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
with the crown before his death But ere he returned the King was dead and his brother Kinnatellus crowned King This accident troubled Columba and made him doubtful what to do For if he should send Aidanus back he knew not how Kinnatellus would takeit and to go on not knowing how the King stood affected towards Aidanus he held it dangerous After a little debating with himselfe he resolved to hold forward and taking Aidanus in company did present him to the King who against the expectation of most men accepted him most lovingly bidding him be of good heart for he should in a short time inherit his fathers Crown mean while because of his own age and infirmity he committed to him the administration of affairs and designed him his successor After a few dayes Kinnatellus dying Aidanus was crowned King Columba performing the ceremonies at which time he is said to have made a most pithy and eloquent speech exhorting the King to the love of Iustice the Nobles to the observance of Peace the people to obedience and them all to constancy in the Christian profession wherewith the whole Assembly was so much affected as by holding up their hands they did solemnly swear to continue loyal subjects to the King and to be obedient to him as their spiritual Pastor The Coronation ended Columba retired to the Isle Iona for he loved to remain in that place and Aidanus applying himself to order the Estate went through the countries of Gallaway Cathnes and Loqhaber holding Justice-Courts in all these parts and reforming what he found amisse But as no prosperity is lasting it happened in a sport of hunting that some Noble-men falling at discord there was a great slaughter committed the Authours whereof fearing the severity of Law fled to Breudeus King of the Picts and being remanded according to the conditions of the league were after some delayes directly refused Aidanus taking this to heart whilest he sought to recover them by force had his son Arthur Buchannan calleth him Griffin a Prince of great hopes and Brenden his Nephew with divers of his Nobles killed Columba grieved with this accident came to the King and rebuked him bitterly for making warre with his neighbour upon so light an occasion wherewith he is said to be no lesse moved then with the losse he had received for Columba striving to be gone he caught him by the hand and confessing he had been too hasty entreated his best advice and counsel how to repair things But he replying that no advice could redresse the harm that was done the King burst forth into tears Columba fell also a weeping and after a little space said that he would counsell him to make peace which he was content to do at his sight The matter moved to Brudeus he likewise agreed to remit all to Columba who shortly after brought them to be friends But the heart-burning between the two people ceased not which Ethelfrid King of Northumberland a wicked and avaritious man craftily entertained stirring the Picts to make fresh incursions upon the Scots so as Aidanus was compelled to take Arms Columba being advertised of the necessity the King was put to gave order that private supplications should be made for his safety and the overthrow of his enemies which falling out according to their wishes was generally ascribed to Columba his devotion For as the report went in the same hour wherein the enemies were defeated he did call his Collegues together and willed them to turn their prayers into thanskgiving for that the King had obtained the victory yet was the place of the conflict distant from Iona where Columba lived 200. miles at least The year following which was the year of our Lord 603. Columba died being of a good age neither did the King Aidanus long survive him The Irish contend that Columba died in the City of Down and was buried in St. Patricks Tomb and for verifying the same alledge an old Distick which was they say engraven upon the Tomb and defaced only in the dayes of King Henry the eighth Hi tres in Duno tumulo tumulantur in uno Brigida Patricius atque Columba pius But it carrieth no likelihood that Columba being so farre in years would make a journey into Ireland or that Aidanus who loved him so dearly would suffer him to depart whilest he lived It may be that upon some occasion his bones were translated thither yet the pilgrimages made in superstitious times to the Isle Iona for visiting his grave do shew what the received opinion was of his death and burial Kentigern commonly called St. Mungo was famous also at this time and one most familiar with Columba he was the son of Thametes daughter to Loth King of Picts begotten as was supposed by Eugenius the third King of Scots his father not being certainly known posterity not being willing that his birth whom they so greatly esteemed should be in any sort stained gave out that he was born of a Virgin which was believed of simple and credulous people But the reproach which lay upon him that way he overcame by his singular vertues in his yonger yeares being trusted to the education of Servanus Bishop of Orkney he gave tokens of his rare piety for he was in prayer more frequent then yong ones are usually seen to be of a spare diet and so compassionate of the poor as all that came in his hands he distributed among them Servanus his Master loving him beyond others was ordinarily wont to call him Mongah which in the Norish tongue signifieth a deare friend and this way came he to be called Mungo After Servanus death he went to the countrey of Wales in England where living a solitary life he founded a Monastery betwixt the Rivers of Elwid and Edwy They write that in his Monastery there were daily entertained six hundred threescore and three persons of which number three hundred were kept at some manual work within the Monastery other three hundred did labour in the fields and practise husbandry and the rest being appointed for divine service had the day and night divided among them so as one company succeeding to another there were some alwayes in the Church praying and praising Almighty God Having stayed there a few years he resigned his place to Asaph a godly and vertuous man and returning to Scotland he made his abode at Glasgow where he layed the foundation of a stately Church and was therein at his death interred It is affirmed that after he came to years of understanding he did never eat flesh nor taste wine or any strong drink and when he went to rest slept on the cold ground having a stone for his pillow and that notwithstanding he lived thus hardly he did attain to the age of ninescore and five years Many lying miracles have been ascribed unto him but certainly he was a man of rare
