doings and a more particular discovery expected by him of the form and manner of that murther Yet at this execution he did only confess that Bothwel had communicated the purpose to him and shewed him the subscriptions of the Earls of Argile Huntley Secretary Leithington and Mr. Iames Balfour testifying their consents to that wicked fact Nottheless the Regent to the offence of many did suffer the said Balfour to enjoy the benefit of the pacification and passed an Act thereof in open Councel Whether the subscriptions of Argile and Huntley were counterfeit or not it was uncertain but of the other two it was easily believed as being men universally hated Argile died in September following in whose place the Lord Glamis was created Chancellour In the same moneth Adam Heriot Minister at Aberdene departed this life a man worthy to be remembred He was sometime a Frier of the Order of S. Austin and lived in the Abbey of S. Andrews an eloquent Preacher and well seen in Scholastick Divinity Queen Regent coming on a time to the City and hearing him preach was taken with such an opinion of his learning and integrity that in a reasoning with some Noblemen upon the Article of reall presence she made offer to stand to Heriots determination Warning of this being given and he required to deliver his mind upon that subject in a Sermon which the Queen intended to hear he did so prevaricate as all that were present did offend and depart unsatisfied Being sharply rebuked for this by some that loved him he fell in a great trouble of mind and found no rest till he did openly renounce Popery and joyn himself with those of the Congregation Afterwards when Order was taken for the distribution of Ministers amongst the Burgs he was nominated for the City of Aberdene in which there lived divers addicted to the Romane profession as one that was learned in Scholastick Divinity and for his moderation apt to reclaim men from their errors Neither did he fail the hope conceived of him for by his diligence in teaching Schools and Church he did gain all that people to the profession of the truth 14. years he laboured among them and in end was forced by sicknesse to quit his charge He died of the Apoplexy the 28. of August in the 60. year of his age greatly beloved of the Citizens for his humane and courteous conversation and of the poorer sort much lamented to whom he was in his life very beneficial The next summer there fell out an accident which was like to have caused great trouble and divided the two Kingdoms Sir Iohn Forrester Warden of the English side and Sir Iohn Carmichael of the Scottish meeting in the Borders at a place called the Red Swyre for redressing some wrongs that had been committed it fell out that a Bill so they used to speak was filed upon an English for which Carmichael according to the law of the Borders required him to be delivered till satisfaction was made Sir Iohn Forrester either wearied with the multitude of businesse or desiring to shift the matter answered that enough was done that day and at the next meeting the complainer should have satisfaction Carmichael urging a present performance they fell foul in words which made the companies that attended draw their weapons A great tumult there was and at first the Scots being inferiour in number to the English gave back But as they were fleeing they met with a company of Iedburgh men who were come to attend the Warden This giving them new courage they turned upon the English and made them flee The chase held the space of two miles Sir George Heron Warden of Tindale and Rhedesdale with 24. English was killed the Warden himself Francis Russel son to the Earl of Bedford Cuthbert Collinwood Iames Ogle Henry Fenwick and many others of good note were taken prisoners When the Regent heard it he was sore displeased knowing the Queen of England would be much offended whereupon he sent for the prisoners and using them with all courtesy excused what was done and permitted them to return home And the Queen indeed at the first report was much incensed and thereupon sent Mr. Killigrew to the Regent to require the delivery of Carmichael which divers of the Councel withstood Yet such was the Regents care to please the Queen as he caused him enter into England where he was a while detained But the provocation being tried to have been made by the English the Queen dimitted him honourably and not without rewards At his return the Regent meeting the Earl of Huntington the English Commissioner at Foulden some two miles from Berwick all things were peaceably composed This year the Duke of Chattellerault ended his life A Nobleman well inclined open plain and without all dissimulation and fraud but too easily led by them he trusted which bred him much trouble yet by the goodnes of God who doth always favour the innocent and honest minded he went through all and died honourably and in peace Not long after his son Lord Iohn Hamilton riding to Aberbrothock accompanied only with his ordinary train for he held himself secured by the pacification was pursued by William Douglas of Lochlevin who did lye with a number in his way of intention to kill him As he was refreshing himself at Couper he was advertised of the danger and presently resolved to single himself from his company and flee to the Castle of Lewchars deeming as also it fell out that they would follow the greater company which he directed to keep together and take the South of the River of Edin Neither had they passed far when they were invaded by a troop of horsemen and forced to yield themselves The Nobleman beholding this from the other side of the River and knowing how soon they found themselves deceived that they would make haste to overtake him changed his first resolution and fled to the house of Darsey where he was received Lochlevin belayed the house and kept him inclosed all that night and the day following But being charged by an Herauld of Armes to dissolve his forces and hearing that the Noblemans friends were gathering for his release he departed home Being called before the Councel for his insolencie and charged with the breach of the pacification he alledged the exception of the first Regents murther but that being found no warrant and he refusing to give assurance for keeping peace was committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained till surety was given In the Church this year began the innovations to break forth that to this day have kept it in a continual unquietness Mr. Andrew Melvil who was lately come from Geneva a man learned chiefly in the tongues but hot and eager upon any thing he went about labouring with a burning desire to bring into this Church the Presbyterial discipline of Geneva and having insinuated himself into the favour of divers Preachers
the intended tragedy to be performed when as that which was so secretly hatched came to be discovered after a wonderfull manner The Lord Monteagle son heir to the Lord Morley being in his lodging at seven of the clock at night had a Letter given him by one of his footmen who received the same upon the street from a person unknown with a charge to put it in his Masters hand The tenor whereof was as followeth My Lord OUt of the love I bear to some of your friends I have a care of your preservation therefore would I advise you as you tender your life to devise some excuse to shift off your attendance at this Parliament for God and man have concurred to punish the wickedness of this time Think not slightly of this advertisement but retire your self into your Countrey where you may expect the event in safety for though there be no appearance of any stirre yet I say they shall receive a terrible blow in this Parliament and shall not see who hurteth them This counsell is not to be contemned because it may doe you good and can doe you no harm for the danger is passed as soon as you have burnt the Letter and I hope God will give you the grace to make good use of it in whose holy protection I commit you It was some ten daies only before the Parliament that Monteagle received this Letter and but twelve hours before the meeting of the Estates that the Plot was found out Where it is a sort of wonder to think that so many being made privie to the conspiracy the same should not have burst out one way or other in so long a time For it was the eleventh of December 1604 when they began to work at the myne and so the space of a year and more the conspiracy went concealed Some advertisements were sent to the King and diverse of his Majesties Councell from beyond sea That the Papists were preparing to present a Petition for toleration of Religion at the meeting of the Parliament which should be so well backed as the King would be loath to refuse it But these advertisements were contemned and thought to be invented for putting the King in fear Yea and the Nobleman when he received the Letter not knowing what construction to make of it doubted much that it had been a device to scare him from attending the Parliament notthelesse out of his care of the Kings preservation he resolved to communicate the same with the Earl of Salisbury his Majesties principall Secretary and going the same night to Whitehall delivered the Letter to him The Secretary acquainting the Chamberlain Admirall and some others of the Councell therewith and examining every line thereof resolved to shew the same to the King at his return for he was then at hunting at Royston and not to search further in the matter till they should hear what was his judgment The King returning to London the Thursday after which was Alhallowes evening the Letter was shewed him the next day in the afternoon who having read the same once or twice said That it was not to be contemned and that the style seemed more quick and pithy then is used in libells pasquills and the like The Secretary perceiving the King to apprehend the matter more deeply then he expected told him that the letter seemed to be written by a fool or mad man and pointing at the passage the danger is past as soon as you have burnt the letter said that the warning was to little purpose if the burning of the letter might make the danger eschewed But the King willing him to consider the former sentence wherein it was said that they should receive a terrible blow at the Parliament and not see who did hurt them and when he should joyn that with the other he should finde it to be suddain danger as by blowing up by Powder that was thereby meant Therefore willed all the rooms in the Parliament house to be searched both above and below to prevent the danger if any there was This belonging to the Chamberlain his office he was desired to make the search and for staying the idle rumours to delay his going to Monday in the afternoon the day before the first Session of Parliament At which time the Chamberlain taking with him the Lord Mounteagle who was carefull to see what the warning given would prove went and viewed all the rooms where he perceived in the vault under the upper house great store of fagots billets and coals and asking the keeper of the guardrobe named Whinyard to what use he had put those low Cellars for they appertained to him he answered that Thomas Percy had hired the house and Cellar and the billets and the coals were the Gentlemans provision for winter The Chamberlain casting his eye aside and espying a fellow in the corner of the vault asked who he was and received answer that he was Percies man who kept the house for his Master Thus having lookt upon all things in a careless manner as it appeared he returned to the King and made report of that he had seen which encreased his Majesties first apprehension and thereupon was order given for turning up those billets and coals even to the bottome if nothing should be found it was devised that Whinyard should pretend the stealing of some of the Kings stuffe which he had in his keeping and that made the colour of search Sir Thomas Knevet Gentleman of his Majesties privie Chamber and Justice of Peace within Westminster being appointed for this business went thither with some few in company about midnight and finding a man standing without doors in his cloathes and boots caused him to be apprehended This was Guido Faulks whose hand should have fired the train and gave himself out for Percies man Thereafter entring into the house he made the coals and billets to be turned up under which they found 36 barrells of Powder more and less Then turning to the fellow they had apprehended and questioning him touching the Powder he did instantly confess swearing That if he had been within the house when they took him he should have blown them up with the house and all Sir Thomas taking the man a long went immediately to the place and shewed the Chamberlain and Secretary how he had sped they making themselves ready and warning the Counsellors that lay within the Palace went all together to his Majesties Bed chamber The King awake the Chamberlain not able to conceal his joy cried aloud that the Treason was discovered and the traitor in hands The command was given to command the Councell to examine the Prisoner touching his partakers he nothing dejected nor moved a whit with so honorable a presence did boldly avow the fact repenting onely that he had failed in the execution and saying The devill envying the success of so good a work had discovered the same All that day nothing could be drawn from him
