c. This stopt not the strickter inquisition of the Precisians who intercepted Sir Iames Carvet upon the road having it should seem been at some private Masse revested him with his garments carried him to the Market-Crosse at Edenburgh bound the Chalice to his hand and him to the Crosse let him stand there an hour or two for the boyes to throw egges at which they called Serving him with his Easter egges This popular piece of justice was approved afterward and seconded by a grave censure to the same punishment at the Assize onely for some solemnity he had appointed to him the attendance of the Hangman The Queen sent a serious Letter to the Provost Bayliff to proceed legally with the seditious executioners of justice but hereof was little notice taken beside setting Sir Iames and his company at liberty upon Her Majesties special Command In the month of May following some of the Precise Nobility and Clergy being angry that they failed of a design they had against the Earl Bothwell whom they summon'd to Edenburgh but he diverted toward France turn'd their Law-Court into an Ecclesiastick Assembly and without any authority from the Queen sate down to consult about maintaining of Religion but Her Majesty knowing by custome that would end in a Rebellion cites them all to Sterlin about her marriage with the Lord Darley and to subscribe a Writ about obedience to him as their Soveraign which the Brethren that bent themselves every way to cross her caused the Earl Murray to refuse till some conditions about religion were consented to on her part and a Convention ordered to be at St Iohnston to that purpose A day for which being prefixed that a business of that consequence might be the more sedately and peaceably deliberated on the principals of the Precisians summon in what strength they could out of the Countrey which Her Majesty fore-seeing was to force her consent to whatsoever they would propound put off the day till she had advised with her Council after which the 23. of Iune following was appointed but the Queen being by that time too well guarded agaiâ—â—t the intended violence the Brethren had no stomack to assemble and to divert the Earl of Murray who â—as going thither feign a formal stoâ—y of a design upon his person That the Lord Darley should discourse with him and draw him into a dispute whereupon David Rizio of whom more shall be said hereafter was to strike in and with some other Assistants that were in readinesse murder him To colour the Earls absence was given out that he was taken with a flux and lay sick at Lochlevin where he remained till the Queen came to Edenburgh In the interim there is held a general Assâ—mbly of the Church Iuly 24. By this time the Brethren had mustered their strength and were resolved to capitulate to the rigour with the Queen six very modest Articles are drawn up and sent by five Commissioners to be ratified by Her Majesty in Parliament The first and fifth of which were to have her sign her own death in case she altered not her Religon for the Papistical and blasphemous Masse with all Papistical Idolatry c. must be abolished throughout the Realm not onely in the subjects but also in the Queens own person with punishment against all persons that should be deprehended Her Majesty expresly named in the former and not excepted in the latter and the punishment appointed for Idolaters is death as they every where mention The Queen having received this pleasing message departs privately to Dunkeld whither she is persecuted by this Commission prevail'd with for audience and importun'd for a dispatch In her answer she delayes them for eight dayes after which she intended to be in Edenburgh with her Council To gain Her Majesties concession the Brethren arm themselves and assemble at St. Leonard Crag The Queen saw it was now high time to speak her mind which she did in a particular return to the six Articles To the first she onely demanded of her subjects what she freely gave to them liberty of Conscience in the exercise of Religion hoped they would not press her to receive any religion against her conscience which should be unto her a continual trouble by remorse and a perpetual unquietness And to deal plainly Her Majesty neither will nor may leave the Religion wherein she hath been nourâ—shed and brought up But the Brethren still prosecute the religious cause and to prepare it the better for the Parliament approaching the Earls of Aâ—gile and Murray c. meet at Sterlin to consult The Queen takes this ill sâ—nds her two Advocates Mr. Spense and Mr. Crichton who câ—uld by no means perswade them to come to Edenburgh The Queen pâ—orogues the Parliament to the fiâ—st of September preparing by Letters and Proclamations to be in as good a military posture of defence as they could Upon the 18. of Iuly Proclamation was made for obedience to be rendred to the Lord Darley as King the next morning he was Married to the Queen notwithstanding such disturbance intended as the Queen was fain to raise an Army to secure her in her Marriage The Precise Lords had appointed the rendezvouz for their forces the 24. of August and a countermand issued out from their Majesties to attend them at Linlithgow the same day But upon the 19. day of that month Iohn Knox preacheth before the King at Edenburgh upon Isa. 26.13 O Lord our God other Lords besides thee have had dominion over us but by thee onely will we make mention of thy name He declaims against Tyrants and wicked Princes saith expresly That God sets in that room for the offences and ingratitude of the people boyes and women That God justly punisheâ— Ahab and his Posterity because he would not take order with that Harlot Iezabel The King knew whom he meant and forbore his dinner out of anger Knox was summon'd before the Council and wisht to abstain from preaching for some few dayâ—s He answered That he had spoken nothing but according to his Text and if thâ—Church would command him either to speak or abstain he would abstain So far as the word of God would permit So the Kings command must give way to the Churches and Iohn Knox regulate the Churches too according to the word The Lords range up and down the Countrey to encrease their strength but find not what success they hop'd for This makes some divisions in their Councils Murray and Glencarne were for an accommodation the Hamiltons put no confidence in peace pretending the enmity of Kings was implacable no other way to be extinguished but by their death This harsh advice took place with none but such as adhered to them upon a mystical reason their neaâ—â—itle to the Crown And many others looking upon the quarrel as prosecuted upon private interest more than the publick good
chusing Lords Protectors That they would set up and further the true worship of God and all that may concern the purity of Religion and life And for this to take arms if need require They should have added Where need requires another pretense they would take that for taking arms or if it please them take arms without any That all Princes and Kings hereafter in this Realm before their Coronation shall take Oath to maintain the true Religion which if they do to be sure theirs is out of protection This being done the Assembly brake up But all this while they were troubled how to râ—d their hands of the Queen who though a prisoner had yet such authority at liberty as prevented the Brethren from being absolute in their power In consultation about her some were for a conditional restitution others for a legal Tryal deposition and condemnation to perpetual imprisonment but Knox and the meek-spâ—rited Assembly-men upon some holy inspiration publish'd this mercifull censure in their Pulpits To have her divested of Royal authority and executed which took effect in the end although not in so short a time nor by the same hands they then hastily desired Queen Elizabeth of England whose Royal dignity did rather cherish her in then exempt her from an eager emulation which is very inseperable in some cases happily incident to her Sex partly by that and partly upon a conscientious care to preserve and enlarge what is call'd in the Mass the Protestant Religion the sincerity of which was ever pretended but never mean'd nor practis'd by the Presbytery in Scotland and farther upon the jealousie she had of the great reputation and growing power of her successor had from time to time recruited the strength and supported the fainting spirits of that faction yet at such opportunities and upon such politick advantages as gave all her actions the countenance of justice and her self the honour of being as bitter to theirs but when by the help of her Sword they had cut out their way and got the Royal Scepter in their reach like perfidious Rebells ungratefull and cruel Murderers as she call'd them they turn'd the point upon her self would stand no more to the courtesie of her imperious mediation denyed her Ambassador accesse to their Queen and sent him back with a French Proverb in his mouth Il perd le jeu qui la isse la partie to bid her have a care to continue a Friend to their party lest having got the fore-game for them she lose an after-game more considerable when she playes it for her self In the interim the Lords Lindsey and Ruthuen were sent to the Queen to have two Wriâ—s signed one for the renunciation of the Crown and Royal dignity the other to ordain the Earl of Murray Regent during the Princes minority They having by their hard usage brought upon Her Majesty some infirmity of body did her the courtesie to put her in mind of that as a fair pretense why she gave up her Crown and Government but to ballance that they threatned her with Death if she refused Whether Her Majesty set her Hand or no is not so certain as that it was proclaim'd she had at the Market-cross of Edenburgh and soon after the young Prince Crowned King at Sterlin where Iohn Knox sanctified his inauguration with a Sermon and Earl Morton one of them that kill'd his Father with Lord Hume that mean'd as much unto his Mother when he besieged her in Borthwike Castle took the Oath in his behalf That he should constantly live in the profession of the true Religion and maintain it c. It 's no matter whether the King knows it to be true or false he swears to The next solemnity was to proclaim the Regent who was returned out of France whither he had cunningly diverted to avoid the discovery about the murther of the King and his personal appearance in the depositâ—on of the Queen After eleven moneths Imprisonment in all which time she was not once permitted the sight of her Son which she earnestly desired Her Majesty by the help of George Douglas Brothâ—r to the Regent makes an escape out of the Castle and Island of Lochlevin and within ten dayes got an handsome Army and fought a Battail for the recovery of her right but her Friends that were stronger in their affections then arms were unfortunately dispersed and her self narrowly escaped to the borders of England Afterward having sent a Letter to Queen Elizabeth to crave protection in her Kingdom as apprehending some danger in her stay where she was prevented the Queens answer by her coming to Carliste What passed before Queen Elizabeths Commissioners at York and herself at London whither the Regent came being only a discussion of the Scotch factions on all sides and including title of the Clericall proceedings I purposely omit The Regent being returned into Scotland meets with new commotions rais'd by the opportunity of his absence and afterward was overtaken by that which pleas'd him worse three desires from Queen Elizabeth in behalf of the banished Queen 1. That she might be restored to her former Authority and place Or 2. That she might be joynt Regent with her Son aad her Name as well as his in all publick Acts and Writings yet so as Murray should bear all the sway untill the King came to seventeen years of age Or 3. That if the Queen of Scots liked of it she might enjoy her peace in a private condition and with it what honour should not be prejudiciall to the Royal dignity of the King Beside the Queen of Scots sent 〈◊〉 Letter to demand a fair judicial heaâ—ring about the businesse of her marriage with Earl Bothwell that if 〈◊〉 were found illegal she might have the benefit of a divorce and be quiâ— of that engagement These were referred to a Parliament at Perth where the last of Queen Elizabeths propositions were yeilded to upon hopes to get her within the limits of their power when she could have no pretense to raise a party being divested of all her Royalties and to be acknowledged as no other then a private person and subject to the rigor of their Laws by which within a very short time she might be reduced to her former condition in the Castle of Lochlevin To the Queen of Scots Letter they make exceptions upon her assuming the title of Queen c. and when offer was made that that should be amended and urged as a strange Paradox that they which had so much pressed the illegality and impiety of that marriage would not now yeâ—ld unto a cognizance of the businesse they made many frivilous demurs as to have 60 dayes given for the summons of Earl Bothwell who was now in Denmark c. and at last spake plainly that they would have her send to the Danish King to take his Head off and then she was at liberty
