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.
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
THE HISTORY OF THE Church of Scotland Beginning the Year of our Lord 203 and continued to the end of the Reign of King JAMES the VI. of ever blessed Memory Wherein are described The Progress of Christianity The Persecutions and Interruptions of it The Foundation of Churches The Erecting of Bishopricks The Building and Endowing Monasteries and other Religious Places The Succession of Bishops in their Sees The Reformation of Religion and the frequent Disturbances of that Nation by Wars Conspiracies Tumults Schisms Together with great variety of other Matters both Ecclesiasticall and Politicall WRITTEN By that grave and Reverend Prelate and wise COUNSELLOR IOHN SPOTSWOOD Lord Archbishop of S. Andrews and Privy Counsellor to King CHARLES the I. that most Religious and blessed Prince Res in exitu aestimantur cù abeunt ex oculis hinc videntur LONDON Printed by I. Flesher for R. Royston at the Angel in Ivie-lane MDCLV AEtat suae 74 Aº 1639 HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE Aspice non frustrâ Veneranda haec pingitur Icon Vivit adhuc tanti qvaelibet umbra Viri Prisca nitet Vultu Pietas Virtusque Sepulchri Nescia in Effigie nescit et ipsa Mori Sic vno Intuitu Vultûs Morumque Volumen Perlegis et Pictor transit in Historicum IOANNES SPOTISWOODE ARCHIEPISCOPVS St. ANDREANVS TOTIVS SCOTIAE PRIMAS ET METROPOLITANVS EIVSDEMQVE REGNI CANCELIA us W. Hollar fecit THE PUBLISHER TO THE READER THis History being wrote in calm and quiet Times and by a person whose temper and disposition was not unsutable to them had the ill hap to have an hideous storm tread upon the heels of it which among other greater Wrecks and Ruines might very likely have buried this never to have been raised up again But Providence had so disposed of it that a Copy of it lighting into more Ingenuous and Noble hands it was thought a sin by them to stifle and conceal it from the World which now being in dotage and infinitely in love with Change may reade here if they do not feel it already the sad Effects which an unruly and a misgovern'd Reformation usher'd in by Tender Consciences brings upon them Nor doth it come forth now to cast any Obloquy upon that Church or Nation famous in former Times for so much Piety that the devotion of the Natives under so cold a Clime whether you consider the rich Endowments or magnificent Structures of Places dedicated to Gods Service can hardly be match'd but to shew rather the variation of all Humane Things and how easie it is to slide from something that might look like Superstition into the contrary Vices of Sacriledge and Profaneness for which they have felt so remarkable a Scourge that unless it be in the same Island and all Circumstances considered scarce in that can the whole World and the Stories of it sute them with a Parallel But there is lesse to be said of this because if the Times become patient of hearing Truth you may possibly by the Industry of some good hand have the latter and more Fatall part of the Story For though this Cloud in the North was at first no bigger then a Hand and might have been grasp'd and easily dispers'd by the Authority then in being had it not miscarried in being too tender towards it hath since for the sins of both Nations rowl'd it self into a more Universal Darkness and pour'd down such a sweeping Rain upon us as hath carried away all that is Sacred with it And for us that live to see the Desolation on all hands our onely portion left us is to mourn in secret for Nihil praeter plorare relictum est And that you may know to how innocent and unbyassed a person you owe this Story do but impartially reade it and you shall finde it woven with so even threed and so much of the spirit of meekness in all the passages of it that neither the Rage of the first Reformers nor the Fury of them who in after â—imes did second them could tempt him to dispense so much with his own nature as to passe any bitter Reproof upon them but leaves them upon the Stage with the bare Narrative of their actions and trusts the judgement of the Reader either to condemn or to acquit them What the Life of this Author was hath been diligently and faithfully collected by a Reverend Person of that Nation who out of the midst of the Ruines of his Church hath gather'd out of the Rubbidge of it the substance of these following Particulars that this world of ours being now grown barren of such Examples might at least have an excellent Copy set before them which if they have not the Will to imitate yet let them use it as they do their Pictures and commend the Hand though they neglect his Virtues There is no more to say to thee but this That if there be so much Devotion in thee as to melt thee into Prayers and Tears for the Sufferings of thine own Church Let there be so much Charity too as to bestow some of them on our Neighbour Nation from whom our Ruine came and have since so deeply smarted for it that a discreet and a very considerable person among them hath so far in my hearing expressed his Penitence for it as to say That it was true that he with the rest of his Nation had buried Episcopacy and their Ancient Monarchy in one and the same Grave but upon the sad consequences of it they could be content to tear up the very earth of that Grave with their Teeth so that they might raise up Both again And when this single Vote shall come to be the Vote of the whole Nation God is where he was and without the attending the Revolution of Plato's Great Year can when he pleaseth and by what means he pleaseth restore them to their former Happiness Non si malè Nunc Olim sic erit The Authors Life THough Buildings are looked upon with more pleasure when they are rear'd then in their foundations yet that this Reverend Prelat raised in his own Countrey to the highest honour that his condition was capable of may not seem obscurely to have stole into the World as a Mushrome of a nights growth or as that Roman did of whom it is said in Tacitus Videtur Curtius Rufus è se natus It can no way be impertinent to mention that he was descended from the Lairds of Spotiswood in the Merse an ancient race of Gentlemen and the chief of that surname His Grandfather died in the bed of honour with his King Iames the fourth in the battel of Flodden field a battel that might have been looked upon as most unfortunate to that Nation had not their latter contests by the sword proved infinitely more unhappy His Father was no sword-man but betook himself to the study of the Arts passing his course of Philosophy in the Colledge of Glasgow with a purpose the better to enable himself for
parts and worthy to have been made a subject of truth to posterity not of fables and fictions as the Legends of Monks have made him Baldred and Convallus were his disciples and zealous preachers of the truth the first served for the most part in Lothiaen which as then was under the dominion of the Picts and was so beloved and honoured in his life as after his death the Parishes of Aldham Tuningham and Preston did contend who should have his corps to bury As they grew to some heat the Bishop of the bounds the story doth not expresse his name intervened and willed the people to deferre the funeral to the next morrow and in the mean time be earnest in prayer with God that he would declare his wil in that businesse The next day they found three Coffins with as many corpses betwixt which no difference could be perceived and interpreting this for a miracle went away each of them with a Coffin well satisfied and pleased What policy the Bishop used in this is not known but hereby we may see how easily people were in those times led with their teachers The other Convallus lived at Inchynnan some seven miles from Glasgow and made the Oration at the funeral of King Aidanus in which he foretold many things that came afterward to passe touching the state of the Kingdome There lived at this time in the Isle of Iona one Convallanus who was Governour of that Monastery a man of excellent holinesse and learning from under his hand as they write prodierunt examina sanctissimorum virorum hives or multitudes of most holy men came forth Among these are named Mornanus a Bishop Cormachus a Presbyter Hebred Dunstan Ionas Gabrianus Gallus and Columbanus all famous men for their holinesse of life Gallus travelling into Switzerland was in great esteem and having converted many to the faith of Christ laid there the foundation of a Monastery which was afterward greatly inriched and to this day is called by his name St. Gall. Columbanus in Burgundy did found the Abbey of Luxeule resolving to make his abode in these parts but the licentiousnesse of King Theodâ—rick whom by no meanes he could reclaime from his unchast life did enforce him to change so that going to Italy in the borders thereof he setled himself and there erected the Monastery of Bobie Neither lacked there in the female sex examples of rare piety Brigida commonly Sâ— Bride was above the rest renowned both among the Scots and Picts this woman was born in Cathnes of honourable parents and the heir of a fair patrimony which she voluntarily forsook that she might be consecrated to God Divers Virgins moved by her example did in like sort apply themselves to the solitary life not as the Votarists that in after times rose up for they did not bind themselves by vowes to that which was not in their power nor did they think to merit thereby at Gods hands and the chastity they professed they kept inviolate Did the times wherein we live afford such Virgins so farre are we from disliking that state of life as we think it should bring a great benefit to the Kingdom But the bondage of vowes with the opinion of merit and perfection is it we discommend things unknown to the holy women of those primitive times Another Brigida or rather Brigitta there was born in Sweden who as Trimethius writeth came to Avignion in the year 1362. to sue for the Popes confirmation to an Order of Nunnes by her invented But our Brigida was of a much older time and died at Abernethie in the year 518. where she was also interred Now are we come to the time in which Augustine the Monk was sent into Britain Gregory Bishop of Rome did choose this man for planting Religion among the English Saxons who had at that time subdued the Britaines and driven them beyond Severn into narrow bounds At his first arrival he converted King Ethelbert to the Christian faith and wrought much good But whilest he strove to conform the Britain Churches to the Romane in rites Ecclesiastick and to have himself acknowledged for the only Archbishop of Britain he did cast the Church into a sea of troubles After divers conferences and much pains taken by him to perswade the Britains unto conformity when he could not prevail he made offer that if they would yield to minister Baptisme and observe Easter according to the Romane manner and be assisting to him in reforming the Saxons for all other things they should be left to their Ancient customes But they refusing to make any alteration he fell a threatening and said That they who would not have peace with their brethren should finde warre with their enemies This falling out as he foretold for Edelfrid King of Northumberland invading them with a strong Army slew at one time 1200. Monks that were assembled to pray for the safety of their countrey-men made Augustine to be suspected of the murther and did purchase him a great deal of hatred whether he foreknew the practice or not is uncertain but shortly after the murther of thesâ— Monks he himself died There succeeded to him Laurentius a Romane also who followed the businesse of conformity no lesse earnestly and with his fellow Bishops â—ellitus and Iustus wrote to the Church of Scotland in this manner Dominis charissimis Fratribus Episcopis Abbatibus per universam Scotiam Laurentius Mellitus Justus Episcopi servi servorum Dei. Dum nos sedes Apostolica more suo sicut in universo orbe terrarum in his occiduis partibus ad praedicandum gentibus paganis dirigeret atque in hanc insulam quae Britannia nuâ—cupatur contigit introisse antequam cognosceremus credentes quòd juxta morem universalis Ecclesiae ingrederentur in magna reverentia sanctitatis tam Britones quà m Scotos venerati sumus sed cognoscentes Britones Scotos meliores putavimus Scotos verò per Dagamum Episcopum in hanc quam suprà memor avimus Insulam Columbanum Abbatem in Galliis venientem nihil discrepare à Britonibus in eorum conversatione didicimus Nam Dagamus Episcopus ad nos veniens non solùm cibum nobiscum sed nec in hospitio quo vescebamur sumere voluit In English thus Laurence Mellitus and Justus Bishops servants of all the servants of God to our Lords and dearest brethren the Bishops and Abbots through all Scotland while as the Apostolick See according to the custome it hath observed in the rest of the world did send us to preach the Gospel unto the Heathen in these Western parts and that it happened us to come into this Isle which is called Britain we held in religious reverence both the Scots and Britains believing that they did walk after the custome of the universal Church But after we had known the Britains we judged the Scots to be better minded yet now we perceive by
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
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
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
thereunto These accusations he not appearing nor any in his behalfe were taken as confessed and he denounced an heretick yea an heresiarch for so the sentence beareth his goods ordained to be confiscat himself burnt in effigie if he could not otherwise be apprehended and all manner of persons inhibited to relieve or entertain him under the pain of cursing or forfeiture This sentence was given against him the 28 of May Anno 1540. and the same day was his picture burnt in the open Market place of S. Andrews as likewise in Edinburgh some two dayes after Sir Iohn Borthwick hearing how they had proceeded against him fled into England where he was kindly received by Henry the eighth then reigning and by him imployed in a Commission to the Protestant Princes in Germany for a confederation betwixt him and them in defence of their common profession King Henry had some years before sent into Scotland the Bishop of S. Davids to present the King his Nephew with some English books containing an Exposition of the principal heads of Christian Religion thinking to induce him to make the like reformation which he had made in England And at that time came Lord William Howard to desire the King to meet his Uncle King Henry at York upon some occasions tending to the common good of both Kingdomes The King consenting a Diet was appointed and all things prepared for the journey But the Cardinal and Clergy fearing the effects of that conference laboured with the Courtiers to divert him and before the King himselfe they laid divers terrours as That he would be detained prisoner in England as King Iames the first had beenâ— That he should make himself suspected to the Emperour and to his old confederate the French King And which he was most to regard incurre the Popes displeasure by treating too familiarly with him that was lying under the highest censure of the Church Yet stood the King resolute for the journey foreseeing as also it happened that if he should break the Diet the same might breed the English Kings dislike and be an occasion of warre on which he would not hazard unlesse he knew of means to entertain the same The Clergy hereupon besides the representation of some moneys in hand made offer of an annuity of fifty thousand Crownes if warre should fall out declaring withall that by confiscating the goods of hereticks he might gain an hundred thousand more And with such vain hopes they brought him to send a fair excuse to King Henry by Sir Iames Learmouth his domestick After this the King being ruled wholly by the Cardinal followed in all things the appetite of the Clergy giving commission to Sir Iames Hamilton his Theasurer to call and convene all persons suspected of heresie and inflict the punishments which after trial they should be found to merit The King was also heard say That none of that sort should expect any favour at his hands nay not his own sonnes if they should prove guilty which put many in fear But this continued not long for Sir Iames Hamilton becoming suspected and accused of a practice against the King his life was shortly after executed and warre breaking out with England he found the Nobility averse from the incursions he intended to make which did greatly discontent him These thoughts with some fearful visions he had by night that much terrified him withdrew his mind wholly from the extremities on which the Clergy had set him for at Linlithgow on a night as he slept it seemed to him that Thomas Scot Justice Clerk came unto him with a company of devils crying Woe worth the day that ever I knew thee or thy service serving thee against God and against his servants I am adjudged to hell torments Hereupon awaking he called for lights and causing his servants to arise told what he had heard and seen The next morrow by the light of day advertisement was brought him of the Justice Clerk his death which fell out just at the time that the King found himself so troubled and in the same manner almost for he died in great unquietnesse iterating often these words Iusto Dei judicio condemnatus sum by the righteous judgement of God I am condemned The form of his death answering the dream so justly made it the more terrible Another vision he had in the same place not many nights after which did more affright him whilest he lay a sleeping he imagined that Sir Iames Hamilton whom he caused to be executed came unto him with a sword drawn in his hand and therewith cut off both his Armes threatening within a short time to return and deprive him of his life With this he awaked and as he lay musing what the dream could import news were brought him of the death of his two sonnes Iames and Arthur who died at S. Andrews and Striveling at one and the very same hour The next year which was the year of our Lord 1542. being overwhelmed with grief and passion for the losse of his Army received at Solway he departed this life at Falkland in the 32. year of his age Some few dayes before he died he had advertisement that his Queen was delivered of a daughter at Linlithgow at which time it is said he burst forth in passion saying It came with a lasse meaning the Crown and will go with a lasse fie upon it after which he was not heard to utter many words The Cardinal hearing that the King was deceased did suborn a Priest called Henry Balfour to form his last Will whereby it was declared that he had committed to the Cardinal the Earls of Huntley Argyle and Murray the government of the Realm during his daughters minority This Will he caused publish in Edinburgh on the Monday after the Kings death but the Nobles giving it no credit and esteeming it a meer forgery did choose the Earle of Arran Regent and Governour of the Realme Never was any Governour received with greater love and opinion of all sorts for besides the favour carried to himselfe every one was glad to be freed of the Cardinals Government and by his first beginnings a strong hope was conceived that all things should be reformed which were amisse both in Church and Kingdome But this hope soon vanished in the manner that ye shall hear King Henry of England hearing that his Nephew the King of Scots was dead and that he had left one only daughter of seven dayes old began to think of uniting the two Kingdomes and reducing the whole Isle under one Government by the marriage of Edward his son a Prince of five years old to the young Queen of Scots Hereupon he sent for the Earls of Cassils and Glancarne the Lords of Fleming Maxwell and Gray who were taken prisoners at Solway and detained in England to Hampton Court where he then lay and at their coming proponed the businesse
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