Majesties use as being convicted of the foresaid treasonable crimes His life upon the Queens intercession was spared and he returned to his prison in Falkland where he abode some moneths being thereafter licensed to go unto his house in Balmerinoch he dyed as was thought of grief and sorrow A man of abilities sufficient for the places he injoyed in Session and Councell but one that made small conscience of his doings and measured all things according to the gain he made by them The possessions he acquired of the Church kept him still an enemy unto it for he feared a restitution should be made of those livings if ever the Clergy did attain unto credit Not long before he fell in his trouble the King had imployed him to deal with the Lords of Session among whom he carried a great sway for restoring the Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction to the Bishops but he taking ways that he thought should not have been perceived to disappoint the errand drew upon himself the Kings displeasure and fared nothing the better because of his miscarriage in that business when this occasion was offered It is not for those that serve Princes and are trusted by them in the greatest affairs to deal deceitfully with their Masters for seldome have any taken that course and have not in the end found the smart thereof A Parliament was this year kept at Edinburgh the 24 of Iune the Earl Marshall being Commissioner for the King wherein the Acts concluded in the preceding convention were ratified the jurisdiction of Commissaries restored to the Church the Justices of peace commanded to be setled in every shire and a Statute made for the Apparell of Iudges Magistrates and Churchmen which were all remitted to his Majesties appointment Patterns accordingly were sent from London not long after for the apparell of the Lords of Sessions the Justice other inferiour Judges for Advocates Lawyers Commissars and all that lived by practise of law and command given to every one whom the Statutes concerned to provide themselves of the habits prescribed within a certain space under the pain of Rebellion Such was the Kings care to have those who were in publick charge held in due respect and dignosced whither soever they came The King by his Letters was now daily urging the Bishops to take upon them the administration of all Church affairs and they unwilling to make any change without the knowledge and approbation of the Ministers an assembly to this effect was appointed to hold at Glasgow the 6 of Iune The Earl of Dunbar Sir Iohn Preston President of the Session and Sir Alexander Hay Secretary which two had succeeded to Balmerinoch his places being Commissioners for the King the Archbishop of Glasgow was elected to preside There a Proposition was made by the Commissioners of certain point of Discipline which his Majesty craved to be determined That all things might be done thereafter orderly in the Church and with that consent and harmony which was fitting among preachers Some three daies being spent in reasoning at last the conclusions following were enacted 1 The Assembly did acknowledge the indiction of all such generall Assemblies of the Church to belong to his Majesty by the prerogative of his Crown and all convocations in that kind without his licence to be meerly unlawfull condemning the conventicle of Aberdene made in the year 1605 as having no warrant from his Majesty and contrary to the prohibition he had given 2 That Synods should be kept in every Dioces twice in the year viz. in Aprill and October and be moderated by the Archbishop or Bishop of the Dioces or where the Dioceses are so large as all the Ministers cannot conveniently assemble at one place that there be one or moe had and in the Bishops absence the place of Moderation supplied by the most worthy Minister having charge in the bounds such as the Archbishop or Bishop shall appoint 3 That no sentence of excommunication or absolution from the same be pronounced against or in favour of any person without the knowledge and approbation of the Bishop of the Dioces who must be answerable unto God and his Majesty for the formall and unpartiall proceeding thereof And the process being found formall that the sentence be pronounced at the Bishops direction by the Minister of the Parish where the offender hath his dwelling and the process did first begin 4 That all presentations in time coming be directed to the Archbishop or Bishop of the Dioces within which the Benefice that is void lieth with power to the Archbishop or Bishop to dispone or conferre the Benefices that are void within the Dioces after the lapse Iure devoluto 5 That in the deposition of Ministers upon any occasion the Bishop do associate to himself some of the Ministers within the bounds where the delinquent serveth and after just triall of the fact and merit of it pronounce the sentence of deprivation The like order to be observed in the suspension of Ministers from the exercise of their function 6 That every Minister at his admission swear obedience to his Majesty and to his Ordinary according to the form agreed upon Anno 1571. 7 The visitations of the Dioces be made by the Bishop himself and if the bounds be greater then he can well undertake by such a worthy man of the Minsterie within the Diocese as he shall choose to visit in his place And whatsoever Minister without just cause or lawfull excuse shall absent himself from the visitation or Diocesan assembly be suspended from his Office and Benefice and if he doe not amend deprived 8 That the convention of Ministers for exercise be moderated by the Bishop being present and in his absence by any Minister that he shall nominate in his Synod 9 And last it was ordained that no Minister should speak against any of the foresaid conclusions in publick nor dispute the question of equality or inequality of Ministery as tending only to the intertainment of Schisme in the Church and violation of the peace thereof These conclusions taken it was complained in behalf of the Moderators of Presbyteries who had served since the yeare 1606. That notwithstanding of their promise made at their accepting of the Charge they had received no payment at all of the stipend allowed Which the Earl of Dunbarre excused by his absence forth of the Countrey affirming That unto that time there was never any motion made thereof to him and that before the dissolving of that Assembly he should cause satisfaction to be given to them for the time past declaring withall That seeing order was taken for the moderation of Presbyteries in time coming his Majesties Thesaurer should not be any further burthened with that paiment The Ministers therein remiting themselves to his Majesties good pleasure gave his Lordship thanks for that he had offered which he did also see performed som five thousand pounds Scots being distributed by the Thesaurers servants among those that
for partly by his own ensample partly by the strict observance of discipline he induced them all to live as became men of their profession And as he was to the Clergy a pattern of vertue so was he a great supporter of the King and Kingdome by his wise and prudent counsel For in that insurrection of the Earls of Douglas and Crawford against King Iames the second when the King had determined to leave the countrey and flye into France he found the meanes to disunite the rebels and break their forces restoring the King to his estate and the kingdome to peace And in the beginning of King Iames the third his reign when matters were very troubled he did so carry all things by his prudence as whilest he lived the publick estate received no harm Of what and how great worth he was it appeared soon after his death all things turning to confusion both in the Church and State A monument of his piety and magnificent minde towards the advancement of letters is the Colledge he erected in S. Andrewes now called Saint Salvators Colledge which he built from the ground provided with large revenues and furnished with most costly ornaments Thus having lived a great benefactor to the publick and in much glory he died at S. Andrews in the year 1466. 22. years he sate Bishop in this See and was interred after his death in a sepulcher prepared by himself within the Chappel of the same Colledge 34 Patrick Grahame his Nephew Buchannan calleth him his brother saying that they were born of one and the same mother being Bishop of Brichen for the time a man of singular vertues was chosen to succeed The Boyds who then ruled the Court envying his preferment because of the variance betwixt the Kennedies and them withstood his journey to Rome where he was to get his confirmation but he not staying upon the Kings licence which he saw without their favour could not be obtained took his way thither and at his coming was well accepted of Pope Paul the second Whilest he abode there for he stayed a long time fearing to return so long as the Boyds were in credit the old controversie of the Archbishop of york his superiority over the Church of Scotland was renued by George Nevill Archbishop of that See for the time The matter drawn in dispute before Pope Sixtus the fourth for Paul the second was then dead sentence was given for the Church of Scotland whereby it was declared a thing unfitting that an English Prelate should be Primate of Scotland by reason of the warres that might break forth betwixt the two kingdomes And to the effect a Primate should not be lacking from thenceforth in Scotland the See of S. Andrews by the Bull of Sixtus was erected in an Archbishoprick and the rest of the Bishops of Scotland twelve in number ordained all to be subject unto that See Further the Pope for the Bishops more graceing did appoint him his Legate for the space of three years with commission to reform all abuses in the Church and to correct the dissolutenesse of the Clergy How soon the Bishop was advertised of the alteration of Court and that the King was begun to govern of himself he made haste to return sending before him the Bulls of Primacy and Legation to be published thinking the same should have purchased to him a great respect But he found himself deceived for upon the publication made at Edinburgh in September 1472. the Bishops out of spite and emulation because of the Primacie the inferiour Clergy fearing his rigour in executing the Legation and the Courtiers who made sale of all the Church-livings apprehending that the same would be reformed combined all against him and went to the King informing that he had accepted a Legation from the Pope without his licence which was prohibited by the Lawes of the kingdome and might prove hurtful to the king and that in contempt of his Majesty he had gone to Rome without once asking him licence The King possessed with these informations did inhibit the Bishop how soon he landed to exerce any part of his Legation till the King should try the complaints preferred against him assigning the first of November for his compeirance At the day he exhibited his Bulls and shewed the power he had to reform abuses in the Ecclesiastical state intreating the King not to impede him in the execution of his charge but his adversaries having corrupted some of the Kings Officers and given as it was said the summe of eleven thousand Marks in hand his petition was not regarded his accusers to colour their proceedings the better made an appeal to the Pope offering to qualify before him the invalidity of the Bulls which he had purchased So he was dimitted with expresse charge not to use the title and dignity of an Archbishop nor to attempt any thing but that which the Bishops his predecessors had been accustomed to do by vertue of their places untill the decision of the controversie A while after a fresh and bitter enemy was raised against himâ— William Shevez a young man of a quick and active spirit having studied some years at Lovaine under Iohn Spernick who was famous in those dayes for his knowledge in the studies of physick and astrology did insinuate himself in the favour of the Court which then was madly given to all sorts of divination and the Archdeaconry of S. Andrews falling void in the midle time procured the Kings recommendation to the Bishop for the same The Bishop toek exception at his studies and in end gave him an absolute denial as being insufficient for the charge and otherwise not trained up in the knowledge of Divinity Shevez taking to heart this disgrace for so he did accompt it combined with one Locky Rector at that time in the University and a professed enemy to the Bishop these two conspired against him and Locky who pretended he was the Bishops equal in jurisdiction forging a quarel denounced him excommunicate but the Bishop contemning the sentence of his inferiour carried himself both at home and abroad as he was wont whereupon his enemies as the custome is when Church censures are despised did implore the Kings assistance Who being made to their effect discharged the Bishop from coming into any sacred place declared his goods confiscat and sequestring all his servants did appoint to him other attendants The rest of the Bishops to witnesse their gratitude did present the King with a summe of money which they had collected with grudge enough amongst the inferiour Priests not the lesse shortly after by the intercession of friends and the advancing of moneys to the rulers of the Court the Bishop was taken in favour who then thinking all his troubles to be overpast withdrew himself to his house of Monymaill where he was scarce well setled when the bankers of Rome stirred up by his