it appeared that they all especially Mr. Robert Bruce was a chief instrument in the staying of the tumult and that they should therefore be rather rewarded then punished He answered that granting they did stay the tumult yet they were the cause of it and if they for that fault were first corrected he would not not be much troubled with their reward Nottheless at the assemblies request he would be content they should be relaxed upon caution to underly the triall of Law Thus an end was put to that meeting and the next Assembly by his Majesties consent appointed to be at Dundy the 10. of May following This year Mr. Iohn Lesly Bishop of Rosse departed this life at Bruxels in Flanders where for the most part he abode after the Queen of Scotlands execution A man though differing from us in Religion worthy to be remembred for his fidelity to the Queen his Mistress and the extraordinary pains he took to procure her liberty travelling with all the neighbour Princes to interpose their credit with the Qu. of England for her relief neither was he deficient otherwise in ministring the best consolations he could furnish for bearing patiently her cross whereof one treatise he afterwards published full of piety and learning How heavily he took her death it cannot well be expressed yet comforting himself in the best sort he could he put off to this time and being much weakned by a languishing sickness that held him some moneths he ended quietly his days The History of his Countrey from the beginning of the Nation unto these last times written by him in the Latin Tongue doth witness both his learning and judgement It being just to give unto every man albeit an enemy his due commendation I could not pass him unremembred Mr. David Lindesay Minister at Leth was in the year following provided to that Sea The Diet assigned for the appearing of the Town of Edinburgh at Perth was upon their petition continued first to the 15 day of February and from the 15 again put off to the 1 day of March with a declaration That if two of the Bayliffes with the Deane of Guild Treasurer four of the principall Deacons four of the Councell and their Clerk making 13 in all did enter themselves the said day and bring a sufficient Commission from the Provost Bayliffes Councell and Community of the Town for underlying the order that should be taken with them as representing the whole body their compeirance by so many should serve for all the rest It was the 5. of March before they were called at which time there appeared a number of persons and presented a procuratory under the seal of the Town and the subscription of the Clerks thereof which his Majesty caused to be read Then asked if all contained in the Commission were present it was answered that they were all there William Mauld excepted who had his Majesties letter of dispensation which they produced But the same being granted the 11 of Ianuary long before the deliverance upon their petition which expressely ordained that they should have thirteen persons present for undergoing the triall it was declared to be no warrant and so for not fulfilling the Ordinance of the Councell the Town was denounced the burgesses declared Rebels and their Common goods so they call the rents belonging to the Town arrested to the Kings use It was pitifull to behold the desolation wherein the Town was then cast The Magistrates renounced their Offices and would carry no more Charge the People were left without direction wanting both Magistrates and Ministers and in this state did they continue for the space of fifteen days At last by the intercession of some Noblemen the King was pleased to receive the Town in favour and the Provost Bayliffes Councell and Deacons of Crafts being brought unto his presence at Halyrudhouse the 21 of March and falling upon their knees did with tears beg pardon for their negligence in not timely preventing that Tumult raifed as they said by a number of ill disposed people beseeching his Majesty to take pity of the Town which did submit it self simply to his Hghness mercy The King after he had sharply rebuked them and shewed in many words the greatness of their offence commanded them to remove that he might think what was fittest to be done Then calling for their Officers they had formerly made he caused eke unto them the Articles following That the lodgings in the Church `yard wherein the Ministers dwelt and kept their consultations should be given to his Majesty and used at his pleasure That the Ministers that should thereafter serve in the Town should dwell in their own quarters and live dispersed That the Town should be obliged for the indemnity of the Lords of Session during their sitting under the penaltie of forty thousand marks That the neather Councell house wherein the Provost and Bayliffes did keep their meetings should be appointed for the Exchequer and that for the offence committed the Town should be fined in twenty thousand marks to be paid in four moneths These conditions accepted the King did pardon the Town giving order to receive them to his peace and by Proclamation recalled the Session to sit in their former place Never did any King considering the offence temper his authority with more grace and clemency then did his Majesty at this time which the people did all acknowledge ascriving their life and safety only to his favour Shortly after the Ministers were also permitted to return and had their peace granted but were not suffered to preach in their places the King taking now the occasion of finishing the work which some two years before had been moved for distributing the People in severall Parishes and planting more Ministers among them The let he knew was in the Town that still put off the business because of the burthen it would draw upon them and knowing that the desire they had to have their old Ministers reponed would make them the more forward that way he refuses to readmit them untill the distribution intended was perfected and other four Ministers adjoyned to them for the better instruction and more orderly government of the People The Ministers themselves did also profess that they were wearied of that confused Ministery as they called it and compeiting in the Assembly which held at the time appointed in Dundie they resigned their offices denying to serve any longer unless they had a particular flock designed But because that work required a longer time then the Assembly could well abide together the same was committed to certain delegates and the Ministers dwelling neer unto Edinburgh ordained to furnish the Pulpits for the interim In the Assembly Mr. Robert Rollock was elected to preside though he was not as yet in orders In so great esteem he was with all good men for his learning holyness and moderation The first thing done was the taking of an accompt
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
inhabitants of the Burgh excepted to depart forth of the town of Edinburgh within six houres after the charge as likewise all that were of their society to forsake them and live obedient to the authority except they would be reputed and holden traytours to the Crown c. Together with this Proclamation rumors were dispersed that the Lords of the Congregation had conspired to deprive the Queen Regent of her authority and to disinherit the Duke of Chattelerault and his heirs of their succession and title to the Crown These rumours were believed of divers and prevailed so farre as many that assisted the Congregation began to shrink and fall away in regard whereof it was thought needful they should clear themselves both by their letters to the Queen and open Proclamation to the people which they did in manner following First in the letters directed to the Queen they said That they had notice given them of a Proclamation lately made wherein they were traduced as usurpers of their Soveraigns authority and invaders of her person who in absence of their Soveraigns governed the Realm which they esteemed to proceed of a sinistrous information made by their enemies and was an imputation most false and odious their intentions being no other but to abolish idolatry and superstitious abuses that did not agree with the word of God and maintain the true Preachers thereof from the violence of wicked men They did therefore beseech her to use her authority to that effect and for other matters she should find them as obedient as any subjects within the Realm whereof