humility patience and the crown of Martyrdome it self Retâ—act in part ch 15. what they professed chap. 18. about the notes of the Church and so take Gods Name in vain making a formal confâ—ssion of his truth to no purpose This pretty Pageant fram'd in a schismatical Assembly was brought into the packt Parliament to be voted The true Representative of the doctrine of Christs Church which the Bishops suffered quietly to pass by without spoiling any of the pastboard or guilding because they durst not writes Knox say any thing to the contrary and very likely when they knew it would be to no purpose and were well assured they should pay their Ecclesiastical Benefices if not their lives for a syllable of any such contradiction the Bretheren having petitioned that they might be compelled to answer to former accusations and to other likewise they had yet to lay to their charge which were such no doubt as wanted no weight of further delinquence to press them down to the depth of any Parliamentary Vote This Confession of Faith very liberally suffrag'd was sent into France by the Lord St. Iohn to be ratified by their Majesties By which act of pretended submission to the supremacy of their Princes we may interpret the true meaning of all the rest and take a sure essay of the Presbyterian subjection whatsoever otherwhere they pretend which I desire the Reader diligently to observe and have in mind whensoever afterward shall occur their hypocrisie in dutifull expressions for saith no less author than Mr. Knox No ratification brought he the Lord St. Iohn unto us but that we little regarded or yet do regard for all that we did was rather to shew our dutiful obedience than to beg of them the King and Queen any strength to our religion which from God hath full power and needed not the suffrage of man wherefore then was it put to the Vote in Parliament but in so far as man had need to believe it if that ever he shall have participation of the life everlasting Such obedience as this shewed the Souldiers to our Saviour when they bowed the knee before him and mocked him saying Hail King of the Iews Buchanan acknowledgeth it was sent to the Queen without hope of grant onely to discover the nakedness of her thoughts as good an argument of the modesty as the other was of loyalty of the Brethren But this was not enough to make the Assembly magisterial who themselves must stoop as low as any lay-brother in doctrine and confession of faith It is the discipline that must hold up the rod at least if not the axe too bind their Kings in chains their Nobles in links of iron To the framing of which immediately after this Parliament dissolved commission was given to Mr. Iohn Winram Sub-prior of St. Andrews Mr. Iohn Row and Iohn Knox Mr. Iohn Spotswood Iohn Willock Mr. Iohn Dowglass Rector of St. Andrews all Iohns and beloved disciples that had laid their heads on Christs breast and knew his heart about the reglement of his Kingdome Yet their letters of credit were not so good as to obtain the reception of Ambassadors from heaven though they pretended their message was in every point consonant to the word The Lord Erskin as great a professor as he was and the major part of the Nobility refused this new model Knox imputes it to the care of his Kitchin and 't is not unlikely he and the rest thought their title as good to the Church lands that they might eat the fat and be cloathed with the wooll of the lambs which themselves as well the Clericall Iohns had taken the pains to worry and slay Or it may be they had a care of their eyes which already began to swell with fatness and if they yielded this they would go on with the Psalmist being holdâ—n with pride and overwhelmed with cruelty they would then do even what they lust Yet this curtesie they did the discipline to call it A Book of devout imaginations that is zealous whimzies which might run the round in the Name sakes noddles but if they once got abâ—oad with power to captivate the thoughts of other men which were to be kept in a more reasonable service and obedience of Christ they were to be cast down by the Apostles command like high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge if God yet Argile Glencarn and the whole private pack of conjur'd Rebels subscribe the Book and promise to set it forward at the uttermost of their power whose names were enough to write Nobility in the front and hold it out with the approbation of the Honourable to the people But to accomplish the work behold the hand of God appears through this cloud and scatters morning roses in the way of the Râ—formers Here saith Knox was joy to Scotland and matter of Thanksgiving for the wondrous work and inestimable benefit of the Lord And what is this but the death of an innocent young King Francis the second Husband to the Queen of Scots who because no friend to the Brethren and so a robber c. Knox cannot but brand his memory in the forehead with He was suddenly stricken with an Apostâ—me in the deaf ear that nevâ—r would hear the truth of God His glory perished and the pride of his stubborn heart vanished in smoak Upon notice hereof was a new Convention of the Nobility at Edenburgh wherein the Book of Discipline was again perused in favour of some that pretended ignorance who when they heard it were not so taken as to own it by subscription or adde to the authority of it by their vote yet to prepare the way for the people to be acquainted with it twelve things call'd Superintendents are â—ut out chipt and fashioned just after the pattern in the Book And because all must run in the name Iohn Spotswood is appointed for Lowthian and as the leading man is in the printed form and order of the election March 9 1560. In which form I shall onely intimate two or three things as I go First that the election of him not onely approbation is in shew devolv'd upon the people who promise obedience to him as their Pastor no longer than he remains faithfull in his office This election of the people is styl'd The Call of God in them who it should seem miraculously moves their hearts and directs them to the summoning of Iohn This Iohn must professe That the life of Angels relates to Christ as Head and Mediator of his Church that is if any thing Christ came to redeem as well Angells as men and either summon'd part of those lapsed spirits out of Hell or recovered others that never had been condemned so low This Iohn must further profess himself Subject to the wholesome discipline of the Church and to avoid ambiguity the discipline of the same Church by which he is now
which was pretended deserted their party and so infirmed their strength The remnant sent a Letter to their Majesties flattering their persons but enveighing against their Council putting in some caution for Religion and menacing a hard market for their blood if sought The Princes guessing this might be to gain time remitted no whit of their Military care but made hard marches the weather being very bad At St. Andrews Proclamation was publish'd to inform the subjects about the true state of the difference demonstrating to them that nothing lesse was mean'd than Religion most pretended how hardly they were used according to Mr. Knoxs's Doctrine like Boyes and Gyrls in their pupillage the Lords appointing their Council as their Guardians The Ministers all this while were no cyphars but knowing their Majesties were somewhat necessitated for money to pay their Army which was come to a considerable number of 18000 men thought it the fittest time to supplicate for their meanes This piece of impertinency was easily swallowed among greater troubles their authority being not such at this time as to stand upon termes and expostulate at length the Holy Lords of the Congregation being confiscate and banish'd Therefore they fall to their Prayers for patience comfort and constancy to the exil'd which Iohn Knox did not without honorable mention of them as the best part of the Nobility the chief Members of the Congregation But prayers and tears were not wont to be the onely arms of this new Church and though they had no other at present yet some course must be taken to reduce them into possession of such a power This cannot be done without the exil'd Lords return into the Countrey for which their Letters and missive supplicates not prevailing enquiry was made about the principal obstruction the common current of the Queens favour and mercy diffusive enough requiring naught of the most delinquent Subject but to take the paines to stoop and taste it as he pleased This was found to be David Rizio Her Secretary who by the excellency of his parts and fidelity of his service in these many turns of treachery and falsehood had rais'd himself to an intimacy with the Queen much beyond the quality oâ— his Birth or place in Her Court The Brethren had no such free accesse to the retirements of the Royal Palace as afforded them an opportunity to commit such a rape on Majesty as this nor could there be they thought a better hand than the King to rend in sunder the Queens heart and rifle thence by prerogative priviledge the counterfeit of her dearest servant whom they were resolved to have thrown out of the world that she might never more have benefit by his Counsel nor content by his presence and attendance But such transcendent wickedness as this requires supream providence to guide it nor can any miraculous mischief be wrought but by the plenipotence of Heaven To this purpose a Fast is proclaimed by the Assembly and observed No Fast for strife and debate nor to smite with the fist of wickedness such a Fast no doubt as the Lord had chosen to undo the heavy buâ—thens to break the yoak and to let the oppressed go free The Kings head is daily possessed by convenient instruments with variety of jealousies about his Queen her privacies with David Rizio are suggested as no arguments of her matrimonial fidelity and the precedence of her name before his Her paramours invention did derogate as much from the due authority of an Husband as from the Majesty of a King Naught but David Rizio's removal can make way for the future innocency of the Queen and very just is it thought that his heart blood should blot out his hands error in the writs But bare-fac'd murder is not so