be set a part for divine service yet we are not so tied to the place as the Iews were yea not so much as the Rominists would have us to be according to that of S. Ioh 21.22 23 for wheresoever 2 or 3 are gathered together in my Nâ—â—â—r I am in the midst of you * Witnesse the Princes and people that the Pope put to the Interdict without cause to say nothing of private persons * So that many do think it a liberty of Religion to swear and curse * Witnesse the divorce of Mary Stuart daughter to James 2. from her lawfull husband Tho. Boyde and maâ—ried to Iames Hamiltonâ— Also of Mary mother to Iames 5. who married after K. Iam. the fourths death Arâ—hibald Douglas Earle of Angus was divorced from him and married to Henry Stuart Lord Meffen Adam Reade his bold aâ—d godly answer Note 1500. 1513. 1527. Brothers son to Iames Hamilton Earle of Arran and sisters son to Iohn Stuart Duke of Althai A Dominican Frier Note how Church-men rules the good nature of the Prince Frier Campbell apostate Mâ—ior Deuâ— 6. Matth. 12. Minor 1. Joh. 4. Conclusio Matth 7. Rom. 13. Galat. 5. Maior Rom. 13. Minor Joh. 19. Conclusio Christ is the end and fulfilling of the Law to every one that believeth Rom. 10.14 Rom. 3. Rom. 7. Gospel quasi Godspel that is Gods word but ordinarily it is taken from that part which we call Evangel that is Good tidings otherwise Gospel quasi Goodspel that is Good words and so Good tidings Gen. 15. Joh. 5. Jam. 1. Rom 14. Heb 11. Heb. 11. Rom 8. Rom. 4. Rom. 4. Abac. 2. Rom. 1. Joh. 6. 1 Joh. 5. Act. 10. Rom. 10. Joh. 3. Gal. 3. Matth. 19. Joh 9. Joh. 20. Mark 16. Matth. 28. Psal. 117. 1. Tim. 6. This 〈…〉 derstood of circumstance of worldly mâ—n and not of them of God for the neerer that meâ— draw to God we are bound 〈◊〉 more to love them Galat. 3. Matth 13. Matth. 7. Note Note Note Quaere Answer Note Note Here you see verified Cinis Martyrum semen Ecclesiae M. Gawyn Logy Munks Preach Bishops devices M. Iohn Mair whose History of Scotland we have c. He wrote upon the 4 Evangelists c. Arithe his Sermon False Miracles Alexander Furrour his Examination before the Bishops Alexander Seton a black Frier Note Note Iames the fifth Note Aleâ—ander Seton his Letter There was another Frier Forrest hanged in Smithfield 1538. Note For 10 yeers the persecution ceaseth 1534. 1538. The civil troubles give some rest to Gods flock fâ—r a time Note Macdowel Alaesius John Fyfe Machabeus Note 1534. This yeere was Lawes made against the Reformation the Pope having sent to Scotland a Legat the yeere before 6 Accused for Heresie Note 2 Gentlemen Straton and Gowâ—ley burnt See how the Bishops did intrench upon the good disposition of the King and his Soveraigne 1534. Burning of the Bill was a signe of recantation 1537. Lâ—sly writes this done 1540. Iohn Berthwick fled into England from whence Henry sent him into Germany to the Protestant Princes Foure burnt 1538. 1539. Ieremie Russell Alex. Kennedie Kennedie his thanks to God His speech to the Judges Note Sir Iames Hamilton said That God had justly brought him to that because he had offended often to gain the King favour by unjust ways Note George Buchanan by the Kings câ—mmand then angry with the Friers did write this Satyre against them who thereafter having made their peace with the King would not be appeased with Gâ—orge Buchanan whom the king gave over to their importunity and so he was put in prison The Earle of Gleaverne his verse upon the Gray Friers The Church-men ingage the King to warre against his Uncle Halderig Read England called Hereticke bâ—cause it renounced the Pope Note All hallow tyde Fallow Reade Note The Lords answer to the Kings desire Note Note Note An answer worthy of a Prince By this answer you may see how good this Prince had bin if 〈◊〉 Câ—urch mâ—n and flatterâ—â—s â—ad not abused him Abused Prince by Prelats So the evil advised Prince gave himselfe over to the false Propâ—ets I meane the Prelats The Reade of Holway masse by Oliver Sinclar Whaâ—ton was then Warden in these parts Stratageme Note Note Oliver compared to Benhadad against Samaria 2 King 20. 300 men put to flight 10000 Others say at Carlaveâ—ok neer by the place where the defeat was given called Sobâ—â—y Mosse The King foretells his own death Reginae Nativitas Mark the Queens mourning for the King Others stick not to say That the King was hastned away by a Potion Levit. 12. Regis exitus Divers Charactâ—rs of the late King arise post funâ—ra virtuâ— Character of the Hamiltons Note the reasons why the Earle of Arran was thus favoured by the Countrey 1543 Note Frier Scot. The Cardinal taken 1543. An Act of Parliament for reading of the Scripture Note the hypocrisie of worldlings So long as men follow God they are blessed Nothing could be said against the lawfulnesse of Edwards birth Katharine of Spaine and Anne Bullen being dead before his mother was married to his father Note well The Queenes marriage the second time ratified He was before sometimes called Cunningham sometimes Colwan so uncertaine was it who was his father Note Note This is the Prelats language The Governour violated his faith refused God and took absulution of the devil renouncing his Religion in the gray Friers All this was then said by the Cardinall Penes authorem fides estâ— Note the device of the wicked to set men by the 〈◊〉 1543 Note * And many trod under foot died Note As they went to Dundie they said they were going to burne the readers of the new Testament and that they would stick to the old for Luther said they had made the new Note A woman and her childe put to death because she prayed not to the Virgin Mary Men put to death for eating a Goose upon Friday Iohn Roger a black Friet murthered 1544. The English Army arrived in Scotland Note Endinburgh burnt and spoiled by the English Note 1544. Lorge cometh to Scotland 1545. Note The character of Hamilton Note George Wischarde Note a falsâ— brother M. Wischard his words in Dundie The Bishops Sermon Note Note M. Wescharde his zeale to gain soules A Priest appointed by the Cardinall to stab M. George Wischarde The second attempt of the Cardinall for the killing of M. George Wischarde Note the spirit of Prophesie Prophesie spoken by Master George Whischarde of the Church of Scotland Note the resolution of a Preacher Two gray Friers Vengeance against Hadington Master Wischarde taken at Ormeston Note He means Gods people The Lord Bothwels promise M Georges words to the Earl Bothwell 1546. Note The proud Cardinall and the glorious foole Dumbar A question worthy of such two Prelats 1546. Who was a learned man and heartily favoured the pure Religion in secret Bona heresios definitio c. Note the
secretly out of the way Also Katherine Hamilton his sister was accused and being questioned upon Works she answered That none was saved by his works Then Iohn Spencer spake to her of the works of congruo and condigno to which she answered Work here work there what kinde of working is all this no works can save me but Christ's At this the King being present laughed and after conveyed her away secretly One Henry Forest a Monk of the Order of Benet and Collet as they spoke then was also accused of heresie but without sufficient proof Then he was sent to Walter Ange whom Buchanan in his Satyre against the Gray Friers called Langius to be confessed Langius having asked him by way of confession What he thought of Patrick Hamilton He answered That he was a good man and that his Articles were to be maintained Lange discovers this simple mans confession and this confession being taken for a sufficient proof the poor man was condemned to be burnt and so he was immediately after they had degraded him according to their Custom As they were leading him to the Execution-place he complained of the Fryer who had betrayed him and said Let no man trust the false Fryers after me they are despisers of God and deceivers of men They burnt him at the North Style of the Abbey Church in Saint Andrews that the Hereticks of Angus might see the fire 1558. One Andrew Oliphant accused with heat Walter Mill an ancient man and formerly a Priest and said to him being at his devotion Rise up Sir Walter He answered when he had ended his prayer My name is Walter I have been too long one of the Popes Knights for all Priests are Sirs Andrew Oliphant said to him Thou keepest my Lords too long here therefore haste He answered I must obey God before men Being questioned by Oliphant concerning Priests Marriage he answered It was Gods Ordinance That every man that had not the gift of chastity should marry but you abhor it vowing chastity which you cannot keep but take other mens wives and daughters Then being asked if there were not seven Sacraments he answered Let me have two take you the rest to your selves Being asked about the Masse he answered A Lord sendeth and calleth many to his dinner and when all is ready