of Glasgow being then at Avignion was provided thereto by Pope Benedict the thirteenth There was at this time a fearful schisme in the Church of all that we do read the most scandalous and of longest continuance two and sometimes three Popes warning one against another and condemning each anothers Ordinances which did so divide the Christian world and made such partakings as were pitiful This schisme lasting 29. years and more was at last quenched in the Councel of Constance and Martin the first chosen Pope Scotland at that time living in the obedience of Benedict the Abbot of Pontiniac was directed to intimate the election of the Councel and had audience given him in a Convocation of the Clergy at Perth thither came also one Harding a Minorite Frier sent by Benedict to solicite the Churches adherence to him against the decree of the Councel who taking for his Theam these words My sonne do nothing without advicement so shall it not repent thee after the deed held a long discourse of the proceedings of the Councel and the informality thereof affirming that none was bound to obey and acknowledge the same Master Iohn Fogo a Monk of the Abbey of Melrosse replying to his Oration began his speech with that precept of the Apostle Withdraw your selves from every brother that walketh inordinately and refuting all the Minorites reasons brought against the Councel concluded that whosoever did procure for Peter de Luna this was Benedicts name before he was elected Pope was a very disturber of the Churches peace and not to be countenanced in any sort The Clergy in end disclaiming Benedict promised obedience to Pope Martin whom the Councel had elected By occasion of this schisme the mouths of many were opened against the corrupt doctrine and manners of Rome Iohn Wickliffe in England Iohn Hus and Ierome of Prague in Bohemia did openly preach against the Tyranny of the Pope and the abuses introduced in the Church and in this countrey one called Ioannes Resby an English man de Schola Wickliffi as the Story speaketh was brought in question for some points of doctrine which he taught and condemned to the fire He was charged by Master Laurence Lendors with forty heretical opinions whereof we have two only mentioned One that the Pope was noâ— Christs Vicar The other that he was not to be esteemed Pope if he was a man of wicked life For maintaining these two points he suffered in the year 1407. Some 24. years after Paul Craw a Bohemian came into Scotland and for venting certain opinions touching the Sacrament of the Supper the adoration of Saints and auricular Confession he was also condemned and burnt at S. Andrewes in the year 1432. The death of these two Martyrs lieth heavy upon the memory of this Bishop who otherwise deserved well of the countrey and Church for in his time he laboured much to have the riotous formes crept in among all sorts of men repressed and was a man most hospitable They report of him that the Masters of his house complaining of the great numbers that resorted unto him for entertainment and desiring that for the ease of the servants he would condescend to make a bill of household that they might know who were to be served he condescended and when his Secretary was called to set down the names of the houshold being asked whom he would first name he answered Fife and Angus these are two large countreys containing millions of people his servants hearing this gave over their purpose of retrenching his family for they saw he would have no man refused that came to his house The bridge at the mouth of Eden was his work And besides he was the first that opened the publick Schooles at S. Andrewes making Divinity Lawes Logick and all other parts of Philosophy to be there taught In the founding of this University he took his example from that of Paris and obtained the Popes confirmation thereof which in the year 1412. being brought from Rome by Alexander Ogilvy Master of Arts was received with solemn processions fires of joy sounding of bells and all the tokens of gladnesse that could be expressed Master Iohn Sheves Official Master VVilliam Stephen afterwards Bishop of Dumblane and Sir Iohn Lister a Chanon of the Abbey were appointed to read Divinity Master Laurence Lindors was ordained to read the Common law and Master Richard Cornwal the Civil Master Iohn Gaw Master VVilliam Fowlis and Master William Crosier were chosen for Philosophy men worthy to be remembred for being the first instruments that were imployed in that service and the attendance they gave upon it having no allowance at all for their labours King Iames the first at his return from England 12. years after did greatly advance this work by the encouragement he gave to studies for not onely did he countenance professors with his presence at their Lectures but also took order that none should be preferred to any Benefice unlesse it was testified by them that the person recommended had made a reasonable progresse in learning and for that effect kept a roll of the most qualified persons by him for the filling of places that happened to fall void This that good King esteemed to be the most sure and easie way for banishing ignorance forth of the Church and ceased not to admonish the Churchmen that were in places to live as they professed and not to shame the bountyfulnesse of Princes by abusing their Donations unto Riot and Luxury Further to allure them by good example he brought home the Carthusian Monks who were at that time greatly respected for their precisenesse of living and erected for them a beautiful Monastery at Perth bestowing large revenues upon the same The Bishop surviving the King some seven years for the King was treacherously murthered at Perth in the year 1437. departed this life in the Castle of S. Andrews the fixt day of April 1444. having governed that See 35. years and was buried in the wall betwixt the Chore and the Chappel called Our Ladies Chappel 33. Iames Kennedy Bishop of Dunkeld and Nephew to King Iames the first by his sister the Countesse of Angus was after Wardlaw his death elected Bishop by the Prior and Chanons he himself was then at Florence with Pope Eugenius the fourth and had gone thither out of a desire to have the disorders crept in among Churchmen redressed hoping to be strengthened with greater authority from thence But finding all things troubled in these parts Eugenius keeping a Councel at Florence whilest another was held at Bâ—sile and each of them condemning another as unlawful he returned with a resolution to do the best he could at home by his own credit Upon his translation to S. Andrewes he did put all things in such order as no man then living did remember to have seen the Church in so good an estate
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
gentleman had travelled in Germany and falling in familiarity with Martin Luther Philip Melanchthon Francis Lamberd and other learned men was by them instructed in the knowledge of true Religion in the profession whereof he was so zealous as he was resolved to come back into his countrey and communicate the light he had received unto others At his return wheresoever he came he spared not to lay open the corruptions of the Romane Church and to shew the errours crept into Christian Religion whereunto many gave eare and a great following he had both for his learning and courteous behaviour to all sorts of people The Clergy grudging at this under colour of conference enticed him to the city of S. Andrews and when he came thither appointed Frier Alexander Campbel to keep company with him and to use the best perswasions he could to divert him from his opinions Sundry conferences they had wherein the Frier acknowledging that many things in the Church did need to be reformed and applauding his judgement in most of the points his minde was rather confirmed then in any sort weakened Thus having stayed some few dayes in the city whilest he suspected no violence to be used under night he was apprehended being in bed and carried prisoner to the Castle the next day he was presented before the Bishop accused for maintaining the Articles following 1. That the corruption of sin remains in children after their Baptism 2. That no man by the power of his free will can do any good 3. That no man is without sin so long as he liveth 4. That every true Christian may know himself to be in the state of grace 5. That a man is not justified by works but by faith onely 6. That good works make not a good man but that a good man doeth good works and that an ill man doeth ill works yet the same ill works truly repented make not an ill man 7. That Faith Hope and Charity are so linked together that he who hath one of them hath all and he that lacketh one lacketh all 8. That God is the cause of sin in this sense that he withdraweth his grace from man and grace withdrawn he cannot but sin 9. That it is a devillish Doctrine to teach that by any actuall penance remission of sin is purchased 10. That auricular Confession is not necessary to salvation 11. That there is no Purgatory 12. That the holy Patriarchs were in heaven before Christs Passion 13. That the Pope is Antichrist and that every Priest hath as much power as the Pope Being desired to expresse his minde touching these Articles he said That he held the first seven to be undoubtedly true whereunto he offered to set his hand the rest he said were disputable points but such as he could not condemne unlesse he saw better reasons then yet he had heard After some conference kept with him on each Article the whole were remitted to the judgement of the Theologues There met to this effect Master Hugh Spence Provost of S. Salvators Colledge Master Iames Waddall Parson of Flisk and Rector of the University Master Iames Simson Officiall of S. Andrews Master Thomas Ramsay professour of the holy Scriptures Master Iohn Grison Theologue and Provinciall of the Black Friers Iohn Tillidaff Warden of the Gray Friers Master Martine Balfoure and Master Iohn Spence Lawyers Sir Alexander Young Batchelar of Divinity Sir Iohn Annand Chanon of of S. Andrews Frier Alexander Campbell Prior of the Black Friers and Master Robert Bannerman Regent of the Pedagogy These men within a day or two presented their Censure of the Articles judging them all Hereticall and contrary to the faith of the Church This subscribed with all their hands and delivered to the Bishop in a solemne meeting kept in the Cathedrall Church the first of March 1527. sentence was pronounced against the young Gentleman declaring him an Heretick and giving him over in the hands of the secular power to suffer punishment due to Heresie There assisted the Bishop in that meeting Gawine Archbishop of Glasgow George Bishop of Dunkeld Iohn Bishop of Brichen and William Bishop of Dumblane Patrick Prior of S. Andrews David Abbot of Aberbrothock George Abbot of Dumfermling Alexander Abbot of Cambuskenneth Henry Abbot of Lundors and Iohn Prior of Pettenweem the Dean Subdean and Thesaurer of the Church of Glasgow with the Rectors of Stobo Areskin Carstares Goven and Glasgow All which set their hands to the sentence and to give it the greater authority whosoever were of any estimation in the University were made to subscrive the same amongst whom was the Earl of Cassels a child of thirteen years old The same day for the execution was hastened lest the King who was gone at that time in Pilgrimage to S. Duthak in Rosse should impede the proceeding he was condemned by the secular Judge and in the afternoon led to the place of his suffering which was appointed to be at the gate of S. Salvators Colledge Being come to the place he put off his Gown and gave it with his Bonnet Coat and other apparell to his servant saying This stuffe will not help in the fire yet will doe thee some good I have no more to leave thee but the ensample of my death which I pray thee keep in minde For albeit the same be bitter and painfull in mans judgement yet is it the entrance to everlasting life which none can inherit that denieth Christ before this congregation Then was he tied to the stake about it a great quantity of coal wood and other combustible matter was heaped whereof he seemed to have no fear but seriously commending his soul into the hands of God held his eyes fixed towards the heavens The Executioner firing the powder that was laid to kindle the wood his lest hand and the side of his face was a little scorched therewith yet the fire did not kindle Whereupon some were sent to the Castle to bring more powder whilest this was bringing he uttered divers comfortable speeches to them that stood by The Friers all that time molesting him with their cries bidding him convert pray to our Lady and say Salve Regina amongst them none was more troublesome then Frier Alexander Campbell who as we said kept company with him at his first coming to the City often he besought him to depart and not to vex him but when he would not cease his crying he said Wicked man thou knowest I am not an heretick and that it is the truth of God for which I now suffer so much thou diddest confesse unto me in private and thereupon I appeal thee to answer before the Iudgement seat of Christ. The powder by this time was brought and the fire kindled after which with a loud voice he was heard to say How long O Lord shall darknesse oppresse this Realm how long wilt thou suffer this tyranny of men and then closed his speeches with these words
