were naturally enemies to the English fortifie themselves in Scotland would prove a hurtful and preposterous course In end the Queen enclining that way it was concluded that a supply should be granted and the Duke of Norfolk sent to Berwick to treat of the conditions with the Commissioners of the Scottish Nobility The French advertised of this conclusion taken resolved to make an end of the warre before the English support could be in readinesse and to begin with the Lords residing at Fife Thereupon taking their journey to Striveling they spoyled Linlithgow in the way with the lands of Kinneil and all that they understood belonged to the Duke in those parts The like pillage they made in Striveling and passing the Bridge they kept the side of the River robbing all the villages and Coast Towns which were in their way It was their purpose to have kept the coast still till they came to S. Andrews and then to have fortified the Castle and City but the Earl of Arrane and Lord Iames hearing that they were past Striveling sent some forces under the charge of the Lord Ruthven a Nobleman of good experience and courage to withstand their attempts In his company was the Earl of Sutherland who was come to the Lords some dayes before directed as he gave out by the Earl of Huntley to make offer of his assistance howbeit his principal Commission was unto the Queen Regent as afterwards was knowne The first encounter with the French was at Pitticurre so they call the Haven on the West of Kingorne by occasion of some small vessels that were espied to come from Leth which as the Lord Ruthven did stop from landing the French that were further advanced then he supposed did charge him on the back and forced him to flie six or seven souldiers were killed in this conflict and a Dutchman called Paul Lambird with a French boy taken and hanged upon the Steeple of Kingarne The Earl of Sutherland wounded a little in the Arm with the shot of an Harquebuse returned the same day to Couper The Lords to stay the further progress of the French drew all the forces they could make in these parts to the Town of Dysert where they remained 20. dayes together keeping the French souldiers that were numbred to be 4000. in such work that the countrey was generally saved from spoile and the hurt and damage that was done falling for the greatest part upon their friends and confederates For of all that were professed enemies to the French the Laird of Grange onely had his house blown up with Gunpowder whereas the Laird of Weimes Seafield Balmaito Balwery Balgony Dury and others of the French faction were forced to furnish them with cornes cattel and what else they stood in need of or if the souldiers lacked any thing the readiest goods upon their ground were taken to provide them Hereof divers complaints being made to the French Captains the poor owners were scornfully answered that their goods were of the Congregation and if they made faith that the same were their own proper goods they were railed upon and called cowards and unworthy niggards that made more accompt of their goods then of their friends Such as professed Religion and expected the worst putting their goods out of the way or standing to their defence were in a much better condition and Grange who had his house cast down as I have said avenged himselfe sufficiently a few dayes after For knowing that the French used to send forth some souldiers into the countrey every day to bring in provision he laid an Ambush near to Kingorne and as Captain le Batu with an hundred souldiers came forth after they were passed a mile from the town he brake upon them with a number that he had selected to that purpose the Captain with his souldiers retiring to a little countrey house defended themselves a while with their shot and dangerously wounded David Kircaldy brother to the Laird of Grange and a Gentleman called Robert Hamilton who were both at first supposed to be slain The French had the advantage for they were within ditches and Le Batu having taken a little house kept the gate with some Harquebuses Grange and his company carried spears onely yet in that heat of valour which ordinarily at such occasions he shewed he rushed in upon the French and was followed by the Master of Lindesay and others whom his example did animate The Captain refusing to render himself with fifty of his company was slain the rest were all taken and sent prisoners to Dundy By this time the Lords that remained in the West parts being advertised of the answer returned from England and how the Duke of Norfolke was coming to Berwick to attend the Scottish Commissioners that should be chosen to treat of the conditions of the supply they sent of their number some to assist the Noblemen of Fife in making that choice The meeting was at Couper where by common consent choice was made of Lord Iames the Lord Ruthven the Masters of Maxwel and Lindesay the Laird Lethington younger and Laird of Pittarrow and Mr. Henry Balnaves and power given them by the Duke and remnant Lords to contract and agree with the Queen of England and her Lieutenant upon all such things as might serve for the good and conjunction of the two Kingdomes and particularly for expelling the French souldiers out of the Realm of Scotland These taking journey by Sea came about the middest of February to Berwick and after some short treaty a contract was formed betwixt Thomas Duke of Norfolk Earl Marshall of England and Lieutenant to the Queens Majesty in the North in name and behalf of her Highness on the one part and Lord Iames Stewart Patrick Lord Ruthven Sir Iohn Maxwel of Tareglife Knight William Maitland of Lethington younger Iohn Wishart of Pittarrow and Mr. Henry Balnaves of Halhil in name and behalfe of the noble and mighty Prince Iames Duke of Chattellerault second person of the Realm of Scotland and the remnant Lords joyned with him for maintenance and defence of the ancient Rights and liberties of the countrey on the other part to the effect following 1. That the Queens Majesty having sufficiently understood as well by information from the Nobility of Scotland as by the proceedings of the French that they did intend to conquer the Realm of Scotland suppress the Nobility thereof and unite the same to the Crown of France perpetually contrary to the Lawes of the same Realm and the pactions oathes and promises of France and being most humbly and earnestly requested by the said Nobility for and in the name of the whole Realm to receive the Kingdom of Scotland the Duke of Chattellerault declared heir to the Crown thereof with the Nobility and other subjects into her protection and maintenance only for preservation of the Scots in their own freedomes and liberties during the time that the marriage did continue