he causeth ring the Bell the guests come into the hall but he turning his back upon them eateth all himself And so do you Then he added The Scripture is not to be understood carnally Christ hath put an end to all carnall Sacrifices by offering once for all his body upon the Crosse. Many other Queries were put to him to which he answered stoutly Being desired to recant he told them That he was corn and not chaff I will said he neither be blown by the winde nor bruised with the Flail but I will abide both I will not recant the Truth Being commanded to go to the stake by Oliphant he answered By the Law of God I am forbidden to put hand on my self therefore put thou me to it with thy hands and then thou shalt see my resolution After he had said his Prayer he gat leave with difficulty to speak to the people standing by In his Speech he told them That although he was a great sinner yet it was for Gods Truth contained in his Word of the Old and New Testament that he suffered and that God in the abundance of his mercy towards him did honour him so far as to make him seal his Truth with his life among other of his Servants He added Dear friends as you would escape eternall death be no more seduced with lies of Arch-bishops Bishops Abbots Priors Priests Monks Friers and the rest of the Antichristian rabble but onely trust in God This was the last man that died for Religion in Scotland And by his death was given the very dead blow to Popery for by his death the people of all ranks and conditions were so moved that they made open profession of the Truth without any more dallying and presently was upon this occasion made a Covenant or Bond of mutuall defence To defend one another by Arms against the Tyranny of the Bishops and their Parties Errata THe Life Page 2. line 7. dele he P. 5. l. 38. r. ordinarily P. 6. l. 24. r. would Preface P. 4. l. 23. r. 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godly And in what honour credit and estimation Doctour Machabeus was with Christian king of Denmark Cawpmanhowen and famous men of divers nations can testifie This did God provide for his servants and did frustrate the expectation of these bloody beasts who by the death of one he meanes M. Patrick Hamilton in whom the lyght of God did clearly shine intended to have suppressed Christs Trueth for ever within this Realme but the contrary had God decreed for his death was the cause as is said that many did awake from the deadly sleep of ignorance and so did Jesus Christ the onely true Lyght shine unto many for the way taken of one And albeit that these notable men did never after M. Iohn Fyfe onely excepted comfort their countrey with their bodily presence yet made he them fructifie in his Church and raised them up Lyghts out of darknesse to the praise of his own mercy and to the just condemnation of them that then ruled To wit of the King Counsell and Nobility yea of the whole people who suffered such notable personages without crimes counted to be unjustly persecuted and so exiled others were after even so dealt withall but of them we shall speak in their own place No sooner gate the Bishops opportunity which alwayes they sought but so soon renewed they the battell against Jesus Christ. For the aforesaid leprous Bishop in the yeere of God 1534. caused to be summoned Sir William Kyrk Adam Dayis Henry Kernes Iohn Stewart of Leyth with divers others such as Master William Iohnston Advocate Master Henry Henderson Schoole-master of Edenburgh of whom some compeered in the Abbey Kyrk of Halyrud-house and so abjured and publikely burnt their Bills others compeered not and therefore was exiled But in judgement were produced two to wit David Straton a Gentleman and Master Norman Gowrlay a man of reasonable erudition of whom we may shortly speak In Master Norman appeared knowledge albeit joyned with weaknesse But in David Straton could onely be espied for the first a hatred against the pride and avaritiousnesse of Priests for the cause of his delation was he had made to himselfe one Fish-boat to go to the sea The Bishop of Murray then being Prior of Saint Andrews and his agents urged him for the tythe thereof His answer was If they would have tythe of that which his servants wan in the sea it were but reason that they should come and receive it where they got the stocke and so as it was constantly affirmed he caused his servants to cast the tenth fish in the sea again Processe of cursing was laid against him for not paying such tythes which when he contemned he was summoned to answer for Heresie It troubled him vehemently and therefore he began to frequent the company of such as were godly for before he had been a man very stubborne and one that despised all reading chiefly of those things that were godly but miraculously as it were he appeareth to be changed for he delighteth in nothing but in hearing of reading for himselfe could not reade and was a vehement exhorter of all men to concord and quietnesse and the contempt of the world He frequented much the company of the Laird of Dun Areskin whom God in those daies had marvellously illuminated upon a day as the Laird of Lawriston that yet liveth then being a young man was reading unto him in the New Testament in a certain quiet place in the fields as God had appointed he chanced to read these Sentences of our Master Jesus Christ He that denieth me before men or is ashamed of me in the midst of this wicked generation I will deny him in the presence of my Father and before his Angels At which words he suddenly being as one revived cast himselfe upon his knees and extending both hand and visage constantly to the heaven a reasonable time at length he burst forth in these words O Lord I have been wicked and justly mayest thou withdraw thy grace from me but Lord for thy mercies sake let me never deny thee nor thy Trueth for fear of death or corporall paine The issue declared that his prayer was not vain for when he with the aforesaid Master Norman was produced in judgement in the Abbey of Halyrud-House the King himselfe all clad in red being present great labour was made that the said David Straton should have recanted and burnt his Bill But he ever standing at his defence alleadging that he had not offended in the end was adjudged to the fire and then when he perceived the danger asked grace at the King which he would willingly have granted unto him the Bishops proudly answered That the Kings hands were bound in that case and that he had no grace to give to such as by their Law were condemned And so was he with the said Master Norman after dinner upon the seven and twentieth day of August in the yeere of our Lord 1534. aforesaid led to a place besides the roode of greene side and there they two were both hanged and burnt according to the mercy of the Papisticall Church To that same diet were summoned as before we have said others of whom some escaped into England and so for that present escaped the death This their tyranny notwithstanding the knowledge of God did wonderfully increase within this Realme partly by reading partly by brotherly conference which in those dangerous dayes was used to the comfort of many but chiefly by Merchants and Mariners who frequenting other countreys heard the true Doctrine affirmed and the vanity of the Papisticall Religion openly rebuked Amongst whom were those of Dondie and Lieth principals against whom was made a very strait inquisition by David Beton cruell Cardinall And divers were compelled to abjure and burne their Bills some in Saint Andrews and some at Edinburgh About the same time Captaine Iohn Berthwick Provost of Lithcow was burnt in figure but by Gods providence escaped their furie And this was done for a spectacle and triumph to Mary of Lorraine lately arrived from France as wife to Iames the fifth King of Scots what plagues she brought with her and how they yet continue such as are not blinde may manifestly see The rage of these bloody beasts proceeded so farre that the Kings Court it selfe escaped not that danger for in it divers were suspected and some accused And yet ever did some lyght burst out in the midst of darknesse for the trueth of Christ Jesus entred even into the Cloisters as well of Friars and Monks as of Channons Iohn Lyn a gray Frier left his hypocriticall habit and the den of those murtherers the gray Friers A black Frier called Frier Killor set forth the History of Christs passion in forme of a Play which he both Preached and practised openly in Sterlin the King himselfe being present upon a Good-Friday in the Morning in the which all things were so lively expressed that the