proceeding divers were cited to appear at Halirudhouse by Iames Hay Bishop of Ross who sate as Commissioner for the Archbishop of S. Andrews amongst others Iames Hamilton of Levingston brother-germane to Master Patrick with Katharine Hamilton his sister The Gentleman was advised by the King secretly for he loved the man not to appear and was for his contumacie condemned His sister appearing and questioned upon the point of justification by works answered simply that she believed no person could be saved by their works Master Iohn Spence the Lawyer whom we named before held a long discourse with her about that purpose telling her that there were divers sorts of works works of congruity and works of condignity in the application whereof he consumed a long time The woman growing thereupon into a chafe cried out Work here work there what kind of working is all this I know perfectly that no works can save me but the works of Christ my Saviour The King was present all the time and laughed heartily at the answer yet taking the Gentlewoman aside he moved her to recant her opinions and by her ensample divers others at the same time abjured their profession of which number were Sir William Kirk Priest Adam Daes Henry Cairnes Master William Iohnston Advocate Master Henry Henryson Schoolmaster in Edinburgh and Iohn Stewart In-dweller in Leith These persons scarce dismissed Master Normand Gourlay and David Straiton were brought to trial Master Normand was charged for denying Purgatory and saying that the Pope had no jurisdiction within Scotland David Straiton was charged with the same points and further was accused for maintaining that Tythes were not due to Churchmen which point he denied confessing that the tithes of some fishes which his servants had taken at sea being too rigorously exacted he said that if they would have the tithes of the fishes they should go and receive them where the stock was taken and that he gave order to his servants to cast every tenth fish they took into the Sea because he saw nothing but rigour would content the Church This Gentleman had been in former times very quarellous and turbulent but was then become another man through frequenting the company of Iohn Areskyn of Dun by whom it pleased God to enlighten his mind with the knowledge of his truth and to kindle in his heart such a love to the same as usually he was heard to pray for strength and spiritual courage that if he should be brought to suffer for Christ no fear of death nor corporal pain might cause him shrink And it clearly appeared when he was brought to his answer that his prayers were heard For notwithstanding of the offers made him to recant and burn his bill as they spoke at that time he stood most constantly to the defence of the truth and gave great incouragement to Master Normand Gourlay who suffered with him These two were burnt at one stake the 27. of August 1534. At the same time was sentence pronounced against Alexander Alesse Master Iohn Fife Iohn Mackbee and one Macdongal who were summoned to the said Diet and compeered not These persons fled afterwards into England where they remained a while well entertained Alexander Alesse by the commendation of the Lord Cromwel came in favour with King Henry the eighth and was called commonly the Kings Scholar as he was indeed a man of good learning and gave thereof a notable proof in his dispute with Stockeslie Bishop of London before the Convocation in the year 1537. After Cromwels death taking with him Master Iohn Fife he went into Saxony where they lived Professours together a long time in the University of Lipsia Macdongal went also in their company and came to good credit being elected Burgomaster of one of their Townes Iohn Macbee commonly ealled Doctor Machabeus during his aboad in England was liberally entertained by Nicol Saxton Bishop of Salisbury who made much accompt of him but afterwards going to Denmark became Chaplain to King Christian in whose service he died in the year 1550. Thus it pleased God to provide for these men after their exile Some four years after the Bishops kept a meeting at Edinburgh in the moneth of February 1538. where divers were accused of heresie and condemned to die Frier Killore Frier Beverage Sir Duncane Simpson Priest Robert Forrester a Gentleman and Dean Thomas Forrest a Chanon of S. Colinsinch called commonly The Vicar of Dolour This poor man not long before had been called before the Bishop of Dunkeld his Ordinary for preaching every Sunday to his Parishioners upon the Epistles and Gospels of the day and desired to forbear seeing his diligence that way brought him in suspicion of heresie If he could find a good Gospel or a good Epistle that made for the liberty of the holy Church the Bishop willed him to preach that to his people and let the rest be The honest man replying That he had read both the new Testament and the old and that he had never found an ill Epistle or an ill Gospel in any of them The Bishop said I thank God I have lived well these many years and never knew either the old or new I content me with my Portuise and Pontificall and if you Dean Thomas leave not these fantasies you will repent when you cannot mend it Dean Thomas answered that he believed it was his duty to do what he did and that he had laid his accompt with any danger that might follow So at this time being brought in question with the persons above named they were all together condemned and burnt in the fire upon the Castle hill of Edinburgh This year in Glasgow Hieronymus Russel of the Order of the Gray Friers and one Kennedy a young man of Aire not past 18. years of age were accused likewise of heresie but because the Archbishop Mr. Gawine Dumbar was esteemed somewhat cold in those businesses Master Iohn Lawder Master Andrew Oliphant and Frier Maltman were sent from Edinburgh to assist at their trial Kennedy at his first appearing in judgement discovered some weaknesse and would gladly have saved his life by denying the points laid to his charge but encouraged by Hieronymus and by the answers he made to the Judges he gathered his spirits and falling down upon his knees brake forth in these words Wonderful O God is thy love and mercy towards me a miserable wretch for even now when I would have denied thee and thy Son the Lord Iesus Christ my onely Saviour and so have thrown my self into everlasting condemnation thou by thine own hand hast pulled me back from the bottome of hell and given me to feel most heavenly comfort which hath removed the ungodly fear that before oppressed my mind Now I defie death do what you please I praise God I am ready The Frier reasoned long and learnedly against his accusers and being answered only with railings and
of Arrane and Lord Iames taking some companies of horse with them made towards Creichton whither Bothwel as they were advertised was gone But finding that he was escap'd they seised upon the house and gave it in keeping to Captain Forbes The same day that this happened the Provost of Dundy with his Townesmen and a few mercenary souldiers went down towards Leth carrying with them some pieces of Artillery which he planted on a hill near unto the Town The French had warning that most of the horsemen were gone about other businesse and knowing the footmen to be few made a salley upon them with some companies The Townesmen of Dundy sustained the fight for a while trusting to be seconded by the souldiers but they turned backs in the very beginning of the conflict the townesmen were forced to retire keeping still their ranks till a cry was raised that the French were entring by Leth Winde to cut them off from the Town This caused such a perturbation as every man took the way he held best for his safety and in the flight as commonly it falleth one hindering another many were overthrown some ten souldiers were killed Captain Mowak taken prisoner and Mr. Charles Geddes servant to the Master of Maxwell The flight held to the middest of the Canon gate where the Earl of Argyle and Lord Robert Abbot of Halirudhouse turned the Chase and pursuing the French made them flie as fast as they followed This little advantage of the French made Bothwel so insolent as he simply refused to restore the moneys he had taken And thus all hopes of money failing and the souldiers refusing to serve some not of the meanest sort stole away secretly the few that remained were distracted in opinions among themselves and grew doubtful what to do The fifth of November upon advertisement that the French were issued forth of Leth to intercept the provision that was carrying to Edinburgh the Earle of Arrane and Lord Iames with their domesticks went out to defend the Careers and were followed with divers of the Citizens these giving the onset upon the French with more courage then foresight advanced so farre as they were almost encompasâ—ed by the enemy and cut off from the Town For the French had divided their companies in two one part took the way directly from Leth to Halirudhouse the other marched somewhat more Eastward and nearer the Sea The Lords who were gone as farre as Restalrig beholding the French to march towards Edinburgh returned with expedition fearing the case of the Citizens and that they themselves should be cut off which in all appearance had been done if the Laird of Grange and Alexander Whitlaw with a few horsemen had not kept them in skirmish for a little time The other French companies that came by Restalrig beholding the Lords retire made after them and pursued so hotly as the Earle of Arrane and Lord Iames were forced to quit their horses for safety of the foot who were in great disorder Captain Alexander Halliberton a man of good spirit and forward in the cause of Religion staying behinde to hold off the French received divers wounds whereof the same night he died In this conflict there fell some 25. or 30. men The Master of Buchan with the Lairds of Pitmilly Fairnay and some others of smaller note were taken prisoners A little before this time William Maitland of Lethington Secretary to the Queen perceiving that he was hated of the French for the freedom he used in his counsel did secretly withdraw himself and joyned with the Lords He was earnest to have them abide together laying before them the dangers that might ensue upon their dissolving but few or none consenting conclusion was taken to leave the Town and after midnight to depart towards Striveling The day after the Lords departing the French went up to Edinburgh and took possession of the Town All that professed the Religion were compelled to flie and seek their refuge in other places Mr. Willock the Minister went unto England and immediately was the Romane service restored The Church of S. Giles as if infected with some contagion by the Sermons preached therein was of new hallowed by the Bishop of Amiens with a number of Ceremonies and such triumphing was amongst the Popish sort as they thought the game to be theirs The Queen sent advertisement to France requiring new forces with expedition to make the victory absolute Whereupon the Marquesse D'Elbeuf and Count Martiques a young Nobleman were directed with some companies both of foot and horse but they imbarking at Deep were dispersed by tempest 18. Ensignes cast away upon the coast of Holland and the rest driven back into France A while after the Marquesse putting to Sea arrived at Leth about the beginning of the spring with a thousand foot and some few horsemen The Lords at their coming to Striveling were in great heavinesse and doubtful what course to take till encouraged by a Sermon that Iohn Knox made unto them they gathered new spirits resolving to send unto England for supply and till answer should come to divide their companies The Duke and Earl of Glencarne with the Lords Boyde Ochiltry and their friends were appointed to remain at Glasgow the Earles of Arrane and Rothes Lord Iames the Master of Lindesay and their friendship to stay together in Fife and for making intelligence one to the other Mr. Henry Balnaves was ordained to attend the Noblemen at Glasgow and Iohn Knox these of Fife The Duke at his coming to Glasgow caused all the Images and Altars to be pulled down and took the Castle pertaining to the Bishop Upon the report of this the Bishop taking with him a number of French men and assisted by the Lords Semple Seaton and Rosse marched hastily thither recovered the Castle for the Lords advertised of their coming had left the Town and staying there one onely night returned to Edinburgh In Fife there was more quietnesse all things continuing peaceable till a little before Christmas at which time answer was returned from England and hopes given of support from thence William Maitland younger of Lethington and Robert Melvil brother of the Laird of Raith had been intrusted with that businesse They at their coming to the Court of England did inform the Queen of the troubles of the countrey the difficulties whereunto it was reduced and the danger that England should fall into if Scotland were once subdued by the French entreating her aid and assistance for their expulsion She remitting the matter to the Councel it was long debated whether or no any supply should be granted some maintaining that it was a thing of ill example to assist the subjects of another Prince in their Rebellion and that the same might draw upon themselves a dangerous warre Others holding that they were obliged in conscience to defend their neighbours from the oppression of strangers and that to suffer the French who
