c. This stopt not the strickter inquisition of the Precisians who intercepted Sir Iames Carvet upon the road having it should seem been at some private Masse revested him with his garments carried him to the Market-Crosse at Edenburgh bound the Chalice to his hand and him to the Crosse let him stand there an hour or two for the boyes to throw egges at which they called Serving him with his Easter egges This popular piece of justice was approved afterward and seconded by a grave censure to the same punishment at the Assize onely for some solemnity he had appointed to him the attendance of the Hangman The Queen sent a serious Letter to the Provost Bayliff to proceed legally with the seditious executioners of justice but hereof was little notice taken beside setting Sir Iames and his company at liberty upon Her Majesties special Command In the month of May following some of the Precise Nobility and Clergy being angry that they failed of a design they had against the Earl Bothwell whom they summon'd to Edenburgh but he diverted toward France turn'd their Law-Court into an Ecclesiastick Assembly and without any authority from the Queen sate down to consult about maintaining of Religion but Her Majesty knowing by custome that would end in a Rebellion cites them all to Sterlin about her marriage with the Lord Darley and to subscribe a Writ about obedience to him as their Soveraign which the Brethren that bent themselves every way to cross her caused the Earl Murray to refuse till some conditions about religion were consented to on her part and a Convention ordered to be at St Iohnston to that purpose A day for which being prefixed that a business of that consequence might be the more sedately and peaceably deliberated on the principals of the Precisians summon in what strength they could out of the Countrey which Her Majesty fore-seeing was to force her consent to whatsoever they would propound put off the day till she had advised with her Council after which the 23. of Iune following was appointed but the Queen being by that time too well guarded agaiâ—â—t the intended violence the Brethren had no stomack to assemble and to divert the Earl of Murray who â—as going thither feign a formal stoâ—y of a design upon his person That the Lord Darley should discourse with him and draw him into a dispute whereupon David Rizio of whom more shall be said hereafter was to strike in and with some other Assistants that were in readinesse murder him To colour the Earls absence was given out that he was taken with a flux and lay sick at Lochlevin where he remained till the Queen came to Edenburgh In the interim there is held a general Assâ—mbly of the Church Iuly 24. By this time the Brethren had mustered their strength and were resolved to capitulate to the rigour with the Queen six very modest Articles are drawn up and sent by five Commissioners to be ratified by Her Majesty in Parliament The first and fifth of which were to have her sign her own death in case she altered not her Religon for the Papistical and blasphemous Masse with all Papistical Idolatry c. must be abolished throughout the Realm not onely in the subjects but also in the Queens own person with punishment against all persons that should be deprehended Her Majesty expresly named in the former and not excepted in the latter and the punishment appointed for Idolaters is death as they every where mention The Queen having received this pleasing message departs privately to Dunkeld whither she is persecuted by this Commission prevail'd with for audience and importun'd for a dispatch In her answer she delayes them for eight dayes after which she intended to be in Edenburgh with her Council To gain Her Majesties concession the Brethren arm themselves and assemble at St. Leonard Crag The Queen saw it was now high time to speak her mind which she did in a particular return to the six Articles To the first she onely demanded of her subjects what she freely gave to them liberty of Conscience in the exercise of Religion hoped they would not press her to receive any religion against her conscience which should be unto her a continual trouble by remorse and a perpetual unquietness And to deal plainly Her Majesty neither will nor may leave the Religion wherein she hath been nourâ—shed and brought up But the Brethren still prosecute the religious cause and to prepare it the better for the Parliament approaching the Earls of Aâ—gile and Murray c. meet at Sterlin to consult The Queen takes this ill sâ—nds her two Advocates Mr. Spense and Mr. Crichton who câ—uld by no means perswade them to come to Edenburgh The Queen pâ—orogues the Parliament to the fiâ—st of September preparing by Letters and Proclamations to be in as good a military posture of defence as they could Upon the 18. of Iuly Proclamation was made for obedience to be rendred to the Lord Darley as King the next morning he was Married to the Queen notwithstanding such disturbance intended as the Queen was fain to raise an Army to secure her in her Marriage The Precise Lords had appointed the rendezvouz for their forces the 24. of August and a countermand issued out from their Majesties to attend them at Linlithgow the same day But upon the 19. day of that month Iohn Knox preacheth before the King at Edenburgh upon Isa. 26.13 O Lord our God other Lords besides thee have had dominion over us but by thee onely will we make mention of thy name He declaims against Tyrants and wicked Princes saith expresly That God sets in that room for the offences and ingratitude of the people boyes and women That God justly punisheâ— Ahab and his Posterity because he would not take order with that Harlot Iezabel The King knew whom he meant and forbore his dinner out of anger Knox was summon'd before the Council and wisht to abstain from preaching for some few dayâ—s He answered That he had spoken nothing but according to his Text and if thâ—Church would command him either to speak or abstain he would abstain So far as the word of God would permit So the Kings command must give way to the Churches and Iohn Knox regulate the Churches too according to the word The Lords range up and down the Countrey to encrease their strength but find not what success they hop'd for This makes some divisions in their Councils Murray and Glencarne were for an accommodation the Hamiltons put no confidence in peace pretending the enmity of Kings was implacable no other way to be extinguished but by their death This harsh advice took place with none but such as adhered to them upon a mystical reason their neaâ—â—itle to the Crown And many others looking upon the quarrel as prosecuted upon private interest more than the publick good