was of old an Abbey founded by Constantine the third King of Picts about the year 729. to the memory of S Columbe in which the Culdees were placed King David in the year 1130. did erect it to be a Bishops See and recommending one Gregorius to the place obtained Pope Alexander the third his confirmation thereof he sate 42. years and was much favoured by that good King The lands of Anchtertaile with divers others appertaining to that See were of King David his gift This Bishop diet at Dunkeld in the year 1169. 2. Richard Chaplain to King William was elected in his place and consecrated in S. Andrews upon the vigils of S. Laurrence by Richard Bishop of S. Andrews This Bishop was commended for vindicating the Church of Abercorne forth of the hands of a laick person named Iohn Avonele who claimed the Patronage thereof he sate four years and dying at Crawmold was buried in S. Colmes Inche in the year 1173. 3. Cormacus succeeded in his place to whom King William gave the lands of Dalgathy he died in the year 1177. 4. In his place was chosen Walter de Bidden who was Chancellour to King William but he lived not many years 5. Iohn Scot an English man born being Archdeacon of S. Andrews had been elected Bishop of that See but that his election being withstood by the King as we shewed before he was after Biddens death promoved by the Popes consent to Dunkeld a man that made conscience of his charge and was painful in his office The countrey of Argyle was at that time of the Dioces of Dunkeld the people whereof did only speak Irish and neither understood the Bishop nor he them Upon this he travelled to have the Dioces divided and Argyle erected into an Episcopal See and to that effect sent a letter to Pope Clement the third intreating that one Evaldus his Chaplain who could speak Irish a wise and godly person might have the charge of that part committed to him for How said he can I make an accompt to the Iudge of the world in the last day when I cannot be understood of them whom I teach The maintenance is sufficient for two Bishops if we be not prodigal of the patrimony of Christ and will live with that moderation which becometh his servants it shall therefore be much better to diminish the charge and increase the number of able workmen in the Lords field The Pope reading the letter and considering how earnest he was to be eased of his charge though to his own temporal losse said It is the study of others to enlarge their bounds and livings not caring how it goeth with the people and here is one that requesteth his Benefice may be parted in two O how few Bishops are now in the Christian world so disposed and so commending greatly the Bishops disposition granted his request sending back Evaldus for he was the messenger consecrated Bishop as was desired The Bishop glad to have obtained his desire entered Evaldus to the charge and followed diligently his own in that part which remained Some few dayes before his death he rendred himself a Monk in Newbotle and there departed this life in the year 1203. his body was interred in the Quire of that Church upon the North side of the Altar William Bining afterwards Abbot of Cowper did write his life but the story is perished 6. After his death Richard Provand King Williams Chaplain was consecrated Bishop and lived a few years onely in the See for he departed this world in the year 1210. and was buried in Inchcolme 7. Iohn Leicester cousen to King William and elected successour and dying at Crawmond was buried in Inchcolme with his predecessour in the year 1214. 8. Hugo called Hugo de sigillo a Monk of Aberbrothock succeeded unto Leicester a man of a sweet and amiable disposition he was called the poor mans Bishop and lived not a year after his consecration 9. Matthew Chancellour of Scotland was then elected but he died the same year before he was consecrated 10. To him succeeded Gilbert Chaplain to Bishop Hugo he sate 22. years and died in the year 1236. 11. Galfrid Liverance was elected in his stead This Bishop was a zealous man he reformed the service of the Church ad usum Sarum and ordained the Chanons to make residence at Dunkeld giving them the Commons of that Church for their entertainment He died at Tibbermoore in the yeare 1249. and was buried at Dunkeld 12. After Galfrids death Richard Chancellour to the King succeeded and dying the same year at Crawmond was buried in Inchcolme 13. After him Mr. Richard of Innerkething Chancellour of Scotland was elected who sate 22. years he built the great Quire of the Abbey Church in Inchcolme upon his own charges and died very old in the year 1272. He is much commended for his faithful service done to King Alexander His body was interred at Dunkeld and his heart laid in the North wall of the Quire which he built in Inchcolme 14. Robert Sutevile Dean of Dunkeld debarred at first from the Bishoprick of S. Andrews by the ambitious suite of Abill the Archdeacon was at this time preferred to be Bishop of Dunkeld he died in the year 1300. and governed the See 28. yeares Moribus scientia vita praeclarus 15. After him Matthew by recommendation of Edward the first of England who kept Scotland then under subjection was advanced to the Bishoprick and sate 12. yeares 16. William Sinclare a brother of the house of Roslin and Uncle to William Lord Bisset succeeded This is he that King Robert the Bruce used to call his own Bishop for the King being in Ireland with an Army for the supply of his brother Edward the English taking advantage of his absence sent two Armies to invade the kingdom the one by land the other by sea The Sea Army landed in Fife near to Anchtertaile where the Bishop had his residence which the Sheriffe of the countrey for hindering their depredations went to encounter but at the sight of their numbers he gave back and fled the Bishop hearing of their flight brought forth his ordinary train and casting himself in the Sheriffes way asked why he fled and having checkt him bitterly for his cowardize called for a lance crying aloud You that love the honour of Scotland follow me By this forwardnesse he put such courage in the rest as they returning upon the English did chase them all back to their ships one of the ship-boats overcharged with the company that leapt into it was sunk and in that conflict were drowned and slain 500. English and above The honour of this victory was wholly ascribed to the Bishops courage for which he was greatly favoured by the King He built in his time the Quire of Dunkeld from the ground which the Army of England had demolished redeemed the lands of Green oke from one Simon Cader and gave to his Archdeacon the Church of Logia Leguhy with
The Church of Aberdene was not so scant of men as to admit an unworthy person into the place And howsoever the King in his Kingdome might do what he pleased they were by their oathes astricted to admit none but learned men and such as were approved for integrity of life wherefore intreated the King in humble manner to suffer them as they had been accustomed to elect some wise and grave person that could discharge the place with credit which after some moneths they obtained making choice of one Alexander Kinninmouth who was consecrated in the Town of Perth the King himself being present This man answered fully the hopes conceived of hâ—m and took great pains in his calling for on the ferial dayes he taught the Civil and Canon law and the holy dayes he spent in preaching and prayer Thrice every week he fasted contenting himself in the holy Eves with bread and water He caused demolish the old Church of Aberdene which he esteemed not so beautiful as was fitting for a Cathedral Church and laid the foundation of another more magnificent But ere the work was advanced six cubits high he was employed by King Robert the second in an Ambassage to France for renewing the old league which he worthily performed shortly after his return he died having sate Bishop 24. years 20. Adam Conningham a man well descended and of great authority was after him elected This Bishop is said to have been in such accompt for the his wisdom and sincerity that in all matters of importance propounded in Councel his opinion did ever prevail His frequent imployments with the French King as well before as after his preferment to the See and the happy successe he had therein manifested his prudence and dexterity of wit yet as it falleth out often in Courts upon some envious delations the King became jealous of him as if he had practised with some Noblemen against the Royal succession and pressed to reduce the old form of election of Kings Finding that the King had taken some impression of the report albeit nothing was more false he took counsell to retire himself and attend his charge at home where he had not long staid but he fell in a new trouble with a base sonne of the Kings named Alexander a man extremely vicious and for his oppressions hated of all good men To the Bishop he bare a special grudge because of the liberty he had used in reproving his wickednesse and hearing in what dislike the Bishop was with the King he violently possessed himself in the Bishops lands thrust forth his tenants and behaved himself as Master and Lord of all The Bishop complained to the King but finding no redresse he pronounced him excommunicate wherewith the wicked man incensed associating a number as wickedly disposed as himself did swear to take the Bishops life and came to Aberdene of that intention Whereof the Bishop getting advertisement he went forth to meet him on the way and how soon he saw him discovering his head which was all white for he was a man of great age said If this be it that thou seekest I have brought it unto thee take thee head life and all The company admiring the old mans courage and moved with some compassion of his white haires perswaded Alexander not to meddle with his blood The report of this insolencie going to the King he sent for his sonne and committing him to prison caused satisfaction to be given for all the injuries the Bishop had sustained and surety for his indemnity thereafter After which he enjoyed reasenable quietnesse untill his death which happened in the year of Christ 1390. having sate Bishop ten years 21. Gilbert Grimlaw a man learned wise and of great esteem with the Nobles of the Kingdom was consecrated Bishop of Aberdene the same year he had been Chancellour to King Robert the third a long time which office he discharged with great credit and to the contentment of all the subjects after the Kings death the Earle of Fife brother to the deceased King then governing the Realm he was employed in an Ambassage to Charles the seventh of France and went thither in the company of the Earls of Buchan and Douglas who with divers other Noblemen were afterward unfortunately killed at the battel of Vernoil The Bishop at his return found all things out of frame the Governour dead his sonne Mordach placed in his room and the whole estate miserable by the riots and oppressions which were used every where without punishment This made the Bishop retire himself and live private at home where soon after he died of a consumption in the year 1424. his body was interred in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 22. After his death Henry Leighton Bishop of Murray was translated to Aberdene a man learned both in the Civil and Canon law of great experience and in that regard postulated Bishop by the Chanons he stood doubtful a while whether he should condescend to the charge or not yet was induced to consent at last and so came to Aberdene where he applied himself carefully to do the charge of a Bishop But the Estates of the Realme meeting in a solemn convention for putting some order to the present confusions he was sent with some others in Commission to England to treat for redemption of King Iames the first who was there detained captive This businesse happily performed he returned with the King to whom he gave great content by his services and forwardnesse in reforming publick abuses he advanced greatly the fabrick of the Church of Aberdene and bestowed large summes for perfecting that work he built also the Chappel called Saint Iohns Chappel within the Cathedral and was therein buried himself in the year 1441. 17. years after his translation 23. Ingram Lindesay Doctor of the Canon law was upon his death with the great applause of all good men received Bishop he was at that time very old and by the policie of one Alexander who aimed at his place moved to take journey to Rome the man imagining that he should die in the voyage whereof yet he was deceived For the Bishop sailing to Marselles in France went from thence by sea to Rome and after some moneths stay returned more healthful then before 17 yeares he continued Bishop and ruled the affaires of the Church very wisely A man constant in his promises of a spare diet but very hospitable for he entertained great numbers both of learned men and others especially the eldest sonnes of Noblemen and Barons in the North parts and notwithstanding of his age and publick employments was ever at study when he could find any free time from those cares A little before his death he fell in the Kings displeasure for denying admission to some whom the King had presented to certain Benefices for that they were either meer ignorants or for their years incapable But this did not much trouble his mind as being no way conscious to himself of any
in his journey towards Edinburgh and the sixth day after his coming thither died most christianly his body embalmed was carried afterwards to Aberdene and entombed in his own Colledge before the high Altar They write that the day his Corps was brought forth to the burial the pastoral staffe which was all of silver and carried by Alexander Lawder a Jurist broak in two pieces one part thereof falling in the grave where his body was to be laid and that a voice was heard to cry Tecum Gulielme mitra sepelienda with thee the mitre and glory thereof is buried 30. years he sate Bishop and ended his course being very old in the year 1514. 27. The Chanons assembling according to their custome to elect a Bishop in his place the Earl of Huntley a man of great power in the North came upon them unexpected desiring that Alexander Gordon his Cousen then Chanter of Murray might be chosen The Chanons not daring refuse did all give their consents In the mean time was one Iames Ogilvy presented thereto by the Duke of Albany and at Rome Robert Forman Dean of Glasgow took a provision thereof from Pope Leo the tenth yet both these did resigne their titles afterwards at the Duke of Albany his perswasion Ogilvy having received in recompence the Abbacy of Driburgh and Forman yielding at the desire of Andrew Forman his brother then Archbishop of S. Andrews upon promise of the next place that should fall void Thus after some moneths delay Gordon was received and consecrated Bishop but he enjoyed the place a short time and was buried in the Cathedral Church of Aberdene 28. Gawan Dumbar Archdeacon of S. Andrews and Master of the Rolls a man of many excellent parts was after him elected Bishop he set himself to perfect all those works which Bishop Elphinston had begun and were not as yet finished especially the building of the Bridge upon Dey with the houses that he had appointed for the several professions of Sciences in the Colledge The Executors of Bishop Elphinston he called to an accompt and made them render the monies left by him in legacy adding thereto his own liberality wherewith he accomplished all these works He founded likewise an hospital for twelve poor men and a Preceptor to attend them and all the time he lived Bishop which was 13. years whatsoever profit or commodity he made by the Church he bestowed wholly upon the poor and such publick works without applying a farthing either to his own use or the enriching of any of his kinsmen He departed this life at S. Andrewes the ninth of March 1531. 29. To him succeeded William Stewart son to the Laird of Minto a man given to vertue charitable to the poor and ready to every good work he built the Consistory house in old Aberdene enlarged the territory of the Colledge and bestowed upon it a part of the rent it now possesseth he built likewise the Library with two schooles and founded therein four Chaplains the office of the Chancellary in the State conferred upon him by the King he discharged with good credit and dying at Aberdene in the moneth of April in the year 1545. was buried in the Cathedral Church 30. William Gordon sonne to the Earl of Huntley succeeded in the place This man brought up in letters at Aberdene followed his studies a long time in Paris and returning thence was first Parson of Clat and afterwards promoved to the See some hopes he gave at first of a vertuous man but afterwards turned a very Epicure spending all his time in drinking and whoring he dilapidated the whole rents by fewing the lands and converting the victual duties in money a great part whereof he wasted upon his base children and the whores their mothers a man not worthy to be placed in this Catalogue he died in the year 1577. The Bishops of MURRAY This Bishoprick was founded by King Malcolme the third a worthy and religious King but who were the first Bishops in this See I finde not The first that is named is one William who did consecrate Arnold Bishop of S. Andrews about the year 1160. 2. To him succeeded Simon a Monk of the Abbey of Melrose elected Bishop in the time of William King of Scots who governed the See 13. years he died in the year of our Lord 1184. and was buried at Birnay 3. Richard a Chaplain of King William sate Bishop 19. years and was buried in Spinie where he died 4. Bricius Prior of Lesmahagow succeeded him he continued Bishop 24. years and was the first that founded the Colledge of Chanons he died in the year of our Lord 1227. and was buried with his predecessor 5. After him Andrew Dean of Murray was consecrated Bishop he founded the Cathedral Church of Elgin and added ten Chanons more to the Colledge he died in the year 1274 and was buried in the Quire of the Church which he had founded towards the South 6. Simon Dean of the same Church was preferred next unto this See and lived Bishop 9. years only he was buried in the Quire of Elgin 7. Archebald Dean of Murray was after his death made Bishop and sate 47. years he built the Palace of Kinneddore and departed this life in the year 1303. at Elgin where his corps was also interred 8. David Murray after his death elected was consecrated at Avignion by Pope Boniface the eighth he lived Bishop 27. years and died in Ianuary 1330. 9. Iohn Pilmore who then stood elected to the Bishoprick of Rosse was by the provision of Pope Iohn the 22. consecrated Bishop of Murray he continued Bishop 27. years and departed this life in the Castle of Spinie 10 Alexander Barre Licenciator in the lawes succeeded he was consecrated by Pope Urban the fifth and died in the Castle of Spinie the fifteenth of May 1397. 11. William Spinie Chanter of Murray and Doctor of the Canon law was after his death consecrated Bishop by Pope Benedict the thirteenth and lived Bishop nine years onely he died in the Chanory of Elgin the second of August 1406. and was buried in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 12. Iohn Innes Parson of Duffus and Batchelor both in the Canon and Civil law sate after him seven yeares and died in the Chanory the fifteenth of April 1414. 13. Henry Lichton Parson of Duffus a Doctor in both Lawes after he had sate Bishop in this See 10. years was translated to Aberdene 14. Columba Dumbar succeeding lived Bishop ten yeares and departing this life in the Castle of Spinie was buried in the Isle of S. Thomas the Martyr 15. After him Iohn Winchester Chaplain to King Iames the second was preferred to the See a man of good parts he continued Bishop 13. years and was buried in S. Mary Isle within the Cathedral Church 16. Iames Stewart Dean of Murray sate two years Bishop 17. To him succeeded David Stewart his brother Parson of Spinie who governed the See 14. years and was buried in S.