munition plate jewels and housholdstuffe pertaining to the King with the Registers and publick records of the Kingdom there reserved should be all delivered to the Regent within three days after the house was recovered and the rest of the spoil distributed amongst the souldiers 3. That so far as might be the persons within the Castle should be reserved to the trial of law wherein the Regent should proceed by the advice of the Queen of England 4. That the Regent should provide the English forces with victuals and all other things necessary during the siege as likewise assist them with a convenient power of horse and foot 5. That recompence should be given at the Generals sight to the wives and nearest friends of the English souldiers who should happen to be killed 6. That if any of the Ordinance should break or be otherwise spoiled the same should be changed with other pieces of the like quantity within the Castle 7. That the English General should not fortify within the ground of Scotland without the Regents advice and the service finished should immediately retire his forces 8. And lastly that for the safe return of the souldiers and munition the losse which fortune of war should make being excepted hostages of Noblemens sons should be delivered to the English and entertained in the parts most adjacent to Scotland These conditions made and the Masters of Ruthven and Semple Iohn Cunningham son to the Earl of Glencarn and Douglas of Kilspindie being entred in Berwick as pledges Sir William Drary marched with his forces into Scotland and came to Edinburgh the 25. of April The Regent giving out a Proclamation Wherein was shewed the care that the Queen of England had taken for the peace of the Realm in times past and the liberal succours she had granted at the present for the expugnation of the Castle treasonably detained and fortified by the Laird of Grange Did require and charge all good subjects to carry themselves as became them towards the English General and his company and not to injure them either by word or deed except they would be esteemed enemies to the peace and partakers to the Traitors in their rebellious attempts The next day the Castle was summoned and offer made of their lives if they should yield before the planting of the Canon but the Captain in stead of answer set upon the highest Tower his ensign for a token of defiance Then the Pioneers were put to work and begun to cast trenches and raise mounts for planting the Artillery The besieged made all the hinderance they could playing with their Ordinance upon the workmen and killing divers ere the mounts were brought to perfection How soon they were erected being five in all and entituled by the names of their several Commanders the Artillery was planted 31. pieces in number more and lesse All things prepared and the Parliament finished which the Regent had called to the last of April for ratifying the Articles of pacification the battery began the 17. of May on the 27. the Castle was made assaultable the Canon having made great breaches in the fore and back walls and the Tower called Davids Tower being also demolished The 26 early in the morning the assault was given in two places at the West part where the ascent was most difficult the assailers were repulsed after an obstinate sight that continued 3. hours and 24. persons killed on the East side the blockhouse called the Spurre was taken with less resistance which put the defendants in fear and made them demand a parle This granted a truce was taken for the space of two days in which time the English General used many perswasions to the Captain to make him render the house neither was he then unwilling so as the lives and honours of these within might be saved but the Regent would give no condition and have him simply to yield The Captain seeing nothing but extremity resolved to stand to his utmost defence yet when he came back to the house he found them all within divided and the greater part so discouraged as they refused to undergo the hazard of a second assault which forced him to other counsels and so following Lethingtons advice upon the 29. of May being let down by a rope over the wall he and Piltadrow his Constable did yield themselves and the house to the English General in the name of his Queen whose discretion misknowing the Regent they were willing to abide The General made them to be attended to his lodging whither all that were of any note in the Castle were brought Thereafter they were commitred to several places most of them transported to Leth and some detained in Edinburgh till the Queen of England should signify her will concerning them the Ladies and Gentlewomen were licenced to depart as likewise the private souldiers and others of meaner sort It was thought that the Queen in regard of the render made to her Lieutenant would take a favourable course with them and save their lives but she gave direction to put them all in the Regents hands to be used as he thought meet which when Lethington heard either despairing of life or not willing to injoy it by the mercy of an enemy he died at Leth so suddenly as he was thought to have made himself away by poison A man he was of deep wit great experience and one whose counsels were held in that time for Oracles but variable and unconstant turning and changing from one faction to another as he thought it to make for his standing This did greatly diminish his reputation and failed him at last which should warn all Counsellours to direct their courses by the lines of piety and true wisdom without which the most politick prudence will prove nothing but folly in the end His brother Mr. Iohn Maitelan who came afterwards to great honours had his life spared and was imprisoned in Tentallon George Creichton Bishop of Dunkeld was sent to Blackness and the Lord Home detained in the Castle which the Regent gave to his brother George Douglas in custody Grange himself with his brother Sir Iames Kirkaldy and two Goldsmiths Iames Mosman and Iames Cockey were publickly hanged in the Mercat street of Edinburgh Such was the end of Sir William Kirkaldy of Grange a man full of valour and courage who had sometimes done good service to his countrey against the French and purchased by that means great honour But seeking ambitiously to raise his fortunes and hearkening to perverse counsel he did break his faith to the Regent who had put him in trust and thereby lost all his former esteem and drew upon himself these troubles wherein he perished His part was foul in the death of the Cardinal and for it when he was in his best estate many did foredeem that he should not escape some misfortune Yet herein he was happy that at his death he expressed a great sorrow for his
with a common consent This I thought likewise fittest but in the mean time I prepared to depart and would have been gone if contrary winds had not stayed me The same Gentleman came afterwards unto me and shewed that they were returned and would shortly be seen at Striveling This moved me to remain albeit doubting of a sufficient concurrence of Noblemen I was not resolved what course to take and lay in a carelesse security at Dundy more inclined to go then to stay I protest always before God that I never heard nor was in counsel of any plot against his Majesties Person Crown or Estate but only studied to keep my self from ruine by the assistance of others At our meeting together unto which time all was deferred it was thought that a course should be taken by common advice for securing our selves in his Majesties favour And whereas I am asked what Noblemen were privy to the enterprise and what was looked for from England I will truly declare all upon the firm assurance of his Majesties clemency At home it was expected that all those who subscribed the bond in that first alteration would joyn themselves with us and besides those divers others namely the Earl of Marshal and Bothwel with the Lord Lindesay and some of the West parts So it was affirmed to me but how truly I cannot say From England we expected a supply but no certain time was appointed and it was said that the Queen minded to intercede for restitution of the Hamiltons if she found the King tractable This is all I know and if there by any other particular tending to his Majesties well or hurt which I do not at the present remember I shall plainly reveal the same whosoever be offended therewith At his coming to Striveling he sent to the King a letter penned in this form Please your Majesty it is neither diffidence nor despair in your Highnesse favour and clemency towards me nor any desire I have to live in this world that moves me to require some short audience of your Majesty But there is a purpose of so weighty importance which I desire to impart unto your Highnesse which might have endangered the life and estate of your mother and your self if I had not stayed and impeded the same the revealing whereof may avail your Majesty more then the lives and livings of 500. such as my self most humbly therefore I beseech your Highnesse that my Petition may be granted I assure my self of your Majesties gracious answer Striveling the last of April 1584. In a Postscript this was added The matter I have to speak is not the concealing of treason but the revealing of a benefit This Petition was denied and the same made a part of his indictment for being brought to his trial the fourth of May Mr. Iohn Grahame sitting as Justice and assisted by Sir Iohn Gordon of Lochinvar Alexander Master of Levingston Alexander Bruce of Airth and Iames Edminston of Duntraith he was indicted of four points First that in the beginning of February Mr. David Home servant to the Earl of Marre came to him privately in the town of Perth under silence of night and communicated to him the treasonable device of surprizing the Burghs of Perth and Striveling at least of one or other of them and that he agreed to the taking and fortifying of the said towns whereby he had incurred the crime of Treason as well in concealing as consenting to that wicked purpose 2. That understanding Mr. Iames Areskin to be a trafficker betwixt Marre Angus and others he did belay the ways to the end he might speak with him and after meeting kept conference with him touching the surprise of the Castle of Striveling and the furnishing thereof with men and ammunition 3. That being charged in Dundy by his Majesties letters to render himself to the Lord Petten Weyme his Majesties Chancellor and Captain of his Highnesse guard he did enter into the house of William Drummond Burgesse of Dundy and with his Complices defended the same by the space of 6. houres making exclamations to the people that he was pursued for Religion and desiring them to aid and assist him 4. That he being obliged to maintain his Majesties person life honour and Crown and having intelligence of a most weighty purpose that concerned the life and estate of the King and the Queen his mother he had treasonably concealed the same and did as yet keep up the specialties thereof albeit he professed he knew it so perfectly that in his letter written to the King he saith that it had not failed to have taken effect if he had not stayed and impeded the same The indictment read he first excepted against Lochinvar that he could not be assessor to the Justice in his trial in regard of the deadly enmity betwixt Gartland who had married his Ladies sister and him This exception was repelled because the propinquity alledged was only affinitas affinitatis Then he complained that the Noblemen who were sent to examine him had not kept their word having promised that whatsoever he had confessed should not be laid to his charge It was answered that the Noblemens word could not warrant him Thirdly he said that being indicted for treason he ought to have been cited upon 40. days and a delation made by some accuser which was not observed The Advocate replied that in matters of Treason the King might arrest any person upon the space it pleased him Fourthly he alledged the license granted him to depart the countrey This was found nought except he did therewith produce a respit or permission To the last point of the indictment he said that what he offered to reveal tended to his benefit if he had vouchsafed him hearing and was no matter of treason It was answered that the concealing of that might tend to the hurt of the Kings life and mothers was treason So the indictment was found relevant and the persons of the Jury called These were Colin Earl of Argile David Earl of Crawford Iohn Earl of Montrosse Iames Earl of Glencarne Hugh Earl of Eglinton Iames Earl of Arran George Earl of Marshal Alexander Lord Seaton Hugh Lord Sommervil Iames Lord Down William Lord Levingston Patrick Lord Drummond Iames Lord Ogilvy Alexander Master of Oliphant and Iohn Murray of Tillibardin They retiring themselves as the custom is and returning within a short space pronounced him guilty whereupon sentence was given that he should be taken to the Market Crosse have his head cut off and be dismembred as a traitor The last part thereof was dispensed and he in the evening beheaded His servants were permitted to take the head with the body and bury it This was the end of that Nobleman who in his life was much honoured and imployed in the chief offices of Court a man wise but said to have been too curious and to have consulted with Wizards touching the state of things in future times yet was
overthrow both with the one and the other party neither having cause to repose any confidence in him The Protestants because he had renounced the Religion wherein he was with great care brought up the Papists because they could not be assured in short space that he was truly turned to their faith Yea all men should have reason to forsake him who had thus dissembled and forsaken his God And where it was given out that divers do insinuate unto your Soveraign that his honour and reputation is so deeply interessed herein as it must necessarily turn to his perpetual ignominy and reproach if he give not some notable testimony to the world of the affection and dutiful love he bare to his mother your King being of that singular judgement that he is thought to have cannot be ignorant how farre true honour ought to possesse a Christian Prince that is not whither passion or fury useth to carry men but whether reason and wisdome have laid the bounds that is within the compasse of possibility decency and justice If the late Queen had been innocent revenge had been necessarily just and honourable but being culpable contrary in all reasonable mens judgements he hath sufficiently discharged the duty of a son in mediating for his mother so long as she was alive and so farre as he was able to prevail They which require more at his Highnesse hands may be presumed not to regard what beseemeth his place and dignity but to seek the satisfaction of their own particular passions and desires And whosoever perswadeth his Highnesse that the mediation used by him for his Mother contrary to the humble pursuit of the whole Parliament hath already given that offence to the Nobility and people of this land as it behoveth him of force to have recourse to forain supports doth greatly abuse both his Highnesse and this Realm for as they were not ignorant what nature might and ought to move his Highnesse unto so long as there was any hope of her life so they do not doubt but that reason will induce him to leave sorrowing and thinking of her in due time Thus have I troubled you with a long discourse whereunto the desire I have of the continuance of amity between the two Crowns hath carried me unawares further then I purposed all which I referre to your good consideration not doubting but you will afford most readily and willingly all good offices that shall lye in your power to the end that a happy conclusion may ensue hereof which shall tend to the common good of the whole Island and so I commit you to God From the Court at Greenwich the 4th of March 1586. Your Lordships assured Friend FRA. WALSINGHAM THis letter shewed to the King served much to allay his anger as afterwards appeared In