which was pretended deserted their party and so infirmed their strength The remnant sent a Letter to their Majesties flattering their persons but enveighing against their Council putting in some caution for Religion and menacing a hard market for their blood if sought The Princes guessing this might be to gain time remitted no whit of their Military care but made hard marches the weather being very bad At St. Andrews Proclamation was publish'd to inform the subjects about the true state of the difference demonstrating to them that nothing lesse was mean'd than Religion most pretended how hardly they were used according to Mr. Knoxs's Doctrine like Boyes and Gyrls in their pupillage the Lords appointing their Council as their Guardians The Ministers all this while were no cyphars but knowing their Majesties were somewhat necessitated for money to pay their Army which was come to a considerable number of 18000 men thought it the fittest time to supplicate for their meanes This piece of impertinency was easily swallowed among greater troubles their authority being not such at this time as to stand upon termes and expostulate at length the Holy Lords of the Congregation being confiscate and banish'd Therefore they fall to their Prayers for patience comfort and constancy to the exil'd which Iohn Knox did not without honorable mention of them as the best part of the Nobility the chief Members of the Congregation But prayers and tears were not wont to be the onely arms of this new Church and though they had no other at present yet some course must be taken to reduce them into possession of such a power This cannot be done without the exil'd Lords return into the Countrey for which their Letters and missive supplicates not prevailing enquiry was made about the principal obstruction the common current of the Queens favour and mercy diffusive enough requiring naught of the most delinquent Subject but to take the paines to stoop and taste it as he pleased This was found to be David Rizio Her Secretary who by the excellency of his parts and fidelity of his service in these many turns of treachery and falsehood had rais'd himself to an intimacy with the Queen much beyond the quality oâ— his Birth or place in Her Court The Brethren had no such free accesse to the retirements of the Royal Palace as afforded them an opportunity to commit such a rape on Majesty as this nor could there be they thought a better hand than the King to rend in sunder the Queens heart and rifle thence by prerogative priviledge the counterfeit of her dearest servant whom they were resolved to have thrown out of the world that she might never more have benefit by his Counsel nor content by his presence and attendance But such transcendent wickedness as this requires supream providence to guide it nor can any miraculous mischief be wrought but by the plenipotence of Heaven To this purpose a Fast is proclaimed by the Assembly and observed No Fast for strife and debate nor to smite with the fist of wickedness such a Fast no doubt as the Lord had chosen to undo the heavy buâ—thens to break the yoak and to let the oppressed go free The Kings head is daily possessed by convenient instruments with variety of jealousies about his Queen her privacies with David Rizio are suggested as no arguments of her matrimonial fidelity and the precedence of her name before his Her paramours invention did derogate as much from the due authority of an Husband as from the Majesty of a King Naught but David Rizio's removal can make way for the future innocency of the Queen and very just is it thought that his heart blood should blot out his hands error in the writs But bare-fac'd murder is not so beautiful as to draw a tender Conscience to embrace it Religious mask may hide somewhat of the horror and necessity of state animate an adventure to take it by the hand which the Lords of this black Council weighing with themselves propound three Atticles to the King Establishing the Religion Recalling the banish'd Lords and in the rear of these The murder of David Rizio His Royal word might vanish into ayr and be no standing evidence for the security of the actors who presse for a subscription by his hand The discourse alone upon this is enough for an after-claim to his consent and the counterfeit of his name to give his disavowing Majesty the lie Howsoever if his engagement were any the reverence of a Father that advised brought him half way upon the misse-taken borders of his duty and old Patrike Ruvens resurrection who had for many moneths been bed-rid but skipped very lively into this action might impose on his youth as an oracle from the dead Upon the Saturday before the Tuesday prefixed by the Queen for the attainder of the Lords this cripled assassin in the company of the Earl Morton Lord Ruthuen Lord Lindsay c. broke into the presence and in Her Majesties sight who was then great with child carry violently away her servant of greatest secresie and trust and within a Chamber or two by fifty three stroaks with their whingers or daggers murder him for the advancement of the Discipline which work now goes on a pace the Earl Murray and the banish'd Lords returning to the Court upon a pretended summons from the King These with the Murderers sit in Council desire the Queen to take the act for good service because hereby were so many Noblemen restored The poor Queen was fain to be silent in what she could not help and not knowing how soon her own turn was to come as an essay of their intentions desired the armed Guard might be dismissed for granting which the cruel Brethren count the King uxorious and simple the Earl Murray facile and the other Lords too inclinable to submit Her Majesty though good natur'd was neither stupid nor partial when indued with exercive power The blood of Rizio called upon her for Justice more then the memory of his good service or her own affection did incite her to revenge This opportunity she took to summon her loyal Subjects to Dunbar whither Her Majesty privately withdrew The guilty Lords did not like to have any armed assemblies appear but their own and accounted it an entrenchment on their priviledge for the Queen to act any thing but by their counsel At the same time and * place where they should have answered to their charge they convene to protest against the Q. proceedings yet wanting that which was wont more then either their authority or innocency to spirit their dispute they disperse themselves to seek each a single sanctuary in a corner The King and Queen in March were attended with a strong Guard to Edenburgh His Majesty having before by Proclamation quit himself not onely of the guilt but all fore-knowledge of the murder which is not
their admission into the Holy Island The Letters were not obeyed by Earl Hunsdon who dâ—sputed the Secretaries single separate authority nor was the Queen hearkenâ—d to otherwise then by yeilding a legal tryal which cost Gowrie hâ—s Head for all the promises he had of better success from oâ—e Maclen a Wâ—tch whom he had consulted in the case To ballance this somewhat must be done by the Disciplinarian undertakers in England who frame divers Lâ—tters in the name of the Queen of Scots and some English fugitives conveigh them into the Papists houses and then make discovery of a plot Hereupon as slight and improbable as the proofs were the Earls of Northumberland and Arundel were confined his Lady imprison'd divers examin'd and the Lord Paget scarcely by hâ—s prudent innocency protected Queen Elizabeth though facile in hearing their complaints was not so barbarous as to execute the cruelty of their Counsels but called her Judges to account for their extream serverity against the Papists granting indemnity and liberty to many Iesuits and Priests Yet Mendoza the Spanish Ambassador was sent home and Throckmorton whom he was said to have encouraged in an intricate conspiracy being neither constant in denying nor clear in confessing nor at all cunning in concealing or disguising his guilt was hang'd A new Treaty between the two Queens is now commenc'd and Sir William Wade imployed in an overture unto the Queen of Scots but the Agitators of differences between them renew their division by unseasonable jealousies and fears and Wade falls to pasting Father Creyghtone the Iesuits torn papers together neglecting a far more Christian and honourable artifice which he might haâ—e sâ—ewed by cementing the unhappy rupture in two so Royal and magnanimous Ladies hearts This new discomposure gave the Scottish