money and not out of any purpose those Fathers had to redresse abuses The same year was one Bagimund a Legate directed hither who calling before him all the Beneficed persons within the kingdom caused them upon their oath give up the worth and value of their Benefices according to which they were taxed The table commonly called Bagiments rolls served for the present collection and was a rule in after times for the prizes taken of those that came to sue for Benefices in the Court of Rome Wishart not long after his return from this Councel being employed by the King and State in a Commission of the Borders sickned at Marbotle in Teriotdale and there died He is commended to have been a man careful in his charge and a great lover of peace then which there is no vertue more required in a Churchman he continued Bishop 5. years and 8. monthes only his corps was honourably conveyed from Marbotle and interred in his own Church nigh to the high Altar in the year 1279. There lived in the kingdome at this time Michael Scot and Thomas Lermouth men greatly admired the first for his rarest skill in the secrets of nature the other for his predictions and foretelling of things to come Picus Mirandula and Cornelius Agrippa do make honourable mention of Michael Scot in their writings and accompt him to have been a subtile Philosopher and most expert in the Mathematick sciences The prophecies yet extant in the Scottish Rymes of the other whereupon he was commonly called Thomas the Rymer may justly be admired having foretold so many ages before the union of the kingdomes of England and Scotland in the ninth degree of the Bruces blood with the succession of Bruce himselfe to the Crown being yet a childe and other divers particulars which the event hath ratified and made good Boeth in his story relateth his prediction of King Alexanders death and that he did foretell the same to the Earl of March the day before it fell out saying That before the next day at noon such a tempest should blow as Scotland had not felt many years before The next morning the day being clear and no change appearing in the aire the Nobleman did challenge Thomas of his saying calling him an Impostor he replied that noon was not yet passed About which time a Post came to advertise the Earl of the King his sudden death Then said Thomas This is the tempest I foretold and so it shall prove to Scotland Whence or how he had this knowledge can hardly be affirmed but sure it is that he did divine and answer truly of many things to come 25. William Fraser Chancellour of the kingdom was after Wishart elected Bishop and going to Rome was consecrated by Pope Nicolaus the third in the year 1280. The office of Chancery upon his resignation was given by the King to Mâ— Iohn Pebles Archdeacon of S. Andrewes At his return from Rome a pestilential feaver never before known in this kingdome brake up to the destruction of an infinite number of people This visitation was scarce ceased when all the Kings children were taken away one after another first David his yongest son died then Alexander the Prince who had married a daughter of the Earl of Flanders after him Margret Queen of Norway who left behinde her one onely daughter and last the King himself who had taken to wife after the death of his Queen Iolet a daughter to the Count of Dreux in hope to restore his issue was most unfortunately killed by the fall of his horse a little space from the town of Kingorne So many deaths falling out together in the Royal family did presage great calamities to ensue The onely hope that remained was in the Norvegian maid for whom Sir David Wemis and Sir Michael Scot two Knights of Fife were directed by the Estates The administration of affaires was in the mean time committed to William Fraser Bishop of S. Andrewes Duncan Earl of Fife and Iohn Coming Earl of Bughan for the countries on the North side of Forth and to Robert Bishop of Glasgow Iohn Lord Comin and Iohn Lord Stewart for the South parts but it was not long before that these Gentlemen that were sent to Norway returned bringing word that the maid of Norway was likewise departed this life At which newes it cannot be told whether the fears or sorrowes of the subjects were greater for as their sorrow for the losse of so worthy a King was great so their fear was no lesse because of the uncertainty of the succession for so many Competitors six they were in number claiming the inheritance of the Crown and all of them men of power and friendship they could not but divide the Realme and so beget a civil warre yet they who were trusted during the interreigne did by their mediation work them to a compromise and to remit the decision of the controversie to King Edward the first of England a Prince of long experience and much respected in that time To this purpose the Bishop of Brichen with the Abbot of Iedbrugh and Galfred Mowbray a Gentleman were sent to King Edward who finding him at Xantoign in France did expone to him the inconveniences that were feared to fall out in the kingdome and the course they had taken to prevent the same intreating his help for quieting the State King Edward glad to have an hand in the making of a King in Scotland dimitted them with many loving words assigning a Diet to the Competitors at Norham upon Tweed which he promised to keep The day come and the Competitors all present with the Prelates and other Nobles the King by a long and premeditated speech declared That albeit he might justly claim the superiority of the kingdome of Scotland as belonging to him by right yet as a friend and arbiter elected by themselves he would labour to compose the present controversie in the best sort he could for the right said he howsoever there be divers pretenders belongeth to one onely and for my self I determine to wrong no man but to do that whâ—ch is just assuring my self you will all acquiesce and take him for King who shall be pronounced so to be This said Robert Bishop of Glasgow arose and gave the King most hearty thanks in name of the rest for the good affection he bare to their countrey and the paines he had taken to come and remove their debates shewing that out of a perswasion they all had of his wisdome and equity they were well pleased to submit to him as sole Arbiter the judgement and decision of that weighty affaire But where it had pleased him to speak of a right of superiority over the kingdome it was sufficiently known that Scotland from the first foundation of the State had been a free and independent kingdome and not subject to any other power whatsoever That their ancestors
peace and quietnesse observed then was before or since that time known to have been kept And notwithstanding our expectation is nothing lesse of the good behaviour of our subjects in this our absence we have taken order for the better government of the publick affairs that our privy Councell should reside at Edinburgh and ordained the Duke of Lennox our Nephew to be President thereof and to be assisted by our Cousen Francis Earl of Bothwel whom we appoint to attend him with the other officers of State namely the Thesaurer Comptroller Master of requests Privy Seal the Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh Advocate and Clerk of Register who shall ever be present five of them at least with our said Nephew We have likewise given order that some Noblemen in their courses shall attend at Edinburgh the space of 15. dayes the Earls of Angus and Athol with the Lords Fleming and Innermeth to begin and the next course to be kept by the Earls of Marre and Morton with the Lords Seaton and Yester The Barons of Lothian Fife Sriveling-shire and Strathern we appoint to attend as they shall be warned and directed by the Councel For the South parts we have made the Lord Hamilton our Lieutenant that is within the three Wardenries and Sheriffdom of Lanrick and to be assisted when need is by the Lords Boyd Hereis Maxwell Home Cesford and other chief Barons within the Marches his residence to be at Dumfreis or Jedburgh and his charges to be furnished out of the readiest of the Taxation by Mr. John Colvill Collector thereof And that peace and quietnesse may be the better observed we discharge all Conventions for any cause whatsoever unto our return Finally we require the Ministers and Preachers of the Word to exhort the people to peace and obedience and commend us and our journey in their prayers to the protection of Almighty God As this is our desire so we expect that all our good subjects will follow the same especially they who have tried our favour of late and that they will persist in the loyalty promised by them certifying those that do in the contrary that they shall incurre our high displeasure and be punished with all rigour as on the other part we shall remember the peaceable and obedient thankfully when occasion presents By another Missive presented at the same time to the Councel the Earl Bothwel was declared second to the Duke of Lennox Sir Robert Melvil Vicechancellor Alexander Hay Secretary for the Scottish language and Mr. Iames Elphinston for the Latin and French The King having thus provided for the publick affairs took with him in company Sir Iohn Maitland Chancellor Sir Lewis Ballenden Justice Clerk Mr. Robert Douglas Provost of Linclowden the Gentlemen of his Chamber and other ordinary officers of the house He took also with him Mr. David Lindesay Minister at Leth leaving Mr. Patrick Galloway his ordinary Preacher to attend the Councel and having a prosperous wind arrived safely in a Sound or Haven of Norway not farre from Upslo where the Queen remained the fourth or fifth day after his embarking The Sunday following he solemnized the Marriage in his own person Mr. David Lindesay performing the ceremony in the French language After which consultation being taken for his return unto Scotland because it was held dangerous to go to Sea in that season and that the Counsellors of Denmark did oppose the journey advising him rather to visit the Queens mother and her son Christiern elected King of Denmark he was easily induced to follow their advice and send back the Scottish ships