the May after the Estates being assembled at Halirudhouse they shew a great forwardnesse all of them for assisting the revenge of his Mothers death every man offering to spend his goods and life in that quarrel yet the businesse was so timed out that summer by the private dealing of certain Counsellors as hopes were given to the Queen that matters should compose and a more peaceable course be taken It was at this time that Sir William Stewart brother to Captain Iames returned again to Court and gave his attendance upon the Master of Gray The Master then was plotting a change of Court and had conspired with the Lord Maxwel to kill the Lord Thirlstane Sir Iames Home of Coldingknowes and Mr. Robert Douglas Collector whose power with the King he greatly envied This he reveales to Sir William as one that he believed would take part in the businesse and to make him the more forward tells that it was Thirlstane the Iustice Clerk Blantyre and himself that brought in the Lords at Striveling and put his brother from Court which he repented and would help so farre as he could to recall him Sir William knowing the mans nature and that he was not to be trusted gave him some hopes of joyning with him but in the mean time related all to the King This coming to Thirlstanes knowledge he complaineth thereof in Councel and desireth a trial The Master denied that any such purpose had passed betwixt them whereupon Sir William was called and standing to that he had told the King they two fell a contesting after some bitter speeches Sir William taking him up roundly said that he deserved no credit as having abused his ambassage to England and treacherously consented to the death of the Kings Mother There had a rumour gone of a letter written by the Master to the Queen of England after his parting from that Court advising her to put the Queen of Scots out of the way and the words he had used Mortui non mordent Dead folks bite not were in every mans mouth and now the challenge being made publick the Councel moved the King to put the Master to trial and commit both the one and the other So were they both the same night sent to the Castle of Edinburgh The Lord Thirlstane and those others that were touched with the enterprise of Striveling made great instance to be cleared in that point but the King not liking to search too deeply in those businesses said That their own purgation with the Declaration of the Noblemen that came home at that time was sufficient There were present of that number the Lord Hamilton the Earls of Marre and Bothwel who upon oath declared that they had no assurance from any about the King at the time of their coming till they were received by his Majesty in favour The like purgation was made by the Lord Thirlstane the Justice Clerk and the rest and so that businesse ceased After some two or three days the Master of Gray and his accuser were brought again before the Councel where the same things that before we heard being repeated by Sir William Stewart he added further That he knew the Master to be a traffiquer against Religion and that he had written divers letters to the King of France and Duke of Guise declaring that the King was to seek their assistance in revenge of his mothers death but intreated them not to grant him any help unlesse he did grant toleration to the Catholicks for exercise of their Religion The Master being desired to answer and as he lookt for any favour to deal ingenuously and confesse the truth said That he could not deny his dealing for toleration of Catholicks and that he disliked some of the officers of State and could have wished an alteration but that â—e never had so much as a thought against his Majesties person beseeching to impute these things wherein he had offended to his youth and foolish ambition Being enquired touching the letter sent to the Queen of England he confessed That when he perceived her inclining to take the Queen of Scots life he advised her rather to take her away in some
in most serious manner all his good subjects to beware of these Iesuits traitors to their native Countrey and in their prayers to implore the mercy of God for preservation of themselves their wives and children from the conspiracy intended The Ministers of Edinburgh esteeming it their duty to make the Churches of the Countrey foreseen of the conspiracy that was detected gave notice thereof by their letters to such as were most nigh at hand desiring them to meet at Edinburgh the 8. of Ianuary for giving their advice touching these dangers and how the same might best be prevented The meeting was frequent for the report of the discovery drew many thither Mr. Robert Bruce in a short speech having related the perill wherein the Countrey and Church were brought by these practises it was thought meet by some Commissioners to entreat of his Majesty the execution of the lawes against Jesuits and their ressetters with the punishment of such as should be found guilty of the present conspiracy The King accepting graciously those that were sent unto him and giving the whole Assembly thanks for the readinesse they shewed to assist him in the prosecution of that triall wished them to consider of what importance the businesse was and not onely to give their advice for the course that should be taken but also to let him know what help they would contribute for strengthening him in his proceeding against the unnaturall Subjects His Majesties desire being reported to the Meeting their advice was that a Parliament should be indicted and the subscrivers of the blanks cited thereto and because it was not expected that they would appear so as his Majesty should be compelled to pursue them by force of Armes they did humbly offer their attendance upon his Majesties person till they should be apprehended or expulsed the Countrey as likewise to entertain a guard to his Majesty of three hundreth horsemen and an hundreth foot so long as any necessity was and till the laws of the Countrey had taken effect against the rebells providing it should not be drawn into a custome nor prejudge the liberty of the Realm in time coming The offer was thankfully accepted and a Proclamation made to meet the King at Aberdene the 20 of February for settling the North parts and for a beginning of Justice David Graham of Fintrie was arraigned and being found guilty beheaded in the publick street of Edinburgh the 16. of February Some two dayes before his execution Mr. Iohn Graham one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice being charged because of the businesse he made in behalf of Fintrie to depart forth of the Town and keep ward in Strathern was killed as he was going to the tide at Leith There had been a question long depending betwixt Sir Iames Sanderlands and him for the lands of Halyards and by reason thereof a professed enmity amongst them and it falling out at the same time when he was going to Leith that the Duke of Lennox accompanied with Sir Iames and divers others was making towards their sport in the sands Mr. Iohn Graham apprehending that they did pursue him made a turn upon that ascent which is without the gate of the town as if he would stand there to his defence which S. Iames taking for a sort of provocation he made towards him and entering in conflict Sir Alexander Stewart a grave Gentleman servant to the Duke of Lennox was killed by the shot of a pistoll presently after M. Iohn Graham by another shot was stricken in the breast and fell to the ground they who did give him the convoy seeing him fall did all flie and the companies separating he was led to a poor Cottage near unto the place and as he lay in bed killed by the said Sir Alexander his Page in revenge of his Masters death A man he was but meanly born and descended of that unhappy race which had an hand in the murther of King Iames the first a long time he served as Deputy to the Earl of Argile in the Justice Courts and after his death waited on Captain Iames Stewart by whose means he was preferred to be one of the Senatours of the Colledge of Justice in the place of Mr. Robert Pont of a quick wit and a good and ready utterance but was excessively proud covetous and unhonest in his dealings as appeared in suborning of the Notary of whom we spake and the fraud which he used to Mr. Andrew Polwart subdean of Glasgow a man of great learning who being forced to fly into England in the year 1584. with the other Ministers that took their refuge thither had intrusted him with his living and rent upon assurance to be repossessed when the time should change yet being returned and having obtained his peace could he never bring him to fulfill his promise whereupon after a long plea at law not finding an outgate the honest man conceived a displeasure and died The Earl of Angus the same day that he was killed made an escape out of the Castle of Edinburgh by the connivence of the keepers and flying to the North joyned with Huntley and Arroll They upon the report of the Kings coming to Aberdene left their houses and betook themselves to the mountains sending their Ladies to intercede for them and make offer of the keyes of their houses which they had been charged to render The King receiving the Ladies courteously told them that if their husbands would enter and abide triall they should receive no wrong otherwise the crime laid to their charge did so highly touch the Estate as he could not stay the course of Justice In the mean time for preserving the Countrey in peace the Earl of Atholl was made Lieutenant within the bounds of Elgin Forres Narne Innernesse and Cromartie and the like Commission given to the Earl of Marshall of the Sherifdoms of Kincardin Bamffe and Aberdene This done the King returned to Edinburgh where the Lord Burgh did meet him He was sent from the Queen of England to congratulate the discoveries of these treacherous practices and make offer of her assistance in pursuing and punishing those that should trie culpable wherein she wished him to doe as a King ought in such a case and if he could not apprehend their persons to confiscate their lands and rents whereby he should undoe them and better the Estate of his Crown And seeing the cause was common and touched all Princes professing the same Religion she desired to be certified what his resolution was that she might assure other Princes her confederates of the course taken in both their dominions for resisting the attempts of Spain The King thanking the Queen for her friendly offer and advice said That he knew Sir Robert Bowes her resident Ambassadour had advertised her of the whole particulars and of the blanks and letters intercepted that he had made a beginning and was fully resolved to prosecute the
advertised of the enterprise of the banished Lords A Proclamation to meet the King at the Castle of Crawford A Proclamation given out by the banished Lords The Ambassadour went not saluting the King A Post is sent after him and his excuse The Lords make haste to Striveling The town of Striveling taken Two of the Councel directed to the Lords The Lords Answer The Kings care of those that attented him The King is pleased to admit the Lords in his presence The Lord Hamilton in name of the rest supplicates mercy The Kings Answer The Kings speech to Bothwel The King his pardon proclaimed The Master of Glammis made Captain of the Guard Thuan. hist. 1. 43. Duntraith confesseth the deposition he made against the Lords to be false A Parliament at Linlithgow The Ministers offend with the reconciled Lords Mr. William Watson Minister committed Iames Gibson committed for the like insolence The Superintendent of Lothian his death with a short description of his life An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lord Maxwel goâ—th to Masse and is committed An. 1586. A Synod at S. Andrews called against the Bishop April 1586. The Bishop being cited compeireth and protesteth against the Judicatory His accusation He appealeth to the King and Estates The Bishop excommunicated by the Synod Mr. Andrew and Mr. Iames Melvil excommunicated by a servant and Cousen of the Bishop The Appellation with the reasons sent to the King A transaction betwixt the Bishop and the Assembly The reasons moving the King to give way to this transaction The Ministers exhorâ—ed to judge charitably one of another Acts concluded in the Assembly His Majesties answer to the advice given him by the Chancellor A trouble in the Isles betwixt Mackoâ—â—il and Macklain The Earl of Eglington treacherously murthered A league with England concluded The Articles of the league The names of the Commissioners of both Kingdomes A new breach between the King and Queen of England The proceedings against the Queen of Scots Sentence of death pronounced against her William Keith sent into England about the midst of November A letter to William Keith from the King The Queen in passion at the sight of the letter The King excuseth the sharpnesse of his letter The Master of Gray and Sir Robert Melvil sent into England The first audience The second audience and effect thereof A letter from the King to the Master of Gray The Master of Gray drawne upon another course Secretary Walsingham writeth to the Lord Thirlstan The King commandeth the Ministers to remember his mother in their prayers The third of February appointed for solemn prayers in her behalf The Bishop of S. Andrews appointed to preach Mr. Iohn Cowper usurpeth the place The Ministers at Edinburgh discharged The Queen of Scots her request to the Queen of England The Queen of England is doubtful which way to take The Queen of Scots willed to prepare her self for death Her behaviour and preparation She biddeth her servants farewell Her directions to Andrew Melvil her Steward She is brought to the place of execution The Dean of Peterburâ—ow offereth to comfort her She prayeth by her self The manner of the execution A brief description of her fortune The inscription secretly affixed on her Sepulchre The same Englished The Queen of England writeth to the King by Mr. Robert Cary. The King denieth him accesse Mr. caâ—ies Declaration in writing The Declaration giveth no content to the King The Queen laboureâ—h to divert the King from Warre A letter of Walsâ—gham to the Lord Thâ—lsâ—an A Convention of the Estates The King is informed of certain speeches uttered by the Master of Gray 20. Apr. The Master of Gray