will answer that it is not their purpose presently and out of hand to enforce obedience but by fatherly admonitions and conferences to induce such as are disaffected But if any be of an opposite and turbulent spirit I will have them inforced to a conformity Neither tell me that the wearing of a surplice or using the Crosse in Baptism will diminish the credit of Ministers that have formerly dissallowed the same for that is just the Scotish Argument when any thing was concluded that sorted not with their humour the only reason why they would not obey was that it stood not with their credit to yield having been so long of a contrary opinion I will none of that but that a time be limited by the Bishops of every Diocese to such and they that will not yield whatsoever they are let them be removed for we must not preferre the credit of a few private men to the generall peace of the Church Throughout all this conference in every point that was moved or came to be talked of the King did shew such knowledge and readiness as bred not a small admiration in the hearers Chancellour Egerton wondering to see him so expedite and perfect in all sort of Divinity said That he had often heard and read that Rex est mixta persona cum Sacerdote but that he saw never the truth of it untill that day Let me adde that which I was afterward told by Richard Bancroft Archbishop of Canterbury for Whitgift died the next moneth after the conference one of the great glories of the English Church that when the Rolles were brought in of those that stood out and were deposed which was some years after they were found to be fourty nine in all England when as the Ministers of that Kingdome are reckoned nine thousand and above such a noise will a few disturbers cause in any society where they are tolerated In the March thereafter a Parliament was kept in England where the King after he had given thanks to the State for the generall applause they shewed in receiving him to the place which God by birthright and lineall descent had provided for him did earnestly move the union of the two Kingdomes that as they were made one in the head so among themselves they might be inseparably conjoyned and all memory of by-past divisions extinguished A motion that took well at first and seemed to be generally desired of both Nations but did not succeed as was wished The Parliament alwaies at his Majesties desire and for a demonstration of their obedience did nominate Thomas Ellesmore Lord Chancellor of England Thomas Earl of Dorset Thesaurer Charles Earl of Nottingham Lord high Admirall Henry Earl of Southampton William Earl of Pembroke Henry Earl of Northampton Richard Bishop of London Toby Bishop of Durham Anthony Bishop of St Davids Robert Lord Cecill principall Secretary to his Majesty Edward Lord Souch Lord President of Wales William Lord Monteagle Ralph Lord Eure Edmond Lord Sheffeild Lord President of the Councell of the North Lords of the higher House And Thomas Lord Clinton Robert Lord Buckhurst Sir Francis Hastings knight Sir Iohn Stanhop knight Vice-chamberlain to the Kings Majesty Sir George Carew knight Vice-chamberlain to the Queens Majesty Sir Iohn Herbert knight second Secretary to his Majesty Sir Thomas Strickland knight Sir Edward Stafford knight Sir Henry Nevill of Barkshire knight Sir Richard Buckly knight Sir Henry Billingsly knight Sir Daniell Dunne knight Dean of the Arches Sir Edward Hobby knight Sir Iohn Savile knight Sir Robert Wroth knight Sir Thomas Challoner knight Sir Robert Mansell knight Sir Thomas Ridgway knight Sir Thomas Holcraft knight Sir Thomas Hasketh knight his Majesties Attorney of the Court of Wards and Liveries Sir Francis Bacon knight Sir Lawrence Cawfield knight Serjeant at Law Sir Henry Hubbard knight Serjeant at Law Sir Iohn Bennet knight Doctor of the Lawes Sir Henry VVitherington Sir Ralph Grey and Sir Thomas Lake knights Robert Ashwith Thomas Iames and Henry Chapman Merchants Knights and Burgesses of the house of Commons Giving them or any eight or more of the said Lords of the higher house and any twenty of the said Knights and Burgesses of the said house of Commons full power liberty and Commission to assemble and meet at any time or times before the next Session of Parliament â—or treating and consulting with certain selected Commissioners to be nominated and authorized by authority of the Parliament of the realm of Scotland of and concerning such an union of the said realms of England and Scotland and of and concerning such other matters causes and things whatsoever as upon mature deliberation and consideration the greatest part of the said Lords Knights Citizens and Burgesses being assembled with the Commissioners to be nominated by the Parliament of Scotland shall in their wisdome think and deem convenient and necessary for the honour of his Majesty and the weal and commmon good of both the said realms during his Majesties life and under all his progenie and royall posterity for ever which Commissioners of both the said realms shall according to the tenor of their said Commissions reduce their doings and proceedings into writings or instruments tripartite every part to be subscribed and sealed by them to the end that one part thereof may in all humility be presented to his most excellent Majesty the second part to be offered to the consideration of the next Session of Parliament for the realm of England and the third to be offered to the consideration of the next Parliament for the realm of Scotland that thereupon such further proceeding may be had as by both the said Parliaments may be thought fit and necessary for the weal and common good of both the said realms A Parliament in Scotland for the same purpose was indicted to the tenth of Aprill and thereafter prorogated to the eleventh of Iuly at which time the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assembled by virtue of his Majesties Commission did ordain the persons following they are to say Iohn Earl of Montrosse Chancellor of Scotland Francis Earl of Arroll high Constable of Scotland Iames Earl of Glencarn Alexander Earl of Linlithgow Iohn Archbishop of Glasgow David Bishop of Rosse George Bishop of Cathnes Walter Prior of Blantire Patrick Lord Glammis Alexander Lord Elphingston Alexander Lord Fyvie President of the Session of Scotland Robert Lord Roxbrugh Iames Lord Abircorn Iames Lord Balmerinoth Principall Secretary of Scotland David Lord of Scone Sir Iames Scrimgeour of Dudop knight Sir Iohn Cockburn of Ormston knight Sir Iohn Hume of Couldenknowes knight Sir David Carnegie of Kinnard knight Sir Robert Melvill elder of Murdocarmie knight Sir Thomas Hamilton of Binnie knight Sir Iohn Lermouth of Balcony knight Sir Alexander Straton of Lawriston knight Sir Iohn Sheen of Curry-hill knight Mr. Iohn Sharp of Howston Lawyer Mr. Thomas Craig Lawyer Henry Nisbit George Bruce Alexander Rutherford and Mr. Alexander
the sentence be a stay unto them considering it was done many moneths after the pronouncing of the sentence and that the absolution they should give might in the like manner be ratified at the next Assembly much lesse ought the prohibition of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh whereof his Majesty was informed be any hindrance to them seeing they were neither subject nor subordinate to them but as free in all respects as themselves And if any doubt should arise upon the form of the Earls satisfaction he was to remember them that the same is expresly defined in the Act of Parliament An. 1572 made against Apostates and other adversarâ—es of the true Religion where it is said That they which have made defection from the truth should not be received to our Soveraigne Lords mercy and favour till they have given of new the confession of their faith and promised to continue in the profession thereof all time coming and to fortifie the Preachers of the same against whatsoever enemies Last of all he was appointed to deliver them a Copie of the imprinted Questions and to desire the most discreet of their number to be sent Commissioners to the Assembly appointed at Perth with promise of speciall favour to them in all their businesse his good will towards the Ministery being no way altered by the wrong he had received from those insolent Ministers of Edinburgh This was the substance of his instructions The Ministers with the reverence that was due That for the Tumult of Edinburgh they were ignorant of the Ministers behaviour therein as likewise of their flight and having no jurisdiction over them they could give forth no judgment or censure only in the generall they would say that whosoever with just triall should be found authors of that Insurrection deserved to be punished as Traytors and if they were Ministers to be doubly punished For their subscription to the Bonds They answered That at their acception of the Ministery they had taken oath for acknowledging his Majesties power and authority and would not decline the same but where the Bond did mention speeches uttered in pulpit because the same concerned application of doctrine which his Majesty had proponed as a Question to be decided in the approaching Assembly they did humbly entreat his Majesty to spare them in that point unto that time which they promised precisely to keep For the Earl of Huntley they said His repentance should be most acceptable to them that they were content to give him conference and use all means for his resolution but they did not finde him so willing to conform as they wished nor very earnest for his absolution This was the summe of their Answer which the King did accept the better because of the hopes given to his servant of all satisfaction on their parts at the meeting of Perth which they also performed for both then and afterwards in all Assemblies and conventions they did stick fast unto him But the King being made to understand that Huntley did linger and delay to make offers for satisfying the Church he sent him the Letter following written all with his own hand My Lord I Am sure ye consider and doe remember how often I have incurred skaith and hazard for your cause therefore to be short resolve you either to satisfie the Church betwixt the day that is appointed without any more delay or else if your conscience be so kittle as it cannot permit you make for another Land betwixt and that day where ye may use freely your own conscience your Wife and Barns shall in that case enjoy your living but for your self look never to be a Scotish man again Deceive not your self to think that by lingring of time your Wife and your Allies shall ever get you better conditions And think not that I will suffer any professing a contrary Religion to dwell in this Land If you obey me in this you may once again be setled in a good estate and made able to doe me service which from my heart I would wish The rest I remit to the bearer whose directions ye shall follow if you wish your own well Farewell From Dunfermlin JAMES R. Such was the Kings care for reclaiming the Nobleman to the profession of the truth whilest people suffered themselves to be abused with rumors that he himself was declining Letters in the mean time were directed to all the Presbyteries advertising them of the meeting at Perth and desiring they should send their Commissioners thither instructed with power to treat and conclude in all matters proponed When the day came the Assembly was frequent enough but divers Commissioners bearing a power only to convene hear and report and not to question any thing concluded in former Assemblies the King sent Sir Iohn Cockborne of Ormeston Sir Iohn Preston and Mr. Edward Bruce to ask those that were convened Whether they did accompt that meeting a lawfull Generall Assembly having power sufficient to treat and conclude in the Articles that should be proponed according to his Majesties missive Letters directed to the severall Presbyteries After long reasoning answer was made That they did esteem the meeting to be a lawfull Generall Assembly called extraordinarily by his Majesties Letters and that they would hear treat and conclude of things that should be moved unto them according to the Commissions wherewith they were authorized This Answer given note they presented the Articles following Seeing the quietnesse of the Church and the freeing of the same from slander which upon the contrary effects would necessarily follow is the principall scope and end at which his Majesty aimeth in this present Assembly foreshewing fashions and long disputes whereupon controversies and debates might arise his Majesty hath thought good to remit the decision of a great number of the Questions imprinted to better opportunity and will content himself with the determination of a few that he hath made choice of which with a greater could not be longer delayed As first that it be not thought unlawfull either to the Prince or any of the Pastors at any time hereafter to move doubts and crave reformation of any points in the externall policy and discipline of the Church which are not essentiall concerning salvation nor expresly defined in Scripture providing it be done decenter in right time and place animo aedificandi non tentandi 2 That seeing the civill and politick government of the Countrey belongs properly to the Kings office and his Counsellours and it is no way pertinent to the spirituall Ministery of the Word that no Minister should thereafter meddle with matters of Estate in Pulpit or with any of his Majesties laws statutes or ordinances but if any of them seem hurtfull to Religion they should complain to the King and Councell 3 That it should not be lawfull to Ministers to name any particular mens names in Pulpit or so vively to descrive them as may be equivalent to their naming except upon the
Government is committed to me it is not your subject nor are ye to medle with it After such words as these he began to speak of the Articles proponed desiring to hear what reasons they had to the contrary Mr. Thomas Buchannan as he was appointed did first protest in the name of the Assembly That their coming to that place was onely to testifie their obedience to his Majesty and to hear what shall be proponed but not to submit matters Ecclesiastick either concerning doctrine or discipline to their Judicatory or yet to make themselves one Assembly with the Estates and that therefore they should be permitted to return to the place of their Assembly to treat reason and conclude in the points moved unto them according to the word of God and good consciences which protestation was admitted Then he did humbly thank his Majesty for his good affection to the Church and care he had to redress things that were amiss in so peaceable a manner And for the particulars proponed he shewed what was the minde of the Assembly and the reasons that led them unto it saying they were willing to hear and give place to better information Hereupon ensued a reasoning which kept a long time and ended in a good agreementL so the ministers were dimitted and Assembling again in the ordinary place they corrected their first answers in this sort 1 That it is lawfull to his Majesty by himself or his Commissioners or to the Pastors to propone in a generall Assembly whatsoever point his Majesty or they desire to be resolved or reformed in matters of externall government alterable according to circumstances providing it be done in right time and place animo aedificandi non tentandi 2 That no Minister should reprove his Majesties Laws Acts Statutes and Ordinance unto such time as first he hath by the advice of his Presbytery Synodall or generall Assemblies complained and sought remedy of the same from his Majesty and made report of his Majesties answer before any further proceeding 3 That no mans name should be expressed in Pulpit to his rebuke except the fault be notorious and publick which notoriety is thus defined if the person be fugitive convict by Assise excommunicate contumax after citation or lawfull admonition nor yet should any man be descrived vively by any other circumstances then publick vices always damnable 4 That no Minister should use application wherein he hath not a principall respect to the edifying of his own flock and present auditory 5 That every Presbyter take diligent accompt of the Pastors doctrine and that he keep himself within the bounds of his words 6 That the answers of the sixth Article shall be superseded unto the next generall Assembly suspending in the mean time all summary excommunication unto the said Assembly 7 That the seventh Article be remitted to the next Assembly 8 That all summons contain the speciall cause and crime and none to be given out super inquirendis 9 That no conventions shall be amongst the Pastors without his Majesties knowledge and consent except their Sessions Presbyteries and Synods the meetings of the visitations of Churches admission or deprivation of Ministers taking up of deadly fewds and the like which have not been found fault with by his Majesty 10 That in all principall Towns the Ministers shall not be chosen without his Majesties consent and the consent of the flock 11 That all matters concerning remnant questions shall be suspended and neither damned nor rebuked in Pulpit or other Judicatories till they be decided in the generall Assembly and that no matters importing slander shall be called before them in the mean time wherein his Majesties authority is prejudged causes Ecclesiasticall onely excepted Lastly for reasoning the said questions according to his Majesties desire the Assembly did ordain Mr. Iames Nicolson Mr. Iohn Coldelewch Mr. Andrew Clayhills Mr. Thomas Buchannan Mr. David Lindsey Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. Robert Wilky Mr. William Cowper Mr. Iohn Cowper Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Robert Howy Iohn Duncanson and Mr. Iames Bryson to convene at such time and place as his MaJestie should be pleased to appoint and to report their opinion and advice to the next generall Assembly These conclusions taken which for a beginning did satisfie the King a Commission was also given at his Majesties desire to the Ministers of Aberdene and Murray with some others of Mernis and Angus for reconciling the Popish Lords The conditions required of Huntley to be fulfilled before his absolution were 1 That he should appear before the Commissioners appointed by the Assembly the 22 of March at Aberdene and remain in that City during the time of their conference with him to the effect he might be instructed in the truth and brought to condescend with knowledge unto the religion professed and to the detestation of the contrary 2 That he should acknowledge the Church of Scotland to be a true Church and adjoyn himself thereto hear the Word receive the Sacraments and be obedient to the discipline thereof 3 That he should solemnly promise to remove forth of his company and from the bounds that were under his power all Jesuits Priests and excommunicate persons 4 That he swear and subscribe the confession of the faith in presence of the whole Commissioners 5 That he acknowledge the sentence of excommunication to have been justly pronounced against him for his apostasie from the truth the slaughter of the Earl of Murray and burning of Dumbrissill and that he declare himself penitent therefore promising asfithment to the partie whensoever he should be moved to accept the same 6 That he provide sufficient maintenance to the Churches within his bounds by the advice of his best advised friends and have an ordinary Minister to reside with him in his family And lastly that he be content to reconcile with all that he is esteemed to carry any grudge unto and profess no quarrell to any of those that assisted the King in his pursuit The like conditions were required of Angus and Arroll that which concerned the Earl of Murray only excepted All matters being thus peaceably accorded the King caused publish the good agreement he had made with the Church taking in his protection the Ministers with their families goods and possessions and charging all Papists those excepted that were in tearms of satisfaction to depart forth of the Countrey before the first of Iune The Assembly finding the King so well pleased made bold to intercede for the Ministers the Town of Edinburgh and the Gentlemen that were challenged for the tumult For the Town his Majesty answered that he was not minded to trouble innocent men and should shortly settle with them Touching the Gentlemen he said they should doe well to present their supplications by their friends But for the Ministers he esteemed them most guilty and knew not what course to take with them It being replyed that by the examinations taken