Viterbium in the year 1274. Then succeed these in order 6. Thomas Dundie 7. Roger. 8. Alexander 9. Thomas Urwhart 10. Alexander Kilbuines 11. VVilliam Bullock 12. Thomas Tullich 13. Henry Cokborne 14. Iames Woodman 15. Thomas Hay 16. Iohn Guthrye 17. Iohn Fraser 18. Robert Cokburn 19. William Elphinstone who was afterwards Bishop of Aberdene 20. Iames Hay 21. Robert Carncrosse Abbot of Halirudhouse a man of great wealth and preferred by King Iames the fifth to this See about the 1534. year and lived ten years Bishop 22. David Panter Secretary to the Governour was after his death elected in the year 1544. and immediately after imployed in a legation to France where he remained seven years At his return he was solemnly consecrated the Governour and many of the Nobility being present He was a man learned and of great experience in publick affaires and died about the year 1550. 23. To him succeeded Henry Sinclar Dean of Glasgow and Vice-president in the Colledge of Justice a man of singular wisdom and learning especially in the lawes which place he discharged with good credit By his advice many things were bettered in the form of Justice and divers abuses in the formes of processe amended his death fell out shortly after the Reformation and in his place Mr. Iohn Lesley of whom we shall have often occasion to speak was preferred The Bishops of CATHNES 1. This Bishoprick was founded by Malcolme the third about the yeare 1066. who preferred thereto one Darrus whom he favoured greatly This man lived long and in a good reputation and after his death was honoured for a Saint 2. There succeeded to him one Andrew of whom Roger Hoveden makes mention saying that he came into England with VVilliam King of Scots in the year 1176. and shortly after his return home departed this life 3. To him succeeded Iohn the Bishop that Harold the Earl of Orkney and Cathnes used most cruelly cutting forth his tongue and pulling out his eyes which King VVilliam in whose reign it happened punished exemplarly for he caused the Earl his eyes first to be pulled out then made him to be executed by the hands of the hangman and all his male children to be gelded to extinguish their succession 4. Adam another Bishop whether his immediate successour or not I cannot say was no lesse barbarously used for in the year 1222. or much thereabout some wicked people suborned by the Earl of Cathnes assailed him being private at home and killing his chamber boy with a Monk of Melross that did ordinarily attend him for he had been Abbot of that Monastery drew him by force into his kitchen and when they had scourged him with rods set the kitchen on fire and burnt him therein King Alexander the second was at that time upon his journey towards England and upon notice of this cruel fact turned back and went in haste to Cathnes where he put the offenders and their partakers to trial 400. by publick sentence were executed and all their male children gelded that no succession should spring from so wicked a seed The place where their stones were cast in a heap together is to this day known by the name of the Stony hill The Earl for withholding his help and because he did not rescue the Bishop was forfeited And howbeit after some little time he found means to be restored yet did he not escape the judgement of God being murthered by some of his own servants who conspired to kill him and to conceal the fact set the house on fire and burnt his body therein so was he paid home in the same measure he had used the Bishop 5. To this Adam succeeded Gilbert the Chanon surnamed Murray and sonne to the Lord of Duffus who was in great esteem for the bold and couragious answer he made to the Popes Legate at Northampton he built the Cathedral Church of Cathnes upon his own charges and lived to see the same finished and shortly after the dedication died at Scravister in the year 1245. the posteri gave him the reputation of a Saint 6. VVilliam who succeeded followed his steps and did much good in his time he died in the year 1261. 7. Then VValter Doctor in the Canon law who lived ten years and ended his dayes in the year 1271. 8. Archibald a man much commended for his meek and tractable disposition succeeding died in the year 1288. 9. Andrew a man skilled in the lawes was preferred after his death and lived Bishop 13. years 10. Ferquhard succeeded to him this Bishop was a strong defender of the liberties of the Church and died in the year 1328. 11. David that followed lived 20. years Bishop and departed this life an 1348. 12. Thomas Fingask was next Bishop he died in the Chanonry of Elgin anno 1360. and lieth buried in S. Maries Isle in a Tombe erected by VVilliam Earl of Sutherland whom he left his Executor 13. To him succeeded Bishop Alexander who lived many years in that See and died in the year 1409. Then these in order 14. Malcolm a zealous and devout man who died anno 1421. 15. Robert Strackbock died anno 1440. 16. Iohn Innes Dean of Rosse in the year 1448. 17. VVilliam Mudie died anno 1460. 18. After whom one Prosper was elected but he resigned the place in favours of Iohn Sinclar sonne to the Earle of Cathnes who was never consecrated and so the See remained void the space of 24. years during which time Mr. Adam Gordon governed the affaires of that See After Sinclars death succeeded Andrew Stewart Commendatory of Kelso and Ferne he died in the year 1517. and was buried in the Cathedral Church of Cathnes Andrew Stewart son to the Earl of Athol was preferred after him and died in the year 1542. Then Robert Stewart brother to Matthew Earl of Lenox was made Bishop he was afterwards made Prior of S. Andrews and created Earl of March upon his resignation of the Earldome of Lenox to Duke Esme a man of noble disposition but much addicted to his servants whom he rewarded with dilapidation of the Church rents whereto he was provided he died at S. Andrews very old in the year 1586. The Bishops of ORKNEY The Islands of Orkney lying over against Cathnes have alwayes since they were made Christians been governed by Bishops but being possessed by the ... whilest that Kingdome stood and for a long time in the hands of the Norvegians from whom Alexander the third King of Scots recovered the same by composition The first Bishops and their successours are utterly unknown of the latter I have no intelligence nor in the records that remain is there any mention of them onely I read of four or five that sate in this See before the Reformation 1. One VVilliam that lived in the time of King Robert the third 2. VVilliam Tullock who was translated to Murray in the reign of King Iames the third 3. To whom succeeded one Andrew 4. After Andrew
assistance wheresoever they may have it Next touching the convenience of Leth for a place of fortification they grant it is a port very fit to receive strangers but had the Queen intended no more then her own security Dumbar Blackness and other forts already built would have better served to that use And where she called Leth her daughters property they answered that it was notoure the summes payed to the Laird of Restalrig Superiour of Leth were disbursed by the inhabitants and a large taxation given to her self upon promise that their town should be erected into a Burgh royal in place of which some of the indwellers were expulsed from their own houses others robbed of their substance and all that chused to remain there kept in such fear and terrour as in effect they esteemed nothing their own Neither was this only done to those that professed themselves reformed but to all the inhabitants indifferently which shew clearly that the French did mind nothing lesse then to subdue the whole nation if it lay in their power And where it was said that the town of Leth was fortified of old the same was never done without the consent of the Nobility and Estates of the Realm whereas the present fortification was made expresly against their wills signifying to her in writing Concerning the Earl of Arrane and their purpose to place him in authority they took God to record that the same never entered into their hearts and that neither the said Earl nor any pertaining unto him did ever move them in such a matter which if they had done they were not so foolish as to promise that which afterwards they must needs have repented Then for the particulars adduced to qualifie their intended rebellion they answered that the taking of Broughty was to prevent the danger that might have ensued if the French should have planted tin that place as they had done at Leth whereof the conjectures were not obscure As to the Dukes misregard of her offer they did remit the truth of that to the report of the persons imployed by her self Further it was said that they had directed charges to the free Burghs to elect Magistrates at their appetites and truth was that some towns askt their advice in this businesse and that the answer given them was that if they elected such as feared God and loved equity and justice they could not erre in their choice But that she should object this seemed strange seeing it was known that she her self did force the town of Edinburgh to take Magistrates of her appointment and against their own liking Lastly for the impeding of necessary provisions to her and her family they utterly denied the same only they had taken order to stay the furnishing of strangers that oppressed the countrey with victuals and did forthink the same was not sooner and more strictly done concluding that seeing nature did oblige them to love their countrey and the oath they had given to be true to the Commonwealth forced them to hazard whatsoever God had given them in defence thereof they being Counsellors of the Realm by birth could not forbear to seek that by force of Arms which hitherto had been denied them Therefore required all natural Scottish men to judge between the Queen and them and not to abstract their just and dutiful support from their native countrey in so needful a time assuring them who did otherwise that they should be esteemed betrayers of the Kingdome into the hands of strangers This Declaration made the Lords assembling their forces came to Edinburgh the eighteenth of October and on the same day Queen Regent by the counsel of the French men entered into Leth with the Bishops of S. Andrewes Glasgow Dunkeld the Lord Seaton and some others The day following they sent a letter to the Queen declaring how they were convened to see a redresse made of the great disorders that were in the Realm especially to have the town of Leth made patent for the free traffique of the subjects and desiring her to command all the strangers and mercenary souldiers to depart forth of the same and to cause the forts to be demolished which were newly erected otherwise they would take it for an argument that her meaning was to bring the Kingdome into servitude against which mischief they would provide by the best means they could The messenger who carried this letter after he had been detained a whole day was dismissed without answer Mean while the rumour increasing of the Duke his usurpation of the authority he thought it necessary to make a publick purgation as he did at the Mercat Crosse of Edinburgh by sound of Trumpet protesting both for himself and for his sonne the Earl of Arrane that none of them did seek any preheminence nor meant to usurp the authority Royal but that they were convened with the rest of the Nobility to maintain the cause of Religion and liberty of their native countrey invaded by strangers which he desired all men to believe and not to be carried with the false and malicious reports of enemies devised onely to withdraw the hearts of natural Scottish men from the succour they owed to their oppressed countrey Two dayes after Robert Forman Lion Herald was directed by Queen Regent to the Lords with this writing After commendations we received your lette of the date at Edinburgh the 19. of this instant which to us appeareth rather to have come from a Prince to his subjects then from subjects to those that bear the authority for answer whereof we have sent unto you this bearer the Lion Herald King of Armes sufficiently instructed with our mind to whom you shall give credit At Leth the 21. October 1559. The credit as the Herald related the same was this First he shewed the Queen did think it strange there should be any other to command within the Realm besides her daughter and her husband in fomer times had been given just causes of suspicion so now she perceived clearly by the contents of the last letters they did not acknowledge any authority superiour to themselves in the Kingdome Next he was desired to ask the Duke of Chatteller ault how his doings did agree with his words and writing whereby he promised not only to obey the King himself but also to keept his sonne of the Earle of Arrane from medling with the present broyles and tumults of the countrey Thirdly in answer to their letters he was willed to say that it never came in her minde to overthrow the liberty and lawes of the Realme much lesse to make a conquest of it for to whom should she seek the same it being her daughter by right and she already possessed thereof nor could they think her so unnatural as to bereave her own childe of the Crown and acquire it to another As to the fortification of Leth and entertaining of strangers he was bidden ask if any thing in that kind was by her attempted
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
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
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
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
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
exemplary punished the Noblemen Barons and other Professors should imploy their whole forces strength and power for the just punishment of all and whatsoever persons that should be tried and found guilty of the same 8. Sith it hath pleased God to give a native Prince unto the Countrey who in all appearance shall become their King and Soveraign lest he should be murthered and wickedly taken away as his father was the Nobility Barons and others under subscriving should assist maintain and defend the Prince against all that should attempt to do him injury 9. That all Kings and Princes that in any time hereafter shall happen to reign and have the rule of the Realm should in their first entry and before they be either crowned or inaugurated give their oath and faithfully promise unto the true Church of God for maintaining and defending by all means the true Religion of Christ presently professed within the Kingdom 10. That the Prince should be committed to the education of some wise godly and grave man to be trained up in vertue and the fear of God that when he cometh to years he may discharge himself sufficiently of that place and honour whereunto he is called 11. That the Nobility Barons and others underscribing should faithfully promise to convene themselves in armes for the rooting out of idolatry especially the blasphemous Mass without exception of place or person And likewise should remove all idolaters and others not admitted to the preaching of the Word from the bearing of any function in the Church which may be a hinderance to the Ministery in any sort and in their places appoint Superintendents Ministers and other needfull members of the Church And further should faithfully binde themselves to reform all Schooles Colledges and Universities throughout the Realme by removing all such as be of contrary profession and beare any charge therein and planting faithfull teachers in their rooms lest the youth should be corrupted with poysonable doctrine in their lesser years which afterwards would not easily be removed These were the Articles agreed unto by a common consent ard subscribed in the presence of the Assembly by the Earls of Morton Glencarne and Marre the Lords Home Ruthven Sanqhuar Lindesay Grahame Innermaith and Ochiltrie and many Barons besides the Commissioners of Burgesses Upon the dissolving of this Assembly the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay were directed to Lochlevin to deal with the Queen for resignation of the Government in favours of the Prince her son and the appointing of some to be Regent who should have the administration of affairs during his minority At first she took the proposition grievously answering in passion that she could sooner renounce her life then her Crown yet after some rude speeches used by the Lord Lindesay she was induced to put her hand to the renunciation they presented by the perswasion chiefly of Robert Melvil who was sent from the Earl of Atholl and Lethington to advise her as she loved her life not to refuse any thing they did require He likewise brought a letter from Sir Nicholas Throgmorton the Ambassadour of England who was come a few dayes before to visit her but was denied access to the same effect declaring that no resignation made in the time of her captivity would be of force and in Law was null because done out of a just fear which having considered with her self a while without reading any one of the Writs presented she set her hand to the same the tears running down in abundance from her eyes One of the Writs contained a renunciation of the Crown and Royall dignity with a Commission to invest the Prince into the Kingdome by the solemnities accustomed And to that purpose a procuration was given to the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay for dimitting and resigning in presence of the three Estates the Rule and Government And to the Earls of Morton Atholl Marre Glencarne and Menteith and to the Lords Grahame and Home with the Bishop of Orkney and the Provosts of Dundie and Montross for inaugurating the Prince her son The other Writ did appoint the Earl of Murray Regent during the Prince his Minoritie if at his return he should accept of the Charge And in case of his refuse the Duke of Chattellerault the Earls of Lenox Argile Atholl Morton Glencarne and Marre who should joyntly govern and administrate the publick affairs Both the renunciation and Commission for government of the Realm were the next day published at the Market Cross of Edinburgh and the third day after the Publication which was the 29. of Iuly was the Prince crowned and anointed King in the Church of Striveling by the Bishop of Orkney assisted by two of the Superintendents The Sermon was made by Iohn Knox the Earl of Morton and the Lord Home took the Oath for the King that he should maintain the Religion received and minister justice equally to all the subjects The English Ambassadour though he was in town refused his presence to that solemnity lest he should seem to approve the abdication of the Queens Government Now how soon the news came to France and they came in great haste the Earl of Murray prepared to return whereof the Archbishop of Glasgow getting intelligence who lay there Ambassadour for the Queen he laboured earnestly to have him detained informing that he was the head of the faction raised against the Queen and that he was called home to be their leader But he had taken his leave some houres before of the Court and used such diligence as they who were sent to stay him found that he was loosed from Diepe before their coming Returning by England he came the 11. of August to Edinburgh where he was received with a wonderfull joy Great instance was used to have him accept the Regency at which they said no man would grudge he being named by the Queen and having given all good men experiments of his worth Some few dayes he desired to advise in which time he visited the Queen at Lochlevin and sent Letters to the Noblemen of the other faction especially to the Earl of Argile with whom he had kept an intire friendship of a long time shewing in what sort he was pressed by the Lords that maintained the Kings authority and intreating him by the bonds of kindred the familiarity they had long kept and by the love he bare to his native Countrey to appoint a place where he might confer with him and have his counsell in that business To the rest he wrote according to the acquaintance he had with them and as their place and dignity required Of them all in common he desired that they would be pleased to designe a place of meeting where they might by common advice provide for the safety of the Kingdome which in that troubled time could not long subsist without some one to rule and govern But finding them all to decline the meeting and being importuned on the other side by those
