or other party one professing to be the Kings men another the Queens The very young ones scarce taught to speak had these words in their mouthes and were sometimes observed to divide and have their childish conflicts in that quarrel But the condition of Edinburgh was of all parts of the countrey the most distressed they that were of quiet disposition and greatest substance being forced to forsake their houses which were partly by the souldiers partly by other necessitous people who made their profit of the present calamities rifled and abused The nineteenth day of May the Regent and other Noblemen leaving the Canon gate went to Leth and the next day in the afternoon took their journey towards Striveling where the ordinary Judges of Session were commanded to sit for ministring justice to the Leiges As they were taking horse the forces within Edinburgh issued forth making shew to sight yet still they kept themselves under guard of the Castle The Earl of Morton parting
and for this Sir William proponed that he should stand between the companies and upon a sign to be given by him both should turn at one instant The Earl of Morton accepted the condition lest he should offend the Gentleman who had taken such pains amongst them the others refused giving forth great brags that they should make them leave the fields with shame if they did it not willingly How soon Morton was advertised of the difficulty they made he cried aloud On on we shall see who keeps the fields last and therewith gave so hard a charge upon them as they disordered both the horse and foot The Chase held towards the Watergate where by reason of the skant and narrow passage many were killed and trod to death but the number of prisoner were greater for there were 150. taken amongst whom were the Lord Home and Capt. Iames Cullen the Abbot of Kilwining was killed a Gentleman of good worth and greatly lamented for he was of all that faction esteemed most moderate There died some 50. in all most of them common souldiers and of mean accompt On Mortons side Captain Weymis with one only souldier was slain this conflict happened on Satturday the 28. of Iune 1571. Advertisement hereof sent to the Regent he came the next day to Leth where first order was taken with the prisoners and the Lord Home sent to Tantallan But he stayed not long there for the Lord of Drumlanrig being intercepted by Sir David Spence of Wormston as he was making homewards an exchange was made of the Lord Home with him Captain Cullen a man infamous and who in the last wars had used great cruelty was hanged on a Gibbet The rest upon promise not to serve against the King were dimitted Resolution then was taken for the Regents abode at Leth and the countreys attendance upon him by quarters to keep the adversaries busied and hinder the victualling of the town During which time no day passed without one conflict or other wherein sometimes the Regent and sometimes the Queens party had the better at this time upon a report carried to the Laird of Grange that he was commonly called by those of Leth the Traytor he sent a Trumpet to appeal any one of their side to combat that should dare to affirm so much The Laird of Garleys offering to maintain it time and place were appointed for the sight and when all were expecting the issue of it Grange excused himself by the publick charge he bare saying that it was not thought convenient he should hazard the cause in his own person Notwithstanding of this great heat amongst the parties the Queen of England ceased not to mediate an accord and by a letter to the Marshal dated the 19th of Iuly willed him to move them of new for an abstinence offering to send persons of authority and credit to the borders who should travel to agree them and remove all differences as well concerning the title of the Crown as other private matters and because it was given her to understand that both parties had indicted Parliaments to August next she desired that no proceeding should be made therein either by making of lawes or by denouncing any persons forfeited and that only they should authorize certain persons to meet with her Commissioners for consulting upon the best means to conclude a solid peace There was also a letter of safe conduct sent for any one that Grange would direct unto England for this he had desired Lethington excepted and those that were suspected of the late Kings murther But whether this exception gave the cause or the daily incouragements sent by the French none was directed thither The Regent by his answer of the 27. excused the not yielding to the abstinence which he said without evident prejudice to the Kings cause could not be granted so long as Edinburgh was detained For other points he answered That by himself without the consent of the Nobility and Estates he could say nothing but at their meeting in August her Majesty should receive all reasonable satisfaction The adversary party in the mean time nothing relenting of their course did keep a form of Parliament at Edinburgh the 22. August and though they were but five persons in all present that had any voice in the State to wit two Bishops and three Noblemen they pronounced above 200. persons forfeited The Regent advertising the Queen of England how they had proceeded and what disorder did shew the necessity whereunto they that lived in the Kings obedience were brought and how it concerned him and the rest to prosecute what they had justly intended in regard of their enemies precipitation So in the Parliament kept at Striveling the 28. of the same moneth sentence of forfeiture was pronounced against the Duke of Chatteller ault and his two sons the Abbot of Aberbrothock and Lord Claud the Earl of Huntley the Laird of Grange and some others And for satisfying the Queen of Englands desire the Earl of Morton Marre and Glencarn the Lords Semple Ruthven and Glamis with the Bishop of Orkney the Abbots of Dunfermlin and S. Colmes Inche Sir Iohn Ballendine Justice Clerk and Mr. Iames Mr. Gill Clerk of Register were nominated by the Estates and Commission given or to any four three or two of that number to treat with such as the Queen of England should appoint upon the differences arisen amongst the subjects by occasion of the late troubles and for contracting a League offensive and defensive betwixt the two Realms Of all that did the Regent give notice to the Queen beseeching her not to presse them with any thing that might seem to call the Kings authority in question But before these letters came to her hands he was killed as ye shall hear Lord Claud Hamilton having intelligence given him of the security wherein the Regent and Nobility lived at Striveling and how as in a time of setled peace they did not so much as keep a watch by night took resolution to invade them and was therein greatly incouraged by Cap. George Bell a man born in Striveling one that knew all the passages streets who made offerto put him the company he should bring with him safely in the town This he communicated to the Earl of Huntley Walter Scot of Bacleugh and David Spence of Wormeston who were all content to joyn in the enterprise The second of September they went from Edinburgh a little before Sun-setting accompanied with 200. horse and 300. foot and lest their journey should be suspected they made the rumour go that they went towards Iedburgh to compose a discord fallen out betwixt the town and the Laird of Fernherst To ease the footmen they had taken all the horses which came the day before to the Market and as many as they could otherwise purchase by the way and so marching with a wonderful confidence for by the wayall their discourse
should prefer none thereto but such as was sound in Religion and for other qualities apt and worthy That during his Regencie he should grant no respits nor remissions for hainous crimes That he should not transport the King forth of the Castle of Striveling without the advice of the Councel That he should grant no favour to the murtherers of the Kings Father and Regents That he should neither enter into league with forainers nor denounce warre without the consent of the Estates And that he should be careful to entertain the amity contracted with the Queen of England The Estates on the other part did promise to assist him with all their power against the Kings enemies and to joyn with him in the reformation of whatsoever abuses crept in by occasion of the late troubles without offending at the execution of justice upon their nearest and dearest friend Order was also taken for the entertainment of his house the setling of a resident Councel and the advancing of the revenues of the Crown to the best profit And these were the things done in that meeting Soon after came Sir Henry Killigrew Ambassadour from England partly to declare the content which the Queen had received in the choice of the Earl of Morton to be Regent and partly to renew the Abstinence which was then near the expiring Herein he prevailed so farre with the Duke and Huntley as they were brought not only to prorogate the Abstinence but also to name certain Noblemen who should meet for them at Perth with such as the Regent by advice of the Councel should nominate for concluding a perfect peace The Laird of Grange and those that remained with him in the Castle refusing to be comprehended in that treaty went on in victualling and fortifying the house for impeding whereof the Regent did levie some companies of souldiers to inclose the Castle and because the time of Parliament was approaching he caused erect Bulwarks in divers places of the street to secure the people at their meetings to Sermon and the Judges that convened to the ministration of Justice Grange finding himself thus pent up did by a Proclamation from the Castle wall command all the Queens subjects to depart forth of the town within the space of 24. hours The time expired he made the Cannon thunder upon the town to the great terrour of the Inhabitants yet there was no great hurt done that way which when he perceived he hired one of his souldiers to set fire in the night time to some houses under the wall which destroyed a number of tenements for a strong Western wind blowing in the time the fire did so rage as from S. Magdalens Chappel Westward all was consumed none daring to put hand to quench the fire because of the Canon that played still on the part where they saw any concurse of people This made him extremely hated and even they that otherwise wished him well were greatly offended with this doing The Parliament notthelesse kept and thre in divers Acts were mode partly for maintaining the Kings authority partly for preservation of true Religion which causes were held in those days so conjoyned as the enemies of the one were likewise esteemed enemies to the other Therefore was it then enacted That none should be reputed loyal and faithful subjects to the King or his authority but be punished as rebels who made not profession of true Religion And that all such as made profession thereof and yet withstood the Kings authority should be admonished by their teachers to acknowledge their offence and return to his Majesties obedience and if they refused that they should be excommunicated and cut of from the society of the Church as putrid and corrupted members The Parliament breaking up the Regent by advice of the Councel directed to the meeting at Perth the Earl of Argile then created Chancellour the Earl of Montrosse the Abbot of Dunfermlin Secretary the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Sir Iohn Ballenden Justice Clerk There met with them the Earl of Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton Commendatory of Aberbrothock authorised by the rest that maintained the Queens authority The English Ambassadour assisting them after some days conference they were brought to agree upon these Articles 1. That all persons comprehended in the present pacification should acknowledge and professe the true Religion established and professed within the Realm and maintain the Preachers and professours thereof against all opposers specially against the confederates of the Councel of Trent 2. That the Earl of Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton with their friends and followers should submit themselves to the King and to the government of the Earl of Morton his Regent and his successours in the same acknowledging themselves the Kings subjects by their oaths and subscriptions 3. That they should confesse all things done by them under colour of any other authority since the time of his Majesties Coronation to have been unlawful and of no force nor effect 4. That an Act of Parliament should be made with all their consents ordaining that none of the subjects should assist fortify supply or shew any favour directly nor indirectly to those who should happen to practise against the religion presently professed the Kings person his authority or Regent And if they should be tried to do any thing to the contrary the remissions granted to them with all other benefits of the pacification should be null and they pursued for their offences past as if they had never obtained pardon for the same 5. That all persons professing his Highnesse obedience who had been dispossessed during the late troubles should be reponed to their houses lands livings benefices and whatsoever goods belonging to them if so the same were extant in the hands of the intrometters horses and armour only excepted 6. That the Master of Forbes Iames Glen of Barre and all other persons should be set at liberty as likewise the bonds given by the Lord Semple and others for entry of prisoners or for paiment of any ransomes be discharged 7. That the Earl or Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton should dimit and cause all souldiers hired or maintained by them or any of their party to be forthwith dimitted 8. That all processes of forfeiture which had been led especially the sentences given against the Earl of Huntley Lord Iohn Hamilton and Lord Claud his brother William Bishop of Aberdene Alexander Bishop of Galloway Adam Gordon of Awchindown and the rest of their friendship for any crimes or offences done in the common cause against the King and his authority since the 15th of Iune 1567. or for any other cause contained in the summons of forfeiture raised against them should be declared null and of no force without any other special declaration And that the foresaid persons should have liberty given them to reduce the said forfeitures as they should please 9. That all persons then returning or who should return to the Kings obedience and
Borders and for creating Lieutenants one or more upon occasions The persons he chused to attend him in the journey were the Duke of Lennox the Earls of Marre Murray and Argile the Lord Hume Sir George Hume Treasurer Mr. Iames Elphingston Secretary Sir David Murray Comptroller Sir Robert Ker of Cessord with the ordinary Gentlemen of the Chamber and of the Clergy David â—ishop of Rosse Peter Bishop of Dunkeld Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Andrew Lamb Mr. Iohn Spotswood Mr. Gawen Hamilton and Mr. Alexander Forbes Ministers Things thus ordered the King went the next morning to S. Giles to hear a Sermon Mr. Iohn Hall whose course it was preaching took occasion to remember the great mercies of God towards his Majesty reckoning the peaceable succession to the Crown of England none of the least This he said was Gods own proper work for who could else directed the hearts of so numerous a people with such an unanime consent to follow the way of right Thereupon he did exhort his Majesty to thankfulness to the maintenance of Gods truth and that he would send home some of those commendable orders he would find whither he was going The King accepting his exhortation in good part did upon the end of the Sermon make a speech to the people which at the time were frequently convened and promising to have care of them and their good gave them a most loving and kind farewell This was followed with such a mourning and lamentation of all sorts as cannot be well expressed For albeit they joyed not a little at first to hear of that accession of honour to their King yet considering they should be deprived of his presence and have no more a resident King among them they were grieved out of all measure This affection of the people moved also the King greatly therefore when the Magistrates Ministers and others of the better sort came to receive his commandments he spake gratiously unto them willing them not to be troubled with his departing for that they should finde the fruits of his government as well afarre off as when he was neer at hand and as his power was now encreased and made greater so his love towards them should not be a whit diminished In this sort did he part and beginning his journey on Wednesday the fourth of Aprill came the day to Berwick there he was welcomed with a most eloquent Sermon by Toby Matthew Bishop of Durham for he went first to the Church which finished he was conveyed to the Palace by the Governor and garrison the munition playing from the walls and the Citizens with showts and acclamations testifying their gladness The ninth of that moneth he went to Newcastle where he aboad some few days and because multitudes of people from all quarters were daily coming to see the King and offer their service Order was taken that no strangers should have access granted till the Chamberlain or Master of the Guard was acquainted with their business At York he was met with the Councellors and from thence by easie journeys travelled to London how his Majesty was there received and what other things happened in the time I remit to the English History my purpose being only to relate the things passed in Scotland or had some reference to matters of that Church and Kingdome Being at Burleigh house neer unto Stamford the King was advertised of the death of Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow who deceased at Paris in the same moneth This man was descended of the house of Balfoure in Fife and consecrate Bishop at Rome in the year 1552 and at the time of reformation forsook the Countrey out of the hatred he bare to those that had hand in that work and carried with him all the writs and evidents of the Sea of Glasgow with the vessels and ornaments of the Cathedrall Church things of exceeding great worth for besides those of ordinary use there belonged to that Church the Image of our Saviour in beaten gold and the portraits of the twelve Apostles in silver The Queen returning from France did establish him Ambassadour in these parts for her affairs under the government of the Regents he was forfeited and deprived of his living which as we shewed before was conferred upon Mr. Iames Boyd Trochrig and after him went through divers hands till the King at his majority did restore him to his dignity honour and living employing him likewise for his Ambassadour in France a man honourably disposed faithfull to the Queen while she lived and to the King her son a lover of his Countrey and liberall according to his meanes to all his Countreymen in his last Will he bequeathed all his means to pious uses leaving as was said ten thousand Crownes for the education of poor Scholars being Scottish men born The evidents vessels and ornaments of the Sea of Glasgow he consigned in the hands of the Carthusians of Paris appointing the same to be redelivered how soon Glasgow should become Catholick and this year being the 66 of his age departed peaceably this life The King having destinated Mr. Iohn Spotswood for his successor sent him back to attend the Queen in her journey and serve her for elemosynar Soon after his coming her Majesty went to Striveling of mind to bring away the Prince her son and carry him along with her self to England but being denied by the friends of the house of Marre she became so incensed as falling into a feaver she made a pitifull abortion Advertisement of this being sent unto the King he caused the Earl of Marre to return and after him sending the Duke of Lennox with a warrant to receive the Prince and deliver him to the Queen he was brought unto her at Halirudhouse about the end of May yet she not satisfied herewith complained bitterly of the dishonour she had received and by a letter written to the King full of passron and anger which she gave her Elemosynar to carry required a publick reparation by the punishment of the Earl of Marre and his servants The King who knew the Earl himself to be blameless and desired not to be troubled with such business especially at that time returned this answer That she should doe wisely to forget the grudges she carryed to the Earl of Marre and thank God of the peaceable possession they had obtained of these Kingdomes which next unto God his goodness he ascribed to the last negotiation of the Earl of Marre in England This reported to the Queen for the messenger was commanded to speak so much she in a great choler replyed That she rather would have wished never see England then to be in any sort beholden to him for the same Yet as she was a most mild Princess and very carefull to please the King in every thing at her coming to Windsor which was about the end of Iune she was reconciled to the Earl of Marre and he by Act of Councell declared to
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
Scripturis Primaeva Antiquitale adstruuntur contra sentenliam D. Blondelli aliorum Authore Henrico Hammond in 4o. 4. A Letter of Resolution of six Quaere's in 12o. 5. Of Schisme A Dâ—fence of the Church of England against the Exceptions of the Romanists in 13o. 6. Of Fundamentals in a notion referring to Practise by H. Hammond D. D. in 12o. 7. An Answer to the Animadversions on the Dissertations touching Ignatius Epistles and the Episcopacy in them asserted subscribed by Iohn Owen servant of Jesus Christ in 40. 8. A Vindication of the Dissertations concerining Episcopacy from the Exceptions offered against them by the London Ministers in their Ius Divinum ministerii Evangelici in 4o. 9. A Reply to the Cathol Gent Answer to the most materiall part of the Book of Schisme together with an Account of H. T. His Appendix to his Manuall of Controversies c. 4o. The names of several Treatises and Sermons written by Ier Taylor D. D. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 A Course of Sermons for all the Sundayes of the Year Together with a Discourse of the Divine Institution Necessity Sacredness and Separation of the Office Ministerial in fol. 2. Episcopacy asserted in 4o. 3. The History of the Life and Death of the Ever-blâ—ssed Jesus Christ 2d Edit in fol. 4. The Liberty of Prophesying in 4o. 5. An Apology for authorized and Set-forms of Liturgie in 4o. 6. A Discourse of Baptisme its institution and efficacy upon all Believers in 4o. 7. The Rule and Exercises of holy living in 12o. 8. The Rule and Exercises of holy dying in 12o. 9. A Short Catechisme for institution of yong persons in the Christian Religion in 12o. 10. A Short Institution of Grammar composed for Yong Scholars in 8o. 11. The Reall Presence and Spirituall of CHRIST in the Blessed Sacrament proved against the Doct. ine of Transubstantiation in 8o. 12. A Manuall of daily Prayers fitted to the daies of the week together with a Short Method of Peace and Holyness Certamen Religiosum or a Conference between the late King of England and the late Lord Marquiss of Worcester concerning Religion at Ragland Castle Together with a Vindication of the Protestant Cause by Chr. Cartwright in 4o. The Psalter of David with Titles and Collects according to the mâ—tter of each Psalm by the Right honourable Chr. Hatton in 12º the 5. Edition with Additionals Boanerges and Barnabas or Judgement and Mercy for wounded and â—fflicted souls in several Soliloquies by Francis Quarles in 12o. The life of Faith in Dead Times by CBr Hudson Preacher at Putney in 12o. The Guide unto True Blessedness or a Body of the Doctrine of the Scriptures dirâ—cting a man to the saving knowledge of God by Sam. Crook in 12o. Six excellent Sermons upon several occasions preached by Edward Willan Vicar of Hoxne in 4o. The Dipper dipt or the Anabaptists duck'd and plung'd over head and ears by Daniel Featly D. D. in 4o. Hermes Theologus or a Divine Mercury new descants upon old Records by Theoph. Wodnote in 12o. Philosophical Elements concerning Government and Civil society by Thomas Hobbs of Malmesbury in 12º An Essay upon Statius or the five first books of Publ. Papinius Statius his Thebais by Tho. Stephens Schoolmaster in S. Edmonds-bury in 80. Nomenclatura Brevis Anglo-Latino-Graeca in usum Scholae Westmonasteriensis per F. Gregory in 8o. Etymologicum Parvum in usum Scholae publica Westmonasterieusis opera studio Francisci Gregorii in 8o. Grammatices Graecae Enchtridion in usum Scholae Collegialis Wigornae in 8o. A Discourse of Holy Love by Sir Geo Strode Knight in 12o. The Saints Honey-comb full of Divine Truths by R. Gove Preacher of Henton S. George in Somersetshire in 8o. The Communicants Guide directing the yonger sort which have never yet received and the elder and ignorant sort which have hitherto received unworthily how they may receive the Sacrament of the Lords Supper with comfort by R. Gove in 8o. A Contemplation of Heaven with an Exercise of Love and a Descant on the Prayer in the Garden by a Catholick Gent. in 12o. A Full Answer to a Declaration of the House of Commons concerning no more addresses to the King printed at Oxford 1648 in 4o. The Royallists Defence Printed at Oxford 1648 in 4o. Mercurius Rusticus or the Conntreymans complaint Printed at Oxford 1648 in 8o. A Relation of the Conference between Will Laud Lord Archbishop of Canterbury and Mr. Fisher the Jesuit by command of K. Iames fol. Church Lands not to be sold 1647. in 8o. The Countreymans Catechisme or the Churches plea for Tithes by R. Boreman B. D. in 4o. The Regall Apology Printed at Oxford in 4o. A Fair Warning to take heed of the Scottish Discipline by Bishop Bramhall in 4o. Sacrosancta Regia Majestas in 4o. Printed at Oxford and written by the Archbishop of Tuum The Christians Directory in 12o. The Royall slave a Play in 4º acted at Christ Church in Oxford Devotion digested into several Discourses and Meditations upon the Lords most holy Prayer Together with additional Exercitations upon Baptism The Lords Supper Heresies Blasphemy The Creatures The souls pantings after God The Mercies of God The souls complaint of its absence from God by Peter Samwaies Fellow lately resident in Trinity College Cambridge in 12o. Of the Division between the English and Romish Church upon Reformation by Hen Fern D. D. in 12º the 2. Edition with many Additionals Directions for the profitable reading of the Scriptures by Iohn White M. A. in 8o. The Exemplary lives and Memorable Acts of 9 the most worthy women of the world 3 Jewes 3 Gentiles 3 Christians by Tho. Heywood in 4o. The Saints Legacies or a Collection of promises out of the Word of God in 12o. Iudicium Universitatis Oxoniensis de Solemni Lega Foedere Iuramento Negativo c. in 8o. Certain Sermons and Letters of Defence and Resolution to some of the late Controversaries of our times by Iasper Mayn D. D. in 4o. New Ianna Linguarum Reserata sive omnium Scientiarum Linguarum seminarium Auctore Cl. Viro I. A. Comenio in 12o. A Treatise concerning Divine providence very seasonable for all ages by Tho. Morton Bishop of Duresme in 8o. Observations upon Mr. Hobbs his Leviathan with some Observations upon Sir Walte Raleighs History of the World by Alex. Rosse in 12o. Fifty Sermons preached by that learned and reverend Divine Iohn Donne in fol. Wits-Common-Wealth in 12o. The Banquet of Jests new and old in 12o. Balzac's Letters the fourth part in 8o. Quarles Virgin Widow a Play in 4o. Solomons Recantation in 4o. by Francis Quarles Amesii antisynodalia in 12o. Christs Commination against Scandalizers by Iohn Tombes in 12o. New Dr. Stuart's Answer to Fountains Letter in 4o. A Tract of Fortifications with 22 brasse cuts in 4o. Dr. Griffiths Sermon preached at S. Pauls in 4o. Blessed birth-day printed at Oxford in 8o. A Discourse of the state Ecclesiastical in 4o. An Account of the
An. 1561. The Queen prepareth to return from France Her conference with the Earle of Bedford Monsicâ—r d' Oyfell sent into England The Queen of Englandâ— answer The Queen of Scots offended with it Her conference with Nicoolas Throgmorâ—on The Queen of Scots reasons for delaying the ratification Throgmorton his answer The Queen of Englands letter to thâ— Noâ—ility The Councels answer He◠〈◊〉 with the English Ambassadour at 〈◊〉 The Qâ—een 〈◊〉 at Leâ—h The Nobility assembles to congratuâ—ate her return No change to be made in religion and a private Masse pâ—rmitted to the Queen The Earl of Arran opposeth A tumult in the Abbey The Nobles that came from France with the Queen return home William Maitland directed to England The Queen of Englands answer A second conference with Lethington The Queen of Englands reply The Queen of Englandsâ—easons â—easons for her refuse Lethingtons third audience The conclusion taken by the Queen of England The Queen of Scots her progresse in the countrey Aâ—chibald Douglas Provost of Edinburgh committed The Preachers are displeased The Queen maketh choice of a Councell Ninian Winyet a Priest exiled The thirds of Benefices granted to the Queen A guard of horse and foot levied to attend the Queen Lord Iames sent to the borders is at his return made Earl of Marrâ— He is preferred to the Earldome of Murray and the Lord Ereskiâ— made Earl of Marre Huntly offendeth with thesâ— prefermenâ—s He chargeth Murray with the affectation of the Crown Bothwell stirreth up the Earl of Murray against the Hamiltons Practice against the Earl of Murray The practice discovered by the Earl of Arrane Arrane becometh distracted New devices for cutting oft Murray An. 1562. Letters sent from beyond sea in favour of Huntly An interview of the two Queens moved The interview stayed Petitions of the Church to the Queen The Queen goâ—th to Aberdâ—ne The Lady Huntley intercedes for her son The Queen taketh journey to Innernesse The Castle of Innâ—â—nâ—sse denied to the Queen The Castle beiseged and rendered Huntley resolves to invade the Queen The battel of Corrichie The Earl of Huntlâ—y taken prisoner and dieth Thanksgiving for the victory Iohn Gordon beheaded at Abâ—rdene The Lord Gordon forfeited and commitâ—ed The Archbishop of Saint Andrews committed An. 1563. A Parliament at Edinburgh A trouble at Halirudhouse Iohn Knox called before the Councel The Earl of Lenox restored Henry Lord Darnely son to Lenox cometh into Scotland The Queen intendeth to take him to husband An. 1564. Enemies raised up against the Queen The Lord Gordon restored Signeur Davie an atâ—endant on the Queen favoureth the mariage Secretary Lâ—thington sent into England A Convocâ—tion of the Estates at Striveling The Lord of Darnely created Duke of Rothâ—say A mutiny at Edinburgh The Queen cometh to Edinburgh and the mutiners fly An Assembly at Edinburgh Petittions of the Church The Queens answer to the Petitions The Queen married to the Lord Darnly The complaints of the discontented Lords The king heareth a Sermon at St. Giles Iohn Knox cited before the Councell The Lords pursued by the King and Queen The Lords flie into England The Queen of England intercedeth for the Lords The Duke received in favor A generall Assembly of the Church A reply to the answer of their last Petitions An. 1565. The slaughter of Signeur Davie conspired A Parliament at Edinburgh deserted The slaughter of Davie Damiott a French Priest willed him to be gone The Queens behaviour after Davies murther The exiled Lords return The King protesteth his innocency The Conspirators flye into England Inquisition of the murtherers An. 1566. The Castle of Edinburgh made choice of for the Queen her lying in The Queen feasts the Noblemen The Queen delivered of a son Sir Henry Killigrew sent from England The desire of the Church for the Baptisme of the Prince The Queen goeth to Alloway Secretary Lethington soffereth her Majesties anger against the King The Queen goeth to Iedburgh Lethington renueth the purpose of divers Preparation for the Princes Baptisme The King withheld from the solemnity The King falleth sick in the way to Glasgow The Archbishop of S. Andrewes restored to his priviledges The Churches complaint for the same Master Knox goeth into England A letter from the Assembly of the Church to the Bishops of England Assignation of Ministers stipends The Queen visiteth the King at Glasgow He cometh to Edinburgh and there is murthered by Bothwel A rumour dispersed by Bothwel that Murray and Morton had murthered the King The names of the murtherers cast forth in the street The Earl of Lenox soliciteth the Queen to take trial of the murther An. 1567. The Castle of Edinburgh delivered to Bothwell and the Prince delivered to the Earl of Marre Bothwell put to a triall Robert Cuningham protesteth against the proceedings in the name of the Earl of Lenox The persons chused upon the Jury Bothwell acquited with a protestation of the Jury Bothwell offereth to try his innocency by combat The offer accepted upon security of the place A Parliament at Edinburgh Bothwell seeketh the consent of the Lords to the Queens marriage He ravisheth the Queen in her return from Striveling His design in committing this rape Bothwell his divorce from his wife The Queen cometh to the Castle of Edinburgh The banes of Bothwell with the Queen asked Mr. Iohn Craig protested Mr. Craig called before the Councell with the reasons of his opposition His publication thereof to the people The marriage of the Queen with Bothwell celebrated The Noblemens bond for preservation of the young Prince The Bishop of Dumblane sent to France Noblemen solicited to enter in bond with the Queen and Bothwell The Earl of Murray refused and is licensed to goe into France The Queen maketh choice of a Councell The order of their attendance A Proclamation to accompany the Queen to the borders The Castle of Borthwick invironed The Queen Bothwell escape The Lords retire to Edinburgh A Proclamation given out by the Lords The Queen gathereth forces Difficulties amongst the Lords The Queen giveth thâ—m the opportuniy they wished for The Proclamation of Glaidsmore The Lords cast themselves in the Queens way The order of the Lords Aâ—my The meeting at Carberry hill The French Ambassadour laboureth to compose matters Bothwel offereth to try the cause in combat It is accepted and the Queen inhibiteth the fight The Queens Army unwilling to fight Bothwel flyeth and the Queen rendereth herself to the Lords The Queen sent prisoner to Lochlevin Sir Iames Balfour betrayeth his trust to Bothwel The Earl of Glencarn demolisheth the Altar The Lords write to the Noblemen of the Queens party The Noblemen made a motion to the Assembly and the Assemblies Commission to the Lords Instructions given to those that were sent from the Assembly The Earl of Argile his answer The Lord Boyd his answer Articles agreed in the Assembly of the Church The Articles subscribed The Queen moved to make resignation of the Crown The King crowned at Striveling
Agreed 2. Agreed 3. Agreed that the Church is sometimes taken for them that exercise the spiritual function in particular congregations 4. Continued to further reasoning and when it is said this power sheweth from God to his Church whether this should be understood of the whole Church or of the office-bearers and wheither it sheweth mediately or immediately 5. Referred to further reasoning 6. The last words of the Article are thought not necessary and therefore to be delete 7. Agreed 8. Agreed 9. Say in stead hereof For this power is spiritual not having-deleting the other words 10. Agreed 11. Agreed 12. Agreed changing these word they should not be called Lords over their flock 13. Change the last words of Ecclesiastical government and Ecclesiastical discipline according to the word of God 14. Referred to further reasoning when the order of Bishops shall be discussed 15. Referred till they come to the attribution of the power 16. Agreed as the words are conceived 17. Disserreth this to be resclved with the 15. 18. Referred 19. 20. Agreed that neither ought the Magistrate preach nor minister the Sacraments nor execute the censures of the Church which is to be understood of excommunication and referreth the second part of this Article to further reasoning 21. Referred 22. Referred 1. The name of the Church in this Article is taken for the Church in the first signification to wit for the whole Church Agreed with the rest of the Articles 2. Referred 3. Referred 4. Referred 5. Referred 6. Referred to reasoning of the head of Visiters 7. Referred 8. Referred 9. Referred 10. Referred 11. Referred 1. Agreed 2. Agreed 3. Agreed 4. Agreed 5. Agreed 6. 7. Referred 8. Agreed with the generality hereof 9. Agreed 11. Agreed 12. Agreed 13. Agreed 14. Agreed 15. Agreed 16. Agreed 1. Agreed saving the word Bishop is referred to the place of Visitation 2. Agreed 3. Agreed 4. Agreed 5. Referred 7. Agreed 8. Agreed 9. Agreed that the Minister of the Word may pronounce the sentence of excommunication after lawful proceeding 10. Agreed with the present orders concerning marriage This whole Chapter referred to further reasoning 1. Passed over 2. Agreed that name of Elders be joyned with Ministers 3. The perpepetuity of Elders referred to further deliberation 4. Agreed 5. Referred 6. Referred 7. Agreed 8. Agreed 9. Agreed 10. Agreed 11. Agreed 12. Agreed 13. Agreed 1. Agreed that Ministers and Elders may judge spiritual things within their owne bounds 2. Agreed 3. Agreed that Synods be kept twice in the year by him that hath the charge of visitation 4. General Assemblies once yearly his Majesties authority being interponed and from the General Assembly Noblemen and such as please to come shall not be excluded providing that fifteen onely with his Majesties Commissioner have voice therein 5. Agreed 6. Agreed 7. Agreed 8. Differed to the head of Bishops and their Reformation 9. Agreed 10. Agreed joyning in the end of the Article these words or spiritual things onely 11. Agreed that as they make Acts in spiritual things so they may alter the same as the necessity of time requires 12. Referred 13. Referred 14. Referred 15. Referred 16. Referred 17. Referred 18. Referred 19. Referred 20. Referred 21. Referred 22. Referred 23. Referred 24. 25. Referred 26. Referred 27. Referred 28. Referred 29. Referred 30. Passed over 31. Answered before 32. The last part of the Article referred to the heads of Bishops 33. Diffâ—rred 34. Agreed in spiritual matters 35. Referred 1. The Chapter of Deacons and 〈◊〉 of the Church are thought to be suppressed till the head of corruptions be teasoned 1. For this whole Chapter it is thought meet that an Article be presented to his Majesty and Estates craving a punishment to be appointed for those that put violent hands in Ministers and likewise to desire such immunities and priviledges to them as shall be thought convenient 3. Let his Majesty and Estates be supplicated for dissolving these Prelacies that Ministers may be provided to the several Churches at least after the death of the present possessors 4. Passed over 5. Passed over 6. Answered by the act of dissolution 7. An Act to be sought for disposing these united Churches to Ministers after decease of the present possessors 8. Referred 6. The last part of the Article differred 10. Agreed that Bishops have a particular flock 11. Let the Diocese be divided in such sort as a man may reasonably visit and for the perpetuity of Visitors it is referred to further reasoning 13. Passed over 14. Agreed 15. Passed over 16. Passed over 17. Agreed 18. Referred 19. Agreed â—hat an Act be made that none hurt or diminish the patrimony of the Church 5 Agreed 21. Answered before 2. Agreed 3. Agreed 4. Agreed 5. Differred untill joyning of Churches 6. Agreed as depending on the former 7. Passed over in the Article of Provincial Assemblies 8. Agreed as before 9. Agreed to the general 10. Referred 11. To be sought of the Parliament 12. Referred to the head of Deacons This was the course the Assembly took for admitting this form of policy The Archbishop of Glasgow urged to submit himself The Archbishops answer presented in writing The answer doth not content be Assembly The Archbishop contracts sicknesse and dieth The conditions prescribed to Bishops A tumult in Glasgow for pulling down the Cathedral The matter brouâ—ht before the Councel The Abbot of Dunfermlin returned from England The report of his Commission The Lord Ruthven made Lieutenant of the Borders An. 1579. Articles presented by the Lord Hereis The Lord Maxwel excepteth against the Articles The Earl of Athol dieth Certain Libellers executed at Striveling Commission for apprehending the Lord Hamilton and his brother Lord Claud. They escape and depart forth of the Realm Charges directed for the rendring the houses of Hamilton and Draffan A complaint presented in name of the Earl of Arran The Queen of Scots her Secretary denied accesse to the King The Gentlemen of the name of Hamilton put under surety The Earl of Argile created Chancellor A Parliament indicted An. 1580. The Lord D' Aubigny cometh from France He is created Earl of Lennox The Earl of Lennox hated because of his credit with the King The King writeth to the Assembly of the Church The proceedings of the Church displease the King Jesuits and Priests resort to the countrey The King his care for reclaiming the Earl of Lennox The Earl joyns himself to the Church but is still suspected A confession of faith formed because of the dispensations from Rome A rumour raised against the Earl of Morton A motion of electing a Chamberlain The Earl of Lennox created Chamberlain A trouble betwixt Oliphant and Ruthven The Earl of Lennox charged by the Ambassadour of England Alexander Home sent into England He is remitted to the Lord Thesaurer The Thesaurers conference with Alexander Home Alexander Homes his answer to the Thesaurer Vlt. Deâ—emb The Earl of Morton challenged for the murther of the Kings father The Earl of Morton his
advertised of the enterprise of the banished Lords A Proclamation to meet the King at the Castle of Crawford A Proclamation given out by the banished Lords The Ambassadour went not saluting the King A Post is sent after him and his excuse The Lords make haste to Striveling The town of Striveling taken Two of the Councel directed to the Lords The Lords Answer The Kings care of those that attented him The King is pleased to admit the Lords in his presence The Lord Hamilton in name of the rest supplicates mercy The Kings Answer The Kings speech to Bothwel The King his pardon proclaimed The Master of Glammis made Captain of the Guard Thuan. hist. 1. 43. Duntraith confesseth the deposition he made against the Lords to be false A Parliament at Linlithgow The Ministers offend with the reconciled Lords Mr. William Watson Minister committed Iames Gibson committed for the like insolence The Superintendent of Lothian his death with a short description of his life An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lord Maxwel goâ—th to Masse and is committed An. 1586. A Synod at S. Andrews called against the Bishop April 1586. The Bishop being cited compeireth and protesteth against the Judicatory His accusation He appealeth to the King and Estates The Bishop excommunicated by the Synod Mr. Andrew and Mr. Iames Melvil excommunicated by a servant and Cousen of the Bishop The Appellation with the reasons sent to the King A transaction betwixt the Bishop and the Assembly The reasons moving the King to give way to this transaction The Ministers exhorâ—ed to judge charitably one of another Acts concluded in the Assembly His Majesties answer to the advice given him by the Chancellor A trouble in the Isles betwixt Mackoâ—â—il and Macklain The Earl of Eglington treacherously murthered A league with England concluded The Articles of the league The names of the Commissioners of both Kingdomes A new breach between the King and Queen of England The proceedings against the Queen of Scots Sentence of death pronounced against her William Keith sent into England about the midst of November A letter to William Keith from the King The Queen in passion at the sight of the letter The King excuseth the sharpnesse of his letter The Master of Gray and Sir Robert Melvil sent into England The first audience The second audience and effect thereof A letter from the King to the Master of Gray The Master of Gray drawne upon another course Secretary Walsingham writeth to the Lord Thirlstan The King commandeth the Ministers to remember his mother in their prayers The third of February appointed for solemn prayers in her behalf The Bishop of S. Andrews appointed to preach Mr. Iohn Cowper usurpeth the place The Ministers at Edinburgh discharged The Queen of Scots her request to the Queen of England The Queen of England is doubtful which way to take The Queen of Scots willed to prepare her self for death Her behaviour and preparation She biddeth her servants farewell Her directions to Andrew Melvil her Steward She is brought to the place of execution The Dean of Peterburâ—ow offereth to comfort her She prayeth by her self The manner of the execution A brief description of her fortune The inscription secretly affixed on her Sepulchre The same Englished The Queen of England writeth to the King by Mr. Robert Cary. The King denieth him accesse Mr. caâ—ies Declaration in writing The Declaration giveth no content to the King The Queen laboureâ—h to divert the King from Warre A letter of Walsâ—gham to the Lord Thâ—lsâ—an A Convention of the Estates The King is informed of certain speeches uttered by the Master of Gray 20. Apr. The Master of Gray and Sir William Stewart committed Sir William Stewart insists in the challenge of the Master of Gray Sir William Stewart liberated and the Master of Gray imprisoned Captain Iame information against the Lord Thirlstane An. 1587. Thirlstane created Chancellor A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Noblemen reconciled A general Assembly of the Church The Kings propositions to the Assembly by his Commissioners Montgomery resigneth the Bishoprick of Glasgow to Mr. William Ereskin The Churches petition to the Parliament against the Prelates The temporalty of Benefices annexed to the Crown The King forthinketh the passing of the annexation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 2. pag. 43. The small Barons admitted to give voice in Parliament The Lord Hunsdon hath presence of the King A Proclamation against incursions in England The Ambassadors sent into Denmark return 15. May. Latter end of August A Proclamation against Jesuits and Priests The Jesuits find caution to depart A general Assembly of the Church A Proposition made for the dangers threatened to Religion The advice of the Noblemen and Barons The King refuseth accesse to the multitude A conference betwixt certain of the Councel and the Assembly The grievances of the Church presented to the King The Minister Iames Gibson censured for his speeches against the King An. 1588. Gibson suspended from his ministery The Lord Hereis cleared of the accusation made against him The Borders begin to stirre upon the Lord Maxwels return The Kings expedition to Dumfreis Lochmaben rendred and the Keeper executed The Lord Maxwel taken prisoner at sea by Sir William Stewart and brought prisoner to Edinburgh Sir William Stewart killed by Bothwel Penult Iulii A meeting of the Estates upon the rumour of the Spanish Navy beginning of August His Majesties speech to the Estates The Chancellor his speech seconding the King Bothwel perswadeth the invasion of England Colonel Semple his arrive at Leth. The Colonel apprehended and relieved by the Earl of Huntley * 21. Iuly Huntley offers to present the Colonel to the Councel Sir Robert Sidney sent from England to the King 29. August The History of the Spanish Navy Captain Drakes stratagem The Navy returneth to Spain The death of Archibald Earl of Angus An. 1589. His disposition in his sickness A message from the Prince of Parma to the Catholick Lords Huntley reconciled to the Church Huntley excuseth his reconcilement by a letter A letter from the Earl of Arroll to the Prince of Parma Letters sent to the King of Spain from the Catholick Lords The Jesuits stirre up the Lords to enterprise somewhat by themselves A plot for taking the King A practise against the Chancellor Huntley cometh to the King Huntley committed in the Castle of Edinburgh Huntley set at liberty A letter from the Queen of England to the King The Lords make open insurrection The Subjects warned to accompany the King His Majesties speech to the Noblemen in his Army A question for leading the Vant-guard The Lords dissolve their forces The King goeth to Aberdene He returneth to Edinburgh about the beninning of May. The Earl Marshall goeth to Denmark to accomplish the marriage 10. Iune The Rebels offer to submit themselves Huntley Crawford and Bothwel impanelled The points of their indictment The Lords found guilty and committed to several Wards An Assembly of