do and to put them off the fields whereas if supply were not sent in time and that matters should happen to be put to a day amongst themselves the issue might prove dangerous Answer was made that the forces should be sent upon sufficient hostages for their surety during their remaining in Scotland Withall he craved that the English Rebels whom the Lords had in their hands and such others as should happen to be apprehended might be delivered to him as the Queens Lieutenant and left to her Majesties disposition For the hastages it was condescended that the chief Noblemen should deliver some of their friends to remain in England during the abode of the English forces and their safe return assured the chance and fortune of Warre only excepted which should be common and alike both to the Scots and them But touching the delivery of the English Rebells the Lords intreated that the same might be continued unto the return of her Majesties answer to the instructions sent by the Abbot of Dunfermlin who was upon his journey and had warrant from them to satisfie her Majesty in that point To this the Earl consented providing the Noblemen would give their bonds for the safe custody of the Rebels and the performance of that which her Majesty and the Ambassadour should agree unto The Laird of Grange and Secretary Lethington who as yet made a show to desire peace laboured by their letters to keep back the English forces offering what satisfaction the Earl of Sussex in name of her Majesty would require That the Earl answered that if the Lords of Linlithgow would disannull the Proclamation of the Queen of Scots authority and discharge all capitulations for aid out of France and all other parts beyond the Sea remitting the present dissension to the hearing and ordering of the Queen his Mistress and oblieging themselves by their subscriptions to stand at her Majesties determination he should stay his forces and detain them with himself till he received new direction from her Majesty Though these answers did in no wayes please them yet to gain some time they gave hopes that after conference with the Lords at Linlithgow he should receive all satisfaction But he smelling their intentions after he had received the bonds and pledges from the Noblemen of the Kings party sent Sir William Drury Governour of Berwick with a thousand foot and three hundreth horsmen into Scotland How soon the Lords that were convened at Linlithgow heard of their coming and that the Earl of Lennox was in their company they departed towards Glasgow and besieged the Castle purposing to raze it lest it should be usefull to the Earl of Lennox who was now returned from England But the house was so well defended by a few young men they passed not 24. in all that the siege after it had continued the space of five or six dayes brake up upon the rumour of the Noblemen and the English forces their approaching The Duke of Chattellerault went with the Earl of Argile into his Countrey the Earl of Huntley and the rest into the North. The Noblemen assisted with the English forces coming to Glasgow after a short stay marched to Hamilton and laid siege to the Castle which at the sight of the Ordinance that was brought thither for the battery was yielded to the English by Andrew Hamilton of Meryton Captain upon promise to have their lives spared The Castle was set on fire and pitifully defaced as also the Dukes palace within the town of Hamilton and divers other houses in Cliddisdale In their return to Edinburgh they destroyed the houses and lands pertaining to the Lords Flemyn and Levingston with the Dukes lodging in the town of Linlithgow the houses of Kinneill Powdowy Peill of Levingston and others that appertained to the Hamiltons in that shire This done the English forces returned to Berwick and were accompanied thither by the Earl of Morton who received again the hostages that were delivered in England Whilest these things were a doing at home the Abbot of Dunfermlin was following his legation in England His instructions from the Noblemen of the Kings party were First to shew the Queen that by the delay of her Majesties Declaration in the cause of the Kings Mother all these commotions had been raised and therefore to intreat her Majesty plainly to declare her self and take upon her the protection of the young King Secondly to inform her of the difficulties they had in electing of a Regent and crave her opinion therein Thirdly to shew what a necessity there was of intreating some forces of foot and horse till the present troubles were pacified and in regard of the publick burthens to request her for moneys to maintain 300 horse and 700. foot which was esteemed sufficient for repressing the adversaries power Lastly concerning the Rebells of England who were in hands to give her Majesty assurance that they should be safely kept and to beseech her Highnes if she would have them delivered that some respect might be had to their credit and mercy shewed so far as could stand with her Majesties safety and the quiet of the Realm For the other Rebells that were as yet in the Countrey he was desired to promise in their name all diligence for their apprehension and if it should happen them to be taken that they should be committed in sure custody till her Majesties pleasure was known These things proponed to the Queen she answered That having heard nothing from the Lords since the late Regents death and being dayly importuned by forain Ambassadours she had yielded to a new hearing of the controversies betwixt them and their Queen and that she intended to have a meeting of the Commissioners of both parties ere it was long Therefore desired them to cease from using further hostility and not to precipitate the Election of a Regent the delay whereof would work them no prejudice This answer reported to the Lords did trouble them exceedingly from the one part they saw a necessity of accommodating themselves and their proceedings to the Queen of Englands pleasure and on the other they did find a great hurt by the want of a Regent That adverse faction having thereby taken occasion to erect another Authority and divers of their own partakers falling back from their wonted forwardness as not knowing on whom they should depend After long consultation this expedient was taken That a Lieutenant should be appointed for certain time with full authority to administrate all affairs and notice sent to the Queen of England of the necessity they stood in of a Regent and that there was no other way to keep the subjects in obedience Choice accordingly was made of the Earl of Lennox grandfather to the King and a Commission of Lieutenandry given him to indure to the 11. of Iuly next at which time the Estates were warned to meet for the election of a Regent Letters were also directed to the