whether all they that had taken Armes against the King and not sued for pardon should be forfeited or if sentence should be given against a few only to terrify the rest and hope of favour left unto others upon their obedience Secretary Lethington who did secretly favour the other faction maintained the calmest course to be the best and by the perswasions he used wrought so as the processe against the better sort was continued and some of meaner note only proscribed which was interpreted even as the Regent conceived to proceed of fear and not of a mind to reclaim them The Earl of Rothes only of all the Noblemen of that side reconciled himself accepting three years exile for his punishment Some others of meaner sort the Regent received into favour and such as stood out he pursued by force of Armes making an expedition into the countries of Nidisdale Annandale and the lower parts of Galloway where he put Garisons in the Castles and strong Forts that were judged necessary to be kept others he demolished threw to the ground and had in a short space as it was thought reduced the whole countrey to his obedience if he had not been stayed by other letters by the Queen of England for the offending that he should have gone on in that manner whereas she had willed him to deferre all things till she was informed of the whole cause sent by one of her servants called Middlemore a sharp letter unto him declaring that she would not endure the sacred authority of Kings to be in that sort abused at the appetite of factious subjects and howsoever they had forgot their duties to their Soveraign she would not neglect her sister and neighbour Queen Therefore willed him to direct certain Commissioners to enform her how matters had passed men that could answer the complaints made by the Queen of Scotland against him and his complices which if he failed to do she would restore her to her Kingdome with all the power she could make The Regent took it grievously that matters determined in Parliament should be brought again in question and to plead before forain Judges he held it dishonourable yet considering the adversaries he had the Cardinal of Lorain abroad who swayed all things in the French Court and at home many of the Nobility and that if he did offend the Queen of England his difficulties should be every way great he was glad to yield to the conditions required though against his will Thus it being condescended the Commissioners should be sent when as they could not agree upon the persons the principal Noblemen refusing the imployment the Regent himself offered to undertake the journey and to accompany him choice was made of the Bishop of Orkney and Abbot of Dunfermlin for the spiritual estate of the Earl of Morton and Lord Lindesay for the temporal and of Mr. Iames Macgill and Mr. Henry Balnaves Senators of the Colledge of Justice besides these there went with him Secretary Lethington and Mr. George Buchannan The Secretary had long withstood the sending of any Commissioners thither and simply refused to go in that journey yet the Regent not holding it safe to leave him at home whom he knew to be a busie man and a practiser under-hand with the other party did insist so with him as in end he consented The Commission was given in the Kings name under the Great Seal to the Regent the Earl of Morton the Bishop of Orkney the Abbot of Dunfermlin and Lord Lindesay or to any three of them for convening with the deputies of the Queen of England at York or any other place or places they should think expedient there to make plain and ample declarations to them I keep the very words of the Commission for informing his good sister of the true causes whereupon divers of the Nobility and good subjects during the time that the Queen his Mother was yet possessor of the Crown took occasion to put on Armes to take detain and sequestrate her person for a time with all causes actions circumstances and other their proceedings whatsoever towards her or any other subjects of the Realm since that time unto the day and date of the said Commission or that should fall out untill the return of the said Commissioners whereby the Justice of their cause and honourable dealing might be manifested to the world As likewise to commune treat determine and conclude with his said sister or her Commissioners having sufficient authority upon all differences causes or matters depending betwixt the subjects of either Realm or for further confirmation or augmentation of any treaty of peace heretofore made and concluded betwixt the Realms or for contracting and perfecting any other treaty or confederation as well maintenance of the true Religion publickly professed by the inhabitants of both the Realms as for resisting any forain or intestine power that might be stirred up within the same to disturb the present quietnesse that it hath pleased the Almighty God to grant unto both the Kingdomes in the unity of the said Religion and for increase of amity peace and concord betwixt him and his said sister their Realms dominions people and subjects And generally to do and conclude all things which by them or any three of them should seem convenient and necessary for the premises or any part thereof promising to hold firm and stable c. This Commission is of the date aâ— Edinburgh the 18th of September 1568. In Iuly preceding there was an Assembly of the Church kept at Edinburgh wherein Mr. Iohn Willock Superintendent of the west being elected to moderate the meeting made difficulty to accept the place unlesse some better order was observed then had been in former times for even then the multitudes that convened and indiscreet behaviour of some who loved to seem more zealous then others did cause a great confusion Obedience being promised by the whole number he assumed the Charge And there it was enacted That none should be admitted to have voice in these Assemblies but Superintendents Visiters of Churches Commissioners of Shires and Universities and such Ministers as the Superintendents should chuse in their Diocesan Synods and bring with them being men of knowledge and able to reasâ—n and judge of matters that should happen to be proponed And that the Assembly should not be troubled with unnecessary businesse it was ordained That no matters should be moved which the Superintendents might and ought to determine in their Synods Some Acts of discipline were also concluded as that Papists continuing obstinate after lawful admonitions should be excommunicated and that the committers of murther incest adultery and other such hainous crimes should not be admitted to make satisfaction by any particular Church till they did first appear in the habit of penitents before the general assembly and there receive their injunctions A supplication also was put up to the Regent and Councel wherein amongst other
particulars it was desired That the persons nominated in Parliament for the matter of policy or juridiction of the Church should be ordained to meet at a certain day and place for concluding the same This was promised and the eighth of August appointed to that effect but the Diet did not hold and so these matters continued unresolved as before In the end of the Assembly the Bishop of Orkney who had been deposed from all function in the Church for the marriage of Bothwel with the Queen was upon his submission reponed to his place and for removing the scandal he was injoyned in his first Sermon to make publick acknowledgement of his fault and crave forgivenesse of God the Church and Estate which he had offended About the end of September the Regent and those that were joyned with him in commission took their journey into England and came to York the fifth of October the same day and almost the same hour came Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk Thomas Earl of Suffex and Sir Ralph Sadler Chancellour of the Dutchy of Lancaster having Commission from the Queen of England to hear and determine all questions controversies debates and contentions betwixt her sister the Queen of Scots and the subjects adhering unto her on the one part and the Earl of Murray and others refusing to acknowledge her authority and adhering to the Prince her son on the other as likewise to decide all matters depending betwixt them two to confirm the peace before that time contracted or establish a new confederation betwixt them their people and subjects as they should think most convenient Some two days after Iohn Lesley Bishop of Ross William Lord Levingston Robert Lord Boyd Gawan Commendator of Kilwining and Iames Cockburn of Skirling Commissioners for the Scottish Queen came to the City where being all convened and the Commissions exhibited an oath was presented to both parties by the Commissioners of England by which they were required to swear That they should proceed sincerely in that conference and treaty and neither for affection malice or any other worldly respect propone any thing before the Commissioners which in their consciences they did not hold to be true just and godly and reasonable as also not to withdraw hide or conceal any matter fit to be opened and declared for the better knowledge of the truth in the controversies standing amongst them The Commissioners of the Queen of Scotland before they took the oath protested That although the Queen their Mistresse was pleased to have the differences betwixt her and her disobedient subjects considered and dressed by her dearest sister and cousen the Queen of England or by the Commissioners authorized by her yet she did not acknowledge her self subject to any Judge on earth she being a free Princesse and holding her imperial Crown of God alone This their protestation they desired to be put in record left the Queen or her posterity should be prejudiced in their Soveraignty by the present proceedings The Commissioners of England did contrariwise protest that they did neither admit nor allow that protestation in any sort to the hurt or prejudice of that right which the Kings of England have claimed had and enjoyed as superiours over the Realm of Scotland which Superiority they protested should belong and appertain to the Queen their Mistresse in the right of the Crown of England These protestations made both parties took the oath in manner as was required and this was the Act of the first meeting The next day the Commissioners of the Queen of Scotland presented a Declaration in writing bearing that Iames Earl of Morton Iohn Earl of Marre Alexander Earl of Glencâ—rne the Lords Homes Lindesay Ruthven Simple Cathcart Ochiltrie and other their assistants had levied an Army in the Queens name against the Queen taking her most noble peron used her in vile manner and thrust into prison in Lochlevin and forcibly broken her Mint-house taken away the printing Irons with all the silver and gold coyned and uncoyned which was in the house for the time And going to the Castle of Striveling and made a fashion to crown her sonne the Prince being then but thirteen moneths old That Iames Earl of Murray taking upon him the name of Regent had usurped the Royal authority and possessed himself with the whole forts Castles Munition Jewels and Revenues of the Kingdom And when it had pleased God to relieve her out of that prison wherein she was so straitly detained by the space of eleven moneths as none of her friends and true subjects could once be permitted to see or speak with her and that she had publickly declared by a solemn oath in the presence of divers of the Nobility at Hamilton that whatsoever was done by her in prison was extorted by force threats and fear of death she out of that natural affection which she carried to her realm and subjects did appoint the Earls of Argile Eglington Cassils and Rothes to agree and make a pacification with the said Regent and his partakers but they were so farre from admitting any peaceable Treaty as they did invade her in her passing to Dumbritton with the men of Warre whom she had hired with her own moneys killed divers of her faithful subjects led others away prisoners and banished some of good note for no other cause but for serving faithfully their lawful Princesse and so after a great many injuries had forced her to flye into England to request the help of Queen Elizabeth her dearest sister and in blood the nearest Cousen she had in the world for restoring her in her former estate and compelling her rebellious subjects to acknowledge their due obedience unto her Majesty which they in her Highnesse name did most instantly intreat The day following which was the ninth of October the Regent and rest of the Commissioners for the young King appearing before they would give any answer to the preceding writ craved first to be resolved Whether the Duke and those that were appointed with him for hearing their controversies bad power to pronounce in the cause of the Kings Mother guilty or not guilty and if according to the same they meant to give sentence without delay As likewise if it should appear by the Declaration they were to make that the Queen of Scots was guilty whether she should be delivered in their hands or detained in England and if the Queen of England would from thenceforth maintain the authority of the King and the Regency established in the person of the Earle of Murray Which points they desired to have cleared before they could enter into the accusation intended The Duke of Norfolk replied that they would proceed according to the Commission given unto them and render an account to her who had trusted them therewith Lethington upon this turning himself to the Regent said That it seemed the English haâ— no other purpose but to defame and disgrace the reputation of
passe out of the fields as suspected of the Kings murther till the same might be tried and that she would go with them and follow the counsell of the Nobility which if she would do they would honour serve and obey her as their Princess and Soveraign whereunto her Majesty for the love she bare unto her subjects and to avoid the effusion of Christian blood did willingly assent In verification whereof the said Laird of Grange took the Earl of Bothwell at the same time by the hand and willed him to depart giving his word that no man should pursue him So as nothing is more clear then that he passed away by their own consents for if they had been minded against him only would they not have pursued him so long as he was in the Countrey for he remained a great space after that in his own house and might more easily have been taken there then upon the Seas where they in a coloured manner did pursue him Hereby said they may all men of found judgement perceive that they cared not what became of him if so they might advance their own ambitious purposes and designes Thirdly where she is charged to have used them with threats and menacings that they said was not to be thought strange considering their undutiful behaviour and the rude and vile usage her Majesty suffered by them For when the Earl of Morton at her highnesse first coming to them had reverently as it became him said Madame here is the place where your grace should be and we will honour and serve you as truly as ever the Nobility of the Realm did any of your progenitors in former times ratifying thereby the promise made by the Laird Grange in their names to her Majesty and that she trusting their speeches had gone with him to Edinburgh they first lodging her in a simple Burgesse house and contrary to their promises did most rudely intreat her whereupon she sent Lethington her Secretary and made offer unto them that for any thing wherewith they or any of the subjects were offended she was content the same should be reformed by the Nobility and the Estates of the Realm her Highnesse being present and permitted to answer for her self yet would they not hearken once to the motion but in the night secretly and against her will carried her to Lochivin and put her in prison As to that they say that she wearied with the molestations of government did make a voluntary resignation of the Kingdom in favours of the Prince her sonne appointing the Earl of Murray his Regent during his minority The falshood thereof did as they said many ways appear For first her Majesty is neither decayed by age nor weakned by sicknesse but praised be God both in mind and body able to discharge the most weighty affairs As also the truth is that the Earl of Athol the Lairds of Tullibardin and Lethington who were of their Councel sent Robert Melvil with a ring and some other tokens to her Majesty advising her to subscrive the letters of resignation and what else should be presented unto her to save her own life and avoid the death which was assuredly prepared for her if she should happen to refuse the same and at the same time the said Gentleman did bring unto her Majesty a letter written by Sir Nicholas Throgmorton Ambassadour of England requesting her Highnesse to set her hand to whatsoever they should desire of her To whom her Majesty answered that she would follow his counsel praying him to declare to her dearest sister the Queen of England how she was used by her subjects and that the resignation of the Crown made by her was extorted by fear which her Highnesse doubted not but the said Nicholas performed Further it is notorious that the Lord Lindesay at the presenting of the letters of resignation unto her Majesty did menace to put her in close prison if she refused to put her hand to the same adding that in that case worse would shortly follow and that her Highnesse never looked what was in the writings presented but signed the same with many tears protesting that if ever she should recover her liberty she would disavow that which he compelled her at that time to do And to testify that the said resignation was made against her will the Laird of Lochlevin who was then her Keeper refused to subscrive it as witnesse and did obtain a Testificat under her Majesties own hand declaring that he refused to be present at the said resignation Neither can that renuciation be sustained by any reason considering that no portion of Revenue was reserved for her to live upon neither was her liberty granted or any security given her of her life All which weighed in the ballance of reason will to men of indifferent judgement make manifest that the alledged dimission so unlawfully procured can never prejudge her Majesty in her Royal estate especially considering that at her first escape out of prison she did revoke the same and in the presence of a great part of the Nobility at Hamilton by a solemn oath declared that what she had done was by compulsion and upon just cause of her life For the Coronation of her Highnesse son they said that the same was most unorderly done because there being in the Realm above an hundred Earls Bishops and Lords having voice in Parliament of whom the greatest part at least ought to have consented thereto it being an Action of such consequence four Earls and six Lords the same that were present at her apprehension with one Bishop and two or three Abbots and Priors were only assisting and of the same number some did put in a protestation that nothing then done should prejudge the Queen or her successor by reason she was at that time a captive Nor can any man think that if the dimission had been willingly made her Highnesse she would ever have nominated the Earl of Murray Regent there being many others more lawful and that have better right thereto then he of whom some have been governours of the Realm in former times and during her Majesties minority had worthily exerced that place It is to as little purpose that they object of the Parliament and the ratification made therein Seeing the principalls of the Nobility disassented and put in their protestations both to the Lords of the Articles and in the open Parliament against their proceedings affirming that they would never agree to any thing that might hurt the Queens Majesties person her Crown and Royall estate further then her Highnesse self being at liberty would freely approve Lastly where they would have it seen that the authority established by them was universally obeyed in the Realm and all things well and justly administred both these are alike untrue for a great part of the Nobility have never acknowledged another authority then that of the Queen keeping and holding their Courts in her Majesties name And for the administration of affairs it
ready to be restored to the Crown if the Queen his Mother break the Covenants agreed betwixt her and the Queen of England 10. That for his entertainment he should not only have the revenues which the Princes of Scotland in former times possessed but also the Rents and Offices belonging sometime to the Earl of Bothwel 11. And last that a convenient number of Hostages being all Noblemen and of those who have adhered to the Queen and solicited her delivery should enter in England to remain there for assurance of observing the conditions made both to the King of Scots and the subjects under his obedience and to the Queen of England for the peace and quiet of her dominions And that the said Hostages should be entered in England before the Queen of Scots shall be put to liberty These Articles delivered to them were answered the next day as followeth We have seen and considered the note of the Heads which we received from your Lordships for pacifying the controversies between the Queen our Soveraigns mother and the King her Son and his Subjects touching the Title of the Crown of Scotland if it be found that her dimission either was or may be lawfully revoked by her And therewithall having diligently perused our Commission and Instructions to know how far we might enter in Treaty upon the same Heads for satisfaction of the Queens Majesty and your Lordships to whom the hearing of the cause is committed We find our selves no ways able nor sufficiently authorised to enter into any treaty or conference touching the King our Soveraign his Crown the abdication or diminution of the same or yet the removing of his person from the place where he abideth For as we confesse our selves his Highnesse subjects and have all our power and Commission from him to treat in his name in matters tending to the maintenance of true Religion his honour and estate and for the continuance of amity betwixt the two Realms So we cannot presume to abuse our Commission in any thing that may prejudge him wherein we trust your Lordships shall allow and approve us At the same time some others were appointed to conferre with those of his Mothers party And to them it was proposed that for the security of the Queen of England and the Noblemen that followed the King of Scots the Duke of Chatteller ault with the Earls of Huntley Argile the Lord Home and any other Nobleman they pleased to name should be delivered as pledges and the Castles of Dumbar and Home be put in the hands of English men to be kept for three years The answer they gave was that she who of her own motive committed her self to the protection of the Queen of England would most willingly give her satisfaction in all things which conveniently might be done but to deliver those great men and the Fortresses required was no other thing but to spoil and deprive the distressed Queen of the succour of her most faithful friends and the strength of those places yet if in all other points they did agree they made offer that two Earls one whereof should be of the number nominated and two Lords should enter as Hostages and remain in England for the space of two years but for the Holds and Castles they could not because of the League with France put them in the hands of English men unlesse others were put also in the hands of the French The Queen of England perceiving that there were on both sides great impediments sent for the Kings Commissioners and told them how she had considered that the Articles proponed could not be resolved but in a Parliament and therefore leaving the Treaty for a time seeing she understood there was a meeting of the Estates appointed in May next she held it meetest they should return and in that meeting condescend upon an equal number of both parties that should have power to compose matters The Abstinence in the mean time being renewed in hope that all differences should be taken away and matters peaceably agreed This she would cause signify to the Agents of their Queen and doubted not but they would assent thereto yet when it was moved unto them they refused to agree to any delay till they should know what was her own mind Hereupon the Kings Commissioners were commanded to stay till her Answer should be returned In this time the Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston trusting to speed better by conference with the Earl of Morton and the rest sent to desire a meeting of them which was yielded unto provided the Bishop of Ross came not in their company for him they would not admit as being the Kings Rebel Having met they talked kindly one to another But that the Queen should be restored to her authority in no condition though divers were proponed could be admitted which when she heard and that the Queen of England had taken a course to delay things she grew into a great choler and inhibited her Commissioners to treat any more This reported to the Queen of England she sent for the Earl of Morton and his Associates and told him that their Queen took in evil part the motion she had made And seeing it is so saith she I will not detain you longer ye shall go home and if afterwards she be brought to agree to this course as I hope she shall I have no doubt but you will for your parts do that which is fitting Thus were they dimitted Whilest these things were doing in England the factions at home notwithstanding of the Abstinence were not idle but taking their advantage of others Lord Claud Hamilton ejecting the Lord Semple his servant forth of the house of Paslay placed therein a number of souldiers and by them kept all these parts in in fear The Regent upon this gathering some forces besieged the house and had it rendered to him within a few days The Souldiers were conveyed to Edinburgh and hanged on the Gallows without the Town Not long after upon intelligence that the Castle of Dunbarton was negligently kept and might easily be surprised he sent three companies under the command of Captain Crawford Captain Home and Captain Ramsey to give the attempt Ladders and other necessaries for scaling being prepared they went thither in the night conducted by a fellow that had served in the house and as then had quit his service upon a private discontent A little before day carrying the ladders with the least noise they could make they placed the same in the most commodious part for ascent and notwithstanding of sundry difficulties that happened got up in the end to the top of the Rock There having a wall of stone likewise to climbe Captain Alexander Ramsey by a ladder which they drew up after them was the first that entered and for a short space defended himself against three watchmen that assailed him Crawford and Home following quickly with their companies 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