the Church at Edinburgh The Bishop of S. Andrews deprived for the marriage of Huntley The course taken with the imprisoned Lords Advertisement to the King of the marriage with the Queen The King intendeth a journey to Norway * 22. October He leaveth a Declaration under his hand Directions to the Councel The marriage solemnized at vpslo The Earl of Marshals proceedings ratâ—fied The Kings journey from Norway to Denmark An. 1590. Colonel Stewart sent with ships to the King Penult Martii The King and Queen return to Scotland Bothwel his satisfaction to the Church A difference among the Clergy for anointing the Queen The ceremony of Unction not Jewish The Queens Coronation at Halyrudhouse The Queens entry into Edinburgh The Ministers challenged for permitting Iames Gibson to preach The King offended with the alliance of Morton with Arrol An Assembly of the Church The King Commended to the Assembly the removing of the deadly feuds A trouble betwixt the Earl of Huntley and the Earl of Murray An. 1591. A sorceresse Agnes Samson apprehended Bothwell committed for consulting with witches The Laird of Dun his death Bothwell breaketh his Ward The doom of forfeiture pronounced against him His Majesties Declaration concerning Bothwell Bothwell layeth the blame of his rebellion upon the Chancellor A contest between the Church and Lords of Session Mr. Iohn Graham questioned by the Church The Archbishop of S Andrews his recantation A revocation made in name of the Church A Schisme in the Presbytery of S. Andrews Bothwells attempt upon Halyrudhouse The success of the attempt The Earl of Murray slain at Dunybâ—issell 7 Feb. 1692. The murther universally ill taken The Lord Ochiltrie maketh defection to Bothwell An. 1592. Petitions in behalf of the Church The first Petition granted and in what manner Bothwells attempt at Falkland Arroll and Collonell Stewart committed Bothwell and his company flyeth The King pursueth and cometh to Edinburgh Nidry taken by the Lord Hamilton and dimitted by his Lady Pardon granted to those that would forsake Bothwell The Lord Spinie delated for practising with the Lord Bothwell Iohn Weymis of Logie committed for his practises with Bothwell escaped A faction made against the Chancellor Troubles in the North betwixt Huntley and the Clanhattan The Earl of Angus imployed in a Commission to the North in November The Earl of Angus imprisoned in the Castle Mr. George Ker his Confession The Earl of Angus denieth the blanks The Kings resolution published for punishing that conspiracy A Meeting of the Mininistery The King his desire proponed to the Meeting An offer made by the Meeting Fintry beheaded An. 1593. The disposition and qualities of Mr. Iohn Graham The Earl of Angus escapeth The houses of the rebels rendered Atholl and Marshall made Lieutenants of the North. * 26. March A message from the Queen of England The Ambassador intercedeth for Bothwell An. 1592. Midst of April An Assembly of the Church at Dundiâ— Articles sent by his Majesty to the Church The Assemblies Answer A change of the Mondayes Mercat urged at Edinburgh An. 1593. Sir Robert Melvill sent into England The King surprised by Bothwell The manner of the surprise The Citie in armes Conditions granted to Bothwell by the Ambassadors mediation Articles subscribed by the witnesses The King goeth to Falkland A Convention at Striveling 7. Sept. The Estates finde the Conditions given to Bothwell dishonorable The Prior of Blantyre and sir Robert Melvill directed to Bothwell Bothwell falleth to his wonted forms Atholl coming to Striveling is charged to return home in the beginning of October Montrosse taken by the Lord Home Bothwell denounced Rebell The Popish Lords excommicated by the Synod of Fiâ—e The King dealeth with with M Robert Bruce to stay the publication of the sentence The Popish Lords meeâ—ing the King at Falaw desire a triall They are commanded to enter themselves in Perth Petitions of the Church sent to the King at Iedburgh The Conference betwixt his Majesty and the Commissioners of the Church The assembly resolved to keep the Diet appointed for the Lords trial A Proclamation inhibiting all convocations A Convocation of the Estates Certain of the Estates selected to judge of the Lords offers Conclusion taken touching the Popish Lords Troubles betwixt the Maxwells and the Iohnstons Iohnston preventeth the Lord Maxwell and killeth Captain Oliphant Maxwell invadeth Annandale The Lord Maxwell killed 6. December The Lord Here is and Barons of the Countrey appointed to remain at Drumfreis A Convention of the Estates The Popish Lords declared to have lost the benefit of Abolition An. 1594. The Queen delivered of a son at Striveling The Lord Souche Ambassadour from England Mr. Andrew Hunter Minister waiteth upon Bothwell as his Chaplain Bothwell prepareth of new to invade the King The Ambassadours dealing with Bothwell discovered The Roade of Leith The King Commanded the people to Arm. Bothwell removeth from Leith The Conflict betwixt Bothwell and Hume The Lord Colvill and Mr. Edward Bruce directed to England The Kings letter to the Queen of England The Commission given to the Ambassadours The Queen of Englands answer The Queen dischargeth Bothwell his resset in England An Assembly of the Church Petitions directed from the Church to the King A Remonstrance of the perills threatned to Religion The remedies of the dangers The Lord Hume reconciled to the Church Instructions sent from the King to the Church and Assembly A Parliament wherein the Lords are forfeited An. 1595. The bond betwixt the Popish Lords and Balwery exhibited Sir Iames Duglas of Spot excommunicated An. 1695. An assembly of the Church at Montrose Articles sent from the King to the Assembly An. 1595. The Assemblies answer The Queen seeketh to have the Prince in custody The King diverteth her from that course The Kings letter to the Earl of Marre for receiving the Prince The Chancellor contracteth sickness and dieth The Kings letter to the Chancellor The Chancellor his qualities His Epitaph written by the King Great death of Corns and great bloodshed in the Countrey David Forester Citizen of Striveling treacherously betrayed A Commission to eight of the Councel to rule the Exchequer The tenor of the Commission The King his promise to the Commissioners The Commissioners make faith Exception taken at the ampleness of the Commissioners The Commissioners possesse themselves with offices of Estate An. 1596. William Armstrong called Will of Kinmouth taken Prisoner The Laird of Baclugh complaineth of the breach of truce No satisfaction made Baclugh sets the Prisoner at liberty The Castle of Carlile surprised and the Prisoner freed The Queen of England greatly offended with the enterprise This matter debated in Councell The trouble quieted by Baclugh in England Col. Stewart design'd Lieutenant for the Isles An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh A search of the causes of the present fear of invasion A new Covenant made by the Ministers for abiding to the profession of the truth and living according to the same Advice for resisting the enemies of
Religion The King desireth to have the Noblemen reclaimed He communicated his mind with M. Robert Bruce M. Robert Bruce his answer and advice The King reasoneth with him to the contrary of his advise Mr. Robert's saucy Reply to the King Shortly after the Lords exiled return The Earle of Arroll intercepted in the Low Countreys escapeth A Convention at Falkland The King's judgment of Huntley's supplication A Convention at Dunfermling The Commissioners for the Church upon the report of the Lords meet at Edinburgh A publick humiliation indicted Persons nominated to attend at Edinburgh for the Church The Lord Seaton President of the Session cited to appear before the Synod of Lothian A Conference betwixt certain of the Councell and some moderate men of the Ministery The King offended wâ—th the pertinacy of the Ministers Commissioners directed to his Majesty His Majesties peremptory answer to the Commissioners The grievances of the Church proponed The King his answer A new trouble by Mr. David Blake a Minister at S. Andrews Mr. Andrew Melvill labourreth to make it a common cause The Conditions proponed to Huntley The Conditions give no content A Declinatour advised to be droponed M. David Blake his Declinator M. Blakes answer to the Diet. The Declinatour sent to the Presbyteries to be subserived A Proclamation discharing the meeting of the Commissioners The Commissioners of the Church upon this discharge enter into a new consultation They sent a Commission to the Octavians Commissioners sent to his Majesty for surceasing M. Blakes proeess His Majesties offer to the Commissioners The wiser sort of the Ministers advise to accept of the offer but they are over-ruled M. Blake cited to the last of November The Baptisme of the Princess Elizabeth A Petition presented by the Commissioners to his Majesty and Councell The Petition rejected The points laid to M. Blaks charge Mr. Robert Pont protesteth for the liberties of the Church Mr. Blake declineth the Councell of new The Councell write the Declinatour The Kings care to keep peace with the Church The King conferreth with some Ministers touching Mr. Blakes businesse The Ministers desire a declaration to be made in favour of Church Assemblies His Majestie consenteth to the Declaration Mr. Blake refuseth to acknowledg his offence to the Queen The witnesses examined and Mr. Blake found guilty A new treaty for making an accord Conditions craved by his Majesty The Commissioners refuse to agree to any censure of M. Blake The Ministers indict a fast and complain of wrong done to the kingdom of Christ. His Majesties Declaration published A Bond of obedience subscrived by the Ministers Master Blake charged to go to his ward and the Commissioners to leave the Town A new motion of agreement overthrown by the practise of some of his Majesties Chamber The Ministers deluded by a counterfeit Letter M. Walter Balcanquall in his Sermon inveigheth against the Counsellors He exhorteth the Noblemen and Bâ—rons to a meeting A Petition directed to the King from the meeting Mr. R. Bruce his Speech to those that convened The King offended with the meeting The L d Lindesey his insolent words to the King Atumult raised in the Church and City A Deacon of the Crafts appeaseth the fury of the people Noble men directed from the King to inquire the cause of the tumult The Ministers purge themselves A new Petition moved to the King The Kings answer to the Petions proponed Articles condescended upon to be proponed to his Majesty The Commissioners chused to present the Articles Bargenny declineth the charge the business ceaseth The King with the Councell departeth to Linlithgow A Proclamation discharging all Judicatories to sit in Edinburgh A great alteration in the mindes of people A Bond for mutuall concurrence The excommunication of the President deferred A Fast in the City M. Welch and his Sermon A rumour dispersed that Arroll had some forces assembled The copie of the Letter sent to the Lord Hamilton shewed to the King This Letter did offend many of the better sort A charge for apprehending the Ministers The King refuseth the purgation offered by the Town The tumult declared treason by act of Counsell The Town employed others towards the King The Proposition made by those that were sent by the Town His Majesties answer The King cometh to Leth and the next day to Edinburgh Offers made by the Town for pacifying his Majesties anger The effects of the mutiny contrary to that which was intended Advice given to raze the Town The Queen of Englands letter to the King The letter pleased the King well The tumult declared Treason in the Convention of Estates The Town of Edinburgh charged to appear at Perth The Octavians quit their Commission of the Exchequer Captain Iames Stewart killed A Nationall Assembly indicted at Perth Articles published in print for the better preparation to the Assembly The Ministers greatly perplexed with these Questions Sir Patrick Murray directed to the North to deal with the Ministers The Ministers Answer His Majesties Letter to the Earl of Huntley Letters directed to the Presbyteries for keeping the Assembly The Assembly declared to be a lawfull Generall Assembly Articles presented by his Commissioners to the Assembly The advice of certain Brethren set apart to consider the Articles The Assembly required to meet with the Estates Protestation made by Mr. Tho Buchannan in name of the Church The answers of the Articles reformed Persons nominated to reason the questions Commission given for absolving the Popish Lords The conditions required of the Earl of Huntley The like condition prescrived to Angus and Arroll The King taketh the Ministers in his protection The Assembly intercedes for the Ministery of Edunburgh and others charged with the tumuls The Kings answer The death of Mr. Iohn Lesly Bishop of Rosse The Town of Edinburgh denounced Rebels An. 1597. The Town received into favour at the intercession of Noblemen Articles injoyned to be performed by the Town The Ministers of Edinburgh suffered to return but inhibited to preach An Assembly at Dundy Mr. Robert Rollock elected to preside Order given for absolution of the Popish Lords Proceedings of the Assembly The rest of the questions determined A generall commission foâ— Church affairs Sir Patrick Murray directed to the North. A Proclamation against Mr. Iames Gourdon The Laird of Lady-land having surprized the rock Elsa is drowned The Kings care for removing of deadly fewds A meeting of the Commissioners of the Assembly at Falkland The Secretary complaineth of Mr. Robert Wallace Minister at S. Andrews Mr. Wallace declineth the Commissioners Mr. Nicoll Dalgleish protesteth against the Commissioners proceedings The declination and protestation declared invalid The Witnesses examined doe verifie the complaint Mr. Wallace his obstinacy A visitation of the Church of S. Andrews Sentence given for removing Mr. Blake and Mr. Wallace from the Ministery of S. Andrews Master George Gladstaves admitted Minister of S. Andrews Abuses in the University reformed In the new Colledge all things found out of order
Earl of Kinnoul being Chancellour dying a Person of singular Prudence and Integrity his Majesty knew not where to fill the place with a Successor with whom he might more securely trust his Conscience then with this aged Prelate near to God by his Function and by his age being then arrived to Davids great Climacterick so neer to his end as might well put him in remembrance that the account which he was to give of his Stewardship could not be far off And this honour he enjoyed to his death with the approbation of all only such excepted whose evil eye at the Clergy and their own particular ambition wrapt into such a fancy as made them think every honour to be misplac'd that was not setled on their own shoulders He had not fully measured out four years in the discharge of the duties of this place which did not so entangle him but that the danger of the Church which then was drawing on filled him full of thoughts which way he might divert it when that unhappy design which had been so long hatching under the wings and warmth of a mal-content and seditious party began to be ready to fly abroad And what could be called for as a fitter Midwife to this birth then something that at least might look like Religion For the rule was given long ago before ever Macchiavel lived to vent it and is likely to hold to the end of the World Quoties vis fallere Plebem Finge Deum And from hence rose that storm which with so much violence fell on this Reverend good man that he was forced by it for safety of his life to retire into England where age and grief with a sad soul in a crazy body had so distempered him that he was driven to take harbour in New-castle till by some rest and the care of his Physicians he had recovered so much strength as brought him to London But this proved but a short reprieve for being come thither he fell into a relapse and the sentence of death being to be executed on him he took his bed some nine dayes before waiting for that blessed hour when being freed from any farther heart-breakings for those evils he could not prevent he might be admitted into his Masters joyes where future calamities could not reach him In this time of his sickness and preparation for his end he was visited by the Archbishop of Canterbuâ—y and some other Bishops with whom with great devotion he received that blessed Viaticum the Bread that came from Heaven in the strength of which he was to pass unto Eternity After which though his desire was rather to compose himself for privacy and silence then to admit of any company he could not prevent the visits of many honorable Persons Among whom the visit of the Marquiss Hamilton being looked upon by the eye of the World as disaffected to the whole Order deserves more particularly to be remembred and the circumstances of it you shall have in those tearms as they are related The Marquiss coming neer to his bed-side was pleased to say My Lord I am come to kiss your Lordships hands and humbly to ask your blessing To which the Archbishop with a soft voice answered My Lord you shall have my blessing but give me leave to speak these few words to you My Lord I visibly foresee that the Church and King are both in danger to be lost and I am verily perswaded that there is none under God so able to prevent it as your Lordship And therefore I speak to you as dying Prelat in the words of Mordecai to Esther If you do it not Salvation in the end shall come where else but you and your house shall perish To whom the Marquiss made this worthy reply That what he foresaw was his grief and he wished from his heart he were able to do that which was expected from him though it were to be done with the sacrificing of his Life and Fortunes After which upon his knees he received the Archbishops blessing and departed I shall make no Commentary upon it for the best interpreters of words are actions As he lived so he died in peace with a stilness so much more then ordinary that they who were about him could not by any outward agony perceive when that peaceable Soul of his departed But before that last minute sad to his friends but to him infinitely joyful had closed up those eyes which had so long been watchful for the Church he govern'd his Intellectuals and best Faculties being clear and undisturbed and desiring to leave the world a copy of the faith he died in he premised it to his last Will and Testament in this form following First for that I esteem it the duty of every Christian especially of those whose service it hath pleased God to make use of in his Church to make some open declaration of his Faith wherein he lives and dies I profess that I believe all the Articles of that ancient Christian Creed commonly called The Apostles Creed the sum whereof is That God is One-in Three Persons the Father Creator of all things the Son made Man in fulness of time who by his bitter Possion and Death having redeemed Mankinde rose from death and ascended to Heaven from whence he will come to judge all flesh and the Holy Ghost proceeding from the Father and the Son the Sanctifier of all that believe That this God hath chosen to himself a Church the Members whereof living in Communion though never so dispersed shall by his infinite mercy receive remission of all their sins and being raised again in their Bodies at the last day shall enjoy everlasting life This is the sum of my faith Other Additaments which Ignorance and Corruption have super-induced into Christianity I simply refuse beseeching God to purge his Church from the Errors and Superstition that hath crept into the same and at last to make us all that are called Christians the Sheep of one Fold For matters of Rites and Government my judgement is and hath been That the most simple decent and humble Rites should be chosen such as the bowing of the knee in the receiving the holy Sacrament with others of the like kinde Profaneness being as dangerous to Religion as Superstition As touching the Government of the Church I am verily perswaded that the Government Episcopal is the onely Right and Apostolick Form Parity among Ministers being the breeder of all Confusion as experience might have taught us And for those Ruling-Elders as they are a meer humane Device so they will prove when the way is more open to them the Ruine of both Church and State In the simplicity of this Faith he lived and in this he died like one of the Bishops of those Primitive Times when the modern names of-Faction were not known and whosoever agreed to these Fundamentals the Church was not so nice a Mother as to cast them out And though in the passages of his life
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
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
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
them to fear God and forsake the Leaven of Papistical abominations The woman desired earnestly to die with her husband but could not be permitted sentence being given against her that she should be drowned yet she followed him to the place of execution exhorting him by the way to patience and constancy for the cause of Christ. And as she parted from him said Husband be glad we have lived together many joyfull dayes and this day which we must die we ought to esteem the most joyfull of all because now we shall have joy for ever Therefore I will not bid you good night for we shall shortly meet in the Kingdome of heaven How soon the men were executed the woman was taken to a pool of water not farre of where having commended her children to the charity of her neighbours and giving a little babe who was sucking upon her breast unto a nurse she died with great courage and comfort Sir Henry Elder Iohn Elder Walter Piper and Laurence Puller with some other Burgesses were banished and the Lord Ruthven Provost of the Town discharged of his office because he was suspected to favour the hereticks his place was given to Iohn Charterhouse of Kilfawnes and the Citizens commanded to accept him for their Provost but they excused themselves saying they could make no election before the ordinary time yet the Governour out of his authority charged them to accept of Kinfawnes threatening to punish those that refused And for that it was thought after the Governour and Cardinal was gone that the Townesmen should withstand their Provost the Lord Gray and Normand Lesley son to the Earl of Rothese were desired to give their assistance In falling out as was expected Kinfawnes convened his friends to advise how the Townesmen might be forced to obey The Lord Gray undertaking to enter the Town by the Bridge Normand Lesley and his followers were appointed to enter at the South-gate and S. Magdalens day appointed for their meeting The Lord Gray came early in the morning but Normand who brought his company by water was hindred by the tide yet all being quiet in the Town and no appearance of stirre the Lord Gray resolved to enter esteeming his own forces sufficient but he was not farre advanced when in the street called Fishstreet the Master of Ruthven with his company that lay close in some houses near by issued forth upon him and compelled him to turn back The disorder in the fight was great every one hindering another so as many were trod to death and some threescore persons killed The Cardinal wished rather the losse had fallen on the Lord Ruthvens side yet he was not ill pleased with the affront that Gray had received for he loved none of them and so making no great account of the matter he went on with his work and in the countrey of Angus called many in question for reading the New Testament in English which as then was accounted an hainous crime And it is said The ignorance of these times was so great as even the Priests did think the New Testament to have been composed by Martin Luther and the old to be the only Scripture that men ought to read Iohn Roger a black Frier with certain others was brought to the Castle of Saint Andrews and within some few dayes found dead at the foot of the back wall whether he fell seeking to escape or that he was murthered as the report went in prison it is uncertain From Angus the Cardinal leading the Governour with him went to Mernis using the like inquisition and stayed there till near Christmas at which time they returned to S. Andrews and having past the holy time in feasting took journey to Edinburgh where a Convention of the Clergy was kept for censuring the lives of scandalous Priests Whilest they were thus busied advertisement was made to the Cardinal that Master George Wishart for whom he had searched a long time was in the house of Ormeston in Lothian This man being of all the witnesses that God raised in that time to advance his truth the most worthy the Reader will not mislike that I set down the story at large He was a brother of the house of Pittarrow in Mernis a man of great knowledge and pleasant utterance indued also with many rare vertues humble modest charitable and patient even to admiration some time he had spent in the University of Cambridge and out of a desire to promove the truth in his own countrey came home in the year 1544. making his chief resorts in the Towns of Dundy and Montross where he taught publickly with great profit and applause The Cardinal incensed with the following he had among the people discharged them of Dundy to receive him Whereupon Robert Mill a man of great authority in the Town either corrupted by the Cardinals gifts or because he feared some trouble might fall upon the Town for his occasion did one day as he had ended his Sermon openly prohibit him to come any more amongst them and not to trouble the Town with his Sermons He after a little silence turning himselfe to the speaker said God is my witnesse that I minde ever your comfort and not your trouble which to me is more grievous then to your selves But sure I am to reject the word of God and drive away his messengers is not the way to save you from trouble When I am gone God will send you messengers who will not be afraid either for burning or banishment I have with the hazard of my life remained amongst you preaching the word of salvation and now since your selves refuse me I must leave my innocency to be declared by God If it be long well with you I am not led with the spirit of truth and if trouble unexpected fall upon you remember this is the cause and turn to God by repentance for he is merciful The Earle Marshal and some other Noblemen who were present at the Sermon dealt earnestly with him to go with them into the North but he excusing himselfe took journey into the West parts He had not been long there when the Archbishop of Glasgow advertised of the great concourse of people unto his Sermons took purpose to apprehend him and for that effect made a journey unto the Town of Aire Alexander Earle of Glaincarne hearing what the Bishop intended hasted to the Town offering to place Master George Wishart in the Church where the Bishop was preparing to preach but he would not consent saying that the Bishops Sermon would not do much hurt and that he would teach if they pleased at the Market Crosse which he did divers of the hearers which were enemies to the truth being converted at the same time The Sunday following being desired to preach at the Church of Machlin he went thither but the Sheriffe of Aire had in the night time put in a Garison of souldiers in the
words said he can be uttered then to call the Pope the Vicar of Christ the successour of Peter the head of the universal Church most holy most blessed one who cannot erre that may make right of wrong and wrong of right that of nothing may make somewhat that hath all verity inclosed in the shrine of his breast that hath power over all men no man having power over him and through he draw ten thousand millions of souls with himself to hell that none may or ought to say that he doth wrong which words he shewed were expressed in the common law and could not be denied Another note more remarkable he adduced forth of S. Iohn his Revelation where it is said that the Babylonian whore shall make merchandise of the souls of men which never any did of what profession soever they were the Pope and his followers excepted for they said he take upon them to mitigate the paines of souls in Purgatory and to release them by saying of Masses selling of Pardons and Indulgences which none besides them ever did whereupon he inferred that the Church of Rome was quite degenerate from her first purity and that very beast foreshewed in the Scriptures c. At this Sermon Master Iohn Maior the Sub-prior a number of Chanons and Friers of both Orders with the whole University were present whom he appealed to answer his allegations if they found any one of them not consonant to truth The Archbishop being advertised of this wrote to the Sub-prior saying that he wondered how he could suffer such heretical and schismatical doctrines to be taught and not oppose himself thereto Whereupon Iohn Rough and Iohn Knox were cited to answer unto certain heads collected out of their Sermons and set down as followeth 1. That no mortal man can be the head of Christs Church 2. That the Pope is Antichrist and so not a member of Christs mystical body 3. That no man may make or devise a Religion that is acceptable to God but that he is bound to observe and keep the Religion received from God without chopping or changing the same 4. That the Sacraments of the New Testament ought to bee ministred as they were instituted by Christ Iesus and practised by his Apostles nor ought there any thing be added unto them nor diminished from them 5. That the Masse is abominable idolatry blasphemous to the death of Iesus Christ and a profanation to the Lords Suppers 6. That there is no Purgatory in the which the souls of men can either be pined or purged after this life Heaven being appointed for the faithful and Hell for the reprobate and unfaithful 7. That prayer for the dead is vain and to the dead is idolatry 8. That Bishops are no Bishops except they preach themselves wthout a Substitute 9. That tithes by Gods law do not appertain necessarily to Churchmen This last Article I would not omit because it is alledged by those that penned the story whether it was a point of Iohn Roughs preaching or not I cannot say but for Iohn Knox it is clear by his Sermons and writings still extant that he held it a point of high Sacriledge to rob and spoile the Church of tithes It is true that many in these times offending with the extortion of Churchmen did hold that tithes belonged not to the Church by any divine right and knowing that this opinion would find easie passage among the people as also serve to abridge the means and power of Churchmen they were the more ready to deliver such doctrines but this was done rather out of passion then judgement for he that will not wilfully shut his eyes against the truth cannot but know that tithes are the Lords and the portion that he hath served for the maintenance of his worship and service But to leave this The Sub-prior and others of the Clergy that convened with him having laid these Articles to their charge Iohn Knox answered that for himself he was glad to declare his mind in those points before so modest and judicious an auditory and turning to the Sub-prior It is a long time said he since I have heard that you are not ignorant of the truth Therefore I do appeal your conscience before the supreme Iudge that if you think the Articles wherewith we are charged contrarious to the truth of God that you plainly open your self and suffer not the people to be deceived but if in your conscience you know them to be true and sound then I will crave your patrocinie that by your authority the people may be moved to embrace the truth whereof now many doubt because of your indifferencie The Sub-prior answered That he came not there to judge but to conferre of these points and would if he pleased reason a little of the power of the Church which in my opinion said he may very lawfully devise rights and ceremonies for decoring the Sacraments and other parts of divine service Iohn Knox replying That no man in the worship of God might appoint any ceremony giving it a signification to his pleasure One Arbuthnet a gray Frier reasoned so hotly in the contrary that forgetting himself he denied the Apostles to have received the Holy Ghost when they penned their Epistles The Sub-prior checking the Frier did after a little space dimit the Preachers with a brotherly admonition to take heed what doctrine they delivered in publick When they were gone such of the Clergy as were present entred in consultation what was fittest to be done for staying the defection of the people and in end resolved that every learned man of the Abbey and University should preach in the Parish Churches on Sundayes the Sub-prior beginning the Officials following and the rest according to their seniority eschewing all of them to speak of any controverted point which might breed question and minister unto people occasion of talk Iohn Knox who by this mean was excluded from the Pulpit on the Sunday preached on the week dayes sometimes none daring to offer him any wrong because of the fear they stood in of them within the Castle But Iohn Rough being grieved with the wicked and licencious living of the souldiers and others in the Castle took his leave of them and departed into England preaching some years in the Townes of Carlile Berwick and Newcastle he was afterwards provided to a Benefice by the Archbishop of York nor farre from the Town of Hull and resided upon it untill the death of King Edward the sixth In the time of Queen Maries persecution he fled with the wife that he had married unto Friesland and wonne his living with the knitting of Caps hose and such like wares and in November 1557. coming to London for providing some necessaries to maintain his trade was apprehended by the Queens Vice-Chamberlain at the Saracens head in Islington where they who professed Religion used quietly to meet Being brought before Bonner Bishop of London and
Of the Bishops of the Isles I have lesse to say onely that the Isle of Man was at first the Cathedral seat as by occasion we touched before and that by the invasions of the Norvegians and English the same was translated unto Ilcolmkill In Man Amphibalus was the first Bishop I read of one Machilla likewise that was there Bishop and confirmed the holy Brigida in her purpose of single life After the translation of the seat to Ilcolmkill I find onely one Onacus mentioned about the year 1289. who is reported to have been a good and godly man with another called Mauricius whom King Edward the first of England sent prisoner to London And thus farre of the succession of Bishops unto the time of the Reformation THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE THIRD BOOK The Contents The History of the Reformation of the Church and how it was wrought THE Petitions put up to Queen Regent for reformation of the Church taking no effect some Noblemen and Barons joyning in Councel did bind themselves by oâ—thes and subscriptions to assist one another and hazard their lives and substance in advancing the cause of Religion The principals were Archibald Earl of Argyle Alexander Earl of Glencarne James Earl of Morton Archibald Lord of Lorne Sir Iames Sandelands of Calder Iohn Erskin of Dun and William Maitland of Lethington younger They meeting together after deliberation what should be fittest first to do concluded That in all Parishes the Curates should be caused read the Prayers and Lessons of the Old and New Testament on Sundayes and other Festival dayes according to the form set forth in the Book of Common Prayers and if they should refuse that the most qualified in every Parish should do the same But for preaching and interpretation of Scripture the same should be used only in private houses after a quiet manner till God should move the Queen to grant further liberty This accordingly was performed in the parts where they had Commandment and by their example in divers Townes and Parishes of the countrey the like was done to the great offence of the Clergy who complaining of that boldnesse to the Queen Regent were answered that it was no fit time to enter into those matters and that she should find occasion ere it were long to put order unto them But the Clergy fearing delayes did forthwith call a Provincial Councel at Edinburgh where professing to make reformation of abuses they renewed some old Popish constitutions which they made to be imprinted and affixed upon the doors of all the Parish Churches The Bishop of S. Andrewes advertised of the Reformation begun in Argyle sent to the Earl Sir David Hamilton his Cousen with a letter wherein after he had shewed the perill in which he did cast both himself and his house by that open defection from the Church he desired him in some honest fashion to rid himself of that defamed and perjured Apostate who had seduced him This was one Mr. Iohn Douglas whom the Earl had taken to be his Minister offering to provide him of a learned and wise Preacher for whom he would lay his soul in pawn that he should teach no other but true doctrine and agreeable to the Catholick faith The Earle answered That for peril he feared none either to himself or to his house having resolved to live in obedience to his Prince and to serve God as well as he could according to his written word and for the defection alledged seeing it had pleased God to open his eyes and give him the knowledge of his truth which he took for a great argument of his favour he would not relinquish or forsake it for fear of any inconveniences As to the man he wrote of he said that he heard him teach the doctrine of Christ condemne idolatry adultery fornication and such like wickednesse and that he should make him give an accompt thereof whensoever he should be cited But to call him defamed and perjured there was no reason seeing he was not declared to be such by any sentence and if he had in former times made any unlawful oath he had done much better in violating the same then if he had observed it Further whereas he made offer to provide him of some learned man he gave him thanks considering the necessity there was of labourers in the Lords harvest but he understood what his meaning in that was and minded not to be led with any such teachers In end he wished him not to begin the battel with him whereof the event would be doubtful for as to himself he knew God was God and should be God still whatsoever mans crast could work or devise The Bishop receiving this answer did communicate the same with the chief of the Clergy who thereby conceiving that there was some businesse in hand began to think of other defences And the feast day of S. Giles or Sanctus Egidius falling out about that time to be kept at Edinburgh they entreated Queen Regent to honour the solemnity with her presence The custome was in that time of the year to carry the image of the Saint in procession through the town for they had S. Giles to their Patron with Drummes Trumpets and all sort of musical instruments neither was there any day kept more superstitiously then this The Queen agreed the rather to accompany the procession for that some cumult was feared which she thought her presence would represse But when the time of the solemnity was come the Saint was missing for some had stolne the image out of the place where it was kept This made a stay till another little image was borrowed from the Gray Friers which the vulgar in mockery called young Saint Giles Herewith they set forward the Regent accompanying the people till the procession was nigh ended then withdrawing her self to the lodging where she was to dine she was no sooner gone then some youths provided for the purpose drawing near unto the Fertor and making a shew to carry it upon their shoulders after they had walked some few paces and perceived by the motion they made the image was fixed to the Fertor they threw all to the ground and taking the image by the heels dashed the same against the stones so as head and hands were beaten off and the idol wholly defaced The people hereupon fell a crying the Priests and Churchmen betook them to flight and a great stirre was in the streets Some houres the Fray continued and being in end setled by the authority of the Magistrates the whole Clergy that were in town assembled themselves and making the best countenance they could indicted a solemn meeting in the beginning of November next To this diet Paul Methven was summoned and not appearing was decerned for his contumacie to be banished the Realme a prohibition likewise was given to all the subjects that none of them should entertain or receive
the Ministers of Christ should be silenced upon any occasion much lesse that the true service of God should give place to superstition and idolatry Wherefore they humbly requested as often they had done liberty to serve God according to their consciences and did beseech her to remove the French soulders otherwise there could be no firm and solid peace The Queen hearing all replied only that she wished there might be peace but to none of the points proponed made she any direct answer Whereupon the Noblemen resolved to bide together at Edinburgh and not depart till matters were fully composed Newes in this time were brought of the French King Henry the second his death which put the Lords in some better hopes but withall made them more carelesse for divers as though nothing was now to be feared did slide away to attend their private affaires and they who remained expecting no invasion lived secure keeping neither watch nor ward as if there had been no enemy to fear The Queen on the other side became more watchful observing all occasions whereby she might weaken the faction and assure her self So getting notice of the solitude which was at Edinburgh she hasted thither with the companies she had The Lords advertised of her coming grew doubtful what to do for howsoever they might save themselves by flight they saw the town by their retiring should be lost and the Church which in some good fashion was then established be utterly cast down therefore with the small number they had they issued forth of the town and putting themselves in order stood on the East side of Craigingate to impede the approach of the French The Duke and Earl of Morton who were gone that morning to meet the Queen and give her the convoy laboured to compose things but prevailed not onely that day they kept the parties from falling into an open conflict The next day when the Queen which lay all that night at Leith prepared to enter into the town by the West port and that the Lords were advancing to stop her in the way the Lord Areskin who untill that time had carried himself a neuter threatned to play upon them with the Canon unlesse they suffered the Queen to enter peaceably and without trouble This it was supposed he did to make them accept the conditions of truce offered the day before which they seeing no better way were content to yeeld unto The Articles were as followeth 1. That the Congregation and their adherents the inhabitants of Edinburgh only excepted should depart forth of the town within the space of twenty four houres to the end the Queen Regent and her companies may enter peaceably in the same 2. That the Congregation should render the Palace of Halirudhouse with all the furnishing they found therein redeliver the Minthouse and Printing Irons the next morning before ten of the clock and for observing this and the former Article the Lord Ruthven and Laird of Pittarrow should enter as pledges to the Queen 3. That the Lords of the Congregation and all the members thereof should remain obedient subjects to the King and Queens authority and to the Queen Regent as governing in their place observing the lawes and customes of the Realm as they were used before the raising of this tumult in all things the cause of Religion excepted wherein the order after specified should be followed 4. That the Congregation should not trouble nor molest any Churchman by way of deed nor make them any impediment in the peaceable enjoying and uplifting their rents and that it should be lawful for them to dispone and use their benefices and rents according to the lawes and customes of the Realm untill the tenth of Ianuary next 5. That the Congregation should use no force nor violence in casting down of Churches religious places or defacing the ornaments thereof but the same should be harmlesse at their hands untill the tenth of Ianuary next 6. That the town of Edinburgh should use what Religion they pleased untill the said day and none of the Subjects in other parts of the countrey be constrained against their mindes in matters of that kind 7. That the Queen should not interpone her authority to molest the Preachers of the Congregation nor any other their members in their bodies lands possessions pensions or whatsoever other kind of goods they enjoyed nor yet should any spiritual or temporal Judges trouble them for the cause of religion or other action depending thereupon untill the said tenth of Ianuary but that every man should live in the mean time according to conscience 8. That no man of Warre French or Scottish should be put in Garison within the town of Edinburgh only it should be lawful to the souldiers to repaire thither for doing their lawful affairs which done they should retire themselves to their proper Garisons This truce and the heads thereof published the Lords departed towards Striveling leaving Iohn Willock Minister to serve in the Church of Edinburgh As they departed the Duke and Earle of Huntley met with them at the Quarry holes promising if any part of the appointment should be violated to joyn all their forces for expulsing the French out of the Realm and indeed the Queen was then more careful nor in former times she had been to see that no breach should be made howbeit many wayes she went about to reestablish the Masse and bring the favourers of Religion in contempt In Edinburgh she employed the Duke the Earl of Huntley and Lord Seaton to deal with the Magistrates and Councel of the Town that they would appoint some other Church then S. Giles where their Minister might preach reserving that Church to her use and for the exercise of the Masse The Magistrates answered That S. Giles Church had been the ordinary place of their meeting to Sermon and other Religious Exercises and could not be taken from them without a manifest breach of the truce seeing by one of the Articles it was provided that the Preachers of the Congregation should not be molested in any thing they possessed at the making of the appointment Huntley replying That the Queen meant to keep all conditions and desired this onely of their favour or if they would not change the place of their preaching that at least they would permit Masse to be said either before or after Sermon in the Church of S. Giles They answered That they were in possession of that Church and would never consent that Idolatry should be there again erected or if men would do it violently they behoved to suffer and would use the next remedy This being refused another device was invented that the French Captains with their souldiers should in time of Sermon and prayers keep their walkes in the Church and trouble the exercise so much as they could This they thought would enforce them to make choice of a more retired place for their Sermons or then irritate the people