so without judgement all men fled The Sea was filling and so the water made great stop but the fear was such as happy was he that might get a taker Such as passed the water and escaped that danger not well acquainted with the ground fell into the slimy mosse the entry thereof was pleasing enough but as they proceeded all that took that way either lost their horse or else themselves and horse both To be short a greater fear and discomfiture without cause hath seldome beene seen for it is said That where the men were not sufficient to take the Bands of prisoners Some ran to houses and rendered themselves to women Stout Oliver was without stroke taken fleeing full manfully And so was his glory stinking and foolish proudnesse we should call it suddenly turned to confusion and shame In that discomfiture were taken the two Earls aforesaid the Lords Fleming Somerwell and Olyphant and many other Barons and Gentlemen besides the great multitude of servants Worldly men say That all this come but by misorder and fortune as they term it But whosoever hath the least spark of the knowledge of God may as evidently see the work of his hand in this discomfiture as ever was seen in any of the Battells left to us in Register by the holy Ghost For what more evident Declaration have we that God fought against Benhadad King of Aram when he was discomfited at Samaria than now we have that God fought with his own Arm against Scotland in this former discomfiture There did two hundred and thirty persons in the Skirmish with seven thousand following them in the great Battell put to flight the said Benhadad with thirty Kings in his Company But here there is in this shamefull discomfiture of Scotland very few more than three hundreth men without knowledge of any Backe or Battell to follow put to flight ten thousand men without resistance made There did every man recounter his marrow till that the two hundred and thirty slew such as matched them But here without slaughter the multitude fled There had those of Samaria the Prophet of God to comfort to instruct and to promise Victory unto them But England in that pursuit had nothing but as God secretly wrought by his providence in the men that knew nothing of his working neither yet of the cause thereof more then the wall that fell upon the rest of Benhadads Army knew what it did And therefore yet again we say That such as in that sudden dejection beholds not the hand of God fighting against pride for freedome of his own little Flock injustly persecuted doth willingly and maliciously obscure the glory of God but the end thereof is yet more notable The certain knowledge of the discomfiture coming to the Kings ears who waited upon news at Lochmaban he was stricken with a sudden fear and astonishment so that scarcely could he speak or had purpose with any man The night constrained him to remain where he was and so went to bed but rose without rest or quiet sleep His continuall complaint was O fled Oliver is Oliver taken O fled Oliver And these words in his melancholly and as it were carried in a Trance repeated he from time to time to the very hour of death Upon the morn which was Saint Katherines day returned he to Edinburgh and so did the Cardinall from Hadington But the one being ashamed of the other the brute of their communication came not to publike audience The King made Inventory of his Treasure of all his Jewels and other substance And thereafter ashamed to look any man in the face secretly departed to Fife and coming to Hallzairdes was humanely received of the Lady of Grange an ancient and godly Matron the Laird at his coming was absent In his company was onely with him William Kirkâ—ldy now Laird of Grange and some other that waited upon his Chamber The Lady at Supper perceiving him pensive beganne to comfort him and willeth him to take the Work of GOD in good part My portion said he of this world is short for I will not be with you fifteen dayes His servants repairing unto him asked where he would have provision made for Christmas which then approached he answered with a disdainfull countenance I cannot tell chuse you the place but this I can tell you Or Christmas day you will be masterlesse and the Realme without a King Because of his displeasure no man durst make contradiction unto him So after that he had visited the Castle of Carny pertaining to the Earle of Crawfurde where the said Earles daughter one of his Mistresses was he returned to Falkland and took bed And albeit there appeared unto him no signes of death yet he constantly affirmed Before such a day I shall be dead In this mean time was the Queen upon the point of her delivery in Lynlitquow who was delivered the 8 of December in the yeere of God 1542 yeeres of Mary that then was born and now doth raigne for a scourge to this Realme as the progresse of her whole life has to this day declared The certainty that a daughter was born unto him coming to his ears he turned from such as spake with him and said The devill go with it it will end as it began it came from a woman and it will end with a woman From Mary daughter to Robert Bruse married to Walter Stuart he feared that his daughter should be married to one of another Name and Family but you see by Gods providence the Crown remains in one and the same Family and Name to this day notwithstanding the many Plots of the pretenders to the Crowne both at home and abroad After that he spake not many words that were sensible but ever harped on his old song Fie fled Oliver is Oliver taken all is lost In this mean time in his great extremity comes the Cardinall a fit comforter for a desperate man he cries in his eare Take order Sir with your Realme who shall rule during the minority of your daughter ye have knowne my service What will ye have done Shall there not be four Regents chosen And shall not I be principall of them Whatsoever the King answered Documents were taken That so it should be as my Lord Cardinall thought expedient As many affirme a dead mans hand was made to subscribe one blank that they might write above what it pleased them best the Cardinall having hired one Henry Balfour a Priest to make a false Testament which was done accordingly but in vain This finished the Cardinall posted to the Queen lately before delivered as is said At the first sight of the Cardinall she said Welcome my Lord is not the King dead What moved her so to conjecture divers men are of divers judgements Many whisper that of old his patte was in the pot and that the suspition thereof caused him to be inhibite the Queens company Howsoever it was
after in Seaton But at length by Bribes given to the said Lord Seaton and to the old Laird of Lethington he was restored to Saint Andrewes from whence he wrought all mischief as we shall after heare The PARLIAMENT approached which was before EASTER there began question of the abolishing of certaine Tyrannicall ACTS made before at the Devotion of the Prelates for the maintaining of their Kingdome of Darkenesse To wit That under paine of Heresie no man should reade any part of the Scriptures in the Vulgar Tongue neither yet any Tractate or Exposition of any place of Scripture Such Articles began to come in question we say And men began to enquire If it were not lawfull to men that understood no Latine to use the word of their Salvation in the Tongue they understood as it was for the Latine men to have it in Latine Grecians or Hebrews to have it in their Tongues It was answered That the Church he means the Prelats first had forbidden all Tongues but the three viz. Hebrew Greek and Latine But men demanded when that Inhibition was given and what Counsell had ordained it considering that in the dayes of Chrysostome he complained That the people used the Psalmes and other holy Books in their owne Tongues And if ye will say they were Greeks and understood the Greek Tongue We answere That Christ Jesus commanded his word to be Preached to all Nations now if it ought to be Preached to all Nations it must be Preached in the Tongue they understand Then if it be lawfull to Preach and heare it Preached in all Tongues Why should it not be lawfull to reade it and hear it read in all Tongues to the end that the people may try the spirits according to the commandment of the Apostle Beaten with these and other Reasons they denied not but it might be read in the Uulgar Tongue provided if the Translation were true It was demanded What could be reprehended in it And when much searching was made nothing could be found But that Love say they was put in the place of Charity When the Question was asked What difference was betwixt the one and the other and if they understood the nature of the Greek term 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they were dumb Reasoned for the party of the seculars The L. Ruthwen father to him that prudently gave counsell to take just punishment upon that knave David for that he abused the unhappy K. Henry Stuart in mo cases then one a stout and a discreet man in the cause of God and M. Henry Balneves an old professour For the part of the Clergy one Hay Dean