partizans in England a colourable pretense to enter into an association for Queen Elizabeths security from danger which was managed by the policy of the Earl of Leicester The Queen of Scots took hence an alarum oâ— her ruine yet chose rather to submit somewhat of her spirit then in an humour sacrifice her life unto their malice She sends her Secretary Nave with Articles so near Queen Elizabeths demands as had wrought undoubted reconcilement if it had been consistent with the Discipline of the Kirk but this the Scotch Ministry declared to be otherwise in their Pulpits call out for help as if both Kingdoms had been on â—ire and Christian Religion in danger to be consumed by the flames inveâ—gh bitterly against their Queen King and his Council slight the Kings summons to answer stand upon their Ecclesiastical exemption and Presbyterian privilege of immunity from his censure The King began from hence to apprehend it better for his safety and more agreeable with his honour to restore the Miâ—er to the Church then cast away his Crown to a mungrel lay-Clerical Assembly Hereupon he recalls Bishops to their primitive jurisdiction and dignity inhibites all Presbyteries and their Synods together with the popular parity of Ministers and among other Acts pasâ—eth this in the eight Parliamentâ—olden at Edenburgh May 22. 1584. which alone cuts off all their vaine â—retences to this day For as much as some persons being â—ately called before the Kings Majeâ—ty and his secret Council to answer â—pon certain points to have been enquiâ—ed of tâ—em concerning some treasoâ—able seditious and contumelious â—â—eeches uttered by them in Pulpits â—chools and otherways to the disdain â—nd reproach of his Highness his Proâ—enitors and present Council conâ—â—mptuously declined the judgement of â—is Highness and his said Council in that behalf to the evill example of others to dâ— the like if timely remedy be not provided Therefore our Sâ—veraigne Lord and his threâ— Estates assembled in this present Parliament ratifieth and approveth and perpetually confirmeth the Royal power and authority over all Estates as well spiritual as temporal within this Realm in the person of the Kings Majesty our Soveraigne Lord his Heirs and Successors And also statuteth and ordaineth that his Hignâ—ss his Heirs and Successors by themselves and their Councils are and in time to comâ— shall be judges competent to all person His Highnesses subjects of what estate degree function or condition so 〈◊〉 they be spiritual or temporal in 〈◊〉 matters wherein they or any of theâ— shall be apprehended summoned 〈◊〉 charged to answer to such things 〈◊〉 shall be enquired of them by our 〈◊〉 Soveraigne Lord and his Council And that none of them which shalâ— happen to be apprehended called 〈◊〉 summoned to the effect aforesaid prâ—sume to take in hand to dâ—cline 〈◊〉 judgement of his Highness his Heirs and Sâ—ccessors or their Council in the Premises under the pain of Treason This Act puts many of the Assembly birds upon the wing who iâ—nâ—cent Dâ—â—es take none but a Virgin breast for their refuge Queen Elizabeth whose too industriâ—us infirmiâ—y it was to keep up her popular interest with all as well as to enjoy the honour and more clear content of an impartial conscience within her self although she gave no ear to their querulous Remonstrances in private nor permitted their publick libelling in her Churches yet cherished their persons and very unproperly imployed their endeavours to preserve Religion from innovations which made no such real impressions in Scotland as some untrue aggravating relations had in the timeâ—ous minds of her Reformed English Subjects and her self This practise of Her Majesty being observed by those who looked ouâ— of the Scotch Kings Court put the Earl of Arran upon a forward tender of his Service to meet Her Majesties desires and Her Agent the Lord Hunsdon upon the borders but before the time the Sterlin fugitives whom she had protected were prescribed and at it charged by the Earl with their treason against the King The complement he left of his real intentions at parting took place until Patrike Grey came with another Embassie and particular Articles from King Iames But the ill offices it was suspected he did at the same time to the captive Queen gain'd him no reputation with her party and put her upon some such extraordinary courses as betrayed her into a new prison under more restraint and Lâ—icester 't is said upon murderous designes who would not hear of her liberty lesse of her succession to the English Crown To cover whose private spleen and malitious attempts new fears are fetched from the Romane Catholicks and their designes magnified in a mist unto the people whereby a sharper edge is set upon the severity of the Laws This alteration encouraged some of the precise Scottish Religion to pursue the Queens commands for pressing in Parliament to have the Bishops reformed and to others as may be not improbably conjectur'd to murder the Earl of Northumberland in the Tower because a known Friend to the Queen of Scots though they left the pistol wherewith they acted it in
at it Prov. 14.13 1547. He goes to live with the murderers in the Castle His calling to the Ministry * These blessed authors of liberty saith Buchanan while they continued in the Castle tanquam armis pâ—cta licentia in stupra adulteria aliâ—q hominum otio abundantium vitia profusi jus aequum He might have inserted religionem sua libidine metiebantur Knox's first Sermon The Laird of Nyrde's advice upon it The Bishops complain The Refomers angry The Castle of St. Andrews taken from them they in it sent for France Knox's various fortune in his travails to and fro In his admoniinto to England he abuseth the Emperour Queen and Q. Dowager Who is made Regent The Reformers creep again into Scotland Knox chiefly undertakes the work His most impudent Letter to the Queen Regent Knox flies away to Geneva Willock returns in his place Sedition and sacriledge the effects of his doctrine And poisoning some of the Nobility in France Knox sent for Who draws them into a Congregational Covenant After which they petition The Queens gracious and Christian answer Their unchristian ingratitude A querulous Letter against the Rom. Catholick Clergy c. The peoples giving confession c. Knox arrives Monasteries pillaged c. A sharp Letter sent to the Q. Regent Excommunication threatned the neutral Nobility Their second Covenant They seize on the Coining Irons A Proclamation from the young Queen and Dolphin An Agreement at Edenâ—urgh A third bond Strictly observed by Knox From the Q. Regents fortifying Leith thâ—y take occasion to traduce Admonish Deprive Banish her All in vain The Brethren disperse Are recollected by Knox Another Covenant at Edenburgh An Army raisd by it Q. Regent dieth Their inhumanity toward her They capitulate with the young Queen and King A Thanksgiving Ministers distributed Over-seers A Confession of Faith The contents of it Quod apud multos unum invenitur non est erratum sed traditum Tertul. lib. de Praesript c. 28. Hoc est verè propriéâ—ue Catholâ—cam si sequamur universitatem antiquitatem consencionem vincent Lyrin cap. 3. Multum necesse est propter tantos tam varâ—i erroris anfractus ut Prophetae Apostolicae interpretationis linea secundum Ecclesiastici Catholici sensus norma dirigatur Vincent Lyr. c. 2. It is voted in Parliament The Bishops not hindring it Their abominable hypoâ—risie in sending it over to be ratified in France Their confess'd independency on Kings and Queens Mat 27 29. John 19.3 magis ejus animum nuderent quam quod quicquam impetrare sperarent Lib 17 The book of discipline fram'd Refus'd by most of the Nobiâ—ity Psal. 73. 