overthrow both with the one and the other party neither having cause to repose any confidence in him The Protestants because he had renounced the Religion wherein he was with great care brought up the Papists because they could not be assured in short space that he was truly turned to their faith Yea all men should have reason to forsake him who had thus dissembled and forsaken his God And where it was given out that divers do insinuate unto your Soveraign that his honour and reputation is so deeply interessed herein as it must necessarily turn to his perpetual ignominy and reproach if he give not some notable testimony to the world of the affection and dutiful love he bare to his mother your King being of that singular judgement that he is thought to have cannot be ignorant how farre true honour ought to possesse a Christian Prince that is not whither passion or fury useth to carry men but whether reason and wisdome have laid the bounds that is within the compasse of possibility decency and justice If the late Queen had been innocent revenge had been necessarily just and honourable but being culpable contrary in all reasonable mens judgements he hath sufficiently discharged the duty of a son in mediating for his mother so long as she was alive and so farre as he was able to prevail They which require more at his Highnesse hands may be presumed not to regard what beseemeth his place and dignity but to seek the satisfaction of their own particular passions and desires And whosoever perswadeth his Highnesse that the mediation used by him for his Mother contrary to the humble pursuit of the whole Parliament hath already given that offence to the Nobility and people of this land as it behoveth him of force to have recourse to forain supports doth greatly abuse both his Highnesse and this Realm for as they were not ignorant what nature might and ought to move his Highnesse unto so long as there was any hope of her life so they do not doubt but that reason will induce him to leave sorrowing and thinking of her in due time Thus have I troubled you with a long discourse whereunto the desire I have of the continuance of amity between the two Crowns hath carried me unawares further then I purposed all which I referre to your good consideration not doubting but you will afford most readily and willingly all good offices that shall lye in your power to the end that a happy conclusion may ensue hereof which shall tend to the common good of the whole Island and so I commit you to God From the Court at Greenwich the 4th of March 1586. Your Lordships assured Friend FRA. WALSINGHAM THis letter shewed to the King served much to allay his anger as afterwards appeared In the May after the Estates being assembled at Halirudhouse they shew a great forwardnesse all of them for assisting the revenge of his Mothers death every man offering to spend his goods and life in that quarrel yet the businesse was so timed out that summer by the private dealing of certain Counsellors as hopes were given to the Queen that matters should compose and a more peaceable course be taken It was at this time that Sir William Stewart brother to Captain Iames returned again to Court and gave his attendance upon the Master of Gray The Master then was plotting a change of Court and had conspired with the Lord Maxwel to kill the Lord Thirlstane Sir Iames Home of Coldingknowes and Mr. Robert Douglas Collector whose power with the King he greatly envied This he reveales to Sir William as one that he believed would take part in the businesse and to make him the more forward tells that it was Thirlstane the Iustice Clerk Blantyre and himself that brought in the Lords at Striveling and put his brother from Court which he repented and would help so farre as he could to recall him Sir William knowing the mans nature and that he was not to be trusted gave him some hopes of joyning with him but in the mean time related all to the King This coming to Thirlstanes knowledge he complaineth thereof in Councel and desireth a trial The Master denied that any such purpose had passed betwixt them whereupon Sir William was called and standing to that he had told the King they two fell a contesting after some bitter speeches Sir William taking him up roundly said that he deserved no credit as having abused his ambassage to England and treacherously consented to the death of the Kings Mother There had a rumour gone of a letter written by the Master to the Queen of England after his parting from that Court advising her to put the Queen of Scots out of the way and the words he had used Mortui non mordent Dead folks bite not were in every mans mouth and now the challenge being made publick the Councel moved the King to put the Master to trial and commit both the one and the other So were they both the same night sent to the Castle of Edinburgh The Lord Thirlstane and those others that were touched with the enterprise of Striveling made great instance to be cleared in that point but the King not liking to search too deeply in those businesses said That their own purgation with the Declaration of the Noblemen that came home at that time was sufficient There were present of that number the Lord Hamilton the Earls of Marre and Bothwel who upon oath declared that they had no assurance from any about the King at the time of their coming till they were received by his Majesty in favour The like purgation was made by the Lord Thirlstane the Justice Clerk and the rest and so that businesse ceased After some two or three days the Master of Gray and his accuser were brought again before the Councel where the same things that before we heard being repeated by Sir William Stewart he added further That he knew the Master to be a traffiquer against Religion and that he had written divers letters to the King of France and Duke of Guise declaring that the King was to seek their assistance in revenge of his mothers death but intreated them not to grant him any help unlesse he did grant toleration to the Catholicks for exercise of their Religion The Master being desired to answer and as he lookt for any favour to deal ingenuously and confesse the truth said That he could not deny his dealing for toleration of Catholicks and that he disliked some of the officers of State and could have wished an alteration but that â—e never had so much as a thought against his Majesties person beseeching to impute these things wherein he had offended to his youth and foolish ambition Being enquired touching the letter sent to the Queen of England he confessed That when he perceived her inclining to take the Queen of Scots life he advised her rather to take her away in some