of Lastarrik and certain old Bishops with him The conclusion was the Commissioners of Broughes and a part of the Nobility required of the Parliament that it might be Enacted That it should be lawfull to every man to use the benefit of the Translation which then they had of the Old and New Testament together with the benefit of other Treatises containing wholsome Doctrine untill such time as the Prelats and other Church-men should give and set forth unto them a Translation more correct The Clergie hereto long repugned But in the end convinced by Reasons and by multitude of voyces in their contrary they also condescended And so by Act of Parliament it was made free to all men and women to read the Scriptures in their owne Uulgar Tongue and so were all Acts made to the contrary abolished This was no small Victorie of CHRIST JESUS fighting against the conjured enemies of his Veritie No small comfort to such as before were holden in such bondage that they durst not have read The Lords Prayer The ten Commandments nor The Articles of their Faith in the Uulgar Tongue but they should have been accused of Heresie Then might have beene seene the Bible lying almost upon every Gentlemans Table The New Testament was borne about in many mens hands We grant that some alas prophaned that blessed Word for some that perchance had never read ten Sentences in it had it most common in their hand they would chop their familiars on the cheeke with it and say This hath lyne under my beds feet these ten yeers Others would glory O how oft have I been in danger for this Booke how secretly have I stollen from my wife at midnight to reade upon it And this was done we say of many to make cowrt and curry favour thereby For all men esteemed the Governour to have been one of the most fervent Protestants that was in Europe Albeit we say that many abused that libertie granted of God miraculously yet thereby did the knowledge of God wonderously increase and God gave his holy spirit to simple men in great abundance Then were set forth works in our owne Tongue besides those that came from England that did disclose the pride the craft the tyrannie and abuses of that Romane Antichrist The fame of our Governour was spread in divers countreys and many praised God for him King Henry the eight sent unto him his Ambassadour M. Radulph Saidlair who lay in Edinburgh a great part of the Summer his Commission and Negotiation was to contract a perpetuall amitie betwixt England and Scotland The occasion whereof God had so offered that to many men it appeared that from heaven he had declared his good pleasure in that behalfe For to King Henry of Iane Seymer after the death of Queene Katherine and of all others that might have made his Marriage suspect was given a sonne Edward the sixth of blessed memory elder some yeeres then our Mistresse and unto us was left a Queene as before we have heard This wonderfull providence of God caused men of greatest judgement to enter into disputation with themselves Whether that with good conscience any man might repugne to the desires of the King of England considering that thereby all occasion of Warre might be cut off and great commodity might ensue to this Realme The offers of King Henry was so large and his demands so reasonable that all that loved quietnesse were content therewith There were sent from the Parliament to King Henry in Commission Sir Iames Lermont and M. Henry Balnevis who long remaining in England so travailed that all things concerning the Marriage betwixt Edward the sixth and Mary Queen of Scots was agreed upon except the time of her deliverance to the custody of English-men Upon the finall conclusion of the which head were added to the former Commissioners William Earle of Glencarne and Sir George Dowglas to whom was given ample Commission and good Instructions In Scotland remained M. Radulph Saidlaire advertisements past so frequently betwixt yea the hands of our Lords liberally were anointed besides other commodities promised and of some received for divers Prisoners taken at Solway mosse were sent home free upon promise of their fidelity which as it was kept the issue will witnesse But in the end so well were all once content the Cardinall the
it betwixt them for that day The feare riseth and at an instant they which before were victors and were not yet assaulted with any force except with ordnance as is said cast from them their spears and fled So that Gods power was so evidently seen that in one moment yea at one instant time both the armies were fleeing The shout came from the hill from those that hoped no victory upon the English part The shout rises we say They flee they flee but at the first it could not be beleeved till at the last it was clearly seene that all had given back and still began the cruell slaughter which was the greater by reason of the late displeasure of the men of arms the chase and slaughter lasted till neer Edinburgh upon the one part and toward Dalketh upon the other The number of the slain upon the Scottish side were judged nigh ten thousand men The Earle of Huntly was taken and carried to London But he relieved himselfe being surety for many reasons Honesty or unhonesty we know not but as the bruite was he used policie with England In that same time was slain the Master of Erskin dearly beloved of the Queene for whom she made great lamentation and bare his death many dayes in minde When the certaintie of the discomfiture came she was in Edinburgh abiding upon tidings But with expedition she posted that same night to Sterlin with Monsieur Dosell who was as fearfull as a Fox when his hole is smoaked And thus did God take the second revenge upon the perjured Governour with such as assisted him to defend an unjust quarrell Albeit that many innocents fell amongst the middest of the wicked The English armie came to Leyth and their taking order with their prisoners and spoile they returned with this victory which they looked not for to England That Winter following was great hearships made upon all the borders of Scotland Broughtie mountain was taken by the Englishmen and besieged by the Governor but still kept And at it was slain Gawine the best of the Hamiltons and the ordnance left Whereupon the Englishmen encouraged began to fortifie upon the hill above Broughty house which was called The fort of Broughty and was very noisome to Dundie which it burnt and laid waste and so did it the most part of Angus which was not assured and under friendship with them The Lent following was Hadington fortified by the English men The most part of Lothian from Edinburgh East was either assured or laid waste This did God plague in every quarter But men were blinde and would not nor could not consider the cause The Lairdes Ormeston and Brunstone were banished and after sore assaulted and so were all those of the Castle of S. Andrews The sure knowledge of the troubles of Scotland coming to France there was prepared a Navie and Army The Navie was such as never was seen to come from France for the support of Scotland for besides the Gallies being twenty two in number they had threescore great Ships besides Victuallers How soon so ever they took the plain seas the red Lion of Scotland was displayed and they holden as rebels unto France such policie is no falshood in Princes for good peace stood betwixt France and England And the King of France approved nothing that they did The chiefe men to whom the conducting of the Army was appointed were Monsieur Dandelott Monsieur de Termes and Peter Strozi In their journey they made some harship upon the coast of England but it was not great They arrived in Scotland in May in the yeere of our Lord 1549. The Gallies did visit the Fort of Broughtie but did no more at that time Preparations were made for the siege of Hadington but it was another thing that they meant as the issue declared The whole body of the Realm assembled the form of a Parliament was set to be holden there to wit in the Abbey of Hadington The principall head was the Marriage of the Princesse by the State before contracted to King Edward to the King of France and of her present deliverie by reason of the danger she stood in by the invasion of the old enemies of England Some were corrupted with buds some deceived by flattering promise and some for fear were compelled to consent for the French Souldiers were the officers of Arms in that Parliament The Laird of Balcleuch a bloody man with many Gods-wounds swore They that would not consent should do worse The Governour got the Title of Duke of Chattelherauld with the order of the Cockle and a Pension of 12000. lib. turn with a full discharge of all intermissions with King Iames the fift his treasure and substance whatsoever with possession of the Castle of Dumbartane till that issue should be seen of the Queenes body With these