2 Cor. 10.5 Subscribed by some Great â—oy among them at the death of K. Fr. 2. Knoxes uncharitable judgement of it The Book of Discipline perused Superintendents elected Brief observations upon their elections The L. Iames sent into Fra. The Queen to be denied the eâ—erâ—ise of her Reâ—igion An Ambassador from â—rance He is delayed by the Council The loyal Nobility busie They are interrupted by a menacing Supplicate Lord Iames returns with monitory Letters from the Queen The French Ambassador denied all and dismissed The Reformers burn and spoyle The Queen comes over Cannot obtain the priviledge of her private Chapell Nor be secure of her life if she eâ—ercise her Religion Knox's Sermon Repented of because not enough seditious The Queen reasons with him and confounds him His revenge in an insolent character of Her Majesty The Nobility and Ministry divided about the Queen and Discipline Burrows's articles The Bishops give up a third part of their revenues Huntlies jeer Knox's censure He and his Brethren supplicate with wonted impudence 1562. Secretary Lethington discourseth with them A Covenant aâ— Ayre Complaints about Ministers c. Decem. 25. 1562. A Pâ—iest seiz'd on for saying Masse Encouragement given to punish such without leave from Queen or Council The Queen expostulates with them about it Suffers much against her interest For which she is scarcely thanked E. Murray and Knox at difference Knox question'd by the Queen His Apology He is dismissâ—d Summons the Country to rescue Armstrong and Cranstone For which the Master of Mâ—xwel quits his acquaintanâ—e A general Assembly where the Ministers petition Knox ouâ— of humour Threâ—etns the Assâ—mbâ—y The Ministers disliked by most A sâ—hism among the Reformers A dispute betwâ—en L. Se. Lethingâ—on and Knox who maintains strange doctrine Scripture and History wrested to prove it A caution to Princes and Subjects concerning the Presbyterians Their opinions and practices intended to be countenâ—nced by the Reformed Churches E. of Lenox returns into Scotland A Parliament call'd in favour of him The Assembly rigid about Church affairs The Queen declares her intent to marry the L. Darley Knox summons the Country to arms and a supplâ—cate The Queen complices with their desires Sir Iames Carvet intercepted after Mass and expos'd to mockery and violence at Edenburgh Crosse This justice allowed and again appointed at the Assize 1565. The Precise Nobiilty and Clergy assembling about religion are summon'd by the Queen unto her Marriage E Murray refuseth A convention at St. Iohnston Put off by the Queen And let fall by the Brethren who divert E. Murrâ—y's going thither by a feigned story A Church Assembly held Very insolent articles sent by Commissioners unto the Queen Who departeth to Dunkeld whither they follow her And appear in arms at St. Leonard Crag The Queens answer to their Articles Argile and Murray meet The Parliament prorogued L. Darley proclaim'd King The Queen disturbed in her Marriagr Knox's Sermon Displeas'd the King The Lords divided in their Councils A Letter sent from that party to their Majesties A Proclamation at St. Andrews The Ministers petition unseasonably for their meanes They pray for patience having not power enough to fight Enquiry made about the obstruction of their supplicates D. Rizio pretended to be it whose murder they designe and atâ—â—mpt to draw the King into the plot A Fast proclaâ—med for successe Isai 58. Suggestions unto the Kâ—ng against the Queen and D. Rizio Three Artices propounded by the Lords unto the King D. Rizio hurried from the Queens presence and murder'd The Queen desired to take this for good service She is jealous of the like violence intended to her person Yet calls the Lords c. to account for the murder * Edenburgh Tolboth They protest against her proceedings But disperse The King quits himself by proclamation of all guilt Search made after the actors An interruption by the Ministers supplicates The demur upon acceptance of the Queeâ—s grant Of whose denyal they could have made better usâ— Iac. 6. Iune 1566. A Prince born And against the Brethrens mind baptized by the Arch-Bishop of St. Andrews This they take ill from the King A Regent oâ— Protector thought more proper for their occasions Whereupon the King is obscurely murder'd and one of his servants strangled The Queen again in solitude Thinks
think fit to prescribe and seem at that time content which those of their race since disavow That not onely the rules and precepts of the New Testament but also the writings of the Ancient Fathers and the godly and approved Laws of Iustinian the Emperour might decide the controversie betwixt them To this Petition they received a gracious answer from the Queen liberty of conscience restrained in nothing but from publick Assemblies in Edenburgh and Leith For which Her Majesty had in return the dutifull character of crafty dissimulate and false thinking woman that made her profit of both parties Hath a querulous Letter directed to her and the Parliament against her Clergy whom they reproachfully call Place-holders of the Ministers of the Church with a protestation limiting the Supream power in deputing Judges for Civil affairs and menacing That if any tumult or uproar should arise among the members of the Realm for the diversity of Religion if it shall chance as they intended it should not having certainly determined that abuses be violently reformed that the crime thereof be not imputed to them who most humbly do now seek all to be reformed by an order The Earl Glencarne c. second this in a private addresse and forewarn the Queen of the inconveniences that were to follow To prevent which and give what satisfaction could be reasonably desir'd she summons all their Preachers to Sterling and they according to their never-failing accustomed manner all the puritane Gentry c. to accompany them and this they call'd The peoples giving confession with their Preachers Iohn Knox casually arriving at the same time repairs to Dundee and craves leave which was not difficult to be obtained to accompany the Brethren and give confession of his Faith with them who instead of appearing before the Queen according to the grace of God granted to him they are his own words carries them to St. Iohnston and so exhorts them that they there fall to the pillage of the Monasteries destroying the Charter-house wherein was the Tombe of King Iames the first whereat the Queen taking just indignation and complaining to her Nobiâ—ity about it the Brethren send Her Majesty a smart Letter beginning meekly with As heretofore with jeopard of our lives and yet with willing hearts we have served the Authority of Scotland and your Majesty now Regent in this Realm but soon after tell her They shall be compelled to take the sword of just defence against all that shall pursue them for the matter of Religion and their conscience sake which ought not nor may not be subject to mortal creatures the Queen Regent was a mortal creature Ergo further than by Gods word man is able to prove that he hath power to command them that is further than they have a mind to be commanded Upon the Queens approach they send for more auxiliaries to St. Iohnston To some Noblemen that declin'd them or had a desire to be neuters they write That if in this time of their trouble they lookt through their fingers and joyn'd not themselves to them as of God they were reputed Traitors so they should be excommunicated from their societie and from all participation with them in the administration