with Mr. Iames Sir Krymgeour and Mr. Iohn Skein Whilest the King lay at Upslo the Earl Marshall in Councel made report of his proceedings in the Ambassage and how according to the contract past and interchangeably sealed and signed the Marriage was compleated and a form of Attestation taken touching the Isles of Orkney bearing that the King and Regents of Denmark should supersede all claim of right to the said Isles unto the Kings perfect age reserving to each Kingdome their own Right which by that treaty should not be prejudged as the Copy thereof subscrived by the four Governours presently exhibited did shew together with the attestation he produced the form of an oath given by him and his associats for his Majesties performing of all things promised on his part concerning the Marriage and was in all and every one of these found to have done good service and have carried himself honourably according to his Commission Soon after this came certain Ambassadors from Denmark to invite the King thither who parting from Upslo with his Queen the 22. of December came to Bahouse a Castle standing in the Borders of Norway and Sweden the first of Ianuary There he remained seven dayes attending a safe conduct from the King of Sweden which Captain William Murray was employed to bring from Stockholme where that King kept his residence The conduct brought he removed from Bahouse the eighth of Ianuary and was met by a Captain of Sweden upon the River then frozen with 400. horsemen and by the space of two Dutch miles conveyed unto the land of Denmark The next day he went to the Castle of wertbury where he remained five days and from thence journeying by Falkenburgh the Town of Holmestade and Castle of Cowholm he came to Elsingburgh where he was stayed some three days from crossing the Ferry by tempest of weather and on the 21. of Ianuary was received at Crownenburgh Castle by the Queen-Mother the young King the Duke of Holstat his brother and the four Regents of the Realm with all magnificence possible There he remained to the end of February royally entertained and because he was to stay upon the marriage of his Queens eldest sister with the Duke of Brunswick which was appointed in April next he directed home William Shaw Master of Worke to advertise the Councel of the reason of his stay and to cause some ships and expert Pilots be sent with all diligence for his more safe convoy The Councel upon this advertisement employed Collonel William Stewart with six well furnished ships together and with him Mr. Patrick Galloway the Kings Minister was sent to further his Majesties return They arriving at Elsingore about the middlest of April in the very time that Brunswicks marriage was solemnizing did signify to the King the longing that the subjects had for his return and the peace that had been observed since his going from Scotland For all that while which considering the feuds of the countrey was strange two riots only did happen one committed by Archibald Wachop of Nudry a wicked and insolent man another by the Clangregore in Bachudder It rejoyced the King to hear that the subjects had been so quiet as he did likewise accompt it a great happinesse that in his own company there had no quarrels fallen out either amongst themselves or with the strangers whereas
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 custome Mr. Andrew Melvill in a great passion said That he followed the instructions of Mr. John Hamilton his uncle who had poysoned the North with his Papistry and that he was now become 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Northampton asking what he meant by that speech the King said he calleth him the mickle Devill and then foulding up the Petition said I see you are all set for maintaining that base Conventicle of Aberdene But what answers have you to give to the questions I moved It was answered that they had conferred together and finding them to concern the whole Church they would not by their particular voices prejudge the same But you will not I trust said the King call my authority in question and subject the determination of the same to your Assemblies This they said was farre from their thoughts but if his Majesty should be pleased to set down in writing what he required they should labour to give him satisfaction Thus were they dismissed for that time and being the next day called before the Scottish Councell for after this they were no more admitted to his Majesties presence they were enquired whether they had in their publick prayers prayed for the warded Ministers as persons afflicted and sufferers for Gods cause Some of them confessed that they had prayed for them as persons in trouble and distress others that they had commended them to God but remembred not in what words The 20 of October they were again brought before the Scots Councell and had the three questions delivered to them in writing which they were commandâ—to answer severally mean while they were discharged to return into Scotland without his Majesties license and prohibited to come towards the Queen and Princes Court The Bishops and others of the Clergy that assisted them were permitted to return The conference breaking up in this sort matters made worse rather then better his Majesties pleasure concerning the warded Ministers which to this time had been delayed was signified by two severall letters to the Councell and Justice The letter to the Justice was as followeth Whereas in our Justice Court holden at Linlithgow the 10 of Ianuary last Mr. Iohn Forbes Minister of Awford Mr. Iohn Welch Minister at Aire Mr. Robert Dury Minister at Anstruther Mr. Andrew Duncan Minister at Crail Mr. Alexander Straghan Minister at Crech and Mr. Iohn Sharp Minister at Kilmeny were convicted of the crime of Treason for their contemptuous and treasonable declining the judgement of us and the Lords our secret Councell by a Declinatour subscribed with their hands and presented in judgement before the said Lords and that the pronunciation of the doom was upon grave and weighty respects continued till our pleasure was declared We now considering the great insolency committed by them and how dangerous the example of such a fact may prove if it should goâ— unpunished specially since we of our accustomed lenity have given to these declared Traitours more then sufficient time to have acknowledged their offence and made sute for our pardon and that yet nothing hath appeared in them but an obdured obstinacy without any token of resipiscence albeit the greatness of the offence in men of their function whose actions should be patterns of duty and obedience to others hath demerited most justly the extremity of punishment appointed by law yet according to our wonted clemency being willing to dispense with the rigour of law at this time and not to inflict the punishment of death upon them Our will and pleasure is that you affix a Justice Court at Linlithgow or any other place our Councell shall appoint the 23 of October and then cause doom of punishment forth of our Dominions during their naturall lives to be pronounced against the said Traitours After which you shall return them to their wards there to remain for the space of a moneth till they have made their preparations to depart before the expiring whereof if they doe not depart wind and weather serving or being departed shall return unto our Dominions without our licence the ordinary death usually inflicted upon Traitours shall be executed upon them And because this our clemency extended towards these above named may perhaps move others to think that for trespasses of this quality no greater rigour will hereafter be used to remove all such conceits and that notice may be taken of our full determination in the like case you shall in open Court make intimation to all our lieges That if any hereafter shall offend in such an high trespass they shall be punished with all severity and the death due unto Traitours be inflicted upon them with all rigour the example of this our present lenity not withstanding And that it is our will you cause to be recorded in your books of Adjournall and publication made thereof at the Market Cross of Edinburgh and all other places needfull By the letter directed to the Councell Mr. Charles Farum was ordained to be confined in the Isle of Bute Mr. Iohn Monroe in Kintire Mr. Robert Yongson in the Isle of Arran Mr. Iames Irwin in Orkney Mr. William Forbes in Yeteland Mr. Iames Grey in Cathnes Mr. Nathaniel Inglis in Southerland and Mr. Iohn Rosse in Lewis The Justice as he was commanded did keep his Court at Linlithgow and pronounced the sentence and doom in the manner prescribed Messengers were also directed to charge the other Ministers to enter into the parts appointed for their confining and not to exceed the same without licence under pain of death After which a Proclamation was made inhibiting all Ministers to recommend either in their sermons or prayers the persons so sentenced And lest the Iesuits Seminary Priests and others of their faction should presume of any oversight to be given to them because of these proceedings against the seditious Ministers they were in like sort commanded by Proclamation to depart forth of the Realme and all the subjects inhibited to resset or entertain them under the pain of his Majesties displeasure Mr. Andrew Melvill that would not be idle and was still speaking against the Orders of the English Church having dispersed some bitter and scornfull verses against the Rites used in his Majesties Chappell which was brought to the King by one of the Chaplains was called before the Councell of England and charged with the injuring of the State and Church where in stead of acknowledging his offence he behaved himself insolently and more like a mad man then Divine for which he was committed in the Tower of London There he remained three years and more and afterwards upon the Duke of Bulloign his request was sent to Sedan where he lived in no great respect and contracting the Gout lay almost bedfast to his death Whilest I am writing this there cometh to my mind the hard and uncharitable dealing that he and his faction used towards Patrick sometimes Archbishop of St. Andrewes who not content to