munition plate jewels and housholdstuffe pertaining to the King with the Registers and publick records of the Kingdom there reserved should be all delivered to the Regent within three days after the house was recovered and the rest of the spoil distributed amongst the souldiers 3. That so far as might be the persons within the Castle should be reserved to the trial of law wherein the Regent should proceed by the advice of the Queen of England 4. That the Regent should provide the English forces with victuals and all other things necessary during the siege as likewise assist them with a convenient power of horse and foot 5. That recompence should be given at the Generals sight to the wives and nearest friends of the English souldiers who should happen to be killed 6. That if any of the Ordinance should break or be otherwise spoiled the same should be changed with other pieces of the like quantity within the Castle 7. That the English General should not fortify within the ground of Scotland without the Regents advice and the service finished should immediately retire his forces 8. And lastly that for the safe return of the souldiers and munition the losse which fortune of war should make being excepted hostages of Noblemens sons should be delivered to the English and entertained in the parts most adjacent to Scotland These conditions made and the Masters of Ruthven and Semple Iohn Cunningham son to the Earl of Glencarn and Douglas of Kilspindie being entred in Berwick as pledges Sir William Drary marched with his forces into Scotland and came to Edinburgh the 25. of April The Regent giving out a Proclamation Wherein was shewed the care that the Queen of England had taken for the peace of the Realm in times past and the liberal succours she had granted at the present for the expugnation of the Castle treasonably detained and fortified by the Laird of Grange Did require and charge all good subjects to carry themselves as became them towards the English General and his company and not to injure them either by word or deed except they would be esteemed enemies to the peace and partakers to the Traitors in their rebellious attempts The next day the Castle was summoned and offer made of their lives if they should yield before the planting of the Canon but the Captain in stead of answer set upon the highest Tower his ensign for a token of defiance Then the Pioneers were put to work and begun to cast trenches and raise mounts for planting the Artillery The besieged made all the hinderance they could playing with their Ordinance upon the workmen and killing divers ere the mounts were brought to perfection How soon they were erected being five in all and entituled by the names of their several Commanders the Artillery was planted 31. pieces in number more and lesse All things prepared and the Parliament finished which the Regent had called to the last of April for ratifying the Articles of pacification the battery began the 17. of May on the 27. the Castle was made assaultable the Canon having made great breaches in the fore and back walls and the Tower called Davids Tower being also demolished The 26 early in the morning the assault was given in two places at the West part where the ascent was most difficult the assailers were repulsed after an obstinate sight that continued 3. hours and 24. persons killed on the East side the blockhouse called the Spurre was taken with less resistance which put the defendants in fear and made them demand a parle This granted a truce was taken for the space of two days in which time the English General used many perswasions to the Captain to make him render the house neither was he then unwilling so as the lives and honours of these within might be saved but the Regent would give no condition and have him simply to yield The Captain seeing nothing but extremity resolved to stand to his utmost defence yet when he came back to the house he found them all within divided and the greater part so discouraged as they refused to undergo the hazard of a second assault which forced him to other counsels and so following Lethingtons advice upon the 29. of May being let down by a rope over the wall he and Piltadrow his Constable did yield themselves and the house to the English General in the name of his Queen whose discretion misknowing the Regent they were willing to abide The General made them to be attended to his lodging whither all that were of any note in the Castle were brought Thereafter they were commitred to several places most of them transported to Leth and some detained in Edinburgh till the Queen of England should signify her will concerning them the Ladies and Gentlewomen were licenced to depart as likewise the private souldiers and others of meaner sort It was thought that the Queen in regard of the render made to her Lieutenant would take a favourable course with them and save their lives but she gave direction to put them all in the Regents hands to be used as he thought meet which when Lethington heard either despairing of life or not willing to injoy it by the mercy of an enemy he died at Leth so suddenly as he was thought to have made himself away by poison A man he was of deep wit great experience and one whose counsels were held in that time for Oracles but variable and unconstant turning and changing from one faction to another as he thought it to make for his standing This did greatly diminish his reputation and failed him at last which should warn all Counsellours to direct their courses by the lines of piety and true wisdom without which the most politick prudence will prove nothing but folly in the end His brother Mr. Iohn Maitelan who came afterwards to great honours had his life spared and was imprisoned in Tentallon George Creichton Bishop of Dunkeld was sent to Blackness and the Lord Home detained in the Castle which the Regent gave to his brother George Douglas in custody Grange himself with his brother Sir Iames Kirkaldy and two Goldsmiths Iames Mosman and Iames Cockey were publickly hanged in the Mercat street of Edinburgh Such was the end of Sir William Kirkaldy of Grange a man full of valour and courage who had sometimes done good service to his countrey against the French and purchased by that means great honour But seeking ambitiously to raise his fortunes and hearkening to perverse counsel he did break his faith to the Regent who had put him in trust and thereby lost all his former esteem and drew upon himself these troubles wherein he perished His part was foul in the death of the Cardinal and for it when he was in his best estate many did foredeem that he should not escape some misfortune Yet herein he was happy that at his death he expressed a great sorrow for his
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
stirred up Iohn Dury one of the Ministers of Edinburgh in an Assembly which was then convened to propound a question touching the lawfulness of the Episcopal function and the authority of â—hapters in their election He himself as though he had not been acquainted with the motion after he had commended the Speakers zeal and seconded the purpose with a long discourse of the flourishing estate of the Church of Geneva and the opinions of Calvin and Theodore Beze concerning Church Government came to affirm That none ought to be office bearers in the Church whose titles were not found in the book of God And for the title of Bishops albeit the same was found in Scripture yet was it not to be taken in the sense that the common sort did conceive there being no superiority allowed by Christ amongst Ministers he being the only Lord of his Church and all the same servants in the same degree and having the like power In end he said that the corruptions crept into the estate of Bishops were so great as unlesse the same were removed it could not go well with the Church nor could Religion be long preserved in purity This his discourse was applauded by many and some brethren set apart to reason and conferre upon the question proponed For the one part Mr. David Lindesay Mr. George Hay and Mr. Iohn Row were nominated These three sustained the lawfulness of Episcopal function in the Church For the other part Mr. Iames Lawson Mr. Iohn Craig and Mr. Andrew Melvil were chosed to impugne the same After divers meetings and long disceptation amongst themselves they presented their opinions to the Assembly in writing as followeth 1. First that they did not hold it expedient to answer the questions proponed for the present But if any Bishop was chosen that had not qualities required by the word of God he should be tried by the General Assembly 2. That they judged the name of a Bishop to be common to all Mininisters that had the charge of a particular flock And that by the word of God his chief function consisted in the preaching of the word the ministration of the Sacraments and exercise of Ecclesiastical discipline with consent of his Elders 3. That from among the Ministers some one might be chosen to oversee and visit such reasonable bounds besides his own flock as the General Assembly should appoint 4. That the Minister so elected might in those bounds appoint Preachers with the advice of the Ministers of that Province and the consent of the flock which they should be admitted And fiftly that he might suspend Ministers from the exercise of their office upon reasonable causes with the consent of the Ministers of the bounds There were present in this Assembly the Archbishop of Glasgow the Bishop of Dunkeld Galloway Brichen Dumblane and Isles with the Superintendents of Lothian and Angus all of them interessed in that business Yet neither were they called to the conference nor doth it appear by the Register of those proceedings that they did so much as open their mouthes in defence of their office and calling What respect soever it was that made them keep so quiet whether as I have heard that they expected those motions should have been dashed by the Regent or otherwise that they affected the praise of humility it was no wisdom in them to have given a way to such novelties and have suffered the lawfulnesse of their vocation to be thus drawn in question In the next Assembly I find the same matter moved of new and put to voices but with a little change of the question which was thus formed Whether Bishops as they were then in Scotland had their function warranted by the word of God The Assembly without giving a direct answer after long reasoning did for the greatest part so the records bear approve the opinions presented in the last meeting with this addition That the Bishops should take themselves to the service of some one Church within their Dioces and condescend upon the particular flocks whereof they would accept the charge The Regent hearing how the Church had proceeded and taking ill the deposition of Mr. Iames Patton Bishop of Dunkeld who was in the former Assembly deprived for dilapidation of his benefice sent to require of them whether they would stand to the policy agreed unto at Leth and if not to desire them to settle upon some form of government at which they would abide The Assembly taking the advantage of this proposition answered that they were to think of that business and should with all diligence set down a constant form of Church policy and present the same to be allowed by the Councel To this effect they nominated Mr. Andrew Melvil Mr. Andrew Hay Mr. David Cuningham Mr. George Hay Mr. Alexander Arthbuthnet Mr. David Lindesay and a number more the Archbishop of Glasgow was named amongst the rest but he being urged to take the charge of a particular flock excused himself saying That he had entered to his office according to the order taken by the Church and Estates and could do nothing contrary therâ—to lest he should be thought to have transgressed his oath and be challenged for altering a member of the Estate Yet that it might appear how willing he was to bestow the gifts wherewith God had endued him to the good of the Church he should teach ordinarily at Glasgow when he had his residence in the City and when he remained in the Sheriffdome of Aire he should do the like in any Church they would appoint but without astricting himself unto thesame and prejudging in any sort the jurisdiction he had received at his admission This his declaration made he was no more troubled with that imployment Mean while the See of S. Andrews falling void by the death of Mr. Iohn Douglas the Regent did recommend to the Chapter his Chaplain Mr. Patrick Adamson for the place the Chapter continuing the election till the Assembly of the Church did convene imparted to them the warrant they had received and Mr. Patrick being enquired for he was present at the time whether he would submit himself to trial and receive the office with those injunctions the Church would prescrive Answered that he was discharged by the Regent to accept the office otherwise then was appointed by mutual consent of the Church and Estate Hereupon the Chaptour was inhibited to proceed Notthelesse upon a new charge given them they convened and made choice of him which did so irritate the Church as in the next meeting they gave Commission to the Superintendent of Lothian Mr. Robert Pont Mr. Iames Lawson and David Ferguson to call him before them and prohibit him to exerce any part of his jurisdiction till he should be authorised thereto by the Assembly A form of Church policy was in the mean time drawn up and presented to the Regent by Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Iames Lawson
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
knoweth it to be I should therefore advise your King to hearken to her Majesties counsel who carrieth to him a true motherly affection and make more accompt of her then of his French Cousen who is subject to the French King matched with a French woman addicted wholly to that faction and what profession soever he maketh a Papist in Religion The Hamiltons saith he being now exiled he hopeth to be designed successor and heir to the Crown but let your King know that ambition hath no limits and that the troubles which the French made in Scotland are not yet forgotten which would have perilled the liberty of that Kingdome if the Queen by her prudence and power had not prevented the same The Gentleman professing his thankfulnesse for her Majesties good opinion of him answered That if he should be permitted to speak with the Queen he would satisfy her Majesty in that point which concerned her Ambassadour And for the King his Master albeit he was young and of few years yet God had given him great wisdom and understanding and that he would never willingly do the thing that might displease the Queen nor hearken to any that should otherwise advise him for he knew her Majesties good affection and would not forget the care she had of him in his tender age That he could not be justly blamed for favouring his Cousen but as the Nobleman he believed would never advise the King his Master to any that might prejudice the amity with England so he was perswaded that his credit did not extend so farre as to make any publick breach with the Queen But there are more dangerous plots in hand saith the Thesaurer then your King is wary of and it is no wisdome to put too much confidence in any one person Alwayes time will discover the truth of every thing at the present you must have patience for the Queen will not see you Thus was he dimitted Upon his return and report of the conference he had with the Thesaurer the King was easily made to believe that all proceeded from the Earl of Morton and his intelligence in the Court of England which by one way or other was held needful to be stopt After some consultation taken about this it was resolved to charge him with the murther of the Kings Father for a rumour had gone in former times that he was conscious and privy unto it Captain Iames Stewart a man eager to win credit by what means soever takes the matter in hand and coming one day as the King was sitting in Councel at Halirudhouse desired to be heard being admitted he fell upon his knees and directing his speech to the King he said Out of the duty I owe to your Majesty I am come hither to reveal a wickednesse that hath been long obscured The Earl of Morton who sitteth there in a place unseemly for him was one of those that conspired your Fathers death and how dangerous it is to your Majesties person that he should be so near unto you let the Noblemen here present consider for me I shall make good what I speak only let him be committed and put to trial The Earl rising up with a disdainful smile answered By whose instigation this Gentleman cometh to accuse me I know not and I wonder what grounds he buildeth upon in charging me with this crime for none that ever suffered for it did touch me therewith and it is known what diligence and severity I used against those that were suspected of that murther If I pleased I could many wayes decline this challenge but my innocency is such as I fear not the most rigorous trial Sir with this he turned himself to the King and said do in it as you please either here or before any other Iudge I shall be ready to answer and when my innocency is cleared your Majesty will think what the malice of those that have set on this man to accuse me deserveth Captain Iames Stewart sitting all this time on his knees replied that by no mans instigation nor out of any private grudge of his own did he intend this accusation but his detestation of the fact and the love of his Majesties safety and honour had only incited him thereto For that he speaks of his diligence and severity let me but aske him said he how and why he did preferre Mr. Archibald Douglas his Cousen to the place of a Senator in the Colledge of Iustice who was known to have been an actor in that murther if he himself had no part in it As the Earl was about to answer the King commanded the Captain to go forth and the Earl being likewise removed after a short deliberation taken with the Councel he was committed in a chamber of the Palace where he abode two nights The third day he was conveyed to the Castle with a company of his own friends who did earnestly move him to make an escape But he chiding them with great bitternesse said That he had rather die ten thousand deaths then betray his innocency in declining triall After some few dayes he was removed to Dumbritton Castle that he might be further from his friends and kept from all intelligence with them The King had sent privily to apprehend Mr. Archibald Douglas who dwelt then at Norham but he having notice of the Earls committing fled into England In the Iuly preceding the Assembly of the Church had convened at Dundy where it was concluded That the office of a Bishop as it was then used and commonly taken within the Realm had neither foundation ground nor warrant in the word of God and thereupon an Ordinance was made that all persons either called to the said office or that should be called thereto at any time thereafter should be charged to dimit and forsake the same as an office whereunto they are not called of God As also to desist and cease from preaching ministring the Sacraments or using in any sort the office of a Pastor till they should be admitted of new of the general Assembly under the pain of excommunication In the end of the Act it was directed That concerning the patrimony of the Church possessed by the Bishops the next Assembly should reason and advise upon the disponing thereof Whether the folly or iniquity of this Ordinance was greater it can hardly be said for granting that the office of a Bishop had been as they judged unlawful there was no reason to discharge them of using the ministerial office till they should be received of new And what a foolish thing was it to think that the Prince and Estates would permit the rents of the Bishops to be disponed at their appetites They saw what was done with the other Prelaces and how the Abbots and Priors were no sooner declared to be no office-bearers in the Church but presently they turned temporal Lords and carried the rents with them quite away from the Church