the Duke did follow him and was entertained with hunting and the like sports unto the Queens delivery which fell out the 17 of September Going then unto the Countrey to salute his mother Madam D' Aubigney and other his friends whilest he was about these offices of kindness the King went by post to Callais upon some intelligence as it was said from England that the Queen was fallen sick he himself gave out that the affairs of Flanders did occasion his journey for as then the Archduke was besieging Ostend But whatsoever the businesse was no man doubted but that he had an eye upon the succession of England and if he could have found a faction would have foisted in another Bastard of Normandy which oftentimes in a merriment and gallantry he spared not to utter The Duke after his return to Paris made no long stay but taking his leave of the French King who was then come back from Callais took journey towards England and came to London in the beginning of November A Parliament was then sitting at VVestminster the last that Queen Elizabeth held which with his coming upon that instant gave many to think that he was come to urge a Declaration of the Kings right of succession and not a few they were nor of small note that offered to assist if he should move any such business but he told them that neither had he any such Commission nor would the King ever agree to any thing that might breed a jealousie in the Queen And his Commission indeed was no other but to salute the Queen in the Kings name and let her know the kinde and filiall affection he carried unto her whereof he should be willing to give proof at all occasions And for that he was given to understand that the Irish Rebells had drawn in some Spanish forces into Ireland to fortifie themselves in their Rebellion he would if his ayde should be thought necessary employ the same for their expulsion The Queen giving the King many thanks said That if those troubles continued she would take his help and hire some of his High-landers and Isles men but she trusted to hear other news shortly and not be vexed long with those strangers As also it came to passe for the very next moneth the Lord Montjoy her Deputy did in a battell fought neer Kinsale defeat the Irish utterly and afterwards forced the Spaniards that had taken the Town to render upon condition of their lives saved and that they might be transported again into their Countrey The Duke after three weeks stay being feasted by the Queen and entertained with all complements of amity returned home and came to Edinburgh in the end of December where having related his proceedings in Councell they were all approved The Lord Elphingston had in his absence resigned the office of Treasury upon an offence as was thought he conceived for adjoyning some others unto him in the componing of Signators and now was Sir George Hume one of the Masters of the Quirie preferred to the office which he discharged by his Deputy Sir Iohn Arnot both to his Majesty and the Countreys content The next sommer the King having resolved to plant Lowland-men in the Isles and transport the inhabitants into the main land where they might learn civility made a beginning at the Isle of Lewis The undertakers were Patrick Abbot of Lendors Colonell William Stewart Captain William Murray Mr. Iohn Lermouth of Balcolmy Mr. Iames Spence of wormeston Sir Iames Anstruther of that ilke and Iames Forret of Fingaske These Gentlemen furnishing themselves with armes and shipping and having conduced a number of souldiers took sea and in the third or fourth day arrived in the Lake of Sternoway within the same Isle Murdoch Macklond base son to old Macklond who carried himself as Lord of the Isle made at the first some resistance but after a little conflict distrusting the people for he had used them with great tyranny he fled and forsook the Isle leaving the Indwellers to the discretion of the Invaders they how soon he was gone did all submit themselves and accept such conditions as were offered by the undertakers Being thus peaceably possessed the Laird of Balcolmy either sent by the rest to signifie their good successe and to make preparation against the Winter or for some private business of his own took purpose to return home and being lanched alittle from the coast and by reason of the calm forced to cast anchor was suddenly invaded by the said Murdach Macklowd with a number of Birlings so they call the little vessels those Isles men use the ship boarded the mariners killed and himself made prisoner The Gentleman being detained some daies and hourly threatned with death was afterwards ransomed by one of his friends and conveyed to Orkeney where contracting a feaver he died The rest of the Gentlemen to repair this injury conduced Neill Macklowd brother to the said Murdach to betray and deliver him in their hands which he performed shortly after having by an ambush laid for his brother apprehended him and some twelve more that were in his company The twelve he presently beheaded Murdach he delivered to the Gentlemen as he had promised who was afterwards transported to S. Andrews and there executed The undertakers thinking themselves now secured began to build and made a partition of lands letting the same to the Countrey people who did all swear fidelity to them but whilest they expected no trouble Norman Macklowd son to old Macklowd did on the suddain beset them put fire to their lodgings and force them to the Conditions following First that they should purchase to them remission from the King of all crimes and offences past Next that they should resigne to Norman all the right that they had acquired of the Isle of Lewis And thirdly that Sir Iames Spence with his son in law Thomas Monypenny of Kinkell should remain as pledges untill the remission was brought unto him and such a surety given of the Isle as he could devise This condescended unto Sir Iames Anstruther departed with the whole company that was left for many were killed before their yeilding and for relief of the pledges obtained of the King both the remission and security of the Isle that was desired which was sent to Norman by Iames Lermouth son to the Laird of Darcie By this mean were the pledges freed and for that time the whole enterprise defeated some three years after the same was of new attempted with what successe we shall hear in the own place Master Robert Bruce who as we shewed before was exiled in France obtained licence to return in the beginning of this Summer by the intercession of the Earl of Marre whom he had intreated to mediate his peace upon promise at his return to satisfie the King and declare his resolution in that matter of Gowries The King who never shewed himself difficile especially to Ministers
besought his Majesty to accept graciously that which was done and made offer of their best service in perfecting that work as they should be imployed The king professing a great content did specially thank them for reserving his Prerogative in the preferment of men to offices and honours in either kingdome for inequality said he of liberties and priviledges is not the way to effect the union I desire capacity of offices ought to be equall to both people but the moderation of that equality must be left to me neither you to suspect that I will offer any manner of grievance to either of the Countreys or do any thing that may kindle emulation among them considering the desire I have to see you united in a fast and indissolveable amity This said he recommended the prosecution of that business in the severall Parliaments to their fidelity and trust wishing them to lay aside all jealousies needless fears and other worse passions in a matter that so nearly concerned the good and benefit of both kingdomes Some moneths before the King had assumed by virtue of his Prerogative the title of The King of great Britain commanding the same to be used from thenceforth in all Proclamations Missives and Treaties and the names of England and Scotland to be discontinued except in instruments of private parties and where legality of process would not admit the same this same in both kingdomes took ill but his Majesty esteeming those names whereby they had been called no better then names of hostility would needs have the antient name of Britain received and these of Scotland and England abolished In like manner he did prohibite the name of the borders to be used and ordained all places of strength in these parts the houses of Noblemen and Barons excepted to be demolished their Iron gates to be turned into Plow Irons and the inhabitants to betake themselves to labour and the exercises of peace for the same purpose he did break the Garisons at Barwick and Carlile And in memory of the union so happily begun made divers pieces of gold and silver to be coyned upon some whereof were engraven these inscriptions Quae Deus conjunxit nemo separet and Tueatur unita Deus On others Faciam eos in gentem unam and Henricus rosas Regna Iacobus During this conference the Lord Fivie President of the Session supplyed the place of the Scottish Chancellor and was shortly after preferred to the same office by the Earl of Montross his dismission who in stead thereof was made Commissioner and deputy of Scotland during life Secretary Elphingston was chosen President of the Session and all affairs trusted by his Majesty to the Chancellor and him with a speciall direction that they should be assisting to the Church and maintain those whom his Majesty had preferred in the places of Bishops in the same How they answered the trust committed to them in this particular we shall hear But leaving the matter of State let us now see how things went at that time in the Church The generall Assembly that should have kept at Aberdene in Iuly 1604 was continued because of the union to the same moneth in the year following The King being informed of a great preparation that the Ministers made for keeping that meeting and that they intended to call in question all the conclusions taken in former Assemblies for the Episcopall government directed the Commissioners of the Church to desert the Diet and make no indiction of another till he should be advertised They accordingly did intimate his Majesties pleasure to all the Presbyters and therewith as they were desired declare that his Majesty did purpose to call a number of the Bishops and disaffected Ministers to court and for preventing such disorderly meeting hear the differences that were among them debated in his own person The greater part resolved to obey nine Presbyteries onely of Fifty so many there are reckoned in the whole kingdome sent their Commissioners to keep the meeting The chief leaders of this stir was Mr. Iohn Forbes Minister of Awford and Mr. Iohn Welch Minister at Ayre These two having encouragement given them in private by some principally in the State used all means to bring the Ministers together were in expectation of a frequétassembly yet when the day appointed came there convened thirteen only and after some two or three days seven or eight more The names of the Ministers that convened were Mr. Charles Farum Minister of Fraserburgh Mr. Robert Youngson Minister at Clat Mr. Iames Mill Minister at lnnervry Mr. Alexander Straughen Minister at Creich Mr. David Robertson Minister at Feterangus Mr. Robert Rid Minister at Mr. Iames Irwyn Minister at Towch Mr. Iohn Monro Subdean at Rosse Mr. William Forbes Minister at Rinbethock Mr. William Davidson Minister at Ruthven Mr. Thomas Abernethy Minister at Hawick Mr. Iames Grey Minister at Lâ—wdon Mr. Nathaniel Ingly Minister at Cragy Mr. Iames Rosse and Mr. Archbold Blackburn Minister at Aberdene Iohn Rosse Minister at Blare Mr. Iohn Sharpe Minister at Kilmeny Mr. Andrew Duncan Minister at Cruill Mr. Robert Dury Minister at Anstruther with the said Mr. Iohn Forbes and Mr. Iohn Welch Sir Alexander Straiton of Lowreston Commissioner for his Majesty in Church affairs upon a rumour he heard of a meeting to be kept left any imputation of negligence should be laid on him prevented the same And by letters he had obtained from the secret Councell caused discharge the Assembly at the market Crosse of Aberdene they nevertheless convened the next day which being reported to the Commissioner he went to the place and in his Majesties name commanded to dissolve They replying That they were warranted by the laws of the Countrey and that they could not betray the liberties of the Church by giving way to such unlawfull prohibitions He shewed them that the libertie granted for keeping Assemblies could not annull his Majesties power nor denude him of his Prerogative in the continuing or discharging these meetings when he should finde cause For even the Parliament which is the highest Court of the kingdome said he is disposed as the King thinketh meet at his pleasure it is called prorogued dismissed and deserted as he judgeth most convenient And you will not I trust equall your Assemblies to the Parliament of the three Estates Besides you are not a number you want the ordinary Clark neither is the Moderator of the last Assembly present and can do nothing orderly After a little debating they request him to remove till they should del berate among themselves what were best for them to do but he was no sooner gone but then they choose Mr. Ihon Forbes Moderator and that done continued the Assembly to the last day of September thinking by this means to preserve their liberty Lowreston finding himself in this abused caused to execute the letters and denounced them Rebells And left they should make a
the intended tragedy to be performed when as that which was so secretly hatched came to be discovered after a wonderfull manner The Lord Monteagle son heir to the Lord Morley being in his lodging at seven of the clock at night had a Letter given him by one of his footmen who received the same upon the street from a person unknown with a charge to put it in his Masters hand The tenor whereof was as followeth My Lord OUt of the love I bear to some of your friends I have a care of your preservation therefore would I advise you as you tender your life to devise some excuse to shift off your attendance at this Parliament for God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of this time Think not slightly of this advertisement but retire your self into your Countrey where you may expect the event in safety for though there be no appearance of any stirre yet I say they shall receive a terrible blow in this Parliament and shall not see who hurteth them This counsell is not to be contemned because it may doe you good and can doe you no harm for the danger is passed as soon as you have burnt the Letter and I hope God will give you the grace to make good use of it in whose holy protection I commit you It was some ten daies only before the Parliament that Monteagle received this Letter and but twelve hours before the meeting of the Estates that the Plot was found out Where it is a sort of wonder to think that so many being made privie to the conspiracy the same should not have burst out one way or other in so long a time For it was the eleventh of December 1604 when they began to work at the myne and so the space of a year and more the conspiracy went concealed Some advertisements were sent to the King and diverse of his Majesties Councell from beyond sea That the Papists were preparing to present a Petition for toleration of Religion at the meeting of the Parliament which should be so well backed as the King would be loath to refuse it But these advertisements were contemned and thought to be invented for putting the King in fear Yea and the Nobleman when he received the Letter not knowing what construction to make of it doubted much that it had been a device to scare him from attending the Parliament notthelesse out of his care of the Kings preservation he resolved to communicate the same with the Earl of Salisbury his Majesties principall Secretary and going the same night to Whitehall delivered the Letter to him The Secretary acquainting the Chamberlain Admirall and some others of the Councell therewith and examining every line thereof resolved to shew the same to the King at his return for he was then at hunting at Royston and not to search further in the matter till they should hear what was his judgment The King returning to London the Thursday after which was Alhallowes evening the Letter was shewed him the next day in the afternoon who having read the same once or twice said That it was not to be contemned and that the style seemed more quick and pithy then is used in libells pasquills and the like The Secretary perceiving the King to apprehend the matter more deeply then he expected told him that the letter seemed to be written by a fool or mad man and pointing at the passage the danger is past as soon as you have burnt the letter said that the warning was to little purpose if the burning of the letter might make the danger eschewed But the King willing him to consider the former sentence wherein it was said that they should receive a terrible blow at the Parliament and not see who did hurt them and when he should joyn that with the other he should finde it to be suddain danger as by blowing up by Powder that was thereby meant Therefore willed all the rooms in the Parliament house to be searched both above and below to prevent the danger if any there was This belonging to the Chamberlain his office he was desired to make the search and for staying the idle rumours to delay his going to Monday in the afternoon the day before the first Session of Parliament At which time the Chamberlain taking with him the Lord Mounteagle who was carefull to see what the warning given would prove went and viewed all the rooms where he perceived in the vault under the upper house great store of fagots billets and coals and asking the keeper of the guardrobe named Whinyard to what use he had put those low Cellars for they appertained to him he answered that Thomas Percy had hired the house and Cellar and the billets and the coals were the Gentlemans provision for winter The Chamberlain casting his eye aside and espying a fellow in the corner of the vault asked who he was and received answer that he was Percies man who kept the house for his Master Thus having lookt upon all things in a careless manner as it appeared he returned to the King and made report of that he had seen which encreased his Majesties first apprehension and thereupon was order given for turning up those billets and coals even to the bottome if nothing should be found it was devised that Whinyard should pretend the stealing of some of the Kings stuffe which he had in his keeping and that made the colour of search Sir Thomas Knevet Gentleman of his Majesties privie Chamber and Justice of Peace within Westminster being appointed for this business went thither with some few in company about midnight and finding a man standing without doors in his cloathes and boots caused him to be apprehended This was Guido Faulks whose hand should have fired the train and gave himself out for Percies man Thereafter entring into the house he made the coals and billets to be turned up under which they found 36 barrells of Powder more and less Then turning to the fellow they had apprehended and questioning him touching the Powder he did instantly confess swearing That if he had been within the house when they took him he should have blown them up with the house and all Sir Thomas taking the man a long went immediately to the place and shewed the Chamberlain and Secretary how he had sped they making themselves ready and warning the Counsellors that lay within the Palace went all together to his Majesties Bed chamber The King awake the Chamberlain not able to conceal his joy cried aloud that the Treason was discovered and the traitor in hands The command was given to command the Councell to examine the Prisoner touching his partakers he nothing dejected nor moved a whit with so honorable a presence did boldly avow the fact repenting onely that he had failed in the execution and saying The devill envying the success of so good a work had discovered the same All that day nothing could be drawn from him