horsemen and four ships well appointed to keep the Haven of Leth trusting therewith as she said and with the assistance she promised her self in the Countrey to daunt all the rebells and bring them to obedience Meane while she began to fortifie the towne of Leth as being a Port fit to receive fresh supplies and a place that might serve the French companies for a refuge if they should happen to be redacted to any necessitie The Lords of the Congregation kept at that time a Convention in Striveling and thither came the Earle of Arrane the Duke his eldest son having left France upon this occasion Being one day in conference with the Duke of Guise who then ruled all things in the French Court and falling in speech of those that professed the reformed Religion he did utter his minde too freely in their favours which was so ill taken as it was resolved to call him in question Of this and other speeches that had escaped the Cardinall of Lorraine in the Court of Parliament he was advertised and thereupon retired quickly from Court and went to Geneva there he became acquainted with Mr. Randolph an English man who was afterwards imployed in many honourable Legations to Scotland and came with him into England where he was much graced by Queen Elizabeth and by her perswasions induced to promise that at his return he should joyn himself with those that sought to expell the French forth of Scotland and move his father so far as in him lay to take part in that cause Both which he truly performed for immediately upon his return he came to the Noblemen at Sriveling and made offer of his assistance in the common quarrell both of Religion and the liberty of the Countrey Then going to visit his Father at Hamilton he won him to their side and reconciling some old grudges betwixt his father and certain Noblemen brought them all to meet together at Hamilton and to write a common Letter to Queen Regent which was to this effect That it was to them a marvell ho she not provoked by any injury could go so soon from the late appointment as to expulse the ancient inhabitants of the town of Leth place therein a Colonie of strangers as minding to keep the Countrey under a Tyrannicall subjection This they said was against her promise against the publick weale and against the lawes and liberties of the Kingdome wherefore they intreated her to desist from that course and not to drive them into a necessity of seeking the concurrence of the Subjects for resisting the mischief intended against the whole This letter dated at Hamilton the 29. of September was subserived by the Duke of Chattellerault the Earles of Arrane Argile Glencarn and Mentieth the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Ochiltrie and divers other Barons and Gentlemen They wrote also to the Lord Ereskin keeper of the Castles of Edinburgh and Striveling Desiring him as a Nobleman and a Member with them of the same Common-wealth to look circumspectly to his own person and to the strengths committed to his trust and not to suffer himself to be abused with the promises and policies which they knew would be used Hereof they did think it needfull as they said to give him warning not that they stood in doubt of his sidelity but that they esteemed it their duty to advertise him of the common danger and to assure him if by violence any should go about to bereave him of those sorts their assistance should not be lacking Queen Regent not liking to make an answer to the Lords in writing sent Sir Robert Carnagie and Mr. David Borthuick with a letter of credit to the Duke That which they had in credit to say was that she wondred much at his joyning with the Lords or that he should have permitted the Earle of Arrane his son take that course and to advise him to come and stay with her at Court or if they could not obtain that point that they should disswade him from taking part with them The Duke asking what the Queen meant to do concerning the fortification at Leth and dispatch of the French men they said If all things were put in the Queen will she would be gracious enough Whereunto he replayed That both he and the rest of the Lords would most willingly serve her so as she would be ruled by the counsell of naturall Scottish men but so long as she kept about her strangers who were a trouble and great to the Countrey he beleeved no wise man would give either him or them advise to put themselves in her hands This answer reported to the Queen because she perceived the arriving of the French souldiers to be generally ill taken she gave forth a Proclamation Wherein complaining of the calumnies dispersed against her by wicked people especially that she had broken the appointment made with the Congregation at Leth which she said was onely to entertain division in the Realm by receiving of French forces which they aggredged so far against all reason it not being an Article of the appointment that albeit for every Frenchman that was in Scotland there were a hundreth at her command there should not a jot that was promised be broken nor the least alteration be made in any thing if the Congregation did in like manner faithfully keep their part Therefore willed all good subjects not to give eare to such informations nor suffer themselves to be led thereby from their due obedience assuring them that they should ever finde with her truth in promise and a motherly love towards all loyall subjects Besides the Proclamation she imployed in the Countrey some whom she especially trusted to inform the Subjects of her good meaning the principalls were Mr. Iames Balfoure Officiall of Lothian Mr. Thomas and Mr. William Scots sons to the Laird of Balwery Sir Robert Carnagy and some others Neither did she omit to deal with the specials of the Congregation sending Sir Iohn Bannatyne Justice Clerk to the Lord Ruthven with many liberall promises if he would leave the faction and Mr. Iohn Spence of Condy to Lord Iames with a letter bearing this effect That having understood the cause of his departing from her to be the love he bare to Religion Albeit she did mislike the same yet knowing his minde and the mindes of other Noble men to be so far bent that way as there was no possiblity to reclaim them she had now resolved to tolerate their profession and at their own sights to grant such liberty as might stand with the common policy of the Realm and their Soveraigns honour As for the men of Warre and fortification at Leth so much complained of she said that some had given her to understand that it was not the advancement of Religion which was sought but that the same was made a pretext to overthrow the authority of his sister whereof she beleeved he would never be participant and this was the
of Arrane and Lord Iames taking some companies of horse with them made towards Creichton whither Bothwel as they were advertised was gone But finding that he was escap'd they seised upon the house and gave it in keeping to Captain Forbes The same day that this happened the Provost of Dundy with his Townesmen and a few mercenary souldiers went down towards Leth carrying with them some pieces of Artillery which he planted on a hill near unto the Town The French had warning that most of the horsemen were gone about other businesse and knowing the footmen to be few made a salley upon them with some companies The Townesmen of Dundy sustained the fight for a while trusting to be seconded by the souldiers but they turned backs in the very beginning of the conflict the townesmen were forced to retire keeping still their ranks till a cry was raised that the French were entring by Leth Winde to cut them off from the Town This caused such a perturbation as every man took the way he held best for his safety and in the flight as commonly it falleth one hindering another many were overthrown some ten souldiers were killed Captain Mowak taken prisoner and Mr. Charles Geddes servant to the Master of Maxwell The flight held to the middest of the Canon gate where the Earl of Argyle and Lord Robert Abbot of Halirudhouse turned the Chase and pursuing the French made them flie as fast as they followed This little advantage of the French made Bothwel so insolent as he simply refused to restore the moneys he had taken And thus all hopes of money failing and the souldiers refusing to serve some not of the meanest sort stole away secretly the few that remained were distracted in opinions among themselves and grew doubtful what to do The fifth of November upon advertisement that the French were issued forth of Leth to intercept the provision that was carrying to Edinburgh the Earle of Arrane and Lord Iames with their domesticks went out to defend the Careers and were followed with divers of the Citizens these giving the onset upon the French with more courage then foresight advanced so farre as they were almost encompasâ—ed by the enemy and cut off from the Town For the French had divided their companies in two one part took the way directly from Leth to Halirudhouse the other marched somewhat more Eastward and nearer the Sea The Lords who were gone as farre as Restalrig beholding the French to march towards Edinburgh returned with expedition fearing the case of the Citizens and that they themselves should be cut off which in all appearance had been done if the Laird of Grange and Alexander Whitlaw with a few horsemen had not kept them in skirmish for a little time The other French companies that came by Restalrig beholding the Lords retire made after them and pursued so hotly as the Earle of Arrane and Lord Iames were forced to quit their horses for safety of the foot who were in great disorder Captain Alexander Halliberton a man of good spirit and forward in the cause of Religion staying behinde to hold off the French received divers wounds whereof the same night he died In this conflict there fell some 25. or 30. men The Master of Buchan with the Lairds of Pitmilly Fairnay and some others of smaller note were taken prisoners A little before this time William Maitland of Lethington Secretary to the Queen perceiving that he was hated of the French for the freedom he used in his counsel did secretly withdraw himself and joyned with the Lords He was earnest to have them abide together laying before them the dangers that might ensue upon their dissolving but few or none consenting conclusion was taken to leave the Town and after midnight to depart towards Striveling The day after the Lords departing the French went up to Edinburgh and took possession of the Town All that professed the Religion were compelled to flie and seek their refuge in other places Mr. Willock the Minister went unto England and immediately was the Romane service restored The Church of S. Giles as if infected with some contagion by the Sermons preached therein was of new hallowed by the Bishop of Amiens with a number of Ceremonies and such triumphing was amongst the Popish sort as they thought the game to be theirs The Queen sent advertisement to France requiring new forces with expedition to make the victory absolute Whereupon the Marquesse D'Elbeuf and Count Martiques a young Nobleman were directed with some companies both of foot and horse but they imbarking at Deep were dispersed by tempest 18. Ensignes cast away upon the coast of Holland and the rest driven back into France A while after the Marquesse putting to Sea arrived at Leth about the beginning of the spring with a thousand foot and some few horsemen The Lords at their coming to Striveling were in great heavinesse and doubtful what course to take till encouraged by a Sermon that Iohn Knox made unto them they gathered new spirits resolving to send unto England for supply and till answer should come to divide their companies The Duke and Earl of Glencarne with the Lords Boyde Ochiltry and their friends were appointed to remain at Glasgow the Earles of Arrane and Rothes Lord Iames the Master of Lindesay and their friendship to stay together in Fife and for making intelligence one to the other Mr. Henry Balnaves was ordained to attend the Noblemen at Glasgow and Iohn Knox these of Fife The Duke at his coming to Glasgow caused all the Images and Altars to be pulled down and took the Castle pertaining to the Bishop Upon the report of this the Bishop taking with him a number of French men and assisted by the Lords Semple Seaton and Rosse marched hastily thither recovered the Castle for the Lords advertised of their coming had left the Town and staying there one onely night returned to Edinburgh In Fife there was more quietnesse all things continuing peaceable till a little before Christmas at which time answer was returned from England and hopes given of support from thence William Maitland younger of Lethington and Robert Melvil brother of the Laird of Raith had been intrusted with that businesse They at their coming to the Court of England did inform the Queen of the troubles of the countrey the difficulties whereunto it was reduced and the danger that England should fall into if Scotland were once subdued by the French entreating her aid and assistance for their expulsion She remitting the matter to the Councel it was long debated whether or no any supply should be granted some maintaining that it was a thing of ill example to assist the subjects of another Prince in their Rebellion and that the same might draw upon themselves a dangerous warre Others holding that they were obliged in conscience to defend their neighbours from the oppression of strangers and that to suffer the French who
were naturally enemies to the English fortifie themselves in Scotland would prove a hurtful and preposterous course In end the Queen enclining that way it was concluded that a supply should be granted and the Duke of Norfolk sent to Berwick to treat of the conditions with the Commissioners of the Scottish Nobility The French advertised of this conclusion taken resolved to make an end of the warre before the English support could be in readinesse and to begin with the Lords residing at Fife Thereupon taking their journey to Striveling they spoyled Linlithgow in the way with the lands of Kinneil and all that they understood belonged to the Duke in those parts The like pillage they made in Striveling and passing the Bridge they kept the side of the River robbing all the villages and Coast Towns which were in their way It was their purpose to have kept the coast still till they came to S. Andrews and then to have fortified the Castle and City but the Earl of Arrane and Lord Iames hearing that they were past Striveling sent some forces under the charge of the Lord Ruthven a Nobleman of good experience and courage to withstand their attempts In his company was the Earl of Sutherland who was come to the Lords some dayes before directed as he gave out by the Earl of Huntley to make offer of his assistance howbeit his principal Commission was unto the Queen Regent as afterwards was knowne The first encounter with the French was at Pitticurre so they call the Haven on the West of Kingorne by occasion of some small vessels that were espied to come from Leth which as the Lord Ruthven did stop from landing the French that were further advanced then he supposed did charge him on the back and forced him to flie six or seven souldiers were killed in this conflict and a Dutchman called Paul Lambird with a French boy taken and hanged upon the Steeple of Kingarne The Earl of Sutherland wounded a little in the Arm with the shot of an Harquebuse returned the same day to Couper The Lords to stay the further progress of the French drew all the forces they could make in these parts to the Town of Dysert where they remained 20. dayes together keeping the French souldiers that were numbred to be 4000. in such work that the countrey was generally saved from spoile and the hurt and damage that was done falling for the greatest part upon their friends and confederates For of all that were professed enemies to the French the Laird of Grange onely had his house blown up with Gunpowder whereas the Laird of Weimes Seafield Balmaito Balwery Balgony Dury and others of the French faction were forced to furnish them with cornes cattel and what else they stood in need of or if the souldiers lacked any thing the readiest goods upon their ground were taken to provide them Hereof divers complaints being made to the French Captains the poor owners were scornfully answered that their goods were of the Congregation and if they made faith that the same were their own proper goods they were railed upon and called cowards and unworthy niggards that made more accompt of their goods then of their friends Such as professed Religion and expected the worst putting their goods out of the way or standing to their defence were in a much better condition and Grange who had his house cast down as I have said avenged himselfe sufficiently a few dayes after For knowing that the French used to send forth some souldiers into the countrey every day to bring in provision he laid an Ambush near to Kingorne and as Captain le Batu with an hundred souldiers came forth after they were passed a mile from the town he brake upon them with a number that he had selected to that purpose the Captain with his souldiers retiring to a little countrey house defended themselves a while with their shot and dangerously wounded David Kircaldy brother to the Laird of Grange and a Gentleman called Robert Hamilton who were both at first supposed to be slain The French had the advantage for they were within ditches and Le Batu having taken a little house kept the gate with some Harquebuses Grange and his company carried spears onely yet in that heat of valour which ordinarily at such occasions he shewed he rushed in upon the French and was followed by the Master of Lindesay and others whom his example did animate The Captain refusing to render himself with fifty of his company was slain the rest were all taken and sent prisoners to Dundy By this time the Lords that remained in the West parts being advertised of the answer returned from England and how the Duke of Norfolke was coming to Berwick to attend the Scottish Commissioners that should be chosen to treat of the conditions of the supply they sent of their number some to assist the Noblemen of Fife in making that choice The meeting was at Couper where by common consent choice was made of Lord Iames the Lord Ruthven the Masters of Maxwel and Lindesay the Laird Lethington younger and Laird of Pittarrow and Mr. Henry Balnaves and power given them by the Duke and remnant Lords to contract and agree with the Queen of England and her Lieutenant upon all such things as might serve for the good and conjunction of the two Kingdomes and particularly for expelling the French souldiers out of the Realm of Scotland These taking journey by Sea came about the middest of February to Berwick and after some short treaty a contract was formed betwixt Thomas Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshall of England and Lieutenant to the Queens Majesty in the North in name and behalf of her Highness on the one part and Lord Iames Stewart Patrick Lord Ruthven Sir Iohn Maxwel of Tareglife Knight William Maitland of Lethington younger Iohn Wishart of Pittarrow and Mr. Henry Balnaves of Halhil in name and behalfe of the noble and mighty Prince Iames Duke of Chattellerault second person of the Realm of Scotland and the remnant Lords joyned with him for maintenance and defence of the ancient Rights and liberties of the countrey on the other part to the effect following 1. That the Queens Majesty having sufficiently understood as well by information from the Nobility of Scotland as by the proceedings of the French that they did intend to conquer the Realm of Scotland suppress the Nobility thereof and unite the same to the Crown of France perpetually contrary to the Lawes of the same Realm and the pactions oathes and promises of France and being most humbly and earnestly requested by the said Nobility for and in the name of the whole Realm to receive the Kingdom of Scotland the Duke of Chattellerault declared heir to the Crown thereof with the Nobility and other subjects into her protection and maintenance only for preservation of the Scots in their own freedomes and liberties during the time that the marriage did continue
of no mean power who made him daily advertised of things that passed there and the small numbers that were with the Queen willing him to take the opportunity Whereupon resolving to follow his enterprise before the forces of the Queen were further increased for charge was gone to all that could bear Armes in Lothian Fife Angus Stratherne and Mernis to come and attend her at Aberdene he advanced with some 800. in company looking to find no resistance And like enough the enterprise had succeeded to his mind but that the same morning letters were intercepted sent by Sutherland and Buquhaine to Huntley which detected all their counsel Sutherland upon discovery escaped Buquhaine was pardoned upon his confession and from thenceforth served the Queen faithfully Huntley advertised of these things was advised by his friends to turn back yet hearing the Earl of Murray was coming against him he made a stay resolving to fight The place of standing he chused was naturally fenced with mosse and quagmire and so of difficult accesse 300 they were in all for many of his followers the night preceding were slipt from him Neither had the Earl of Murray any great number and few whom he might trust for howbeit of the countrey about divers gathered unto him most of them were corrupted by Huntley as appeared when the companies came in sight one of another all of them in sign of treason and that they might be discerned by the enemy putting a bush of heath or header in their helmets and how soon they came to joyn giving back and retiring in great disorder The Earl of Murray who stood a little off with an hundred in a troop discovering the treason called aloud to his men that they should bend their Spears and not suffer those that fled to enter amongst them So forced to take another course they went aside leaving him and his troop when they had taken their standing Huntley imagining upon that flight and disorder the day to be his commanded his men to throw away their lances and with drawn swords to run upon them as to a slaughter But when they were come to the place where Murray with his company stood they were born back and compelled to fly as fast as before they followed They who had played the Traytors seeing this to clear themselves turned upon Huntley and made all the slaughter which was committed that day There fell in the conflict on Huntleys side 120. near as many were taken prisoners on the other party not a man died Amongst the prisoners was the Earl of Huntley himself with two sonnes Iohn and Adam Gordon The Earl was aged and corpulent and by reason of the throng that pressed him expired in the hands of his takers the rest were carried to Aberdene late in the night The Earls of Murray Morton and Lord Lindesay for these last two had been in the field with Murray went first into the Church where Mr. Iohn Crage Minister of that City gave solemn thanks to God for the victory and their safety This ended they went unto the Queen who received them graciously yet expressed no motion of a mind either troubled or much joyed The next day was spent in taking counsel concerning the prisoners the conclusion whereof was that punishment should be taken according to the laws of Iohn Gordon That Adam his brother should be spared because of his tender age the other captives fined according to their wealth and those of meaner estate banished the countrey The day following Iohn Gordon upon a scaffold erected in the street of Aberdene was publickly executed His death was much lamented not by his friends only but even by strangers and persons unknown for he was a youth of most brave and manlike countenance of a valorous spirit and one who by his noble behaviour had raised great expectation of himself Abused he was by the hopes of a royal match and which grieved all the beholders pitifully mangled by an unskilful Executioner This defeat of Huntley brought the North parts in a great obedience and mightily discouraged those of the Popish faction throughout the whole Realm for all that sort had placed their hopes on him and his greatnesse both in the Court and countrey The eldest of his sonnes named George after the losse of that field fled to the Duke his Father in law and was delivered by him to the Queen who sent him prisoner to Dumbar In the end of Ianuary he was accused and convicted of treason his lands declared to be forfeited and himself committed to prison Shortly after Iohn Hamilton Archbishop of S. Andrews was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh for saying and hearing of Masse The Abbot of Corsragnal and Prior of Whithern were used in the like sort and divers Priests and Monks for the same cause censured The severe proceeding against Papists put many in hope that the Queen should be brought to embrace the Religion which was further assured by the countenance she gave unto the Church in the Parliament kept at Edinburgh the May following wherein divers statutes passed upon their Petitions as in the Acts of that time may be seen In this Parliament was the Act of oblivion agreed unto at the treaty of Leth first ratified but without any respect to that treaty which the Queen would never acknowledge Wherefore it was advised that the Lords in the house of Parliament should upon their knees entreat the passing of such an Act which accordingly was done The rest of this summer the Queen spent in hunting in the countries of Athol and Argyle But in August the same year there happened a thing that was like to have caused much trouble certain of the Queens family that remained in the Palace of Halirudhouse had a Priest attending them who did his ordinary service in the Chappel divers of the town of Edinburgh resorting unto it great offence was taken and the disorder complained of by the Preachers The Citizens being informed that many of their people were gone thither one day went down and being denied entry forces the gates Some were taken and carried to prison many escaped the back way with the Priest himself The uproare was great and advertisement gone to the Queen thereof she was mightily incensed avowing not to come to the Town till some exemplary punishment were inflicted upon the doers yet by the mediation of the Earls of Murray and Glencarne she was pacified Iohn Knox only was called before the Councel and charged to have been the author of the sedition as likewise for convocating the subjects by his missive letters whensoever he thought meet He answered That he was never a Preacher of rebellion nor loved to stirre up tumults contrariwise he taught all people to obey their Magistrates and Princes in God As to the convocation of the subjects he had received from the Church a command to advertise his Brethren when he saw a necessity of their meeting
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
was accustomed when she supped private to admit others to sit by her and that night the Countess of Argile and beneath her Davie was placed commanded him to arise and come forth for the place where he sate did not beseem him The Queen starting up hastily went between Davie and Ruthven to defend him and Davie clasping his hands about her middle the King laboured to loose them willing her not to be afraid for that they were come onely to take order with that villain Then was he dragged down the stairs to the gallery where Morton with his company was walking There they fell upon him and striving who should give the first stroak killed him with many wounds It was constantly reported that he had warning given him oftner then once by Iohn Damiott a French Priest who was thought to have some skill in Magick to do his business and be gone for that he could not make good his part And that he answered disdainfully The Scots are given more to brag then to fight Some few dayes again before his death being warned by the same Priest to take heed of the bastard he replied That whilest he lived he should not have credit in Scotland to do him any hurt For he took the Earl of Murray to be the man of whom he was advertised to take heed But that prediction either fulfilled or eluded the first stroak was given him by George Douglas base son to the Earl of Angus after whom such others as were in place either serving their private malice or desiring to be esteemed associates in that conspiracy inflicted every man his wound till he was dispatched yet had they no commandment from the contrivers so to kill him It being their purpose to have brought him to publick execution which they knew would have been to all the people a most grateful spectacle And good it had been for them so to have done or then to have taken him in another place and at another time then in the Queens presence For besides the great peril of abortion which her fear might have caused the false aspersions cast upon her fame and honour by that occasion were such as she could never digest and drew on all the pitiful accidents that afterwards ensued The Queen bursting forth in many tears after a great chiding she kept with the Lord Ruthven sent one of her maids to enquire what was become of Davie who quickly returning told that he was killed having asked her how she knew it the maid answered that she had seen him dead Then the Queen wiping her eyes with her handkerchief said No more tears I will think upon a Revenge Neither was she seen after that any more to lament The rumour of this deed ran soon through the Town whereupon the people did arm and go to the Palace But they were pacified by the King who calling to them from a window shewed that the Queen and he were well and that they needed not to fear because that which was done was done by his own commandment The Noblemen that lodged within the Palace were charged to keep within their chambers yet the Lords Huntley and Bothwel escaped the same night by a window at the back of the Palace Athol and the rest had licence to depart the next morning Upon Tuesday thereafter for the slaughter was committed upon Saterday the ninth of March the Earls of Murray and Rothes with these that were exiled in England returned to Edinburgh and going first to the Parliament house took documents that they were ready to answer the summons of forfeiture directed against them and that none did insist to pursue In this doubtful estate of things the Queen not knowing whom to trast sent for her brother the Earl of Murray and having conferred familiarly a while with him by his means had her servants and guards restored for after the slaughter they were all put from her The night following she went from the Palace to Seaton and from thence to Dumbar taking the King with her in company who repenting the fact and forsaking the other Conspirators did openly by sound of Trumpet at the Market Crosse of Edinburgh protest his innocency denying that ever he gave his consent to any thing but to the returning of the Lords that were banished in England Yet was the contrary known to all men so as this served only to the undoing of his reputation and made him find few or no friends thereafter to aid him in his necessity Upon the Queens departing the Conspirators and whosoever were thought privie thereto fled some to England others to the borders and Highlands and such a change you should have seen as they who the night preceding did vant of the fact as a goodly and memorable Act affirming some truly some falsely that they were present thereat did on the morrow forswear all that before they had affirmed The Earl of Morton with the Lords Ruthven Lindesay and young Lethington remained at Newcastle in England where the Lord Ruthven falling again in the feaver departed this life Mr. Iames Macgill Clerk of Register with divers Citizens of Edinburgh that were esteemed favourers of the fact left the Town and lurked privately amongst their friends After some four dayes stay at Dumbar the Queen returned to Edinburgh accompanied with many of the Nobility and then began Inquisition to be made for the Murtherers Thomas Scot Sheriffe depute of Perth and servant to the Lord Ruthven with Sir Henry Yair sometimes a Priest being apprehended were after trial hanged and quartered William Harlaw and Iohn Mowbray Burgesses of Edinburgh convicted and brought to the place of execution had their lives spared by the intercession of Bothwel The Lairds of Calder Ormeston Halton Elphingston Brunston Whittingham Shirreâ—hall and many others being cited as conscious of the murther for not appearing were denounced Rebels The office of the Clerk Register was conferred upon Sir Iames Balfour and a conclusion taken in councel that they who should be tried to have either devised or to have been actual committers of the said murther should be pursued by order of Justice and the same executed with all severity but that the Commons and others that came to the Palace accidentally should upon their supplication be used with more clemency In all this proceeding there was none more earnest or forward then the King notwithstanding whereof the hatred of the fact lay heavy upon him nor could he ever after this time recover his former favour with the Queen The rest after a little time were reconciled Lethington by the means of Athol was first called home albeit Bothwel did strongly oppose it The Barons addressed for themselves by means of their friends that were in credit Morton and Lindesay in the winter following were pardoned at the request of the Earls of Huntley and Argyle Now the time of the Queens lying in drew nigh whereupon the Councel meeting to advise upon the place where her
in preparing his apparel Mean while the Ambassadours had a watchword given them not to see nor salute him And such of the Nobility as were known to bear him any favour or out of their compassion did vouchsafe him a visit were frowned upon by the Court His Father advertised of these things sent for him to come unto Glasgow where he then remained but scarce was he past a mile from Striveling when a vehement pain seised on all the parts of his body which at his coming to Glasgow was manifestly perceived to proceed of poison that treacherously had been ministred unto him for through all his body brake out blisters of a blewish colour with such a dolour and vexation in all his parts as nothing but death was a long time expected Yet his youth and natural strength vanquishing the force of the poison he began a little to convalesce and put his enemies to other shifts wherein shortly after but to their own undoing they prevailed The report of what passed at Striveling coming to Edinburgh where the Assembly of the Church was then gathered did greatly offend the better sort yet nothing grieved them so much as a Commission granted to the Archbishop of S. Andrews whereby he was reponed to his ancient jurisdiction in confirming Testaments giving collation to Benefices and other such things as were judged in the spiritual Courts The Assembly taking this greatly to heart ordained a supplication to be made to the Nobility and Lords of secret Councel professing Christ with them and who had renounced the Romane Antichrist I use the words of the superscription for impeding the said Commission and letting it to take effect In this supplication they said That the causes judged in these Courts did for the most part pertain to the true Church and that howsoever in hope of some good effect to have followed the Church had overseen the Commission granted by the Queen in these matters to men who for the greater number were of their own profession they would never be content that he whom they knew to be an enemy to Christ and his truth should exerce that jurisdiction seeing under the colour thereof he might usurp again his own authority and take upon him the judgement of heresie in which case none could be ignorant what his sentence could be wherefore their desire was the Queen should be informed that this was a violation of the laws of the Realm and the setting up again of the Romane Antichrist whose authority and usurped power in an open and free Parliament had been condemned which her Majesty also at her first arriving into this Realm and since that time by divers Proclamations had expressely forbidden to be acknowledged here of they said if their honours should plainly and boldly admonish the Queen using that reverence which was due from Subjects and doing nothing in a tumult they did perswade themselves she would do nothing against Justice and that such Tyrants should not dare once to appear in Judgement But howsoever matters went they humbly craved to understand their minds and what they would do if it should happen such wolfes to invade the flock of Christ. This the summe of the supplication I find not what answer it received nor that the Bishop made any use of his Commission but the change it seems which shortly after happened in the State did quite frustrate the same Master Knox being licenced at this time to visit his sons who were following their studies at Cambridge did move the Assembly to write unto the Bishops of England in favour of some Preachers who were troubled for not conforming themselves to the Orders of that Church Because it will appear by the letter in what esteem our reformers did hold the Church of England and how farre they were from accounting the government thereof Antichristian I thought meet to insert the same word by word The Superintendents Ministers and Commissioners of the Church within the Realm of Scotland to their Brethren the Bishops and Pastors of England who have renounced the Romane Antichrist and do professe with them the Lord Iesus in sincerity wish the increase of the holy Spirit BY word and writing it is come to our knowledge Reverend Pastors that divers of our brethren amongst whom some be of the best learned within that Realm are deprived from all Ecclesiastical function and forbidden to preach and so by you are stayed to promove the Kingdome of Iesus Christ because their conscience will not suffer them to take upon them at the commandment of the authority such garments as Idolaters in time of blindness have used in their idolatrous service which rumour cannot but be most dolorous to our hearts considering the sentence of the Apostle If ye bite and devour one another take heed ye be not consumed one of another We purpose not at the present to enter into the Question which we hear is agitated with greater vehemencie by either party then well liketh us to wit whether such apparel is to be accounted amongst things indifferent or not But in the bowels of Iesus Christ we crave that Christian charity may so far prevail with you that are the Pastors and guides of Christs flock in that Realm as ye do not to others that which ye would not others did unto you Ye cannot be ignorant how tender a thing Conscience is and all that have knowledge are not alike perswaded your conscience stirres not with the wearing of such things but many thousands both godly and learned are otherwise perswaded whose consciences are continually stricken with these sentences What hath Christ to do with Belial what fellowship is there betwixt light and darknesse If Surplice Corner-cap and Tippet have been the badges of Idolaters in the very act of their Idolatry what have the Preachers of Christian liberty and the rebukers of superstition to do with the dregges of that Romane beast yea what is he that ought not to fear either to take in his hand or forehead the print and mark of that odious beast Our brethren that refuse such unprofitable apparel do neither damne nor molest you who use such vain trifles if ye shall do the like to them we doubt not therein you shall please God and comfort the hearts of many which are wounded with the extremity used against those godly brethren Colour of Rhetorick or humane perswasion we use none but charitably we desire you to call to mind the sentence of S. Peter Feed the flock of God which is committed to your charge caring for it not by constraint but willingly not as being Lords of Gods heritage but being examples to the flock We further desire you to meditate upon that sentence of the Apostle Give not offence either to the Iewes or to the Grecians or to the Church of God In what condition ye and we both travel for the promoving of Christs Kingdom ye are not ignorant therefore we are the more bold to exhort you to
tried to provide for afterwards against the like by a new edict it was made capital to disperse libels for defaming any person in that sort and to have keep or read any such that should happen to be affixed or cast into the streets The Earl of Lenox whilest these things were a doing ceased not to solicit the Queen by his letters for taking trial of the murther without delaying the same unto the time of Parliament as she had purposed Particularly he desired the Earl of Bothwell and others named in the libells and placard affixed on the door of the Senate-house to be apprehended and the Nobility assembled for their examination Bothwell perceiving that he was now openly attached did offer himself to triall for which the 12. of Aprill was assigned and the Earl of Lenox cited by the Justice to pursue according to the delation he had made In the mean time to fortifie himself he got the Castle of Edinburgh in his custody upon the Earl of Marre his resignation placing therein Sir Iames Balfour whom he especially trusted The Earl of Marre for his satisfaction had the Prince delivered in his keeping and caried unto Striveling where the Earl then lay heavily sick The Diet appointed for the triall being come and the Court fenced as use is Bothwell was empannelled The Earl of Lenox being called compeired Robert Cuningham one of his domesticks who presented in writing the Protestation following My Lords I am come hither sent by my master my Lord of Lenox to declare the cause of his absence this day and with his power as my Commission beareth The cause of his absence is the shortness of time and that he could not have his friends and servants to accompany him to his honour and for the security of life as was needfull in respect of the greatness of his partie Therefore his Lordship hath commanded me to desire a competent day such as he may keep and the weight of the cause requireth otherwise if your Lordships will proceed at this present I protest that I may use the charge committed to me by my Lord my master without the offence of any man This is that if the persons who pass upon the Assise and enquest of these that are entered on pannell this day shall cleanse the said persons of the murther of the King that it shall be wilfull errour and not ignorance by reason it is notoriously known that these persons did commit that odious murther as my Lord my master alledgeth And upon this my protestation I require an instrument The Justice by the advice of the Noblemen and Barons appointed to assist in that judgement did notwithstanding the said protestation grant process whereupon the Noblemen chosen for the Jury were called These were Andrew Earl of Rothes George Earl of Cathnes Gilbert Earl of Cassils Lord Iohn Hamilton Commendator of Aberbrothock Iames Lord Ross Robert Lord Semple Robert Lord Boyd Iohn Lord Hereis Laurence Lord Oliphant Iohn Master of Forbes with the Lairds of Lochinvar Langton Cambusnetham Barnbowgall and Boyne the Earl of Cassills excused himself offering the penalty which by the Law they pay that refuse to pass upon Assise but could not obtain himself freed the Queen threatning to commit him in prison and when he seemed nothing terrified therewith commanding him under pain of treason to enter and give his judgement with the rest Thus were they all sworn and admitted as the manner is After which Bothwell being charged with the inditement and the same denied by him they removed forth of the Court to consult together and after a little time returning by the mouth of the Earl of Cathnes their Chancellour declared him acquit of the murther of the King and of all the points contained in the inditement with a protestation That seeing neither her Majesties advocate had insisted in the pursuit nor did Robert Cuningham Commissioner for the Earl of Lenox bring any evidence of Bothwells guiltiness neither yet was the inditement sworn by any person and that they had pronounced according to their knowledge it should not be imputed to them as wilfull errour which they had delivered Mr. David Borthwiâ—â— and Mr. Edmund Hay who in the entry of the Court were admitted as his prolocutours askt instruments upon the Juries declaration so he went from that Court absolved yet the suspicions of the people were nothing diminished And some indeed were of opinion that the Judges could give no other deliverance nor find him guilty of the inditement as they had formed it seeing he was accused of a murther committed on the 9. day of February whereas the King was slain upon the 10. of that moneth But he for a further clearing of himself set up a paper in the most conspicuous place of the market bearing That albeit he had been acquited in a lawfull Justice court of that odious crime laid unto his charge yet to make his innocency the more manifest he was ready to give triall of the same in single combate with any man of honourable birth and quality that would accuse him of the murther of the King The next day in the same place by another writing answer was made that the combat should be accepted so as a place were designed wherein without danger the undertaker might professe his name The 13. of April a Parliament was kept for restoring the Earl of Huntley and others to their estates and honours which was not as yet done with the solemnity requisite In this Parliament the Commissioners of the Church made great instance for ratifying the Acts concluded in favour of the true Religion yet nothing was obtained The Queen answering that the Parliament was called for that onely business and that they should have satisfaction given them at some other time The Parliament being broke up Bothwell inviting the Noblemen to supper did liberally feast them and after many thanks for their kindness fell in some speeches for the Queens marriage shewing the hopes he had to compass it so as he might obtain their consents Some few to whom he had imparted the business before-hand made offer of their furtherance the rest fearing to refuse and suspecting one another set all their hands to a bond which he had ready formed to that purpose A few dayes after faigning an expedition into Liddisdale he gathered some forces and meeting the Queen on the way as he returned from Striveling whither she had gone to visit her son he took her by way of rape and led her to the Castle of Dumbar No men doubted but this was done by her own liking and consent yet a number of Noblemen convening at Striveling lest they should seem deficient in any sort of their duties sent to ask whether or not she was there willingly detained for if she was kept against her will they would come with an Army and set her at liberty She answered That it was against her will that she was