external commodities and ornaments and such a one as would bring with him a perpetual peace together with the oblivion of ancient grudges and hatreds For should they take a stranger to be their King differing from themselves in language manners and lawes great evils and discommodities could not but arise as they might know by that which had fallen out in the like case to other nations by whose ensample he wished they should be made wise As for the part of England he said if they did find the minds of the Scots not estranged from peace they would remit somewhat of their right and be contented that the young Queen should be kept amongst themselves untill she were fit for marriage and might chuse a husband to her self by advice of the Nobility during which time all hostility should cease betwixt the two Kingdomes it being provided that the Queen should not be sent to any forain countrey nor contracted in marriage with the French King nor any other Prince which if the Scots would faithfully promise he would presently retire with his Army and recompense all injuries done since his coming into Scotland at the sight and estimation of honest men This letter the Governour communicated to his brother and to a few others on whose counsel he depended such as George Dury Abbot of Dunfermlin Mr. Archebald Beaton and Mr. Hugh Rig a Lawyer who gave him advice to suppresse the letter for they feared if the offers were published the greater part of the Nobility would embrace the same and in stead thereof they made a rumour to be dispersed through the Army that the English were come to take away the Queen by force and bring the Kingdome into subjection The Nobles and whole Army believing this to be the effect of the letter became mightily incensed Nor did any kithe so foolish as the Priests and Clergy men who dreaming of nothing but victory cried out that the English hereticks had no spirits and durst not come to a battaile But they found themselves deceived for upon Saterday the tenth of September 1547. the Armies joyning the Scots were put to the worse and many thousands slain few in the fight which lasted not long but exceeding many in the chase The English pursuing the victory came forwards to Leith where they remained eight dayes dividing the spoile and prisoners and in that time surprised the Isles of Inchkeith and Inchcolme in the river of Forth with Broughtie Castle in the mouth of Tay which places they strongly fortified In their return homewards they took the Castle of Home with the house of Fascastle and placed Garisons in the Townes of Haddington Lawder and Roxborough The Governour the Bishop his brother and such of the Nobles as escaped in the flight went to Striveling and there taking counsel what should be done with the young Queen concluded to send her to the Castle of Dumbarton under the custody of the Lords Areskin and Levingston and to advertise the King of France how matters went intreating of him a supply both of men and money Hereupon the next summer arrived at Leith three thousand Germanes under the charge of Count Rhingrave with as many French commanded by Monsieur de Andelot Monsieur de Mallery and Monsieur d' Ossel Monsieur d' Esse being General of the whole This supply did so hearten the Governour as gathering together an Army he beleaguered the Town of Haddington which the English had at that time made very strong The Nobility being there convened entered of new into a consultation touching the young Queen and the course that should be taken with her The French Generall desired she should be sent into France and espoused to the Daulphin which the Queen her Mother longed to have done The Noblemen were not of one minde for such as favoured the reformation were of opinion that the conditions offered by England which were then come to light should be embraced because that would bring with it ten years of peace at least in which time if either King Edward of England or the young Queen should depart this life all things would return to their first estate and if no such things happened yet the Kingdome being at rest and freed of the present troubles would grow to some better ease within it self and they might more maturely advise what course was fittest to be taken Delay they said in matters of such consequence was safest and that precipitation might bring with it a suddain but untimely repentance The rest stood all for the French most of them being corrupted with gold and others with large promises The Governour himself had an annuity promised of twelve thousand francks and a company of men at Armes to the Earle of Arran his sonne All these pretending the safety of the young Queen did reason that there was no other way to be rid of the English warres but that one For as long as the English have any hope said they to speed they will still be troubling but when they shall see the Queen gone and that there is no remedy they will cease from their pursuit The greatest number inclining that way it was concluded that the young Queen should be conveyed to France Shortly after the French Navy that lay at Leith giving out that they were to return home compassing the North Isles received her at Dunbrition and after much tossing at sea did safely land her in France The warres with England in the mean time went on and continued full two years till by the treaty of Bulloign in the yare 1550. a peace was made the Lord Chastilion being Commissioner for the French the Earl of Bedford for the English and David Panter Bishop of Ross for the Scots At that time were Normond Lesley Mr. Henry Balnaves Iohn Knox and others who had been kept partly in prison and partly in the Gallies since the taking of S. Andrews Castle put to liberty Mr. Iames Balfour had freed himself long before by abjuring his profession and was become Official to the Bishop of S. Andrews Iames Melvil died in the Tower of Brest in Britain William Kircaldie Peter Carmichal with Robert and William Leslies who were imprisoned in Mont S. Michael found means to escape before the Treaty and went into England Norman after he was freed returned into Scotland but fearing the Governour he went into Denmark where not finding that kind reception he expected he betook himself to England and had an honourable pension allowed him which was thankfully answered during the life of King Edward the sixt Queen Mary succeeding he found not the like favour and thereupon went to France where he had a company of men of Armes given him with which he served the French King in his warres against the Emperour Charles the fifth and in pursuing the enemy whom he had in chase was wounded with the shot of a Pistoll whereof he died the day after at Montreul He was
Neither did â—he after this time ever see a good day but was of all sorts of people despised and misregarded The Earle of Argile and Lord Iames thinking their honours touched by the breach of the peace which they had mediated did forsake her and went to the Congregation whereupon they were charged to appear before the Councell but they answered That seeing the Queen had broken Conditions which by warrant from her selfe they had made with the Lords of the Congregation they would have no more medling in such dishonest courses and do the best to repair things The Noble men remained at that time in Saint Andrewes and because they foresaw this their answer would not be well accepted and feared some sudden attempt for the Queen with her French men lay then at Falkland they sent to the Lords of Dun and Pittarrow and others that favoured Religion in the Countries of Angus and Mernis and requested them to meet at Saint Andrewes the 4. day of Iune Mean while they themselves went to the town of Craile whither all that had warning came shewing great forwardness and resolutions and were not a little incouraged by Iohn Knox who in a Sermon made unto them at the same time put them in minde of that he foretold at Perth how there was no sincerity in Queen Regents dealing and that conditions would not be kept as they had found Therefore did he exhort them not to be any longer deluded with fair promises seeing there was no peace to be hoped for at their hands who took no regard of Contracts and Covenants solemnly sworn And because there would be no quietness till one of the parties were masters and strangers expulsed out of the Kingdome he wished them to prepare themselves either to die as men or to live victorious By this exhortation the hearers were so moved as they fell immediately to the pulling down of Altars and Images and destroyed all the Monuments which were abused to idolatry in the town The like they did the next day in Austruther and from thence came directly to Saint Andrewes The Bishop hearing what they had done in the Coast-towns and suspecting they would attempt the same reformation in the City came to it well accompanied of purpose to withstand them but after he had tried the affections of the townsmen and found them all inclining to the Congregation he went away early the next morning towards Falkland to the Queen That day being Sunday Iohn Knox preached in the Parish Church taking for his theame the History of the Gospel touching our Saviours purging of the Temple and applying the corruption which was at that time in Ierusalem to the present estate in the Church and declaring what was the duty of those to whom God had given authority and power he did so incite the Auditors as the Sermon being ended they went all and made spoil of the Churches rasing the Monasteries of the Black and Gray Friers to the ground The report of this carried to Queen Regent she was sore incensed and presently gave order for the marching of the French companies towards Saint Andrewes directing Proclamations to all the parts about for meeting her in armes the next morning at Couper The Lords taking purpose to prevent her coming went the same night thither accompanied with 100. horse onely and as many foot but such was the readiness of men in that quarrell as before 10. of the clock on the next day their number grew to 3000. The Earle of Rothes and Lord Ruthven brought with them many Gentlemen from Lothian the Lairds of Calder Ormston Halton Restarig and Coalston brought only a few for the warning they got was late yet their presence did greatly incourage the rest The towns of Dundy Saint Andrewes and Couper shewed great resolution and courage In the morning early the Noble men had drawn forth their Companies to the Moore on the West side of the town and committed the direction of all things to Mr. Iames Halleburton Provost of Dundy a man of good experience and much esteemed both for valour and counsell who made choice of a plot of ground most convenient for defence for it lay so as the Munition might play on all sides upon the enemy without receiving any annoyance from them till it should come to handy blows A little river ran also between the Armies which the enemies behoved pass before they gave the onset The Lord Ruthven with the horsemen was placed in the vantguard the other Lords with the Gentlemen of Angus Mernis Fise and Lothian made the battell The townesmen of Dundy Saint Andrewes and Couper were set in the rear and a certain space from them were the serving men and followers of the Camp appointed to stand which made shew of an auxiliary force provided against all accidents In Queen Regents Army the French were commanded by Monsieur de Offell and the Scots by the Duke of Chatterault the morning was dark and the fields covered with a foggy mist which hindered the Armies that they could not see one another About noontide when the aire began to clear the French sent some of their company to view the numbers and order kept by the Congregation who beholding them from a farre as they stood ranged in three battells and perceiving behind them the multitude of serving people which they took to be a supply of French men affirmed at their return the numbers to be greater then in truth they were Upon this a Post was directed to the Queen who was not as yet come from Falkland to enform her how matters went and to shew that the Lords were much stronger then was supposed and very forward to fight as likewise that they perceived a secret muting in their own Army some openly professing that they would not fight against their friends and Countreymen for the pleasure of strangers She hearing this was content they should treat for peace so the Lord Lindsey and Waâ—ghton were imployed by the Duke to confer with the Lords who at first were not suffered to approach nigh to the Army and had answer that they knew the Queen had sent those forces to pursue them and if they would invade they should finde them prepared to defend But they professing all their desires to be for peace and that they were sent to that effect were afterwards permitted to goe to the Lords who told them that they had been so often abused with the Queen Regents promises as they could not trust her words any more but if she would send back the French men that troubled the Countrey and give surely that no violence should be used to those that professe the true Religion they should not be found unreasonable It was ansvvered that for dimitting the French men she could say nothing till the French King was advertised and for the security craved she could give no other but her own word nor stood it with her honour to doe