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
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
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
children and their exhibition as was appointed made them in after times no less troublesome to the Countrey then before In the end of the year the Earl of Dunbarre departed his life at whitehall a man of deep wit few words and in his Majesties service no less faithfull then fortunate The most difficile affaires he compassed without any noise and never returned when he was employed without the work performed that he was sent to doe His death made a great change in our Estate Sir Robert Ker a son of Farnherst who had served the King long in the quality of a Page and was then grown powerfull in Court carrying all things by his credit At first the Thesaurers Office which was in the person of Dunbar whilest he lived was trusted to certain Commissioners but after a little space the same was bestowed upon the said Sir Robert and he preferred to be Earl of Somerset The guard that Sir William Cranston a Gentleman of great worth did command and wherewith he had performed divers notable services in the Borders was taken from him and given to Sir Robert Ker of Ancram Somersets cousin Sir Gedeon Murray his Uncle by the Mother made Deputy in the Office of Thesaury and Sir Thomas Hamilton his Majesties Advocate who had married his sister placed first in the office of Register and afterwards made Secretary all which was ascribed to Somerset his credit Yet these things were not ill taken the last excepted for Sir William Cranston being content to resigne his place the King in remembrance of his good service did preferre him to be a Lord of Parliament Sir Gedeon his abilities for the services he was trusted with were known to all and for the Advocate his sufficiency was undoubted only the manner of his coming to be Register was not so well interpreted Sir Iohn Skeen had enjoyed the place a good many years and being grown in age and infirme thinking to get his son provided to his office had sent him to Court with a dimission of the place but with a charge not to use it unless he found the King willing to admit him yet he abused by some politick wits made a resignation of the Office accepting an ordinary place among the Lords of Session The office upon his resignation was presently disponed to the Advocate which grieved the Father beyond all measure And the case indeed was pitifull and much regrated by all honest men for he had been a man much employed and honoured with divers legations which he discharged with good credit and now in age to be circumvented in this sort by the simplicity or folly of his son 't was held lamentable The King being informed of the abuse by the old mans complaint was very carefull to satisfie him and to have the son reconciled to his father which after some travell was brought to passe yet so exceeding was the old mans discontent as within a few daies he deceased The office of Register was shortly after enterchanged with the Secretary Sir Alexander Hay and he made keeper of the Rolls the Lord Binning Secretary and Sir William Oliphant received to be his Majesties Advocate In the beginning of the next year there happened diverse unhappy quarrels betwixt the Scots and English at Court which was like to have produced very bad effects and nothing worse taken then the slaughter of an English Fencer by the Lord Sanqhars instigation who for an injury alledged did hire one called Carleill to kill the Fencer this fact committed in the City of London and so near to the Kings Court caused such a heart-burning among the people as it was not farre from breaking forth into a generall commotion But his Majesty preventing the danger made Sanqhar to be arrested and brought to his triall where being convicted he was hanged publickly at the Palace-gate of Westminster This act of justice gave the English a great content nor was the death of the Nobleman much regrated by his own Countrey people for he had lived all his time dissolutely and falling in familiarity with a base Curtesan at Paris had by her a son to whom he entailed his lands intending to defraud the heir But the King taking the matter into his own cognition did by compromise adjudge the succession to the just inheritour appointing a little portion to the base son who in a short time made away the same prodigally Not long before his Majesty being informed of a course kept by the Church in excommunicating persons that were fugitives for capitall crimes sent to the Bishops and Clergy a Letter of this tenor The Ecclesiasticall Censure of Excommunication which should be inflicted upon such as having committed any scandalous offence are contemners of the admonitions of the Church is as we have been enformed so farre absued against the first institution that we cannot sufficiently mervail of the proceeding said to be commonly used among you namely that persons fugitive for capitall crimes being cited before Ecclesiastical Iudicatories although it be known that they dare not compeir for fear of their life are sentenced as persons contumacious whereas the fear they stand in ought in reason to excuse their absence since they cannot be judged contemners of the Church who upon just terrors are kept back from giving their personall appearance In a late Treatise the Venetian Padre Paulo did learnedly confute the sentence pronounced by the present Pope against him for his not appearing to answer in the cause of heresie only upon the just fear be pretended and had his appeal justified by all indifferent men from the Popes sentence as abusive your proceedings for the manner is no other and by the learnedst Divines in these parts resembled to the Moscovites form who if he be offended with any person commandeth him to send his head unto him just so your citations are in the foresaid case which is to will the offenders come in and be hanged which were they never so penitent is not to be thought they will doe for they will rather fall under your censure then hazard themselves in the hands of the justice This being the ready way to bring the Censures of the Church in contempt Our pleasure is that hereafter there be no such form of proceeding used among you Notwithstanding if it shall happen such offenders to obtain our pardon and that the fear they stand in of their life be removed we mean not but that they should be called before the Church and Censures used against such of those that are impenitent Hereof perswading our selves that you will have care and not give way to the abuse in time coming We bid you farewell Upon the receipt of this Letter the Bishops convening with certain of the Clergie to advise what course was fittest to be held in these cases a long reasoning was kept some maintaining That the form practised by the Church was not to be changed they having tried the good thereof
