with you for as to these vices we have been talking of I thank God none of them do reign in me onely I speak this to discover your minde and disposition Thus both agreeing upon the enterprise they gave private notice to their friends of their coming and obtaining a supply of ten thousand men from King Edward under the leading of Sibard Earl of Northumberland Malcolmes Grand-father by the Mother they entered into Scotland The rumour of this Army did cast Mackbeth into a great terrour and not knowing what to do for he was deserted of all he shut up himself at first in the Castle of Dunsinnan a Fort that he had lately built The Army marching thither how soon they came in sight Mackbeth out of a new fear forsook the Fort and made to flye by horse but being pursued by some of Malcolme his friends he was overtaken and killed Upon this victory Malcolme was declared King and crowned in Scone the 25. of April 1057. Soon after his Coronation calling the Estates together at Forfar he restored the children of those that Mackbeth had forfeited and to correct the intemperances of the people and to recall them to the ancient frugality made divers good statutes repealing that beastly Act of Eugenius the third which appointed the first night of the new married woman to appertain to the Lord of the ground and granting the husband liberty to redeem the same by payment of an half Mark of silver which portion they call Marchetas mulierum and is as yet disponed by superiours in the Charters they give to their vassals In this Convention likewise the Bishops who as we shewed before did indifferently administrate their functions in all places to which they came had limits appointed to them for the exercise of their jurisdiction To Saint Andrewes was committed the oversight of Fife Louthian Merce Striveling-shire Angus and Mernis Glasgow had the charge given him of the West parts and Borders Galloway this countrey which yet beareth the name and Murthlack all that is now of the Diocy of Aberdeen Besides these the King did erect Murray and Cathnes in two Bishopricks appointing able men for the discharge of the service and providing them with maintenance sufficient he gave the Lordship of Momemusk the superiority whereof belongs as yet to that See The Church of Dunfermling he built from the ground and laid the foundation of the Cathedral in Durham advancing great summes to the perfection thereof In all which he was much furthered by that blessed Lady Queen Margaret his wife That we may better know this Lady and how she came to be married unto Malcolme I must relate a few things belonging to that purpose Edmond King of England surnamed Ironside being treacherously killed at Oxford Canutus a Dane who reigned in a part of that kingdome attained the absolute dominion of the whole This Edmond left two sons Edwin and Edward whom Canutus in the beginning entertained very kindly but afterwards seeking to establish the Crown in his own posterity he sent them to Volgarus the Governour of Swain to be murthered The Governour pitying the estate of these innocent youths conveyed them secretly unto Solomon King of Hungary giving out to Canutus that they were made away Edward surviving Edwin his brother married Agatha sister to the Queen of Hungary and daughter to the Emperour Henry the second by whom he had a son called Edgar and two daughters Margaret and Christian. After Canutus his death succeeded Harold his eldest son whose reign was cruel and short and four years only And after him Hardicanutus who died suddenly in the second year of his reign and was the last of the Danes that ruled in England Upon his death Edward brother to Edmondlronside living then in Nomandy was recalled and Crowned King of England at Winchester in the year 1042. This is he that is called Edward the Confessor a most pious King who having no issue sent to Hungary for his Cousin Edward and for his children Edward soon after his coming died so Edgar surnamed Atheling remained to whom King Edward would willingly have resigned the Crown but such was the modesty of that young Prince as he did absolutely refuse to reign during the King his life That lost him the Crown for upon the death of the King Harold son to Earl Godwin was preferred Prince Edgar his right utterly misknown But Harold his reign continued not long William Duke of Normandy commonly called the Conqueror having killed him in a battel fought in Sussex the next year usurped the kingdom to himself Edgar fearing the Conquerors cruelty took sea with his mother Agatha and his two sisters Margaret and Christian intending to return into Hungargy but were by Tempest driven upon the coast of Scotland where King Malcolme that had learned by his own sufferances to compassionate the distresses of others did most courteously receive them and shortly after their coming took Margaret the eldest sister of Edgar to wife a Lady of rare vertue who though she brought him little or no portion made both him and his kingdom happy How soon the Norman had setled his dominion in England he sent to King Malcolme to require Edgar his competitor and fugitive as he termed him to be rendered Malcolme refused holding it an unseemly deed in a King to deliver any person that took their refuge to him much more to betray a Prince allyed to himself unto his mortal enemy Hereupon Warre was proclaimed and one Roger a Nobleman of Normandy sent to invade Northumberland which was then in the possession of the Scots Richard Earl of Gloucester did second him with a great power but both these were put to the worse Odon the Normans brother who of a Bishop of Bayeux was made Earl of Kent as likewise his own son Robert whom he employed with several Armies did prosper no better so as wearied of the warres he began to think of peace neither was Malcolme unwilling unto it and after some treaty it was accorded That King Malcolme should retain Cumberland with the same right that his predecessours did enjoy it and that the subjects of each kingdom might know their limits and how farre they were to passe a stone-crosse was erected in Stammore which was called the Ree Crosse that is the Crosse of Kings for on the North side thereof the Armes of the King of Scotland were graven and upon the South the Armes of the King of England This peace held firm all the Conquerours time but William called Rufus his son succeeding it quickly dissolved neither could it be otherwise considering the contrary disposition of the two Kings for as Malcolme was religiously given and a great Benefactor to the Church so Rufus in all his carriage manifested no affection that way For to inlarge his Forest at Winchester he demolished thirty Churches and forced Anselme that good Bishop of Canterbury to quit the kingdom for the liberty he used in his
reprehensions It was also thought that the interview of the two Kings at Gloucester did further their dislike as hath been often observed to fall out in the meetings of Princes For Malcolme departed from him in displeasure Rufus by some secret practice got the Castle of Anwick whereupon arose the warre in which King Malcolme and Prince Edward his son did both perish A little before the beginning of this warre Bishop Gregorius died and in his place one called Edmundus was elected who deceased before his consecration 12. After him Turgot Prior of Duresme was chosen Bishop he wrote the history of King Malcolme and Queen Margaret who some few dayes after the death of the King her husband departed this life in the Castle of Edinburgh and was buried in the Church of Dunfermlin whither also the bodies of Malcolme and Edward his son were afterwards translated for at first they were buried in Tinmouth Abbey Never was more lamentation made for the death of two Princes then was for this Queen and her husband Malcolme To speak of his piety justice and magnanimity he outwent in all these the Princes of his time and for courage he gave a noble proofe of it in the first entry of his reign when upon a conspiracy detected against his life riding one day in the fields he called the chief conspiratour and taking him aside from the rest of the company unto a secret place he did challenge him as a Traytor willing him if he had any valour to shew the same and rather take his life in an honest manner then treacherously The man confounded with the boldnesse of the King fell upon his knees and intreated pardon which the King granted retaining him still in his service as before The magnificence of his Court whilest he lived was great and in the State to distinguish the degrees of Honour he introduced the titles of Earl Baron and Knight in the place of Thane and Abthane which were the titles before in use His Queen Margaret was in her place no lesse famous in all the vertues that became women devout towards God charitable to the poor and exceeding liberal in the advancing of publick works The Church of Carlile she built upon her own charges and was esteemed not to be the least cause of all that the King her husband bestowed that way By her the King had a fair issue six sons and two daughters the first called Edward died with his father at Anwick the second called Edmond did render himself religious Etheldred the third deceased young the other three Edgar Alexander and David reigned successively one after another continuing all of them in the same course of goodnesse The names of the two daughters were MAUD and MARY MAUD entring into the Cloister wherein Agatha her Grandmother and Christian her Aunt lived retired was with much difficulty wonne to descend into the world and to be joyned in marriage with Henry the first King of England a Lady of incomparable vertues and of so good a disposition as she was commonly termed MAUD the good Queen Having lived 17. years with her husband in great love she deceased at Westminster the first of May 1118. and was buried on the right hand of Edward the Confessor his Tombe with this Epitaph affixed Prospera non laetam fecere nec aspera tristem Aspera risus ei prospera terror erant Non decor effecit fragilem non sceptra superbam Sola potens humilis sola pudica decens Maii prima dies nostrorum nocte dierum Raptam perpetuum fecit inire diem The other sister MARY was married to Eustathe Earl of Boloign who went to the recovery of the Holy-land with that noble Prince GODFREY his brother she bare to him one only daughter named MAUD who was afterward matched to Stephen King of England and departed this life at London three years before her sister having her corps interred at Bermondsey Abbey in Southâ—ark with this inscription Nobilis hic tumulata jacet comitissa Maria Artibus hac nituit larga benigna fuit Regum sanguis erat morum probitate vigebat Compatiens inibi vivat in arce poli Thus much we owed to the memory of those good and glorious Princes and now return Turgot after he had governed the See of St. Andrewes with good commendation some 25 or 26. years died in the year of our Lord 1117. his corps according to his appointment was honourably conveyed to Duresme and there interred In his time lived Veremudus Archdeacon of St. Andrewes a Spaniard by nation and well learned according to those times he wrote the history of Scotland from the beginning of the kingdom unto the reign of Malcolme the third and is greatly commended for his diligence and fidelity in that work but by the injury of time the same is lost In Germany much about the same time lived Marlanus Paternus Ammichadus Sigebertus and Helias all of them Scotch men and well respected This last had the government of two Monasteries in Coleyn called S. Pantale and S. Martin The severity and rigour that he used toward his Monks brought him in dislike with Pilgrinus Archbishop of the City who upon some false informations determined to expulse him and all the Scottish Monks that were in the City after his return from the Emperours Court where he was for the time This being reported to Helias he is said to have uttered these words Si Christus in nobis peregrinus est nunquam viuas Coloniam veniet Piligrinus which falling out according to his prediction purchased to him the reputation of a Prophet After that he lived many years in peace and died at Coleyn in the year 1042. Sigeberius having governed the Monastery of Fulden some years was preferred to the Archibishopricks of Mentz and being urged by Gregory the seventh called Hildebrand to depose the married Priests that would not separate from their wives was in danger to be detruded by his Clergy and had much adoe to cause that Law of single life to be embraced by them Ammichadus a man nobly born and greatly affected to the solitary life lived a Recluse in the Abbey of Fulden spending his time in the meditations of morality and died in the year 1043. Paternus was a Monk in the City of Potelbrum which in the year 1058. was consumed with fire Ambiens Martyrium saith Marianus in a foolish affection of Martyrdome refusing to come forth of the Monastery was therein burnt alive Marianus he was first a Monk in the Monastery of St. Martin at Colyn founded by Ebergerus the Archbishop of that City for a Seminary of Scottish students in the year 676. and having continued there two years went to the Abbey of Fulden where he lived ten years After that he went to Mentz upon the Archbishops visitation and stayed there some 15. years All this time he imployed in the study of letters especially of Story and
satisfaction was made for the offence and because no redresse was offered a new intimation was made of his cursing through the whole Province This the King and the Court took so ill as forthwith a messenger was sent to charge the Bishop to depart forth of the Realm which as he was preparing to obey the news of a Legate sent from Rome into England made the Court take a more moderate course fearing the consequence of so rigorous a proceeding This Legate called Ottobon being employed for pacifying the troubles raised betwixt the King of England and his Barons did summon the Clergy of Scotland to appear before him by their Commissioners and to bring with them a Collection of four Marks for every Parish within the Realm and six Marks for every Cathedrall Church The Clergy meaning themselves to the King he did prohibit any such Contribution and sent his Chancellour to the Bishop of Dunkeld and Robert Bishop of Dumblane partly to declare the reasons of his prohibition and partly to observe the proceedings of the Legate with these of England At their return some Acts were shewed which the Legate had set down to be observed by the Clergy all which they rejected saying That they would acknowledge no Statutes but such as proceeded either from the â—ope or from a Generall Councell Ottobon was not well gone when another Legate named Rustaneus was sent to demand a tenth of all the Church rents within the Kingdome for advancing the journey of King Henries son who had undertaken the holy Warre at the solicitation of Ottobon but this seeming to crosse the liberties granted by former Popes unto the Church and it being notorious that the Pope was to employ the moneys to other ends for he was then warring against Manfred King of Naples and Sicily therefore the same was denied and Rustane prohibited to enter into the Realm The King not the lesse in token of his affection sent to the Pope 100. Marks sterling and for the furtherance of the holy Warre did levy 1000. men which he sent to Lewes the French King who had determined to adventure himself of new against the Infidels under the charge of the Earls of Atholl and Carrick All these dyed in that Warre partly of the plague as did Lewes himself and partly by the sword of the Enemy In this Bishops time the Carmelite Friers came into Scotland and had a dwelling assigned them at Perth by Richard Bishop of Dunkeld The Crosse-Church at Peblis was at that same time built and endowed by the King with large Revenews The reason why this Church was erected was a Crosse as they write found in that place enclosed in a little Shrine on which the name of Nicolaus a Bishop was written The Church was dedicated with many pompous Ceremonies divers Prelates being present amongst whom was Gamelinus who at his return home was taken with a Palsie and died in Inchmurtach having sate Bishop 16. years his Corps was laid in the new Church of S. Andrews nigh to the high Altar 24. William Wishart elect of Glasgow was upon the death of Gamelinus preferred to S. Andrews Pope Urban the fourth had not long before ordained That every Bishop and Abbot elect should travell to Rome for Consecration but the Papacy then vacant by reason of a Schism that continued two years and nine moneths after the death of Clement the fourth he was unwilling to goe thither four other Prelates being kept there depending at the same time William elect of Brichen Matthew elect of Rosse Nicoll elect of Cathnes and Hugh Benham elect of Abredene The elect of Brichen died at Rome Aberdene and Rosse were consecrated by Gregory the tenth upon the ending of the schisme at Viturbium Nicoll was rejected and the Chapter of Cathnes appointed to make a new election The Agents that Wishart sent for licence to be consecrated were detained a long time and had returned without effectuating their errand if Edward the first of England who coming from the Holy land was then at Rome had not by his intercession prevailed with the Pope and obtained licence for the consecration which was performed at Scone in the year 1274. in the presence of the King and divers of his Nobles At the same time William Fraser Dean of Glasgow was preferred to be Chancellour The Pope shortly after this having convocated a Councell at Lyons caused cite all the Prelates thereto to this effect a meeting of the Clergy was kept at perth where it was concluded that the Bishops Dunkeld and Murray onely excepted should addresse themselves to the journey and be at Lyons before the first of May. Hopes were given of great reformation to be made in that Councel especially of the Orders of Mendicants who were mightily increased and grown to the highest of depravation The Councel was frequent there being present as my Authour saith two Patriarchs fifteen Cardinals five hundred Bishops and a thousand other mitred Prelates besides the King of France and the Emperour of Greece and many other Princes The first proposition was for the holy warre and concerning it the Councel decreed That a tenth of all the Benefices in Christendome the priviledged Churches not excepted should be paid for six yeares That all Penitentiaries and Confessors should urge offendors to assist that holy businesse with their wealth and riches and that every Christian without exception of sex or quality should pay a yearly penny during that space under pain of excommunication For remedying abuses in the Church the Councel ordained 1. That no procurations should be paid to Bishops or Archdeacons unlesse they did visit the Churches in their own persons 2. That no Churchman should possesse more Benefices then one and should make his residence at the Church he retained 3. That without the Popes licence no Clergy should answer the impositions which might happen to be laid upon them by Princes or States 4. That the Mendicants should be reduced to four orders the Minorites the Predicants Carmelites and Heremites of S. Augustine who should continue in their present state untill the Pope should otherwise think good And 5. a geneprohibition was made to advise or admit any new orders besides those which the Councel had allowed Some other Acts of lesse moment were passed whereof the extract under the hands of the publick notaries of the Councel was sent to this Church but all these statutes turned in a short time to smoke pluralities being of new dispensed with with the clause of Non obstante which then first came in use The orders of the Friers and Monks restored one by one as first the Cistertian Monks who redeemed their order by the paiment of 500000. Marks then the Bernardines with the summe of 600000. Crownes the other Orders made in little sort their Compositions Whereby it appeared that the statutes there enacted were only devised to raise summes of
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
sore envied Some report that degenerating from their first institution they became execrably vicious But Bocatius Villanus Antonius Naâ—clerus Aventinus and other Authorus do all purge them of the crimes laid to their charge The rumour in that time went that Philip King of France to get one of his sons made King of Ierusalem and possessed with their revenues did labour to have them and the Order condemned But others say that the Pope this was Clement the fifth was mightily offended with them for inveighing against the corruptions of his Court and sinfulnesse of the Clergy which they maintained to be the only cause of all the miseries of Christendome especially of the Holy land But howsoever their destruction was wrought all Authours testifie that notwithstanding the cruel torments which divers of that profession were put unto none of the crimes laid to their charge could ever be made out against them Paulus Emilius in his history writeth that Iames Burgond the Principal of that Order being brought forth to die and whilest the fire was kindling before him having his life offered if he would quickly declare that what he had deponed in the time of his imprisonment both of himself and of his whole Order was true did utter these words In these my last actions it being unpardonable impiety to lie I freely and frankly confess that I committed a great offence both against my self and my Order and that therein I have deserved a most tormenting punishment because in favour of them for whom I should not and allured with the sweetness of life I have in my tortures slanderously imposed many impieties and detractions upon the Order which hath ever deserved well of the Christian world I have no need of life obtained by intreaty much less retained by lying and defamation This said and he being set to the pile and fire kindled about the neather parts of his feet to wring out from him a confession even when the flames began to waste and fire his entrails he never swarved from the constancy of his former speech or shewed the least change and alteration of minde With him two other of the same Order did suffer one of them being of a great family and brother to the Daulphin of Vienna who shewed the like constancie There be other Authours of no small esteem saith Plessis who report That two Cardinals being present at their execution the great Master did summon Pope Clement before the Tribunal of God to answer for the wrongous judgement and sentence given against them and that the Pope died the same day to which he was cited being the 40. day after their execution Partly by these testimonies and partly by the clause insert in the condemnatory Bull of Pope Clement in which it was said Quanquam de jure non possumus tamen pro plenitudine potestatis dictum ordinem reprobamus Albeit by way of right we cannot yet of the fulnesse of our power we reprobate and condemn the said Order by this I say it would appear that they were rigorously used But howsoever all the Kings of Christendome as combining together caused them at one instant to be apprehended within their dominions and put from their estates which afterwards were given to the Hospitalers and Knights of S. Iohn But to return to Lamberton he stood not long in King Edwards favour being suspected for the entertainment he gave to Iames Douglas the son of Willam Douglas who died in Prison at Berwick This Gentleman at the time of his fathers death was in Paris following his studies and being advertised that his father was dead and his estate given away to strangers returned home where finding no means to maintain himself he took his recourse to the Bishop who pitying the Gentlemans estate did accept him amongst his followers and in the next expedition which King Edward made into Scotland taking the Gentleman with him to Striveling did present him to the King intreating that he might have his lands restored and be admitted into his service King Edward answered That he could not look for good service of him whose father had proved such an enemy and that the lands were disponed to others that had merited better So the Gentleman despairing to finde any favour with the King did await still upon the Bishop Afterwards hearing that Robert Bruce had taken the field he stole away secretly taking with him the Bishops horses and moneys and went to assist Bruce King Edward apprehending this to be done with the Bishops knowledge did commit him to Prison where he remained till the death of King Edward which happened in the year 1307. King Robert Bruce was in this time crowned King and by the troubles which Edward the second found in the beginning of his Reign got leisure to settle himself in the Kingdome so as when King Edward returned which was not till seven years after his fathers death to take possession of the Countrey and came with a world of people they are reckoned to be no fewer then two hundreth thousand they were encountred by King Robert at the River of Bannockburn and wholly defeated This victory did so much discourage the English as after a long surcease of warre when some eight years after they attempted to repair themselves they were forced with much dishonour to return and become suiters to the Pope to intercede for peace To this effect a Legate was sent into Scotland who had audience given him at Aberbrothock his Proposition was That the Scots should desist from troubling England till the Pope should hear the questions that were amongst them and be enformed of the right which King Edward had to the Crown of Scotland King Robert answered That the Pope could not be ignorant of the estate of that businesse the same having been often exponed by the Commissioners of Scotland to divers of his predecessours in the hearing of many Cardinals then alive who could relate the insolent answers which Pope Boniface received when he desired the English to forbear their cruell oppression of the Scots And now saith he when it hath pleased God to give us the better by some Victories and that we have not onely recovered our own but are in a possibility to make them live as good neighbours they have recourse to such Treaties seeking onely to gain time that when they have setled their affairs they may fall again upon us with the greater force but in this his Holinesse must excuse me for I will not be so unwise as to let the advantage I have slip out of my hands The Legate not satisfied with this Answer and interpreting it as a disobedience to the Apostolick See did put the Kingdome under Interdiction and so departed But the King to shew how little he esteemed these proceedings followed the Legate at the heels and entering into England wasted all the adjacent Countries with fire and sword At his return
University of Paris and from thence went to Colein where he died of the Apoplexy They write that after he was laid in grave his spirits did return and that striving to get forth he was there smothered whereupon an Italian did write this Epigram Quaecunque humani fuerant jurÃsque sacrati In dubium veniunt cunct a vocante Scoto Quid quòd in dubium illius sit vita vocata Morte illum simili ludificante strophâ Quum non antè virum vitâ jugulârit ademptâ Quà m vivus tumulo conditus ille foret The English Writers contend that this Scotus was born in England in Dunstane Village within the Parish of Emilden in the Country of Northumberland and confirm it by the Manuscripts reserved in the Library of Merton College in one whereof are written these words Explicit lectura subtilis Doctor is in Universitate Oxoniensi super libros Sententiarum Doctor is Joannis Duns nati in Villa de Emilden vocata Dunstan contract a Duns in Comitatu Northumbriae pertinens ad domum scolasticorum de Merton Hall in Oxonio quondam dict ae a domus socii Thus ends the Lecture of the subtile Doctor in the University of Oxford upon the book of sentences Doctor Iohn Duns born in a Village of Emilden callen Dunstan or by abbreviation Duns in the County of Northumberland pertaining to the house of Scholars of Merton Hall in Oxford and sometimes one of the Fellows of the said House But this is no sufficient proof for it may be probably supposed that he living at Oxford in England when the warres were so hot betwixt the two Kingdomes did dissemble his Countrey and pretend himself to be an English born to eschew the hatred of the Students In Colein where he might without danger shew of what Countrey he was he did professe himself a Scot and the Minorites of which Order he was did therefore upon his Tomb erected in their Church at the end of the Quire nigh unto the high Altar set this Inscription which is there yet to be seen Scotia me genuit Anglia suscepit Gallia edocuit Germania tenet What a fine subtile wit he had the Monuments left by him to posterity do witness He died young in the year 1308. 27. The Chapter after Lambertons death meeting for the election of a new Bishop went into factions the one half giving their voices to Sir Iames Bane Archdeacon of S. Andrews the other half to Sir Alexander Kinnimmouth Archdeacon of Lothian but Bane being then in the Court of Rome and advertised of the Bishops death obtained the Bishoprick of the Pope who in those times disposed all Church livings as he thought good having no regard to Canonicall elections This Bishop lived four years onely after his Consecration and died at Bruges in Flanders for upon breach of the Peace with England and the Coronation of Edward Baliol when David with his Queen went into France he withdrew himself to the Low-Countreys He was buried in the Monastery of the Regular Chanons within Bruges 28. How soon Bane his death was made known the Convent meeting elected William Bell Dean of Dunkeld The Pope refusing to confirm the election the See remained void for the space of nine years and more At last William Landells Provost of Kinkell upon the recommendation of the Kings of France and Scotland was preferred and consecrated by Pope Benedict the tenth at Avignion in the year 1341. This Prelate was nobly born and the heir of great possessions in Scotland of a generous minde and given to all goodnesse he lived Bishop 44. years and in that time saw many alterations King David Bruce peaceably repossessed in the Kingdome taken captive in the Battell of Duresme where he himself was made Prisonerâ— set again at liberty for the payment of one hundred thousand Marks sterling to the help whereof he procured from the Churchmen with the consent of Pope Innocent the sixth the tenth of all Ecclesiasticall livings within the Kingdome for the space of three years and after King David his death his son Robert Stewart called Robert the second crowned King to the fifteenth year of whose reign he attained and then died in the Abbey of S. Andrews his body was buried in the Cathedrall Church at the â—hancery door It was a custome before these times that when any Bishop deceased all his moveable goods were seised on by the Kings Officers as belonging to the King this he got discharged and liberty granted to all the Prelates to dispose their goods by Testament to whom they pleased or if they should happen to die intestate it was made lawfull to their nearest kinsmen to call and pursue for the same The benefit of this privilege he himself first enjoyed 29. In his place the Prior of S. Andrews called Stephen a man of great experience and wisdome was chosen Bishop who going towards Rome for Confirmation was taken Prisoner at Sea by the English and died at Anwick of sicknesse in the year 1385. 30. Walter Traill was then attending Pope Clement at Avignion a man singularly learned and well expert both in the Civill and Chanon Law So great an opinion the Pope had of his worth as at his preferment he did say to those that stood by him This man deserveth better to be Pope then Bishop the place is better provided then the person Which proved true in effect for when he came to govern the See he administred all affairs most wisely Nor had he the charge onely of the Church but the whole affairs of the Kingdome being cast upon him he governed the same in such sort as the Realme was never remembred to have been better and more peaceably ruled Writers describe him to have been a man of courteous behaviour affable pitiful and compassionate of those that were in any sort distressed a hater of vice and of most sincere conversation He lived unto a great age in much esteem and died in the Castle of S. Andrews built by himselfe in the year 1401. his body was interred with great solemnity amongst his predecessors with this inscription ingraven upon his monument Hic fuit Ecclesiae columna fenestra lucida Thuribulum aureum Campana sonora 31. After him was Thomas Stewart son to King Robert the second being then Archdeacon of S. Andrews elected Bishop but he affecting the retired life refused to accept the place which thereupon remained void the space of three yeares for the Chapter would not in his life time proceed to a new election the rents were in the mean time assigned by King Robert the third with the Convents permission to Walter Danzelston in recompence of the Castle of Dumbriton which he enjoyed by an hereditary title and did at that time resign unto the King 32. Thomas Stewart deceasing Gilbert Grinlaw Bishop of Aberdene and Chancellour of the kingdome was postulated Bishop but Henry Wardlaw presentor
thereunto These accusations he not appearing nor any in his behalfe were taken as confessed and he denounced an heretick yea an heresiarch for so the sentence beareth his goods ordained to be confiscat himself burnt in effigie if he could not otherwise be apprehended and all manner of persons inhibited to relieve or entertain him under the pain of cursing or forfeiture This sentence was given against him the 28 of May Anno 1540. and the same day was his picture burnt in the open Market place of S. Andrews as likewise in Edinburgh some two dayes after Sir Iohn Borthwick hearing how they had proceeded against him fled into England where he was kindly received by Henry the eighth then reigning and by him imployed in a Commission to the Protestant Princes in Germany for a confederation betwixt him and them in defence of their common profession King Henry had some years before sent into Scotland the Bishop of S. Davids to present the King his Nephew with some English books containing an Exposition of the principal heads of Christian Religion thinking to induce him to make the like reformation which he had made in England And at that time came Lord William Howard to desire the King to meet his Uncle King Henry at York upon some occasions tending to the common good of both Kingdomes The King consenting a Diet was appointed and all things prepared for the journey But the Cardinal and Clergy fearing the effects of that conference laboured with the Courtiers to divert him and before the King himselfe they laid divers terrours as That he would be detained prisoner in England as King Iames the first had beenâ— That he should make himself suspected to the Emperour and to his old confederate the French King And which he was most to regard incurre the Popes displeasure by treating too familiarly with him that was lying under the highest censure of the Church Yet stood the King resolute for the journey foreseeing as also it happened that if he should break the Diet the same might breed the English Kings dislike and be an occasion of warre on which he would not hazard unlesse he knew of means to entertain the same The Clergy hereupon besides the representation of some moneys in hand made offer of an annuity of fifty thousand Crownes if warre should fall out declaring withall that by confiscating the goods of hereticks he might gain an hundred thousand more And with such vain hopes they brought him to send a fair excuse to King Henry by Sir Iames Learmouth his domestick After this the King being ruled wholly by the Cardinal followed in all things the appetite of the Clergy giving commission to Sir Iames Hamilton his Theasurer to call and convene all persons suspected of heresie and inflict the punishments which after trial they should be found to merit The King was also heard say That none of that sort should expect any favour at his hands nay not his own sonnes if they should prove guilty which put many in fear But this continued not long for Sir Iames Hamilton becoming suspected and accused of a practice against the King his life was shortly after executed and warre breaking out with England he found the Nobility averse from the incursions he intended to make which did greatly discontent him These thoughts with some fearful visions he had by night that much terrified him withdrew his mind wholly from the extremities on which the Clergy had set him for at Linlithgow on a night as he slept it seemed to him that Thomas Scot Justice Clerk came unto him with a company of devils crying Woe worth the day that ever I knew thee or thy service serving thee against God and against his servants I am adjudged to hell torments Hereupon awaking he called for lights and causing his servants to arise told what he had heard and seen The next morrow by the light of day advertisement was brought him of the Justice Clerk his death which fell out just at the time that the King found himself so troubled and in the same manner almost for he died in great unquietnesse iterating often these words Iusto Dei judicio condemnatus sum by the righteous judgement of God I am condemned The form of his death answering the dream so justly made it the more terrible Another vision he had in the same place not many nights after which did more affright him whilest he lay a sleeping he imagined that Sir Iames Hamilton whom he caused to be executed came unto him with a sword drawn in his hand and therewith cut off both his Armes threatening within a short time to return and deprive him of his life With this he awaked and as he lay musing what the dream could import news were brought him of the death of his two sonnes Iames and Arthur who died at S. Andrews and Striveling at one and the very same hour The next year which was the year of our Lord 1542. being overwhelmed with grief and passion for the losse of his Army received at Solway he departed this life at Falkland in the 32. year of his age Some few dayes before he died he had advertisement that his Queen was delivered of a daughter at Linlithgow at which time it is said he burst forth in passion saying It came with a lasse meaning the Crown and will go with a lasse fie upon it after which he was not heard to utter many words The Cardinal hearing that the King was deceased did suborn a Priest called Henry Balfour to form his last Will whereby it was declared that he had committed to the Cardinal the Earls of Huntley Argyle and Murray the government of the Realm during his daughters minority This Will he caused publish in Edinburgh on the Monday after the Kings death but the Nobles giving it no credit and esteeming it a meer forgery did choose the Earle of Arran Regent and Governour of the Realme Never was any Governour received with greater love and opinion of all sorts for besides the favour carried to himselfe every one was glad to be freed of the Cardinals Government and by his first beginnings a strong hope was conceived that all things should be reformed which were amisse both in Church and Kingdome But this hope soon vanished in the manner that ye shall hear King Henry of England hearing that his Nephew the King of Scots was dead and that he had left one only daughter of seven dayes old began to think of uniting the two Kingdomes and reducing the whole Isle under one Government by the marriage of Edward his son a Prince of five years old to the young Queen of Scots Hereupon he sent for the Earls of Cassils and Glancarne the Lords of Fleming Maxwell and Gray who were taken prisoners at Solway and detained in England to Hampton Court where he then lay and at their coming proponed the businesse
was of old an Abbey founded by Constantine the third King of Picts about the year 729. to the memory of S Columbe in which the Culdees were placed King David in the year 1130. did erect it to be a Bishops See and recommending one Gregorius to the place obtained Pope Alexander the third his confirmation thereof he sate 42. years and was much favoured by that good King The lands of Anchtertaile with divers others appertaining to that See were of King David his gift This Bishop diet at Dunkeld in the year 1169. 2. Richard Chaplain to King William was elected in his place and consecrated in S. Andrews upon the vigils of S. Laurrence by Richard Bishop of S. Andrews This Bishop was commended for vindicating the Church of Abercorne forth of the hands of a laick person named Iohn Avonele who claimed the Patronage thereof he sate four years and dying at Crawmold was buried in S. Colmes Inche in the year 1173. 3. Cormacus succeeded in his place to whom King William gave the lands of Dalgathy he died in the year 1177. 4. In his place was chosen Walter de Bidden who was Chancellour to King William but he lived not many years 5. Iohn Scot an English man born being Archdeacon of S. Andrews had been elected Bishop of that See but that his election being withstood by the King as we shewed before he was after Biddens death promoved by the Popes consent to Dunkeld a man that made conscience of his charge and was painful in his office The countrey of Argyle was at that time of the Dioces of Dunkeld the people whereof did only speak Irish and neither understood the Bishop nor he them Upon this he travelled to have the Dioces divided and Argyle erected into an Episcopal See and to that effect sent a letter to Pope Clement the third intreating that one Evaldus his Chaplain who could speak Irish a wise and godly person might have the charge of that part committed to him for How said he can I make an accompt to the Iudge of the world in the last day when I cannot be understood of them whom I teach The maintenance is sufficient for two Bishops if we be not prodigal of the patrimony of Christ and will live with that moderation which becometh his servants it shall therefore be much better to diminish the charge and increase the number of able workmen in the Lords field The Pope reading the letter and considering how earnest he was to be eased of his charge though to his own temporal losse said It is the study of others to enlarge their bounds and livings not caring how it goeth with the people and here is one that requesteth his Benefice may be parted in two O how few Bishops are now in the Christian world so disposed and so commending greatly the Bishops disposition granted his request sending back Evaldus for he was the messenger consecrated Bishop as was desired The Bishop glad to have obtained his desire entered Evaldus to the charge and followed diligently his own in that part which remained Some few dayes before his death he rendred himself a Monk in Newbotle and there departed this life in the year 1203. his body was interred in the Quire of that Church upon the North side of the Altar William Bining afterwards Abbot of Cowper did write his life but the story is perished 6. After his death Richard Provand King Williams Chaplain was consecrated Bishop and lived a few years onely in the See for he departed this world in the year 1210. and was buried in Inchcolme 7. Iohn Leicester cousen to King William and elected successour and dying at Crawmond was buried in Inchcolme with his predecessour in the year 1214. 8. Hugo called Hugo de sigillo a Monk of Aberbrothock succeeded unto Leicester a man of a sweet and amiable disposition he was called the poor mans Bishop and lived not a year after his consecration 9. Matthew Chancellour of Scotland was then elected but he died the same year before he was consecrated 10. To him succeeded Gilbert Chaplain to Bishop Hugo he sate 22. years and died in the year 1236. 11. Galfrid Liverance was elected in his stead This Bishop was a zealous man he reformed the service of the Church ad usum Sarum and ordained the Chanons to make residence at Dunkeld giving them the Commons of that Church for their entertainment He died at Tibbermoore in the yeare 1249. and was buried at Dunkeld 12. After Galfrids death Richard Chancellour to the King succeeded and dying the same year at Crawmond was buried in Inchcolme 13. After him Mr. Richard of Innerkething Chancellour of Scotland was elected who sate 22. years he built the great Quire of the Abbey Church in Inchcolme upon his own charges and died very old in the year 1272. He is much commended for his faithful service done to King Alexander His body was interred at Dunkeld and his heart laid in the North wall of the Quire which he built in Inchcolme 14. Robert Sutevile Dean of Dunkeld debarred at first from the Bishoprick of S. Andrews by the ambitious suite of Abill the Archdeacon was at this time preferred to be Bishop of Dunkeld he died in the year 1300. and governed the See 28. yeares Moribus scientia vita praeclarus 15. After him Matthew by recommendation of Edward the first of England who kept Scotland then under subjection was advanced to the Bishoprick and sate 12. yeares 16. William Sinclare a brother of the house of Roslin and Uncle to William Lord Bisset succeeded This is he that King Robert the Bruce used to call his own Bishop for the King being in Ireland with an Army for the supply of his brother Edward the English taking advantage of his absence sent two Armies to invade the kingdom the one by land the other by sea The Sea Army landed in Fife near to Anchtertaile where the Bishop had his residence which the Sheriffe of the countrey for hindering their depredations went to encounter but at the sight of their numbers he gave back and fled the Bishop hearing of their flight brought forth his ordinary train and casting himself in the Sheriffes way asked why he fled and having checkt him bitterly for his cowardize called for a lance crying aloud You that love the honour of Scotland follow me By this forwardnesse he put such courage in the rest as they returning upon the English did chase them all back to their ships one of the ship-boats overcharged with the company that leapt into it was sunk and in that conflict were drowned and slain 500. English and above The honour of this victory was wholly ascribed to the Bishops courage for which he was greatly favoured by the King He built in his time the Quire of Dunkeld from the ground which the Army of England had demolished redeemed the lands of Green oke from one Simon Cader and gave to his Archdeacon the Church of Logia Leguhy with
forces in parts remote from the Realm of Scotland the King upon signification made unto him by the Queen of England should furnish 2000 horsemen and 5000 footmen or a lesser number as it shall please the said Queen to require and should cause them be conducted from the borders of Scotland into any part of the Kingdom of England upon the charges of the said Queen And in case the said Realm of Scotland be invaded in any part remote from the borders of England by any forain force the Queen of England upon requisition made to her by the King should furnish 3000 horsemen and 6000 footmen or a lesser number at the option of the said King and shall cause them to be conducted to any part of the Realm of Scotland upon the Kings charges 6. That in case the invasion should be upon the North parts of the Realm of England within 60 miles of the borders of Scotland the King being required by the Queen should gather all the forces he could make and joyn with the English power for pursuing the said invaders and keep them together for the space of thirty days or so much longer if it be required as the subjects of Scotland are usually accustomed to stay in the fields for the defence of their own Kingdom 7. That upon any invasion or trouble arising in the Realm of Ireland the King upon notice given to him thereof should not only inhibit the repair thither of any of the inhabitants of Argile Isles and places adjacent or any other parts of his dominions but also if it shall happen them or any of them to go into Ireland with a number extraordinary and in hostile manner the King upon signification of the same should denonnce them his Rebels and pursue them as Traitors 8. That neither of their Majesties should hereafter aid supply assist or entertain the Rebels or adversaries of the other nor permit them to reside either privately or publickly in any part of their dominions but upon the first requisition of the Prince to whom they are Rebels they should undelayedly be delivered according to the old leagues and treaties or then expulsed forth of their dominions and redresse made for any injuries they should happen to commit during their abode in the same 9. That all controversies about matters of borders or wrongs committed in the Marches since the time of the Kings accepting the government in his own person and by the space of four years preceding should be friendly determined and satisfied at the sight of Commissioners to be appointed on both sides who should meet at the within six moneths after the date of the presents and decide thereupon 10. That neither of their Majesties should enter into any league or treaty without the consent of the other by letters signed with their hands under their privy signet with any other Prince or State whatsoever to the prejudice of the present Treaty 11. That all former treaties betwixt their Majesties progenitors and both Realms notwithstanding any discontinuance thereof should stand in full force so farre as they should not be found derogatory to the present treaty and that this treaty should not infringe any league made by either of their Majesties or their progenitors with other their friends and confederates in any time by-gone the cause of Religion onely excepted wherein the present league is declared to be offensive and defensive 12. That both their Majesties should confirm the league by their oathes and great Seals which should be interchanged and mutually delivered to others 13. Lastly that the King at his coming to the perfect age of 25. years should cause the present league to be ratified by the States of the Kingdome like as the Queen at the same time should cause it to be confirmed in her Parliament of England These were the Articles of the league concluded at Berwick and signed by Francis Earl Bothwel Robert Lord Boyd and Sir Iames Home of Coldinknowes Commissioners for the King As likewise by Edward Earl of Rutland William Lord Evers and Sir Thomas Randolph Commissioners for the Queen of England It was believed that this amity contracted with such deliberation should have continued firm for besides the publick league the Queen had sent to the King a letter under her own hand wherein she did faithfully promise to suffer nothing to be done that might derogate or prejudge his right and title to the Crown of England And for a further demonstration of her kindnesse had presented him with a gift of annuity answerable to the lands possessed by the Lady Lennox in her time which the King by divers Ambassadours had formerly required as due to him Yet a few moneths after brake out a businesse that put them in worse terms then before and was with no small difficulty pacified the story whereof shall next be related The Queen of Scots being touched in the trial of Babingtons conspiracy as having interchanged divers letters with him a consultation was kept concerning her and what was fittest to be done for they considered that all the conspiracies made against the Queen of England being chiefly intended in hope of the Scottish Queen her succession so long as she lived their Soveraign should never be secured and that therefore the surest course was to put her out of the way But how this should be done the opinions were different The Earl of Leicester advising to dispatch her secretly by poyson Secretary Walsingham did mightily oppose it as that which would draw upon the Queen both danger and dishonour and besides in it self was a thing injust and no better then a cruel murther Wherefore his opinion was that the course of Law should be kept and Commission given for making her process and as the trial should prove for giving sentence and judgement This opinion prevailing certain Noblemen Counsellours and Judges were chosen for the businesse who meeting at the Castle of Fotheringham where the Queen of Scots was kept the eleventh of October and calling her before them did charge her with the said conspiracy and entercourse of letters She refusing to answer and be tried as a subject being her self an absolute Queen they notthelesse went on and finding her guilty pronounced the sentence of death which was shortly thereafter confirmed by the Estates of Parliament and a supplication therewith delivered to the Queen for putting their decree in execution How soon the King was advertised hereof he sent William Keith Gentleman of his chamber to the Queen with a letter to this effect That howbeit it seemed strange to him that the Nobility and Counsellors of England should take upon them to give sentence upon a Queen of Scotland and one descended of the Royal blood of England yet he would think it much more strange if she should stain her hands with the blood of his mother who was of the same Royal condition with her self and of the same sexe which as he could not believe would enter
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
The Scottish Preachers that lived in the Province of York chose rather to forsake their Benefices then admit the rites of Rome 18 Reformation the first proposals made 119 First artempted at Perth 121 The death of Lodowick Duke of Richmond 546 S SCotland converted before Pope Victor 2 Patrick a Scot converted Ireland 8 The Universities of Pavia and Paris founded by Scottish men 22 Scotus the Schoolman Claudius Clemens Rabanus Maurus Flaccus Albinus al. Alcuinus born in Scotland 22 Invaded and subdued by Edward I. of England 49 The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes arbitration concerning his incursions upon England and the title that the King of England had to Scotland 52 Edward III of England promiseth by Charter to release the Scots from all duties of subjection and homage 53 Divers prodigies in Scotland 94 The Articles of contract between England and Scotland 142 English Ambassadors sent to mediate a peace in Scotland 146 A Scottish prisoner rescued out of the Castle of Carlisle by a strange attempt 414 The Archbishop of Canterbury in a Letter acknowledgeth the independent Jurisdiction of the Church of Scotland 527 The King of Northumberland obtaineth of the King of Scots the assistance of some learned Bishops 13 Scottish Bishops preach the Christian faith and convert many in England 15 Pope Sixtus IV. giveth sentence in favour of the Church of Scotland that the Scots should have a Primate of their own 58 Celius Sedulius proved that he was a native of Scotland and not of Ireland 8 Iohn D. Scotus proved that he was born in Scotland and not in England 55 Subjects rebellion of the Subjects if it succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 The history of the Spanish Armada 370 Schisme in the Presbytery of S. Andrewes 386 A great one in the See of Rome 56 Mary Stewart sent into France 90 Returneth into Scotland 178 Queen Elizabeth acknowledgeth her to be next heir to the crown of England 180 But refuseth to declare it openly 181 She marrieth Henry son to the Earl of Lennox 191 Discontents arise between them 193 She putteth her husbands name after her own ibid. Married to Bothwell after the manner of the reformed Church 203 Surrendereth her self to the Lords and is received and kept as a Prisoner 207 The Scots cannot resolve to arraigne her 214 She escapeth out of prison 215 Her army overcome at Glasgow 216 She seeketh refuge in England 217 Loseth her expectation ibid. Consultations in England about putting her to death 350 The Queen of England signeth a warrant for her execution 355 The circumstances of her death 356 King Iames her son interposeth for her exemption from tryall 351 He offereth pledges of the chief of his nobility to be given for his mothers faithfulness toward the Queen of England 352 The King commandeth the Ministers to make publick intercession in their Prayers for his Mother and they refuse 354 The Queen of England taketh cognisance by her Commissioners of the dealing of the Regent of Scotland toward the Queen-mother of Scotland 219 Queen Elizabeth in her Patent to the Commissioners is so much a friend to the right and cause of Mary that she giveth not the title of Regent to the Earl of Murray 219 T TEmplars The dissolution of them 51 They were condemned and suffered unjust torments partly for their great riches partly for their freedome of taxing the vices of the Court of Rome ibid. U UNion The Articles of Union between both Kingdomes of England and Scotland 481 They are not passed in the English Parliament 505 Objections made against the Ceremony of Vnction in the solemnity of Coronation answered 381 W WItches Agnes Sampson a Witch apprehended 383 Her familiar Spirit had no power to kill the King ibid. Y YEar The account thereof changed from March to Ianuary in Scotland 456 THE KINGS Of SCOTLAND From the first Plantation of Christian Religion there mentioned in this History DOnald I. Converted and Baptized Page 2 Ethodius 3 Cratilinth ibid. Fincormachus 4 Eugenius ibid. Hergustus ibid. Ethodius alià s Echadius 5 Erthus ibid. Fergus ibid. Eugenius II. Greem Regent 6 Congallus II. 9 Kinnatellus ibid. Aidanus 10 Eugenius IV. 14 Donald IV ibid. Ferqhard 18 Eugenius VI. ibid. Eugenius VII ibid. Achaius An. D. 800. 23 Alpin ibid. Kenneth 24 Constantine II. 25 Gregory the Great 26 Constantine III. ibid. Kenneth III. 27 Malcolm II. 28 Duncan I. ibid. Mackbeth an Usuper ibid. Malcolm III. 29 Edgar 31 32 Alexander the Fierce ibid. David ibid. 36 Malcolm IV. 36 William 37 Alexander II. 42 Alexander III. 44 Iohn Baliol 48 Robert Bruce 52 David Bruce 55 Edward Baliol ibid. Robert Stewart ibid. Iames I. 57 Iames II. ibid. Iames III. 58 Iames IV. 61 Duke of Albany Regent of Scotland 62 Iames V. 70 Earl of Arran Governour during the minority of Mary Stewart 71 He resigneth the Regency to the Queen-mother 92 Mary Stewart Queen taketh into her hands the Government 178 She resigneth the Government 211 Iames VI. Crowned ibid. Earl of Murray Regent 212 Earl of Lennox Grandfather to the young King chosen Regent 241 Iohn Earl of Marre Regent 258 Earl of Moreton Regent 267 The King himself accepteth of the Government 280 Bishops that lived in Scotland or the adjacent Isles before the distribution of the Kingdome into DIOCESES AMphibalus Bishop in the Isle of Man 4 Regulus 5 Ninian 6 Palladius 7 Hildebert 8 Columba 9 Servanus 11 Colman 15 Adamannus or Adamnamus 18 19 Wiro and Plechelmus consecratâ—d at Rome by Pope Honorius 19 Bonifacius an Italian 20 Mocharius Glacianus and Gervadius 23 Archbishops and Bishops of the See of S. Andrews 1 Adrian 25 2 Kellach 26 3 Malisius ibid. 4 Kellach II 26 5 Malmore 26 6 Malisius II 26 7 Alwinus 26 8 Muldwin 26 9 Tuthaldus 26 10 Fothadus 27 11 Gregorius 28 12 Turgot 30 13 Godricus 32 14 Eâ—dmerus a Monk of Canterbury 33 15 Robert Prior of Scone 34 16 Arnold Abbot of Kelso 36 17 Richard ibid. 18 Hugo by the Kings mandate 39 Iohn Scot by the Pope in opposition to the King ibid. 19 Roger son to the Earl of Leicester succeedeth Hugo 41 20 William Malvoisin a Frenchman ibid. 21 David Benham 43 22 Abel 44 23 Gamelinus 45 24 William Wishart 46 25 William Fraser 47 26 William Lamberton 51 27 Iames Bane 55 The See vacant nine years ib. 28 William Landells 55 29 Stephen ibid. 30 Walter Traill ibid. 31 Thomas Steward son of Robert II chosen but refuseth it The See vacant during his life 56 32 Henry Wardlaw ibid. 33 Iames Kennedy ibid. 34 Patrick Graham first Archbishop of S. Andrews 58 35 William Shevez 59 36 Iames Stewart 61 37 Alexander Steward ibid. 38 Andrew Forman 62 39 Iames Beaton ibid. 40 Beaton Nephew of the former Archbishop and Cardinall 67 69 41 The base brother of the Earl of Arran Governor of Scotland made Archbishop 84 42 Iohn Dowglas 261 43 Patrick Adamson 276 44 George Gladstaves
Countreymen Richardus de sancto Victore a Channon regular of the order of S. Angustine and David a Presbyter This David lived in Germany and was chosen by the Emperour Henry the fifth to accompany him in that expedition which he made to Italy against Pope Paschal the Story whereof he wrote as likewise a Treatise de regno Scotorum both which are perished Richardus was a professor of Divinity at Paris in the Abbey of S. Victor a great Philosopher and left many books that witnesse his learning the Titles whereof you may read in Baleus He died in the same Abbey and was buried with this Epitaph Moribus ingenio doctrina clarus arte Pulvereo hîc tegeris docte Richarde situ Quem tellus genuit foelici Scotica partu Te fovet in gremio Gallica terra suo Nil tibi Parca ferox nocuit quae stamina parco Tempore tracta gravirupit acerba manu Plurima namque tui super ant monumenta laboris Qua tibi perpetuam sunt paritura decus Segnior ut lento sceler atas mors pelit aedes Sic propero nimis it sub piatecta gradu 16. Bishop Robert deceasing Walthemius Abbot of Melrosse was earnestly entreated to accept the Charge but would not forsake the Monastery saying That he had washed his feet and could not contaminate them again with the dust of earthly cares Whereupon Arnold Abbot of Kelso was elected and in presence of King Malcolm the fourth consecrated by William Bishop of Murray This Bishop had been the year preceding directed to Rome with one Nicholaus the Kings Secretary to complain of the Archbishop of York his usurpation upon the Church of Scotland and being then returned carried himself as Legate to the Pope which power he resigned to Arnold after his Consecration as he was enjoyned by Engenius the third who then held the Chair In a Convention of the Estates kept the same year Arnold did earnestly insist with the King to make choice of a wise for assuring the royall succession and to that effect made a long speech in the hearing of the Estates but the King had taken a resolution to live single and would not be diverted Edward Bishop of Aberdene was much blamed for confirming him in that course and for that cause hated of many The Cathedrall of S. Andrews a fair and stately Church whilest it stood was founded by this Arnold but before the work was raised to any height he died having sate Bishop one year ten moneths and seventeen days onely 17. Upon Arnold his death the King did recommend his Chaplain Richard to the place who was immediately elected by the Convent but not consecrated for the space of two years after because of the Archbishop of York his pretensions One Roger held at that time the See of York a man ambitious beyond all measure who from being Archdeacon of Canterbury was by the means of the Archbishop Thomas Becket preferred to that place no sooner was he advanced but he procured of Pope Anastasius the fourth a Bull whereby he was designed Metropolitane of Scotland but the King and the Clergy notwithstanding the Popes authority was in those days greatly respected refused to acknowledge him Anastasius dying by whom the Archbishop Roger was maintained the Prelates of Scotland did convene and by themselves performed the Consecration Roger incensed herewith sent to Rome and complaining of this contempt found the favour to be made Legate of Scotland by vertue whereof he caused cite all the Scottish Clergy to appear before him at Norham in England whither he came in great pomp Angelramus Archdeacon of Glasgow accompanied with Walter Prior of Kelso Solomon Dean of Glasgow and some others of the Clergy went and kept the Diet and in the name of the Church of Scotland appealing to the Pope took journey to Rome Where the business being debated before Pope Alexander the third sentence was given against Roger his pretended Legation and the Church of Scotland declared to be exempted from all spirituall Jurisdiction the Apostolique See only excepted This exemption Angelramus who in the mean time was promoted to the See of Glasgow by the death of Bishop Herbert and consecrated at Rome brought back and presented to the King The Bull is yet extant and begins thus Alexander P. servus servorum Dei Malcolmo Regi c. A few days after the Bishops return King Malcolm died at Iedbrough in the 25. year of his age and 12. of his reign a sweet and meek Prince uncourteously used by King Henry the second King of England but more rudely by his own Subjects This Henry by nature ambitious and one that could not keep himself within bounds took many ways to wrong this good King and make him despised of his own people yet for that he had sworn to King David Malcolms Grandfather that he should never molest him nor any of his posterity in the possession of the lands they held in England and could not for shame go against his oath he stirred up the Bishop of York to place a Bishop at Carlile thinking the King of Scots would not endure that wrong Iohn Bishop of Glasgow under whose charge the Countrey of Cumberland then was did exceedingly offend with this and finding that the King would not break with Henry for so little a cause nor seeing a way to repair himself abandoned his charge and went unto the Monastery of Tours in France where he abode till he was forced by the Popes authority to return King Henry finding this injury dissembled went afterwards more plainly to work for having desired Malcolm to come to London to do homage for the lands he held in England he compelled him to follow him in the Warre he made upon France thinking thereby to alienate the minde of the French King from the Scots Again when he had returned home inviting him of new to a Parliament kept at York upon a forged quarrell as if he had crossed King Henry his affairs in France he was declared to have lost all his lands in England And not content to have wronged him in this sort to stir up his own Subjects against him made the report goe that King Malcolm had voluntarily resigned all those lands Which did so irritate the Nobles as presently after his return putting themselves in Arms they did besiege the Town of Bertha where the King remained and had not failed to use violence but that by the intercession of some wise Prelates matters were composed The Nobility being grieved to see the King so abused did urge him to denounce warre but he loving rather to have matters peaceably agreed was content to accept Cumberland and Huntington and suffer Northumberland to goe to King Henry This displeased the Subjects and diminished much of the regard that was formerly carried to him which he took greatly to heart and shortly after died as was thought of displeasure The good King being thus taken away
his brother William succeeded in the year 1165. The first thing he undertook was the repetition of Northumberland for which Ambassadours were sent to King Henry His answer was That he should have right done him at his coming to London after he had performed his homage for the Countries he held in England King William taking journey thither with David his younger brother found the King at his Easter in VVindsore where insisting for the restitution of Northumberland he had many good words given him and promise made that at the meeting of the Parliament a course should be taken to his content In this hope he followed King Henry going then in expedition to France and staid there with him some moneths but when he perceived the King was not shortly to return unto England and that he was sed onely with fair promises he took his leave and came home Presently after his return he sent an Herald to denounce warre unlesse Northumberland were restored King Henry being then ingaged in the French warres and not willing to make himself more businesse was content to quit that part of Northumberland which King VVilliam his great Grandfather had possessed Yet suddenly forethinking what he had done he stirred up underhand those that lived in the Borders to make incursions upon the Scots This being complained and no redresse made King VVilliam raised an Army and went into England and at Anwick as he was taking the aire suspecting no Enemy to be at hand he was surprised by some English and sent Prisoner to King Henry in France who put him in the Castle of Calice in Picardie where he was some moneths detained A great dysaster this was and how grievous to the whole State may appear by the Articles condescended upon for obtaining his liberty which were 1. That for his redemption there should be paid one hundred thousand pounds sterling money the one half in hand the other half after a short time and for assurance thereof the Counties of Cumberland Huntington and Northumberland be morgaged to King Henry 2. That the Scots should move no warre against England for retention of these Counties 3. And for the more security the Castles of Roxburgh Berwick Edinburgh and Sterling should be delivered to the King of England or unto such as he should appoint to receive the same Hollinshed setteth down other Conditions besides these as That the King of Scots should acknowledge the King of England for his supreme Lord That the Prelates of Scotland and their successors should be subject to the Church of England And that the Lords and Barons of Scotland should swear fealty to the King of England and his successours which are meer forgeries it being certain that the Scots howsoever they loved their King and for his liberty would not refuse to undergoe very hard conditions yet would never have renounced their liberties maintained so long and with so much blood and yeelded themselves in any case to such a slavish subjection Always the agreement concluded in Normandy the 8. of December 1175. by Richard Bishop of S. Andrews and divers Noblemen sent thither to treat in that businesse was at August thereafter confirmed in York by both Kings all the Bishops Abbots and Nobility almost of Scotland being present In Ianuary thereafter at a meeting in Norham where King VVilliam was also in person the King of England dealt earnestly to have the Clergy of Scotland accept the Archbishop of York for their Metropolitane but they pâ—etending the absence of many of their number and the want of the inferiour Clergies consent deferred to give any answer at that time The next year the same matter was renued and followed earnestly by a Legate sent from the Pope with Commission to reform the abuses he should finde in the Churches both in England and Scotland This Legate called Hugo and styled Cardinall de sancto Angelo having sent his Apparitors with a citation to the Bishops of Scotland for their appearing before him at a certain day in Northampton they went thither with a great number of their Clergy The Assembly being met and all ranked in their places the Cardinall who had his seat somewhat higher then the rest made a long speech in commendation of humility and obedience shewing what excellent Virtues these were and how much to be desired of men of spirituall profession whereof when he talked a while he came in end to perswade the Clergy of Scotland to submit themselves to the Primate of York which he said was a thing very convenient for them and would turn greatly to their ease and commodity for having no Superiour amongst themselves nor Metropolitane to decide Controversies that possibly might happen there could none be fitter then their neighbour the Archbishop of York a Prelate of great respect and one whose credit in the Court of Rome might serve them to good use therefore besought them to lay aside all grudges and emulations and dispose themselves to live in all times after as members of one and the same Church The Bishops who feared to offend the Legate made no answer and after a long silence a young Chanon named Gilbert rose up and spake to this effect The Church of Scotland ever since the faith of Christ was embraced in that Kingdome hath been a free and independent Church subject to none but the Bishop of Rome whose authority we refuse not to acknowledge To admit any other for our Metropolitane especially the Archbishop of York we neither can nor will for notwithstanding the present peace which we wish may long continue warres may break up betwixt the two Kingdomes and if it shall fall out so neither shall he be able to discharge any duty amongst us nor can we safely and without suspicion resort to him For the controversies which you my Lord Cardinall say may arise amongst our selves we have learned and wise Prelates who can determine the same and if they should be deficient in their duties we have a good and religious King who is able to keep all things in frame and order so as we have no necessity of any stranger to be set over us And I cannot think that either his Holinesse hath forgotten or you my Lord that are his Legate can be ignorant of the late exemption granted unto Malcolm our last King since the grant whereof we have done nothing which may make us seem unworthy of that favour Wherefore in the name of all the Scotish Church we doe humbly entreat the preservation of our ancient liberberties and that we be not brought under subjection to our enemies These speeches he delivered with an extraordnary grace and in so passionate a manner that all the hearers were exceedingly moved the English themselves commending his courage and the affection he shewed to his Country But the Archbishop of York who looked not for such opposition called the young Chanon to come unto him and laying his hand
upon his head said Ex tua pharetra nunquam venit ista sagitta meaning that he was set on to speak by some others of greater note So the Legate perceiving that the businesse would not work and that the opposition was like to grow greater he brake up the Assembly After which the Prelates returning home were universally welcomed but above the rest the Chanon Gilbert was in the mouthes of all men and judged worthy of a good preferment and soon after was promoved to the Bishoprâ—ck of Cathenes and made Chancellor of the Kingdome The year following one Vibianus a Cardinal titulo sancti Stephani in monte Caelio came into Scotland in shew to reform abuses and do some good to the Church but in effect to extort moneys from Churchmen For at this time it was grown to be an ordinary trick of the Popes when they stood in need of moneys to send forth their Legates unto all Countreys sometimes under a colour of reforming abuses sometimes for the recovering of the Holy land and sometimes upon other pretexts This Cardinall having stayed a while in Scotland took his journey into Ireland and in his return would needs make a new visit of this Church for which effect he convened the Clergy at Edinburgh in the moneth of August and established divers Canons which the Clergy esteeming prejudiciall to their liberties did incontinent after he was gone revoke and disannull but what these Canons were our Writers do not remember 18. It was a fatall year this to many of our Churchmen both Bishops and Abbots amongst others Richard Bishop of S. Andrews deceasing King William recommended Hugo one of his Chaplains whom he much favoured to the Convent But they taking another course made choice of the Archdeacon Iohn Scot who was an English born The King displeased therewith did swear by the Arm of S. Iamesâ—this â—this was his ordinary oath that so long as he lived Scot should never enjoy that place So he sent a Command unto the Chanons to make a new election appointing Ioceline Bishop of Glasgow their assistant and thus was Hugo his Chaplain elected The Archdeacon appealed to Rome and going thither complained of the wrong done to the Church entreating the Pope for redresse Hereupon Alexius Subdean of the Romane See was dispatched to try and examine the cause At first the King made difficulty to admit him but afterwards yeelding the two elections being tried by the Legate sentence was given for the first and Iocelin Bishop of Glasgow with the rest of the Clergy that assisted the second excommunicated This done the Legate called an Assembly of the Bishops Abbots and whole Clergy at Haliroudhouse and made Matthew Bishop of Aberdene publickly to consecrate the Archdeacon upon Trinity Sunday 1178. He not the lesse fearing the Kings displeasure left the Realm and went to Rome where he was honourably entertained by Pope Lucius the third who sent Letters to the King and admonished him not to usurp upon the Church and to remit the Bishop who was lawfully elected and consecrated to enjoy his place with quietnesse This Letter the Story saith was conceived in milde terms for the Pope feared to incense the King lest he should follow the ensample of his Cousin Henry King of England that some 8. years before had made away Thomas Becket Bishop of Canterbury for his obstinate and wilfull opposition in some matters not unlike yet the King nothing moved with the Letter to make his displeasure the better known did confiscate all the revenues pertaining to the See of S. Andrews and banished those whom he understood to favour the Bishops cause The Pope advertised hereof resolved to put the Realm under Interdiction But the Bishop prostrating himself at his feet besought him not to use any such rigour saying That he would much rather renounce his dignity then have so many Christian souls for ought that concerned him defrauded of spirituall benefits The Pope highly commending the goodnesse and patience of the Bishop held him from that time forth in more regard and at his request forbare the Interdiction Mean while it happened that VValter Bishop of Dunkeld departed this life whereupon the King taking occasion sent to recall the Bishop with offers of great kindenesse protesting that if it had not been for the oath he rashly made he would willingly have contented to his enjoying of the See of S. Andrews But seeing it did touch him in Honour and Conscience as he esteemed to be yeelding thereto he requested the Bishop to accept the Benefice of Dunkeld which was then fallen void and was in value not much inferiour to the other This the Bishop communicated to the Pope who desired to have the matter quieted advised him to return and accept the offer Thus was the Archdeacon by the Popes consent preferred to Dunkeld having the rents of the Archdeaconry reserved to him during his life in recompence of his losses Hugo this way coming to be possessed Andrews took journey to Rome that he might be reconciled to the Pope and being absolved for his intrusion in his return died some six miles from the City of Rome the 6. of August 1188. ten years and ten moneths after his election At this time newes was brought from the East of the prevailing of Sultan Saladine of Egypt against the Christians in the Holy land which moved Philip the second of France and Henry King of England to undertake the recovery of the Holy land and to employ all their credit and means as well in their own countreys as with other Christian Princes their neighbours for the furtherance of that enterprise To befray the charges of the voyage both Kings by consent of their Clergy and Nobles ordained that all their subjects both Clergy and Laity such excepted as went in the voyage should pay the tenth of all their moveables either in gold or silver King Henry having laid this imposition upon his subjects at home sent Hugh Pusar then Bishop of Duresme with other Commissioners to collect the tenths of the Clergy and Laity in this kingdom which the King and States interpreting to be an encroachment upon their liberties would not permit yet for advancing that holy action they did offer a supply of 5000. Marks sterling which King Henry refused but the enterprise upon a quarel that arose betwixt the Kings of France and England was at that time dashed and so the collection was no further urged King Henry a little after this ended his life and Richard his son who succeeded resolving to pursue the action of the holy Warre to assure the King of Scotland who he feared would take some advantage in his absence restored all the Castles which were delivered to King Henry his Father and released him and his posterity of all Covenants made and confirmed by Charter unto King Henry as extorted from him being then his prisoner reserving only such
had valiantly defended themselves and their liberties against the Romanes Picts Britains Danes Norishes and all others who sought to usurp upon them and howbeit said he the present occasion hath bred some distraction of mindes all true hearted Scotch men will stand for the liberty of their countrey to the death for they esteem their liberty more precious then their lives and in that quarrel will neither separate nor divide wherefore as he had professed in way of friendship and as an Arbiter elected by themselves to cognosce and decide the present controversie they were all in most humble manner to intreat him that he would proceed to determine the question which they and their posterities should remember with their best affections and services King Edward although he was not well pleased with the Bishops free speech made no speech thereof at the time but continuing his purpose desired the competitors to be called They all being severally heard the right was found to lie chiefly betwixt Iohn Baliol and Robert Bruce and the rest ordained to cease from their claime Of Baliol and Bruce an oath was taken that they should abide by the sentence which King Edward should pronounce The like oath was taken by the Prelates Nobles and other Commissioners of the State who swear all to accept him for their King that should be tried to have the best right and for the greater assurance all their Seales were appended to the Compromise Then Edward proceeding made twelve of either kingdome men learned in the Law to be elected for examination of the right declaring that he would take the opinions also of the best Civilians in the Universities of France In this sort was the businesse carried in publick but privately and amongst some few the consultation was how to bring Scotland under his subjection Five years and some more were spent before the controversie was brought to an end at last every one longing to have it concluded the King returned to Berwick and calling the 24. who had been named at the first meeting he did enclose them within the Church commanding them to debate the matter and permitting none to have accesse unto them he himself went in now and then to feel their mindes and perceiving the most part inclining to Bruce his right he dealt first with him promising to invest him in the kingdom so as he would hold the same of the Crown of England Bruce answered that he was not so desirous of rule as he would therefore prejudice the liberties of the countrey The like offer he made to Baliol who being more greedy of a kingdome then careful of his honour did yield thereunto and so was Crowned King at Scone all the Nobility Bruce excepted doing him homage Some dayes after his Coronation he went to Newcastle to do the homage as he had promised to King Edward as unto his Soveraigne Lord. The Nobles that accompanied him thither fearing to withstand the two Kings so farre from home did likewise swear subjection to King Edward Which as soon as the rest of the Nobility and others of the State who were tender of their countreys liberty understood they grew highly displeased they that were in Baliols company were excused as not daring oppose the fact in that place but he himself having done it upon a secret paction which then began first to break out he became so universally hated as after that time could he never purchase their love nor was it long before he felt the smart of his own error For being cited to answer before the Parliament of England upon a complaint exhibited against him he appeared and having desired to answer by Procurator the same was denied him and he forced to descend to the ordinary place of pleading and stand as a subject This affront did so vexe his minde that from thenceforth he did meditate upon nothing but revenge whereof a good opportunity was offered him by the warre which then burst forth between France and England The Ambassadours of both these Kings coming at one time into Scotland the French to seek the renuing of the ancient League and the English to crave a supply of men to be sent unto King Edward by vertue of the late allegiance sworne by Baliol the desire of England was utterly rejected as unjust Because the allegiance sworne by their King was as they said forced and granting he had done it willingly it was not in his power without consent of the State to do any such act Therefore whatsoever was done by him that way both he and they did recall renouncing Edwards friendship both for that and other wrongs committed by him Thereupon it was concluded that two Ambassadours should be sent one to France for renuing the League and confirming it by new alliance of Edward Baliol the Kings son with the daughter of France another to England for defying King Edward and renouncing his allegiance Towards France William Bishop of S. Andrewes Matthew Bishop of Dunkeld Sir Iohn Sowlis and Sir Ingram Umphraville Knights were imployed The Ambassadour to England being declined by many Henry Abbot of Aberbrothock a man of great stomach undertook and performed Upon this defection of Baliol King Edward summoned him to appear at Newcastle and upon his refuse entered into Scotland with a mighty Army took Berwick with the slaughter of 7000. Scots and had delivered into his hands the Castles of Dumbar Roxburgh Edinburgh and Striveling Baliol thus overthrown was again by the perswasion of Iohn Cumin of Strathbogy brought to submit himself and swear fealty of new to King Edward After which the Parliament of Scotland was called to meet at Berwick there did all the Nobility that were present perform homage to the King of England William Douglas a man nobly born and of great courage onely refused and was therefore cast in prison where he died This done King Edward turned home leaving Iohn Warren Earl of Surrey and Sussex Governour of the kingdome Hugh Cressingham Treasurer and Ormsley chief Justice The Bishop of S. Andrewes who was lately come from France not enduring to see the countrey so thralled returned thither appointing Mr. William Knigorne and Peter de Campaigne his Chaplains to supply his absence in all spiritual affaires Robert Bishop of Glasgow and Maurice Bishop of Isles were taken and sent prisoers to London The rest of the Churchmen though permitted to attend their Cures were held under miserable bondage whereupon they secretly dispatched a message to the Pope with William Archdeacon of Lothian Baldred Bisset and William Egishame willing them to lament the oppressions of the Church and the usurpation made upon the countrey and so intreat him as the universal Father of Christendome to use his authority with the King of England ever whom he had power and take the matter to his own hearing unto whose judgement they would simply submit themselves Pope Boniface the eighth