to direct letters to the Earls of Argile Huntley Cathnes Rothes Crafourd and Menteith The Lords Boyd Drummond Hervis Catheart Yester Fleming Levingston Seaton Glammis Ochiltrie Gray Oliphant Methven Innermaith and Sommervaile and to the Commendators of Aberbrothock Kilwining Dunfermling St Cobuke Newbottle and Halyrudhouse who did either assist the advese party or then behaved themselves as Newters To procure the greater respect to these Letters Iohn Knox Mr. Iohn Douglas Mr. Iohn Row and Mr. Iohn Craig were chosen Commissioners and had instructions given them to this purpose That Satan by his instruments had of long time and by many subtile ways laboured to hinder the progresse of true Religion within this Realm and that now the same was in hazard to be utterly subverted chiefly through the poverty of the Ministers that ought to preach the word of life unto the people some being compelled to leave their vocation and betake them to civil callings others so distracted through worldly cares as they could not wait upon the preaching of the word so diligently as they wished In consideration whereof the Assembly of the Church being convened at Edinburgh had thought it necessary to prorogue their meeting to the 20. of Iuly and to intreat and admonish all persons truly professing the Lord Iesus within the Realm as well Noblemen as Barons and those of the other estates to meet and give their personal appearance at Edinburgh the said day for giving their advice councel and concurrence in matters then to be proponed especially for purging the Realm of Popery the establishing of the policy of the Church and restoring the Patrimony thereof to the just possessors Assuring those that should absent themselves at the time due and lawful advertisement being made that they should be reputed hinderers of the good work intended and as dissimulate professors be esteemed unworthy of the fellowship of Christs flock considering chiefly that God in his mercy had offered a better occasion for effecting these things then in times past and that he had begun to tread downe Satan under foot This they were willed to speak and by all faire perswasions to move them to keep the day and place appointed The missive letters were for the most part to the same effect but in these besides the provision of the Ministers I find the poor and indigent members of Christ also mentioned and somewhat said concerning an union to be made amongst the professors and such a conjunction as might make them able to withstand the craft and violence of their enemies But neither did the letters nor the credit given to the Commissioners prevaile with those to whom they went all almost excusing themselves some by word others by letter and saying That in regard of the present division caused by the Queens imprisonment and that the Town of Edinburgh where they were required to meet was straitly kept by a part of the Nobility and some hired souldiers they could not come to the place appointed without trouble and danger of their lives Notthelesse they did assure the Church of their willingnesse to every thing that might serve to advance the Gospel and further the provision of the Ministers for the better and more diligent attendance on their callings The Earl of Argile did answer more particularly and touching the policy desired that no novations nor alterations should be made before a generall meeting of the Estates In like sort the Lord Boyd did by his answer promise to bold hand to the forthsetting of the Policy but with an exception so farre as it might stand with law Yet had both the one and other ratified the book of Policy by their subscriptions long before and made no scruple either of law or custome at that time The Noblemen that remained at Edinburgh perceiving they could not be drawn to a meeting resolved to prosecute their purpose at all hazards and joyning with the Assembly condescended to all the Artticles proponed for the good of the Church and made great promises of performance howbeit having once attained their ends they did forget all and turned adversaries to the Church in the same things whereunto they had consented Always the Articles agreed unto were as followeth 1. That the Acts made in the Parliament holden at Edinburgh the twenty fourth of August 1560. touching Religion and the abolishing of the Popes authority should be extracted forth of the Registers and have the force of a publick law and that the said Parliament in so farre as concerning Religion should be maintained and defended by them as a Parliament lawful and holden by sufficient commission from the Queen then being in France and be ratified in the first Parliament which should happen to be kept within the Realm 2. That untill perfect order might be taken for restoring the Patrimony of the Church the Act of assignation of the thirds of Benefices for the sustentation of the Ministery should be put in due execution 3. That an Act of Councell made with consent of her Majesty touching the conferring of small Benefices within the value of 300. marks to Ministers should be put in practice as likewise the Act for annualls obits and aulterages especially within Burghes 4. That in the first lawfull Parliament which should be kept or sooner if occasion might serve the Church of Christ within this Kingdome should be fully restored unto the Patrimony belonging to the same and nothing be past in Parliament before that and other matters of the Church were first considered and approved In the mean while the Noblemen Barons and other Professors then present did willingly offer and consent to reform themselves in the matter of the Church patrimony according to the Book of God and to put the same in practice for their own parts ordaining the refusers and contraveners of the same to be secluded from all benefits of the Church It was further agreed That in the next Parliament or otherwise at the first occasion order should be taken for the ease of the labourers of the ground in the payment of their Tithes and that the same should not be disponed to any others without their advice and consent 5. That none should be permitted to beare charge in Schooles Colledges and Universities nor allowed publickly or privately to instruct the youth except such as should first be tried by the Superintendents and Visitours of the Church who being found meet should be admitted by them to their charges 6. That all crimes and offences committed against the Law of God should be severely punished according to the Word of God and Judges deputed for execution thereof or if there be no lawes as yet made nor Judges appointed for the punishment of such crimes that the same should be done in the first Parliament 7. That seeing the horrible murther of the King her Majesties husband is a crime most odious before God and tending to the perpetuall shame and infamy of the whole Realm if the same should not be
himself strong enough with the supply he had obtained made out to search and pursue his enemies Adam Gordon lay then at Aberdene and being advertised that the Forbesses were drawing near to the City he went forth to meet them The encounter at the beginning was sharp and furious but the Forbesses were young men for the greatest part of small experience and not under command and the souldiers not being well seconded by them after they had fought a while gave over and yielded The slaughter was not great for the conflict happened in the evening which helpt many to escape Captain Chisholm with most of his company and some 15. of the name of Forbes were killed the Master of Forbes and some others were taken prisoners This good successe of the Queens party in the North gave hearts to all the faction and now they began every where to take new courage In the South the Lairds of Fernherst and Bacleugh did affail Iedburgh a little town but very constant in maintaining the Kings authority Lord Claud Hamilton belyed Paslay The Castle of Braughtie on the river of Tay was surprised by ... Seaton of Perbroath and in divers other parts troubles were raised of purpose to divide the Regents forces and to withdraw him from Leth that the town of Edinburgh which was then in some scarcity of victuals might be relieved In the moneth of Ianuary an assembly of the Church convened at Leth where after great instance made with the Regent and Councel for setling the policy of the Church it was agreed that six of the Councel and as many of the Assembly should be selected to treat reason and conclude upon that businesse For the Councel Iames Earl of Morton Chancellour William Lord Ruthven Treasurer Robert Abbot of Dunfermlin Secretary Mr. Iames Macgill Keeper of the Rolls Sir Iohn Bellenden Justice Clerk and Colin Campbel of Glenorchy were named and for the Church Iohn Ereskin of Dun Superintendent of Angus Mr. Iohn Winraine Superintendent of Fife Mr. Andrew Hay Commissioner of Claddisdale Mr. David Lindesay Commissioner of the West Mr. Robert Pont Commissioner of Orkney and Mr. Iohn Craig one of the Ministers of Edinburgh These twelve convening after divers meetings and long deliberation grew to the conclusions following 1. That the Archbishopricks and Bishopricks presently void should be disponed to the most qualified of the Ministery 2. That the spiritual jurisdiction should be exerced by the Bishops in their Dioces 3. That all Abbots Priors and other inferiour Prelates who should happen to be presented to Benefices should be tried by the Bishop or Superintendent of the bounds concerning their qualification and aptnesse to give voice for the Church in Parliament and upon their collation be admitted to the Benefice and not otherwise 4. That so the Bishopricks presently void or that should happen hereafter to fall the King and the Regent should recommend fit and qualified persons and their elections to be made by the Chapters of the Cathedral Churches And forasmuch as divers of the Chapters Churches were possessed by men provided before his Majesties Coronation who bare no office in the Church a particular nomination should be made of Ministers in every Dioces to supply their rooms untill the Benefices should fall void 5. That all Benefices of Cure under Prelacies should be disponed to actual Ministers and to no others 6. That the Ministers should receive Ordination from the Bishop of the Dioces and where no Bishop was as yet placed from the Superintendent of the bounds 7. That the Bishops and Superintendents at the Ordination of Ministers should exact of them an oath for acknowledging his Majesties authority and for obedience to their Ordinary in all things lawful according to the form then condescended Order also was taken for disposing of Provestries Colledge charges and Chaplanries and divers other particulars most profitable for the Church as in the records extant may be seen which were all ordained to stand in force untill the Kings majority or till the Estates of the Realm should otherwise appoint In August thereafter the Assembly of the Church meeting again at Perth report was made of these conclusions and exception taken by some at the titles of Archbishop Dean Archdeacon Chancellor and Chapter as being Popish and offensive to the ears of good Christians whereupon it was declared that by using these titles they meant not to allow of Popish superstition in any sort wishing the same to be changed in others not so scandalous As the name of Bishop to be hereafter used for Archbishop the Chapter to be called The Bishops assembly the Dean to be called The Moderator of the said assembly And for the titles of Archdeacon Chancellour Abbot and Prior that some should be appointed to consider how farre these functions did extend and give their opinion for the interchange thereof with others more agreeable to the Word and the policy of the best reformed Churches reporting their opinions at the next Assembly But I do not find that any such report was made like it is the wiser sort esteemed there was no cause to stumble at titles where the office was thought necessary and lawful A protestation always was made that they received these Articles for an interim till a more perfect order might be obtained at the King his Regent and the Nobilities hands According to these conclusions Mr. Iohn Douglas Provost of the New Colledge of S. Andrews was provided to the Archbishoprick of that See Mr. Iames Boyd to the Archbishoprick of Glasgow Mr. Iames Paton to the Bishoprick of Dunkeld and Mr. Andrew Ghram to the Bishoprick of Dumblane About the end of Ianuary the Regent advertised of the peril wherein the town of Iedburgh stood and of the great preparation that Fernherst and Bacleugh made to surprise it for they had besides their own forces drawn all the people of Esk Ewis and Liddesdale to joyn with them in hope of spoil and from the English Borders divers that were given to robbery to the number of 3000. and above sent the Lord Ruthven with some forces to defend them Before his coming Walter Ker of Cesford a man of good worth who had ever assisted the Kings party was joyned with them Their enemies notthelesse esteeming themselves strong enough by reason of their numbers went forwards with an assurance of victory The Lord Ruthven having notice given him by the way of their diet and the time they had appointed to invade the town did use the more speed and came in sight thereof just as the enemies appeared They fearing to be inclosed betwixt the town who shewed themselves in the fields ready to fight and the forces the Lord Ruthven brought with him did presently retire and give back Fernherst and Bacleugh went to Hawick and were followed the next day by the Lord Ruthven who came upon them so unlooked for as they were cast into a great fear The principals that had horses fled away
sins and departed this life with a constant and comfortable assurance of mercy at the hands of God By this defeat of the Castilians so they were commonly named the Queens faction fell quite asunder nor did it ever after this time make head The Bishop of Ross who had followed her businesse as Ambassadour in England being at the same time put to liberty and commanded to depart forth of the Kingdom went privately to France for he feared the Earl of Southampton and Lord Henry Howard brother to the Duke of Norfolk whom he had touched in his examination When he came to France to mitigate the anger they had conceived he published an Apology for the depositions he had made and whilest he lived ceased not to do the duty of a faithful subject and servant to the Queen soliciting both the Emperour and Pope the French King and other Catholick Princes in her behalf who gave many good words but performed nothing So little are the promises of strangers to be trusted and so uncertain their help to Princes that are once fallen from their Estates At home the Regent applying himself to reform the disorders caused by the late warre begun with the borders who had broken out into all sorts of riot and committed many insolencies both on the Scottish and English side Thither he went himself in person where meeting with the English Wardens he took order for redresse of by-past wrongs And to secure the peace of the countrey caused all the Clannes to deliver pledges for the keeping of good order and made choice of the fittest and most active persons to rule and oversee those parts Sir Iames Home of Cauldinknowes was made guardian of the East Marches the Lord Maxwel of the West and Sir Iohn Carnichal of the Middle who by the diligence and strict jastice they observed resetters and entertainers of thieves reduced the countrey to such quietness as none was heard to complain either of theft or robbery The next care he took was to order the revenues of the Crown and recover such lands as had been alienated from it or in any sort usurped the jewels impignorated by the Queen he relieved by paiment of the moneys for which they were ingaged He caused repair all the Kings houses especially the Castle of Edinburgh and furnished the same with munition and other necessaries and by these doings did purchase to himself both love and reverence with the opinion of a most wise and prudent Governour Yet was it not long before he had lost all his good opinion by the courses he took to enrich himself Breaking first upon the Church he subtilly drew out of their hands the thirds of Benefices offering more sure and ready paiment to the Ministers then was made by their Collectors and promising to make the stipend of every Minister local and payable in the Parish where he served To induce them the more willingly to this promise was made that if they should find themselves in any sort hurt or prejudged they should be reponed to their right and possession whensoever they did require the same But no sooner was he possessed of the thirds then the course he took for providing Ministers was to appoint two three and four Churches in some places to one Minister who was tied to preach in them by turns and to place in every Parish a Reader that in the Ministers absence might read prayers who had allowed him a poor stipend of 20. or 40. pounds Scots As to the Ministers they were put in a much worse case for their stipends then before for when the Superintendents did assign the same the Ministers could come boldly unto them and make their poor estate known and were sure to receive some comfort and relief at their hands but now they are forced to give attendance at Court begging their assignation and precepts for paiment or as their necessities grew seeking augmentation which seldom they obtained or if any petty thing was granted the same was dearly bought with the losse both of their time and means The Superintendents were no better used the means allowed to them for their service being withholden and when they complained they were answered that their office was no more necessary Bishops being placed in the Dioces and the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction belonging to them These things lost him the Church which then growing sensible of their oversight in denuding themselves of the thirds craved to be reponed according to promise But herein divers shifts were made and after sundry delayes it was directly told them That seeing the surplus of the thirds belonged to the King it was fitter the Regent and Councell should modify the stipends of Ministers then that the Church should have the appointment or designation of a superplus They not able to help themselves did in the next Assembly take order that the Ministers who were appointed to serve more Churches then one should take the charge of that only at which they resided helping the rest as they might without neglect of their own charge And because the placing of Bishops was taken for a pretext to withhold the Superintendents means the Bishops were inhibited to execute any part of the Ecclesiastical jurisdiction within the bounds where the Superintendents served without their consent and approbation This crossing of one anothers proceedings did set the Church and Regent so far asunder that whilest he continued in office there was no sound liking amongst them The discontents of the countrey were so great by the Iustice Aires as they called them that went through the countrey and were exerced with much rigour people of all sorts being forced to compone and redeem themselves from trouble by paiment of moneys imposed The Merchants called in question for the transport of coyn were fined in great summes and warded in the Castle of Blackness till they gave satisfaction Nor left he any means unassayed that served to bring in moneys to his Coffers which drew upon him a great deal of hatred and envy I find at this time a motion made for compiling a body of our Law and making a collection of such ancient statures as were meet to be retained in practice which were ordained to be supplied out of the Civil law where was any necessity to the end Judges might know what to determine in every case and the subjects be foreseen of the equity and issue they might expect of their controversies This was entertained a while and of good men much desired as a thing beneficial to the countrey and like to have cut off the occasion of many pleas But it sorted to no effect by the subtle dealing of those that made their gain of the corruptions of Law It happened Iohn Ormeston commonly called Black Ormeston because of his Iron colour to be apprehended and brought to trial at the same time for the murther of the Kings Father This man was thought to be privy unto all Bothwels
doings and a more particular discovery expected by him of the form and manner of that murther Yet at this execution he did only confess that Bothwel had communicated the purpose to him and shewed him the subscriptions of the Earls of Argile Huntley Secretary Leithington and Mr. Iames Balfour testifying their consents to that wicked fact Nottheless the Regent to the offence of many did suffer the said Balfour to enjoy the benefit of the pacification and passed an Act thereof in open Councel Whether the subscriptions of Argile and Huntley were counterfeit or not it was uncertain but of the other two it was easily believed as being men universally hated Argile died in September following in whose place the Lord Glamis was created Chancellour In the same moneth Adam Heriot Minister at Aberdene departed this life a man worthy to be remembred He was sometime a Frier of the Order of S. Austin and lived in the Abbey of S. Andrews an eloquent Preacher and well seen in Scholastick Divinity Queen Regent coming on a time to the City and hearing him preach was taken with such an opinion of his learning and integrity that in a reasoning with some Noblemen upon the Article of reall presence she made offer to stand to Heriots determination Warning of this being given and he required to deliver his mind upon that subject in a Sermon which the Queen intended to hear he did so prevaricate as all that were present did offend and depart unsatisfied Being sharply rebuked for this by some that loved him he fell in a great trouble of mind and found no rest till he did openly renounce Popery and joyn himself with those of the Congregation Afterwards when Order was taken for the distribution of Ministers amongst the Burgs he was nominated for the City of Aberdene in which there lived divers addicted to the Romane profession as one that was learned in Scholastick Divinity and for his moderation apt to reclaim men from their errors Neither did he fail the hope conceived of him for by his diligence in teaching Schools and Church he did gain all that people to the profession of the truth 14. years he laboured among them and in end was forced by sicknesse to quit his charge He died of the Apoplexy the 28. of August in the 60. year of his age greatly beloved of the Citizens for his humane and courteous conversation and of the poorer sort much lamented to whom he was in his life very beneficial The next summer there fell out an accident which was like to have caused great trouble and divided the two Kingdoms Sir Iohn Forrester Warden of the English side and Sir Iohn Carmichael of the Scottish meeting in the Borders at a place called the Red Swyre for redressing some wrongs that had been committed it fell out that a Bill so they used to speak was filed upon an English for which Carmichael according to the law of the Borders required him to be delivered till satisfaction was made Sir Iohn Forrester either wearied with the multitude of businesse or desiring to shift the matter answered that enough was done that day and at the next meeting the complainer should have satisfaction Carmichael urging a present performance they fell foul in words which made the companies that attended draw their weapons A great tumult there was and at first the Scots being inferiour in number to the English gave back But as they were fleeing they met with a company of Iedburgh men who were come to attend the Warden This giving them new courage they turned upon the English and made them flee The chase held the space of two miles Sir George Heron Warden of Tindale and Rhedesdale with 24. English was killed the Warden himself Francis Russel son to the Earl of Bedford Cuthbert Collinwood Iames Ogle Henry Fenwick and many others of good note were taken prisoners When the Regent heard it he was sore displeased knowing the Queen of England would be much offended whereupon he sent for the prisoners and using them with all courtesy excused what was done and permitted them to return home And the Queen indeed at the first report was much incensed and thereupon sent Mr. Killigrew to the Regent to require the delivery of Carmichael which divers of the Councel withstood Yet such was the Regents care to please the Queen as he caused him enter into England where he was a while detained But the provocation being tried to have been made by the English the Queen dimitted him honourably and not without rewards At his return the Regent meeting the Earl of Huntington the English Commissioner at Foulden some two miles from Berwick all things were peaceably composed This year the Duke of Chattellerault ended his life A Nobleman well inclined open plain and without all dissimulation and fraud but too easily led by them he trusted which bred him much trouble yet by the goodnes of God who doth always favour the innocent and honest minded he went through all and died honourably and in peace Not long after his son Lord Iohn Hamilton riding to Aberbrothock accompanied only with his ordinary train for he held himself secured by the pacification was pursued by William Douglas of Lochlevin who did lye with a number in his way of intention to kill him As he was refreshing himself at Couper he was advertised of the danger and presently resolved to single himself from his company and flee to the Castle of Lewchars deeming as also it fell out that they would follow the greater company which he directed to keep together and take the South of the River of Edin Neither had they passed far when they were invaded by a troop of horsemen and forced to yield themselves The Nobleman beholding this from the other side of the River and knowing how soon they found themselves deceived that they would make haste to overtake him changed his first resolution and fled to the house of Darsey where he was received Lochlevin belayed the house and kept him inclosed all that night and the day following But being charged by an Herauld of Armes to dissolve his forces and hearing that the Noblemans friends were gathering for his release he departed home Being called before the Councel for his insolencie and charged with the breach of the pacification he alledged the exception of the first Regents murther but that being found no warrant and he refusing to give assurance for keeping peace was committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained till surety was given In the Church this year began the innovations to break forth that to this day have kept it in a continual unquietness Mr. Andrew Melvil who was lately come from Geneva a man learned chiefly in the tongues but hot and eager upon any thing he went about labouring with a burning desire to bring into this Church the Presbyterial discipline of Geneva and having insinuated himself into the favour of divers Preachers
and Mr. Robert Pont. In a short Preface set before it they protested to wish nothing more then as God had made him a notable instrument in purging the Realm of Popery and setling the same in a perfect peace that he would also honour him with the establishing of a godly and spiritual policy in the Church intreating his Grace to receive the Articles presented and if any of them did seem not agreeable to reason to vouchsafe audience to the brethren whom they had named to attend Not that they did account it a work compleat to which nothing might be added or from which nothing might be diminished for as God should reveal further unto them they should be willing to help and renew the same The Regent reading the preface though he did not like the purpose they were about gave them a better countenance then in former times and named certain of the Councel to conferre with them and make report of the heads whereupon they agreed But the conference was not well begun when it brake off by occasion of troubles that arose The discontents in the countrey were great and daily increasing by the Regents severe proceedings One against Adam whitford of Milneton did open the mouths of many men against him This Gentleman was accused as one set on by Iohn Lord Hamilton of Aberbrothock and Lord Claud his brother to have killed the Regent The suspicion did arise of some rash and boasting speeches uttered by Iohn Semple of Biltrees out of his spleen against the Regent for an action intended against him concerning some lands belonging to the Crown which had been given by the Queen to Mary Levingston his wife one of her Maids of honour His words were the more taken hold of because he was Milnetons Uncle and upon offer of the Torture was brought to confession upon which also he was arraigned and condemned to death and the Scaffold prepared for the execution but was pardoned which did manifest that which before was suspected that by under-hand promise of favour he was induced to this confession The same means were tried with Milneton to have furnished evidence against these Noblemen for their forfeiture which was the chief end of this trial But he upon his Uncles confession being put to the Torture valuing more his honour nor his safety endured it with such resolution shewed both by his words and countenance as was in all mens opinion taken for an undoubted argument of his innocency and the others testimony nothing regâ—rded But the Regent much blamed for such rigorous proceeding against him upon a false or faint-hearted mans confession extorted by fear or drawn from him by other base respects wherefore he was detested of his nearest kinsmen as the other was honoured in all mens estimation for his courage and constancy Amongst other proecsses he had intended for helping the revenues of the Crown one was for the recovery of a parcel of ground which the Queen had gifted to Mary Levingston one of her maids The Gentlewomans husband called Iohn Semple made the best defence he could and fearing the Regents rigour had burst forth in some passionate speeches avowing that if he did lose the lands he should lose his life also This reported to the Regent brought him to be suspected of some plot for a speech was given out that Lord Iohn Hamilton and his brother Lord Claud were discontented with some of the Regents proceedings and had instigated this Gentleman with his Nephew Adam Whitford of Milton to kill him as he went down the street towards the Palace with an Harquebuse Semple called in question for this and his other rash speeches upon representation of the torture confessed all for he was a fearful man and of no courage Milton being apprehended in the Isle of Bute and brought to his examination denied that any such motion had been made to him and being put to the torture indured the same patiently not confessing any thing His constancy and the resolution he shewd both in words and countenance made the others confession not to be credited every one interpreting the same to have proceeded of weaknes and want of courage The Gentlemans case was much pitied and the mouths of many opened against the Regent for using such rigour only upon the confession of a fearful and faint-hearted man but the troubles we mentioned did arise by another occasion In the Highlands one Allester dow Macallan a notorious thief who had committed many robberies was apprehended by the Earl of Athol who minding to put him to a trial was inhibited by the Councel and charges directed against him for exhibition of the man The fellow being presented after he had stayed a while in prison was upon Argiles desire set at liberty and falling to his accustomed depredations committed divers insolencies in the bounds of Atholl The Earl to repair this wrong done to his people prepared to invade Argile and he making to defend his countrey all those parts were in an uproar This reported to the Regent a messenger of Armes was sent to discharge those convocations and cite them both before the Councel but they disobeyed and by the mediation of friends were shortly after reconciled This trouble was no sooner pacified then upon an injury done by the Clandonald to the Earl of Argile he took Armes and being charged to dissolve his forces in stead of obeying he laid hands on the messenger tare his letters in pieces and made him and his witnesses swear never to return into Argile for the like businesse This insolency whereof the like had not been seen nor heard since the Regents acceptation of the government incensed him mightily but not knowing how to overtake him in that season for it was done in the beginning of Winter he resolved to use the course of law and proclaim him rebel Alexander Areskin who attended the King having his own discontents and trusting to better his condition by a change of the government dealt secretly with the two Earls Argile and Athol after he understood them to be agreed and advised them to come one after another but much about one time and mean their case to the King to whom he promised they should find accesse Argile coming first complained of the Regents extreme dealing in that he had denounced him rebel to his Majesty whose true and faithful servant he had always been and requested his Majesty to assemble the Nobility and do him right according to the lawes withall he intreated that he might be permitted to remain with his Majesty till the Nobility should meet for trial of his complaint The Earl of Athol came some two days after to whom the King did communicate Argiles complaint craving his advice in the business And he as thought he had known nothing of the matter answered that the Noblemans petition seemed reasonable and that his Majesty could not take a better course then call the Nobility and by their
rest well satisfied But a pitiful accident that fell out in the time gave an hinderance to these business The Chancellour going to the Castle to make his report to the King as he returned to his lodging did encounter the Earl of Crawford in the street called commonly the Schoolhouse wynd There had been an old grudge bewixt the two families whereupon the Noblemen passed by others without salutations the street being narrow and the companies of each side great when they were almost parted two base fellowes fell a strugling for the way and by thrusting one at another raised a tumult in the very beginning whereof the Chancellour was killed with the shot of a Pistol It was certainly known that the Noblemen did purpose no harm to others for Crawford did call to his followers to give way to the Chancellour as he on the other side called to give way to the Earl of Crawford yet by this unhappy accident were the old dissensions that had long slept revived and a fresh enmity raised which turned to the great hurt of both The death of the Chancellour was much lamented falling out in the time when the King and countrey stood in most need of his service He had carried himself with much commendation in his place and acquired a great authority most careful was he to have peace conserved both in the countrey and Church and laboured much to have the question of Church policy setled upon which subject he interchanged divers letters with Theodore Beze Some have blamed him of too great curiosity in that matter but his intention certainly was pious and commendable Upon his death the Earl of Athol was preferred to be Chancellour at which the Church did mightily offend as likewise of the admission of the Earls of Cathnes and Eglinton with the Lord Ogilvy upon the Councel who were all thought to be Popishly inclined This being meaned to the King was in some sort satisfied by their promises and subscriptions to the Articles of religion yet the suspicions of their unsoundness still continued And now began they who longed for the change of Mortons government to repent the alteration that was made for howsoever he did not favour the novations in Church policy urged by some Ministers he kept a severe hand over Papists permitting none to enjoy and publick office who was not sincerely affected to the truth The first of April the Castle of Edinburgh was delivered to the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay who were appointed by the King to receive the house and a discharge given to the Earl of Morton of the jewels munition and moveables within the same And the same day Iohn Seaton of Touch and Iohn Cunningham of Drumwhassil received the keys in name of Alexander Areskin Uncle to the Earl of Marre upon a warrant directed to them for that effect The Earl of Morton resolving to live private and to have no more medling in publick affairs retired to Lochlevin where he stayed not long being recalled to Court by this occasion The friends of the house of Marre of whom the principals were the Abbots of Driburgh and Cambuskenneth out of some jealousie they conceived of Alexander Areskin his courses and a fear that the young Nobleman who was then grown to some years might be prejudged of his right in keeping the Castle practised secretly to exclude him and entring one morning with a number of his followers seised upon the keeper of the gate took the keys from him by force and putting him and his men forth placed others in their rooms whom they caused swear fidelity to the Earl of Marre How soon the Councel which then remained at Edinburgh was advertised of this change they prepared to go to Striveling and for their greater security were furnished with some companies of men by the Town of Edinburgh but by letters from the King they were stayed In these letters the King shewed that it was a private dissension only that had happened betwixt the friends of the house of Marre which he would have peaceably composed and therefore desired them to come unto him after a day or two in quiet and sober manner and assist the reconcilement They obeyed and coming to Striveling in a frequent Councel kept the third of May the controversy was in these termes composed That the Earl of Marre being new come to a reasonable age he should attend the Kings person and have the custody of the Castle of Striveling and that the Master his Uncle should remain Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh and when he came to Court have his table kept as before and enjoy the place of a Gentleman of his Majesties chamber The conditions prescrived to the Earl of Marre were That he should guard the Castle attend the Kings person therein and not remove him to any place whatsoever without the knowledge and consent of the Councel That he should not receive any within the house whom he knew not to be well affected to the King admitting an Earl with two only in train a Lord with one and Gentleman single that Mr. George Buchannan and Mr. Peter Young should continue his instructers and no others be admitted without the Councels consent nor any religious exercise kept within the Castle but that which the Parliament had approved For the observing of these Articles the Earls of Athol Angus Argile and Montross with the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay became sureties For the Master his Uncle and his fidelity in keeping the Castle of Edinburgh with the jewels munition and other moveables the Earls of Athol Argile Montross and the Lord Ruthven gave their bond and obligation Some days after this broile the Captain his eldest son called Alexander a youth of great hopes departed this life as it was thought of a grief he conceived for the indignity done to his Father This agreement being made and the Lords being then to return to Edinburgh the King did signify unto them that because the Parliament was indicted to the tenth of Iuly he would before that time call a number of every estate together for the preparing of matters and that all emulations laid aside they might concurre and joyn their counsels for the publick good of the Realm The Diet for this meeting he appointed at Striveling the tenth of Iune the Convention at the time was frequent of the Clergy eight Bishops and as many Abbots were present of the Nobility nine Earls and eleven Lords and divers Commissioners of Burghs The Earl of Morton at the Kings earnest intreaty came also thither and at his coming was admitted upon the Councel having the precedency allowed him with the consent of the rest because of the Regency he had a long time sustained In the first meeting the King after he had given thanks to the whole number for the readinesse they had shewed to convene in that place proponed two things One was touching the Parliament and the place where it should
form of proces kept with them others judged that there needed no such formality seeing the Authours were known and the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against them stood unreduced To use a citation they said was to give them warning to flee whereas otherwise they might be taken unprovided and brought to their censure At last it was agreed that a Commission should be given to some Noblemen that had power and affected the businesse to apprehend them This Commission was given to the Earls of Morton Marre and Eglinton and to the Lords of Ruthven 〈◊〉 and Boyd which was not so closely carried but advertisement went to the Lord Hamilton and his brother Lord Claud so as they escaped The Lord Hamilton going on foot through the most part of England in the habit of a Seaman fled into France Lord Claud after he had lurked a while amongst his friends at home found refuge in the North parts of England others of their friendship who stood in fear saved themselves where best they could Upon the report of their escape charges were directed for rendering the houses of Hamilton and Draffan which belonged to the Earl of Arran their elder Brother and were possessed by the Lord Hamilton as administrator to his brother because of his disease The Earl of Arran himself they had kept in the Castle of Draffan attended by some servants and he was known to have no part in any of these facts wherewith they were charged so as by way of justice his estate could not fall under forfeiture yet some colour of right behoved to be made for bringing the same under the Courts disposing To this effect it was devised that a complaint should be preferred in the name of the Earl of Arran and his Majesties Advocates bearing the miserable condition of the said Earl and how he was detained in close prison by his two brothers without fire aire and the company of his honest friends his living violently possessed by the Commendators of Aberbrothock his Sheriffeship of Laâ—rick usurped himself denied the benefit of marriage and debarred from succession against all law for if he was an idiot or furious as they gave out he ought to have had Curators given him by the King and if he was mentis compos it was an intolerable wrong to use him in that sort Therefore desired letters to be directed for his exhibition before the Councel that it might be known in what estate he was and an honourable provision appointed unto him such as befitted his birth and condition This desire being judged reasonable summons were directed against the two brothers that were fled and they not appearing at the day were denounced Rebels But this not sufficing to work their ends the disobedience of the Keepers in not rendring the strengths when they were charged was made the Earls crime and he found to have incurred the pain of treason an act of the greatest injustice that could be done Notthelesse upon this ground were both the Castles at that time demolished and Captain Iames Stewart afterwards preferred to the Earldome of Arran Whilest these things were doing Monsieur No a Frenchman Secretary to the Queen of Scots came to Striveling with letters and some presents to the King but because in the superscription of the letters he was only intituled Prince of Scotland the messenger was denied accesse and neither his letters nor presents received The rest of this summer was spent for the most part in summoning the Gentlemen of the name of Hamilton and putting them under surety that they should not give supply to the fugitives and be always ready to answer before the Councel when they should be called Dame Margaret Lion Countesse of Cassils who not long before had married the Commendator of Aberbrothock was suffered to possesse the Joincture she had by her first husband upon the like condition And because many were put in fear by this proceeding that the pacification of Perth should be altogether annulled his Majesty made a publick declaration That what was done in the present pursuit was only for the murther of his Father and Regents unto which both in honour and conscience he was tied And that no Article of the pacification should be infringed or called in question In the beginning of Iuly the Earl of Athols funerals were performed with great solemnity and his body interred in the Church of S. Giles at Edinburgh after which Colin Earl of Argile was created Chancellour in his place The King then resolving to shew himself to his people and to fall into the exercise of his Princely authority caused proclaime a Parliament to be kept at Edinburgh the twentieth of October Whilest things were preparing for his remove the Lord D' Ambigny arrived from France of purpose to visit the King as being nigh of blood and Cousen german to his Father The King receiving him kindly after a few days entertainment at Striveling took him in company to Edinburgh when he grew into such favour by his courteous and modest behaviour as the King would not permit him to return unto France and moving his grand Uncle to resign in his favours the Earldom of Lennox he gave to him in recompence the title of the Earldom of March Soon after the Abbacy of Aberbrothock which was fallen by Lord Iohn Hamiltons forfeiture was bestowed on him and he preferred to be one of the privy Councel This suddain and unexpected preferment got him much hatred and being of the Roman profession his enemies filled the countrey with rumours that he was sent from France only to pervert the King in his Religion Notthelesse in the Parliament which held at the time appointed divers good acts were made in favour of the Church but the matters of jurisdiction which the Ministers did chiefly urge was put off to a new Commission Some moneths before the King had required them by a letter directed with Iohn Doncanson his Minister to abstain from making any novation in the Church policy and to suffer things to continue in the state wherein they were unto the Parliament approaching without prejudging the decision of the Estates by their conclusions But they neglecting the letter went to examine the conference kept at Striveling the year preceding and whereas in that conference divers heads were remitted to a further consultation they ordained nothing to be altered either in form or matter of that which amongst themselves was concluded They further called the Archbishop of S. Andrews in question for granting collations upon some Benefices and for giving voice in Parliament not being authorized thereto by the Church This did so displease the King as from that time forth he did not countenance the Ministers as in former times and upon the complaint of persons who otherwise deserved not much regard that the Church might find in what need they stood of his favour he suffered divers sentences to passe in Councel suspending their