and Sir William Stewart committed Sir William Stewart insists in the challenge of the Master of Gray Sir William Stewart liberated and the Master of Gray imprisoned Captain Iame information against the Lord Thirlstane An. 1587. Thirlstane created Chancellor A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Noblemen reconciled A general Assembly of the Church The Kings propositions to the Assembly by his Commissioners Montgomery resigneth the Bishoprick of Glasgow to Mr. William Ereskin The Churches petition to the Parliament against the Prelates The temporalty of Benefices annexed to the Crown The King forthinketh the passing of the annexation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 2. pag. 43. The small Barons admitted to give voice in Parliament The Lord Hunsdon hath presence of the King A Proclamation against incursions in England The Ambassadors sent into Denmark return 15. May. Latter end of August A Proclamation against Jesuits and Priests The Jesuits find caution to depart A general Assembly of the Church A Proposition made for the dangers threatened to Religion The advice of the Noblemen and Barons The King refuseth accesse to the multitude A conference betwixt certain of the Councel and the Assembly The grievances of the Church presented to the King The Minister Iames Gibson censured for his speeches against the King An. 1588. Gibson suspended from his ministery The Lord Hereis cleared of the accusation made against him The Borders begin to stirre upon the Lord Maxwels return The Kings expedition to Dumfreis Lochmaben rendred and the Keeper executed The Lord Maxwel taken prisoner at sea by Sir William Stewart and brought prisoner to Edinburgh Sir William Stewart killed by Bothwel Penult Iulii A meeting of the Estates upon the rumour of the Spanish Navy beginning of August His Majesties speech to the Estates The Chancellor his speech seconding the King Bothwel perswadeth the invasion of England Colonel Semple his arrive at Leth. The Colonel apprehended and relieved by the Earl of Huntley * 21. Iuly Huntley offers to present the Colonel to the Councel Sir Robert Sidney sent from England to the King 29. August The History of the Spanish Navy Captain Drakes stratagem The Navy returneth to Spain The death of Archibald Earl of Angus An. 1589. His disposition in his sickness A message from the Prince of Parma to the Catholick Lords Huntley reconciled to the Church Huntley excuseth his reconcilement by a letter A letter from the Earl of Arroll to the Prince of Parma Letters sent to the King of Spain from the Catholick Lords The Jesuits stirre up the Lords to enterprise somewhat by themselves A plot for taking the King A practise against the Chancellor Huntley cometh to the King Huntley committed in the Castle of Edinburgh Huntley set at liberty A letter from the Queen of England to the King The Lords make open insurrection The Subjects warned to accompany the King His Majesties speech to the Noblemen in his Army A question for leading the Vant-guard The Lords dissolve their forces The King goeth to Aberdene He returneth to Edinburgh about the beninning of May. The Earl Marshall goeth to Denmark to accomplish the marriage 10. Iune The Rebels offer to submit themselves Huntley Crawford and Bothwel impanelled The points of their indictment The Lords found guilty and committed to several Wards An Assembly of
bitter speeches said This is your hour and power of darknesse Now you sit as Iudges and we stand wrongfully condemned but the day cometh which will shew our innocencie and you shall see your own blindness to your everlasting confusion Go on and fulfill the measure of your iniquity At which words the Archbishop was greatly moved affirming that these rigorous executions did hurt the cause of the Church more then could well be thought of and therefore declared that in his opinion it should be best to save the lives of the men and take some other course with them but these others who were sent to assist told him expresly that if he followed any milder course then that which had been kept at Edinburgh they could not esteem him the Churches friend whereupon he was compelled to give way to their cruelty and thus these Innocents were condemned to be burnt alive All the time they were preparing the fire Hieronymus comforted mightily the young man using these speeches unto him Fear not brother for he is more mighty that is in us then he who is in the world The pain which we shall suffer is short and light but our joy and consolation shall never have an end death cannot destroy us for it is destroyed already by him for whose sake we suffer Therefore let us strive to enter in by the same straight way which our Saviour hath taken before us Many other comfortable speeches he uttered which moved the hearers wonderfully When they were brought to the place of their suffering they used not many words but commending their souls to God after they were tied to the stake endured the fire constantly without expressing any token of fear or amazement It was about the same time that Master George Buchannan who for his rare erudition was afterwards in great fame for some biting verses against the Franciscans was committed to prison but he escaping by a window of the chamber wherein he was detained prisoner whilest the Keepers were fast asleep fled into France Thus there passed few dayes wherein some one or other was not called in question for Religion But the more hot the persecution was the favourers of the truth did every day the more increase And now had the Archbishop Iames Beaton committed the charge of all Church-affairs to his Nephew the Cardinal who succeeded in his place for he was aged and sickly himself and not seen often abroad In his last dayes he began to erect the new Colledge in S. Andrews and set men awork to build the same but neither lived he to finish the work nor were the moneys he left in store to that use rightly bestowed Some contestings a few years before he and the Clergy had with the King because of the impositions laid upon the Prelates for the entertainment of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice So as the matter was drawn by an appeal to Rome and Gawine Dumbar Bishop of Aberdene appointed to prosecute the same But this ceased upon an accord made which was that the Senate should consist of fourteen Ordinaries with a President seven of the Spiritualty and as many of the Temporalty the President alwayes being of the spiritual estate and a Prelate constitute in dignity According to this appointment a ratification passed in Parliament anno 1537. and the Abbot of Cambuskennoth was elected President of the new Senate in the year 1539. The Bishop a little after he had assisted as witnesse at the Christening of the Kings first son who was born at S. Andrews departed this life having designed his successours in all the Benefices he enjoyed which were not a few for besides the Archbishoprick of S. Andrews he possessed the Abbacies of Aberbrothock Dunfermlin and Kilwining To his Nephew the Cardinal he left S. Andrews and Aberbrothock To George Dury his kinsman the Abbacie of Dunfermlin and to ... Hamilton of the house of Roplock the Abbacie of Kilwining All which the King for the esteem wherein he held this Bishop whilest he lived confirmed to them according to his Will he was buried in the Abbey Church before the high Altar In his time lived Master Iohn Maior Hector Boeth Gilbert Crab and William Gregory men of good learning and worthy to be remembred Master Iohn Maior was born at Hadington within the Province of Lothian and trained up from his youth in the study of letters A while at Cambridge he heard Philosophy taught but finding the place not so convenient he went to Paris and past his course in the Colledge of Montacute After that he gave himself to Theology commencing Doctor amongst the Sorbonists and in scholastick Divinity was not much behinde any of his time which his Decisiones sententiarum Sophisticalia Parisiensia and that other work intituled Placita Theologica do sufficiently witnesse Returning afterwards unto his countrey he professed Theologie in S. Salvators Colledge at S. Andrews whereof he was made Provost and died there being of a good age a man well inclined ingenious and according to these times not unlearned He wrote the story of his countrey howbeit in a Sorbonick and barbarous style yet very truly and with a great liberty ofspirit not sparing the usurpation of Rome and taxing in divers places the lazinesse and superfluity of the Clergy which could hardly be done in those times without danger Hector Boethius was Principal of the Colledge of Aberdene a great Philosopher and much commended by Erasmus for his eloquence and felicity of ingenie Buchannan who could well discern of learned men speaking in a certain place of him sayeth Quòd non solum artiùm liberalium cognitione suprà quà m illa ferebant tempora insignis crat sed etiam humanitate comitate singulari praeditus That he was not only notably learned in the liberal Sciences above the condition of those times but also of an exceeding courteous and humane inclination Yet is he traduced by some of the English Writers for a fabulous and partial Historian But they who like to peruse his History will perceive that this is spoken out of passion and malice and not upon any just cause Gilbert Crabbe lived in the countrey of France much esteemed for his dexterity and diligence in the education of youth he was sent to Paris by his friends being yet very young and having studied his course there was preferred to be Sub. dean of a Church near unto Burdeaux yet ceased not to advance the knowledge of letters at his uttermost and was so respected as the children of all the Noblemen in those parts were committed to his instruction He died young at Burdeaux not having attained to the fortieth year of his age much lamented of those that knew him William Gregory lived in Tholouse and was made General of the Carmelites in the Diocese of Meaulx and Tholouse which Order he is said to have greatly reformed Baleus writeth that he received
them to fear God and forsake the Leaven of Papistical abominations The woman desired earnestly to die with her husband but could not be permitted sentence being given against her that she should be drowned yet she followed him to the place of execution exhorting him by the way to patience and constancy for the cause of Christ. And as she parted from him said Husband be glad we have lived together many joyfull dayes and this day which we must die we ought to esteem the most joyfull of all because now we shall have joy for ever Therefore I will not bid you good night for we shall shortly meet in the Kingdome of heaven How soon the men were executed the woman was taken to a pool of water not farre of where having commended her children to the charity of her neighbours and giving a little babe who was sucking upon her breast unto a nurse she died with great courage and comfort Sir Henry Elder Iohn Elder Walter Piper and Laurence Puller with some other Burgesses were banished and the Lord Ruthven Provost of the Town discharged of his office because he was suspected to favour the hereticks his place was given to Iohn Charterhouse of Kilfawnes and the Citizens commanded to accept him for their Provost but they excused themselves saying they could make no election before the ordinary time yet the Governour out of his authority charged them to accept of Kinfawnes threatening to punish those that refused And for that it was thought after the Governour and Cardinal was gone that the Townesmen should withstand their Provost the Lord Gray and Normand Lesley son to the Earl of Rothese were desired to give their assistance In falling out as was expected Kinfawnes convened his friends to advise how the Townesmen might be forced to obey The Lord Gray undertaking to enter the Town by the Bridge Normand Lesley and his followers were appointed to enter at the South-gate and S. Magdalens day appointed for their meeting The Lord Gray came early in the morning but Normand who brought his company by water was hindred by the tide yet all being quiet in the Town and no appearance of stirre the Lord Gray resolved to enter esteeming his own forces sufficient but he was not farre advanced when in the street called Fishstreet the Master of Ruthven with his company that lay close in some houses near by issued forth upon him and compelled him to turn back The disorder in the fight was great every one hindering another so as many were trod to death and some threescore persons killed The Cardinal wished rather the losse had fallen on the Lord Ruthvens side yet he was not ill pleased with the affront that Gray had received for he loved none of them and so making no great account of the matter he went on with his work and in the countrey of Angus called many in question for reading the New Testament in English which as then was accounted an hainous crime And it is said The ignorance of these times was so great as even the Priests did think the New Testament to have been composed by Martin Luther and the old to be the only Scripture that men ought to read Iohn Roger a black Frier with certain others was brought to the Castle of Saint Andrews and within some few dayes found dead at the foot of the back wall whether he fell seeking to escape or that he was murthered as the report went in prison it is uncertain From Angus the Cardinal leading the Governour with him went to Mernis using the like inquisition and stayed there till near Christmas at which time they returned to S. Andrews and having past the holy time in feasting took journey to Edinburgh where a Convention of the Clergy was kept for censuring the lives of scandalous Priests Whilest they were thus busied advertisement was made to the Cardinal that Master George Wishart for whom he had searched a long time was in the house of Ormeston in Lothian This man being of all the witnesses that God raised in that time to advance his truth the most worthy the Reader will not mislike that I set down the story at large He was a brother of the house of Pittarrow in Mernis a man of great knowledge and pleasant utterance indued also with many rare vertues humble modest charitable and patient even to admiration some time he had spent in the University of Cambridge and out of a desire to