they promised to give testimony and assurance so as they might have safe accesse to her Highnesse This was the substance of the letter which was sent by the Lords Ruthven and Ochilâ—rie unto her In the Proclamation they did call God to witnesse That such crimes as they were charged with never entered into their hearts and that their only intention was to banish idolatry and advance true Religion and defend the Pre achers thereof promising to continue in all duty towards their Soveraign and her mother their Regent provided they might enjoy the liberty of their consciences As to the intromission with the Irons of the Minthouse they said That they being born Counsellors of the Realm and sworne to procure the prosit thereof when they understood the subjects to be greatly hurt by the basenesse of the money which increased the dearth of all necessary wares they could do no lesse of their duties then stay the coyning of more lay money untill the Nobility and Councel had taken surther deliberation therein And where it was given out that they had spoiled the Minthouse of great summes in that point they did remit themselves to the Declaration of Mr. Robert Richardson Master of the Mint in whose hands they delivered all the gold and silver both coined and uncoined which there was found c. For the Intelligence with England nothing was replied whereby it seemed there was some dealing that way for expelling the French men which they did not deny and thought not convenient as then openly to professe The Queen taking hold of the last words of the letter sent unto her self and desiring to know what they would say as likewise trusting to gain somewhat by conference with them did offer a safe conduct to any they pleased whereupon the Lairds of Pittarrow and Cunningham-head were sent in name of the Congregation to declare that their intent and purpose was no other but that they might enjoy the liberty of their consciences and unable Ministers by removed from all Ecclesiastical administration Christ Jesus might be truly preached and his holy Sacraments rightly administred and that their Preachers might be licenced to do their offices without molestation untill such time as by a general Councel lawfully convened or by a Parliament within the Realm the controversies of Religion should be decided which things being granted they did faithfully promise in all other things dutiful obedience Onely to be assured of sincere dealing they desired that the French companies which were to the countrey a burthen and fearful to them might be sent home to their native countrey These Propositions were not pleasing yet made she no shew of any dislike but using gracious words said That if she could be assured of their honest and dutiful meaning to her daughter and her self their demands seemed not unreasonable But she longed to speak with some of their number who were of greater authority meaning as afterwards she uttered that her desire was the Earl of Argyle and Lord Iames should come unto her for when she saw the Lord Ruthven and Ochilâ—rie returned not unto her with the Laird of Pittarrow she fell a complaining that she was not sought in a courteous manner and that they in whom she put her most confidence had left her in her greatest need In end she said That she could not be satisfied till she spake with the Earl of Argyle and Lord James for still she suspected there was some higher purpose amongst them then religion This reported to the Lords they would not by any means condescend that these Noblemen should go unto her doubting some practice against them for she was heard say That if the means could be found out to divide these two from the rest she was sure to prevaile one likewise of her chiefe attendants was said to have bragged that before Michaelmas next both these Noblemen should lose their heads This not succeeding it was agreed that the Duke the Earl of Huntly the Lords Erskin and Summervaile with the Abbot of Kilwining and Justice Clerk should meet for the Queen with such as the Congregation did appoint for treating of the best means to settle a constant and solid peace and for the part of the Congregation were named the Earles of Argyle and Glencarne the Lord Ruthven Boyd and Ochiltrie the Lord Iames the Lairds of Dun and Pittarrow These meeting at Preston to the number of an hundred on each side as was appointed conferred together a whole day but without any conclusion for the Queen seeming to yield unto the free exercise of Religion would have it provided that in what place she happened to come the Ministers should cease from preaching and the Masse only be used The Lords answered That this were to leave them no Church for when the Queen pleased she might change the place of her residence and so there could not be any certain exercise of Religion which were all alike as to overthrow it In these termes they parted that night yet the Lords named for the Congregation unwilling to break off the conference said they would think more of the businesse and advertise what would be yeelded unto After some deliberation the Lord Ruthven and Pittarrow were remitted with this answer That as they could not impede her to use what exercise of Religion she pleased so could they not agree that
reformers were not enemies to degrees either in Schools or in Church But to return to the State by the travels of the Superintendents matters for that time were transacted betwixt the Regent and the Duke in this manner That the Duke should come to Glasgow and submit himself to the Kings authority That he and his friends should be restored to their honours and possessions That he should give surety for his and their continuing in the Kings obedience and that the rest who were joyned with him in that cause should be all accepted upon the same conditions This transaction not contenting the Earls of Argile and Huntley they refused to be comprised under it either thinking to obtain better or more easie conditions of the Regent or animated by the Queen of Scots letters who had then conceived some hopes of liberty The Duke hearing that they would not accept the conditions did forthink what he had done and at the day appointed for giving in his surety though he came himself to Edinburgh made divers shifts desiring that all matters might be continued to the tenth of May when the two Earls were expected and the Queens mind would be better known It was told him That the Earls were treating severally for themselves so as he needed not to wait on their coming And for the Queens approbaâ—ion being askt if she would deny it what in that case he would do more ingenuously then profitably for himself he answered that he was drawn against his will to make the promise he had made and that if he were freed of it he would never consent to the like Thereupon was he and the Lord Hereis who accompanied him and was thought had diverted him from his former resolution committed in the Castle of Edinburgh The Earls of Argile and Huntley who were at the same time making their own appointment had a day assigned them at S. Andrews whither Argile came first and with him the difficulty was not great because in the last tumults he had carried himself more moderately then others wherefore of him no more was craved but that he should swear obedience to the King and Authority in time coming as he did The busines with Huntley was greater for he during the Regents absence had usurped the Royal power placing Lieutenants in the countreys of Angus Mernis Strathern committed great spoils upon the subjects in those parts Therfore when