justly with me and that I am to suffer nothing but that which I have merited yea worse This confession reported to the King the rigour of the sentence was mitigated and order given that he should be beheaded only and his body committed to burial In the afternoon when it was told him by his Keeper that the time was come and all things were in a readinesse he said I praise God I am also ready And making forth was met by the Earl of Arran in the very entry who desired him to stay and subscribe his confession he answered I pray you trouble me not for I am now to prepare my self for death and cannot write in this estate The Earl ceasing to urge that point any further desired he might be reconciled with him protesting that he had done nothing upon any particular grudge he answered It was no time to reckon quarrels I forgive you and all others When he was come to the scaffold which was erected in the publick street he repeated the substance of his confession and in some few words exhorted the people to continue in the profession of the true Religion and maintain it at their power intreating them to assist him with their prayers to God The chief Minister did then conceive a prayer during the time whereof he lay prostrate upon his face and was greatly moved as appeared by the rebounding with many sobbes and sighs The prayer ended divers came to be reconciled with him whom he received very kindly all the rest that were on the scaffold he took by the hand bidding them farewell and going towards the Block laid down his head and cried aloud In thine hand O Lord I commit my spirit Lord Iesus receive my soule Which words he was still uttering when as the axe fell and cut off his head His corps left on the place lay from the hour of execution to Sunne-seting covered with a beggerly cloak every man fearing to shew any kindnesse or so much as to expresse a sign of sorrow his corps was afterwards carried by some base fellowes to the common sepulchre and his head fixed on the Tolbuith Never was seen a more notable example of fortunes mutability he who a few years before had been reverenced of all men and feared as a King abounding in wealth honour and number of friends and followers was now at his end forsaken of all and made the very scorne of fortune to teach men how little stability there is in honour wealth friendship and the rest of these worldly things which men so much admire He was of personage comely of a men stature and a graceful countenance and singular courage whereof in the civil troubles he gave many proofes wise and able for government a lover of justice order and policy but inclined to covetousness which the wants and necessity he indured in his younger years was thought to have caused and given too much to the pleasures of the flesh as at his dying he acknowledged with a great remorse In this lastly most happy that though his death in the worlds eye was shameful and violent yet did he take it most patiently quitting this life with the assurance of a better The day following the Earl of Arran in Councel made a discourse of his proceedings in the trial of Morton declaring what he had done and how to come to the knowledge of the fact for which he had suffered he was forced to use some rigorous dealing towards his servants and put certain of them to the torture lest this should be imputed to him as a crime his desire was to have his Majesties and the Councels approbation This was easily obtained and an Act made ratifying all that he had done in that business as good service to his Majesty and the Estate Yet was it well enough known that the inquisition he made upon Mortons servants was to find out where his gold and money was hidden and for no purpose else Near about the same time he took to wife the Earl of Marche his Lady a woman intolerable in all the imperfections incident to that sexe She had forsaken her husband not long before and obtained sentence against him for alleadged impotency yet was she known to be with child even then by Arran which made the Proces on her part more shameful nor was his part a whit better nay rather much worse having been a long time entertained in the Noblemans house and furnished by him in every thing necessary whilest his estate was but yet mean to have repayed the Nobleman so dishonourably was accounted a vile ingratitude The marriage alwayes went on and their unlawful love held that way legitimated In August next the Earl of Lennox was created Duke of Lennox Lord Robert Stewart Uncle to the King by his Mother made Earl of Orkney William Lord Ruthven Earl of Gowry and Iohn Lord Maxwel Earl of Morton Arran although he had assumed the title before would then also be created Earl which was done with great solemnity and the first place bestowed on him for he would not endure to be second to any and took so ill the credit which he saw the Duke carried with the King as he spared not to affront him at all occasions The Laird of Farnherst was then newly returned from France where he had lived divers years in exile and by the Dukes favour to whom the King could deny nothing had respit given him for certain crimes committed in the Kings minority As it was passing in Councel the Earl of Arran did protest against it alleadging an oath made at Striveling by the Counsellors not to give way to respits or remissions granted to the Kings enemies Herewith the Duke offended and a great heart-burning grew amongst them which in the Parliament kept at Edinburgh in the moneth of October following burst forth in an open breach The question was about some priviledges belonging to the Chamberlain in time of Parliament which Arran would not acknowledge taking upon him as Captain of the Guard to place near unto the King whom he pleased The Duke not induring this insolency absented himself from Parliament which did so irritate the King as the next day he went to Dalkeith taking the Duke with him and charged Arran not to come towards Court Many were glad to see them thus committed amongst themselves and for a while matters went so hot as it was not expected the discord should be suddenly appeased The Duke had the advantage of the Kings favour Arran strengthened himself with the common cause giving out that the quarrel was for religion and for opposing the Dukes courses who craftily sought the overthrow thereof And all this time this frowning of the Court continued you should have seen him and his Lady repair so devoutly to Sermon and prayers that the people believed this to be the ground of the dissension and that he was only disliked for his sincerity in Religion But Arran knowing this
Noblemens being at Court in such numbers which made the Earl of Arran haste thither for he held himself assured of the Earl of Gowries friendship as being of his alliance and having kept one course in the pursuit of the Earl of Morton his only fear was that he should be stayed by the way therefore having crossed the ferry he singled himself from his company and taking one only servant with himself directed his brother William Stewart to keep the high way with the rest By this mean he did escape those that lay in wait for him and came in the evening to Ruthven where when he had entered the gate he asked what the King was doing as meaning to go directly to him but was conveyed to another room and told that he must have patience and think his fortune good that he was come to that place with his life saved as he himself judged when a little after he heard that the horsemen which lay in wait of him and encountred his brother near unto Dublin after divers wounds given him had taken him prisoner A day or two after some Noblemen imployed by the Duke of Lennox who remained then in Dalkeith came to Court but were not permitted to speak with the King nor see him except in Councel Being examined what their businesse was they told that the Duke of Lennox had sent them to learn of the King in what condition he was and if he was detained against his will as the rumour went he might with the assistance of other good subjects see him made free The King presently cried out that he was captive which he desired all his subjects know and that the Duke should do what he might to procure his liberty The Lords prayed his Majesty not to say so for that he should not be denied to go whither he pleased only they would not permit the Duke of Lennox and Earl of Arran to mislead him any longer and oppresse both Church and Kingdom as they have done Wherefore he should do well to cause the Duke retire himself quietly to France otherwise they would be forced to bring him to an accompt of his doings and proceed against him with rigour of law This they willed the same Noblemen whom he had sent to signifie unto the Duke and that they were resolved to maintain what they had undertaken at the utmost hazard of their lives and estates After they were gone the Kings anger being somewhat asswaged and fearing the Dukes case more then his own he was moved to send forth a Proclamation to this effect That for pacifying the present commotions and removing some differences fallen out amongst the Nobility his Majesty had thought it expedient to interpose himself a Mediator and for the better working of an union amongst them had resolved to make his residence in Perth for a time till he saw what good effects his travels might produce And lest his stay in these parts should be interpreted to be a detention of his person because of the Noblemen and others that had lately repaired to Court his Majesty declared that it was his own free and voluntary choice to abide there and that the Noblemen and others who did presently attend had done nothing but what their duties obliged them unto and which he took for a good service performed both to himself and to the Common-wealth Therefore inhibited all the subjects to attempt any thing that might tend to the disturbance of the Realm commanding them also that had levied any forces upon pretext of his Majesties restraint to dissolve the same within six houres under the pain of death This Proclamation was dated at Perth the 28. of August some six dayes after the surprise of his person at Ruthven The Duke in the mean time was gathering forces and grown to be strong by his friends and others that repaired unto him when a letter came from the King signifying that it was his pleasure he should leave the Realm and depart forth thereof before the 20. of September The letter he communicated to his friends who did all advise him to retire unto Dumbritton where he might with more safety stay for a while and if he found not an opportunity to right himself should have good occasion of shipping for France When he was come thither the resort of Noblemen and Barons and others were so great unto him that the Nobility offending therewith directed letters charging him to live more private with his ordinary retinue and all others that were in his company to return to their houses within 12. houres after the charge and not to come nigh the part where he remained or should happen to reside during the time of his abode in the Countrey The bruit of this change being carried to England the Queen sent Sir Henry Cary and Sir Bobert Bowes unto the King to advise him in regard of the danger he was fallen into by the perverse counsels of the Duke and Earl of Arran to take in good part the Lords enterprise and restore the Earl of Angus who had lived exiled in England since the time of Mortons execution This last they obtained with no great difficulty so as the Nobleman was soon after reconciled accepted in favour but to the first point the King having a suspicion that the attempt was not made without the Queen of Englands knowledge he gave good general answers whereby it was hoped that upon the Noblemans good behaviour in a short time his offence would be mitigated The King also conceiving that a gentle usage would bring them to reconcile with the Duke of Lennox began to give them a more gracious countenance then before But he found them untractable and not without great instance did purchase their consents to a few dayes prorogation of his departing upon promise that he should be pursued as a Rebel if he went not away at the time appointed wind and weather serving yet was his going put off upon divers occasions till the middest of December at which time he was forced to depart as we shall hear The Lords in the mean while careful to strengthen themselves brought the King to Halirudhouse in the beginning of October knowing that the people of Edinburgh did affect their enterprise as appeared by the reducing of Iohn Dury their Minister immediately upon the newes of the Kings restraint and the triumph they made singing as they went up the street the 124. Psalm Now Israel may say c. They understood also that the Assembly of the Church was to convene in the same town the nineth of that moneth and doubted not to find them favourable enough To this Assembly Mr. William Areskin styled then Commendatory of Paisley was sent by the Noblemen to declare that the causes moving them to that enterprise were the evident perill they perceived the Religion was brought unto with the disorders and confusions introduced into the State whereof having discoursed a while he
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
with a common consent This I thought likewise fittest but in the mean time I prepared to depart and would have been gone if contrary winds had not stayed me The same Gentleman came afterwards unto me and shewed that they were returned and would shortly be seen at Striveling This moved me to remain albeit doubting of a sufficient concurrence of Noblemen I was not resolved what course to take and lay in a carelesse security at Dundy more inclined to go then to stay I protest always before God that I never heard nor was in counsel of any plot against his Majesties Person Crown or Estate but only studied to keep my self from ruine by the assistance of others At our meeting together unto which time all was deferred it was thought that a course should be taken by common advice for securing our selves in his Majesties favour And whereas I am asked what Noblemen were privy to the enterprise and what was looked for from England I will truly declare all upon the firm assurance of his Majesties clemency At home it was expected that all those who subscribed the bond in that first alteration would joyn themselves with us and besides those divers others namely the Earl of Marshal and Bothwel with the Lord Lindesay and some of the West parts So it was affirmed to me but how truly I cannot say From England we expected a supply but no certain time was appointed and it was said that the Queen minded to intercede for restitution of the Hamiltons if she found the King tractable This is all I know and if there by any other particular tending to his Majesties well or hurt which I do not at the present remember I shall plainly reveal the same whosoever be offended therewith At his coming to Striveling he sent to the King a letter penned in this form Please your Majesty it is neither diffidence nor despair in your Highnesse favour and clemency towards me nor any desire I have to live in this world that moves me to require some short audience of your Majesty But there is a purpose of so weighty importance which I desire to impart unto your Highnesse which might have endangered the life and estate of your mother and your self if I had not stayed and impeded the same the revealing whereof may avail your Majesty more then the lives and livings of 500. such as my self most humbly therefore I beseech your Highnesse that my Petition may be granted I assure my self of your Majesties gracious answer Striveling the last of April 1584. In a Postscript this was added The matter I have to speak is not the concealing of treason but the revealing of a benefit This Petition was denied and the same made a part of his indictment for being brought to his trial the fourth of May Mr. Iohn Grahame sitting as Justice and assisted by Sir Iohn Gordon of Lochinvar Alexander Master of Levingston Alexander Bruce of Airth and Iames Edminston of Duntraith he was indicted of four points First that in the beginning of February Mr. David Home servant to the Earl of Marre came to him privately in the town of Perth under silence of night and communicated to him the treasonable device of surprizing the Burghs of Perth and Striveling at least of one or other of them and that he agreed to the taking and fortifying of the said towns whereby he had incurred the crime of Treason as well in concealing as consenting to that wicked purpose 2. That understanding Mr. Iames Areskin to be a trafficker betwixt Marre Angus and others he did belay the ways to the end he might speak with him and after meeting kept conference with him touching the surprise of the Castle of Striveling and the furnishing thereof with men and ammunition 3. That being charged in Dundy by his Majesties letters to render himself to the Lord Petten Weyme his Majesties Chancellor and Captain of his Highnesse guard he did enter into the house of William Drummond Burgesse of Dundy and with his Complices defended the same by the space of 6. houres making exclamations to the people that he was pursued for Religion and desiring them to aid and assist him 4. That he being obliged to maintain his Majesties person life honour and Crown and having intelligence of a most weighty purpose that concerned the life and estate of the King and the Queen his mother he had treasonably concealed the same and did as yet keep up the specialties thereof albeit he professed he knew it so perfectly that in his letter written to the King he saith that it had not failed to have taken effect if he had not stayed and impeded the same The indictment read he first excepted against Lochinvar that he could not be assessor to the Justice in his trial in regard of the deadly enmity betwixt Gartland who had married his Ladies sister and him This exception was repelled because the propinquity alledged was only affinitas affinitatis Then he complained that the Noblemen who were sent to examine him had not kept their word having promised that whatsoever he had confessed should not be laid to his charge It was answered that the Noblemens word could not warrant him Thirdly he said that being indicted for treason he ought to have been cited upon 40. days and a delation made by some accuser which was not observed The Advocate replied that in matters of Treason the King might arrest any person upon the space it pleased him Fourthly he alledged the license granted him to depart the countrey This was found nought except he did therewith produce a respit or permission To the last point of the indictment he said that what he offered to reveal tended to his benefit if he had vouchsafed him hearing and was no matter of treason It was answered that the concealing of that might tend to the hurt of the Kings life and mothers was treason So the indictment was found relevant and the persons of the Jury called These were Colin Earl of Argile David Earl of Crawford Iohn Earl of Montrosse Iames Earl of Glencarne Hugh Earl of Eglinton Iames Earl of Arran George Earl of Marshal Alexander Lord Seaton Hugh Lord Sommervil Iames Lord Down William Lord Levingston Patrick Lord Drummond Iames Lord Ogilvy Alexander Master of Oliphant and Iohn Murray of Tillibardin They retiring themselves as the custom is and returning within a short space pronounced him guilty whereupon sentence was given that he should be taken to the Market Crosse have his head cut off and be dismembred as a traitor The last part thereof was dispensed and he in the evening beheaded His servants were permitted to take the head with the body and bury it This was the end of that Nobleman who in his life was much honoured and imployed in the chief offices of Court a man wise but said to have been too curious and to have consulted with Wizards touching the state of things in future times yet was
Sea and after he had remained a while at Paris took journey to Rome where entering the society of the Iesuits he abode three years Thereafter coming home for some private businesse when he had setled the same he returned to Paris and kept still in that Society in the year 1571. Thomas Metellan travelling through France into Italy did request his company in that journey whereunto he yielded and went with him to Italy but the Gentleman contracting sicknesse by the way and dying he returned by Geneva and was there confirmed in the Religion to which a little before he was inclining when he went to Paris after he had revealed himself to some Principals of the Society he forsook their profession and was in danger to have been killed at the Massacre which fell out at the same time but by the favour of Sir Thomas Walsingham the English Ambassador he was saved and came in his company to England Five years he remained at Colchester in Essex teaching some youths of the countrey and in the year 1578. returned into Stotland In the year 1580. upon the remove of Mr. Andrew Melvil to the new Colledge of S. Andrewes he was chosen Principal of the Colledge of Glasgow and taught the controversies there some three yeares with great profit he was a man learned in the languages and well seen in ancient Fathers the reading of whose works he did ever seriously recommend to the youth The answer he penned in defence of this Church against Mr. Archibald Hamilton and other dictates which are yet in the hands of his disciples do shew his worth and the losse this Church received by his death he deceased at Glasgow the 6. of December 1583. in the 47. year of his age and was buried in the Cathedral Church These deaths falling so quick one after another were taken to be a presage of great troubles in the Church nor was it long before these sturres happened of which we have spoken All this Summer the same continued the Ministers being daily called before the Councel and a great businesse made of their subscription to certain Articles which concerned their obedience to the Bishops they who refused had their stipends sequestrated which caused a great outcrying amongst the people and made the Rebels to be more favoured The King to rid himself of these vexations did call the principal Ministers and having shewed that all his desire was to have the Church peaceably governed and a decent policy established he willed them to set down in writing the Reasons which moved them to refuse subscription that he might consider the same and satisfy their doubts They choosing rather to propound the same by word of mouth were after some conference induced to set their hands to the Articles this clause being added agreeing with the word of God Yet new occasions of trouble were still breaking forth upon information that Mr. Nicoll Dalgleish Minister at S. Cuthberts did in his publick prayers remember the exiled brethren he was called before the Councel and accused for praying for the Kings Rebels as also for keeping intelligence with them by letters The Minister confessed his praying for the brethren maintaining the same to be lawful but the intelligence he denied only granted that he had seen a letter written by Mr. Walter Balcanquel to his wife wherein he was kindly remembred The King offended with his answers commanded the Advocate to pursue him criminally which was done the next day At his appearing before the Justice when he heard the indictment he said That he ought not to be questioned for one and the same fact before two Iudicatories and that having answered these points before the Councel he should not be put again to it The Advocate replying that the Councels proceeding could not stay the criminal Judge he was commanded to answer and to do it advisedly seeing it concerned his life If I must answer said he I do not think that I have offended in praying for my brethren who are in trouble and for the letter I saw if the concealing thereof be a fault I submit my self to his Majesties will The Jury proceeding declared him guilty of treason yet the sentence was continued and he sent to the Tolbuith where he remained some moneths and in end upon his supplication was pardoned and put to liberty In the same Court David Home of Argathy with Patrick Home his brother were condemned to die for keeping intelligence with the Commendatory of Driburgh and in the afternoon executed Yet was it no matter of State but some private accounts that rested undischarged at his parting forth of the Countrey wherein they had interchanged one or two letters This severity was universally disliked but that which shortly after ensued was much more hateful To breed a terrour in people and cause them abstain from communicating in any sort with the exiled Lords a Proclamation was made That whosoever should discover any person offending in that kind should besides his own pardon receive a special reward Hereupon did one Robert Hamilton of Eglismachan delate Malcolm Douglas of Mains and Iohn Cunningham of Drumwhasill for having conspired to intercept the King at hunting and detain him in some strong hold till the Lords might come and receive him A meer forgery yet gladly hearkened unto by those that desired to be rid of them for they were both Gentlemen of good respect and mistrusted of the Court Mains especially because of his valour and manhood To make out the accusation it was devised that Sir Iames Edmonston of Duntraith who had lived in great familiarity with them should be charged with the said crime and upon his confession to be pardoned which by the policy of the accuser to his own perpetual discredit he was menaced to yield unto Matters thus dressed Colonel William Stewart was sent to apprehend them who finding them in their own houses did without any resistance bring them prisoners to Edinburgh The ninth of February they were presented before the Justice Mr. Iohn Ghrame sitting as Deputy and Mr. Edward Bicace as Assessor beginning made with Duntraith he was indicted for conspiring with Mains and Drumwhasill the accuser Hamilton and others for taking and detaining the King in the manner aforesaid which was said to be plotted by the Earl of Angus and imparted to him and the rest on pannel by Iohn Home commonly called black Iohn he without making any defence confessed all betaking him to the Kings mercy Drumwhasill accused of the same conspiracy and of consulting with Duntraith thereupon at the Churches of Strablen and Killern was further charged with the treasonable attempt of Ruâ—hven whereof he had been partaker What he answered I find not in the process but when Mains his indictment was read he denied all and so cleared himself by the unlikelyhood and their impossibility to compasse a businesse of that importance to all that were present as in their hearts they did pronounce him innocent
thereof sent his natural brother Robert Maxwel to intercept the two Captains ere they should joyn with Iohnston They encountering in the Moore of Crawford after a sharp conflict the Captains were defeated Lamby and most of his company killed and Cranston with divers others taken prisoners Iohnston left he should be thought to do nothing did then make incursions upon Maxwels lands raising fire and carrying away great spoyle which Maxwel repayed with the burning of the house of Lockwood and the slaughter of some of Iohnstons in Annandale And thus did they make warre one against another till it happened that Iohnston in a certain conflict was taken by Maxwel and made prisoner The grief of this overthrow gave Iohnston shortly after he was liberated his death but the wrath of the Court still continuing a convention of the Estates was called to suppresse Maxwel and a Subsidy granted of 20000. pounds for levying of souldiers to pursue him Thereafter all that could bear Armes dwelling on the South of Forth were commanded to be in readinesse for attending the King in an expedition that he intended towards these parts But the plague breaking out in Edinburgh did rage so vehemently all that summer as nothing could be done so the expedition was put off for certain moneths Mean while there fell out an accident which did quite alienate the Queen of Englands favour from Arran Sir Iohn Forrester and Thomas Kar of Farnherst Wardens of the middle Marches being met for restoring some goods taken from the English a tumult fell out wherein Sir Francis Russel sonne to the Earl of Bedford was killed this was laid upon Farnherst and he said to have done it by Arrans instigation for they two were at that time in great friendship And when the Queen did require Farnherst to be delivered Arran did strongly oppose it yet the King for her satisfaction did confine them both the one in S. Andrews and the other in Aberdene Arran after a little time was relieved to his house at Kinneil the other contracting sickness kept bed a long space and as was thought died of displeasure at Aberdene A man he was of an haughty spirit and had endured much trouble in the service of the Kings mother which he esteemed should have made him better respected then as he conceived he was Shortly after this accident Sir Edward Wotton was imployed in an Ambassage from England for contracting a league offensive and defensive with the King in the cause of Religion For then came that holy league as they called it to be discovered which the Pope the Spanish King the Guises and others had made to extirpate the Reformed Religion The Queen of England understanding her self to be principally aimed at found nothing better then to make a counter-league with the Princes reformed and to that effect sent Sir Thomas Bodley to treat with the King of Denmark and the Protestant princes in Germany and at the same time imployed Sir Edward Wotton towards the King The motion did so please him as presently he called the Estates at S. Andrews and having in a long and pithy speech expressed the dangers threatened to Religion with the necessity that the reformed Princes had to unite themselves strongly together procured the act following to be concluded We the Nobility and Estates presently convened understanding that divers Princes and Potentates who term themselves Catholicks have joyned under the Popes authority in a most unchristian confederacy against the true Religion and Professors thereof with full intent to prosecute their wicked resolution not only within their own estates and dominions but likewise in other Kingdomes where they can pretend no lawful power nor authority A purpose long since projected and hitherto cunningly carried but now openly manifested and in divers parts begun to be executed with hard and cruel effects And considering withall how it hath pleased God to blesse this Realm with the sincerity of the Gospel the defence whereof is the most just and lawful cause that Christians can maintain we have thought it requisite not only to unite our selves and joyn the whole forces which God hath granted us under our most religious and Christian Soveraign for the better assurance of our own estates and the more peaceable enjoying of so great a benefit but aâ—so for withstanding the dangerous course intended against all the professors of the truth we have judged it needful that a general League and Christian confederacy of Princes and States professing the true Religion should be opposed to the ungodly confederacy of the enemies thereof especially that the two Crowns of Scotland and England which nature blood habitation and the profession of one Religion hath joyned may be unseparably united by a more firm and strict League then hath been betwixt any Princes their Progenitors in times past for which effect we under subscribing for our selves and in name and behalf of the whole Estates of this Realm whose body in this convention we represent have given and granted like as we by the tenour hereof do give and grant to our Soveraign Lord King James the sixth his Council or such of them as his Majesty shall please to nominate our full power priviledge assent and authority whatsoever competent to us and to the three Estates of this Realm to treat or cause to treat conferre transact and conclude a Christian league betwixt his Majesty and his Highness dearest sister and Cousen the Queen of England and to nominate and appoint Commissioners for that purpose who shall meet at such time and place as his Highness shall agree upon with the Commissioners to be directed from his said dearest sister the nomination and election of whom we have remitted and do humbly remit to our dread Soveraign Lord faithfully promising for us and in behalf foresaid to ratify approve and confirm in the first Parliament whatsoever thing his Majesty shall agree unto or his Highnesse Commissioners in his name shall contract indent subscribe or seal concerning the said league with all heads clauses and Articles thereof which we do and have the more willingly done because of the trust we repose in his Majesties wisdom circumspection earnest zeal to maintain the truth of God against all that shall happen to attempt anything to the contrary providing alwayes that the league do not infringe or prejudge in any sort any former alliances and leagues betwixt this Realm and any other ancient friends and confederates thereof except only in matter of Religion concerning which we do fully consent that the said league be made offensive and defensive avowing and by our solemn oaths swearing neither to spare life lands houses goods nor whatsoever it hath pleased God to grant unto us in defence and maintenance thereof This Act was past on the last of Iuly with a great consent and was subscribed by the Archbishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow the Bishop of Dunkeld the Commendators of Culross Balmerinoch Driburgh
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
meet apart the Barons and Commissioners of Burghes likewise apart to set down their advice in writing and present the same to the whole Assembly the next Session The day following all being convened the advice of the Noblemen and Barons was presented containing three heads 1. That the laws of the countrey should be prosecuted against Jesuits Seminary Priests Idolaters and the maintainers thereof And for the more speedy effectuating of the same that the names of all such should be enrolled and delivered to the Thesaurer with the names of their resetters and entertainers to the end citations might be directed against them 2. That in regard of the danger so imminent his Majesty and Councel should be earnesty solicited to proceed in execution of the laws against the principal Jesuits and their maintainers without delay 3. That the Noblemen Barons Ministers and whole Assembly should go together to his Majesty and regrate the peril whereunto the Church and Kingdom was brought by the practises of Jesuits making offer of their lives lands and friendship to be imployed at his Majesties direction for preventing their wicked devices This advice being approved command was given to meet at two of the clock in the afternoon that all might go together from the place of the Assembly to the Palace of Halirudhouse where the King then remained When this was told to the King and that they were to present themselves in such numbers he grew into choler and said They meant to boast him with their power and force the execution of their demands Therefore refusing accesse to the multitude some few of the principals only were called to whom he uttered his dislike of those irreverent and tumultuary forms Yet because he did acknowledge their complaint to be just and that there was need of a remedy to the evils complained of he promised to appoint six of the Councel to meet with such as the Assembly should design for advising upon the best remedies This reported to the Assembly they did nominate the Lords of Wedderburn Colluthie Caprinton Ormston and Whittingham Iohn Iohnston Commissioner for Edinburgh Oliver Peblis for Perth and William Menzeis for Aberdene Mr. Robert Pont David Lindesay Andrew Melvil and Peter Blackburn to attend These convening the next day with the Chancellor and some others of the Councel did urge in name of the Church That Mr. James Gordon and Mr. William Crichton Iesuits who were known to be in Town should be apprehended and that the resetters of Iesuits and Priests none excepted whether they were Noblemen or others of an inferiour degree should be punished according to the lawes For the Noblemen the Chancellor answered that the King did mean to use them more calmly and as he had begun with the Earl of Huntley of whose conversion there were good hopes so he would proceed with others of that degree For the two Iesuits it was promised that order should be taken for their dispatch forth of the countrey The Assembly no ways pleased with the report of this conference resolved to present their griefes to his Majesty in writing and insist for a more direct answer to their desires as they did exhibiting therewith the names of Jesuits Priests and their resetters such as had been delated to the Assembly Among others they complained of the Lord Hereis and the disorders committed by him at Dumfreis where he had openly erected Masse and forced the Ministers to leave the Town The King having considered the griefs made answer That albeit they had no warrant from him to assemble at that time yet as he had signified before to the Noblemen that were sent unto him he was glad to hear that they were convened in so frequent a number the businesse being of such importance and that he should do what became him as a King to do neither should any of those that he found unreclameable have credit or countenance of him For the Lord Hereis he said that he was more offended with him then any of themselves and had resolved to take journey in the beginning of March unto Dumfreis for punishing that and all other insolencies committed by him This answer reported by the Chancellor gave some content thereafter as he was directed he shewed the Assembly that the King did expect a reparation of the offence committed by the Minister Iames Gibson for he had obtained his liberty upon promise that he should give satisfaction at the Churches sight Hereupon the Minister was called who acknowledged his offence and was enjoyned the next Sermon day to preach and publickly acknowledge the speeches complained of to have been unadvised and rashly uttered This he promised to do yet when he came to the place he made no mention at all of that businesse and being immediately charged for not doing that he had promised he answered That out of infirmity and weaknesse he had confessed a fault albeit his conscience did tell him he had not spoken any thing that might give just offence The Chancellor perceiving the mans inconstancy and that he had been diverted by some ill disposed persons required the judgement of the Assembly Whether or not they did esteem it an offence to call the King a persecutor of the Church and to affirm in pulpit that he should be the last of that race The question was a while declined yet in end being put to voices it was found that the speeches were slanderous and offensive and that he ought therefore to be censured It being then 12. of the clock the defining of the censure was continued to the afternoon and the Minister warned to attend The hour come and he not appearing the businesse was greater then before some alleadging that citation must be used ere any censure was inflicted others excused his absence upon just fear being pursued by so great personages Hereto it was replied That there was no fear of any indirect or violent course to be taken the King who by his own authority might have punished him having for the regard he carried to the Church choosed to complain to the Assembly and remit the offender to be censured by themselves Next for the citation required it was answered That the warning given him in the face of the Assembly was sufficient and that by his not appearing he had added contumay to his offence These answers being held sufficient and the voices askt touching his censure by the greater number he was ordained to be suspended from the ministery during the pleasure of the Assembly Yet this did not end the businesse for in August thereafter another Assembly being convened the Minister appearing declared That the reason why he withdrew himself in the former Assembly was not any contempt or stubbornness on his part but the care he had of the Churches peace the affairs whereof as he was informed had been cast off if he had compeired and not been punished Upon this Declaration without once acquainting the King he was purged of
said and promised to meddle no more in that businesse Huntley upon the like promise after a few dayes obtained his liberty and went into the North. In his going thither whether of purpose or by accident it is uncertain the Earl of Crawford did meet him at Perth where at first they concluded to fortifie the town as a place most convenient for drawing forces together from all quarters but doubting how they should make good the enterprise they gave it over and getting intelligence that the Thesaurer was come to Angus and had appointed a meeting of some friends at the Church of Megle they belayed the wayes and gave him the Chase unto the house of Kiâ—khill where he was received being desired to render upon his refuse fire was cast to the house and he forced to yield himself as he did to his Cousen the Laird of Achindown who kept him some weeks prisoner in the North. The Letters written to the King of Spain and Prince of Parma whereof we made mention and some others from Mr. Bruce directed to the same Prince being about this time intercepted laid open all the practises of these Noblemen which being reported to the Queen of England she wrote to the King a sharp letter wherein complaining of his remisnesse in punishing these treacheries of the entertainment he gave to the Spaniards that had fled into Scotland after their wrack in the Irish Seas she besought him not to overslip such happy occasions as itâ— had pleased God to offer him by revealing these practises as likewise to rid the Realm of those strangers and send them away with speed Hereupon order was taken for their dispatch and ships conduced to transport them unto West-Flanders The Hollanders advertised of their coming sent forth some ships to intercept them and meeting them some two miles from the coast of Flanders took one of the vessels and put to the sword all the Spaniards that were therein the rest ran their vessels on ground where a number seeking to save themselves by swimming were pitifully drowned A Proclamation was likewise renewed against the Jesuits and their ressetters and Mr. Edmond Hay Mr. William Creichton Mr. Robert Bruce and David Graham of Fentry commanded under pain of death to depart the Realm But they contemning the charges did stir up the Earls of Huntley Crawford and Arrol to make open insurrection These three taking Arms and assembling all the forces they could gather came to Aberdene in the beginning of April where they made Proclamations in the Kings name Declaring that he was held captive forced against his mind to use his Nobles more rigorously then he desired requiring all the Lieges to concurre and assist them for setting his person at liberty Their hopes were that Bothwel with his friendship in the South should make the King such businesse as they needed not to fear any suddain pursuit but the King having caused denounce Bothwel and the chief of his followers Rebels resolved to begin with them and leave him to his return So charges being directed to warn all the subjects remaining on the South of Aberdene to accompany the King and they gathering somewhat slowly he made forward with those he had in his company toward the middle of April and having advanced as farre as Cowy a little Village some ten miles off Aberdene was there advertised that the Earls were 3000. strong and marching directly towards him The King nothing dismayed called the Noblemen that were in the Army together and spake cheerfully unto them saying That they had a great deal of advantage of their enemies the better cause and the King on their part Neither oaths nor subscriptions said he can assure these men and if benefits or good deeds could have made them loyal and obedient I have not been sparing to them all Now that I am drawn against my will by their open Rebellion to use force I do assure my self of your fidelity and that you will not forsake me I shall desire you stand no longer then ye see me stand and howbeit I do not think they dare set their faces against me yet I shall pray you to dispose all things in the best order you can This speech he delivered with such a grace as thereby the Noblemen and others that stood by were greatly incouraged every one avowing to do their uttermost for his Majesties honour But a question falling between the Lord Hamilton and the Earl of Angus for leading the Vant-guard was like to have caused some trouble Angus claiming the place by the priviledges granted to his predecessors and the Lord Hamilton alledging that none ought to contend with him in honour because of his proximity to the Royal blood but the King interposing his authority gave the leading of the Vant-guard for that time to the Lord Hamilton reserving the rights and priviledges of the house of Angus whereunto nothing was done at that time should work any prejudice All that night the King did watch himself and kept his Army on foot In the morning early he was advertised that the Rebels were dispersed and gone back for Huntley understanding that the King was resolved to put it to a day declined the fight because of the danger that might come to the Kings person Crawford for the same reason seemed not very bent but Arroll insisting to have gone forward when he saw they would not be moved parted from them at the bridge of Dee in great wrath The King came the same day to Aberdene and calling the Magistrates did threaten them sharply for receiving the Rebels into their City They excused themselves by their weaknesse and the want of power to resist the great forces which was admitted upon promise that they should look better to their town in after times Whilest the King stayed there the Noblemen and Barons of the countrey came in and made offer of their service giving surety not to reset nor intercommune with the Rebels and to concurre with his Majesties Lieutenant when they should be required This done the King returned to Edinburgh for he was then about the directing of the Earl of Marshall to Denmark for the accomplishing of his marriage and bringing home the Queen there went with him Andrew Lord Dingwell Sir Iames Scrymgeour of Dudap Mr. Iohn Sheen Advocate and Mr. George Young Archdeacon of S. Andrewes For defraying the Ambassadours charges a Subsidy of an hundred thousand pounds was granted by the Councel according to a warrant given them in the Parliament 1587. whereof the subjects made ready payment so great was their desire to have the King matched and the royal succession established in his race The enterprise of the Rebels being in this sort defeated the Thesaurer was put to liberty and at his coming to Court did solicit the King in favours of the Earl of Huntley and Crawford who forthinking the attempt they had made did offer to enter their persons in