promove the truth in his own countrey came home in the year 1544. making his chief resorts in the Towns of Dundy and Montross where he taught publickly with great profit and applause The Cardinal incensed with the following he had among the people discharged them of Dundy to receive him Whereupon Robert Mill a man of great authority in the Town either corrupted by the Cardinals gifts or because he feared some trouble might fall upon the Town for his occasion did one day as he had ended his Sermon openly prohibit him to come any more amongst them and not to trouble the Town with his Sermons He after a little silence turning himselfe to the speaker said God is my witnesse that I minde ever your comfort and not your trouble which to me is more grievous then to your selves But sure I am to reject the word of God and drive away his messengers is not the way to save you from trouble When I am gone God will send you messengers who will not be afraid either for burning or banishment I have with the hazard of my life remained amongst you preaching the word of salvation and now since your selves refuse me I must leave my innocency to be declared by God If it be long well with you I am not led with the spirit of truth and if trouble unexpected fall upon you remember this is the cause and turn to God by repentance for he is merciful The Earle Marshal and some other Noblemen who were present at the Sermon dealt earnestly with him to go with them into the North but he excusing himselfe took journey into the West parts He had not been long there when the Archbishop of Glasgow advertised of the great concourse of people unto his Sermons took purpose to apprehend him and for that effect made a journey unto the Town of Aire Alexander Earle of Glaincarne hearing what the Bishop intended hasted to the Town offering to place Master George Wishart in the Church where the Bishop was preparing to preach but he would not consent saying that the Bishops Sermon would not do much hurt and that he would teach if they pleased at the Market Crosse which he did divers of the hearers which were enemies to the truth being converted at the same time The Sunday following being desired to preach at the Church of Machlin he went thither but the Sheriffe of Aire had in the night time put in a Garison of souldiers in the
reconciliation intended was brought to an end These Articles being signed by the King and subscrived by the principals of both parties the accord and heads thereof were published at Striveling and Falkirk the fourteenth of August upon which the Armies dissolved No stirre in our memory was more happily pacified for should it have come to the worst as it was not far off such was the heat and hate of both factions that the mischief could not but have been great which would have ensued The place and time of the Noblemens meeting for considering the grievances of both parties being left to the Kings appointing because delay might breed greater difficulties his Majesty did assign the 20. of September to meet at Striveling whereof he caused the Ambassadour give the Chancellour notice and to desire him to name the four Noblemen whose advice he and the rest would use in that treaty The Chancellour answered by letter That neither he nor Argile could agree to meet at Striveling nor could they design the four Noblemen whom they would use because death sickness and other accidents might hinder one or more of them to convene but if it should please the King to appoint the place of meeting at Edinburgh about the end of November they should keep the day and for the present nominate ten of which number hey should choose some four at that time as arbiters for their party The ten they named were the Earls of Montross and Cathnes the Lords Lindesay Maxwel Hereis Ogilvy and Innermeath the Abbot of Newbottle and the Lairds of Bargenny and Drumwhassil Herewith he desired three things to be granted One was that licence might be given to such an one as they would choose to pass into England next that they who were dispossessed of their places and offices since the tenth of July might be restored namely Mr. Mark Ker sonne to the Abbot of Newbottle Master of Requests and William Cunningham sonne to the Laird of Drumwhassil Gentleman of the Kings Bedchamber Thirdly that none should be called in question for their absence upon the late Proclamations seeing all they who came not to Striveling must be understood to have been their adherents This answer communicated to the King did highly offend him First that they should usurp the appointing of the time and place of meeting which was left in his power next that they would presume to send a message into England they being his subjects and neither acquaint him with the person nor the message For the other Petitions he judged them impertinent and more fit to be proponed at the meeting of the Noblemen wherefore in a letter sent by Mr. William Areskin to the Chancellour he shewed that since they had delayed to nominate the four Noblemen he himself would make choice of four of them whose names they had given to the Ambassadour to wit the Lords Lindesay Ogilvy Innermeath and Hereis to whom he would joyn the Earls of Rothes and Buchan with the Lords Ruthven and Boyd and by their advice proceed in the reconciliation by him intended which if they should refuse he would notifie to the Queen of England and other Christian Princes the care he had taken to perform all things as they had been lately accorded To this letter no answer was given but that they should advise with their friends and afterwards signify their minds wherewith the King being discontent he summoned the Noblemen to meet at Striveling the 20. of September warning all the subjects whom that businesse concerned to addresse themselves thither against the day At the day none of them appeared and the more careful the King was to have peace made the more they seemed to draw back protracting time upon frivolous excuses Wherefore the King for the last Diet appointed the 20. of October which most of them kept Being all assembled the King spake to them to this effect Ye do all understand what an earnest desire I have that you should joyn in friendship one with another which cannot be more contentment to me then it is benefit to your selves although I have many occasions given me to fall from that desire yet I abide in the same mind and shall wish you to lay aside your needless jealousies and suspicions For as to me I will sindy to be indifferent and bestow my favours unpartially and never repose my self upon any one so much as to deny others the regard which is due to them Ye that are Noblemen have a special interest in me and unlesse there be a correspondence of wills and mindes amongst you I shall never find that concurrence that ought to be for mine honour and the good of the Commonwealth It is not long since at your own desires I accepted the government of the Realm being perswaded by you that this was the only way to cease all grudges but now that I see them increased it repents me to have yielded to your desires and intangled my self in such businesse What should let you to be reconciled and become perfect friends I know not if there by any grief or offence that hath exasperated your minds will ye shew it I am here with the advice of my Lords to remove it and see satisfaction made by those that have done the wrong I hope you do not carry mindes irreconcilcable ye professed that ye laid down Arms for the love ye bare to your King by the same love I intreat you to lay aside jealousies and suspicâ—ons which ye will doubtlesse do except ye mind to expose your countrey and your selves to utter ruine The Lords moved with this speech professed themselves willing at his Majesties desire to bury all discords and that their agreement might be the more sound they were required to set down in writing the injuries and unkindness whereof they complained that satisfaction might be made at the sight of the King and Noblemen whom he had named Hereupon the Chancellour and Argile presented their grievances in some short Articles bearing the unkindnesse they had received from the Earl of Morton in the time of his Regiment Whereunto he answered first generally that what he did in that time was done by order of law and that they themselves had allowed his proceedings and were sureties for ratifying the same in Parliament Then replying more particularly to every Article he gave the King and other Noblemen full satisfaction and made it seen that on the part of the other Lords there was a great mistaking for what he did he could not leave undone without a manifest violation of justice Yet for himself he said although he had been ill rewarded by them for his pains taken in the publick service and received more unkindnesse at their hands then he had deserved he would freely remit all at the Kings desire After some days spent in such reckonings they were brought in end to joyn hands During these contentions in the State Mr. Andrew Melvil held the Church
censures and excommunications This dissension betwixt the King and the Church brought with it many evils for upon the notice of it divers Jesuits and Priests did resort into the countrey and at home such as were Popishly affected began openly to avow their profession In S. Andrews Mr. Nicholl Burn professor of Philosophy in S. Leonards Colledge made open Apostasie from the truth as Mr. Archihald and Iohn Hamiltons Regents in the new Colledge had not long before done In Dumfreis Mr. Ninean Daliel Schoolmaster did read to his Scholars the Romane Catechisme and in Paisley a number of Papists assembling together did in derision sing a Soule Masse for the Ministers as if they and their religion had been utterly gone These things being complained of and not much hearkened to the Ministers in their Sermons fell to regrate the countenance given to Papists in the Court and the dangers wherein both the King and countrey were brought by the secret practises of the French The King to stay these declaimings which he knew to be made against the Earl of Lennox called the Ministers to Edinburgh and shewed them what travel he had taken to convert his Cousen and how he had obtained his consent for taking a Minister in his house which would be to good purpose and serve both to debarre Jesuits from accesse to the Nobleman and win him by conference to a greater liking of the truth desiring therefore that one of their number might be appointed for some short space to attend him Mr. David Lindesay then Minister at Leth being held the fittest as well for his skill in the French tongue as for his moderation otherwise was with the Kings approbation nominated to this service by whose labours the Nobleman was brought in a short space to joyn himself to the Church and openly in S. Giles to renounce the errours wherein he had been educated Yet did not this remove the jealousies of the people which were increased by the intercepting of certain dispensations sent from Rome whereby the Catholicks were permitted to promise swear subscribe and do what else should be required of them so as in mind they continued firm and did use their diligence to advance in secret the Romane Faith These dispensations being shewed to the King he caused his Minister Mr. Iohn Craig form a short confession of faith wherein all the corruptions of Rome as well in doctrine as outward rites were particularly abjured and a clause inserted because of these dispensations by which the subscribers did call God to witnesse that in their minds and hearts they did fully agree to the said Confession and did not fain or dissemble in any sort This confession the King for an Example to others did publickly swear and subscribe the like was done by the whole Councel Court and observers appointed to take notice of those that did not resort to Sermon or behaved themselves in any sort scandalously So careful was the King to have the Church satisfied and the rumours of the Courts defection from Religion repressed After this all things continued quiet for a while till by a bruit suddainly raised none knew by whom the Earl of Morton was taxed for keeping secret intelligence with the Queen of England and a purpose he had to put the King in her hands Morton complaineth of this in Councel and desireth a trial But the King not willing to make businesse for a tale whereof the Authour would hardly be found put it off saying that he knew it to be a lie and a malicious invention of enemies and thereupon sent forth a Proclamation against lies carriers of tales tending to breed discord betwixt him and his Nobility Yet as if some such thing had been feared a motion was made some days after in Councel for guarding the Kings person and electing of an high Chamberlain which office none had borne for many years in this Kingdome who should have twenty four to attend him all of them the sonnes of Barons or Noblemen and be ever at hand to accompany the King whither soever he went The motion was applauded of all and after some ten days deliberation the Earl of Lennox preferred to the place Alexander Areskin Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh was chosen to be his Deputy and a roll made of the Gentlemen that should give attendance These were the Masters of Marshall Rothes Cassils Lindesay Levingston Elphingston Hereis and Ogilvy the Lairds of Cowdinknowes Bargainy Bomby Kilsyth Minto Strathurd and Moncreeffe Mr. Mark Ker of Preston Grange George Douglas of Rumgawy Captain Iames Stewart son to the Lord Ochiltrie Alexander Ruthven the Commendator of Inchaffrey the Prior of Coldingham Alexander Home of North-Berwick and Iames Chisholme As extraordinaries the Lord Maxwel the Lairds of Cesford Alexander Home of Manderston and William Stewart of Caverston were added to the number All these took the oath of fidelity to the King and obedience to his Chamberlain in the things they should be directed for his Majesties service The Earl of Morton albeit he was much displeased with these courses did carry a fair countenance and concealing his discontents waited still on the King and was assisting in Councel and publick meetings Once he minded to have withdrawn himself from Court and to have lived privately but was detained by a dissension that fell out in the time betwixt the Lord Ruthven and Master of Oliphant who had married a daughter of Lochlevin whom whilest he laboured to protect he drew upon himself the hatred of the Lord Ruthven and thereby was laid more open to the malice of his enemies Sir Robert Bowes being sent at the same time Ambassadour from England to charge the Earl of Lennox with some practises against the peace of the two Realms the blame aswell of his employments as his suddain departing was laid upon him for the Ambassadours Commission and instructions being questioned and he desired to exhibit the same before the Councel he refused to shew them but to the King himself which not being admitted he went away complaining that the Queen had deserved better then thus to have her Ambassage misregarded His suddain departure amazed the Court not a little before wherefore to excuse the King and try what the accusations were wherewith Lennox should have been charged Alexander Home of North-Berwick was sent in Commission to England but the Queen denying him accesse he was remitted to the Lord Thesaurer who courteously told him That the Queen had refused him presence not for any dislike she had of himself whom she knew to be sound in Religion and one that loved his King and his Countrey but because the King had not used her well calling in question the credit of her Ambassadour and requiring him to shew his instructions which was strange he keeping himself within the bounds of his Commission But your King saith he is young and misled by new Counsellours whose fault the Queen