as divers of the Councel did advise to put all things past in oblivion it was by others opposed That the example of such impunity would prove hurtful for when they that had continued in the Kings obedience and sustained losse in their goods should perceive the Rebels after a manner rewarded and no regard taken of their losses they would undoubtedly grudge and if troubles should afterwards arise be more slack to do service yea granting there were no such inconvenience to be feared yet neither the Regent nor yet the King himself could by law remit the robbing of another mans goods unless restitution was made of that which was spoiled And whereas some did object his greatnes and that his lying out might cause great unquietnes It was an idle fear for was not his Father a man of greater wealth and wisdom easily brought under foot when he set himself against the Authority And shall he who hath not as yet repaired the calamities of his house be able to withstand the forces of a whole Kingdom It is more foolish they say that he will seek to some for ain Prince and so endanger the countrey for 〈◊〉 shall be find Princes are not wont to make accompt of stranger further then may serve to their own commodity To accept him in favour they said was susficient albeit he gave satisfaction to the subjects whom he had wronged This opinion prevailing it was concluded that after trial of the complaints he should satisfy those that he had wronged at sight of the Councel But then arose another question Whether all that had assisted him in these last troubles should be comprised in his remission and power given him to compone with them for satisfying such as complained or that they should be severally called and every man fined as be should be tried to have offended They who thought the Earl too rigorously used in the point of satisfaction held that to be the smallest favour which could be done to him to remit his followers to himself But to the contrary it was answered That in civil warres nothing was so much to be looked unto as the weakening and dissolving of factions which is the most easily wrought when the Prince reserves to himself the power of pardon and punishment It was further said that a several examination was necessary because all had not offended alike and that no man was so unfit to take that trial as the Earl himself because in all probablity they should have most favour at his hand who had been most forward in his service and so the least guilty should bear the heaviest punishment Upon these considerations it was thought meet to convene his followers severally remitting his domesticks only to be used by him at his pleasure And thus was he received into grace which done the Regent made an expedition into the North where having kept Justice Courts at Aberden Elgin and Innerness he setled all those parts in peace and for observing the same took pledges of Huntley and the principal claim of the countrey In his return the Lord Boyd who was lately come from England did meet him at Elgin with letters from both the Queens and some others written by his private friends in the English Court The Queen of England in her letters made offer of three conditions in behalf of the Queen of Scots requiring one of the three to be accepted These were That she should either be absolutely restored to her Royal dignity or be associated in the government with her sonne and in all letters and publick acts honoured with the title of a Queen the administration of affaires continuing in the Regents hands till the King should be 17. years of age or if none of these could be granted that she might be permitted to return unto her countrey and live a private life having honourable means appointed for her entertainment The Queen of Scots desired that Iudges should be appointed for cognoscing the lawfulnes of her marriage with Bothwel and if the same was found contracted against the lawes it might be declared null and she made free to marry where she pleased From private friends especially by a letter of Sir Nicholas Throgmorton the Regent was advertised that the marriage of the Duke of Norfolk with the Queen of Scots was concluded and that they did wait only the opportunity of performance Wherefore he wished him to concurre with his best friends in that matter and to do it with such expedition and good affection as it might not appear either to
busied with the matter of policy which was put in form and presented to the Parliament at their sitting in Striveling The Estates having no leisure to peruse it gave a Commission to divers of their number to meet and conferre with the Commissioners of the Church and if they did agree to insert the same among the Acts of Parliament How these affairs went and what effect the Commission took because of the great businesse that afterwards was made about the same is necessary to be known wherefore I thought meet to set down the form of policy as it was presented with the notes of their agreement and disagreement as they stand in the Original which I have by me Heads and conclusions of the Church and first of the Policy thereof in general wherein it differeth from Civil FIrst the Church of God is sometimes largely taken for all them that professe the Evangel of Iesus Christ and so it is a company and fellowship not only of the godly but also hypocrites professing outwardly one true Religion 2. At other times it is taken for the elect only and the godly and sometimes for them that exercise the spiritual function amongst the congregation of them that professe the truth 3. The Church in this last sense hath a certain power granted by God according to which it useth a proper jurisdiction and government exercised to the comfort of the whole Church 4. This power Ecclesiastical is an authority granted by God the Father through the mediation of Iesus Christ unto his Church gathered and having the ground in the word of God to be put in execution by them unto whom the spiritual government of the Church by lawfull calling is committed 5. The policy of the Church flowing from this power is an order or form of spiritual government which is exerced by the members appointed thereto by the word of God and therefore is given immediately to the Office-bearer by whom it is exercised to the weal of the whole body 6. This power is diversly used for sometime it is severally exercised chiefly by the teachers sometime conjunctly by mutual consent of them that bare office and charge after the form of judgement the former is called potestas Ordinis the other potestas Iurisdictionis 7. These two kinds of power have both one ground one final cause but are different in the form and manner of execution as is evident by the speech of our Saviour in the 16th and 18th of S. Matthew 8. This power and policy is different and distinct in the own nature from that power and policy which is called the Civil power and appertains to the civil government of the Commonwealth albeit they be both of God and tend to one end if they be rightly used that is to advance the glory of God and to have godly and good subjects 9. For this power Ecclesiastical floweth from God immediately and the mediator Iesus Christ and is spiritual not having a temporal head in the earth but only Christ the onely spiritual King and Governour of the Church 10. It is a title falsely usurped by Antichrist to call himself the head of the Church and ought not to be attributed to Angel or to man of what estate soever he be saving to Christ the head and only Monarch of the Church 11. Therefore this power and policy of the