of the Sacraments Their number of the new supply prov'd not so great but that they were fain to make an appoinment with the Queen and quit the Town after Iohn Knox had exhorted them to constancie in a Sermon that is to meet again so soon as handsomly they could which they did to a second Covenant at Perth whereof one clause was That they should not spare laboâ—rs goods substance bodies and lives in maintaining the Libertie of the whole Congregation and every member thereof against whatsoever person no Queen excepted shall intend the said trouble for cause of Religion or any other cause dâ—pending thereupon or lay to their charge under pretence thereof although it happen to be coloured with any other outward cause So that they might murder steal or break any civil law of the Realm and the Congregation must defend them if prosecuâ—ed or questioned by the Magistrate that being but a colourable outward cause to trouble their Religion Whereupon several outrages being acted by them that now began to be called Keepers of Libertie as seizing upon the Irons of the Coyning-house because of the impression in the Images they stampt and a late pretence of appeal made from the Queen Regent unto their young Queen and Dolphin of France her Husband A Proclamation of restraint is sent in their names to be publisht at Edenburgh Crosse Yet notwithstanding upon some conference with the Regent she condescended to give them liberty of religion provided that wheresoever she was their Preachers should cease and Her Majesties be maintain'd But this would not passe because it put to silence Gods true Messengers that is restrained them from railing down the Queens own Religion to her face The Queen to get rid of her trouble if she could not long after at Edenburgh caus'd such an Agreement to be made as could not be denyed by them that pretended to any peace or quietness at all Accordingly Articles on both sides were drawn agreed sign'd and proclaim'd These shrewdly troubled the Brethren in black who meant nothing less than a Peace And perceiving some of their party so conscientious as to keep faith and make so great a relapse to their duty as to go to the Queen at her call they convene and subscribe a third bond at Sterling whereof this is a link As we tender the maintenance of true Religion that none of us shall in time coming pass to the Queen Dowager to talk or commune with her for any Letter or Message sent by her unto us or yet to be sent with consent of the rest or common consultation thereupon which was so religiously observed by Knox that he returns the Queens Letters upon her hands and would not give them to the Lords as was by Her Majesty required But now must a new quarrell be pickt to fetch in the Lords and rest of the Brethren that adhered to the agreement at Edenburgh And this was by the Queens fortifying the town of Leith which though but intended for a place of retreat in case she should be overborn by their strength which now made appearance in several places and many times nearer approaches than she liked was notwithstanding vogued to garison her Townes with the French and to have in design by them the conquest of the Kingdome By way of charge and Declinatour pass'd divers Letters and Proclamations on both sides From hence mounted the Brethren to admonitions from admonitions to votes about deprivation upon justification thereof by Willock and Knox the prime of the Clergy From votes to articles and the Act of Suspention together with the banishment of her person allowing Her Majesty but 24. hours to prepare for her
passge into France But the walls of Leith were not to be blown down by this breath nor was it strong enough to fill the sails for her passage into France A stronger wind blew out of the Town which so dispelled the Congregational Brethren that glad was he who could shelter himself and many grew desperate of the cause But Iohn Knox by power of the spirit when but a spark or two of rebellion was left could ever blow it up into a flame which he began now at Sterlin in a Sermon upon the 80. Psalm v. 4 5 6 7. and encreased it in another afterwards some where else upon Iohn 6. exhorting the Congregation that they should not faint but that they should stiâ—l row against the contrarious blasts till that Iesus Christ should come so that onely the day of judgement is to put an end to the Presbiterian commotions But nothing can be done without a Covenant which An. 1560. was entred at Edenburgh That what person soever will plainly reject their godly enterprises and will not concur as a good and true member of their Common-wealth they shall fortifie the authoritie of Council to reduce them to their duty c. The issue of this as of all their Covenants was to put many quiet conscientious people to the choice of either extream without the priviledge of a detestable neutrality Do as we do Rebel or perish whereby they never faild of an Army that should guard the gospell with an unparalell'd villany and resist the Queen Regent unto her death which fell out very opportunely while they lay at the siege before Leith being if not procur'd by their means very evidently hastened by their malice denying Her Majesty the benefit of some drugs for which she sent to her Apothecary and Chyrurgeon and in her inrecoverable condition not indulging her free speech with some Lords joyntly though of their own faction and what curtesie they granted being clogged with the ungrateful presence and more unpleasing discourse of Iohn Willock Brother-rebel-preacher with Knox who was sent on purpose to set the Queens conscience on the rack and torture it to despair if he could By all these unchristian proceedings having speeded on their impatient wishes and fretted open a passage for that Royal soul to expire they become soon Lords not onely of the Congregation but Countrey and having eleven points of the law their young Queen and her Husband being absent in France upon advantage enough they capitulate with their Majesties for the twelfth In which pacification the Deputies from France would not medle with the matter of Religion but agreed that a certain number of Noblemen should be chosen in the next Convention and Parliament to be sent to their Majesties to whom they shall expose those things that shall be thought needful for the State of that business In the interim the Brethren I 'le warrant you were not idle but after publick thanksgiving at Edenburgh for their deliverance that is to say for the death of their Queen upon whom they heap though they name her not a heavy load of calumnies in their prayers A Committee sits to distribute Ministers and so Knox is made Primate of Edenburgh or in it rather of Scotland that being the fountain head from whence all future Rebellion must stream by Goodman to St. Andrews by Heriot to Aberdeen by Row to St. Iohnston c. And though they will have no Bishops they 'l have Over-seers {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Spotswood for Lothian Winram for Fife c. And now to work they go to drive the stray-doctrine and discipline of the Countrey into the Parliament pound at Edenburgh Please your Honours comes presently from the supplicant Barons Gentlemen and Burgesses A Confession of Faith with a more imperious preface or title from the Presbytery out of Matth 24. And this glad tidings of the Kingdome shall be preached through the whole world for a witness unto all Nations and then shall the end come that is the Presbyterian Scot shall pull down all Government in the world establish the Kingdome of Iesus Christ upon the earth and then the end shall come the work is done 't is