his Majesties favors bestowed upon me having raised me out of the dust to a fortune farre exceeding my merit and on the other side I look to my foul fault in abusing his Majesties trust bringing thereby such an imputation upon his innocency as will hardly be taken away but with the forlorn childe to say Pecavi in coelum terram my offence is great I confess nor am I worthy to be reckoned any longer among his Majesties subjects or servants his Majesties rare piety singular wisdome and unspotted sincerity in all his actions whereof I had so long experience might have taught me that when he refused to have any dealing with the Pope the event of the course I took could not be good but I unhappy man would needs follow the way which to me seemed best and whereof I finde now the smart If no other thing can liberate his Majesty of this imputation caused by my folly let neither my life nor estate nor credit be spared but as I have all by his Majesties favour so let all go even to the last drop of my blood before any reproach for my offence be brought upon his Majesty Then rising up he said It shall not be necessary to remit my tryall to Scotland which I hear your Honours do intend for I do simply submit my self to his Majesties will and had much rather not live then lye any longer under his Majesties displeasure Therefore my humble suit to your honours is that in consideration of my miserable estate and ignominious confession you would be pleased to move his Majesty for accepting me in will and that without delay whatsoever may be done for reparation of his honour may be performed whereunto most willingly I submit my self The Chancellor Sir Thomas Egerton without taking any notice of these last words declared that his Majesties pleasure was to remit the tryall of his offence to the Judges in Scotland and that he should be conveyed thither as a Prisoner the Sheriffes attending him from shire to shire till he was delivered in Scotland in the mean time he did pronounce him deprived of all places honours dignities and every thing else that he possessed in England Whether or not I should mention the arraignment and execution of George Sprot notary in Eymouth who suffered at Edinburgh in the August preceding I am doubtfull his confession though voluntary and constant carrying small probability This man had deponed that he knew Robert Logan of Restalrig who was dead two years before to have been privy to Gowries conspiracy and that he understood so much by a letter that fell in his hand written by Restalrig to Gowry bearing that he would take part with him in the revenge of his fathers death and that his best course should be to bring the King by sea to Fascastle where he might be safely kept till advertisement came from those with whom the Earl kept intelligence It seemed a very fiction and to be a meer invention of the mans own brain for neither did he shew the letter nor could any wise man think that Gowry who went about that treason so secretly would have communicated the matter with such a man as this Restalrig was known to be as ever it was the man remained constant in his confession and at his dying when he was to be cast off the ladder for he was hanged in the publick street of Edinburgh promised to give the beholders a sign for confirming them in the truth of what he had spoken which also he performed by clapping his hands three severall times after he was cast off by the executioner To return to the Commissioners of the Assembly they had presence of the King in Hampton Court the 10 of September where the Archbishop of Glasgow having declared the occasion of their coming did present the Assemblies letter together with their Petitions The King having read both the one and other said That the difference between the lawfull and unlawfull meetings might be perceived by the fruits arising from both for as that unlawful conventicle at Aberdene had caused a schisme in the Church and given the enemies of Religion a great advantage so in this Assembly they had not onely joyned in love among themselves wich is the main point of religion but also had taken a solid course for the repressing of Popery and superstition that he did allow all their Petitions and would give order for a Convention which should ratifie the conclusions of the Assembly assuring them that the Church keeping that course should never lack his Patrociny and Protection Letters were immediately directed to publish his Majesties acceptation of the Assemblies proceedings and the Councell joyned to commit the Marquesse of Huntley in the Castle of Striveling the Earl of Angus in the Castle of Edinburgh and the Earl of Arroll in Dumbritton A convention was likewise indicted at Edinburgh the sixth of December which was afterward prorogued to the 27 of Ianuary The Archbishop of Glasgow was in the mean time sent home to inform the Councell concerning Balmerinoch his business and how these matters had been carried in England This report made The Chancellor who had been much ruled by the Secretary was greatly afraid as suspecting the next assault should have been made upon him self But the King who knew his disposition and expected that the Chancellor would carry himself more advisedly especially in the matters of the Church the Secretary being gone did hast the Earl of Dunbar home with a warrant to receive the Chancellor in the number of the Counsellors of England and therewith appointed him Commissioner with Dunbar in the Convention of Estates all which was done to make it seem that his credit was no way diminished with his Majesty In this convention divers Acts were made in favours of the Church As first that Noblemen sending their sons forth of the Countrey should direct them to places where the reformed Religion was professed at least where the same was not restrained by the Inquisition and that the Pedagogues sent to attend them should be chosen by the Bishop of the Dioces wherin if they should happen to transgress the Nobleman being an Earl should incur the pain of four thousand pounds if he was a Lord five thousand Marks and if a Baron three thousand Marks And if their sons should happen to decline from the true Religion that their Parents should withdraw all entertainment from them and finde surety to that effect That the Bishop of the Dioces should give up to the Treasurer Controller Collector and their deputies the names of all persons excommunicated for Religion to the end they might be known and that no confirmations resignations nor infestiments should be granted to any contained in that Roll. That the Director of the Chancery should give forth no briefes directories precepts of returns nor precept upon comprisement till they produced the Bishops Testificate of their absolution and obedience and
that it should be lawfull to Superiours and Lords of Regalities to refuse the entry of all such to their lands by precepts of Clarè constat or any other way Lastly that persons excommunicated for not conforming themselves to the Religion presently professed should neither in their own names nor covertly in name of any other enjoy their lands or rents but that the same should be intrometted with and uplifted to his Majesties use These were the Acts concluded touching Religion for the punishment of rapes which was grown as then too common his Majesty by a speciall letter did recommend to the Estates some overtures for restraining such violences As if any widow woman or maid should be forced and abused against her will the crime should be capital and not purged by the subsequent consent of the woman In like manner if any woman should be taken away albeit no further injury was done and she relieved either by her friends or by the Magistrate or by what so ever means the onely violence intended should be punished by death in regard the party had indevoured to do his worst And for those that did intice any woman to go away without their parents or tutors consent that they should be secluded from any part of the goods or lands belonging to the woman so inticed Some other Acts for the publick good of the kingdome were passed at the same time neither was it remembred that in any one convention so much good of a long time was done as in this In the beginning of February the Secretary was brought to Edinburgh and delivered to the Magistrates who received him at the neither port and conveyed him as a Prisoner to the lodging that was appointed A great gazing there was of people which troubled him not a little as he shewed by his countenance The next day he was delivered to the Lord Scone who with a guard of horse did convey him to the prison of Falkland there he remained to the 10 of March and was at that time taken to S. Andrews to abide his triall with the Justice there sate as Assessors the Earls of Dunbar Montross and Lothian the Lord Privy seal and Clerk Register His indictment was to this effect That in the year 1598 by the instigation of his Cousin Sir Edward Drummond a professed Papist he had stoln and surreptitiously purchased his Majesties hand to a letter written by the said Sir Edward and directed to Pope Clement the eighth in favour of the Bishop of Vaison for the said Bishops preferment to the dignity of a Cardinall And that notwithstanding the many denialls the King gave him in that busines he had treasonably conspired with the said Sir Edward to deceive and abuse his Majesty shuffling in a letter among others that were to be signed and filling it up after it was signed with the styles and titles usually given to the Pope and sealed the letter with his Majesties fignet the keeping whereof was intrusted to him by virtue of his office and in so doing had mostundutifully and treasonably behaved himself to the indangering of his Majesties Honour Life Crown and Estate and to the subversion of true Religion and the whole professors thereof Upon the reading of the indictment he was enquired if he would use any friends or advocates to speak in his defence as the order of the Court did allow him his answer was That he stood never in so great need of a Proloquutor the matter concerning his life estate and all that he possessed in this world yet he had choosed to keep silence and not employ either friends or advocates the offence he had committed being such as could admit no defence for howsoever he conceived that the keeping of intelligence with the Pope might advance his Majesties succession to the Crown of England yet knowing as he did his Majesties resolution never to use any crooked course but to rest upon Gods providence and his own right it did not become him to have medled in a matter of that importance Therefore did he intreat all gentlemen and others that were present to bear witness of his confession and the true remorse he had for the offence committed which he esteemed so great as neither his lands nor life may not twenty thousand lives such as his could repair onely two things he asked liberty to protest one was that he never intended to work an alteration of Religion or a toleration of the contrary the thing he had done being a meer worldly course whereby he judged some good might have been wrought at the time Next he protested that neither the love of gain nor hope of commodity had led him on that having never received nor expected benefit from any Prince living his Master the King onely excepted but an opinion he foolishly conceited that he might that way promote his Masters right In end he said that he would not make the Iudges any more business that he had confessed the truth and as he wished God to be mercifull to his soul in that great day his Majesty was most falsely and wrongfully charged with the writing of that letter to the Pope and that he never could move him to consent thereto The Jury was then called and the persons following sworn in face of Court David Earl of Crawford George Earl Marshall Iohn Earl Wigton Patrick Earl of Kingborne Iohn Earl of Tillibarden Alban L. Cathcart Iohn L. Salton David L. Scone Alexander L Garlies William Master of Tillibarden Sir Iames Douglas of Drâ—mlanrick Sir Robert Gordon of Lochinvar Sir William Levingston of Kilsith Sir Iohn Houston of the Ilke and Sir Patrick Home of Polwart These going apart returned after a short space into the Court and by the mouth of the Earl of Marshall pronounced Iames Lord Balmerinoch guilty of treasonable surreptitious fraudulent and false stealing of his Majesties hand to the letter specified in the indictment without his Majesties knowledge and contrary to his will declared As also of the treasonable affixing of his Majesties signet to the said letter and of assisting known and professed Papists in their treasonable courses to the danger of Religion the overthrow of the true professors thereof and drawing of his Majesties life estate and right of succession to the Crown of England in most extreme perill besides the bringing of most false and scandalous imputations upon his Majesty as well in Religion as honour and of art and part of the whole treasonable crimes contained in the said indictment The King being advertised of his conviction for he had commanded before any doom should be pronounced by a warrant directed to the Justice he was brought again to Edinburgh and in a Justice Court kept the first of Aprill decerned to be taken to the place of execution and there to have his head cut off his lands heritages Lordships Baronies taks steadings rooms possessions offices benefices cornes cattell c. forfeited and escheated to his
Majesties use as being convicted of the foresaid treasonable crimes His life upon the Queens intercession was spared and he returned to his prison in Falkland where he abode some moneths being thereafter licensed to go unto his house in Balmerinoch he dyed as was thought of grief and sorrow A man of abilities sufficient for the places he injoyed in Session and Councell but one that made small conscience of his doings and measured all things according to the gain he made by them The possessions he acquired of the Church kept him still an enemy unto it for he feared a restitution should be made of those livings if ever the Clergy did attain unto credit Not long before he fell in his trouble the King had imployed him to deal with the Lords of Session among whom he carried a great sway for restoring the Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction to the Bishops but he taking ways that he thought should not have been perceived to disappoint the errand drew upon himself the Kings displeasure and fared nothing the better because of his miscarriage in that business when this occasion was offered It is not for those that serve Princes and are trusted by them in the greatest affairs to deal deceitfully with their Masters for seldome have any taken that course and have not in the end found the smart thereof A Parliament was this year kept at Edinburgh the 24 of Iune the Earl Marshall being Commissioner for the King wherein the Acts concluded in the preceding convention were ratified the jurisdiction of Commissaries restored to the Church the Justices of peace commanded to be setled in every shire and a Statute made for the Apparell of Iudges Magistrates and Churchmen which were all remitted to his Majesties appointment Patterns accordingly were sent from London not long after for the apparell of the Lords of Sessions the Justice other inferiour Judges for Advocates Lawyers Commissars and all that lived by practise of law and command given to every one whom the Statutes concerned to provide themselves of the habits prescribed within a certain space under the pain of Rebellion Such was the Kings care to have those who were in publick charge held in due respect and dignosced whither soever they came The King by his Letters was now daily urging the Bishops to take upon them the administration of all Church affairs and they unwilling to make any change without the knowledge and approbation of the Ministers an assembly to this effect was appointed to hold at Glasgow the 6 of Iune The Earl of Dunbar Sir Iohn Preston President of the Session and Sir Alexander Hay Secretary which two had succeeded to Balmerinoch his places being Commissioners for the King the Archbishop of Glasgow was elected to preside There a Proposition was made by the Commissioners of certain point of Discipline which his Majesty craved to be determined That all things might be done thereafter orderly in the Church and with that consent and harmony which was fitting among preachers Some three daies being spent in reasoning at last the conclusions following were enacted 1 The Assembly did acknowledge the indiction of all such generall Assemblies of the Church to belong to his Majesty by the prerogative of his Crown and all convocations in that kind without his licence to be meerly unlawfull condemning the conventicle of Aberdene made in the year 1605 as having no warrant from his Majesty and contrary to the prohibition he had given 2 That Synods should be kept in every Dioces twice in the year viz. in Aprill and October and be moderated by the Archbishop or Bishop of the Dioces or where the Dioceses are so large as all the Ministers cannot conveniently assemble at one place that there be one or moe had and in the Bishops absence the place of Moderation supplied by the most worthy Minister having charge in the bounds such as the Archbishop or Bishop shall appoint 3 That no sentence of excommunication or absolution from the same be pronounced against or in favour of any person without the knowledge and approbation of the Bishop of the Dioces who must be answerable unto God and his Majesty for the formall and unpartiall proceeding thereof And the process being found formall that the sentence be pronounced at the Bishops direction by the Minister of the Parish where the offender hath his dwelling and the process did first begin 4 That all presentations in time coming be directed to the Archbishop or Bishop of the Dioces within which the Benefice that is void lieth with power to the Archbishop or Bishop to dispone or conferre the Benefices that are void within the Dioces after the lapse Iure devoluto 5 That in the deposition of Ministers upon any occasion the Bishop do associate to himself some of the Ministers within the bounds where the delinquent serveth and after just triall of the fact and merit of it pronounce the sentence of deprivation The like order to be observed in the suspension of Ministers from the exercise of their function 6 That every Minister at his admission swear obedience to his Majesty and to his Ordinary according to the form agreed upon Anno 1571. 7 The visitations of the Dioces be made by the Bishop himself and if the bounds be greater then he can well undertake by such a worthy man of the Minsterie within the Diocese as he shall choose to visit in his place And whatsoever Minister without just cause or lawfull excuse shall absent himself from the visitation or Diocesan assembly be suspended from his Office and Benefice and if he doe not amend deprived 8 That the convention of Ministers for exercise be moderated by the Bishop being present and in his absence by any Minister that he shall nominate in his Synod 9 And last it was ordained that no Minister should speak against any of the foresaid conclusions in publick nor dispute the question of equality or inequality of Ministery as tending only to the intertainment of Schisme in the Church and violation of the peace thereof These conclusions taken it was complained in behalf of the Moderators of Presbyteries who had served since the yeare 1606. That notwithstanding of their promise made at their accepting of the Charge they had received no payment at all of the stipend allowed Which the Earl of Dunbarre excused by his absence forth of the Countrey affirming That unto that time there was never any motion made thereof to him and that before the dissolving of that Assembly he should cause satisfaction to be given to them for the time past declaring withall That seeing order was taken for the moderation of Presbyteries in time coming his Majesties Thesaurer should not be any further burthened with that paiment The Ministers therein remiting themselves to his Majesties good pleasure gave his Lordship thanks for that he had offered which he did also see performed som five thousand pounds Scots being distributed by the Thesaurers servants among those that
no less respect then before In the beginning of the next summer there was a great speech of the interview of the Queens of England and Scotland and messengers to and fro sent to agree upon the place the time and manner of the meeting The motion came from the Queen of Scots who as it was thought greatly affected the same out of a desire she had to live in a firm peace with the Queen of England and make her self known to the subjects of that Countrey Neither was the meeting disliked of the better sort as thinking it would serve besides the preservation of the common peace to bring her unto a liking of the reformed religion But they who were popishly set fearing greatly the conference spake openly against it saying That of such interviewes there was never seen any good fruit and that it would not be safe for the Queen of Scots to put her self in the power of her whose Kingdom she had claimed Not the less the treaty went on and was concluded York condescended to be the place of meeting the numbers on either side agreed unto and the time designed about the end of Iune But whilest all things were in readiness for the journy the Queen of England excused her self by letters desiring the interview should be put off till the next year which the Queen of Scots was not ill pleased to hear for she feared if the same had held that the French King and her uncles should have been much offended This journey being stayed the Queen took her progress unto the North. Being at Striveling she was petitioned by certain Commissioners of the Church for abolishing the Mass and other superstitious rites of the Roman religion and for inflicting some punishment against blasphemy against the contempt of the Word the profanation of the Sacraments the violation of the Sabbaths adultery fornication and other the like vices condemned by the word of God whereof the laws of the Countrey did not take any hold For actions of divorce it was likewise desired that they should be remitted to the judgement of the Church or at least trusted to men of good knowledge and conversation and that Popish Churchmen might be excluded from places in Session and Councell To these Petitions exhibited in writing the Queen after she had perused the same made answer That she would do nothing in prejudice of the religion she professed and hoped before a year was expired to have the Masse and Cattholick profession restored through the whole Kingdome and thus parted from them in a choler About the midst of August she entred into Aberdene and was met by the Lady Huntly a woman of an haughty disposition wise and crafty withall in sifting the minds of others she knowing the mutability of Princes favours laboured to insinuate her selfe in the Queens affection using all servile flattery extolling the power of her husband and repeating the offer he had made for reestablishing the Romane profession in these North parts Then falling to intercede for her son Iohn Gordon who had offended the Queen by his escape forth of ward in which he was put for wounding the Lord Ogilvie upon the high street of Edinburgh she intreated her Majesties favour for that oversight and that he might be licensed to attend her Majesty during her abode in those quarters The Queen understanding what they went about and how they flattered themselves with a conceipt of her marriage answered that it stood not with her honour to admit him in her presence unless he should reenter himself in the place from which he had escap't The Lady thanking her Majesty and promising obedience in her sons behalf did only intreat that the place of his Ward might be changed to the Castle of Striveling whereunto the Queen having yielded the Lord Glames was appointed to convey him thither and he indeed went so farre on the way as to the Nobleman his house of Glames but whether called back by his Father and friends or of his own private motion it is uncertain there he changed his mind and returned to the North where gathering some forces a thousand horse or thereabout with them he drew near to Aberdene The Queen highly commoved with his contempt yet dissembling her anger did after a day or two keep on her journey towards Innerness whither she intended The eighth of September the night before her setting forth were seen in the firmament great inflamations and lightnings extraordinary which continued the space of two houres and above It feared the common sort who do always interpret such accidents to be prognosticks of some trouble But the Queen contemning these things as casual would not hear of altering her journey so the first day she went to Buquhaine the next to Rothemay and the third day being invited by Huntley to his house of Straâ—thbogie where great preparations were made for her receipt she denied to go with him or grace him in any sort till his son gave obedience and so kept on her way The day following she came to Innerness and thinking to lodge in the Castle the Keeper Alexander Gordon refused to give her entry Thereupon she began to suspect some treachery In the Townesmen she could repose no assurance as being all vassals and dependers of Huntley The town it self was unfenced with walls and the countrey all in Arms as she was advertised to attend his coming Yet disposing of things in the best sort she could order was given to keep a strong watch to fortify the passages into the town and have ships prepared in the Road whereunto if need were she might take her refuge About midnight some spies sent from Huntley unto the town were apprehended who discovering his numbers and enterprise were made fast And the next morning upon a rumour that went of her danget the Queen stood in there flocked out of all quarters unto her number of Highlandmen the Frasers and Munroes chiefly with their followers and friendship The Clanchattan in Huntleys company how soon they knew that the enterprise was against the Queen forsook him and slipped aside came and yielded themselves unto her She finding her forces increased commanded to lay siege to the Castle which rendered upon the first assault The Captain and principal Keepers were executed but the lives of the common souldiers spared After some four days abode in the Castle the Queen returned to Aberdene accompanied with all the Noblemen and clans of the countrey and thither came the Lady Huntley with offers of submission for her husband but was denied accesse Huntley perceiving the world thus altered and himself fallen in the Queens displeasure so as there was no hope of regaining her favour betook himself to desperate courses and assembling his friends and others that would run hazard with him he approached to Aberdene presuming much of the affection of the inhabitants At Court he had the Earl of Sutherland and Iohn Lesley of Bughaine men