conceived by his death This following penned by a learned Divine in our vulgar language did affect me so as I thought good to subjoin it ALL who have eyes awake and weep For he whose waking wrought our sleep Is fallen asleep himself and never Shall wake again till wak'd for ever Deaths iron handhath clos'd those Eyes Which were at once three Kingdoms spies Both to foresee and to prevent Dangers as soon as they were meant That Head whose working brain alone VVrought all mens quiet but its own Now lies at rest O let him have The peace he lent us in his grave If that no Naboth all his Reign Was for his fruitfull vineyard slain If no Vriah lost his life Because he had too fair a wife Then let no Shimei's curses wound His honour or profane his ground Let no black-mouth'd no rank-breath'd cur Peacefull JAMES his Ashes stir Princes are Gods ô doe not then Rake in their graves to prove them men For two and twenty years long care For providing such an Heir VVho to the peace we had before May adde twice two and twenty more For his daies travels and nights watches For his craz'd sleep stoln by snatches For two fair Kingdoms joyn'd in one For all he did or meant t' have done Doe this for him write on his dust IAMES the Peacefull and the Iust. The End A brief Table directing to the Principall Matter of this HISTORY A St. Andrews made an University by the Bishop of the place procuring it Page 57 Made an Archiepiscopal See 58 Aidanus in Northumberland within seven dayes after his first arrival converteth and baptizeth 15000 14 Augustine The King of Northumberland with an army by instigation as was supposed of Augustine the Monk slayeth 1200 Monks that refused to receive the Rites of Rome 12 Alcuinus born in Scotland 22 B BIshop The ancient manner of a Bishop in Scotland 4 Anciently in Scotland all the moveable goods of any Bishop belonged to the King and were seized for his use 55 An English Army put to flight by a Bishop 99 A Bishop went on foot through the whole Kingdome preaching the Gospel wheresoever he came 108 The ancient variance between the Scots and Holland reconciled by a Bishop 105 The difference between Iames III. of Scotland and Lewis XI of France reconciled principally by the prudence of a Bishop ibid. A Bishop barbarously maimed by an Earl in the Kings absence and the Justice done upon him for it 40 110 A very pious Bishop lived to the age of 185 years 112 Iohn Dury a reformed Minister at his death giveth advice to the Assembly of the Church to restore the Episcopal government 457 Bishops restored in the Church and to their temporalities in Scotland 496 Cautions whereby the Episcopal power was moderated in Scotland 501 Scottish Bishops came to England for consecration 514 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth by his great authority the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Buchannan by his verses he incenseth the Franciscans 67 His death 525 Benefices the temporality of them annexed to the Crown 365 Bothwell in open Rebellion is encouraged by the English Ambassadors 402 The King would have it inserted into the Acts of the Church that Ministers shall make publick declaration in the Church the Sunday following after they have baptized any privately first refused 529 After passed by the Church 539 C CArdinals by the Popes Law the placeâ—s are to be ruinated where Cardinals are slain 88 Charles after King of Great Britain born 461 His Journey to Spain 544 His return 545 A Letter to him from Gregory XV. then being Suitor in the Spanish Court 544 Church A form of Church-policy presented to the Convention of Estates at Edinburgh drawn up by Knox 152 The Church and Regent cross one the others proceedings 271 A model of Church-policy presented to the Parliament at Striveling 289 The Church appointeth a Fast on the same day that the King appointeth a Feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador with a design to cross the King 322 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject the Protestation 318 Contentions between the King and Church 319 They allow not the Councel authority to judge of Treason spoken by them in the Pulpit 330 The Ministers yield more to the desires of the basest people then to reasonable Propositions of the King 394 They provide a Chaplain of their own interest for Bothwell endevouring Rebellion 402 They refuse to submit their doctrine to the triall of the King and Councel 420 They style the Queen of England Elizabeth an Atheist in their Sermons 419 422 One of them affiâ—med in his Sermon that it is lawful for subjects to take arms against their King 430 They sollicite the Lord Hamilton and people to take arms 431 Articles proposed in the form of Question by the King concerning affairs of the Church 435 The bosome of the Church ought alwaies to be open to Penitents 437 The Assembly vote that it is lawfull for Ministers to sit in Parliament 449 Some of them refuse to give thanks in their Churches for the Kings deliverance from the attempts of Gowrie 460 Catholikes are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their religion so as in minde they continued firme 308 Covenant is taken by the Ministers obliging them to a better discharge of their duty 416 A Scottish prisoner rescued out of the Castle of Carlisle by a strange attempt 414 A strange event at a Councel held in Wiltsh 27 The Charity of a certain man saved his life 462 Conference at Hampton Court 478 Another Conference there between Scottish Bishops and Ministers of the Presbytery 497 D DRuids what they were 3 Are expelled by Cratilinth 3 The Diocese of Dunkeld divided into two Bishopricks 98 The Synod of Dort in Holland 540 Did not ratifie the Acts of Perth ibid. E A Controversie between six Competitors for the Crown of Scotland referred to the arbitration of Edward I of England 48 England the two Kingdomes of England and Scotland united upon the intended marriage of Edward VI. being about five years old and Mary daughter of Scotland being about one year old 72 That Contract broken by Scotland 73 The King of Scots with many of his Nobles swear subjection to Edward I. of England at Newcastle 49 The King of Scots and the Parliament of Scotland convened at Berwick do homage to the King of England ibid. The King of England refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 The Earls and Barons of Scotland in a Parliament at S. Andrewes swear obedience the third time to the King of England ib. The Scottish Lords of the Congregation have aid from England 140 The Articles of Contract between England and Scotland 142 Scottish Bishops come to England to be consecrated 514 Easter The ancient manner of observing it in Scotland not the same with that of the Roman 15
But agreeth with the Iewes 13 Augustine the Monk endevoureth to perswade the Saxons in Britain to observe Easter according to the Roman account but they refuse 12 A dispute held in England in Yorkshire concerning the computation of Easter between a Scottishman a Bishop and the abettors of the Roman Church 15 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury with the content of the Church of Scotland 527 The tryall of the Earl of Somerset 525 The Earl of Essex his death and the cause 463 Edinburgh Castle surrendred by the Queens party 271 The Town having maintained tumults against the King submit themselves 432 Elizabeth Queen of England is styled an Atheist by the Ministers of Scotland in their sermons 419 423 The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palsgrave 19 Excommunication of persons of capitall crimes if they are fugitives forbidden 517 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the content of the Scottish Ministers 527 F FAst one fasteth fourty daies without any the least kinde of food another time thirty daies 69 Francis II of France husband to Mary Stewart Queen of Scots dâ—eth 69 H PRince Henry baptized 406 His death 510 The death of Iames Marquiss of Hamilton 546 I IReland Patrick a Scot converteth that Nation 8 Ignorance Some Priests so ignorant as that they thought the New Testament written by Luther 76 Iames VI. born 196 Baptized according to the rites of the Roman Church 197 His Father attempted by poyson ibid. His Father murthered by Bothwell 200 Crowned in the Church of Striveling being thirteen moneths old Some Lords rebel against him at Edinb 287 He is offended at some proceedings of the Church and does not favour them much 308 Surprised by a combination of Nobles and sequestred from the Duke of Lennox 321 Temporiseth with the Church 322 He appointeth a feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador the Ministers to cross him on the same day appoint a fast 322 A promise made in time of restraint he judgeth not obliging 327 He giveth clear testimony of the care of the Church 347 A letter written by Walsingham to perswade the King to pass by the revenge of his Mothers death 359 An offer made by an English Ambassador and accordingly done to bring a Declaration signed by all the Judges in England to shew that the sentence against his Mother did not invalidate his right 365 Married to the King of Denmarks daughter 377 Goeth in person to Norway 377 Giveth directions for government in his absence 378 Bringeth his Queen to Scotland 380 Bothwells plot to surprise him discovered and prevented 386 He is surprised by Bothwell 394 He writeth an Epitaph on the death of his Chancellour 411 His just complaint against the petulancy of Churchmen 419 Publisheth his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 455 Gowry's conspiracy against him 457 A letter written to him from the Councel and Nobility of England 473 Crowned at Westminster 478 He would never hang Priests of the Roman profession onely for their Religion 523 He foretelleth his own death therefore not likely to be poisoned 546 He died of an Hemitritaea a disease very dangerous for the aged 546 A Witch had not power to kill him 383 K KIngs Iohn Knox his opinion concerning deposing them for ill-government 137 Reasons why they are not to be punished by their Subjects ibid. The Scots cannot resolve to arraign their Queen 214 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject their Protestation 318 A Minister of Scotland affirmeth in his Sermon that it is lawful for Subjects to take arms against their King 430 Rebellion of the Subjects if they succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 Conspiracies against Princes not thought true unless they are slain 460 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Knox his death 266 Proved that he was not the Author of the book published in his name under the title of the History of Scotland 267 A form of Church policy drawn up by him 152. L LAws Malcolm repealeth that wicked Law of Eugenius III which appointed the first night of the new married woman to belong to the Lord of the ground 29 Lollards Articles of Religion taught by them 61 The Earl of Lennox Grandfather to Iames VI and Regent slain in fight 256 The Lord Aubigny Earl and after Duke of Lennox embraceth the Protestant faith 308 He dieth in the Protestant Religion 324 M JOhn Maior Hector Boeth Gilbert Crab William Gregory learned men lived in Scotland A. D. 1539. 