Church should lean upon the Word immediately as the only ground thereof and should be taken from the pure fountains of the Scriptures hearing the voice of Christ the onely spiritual King and being ruled by his lawes 12. It is proper to Kings Princes and Magistrates to be called Lords and Dominators over their subjects whom they govern civilly but it is proper to Christ only to be called Lord and Master in the spiritual government of the Church and all others that bear office therein ought not to usurp dominion nor be called Lords but Ministers Disciples and servants for it is proper to Christs office to command and rule his Church universally and every particular Church through his Spirit and Word by the ministery of men 13. Notwithstanding as the Ministers and others of the Ecclesiastical state are subject to the Magistrate civilly so ought the person of the Magistrate be subject to the Church spiritually and in Ecclesiastical government 14. And the exercise of both these jurisdictions cannot stand in one person ordinarily 15. The Civil power is called the power of the Sword the other power the power of the Keys 16. The Civil power should command the spiritual to exercise and to do their office according to the word of God the spiritual rulers should require the Christian Magistrate to minister Justice and punish vice and to maintain the liberty of the Church and quietnesse within their bounds 17. The Magistrate commands in things external for external peace and quietnesse among the subjects the Minister handleth external things onely for conscience cause 18. The Magistrate external things only and actions done before men but the spiritual ruler judges both the affection and the external actions in respect of conscience by the word of God 19. The Civil Magistrate getteth obedience by the sword and other external means but the Minister by the spiritual sword and spiritual means 20. The Magistrate ought neither preach minister the Sacraments nor execute the censures of the Church nor yet prescribe any rule how it should be done but command the Minister to observe the rule prescrived in the Word and punish transgressors by civil means the Minister again exercies not the civil jurisdiction but teaches the Magistrate how it should be exercised according to the Word 21. The Magistrate ought to assist maintain and fortify the jurisdiction of the Church the Ministers should assist their Princes in all things agreeable to the Word providing they neglect not their charge in involving themselves in civil affaires 22. Finally as Ministers are subject to the judgement and punishment of Magistrates in external things if they offend so ought the Magistrates submit themselves to the discipline of the Church if they transgresse in matter of conscience and Religion CHAP. 2. Of the parts of policy of the Church and persons or Office-bearers to whom the administration is committed FIrst as in the policy Civil the whole Commonwealth consists in them that are Governours or Magistrates and them that are governed and subjects so in the policy of the Church some are appointed to be rulers and the rest of the members are to be ruled and obey according to Gods word and the inspiration of his Spirit alwayes under one Head and chief Governour Jesus Christ. 2. Again the whole policy of the Church consists in three things chiefly in doctrine discipline and distribution With doctrine is annexed the ministration of the Sacraments 3. And according to this division arises a sort of
perhaps have served if the enterprise of the 88. had succeeded but they are now of little purpose The King perceiving by all these letters that the death of his mother was determined called back his Ambassadours and at home gave order to the Ministers to remember her in their publick prayers which they denied to do though the form prescrived was most Christian and lawful which was that it might please God to illuminate her with the light of his truth and save her from the apparent danger wherein she was cast Upon their denial charges were directed to command all Bishops Ministers and other office-bearers in the Church to make mention of her distresse in their publick prayers and commend her to God in the form appointed But of all the number Mr. David Lindesay at Leth and the Kings own Ministers gave obedience At Edinburgh where the disobedience was most publick the King purposing to have their fault amended did appoint the third of February for solemn prayers to be made in her behalf commanding the Bishop of S. Andrews to prepare himself for that day which when the Ministers understood they stirred up Mr. Iohn Cowper a young man not entered as yet in the function to take the Pulpit before the time and exclude the Bishop The King coming at the hour appointed and seeing him in the place called to him from his seat and said Mr. Iohn that place was destinate for another yet since you are there if you will obey the charge that is given and remember my mother in your prayers you shall go on he replying he would do as the spirit of God should direct him was commanded to leave the place and making as though he would stay the Captain of the Guard went to pull him out whereupon he burst forth in these speeches This day shall be a witnesse against the King in the great day of the Lord and then denouncing a woe to the inhabitants of Edinburgh he went down and the Bishop of S. Andrews entering the Pulpit did perform the duty required The noise was great for a while amongst the people but after they were quieted and had heard the Bishop as he was a most powerful Preacher out of that text to Timothy discourse of the duty of Christians in praying for all men they grieved fore to see their teachers so farre overtaken and condemned their obstinacy in that point In the afternoon Cowper was called before the Councel where Mr. Walter Balcanquel and Mr. William Watson Ministers accompanying him for some idle speeches that escaped them were both discharged from preaching in Edinburgh during his Majesties pleasure and Cowper sent prisoner to Blackness The Queen of Scots some moneths before having notice given her of the sentence pronounced against her and being willed to prepare her self for death was nothing thereby dejected but thanked God for that her sorrowful life was now to end intreated the Queen of England by her letters for three things First that her body might be carried by her servants into France to be buried besides her mother Next that she should not to be put to death secretly but in the presence of her servants and others who might bear witnesse of her dying in Christ against the false rumours which her adversaries might disperse of her Thirdly that her servants might have leave to go whither they would and enjoy the mean legacies she had bequeathed unto them in her Testament which things she requested in the name of Iesus Christ by the soul and memory of Henry the 7th Progenitor to them both and by the royal honour and title which she had carried In the same letters she complained of the indignity done unto her in the taking away of her royal furniture and that her keepers did use her without that respect which was due to her estate and birth But to none of these desires was any answer given the Queen of England dissembling that she had received any such letter Yet was she much perplexed and doubtful what to do whether to take her out of the way or not If she should be spared she doubted the Noblemen who had given sentence against her would take it ill and perhaps run other courses to free themselves from her