his Majesty and the Lawes Secondly that he perceived the Church had obtained some victory For when he was last questioned for his Sermon the Councel did make themselves Iudges of Ministers doctrine Now that he saw the complaint remitted to the Assembly he was glad and willingly submitted his doctrine to their trial Onely that he should not give advantage to his enemies he desired the Apostolick Canon to be kept which prohibiteth an accusation to be received against an Elder but under two or three Witnesses Mr. Thomas Smeton and David Ferynson were upon this directed to shew the King that the Assembly was willing and ready to try the complaint but withall that the liberty craved by the person accused could not be denied he being a Presbyter So if it should please his Majesty to send an accuser assisted by two or three witnesses the accusation should be received and justice done The King not liking this answer for he knew the difficulties he should have to find out an accuser followed the businesse no more but the Minister not contenting that the cause should thus desert would needs have the judgement of the Assembly whether or not he had uttered in his Sermon any scandalous or offensive words for they had been all Auditors of that he spake This being put to voices the Assembly declared his doctrine to have been good and sound and that he had given no just offence thereby to any person When this was told the King he was much offended for not many dayes before when as the same Minister with his Colleague Iohn Dury was called to give accompt of some speeches they had uttered in Pulpit it was excepted that the King and Councel could not be Iudges of their doctrine and now his Majesty having complained to themselves and they being Auditors of the speeches when he expected some censure to be inflicted they had justified all that was spoken and so would force him to take other courses then he desired to follow But to return to Montgomery his cause the Ministers of Striveling as they were enjoyned made a visit of the Church to try what they could find against him All they got delated was that he had baptized some children begotten in fornication not calling the offendors before his Session Upon this declaration he was cited to appear and because he kept not the Diet suspended from his function he notthelesse preached still and exercised all the parts of his Ministery as in former times which they took to be an high contempt and therefore did summon him to the Assembly which was shortly to meet at S. Andrews to hear their sentence approved and to answer to such other things as in that meeting should be laid to his charge and because they understood that against the inhibition of the last Assembly he was still labouring to secure himself in the Bishoprick of Glasgow and had cited the Chaptor before the Councel for refusing to convene to his Election they likewise charged him to compeir before the Synod of Lothian to hear the sentence of excommunication pronounced against him The King being informed of this caused warn the Synod to appear the twelfth of April at Striveling discharging in the mean time all proceeding in the businesse Mr. Robert Pont and with him a few others compeiring at the day he in the name of the rest protested That albeit they had compeired to testify their obedience to his Majesty yet he did not acknowledge his Majesty and Councel Iudges in that matter the same being a cause Ecclesiastick and that nothing done at that time should prejudge the liberties of the Church and Lawes of the Realm This protestation the Councel rejected inhibiting the Ministers to use any proceeding against Montgomery which because of the General Assemblies approaching they yielded unto onely they caused charge him to appear before the Assembly When the Diet came he appeared and first protesting for remedy if they should use him wrongfully he said that the proces of Striveling could not be allowed for that he was never lawfully summoned to hear any sentence given against him The Presbytery of Striveling remitting themselves to the proces the Assembly declared the same to be rightly deduced and ratified the suspension pronounced As they were proceeding to his censure for contempt of the sentence Mr. Mark Ker then Master of the Requests presented a letter from his Majesty inhibiting them to trouble the Bishop for any thing that concerned the Bishoprick or whatsoever cause preceding for that the King would have those things heard and handled in his own presence The Assembly answered that because of his Majesties request they should look more carefully to the businesse and see all things carried rightly according to justice The Master of Requests replying that his Majesty had willed them by his letter to desist and treat no more of that businesse Mr. Andrew Melvil who presided for the time answered that they did not meddle with things belonging to the Civil power and for matters Ecclesiastick they were warranted to proceed in these specially with one of their own number He perceiving that notwithstanding of his Majesties letter they would proceed caused a messenger of Armes whom he had brought with him charge them under pain of Rebellion to desist Then was Montgomery called to see if he would abide by the charges used at his instance But he was retired to his lodging and could not be found and the night drawing on was appointed to be summoned to the next morning to receive his censure After the hour appointed one William Montgomery having procuration from him appeared and appealing from the Assembly to the King and Councel gave this for a reason amongst others that he who was his accuser in the last Assembly was turned to be his Iudge But the Assembly rejecting the Appellation fell presently a reading the enorm crimes so they called them whereof he was guilty nor was there any thing omitted that served to aggravate the same corruption in doctrine dissolutenesse of life contempt of the Churches sentence falshood and breach of promise lying perjury moving of sedition and stirring up certain of the Nobility against the Church Of all these he was declared culpable and ordained therefore to be deprived and cast forth of the Church How soon he heard that this conclusion was taken his courage which seemed before high and resolute began to cool whereupon presenting himself to the Assembly he renounced his appeal desiring conference of some godly and learned brethren which granted he was induced by them to confesse his offence in divers particulars submitting himself to the will of the Assembly and in end to promise solemnly in the presence of the whole number that he should meddle no further with the Bishoprick of Glasgow and neither accept of it nor of any other office in the Church without the advice and consent of the General Assembly Yet this
gave not an end to the business for how soon he returned to the Court and perceived the King countenance cast down upon him for that he had done he undertook of new to settle himself at Glasgow and had letters from his Majesty to the Gentlemen of those parts to assist him At his coming to Glasgow with purpose to preach the Sunday following a number of the Students in the Colledge entered into the Church on Saturday at night and excluding him did keep the Chair for Mr. Thomas Smeton their Principal who taking for his Theam that saying in the Gospel He that enters not by the door but by the window is a thief and a robber inveighed against the Bishop for his simonaical entry and the levity he had shewed in all his proceedings The next Sunday the Bishop with a great convocation of Gentlemen came to the Church and displacing the ordinary Preacher Mr. David Weymes made the Sermon himself The Presbytery of Glasgow intending proces against him for molestation of the Church and usurping the place of the ordinary Preacher Matthew Stewart of Minto Provost of the City came and presented a Warrant from the King to stay all proceedings against the Bishop willing them to desist Mr. Iohn Howeson Minister of Cambustange moderating in his course as the custome then was and replying somewhat peremptorily that notwithstanding his Warrant they would proceed some words of offence passed whereupon the Provost pulling him from the Seat made him prisoner in the Tolbuith The rumour of this fact ran quickly through the Kingdom and a solemn fast being kept by the appointment of the former Assembly the causes whereof were made to be the abundance of sin the oppression of the Church the dilapidation of the rents and the danger wherein the King stood by the company of wicked persons who did seek to corrupt him in manners and Religion the insolency committed at Glasgow was likewise adjected and furnished matter of long discourse to the Preachers Amongst others Iohn Dury did exclaime mightily against the Duke of Lennox upon whom the blame of all things was laid and thereby did so irritate the King as he would needs have him removed forth of the Town Charges to that effect were directed commanding the Magistrates within the space of 24. houres to remove him who not daring disobey yet being unwilling to use their Minister in that sort travelled with him to depart quietly and leave the Town The Minister proponing the case to the General Assembly for upon advertisement given by the Ministers of Edinburgh they were there convened desired their advice for to leave his flock at the pleasure of the Court he said might work a prejudice to the Church and to depart privately as the Magistrates advised him might be imputed to fear or then make him to be thought guilty of some fault The brethren after a short consultation did advise him to stay till he should be commanded to depart and then obey Mean while Mr. Thomas Buchannan and David Ferguson were sent to the King who was then at Striveling to intreat his Majesties favour unto him and therewith to request a continuation of the Diet for the appearing of the Ministers of Glasgow at Perth The King desiring to have matters quieted answered the last proposition first saying That if the Assembly would delay the proces which they had against the Provest of Glasgow and his assisters he would likewise dispense with the appearing of the Ministers at the appointed time And as to Iohn Dury he said that upon his suppliâ—ation how soon the Duke returned to Court whose interesse was greatest in that business order should be taken with him and consideration had of the Assemblies request But they not satisfied herewith striving to make good what they had taken in hand went on with the proces of Glasgow and leading probation against Minto and the rest decerned them to be excommunicated and cast forth of the society of the Church onely the pronouncing of the sentence was delayed till they saw what course was kept with their brethren before the Councel Mr. Iohn Davidson then Minister at Liberton pretending a warrant from the Church had in his private Parish pronounced Bishop Montgomery excommunicate which albeit done against all form was allowed and intimated in all the Churches of the countrey The Duke of Lennox notwithstanding did still entertain him in his company and at some occasions had made him to preach publickly Thereupon Mr. Alexander Archbuthnet and Mr. Adam Iohnston were directed by the Assembly to intimate unto the Duke his excommunication and the Acts of the Church against such as kept excommunicate persons in their company The Duke taking them up somewhat hotly asked them Whether the King or the Church were superiours and thereafter answered them directly That he was commanded by the King and Councel to entertain him which he would not forbear to do for any fear he had of their censures This amongst other grievances of the Church was ordained to be represented to his Majesty by the Commissioners appointed to attend the Councel at Perth But touching this the King answered That the excommunication was null and declared such by the Councel as being pronounced against equity and all lawful form no citation being used nor any admonition preceding which all lawes and even their own discipline appointed to be observed To their other grievances they received general answers and for the brethren of Glasgow their trial was continued to the tenth of September next Before which time the surprise of the Kings person at Ruthven fell out which altered the state of all affairs some of the Nobility combining themselves for defence of Religion and the liberty of the Kingdom as they pretended upon notice of the Duke of Arrans absence from the Court placed themselves about the King and detained him some dayes at the house of Ruthven The principals in this attempt were Iohn Earl of Marre William Earl of Gowry Patrick Lord Lindesay Robert Lord Boyd the Masters of Glammis and Oliphant the Abbots of Dunfermlin Paisley Driburgh and Cambush keneth the Lairds of Lochlevin Easter Weemes Cleish and the Constable of Dundy The King at their first coming suspected there was some practise in hand yet dissembled the matter thinking to free himself the next day when he went abroad to his sport but as he was about to go the Master of Glammit stept to the dore of the Parlour and told him he must stay The King askt the reason he answered he should know it shortly When he saw it to be so and found his liberty restrained he grew into a passion and after some threatening speeches burst forth in tears The Master seeing him weep said It is no matter of his tears better that bairnes should weep then bearded men which words entered so deeply into the Kings heart as he did never forget them The newes went quickly of the
Religion presently professed should be a just cause to infer the pain and crime of treason against Iesuites Mass Priests trafficking Papists and their ressetters with a provision That if the Iesuits and seminary Priests did satisfie the Prince and the Church the foresaid penalty should not strick upon the ressetters which in effect was no restraint neither was the trafficking against Religion declared to be a crime of Treason unless the same was proved a trafficking likewise against the King So in this point the Church received small satisfaction As to the complaint of blood the same was remitted to the ordinary course of Justice But the first Petition was longer debated the King being unwilling either to abrogate the Acts of the 84. or grant the ratification desired of the present discipline for he foresaw the inconvenients that would grow by the liberty that Ministers should assume to themselves yet Bothwels business and the many discontentments within the Realm moved him to give way lest he should be troubled likewise with their outcries So the Act passed but in the most wary tearms that could be devised As for the Statute confirming his Majesties royall power the abrogation whereof was chiefly sought it was onely declared That the said Statute should be no wayes prejudiciall nor derogatory to the priviledge that God hath given to the spirituall office-bearer in the Church concerning heads of Religion matters of Heresie Excommunication collation or deprivation of Ministers or any such essentiall censures grounded and having warrant of the Word of God Upon the end of the Parliament the King went to Falkland where Bothwell made a new attempt encouraged thereunto by the Earls of Angus and Arroll the Master of Gray Colonell Stewart and the Lairds of Iohnston and Balwery who did all promise their concurrence in bringing him unto the Kings presence The Master of Gray and Balwery did meet him with a good number of horse Angus kept the Diet but with a small company Arroll remained with the King within the Palace and had taken upon him with the assistance of Colonel Stewart to open the Gates but either out of fear their hearts failing them or not having a number sufficient to make good their undertaking nothing was done yet upon suspicions they were apprehended and Arroll sent to the Castle of Edinburgh and the Colonel to Blackness the company that came with Bothwell was not great and did not exceed sixscore in all broken men for the most part whom he had taken up in the English and Scottish borders with these he had journied 2 dayes and nights without either meat or sleep came to Falkland a little before midnight where finding his expectation disappointed and those in the Palace provided to defend he stayed on the side of the hill till a little after Sun-rising some of his followers in the mean time breaking open the Queens stables took away the horses and what else they could lay hands upon The night was then at the shortest for it was the 26. of Iune and the Countrey gathering from all parts to relieve the King he was forced to flee But what way to take he was uncertain for to pass the Ferrie with his company he could not safely and to return by the bridge of Striveling was a long way which neither the horses nor their riders after so long watching could indure yet seeing no better then to be gone with the haste he could make about nine of the clock he caused sound the trumpets and retired The King after the Countrey people were come followed by the Queens Ferry thinking he had gone that way but finding that he had taken his course by Striveling and knowing that the company would separate how soon they had passed the bridge he directed most of his followers to apprehend such as they could overtake Divers were taken in the Moors of Calder and Carnwath but suffered to escape by their takers many horses were found straying in the fields the riders being overcome with sleep and fallen from them Amongst others Archibald Wachop of Nudry and some 7. or 8. with him whilest they lay sleeping in a meadow nigh to Cambusnetham were taken by the Lord Hamilton and sent to be kept in the Castle of Draffan but his Lady the day after out of a womanly commiseration whilest her Lord was absent suffered them to depart Bothwell himself fled unto the West borders and from thence into England The badness of this attempt put the borders in a great fear for many of them especially of the Iohnstons had followed him in that journey yet so great was the Kings clemency as being at Dumfreise whither he went in the beginning of Iuly a generall pardon was proclaimed to all that would submit themselves whereupon numbers did enter and were received in favour Bothwell thus forsaken almost of all did notwithstanding in the Court again find some that out of emulation and private rancour more then for any affection they carried unto him wrought the King new troubles Alexander Lindesay Lord Spinie a great favourite in that time out of the malice he bare to the Master of Glamis Thesaurer whom he knew Bothwell also hated did secretly practise to bring him into the Kings presence and make his reconciliation This coming to the knowledge of Colonel Stewart who was still detained in Blackness to procure his own liberty and recover the Kings favour he signified the same to the King by Sir Iames Sandelands who as then was keeper of the house and being brought before the Councell at Dalkeith stood to the declaration affirming that the Lord Spinie had resset Bothwell in his Ladies house at Aberdowre which he offered to prove by witnesses circumstances and other clear demonstrations These were his words Spinie denying all appealed the Colonell to combat which the King would not permit assigning the 12 of September for his triall before the Justice Spinie appearing at the day the Colonell excused himself by the shortnesse of the time and had a new diet assigned him at which his probation failing Spinie was restored to his honour dignity and service yet did he never recover his former credit with the King but was held still suspected and whether offending at this or that the first declaration was true in it self the year following he took open part with Bothwell and was therefore denounced Rebell At the same time Iohn Weymis younger of Logie Gentleman of his Majesties Chamber and in great favour both with the King and Queen was discovered to have the like dealing with Bothwell and being committed to the keeping of the Guard escaped by the policy of one of the Dutch Maids with whom he entertained a secret love The Gentlewoman named mistress Margaret Twinslace coming one night whilest the King and Queen were in bed to his keepers shewed that the King called for the prisoner to ask of him some question the keepers suspecting nothing for they