fit then the wages should be paid especially since by this new engine they draw Christ into their Covenant chap. 11. rebellion into the fifth Commandement under the notion of saving the life of innocents and repressing Tyranny resisting authority if they take it to passe the bounds of the Magistrates office not suffering innocent bloud to be shed if they may gain-stand it ch. 14. Likewise they dash all moral vertues at a stroak restrain the power of Gods Grace from effecting due obedience to his Law ch. 15. Confine the Catholick Church to themselves and such as shall communicate with them denying all other Christians the undeniable benefit of their Baptism ch. 16 18. which they say notwithstanding ch. 21. was instituted of God to make a visible difference betwixt his people and those that are without his League Pretend to reconcile these contradictions making both true at a time This Church is invisibly known onely to God who alone knoweth it whom he hath chosen c. ch. 16. and yet the notes signs and assured tokens whereby the immaculate Spouse of Christ Iesus is known to whom from the horrible Harlot the Church malignant we affirm are c. Defraud Antiquity and lineal descent in an undivided continuity the reverence rendred by the Primitive Fathers of the Church to be paid by us for the first knowledge benefit of the Gospel and yet at the same time running to the Ancients for strengthening the authority of the Canon For the doctrine taught in our Churches say they is contained in the written Word of God to wit in the Books of the New and Old Testaments in those Books we mean which have been reputed by whom but Bishops and Episcopal Doctors no Preâ—byterian canonical Depriving the Church of her just priviledge in interpreting the Scriptures under a pretence of bestowing it upon the Spirit distracting Christians hereby in matter of opinion without extraordinary divine revelation as in the point of Justification wherein St. Paul and St. Iames seem to differ and in matters of practice by the example of St. Peter and St. Paul Gal. 3. All this in one ch. viz. 18. frame a plausible excuse for negligence in or after the receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ch. 21. Exclude all but Preachers though Priests or Deacons from the efficatioâ—s administration of the Sacraments annexing the power and vertue of the same to divine revelation or operation of a Sermon and so defrauding many that have had legitimate imposition of hands call'd Ordination of the character exercise of that power Justifie such as resist Supream powers doing that which appertaineth not to their charge ch. 24. so taking away the glory of Christian
chusing Lords Protectors That they would set up and further the true worship of God and all that may concern the purity of Religion and life And for this to take arms if need require They should have added Where need requires another pretense they would take that for taking arms or if it please them take arms without any That all Princes and Kings hereafter in this Realm before their Coronation shall take Oath to maintain the true Religion which if they do to be sure theirs is out of protection This being done the Assembly brake up But all this while they were troubled how to râ—d their hands of the Queen who though a prisoner had yet such authority at liberty as prevented the Brethren from being absolute in their power In consultation about her some were for a conditional restitution others for a legal Tryal deposition and condemnation to perpetual imprisonment but Knox and the meek-spâ—rited Assembly-men upon some holy inspiration publish'd this mercifull censure in their Pulpits To have her divested of Royal authority and executed which took effect in the end although not in so short a time nor by the same hands they then hastily desired Queen Elizabeth of England whose Royal dignity did rather cherish her in then exempt her from an eager emulation which is very inseperable in some cases happily incident to her Sex partly by that and partly upon a conscientious care to preserve and enlarge what is call'd in the Mass the Protestant Religion the sincerity of which was ever pretended but never mean'd nor practis'd by the Presbytery in Scotland and farther upon the jealousie she had of the great reputation and growing power of her successor had from time to time recruited the strength and supported the fainting spirits of that faction yet at such opportunities and upon such politick advantages as gave all her actions the countenance of justice and her self the honour of being as bitter to theirs but when by the help of her Sword they had cut out their way and got the Royal Scepter in their reach like perfidious Rebells ungratefull and cruel Murderers as she call'd them they turn'd the point upon her self would stand no more to the courtesie of her imperious mediation denyed her Ambassador accesse to their Queen and sent him back with a French Proverb in his mouth Il perd le jeu qui la isse la partie to bid her have a care to continue a Friend to their party lest having got the fore-game for them she lose an after-game more considerable when she playes it for her self In the interim the Lords Lindsey and Ruthuen were sent to the Queen to have two Wriâ—s signed one for the renunciation of the Crown and Royal dignity the other to ordain the Earl of Murray Regent during the Princes minority They having by their hard usage brought upon Her Majesty some infirmity of body did her the courtesie to put her in mind of that as a fair pretense why she gave up her Crown and Government but to ballance that they threatned her with Death if she refused Whether Her Majesty set her Hand or no is not so certain as that it was proclaim'd she had at the Market-cross of Edenburgh and soon after the young Prince Crowned King at Sterlin where Iohn Knox sanctified his inauguration with a Sermon and Earl Morton one of them that kill'd his Father with Lord Hume that mean'd as much unto his Mother when he besieged her in Borthwike Castle took the Oath in his behalf That he should constantly live in the profession of the true Religion and maintain it c. It 's no matter whether the King knows it to be true or false he swears to The next solemnity was to proclaim the Regent who was returned out of France whither he had cunningly diverted to avoid the discovery about the murther of the King and his personal appearance in the depositâ—on of the Queen After eleven moneths Imprisonment in all which time she was not once permitted the sight of her Son which she earnestly desired Her Majesty by the help of George Douglas Brothâ—r to the Regent makes an escape out of the Castle and Island of Lochlevin and within ten dayes got an handsome Army and fought a Battail for the recovery of her right but her Friends that were stronger in their affections then arms were unfortunately dispersed and her self narrowly escaped to the borders of England Afterward having sent a Letter to Queen Elizabeth to crave protection in her Kingdom as apprehending some danger in her stay where she was prevented the Queens answer by her coming to Carliste What passed before Queen Elizabeths Commissioners at York and herself at London whither the Regent came being only a discussion of the Scotch factions on all sides and including title of the Clericall proceedings I purposely omit The Regent being returned into Scotland meets with new commotions rais'd by the opportunity of his absence and afterward was overtaken by that which pleas'd him worse three desires from Queen Elizabeth in behalf of the banished Queen 1. That she might be