and other conditions stood he content to sell his Soveraigne out of his own hands which in the end will be his destruction God thereby punishing his former wickednesse if speedie repentance prevent not Gods judgements which we heartily wish Huntly Argyle and Angus were likewise made Knights of the Cockle and for that and other good deeds received they sold also their part Shortly none was found to resist that unjust demand And so was she sold to go to France To the end that in her youth she should drink of that liquor that should remain with her all her life time for a plague to this Realm and for her own ruine And therefore albeit that now a fire cometh out of her that consumes many let no man wonder she is Gods hand in his displeasure punishing our former ingratitude Let men patiently abide Gods appointed time and turn unto him with hearty repentance then God will surely stop the fire that now comes from her by sudden changing her heart to deal favourably with his people or else by taking her away or by stopping her to go on in her couâ—se by such meanes as he shall think meet in his wisdom for he having all in his hand disposeth of all and doth with all according to his own will unto which we must not onely yeeld but also be heartily pleased with it since it is absolutely good and both by Sacred and Prophane History we are taught to do so for in them we finde That Princes have been raised up by his hands to punish his people But when they turned unto him with hearty repentance he either turned the heart of the Prince to deal kindly with his people or else did take him away or at least did stop his violent course against his people Of this the examples are so frequent that we spare to name them heere But to returne to our Historie This conclusion That our Queene without further delay should be delivered to France The siege continued great shooting but no assaulting and yet they had fair occasion offered unto them For the English-men approaching to
the 29 day of September 1559. By your Brethren The Duke and Lords understanding that the Fortifications of Leith proceeded appointed their whole Forces to convene at Sterlin the 15 day of Octob. that from thence they might march forward to Edinburgh for the redresse of the greatest enormities which the French did to the whole Countrey which by them was so oppressed that the life of all honest men was bitter unto them In this mean time the Lords directed their Letters to divers parts of the Countrey making mention what danger did hang over all men if the French should be suffered to plant in this Countrey at their pleasure They made mention farther How humbly they had besought the Queen Regent That she would send away to France her French-men who were a burden unprofitable and grievous to this Common-wealth and how that she notwithstanding did daily augment their number bringing wives and children a plain declaration of a plain conquest The Queen Regent perceiving that her craft began to be espied by all means possible travelled to blinde the people And first she sent forth her pestilent Post forenamed in all parts of the Countrey to perswade all men that she offereth all things reasonable to the Congregation and that they refusing all reason pretended no Religion but a plaine revolt from Authority She tempted every man in particular as well those that were of the Congregation as those that were neutralls She assaulted every man as she thought most easily he might have been overcome To the Lord Ruthuen she sent the Justice Clerk and his wife who is daughter to the wife of the said Lord what was their Commission and credit is no further known then the said Lord hath confessed which is That large promise of profit was promised if he would leave the Congregation and be the Queens To Lord Iames Prior of Saint Andrews was sent Master Iohn Spens of Condie with a Letter and Credit as followeth The Memoriall of Master Iohn Spens of Condie the thirtieth of September 1. YE shall say That the Queens great favour towards you moveth her to this 2. That she now knoweth that the occasion of your departing from her was the favour of the Word and of the Religion with the which albeit she was offended yet knowing your heart and the hearts of the other Lords firmely fixed thereupon she will beare with you in that behalfe and at your owne sights she will set forward that Cause at her power as may stand with Gods Word the common policie of this Realme and the Princes honour note good Reader what venome lurked here for plaine it is that the policie which she pretended and the Princes honour will never suffer Christ Iesus to reigne in this Realme 3. To speak of the occasion of assembling of these men of Warre and fortifying of Leith you must know That it was given to the Queen to understand by some about her that it is not the advancement of the Word and Religion which is sought at this time but rather a pretence to overthrow or alter the authority of your Sister of the which she beleeveth still that ye are not participant and considering the tendernesse betwixt you and your Sister she trusted more in you in that behalfe then in any living But before the Earle of Arrane arrived and that the Duke departed from her faction she ceased not continually to cry That the Prior sought to make himselfe King and so not onely to deprive his Sister to make himselfe King but also to defraud the Duke and his house of their pretension But foreseeing a storme she began to seek a new winde She further willeth him to offer the sending away of the men of War if the former suspition could be removed she lamented the trouble that appeared to follow if the matter should long stand in debate she promised her faithfull labours for reconciliation and required the same of him Requiring further Faith Honour and kindnesse towards his Sister and to advertise for his part what he desired with promise That he might obtaine what he pleased to desire To this Letter and Credit the said Lord Iames answered as followeth MADAME I Received your Highnesse Writ and have heard the credit of the Bearer and finding the businesse of such importance that dangerous it were to give hastie answer And also your Demands are such That with my honour I cannot answer them privately by my selfe I have thought good to delay the same till that I may have the judgement of the whole Councell For this point I will not conceale from your Majestie That amongst us there is a solemned Oath that none of us shall traffique with your Majestie secretly neither yet that any of us shall treat or deale for himselfe particularly Which Oath for my part I purpose to keep unviolated to the end But when the rest of the Noble-men shall conveene I shall leave nothing that lyeth in my power undone that may make for the quietnesse of this poore Realme Provided That the glory of Christ Iesus be not hindered by our concord And if your Majestie shall be found so tractable as now ye offer I doubt not to obtaine of the rest of my brethren such favour towards your service as your Majestie shall have just occasion to stand content For I take God to record That in this action I have neither sought neither yet seek any other thing then to increase Gods glory and the Libertie of this poore Realme to be maintained Further I have shewed unto your Messenger what things have misliked me in your proceedings even from such a heart as I wish to God you knew fully and all men else And this with hearty commendation of service to your Majestie I heartily commit your Highnesse to the eternall protection of the omnipotent At Saint Andrews the first of October Sic subscribitur Your Majesties humble and obedient Servitour I. St. This answer received she raged as hypocrisie useth when it is pricked and perceiving that she could not work what she would at the hands of men particularly she set forth a Proclamation universally to be proclaimed in the tenour as followeth The Queens Proclamation FOr so much as it is understood by the Queen that the Duke of Chattellawralt hath lately directed his Missives into all parts of this Realm making mention that the French-men late arrived with their wives and children are begun to plant in Leith to the ruine of the Common-weale which he and his partakers will not passe over with patient beholding desiring to know what will be every mans part And that the fortification of Leith is a purpose devised in France and that therefore Monsieur de la Brosse and the Bishop of Amiens are come to this countrey A thing so vaine and untrue that the contrary thereof is knowne to all men of free judgement Therefore the Queen willing that the occasions whereby her Majesty was moved so to do be