beautiful as to draw a tender Conscience to embrace it Religious mask may hide somewhat of the horror and necessity of state animate an adventure to take it by the hand which the Lords of this black Council weighing with themselves propound three Atticles to the King Establishing the Religion Recalling the banish'd Lords and in the rear of these The murder of David Rizio His Royal word might vanish into ayr and be no standing evidence for the security of the actors who presse for a subscription by his hand The discourse alone upon this is enough for an after-claim to his consent and the counterfeit of his name to give his disavowing Majesty the lie Howsoever if his engagement were any the reverence of a Father that advised brought him half way upon the misse-taken borders of his duty and old Patrike Ruvens resurrection who had for many moneths been bed-rid but skipped very lively into this action might impose on his youth as an oracle from the dead Upon the Saturday before the Tuesday prefixed by the Queen for the attainder of the Lords this cripled assassin in the company of the Earl Morton Lord Ruthuen Lord Lindsay c. broke into the presence and in Her Majesties sight who was then great with child carry violently away her servant of greatest secresie and trust and within a Chamber or two by fifty three stroaks with their whingers or daggers murder him for the advancement of the Discipline which work now goes on a pace the Earl Murray and the banish'd Lords returning to the Court upon a pretended summons from the King These with the Murderers sit in Council desire the Queen to take the act for good service because hereby were so many Noblemen restored The poor Queen was fain to be silent in what she could not help and not knowing how soon her own turn was to come as an essay of their intentions desired the armed Guard might be dismissed for granting which the cruel Brethren count the King uxorious and simple the Earl Murray facile and the other Lords too inclinable to submit Her Majesty though good natur'd was neither stupid nor partial when indued with exercive power The blood of Rizio called upon her for Justice more then the memory of his good service or her own affection did incite her to revenge This opportunity she took to summon her loyal Subjects to Dunbar whither Her Majesty privately withdrew The guilty Lords did not like to have any armed assemblies appear but their own and accounted it an entrenchment on their priviledge for the Queen to act any thing but by their counsel At the same time and * place where they should have answered to their charge they convene to protest against the Q. proceedings yet wanting that which was wont more then either their authority or innocency to spirit their dispute they disperse themselves to seek each a single sanctuary in a corner The King and Queen in March were attended with a strong Guard to Edenburgh His Majesty having before by Proclamation quit himself not onely of the guilt but all fore-knowledge of the murder which is not
their admission into the Holy Island The Letters were not obeyed by Earl Hunsdon who dâ—sputed the Secretaries single separate authority nor was the Queen hearkenâ—d to otherwise then by yeilding a legal tryal which cost Gowrie hâ—s Head for all the promises he had of better success from oâ—e Maclen a Wâ—tch whom he had consulted in the case To ballance this somewhat must be done by the Disciplinarian undertakers in England who frame divers Lâ—tters in the name of the Queen of Scots and some English fugitives conveigh them into the Papists houses and then make discovery of a plot Hereupon as slight and improbable as the proofs were the Earls of Northumberland and Arundel were confined his Lady imprison'd divers examin'd and the Lord Paget scarcely by hâ—s prudent innocency protected Queen Elizabeth though facile in hearing their complaints was not so barbarous as to execute the cruelty of their Counsels but called her Judges to account for their extream serverity against the Papists granting indemnity and liberty to many Iesuits and Priests Yet Mendoza the Spanish Ambassador was sent home and Throckmorton whom he was said to have encouraged in an intricate conspiracy being neither constant in denying nor clear in confessing nor at all cunning in concealing or disguising his guilt was hang'd A new Treaty between the two Queens is now commenc'd and Sir William Wade imployed in an overture unto the Queen of Scots but the Agitators of differences between them renew their division by unseasonable jealousies and fears and Wade falls to pasting Father Creyghtone the Iesuits torn papers together neglecting a far more Christian and honourable artifice which he might haâ—e sâ—ewed by cementing the unhappy rupture in two so Royal and magnanimous Ladies hearts This new discomposure gave the Scottish partizans in England a colourable pretense to enter into an association for Queen Elizabeths security from danger which was managed by the policy of the Earl of Leicester The Queen of Scots took hence an alarum oâ— her ruine yet chose rather to submit somewhat of her spirit then in an humour sacrifice her life unto their malice She sends her Secretary Nave with Articles so near Queen Elizabeths demands as had wrought undoubted reconcilement if it had been consistent with the Discipline of the Kirk but this the Scotch Ministry declared to be otherwise in their Pulpits call out for help as if both Kingdoms had been on â—ire and Christian Religion in danger to be consumed by the flames inveâ—gh bitterly against their Queen King and his Council slight the Kings summons to answer stand upon their Ecclesiastical exemption and Presbyterian privilege of immunity from his censure The King began from hence to apprehend it better for his safety and more agreeable with his honour to restore the Miâ—er to the Church then cast away his Crown to a mungrel lay-Clerical Assembly Hereupon he recalls Bishops to their primitive jurisdiction and dignity inhibites all Presbyteries and their Synods together with the popular parity of Ministers and among other Acts pasâ—eth this in the eight Parliamentâ—olden at Edenburgh May 22. 1584. which alone cuts off all their vaine â—retences to this day For as much as some persons being â—ately called before the Kings Majeâ—ty and his secret Council to answer â—pon certain points to have been enquiâ—ed of tâ—em concerning some treasoâ—able seditious and contumelious â—â—eeches uttered by them in Pulpits â—chools and otherways to the disdain â—nd reproach of his Highness his Proâ—enitors and present Council conâ—â—mptuously declined the judgement of â—is Highness and his said Council in that behalf to the evill example of others to dâ— the like if timely remedy be not provided Therefore our Sâ—veraigne Lord and his threâ— Estates assembled in this present Parliament ratifieth and approveth and perpetually confirmeth the Royal power and authority over all Estates as well spiritual as temporal within this Realm in the person of the Kings Majesty our Soveraigne Lord his Heirs and Successors And also statuteth and ordaineth that his Hignâ—ss his Heirs and Successors by themselves and their Councils are and in time to comâ— shall be judges competent to all person His Highnesses subjects of what estate degree function or condition so 〈◊〉 they be spiritual or temporal in 〈◊〉 matters wherein they or any of theâ— shall be apprehended summoned 〈◊〉 charged to answer to such things 〈◊〉 shall be enquired of them by our 〈◊〉 Soveraigne Lord and his Council And that none of them which shalâ— happen to be apprehended called 〈◊〉 summoned to the effect aforesaid prâ—sume to take in hand to dâ—cline 〈◊〉 judgement of his Highness his Heirs and Sâ—ccessors or their Council in the Premises under the pain of Treason This Act puts many of the Assembly birds upon the wing who iâ—nâ—cent Dâ—â—es take none but a Virgin breast for their refuge Queen Elizabeth whose too industriâ—us infirmiâ—y it was to keep up her popular interest with all as well as to enjoy the honour and more clear content of an impartial conscience within her self although she gave no ear to their querulous Remonstrances in private nor permitted their publick libelling in her Churches yet cherished their persons and very unproperly imployed their endeavours to preserve Religion from innovations which made no such real impressions in Scotland as some untrue aggravating relations had in the timeâ—ous minds of her Reformed English Subjects and her self This practise of Her Majesty being observed by those who looked ouâ— of the Scotch Kings Court put the Earl of Arran upon a forward tender of his Service to meet Her Majesties desires and Her Agent the Lord Hunsdon upon the borders but before the time the Sterlin fugitives whom she had protected were prescribed and at it charged by the Earl with their treason against the King The complement he left of his real intentions at parting took place until Patrike Grey came with another Embassie and particular Articles from King Iames But the ill offices it was suspected he did at the same time to the captive Queen gain'd him no reputation with her party and put her upon some such extraordinary courses as betrayed her into a new prison under more restraint and Lâ—icester 't is said upon murderous designes who would not hear of her liberty lesse of her succession to the English Crown To cover whose private spleen and malitious attempts new fears are fetched from the Romane Catholicks and their designes magnified in a mist unto the people whereby a sharper edge is set upon the severity of the Laws This alteration encouraged some of the precise Scottish Religion to pursue the Queens commands for pressing in Parliament to have the Bishops reformed and to others as may be not improbably conjectur'd to murder the Earl of Northumberland in the Tower because a known Friend to the Queen of Scots though they left the pistol wherewith they acted it in
his Chamber and the opinion of self-assasinate at his door Not long after was Sir Edward Wotton sent Ambassador into Scotland to renew a league and present the King with his English retinue which the Regents in his Minority had neglected or pawned for auxiliary support of their power While conditions about this and a marriage with the King of Denmarks daughter were making at Court some others were broken at a meeting upon the borders where though the usual Oath for mutual security was taken the Earl of Bedford was slaine and though by whom not known yet the Lord Fernihurst Governor of the middle Borders was accus'd and imprisoned because a firm adherent to the Queen of Scots and the Earl of Arran câ—nfined bâ—cause a favorite of the Kings The charge was fiercely prosecuted by the English who in the name of the Queen demanded to have their persons delivered which not obtain'd the Eâ—rl of Angus Marre Glames and other prescâ—ibed Fugitiveâ— are sent home who have no sooner set foot in Scotland but by the advice and assistance of the Assembly brethren they summon all â—n the Kings name to them for defense of the Evangel removing ill Counsellors from the King and conserving the old amity with the English Being got into a body of 8000 at Fankirk Arran transgresseth the rules of his confinement to expresâ—e a more considerable duty to the King unto whom he accuseth Patrike Grey of this Treason which he cunningly declines and fortifies Sterlin in dâ—fense of the King but the work was not done when the Rebells drew near and began to set their scaling Ladders to the walls The Earl of Arran knowing his pâ—rson was principally aim'd at for Lord Fernihurst was lately dead in prison conveighs himself and one Servant away privately by a bridge and then the Town-garrison retreat unto the King in the