from that expedition an Ambassage was sent to Rome for reconciling the Kingdome and a Letter subscribed by the Nobility and Barons to the Pope the Copy whereof I have thought good to insert Sanctissimo in Christo Patri domino Iohani c. filii sui humiles devoti Duncamus Comes de Fife Thomas Ranulphus Comes Moraviae dominus Manviae dominus Wallis Annandiae Patricius Dumbar Comes Marchiae Malisius Comes Strathern Malcolm us Comes de Lennox Gulielmus Comes de Rosse Magnus Comes Cathannon Orcaden Gulielmus Comes Sutherlandiae Walterus Senescallus Scotiae Gulielmus de Souls Buttelarius Scotiae Iacobus de Douglas David de Brichen David Grahame Ingelramus Umphravile Iohannes Monteith Custos Comitatus ejusdem Alexander Fraser Gilbertus de Haya Constabularius Scotiae Robertus Marescallus Scotiae Henricus de Santo Claro Panitarius Scotiae Iohannes Grahame David Lindsay Patritius Grahame Iohannes de Fenton Gulielmus de Abernethy David de Weymis Gulielmus de Montefixo Fergusius de Androssen Eustathius Maxwell Gulielmus Ramsey Alanus de Moravia Donaldus Champell Iohannes Cameron Reginaldus Loquhoir Alexander Seaton Andreas Leslie Alexander de Straton caeterÃque Barones liberè tenentes tota communitas Regni Scotiae c. Thereafter they said That Scotland being an ancient Kingdome governed by a continued succession of 97. Kings and amongst the first that embraced the faith of Christ living under the patronage of S. Andrew the brother of S. Peter and graced with many privileges by the Popes his predecessors had always been free from usurpation of any stranger before that Edward the father of him that now reigneth in England did in the time of the interreign when the question was of a successour labour by violence to establish the Kingdome to himself since which time they have endured many injuries having their Churches spoiled their Monasteries burnt and their Countrey intolerably oppressed till of late it hath pleased God to stirre up King Robert Bruce who as another Iosua or Iudas Maccabeus had redeemed them by his valour with whom they resolved in defence of their Countrey to spend their lives And if he should forsake them which they knew he would not do so long as they wâ—ere any of them in life England should never bring them in subjection Wherefore they besought his Holinesse to make the English content themselves with the spacious bounds they possessed in which there reigned sometimes seven Kings and suffer the Scots quietly to enjoy that little piece of ground which their progenitors had long defended and left free unto them In end they entreated To be received again into his grace and favour promising all dutifull obedience to him and to the See Apostolick This was the tenor of the Letter which the Pope favourably accepted and thereupon gave order that the â—nglish and Scots should both be warned to a certain Diet for debating their rigâ—â—s The Diet come and the English not appearing the Pope after he had examined the case and perused the rescripts of divers his predecessours released the Interdiction which his Legate had published and declared the Scots to be reconciled to the Church The great discontents which were then amongst the English for the government of affairs under Edward the third who was then made King upon his Fathers resignation brought them to sue for peace which after a short Treaty was concluded and the Peace confirmed by a Match betwixt David Prince of Scotland and Iane sister to King Edward The Conditions of the Peace were these That King Edward should surrender by Charter his Title of Soveraignty of the Kingdom of Scotland Restore whatsoever Acts Deeds and Instruments he had of Homage and Fealty done by the Kings of Scotland or their Nobility to any of his antecessors especially those which Edward the first his Grandfather had by force extorted and leave the Kingdome of Scotland as free as it was at the death of King Alexander the third That the Scots should quit and renounce all the lands they held in England and Stanmore be taken for the March both in Cumberland and in Northumberland That no Englishman should enjoy lands in Scotland unlesse he dwelt in the Countrey And that in satisfaction of the lands possessed by some of them who would not remain in Scotland the King of Scots should pay 30000. Marks Peace thus made and the mariage with great solemnity performed though the Prince was then but seven years old King Robert waxing sickly lived private in a sort untill his death which happened some two years after He was a King of incomparable wisdome and valour whose worth and vertue no pen can expresse Whilest this Peace was treating Lamberton departed this life having continued Bishop thirty years a Prelate wise active and a great Benefactor to the Abbey wherein for the most part he kept his residence The buildings whereof now we onely behold the ruines were erected upon his charges It is reported that being asked by one of his servants on a night Why he did lay out so great summes for the Monastery and forget to build for himself he answered That ere he died he hoped to build more then his successors should well maintain Which he indeed performed for besides the repairing of his Palace in S. Andrews he built at Monymaill Torrey Dersey Inchmortach Mufchart Ketins Lincon Monymusk and Stow in Twaddale houses of good receipt for himself and his successors He finished the Cathedrall Church which had been many years a building and dedicated the same with great solemnity in the year 1318. He adorned the Chapter house with curious seats and ceeling furnished the Chanons with pretious vestments for the daily service stored their Library with Books and at the Dedication of the Church procured of the King who honoured the same with his presence a yearly rent of 100. Marks to be paid to the Abbey forth of the Exchequer which annuity was afterward redeemed by the donation of the Church of Fordon in Mernis he himself the same very day gave unto the Prior and Convent the Churches of Dersey Abercromby as the donations yet extant do testifie and dying at the last in the Priors Chamber within the Monastery was buried in the new Church on the north side of the high Altar in the year 1328. The famous Doctor Ioannes Duns alià s Scotus lived in his time he was born in the Town of Duns in the Countrey of Mers and being yet a childe after some taste he had got of the Latine Tongue by the perswasion of two Minorite Friers went to Oxford studying Logick in Merton College then applying himself to Scholastick Divinity grew to such a perfection therein as he was called The subtile Doctor and was followed of a number who after his name are called to this day Scotistae After he had professed a while at Oxford he was called to reade Divinity in the
of Glasgow being then at Avignion was provided thereto by Pope Benedict the thirteenth There was at this time a fearful schisme in the Church of all that we do read the most scandalous and of longest continuance two and sometimes three Popes warning one against another and condemning each anothers Ordinances which did so divide the Christian world and made such partakings as were pitiful This schisme lasting 29. years and more was at last quenched in the Councel of Constance and Martin the first chosen Pope Scotland at that time living in the obedience of Benedict the Abbot of Pontiniac was directed to intimate the election of the Councel and had audience given him in a Convocation of the Clergy at Perth thither came also one Harding a Minorite Frier sent by Benedict to solicite the Churches adherence to him against the decree of the Councel who taking for his Theam these words My sonne do nothing without advicement so shall it not repent thee after the deed held a long discourse of the proceedings of the Councel and the informality thereof affirming that none was bound to obey and acknowledge the same Master Iohn Fogo a Monk of the Abbey of Melrosse replying to his Oration began his speech with that precept of the Apostle Withdraw your selves from every brother that walketh inordinately and refuting all the Minorites reasons brought against the Councel concluded that whosoever did procure for Peter de Luna this was Benedicts name before he was elected Pope was a very disturber of the Churches peace and not to be countenanced in any sort The Clergy in end disclaiming Benedict promised obedience to Pope Martin whom the Councel had elected By occasion of this schisme the mouths of many were opened against the corrupt doctrine and manners of Rome Iohn Wickliffe in England Iohn Hus and Ierome of Prague in Bohemia did openly preach against the Tyranny of the Pope and the abuses introduced in the Church and in this countrey one called Ioannes Resby an English man de Schola Wickliffi as the Story speaketh was brought in question for some points of doctrine which he taught and condemned to the fire He was charged by Master Laurence Lendors with forty heretical opinions whereof we have two only mentioned One that the Pope was noâ— Christs Vicar The other that he was not to be esteemed Pope if he was a man of wicked life For maintaining these two points he suffered in the year 1407. Some 24. years after Paul Craw a Bohemian came into Scotland and for venting certain opinions touching the Sacrament of the Supper the adoration of Saints and auricular Confession he was also condemned and burnt at S. Andrewes in the year 1432. The death of these two Martyrs lieth heavy upon the memory of this Bishop who otherwise deserved well of the countrey and Church for in his time he laboured much to have the riotous formes crept in among all sorts of men repressed and was a man most hospitable They report of him that the Masters of his house complaining of the great numbers that resorted unto him for entertainment and desiring that for the ease of the servants he would condescend to make a bill of household that they might know who were to be served he condescended and when his Secretary was called to set down the names of the houshold being asked whom he would first name he answered Fife and Angus these are two large countreys containing millions of people his servants hearing this gave over their purpose of retrenching his family for they saw he would have no man refused that came to his house The bridge at the mouth of Eden was his work And besides he was the first that opened the publick Schooles at S. Andrewes making Divinity Lawes Logick and all other parts of Philosophy to be there taught In the founding of this University he took his example from that of Paris and obtained the Popes confirmation thereof which in the year 1412. being brought from Rome by Alexander Ogilvy Master of Arts was received with solemn processions fires of joy sounding of bells and all the tokens of gladnesse that could be expressed Master Iohn Sheves Official Master VVilliam Stephen afterwards Bishop of Dumblane and Sir Iohn Lister a Chanon of the Abbey were appointed to read Divinity Master Laurence Lindors was ordained to read the Common law and Master Richard Cornwal the Civil Master Iohn Gaw Master VVilliam Fowlis and Master William Crosier were chosen for Philosophy men worthy to be remembred for being the first instruments that were imployed in that service and the attendance they gave upon it having no allowance at all for their labours King Iames the first at his return from England 12. years after did greatly advance this work by the encouragement he gave to studies for not onely did he countenance professors with his presence at their Lectures but also took order that none should be preferred to any Benefice unlesse it was testified by them that the person recommended had made a reasonable progresse in learning and for that effect kept a roll of the most qualified persons by him for the filling of places that happened to fall void This that good King esteemed to be the most sure and easie way for banishing ignorance forth of the Church and ceased not to admonish the Churchmen that were in places to live as they professed and not to shame the bountyfulnesse of Princes by abusing their Donations unto Riot and Luxury Further to allure them by good example he brought home the Carthusian Monks who were at that time greatly respected for their precisenesse of living and erected for them a beautiful Monastery at Perth bestowing large revenues upon the same The Bishop surviving the King some seven years for the King was treacherously murthered at Perth in the year 1437. departed this life in the Castle of S. Andrews the fixt day of April 1444. having governed that See 35. years and was buried in the wall betwixt the Chore and the Chappel called Our Ladies Chappel 33. Iames Kennedy Bishop of Dunkeld and Nephew to King Iames the first by his sister the Countesse of Angus was after Wardlaw his death elected Bishop by the Prior and Chanons he himself was then at Florence with Pope Eugenius the fourth and had gone thither out of a desire to have the disorders crept in among Churchmen redressed hoping to be strengthened with greater authority from thence But finding all things troubled in these parts Eugenius keeping a Councel at Florence whilest another was held at Bâ—sile and each of them condemning another as unlawful he returned with a resolution to do the best he could at home by his own credit Upon his translation to S. Andrewes he did put all things in such order as no man then living did remember to have seen the Church in so good an estate
the Church is not to be feared 19. That in no case it is lawful to swear 20. That Priests may have wives according to the Ordinance of the old Law and that true Christians receive the body of Christ every day The maintainers of these Articles were by an opprobrious title called Lollards but whether or not they did hold all these opinions may well be doubted seeing we have them onely from the report of adversaries whose chief study was to make them and their doctrine odious and granting that they held the same we are not to wonder that in the first breaking up of the light men saw not the truth in every point considering the darknesse and grosse ignorance of preceding times For dispersing these Articles some thirty persons were cited before the Councel of whom the principals were George Campbel of Sesnock Adam Read of Barskining Iohn Campbel of Newmilus and Andrew Shaw of Polkennet The Archbishiop of Glasgow laying these things to their charge they answered all with such confidence as it was thought safest to dimit them with admonition to take heed of new doctrines and content themselves with the faith of the Church Of Shevez I find nothing said all this time onely that he departed this life at S. Andrews in the year 1496. and was buried in the Cathedral Church before the high Altar 36. Iames Stewart brother to King Iames the fourth was provided after Shevez to the See being yet very young and lived but a short space for he died at S. Andrews in the year 1503. his body was interred in the Cathedral Church amongst the Bishops his predecessors In an old Charter produced by one of the vassals I have seen him thus styled Iacobus sancti Andreae Archiepiscopus Dux Rossiae Marchio de Ormond Comes de Ardmannach Dominus de Brichen Never Commendatorius perpetuus Monasterii de Dunfermline ac Regni Scotiae Canâ—ellarius The Charter is dated in this manner Apud Ecclesiam nostram Metropolitanam sancti Andreâ— 7º die Mensis Februarii An. Dom. 1502. nostrarum administrationum quinto 37. To him succeeded Alexander Stewart base son to King Iames the fourth a youth of great hopes he died with his father in the unfortunate battle of Flowdon Anno 1513. and was much lamented by Erasmus Roterodamus under whom he had studied some yeares I finde him styled Chancellour of the Kingdome in one of the vassals Characters which is dated in the year 1512. 38. Three strong competitours fell then at strife for the place Gawane Dowglas Bishop of Dunkeld Iohn Hepburn Prior of S. Andrews and Andrew Forman Bishop of Murray Gawane Dowglas was nobly born for he was brother to the Earl of Angus and greatly esteemed for his vertue and learning He upon the Queens presentation who at that time governed all publick affairs possessed himselfe with the Castle of S. Andrews Hepburne a factious man and of great power procured the Chanons to elect him and under this colour expulsed Dowglas his servants fortifying the house with a Garison of souldiers Forman was provided by the gift of Pope Iulius the second and made Legatus à latere for by his many employments in France and at the Court of Rome he had gained to himself much credit But the Power of Hepburn was such as for a while no man could be found to publish Formans Bulls Alexander Lord Home who some write was Formans Uncle was at last moved by the dimission of Coldingham in favour of his brother David to take his part and coming to Edinburgh proclaimed the Popes gift and Formans Legation with great solemnity This Act divided the Homes and the Hepburnes who after that time were never in sound friendship Dowglas not willing to be seen more in that contention did quit his interesse leaving the quarrel to the other two who did pursue it both Hepburn posting to Rome laboured to have his election confirmed but prevailed not Forman because of his Legation was followed of the Churchmen for the most part and acknowledged by all the vassals of the See yet the jarring still continued untill the Duke of Albany his coming into the countrey who at his acceptation of the Regencyâ— brought them to a submission and pacified all these strifes distributing the Benefices in this manner To Forman he left the Archbishoprick of S. Andrews and Abbacy of Dunfermlin which was given him by the Pope in Commendam The Abbacy of Aberbrothock which Forman likewise possessed he gave to Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow and Chancellour for the time The Prior Iohn Hepburn was contented with a pension of three thousand Crows which Forman was ordained to pay him during life and upon his brother Master Iames Hepburn was the Bishoprick of Murray bestowed Alexander Gordon Cousen to the Earl of Huntley was made Bishop of Aberdene Iames Ogilvy a brother of the house of Ogilvy Abbot of Drybrugh and George Dundass of the house of Dundass Commendator of the preceptory of Torphichen This partition did satisfie them all and so they were fully reconciled Some few years after Forman died at Dunfermlin where he was also buried A plain and open man but said to be profuse besides the Benefices he possessed in Scotland he was Archbishop of Burges in France by the gift of King Lewis the twelfth which did greatly increase his means 39. Upon the death of Forman Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow and Chancellour of the Kingdome was translated to S. Andrews Master Gawane Dumbar to whose instruction the young King was committed was preferred to this place The troubles of the time were great because of the minority of the King and therein this Bishop had not the least part being chased from the Court and from his own dwellings glad to lurk and shift himself a long time from place to place amongst friends to eschew the violence of the Dowglasses who had setled themselves about the King and swayed all affaires at their pleasures But it was not long ere he made even with them The Queen-mother who had taken the Earl of Angus to her husband falling into dislike of him and pursuing a divorce in the Bishops Court which she easily obtained Thereupon the young King his escape from the Dowglasses and their exile in England at which time the Bishop was reponed to his office and place seventeen years he lived Bishop of this See and was herein most unfortunate that under the shadow of his authority many good men were put to death for the cause of Religion though he himself was neither violently set nor much solicitous as it was thought how matters went in the Church The first that was called in question was Master Patrick Hamilton Abbot of Ferm a man nobly descended for he was Nephew to the Earl of Arrane by his father and to the Duke of Albany by the Mother and not much past twenty three yeares of age This young
external commodities and ornaments and such a one as would bring with him a perpetual peace together with the oblivion of ancient grudges and hatreds For should they take a stranger to be their King differing from themselves in language manners and lawes great evils and discommodities could not but arise as they might know by that which had fallen out in the like case to other nations by whose ensample he wished they should be made wise As for the part of England he said if they did find the minds of the Scots not estranged from peace they would remit somewhat of their right and be contented that the young Queen should be kept amongst themselves untill she were fit for marriage and might chuse a husband to her self by advice of the Nobility during which time all hostility should cease betwixt the two Kingdomes it being provided that the Queen should not be sent to any forain countrey nor contracted in marriage with the French King nor any other Prince which if the Scots would faithfully promise he would presently retire with his Army and recompense all injuries done since his coming into Scotland at the sight and estimation of honest men This letter the Governour communicated to his brother and to a few others on whose counsel he depended such as George Dury Abbot of Dunfermlin Mr. Archebald Beaton and Mr. Hugh Rig a Lawyer who gave him advice to suppresse the letter for they feared if the offers were published the greater part of the Nobility would embrace the same and in stead thereof they made a rumour to be dispersed through the Army that the English were come to take away the Queen by force and bring the Kingdome into subjection The Nobles and whole Army believing this to be the effect of the letter became mightily incensed Nor did any kithe so foolish as the Priests and Clergy men who dreaming of nothing but victory cried out that the English hereticks had no spirits and durst not come to a battaile But they found themselves deceived for upon Saterday the tenth of September 1547. the Armies joyning the Scots were put to the worse and many thousands slain few in the fight which lasted not long but exceeding many in the chase The English pursuing the victory came forwards to Leith where they remained eight dayes dividing the spoile and prisoners and in that time surprised the Isles of Inchkeith and Inchcolme in the river of Forth with Broughtie Castle in the mouth of Tay which places they strongly fortified In their return homewards they took the Castle of Home with the house of Fascastle and placed Garisons in the Townes of Haddington Lawder and Roxborough The Governour the Bishop his brother and such of the Nobles as escaped in the flight went to Striveling and there taking counsel what should be done with the young Queen concluded to send her to the Castle of Dumbarton under the custody of the Lords Areskin and Levingston and to advertise the King of France how matters went intreating of him a supply both of men and money Hereupon the next summer arrived at Leith three thousand Germanes under the charge of Count Rhingrave with as many French commanded by Monsieur de Andelot Monsieur de Mallery and Monsieur d' Ossel Monsieur d' Esse being General of the whole This supply did so hearten the Governour as gathering together an Army he beleaguered the Town of Haddington which the English had at that time made very strong The Nobility being there convened entered of new into a consultation touching the young Queen and the course that should be taken with her The French Generall desired she should be sent into France and espoused to the Daulphin which the Queen her Mother longed to have done The Noblemen were not of one minde for such as favoured the reformation were of opinion that the conditions offered by England which were then come to light should be embraced because that would bring with it ten years of peace at least in which time if either King Edward of England or the young Queen should depart this life all things would return to their first estate and if no such things happened yet the Kingdome being at rest and freed of the present troubles would grow to some better ease within it self and they might more maturely advise what course was fittest to be taken Delay they said in matters of such consequence was safest and that precipitation might bring with it a suddain but untimely repentance The rest stood all for the French most of them being corrupted with gold and others with large promises The Governour himself had an annuity promised of twelve thousand francks and a company of men at Armes to the Earle of Arran his sonne All these pretending the safety of the young Queen did reason that there was no other way to be rid of the English warres but that one For as long as the English have any hope said they to speed they will still be troubling but when they shall see the Queen gone and that there is no remedy they will cease from their pursuit The greatest number inclining that way it was concluded that the young Queen should be conveyed to France Shortly after the French Navy that lay at Leith giving out that they were to return home compassing the North Isles received her at Dunbrition and after much tossing at sea did safely land her in France The warres with England in the mean time went on and continued full two years till by the treaty of Bulloign in the yare 1550. a peace was made the Lord Chastilion being Commissioner for the French the Earl of Bedford for the English and David Panter Bishop of Ross for the Scots At that time were Normond Lesley Mr. Henry Balnaves Iohn Knox and others who had been kept partly in prison and partly in the Gallies since the taking of S. Andrews Castle put to liberty Mr. Iames Balfour had freed himself long before by abjuring his profession and was become Official to the Bishop of S. Andrews Iames Melvil died in the Tower of Brest in Britain William Kircaldie Peter Carmichal with Robert and William Leslies who were imprisoned in Mont S. Michael found means to escape before the Treaty and went into England Norman after he was freed returned into Scotland but fearing the Governour he went into Denmark where not finding that kind reception he expected he betook himself to England and had an honourable pension allowed him which was thankfully answered during the life of King Edward the sixt Queen Mary succeeding he found not the like favour and thereupon went to France where he had a company of men of Armes given him with which he served the French King in his warres against the Emperour Charles the fifth and in pursuing the enemy whom he had in chase was wounded with the shot of a Pistoll whereof he died the day after at Montreul He was
agitated he loved to have things calmly carried but his counsel took little place It was he that said to one of his Vicars whom he was perswading to leave his opinions That he thanked God that he knew neither the Old nor the New Testaments and yet had prospered well enough all his dayes 31. Robert Creighton his Nephew was preferred upon his death to the See in whose time fell out the reformation of the Church The Bishops of ABERDENE 1. Malcolme the second in memory of the defeat he gave the Danes at Murthlack founded there a Bishops seat in the year 1010. and preferred one Beanus thereto a man of singular vertue and godlinesse gifting to him and his successors the lands of Murthlack Cloveth and Dummeth This Bishop sate 32. years and dying in Murthlack was buried at the Postern door of the Church which himself had built 2. Donortius who succeeded him lived Bishop 42. years and was interred with his predecessor 3. Cormachus the third Bishop of this See governed the same 39. years and was buried likewise with his predecessors 4. Nectanus succeeded in his time King David did translate the See from Murthlack to Aberdene and gave to him and his successors the lands of old Aberdene Sclaty Goull Moorecroft Kurmundy Mowmenlach Clat Talynstine Rayne Dawyot and their Churches with divers others lands whereby the See was greatly enriched this Bishop died in the year 1154. having sate 14. years at Murthlack and 17. at Aberdene 5. After the death of Nectanus one Edward was promoved who was greatly favoured by Malcolme the fourth called the Maiden and was thought to have perswaded the King to continue in his single life he was the first Bishop that brought the Chanons to do ordinary service in the Church of Aberdene and died in the eleventh year after his consecration 6. Matthew Kinninmouth Archdeacon of S. Andrews succeeded a man famous for learning and other excellent vertues In his time began the Cathedral Church of Aberdene to be built unto the memory of S. Machar to whom King Malcolme gave the lands of Tuligreg Fetternew Invercrowden Banchordeneif Balhelvy and the Patronages of the Churches He sate Bishop 34. years 7. Iohn Prior of Kelso was next elected Bishop this man is greatly commended for liberality to the poor and magnificence in the buildings and ornaments of the Church he died the next year after his consecration 8. One Adam was assumed in his place rather for satisfying King Williams pleasure then for any good affection born to the man by the rest of the Clergy at first he shewed no great care in his charge giving himselfe wholly to temporall affaires yet after King Williams death he grew quite another man setting himself to amend his former negligences He sate 21. years 9. Upon his death the Clergy and people of Aberdene postulated Matthew Chancellour of the kingdome who was willing to accept the place but Dunkeld falling void in the mean season King Alexander the second preferred him to that See 10. And Gilbert Striveling a man well born and much esteemed for his integrity of life obtained the place but he lived not many years departing this world in the eleventh year after his election 11. Radolph Abbot of Aberbrothotk succeeded being with an uniform consent of the Clergy and people elected Bishop he was brought with great difficulty to accept the charge a man of great prudence and painful in his calling for he travelled through all his Dioces on foot preaching and visiting the Churches that he might know their true estate and is said never to have changed his form of living that he used in the Cloister and to have been more abstinent and sparing both in diet and apparel then he was before he died some eight years after his consecration which was about the year of Christ 1247. 12. Peter Ramsay a man of good learning was next chosen Bishop he was a man very kind to the Chanons and parted many of his rents amongst them he sate Bishop ten years and deceased about the seventh or eighth year of King Alexander the third his reign 13. Presently after his death Richard Pottock an English man was elected who sate Bishop 13. years 14. Hugh Benham elected by the Monks went to Rome and was there consecrated by Pope Martin the fourth after he had remained there the space of a year he returned to Scotland at which time there was a great contention between the Churchmen and the people of the countrey for certain tithes that the Priests did exact too rigorously The difference being submitted to him he composed the same in a Convention of the Clergy at Perth wherein the King and many of the Nobles were present and died of a Catarrhe being very old in the Isle of Louchgoull about the year 1280. 15. Henry Cheyn Nephew to the Lord Cummyn was preferred to the See the troubles which in his time brake forth in the Kingdome between Bruce and Baliol wrought him great vexation for whilest he took part with his Uncle against Bruce he was banished into England where he lived untill the end of these warres and then licenced by King Robert to return he gave himselfe to repair the Church and restore all things which the licenciousnesse of warre had disordered he died the same year in which King Robert the Bruce ended his life that is in the year of Christ 1329. which was the 48. year after his consecration 16. Alexander Kinninmouth Doctor of Divinity succeeded in his place a great lover of learning and learned men whom out of all parts he drew to make residence with himself In the winter season he dwelt at Murthlack and when the the spring opened at Aberdene because of the confluence of people all that time of the year all the summer and harvest time he remained at Fetterneir and Rain that he might the more commodiously discharge his office in every part of his Dioces The English in his time set on fire the Town of Aberdene which burnt six dayes together and did much harm his own Palace with the whole houses of the Chanons were thereby consumed which was thought to have hastened his death he departed this life in the eleventh year of his consecration 17. William Deyn was made Bishop in his stead the most of his time the Realme was infested with warres whereby he was impeded in many good purposes that he intended and had much adoe to keep the Clergy in obedience for every man during the warre took liberty to do what they thought good he sate Bishop the space of ten years 18. After him Iohn Raith Doctor of Divinity was chosen Bishop by the Monks he lived only six years Bishop and was buried in the Quire of Aberdene 19. King David Bruce returning from France about this time had brought with him in company one Nicolaus a corrupt and ambitious man who procured the Kings recommendation to the Chapter of Aberdene for his election The Chanons excused themselves saying
that time they had done good thankful and necessary service to the King and countrey Also that their taking of Armes making of Conventions entring in conflicts taking and detaining of prisoners contracting of leagues and bonds and all other deeds done by them which might appear to be against his Majesties authority in so farre as the same was done without his Highness warrant should be reputed and esteemed good service done to the King and State And that they and their partakers should be exonered of all action civil or criminal that might be intended against them or any of them in that respect Inhibiting therefore all the subjects to speak or utter any thing to the contrary under the pain to be esteemed calumniators and dispersers of false rumors and to be punished for the same accordingly The declaration passed it was ordained that the Earl of Arran should be detained in the Castle of Ruthven till the Duke was gone out of the Realm after which he should be confined on the North of the water of Iern and that four companies should be levied upon the publick charges two of horsemen and as many foot to guard the King and Noblemen who did attend him till the present troubles were quieted Then were some grievances proponed in name of the Church but these laid by till another time the Lords not willing to irritate the King for such matters having once secured themselves The Duke to keep the word which the King had given for his departing took shiping in the West parts about the midst of October and being hindred by contrary winds fell sick at Sea The King advertised of his ill disposition advised him to travel through England in regard of the winter season and to remain at Blackness till a safe conduct was procured from the Queen He had not stayed many dayes there when a rumour was raised as was thought by his enemies that he was to be brought again to Court and the Lords turned out or used with more violence This made a new stirre whereupon the Lord Hereis was sent to command him to begin his journey and to be in Berwick the 22. day of December he craved to see the King and be permitted only to salute him but this being denied he departed in great heavinesse In the beginning of Ianuary two Ambassadours arrived sent by the French King the one named Monsieur la Motte the other Monsieur Menevel La Motte came by England with whom came alongst Mr. Davidson Ambassadour from Queen Elizabeth the other by Sea both having the same instructions which were to work the Kings liberty in the best sort they could to confirm his mind in the love he bare to the French and to renue the purpose of Association This last businesse was set on foot the year before and almost concluded in this sort That the Queen of Scots should communicate the Crown with her sonne and both be joyned in the administration of affaires that so he might be acknowledged for a lawful King by all Christian Princes and all domestick factions suppressed But upon the Dukes sequestring from Court it was left off and not mentioned again till now The Assembly of the Church in the last meeting had made this one of their special grievances and complained of it as a most wicked practise And now the Ministers of Edinburgh hearing that purpose to be moved of new by the French Ambassadours declaimed bitterly against them in their Sermons especially against La Motte who being a Knight of the order of S. Esprit did wear the badge of a white Crosse upon his shoulder This they called the badge of Antichrist and him the Ambassadour of the bloudy murtherâ—r meaning the Duke of Guise who they said procured him to be sent hither It grieved the Ambassadours much to hear these out-cries which daily were brought unto them but perceiving the Kings authority not able to restrain the liberty which the Preachers had taken they did not complain but urged earnestly their dimission The King desirous to entertain the ancient amity betwixt the two nations and dimit them with some contentment desired the Magistrates of Edinburgh to give them the Feast before their parting To impede this Feast the Ministers did on the Sunday preceding proclaim a Fast to be kept the same day on which the Feast was appointed and to detain the people at Church the three ordinary Preachers did one after another make Sermon in S. Giles Church without any intermission of time thundering curses against the Magistrates and other Noblemen that waited on the Ambassadours by the Kings direction nor stayed their folly here but the Ambassadors being gone they pursued the Magistrates with the censures of the Church and were with difficulty enough stayed from proceeding with excommunication against them for not observing the Fast they proclaimed Of all this the King seemed to take no notice for he saw not a way to represse these disorders and much perplexed he was with the reports of the Duke of Lennox his death who partly of grief partly through the long and troublesome journey he made in that cold and rainy season contracted a fever at his coming to Paris whereof after a few days he died Some hours before his expiring there came to him a Priest or two to do their accustomed service whom he could not admit professing to die in the faith of the Church of Scotland and to keep the oath he had given to the King inviolate This the King made to be proclaimed at Edinburgh that the people might see what wrong the Duke had sustained during his abode in the Realm by the uncharitable suspicions both of Ministers and others But this belongs to the year following Meanwhile the King ceascth not to think of his own liberty using all means to put the Lords that attended him out of an opinion that he had any meaning to free himself And the Duke being gone whom they feared most they esteemed the danger the lesse for Arran was not well loved because of his violent courses and Morton who had the greatest following was put from his charge in the Borders and the same given to the Laird of Iohnston The King had likewise by their advice sent Colonel Stewart and Mr. Iohn Colvil in a joynt Commission to the Queen of England to move her for restoring the lands in that Kingdome which appertained to his Grandfather the Earl of Lennox and the Lady Margaret his Grandmother together with the by-run profits intrometted by the Thesaurer or Master of Wards as likewise to communicate unto her the course he had taken for quieting the Realm and to desire her aid and assistance therein Some instructions besides were given them to propone as touching the Kings marriage the matters of the Border and the contracting of a defensive league by all which they held themselves secured of his Majesties favour But for the negotiation it
thereof sent his natural brother Robert Maxwel to intercept the two Captains ere they should joyn with Iohnston They encountering in the Moore of Crawford after a sharp conflict the Captains were defeated Lamby and most of his company killed and Cranston with divers others taken prisoners Iohnston left he should be thought to do nothing did then make incursions upon Maxwels lands raising fire and carrying away great spoyle which Maxwel repayed with the burning of the house of Lockwood and the slaughter of some of Iohnstons in Annandale And thus did they make warre one against another till it happened that Iohnston in a certain conflict was taken by Maxwel and made prisoner The grief of this overthrow gave Iohnston shortly after he was liberated his death but the wrath of the Court still continuing a convention of the Estates was called to suppresse Maxwel and a Subsidy granted of 20000. pounds for levying of souldiers to pursue him Thereafter all that could bear Armes dwelling on the South of Forth were commanded to be in readinesse for attending the King in an expedition that he intended towards these parts But the plague breaking out in Edinburgh did rage so vehemently all that summer as nothing could be done so the expedition was put off for certain moneths Mean while there fell out an accident which did quite alienate the Queen of Englands favour from Arran Sir Iohn Forrester and Thomas Kar of Farnherst Wardens of the middle Marches being met for restoring some goods taken from the English a tumult fell out wherein Sir Francis Russel sonne to the Earl of Bedford was killed this was laid upon Farnherst and he said to have done it by Arrans instigation for they two were at that time in great friendship And when the Queen did require Farnherst to be delivered Arran did strongly oppose it yet the King for her satisfaction did confine them both the one in S. Andrews and the other in Aberdene Arran after a little time was relieved to his house at Kinneil the other contracting sickness kept bed a long space and as was thought died of displeasure at Aberdene A man he was of an haughty spirit and had endured much trouble in the service of the Kings mother which he esteemed should have made him better respected then as he conceived he was Shortly after this accident Sir Edward Wotton was imployed in an Ambassage from England for contracting a league offensive and defensive with the King in the cause of Religion For then came that holy league as they called it to be discovered which the Pope the Spanish King the Guises and others had made to extirpate the Reformed Religion The Queen of England understanding her self to be principally aimed at found nothing better then to make a counter-league with the Princes reformed and to that effect sent Sir Thomas Bodley to treat with the King of Denmark and the Protestant princes in Germany and at the same time imployed Sir Edward Wotton towards the King The motion did so please him as presently he called the Estates at S. Andrews and having in a long and pithy speech expressed the dangers threatened to Religion with the necessity that the reformed Princes had to unite themselves strongly together procured the act following to be concluded We the Nobility and Estates presently convened understanding that divers Princes and Potentates who term themselves Catholicks have joyned under the Popes authority in a most unchristian confederacy against the true Religion and Professors thereof with full intent to prosecute their wicked resolution not only within their own estates and dominions but likewise in other Kingdomes where they can pretend no lawful power nor authority A purpose long since projected and hitherto cunningly carried but now openly manifested and in divers parts begun to be executed with hard and cruel effects And considering withall how it hath pleased God to blesse this Realm with the sincerity of the Gospel the defence whereof is the most just and lawful cause that Christians can maintain we have thought it requisite not only to unite our selves and joyn the whole forces which God hath granted us under our most religious and Christian Soveraign for the better assurance of our own estates and the more peaceable enjoying of so great a benefit but aâ—so for withstanding the dangerous course intended against all the professors of the truth we have judged it needful that a general League and Christian confederacy of Princes and States professing the true Religion should be opposed to the ungodly confederacy of the enemies thereof especially that the two Crowns of Scotland and England which nature blood habitation and the profession of one Religion hath joyned may be unseparably united by a more firm and strict League then hath been betwixt any Princes their Progenitors in times past for which effect we under subscribing for our selves and in name and behalf of the whole Estates of this Realm whose body in this convention we represent have given and granted like as we by the tenour hereof do give and grant to our Soveraign Lord King James the sixth his Council or such of them as his Majesty shall please to nominate our full power priviledge assent and authority whatsoever competent to us and to the three Estates of this Realm to treat or cause to treat conferre transact and conclude a Christian league betwixt his Majesty and his Highness dearest sister and Cousen the Queen of England and to nominate and appoint Commissioners for that purpose who shall meet at such time and place as his Highness shall agree upon with the Commissioners to be directed from his said dearest sister the nomination and election of whom we have remitted and do humbly remit to our dread Soveraign Lord faithfully promising for us and in behalf foresaid to ratify approve and confirm in the first Parliament whatsoever thing his Majesty shall agree unto or his Highnesse Commissioners in his name shall contract indent subscribe or seal concerning the said league with all heads clauses and Articles thereof which we do and have the more willingly done because of the trust we repose in his Majesties wisdom circumspection earnest zeal to maintain the truth of God against all that shall happen to attempt anything to the contrary providing alwayes that the league do not infringe or prejudge in any sort any former alliances and leagues betwixt this Realm and any other ancient friends and confederates thereof except only in matter of Religion concerning which we do fully consent that the said league be made offensive and defensive avowing and by our solemn oaths swearing neither to spare life lands houses goods nor whatsoever it hath pleased God to grant unto us in defence and maintenance thereof This Act was past on the last of Iuly with a great consent and was subscribed by the Archbishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow the Bishop of Dunkeld the Commendators of Culross Balmerinoch Driburgh
matter to that time where in stead of examining the process or discussing the Bishops Appellation a transaction was made in this sort That the Bishop by his hand-writing or personal appearance in the Assembly should deny that ever he publickly professed or meaned to claim any supremacy or to be Judge over other Pastors and Ministers or yet avowed the same to have a ground in Gods word and if so he had done it had been an error against his conscience and knowledge That he should also deny that in the last Synodal Assembly he did claim to be Judge of the same and if he had done it that he erred therein and in his emperious behaviour and contempt of the said Synod That thirdly he should promise to behave himself better in time coming and crave pardon for any oversight by him committed claiming no further then justly he might by Gods word and in all other things carry himself as a moderate Pastor ought labouring to be the Bishop described by S. Paul submitting his life and doctrine to the judgment and censure of the general Assembly without any reclamation provocation or appellation from the same in any time coming That the Assembly on the other part for his Majesties satisfaction and to give testimony of their willing minds to obey his Highness so far as they could and in conscience they might and for the good hope they had of his Majesties favourable concurrence in building up the house of God should hold the said process and sentence as undeduced and not pronounced and restore the Bishop in so far as concerned the said process and sentence to the estate wherein he was before the pronouncing of the same especially because the said process was led and deduced during the time of the conference whereupon his Majesty had conceived offence with this proviso Always that the Bishop should observe what he promised in the premises and carry himself dutifully in his vocation in all times thereafter What should have moved the King to hearken to a mediation so prejudicial both to his own authority and the Episcopal jurisdiction which he laboured to establish cannot well be conjectured except we will think that by yeilding to the Churches advice in this particular he hoped to winne them in end to those things which served for his peace and their own quietnesse or which I rather believe that he did only temporise not seeing another way how to come by his ends and was content to keep them in any tolerable terms till he should find himself of power sufficient to redresse these confusions Whatsoever the reason was the Bishop did set his hand to the conditions proposed by the Assembly and received that declaratour for an absolution Yet did not this satisfy the adverse party who peremptorily urged the justifying of their process with the confirmation of the sentence they had pronounced which when they could not obtain the same Hunter that pronounced the sentence protested publickly against the Assemblies proceeding and that notwithstanding the absolution granted the Bishop should still be esteemed as one justly delivered to Satan till his conversion were seen to be true and effectual unto which protestation Mr. Andrew Melvil and Mr. Thomas Buchannan did adhere A motion was made in the same Assembly for censuring the Ministers that had allowed the Acts concluded in the Parliament 1584. by their subscriptions but they were found to be so many as it was feared the urging thereof would breed aschisme and division in the Church wherefore after some altercation the matter was left and all the Ministers exhorted to judge charitably one of another notwithstanding their diversity of opinions The Articles agreed upon in the conference with certain Ministers whereof the determination was remitted to this Assembly made more adoe for they having condescended to accept Bishops and to give them a chief hand in the government of Church affairs they always being subject to the censure of the general Assembly It was strongly opposed and after a long dispute concluded That in respect the Bishop was a Pastor as other ordinary Pastors are he should for matters of life and doctrine be tried by the Presbytery and Synod and for his Commission otherwise in Church affairs be subject to the general Assembly The Secretary Justice Clerk with the Lord Privy Seal and other Commissioners for the King disassented and made protestation That seeing the Assembly had gone from the Articles agreed upon in the conference nothing either then or at the present concluded should stand in force And thus were they like to dissolve but that Mr. Robert Pont Iames Martin and Patrick Galloway being directed to inform his Majesty of the difference things were drawn to this middest That the Bishops and others having Commission to visit Churches should be only subject to the trial of the general Assembly and such as had power from them till further order was taken And that where Bishops and Commissioners were resident they should preside in the meetings of Presbyteries and Synods Fife only excepted where Mr. Robert Wilkie was appointed to moderate the Presbytery of Saint Andrews untill the next Synod In the mean time was the order of the Presbyteries set down and their power defined the King taking no notice of their doings in that kind The Secretary who then supplied the place of Chancellor perceiving the King so vexed with the affairs of the Church and the Ministers so refractary and unwilling to be ruled did advise him to leave them to their own courses saying That in a short time they would become so intolerable as the people would chase them forth of the countrey True answered the King if I were purposed to undoe the Church and Religion I should think your counsel not ill but my mind is to maintain both therefore can I not suffer them run into these disorders that will make Religion to be despised This answer did shew the Kings love to the Church and his care of the good estate thereof which in this place I thought was not to be passed In the Estate matters went not much better at this time and amongst others nothing gave more offence then the acquitting of Mr. Archibald Douglas by form of Assise This man was known to be guilty of the murther of the King his Father and had fled into England six yeares before The Earl of Morton at his death and one Binny Mr. Archibalds own servant who was executed about the same time did both declare that he was present at the doing of that wicked fact for which the King had often by his letters and Ambassages intreated the Queen of England to have him delivered yet could not obtain it At this time a remission being purchased to him for the concealing of that murther with a letter of rehabilitation whereby he might stand in judgement and plead against his forfeiture he was in a Jury held the 26. of May declared innocent and absolved of the
private way then to do it in form of Iustice and acknowledged the words Mortui non mordent to be his but not used by him to the sense they were detorted His confession did liberate his accuser who was presently set at liberty and he himself sent to the Tolbuith of Edinburgh to attend his arraignment which was made a few days after There having repeated the same things in effect he submitted himself to the Kings mercy who thereupon gave order to the Justice to banish him the Realm and in case he did return without licence to pronounce the sentence of death Mean while he was prohibited to go either into England or Ireland under the like pain A punishment too mild as many at that time judged for crimes so hateful and odious But the innated clemency of the King and his unwillingnesse to use rigour towards them whom he had once favoured did not suffer him to inflict the punishment which the offence had merited Captain Iames who since the enterprise of Striveling had lurked amongst his friends did now begin to shew himself and importune the King with delations of Thirlstan and some other Counsellors as being accessary to his mothers death and having a purpose to deliver him into England These informations he sent inclosed in a letter to the King by Henry Stewart of Craigihall The King communicating the same to the Councel direction was given to charge him to enter his person within the Palace of Linlithgow and remain there till the truth of these delations should be tried certifying him that if he failed to obey processe of forfeiture should be laid against him as a sower of discord betwixt the King and his Nobility When at the time prefixed he entered not the office of Chancellary whereof as yet he used the title was declared void and bestowed upon the Lord Thirlstane The King being now 21. years compleat a Parliament was indicted to be holden at Edinburgh the 29. of Iuly for a preparation thereto and that the King might find the better assistance the Noblemen were sent for they especially betwixt whom there were known to be any quarrels At their coming the King did presse them with a submission of all controversies and having obtained their consents made them all friends Only William Lord Yester refusing to reconcile with Traquaire was committed and sent to the Castle of Edinburgh where he was detained some moneths till that variance was also composed Such content the King conceived of their agreement that he did feast them all royally at Halirudhouse thereafter caused them walk in hands two and two in form of procession from the Palace to the Mercat Crosse of Edinburgh where they sealed their concord by drinking healths one to another to the exceeding great joy of all the beholders A general Assembly was then also called by his Majesties Proclamation to the 20. of Iune where the King did purpose to have all matters setled betwixt him and the Church but this meeting had not the like successe For the Chancellar and Justice Clerk being sent thither with certain Articles of which two specials were to desire satisfaction for the offences committed by Iames Gibson and Mr. Iohn Cowper Ministers and that Mr. Robert Montgomery might be received without any ceremonies into their fellowship answer was made That if the Petitions of the Church in the approaching Parliament should be granted they would labour to bring matters to such a middest as might best agree with the honour of the Ministery satisfy the offence of the godly and the conscience of their brethren against whom his Majesty had taken offence And for Mr. Robert Montgomery they should dispense with some ceremonies used in admitting excommunicants in case the King was willing to remit somewhat of the satisfaction craved of the other two brethren This answer did so displease the King as refusing to enter into any such capitulations he left off all further treating with them at that time But Montgomery being redacted to great necessity and not knowing what course to take for the Duke of Lennox his agents having possessed themselves in the Bishoprick he was no more acknowledged did resign his title in favour of Mr. William Areskin Parson of Campsie a friend and follower of the Earl of Marre This Gentleman being well beloved of the Ministery and otherwise of good parts obtained the consent of the Presbytery of Glasgow and was admitted thereto by them although he was a Laick and bare no charge in the Church They being called to an accompt of this their doing in the next Assembly excused themselves saying That since Churchmen were not permitted to enjoy the Bishoprick they esteemed it better he should in title of it then any other and that he had given his bonds to renounce the same in case the general Assembly did not allow of his admission The excuse for the time was accepted yet their doing was disallowed and they ordained to pursue him upon his bonds for disanulling the admission but he found means to retain the same till Bishop Iames Beaton who lived in France was restored Montgomery his resignation being then made publick he was shortly after as informally absolved as he was excommunicated and placed at a Church in Cunningham where he lived in a poor estate to his death The Parliament keeping at the time appointed Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Robert Pont and some others having Commission from the Church did present themselves in the Parliament house at the first sitting and in name of the Church desired the Prelates that were presented to be removed as having no authority from the Church and the most of them no function nor charge in it at all Mr. Edward Bruce Abbot of Kinlosse rising up and directing his speech to the King made a long discourse of the right they had to sit and give voice for the Church in these meetings complaining that the Ministers had most disorderly shut them forth of their places in the Church and now they thought to exclude them from their places in the Estate which they hoped his Majesty would not suffer and would punish as a presumptuous arrogancy on the part of the Petitioners Mr. Robert Pont replying some what bitterly the King willed them to be quiet and present their Petitions orderly to the Lords of the Articles where they should be answered according to reason When it came to the Articles this being in the front of their Petitions was simply rejected some other Petitions were passed as they had desired for ratifying all lawes made in the Kings minority in favours of the Church for trying and censuring the adversaries of true Religion and for the punishment of such as did menace or invade the Ministers of the Church It was in this Parliament that the temporality of Benefices was annexed to the Crown upon a pretext of bettering the Patrimony thereof and that the King might have means to
renew the former complaints of Bothwel his resset and entertainment in the borders of England and to crave his delivery according to the league But while he was pressing that businesse in England Bothwel surprised the King at home and for a while made all these purposes to sleep so as he returned without effecting any thing The occasion and manner of the surprise was this The Chancellour who had all that year been absent from Court upon a discontent the Queen conceived against him had sent to the King a Letter requesting his licence to depart forth of the Countrey since he could not with safety attend his service for that to remain at home and live deprived of his Majesties presence he said was to him a very hell which he could hardly indure promising to return at such time as his Majesty should find convenient to recall him to his service The King did shew the letter to the Queen because in the same he had protested much of his sincere affection towards her and being loath to quite him whom he had tried to be so able a servant moved her to forget all quarrels so as he would resigne the Lordship of Mussilbrugh which had bred this dissension The resignation made and the Chancellour being on the point to return to Court the Duke of Lennox by the advice of Atholl Ochiltrie and others of the name of Stewart resolved to prevent his coming by the inbringing of Bothwell The Parliament had broke up some two dayes before and the Noblemen resorting to the Palace to take their leave of the King the Gates were kept patent and lesse heed taken of those who entred Atholl with his Lady had lodged all that time in the house then pertaining to the Earl of Gowry at the back of the Palace and kept Bothwell private with Mr. Iohn Colvill one of his followers So early in the morning the Lady pretending to bid the King farewell and making her entry through the Postern Gate taketh Bothwell and his companion along with her and bringeth them unperceived of any into the Kings bedchamber The King was then private in a retiring room and when he came back and saw them stand with their swords in their hands cried aloud Treason treason They falling on their knees called for mercy Nay said the King you have dishonoured me and placing himself in his chair Strike Traitor saith he to Bothwell and make an end of thy work for I desire not to live any longer He protesting with many oaths that he came only to beg pardon and to put himself in his Majesties will the King replyed That mercy extorted by violence was not mercy and that it was not the form of supplicants to come with weapons in their hands Whilest the King was thus talking the Earl of Marre and Sir William Keith entred into the Chamber and presently after them a number of Bothwells faction who by this time had possessed the utter Court and assumed the charge of the Gates The report of this accident going to the City the people went to armes and conducted by Sir Alexander Home their Provost made towards the Palace to give the King relief but he was then become somewhat pacified and following the Earl of Marre his advice after he had shewed himself from a window to the people and given them thanks for their readiness he willed them to return to their houses attend his advertisement All that day matters were caried fairly in a sort 〈◊〉 using speeches and offering himself to trial for the consultation which began his trouble for his other misdemeanors he desired mercy excusing himself by the want and necessity whereunto he and his friends were driven But when he perceived the Kings countenance not to be towards him as he wished he changed his forms and letting some words fall that sounded not well gave divers to suspect that he should attempt some violence This did set the English Ambassador on work who being assisted by the Ministers of Edinburgh did after long travell and much perswasion induce the King to set his hand to the Articles following 1 That remission should be granted to Bothwell his friends and partakers for all attempts against his Majesties person and authority in any time past and promise made never to call or pursue him and his foresaids for any by-past fact as likewise to repossess them in their houses and lands notwithstanding whatsoever process laid against them 2 That a Parliament should be called in November next and such an Act past in his and their favours as was made at Linlithgow Anno 1585 for their greater security 3 That during that time the King should not receive in his Company the Chancellor the Lord Home the Master of Glammis and Sir George Home knight 4 That from henceforth the Earl Bothwell his friends and followers should be esteemed as good and lawful subjects and used with much favour as if they had never offended These Articles the King did in the word of a Prince promise to perform and for Bothwells greater satisfaction after he had signed the same with his own hand caused so many of the Councell as were present together with the Magistrates and Ministers of Edinburgh subscrive as Witnesses The subscribers were the Duke of Lennox the Earl of Atholl the Lords Forbes Ochiltry Spiny and Urquhart the Master of Gray M. Iames Elphinston Mircarny the Clerk of Register Nicoll Edward Iohn Morison George Fodrick and David Williamson Baylifes of Edinburgh M. David Lindesay M. Robert Bruce M. Robert Rollock M. Walter Balcanquell and M. Patrick Galloway Ministers For Bothwell it was promised that he should leave the Court and not come towards the King till he was called by his Majesty These things were done at Halirudhouse the 14 of August 1593. some twenty days after the surprise The next day the King went to Falkland attended by the Duke of Lennox the Lord Ochiltry and Chreichton of Clany a follower of Atholl who did promise to waite upon the the King unto November and debarre those others that by the Articles were not to be admitted The rest of the moneth the King stayed at Falkland and in that time Bothwell did obtain himself purged by an Assise of practising and consulting with Witches which had been the original of his mischief In the beginning of September the King went to Striveling where he had appointed a Convention to meet for taking order with the broken men of the Highlands and borders Thither came the Lord Hamilton the Earls of Marre Morton Glencarne and Montrose with the Lords Lindesay and Levingston of the Church estate the Bishops of Dunkeld and Aberdene the Prior of Blantyre and Abbot of Lundors and divers Commissioners of Burghes After some speeches concerning the borders and Highlands and the means to quiet them which was the errand pretended the King declared that he had called them to that meeting for business that touched him
slow pursuit of the Popish Lords and the favour shewed to them promised that from thenceforth he should find no more resset in her Countrey and for pursuing the Popish Earls the King should lack no supply that was in her power to give With this answer did Mr. Edward Bruce return for the Lord Colvill went from that into France to congratulate the victorious and happy successe of the French King against those of the League and invite him to assist the Baptisme of the Prince which was to be in Iuly next The Queen of England immediately upon the Ambassadours return by a Proclamation in all the Borders did inhibit the resset and harbouring of Bothwell and the aiding of him in any sort which the king did so kindly accept as rendring her many thanks for the same he did therewith intreat her to assist the Baptisme of the Prince his son The like imployment Peter Young his Majesties Elemosynar received for Denmark the Dukes of Brunswick and Megleburgh and to the generall Estates Sir William Keith and Captain William Murray the Provost of Saint Andrewes were directed The Parliament being in the mean time indicted to the 27. of May the Assembly of the Church conveened at Edinburgh the seventh of the same moneth where the Excommunication of the Popish Lords was ratified and ordained to be published in all the Churches of the Kingdome The King did reside then at Striveling and thither were Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Patrick Simson Mr. Iames Melvill and Mr. Iames Nicholson directed by the Assembly to represent the dangers wherein his Majesties Person Crown and Liberty of the Countrey stood and to propone such remedies as in their judgement were fittest for preventing the same Both the one and the other were conceived in this form The perills which oft before were threatned by the pernicious practices of Jesuits and the malicious unnaturall and treasonable conspiracies of the Earl of Huntley Arroll and Angus and their complices in betraying their native Countrey to the cruell and mercilesse Spaniard are no lesse urgent and now more to be feared then when the danger seemed to be greatest as may appear by the reasons following 1. It is certain that the Spaniard who with so great preparations in the year 1588. enterprised the Conquest of the whole Isle retaineth the same intention wanting an occasion onely to accomplish his promise as is manifest by the intelligence he hath kept with the Popish Lords ever since the disputation of that Navie 2. The open rebellion of the said Lords at the bridge of De Falkland c. with their continuance in the like treasonable attempts notwithstanding his Majesties clemency in pardoning the same doth evidence their obstinacy in prosecuting the same conspiracies 3. Whereas the Church hath not ceased at all occasions to lay open these dangers and humbly intreated that some remedy should be provided nothing hath been obtained to the emboldening of the enemies in their practices and attempts 4. Notwithstanding that it was enacted in Councell that none should presume to request for the said Popish Lords under the pain of losing their places and Offices yet none are in such credit as their favourers who contrary to their promises labour still to procure them oversight and immunitie 5. The Masses openly celebrated in the house of Balgawy pertaining to Mr. Walter Lindesay the house of Birnes appertaining to the young Laird of Bonyton the houses of Douglas Strathbolgy Logyamont and Slams pertaining to the said Earles do shew that either they think themselves assured of favour in the Court or of such assistance in the Countrey as may maintain their cause or then that they are perswaded to be supplyed by strangers 6. The Act of oblivion offered to them with the great discontent of all good subjects would not have been rejected except they had looked for greater favour and better conditions 7. The disobedience they have shewed in entering to their wards when they were charged doth prove that they think themselves assured of the aid and concurrence of others 8. The arriving of the Spanish Bark lately at Montrosse declareth that they have some practice to be put in execution presently if the same shall not be timely prevented 9. The open conventions they keep since the arriving of the said Bark do shew that they esteem their plots so substantially laid as they regard not what can be done for resisting the same 10. The diligence they use in preparing and putting their friends and followers in armes specially in the North parts is an argument of some interprise they go about 11. And last whereas his Majesty and Estates did upon the first discovery of their plots and practices apprehend a great danger to Religion the Kings Estate and liberty of the Countrey notwithstanding that the cause is not removed there is no care taken to withstand their courses which declareth that there is either a purpose to cover extenuate and bear forth their wickednesse or that the Lord hath in his judgement blinded and hardened the hearts of all Estates that while the danger is greatest they can neither see nor apprehend the same The remedies of the foresaid dangers were proponed as followeth 1. That the Parliament indicted to the 27. of the same moneth should not be prorogated but the time thereof precisely kept and the Popish Lords forfeited and to that effect the Advocate sufficiently instructed for maintaining the relievancy of the summons and probation in due time provided 2. That none suspected in Religion be chosen upon the Articles 3. That after the forfeiture they be pursued with all extremity their Lands and Rents annexed to the Crown and no part thereof disponed in favours of the persons forfeited 4. That the Guard be imployed for apprehending Mr. Walter Lindesay the Abbot of New-Abbey Iames Wood of Bonyton younger Mr. George Ker who had made an escape out of the Castle the year before Mr. Alexander Lesley Thomas Tyrie and other Traffiquers and Jesuits 5. That the houses of the Rebells be possessed and their livings intrometted with to his Majesties use 6. That all persons be inhibited to resset supply or entertain any intelligence with the said Lords especially their vassals and dependers and that none under whatsoever pretext contravene the same 7. That the subjects be charged to put themselves in armes by all good means and be in readinesse to pursue and defend as they shall be warned by his Majesty or otherwise upon urgent occasions 8. That the Bark arrived at Montrosse be apprehended and the persons that were within her with such others as have had any dealing with them and that they be examined diligently for the discovery of the practice they have presently in hand Somewhat was adjected concerning the Lord Hume but he compeiring in the same Assembly gave satisfaction to the Church and was absolved from the sentence of Excommunication All the remedies the King allowed
Archibald Campbell of Lochinzell his brother Iames Campbell Mackneill Baray and about 700 common-souldiers on Huntleys part besides his uncle Achindown 12 only were killed but many were hurt and wounded This fight happened on Thursday the 3 of October 1594 and is called by the Countrey people the battell of Glenlivat albeit it was fought on a hill three quarters of a mile distant The victory fell happily on Huntleys side for the Countrey people who should otherwise been miserably spoiled if Argile with his forces had prevailed The Lord Forbes with the Lairds of Bughan and Drumchat were advancing to assist Argile upon advertisement of his defeat and that he was turned back made after him thinking to perswade him return But by the way a gentleman of the name of Irwyn being killed by the shot of a Pistol in the dark of the night there entered such a distrust and jealousie amongst them none knowing who was the doer as presently they separated and went home The King had the news of Argiles defeat brought him to Dundee which made him hasten his journey to the North. The 16 of October he came to Aberdene where councell was taken for demolishing the houses of Strathbolgy Slains and Newton In this service the Earl of Marshall was imployed having some Companies of horse and foot allowed him till the same was accomplished Huntley and Arroll during that time did lurke in Sutherland thinking how soon the King returned Southto come back into their Countreys but the Duke of Lennox being left Lieutenant in those parts by the counsell and assistance of those that were appointed to attend him put them to such extremity as they made offer to depart forth of the Realm and laid surety neither to return without his Majesties license nor to practise against Religion and the State whilest they stayed abroad It was debated a while whether or not such a capitulation might stand with the Kings honour and his Majesty being thereupon consulted in regard of the many difficulties that pressed him in the time and that it made for the quietness of the kingdome to have them put away the surety offered was accepted which done the Duke of Lennox having stayed in those parts three moneths returned about the third of February to Edinburgh Bothwell now was in miserable plight being hated of the Queen of England for his combining with the Popish Lords Excommunicated by the Church and forsaken of his fellowes especially M. Iohn Colvell who had followed him in all his troubles and knew the places of his resset for he had made his peace and as the rumor went betrayed Hercules Stewart Bothwells brother who the same time was executed publickly in the street of Edinburgh These things did so increase his fears as not knowing whom to trust he stole away privately to France The King hearing that he was gone and had taken land at New haven in Normandy sent a Gentleman to the French King to demand him as one who was declared a traitor and if that was denyed to desire that he might be banished France The answer of the French King was That he should give him no Countenance but since he had taken his refuge thither he could not but suffer him enjoy the free ayre of his Countrey Some moneths he remained there till either wearied of the bad entertainment he found or as it was said for challenging a Gentleman to combate against the Kings edict he was forced to quit those partes and fly into Spain from thence he went to Naples where he lived in a poor estate unto his death which happened some years after the King his going into England How soon Bothwell was gone all his followers did sue for pardon Sr. Iames Scot of Balwery offering to exhibite the bond made at the Church of Menmore betwixt Bothwell and the Popish Lords which he had in custodie was brought before the Councell and having produced the same laid open all their plots By his deposition it appeared that Sir Iames Duglas of Spot was the principal worker of that agreement Whereupon the Ministers of Edinburgh were called and the bonds shewed unto them bearing a mutuall concurrence in all things Religion not excepted Whereupon they were desired to pronounce Spot excommunicated as one that had made defection from the truth and was otherwise suspected of haynous crimes but they excusing themselves the Commissioners of the generall Assembly were called to meet at Striveling who after some debating the sentence was pronounced against him Balwery after a few days imprisoned was set at liberty and remitted but never prospered after that time and ruined his house utterly for an ensample to all that will be medling with factious and seditious Rebells The year following an Assembly of the Church was kept at Montrose in the moneth of Iune where the Commissioners for the King did urge these Articles First Whosoever did medle or practise in any treasonable enterprise against his Majesties person and estate being found and declared culpable by law they should likewise incurre the sentence of Excommunication that so there might be an inseparable union betwixt the two swords Secondly that no Excommunication should be pronounced at the appetite of particular men but that a sufficient number of the Church should be first Assembled and the same determined by publick consent Thirdly That none should be Excommunicated for civill causes crimes of light importance or particular wrongs of Ministers lest the censure should fall into contempt and become like the Popes cursing Fourthly That no summare Excommunication should be thenceforth used but that lawfull citation of parties should go before in all causes whatsoever To the first the Assembly agreed with the clause Legitimâ cognitione Ecclesiasticâ praeeunte To the second they likewise condescended But to the third and fourth they answered that those being points of great weight and craving a mature deliberation could not on the sudden be determined and so continued the resolution thereof to the next Assembly discharging in the mean time any summary Excommunication to be used with this exception Nisi salus ecclesiae periclitetur The exception displeased the King for he thought it would serve the turbulent sort for a colour to all their proceedings But there fell out in the mean time a business which made all these things be forgotten The Queen moved by some that envied the Earl of Marre his credit laboured to have the Prince her son in her own custody and had drawn the Chancellor and divers of the Councell to promise their assistance Advertisement given of this to the King who was then at Falkland he came to the Queen at Halyrud-house and inhibiting any of the Councell to come towards him till he should call them dealt so with the Queen that he diverted her from that course and made her go and remain at Striveling How soon she was gone calling the Chancellor and such of the Councell as
private at home comforting himself with the remembrance of the mercies of God that he had tasted in his life past and this year on the 12 of December without all pain dyed peaceably at Edinburgh in the 88 year of his age In the beginning of the next year there happened a great stirre in the Court of England which concerning the King in some sort I must needs touch the Earl of Essex who had been a long time in speciall favour with the Queen and was then upon some displeasure kept from the Court not enduring to be thrust down as he complained by his adversaries into a private life did resolve to make his way unto the Queen by force to seise upon her person and remove from her company those he judged to be his adversaries But the purpose failing he was taken himself and committed to the Tower A little before he had written letters to the King full of respect informing that they who had the managing of all affairs under the Queen were inclining to the Infanta of Spain and advising him to send Ambassadors into England and urge the declaration of his title of succession The King though he could have wished his title to be declared did not think that time fitting for such propositions yet upon the report of his apprehension he resolved to employ some in Commission to the Queen And to this effect made choice of the Earl of Marre joyning with him the Abbot of Kinlosse who coming to the Court some days after the execution of Essex and having access to the Queen did congratulate her good success in repressing that audacious attempt This she took well and was glad to hear so much from them because of the rumours which were then dispersed That Essex was made away for favouring the King of Scots title and that if the Ambassadors had come in time they would have dealt for him A good answer was hereupon given to all their instructions and whereas among other points of their Commission they were willed to seek an assignment of some portion of land in recompence of the lands belonging to the Lady Lennox the King being her lawfull heir the Queen excusing herself touching the lands was content to adde to the annuity formerly paid the summe of 2000 pounds yearly as long as he kept fast and held one course with her Besides this satisfaction obtained of the Queen they did so work with the principall Noblemen and Counsellors as they won them to be the Kings friends and at their return gave his Majesty assurance of a peaceable reception of that Crown after the decease of the Queen which was some two years after really performed Much about this time had Pope Clement the eight sent his Breves as they call them into England warning all the Clergy and laity that professed the Roman faith not to admit after the Queens death any man how near soever in blood to be king unless he should binde himself by oath to promove the Catholick Roman Religion at his power And at the same time came Mr. Iohn Hamilton and Mr. Edmond Hay Jesuits into Scotland two factious and working spirits and therefore much suspected by the King the first especially for that he was known to have been a chief instrument of the seditions raised in the City of Paris in the time of the league How soon the King understood of their repairing into the Countrey a Proclamation was given out inhibiting their resort under the pain of treason In this Proclamation to make them the more odious they were compared to Bothwell and Gowry the King declaring that he would judge no otherwise of their receptors then of those that did treasonably pursue his own life This notwithstanding they found lurking holes amongst the Papists in the North and kept the Countrey till after some years that Mr. Iohn Hamilton was apprehended and carried to the Tower of London where he died The Church of Edinburgh remained all this while destitute of a number of their Ministers the conditions prescribed unto them when they were pardoned not being performed of the four onely Mr. Iohn Hall having given obedience was licenced to return to his charge the other three upon I know not what pretext deferred to make their declaration as was appointed and were thereupon in the Assembly convened at Brunt-island the 12 of May ordained to be transported from the Ministery of Edinburgh and placed in such parts of the Countrey as the Commissioners of the Countrey should think meet This Assembly was called by his Majesties Proclamation partly for taking order with the Church of Edinburgh partly for repressing the growth of Popery which was then increasing and where it should have held at S. Andrews was in regard of the Kings indisposition brought to Brunt-Island Mr. Iohn Hall being elected to moderate the meeting did begin with a regrate of the generall defection from the purity and practise of true Religion which he said was so great that it must of necessity at last conclude either in Popery or Atheisme except a substantious remedy were in time provided And because the ill could not be well cured unless the causes and occasions thereof should be ript up he exhorteth those that were assembled to consider seriously both of the cause of the defection and the remedies that were fittest to be applyed After long conference the causes were condescended to be the wrath of God kindled against the land for the unreverend estimation of the Gospel and the sinnes in all estates to the dishonour of their profession lack of care in the Ministery to discover Apostates too hasty admission of men unto the Ministery Ministers framing themselves to the humors of people the desolation of the Churches of Edinburgh the advancing of men to places of credit that were ill affected to Religion the education of his Majesties children in the company of Papists the training up of Noblemens children under suspect Pedagogues the decay of Schools and the not urging of the reconciled Lords to perform their conditions For remedy of the foresaid evills it was ordained That a publick humiliation should be kept throughout the realm the last two Sundays of June with fasting and prayer for appeasing the wrath of God kindled against the land that the Ministers of every Presbytery should after the dissolving of the Assembly take up the names of the Recusants within their bounds and send them to the Kings Ministers that places of greatest need should be furnished with learned and wise preachers and in the mean time till that might take effect by a constant provision of Ministers to those places that the meetest for that purpose should be appointed to attend for a certain time in the families of the reconciled Lords for their better confirmation in the truth The rest of the remedies resolved all in Petitions to his Majesty for the planting of Churches the not permitting of those who were under