68 The Earl of Murray Regent of Scotland murthered 233 Earl of Marre Regent of Scotland dieth a natural death 264 The Earl of Morton then Regent his covetousness and sacrilege 271 Executed upon suspicion that he consented to the murther of the Father of Iames VI 314 Rabanus Maurus born in Scotland 22 O OAths The Catholicks are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their Religion so as in minde they continued firm and laboured secretly in promoting the Roman faith 308 Ordination One Bruce being to be made Minister of a Parish in Edinburgh refuseth Ordination 451 Had preached many years before without Ordination ibid. Ordination by Presbyters in case of necessity that it is lawful 514 The death of Sir Thomas Overbury 514 P PRiests called Culdees and why 4 Pope his league not suffered to enter into Scotland 43 The Clergy will acknowledge no Statute imposed upon them by the Legate 45 A Collection demanded by the Pope denied and the Legate not permitted to enter the Realm ibid. VRbane IV. ordained that every Bishop and Abbat elect of Scotland should travail to Rome for consecration 46 A Councel held at Lyons by the Pope the Acts thereof ibid. The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 One thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of Rome and are all slain 12 Prayer A great question arose among the Churchmen whether the Pater noster were to be said to the Saints or God only Protestants the Queen Regent Dowager of Iames V. dieth in the faith of Protestants 146 The Queen of England contriveth a counter-league against the Holy league made in France for the extirpation of Protestants 389 The Articles of that League 349 Election of Ministers by the People discharged by authority in Scotland 545 The same Portent interpreted to contrary significations 542 Presbyters excluded from intermedling with the making of Ecclesiastical laws in Scotland 531 Ordination by them in case of necessity is lawfull 514 The marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth 519 The history of the Powder-treason 491 This conspiracy carried on in secrecy a whole year 492 R ROme one thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of the Roman Church and are all slain 12 A ploâ—to reintroduce the Roman religion 390
state very uncertain whilest I say they called to mind these variable fortunes and theâ—ewith considered the excellencies that nature had bestowed upon her as the beauty and comelinesse of her person her mild inclination and gracious demeanour toward all sorts of people it cannot be told what a joy and love this begat in the hearts of all the subjects The beginning of her government was likewise very gracious for some few dayes after her arriving in a Councel kept with the Nobility to remove the occasions of trouble she condescended that no change nor alteration should be made in the present state of Religion only she would use her own service as she said apart with her family and have a Masse in private This was thought by many a thing not intolerable considering she was the Soveraign Princesse of the Realm and educated from her youth in the Romane faith from which there was hope by better instruction and humble and courteous behaviour she might be reclaimed yet the Preachers in their Sermons did publickly condemn that toleration as unlawful And amongst the Nobility the Earl of Arrane did oppose it taking protestation that he did neither agree to private nor publick Masse which highly displeased the Queen and was thought to have alienated her affection that before seemed much inclining towards him There fell out upon this an Accident which was like to have caused great trouble The Queen purposing to hear Masse the next day in her Chappel of Halirudhouse whilest the tapers and other things required to that service were carried through the Court one of the common sort invading him that bore the waxe lights brake them all in pieces and if by the intervention of some more moderate spirits the tumult had not been repressed the rest of the furniture had been wholly spoiled and that day Masse disappointed It was held a proud and insolent fact and condemned by many others said that the patience of men was too farre tempted and some maintained that if right were done the Priest according to Gods law made against idolaters ought to suffer death But this stirre was quickly appeased by Lord Iames much against the Earl of Huntley his mind who by this occasion thought to win credit with the Queen and in conference with her Uncles bragged that if the Queen pleased to use his service he would reduce all the North countries to the Romane profession But his courses being suspected and the Quen misliking all counsels that tended unto trouble no heed was given to his offers The moneth following was spent in the entertainment of the French that had accompanied the Queen homewards they made but short stay in the countrey For about the middest of September Duke d' Aumarll returned unto France by Sea the grand Prior and Monsieur d' Anvile took their journey through England the Marquesse d' Elbeuf of all that company only remained and abode all the Winter with the Queen In this mean time was William Maitland of Lethington directed to the Queen of England with letters both from the Queen and from the Nobility The Queens letters were full of kindnesse tending all to expresse the love and affection she bare unto her as to her dearest sister and kinswoman and the desire she had to continue in true and sincere friendship with her The letters sent by the Nobility were to the same effect but containing this more That the surest way to preserve friendship 〈◊〉 true amtty amongst them two was to declare the Queen of Scots her nearest and lawful heir to the Crown of England in case she should have no issue Lethington urging this last point strongly as he was commanded after he had used his best perswasions to that effect was answered by the Queen of England as followeth I did expect another message from your Queen then this is which you have brought me and do marvel that she should forget the promise made before her coming out of France touching the ratification of the treaty of Leth which was that how soon she returned to her own countrey she should give me a full and resolute answer I have long enough said she suffered my self to be abused with fair speeches and now it had been time if she had regarded her own honour to have made good her promises Lethington replied that within a few days after the Queen took land he was imployed in this legation and that she had no leasure to deal in any publick matters being taken up with admitting the Noblemen that came to welcome her into the Realm and with the fetling of the estate of Religion which her Majesty understood to be a work of no small weight neither were all the Noblemen whose advice she must take in matters of that importance come into the Court before his parting from it Here the Queen interrupting his speech said What need is there of advice or counsel to do that which by her subscription and seal she is bound to perform He answered that no commission was given him in that matter nor did his Mistresse think that any accompt thereof would have been required of him but that she might justly excuse her self by the occasions he haâ— mentioned Then after a few more speeches of that purpose the Queen returning to the chief point of his legation said I have observed that you have often in your discourse said that your Queen is descended of the blood Royal of England and that I am obliged to love her as being nearest to me in blood of any other which I neither will or can deny Neither have I in any of my actions as the world knoweth attempted ought against the safety and tranquillity of her and her kingdom yea they that â—e most inward with me can witness that even when I had just cause of offence given me by her usurpation of the Titles and Armes of England I could never be induced to think other then that thâ— was the politick device of some enemies to breed dissension amongst us But howsoever that be I hope so long as I live she shall not bereave me of my Kingdom nor yet be able if God shall bless me with children to impede their succession And if it shall happen otherwise that I be taken away she shall never find that I have prejudged the Right which she claimeth to the Kingdom of England What a right it is I have never been curious to know nor do I purpose to search and examine it but will leave the same to the cognition of those whom it concerneth This your Queen may assuredly expect at my hands that I shall never wrong her nor her cause if it be just in the least point And God I take to witness who heareth this our conference that next my self I know not any whom I would preferre to her or who if the tâ—tle should fall to be controverted might exclude her You know saith she who the compeâ—itors be but alas