King hereupon took purpose to confine some of the principals in several countreys and to commit others who were reckoned most turbulent The Earl of Angus was confined beyond Spey Iohn Levingston of Dunypace and Patrick Drummond of Carnock in the countrey of Galloway Lochlevin and Buchan in Innerness the Master of Glammis Abbot of Dunfermlin and Lord of Cleish were charged to enter themselves in the Castle of Dumbritton William Commendator of Paisley in Blackness and Mr. Iohn Colvil commanded to keep Ward in Edinburgh The whole Angus only excepted disobeying the charge were denounced rebels and Proclamations made commanding all the subjects to be in readinesse for resisting the practises of seditious subjects An oath also was taken of all the Kings domesticks that they should not keep intelligence with any of the rebels or others known to be in his Majesties mal-grace and at this time was Mr. Iohn Metellan who came afterwards to be Chancellour admitted Counsellour of Estate The Queen of England being advertised of this alteration in Court sent Sir Francis Walsingham her principal Secretary to the King to challenge him for breach of promise in readmitting the Earl of Arran and casting off the Noblemen who had maintained his authority and hazarded their lives and estates in defence of his Crown The King answered that he was a free Prince and in ruling his affaires might follow the course which he thought to be most convenient that the Queen would not take it well if he or any other should direct her in matters that concerned her subjects and for the promise alledged he said it was made in time of his restraint to the performance whereof he was not tied As to these subjects of whom the Queen seemed so careful he said that he had freely offered to pardon them upon the acknowledgement of their offence and promise of amendment which he would faithfully observe expecting of the Queen his sister that neighbourhood which became Princes living in amity and friendship and that she would not countenance his subjects in their rebellion The Ambassadour replying Sir the Queen my Mistris will never meddle with your affaires but to work your good and quietnesse Yet she taketh it unkindly that the promises made unto her are so lightly regarded One Holt an English Jesuit who is thought to have an hand in Throgmortons treason that was of late detected being in your prison at the request of the French Ambassadour was permitted to escape whereas the Queen my Soveraign looked daily to have been delivered in England as was promised Nay said the King it was not promised that he should be delivered but as the Queen answered my Ambassadours when I desired Mr. Archibald Douglas to be rendered who is known to be guilty of my Fathers murther I said that the man was charged with certain suspicious practises in my Kingdom which I believed first to try and if the Queen had been pleased to have delivered my subject to me whom I had more then reason to remand I would have made no delay in the rendering of Holt. But for his dimission or my connivence at his escape there is no such thing and if you know or can learn that any indirect means have been used for letting him go the trial and punishment of the doers shall clear my part This said the Ambassadour who was a most worthy and discreet Gentleman declaring that he was satisfied fell to speak of the preservation of peace betwixt the two Kingdomes and of a new league to be made with the Queen whereof the King did shew a good liking and in these termes they left for that time In October next the Church Assembly convened at Edinburgh where great regrates were made and presented in certain Articles to the King First they complained that the benefit of pacification was extended to Mr. David Chalmers a professed enemy to Religion and suspected of the murther of his Majesties Father Next that Papists were grown too familiar in Court and namely the Laird of Fintry who had made defection from the true Religion in which he was educated 3. That Holt a wicked Papist sent to the countrey to traffique against Religion and the State was suffered to escape and no trial taken of the workers thereof 4. That his Majesty seemed to favour too much the enemies of the truth both in France and at home 5. That he had received in his service men of dissolute life and who had never given any testimony of their good meaning either to Religion or the state of the countrey and put others from his service that were known to be zealous of Gods cause and faithful to his Majesties self from his very tender age 6. That since his acceptation of the government the Church had received many fair promises without any performance and that to the contrary the liberties and priviledges thereof were daily infringed 7. That the thirds were set in taks or leases in defraud of the Church 8. That Abbacies were disponed against the Acts of Parliament and no care taken for provision of the Ministers that served at the Churches annexed 9. That spiritual livings were conferred to children and erected in temporal Lordships 10. That there were no punishment for incest adultery witchcraft and the like abominations 11. That there was an universal murmur that no man could be assured of his lands and life the laws of the countrey being wholly perverted 12. That his Majesty did interpone his authority to stay the execution of the Churches Acts in matters properly Ecclesiastical Lastly they regrated the division of the Nobility one part seeking the ruine and overthrow of another for which they did intreat his Majesty to call unto himself the most wise and indifferent amongst them and by their advice to take some moderate course for uniting the hearts of all good subjects to the maintenance of Gods truth the preservation of his Highnesse person and estate and the comfort of all that were grieved at the present division The King desiring to give the Church satisfaction made answer the next day to all these particulars And first concerning Mr. David Chalmers he said that he was only forfeited for the common action for being at Landside field field for which pardon had been given to many so as it should not be thought strange to give him the like benefit especially at their request who had moved him therein and that he no ways intended to grant oversight to him or any others that should be found culpable of his fathers murther or yet professed themselves adversaries to the Religion Touching Fintry he said that he had not impeded the proceedings of the Church against him or any other Popishly affected nor had he been countenanced at Court if the Minister of Edinburgh had not testified that he was willing to conform That for Holts escape he had satisfied the English Ambassadour and that it was no uncouth thing to see
committing of the fact he had satisfied his dislike thereof The King acknowledging the same to be of truth made his protestation to be admitted Then began all the faction to fall asunder every man suing his pardon which was granted upon condition they should depart forth of the Realm and not return without his Majesties licence The Earl of Marre the Master of Glammis with the Abbots of Driburgh and Cambuskenneth went into Ireland the Lord Boid Lochlevin and Easter Weymis unto France others of the meaner sort were confined within certain bounds The Earl of Gowry notwithstanding he was reconciled to Arran fearing to be troubled obtained licence to go into France but whilest he delayes to go and putteth off his journey from day to day he falleth into new practises which brought him unto his end The rest of the winter was quiet but now and then the Court was kept in exercises by the Sermons of some Preachers who were therefore called in question Iohn Dury Minister at Edinburgh had in one of his Sermons justified publickly the fact of Ruthven for which being cited before the Councel he stood to the defence of that he had spoken yet after advice taken with Mr. Iames Lawson his Colleague he was moved to submit himself to the King who continued the declaration of his pleasure till he had proof of his better behaviour The businesse with Mr. Andrew Melvil was greater for he being cited to answer for certain speeches uttered by him in a Sermon preached at S. Andrewes declined the judgement of the King and Councel affirming That what was spoken in Pulpit ought first to be tried and judged by the Presbytery and that neither the King nor Councel might in primâ instantiâ meddle therewith though the speeches were treasonable When by no perswasion he could be induced to submit himself and that the King and Councel finding themselves Judges did proceed to examine the witnesses he burst forth in undutiful speeches against the King saying he perverted the lawes both of God and man which unreverent words proceeding from a Divine in whom moderation and humility should chiefly have appeared did greatly offend the Councel Thereupon was he charged to enter his person in Blackness within the space of ten hours but in stead of obeying he turned his back and fled that night to Berwick Then did all the Pulpits sound and every day were the Ministers exclaiming that the light of the countrey for learning and he that was only most fit to resist the adversaries of religion was exiled and compelled for safety of his life to quit the Kingdom Pity it is to think how the King was then used for though he cleared himself by Proclamations shewing that the mans flight was voluntary and that he meant not to have used him with any rigour yet nothing was believed and every where people began to stirr Hereupon charges were directed commanding those who had obtained leave to depart out of the Realm to use the benefit of their licences and inhibiting all intelligence by letters or otherwise with those that are already gone This wrought not much only made those that travelled to and fro with advertisements the more wary and circumspect The Earl of Gowry to liberate himself of suspicion came to Dundy and conducing a ship gave out that he would forthwith depart yet still he lingred attending the return of the Earl of Marre and the Master of Glammis from Ireland at which time he and others of that faction were to joyn and take Arms for reformation of abuses the securing of Religion and preservation of the King his person and estate for that was made the pretext The King having notice given him of these practises sent Colonel Stewart Captain of the guard to apprehend the Earl of Gowry who was suspected because of his lingring The Colonel coming upon him unexpected as he lay in the house of William Drummond Burgesse of Dundy he made to defend the lodging and stood to it some space but the Town concurring with the Captain he was forced to yield and the next day conveyed to Edinburgh and committed to the custody of Arran A night or two after the Earls of Angus and Marre with some of their friends and followers surprised the Town and Castle of Striveling intending there to fortify themselves But the suddain expedition which the King made compelled them to fly into England and leave the Castle victualled for some days and in it a few Gentlemen whom they promised to relieve Such a readinesse the King found in his subjects at this time as upon a short warning a greater Army and better appointed was in no mans memory known to have been assembled The Town of Edinburgh shewed a great forwardnesse for both they advanced moneys to levy souldiers and put divers of their own inhabitants in Armes to attend the King It was the 19th of April when knowledge was given first of the taking of Striveling and before 24. all the Army was in readinesse to march The same day advertisement came of the Rebels flight whereupon the Wardens and Keepers of the Marches were directed to pursue them The King himself with the Army marching towards Striveling Alexander Master of Levingston was sent to inclose the Castle which yielded upon the hearing of his Majesties approach and was delivered in keeping to the Earl of Arran The Earl of Gowry after he had been kept some days in Kinneil was brought to Striveling Before his transporting from Edinburgh the Earl of Montrosse the Lord Down and Mr. Robert Melvil were directed to examine him and hopes given that he should find favour if he would discover the conspiracy and what the Rebels had intended to do he upon promise that what he declared should not be made an endictment against himself disclosed all the plot setting down the same with his own hand as followeth Perceiving his Majesties favour altered towards me by misreport of my unfriends and my life and my living aimed at I was of necessity forced to seek my relief by concurring with others of the Nobility who laboured to secure themselves and their estates And hearing that there was some trafficking betwixt the Noblemen in Ireland and others at home I used all means though I was suspected by them to know what their courses and hopes were after some diligence I made that way I met with Mr. Iames Areskin who travelled to and fro betwixt them And he at first obscured himself from me and would not be plain till I promised my assistance Then he shewed me that he had been with the Earl of Angus whom he found cold and in some hope to make addresse for himself and so lesse careful of their relief who were absent Yet he believed if the Nobleman saw any good concurrence of others he would give his assistance but refused to deal in these matters till they should return and things be determined