Commissioners chosen to present these Petitions were the Archbishop of Glasgow the Earl of VVigton the Lord Kilsith Mr. VVilliam Couper Minister at Perth and Iames Nisbit Burgess of Edinburgh together with the Petitions they received a Letter from the Assembly conceived in these terms HAving convened in this Generall Assembly by your Majesties favourable licence and permission and shadowed under your Majesties wings with the presence of your Majesties Commissioners we did set our selves principally to consider the cause of the late growth of Papists among us and found by an universall complaint the chief cause to be this that where the Church in these parts was accustomed to be nourished by your Majesties fatherly affection as the most kinde parent of piety and Religion we have been left in the hands of unkinde stepfathers who esteeming us an uncouth birth to them have intreated us hardly and cherished our adversaries by all means they could as your Majesties highness will perceive more clearly by the overtures for remedy which in all humble submission we present to your Majesty by these honourable Commissioners and brethren humbly intreating your Majesty to take compassion upon us your Majesties loving children in this land that we may be taken out of the hands of these who are more ready to deliver the heads of the Kings sons to Jehu if the time were answerable to their wishes then to nourish and bring them up to perfection There is no cause Sir why the Apostates who have lately grown up in this land should be feared whatever they be in estate or number for with them are the golden Calves which God will destroy with them is Dagon whose second fall shall be worse then the first but with your Majesty is the Lord your God to fight for you and under your standard are the best of the Nobility the greatest number of Barons and all your Majesties Burgesses unspotted in Religion and resolute all of them for Gods honour and your Majesties preservation to spend their goods and lives and whatever is due to them VVe also your Majesties humble servants the Bishops and Ministers of the Gospel in this land now reconciled to others with a most hearty affection by your Majesties only means and the carefull labours of your Majesties trusty Counsellor and our very good Lord the Earl of Dunbar are for out parts most ready to all service in our callings to stirre up your Majesties subjects by the word that God hath put in our mouths to the performing of that obedience which God and nature doth oblige them unto and by Gods grace shall go before them in all good eâ—sample These things we leave to be delivered by our Commissioners whom we beseech your Majesty to hear graciously and after some favourable consideration of our case and present suits to give such answer as in your Highness wisdome shall be thought fittest And now with our humble thanks to your Majesty for the liberty granted to meet in this Assembly and our most hearty prayers to God Almighty for your Highness long life and prosperous reign we rest This letter was subscribed by the Earls of Crawford Glencarne and Kinghorne the Lords Lindesay Baclugh Salton London Torphichen Blantire Scone Halirudhouse and a great number of the Clergy and Barons The Chancellor hearing of the Assemblies proceedings and supposing himself to be specially aimed at in all that business wherein he was not mistaken moved the Secretary to take journey to Court for obviating these courses so farre as he might But he at his coming did meet with a business that concerned himself more nearly for about the same time Cardinall Bellarminâ— had published an Answer to the Kings Apology and therein charged him with inconstancy objecting a Letter that he had sent to Clement the eighth whilst he lived in Scotland in which he had recommended to his Holiness the Bishop of Vaison for obtaining the dignity of a Cardinall that so he might be the more able to advance his affairs in the Court of Rome The Treatise coming to the Kings hands and he falling upon that passage did presently conceive that he had been abused by his Secretary which he remembred had moved on a time for such a letter and thereupon began to think that among the letters sent to the Dukes of Savoy and Florence at the time another might have been shuffled in to the Pope and his hand surreptitiously got thereunto The King lay then at Royston and the Secretary coming thither he inquired if any such letter had been sent to the Pope at any time The Secretary apprehending no danger and thinking that his policy in procuring the Popes favour to the King should not be ill interpreted confessed that such a letter he had written by his Majesties own knowledge But perceiving the King to wax angry he fell on his knees and intreated mercy seeing that which he had done was out of a good minde and desire to purchase the Popes favour which might at the time have advanced his title to England The King then putting him in minde of the challenge made by the late Queen in the year 1599 for writing the same letter and how being at that time questioned thereupon he had not onely denyed his own knowledge thereof but likewise moved Sir Edward Drummond who carried the letter to the Pope to come into Scotland and abjure the same he answered That he did not think the matter would be brought again in hearing and that fearing his Majesties offence he had denyed the letter and had moved his Cousin Sir Edward to do the like but now that he saw that which he had done in the politick course turned to the Kings reproach with many tears he besought his Majesty to pardon his fault and not to undo him who was own creature and willing to suffer what he thought meet for repairing the offence The King replying that the fault was greater then he apprehended and that it could not be so easily passed enjoyned him to go to London and keep his chamber till he returned thither After some eight days the King returned to White Hall where the Secretary was brought before the Councell and charged with the fault which the Lords did aggravate in such manner as they made the same to be the ground of all the conspiracies devised against the King since his coming into England especially of the Powder Treason For the Papists said they finding themselves disappointed of the hopes which that letter did give them had taken the desperate course which they followed to the endangering of his Majesties person posterity and whole estates The Secretary having heard their discourses kneeled to the ground and fetching a deep sigh spake to this effect Curas leves loquuntur ingentes stupent My Lords I cannot speak nor finde words to express the grief I have conceived for the offence committed by me against my gracious Soveraign for on the one side when I call to minde
recover But neither this nor the other poisons that were continually put in his meats serving to dispatch him Mistresse Turner the preparer of all procured an Apothecaries boy to give him a poysoned glyster which brought him to his end Overbury thus dead was presently buried and because of the blanes and blisters that appeared in his body after his death a report was dispersed that he dyed of the French Pox which few believed and still the rumour went according to the truth that he was made away by poyson The greatness of the procurers kept all hidden for a time but God who never suffereth such vile acts to go unpunished did bring the same to light after a miraculous manner It happenned the Earl of Shrewsbury in conference with a Counsellour of Estate to recommend the Lieutenant of the Tower to his favour as a man of good parts and one that desired to be known to him The Counsellour answering that he took it for a favour from the Lieutenant that he should desire his friendship added withall that there lay upon him an heavy imputation of Overburies death whereof he wished the Gentleman to cleer himself This related to the Lieutenant he was stricken a little with it and said That to his knowledge some attempts were made against Overbury but that the same took no effect which being told to the King he willed the Counsellor to move the Lieutenâ—nt to set down in writing what he knew of that matter as he also did thereupon certain of the Councell were appointed to examine and finde out the truth From Weston somewhat was found whereupon he was made prisoner Turner and Franklin the preparers of the poyson being examined confessed every thing and then all breaking forth the Earl of Somerset with his Lady and the Lieutenant were Committed Weston at his first arraignment stood mute yet was induced afterwards to put himself to the triall of the Countrey and being found guilty was hanged at Tyburne Mistresse Turner and Iames Franklin were in like sort executed The Lieutenant who had winked at their doings was judged accessary to the crime and condemned to death which he suffered expressing a great penitency and assurance of mercy at the hands of God In the May following the Earl and his Lady were brought to their triall which by their friends they laboured earnestly to eschew but the King would not be intreated for the love he had to maintain justice The Judge by Commission was Thomas Lord Ellesmore Chancellour of England and Lord High Stewart for that time his assistants were Sir Edward Coke Lord Chief Justice of England Sir Henry Hubbart Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas Sir Laurence Tanfield Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer Judge Althared one of the Barons of the Exchequer Judge Crook Judge Dodderidge and Judge Haughton Judges of the Kings Bench and Judge Nicols one of the Judges of the Common Pleas. The Peers by whom they were tryed was the Earl of Worcester Lord Privy-seal the Earl of Pmebroke Chamberlain the Earls of Rutland Sussex Montgomery and Hartford the Viscount Lisle the Lord Souch Warden of the Cinque Ports the Lord Willowby of Eresby the Lord Dacres the Lord Monteagle the Lord Wtentworth the Lord Rich the Lord willowby of Parham the Lord Hansdon the Lord Russell the Lord Compton the Lord Norris the Lord Gerard the Lord Cavendish and the Lord Dormer With the Lady there was not much ado for she with many tears confessing the fact desired mercy The Earl who was the next day presented before the Judges made some defences but the confessions of those that were executed and a letter he had sent to his Majesty did so cleerly convincehim of being accessary to the crime at least that they were both sentenced to be taken to the Tower of London and from thence to the place of execution and hanged till they were dead It was a foul and hatefull fact on the Earles part especially who did betray his friend for satisfying the appetite of a revengefull woman yet by his Majesties clemency the lives of both were afterwards spared A new business was about the same time made by the Marquis of Huntly some eight years before he had been excommunicated and giving hopes from time to time of his reconcilement did not onely frustrate the same but breaking out in open insolencies had caused his officers discharge his Tenants from hearing the Sermons of some Ministers with whom he made shew to offend Being for this called before the high Commission he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh and had not remained there two or three days when upon the Chancellors warrant he was put to liberty The Bishops that were in Town complaining to himself of that he had done were disdainfully answered That he might enlarge without their advice any that were imprisoned by the high Commission and when it was told that the Church would take this ill said that he cared not what their Church thought of him whereupon the Ministers made great exclamations in the pulpits as against one that abused his place and power Complaints hereupon were sent from all hands to the King The Bishops complained of the Chancellour his usurping upon the Commission and to this effect directed Alexander Bishop of Cathnes to Court The Chancellour complained of the turbulency of the Ministers and the liberty they took to censure the publick actions of Statesmen in their Sermons The Marquis upon a suit he made before his imprisonment had obtained licence to come unto Court and had taken his journey thither But the King upon the Clergies complaint sent Mr. Patrick Hamilton then waiting as Secretary deputy at Court to command the Marquis to return and enter himself in the Castle of Edinburgh for satisfying the high Commission withall he carried a letter to the Councell sharply rebuking them for releasing the Marquis he being warded by the Lords of the Commission The Gentleman meeting the Marquis at Huntingdon within a daies journey to London did use his message who intreated him to go back and shew the King that he was come to give his Majesty satisfaction in every thing he would enjoyn and to beseech his Majesty since he was so farre on his journey not to deny him his presence The offer of satisfaction pleased the King very well and permitting him to come forward to Court directed him to the Archbishop of Canterbury with whom he offered to communicate His excommunication standing in the way and it being contrary to the Canons that one excommunicated by the Church should without their consent who had so sentenced him be absolved in another it was a while doubted what course they should take The King on the one side was desirous to win him home and on the other loath to infringe the Order of the Church yet inclining to have the Marquis absolved it was thought that the Bishop of Cathnes his consent in
ant Boeth l. 11. Buchan l. 6. King Kenneth murthered in the Castle of Fettercarne An. 1004. Buchan l. â— Scon. li. in Catalog Episc. S. Andrews Buchan l. 6. Boeth l. 11. The Danes defeat at Muâ—tâ—lack in Angus by Malcolm An Episcopal See at Murthlack Boeth l. 11. Past. l. 4. c. 44. Buchan l. 6. An. 1034. Buchan l. 7. Boeth l. 12. An. 1057. A discourse between Mackduffe and Malcolme Boeth l. 12. Pasâ— l. 5. c. 3 4. Scotichron l 7. Buchan l. 7. Dioces appointed by the Bishops Cathnes and Murray erected by King Malcolme the third The History of Queen Margaret and her marriage with King Malcolâ— King Malcolm and the Conquerour at Warre Peace concluded amongst them The contrary disposition of King Malcolm and William Rufus Bishop Gregorius dieth Turgot elected in his place Buchan l. 7. An. 1117. The vertues of King Malcolm the third The praise of Queen Margaret Her issue by King Malcolm Buchan l. 7. Sa. Daniel in his Collection Scon. lib. in Catalog Episâ— S. Andrews An. 1098. Marianus King Edgar erected the Abbey of Cauldingham in a Priory King Alexander the Fierce seeketh advice of the Archbishop of canterbury The Archbishop of Canterbury and York at difference Archbishop of Canterbury his letter to king Alexander Eadmerus hist. l. 5. 6. King Alexander offended that Eadmerus would not be consecrated in Scotland He is invested in the Bishoprick by the intercession of the Noblemen Thurstan the Archbishop of York opposes the consecration of Eadmerus An. 1124. Eadmerus departeth into England upon the Kings dislike He purgeth himself to the Archbishop Robert Prior of Scone elected Bishop of Saint Andrews and consecrated at York The Abbey of Scone and Saint Columbe founded Cursus Apri given to Saint Andrews King David succeeded to Alexander and his beneficence to the Church King David taxed of profusion His magnificence vindicate from these â—spersions An. 1159. Buch. l. 7. The faults of person ought not to be cast on things abused Whence the superflous enriching of Abbeys proceed Buch. l. 7. Bishop Robert dieth Richardus de sancto Victore with David a Presbyter He citeth the Scottish Clergy to Norham The Clergy by some Delegates appeal to Rome to the Pope Pope Alexander the third giveth sentence for Scotland Angelramus elected Bishop of Glasgow King Malcolm the fourth his death A Bishop placed at Carlile by the Archbishop of York Buch. l. 7. An. 1165. Boeth l. 13. Buch. l. 7. King William secketh to have Northumberland restored King William surprised at Anwick Boeth l. 13. Hollinshed History of Scotland An. 1175. Buch. l. 16. 7. Sa. Daniel A meeting of the Scotish Clergy at Northampton Gilbertus Canonicus his reply to the Legate Boeth ibidem Scon. l. 8. c. 16. Boeth l. 13. An. 1178. Scon. l. 8. The Archdeacon of S. Andrews elected Bishop The King displeased maketh his Chaplain to be choosed of new The Archdeacon appealeth to Rome His journey thither Pope Lucius his Letter to the King The Pope purposeth to interdict the Realm is stayed by the entreaty of the Archdeacon The Bishop of Dunkeld dieth and the Bishoprick offered by the King to the Archdeacon An. 1188. The Archbishop accepted Dunkeld Bishop Hugo dieth The Kings of England and France prepare to recover the Holy land Sa. Daniel Buchan l. 7. Sa. Daniel Lesl. l. 6. King of Scots his kindnesse to the King of England Boeth l. 13. The Abbey of lundors founded King william goeth to England to congratulate King Richard his return The Bishop of Cathnes cruelly used by the Earl of the countrey The King punished it severely Buchan l. 7. Pope Innocent the third his thanks to the King for the justice of execution A Convocation of the Clergy at Perth Boeth l. 13. Lesl. l. 8. Saturday from 12. of the clock to be kept as holy An. 1189. Bishop Roger succeedeth to Hugo after his death Roger consecrated in the year 1198. dieth in Iuly 1202. William Malvoisin translated from Glasgow to S. Andrewes Scon. l. 8. Pasl l. 6. c. 27. King William dieth his pious devotion Boeth l. 13. Buchan l. 7. An. 1214. King Alexander the second Crowned at Scone Boeth l. 7. Buchan l. 13. The Kingdom interdicted by the Popes Legate Scon. l. c. 33. The priviledge of the white monks suspended Peace concluded betwixt the King and Henry the third of England The Kingdom of Scotland absolved from the interdiction Boeth l. 13. Buchan l. 7. The course taken with the inferiour Churchmen Scon. l. 9. c. 32. The Scots Clergy complain of the Legates extortions An. 1219. Buchan l. 7. Scon. ibideâ— The King offended with the contributions of Rome The Popes Legate discharged from entering into Scotland Orders of S. Dominick and Francis brought into Scotland Scon. l. 10. c. â— Foundation of religious houses Gilbert Earl of Stratherne his donations to the Church Scon. l. 8. c. 73. An. 1238. David the Kings Chamberlain elected Bishop upon Malvoisin his death King Alexander the second buried at Melrosse His Epitaph King Alexander the third crowned Sa Daniel in the life of Henry the third Scon l. 10. c. 8. Abell Archdeacon of S. Andrews elected Bishop after David Abell his rigour exercised upon the Chanons An. 1255. Gamelinus elected Bishop upon Abels death Pasl l. 6. Boeth l. 13. Buch. l. 7. The Court displeased with the Bishop A Legate sent from Rome Scon. l. 2. c. 24. Boeth l. 13. Buch. l. 7. Boeth l. 13. The Carmelite Friers received in Scotland Crosse-Church at Peblis erected Boeth l. 13. Scon. l. 30. An. 1271. William Wishart elected Bishop upon Gamelinus his death Scon. l. 10. c. 30. Pasl l. 6. Bishops attending a Rome for Consecration A Councel at Lyons Scon. l. 10. c. 34. A supply for the holy Warre The Acts of the Councel All the Acts overturned by dispensations Scon. l. 10. c. 35. An. 1279. Bishop Wishart dieth Scon. l. 10. c. 31. Michael Scot and Tho. Lermouth Buchan l. 13. Lesl. l. 6. Boeth l. 13. William Fraser elected Bishop after Wishart Buchan l. 7. The death of of King Alexander the third and his children Two Knights of Fife directed to the maid of Norway whom they found dead Boeth l. 14. Buchan l. 8. Competitors for the Crown Scon. l. 11. c. 2. King Edward his speech at the meeting in Norham Robert Bishop of Glasgow his reply Scon. l. 11. c. 10. The right of the Crown found to lie betwixt Baliol and Bruce Buchan l. 8. A meeting at Berwick for determinating the right Sa. Daniel Boeth l. 14. Bruce refuseth the offer which Baliol embraceth Baliol hated for swearing subjection to the King of England Buchan l. 8. Baliol breaketh with England Ambassadors from France and England Boeth l. 14. Scon. l. 11. c. 18. Baliol cited to Newcastle Scotland invaded by King Edward Buchan l. 8. Boeth l. 14. The Bishops of Glasgow and Isles sent prisoners to London A message sent to the Pope from the Clergy Scon. l. 11. c. 36. The Popes
letters to King Edward and the Archbishop of Canterbury An. 1300. King Edward his answer William Wallace S. Daniel Boeth l. 14. Buch. l. 8. A Parliament S. Andrews King Edward his course for â—â—tirpating the Scots Scon. Catal. Episc. S. Andreâ— Pasl l. â— William Lamberton preferred to S. Andrewes upon the death of Fraser Pasl l. 6. c. 2. The Culdees and Chanons strife The dissolution of the Templars Paulus Emilius Plessis B. Lamberton loseth K. Edwards favour Buchan l. 8. Lesl. l. 7. Boâ—th l. 14. The Bishop committed to Prison Robert Bruce crowned King Boeth l. 14. Buchan l. 8. The Popes Legate sent to disswade the King from troubling England Boeth l. 14. The King his answer to the Legate The Kingdom interdicted Buch. l. 8. A Letter sent by the Nobles and Barons of Scotland to the Pope Scon. l. 13. c. 1. The Interdiction released The English sue for peace The conditions of the peace An. 1328. King Robert Bruce dieth B. Lamberton his death and vertues Scon. l. in Catalogo episc S. Andreae Io. Duns Bal. cent 14. Lesl. l. 7. Camd. Brit. Duns proved to be a Scottish man born An. 1341. Sir Iames Bane elected in Lambertons place Scon. l. in catal episc S. Andr. The Bishop dieth at Bruges in Flanders The See of S. Andrews void nine years William Landels chosen Bishop The Bishops obtained liberty to dispose of their goods by Testament Stephen chosen Bishop of S. Andrews he dieth at Anwick Walter Traill elected in his stead Scon. l. in Catal. episc S. Andr. An. 1401. His vertues and qualities Thomas Stewart son to Robert the second elected Bishop Scon. li. in Catalogo Episc S. Andreae Henry Wardlaw provided by Pope Benedict the 13. to the Bishoprick A Schisme in the Church Martin the 5. chosen Pope by the Councel of Constance The Abbot of Pontiniac directed to intimate the election Harding a Minorite perswadeth the Scots to continue in the obedience of Benedict Iohn Fogo a Monk of Melross refuseth Hardings Oration The schisme made way to the reformation Iohn Wickliffi Hus and Ierome of Prague Iames Resby Martyr Paul Craw Martyr The Bishop his qualities An. 1412. The University of S. Andrews founded in the year 1412. Boeth 1. 16. King Iames the first a great favourer of the University Bucban l. 10. The King his admonicion to the Church-men Buchan l. 10. Boeth l. 17. Bishop Wardlaw dieth Aâ—â—â— 1444. Bishop Iames Kennedy translated from Dunkeld to S. Andrews Buchan l. 12. Kennedy his just praises An. 1466. Bishop Kennedy his death the year 1466. Patrick Grahame chosen to succeed The See of S. Andrewes erected in an Archbishoprick The Bulls of Legaâ—ion and Primacie published Buchan l. 12. The King inhibiteth the exercise of his Legation An. 1444. William Shevez recommended to the Archdeaconry of S. Andrews The Bishop rejecteth him as insufâ—â—cient Shevez conspireth with the Rector The Bishop contemning the censure hath his goods confiscated The â—â—hop taken in favour Buchan l. 12. The Bishop of new troubled by the bankers of Rome The Bishop falling in some distraction is committed to Shevez Buchâ— n. l. 12. The Bishop condemned to lose his dignity Shevez provided to the Archbishoprick Patrick Grahame dieth at Lochleven An. 1478. The Church altogether in disorder Shevez receiveth the Pall and is invested Anno 1478. Lese l. 8. Archbishop of S. Andrew and Glasgow at diffension The History of the Church of Scotland An. 1513. The dispersers of these Articles cited before the Councell Iames Stewart brother to King Iames the fourth elected Bishop Anno 1503. B. Alexander Stewart succeedeth A Competition for the Archbishop Buchan l. 3. Lest. l. 3. The Bishop of Dunkeld quiteth his interest An. 1522. The Duke of Albany pacifieth the Competitors Lesl. l. 9. Iames Beaton translated from Glasgow to S. Andrews Lesl. l. 9. Buchan l. 14. Mr. Patrick Hamilton Abbot of Ferm Martyr Buchan l. 14. History of the Church p. 21. An. 1527. Articles wherewith the Abbot was charged Manuscript processe which is extant under the hands of the Theologues The subscrivers of the sentence The manner of his execution and speech at his dying History of the Church His appealing of Frier Campbell Frier Campbell dieth of a Phrensie History of the Church p. 23. Numbers brought to the knowledge of the truth by his suffering Buchan l. 14. Frier Seaton suspected of Heresie History of the Church Frier Seaton called before the Bishop The Frier flyeth to Berwick and from thence writeth to the King He becometh Chaplain to the Duke of Suffolk Acts of Martyrs Henry Forrest Martyr Divers cited to appear at Halirudhouse An. 1534. Normand Gourlay and David Straiton Martyrs Acts of Martyrs History of the Church Alexander Alesse and others fly to England Bal. cent 14. Divers accused of heresie in a meeting at Edinburgh An. 1538. The Vicar of Dolour his conference with the Bishop of Dunkeld History of the Church Vetimo Febr. 1538. Frier Russel and one Kennedy martyred at Glasgow History of the Church The Archbishop disswadeth the execution The courage of Russel at his dying Master George Buchannan eseapeth out of prison Buchan l. 14. The History of the Church The Archbishop committeth the charge of all affairs to his Nephew the Cardinal An. 1539. A contest for the imposition laid upon the Clergy for the Lords of Session Buchar l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. Bishop Beaton dieth The learned men that lived in this time M. Iohn Maior Bal cent 14. Lest. l. 9. Hector Boeth Bal. Cent. 14. Gilbert Crab. Bal. cent 15. William Gregory Bal. ibidem Iohn Scot his memorable fasting Buchan l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. He taketh his journey to the holy Sepulcher He is imprisoned in London Thomas Doughty suffered to abuse the people Scots emulaâ—ion of Doughty and his cousenage The history of Cardinal Beaton An. 1540. Sir Iohn Borthwick cited for heresie The heads of his accusation Sir Iohn Borthwick denounced heretick Acts of Mart. The King invited to meet his Uncle King Henry at York Buchan l. 14. Lesl. l. 9. Holinshed history of Scotland The Cardinal and Clergy seek to impede the meeting An. 1541. The King excuseth himself to King Henry Sir Iames Hamilton executed The King troubled with visions History of the Church The Justice Clerk his fearful death The King died at Falkland An. 1542 the eighth of December The Cardinal forgeth the Kings Testament Buchan l. 15. The Earl of Arran elected Governour An. 1542. The King of England seeketh to unite the Kingdomes by marriage Buchan l. 15. A Parliament at Edinburgh Lesl. l. 10. The Cardinal committed Ambassadors sent into England for concluding the match Buchan l. 15. The history of the Church The Governours Preachers suspected by the Clergy The Ambassadors return from England History of the Church The estate of the Governors Court The Bishop of Ross and Abbot of Paisley seek to divert the Governour from the Contract with England The Governours Preachers and servants part from him History
answer Captain Iames Stewart his reply Morton is commited 2Ì„â— Ianuarii 18. Ianuar. An Assembly of the Church with their proceedings against the Bishops The iniquity of their proceedings A letter from the Earl of Lennox to the Assembly Iohn Dury committed to the Castle The death of Mr. Iohn Row An Ambassadour from England His Majesties answer to the Ambassadour An Assembly of the Estates The Ambassadour laboureth with Noblemen to take Arms for Mortons liberty Forces sent by the Queen of England to the Borders An. 1581. The proceeding against Mortons friends at Court The Ambassador departeth secretly to Berwick Sir Iohn Seaton denied passage into England Morton brought from Dumbritton to Edinburgh Morton his indictment Sentence pronounced The Ministers conference with the Earl of Morton The sentence mitigated Arran desireth Morton to subscribe his confession Morton his Answer Morton his behaviour at his death Mortons qualities and good parts Arrans proceeding against Morton and his servants approved Arran his marriage with the Countesse of Marche Montgomery his Simoniacal bargain for the Bishoprick of Glasgow Inquisition made of Montgomehy his life and doctrine The Articles against Montgomery communicated to the King Mr. Walter Balcanquel questioned for speeches in Pulpit Balcanquels answer The King ceaseth from pursuing the complaint Balcanquels Sermon approved by the Assembly An. 1582. Montgomery suspended by the Presbytery of Striveling He is cited to appear before the Synod of Lothian The Synod inhibited to proceed An Assembly at S. Andrews Mr. Mark Ker sent to discharge the Assemblies proceeding The Assembly discharged under pain of Rebellion to desist The Assembly proceedeth and findeth him culpable of divers crimes Montgomery falling from his resolution submits himself to the Assembly Montgomery changeth and returneth to his first course Mr. Thomas Smeton his Sermon at Glasgow Montgomery processed for preaching at Glasgow The Moderâ—tor of the Presbytery imprisoned in the Tolbuith A solemn Fast kept Iohn Dury Minister at Edinburgh was removed from his charge Ministers directed to the King Mr. Iohn Davidson excommunicated Montgomrie The surprise of the King at Ruthven 23. Aug. 1582. The King stayed from his sport by the Master of Glammit Arran withholden from the the King The Duke of Lennox sendeth to enquire of the Kings Estate The Duke of Lennox willed to retire to France A Proclamation declaring the Kings contentment with his stay at Perth The Duke is advised to go unto Dumbritton An Ambassador from England September 12. The Earl of Angus received in favour October 12. The Lords bring the King to Halirudhouse Octob. 8. An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lords â—end to obtain the Assemblies approbation The Assemblies ratificacation of the attempt at Ruthven A Convention of the Estates at Edinburgh The Kings speech to the Estates The attempt of Ruthven declared to be good service The Earl of Arran ordained to be detained till the Duke was gone The Duke falling sick at Seat taketh journey by land The Duke dering to see the King before he went away is denied Two Ambassador from France La Mott and Menevil The purpose of association renued The Ministers declared in their Sermons against the Ambassadors The Magistrates of Edinburgh desired to feast the Ambassadors The Ministers proclaim a fast Febr. 16. The Duke of Lennox dieth at Paris 26. May 1583. The King directeâ—h Amâ—assadours to England An. 1583. The negotiation took no effect The life and death of Mr. George Buchannan The King freeth himself of his attenders Ianuar. 28. The Earl of Gowry confesseth his fault and is pardoned An Act following the service of Colonel Stewart The Earl of Arran called again to Court His Majesties Declaration touching the attempt of Ruthven The discontented Lords confined All of them Angus except for their disobedience were denounced Rebels Ambassage from England the beginning of September His Majesties answer to the Ambassador The Ambassador complains of a Jesuits escape His Majesties answer An Assembly of the Church Grievances presented to his Majesty by the Church The King his answer to the grievances The answer did not satisfy the Church Lodowick son and heir to the late deceased Duke of Lennox cometh into Scotland Novemb. 13. The King his kindnesse to the Duke his children A Convention of Estates Prorogation granted to those that were charged to enter in Ward An offer of pardon to those who will acknowledge their offence at Ruthven The Earl of Rothes his protestation Iohn Dury questioned for allowing the attempt of Ruthven An. 1584. Mr. Andrew Melvil fleeth into England The King his Proclamations misregarded The Earl of 〈…〉 Being at Dundy he is apprehended by Colonel Stewart April 16. The Castle of Striveling surâ—â—â—ed April 18. The King 〈◊〉 to go towards Striveling The Rebels flee into England The Castle rendred April 27. Gowry examined touching the conspiracy His confession set down by himself in writing A letter from Gowry to his Majesty He is denied audience and put to the trial of a Jury The points of his endictment His exceptions repelled The names of the Assisers Gowry found guilty and sentence pronounced His execution and manner of death Archibald Douglas and another executed The houses of the Rebels charged Ministers called in question for the conspiracy Mr. David Lindesay Minister at Leth committed The Ministers at Edinburgh flee to England Mr. Robert Pont protesseth against the Acts. Libells and pamphlets against the Rulers of the Court. A letter from the Ministers of Edinburgh to the Session of the Church and Councel of the Town By the Kings direction an answer is returned in this form The letter grieveth the Ministers exceedingly Mr. Iames Lawson died at London Mr. Alexander Arbuthnet his death Mr. Thomas Smeton his death The Ministers charged with the subscription of certain Articles Mr. Nicol Dalgleish condemned David Home and his brother executed Robert Hamilton of Eglismachan delateth the Lairds of Dâ—uwwhasil and Mains Drumwhasil and Mains put to a trial They are found guilty and executed The unhappy end of Hamilton the delator Arran his power and credit at Court Arran laboureth to gain the Queen of England 12. Augusti An. 1585. The Master of Gray sent into England the beginning of October The Archbishop of S. Andrews sent into England The Queens answer to the Master of Gray The Justice Clerk directed into England April 1585. The banished Lords challenged by the Justice Clerk Arran draweth much envy upon himself His falling out with the Lord Maxwel Troubles betwixt the Maxwels and Iohnstons Johnston taken prisoner and shortly after dieth Sir Francis Russel sonne to the Earl of Bedford killed at a meeting in the Borders Arran and Farnherst confined Farnherst dieth at Aberdene Sir Edward Wotton Ambassador to Scotland about the beginning of Iune 1585. A convention of the Estates at S. Andrews A league continued with the Queen of England Lord Claud after his agreement with the banished Lords taketh a course by himself Ambassadors from Denmark Iuly 12. The King
the Church at Edinburgh The Bishop of S. Andrews deprived for the marriage of Huntley The course taken with the imprisoned Lords Advertisement to the King of the marriage with the Queen The King intendeth a journey to Norway * 22. October He leaveth a Declaration under his hand Directions to the Councel The marriage solemnized at vpslo The Earl of Marshals proceedings ratâ—fied The Kings journey from Norway to Denmark An. 1590. Colonel Stewart sent with ships to the King Penult Martii The King and Queen return to Scotland Bothwel his satisfaction to the Church A difference among the Clergy for anointing the Queen The ceremony of Unction not Jewish The Queens Coronation at Halyrudhouse The Queens entry into Edinburgh The Ministers challenged for permitting Iames Gibson to preach The King offended with the alliance of Morton with Arrol An Assembly of the Church The King Commended to the Assembly the removing of the deadly feuds A trouble betwixt the Earl of Huntley and the Earl of Murray An. 1591. A sorceresse Agnes Samson apprehended Bothwell committed for consulting with witches The Laird of Dun his death Bothwell breaketh his Ward The doom of forfeiture pronounced against him His Majesties Declaration concerning Bothwell Bothwell layeth the blame of his rebellion upon the Chancellor A contest between the Church and Lords of Session Mr. Iohn Graham questioned by the Church The Archbishop of S Andrews his recantation A revocation made in name of the Church A Schisme in the Presbytery of S. Andrews Bothwells attempt upon Halyrudhouse The success of the attempt The Earl of Murray slain at Dunybâ—issell 7 Feb. 1692. The murther universally ill taken The Lord Ochiltrie maketh defection to Bothwell An. 1592. Petitions in behalf of the Church The first Petition granted and in what manner Bothwells attempt at Falkland Arroll and Collonell Stewart committed Bothwell and his company flyeth The King pursueth and cometh to Edinburgh Nidry taken by the Lord Hamilton and dimitted by his Lady Pardon granted to those that would forsake Bothwell The Lord Spinie delated for practising with the Lord Bothwell Iohn Weymis of Logie committed for his practises with Bothwell escaped A faction made against the Chancellor Troubles in the North betwixt Huntley and the Clanhattan The Earl of Angus imployed in a Commission to the North in November The Earl of Angus imprisoned in the Castle Mr. George Ker his Confession The Earl of Angus denieth the blanks The Kings resolution published for punishing that conspiracy A Meeting of the Mininistery The King his desire proponed to the Meeting An offer made by the Meeting Fintry beheaded An. 1593. The disposition and qualities of Mr. Iohn Graham The Earl of Angus escapeth The houses of the rebels rendered Atholl and Marshall made Lieutenants of the North. * 26. March A message from the Queen of England The Ambassador intercedeth for Bothwell An. 1592. Midst of April An Assembly of the Church at Dundiâ— Articles sent by his Majesty to the Church The Assemblies Answer A change of the Mondayes Mercat urged at Edinburgh An. 1593. Sir Robert Melvill sent into England The King surprised by Bothwell The manner of the surprise The Citie in armes Conditions granted to Bothwell by the Ambassadors mediation Articles subscribed by the witnesses The King goeth to Falkland A Convention at Striveling 7. Sept. The Estates finde the Conditions given to Bothwell dishonorable The Prior of Blantyre and sir Robert Melvill directed to Bothwell Bothwell falleth to his wonted forms Atholl coming to Striveling is charged to return home in the beginning of October Montrosse taken by the Lord Home Bothwell denounced Rebell The Popish Lords excommicated by the Synod of Fiâ—e The King dealeth with with M Robert Bruce to stay the publication of the sentence The Popish Lords meeâ—ing the King at Falaw desire a triall They are commanded to enter themselves in Perth Petitions of the Church sent to the King at Iedburgh The Conference betwixt his Majesty and the Commissioners of the Church The assembly resolved to keep the Diet appointed for the Lords trial A Proclamation inhibiting all convocations A Convocation of the Estates Certain of the Estates selected to judge of the Lords offers Conclusion taken touching the Popish Lords Troubles betwixt the Maxwells and the Iohnstons Iohnston preventeth the Lord Maxwell and killeth Captain Oliphant Maxwell invadeth Annandale The Lord Maxwell killed 6. December The Lord Here is and Barons of the Countrey appointed to remain at Drumfreis A Convention of the Estates The Popish Lords declared to have lost the benefit of Abolition An. 1594. The Queen delivered of a son at Striveling The Lord Souche Ambassadour from England Mr. Andrew Hunter Minister waiteth upon Bothwell as his Chaplain Bothwell prepareth of new to invade the King The Ambassadours dealing with Bothwell discovered The Roade of Leith The King Commanded the people to Arm. Bothwell removeth from Leith The Conflict betwixt Bothwell and Hume The Lord Colvill and Mr. Edward Bruce directed to England The Kings letter to the Queen of England The Commission given to the Ambassadours The Queen of Englands answer The Queen dischargeth Bothwell his resset in England An Assembly of the Church Petitions directed from the Church to the King A Remonstrance of the perills threatned to Religion The remedies of the dangers The Lord Hume reconciled to the Church Instructions sent from the King to the Church and Assembly A Parliament wherein the Lords are forfeited An. 1595. The bond betwixt the Popish Lords and Balwery exhibited Sir Iames Duglas of Spot excommunicated An. 1695. An assembly of the Church at Montrose Articles sent from the King to the Assembly An. 1595. The Assemblies answer The Queen seeketh to have the Prince in custody The King diverteth her from that course The Kings letter to the Earl of Marre for receiving the Prince The Chancellor contracteth sickness and dieth The Kings letter to the Chancellor The Chancellor his qualities His Epitaph written by the King Great death of Corns and great bloodshed in the Countrey David Forester Citizen of Striveling treacherously betrayed A Commission to eight of the Councel to rule the Exchequer The tenor of the Commission The King his promise to the Commissioners The Commissioners make faith Exception taken at the ampleness of the Commissioners The Commissioners possesse themselves with offices of Estate An. 1596. William Armstrong called Will of Kinmouth taken Prisoner The Laird of Baclugh complaineth of the breach of truce No satisfaction made Baclugh sets the Prisoner at liberty The Castle of Carlile surprised and the Prisoner freed The Queen of England greatly offended with the enterprise This matter debated in Councell The trouble quieted by Baclugh in England Col. Stewart design'd Lieutenant for the Isles An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh A search of the causes of the present fear of invasion A new Covenant made by the Ministers for abiding to the profession of the truth and living according to the same Advice for resisting the enemies of
Theology to which by the guidance of Gods Spirit over him he stood most affected But matters of Religion being at that time in his Countrey like the eddies of waters rowling and confused the old way questioned and the new persecuted none knowing in this turning tyde which wayes the times would run he withdrew himself into England where bringing with him an unsetled mind and doubtfull what party he should incline to Providence cast him upon a familiarity with Archbishop Cranmer who soon confirm'd him in those truths which afterward he never varied from About the time of the death of King Iames the fift he returned into Scotland whereby occasion given by the Earl of Glencarn to whom he had applied himself he became known to Matthew Earl of Lennox who finding him a person judicious and discreet and fitted by these qualities for managing of business emploied him to Henry the eight of England when France upon some jealousies was so unkind to him as to cast him off Affaires upon this succeeding to the Earl of Lennox his mind the Earl came into England with whom some moneths he there remained But longing to see the smoak of his own Countrey he returned once more to enjoy himself among his friends where being known to Sir Iames Sandilands of Calder a person of great authority in those times he was moved by him to accept of the Parsonage of Calder which upon the beginning of the Reformation was then void Not long after this he was made Super-intendent of Lothian Merse and Teviot-dale where he exercised fully the power and discharged faithfully the Office of a Bishop though under another style For it was not the Office but the name which the first Reformers out of humor startled at though they who have succeeded them for in errors of this kinde the last comers think they have done nothing unless they out-bid the former have since to their own ruin cast out both He continued in this holy function with the approbation of all good men till his death when being full of days and leaving the persume of a good name behinde him he peaceably departed out of this life on the fift of December in the year 1585. His Wife was Beatrix Crichton a grave and a discreet Matron daughter to the Laird of Lugton an ancient Baron of Scotland And from these Parents Iohn Spotiswood the Author of this History descended Born he was in the year of our Lord 1565 when he was no sooner brought into the World but a remarkable passage accompanied it For among the rest that were present not ordinary Gossipers but women of good note there was one among them who in a sober though in a prophetick fit taking the childe in her armes called aloud to the rest in these or the like tearms You may all very well rejoyce at the birth of this childe for he will become the Prop and Pillar of this Church and the main and chief instrument in the defending of it From what principle this praediction came or how she was thus inspired I will not search into but that her words came really to pass may evidently appear to him that reads this short story of his life His education was answerable to his birth for being a child of a pregnant wit great spirit and good memory he was by the care of his parents brought up in the University of Glasgow where he came so early to perfection that he received his degrees in the sixteenth year of his age for though the fruits of the earth under that Northern Clime do not mature so soon the men generally are of a better mold and mellow as early into a ripeness as any of those Nations who because they have more of the Sun plead for a priority forgetting that some kinde of grain are ripened best by Frosts And this so many excellent men of all sorts as have been of that Nation are so many examples of But to revert to this one among the rest who having laid his foundation in humane Arts and Sciences did not make his period there but used them as the rundles of a ladder by which he might climbe higher to the knowledge of diviner things to the practise of which by way of charge he was sooner called then he expected for his father being by age and weakness of body unable to appear any more in publick none was thought fitter to succeed in the Parsonage of Calder then his son though otherwise in a well-govern'd Church his age being then but eighteen might in an ordinary course have been a barre against him but his early parts and his conscientious diligence in attending this cure supplied his defect of years and the greenness of his youth was corrected and tempered by so sober a gravity as no man could either despise his youth or think him unfit for the employment Nor were these virtues of his buried and confined within the boundaries of his Parish for having formerly had a relation to the Noble family of Lennox he was looked upon as the fittest person of his quality to attend Lodowick Duke of Lennox as his Chaplain in that honourable Ambassy to Henry the fourth of France for confirming the ancient amity between both the Nations wherein he so discreetly carried himself as added much to his reputation and made it appear that men bred up in the shade of learning might possibly endure the Sun-shine and when it came to their turnes might carry themselves as handsomely abroad as they whose education being in a more pragmatick way usually undervalue them In the retinue of this Noble Person he returned from France through England where Queen Elizabeth being in her declining age was in his Masters name saluted by this Ambassadour who seeing her night draw on so fast could the easier guess that his Masters rising in this Horizon was not then far off Some two years after this Queen Elizabeth after the glorious reign of fourty four years by her death made way for King Iames her successor and when all the World stood at gaze what would become of the Crown of England which the Jesuit under the name of Dolman had bandied over into Spain and some of the contrary extreme were then in consultation though upon different purposes to make a game of it at home there was a diviner hand of Providence which so unexpectedly ordered it that without any contest at all it settled on the right heir to the admiration of the neighbouring Nations and had we known our own good to the infinite happiness of this This King being to take possession of his hereditary Crown here chose out for his attendants the most eminent persons of all kindes and among his Clergy this Author being then no farther advanced then to his Cure of Calder was summoned to this service That year Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow dying the King who being of excellent parts himself could the better discover and value them in others not only
preferred him to that See but farther admitted him for his prudence and dexterity in Civil things to be one of his Privy Councel in Scotland And being graced with these honors he was sent back from England the same year to attend Queen Anne in her journey to London who knowing his integrity made him her Almoner for the better dispensing of her Charity which could not confidently be credited but to clean hands and an uncorrupt heart such as his really was Not long after this he presided in the Assembly at Glasgow where the power of Bishops ex Iure postliminii was restored The same year upon the Kings command he with the Bishops of Brechin and Galloway repaired to London where he received the solemnities of consecration from the Bishops of London Ely and Bath in the Chappel at Londonâ—house At his entry to the Archbishoprick of Glasgow he found the Revenues of it so dilapidate that there was not One hundred pounds sterling of yearly Rent left to tempt to a new Sacrilege But such was his care and husbandry for his Successors that he greatly improved it and yet with so much content to his Diocese that generally both the Nobility and Gentry and the whole City of Glasgow were as unwilling to part with him as if he had been in the place of a Tutelar Angel to them But part with him they must for after eleven years presiding there the See of S. Andrews being vacant King Iames who like another Constantine thought himself as highly concerned in providing Successors for Churches as Heirs for his Crown removed him from Glasgow being then about the age of fourty nine years to be the Primate and Metropolitan of all Scotland The next year after this he presided in the Assembly at Aberdene where the Earl of Montross being the Kings Commissioner the excommunicated Marquis of Huntley was upon his Penitence received into the Bosome of the Church And at the same Assembly there past an Act for the drawing up a Liturgie for the Church of Scotland and some of the most learned and grave among the rest William Cowper Bishop of Galloway being designed the chief were deputed to that Work wherein the Service of God and the Peace of that Church was so deeply concern'd Which I the more willingly mention that the deceived party might know that the designe of a Liturgie which was afterward look'd upon as the dangerous Trojan horse sent in by their suspected Neighbours might have proved more properly such a Palladium to them as might have preserved them to this day had they not onely scornfully but seditiously rejected it and have therefore found the same fate as they of Troy did of whom it was observed Peritura Troja perdidit primùm Deos. Being invested by the Kings favour in this Primacy he made so much farther use of it as he procured Three hundred pounds sterling of yearly Rent being by the Sacrilege of former times swallow'd up in the Crown-Revenues to be restored to his See Nor did he finde any difficult business of it for certainly these latter Ages have not produced in any Nation a Christian Prince that understood better then he the horror of Sacrilege and the Concernments of Religion which never suffers more then when the Professors of it are exposed to Scorn and Poverty For however this was the portion of the best and Primitive Times when the Christian Faith had no publick Civil Authority to own it yet after it had pleased God to make Kings the Nursing-Fathers and Churches were endowed by pious men their Revenues were ever held Sacred till the Covetousness of some and the Profaneness of others had consulted with that subtile Oracle that delivers it tanquam è Tripode that there can be no such sin as Sacrilege for as Nothing can be given to God so Nothing can be taken from him All King Iames his time he lived in great favour with him and was the prime Instrument used by him in several Assemblies for the restoring the ancient Discipline and bringing that Church to some degrees of Uniformity with her Sister Church of England which had we on both sides been worthy of might have proved a Wall of Brass to both Nations Nor was his Industry less for the recovery of some remnants and parcels of the Churches Patrimony which though they were but as a few Crums in comparison of that which at a full Meal Sacrilege had swallow'd he found to be an hard Province yet by his zeal and diligence he overcame many difficulties and so little regarded his own ease that for the effecting of this and what else conduced to the recovery of that Church in Patrimony and Discipline they who knew the passages of his life have computed that he made no less then fifty journeys from Scotland to London Nor was he less gracious with King Charles his blessed Son who was Crown'd by him in the Abbey Church of Holyrude-house with such high applause and acclamations of that Nation that it could not have been possibly imagined that such an Hosanna should ever be turned into a Crucifige or that a Prince so passionate a lover of his own native Countrey should finde such enemies in the bowels of it as either to contrive or to assist his Ruine But thus God had ordered it as in the case of Iosiah rather as a Punishment for our sins then his that leaving his earthly Crown which to him really proved but a Crown of Thorns whatever it may prove to others to the bold Hand that would next venture to take it up he might be put in possession of a more glorious Diadem and sit Crowned there where if the joyes of heaven admit of such a diversion he looks down upon things below and all that happens here with so much unconcernment as what was said of the brave Roman may in a Christian sense be more sutable to him Illic postquam se lumine vero Implevit stellásque vagas miratur Astra Fixa Polis vidit quantâ sub nocte jaceret Nostra dies ridétque sui ludibria trunci But to return to this pious man who was so happy as to have his eyes closed before the Crown which he so solemnly set upon his Masters Head was to the astonishment of the World snatcht from him there must be added to this story That as he enrich'd his See of Glasgow so he did the like for S. Andrews procuring the Revenues of the Priory being then in Lay hands to be added to his Church But having compassed this to shew that it was done rather for the Churches interest then his own he dealt by way of humble Petition with the King that of his large Diocese of S. Andrews so much as was of the South-side of the River of Forth might be dismembred for the erecting of a new Bishoprick which accordingly was done and being amply endowed was seated in their Prime City of Edinburgh Two years after this the
magnifie nor cry it up as they do To remedy this want and let all that desire to be truly informed of things fallen out in our times I took the pains to collect this History which I do now humbly present unto Your Sacred Majesty If the same shall be graciously accepted as I cannot but presume upon Your accustomed humanity to all I have that I desire for with me it is a small thing to be judged of others God knoweth I have followed the Truth and studied to observe the Laws of History The Collection premitted in the two first Books concerning the planting and progress of Christian Religion in this Kingdome with the worthy Instruments that God raised to propagate the true Faith both here and in the neighbouring Countries contained no great matters as of those first Ages whereof we have few or no Records remaining how should any great things be truly affirmed Yet the little I have found and brought together may let us see the exceeding goodness of God toward this Nation having so soon after the Ascension of our Saviour unto the heavens made the Gospel here to be Preached and a Church thereby gathered which to this day hath found a safe harbour under Your Majesties Royall Progenitors Fourteen hundred years and above we reckon since King Donald the first of that name his imbracing the Christian Faith All which time there hath not been wanting in the Royall Stock a most kinde Nursing Father to this Church or if a careless and dissolute King which in so long a succession of Princes is not to be wondred happened to reign the same was ever abundantly repaired by one or other of the Kings that followed neither did this bring them less happiness then honour For give me leave Sir to speak it which I hold not unworthy of your Majesties consideration the Scottish Kingdom once the least of nine Kingdoms that ruled in the Isle by the wonderfull providence of God is now so encreased first in the person of your Majesties blessed Father and now in your own as the Scepter of the whole is put into your Majesties hands which that you may long happily sway and your posterity after you to the worlds end is the hearty wish of all loyall Subjects For my part next to God his undeserved love I do ascribe this happiness to the piety and devotion of your princely Ancestors and to their zeal in maintaining the rights and liberties of this Church Your Majestie keeping the same course which blessed be God you hold you may be confident of God his protection against all dangers whatsoever for he will honour them that honour him and never turn away his face from his Anointed God Almighty I beseech to multiply his blessings upon your Majesty and your Royal Progeny to give you the desire of your heart and clothe all your Enemies with shame So he prayeth that is Your Sacred Majesties Most humble Subject and Servant S. Andrewes From the place of my Peregrination 15 Novemb. 1639. The Contents of the severall Books THe First Book containeth the planting and progress of Christian Religion in this Kingdome unto the subversion of the Picts which fell out about the year of our Lord 840 Fol. 1. The Second Book containeth succession of Bishops in the severall seas of this Kingdome especially in the sea of S. Andrews with other principall things that happened in their times fol. 25. The Third sheweth the History of the Reformation of the Church and how it was wrought fol. 117. The Fourth Book sheweth the things that fell out after Queen MARY her coming from France into this Kingdome unto her resignation of the Crown to King JAMES her Sonne fol. 176. The Fifth declareth how matters passed in the State and Church during the Government of the four Regents His Majesty being yet Minor fol. 213. The Sixth containeth the things that happened after his Majesties assuming of the Government in his own person unto his happy Succession to the Crown of England fol. 282. The Last and Seventh Book rehearseth the proceedings after his Majesties going into England unto his dying fol. 473. THE HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE FIRST BOOK The Contents The planting and progresse of Christian Religion in this Kingdome unto the subversion of the PICTS which fell out about the year of our Lord 480. HAving purposed to write the History of this Church I have thought meet to begin at the time in which this Kingdom did first receive the Christian faith for albeit we have few or no Records left us of those first times yet as much is to be found in stories as will shew what was the condition of this Church in every age And herewith we must content our selves till we come to the times that yield greater plenty of matter when I shall come to our own time I purpose to set down at length the things that have happened both in the Church and State together with the counsels and causes of those events without the which the History should be of little use For take away from story the causes whereupon the manner how and the purpose wherefore things were done that which remaineth is more like a Fable then an History delighting the Reader it may be for the present but giving little or no instruction at all I am not ignorant how unsafe it is to write of matters so recent and what offence it may give to divers persons but the desire I have to give posterity a true information of things and to have them made wise by our errours weigheth down with me all such feares wherefore without further prefacing to begin IN the year of our Lord 203. which was the fourth of Donald the first his Reign the Faith of Christ was in this Kingdom first publickly embraced King Donald with his Queen and divers of his Nobles being then solemnly baptized Yet was not that the first time wherein Christ was here made known for Tertullian who lived some yeares before speaking of the propagation of the Gospel throughout the world doth reckon among the countreys the parts of Britannie unto which the Romanes could not finde accesse and what these parts were we cannot doubt all the In-land of Britannie being then made subject to the Romanes and no part free but that little corner of the Isle which the Scots did inhabit Moreover it cannot in reason be thought that the conversion of this Kingdome was all wrought at one instant great alterations such as that must needs have been not being made but by little and little so as we may well think that numbers of people have been won to the Christian profession before the same was publickly embraced by the King and his Nobles But who they were that God used as instruments in that work is not certainly known Nicephorus writeth that Simon Zelotes after he had travelled through Egypt Cyrene Afrique Mauritania and Lybia came at last ad occidentalem Oceanum
insulásque Britannicas and there preached the Gospel Dorotheus addeth that he was crucified in these parts There be Authours likewise of no small credit who write that S. Paul the Apostle after his first imprisonment at Rome did visit this Isle and preach the Gospel in the utmost parts thereof The opinion most commonly received is that Pope Victor upon the intreaty of King Donald did send hither some Preachers and that these were the men that wrought our conversion but this cannot hold for divers reasons As first if the King did move the Pope in any such businesse it must needs have been upon some knowledge and liking he had of the Christian profession and if so the Preachers that he sent hither could not be the first that taught us the faith of Christ. Again the estate of the time maketh this opinion improbable for the year in which the King is said to have sent that legation to Rome was the very last of Pope Victor for he suffered Martyrdome in the year 203. and hardly we can think that in the heat of persecution which then did rage in all the Romanâ— Provinces the King would have imployed any in such a message Thirdly if our conversion had been wrought by Pope Victor how came it that our Church was not fashioned to the Romane in outward Rites especially in the observance of Easter whereof Victor was so zealous as he excommunicated all the Churches of the East for their disconformity with the Romane in that point And it is clear that for the space of many ages our Church did keep a form different from the Romane and with much adoe was brought to accept their Customes and Rites Last of all the learned Cardinal Baronius although he will have our conversion to be made by some one of the Romane Bishops esteemeth this which is said of Victor no better then a fable for how is it sayes he that neither Beda nor Marianus nor S. Hierom have made any mention of it In all likelihood if any such thing had been some one or other of them would have remembred the same Leaving therefore this conceit and not deeming these other opinions very warrantable if place may be given to conjecture I verily think that under Domitians persecution when the Apostle S. Iohn was relegated to Pathmos some of his disciples have taken their refuge hither and been the first Preachers of the Gospel in this Kingdome And this I am induced the rather to believe because in that hot contention moved about Easter some two hundred yeares after I finde our Church did still retain the custom of the Oriental and maintain their practice by the authority of S. Iohn from whom they pleaded to have received the faith But whatsoever be in this sure not long after the Ascension of our Lord at least whilest the Apostle Saint Iohn yet lived the faith of Christ was known and embraced in divers places of this kingdom so as we may truly glory in this that we were inter primitias as Origen speaketh amongst the first-fruits of the Gentiles gathered unto Christ this made that venerable Abbot Petrus Cluniacensis call the Scots antiquiores Christianos of greater Antiquity then many others But to return to King Donald it was in his purpose to have rooted out Paganisme and planted the Christian Faith every where in his Kingdome but whilest he was about to do it the Emperour Severus put him to other businesse he thinketh to take in the whole Isle and joyn the same to the Romane Empire entered into Britaine with a mightier Army then had ever here been seen and leaving his son Geta in the South went himself in expedition to the North parts making no stay though he was gowty and compelled to travel in a litter till he was come to the utmost ends of the Isle The Scots in the mean time keeping the Marishes and Mountains though they durst not encounter the Romane forces because of their numbers yet did annoy them much taking them at advantages which Severus perceiving and that there were no means utterly to subdue them as he had first intended he made offer of peace if so they would quit what they possessed betwixt the Wall of Adrian and the River of Forth The condition though hard and unreasonable was yielded unto by the Scots who desired to be freed of so mighty an enemy and he to exclude them from the rest of Britaine did raise a wall of stone betwixt the Rivers of Forth and Clâ—yd two and thirty miles long fortifying the same with Bulwarks and Watchtowers in many places Nor was it long after this peace obtained that King Donald departed this life whereupon the Christian Religion for many yeares was little or nothing promoted For Ethodius that succeeded was a Prince of no government and the Kings that came after him all unto Cratilinth either wickedly inclined or intangled with warres and troubles but Cratilinth coming unto the Crown in the year 277. made it one of his first works to purge the Kingdome of heathenish superstition and expulse the Druids a sort of Priests held in those dayes in great reputation Their manner was to celebrate sacrifices and perform their other rites in Groves with leaves and branches of Oake and thence saith Pliny they were called Druides for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Greek language doth signify an Oake Caesar in his Commentaries doth further write that besides the managing of sacrifices which were committed to them they were trusted with the decision of controversies private and publick and that such as would not stand to their judgement were interdicted from being present at their sacrifices and holy rites which was taken for a grievous punishment It is likewise testified of them that they were well learned in all natural Philosophy men of moral conversation and for Religion not so grossely ignorant and superstitious as other heathen Priests for they taught That there was one only God and that it was not lawful to present him in an image That the soules of men did not perish with the bodies and that after death men were rewarded according to the life they led on earth Some also have written that they did prophecie of the conception of a Virgin and of the birth of him who should be the Saviour of the world But that such mysteries were revealed unto them and so plainly as the Prophets of God in the Old Testament had scarce the like is not credible They lived likewise in great respect with all sorts of people and ruled their affaires very politickly for being governed by a President who kept his residence in the Isle of Man which then was under the dominion of the Scots they did once every year meet in that place to take counsel together for the ordering of affaires and carried matters with such discretion that Cratilinth found it difficil enough to expulse them because of the favour they had among the people But
that which furthered not a little the propagation of the Gospel in these parts was the persecution raised by Diocletian which at that time was hot in the South parts of Britaine This brought many Christians both Preachers and Professors into this Kingdom who were all kindly received by Cratilinth and had the Isle of Man given them for their remaining and revenues sufficient assigned for their maintenance In this Isle King Cratilinth erected a stately Church to the honour of our Saviour which he adorned with all necessary ornaments and called Sodorense fanum that is the Temple of our Saviour hence it is that the Bishops of the Isles are styled Sodorenses Episcopi For so long as that Isle remained in the possession of the Scots the Bishops of Isles made that Church their Cathedral After their dispossession the Isle Iona commonly called Hecombekil hath been the seat of the Bishops and continueth so untill this day In this Isle Amphibalus sate first Bishop a Britaine born and a man of excellent piety he lived long preaching carefully the doctrine of Christ both amongst the Scots and the Picts and after many labours taken for promoting Christian Religion died peaceably in the same Isle Our stories report that at the same time there lived in this Kingdom divers zealous and notable Preachers of which number they name these six Modocus Priseus Calanus Ferranus Ambianus and Carnocus that seem to have been men of principal note and of them all generally it is witnessed that living solitary they were in such a reputation for their holinesse of life as the Cells wherein they lived were after their deaths turned into Temples or Churches And of this it came that all the Churches afterwards erected were called Cells which word I hear is yet retained amongst the Irish Scots The Priests they termed Culdees which Hector Boeth thinks to have signified as much as Cultores Dei the worshippers of God but it is more like this title was given them for their living in these Cells whereas people assembled to hear service somewhat it maketh for this that in certain old Bulls and rescripts of Popes I finde them termed Keledei and not Culdei The same Boeth out of ancient Annals reports that these Priests were wont for their better government to elect some one of their number by common suffrage to be chief and principal among them without whose knowledge and consent nothing was done in any matter of importance and that the person so elected was called Scotorum Episcopus a Scots Bishop or a Bishop of Scotland Neither had our Bishops any other title whereby they were distinguished before the dayes of Malcolm the third who first divided the countrey into Dioceses appointing to every Bishop the limits within which they should keep and exercise their jurisdiction After that time they were styled either by the countreys whereof they had the oversight or by the City where they kept their residence But to return to Cratilinth during his Reign Christian Religion did prosper exceedingly and Fincormachus his Cousin-germane that succeeded keeping the same course gave in his time a perfect setling unto it So great a happinesse it is to have two Kings of qualities alike good succeed one to another for what the one beginneth the other doth perfect and accomplish Yet this felicity endureth not long the state both of the Kingdome and Church being within a few yeares after his death quite overturned by this occasion Maximus a man born in Spain but of Romane education being sent Lieutenant into Pritaine and presuming to bring the whole Isle under his power did practise secretly with the Picts for rooting out the Scots promising that all the lands which the Scots possessed should be given to them The Picts a perfidious people greedily embracing this offer did joyn their forces with the Romanes and both made invasion upon the Scots who doing the best they could for their own defence after divers sharp encounters in a battel fought at the water of Dun in Carrick were wholly defeated and King Eugenius with the most part of his Nobility slain This defeat was followed with a rigorous edict commanding all the Scots of what age sexe or condition soever to depart out of this Isle before a certain day which was so precisely executed as neither man nor woman young nor old were permitted to stay nay not a Church-man though all of that profession were in good esteem among the Picts themselves at the time Thus all the Scots went in exile betaking themselves some into Ireland others into the countreys of Denmark Norway Sweden or where it was in their fate to be cast onely some few Church-men after they had long wandred from place to place got privately into Iona one of the West Isles where living in a poor condition they laid the foundation of a Monastery which in succeeding ages became famous by the beneficence of our Kings and the sanctity of the Monks that there professed Never was any Church or Kingdom brought to a greater desolation but how long it continued our writers do not agree for Boeth will have the Scots to live in exile the space of 44. years and saith that they returned in the year 422. Buthannan casts their return into the year 404. and so maketh their exile to have lasted 27. years only Now whilest they lived thus exiled it happened that one Regulus a Greciâ—â— Monk arrived in these parts This man as they write living in Achala had warning given him in a vision by night to forsake his countrey and go into Albion an Isle fited in the utmost parts of the world and to carry with him the arm-bone three fingers and as many toes of S. Andrew the Apostle The man troubled at first with the strangenesse of the vision did after a little time resolve to follow the warning and take a little box in which he put those Reliques went to seâ— taking some persons in company with him The story nameth Damia nus a Priest 〈◊〉 Thebaculus and Mermacus brother to Damianus Deacons 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 a Cretain Merinus and Silvinâ—s his brother Monks by profession Some eight more are said to be in his company but their names are not expressed The ship wherein they sailed being tossed with grievous tempests was driven at last into the Port or Haven called then 〈◊〉 now St. Andrewes Hergustus King of Picts under whose dominion that part of the countrey as then was advertised of the strangers arrive and the Reliques they had brought with them came thither and pitying their losses for besides the Reliques they had nothing saved When he beheld the men and the form of their service did so like it as he took order for their entertainment shortly after he gave unto Regulus his own Palace with certain lands adjoyning and nigh thereunto erected a Church the same whereof we see a part yet remaining on
the South of the ruined Cathedral called to this day The Church of St. Rewle Here did Regulâ—s and his company abide serving God devoutly and for the austere life they led were in great reputation with all men Whether Regulus had such a vision or not I leave it to those that list to believe But that he did bring with him such Reliques is not improbable for in these times Christians did hold the bones and reliques of Martyrs in a respectful reverence which doth in no sort justify the abuses which afterwards crept into the Church when from the keeping of Reliques they grew to worship and adore them yea and in many places Priests out of their covetousnesse did use impostures foâ—â—â—ing in the bones of Asses and other beasts in stead of the Reliques of Martyrs and saints departed These and the like abuses did justly bring the keeping and carrying about of Reliques to be detested In the time of persecution when the bodies of Martyrs were thrown into the fields and cast into dung hills it might be held a charitable and pious work to gather and preserve them but now that those things are superstitiously used and vile receipts therewith practised no wise man will allow such follies Better it were as Cassander advised to incite people to the imitation of the Saints vertues then to reserve their bones which can serve is no use and savoureth only of vain oftenâ—â—â—â—â—â— But leaving this let us follow the story In the battel wherein Eâ—genius fell Echadius or as others call him Ethodius his brother being sore wounded and found among the dead was saved by the clemency of the Roman Prefect and flying into Denmark with his young son Eâ—hus was received by the King of that Countrey and kindly entertained This Eâ—â—hus Marching with one Raâ—a the daughter of a Nobleman in these quarters had by her a son called Fergus a Prince of much valour who growing in years and his Father and Grandfather both deceased out of an hatred against the Romanes joyned with the 〈◊〉 in a war they made upon the Gaules that were subject to the Romanes That expedition not succeeding he followed Alarick King of Gâ—â—es and was vvith him aâ— the sâ—ek of Rome Alarick dying he served under 〈◊〉 his successour and by the Fortunate exploits he made purchased the reputation of a great Captain The fame whereof with the news that were daily brought of the defection of the Romane Provinces and of the irruptions made upon the Empire by the Gâ—â—es 〈…〉 and other Barbars gave the Scots encouragement and put themâ—â— some hopes of returning to their countrey Once or twice by the help of the Irish having sought to repossess themselves still they were put to the worst But 〈…〉 proclaiming himself Caesar and transporting beyond Sea the whole power of Britain they resumed new courage and upon advertisemement of Fergus his return to Denmark did intreat him to take the opportunity and do somewhat for himself and for his countrey The Picts in the mean time being held in miserable subjection by one Victorinus a new Governour sent into Britain and so repenting the course they had taken did secretly reconcile with Fergus offering restitution of all they possessed belonging to the Scots and their assistance for recovering the rest Fergus upon these advertisements prepared to return and with him divers voluntaries of the Danes Norwegians and others did joyn besides the Scots that lived exiles in those parts With this company taking Sea on the eight day after his embarking he landed in the Firth of Murray and from thence marching directly to Aâ—gyle where the Chaire of Marble was kept was placed therein and crowned with the Rites accustomed The news hereof dispersed there gathered to him from all parts numbers of people with whom in a short time he recovered all the countreys out of which the Scots had been expulsed The Britains upon this sent to implore aid of the Romanes of whom they obtained the supply of a legion under the conduct of Heraclianus but he making no long stay one Placidius was left in place whom Fergus overthrew in battel and forced to seek peace This concluded Fergus dividing the lands among the Scots and strangers that had ventured with him did reorder all things according to the ancient form The Churches that were ruined or defaced he caused repair restored the Church-men to their places and in the Isle Iona erected a religious house with a Library furnished with the books that he had brought with him from Rome Never was any Prince more nobly given nor in so short space performed greater actions having regained the Kingdom that was lost and reduced it to a better estate then before neither had he ceased there if the Romanes had not fallen upon him with a fresh power and sent one Maximianus hither by whom he was in battel vanquished and slain in the sixteenth year of his Reign This overthrow did so terrifie the Scots that they looked for nothing but to have been chased again forth of the Isle but the irruptions made upon all the parts of the Empire did not suffer the Romanes to make long stay wherefore having repaired the Wall of Severus and made it much stronger then it was at first they departed advising the Britains to use their own forces without any more expectation of succour from them Upon intelligence of their departure Greem a Nobleman of Britain who had lived long among the Scots and whose daughter King Fergus had married raised an Army and battering down the Wall which the Romanes had fortified chased the Britains beyond the Wall of Adrian an hundred miles more inward and forced them to accept that for the march and content themselves with the lands lying in the South of that Wall Peace on these terms made with the Britains Eugenius the eldest of King Fergus his sonnes was declared King and because he was yet within yeares the Regency of the Realm committed to Greem his Grandfather which he discharged so well as whilest he lived there was no trouble either within or without the Kingdom But he dying Eugenius who was then grown to some years laying claim to his Grandfathers lands did repeat the same by his Ambassadours and the Britains defending themselves by the conditions of the late peace when after divers messages no satisfaction could be had war was of new raised The Picts assisting the Scots a sore overthrow was given to the Britains and they compelled to resigne all the lands lying betwixt Tyne and Humber which the Scots and Picts did peaceably enjoy unto the coming of the Saxons about the year 450. The Church notwithstanding these wars did flourish all this time by King Eugenius his favour Ninian he who with the posterity had the reputation of a Saint was of great fame at that time This man was born in Britain and had his education in France under Martine Bishop of Towers his
grand Uncle having remained there some years and made good profit in letters he returned into Britain and became a zealous Preacher of the Gospel His chief residence was amongst the Picts in the countrey of Galloway there he built a Church all of white stone a sort of structure not usual in those parts and called the same by the name of St. Marâ—ine not meaning to have him taken for the tutelary Saint of that place which in after-ages when superstition prevailed was the conceit of the people but to preserve the memory of his vertues and incite others to the imitation thereof This was the chief respect in those first times that Christians had in denominating their Churches by the names of Saints departed that other they utterly disclaimed Nos Martyribus nostris saith St. Augustin non templa sicut diis fabricamus sed memorias sicut hominibus mortuis quorum apud Deum vivunt spiritus We do not build Temples to our Martyrs as unto Gods but memorials as unto dead men whose spirits with God are still living Bede in his Ecclesiastick story speaking of this Ninian saith that he learned at Rome and was there taught the mysteries of truth But we cannot think that he went a novice thither being trained up under so kinde and learned an Uncle as ever that was he proved a notable instrument in the Church for he converted the Southern Picts to the faith of Christ and for his continual labours in preaching not among them alone for he travelled also among the Scots and Britains but especially for his innocency and holinesse of life he was in so great regard as to which of the three soever he came they did reverence and accept him as the messenger of Christ. Among the Bishops of Galloway he is reckoned the first and thought to have been the Founder of that Colledge for from that Church which he built all of white stone as we said the Bishops of that See have still been and to this day are styled Episcopicandide casae It was in the time of this Eugenius that Palladius came into Scotland imployed as they write by Celestine Bishop of Rome for resisting the Pelagian heresie which began to spread in this Church This man a Grecian by birth learned moderate and singularly wise as appeared in all his actions did purge the Church from those errours and wonne such love and credit as by the space of 24. years he governed all Ecclesiastick affairs in these parts without any grudge or opposition Buchannan is of opinion that before his coming there was no Bishop in this Church Nam saith he adid usque tempus Ecclesiae absque Episcopis per monachos regebantur minore quidem cum fastu externa pompa sed majore simplicitate sanctimonia that is The Church unto that time was governed by Monks without Bishops with lesse pride and outward pomp but greater simplicity and holinesse What warrant he had to write so I know not except he did build upon that which Ioannes Major saith speaking of the same Palladius Per sacerdotes monachos sine Episcopis Scoti in fide erudiebantur The Scots he sayes were instructed in the Christian faith by Priests and Monks without any Bishops But from the instruction of Scots in the faith to conclude that the Church after it was gathered had no other form of government will not stand with any reason For be it as they speak that by the Travels of some pious Monks the Scots were first converted unto Christ it cannot be said that the Church was ruled by Monks seeing long after these times it was not permitted to Monks to meddle with matters of the Church nor were they reckoned among the Clergy As to the pride and pomp which he taxeth in Bishops of later times it might be truly spoken but after Palladius coming for the space of six hundred years and more there was no such excesse to be noted in them But to return to Palladius he was a man most careful in promoting Christian Religion and the first that made Christ to be preached in the Isle of Orkney sending Servanus one of his disciples thither Another called Tervanus he employed among the Northern Picts and ordained both of them Bishops His own remaining for the most part was at Fâ—rdon in the countrey of Mernis where he built a little Church which from him is to this day by a corrupted word called Padie Church There was his corps after his death interred In the year 1494. William Sheâ—ez Archbishop of St. Andrews visiting that Church did in reverence of his memory gather his bones and bestow them in a silver shrine which as the report goeth was taken up at the demolishing of the Churches by a Gentleman of good rank who dwelt near unto that place The people of the countrey observing the decay which followed in that family not many years after ascribed the same to the violation of Palladius grave Much about this time was Ireland converted to the faith of Christ by the labours of Patâ—ick a Scotchman born upon the River of Cluid not far from Glasgow They write of him that being thirteen yeers of age only he was taken prisoner by some Irishes at an invasion they made upon the West parts of Scotland and sold to Mâ—lâ—â— one of their Kings being kept there as a slave the space of four years he was ransomed by his parents and sent to school where having made a reasonable progresse in letters he went to France and there remained 18. years in the company of German Bishop of Auxerre under whom he attained to a great perfection of knowledge especially in the holy Scriptures Thereafter travelling to Rome Pope Celestine the same that sent Palladius to Scotland hearing of his qualities and how he had lived some years in Ireland made choice of him as the fittest person to work the conversion of that people Patrick accepting the imployment addressed himself shortly afâ—er to the journey and in his way by Scotland took with him Columba who came afterwards to be in great esteem Divers upon the report of his good successe followed him thither and ere many moneths passed all the countrey almost was brought to embrace the profession of Christ. He was doubtlesse a notable person and most worthy to be remebred some idle and ignorant Monks have pitifully wronged his memory by their Legends But what a singular man he was and what pains he took to do good in his life-time the Churches he founded reckoned to 365. and the Priests he ordained numbred to be three thousand may sufficiently witnesse He lived 122. years and ended his days in the city of Downe within the Province of Ulster in the year of our Lord 491. That fabulous Purgatory the invention whereof is falsly ascribed to him was the device of a Monk of Glastenbury Abbey in England who bare the same name