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
advertised of the enterprise of the banished Lords A Proclamation to meet the King at the Castle of Crawford A Proclamation given out by the banished Lords The Ambassadour went not saluting the King A Post is sent after him and his excuse The Lords make haste to Striveling The town of Striveling taken Two of the Councel directed to the Lords The Lords Answer The Kings care of those that attented him The King is pleased to admit the Lords in his presence The Lord Hamilton in name of the rest supplicates mercy The Kings Answer The Kings speech to Bothwel The King his pardon proclaimed The Master of Glammis made Captain of the Guard Thuan. hist. 1. 43. Duntraith confesseth the deposition he made against the Lords to be false A Parliament at Linlithgow The Ministers offend with the reconciled Lords Mr. William Watson Minister committed Iames Gibson committed for the like insolence The Superintendent of Lothian his death with a short description of his life An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh The Lord Maxwel goâ—th to Masse and is committed An. 1586. A Synod at S. Andrews called against the Bishop April 1586. The Bishop being cited compeireth and protesteth against the Judicatory His accusation He appealeth to the King and Estates The Bishop excommunicated by the Synod Mr. Andrew and Mr. Iames Melvil excommunicated by a servant and Cousen of the Bishop The Appellation with the reasons sent to the King A transaction betwixt the Bishop and the Assembly The reasons moving the King to give way to this transaction The Ministers exhorâ—ed to judge charitably one of another Acts concluded in the Assembly His Majesties answer to the advice given him by the Chancellor A trouble in the Isles betwixt Mackoâ—â—il and Macklain The Earl of Eglington treacherously murthered A league with England concluded The Articles of the league The names of the Commissioners of both Kingdomes A new breach between the King and Queen of England The proceedings against the Queen of Scots Sentence of death pronounced against her William Keith sent into England about the midst of November A letter to William Keith from the King The Queen in passion at the sight of the letter The King excuseth the sharpnesse of his letter The Master of Gray and Sir Robert Melvil sent into England The first audience The second audience and effect thereof A letter from the King to the Master of Gray The Master of Gray drawne upon another course Secretary Walsingham writeth to the Lord Thirlstan The King commandeth the Ministers to remember his mother in their prayers The third of February appointed for solemn prayers in her behalf The Bishop of S. Andrews appointed to preach Mr. Iohn Cowper usurpeth the place The Ministers at Edinburgh discharged The Queen of Scots her request to the Queen of England The Queen of England is doubtful which way to take The Queen of Scots willed to prepare her self for death Her behaviour and preparation She biddeth her servants farewell Her directions to Andrew Melvil her Steward She is brought to the place of execution The Dean of Peterburâ—ow offereth to comfort her She prayeth by her self The manner of the execution A brief description of her fortune The inscription secretly affixed on her Sepulchre The same Englished The Queen of England writeth to the King by Mr. Robert Cary. The King denieth him accesse Mr. caâ—ies Declaration in writing The Declaration giveth no content to the King The Queen laboureâ—h to divert the King from Warre A letter of Walsâ—gham to the Lord Thâ—lsâ—an A Convention of the Estates The King is informed of certain speeches uttered by the Master of Gray 20. Apr. The Master of Gray and Sir William Stewart committed Sir William Stewart insists in the challenge of the Master of Gray Sir William Stewart liberated and the Master of Gray imprisoned Captain Iame information against the Lord Thirlstane An. 1587. Thirlstane created Chancellor A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Noblemen reconciled A general Assembly of the Church The Kings propositions to the Assembly by his Commissioners Montgomery resigneth the Bishoprick of Glasgow to Mr. William Ereskin The Churches petition to the Parliament against the Prelates The temporalty of Benefices annexed to the Crown The King forthinketh the passing of the annexation 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 lib. 2. pag. 43. The small Barons admitted to give voice in Parliament The Lord Hunsdon hath presence of the King A Proclamation against incursions in England The Ambassadors sent into Denmark return 15. May. Latter end of August A Proclamation against Jesuits and Priests The Jesuits find caution to depart A general Assembly of the Church A Proposition made for the dangers threatened to Religion The advice of the Noblemen and Barons The King refuseth accesse to the multitude A conference betwixt certain of the Councel and the Assembly The grievances of the Church presented to the King The Minister Iames Gibson censured for his speeches against the King An. 1588. Gibson suspended from his ministery The Lord Hereis cleared of the accusation made against him The Borders begin to stirre upon the Lord Maxwels return The Kings expedition to Dumfreis Lochmaben rendred and the Keeper executed The Lord Maxwel taken prisoner at sea by Sir William Stewart and brought prisoner to Edinburgh Sir William Stewart killed by Bothwel Penult Iulii A meeting of the Estates upon the rumour of the Spanish Navy beginning of August His Majesties speech to the Estates The Chancellor his speech seconding the King Bothwel perswadeth the invasion of England Colonel Semple his arrive at Leth. The Colonel apprehended and relieved by the Earl of Huntley * 21. Iuly Huntley offers to present the Colonel to the Councel Sir Robert Sidney sent from England to the King 29. August The History of the Spanish Navy Captain Drakes stratagem The Navy returneth to Spain The death of Archibald Earl of Angus An. 1589. His disposition in his sickness A message from the Prince of Parma to the Catholick Lords Huntley reconciled to the Church Huntley excuseth his reconcilement by a letter A letter from the Earl of Arroll to the Prince of Parma Letters sent to the King of Spain from the Catholick Lords The Jesuits stirre up the Lords to enterprise somewhat by themselves A plot for taking the King A practise against the Chancellor Huntley cometh to the King Huntley committed in the Castle of Edinburgh Huntley set at liberty A letter from the Queen of England to the King The Lords make open insurrection The Subjects warned to accompany the King His Majesties speech to the Noblemen in his Army A question for leading the Vant-guard The Lords dissolve their forces The King goeth to Aberdene He returneth to Edinburgh about the beninning of May. The Earl Marshall goeth to Denmark to accomplish the marriage 10. Iune The Rebels offer to submit themselves Huntley Crawford and Bothwel impanelled The points of their indictment The Lords found guilty and committed to several Wards An Assembly of