same then ought the Minister to crave the assistance of the Churches prayers in behalf of the penitent and prayer ended exhort them to receive him again in their favours in token whereof the Elders and one or two of the Congregation shall take him by the hand and embrace him in the name of the whole Church This done the Minister shall exhort him who is received to walk circumspectly in time coming lest Satan catch him again in his snares advertising him how that enemy will not cease to try all means possible for bringing him from the obedience that he hath given to God and his Ordinance And after the exhortation shall give again publick thanks to God for the conversion of that their brother and pray for increase and continuance of his grace to him and the whole congregation Unto this discipline the whole estates of the Realm as well the Rulers as they that are ruled and the Preachers themselves as well as the poorest within the Church must be subject the Ministers especially because they as the eye and mouth of the Church should be most irreprehensible The eighth head concerning Elders and Deacons MEn of best knowledge of purest life and most honest conversation that can be found in every Church must be nominated for these offices and their names publickly read unto the congregation that from amongst those some may be chosen to serve as Elders and Deacons If any be nominated who is noted with publick infamy he must be repelled for it is not seemly that the servant of corruption should have authority to judge in the Church of God or if any man know others that are of better qualities within the Church then those who are nominated the same shall be joyned to the others that the Church may have the choice If the Churches be few in number so as Elders and Deacons cannot conveniently be had the same Church may be joyned to the next adjacent for the plurality of Churches without Ministers and order doth rather hurt then edifie The election of Elders and Deacons ought to be made every year once which we judge most convenient to be done the first of August yearly lest men by long continuance in those Offices presume upon the liberty of the Church And yet it hurteth not if a man be retained in office more years then one so as he be appointed yearly thereto by common and free election Providing alwayes that the Deacons and Thesaurers of the Church be not compelled to receive again the same Office for the space of â— years How the suffrages shall be given and received every severall Church may take the order that seemeth best to them The Elders being elected must be admonished of their Office which is to assist the Minister in all publick affairs of the Church to wit in judging and discerning of causes in giving admonition to licentious livers and having an eye upon the manners and conversation of all men within their charge for by the gravity of the Elders the loose and dissolute manners of other men ought to be restrained and corrected The Elders ought also to take heed to the life manners diligence and study of their Ministers And if he be worthy of admonition they must admonish him if of correction they must correct him and if he be worthy of deposition they with the consent of the Church and Superintendent may depose him The Office of Deacons is to receive the rents and gather the Almes of the Church to keep and distribute the same as they shall be appointed by the Ministery and the Church yet they may also assist in judgement the Minister and Elders and be admitted to reade in publick Assemblies if they be called required and found able thereto The Elders and Deacons with their wives and families must be subject to the same censure that Ministers are subject unto for they are Judges to the manners of others and therefore they must be sober humble entertainers of concord and peace amongst neighbours and finally an ensample of godlyness to the rest of the flock whereof if the contrary appear they must be admonished by the Minister or some of their brethren if the fault be secret but if it be open and known they must be openly rebuked and the same order kept with them that is prescribed against Ministers offending We think it not necessary that any publick stipend be appointed either to the Elders or Deacons because their travell continueth but for a year as also because they are not so occupied with the affairs of the Church but that they may have leisure to attend their private business Of the Censure and Deposition of Ministers If a Minister be of a loose conversation negligent in his study and one that waiteth not on his charge and flock or one that proponeth not fruitful doctrine to his people he ought to be admonished by the Elders and if he amend not the Elder may complain to the Ministery till his repentance appear but if any Minister be deprehended of any notable crime as whoredome adultery murther man-slaughter perjurie heresie or any such as deserveth death or any inferre the note of infamy he ought to be deposed for ever By heresie we understand pernicious doctrine plainly taught and obstinately defended against the foundation and principall grounds of Christian faith Such a crime we judge to deserve perpetuall deposition from the Ministery knowing it to be a thing most dangerous to commit a flock unto a man infected with heresie Some faults deserve deposition for a time as if a Minister be deprehended drunken if he be a brawler or fighter an open slanderer a defamer of his neighbours factious and a sower of discord till he declare himselfe penitent and give some assurance of better conversation upon which the congregation shall attend the space of twenty dayes or longer as they shall think expedient before they proceed to a new election Every inferiour Church should notifie by one of their Elders and one of their Deacons to the Superintendent the life manners study and diligence of their Ministers that the discretion of some may correct the levitie of others Neither must the life and manners only of their Ministers come under censure but also of their wives children and family It must likewise be adverted that the Minister neither live riotously nor avaritiously and a respect had how he spendeth his stipend for if a reasonable stipend be appointed him he must live accordingly because avaritiousness and solicitude of money is no less to be damned in Christs servants especially those who are fed at the charge of the Church then is excess and superfluity We judge it unseemly for Ministers to live in common Alehouses or Taverns neither must a Minister be permitted to frequent the Court unless it be for a time when he is either imployed by the Church or called by the Authority to give his counsell and judgement in any matter Neither yet must he be one
Armes not against the Queen but against the murtherer of the King whom if she would deliver to be punished or then put him from her company she should find nothing more desired of them and all other subjects then to continue in their dutiful obedience towards her otherwise no peace could be made Neither are we come said he to ask pardon for any offence that we have done but rather to give pardon to those that have offended The Ambassadour perceiving this to be their resolution and judging it reasonable which they required but not like to be obtained took his leave and departed to Edinburgh During the Treaty of the French Ambassadour the Queens Army keeping within the trenches that the English of old had made Bothwel advanced himself upon a strong and lusty horse appealing any one of the adverse party to single combat Iames Murray brother to Tulibardie he that before had offered himself to fight but suppressed his name as we shewed made answer that he would accept the challenge Bothwel refusing to hazard with him as not being his equal in honour and estate Willam Murray his eldest brother made offer to take his place saying that in wealth he was not inferiour to Bothwel and for antiquity of his house and honesty of reputation he esteemed himself more then his equal yet he likewise was refused as being a Knight only and of a lower degree Divers Noblemen did thereupon offer themselves the Lord Lindesay especially shewed a great forwardnesse desiring he might be permitted to try himself with Bothwel which he would take as a singular honour and esteem it as a recompence of all his service done to the State Here when as Bothwel could not honestly shift the combat the Queen interposing her authority did prohibit him to fight Thereafter taking a view of the Army on horseback and incouraging them to battel she found Bothwels friends and followers very desirous to fight but in the rest there appeared no such willingness some saying that the battel would prove dangerous to the Queen because howsoever Gentlemen were ready to hazard themselves the Commons who were the greatest number seemed not to be so disposed nor well affected to the cause Others more plainly declaring their minds said that it were much better that Bothwel should defend his own quarrel by combat then to expose the Queen and so many Gentlemen to peril And there were some that counselled to delay the battel to the next day for that the Hamiltons were said to be coming who would greatly increase her forces All these things the Queen heard impatiently and bursting forth in many tears said they were but cowards and traitors After which perceiving divers of the Army to steal away she advised Bothwel to look to his own safety for she could render her self to the Noblemen Then sending for VVilliam Kircaldy of Grange she talked with him a good space and when she thought Bothwel was past all danger went with him to the Lords unto whom she spake on this manner My Lords I am come unto you not out of any fear I had of my life or yet doubting of the victory if matters had gone to the worst but I abhorre the shedding of Christian blood especially of those that are my own subjects and will therefore yield unto you and be ruled hereafter by your counsels trusting you will respect me as your born Princesse and Queen They receiving her with the wonted reverence answered dutifully at first but when she could not be permitted to go unto the Hamilions whom she had a desire to see although she gave her promise to return and so found her liberty restrained she waxed angry and fell a complaining of their ingratitude They replyed nothing but taking their way towards Edinburgh led her along with them and kept her that night in Craigmillar his lodging who was then Provost of the Town It was night before they came thither albeit the day was then at the full length because of the stayes she made by the way either looking for some relief by the Hamiltons as many supposed or not liking to be gazed on by the multitude and seen in the estate of a prisoner The next day towards the evening she was by the direction of the Noblemen sent to be kept in the house of Lochlevin and conveighed thither by the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay because Balfour had not as yet transacted with the Lords upon the delivery of the Castle of Edinburgh though even then he betrayed the trust which Bothwel had in him For how soon it was known that the Queen was made prisoner Bothwel having sent one of his servants to the Castle to bring a little silver Cabinet which the Queen had given him and wherein he reserved all the letters she had written unto him at any time Balfour delivered the Cabinet to Bothwels servant but withall advertised the Lords what he carried and made him to be apprehended These Letters were afterwards divulged in Print and adjected to a libel intituled The detections of the doings of Queen Mary penned with great bitternesse by Mr. George Buchannan Some two days after the Queen was committed the Earl of Glencarne taking with him his domesticks only went to the Chappel of Halyrudhouse and demolished the Altar breaking the pictures and defacing all the ornaments within the same The Preachers did commend it as a work of great piety and zeal but the other Noblemen were not a little displeased for that he had done it without direction and before they had resolved how to deal with the Queen neither did matters frame with them according to their expectation divers of the Nobility of whose assistance they held themselves assured lying back and giving no concurrence And those that favoured the Queen of which number were the Earls of Argile Huntley and many others who were at the same time at Hamilton professing open enmity and condemning the action ás a crime of the highest treason that could be committed The common people also who a little before seemed most incensed pitying the Queens estate did heavily lament the calamity wherein she was fallen In this uncertainty of things they resolved to write unto the Lords convened at Hamilton and intreat their concurrence for reordering of the estate and establishing of matters by a common consent But neither would they admit the messenger nor receive their letters so highly did they offend with their proceedings and so confident they were to repair things by their own power The Noblemen hereupon made a motion to the Assembly of the Church which was then convened at Edinburgh to deal with those of the other faction and perswade them to a general meeting for matters of the Church wherein they hoped some good might be done and all occasions of civil discord removed The Assembly liking well the motion condescended to prorogue their meeting unto the 20. of Iuly next and in the mean season