with the crown before his death But ere he returned the King was dead and his brother Kinnatellus crowned King This accident troubled Columba and made him doubtful what to do For if he should send Aidanus back he knew not how Kinnatellus would takeit and to go on not knowing how the King stood affected towards Aidanus he held it dangerous After a little debating with himselfe he resolved to hold forward and taking Aidanus in company did present him to the King who against the expectation of most men accepted him most lovingly bidding him be of good heart for he should in a short time inherit his fathers Crown mean while because of his own age and infirmity he committed to him the administration of affairs and designed him his successor After a few dayes Kinnatellus dying Aidanus was crowned King Columba performing the ceremonies at which time he is said to have made a most pithy and eloquent speech exhorting the King to the love of Iustice the Nobles to the observance of Peace the people to obedience and them all to constancy in the Christian profession wherewith the whole Assembly was so much affected as by holding up their hands they did solemnly swear to continue loyal subjects to the King and to be obedient to him as their spiritual Pastor The Coronation ended Columba retired to the Isle Iona for he loved to remain in that place and Aidanus applying himself to order the Estate went through the countries of Gallaway Cathnes and Loqhaber holding Justice-Courts in all these parts and reforming what he found amisse But as no prosperity is lasting it happened in a sport of hunting that some Noble-men falling at discord there was a great slaughter committed the Authours whereof fearing the severity of Law fled to Breudeus King of the Picts and being remanded according to the conditions of the league were after some delayes directly refused Aidanus taking this to heart whilest he sought to recover them by force had his son Arthur Buchannan calleth him Griffin a Prince of great hopes and Brenden his Nephew with divers of his Nobles killed Columba grieved with this accident came to the King and rebuked him bitterly for making warre with his neighbour upon so light an occasion wherewith he is said to be no lesse moved then with the losse he had received for Columba striving to be gone he caught him by the hand and confessing he had been too hasty entreated his best advice and counsel how to repair things But he replying that no advice could redresse the harm that was done the King burst forth into tears Columba fell also a weeping and after a little space said that he would counsell him to make peace which he was content to do at his sight The matter moved to Brudeus he likewise agreed to remit all to Columba who shortly after brought them to be friends But the heart-burning between the two people ceased not which Ethelfrid King of Northumberland a wicked and avaritious man craftily entertained stirring the Picts to make fresh incursions upon the Scots so as Aidanus was compelled to take Arms Columba being advertised of the necessity the King was put to gave order that private supplications should be made for his safety and the overthrow of his enemies which falling out according to their wishes was generally ascribed to Columba his devotion For as the report went in the same hour wherein the enemies were defeated he did call his Collegues together and willed them to turn their prayers into thanskgiving for that the King had obtained the victory yet was the place of the conflict distant from Iona where Columba lived 200. miles at least The year following which was the year of our Lord 603. Columba died being of a good age neither did the King Aidanus long survive him The Irish contend that Columba died in the City of Down and was buried in St. Patricks Tomb and for verifying the same alledge an old Distick which was they say engraven upon the Tomb and defaced only in the dayes of King Henry the eighth Hi tres in Duno tumulo tumulantur in uno Brigida Patricius atque Columba pius But it carrieth no likelihood that Columba being so farre in years would make a journey into Ireland or that Aidanus who loved him so dearly would suffer him to depart whilest he lived It may be that upon some occasion his bones were translated thither yet the pilgrimages made in superstitious times to the Isle Iona for visiting his grave do shew what the received opinion was of his death and burial Kentigern commonly called St. Mungo was famous also at this time and one most familiar with Columba he was the son of Thametes daughter to Loth King of Picts begotten as was supposed by Eugenius the third King of Scots his father not being certainly known posterity not being willing that his birth whom they so greatly esteemed should be in any sort stained gave out that he was born of a Virgin which was believed of simple and credulous people But the reproach which lay upon him that way he overcame by his singular vertues in his yonger yeares being trusted to the education of Servanus Bishop of Orkney he gave tokens of his rare piety for he was in prayer more frequent then yong ones are usually seen to be of a spare diet and so compassionate of the poor as all that came in his hands he distributed among them Servanus his Master loving him beyond others was ordinarily wont to call him Mongah which in the Norish tongue signifieth a deare friend and this way came he to be called Mungo After Servanus death he went to the countrey of Wales in England where living a solitary life he founded a Monastery betwixt the Rivers of Elwid and Edwy They write that in his Monastery there were daily entertained six hundred threescore and three persons of which number three hundred were kept at some manual work within the Monastery other three hundred did labour in the fields and practise husbandry and the rest being appointed for divine service had the day and night divided among them so as one company succeeding to another there were some alwayes in the Church praying and praising Almighty God Having stayed there a few years he resigned his place to Asaph a godly and vertuous man and returning to Scotland he made his abode at Glasgow where he layed the foundation of a stately Church and was therein at his death interred It is affirmed that after he came to years of understanding he did never eat flesh nor taste wine or any strong drink and when he went to rest slept on the cold ground having a stone for his pillow and that notwithstanding he lived thus hardly he did attain to the age of ninescore and five years Many lying miracles have been ascribed unto him but certainly he was a man of rare
Dagamus the Bishop who is come hither and by Columbanus the Abbot in France that the Scots differ nothing in their observations from the Britains for Bishop Dagamus being here refused not onely to eat with us but even to stay in the same Inne or Lodging I finde no answer returned to this letter some thirteen years after Honorius Bishop of Rome did move the matter of new and in his letters directed to the Church of Scotland exhorted them Ne paucitatem suam in extremis terrae finibus constitutam sapieâ—tiorem antiquis sive modernis quae per orbem terrae erant Christi Ecclesiis aestimarent neve contra Paschales compuâ—os decreta Synodalia totius orbis Pontificum aliud Pascha celebrarent That they being a few and seated in the utmost borders of the earth would not think themselves more wise then the Ancient or Modern Churches of Christ through the whole world and that they would not celebrate another Easter contrary to the Paschal compts and Synodal decrees of the Bishops of the whole world Pope Honorius dying Severinus that succeeded insisted for an answer which was sent but he also departing this life before the same came to Rome the Clergy there replyed as followes Dilectissimis sanctissimis Thomiano Columbano Chromano Dimao Bathano Episcopis Chromano Hermanno Laustrano Stellano Sergiano Presbyteris Sarano caeterÃsque Doctoribus seu Abbatibus Scotis Hilaricus Archipresbyter servans locum sedis Apostolicae Johannes diaconus in nomine Dei electus item Joannes primicerius servans locum sanctae sedis Apostolicae Joannes servus Dei Consiliarius ejusdem sedis Apostolicae Scripta quae latores ad sanctae memoriae Severinum adduxerunt eo de hac luce migrante reciproca responsa ad ea quae postulata fuerant siluerunt Quibus reseratisâ— ne diu tantae quaestionis caligo indiscussa remaneret reperimus quosdam provinciae vestrae contra orthodoxam fidem novam de veteri heresin renovare conantes Pascha nostrum in quo immolatus est Christus nebulosa caligine refutantes et quarta decima luna cum Hebraeis celebrare nitentes c. Deinde exposita ratione Paschalis observantiae de Pelagianis subdunt Et hoc quoque cognovimus quod virus Pelagianae haereseos apud vos denuo reviviscat quod omnino hortamur ut à vestris mentibus hujusmodi venenatum superstitionis facinus auferatur Nam qualiter ipsa quoque execranda haeresis damnata est latere vos non debet quia non solùm per istos ducentos annos abolita est sed quotidiano nobis anathemate sepulta damnatur hortamur ne quorum arma combusta sunt apud vos eorum cineres suscitentur That is Hilarius the Archbishop conservator of the priviledges of the Apostolick See and Iohn the Deacon in the name of God elect of the same See likewise Iohn the pronotary and conservator of the said priviledges and Iohn the servant of God Counsellor of the Apostolick See to our best beloved and most holy Bishops Thomianus Columbanus Chromanus Dimaus and Bathanus and to the Presbyters Chromanus Hermannus Laustranus Stellanus and Serganus also to Saranus and the rest of the Doctors or Abbots of Scotland The letters which were brought unto Pope Severinus of blessed memory have to this time received no answer by reason of his decease We having now unsealed them lest questions of such consequence should be too long unsatisfied do perceive some of your Province to be renuing an old heresie against the Orthodox faith and ignorantly refuse to celebrate our Easter in which Christ was offered observing the fourteench Moon after the manner of the Hebrewes Then shewing how and when Easter should be observed they subjoyn touching the Pelagians these words We further understand that the poison of Pelagian heresie is again breaking out among you wherefore we exhort you to beware and to keep your mindes free of that venemous superstition for ye should not be ignorant how that execrable heresie is condemnedâ— and by us every day anathematised notwithstanding that two hundred years since the same hath been abolished therefore we beseech you not to stirre the ashes of those who have had their Armes once burnt and consumed Beda setting down this letter saith that it was full of learning and contained evident proofes that Easter should be kept upon the Sunday which falleth betwixt the 15. and 21. of the Moon Whereas it was the custome of the Scots Church to keep it upon the Sunday falling betwixt the 14 and 20. which he calleth an heresie and taketh our Church to have been newly infected therewith neither yet the whole Church but some certain in it only But in this last he doth not agree with himself for speaking afterwards of Bishop Aidan he thus excuses his disconformity with Rome in the keeping of Easter quòd suae gentis authoritate devictus that he was overcome with the authority of his own Nation contra morem eâ—rum qui ipsum miserant facere non potuit and could not keep Easter contrary to the custome of them who had sent him So he ackowledgeth it to have been the custome of the Scots Church and not of a certain in it only And whereas he sayes that it was an error or heresie newly sprung up he greatly mistaketh for in the contention about the keeping of Easter which grew afterwards very hot we shall hear them plead the Antiquity of their custome and derive it from the very first times of the Church But that we may know how this contention grew and who they were that withstood the alteration desired we must make a litle digression The Saxons having overcome the Britains and brought the countrey of England to an Heptarchy by the partition they made of it were never quiet encroaching still one upon anothers state till at last one got all Ethelfrid King of Northumberland the mightiest of the whole after he had reigned 22. years with great avaâ—ice and cruelty was killed by Redwald King of the East Angles and Edwin whom he had expelled placed in his room this Ethelfrid left behind him seven sons Eufred or Eanfred Oswald Ossaus Oswin Offas Osmond Osik or Osrick and one daughter named Ebba who upon their fathers death fled into Scotland and were liberally entertained by King Eugenius the fourth notwithstanding the enmity betwixt him and their father whilest he lived Eighteen years they remained in Scotland exiled from their countrey and were by the care of the same Eugenius instructed in the knowledge of Christ and baptized Edwin being killed in the 17. of his Reign by Penda King of Mercia they returned all home Ebba onely excepted who remained still in Scotland The successour of Edwin named Osrick parting the Kingdom with Eufred the eldest son of Ethelfrid was made King of the Deirians and Eufred King of this Bernicians these two turning Apostates and forsaking the
Christian profession which they had once embraced were the summer following deprived both of their lives and Kingdomes Oswald the second son of Ethelfrid did upon their deaths succeed in both the Kingdoms a noble and vertuous Prince whose chief study was to promore Christian Religion To this effect he sent his Ambassadors unto Donald the fourth then reigning in Scotland and entreated him by the old familiarity that had been among them to help him with some worthy and learned man that could instruct his people in the faith of Christ. The King recommending the matter to the Clergy one Cormanus was elected to go thither But his labours proving unprofitable he returned about the end of the year and in a Synod of the Bishops and Clergy informed that they were a people indocile and froward that the pains taken upon them were lost they neither being desirous nor capable of instruction It grieved the Synod exceedingly to hear this and while they were consulting what to do Aidanus a learned man and reverend preacher is said to have advised them not to give over the work at any hands for that the bad successe of Cormanus labours might possibly proceed from himself that had not used the people tenderly nor according to the Apostles rule fed them at first with milk and therefore desired some other approved man might be imployed of new who would possibly do good among them This opinion allowed by all none was thought fitter for this service then he who had given the advice and so with common consent was Aidan ordained Bishop and appointed to that charge Being come thither he set himself to amend the fault which he supposed Corman had committed and so tempered his doctrine as multitudes of people daily did resort unto him to be instructed It was a great hinderance unto him at first that he was not skilled in the Saxon tongue neither did the people understand his language but this defect the King himself supplied interpreting to the auditory all that Aidanus delivered in his Sermons So by the Kings zeal and Aidanus his diligence such numbers were brought to the Christian profession as in the space of seven days â—ifteen thousand persons were by him baptized Whether this people was more happy in their King or in this Bishop it is difficil to say For the King he did so excell in piety and prudence that as Beda writes all the Nations and Provinces within Britain were â—t his devotion and not the lesse his heart was never lifted up within him but still he shewed himselfe courteous and affable and of the poor most compassionate Among examples of his liberality towards these the same Beda relateth That sitting at Table on Easter day and Aidanus by him when it was told that a number of poor men were at the gate expecting his Almes he commanded to carry the meat that was set before him unto them and the platter of silver wherein it was to be broke in pieces and distributed among them Aidanus beholding it took the King by the right hand and kissing it said Nunquam marcescat haec manus never let this hand consume or wither Which as he writeth came also to passe For being killed in battel and his arm and his hand cut off the same was inclosed in a silver shrine and remained for many years uncorrupted in the Church of St. Peter at Bamborough This and the other miracles he reporteth I leave upon the credit of the writer who is too lavish oftentimes in such fables and fictions As to Aidanus he was an ensample of abstinence sobriety chastity charity and all other Episcopal vertues for as he taught so he lived was idle at no time nor did he admit any of his retinue to be so but kept them in a continual exercise either reading Scripture or learning the Psalmes of David by heart If he was invited to any feast as rarely he went he made no stay but after a little refreshment taken got himself away In preaching he was most diligent travailing through the countrey for the greater part on foot and instructing the people wheresoever he came In a word he was deficient in no duty required of a good Pastor and having governed the Church in those parts most happily the space of 17. years died in the Isle of Lindisfarne now called Holy-Island the place he choosed for his residence where he was also buried After his death which happened in the year 651. Finnanus was ordained Bishop and sent to the Northumbers from Scotland he followed his predecessor in all and was greatly troubled by Romanus or Conanus as other name him about the observing of Easter This Conanus born in Scotland had lived some years beyond Sea and was much taken by the Romane rites for advancing whereof so zealous he was that way he left his station in Kent and coming to Northumberland did challenge the Bishop to a dispute The Bishop answering that he would not refuse to dispute but to admit an alteration in Church rites whilest he lived he would not the dispute ceased and so for the time that he sate Bishop Easter was celebrated after the ancient manner of the Scots Finnanus in the mean time applying himself to better exercise did work the conversion of the East-Saxons and Mercians For having baptized Penda the Prince of Mercia he sent with him four preachers who reformed all that part of the countrey Divina or Duina a Scottish man was one of those preachers and consecrated Bishop of Finnan in the year 656. In the catalogue of the Bishops of Lichfield I finde him first placed There succeeded to him Kellach a Scottish man also but he renouncing his charge because of the contentions that arose returned to his countrey Now Finnan having governed the Churches of Northumberland the space of ten years died in Lindisfarne and was buried in a Church which he himself had there erected so great was the affection of these Northumbers to these preceding Bishops as they would accept of none other but a Scottish man Whereupon Colman was brought and placed in that See In his time the controversie of Easter was again wakened and more hotly followed then before great dealing there was to work him to a conformity but he would not forsake the course that his predecessors had kept After divers conferences a publick dispute was in end condescended to for deciding the question The place was chosen at Whitby Beda calleth it Sternshalt a Religious house in Yorkshire whereof Hilda a learned and devout woman was Abbesse she was a professed adversary to all the rites of Rome especially Clerical tonsure which made Colman more willingly to agree unto the meeting Oswy King of Northumbers with Elfred his son were present in person and many Ecclesiastick men of all degrees The reasoners were Colman on the one part who was assisted by the Scottish Clergy and Hilda the Abbesse
desired in a King The priviledges and immunities granted by him to the Church do witnesse his piety for in a convention held at Forfare by an unanime consent of his Estates he ordained That all Priests should from thenceforth be exempted from paying tribute keeping watch and going in warfare That they should not be drawne before temporal Judges for any civil cause but that all matters concerning them should be decided by their Bishops the judgement of Matrimonial causes right of Tithes Testaments Legislatory actions and all things depending upon simple faith and promise should be committed to the Bishops with power to them to make Canons and constitutions Ecclesiastical to try hereticks blasphemers perjured persons and Magicians and censure such as they did finde delinquent in that kind And that all Kings succeeding should at the time of their coronation take oath for maintaining the Church in their liberties These favours had the Clergy in the following ages used with that moderation and equity which they ought we should not have seen nor felt the interruptions that have been made upon Church liberties with the incroachments which in our time have been justly complained of In this time lived that famous Scholar Ioannes Scotus called Aerigena from the place of his birth which was the town of Aire in the West parts of Scotland This man being very young went to Athens and followed his studies there some years attained to great perfection in the Greek Chaldaick and Arabick languages Returning afterward to France at the request of Carolus Calvus he translated in Laetine the work of Dionysius de coelesti Hierarchia at which Pope Nicolaus took exception and wrote to King Charles on this manner Relatum est Apostolatui nostro quòd opus Dionysii Arepagitae quod de divinis nominibus vel coelestibus ordinibus Graeco descripit eloquio quidam vir Joannes genere Scotus in Latinum transtulit quod juxta morem nobis mitti nostro debuit judicio approbari praesertim cùm idem Joannes licèt multae scientiae esse praedicetur olim non sanus in quibusdam frequenti rumore dicatur We have been informed that one called Iohn of the Scottish nation hath translated the work which Dionysius the Areopagite did write of the names of God or of the heavenly Orders into the Latine tongue which book ought according to the custome have been sent to us and approved by our judgement especially since the said Iohn albeit he be esteemed of good learning hath been of long time held to be unsound in certain points of doctrine Now the point which the Pope did chiefly quarrel was his opinion of the Sacrament for he had published a Treatise De corpore sanguine Domini wherein he maintained Bertram his doctrine of that point Scotus having knowledge of this and thinking he could not be safe in those parts because of the Popes dislike came into Britain and was welcomed by King Alfred a great favourer of learned men by whom he was employed to teach the languages at Malmsbury Abbey and by some Scholars who could not indure the severity of discipline was stabbed to death in the year 884. and buried in the same Abbey 4. Bishop Malisius dying Kellach the second the son of one Ferlegus succeeded in his place he was the first Bishop of this Kingdom that went to Rome to seek confirmation and lived to a great age for he sate Bishop 35. years In his time Constantine the third King of that name wearied with the troubles of a publick life renounced his temporal dignity and betook himself to solitude among the Culdees in St. Andrews with whom he spent his last five years and there died After this Killach these successively were Bishops 5. Malmore 6. Malisius the second 7. Alwinus who fate three years only 8. Maldwin the son of Gillander and 9. Tuthaldus In this time the coelibate of the Clergy was violently urged and married Priests thrust from their livings which raised great stirres in the Church but the particulars are not recorded nor the broyles which thereupon insued I read in the Antiquities of the Britannick Church that in the year 977. a Councel was gathered at Calne in Wiltshire for that businesse to which Beornellus a Bishop of Scotland was called by Alfrithe the widow of King Edgar who favoured the cause of married Priests This Bishop a man of great learning and eloquence is said to have defended the conjugal life of Priests by solid reasons taken out of Scripture and to have put all the opposites to silence But Dunstane the Archbishop who presided in that Councel when he saw that reason could not bear out the earand fell a threatning and said that notwithstanding all their arguments they should not carry away the victory which he had no sooner spoken then the beames of the house wherein they sate at Councel bursting asunder all were overturned and fell headlong to the ground many were bruised and some killed with the fall Dunstan himself only escaped without harm the beam whereon he stood remaining whole and entire Such as favoured the cause of Monks did interpret this accident to be a sentence given by God on their side others said that Dunstan had wrought this mischief by sorcery for many supposed him to be a Magician However it was the married Priests though repining were forced indeed to yield and submit themselves What became of Beornellus I read not nor whether he returned to his countrey The names of some other Bishops we have who were in good accompt at that time such as Blaanus Englatius Colmocus and Moveanus Confessor to King Kenneth the third a wise and valiant King and one who might have been reckoned amongst the best Princes if about his latter end he had not stained his fame with the murther of Malcolm his Nephew whom he made away by poyson but the ambitious desire he had to settle the succession in his own posterity let him to work this villany which he carried in so covert a manner as no man did once suspect him thereof the opinion of his integrity being universally great but as wicked facts can never be assured though possible they may be concealed his mind was never after that time quiet the conscience of the crime vexing him day and night with continual fears In end whether it was so in effect or if his perplexed minde did form the self such an imagination whilest he lay asleep he heard a voyce speaking to him in this sort Doest thou think that the death of Malcolm that innocent Prince treacherously murthered by thee is hidden from me or that thou shalt passe any longer unpunished No there is a plot laid for thy life which thou shalt not escape and whereas thou didst think to transmit the Crown firm and stable to thy posterity thou shalt leave the Kingdom broken distracted and full of trouble The King awaked with the voyce was
stricken with great terrour in the morning early calling Moveanus he laid open to him the grief and vexation of his minde who giving the King his best counsel for the pacifying of his conscience did advise him to bestow almes upon the poor visit the graves of holy men have the Clergy in greater regard then he was accustomed and perform such other external satisfactions as were used in those times The King following his directions did carry himself most piously not thinking by these outward deeds of penance to make expiation for his sin for they were not become as yet so grossely ignorant as to believe that by such external works the justice of God is satisfied albeit some idle toyes such as the visiting the graves of the Saints kissing of Reliques hearing of Masses and others of that kinde which Avarice and Superstition had invented were then crept into the Church yet people were still taught that Christ is the only propitiation for sin and that by his blood the guilt thereof is only washed away This being still the doctrine of the Church to think that Kenneth was any other is scarce charitable Alwayes as he was visiting the grave of Palladius being invited to lodge in the Castle of Fettercarne he was there treacherously murthered But to return to our Bishops 10. Fothadus succeeded next after Tuthaldus a man greatly respected for the opinion conceived of his holinesse In the competition which Grimus had with Malcolme the second for the succession of the Crown by his wisdom and the trust they reposed in him they were brought to an agreement and a most perilous commotion stayed How long he sate Bishop is not recorded in his time lived Vigiamus a Monk an eloquent Preacher Coganus an Abbot and Onanus a Deacon men of especial accompt 11 After the death of Fothadus Gregorius was elected and consecrated Bishop he lived in a troublesome time for soon after his election the Danes did of new invade the countrey and landing in Murray had such successe at first as they did think to make conquest of the Realme But Malcolm the second having repulsed them at a battel fought at Pambride in Angus did pursue them unto Buchane where at a Village called Murthlack he gave them an utter overthrow and forced those that escaped to swear that during the reign of Malcolm and the life of Swane their King they should never return into Scotland To memorize this victory the King did Found an Episcopal See at Murthlack enduing the same with rents forth of the adjacent lands and calling the Clergy to an assembly in the Town of Bertha now Perth he enacted by the advice of Bishop Gregorius divers Canons for their better government At the same time in a convention kept at Scone to reward those that had done well in the late warres he gave away all the Crown lands reserving little or nothing to himself The Barons to requite his liberality did grant to him and his successours Kings of Scotland the Ward of all their lands with the benefit that might accrew by the marriage of the heir But this being casual and uncertain proved unsufficient for maintaining his Royal estate so that necessity the sure companion of immoderate largition did force him to make unlawful shifts whereby he came to be as much hated in end as he was loved at first and by some villains that thought themselves wronged by him was murthered in the Castle of Glammes after he had reigned 30. years Before his time the titles of Thane and Abthane were the only titles of honour and dignity in the Realme whereas he to give a greater splendor to the State did introduce all these offices which are now in use and are commonly called Offices of Estate Duncan the first his Nephew by Beatrix his daughter succeeded to the Crown whose weaknesse and simplicity made way to Mackbeth his Cousin-germans usurpation for he conspiring with Bancho a man of great place deprived the King both of his Crown and life in the seventh year of his reign The Kings two sons Malcolme surnamed Canmore and Donald Bane fearing the cruelty of the Tyrant withdrew themselves and fled Malcolme into Wales and Donald into the West Isles Thus none being to oppose Mackbeth did assume to himself the Crown and for the first ten years governed the Kingdom better with justice then he got it Afterward growing suspicious and seeking to rid himself of those that might prove his enemies he began his cruelty at Bancho who had an hand with him in the Kings murther and inviting him on a night to supper with his son Fleanche as they were returning to their lodgings made some lie in the way to murther them Bancho doubting no harm was killed but his son Fleanche through the darknesse of the night escaped The Nobles detesting this treachery and fearing it might turn to be their own case retired home to their dwellings Mackbeth finding himself to be forsaken of his Nobles and knowing that he was hated by the people fell then to practise open Tyranny and forging quarrels against the better sort did upon light causes put divers to death The Thane of Fife called Mackduffe a man of great power out of a suspicion he conceived fled into England where meeting with Malcolme the lawful heir of the Crown after he had exponed the misery whereunto the countrey was brought by the cruelties of Mackbeth and the reasons of his own flight did perswade him to return and repeat his Fathers Kingdom Malcolme who often before had been solicited to return by such as Mackbeth did suborn made answer That he understood all these things to be true which were related but if said he ye knew how unfit I am for government you would not be so earnest as you seem to call me home for not to dissemble with you whom I esteem my friend the vices which have overthrown many Kings Lust and Avarice do reign in me whilest I live obscure and in a private sort these faults are not espied but if I were in place of Rule the same would soon appear and break forth Mackduffe replying That these were no reasons to keep him back for that marriage and time would quench Lust and for avarice when he should have abundance and be out of fear of want it would cease That said he possible may be but I have an imperfection greater then these for I can trust no man and have found such falshood in the world as I am jealous of every one and upon the smallest suspicions for I measure every man by my self I break and alter all my courses Away then said Mackduffe I am unfortunate and thou unworthy to Reign and with this word he made to depart Then Malcolme taking him by the hand said I do now know thou art a man worthy of trust and will not refuse to undergoe any hazard
Chronology wherein he attained to such a perfection as he was accompted the only Chronologist in his dayes the Chronicle he wrote from the beginning of the world unto the year of Christ 1183. yet extant doth testifie no lesse He died at Mentz in the year 1186. and was buried in the Church of St Martin within the City and thus much for the learned men of our countrey that lived in the time of Turgot 13. Next after Turgot Godricus succeeded in the See of Saint Andrewes this Bishop did anoint King Edgar the son of Malcolme in the year 1098. after the manner of other Christian Princes which rite had not been formerly used in the Coronation of our Kings and as they write was obtained from Pope Urban the second at the request of Queen Margareâ— for the Popes of Rome having as then advanced themselves above Kings did take on them the conferring of these Ensignes of Majesty to whom and where they pleased This Edgar was a good King and greatly beloved of all his subjects The Abbey of Cauldingham which in former times had been a sanctuary of Virgins he gave to the Church of Duresme but upon the ungrate behaviour of Ranulph Bishop of that See a man noted of much corruption he recalled his gift and erected the same into a Priory Upon the death of Godricus King Alexander surnamed the Fierce sent to Radolph Archbishop of Canterbury to have his advice for the promoving of some worthy person unto the place and in his letters directed to that effect complained of the Archbishop of York his encroaching upon the Church of Scotland through the oversight of Lanfrank Archbishop of Canterbury that had given way to the consecration of some of the Bishops of Saint Andrews at York whereas in old times they were not wont to receive Consecration but either from the Bishop himself or from the Archbishop of Canterbury Therefore desired his assistance in redressing that abuse which he said he could not any longer tolerate Now this Radolph was at the same time in question with Thurstan the elect of York for his consecration to which by no means he would assent unlesse Thurstan would make profession of obedience to the See of Canterbury And about that was so much businesse made that Radolph though he was then both aged and sickly did undertake a journey to Rome to debate his right At his return which was some four years after so long did the See of Saint Andrews remain void the King sent to him Peter Prior of Dunfermlin and one of his own Gentlemen to congratulate his safe return and request that Eadmerus a Monk of Canterbury a man well reported of might be sent hither for filling the place Radolph knowing that Eadmerus had neither by himself nor by any other indirect meanes moved the businesse and so taking it to come of God howsoever it grieved him that the Church of Canterbury should lack the benefit of his service gave his consent and having obtained King Henry his licence without whose knowledge he would not have him go into a strange countrey sent him to Alexander with an ample recommendation in substance this We give unto God said he everlasting thanks for that it hath pleased him to open the eyes of your mind and make you know and seek that which you should and to your Highness self we esteem our selves greatly bound because of your friendly and familiar usage for albeit your desires tend to our hurt and are not lesse grievous to us then if you should pull out our eyes or cut off our right hand we cannot but commend your desire and so far as we may in God obey the same Therefore unwilling and yet willing we yield unto your will willing in so farre as we perceive it is Gods will which we dare not withstand nor will we in any thing willingly displease yet unwilling for that we are left alone and deprived of his fellowship who as a Father ministred unto us consolation in time of grief giving us sound advice in many perplexed cases and was to us a most helpful Brother in this our infirm and old age If any other should have required him of us we would no more have parted with him then with our own heart but there is nothing which in God we can deny you Thus we send unto you the person that you desired and so free as you may lay on him what charge you will so as it be to the honour of God and to the credit of the Mother Church of Canterbury Do therefore what you purpose wisely and remit him unto us with diligence to be consecrated because delay in that errand may breed impediments that we desire to eschew c. Eadmerus bringing with him this Commendatory letter was the third day after his coming elected Bishop by the Kings licence and with consent both of the Clergy and Laity but the next morning whilest the King conferred with him apart touching his consecration he began to magnifie the Church of Canterbury and the authority it had over all the Churches of Britain declaring that by his leave he would seek the Episcopal benediction from the Bishop and not receive it at the hands of any other which offended the King greatly for by no meanes could he endure to hear of this Churches subjection to the English Thereupon the Monks who had been trusted in the yeares preceding with the intromission of the rents were charged to uplift the same and to impede the elect his possession Yet within a few dayes the King going in an expedition against some rebels in the countrey of Ross by the intercession of Noblemen it was agreed that Eadmerus should receive the Ring out of the Kings hand and the Crosier being laid upon the Altar he should take up the same and that way be invested into the Bishoprick In this sort was he entered to his charge the Clergy and people accepting him for their Bishop Mean while Thurstan the Archbishop of York who was then beyond sea ceased not to solicit King Henry of England by his letters to impede the consecration for which effect three several messages were sent to King Alexander Eadmerus upon the distast the King had taken of him was not much respected which he perceiving and withall considering that the King being his unfriend his service could not be very profitable to the Church and Kingdome resolved to go unto Canterbury and seek the advice of his brethren and friends in those parts This signified to the King he said that the Bishop had nothing to do with Canterbury nor so long as he lived should any Bishop of Scotland professe subjection to that See Which being reported to the Bishop he replied in passion That not for the Bishoprick nay not for all Scotland would he deny himself to be a Monk of Canterbury Falling thus more and more in the dislike of the King and jarres daily
encreasing he employed the Bishop of Glasgow to try the king his minde towards him who told him that he found the King greatly displeased with his courses and if he continued in the same minde he was not to expect his favour Hereupon Eadmerus resolving to depart delivered back the Ring which he had received from the King and laid down his Crosier upon the Altar with a protestation that he was forced thereunto and so went away The King did by his Letter purge himself to the Archbishop of Canterbury declaring that it was not his fault but wilfulness on Eadmerus his part which made him relinquish his charge But the Archbishop a man of courteous nature not willing further to enquire of the reasons of Eadmerus his departure passed over the businesse with a gentle answer to the King for that time I finde upon better advice that Eadmerus made offer to return and give the King satisfaction in all he required but herein he was prevented by a new election which the King had caused to be made 15. For how soon it was advertised that Eadmerus had a purpose to return the King for his own peace did think it most sure to have one of his Subjects preferred to the place and so recommending to the Chapter Robert Prior of Scone he with an uniform consent was chosen Bishop and stood elect two years for before King Alexander his death which happened in the year of our Lord 1114. he was not consecrated then he received the benediction at the hands of Thurstan Bishop of York with reservation of the priviledges of both Churches which if the King had lived would not have been permitted for he was a Prince that stood much upon his royalty and would not endure at any hand the least encroachment either upon his Kingdome or upon the Church The Abbeys of Scone and S. Columbe were founded by this King To the See of S. Andrews he was a great Benefactor and gave the lands called Cursus apri the Boars chace and was resolved to do more in that kinde if he had not been taken away by death But what may be thought lacking in him was abundantly supplied by his brother and successor King David whose beneficence that way exceeded all others for besides the repairing of these Monasteries which was either by age become ruinous or were defaced by injuries of warre he erected the Bishopricks of Rosse Brichen Dunkeld and Dumblane with the Abbeys of Iedburgh Kelsoe Melrose Newbottle Halirudhouse Kinlosse Combuskenneth Dundrennan and Holmecultram in Cumberland he founded likewise two religious Houses at Newcastle one for the Benedictins another for the white Monks and for professed Virgins two Monasteries one at Berwick and another at Carlile all which he provided with competent Revenues Some of our Writers have taxed this most worthy King for his immoderate profusion as they call it on these Monasteries and Holinshed saith that his unmeasurable liberality towards the Church made his Successors oppresse their Nobles at home lay impositions upon the people and doe many other things prejudiciall to the Commonwealth that they might have wherewith to maintain their royall estates But herein he erreth greatly for let an examination be taken of the behaviour of our Kings in the ages succeeding it will appear that their proceedings either with their own Subjects at home or with their Enemies abroad have been more justifiable then the doings of any of their Neighbours neither can it be shewed that any one of them did ever take those indirect courses which he mentioneth for penury or want But it is easie to speak ill and deprave the actions of the best Princes It is true that profusenesse in any person especially in a King is not to be allowed for that it bringeth a great mischief both to the King and Subjects but the bestowing of sixscore thousand Franks that is the highest estimate they make of his donations cannot be called an immoderate profusion He was certainly a most wise King and knew well his own work and could proportion his Gifts to his Revenues Neither was his liberality an hindrance to his Successors in the doing of the like pious works for Malcolm who succeeded did erect the Abbey of Couper in Angus Santray in Lothian and a religious house at Manwell for professed Virgins King William erected the Abbey of Aberbrothock and his Queen Emergarda the Abbey of Balmerinoch The like did the following Kings in their own times which shewed that he did not leave his Successors destitute of means to support their royall estate This further will I boldly affirm that if there be any profusion excusable in Princes it is this for besides that these foundations are the most lasting monuments to glorifie their memories they are the readiest helps which they shall finde to supply their necessities at all occasions Now whereas some have disapproved these donations because of the fruits that ensued meaning the abuses that crept in by the corruption of the persons who did afterwards enjoy them if this reason should hold the best of Gods creatures and the most pious institutions which ever were in the world should be all condemned for what is it that was ever put in the hands of men to use that hath not been corrupted and to cast the faults of men upon the things themselves is a great iniquity But this superfluous enriching of Monasteries whereof they speak came not by this mean The foundations at first were moderate and no way excessive but in after tâ—mes the Prelates growing sluggish and shaking off the care of preaching as a work not beseeming their dignity they to flatter the Predicans who had then all the way among the popular and to be recommended of them for charitable and devout Prelates gave away almost all their own Churches and impropriated them to Abbeys leaving a poor Priest to do service in the Parish and of this did spring a world of evils which since that time could never be remedied This I thought needfull to be said for vindicating the same of that good King who in all his actions both private and publick lived beyond all censure so as it is truly said of him That the most learned wits who have gone about to frame the character of a good King could never devise nor imagine such a one as he did expresse himself in the whole course of his life But to follow our purpose Bishop Robert living under this King and some six years after did carry himself in all the parts of his charge commendably he founded the Priory of S. Andrews and obtained to the City the liberties of a Burgh Royall placing therein one Mainard a Fleming to be Provost and departing this life in the year 1159. after he had sate Bishop 35. years was buried in the Church of S. Rewle the Cathedrall not being as yet built There flourished in this time two of our
rights to himself as had been and were to be performed by Malcolme his brother to his Ancestors Kings of England King William to requite his kindnesse gave unto Richard ten thousand Marks sterling and caused his brother David to whom he resigned the Earldom of Huntington go in company with him There went under his charge 500. Gentlemen who were all in their return cast away by a tempest at sea only the Earl himself having his ship driven upon the coast of Egypt was taken prisoner and led to Alexandria where being redeemed by some Venetians he was brought to Constantinople and freed by an English Merchant in the City that had known him in former times From thence he returned safe unto his countrey the fourth year after his setting forth to the great joy and contentment of the King his brother who took him to be lost The part where he arrived being as Boethius writeth before that time called Alectum had the name changed and upon that occasion was called Dei donum But the opinion of Buchannan is more probable that the Town now called Dundy is a compound word of Down and Tay. As ever this was the Town there situated received many priviledges of King William at that time for his brothers happy arrival which to this day they enjoy Likewise in memory thereof was the Abbey of Lundors founded for the Benedictine Monks and divers lands gifted thereto by the King and the Earl his brother The King of England after many distresses being returned home King William to congratulate his safety went into England where he contracted a great sickness the rumour whereof being dispersed and his death much suspected gave occasion of divers insolencies at home amongst others Herald Earl of Orkney and Cathnes upon a malice conceived against the Bishop of that countrey who as he alledged had impeded the grant of some thing he demanded of the King took him prisoner put out his eyes and cut forth his tongue This inhumanity the King at his return punished most severely for the Earl being apprehended and brought to his trial had his eyes in like sort pulled out and was thereafter publickly strangled by the hands of the hangman all his male children being gelded to extinguish his succession His kinsmen and others accounted accessors to the fact for not rescuing the Bishop were fined in great summes of money This exemplary justice reported to Pope Innocent the third he sent unto the King by his Legate Ioannes Cardinalis de monte Celio a sword richly set with precious stones a purple hat in from of a diadem and a large Bull of priviledges whereby the Church of Scotland was exempted from all Ecclesiastical censures the Pope himself and his Legate à latere only excepted It was also declared That it should not be lawful to any to excommunicate the King and his successors or yet to interdict the kingdom but the Pope or his Legate and that no stranger should exercise any legation within the Realm except a Cardinal or such a one as the Conclave did appoint This Bull is yet extant and beginneth thus Innocentius Episcopus servus servorum Dei charissimo filio Gulielmo illustri Scotorum Regi eâ—usque successoribus This Cardinal before his departing forth of the Realm kept a Convocation of the Clergy at Perth in which all the Priests were deposed who were found to have taken Orders upon Sunday The Abbot of Dunfermlin called Robert was removed from his place the cause whereof is not mentioned and one Patrick Superiour of Durâ—sme appointed Abbot in his stead In this convention also it was decreed That every Saturday from twelve of the clock should be kept as holy day and that all people at the sound of the Bell should addresse themselves to hear service and abstain from all handy work until Munday morning After this meeting he took journey into Ireland taking with him Radolph Abbot of Melrosse a man of good respect whom he preferred to the Bishoprick of Down which at his coming thither happened to fall void Bishop Hugo dying Roger son to the Earl of Leicester succeeded he had been Chancellour to the King and at his election to the Bishoprick resigned the office to one of the King his Chaplaines For in those dayes the office of a Chancellor was not in that reputation to which afterwards it grew in some old Records I find at one time two officers in that kinde the one called Cancellarius Regis the other Cancellarius regni but which of the two was in greatest dignity I know not nor in what their charge did differ only my conjecture is that he who is now the writer of the Great Seal and is called The director to the Chancellary was then styled Cancellarius Regis But remitting this to others of greater skill Ten years this Roger stood elect and was not consecrated before the year of God 1198. at which time Richard Bishop of Murray performed the ceremony the reason of the delay is not mentioned by writers four years only he lived after his consecration and died at Combuskenneth the ninth of Iuly 1202. his corps with great solemnity convoyed to Saint Andrews was interred in the old Church of Saint Rewle 20. William Malvoisin Bishop of Glasgow a Frenchman born was after the death of Roger by the Kings recommendation translated to S. Andrews a man of singular wisdome and courage he lived a long time for he sate Bishop after his translation 35. years and governed the Church most happily The rents alienated by his predecessors or lost by their negligence he recovered to his See advanced the fabrick of the Church which was then a building more then any that went before him and suffered no man of what quality soever he was to usurp upon the Church or possessions of it Some years after his translation King William died at Striveling to the great regret of all men especially those of the Clergy to whom he had been very beneficial for besides the Abbey of Aberbrothock which he founded to the memory of Thomas Becket then generally held to be a Martyr and Saint he gave divers lands to the See of Argyle which had been in his time erected and to the Monasteries of Newbottle Halyrudhouse and Dunfermlin many richgifts as likewise for the Trinity Monks of Aberdene an Order lately invented and then confirmed by Innocentius the third he made a competent provision Never were the funerals of any of our Kings performed with greater solemnity All the Prelates and Nobles of the kingdome attending the corps from Striveling to Aberbrothock where he had appointed his body to be buried There they continued 14. dayes spending that time in the devotions accustomed and before their parting by a common consent ordained that for a year thereafter no publick playes nor feasts should be made in any part of the kingdom such
force and credit of the spiritual Ministery and were upheld by the Popes whose designes they studied especially to advance The King who looked no further then the devout profession they made gave them all a kinde reception and to the Monks Vallis umbrosae he erected a Monastery in Pluscardy within the countrey of Murray In the countrey of Rosse the Lord Bisset founded Beawly for Monks of the same order And one Maccolloch a man of great wealth did found the Priory of Archatton in Lorne About the same time did Ada or Adhama Grandmother to the King found the Abbey of Haddington for consecrated Virgins The like was erected at Northberwick by Malcolm Earle of Fife who also founded the Abbey of Culrosse for the Cistercian Monks Dornagilla the daughter of Allan Lord of Galloway erected for the same order a Monastery at New Abbey and by a rare example Gilbert Earl of Strathern having divided his inhereitance in three parts gave one third thereof to the See of Dumblane and another to the Abbey of Inchaffray reserving to himself and his heires a third onely of the whole Shortly after in the year 1327. died William Malvoisin at Inchmurtach and as he himself had directed was buried in the new Church of S. Andrewes 21. Galfrid Bishop of Dunkeld being earnestly desired both of the Clergy and Laity the King would not permit his translation so David Benham Chamberlain to the King was elected and on S. Vincents day in the year 1238. consecrated by William Bishop of Glasgow Gilbert Bishop of Cathnes and Clement Bishop of Dumblane This Bishop kept a severe hand over the Clergy especially the Monks and others that lived in religious Orders and calling an assembly by the Kings consent at Perth in the 1242. where the King himself with divers of the Nobility did assist made many good Constitutions as well for reformation of abuses as for securing of Clergy men in their possessions and rights In his time fell out great troubles betwixt the Emperour Frederick the second and Pope Gregory the ninth for which a generall Councell was called by the said Gregory at Rome and thither were summoned all the Bishops of Christendome The pretext was the relief of the Holy land which at that time was in great distresse but Frederick apprehending the intention to be against himself resolved to hinder the meeting of the Councell and having belayed the ways made the Bishops of S. Andrews and Glasgow prisoners as they travelled through Germany Upon their promise to return home they were afterwards set at liberty not the lesse they sent their procurations thither by some religious persons who took another way but the Councell held not because of the Popes death that intervened Some few years after this King Alexander deceased at Carnire in the West Isles and as he had appointed was interred in the Abbey Church of Melrosse with an Inscription according to the rudenesse of the time yet such as shewed how greatly he was beloved of his Subjects Ecclesiae clypeus pax plebis dux miserorum Rex rectus rigidus sapiens consultus honestus Rex pius Rex fortis Rex optimus Rex opulentus Nominis istius ipse secundus erat Annis ter denis quinis Rex fuit ipse Insula quae Carneri dicitur hunc rapuit Spiritus alta petit Celestibus associatus Sed Melrossensis ossa sepulta tenet His son Alexander the third by Maria the daughter of Sir Ingram de Consey for his first wife died without children succeded and was crowned of eight years old at the age of ten years he was married to Margaret the daughter of Henry the third of England The marriage being solemnized at York and the Bishop of Saint Andrews sent thither with others of the Nobility to see all things duly performed fell there in a Feaver and departed this life on the first of May 1251. his Corps brought from thence was buried in the Abbey Church of Kelsoe some thirteen years and three moneths after his Consecration 22. The Prior and Chanons convening to elect a new Bishop did all give their voices to Robert Sutevile Dean of Dunkeld a man of great virtue and learning but this election took no effect Abel Archdean of S. Andrews by the favour of some that ruled the Court having procured an inhibition to the Bishop to proceed in the Consecration with a Mandate to the Chanons to make a new election The Chapter refusing made their appeal to Rome and Abell posting thither by the bribes he bestowed in that Court got himself preferred and was Consecrated by Pope Innocentius the fourth At his return to be revenged of the Prior and Chanons he behaved himself well insolently calling them in question for every light occasion and censuring them with great rigour whereupon he became extremely hated They write of him that in a vain-glorious humour as he was walking in his Church one day he did with a little Chalk draw this line upon the gate of the Church Haec mihi sunt tria Lex Canon Philosophia Bragging of his knowledge and skill in those professions and that going to Church the next day he found another line drawn beneath the former which said Te levant absque tria fraus favor vanasophia This did so gall him as taking bed he died within a few days having sate Bishop ten moneths and two days only 23. After Abels death Gamelinus was elected to govern the See and by a warrant from Rome was consecrated on S. Stephens day in the year 1255. Two years he stood elect his consecration being stayed by the Rulers of the Court who had sent also to Rome for cassing his election A time this was such as usually falleth out in the minority of Princes full of choppings and changes Under the last King the Cummings had ruled all publick business for they were of great power the Earls of Monteth Bughaâ— Athol and Marre being all of that name besides thirty two Barons and Knights Robert Abbot of Dunfermlin Chancellor of the Kingdome for the time enclining to their course had legitimated a base sister of the Kings who was married to one Allan Dooroward and for the same was put from his place Gamelinus being preferred thereto but he enjoyed the same a short space for upon some discontents he was likewise thrust out and Richard Bishop of Dunkeld made Chancellor This made the Court to oppose Gamelinus his election not the lesse he prevailed by his gifts at Rome and procured a warrant to VVilliam Bishop of Glasgow to proceed to his Consecration The Court highly displeased at this there fell out another occasion which did greatly incense them against him a Knight called Sir Iohn Dinmure for some oppressions committed upon the Prior of S. Andrews was excommunicated he complaining to the King obtained by Moyen a command to Gamelinus to absolve him who simply refused unless
who then ruled that See moved with their prayers sent immediately to Edward and desired him forbear any further proceeding against the Scots alledging with a strange impudence the Soveraignty of Scotland to belong unto the Church The Commissioners nothing pleased with the Popes claim did notwithstanding forbear to take notice of it lest they should make him also their enemy To the same purpose did the Pope write letters to Robert Winchelsey then Archbishop of Canterbury willing him to deal with the King for setling the Bishops of Glasgow and Isles at liberty and the submitting of all controversies between him and the Scots to the judgement of the Apostolick See Kings Edwards answer to the Popes letter was That from all antiquity the direct and superiour dominion of Scotland did appertain to the Kingdome of England even from Brutus unto his own time That it was never yet heard that the Kingdome of Scotland belonged to the Church nor did he think the Scots would confesse so much And that if he should yield to his desire he would unquiet his own Kingdome and draw upon himself the hatred of his subjects which he knew his Holiness would not wish Therefore prayed him to hold him excused and to be perswaded of his affection to the See Apostolick He moved likewise his Nobility who were then met in Parliament at Linclne to write to the Pope to the same effect Albeit somewhat more roundly they told him That the King their Lord ought not to undergoe his judgement in matters of that kinde neither send his Procurators about that business as he had been required seeing that was to call in doubt their Kings title to the prejudice of his Crown the royal dignity the liberties customes and laws of England which by their oath they were bound to observe and would defend with their lives Nor would they permit the King although he would in any way to attempt the same Wherefore they besought his Holiliness to meddle no more in that matter The Pope having his hands full otherwise at the time did upon this dimit the Scottish Commissioners who had made a long stay at Rome with great promises of favour when he should see it to be convenient The supplication directed to the Pope is by some of our Writers said to be sent after King Edwards second expedition into Scotland but I rather think it was at the first Whilest these things were a doing William VVallace a Gentleman well descened but of no great estate began to shew himselfe and gathering out of a desire to free his countrey from the subjection of England a company of such as would adventure with him effected things beyond all expectation for he slew Sir Hugh Cressingham who was left Governour of the Realme recovered most of the strengths and Castles wonne again the Town of Berwick expulsed the English Clergy that had planted themselves in the kingdome and if he had not been hindered by his own countreymen had made his victory absolute King Edward being all that time in Flanders and informed at his return to England of the distractions amongst the Scots themselves fell of new upon them and after a sore defeat given them at Falkirk called a Parlament at S. Andrewes where all the Earls and Barons did again swear obedience unto him not one of any note VVallace excepted standing out in the whole kingdome And now did the State seem to be wholly ruined for Edward intending to make sure his conquest led away captive all that had the least ability to stirre and to extinguish if it had been possible the very memory of the Nation he abolished all the ancient Lawes of Scotland traduced the Ecclesiastical râ—ites to the form of England destroyed the antique monuments erected either by the Romanes or by their own progentitors burnt all the Registers with that famous Library of Restennoth wherein besides many other volumes were reserved the books which King Fergus the second brought with him from Rome removed the Marble Chaire in which as the vulgar believed the fate of the kingdome did consist and to be short left nothing which might incite generous spirits to remember their former fortunes or encourage them in any sort to vertue and worthinesse The Bishop of S. Andrewes who then remained at Artevile in France upon the report of this pitiful vastation did contract such a melancholy as within a few dayes he died his body was interred at the Predicants Church at Paris and his heart brought into Scotland and entombed by Lamberton his successour in the wall of the Church of S. Andrewes nigh to the sepulcher of Gamelinus He was a man careful of the Church and sought by all means to better the estate thereof At his first admission to the See he purchased the Priory of May from the Abbot of Reading in England which he gave afterwards to the Prior and Chanons and had he falled in peaceable times would have performed many good works 26. William Lamberton Parson of Campsey and Chancellour of the Church of Glasgow was then preferred to the place This man after the Bishop of Glasgow was sent prisoner to London made his own peace with King Edward and sware fealty unto him which was the thing that wrought his advancement yet the Culdees who claimed a chief voice in the election of the Bishop withstood him mightily at the first Before the Abbey was founded the Culdees were the onely electors of the Bishop afterwards being excluded by a Bull of Pope Innocent the second the election was committed to the Prior and Chanons whereupon arose a great controversie amongst them which by the authority of good King David was agreed in these times that so many of the Culdees as would become Chanons and enter in the Monastery should have voice with them But to elude this appointment a Mandat was procured from the Pope to admit none in the Convent without the advice of the Prior and most part of the Chanons by which means the Culdees were kept out and deprived quite of all voice in the election William Comin their Provost supposing to get some advantage of the Prior in these troublesome times did strongly oppose Lambertons election and the matter by an appeal drawn to the Consistory of Rome they both went thither to debate their rights in end Lamberton prevailed and was consecrated by Pope Boniface in Iune 1298. This turned so to the disgrace of the Culdees as after this time we hear no more of them the name and Order being by little and little quite extinguished About the same time were the Templars otherwise called the Red-friers made away an Order instituted by Baldwinâ— King of Ierusalem some 200. years before for the defence of that city and the safe conveying of all such as travelled thither by the pious liberality of Princes and others well affected they were in a short time greatly enriched and for their wealth
adversaries charged him with paiment of the moneys wherein he stood obliged for his Bull of priviledges He not able to give satisfaction for the most of his rents had been taken up yearly by the Kings Factors and what he could purchase from his friends was all bestowed at his late reconcilement amongst Courtiers was of new accursed his person arrested his rents lifted by the Kings Officers and a guard appointed to attend him in his own Castle at S. Andrews In this miserable condition not knowing what to do he fell in some trouble of minde and thereupon committed to the custody of Shevez his mortal enemy who was declared his coadjutor by reason of his distraction yet the malice of his adversaries not satisfied herewith at Rome they accused him of heresie schisme simony and a number of other scandalous crimes the trial whereof was commended to one Husman the Popes Inquisitor and to Shevez Divers light and ridiculous accusations were brought against him and amongst other points he was charged to have said three Masses in one day whereas in those times it was difficile to find a Bishop that in three moneths did say one Masse yet the process going on witnesses were brought who verified the accusations and his enemy sitting Judge he was sentenced as guilty of schisme simony heresie and other crimes and thereupon decerned to have lost his dignity and condemned to perpetual prison 35. The sentence pronounced Shevez posted to Rome got the sentence approved and was himself provided to the Archbishoprick All these crosses this innocent Bishop sustained most patiently which his adversaries perceiving they procucured him to be put in close prison within the Isle of Inchcolme where he had four keepers watching him that he should not escape Warre afterwards breaking up with England out of a fear that the English Navy which was then at Sea might fall upon the Isle he was transported to Dunfermlin and from thence to the Castle of Lochleven where at last he died This end had that worthy man in vertue and learning inferiour to none of his time oppressed by the malice and calumnies of his enemies chiefly for that they feared reformation of their wicked abuses by his means The title rather then the Prelacie it selfe he enjoyed 13. years and was buried in S. Servanus Isle within the Chappel of Lochleven All things went now in the Church daily from ill to worse for these who did affect a reformationâ— and lived in some hope thereof beholding the course of things betook themselves to a private life At Court benefices were sold or then bestowed as rewards upon flatterers and the Ministers of unlawful pleasures and in the Church Canonical elections especially in the Monasteries were quite abrogated The King presenting Abbots and Priors unto the Pope none were refused that came with his recommendation Thus was Alexander Thomison Abbot of Dunfermlin canonically elected by the Monks some years before extruded from his place and Henry Chrichton then Abbot of Paisley surrogated in his stead by the Pope at the Kings intercession Likewise Robert Shaw of Minto was in the same manner preferred into Paisley the consent of the Convent not once required So as the Monasteries which were founded for pious and charitable uses came by little and little in the hands of fecular men who having had their education in the Court brought with them from thence the manners thereof shaking off all care of discipline and neglecting the duties of hospitality This begat great offences and made the foundations themselves abhorred partly through the dissolutenesse of those that lived in the places and partly because men saw them inverted to other and contrary uses then the first Founders had appointed Neither were the Monasteries onely corrupted but the whole Ecclesiastick state became also infected Ignorance and Impiety every where prevailing till in end the Laity putting their hands to the work made that violent and disordered Reformation whereof in the next book we shall hear But to return to Shevez he receiving the Pall from the Pope in sign of Archiepiscopal dignity was publickly invested therewith in the Church of Halirudhouse in the year 1478. the King and divers of the Nobility being there present How he governed the See I find not but his entry being such as we have seen did not promise much good I read in some Writers that he was induced by the King and the Duke of Albany to dimit his place in the favours of Master Andrew Stewart Provost of Linclowden the Kings Uncle and to content himself wirh the Bishoprick of Murray whereunto the said Master Andrew was provided but it seemeth this charge took not effect for both the one and the other possessed their own benefices untill their deaths Some years before Shevez his death there arose a controversie betwixt him and Robert Blacater Archbishop of Glasgow concerning their jurisdictions For Blacater had obtained of Pope Alexander the sixth the erection of the See of Glasgow into an Archbishoprick and thereunto were the Bishops of Galloway Argyle and Isles ordained to be subject Shevez refusing to acknowledge him for an Archbishop both the Clergy and Noblemen went into factions some taking part with the one and some with the other But this dissension was soon appeased howbeit with the grudge of both parties and Glasgow declared to be Metropolitane Church the honour of precedencie reserved alwayes to S. Andrews Now whilest the Prelates were contending for preheminence certain Articles were dispersed in the countreys of Kile and Cunningham against the doctrine taught in the Church which stirred up divers to examine the truth of Religion then professed The Articles were these 1. That Images ought not to be made nor worshipped 2. That the reliques of Saints ought not to be adored 3. That it is not lawful to fight for the faith 4. That Christ gave the power of binding and loosing to Peter onely and not to his successours 5. That Christ ordained no Priests to consecrate 6. That after the consecration in the Masse there remaineth bread and that the natural body of Christ is not there 7. That tithes ought not to be paid to Ecclesiastical persons 8. That Christ at his coming did abrogate the power of secular Princes 9. That every faithful man and woman is a Priest 10. That the Unction of Kings ceased at the coming of Christ. 11. That the Pope is not the successour of Peter except in that which our Saviour spake to him when he said Goe behinde me Satan 12. That the Pope deceiveth the people with his Bulls and Indulgences 13. That the Masse profiteth not the soules that are in Purgatory 14. That the Bishops blessing is of no value 15. That Indulgences should not be granted to fight against the Saracens 16. That the Pope exalts himself above God and against God 17. That the Pope cannot remit the pains of Purgatory 18. That the excommunication of
proceeding divers were cited to appear at Halirudhouse by Iames Hay Bishop of Ross who sate as Commissioner for the Archbishop of S. Andrews amongst others Iames Hamilton of Levingston brother-germane to Master Patrick with Katharine Hamilton his sister The Gentleman was advised by the King secretly for he loved the man not to appear and was for his contumacie condemned His sister appearing and questioned upon the point of justification by works answered simply that she believed no person could be saved by their works Master Iohn Spence the Lawyer whom we named before held a long discourse with her about that purpose telling her that there were divers sorts of works works of congruity and works of condignity in the application whereof he consumed a long time The woman growing thereupon into a chafe cried out Work here work there what kind of working is all this I know perfectly that no works can save me but the works of Christ my Saviour The King was present all the time and laughed heartily at the answer yet taking the Gentlewoman aside he moved her to recant her opinions and by her ensample divers others at the same time abjured their profession of which number were Sir William Kirk Priest Adam Daes Henry Cairnes Master William Iohnston Advocate Master Henry Henryson Schoolmaster in Edinburgh and Iohn Stewart In-dweller in Leith These persons scarce dismissed Master Normand Gourlay and David Straiton were brought to trial Master Normand was charged for denying Purgatory and saying that the Pope had no jurisdiction within Scotland David Straiton was charged with the same points and further was accused for maintaining that Tythes were not due to Churchmen which point he denied confessing that the tithes of some fishes which his servants had taken at sea being too rigorously exacted he said that if they would have the tithes of the fishes they should go and receive them where the stock was taken and that he gave order to his servants to cast every tenth fish they took into the Sea because he saw nothing but rigour would content the Church This Gentleman had been in former times very quarellous and turbulent but was then become another man through frequenting the company of Iohn Areskyn of Dun by whom it pleased God to enlighten his mind with the knowledge of his truth and to kindle in his heart such a love to the same as usually he was heard to pray for strength and spiritual courage that if he should be brought to suffer for Christ no fear of death nor corporal pain might cause him shrink And it clearly appeared when he was brought to his answer that his prayers were heard For notwithstanding of the offers made him to recant and burn his bill as they spoke at that time he stood most constantly to the defence of the truth and gave great incouragement to Master Normand Gourlay who suffered with him These two were burnt at one stake the 27. of August 1534. At the same time was sentence pronounced against Alexander Alesse Master Iohn Fife Iohn Mackbee and one Macdongal who were summoned to the said Diet and compeered not These persons fled afterwards into England where they remained a while well entertained Alexander Alesse by the commendation of the Lord Cromwel came in favour with King Henry the eighth and was called commonly the Kings Scholar as he was indeed a man of good learning and gave thereof a notable proof in his dispute with Stockeslie Bishop of London before the Convocation in the year 1537. After Cromwels death taking with him Master Iohn Fife he went into Saxony where they lived Professours together a long time in the University of Lipsia Macdongal went also in their company and came to good credit being elected Burgomaster of one of their Townes Iohn Macbee commonly ealled Doctor Machabeus during his aboad in England was liberally entertained by Nicol Saxton Bishop of Salisbury who made much accompt of him but afterwards going to Denmark became Chaplain to King Christian in whose service he died in the year 1550. Thus it pleased God to provide for these men after their exile Some four years after the Bishops kept a meeting at Edinburgh in the moneth of February 1538. where divers were accused of heresie and condemned to die Frier Killore Frier Beverage Sir Duncane Simpson Priest Robert Forrester a Gentleman and Dean Thomas Forrest a Chanon of S. Colinsinch called commonly The Vicar of Dolour This poor man not long before had been called before the Bishop of Dunkeld his Ordinary for preaching every Sunday to his Parishioners upon the Epistles and Gospels of the day and desired to forbear seeing his diligence that way brought him in suspicion of heresie If he could find a good Gospel or a good Epistle that made for the liberty of the holy Church the Bishop willed him to preach that to his people and let the rest be The honest man replying That he had read both the new Testament and the old and that he had never found an ill Epistle or an ill Gospel in any of them The Bishop said I thank God I have lived well these many years and never knew either the old or new I content me with my Portuise and Pontificall and if you Dean Thomas leave not these fantasies you will repent when you cannot mend it Dean Thomas answered that he believed it was his duty to do what he did and that he had laid his accompt with any danger that might follow So at this time being brought in question with the persons above named they were all together condemned and burnt in the fire upon the Castle hill of Edinburgh This year in Glasgow Hieronymus Russel of the Order of the Gray Friers and one Kennedy a young man of Aire not past 18. years of age were accused likewise of heresie but because the Archbishop Mr. Gawine Dumbar was esteemed somewhat cold in those businesses Master Iohn Lawder Master Andrew Oliphant and Frier Maltman were sent from Edinburgh to assist at their trial Kennedy at his first appearing in judgement discovered some weaknesse and would gladly have saved his life by denying the points laid to his charge but encouraged by Hieronymus and by the answers he made to the Judges he gathered his spirits and falling down upon his knees brake forth in these words Wonderful O God is thy love and mercy towards me a miserable wretch for even now when I would have denied thee and thy Son the Lord Iesus Christ my onely Saviour and so have thrown my self into everlasting condemnation thou by thine own hand hast pulled me back from the bottome of hell and given me to feel most heavenly comfort which hath removed the ungodly fear that before oppressed my mind Now I defie death do what you please I praise God I am ready The Frier reasoned long and learnedly against his accusers and being answered only with railings and
flagitious man supplying the place of the temporal Judge condemned him to the fire and because no cords could be had the ropes of the Archbishops Pavilion were taken to serve the purpose As the time of his suffering drew near his constancy and courage still encreased for being conveyed to the fire with a number of armed men when he was come to the place and the Priest Oliphant did command him to go to the stake he said No I will not go except thou put me up with thy hand for by the law of God I am forbidden to put hands in my self but wilt thou put to thy hand and take part of my death thou shalt see me go up gladly Then Oliphant putting him forward he went up with a chearful countenance saying Introibo ad altare Dei and desired he might be permitted to speak to the people Oliphant and the executioners said that he had spoken too much and that the Bishops were offended with the delay Yet some youths that stood by willed him to speak what he pleased giving the executioners and Bishops both to the devil So after he had made his prayer upon his knees he arose and standing upon the coales spake to the people a few words to this effect Dear friends the cause why I suffer this day is not for any crime laid to my charge though I acknowledge my self a miserable sinner before God but only for the defence of Iesus Christ set forth in the old and new Testaments for which as many faithful Martyrs have offered their lives most gladly being assured after their death to enjoy endlesse felicity so this day I praise God that he hath called me of his mercy amongst the rest of his servants to seal up his truth with my life which as I have received of him so willingly I offer it to his glory Therefore as you would escape eternal death be no more seduced with the lyes of the Priests Monks Friers Priors Abbots Bishops and the rest ' of the sect of Antichrist but depend onely upon Iesus Christ and his mercy that you may be delivered from condemnation The multitude that lookt on made a great lamentation for they were exceedingly moved with his words When the fire was kindled and began to flame he cried Lord have mercy on me pray good people whilest there is time and thus departed shewing a wonderful courage and resolution of spirit The Citizens took his death so grievously that lest it should be forgotten they made up a great heap of stones in the place where his body was burnt and when the Priests had caused the heap twice or thrice to be carried away denouncing such as should bring any stones thither accursed still it was renewed untill watches were appointed to see who they were that brought any stones to the place and charge given to apprehend them The Epitaph made upon him is worthy the inserting Non nostra impietas aut actae crimina vitae Armarunt hostes in mea fata truces Sola fides Christi sacris signata libellis Quae vitae causa est mihi causa necis This man was the last Martyr that died in Scoâ—land for Religion and his death the very death of Popery in this Realme for thereby the minds of men were so greatly enraged as resolving thereafter openly to professe the truth they did bind themselves by promise and subscription to oaths if any should be called in question for matters of Religion at any time after they should take up Armes and join in defence of their brethren against the tyrannous persecution of the Bishops The work of Reformation did hereupon take a beginning the story whereof before I set down after I have remembred some worthy persons that lived in those times I will adde the Catalogue of our Bishops in the rest of the Sees of this Kingdome so farre as I have been enformed or learned by diligent search Sir David Lindsay of Mont shall first be named a man honourably descended and greatly favoured by King Iames the first Besides his knowledge and deep judgement in Heraldry whereof he was the chief and in other publick affairs he was most religiously inclined but much hated by the Clergy for the liberty he used in condemning the superstition of the time and rebuking their loose and dissolute lives Notthelesse he went unchallenged and was not brought in question which shewed the good account wherein he was held Divers poesies he wrote in his mother tongue which gave evidence of his quicknesse of wit and the knowledge he had in histories In the beginning of the Governours Regencie he did attend him till the Governour misled by ill counsel made his authority subject to the Cardinal After that time he lived for the most part private and died in a good age the Queen Regent having the administration of affairs Next to him shall be remembred Mr. Patrick Cockburn a Gentleman of the house of Langton in the Merss this man having attained by his studies to great learning lived a long time in the University of Paris well esteemed What course he took afterwards I know not nor where he died but by the Treatises yet extant that he wrote it appeareth that he was a man of good learning and a favourer of the truth The third shall be Iohn Mackbrair a Gentleman of Galloway who forsaking the countrey for Religion became a Preacher in the English Church in the time of Queen Maries persecution he fled to Frankford and served the English congregation as Minister Afterwards called by some occasion to the charge of a Church in the lower Germany he continued there the rest of his dayes Some Homilies he left upon the Prophecie of Hosea and an History of the beginning and progresse of the English Church To these I shall adde our countreyman Robert Wachop though he lived and died an adversary to the truth seeing by his vertue and learning he purchased both credit and dignity in forain parts and which almost exceedeth beliefe being blind from his very birth onely by learning the lessons and conferences of learned men he grew to such knowledge as in the University of Paris none of the Doctors was held more learned nor had a more frequent auditory being afterward promoved to the Archbishoprick of Armach in Ireland he was employed in divers legations to the Emperour and King of France by Pope Paul the third which he discharged with such prudence as he came to be greatly esteemed with all the Princes to whom he was known At last in his return homewards from Rome in the year 1551. he died at Paris much lamented of all that University Coming now to set down the Catalogue of Bishops in the rest of the Sees I shall keep the order of the Provinces and begin with Dunkeld the Bishop whereof hath hitherto been reckoned in the first place The Bishops of DUNKELD In the City of Dunkeld there