crime This was done by the procurement of the Prior of Blantire who had intruded himself in the Parsonage of Glasgow whereof Mr. Archibald had been titular and otherwise then by his restoring could have no right in law to retain it Many were grieved to see Justice in that sort abused for maintaining a facrilegious possession but to have sent him back to England with a Commission to reside there as Ambassador for the King which likewise was done was an errour inexcusable and how he and the Master of Gray who was chiefe man in that led Assise carried themselves in the Queen of Scotlands businesse wherewith they were trusted we will hear in the end of this year In the Isles this Summer there arose great trouble betwixt Mackoneil and Macklain two principal men in those parts Macklain by his education in the continent had learned civility and good manners and living accordingly was in great respect both with his own people and all his neighbours about Mackoneil out of an emulation made many quarrels to the other and in end laid a plot to murther him though he had married his sister which he went about in this manner He sent a message to Macklain offering to visit him at his house and to stay some days providing he would come back and make merry with him in his countrey that the world might see all injuries were forgotten and that they loved one another as brethren and good neighbours ought to do Macklain answered that he should be welcome but for his going back with him they should talk at meeting Mackoneil receiving this answer came the next day and was received very kindly by Macklain Some four or five days he stayed using the fairest shewes of amity that could be wished and being to part homewards intreated Macklain to go with him saying that he would leave his eldest son and a brother-germane pledges for his safety Macklain upon his importunity yielded to go but refused the pledges left he should seem to distrust him and so went taking with him of the trustiest of his kindred and servants some 45. They arrived in Kyntire early in the morning and all that day were welcomed with liberal feasting according to that peoples custome At night when they were gone to rest Mackoneil beset the house wherein Macklain and his people lay with a number of men and called him to come forth and drink he answered that of drink they had too much and that it was then time to rest Yet it is my will said Mackoneil that ye arise and come forth Macklain hearing this began to suspect some bad dealing and dressing himself and his men did open the dore where perceiving a company in Armes and Mackoneil with his sword drawn he asked what the matter was and if he meant to break his faith No faith said he I gave none and must now have an account of you and your friends for the wrong I have received Macklain had taken that night his nephew a little child to bed with him and being put to his defence kept the childe upon his left shoulder in manner of a targe The childe cried for mercy to his Uncle wherewith Mackoneil moved did promise to spare his life providing he would render his weapons and become his prisoner Macklain seeing no better was content and thereupon was conveighed with some keepers to another house All the rest two excepted upon the like promise rendred themselves The two whom he refused to spare defended the dore so desperately as neither he nor his men durst enter whereupon fire was put to the house and they burnt within the same The others that rendered notwithstanding the promise given them were all beheaded in Macklains sight some of them the next morning and the rest the days following Macklain himself had gone the same way but that it happened Mackoneil by a fall from his horse to break his leg by which accident his execution was prolonged In the mean time upon notice given to the King of that barbarous fact an Herauld was sent with a charge to deliver Macklain to the Earl of Argile but this availed not but still he was detained and compelled to yeild vnto most unreasonable conditions before he got his liberty which was no sooner obtained then Macklain to revenge himself fell upon Mackoneils bounds burning and killing man wife and childe without mercy and so took a cruel revenge of the others treachery A little before this trouble in the Isles Hugh Montgomry Earl of Eglington a young Nobleman of good expectation was likewise treacherously killed by certain Cunninghams who envying the Noblemans worth otherwise they could pretend no just quarrel did conspire his death The chief Actors David Cunningham of Robert-land Alexander Cunningham of Aiket and Iohn Cunningham of Corsell who were set on work by the Earl of Glencarne upon promise that he should maintain them which afterwards he disclaimed This unhappy fact did cost much blood and was afterwards honourably revenged by Robert Master of Eglington the Noblemans brother In the moneth of Iune was the league with England concluded which the year preceding had been carefully laboured and by Commissioners sent from both Princes in a meeting at Berwick accorded in this form 1. That both their Majesties finding by the course of the present proceedings in forain parts that divers Princes terming themselves Catholicks and acknowledging the Popes authority were joyned in confederacy for extirpating true Religion not only within their own States and Dominions but also in other Kingdomes left they should seem to be lesse solicitous for the defence thereof then were their enemies who thought to overthrow the same have thought it necessary as well for the preservation of their own persons on whose safety doth the Well of their subjects depend as for the better maintenance of the true ancient Christian Religion which they now professe to joyn and unite themselves in a more strict league then hath been between any Princes their Progenitors 2. That they should labour and procure by their best endevours to draw the Princes professing the same Religion to joyn and concurre with them in the like defence thereof 3. That this league should be offensive and defensive against all that should attempt to disturb the exercise true Religion within their Kingdomes notwithstanding of any former leagues of friendship or amity contracted with the said attemptors 4. That if any Prince or State whatsoever should invade the Realms and Dominions of either of their Majesties or attempt any injury against their persons or subjects upon notice thereof given or received neither of them should yeild aid counsel advice or support directly or indirectly to the said inuader notwithstanding any consanguinity affinity league or treaty made or to be made That in case of invasion they should aid and assist each other in manner and form following That is to say if the Realm of England should be invaded by any forain
peace and quietnesse observed then was before or since that time known to have been kept And notwithstanding our expectation is nothing lesse of the good behaviour of our subjects in this our absence we have taken order for the better government of the publick affairs that our privy Councell should reside at Edinburgh and ordained the Duke of Lennox our Nephew to be President thereof and to be assisted by our Cousen Francis Earl of Bothwel whom we appoint to attend him with the other officers of State namely the Thesaurer Comptroller Master of requests Privy Seal the Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh Advocate and Clerk of Register who shall ever be present five of them at least with our said Nephew We have likewise given order that some Noblemen in their courses shall attend at Edinburgh the space of 15. dayes the Earls of Angus and Athol with the Lords Fleming and Innermeth to begin and the next course to be kept by the Earls of Marre and Morton with the Lords Seaton and Yester The Barons of Lothian Fife Sriveling-shire and Strathern we appoint to attend as they shall be warned and directed by the Councel For the South parts we have made the Lord Hamilton our Lieutenant that is within the three Wardenries and Sheriffdom of Lanrick and to be assisted when need is by the Lords Boyd Hereis Maxwell Home Cesford and other chief Barons within the Marches his residence to be at Dumfreis or Jedburgh and his charges to be furnished out of the readiest of the Taxation by Mr. John Colvill Collector thereof And that peace and quietnesse may be the better observed we discharge all Conventions for any cause whatsoever unto our return Finally we require the Ministers and Preachers of the Word to exhort the people to peace and obedience and commend us and our journey in their prayers to the protection of Almighty God As this is our desire so we expect that all our good subjects will follow the same especially they who have tried our favour of late and that they will persist in the loyalty promised by them certifying those that do in the contrary that they shall incurre our high displeasure and be punished with all rigour as on the other part we shall remember the peaceable and obedient thankfully when occasion presents By another Missive presented at the same time to the Councel the Earl Bothwel was declared second to the Duke of Lennox Sir Robert Melvil Vicechancellor Alexander Hay Secretary for the Scottish language and Mr. Iames Elphinston for the Latin and French The King having thus provided for the publick affairs took with him in company Sir Iohn Maitland Chancellor Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice Clerk Mr. Robert Douglas Provost of Linclowden the Gentlemen of his Chamber and other ordinary officers of the house He took also with him Mr. David Lindesay Minister at Leth leaving Mr. Patrick Galloway his ordinary Preacher to attend the Councel and having a prosperous wind arrived safely in a Sound or Haven of Norway not farre from Upslo where the Queen remained the fourth or fifth day after his embarking The Sunday following he solemnized the Marriage in his own person Mr. David Lindesay performing the ceremony in the French language After which consultation being taken for his return unto Scotland because it was held dangerous to go to Sea in that season and that the Counsellors of Denmark did oppose the journey advising him rather to visit the Queens mother and her son Christiern elected King of Denmark he was easily induced to follow their advice and send back the Scottish ships with Mr. Iames Sir Krymgeour and Mr. Iohn Skein Whilest the King lay at Upslo the Earl Marshall in Councel made report of his proceedings in the Ambassage and how according to the contract past and interchangeably sealed and signed the Marriage was compleated and a form of Attestation taken touching the Isles of Orkney bearing that the King and Regents of Denmark should supersede all claim of right to the said Isles unto the Kings perfect age reserving to each Kingdome their own Right which by that treaty should not be prejudged as the Copy thereof subscrived by the four Governours presently exhibited did shew together with the attestation he produced the form of an oath given by him and his associats for his Majesties performing of all things promised on his part concerning the Marriage and was in all and every one of these found to have done good service and have carried himself honourably according to his Commission Soon after this came certain Ambassadors from Denmark to invite the King thither who parting from Upslo with his Queen the 22. of December came to Bahouse a Castle standing in the Borders of Norway and Sweden the first of Ianuary There he remained seven dayes attending a safe conduct from the King of Sweden which Captain William Murray was employed to bring from Stockholme where that King kept his residence The conduct brought he removed from Bahouse the eighth of Ianuary and was met by a Captain of Sweden upon the River then frozen with 400. horsemen and by the space of two Dutch miles conveyed unto the land of Denmark The next day he went to the Castle of wertbury where he remained five days and from thence journeying by Falkenburgh the Town of Holmestade and Castle of Cowholm he came to Elsingburgh where he was stayed some three days from crossing the Ferry by tempest of weather and on the 21. of Ianuary was received at Crownenburgh Castle by the Queen-Mother the young King the Duke of Holstat his brother and the four Regents of the Realm with all magnificence possible There he remained to the end of February royally entertained and because he was to stay upon the marriage of his Queens eldest sister with the Duke of Brunswick which was appointed in April next he directed home William Shaw Master of Worke to advertise the Councel of the reason of his stay and to cause some ships and expert Pilots be sent with all diligence for his more safe convoy The Councel upon this advertisement employed Collonel William Stewart with six well furnished ships together and with him Mr. Patrick Galloway the Kings Minister was sent to further his Majesties return They arriving at Elsingore about the middlest of April in the very time that Brunswicks marriage was solemnizing did signify to the King the longing that the subjects had for his return and the peace that had been observed since his going from Scotland For all that while which considering the feuds of the countrey was strange two riots only did happen one committed by Archibald Wachop of Nudry a wicked and insolent man another by the Clangregore in Bachudder It rejoyced the King to hear that the subjects had been so quiet as he did likewise accompt it a great happinesse that in his own company there had no quarrels fallen out either amongst themselves or with the strangers whereas
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