Edinburgh using all means to draw the Town to be of their party which they thought would be easily obtained by reason of Grange his Commandment and if they should once compasse this they put no doubt to draw the rest of the countrey their way in a short time But first they resolved to advertise the Town of their coming and to intreat their favour The Magistrates answered That their gates should be patent to all that professed themselves subjects to the King but they would neither receive the English Rebels meaning the Earl of Westmerland and Lord Dacres who were in company with the Lords nor the Hamiltons and others suspected of the Regents murther nor yet to permit any Proclamations to be made derogatory to the Kings authority These conditions seemed to them hard yet hoping by conversation to winne the people to their side they came forward The next day after their coming to the Town they gave out a Proclamation Declaring their good affection towards the maintenance of true Religion their Soveraign the liberty of the countrey and the setling of the present divisions which must as they said unlesse timous remedy were provided bring the Realm to utter destruction They desired therefore all men to know that they had esteemed the enterprise taken by some Noblemen against the Earl of Bothwel for revenging the murther of the King and setting of the Queen at liberty both good and honourable whereunto they would have given their assistance if the same had been duly required And for the things that had intervened which they did forbear to mention lest they should irritate the minds of any their desire was the same might be in a familiar and friendly conference calmly debated and a peaceable course taken for removing the differences Mean while because they understood that some unquiet spirits gave out that their present convening was for the subversion of the religion presently professed as they could not but give notice to all the subjects that they who were now assembled were for the most part the first and chiefest instruments in advancing Religion and had still continued in professing the same with a resolution to spend their lands and lives in maintenance thereof So they desired to have it know that their meeting at that time did only proceed from a desire they had to see a perfect union and agreement established in the Realm for which they were ready to meet with those of the Nobility that differed from them in judgement and condescend after the ground of the differences was ript up upon such overtures as should be found agreeable to the setting forth of God his honour the strengthening of the Royal succession the preservation of the young Prince the entertaining of peace with forain Nations and the setling of accord amongst the Noblemen and other subjects This they declared to be their sole intention and rather then the same should not take the wished effect they were content to yield unto any conditions that should be thought reasonable under protestation that if this their godly and honest purpose for the reunion of the State was neglected and despised the inconvenients that ensued might be imputed to the refusers and the Noblemen presently convened be discharged thereof before God and man This was the substance of the Proclamation in the end whereof the lieges were charged to concurre with them in forthsetting that godly purpose and a prohibition made under great pains to joyn with any others that should attempt under the cloak of whatsoever authority to hinder the same But neither did this declaration nor the great travel taken by the Earl of Athol at the same time prevail with the other Noblemen to bring them to this meeting for still they excused themselves by the Convention appointed in May which they said there was no necessity to prevent or if any extraordinary occasion did require it the same being signified to the Earl of Morton who lay at Dalkeith upon his advertisement they should be ready to meet So finding their hopes this way disappointed by advice of the Secretary whose directions only they followed they took purpose to deal with the Earl of Morton apart To this effect the Earl of Athol the Prior of Coldinghame brother to the Secretary and the Lord Boyd were selected to confer with the Earl of Morton and Abbot of Dunfermlin but they could come to no agreement For the Earl of Morton of whom they had conceived some hope would not hearken to any conditions except they did acknowledge the King for their Soveraign Hereupon they â—ell to other counsels and first to have the Town of Edinburgh at their direction they craved the keys of the gates to be delivered which being refused they resolved to contribute moneys for hiring of souldiers and to draw so many of their friends and followers thither as with help of the Castle might command the Town But as they were about these devices advertisement was brought of an Army come to Berwick under the command of the Earl of Sussex which troubled all these projects To remain in Edinburgh they held it not safe yet lest it should be thought that they left the Town for fear the Magistrates were privately desired to intreat them to depart lest the English should fall upon the Town and make a spoil of it So making a shew to please the Town by whom they had been very courteously used they went to Linlithgow and abode there the rest of that moneth Before their parting they gave a warrant to the Laird of Grange for fortifying the Castle and dimitting the Lords Home and Hereis who had been committed by the late Regent The Duke of Chattellerault was some days before put to liberty The Lord Home had a part of the moneys which were contributed for levying of souldiers given him to defend his bounds against the English but when the Lairds of Bacleugh and Farnherst desired the like they were refused and went away in a great discontent About the end of April the Army of England entring into Teviotdale burnt the Towns of Lynwick and Crawling with the Castles of Farnherst and Brauxholm and divers houses belonging to the Kers and Scots And in their return to Berwick besieged the Castle of Home which was rendred by the Keepers to Sir William Drury at the Lord Home his direction for he reposed much in his friendship The Lord Scroop at the same time invading the West borders made a great spoil upon the Iohnstons and others who had accompanied Bacleugh in his incursion The Lords that kept together at Linlithgow having advertisement of these proceedings of the English and suspecting they had some other intentions then the spoiling of the borders sent a Gentleman to the Earl of Sussex to request a truce till they might inform the Queen of England of the estate of things and receive her Majesties answer The Earl opening the letters that were directed to the Queen
all the late treaties as however she favoured the Kings party most the other party did never despair of her good will The two Ambassadours having tried the minds of both parties they found them more tractable then they expected and after some travel taken amongst them obtained a cessation of Arms and for the space of two moneths continuing from the first of August to the first of October upon the conditions following 1. That the Regent and all other subjects of the Realm partakers with them in the present troubles should faithfully promise during the said space to abstain from all hostility 2. That before expiring of the said Abstinence the Nobility and Estates should convene and advise upon the best means to establish a final peace and if any difficulty should arise in the said treaty which amongst themselves could not be composed that the same should be remitted to the determination of the most Christian King and Queen of England 3. That the town of Edinburgh should be set at liberty and made patent to all the subjects and no place thereof be withholden or fortified with Garrisons the Castle only excepted which before these troubles arose was accustomed to be kept and guarded with souldiers 4. That all the subjects of whatsoever quality and condition they were should freely converse together without trouble or molestation to be offered them by word or deed excepting such as should be found guilty of the murther of the King his Father and Regents The thieves and broken men of the Borders and Highlands with the disturbers of the publick peace betwixt the Realms of Scotland and England none of which should be comprised in the present Abstinence but remitted to the trial and censure of the Common law and wheresoever they might be apprehended presented 5. And last because there were divers persons who in the time of these troubles had possessed themselves in other mens lands and the tenth whereof in that season were to be collected To the effect no impediment should be made to the peace intended it was agreed that the corns and fruits growing upon the said lands should be gathered and put in Granges or stalked upon the fields and not applied to any private use before the expiring of the Abstinence These Articles were published the first day of August both at Edinburgh and Leth and the same day the Duke with the Earl of Huntley and their followers departed from Edinburgh leaving the town free and patent as was agreed This beginning of peace joyed not a little the good subjects for which publick thanks were given in all the churches and solemn prayers made for the continuance and perfection thereof At this time or much about the same the Earl of Northumberland who had been kept a long time at Lochlevin was delivered by the Earl of Morton to the Lord Hunsden Governour of Berwick and shortly after beheaded at York Hereat many did offend esteeming the fact dishonourable and a discredit to the whole nation others did excuse it by the necessity of the time and the inconvenience that the publick affairs might receive if the Queen of England should be in any sort displeased But so much the worse it was taken that as the rumour went Morton received for his delivery in England a great summe of money and so the Nobleman thought rather to be sold then delivered The next day after the publication of the Abstinence the Regent and Nobility adhering to the King did enter into Edinburgh where the Ambassadours after thanks given them for their pains they had taken were courteously dimitted It was the 27 of September some three days only before the expiring of the Abstinence that the Noblemen â—id meet as was appointed to consult upon the means of a perfect peace Whereupon it was first agreed that the Abstinence should be prorogued unto Ianuary next after that falling to treat of the businesse it self they agreed in many points and even then had made a final accord if the Laird of Grange had not marred the same with his petitions These were as followeth 1. He craved a discharge to himself and all that were in the Castle of all things which they or any of them had committed since the beginning of the troubles and that all Acts Decrees and Sentences pronounced against them either in Parliament secret Councel or before the Justice general and his Deputies might be declared null and of no effect 2. That they should be repossessed in their rooms heritages and possessions without any challenge to be made thereafter of the same by whatsoever person or persons 3. That the heirs of the Lord Fleming the Lord of Wormeston and others who were slain in the Queens cause might enter to their heritage and rooms as though they had never been forfeited 4. That the Castle of Edinburgh should be consigned in the hands of the Earl of Rothes with the whole furnishing munition and rent belonging there to the Captain making an account of the Jewels and other goods which he received with the house As also restoring all the goods of the people of Edinburgh that were put in his custody which he was content to do he being freely discharged of all and secured by Act of Parliament 5. That the Castle of Blacknes should be put in the keeping of some one of their side and the rents appertaining thereto assigned for the entertainment of a Garrison within the same 6. In respect of the great debt he had contracted in these warres he craved the summ of twenty thousand merks to be given him for satisfying his creditors 7. That the Earl of Morton should resign the superiority of the lands of Grange and other lands annexed thereto to be holden of the Crown in all time coming And lastly that the Lords within the Castle might be licenced to go into the Kingdom of France or any other countrey they pleased forth of Scotland and that the Earl of Rothes should be surety for the accomplishment the whole premises These Articles being presented to the Regent and Councel were for the first three judged reasonable but to commit any places of strength to others then those who had constantly adhered to the King they esteemed it not safe and to give him any recompence that was known to be the author of the last troubles they said it would be a matter of ill ensample For the licence craved to those of the Castle to goe out of the countrey they held the petition very suspicious and could not think there was a sound meaning in them that had moved the same yet was it not thought meet to answer him by a simple denial at that time but rather to keep him in hope and appoint a new diet for pursuing the treaty begun Thus by consent the Abstinence was prorogued and the last of Octob. assigned for a new meeting at Perth The delay grieved the Regent exceedingly and as it was supposed partly for this and partly for