came in end to desire the Assemblies approbation of their proceedings as that which would incourage them much and dishearten the common adversary This proposition made first it was voyced whether the dangers of the Church and disorders of State were such as in their hearing were related which being affirmatively answered by the whole Assembly Mr. Iames Lawson Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Iohn Craig were appointed to signifie unto the King what the Assembly had found and to require his own judgement therein The King esteeming it most sure for himself to temporize said That he believed Religion was in hazard and indirect courses taken to overturn the same wherewith he acknowledged his own danger to be conjoyned and for abuses crept into the Commonwealth as they were too many so he expected that all good subjects and they for their own parts would help to remove the same This answer returned to the Assembly they concluded an Act in this form For as much as the Noblemen and others joyned with them in the late action of reformation out of a desire to have the Church and whole professors of the true Religion understand the grounds and occasions moving them to repair towards the Kings Majesty to seek redress of the disorders fallen out in the Commonwealth have made publick attestation to the whole Assembly that the motions and grounds of their enterprise were and are to deliver the Church of God within this Realm and the true Religion therein professed from the evident peril and danger wherein all men perceived the same to stand as likewise to guard and preserve the innocent person of the King his Majesty and Estate being in no less hazard then the other and to remove the corruptions and confusion entered into the body of the Commonwealth wherein as they are well perswaded themselves to have done good service to God and to have performed their duty to their Soveraign and countrey so they wished all that feared God should judge and esteem well of their action especially that the brethren of this Assembly should declare their good liking and approbation thereof and ordain all the Pastors and Ministers within the Realm to publish in their particular Churches the causes and grounds moving them to the said enterprise exhorting all Noblemen Barons and other faithful subjects to give their best concurrence and assistance thereto The Assembly having weighed the said desire with the whole circumstances thereof have in the fear of God after mature deliberation resolved found and voted no man gainsaying That not only the Church of God within this Realm and true Religion professed in the same but also the King his most noble person and royal estate were and stood in extreme danger and hazard besides the manifold grosse abuses that had invaded the Commonwealth before the late enterprise which his Majesty had acknowledged and professed to the Commissioners of the present Assembly And that therefore the said brethren could not but think their Honours imploying themselves hereafter for averting the like dangers to have done good and acceptable service to God their Soveraign and native countrey And the prosecution thereof all partiality aside will be acceptable to all that fear God and tender the preservation of the Kings person and prosperous estate of the Realm And to the effect the same may be made the more manfest and notorious it is thought expedient that all the Ministers within the Realm upon the first occasion shall publickly declare unto their particular flocks the peril wherein the Church of God and true Religion the King his most noble person and estate stood with the grounds that moved the said Noblemen unto the late action recommending the same to the consideration of all good subjects exhorting them as they tender the glory of God and love the preservation of the King and countrey faithfully to concurre and joyne with the said Noblemen in prosecuting the said grounds to the full deliverance of the Church and perfect reformation of the Commonwealth And if any should be found either by word maliciously or violently by way of deed to oppose to that good cause they shall be called before the particular Elderships and order put unto them by the censures of the Church and in case of their wilful and obstinate continuing therein be delated to the King and Councel to be punished for their offence civilly This Act of the date the thirteenth of October 1582. was published in all the Churches of the Realm to the offence of many good men who were grieved to see had cause thus coloured and defended But the Lords knowing that this approbation could not secure them had laboured the King to convocate the Estates for the same purpose The eighteenth of the same moneth being appointed for their meeting there came to the convention for the Church estate the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld and Orkney the Abbots of Dunfermlin Newbottle Paisley Driburgh Cambuskenneth Culrosse Inchaffray Coldingham and Pittinweyme of the Nobility there were present the Earls of Marche Arrol Marshal Bothwel who some few moneths before returned from beyond Sea Marre Rothes Glencarn Eglinton Gowrie and Morton the Lords Lindesay Home Ogilvy Hereis Boyd ... and Sinclare But from the Burghes there came not any Commissioners nor could they be moved to countenance this action in any sort conceiving as it fell out that how soon the King obtained his liberty he would censure and condemn the fact as treasonable To these alwayes that convened the King had a speech much to this effect That of all the vexations he had tried since his acceptation of the government in his own person the distraction of the Nobility was the greatest and at the present did grieve him most for the removing whereof he had called them together and expected their best counsel and help In other things he said that needed reformation he would be willing to follow their advice One of the Lords I find him not named made answer that the dissensions of the Nobility were caused chiefly by some that having his Majesties ear did abuse his favours ruling all things at their pleasure and disdaining the advice of other fellow counsellors Then falling into particulars he said that the Duke of Lennox and Earl of Arran had misgoverned all affaires and brought divers abuses into the State which unlesse some Noblemen had taken a course to remedy by their repairing to his Majesty both Religion and State in a short time had been subverted After this the Earl of Marre Gowry and Glencarne who had been the chief actors in that attempt rose up and having declared the cause which moved them to take that action in hand did humbly offer to submit themselves to the censure of his Majesty and the Estates and thereupon removing themselves forth of the Convention it was found and declared That in their repairing to the King upon the 22. of August last and abiding with him since
sorted to no effect by the contrary courses the two Commissioners took after their coming to the Court of England The King foreseeing the same when they were first imployed had moved Mr. David Lindesay Preacher at Leth a man wise and moderate to accompany them and pacify the contentions which possibly might arise amongst them but their emulations were so great as all he could do scarce served to keep them from open discord Before I enter upon the accidents of the next year the death of Mr. George Buchannan which happened in the end of September must not be passed a man so well deserving of his countrey as none more he was of an excellent wit and learning incomparable born nigh to the Highlands within the Parish of Killern and of the house of Drunmakill his Uncle by the mother called Herriot took care to have him trained up in letters perceiving his inclination to be set that way wherein he profited so much as he went beyond all his instructors Nature it seems having formed him thereunto In the year 1539 being called in question by the Franciscan Friers upon the malice they bare him for some bitter verses written against them and their profession which he did to please King Iames the fifth whom they had in some things offended he was committed as suspected of Lutheranisme but made an escape to France where he lived a long time and became acquainted with many learned men with which that countrey did then abound His paraphrase of the Psalmes a rare work and other Poems he wrote for most part whilest he stayed abroad and for his learning and quick ingenie was admired of all men Returning into Scotland about the year 1560. after he had professed Philosophy some yeares in S. Leonards College within the University of S. Andrews he was chosen to attend the King and bring him up in letters In his age he applied himself to write the Scottish History which he penned with such judgement and eloquence as no countrey can shew a better Only in this is he justly blamed that with the factions of the time and to justify the proceedings of the Noblemen against the Queen he went too farre in depressing the Royal authority of Princes and allowing their controllment by subjects his bitternesse also in writing of the Queen and troubles of the time all wise men have disliked But otherwise no man did merit better of his nation for learning nor thereby did bring to it more glory He died in a great age at Edinburgh and was buried in the common place though worthy to have been laid in marble and have had some Statue erected for his memory But such pompous monuments in his life he was wont to scorne and despise esteeming it a greater credit as it was said of the Roman Cato to have it asked why he doth lack a Statue then to have had one though never so glorious erected The summer following the King found the occasion to free himself of his attenders For being at Falkland and pretending to visit his Uncle the Earl of March who did then reside in the Abbey of S. Andrewes after he had taken some little refreshment he went to take a view of the Castle accompanied with Colonel Stewart Captain of the Guard to whom he had communicated his purpose and having entered into the Castle commanded the gates to be shut and these that followed to be excluded The Earls of Argile Marshal Montross and Rothes came thither the next morning and were all welcomed by the King Of the Noblemen that had waited on him since his restraint at Ruthven only the Earl of Gowry was admitted into the Castle by the Colonels means for he had sometimes followed him as a servant The Earl how soon he came in presence fell on his knees and craving pardon for the fact of Ruthven did humbly submit himself to the Kings mercy who after he had checked him in some few but grave speeches for his ingratitude to the Duke of Lennox accepted him in favour upon condition of a more loyal behaviour in time coming Some few days the King abode in the Castle and in a Councel keptthere the second of Iuly made choice of the Earls of March Argile Gowry Marshal Montrosse and Rothes to remain with him as Noblemen that he held of best judgement most indifferent and freest of faction the rest he commanded to retire to their houses till he should take further order In the same meeting was Colonel Stewarts service approved and a Proclamation ordained to be made charging all the subjects to contain themselves in quietnesse and prohibiting any to come towards Court accompanied with a greater number then was appointed to wit 15. with an Earl as many with a Bishop ten with a Lord and as many with an Abbot or Prior with a Baron six and all these commanded to come in a peaceable manner under great penalties Then the King to shew himself at liberty went to Edinburgh and from thence he went to Falkland then to Perth where he remained some weeks Being there the Earl of Arran by Gowries procurement was brought again to Court after whose coming a Declaration was published by the King to this effect We with advice of the Lords of our Privy Councel having thought expedient to notify unto the world but especially to all our good and loyal subjects our true mind touching the things that fell out in the year past declare the same to be as followeth That is howsoever for preserving of publick quietnesse we did patiently endure the restraint of our person at Ruthven with the secluding of our Counsellors from us and all that ensued thereupon yet did we take it deeply to heart and did account no otherwise of it then a fact most treasonable attending till it should please God to restore us to our former estate and liberty which having now by his goodness obtained to make known our indifferent disposition towards all our good subjects and that we do not seek the harm and ruine of any one whomsoever we have resolved to forgive and forget all offences bygone especially that which was committed in August last and hath been since that time strongly maintained providing the Actors and assisters do shew themselves penitent for the same ask pardon in due time and do not provoke us by their unlawful actions hereafter to remember that attempt Willing all our subjects by the example of this our clemency whereof some already have made proof to discharge all quarrels amongst themselves and not to malice one another for whatsoever cause by gone all which we will have buried in oblivion and to this have ordained publication to be made hereof in all the principal Burghs c. The discontented Lords notwithstanding of this declaration were still convening and making the best provision they could for their own surety For at Arrans hand who had now the disposing of all things they expected no good The
matter to that time where in stead of examining the process or discussing the Bishops Appellation a transaction was made in this sort That the Bishop by his hand-writing or personal appearance in the Assembly should deny that ever he publickly professed or meaned to claim any supremacy or to be Judge over other Pastors and Ministers or yet avowed the same to have a ground in Gods word and if so he had done it had been an error against his conscience and knowledge That he should also deny that in the last Synodal Assembly he did claim to be Judge of the same and if he had done it that he erred therein and in his emperious behaviour and contempt of the said Synod That thirdly he should promise to behave himself better in time coming and crave pardon for any oversight by him committed claiming no further then justly he might by Gods word and in all other things carry himself as a moderate Pastor ought labouring to be the Bishop described by S. Paul submitting his life and doctrine to the judgment and censure of the general Assembly without any reclamation provocation or appellation from the same in any time coming That the Assembly on the other part for his Majesties satisfaction and to give testimony of their willing minds to obey his Highness so far as they could and in conscience they might and for the good hope they had of his Majesties favourable concurrence in building up the house of God should hold the said process and sentence as undeduced and not pronounced and restore the Bishop in so far as concerned the said process and sentence to the estate wherein he was before the pronouncing of the same especially because the said process was led and deduced during the time of the conference whereupon his Majesty had conceived offence with this proviso Always that the Bishop should observe what he promised in the premises and carry himself dutifully in his vocation in all times thereafter What should have moved the King to hearken to a mediation so prejudicial both to his own authority and the Episcopal jurisdiction which he laboured to establish cannot well be conjectured except we will think that by yeilding to the Churches advice in this particular he hoped to winne them in end to those things which served for his peace and their own quietnesse or which I rather believe that he did only temporise not seeing another way how to come by his ends and was content to keep them in any tolerable terms till he should find himself of power sufficient to redresse these confusions Whatsoever the reason was the Bishop did set his hand to the conditions proposed by the Assembly and received that declaratour for an absolution Yet did not this satisfy the adverse party who peremptorily urged the justifying of their process with the confirmation of the sentence they had pronounced which when they could not obtain the same Hunter that pronounced the sentence protested publickly against the Assemblies proceeding and that notwithstanding the absolution granted the Bishop should still be esteemed as one justly delivered to Satan till his conversion were seen to be true and effectual unto which protestation Mr. Andrew Melvil and Mr. Thomas Buchannan did adhere A motion was made in the same Assembly for censuring the Ministers that had allowed the Acts concluded in the Parliament 1584. by their subscriptions but they were found to be so many as it was feared the urging thereof would breed aschisme and division in the Church wherefore after some altercation the matter was left and all the Ministers exhorted to judge charitably one of another notwithstanding their diversity of opinions The Articles agreed upon in the conference with certain Ministers whereof the determination was remitted to this Assembly made more adoe for they having condescended to accept Bishops and to give them a chief hand in the government of Church affairs they always being subject to the censure of the general Assembly It was strongly opposed and after a long dispute concluded That in respect the Bishop was a Pastor as other ordinary Pastors are he should for matters of life and doctrine be tried by the Presbytery and Synod and for his Commission otherwise in Church affairs be subject to the general Assembly The Secretary Justice Clerk with the Lord Privy Seal and other Commissioners for the King disassented and made protestation That seeing the Assembly had gone from the Articles agreed upon in the conference nothing either then or at the present concluded should stand in force And thus were they like to dissolve but that Mr. Robert Pont Iames Martin and Patrick Galloway being directed to inform his Majesty of the difference things were drawn to this middest That the Bishops and others having Commission to visit Churches should be only subject to the trial of the general Assembly and such as had power from them till further order was taken And that where Bishops and Commissioners were resident they should preside in the meetings of Presbyteries and Synods Fife only excepted where Mr. Robert Wilkie was appointed to moderate the Presbytery of Saint Andrews untill the next Synod In the mean time was the order of the Presbyteries set down and their power defined the King taking no notice of their doings in that kind The Secretary who then supplied the place of Chancellor perceiving the King so vexed with the affairs of the Church and the Ministers so refractary and unwilling to be ruled did advise him to leave them to their own courses saying That in a short time they would become so intolerable as the people would chase them forth of the countrey True answered the King if I were purposed to undoe the Church and Religion I should think your counsel not ill but my mind is to maintain both therefore can I not suffer them run into these disorders that will make Religion to be despised This answer did shew the Kings love to the Church and his care of the good estate thereof which in this place I thought was not to be passed In the Estate matters went not much better at this time and amongst others nothing gave more offence then the acquitting of Mr. Archibald Douglas by form of Assise This man was known to be guilty of the murther of the King his Father and had fled into England six yeares before The Earl of Morton at his death and one Binny Mr. Archibalds own servant who was executed about the same time did both declare that he was present at the doing of that wicked fact for which the King had often by his letters and Ambassages intreated the Queen of England to have him delivered yet could not obtain it At this time a remission being purchased to him for the concealing of that murther with a letter of rehabilitation whereby he might stand in judgement and plead against his forfeiture he was in a Jury held the 26. of May declared innocent and absolved of the
of the Church The Synod being cited before the Councell for this presumption was discharged to meet thereafter and the Presbyteries within the bounds commanded under pain of Rebellion to accept their Moderators In Fife the resistance was no lesse for the Synod being continued twice first from April to Iune then from Iune to September meeting at that time in Dysert and pressed by the Lords Lindesay Scone and Halirudhouse Commissioners from the Councell to accept the Archbishop of S. Andrews for their Moderator did obstinately refuse and dissolved without doing any thing hereupon was that Synod likewise discharged and all the Burghs inhibited to receive them if perhaps they should reassemble after the Commissioners were gone The Presbyteries of Mers were also very troublesome and the Councell so vexed with complaints of that kinde as not a day passed without some one or other But all this opposition proved vain and they in end forced to obey did finde by experience this setled course much better then their circular elections A Commission came in this mean time for planting some learned and worthy person in the place of Mr. Andrew Melvill at S. Andrews The Commission was directed to the Archbishop of Saint Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld Rosse and Birchen the Lord Balmerinoch the Advocate the Laird of Balcomy and Commissar of S. Andrews who meeting in the new Colledge the 16 of Iune after the reading of his Majesties Letter whereby it was declared That the said Mr. Andrew being judged by the Councel of England to have trespassed in the highest sort against his Majesty and for the same committed to the Tower till he should receive his just punishment was no more to return to that charge they according to the power given them did proceed and make choice of Mr. Robert Howy to be Provost of the said Colledge ordaining him to be invested in the said office with all the immunities and priviledges accustomed which was accordingly performed in the Iuly thereafter and he entred to his Charge the 27 of that moneth It remained that some course should be taken with the Ministers that were stayed at London as it was once purposed were to be provided with some Livings in England but that Church not liking to entertain such guests they were all permitted to return home upon their promise to live obedient and peaceable M. Iames Melvill was only retained who lived a while confined at Newcastle was after some months licensed to come to Berwick where he deceased A man of good learning sober and modest but so addicted to the courses of Mr. Andrew Melvill his Uncle as by following him he lost the Kings favour which once he enjoyed in a good measure and so made himself and his labours unprofitable to the Church Now let us see what happened in the Kingdome during this time The King was ever seriously commending to the Councell the removing of the barbarous fewds wherewith he had been so greatly troubled divers whereof by their travells were this year agreed yet new occasions daily arising they were kept in a continuall business David Lindesay younger of Edyell seeking to revenge the slaughter of his Uncle Mr. Walter Lindesay whom David Master of Crawford had killed as he lay in wait of the said Master who was then by the decease of his Father succeeded in the Earldome through a pitifull mistake did invade Alexander Lord Spynie and killed him in stead of the other The Noblemans death was much regrated for the many good parts he had and the hopes his friends conceived that he should have raised again that noble and antient house of Crawford to the former splendor and dignity all which perished with him he that was in place and escaped the perill being a base unworthy prodigall and the undoer of all that by the virtue of his Ancestors had been long kept together Another business no lesse troublesome did also then happen betwixt the Earl of Morton and the Lord Maxwell for holding of Courts in Eskdale unto which both did pretend right The preparation on both sides was great and like to have caused much unquietness if the same had not been carefully prevented both parties being charged by the Councell to dissolve their forces and not to come towards the bounds the Earl of Morton obeyed Maxwell contemning the charge went on and by a cartell did appeal Morton to the combate whereupon he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh and after some two moneths stay made an escape No sooner found he himself at liberty then he fell a plotting the Laird of Iohnstons murther which he wrought in a most treacherous manner he pretending to use his friendship in obtaining his Majesties pardon employed Sir Robert Maxwell of Orchardtowne whose Sister Iohnston had married to draw on a meeting betwixt them as he did at a little hill called Achmanhill they did bring each of them one servant only as was agreed the said Sir Robert being present as a friend to both At meeting after they had courteously saluted one another and conferred a little space very friendly the two servants going aside the one called Charles Maxwell a Brother of Kirkhouse the other William Iohnston of Lockerby Charles falleth in quarrelling the other shooteth a pistoll at him the Laird of Iohnston making to part them the Lord Maxwell shooteth him in the back with two bullets whereupon he falleth and for a while keeping off the Lord Maxwell who made to strike him with his sword expired in the place it was the 6th of April in the year 1608 that this happened The fact was detested by all honest men and the Gentlemans misfortune sore lamented for he was a man full of wisdome and courage and every way well inclined and to have been by his too much confidence in this sort treacherously cut off was a thing most pitifull Maxwell ashamed of that he had done forsook the Countrey and had his estate forfeited some years after stealing quietly into the Kingdome he was apprehended in the Countrey of Cathnes and beheaded at Edinburgh the 21 of May 1613. The purpose of civilizing the Isles was this year again renewed and a long Treaty kept with the Marquis of Huntley thereupon but he breaking off by reason of the small duty he did offer for the North Isles the Earl of Argile was made Lieutenant thereof for the space of six moneths in which time it was hoped that some good should be wrought and the people reduced to good manners yet nothing was done to any purpose the great men of those parts studying only the increase of their own grandeur and striving whose command should be greatest In the Parliament of England that held in November preceding the matter of union received many crossings and of all the Articles condescended among the Commissioners only that was enacted which concerneth the abolishing of hostile laws The King grieved at this exceedingly and conceiving that the