promising how soon the forfeiture was past to follow forth the same Onely at the 7. he tooke exception where it was desired that the subjects should put themselves in armes upon urgent â—ccasions for he had not as yet forgotten the stirs of the year preceding and would have none to arm but upon his own warrant Withall he sent Sir Robert Melvill and Alexander Hume of North Berwick with certain instructions to the Assembly whereof one was That they should inhibit the Ministers to utter any irreverent speeches in Pulpit against his Majesties person Councell or Estate under pain of deprivation and because one of their number called Iohn Rosse had in a Sermon preached before the Synod of Perth uttered divers treasonable and irreverent speeches of his Majesty it was craved that they should censure him as his fault had deserved Another was That they should excommunicate Mr. Andrew Hunter for the scandall he had brought upon their profession he being the first open Traitor of their function against a Christian King of their own Religion and their naturall Soveraign A third instruction was That by Act of Assembly Ministers should be ordained to disswade both by publick and private exhortation their flocks from concurring with Bothwell in his treasonable attempts or any other that should make insurrection against the authority established by God in his Majesties person The last was assented unto and an Act made thereof but the censure of the Minister Rosse was carried more slightly and he onely admonished to speak in time coming so reverently and discreetly of his Majesty as there might be no just cause of complaint against him Hunter was deposed from the Ministery as a desertor of his flock and one suspected to have joyned himself with the Kings rebells but the excommunication was not pronounced The Parliament did hold at the time appointed yet because the Noblemen convened slowly 3 or 4. dayes were spent without doing any thing In end when by the excuses that divers made a greater number was not expected they that were present assembled in the Parliament house and keeping the form accustomed made choice of a number for the Articles of Noblemen there were three Earls and six Lords onely present Beginning was made at the summons of forfeiture the Letters and blanks intercepted with Mr. George Ker presented and the hand-writs cognosced by witnesses Some question there was about the Blancks and that which should have been insert in them but the presumptions were so clear as none would doubt what the subject should have been Yet the Noblemen urged a delay of the triall to a more full convention which the King would not admit knowing what misinterpretings that would make and so by pluralities of voices the crimes of Treason were found to be sufficiently proved and the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against the three Earls and Achindown their Scutcheons of Arms as the manner is torn by Herauld and they declared to have lost their honours lands and estates for treasonable practises against the King and their Native Countrey In this Parliament divers Statutes were concluded some in favours of the Church and others very beneficiall to the Countrey as the Stature made for punishment of theft robbery and oppression another against usury and a third against buying of Pleas by Judges and other members of the Court of Justice The next moneth passed in receiving the Ambassadors that came to assist the Baptisme which in the latter end of August next was performed with great solemnity from England the Earl of Sussex was sent the King of Denmark the Duke of Brunswick Megelbrugh with the Estates of the united Provinces had their Ambassadours present But from the French King there came not any though they also were expected at the day appointed for the solemnity The Prince was brought from his own chamber to the Queens Chamber of presence and laid in a bed dressed in a most stately form the Ambassadours entered into the Chamber the Countess of Marre accompanied with a number of Ladies took up the Prince and delivered him to the Duke of Lennox who presented him to the Ambassadors Sussex as having the first place received him and carried him in his arms to the Chappell the rest marching in their ranks and followed by the Ladies of honour the Mistresse nurse and others of inferiour note Before them went the Lord Hume carrying the Ducall Crown the Lord Levingston carried the Towell or Napkin the Lord Seaton the Bason and the Lord Semple the Laver. Above the English Ambassadour there was a Pale or Canabie born by the Laird of Cesford Buclerogh Duddope and Traquier The Princes train was sustained by the Lords Sinclar and Urqhart In this manner they walked toward the Chappell a guard of the youths of Edinburgh well arrayed standing on each side of the way and the trumpets sounding Being entred the Chappell the King arose from his seat and received the Ambassadours at the doore of the Quire and then was the Prince delivered to the Duke of Lennox who gave him to the Nurse After which the Ambassadours were conveyed to their places which were ordered in this manner Upon the Kings right hand a chair was set for the French Ambassadour but this was empty next to him the Ambassadour of Denmark was placed on the left the English Ambassadour and Legier did fit and next after them the Ambassadours of Brunswick Megelburgh and the States every chair had a tassell boord covered with fine Velvet and the Ambassadour of England besides the others had office men standing by him to wait The Service did then begin and upon the end thereof the English Ambassadour arose and presented the Prince to the Bishop who was appointed to administer the Sacrament This was Mr. David Cunningham Bishop of Aberdene The action finished Mr. David Lindsey Minister at Leith had a learned speech in French to the Ambassadours After which they returned to the Chappell in the same order that they came Then was the Prince laid upon a bed of honour and his Titles in this sort proclaimed by the Lyon Herauld Henry Frederick Knight and Baron of Renfrew Lord of the Isles Earl of Karrick Duke of Rothsay Prince and Stewart of Scotland This done certain pieces of silver and gold were cast forth at a window among the people and a number of Knights created at night for it was in the afternoon that the Baptisme was ministred The Ambassadours with their train and the Noblemen present were royally feasted nothing lacking that was required to such a triumph The rest of the moneth was spent in Playes running at Tilt and such other exercises as might give delight to the strangers Amidst these joyes the King was not forgetting his own serious affairs sent his Secretary Sir Richard Cockborne of Clerkinton to England to desire the Queens assistance in pursuing the Popish Lords according to the many promises made by the Lord Souche and Mr. Bowes that how soon he should
Noblemen Barons Gentlemen Burgesses and Ministers this day by the mercy of God convened do beseech your Majesty to apprehend the great danger wherein the state of Religion Common-wealth and your Majesties own honour and person are brought by the means of crafty and deceitfull Counsellours who respecting onely their own preferment and standing labour to file your Majesties eyes that you should not perceive their courses for albeit it hath pleased God to endue your Majesty with knowledge wisdome and graces beyond all Princes that have ruled this kingdome at any time yet it is no strange thing to behold good Kings brought upon ill courses by the devices of such as pretend love but in very deed hate them maliciously That such courses are now in hand please your Majesty to consider what a division is made and entertained between your Majesty and the Church who was ever to this time inseparably joyned and how under colorable pretexts the liberty of preaching and faithfull applying of the word is sought to be restrained and taken away which cannot but bring many evils and inconveniencies with it as this days tumult may partly teach And now seeing blessed be God the same is setled without the harm of any person for preventing the like or worse we humbly desire the Articles following to be weighed and considered by your Majesty 1 That professed Papists processed by the Church be not suffered to reside at Court and that the Lady Huntley and Lord Sauwhar be removed and sent home 2 That Alexander Seaton President Mr. Thomas Hamilton Advocate and Mr. Iames Elphingston be not admitted to sit in Councell at least when the cause of Religion and matters of the Church are treated seeing they are enemies to the quietness thereof and have by their devices raised the troubles that presently do vex the same 3 That the Acts of Councel Proclamations Decrees and Interloquutors passed in prejudice of the Church and Ministers these last five weeks be rescinded and annulled 4 That the Commissioners of the Church be recalled by Proclamation and the Burgesses of the Town permitted to remain and attend their callings 5 That the bond advised by the foresaid enemies to be subscrived by all the Ministers under the pain of losing their Benefices and stipends be discharged seeing the same is prejudiciall to the Gospel and that Commission as use is to modifie stipends for the present year Lastly that an Act of Councell be made allowing the proceedings of the Church and the concurrencie given them by the Noblemen Barons and others in the present action It was late and the night fallen before these Articles were put in form the day being then at the shortest the persons chosen to present them were the Lairds of Bargenny Pâ—tarrow Faudonside Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Robert Rollock Before their coming the Councell had concluded not to receive the Petitions as was promised and to commit those that did present them yet doubtfull what might be the event thereof it was thought fitter to terrifie them from presenting the same for this effect the Lord Ochiltry was appointed to meet them at the utter gate who drawing Bargenny aside advised him to go back because of the anger which the King had conceived and to meddle no more in that business for the King he said knew he was brought upon it unwillingly and would excuse his part if he went no further Bargenny forthinking his imployment and not knowing how to colour it to his associates the Lord Ochiltry drew them aside and said that he had brought the Laird of Bargenny to the Town for affairs that did neerly touch him and that he did not think to meet with such business at his coming therefore desired them to have his friend excused for that time and seeing they were a number sufficient to doe the errand they might goe to it or if they pleased to delay the same to the next morrow he should be with them They answered that they were alse little foreseen at their coming of those matters as he was and seeing they were all joyned in one Commission if he was the principall did decline it they could doe nothing by themselves and so the businese was left for that night In the morning early the King and Councell departed to Linlithgow leaving a Proclamation which was presently published at the Market Cross of Edinbough of this Tenor. That the King considering the late treasonable uproar moved by certain factious persons of the Ministery of Edinburgh who after they had uttered most seditious speeches in Pulpit did convene a number of Noblemen Barons and others in the little Church and sent some of their number to his Majesty being then in the upper house of Session using him in a most irreverent manner and with speeches ill-beseeming any subject And that a multitude of the Townsmen by perswasion of the said Ministery had treasonably put themselves in Armes intending to bereave his Majesty and his Councell of their lives did think the said Town an unfit place for the ministration of justice and had therefore ordained the Lords of Session the Sheriffs Commissioners and Justice with their severall members and Deputies to remove themselves forth of the Town of Edinburgh and be in readiness to repair unto such places as should be appointed commanding in like sort all Noblemen and Barons to dispatch unto their houses and not to presume to convene either in that or any other place without his Majesties licence under the pain of his Highness displeasure This Proclamation with the Kings suddain departing wrought a great alteration in the mindes of the people They began then to see their errour and lookt heavy one upon another the better sort being in a great perplexity what they should doe called their Councel together but could not resolve what course to take To follow the King and plead for the Town they could not think any of them would be accepted and it being the last day of the week hardly would any others undertake the imployment so as they saw no way but to be quiet till they heard what the King and Councell concluded to doe But the Ministers persisting in their first resolution laboured to have the Noblemen and Barons remain together and to send for others well-affected in Religion who as they thought would joyn in the cause A Bond to this effect was drawn up and subscrived by some few The Councell of the Town excused themselves saying Their good will was known and that they were not to leave their dwellings which made divers keep back their hands Alwaies it was thought meet that the Ministers should write to the Lord Hamilton and the Laird of Bacleugh of whose assistance they held themselves assured intreating them to repair to the Town and countenance the cause as likewise that the rest of the Ministers in the Countrey should be convened as unto a Generall Assembly and desired to bring with them the best
affected Gentlemen within their Parishes They were at the same time in a long deliberation whether or not they should excommunicate the Lord President and Advocate which divers urged The Controller was in some better opinion with them by reason of a Message sent quietly to M. Rob Bruce But in end they resolved to continue that business to the meeting of the Assembly when the Sentence might be pronounced with greater authority Mean while to keep the people in a good disposition a Fast was proclaimed through the City and Sermons of preparation ordained to be made that afternoon in all the Churches A Minister named Mr. Iohn Welch making offer to supply the place in the high Church was allowed to preach who taking for his theam the Epistle sent to the Angel of the Church of Ephesus did rail pitifully against the King saying He was possessed with a Devil and one Devil being put out seven worse were entred in place And that the subjects might lawfully rise and take the sword out of his hand which he confirmed by the example of a Father that falling in a phrensie might be taken by the Children and servants of the family and tied hand and foot from doing violence A most execrable Doctrine and directly repugnant to holy Scriptures which yet was taken by many of the hearers as a sound and free application so ready are men to flatter themselves in wickedness and even to justifie impiety it self A rumour was then also dispersed about the Town that in the day of tumult the Earl of Arroll did come to the Queens ferry with 500 horse and was gone back upon report of the stirre This upon the Sunday took up a great part of the Ministers Sermons and was brought to justifie the multitudes proceedings as though they had been directed by a secret providence to disappoint the wicked practises that were in hand A manifest forgery it was yet believed at the same time by foolish and credulous people The Messenger sent to the Lord Hamilton was at his coming well received at first the Nobleman made a shew that he would go for Edinburgh but upon better advice he turned to Linlithgow and taking the copie of the Letter that was sent unto him for he rendred the principall to the bearer he shewed the King what an invitation he had from those at Edinburgh The King at sight of the Letter grew exceeding angry for therein after a short narrative of the injuries the Church had received by the malice of some Counsellors it was said That the people animated by the word and motion of Gods Spirit had gone to Armes and that the godly Barons and other Gentlemen that were in Town had convened themselves and taken on them the patrocinie of the Church and her cause only they lacked a Head and speciall Noblemen to countenance the matter and since with one consent they had made choice of his Lordship their desire was that he should come to Edinburgh with all convenient diligence and utter his affection to the good cause accepting the honour which was offered unto him This Letter endited by Mr. Robert Bruce and subscrived by him and Mr. Walter Balcanquell was of all that yet had happened the worst nor could it receive any good construction for albeit in an apologie afterwards set forth it was said to be penned only to please the Nobleman who was of an ambitious humour yet put the case he had accepted and taken before him to be their Head as he was desired who can tell what mischief might have ensued and if it might not have turned to the wrack and ruine of many innocents But faults follow one upon another and when men have once passed bounds they run easily into errour On Munday early a Charge was directed to the Provost and Bailiffs for imprisoning the Ministers but they upon some advertisement fled and went to Newcastle in England The Town the same day sent Iohn Arnot Hugh Brown George Heriot and Iohn VVat to purge themselves of the Tumult and offer their obedience in every thing his Majesty and Councell should be pleased to enjoyn for repairing the indignity and dishonour done to his Highness providing they should not be thought guilty of the crime which from their hearts they detested But the King would receive no purgation saying That fair and humble words could not excuse such a fault and that he should come ere it were long and let them know he was their King The next day in Councell the Tumult was declared to be treason and the Devisers Executors and Partakers to be Traitors as likewise all that should thereafter partake and assist the committers thereof This put the Town in a great fear neither did they expect any other then an utter ruine All the Judicatories were removed to Leth the Session ordained to sit at Perth after the first of February their Ministers were fled the Magistrates not regarded and those of greatest power about the King their enemies what they should doe they were doubtfull after divers opinions given they are resolved that some should be sent who would be more acceptable to supplicate the King and excuse the Towns part for that perhaps would be taken better at other mens hands then any of their own To this errand none was held so sit as Mr. David Lindesey Mr. Iohn Preston and Mr. Iohn Sharpe men in favour with the King and free of all faction These coming to the King at Linlithgow after they had shewed the miserable estate of the Town and how grieved all honest men were for the displeasure he had conceived against them did beseech him not to use the extremity of rigour but to put a difference between the innocent and guilty In great Towns such as that was they said there would ever be some bad spirits and if the insolencies of a rascall multitude should be imputed to the Town it would be thought hard specially since the Magistrates had done their duties and repressed the Tumult If on their part there had been any connivence or the smallest appearance that they did favour the sedition they protested that they would not have opened their mouths in their favour but since it was known that none were more offended with the Tumult then they and that they were carefull to finde out the authors and present them to punishment they could not but humbly entreat his Majesty to relent his wrath and to be mitigated towards the Town The King after a little pause answered That he could not think the Town to be free for if some of the Principalls had not approved the Multitude in their doings the Tumult could not have been so great but howsoever the Magistrates negligence could not be excused in so farre as they did not prevent the disorder alwaies his resolution was to proceed by form of law and not to use any violent course but he had appoynted the Estates to