Of the Bishops of the Isles I have lesse to say onely that the Isle of Man was at first the Cathedral seat as by occasion we touched before and that by the invasions of the Norvegians and English the same was translated unto Ilcolmkill In Man Amphibalus was the first Bishop I read of one Machilla likewise that was there Bishop and confirmed the holy Brigida in her purpose of single life After the translation of the seat to Ilcolmkill I find onely one Onacus mentioned about the year 1289. who is reported to have been a good and godly man with another called Mauricius whom King Edward the first of England sent prisoner to London And thus farre of the succession of Bishops unto the time of the Reformation THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE THIRD BOOK The Contents The History of the Reformation of the Church and how it was wrought THE Petitions put up to Queen Regent for reformation of the Church taking no effect some Noblemen and Barons joyning in Councel did bind themselves by oâ—thes and subscriptions to assist one another and hazard their lives and substance in advancing the cause of Religion The principals were Archibald Earl of Argyle Alexander Earl of Glencarne James Earl of Morton Archibald Lord of Lorne Sir Iames Sandelands of Calder Iohn Erskin of Dun and William Maitland of Lethington younger They meeting together after deliberation what should be fittest first to do concluded That in all Parishes the Curates should be caused read the Prayers and Lessons of the Old and New Testament on Sundayes and other Festival dayes according to the form set forth in the Book of Common Prayers and if they should refuse that the most qualified in every Parish should do the same But for preaching and interpretation of Scripture the same should be used only in private houses after a quiet manner till God should move the Queen to grant further liberty This accordingly was performed in the parts where they had Commandment and by their example in divers Townes and Parishes of the countrey the like was done to the great offence of the Clergy who complaining of that boldnesse to the Queen Regent were answered that it was no fit time to enter into those matters and that she should find occasion ere it were long to put order unto them But the Clergy fearing delayes did forthwith call a Provincial Councel at Edinburgh where professing to make reformation of abuses they renewed some old Popish constitutions which they made to be imprinted and affixed upon the doors of all the Parish Churches The Bishop of S. Andrewes advertised of the Reformation begun in Argyle sent to the Earl Sir David Hamilton his Cousen with a letter wherein after he had shewed the perill in which he did cast both himself and his house by that open defection from the Church he desired him in some honest fashion to rid himself of that defamed and perjured Apostate who had seduced him This was one Mr. Iohn Douglas whom the Earl had taken to be his Minister offering to provide him of a learned and wise Preacher for whom he would lay his soul in pawn that he should teach no other but true doctrine and agreeable to the Catholick faith The Earle answered That for peril he feared none either to himself or to his house having resolved to live in obedience to his Prince and to serve God as well as he could according to his written word and for the defection alledged seeing it had pleased God to open his eyes and give him the knowledge of his truth which he took for a great argument of his favour he would not relinquish or forsake it for fear of any inconveniences As to the man he wrote of he said that he heard him teach the doctrine of Christ condemne idolatry adultery fornication and such like wickednesse and that he should make him give an accompt thereof whensoever he should be cited But to call him defamed and perjured there was no reason seeing he was not declared to be such by any sentence and if he had in former times made any unlawful oath he had done much better in violating the same then if he had observed it Further whereas he made offer to provide him of some learned man he gave him thanks considering the necessity there was of labourers in the Lords harvest but he understood what his meaning in that was and minded not to be led with any such teachers In end he wished him not to begin the battel with him whereof the event would be doubtful for as to himself he knew God was God and should be God still whatsoever mans crast could work or devise The Bishop receiving this answer did communicate the same with the chief of the Clergy who thereby conceiving that there was some businesse in hand began to think of other defences And the feast day of S. Giles or Sanctus Egidius falling out about that time to be kept at Edinburgh they entreated Queen Regent to honour the solemnity with her presence The custome was in that time of the year to carry the image of the Saint in procession through the town for they had S. Giles to their Patron with Drummes Trumpets and all sort of musical instruments neither was there any day kept more superstitiously then this The Queen agreed the rather to accompany the procession for that some cumult was feared which she thought her presence would represse But when the time of the solemnity was come the Saint was missing for some had stolne the image out of the place where it was kept This made a stay till another little image was borrowed from the Gray Friers which the vulgar in mockery called young Saint Giles Herewith they set forward the Regent accompanying the people till the procession was nigh ended then withdrawing her self to the lodging where she was to dine she was no sooner gone then some youths provided for the purpose drawing near unto the Fertor and making a shew to carry it upon their shoulders after they had walked some few paces and perceived by the motion they made the image was fixed to the Fertor they threw all to the ground and taking the image by the heels dashed the same against the stones so as head and hands were beaten off and the idol wholly defaced The people hereupon fell a crying the Priests and Churchmen betook them to flight and a great stirre was in the streets Some houres the Fray continued and being in end setled by the authority of the Magistrates the whole Clergy that were in town assembled themselves and making the best countenance they could indicted a solemn meeting in the beginning of November next To this diet Paul Methven was summoned and not appearing was decerned for his contumacie to be banished the Realme a prohibition likewise was given to all the subjects that none of them should entertain or receive