malice and to take her away she knew it would be interpreted a great cruelty on her part as likewise that the King her son would be sore displeased for albeit that the Master of Gray at his parting from her had in private given hopes that the Kings title being reserved and no prejudice made thereto by the sentence given against his mother her death would be forgotten yet Sir Robert Melvil who was joyned in Commission with him had assured her if rigour were used that friendship would no longer be kept Debating thus with her self some days upon the most expedient she signed a warrant for the execution and gave it to Davison one of her Secretaries to be passed the great Seal which was no sooner done then repenting the direction she told him that she would take another way But having before communicated the Warrant with the Councel they presently sent Beal their Clerk with the Mandate and Letters to the Earls of Shrewsbury Kent Derby and Cumberland to see the same performed The Earls accompanied with the Sheriffe of the Shire and Justices of Peace came to Fotheringham on Tuesday the 7th of February and having signified the cause of their coming willed the Queen to prepare her self to die for that she was to suffer the next morning She was no way moved as it seemed and said I did not think that Queen Elizabeth my Sister would have consented to my death but since it is so death is to me most welcome That soul is not worthy of the heavens joyes whose body cannot endure one blow of the hangman only I will request said she that I may speak with my Confessor and Melvil my Steward It was answered that her Confessor would not be permitted to come unto her but she should have the Bishop or Dean of Peterborow who were nigh by to give her comfort She replied They are of another profession and cannot be sit comforters to me but since you will not allow my Confessor to come at me I will comfort my self in God Some other speeches passed amongst them touching Babington and her Secretaries No and Curle who had both confessed the enterchange of letters with Babington after which the Earls departed she calling for supper commanded her servants to make haste that she might have leisure to set things in order Having supped sparingly as her custome was she made an Inventory of her goods and moveables setting down the names of those for whom she appointed them unto some she gave money with her own hand This done she wrote unto her Confessor intreating him to pray unto God for her and a few lines to the French King and Duke of Guise in behalf of her
in most serious manner all his good subjects to beware of these Iesuits traitors to their native Countrey and in their prayers to implore the mercy of God for preservation of themselves their wives and children from the conspiracy intended The Ministers of Edinburgh esteeming it their duty to make the Churches of the Countrey foreseen of the conspiracy that was detected gave notice thereof by their letters to such as were most nigh at hand desiring them to meet at Edinburgh the 8. of Ianuary for giving their advice touching these dangers and how the same might best be prevented The meeting was frequent for the report of the discovery drew many thither Mr. Robert Bruce in a short speech having related the perill wherein the Countrey and Church were brought by these practises it was thought meet by some Commissioners to entreat of his Majesty the execution of the lawes against Jesuits and their ressetters with the punishment of such as should be found guilty of the present conspiracy The King accepting graciously those that were sent unto him and giving the whole Assembly thanks for the readinesse they shewed to assist him in the prosecution of that triall wished them to consider of what importance the businesse was and not onely to give their advice for the course that should be taken but also to let him know what help they would contribute for strengthening him in his proceeding against the unnaturall Subjects His Majesties desire being reported to the Meeting their advice was that a Parliament should be indicted and the subscrivers of the blanks cited thereto and because it was not expected that they would appear so as his Majesty should be compelled to pursue them by force of Armes they did humbly offer their attendance upon his Majesties person till they should be apprehended or expulsed the Countrey as likewise to entertain a guard to his Majesty of three hundreth horsemen and an hundreth foot so long as any necessity was and till the laws of the Countrey had taken effect against the rebells providing it should not be drawn into a custome nor prejudge the liberty of the Realm in time coming The offer was thankfully accepted and a Proclamation made to meet the King at Aberdene the 20 of February for settling the North parts and for a beginning of Justice David Graham of Fintrie was arraigned and being found guilty beheaded in the publick street of Edinburgh the 16. of February Some two dayes before his execution Mr. Iohn Graham one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice being charged because of the businesse he made in behalf of Fintrie to depart forth of the Town and keep ward in Strathern was killed as he was going to the tide at Leith There had been a question long depending betwixt Sir Iames Sanderlands and him for the lands of Halyards and by reason thereof a professed enmity amongst them and it falling out at the same time when he was going to Leith that the Duke of Lennox accompanied with Sir Iames and divers others was making towards their sport in the sands Mr. Iohn Graham apprehending that they did pursue him made a turn upon that ascent which is without the gate of the town as if he would stand there to his defence which S. Iames taking for a sort of provocation he made towards him and entering in conflict Sir Alexander Stewart a grave Gentleman servant to the Duke of Lennox was killed by the shot of a pistoll presently after M. Iohn Graham by another shot was stricken in the breast and fell to the ground they who did give him the convoy seeing him fall did all flie and the companies separating he was led to a poor Cottage near unto the place and as he lay in bed killed by the said Sir Alexander his Page in revenge of his Masters death A man he was but meanly born and descended of that unhappy race which had an hand in the murther of King Iames the first a long time he served as Deputy to the Earl of Argile in the Justice Courts and after his death waited on Captain Iames Stewart by whose means he was preferred to be one of the Senatours of the Colledge of Justice in the place of Mr. Robert Pont of a quick wit and a good and ready utterance but was excessively proud covetous and unhonest in his dealings as appeared in suborning of the Notary of whom we spake and the fraud which he used to Mr. Andrew Polwart subdean of Glasgow a man of great learning who being forced to fly into England in the year 1584. with the other Ministers that took their refuge thither had intrusted him with his living and rent upon assurance to be repossessed when the time should change yet being returned and having obtained his peace could he never bring him to fulfill his promise whereupon after a long plea at law not finding an outgate the honest man conceived a displeasure and died The Earl of Angus the same day that he was killed made an escape out of the Castle of Edinburgh by the connivence of the keepers and flying to the North joyned with Huntley and Arroll They upon the report of the Kings coming to Aberdene