and reconciliation then destruction and hatred They committed his house to the custodie of a Captain to wit Captain Forbesse To whom and to all Souldiers there left was given a sharpe commandment That all things found within the said house of Crychton which were put in inventory in presence of the Lords should be kept till that the Earle Bothwell should give answer Whether he would make restitution or not time of advertisment was granted unto him the whole day subsequent till going down of the sun In absence of the said Lords and horsemen we meane the same day that they departed which was the last of October the Provest and Town of Dundie together with some Souldiers passed forth of the Town of Edinburgh and carried with them some great Ordnance to shoot at Leith The Duke the Earle of Glencarne and the rest of the Noble-men were gone to the Preaching where they continued almost till noone The French being advertised by one named Clerk who after was apprehended that our horsemen were absent and that the whole company were at dinner issued and with great expedition came to the place where our Ordnance was laid The Town of Dundie with a few other resisted a while as well with the Ordnance as hakbuts but being left by our ungodly and feeble Souldiers who fled without stroke offered or given they were compelled to give back and so to leave the Ordnance to the enemies who further pursued the fugitives to wit to the midst of the Canongate and to the foot of Leith winde Their cruelty began then to discover it selfe for the maimed the aged the women and children found no greater favour in their fury then did the strong man who made resistance It was very apparant that among our selves there was some treason For when upon the first alarme all men made haste for reliefe of their brethren whom in very deed we might have saved and at least we might have saved the Ordnance and have kept the Cannongate from danger For we were once marched forward with bold courage but then we say was a shout raised amongst our selves God will disclose the traitours one day affirming That the whole French Company were entred in at Leith-winde upon our backs What clamour and disorder did then suddenly arise we list not to expresse with multiplication of words The horsmen and some of those that ought to have put order to others over-rode their poor brethren at the entry of the nether Bow The cry of discomfort arose in the Towne the wicked and malignant blasphemed The feeble amongst whom the Justice Clerk Sir Iohn Ballenden was fled without delay With great difficulty could they be kept in at the West Port. M. Gawan Hamilton cryed with a loud voice Drinke now as ye have brewed The French perceiving by the clamour of our fray followed as said is to the midst of the Cannon-gate to no great number but a twenty or thirty of their foot losse for in the mean time the rest retired themselves with our Ordinance The Earle of Argyle and his men were the first that stopped the flying of our men and compelled the Port to be opened after that it was shut But in very deed Lord Robert Stewart Abbot of Halyrud-house was the first that issued forth after him followed many upon the backs of the French At last came the Duke and then was no man more busie then was M. Gawan Hamilton aforesaid The French burnt a Back-house and took some spoile from the poor of the Cannon-gate They slue a Papist and a drunken Priest named Sir Thomas Sklaitter an aged man a woman giving suck and her childe and of our Souldiers to the number of ten Certain were taken amongst whom Captain Mowet was one M. Charles Geddes domestick to the Master of Maxwell The Capt. of the Castle that day shot a Shot at the French declaring them thereby friends to us and enemy to them but he suddenly repented of well-doing The Queen glad of Victory sate upon the Rampart to salute and welcome her victorious souldiers one brought a Kirtle another a Petticoat the third a Pot or Pan and of envy more then womanly laughter she asked Where bought ye your ware Ie pense que vous l'aues achete sans argent This was the great and motherly care which she took for the trouble of the poor subjects of this Realme The Earle Bothwell lifted up in his owne conceit by reason of this our repulse and discomfiture utterly refused any restitution and so within two dayes after was his house spoyled in which were no things of great importance his Evidences and certain Clothing excepted From that day back the carriage of money was dejected with great difficulty could men be retained in the Towne yea some of the greatest estimation determined with themselves to leave the enterprise many fled away secretly and those that did abide a very few excepted appeared destitute of counsell and manhood The Master of Maxwell a man stout and witty foreseeing the danger desired most gravely either to take such order that they might remaine to the terrour of the enemy or else that they should retire themselves with their Ordnance and Banners displayed in order But the wits of men being dashed no counsell could prevaile We continued from Wednesday the last of October till Munday the fifth of November never two or three abiding firme in one opinion the space of four and twenty houres The pestilent wits of the Queens practisers did then exercise themselves God shall recompence their malicious craft in their owne bosome we doubt not for they caused two godly and forward young men the Lairds of Farnihaste and Cesfurd who once had gladly joyned themselves with us to with-draw themselves and their friends The same they did to the Earle Morton who promised to be ours but did not plainly joyn They enticed the Captain of the Castle to deny us support in case we were pursued And finally the counsell of some was no lesse pestiferous against us then was the counsell of Achitophel against David and his discomfited souldiers Render Lord to the wicked according to their malice Upon Munday the fifth of November did the French issue out of Leith betimes in the morning for keeping of the Victualls which should have come to us we being troubled among our selves and as said is divided in opinions were neither circumspect when they did issue neither yet did we follow with such expedition as had been meet for them that would have sought our advantage Our souldiers could scarcely be driven forth of the Towne The Earle of Arran Lord Iames and certain with them made haste many honest men then followed and made such diligence that they caused the French once to retire somewhat affrayedly The rest that were in Leith perceiving the danger of their fellows issued out for their succour The Earle of Arran and Lord Iames aforesaid being more forward then
it in nothing for your first two witnesses speak against the Anabaptists who deny that Christians should be subject to Magistrates or yet that it is lawfull for a Christian to be a Magistrate whose opinion I no lesse abhor then ye do or any other that liveth The others speak of Christians subject to Tyrants and Infidels so dispersed that they have no other force but onely to sob unto God for deliverance that such indeed should hazard any further then these godly men wills them I cannot hastily be of counsell But my argument hath another ground for I speak of a people assembled in one Body of a Common-wealth unto whom God hath given sufficient force not onely to resist but also to suppresse all kinde of open Idolatry And such a people yet again I affirme are bound to keep their Land clean and unpolluted And that this my division shall not appear strange unto you ye shall understand that God required one thing of Abraham and of his Seed when he and they were strangers and Pilgrims in Egypt and Canaan and another thing required he of them when they were delivered from the Bondage of Egypt and the possession of the Land of Canaan granted unto them The first and during the time of their Bondage God craved no more but that Abraham should not defile himselfe with their Idolatry neither was he nor his Posterity commanded to destroy the Idolls that were in Canaan or in Egypt But when God gave unto them possession of the Land he gave unto them this strait Commandment Beware that thou make not League or Confederacie with the inhabitants of this Land give not thy sonnes unto their daughters nor yet give thy daughters unto their sonnes c. But this ye shall do unto them Cut down their Groves destroy their Images breake downe their Altars and leave thou no kinde of remembrance of these Abominations which the Inhabitants of the Land used before for thou art a holy People unto the Lord thy God defile not thy selfe therefore with their gods c. To this Commandment I say are ye my Lords and all such as have professed the Lord within this Realme bound for God hath wrought no lesse miraculously upon you both Spiritually and Corporally then he did unto the Carnall Seed of Abraham For in what state your Bodies and this poor Realme were within these seven yeers your selves cannot be ignorant you and it