for any crime committed in the said common cause since the time aforesaid had been dispossessed of their lands heritages Benefices Pensions heritable offices and other profits whatsoever whether the same had proceeded upon sentences of forfeiture or barratry or any other way should be effectually restored and be rehabiliated to their blouds and honours to the end they might enjoy the same as freely as if the said troubles had never happened 10. That all actions crimes and transgressions committed by them and their sollowers since the 15th of Iune 1567. incest witchcraft and theft excepted should be freely remitted so as the same did not extend to the murther of the first and second Regents which are matters of such importance as the Regent now in place would not meddle with And yet in respect of the present pacification if the same be moved to the Queen of England by the Commitrees thereof whatsoever she should advise to be done therein should be confirmed in Parliament and the remission under the hand of the Clerk of the Rolles be as sufficient as if the same were passed the great Seal And if any of them should crave a pardon for other crimes committed before the said 15th day the same upon notice given of the persons and crimes should be granted the murtherer of the Kings father fire raising theft and the resset of theft with incest and witchcraft being excepted 11. That all civill decrees given since the said 15. of Iune wherewith the said persons or any of them do find themselves grieved should be reviewed by the ordinary Judges that pronounced the same and the parties upon their supplications be heard to propone any lawful defence which they might have used in the time of the deduction of the proces providing the supplications be presented and their petitions exhibited within six moneths after the date of these Articles 12. That all persons comprehended in the pacification after publication thereof should indifferently be received in all parts of the Realm as his Majesties good subjects and that nothing done or that hath occurred during the troubles should be esteemed a cause of deadly feud and enmity nor admitted as an exception either against Judge party or witnesses 13. That the heirs and successours of persons forfeited and now departed this life who are comprehended in this pacification should be restored to their lands and possessions and that it should be lawful for them to enter thereto by Breves as if their fathers and predecessors had never been forfeited and had died at the Kings peace specially the heirs of Iohn sometime Archbishop of S. Andrewes Gawan Commendator of Kilwining Andrew Hamilton of Cocknow and Captain Iames Cullen Unto these Articles some other particulars were added which were all confirmed by the oathes and subscriptions of the Commissioners and Noblemen in presence of the English Ambassadour and a time given to Grange and those of the Castle to accept or refuse the benefit of the peace But that none excepted in the former Abstinence nor any at that time forth of the Realm should think themselves comprehended therein it was declared that the benefit of the present pacification should not be extended to them This was done to exclude the Archbishop of Glasgow and Bishop of Rosse Ambassadours for the Scottish Queen the one in France and the other in England against whom the sentence of Barratry had been pronounced About this time Sir Iames Kirkaldy brother to Grange who had been directed to France for supply of those within the Castle returned bringing with him a years rent of the Scottish Queens Dowry but finding the house inclosed and that there was no safe accesse thereto he went to Blackness which then professed to hold for the Queen The Captain had betrayed the same as we shewed before to the Hamiltons and now turning his coat to make his peace with the Regent he offered to put in his hand both the man and the money The bargain made the money was given to the Regent and Kirkaldy detained as prisoner A few days after the Captain going abroad to do some businesse Kirkaldy enticed the souldiers by great promises to joyn with him and lay hands upon the Captains brother and a few Gentlemen left to attend him which they following their Captains ensample were easily induced to do Thus the house was possessed in Kirkaldies name and he of a prisoner turned to be chief commander But he did not long enjoy this place for his wife being come thither to visit him when she was the next morrow to depart desired the convoy of some souldiers for a mile or two fearing as she pretended to be robbed by Captain Lambie who lay with a company at Linlithgow not far from thence and as he to save her went forth himself to bring her on a part of the way suspecting no treachery he was in his return intercepted by Lambie and carried first to Linlithgow then to Dalkeith where he was kept some days and afterwards dimitted In this sort did fortune sport her self with that Gentleman changing his condition up and down three several times within the space of a few dayes Peace now made with the chief Noblemen of the Queens faction it was supposed that Grange and his partakers would likewise be moved to embrace it Whereupon the Ambassadour taking with him the subscribed Articles went to the Castle and shewing how things had passed used many perswasions to make them content to be comprehended therein But they would not affirming the conditions to be shameful and so far to the prejudice of their Queen as till they were allowed by her self and by the French King they should never admit them After the Ambassadour had ceased to treat with them the Earl of Rothes and Lord Boyd travelled to the same effect representing the danger and inevitable ruine they should fall into if they did not yield in time But they scorned these threats thinking the strength they were in impregnable and looking still for some succours from France and the Duke of Alva or if that should fail they made no doubt to obtain their peace at easier conditions then the Noblemen had accepted The Regent offended with their obstinacy discharged all further dealing with them and sent to the Queen of England for a supply of men and munition which was granted and Sir William Drury Marshal of Berwick commanded to joyn with him in besieging the Castle How soon the Regent understood that the direction was given to the Marshal the Lord Ruthven was sent to confer with him of the order that should be kept in the service They meeting at the Church of Lamberton in the Mers for preventing all debates that might arise did agree as followeth 1. That neither the Regent nor the General should without the advice and consent of the other transact or make any composition with the besieged 2. That if it happen the house to be taken by assault the
mightiest Potentates that reigned in long time And that this present Don Antonio may suffice for ensamples to teach all Princes if they can avoid it to beware how they fall into that state whereby they shall be inforced to seek their own by other Potentates means Princes are not so ready in these days to embrace other mens quarrels but where they are extraordinarily interressed in their own fortunes Wherefore I doubt not but it will be seen by men of judgement not transported with passion or led away with private respects that it should be every way the only best course for your Soveraign by a good and kind usage of her Majesty and by shewing that Princely moderation as well in this grievous accident of his mothers death as his whole proceeding with this Realm which the excellency of his Highness education seemeth to promise to seek to win the hearty good wills of this Realm as the chief and principal assurance he can in any sort obtain For to trust or depend either upon the French King or the King of Spain as if by their assistance he might attain to the present possession of this Crown which be indeed the only two Potentates whom he must have recourse unto if he reject the Amity of England whosoever shall so counsel your Soveraign as things presently stand shall in the judgement of men of best understanding bewray great want either of fidelity or judgement drawing his Majesty unto so untoward and desperate a course For it is no way safe for any Prince to repose his trust and strength upon their favour and assistance to whose desires and designes his greatnesse may yeild any impeachment and hinderance so were it clearly against common reason to expect other support and assistance from them then might stand with their own commodities and pretensions in respect whereof neither of the two foresaid Kings can simply and roundly joyn with your Soveraign to his good First his Religion being odious to them both and likely to prove most prejudicial to the Catholick cause he growing so great as he should be made by the union of the two Crowns the consideration whereof caused his mothers affairs to stick a long time and made now in end leave him quite out of the reckoning ordaining the King of Spain her heir if her son became not Catholick Next it is meerly repugnant to the policy of France were it but in respect of the ancient claim England maketh to that Crown to suffer the uniting of this Island under one Prince They have been content in former times when England had a footing in France to serve themselves of your Nation therewith to annoy this Realm by the means of diverting or dividing the forces thereof and so perhaps the Politicks of France can be content to wish at this day by your Soveraigns quarrel or any other such like to be eased of the burthen and miseries of the present Warre wherewith they are plagued by transporting the same into this Island But as this Realm hath good means to prevent that mischief if it were intended so were your Soveraign to look when all were done but to be made an instrument as his predecessors have been of the effusion of much Scottish blood for French quarrels and the desolation of that Realm And as things stand presently in France it is not thought that you should find the King ready to hearken to any enterprise against this Land the said King being most desirous to live in peace both with his neighbours abroad and his subjects at home but that he hath been forced full sore against his will by the practise of them of the house of Guise to countenance with his authority the Civil Warre raised in that Realm which maketh him whatsoever shew he maketh of the contrary to hate them in his heart Neither would it be held sound counsel to be given him by any that depends upon his fortune to further the advancement of a King of Scots so nearly allied to that family which he hath discovered and greatly feareth to level at his own Crown with any intention to depose him which by the greatnesse of a King of Scots they should be so much the sooner and better able to effect The King of Spains assistance being now in Warre with this Realm were more likely to be obtained but farre more dangerous to be used in respect of his insatiable ambition deep practises and power accompanied in this case with a colour of right wherein how farre he would seek to prevail any opportunity or advantage being offered it may justly be doubted by the experience that sundry States have had which upon slender grounds of title have been extorted and wrung from the true inheritours and annexed to his own Kingdom as Navarre Portugal and all he possesseth in Italy hath been It is believed that the King of Spain considering his years and unsetled estate every way would willingly incline to peace if it were offered with reasonable conditions and not over-readily at this present embark himself in any new enterprise But otherwise it is well known that as he had fancied to himself an Empire of all this part of Europe so he had an eye to this Realm ever since he was King in right of his wife The conquest was intended under colour of Religion as was discovered by some that were of his own Privy Councel at that time his pretention to be the heir of the house of Lancaster and since the late Queens death the first Catholick Prince of the blood Royal of England as also the donation of this Crown made him by the Queen of Scots in her letters with a promise to confirm it by Testiment things blazed abroad by the said Kings Ambassadour at Paris ought to breed jealousy and suspicion in your Soveraigns head and give him to think how he should be used at such an assistants hand Auxiliary forces have ever been reputed dangerous if they either in number or policy were superiour to them that called them in The assistance therefore of Spain and France being of this nature as your Soveraign hath need of neither so he shall do well to forbear them both and so shall it be most for his ease It may be some will pretend that by change of his Religion your Soveraign shall better his condition in regard of these forain Princes besides a great party within this Realm that thereby shall be drawn wholly to depend upon his fortune But the poor distressed estate of Don Anthonio being a Catholick Prince spoiled by a Catholick and receiving so little succour at Catholick Princes hands shall be a sufficient barre to all that can be alleadged in that behalf As for the Catholick party in England in his mothers life it was never so united as they drew all in one line much lesse will they be brought suddenly to relye upon him if he should alter his Religion as God defend which would be his utter discredit and