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
sick And being askt what words she used when she called the spirit she said her words was Holla Master and that he had learned her so to do She further confessed That the Earl Bothwel had moved her to enquire what should become of the King how long he should reign and what should happen after his death and that the spirit having undertaken to make away the King after he had failed in performing and was challenged by her confessed it was not in his power speaking words she understood not but as she did take them the words were I l ' est homme de dieu Richard Graham another notorious Sorcerer being apprehended at the same time made the like confession of Bothwel which was the cause of his committing in April following for such curiosities are not thought to possesse the mindes of those that wish well to their Princes and hath proved the cause of many mens ruine In the end of the year died Iohn Ereskin of Dun Superintendent of Angus and Mernis a man famous for the services performed to his Prince and Countrey and worthy to be remembred for his travels in the Church which out of zeal to the truth he undertook preaching and advancing it by all means Before the Reformation his house was to those who in that time were called Hereticks a special place of refuge afterwards such was the scarcity of Ministers that he took upon him the charge and was chosen with the first to have the oversight of the Churches in these North parts which he governed to his death most wisely and with great authority giving no way to the Novations introduced nor suffering them to take place within the bounds of his charge whilest he lived A Baron he was of good rank wise learned liberal of singular courage who for divers resemblances may well be said to have been another Ambrose he died the 12. of March in the 82. year of his Age leaving behind him a numerous posterity and of himself and his vertues a memory that shall never be forgotten Bothwel had not stayed above a moneth in Ward when seducing his keeper he made an escape and thereby increased the suspicion of his guiltinesse whereupon the King gave order to pronounce the doom of forfeiture against him according to the conviction passed in May 1589. and causing denounce him Traitor did inhibit by Proclamation all the subjects to intercommune or keep intelligence with him And lest the proceeding should have been thought too rigorous it was declared in the Proclamation that he being tender in blood to his Majesty and advanced by him to sundry honours and offices had out of his ungodly and unnatural humour after divers slaughters committed by him and overseen taken Armes against the King and practised with strangers for subversion of Religion and endangering his Majesties Crown whereof being convicted in a Justice Court holden in Edinburgh the 24. of May 1589. the doom and sentence was superseded in hope of his amendment And that notwithstanding all these favours he continued in his wicked course and heaping treason upon treason had now at last consulted with Witches and Negromancers for bereaving his Majesty of his life as was manifest by the confession of some that had already suffered and others yet alive who were shortly to be executed and for the same being committed in the Castle of Edinburgh he had broken Ward and thereby taken the crime upon him whereupon the doom which at that time was delayed being now pronounced his Majesty did will all his subjects to acknowledge him for no other but a Rebel and Traitor Bothwell taking the course of all Rebels which is to turn their malice against some about the King laid the blame of all upon the Chancellor and drew together some companies of men as intending to be revenged to him With him the Lord Hume and divers others did joyn but to little purpose for Hume upon better advice forsook him and submitted himself to the King and others following his example used their best means to obtain pardon so as Bothwell was compelled to flee into England with some few that went with him In the Assembly of the Church that convened this summer at Edinburgh fell out a great contest betwixt them and the Lords of Session upon this occasion Mr. Iohn Graham one of the Senators had intended in right of his wife an Action of removing against certain fewars of Halyeards within the Parish of Kirkliston and to bear out the plea suborned a Notary in Striveling called Robert Ramsay to give him forth an instrument that made for his purpose The defendants having offered to improve the instrument did in the mean time upon a private Warrant obtained from his Majesty apprehend the Notary who confessed that the Instrument which he subscribed was brought formed to him by William Graham brother to Mr. Iohn and that he knew nothing of the businesse and being pursued criminally was upon his confession condemned of falshood and executed to the death The pursuer as he was a man bold and impudent to maintain the truth of the instrument did intend Action against Mr. Patrick Simpson Minister at Striveling who had dealt with the Notary to bring him to a confession alledging that he had seduced the man and made him deny the instrument The Minister complaineth to the Assembly and thereupon Mr. Iohn Graham was summoned to answer for the scandal raised upon one of their members He compeiring answered That he would prove what he had alledged before the Iudge competent The Assembly replied That he must qualifie it before them otherwise they would censure him as a slanderer Hereupon was the Lord Provant President with the Lords of Culros and Barnbarrogh two of the Senators sent to desire the Assembly not to meddle in causes proper to their cognition especially in the cause depending before them at the instance of the Lord Halyeards so they styled him against Mr. Patrick Simpson The Assembly answered That what they did was no way hurtfull to the priviledges of Session nor were they minded to meddle in any Civill matter but in the purging of one of their own members they might proceed without the prejudice of the Civill judicatory therefore wished them not to take ill the Churches dealing in the triall of one of their own number The Lords dimitted with this answer Mr. Iohn Graham was called who excepted against the Judgement affirming the cause to be Civil and that the judgement thereof belonged to the Lords of Session primariò in regard the same was depending before them The Assembly repelling the declinatour found themselves Iudges in the cause therefore willed him to say what he could in his own defence otherwise they would give processe and minister Iustice. But he taking documents of their Interloquutor and protesting for remedy of law departed The Lords esteeming this an encroaching upon their priviledges and that upon such grounds all actions that
renew the former complaints of Bothwel his resset and entertainment in the borders of England and to crave his delivery according to the league But while he was pressing that businesse in England Bothwel surprised the King at home and for a while made all these purposes to sleep so as he returned without effecting any thing The occasion and manner of the surprise was this The Chancellour who had all that year been absent from Court upon a discontent the Queen conceived against him had sent to the King a Letter requesting his licence to depart forth of the Countrey since he could not with safety attend his service for that to remain at home and live deprived of his Majesties presence he said was to him a very hell which he could hardly indure promising to return at such time as his Majesty should find convenient to recall him to his service The King did shew the letter to the Queen because in the same he had protested much of his sincere affection towards her and being loath to quite him whom he had tried to be so able a servant moved her to forget all quarrels so as he would resigne the Lordship of Mussilbrugh which had bred this dissension The resignation made and the Chancellour being on the point to return to Court the Duke of Lennox by the advice of Atholl Ochiltrie and others of the name of Stewart resolved to prevent his coming by the inbringing of Bothwell The Parliament had broke up some two dayes before and the Noblemen resorting to the Palace to take their leave of the King the Gates were kept patent and lesse heed taken of those who entred Atholl with his Lady had lodged all that time in the house then pertaining to the Earl of Gowry at the back of the Palace and kept Bothwell private with Mr. Iohn Colvill one of his followers So early in the morning the Lady pretending to bid the King farewell and making her entry through the Postern Gate taketh Bothwell and his companion along with her and bringeth them unperceived of any into the Kings bedchamber The King was then private in a retiring room and when he came back and saw them stand with their swords in their hands cried aloud Treason treason They falling on their knees called for mercy Nay said the King you have dishonoured me and placing himself in his chair Strike Traitor saith he to Bothwell and make an end of thy work for I desire not to live any longer He protesting with many oaths that he came only to beg pardon and to put himself in his Majesties will the King replyed That mercy extorted by violence was not mercy and that it was not the form of supplicants to come with weapons in their hands Whilest the King was thus talking the Earl of Marre and Sir William Keith entred into the Chamber and presently after them a number of Bothwells faction who by this time had possessed the utter Court and assumed the charge of the Gates The report of this accident going to the City the people went to armes and conducted by Sir Alexander Home their Provost made towards the Palace to give the King relief but he was then become somewhat pacified and following the Earl of Marre his advice after he had shewed himself from a window to the people and given them thanks for their readiness he willed them to return to their houses attend his advertisement All that day matters were caried fairly in a sort 〈◊〉 using speeches and offering himself to trial for the consultation which began his trouble for his other misdemeanors he desired mercy excusing himself by the want and necessity whereunto he and his friends were driven But when he perceived the Kings countenance not to be towards him as he wished he changed his forms and letting some words fall that sounded not well gave divers to suspect that he should attempt some violence This did set the English Ambassador on work who being assisted by the Ministers of Edinburgh did after long travell and much perswasion induce the King to set his hand to the Articles following 1 That remission should be granted to Bothwell his friends and partakers for all attempts against his Majesties person and authority in any time past and promise made never to call or pursue him and his foresaids for any by-past fact as likewise to repossess them in their houses and lands notwithstanding whatsoever process laid against them 2 That a Parliament should be called in November next and such an Act past in his and their favours as was made at Linlithgow Anno 1585 for their greater security 3 That during that time the King should not receive in his Company the Chancellor the Lord Home the Master of Glammis and Sir George Home knight 4 That from henceforth the Earl Bothwell his friends and followers should be esteemed as good and lawful subjects and used with much favour as if they had never offended These Articles the King did in the word of a Prince promise to perform and for Bothwells greater satisfaction after he had signed the same with his own hand caused so many of the Councell as were present together with the Magistrates and Ministers of Edinburgh subscrive as Witnesses The subscribers were the Duke of Lennox the Earl of Atholl the Lords Forbes Ochiltry Spiny and Urquhart the Master of Gray M. Iames Elphinston Mircarny the Clerk of Register Nicoll Edward Iohn Morison George Fodrick and David Williamson Baylifes of Edinburgh M. David Lindesay M. Robert Bruce M. Robert Rollock M. Walter Balcanquell and M. Patrick Galloway Ministers For Bothwell it was promised that he should leave the Court and not come towards the King till he was called by his Majesty These things were done at Halirudhouse the 14 of August 1593. some twenty days after the surprise The next day the King went to Falkland attended by the Duke of Lennox the Lord Ochiltry and Chreichton of Clany a follower of Atholl who did promise to waite upon the the King unto November and debarre those others that by the Articles were not to be admitted The rest of the moneth the King stayed at Falkland and in that time Bothwell did obtain himself purged by an Assise of practising and consulting with Witches which had been the original of his mischief In the beginning of September the King went to Striveling where he had appointed a Convention to meet for taking order with the broken men of the Highlands and borders Thither came the Lord Hamilton the Earls of Marre Morton Glencarne and Montrose with the Lords Lindesay and Levingston of the Church estate the Bishops of Dunkeld and Aberdene the Prior of Blantyre and Abbot of Lundors and divers Commissioners of Burghes After some speeches concerning the borders and Highlands and the means to quiet them which was the errand pretended the King declared that he had called them to that meeting for business that touched him
which purpose some was left at Edinburgh to make timely warning to the rest The King being informed of this conclusion at his return to Edinburgh called the speciall Ministers that were in town and shewed that it was an undutifull part in them to convocate the subjects and cause them take armes without his warrant prohibiting any such advertisement to be given as was appointed They excusing themselves said That it was the cause of God and in defence thereof they could not be deficient Hereupon a Proclamation was made Declaring the course that his Majesty had taken to try the Conspiracy of the Popish Lords and how after some pâ—ins taken in that businesse he had indicted a Parliament in Iuly last for that cause at which time nothing being done albeit not in his default and he impeshed a long time after by the practises of Bothwell and other troubles in the Countrey was no sooner received forth of his hands then he fell again upon the same thoughts and that now he had appointed a Convention of Estates at Linlithgow for taking their advice touching the surety of his own person the relief of the subjects oppression and the ordering of all that businesse especially since the said Lords had by their letters and otherwise most humbly desired a triall which he doubted not the Estates would consider and so proceed therein as might best serve to the preserving of Religion and the quietnesse of the Countrey his own intention being no other but to have them satisfie the Church or if they refused to cause them to be expulsed and banished the Countrey And for that end he had commanded them to remain at Perth and attend the resolution of the Estates dissolving their forces if any they had assembled Whereof his Majesty did think meet to give all his subjects notice that they might know his care for the maintenance of true Religion against all the enemies thereof And therefore inhibited the subjects to make any Convocations or if any were already made by the sinistrous informations of ill disposed people they were commanded to dissolve and turn to their houses till they should be advertised either by missive Letters or Proclamations and not otherwise under the pains appointed for seditious persons and disturbers of the publick peace Notwithstanding of this discharge there came great companies to Edinburgh and in all parts of the Countrey were people stirring so that the Convention which was called to meet at the same time being not very frequent kept a short while together The offers and Petitions of the Popish Lords being onely read the consideration thereof was remitted to certain chosen by the Estates These were the Lord Thirlestane Chancellour the Earls Marshall Marre Montrosse and Rothes the Lord Levingston Scot of Balwery Iohn Murray of Tullibarden Alexander Bruce of Airth Mr. George Lowder of Basse William Scot of Abbotshall Mr. David Carnagie of Colluthie Sir Alexander Hume of North-Berwick Provost of Edinburgh Clement Core Baily with the Commissioners of the towns of Dundie Couper Striveling and Linlithgow to these or any four of every estate together with his Majesties Officers power was given to consider the Petitions and offers of the said Lords to try their accusations purgations and the truth thereof and to conclude therein as they should think most expedient for the surety of Religion and redressing of disorders within the Realm ordaining their determination to be as valid and effectuall as if the same had been concluded in Parliament or Convention It was likewise ordained that Mr. Robert Lindesay Mr. Robert Bruce Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Patrick Calloway and Mr. Iames Carmichael and Iohn Duncauson should be admitted to the said conference if they should desire And that in the absence of any of the Estates nominated such as were present should appoint others at their pleasure The Commissioners nominated having conveened at Edinburgh the 12. of November after many dayes reasoning grew to this conclusion That the King for the publick peace of the Realm and to remove all troubles and the occasion thereof after mature deliberation and conference kept with the Ministers had by the advice of the Commissioners elected by the Estates declared and by irrevocable Edict ordained That the true Religion established in the first year of his Majesties reign should be onely professed and exercised in all time coming within the Realm and that none should supply or resset any Iesuits Priests and other adversaries of Religion under the pains contained in the Acts of Parliament That such as have not embraced Religion or made defection from the same should conform themselves before the â— of February next satisfie the Church and obey such things as shall be prescribed to them by the King and the Church or if any of them did think it difficile so to do for any scruple of Conscience that they should depart forth of the Realm to such parts beyond Sea as his Majesty should appoint betwixt and the said day and not return till they were resolved to imbrace the truth and satisfie the Church they alwaies and their heirs enjoying their lands and livings and their procurators being licensed to appear before the ordinary Iudges for debating their actions notwithstanding of any prâ—cesse laid against them That the Earls of Angus Huntley and Arroll the Laird of Achindowne and Sir James Chisholme should be unaccusable of the crimes contained in the summons executed against them by occasion of blanks and letters intercepted and concerning their traficking with strangers to the prejudice of Religion and the said processe extinct for ever discharging the Iustice Advocate and other Officers present and to come of all calling and proceeding against them and their heires therefore in time coming But in case they have sent or after this time shall send any pledges forth of the Realm for fulfilling of Conditions tending to the overthrow of Religion in that case the said abolition should be null neither should it be further extended then to the crimes contained in the summons and no way comprehend any murders fire-raisings or other crimes committed by them That such of the said Earls and others as should resolve to obey his Highnesse Lawes in professing the true Religion before the 1 of February should remain in the places and bounds to be appointed for them and forbeare all practising or intelligence with the Iesuits Priests and other Papists debarring them from and forth of their company That they should neither dispute nor permit disputing at their Tables against the truth or in favour of Popery and entertain in their houses a Minister and be ready to hear conference and resolve themselves of doubts that they may be the better prepared to subscribe the Confession of Faith at the day appointed unlesse it please the Chrrch to prorogate their subscription for some longer space That the Earls of Huntley and Arroll should before the 1 of February remove out of their company Mr. James
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
that troublesome time so powerfull was the combination of parties But that which by the ordinary way of Justice could not as then be required we have since visibly punished in the fall and ruine of those Families for a lesson to all men to fly and abhorre the shedding of innocent blood The year preceding the King had directed as we shewed Sir Richard Cockborn of Clerkington his Secretary to England and amongst other instructions willed him to urge the payment of the moneys which the Lord Souch and Mr. Bowes the Queens Ambassadours had often promised Wherein finding nothing but delayes and his necessities dayly growing he resolved to look to his own estate at home and order his revenues to the best profit For this effect he made choice of eight persons to rule the affairs of the Exchequer These were Alexander Lord Urqhart President of the Colledge of Justice Walter Commendator of Blantry Lord Privie Seal Mr. David Carnegy of Colluthy Mr. Iohn Lindersey Parson of Menmure and Iames Elphingston of Ennernathie Mr. Thomas Hamilton of Dummany Mr. Iohn Sken Clerk of Register all Senators of the Colledge of Justice and Mr. Peter Young of Seaton his Elemosynar To these eight or any five of them was intrusted the full and free administration of the whole Rents and Duties pertaining to the Offices of Controllery and Collectory resigned and committed by the four Officers in his Majesties hands with power to deprive and discharge all inferiour Chamberlains Under-collectors Customers Secretaries Intrometters whatsoever with any of the said Rents all inferiour Clerks of the said Offices and to appoint new Clerks Receivers and Intrometters with the same excepting onely the Office of the Clerk of Register his fees priviledges and other commodities belonging to him or any of his Predecessours to hear and exact account of Steward Sheriffs Bayliffs Provosts of Burghs Customes Clerks of Cockquet Searchers Chamberlains Receivers Factours and Intrometters with the Farmes Males Profits and Duties Caves Customes Fishings Cole-houses Parks Steadings Orchards and other Rents of the propertie annexed of old and of new or unannexed and belonging any way to the Patrimony of the Crown as also to hear the unmade accounts of the Treasurer and his Deputies the Generall and Warden of the Coin and Taskmen and labourers of the Mines and Metalls the Collectours of the Taxation the Master of the Wardrobe Jewels and moveables the Master of the work the munition and plenishing of Castles the Monks portions the payment of the Guard and men of Warre the rents of Colledges Hospitalls Schools and Students the common good of Burghs the Dowry of whole moneys appertaining to the King as well within the Realm as coming from other parts and to allow or refuse allowance thereof as they should find meet with power likewise to appoint and set Fines and Penalties for offences to make and set down the prices of Wines Victualls and Corns yearly to put an order to his Majesties house and Esquiery and stable and make provision therefore to repair the decayed Customes appoint the Order of uplifting the same and to rowpe and set them to the best profit to consider the state of the present Coin and therein direct what they should think requisite to assist the Treasurer and the Compositors in the expeding of signators and that without advice nothing should passe to examine the diligence of Sheriffs and other inferiour Judges with their Officers and negligence to correct and punish the faults of Officers of Arms to compone transact or uplift the escheats of persons denounced to the horn and generally to do and perform all things proper to the Exchequer they enoying such places in Councell and Parliament as the Officers thereof had in former times with all the power priviledges honours and immunities that belonged thereto either by Acts of Parliament or by consuetude of the Realm The King did further promise in verbo principis not to joyn any more to the present Commission at any time hereafter and in case a place fell void by decease of any of the present Commissioners to receive and admit none but by advice and consent of those that remained alive as also not to signe any letter or signatour concerning the disposition of any of the rents of property collectory or new augmentations confirmatives or ratifications of any former gifts dispositions pensions or infestments or licenses for transporting of forbidden goods unlesse the same were first heard allowed and subscribed by the said Lords or any five of them sitting in Councell by way of Action Exception or Reply notwithstanding the Seals were appended thereto The keeper whereof were discharged to append any signet or seal except the letters or signatures were subscribed in manner above rehearsed under the pain of losing their offices Moreover it was declared that the said Lords should have power to direct letters of horning poynding and caption upon their own acts and decretes and that no suspension of any charges for ingathering any part of the Patrimony should pass except in Exchequer or Session three of the said Lords subscribing the same The Lords again made faith That the next unto God and good Conscience they should in all things respect his Majesties weal honour and advancement of his revenue and neither for tenderness of blood commodity to themselves awe or fear of any person consent to the disposition of any part of the patrimony whereby his Majesties profits might be diminished and that they should not give their consents severally but being assembled at least five of them in Exchequer under protestation that the accepting of the said Commission should not be a reason of declining them in Action that concerned his Majesty seeing they did neither receive fee nor were intrometters with any part of the rents but only directed the receivers and collectors of the same This Commission approved by the Lords of Councell was published at the market Cross of Edinburgh the 12 of Ianuary 1595. diverse excepting at the ampleness of it and saying That the King had left nothing to himself but the naked title of a King and put all his power and means in the hands of others so as subjects were to expect no benefit nor reward from him The Courtiers they especially of the bed-chamber did grudge exceedingly that all occasion to do good to themselves or their friends was this way cut off Nor was it long before these Commissioners became extremely disliked partly for their strict dealing with the subjects and partly for drawing all the offices into their own hands Beginning was made at M. David Magill Advocate whom they pressed to dimit and resigne his office by reason of his age and imbecillitie as they pretended and when by no perswasion he could be moved unto it they did associate with him in office M. Thomas Hamilton one of their own number which bred him such a grief as shortly after he ended his days Next they fell upon the
troubles of the Church he made a particular relation of the proceedings and treacherous forms so he called them wherewith they were used by the Court laying the whole blame upon the President Controller and Advocate whom he particularly named and used with most reproachfull tearms Then turning to the Noblemen and Barons he put them in minde of the zeal which their predecessours had shewed in planting Religion and exhorted them with the like courage and constancy to maintain the same Having closed the Sermon with a Prayer as use is he requested the Noblemen and Barons to meet in the little Church for assisting the Ministery with their best advice There assembled in the place many people besides those that were desired and so great was the throng as the Ministers could hardly finde entrance Mr. Robert Bruce at last having made way unto himself went to the table where the Noblemen and Barons were placed and after a short Prayer declared in what danger the Church was brought by the return of the Popish Lords how they had regrated the case to the King and when they expected that order should have been taken therewith a new business was moved and one of their Brethren called in question for his preaching about which they had been in long conference but could come to no end and that now at last the best affected of their people were charged to leave the Town whereby they were brought to suspect some worse practises They did therefore request them humbly to intercede and intreat his Majesty that they might be permitted to serve God in their callings without molestation The desire seemed reasonable the Lords Lindesey and Forbes with the Lairds of Bargenny and Blaquhan Mr. Robert Bruce and Mr. William Watson were chosen to preferre the Petition By some occasion the King was that day come to the Session and being in the Upper House the Lords with these others were admitted where Mr. Robert Bruce taking the Speech said That they were sent by the Noblemen and Barons convened in the little Church to bemoan the dangers threatned to Religion by the dealing that was against the Ministers and true professours What dangers see you said the King Under communing said he our best affected people that tender Religion are discharged of the Town the Lady Huntley a professed Papist entertained at Court and it is suspected that her husband is not farre off The King leaving that purpose askt who they were that durst convene against his Proclamation The Lord Lindesey in passion replied That they durst doe more then so and that they would not suffer Religion to be overthrown Numbers of people were at this time thronging unmannerly into the room whereupon the King not making any answer arose and went down to the Lower House where the Judges doe sit commanding the doors to be shut They that were sent returning to the Church shew that they were not heard nor was there any hope so long as the Counsellours remained about the King that they should receive any favourable answer and were therefore to think of some other course No course said the Lord Lindesay but one let us stay together that are here and promise to take one part and advertise our friends and the favourers of Religion to come unto us for it shall be either theirs or ours Upon these speeches followed such a clamor and lifting up of hands as none could hear what another spake The sedition increasing some cried to Arme others to bring out Haman for whilest the Lords were with the King M. Michael Cranstone Minister of Cramond had been reading to the people that story others cried The sword of the Lord and of Gideon and so great was the fury of people as if one of the Deacons of Crafts-called Iohn Wat had not kept them back with a guard of Crafts men that followed him they had undoubttedly forced the doors and wrought some mischief Sir Alexander Hume Provost of the Town was then lying sick yet being told what a tumult was raised he came to the street and as he was wise and skilfull in handling the people with his fair speeches brought them after a little time to lay down their weapons and retire to their lodgings The commotion thus raised the King directed the Earl of Marre the Lord Pittenweem and Laird of Traquair to confer with the Ministers and ask the cause of the tumult They were then walking at the back of the Church for the tumult had scattered the meeting and professing a great dislike of that which had happened besought the Noble men to shew the King that they were not in fault and had done their best to appease the multitude The cause they said to their conjecture was that his Majesty refused to hear their Petition which they knew came not from himself but of others The Earl of Marre replied that any reasonable Petition would be heard and answered being preferred in a dutifull manner wherefore they should do wisely to go together and supplicate his Majesty for remedy of these things wherein they were grieved Whereupon they returned to the little Church and after a short deliberation sent the Lord Forbes the Laird of Bargenny and M. Robert Rollock with these Petitions First that all which have been done in prejudice of the Church the last four or five weeks might be rescinded Next that in the things that concerned the Church the President Controller and Advocate should have no voice as being suspected in Religion and opposite enemies to the Church Thirdly that the Citizens of Edinburgh who were charged to leave the Town might be permitted to stay at home upon surety to appear whensoever they were called The King answered very calmly That his doings had been greatly mistaken by the Ministers and that as these controversies were moved against his will so he wished nothing more then to have them quietly setled But that it could not stand with his honour to rescind so hastily the conclusions taken in Councell nor to remove Counsellors from their places upon naked suspicions except somewhat could be verified that might disable them At afternoon he should call the Councell and satisfie them in every thing which with reason they could desire For the Citizens he said that the supplications made in their behalf would come better from the Provost and Baylifs of the Town and the same upon their Petition should be granted With these answers the Lord Forbes and the rest returned and with them the Lord Ochiltry and Laird of Cesford were sent by the King to desire them to put their Petitions in reasonable terms and await on the Councell at two of the clock Matters thus quieted the King with the Lords went down the street peaceably to his palace At afternoon the Noblemen and Barons assembling with the Ministery after long reasoning did condescend upon the supplication and Articles following In most humble manner we the
should not so much promove the business as offend her Always they should advise and take counsell with their confederates and allies and follow the course which was most likely for his benefit This was the summe of the answer they returned The 24 of December the Queen was brought to bed of another daughter who was christened in the Chappell of Halirudhouse the 15 of Aprill by Mr. David Lindesay Minister of Leth and named Margaret The Earle of Montross created Chancellor in Ianuary preceding with the Lord Hamilton and Earl of Huntley assisted as witnesses These last two were at the same time preferred to the honour and dignity of Marquesses There died within the compass of this year divers worthy men amongst whom Mr. Iohn Lindesay of Batharres Secretary to the King shall first be named a man honourably descended of exquisite learning and a sound judgement held worthy by all men of the place he had in the Senate both for his wisedome and integrity he died of the Stone wherewith he had been pained many years Next to him Mr. David Carnegy of Colluthy a wise peaceable and sober man in good credit and estimation with the King and taken into his privy Councell for his skill and knowledge in civill affairs And in the Church Mr. Thomas Buchannan Provost of Kirkhench and Minister of Syres a man learned wise and a strong defender of the Churches rights having attained to a good age he dyed of a bruise which he received of a fall from his horse David Ferguson Minister of Dunfermlin of the age of 65 departed also this life the same year A good preacher wise and of a jocund and pleasant disposition which made him well regarded both in Court and Countrey But the death of Mr. Robert Rollock taken away in the 43 year of his age and in the time when the Church had greatest need of his service was beyond all the rest lamented This man was born not farre from Striveling and trained up in letters under Mr. Thomas Buchannan who did then keep a famous School in that time He passed his course in Philosophy at S. Andrews and no sooner received the degree of a Master in Arts then he was chosen Regent of the Colledge of S. Salvator where he had studied In the year 1583 he was removed to Edinburgh and made Principall of a Colledge which the Town had there erected where by his Lectures of divinity in the Schools and his Sermons to the people in both which he was assiduous he came to be greatly esteemed But the 17 days tumult and troubles that followed thereupon withdrawing him against his minde to the keeping of Assemblies and other Commissions of the Church he was thereby much weakned for he was of an infirm body and grievously pained with the Stone whereof at last he died In his sickness being visited by his brethren of the Ministry amongst other pious exhortations he did earnestly beseech them to carry themselves more dutifully towards the King lamenting he should be so ill used by some of their number and gave them a most comfortable farewell His torments were extreme yet was he not heard to use an impatient word but was still calling on God with these and the like sayings Hast Lord Iesus and tarry not put in thy hand and take this soul away to thy self At other times Goe out silly life that the better life of God may enter in Drawing neer his end he repeated a part of the 6 Psalm and framing a most pithy prayer out of the same as one exulting after victory he cried aloud Christ hath taken my yoake to bear and now strengthened by his grace I will follow with which words he yeelded up his spirit A rare example of holiness he was both in his life and death albeit now dead still preacheth by his learned works which it is pity should not be collected in one volume and preserved to posterity He deceased the last of February and had his corps honourably interred in the buriall place an innumerable multitude accompanying the same to the grave To return to the Estate the necessities of the King by forain Ambassages and other extraordinary employments daily encreasing he was forced to look the more narrowly to the administration of his rents for the ill managing whereof the Laird of Wedderburne was put from his place and the office of Controllerie given to Sir David Murray who was afterwards preferred to the Lordship of Scone The Prior of Blantire who was Treasurer for that he had offended the King by his partiall behaviour in an action betwixt Mr. Robert Bruce and the Ministers of Angus was committed to the Castle and forced to resigne his office which was conferred upon the Earl of Cassils by his Ladies procurement She was the widow of the Lord Thirlstan and said to be wealthy which induced him to take her to wife against the counsel of all his friends who could not away with the imparity of their age he being a young Nobleman never matched to any and she a woman past childbirth But the desire he had to keep his estate made him take that course and she loving to stay at Court and have her husband a ruler of affaires made offer to advance some moneys so as he might carry the place which was readily accepted Yet was it not long before they did both forthink the bargain being pressed with a multitude of precepts for the laying forth of money and so were glad to quit the office with the losse as was said of Fourty thousand marks which he did advance at his entry In his place was the Lord Elphingston chosen by the recommendation of his brother then Secretary Whilest these things were a doing in Court Sir William Bowes came Ambassadour from England upon some rumours that the King wes declining to Popery and had offered his obedience to the Bishop of Rome by a letter the copie whereof was brought by the Master of Gray from Rome and shewed the Queen of purpose to divide the two Princes and dissolve the amity which was amongst them The Queen though she did take the letter to be faigned and that the same was devised to breed a jealousie between her and the King thought meet to advertise what was rumoured and to advise him not to build upon the friendship of Rome The King did take the advertisement well and made the Ambassadour very welcome assuring him that they were false and faigned calumnies neither did the King think any other at that time Such a letter indeed was sent to the Pope and the Kings hand surreptitiously gotten thereto for which the Secretary Mr. Elphingston was some years after upon his own confession convicted as we shall hear Whilest this Ambassadour remained in the Countrey there fell out an accident which had almost wrought great trouble an English man called Ashfield who had brought some hunting horses to the
have done nothing in that accident at Striveling that might touch her in honour At the same time was the Princess Elizabeth who was brought alongst with the Queen taken from the Earl of Linlithgow and given to the custody of the Lady Harrington the Earl his service in her education being by Act of Councell approved All this Summer the sickness was reigning at London which made the Coronation to be deferred unto Iuly on the 27 day whereof the King and Queen were solemnly inaugurated in the Church of Westminster Iohn Whitgift Archbishop of Canterbury performing the Ceremonies There had been few dayes before a conspiracy detected against the King plotted by two Priests the one called William Watson the other William Grey and George Brook Esq There joyned with them upon some discontents the Lord Cobham the Lord Grey Sir Griffin Marcham and Sir Walter Raleigh this last had served the late Queen a long time as Captain of her guard and being put from the place and the same bestowed upon Sir Thomas Areskin Lord Fenton in Scotland he grudged exceedingly The treason being discovered which came by this occasion Raleigh parting with his sister at London had commended himself to her prayers saying That he was going whence he thought not to return which she did interpret of some combat he had undertaken and breaking the same to her neighbours the words were carred to Court where they received another construction they were all apprehended and committed to severall Prisons Being brought to their triall in Winchester about the beginning of December they were found guilty and condemned to die George Brook and the two Priests were executed as Traitors the rest while they expected nothing but death for they were brought all one after another to the place of execution and their heads laid under the axe to be cut off were spared and the execution of the sentence pronounced suspended The people that were assembled in great numbers hearing the Mandate read which was published by the Sheriffe and was to this effect That his Majesty unwilling to have the beginning of his reign stained with the bloud of Noblemen though convicted of a most hainous crime was pleased to extend his clemency towards them and having spared the L. Cobham Grey because in the dispensing of mercy regard must be taken of inferiors had bestowed the same favour on the other two did greatly extoll his Majesties clemency promising to themselves much happiness under his government that could so temper his justice and mercy Cobham and Grey lifting up their hands to heaven did thank God who had thus inclined his Majesties heart professing they were unworthy of life and that they should be ashamed ever to shew their faces amongst men having wronged so good and gracious a King The next year began with a conference of the Clergy at Hampton Court divers petitions had been exhibited to his Majesty for reformation of abuses in the Church whereupon he took purpose to call certain of the Bishops Deans and Doctors together and with them some of the most grave and modest among the complainers The Bishops were the Archbishop of Canterbury the Bishop of London Durham Winchester Worcester S. Davids Chichester Carlile and Peterborough The Deans of the Chappell Christs Church Worcester Westminster Pauls Chester Windsor Dr. Field and Dr. King for the petitioners Dr. Reynolds Dr. Spark Mr. Knewstubb and Mr. Chatterton were present These being called into the Privy Chamber the King spake unto them to this effect That following the ensample of all Christian Princes who in the Commencement of their reign do usually begin with the establishment of the Church he had now at his entrance to the Crown taken course to assemble them for settling an uniform order in the same for planting unity removing dissensions and reforming abuses which he said were naturally incident to all politick bodies And yet that he should not be mistaken and his purpose in assembling them misconstrued he declared that his meaning was not to make any innovation of the government established which he knew was approved of God but to hear and examine the complaints that were made and remove the occasions thereof whereof he willed the petitioners to begin and shew what the things were that grieved them Doctor Reynolds with the other three falling upon their knees after a short gratulatory preamble reduced the matters questioned to two heads some he said concerned the matters of the Church and others the Government Touching the Doctrine that in the Book of Articles of religion some things were obscure and some things defective which they wished to be supplied and explained Being desired to name the particulars he condescended upon some Articles whereof after they had conferred a while and he professed to have received satisfaction the King said That if these were the greatest matters that grieved them such importunity needed not as was used to him and that a more private course had been better Then falling to speak of the Government of the Church the want and scarcity of sufficient Ministers in every Parish was much complained of with the subscription urged to the Communion book the censures inflicted by lay Chancellors and other moe points which are to be seen in the Conference imprinted after some three houres debating they were commanded to meet again in the same place the 18 of Ianuary at which time they should know his Majesties pleasure in these matters At the day the Bishops Deans and Doctors of the Arches being first called the Archbishop presented certain notes of explanation of the Liturgy which the King had commended to the Bishops care and thereafter his Majesty questioning them touching the exercise of the high Commission the Oath ex officio the censure of exâ—cmmunication and the matter of subscription when as they had answered in all these points to his Majesties content Doctor Reynolds and the others were desired to come into the chamber and the foresaid explanations read unto them wherewith they professed to be satisfied The King upon this expressing a great contentment with that which had passed among them did seriously exhort them to the preservation of unity willing the Bishops to use their inferiors with all lenity and take the fairest waies for reclaiming those that were otherwise minded warning these others also to beware of obstinacy in their opinions and disobedience to the orders of the Church Obedience said he and humility are the marks of good and honest men such I believe you to be but it feareth me that many of your sort are humorous and too busie in the perverting of others The exceptions taken against the Communion book as I perceive are matters of meer weakness and they who are discreet will be gained with time by gentle persuasions or if they be und street better it is to remove them then to have the Church troubled with their contentions For the Bishops I