the Vicaridge pensionary of little Dunkeld afterwards dying the 27. day of Iune Anno 1338. he was buried in the Quire of Dunkeld in a marble Tombe by himselfe erected 17. The same year one Duncan an English man born was consecrated Bishop he set in few the lands of Fordel to Walter Fotheringham at the desire of Edward Baliol and died in the year 1364. after he had sate 26. years 18. To him succeeded Michael of Monimuske Chamberlain of Scotland he died the first of March 1376. and was buried in the Quire of Dunkeld 19. After him Mr. Iohn Peblis Chancellour to King David Bruce came to the place a man learned and of great authority he sate 20. years in the See 20. In the year 1396. Robert Carden son to Iohn Carden of that ilk was consecrated Bishop and governed the See the space of 40. years He did many good things in his time to his Church building and inlarging it at his own charge and acquired thereunto divers lands as the town of Crawmond with the lands adjoyning for which he gave in excambion the lands of Cambo in the same Parish and the lands of Muchler besides Dunkeld He died the 16. of Ianuary 1436. and was buried hononrably in S. Ninians Chappel of Dunkeld which himself had built 21. To him succeeded Donald Macknachtan Dean of Dunkeld Doctor of the Common law and Nephew to Bishop Robert his predecessour he was elected by the Chapter but King Iames the first misliking the choice opposed his entry whereupon he took journey to Rome to obtain his election confirmed and died by the way as he was travelling thither 22. Iames Kennedy Nephew to King Iames the first by his sister was then preferred to the See two years he sate Bishop in Dunkeld and was afterwards translated to S. Andrews as before we have shewed 23. Upon his translation Mr. Alexander Lawder Parson of Rothow and brother germane to the Bishop of Glasgow then Chancellour of the kingdome was elected Bishop but he died the same year which was the year 1440. at Edinburgh and was buried with his Ancestors in the Church of Lawder 24. Mr. Iames Bruce Parson of Killmeny was after him consecrated Bishop of Dunkeld at Dunfermlin the fourth of February in the year of Christ 1441. and sate Bishop the space of 6. years In the seventh year he was translated to the Bishoprick of Glasgow and made Chancellour of the kingdome 25. To him succeeded Mr. Iohn Ralston he was Secretary to King Iames the second and sate Bishop little above three years dying in Dunkeld in the year 1450. where he was buried 26. Master Thomas Lawder Preceptor or Master of Lowtrey who had been Tutour to Kings Iames the second in his youth at the age of 60. years was elected Bishop after Ralston by the Kings recommendation he took great paines in preaching and by his continual exhortations and exemplary life wonne that unruly people to the obedience of God and the King Having finished the building of the Church he dedicated the same in the year 1454. and adorned it in most magnificent manner He obtained of the King an erection of the Bishops lands on the North side of Forth into a Barony called the Barony of Dunkeld as likewise the lands in the South into another which was called the Barony of Aberlady built a Bridge upon the River of Tay nigh to his own Palace founded a number of Chaplanries and Prebends partly in Edinburgh partly in Dunkeld made purchase of two lodgings one in Edinburgh and another at Perth for the receipt of his succescessours and having done many good works resigned his Bishoprick because of his great age to Master Iames Levinston Dean of Dunkeld 27. This resignation was crossed a while by Thomas Spence Bishop of Aberdene whose credit in the Court was great at that time but upon transaction amongst themselves the Kings consent was obtained and he consecrated at Dunkeld by Iohn Hepburn Bishop of Dumblaine Iohn Balfour Bishop of Brichen and the said Thomas Spence in the year 1476. He sate seven years two moneths and five dayes and dying at Edinburgh was buried in the Isle of Inchcolme 28. The Chapter after Levingstones decease made choice of Alexander Inglis Dean of Dunkeld and Keeper of the Rolls in the time of King Iames the third but Pope Sextus the fourth cassing his election gave the Bishoprick to George Brown Chancellour of Aberdene who was then at Rome and consecrated him Bishop in Saint Iames Church Anno 1484. The King displeased with this promotion declared him rebel and complained thereof to the Pope and Cardinals but the Pope maintaining his own gift the King was afterwards reconciled to him and he peaceably possessed in the Bishopricks This Bishop was a strict observer of discipline and by his austere and rigorous formes wrought a great reformation in all the parts of his Dioces which he distributed in four Deanries placing one in the Borders of Atholl and Drumalbane another in Fife Fothrick and Strathern the third in Angus and the fourth in the parts besouth Forth The penalties of offenders he gave to the use of the Church where they resided saying commonly Oleum peccatorum non impinguet caput meum He was a man given much to hospitality and withall very careful of the Church for he recovered to the See the lands of Fordel and Muckarsie with the Forest of Birnan that had been alienated before his time founded divers Prebends and Chaplanries and gave many ornaments to the Cathedral Church Before his death he was tormented with the Felt gravel which he bare most patiently professing that he was glad to endure those pains as serving to wean his heart and affection from the love of this world and so departed this life most happily the twelfth of Ianuary 1514. 29. Andrew Stewart brother to Iohn Earl of Athol was upon his death postulated Bishop but it took no effect Master Gawan Douglas brother to the Earl of Angus and Provost of Saint Giles in Edinburgh being preferred thereto by Pope Leo the tenth This gift was quarrelled by the Duke of Albany Governour and the Bishop called in question for his traficking with Rome without licence whereupon he was committed and continued prisoner a whole year Afterwards compounding with Andrew Stewart to whom he gave the Churches of Alight and Cargill he got peaceable possession of the See yet the troubles that followed in the countrey made him forsake the same and undertake a journey to Rome In his way thither he died of the plague at London in Savoy house in the year 1522. A man learned wise and given to all vertue and goodnesse some monuments of his engenie he left in Scottish meeter which are greatly esteemed especially his translation of Virgil his books of AEneids 30. George Creighton succeeded a man nobly disposed and a great house-keeper but in matters of his calling not very skilled In the question of Religion which was in his time severely
The Church of Aberdene was not so scant of men as to admit an unworthy person into the place And howsoever the King in his Kingdome might do what he pleased they were by their oathes astricted to admit none but learned men and such as were approved for integrity of life wherefore intreated the King in humble manner to suffer them as they had been accustomed to elect some wise and grave person that could discharge the place with credit which after some moneths they obtained making choice of one Alexander Kinninmouth who was consecrated in the Town of Perth the King himself being present This man answered fully the hopes conceived of hâ—m and took great pains in his calling for on the ferial dayes he taught the Civil and Canon law and the holy dayes he spent in preaching and prayer Thrice every week he fasted contenting himself in the holy Eves with bread and water He caused demolish the old Church of Aberdene which he esteemed not so beautiful as was fitting for a Cathedral Church and laid the foundation of another more magnificent But ere the work was advanced six cubits high he was employed by King Robert the second in an Ambassage to France for renewing the old league which he worthily performed shortly after his return he died having sate Bishop 24. years 20. Adam Conningham a man well descended and of great authority was after him elected This Bishop is said to have been in such accompt for the his wisdom and sincerity that in all matters of importance propounded in Councel his opinion did ever prevail His frequent imployments with the French King as well before as after his preferment to the See and the happy successe he had therein manifested his prudence and dexterity of wit yet as it falleth out often in Courts upon some envious delations the King became jealous of him as if he had practised with some Noblemen against the Royal succession and pressed to reduce the old form of election of Kings Finding that the King had taken some impression of the report albeit nothing was more false he took counsell to retire himself and attend his charge at home where he had not long staid but he fell in a new trouble with a base sonne of the Kings named Alexander a man extremely vicious and for his oppressions hated of all good men To the Bishop he bare a special grudge because of the liberty he had used in reproving his wickednesse and hearing in what dislike the Bishop was with the King he violently possessed himself in the Bishops lands thrust forth his tenants and behaved himself as Master and Lord of all The Bishop complained to the King but finding no redresse he pronounced him excommunicate wherewith the wicked man incensed associating a number as wickedly disposed as himself did swear to take the Bishops life and came to Aberdene of that intention Whereof the Bishop getting advertisement he went forth to meet him on the way and how soon he saw him discovering his head which was all white for he was a man of great age said If this be it that thou seekest I have brought it unto thee take thee head life and all The company admiring the old mans courage and moved with some compassion of his white haires perswaded Alexander not to meddle with his blood The report of this insolencie going to the King he sent for his sonne and committing him to prison caused satisfaction to be given for all the injuries the Bishop had sustained and surety for his indemnity thereafter After which he enjoyed reasenable quietnesse untill his death which happened in the year of Christ 1390. having sate Bishop ten years 21. Gilbert Grimlaw a man learned wise and of great esteem with the Nobles of the Kingdom was consecrated Bishop of Aberdene the same year he had been Chancellour to King Robert the third a long time which office he discharged with great credit and to the contentment of all the subjects after the Kings death the Earle of Fife brother to the deceased King then governing the Realm he was employed in an Ambassage to Charles the seventh of France and went thither in the company of the Earls of Buchan and Douglas who with divers other Noblemen were afterward unfortunately killed at the battel of Vernoil The Bishop at his return found all things out of frame the Governour dead his sonne Mordach placed in his room and the whole estate miserable by the riots and oppressions which were used every where without punishment This made the Bishop retire himself and live private at home where soon after he died of a consumption in the year 1424. his body was interred in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 22. After his death Henry Leighton Bishop of Murray was translated to Aberdene a man learned both in the Civil and Canon law of great experience and in that regard postulated Bishop by the Chanons he stood doubtful a while whether he should condescend to the charge or not yet was induced to consent at last and so came to Aberdene where he applied himself carefully to do the charge of a Bishop But the Estates of the Realme meeting in a solemn convention for putting some order to the present confusions he was sent with some others in Commission to England to treat for redemption of King Iames the first who was there detained captive This businesse happily performed he returned with the King to whom he gave great content by his services and forwardnesse in reforming publick abuses he advanced greatly the fabrick of the Church of Aberdene and bestowed large summes for perfecting that work he built also the Chappel called Saint Iohns Chappel within the Cathedral and was therein buried himself in the year 1441. 17. years after his translation 23. Ingram Lindesay Doctor of the Canon law was upon his death with the great applause of all good men received Bishop he was at that time very old and by the policie of one Alexander who aimed at his place moved to take journey to Rome the man imagining that he should die in the voyage whereof yet he was deceived For the Bishop sailing to Marselles in France went from thence by sea to Rome and after some moneths stay returned more healthful then before 17 yeares he continued Bishop and ruled the affaires of the Church very wisely A man constant in his promises of a spare diet but very hospitable for he entertained great numbers both of learned men and others especially the eldest sonnes of Noblemen and Barons in the North parts and notwithstanding of his age and publick employments was ever at study when he could find any free time from those cares A little before his death he fell in the Kings displeasure for denying admission to some whom the King had presented to certain Benefices for that they were either meer ignorants or for their years incapable But this did not much trouble his mind as being no way conscious to himself of any
in his journey towards Edinburgh and the sixth day after his coming thither died most christianly his body embalmed was carried afterwards to Aberdene and entombed in his own Colledge before the high Altar They write that the day his Corps was brought forth to the burial the pastoral staffe which was all of silver and carried by Alexander Lawder a Jurist broak in two pieces one part thereof falling in the grave where his body was to be laid and that a voice was heard to cry Tecum Gulielme mitra sepelienda with thee the mitre and glory thereof is buried 30. years he sate Bishop and ended his course being very old in the year 1514. 27. The Chanons assembling according to their custome to elect a Bishop in his place the Earl of Huntley a man of great power in the North came upon them unexpected desiring that Alexander Gordon his Cousen then Chanter of Murray might be chosen The Chanons not daring refuse did all give their consents In the mean time was one Iames Ogilvy presented thereto by the Duke of Albany and at Rome Robert Forman Dean of Glasgow took a provision thereof from Pope Leo the tenth yet both these did resigne their titles afterwards at the Duke of Albany his perswasion Ogilvy having received in recompence the Abbacy of Driburgh and Forman yielding at the desire of Andrew Forman his brother then Archbishop of S. Andrews upon promise of the next place that should fall void Thus after some moneths delay Gordon was received and consecrated Bishop but he enjoyed the place a short time and was buried in the Cathedral Church of Aberdene 28. Gawan Dumbar Archdeacon of S. Andrews and Master of the Rolls a man of many excellent parts was after him elected Bishop he set himself to perfect all those works which Bishop Elphinston had begun and were not as yet finished especially the building of the Bridge upon Dey with the houses that he had appointed for the several professions of Sciences in the Colledge The Executors of Bishop Elphinston he called to an accompt and made them render the monies left by him in legacy adding thereto his own liberality wherewith he accomplished all these works He founded likewise an hospital for twelve poor men and a Preceptor to attend them and all the time he lived Bishop which was 13. years whatsoever profit or commodity he made by the Church he bestowed wholly upon the poor and such publick works without applying a farthing either to his own use or the enriching of any of his kinsmen He departed this life at S. Andrewes the ninth of March 1531. 29. To him succeeded William Stewart son to the Laird of Minto a man given to vertue charitable to the poor and ready to every good work he built the Consistory house in old Aberdene enlarged the territory of the Colledge and bestowed upon it a part of the rent it now possesseth he built likewise the Library with two schooles and founded therein four Chaplains the office of the Chancellary in the State conferred upon him by the King he discharged with good credit and dying at Aberdene in the moneth of April in the year 1545. was buried in the Cathedral Church 30. William Gordon sonne to the Earl of Huntley succeeded in the place This man brought up in letters at Aberdene followed his studies a long time in Paris and returning thence was first Parson of Clat and afterwards promoved to the See some hopes he gave at first of a vertuous man but afterwards turned a very Epicure spending all his time in drinking and whoring he dilapidated the whole rents by fewing the lands and converting the victual duties in money a great part whereof he wasted upon his base children and the whores their mothers a man not worthy to be placed in this Catalogue he died in the year 1577. The Bishops of MURRAY This Bishoprick was founded by King Malcolme the third a worthy and religious King but who were the first Bishops in this See I finde not The first that is named is one William who did consecrate Arnold Bishop of S. Andrews about the year 1160. 2. To him succeeded Simon a Monk of the Abbey of Melrose elected Bishop in the time of William King of Scots who governed the See 13. years he died in the year of our Lord 1184. and was buried at Birnay 3. Richard a Chaplain of King William sate Bishop 19. years and was buried in Spinie where he died 4. Bricius Prior of Lesmahagow succeeded him he continued Bishop 24. years and was the first that founded the Colledge of Chanons he died in the year of our Lord 1227. and was buried with his predecessor 5. After him Andrew Dean of Murray was consecrated Bishop he founded the Cathedral Church of Elgin and added ten Chanons more to the Colledge he died in the year 1274 and was buried in the Quire of the Church which he had founded towards the South 6. Simon Dean of the same Church was preferred next unto this See and lived Bishop 9. years only he was buried in the Quire of Elgin 7. Archebald Dean of Murray was after his death made Bishop and sate 47. years he built the Palace of Kinneddore and departed this life in the year 1303. at Elgin where his corps was also interred 8. David Murray after his death elected was consecrated at Avignion by Pope Boniface the eighth he lived Bishop 27. years and died in Ianuary 1330. 9. Iohn Pilmore who then stood elected to the Bishoprick of Rosse was by the provision of Pope Iohn the 22. consecrated Bishop of Murray he continued Bishop 27. years and departed this life in the Castle of Spinie 10 Alexander Barre Licenciator in the lawes succeeded he was consecrated by Pope Urban the fifth and died in the Castle of Spinie the fifteenth of May 1397. 11. William Spinie Chanter of Murray and Doctor of the Canon law was after his death consecrated Bishop by Pope Benedict the thirteenth and lived Bishop nine years onely he died in the Chanory of Elgin the second of August 1406. and was buried in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 12. Iohn Innes Parson of Duffus and Batchelor both in the Canon and Civil law sate after him seven yeares and died in the Chanory the fifteenth of April 1414. 13. Henry Lichton Parson of Duffus a Doctor in both Lawes after he had sate Bishop in this See 10. years was translated to Aberdene 14. Columba Dumbar succeeding lived Bishop ten yeares and departing this life in the Castle of Spinie was buried in the Isle of S. Thomas the Martyr 15. After him Iohn Winchester Chaplain to King Iames the second was preferred to the See a man of good parts he continued Bishop 13. years and was buried in S. Mary Isle within the Cathedral Church 16. Iames Stewart Dean of Murray sate two years Bishop 17. To him succeeded David Stewart his brother Parson of Spinie who governed the See 14. years and was buried in S.
Peter and S. Pauls Isle upon the South of the Cathedral Church 18. After his death William Tulloch Bishop of Orkney was translated to Murray and lived five years onely after his consecration 19. Andrew Stewart Dean of Murray succeeded he sate Bishop 19. years and was buried in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 20. Andrew Forman sate after him Bishop 15. years and was then translated to S. Andrews 21. Next after him Iames Hepburn governed the See 9. years and was buried in our Lady Isle nigh unto the Tombe of Alexander the first Earle of Huntley 22. Robert Shaw Abbot of Paisley a man of great vertue and exceedingly beloved was next made Bishop but he lived not above two years in the place 23. Alexander Stewart Brother german to the Duke of Albany sate after him seven years and was buried in the Monastery of Scone 24. To him succeded Patrick Hepburn who was commendatory of Scone in his time the reformation of Religion was made he lived Bishop 36. years and died in the Castle of Spinie the 20. of Iune 1573. The Bishops of BRICHEN In this See since it was founded by King David which was about the year 1140. there have been many worthy Bishops yet most of them are buried in oblivion these few that follow I have gathered out of old Records 1. Urwardus or Edwardus lived about the year 1260. a Monk at first at Couper in Angus a man very zealous in his calling for it is testified of him that he went on foot through the whole kingdom with one Eustathius Abbot of Aberbrothock preaching the Gospel wheresoever he came 2. Albinus after him was Bishop some few years 3. VVilliam Dean of Brichen elected successor died at Rome in the year 1275. whilest he was attending to have his election confirmed 4. The fourth Bishop I find mentioned is one Iohn who governed the See in the year of God 1318. and got a new confirmation from King David Bruce of all the lands possessions and priviledges injoyed by his predecessors in former times because of their rights lost in the time of the last warre This confirmation is dated in the year 1359. 5. To him succeeded Adam Chancellor of the Kingdom but it seemed he sate few years 6. Then Patrick who was his successor both in the Bishoprick and in the office of Chancellary in the year 1372. 7. Steven in the year 1384. 8. Walter surnamed Forrester in the year 1413. 9. Iohn who was likewise Chancellor Anno 1434. In his time was the Church of Cortoguhy annexed to the Bishoprick by Walter Pallatine of Strathern Earl of Atholl Lord Brichen and Cortoguhy 10. George Shoreswood succeeded him in both charges anno 1483. In his time was the Church of Funeven made one of the Chapter 11. Another called Iohn was made Bishop in the year 1483. 12. William Meldrum succeeded in the year 1500. 13. And after his death Iohn Hepburn Anno 1552. 14. To him succeeded ... Sinclare Dean of Restalrig a little before the Reformation The Bishops of DUMBLANE The See of Dumblane was founded likewise by King David 1. Ionathus was the first Bishop he died in the year 1200. or thereabout and was buried at Inchaffray 2. Simon who succeeded him lived not a year 3. Abraham Chaplain to Gilbert Earl of Stratherne was consecrated in the year 1210. This was the Earl who gave a third part of his lands to the See of Dumblane and another third part to the Abbey of Inchaffray 4. William called Gulielmus de Bosco was next preferred to the See and shortly after created Chancellor 5. Osbert Abbot of Cambuskenneth succeeded he died in the year 1231. 6. The sixth Bishop was Clemens a Frier of the Dominican Order consecrated in the Stewe Church of Weddal in the year 1233. This man was an excellent Preacher learned above many of that time and of singular integrity of conversation he gave divers lands and rents to the Church of Culross and restored the Cathedral Church of Dumblane which was decayed Leander Bononiensis in his third book De viris illustribus Praedicatorum remembreth him with a special commendation The like doth Philippus Wolphius in his third book De vitis peritorum virorum He died in the year 1256. 7 Robert was after him elected This is he who was sent with Richard Bishop of Dunkeld by the rest of the Prelates in the year 1268. to protest against the proceedings of Ottobon the Popes Legate for the contribution imposed by him upon the Scottish Clergy towards the charge of the holy warre 8. Alpin after him governed the See some few years 9. Then one Nicolaus was made Bishop he gave the halfe of the Church of Strowan to the Abby of Inchaffray 10. After him succeeded Maurice Abbot of Inchaffray a Prelate of great spirit who gave great encouragement to his countreymen in that famous battel of Bonnockburn and was therefore chosen by King Robert Bruce to be his Confessor after that battel the See falling void he was preferred to the same 11. One William succeeded to him 12. Then Walter Cambuslang in the year 1363. 13. And after him was Finlaw commonly called Dermoch who built the bridge of Dumblane and died in the year 1419. 14. William Stephen one of the first Professors in the University of S. Andrews was after him preferred 15. Upon his death Michael Ochiltrie succeeded a wealthy Prelate and well esteemed he purchased to his See a great part of the forfeited lands of Stratherne adorned the Cathedral Church with many rich ornaments built the bridge of Knaig at Machant with the Church of Muthill and did in his time divers other good works 16. After him succeeded Robert Lawder who founded divers Prebendaries and Chanonries in the Church of Dumblane 17. Iohn Hepburn succeeded in the year 1471. This Bishop had a long contention with the Abbot of Inchaffray for certain Churches claimed by the Abbot but the matter was afterwards pacified He died in the year 1508. and was buried in the Quire of the Cathedral Church 18. Iames Chisholme obtained the Bishoprick after his death by the Popes provision and carried himself in his charge very commendably a severe censour he was of the corrupt manners of the Clergy and recovered many lands and possessions which were sacrilegiously taken from the Church before his time He died in the year 1534. 19. To whom succeeded William Chisholme his brother a wicked and vicious man who for hatred he bare to true religion made away all the lands of the Bishoprick and utterly spoyled the benefice The Bishops of Ross. 1. This See was also one of King Davids foundations the first Bishop I find was one Gregorins 2. Reynaldus a member of Melross who died in the year 1213. 3. Andrew Murray was chosen in his place but he shortly after resigned the same to 4. Robert Chaplain to Alexander the second 5. After him one Matthew was elected and consecrated by Pope Gregory the tenth at
Viterbium in the year 1274. Then succeed these in order 6. Thomas Dundie 7. Roger. 8. Alexander 9. Thomas Urwhart 10. Alexander Kilbuines 11. VVilliam Bullock 12. Thomas Tullich 13. Henry Cokborne 14. Iames Woodman 15. Thomas Hay 16. Iohn Guthrye 17. Iohn Fraser 18. Robert Cokburn 19. William Elphinstone who was afterwards Bishop of Aberdene 20. Iames Hay 21. Robert Carncrosse Abbot of Halirudhouse a man of great wealth and preferred by King Iames the fifth to this See about the 1534. year and lived ten years Bishop 22. David Panter Secretary to the Governour was after his death elected in the year 1544. and immediately after imployed in a legation to France where he remained seven years At his return he was solemnly consecrated the Governour and many of the Nobility being present He was a man learned and of great experience in publick affaires and died about the year 1550. 23. To him succeeded Henry Sinclar Dean of Glasgow and Vice-president in the Colledge of Justice a man of singular wisdom and learning especially in the lawes which place he discharged with good credit By his advice many things were bettered in the form of Justice and divers abuses in the formes of processe amended his death fell out shortly after the Reformation and in his place Mr. Iohn Lesley of whom we shall have often occasion to speak was preferred The Bishops of CATHNES 1. This Bishoprick was founded by Malcolme the third about the yeare 1066. who preferred thereto one Darrus whom he favoured greatly This man lived long and in a good reputation and after his death was honoured for a Saint 2. There succeeded to him one Andrew of whom Roger Hoveden makes mention saying that he came into England with VVilliam King of Scots in the year 1176. and shortly after his return home departed this life 3. To him succeeded Iohn the Bishop that Harold the Earl of Orkney and Cathnes used most cruelly cutting forth his tongue and pulling out his eyes which King VVilliam in whose reign it happened punished exemplarly for he caused the Earl his eyes first to be pulled out then made him to be executed by the hands of the hangman and all his male children to be gelded to extinguish their succession 4. Adam another Bishop whether his immediate successour or not I cannot say was no lesse barbarously used for in the year 1222. or much thereabout some wicked people suborned by the Earl of Cathnes assailed him being private at home and killing his chamber boy with a Monk of Melross that did ordinarily attend him for he had been Abbot of that Monastery drew him by force into his kitchen and when they had scourged him with rods set the kitchen on fire and burnt him therein King Alexander the second was at that time upon his journey towards England and upon notice of this cruel fact turned back and went in haste to Cathnes where he put the offenders and their partakers to trial 400. by publick sentence were executed and all their male children gelded that no succession should spring from so wicked a seed The place where their stones were cast in a heap together is to this day known by the name of the Stony hill The Earl for withholding his help and because he did not rescue the Bishop was forfeited And howbeit after some little time he found means to be restored yet did he not escape the judgement of God being murthered by some of his own servants who conspired to kill him and to conceal the fact set the house on fire and burnt his body therein so was he paid home in the same measure he had used the Bishop 5. To this Adam succeeded Gilbert the Chanon surnamed Murray and sonne to the Lord of Duffus who was in great esteem for the bold and couragious answer he made to the Popes Legate at Northampton he built the Cathedral Church of Cathnes upon his own charges and lived to see the same finished and shortly after the dedication died at Scravister in the year 1245. the posteri gave him the reputation of a Saint 6. VVilliam who succeeded followed his steps and did much good in his time he died in the year 1261. 7. Then VValter Doctor in the Canon law who lived ten years and ended his dayes in the year 1271. 8. Archibald a man much commended for his meek and tractable disposition succeeding died in the year 1288. 9. Andrew a man skilled in the lawes was preferred after his death and lived Bishop 13. years 10. Ferquhard succeeded to him this Bishop was a strong defender of the liberties of the Church and died in the year 1328. 11. David that followed lived 20. years Bishop and departed this life an 1348. 12. Thomas Fingask was next Bishop he died in the Chanonry of Elgin anno 1360. and lieth buried in S. Maries Isle in a Tombe erected by VVilliam Earl of Sutherland whom he left his Executor 13. To him succeeded Bishop Alexander who lived many years in that See and died in the year 1409. Then these in order 14. Malcolm a zealous and devout man who died anno 1421. 15. Robert Strackbock died anno 1440. 16. Iohn Innes Dean of Rosse in the year 1448. 17. VVilliam Mudie died anno 1460. 18. After whom one Prosper was elected but he resigned the place in favours of Iohn Sinclar sonne to the Earle of Cathnes who was never consecrated and so the See remained void the space of 24. years during which time Mr. Adam Gordon governed the affaires of that See After Sinclars death succeeded Andrew Stewart Commendatory of Kelso and Ferne he died in the year 1517. and was buried in the Cathedral Church of Cathnes Andrew Stewart son to the Earl of Athol was preferred after him and died in the year 1542. Then Robert Stewart brother to Matthew Earl of Lenox was made Bishop he was afterwards made Prior of S. Andrews and created Earl of March upon his resignation of the Earldome of Lenox to Duke Esme a man of noble disposition but much addicted to his servants whom he rewarded with dilapidation of the Church rents whereto he was provided he died at S. Andrews very old in the year 1586. The Bishops of ORKNEY The Islands of Orkney lying over against Cathnes have alwayes since they were made Christians been governed by Bishops but being possessed by the ... whilest that Kingdome stood and for a long time in the hands of the Norvegians from whom Alexander the third King of Scots recovered the same by composition The first Bishops and their successours are utterly unknown of the latter I have no intelligence nor in the records that remain is there any mention of them onely I read of four or five that sate in this See before the Reformation 1. One VVilliam that lived in the time of King Robert the third 2. VVilliam Tullock who was translated to Murray in the reign of King Iames the third 3. To whom succeeded one Andrew 4. After Andrew
Edward 5. And after Edward Robert Reid a man of excellent wit and great experience employed in divers legations and selected amongst others by the Estates to assist the marriage of Queen Mary with the Daulphin of France he died in his return at Deep much regretted for he was a man of great integrity and careful in the administration of Justice The Bishops of GLASGOW This City at first was made famous by Kentigern commonly called Saint Mungho who is esteemed the first Bishop thereof I spake of him before and shewed how he was begotten by Eugenius the third upon Thametis daughter to the King of Picts his mother finding her self with childe out of shame and fear of her fathers wrath stole privately away and entring into a little vessel that she found at the nearest coast was by the winde and waves cast on land where the town of Culross is now situated there was delivered of her birth and leaving the childe with a nurse returned home his Parents being unknown he was brought to Servanus and baptized and bred up by him yet it â—â—ems by the hymne they did ordinarily sing in the Festivals that his Father came afterwards to be known for thus it beginnes ... They report of him that a Lady of good place in the countrey having lost a ring which her husband gave her as she crossed the river of Cluyd and her husband waxing jealous as if she had bestowed the same upon one of her lovers she did mean her self unto him intreating his help for the safety of her honour and that he going to the river after he had used his devotion willed one who was making to fish to bring him the first that he caught which was done in the mouth of that fish he found the ring and sending it to the Lady she was thereby freed of her husbands suspicion The credit of this I believe upon the reporters but howsoever it be the See and City do both of them wear in their Armes a fish with a ring in the mouth even to this day He was certainly a man of rare piety and to the poor exceeding bountiful lived to a great age beyond the ordinary course of men as in the conclusion of the hymne is said Cum octogenos centum quoque quinque vir annos Complerat sanctus est Glasgow funere functus After his death for many ages the See was in a manner desolate unto the reign of Malcolm the third who restored the same to some integrity The first Bishop I find named after the restitution was 1. Iohn Achaian who took great paines in building the Cathedral and having brought it to a reasonable perfection did dedicate the same in the year 1137. King David being there in person and bestowing upon the See the lands of Patrick which the Bishops do yet enjoy It was in his time that Thurstan Archbishop of York encroaching upon his jurisdiction which at that time comprehended the countrey of Cumberland placed a new Bishop at Carlisle by the instigation of Henry King of England This the Bishop took so heavily as when he perceived his complaints not much regarded he forsook his charge and went into France inclosing himself in the Monastery of Tours where he abode untill the Pope at the request of King Malcolm the fourth compelled him to return after which time he lived not long for he died at Glasgow in the year 1146. the twenty eighth of May. 2. To him succeeded another called Iohn who was greatly favoured by King Alexander the first and did counsel Eadmerus because of the Kings dislike to leave S. Andrews and return unto England 3. Herbert was his successour and in his time the controversie with York was great for the superiority claimed by one Roger Archbishop of York over the Bishops of Scotland This contention drew Angelramus Archdeacon of Glasgow and Chancellour of the Kingdom for the time to travel unto Rome as was touched before and Herbert dying whilest he was there 4. Angelramus by an uniform consent of the Clergy and Laity was elected in his place and upon notice given of the election consecrated by Pope Alexander at Rome from whom he obtained an exemption to the Church of Scotland from the jurisdiction of the English and all others the Apostolick See only excepted Shortly after his return he died 5. Iocelin Abbot of Melrosse was his successour in his time the City of Glasgow was erected into a Burgh Royal he died at Melrosse and was interred in that Monastery 6. Eugenius was chosen after his death but how long he lived I read not 7. Hugo Chancellour of the Kingdome succeeded and lived but a few years 8. After him VVilliam Malvoisin a French man was elected and consecrated in France by the Popes direction he was afterward translated to S. Andrews and preferred to the office of Chancellary 9. Florentius sonne to the Count of Holland was assumed in his place and shortly after upon licence obtained of the Pope he resigned the office and died at Rome in the year 1207. 10. And then VValter Chaplain to King William was consecrated Bishop he lived in the place 27. yeares 11. VVilliam Babington Chancellor of the Kingdom was after his death elected Bishop In his time as Boeth writeth the fabrick of the Church of Glasgow was fully accomplished his words are Absolutum est ea tempestate templum Cathedrale Glasguense sedes profectò magnifica cujus haud exiguam partem Gulielmus ibidem Episcopus liberalitate sua extruxerat nec diu operi perfecto superfuit He died the 25. of Ianuary 1261. 12. The Chanons meeting to choose a successor condescended upon Nicole Moffet Archdeacon of Teviot-dale yet shortly after forthinking their election they procured the same to be cassed at Rome whither he was gone to obtain Confirmation Thereupon Iohn de Chyan an English man was by the Pope provided to the See whom King Alexander the third admitted with great difficulty This man is said to have been learned but very troublesome to the Chanons upon whom he laid grievous impositions The discord betwixt him and them waxing hot he left the countrey and going to France died there in the year 1268. 13. Nicole Moffet Archdeacon of Teviot-dale was upon his death provided to the See notwithstanding the opposition of the Chanons but he lived a short time and died at Tannigham of the Apoplexie He was no lesse hated of his Clergy whom he is said to vex with many injuries 14. William Wishart Archdeacon of S. Andrews and Chancellor of the Kingdome was chosen of the Chanons in the year 1270. but S. Andrews falling void by the death of Gamelinus before his consecration he was postulated thereto and so returned to S. Andrews 15. Robert Wishart Archdeacon of Lothian and Cousen to the said VVilliam was upon his change by the Kings recommendation admitted to the place This is he who made that reply to King Edward in the consultation held at Norham for the right of the
betwixt the Queen of Scots and the French King and a year after should employ her best means for and in their defence 2. That her Majesty should send with all convenient diligence into Scotland a sufficient aid of men of warre horse and foot with artillery munition and other instruments of warre as well by sea as by land to joyn with the forces of Scotland for the expelling the French forces presently within that Realm and stopping so farre as may be all others to enter therein in time coming 3. That her Majesty should continue her aid to the Nobility and subjects of Scotland untill such time as the French enemies to the said Realm should be utterly expelled thence and should transact agree nor conclude any league with the French except the Scots and French should be also agreed and the Realm of Scotland left in freedom neither should she leave the maintenance of the said Nobility and other subjects whereby they might fall as a prey into their enemies hands so long as they did acknowledge their Soveraign Lady and Queen and should endevour themselves to maintain their own liberty and the estate of the Crown of Scotland 4. If in case any Forts or Strengths within the Realm shall be recovered out of the hands of the French by her Majesties aid the same shoudl be immediately demolished or delivered to the Duke of Chattellerault and his partakers at their election neither should the power of England fortifie within the ground of Scotland but by the advice of the said Duke Nobility and Estates of Scotland 5. That the said Duke and Nobility as well such as be already joyned as such as hereafter shall joyn with him for defence of the liberty of the Realm should to the uttermost of their power aid and support her Majesties Army against the French and their assisters with horse and foot and all manner of other aid they possibly can make and shall provide victuals to the Army by land and sea and continue so doing during the time her Majesties Army shall remain in Scotland 6. That they should be enemies to all such Scottish men and French as shall in any wayes shew themselves enemies to the Realm of England for the aiding and supporting of the said Duke and Nobility and should never assent nor permit the Realm of Scotland to be conquered or otherwise united to the Crown of France then it is at the present only by the marriage of the Queen their Soveraing to the French King and as the Lawes and liberties of the Realm do allow 7. That if it should happen the French men at any time thereafter to invade or cause the Realm of England to be invaded they should furnish the number of 1000 horsemen and 2000. footmen at the least or such part of either of them as should be required at the charge of the Queen of England and should conduct the same to any part of the Realm of England that should be appointed upon the charges alwayes of the Queen of England And in case the invasion should be made on the North part of England either upon the North of the water of Tyne towards Scotland or against Berwick on the North side of the water of Twede they should convene and gather their whole forces upon their own charges and should joyn with the English power and continue in an earnest pursuit of the quarrel of England during the space of 30. dayes or so much longer as they are accustomed to abide in the fields for defence of Scotland 8. That the Earl of Argyle Lord Justice of Scotland being presently joyned with the said Duke should employ his force and good will when he should be required by the Queen of England for reducing the North parts of Ireland to her obedience conform to a mutual contract which should be made betwixt her Majesties Deputy of Ireland for the time and the said Earl wherein should be expressed what each of them should do for support of others in case either of them had businesse with Macc-o-neale or any other of the Isles of Scotland or Realm of Ireland 9. That the Scots for performance and sure keeping of their part of this contract should deliver such pledges to the Duke of Norfolk before the entrie of her Majesties Army in Scottish ground as the said Duke did presently name who should remain in England for the space of six moneths and be exchanged by deliverance of new hostages for six moneths to six moneths or four moneths to four moneths at the pleasure of Scotland the pledges alwayes being of the like or as good condition as the former and the lawful sonnes brethren or heirs of some of the Earls or Barons of the Parliament and the time of the continuance of the said hostages should be during the marriage of the Queen of Scots to the French King and a year after the dissolution of the same till further order may be had betwixt both the Realms for peace and concord 10. That the Duke and Nobility joyned with him being Earles and Barons of Parliament should subscrive and â—eale these Articles within the space of twenty or thirty dayes at the furthest after the delivering of the said hostages and should procure and perswade all others of the Nobility that should joyn themselves thereafter with the said Duke for the cause above specified to subscrive and seal the same Articles within the space of twenty dayes after their conjunction upon requisition made by them of England 11. That the said Duke and Nobility joyned with him certainly understanding that the Queens Majesty of England was moved to grant the present support only upon respect of Princely honour and neighbourhood for defence of the freedom of Scotland from conquest and not of any sinister intent did by these presents testifie and declare that neither they nor any of them do mean by this contract to withdraw their due obedience from their Soveraign Lady the Queen or yet to withstand the French King her husband in any lawful thing which tendeth not to the subversion of the just and ancient liberties of Scotland for the preservation whereof they acknowledge themselves bound to spend their goods lands and lives This contract of the date at Berwick the 27. of February 1559. was confirmed by the Queen of England and a Patent thereof delivered under the great Seal of England to the Duke and Nobility the Lords of Scotland did in like manner ratifie the same by their subscriptions at the Camp before Leth the tenth of May following How soon the French heard that the Lords were removed from Dysert they marched forward according to their first purpose towards S. Andrews and kept the Coast partly because of the ships which carried their victuals partly by reason of a great snow which then was fallen and made the nearest wayes unpassable After that they had crossed the water of Leven and were come unto Kincraige they espied a fleet of ships bearing up
the Queen their Kings mother Therefore willed him and his associates to consider what hurt and danger they should draw upon themselves by accusing her in such a publick form not onely with those of her own Nation that loved the Queen but also with other Christian Princes especially with her cousins in France and what could they answer unto the King when he being of ripe years should esteem that manner of doing dishonorable to himself his mother and whole Kingdom They notwithstanding went on and presented their answer conceived in the terms following The King Henry father to their soveraign Lord the King now reigning being horribly murthered in his bed Iames sometimes Earl of Bothwell who was known to be the chief Author thereof entered in such credit with the Queen then their Soveraign as within two moneths after the murther committed he openly attempted a rape of her person and carried her to Dumbar Castle where he did keep her as captive a certain space causing a divorce to be led betwixt him and his lawfull wife and upon the conclusion thereof did suddenly accomplish a pretended marriage with the Queea which insolent proceedings together with the shamefull report that passed in all Nations of the Kings murther as if the whole Nobility had been alike culpable thereof so moved the hearts of a good number of them as they thought nothing could be performed more honourable to themselves in the sight of all the world then by punishing the said Earl who had committed the murther to free themselves of the vile reports spread every where to set the Queen at liberty from the bondage of that traitour who had so presumptuously interprised the rape and marriage of her whose lawfull husband he could not be and to preserve the innocent person of the King from the hands of him that had murthered his father For which purpose they taking arms when the said Earl came against them with forces leading in his company the Queen to defend his wickednesse they offered for sparing the blood of innocent men to decide the quarrell in a single combate whereof himself by Cartell and Proclamation and sundry times made offer But after many shifts he in end directly refused the same and the Queen prefering his impunity to her own honour that he might have leasure to escape came willingly to the Noblemen that were in Arms and conferred with them a certain space after which they conveyed her to Edinburgh informing her of the true causes that moved them to that form of dealing did humbly intreat her Majesty to suffer the said Earl and others the King her husbands murtherers to be punished according to the laws and the ptetended marriage wherein she was rashly entered to be dissolved as well for her own honour as for the safety of her son and quietnesse of the Realm and Subjects But having received no other answer but rigerous threats against the Noblemen and she avouching to be revenged upon all those that had shown themselves in that cause they were driven by necessity to sequestrate her person for a season from the company of Bothwell and the keeping of any intelligence with him untill punishment might be taken of him as murtherer of the King her husband In the mean time she finding her self wearied with the troubles of government and perceiving by things that had passed before that time betwixt her and the people that neither could she well allow of their doings nor they like of her forms upon these and other consirations she voluntarily resigned her Kingdome and transferred the same unto her son appointing the Earl of Murray who was at that time absent forth of the Realme to be Regent during her sonnes minority and in case of the said Earles decease or not acceptance of the said Office divers other Noblemen whose names are expressed in the Commissions signed by her self and sealed with the seals of the Kingdom The King hereupon being duely rightly and orderly crowned and anointed and the Earl of Murray after his return lawfully placed and admitted Regent all those things were ratified and confirmed by the three Estates of Parliament most of these that had withdrawn themselves from his authority being present and giving their consent to the same Notthelesfe when as matters were thus established and the Kings authority univerâ—ally obeyed without contradiction certain persons envying the publick quietnesse had by their subtile practices first brought the Queen out of Lochlevin and afterwards by open force against their promised fidelity gone about to subvert the government received wherein as they were proceeding it pleased God to disappoint their interprise and give unto the King and those who stood for his authority a notable victory unpon the 13. day of May last Wherefore their desire was that the King and the Regent might peaceably rule and govern the subjects according to the authority they had received of God and that the same might be conserved and established against the factions of turbulent subjects The Commissioners of the Queen of Scots having seen this answer made a long and particular reply to all the points thereof wherein adhering to their former protestation first they said That the pretext of taking arms against the Queen because Bothwell the authour of her husbands murther was in such favour with her could not warrant their rebellion fith it never was made known to the Queen that he was the murtherer But to the contrary Bothwell being indited and orderly summoned to underly the triall of Law he was by the judgement of his Peers absolved and the same absolution ratified by the authority of Parliament where the principalls that now accuse him and had withdrawn themselves from her Majesties obedience were present and not onely consented to his purgation but solicited the Queen to take him to her husband as the man most worthy to bear rule of any other in all the Realm giving their bonds to defend him against all that should pursue him for the said crime as their subscriptions would testifie And so neither before the marriage with Bothwell nor after did they or any of them which had been the dutie of true subjects so much as in words utter their dislike of it or advertise her Majesty of the suspicions that were taken of him untill they had drawn the keeper of the Castle of Edinburgh and the Provost of the town to their faction Then secretly putting themselves in arms they suddenly under silence of night invironed the Castle of Borthwick where her Majesty remained and after she had escaped to Dumbar levied an army under pretence to defend the Queen wherewith invading her person in the way berwixt Dumbar and Edinburgh they did take her Majesty captive And where they alledge that her Majesty preferring the impunity of Bothwell to her own honour made him to be conveighed safely away The same was most untrue for they themselves sent the Laird of Grange to her Majesty desiring her to cause Bothwell
that is laid upon us to purge our selves that drawes us unto it For if our adversaries would rested content with our former answer which they know to be true no further would we needed But against our hearts in defence of our just cause they compelled us to utter the things which we wish were buried in perpetuall oblivion So if our doing seem hatefull to any let these bear the blame who force us to answer which they know we may and in the end must give One thing onely we desire that they who have brought us to this necessitie may be present and hear what is said that if we speak any untruth they may refute the same for even in point of greatest moment we will use their own testimonie This being communicated with the Agents of the Scottish Queen they answered That they did not force them to any accusations and if they did utter untruths or calumniate the Queen in any sort they would not patiently hear it That all their desires were to have their Queen restored to her Kingdome from which by force of armes she was expulsed or if it should please the Queen of England to hear any more of that matter they requested that the Queen of Scots might be sent for and permitted to speak for her self Mean while by a new Patent there were joyned to the other Commissioners Bacon keeper of the great Seal the Earls of Arundell and Leicester with the Lord Admirall and Sir William Cecill and a time assigned to the Regent for producing the reasons for the Queens rejecting When the day was come he presented the confessions of some that were executed for the Kings murther the Statutes of Parliament ratifying her resignation of the Crown and her sons Coronation subscribed by divers of her own party certain amatory verses and epistles written to Bothwell as they said with her own hand three severall contracts of marriage betwixt her and Bothwell with a number of presumptuous likelyhoods and conjectures to make it appear that she was privy to the murther Bothwell had committed The Queen of England having seen and perused all these stood doubtfull what to do for albeit she was content to have some blot rubbed upon the Queen of Stots as many supposed yet the pity of her misfortune made her sometimes to think of composing matters betwixt her and her subjects The terms besides wherein she stood with the French King who was dayly by his Ambassadours soliciting the Queen of Scots liberty made her uncertain what course to take for if she should simply deny his request it would be esteemed a breach of friendship and to yield to his desire she thought it scarce safe for her own estate Therefore keeping a middle course she resolved to suspend her Declaration unto another time and willed the Regent seeing he could make no longer stay to leave some of his company to answer the criminations which possibly his adversaries would charge him with after he was gone But he replying said That he was not so desirous to return home but he would willingly stay to hear what they could alledge against him Nor was he ignorant of the rumours they had dispresed and what they had spoken to some of the Councell and to the French Ambassadour which were more convenient to be told whilest he was himself in place and might make answer then to bely and calumniate him in his absence wherefore he did humbly intreat her to cause them utter the things plainly that they muttered in secret Hereupon were the Queen of Scots Commissioners called and it being inquired Whether they had any thing to object against the Regent which might argue his guiltiness of the Kings murther they answered That when the Queen their Mistress should bid them accuse they would do it but for the present they had nothing to say The Regent replied That if the Queen or any other would accuse him he should ever be ready to give an account of his actions and neither decline place nor time but in the mean while till she should intend her accusation it was reason they should declare if they themselves had any thing to lay unto his charge After divers subterfuges in end they professed that they knew nothing which might make him or any of his associates suspected of the murther The Regent now at the point to depart a new let was made by the Duke of Chattellerault who coming from France by England drew himself into a contestation for the government pleading that the same did belong to him as being the nearest of bloud and lawfull heir of the Crown next after the Queen of Scots and her succession This he said was the Law and practice of all Nations and a custome perpetually observed in Scotland for proof whereof he alledged the Regency of Robert Steâ—art uncle to King Iames the first with that of his son Duke Murdack after the fathers death the government of Iohn Duke of Albany in the minority of King Iames the fifth and his own Regency in the nonage of the present Queen Contrary to which custom a few Rebels as he complained had most injuriously to his disgrace and which was most unsufferable to the contempt of the lawfull blood preferred one base born unto the supreme dignitie which honour if it should be restored to him the Civill troubles he said would cease and the Queen without any tumult be ressored to her content Whereupon he requested the Queen of Englands favour and that by her authority the Earl of Murray might be caused cease from his usurped Government To this in behalf of the Regent it was replied That the Dukes Petition was most injust and contrary to the custome and Lawes of the Countrey which provided that at such times as the Crown should fall in the hands of Minors one or more of the most sage and powerfull in the Estates should be elected for the administration of affairs unto the Kings ripe age This course they said the Scots had constantly kept the last six hundreth years and thereby secured the Kingdome and transmitted the same free and safe to their posterity As for instance after the death of King Robert Bruce Thomas Randolph Earl of Murray was elected Governour upon his death Duncan Earl of Marre after him Andrew Murray and then Robert Stewart who were all chosen Regents one after another In the minority of King Iames the second Sir Alexander Levingston was elected a man neither of bloud of the King nor a Nobleman of degree but for his worth and wisedome preferred In like sort King Iames the Third had four Tutours appointed to him by the Estates none of them for any respect of propinquity And for the examples adduced of Duke Murdack and Iohn Duke of Albany they made nothing to the purpose The last of the two in the minority of King Iames the fifth being called to the government by the Nobility and confirmed therein by the Estates
reformers were not enemies to degrees either in Schools or in Church But to return to the State by the travels of the Superintendents matters for that time were transacted betwixt the Regent and the Duke in this manner That the Duke should come to Glasgow and submit himself to the Kings authority That he and his friends should be restored to their honours and possessions That he should give surety for his and their continuing in the Kings obedience and that the rest who were joyned with him in that cause should be all accepted upon the same conditions This transaction not contenting the Earls of Argile and Huntley they refused to be comprised under it either thinking to obtain better or more easie conditions of the Regent or animated by the Queen of Scots letters who had then conceived some hopes of liberty The Duke hearing that they would not accept the conditions did forthink what he had done and at the day appointed for giving in his surety though he came himself to Edinburgh made divers shifts desiring that all matters might be continued to the tenth of May when the two Earls were expected and the Queens mind would be better known It was told him That the Earls were treating severally for themselves so as he needed not to wait on their coming And for the Queens approbaâ—ion being askt if she would deny it what in that case he would do more ingenuously then profitably for himself he answered that he was drawn against his will to make the promise he had made and that if he were freed of it he would never consent to the like Thereupon was he and the Lord Hereis who accompanied him and was thought had diverted him from his former resolution committed in the Castle of Edinburgh The Earls of Argile and Huntley who were at the same time making their own appointment had a day assigned them at S. Andrews whither Argile came first and with him the difficulty was not great because in the last tumults he had carried himself more moderately then others wherefore of him no more was craved but that he should swear obedience to the King and Authority in time coming as he did The busines with Huntley was greater for he during the Regents absence had usurped the Royal power placing Lieutenants in the countreys of Angus Mernis Strathern committed great spoils upon the subjects in those parts Therfore when as divers of the Councel did advise to put all things past in oblivion it was by others opposed That the example of such impunity would prove hurtful for when they that had continued in the Kings obedience and sustained losse in their goods should perceive the Rebels after a manner rewarded and no regard taken of their losses they would undoubtedly grudge and if troubles should afterwards arise be more slack to do service yea granting there were no such inconvenience to be feared yet neither the Regent nor yet the King himself could by law remit the robbing of another mans goods unless restitution was made of that which was spoiled And whereas some did object his greatnes and that his lying out might cause great unquietnes It was an idle fear for was not his Father a man of greater wealth and wisdom easily brought under foot when he set himself against the Authority And shall he who hath not as yet repaired the calamities of his house be able to withstand the forces of a whole Kingdom It is more foolish they say that he will seek to some for ain Prince and so endanger the countrey for 〈◊〉 shall be find Princes are not wont to make accompt of stranger further then may serve to their own commodity To accept him in favour they said was susficient albeit he gave satisfaction to the subjects whom he had wronged This opinion prevailing it was concluded that after trial of the complaints he should satisfy those that he had wronged at sight of the Councel But then arose another question Whether all that had assisted him in these last troubles should be comprised in his remission and power given him to compone with them for satisfying such as complained or that they should be severally called and every man fined as be should be tried to have offended They who thought the Earl too rigorously used in the point of satisfaction held that to be the smallest favour which could be done to him to remit his followers to himself But to the contrary it was answered That in civil warres nothing was so much to be looked unto as the weakening and dissolving of factions which is the most easily wrought when the Prince reserves to himself the power of pardon and punishment It was further said that a several examination was necessary because all had not offended alike and that no man was so unfit to take that trial as the Earl himself because in all probablity they should have most favour at his hand who had been most forward in his service and so the least guilty should bear the heaviest punishment Upon these considerations it was thought meet to convene his followers severally remitting his domesticks only to be used by him at his pleasure And thus was he received into grace which done the Regent made an expedition into the North where having kept Justice Courts at Aberden Elgin and Innerness he setled all those parts in peace and for observing the same took pledges of Huntley and the principal claim of the countrey In his return the Lord Boyd who was lately come from England did meet him at Elgin with letters from both the Queens and some others written by his private friends in the English Court The Queen of England in her letters made offer of three conditions in behalf of the Queen of Scots requiring one of the three to be accepted These were That she should either be absolutely restored to her Royal dignity or be associated in the government with her sonne and in all letters and publick acts honoured with the title of a Queen the administration of affaires continuing in the Regents hands till the King should be 17. years of age or if none of these could be granted that she might be permitted to return unto her countrey and live a private life having honourable means appointed for her entertainment The Queen of Scots desired that Iudges should be appointed for cognoscing the lawfulnes of her marriage with Bothwel and if the same was found contracted against the lawes it might be declared null and she made free to marry where she pleased From private friends especially by a letter of Sir Nicholas Throgmorton the Regent was advertised that the marriage of the Duke of Norfolk with the Queen of Scots was concluded and that they did wait only the opportunity of performance Wherefore he wished him to concurre with his best friends in that matter and to do it with such expedition and good affection as it might not appear either to
for he had warrant so to do and seeing them full of vain and idle brags for to shew the strength of the faction they had set down a Roll of all the Noblemen of their party inserting there in both some of their opposites and some that had carried themselves newters in all these broyls returned answer by the messenger that he would do as he was directed and not grant any truce nor keep the Army at their pleasure without imployment The time of the Convention approaching they who favoured the King his authority came in great numbers to Edinburgh At their first meeting it was thought convenient seeing the adverse party professed a desire of peace to make trial of their disposition and thereupon a Gentleman was sent with this message that if they would joyn for revenge of the murther of the Kings Father and Regent and would acknowledge the King for their Soveraign whatsoever else in reason they could crave should be granted unto them The answer was short and peremptory on their part That they acknowledge none for their Soveraign but the Queen and that she having committed the Government of affairs to the Earls of Arrane Argile and Huntley they would follow and obey them in her service Then they caused proclaim the Queens authority with the several Commissions of their Lieutenandries and in the Queens name indicted a Parliament to be kept at Linlithgow in August ensuing The Estates perceiving there would be no agreement gave forth a Proclamation to this effect First they said that it was not unknown to all the subjects in what a happy state the Realm stood under the government of the late Regent and what calamities it was fallen into by his death divers Lords and other subjects conspiring with them having presumed to erect another authority under the name of the Queen his Majesties mother But as such treasonable attempts had been often taken in hand and as often through Gods favour disappointed to the shame and ignominy of the enterprisers so they wished all men should understand what sort of people they were that had massed themselves together in the present conspiracy The Conspirators they ranked in three orders the principles they said were the authours of the cruel murthers of the King his father and Regent Others were manifestly purjured as having bound themselves by their oathes and subscriptions to defend the King his authority which now they impugned A third sort were such as had servile minos and without regard to conscience or honour did follow those to whom they had addicted themselves All which did pretend the maintenance of true Religion the liberty of the Countrie and the preservation of peace both abroad and at home But with what probability any man of judgement might consider for neither could he who was known to have been a persecutor of the truth and now carried the chief sway amongst them meaning the Archbishop of St. Andrews be thought a maintainer of Religion nor could they be esteemed favourers of their Country and the quietness thereof who without any just provocation had invaded the neighbour Realm of England and publickly entertained the Queens Rebells professing enemies to God and Religion As to the care they professed of the Kings preservation any man might conjecture how he should be preserved by them who exiled his Grandfather murthered his father did wickedly counsell his mother led her on courses that had brought her to shame and dishonour and now at last had unworthily cut off his Uncle and Regent by suborning a mischant to kill him treacherously It is like said they that they will be content to live subjects to a King discended of that house which they have so long a time persecuted and will they not fear if God shall bring him to perfection of years that he will be avenged of his fathers and uncles murther Neither can any be ignorant what the hope of a Kingdome will work in ambitious spirits especially when they finde themselves in a possibility to succeed unto the present possession And these are the men said they who seek to rule and command under the name of her whom they have undone by their wicked practices Of this they thought fit to advertise the subjects and to inhibit them from giving any assistance to the said conspirators under pain of death Such as of simplicity or ignorance had joyned with them they commanded to separate and return to their houses within the space of 24. houres promising in that case impunity and pardon for their by-past defection those onely excepted who were suspect of the foresaid murthers and had resset the Queen of Englands Rebells and violated the publick peace betwixt the two Realms This Proclamation was indited with much passion and matters now reduced to these termes that each side prepared to maintain their quarrell with the destruction of their adversaries The Queens faction dispatched Veraâ— to France to inform how matters went and to further the supply promised The Lord Seaton was sent to Flanders to intreat the Duke of Alva at that time Governour of the Neatherlands for the King of Spain for some aid of moneys and men and to impede the traffique of the Scottish rebells so they termed them that acknowledged the Kings authority in those parts For the point of traffick the Duke excused himself saying That he could not inhibit the same it being against the liberty of the Low-countreys but in other things he would do his best to further the Queen of Scots cause Like as shortly after he sent Mr. Iohn Hamilton Parson of Dumbar who lay Agent with him for the Scottish Queen to the Earl of Huntley with great store of Armor and gunpowder and the summe of ten thousand Crowns to levie Souldiers The Lord Seaton in the mean while who could not be idle wheresoever he was and had a great desire to approve himself by some service to the King of Spain dissembling his habit went into the United Provinces and dealt with Scottish Captains and Under officers to make them leave the service of the Estates and follow the King of Spain which being detected he was apprehended and by sentence of the Councell of Warre condemned to ride the Canon yet by some help he escaped and fled to the Duke of Alva who sent him home loaden with promises and rewarded with some little present for himselfe because of his good affection The Lords on the other side who stood for the Kings authority sent to the Earl of Sussex intreating the assistance of his forces or some part thereof because of the common danger and to move him the more they advertised that the Earl of Westmerland and other English Rebels were with the Lords convened at Linlithgow in Armes with intention as it seemed to work some mischief which had need for the good of both Realms to be prevented which they doubted not so the letters bear having his assistance to
and then rendered at discretion Cap. Cowts with 30. of his souldiers were executed because they had once served and made defection The rest were pardoned upon surety not to carry arms against the present authority This expedition ended the Regent returned to Edinburgh In the the Moneth of August by letters from Denmark it was advertised that Colonel Iohn Clerk who had served the King there in his warres with Sweden was imprisoned by the suggestion of some countreymen that laboured for Bothwels liberty Whereupon Mr. Thomas Buchannan brother to Mr. George Buchannan the Kings Tutor was sent in Ambassage to Denmark to require that Bothwel might be delivered and sent into Scotland to the effect justice might be done upon him or then that he might be judged there for the detestable murther committed upon the person of the Kings father and receive his due punishment This had before that time been often desired but was delayed by divers occasions and now the report of Bothwels greater liberty and that he had been permitted to accuse colonel Clerk a Gentleman well esteemed of good reputation for his service done both at home and in parts abroad the Regent and Councel took occasion to put that King in remembrance of their former requests and if any doubt was made in those parts of Bothwels guiltiness they offered to clear the same by evident probation thereupon intreated him by the communion of blood and nigh kindred betwixt him and the King of Scotland that he would not suffer such a nefarious person to escape In the same letters they requested that the Colonel might be set at liberty and restored to the Kings wonted favour or then be licenced to return into Scotland where there was present use for his service This Ambassage was not without fruit and put Bothwel out of all credit so as desperate of liberty he turned mad and ended his wicked life some years after as before was touched most miserably All things now went ill with the Queens saction neither saw they a way to subsist but by labouring an Abstinence which the Secretary earnestly went about and prevailed so farre with the two Liegers of France and Spain as they brought the Queen of England to a new Treaty with the Scots Queen and to hearken unto some overtures which she did make both for the Queens assurance and for the setling of a perfect peace betwixt her and her son and those that stood in his obedience This moved the Regent he did greatly oppose it yet the Queen of England would needs have him agree to the Abstinence for the space of two moneths in which it was thought the Treaty should take an end Great dispute there was about the tenour and form of the Abstinence which at last was accorded in these terms That the Regent should oblige himself and his partakers to cease from Arms and not to molest any that pretended obedience to the Kings mother during the space of two moneths which should be understood to begin the third day of September providing that no innovation should be made in the government and all things continue in the same estate wherein they were at the death of the late Regent As also that the ordinary administration of the Law and Justice in Parliament Session and other Courts with the punishment of thieves and trespassers might proceed in the mean time by law or force in the Kings name and under his authority without any opposition This granted by a second letter the Queen of England signified That she had appointed Sir William Cecill her principal Secretary and Sir Walter Mildmay Chancellour of the Exchequer to repair to the Queen of Scots and learn what offers she would make for her Majesties surety and the not disturbing the Realms if she should be put to liberty In which treaty she minded not to neglect the surety of the young King and the estate of the Nobility adhering to him whereof she would be no lesse careful then of what concerned her self most But in regard that treaty could take no good effect if the Regent and the Nobility on his side should do any thing to the prejudice of the Queen of Scots and her party she desired that no Parliament should be kept during the time of the treaty or if it had taken beginning before the receipt of the letter that nothing should passe therein which might give her cause to complain And for the Abstinence taken unto the third of November seeing there was no likelihood the treaty should take an end in so short a time he was further desired to prorogue the same for other two moneths The letter dated at Windsor the seventh of October was brought to the Regent the thirteenth some two days after the Parliament was begun This treaty did much perplex the Regent for albeit he was advertised before of the Queen of Englands condescending to hear what the Scottish Queen would say in her own cause yet he did not expect any such suddain dealing or that it should have begun without his knowledge But making the best construction of all things he answered That the Parliament had taken a beginning before her Majesties letters came to his hand and for the reverence he did carry to her he had abstained from all proceeding in any matters only his office of Regiment was confirmed and the Parliament adjourned unto the moneth of January before which time he hoped the fruit of that treaty would appear For the prorogation of the Abstinence he had declared at the first how hurtful the same was to the King his affairs and that there was no true meaning in the adverse party ad did manifestly appear by the arresting of the ships and goods of the Scottish Merchants professing the King his obedience in the Kingdome of France and other divers insolencies practised at home since the granting thereof That howsoever he was perswaded her Majesty had not a mind under colour of the Abstinence to ruine the young King and those that stood in defence of his authority yet they had received more hurt thereby then they could have done if open hostility had been professed Therefore he desired that before he was urged with a further cessation the ships and goods stayed in France might be set free the injuries committed at home repaired and all things innovated in the Government since the late Regents death disannulled by Proclamation which things performed he should willingly obey her Majesties desire Upon this last part of the letter many debates arose amongst the parties and divers particulars on either side were exhibited in writing to the Earl of Sussex for verifying a breach of the Abstinence against others That which I find most insisted upon was the denouncing of Secretary Lethington Rebell who being cited to appear at a certain day before the Regent and Councel was for his contumacy sentenced to lose his office and have his goods consiscated The Regent challenged of
ready to be restored to the Crown if the Queen his Mother break the Covenants agreed betwixt her and the Queen of England 10. That for his entertainment he should not only have the revenues which the Princes of Scotland in former times possessed but also the Rents and Offices belonging sometime to the Earl of Bothwel 11. And last that a convenient number of Hostages being all Noblemen and of those who have adhered to the Queen and solicited her delivery should enter in England to remain there for assurance of observing the conditions made both to the King of Scots and the subjects under his obedience and to the Queen of England for the peace and quiet of her dominions And that the said Hostages should be entered in England before the Queen of Scots shall be put to liberty These Articles delivered to them were answered the next day as followeth We have seen and considered the note of the Heads which we received from your Lordships for pacifying the controversies between the Queen our Soveraigns mother and the King her Son and his Subjects touching the Title of the Crown of Scotland if it be found that her dimission either was or may be lawfully revoked by her And therewithall having diligently perused our Commission and Instructions to know how far we might enter in Treaty upon the same Heads for satisfaction of the Queens Majesty and your Lordships to whom the hearing of the cause is committed We find our selves no ways able nor sufficiently authorised to enter into any treaty or conference touching the King our Soveraign his Crown the abdication or diminution of the same or yet the removing of his person from the place where he abideth For as we confesse our selves his Highnesse subjects and have all our power and Commission from him to treat in his name in matters tending to the maintenance of true Religion his honour and estate and for the continuance of amity betwixt the two Realms So we cannot presume to abuse our Commission in any thing that may prejudge him wherein we trust your Lordships shall allow and approve us At the same time some others were appointed to conferre with those of his Mothers party And to them it was proposed that for the security of the Queen of England and the Noblemen that followed the King of Scots the Duke of Chatteller ault with the Earls of Huntley Argile the Lord Home and any other Nobleman they pleased to name should be delivered as pledges and the Castles of Dumbar and Home be put in the hands of English men to be kept for three years The answer they gave was that she who of her own motive committed her self to the protection of the Queen of England would most willingly give her satisfaction in all things which conveniently might be done but to deliver those great men and the Fortresses required was no other thing but to spoil and deprive the distressed Queen of the succour of her most faithful friends and the strength of those places yet if in all other points they did agree they made offer that two Earls one whereof should be of the number nominated and two Lords should enter as Hostages and remain in England for the space of two years but for the Holds and Castles they could not because of the League with France put them in the hands of English men unlesse others were put also in the hands of the French The Queen of England perceiving that there were on both sides great impediments sent for the Kings Commissioners and told them how she had considered that the Articles proponed could not be resolved but in a Parliament and therefore leaving the Treaty for a time seeing she understood there was a meeting of the Estates appointed in May next she held it meetest they should return and in that meeting condescend upon an equal number of both parties that should have power to compose matters The Abstinence in the mean time being renewed in hope that all differences should be taken away and matters peaceably agreed This she would cause signify to the Agents of their Queen and doubted not but they would assent thereto yet when it was moved unto them they refused to agree to any delay till they should know what was her own mind Hereupon the Kings Commissioners were commanded to stay till her Answer should be returned In this time the Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston trusting to speed better by conference with the Earl of Morton and the rest sent to desire a meeting of them which was yielded unto provided the Bishop of Ross came not in their company for him they would not admit as being the Kings Rebel Having met they talked kindly one to another But that the Queen should be restored to her authority in no condition though divers were proponed could be admitted which when she heard and that the Queen of England had taken a course to delay things she grew into a great choler and inhibited her Commissioners to treat any more This reported to the Queen of England she sent for the Earl of Morton and his Associates and told him that their Queen took in evil part the motion she had made And seeing it is so saith she I will not detain you longer ye shall go home and if afterwards she be brought to agree to this course as I hope she shall I have no doubt but you will for your parts do that which is fitting Thus were they dimitted Whilest these things were doing in England the factions at home notwithstanding of the Abstinence were not idle but taking their advantage of others Lord Claud Hamilton ejecting the Lord Semple his servant forth of the house of Paslay placed therein a number of souldiers and by them kept all these parts in in fear The Regent upon this gathering some forces besieged the house and had it rendered to him within a few days The Souldiers were conveyed to Edinburgh and hanged on the Gallows without the Town Not long after upon intelligence that the Castle of Dunbarton was negligently kept and might easily be surprised he sent three companies under the command of Captain Crawford Captain Home and Captain Ramsey to give the attempt Ladders and other necessaries for scaling being prepared they went thither in the night conducted by a fellow that had served in the house and as then had quit his service upon a private discontent A little before day carrying the ladders with the least noise they could make they placed the same in the most commodious part for ascent and notwithstanding of sundry difficulties that happened got up in the end to the top of the Rock There having a wall of stone likewise to climbe Captain Alexander Ramsey by a ladder which they drew up after them was the first that entered and for a short space defended himself against three watchmen that assailed him Crawford and Home following quickly with their companies the