of the Ministers travells with the Earls of Angus Huntley Arrol and of their obedience to the injunctions given in the former Assembly This was testified by the Ministers that had the charge to have been in all points so well performed as no more could be required of them For verifying thereof their severall subscriptions were produced together with an humble supplication to the Assembly for accepting their satisfaction and receiving them in the bosome of the Church which accordingly was decerned and order given that they should be received by the same Commissioners who were appointed to meet at a certain time and pronounce their absolution The next thing proponed was touching the questions left unresolved in the last Assembly and because exception was taken by some brethren that were absent at the Articles concluded at Perth especially that it should have been acknowledged for a lawfull generall Assembly it was of new declared to be a lawfull Assembly and certain explanations added by the rest of the Acts as in the point of Notoriety the crime should be reputed notorious that was so manifest and known Ut nulla tergiversatione celari possit and for the convening of Pastors with his Majesties consent the same was declared to be extended to all Assemblies either generall or particular authorized by his Highness lawes and having warrant in the word of God His Majesty did likewise express his meaning touching the provision of Burgs with Ministers in this sort that when the Assembly should find it necessary to place a Minister in any Town he should either yield his consent or give a sufficient reason of his refuse With these declarations the whole number was so well pleased as proceeding in the rest of the questions they determined as followeth First Where his Majesty doth crave that before the conclusion of any weighty matter his Highness advice and approbation should be had thereto The Assembly will be very glad to have his Majesties authority interponed to all Acts of any importance made by the Church so as matters formerly treated and concluded be not drawn in question 2 That there should be an uniform order keeped in the ordination of Ministers and none admitted but by imposition of hands and to a certain flock on which they shall be astricted to attend As also such as have not received Ordination should not be permitted to teach in great rooms except upon urgent necessity and in the defect of actuall Ministers and that good heed shall be taken that they did not pass their bounds especially in application 3 That no Minister should exercise any jurisdiction either by making of constitutions or leading of processes without advice and concurrence of his Session Presbyterie Synod or generall Assembly 4 That all Sessions should be elected with consent of their own congregations 5 That Sessions Presbyteries and Synods should labour to be formall in their proceedings and that the inferiour judicatories should be tried in this point by their superiours 6 That in the exercise of the Word whereunto Ministers convene there should no application be used 7 That in matters of importance if the voices be different only by two or three nothing should be concluded untill a better resolution was taken and he who holdeth the negative give rationem negandi 8 That Presbyteries should not medle with any thing that is not known without all controversie to belong to the Ecclesiasticall judicatory and that therein uniformity should be observed throughout the Countrey 9 That no Processes and Acts should be extracted at the desire of parties having interessed 10 Summary excommunication should be suspended as before and in great crimes after publick intimation the Committer debarred à sacris à privato convictu 11 That where any Presbyterie should be desired by his Majesties missive to stay their proceedings as being prejudiciall to the Civill jurisdiction or private mens rights they should desist untill his Majesty did receive satisfaction The principall questions being thus decided it was thought meet to supersede the treating of the rest and to give a generall Commission to certain of the most wise and discreet brethren for all affairs that might concern the good of the Church For this effect choice was made of Mr. David Lindsay Mr. Thomas Nicolson Mr. Thomas Buchannan Mr. Robert Pont Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Alexander Dowglas Mr. George Gladstaves Mr. Patrick Galloway Iohn Duncanson Mr. Patrick Sharpe Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. William Cowper and Iohn Clapperton to whom or to any seaven of them power was given to convene with his Majesty at such times as they should be required for taking order touching the Provision of Ministers to the Towns of Edinburgh Dundie and St Andrewes the houses of the King and Prince and to any other Churches within the Realm that should stand in need to be planted as likewise to present the Petitions and grievances of the Church to his Majesty either generall or particular and to give their advice to his Highness in all matters that might serve to the weal and peace of the Church Howsoon the Assembly dissolved Sir Patrick Murray was sent by the King unto the North to see the Conditions made by the three Earls to the Church performed and to assist the Commissioners appointed for their absolution He had further in charge to cause them to subscrive the generall bonds for the peace and quietness of the Countrey and to find caution each of them under the pain of Twenty thousand pounds to traffick nor keep intelligence with any forainers without his Majesties licence by word or writing particularly for the Earl of Huntly it is injoyned that he should follow the counsell of certain Barons and Ministers that the King did nominate unto him and proceed by their advice in all weighty affaires especially in matters that concerned his Majesties service The Barons nominated to him were the Laird of Finlatour the Laird of Innes the Laird of Phiborth the Tutor of Cromartie the Laird of Pitlarge and Laird of Cluny or any three of them the Ministers were the Bishop of Aberdene Mr. Peter Blackburne Mr. Iohn Forbes Mr. Robert Howy the Parson of Turresso and Mr. Alexander Dowglas or any three of them Whilest the King was thus busied to reconcile Huntly to the Church Mr. Iames Gourdon Jesuit came into the Countrey of intention to divert him from giving obedience against whom a strict Proclamation was made inhibiting the subjects to resset supply or intertain any intelligence with him under pain of treason and a Thousand Crowns promised to any that should apprehend and bring him to the King And at the same time was discovered a practice of fortifying the Isle of Elsay in the West seas for receiving certain forces that the Spanisih King had promised to send thither The contriver of this plot was one Hugh Barclay of Lady-land who being committed the year before in the Castle of Glasgow had made an escape and gone to
should be delivered of either side English men into Scotland and as many Scots into England But Baclugh failing to deliver his in due time was commanded for satisfying the Queen to enter himself into England as he did remaining there from October to February next In the moneth of December a Parliament was held at Edinburgh for restoring of the forfeited Lords to their lands and honours Amongst the Articles presented to this meeting by the Commissioners of the Church one was That the Ministers as representing the Church and third Estate of the Kingdome might be admitted to give voice in Parliament according to the Acts made in favours of the Church and the liberty and freedome thereof The King was earnest to have the Article granted and at last obtained an Act to be made whereby it was declared That such Pastors and Ministers as his Majesty should please to provide to the place title and dignity of a Bishop Abbot or other Prelate at any time should have voice in Parliament as freely as any other Ecclesiastical Prelate had at any time by-past And that all Bishopricks then in his Majesties hands and undisponed to any person or which should happen to fall void thereafter should be only disponed to actuall Preachers and Ministers in the Church or to such other persons as should be found apt and qualified to use and exerce the Office of a Preacher or Minister and who in their provisions to the said Bishopricks should accept in and upon them to be actuall Pastors and Ministers and according thereto should practise and exerce the same As concerning the office of the said persons in the spirituall policie and goverment of the Church the same was remitted to his Majesty to be advised and agreed upon with the Generall Assembly at such time as his Highness should think expedient to treat with them thereupon without prejudice in the mean time of the jurisdiction and discipline of the Church established by Acts of Parliament and permitted to Generall and Provinciall Assemblies and other Presbyteries and Sessions of the Church This Act gave occasion to the indicting of a Generall Assembly which convened at Dundie in March next where the King being present did shew That he had anticipated the time of the Assembly for the appointment was at Striveling this first Tuesday of May that he might be resolved touching their acceptation of the place in Parliament with the form māner and number of persons that should be admitted to have voice and thereupon desired them to enter into a particular consideration of the whole points of the Act and first to reason whether it was lawfull and expedient that the Ministers as representing the whole Church within the Realm should have voice in Parliament or not This Question being long debated first in private by some Brethren selected to that purpose then in the hearing of the whole Assembly it was concluded That Ministers might lawfully give voice in Parliament and other publick meetings of the Estate and that it was expedient to have some alwaies of that number present to give voice in name of the Church A second Question being moved touching the number of those that should have voice it was agreed That so many should be appointed to give voice as of old had place in the Papisticall Church to wit 51 persons or thereby Thirdly touching the election of those that should have voice it was resolved That the same did appertain partly to his Majesty and partly to the Church And because time could not permit the discussing of the rest of the points as de modo eligendi what rent those Ministers should have whether they should continue in that office ad vitam or not what their title should be and the cautions to preserve them from corruption with other the like circumstances the Presbyteries were desired to consider the same throughly and thereafter to meet in their Synods all upon one day to wit the first Tuesday of Iune and having reasoned upon these heads to direct three of their number to convene with his Majesty the advertisement being upon a moneth at least and with the Doctors of the Universties namely Mr. Andrew Melvill Mr. Iohn Iohnston Mr. Robert Wilkie Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Robert Howy Mr. Patrick Sharp and Mr. Iames Martin at such time and place as his Majesty should think most convenient with power to them being so convened to treat reason and conferre upon the said heads and others appertaining thereto and in case of agreement and uniformity of opinions to conclude the whole question touching voice in Parliament otherwise in case of discrepance to remit the conclusion to the next Generall Assembly The Commissioners proceedings in planting the Church of S. Andrews were at the same time ratified but the provision of Edinburgh which they had likewise concluded made greater business The King had been induced by the humble intreaty of Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Robert Rollock and Mr. Patrick Galloway to suffer the old Ministers preach again in their places upon their faithfull promises to observe the Conditions following 1 That they should not in Pulpit make any apology for themselves further then to say that they had satisfied his Majesty touching their intentions in the day of the tumult and that they condemned the raisers thereof and all that took Arms or gave command or allowance thereunto praising the calme and clement course his Majesty hath taken in censuring the same 2 That they should at no time thereafter tax quarrell or reproach directly or indirectly privately or publickly any inhabitant of Edinburgh that did shew themselves affectionate to his Majesty and if any of them should happen to fall in any offence meriting the censure of the Church discipline they should in the triall and censuring thereof use them indifferently as if they had never kithed contrary to the said Ministers 3 That they should not in Pulpit speak otherwise then reverently of his Majesties Councell and their proceedings and in their Sermons labour to imprint in the peoples hearts a reverent conceit of his Majesty and his actions so farre as in them lies and when as they should hear any slanderous or offensive reports of his Majesty or of any of his Counsellors his or their intentions or proceedings they should address them in all humility to his Majesty and with due reverence make him acquainted with the reports receiving his Majesties own declaration therein whereunto they should give credit and generally should conform themselves to the order set down in the late generall Assembly thereanent 4 That they should never hereafter refuse to give accompt of any of their speeches in Pulpit or of their proceedings elsewhere but when his Majesty should require the same they should plainly declare the truth of that they should be asked in all humbleness and simplicity without claiming to the generall warrant of conscience not founded upon reason The
a good issue to the conference intended whereupon letters were sent desiring the Doctors of the Universities and Commissioners of the Synod to be at Falkland the 29 of Iuly There after along deliberation it was with an unanime consent agreed 1 Touching the manner of his Election who should have voice in Parliament that the Church should name for each Prelacy that was void six of their number of whom the King should take one or if his Majesty did not like any of those six that as many others should be recommended by the Church of which number he should accept one without any more refusall 2 That the nomination should be made by the generall Assembly with advice of the Synods and Presbyteries who should present the generall Assembly in writing the names of the persons as well without as within the bounds of their Jurisdiction providing if there was any person within the bounds meet and qualified he should be preferred caeteris paribus 3 Concerning his rent that the Churches being sufficiently planted and no prejudice done to Schools Colledges and Universities already erected he should be provided to all the rest of the Prelacy whereunto he is preferred 4. The Cautions to preserve him should be these 1. That he should not propone to Councell Convention or Parliament in name of the Church any thing without express warrant and direction from the Church neither should he consent nor keep silence in the said Conventions if any thing was moved prejudiciall to the weal and liberty thereof under pain of deposition from his office 2 Next he should be bound to give an accompt of his proceedings in the discharge of his Commission to every generall Assembly and obtain their ratification of the same submitting himself to their judgement without making any appeal under the pain of infamy and excommunication 3 He should content himself with that part of his Benefice which should be given him for his living and not hurt nor prejudice the rest of the Ministers within his Benefice planted or to be planted nor any other Minister in the Countrey whatsoever and this clause to be inserted in his Provision 4 He should not delapidate his Benefice in any sort nor make any set or disposition thereof without the speciall advice or consent of his Majesty and the generall Assembly And for the greater warrant should interdict himself and be content that inhibition be raised against him to that effect 5 He should be bound to attend the congregation faithfully at which he should be appointed Minister in all the points of a Pastor and be subject to the triall and censure of his own Presbytery or provinciall Assembly as any other of the Ministers that bear no Commission 6 In the administration of discipline collation of benefices visitation and other points of Ecclesiasticall government he should neither usurp nor claim to himself any more power or jurisdiction then any of his brethren except he be imployed under pain of deprivation and in case he do usurpe any part of the Ecclesiasticall government the Presbytery Synod or generall Assembly opposing and making impediment thereto whatsoever he should do thereafter should be null ipso facto without any declaratour 7 In Presbyteries Provinciall and generall Assemblies he should behave himself in all things as one of the brethren and be subject to their censure 8 At his admission to the office of Commissionary he should swear and subscrive all these and other points necessary otherwise he should not be admitted 9 If it should happen him to be deposed from the Ministery by the Presbytery Synod or generall Assembly he should lose his place in Parliament and the Benefice be void ipso facto 10 That he should be called Commissioner of such or such a place if so the Parliament be induced by his Majesty to accept that title otherwise the generall Assembly should consider and determine the same as also how long he should continue in office whether ad vitam except some offence make him unworthy or for a shorter space at pleasure of the Church It was neither the Kings intention nor the minds of the wiser sort to have these Cautions stand in force for to subject the decrees of Parliament to the Assembly as in the second caution or to interdict Churchmen as in the fourth and serve Inhibitions upon them were things absurd but to have matters peaceably ended and the reformation of the policy made without any noise the King gave way to these conceits knowing that with time the utility of the Government which he purposed to have established would appear and trusting that they whom he should place in these rooms would by their care for the Church and their wise and good behaviour purchase to themselves the Authority which appertained He had also matters of greater importance in hand which made him desire to be setled in some sort with the Church from Iune preceding he had directed an Ambassage to the Princes of Germany wherein David Bishop of Aberdene and Sr. Peter Young his Elemosynar men of good abilities and learning were employed Their Commission was to inform the Princes of his right and title to the Crown of England after the death of the Queen Elizabeth and to request their assistance if he should stand in need thereof The Queen was then stricken in years and diverse libells and pamphlets divulged against his title to that Crown which made him carefull to have his friends rightly informed and to understand what aid he might expect if opposition should be made Not that he minded this they were willed to declare to wrong or offend the Queen in any sort whom he loved and honoured as his Mother wishing her many and happy days but onely to strengthen himself against injust pretenders and if in the mean time they should be pleased by a common Ambassage to entreat the Queen to declare in her own time the right successour for preventing the plots and practises of enemies he would take it for a singular friendship at their hands It was a painfull Ambassage and by them faithfully discharged for taking their journey by Denmark as they were directed and receiving letters commendatory from that King to the Princes they travelled to Udalrick Duke of Megleburgh Maurice Lantsgrave of Hesse Frederick Duke of Saxony and administrator of the Electorate Henry Duke of Brunswick Iohn Adolph Duke of Gleswick and Ioachim Marquesse of Brandenburgh and having comunicated their message to them all severally returned not before the end of the year Of all the Princes they obtained an answer in substance which was That albeit his Majesties right was not unknown unto them they did esteem it an act of great wisdome in him to make his friends acquainted with the exceptions taken against his Title that when occasion required nothing might be wanting that lay in their power But to move the Queen for declaring her successour they held it dangerous and feared it