he was purposed But when he had taken horse either that he would not seem fearfull or then hindered by the throng of horsemen that attended and thinking to ride quickly by the house that was suspected he changed his resolution but the throng there working him the like impediment the murtherer had the occasion to execute his treachery How soon the Regent perceived himself stricken he lighted from his horse and returned on foot to his lodging The Chirurgeon at the first inspection of his wound did affirm it not to be deadly yet after a few houres his pain increasing he began to think on death They who stood by saying that he had lost himself by his clemency having spared that miscreant whose life he might justly have taken he answered that they should never make him forthink any good he had done in his life Thereafter giving order for his private affairs he seriously commended the care of the young King to such of the Nobility as were present and died a little before midnight This fell out the 23. of Ianuary 1569. being Saturday The murtherer escaping by the Postern-gate of the garden came the same night to the town of Hamilton where at first he was welcomed with many gratulations and made much of yet shortly after to decline the envy of the fact which they heard was universally detested they gave him a little money and sent him away unto France Thuanus writeth in his story that not long after he came thither he was solicited to undertake the like interprise against Gasper Colignie that worthy Admirall of France and that he did answer that he had no warrant from Scotland to commit murthers in France and howbeit he had taken revenge of the wrong done to himselfe he was not either for price or prayer to undertake other mens quarrells Whether this was so or not I leave it upon the credit of the Writer The death of the Regent was by all good men greatly lamented especially by the Commons who loved him as their father whilest he lived and now mourned grievously at his death The great things he had wrought in his life haveing in the space of one yeare and a little more quieted the State which he found broken and disordered made his very enemies speake of him after his death with praise and commendation Above all his virtues which were not a few he shined in Piety towards God ordering himself and his Family in such sort as it did more resemble a Church then a Court. For therein besides the exercise of devotion which he never omitted there was no wickedness to be seen nay not an unseemly or wanton word to be heard A man truly good and worthy to be ranked amongst the best Governours that this Kingdome hath enjoyed and therefore to this day honoured with the Title of The good Regent There fell out the next day after his death a thing which I thought was not to be passed He was killed on the Saturday and died as I have said a little before midnight The word of his death coming to Edenburgh Thomas Maitland a younger brother of Lethinton this is he whom Buchannan makes his Collocutor in the Dialogue De jure Regni knowing what esteem Iohn Knox made of the Regent and loving none of the two caused a writing to be laid in the Pulpit where Iohn Knox was that day to preach to this sense and almost in the same words Take up the man whom you accounted another God and consider the end whereto his ambition hath brought him Iohn Knox finding the paper and taking it to be a memoriall for recommending some sick persons in his Prayers after he had read the same laid it by nothing as it seemed commoved therewith yet in the end of the Sermon falling to regrate the loss that the Church and Common-wealth had received by the death of the Regent and shewing how God did often for the sins of the people take away good Rulers and Governours I perceive said he albeit this be an accident we should all take to heart There be some that rejoyce in this wicked fact making it the subject of their mirth amongst whom there is one that hath caused a writing to be cast in this place insulting upon that which is all good mens sorrow This wicked man whosoever he be shall not goe unpunished and shall die where none shall be to lament him The Gentleman was himself present at Sermon and being come to the lodging asked his sister who was also there if she did not think Iohn Knox was raving to speak so of the man he knew not But she weeping said that she was sory he had not followed her counsell for she had disswaded him from that doing None of this mans denunciations said she are wont to prove idle but have their own effect Shortly after the troubles of the Countrey increasing the Gentleman betook himself to travel and passing into Italy died there having no known person to attend him This I thought not unworthy of record being informed thereof by the Gentlemans sister to whom these speeches were uttered and who was privy to the whole purpose for an advertisement to all persons not to make a light account of the threatnings of Gods servants The Gentleman was otherwise a youth of great hopes learned and courteous but miscarried with affection and not to be excused in this that he took pleasure in the fall of him whom he judged an enemy a thing inhumane and abhorred of the very heathen The word of the Regents death carried in haste to England the Queen sent Thomas Randolph Master of her Posts Ambassadour into Scotland partly to conferre with the Councel upon the surest means to keep affairs in the state they were and partly to complain of the incursion lately made in England For the very night after the Regents murther Walter Scot of Baclugh and Thomas Kâ—r of Pharnherst had invaded the countrey bordering upon them and practised greater hostility then was accustomed of purpose to embroyle the two Kingdomes in a publick warre which they of the Scottish Queens faction most earnestly desired The Ambassadour was no sooner come but he had hearing given him by the Councel to whom after he had spoken a few words concerning her Majesties good affection to the Realm in general and in her name commending to their care the preservation of Religion the safety of the young King and the punishment of the late murther he did much aggravate the insolence of the borderers and the spoil they had made in England saying That his Mistresse knew sufficiently that these things were not done by publick allowance and therefore meant not to make quarrel to the countrey but take her self to the actors whom if they by themselves could not suppress her Majesty would either joyn her power to theirs or if they thought meet send an Army into Scotland which without doing harm to any good subject should only
opinions of divers famous Divines The Queen of England having considered their reasons was not a little displeased both with the bitter speeches and with the liberty they had used in depressing the authority of Princes and thereupon told them That she was in no sort satisfied with their reasons willing them to go unto the second head and devise what they thought meetest for the safety of their King and themselves But said they refusing that they had no Commission to speak of any thing that might derogate from the Kings authority and if such a Commission had been given them they would not have accepted it In these terms matters continued some days till the Commissioners for the King of Scots suting to be dimitted were sent for to Greenwich where the Queen had a long speech tending all to declare what a good will she had carried to the young King and to those that professed his obedience and wondering they should be so wilful and not to deliberate of such things as served to their own safety The Commissioners answering that they believed the reasons produced would have satisfied her Majesty touching their proceedings which as they esteemed were sufficient to prove that they had done nothing but according to justice Yet I saith the Queen am not satisfied neither with your reasons nor lawes nor examples nor am I ignorant of the lawes my self having spent divers years in the study thereof If ye your selves will not saith she propone any thing for your own sureties yet I would have you hear what my Councel is able to say in that matter and I hope it shall content you They answered that their respect to her Majesty was greater then to refuse any good advice which she and her good Councel should give them but that they had no power to consent to any thing that might inferre an alteration of the present state or diminish the Kings authority The next day the Articles following were given them and they desired to consider of the same and set down their Answer in writing 1. That in regard her son had been crowned King by vertue of her dimission and his Coronation ratified by the three Estates of Parliament and that since that time a great number of the subjects had professed obedience to him and his Regents which was to be interpreted in the best part as done out of duty and not out of any ill mind towards their Queen the obedience so yielded to the King and his Regents should be allowed from the time of the dimission of the Crown made by her unto the resumption of the same And all manner of Acts done since that time in the administration of justice and for government of the State should be reputed good and lawful or at least reviewed and confirmed in the next Parliament after consideration taken of the same by twelve Lords whereof six should be named by the Queen and her Commissioners and the other six by the Commissioners for the Kings part 2. That all Statutes and Ordinances made concerning matters of Religion and the Ministers thereof since the same time should be observed by all the subjects of Scotland and no pardon nor dispensation granted in time coming to any person not observing the same without consent of the said twelve Lords 3. That all Processes Sentences and Judgements given either in causes civil or criminal since the said time wherein the order of the laws of the Realm had been observed should remain in force and only such sentences as had been pronounced either in the name of the King or Queen against any person for not obeying or acknowledging either of their Titles be rescinded the sentences alwayes pronounced