the crossings he found in the publick affairs he contracted a sicknesse whereof he died at Striveling the eighth of October The adversary faction flattering themselves in their own conceits made the like construction of his death which they had made of the other Regents that proceeded saying that it was an evident sign of Gods displeasure with the present courses and that none of those who joyned in the enterprise against the Queen could prosper better But to measure Gods love or hatred by these outward accidents is folly seeing they fall out alike to all both good and wicked and for this Nobleman howsoever he was taken away to the countrey untimely he died happily for himself and well reported of all Before his dying he commended the care of the Kings person in most earnest manner to his Lady and to Alexander Ereskin his brother appointing him keeper of the Castle till his son should be grown up and be of a perfectage and giving most wise directions both for the one and the other ended his days in great quietness and in the assurance of that better life In the next moneth Iohn Knox who had returned a little before to Edinburgh departed this life The Reader will pardon me if here I make a little digression to shew what a man this was both in his life and death the rather because some malicious and wicked spirits have studied by many forged lies to deprave his fame only out of hatred of true Religion whereof he was a zealous promover He was born in Gifford within Lothian of a mean but honest parentage and being put to school made such profit in his studies under that famous Doctor Mr. Iohn Major as he was held worthy to enter into orders before the years allowed By reading the ancients especially the works of S. Austen he was brought to the knowledge of the truth and for the profession thereof endured many troubles as well in the Cardinals life as after his death Having happily escaped these dangers he went into England and became a Preacher of the Gospel making his chief abode in the towns of Berwick and Newcastle In the beginning of Queen Maries persecution he fled in the company of some other Ministers to Geneva and served with them in an English Congregation which was there gathered untill the year 1559. at which time he was called home by the Noblemen that enterprised the Reformation and how soon the Church got liberty placed Minister at Edinburgh in this charge he continued to his last for the civil troubles which forced him to leave the town ceased no sooner then he returned to the place But his body grown infirm and his voyce so weak as people could not hear him teaching in the ordinary place he made choice of another more commodious within the town reading to his auditory the history of the Passion in which he said It was his desire to finish and close his Ministery Thus he continued preaching though with much weaknesse two moneths and more after his return and knowing that he was not to remain a long time with them he was instant with the Councel of the town to provide themselves of a worthy Parson to succeed in his place Mr. Iames Lawson who at that time professed Philosophy in the Colledge of Aberdene being commended for a good Preacher Commissioners were directed from the Superintendent of Lothian the Church of Edinburgh and Mr. Iohn Knox himself to desire him to accept the charge To the letter that the Commissioners carried after he had set his hand he added this Postscript Accelcra mifrater alioqui serò venies make haste brother otherwise you come too late meaning that if he made any stay he should find him dead and gone These last words moved Mr. Lawson to take journey the more quickly when he was come to the town and had preached once or twice to the good liking of the people order was taken by the Superintendent for his admission and the Diet appointed at which Iohn Knox himself would be present and teach though he could scarcewalk on foot to the chaire At no time was he heard to speak with greater power and more content to the hearers and in the end of his Sermon calling God to witness that he had walked in a good conscience amongst them not seeking to please men nor serving either his own or other mens affections but in all sincerity and truth preached the Gospel of Christ with most grave and pithy words he exhorted them to stand fast in the faith they had received and having conceived a zealous prayer for the continuance of Gods blessings upon them and the multiplying of his spirit upon the Preacher who was then to be admitted he gave them his last farewell The people did convey him to his lodging and could not be drawn from it so loth they were to part with him and he the same day in the afternoon by sicknesse was forced to take bed During the time he lay which was not long he was much visited by all sorts of persons to whom he spake most comfortably amongst others to the Earl of Morton that came to see him he was heard say My Lord God hath given you many blessings he hath given you wisdom riches many good and great friends and is now to preferre you to the government of the Realm In his name I charge you that you use these blessings aright and better in time to come nor ye have done in times past In all your actions seek first the glory of God the furtherance of his Gospel the maintenance of his Church and Ministery and next be careful of the King to procure his good and the welfare of the Realm If ye shall do this God will be with you and honour you if otherwise ye shall do it not he shall deprive you of all these benefits and your end shall be shame and ignominy These speeches the Earl nine years after at the time of his execution called to mind saying that he had found them to be true and him therein a Prophet His last speech to the Ministers A day or two before his death he sent for Mr. David Lindesay Mr. Iames Lawson and the Elders and Deacons of the Church to whom he said The time is approaching for which I have long thirsted wherein I shall be relieved of all cares and be with my Saviour Christ for ever And now God is my witnesse whom I have served with my spirit in the Gospel of his Son that I have taught nothing but the true and solid doctrine of the Gospel and that the end I proponed in all my preaching was to instruct the ignorant to confirm the weak to comfort the consciences of those who were humbled under the sense of their sinnes and bear down with the threatenings of Gods judgements such as were prou◠and rebellious I am not ignorant that many have blamed and yet do blame my too great rigour
have not proceeded from himself Now when he hath assumed the government and ye left the place intrusted to you shall he not be governed by those that are about him whom you know to be your enemies But ye perhaps do promise ease and safety to your self in a private life as if you might descend without any danger from the place which ye have held Wise men have observed that between highest and nothing there is not a mean and it feares me you have wronged your self in imagining the rest you shall never find If you had kept your place they should have seen the faces of men and not carried things thus at their pleasure but having forsaken your self there is nothing left to your friends but to lament your misfortune and God grant that this be the worst of things This said he went aside and burst forth in tears The Regent whom we will no more call so excused his doing by the instance that the King made for his dimission saying that his refuse would have made a great commotion in the Realm yet did he perceive his errour and in his secret thoughts which he covered so well as he could blamed his own rash and precipitate yielding But there being no place left to resile the next best he thought was to secure himself and his friends by discharge of all things that might be laid to him or them during his administration and therein he employed the Earl of Angus and the Chancellour whom he did constitute his procurators to compeir before the King and make dimission of his office with such solemnities as by law were requisite This done the discharge was given him in most ample form Therein after a general approbation of his service he was declared not to be accusable of any manner of crime of whatsoever greatnesse or weight without exception that might be alledged to have been committed by him in times past which declaration was ordained to be as valid and sufficient in all respects as if the highest crime that could or might be imputed to any person had been specially expressed in the same He was also exonerated of all summes of money rents and profits as well of property as casualty intrometted with by him or his factours and servants since his acceptation of the Regiment the jewels of the Crown the furniture of his Majesties house Munition and Artillery onely excepted A provision was adjected That the present discharge should not prejudge the King and his successours in the revocation or reduction of whatsoever infeoffments given of the property during his Highness minorityâ— or of whatsoever lands Lordships offices or dignities fallen in his Majesties hands by forfeiture recognition bastardy or by any other right and priviledge of the Crown In all other points the discharge was ordained to stand firm and sure for him his heirs and successors and the same never to be revoked or any thing attempted to the contrary and for his greater assurance the same was promised to be confirmed by the Estates of Parliament in their first convention and meeting The Noblemen and others of the Estates then present with the King did likewise bind themselves their heirs and successours to see all the foresaid points truly fulfilled under the pain of five hundred thousand pound So as nothing was omitted which he could devise for his securing Yet in all this he found no assurance to teach men that it is not to be had in any worldly thing but to be sought of God alone All men are compelled to acknowledge so much in the end though often too late which was the case of this Nobleman as we shall hear But better late as the saying is then never THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE SIXTH BOOK The Contents The things that happened after his Majesties assuming of the Government in his own person unto his happy succession to the Crown of ENGLAND THE King was not yet twelve years compleat when in the manner ye have heard they moved him to assume the Government yet did he shew more judgement in his very beginning then could be expected from one of his years The Earl of Mortons enemies not satisfied with his displacing were still casting how to bring him into the Kings dislike And first shewing that there was a necessity of the Kings residing at Edinburgh where was the place of Justice they desired he should be charged to render the Castle Then informed that he had amassed a great treasure in the time of his Regiment they moved the King to require of him some moneys for supporting the charges whereunto he would be put at his first entry They did further talk of the Mint-house and the commodity he reaped thereby And to denude him of all power they desired the state of the borders to be looked unto and the office of Lieutenandry which the Earl of Angus his Nephew had in those parts discharged To one or other of these they conceived he should be unwilling and so they should find some matter against him But the King refusing to use him with charges took a more moderate course and sent the Chancellour and Thesaurer to feel his mind in those things He lay then at Dalkeith and having heard their propositions howbeit he knew those motions did proceed from his adversaries and was not ignorant what they intended he answered calmly That the jewels and moveables appertaining to the Crown being received of his hand and he and his deputies discharged the Castle should be rendered most willingly But for the advancing of moneys he excused himself saying that was not unknown how he had received his office in a time full of trouble and when the countrey was embroiled in a civil warre the burthen whereof he sustained upon his private Charge and that since the troubles ceased he had payed a great many debts repaired his Majesties houses and Castles and put them in a better case then for many years before they had been That the entertainment of his Majesties house and maintaining of his own as Regent was a matter of no small charge which the ordinary revenues of the Crown would hardly do yet when his Majesty should be of perfect age and his honourable occasions did require it he should not be wanting according to his ability and bestow all his means for his Majesties honour Concerning the Mint-house he said that he had kept it in the best order he could and having now no more charge of it he wished the King to do therewith as he thought best For the affairs of the border that he had moved the Earl of Angus to undertake that service for the quietnesse of the countrey but seeing he had no lands in those quarters and that the offices of Wardenrie might suffice to hold those parts in order he would advise the King to dispose them to the most sufficient that could be found The Noblemen returning with these answers the King did
should not usurp any criminal jurisdiction 3. That they should not vote in Parliament in name of the Church unlesse they had a Commission from the general Assembly 4. That they should not take up for maintaining their ambition the rents which might maintain many Pastors Schooles and poor but content themselves with a reasonable portion for discharging their office 5. That they should not claim the title of temporal Lords nor usurp any Civil jurisdiction whereby they might be withdrawn from their charge 6. That they should not empire over Presbyteries but be subject to the same 7. That they should not usurp the power of Presbyteries nor take upon them to visit any bounds that were not committed to them by the Church Lastly it was provided that if any more corruptions should afterwards be tried the Bishops should agree to have them reformed What troubles hereupon arose both in the Church and Countrey we shall afterwards hear In Glasgow the next spring there happened a little disturbance by this occasion The Magistrates of the City by the earnest dealing of Mr. Andrew Melvil and other Ministers had condescended to demolish the Cathedral and build with the materials thereof some little Churches in other parts for the ease of the Citizens Divers reasons were given for it such as the resort of superstitious people to do their devotion in that place the huge vastnesse of the Church and that the voice of a Preacher could not be heard by the multitudes that convened to Sermon the more commodious service of the people and the removing of that idolatrous monument so they called it which was of all the Cathedrals in the Countrey only left unruined and in a possibility to be repaired To do this work a number of Quarriers Masons and other workmen was conduced and the day assigned when it should take beginning Intimation being given thereof and the workmen by sound of a Drum warned to go unto their work the Crafts of the City in a tumult took Armes swearing with many oathes that he who did cast down the first stone should be buried under it Neither could they be pacified till the workmen were discharged by the Magistrates A complaint was hereupon made and the principals cited before the Councel for insurrection where the King not as then thirteen years of age taking the protection of the Crafts did allow the opposition they had made and inhibited the Ministers for they were the complainers to meddle any more in that businesse saying That too many Churches had been already destroyed and that he would not tolerate more abuses in that kind A little before this time the Abbot of Dunfermlin being returned from England related in Councel the effects of his negotiation and was approved by all For that which he had in Commission touching the Lady Lennox he remitted the answer to the Queens own letters delivered to the King Concerning the disorders fallen out in the Borders the Queen he said did accept the excuse he made in good part saying she was assured that both the King and Councel were offended therewith and that she was content the same should be redressed by the advice of the Wardens on both sides onely desired that in time coming the King would make choice of wise and experienced men inclined to peace and justice to command in those parts As to the League he declared that the Queen had a good inclination unto it holding the same a most sure means to represse the practises of enemies both at home and abroad But in regard he had no warrant to descend into particulars he had abstained from any dealing therein and could not but testify that he saw in her a great care of the King his good Estate and that both he and his message were most kindly accepted The King in this mean time to pacify the Borders which were broken loose chiefly in the West parts gave the Lord Ruthven a Commission of Lieutenandry which he discharged with great commendation and bringing with him the Lord Maxwel who was Warden of the bounds returned to Striveling the twentieth of Ianuary A frequent Councel was there kept for the time wherein the Lord Maxwel being challenged of negligence in his office did answer That he had only the title of a Warden and that the limitations of his charge and the exceptions granted to the Gentlemen of the Countrey made the office needlesse and contemptible But if the King should be pleased to discharge the exceptions and give him a free Commission such as his predecessors had wont to have he should strive to do his best service to his Majesty and the Countrey This answer was not well taken and the Lord Hereis as one known to have greatest experience in these matters being desired to give his opinion delivered the same in a long speech to this purpose Your Majesty said he hath in deliberation a businesse of great importance whereof it were more fitting any man should give his opinion then I by reason of the suspicion I stand in with the present Warden for what I say will be interpreted to proceed of spleen and of a desire to have the charge taken from him and not of any care I take of your Majesties service or the good and benefit of the Countrey yet seeing your Majesty commands me to speak I will rather hazard on such misinterpretings then keep back any thing which I know to be useful and necessary for the errand And what I speak I desire it to be understood of the West marches onely to which my experience chiefly reacheth But because the evils would first be known I will begin at them and then propone the fittest and most easie remedies to my conception Sir a little before the death of your Majesties Noble Grandfather King James the fifth some few disloyal subjects of this Realm fleeing into England did plant themselves in a parcel of waste ground that lies opposite to the West Borders of Scotland and being maintained by the English grew unto such numbers and became so insolent as they made daily incursions upon the Countrey Your Majesties Grandfather did hereupon imploy certain forces against them intending to sack and destroy their houses and make them unable from thenceforth to annoy his subjects But these forces not being rightly governed and lacking the provision that was required for such an enterprise were put to the worse and shamefully discomfited At that time what by ransoming prisoners what by the spoyl they got they gained above one hundred thousand Merks wherewith and by the depredations they have made since that time they are become wealthy have built eight or nine strong houses upon the frontiers of your Realm that no Wardens power is able to force They have joyned in alliance with divers of our own Borders as wickedly disposed as themselves and are so feared that every man is glad of their friendship without which none is thought to have any surety
censures and excommunications This dissension betwixt the King and the Church brought with it many evils for upon the notice of it divers Jesuits and Priests did resort into the countrey and at home such as were Popishly affected began openly to avow their profession In S. Andrews Mr. Nicholl Burn professor of Philosophy in S. Leonards Colledge made open Apostasie from the truth as Mr. Archihald and Iohn Hamiltons Regents in the new Colledge had not long before done In Dumfreis Mr. Ninean Daliel Schoolmaster did read to his Scholars the Romane Catechisme and in Paisley a number of Papists assembling together did in derision sing a Soule Masse for the Ministers as if they and their religion had been utterly gone These things being complained of and not much hearkened to the Ministers in their Sermons fell to regrate the countenance given to Papists in the Court and the dangers wherein both the King and countrey were brought by the secret practises of the French The King to stay these declaimings which he knew to be made against the Earl of Lennox called the Ministers to Edinburgh and shewed them what travel he had taken to convert his Cousen and how he had obtained his consent for taking a Minister in his house which would be to good purpose and serve both to debarre Jesuits from accesse to the Nobleman and win him by conference to a greater liking of the truth desiring therefore that one of their number might be appointed for some short space to attend him Mr. David Lindesay then Minister at Leth being held the fittest as well for his skill in the French tongue as for his moderation otherwise was with the Kings approbation nominated to this service by whose labours the Nobleman was brought in a short space to joyn himself to the Church and openly in S. Giles to renounce the errours wherein he had been educated Yet did not this remove the jealousies of the people which were increased by the intercepting of certain dispensations sent from Rome whereby the Catholicks were permitted to promise swear subscribe and do what else should be required of them so as in mind they continued firm and did use their diligence to advance in secret the Romane Faith These dispensations being shewed to the King he caused his Minister Mr. Iohn Craig form a short confession of faith wherein all the corruptions of Rome as well in doctrine as outward rites were particularly abjured and a clause inserted because of these dispensations by which the subscribers did call God to witnesse that in their minds and hearts they did fully agree to the said Confession and did not fain or dissemble in any sort This confession the King for an Example to others did publickly swear and subscribe the like was done by the whole Councel Court and observers appointed to take notice of those that did not resort to Sermon or behaved themselves in any sort scandalously So careful was the King to have the Church satisfied and the rumours of the Courts defection from Religion repressed After this all things continued quiet for a while till by a bruit suddainly raised none knew by whom the Earl of Morton was taxed for keeping secret intelligence with the Queen of England and a purpose he had to put the King in her hands Morton complaineth of this in Councel and desireth a trial But the King not willing to make businesse for a tale whereof the Authour would hardly be found put it off saying that he knew it to be a lie and a malicious invention of enemies and thereupon sent forth a Proclamation against lies carriers of tales tending to breed discord betwixt him and his Nobility Yet as if some such thing had been feared a motion was made some days after in Councel for guarding the Kings person and electing of an high Chamberlain which office none had borne for many years in this Kingdome who should have twenty four to attend him all of them the sonnes of Barons or Noblemen and be ever at hand to accompany the King whither soever he went The motion was applauded of all and after some ten days deliberation the Earl of Lennox preferred to the place Alexander Areskin Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh was chosen to be his Deputy and a roll made of the Gentlemen that should give attendance These were the Masters of Marshall Rothes Cassils Lindesay Levingston Elphingston Hereis and Ogilvy the Lairds of Cowdinknowes Bargainy Bomby Kilsyth Minto Strathurd and Moncreeffe Mr. Mark Ker of Preston Grange George Douglas of Rumgawy Captain Iames Stewart son to the Lord Ochiltrie Alexander Ruthven the Commendator of Inchaffrey the Prior of Coldingham Alexander Home of North-Berwick and Iames Chisholme As extraordinaries the Lord Maxwel the Lairds of Cesford Alexander Home of Manderston and William Stewart of Caverston were added to the number All these took the oath of fidelity to the King and obedience to his Chamberlain in the things they should be directed for his Majesties service The Earl of Morton albeit he was much displeased with these courses did carry a fair countenance and concealing his discontents waited still on the King and was assisting in Councel and publick meetings Once he minded to have withdrawn himself from Court and to have lived privately but was detained by a dissension that fell out in the time betwixt the Lord Ruthven and Master of Oliphant who had married a daughter of Lochlevin whom whilest he laboured to protect he drew upon himself the hatred of the Lord Ruthven and thereby was laid more open to the malice of his enemies Sir Robert Bowes being sent at the same time Ambassadour from England to charge the Earl of Lennox with some practises against the peace of the two Realms the blame aswell of his employments as his suddain departing was laid upon him for the Ambassadours Commission and instructions being questioned and he desired to exhibit the same before the Councel he refused to shew them but to the King himself which not being admitted he went away complaining that the Queen had deserved better then thus to have her Ambassage misregarded His suddain departure amazed the Court not a little before wherefore to excuse the King and try what the accusations were wherewith Lennox should have been charged Alexander Home of North-Berwick was sent in Commission to England but the Queen denying him accesse he was remitted to the Lord Thesaurer who courteously told him That the Queen had refused him presence not for any dislike she had of himself whom she knew to be sound in Religion and one that loved his King and his Countrey but because the King had not used her well calling in question the credit of her Ambassadour and requiring him to shew his instructions which was strange he keeping himself within the bounds of his Commission But your King saith he is young and misled by new Counsellours whose fault the Queen
knoweth it to be I should therefore advise your King to hearken to her Majesties counsel who carrieth to him a true motherly affection and make more accompt of her then of his French Cousen who is subject to the French King matched with a French woman addicted wholly to that faction and what profession soever he maketh a Papist in Religion The Hamiltons saith he being now exiled he hopeth to be designed successor and heir to the Crown but let your King know that ambition hath no limits and that the troubles which the French made in Scotland are not yet forgotten which would have perilled the liberty of that Kingdome if the Queen by her prudence and power had not prevented the same The Gentleman professing his thankfulnesse for her Majesties good opinion of him answered That if he should be permitted to speak with the Queen he would satisfy her Majesty in that point which concerned her Ambassadour And for the King his Master albeit he was young and of few years yet God had given him great wisdom and understanding and that he would never willingly do the thing that might displease the Queen nor hearken to any that should otherwise advise him for he knew her Majesties good affection and would not forget the care she had of him in his tender age That he could not be justly blamed for favouring his Cousen but as the Nobleman he believed would never advise the King his Master to any that might prejudice the amity with England so he was perswaded that his credit did not extend so farre as to make any publick breach with the Queen But there are more dangerous plots in hand saith the Thesaurer then your King is wary of and it is no wisdome to put too much confidence in any one person Alwayes time will discover the truth of every thing at the present you must have patience for the Queen will not see you Thus was he dimitted Upon his return and report of the conference he had with the Thesaurer the King was easily made to believe that all proceeded from the Earl of Morton and his intelligence in the Court of England which by one way or other was held needful to be stopt After some consultation taken about this it was resolved to charge him with the murther of the Kings Father for a rumour had gone in former times that he was conscious and privy unto it Captain Iames Stewart a man eager to win credit by what means soever takes the matter in hand and coming one day as the King was sitting in Councel at Halirudhouse desired to be heard being admitted he fell upon his knees and directing his speech to the King he said Out of the duty I owe to your Majesty I am come hither to reveal a wickednesse that hath been long obscured The Earl of Morton who sitteth there in a place unseemly for him was one of those that conspired your Fathers death and how dangerous it is to your Majesties person that he should be so near unto you let the Noblemen here present consider for me I shall make good what I speak only let him be committed and put to trial The Earl rising up with a disdainful smile answered By whose instigation this Gentleman cometh to accuse me I know not and I wonder what grounds he buildeth upon in charging me with this crime for none that ever suffered for it did touch me therewith and it is known what diligence and severity I used against those that were suspected of that murther If I pleased I could many wayes decline this challenge but my innocency is such as I fear not the most rigorous trial Sir with this he turned himself to the King and said do in it as you please either here or before any other Iudge I shall be ready to answer and when my innocency is cleared your Majesty will think what the malice of those that have set on this man to accuse me deserveth Captain Iames Stewart sitting all this time on his knees replied that by no mans instigation nor out of any private grudge of his own did he intend this accusation but his detestation of the fact and the love of his Majesties safety and honour had only incited him thereto For that he speaks of his diligence and severity let me but aske him said he how and why he did preferre Mr. Archibald Douglas his Cousen to the place of a Senator in the Colledge of Iustice who was known to have been an actor in that murther if he himself had no part in it As the Earl was about to answer the King commanded the Captain to go forth and the Earl being likewise removed after a short deliberation taken with the Councel he was committed in a chamber of the Palace where he abode two nights The third day he was conveyed to the Castle with a company of his own friends who did earnestly move him to make an escape But he chiding them with great bitternesse said That he had rather die ten thousand deaths then betray his innocency in declining triall After some few dayes he was removed to Dumbritton Castle that he might be further from his friends and kept from all intelligence with them The King had sent privily to apprehend Mr. Archibald Douglas who dwelt then at Norham but he having notice of the Earls committing fled into England In the Iuly preceding the Assembly of the Church had convened at Dundy where it was concluded That the office of a Bishop as it was then used and commonly taken within the Realm had neither foundation ground nor warrant in the word of God and thereupon an Ordinance was made that all persons either called to the said office or that should be called thereto at any time thereafter should be charged to dimit and forsake the same as an office whereunto they are not called of God As also to desist and cease from preaching ministring the Sacraments or using in any sort the office of a Pastor till they should be admitted of new of the general Assembly under the pain of excommunication In the end of the Act it was directed That concerning the patrimony of the Church possessed by the Bishops the next Assembly should reason and advise upon the disponing thereof Whether the folly or iniquity of this Ordinance was greater it can hardly be said for granting that the office of a Bishop had been as they judged unlawful there was no reason to discharge them of using the ministerial office till they should be received of new And what a foolish thing was it to think that the Prince and Estates would permit the rents of the Bishops to be disponed at their appetites They saw what was done with the other Prelaces and how the Abbots and Priors were no sooner declared to be no office-bearers in the Church but presently they turned temporal Lords and carried the rents with them quite away from the Church
justly with me and that I am to suffer nothing but that which I have merited yea worse This confession reported to the King the rigour of the sentence was mitigated and order given that he should be beheaded only and his body committed to burial In the afternoon when it was told him by his Keeper that the time was come and all things were in a readinesse he said I praise God I am also ready And making forth was met by the Earl of Arran in the very entry who desired him to stay and subscribe his confession he answered I pray you trouble me not for I am now to prepare my self for death and cannot write in this estate The Earl ceasing to urge that point any further desired he might be reconciled with him protesting that he had done nothing upon any particular grudge he answered It was no time to reckon quarrels I forgive you and all others When he was come to the scaffold which was erected in the publick street he repeated the substance of his confession and in some few words exhorted the people to continue in the profession of the true Religion and maintain it at their power intreating them to assist him with their prayers to God The chief Minister did then conceive a prayer during the time whereof he lay prostrate upon his face and was greatly moved as appeared by the rebounding with many sobbes and sighs The prayer ended divers came to be reconciled with him whom he received very kindly all the rest that were on the scaffold he took by the hand bidding them farewell and going towards the Block laid down his head and cried aloud In thine hand O Lord I commit my spirit Lord Iesus receive my soule Which words he was still uttering when as the axe fell and cut off his head His corps left on the place lay from the hour of execution to Sunne-seting covered with a beggerly cloak every man fearing to shew any kindnesse or so much as to expresse a sign of sorrow his corps was afterwards carried by some base fellowes to the common sepulchre and his head fixed on the Tolbuith Never was seen a more notable example of fortunes mutability he who a few years before had been reverenced of all men and feared as a King abounding in wealth honour and number of friends and followers was now at his end forsaken of all and made the very scorne of fortune to teach men how little stability there is in honour wealth friendship and the rest of these worldly things which men so much admire He was of personage comely of a men stature and a graceful countenance and singular courage whereof in the civil troubles he gave many proofes wise and able for government a lover of justice order and policy but inclined to covetousness which the wants and necessity he indured in his younger years was thought to have caused and given too much to the pleasures of the flesh as at his dying he acknowledged with a great remorse In this lastly most happy that though his death in the worlds eye was shameful and violent yet did he take it most patiently quitting this life with the assurance of a better The day following the Earl of Arran in Councel made a discourse of his proceedings in the trial of Morton declaring what he had done and how to come to the knowledge of the fact for which he had suffered he was forced to use some rigorous dealing towards his servants and put certain of them to the torture lest this should be imputed to him as a crime his desire was to have his Majesties and the Councels approbation This was easily obtained and an Act made ratifying all that he had done in that business as good service to his Majesty and the Estate Yet was it well enough known that the inquisition he made upon Mortons servants was to find out where his gold and money was hidden and for no purpose else Near about the same time he took to wife the Earl of Marche his Lady a woman intolerable in all the imperfections incident to that sexe She had forsaken her husband not long before and obtained sentence against him for alleadged impotency yet was she known to be with child even then by Arran which made the Proces on her part more shameful nor was his part a whit better nay rather much worse having been a long time entertained in the Noblemans house and furnished by him in every thing necessary whilest his estate was but yet mean to have repayed the Nobleman so dishonourably was accounted a vile ingratitude The marriage alwayes went on and their unlawful love held that way legitimated In August next the Earl of Lennox was created Duke of Lennox Lord Robert Stewart Uncle to the King by his Mother made Earl of Orkney William Lord Ruthven Earl of Gowry and Iohn Lord Maxwel Earl of Morton Arran although he had assumed the title before would then also be created Earl which was done with great solemnity and the first place bestowed on him for he would not endure to be second to any and took so ill the credit which he saw the Duke carried with the King as he spared not to affront him at all occasions The Laird of Farnherst was then newly returned from France where he had lived divers years in exile and by the Dukes favour to whom the King could deny nothing had respit given him for certain crimes committed in the Kings minority As it was passing in Councel the Earl of Arran did protest against it alleadging an oath made at Striveling by the Counsellors not to give way to respits or remissions granted to the Kings enemies Herewith the Duke offended and a great heart-burning grew amongst them which in the Parliament kept at Edinburgh in the moneth of October following burst forth in an open breach The question was about some priviledges belonging to the Chamberlain in time of Parliament which Arran would not acknowledge taking upon him as Captain of the Guard to place near unto the King whom he pleased The Duke not induring this insolency absented himself from Parliament which did so irritate the King as the next day he went to Dalkeith taking the Duke with him and charged Arran not to come towards Court Many were glad to see them thus committed amongst themselves and for a while matters went so hot as it was not expected the discord should be suddenly appeased The Duke had the advantage of the Kings favour Arran strengthened himself with the common cause giving out that the quarrel was for religion and for opposing the Dukes courses who craftily sought the overthrow thereof And all this time this frowning of the Court continued you should have seen him and his Lady repair so devoutly to Sermon and prayers that the people believed this to be the ground of the dissension and that he was only disliked for his sincerity in Religion But Arran knowing this
sorted to no effect by the contrary courses the two Commissioners took after their coming to the Court of England The King foreseeing the same when they were first imployed had moved Mr. David Lindesay Preacher at Leth a man wise and moderate to accompany them and pacify the contentions which possibly might arise amongst them but their emulations were so great as all he could do scarce served to keep them from open discord Before I enter upon the accidents of the next year the death of Mr. George Buchannan which happened in the end of September must not be passed a man so well deserving of his countrey as none more he was of an excellent wit and learning incomparable born nigh to the Highlands within the Parish of Killern and of the house of Drunmakill his Uncle by the mother called Herriot took care to have him trained up in letters perceiving his inclination to be set that way wherein he profited so much as he went beyond all his instructors Nature it seems having formed him thereunto In the year 1539 being called in question by the Franciscan Friers upon the malice they bare him for some bitter verses written against them and their profession which he did to please King Iames the fifth whom they had in some things offended he was committed as suspected of Lutheranisme but made an escape to France where he lived a long time and became acquainted with many learned men with which that countrey did then abound His paraphrase of the Psalmes a rare work and other Poems he wrote for most part whilest he stayed abroad and for his learning and quick ingenie was admired of all men Returning into Scotland about the year 1560. after he had professed Philosophy some yeares in S. Leonards College within the University of S. Andrews he was chosen to attend the King and bring him up in letters In his age he applied himself to write the Scottish History which he penned with such judgement and eloquence as no countrey can shew a better Only in this is he justly blamed that with the factions of the time and to justify the proceedings of the Noblemen against the Queen he went too farre in depressing the Royal authority of Princes and allowing their controllment by subjects his bitternesse also in writing of the Queen and troubles of the time all wise men have disliked But otherwise no man did merit better of his nation for learning nor thereby did bring to it more glory He died in a great age at Edinburgh and was buried in the common place though worthy to have been laid in marble and have had some Statue erected for his memory But such pompous monuments in his life he was wont to scorne and despise esteeming it a greater credit as it was said of the Roman Cato to have it asked why he doth lack a Statue then to have had one though never so glorious erected The summer following the King found the occasion to free himself of his attenders For being at Falkland and pretending to visit his Uncle the Earl of March who did then reside in the Abbey of S. Andrewes after he had taken some little refreshment he went to take a view of the Castle accompanied with Colonel Stewart Captain of the Guard to whom he had communicated his purpose and having entered into the Castle commanded the gates to be shut and these that followed to be excluded The Earls of Argile Marshal Montross and Rothes came thither the next morning and were all welcomed by the King Of the Noblemen that had waited on him since his restraint at Ruthven only the Earl of Gowry was admitted into the Castle by the Colonels means for he had sometimes followed him as a servant The Earl how soon he came in presence fell on his knees and craving pardon for the fact of Ruthven did humbly submit himself to the Kings mercy who after he had checked him in some few but grave speeches for his ingratitude to the Duke of Lennox accepted him in favour upon condition of a more loyal behaviour in time coming Some few days the King abode in the Castle and in a Councel keptthere the second of Iuly made choice of the Earls of March Argile Gowry Marshal Montrosse and Rothes to remain with him as Noblemen that he held of best judgement most indifferent and freest of faction the rest he commanded to retire to their houses till he should take further order In the same meeting was Colonel Stewarts service approved and a Proclamation ordained to be made charging all the subjects to contain themselves in quietnesse and prohibiting any to come towards Court accompanied with a greater number then was appointed to wit 15. with an Earl as many with a Bishop ten with a Lord and as many with an Abbot or Prior with a Baron six and all these commanded to come in a peaceable manner under great penalties Then the King to shew himself at liberty went to Edinburgh and from thence he went to Falkland then to Perth where he remained some weeks Being there the Earl of Arran by Gowries procurement was brought again to Court after whose coming a Declaration was published by the King to this effect We with advice of the Lords of our Privy Councel having thought expedient to notify unto the world but especially to all our good and loyal subjects our true mind touching the things that fell out in the year past declare the same to be as followeth That is howsoever for preserving of publick quietnesse we did patiently endure the restraint of our person at Ruthven with the secluding of our Counsellors from us and all that ensued thereupon yet did we take it deeply to heart and did account no otherwise of it then a fact most treasonable attending till it should please God to restore us to our former estate and liberty which having now by his goodness obtained to make known our indifferent disposition towards all our good subjects and that we do not seek the harm and ruine of any one whomsoever we have resolved to forgive and forget all offences bygone especially that which was committed in August last and hath been since that time strongly maintained providing the Actors and assisters do shew themselves penitent for the same ask pardon in due time and do not provoke us by their unlawful actions hereafter to remember that attempt Willing all our subjects by the example of this our clemency whereof some already have made proof to discharge all quarrels amongst themselves and not to malice one another for whatsoever cause by gone all which we will have buried in oblivion and to this have ordained publication to be made hereof in all the principal Burghs c. The discontented Lords notwithstanding of this declaration were still convening and making the best provision they could for their own surety For at Arrans hand who had now the disposing of all things they expected no good The
a prisoner deceive his keepers Concerning the intelligence he kept with forain Princes for the entertaining of civil peace that he did not think the Assembly would disallow it seeing diversity of Religion made not leagues of friendship unlawful And that they should meddle with the choice of his servants he held it strange This he hoped they would remit to himself and not to be too curious in examining the occasions of their placing or displacing And where they complained that since his accepting of the government the liberties of the Church had been refringed he said that since that time more good and profitable lawes had been made for the advancement of true Religion then ever before and if any thing lacked in the execution the fault was not his For that which concerned the Church rents he answered that those things must be helped in Parliament and that he should assist the reformation thereof at his power As for the punishment of the abominations mentioned that the fault could not be imputed to him sith he was willing to give Commission to such as the Ministers should judge most fit for the execution of lawes And for Ecclesiastical Acts which his authority was said to impede he knew none of late onely he had stayed the remove of Mr. Alexander Arbuthnet from the Colledge of Aberdene to be Minister of S. Andrews which being rightly considered would not be found prejudicial to the Church nor impertinent for him to deal in Lastly for the murmur of people perverting of lawes and difference amongst the Nobility his Majesty said that he was ready to hearken to any good advice for reformation of that which should be found amisse The answers all most reasonable and proceeding from the King ought to have been well taken but the discontent they had received for the late change in Court made every thing distasteful and still the displeasure betwixt the King and Church did grow as we shall hear In the beginning of November Lodowick eldest son to the late Duke of Lennox arrived at Leth and was conveyed by the Earls of Huntley Crawford and Montross to the King who lay then at Kinneill Soon after the advertisement of the Noblemans death the King had sent the Master of Gray into France to bring home all his children But Lodowick excepted who then was 13. years of age the rest were young and not able to indure so long a journey The King receiving him with great expressions of love did presently invest him in his Fathers lands and honours committing the trust of his affairs to the Earl of Montrosse till he should grow up to maturity for his education in letters Mr. Gilbert Moncreef the King his principal Physician was appointed to attend him a man wise and of good learning Some years after two of his sisters were brought into the countrey Henrietta the eldest was married to George Earl of Huntley Mary the younger of the two to Iohn Earl of Marre to the third the King had provided an honourable match but she having vowed her self to God would not be wonne from the Cloyster by any perswasion a younger son came to the King after he went into England and was by him advanced to great honours Thus the untimely losse of their Father did turn to the childrens benefit by the constant and unmatchable kindness of a loving King In the countrey matters grew daily more and more troubled Those that disobeyed the charges given them for entering in Ward pretended the time assigned for their entry to have been so short and the distance of the place so great as there was no possibility in them to obey yet under hand they were still seeking to strengthen themselves and associate others to be of their faction To take from them this pretext the first of December was allowed them for their entring in Ward and so many as should find surety to obey had favour promised them The Laird of Braid Colluthy Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Andrew Hay were licenced also to conferre with them and with all that had any part in the attempt of Ruthven for informing them of his Majesties gracious inclination towards all of that number who should acknowledge their offence and live obedient and peaceably from thenceforth But little or nothing was wrought this way whereupon the King took purpose to convene the Estates this 17th of December and having exponed his whole proceeding in that business an Act was passed by an universal consent of this tenour Albeit the late surprise and restraint of our person perpetrated in August bygone a year was a crime of laesae Majestatis hainous in it self of dangerous sequel and most pernicious example meriting the more severe punishment because the committers thereof for the most part besides the allegiance and common duty of subjects were specially bound to us by particular favours and benefits bestowed on them yet out of our natural disposition to clemency we resolved to reduce them by all gentle means to their duties and not only forbare to use them with rigour but made offer of pardon and mercy to such as would acknowledge their offence and continue thereafter in a dutiful obedience satisfying our selves with that moderate declaration which tended not in any sort to their detriment and prorogating days and moneths to see what they could perform Hereof we gave our promise to the Queen of England which was certified to them by divers and of late by certain Ministers and well disposed Gentlemen whom we licenced to conferre with them for perswading them of our sincere meaning behaving our selves in all this as a kind Father that seeketh to recover his children and not as a Prince that respected his estate But our lenity not having produced the effects which were wished we took counsel to assemble our Estates and make them witnesses of our clemency whatsoever might happen to their persons hereafter and now by their advice we have determined to prosecute with all rigour such of that number as shall continue in their disobedience and shall not embrace the offers of pardon made unto them In the execution whereof our Nobility and Estates convened have solemnly promised their assistance and for the greater authority both We and our said Estates have subscribed this Act with our hands Further by their advice We have ordained and ordain the Act of Councel past in October 1582. touching the attempt at Ruthven to be delete forth of the Books inhibiting all and sundry of whatsoever estate quality and degree to allow by word writing or otherwise the foresaid fact which We being now at liberty and our Estates have so publickly condemned This Act made the Earl of Rothes protested that his subscription to the Act in October 1582. approving the attempt of Ruthven for good service should not be laid to his charge seeing he did the same unwillingly and by his Majesties special command and direction like as soon after the
Sea and after he had remained a while at Paris took journey to Rome where entering the society of the Iesuits he abode three years Thereafter coming home for some private businesse when he had setled the same he returned to Paris and kept still in that Society in the year 1571. Thomas Metellan travelling through France into Italy did request his company in that journey whereunto he yielded and went with him to Italy but the Gentleman contracting sicknesse by the way and dying he returned by Geneva and was there confirmed in the Religion to which a little before he was inclining when he went to Paris after he had revealed himself to some Principals of the Society he forsook their profession and was in danger to have been killed at the Massacre which fell out at the same time but by the favour of Sir Thomas Walsingham the English Ambassador he was saved and came in his company to England Five years he remained at Colchester in Essex teaching some youths of the countrey and in the year 1578. returned into Stotland In the year 1580. upon the remove of Mr. Andrew Melvil to the new Colledge of S. Andrewes he was chosen Principal of the Colledge of Glasgow and taught the controversies there some three yeares with great profit he was a man learned in the languages and well seen in ancient Fathers the reading of whose works he did ever seriously recommend to the youth The answer he penned in defence of this Church against Mr. Archibald Hamilton and other dictates which are yet in the hands of his disciples do shew his worth and the losse this Church received by his death he deceased at Glasgow the 6. of December 1583. in the 47. year of his age and was buried in the Cathedral Church These deaths falling so quick one after another were taken to be a presage of great troubles in the Church nor was it long before these sturres happened of which we have spoken All this Summer the same continued the Ministers being daily called before the Councel and a great businesse made of their subscription to certain Articles which concerned their obedience to the Bishops they who refused had their stipends sequestrated which caused a great outcrying amongst the people and made the Rebels to be more favoured The King to rid himself of these vexations did call the principal Ministers and having shewed that all his desire was to have the Church peaceably governed and a decent policy established he willed them to set down in writing the Reasons which moved them to refuse subscription that he might consider the same and satisfy their doubts They choosing rather to propound the same by word of mouth were after some conference induced to set their hands to the Articles this clause being added agreeing with the word of God Yet new occasions of trouble were still breaking forth upon information that Mr. Nicoll Dalgleish Minister at S. Cuthberts did in his publick prayers remember the exiled brethren he was called before the Councel and accused for praying for the Kings Rebels as also for keeping intelligence with them by letters The Minister confessed his praying for the brethren maintaining the same to be lawful but the intelligence he denied only granted that he had seen a letter written by Mr. Walter Balcanquel to his wife wherein he was kindly remembred The King offended with his answers commanded the Advocate to pursue him criminally which was done the next day At his appearing before the Justice when he heard the indictment he said That he ought not to be questioned for one and the same fact before two Iudicatories and that having answered these points before the Councel he should not be put again to it The Advocate replying that the Councels proceeding could not stay the criminal Judge he was commanded to answer and to do it advisedly seeing it concerned his life If I must answer said he I do not think that I have offended in praying for my brethren who are in trouble and for the letter I saw if the concealing thereof be a fault I submit my self to his Majesties will The Jury proceeding declared him guilty of treason yet the sentence was continued and he sent to the Tolbuith where he remained some moneths and in end upon his supplication was pardoned and put to liberty In the same Court David Home of Argathy with Patrick Home his brother were condemned to die for keeping intelligence with the Commendatory of Driburgh and in the afternoon executed Yet was it no matter of State but some private accounts that rested undischarged at his parting forth of the Countrey wherein they had interchanged one or two letters This severity was universally disliked but that which shortly after ensued was much more hateful To breed a terrour in people and cause them abstain from communicating in any sort with the exiled Lords a Proclamation was made That whosoever should discover any person offending in that kind should besides his own pardon receive a special reward Hereupon did one Robert Hamilton of Eglismachan delate Malcolm Douglas of Mains and Iohn Cunningham of Drumwhasill for having conspired to intercept the King at hunting and detain him in some strong hold till the Lords might come and receive him A meer forgery yet gladly hearkened unto by those that desired to be rid of them for they were both Gentlemen of good respect and mistrusted of the Court Mains especially because of his valour and manhood To make out the accusation it was devised that Sir Iames Edmonston of Duntraith who had lived in great familiarity with them should be charged with the said crime and upon his confession to be pardoned which by the policy of the accuser to his own perpetual discredit he was menaced to yield unto Matters thus dressed Colonel William Stewart was sent to apprehend them who finding them in their own houses did without any resistance bring them prisoners to Edinburgh The ninth of February they were presented before the Justice Mr. Iohn Ghrame sitting as Deputy and Mr. Edward Bicace as Assessor beginning made with Duntraith he was indicted for conspiring with Mains and Drumwhasill the accuser Hamilton and others for taking and detaining the King in the manner aforesaid which was said to be plotted by the Earl of Angus and imparted to him and the rest on pannel by Iohn Home commonly called black Iohn he without making any defence confessed all betaking him to the Kings mercy Drumwhasill accused of the same conspiracy and of consulting with Duntraith thereupon at the Churches of Strablen and Killern was further charged with the treasonable attempt of Ruâ—hven whereof he had been partaker What he answered I find not in the process but when Mains his indictment was read he denied all and so cleared himself by the unlikelyhood and their impossibility to compasse a businesse of that importance to all that were present as in their hearts they did pronounce him innocent
Kinloss Lindors Blanire and Pettin Weyme representing the spiritual estate by the Earls of Arran March Athol Montrosse Marshall and Rothes the Lords Oliphant Thirlstane Gray Sinclare Down and Fleming for the Nobility and by the Commissioners of Burghs and all the Officers of Estate amongst the rest by the Master of Gray who though he did professe himâ— himself a Romane Catholick would in nothing that the King affected be thought refractary It was thought that the Ambassadour did rest well satisfied with the Kings forwardnesse towards the league and that he should have presently returned But he had some other businesse in trust which was carried more closely This was to make friends to the exiled Lords and labour their restitution as had been concluded in England To this effect he kept divers private meetings with the Master of Gray the Secretary and Justice Clerk giving the Lords intelligence from time to time of his proceedings among other means he thought expedient that they should reconcile their private quarrels with the Lord Hamilton and his brother Claud who were likewise exiled and lived then in England he wrought so as they were brought as it seemed to a perfect accord promising to take one course and joyn all in the same cause But Claud fearing either the event of the enterprise or not having buried his former grudges did afterwards separate and by discovering their purpose procured to himself liberty to return yet did he not find that acceptance which he expected being shortly after his coming confined in Aberdene and within a little while commanded to leave the countrey and goe into France There came this Summer from Denmark certain Ambassadours to redeem as they pretended the Isles of Orkney and Shetland alienated of old from that Crown yet the true errand was to propone that marriage unto the King which was some four years after happily perfected The King receiving them kindly and excusing himsel for the matter of Orkney because of the Pestilence which raged as then in Edinburgh Where the Registers of the Kingdom were kept promised how soon commodity served to give all reasonable satisfaction and to send some in Commission to treat of those matters How soon they were dimitted the King went into Striveling and from thence to Hamilton to recreate himself as he was accustomed where he received advertisement that the banished Lords were come down to the borders and that Maxwel was to joyn his forces with them Hereupon he returneth to Striveling and sending for Arran made Proclamations to go through the countrey commanding all the subjects to meet him at the Castle of Crawford the 22. of October for resisting the attempts of the Rebels But things were so prepared at Court by the English Ambassadour as the Lords did prevent the King in his expedition They had appointed their rendezvous at Linton in Tweddale and meeting there did solemnly swear not to separate nor give over the profecution of their enterprise till the King should be moved to accept them in favour and put Arran forth of his company Maxwel brough with him 300 souldiers that had served against Iohnston and about 700 horsemen all the others did scarce equall that number though Bothwel Home Yester Cesford and Drumlanrig had joyned with them To justify their proceedings they gave forth a Proclamation in all the places they came unto declaring the causes of their enterprise to be the defence of the truth the deliverance of the King from corrupt Counsellors and the preserving of amity with England In this Proclamation nothing was left unsaid that might make Arran odious and hateful amongst other things he was charged to have bragged of his descent from Duck Mordoch who was beheaded in the time of King Iames the first and to lay claim to the Crown by that title calling himself King Iames the seventh It is true that in the Parliament held the year preceding he took protestation in open Court that he renounced any title that he might pretend to the Crown that way which I suppose he did to purge himself of that aspersion but the protestation was laughed at in the time by the wiser sort and gave them to think that such a folly had once possessed his mind The Proclamation did often mention him and Col. Stewart as abusers of the King Of the rest of the Counsellours there was no speech which increased Arrans jealousy of them Now how soon the Ambassadour heard that the Lords were entred in the countrey fearing that some notice should be taken of his dealing he left Striveling and went in haste to Berwick without saluting any man They sent a Post after him with a letter desiring to know the cause of his suddain departure and whether he was directed by the Queen his Soveraign to go away in such sort Being overtaken at Anwick he answered that he had no such direction from the Queen when he was first imployed but that of late he had received a command to retire because she saw no hope of the delivery of that wretched Farnherst This he made the pretext of his departure yet in reason he could not alledge it Farnherst lying bedfast at the time in Aberdene where he was committed which was notified to him and he knew to be a truth In the conclusion of his letter he said that he could not grant that he had departed insalutato hospite seeing he performed that office both with his heart and hand and that he should by all possible means endevour that his departure should rather help to maintain then dissolve the amity betwixt his Soveraign and him That which he speaketh of his hand was a letter that he left to be given to the King the day after he was gone in which he laid the cause upon Arrans credit without whom he saw nothing could be obtained Arran seeing the letter that he left to be given to the King began to think that all was not sound and accused the Master of Gray as being privy to the Ambassadors departure which he denied yet all that time nothing was done that was sitting either for the Kings safety or reputation and not so much as the Castle furnished with victuals which might have easily been provided Neither were the Lords ignorant of this which made them use the greater speed marching directly to Falkirk and the next day which was the last of October to Striveling At the Church called Sanct Nineans a half mile or lesse from the Town they put themselves in order of battel and stood so till night fell at which time upon warning given them by their friends within the Town they advanced and knowing all the passages entred by a certain back way without any resistance Arran had taken upon him to watch that night and was keeping the Town gate when a cry was raised that the Town was taken The Earl of Crawford who watched with him fled to the Castle but he escaped by the
delation only it served to discover the falshood of the suborner In December following a Parliament was held at Linlithgow for ratifying the peace and abolishing the memory of things past In this meeting the Ministers who returned in company of the Lords did earnestly urge the repealing of the Acts concluded the year preceding against their discipline which the King did utterly refuse ordaining that none should either publickly declare or privately speak or write in reproach of his Majesties person estate or government as is to be seen in the first Act of the parliament The Ministers offending greatly therewith especially with the Lords who had promised to see these Statutes repealed stirred up one Mr. William Watson in his preaching before the King to complain of the neglect that was made of the Church and condemn the acts above mentioned This young man the Bishop of S. Andrews had placed in Edinburgh after the departing of the Ministers of England and he to this time had carried himself very orderly but now either fearing that his admission by the Bishop should be questioned or to insinuate himself this way in the favours of the Ministers who he thought would rule all matters of Church as they pleased he took the boldnesse to reprove the King to his face This his unseasonable and insolent doing was by all wisemen condemned and he therefore committed to the Castle of Blacknesse Notthelesse another of the same humour called Iames Gibson Minister at that time at Pencaitland usurping the Pulpit at Edinburgh where the sicknesse was somewhat relented fell out in the like impertinent railing saying That Captain James with his Lady Jesabel and William Stewart meaning the Colonel were taken to be the persecutors of the Church but that now it was seen to be the King himself against whom he denounced the curse that fell on Jeroboam That he should die childless and be the last of his race This man called before the Councel confessed the speeches and proudly maintained the same for which he was likewise committed Watson upon promise to amend and behave himself more dutifully was suffered to return to his charge but the businesse with the other lasted to a longer time as we will afterwards hear A few days before this Parliament deceased Mr. Iohn Spottiswood Superintendant of Lothian a sonne of the house of Spottiswood in the Mers within the Barony of Gordon of which Surname it seems his first progenitors were by the armes they have common with the Gordons his Father was killed at Floudon in the unfortunate battel wherein King Iames the fourth died and he left an Orphane of four years old When he was come to some years his friends put him to Schoole in Glasgow where he took the degree of a Master of Arts and having a purpose to study Divinity which he most affected was wholly diverted from following the same by the perfecutions he saw used against those they called hereticks So leaving the countrey he went into England and there falling in familiarity with Archbishop Cranmer was by his means brought to the knowledge of the truth Soon after the death of King Iames the fifth he returned to Scotland and stayed a long time with Alexander Earl of Glencarne who was known to be affected that way In his company he came to be acquainted with Matthew Earl of Lennox and was by him imployed towards Henry the eighth at the time that France did cast him off by the Cardinals dealing as we touched before Matters succeeding to the Earl of Lennox his mind and he setled in England he remained with him some moneths after which longing to visit his friends he returned and being known to Sir Iames Sandylands of Calder a man of great authority in those times he was by him allowed to accept the Parsonage of Calder which fell then void And living sometimes with him sometimes with the Prior of S. Andrews in whose company he went to France at the time of the Queens marriage he made no great stay in any one place till the work of reformation began at which time he took himself to reside in Calder and was how soon those troubles ended chosen Superintendent of the Churches of Lothian Mers and Tiviotdale which by the space of 20. years he governed most wisely his care in teaching planting of Churches reducing people and persons of all sorts into the right way was great and so successful as within the bounds of his charge none was found refractary from the Religion professed In his last days when he saw the Ministers take such liberty as they did and heard of the disorders raised in the Church through that confused parity which men laboured to introduce as likewise the irritations the King received by a sort of foolish Preachers he lamented extremely the case of the Church to those that came to visit him who were not a few and of the better sort he continually foretold That the Ministers by their follies would bring Religion in hazard and as he feared provoke the King to forsake the truth Therefore wished some to be placed in authority over them to keep them in awe for the doctrine said he we profess is good but the old policy was undoubtedly the better God is my witness I lie not And that these were his ordinary speeches some two years before his death many then alive could witnesse He was a man well esteemed for his piety and wisdome loving and beloved of all persons charitable to the poor and careful above all things to give no man offence His happy life was crowned with a blessed death which happened the 5. of December 1585. in the 76. year of his age But to turn to the history the King having setled with the Noblemen was very desirous to be at rest with the Church and for that effect called some of the principal Ministers to a conference wherein certain Articles were agreed for the better ordering of the Ecclesiastical affairs the full determination thereof being remitted to the general Assembly of the Church which was appointed to meet at Edinburgh the tenth of May following In the mean time Maxwel puffed up with the victory at Striveling the praise whereof he ascrived wholly to himself grew so insolent as that the next Christmas taking with him a company of lewd and dissolute persons he went in procession from Dumfreis to the Colledge Church of Lincluden and caused a Masse to be said complaint being made to the King he was brought before the Councel and committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained some moneths This gave occasion to the Proclamations which followed against Priests Jesuits and traffiquing Papists who were all commanded to leave the countrey before a certain day under pain of death Whilest these things were a doing Mr. Andrew Melvil to be revenged of Saint Andrews who had devised as he imagined the Acts made in the parliament 1584. and penned the
crime This was done by the procurement of the Prior of Blantire who had intruded himself in the Parsonage of Glasgow whereof Mr. Archibald had been titular and otherwise then by his restoring could have no right in law to retain it Many were grieved to see Justice in that sort abused for maintaining a facrilegious possession but to have sent him back to England with a Commission to reside there as Ambassador for the King which likewise was done was an errour inexcusable and how he and the Master of Gray who was chiefe man in that led Assise carried themselves in the Queen of Scotlands businesse wherewith they were trusted we will hear in the end of this year In the Isles this Summer there arose great trouble betwixt Mackoneil and Macklain two principal men in those parts Macklain by his education in the continent had learned civility and good manners and living accordingly was in great respect both with his own people and all his neighbours about Mackoneil out of an emulation made many quarrels to the other and in end laid a plot to murther him though he had married his sister which he went about in this manner He sent a message to Macklain offering to visit him at his house and to stay some days providing he would come back and make merry with him in his countrey that the world might see all injuries were forgotten and that they loved one another as brethren and good neighbours ought to do Macklain answered that he should be welcome but for his going back with him they should talk at meeting Mackoneil receiving this answer came the next day and was received very kindly by Macklain Some four or five days he stayed using the fairest shewes of amity that could be wished and being to part homewards intreated Macklain to go with him saying that he would leave his eldest son and a brother-germane pledges for his safety Macklain upon his importunity yielded to go but refused the pledges left he should seem to distrust him and so went taking with him of the trustiest of his kindred and servants some 45. They arrived in Kyntire early in the morning and all that day were welcomed with liberal feasting according to that peoples custome At night when they were gone to rest Mackoneil beset the house wherein Macklain and his people lay with a number of men and called him to come forth and drink he answered that of drink they had too much and that it was then time to rest Yet it is my will said Mackoneil that ye arise and come forth Macklain hearing this began to suspect some bad dealing and dressing himself and his men did open the dore where perceiving a company in Armes and Mackoneil with his sword drawn he asked what the matter was and if he meant to break his faith No faith said he I gave none and must now have an account of you and your friends for the wrong I have received Macklain had taken that night his nephew a little child to bed with him and being put to his defence kept the childe upon his left shoulder in manner of a targe The childe cried for mercy to his Uncle wherewith Mackoneil moved did promise to spare his life providing he would render his weapons and become his prisoner Macklain seeing no better was content and thereupon was conveighed with some keepers to another house All the rest two excepted upon the like promise rendred themselves The two whom he refused to spare defended the dore so desperately as neither he nor his men durst enter whereupon fire was put to the house and they burnt within the same The others that rendered notwithstanding the promise given them were all beheaded in Macklains sight some of them the next morning and the rest the days following Macklain himself had gone the same way but that it happened Mackoneil by a fall from his horse to break his leg by which accident his execution was prolonged In the mean time upon notice given to the King of that barbarous fact an Herauld was sent with a charge to deliver Macklain to the Earl of Argile but this availed not but still he was detained and compelled to yeild vnto most unreasonable conditions before he got his liberty which was no sooner obtained then Macklain to revenge himself fell upon Mackoneils bounds burning and killing man wife and childe without mercy and so took a cruel revenge of the others treachery A little before this trouble in the Isles Hugh Montgomry Earl of Eglington a young Nobleman of good expectation was likewise treacherously killed by certain Cunninghams who envying the Noblemans worth otherwise they could pretend no just quarrel did conspire his death The chief Actors David Cunningham of Robert-land Alexander Cunningham of Aiket and Iohn Cunningham of Corsell who were set on work by the Earl of Glencarne upon promise that he should maintain them which afterwards he disclaimed This unhappy fact did cost much blood and was afterwards honourably revenged by Robert Master of Eglington the Noblemans brother In the moneth of Iune was the league with England concluded which the year preceding had been carefully laboured and by Commissioners sent from both Princes in a meeting at Berwick accorded in this form 1. That both their Majesties finding by the course of the present proceedings in forain parts that divers Princes terming themselves Catholicks and acknowledging the Popes authority were joyned in confederacy for extirpating true Religion not only within their own States and Dominions but also in other Kingdomes left they should seem to be lesse solicitous for the defence thereof then were their enemies who thought to overthrow the same have thought it necessary as well for the preservation of their own persons on whose safety doth the Well of their subjects depend as for the better maintenance of the true ancient Christian Religion which they now professe to joyn and unite themselves in a more strict league then hath been between any Princes their Progenitors 2. That they should labour and procure by their best endevours to draw the Princes professing the same Religion to joyn and concurre with them in the like defence thereof 3. That this league should be offensive and defensive against all that should attempt to disturb the exercise true Religion within their Kingdomes notwithstanding of any former leagues of friendship or amity contracted with the said attemptors 4. That if any Prince or State whatsoever should invade the Realms and Dominions of either of their Majesties or attempt any injury against their persons or subjects upon notice thereof given or received neither of them should yeild aid counsel advice or support directly or indirectly to the said inuader notwithstanding any consanguinity affinity league or treaty made or to be made That in case of invasion they should aid and assist each other in manner and form following That is to say if the Realm of England should be invaded by any forain
servants at the ordinary hour she went to bed and slept some hours quietly after which having awaked she spent the rest of the night in prayer The day beginning to break she apparelled her self as she was wont to do on the Festival days and calling together her servants shewed unto them her Will desiring them to take in good part the Legacies she had bequeathed unto them since her means were at the time no better and then gave her self wholly to devotion About eight of the clock the Sheriffe of the Shire named named Thomas Andrews entered the Chappel where she was praying on her knees and told her that all was ready and I am likewise said she Thus arising she came forth to her Chamber of presence where she made a short speech to her servants willing them to fear God and live vertuously and so kissing her women and giving the men-servants her hand to kisse she bad them farewel The Earls and other Gentlemen meeting her she shewed a most chearful countenance nothing dejected but looking grave and devout with a Crucifix of Ivory in her hands As she was going towarâ—s the Hall where she was to suffer when Andrew Melvil her Steward did bewaile his mishap in that he should be the carrier of the news of his Ladies death into Scotland she said Do not lament but rather be glad for thou shalt straightway see Mary Stewart delivered from all her cares you may tell them that I die constant in my Relâ—gion and firm in affection towards Scotland and France Hitherto thou haft served me faithfully and howbeit I take thee to be in Religion a Protestant and I my self am Catholick yet seeing there is but one Christ I charge thee upon thine accompt to him that thou carry these my last woâ—ds to my sonne and shew that I pray him to serve God to defend the Catholick Church and govern his Kingdom in peace and nâ—ver to put himself in the power of another as I have done Certify him that I have done nothing preâ—udicial to the Crown of Scotland and will him to keep friendship wiâ—h the â—ueen England and serve thou him faithfully With these words some tears falling from her eâ—e she bad him farewell After this she was brought to the Hall in the midst whereof over against the Chimney where was a great fire a scaffold was erected of two foot high and tweâ—ve â—oot broad hâ—ving two steps to ascend the Scaffold was railed about almost a yard high and all covered with black cloth as were the Chair Stools and block and Cuâ—hions to kneel upon Before she went up turning to the Earls she requested that her servants might stand by at her death They answered that their passionate weeping would diquiet her and do no good else Nay said she I will promise for them they shall not do so it is but a small favour and such as Queen Elizabeth would not deny me to have my maids present She named Melvil her Steward Buâ—gotâ— her Physician her Apothecary and Chirurgeon with two maids Being on the Scaffold and silence made the Cleâ—k of the Councel did read the Commission which she listened to as it had been some other matter That ended the Dean of Peâ—erburrow began to remember her of her present condition and to comfort her in the best way he could she interrupting his speech willed him to hold his peace for that she would not hear him An when excusing himself that what he did was by command of her Majesties Councel he began again to speak Peace Mr. Dean said she I have nothing to do with you nor you with me The Noblemen desiring him not to trouble her further she said That is best for I am setled in the ancient Catholick Religion wherein I was born and bred and new will die in the same The Earl of Kent saying that as yet they would not cease to pray unto God for her that he would vouchsafe to open her eyes and enlighten her mind with the knowledge of his truth that she might die therein She answered That you may do at your pleasure but I will pray by my self So the Dean conceiving a prayer and all the company following him she likewise prayed aloud in the Latin Tongue and when the Dean had finished she in the English Language commended unto God the estate of the afflicted Church prayed for her sonne that he might prosper and live happily and for Queen Elizabeth that she might live long and govern her subjects peace blyâ—aâ—ding that she hoped only to be saved by the blood of Christ at the feeâ— of whose picture presented on the Crucifix she would willingly shed her blood Then lifting up the â—rucifix and kissing it she said As thy arms O Christ were spread abroad on the Crâ—sse so with the on stretched Armes of thy mercy receive me and forgive me my sins This said she rose up and was by two of her women disrobed of her upper garments the executioners offering their help and putting to their hands she put them back saying She was not accustomed to be served with such grooms nor dressed before such a multitude Her upper robe taken off she did quickly lose her doublet which was laced on the back and putting on her Armes a pair of silken sleeves her body covered with a smock only she kissed her maids again and bad them farewel They bursting forth in tears she said I promised for you that you should be quiet get you hence and remember me After which kneeling down most resolutely and with the least token of fear that might be having her eyes covered with a handkerchief she repeated the Psalm In te Domine confido ne confundar in aeternum Then stretching forth her body with great quietnesse and laying her neck over the block she cried aloud In manus tuas Domine commendo spiritum meum One of the executioners holding down her hands the other at two blowes cut off her head which falling out of her attire seemed to be somewhat gray All things about her were taken from the executioners and they not suffered to carry their Aprons or anything else with them that her blood had touched the clothes and block were also burnt her body embalmed and in solemn manner buried in the Cathedral Church at Peterburrow and after many years taken up by the King her son and interred at Westminster amongst the rest of the Kings This was the end of Queen Maries life a Princesse of many rare vertues but crossed with all the crosses of Fortune which never any did bear with greater courage and magnanimity to the last Upon her return from France for the first two or three years she carried her self most worthily but then giving ear to some wicked persons and transported with the passion of revenge for the indignity done unto her in the murther of David Rizio her Secretary she fell into a Labyrinth of troubles which forced her