horsemen and four ships well appointed to keep the Haven of Leth trusting therewith as she said and with the assistance she promised her self in the Countrey to daunt all the rebells and bring them to obedience Meane while she began to fortifie the towne of Leth as being a Port fit to receive fresh supplies and a place that might serve the French companies for a refuge if they should happen to be redacted to any necessitie The Lords of the Congregation kept at that time a Convention in Striveling and thither came the Earle of Arrane the Duke his eldest son having left France upon this occasion Being one day in conference with the Duke of Guise who then ruled all things in the French Court and falling in speech of those that professed the reformed Religion he did utter his minde too freely in their favours which was so ill taken as it was resolved to call him in question Of this and other speeches that had escaped the Cardinall of Lorraine in the Court of Parliament he was advertised and thereupon retired quickly from Court and went to Geneva there he became acquainted with Mr. Randolph an English man who was afterwards imployed in many honourable Legations to Scotland and came with him into England where he was much graced by Queen Elizabeth and by her perswasions induced to promise that at his return he should joyn himself with those that sought to expell the French forth of Scotland and move his father so far as in him lay to take part in that cause Both which he truly performed for immediately upon his return he came to the Noblemen at Sriveling and made offer of his assistance in the common quarrell both of Religion and the liberty of the Countrey Then going to visit his Father at Hamilton he won him to their side and reconciling some old grudges betwixt his father and certain Noblemen brought them all to meet together at Hamilton and to write a common Letter to Queen Regent which was to this effect That it was to them a marvell ho she not provoked by any injury could go so soon from the late appointment as to expulse the ancient inhabitants of the town of Leth place therein a Colonie of strangers as minding to keep the Countrey under a Tyrannicall subjection This they said was against her promise against the publick weale and against the lawes and liberties of the Kingdome wherefore they intreated her to desist from that course and not to drive them into a necessity of seeking the concurrence of the Subjects for resisting the mischief intended against the whole This letter dated at Hamilton the 29. of September was subserived by the Duke of Chattellerault the Earles of Arrane Argile Glencarn and Mentieth the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Ochiltrie and divers other Barons and Gentlemen They wrote also to the Lord Ereskin keeper of the Castles of Edinburgh and Striveling Desiring him as a Nobleman and a Member with them of the same Common-wealth to look circumspectly to his own person and to the strengths committed to his trust and not to suffer himself to be abused with the promises and policies which they knew would be used Hereof they did think it needfull as they said to give him warning not that they stood in doubt of his sidelity but that they esteemed it their duty to advertise him of the common danger and to assure him if by violence any should go about to bereave him of those sorts their assistance should not be lacking Queen Regent not liking to make an answer to the Lords in writing sent Sir Robert Carnagie and Mr. David Borthuick with a letter of credit to the Duke That which they had in credit to say was that she wondred much at his joyning with the Lords or that he should have permitted the Earle of Arrane his son take that course and to advise him to come and stay with her at Court or if they could not obtain that point that they should disswade him from taking part with them The Duke asking what the Queen meant to do concerning the fortification at Leth and dispatch of the French men they said If all things were put in the Queen will she would be gracious enough Whereunto he replayed That both he and the rest of the Lords would most willingly serve her so as she would be ruled by the counsell of naturall Scottish men but so long as she kept about her strangers who were a trouble and great to the Countrey he beleeved no wise man would give either him or them advise to put themselves in her hands This answer reported to the Queen because she perceived the arriving of the French souldiers to be generally ill taken she gave forth a Proclamation Wherein complaining of the calumnies dispersed against her by wicked people especially that she had broken the appointment made with the Congregation at Leth which she said was onely to entertain division in the Realm by receiving of French forces which they aggredged so far against all reason it not being an Article of the appointment that albeit for every Frenchman that was in Scotland there were a hundreth at her command there should not a jot that was promised be broken nor the least alteration be made in any thing if the Congregation did in like manner faithfully keep their part Therefore willed all good subjects not to give eare to such informations nor suffer themselves to be led thereby from their due obedience assuring them that they should ever finde with her truth in promise and a motherly love towards all loyall subjects Besides the Proclamation she imployed in the Countrey some whom she especially trusted to inform the Subjects of her good meaning the principalls were Mr. Iames Balfoure Officiall of Lothian Mr. Thomas and Mr. William Scots sons to the Laird of Balwery Sir Robert Carnagy and some others Neither did she omit to deal with the specials of the Congregation sending Sir Iohn Bannatyne Justice Clerk to the Lord Ruthven with many liberall promises if he would leave the faction and Mr. Iohn Spence of Condy to Lord Iames with a letter bearing this effect That having understood the cause of his departing from her to be the love he bare to Religion Albeit she did mislike the same yet knowing his minde and the mindes of other Noble men to be so far bent that way as there was no possiblity to reclaim them she had now resolved to tolerate their profession and at their own sights to grant such liberty as might stand with the common policy of the Realm and their Soveraigns honour As for the men of Warre and fortification at Leth so much complained of she said that some had given her to understand that it was not the advancement of Religion which was sought but that the same was made a pretext to overthrow the authority of his sister whereof she beleeved he would never be participant and this was the