against the Earl of Bothwel or any others for the murther of the Queens husband standing good and valid 4. That all Ecclesiastical benefices and temporal offices which have usually continued in the person of any during term of life should remain with the same persons that held them at the time of the Queens dimission such excepted as may be proved to have consented to the murther of her husband or that have left them upon recompence and with their own consents In which cases the present possessors should enjoy the same unlesse they were uncapable and declared by the twelve Lords to be such 5. That all strengths Castles and houses appertaining to the Crown should be restored to the possession of those who held them at the time of the Queens dimission except they had parted therewith upon agreement In which case the Queen with consent of the said twelve Lords or the most part of the Councel should dispose thereof 6. That the Jewels Plate Moveables and implements of houses belonging to the Queen at the time of her dimission should be restored provided the moneys which any had laid out for the same were repayed And for such as had been put away by the direction of the Regents or Councel that recompence should be made by the Queen to the party according to the just value 7. That a law should be established in Parliament for oblivion and remission of all things done since that time after the same manner that was done in the year 1563. providing not the lesse that the Comptroller Thesaurer and other receivers of the Crown revenues should give an accompt to the Queen of all summes of money or other profits which had not been expended bona fide for the affairs of the Realm or by order and warrant from the Regent and others trusted with those affairs Neither should the remission be extended to any that had taken by force any houses Castles lands or heritages belonging to others but restitution should be made thereof to the party dispossessed or to his heirs till the same by order of law be justly determined In like manner concerning goods moveable taken away from the Owners against their wills and being yet in their own nature extant that restitution should be made thereof And because many doubts might arise upon this Article the same should be determined by the foresaid twelve Lords or otherwise as was devised for the execution of the Act made Anno 1563. 8. That for the more quiet government of the Realm there should be appointed a Privy Councel which should consist of twelve Lords spiritual and temporal besides the other ordinary officers that do usually attend And that the said Councel should be established with the like provisions that were made at the return of the Queen out of France Anno 1561. So many as were then Counsellors and yet alive being counted of that number and that the Earl of Lennox because he was most bound by nature to take care of the King should be one of the Councel and have place therein according to his degree 9. That for the greater safety of the Kings person he should be brought into the Realm of England and there governed by such Noblemen of Scotland as depend of him so as he may be ever
watchmen were killed and the munition seâ—sed The Lord Fleming who commanded the Castle hearing the tumult fled to the neather Balze so they call the part by which they descend to the river and escaped in a little Boat The souldiers and other servants yielding were spared and freely dimitted Within the Castle were the Archbishop of S. Andrews Monsieur Veras the French man the Lady Fleming Iohn Fleming of Boghall Alexander Levingston sonne to the Lord Levingston and Iohn Hall an English man who were all made prisoners The next morning the Regent came thither for he was lying at Glasgow and using the Lady honourably suffered her to depart with her plate jewels and all that appertained either to her or to her husband Veras was sent to be kept at S. Andrews and permitted afterwards to depart The English man Hall was delivered to the Marshal of Berwick Boghall and the Lord Levingstons son were deteined The Archbishop was sent to Striveling and the first of April publickly hanged on a gibbet erected to that purpose This was the first Bishop that suffered by form of Justice in this Kingdome a man he was of great action wise and not unlearned but in life somewhat dissolute His death especially for the manner of it did greatly incense his friends and disliked of divers who wished a greater respect to have been carried to his age and place But the suspicion of his guiltinesse in the murthers of the King and Regent made him of the common sort lesse regrated It is said that being questioned of the Regents murther he answered That he might have stayed the same and was sorry he did it not But when he was charged with the Kings death he denied the same Yet a Priest called Thomas Robinson that was brought before him affirmed that one Iohn Hamilton commonly called Black Iohn had confessed to him on his death-bed that he was present by his direction at the murther Whereunto he replied That being a Priest he ought not to reveale Confessions and that no mans Confession could make him guilty But for none of those points was he condemned nor the ordinary form of Trial used though he did earnestly request the same Only upon the forfeiture laid against him in Parliament he was put to death and the execution hastened lest the Queen of England should have interceded for his life They who stood for the Queen upon advertisement that the Treatie was dissolved and that she had recalled the Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston did presently take Armes The Laird of Grange to keep the Town of Edinburgh under command did plant in the steeple of S. Giles some souldiers and transport all the Armour and Munition which was kept in the Town-house to the Castle After a few days the Duke of Chattellerault came thither with the Earls of Argile and Huntley the Lords Hereis Boyd and divers others to stay the holding of the Parliament which had been adjourned to the fourteenth of May. At their coming they compelled the Clerks and Keepers of the Register to deliver the books of Councel and Parliament and seised on every thing which they thought might hinder the States to convene The Ministers were commanded in their publick prayers to make mention of the Queen their Soveraign Princesse which they resused Iohn Knox withdrew himself and retired to S. Andrews Alexander Bishop of Galloway preaching in his place The Regent on the other side with the Nobility that adhered to the King came into Leth with a resolution to hold the Parliament whatsoever should follow and because it would be a difficil work to recover the town conclusion was taken to keep the Parliament in that part of the Canon gate which is subject to the townes jurisdiction the Lawyers having resolved that in what part soever of the towne the Estates should convene their meeting would be found lawful Thus on Munday the fourteenth of May which was the Diet appointed the Parliament according to the custome was fenced in a house without the gates yet within the liberties of the town The Saterday preceding the Regent had by advice of the Councel sent some men of warre to possesse that part of the town who were assisted by certain Noblemen voluntiers that joyned in the service And notwithstanding the continual playing of the Ordinance upon that part from the Castle both that day and all the time the Parliament sate not a man a thing most strange of the Regents side was either hurt or killed there were cited to the Parliament young Lethington his brother Mr. Iohn Maitland Prior of Coldingham Gawan Hamilton Abbot of Kilwining with his eldest son and a base son of the late Archbishop of S. Andrews who were all declared culpable of treason Young Lethington because of his foreknowledge and counsel given to King Henry his murther the rest for their rebellion against the King and his Regents As in such a troubled time the Parliament was very frequent for of the Nobility were present the Earls of Morton Marre Glencarn Crawford who some moneths before had forsaken the Queens faction and submitted himself to the King Buchan and Menteith the Lord Keith and Graham as proxies for their Fathers the Earls of Marshal and Montrosse with the Lords Lindesay Ruthven Glamis Zeister Methven Ochiltrie Cathcart two Bishops nine Abbots and Priors with twenty Commissioners of Burghs The forfeiture pronounced the Estates took counsel to dissolve because the danger was great and prorogued the Parliament to the third of August appointing the same to meet at Striveling A new Civil warre did then break up which kept the Realm in trouble the space of two years very nigh and was exherced with great enmity on all sides You should have seen fathers against their sons sons against their fathers brother fighting against brother nigh kinsmen and others allied together as enemies seeking one the destruction of another Every man as his affection led him joyned to the one or other party one professing to be the Kings men another the Queens The very young ones scarce taught to speak had these words in their mouthes and were sometimes observed to divide and have their childish conflicts in that quarrel But the condition of Edinburgh was of all parts of the countrey the most distressed they that were of quiet disposition and greatest substance being forced to forsake their houses which were partly by the souldiers partly by other necessitous people who made their profit of the present calamities rifled and abused The nineteenth day of May the Regent and other Noblemen leaving the Canon gate went to Leth and the next day in the afternoon took their journey towards Striveling where the ordinary Judges of Session were commanded to sit for ministring justice to the Leiges As they were taking horse the forces within Edinburgh issued forth making shew to sight yet still they kept themselves under guard of the Castle The Earl of Morton parting