mightiest Potentates that reigned in long time And that this present Don Antonio may suffice for ensamples to teach all Princes if they can avoid it to beware how they fall into that state whereby they shall be inforced to seek their own by other Potentates means Princes are not so ready in these days to embrace other mens quarrels but where they are extraordinarily interressed in their own fortunes Wherefore I doubt not but it will be seen by men of judgement not transported with passion or led away with private respects that it should be every way the only best course for your Soveraign by a good and kind usage of her Majesty and by shewing that Princely moderation as well in this grievous accident of his mothers death as his whole proceeding with this Realm which the excellency of his Highness education seemeth to promise to seek to win the hearty good wills of this Realm as the chief and principal assurance he can in any sort obtain For to trust or depend either upon the French King or the King of Spain as if by their assistance he might attain to the present possession of this Crown which be indeed the only two Potentates whom he must have recourse unto if he reject the Amity of England whosoever shall so counsel your Soveraign as things presently stand shall in the judgement of men of best understanding bewray great want either of fidelity or judgement drawing his Majesty unto so untoward and desperate a course For it is no way safe for any Prince to repose his trust and strength upon their favour and assistance to whose desires and designes his greatnesse may yeild any impeachment and hinderance so were it clearly against common reason to expect other support and assistance from them then might stand with their own commodities and pretensions in respect whereof neither of the two foresaid Kings can simply and roundly joyn with your Soveraign to his good First his Religion being odious to them both and likely to prove most prejudicial to the Catholick cause he growing so great as he should be made by the union of the two Crowns the consideration whereof caused his mothers affairs to stick a long time and made now in end leave him quite out of the reckoning ordaining the King of Spain her heir if her son became not Catholick Next it is meerly repugnant to the policy of France were it but in respect of the ancient claim England maketh to that Crown to suffer the uniting of this Island under one Prince They have been content in former times when England had a footing in France to serve themselves of your Nation therewith to annoy this Realm by the means of diverting or dividing the forces thereof and so perhaps the Politicks of France can be content to wish at this day by your Soveraigns quarrel or any other such like to be eased of the burthen and miseries of the present Warre wherewith they are plagued by transporting the same into this Island But as this Realm hath good means to prevent that mischief if it were intended so were your Soveraign to look when all were done but to be made an instrument as his predecessors have been of the effusion of much Scottish blood for French quarrels and the desolation of that Realm And as things stand presently in France it is not thought that you should find the King ready to hearken to any enterprise against this Land the said King being most desirous to live in peace both with his neighbours abroad and his subjects at home but that he hath been forced full sore against his will by the practise of them of the house of Guise to countenance with his authority the Civil Warre raised in that Realm which maketh him whatsoever shew he maketh of the contrary to hate them in his heart Neither would it be held sound counsel to be given him by any that depends upon his fortune to further the advancement of a King of Scots so nearly allied to that family which he hath discovered and greatly feareth to level at his own Crown with any intention to depose him which by the greatnesse of a King of Scots they should be so much the sooner and better able to effect The King of Spains assistance being now in Warre with this Realm were more likely to be obtained but farre more dangerous to be used in respect of his insatiable ambition deep practises and power accompanied in this case with a colour of right wherein how farre he would seek to prevail any opportunity or advantage being offered it may justly be doubted by the experience that sundry States have had which upon slender grounds of title have been extorted and wrung from the true inheritours and annexed to his own Kingdom as Navarre Portugal and all he possesseth in Italy hath been It is believed that the King of Spain considering his years and unsetled estate every way would willingly incline to peace if it were offered with reasonable conditions and not over-readily at this present embark himself in any new enterprise But otherwise it is well known that as he had fancied to himself an Empire of all this part of Europe so he had an eye to this Realm ever since he was King in right of his wife The conquest was intended under colour of Religion as was discovered by some that were of his own Privy Councel at that time his pretention to be the heir of the house of Lancaster and since the late Queens death the first Catholick Prince of the blood Royal of England as also the donation of this Crown made him by the Queen of Scots in her letters with a promise to confirm it by Testiment things blazed abroad by the said Kings Ambassadour at Paris ought to breed jealousy and suspicion in your Soveraigns head and give him to think how he should be used at such an assistants hand Auxiliary forces have ever been reputed dangerous if they either in number or policy were superiour to them that called them in The assistance therefore of Spain and France being of this nature as your Soveraign hath need of neither so he shall do well to forbear them both and so shall it be most for his ease It may be some will pretend that by change of his Religion your Soveraign shall better his condition in regard of these forain Princes besides a great party within this Realm that thereby shall be drawn wholly to depend upon his fortune But the poor distressed estate of Don Anthonio being a Catholick Prince spoiled by a Catholick and receiving so little succour at Catholick Princes hands shall be a sufficient barre to all that can be alleadged in that behalf As for the Catholick party in England in his mothers life it was never so united as they drew all in one line much lesse will they be brought suddenly to relye upon him if he should alter his Religion as God defend which would be his utter discredit and
bear forth the honour of his Estate and not burthen his subjects with taxations for his support This was the publick pretext and the King made to believe that the reservation of the Prelates houses and precincts with the tithes of the Churches annexed to their benefices would suffice to maintain their dignity and estate But privately to such of the ministery as sought the subversion of Episcopal government it was whispered That this was the only way to undoe the Prelacy for there being no livings to maintain them as in this case there would be little or nothing remaining most of the Bishopricks being founded on temporal lands and having but Churches annexed none would be found to accept those places which also proved true Hopes besides were given to those Ministers that they should have the tithes to use and dispone at their pleasure yet was it not long ere the King did find himself abused the temporalities formerly disponed which were not a few being all in the same Parliament confirmed and those that remained in a short time begged from him and given away to the followers of Court so as nothing was left to benefit or reward any well deserving servant When as he saw this and that the spiritual Estate was by this mean utterly decayed the Priors and Abbots being all turned temporal Lords he did sore forthink the passing of the Act calling it a vile and pernicious Act and recommending to the Prince his son the annulling thereof The Ministers that lookt for restoring the tithes perceiving themselves likewise deluded began also to exclaim and condemn the course howbeit somewhat too late In the same Parliament an Act was made in favour of the small Barons giving them by their Commissioners a voice in Parliament and Conventions with the others Estates The Earl of Crawford did strongly oppose and in name of the Nobility protested against their receiving That which the King intended by this was to free the Barons of their dependence upon Noblemen and have the Estates more particularly informed at their meeting of the abuses in the countrey But so farre was he from obtaining these ends as to the contrary they did work him great businesse in all the ensuing Parliaments Soon after the Estates dissolved the Lord Hunsdon Governour of Berwick sent to intreat presence of the King who yeilded the more willingly because he of all the Nobility of England had medled least in the proceedings against his Mother The Nobleman proposing the same reasons in effect which Walsingham had used in his letter to the Chancellour and laying before the King the danger wherein he might bring the title and right of succession which otherwise was undoubted if he should enter into open warre with England did earnestly beseech him seeing that which was done could not be undone to give place unto necessity promising because it was still beaten into the Kings ears that the execution of his Mother did barre his succession to bring unto him a Declaration under the hands of all the Judges of England that the sentence given against his Mother was no hurt to his right nor could work any prejudice to his succession This conference did break the King very much from his resolution yet the outcries of the countrey were great and their desires so vehement for revenge that he parted with Hunsdon in doubtful terms But when the Declaration of the Judges which he had promised was brought unto him and therewith the sentence given against Davison in the Starre Chamber whereby it appeared that the execution was done without the Queens knowledge he became more appeased and suffered Proclamations to go out inhibiting all that dwelt in the Borders to make incursions upon England as they were begun to do About the same time did Patrick Vaus of Barnbarrough and Mr. Peter Young his Majesties Elemosynar who had bin sent unto Denmark to treat of the marriage return making report of their agreement whereupon conclusion was taken that in the opening of the spring a Nobleman should be directed to accomplish the ceremonies and bring home the young Queen But the death of King Frederick her Father who departed this life in the moneth of April next with other occasions that intervened made the businesse to be delayed certain moneths In the end of the year there came from beyond Sea divers Jesuits and Priests to deal with the Catholick Noblemen for assisting the Spanish Armada which was then preparing to invade England if possibly they should take land in Scotland for their hope was to find the King favourable because of the Queens proceedings against his Mother and that he should joyn his forces with the Spanish for revenge of that wrong But he considering his own danger if strangers should set foot in the Isle and not trusting that the Spaniard would take the pains to conquer for him the Crown of England for that also was proffered refused to give ear unto such motions Mr. Iames Gordon Jesuit and Uncle to the Earl of Huntley had been all the summer before in the countrey and was overseen because of his Nephew whom the King intended to match with the Duke of Lennox his eldest sister neither was he much feared as being a simple man and not deeply learned Mr. Edmond Hay brother to Peter Hay of Megnish a Jesuit also but of greater account and more politick and wise did thereafter arrive pretending that he came to take his farewel of his friends and after him came divers others which made the King give out a Proclamation against the resetters and for apprehending their persons In this Proclamation besides Mr. Iames Gordon and the said Mr. Edmond Hay I find named Mr. Gilbert Brown Abbot of Newbottle Mr. Iohn Drury son natural to George Drury sometimes Abbot of Dunfermling Mr. Alexander Mackwhirry Mr. Iames Cheyn Mr. Alexander Meldrum Mr. William Crichton Mr. Iames Seaton and Mr. Iohn Morton most of these upon their supplications and sureties given to depart in the first ships obtained a protection unto the last of Ianuary which did so offend the Ministers as they did call a number of Noblemen Barons and Commissioners of Burghs to meet at Edinburgh the sixth of February for advising upon some remedy against the present dangers The meeting was frequent and Mr. Robert Bruce by the suffrages of all chosen to preside He had preached ordinarily at Edinburgh a year or somewhat more and was in great respect with all sorts of people but had not entered as yet unto the ministerial function Certain assessors chosen according to the custome the first thing proposed was touching the dangers threatened to Religion and the readiest means for quenching the fire of Papistry kindled through the whole countrey which they were all greatly exhorted to take to heart and to consider what course was best to obviate these dangers And to the end things might be done advisedly the Noblemen were advised to
conflict perished the Gallion of Biskay and two other great ships Two Gallions of Portugal the one called S. Philip the other S. Matthew having lost their tackling and being torn with shot made towards the coast of Flanders and were taken by the Zelanders Once as it seemed the General with the rest of the Navy bent their course towards Scotland but not knowing what favour they should find there and the wind blowing fair they resolved to make home by the North Isles The General himself with the best provided vessels took the main Ocean towards Biscay and arrived safely in Spain The rest seeking to take in fresh water partly in the Isles and partly in Ireland were so tossed with tempests and contrary winds that 40. and above were cast away in those Seas A ship of Florence driven upon the West coast of Scotland was spoiled and set on fire by certain Highlanders Shortly the destruction was so great as of the 134. Ships that set fail from Lisbone 53. onely returned to Spain of the souldiers besides the mariners 13500. were lost by one way or other And as they write not a family in Spain of any note there was which suffered not in this expedition having lost either a son or a brother or some nigh kinsman Such was the successe of the Spanish Navy which had been four years in preparing with no small cost and in a few days was thus overthrown one English ship onely being lost and about 100. men in all The King caused solemn thanksgiving for this deliverance to be given to God in all Churches of the Kingdome beginning in his own Court for an ensample to others This was the marvellous year talked of so long before by the Astrologues which this defeat and the accidents that fell forth in France about the end of the same year did in a part make good In this kingdom which we ought ever to remember with thankfulnesse to Almighty God happened no dysaster for which we had cause to be grieved the death of Archibald Earl of Angus excepted who deceased in the moneth of Iuly a Nobleman as in place and rank so in worth and virtue above other subjects of a comely personage affable and full of grace a lover of Justice peaceable sober and given to all goodnesse and which crowned all his virtues truly pious A long time he lived in exile in England not through his own fault but the misfortune of his friends whom he could not forsake After he was restored to the Kings favour no man did carry himself in better sort and in that time which was full of factions he kept himself free of all partakings being imployed in the Lieftenandry of the Borders he discharged himself to his Majesties great content and to the liking of all the subjects and not long after fell into that disease whereof he died leaving no heir male and one only daughter by his second marriage who did not long survive him Never died any Nobleman with greater regrate and so much the more was his death lamented that as it was then thought and afterwards confessed that he was taken away by forcery and incantation In the time of his sicknesse when the Physicians found his disease not to proceed of any natural cause one Richard Graham who was executed some years after for witchcraft being brought to give his opinion of it made offer to cure him saying as the manner of these Wizards is that he had received wrong But when he heard that the man was suspected to use unlawful arts he would by no means admit him saying That his life was not so dear unto him as for the continuance of it some years he would be beholden to any of the Devils instruments That he held his life of God and was willing to render the same at his good pleasure knowing he should change it for a better Thus after a long and languishing disease he died in Smeton near to Dalkeith and was buried in Abernethy in the sepulchre of his progenitors The houses of Angus and Morton which within his person were conjoyned went by provision of Taile to the Lairds of Glenbervy and Lochlevin The hopes that our Catholicks conceived of the Spanish Navy being now frustrated they had lost heart quite but that the Prince of Parma did of new encourage them by his letters shewing that the losse was nothing so great as it was given out to be and giving them hopes of another Army that set out more timely and to be with them the next spring These letters were sent by one Mr. Robert Bruce and delivered to Huntley to be communicated with the rest of that faction Shortly after came one Iohn Chesholme bringing with him ten thousand Crowns which were delivered to Bruce to be used as he thought most fit for advancing the cause The Earl of Huntley made instance to have the third part of the summe Lord Claud Hamilton pleaded for as much and Maxwel lying then in prison held no lesse to be due to him But Bruce excused himself by the charge he had to dispone the mony by the advice of David Graham of Fintrey who was warded at the same time in Dundey and payed them all with one answer The Lord Claud more covetous then the rest because he could not come by any part of the money grew more cold in the business Maxwel had some sent him for his consolation in the prison But Huntley having at the Kings desire subscrived the confession of faith and reconciled himself to the Church was wholly neglected This he excused afterwards by a letter to the Prince of Parma professing That after the escape of Colonel Semple he found himself so busied on all hands and in such sort pressed by the King as it behoved him either to yeild or depart out of the countrey or then to have taken the fields which well he could not do all hope of help being taken from him by the return of the Navy of Spain but in what he had failed he should endevour to amend by some good service tending to the advancement of the cause of God who had put him he said in such credit with the King as he had broken his former guards and made him establish others about his person by whom at all occasions he might assure himself and be Master of the King and so when the support promised should arrive spoile the hereticks of his authority and make sure the Catholicks enterprises Therefore besought him to be perswaded of his unchangeable affection albeit in outward action he was forced to accommodate himself to the necessity of the time This letter was dated at Edinburgh the 24. of Ianuary 1589. Another of the same date was sent by the Earl of Arrol whom Mr. Edmond Hay the Jesuit had seduced and brought on that course to Parma bearing That since his conversion to the Catholick faith he did ever think himself obliged to procure the
Ward and submit themselves to the punishment his Majesty should be pleased to impose The Chancellor made the like intercession for Bothwell but for Arroll none did speak After the King had thought a little of it he was content they should enter and present themselves to the Justice but would give no condition For this effect the 24. of May was assigned at the day Mr. Edward Bruce Mr. William Oliphant and Mr. Iames Wardlaw sitting Judges in the criminal Court by Commission the three Earls compiered Of Noblemen and others charged to passe upon their Assise there were present the Lord Hamilton the Earls of Angus Morton Atholl Marre and Marshall the Lords Seaton Somervill Dingwell and Cathcart the Lairds of Pittarrow Closburn Lagg and the Constable of Dundy These taking oath as the manner is the indictment was read which consisted of seven or eight points First they were charged with practising with Jesuits seminary Priests and other strangers against Religion receiving of Spanish gold and hiring souldiers therewith to disturb the quiet of the Realm 2. That they had entered in bond and confederacy with the Earls of Arroll Montrosse and others contrary to the Lawes kept Conventicles and treasonably surprised the Town of Perth of purpose to have fortified the same against his Majesty 3. That they had conspired to take the King prisoner at Halyrudhouse and kill his servants and Counsellours especially Sir Iohn Maitland of Thirlstane Chancellor 4. That they had besieged the house of Kirkhill put fire to the same and forced the Master of Glammis Thesaurer to render himself captive 5. That they had convocated the subjects by open Proclamation and given out that the King was detained prisoner against his will 6. That they came with displayed banners to the Bridge of Dee of mind to invade the King whom they knew to be upon an expedition to the North parts 7. That they had taken the Kings Herauld at Arms in the City of Aberdene spoyled him of his Coat and Letters when he was about to proclaim them The 8. and last concerned Bothwell particularly who besides the rest was charged to have hired souldiers as well strangers as men within the countrey entertaining them in Dalkeith and threatning to invade the town of Leth at his Majesties being in the North. Bothwell confessing that he had waged souldiers and entered in bonds with other Noblemen did therefore put himself in his Majesties will the rest of the points he denied remitting himself to the trial of his Peers Crawford confessed that he was in the fields at the taking of Kirkhill and with the Earl of Huntley in Aberdene but denied the other points Huntley come in will for the whole The Assise removing by themselves found Bothwell guilty of the enterprise at the quarrel holes besides that which he confessed They filed Crawford of surprising the Town of Perth and coming in Arms to the Bridge of Dee Huntley by his own confession was found guilty in all The sentence upon the Kings Warrant was suspended and they committed to divers places Bothwell in Tantallon Crawford in Blacknesse and Huntley in the Castle of Edinburgh In Iune following the Assembly of the Church convened at Edinburgh where the King giving his presence after he had spoken a little of his good affection towards the Church shewed that he was come to desire Mr. Patrick Galloway to be appointed one of his Ministers the Assembly by the mouth of their Moderator rendring his Majesty humble thanks for the beginnings he had made in suppressing the enemies of Religion did intreat him to prosecute the businesse and made offer of their humble service and assistance to the uttermost of their power As to that which he desired they acknowledged that his Majesty might command any Minister wheresoever he served to attend himself and his Court and so ordained Mr. Patrick Galloway to leave his charge at Perth and wait upon the King It was a good beginning and this gave no small content to all well disposed men But things continued not long in that case for before that meeting took an end a fresh offence was given The year preceding the King having contracted his Cousen the Duke of Lennox his sister to the Earl of Huntley had caused the Bishop of S. Andrews celebrate the marriage at which the Ministers of Edinburgh taking exception they complained of the same in a preceding Assembly and had obtained a Commission to the Presbytery for calling and censuring the Bishop according to the Acts of the Church Whether the Bishop would not ackowledge them for Judges or that he esteemed his Majesties command a Warrant sufficient for what he had done whilest as he neglected their proceedings they pronounce him deprived from all office and function in the Church and presenting the processe in this assembly the same was found formal the sentence ratified and ordained to be published in all the Churches of the Kingdome only to make the Bishop hateful and contemptible He complaineth to the King who shewed himself extremely displeased with their doings but what course he should take he was doubtful for every day he was expecting the arrival of his Queen and loved to have all things quiet and setled at her coming especially in the Church with whom it grieved him not a little to be still in question but espying no better way he resolved in end to dissemble his anger towards them and to take the imprisoned Lords in favour lest he should make himself too much businesse Thereupon he returneth to the Northâ— gives Arroll a pardon putteth Crawford to liberty and fully remits him Huntley and Bothwell he freeth from imprisonment but to hold them in awe he deferres the Declaration of his will concerning them The Lord Maxwel upon his bond not to practise against Religion under the pain of an hundred thousand pounds is likewise dimitted And in this case stood things when advertisement came that the marriage was accomplished and the Queen ready to take Sea All diligence was thereupon used to prepare for her reception and nothing left undone that was required for so great a solemnity But a second and unlookt for message cometh shortly after shewing that the Navy appointed for her conduct was driven by a tempest into Norway and that it was thought she should stay in those parts unto the spring The King taking this impatiently concludeth with himself to go thither in person and because he knew many impediments would be made if his purpose were known he giveth out that he would send the Chancellor and Justice Clerk to transport her in Scottish Vessels if the Danes would not adventure theirs in that season How soon the ships were prepared for their journey no man expecting any such matter he taketh Sea himself leaving direction to the Councel for the government of affaires during his absence with the following Declaration written all with his own hand but not seen to
Religion presently professed should be a just cause to infer the pain and crime of treason against Iesuites Mass Priests trafficking Papists and their ressetters with a provision That if the Iesuits and seminary Priests did satisfie the Prince and the Church the foresaid penalty should not strick upon the ressetters which in effect was no restraint neither was the trafficking against Religion declared to be a crime of Treason unless the same was proved a trafficking likewise against the King So in this point the Church received small satisfaction As to the complaint of blood the same was remitted to the ordinary course of Justice But the first Petition was longer debated the King being unwilling either to abrogate the Acts of the 84. or grant the ratification desired of the present discipline for he foresaw the inconvenients that would grow by the liberty that Ministers should assume to themselves yet Bothwels business and the many discontentments within the Realm moved him to give way lest he should be troubled likewise with their outcries So the Act passed but in the most wary tearms that could be devised As for the Statute confirming his Majesties royall power the abrogation whereof was chiefly sought it was onely declared That the said Statute should be no wayes prejudiciall nor derogatory to the priviledge that God hath given to the spirituall office-bearer in the Church concerning heads of Religion matters of Heresie Excommunication collation or deprivation of Ministers or any such essentiall censures grounded and having warrant of the Word of God Upon the end of the Parliament the King went to Falkland where Bothwell made a new attempt encouraged thereunto by the Earls of Angus and Arroll the Master of Gray Colonell Stewart and the Lairds of Iohnston and Balwery who did all promise their concurrence in bringing him unto the Kings presence The Master of Gray and Balwery did meet him with a good number of horse Angus kept the Diet but with a small company Arroll remained with the King within the Palace and had taken upon him with the assistance of Colonel Stewart to open the Gates but either out of fear their hearts failing them or not having a number sufficient to make good their undertaking nothing was done yet upon suspicions they were apprehended and Arroll sent to the Castle of Edinburgh and the Colonel to Blackness the company that came with Bothwell was not great and did not exceed sixscore in all broken men for the most part whom he had taken up in the English and Scottish borders with these he had journied 2 dayes and nights without either meat or sleep came to Falkland a little before midnight where finding his expectation disappointed and those in the Palace provided to defend he stayed on the side of the hill till a little after Sun-rising some of his followers in the mean time breaking open the Queens stables took away the horses and what else they could lay hands upon The night was then at the shortest for it was the 26. of Iune and the Countrey gathering from all parts to relieve the King he was forced to flee But what way to take he was uncertain for to pass the Ferrie with his company he could not safely and to return by the bridge of Striveling was a long way which neither the horses nor their riders after so long watching could indure yet seeing no better then to be gone with the haste he could make about nine of the clock he caused sound the trumpets and retired The King after the Countrey people were come followed by the Queens Ferry thinking he had gone that way but finding that he had taken his course by Striveling and knowing that the company would separate how soon they had passed the bridge he directed most of his followers to apprehend such as they could overtake Divers were taken in the Moors of Calder and Carnwath but suffered to escape by their takers many horses were found straying in the fields the riders being overcome with sleep and fallen from them Amongst others Archibald Wachop of Nudry and some 7. or 8. with him whilest they lay sleeping in a meadow nigh to Cambusnetham were taken by the Lord Hamilton and sent to be kept in the Castle of Draffan but his Lady the day after out of a womanly commiseration whilest her Lord was absent suffered them to depart Bothwell himself fled unto the West borders and from thence into England The badness of this attempt put the borders in a great fear for many of them especially of the Iohnstons had followed him in that journey yet so great was the Kings clemency as being at Dumfreise whither he went in the beginning of Iuly a generall pardon was proclaimed to all that would submit themselves whereupon numbers did enter and were received in favour Bothwell thus forsaken almost of all did notwithstanding in the Court again find some that out of emulation and private rancour more then for any affection they carried unto him wrought the King new troubles Alexander Lindesay Lord Spinie a great favourite in that time out of the malice he bare to the Master of Glamis Thesaurer whom he knew Bothwell also hated did secretly practise to bring him into the Kings presence and make his reconciliation This coming to the knowledge of Colonel Stewart who was still detained in Blackness to procure his own liberty and recover the Kings favour he signified the same to the King by Sir Iames Sandelands who as then was keeper of the house and being brought before the Councell at Dalkeith stood to the declaration affirming that the Lord Spinie had resset Bothwell in his Ladies house at Aberdowre which he offered to prove by witnesses circumstances and other clear demonstrations These were his words Spinie denying all appealed the Colonell to combat which the King would not permit assigning the 12 of September for his triall before the Justice Spinie appearing at the day the Colonell excused himself by the shortnesse of the time and had a new diet assigned him at which his probation failing Spinie was restored to his honour dignity and service yet did he never recover his former credit with the King but was held still suspected and whether offending at this or that the first declaration was true in it self the year following he took open part with Bothwell and was therefore denounced Rebell At the same time Iohn Weymis younger of Logie Gentleman of his Majesties Chamber and in great favour both with the King and Queen was discovered to have the like dealing with Bothwell and being committed to the keeping of the Guard escaped by the policy of one of the Dutch Maids with whom he entertained a secret love The Gentlewoman named mistress Margaret Twinslace coming one night whilest the King and Queen were in bed to his keepers shewed that the King called for the prisoner to ask of him some question the keepers suspecting nothing for they
which purpose some was left at Edinburgh to make timely warning to the rest The King being informed of this conclusion at his return to Edinburgh called the speciall Ministers that were in town and shewed that it was an undutifull part in them to convocate the subjects and cause them take armes without his warrant prohibiting any such advertisement to be given as was appointed They excusing themselves said That it was the cause of God and in defence thereof they could not be deficient Hereupon a Proclamation was made Declaring the course that his Majesty had taken to try the Conspiracy of the Popish Lords and how after some pâ—ins taken in that businesse he had indicted a Parliament in Iuly last for that cause at which time nothing being done albeit not in his default and he impeshed a long time after by the practises of Bothwell and other troubles in the Countrey was no sooner received forth of his hands then he fell again upon the same thoughts and that now he had appointed a Convention of Estates at Linlithgow for taking their advice touching the surety of his own person the relief of the subjects oppression and the ordering of all that businesse especially since the said Lords had by their letters and otherwise most humbly desired a triall which he doubted not the Estates would consider and so proceed therein as might best serve to the preserving of Religion and the quietnesse of the Countrey his own intention being no other but to have them satisfie the Church or if they refused to cause them to be expulsed and banished the Countrey And for that end he had commanded them to remain at Perth and attend the resolution of the Estates dissolving their forces if any they had assembled Whereof his Majesty did think meet to give all his subjects notice that they might know his care for the maintenance of true Religion against all the enemies thereof And therefore inhibited the subjects to make any Convocations or if any were already made by the sinistrous informations of ill disposed people they were commanded to dissolve and turn to their houses till they should be advertised either by missive Letters or Proclamations and not otherwise under the pains appointed for seditious persons and disturbers of the publick peace Notwithstanding of this discharge there came great companies to Edinburgh and in all parts of the Countrey were people stirring so that the Convention which was called to meet at the same time being not very frequent kept a short while together The offers and Petitions of the Popish Lords being onely read the consideration thereof was remitted to certain chosen by the Estates These were the Lord Thirlestane Chancellour the Earls Marshall Marre Montrosse and Rothes the Lord Levingston Scot of Balwery Iohn Murray of Tullibarden Alexander Bruce of Airth Mr. George Lowder of Basse William Scot of Abbotshall Mr. David Carnagie of Colluthie Sir Alexander Hume of North-Berwick Provost of Edinburgh Clement Core Baily with the Commissioners of the towns of Dundie Couper Striveling and Linlithgow to these or any four of every estate together with his Majesties Officers power was given to consider the Petitions and offers of the said Lords to try their accusations purgations and the truth thereof and to conclude therein as they should think most expedient for the surety of Religion and redressing of disorders within the Realm ordaining their determination to be as valid and effectuall as if the same had been concluded in Parliament or Convention It was likewise ordained that Mr. Robert Lindesay Mr. Robert Bruce Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Patrick Calloway and Mr. Iames Carmichael and Iohn Duncauson should be admitted to the said conference if they should desire And that in the absence of any of the Estates nominated such as were present should appoint others at their pleasure The Commissioners nominated having conveened at Edinburgh the 12. of November after many dayes reasoning grew to this conclusion That the King for the publick peace of the Realm and to remove all troubles and the occasion thereof after mature deliberation and conference kept with the Ministers had by the advice of the Commissioners elected by the Estates declared and by irrevocable Edict ordained That the true Religion established in the first year of his Majesties reign should be onely professed and exercised in all time coming within the Realm and that none should supply or resset any Iesuits Priests and other adversaries of Religion under the pains contained in the Acts of Parliament That such as have not embraced Religion or made defection from the same should conform themselves before the â— of February next satisfie the Church and obey such things as shall be prescribed to them by the King and the Church or if any of them did think it difficile so to do for any scruple of Conscience that they should depart forth of the Realm to such parts beyond Sea as his Majesty should appoint betwixt and the said day and not return till they were resolved to imbrace the truth and satisfie the Church they alwaies and their heirs enjoying their lands and livings and their procurators being licensed to appear before the ordinary Iudges for debating their actions notwithstanding of any prâ—cesse laid against them That the Earls of Angus Huntley and Arroll the Laird of Achindowne and Sir James Chisholme should be unaccusable of the crimes contained in the summons executed against them by occasion of blanks and letters intercepted and concerning their traficking with strangers to the prejudice of Religion and the said processe extinct for ever discharging the Iustice Advocate and other Officers present and to come of all calling and proceeding against them and their heires therefore in time coming But in case they have sent or after this time shall send any pledges forth of the Realm for fulfilling of Conditions tending to the overthrow of Religion in that case the said abolition should be null neither should it be further extended then to the crimes contained in the summons and no way comprehend any murders fire-raisings or other crimes committed by them That such of the said Earls and others as should resolve to obey his Highnesse Lawes in professing the true Religion before the 1 of February should remain in the places and bounds to be appointed for them and forbeare all practising or intelligence with the Iesuits Priests and other Papists debarring them from and forth of their company That they should neither dispute nor permit disputing at their Tables against the truth or in favour of Popery and entertain in their houses a Minister and be ready to hear conference and resolve themselves of doubts that they may be the better prepared to subscribe the Confession of Faith at the day appointed unlesse it please the Chrrch to prorogate their subscription for some longer space That the Earls of Huntley and Arroll should before the 1 of February remove out of their company Mr. James
Gordon and Mr. William Ogilvie Iesuits and finde surety under the pain of fourty thousand pounds each of them to abide by their subscriptions and not to make defection from the Religion Achindowne and Sir James Chisholme finding the like surety under the pain of ten thousand pounds That such of them as make choice to leave the Countrey and will not imbrace the true Religion should give assurance to forbear all practising with Iesuits and others against Religion and the State when they are abroad and till their departing keep no intelligence with any of that Sect. That they should declare their choice of the two conditions before the 1 of January to the King and Church otherwise in case they doe not accept the same in manner and within the time above specified they should injoy no benefit by vertue thereof but should be liable to triall and punishment of Law as if the same had never been proponed nor offered unto them That the Church should in the mean time call all suspected persons before them requiring them to satisfie and if they be obstinate delate their names to his Majesty and Councell that they may be punished and that Masters and Landlords be holden to answer for persons so suspected as for other crimes These were the conclusions taken in this meeting by the Deputies of the Estates and signed by the King and them which likewise were to be subscribed by the 3 Earls and their complices in token of their acceptation what effect the same took we shall afterwards hear In the end of this year there fell out great troubles in the west marches some of the surname of Iohnston having in the Iuly preceding made a great depredation upon thelands of Sanwhare and Drumlanrig and killed eighteen persons that followed for rescue of their goods a Commission was given to the Lord Maxwell then Warden for pursuing the doers with all hostility Not long before a great friendship had been contracted betwixt him and the Laird of Iohnston and bonds interchanged for assisting one another which the Lord Sanwhare Drumlanrig and others interessed by the Iohnstons feared should make him remisse in executing the Commission yet considering his disposition and that he loved above all things to be followed they took advice to offer their services so as he would joyn with them for suppressing the power of the Iohnstons Maxwell thinking this to be a good occasion for bringing all Niddisdale to depend upon him embraced the offer whereupon a bond was formed and subscribed by them and these others with divers of their friendship This bond being negligently kept fell into the hands of one Iohnston of Commertries who served the Lord Maxwell and was by him carried to the Laird Iohnston who resolving to dissemble his knowledge of the Bond sent a Gentleman to learn of the Lord Maxwell himself if any such friendship was made up amongst them as was noysed in the Countrey Maxwell at first denied that there was any such thing but having missed the Bond and suspecting the same to have fallen into Iohnstons hands he excused the matter by the Commission that was sent to him saying He must obey the King and doe as he was directed Iohnston seeing whereto matters would turn did associate to himself the Scots of Teviotdale the Eliots and Grahams of Eske and hearing that Maxwell had levied some companies of horse and foot and placed the foot company with their Captain called Oliphant in Lochmaben to attend his coming to Annandale resolved to prevent him and cut them off and so falling upon them unexpected killed the Captain and divers of the souldiers Some fled to the Church thinking to save themselves but the same being set on fire they came forth and rendred Maxwell to repair his dishonour gathered in haste as good as 2000. men and entred into Annandale with displayed banner as the Kings Lieutenant intending to rase the houses of Lochwood and Lockerby Iohnston not equalling his forces kept aloof and after the Border fashion sent forth some prickers to ride and make provocation Against them a number went out of Maxwells Army who encountring with a great company were beaten and chased back to the stall or main host which by their breaking in was wholly disordered Iohnston that stood in a piece of high ground beholding the issue of the skirmish took the advantage of their confusion and breaking upon them without any resistance made put them all to flight The Lord Maxwell a tall man and heavy in armour was in the chase overtaken and stricken from his horse The report went that he called to Iohnston and desired to to be taken as he had some time taken his father but was unmercifully used and the hand that he reached forth cut off But of this I can affirm nothing There alwayes the Lord Maxwell fell having received many wounds He was a Nobleman of great spirit humane curteous and more learned then Noblemen commonly are but aspiring and ambitious of Rule his fall was pittied of many for that he was not known to have done much wrong in his time and was rather hurtfull to himself then others The King took these news very hardly that his Warden a Nobleman bearing his authority should be cut off in such a manner and he kept in such a businesse what with Bothwel on the one hand and the Popish Lords on the other as he could not take journey to those parts it grieved him exceedingly alwayes for quieting the Countrey order was taken that the Lord Hereis Drumlanrig Lagg and some other Barons should abide at Dumfreis with their friends and be ready upon all occasions to represse whatsoever stirs might arise The 18. of Ianuary in a convention of Estates called at Halirudhouse the Earls of Angus Huntley and Arroll were declared to have amitted the benefit of the Act of Abolition because of their misregard of his Majesties favour and not accepting of the benefit offered before the day prefixed The King had used divers means to gain them and would gladly upon assurance of their good behaviour have winked at crimes past but all was in vain the Jesuits prevailing with their counsels and feeding them still with hopes of forain aid whereupon charges were directed for entring their persons in ward till triall was taken of the accusations laid against them Angus was charged to enter in Blacknesse Huntley in Dumbriton and Arroll in the Castle of Edinburgh and Achindowne in Tentallon but none of them gave obedience Now the time of the Queens lying drawing near the King went to Striveling where she then abode and remained with her untill she was delivered upon the 19. of February of a sonne about which time came the Lord Souche Ambassadour from the Queen of England to complain of the King his lenity in proceeding against the Popish Lords for she had seen the conditions granted them in November and was highly displeased therewith But
were suspected to have suffered her in those conceipts he shewed himself much displeased and chiding them bitterly followed the Queen to Striveling where he remained not long but returning to Falkland left to the Earl of Marre a Warrant written with his own hand and conceived in this form My Lord of Marre because in the surety of my son consisteth my surety and I have concredited unto you the charge of his keeping upon the trust I have of your honesty this I command you out of my own mouth being in the company of those I like otherwise for any charge or necessity that can come from me you shall not deliver him And in case God call me at any time see that neither for the Queen nor Estates their pleasure you deliver him till he be 18 years of age and that he command you himself Striveling the 24 of July 1595. This warrant as it shewed the Kings displeasure at those that had combined in the plots so it declared the great trust he put in the Nobleman Shortly after the Chancellor taking to heart the Kings offence contracted a hearty sickness at his house of Lawder and sending his Cousen the secretary to the King who remained then at Hamilton did by him excuse the dealing in that matter and with a solemn protestation of his fidelity in all his Majesties services seriously commend his Lady children and friends now that he was to end his life to his Majesties protection The King was much troubled with the news and wrote unto him with his own hand the letter following Chancellor how sorry I am of these newes I leave it to your self to judge I was never a dissembler of my affections And yet I trust that God will not spoil me of you so untimely Therefore will pray you so farre as you may with a valiant heart resist the assaults of your sickness hoping in the goodness of my fortune that God will reserve you yet to me as Hezekiah was to his people for the necessity between Prince and subject is reciproque nor can any sickness how heavy soever it be take away the life if God cut not the threads thereof As to your suits if God calls you I need no remembrance for since I made you a pattern of my constant favour during your life as your self hath oft time said I am much more bound of Princely duty to make your wife and posteritie that bears your image a vive representation of my thankfull memory And to comfort you in this remember what I have done to the Duke and my Lady Huntley for their fathers sake This may assure you that in case of the worst which God forbid your thoughts shall be prevented herein by my thankfull behaviour to them and for your cousin the Secretary he shall be the better at my hand in losing you But I green to hear better newes And if time and distance of place could have permitted me in any way I should not have spared to have carried my own message my self God send you your health and keep you to me and to your Native Countrey This shewed in what account the King held him and in truth he deserved nothing lesse for he was a man of rare parts and of a deep wit learned full of courage and most faithfull to his King and Master In that last businesse which the Queen went about of taking the Prince from the Earl of Marre he was consenting for the two Noble men had their private emulations but it was ever with a reservation of his Majesties pleasure No man did ever carry himself in his place more wisely nor sustain it more courageously against his enemies then he did Being visited in his sicknesse by Mr. Robert Bruce and the Ministers of Edinburgh he expressed a great contempt of the world and of the vanities of it lamenting that he had not done the good which he would and might have done in his place being impeded as he said by the malice of his adversaries who were ever plotting his death and ruine Two moneths he continued under that languishing sicknesse and ended his dayes most happily the 3. of October 1595. The King did greatly lament his death and honoured him with this Epitaph Thou passenger that spies with gazing eyes This Trophy sad of deaths triumphant dart Consider when this outward Tombe thou sees How rare a man leaves here his earthly part His wisedome and his uprightnesse of heart His pietie his practice of our State His quick Engine so verst in every Art As equally not all were in debate Thus justly hath his death brought forth of late An heavy grief in Prince and Subjects all That virtue love and vice do bear at hate Though vitious men rejoyces at his fall So for himself most happy doth he die Though for his Prince it most unhappy be Others for all this spared not to expresse their malice in Libells and Rythmes after his death some whereof were cast in the Kings Chamber at Linlithgow and other places but as the Authours were not known so were the Rythmes despised and contemned by all good men His body was some dayes after conveyed to Hadington and solemnly interred in the Sepulchre of his fathers This year was by the vulgar people reckoned among the ill years because of the dearth and scarcity of Corns which the aboundance of winds in the Harvest time had caused yet for the bloodshed and slaughters committed in all quarters of the Countrey was it more justly to be so accounted For in the South parts the Iohnstons and Maxwells had a bloody conflict wherein divers were killed the greatest losse falling upon the Maxwells that went from the West parts besides Glasgow to assist their friends in the South In the Isles and Highlands were likewise great troubles nor was the Incountrey more quiet bloods and slaughters dayly falling out in every place Among which none was more odious then the slaughter of David Forrester Citizen of Striveling killed as he was returning from Edinburgh by some that lay in wait for his life The Lairds of Arth and Dunnypearce were thought to have hounded out the committers upon a spleen conceived against the Gentleman for the credit he had with his Master the Earl of Marre for no other quarrell could be pretended The Nobleman taking this greatly to heart caused to bring the body of his servant to Linlithgow for he was killed nigh to Linlithgow with his whole friendship conveyed the same to Striveling there to be interred carying along the portraite of the dead with the wounds he had received in a white sheet to move the beholders to a great detestation of the fact The Corps buried the Earl following the course of Law the Lords Levingston and Elphingston did partie the Committers And though the King by his Proclamation did prohibit the assisting either of the pursuit or defenders commanding Justice to be done nothing could take effect in
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
of the Ministers travells with the Earls of Angus Huntley Arrol and of their obedience to the injunctions given in the former Assembly This was testified by the Ministers that had the charge to have been in all points so well performed as no more could be required of them For verifying thereof their severall subscriptions were produced together with an humble supplication to the Assembly for accepting their satisfaction and receiving them in the bosome of the Church which accordingly was decerned and order given that they should be received by the same Commissioners who were appointed to meet at a certain time and pronounce their absolution The next thing proponed was touching the questions left unresolved in the last Assembly and because exception was taken by some brethren that were absent at the Articles concluded at Perth especially that it should have been acknowledged for a lawfull generall Assembly it was of new declared to be a lawfull Assembly and certain explanations added by the rest of the Acts as in the point of Notoriety the crime should be reputed notorious that was so manifest and known Ut nulla tergiversatione celari possit and for the convening of Pastors with his Majesties consent the same was declared to be extended to all Assemblies either generall or particular authorized by his Highness lawes and having warrant in the word of God His Majesty did likewise express his meaning touching the provision of Burgs with Ministers in this sort that when the Assembly should find it necessary to place a Minister in any Town he should either yield his consent or give a sufficient reason of his refuse With these declarations the whole number was so well pleased as proceeding in the rest of the questions they determined as followeth First Where his Majesty doth crave that before the conclusion of any weighty matter his Highness advice and approbation should be had thereto The Assembly will be very glad to have his Majesties authority interponed to all Acts of any importance made by the Church so as matters formerly treated and concluded be not drawn in question 2 That there should be an uniform order keeped in the ordination of Ministers and none admitted but by imposition of hands and to a certain flock on which they shall be astricted to attend As also such as have not received Ordination should not be permitted to teach in great rooms except upon urgent necessity and in the defect of actuall Ministers and that good heed shall be taken that they did not pass their bounds especially in application 3 That no Minister should exercise any jurisdiction either by making of constitutions or leading of processes without advice and concurrence of his Session Presbyterie Synod or generall Assembly 4 That all Sessions should be elected with consent of their own congregations 5 That Sessions Presbyteries and Synods should labour to be formall in their proceedings and that the inferiour judicatories should be tried in this point by their superiours 6 That in the exercise of the Word whereunto Ministers convene there should no application be used 7 That in matters of importance if the voices be different only by two or three nothing should be concluded untill a better resolution was taken and he who holdeth the negative give rationem negandi 8 That Presbyteries should not medle with any thing that is not known without all controversie to belong to the Ecclesiasticall judicatory and that therein uniformity should be observed throughout the Countrey 9 That no Processes and Acts should be extracted at the desire of parties having interessed 10 Summary excommunication should be suspended as before and in great crimes after publick intimation the Committer debarred à sacris à privato convictu 11 That where any Presbyterie should be desired by his Majesties missive to stay their proceedings as being prejudiciall to the Civill jurisdiction or private mens rights they should desist untill his Majesty did receive satisfaction The principall questions being thus decided it was thought meet to supersede the treating of the rest and to give a generall Commission to certain of the most wise and discreet brethren for all affairs that might concern the good of the Church For this effect choice was made of Mr. David Lindsay Mr. Thomas Nicolson Mr. Thomas Buchannan Mr. Robert Pont Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Alexander Dowglas Mr. George Gladstaves Mr. Patrick Galloway Iohn Duncanson Mr. Patrick Sharpe Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. William Cowper and Iohn Clapperton to whom or to any seaven of them power was given to convene with his Majesty at such times as they should be required for taking order touching the Provision of Ministers to the Towns of Edinburgh Dundie and St Andrewes the houses of the King and Prince and to any other Churches within the Realm that should stand in need to be planted as likewise to present the Petitions and grievances of the Church to his Majesty either generall or particular and to give their advice to his Highness in all matters that might serve to the weal and peace of the Church Howsoon the Assembly dissolved Sir Patrick Murray was sent by the King unto the North to see the Conditions made by the three Earls to the Church performed and to assist the Commissioners appointed for their absolution He had further in charge to cause them to subscrive the generall bonds for the peace and quietness of the Countrey and to find caution each of them under the pain of Twenty thousand pounds to traffick nor keep intelligence with any forainers without his Majesties licence by word or writing particularly for the Earl of Huntly it is injoyned that he should follow the counsell of certain Barons and Ministers that the King did nominate unto him and proceed by their advice in all weighty affaires especially in matters that concerned his Majesties service The Barons nominated to him were the Laird of Finlatour the Laird of Innes the Laird of Phiborth the Tutor of Cromartie the Laird of Pitlarge and Laird of Cluny or any three of them the Ministers were the Bishop of Aberdene Mr. Peter Blackburne Mr. Iohn Forbes Mr. Robert Howy the Parson of Turresso and Mr. Alexander Dowglas or any three of them Whilest the King was thus busied to reconcile Huntly to the Church Mr. Iames Gourdon Jesuit came into the Countrey of intention to divert him from giving obedience against whom a strict Proclamation was made inhibiting the subjects to resset supply or intertain any intelligence with him under pain of treason and a Thousand Crowns promised to any that should apprehend and bring him to the King And at the same time was discovered a practice of fortifying the Isle of Elsay in the West seas for receiving certain forces that the Spanisih King had promised to send thither The contriver of this plot was one Hugh Barclay of Lady-land who being committed the year before in the Castle of Glasgow had made an escape and gone to
should not so much promove the business as offend her Always they should advise and take counsell with their confederates and allies and follow the course which was most likely for his benefit This was the summe of the answer they returned The 24 of December the Queen was brought to bed of another daughter who was christened in the Chappell of Halirudhouse the 15 of Aprill by Mr. David Lindesay Minister of Leth and named Margaret The Earle of Montross created Chancellor in Ianuary preceding with the Lord Hamilton and Earl of Huntley assisted as witnesses These last two were at the same time preferred to the honour and dignity of Marquesses There died within the compass of this year divers worthy men amongst whom Mr. Iohn Lindesay of Batharres Secretary to the King shall first be named a man honourably descended of exquisite learning and a sound judgement held worthy by all men of the place he had in the Senate both for his wisedome and integrity he died of the Stone wherewith he had been pained many years Next to him Mr. David Carnegy of Colluthy a wise peaceable and sober man in good credit and estimation with the King and taken into his privy Councell for his skill and knowledge in civill affairs And in the Church Mr. Thomas Buchannan Provost of Kirkhench and Minister of Syres a man learned wise and a strong defender of the Churches rights having attained to a good age he dyed of a bruise which he received of a fall from his horse David Ferguson Minister of Dunfermlin of the age of 65 departed also this life the same year A good preacher wise and of a jocund and pleasant disposition which made him well regarded both in Court and Countrey But the death of Mr. Robert Rollock taken away in the 43 year of his age and in the time when the Church had greatest need of his service was beyond all the rest lamented This man was born not farre from Striveling and trained up in letters under Mr. Thomas Buchannan who did then keep a famous School in that time He passed his course in Philosophy at S. Andrews and no sooner received the degree of a Master in Arts then he was chosen Regent of the Colledge of S. Salvator where he had studied In the year 1583 he was removed to Edinburgh and made Principall of a Colledge which the Town had there erected where by his Lectures of divinity in the Schools and his Sermons to the people in both which he was assiduous he came to be greatly esteemed But the 17 days tumult and troubles that followed thereupon withdrawing him against his minde to the keeping of Assemblies and other Commissions of the Church he was thereby much weakned for he was of an infirm body and grievously pained with the Stone whereof at last he died In his sickness being visited by his brethren of the Ministry amongst other pious exhortations he did earnestly beseech them to carry themselves more dutifully towards the King lamenting he should be so ill used by some of their number and gave them a most comfortable farewell His torments were extreme yet was he not heard to use an impatient word but was still calling on God with these and the like sayings Hast Lord Iesus and tarry not put in thy hand and take this soul away to thy self At other times Goe out silly life that the better life of God may enter in Drawing neer his end he repeated a part of the 6 Psalm and framing a most pithy prayer out of the same as one exulting after victory he cried aloud Christ hath taken my yoake to bear and now strengthened by his grace I will follow with which words he yeelded up his spirit A rare example of holiness he was both in his life and death albeit now dead still preacheth by his learned works which it is pity should not be collected in one volume and preserved to posterity He deceased the last of February and had his corps honourably interred in the buriall place an innumerable multitude accompanying the same to the grave To return to the Estate the necessities of the King by forain Ambassages and other extraordinary employments daily encreasing he was forced to look the more narrowly to the administration of his rents for the ill managing whereof the Laird of Wedderburne was put from his place and the office of Controllerie given to Sir David Murray who was afterwards preferred to the Lordship of Scone The Prior of Blantire who was Treasurer for that he had offended the King by his partiall behaviour in an action betwixt Mr. Robert Bruce and the Ministers of Angus was committed to the Castle and forced to resigne his office which was conferred upon the Earl of Cassils by his Ladies procurement She was the widow of the Lord Thirlstan and said to be wealthy which induced him to take her to wife against the counsel of all his friends who could not away with the imparity of their age he being a young Nobleman never matched to any and she a woman past childbirth But the desire he had to keep his estate made him take that course and she loving to stay at Court and have her husband a ruler of affaires made offer to advance some moneys so as he might carry the place which was readily accepted Yet was it not long before they did both forthink the bargain being pressed with a multitude of precepts for the laying forth of money and so were glad to quit the office with the losse as was said of Fourty thousand marks which he did advance at his entry In his place was the Lord Elphingston chosen by the recommendation of his brother then Secretary Whilest these things were a doing in Court Sir William Bowes came Ambassadour from England upon some rumours that the King wes declining to Popery and had offered his obedience to the Bishop of Rome by a letter the copie whereof was brought by the Master of Gray from Rome and shewed the Queen of purpose to divide the two Princes and dissolve the amity which was amongst them The Queen though she did take the letter to be faigned and that the same was devised to breed a jealousie between her and the King thought meet to advertise what was rumoured and to advise him not to build upon the friendship of Rome The King did take the advertisement well and made the Ambassadour very welcome assuring him that they were false and faigned calumnies neither did the King think any other at that time Such a letter indeed was sent to the Pope and the Kings hand surreptitiously gotten thereto for which the Secretary Mr. Elphingston was some years after upon his own confession convicted as we shall hear Whilest this Ambassadour remained in the Countrey there fell out an accident which had almost wrought great trouble an English man called Ashfield who had brought some hunting horses to the
King and cunningly abused the English Warden did make his aboad at Court and was there well entertained The Ambassadour whether desired by the Queen or the Warden it is uncertain caused some of his servants keep company with the man and allure him one day to Leth where having drunk liberally he was by Coach instead of returning to Court carried to Berwick This being told the King he was greatly offended and giving order to watch the Ambassadours lodging 〈◊〉 to Berwick to bring back the man The Governour prayed the King to have him excused for that the man being come within his charge he could not dimit him without the Queens knowledge The King receiving this answer did challenge the Ambassadour as not having carried himself dutifully and wronged both him and the Countrey but he denying the fact affirmed the same to have been contrived by two of his servants without his knowledge and direction This none did believe neither did the King vouchsafe him any more countenance Whereupon he parted in a great discontent Soon after the King went to S. Andrewes for a new visit of the Universitie where it was ordained That there should be yearly upon the 3 of March a Dean of facultie of Theologie elected by the Doctors the Ministers resident within the City and the principall Masters of the Colledges which Deane so chosen should have the like priviledge and jurisdiction upon the students and professors of Theologie that the Deans of Philosophy had by the foundation over the professors thereof with expresse provision that that he who was elected Dean should not till after three years space be received again into the office Other conclusions were taken for distributing the Students of Theologie in Classes and their yearly examination but were ill observed At this time came forth sundry Discourses touching the succession of the Crown of England some oppugning some maintaining the Kings title amongst others Mr. Iohn Colvill taking upon him one of the opposite Treatises did publish a recantation wherein having confuted all the contrary reasons he professed that in malice in time of his exile he had penned the Treatise which then out of conscience he refuted This was believed of many and helped greatly to discredit the adversary writings yet was he not the Author of that which he oppugned only to merit favour at the Kings hands he did profess the work that came forth without a name to be his and indeed a more pithie and perswasive Discourse was not penned all that time in that subject The same year did the King publish his Doron Basilicon upon this occasion Sir Iames Semple one of his Majesties servants whose hands was used in transcribing that Treatise upon an old familiarity with Mr. Andrew Melvill did give it him to read who offending with some passages that touched the Ministery and present discipline took copies thereof and dispersed the same amongst the Ministers thereupon a Libell was formed and cast in before the Synod of St. Andrews wherein the passages at which they excepted being first set down it was asked What Censure should be inflict upon him that had given such instructions to the Prince for that Treatise was directed to Prince Henry and if he could be thought well affected to religion that had delivered such precepts of Government Sir Patrick Murray and Mr. Iames Nicolson being present in the Synod as Commissioners for the King and apprehending the libell to concern his Majesty made diligent enquiry to find out the presenters The whole number pretending ignorance the Commissioners commanded the doors to be shut and the Roll of the Ministers names to be called who being put to their oath one by one did purge themselves yet was it tried the very next day to be laid on the table by Mr. Iohn Dikes Minister at Anstruther who being therefore cited before the Councell was fugitive and denounced Rebell The rumor by this occasion dispersed that the King had left certain directions to his son prejudiciall to the Church and Religion he took purpose to publish the work which being come abroad and carried to England it cannot be said how well the same was accepted and what an admiration it raised in all mens hearts of him and of his piety and wisdome Certain it is that all the Discourses that came forth at that time and those were not a few for maintaining his right to the Crown of England prevailed nothing so much as did the Treatise against which such exceptions had been taken In the end of the year happened some new jarrs betwixt the King and the Ministers of Edinburgh because of a company of English Comedians whom the King had licensed to play within the Burgh The Ministers offending with the liberty given them did exclaim in their Sermons against Stageplayers their unruliness and immodest behaviour and in their Sessions made an Act prohibiting people to resort unto their plaies under pain of the Church censures The King taking this to be a discharge of his Licence called the Sessions before the Councell and ordained them to annull their Act and not to restrain the people from going to these Comedies which they promised and accordingly performed whereof publication was made the day after and all that pleased permitted to repaire unto the same to the great offence of the Ministers The next year which by publick Ordinance was appointed to have the beginning at the Calends of Ianuary and from thenceforth so to continue for before that time the year with us was reckoned from the 25 of March there was an Assembly kept at Montrosse the 28 of March where the King himself was present Therein that great business of the Churches voice in Parliament was determined and first the conclusions taken at Falkland in Iuly 1598 were ratified Then touching the continuance of those that should be chosen to give voice for the Church it was after much debating concluded That be who was admitted should yearly render an account of his Commission to the generall Assembly and laying the same down at their foot should be therein continued or if his Majesty and the Assembly did think fit to employ another he should give place to him that was appointed Two points more were adjoyned to the former one was That they who had voice in Parliament should not have place in the generall Assembly unless they were authorised by a Commission from the Presbyters whereof they were members The other caveat was That crimen ambitus should be a sufficient reason to deprive him both of his place and office And now there rested no more but to nominate persons to the Bishopricks that were void Aberdene and Argile had their own incumbents at the time both actual preachers S. Andrewes and Glasgow were in the hands of the Duke of Lennox Murray possessed by the Lord Spinie Orkney by the Earl of Orkney Dunkeld Birchen and Dumblane had their own titulars but these
his death was much feared He was named Charles and contrary to the expectation of most men grew unto years and strength and survived Prince Henry his elder brother reignes happily this day over these Kingdomes which that he may long doe is the desire and wish of all good subjects In the end of the year Mr. Iohn Craig that had been Minister to the King but through age was compelled to quit the Charge departed this life This man whilest he lived was held in great esteem a great Divine and excellent Preacher of a grave behaviour sincere inclining to no faction and which increased his reputation living honestly without oftentation or desire of outward glory many tossings and troubles he endured in his time for being left young and his Father killed at Flowdon after that he had got an entrance in Letters and passed his course in Philosophy in S. Andrews he went to England and waited as Pedagogue on the Lord Dacres his children the space of two years Warres then arising betwixt the two Kingdomes he returned home and became one of the Dominican Order but had not lived long among them when upon suspicion of heresie he was put in prison Being cleared of that imputation he went back again into England and thinking by the Lord Dacres means to have got a place in Cambridge because that failed he went to France and from thence to Rome There he won such favour with Cardinall Pole as by his recommendation he was received among the Dominicans of Bononia and by them first appointed to instruct the Novices of the Cloyster afterwards when they perceived his diligence and dexterity in businesses he was employed in all their affairs throughout Italy and sent in Commission to Chios an Isle situated in the Ionick sea to redresse things that were amisse amongst those of their Order Therein he discharged himself so well that at his return he was made Rector of the School and thereby had accesse to the Libraries especially to that of the Inquisition where falling on the Institutions of Iohn Calvin he was taken with a great liking thereof and one day conferring with a reverend old man of the Monastery was by him confirmed in the opinion he had taken but withall warned in any case not to utter himself or make his minde known because the times were perilous yet he neglecting the counsell of the aged man and venting his opinions too freely was delated of heresie and being sent to Rome after examination imprisoned nine moneths he lay there in great misery at the end whereof being brought before the Judge of the Inquisition and giving a cleer Confession of his Faith he was condemned to be burnt the next day which was the 19 of August It happened the same night Pope Paul the fourth to depart this life upon the noise of whose death the people came in a tumult to the place where his statue in marble had been erected and pulling it down did for the space of three daies drag the same through the streets and in the end threw it in the River of Tiber. During the tumult all the prisons were broke open the Prisoners set free and among those Mr. Craig had his liberty as he sought to escape for he held it not safe to stay in the City two things happened unto him not unworthy of relation first in the Suburbs as he was passing he did meet a sort of loose men whom they called Banditi one of the company taking him aside demanded if he had been at any time in Bononia He answered that he had been some time there Doe ye not then remember said he that walking on a time in the fields with some young Noblemen there came unto you a poor maimed Souldier entreating some relief Mr. Craig replying that he did not well remember But I doe said he and I am the man to whom ye shewed kindness at that time be not afraid of us ye shall incurre no danger and so conveying him through the Suburbs and shewing what was his safest course he gave him so much money as might make his charge to Bononia for he intended to go thither trusting to finde some kindness with those of his acquaintance yet at his coming he found them look strange and fearing to be of new trapped he slipped away secretly taking his course to Millain By the way another accident befell him which I should scarce relate so incredible it seemeth if to many of good place he himself had not often repeated it as a singular testimony of Gods care of him And this it was when he had travelled some days declining the highways out of fear he came into a forrest a wild and desert place and being sore wearied lay down among some bushes on the side of a little brook to refresh himself lying there pensive and full of thoughts for neither knew he in what part he was nor had he any means to bear him out the way a dog cometh fawning with a purse in his teeth and lays it down before him he stricken with a fear riseth up and construing the same to proceed from Gods favourable providence towards him followed his way till he came to a little village where he met with some that were travelling to Vienne in Austria and changing his intended course went in their company thither Being there and professing himself to be one of the Dominican order he was brought to preach before Maximilian the second who liking the man and his manner of teaching would have retained him if by letters from Pope Pius the third he had not been required to send him back to Rome as one that was condemned for heresie The Emperour not liking to deliver him and on the other part not willing to fall out with the Pope did quietly dimit him with letters of safe conduct So travelling through Germany he came to England and being there informed of the reformation begun at home he returned into Scotland and made offer of his service to the Church but his long dissuetude of the Countrey language which was not to be mervailed considering that he had lived abroad the space of 24 years made him unusefull at first now and then to the learned sort he preached in Latine in the Magdalens Chappell at Edinburgh and in the year 1561 after he had recovered the language was appointed Minister at Halirudhouse The next year he was taken to Edinburgh and served as Collegue with Mr. Knox the space of nine years then by the ordinance of the assembly he was translated to Montross where he continued two years and upon the death of Adam Heriot was removed to Aberdene having the inspection of the Churches of Marre and Buchan committed to his care in the year 1579 he was called to be the Kings Minister and served in that charge till born down with the weight of years he was forced to retire himself after which time forbearing all publick exercises he lived
the Duke did follow him and was entertained with hunting and the like sports unto the Queens delivery which fell out the 17 of September Going then unto the Countrey to salute his mother Madam D' Aubigney and other his friends whilest he was about these offices of kindness the King went by post to Callais upon some intelligence as it was said from England that the Queen was fallen sick he himself gave out that the affairs of Flanders did occasion his journey for as then the Archduke was besieging Ostend But whatsoever the businesse was no man doubted but that he had an eye upon the succession of England and if he could have found a faction would have foisted in another Bastard of Normandy which oftentimes in a merriment and gallantry he spared not to utter The Duke after his return to Paris made no long stay but taking his leave of the French King who was then come back from Callais took journey towards England and came to London in the beginning of November A Parliament was then sitting at VVestminster the last that Queen Elizabeth held which with his coming upon that instant gave many to think that he was come to urge a Declaration of the Kings right of succession and not a few they were nor of small note that offered to assist if he should move any such business but he told them that neither had he any such Commission nor would the King ever agree to any thing that might breed a jealousie in the Queen And his Commission indeed was no other but to salute the Queen in the Kings name and let her know the kinde and filiall affection he carried unto her whereof he should be willing to give proof at all occasions And for that he was given to understand that the Irish Rebells had drawn in some Spanish forces into Ireland to fortifie themselves in their Rebellion he would if his ayde should be thought necessary employ the same for their expulsion The Queen giving the King many thanks said That if those troubles continued she would take his help and hire some of his High-landers and Isles men but she trusted to hear other news shortly and not be vexed long with those strangers As also it came to passe for the very next moneth the Lord Montjoy her Deputy did in a battell fought neer Kinsale defeat the Irish utterly and afterwards forced the Spaniards that had taken the Town to render upon condition of their lives saved and that they might be transported again into their Countrey The Duke after three weeks stay being feasted by the Queen and entertained with all complements of amity returned home and came to Edinburgh in the end of December where having related his proceedings in Councell they were all approved The Lord Elphingston had in his absence resigned the office of Treasury upon an offence as was thought he conceived for adjoyning some others unto him in the componing of Signators and now was Sir George Hume one of the Masters of the Quirie preferred to the office which he discharged by his Deputy Sir Iohn Arnot both to his Majesty and the Countreys content The next sommer the King having resolved to plant Lowland-men in the Isles and transport the inhabitants into the main land where they might learn civility made a beginning at the Isle of Lewis The undertakers were Patrick Abbot of Lendors Colonell William Stewart Captain William Murray Mr. Iohn Lermouth of Balcolmy Mr. Iames Spence of wormeston Sir Iames Anstruther of that ilke and Iames Forret of Fingaske These Gentlemen furnishing themselves with armes and shipping and having conduced a number of souldiers took sea and in the third or fourth day arrived in the Lake of Sternoway within the same Isle Murdoch Macklond base son to old Macklond who carried himself as Lord of the Isle made at the first some resistance but after a little conflict distrusting the people for he had used them with great tyranny he fled and forsook the Isle leaving the Indwellers to the discretion of the Invaders they how soon he was gone did all submit themselves and accept such conditions as were offered by the undertakers Being thus peaceably possessed the Laird of Balcolmy either sent by the rest to signifie their good successe and to make preparation against the Winter or for some private business of his own took purpose to return home and being lanched alittle from the coast and by reason of the calm forced to cast anchor was suddenly invaded by the said Murdach Macklowd with a number of Birlings so they call the little vessels those Isles men use the ship boarded the mariners killed and himself made prisoner The Gentleman being detained some daies and hourly threatned with death was afterwards ransomed by one of his friends and conveyed to Orkeney where contracting a feaver he died The rest of the Gentlemen to repair this injury conduced Neill Macklowd brother to the said Murdach to betray and deliver him in their hands which he performed shortly after having by an ambush laid for his brother apprehended him and some twelve more that were in his company The twelve he presently beheaded Murdach he delivered to the Gentlemen as he had promised who was afterwards transported to S. Andrews and there executed The undertakers thinking themselves now secured began to build and made a partition of lands letting the same to the Countrey people who did all swear fidelity to them but whilest they expected no trouble Norman Macklowd son to old Macklowd did on the suddain beset them put fire to their lodgings and force them to the Conditions following First that they should purchase to them remission from the King of all crimes and offences past Next that they should resigne to Norman all the right that they had acquired of the Isle of Lewis And thirdly that Sir Iames Spence with his son in law Thomas Monypenny of Kinkell should remain as pledges untill the remission was brought unto him and such a surety given of the Isle as he could devise This condescended unto Sir Iames Anstruther departed with the whole company that was left for many were killed before their yeilding and for relief of the pledges obtained of the King both the remission and security of the Isle that was desired which was sent to Norman by Iames Lermouth son to the Laird of Darcie By this mean were the pledges freed and for that time the whole enterprise defeated some three years after the same was of new attempted with what successe we shall hear in the own place Master Robert Bruce who as we shewed before was exiled in France obtained licence to return in the beginning of this Summer by the intercession of the Earl of Marre whom he had intreated to mediate his peace upon promise at his return to satisfie the King and declare his resolution in that matter of Gowries The King who never shewed himself difficile especially to Ministers