new business in September complained to the Councell of the disobedience given to their charge order was taken hereupon to summon them before the Councell and a beginning made with the two Leaders of the rest Mr. Forbes and Mr. Welch being charged to a certain day of the same moneth They appeared and standing to the defence of that which they had done were committed to the Castle of Blackness direction was likewise given for citing the rest to the third of October At the day all appeared and being charged for disobeying his Majesties letter thirteen of the number acknowledging their offence and protesting that what they did was not out of disobedience intreated the Lords to intercede with his Majesty for their Pardon the rest taking contrary course and maintaining their proceedings were Committed to severall prisoners their names were Mr. Charles Farum Mr. Iohn Monro Mr. Iames Irwyn Mr. William Forbes Mr. Nathaniell Inglis Mr. Andrew Duncan Mr. Iames Grey and Mr. Iohn Sharp Some of these being sent to Dunbarton others to Blackness and some to the Castle of Down the others that had confessed their offence were dimitted suffered to return to their charges These proceedings of the Councell were openly condemned by divers preachers and to make them more odious it was every where given out that the suppressing of Assemblies and present discipline with the introduction of the rites of England were the matters intended to be established whereupon the declaration following was by his Majesties command published Whereas we have ever since it pleased God to establish us in the imperiall Crown of great Britain equally regarded the good of both kingdomes now happily united in our royall person in one Monarchy ever minding to maintain and continue the good and laudable customes and laws whereby each of them hath been these many ages so worthily governed nevertheless some malicious spirits enemies to common tranquillity have laboured to possesse the mindes of our well affected subjects with an opinion that we do presently intend a change of the authorized discipline of the Church and by a suddain and unseasonable laying on of the rites ceremonies and whole Ecclesiasticall order established in this part of our kingdome of Britaine to overturn the former government received in these parts which none of our good subjects we trust will be so credulous to believe knowing how carefull we have been to maintain both Religion and Justice and to reform the evills that did in any sort prejudice the integrity of either of the two whereby justice hath attained under our government to a greater perfection and splendor then in any of our predecessors times and many abuses and corruptions in the discipline of the Church amended that otherwise might have brought the purity of Religion in extreme danger neither of which was done by our soveraign and absolute authority although we enjoy the same as freely as any King or Monarch of the world but as the disease of the civill body ever was cured by the advise of our three Estates so were the defects of the Church by the help and counsell of those that had greatest interest therein And however in rule of policy we cannot but judge it convenient that two estates so miserably disjoyned should be drawn to as great conformity in all things as the good of both may permit and that no Monarchy either in Civill or Ecclesiasticall policy hath yet obtained to that perfection that it needs no reformation or that infinite occasions may not arise whereupon wise Princes will foresee for the benefit of their estates just cause of alteration yet are we and ever have been resolved not to make any suddain and hasty change in the government of that part of our kingdome either Civill or Ecclesiasticall but with grave advise and consent of our Estates and the wisest and best sort of them whom it most properly concerns much less to trouble them with an unnecessary alteration of indifferent and ceremoniall matters and to do it upon such foreseen advantages and prevention of confusion and evill to come as the greatest enemies to peace and obedience to Princes shall not obtrude any inconvenient to the contrary And as by Gods holy assistance we have drawn that part of our kingdome out of infinite troubles factions and barbarities reducing the utmost borders and confines thereof to Gods obedience and acknowledging of our laws a condition never heard of since this Isle was first inhabited so by the same divine providence and our fatherly care over the whole Island we intend to transmit the same in good order happy quietness and flourishing policy to the posterity wherewith God hath blessed us and after them to the worlds end Like as for the more verification of his own honourable intention and to stop the mouths of those unquiet spirits raisers of that false scandall of alteration we have appointed a generall Assembly to be holden at Dundie the last Tuesday of Iuly whereat we expect a reparation of these disorders in as farre as belongeth to their censure and to be freed in time coming of all such calumnies Given at our Honour of Hampton Court the 26 of September 1605 and in the third year of our reign of Great Britain France and Ireland The Copies of this Declaration were sent to the Ministers remaining in ward that they might see the vanity of these rumors and be induced to acknowledge their offence but they still continuing in their obstinacy and shewing no tokens of penitency were again called before the Councell the 24th of October to receive their censure for the disobedience of his Majesties commandements At which time being enquired what they had to say for themselves and how they could excuse the contempt of his Majesties directions after some speeches tending to justifie their doings they presented a write a Declaration formed in this sort Please your Lordships the approbation or disallowance of a Generall Assembly hath been and should be a matter spiritual and alwaies cognosced and judged by the Church as Iudges competent within this Realm and seeing we are called before your Lordships to hear and see it found and declared that we have contemptuously and seditiously convened and assembled our selves in a Generall Assembly at Aberdene the first Tuesday of Julyâ—ast â—ast and the said Assembly to be declared unlawfull as at more length is contained in the summons executed against us We in consideration of the premises and other reasons to be given by us have just cause to decline your Lordships judgment as no waies competent in the cause above specified and by these presents we simpliciter decline the same seeing we are most willing to submit our selves to a triall of a Generall Assembly that is only the Iudge competent Subscribed with our hands the 24th of October 1605. The subscribers were Mr. Iohn Forbes Mr. Iohn Welch Mr. Iohn Monro Mr. Andrew Duncan Mr. Alexander Straghan Mr. Iames Greg Mr. William
Commissioners chosen to present these Petitions were the Archbishop of Glasgow the Earl of VVigton the Lord Kilsith Mr. VVilliam Couper Minister at Perth and Iames Nisbit Burgess of Edinburgh together with the Petitions they received a Letter from the Assembly conceived in these terms HAving convened in this Generall Assembly by your Majesties favourable licence and permission and shadowed under your Majesties wings with the presence of your Majesties Commissioners we did set our selves principally to consider the cause of the late growth of Papists among us and found by an universall complaint the chief cause to be this that where the Church in these parts was accustomed to be nourished by your Majesties fatherly affection as the most kinde parent of piety and Religion we have been left in the hands of unkinde stepfathers who esteeming us an uncouth birth to them have intreated us hardly and cherished our adversaries by all means they could as your Majesties highness will perceive more clearly by the overtures for remedy which in all humble submission we present to your Majesty by these honourable Commissioners and brethren humbly intreating your Majesty to take compassion upon us your Majesties loving children in this land that we may be taken out of the hands of these who are more ready to deliver the heads of the Kings sons to Jehu if the time were answerable to their wishes then to nourish and bring them up to perfection There is no cause Sir why the Apostates who have lately grown up in this land should be feared whatever they be in estate or number for with them are the golden Calves which God will destroy with them is Dagon whose second fall shall be worse then the first but with your Majesty is the Lord your God to fight for you and under your standard are the best of the Nobility the greatest number of Barons and all your Majesties Burgesses unspotted in Religion and resolute all of them for Gods honour and your Majesties preservation to spend their goods and lives and whatever is due to them VVe also your Majesties humble servants the Bishops and Ministers of the Gospel in this land now reconciled to others with a most hearty affection by your Majesties only means and the carefull labours of your Majesties trusty Counsellor and our very good Lord the Earl of Dunbar are for out parts most ready to all service in our callings to stirre up your Majesties subjects by the word that God hath put in our mouths to the performing of that obedience which God and nature doth oblige them unto and by Gods grace shall go before them in all good eâ—sample These things we leave to be delivered by our Commissioners whom we beseech your Majesty to hear graciously and after some favourable consideration of our case and present suits to give such answer as in your Highness wisdome shall be thought fittest And now with our humble thanks to your Majesty for the liberty granted to meet in this Assembly and our most hearty prayers to God Almighty for your Highness long life and prosperous reign we rest This letter was subscribed by the Earls of Crawford Glencarne and Kinghorne the Lords Lindesay Baclugh Salton London Torphichen Blantire Scone Halirudhouse and a great number of the Clergy and Barons The Chancellor hearing of the Assemblies proceedings and supposing himself to be specially aimed at in all that business wherein he was not mistaken moved the Secretary to take journey to Court for obviating these courses so farre as he might But he at his coming did meet with a business that concerned himself more nearly for about the same time Cardinall Bellarminâ— had published an Answer to the Kings Apology and therein charged him with inconstancy objecting a Letter that he had sent to Clement the eighth whilst he lived in Scotland in which he had recommended to his Holiness the Bishop of Vaison for obtaining the dignity of a Cardinall that so he might be the more able to advance his affairs in the Court of Rome The Treatise coming to the Kings hands and he falling upon that passage did presently conceive that he had been abused by his Secretary which he remembred had moved on a time for such a letter and thereupon began to think that among the letters sent to the Dukes of Savoy and Florence at the time another might have been shuffled in to the Pope and his hand surreptitiously got thereunto The King lay then at Royston and the Secretary coming thither he inquired if any such letter had been sent to the Pope at any time The Secretary apprehending no danger and thinking that his policy in procuring the Popes favour to the King should not be ill interpreted confessed that such a letter he had written by his Majesties own knowledge But perceiving the King to wax angry he fell on his knees and intreated mercy seeing that which he had done was out of a good minde and desire to purchase the Popes favour which might at the time have advanced his title to England The King then putting him in minde of the challenge made by the late Queen in the year 1599 for writing the same letter and how being at that time questioned thereupon he had not onely denyed his own knowledge thereof but likewise moved Sir Edward Drummond who carried the letter to the Pope to come into Scotland and abjure the same he answered That he did not think the matter would be brought again in hearing and that fearing his Majesties offence he had denyed the letter and had moved his Cousin Sir Edward to do the like but now that he saw that which he had done in the politick course turned to the Kings reproach with many tears he besought his Majesty to pardon his fault and not to undo him who was own creature and willing to suffer what he thought meet for repairing the offence The King replying that the fault was greater then he apprehended and that it could not be so easily passed enjoyned him to go to London and keep his chamber till he returned thither After some eight days the King returned to White Hall where the Secretary was brought before the Councell and charged with the fault which the Lords did aggravate in such manner as they made the same to be the ground of all the conspiracies devised against the King since his coming into England especially of the Powder Treason For the Papists said they finding themselves disappointed of the hopes which that letter did give them had taken the desperate course which they followed to the endangering of his Majesties person posterity and whole estates The Secretary having heard their discourses kneeled to the ground and fetching a deep sigh spake to this effect Curas leves loquuntur ingentes stupent My Lords I cannot speak nor finde words to express the grief I have conceived for the offence committed by me against my gracious Soveraign for on the one side when I call to minde
children and their exhibition as was appointed made them in after times no less troublesome to the Countrey then before In the end of the year the Earl of Dunbarre departed his life at whitehall a man of deep wit few words and in his Majesties service no less faithfull then fortunate The most difficile affaires he compassed without any noise and never returned when he was employed without the work performed that he was sent to doe His death made a great change in our Estate Sir Robert Ker a son of Farnherst who had served the King long in the quality of a Page and was then grown powerfull in Court carrying all things by his credit At first the Thesaurers Office which was in the person of Dunbar whilest he lived was trusted to certain Commissioners but after a little space the same was bestowed upon the said Sir Robert and he preferred to be Earl of Somerset The guard that Sir William Cranston a Gentleman of great worth did command and wherewith he had performed divers notable services in the Borders was taken from him and given to Sir Robert Ker of Ancram Somersets cousin Sir Gedeon Murray his Uncle by the Mother made Deputy in the Office of Thesaury and Sir Thomas Hamilton his Majesties Advocate who had married his sister placed first in the office of Register and afterwards made Secretary all which was ascribed to Somerset his credit Yet these things were not ill taken the last excepted for Sir William Cranston being content to resigne his place the King in remembrance of his good service did preferre him to be a Lord of Parliament Sir Gedeon his abilities for the services he was trusted with were known to all and for the Advocate his sufficiency was undoubted only the manner of his coming to be Register was not so well interpreted Sir Iohn Skeen had enjoyed the place a good many years and being grown in age and infirme thinking to get his son provided to his office had sent him to Court with a dimission of the place but with a charge not to use it unless he found the King willing to admit him yet he abused by some politick wits made a resignation of the Office accepting an ordinary place among the Lords of Session The office upon his resignation was presently disponed to the Advocate which grieved the Father beyond all measure And the case indeed was pitifull and much regrated by all honest men for he had been a man much employed and honoured with divers legations which he discharged with good credit and now in age to be circumvented in this sort by the simplicity or folly of his son 't was held lamentable The King being informed of the abuse by the old mans complaint was very carefull to satisfie him and to have the son reconciled to his father which after some travell was brought to passe yet so exceeding was the old mans discontent as within a few daies he deceased The office of Register was shortly after enterchanged with the Secretary Sir Alexander Hay and he made keeper of the Rolls the Lord Binning Secretary and Sir William Oliphant received to be his Majesties Advocate In the beginning of the next year there happened diverse unhappy quarrels betwixt the Scots and English at Court which was like to have produced very bad effects and nothing worse taken then the slaughter of an English Fencer by the Lord Sanqhars instigation who for an injury alledged did hire one called Carleill to kill the Fencer this fact committed in the City of London and so near to the Kings Court caused such a heart-burning among the people as it was not farre from breaking forth into a generall commotion But his Majesty preventing the danger made Sanqhar to be arrested and brought to his triall where being convicted he was hanged publickly at the Palace-gate of Westminster This act of justice gave the English a great content nor was the death of the Nobleman much regrated by his own Countrey people for he had lived all his time dissolutely and falling in familiarity with a base Curtesan at Paris had by her a son to whom he entailed his lands intending to defraud the heir But the King taking the matter into his own cognition did by compromise adjudge the succession to the just inheritour appointing a little portion to the base son who in a short time made away the same prodigally Not long before his Majesty being informed of a course kept by the Church in excommunicating persons that were fugitives for capitall crimes sent to the Bishops and Clergy a Letter of this tenor The Ecclesiasticall Censure of Excommunication which should be inflicted upon such as having committed any scandalous offence are contemners of the admonitions of the Church is as we have been enformed so farre absued against the first institution that we cannot sufficiently mervail of the proceeding said to be commonly used among you namely that persons fugitive for capitall crimes being cited before Ecclesiastical Iudicatories although it be known that they dare not compeir for fear of their life are sentenced as persons contumacious whereas the fear they stand in ought in reason to excuse their absence since they cannot be judged contemners of the Church who upon just terrors are kept back from giving their personall appearance In a late Treatise the Venetian Padre Paulo did learnedly confute the sentence pronounced by the present Pope against him for his not appearing to answer in the cause of heresie only upon the just fear be pretended and had his appeal justified by all indifferent men from the Popes sentence as abusive your proceedings for the manner is no other and by the learnedst Divines in these parts resembled to the Moscovites form who if he be offended with any person commandeth him to send his head unto him just so your citations are in the foresaid case which is to will the offenders come in and be hanged which were they never so penitent is not to be thought they will doe for they will rather fall under your censure then hazard themselves in the hands of the justice This being the ready way to bring the Censures of the Church in contempt Our pleasure is that hereafter there be no such form of proceeding used among you Notwithstanding if it shall happen such offenders to obtain our pardon and that the fear they stand in of their life be removed we mean not but that they should be called before the Church and Censures used against such of those that are impenitent Hereof perswading our selves that you will have care and not give way to the abuse in time coming We bid you farewell Upon the receipt of this Letter the Bishops convening with certain of the Clergie to advise what course was fittest to be held in these cases a long reasoning was kept some maintaining That the form practised by the Church was not to be changed they having tried the good thereof
his first assault upon Birsay expulsing Bernard Stewart The Keeper and placing a Garrison therein of some thirty persons The Deputy hearing what was done went speedily thither charging them in his Majesties name to render but they despising the charge and he not able to force them he went from thence to Kirkwall the Rebels following at his heels compelled him in like sort to render the Castle of Kirkwall in which he had entred Upon report of this Rebellion Commission was given to the Earl of Cathnes as Lieutenant for the King in those bounds to recover the Castles and pacifie the Countrey which he carefully performed At his first landing a company of people to the number of five hundred who were brought together more out of fear of the Rebels then of any desire to withstand made a countenance to resist but how soon they perceived the Earls resolution to pursue they gave back their leaders flying to the Castle which they meant to defend This they made good some five weeks or more till the Canon having beaten down a great part of the walls they were forced to yeild themselves at discretion The persons taken in the Castle were Robert Stewart the Earl's base son Archibald Murray Andrew Martin Alexander Legat and Thomas King servants to the Earl These were all transported to Edinburgh and being convicted by a Jury were hanged on a gibbet at the Mercat-crosse In this siege the Lieutenant lost four men only namely William Irwin son to William Irwin of Saba Iames Richardson Andrew Adamson and William Robinson who were killed all by shots from the Castle many were wounded and hurt but thereof recovered Towards the end of the year Mr. David Lindesay Bishop of Rosse departed this life in a great age having attained to fourscore two or three years a man nobly descended and a Brother of the house of Edzell Soon after the Reformation returning from his travells abroad he applied himself to the function of the Ministery and entring the charge at Leth continued therein to his death of a peaceable nature and greatly favoured of the King to whom he performed divers good services especially in the troubles he had with the Church a man universally beloved and well esteemed of by all wise men His corps were interred at Leth by his own direction as desiring to rest with that people on whom he had taken great pains in his life The Earl of Orkney being brought the October preceding from Dumbarton to Edinburgh was in February next put to triall where together with the Justice there sate as Assessors the Earl of Dunfermlin Chancellor the Lord Bining Secretary the President Sir Iohn Preston Sir Gideon Murray Thesaurer Deputy Sir Richard Cockburne of Clackinton Lord privy Seal Sir Iohn Cockburne of Ormeston Justice Clerk Sir Alexander Hay Clerk Register Sir William Levingston of Kilsith and Sir Alexander Drummond of Medop Senators of the Colledge of Justice The substance of the Indictment was That he had caused his base son to surprise the Castle of Kirkwall with the steeple of the Church the place called the Yards and house of Birsay that he had incited the people to Rebellion and detained the said Castles and Houses treasonably after he was charged to deliver the same His Prolocutors were Mr. Alexander King Mr. Thomas Nicolson and Mr. Alexander Forbes Lawyers all of good esteem the chief defence they used was a deniall of the libell the Advocate producing the confession of his base son and those that were executed with him together with some missive Letters written by one Iohn Sharpe at his direction for the detaining of the Castle of Kirkwall and a Charter of certain lands gifted by him to Pat Halcro for assisting the Rebels the Justice remitted the verity of the Indictment to the Assise The persons chosen thereupon was Iames Earl of Glencarn George Earl of Winton Iohn Earl of Perth Robert Earl of Lothian William Earl of Tillibarden David Lord Scone William Lord Sanqhar Iohn Lord Harries Iames Lord Torphichen Hugh Lord Semple William Lord Killmaers Iohn Grant of Frenchâ—e Sir Patrick Hepburne of Waughton Robert Arnot of Farny and Sir Henry Lindesay of Kinfawnes who sworn and received according to the custome went apart by themselves for a certain space and returning unto the Court by the mouth of their Chancellor the Earl of Glencarne declared him guilty of the foresaid Rebellion and of the whole points contained in the Indictment The Justice thereupon gave sentence that he should be taken to the Mercat crosse and there beheaded and all his goods and lands confiscated The Earl taking the sentence impatiently some Preachers were desired to conferre with him and to dispose his minde towards death but they finding him irresolute intreated for a delay of the execution which was granted to the sixth of February at which time he was brought unto the scaffold guarded by the Magistrates of the City and in the sight of many people beheaded This was the end of Patrick Earl of Orkney son to Robert Stewart one of King Iames the fifth his base sons Robert was at first provided to the Abbacy of Halirâ—dhouse which he enjoyed divers years After the forfeiture of Hepburne Earl Bothwell and the obtaining of these Isles he exchanged the Abbacy with the Bishoprick of Orkney and so became sole Lord of the Countrey Patrick succeeding to an elder brother who died young by his too much resort to Court and profuse spending did involve himself in great debts and seeking to repair his estate by the indirect courses he touched fell into these incoveniencies which you have heard and may serve for a warning to all great personages not to oppresse nor play the Tyrants over the meaner sort of people About the end of the year Iohn Ogilvy a Jesuite was apprehended at Glasgow He was lately come from Grats where the Jesuits have a Colledge by the command as he said of his superiours to doe some service in these parts Theâ—e were found with him three little books containing certain directions for receiving confessions a warrant to dispense with them that possest any Church livings conceived in this form Quoad dispensationem de bonis Ecclesiasticis poter is dispensare ut rctimeant que possident dummodo in usus pios aliquid impendant pro judicio confessarii dispeâ—santis with some Reliques and a tuâ—t of S. Ignatius hair the founder of their Order which he seemed to have in great regard Upon advertisement given to his Majesty a Commission was sent to the Secretary the Lord Kilsith the Thesaurer Deputy and Advocate for his examination and triall Being presented before them and enquired when he came into Scotland what his business was and where he had resorted To the first he answered That he came in the June preccding to the second that his errand was to save souls but to the third he denied to give any answer at all saying
that he would not utter any thing that might work prejudice to others nor could he be induced either by perswasion or threatning to detect the persons with whom he had resorted The Commissioners offending at his obstinacy and meaning to extort a confession from him advised to keep him some nights from sleep and this indeed wrought somewhat with him so as he began to discover certain particulars but how soon he was permitted to take any rest he denied all and was as obstinate in denying as at first His Majesty being certified that without torture nothing would be drawn from him made answer That he would not have those forms used with men of his profession and if nothing could be found but that he was a Iesuit and had said Mass they should banish him the Countrey and inhibâ—t him to return without licence under pain of death Bâ—t if it should appear that he had been a practiser for the stirring up of subjects to Rebellion or did maintain the Popes transcendent power over Kings and refusâ—d to take the Oath of Allegeance they should leave him to the course of law and justice mean while his pleasure was that the questions following should be moved unto him and his answers there to required 1 Whether the Pope be Judge and hath power in spiritualibus in over his Majesty and whether that power will reach over his Majesty in tempor alibus if it be in ordine ad spiritualia as Bellarmine affirmeth 2 Whether the Pope hath power to excommunicate Kings especially such as are not of his Church as his Majesty 3 Whether the Pope hath power to depose Kings by him excommunicated and in particular whether he hath power to depose the Kings Majesty 4 Whether it be no murther to slay his Majesty being so excommunicated and deposed by the Pope 5 Whether the Pope hath power to assoile subjects from the oath of their born and native allegeance to his Majesty These Questions were sent inclosed in a Letter to the Archbishop of Glasgow who assuming to himself the Provost of the City the Principall of the Colledge and one of the Ministers as Witnesses did in their hearing read the Questions and receive his Answer which he gave under his hand as followeth I acknowledge the Pope of Rome to be Iudge unto his Majesty and to have power over him in spiritualibus and over all Christian Kings But where it is askt whether that power will reach over him in temporalibus I am not obliged to declare my opinion therein except to him that is Iudge in Controversies of Religion to wit the Pope or one having authority from him For the second point I think that the Pope hath power to excommunicate the King and where it is said that the King is not of the Popes Church I answer that all who are baptized are under the Popes power To the third where it is askt if the Pope hath power to depose the King being excommunicate I say that I am not tied to declare my minde except to him that is Iudge in controversies of Religion To the fourth and fifth I answer ut supra Being reasoned with a long time and the danger exponed wherein he did cast himself by maintaining such treasonable opinions he answered That he would not change his minde for any danger that could befall him and speaking of the Oath of Allegeance that it was a damnable Oath and treason against God to swear it Some daies being allowed him to bethink himself better of these points When as no advice could prevail and answers were sent to his Majesty subscribed by himself and therewith a testification of such as were present at the giving thereof Hereupon the Councell was commanded to passe a Commission to the Provost and Bayliffs of Glasgow for putting him to a triall there were assisting Iames Marquis of Hamilton Robert Earl of Lothian William Lord Sanqhar Iohn Lord Fleming and Robert Lord Boyd Some daies before he was brought to the Barre it was told him That he was not to be charged with saying of Masse nor anything that concerned his profession but only with the Answers made to the Questions proponed which if he should recall there being yet place to repentance the triall should be suspended till his Majesty were of new advertised His reply was That he did so little minde to recall any thing he had spoken as when he should be brought to his answer he should put a bonnet on it And this indeed he performed for when he was placed on pannell and the Indictment read which was grounded all upon the Acts of Parliament made against those that declined his Majesties authority or maintained any other Jurisdiction within the Realm and upon answer made to the above-written demands subscribed with his hand he brake forth in these speeches Under protestation that I doe no way acknowledge this judgment nor receive you that are named in that Commission for my Judges I deny any point laid against me to be treason for if it were treason it would be such in all places and all Kingdomes which you know not to be so As to your Acts of Parliament they were made by a number of partiall men and of matters not subject to their forum or judicatory for which I will not give a rotten figge And where I am said to be an enemy to the Kings authority I know not what authority he hath but what he received from his predecessors who acknowledged the Pope of Rome his jurisdiction If the King will be to me as his predecessors were to mine I will obey and acknowledge him for my King but if he doe otherwise and play the runnagate from God as he and you all doe I will not acknowledge him more then this old hat At these words being interrupted and commanded to speak more reverently of his Majesty he said That he should take the advertisement and not offend but the judgment he would not acknowledge And for the reverence I doe you to stand uncovered I let you know it is ad redemptionem vexationis not ad agnitionem Iudicii The persons cited upon the Jury being then called and he desired to shew if he would except against them said That he had but one exception against them all which was that either they were enemies to his cause or friends if enemies they could not sit upon his triall and if friends they ought to assist him at the Bar. Only he should wish the Gentlemen to consider well what they did and that he could not be judged by them That whatsoever he suffered was by way of injury and not of judgement and that he was accused of treason but had not committed any offence nor could he beg mercy And proceeding in this strain I am said he a subject as free as the King is a King I came by commandement of my Superior into this kingdome and if I were even now forth of it
But agreeth with the Iewes 13 Augustine the Monk endevoureth to perswade the Saxons in Britain to observe Easter according to the Roman account but they refuse 12 A dispute held in England in Yorkshire concerning the computation of Easter between a Scottishman a Bishop and the abettors of the Roman Church 15 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury with the content of the Church of Scotland 527 The tryall of the Earl of Somerset 525 The Earl of Essex his death and the cause 463 Edinburgh Castle surrendred by the Queens party 271 The Town having maintained tumults against the King submit themselves 432 Elizabeth Queen of England is styled an Atheist by the Ministers of Scotland in their sermons 419 423 The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palsgrave 19 Excommunication of persons of capitall crimes if they are fugitives forbidden 517 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the content of the Scottish Ministers 527 F FAst one fasteth fourty daies without any the least kinde of food another time thirty daies 69 Francis II of France husband to Mary Stewart Queen of Scots dâ—eth 69 H PRince Henry baptized 406 His death 510 The death of Iames Marquiss of Hamilton 546 I IReland Patrick a Scot converteth that Nation 8 Ignorance Some Priests so ignorant as that they thought the New Testament written by Luther 76 Iames VI. born 196 Baptized according to the rites of the Roman Church 197 His Father attempted by poyson ibid. His Father murthered by Bothwell 200 Crowned in the Church of Striveling being thirteen moneths old Some Lords rebel against him at Edinb 287 He is offended at some proceedings of the Church and does not favour them much 308 Surprised by a combination of Nobles and sequestred from the Duke of Lennox 321 Temporiseth with the Church 322 He appointeth a feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador the Ministers to cross him on the same day appoint a fast 322 A promise made in time of restraint he judgeth not obliging 327 He giveth clear testimony of the care of the Church 347 A letter written by Walsingham to perswade the King to pass by the revenge of his Mothers death 359 An offer made by an English Ambassador and accordingly done to bring a Declaration signed by all the Judges in England to shew that the sentence against his Mother did not invalidate his right 365 Married to the King of Denmarks daughter 377 Goeth in person to Norway 377 Giveth directions for government in his absence 378 Bringeth his Queen to Scotland 380 Bothwells plot to surprise him discovered and prevented 386 He is surprised by Bothwell 394 He writeth an Epitaph on the death of his Chancellour 411 His just complaint against the petulancy of Churchmen 419 Publisheth his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 455 Gowry's conspiracy against him 457 A letter written to him from the Councel and Nobility of England 473 Crowned at Westminster 478 He would never hang Priests of the Roman profession onely for their Religion 523 He foretelleth his own death therefore not likely to be poisoned 546 He died of an Hemitritaea a disease very dangerous for the aged 546 A Witch had not power to kill him 383 K KIngs Iohn Knox his opinion concerning deposing them for ill-government 137 Reasons why they are not to be punished by their Subjects ibid. The Scots cannot resolve to arraign their Queen 214 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject their Protestation 318 A Minister of Scotland affirmeth in his Sermon that it is lawful for Subjects to take arms against their King 430 Rebellion of the Subjects if they succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 Conspiracies against Princes not thought true unless they are slain 460 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Knox his death 266 Proved that he was not the Author of the book published in his name under the title of the History of Scotland 267 A form of Church policy drawn up by him 152. L LAws Malcolm repealeth that wicked Law of Eugenius III which appointed the first night of the new married woman to belong to the Lord of the ground 29 Lollards Articles of Religion taught by them 61 The Earl of Lennox Grandfather to Iames VI and Regent slain in fight 256 The Lord Aubigny Earl and after Duke of Lennox embraceth the Protestant faith 308 He dieth in the Protestant Religion 324 M JOhn Maior Hector Boeth Gilbert Crab William Gregory learned men lived in Scotland A. D. 1539. 68 The Earl of Murray Regent of Scotland murthered 233 Earl of Marre Regent of Scotland dieth a natural death 264 The Earl of Morton then Regent his covetousness and sacrilege 271 Executed upon suspicion that he consented to the murther of the Father of Iames VI 314 Rabanus Maurus born in Scotland 22 O OAths The Catholicks are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their Religion so as in minde they continued firm and laboured secretly in promoting the Roman faith 308 Ordination One Bruce being to be made Minister of a Parish in Edinburgh refuseth Ordination 451 Had preached many years before without Ordination ibid. Ordination by Presbyters in case of necessity that it is lawful 514 The death of Sir Thomas Overbury 514 P PRiests called Culdees and why 4 Pope his league not suffered to enter into Scotland 43 The Clergy will acknowledge no Statute imposed upon them by the Legate 45 A Collection demanded by the Pope denied and the Legate not permitted to enter the Realm ibid. VRbane IV. ordained that every Bishop and Abbat elect of Scotland should travail to Rome for consecration 46 A Councel held at Lyons by the Pope the Acts thereof ibid. The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 One thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of Rome and are all slain 12 Prayer A great question arose among the Churchmen whether the Pater noster were to be said to the Saints or God only Protestants the Queen Regent Dowager of Iames V. dieth in the faith of Protestants 146 The Queen of England contriveth a counter-league against the Holy league made in France for the extirpation of Protestants 389 The Articles of that League 349 Election of Ministers by the People discharged by authority in Scotland 545 The same Portent interpreted to contrary significations 542 Presbyters excluded from intermedling with the making of Ecclesiastical laws in Scotland 531 Ordination by them in case of necessity is lawfull 514 The marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth 519 The history of the Powder-treason 491 This conspiracy carried on in secrecy a whole year 492 R ROme one thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of the Roman Church and are all slain 12 A ploâ—to reintroduce the Roman religion 390
523 45 Iohn Spotswood 524 Bishops of Dunkeld 1 Gregorius 98 2 Richard 3 Cormacus 4 Walter de Bidden 5 Iohn Scot 6 Richard Provand 99 7 Iohn Leicester 8 Hugo de Sigillo 9 Mathew 10 Gilbert 11 Galfrid Liverance 12 Richard 13 Richard of Innerkithing 14 Robert Sutevile 15 Matthew 16 William Sinclare 17 Duncan 18 Michael of Monimusk 100 19 Iohn Peblis 20 Robert Carden 21 Donald Machnachtan 22 Iames Kennedy 23 Alexander Lawder 24 Iames Bruce 25 Iohn Ralston 26 Thomas Lawder 27 Iames Levingston 28 George Brown 29 Gawan Douglas 30 George Creighton 31 Robert Creighton 32 Iames Paton Bishops of Aberdene 1 Beanus 101 2 Donortius 3 Cormachus 4 Nectanus 5 Edward 6 Matth. Kinninmouth 102 7 Iohn 8 Adam 9 Gilbert Striveling 10 Radolph 11 Peter Ramsay 12 Richard Pottock 13 Hugh Benham 14 Henry Cheyn 15 Alexander Kinninmouth 16 William Deyn 103 17 Iohn Raith 18 Alexander Kinninmouth 19 Adam Cunningham 20 Gilbert Grindaw 104 1 Henrey Leighton 22 Ingram Lindesay 3 Thomas Spence 24 Robert Blaicaster 105 25 William Elphingston 6 Alexander Gordon 106 27 Gawan Dumbar 28 William Stewart 29 William Gordon 107 30 David Cunningham 406 Bishops of Murray 1 William 107 2 Simon 3 Richard 4 Bricius 5 Andrew 6 Simon 7 Archibald 8 David Murray 9 Iohn Pilmore 10 Alexander Barre 11 William Spinie 12 Iohn Innes 13 Henry Lichton 14 Columba Dumbar 15 Iohn Winchester 16 Iames Stewart 17 David Stewart 18 William Telloch 108 19 Andrew Stewart 20 Andrew Forman 21 Iames Hepburn 22 Robert Shaw 23 Alexander Stewart 24 Patrick Hepburn Bishops of Brichen 1 Edwardus al. Vrwardus 108 2 Turpinus 3 Rodolphus 4 Hugo 5 Gregorius 6 Albinus 7 William Dean of Brichen 108 8 Iohn 9 Adam 10 Patrick 11 Steven 12 Walter Forrester 13 Iohn 14 George Shoreswood 15 Iohn 16 William Meldrum 17 Iohn Hepburn 18 ... Sinclare 19 Andrew Lamb 549 20 David Lindesay ibid. Bishops of Dumblane 1 Ionathan 108 2 Simon 109 3 Abraham 4 Gulielmus de Bosco 5 Osbert 6 Clemens 7 Robert 8 Alpin 9 Nicolaus 10 Maurice 11 William 12 Walter Cambuslang 13 Finlaw al. Dormoch 14 William Stephen 15 Michael Ochiltrie 16 Robert Lawder 17 Iohn Hepburn 109 18 Iames Chisholme 19 William Chisholme 20 Andrew Ghram 261 21 Adam Ballendene 524 Bishops of Rosse 1 Gregorius 109 2 Reynaldus 110 3 Andrew Murray 4 Robert 5 Matthew 6 Thomas Dundy 7 Roger 8 Alexander 9 Thomas Vrwhart 10 Alexander Kilbuines 11 William Bulloch 12 Thomas Tullich 13 Henry Cockburn 14 Iames Woodman 15 Thomas Hay 16 Iohn Guthry 17 Iohn Fraser 18 Robert Cockburn 19 William Elphingston 20 Iames Hay 21 Robert Carncrosse 22 David Panter 23 Henry Sinclare 110 24 Iohn Lesley 15 David Lindesay 442 Bishops of Cathnes 1 Darrus 110 2 Andrew 3 Iohn 4 Adam 111 5 Gilbert Murrary son to the Lord of Duffus 6 William 7 Walter 8 Archibald 9 Andrew 10 Ferqhard 11 David 12 Thomas Fingask 13 Alexander 14 Malcolm 15 Robert Strackbock 16 Iohn Innes 17 William Mudie This See was vacant 24 years Adam Gordon governed it in that interval 18 Andrew Stewart 19 Robert Stewart brother to Matthew Earl of Lennox 20 George Gladstaves 456 Bishops of Orkney 1 William 112 2 William Tulloch 3 Andrew 4 Edward 5 Robert Reid 6 Iames Law 502 Archbishops and Bishops of Glasgow 1 Kentigern al. S. Mungo 2 Iohn Achaian 3 Iohn 113 4 Herbert 5 Angelramus 6 Ioceline 7 Eugenius 8 Hugo 9 William Malvoisin after translated to S. Andrews 10 Florentius son to the Count of Holland 11 Walter 12 William Babington 13 Iohn de Chyan 14 Nicol Moffet 15 William Wishart after translated to S. Andrews 16 Robert Wishart 17 Iohn Lindesay 114 18 Stephen Dundy 19 Iohn Wishart 20 William Rae 21 Walter Wardlaw made Cardinal 114 22 Matthew Glendouning 23 William Lawder 24 Iohn Cameron 25 Iames Bruce 26 William Turnbull al. David 27 Andrew Moorhead 28 Iohn Lang 29 George Carmighal 30 Robert Blacader first Archbishop of Glasgow 60 114 31 Iames Beaton after translated to S. Andrews 114 32 Gawan Dumbar 33 Iames Beaton 115 34 Iames Boyd 261 35 Robert Montgomery 316 36 William Areskin a Lay-man 364 Iames Beaton restored to this See ibid. 477 37 Iohn Spotswood 477 481 Bishops of Galloway 1 S. Ninnian 115 2 Plechelmus al. Pectelmus 3 Frithwoldus 4 Pethumus 5 Ethelbert 6 Baldulphus 7 Iohn 8 Thomas Spence after translated to Aberdene 9 David 10 Alexander 11 Henry 12 George 13 ... Gordon 115 14 Gawin Hamilton 524 15 William Cowper 523 16 Andrew Lamb 540 Bishops of Argyle 1 Iohn Scot 115 2 Evaldus al. Harold 3 William 4 William 5 David 6 Finlaw 7 George Laird of Balcomie Bishops of the Isles 1 Amphibalus first Bishop of Man where was the Seat proper to the Isles 116 2 Machilla The See of Man translated to Ilcomkell after which 3 Onacus 4 Mauricius IT may concern the ease of the Reader to observe that care was taken so strictly to follow the Authors own Copy that it was not thought fit to change those words of the Scottish Idiome which sometime the Reader will meet with in this History Most of them are of Latine origination and therefore will not be matter of difficulty to very many And lest for want of caution any should be inclinable to condemn the Printers care it was thought necessary to prepossess him with this advertisement The rest that have escaped his diligence the present Table of Errata will represent to be objects of his care to amend and of his Charity to pardon page Line Reade 1 17 18 matter Wh time 12 12 Trithemius 21 43 her self 28 11 Bighan 30 4 Normandy  16 Hungary 35 2 Sautrey 36 42 Iedburgh 40 4 possessed of S. Andr.  13 defray 46 41 generall 47 2 Teviotdale  8 Lermonth ita 71. 11. 72. 25. 96. 33. 49 43 Kingorn 50 57 fallen 53 5 Duncanus  15 Campbell 54 14 rather Wooddale 57 19 Canon 62 11 Crowns 62 23 to his  38 Ferm 75 33 Kinfawns 77 29 Laird 78 22 Longnedry 82 50 repair 83 7 29 Normand ita 84. 1. 87. 1. 87 1 rites 88 25 Balfour 89 13 return with  36 Dumbriton 94 19 forsan 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 119 51 except 163 1 three 180 51 me course 197 32 Charls Iames 258 45 chusing 338 14 not be 368 12 contumacy 433 55 killed by Iames In the Margent p. 83. l. 5. r. Pinkie p. 8. l. 5. t. Baron p. 289. l. 18 21. for sheweth r. floweth A Catalogue of some Books Printed for Richard Royston at the Angel in lvie-lane LONDON And of some formerly Printed at Oxford Books written by H. Hammond D. D. A Paraphrase and Annotations upon all the Books of the New Testament by Henry Hammond D. D. in fol. 2. The Practicall Catechisme with all other English Treatises of Henry Hammond D. D. in two volumes in 4o. 3. Dissertationes quatuor quibus Episcopatus Iura ex S.