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
his Majesties favors bestowed upon me having raised me out of the dust to a fortune farre exceeding my merit and on the other side I look to my foul fault in abusing his Majesties trust bringing thereby such an imputation upon his innocency as will hardly be taken away but with the forlorn childe to say Pecavi in coelum terram my offence is great I confess nor am I worthy to be reckoned any longer among his Majesties subjects or servants his Majesties rare piety singular wisdome and unspotted sincerity in all his actions whereof I had so long experience might have taught me that when he refused to have any dealing with the Pope the event of the course I took could not be good but I unhappy man would needs follow the way which to me seemed best and whereof I finde now the smart If no other thing can liberate his Majesty of this imputation caused by my folly let neither my life nor estate nor credit be spared but as I have all by his Majesties favour so let all go even to the last drop of my blood before any reproach for my offence be brought upon his Majesty Then rising up he said It shall not be necessary to remit my tryall to Scotland which I hear your Honours do intend for I do simply submit my self to his Majesties will and had much rather not live then lye any longer under his Majesties displeasure Therefore my humble suit to your honours is that in consideration of my miserable estate and ignominious confession you would be pleased to move his Majesty for accepting me in will and that without delay whatsoever may be done for reparation of his honour may be performed whereunto most willingly I submit my self The Chancellor Sir Thomas Egerton without taking any notice of these last words declared that his Majesties pleasure was to remit the tryall of his offence to the Judges in Scotland and that he should be conveyed thither as a Prisoner the Sheriffes attending him from shire to shire till he was delivered in Scotland in the mean time he did pronounce him deprived of all places honours dignities and every thing else that he possessed in England Whether or not I should mention the arraignment and execution of George Sprot notary in Eymouth who suffered at Edinburgh in the August preceding I am doubtfull his confession though voluntary and constant carrying small probability This man had deponed that he knew Robert Logan of Restalrig who was dead two years before to have been privy to Gowries conspiracy and that he understood so much by a letter that fell in his hand written by Restalrig to Gowry bearing that he would take part with him in the revenge of his fathers death and that his best course should be to bring the King by sea to Fascastle where he might be safely kept till advertisement came from those with whom the Earl kept intelligence It seemed a very fiction and to be a meer invention of the mans own brain for neither did he shew the letter nor could any wise man think that Gowry who went about that treason so secretly would have communicated the matter with such a man as this Restalrig was known to be as ever it was the man remained constant in his confession and at his dying when he was to be cast off the ladder for he was hanged in the publick street of Edinburgh promised to give the beholders a sign for confirming them in the truth of what he had spoken which also he performed by clapping his hands three severall times after he was cast off by the executioner To return to the Commissioners of the Assembly they had presence of the King in Hampton Court the 10 of September where the Archbishop of Glasgow having declared the occasion of their coming did present the Assemblies letter together with their Petitions The King having read both the one and other said That the difference between the lawfull and unlawfull meetings might be perceived by the fruits arising from both for as that unlawful conventicle at Aberdene had caused a schisme in the Church and given the enemies of Religion a great advantage so in this Assembly they had not onely joyned in love among themselves wich is the main point of religion but also had taken a solid course for the repressing of Popery and superstition that he did allow all their Petitions and would give order for a Convention which should ratifie the conclusions of the Assembly assuring them that the Church keeping that course should never lack his Patrociny and Protection Letters were immediately directed to publish his Majesties acceptation of the Assemblies proceedings and the Councell joyned to commit the Marquesse of Huntley in the Castle of Striveling the Earl of Angus in the Castle of Edinburgh and the Earl of Arroll in Dumbritton A convention was likewise indicted at Edinburgh the sixth of December which was afterward prorogued to the 27 of Ianuary The Archbishop of Glasgow was in the mean time sent home to inform the Councell concerning Balmerinoch his business and how these matters had been carried in England This report made The Chancellor who had been much ruled by the Secretary was greatly afraid as suspecting the next assault should have been made upon him self But the King who knew his disposition and expected that the Chancellor would carry himself more advisedly especially in the matters of the Church the Secretary being gone did hast the Earl of Dunbar home with a warrant to receive the Chancellor in the number of the Counsellors of England and therewith appointed him Commissioner with Dunbar in the Convention of Estates all which was done to make it seem that his credit was no way diminished with his Majesty In this convention divers Acts were made in favours of the Church As first that Noblemen sending their sons forth of the Countrey should direct them to places where the reformed Religion was professed at least where the same was not restrained by the Inquisition and that the Pedagogues sent to attend them should be chosen by the Bishop of the Dioces wherin if they should happen to transgress the Nobleman being an Earl should incur the pain of four thousand pounds if he was a Lord five thousand Marks and if a Baron three thousand Marks And if their sons should happen to decline from the true Religion that their Parents should withdraw all entertainment from them and finde surety to that effect That the Bishop of the Dioces should give up to the Treasurer Controller Collector and their deputies the names of all persons excommunicated for Religion to the end they might be known and that no confirmations resignations nor infestiments should be granted to any contained in that Roll. That the Director of the Chancery should give forth no briefes directories precepts of returns nor precept upon comprisement till they produced the Bishops Testificate of their absolution and obedience and
the name of the Clergy of Scotland was a warrant sufficient Thus the Bishop consenting the absolution was given him in the Chappell of Lambeth by the Archbishop of Canterbury in this form Whereas the purpose and intendment of the whole Church of Christ is to win men unto God and frame their souls for heaven and that there is such an agreement and correspondency betwixt the Churches of Scotland and England that what the Bishops and Pastors in the one without any earthly or wordly respect shall accomplish to satisfie the Christian and charitable end and desire of the other cannot be distastfull to either I therefore finding your earnest intreaty to be loosed from the bond of excommunication wherewith you stand bound in the Church of Scotland and well considering the reason and cause of that censure as also considering your desire on this present day to communicate here with us for the better effecting of this work of participation of the holy Sacrament of Christ our Saviour his blessed body and blood do absolve you from the said excommunication in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost And beseech the Almighty God that you may be so directed by the holy Spirit that you may continue in the truth of his Gospell unto your lives end and then be made partaker of his everlasting kingdome How soon it was known that the Marquis was absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury there were great exceptions taken by the Church and the same interpreted to be a sort of usurpation whereof the King being advertised in a long letter written to the Archbishop of S. Andrews he did justifie the doing by these reasons First that in absolving the Marquis nothing was intended to the prejudice of the Church of Scotland but what was done was out of a Christian necessity it being needfull that the Marquis should be absolved before he was admitted to the participation of the holy Sacrament Secondly he willed the Church to consider that his absolution at home was onely deferred upon the scruple he made of the Presence of our Saviour in the Sacrament and that upon his confession swearing and subscriving the other points of Religion they themselves had suspended his excommunication the lawfulâ—nesse whereof he would not dispute but remit the same to the Canonists yet the suspension standing it was not much from an absolution Thirdly that the absolution given him in England did necessarily imply an acknowledgement of the authority of the Church of Scotland whereas if the Archbishop of Canterbury had received him to the holy Communion and not first absolved him being excommunicated by the Church of Scotland the contempt and neglect had been a great deal greater Fourthly that the Marquis being come into England and make offer to perform whatsoever should be required of him it was more fit to take him in that disposition then to have delayed it unto his return into Scotland For these reasons he said and especially because all that was done was with a due acknowledgement and reservation of the power and independent authority of the Church of Scotland which the Archbishop of Canterbury had by his own hand testified it was his pleasure that upon the Marquis his return a full form of absolution should be given him or a ratification made of that which was done in England so as neither the Archbishop of Canterbury his doing should be disapproved as unlawfull nor the same so approved as it might seem that the Church of Scotland was inferiour in any sort to that of England and that the Archbishops Letter written to that effect should be put in record and kept as a perpetuall monument for ages to come This Letter directed to the Archbishop of S. Andrews I have thought here meet to be inserted Salutem in Christo. Because I understand that a Generall Assembly is shortly to be held at Aberdene I cannot but esteem it an office of brotherly love to yeild you an accompt of that great action which lately befell us here with the Marquis of Huntley So it was then that upon the coming up of the said Marquis his Majesty sharply entreating him for not giving satisfaction to the Church of Scotland and for a time restraining him from his Royall presence the Marquis resolving to give his Majesty contentment did voluntarily proffer to communicate when and wheresoever his Highness should be pleased whereupon his Majesty being pleased to make known that offer to me it was held fit to strike the iron whilest it was hot and that his great work should be accomplished before his Majesties going to progresse whereunto a good opportunity was offered by the consecration of the Bishop of Chester which was to be in my Chappell of Lambeth the seventh of this moneth at which time a solemn communion was there to be celebrated The only pause was that the Marquis being excommunicated by the Church of Scotland there was in appearance some difficulty how he might be absolved in the Church of England wherewith his Majesty being acquainted who wished that it should not be deferred we grew to this peaceable resolution which I doubt not your Lordship and the rest of our brethren there will interpret to the best for first what was to be performed might be adventured upon as we esteemed out of a brotherly correspondency and unity of affection and not only of any authority for we well know that as the Kingdome of Scotland is a free and absolute Monarchy so the Church of Scotland is entire in it self and independent upon any other Church Secondly we finde by the advice of divers Doctors of the Civil law and men best experienced in things of this nature that the course of Ecclesiasticall proceedings would fairly permit that we might receive to our communion a man excommunicated in another Church if the said person doe declare that he had a purpose hereafter for some time to reside among us which the Lord Marquis did openly professe that he intended and I know his Majesty doth desire it and for my part I rest satisfied that it can bring no prejudice but rather contentment unto you and to that Kingdom Thirdly it pleased God the night before the celebration of the sacrament to send in our brother the Bishop of Cathnes with whom I taking counsel his Lordship resolved me that it was my best way to absolve the Lord Marquis and assured me that it would be well taken by the Bishops and Pastors of the Church of Scotland I leave the report of this to my Lord Cathnes himself who was an eye-witness with what reverence the Marquis did participate of that holy sacrament For all other circumstances I doubt not but you shall be certified of them from his Majesty whose gracious and princely desire is that this bruised reed should not be broken but that so great a personage whose example may doe much good should be cherished and comforted in his coming
the Minister himself to give the Elements in the celebration out of his own hand to every one of the Communicants and that he may performe this the more commodiously by the advice of the Magistrates and honest men of his Session to prepare a Table at which the same may be conveniently ministred Truly in this we must say that the Ministers ease and commodious sitting on his taile hath been more lookt to then that kne eling which for reverence we directly required to be enjoyned to the receivers of so divine a Sacrament neither can we conceive what should be meant by that Table unless they mean to make a round Table as did the Jews to sit and receive it In conclusion seeing either we and this Church here must be held Idolatrous in this point of kneeling or they reputed rebellions knaves in refusing the same and that the two foresaid Acts are conceived so scornfully and so far from our meaning it is our pleasure that the same be altogether suppressed and that no effect follow thereupon So we bid you farewell Newmarket the 11 of December 1617. These letters were accompanyed with another to the Councell for inhibiting the payment of Stipends to any of the rebellious Ministers refusers of the said Articles either in Burgh or Landwart till they shew their conformity and that the same was testified by the subscriptions of the Primate or ordinary Bishop Which letters being shewed to the Ministers of Edinburgh and others that happened to repaire to that City for augmentation of stipends did cast them into a great fear and repenting their wilfulnesse as they had reason became requesters to the Archbishop of S. Andrews to preach as he was commanded on Christmas day at Edenburgh trusting his Majesty should be mitigated by his obedience and intercession for the rest Neither did he fail to use his best means for diverting the King from these rigorous courses and after a little time so loath was his Majesty to exerce any rigour against Ministers obtained a warrant for staying the execution of the former letters till their behaviour should be tried in the particular Synods and their disposition for accepting the Articles Mr. Archibald Sympson who all this while remained prisoner in the Castle of Edinburgh hearing that the King was so greatly displeased did supplicate the Lords of his Majesties Commission by whose command he was committed for liberty promising not to fall again in the like errours and professing a great sorrow for his medling with the Protestation as likewise for writing that letter wherein he had taxed the Church of England Being brought before the Commission after he had set his hand to his supplication he was permitted to return to his charge at Dalkeith Yet ere many days passed finding the countenances of the holy brethren cast down upon him he dispersed an Apologetick as he entituled it wherein making a gloss upon every word of his confession he concluded that whatsoever weakness or frailty had befallen him he hoped to be like Peter qui ore negavit corde confessus est and never to betray the Lords cause with Iudas This I have remembred by the way to make the humours of these men seen and the small regard they take of saying and gainsaying when it maketh for their purpose But to proceed the Bishops upon advertisement given them convened at Edinburgh the 29 of Ianuary and considering the hurt that the Church might receive if the Commission granted in Parliament for provision of Ministers which was to expire at Lambmas next should take no effect did by a common letter intreat his Majesty for a warrant to proceed in that Commission giving hopes that in their Synods they should induce the Ministers to obey The answer returned in February next was to this effect That howbeit his Majesty did interpret well their doings as intended to the good of his service yet considering the obstinate resistance of the Ministers to all his just and religious desires he could not expect any thing from them in their meetings but a further expression of their former misbehaviour Nottheless as he had once already upon the Archbishop of S. Andrews his intreaty suspended the execution of his last directions so at their requests he was pleased that the Commissioners for Stipends should meet and go on with the providing of Churches they in the mean time in their own persons and in their own Cathedralls observing the festivities that should intervene between and the Synods and ministring the holy Communion with the reverence required at the feast of Easter next Thus were maters pacified for that time and the Commission for augmentation of Stipends by the warrant of this letter put in practise Most of the next summer was spent in that work but with greater detriment then benefit to the Church for what augmentation soever was granted the same was recompensed to the givers by prorogation of their former leases for numbers of years and thereby the Church more damnified then bettered In the Synods all things were carried with reasonable quietness so as upon the Bishops humble requests licence was granted for meeting in a generall Assembly and the same indicted at Perth the 25 of August The Lords Hadington Carnegy and Scone were Commissioners in this Assembly for the King who upon the end of the Sermon presented his Majesties Letter conceived as followeth We were once fully resolved never in our time to have called any moe Assemblies here for ordering things concerning the policy of the Church by reason of the disgrace offered unto us in that late meeting of S. Andrews wherein our just and godly desires were not onely neglected but some of the Articles concluded in that scornfull manner as we wish they had been refused with the rest yet at this time we have suffered our selves to be intreated by you our Bishops for a new Convocation and have called you together who are now convened for the self same business which then was urged hoping assuredly that you will have some better regard to our desires and not permit the unruly and ignorant multitude after their wonted custome to oversway the better and more judicious sort in evill which we have gone about with much pains to have had amended in these Assemblies and for that purpose according to Gods ordinance and the constant practise of all well governed Churches we have placed you that are Bishops and overseers of the rest in the chiefest rooms You plead much we perceive to have things done by consent of Ministers and tell us often that what concerneth the Church in generall should be concluded by the advice of the whole neither do we altogether dislike your opinion for the greater is your consent the better are we contented But we will not have you to think that matters proponed by us of the nature whereof these Articles are may not without such a generall consent be enjoyned by our authority This