into consideration how soon and in what manner it shall seem best to your Majesties excellent wisdome to inspire a new life into this languishing body the circumstances whereof are wholly to be left to your Majesty holding it enough for us humbly to acknowledge our selves your true subjects ready to obey all your commandments assuing you with all that as we have hereby as many of us as have underwritten this letter declared our recognition and humble submission to your Majâ—sties soveraign power and right so we do know by all good proofs that the minde of the rest of the Nobility and all others who are absent in their severall qualities places and charges whom the time permitted not without the prejudice of your affairs to assemble so soon as we were desirous this should be performed are wholly and absolutely with us in all zeal and duety for all things that shall be imposed upon them by your royall will and pleasure Further we have thought meet and necessary to advertise your Highness that Sir Robert Cary this morning departed from hence towards your Majesty not onely without the consent of any of us who were present at Richmond at the time of our late Soveraigns decease but also contrary to such commandement as we had power to lay upon him and to all decency and good manners and respect which he ought to so many persons of our degree whereby it may be that your Majesty hearing by a bare report onely of the death of the late Queen and not of our care and diligence in establishment of your Majesties right here in such manner as is above specified may conceive doubts of other nature then God be thanked there is cause you should which we would have clearly prevented if he had born so much respect to us as to have stayed for a common relation of our proceedings and not thought it better to anticipate the same for we would have been loath that any person of quality should have gone from hence who should not with the report of her death have been able to declare the first effects of our assured loyalties And lastly it may please your Majesty to receive this advertisement that of late there was made ready by the commandement of the Queen our Mistresse a good fleet of eight or ten of her ships well manned and furnished under the charge of Sir Richard Lawson Knight to have been employed upon the coast of Spain which employment by her decease is ceased for want of Commission to exercise the saine and now is kept together in the narrow Seas to prevent any suddain attempt against the Low Countreys and that now there is nothing either of land or sea that is not yours it may please your Majesty to signifie your pleasure concerning that Fleet and whether you will have it or any part thereof resort to your coast of Scotland where it may serve you either for the safe convoy of your person to this realm if there shall because to use it in this manner or to transport any of yours whilest you come by land or any other service In which point we humbly beseech you to make known under whose charge it shall beyour pleasure the whole Fleet or any part thereof shall come unto you And this being all that for the present doth occurre to be advertised to your Majesty by us whose mindes are occupied about the conservation of this your realm in peace as farre forth as by any power for your Majesties service onely assumed the interruption thereof may be prevented saving that we have sent a Copy of the Proclamation made here to your Majesties deputy of Ireland to be published in that kingdome we will and with our humble prayers to Almighty God that we may be so happy as speedily to enjoy the comfortable presence of your Highness royall person amongst us the onely object of that glory and those felicities which in the earth we have proponed to our selves Written in your Majesties City of London the 24 of March 1603 at ten hours of the clock at night This Letter was subscribed by Robert Leigh Mayor John Canterbury Thomas Egerton Thomas Buckhurst Nottingham Northumberland Gilbert Shrewsbury William Darby Edward Worcester Geo. Cumberland R. Suffex Henry Lincoln Pembroke Clanrickard G. Hunsdon Tho. Howard Richard London Robert Hartford John Norwich Morley Henry Cobham Thomas Laware Gray Edward Cromwell R. Riche Lumley Chandois W. Compton W. Knowlles Edward Wootton John Stanhop Raleigh John Fortescue and John Popham The King having imparted this letter to the Councell it was thought meet that the Contents thereof should be published for begetting a greater kindness betwixt the people and the two Kingdomes whereupon a Proclamation was made shewing That the Queen before her death continuing in that loving affection which she professed to his Majesty all the course of her life had declared him her only true heir and successor in the imperiall Crownes of England France and Ireland and that the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assisted by the Lord Maior of London and others of the Gentry of good quality had upon the 24 of March last proclaimed him their only liege Lord and undoubted Soveraign which being the most cleer demonstration that a people could give of their affection and a sure pledge of their future obedience ought to move all true hearted subjects to account of them no otherwise then as their brethren and friends and to forget and bury all quarrels and grounds of former dissensions That therefore none should pretend ignorance nor carry themselves in any unkind sort towards the inhabitants of England his Majesty with the advice of the Lords of Councell had ordained Proclamation to be made of the premisses assuring them that should so apply themselves of his gracious favour when occasion presented and certifying such as did in the contrary that they should incurre his wrath and extreme displeasure This notwithstanding the word no sooner came of the Queens death then the loose and broken men in the borders assembling in companies made incursions upon England doing what in them lay to divide the two Kingdomes which the year following was severely punished the principals that were tried to have been partners in that business being all executed to the death The King in the mean time giving order for his journey did appoint the Queen to follow him some twenty dayes after and for his children ordained the Prince to remain at Striveling the Duke of Albany his brother to abide with the Lord Fyvie President of the Session and the Princess Elizabeth their sister with Alexander Earl of Linlithgow To the Lords of Councell an ample Commission was given for the administration of all affairs receiving resignations hearing the accounts of the Exchequer continuing daies of law adjoining assessors to the justice granting of licences to depart forth of the Realm altering the place of their residence as they should find it convenient repressing the troubles of the
Borders and for creating Lieutenants one or more upon occasions The persons he chused to attend him in the journey were the Duke of Lennox the Earls of Marre Murray and Argile the Lord Hume Sir George Hume Treasurer Mr. Iames Elphingston Secretary Sir David Murray Comptroller Sir Robert Ker of Cessord with the ordinary Gentlemen of the Chamber and of the Clergy David â—ishop of Rosse Peter Bishop of Dunkeld Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Andrew Lamb Mr. Iohn Spotswood Mr. Gawen Hamilton and Mr. Alexander Forbes Ministers Things thus ordered the King went the next morning to S. Giles to hear a Sermon Mr. Iohn Hall whose course it was preaching took occasion to remember the great mercies of God towards his Majesty reckoning the peaceable succession to the Crown of England none of the least This he said was Gods own proper work for who could else directed the hearts of so numerous a people with such an unanime consent to follow the way of right Thereupon he did exhort his Majesty to thankfulness to the maintenance of Gods truth and that he would send home some of those commendable orders he would find whither he was going The King accepting his exhortation in good part did upon the end of the Sermon make a speech to the people which at the time were frequently convened and promising to have care of them and their good gave them a most loving and kind farewell This was followed with such a mourning and lamentation of all sorts as cannot be well expressed For albeit they joyed not a little at first to hear of that accession of honour to their King yet considering they should be deprived of his presence and have no more a resident King among them they were grieved out of all measure This affection of the people moved also the King greatly therefore when the Magistrates Ministers and others of the better sort came to receive his commandments he spake gratiously unto them willing them not to be troubled with his departing for that they should finde the fruits of his government as well afarre off as when he was neer at hand and as his power was now encreased and made greater so his love towards them should not be a whit diminished In this sort did he part and beginning his journey on Wednesday the fourth of Aprill came the day to Berwick there he was welcomed with a most eloquent Sermon by Toby Matthew Bishop of Durham for he went first to the Church which finished he was conveyed to the Palace by the Governor and garrison the munition playing from the walls and the Citizens with showts and acclamations testifying their gladness The ninth of that moneth he went to Newcastle where he aboad some few days and because multitudes of people from all quarters were daily coming to see the King and offer their service Order was taken that no strangers should have access granted till the Chamberlain or Master of the Guard was acquainted with their business At York he was met with the Councellors and from thence by easie journeys travelled to London how his Majesty was there received and what other things happened in the time I remit to the English History my purpose being only to relate the things passed in Scotland or had some reference to matters of that Church and Kingdome Being at Burleigh house neer unto Stamford the King was advertised of the death of Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow who deceased at Paris in the same moneth This man was descended of the house of Balfoure in Fife and consecrate Bishop at Rome in the year 1552 and at the time of reformation forsook the Countrey out of the hatred he bare to those that had hand in that work and carried with him all the writs and evidents of the Sea of Glasgow with the vessels and ornaments of the Cathedrall Church things of exceeding great worth for besides those of ordinary use there belonged to that Church the Image of our Saviour in beaten gold and the portraits of the twelve Apostles in silver The Queen returning from France did establish him Ambassadour in these parts for her affairs under the government of the Regents he was forfeited and deprived of his living which as we shewed before was conferred upon Mr. Iames Boyd Trochrig and after him went through divers hands till the King at his majority did restore him to his dignity honour and living employing him likewise for his Ambassadour in France a man honourably disposed faithfull to the Queen while she lived and to the King her son a lover of his Countrey and liberall according to his meanes to all his Countreymen in his last Will he bequeathed all his means to pious uses leaving as was said ten thousand Crownes for the education of poor Scholars being Scottish men born The evidents vessels and ornaments of the Sea of Glasgow he consigned in the hands of the Carthusians of Paris appointing the same to be redelivered how soon Glasgow should become Catholick and this year being the 66 of his age departed peaceably this life The King having destinated Mr. Iohn Spotswood for his successor sent him back to attend the Queen in her journey and serve her for elemosynar Soon after his coming her Majesty went to Striveling of mind to bring away the Prince her son and carry him along with her self to England but being denied by the friends of the house of Marre she became so incensed as falling into a feaver she made a pitifull abortion Advertisement of this being sent unto the King he caused the Earl of Marre to return and after him sending the Duke of Lennox with a warrant to receive the Prince and deliver him to the Queen he was brought unto her at Halirudhouse about the end of May yet she not satisfied herewith complained bitterly of the dishonour she had received and by a letter written to the King full of passron and anger which she gave her Elemosynar to carry required a publick reparation by the punishment of the Earl of Marre and his servants The King who knew the Earl himself to be blameless and desired not to be troubled with such business especially at that time returned this answer That she should doe wisely to forget the grudges she carryed to the Earl of Marre and thank God of the peaceable possession they had obtained of these Kingdomes which next unto God his goodness he ascribed to the last negotiation of the Earl of Marre in England This reported to the Queen for the messenger was commanded to speak so much she in a great choler replyed That she rather would have wished never see England then to be in any sort beholden to him for the same Yet as she was a most mild Princess and very carefull to please the King in every thing at her coming to Windsor which was about the end of Iune she was reconciled to the Earl of Marre and he by Act of Councell declared to
have done nothing in that accident at Striveling that might touch her in honour At the same time was the Princess Elizabeth who was brought alongst with the Queen taken from the Earl of Linlithgow and given to the custody of the Lady Harrington the Earl his service in her education being by Act of Councell approved All this Summer the sickness was reigning at London which made the Coronation to be deferred unto Iuly on the 27 day whereof the King and Queen were solemnly inaugurated in the Church of Westminster Iohn Whitgift Archbishop of Canterbury performing the Ceremonies There had been few dayes before a conspiracy detected against the King plotted by two Priests the one called William Watson the other William Grey and George Brook Esq There joyned with them upon some discontents the Lord Cobham the Lord Grey Sir Griffin Marcham and Sir Walter Raleigh this last had served the late Queen a long time as Captain of her guard and being put from the place and the same bestowed upon Sir Thomas Areskin Lord Fenton in Scotland he grudged exceedingly The treason being discovered which came by this occasion Raleigh parting with his sister at London had commended himself to her prayers saying That he was going whence he thought not to return which she did interpret of some combat he had undertaken and breaking the same to her neighbours the words were carred to Court where they received another construction they were all apprehended and committed to severall Prisons Being brought to their triall in Winchester about the beginning of December they were found guilty and condemned to die George Brook and the two Priests were executed as Traitors the rest while they expected nothing but death for they were brought all one after another to the place of execution and their heads laid under the axe to be cut off were spared and the execution of the sentence pronounced suspended The people that were assembled in great numbers hearing the Mandate read which was published by the Sheriffe and was to this effect That his Majesty unwilling to have the beginning of his reign stained with the bloud of Noblemen though convicted of a most hainous crime was pleased to extend his clemency towards them and having spared the L. Cobham Grey because in the dispensing of mercy regard must be taken of inferiors had bestowed the same favour on the other two did greatly extoll his Majesties clemency promising to themselves much happiness under his government that could so temper his justice and mercy Cobham and Grey lifting up their hands to heaven did thank God who had thus inclined his Majesties heart professing they were unworthy of life and that they should be ashamed ever to shew their faces amongst men having wronged so good and gracious a King The next year began with a conference of the Clergy at Hampton Court divers petitions had been exhibited to his Majesty for reformation of abuses in the Church whereupon he took purpose to call certain of the Bishops Deans and Doctors together and with them some of the most grave and modest among the complainers The Bishops were the Archbishop of Canterbury the Bishop of London Durham Winchester Worcester S. Davids Chichester Carlile and Peterborough The Deans of the Chappell Christs Church Worcester Westminster Pauls Chester Windsor Dr. Field and Dr. King for the petitioners Dr. Reynolds Dr. Spark Mr. Knewstubb and Mr. Chatterton were present These being called into the Privy Chamber the King spake unto them to this effect That following the ensample of all Christian Princes who in the Commencement of their reign do usually begin with the establishment of the Church he had now at his entrance to the Crown taken course to assemble them for settling an uniform order in the same for planting unity removing dissensions and reforming abuses which he said were naturally incident to all politick bodies And yet that he should not be mistaken and his purpose in assembling them misconstrued he declared that his meaning was not to make any innovation of the government established which he knew was approved of God but to hear and examine the complaints that were made and remove the occasions thereof whereof he willed the petitioners to begin and shew what the things were that grieved them Doctor Reynolds with the other three falling upon their knees after a short gratulatory preamble reduced the matters questioned to two heads some he said concerned the matters of the Church and others the Government Touching the Doctrine that in the Book of Articles of religion some things were obscure and some things defective which they wished to be supplied and explained Being desired to name the particulars he condescended upon some Articles whereof after they had conferred a while and he professed to have received satisfaction the King said That if these were the greatest matters that grieved them such importunity needed not as was used to him and that a more private course had been better Then falling to speak of the Government of the Church the want and scarcity of sufficient Ministers in every Parish was much complained of with the subscription urged to the Communion book the censures inflicted by lay Chancellors and other moe points which are to be seen in the Conference imprinted after some three houres debating they were commanded to meet again in the same place the 18 of Ianuary at which time they should know his Majesties pleasure in these matters At the day the Bishops Deans and Doctors of the Arches being first called the Archbishop presented certain notes of explanation of the Liturgy which the King had commended to the Bishops care and thereafter his Majesty questioning them touching the exercise of the high Commission the Oath ex officio the censure of exâ—cmmunication and the matter of subscription when as they had answered in all these points to his Majesties content Doctor Reynolds and the others were desired to come into the chamber and the foresaid explanations read unto them wherewith they professed to be satisfied The King upon this expressing a great contentment with that which had passed among them did seriously exhort them to the preservation of unity willing the Bishops to use their inferiors with all lenity and take the fairest waies for reclaiming those that were otherwise minded warning these others also to beware of obstinacy in their opinions and disobedience to the orders of the Church Obedience said he and humility are the marks of good and honest men such I believe you to be but it feareth me that many of your sort are humorous and too busie in the perverting of others The exceptions taken against the Communion book as I perceive are matters of meer weakness and they who are discreet will be gained with time by gentle persuasions or if they be und street better it is to remove them then to have the Church troubled with their contentions For the Bishops I
will answer that it is not their purpose presently and out of hand to enforce obedience but by fatherly admonitions and conferences to induce such as are disaffected But if any be of an opposite and turbulent spirit I will have them inforced to a conformity Neither tell me that the wearing of a surplice or using the Crosse in Baptism will diminish the credit of Ministers that have formerly dissallowed the same for that is just the Scotish Argument when any thing was concluded that sorted not with their humour the only reason why they would not obey was that it stood not with their credit to yield having been so long of a contrary opinion I will none of that but that a time be limited by the Bishops of every Diocese to such and they that will not yield whatsoever they are let them be removed for we must not preferre the credit of a few private men to the generall peace of the Church Throughout all this conference in every point that was moved or came to be talked of the King did shew such knowledge and readiness as bred not a small admiration in the hearers Chancellour Egerton wondering to see him so expedite and perfect in all sort of Divinity said That he had often heard and read that Rex est mixta persona cum Sacerdote but that he saw never the truth of it untill that day Let me adde that which I was afterward told by Richard Bancroft Archbishop of Canterbury for Whitgift died the next moneth after the conference one of the great glories of the English Church that when the Rolles were brought in of those that stood out and were deposed which was some years after they were found to be fourty nine in all England when as the Ministers of that Kingdome are reckoned nine thousand and above such a noise will a few disturbers cause in any society where they are tolerated In the March thereafter a Parliament was kept in England where the King after he had given thanks to the State for the generall applause they shewed in receiving him to the place which God by birthright and lineall descent had provided for him did earnestly move the union of the two Kingdomes that as they were made one in the head so among themselves they might be inseparably conjoyned and all memory of by-past divisions extinguished A motion that took well at first and seemed to be generally desired of both Nations but did not succeed as was wished The Parliament alwaies at his Majesties desire and for a demonstration of their obedience did nominate Thomas Ellesmore Lord Chancellor of England Thomas Earl of Dorset Thesaurer Charles Earl of Nottingham Lord high Admirall Henry Earl of Southampton William Earl of Pembroke Henry Earl of Northampton Richard Bishop of London Toby Bishop of Durham Anthony Bishop of St Davids Robert Lord Cecill principall Secretary to his Majesty Edward Lord Souch Lord President of Wales William Lord Monteagle Ralph Lord Eure Edmond Lord Sheffeild Lord President of the Councell of the North Lords of the higher House And Thomas Lord Clinton Robert Lord Buckhurst Sir Francis Hastings knight Sir Iohn Stanhop knight Vice-chamberlain to the Kings Majesty Sir George Carew knight Vice-chamberlain to the Queens Majesty Sir Iohn Herbert knight second Secretary to his Majesty Sir Thomas Strickland knight Sir Edward Stafford knight Sir Henry Nevill of Barkshire knight Sir Richard Buckly knight Sir Henry Billingsly knight Sir Daniell Dunne knight Dean of the Arches Sir Edward Hobby knight Sir Iohn Savile knight Sir Robert Wroth knight Sir Thomas Challoner knight Sir Robert Mansell knight Sir Thomas Ridgway knight Sir Thomas Holcraft knight Sir Thomas Hasketh knight his Majesties Attorney of the Court of Wards and Liveries Sir Francis Bacon knight Sir Lawrence Cawfield knight Serjeant at Law Sir Henry Hubbard knight Serjeant at Law Sir Iohn Bennet knight Doctor of the Lawes Sir Henry VVitherington Sir Ralph Grey and Sir Thomas Lake knights Robert Ashwith Thomas Iames and Henry Chapman Merchants Knights and Burgesses of the house of Commons Giving them or any eight or more of the said Lords of the higher house and any twenty of the said Knights and Burgesses of the said house of Commons full power liberty and Commission to assemble and meet at any time or times before the next Session of Parliament â—or treating and consulting with certain selected Commissioners to be nominated and authorized by authority of the Parliament of the realm of Scotland of and concerning such an union of the said realms of England and Scotland and of and concerning such other matters causes and things whatsoever as upon mature deliberation and consideration the greatest part of the said Lords Knights Citizens and Burgesses being assembled with the Commissioners to be nominated by the Parliament of Scotland shall in their wisdome think and deem convenient and necessary for the honour of his Majesty and the weal and commmon good of both the said realms during his Majesties life and under all his progenie and royall posterity for ever which Commissioners of both the said realms shall according to the tenor of their said Commissions reduce their doings and proceedings into writings or instruments tripartite every part to be subscribed and sealed by them to the end that one part thereof may in all humility be presented to his most excellent Majesty the second part to be offered to the consideration of the next Session of Parliament for the realm of England and the third to be offered to the consideration of the next Parliament for the realm of Scotland that thereupon such further proceeding may be had as by both the said Parliaments may be thought fit and necessary for the weal and common good of both the said realms A Parliament in Scotland for the same purpose was indicted to the tenth of Aprill and thereafter prorogated to the eleventh of Iuly at which time the Lords Spirituall and Temporall assembled by virtue of his Majesties Commission did ordain the persons following they are to say Iohn Earl of Montrosse Chancellor of Scotland Francis Earl of Arroll high Constable of Scotland Iames Earl of Glencarn Alexander Earl of Linlithgow Iohn Archbishop of Glasgow David Bishop of Rosse George Bishop of Cathnes Walter Prior of Blantire Patrick Lord Glammis Alexander Lord Elphingston Alexander Lord Fyvie President of the Session of Scotland Robert Lord Roxbrugh Iames Lord Abircorn Iames Lord Balmerinoth Principall Secretary of Scotland David Lord of Scone Sir Iames Scrimgeour of Dudop knight Sir Iohn Cockburn of Ormston knight Sir Iohn Hume of Couldenknowes knight Sir David Carnegie of Kinnard knight Sir Robert Melvill elder of Murdocarmie knight Sir Thomas Hamilton of Binnie knight Sir Iohn Lermouth of Balcony knight Sir Alexander Straton of Lawriston knight Sir Iohn Sheen of Curry-hill knight Mr. Iohn Sharp of Howston Lawyer Mr. Thomas Craig Lawyer Henry Nisbit George Bruce Alexander Rutherford and Mr. Alexander
of the Church The Synod being cited before the Councell for this presumption was discharged to meet thereafter and the Presbyteries within the bounds commanded under pain of Rebellion to accept their Moderators In Fife the resistance was no lesse for the Synod being continued twice first from April to Iune then from Iune to September meeting at that time in Dysert and pressed by the Lords Lindesay Scone and Halirudhouse Commissioners from the Councell to accept the Archbishop of S. Andrews for their Moderator did obstinately refuse and dissolved without doing any thing hereupon was that Synod likewise discharged and all the Burghs inhibited to receive them if perhaps they should reassemble after the Commissioners were gone The Presbyteries of Mers were also very troublesome and the Councell so vexed with complaints of that kinde as not a day passed without some one or other But all this opposition proved vain and they in end forced to obey did finde by experience this setled course much better then their circular elections A Commission came in this mean time for planting some learned and worthy person in the place of Mr. Andrew Melvill at S. Andrews The Commission was directed to the Archbishop of Saint Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld Rosse and Birchen the Lord Balmerinoch the Advocate the Laird of Balcomy and Commissar of S. Andrews who meeting in the new Colledge the 16 of Iune after the reading of his Majesties Letter whereby it was declared That the said Mr. Andrew being judged by the Councel of England to have trespassed in the highest sort against his Majesty and for the same committed to the Tower till he should receive his just punishment was no more to return to that charge they according to the power given them did proceed and make choice of Mr. Robert Howy to be Provost of the said Colledge ordaining him to be invested in the said office with all the immunities and priviledges accustomed which was accordingly performed in the Iuly thereafter and he entred to his Charge the 27 of that moneth It remained that some course should be taken with the Ministers that were stayed at London as it was once purposed were to be provided with some Livings in England but that Church not liking to entertain such guests they were all permitted to return home upon their promise to live obedient and peaceable M. Iames Melvill was only retained who lived a while confined at Newcastle was after some months licensed to come to Berwick where he deceased A man of good learning sober and modest but so addicted to the courses of Mr. Andrew Melvill his Uncle as by following him he lost the Kings favour which once he enjoyed in a good measure and so made himself and his labours unprofitable to the Church Now let us see what happened in the Kingdome during this time The King was ever seriously commending to the Councell the removing of the barbarous fewds wherewith he had been so greatly troubled divers whereof by their travells were this year agreed yet new occasions daily arising they were kept in a continuall business David Lindesay younger of Edyell seeking to revenge the slaughter of his Uncle Mr. Walter Lindesay whom David Master of Crawford had killed as he lay in wait of the said Master who was then by the decease of his Father succeeded in the Earldome through a pitifull mistake did invade Alexander Lord Spynie and killed him in stead of the other The Noblemans death was much regrated for the many good parts he had and the hopes his friends conceived that he should have raised again that noble and antient house of Crawford to the former splendor and dignity all which perished with him he that was in place and escaped the perill being a base unworthy prodigall and the undoer of all that by the virtue of his Ancestors had been long kept together Another business no lesse troublesome did also then happen betwixt the Earl of Morton and the Lord Maxwell for holding of Courts in Eskdale unto which both did pretend right The preparation on both sides was great and like to have caused much unquietness if the same had not been carefully prevented both parties being charged by the Councell to dissolve their forces and not to come towards the bounds the Earl of Morton obeyed Maxwell contemning the charge went on and by a cartell did appeal Morton to the combate whereupon he was committed in the Castle of Edinburgh and after some two moneths stay made an escape No sooner found he himself at liberty then he fell a plotting the Laird of Iohnstons murther which he wrought in a most treacherous manner he pretending to use his friendship in obtaining his Majesties pardon employed Sir Robert Maxwell of Orchardtowne whose Sister Iohnston had married to draw on a meeting betwixt them as he did at a little hill called Achmanhill they did bring each of them one servant only as was agreed the said Sir Robert being present as a friend to both At meeting after they had courteously saluted one another and conferred a little space very friendly the two servants going aside the one called Charles Maxwell a Brother of Kirkhouse the other William Iohnston of Lockerby Charles falleth in quarrelling the other shooteth a pistoll at him the Laird of Iohnston making to part them the Lord Maxwell shooteth him in the back with two bullets whereupon he falleth and for a while keeping off the Lord Maxwell who made to strike him with his sword expired in the place it was the 6th of April in the year 1608 that this happened The fact was detested by all honest men and the Gentlemans misfortune sore lamented for he was a man full of wisdome and courage and every way well inclined and to have been by his too much confidence in this sort treacherously cut off was a thing most pitifull Maxwell ashamed of that he had done forsook the Countrey and had his estate forfeited some years after stealing quietly into the Kingdome he was apprehended in the Countrey of Cathnes and beheaded at Edinburgh the 21 of May 1613. The purpose of civilizing the Isles was this year again renewed and a long Treaty kept with the Marquis of Huntley thereupon but he breaking off by reason of the small duty he did offer for the North Isles the Earl of Argile was made Lieutenant thereof for the space of six moneths in which time it was hoped that some good should be wrought and the people reduced to good manners yet nothing was done to any purpose the great men of those parts studying only the increase of their own grandeur and striving whose command should be greatest In the Parliament of England that held in November preceding the matter of union received many crossings and of all the Articles condescended among the Commissioners only that was enacted which concerneth the abolishing of hostile laws The King grieved at this exceedingly and conceiving that the
that it should be lawfull to Superiours and Lords of Regalities to refuse the entry of all such to their lands by precepts of Clarè constat or any other way Lastly that persons excommunicated for not conforming themselves to the Religion presently professed should neither in their own names nor covertly in name of any other enjoy their lands or rents but that the same should be intrometted with and uplifted to his Majesties use These were the Acts concluded touching Religion for the punishment of rapes which was grown as then too common his Majesty by a speciall letter did recommend to the Estates some overtures for restraining such violences As if any widow woman or maid should be forced and abused against her will the crime should be capital and not purged by the subsequent consent of the woman In like manner if any woman should be taken away albeit no further injury was done and she relieved either by her friends or by the Magistrate or by what so ever means the onely violence intended should be punished by death in regard the party had indevoured to do his worst And for those that did intice any woman to go away without their parents or tutors consent that they should be secluded from any part of the goods or lands belonging to the woman so inticed Some other Acts for the publick good of the kingdome were passed at the same time neither was it remembred that in any one convention so much good of a long time was done as in this In the beginning of February the Secretary was brought to Edinburgh and delivered to the Magistrates who received him at the neither port and conveyed him as a Prisoner to the lodging that was appointed A great gazing there was of people which troubled him not a little as he shewed by his countenance The next day he was delivered to the Lord Scone who with a guard of horse did convey him to the prison of Falkland there he remained to the 10 of March and was at that time taken to S. Andrews to abide his triall with the Justice there sate as Assessors the Earls of Dunbar Montross and Lothian the Lord Privy seal and Clerk Register His indictment was to this effect That in the year 1598 by the instigation of his Cousin Sir Edward Drummond a professed Papist he had stoln and surreptitiously purchased his Majesties hand to a letter written by the said Sir Edward and directed to Pope Clement the eighth in favour of the Bishop of Vaison for the said Bishops preferment to the dignity of a Cardinall And that notwithstanding the many denialls the King gave him in that busines he had treasonably conspired with the said Sir Edward to deceive and abuse his Majesty shuffling in a letter among others that were to be signed and filling it up after it was signed with the styles and titles usually given to the Pope and sealed the letter with his Majesties fignet the keeping whereof was intrusted to him by virtue of his office and in so doing had mostundutifully and treasonably behaved himself to the indangering of his Majesties Honour Life Crown and Estate and to the subversion of true Religion and the whole professors thereof Upon the reading of the indictment he was enquired if he would use any friends or advocates to speak in his defence as the order of the Court did allow him his answer was That he stood never in so great need of a Proloquutor the matter concerning his life estate and all that he possessed in this world yet he had choosed to keep silence and not employ either friends or advocates the offence he had committed being such as could admit no defence for howsoever he conceived that the keeping of intelligence with the Pope might advance his Majesties succession to the Crown of England yet knowing as he did his Majesties resolution never to use any crooked course but to rest upon Gods providence and his own right it did not become him to have medled in a matter of that importance Therefore did he intreat all gentlemen and others that were present to bear witness of his confession and the true remorse he had for the offence committed which he esteemed so great as neither his lands nor life may not twenty thousand lives such as his could repair onely two things he asked liberty to protest one was that he never intended to work an alteration of Religion or a toleration of the contrary the thing he had done being a meer worldly course whereby he judged some good might have been wrought at the time Next he protested that neither the love of gain nor hope of commodity had led him on that having never received nor expected benefit from any Prince living his Master the King onely excepted but an opinion he foolishly conceited that he might that way promote his Masters right In end he said that he would not make the Iudges any more business that he had confessed the truth and as he wished God to be mercifull to his soul in that great day his Majesty was most falsely and wrongfully charged with the writing of that letter to the Pope and that he never could move him to consent thereto The Jury was then called and the persons following sworn in face of Court David Earl of Crawford George Earl Marshall Iohn Earl Wigton Patrick Earl of Kingborne Iohn Earl of Tillibarden Alban L. Cathcart Iohn L. Salton David L. Scone Alexander L Garlies William Master of Tillibarden Sir Iames Douglas of Drâ—mlanrick Sir Robert Gordon of Lochinvar Sir William Levingston of Kilsith Sir Iohn Houston of the Ilke and Sir Patrick Home of Polwart These going apart returned after a short space into the Court and by the mouth of the Earl of Marshall pronounced Iames Lord Balmerinoch guilty of treasonable surreptitious fraudulent and false stealing of his Majesties hand to the letter specified in the indictment without his Majesties knowledge and contrary to his will declared As also of the treasonable affixing of his Majesties signet to the said letter and of assisting known and professed Papists in their treasonable courses to the danger of Religion the overthrow of the true professors thereof and drawing of his Majesties life estate and right of succession to the Crown of England in most extreme perill besides the bringing of most false and scandalous imputations upon his Majesty as well in Religion as honour and of art and part of the whole treasonable crimes contained in the said indictment The King being advertised of his conviction for he had commanded before any doom should be pronounced by a warrant directed to the Justice he was brought again to Edinburgh and in a Justice Court kept the first of Aprill decerned to be taken to the place of execution and there to have his head cut off his lands heritages Lordships Baronies taks steadings rooms possessions offices benefices cornes cattell c. forfeited and escheated to his
his first assault upon Birsay expulsing Bernard Stewart The Keeper and placing a Garrison therein of some thirty persons The Deputy hearing what was done went speedily thither charging them in his Majesties name to render but they despising the charge and he not able to force them he went from thence to Kirkwall the Rebels following at his heels compelled him in like sort to render the Castle of Kirkwall in which he had entred Upon report of this Rebellion Commission was given to the Earl of Cathnes as Lieutenant for the King in those bounds to recover the Castles and pacifie the Countrey which he carefully performed At his first landing a company of people to the number of five hundred who were brought together more out of fear of the Rebels then of any desire to withstand made a countenance to resist but how soon they perceived the Earls resolution to pursue they gave back their leaders flying to the Castle which they meant to defend This they made good some five weeks or more till the Canon having beaten down a great part of the walls they were forced to yeild themselves at discretion The persons taken in the Castle were Robert Stewart the Earl's base son Archibald Murray Andrew Martin Alexander Legat and Thomas King servants to the Earl These were all transported to Edinburgh and being convicted by a Jury were hanged on a gibbet at the Mercat-crosse In this siege the Lieutenant lost four men only namely William Irwin son to William Irwin of Saba Iames Richardson Andrew Adamson and William Robinson who were killed all by shots from the Castle many were wounded and hurt but thereof recovered Towards the end of the year Mr. David Lindesay Bishop of Rosse departed this life in a great age having attained to fourscore two or three years a man nobly descended and a Brother of the house of Edzell Soon after the Reformation returning from his travells abroad he applied himself to the function of the Ministery and entring the charge at Leth continued therein to his death of a peaceable nature and greatly favoured of the King to whom he performed divers good services especially in the troubles he had with the Church a man universally beloved and well esteemed of by all wise men His corps were interred at Leth by his own direction as desiring to rest with that people on whom he had taken great pains in his life The Earl of Orkney being brought the October preceding from Dumbarton to Edinburgh was in February next put to triall where together with the Justice there sate as Assessors the Earl of Dunfermlin Chancellor the Lord Bining Secretary the President Sir Iohn Preston Sir Gideon Murray Thesaurer Deputy Sir Richard Cockburne of Clackinton Lord privy Seal Sir Iohn Cockburne of Ormeston Justice Clerk Sir Alexander Hay Clerk Register Sir William Levingston of Kilsith and Sir Alexander Drummond of Medop Senators of the Colledge of Justice The substance of the Indictment was That he had caused his base son to surprise the Castle of Kirkwall with the steeple of the Church the place called the Yards and house of Birsay that he had incited the people to Rebellion and detained the said Castles and Houses treasonably after he was charged to deliver the same His Prolocutors were Mr. Alexander King Mr. Thomas Nicolson and Mr. Alexander Forbes Lawyers all of good esteem the chief defence they used was a deniall of the libell the Advocate producing the confession of his base son and those that were executed with him together with some missive Letters written by one Iohn Sharpe at his direction for the detaining of the Castle of Kirkwall and a Charter of certain lands gifted by him to Pat Halcro for assisting the Rebels the Justice remitted the verity of the Indictment to the Assise The persons chosen thereupon was Iames Earl of Glencarn George Earl of Winton Iohn Earl of Perth Robert Earl of Lothian William Earl of Tillibarden David Lord Scone William Lord Sanqhar Iohn Lord Harries Iames Lord Torphichen Hugh Lord Semple William Lord Killmaers Iohn Grant of Frenchâ—e Sir Patrick Hepburne of Waughton Robert Arnot of Farny and Sir Henry Lindesay of Kinfawnes who sworn and received according to the custome went apart by themselves for a certain space and returning unto the Court by the mouth of their Chancellor the Earl of Glencarne declared him guilty of the foresaid Rebellion and of the whole points contained in the Indictment The Justice thereupon gave sentence that he should be taken to the Mercat crosse and there beheaded and all his goods and lands confiscated The Earl taking the sentence impatiently some Preachers were desired to conferre with him and to dispose his minde towards death but they finding him irresolute intreated for a delay of the execution which was granted to the sixth of February at which time he was brought unto the scaffold guarded by the Magistrates of the City and in the sight of many people beheaded This was the end of Patrick Earl of Orkney son to Robert Stewart one of King Iames the fifth his base sons Robert was at first provided to the Abbacy of Halirâ—dhouse which he enjoyed divers years After the forfeiture of Hepburne Earl Bothwell and the obtaining of these Isles he exchanged the Abbacy with the Bishoprick of Orkney and so became sole Lord of the Countrey Patrick succeeding to an elder brother who died young by his too much resort to Court and profuse spending did involve himself in great debts and seeking to repair his estate by the indirect courses he touched fell into these incoveniencies which you have heard and may serve for a warning to all great personages not to oppresse nor play the Tyrants over the meaner sort of people About the end of the year Iohn Ogilvy a Jesuite was apprehended at Glasgow He was lately come from Grats where the Jesuits have a Colledge by the command as he said of his superiours to doe some service in these parts Theâ—e were found with him three little books containing certain directions for receiving confessions a warrant to dispense with them that possest any Church livings conceived in this form Quoad dispensationem de bonis Ecclesiasticis poter is dispensare ut rctimeant que possident dummodo in usus pios aliquid impendant pro judicio confessarii dispeâ—santis with some Reliques and a tuâ—t of S. Ignatius hair the founder of their Order which he seemed to have in great regard Upon advertisement given to his Majesty a Commission was sent to the Secretary the Lord Kilsith the Thesaurer Deputy and Advocate for his examination and triall Being presented before them and enquired when he came into Scotland what his business was and where he had resorted To the first he answered That he came in the June preccding to the second that his errand was to save souls but to the third he denied to give any answer at all saying
Kings resolution to visit the Kingdom which he said did proceed of a longing he had to see the place of his breeding a Salmon-like instinct as he was pleased to call it and because he knew that evill disposed persons would disperse rumours as if he came to make alterations in the civill and ecclesiasticall Estate he commanded Proclamation to be made for certifying the subjects of the contrary It was true he said that he desired to doe some good at his coming and to have abuses reformed both in the Church and Common-wealth yet foreseing the impediments that his good intentions would meet with and regarding the love of his people no less then their benefit he would be loath to give them any discontent and therefore willed all his good subjects to lay aside their jealousies and accommodate themselves in the best sort they could for his receiving and the entertainment of the Noblemen of England who were to accompany him in the journey The Earl of Marre was at that time made Thesaurer and Sir Gedeon Murray continued in his depuâ—ation A motion had been made a little before for appointing a Commissioner or Deputie in the Kingdome which was hearkened unto by the King as that which would ease him of many vexations and in his absence maintain a face of court and breed a great respect among the people and so farre was that purpose advanced as both the King had made offer of the place to the Earl of Marre and he yielded to accept the same but this breaking out and coming to the Chancellors knowledge whether that he desired not to have any in place above himself or as he pretended wishing the Noblemans good he diverted him from accepting that charge and brought him to embrace the office of Thesaurer as the most profitable and that which should bring with it a less envy Sir Gedeon had the intromission withall as when Somerset was in place and did provide things so carefully and with such foresight as when the King came he found nothing lacking that was required for a Royall and Princely entertainment Among other directions sent from the King one was for repairing of the Chappell and some English carpenters employed who brought with them the portraits of the Apostles to be set in the Pews or Stalls as they were proceeding in their work a foolish and idle rumour went that Images were to be set up in the Chappell and as people are given to speak the worst it was current among them that the Organs came first now the Images and ere long they should have the Masse The Bishop of Galloway then Dean of the Chappell moved with these speeches did pen a letter to the King entreating his Majesty for the offence that was taken to stay the affixing of these portraits To this letter he procured the subscriptions of the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishops of Aberdene and Berchin and divers of the Ministers of Edinburgh The answer returned by the King was full of anger objecting ignorance unto them that could not distinguish betwixt pictures intended for ornament and decoration and images erected for worship and adoration and resembling them to the Constable of Castile who being sent to swear the peace concluded with Spain when he understood the business was to be performed in the Chappell where some anthems were to be sung desired that whatsoever was sung Gods name might not be used in it and that being forborn he was content they should sing what they listed just so said the King you can endure Lyons Dragons and Devills to be figured in your Churches but will not allow the like place to the Patriarchs and Apostles His Majesty alwaies gave order for some other form and staying the erecting of these portraits which in the same letter he said was not done for ease of their hearts or confirming them in their errour but because the work could not be done so quickly in that kind as was first appointed This letter was of the date at Whitehall the 13 of March 1617. The King was much laboured to deferre his journey to the next year when as he should find things better prepared but he refusing to hearken to any such motion made the greater haste and in the beginning of May came to Berwick where he was met with divers of the Councell and by their advice the Parliament which had been indicted to the 17 of May prorogued to the 13 of Iune All this time intervened the King spent in a progress through the Countrey makingâ— his entry in the speciall Burghs after a most Royall manner and welcomed with all the expressions of joy that could be devised At the day appoynted the Estates were frequently assembled where his Majesty made a long speech for the establishing Religion and Iustice neither of which he said could be lookt for so long as a regard was not had to the Ministers of both For Religion he complained That notwithstanding of the long profession of the truth numbers of Churches remained unplanted and of those that were planted few or none had any competent maintenance for this he wished some course to be taken and certain Commissioners to be chosen for appointing to every Church a perpetuall locall stipend such as might suffice to entertain a Minister and make him able to attend on his charge of justice He discoursed long remembring the pains he had taken as well when he lived among them as since his going into England and how he had placed Iustices and Constables a most ladable kind of government for the preserving of peace and the keeping of the laws in due regard which he understood as he said to be much neglected partly in default of some that were named to those places and held it a scorne to be employed in such a charge and partly by the opposition which the Lords and great men of the Countrey made unto them and to their settling but he would have both the one and other to know that as it was a place of no small honour to be a Minister of the Kings Iustice in the service of the Common wealth so he did esteem none to deserve better at his hands then they who gave countenance thereto as on the other part whosoever should shew themselves hinderers thereof should be accounted with him enemies to his Crown and the quiet of the Kingdom In end he said that he had long striven to have the barbarities of the Countrey which they knew to be too many removed and extinct and in place thereof Civility and Iustice established and that he would still indevour to doe his best that way till he might say of Scotland as one of the Emperours said of Rome Inveni lateritiam relinquo marmoream The King having closed and the Lords gone apart to choose those that should be upon the Articles the humours of some discontented Lords begun to kithe for whosoever were by the
reasonable desire then doe we in all humility with that dutifull acknowledgment of our loyalty to your Majesty as becometh protest for our selves and all our brethren that shall adhere to this our Protestation that as we are free of the same so must we be forced rather to incurre the censure of your Majesties law then to admit or obtemper any imposition that shall not flow from the Church orderly convened or others having power from the same This Protestation was subscribed by Mr. Archibald Sympson Minister at Dalkeith in name of the brethren and supplicants In another paper the Ministers who were present set down their names each of them with his own hand for a testimony of their concurrence which was committed to the said Mr. Archibald in custody But as it falleth out in things unadvisedly done and in the heat of humour the principalls in that business quickly forthinking that which they had done came the next morning early to the Archbishop of S. Andrews intreating him to stop the presenting thereof which he shewed he might easily doe by taking the same from Mr. Peter Hewet in whose hand it was given to present This man being one of the Ministers of Edinburgh had lately before been preferred to the Abbacy of Crossragwell and having thereby a place in the Parliament house was held the most fitting to present the Protestation which he willingly undertook for he loved ever to be medling and was alwaies set to make trouble The Parliament was that day to close and the Archbishop knowing how ill the King would take their doing went the more timely to the Palace where meeting with the Abbot he asked him concerning the Protestation desiring to see it and having perused a few lines began to rebuke him for taking in hand such a business he making some excuse and saying it was a Protestation only which could not offend put forth his hand to take back the paper but the Archbishop holding it fast the Protestation was neer rent betwixt them It happened one of the Grooms called Iohn Levingston to see them at strife for they had met in the private gallery neer to his Majesties chamber who shewing the King what he had seen his Majesty came forth being as yet undressed and asked what the matter was The Archbishop answered That a number of Ministers having framed a Protestation against the Article of his Majesties Prerogative had given it to the man that he had made Abbot to present and that he had undertaken to doe the same for which he had been chiding him it being an undutifull part in him without signifying the matter to his Ordinary to take such a business in hand The man falling upon his knees and trembling said That he supposed the Protestation would never offend his Majesty and that he had promised to present the same in Parliament but now that it appeared to him otherwise he would no more meddle therewith The King taking the Protestation and perceiving it subscribed by one only Minister inquired who these others were that convened The Abbot answered that they had all signed a paper besides which the subscriver kept by him for his warrant Then the King commanding the Bishop to keep the Protestation went to prepare himself for the meeting and suspecting that some other might come and protest against the Article commanded the Register Sir George Hay who upon the death of Sir Alexander Hay had been preferred to the office the year before to passe by that Article as a thing no way necessary the prerogative of his Crown bearing him to more then was declared by it Thus when the hour of meeting came the Register as he was commanded laying by that Article caused read the others that were concluded as the custome is and the same being assented to by the Estates were ratified by his Majesty Thereafter the King in a most grave speech having commended the execution of the laws made to the Judges and other inferiour Magistrates gave the Estates a most kinde and loving farewell The same night the Bishops had warning given them to meet his Majesty at S. Andrews the tenth of Iuly whither he minded to call the principall Ministers also that they might know his minde before he went away The Diet held as was appointed and there assembled with the Bishops the Ministers of chief accompt to the number of thirty six who being convened in the Chappel of the Castle the King did speak to them to this purpose What and how great my care hath been for this Church as well before as since my going into England is so well known to you all as I neither need nor doe I mean to speak much of it lest any should think I am seeking thanks for that I have done It sufficeth me that God knows my intention is and ever was to have his true worship maintained and a decent and comely order established in the Church But of you I must complain and of your causless jealousies even when my meaning towards you is best Before my coming home to visit this Kingdom being advertised that in your last Assembly an Act was made for gathering the Acts of the Church and putting them in form I desired a few Articles to be inserted one was for the yearly comemoration of our Saviour his greatest blessings bestowed upon mankinde as his Nativity 〈◊〉 Resurrection Ascension and the descent of the holy Spirit Another for the private use of both Sacraments in urgent and necessary cases A third for the reverent administration of his holy Supper And a fourth for Catechising and Confirming young Children by Bishops It was answered that these particulars had not been moved in any of the Church Assemblies and so could not be inserted with the rest which excuse I admitted and was not minded to presse them any more till you after advice did give consent thereto yet when in the late Parliament I desired my prerogative to be declared in the making of the Ecclesiasticall laws certain of your number did mutinously assemble themselves and form a Protestation to cross my just desires But I will pass that among many other wrongs I have received at your hands the errand for which I have now called you is to hear what your scruples are in these points and the reasons if any you have why the same ought not to be admitted I mean not to doe any thing against reason and on the other part my demands being just and religious you must not think that I will be refused or resisted It is a power innated and a speciall prerogative which we that are Christian Kings have to order and dispose of externall things in the policy of the Church as we by advice of our Bishops shall finde most fitting and for your approving or disapproving deceive not your selves I will never regard it unlesse you bring me a reason which I cannot answer The Ministers at these words falling on their knees
with matters exceeding the capacities of people The King offending with these rumours which he heard were dispersed in both Kingdoms took occasion in a Parliament assembled about that time in England to speak to them and say I understand that I am blamed for not executing the laws made against Papists but ye should know that a King and his laws are not unfitly compared to a rider and his horse the spurre is sometime to be used but not alwaies the bridle is sometimes to be held in at other times to be let loose as the rider finds cause just so a King is not at all times to put in execution the rigour of his laws but he must for a time and upon just grounds dispense with the same as I protest to have done in the present case and to have connived only for a time upon just cause howbeit not known to all If any man for the favour shewed to a Priest or Papist will judge me to be inclining that way he wrongs me exceedingly My words and writings and actions have sufficiently demonstrated what my resolution is in all matters of Religion Some mo words to this purpose he uttered in that meeting but in a Letter directed to the Councel of Scotland he was somewhat more rough finding fault with those that presumed to censure his proceedings and commanding them to take an exact triall of such as had broken out into any such insolencies either in word or deed and to punish them severely according to the laws This was not well published when the news of the Princes journey to Spain made all good men amazed for hearing that he was gone accompanied only with the Duke of Buckingham and another servant the fear of inconveniences that might befall his person did mightily trouble them But it pleased God both in his going and returning safely to conduct and protect him The occasion and successe of that journey I shall shortly relate A match had been treating of a long time betwixt the Prince and a Daughter of Spain which received many hinderances both at home and in that Court but it being thought that the delaies made in these parts would be easily removed by the presence of the Prince himself whereof great hopes were given by Gundamar the Spanish Ambassadour the King gave way to the journey as hoping by this mean to have the Palatinate freed from the vexations of warre and a generall peace established throughout Christendome Thus the Prince accompanied in manner aforesaid departly secretly from Court and landing at Callais went through France undiscovered and after a few daies came safely to the Court of Spain At his coming he was kindly received and welcomed with divers courtly Complements but found a greater strangeness then he expected for although he was still kept in hope of the Match yet he was not permitted to visit the Lady but upon condition to speak in such and such terms and no otherwise Afterward they began to move him touching his Religion desiring he should conferre with some Divines for that he could not have the Infanta to wife unlesse he was converted and became a Roman Catholick The Prince replying That he would not change his Religion for such a worldly respect nor would he enter in conference with any Divines to that purpose for if they did not prevaile with him it would breed a greater discontent It was then told him that he must attend till a dispensation was procured from Rome and that in the mean time be should be entertained as a Prince but not as a Sutor This Dispensation being returned which had in it a condition that the King of Spain should take oath to obtain the King of Britains consent unto certain demands concerning Religion there was a letter therewith sent from Pope Gregory the 15th to the Prince wherein after many fair and plausible words he said that as Pope Gregory was the first that induced the people of England to submit themselves to the See Apostolick so he bearing the same name and being his equall in the height of dignity though inferiour to him in vertue and holiness desired nothing more then to follow his pattern and promove the health and happiness of that Kingdome the rather because his peregrination at that time had given such hopes of an happy success for since he was arrived in Spain and at the Court of the Catholick King with a desire to joyn in mariage with the house of Austria which intention he greatly commended he could not believe that he did really desire the Match and in heart abhorre the Catholick Religion and seek to ruine the holy See of Rome Then falling to a prayer he besought God the Father of lights to advance him the most fair flower of the Christian world and the only hope of Great Britain to that noble inheritance which his illustrious progenitours had gained by the defence of the Apostolick authority and the suppression of the monsters of all heresies Towards the end of the Letter willing him to call to minde the antient times â—nd make his prayers to his ancestors that they would vouchsafe to teach him the way by which they went to heaven he askt how he could with patience hear the hereticks call them damned whom the Catholick faith doth testifie to reign in heaven and to dwell exalted above all the Princes of the earth In end returning to his supplications he said that the Catholick Church Roman stretching forth her armes to embrace him with all affection as her most desired son he could not perform any thing of greater comfort to the Nations of Christendome then to bring again the profession of that most noble Island to the Prince of the Apostles whereof he could not despaire his hopes being set on God in whose hands are the hearts of Kings c. This Letter given at Rome in the Palace of S. Peter the 20 of April 1623 and in the third year of his Apostolate was delivered to the Prince about the midst of May which he received courteously thanking the Pope for his good affection Thereafter understanding that the Dispensation was granted he pressed the performance of the Marriage but was answered That the Conditions must first be fulfilled and the Articles concerning the Infanta her liberty of profession when she came into England and the education of her Children if God should grant her any by him drawn up in form These Articles being advised by a Commission of Divines were sent into England and shortly after returned signed with his Majesties hand and approved by the Councell And now it was thought there should be no more delaies used but other excuses were forged as that it was not fitting the Infanta should go to England before the business of the Parliament was setled and that these Articles must be sent to Rome and allowed by the Pope The Prince perceiving that there was nothing really intended on the King of Spain his
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
Church Catholick where it was before the Reformation by Edward Boughen D. D. in 4o. An Advertisement to the Jury-men of England touching Witches written by the Author of the Observations upon Mr. Hobbs Leviathan in 4o. New Episcopacy-and Presbytery considered by Hen. Fern. D. D. in 4o. A Sermon preached at the Isle of Wight before his Majesty by Hen. Fern D. D. in 4o. The Commoners Liberty or the English-mans Birth-right in 4o. An Expedient for composing Differences in Religion in 4o. A Treatise of self-denial in 4o. by a conceal'd Author The holy Life and Death of the late Vi-countesse Falkland in 12º Certain Considerations of present Concernment Touching the Reformed Church of England by H Fern in 12o. New Englands Faithfull Reprover and Monitour in 12o. by Io. Allington Newly published The grand Conspiracy of the Members against the Mind of Jewes against their King As it hath been delivered in four Sermons by Iohn Allington B. D. in 12o. The Quakers wilde questions objected against the Ministers of the Gospel and many sacred Acts and Offices of Religion with brief Answers thereunto Together with a Discourse of the holy Spirit his workings and impressions on the souls of men by R. Sherlock B. D. in 8o. White Salt or a sober correction of a mad world By Iohn Sherman B. D. a discontinuer in 12o. The Marching of the Magistrates Authority and the Christians true liberty in matters of Religion By William Lyford B. D. and late Minister of Sherborn in Dors. in 4o. An. 1601. An. 1603. An. 1610. An. 1615. An. 1616. The Assembly of Perth 1618. An. 1633. An. 1635. An. 1639. The Preface Anno 203. Scotland converted to the faith of Christ Anno 203. Boeth li. 6. Buch. li. 4. Lâ—st l. 3. The Planters of Christianity in this Kingdom Reasons why Pope Victor could not be the worker of our conversion An. 277. Buchan li. 4. Severus his expedition into Britain King Cratilinth expulses the Druides A short description of the Druides Diocletian his persecution Sodorense fanum Boeth li. 6. An. 360. Amphibalus the first Bishop of Man Culdees why so called Boeth l. 6. Bishops in Scotland at the first planting of the faith Boeth ibidem Maximus the Roman prefect practiseth with the Picts against the Scots Bouch. li. 6. Buchan li. 5. The Scots exiled Buchan li. 4. An. 370. Regulus arrives into Albion Hergustus King of the Picts gave his Palace to Regulus An. 404. King Fergus came to the Firth of Murâ—ray Boeth l. 7. He repaired the Churches King Fergus vanquished and slain Boeth li. 7. Greem battereth the wall of Severus Buch. l. 5. Eugenius assisted by the Picts overcometh the Britains Anno 450. St. Ninian St. Augustin de civitate Dei li. 22. cap. 10. Beda his Ecclesiast Hist. li. 3. cap. 4. Palladius sent into Scotland by Pope Celestine Beda li. 1. c. 13. Buch. li. 5. Buch. his opinion refelled Monks not reckoned among the Clergy Servanus and Tervanus ordained Bishops by Palladius Boeth li. 7. Hist. li. 4. An. 491. St. Patrick the converter of Ireland Baâ— cent 1. Bacon to 5. in Anno 431. Sect. 191. Camden in the description of Ireland Ioh. Biâ—sans in descriptione Britanmae Sedulius educated under Hildebert a Bishop Bal. cent 14. Lesl. li. 4. Anno 494. Gratin decret par distruct 15 Sedulius proved to be a Scottish man against the Irish writers An. 500. Scotland a Colonie deduced from Ireland Congallus an excellent Prince Buch. in vita Congalli Tithes declared to appertain to the Church A law for the safety of Church-men Columba returneth into Scotland Scotichron li. 3. Boeth li. 9. Monks placed in Monasteries Columba sent to bring Aidanus the heir of the Crown from Ireland Congallus dieth to whom his brother succeedeth An. 603. Boeth li. 9. Buchan l. 5. Lesl. li. 4. Aidanus crowned King Columba retired to the Isle Iona. Aidanus maketh warre against the Picts Aidanus rebuked by Columba Aidanus forced to take up Arms against the Picts The Picts overcome and Aidanus getteth the victory Columba dieth in the year of our Lord 603. Boeth li. 9. Kentigern or St. Mungo An. 500. Boeth li. 9. Mongah in the Norish tongue signifieth dear fâ—â—â—nd Kentigern his journey to Wales Kentigern his austere life and death Baldred and Convallus were Kentigerns disciples Boeth li. 9. Lesl. li. 4. Convallanus Governour of the Monastery in Iona. Boeth ibidem Brigida An. 518. Boeth li. 9. Brigida dieth at Abernetâ—â—â—â—y â—y Anno 600. Augustine the Monk sent into Britain Beda l. 3. c. 2. The Britains refuse to conform themselves to the rites of Rome A letter from the Bishops of England to the Scottish Church Beda l. 2. c. 4. Honorius writeth to the Church of Scotland Beda l. 2. c. 19. A letter from the Clergy of Rome to the Church of Scotland Beda ibidem Beda his judgement of the letter Buchan l. 5. Boeth li. 9. Lesl. li. 4. Buchan l. 9. Beda l. 3. c. 5. Cormanus sent into Northumberland Aidaus sent for the conversion of Northumberland Aidanus ordained Bishop and sent into Northumberland The vertues of King Oswald An. 651. The commendation of the Bishop Aidanus Finnanus succeeded Aidanus Finnan dieth to whom Colman succeeded The controversie about Easter wakened A dispute for the time of Easter Osâ—py King of Nuâ—thimbers his speech to the diâ—puters Colman his reasons for the observing of Easter after the Scottish manner â—ilfrid his repâ—y to Colman Colman interrupteth wilfrid for calling their observation foolish Wilfrid excusing himself persisteth in his reply Colman his answer Wilfrid his reply The King determineth the question Colman resigneth his place Colman returneth into Scotland Buchan l. 5. A declining in the Church by the dissensions that grew in the same Godwin de Praesulibus Angliae Buchan lib. 5. Adamannus a Bishop An. 689. Chilianus Baron in anâ—â— 689. Baron in anno 632. Wiro and Plechelmus consecrated Bishops by Pope Honorius An. 697. A Synod at Vtrect Bonifacius an Italian came into Scotland Bonifacius made Arch-Bishop of Mentz The story of Fiacre Bal. cent 14. The Universities of Paris and Pavia founded by Scottish men Alcuin Rabanus Maurus Maidulphus Scotus Camdens Antiquities An. 800. Warres renued between the Scots and the Picts Religious houses founded by Prince Gulielm Boeth li. 10. Hungus King of Picts supplyed by Achaius King of Scots Hungus his thankfulnesse for his victory The Scots claim the Kingdom of the Picts Kenneth utteâ—ly overthroweth the Picts Boeth li. 10. Lese l. 5. The succession of Bishops in this Church after the subversion of the Picts Adrian the first in this accompt killed by the Danes An. 872. A convention at Scone for reformation of the State An. 860. Statutes for redressing abuses An. 904. Scon. l. 2. in Catalogo Eipis S. Andreae King Gregoâ—y his favours to the Church Boeth l. 10. Io. Scotus called Aerigena Boeth l. 10. Lesl l. 5. King Constantine the third forsaketh the publick life Paslet l. 6. c. 27. An. 977. Camd
promising how soon the forfeiture was past to follow forth the same Onely at the 7. he tooke exception where it was desired that the subjects should put themselves in armes upon urgent â—ccasions for he had not as yet forgotten the stirs of the year preceding and would have none to arm but upon his own warrant Withall he sent Sir Robert Melvill and Alexander Hume of North Berwick with certain instructions to the Assembly whereof one was That they should inhibit the Ministers to utter any irreverent speeches in Pulpit against his Majesties person Councell or Estate under pain of deprivation and because one of their number called Iohn Rosse had in a Sermon preached before the Synod of Perth uttered divers treasonable and irreverent speeches of his Majesty it was craved that they should censure him as his fault had deserved Another was That they should excommunicate Mr. Andrew Hunter for the scandall he had brought upon their profession he being the first open Traitor of their function against a Christian King of their own Religion and their naturall Soveraign A third instruction was That by Act of Assembly Ministers should be ordained to disswade both by publick and private exhortation their flocks from concurring with Bothwell in his treasonable attempts or any other that should make insurrection against the authority established by God in his Majesties person The last was assented unto and an Act made thereof but the censure of the Minister Rosse was carried more slightly and he onely admonished to speak in time coming so reverently and discreetly of his Majesty as there might be no just cause of complaint against him Hunter was deposed from the Ministery as a desertor of his flock and one suspected to have joyned himself with the Kings rebells but the excommunication was not pronounced The Parliament did hold at the time appointed yet because the Noblemen convened slowly 3 or 4. dayes were spent without doing any thing In end when by the excuses that divers made a greater number was not expected they that were present assembled in the Parliament house and keeping the form accustomed made choice of a number for the Articles of Noblemen there were three Earls and six Lords onely present Beginning was made at the summons of forfeiture the Letters and blanks intercepted with Mr. George Ker presented and the hand-writs cognosced by witnesses Some question there was about the Blancks and that which should have been insert in them but the presumptions were so clear as none would doubt what the subject should have been Yet the Noblemen urged a delay of the triall to a more full convention which the King would not admit knowing what misinterpretings that would make and so by pluralities of voices the crimes of Treason were found to be sufficiently proved and the sentence of forfeiture pronounced against the three Earls and Achindown their Scutcheons of Arms as the manner is torn by Herauld and they declared to have lost their honours lands and estates for treasonable practises against the King and their Native Countrey In this Parliament divers Statutes were concluded some in favours of the Church and others very beneficiall to the Countrey as the Stature made for punishment of theft robbery and oppression another against usury and a third against buying of Pleas by Judges and other members of the Court of Justice The next moneth passed in receiving the Ambassadors that came to assist the Baptisme which in the latter end of August next was performed with great solemnity from England the Earl of Sussex was sent the King of Denmark the Duke of Brunswick Megelbrugh with the Estates of the united Provinces had their Ambassadours present But from the French King there came not any though they also were expected at the day appointed for the solemnity The Prince was brought from his own chamber to the Queens Chamber of presence and laid in a bed dressed in a most stately form the Ambassadours entered into the Chamber the Countess of Marre accompanied with a number of Ladies took up the Prince and delivered him to the Duke of Lennox who presented him to the Ambassadors Sussex as having the first place received him and carried him in his arms to the Chappell the rest marching in their ranks and followed by the Ladies of honour the Mistresse nurse and others of inferiour note Before them went the Lord Hume carrying the Ducall Crown the Lord Levingston carried the Towell or Napkin the Lord Seaton the Bason and the Lord Semple the Laver. Above the English Ambassadour there was a Pale or Canabie born by the Laird of Cesford Buclerogh Duddope and Traquier The Princes train was sustained by the Lords Sinclar and Urqhart In this manner they walked toward the Chappell a guard of the youths of Edinburgh well arrayed standing on each side of the way and the trumpets sounding Being entred the Chappell the King arose from his seat and received the Ambassadours at the doore of the Quire and then was the Prince delivered to the Duke of Lennox who gave him to the Nurse After which the Ambassadours were conveyed to their places which were ordered in this manner Upon the Kings right hand a chair was set for the French Ambassadour but this was empty next to him the Ambassadour of Denmark was placed on the left the English Ambassadour and Legier did fit and next after them the Ambassadours of Brunswick Megelburgh and the States every chair had a tassell boord covered with fine Velvet and the Ambassadour of England besides the others had office men standing by him to wait The Service did then begin and upon the end thereof the English Ambassadour arose and presented the Prince to the Bishop who was appointed to administer the Sacrament This was Mr. David Cunningham Bishop of Aberdene The action finished Mr. David Lindsey Minister at Leith had a learned speech in French to the Ambassadours After which they returned to the Chappell in the same order that they came Then was the Prince laid upon a bed of honour and his Titles in this sort proclaimed by the Lyon Herauld Henry Frederick Knight and Baron of Renfrew Lord of the Isles Earl of Karrick Duke of Rothsay Prince and Stewart of Scotland This done certain pieces of silver and gold were cast forth at a window among the people and a number of Knights created at night for it was in the afternoon that the Baptisme was ministred The Ambassadours with their train and the Noblemen present were royally feasted nothing lacking that was required to such a triumph The rest of the moneth was spent in Playes running at Tilt and such other exercises as might give delight to the strangers Amidst these joyes the King was not forgetting his own serious affairs sent his Secretary Sir Richard Cockborne of Clerkinton to England to desire the Queens assistance in pursuing the Popish Lords according to the many promises made by the Lord Souche and Mr. Bowes that how soon he should
he did see them fall a wrestling he excused himself by a sudden fear that overtook him in the time and indeed he lookt ever after that time as one half distracted It was much marvelled that in so high an attempt the Earl should have made choice of such a one but the man was of a servile spirit and apt enough to doe mischief and many have conjectured that if the treason had taken effect it was in the Earls purpose to have made away both his brother and him that he might not be supposed to have had any knowledge thereof I remember my self that meeting with Mr. William Cowper then Minister at Perth the third day after in Falkland he shewed me that not many daies before that accident visiting by occasion the Earl at his own house he found him reading a book entituled De conjurationibus adversus Principes and having asked him what a book it was he answered That it was a Collection of the Conspiracies made against Princes which he said was foolishly contrived all of them and faulty either in one point or other for he that goeth about such a business should not said he put any man on his counsell And he not liking such discourses desired him to lay away such books and read others of a better subject I verily think he was then studying how to go beyond all Conspirators recorded in any History but it pleased God who giveth salvation to Kings as the Psalme speaketh to infatuate his counsels and by his ensample to admonish all disloyall and trayterous subjects to beware of attempting against their Soveraigns Advertisement sent the next day to the Councel which then remained at Edinburgh the Ministers of the Town were called and desired to convene their people and give thanks unto God for his Majesties deliverance They excusing themselves as not being acquainted with the particulars nor how those things had fallen out it was answered that they were only to signifie how the King had escaped a great danger and to stirre up the people to thanksgiving They replied That nothing ought to be delivered in pulpit but that whereof the truth was known and that all which is uttered in that place should be spoken in faith When by no perswasion they could be moved to perform that duty it was resolved that the Councell should go together to the Market-crosse and that the Bishop of Rosse should after a narration of the Kings danger and deliverance conceive a publick Thanksgiving which was done the multitude applauding and expressing a great joy The Munday following the King came to Edinburgh accompanied with divers Noblemen and Barons and heard a Sermon preached at the Crosse by Mr. Patrick Galloway who choosed the 124 Psalme for his Theme did take occasion to discourse of all the particulars of that Conspiracy and gave the people great satisfaction for many doubted that there had been any such Conspiracy the condition of Princes beeing as the Emperor Domitian said herein miserable that even when Conspiracies made against their persons are discovered yet they are not credited unlesse they be slain The next day the King in a solemn Councell kept at Halirudhouse to testifie his thankfulness for his deliverance and to perpetuate the memory thereof did mortifie for the entertainment of some poor men the rent of 1000 pounds yearly to be taken of the readiest fruits of the Abbacy of Scone and ordained an honourable reward to be given to the three Gentlemen that had been the instruments of his preservation and the cause of the reward to be specified in their Patents After this order was taken for a publick and solemn Thanksgiving to be made in all the Churches of the Kingdome and the last Tuesday of September with the Sunday following appointed for that exercise The Ministers of Edinburgh who gave the refuse were commanded to remove themselves out of the Town within 48 hours and inhibited to preach within his Majesties Dominions under pain of death Mr. Walter Balcanquell Mr. William Watson and Mr. Iohn Hall three of that number compeiring at Striveling the 10 of September and declaring That they were throughly resolved of the truth of Gowries Conspiracy and willing to amend their former fault were pardoned upon condition that before their return to Edinburgh they should in the Churches appointed to them publickly preach and declare their perswasion of the truth of that treason craving God and his Majesty forgiveness for the question they made thereof and rebuking all such as continued in that doubtfulness The Churches designed to them were Tranent Mussilburgh and Dalkeith for Mr. VValter Balcanquell Dunbar and Dunf for Mr. VVilliam VVatson and for Mr. Iohn Hall Dunfermlin S. Andrews and Perth Mr. Iames Balfour the day following upon the like confession was remitted and ordained to publish his resolution in the Churches of Dundie Montrosse Aberbrothock and Brichen But Mr. Robert Bruce taking a course by himself and saying He would reverence his Majesties reports of that accident but could not say he was perswaded of the truth of it was banished the Kings Dominions and went unto France The 15 of November a Parliament was held at Edinburgh wherein sentence of forfeiture was pronounced against Gowrie and Mr. Alexander his Brother their posterity disinherited and in detestation of the paricide attempted the whole surname of Ruthven abolished But this last was afterwards dispensed with and such of that name as were known to be innocent tolerated by the Kings clemency to enjoy their surnames and titles as in former times The bodies of the two brothers being brought to the Parliament house were after sentence given hanged upon a gibbet in the publick street and then dismembred their heads cut off and affixed upon the top of the prison house This done the Estates in acknowledgment of the favours and grace they all had received of God by the miraculous and extraordinary preservation of his Majesty from that treasonable attempt did ordain That in all times and ages to come the fifth of August should be solemnly kept with prayers preachings and thanksgiving for that benefit discharging all work labour and other occupations upon the said day which might distract the people in any sort from those pious exercises Divers other good and profitable Acts as well for the Church as Kingdome were concluded in this Parliament as the Act decerning all Marriages contracted betwixt persons divorced for adultery to be null and the children begotten by such unlawfull conjunction incapable of succession to their parents inheritance As also the Act made for removing and extinguishing of deadly feuds which the King had ever striven to abolish was in that time confirmed by the whole Estates Upon the close of the Parliament the King went to Dunfermlin to visit the Queen who was brought to bed of a Son The Christening was hastned because of the weakness of the Childe and that