restored to her former Authority and place Or 2. That she might be joynt Regent with her Son aad her Name as well as his in all publick Acts and Writings yet so as Murray should bear all the sway untill the King came to seventeen years of age Or 3. That if the Queen of Scots liked of it she might enjoy her peace in a private condition and with it what honour should not be prejudiciall to the Royal dignity of the King Beside the Queen of Scots sent 〈◊〉 Letter to demand a fair judicial heaâ—ring about the businesse of her marriage with Earl Bothwell that if 〈◊〉 were found illegal she might have the benefit of a divorce and be quiâ— of that engagement These were referred to a Parliament at Perth where the last of Queen Elizabeths propositions were yeilded to upon hopes to get her within the limits of their power when she could have no pretense to raise a party being divested of all her Royalties and to be acknowledged as no other then a private person and subject to the rigor of their Laws by which within a very short time she might be reduced to her former condition in the Castle of Lochlevin To the Queen of Scots Letter they make exceptions upon her assuming the title of Queen c. and when offer was made that that should be amended and urged as a strange Paradox that they which had so much pressed the illegality and impiety of that marriage would not now yeâ—ld unto a cognizance of the businesse they made many frivilous demurs as to have 60 dayes given for the summons of Earl Bothwell who was now in Denmark c. and at last spake plainly that they would have her send to the Danish King to take his Head off and then she was at liberty
stratagem be declined at first and yet the same afterward authorized by strength The long disconsolate captivity of the Queen and despair of ever obtaining her liberty had withdrawn her thoughts from her Scepter on earth and rais'd them to an higher kingdom than the Scots whereon that they might be fixed without any diversion she resolves to divest her self of the other interest and confer freely her Royal title upon her Son The Assembly Brethren have intimation hereof do not like to have their King become absolute or Reign by any other Title than what he had before received on courtesie from them The Duke of Lenox and Earl of Arran are two good Friends to his Majesty not to be instrumentall in promoting so just an advancement to his Crown and therefore it is the Presbyters tasks to preach them out of all favour with the people and then an opportunity is fairly taken in their absence from Court for the Earls Gowry Marre Lindsey and others to invite his Majesty to the Castle of Ruthen and by the Laws of Displinarian hospitality detain him prisoner dismiss his retinue deny him the liberty to stir abroad but at his peril Nor indeed could he well be at leisure to walk for the perpetuity of business they found him within doors forcing him first by a Writ to recall Earl Angus from England whither the guilt of his late rebellion had carried him by another after the imprisonment of His Majesties dearest Friend to command the Duke of Lenox into France who being in possession of Dunbriton Castle might have disputed the freedome of that Royal command if his clear awfull spirit had not dreaded the thought of the least disloyal averseness to obey And by a slight of singulâ—r cunning tyranny in a third fram'd into a Letter to Queen Elizabeth of England to justifie their act and contract the guilt of that unnatural sin in laying violent hands upon himself By a fourth to authorize the Convention of States indicted by them All acts of such transcendent rebellion that George Buchanan their never-failing advocate before could be wrought neither to advise by his Council nor justifie with his pen nay 't is said he turn'd penitent upon it retracted with tears what he had writ before in their cause and wished he could wash out all the spots the black calumnies he had dropt upon Royal Majesty with his blood yet further he would have writ retractions if being so old he could have hoped such a conversion would not have been interpreted an act rather of dotage then devotion The Queen of Scots much affected with this treasonable surprisal of her Son complains at large to Queen Elizabeth in a Letter appeals to her conscience for Justice and summons her to her plea about the differences between them before the highest Tribunal of Heaven yet very charitably imputes the obstruction of intercourse between her and her Son for a twelvemoneth before as likewise Queen Elizabeths long silence notwithstanding some former importunate letters not unto her self but some malignant disposition in her Council Queen Elizabeths blood and thoughts had many quick motions upon this querulous writing many ebbs and flows of resolutions and fears at length Mr. Secretary Deale an austere man and no Friend at all unto the Royal Prisoner was joyn'd in Commission with the Earl of Shrewsbury to expostulate the business with the captive Queen and yet treat with her about articles of enlargement but the Disciplinarian Scots being called in about what concern'd them raised new spirits of division by interposing ungrounded jealousies of one Father Holt a Iesuit and some other Emissaries lately come over as they alledged on purpose to plot the invasion of England and therewith a violent rescue of their Queen As little truth as there was in this calumny there was Sophistrie enough to prevaile with Queen Elizabeth to lay aside the complaint of her prisoner and to imploy her two Agents in Scotland Bowes and Davison in vying Courtship with two other from the French to gaine upon the affection of the King The News of the Duke of Lenox's death at Paris though accompanied with that which confounded his enemies who thought they had undone him by traducing him for a Papist puts life into the Kings banded Jailers who take assurance by this they had him prisoner during pleasure but His Majestie escapes soon after to the Castle of Saint Andrews makes them curse the lying spirit in their Prophets and desperate enough to become executioners of themselves but the good King repriev'd them by his mercy offering pardon unto all that could find confidence to ask it but this appear'd in none but Earl Gowrie who corrupted the benefit of it unto his bane The rest not long after being banish'd went some into Ireland others into France only Angus ask'd and had a confinement unto his Earldom Queen Elizabeth sends Sir Francis Walsingham to the King not so much to gratulate his liberty as to instill some sententious Counsel how to use it He meets with a greater luster and gallantry in the Scotch Court then he expected and a young King as grave a politician as himself He was entertained better than his carriage to the captive Queen had deserved and returned with an answer no less modest than Majestick Though many acts had passed the Assemblies of late derogatory to the safety and Royal authority of the King yet none more than the justifying the late Treason requiring the Ministers in all their Churches to commend it unto the people and threatning excommunication to such as subscribed not though against their Conscience to the unjust judgement of the Assembly And in the year 1582 the Assembly at Saint Andrews proceeded violently against one Montgomery Bishop of Saint Andrews cutting off the appeal he had made unto the King rejecting both his Letter and Messenger sent on purpose to inhibite them The late treasonable justification voted by the Assembly though nipt in the bud by the Kings unexpected escape and all the leaves scattered by the breath of his displeasure into several corners of the world began now to sprout again in a second conspiracy many of the Traitors being at that time appointed by Gowry return'd again and under the colour of care and courtesie to the King attempting a second surprizal of his person But the Earl of Arran whom they had not now time or opportunity to secure seizeth upon Gowrie at Dundee and the Kings martial appearance suddenly affrights his Complices out of the Castle of Sterlin which they had taken Queen Elizabeth whose Court because the Cathedral of Religion was ever abused as a sanctuary after a Scotch rebellion had now a new address to make by mediation unto their King And her Secretary Walsingham by the no justifiable priviledg of his place issued out Writs in Her Majesties name though without her knowledg for