State considering their continuance in the same disposition to work mischief as before of these things they were desired to inform their flocks and both in publick doctrine and private conference to stirre up the Countrey-people to apprehend the danger and to be in readiness to resist the same so farre as lawfully they might It was further thought meet that publick humiliation should be indicted through the whole Countrey the first Sunday of December and the cause thereof declared to be the return of the excommunicated Lords and dangers thereby threatned to Religion which the Ministers should enlarge according to their discretions as also that the Presbyteries should call before them their Entertainers Reffetters and such as kept company with them and proceed summarily with the Censures of the Church una citatione quia periclitatur salus Ecclesiae Reipublicae Lastly they concluded that a number of Commissioners selected out of all the Quarters of the Countrey should reside at Edinburgh and convene every day with some of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh to receive Advertisements as should be sent from other places and take counsell upon the most expedient in every case The Brethren nominated to this purpose were Mr. Alexander Douglas M. Peter Blaickborure M. George Gladstaves and M. Iames Nicholson for the North parts Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. Thomas Buchannan Mr. Alexander Lindesey and Mr. William Striveling for the middle part of the Countrey Mr. Iohn Clapperton Mr. Iohn Knox Mr. George Ramsey and Mr. Iames Carmichaell for the South and for the West Mr. Iohn Howson Mr. Andrew Knox Iohn Porterfield and Mr. Robert Wilkie Their attendance was ordained to be monethly and to begin in November At which time Mr. Iames Nicholson Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. Andrew Knox Mr. Iohn Howson and Mr. George Ramsey were appointed to wait Mr. Robert Bruce Mr. Robert Pont Mr. David Lindesey Mr. Iames Balfour Mr. Patrick Gallaway and Mr. Walter Balcanquell observing ordinarily all the meeting These Conventions were by a new name called the Councell of the Church and appointed to be kept once every day at least for taking advice in every business that occurred by direction of this Councell Lord Alexander Seaton President of the Session was called before the Synod of Lothian for keeping intelligence with the Earl of Huntley and by them remitted back to that Councell before whom with many attestations he purged himself of any dealing with Huntley or any of the Papist Lords and upon promise not imploy his credit that way was dimitted The King suspecting their beginnings should end in some trouble but not like to fall in contrary terms with the Church if by any means the same could be eschewed commanded the President Secretary Advocate and Laird of Colluthle to conferre with the most moderate of the Ministery and use their best means for satisfying them touching the return of the forfeited Lords Mr. David Lindesey Mr. Patrick Gallaway Mr. Iames Nicholson and Mr. Iames Melvill being sent for to this Conference were desired to give their opinions Whether or not due satisfaction being made to the Church by the Lords for otherwise the King did not mean to shew them any favour they might be pardoned and restored to their estates The Ministers answered They came only to hear what was proponed and in a matter of that importance could say nothing unacquainting their brethren The Conference was delayed till afternoon At which time returning they said That the brethren were glad of the respect carried by his Majesty to the Church and that his resolution was to give no favour to those Rebels till the Church was first satisfied But in their judgments they having by Gods law deserved death and being by the most soveraign Court of the Kingdome sentenced to have lost their estates they could not be lawfully pardoned nor restored And if the King and his Councell would take on them to doe it they had God and the Countrey to answer unto but for them they would give no assent but protest to the contrary that they were free thereof before God and man This answer seeming rather to proceed of passion then any good zeal it was next urged Whether upon their humble and submisse suite to be reconciled the Church could not deny to receive them it being commonly held thâ—t the bosome of the Church should ever be patent to repenting sinners They answered That the Church indeed could not refuse their satisfaction if it were truly offered neverthelesse the King stood obliged to doe justice When by no reasoning they could be wrought from these extremities the Conference brake off and the effects thereof being reported to the King he was greatly commoved inveighing against Ministers at his table in Councell and every where The wiser sort that foresaw the ill effects this rancour would breed advised the Ministers to send some of their number to understand what it was that did offend the King and offer all satisfaction on their parts withall to lay open their grievances and in humble manner entreat a redress of the things which they esteemed hurtfull Herein the same Brethren being employed they found the Kings answers more biting and peremptory then they expected for being desired to shew what it was that made his majesty so offended wth the Church and professing to amend it so farre as lay in them he said There could be no agreement so long as the marches of the two Iurisdictions were not distinguished that in their preachings they did censure the affaires â—f the Estate and Councell convocate Generall Assemblies without his license conclude what they thought good not once desiring his allowance and approbation and is their Synods Presbyteries and particular Sessions meddle with every thing upon colour of scandall besides divers other disorders which at another time he would propound and have reformed otheâ—wise it was vain to think of any agreement or that the same being made could stand and continue any while The Ministers not willing to dip in these matters after they had in sober manner replied to each of these points fell to speak of their own grievances as first the favour granted to the Popish Lords in the late Conventions at Falkland and Dunfermlin the countenance given to the Lady Huntley and her invitation to the Baptisme of the Princesse the putting her in the hands of the Lady Levingston an avowed and obstinate Papist and which grieved them more then any thing else the alienation of his Majesties heart from the Ministers as appeared by all his speeches publick and private To this last the King did first reply saying That they had given him too just cause by their railing against him and his proceedings in their Sermons for the Popish Lords he had granted nothing to them but what the Estate had found needfull for the peace and quiet of the Realm As to the Lady Huntley he esteemed her a good discreet Lady and worthy of his
further A Visitation for this effect being appointed the 11 of Iuly and Mr. Blake summoned to the same day the Elders and Deacons of the Church were inquired touching the behaviour of them both and the verity of the accusations laid against them who all upon oath deponed that the accusations were true and that Blake had spoken all that whereof he was convicted before the Councell as also that the Secretaries complaint of Mr. Wallace was most just And being askt touching their behaviour otherwise they declared that both the one and the other were given to factions and that they did not carry themselves with that indifferency which became Preachers This Declaration made clear way to the Commissioners for ending that business and providing S. Andrews with a more peaceable Ministery whereupon sentence was given that both the Ministers should be removed and Mr. George Gladstaves a man sufficiently qualified serving then at Arbirlot in Angus translated and placed in their room till another helper might be found out to be joyned with him This done the Sunday following he was accepted of the people with a great applause Mr. Thomas Buchannan Mr. Iames Nicolson and Mr. Iames Melvill entring him to the charge And because it concerned the peace of the Church no lesse to have the abuses of the University reformed the calling the Governours thereof and inquiring what order they kept when he understood that against the accustomed form Mr. Andrew Melvill had continued Rector in a number of years together he commanded a new election to be made and honouring the election with his own presence in the Schools of S. Salvator Mr. Robert Wilkie Principall of S. Leonards was chosen Rector and appointed to bear that charge unto the ordinary time of election as also for preventing the like disorders a Statute was made That none should be continued Rector above a year nor admitted to the said office but after the space of three years It was likewise declared That any Suppost having received the degree of a Master of Arts might be chosen Rector he residing in the University during his office or at least the most part of his time In the new Colledge whereof the said M. Andrew had the charge all things were found out of order the rents ill husbanded the professions neglected and in place of Divinity Lectures Politick Questions of tentimes agitated as Whether the election or succession of Kings were the better form of government How farre the Royall power extended and if Kings might be censured for abusing the same and deposed by the Estates of the Kingdome The King to correct these abuses did prescrive to every Professor his subject of teaching appointing the first Master to read the Common places to the Students with the Law and History of the Bible the second to read the New Testament the third the Prophets with the Books of Ecclesiastes and Canticles and the fourth the Hebrew Grammar with the Psalms the Proverbs and the Book of Iob. For the better husbanding of the Rents as well in that as in the other Colledges it was ordained That there should be a Councell chosen to the Vniversity which should have power to elect an Oeconomus in every Colledge for uplifting the rents and take care to see all things rightly administrated Of this Councell were named the Chancellar of the University the Conservator of the privileges the Laird of Colluthie Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Robert Rollock and Mr. Thomas Buchannan without whose consent and subscriptions it should not be lawfull to set any Lease or make other disposition whatsoever of any part of the rents And lest they should be distracted by any other employment it was concluded That all the Doctors Professors and Regents not being Pastors in the Church should be exempted from the keeping of Sessions Presbyteries Synodicall or Generall Assemblies and from all teaching in Churches and Congregations exercises excepted with a discharge to all and every one of them to accept any Commission prejudiciall to the said exemption under the pain of deprivation and rebellion at the Conservators instance the one execution not prejudging the other Yet that they should not be thought excluded from the Generall Assembly it was appointed That the Masters and Regents of the University should meet when any such occasion did offer and condescend upon some three persons of whom one should be elected by the foresaid Councell to be present at the Generall Assembly for that year which person so chosen should not for the space of three years thereafter be employed in that Commission These Articles being openly recited in presence of his Majesty and of the whole members of the University were accepted by the Masters and Regents with solemn promise of obedience This Summer there was a great business for the triall of Witches amongst others one Margaret Atkin being apprehended upon suspicion and threatned with torture did confesse her self guilty Being examined touching her associates in that trade she named a few and perceiving her delations finde credit made offer to detect all of that sort and to purge the Countrey of them so she might have her life granted for the reason of her knowledge she said That they had a secret mark all of that sort in their eyes whereby she could surely tell how soon she lookt upon any whether they were Witches or not and in this she was so readily believed that for the space of 3 or 4 months she was carried from town to town to make discoveries in that kinde Many were brought in question by her delations especially at Glasgow where divers innocent women through the credulity of the Minister M. Iohn Cowper were condemned and put to death In end she was found to be a meer deceiver for the same persons that the one day she had declared guilty the next day being presented in another habit she cleansed and sent back to Fife where first she was apprehended At her triall she affirmed all to be false that she had confessed either of her self or others and persisted in this to her death which made many forthink their too great forwardness that way and moved the King to recall the Commissions given out against such persons discharging all proceedings against them except in case of voluntary confession till a solid order should be taken by the Estates touching the form that should be kept in their triall In the Borders at the same time great troubles were raised by the broken men of Tindale and Rheadsdale who made incursions on the Scots side and wasted all the Countrey of Liddisdale The Laird of Baclugh that had the keeping of those parts to be repaired of that wrong made a road into England and apprehending 36 of the doers put them all to death and brought away a great spoil Sir William Bowes being sent to complain of this after much debating it was agreed that for keeping peace in the Borders Hostages