Bishops of Argyle An. 1289. The Bishops of the Isles The Nobles and Barons resolve upon a Reformation An. 1558. An act for publick service History of the Church The Clergy complaining to Queen Regent The Bishop of S. Andrewes letter to the Earl of Argyle The Earl of Argyle his answer The feast of S. Giles The procession disturbed by a tumulâ—◠〈…〉 Supplication to Queen Regent for 〈◊〉 Petitions for reformation The Queens answer A dispute offered by the Clergy and accepted by the Congregation Ridiculous conditions offered to the Petitioners Articles presented by the Congregation to the Parliament Queen Regent stayeth the presenting of the Articles The Protestation made by those that desired Reformation The Protestation refused to be inserted in the records The Queens countenance changed towards the Congregation An. 1559. Ministers cited to appear at Striveling Commissions directed to the Queen Reformation begun at Perth The Queen Regent dealeth with the Lord of Dun to stay the contentions of people Iohn Knox joyneth with the Congregation at Perth The Monasteries demolished at Perth The Images pulled down at Couper in Fise Queen Regent intendeth to surprise Perth The Earle of Glencarne cometh to assist the town An accord mediated by the Earle of Argile and Lord Iames. The conditions of the accord Queen Regent entreth into Perth The Articles of peace violated The Earle of Argile and Lord Iames forsake the Regent Iohn Knox in a sermon preached at Craill perswadeth the expulsion of the French Images pulled down at Crail and Austruther The Monasteries of S. Andrewes demolished Proclamation to meet the Queen at Couper The Lords of the Congregation prevent her The meeting at Couper moore The estate of the Queens Army A treaty for peace The French required to be â—mitted The truce accorded The town of Perth complaineth of their oppressions The Lords be siege Perth Perth yeelded upon Composition The Abbey of Scone demolished The Abbey of Cambuskehneth ruined Images and Altars pulled down at Linlithgow and Edinburgh A Proclamation by Queen Regent Rumours dispersed to the prejudice of the Congregation The Lords purge themselve to the Queen The Proclamation of the Lords The Lairds of Pittarrow and Cunningham-head sent to the Queen The Queens desire to speak with the Earl of Argyle and the Lord Iames. The Lords suspecting some practice refuse to send the Noblemen A meeting at Preston The answer of the Lords to the condition proponed News of the French Kings death The Queen prepareth to enter into Edinburgh The Articles of the Truce The Lords depart to Striveling The Queen desireth the Church of S. Giles for the exercise of Masse The Magistrates answer The French Captains and souldiers trouble the people in hearing the Sermon A letter to Lord Iames from King Francis Another letter from the Queen of Scots to Lord Iames. The answer given by Lord Iames. A French Captain called Octavian arriveth with a regiment of souldiers The Queen maketh to fortifie Leth. The Earle of Arrane joynes with the Lords at Striveling A letter directed to the Queen from the Lords A letter sent by them to the Lord Ereskin Sr. Robert Carnagie and Mr. David Borthuick directed to the Duke A Proclamation given forth by the Queen The Queen seeketh to disunite the Lords The perswasions used Lord Iames his Answer A Proclamation by the Queen declaring her purpose in the fortifying of Leth. The Bishop of Amiens and some Doctors of Sorbon active at Leth. A declaration published by the Lords The Lords come to Edinburgh and write unto the Queen The Duke purgeth himself and his son of any aspiring The Herald directed to the Lords The credit given to the Herald by the Queen The Lords deliberate upon discharging the Queen of her Regency The opinion of the Preachers required Master Willock his opinion Iohn Knox his sentence The Preachers ought not to have medled in that busines The examples they brought did not warrant their opinion Act depriving Queen Regent of her government The Herald dimitted and the Act intimated to the Queen by letters from the Lords The town of Leth summoned Moneys failing they sent to borrow from England The Laird of Ormston surprised by Bothwel and spoiled of his money The house of Creichion on taken The Provost of Dundy put to flight by the souldiers at Leth. A conflict betwixt the Scots and French Secretary Lethington forsaketh the Queen Regent The Lords leave Edinburgh and the French possesse the Town The Queen sendeth for new forces from France The Lords send to England for a supply Altars and Images demolished at Glasgow The Bishop recovereth the Castle Commissions sent unto England A supply granted and the Duke of Norfolk sent to treat of the conditions The French resolve to make an end of the warre before the English be prepared An encounter with the French at Pitticurre The Lords came to Dysert to stay the progrâ—sse of the French The Laird of Grange defeats a company of the French Commissioners sent to treat with Norfolk The contract with England The French souldiers upon sight of the Navy return to Leth. Divers houses in Fiâ—e taken by the Lord. An. 1560. The Cathedral of Aberdene saved by the Earl of Huntlâ—y Pledges sâ—nt to the Admiral of England The English forces enter into Scotland Queen Regent entereth into the Castle of Edinburgh A letter from the Lords to the Queen Regent The English General intreateth the Queen to dimit the French The first conflict of the siege of Leth. The situation of the Scottish and English Camp The French entered into the English trenches where divers were killed A fire in the town of Leth The English thinking to scale the walls are repulsed The offer of the French King to the Queen of England The Queens answer Sir William Cecill and Doctor 〈◊〉 sent to mediate an agreement Queen Regent sickneth and dieth She conferreth with the Lords before her death Qâ—een Regent her just commen lations The malice â— of the author of the story called Iohn Knox his history A truce taken upon the death of the Queen Regent Conditions of the peace The French embark and the Army of England departeth The Ministers distributed amongst the Burghs A Parliament and the lawfulnesse thereof questioned The Clergy offended with the election of the Lords of the Articles Petitions proponed in favour of the Reformers The Confession of Faith put in form and presented The Confession approved The Popes authority abolished The Lord Torpichen directed to France The Earles Morton and Glencarn sent into England The French King dieth Mr Iohn Lesly sent from the French faction to perswade the Queens return Lord Iames by the Noblemen of the Reformation to the same end The Queen resolveth to return An ambassage from France Morton and Glencam return from England A form of Church policy The advertisement of the Archbishop of St. Andrewes sent to Iohn Knox. A direction for demolishing Cloysters and Abbey Churches All the Churches under this pretext spoyled and defaced
a Parliament at Edinburgh A supplication presented in name of the Queen The Queens resignation of the Crown discerned null A conflict betwixt the Earl of Morton and the Lords at Edinburgh The Lord Home taken prisoner The Regent returneth to Leth. The combat offered by Grange is accepted and thereafter by himself declined The Queen of England insisteth for peace The Regent excuseth his refuse of the Abstinence A Parliament kept at Edinburgh by the Lords The Regent kept a Parliament at Striveling Persons forfeited in the Parliament An enterprise of the Lord claud Hamilton The number of the slain on both sides An ominous speech of the King being yet a child The Regâ—nts speech to the Nobility An Assembly of the Church at Striveling Iohn Knox his letter to the Assembly A consultation for setling the policy of the Church The power of the Superintendents Commissioners named to deal with he Regent and Estate The Earl of Marre elected Regent Adam Gordon deputy for Huntley in the North. A conflict betwixt Adam Gordon and the Forbesses A supply granted by the Regent to the Lord Forbes Another conflict betwixt the Gordons and Foâ—besses An Assembly of the Church at Leth. An. 1572. Commissioners named for the Councel and Church Articles agreed unto by the Councel and Church An Assembly of the Church at Perth The Lord Ruthven sent to assist the town of Iedburgh The Bishop of Ross called inquestion for the Queens marriage with Norfolk The Bishop of Ross imprisoned at Ely The Duke of Norfolk executed Certain of the Councel directed to the Queen of Scots The Queen of Englandâ— reateth for peace among the parties The Earls of â—tawford and Buchan directed against Adam Gordan The Castle of Blacknes betrayed by the Keeper Ambassadours from France and England The Lord Fleming unhappâ—y killed A cessâ—tion from warre concluded The Anicles of Abâ—â—â—ence The Regent and Councel do answer to the Articles The Regent dieth at Striveling He commendeth the care of the Kings pâ—rson to his Lady and Brother The description of Ioâ—n Knox his life and death Mr. Iames Lawson admitted Minister at Edinburgh Iohn Knox his speech to the Earl of Morton His last speech to the Ministers and Elders of the Church The Ministers carry a Commission to the Laird of Gâ—ange from Iohn Knox. He giveth order for making his Coffin The History given forth in his name was not of his inditing The Earl of Morton elected Regent Rules given to the Regent for his government Sir Henry Killigrew sent from England A treaty of peace The Laird of Grange refuseth to be comprehended in the treaty He molesteth the town of Edinburgh and fireth the houses A Parliament kept at Edinburgh The pacification concluded at Perth A time given to those of the Castle to accept the pacification Sir Iames Kirkaldy returneth from France He takes land 〈…〉 Captain to the Regent The English Ambassadour travelleth to make Grange accept peace which he refuseth The Regent inâ—reateth the Queen of Englands help for â—pugnation of the Castle Articles agreed betwixt the Regent and the English An. 1573. A Proclamation given out by the Regent The Castle summoned The Captain answereth by a token of defiance The Castle made assaultable A truce taken and the Captain willing to yield upon conditions The Castle rendered to the English Generall Lethington dieth at Leth. Grange and his brother executed The Queens faction quite deâ—â—ated The Regents expedition to the borders His care for the Kings houses and rents He falleth out with the Church Two three or four Churches appointed to one Minister The Superintendents denied paiment of their means The Church desired to be restored to the thirds but is denied An. 1574. The Countrey vexed with Justice Courts A motion for compiling a body of our Law Black Oâ—meston executed for the Kings murther An. 1575. Adam Heriot Minister at Aberdene his death and qualities A conflict betwixt the Scots and English A meeting in the Borders betwixt the Regent and the Earl of Huntington Duke Hamilton dieth Lord Aberbrothock pursued by Lochlevin He is saved in the house of Darsey Innovations in the Church of Mr. Andrew Melvil The Episcopal function called in question Some brethren selected to conferre upon the question The Bishops present in the Assembly Another Assembly of the Church The Regents motion to the Assembly The Archbishop of Glasgow urged with a particular flock answereth the Assembly Mr. Patrick Adamson provided to S. Andrews An. 1576. The Church off 〈◊〉 with the Bishopâ— answer A form of policy presented to the Regent The discontents great in the countrey Iohn Semple and Adam Whitford accused for conspiring the Regents death An. 1577. The Earl of Argile and Athol at variance A great insolence committed by Argile Alexander Aâ—â—skin practiseth a change Argile and Athol agreed Argile complaineth of the Regent to the King Athol his advice to the King for trying Argiles complaint The Regent sendeth to inform the King of Argiles contempt His offer to dimit the Regâ—ncy The King is advised to accept â—he Regents dimission A Commission from the King to the Regent The Kings acceptation of the Government The Lord Boyd chideth the Regent for his dimission The Chancellour and Earl of Angus imployed in the Regents dimission to the King The Regents discharge of his administration Mortons enemies are still practising against him The King his calm proceedings with Morton An. 1578. A pitiful Accident The Chancellour killed in a tumult The Earl of Athol created Chancellour The Castle of Edinburgh delivered to the Earl of Marre The Castle of Striveling surprised by the Earl of Marre his friends The Councel goeth to Striveling and composeth the controversy Conditions prescrived to the Earl of Marre A Convention at Striveling The Earl of Morton cometh to Striveling The Kings motion to the Lords and the rest of the Estates The Counsellours disswade the change of the place of Parliament An Ambassage to the Queen of England Jealousies among the Noblemen A Proclamation against the false rumors dispersed The Lords remaining at Edinburgh protest against the holding of the Parliament Mantross and Lindesay charged to keep their lodgings for using the protestation A Declaration of the Lords remaining at Edinburgh Proclamations to follow the King or his Lieutenant The Lords charged to depart out of Edinburgh The Provost of Edinburgh committed A Proclamation for dissolving the forces convened at Edinburgh The Lords march towards Striveling The English Ambassadour laboureth to to compose matters Conditions agreed upon The Articles signed The twentieth of September appointed for a meeting of Noblemen at Striveling The Noblemen decline the meeting The petitions of thâ— Chanceâ—â—â—â—r and the Lords and Gentlemen adhering to him The King offended with the petition The Noblemen cited to appear at Striveling His Majestics speech at the meeting The Lords are desireâ— to set down their complaints in writing The Lords reconciled A form of Church-policy presented to the Parliament and remitted to certain Commissionres 1.
answer Captain Iames Stewart his reply Morton is commited 2Ì„â— Ianuarii 18. Ianuar. An Assembly of the Church with their proceedings against the Bishops The iniquity of their proceedings A letter from the Earl of Lennox to the Assembly Iohn Dury committed to the Castle The death of Mr. Iohn Row An Ambassadour from England His Majesties answer to the Ambassadour An Assembly of the Estates The Ambassadour laboureth with Noblemen to take Arms for Mortons liberty Forces sent by the Queen of England to the Borders An. 1581. The proceeding against Mortons friends at Court The Ambassador departeth secretly to Berwick Sir Iohn Seaton denied passage into England Morton brought from Dumbritton to Edinburgh Morton his indictment Sentence pronounced The Ministers conference with the Earl of Morton The sentence mitigated Arran desireth Morton to subscribe his confession Morton his Answer Morton his behaviour at his death Mortons qualities and good parts Arrans proceeding against Morton and his servants approved Arran his marriage with the Countesse of Marche Montgomery his Simoniacal bargain for the Bishoprick of Glasgow Inquisition made of Montgomehy his life and doctrine The Articles against Montgomery communicated to the King Mr. Walter Balcanquel questioned for speeches in Pulpit Balcanquels answer The King ceaseth from pursuing the complaint Balcanquels Sermon approved by the Assembly An. 1582. Montgomery suspended by the Presbytery of Striveling He is cited to appear before the Synod of Lothian The Synod inhibited to proceed An Assembly at S. Andrews Mr. Mark Ker sent to discharge the Assemblies proceeding The Assembly discharged under pain of Rebellion to desist The Assembly proceedeth and findeth him culpable of divers crimes Montgomery falling from his resolution submits himself to the Assembly Montgomery changeth and returneth to his first course Mr. Thomas Smeton his Sermon at Glasgow Montgomery processed for preaching at Glasgow The Moderâ—tor of the Presbytery imprisoned in the Tolbuith A solemn Fast kept Iohn Dury Minister at Edinburgh was removed from his charge Ministers directed to the King Mr. Iohn Davidson excommunicated Montgomrie The surprise of the King at Ruthven 23. Aug. 1582. The King stayed from his sport by the Master of Glammit Arran withholden from the the King The Duke of Lennox sendeth to enquire of the Kings Estate The Duke of Lennox willed to retire to France A Proclamation declaring the Kings contentment with his stay at Perth The Duke is advised to go unto Dumbritton An Ambassador from England September 12. The Earl of Angus received in favour October 12. The Lords bring the King to Halirudhouse Octob. 8. An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lords â—end to obtain the Assemblies approbation The Assemblies ratificacation of the attempt at Ruthven A Convention of the Estates at Edinburgh The Kings speech to the Estates The attempt of Ruthven declared to be good service The Earl of Arran ordained to be detained till the Duke was gone The Duke falling sick at Seat taketh journey by land The Duke dering to see the King before he went away is denied Two Ambassador from France La Mott and Menevil The purpose of association renued The Ministers declared in their Sermons against the Ambassadors The Magistrates of Edinburgh desired to feast the Ambassadors The Ministers proclaim a fast Febr. 16. The Duke of Lennox dieth at Paris 26. May 1583. The King directeâ—h Amâ—assadours to England An. 1583. The negotiation took no effect The life and death of Mr. George Buchannan The King freeth himself of his attenders Ianuar. 28. The Earl of Gowry confesseth his fault and is pardoned An Act following the service of Colonel Stewart The Earl of Arran called again to Court His Majesties Declaration touching the attempt of Ruthven The discontented Lords confined All of them Angus except for their disobedience were denounced Rebels Ambassage from England the beginning of September His Majesties answer to the Ambassador The Ambassador complains of a Jesuits escape His Majesties answer An Assembly of the Church Grievances presented to his Majesty by the Church The King his answer to the grievances The answer did not satisfy the Church Lodowick son and heir to the late deceased Duke of Lennox cometh into Scotland Novemb. 13. The King his kindnesse to the Duke his children A Convention of Estates Prorogation granted to those that were charged to enter in Ward An offer of pardon to those who will acknowledge their offence at Ruthven The Earl of Rothes his protestation Iohn Dury questioned for allowing the attempt of Ruthven An. 1584. Mr. Andrew Melvil fleeth into England The King his Proclamations misregarded The Earl of 〈…〉 Being at Dundy he is apprehended by Colonel Stewart April 16. The Castle of Striveling surâ—â—â—ed April 18. The King 〈◊〉 to go towards Striveling The Rebels flee into England The Castle rendred April 27. Gowry examined touching the conspiracy His confession set down by himself in writing A letter from Gowry to his Majesty He is denied audience and put to the trial of a Jury The points of his endictment His exceptions repelled The names of the Assisers Gowry found guilty and sentence pronounced His execution and manner of death Archibald Douglas and another executed The houses of the Rebels charged Ministers called in question for the conspiracy Mr. David Lindesay Minister at Leth committed The Ministers at Edinburgh flee to England Mr. Robert Pont protesseth against the Acts. Libells and pamphlets against the Rulers of the Court. A letter from the Ministers of Edinburgh to the Session of the Church and Councel of the Town By the Kings direction an answer is returned in this form The letter grieveth the Ministers exceedingly Mr. Iames Lawson died at London Mr. Alexander Arbuthnet his death Mr. Thomas Smeton his death The Ministers charged with the subscription of certain Articles Mr. Nicol Dalgleish condemned David Home and his brother executed Robert Hamilton of Eglismachan delateth the Lairds of Dâ—uwwhasil and Mains Drumwhasil and Mains put to a trial They are found guilty and executed The unhappy end of Hamilton the delator Arran his power and credit at Court Arran laboureth to gain the Queen of England 12. Augusti An. 1585. The Master of Gray sent into England the beginning of October The Archbishop of S. Andrews sent into England The Queens answer to the Master of Gray The Justice Clerk directed into England April 1585. The banished Lords challenged by the Justice Clerk Arran draweth much envy upon himself His falling out with the Lord Maxwel Troubles betwixt the Maxwels and Iohnstons Johnston taken prisoner and shortly after dieth Sir Francis Russel sonne to the Earl of Bedford killed at a meeting in the Borders Arran and Farnherst confined Farnherst dieth at Aberdene Sir Edward Wotton Ambassador to Scotland about the beginning of Iune 1585. A convention of the Estates at S. Andrews A league continued with the Queen of England Lord Claud after his agreement with the banished Lords taketh a course by himself Ambassadors from Denmark Iuly 12. The King
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
touched any Minister might be drawn from their Judicatory resolved to send a prohibition to the Assembly and discharge their proceeding but by the mediation of some well disposed persons that did not like to have questions of Jurisdiction moved the business was setled and both actions ordained to cease Not the less the instrument was sustained by the Lords and judges to make faith which turned in end to the pursuers undoing In this Assembly certain Articles were presented subscribed by the Archbishop of S. Andrews allowing the Presbyterial discipline and condemning the Government Episcopal which were afterward imprinted under the title of M. Patrick Adamsons recantation The Bishop lay bedfast at the time and was fallen into great necessity by his own misgovernment whereof his Adversaries taking advantage it was devised that he should be visited by some of the brethren and desired to leave a testimony under his hand of his opinion of matters of discipline This being moved unto him he said That he did not trouble himself with such thoughts at that time and had never allowed of any other Bishop in the church but S. Pauls Bishop which he would willingly set his hand to Upon this his answer were these Articles drawn up and subscribed by him Whether he knew what was contained in them or that he was induced thereto by a poor collection they gave him in the time for so the report went or otherwise it is uncertain but when it was told him that such a recantation was published in his name he complained heavily of the wrong that was done him and committing his cause to God ended his days in the end of this year A man he was of great learning and a most perswasive Preacher but an ill administrator of the Church Patrimony which brought him to the misery that is pitiful to think of Divers works he left of which some are extant that shew his learning but his prelections upon the Epistles to Timothy which were most desired falling into the hands of his adversaries were suppressed In the same Assembly a general revocation was made in name of the Church by M. Robert Pont of all things done in prejudice of the Rents and Patrimony thereof either by Ministers that were beneficed or by others bearing the title of Church-men This in the opinion of wise men was esteemed to be a good way for pleading restitution according to the priveledge of ancient Laws but was derided and scoffed at by those that had filled their hands with the spoils of the Church And folly it was sure to think they could enjoy any benefit by these priviledges having destroyed the estate and dignity of the Church by which these priviledges should have been preserved Soon after this meeting there happened a great division in the Presbytery of S. Andrews for planting the Church of Luchars The pretenders were M. Patrick Weimes and M. Robert Wallace M. Andrew Melvill with some few that followed him stood for M. Wallace M. Thomas Buchannan and the rest for M. Patrick Weimes The matter after a hot contention being put to voyces M. Thomas Buchannan and some 19 or 20 with him gave their suffrages to M. Weimes M Andrew and other six that adhered to him gave their voices to M. Robert Wallace M. Andrew taking it impatiently to be thus oversweyed left the place where the Presbytery did meet and with his six went to the Schools of the new Colledge and made up another Presbytery M. Thomas and the rest aboad in the place and according as they had voyced appointed Mr. Patrick Weimes on the next Sunday to be received Minister of Luchars M. Andrew with his company gave forth the like Ordinance for M. Robert Wallace and thus both were instituted and admitted Ministers to the Church upon one day The Gentlemen of the parish went likewise in factions some holding with the one and some with the other which caused a great scandal There being none to pacifie the strife M. Andrew Lambe the Minister at Brunt-Island was directed from the Synod of Fife to entreat some of the Ministers of Lothian to take the pains of bringing them to an agreement For this effect M. David Lindesay M. Robert Bruce and M. I. Spotswood were chosen who coming to S. Andrews in the Moneth of October called the parties before them to understand the reasons of their dissension M. Andrew did plead for the one party and M. Thomas Buchannan for the other It was laid to M. Andrew his charge That he had made a secession forsaken the place of meeting and the fellowship of his brethren and with some six onely that followed him presumed to overturn the conclusion of the greater number His defence was That albeit he and his followers had left the place yet they could not be judged to have made secession by reason the others had given the cause and conspired to preferre a person in worth not comparable to him whom they had elected As to the number of voices he said quòd suffragia essent ponder anda non numer anda that voyces ought not to be numbred but to be weighed and pondered Two days they continued reasoning and in end the mediators finding no other means of their agreement took course to displace both the yong men and to appoint a third person for the service of the Church and for eschewing such contentions thereafter which were feared because of the heat betwixt M. Thomas and M. Andrew they did appoint the Presbytery to be divided in two a part to sit at Couper and the rest to abide at S. Andrews Thus was that strife pacified which many held to be ominous and that the government which in the beginning did break forth into such schismes could not long continue for this every man noted That of all men none could worse endure parity and loved more to command then they who had introduced it into the Church But to leave the matters of the Church for a while when as the King did think that all was quiet and Bothwell so weakned as he could not make any trouble for Bacleugh his son in law was by licence gone into France and all the gentlemen of the South parts who were of any worth had given surety to have no medling with him there were found in the Court it self instruments apt enough to serve his turn For of the Duke of Lennox his retinue some that envied the Chancellors credit with the King and others whose hopes wholly depended upon the trouble of the State did by secret messages incite Bothwell to enterprise somewhat for himself offering to bring him within the Kings Palace unperceived where with a few hands he might make himself master of the King and all the Court Bothwell is easily drawn to condescend and the conspiracy so ordered that he with his followers should under night be let in at a back passage that lay through the Lord Duke his Stables and first they should seise
upon the Gates take the keyes from the Porter and go after that to the Kings Chamber and make him sure Within the Palace were divers privy to the conspiracy especially Colonell William Stewart Iohn Neswith Chirurgeon to the King and Iames Dowglas of Spot who was brought to take part in that enterprise by this occasion Some days before it happened George Home of Spot his father in law to be killed by certain Mersemen of the surname of Home and Craw. Sir George Home Nephew to Spot and one of the masters of the Kings Esquiry did charge Iames Dowglas as author or accessary to the murther because of a fear he had conceived that his Father in law should by a new right possess his Nephew Sir George in some part of the lands to which he had right by his mariage upon this suspicion three of his servants were apprehended and detained prisoners within the Palace till they should be tryed by torture The Chancellor on whom Iames Dowglas depended laboured all he could to free his servants from that extraordinary form of trial but the presumptions being pregnant the King would have them to be tortured which when Spot understood and saw that the same would not be eschewed he thrust himself desperately in the action which but a few hours before was communicated to him by one of the Associates This fell out happily for the King and was it that marred the whole conspiracy for when Bothwell with his company had entred by the way named and was come to the inner Court of the Palace Iames Dowglas that minded nothing but the relief of his servants drew a number to break open the doors where they were detained and by the noise thereof all in the palace were put upon their guard The King was then at supper and being told that armed men were in the nether Court leaving the rooms wherein he lodged went up to the Tower as to a place of greater surety Bothwell having directed some to enclose the Chancellors lodgings lest he should escape made towards the Queens rooms where he expected to find entry and perceiving all shut upon him called to bring fire But ere they could find any Sir Iames Sandilands one of his Majesties chamber who had supped without the palace with a number of the people of Edinburgh entring by the Church of Halirud-house did beat him and his company from the doors and was in possibility to have taken them all if there had been any lights but those being all extinguished Bothwell with the principals of his company made shift in the dark and escaped returning by the same way that he entred in his out-going he was encountred by a Gentleman of the Esquiry named Iohn Shaw whom he killed with a Pistoll yet lost some nine of his followers men of small note who were executed the next morning The enterprise thus defeated Bothwell went into the North looking to be supplyed by the Earl of Murray his Cousen germane which the King suspecting Andrew Lord Ochiltry was sent to bring Murray unto the South of purpose to work a reconcilement betwixt him and Huntly But a rumour being raised in the mean while that the Earl of Murray was seen in the Palace with Bothwell on the night of the enterprise the same was entertained by Huntly who waited then at Court to make him suspected of the King and prevailed so far as he did purchase a Commission to apprehend and bring Murray to his triall The Nobleman not fearing that any such course should be used was come to Dunybirsill a house situated on the north side of Forth and belonging to his mother the Lady Downe Huntly being advertised of his coming and how he lay there secure accompanied onely with the Sheriffe of Murray and a few of his own retinue went thither and beset the house requiring him to render The Earl of Murray refusing to put himself in the hands of his enemy after some defence made wherein the Sheriffe was killed fire was set to the house and they within forced by the violence of the smoak and flame to come forth The Earl stayed a great space after the rest and the night falling down ventured among his Enemies and breaking through the midst of them did so farre out-run them all as they supposed he was escaped yet searching him among the rocks he was discovered by the tip of his head-peece which had taken fire before he left the house and unmercifully slain The report went that Huntlies friends fearing he should disclaim the fact for he desired rather to have taken him alive made him light from his horse and give some stroaks to the dead corps This done Gordon of Buckie was dispatched to advertise the King what had happened and Huntly himself took journey Northwards in such hast as he left Captain Gordon his Cousen that was lying on the ground wounded behinde him This Captain was brought the next day to Edinburgh and publickly executed The death of the Nobleman was universally lamented and the clamours of the people so great especially against the Chancellor upon whom all the blame was laid that the King not esteeming it safe to abide at Edinburgh removed with the Councell to Glasgow where he remained untill Huntly did enter himself in Ward in Blackness as he was charged But he stayed not there many dayes being dimitted upon Caution to answer before the Justice whensoever he should be called The corps of the Earl and Sheriffe of Murray were brought to the Church of Leth in two coffines and there lay diverse Moneths unburied their friends refusing to commit their bodies to the earth till the slaughter was punished Nor did any man think himself so much interessed in that fact as the Lord Ochiltry who had perswaded the Earl of Murray to come south whereupon he fell afterwards away to Bothwell and joyned with him for revenge of the Murther The Parliament which had been now twice prorogated did keep in the moneth of Iune In behalf of the Church it was there petitioned 1 That the Acts of Parliament made in the year 1584. against the Discipline of the Church and liberty thereof should be abrogated and annulled and a ratification granted of the discipline whereof they were then in practise 2. That the Act of annexation should be repealed and restitution made of the Churches Patrimony 3. That the Abbots Priors and other Prelates bearing the titles of Churchmen and giving voice for the Church without any power and Commission from the Church should not be admitted in time coming to give voice in Parliament or conveen in their name And 4. That a solid order might be taken for purging the Realm of idolatry and blood wherewith it was miserably polluted The second and third Petitions rejected consultation taken about the other two and satisfying the last it was condescended That saying of Masse receiving of Iesuits Seminary Priests and trafficking Papists against the Kings Majesty and