Castle The Rebells display their banners in his sight Lord Grey is sent out to demand the reason of their coming receives a meek answer To kiss the Kings hands The King expresseth no liking of their armed love offers restitution of all their goods if they will depart They will have the interest of admission to his presence and when they have it capitulate for his Castles and chief holds which there being no remedy are granted with the delivery up of divers noble-men Earls Montross Crawford Rothsay c. their pardon signed and the Treaty for a league with the Queen of England renewed One Article whereof had it beâ—n sooner agreed on had preserved both Kingdoms in better security fetter'd the unruly Diâ—cipline to its duty viz That neither Prince should for time to come afford assistance or favour to any Traytor or Rebell or any that had made a publick defection nor suffer them to be relieved by others nor harbour them publickly or privately in their Dominions c. And had another been omitted which when before care had been taken for defense of the Christian and Catholick Religion draws in the reaâ—m of The pure Reformation which the Catholick Romans interpreted by the Scotch negative confession and the Catholick Protestants by the many Assembly Acts condemning and branding the sacred Episcopal order and jurisdiction as Antichristian happily the persons of both Princes had not been engaged in such after-hazard nor had such designes been prosecuted for the invasion of their Kingdoms For this Treaty was no sooner concluded but a most desperate conspiracy in England broak out supposed to be long since laid by the too zealous consistory at Rome but took life now being hastily hatched by some preternatural Scotch Assemblyâ— hear in this agreement The chief actors in it were Father Ballard a Priest of the Seminary at Rhemes Babington a a young ingenious and learned Gentleman of a good extraction and Family in Darby-Shire Sarisbury of Derbigh-shire Tichbourne of Hampshire with ten other Gentlemen of good quality all which were afterward hanged and some dismembred alive in St Giles's fields the common place of their meeting Their designe was to have kill'd Queen Elizabeth set at liberty the Queen of Scots and by the help of Forâ—eign strength to have altered the face of Religion in both kingdoms The Q. of Scots though suspected to be private unto all three in the general yet pâ—ofess'd to her death that she encouraged none but that which nature suggesting and justifying conduced to the liberty of her injured person and half restituâ—ion to â—er Crown Her two Secretaries Nave and Curle were brought in by Walsinghams cunning if not corrupted rather by his cost very unnaturally to accuse her who as from the beginning he daily instructed a false Brother with as much hypocrisie and perjury as could be to carry on this fatal contrivance so 't is not certain whether by him and other politâ—ck instruments he had he discovered or made more of what was desperate in the plot Before the Queen of Scots came to her tryal several judgements passed upon her in private anticipating the enquiry after better evidence and theâ—r Soveraigns prerogative in granting pardon at her pleasuâ—e They whom neither the fury of Disciplinarian zeal nor any private malignant spirit had possessed deliliberately sounding the shallowness of her guilt and computing the shortness of her life by her sickness adjudged her only to a stricter confinement and adventuâ—'d to have the possibilities of â—ischieâ— prevented by the pâ—udence of the State Others who had been lighted to a Religion that made murder and innocence consistent did not care if some wickedness were invented to dâ—spach her quickly any way so by the Law Leicester as otherwise so desirous to become voluptuous in revenge â—nâ—used his sentence in a cup of lingâ—ing poyson that he might take at leisure his delight in the preassurance of her death And wanting an help to discourse at his Feast invited Walsingham to accompany him in judgement and sent a Presbiterian Divine to prepare his Conscience by a Classicaâ—l indulgence but he pretends he had refused a less courtesie to Morton who it may be to ballance the guilt of both Kingdoms had advised to have her sent into Scotland and executed on the Bordeâ—s yet having compromised his Vote as the major part should determine it begins to rectifie their method and puts them upon debate by what Law they should proceed There were but two cited for their purpose one of 25 Edward 3. the other 27 Eliz. The latter was concluded the more proper because in effect confessed to be made upon designe and so more naturally operative for the end it was intended to Those of the Iuncto knew what arguments were most prevalent with the Queen to signe a Writ of Delegacy for enquiry wherein a multitude were nominated who must not deny to serve up their honours and sacrifice their conscience in appearance unto their Queens name but indeed to some more
ability of parts according to the learning of that age was much augmented by a constant resolution at his death which put the younger students and novices upon a combination for maintaining his Tenents and the breach they made let out some Friars to rail against the abuses of the Bishops The patronage of Mr. Gawin Logie and Mr. Iohn Maire added some reputation to these actions and a reformation was attempted by some more unworthy instruments upon their credit The light pulpit discourse of Friar Arithe with his gossips catched some slight people in a jest while other graver men by more serious arguments multiplied considerâ—ble proselytes in good earnest insomuch as the Archbishop of S. Andrews according to the rigour of his Religion began to call for more fire and faggots but was stopt a little by the witty advice of Mr. Iohn Lindsey who told him My Lord If ye will burn them let them be burnt in hollow Cellars for the smoak of Mr. Patrick Hamilton hath infected as many as it blew upon some touch of it was thought to have tainted Alexander Seton a black Friar and Confâ—ssor to King Iames the fifth who presuming upon the opportunity of his privacy endeavoured to withdraw the Kings affections from the Bishops and his conscience from some part of his Religion which by more prevalent counsell of Ecclesiastical persons about the Court made him be discharged of his office and his dread of the fire carried him out of the Realme From Berwick by letter he appeals to the King whom notwithstanding he accuseth to himself of weakness and ignorance being very invective against the Churchmen who at that time as well as the Presbyters since waved in many things their due subjection and in the name of Christ took upon themselves the authority of the King I finde no mention of any answer returned but I do of his progresse from thence to London where at S. Pauls Crosse he retracted some of the new divinity he had published After this for ten years space these violent oppositions in Religion were interrupted the civil warres making other disputes and partizans upon temporal principles among the Scots In which time began a reformation in England from King Henry the eights differences with the Pope whether the pillage of Abbies and demolishing other religious places easily invited the Scotish labourers who would alwayes be found at leisure for such work About the year 1534. began a new Inquisition in Scotland wherein was eminent the perverse demeanour of one David Straton an ignorant Gentleman though in the Catalogue of their Martyrs of whom when the Bishop of Murray Prior of S. Andrews demanded the customary Tythe of his Fish his answer was If they would have Tythe of that which his servants wan in the seâ— it were but reason that they should come and receive it where they got the stock and so as it was constantly affirmed he caused his servants to cast the tenth fish into the sea The processe of cursing laid against him by the Church being encountered with his contempt was re-enforced by a summons to answer for his heresie to maintain which having hitherto no pretense but the perversness of his will the Laird of Dun Arskin very lately illuminated in the point lends him his lamp to look out some better reason and because he could not read bids him hearken which he did with more diligence than devotion desirous to meet with what might colour the affectation of his errours to which purpose the Laird of Lawristons field-lecture conduced luckily chancing to be rather out of S. Matthew than the Prophet Malachy where the Pharisaical tything of Mint and Cummin being taxed might serve his turn to slight all Christian Decimations as publican-extortions and no weighty matters of the law Though that was not the text that brought the spirit of prayer upon him but another on which he might have made a better comment by his repentance than unwildy resolution and known that the denial of tenths is the denial of God in his institution before men and may perhaps be retaliated before the holy Angels by his Sonne Sentence of death being passed he asked grace of the King which Knox saith he willingly would have granted but the Bishop proudly answered no more proudly than the Presbyters more than once since then 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 Notwithstanding the severity exercised upon him and many other the Reformation for precedents unto which by this time their Merchants and Mariners had traffiqued in forreign parts makes its way into the cloysters and by Friar Killors contrivance which Iohn Knox seems to approve of very well shews it self upon the stage in a Satyrick play and that on a Good-Friday morning the subject whereof was the passion of our Saviour Christ most envious paralels being made between the Iewish Priests and the Scotish Bishops This gave the occasion of a more close search into the Friars opinions which being found such as suited not with the present profession and government of the Church sent him with many other too zealous reforming complices unto the fire Not long after George Buchanan laid his cockatrice egge not onely of Iudaisme which himself hatched in a Lenten meeting at the eating of a Paschal lamb but of Schisme and Rebellion which His Majesty endeavoured to crush upon the first discovery notwithstanding the trust he had reposed in him of instituting some his natural children He was by the Kings special Order as they say committed to prison whence he made an unhappy escape to the ruine almost of that Kingdome by his writing All this while the Royal Reformers in England marched furiously so as King Iames had no minde to meet them at York nor give King Henry there the interview he desired This though imputed to his Clergy was taken as a discourtesie from himself which set the English jealousie on fire and that at last burnt out into a warre King Iames was not so absolute at home as to cement at pleasure the Scotish intestine divisions where the equality of power did so mi-party his thoughts that he knew not wch side to head nor had he alwaieâ— the liberty of his choice His distrust of both made him enter into secret counsel with his Clergy by whose advice and assistance he levied on a suddain a vâ—ry numerous Army the design whereof was scarcely thought of in England when it actualy entred upon the borders But such scruples were scatered by some disaffected persons to the Church and Crown as made most of the Souldiery dispute the justce of the quarrell when they were to handle their armes or without consulting their conscience leave them in the field The loss of this Army so troubled the King that he