were both in the Bondage of a strange Nation and what Tyrants did raigne over your consciences God perchance may yet again let you feel because that ye do not rightly acknowledge and esteeme the benefits received when our poore Brethren that were before us gave up their bodies to the flames of fire for the Testimony of Gods Truth And when scarcely could be found ten in a Country that rightly knew God it had been foolishnesse to have craved either of the Nobility or of the mean Subjects the suppressing of Idolatry for that had been nothing but to have exposed the simple Sheep in a prey to the Wolves But since that God hath multiplyed knowledge yea and hath given the victory to his Truth even in the hands of his servants if yee suffer the Land again to be defiled yee and your Princes shall both drinke the cup of Gods indignation The Queen for her obstinate abiding in manifest Idolatry in this great light of the Evangell of Jesus Christ And ye for your permission and maintaining her in the same Lethington said In that point we will never agree And where finde ye I pray you that ever any of the Prophets or of the Apostles taught such Doctrine That the people should be plagued for the Idolatry of the Prince or yet That the Subjects might suppresse the Idolatry of the Rulers or them for the same What was the Commission given unto the Apostles My Lord said he we know it was to preach and plant the Evangell of Jesus Christ where darknesse before had Dominion And therefore it behoved them to let them see the light before that they should will them to put their hands to suppresse Idolatry What precepts the Apostles gave unto the faithfull in particular other then that they commanded all to fly from Idolatry I will not affirme But I finde two things which the faithfull did The one was They assisted their Preachers even against the Rulers and Magistrates The other was They suppressed Idolatry wheresoever God gave unto them force asking no leave of the Emperour nor of his Deputies Read the Ecclesiasticall Histories and ye shall finde examples sufficient And as to the Doctrine of the Prophets we know they were Interpreters of the Law of God and we know They spake as well unto the Kings as unto the People I read that neither of both would heare them and therefore came the plague of God upon both but that they flattered the Kings more then they did the people I cannot be perswaded Now Gods Law pronounces death as before I have said to Idolaters without exception of persons Now how the Prophets could rightly interpret the Law and shew the cause of Gods Judgements which ever they threatned should fall for Idolatry and for the rest of the abhominations that did accompany it for it is never alone but still corrupt Religion brings with it a filthy and corrupt life How I say the Prophets could reprove the Vice and not shew the people their duty I understand not And therefore I constantly beleeve That the Doctrine of the Prophets was so sensible That the Kings understood their own abhominations and the people understood what they ought to have done in punishing and repressing them But because that the most part of the People was no lesse Rebellious unto God then were their Princes Therefore the one and the other conjured against God and against his servants And yet my Lord The facts of some Prophets are so evident That thereby we may collect what Doctrine they taught For it were no small absurdity to affirme that their facts did repugne to their Doctrine I think said Lethington ye meane of the History of Iehu What will yee prove thereby The chief head said Iohn Knox that ye deny to wit That the Prophets never taught that it appertained to the people to punish the Idolatry of their Kings The contrary whereof I affirme and for the probation I am ready to produce the fact of a Prophet For ye know my Lord said he that Elizeus sent one of the children of the Prophets to annoint Iehu who gave him a commandment to destroy the house of his Master Achab for the Idolatry committed by him and for the innocent blood that Iezabell his wicked Wife had shed While he obeyed and put in full execution for the which God promised unto him the stability of the Kingdome unto the fourth Generation Now said he here is the fact of a Prophet that proves that Subjects were commanded to execute Gods judgements upon
to get the Crown Matrimoniall In the Tolbooth was devised and named the Heads of the Articles that were drawn against the banished Lords Upon the morrow and Saturday following there was great reasoning concerning the Attainder some alleadged That the Summons was was not well Libelled or Dressed others thought the matter of Treason was not sufficiently proved and indeed they were still seeking proof for there was no other way but the Queen would have them all attainted albeit the time was very short the twelfth day of March should have been the day which was the Tuesday following Now the matter was stayed by a marvellous Tragedy for by the Lords upon the Saturday before which was the ninth of March about Supper-time David Rizio the Italian named the French Secretary was slain in the Gallery below Stairs the King staying in the room with the Queen told her That the Designe was onely to take order with that Villain after that he had been taken violently from the Queens presence who requested most earnestly for the saving of his life which act was done by the Earle of Morton the Lord Ruthven the Lord Lindsay the Master of Ruthven with divers other Gentlemen They first purposed to have hanged him and had provided Cords for the same purpose but the great haste which they had moved them to dispatch him with Whingers or Daggers wherewith they gave him three and fifty strokes They sent away and put forth all such persons as they suspected The Earles Bothwell and Hnntley hearing the noise and clamour came suddenly to the Close intending to have made work if they had had a partie strong enough but the Earle Morton commanded them to passe to their Chamber or else they should doe worse At the which words they retyred immediately and so past forth at a back Window they two alone and with great fear came forth of the Towne to Edmistone on foot and from thence to Crichton This David Rizio was so foolish that not onely he had drawne unto him the managing of all Affaires the King set aside but also his Equipage and Train did surpasse the Kings and at the Parliament that was to be he was ordained to be Chancellour which made the Lords conspire against him They made a Bond to stand to the Religion and Liberties of the Countreys and to free themselves of the slavery of the Villain David Rizio The King and his father subscribed to the Bond for they durst not trust the Kings word without his Signet There was a French Priest called Iohn Daniot who advised David Rizio to make his fortune and be gone for the Scots would not suffer him long His answer was That the Scots would bragg but not fight then he advised him to beware of the Bastard To this he answered That the Bastard should never live in Scotland in his time he meant the Earle Murray but it happened that one George Dowlas Bastard son to the Earle of Angus gave him the first stroke The Queen when she heard he was dead left weeping and declared she would study revenge which she did Immediatly it was noised in the Town of Edinburgh that there was murther committed within the Kings Palace wherefore the Provest caused to Ring the common Bell or Sonner le toksain as the French speaks and straightway past to the Palace having about four or five hundred men in warlike manner and as they stood in the utter Court the King called to the Provest commanding him to passe home with his company saying The Queen and he were merry But the Provest desired to hear the Queen speak her self Whereunto it was answered by the King Provest know you not that I am King I command you to passe home to your houses and immediately they retired The next day which was the second Sunday of our Fast in Edinburgh there was a Proclamation made in the Kings Name subscribed with his hand That all Bishops Abbots and other Papists should avoid and depart the Town which Proclamation was indeed observed for they had a Flea in their Hose There were Letters sent forth in the Kings Name and subscribed with his hand to the Provest and Bailiffs of Edinburgh the Bailiffs of Leith and Cannogate commanding them to be ready in Armour to assist the King and his Company and likewise other private writings directed to divers Lords and Gentlemen to come with all expedition In the mean time the Queen being above measure enraged offended and troubled as the issue of the matter declared sometime railing upon the King and sometime crying out at the Windows desired her servants to set her at libertie for she was highly offended and troubled This same tenth of