constitutions for the profit and good of the Countrey as in the Acts imprinted may be seen At the closing of the Parliament which was the fourth of August such abundance of rain with such thunderings and lightnings did fall as the Noblemen and others of the Estates were compelled to leave their horses and betake them to their Coaches which the factious sort did interpret to be a visible sign of Gods anger for ratifying the Acts of Perth others in derision of their folly said that it was to be taken for an approbation from heaven likening the same to the thunderings and lightnings at the giving of the law to Moses This was the last Parliament of King Iames in this Kingdome and that wherein he received greatest content for the Puritan faction had boasted that the Acts of Perth should never pass in a law so confident they were of their favourers in the Parliament house and now that they failed in their hopes he trusted they would become more wise But the King no less carefull to have the Acts obeyed then he was to have them pass in a law did commend the same by two severall letters to the Bâ—shops and Lords of the Councell To the Bishops he said That as they had to do with two sorts of enemies Papists and Puritans so they should go forward in Action both against the one and the other That Papistry was a disease of the minde and Puritanisme of the braine and the antidote of both a grave settled and well ordered Church in the obedience of God and their King whereof he willed them to be carefull and to use all means for reducing those that either of simplicity or wilfulness did erre In his letter directed to the Councel he put them in minde of that he had written in his Basilicon dorâ—n That he would have reformation begin at his own elbow which he esteemed the Privy Councel and Session with their members to be as having their places and promotions by him Therefore commanded them and every one of that number to conform themselves to the obedience of the orders of the Church now established by law which he trusted they would readily do otherwise if any Counsellor or Sessioner should refuse and make difficulty he did assure them that if within 14 dayes before Christmas they did not resolve to conform themselves they should lose their places in his service And if any Advocate or Clerk should not at that time obey they should be suspended from the exercises of their offices and the fees and casualities thereunto belonging unto such time as they gave obedience In the same letter he willed the Councell to take order That none should bear office in any Burgh nor be chosen Sheriffe Deputy or Clerk but such as did conforme themselves in all points to the said orders This letter was of the date At the Honour of Hampton the 29 of September 1621. By this may the Reader judge of that which hath been commonly affirmed That the Nobleman who was Commissioner should have promised at the passing of the Acts that none should be pressed with the obedience of them but all left to their own pleasures That his Majesty gave no such warrant it appears by the foresaid Letters and that the Nobleman would go an inch from that he was trusted with none that knew will believe The truth is that in most perswasive words and with that majesty which became the place he represented he did require them all to acquiesce and willingly obey the conclusions taken and not to draw upon themselves by their disobedience his Majesties anger assuring them in that case that his Majesty should not in his daies presse any more change or alteration in matters of that kinde without their own consents And this was all the Nobleman spake as divers yet living may remember In the beginning of the next year the Chancellor died at his house of Pinky neer to Mâ—silburgh in a good age and with the regrate of many for he exerced his place with great moderation and to the contentment of all honest men he was ever inclining to the Roman faith as being educated at Rome in his younger years but very observant of good order and one that hated lying and dissimulation and above all things studied to maintain peace and quietness Sir George Hay Clerk of Register being then at Court was preferred to the place and by his dismission Mr. Iohn Hamilton brother to the Earl of Hadington made Keeper of the Register About this time upon advertisements sent from England of the enlargement of certain Priests and Papists that were there imprisoned a rumour was dispersed that the King was inclining to a toleration of Popery and would grant liberty of conscience This rumour was increased by occasion of certain directions sent from the King to the Bishops of England for reforming certain abuses crept into the Church whereby the Preachers and Lecturers were commanded on Sundaies and Holy-daies in the afternoon to teach the Catechisme only or then some text taken out of the Creed the ten Commandements or Lords Prayer and in their preaching to abstain from handling the deep points of Predestination Reprobation Election the universality efficacy resistibility or irresistibility of Grace leaving these themes as fitter for the Schools then for simple auditors as likewise not to presume in any Lecture or Sermon to limit and bound by way of positive doctrine the power prerogative jurisdiction authority or duty of soveraign Princes or to meddle with matters of State having reference betwixt Princes and people otherwise then they were instructed and presidented in the Homily of Obedience and others of that sort set forth by publick authority These directions were interpreted to be a discharge of preaching at least a confining of Preachers to certain points of doctrine which they called a limiting of the Spirit of God and as people will ever be judging and censuring publick actions every one made the construction whereunto their humours did lead them The better and wiser sort who considered the present estate of things gave a farre other judgment thereof for as then the King was treating with the French King for peace to the Protestants in France and with the King of Spain for withdrawing his forces from the Palatinate at which time it was no way fitting that he should be executing the rigour of his laws against Papists at home while he did labour for peace to them of the Religion abroad the most likely way to obtain what he did seek of these Princes being a moderation of the severity of laws against Priests Papists at least for a time And as to the directions given to the Preachers the same they judged both necessary and profitable considering the indiscretion of divers of that sort who to make ostentation of their learning or to gain the applause of the popular would be medling with controversies they scarce understood and
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
The Earl of Murray returneth from France He visiteth the Queen at Lochlevin The Earl of Murray elected Regent Bothwell taketh the Sea and is pursued by Grange The custody of Edinburgh Castle committed to Grange The Lords convened at Hamilton write to the Regent An. 1566. The first Parliament of King Iames the 6. The Acts concluded in Parliament The Queen ordained to be kept in prison The Bishop of Orkney deposed for marrying the Queen The confession of these that were executed for the Kings murther An. 1568. The Queen escapeth from Lochlevin The manner of the Queens escape The Queens resignation decerned null The Regent advertised of the Queens escape The Lord Boyd falleth to the Queen The Regent resolveth to stay at Glasgow and assemble forces The battel of Landside 13 May 1568. The order of the Regents Army The number of the slain The ptisoners that were taken The Castles of Hamilton and Darffan rendered to the Regent The Queen flieth to England and writes to Queen Elizabeth The Queen of Scots begins to see her error A Parliament called by the Regent The Queen of England desires the Parliament to be delayed The Râ—gent refuseth The Queen of England writeth to the Regent Commissiooners choosed to go into England The tenour of the Commission An Assembly of the Church Who should have voice in Assemblies Acts of discipline The Bishop of Orkney reponed A meeting of the English and Scots Commissioners at York Commissioners for the Scottish Queen Protestation for the Queen of Scotland Commissioners of Eâ—gland protest in the contrary A declaration in behalf of the Queen of Scotland The Regents â—etire to the â—ommissioners oâ— England The Duke of Norfolks answer Lethington disswadeth the Regent from accusing the Queen The information presented against the Queen of Scots The Commissioners of the Queen of Scots reply The Commissioners of England desire the Regent to give better reasons 〈◊〉 disperied of the Râ—gents imprisonment A Declaration presented in writing by the Râ—gent The answer of the Commissioners for the Queen of Scots The Queen of England doubteth how to cary her self in the business The Queens Commissioners purge the Regent of the Kings murther The Duke of Chattellerault claimeth the Regency A reply to the Dukes petition The Queen of Scots letters intercepted The Regent returneth to Scotland The Duke made Deputy by the Queen of Scots He writeth to the Assembly of the Church The Assemblies answer Commissioners from the Churches the Regent Petitions in behalf of the Church Orders for giving degrees in Divinity The Regent and Duke agreed An. 1569. He forthinketh his yielding The Duke and Lord Hereis commitâ—ed to the Castle of Edinburgh A treaty with Argile and Huntley Huntky remitted upon some conditions The Regents expedition into the North. The Lord Boyd briageth letteâ—s from both Queens to the Regent A letter from Sir Nicholas Throgmorion to the Regent A letter from Sir Nicholas to Lethington A Convention of Estates at Perth Their judgement of the Letters sent from the two Queens A message sent into England The Abbot of Dunsermling sent into England The Earl of Northumberland imprisoned in Lochlevin Lethington charged with the Kings murther The Laird of Grange counterâ—â—en the Regents hand and taketh Lethington to the Castle The Regent makes an expedition to the borders He is informed of practices against his life Lethingtons triall deferred Iames Hamilton of Bothwell-haugh taketh in hand the Regents murder The Regent killed by the shot of a bulbullet The murtherer escapeth Thuanus 46. The death of the Regent greatly lamented A prediction of Iohn Knox. An Ambassadour sent from England The Ambassadours speech in Councell An. 1570. The Laird of Lochlevin urgeth a revenge of the Regents murther The delay ill taken of the people The principals of the Queens faction writ to the Earl of Morton Lethington offereth himself to a trial A meeting at Edenburgh of the Noblemen of both parties in March They deliberate upon the choice of a Regent An Ambassadour from France A meeting at Linlithgow of the Noblemen that stood for the Queen They give out a Proclamation They deal wiâ—h the Earl of Morton but he will not hearken to them An Army cometh to Berwick under conduct of the Earl of Sussex The Lords forsake Edinburgh upon the report They give warrant for fortifying the Castle The Army of England entereth in Scotland The Lords desire a Truce from the Earl of Sussex which he refused A Convention of the Estates at Edinburgh An offer of peace to those of the Queens party The Queens authority proclaimed A Proclamation made by the Estates The Conspirators ranked in their Orders All prepare for Warre The Lord Seaton sent to Flanders The Parson of Dumbar brings moneys and Armour to Huntley The Lords who stood for the King send to Sussex for supply Grange and Lethington seek to stay the English forces upon offers Sir William 〈…〉 in Scotland with an Army The Castle of Hamilton rendered The Abbot of Dunfemlin Ambassadour in England His instructions The Queens answer to the instructions The Earl of Lennox made Lieutenant of the Countrey The Queen of Englands answer to the Lords that stood for the King The Earl of Lennox created King An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh Commissioners directed from the Assembly of the Church to the Lords of the Queens party The Regent goeth to impede the Parliament indicted at Linlithgow A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Regents expedition to Brichâ—n An Ambassadour to Denmark An Abstinence agreed unto A Treaty with the Queen of Scots Tâ—is Regents letter to the Queen of England Secretary Lethington denounced Rebel and loses his office The Secretaries Declaration The Regents Reply Articles propounded to the Queen of Scotland Sir William Cecil his letters to the Regent The Earl of Sussex his advertisement to the Regent His particular advice The Regents answer The Abbot of Dunfermlin made Secretary and sent into England The Queen of Englands answer ult November 1570. The Laird of Grange raiseth a trouble in Edinburgh and breaks out in open Rebellion Commissioners sent into England Reasons justifying the Queen of Scots deposition Articles proponed to the Commissioners of Scotland Answer to the foresaid Articles Propositions made to the Queen of Scots Commissioners The Answer The Treaty continued to a more convenient time The Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston conferre with the Earl of Morton Paslay taken by Lord Claud Hamilton and recovered by the Regent The Castle of Dunbartâ—n surprized The Archbishop of S. Andrews executed His Declaration at his death They who stood for the Queen take Arms and come to Edinbugh The Regent resolveth to hold the Parliament An. 1571. Persons forfeited in this Parliament The civil war renewed The Regent goeth to Striveling A conflict betwixt Morton and the Lords at Edinburgh The Eaâ—l of Morton hireth souldiers The Queen of England sendeth to Sir William Drury to try the estate of things The Lords on the Queens party hold
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
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
the Earl of Orkney Iohn Ogilvy a Jesuit apprehended His examinamination by certain Commissioners A direction from his Majesty touching their proceeding with him Certain Questions moved to the Jesuit His Answer to the Questions His Answer sent to his Majesty Commission for the Jesuits triall The Jesuits defence at his indictment The exception proponed by the Jesuit The exception proponed by the Jesuit The Jesuite convicted and executed Moffet another jesuit licenced to depart An. 1615. The Archbishop of S. Andrews his death Bishops translated by this occasion The History of Somersets fall Sir Tho Overburie his free advice to Somerset Overbury committed to the Tower Overbury poysoned and dyeth The murther discovered and laid open An. 1616. Somerset and his Lady brought to triall The persons of the Jury The Earl and his Lady convicted and sentenced The Marquis of Huntly called before the Commissioners He is Committed He is released by the Chancellour The Bishops complain to his Majesty A Command to the Marquis to return to his ward The Marquis permitted to come to Court The form of the absolution His Majesties letter to the Bishops for justifying the absolution The Archbishop of Canterbury's excuse for the absolution The Archbishops letter giveth some content An Assembly at Aberdene The Marquiss of new absolved Acts concluded in the Assembly Commissioners directed to the King from the Assembly His Majesties answer returned Articles craved to be incerted among the Canons Reasons why the Articles could not be inserted among the Canons A Proclamation touching the Kings purpose to visit the Countrey The Earl of Marre made Thesaurer A direction for repairing the Chapell The Bishops entreat the stay of some carved pictures upon fear of offence Ann. 1617. His Majesties answer The King refutech to deferre his journey as he was desired A Parliament in Scotland His Majesties speech to the Estates A Trouble in choosing the Lords of the Articles Article concerning his Majesties prerogative in caâ—ses Ecclesiasticall A stir among the Ministers because of the Article The Ministers Protestation The subscrivers of the Protestation Mr. Peter Hewet undertakes the presenting of the Protestation The Clerk of Register commanded to pass by the Article of Prerogative The Bishops warned to meet at S. Andrews His Majesties speech at the meeting The Ministers promise obedience upon permission of a general Assembly Mr. Arâ—hibald Sympson and Mr. David Catherwood committed The King departeth towards London An assembly at S. Andrews The Assembly inclineth to a delay The Commissioners obtain a grant of private Communion The King offended with the Assemblies proceedings writeth to the two Archbishops Another letter to the Archbishop of S. Andrews Letters to the Councell for inhibiting the payment of Stipends Mr. Archibald Sympson put to liberty His inconstancie and change A warrant to proceed with the Commission of Stipends A generall Assembly indicted at Perth His Majesties Letter to the Assembly An. 1618. The five Artiticles concluded Article for kneeling Private Communion Private Biptisme Confirmation of Children Observation of Festivities The Articles ordained to be intimated in all Churches The Earl of Argile falleth from his profession A Comet or blasing Starre Queen Anne dieth Ann. 1619. The Synod of Dordrecht said to have condemned the five articles of Perth The Bishop of Galloway dieth The Bishop of Brichen translated to Galloway A distraction betwixt the Ministers and Magistrates of Edinburgh The disorder pacified Four other Ministers planted at Edinburgh An. 1620. A contribution required for defence of the Palatinate Ann. 1621. A Parliament desired by the estates Sir Gideon Murray his death The Marquis of Hamilton keepeth the Parliament Matters concluded in Parliament The King receiveth great content by the things concluded A Letter from his Majestie to the Bishops A Letter from his Majesty to the Councell The Marquis of Hamilton wronged by a false rumour An. 1622. The Chancellor Seaâ—on dieth Rumors dispersed of Tolerations intended The judgment of the wiseâ— sort His Majesties speech in a Parliament held at that time in England An. 1623. His Majesties directions to the Councell of Scotland The Princes journey to Spain and the occasion thereof The Princes entertainment in Spain The Letter of Pope Gâ—gory the 15 to the Prince The successe of the Match intended with Spaiâ— The Prince returneth to England An. 1624. A trouble in Edinburgh raised against the Minisâ—es The death of Lodovick Duke of Richmond and Lennox An. 1625. The death of Iames Marquis of Hamilton The King much affected with these deaths contracts a feaver and dieth An Epitaph upon King IAMES his death written by the Reverend Divine Dr. Morley C. C. C. Oxon.
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
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
that it should be lawfull to Superiours and Lords of Regalities to refuse the entry of all such to their lands by precepts of Clarè constat or any other way Lastly that persons excommunicated for not conforming themselves to the Religion presently professed should neither in their own names nor covertly in name of any other enjoy their lands or rents but that the same should be intrometted with and uplifted to his Majesties use These were the Acts concluded touching Religion for the punishment of rapes which was grown as then too common his Majesty by a speciall letter did recommend to the Estates some overtures for restraining such violences As if any widow woman or maid should be forced and abused against her will the crime should be capital and not purged by the subsequent consent of the woman In like manner if any woman should be taken away albeit no further injury was done and she relieved either by her friends or by the Magistrate or by what so ever means the onely violence intended should be punished by death in regard the party had indevoured to do his worst And for those that did intice any woman to go away without their parents or tutors consent that they should be secluded from any part of the goods or lands belonging to the woman so inticed Some other Acts for the publick good of the kingdome were passed at the same time neither was it remembred that in any one convention so much good of a long time was done as in this In the beginning of February the Secretary was brought to Edinburgh and delivered to the Magistrates who received him at the neither port and conveyed him as a Prisoner to the lodging that was appointed A great gazing there was of people which troubled him not a little as he shewed by his countenance The next day he was delivered to the Lord Scone who with a guard of horse did convey him to the prison of Falkland there he remained to the 10 of March and was at that time taken to S. Andrews to abide his triall with the Justice there sate as Assessors the Earls of Dunbar Montross and Lothian the Lord Privy seal and Clerk Register His indictment was to this effect That in the year 1598 by the instigation of his Cousin Sir Edward Drummond a professed Papist he had stoln and surreptitiously purchased his Majesties hand to a letter written by the said Sir Edward and directed to Pope Clement the eighth in favour of the Bishop of Vaison for the said Bishops preferment to the dignity of a Cardinall And that notwithstanding the many denialls the King gave him in that busines he had treasonably conspired with the said Sir Edward to deceive and abuse his Majesty shuffling in a letter among others that were to be signed and filling it up after it was signed with the styles and titles usually given to the Pope and sealed the letter with his Majesties fignet the keeping whereof was intrusted to him by virtue of his office and in so doing had mostundutifully and treasonably behaved himself to the indangering of his Majesties Honour Life Crown and Estate and to the subversion of true Religion and the whole professors thereof Upon the reading of the indictment he was enquired if he would use any friends or advocates to speak in his defence as the order of the Court did allow him his answer was That he stood never in so great need of a Proloquutor the matter concerning his life estate and all that he possessed in this world yet he had choosed to keep silence and not employ either friends or advocates the offence he had committed being such as could admit no defence for howsoever he conceived that the keeping of intelligence with the Pope might advance his Majesties succession to the Crown of England yet knowing as he did his Majesties resolution never to use any crooked course but to rest upon Gods providence and his own right it did not become him to have medled in a matter of that importance Therefore did he intreat all gentlemen and others that were present to bear witness of his confession and the true remorse he had for the offence committed which he esteemed so great as neither his lands nor life may not twenty thousand lives such as his could repair onely two things he asked liberty to protest one was that he never intended to work an alteration of Religion or a toleration of the contrary the thing he had done being a meer worldly course whereby he judged some good might have been wrought at the time Next he protested that neither the love of gain nor hope of commodity had led him on that having never received nor expected benefit from any Prince living his Master the King onely excepted but an opinion he foolishly conceited that he might that way promote his Masters right In end he said that he would not make the Iudges any more business that he had confessed the truth and as he wished God to be mercifull to his soul in that great day his Majesty was most falsely and wrongfully charged with the writing of that letter to the Pope and that he never could move him to consent thereto The Jury was then called and the persons following sworn in face of Court David Earl of Crawford George Earl Marshall Iohn Earl Wigton Patrick Earl of Kingborne Iohn Earl of Tillibarden Alban L. Cathcart Iohn L. Salton David L. Scone Alexander L Garlies William Master of Tillibarden Sir Iames Douglas of Drâ—mlanrick Sir Robert Gordon of Lochinvar Sir William Levingston of Kilsith Sir Iohn Houston of the Ilke and Sir Patrick Home of Polwart These going apart returned after a short space into the Court and by the mouth of the Earl of Marshall pronounced Iames Lord Balmerinoch guilty of treasonable surreptitious fraudulent and false stealing of his Majesties hand to the letter specified in the indictment without his Majesties knowledge and contrary to his will declared As also of the treasonable affixing of his Majesties signet to the said letter and of assisting known and professed Papists in their treasonable courses to the danger of Religion the overthrow of the true professors thereof and drawing of his Majesties life estate and right of succession to the Crown of England in most extreme perill besides the bringing of most false and scandalous imputations upon his Majesty as well in Religion as honour and of art and part of the whole treasonable crimes contained in the said indictment The King being advertised of his conviction for he had commanded before any doom should be pronounced by a warrant directed to the Justice he was brought again to Edinburgh and in a Justice Court kept the first of Aprill decerned to be taken to the place of execution and there to have his head cut off his lands heritages Lordships Baronies taks steadings rooms possessions offices benefices cornes cattell c. forfeited and escheated to his