passge into France But the walls of Leith were not to be blown down by this breath nor was it strong enough to fill the sails for her passage into France A stronger wind blew out of the Town which so dispelled the Congregational Brethren that glad was he who could shelter himself and many grew desperate of the cause But Iohn Knox by power of the spirit when but a spark or two of rebellion was left could ever blow it up into a flame which he began now at Sterlin in a Sermon upon the 80. Psalm v. 4 5 6 7. and encreased it in another afterwards some where else upon Iohn 6. exhorting the Congregation that they should not faint but that they should stiâ—l row against the contrarious blasts till that Iesus Christ should come so that onely the day of judgement is to put an end to the Presbiterian commotions But nothing can be done without a Covenant which An. 1560. was entred at Edenburgh That what person soever will plainly reject their godly enterprises and will not concur as a good and true member of their Common-wealth they shall fortifie the authoritie of Council to reduce them to their duty c. The issue of this as of all their Covenants was to put many quiet conscientious people to the choice of either extream without the priviledge of a detestable neutrality Do as we do Rebel or perish whereby they never faild of an Army that should guard the gospell with an unparalell'd villany and resist the Queen Regent unto her death which fell out very opportunely while they lay at the siege before Leith being if not procur'd by their means very evidently hastened by their malice denying Her Majesty the benefit of some drugs for which she sent to her Apothecary and Chyrurgeon and in her inrecoverable condition not indulging her free speech with some Lords joyntly though of their own faction and what curtesie they granted being clogged with the ungrateful presence and more unpleasing discourse of Iohn Willock Brother-rebel-preacher with Knox who was sent on purpose to set the Queens conscience on the rack and torture it to despair if he could By all these unchristian proceedings having speeded on their impatient wishes and fretted open a passage for that Royal soul to expire they become soon Lords not onely of the Congregation but Countrey and having eleven points of the law their young Queen and her Husband being absent in France upon advantage enough they capitulate with their Majesties for the twelfth In which pacification the Deputies from France would not medle with the matter of Religion but agreed that a certain number of Noblemen should be chosen in the next Convention and Parliament to be sent to their Majesties to whom they shall expose those things that shall be thought needful for the State of that business In the interim the Brethren I 'le warrant you were not idle but after publick thanksgiving at Edenburgh for their deliverance that is to say for the death of their Queen upon whom they heap though they name her not a heavy load of calumnies in their prayers A Committee sits to distribute Ministers and so Knox is made Primate of Edenburgh or in it rather of Scotland that being the fountain head from whence all future Rebellion must stream by Goodman to St. Andrews by Heriot to Aberdeen by Row to St. Iohnston c. And though they will have no Bishops they 'l have Over-seers {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Spotswood for Lothian Winram for Fife c. And now to work they go to drive the stray-doctrine and discipline of the Countrey into the Parliament pound at Edenburgh Please your Honours comes presently from the supplicant Barons Gentlemen and Burgesses A Confession of Faith with a more imperious preface or title from the Presbytery out of Matth 24. And this glad tidings of the Kingdome shall be preached through the whole world for a witness unto all Nations and then shall the end come that is the Presbyterian Scot shall pull down all Government in the world establish the Kingdome of Iesus Christ upon the earth and then the end shall come the work is done 't is fit then the wages should be paid especially since by this new engine they draw Christ into their Covenant chap. 11. rebellion into the fifth Commandement under the notion of saving the life of innocents and repressing Tyranny resisting authority if they take it to passe the bounds of the Magistrates office not suffering innocent bloud to be shed if they may gain-stand it ch. 14. Likewise they dash all moral vertues at a stroak restrain the power of Gods Grace from effecting due obedience to his Law ch. 15. Confine the Catholick Church to themselves and such as shall communicate with them denying all other Christians the undeniable benefit of their Baptism ch. 16 18. which they say notwithstanding ch. 21. was instituted of God to make a visible difference betwixt his people and those that are without his League Pretend to reconcile these contradictions making both true at a time This Church is invisibly known onely to God who alone knoweth it whom he hath chosen c. ch. 16. and yet the notes signs and assured tokens whereby the immaculate Spouse of Christ Iesus is known to whom from the horrible Harlot the Church malignant we affirm are c. Defraud Antiquity and lineal descent in an undivided continuity the reverence rendred by the Primitive Fathers of the Church to be paid by us for the first knowledge benefit of the Gospel and yet at the same time running to the Ancients for strengthening the authority of the Canon For the doctrine taught in our Churches say they is contained in the written Word of God to wit in the Books of the New and Old Testaments in those Books we mean which have been reputed by whom but Bishops and Episcopal Doctors no Preâ—byterian canonical Depriving the Church of her just priviledge in interpreting the Scriptures under a pretence of bestowing it upon the Spirit distracting Christians hereby in matter of opinion without extraordinary divine revelation as in the point of Justification wherein St. Paul and St. Iames seem to differ and in matters of practice by the example of St. Peter and St. Paul Gal. 3. All this in one ch. viz. 18. frame a plausible excuse for negligence in or after the receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ch. 21. Exclude all but Preachers though Priests or Deacons from the efficatioâ—s administration of the Sacraments annexing the power and vertue of the same to divine revelation or operation of a Sermon and so defrauding many that have had legitimate imposition of hands call'd Ordination of the character exercise of that power Justifie such as resist Supream powers doing that which appertaineth not to their charge ch. 24. so taking away the glory of Christian
opposite conclusions Many Lords retracted their subscription to the Discipline and drew into question the expedience of Assemblies This put them upon offering the Discipline to the Queen which Her Majesty absolutely refused Hereupon the state of the question is altered and Burrowes a bold fellow is set in the front of a seditious party to put up articles about maintenance for the Ministry of the Reformation For quietness sake to this purpose the Bishops relinquish the third part of their revenues to settle which Commissioners are ordered and to satisfie any of the discontented faction proclamation is made that it shall be dispatched with all possible speed Some makes jests upon it as the Earl of Huntley bids Good morrow to the Lords of the two parts But Knox who gap'd at the whole said in earnest That the Spirit of God was not the author of it for he saw two parts freely given to the Devil and the third must be divided between God and the Devil The regret at this so sticks in the stomachs of him and his Assembly brethren that they are fain to have recourse to their usual remedy and disgorge it in a filthy supplicate to the Queen part of the contents were these Gods hands cannot long spare in his anger to strike the head and the tayl the inobedient Prince and sinful people They presse the Queen again to forsake the practice of her Religion and revile it as the fosterer of whores adluterers drunkards blasphemers of God c. threaten that the obstinate maintenance of it shall in the end be to her destruction of soul and body if she repâ—nted not declare They could no longer keep silence unlesse they would make themselves criminal before God of her bloud perishing in her own iniquity and they plainly admonish her of the danger to come They humbly require that Bishops may not be set up again to empire above the people of God for they fear that such usurpation of their former estate will be neither in the end pleasant to themselves nor profitable to them that would place them in that tyranny That if the Papists think to triumph where they may and to do what they list where there is not a party able to resist them that some will think that the godly must begin where they left But the equity and civility of tendring such language was discussed between Secretary Lethington and the Brethren who advised them upon any grievance to make complaint and appeal to the Law Here one mends the matter and saith If the sheep shall complain to the Wolfe the Queen That the wolfes whelps have devoured the lambs the complainer may stand in dangeâ— c. After such cautious reasoning as Knox calls it the supplication was left to the Secretary to review who moderated the language but not so as to gain a grant from the Queen nor indeed did the Brethren expect it but took advantage hereby to pursue their design to stirre up the people by certain emissaries sâ—nt from the Assembly of whom the great incendiary Knox must be one whose gospel had the usual successe in Kyle and Gallowoy the chief Professors meeting at Ayre where they covenanted to maintain the Ministers of the evangel against all persons power and authority that should oppose themselvs to the doctrine propounded So that whosover should hurt molest or trouble any of their bodies should be reputed enemies to the whole except he submit to the government of the Church then established they say not by whom At the next Assembly were great complaints made about the Churches lacking Ministers and Ministers their stipends c. For redress hereof some thought of a new Supplication others mentioned that no answer had been given to the former So that for such things which could not be done without the Queen they â—eem'd to express themselves dutifull subjects in waiting her pleasure the rest that could they did by themselves not craving her consent or approbation unless in mockery to make sport But because the law kept not pace with the Brethrens haste nor as they thought the Queen with the law they take an easie occasion for a quicker dispatch Having discovered some Priest that said Masse at Easter avow'd by the Bishop of St. Andrews contrary to the Queens Proclamation they take justice into their own hands clap him up in prison whose pardon the Queen could scarcely obtain with abundance of tearâ— punish others and give intâ—mation to the Abbot of Cosragnel the Parson of Sangohar c. that they should neither complain to the Queen nor Council but should execute the punishment that God had appointed to Idolaters in his Lâ—w by such means as they might wherever they should be apprehended This incensed the Queen yet put her not beside a temper'd discourse with Iohn Knox whose you may be sâ—re had been this bloudy advice to whom Her Majesty propounds this question Will ye allow that they shall take my sword in their hand who answered The sword of justice is Gods and they that in the fear of God execute judgement where God hath commanded offend not God althoâ—gh Kings do it not neither yet sin thâ—y that bridle Kings to strike innocent men in their rage The Queen yielded not to his reason she did to his power with her poor deceived lieg people And so strickt she was in observing her laws made against her own interest that she suffered the Bishops and dâ—vers other Priests to be summoned before the Earl of Argile accus'd and committed to prison In requital for which act of impartial justice writes Iohn Knox All this was done of a most deep craft to abuse the simplicity of the Protestants that they should not presse the Queen with any other thing concerning matters of Religion A good encouragement for Princes to grant any thing to the Presbytery when by their largest concessions they shall obtain nothing but the character of politick deceivers gain neither upon their affection nor duty Indeed the more reasonable part of the Nobility and people did somewhat reverence the Queen for her great largeness and declâ—n'd for some time being further importunate instruments of her trouble or the Clergies imperious tyranny upon her conscience which made an absolute breach between the Earl of Murray and Knox who denounced Gods judgements upon him for his coldness in his service The like he did publickly in a Sermon to the rest that should consent to the Queens Marriage with an Infidel for such are all Papists with the Presbytery though they hold the same Creed which he said was to banish Christ Iesus from the Realm These and other his exâ—travagancies were such as disliked both parties who concurred to have him question'd by the Queen which poor Lady she could not do according to his desert for the passionate cries and tears which this Tiger confesseth burst out in such abundance that