March the Earle of Murray with the rest of the Lords and Noblemen that were with him having received the Kings Letter for after the Bond above named was Subscribed the King Wrote unto the banished Lords to return into their Countrey being one of the Articles of the said Bond came at night to the Abbey being also convoyed by the Lord Hume and a great company of the borderers to the nâ—mber of 1000 horses And first after he had presented himself to the King the Queen was informed of his sudden coming and therefore sent unto him commanding him to come to her and he obeying went to her who with a singular gravitie received him after that he had made his purgation and declared the over-great affection which he bore continually to her Majestie The Earles of Athole Cathnes and Sutherland departed out of the Town with the Bishops upon the Munday the third day after the slaughter of David Rizio The Earles of Lenox Murray Morton and Rothes Lords Ruthven Lindsay Boyd and Ocheltrie sitting in Councell desired the Queen That forasmuch as the thing which was done could not be undone that she would for avoiding of greater inconveniences forget the same and take it as good service seeing there were so many Noblemen restored The Queen dissembling her displeasure and indignation gave good words neverthelesse she desired That all persons armed or otherwise being within the Palace at that time should remove leaving the Palace void of all saving onely her domestick servants The Lords being perswaded by the uxorious King and and the facile Earle of Murray condescended to her desire who finally the next morning two hours before day past to Seaton and then to Dumbar having in her company the simple King who was allured by her sugred words from Dumbar immediately were sent Pursuivants with Letters thorowout the Countrey and especially Letters to the Noble-men and Barons commanding them to come to Dumbar to assist the King and Queen within five dayes In the mean time the Lords being informed of the sudden departure they were astonished and knew not what were best for them to do But because it was the self-same day to wit the twelfth day of March that they were summoned unto therefore having good opportunity they past to the Tolbooth which was
Office And seeing also that Moses was so far preferred to Aaron that the one commanded and the other did obey Who dare esteem that the Civill power is now become so profane in Gods eyes that it is sequestred from all intromission with the matters of Religion The holy Ghost in divers places declareth the contrary For one of the chief Precepts commanded to the King when that he should be placed in his Throne was to write the example of the Book of the Lords Law that it should be with him that he might reade in it all the dayes of his life that he might learn to fear the Lord his God and to keep all the words of his Law and his Statutes to do them This Precept he requireth not onely that the King should himself fear God keep his Law and Statutes but that also he as the chief Ruler should provide that Gods true Religion should be kept inviolated of the people and flock which by God was committed to his charge And this did not onely David and Solomon perfectly understand but also some godly Kings in Iuda after the apostasie and idolatry that infected Israel by the means of Ieroboam did employ their understanding and execute their power in some notable Reformations For Asa and Iosaphat Kings in Iuda finding the Religion altogether corrupt did apply their hearts saith the holy Ghost to serve the Lord and to walk in his wayes And thereafter doth witnesse That Asa removed from Honours his mother some say grand-mother because she had committed and laboured to maintain Idolatry And Iosaphat did not onely refuse strange gods himself but also destroying the chief Monuments of Idolatry did send forth the Levites to instruct the people Whereof it is plain That the one and the other did understand such Reformations to appertain to their duties But the facts of Ezechias and of Iosias do more cleerly prove the power and duty of the Civill Magistrate in Reformation of Religion Before the Raign of Ezechias Religion was so corrupt that the doors of the House of the Lord were shut up the Lamps were extinguished no Sacrifice was orderly made But in the first yeer of his Raigne in the first moneth of the same did the King open the doors of the Temple bring in the Priests and Levites and assembling them together did speak unto them as followeth Hear me O ye Levites and be ye sanctified now and sanctifie also the House of the Lord God of your fathers and carry forth all filthinesse he meaneth All monuments and vessels of Idolatry for our fathers have transgressed and have committed wickednesse in the eyes of the Eternall our God they have left him and turned their faces from the Tabernacle of the Lord and therefore is the wrath of the Lord come upon Juda and Jerusalem Behold our fathers have fallen by the sword our sons daughters and wives are led into Captivity But now have I purposed in my heart to make a Covenant with the Lord God of Israel that he may turne the wrath of his fury from us And therefore my sons he sweetly exhorteth be not faint for the Lord hath chosen you to stand in his presence and to serve him Such as be not more then blinde cleerly may perceive that the King doth acknowledge That it appertained to his charge To reforme the Religion To appoint the Levites to their charges and To admonish them of their Duty and Office Which thing he most evidently declareth writing his Letters to all Israel to Ephraim and Manasses and sent the same by the hands of Messengers having this tenour You sons of Israel return to the Lord God of Abraham Isaac and Israel and he shall turn to the residue that resteth from the hands of Assur Be not as your fathers and as your brethren were who have transgressed against the Lord God of their fathers who hath made them desolate as you see Hold not your heart therefore but give your hand unto the Lord return unto his Sanctuary serve him and he shall shew mercy unto you to your sons and daughters that be in Bondage for he is pitifull and easie to be intreated Thus far did Ezechias by Letters and Messengers provoke the people declined from God to repentance not onely in Iuda where he raigned lawfull King but also in Israel subject then to another King And albeit that by some wicked men his Messengers were mocked yet as they lacked not their just punishment for within six dayes after Samaria was destroyed and Israel led captive by Salmanazar so did not the zealous King Ezechias desist to prosecute his duty in restoring the Religion to Gods perfect Ordinance removing all abominations The same is to be read of Iosias who did not onely restore the Religion but did further destroy all Monuments of Idolatry which of long time had remained For it is written of him That after that the Book of the Law was found and that he asked counsell at the Prophetesse Hulda he sent and gathered all the Elders of Iuda and Ierusalem and standing in the Temple of the Lord he made a Covenant That all the people from the great to the small should walk after the Lord should observe his Law Statutes and Testimonies with all their heart and with all their soul and that they should ratifie and confirm whatsoever was written in the Booke of God He further commanded Hilkias the high Priest and the Priests of the inferiour Order That they should carry forth of the Temple of the Lord all the vessels that were made to Baal which he burnt and did carry their powder to Bethel He did further destroy all Monuments of Idolatry yea even those that had remained from the dayes of Solomon he did burn them stamp them to Powder whereof one part he scattered in the brook Kidron and the other part upon the Sepulchres and Graves of the Idolaters whose bones he did burn upon the Altars where before they made Sacrifice not onely in Iuda but also in Bethel where Ieroboam had erected his Idolatry yea he further proceeded and did kill the Priests of the high places who were Idolaters and had deceived the people he did kill them I say and burnt their bones upon their own Altars and so returned to Ierusalem This Reformation made Iosias and for the same obtained this Testimony of the holy Ghost That neither before him nor after him was there any such King who returned to God with his whole soul and with all his strength according to all the Law of Moses Of which Histories it is evident That the Reformation of Religion in all points together with the punishment of false Teachers doth appertain to the power of the Civill Magistrate For what God required of them his justice must require of others having the like charge and Authority what he did approve in them he cannot but approve in all others who with like zeal and sincerity