work should more easily be effected if a beginning was made in Scotland did call a Parliament in August which was kept by Lodowick Duke of Lennox as Commissioner for his Majesty the Earl of Montrose being then deceased The Estates to satisfie the Kings desire did allow all the Articles concluded in the Treaty with a provision That the same should be in like manner ratified by the Parliament of England otherwise the conclusions taken should not have the strength of a law It was also declared that if the union should happen to take effect the Kingdome notwithstanding should remain an absolute and free Monarchy and the fundamentall laws receive no alteration But the Parliament of England either disliking the union as fearing some prejudice by it to their Estate or upon some other hidden cause did touch no more the business and so that good work tending to the advantage of both Kingdomes was left and quite deserted In the Church a new trouble was moved by the revolt that Huntley and the two Earls of Angus and Arroll made divers especially in the North parts falling away by their example This being represented to the King he gave order for calling an Assembly which convened at Linlithgow in the end of Iuly Therein the Earls of Dunbar Winton and Lothian sate Commissioners for the King The Bishop of Orkney elected to preside having shewed the occasion of the present meeting to be the growth and increase of Papists in all the quarters of the Kingdome it was thought meet to take up the names of those that made open profession of Popery and likewise of those that were suspected to favour the course that their number and forces being known the remedies might be the better advised and provided The number was found to very great chiefly in the North and the Marquis of Huntley delated by all as the only cause of the defection in those bounds he being cited to appear before the Assembly under the pain of excommunication and neither compeiring nor sending any excuse was ordained to be excommunicated and the sentence accordingly pronounced in the hearing of the whole Assembly This was appointed to be intimated in all the Churches and no absolution given upon whatsoever offers in regard of his manifold apostasies without the advice of the general Church The like course was concluded to be kept with Angus Arroll and the Lord Semple how soon the processes intended against them were brought to an end This done the Assembly began to rip up the causes of the defection more narrowly which they found to proceed from the Ministers in a part their negligence in teaching and catechising of people the too suddain admission of young men into the Ministery and the distraction of mindes among those that are admitted for remedy whereof it was ordained as followeth First that they should apply themselves to the exercise of their function with greater diligence then they were accustomed and take a speciall care of young children to see them instructed in the Belief the Lords prayer and ten Commandements whereof they should examine every childe at the age of six years and yearly enquire of their profiting and increase in knowledge 2 That some longer time should be prescrived for the admission of men to the Ministery and the exceptions contained in the Act of the age of Ministers to be admitted reserved to the cognition of the Generall Assembly 3 That they use a greater diligence in the processing of Papists and that none out of corrupt favour should grant them any oversight under the pain of deposition 4 That all who carried office in the Church should be carefull to eschew offences and endevour to keep love and peace among themselves 5 And for the present distractions in the Church seeing the same did arise partly from a diversity of opinions touching the externall government of the Church and partly from divided affections the last of these two being the most dangerous as not suffering the brethren to unite themselves against the common enemy they were all in the fear of God exhorted to lay down whatsoever grudge or rancour they had conceived and to be reconciled in heart and affection one to another Which all that were present did faithfully promise by the holding up their hands But the fault not being in the Ministers alone and seen to proceed from other causes also as from the oversight of Jesuits and Priests and their entertainment in the Countrey the preferment of men to publick offices that were suspected in Religion the favour shewed to Papists by them in places of chief authority Masie Priests admitted without his Majesties warrant and no security taken for their not returning Licences granted to Noblemens sons for going abroad and their education trusted to men of contrary profession advocation to the Councell of matters properly belonging to the Ecclesiasticall Judicatories and the lack of Preachers in many parts of the land It was concluded that certain Petitions should be formed and presented to his Majesty by some selected Commissioners for remedying these evils which were formed in this manner First that an humble supplication should be made by the whole Assembly intreating his Majesty not to permit any Papist or suspected of Popery to bear charge in Councell Session or in any Burgh or City and where his Majesty did know any such to occupie these places humbly to crave that order might be taken for their removing 2 That the laws made against Papists should receive execution and no favour be granted unto them by the Officers of State with a prohibition to the Councell to meddle in affairs Ecclesiasticall or to discharge the processes led by Ministers against Papists and others contemners of Church discipline 3 That Papists abjuring their Religion in hope of preferment to Offices of State should not be admitted thereto till they had given five years probation at least 4 That the sons of Noblemen professing Popery should be committed to the custody of such of their friends as are sound in Religion 5 That a Commission should be granted to every Bishop within his Dioces and to such well affected Noblemen Barons and Gentlemen as the Commissioners of the Assembly should nominate for apprehending of Jesuits Seminary Priests excommunicated Papists and traffiquers against Religion 6 That the Searchers of ships should seise upon all Books that are brought unto the Countrey and present them to the Ministers of the Town where the ships shall happen to arrive 7 That excommunicate Papists be put in close prison and none have accesse unto them but such as are known to be of sound Religion 8 That the Deputies of excommunicates be not suffered to enjoy any office under them and that some others be appointed by his Majesty to serve in their places 9 Finally that his Majesty should be humbly intreated to plant the unprovided Churches especially the Churches of the Chappel Royall with competent Stipends The
part and that the Treaty was only entertained till the King of Spain had reduced Germany in his power resolved to be gone and declaring the necessity he had to return did leave a Proxie in the hands of the Earl of Bristoll the Ambassadour legier for espousing the Infanta how soon the Articles returned from Rome So the King of Spain having conveyed the Prince a little way towards the sea they parted in most loving tearms and in hope the Match should take effect But the Prince being after that informed of a conclusion laid That if the Match should be further pressed the Infanta to eschew the same should presently enter into the house of los Discalceatos a Monastery of bare-footed Nunnes after he was parted sent and commanded Bristoll not to make use of the proxie till he should advertise The Prince having for his convoy home eleven of the Kings ships and some Merchants arrived at Portsmouth the 5 of October with his whole retinue and went the next day to Royston where the King lay The joy was exceeding great of all sorts of people and publick thanks given to God throughout all the Churches of both the Kingdoms for his safe return Soon after when the King perceived by the report that neither was the Match truly meant nor the Palatinate like to be restored he directed the Earl of Bristoll to insist for the restitution and if he was put off with delaies to take his leave and come home which also he did Thus was the marriage which had been long treated of quite dissolved the King saying That he would never marry his Son with a Portion of his only Sistes tears The year following the Ministers of Edinburgh were greatly vexed by a sort of mutinous people who separating themselves from the publick Assemblies kept private Conventicles and went so far as to oppose publickly the order established for receiving the holy Communion The leader of those was William Rigge elected one of the Bailiffs for that year This man puffed up with a conceit of his own abilities did dream of no lesse then the overturning of the Church orders and reforming of the Ministery in such things as he held to be amisse hereupon in a meeting ordinarily kept before the celebration of the holy Sacrament he did publickly challenge Doctor William Forbes who was afterwards preferred to the Bishoprick of Edinburgh for divers points of doctrine delivered by him in his Sermons and when as he refused to be judged by him and the Laicks that assisted the said Baliffe did openly threaten them all that unlesse they returned to the old form of ministring the holy Communion the whole people should forsake them Herein he was assisteed by Iohn Hamilton an Apothecary Iohn Dickson William Thomson Iohn Meene and some other base companions who being called before the Councell were charged to leave the Town and the Bailiffe William Rigge deprived of his Bailiwick and declared incapable of any publick office in time comming This trouble gave occasion of setling the state of that Church in a better case then in former times the Ministers being ordained to reside in their own Parishes and have allowed to them a sufficient maintenance the popular election of Ministers when as places by any occasion fell void discharged and the presentation appointed to be made by the Provost Bayliffs and Councell the Sessions to be choosed yearly by the Magistrates and Ministers for the particular Parishes