her Page could scarcely furnish her with Handkirchiefs enough to dry her eyes To whom all the apology he makes is his moderation used out of the Pulpit a falsehood as may be evidâ—nc'd by his other discourses and Letters as likewise in that he said He was not master of himself but must obey him who commands him to speak plain and to flatter no flesh upon the face of the earth The Queens grief had so prevail'd with her that he was commanded to wait a time in the next chamber where to testifie his compassion and sense of those Royal Tears he entertained merry discourse with the Court Ladies jeering them about their beauties and apparel At last he had liberty given him to depart and that according to the Queens good nature without a câ—nsure In recompense of which kindness two Felons Armstrong and Cranstone being to undergo the tryal of the law Iohn Knox to whom by his own acknowledgement the charge was given to make advertisements whensoever danger should appear because zealous brethren summons in by Letters the Countrey to their rescue for which the Master of Maxwell his old friend discharged himself of a rebellious familiar and never would own him more He was again brought before the Queen and Council but dismissed as formerly though as impudently as ever he maintained all his rebellious doctrine and blaspemously abused Scripture to confirm it In December 1563. was another General Assembly and several Petitions of Ministers presented but their dutiful demeanor had not been such as to win a speedy answer and grant of their demands They complained of some such speech given them As Ministers will not follow our counsel so will we suffer Ministers to labour for themselves and see what speed they come To which the whole Assembly made this modest reply If the Queen will not we must Some dispute there was between the Lord Secretary Lethington and the Brethren Goâ—dman being their speaker for Iohn Knox was sullen and musty at that time having lashed out so far that some even of the Protestants themselves said What can the Pope do more than to send forth his Letters and require them to be obeyed At length he made a speech wherein he desired to have his actions justified and owned by the whole Assembly or else he threatned he would never in publick nor private as a publick Minister open his mouth in doctrine or reasoning The Brethren trembling at this immediately voted and avowed his fact to be the fact of the whole Assembly But this with the rest alienated the affections not onely of the Queen and Court but of rational Lay-Protestants from their Ministers whereat they hating the name of Dumb dogs which was the inseparâ—ble title of the Bishops barked aloud every day in their Pulpits but as it happened this was no time to bite In the next Assembly 1564. their words were scan'd some advocates they found but more accusers Here as in the other was a publick Schismâ— among the Reformers divers Lords and Ministers withdrawing themselves and transacting many things about the Church At length they were drawn together to the hearâ—â—g of Knox's Cause which was very largely discussed between the Lord Secretary Lethington and him The propositions maintained by Knox were these five 1. That Subjects have delivered an innocent from the hands of their King and therefore offended not God 2. That Subjects have refused to strike innocents when a King commanded and in so doing denyed no just obedience 3. That such as struck at the commandement of the King were before God reputed murderers 4. That God hath not onely of a subject made a King but also he armed subjects against their natural King commanded them to take vengeance upon him according to his law 5. And lastly That Gods people hath executed Gods law against their King having no farther regard to him in that behalf than if he had been the most simple subject within the Realm To the proof of these holy Scripture and Ecclesiastick History is shamefully wrested all the extraordinary precedents in the Old Testament forced to justifie the new practice of the Schismatical Scots and Iohn Knox made as familiar with God and as private to his most secret counsels as any of the Prophets or Apostles in the Bible These are to this day the doctrines of the Disciplinarian Brethren by which Kings and Princes may see how much concerned they are to beware of and by an indispenâ—able coercive power when they have it to restrain them And all good subjects are to abandon utterly their opinions and practice lest the Devil possesse them as from the beginning he hath done these swine and cast them down headlong into Hell At the end of this dispute much ado there was about the votes of the Assembly but their divisions being many they at last advised Knox to send for the opinions of Calvin and other eminent Divines in the Reformed Churches which he cunningly declin'd pretending he was assured he had them all on his side a pretty credit for the forreign Reformation and would not so wrong his cause as to call it in question before any of them And so re infecta the Assembly brake up Not long after the banished Earl of Lenox had leave to return into Scotland and was graciously received by the Queen In favour of whom that he might be restored to his lands Her Majesty intended to call a Parliament but desired the Earl of Murray that nothing about Religion might be mentioned He said he could not promise it for the precise Ministry as they were now called did not use to stand to the Queens curtesie in Church affâ—irs Nor did they now forbear although they knew Her pleasure but gave in again their old factious articles and ordained many things in their Assembly about the Church Now begins the Queens affectiâ—on to shew itself toward the young Lord Darley and Secretary Lethington is dispatched into England to signifie to Queen Elizabeth that she minded to marry him Whether in reference to this or no I know not but Pope Knox's Bulls are dispersed abroad and the Brethren of Edenburgh Dundee Fife c summon'd to come in and arme themselves to make a new supplication to the Queen which was presented in very dutiful manner no question by the Superintendent of Lowthian wherein Her Majesty was advised to take heed of the matter if any Idolatry and Superstition were used at Easter following The poor Queens task was hard having two Popes to please but this nearer home threatening greater mischief to her Crown and person must be served first and accordingly prohibitions were sent out to all suspected places and persons especially to the Bishop of St. Andrews and Aberdeen not to use Masse And that they should not do any such thing as was feared by the Protestants or convene any Council
what she please as she did they say large favours towards the poor Protestants she mistakes her self they are no such men as mean to live on her almes having got her onely jewel in possession and will have very shortly her Crown but they had not hands enough yet to remove it being like a nail fastened in a sure place of Female magnanimity and innocency and the Throne had by late marriage acquir'd a stout Champion to protect it nothing now but slâ—under and violence can get it into their power and they must be sure to coyn the former of good mettal whereby to purchase an effectual assistance in the latter They set up shop at Sterlin and hammer out a conceit that the Queen and Earl of Bothwell had an undoubted resolution to murder the young Prince and next a band or covenant to protect him But Argile one of the banded Lords could not sleep well with this shackle about his Conscience and the next day reveals the conspiracy to the Queen She hath many of the Lords that adhere to her a daily access of strength from the common people But Her Majestie makes first approaches by her goodness before she moves toward the conspirators with her power Having proclaimed a Grant of their demands for Religion she doth the like to the other Article of policy and passeth her Royal promise to be hereafter guided by the advice of her Nobles This they thought was to direct a way to Sterlin where having yeilded all it might be taken for reason or a civil favour to gratifie her with the restitution of her Son To intercept her in this hast they besiege Her Majestie and the Earl at Borthwike Castle where nothing was wanting to the surprisal of their persons but the Earl of Athols men to stop a passe by which they both escaped to Dunbar The Rebells thus defeated in their plot make what hast they can to Edenburgh where they found no hard entrance into the City and they pretended to some underhand favour from Balfour Governour of the Castle yet as guilt is prone to suspicions and fears they confide not so much in their friends or strength but that divided in their counsels the prevailing party inclin'd to a disbanding and shifting for themselves but the Queens Army drawing near despair of mercy made them resolute and united their factions to hazard all at once Musselburgh field was the place where both Armies met and being ready to joyn battail Mon. Croke the French Agent unhappily interposeth for a Treaty gets the Queen to promise pardon and then offers it in her name to the Lords of the conspiracy they had no mind to take her word nor his and the Earl of Glencarn very majestickly told him They came not thither to take but to give pardon at their pleasure The Queens yeilding to this parly put a jealousie into her Army that she had no great faith in the good fortune of the Battail and Glencarns bold answer spake a too fixed resolution in their enemies This and some treachery that was acted in the dark made a great party declare against the business for which they came into the field The Queens passion running too quick a division upon intreaties and menaces evidenc'd to them the distraction of her mâ—nd which at length brought her to a precipice threw her into a ruine She sends to treat personally wth the L. Kirkaldie of Grange with whom he holds a discourse while the Earl Bothwell of late made Duke of Orkney was out of present danger Afterward Her Majesty goeth with him to the Rebels by whom she was at first received with as much reverence as hypocrisie could counterfeit which being only a false paint upon the van or front of the Army when she had made a little farther entrance she heard a loud cry Burn the Strumpet