process for Popery to have access to Court and a care to be taken of the good education of the children of Noblemen To all which the King gave favourable answers and for the removing of the Princess his daughter from the Lady Levingston which was earnestly entreated by the whole Assembly his Majesty did promise to bring her to his own house before the Terme of Martinmas next Whilest matters were thus proceeding there was delivered a letter sent by Mr. Iohn Davidson to the Assembly wherein as if he would awake his brethren fallen asleep he began with a strong cry How long shall we fear or favour flesh and blood and follow the counsell and command thereof Should our meetings be in the name of man Are we not yet to take up our selves and to acknowledge our former errors and feebleness in the work of the Lord And a little after Is it time for us now when so many of our worthy brethren are thrust out of their callings without all order of just proceeding and Iesuits Atheists and Papists are suffered countenanced and advanced to great rooms in the realm for the bringing in of idolatry and captivity more then Babylonicall with an high hand and that in our chief City Is it time for us I say of the Ministery to be inveigled and blindfolded with pretence of preferment of some small number of our brethren to have voice in Parliament and have titles of Prelacy Shall we with Samson sleep still on Dalilahs knees till she say The Philistines be upon thee Samson Then scoffing at the Kings doings he said But Bonyton is executed an infamous thief in the highest degree what is that to the cause of Religion whereof no question was moved Is there no Papist nor favourer of Papists in Scotland but Bonyton But the King is sound in Religion what can the adversaries do Being sound the danger were the less but there is nothing either in Church or King according to our calling c. In postscript to the same letter he wished them to be wary of determining any thing touching the planting of Edinburgh in respect of any promises against Papists and to remember that Melius optabilius est bellum pace impiâ à deo distrahente This letter laughed at by some did greatly offend the wiser sort who would have proceeded to censure the man as he had deserved but that the King interceded willing to leave the punishment to him and go on with their own affairs as they had begun So the letter being cast by the planting of Edinburgh was next handled and after some reasoning it was concluded that the three Ministers Mr. Walter Balcanquell Mr. Iames Balfour and Mr. William Watson should be transported and others placed in their rooms The care of this among other things was entrusted to certain Commissioners deputed by the Assembly who had power given them for all matters that concerned the Church unto the next generall meeting After this a proposition was made for a new translation o◠the Bible and the correcting of the Psalmes in meeter his Majesty did urge it earnestly and with many reasons did perswade the undertaking of the work shewing the necessity and the profit of it and what a glory the performing thereof should bring to this Church speaking of the necessity he did mention sundry escapes in the common Translation and made it seen that he was no less conversant in the Scriptures then they whose profession it was and when he came to speak of the Psalmes did recite whole verses of the same shewing both the faults of the meeter and the discrepance from the text It was the joy of all that were present to hear it and bred not little admiration in the whole Assembly who approving the motion did recommend the translation to such of the brethren as were most skill'd in the Languages and revising of the Psalmes particularly to Mr. Robert Pont but nothing was done in the one or the other yet did not the King let this his intention fall to the ground but after his happy coming to the Crown of England set the most learned Divines of that Church awork for the Translation of the Bible which with great pains and the singular profit of the Church they perfected The revising of the Psalmes he made his own labour and at such hours as he might spare from the publick cares went through a number of them commending the rest to a faithfull and learned servant who hath therein answered his Majesties expectation The Act for restraining the liberty of Application in Exercises was of new ratified and an Ordinance made against the preaching of young men not admitted to the Ministery in the chief places of the Countrey which done and the next Assembly being appointed to be held at S. Andrews the last Tuesday of Iuly Anno 1602 the meeting dissolved Soon after the King by the advise of the Commissioners of the Church received in favour the three Ministers of Edinburgh that were ordained to be translated to other places and licensed them to return to their Charges Mr. Iohn Dikes also who had lurked all this time having composed some Eucharistick Sonets as he called them for his Majesties preservation was pardoned and permitted to return to his place But Mr. Iohn Davidson presuming to finde the like favour and appearing in publick without warrant was taken and committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained some moneths till by the intercession of the Kings Ministers he was also put to liberty In the State the Lord Maxwell began to make new troubles and notwithstanding he was prohibited to repair within the bounds of Nidisdale Galloway he went home without license having contrived the death of Sir Iames Iohnston then Warden but the purpose failing he made an incursion upon Annandale raising fire and committing slaughter whereupon great stirres were moved in these parts which were not pacified till the February after at which time the King going in person to Dumfreis made him leave the Countrey and put in Sureties for his remaining within the bounds of Cluidsdale In Iuly thereafter Lodowick Duke of Lennox was sent in an Ambassage to France rather for confirming the old amity and friendship then for any business else There went with him Sir Thomas Ereskin and Sir William Levingston of Kilsithe two of his Majesties privy Councell Mr. Iohn Spotswood then Parson of Calder was directed to attend him as his Chaplain or Preacher The Duke taking his journey by sea arrived at Deepe the 24 of that moneth and upon the 10th day after entered into Paris accompanied by Iames Archbishop of Glasgow and a great train of Scotishmen who did meet him at S. Denis he had presence of the French King at S. Germans some seven leagues from Paris and was very kindly accepted A few daies after the King went to Fountayn-bleau where the Queen was to lye of Childe-birth Thither
into consideration how soon and in what manner it shall seem best to your Majesties excellent wisdome to inspire a new life into this languishing body the circumstances whereof are wholly to be left to your Majesty holding it enough for us humbly to acknowledge our selves your true subjects ready to obey all your commandments assuing you with all that as we have hereby as many of us as have underwritten this letter declared our recognition and humble submission to your Majâ—sties soveraign power and right so we do know by all good proofs that the minde of the rest of the Nobility and all others who are absent in their severall qualities places and charges whom the time permitted not without the prejudice of your affairs to assemble so soon as we were desirous this should be performed are wholly and absolutely with us in all zeal and duety for all things that shall be imposed upon them by your royall will and pleasure Further we have thought meet and necessary to advertise your Highness that Sir Robert Cary this morning departed from hence towards your Majesty not onely without the consent of any of us who were present at Richmond at the time of our late Soveraigns decease but also contrary to such commandement as we had power to lay upon him and to all decency and good manners and respect which he ought to so many persons of our degree whereby it may be that your Majesty hearing by a bare report onely of the death of the late Queen and not of our care and diligence in establishment of your Majesties right here in such manner as is above specified may conceive doubts of other nature then God be thanked there is cause you should which we would have clearly prevented if he had born so much respect to us as to have stayed for a common relation of our proceedings and not thought it better to anticipate the same for we would have been loath that any person of quality should have gone from hence who should not with the report of her death have been able to declare the first effects of our assured loyalties And lastly it may please your Majesty to receive this advertisement that of late there was made ready by the commandement of the Queen our Mistresse a good fleet of eight or ten of her ships well manned and furnished under the charge of Sir Richard Lawson Knight to have been employed upon the coast of Spain which employment by her decease is ceased for want of Commission to exercise the saine and now is kept together in the narrow Seas to prevent any suddain attempt against the Low Countreys and that now there is nothing either of land or sea that is not yours it may please your Majesty to signifie your pleasure concerning that Fleet and whether you will have it or any part thereof resort to your coast of Scotland where it may serve you either for the safe convoy of your person to this realm if there shall because to use it in this manner or to transport any of yours whilest you come by land or any other service In which point we humbly beseech you to make known under whose charge it shall beyour pleasure the whole Fleet or any part thereof shall come unto you And this being all that for the present doth occurre to be advertised to your Majesty by us whose mindes are occupied about the conservation of this your realm in peace as farre forth as by any power for your Majesties service onely assumed the interruption thereof may be prevented saving that we have sent a Copy of the Proclamation made here to your Majesties deputy of Ireland to be published in that kingdome we will and with our humble prayers to Almighty God that we may be so happy as speedily to enjoy the comfortable presence of your Highness royall person amongst us the onely object of that glory and those felicities which in the earth we have proponed to our selves Written in your Majesties City of London the 24 of March 1603 at ten hours of the clock at night This Letter was subscribed by Robert Leigh Mayor John Canterbury Thomas Egerton Thomas Buckhurst Nottingham Northumberland Gilbert Shrewsbury William Darby Edward Worcester Geo. Cumberland R. Suffex Henry Lincoln Pembroke Clanrickard G. Hunsdon Tho. Howard Richard London Robert Hartford John Norwich Morley Henry Cobham Thomas Laware Gray Edward Cromwell R. Riche Lumley Chandois W. Compton W. Knowlles Edward Wootton John Stanhop Raleigh John Fortescue and John Popham The King having imparted this letter to the Councell it was thought meet that the Contents thereof should be published for begetting a greater kindness betwixt the people and the two Kingdomes whereupon a Proclamation was made shewing That the Queen before her death continuing in that loving affection which she professed to his Majesty all the course of her life had declared him her only true heir and successor in the imperiall Crownes of England France and Ireland and that the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assisted by the Lord Maior of London and others of the Gentry of good quality had upon the 24 of March last proclaimed him their only liege Lord and undoubted Soveraign which being the most cleer demonstration that a people could give of their affection and a sure pledge of their future obedience ought to move all true hearted subjects to account of them no otherwise then as their brethren and friends and to forget and bury all quarrels and grounds of former dissensions That therefore none should pretend ignorance nor carry themselves in any unkind sort towards the inhabitants of England his Majesty with the advice of the Lords of Councell had ordained Proclamation to be made of the premisses assuring them that should so apply themselves of his gracious favour when occasion presented and certifying such as did in the contrary that they should incurre his wrath and extreme displeasure This notwithstanding the word no sooner came of the Queens death then the loose and broken men in the borders assembling in companies made incursions upon England doing what in them lay to divide the two Kingdomes which the year following was severely punished the principals that were tried to have been partners in that business being all executed to the death The King in the mean time giving order for his journey did appoint the Queen to follow him some twenty dayes after and for his children ordained the Prince to remain at Striveling the Duke of Albany his brother to abide with the Lord Fyvie President of the Session and the Princess Elizabeth their sister with Alexander Earl of Linlithgow To the Lords of Councell an ample Commission was given for the administration of all affairs receiving resignations hearing the accounts of the Exchequer continuing daies of law adjoining assessors to the justice granting of licences to depart forth of the Realm altering the place of their residence as they should find it convenient repressing the troubles of the
Borders and for creating Lieutenants one or more upon occasions The persons he chused to attend him in the journey were the Duke of Lennox the Earls of Marre Murray and Argile the Lord Hume Sir George Hume Treasurer Mr. Iames Elphingston Secretary Sir David Murray Comptroller Sir Robert Ker of Cessord with the ordinary Gentlemen of the Chamber and of the Clergy David â—ishop of Rosse Peter Bishop of Dunkeld Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Andrew Lamb Mr. Iohn Spotswood Mr. Gawen Hamilton and Mr. Alexander Forbes Ministers Things thus ordered the King went the next morning to S. Giles to hear a Sermon Mr. Iohn Hall whose course it was preaching took occasion to remember the great mercies of God towards his Majesty reckoning the peaceable succession to the Crown of England none of the least This he said was Gods own proper work for who could else directed the hearts of so numerous a people with such an unanime consent to follow the way of right Thereupon he did exhort his Majesty to thankfulness to the maintenance of Gods truth and that he would send home some of those commendable orders he would find whither he was going The King accepting his exhortation in good part did upon the end of the Sermon make a speech to the people which at the time were frequently convened and promising to have care of them and their good gave them a most loving and kind farewell This was followed with such a mourning and lamentation of all sorts as cannot be well expressed For albeit they joyed not a little at first to hear of that accession of honour to their King yet considering they should be deprived of his presence and have no more a resident King among them they were grieved out of all measure This affection of the people moved also the King greatly therefore when the Magistrates Ministers and others of the better sort came to receive his commandments he spake gratiously unto them willing them not to be troubled with his departing for that they should finde the fruits of his government as well afarre off as when he was neer at hand and as his power was now encreased and made greater so his love towards them should not be a whit diminished In this sort did he part and beginning his journey on Wednesday the fourth of Aprill came the day to Berwick there he was welcomed with a most eloquent Sermon by Toby Matthew Bishop of Durham for he went first to the Church which finished he was conveyed to the Palace by the Governor and garrison the munition playing from the walls and the Citizens with showts and acclamations testifying their gladness The ninth of that moneth he went to Newcastle where he aboad some few days and because multitudes of people from all quarters were daily coming to see the King and offer their service Order was taken that no strangers should have access granted till the Chamberlain or Master of the Guard was acquainted with their business At York he was met with the Councellors and from thence by easie journeys travelled to London how his Majesty was there received and what other things happened in the time I remit to the English History my purpose being only to relate the things passed in Scotland or had some reference to matters of that Church and Kingdome Being at Burleigh house neer unto Stamford the King was advertised of the death of Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow who deceased at Paris in the same moneth This man was descended of the house of Balfoure in Fife and consecrate Bishop at Rome in the year 1552 and at the time of reformation forsook the Countrey out of the hatred he bare to those that had hand in that work and carried with him all the writs and evidents of the Sea of Glasgow with the vessels and ornaments of the Cathedrall Church things of exceeding great worth for besides those of ordinary use there belonged to that Church the Image of our Saviour in beaten gold and the portraits of the twelve Apostles in silver The Queen returning from France did establish him Ambassadour in these parts for her affairs under the government of the Regents he was forfeited and deprived of his living which as we shewed before was conferred upon Mr. Iames Boyd Trochrig and after him went through divers hands till the King at his majority did restore him to his dignity honour and living employing him likewise for his Ambassadour in France a man honourably disposed faithfull to the Queen while she lived and to the King her son a lover of his Countrey and liberall according to his meanes to all his Countreymen in his last Will he bequeathed all his means to pious uses leaving as was said ten thousand Crownes for the education of poor Scholars being Scottish men born The evidents vessels and ornaments of the Sea of Glasgow he consigned in the hands of the Carthusians of Paris appointing the same to be redelivered how soon Glasgow should become Catholick and this year being the 66 of his age departed peaceably this life The King having destinated Mr. Iohn Spotswood for his successor sent him back to attend the Queen in her journey and serve her for elemosynar Soon after his coming her Majesty went to Striveling of mind to bring away the Prince her son and carry him along with her self to England but being denied by the friends of the house of Marre she became so incensed as falling into a feaver she made a pitifull abortion Advertisement of this being sent unto the King he caused the Earl of Marre to return and after him sending the Duke of Lennox with a warrant to receive the Prince and deliver him to the Queen he was brought unto her at Halirudhouse about the end of May yet she not satisfied herewith complained bitterly of the dishonour she had received and by a letter written to the King full of passron and anger which she gave her Elemosynar to carry required a publick reparation by the punishment of the Earl of Marre and his servants The King who knew the Earl himself to be blameless and desired not to be troubled with such business especially at that time returned this answer That she should doe wisely to forget the grudges she carryed to the Earl of Marre and thank God of the peaceable possession they had obtained of these Kingdomes which next unto God his goodness he ascribed to the last negotiation of the Earl of Marre in England This reported to the Queen for the messenger was commanded to speak so much she in a great choler replyed That she rather would have wished never see England then to be in any sort beholden to him for the same Yet as she was a most mild Princess and very carefull to please the King in every thing at her coming to Windsor which was about the end of Iune she was reconciled to the Earl of Marre and he by Act of Councell declared to
reasonable desire then doe we in all humility with that dutifull acknowledgment of our loyalty to your Majesty as becometh protest for our selves and all our brethren that shall adhere to this our Protestation that as we are free of the same so must we be forced rather to incurre the censure of your Majesties law then to admit or obtemper any imposition that shall not flow from the Church orderly convened or others having power from the same This Protestation was subscribed by Mr. Archibald Sympson Minister at Dalkeith in name of the brethren and supplicants In another paper the Ministers who were present set down their names each of them with his own hand for a testimony of their concurrence which was committed to the said Mr. Archibald in custody But as it falleth out in things unadvisedly done and in the heat of humour the principalls in that business quickly forthinking that which they had done came the next morning early to the Archbishop of S. Andrews intreating him to stop the presenting thereof which he shewed he might easily doe by taking the same from Mr. Peter Hewet in whose hand it was given to present This man being one of the Ministers of Edinburgh had lately before been preferred to the Abbacy of Crossragwell and having thereby a place in the Parliament house was held the most fitting to present the Protestation which he willingly undertook for he loved ever to be medling and was alwaies set to make trouble The Parliament was that day to close and the Archbishop knowing how ill the King would take their doing went the more timely to the Palace where meeting with the Abbot he asked him concerning the Protestation desiring to see it and having perused a few lines began to rebuke him for taking in hand such a business he making some excuse and saying it was a Protestation only which could not offend put forth his hand to take back the paper but the Archbishop holding it fast the Protestation was neer rent betwixt them It happened one of the Grooms called Iohn Levingston to see them at strife for they had met in the private gallery neer to his Majesties chamber who shewing the King what he had seen his Majesty came forth being as yet undressed and asked what the matter was The Archbishop answered That a number of Ministers having framed a Protestation against the Article of his Majesties Prerogative had given it to the man that he had made Abbot to present and that he had undertaken to doe the same for which he had been chiding him it being an undutifull part in him without signifying the matter to his Ordinary to take such a business in hand The man falling upon his knees and trembling said That he supposed the Protestation would never offend his Majesty and that he had promised to present the same in Parliament but now that it appeared to him otherwise he would no more meddle therewith The King taking the Protestation and perceiving it subscribed by one only Minister inquired who these others were that convened The Abbot answered that they had all signed a paper besides which the subscriver kept by him for his warrant Then the King commanding the Bishop to keep the Protestation went to prepare himself for the meeting and suspecting that some other might come and protest against the Article commanded the Register Sir George Hay who upon the death of Sir Alexander Hay had been preferred to the office the year before to passe by that Article as a thing no way necessary the prerogative of his Crown bearing him to more then was declared by it Thus when the hour of meeting came the Register as he was commanded laying by that Article caused read the others that were concluded as the custome is and the same being assented to by the Estates were ratified by his Majesty Thereafter the King in a most grave speech having commended the execution of the laws made to the Judges and other inferiour Magistrates gave the Estates a most kinde and loving farewell The same night the Bishops had warning given them to meet his Majesty at S. Andrews the tenth of Iuly whither he minded to call the principall Ministers also that they might know his minde before he went away The Diet held as was appointed and there assembled with the Bishops the Ministers of chief accompt to the number of thirty six who being convened in the Chappel of the Castle the King did speak to them to this purpose What and how great my care hath been for this Church as well before as since my going into England is so well known to you all as I neither need nor doe I mean to speak much of it lest any should think I am seeking thanks for that I have done It sufficeth me that God knows my intention is and ever was to have his true worship maintained and a decent and comely order established in the Church But of you I must complain and of your causless jealousies even when my meaning towards you is best Before my coming home to visit this Kingdom being advertised that in your last Assembly an Act was made for gathering the Acts of the Church and putting them in form I desired a few Articles to be inserted one was for the yearly comemoration of our Saviour his greatest blessings bestowed upon mankinde as his Nativity 〈◊〉 Resurrection Ascension and the descent of the holy Spirit Another for the private use of both Sacraments in urgent and necessary cases A third for the reverent administration of his holy Supper And a fourth for Catechising and Confirming young Children by Bishops It was answered that these particulars had not been moved in any of the Church Assemblies and so could not be inserted with the rest which excuse I admitted and was not minded to presse them any more till you after advice did give consent thereto yet when in the late Parliament I desired my prerogative to be declared in the making of the Ecclesiasticall laws certain of your number did mutinously assemble themselves and form a Protestation to cross my just desires But I will pass that among many other wrongs I have received at your hands the errand for which I have now called you is to hear what your scruples are in these points and the reasons if any you have why the same ought not to be admitted I mean not to doe any thing against reason and on the other part my demands being just and religious you must not think that I will be refused or resisted It is a power innated and a speciall prerogative which we that are Christian Kings have to order and dispose of externall things in the policy of the Church as we by advice of our Bishops shall finde most fitting and for your approving or disapproving deceive not your selves I will never regard it unlesse you bring me a reason which I cannot answer The Ministers at these words falling on their knees