passionate impotency in her Council Most of these were sent unto Fotheringham Castle where the Queen of Scots was prisoner to Sir Dru Drurie and Sir Amias Pawlet She looking upon her Iudges and their Commission in their papers thought the sight of their names did antidate her doom yet made no exceptâ—on against their persons onely stood upon her Majesty as a Queen and chose a thousand deaths rather than descend to the capacity of a Subject The late association and Act of Parliament ensuing upon it with the neglect had of her in the league she put out of her way in discourse with as much scorn as she left charity in the room to forgive the injury she thought done heâ— by them She thought her cause deserved the Theater of the world and a Diet of Princes fitter than the Subjects delegated by any one to decide it yet a free Parliament her Majesty accounted no contemptible arbitrement and hoped there her innocency should not be pinion'd by a party but left to the liberty of defense At length the Lord Treasurer telling her somewhat harshly That if she would not yeâ—ld her presence before the Delegates her absence and contumâ—cy should be no barre to them in executing their Commission she charged him and the rest home enough with this poinant answer Then sift your Consciences have a care of your Honors â—nd God reward you and your Heirs according to the Iustice you administer to me The next day she sends for some of the Delegates and putting in caution that her submission might not derogate from the honour of her predecessors nor prejudice any way her successors in their right Her Majesty professed that by Sir Christopher Hattons perswasions she was resolved to condescend to Queen Elizabeths desires in a publick justification of her self In the time of her tryal Iustice Gawdies narration was more particular than the rest out of which he concluded That she had conspired with Ballard and the rest of his Complices approv'd assented promis'd aid and pointed out the way to effect their designe Ballard and Babington she protested she knew not acknowledged that many indeed unknown to her had offer'd suâ—h service as to which she gave no encouâ—agement and how far they proceeded she neither knew nor being in prison could hinder What confessions were made by those who had suffered she did impute to the sense or fear of their tortures And what her own Secretaries produced she iâ—terpreted rather their cunning than malice to shift off from themselves what they thought would never be questioned in her Yet their hopes fail'd or else her charity mistook for their evidence cast her though but made out of their papers and such as Nave in an Apology disclaimed Such as it was they transmitted from Foâ—heringham Castle to Westminster where a full Parliament voted up to the sense of the principal Delegates some out of zeal others for feare a third sort in revâ—rence of and implicite credulity in their state policy and skill of the Laws All out of hopes to please Queen Elizabeth by removing the object of her jealousie and emulation Yet the sentence passed the Queens signing keeps at a distance having a long pâ—ocession of demurrs and apologies between and when her hand came to take hold of the Justice security necessity which in this case was tender'd to her in the name of her Subjects it seemed not to have confidence enough to own any Commission from her heart The King of Scots did the part of a Son to preserve his Mother and measur'd not his affection and duty by the length of the league nor confin'd his endeavours to the circle of the English Crown he must look for It is certain there was an unhappy conjuncture of his Mothers fate with his late surprisal at Sterlin which made him as unfit to expostulate as the Assembly Ministers were backward to pray who disobeyed His Majesties commands to recommend the safety of their Queen his Mother in their publick devotions to God The Scotch Nobility that were of the Eldership did as their black Brethren inspir'd them and made Patrike Grey forget his Message which he had from the King to deliver in place a proverb made by the Synod and often inculcate in Queen Elizabeths ears That a dead Woman could not bite This made her thoughts become somewhat sententious being often heard to whisper to her self wth a sigh Endure or strike and then after somâ— respite Strike lest thou beest strook The last it should seem left the impâ—essiâ—n and signed the Bill for execution which committed to Secretary Davison with a mixture of com and remands was posted away by one Beale a zealous professor and effected with more hast then pretended good liking-Davison being call'd into the Starr Chamber for acting according to a right or wâ—oâ—g understanding of Her Majâ—sties meaning and fined ten thousand pounds with imprisonment during the pleasure of the Queen With whâ—t courage and true Christian resolution that Royal and magnanimous Princess entertained her Death may be read at large in the Histories of those Times which I will not go abouâ— to contract lest I commit Sacriledge on a Saint I shal onely among other circumstances intimate how the Disciplinarian malice pursued her Soul with a sharper edge than the Ax had that but at two stroaks divideâ— her Head from her body denying her last Conscientious request to have a Priest of her own Religion to converse with and her Execution being out of the Assembly jurisdiction an impertinent Deane was procured to spin out a long Prayer as near the prescript of the Discipline as he durst In the midst of this Tyranny upon her Soul she perform'd the office of a Royal Priest unto her self and having blessed her Friends and forgiven her enemies she assum'd Majestick confidence enough to demand Justice in the distribution of her Legacies All being done Her Majesty intended Virgin-Iustice if not deflowred by the violence of this act with a faint boldness imploying the Ax which she scarcely had in her power her scales dropt down and with shame enough she held her trembling hand before her Eyes FINIS Books printed and sold by Iohn Garfield at the Rolling-Presse for Pictures near the Royall Exchange in Cornhill Viz. RHanodaeus Medicinal Dispensatory containing the whole body of Physick discovering the Natures Properties and Virtues of the Plants Minerals and Animals the manner of Compounding Medicines with the way how to administer them Methodically digested into Five Books of Philosophical and Pharmaceutical Institutes Three Books of Physical Materials both Galenical and Chymical with a perfect Apothecaries shop And a Physical Dictionary adjoyned with the said Dispensatory explaining all the hard Words and Terms of Art in the said Dispensatory Ochinus his Dialogue of Poligamy and Divorce Wherein all the Texts of holy Scripture and Arguments from Reason and