who should convene every year some ten daies after the election of the Magistrates for that business the meeting before the Communion wherein the Ministers were accustomed to be censured by the people simply prohibited with divers other particulars serving to the orderly ministration of all things in the Church The 16 of February Lodovick Duke of Richmond and Lâ—nnox deceased to the great regrate of all that knew him a Nobleman of excellent parts whose very aspect and countenance did promise much good He was thrice married first to a Sister of the Earl of Gowry by whom he had no children his second Wife was a Sister of the Lord London by whom he had a daughter and son that died both young In his third and last marriage with the Countesse of Hartford he found more content then in both the other but lived with her only some few years being taken away in the 48 year of his age His brother a noble Gentleman succeeded but did not survive him long for he died the next year leaving a hopefull succession of children behinde him The next year in the moneth of March Iames Marquis of Hamilton deceased also a Nobleman of rare gifts and fitted for the greatest affairs which he shewed at his deputation to the Parliament 1621 and at other divers occasions his death was the more grievously taken that it was thought it was procured by poyson whereof the monstrous swellings in his face and body afore his death gave great appearance his corps brought to Scotland by sea was interred at Hamilton with his predecessours These two deaths affected the King exceedingly and when it was told him that the Marquis was dead he said If the branches be thus cut down the stock cannot continue long which saying proved too true for shortly after he fell into the feaver that the Physitians call Hemitritaeam a dangerous feaver to those that are grown in years and thereof died at Theobalds the 27 of March being Sunday about twelve of the clock in the forenoon The Thursday preceding his death he desired the blessed Sacrament to be ministred unto him which he received with great devotion professing to the Prince his son and those that stood by that he had received a singular comfort thereby wishing all men to doe the like when they were visited in that sort From that time to the hour of his death he was still almost praying and some one sentence or other of piety ever in his mouth As he drew neer to his end the prayer usually said at the hour of death being ended having repeated once or twice these words Veni Domine Iesu he gave up the ghost without any pangs as are commonly seen in persons that are dying He was the Salomon of this age admired for his wise government and for his knowledge of all manner of learning for his wisdome moderation love of justice for his patience and piety which shined above all his other virtues and is witnessed in the learned works he left to posterity his name shall never be forgotten but remain in honour so long as the world indureth We that have had the honour and happiness many times to hear him discourse of the most weighty matters as well of Policy as Divinity now that he is gone must comfort our selves with the remembrance of these excellencies and reckon it not the least part of our happinesse to have lived in his daies Many dolefull Epitaphs in all Languages were composed to expresse the sorrow
should be called and to pay the summes contained in their bonds This advice presented to the King went much against his minde for his desire was to have the banished Lords reclaimed and brought to obedience which he esteemed to be the greatest assurance both of his own peace and the Countries quiet therefore did he onely answer That if it could be proved that the Lords since their departing from Scotland had traffiqued with strangers to the prejudice of Religion or State they should be used with all extremity but otherwise neither could their Cautioners be convicted nor would he change the course which he had kept with their wives and children Not long before this Assembly the King had communicated his minde to Mr. Robert Bruce touching that business hoping that by the sway he carried in those meetings some such Propositions as tended to the reclaiming of the banished Lords should have been made by the Assembly but finding his expectation not answered he brake to him the matter of new and shewed how greatly it concerned his estate to have them reduced and called home That the Queen of England was grown old and if any should after her death withstand his Title he would have need of his subjects assistance And that having so many Nobles exiled he would be lesse respected of strangers and be a great deal weaker at home If he could therefore win them to acknowledge their offence and so embrace the true Religion without which they should never get any favour from him he believed the course would not be disallowed of wise men and those that loved him Alwaies he desired to know his judgment for as yet he had not shewed his minde in that matter to any person Mr. Robert Bruce being as then in great favour and credit with the King said that he did think well of his Majesties reasons and that he should not doe amisse to bring home Angus and Arroll so as they would conform themselves in Religion But that Huntley could not be pardoned being so hated as he was of the subjects The King reasoning to the contrary that if Huntley be willing to satisfie the Church and fulfill the Conditions which he would require of him he saw no reason why he should not be received as well as the other two And as he could not but know that his care of that man was great and he having married his Cousin whom he accounted his own Daughter so was he the man of greatest power and one that could stand him in most stead Therefore desired Mr. Robert to think of that matter and after a day or two give him his advice in it At the next meeting being enquired what he had thought of the business he answered as before saying That Huntley's return would be ill interpreted and offend all good men The King repeating the former Reasons and adding That if he brought one home he would bring them all he replied I see Sir that your resolution is to take Huntley in favour which if you doe I will oppose and you shall choose whether you will lose Huntley or me for us both you cannot keep This saucy reply the King did never forget and it was this which lost him the favour which formerly he carried with the King The exiled Lords not finding that respect given unto them in forain parts which they expected took a resolution to return and to use all means for reconciling themselves to the King Church And that their return might be the more secret they separated one from another Arroll taking his journey homewards through the United Provinces was intercepted and delivered into the hands of Mr. Robert Danielston Conservator of the Scotish priviledges to be kept by him till the King should be advertised But whether by the Conservators knowledge or otherwise he made an escape and came into the Countrey Huntley came some moneths before and lurking secretly in the North sent a supplication to his Majesty and the Convention which met at Falkland the 12 of August the effect whereof was that he might be permitted to return and remain within any part of the Countrey his Majesty should appoint he giving sufficient surety for his quiet and peaceable behaviour The King having heard the Supplication took occasion to say That one of the two courses was needfull to be followed with him and the rest that were in his condition that is either utterly to exterminate them their race and posterity or then upon their humble acknowledgment of their offence and surety made for the state of Religion to receive in favour for to continue in the condition wherein they presently were could not stand either with the safety of Religion or with his own honour and estate The first course said he hath the own difficulties and will not be performed without great trouble And for my self so long as there is any hope that they may be reduced to the profession of the truth I desire not their destruction but like rather to extend my clemency towards them which I believe is the minde of all good and peaceable men As to the present offer made by Huntley I do not think it well generall and to no purpose therefore by your advise I would have particular Conditions condescended upon such as may serve for security of Religion mine own honour and the tranquillity of the Countrey such Conditions being offered and security found for performance I should then think that license might be granted him to return he being confined in such a part of the Countrey as should be thought most convenient The Convention approving his Majesties judgment resolved upon this as the fittest course remitting the Conditions to be formed by his Highness and the Lords of Councell September the same conclusion was ratified at another Convention of the Estates at Dunfermling and the Baptisme of the Princesse who was born the 19 of August appointed to be at Halyrud-house the 28 of November next How soon this their return into the Countrey was known and that such an Act was passed in their favours the Commissioners of the Church assembled at Edenburgh where falling to consider the dangers threatned to Religion by their return it was thought necessary to acquaint all the Presbyteries with the present state of things particularly that the forfaited Earls were returned into the Countrey without his Majesties warrant and approbation that they remained peaceably in the same using all means to be restored to their livings albeit they had neither acknowledged their offence in that treasonable dealing with the King of Spaine nor their defection and apostasie from the truth And that they had maintained an Act of Councell in their favours at the Convention of Falkland which was ratified thereafter at Dunfermling whereby they were licensed to remain upon certain Conditions to be prescribed unto them by his Majesty and Councell to the manifest hazard both of Church 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