Ministers upon these conditions being licenced to preach and the Town going on in dividing themselves in Parishes as they had promised a lite was presented of twelve persons out of which number the Commissioners of the Church were to elect four besides the old Ministers to bear charge in that Ministery having his Majesties approbation The four on whom the choice fell was Mr. Robert Rollock Principall of the Colledge of Edinburgh Mr. Iohn Hall Minister at Leth Mr. Peter Hewat and Mr. George Robertson Against the two last exception was taken because of their youth and that they were not men of that gravity which was required in Ministers of such a place Yet the Commissioners after triall taken of their qualification proceeded and decerned all the four to be admitted Hereof the old Ministers complained with whom the Synod of Lothian joyned who repaired in great numbers to the Assembly thinking to carry the matter by voices but when after a long contestation it came to be judged the decreet of the Commissioners was approved and a new Commission given to Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Robert Pont Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. George Gladstaves Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Iames Nicolson Mr. Thomas Buchannan and Mr. Iohn Duncanson to place the Ministers in their severall parishes or if any should refuse to accept to depose them from the function of the Ministrey and plant the Church with such others as they should think meet Mean while because of the number that came from Lothian an Act was made That no Presbytery should thereafter send above two or three Ministers at most in Commission to the Assembly with one Baron of the bounds and one Commissioner from every burgh Edinburgh excepted who in all publick meetings were allowed to have two About the end of the Assembly a motion was made for removing all offences conceived by his Majesty against any of the Ministers and particularly against the Ministers of Edinburgh whereupon the King was pleased to declare That for any offences past he did freely remit them and should never at any time call the same to minde in hope they would so behave themselves in time coming as they should still deserve his good opinion And so did this meeting close with the great content of all Mr. Iohn Davidson onely a man given to contention finding that things went not to his minde especially in the planting of Edinburgh to the Ministery whereof he was always aspiring did protest in his own name and in the name of certain other brethren That none of the conclusions taken in that Assembly should be of any force in regard the same was not a free Assembly but overawed by the King The Moderator enquiring if any of the brethren would adhere to this Protestation none was found all condemning it and the uncivill form he used in making the same he himself as his custome was when he made any such trouble fled away and lurked a while till his peace was again made It was now thought that the planting of Edinburgh should receive no more delay yet a new impediment cast in made no less ado then the former Mr. Robert Bruce had preached ordinarily in the Town some ten years but had not received Ordination to the Ministery and being urged therewith refused pretending the approbation of the generall Assembly to be equivalent to any ordination It was replied That the approbation he had of the Church was a licence onely to preach but being now to receive an office it concerned them to observe the form prescribed by divers Acts. But this not satisfying he denied to yeeld a jot to that which might question his former calling And abeit it was offered to be declared at his entry That the ordination they used was not to question his former calling but rather to allow and confirme the same he would not be content except the declaration was given him in writing This also yeelded unto a new difference arose among them upon the form of the declaration the Commissioners offering to declare the lawfulness of his calling and that the imposition of hands they were to use was not given him as a new intrance to the Ministery but as one that was taken to be entred to the charge of a particular flock he requiring to have it expresly said That they did acknowledge him a lawfull Pastor of Edinburgh as being called by the generall Assembly thereto Ten days and more were spent in the setting down this form and after many alterations at last they came to agree on this That the Commissioners did acknowledge his calling to be a Pastor in Edinburgh lawfull and that the imposition of hands was not used as a ceremony of his ordination to the Ministery but of his ordination to a particular flock The Declaration thus formed a day was appointed for his admission and Mr. Robert Pont Mr. Thomas Buchannan and Mr. Iames Nicolson chosen to perform the same Mr. Robert Pont having preached and beginning to shew what was the business they met for Mr. Robert Bruce arose and stepping into the Pulpit fell a complaining of the strict forms wherewith the Commissioners had used him which the people hearing such a tumult was raised as to all appearance the Ministery that was to use the imposition of hands had been in danger if the Commissioner Mr. Iohn Nicolson a man well respected being there as one of the Elders to testifie the Churches consent to his admission had not by his wise and grave speeches reduced them to quietness Always the business was put off for that day The King advertised of this was greatly offended and commanded the Commissioners to cite Mr. Robert Bruce and censure him for the trouble he had made he compeiring excused himself laying the blame on the people and being charged under pain of deprivation to give obedience and accept the charge after the form prescribed was upon the 9 of May the day assigned for his acceptation admitted by Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Alexander Douglas with imposition of hands Thus ended that business which made more noise then was needfull and was judged to proceed rather of wilfulness on his part then of any good zeal The day appointed of the Synods drawing near the King sent William Melvill Commendator of Tungland and Sr. Patrick Murray to attend the Assembly of Fife where it was supposed some new stirs should be made The Commission given them was not to suffer any of the Conclusions taken in the last generall Assembly to be drawn in question and to see that in the other heads left undecided nothing should be concluded definitivè But they found the Synod more peaceable then was expected and all things caried therein to the Kings minde Mr. Thomas Buchannan Mr. George Gladstaves and Mr. Iohn Fairfoull being chosen Commissioners for meeting with these that should be sent from the other Synods The report of this gave the King hopes of
otherwise Thus because a present peace could not be concluded a truce for eight dayes was made upon condition that the French souldiers should be transported unto Lothian and promise given that before the expiring of that time some indifferent men should be sent to Saint Andrewes authorized with sufficient power for making a firm and solid peace This truce made at Garlibank the 13. of Iune 1559. was signed by the Duke and Monsieur de Oâ—sell in name of the Queen This done the Lords of the Congregation departed leaving the fields first at the Dukes request and returning to Corvper gave publick thanks for that the enemies had failed of their purpose The next day dismissing the multitude they went to Saint Andrewes where attending some days but in vain the coming of these indifferent persons who were promised to be sent thither for concluding a finall peace complaints were dayly brought unto them of the oppressions used by the Lord of Kinfawns whom Queen Regent had placed Provost in the town of Perth The Earle of Argile and Lord Iames did hereupon write to the Queen shewing how at her speciall desire they had travelled with the Congregation then being at Perth and brought them to accept of the conditions propounded by her self the breach whereof chiefly in one point that is the placing of a Garrison of souldiers in the town of Perth was no lesse dishonourable to them who had given their promises to the contrary then it was grievous to the people Therefore they desired the Garrison might be removed and the town restored to the former liberty No answer returning the Lords resolved to expulse the Garrison by force and coming to Perth the 24. of Iune they summoned the Provost Captains and Souldiers to render assuring them if they held out and that it happened any one to be killed in the assault all their lives should pay for it The Provost and Captains answered That they had promised to keep the town for Queen Regent and would to the last drop of their bloud defend the same As these things were in doing the Earle of Huntley the Lord Areskin and Mr. Iames Bormatyne Justice Clerk came by direction of the Queen to perswade the Lords to delay the siege at least for some dayes but they refused to defer it the space of one houre praying them if they loved the safety of the besieged to advise them to render for if any harm should be done in the assault their lives should answer it 〈◊〉 offending that his intercession availed not left them without a farewell Then were the Provost and Captains again summoned but they exspecting no sudden assault and being confident that the Queen would send relief answered as before whereupon the Lord Ruthven that lay on the West quarter began to batter the walls with his munition The men of Dundy who lay upon the East side played upon the town in like manner with their peeces which put the besieged in fear so as considering their own weakness and doubting the succourse should come too late they demanded a Parlee wherein it was agreed that if the Queen did not send relief within the space of 12. houres they should depart and go forth of the town with their weapons and ensignes displayed Thus was the town yeilded Kinfawns expulsed and the Lord Ruthven repossessed in his charge and the inhabitants restored to their Liberties The next day the Abby of Scone situate a mile above Perth was burnt to ashes by the townesmen of Dundy The Noble men were earnest to have the Church and house saved from fire but the people were in such fury because one of their company was killed by a shot from the house as by no means could they be pacified Intelligence in the mean time coming to the Lords that the Queen was of minde to place a Garrison of French souldiers in Striveling to stop that passage and seclude the Professors beyond the river of Forth from those of the South they made haste to prevent her and rising at midnight came early in the morning to the town and immediately after their coming pulled all the Monasteries to the ground The Altars and Images in all the Churches within and about the town were broken and defaced and the Abbey of Cambuskenneth ruined and cast down Three dayes they abode at Striveling and on the fourth marched towards Edinburgh doing the like at Linlithgow which is in the way The rumour of their approach though they were but few in number for they passed not three hundred men in ally did so terrifie the Queen and the companies that were with her as with all the haste they could make they fled to Dumbar The Lord Seaton who for the time was Provost of Edinburgh and took upon him the protection of the Black and Gray Friers abandoned the charge and left all to the spoile of the multitude who before the arriving of the Lords had demolished all the monasteries within the Town and carried away whatsoever they found in the same It is strange to think how by so weak means in such a disorderly way those things should have been wrought seeing upon the least shew of resistance the enterprisers would in all probability have lest their attempt But God put such a fear in the adversaries hearts as they did flee none pursuing Queen Regent not knowing how to redresse these things gave forth a Proclamation wherein she declared That having perceived a seditious tumult to be raised by a part of the Lieges who named themselves the Congregation and under pretence of Religion had taken Armes she by the advice of the Lords of the Privie Councel for satisfying every mans conscience and pacifying the present troubles had made offer to call a Parliament in Ianuary next or sooner if they were pleased for establishing an universal order in matters of Religion by the advice of the Estates and in the mean time to suffer every man live at Liberty serving their conscience without any trouble untill further order were taken And because much appeared to consist upon the state of the Town of Edinburgh she in like manner had offered to permit the inhabitants to use what manner of Religion they would during that time to the end none might have just cause to say that they were forced to any thing against their mindes But that they of the congregation rejecting all reasonable offers had by their actions clearly shewed that it is not Religion nor any thing pertaining thereto that they seek but onely the subversion of authority and the usurpation of the Crowne In testimony whereof they daily brought English men into their houses that come with messages unto them and returned answers back to England and of late had violently possessed the Palace of Halirudhouse and intromitted with the Irons of the Mint-house one of the chief things that concerned the Crown Wherefore she commanded all persons belonging to the said congregation the