answer Captain Iames Stewart his reply Morton is commited 2Ì„â— Ianuarii 18. Ianuar. An Assembly of the Church with their proceedings against the Bishops The iniquity of their proceedings A letter from the Earl of Lennox to the Assembly Iohn Dury committed to the Castle The death of Mr. Iohn Row An Ambassadour from England His Majesties answer to the Ambassadour An Assembly of the Estates The Ambassadour laboureth with Noblemen to take Arms for Mortons liberty Forces sent by the Queen of England to the Borders An. 1581. The proceeding against Mortons friends at Court The Ambassador departeth secretly to Berwick Sir Iohn Seaton denied passage into England Morton brought from Dumbritton to Edinburgh Morton his indictment Sentence pronounced The Ministers conference with the Earl of Morton The sentence mitigated Arran desireth Morton to subscribe his confession Morton his Answer Morton his behaviour at his death Mortons qualities and good parts Arrans proceeding against Morton and his servants approved Arran his marriage with the Countesse of Marche Montgomery his Simoniacal bargain for the Bishoprick of Glasgow Inquisition made of Montgomehy his life and doctrine The Articles against Montgomery communicated to the King Mr. Walter Balcanquel questioned for speeches in Pulpit Balcanquels answer The King ceaseth from pursuing the complaint Balcanquels Sermon approved by the Assembly An. 1582. Montgomery suspended by the Presbytery of Striveling He is cited to appear before the Synod of Lothian The Synod inhibited to proceed An Assembly at S. Andrews Mr. Mark Ker sent to discharge the Assemblies proceeding The Assembly discharged under pain of Rebellion to desist The Assembly proceedeth and findeth him culpable of divers crimes Montgomery falling from his resolution submits himself to the Assembly Montgomery changeth and returneth to his first course Mr. Thomas Smeton his Sermon at Glasgow Montgomery processed for preaching at Glasgow The Moderâ—tor of the Presbytery imprisoned in the Tolbuith A solemn Fast kept Iohn Dury Minister at Edinburgh was removed from his charge Ministers directed to the King Mr. Iohn Davidson excommunicated Montgomrie The surprise of the King at Ruthven 23. Aug. 1582. The King stayed from his sport by the Master of Glammit Arran withholden from the the King The Duke of Lennox sendeth to enquire of the Kings Estate The Duke of Lennox willed to retire to France A Proclamation declaring the Kings contentment with his stay at Perth The Duke is advised to go unto Dumbritton An Ambassador from England September 12. The Earl of Angus received in favour October 12. The Lords bring the King to Halirudhouse Octob. 8. An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lords â—end to obtain the Assemblies approbation The Assemblies ratificacation of the attempt at Ruthven A Convention of the Estates at Edinburgh The Kings speech to the Estates The attempt of Ruthven declared to be good service The Earl of Arran ordained to be detained till the Duke was gone The Duke falling sick at Seat taketh journey by land The Duke dering to see the King before he went away is denied Two Ambassador from France La Mott and Menevil The purpose of association renued The Ministers declared in their Sermons against the Ambassadors The Magistrates of Edinburgh desired to feast the Ambassadors The Ministers proclaim a fast Febr. 16. The Duke of Lennox dieth at Paris 26. May 1583. The King directeâ—h Amâ—assadours to England An. 1583. The negotiation took no effect The life and death of Mr. George Buchannan The King freeth himself of his attenders Ianuar. 28. The Earl of Gowry confesseth his fault and is pardoned An Act following the service of Colonel Stewart The Earl of Arran called again to Court His Majesties Declaration touching the attempt of Ruthven The discontented Lords confined All of them Angus except for their disobedience were denounced Rebels Ambassage from England the beginning of September His Majesties answer to the Ambassador The Ambassador complains of a Jesuits escape His Majesties answer An Assembly of the Church Grievances presented to his Majesty by the Church The King his answer to the grievances The answer did not satisfy the Church Lodowick son and heir to the late deceased Duke of Lennox cometh into Scotland Novemb. 13. The King his kindnesse to the Duke his children A Convention of Estates Prorogation granted to those that were charged to enter in Ward An offer of pardon to those who will acknowledge their offence at Ruthven The Earl of Rothes his protestation Iohn Dury questioned for allowing the attempt of Ruthven An. 1584. Mr. Andrew Melvil fleeth into England The King his Proclamations misregarded The Earl of 〈…〉 Being at Dundy he is apprehended by Colonel Stewart April 16. The Castle of Striveling surâ—â—â—ed April 18. The King 〈◊〉 to go towards Striveling The Rebels flee into England The Castle rendred April 27. Gowry examined touching the conspiracy His confession set down by himself in writing A letter from Gowry to his Majesty He is denied audience and put to the trial of a Jury The points of his endictment His exceptions repelled The names of the Assisers Gowry found guilty and sentence pronounced His execution and manner of death Archibald Douglas and another executed The houses of the Rebels charged Ministers called in question for the conspiracy Mr. David Lindesay Minister at Leth committed The Ministers at Edinburgh flee to England Mr. Robert Pont protesseth against the Acts. Libells and pamphlets against the Rulers of the Court. A letter from the Ministers of Edinburgh to the Session of the Church and Councel of the Town By the Kings direction an answer is returned in this form The letter grieveth the Ministers exceedingly Mr. Iames Lawson died at London Mr. Alexander Arbuthnet his death Mr. Thomas Smeton his death The Ministers charged with the subscription of certain Articles Mr. Nicol Dalgleish condemned David Home and his brother executed Robert Hamilton of Eglismachan delateth the Lairds of Dâ—uwwhasil and Mains Drumwhasil and Mains put to a trial They are found guilty and executed The unhappy end of Hamilton the delator Arran his power and credit at Court Arran laboureth to gain the Queen of England 12. Augusti An. 1585. The Master of Gray sent into England the beginning of October The Archbishop of S. Andrews sent into England The Queens answer to the Master of Gray The Justice Clerk directed into England April 1585. The banished Lords challenged by the Justice Clerk Arran draweth much envy upon himself His falling out with the Lord Maxwel Troubles betwixt the Maxwels and Iohnstons Johnston taken prisoner and shortly after dieth Sir Francis Russel sonne to the Earl of Bedford killed at a meeting in the Borders Arran and Farnherst confined Farnherst dieth at Aberdene Sir Edward Wotton Ambassador to Scotland about the beginning of Iune 1585. A convention of the Estates at S. Andrews A league continued with the Queen of England Lord Claud after his agreement with the banished Lords taketh a course by himself Ambassadors from Denmark Iuly 12. The King
A Councell appointed for the University The Doctors Professors and Regents exempted for the Church-meetings A discovery of Witches A discharge of proceedings against Witches except in case of voluntary confession Troubles in the Borders A Parliament at Edinburgh Articles presented in the name of the Church Voice in Parliament granted to such Ministers as shâ—uâ—d be provided to the places as Bishops Abbots or other Prelates The office for the spirituall government remitted to the Assembly An. 1598. A General Assembly at Dundie Ministers might give voice in Parliament The number to be aâ—se many as of old in the Papisticall Church The election of those that should give voice to be made by the King and Church Commission for discussing the rest of the points Ministers of Edinburgh permitted to preach upon condition Four others named to be joyned with the Edinburgh Minâ—sters Exception taken at two of the number The providing of the Commissioners in the planting of Edinburgh allowed Anact desining the number of Commissioners from Presbyteries to Assemblies His Majesty pleaseth to remit all offences past of the Ministers Mr. Iohn Dividson protesteth against the conclusions of the Assembly Question moved for Mr. Robert Bruce who refused the imposition of hands A declaration made for his satisfaction A tumult in the Church as his admission Mr. Robert Bruce cited before the Commissioners purgeth himself of the tumult He is admitted and receives imposition of hands Commissioners directed to Synod of Fife A meeting at Falkland for determining the vote of Parliament Caveats for eschewing of corruption His Majesties purpose in giving way to these conclusions Ambassadors directed to the Princes of Germany The success of that Ambassage The Queen brought to bed of a daughter Hamilton and Huntley created Marquesses Mr. Iohn Lindesay Secretary dieth The Lord of Colluthy his death Mr. Thomas Buchannan his death David Ferguson his death The death of Mr. Robert Rollock most lamented His behaviour in the time of his sicknâ—ss and at his dying An. 1599. Alteration of some officers of State The Earl of Cassills made Treasurer Lord Elphingston succeeded Treasurer Sr. William Bowes Ambassadour from England One Ashfield conveighed privately to Berwick by two of the Ambassadours servants A visitation of the University of S. Andrewes Discourse of his Majesties Title to the Crown of England The King publisheth his Basilicon Doron by occasion of a libell Mr. Iohn Dikes fugitive for the libell The book well received in England A trouble for receiving some English Comedians A generall Assembly of the Church The voice in Parliament determined Two Cavears more added The state of Bishopricks at that time Bishops appointed for Rosse and Cathnes An. 1600. Iohn Dury Minister at Montrosse his death with a short description of his life The conspiracy of the Earl of Gowry The Kings kindness to his brethren and sister The plot contrived for entrapping the King The King goeth to Perth Gowry meeting the King was much troubled Mr. Alexander did move the King to goe with him Mr. Alexander professeth what he was about The Kings voice heard and is discerned Sir Thomas Areskin challengeth Gowrie Iohn Ramsey doth first relieve the King The Kings servants prepare to defend Gowrie entereth and after a little space is killed The Lords come to the King The danger by the people of the Town The Caracters found at the Earls girdle Some servants of Gowrie executed Andrew Henderson his confession The Ministers of Edinburgh required by the Councell to give thanks for his Majesties deliverance Their excuse and refusing to obey The Bishop of Rosse giveth thanks at the Market-cross The King cometh to Edinburgh Master Patrick Galloway his preaching at the Crosse. 1000 l mortified to the poor at Scone A solemne thanksgiving appointed for the Kings deliverance The Ministers of Edinburgh removed from their places Three of the number acknowledging their fault are pardoned Mr. Iames Balfoure remitted Master Robert Bruce banished A Parliament wherein Gowrie and his brother are forfeited The fifth of August to be kept yearly in remembrance of his Majesties delivery Acts concluded in this Parliament The King goeth to Dunfermlin to visit the Queen Prince Charles born at Dunfermlin The death of M. Iohn Craig with a description of his life Accidents that befell M. Craig in his flight A strange accident and singular testimony of Gods care over him He preacheth to Maximilian the Emperour but is forced to leave those parts He cometh to Scotland and is appointed Minister at Halirudhouse An. 1601. A trouble in the Court of England The Earl of Marre sent Ambassadour to England Pope Clement sends his Breves to England for excluding the King A Proclamation against some Jesuits An Assembly at Brunt-island Mr. Iohn Hall elected Modederator The defection in Religion complained of and the causes searched The remedy of the evils Mr. Iohn Davidson his letter to the Assembly The letter offended greatly the wiser sort A combustion touching the Ministers of Edinburgh A Proposition was made for a new Translation of the Bible and correcting the Psalmes The liberty of Application restrained The Ministers of Edinburgâ— received in favour New troubles by the Lord Maâ—well The Duke of Leâ—nox directed Ambassador to France The Queen of France lying of her first born The Duke returneth to Edinburgh An. 1602. Certain undertakers conqueâ— the Isles The Laird of Balcomy taken prisoner and dieth in Oikeney Neill betrayeth his brother Murdach The Lewis lost by the undertakers security Mr. Robâ— Bruce licenced to return upon promise of satisfaction Mr. Rob Bruce his inconstancy A Generall Assembly in the Chappell of Halirudhouse Petitions to his Majesty in name of the Church Overtures for provision of the Ministers The overtures deferred to another time Grievances of the Synod of Fife An answer to the grievances Acts concluded in the Assembly The businesse of Jesuits in England The story of Francis Mowbray and an Italian The Queen of England groweth sick A Conference betwixt the French Ambassadour Secretariâ— Cicill The King advertised of this conference His Majesties letter to the Secretary A letter from the King to the Earle of Northumberland An. 1603. The Queen of England her death The King advised of the Queens death A letter from the Councell and Nobility of England to the King The contents of the letter published The Borders make incursions upon the report of the Queens death The King giveth order for his journey The persons chused to attend the King in his journey He goeth to S. Giles to hear sermon The King makes a speech to the People which is followed with a great lamentation of the hearers The King cometh to Berwick The Councellors meet him at York The death of Mr. Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow The Queen falleth sick at Striveling The Prince delivered to the Queen The King and Queen inaugurated at Westminster A conspiracy detected a-against the King George Brook and two Priests executed The Noble-men and others spared Ann. 1604. The
the Earl of Orkney Iohn Ogilvy a Jesuit apprehended His examinamination by certain Commissioners A direction from his Majesty touching their proceeding with him Certain Questions moved to the Jesuit His Answer to the Questions His Answer sent to his Majesty Commission for the Jesuits triall The Jesuits defence at his indictment The exception proponed by the Jesuit The exception proponed by the Jesuit The Jesuite convicted and executed Moffet another jesuit licenced to depart An. 1615. The Archbishop of S. Andrews his death Bishops translated by this occasion The History of Somersets fall Sir Tho Overburie his free advice to Somerset Overbury committed to the Tower Overbury poysoned and dyeth The murther discovered and laid open An. 1616. Somerset and his Lady brought to triall The persons of the Jury The Earl and his Lady convicted and sentenced The Marquis of Huntly called before the Commissioners He is Committed He is released by the Chancellour The Bishops complain to his Majesty A Command to the Marquis to return to his ward The Marquis permitted to come to Court The form of the absolution His Majesties letter to the Bishops for justifying the absolution The Archbishop of Canterbury's excuse for the absolution The Archbishops letter giveth some content An Assembly at Aberdene The Marquiss of new absolved Acts concluded in the Assembly Commissioners directed to the King from the Assembly His Majesties answer returned Articles craved to be incerted among the Canons Reasons why the Articles could not be inserted among the Canons A Proclamation touching the Kings purpose to visit the Countrey The Earl of Marre made Thesaurer A direction for repairing the Chapell The Bishops entreat the stay of some carved pictures upon fear of offence Ann. 1617. His Majesties answer The King refutech to deferre his journey as he was desired A Parliament in Scotland His Majesties speech to the Estates A Trouble in choosing the Lords of the Articles Article concerning his Majesties prerogative in caâ—ses Ecclesiasticall A stir among the Ministers because of the Article The Ministers Protestation The subscrivers of the Protestation Mr. Peter Hewet undertakes the presenting of the Protestation The Clerk of Register commanded to pass by the Article of Prerogative The Bishops warned to meet at S. Andrews His Majesties speech at the meeting The Ministers promise obedience upon permission of a general Assembly Mr. Arâ—hibald Sympson and Mr. David Catherwood committed The King departeth towards London An assembly at S. Andrews The Assembly inclineth to a delay The Commissioners obtain a grant of private Communion The King offended with the Assemblies proceedings writeth to the two Archbishops Another letter to the Archbishop of S. Andrews Letters to the Councell for inhibiting the payment of Stipends Mr. Archibald Sympson put to liberty His inconstancie and change A warrant to proceed with the Commission of Stipends A generall Assembly indicted at Perth His Majesties Letter to the Assembly An. 1618. The five Artiticles concluded Article for kneeling Private Communion Private Biptisme Confirmation of Children Observation of Festivities The Articles ordained to be intimated in all Churches The Earl of Argile falleth from his profession A Comet or blasing Starre Queen Anne dieth Ann. 1619. The Synod of Dordrecht said to have condemned the five articles of Perth The Bishop of Galloway dieth The Bishop of Brichen translated to Galloway A distraction betwixt the Ministers and Magistrates of Edinburgh The disorder pacified Four other Ministers planted at Edinburgh An. 1620. A contribution required for defence of the Palatinate Ann. 1621. A Parliament desired by the estates Sir Gideon Murray his death The Marquis of Hamilton keepeth the Parliament Matters concluded in Parliament The King receiveth great content by the things concluded A Letter from his Majestie to the Bishops A Letter from his Majesty to the Councell The Marquis of Hamilton wronged by a false rumour An. 1622. The Chancellor Seaâ—on dieth Rumors dispersed of Tolerations intended The judgment of the wiseâ— sort His Majesties speech in a Parliament held at that time in England An. 1623. His Majesties directions to the Councell of Scotland The Princes journey to Spain and the occasion thereof The Princes entertainment in Spain The Letter of Pope Gâ—gory the 15 to the Prince The successe of the Match intended with Spaiâ— The Prince returneth to England An. 1624. A trouble in Edinburgh raised against the Minisâ—es The death of Lodovick Duke of Richmond and Lennox An. 1625. The death of Iames Marquis of Hamilton The King much affected with these deaths contracts a feaver and dieth An Epitaph upon King IAMES his death written by the Reverend Divine Dr. Morley C. C. C. Oxon.