left their houses and betook themselves to the mountains sending their Ladies to intercede for them and make offer of the keyes of their houses which they had been charged to render The King receiving the Ladies courteously told them that if their husbands would enter and abide triall they should receive no wrong otherwise the crime laid to their charge did so highly touch the Estate as he could not stay the course of Justice In the mean time for preserving the Countrey in peace the Earl of Atholl was made Lieutenant within the bounds of Elgin Forres Narne Innernesse and Cromartie and the like Commission given to the Earl of Marshall of the Sherifdoms of Kincardin Bamffe and Aberdene This done the King returned to Edinburgh where the Lord Burgh did meet him He was sent from the Queen of England to congratulate the discoveries of these treacherous practices and make offer of her assistance in pursuing and punishing those that should trie culpable wherein she wished him to doe as a King ought in such a case and if he could not apprehend their persons to confiscate their lands and rents whereby he should undoe them and better the Estate of his Crown And seeing the cause was common and touched all Princes professing the same Religion she desired to be certified what his resolution was that she might assure other Princes her confederates of the course taken in both their dominions for resisting the attempts of Spain The King thanking the Queen for her friendly offer and advice said That he knew Sir Robert Bowes her resident Ambassadour had advertised her of the whole particulars and of the blanks and letters intercepted that he had made a beginning and was fully resolved to prosecute the
is permitted or carry themselves unquietly either in teaching or otherwise at these meetings in that case the Bishop shall discharge the meeting and censure the offenders according to the quality of their fault 7 Considering that laick Elders have neither warrant in the Word nor example of the Primitive Church and that northeless it is expedient that some be appointed to assist the Minister in repairing the fabrick of the Church providing elements to the holy Communion and collecting the contributions for the poor with other necessary services the Minister is to make choice of the most wise and discreet persons in the Parish to that effect and present their names to the Ordinary that his approbation may be had thereto 8 That the Ministers of the Parish be authorized to call before them and his associates so allowed all publick and notorious offenders and enjoyn the satisfaction according to the Canons of the Church or if they be obstinate and contumacious declare their names to the Bishop that order may be taken with them 9 That no Minister be admitted without an exact triall preceding and imposition of hands used in their Ordination by the Bishop and two or three Ministers whom he shall call to assist the action and to the end an uniform order may be kept in the admission of Ministers that a form thereof may be imprinted and precisely followed of every Bishop 10 That the election of Bishops shall in time coming be made according to the conference Anno 1571. and whilest the Bishoprick remaineth void the Deane of the Chapter be Vicarius in omnibus ad Episcopatum perÃnentibus and have the custody of the Living and Rents till the same be of new provided 11 That the Deane of every Chapter convene thereof once at least in the year and take order that nothing pass except they be Capitulariter congregati and that a Register be made of every thing done by the Archbishop or Bishop in the administration of the Rents and safely in the Chapter house 12 That when it shall be thought expedient to call a generall Assembly a supplication be put up to his Majesty for license to convene and that the said Assembly consist of Bishops Deans Archdeacons and such of the Ministery as shall be selected by the rest 13 And because there hath been a generall abuse in that Church that youths having passed their course in Philosophy before they have attained to the years of discretion or received lawful Ordination by imposition of hands do engyre themselves to preach that a strict order be taken for restraining all such persons and none permitted but those that received Orders to preach ordinarily and in publick These directions being exhibited to the Bishops and some principalls of the Clergy convened with them at Edinburgh in February next were approved of all and at the same time was the High Commission published to the great discontent of those that ruled the estate for that they took it to be a restraint of their authority in matters ecclesiasticall nor did they like to see Clergy men invested with such authority The King no less carefull to have all things ordered rightly in the Estate did prescrive the number attendants and manner of proceeding which the Councell should keep in their meetings As that the number should not exceed thirty and seaven at least be present in every meeting that at their admission they should take the Oath of allegiance and swear fidelity and secrecy in matters to be communicated unto them That they should convene twice in the week once every Tuesday for matters of State and once on the Thursday for actions That none should be permitted to stay with in the Councell house but the Lords and Clerks of the Councell nor any solicitations be made within the house but that all should take their places at their coming in and none stand on foot unless they be to answer for themselves and in that case to rise and stand at the head of the table That four dayes absence of any Counsellor in the time of sitting without license from the rest should inferre the loss of their place That if any of the number were denounced Rebell or did not at least once in the year communicate they should be likewise excluded That wheresoever they remained or happened to come if they should be informed of any trouble like to arise betwixt parties they should charge them to keep the peace and if they refused they should command them to enter in Ward the disobedience whereof should be punished as if the whole Councell were disobeyed Lastly to keep their persons and places in the greater respect they were commanded in the streets either to ride with foot clothes or in coaches but not be seen walking on foot With these directions a command was given to inhibit by Proclamation any persons to bear quarrell to another with intention of private revenge requiring those that should happen to be in any sort injured to complain to the ordinary Judge within the space of forty days after the injury committed and insist for justice wherein if they should fail and yet be perceived to carry a grudge towards him by whom they were injured they should be called before the Councell and if they refused to reconcile be punished as despisers of the royall authority and violators of the publick peace In the Isles of Orkney and Yetland at this time were great oppressions by the Earl thereof for which he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh and the Bishop of Orkney imployed by the Councell to examine the particular complaints This Nobleman having undone his estate by riot and prodigality did seek by unlawfull shifts to repair the same making Acts in his Courts and exacting penalties for the breach thereof as if any man was tried to have concealed any thing that might inferre a pecuniary mulct and bring profit to the Earl his lands and goods were declared confiscated or if any person did sue for justice before any other Judge then his deputies his goods were escheated or if they went forth of the Isle without his license or his deputies upon whatsoever occasion they should forfeit their moveables and which of all his acts was most inhumane he had ordained that if any man was tried to supply or give relief unto ships or any vessels distressed by tempest the same should be punished in his person and fined at the Earl his pleasure These Acts produced by the Complainers and confessed by the Earl himself were by the Councell decerned unlawfull and the execution thereof in all times thereafter prohibited The Clangregore a barbarous and theevish race of people that could by no means be repressed nor reclaimed from their roberies were at the same time ordained to be rooted forth and the service committed to the Earl of Argile who made some beginning and presented certain of the principalls to justice but the neglect of their