and Parricide Burn the Strumpet and Parricide This courtesie pursued her untill she was welcom'd by a Pageant a fair banner displayed wherein was pictur'd K. Henry the Lord Darley that was dead and a little Infant the young Prince at his Prayers to God for revenge upon the murderer This was carried by two Soldiers between two Spears and which way soever the Queen turn'd her face as maliciously as might be this was presented to her When the poor innocent Lady fainted not under the burden of her guilt but impatience of this most unchristian reproach they held her upon her horse and the banner still displayed on purpose it may be there being more yet undiscovered of the designe to affright her Royal Soul into her body if it attempted to spring out Being somewhat recovered they hurrey her toward Edenburgh but her faintness of spirit after the late torture declining so great hast a common Souldier was instructed to cry out You linger to no purpose The Hamiltons are not at hand here for your rescue When they had brought her to the City they thrust her into an Inne where if she look't but out at window to weep at that liberty as the tears trickled down with the sad sound of her sighs the pitty of some tender hearted people ascended in a whisper she was sure to have that cursed banner a fresh presented which forced her to this choice a perpetual rack or close imprisonment yet the Rebellâ— fearing the effects of such still conference between a distressed Queen and her commiserating subjects post her the next day to a Castle in the Isle of Lochlevin where a proud harlot insults and traâ—ples upon her calamitous person while her ambitious bastard playes the part of a pretender to the Crown And now it was high time for the godly Ministers to meet in an assembly and with the Seal of the Spirit make good all these proceedings which they did and farther service for the Hamiltons had got a strong party of the Nobles and as great an Army as the Brethren To these and to diverse Nâ—utrals were sent several conscientious letters from the Clâ—rgie to summon them in for the setling of Gods true worship in the Church beside a spiritual quaternion of Iohn Knox Dowglas Row and Craig are deputed Commissioners with instructions to like purpose in expectation of whose return was the Assembly prorogued But so much time was lost for neither soothing Letters nor supling language could prevail for their company This summons though rejected was sufficient to authorizâ— the faction at Edenburgh to combine in the maintenance of some such Articles as these That all crimes and offences against God should be punish'd according to Gods word c. but they make no particular mention as that doth of Witchcraft and Rebellion That they would protect the young Prince against all violence his Imprisonment at present they counted none That he should be committed to the care of four wise and godly men The first time I have heard of a Clerical Assembly
or on this side her guilt and onely for the security of Queen Elizabeth and her Kingdom yet room was left for the Queens ingenuity to acknowledge that the former extraordinary and extrajudicial examples were not drawn cleer off from their Lees nor justifiable in every circumstance that accompanied them After this the Duke of Momorancie Ambassador from the King of France presseth a cessation of Arms in Scotland a free Parliament or at least delegates from both sides to treat at London with the like deputed by the Queen of England and French King but this could not be hearkened to and the aversion of Lord Grange with his Garrison in Edenburgh Castle from peace upon hopes of supplies out of France is made the only barr against a general accord Since the Earl of Marre's death there had been no Regent in Scotland but Christs viceroies in black took the care of both Swords and passed Assembly acts at pleasure authentick no question so long as the young King breathed in the Country who must pay the Church tribute for his life by an innocent compliance to enact what they list to which purpose they kept him and would not part with this Jewel to England nor France though both desired to have him out of the noise and danger of their Wars but this look'd like a Monarchy divinely limited by the boundaries of the Discipline which might sweeten their liberty by degrees to a silent desertion of all future Government by a King Queen Elizabeth therefore who was in a manner perpetuall Protectrice calls upon them to go about the election of a Regent The Earl Morton was the man they made choice of whereby they seem'd both to gratifie the Queen and provide a mercenarie creature to their purpose he having not long before delivered up the Earl of Northumberland who had fled to Scotland for refuge and for a piece of mony unworthily as to the point of personall honour betrayed an obliging Friend who had fed and harbour'd him in his exile The late Earl of Marre had broak the Assemblies Instructions in his Regency by offering at some restraint unto the Church which had been better doubted upon the Infant person of the King and therefore his Son might well be opposed in his hereditary priviledge to have the young King in his custody especially his own minority requiring rather to have than to become a Guardian yet conditions being made the charge was conferr'd upon him for to secure the main good order was taken by the new Regent That no Papist nor factious person under which were comprised all loyal Subjects should have accesse unto the King An Earl with onely two Servants attending him A Baron with one All others single and unarmed The Queen of Scots deplorable condition in England discouraged her principal abettors at home The Duke of Castle Herald and Huntley are drawn in to acknowledge the King and his Regent the Lord Grange Humes and Lidington maintain their loyalty so long as they can in Edenburgh Castle which after a siege laid to it by Queen Elizabeths Forces which she lent the Regent out of kindness hastened by her jealousie of the French from whom the Queens Royalists in Scotland expected succour was resigned and according to the Disciplinarian mercy the first was hanged the second scarcely pardoned at Queen Elizabeths intreaty the third having sometime been a Friend sent to Leith and yet upon-after-thought because of a subtile and active headpiece supposed very probably to be poison'd by which Christian proceedings the Presbyterian Rebells become absolute Masters rule King and Country without contradiction And now their work being done they turn their pack-horse Souldiers to grass some of whom get new entertainment in Swedeland others agree better with the imployment in France and the Low-Countries The cessation of armes in Scotland gives the restless Brethren some respite to bethink themselves how to work mischief abroad The Bishop of Rosse though a prisoner in England had his head at liberty to devise and too many hands in readiness to execute what he should command upon any visible advantage against them Their importunity being not able to prevail for injustice and cruelty enough to put him to death they accept of his exile out of England though they foresee that will not quit them of their fears Morton the Regent craves a league with England of mutual defense against all forraign Forces and would have a large pension for himself and some Scots his devoted guards against the pretended attempts to depose him but that would not be hearkened to somewhat else with lesse charge and slight proofs did accumulate guâ—lt upon the Queen of Scots for contriving a dangerous Match between a Scotch Earl of the blood the Kings Vnkle and the Lady Elizabeth Candish the Countess of Shrewsburies Daughter for which her Mother and divers Ladies were imprisoned Soon after the good old Earl of Castleherault having taken no great content in changing sides and forsaking his quondâ—m pupill and Queen by the modâ—rate way of disciplinarâ—an dispatch was vexed into a sickness and dyed In the year 1577 was discovered Don Iohn of Austria's designe to marry the Queen of Scots which the Brethren foresâ—eing would imply the liberty of her person and confusion of their cause were not wanting in dâ—ligence to quicken information and aggravate prejudice to the Queen of England The Donâ—ailing of strength and assistance to carry on this and other vast youthfull designes the next year as 't is thought took no other pestilent infection then grief which brought him to his Grave In the year following the face of Government in Scotland was alter'd Earl Mortons covetous converting that publick treasure to his temporal use which should maintaine Christs Ecclesiastick Kingdom in luster brings upon him the damnation of the Discipline in deposing him from his Regency being scarcely afforded the favour of communion with his Peers The King yet but twelve years of age was apprehensive enough of the tyranny he had been under and in capacity to accept any courteous tender as well of his liberty as of his Crown It was found convenient to trust him with the title of Governing but that he might be sure not to surfeit upon the power he had his twelve Godfathers to passe upon him for every year one Earl Morton was kept in to instruct the rest rather how to give in verdict upon His Majesties actions then Counsel to his person and had the cunning to keep himself fore-man of the Jury but unadvisedly endeavouring to improve his interest to the retroduction of detestable regency split his own with the twelve Members superintendency in pieces and to little purpose secur'd the King in the Castle of Sterling there being a Regal power pretended abroad that gave the Earl of Athol commission to leavy an Army to meet him in the Field Sir Robert Bowes the English
Ambassador composed the publick difference at present after which a better expedient was supposed to be found to prevent by poyson all further martial attempts of Athol while Earl Morton betook himself more unto his privacy than innocency at home The first salley of Regal government under the pretended personall conduct of the King put the Assembly brethren in mind to strengthen their incroachment upon the Church to which purpose follows a discharging of Chapters with their election of Bishops the titular Bishops are warned to quit their anti-christian corruptions in particular was instanc'd their receiving Ecclesiastick emoluments so that notwithstanding all former Acts and agreements for life their known assignation of benefice must be as well extinct as their Jurisdiction and office yet to please the young King who beyond his years had a discretive Judgement and held Episcopacy in a reverend esteem that they might seem to leave them somewhat to do they make them Itinerant Visiters of their Hospitals themselves being the Sacrilegious Collectors of the Rents Beside this they heave hard to obtain an establishment of the policy in the Second Book of their Discipline but as that yet could not be got to be incorporated with other Parliament Acts At this time two French Noblemen raise fears and jealousies in abundance the Duke of Alanson in England by endeavouring a Marriage with Queen Elizabeth with whom he held private conference but was suspected to aime at restoring the Queen of Scots Lord Aubignie in Scotland who was become the only favorite of the King The consequences of the Marriage were debated by the Lords in Council and their opposite possibilities or conjectures represented to the Queen The new humours of Esme Stuart Lord d' Aubignie whom the King had â—arely câ—eated Duke of Lenox was a business undoubted to be of Ecclesiastical cognizance and therefore taken into consideration by the Assembly the Christian result of whose counsels was this To set up against him an emulous rival Iames Stuart of the Ochiltrie Family call'd Earl of Arran which title he attained by cession from one of the Hamiltons not well in his wits to whom he had been Guardian but these two were soon reconciled by the King and the Assembly Brethren defeated in their plot They can soon find means to be revenged and make the King hear of his misdemeanour A large complaint is sent up to Queen Elizabeth which being sweetned with the discovery of a feigned designe to conveigh the captive Queen out of rison laid to the charge of the Duke of Lenox rellisheth well in the Court and Council of England from whence come endeavours and Embassies to degrade him from favour if not his honour and demâ—nds to have him baniâ—â—ed out of Scotland The young King had now quit himself of his pupillage and with that of his custome to return suppliant answers by his Regent according to the instructions that ever accompanied the demands Sir Robert Bowes the Agent was admitted to deliver his Message but not with his condition to have Lenox removed from the Council and therefore went grumbling home without audience Humes was sent with a complement after him and had the like reception in England where he was turn'd over to Lord Treasurer Burleigh and could have no admission to the Queen Lord Burleigh at large expostulated with him about the miscarriage of some in the Scotch Kings Council The Queen of Englands succesfull endeavours were magnified and her tender care in preventing many eminent mischiefs from the French Some sharp language was used which was hoped would cut off the Kings affection to the Duke of Lenox and make way for Mortons restitution to favour but the issue was otherwise Morton was question'd for many great enormities especially the murder of the Kings Father Randolph is sent to intercede somewhat magisterially and hinder the proceeding against him for his life The King adhears to his Laws by which he answers he is bound to submit Delinquents to Justice Randolph by the help of the Assembly Brethren makes a strong faction of Lenox's enemies and Mortons Friends draws Argile Angus and many other of the Nobility to the party but their different interests caus'd division in their counsels made them quit the engagement and leave Morton after proof and his own confession of the murder to pay his Head â—o the Justice of the Law In this time passed many arrogant Acts in their general Assemblies one among the rest did confine the holy Kirk of Iesus Christ in that Realm to the Ministers of the blessed Evangel and such as were in communion with them excluding all the Episcopal party and deâ—ivâ—ring them up to Satan as being Members of a Kirk divided from the Society of Christs body They professed That there was no other face of Kirk no other face of Religion then was presently at that time established which therefore is â—ver stiled Gods true Religion Christs true Religion the true and Christian Religion admiâ—ting it seems no other Religion to be so much as Christiâ—n but that Beside thâ—s other Acts there were entâ—encâ—ing upon the civill authority whereupon the King by Letter required the Assembly to abstain from making any innovations in the Policy of the Church and from prejudging the decisions of the State by their conclusions to suffer all things to continue in the condition they were during the time of his minority They regard not his letter send a Committee to Striveling to contest with His Majesty and sit down again about the ordering their Discipline Set Iohn Craig a Presbyter about framing a most rigid * Negative confession of Faith Never let His Majesty have quiet untill himself and his Family subscribe it Wrest a charge from him to all Commissioners and Ministers to require the like subscriptions from all and upon this authority taken by violence play the tyrants over the Consciences of the people They censure the Presbytery of Striveling for admitting Montgomery to the temporallity of the Bishoprick of Glascow and him for aspiring thereto contrary to the word of God and Acts of the Kirk While they are thus fencing with the spirituall Sword in Scotland their pure Brethren in England execute their Commission by the pen where the marriage between Qu. Elizabeth and Alanson new Duke of Anjâ—u being in a manner concluded they set out a virulent book with this Title The Gulf wherein England will be swallowed by the French Marriage but the Author Iohn Stubbs of Lincolns-Inne a zealous professor as he must needs be who was Brother-in-Law to Cartwright and one William Page who dispersed the Copies soon after had their hands cut off on a Scaffold at Westminster and play'd their parts no more at that weapon But the civil Sword must have its turn and what no menacing bulls of the Assembly nor any pointed calumnies of mercenary pens can keep off must by a
at it Prov. 14.13 1547. He goes to live with the murderers in the Castle His calling to the Ministry * These blessed authors of liberty saith Buchanan while they continued in the Castle tanquam armis pâ—cta licentia in stupra adulteria aliâ—q hominum otio abundantium vitia profusi jus aequum He might have inserted religionem sua libidine metiebantur Knox's first Sermon The Laird of Nyrde's advice upon it The Bishops complain The Refomers angry The Castle of St. Andrews taken from them they in it sent for France Knox's various fortune in his travails to and fro In his admoniinto to England he abuseth the Emperour Queen and Q. Dowager Who is made Regent The Reformers creep again into Scotland Knox chiefly undertakes the work His most impudent Letter to the Queen Regent Knox flies away to Geneva Willock returns in his place Sedition and sacriledge the effects of his doctrine And poisoning some of the Nobility in France Knox sent for Who draws them into a Congregational Covenant After which they petition The Queens gracious and Christian answer Their unchristian ingratitude A querulous Letter against the Rom. Catholick Clergy c. The peoples giving confession c. Knox arrives Monasteries pillaged c. A sharp Letter sent to the Q. Regent Excommunication threatned the neutral Nobility Their second Covenant They seize on the Coining Irons A Proclamation from the young Queen and Dolphin An Agreement at Edenâ—urgh A third bond Strictly observed by Knox From the Q. Regents fortifying Leith thâ—y take occasion to traduce Admonish Deprive Banish her All in vain The Brethren disperse Are recollected by Knox Another Covenant at Edenburgh An Army raisd by it Q. Regent dieth Their inhumanity toward her They capitulate with the young Queen and King A Thanksgiving Ministers distributed Over-seers A Confession of Faith The contents of it Quod apud multos unum invenitur non est erratum sed traditum Tertul. lib. de Praesript c. 28. Hoc est verè propriéâ—ue Catholâ—cam si sequamur universitatem antiquitatem consencionem vincent Lyrin cap. 3. Multum necesse est propter tantos tam varâ—i erroris anfractus ut Prophetae Apostolicae interpretationis linea secundum Ecclesiastici Catholici sensus norma dirigatur Vincent Lyr. c. 2. It is voted in Parliament The Bishops not hindring it Their abominable hypoâ—risie in sending it over to be ratified in France Their confess'd independency on Kings and Queens Mat 27 29. John 19.3 magis ejus animum nuderent quam quod quicquam impetrare sperarent Lib 17 The book of discipline fram'd Refus'd by most of the Nobiâ—ity Psal. 73. 2 Cor. 10.5 Subscribed by some Great â—oy among them at the death of K. Fr. 2. Knoxes uncharitable judgement of it The Book of Discipline perused Superintendents elected Brief observations upon their elections The L. Iames sent into Fra. The Queen to be denied the eâ—erâ—ise of her Reâ—igion An Ambassador from â—rance He is delayed by the Council The loyal Nobility busie They are interrupted by a menacing Supplicate Lord Iames returns with monitory Letters from the Queen The French Ambassador denied all and dismissed The Reformers burn and spoyle The Queen comes over Cannot obtain the priviledge of her private Chapell Nor be secure of her life if she eâ—ercise her Religion Knox's Sermon Repented of because not enough seditious The Queen reasons with him and confounds him His revenge in an insolent character of Her Majesty The Nobility and Ministry divided about the Queen and Discipline Burrows's articles The Bishops give up a third part of their revenues Huntlies jeer Knox's censure He and his Brethren supplicate with wonted impudence 1562. Secretary Lethington discourseth with them A Covenant aâ— Ayre Complaints about Ministers c. Decem. 25. 1562. A Pâ—iest seiz'd on for saying Masse Encouragement given to punish such without leave from Queen or Council The Queen expostulates with them about it Suffers much against her interest For which she is scarcely thanked E. Murray and Knox at difference Knox question'd by the Queen His Apology He is dismissâ—d Summons the Country to rescue Armstrong and Cranstone For which the Master of Mâ—xwel quits his acquaintanâ—e A general Assembly where the Ministers petition Knox ouâ— of humour Threâ—etns the Assâ—mbâ—y The Ministers disliked by most A sâ—hism among the Reformers A dispute betwâ—en L. Se. Lethingâ—on and Knox who maintains strange doctrine Scripture and History wrested to prove it A caution to Princes and Subjects concerning the Presbyterians Their opinions and practices intended to be countenâ—nced by the Reformed Churches E. of Lenox returns into Scotland A Parliament call'd in favour of him The Assembly rigid about Church affairs The Queen declares her intent to marry the L. Darley Knox summons the Country to arms and a supplâ—cate The Queen complices with their desires Sir Iames Carvet intercepted after Mass and expos'd to mockery and violence at Edenburgh Crosse This justice allowed and again appointed at the Assize 1565. The Precise Nobiilty and Clergy assembling about religion are summon'd by the Queen unto her Marriage E Murray refuseth A convention at St. Iohnston Put off by the Queen And let fall by the Brethren who divert E. Murrâ—y's going thither by a feigned story A Church Assembly held Very insolent articles sent by Commissioners unto the Queen Who departeth to Dunkeld whither they follow her And appear in arms at St. Leonard Crag The Queens answer to their Articles Argile and Murray meet The Parliament prorogued L. Darley proclaim'd King The Queen disturbed in her Marriagr Knox's Sermon Displeas'd the King The Lords divided in their Councils A Letter sent from that party to their Majesties A Proclamation at St. Andrews The Ministers petition unseasonably for their meanes They pray for patience having not power enough to fight Enquiry made about the obstruction of their supplicates D. Rizio pretended to be it whose murder they designe and atâ—â—mpt to draw the King into the plot A Fast proclaâ—med for successe Isai 58. Suggestions unto the Kâ—ng against the Queen and D. Rizio Three Artices propounded by the Lords unto the King D. Rizio hurried from the Queens presence and murder'd The Queen desired to take this for good service She is jealous of the like violence intended to her person Yet calls the Lords c. to account for the murder * Edenburgh Tolboth They protest against her proceedings But disperse The King quits himself by proclamation of all guilt Search made after the actors An interruption by the Ministers supplicates The demur upon acceptance of the Queeâ—s grant Of whose denyal they could have made better usâ— Iac. 6. Iune 1566. A Prince born And against the Brethrens mind baptized by the Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews This they take ill from the King A Regent oâ— Protector thought more proper for their occasions Whereupon the King is obscurely murder'd and one of his servants strangled The Queen again in solitude Thinks