Kings resolution to visit the Kingdom which he said did proceed of a longing he had to see the place of his breeding a Salmon-like instinct as he was pleased to call it and because he knew that evill disposed persons would disperse rumours as if he came to make alterations in the civill and ecclesiasticall Estate he commanded Proclamation to be made for certifying the subjects of the contrary It was true he said that he desired to doe some good at his coming and to have abuses reformed both in the Church and Common-wealth yet foreseing the impediments that his good intentions would meet with and regarding the love of his people no less then their benefit he would be loath to give them any discontent and therefore willed all his good subjects to lay aside their jealousies and accommodate themselves in the best sort they could for his receiving and the entertainment of the Noblemen of England who were to accompany him in the journey The Earl of Marre was at that time made Thesaurer and Sir Gedeon Murray continued in his depuâ—ation A motion had been made a little before for appointing a Commissioner or Deputie in the Kingdome which was hearkened unto by the King as that which would ease him of many vexations and in his absence maintain a face of court and breed a great respect among the people and so farre was that purpose advanced as both the King had made offer of the place to the Earl of Marre and he yielded to accept the same but this breaking out and coming to the Chancellors knowledge whether that he desired not to have any in place above himself or as he pretended wishing the Noblemans good he diverted him from accepting that charge and brought him to embrace the office of Thesaurer as the most profitable and that which should bring with it a less envy Sir Gedeon had the intromission withall as when Somerset was in place and did provide things so carefully and with such foresight as when the King came he found nothing lacking that was required for a Royall and Princely entertainment Among other directions sent from the King one was for repairing of the Chappell and some English carpenters employed who brought with them the portraits of the Apostles to be set in the Pews or Stalls as they were proceeding in their work a foolish and idle rumour went that Images were to be set up in the Chappell and as people are given to speak the worst it was current among them that the Organs came first now the Images and ere long they should have the Masse The Bishop of Galloway then Dean of the Chappell moved with these speeches did pen a letter to the King entreating his Majesty for the offence that was taken to stay the affixing of these portraits To this letter he procured the subscriptions of the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishops of Aberdene and Berchin and divers of the Ministers of Edinburgh The answer returned by the King was full of anger objecting ignorance unto them that could not distinguish betwixt pictures intended for ornament and decoration and images erected for worship and adoration and resembling them to the Constable of Castile who being sent to swear the peace concluded with Spain when he understood the business was to be performed in the Chappell where some anthems were to be sung desired that whatsoever was sung Gods name might not be used in it and that being forborn he was content they should sing what they listed just so said the King you can endure Lyons Dragons and Devills to be figured in your Churches but will not allow the like place to the Patriarchs and Apostles His Majesty alwaies gave order for some other form and staying the erecting of these portraits which in the same letter he said was not done for ease of their hearts or confirming them in their errour but because the work could not be done so quickly in that kind as was first appointed This letter was of the date at Whitehall the 13 of March 1617. The King was much laboured to deferre his journey to the next year when as he should find things better prepared but he refusing to hearken to any such motion made the greater haste and in the beginning of May came to Berwick where he was met with divers of the Councell and by their advice the Parliament which had been indicted to the 17 of May prorogued to the 13 of Iune All this time intervened the King spent in a progress through the Countrey makingâ— his entry in the speciall Burghs after a most Royall manner and welcomed with all the expressions of joy that could be devised At the day appoynted the Estates were frequently assembled where his Majesty made a long speech for the establishing Religion and Iustice neither of which he said could be lookt for so long as a regard was not had to the Ministers of both For Religion he complained That notwithstanding of the long profession of the truth numbers of Churches remained unplanted and of those that were planted few or none had any competent maintenance for this he wished some course to be taken and certain Commissioners to be chosen for appointing to every Church a perpetuall locall stipend such as might suffice to entertain a Minister and make him able to attend on his charge of justice He discoursed long remembring the pains he had taken as well when he lived among them as since his going into England and how he had placed Iustices and Constables a most ladable kind of government for the preserving of peace and the keeping of the laws in due regard which he understood as he said to be much neglected partly in default of some that were named to those places and held it a scorne to be employed in such a charge and partly by the opposition which the Lords and great men of the Countrey made unto them and to their settling but he would have both the one and other to know that as it was a place of no small honour to be a Minister of the Kings Iustice in the service of the Common wealth so he did esteem none to deserve better at his hands then they who gave countenance thereto as on the other part whosoever should shew themselves hinderers thereof should be accounted with him enemies to his Crown and the quiet of the Kingdom In end he said that he had long striven to have the barbarities of the Countrey which they knew to be too many removed and extinct and in place thereof Civility and Iustice established and that he would still indevour to doe his best that way till he might say of Scotland as one of the Emperours said of Rome Inveni lateritiam relinquo marmoream The King having closed and the Lords gone apart to choose those that should be upon the Articles the humours of some discontented Lords begun to kithe for whosoever were by the