bind the King or Queen but that they may give where and when they should think expedient 9. That the Estates of the Realm should convene and hold a Parliament in the moneth of August next for which a Commission should be sent from the French King and the Queen of Scotland and that the said convention should be as lawful in all respects as if the same had been ordained by the express Commandment of their Majesties providing all tumults of warre be discharged and they who ought by their places to be present may come without fear 10. That for the better government of this Realm choice should be made of a Councel which should consist of twelve worthy men of the Kingdom of which number the Queen should chuse seven and the Estates five which twelve in their Majesties absence should take order with the affaires of Government and without their authority and consent nothing should be done in the administration of publick businesse And that the said Councel should convene as oft as they might conveniently but no fewer then six together or if any matter of importance occurred they should all be called or the most part of them providing it should not be prejudicial to the King and Queen and to the Rights of the Crown 11. That the King and Queen should neither make peace nor warre in these parts but by the counsel and advise of the Estates according to the custome of the countrey as it was observed by their predecessors 12. That none of the Lords of the Nobility of Scotland should make convocation of men of warre except in ordinary cases approved by the lawes and custome of the Realm nor should any of them cause men of warre strangers to come into these parts much lesse attempt to do any thing against the King and Queen or against the authority of the Councel and other Magistrates of the Realm and in case any of them had occasion to take Armes the same being first communicated to the Councel their Majesties likewise should be made acquainted therewith and nothing to be done by them that ought not to be done by good and faithful subjects that love the quietnesse of the Realm and will abide in the obedience of their Soveraigns 13. That Lord David son to the Duke of Chattellerault detained prisoner at Bois de Vincennes should be put to liberty and suffered to return into Scotland at his pleasure 14. That with the French men no Artillery should be transported forth of the Realm but those which were sent and brought in since the decease of Francis the first and that all other Artillery and Munition especially that which hath the Armes of Scotland should be put into the places out of which they were taken 15. That the Army of England should return home immediately after the embarking of the French and that all the Scottish men of warre should be broken and licenced to depart 16. That for the Articles concerning Religion presented for the part of the Nobility and people of Scotland which the Commissioners would not touch but referred to their Majesties it was promised that a certain number of Noblemen should be chosen in the next Convention and Parliament to be sent to their Majesties to expone unto them the things that should be thought needful for the estate thereof and for the Articles presently decided they should carry with them the ratification of the same by the Estates and return a confirmation thereof from their Majesties Lastly that the Queen of Scotland and King of France should not hereafter usurp the titles of England and Ireland and should delete the Arms of England and Ireland out of their scutchions and whole housholdstuffe This accord made the French prepared to depart and for returning the ships of England that were lent to transport them the Bishop of Amiens and Monsieur le Broche remained hostages On the sixteenth day of Iuly the French embarked and the same day did the English Army depart towards Berwick the third day after their parting a solemn thanksgiving was kept in the Church of S. Giles by the Lords and others professing true Religion and then were the Ministers by common advice distributed among the Burghs Iohn Knox was appointed to serve at Edinburgh Christopher Goodman at S. Andrews Adam Heriote at Aberdene Iohn Row at Perth William Christeson at Dundy David Ferguson at Dunfermlin Paul Methven at Iedburgh and Mr. David Lindesay at Leth besides these they did nominate for the direction of Church affaires some to be Superintendents as Mr. Iohn Spotswood for Lothian and Mers Mr. Iohn Winram for Fife and Iohn Areskin of Dun for Angus and Mernis Mr. Iohn Willock for Glasgow and Mr. Iohn Kerswel for Argyle and Isles with this small number was the plantation of the Church at first undertaken The time appointed for the Parliament approaching warning was made to all such as by law or ancient custome had any voice therein to be present and at the day the meeting was frequent In the beginning there was great altercation divers holding that no Parliament could be kept seeing their Soveraigns had sent no Commission nor authorized any to represent their persons Others alledging that Article of the peace whereby it was agreed That a Parliament should be kept in the moneth of August and that the same should be as lawful in all respects as if it were ordained by the expresse commandments of their Majesties maintained that the said Article was a warrant sufficient for their present meeting and this opinion by voices prevailed So after some eight dayes spent in these contentions they began to treat of affairs but as they had no commission so the solemnities accustomed of Crown Scepter and Sword which are in use to be carried at these times were neglected There were present of the spiritual Estate the Archbishop of S. Andrews the Bishops of Dunkeld Dumblane Galloway Argyle and Isles The Prior of S. Andrews the Abbots of Couper Landors Culross S. Colmes Inch Newbottle Halirudhouse Kinlose Deire and New-Abbey with the Priors of Coningham and S. Mary Isle Of the Nobility the Lord Duke the Earls of Arrane Argyle Marshal Cassils Cathnes Athol Glencarne Merton and Rothes The Lords Ruthven Glammis Areskin Boyd Ochiltrie Carlile Levingston Ogilvy and Somervil with many of the inferiour Barons and of the Commissioners of Burghs none were absent In electing the Lords of the Articles the Noblemen that had the nomination of the Clergy passing by such amongst them as they knew to be Popishly affected made choice of the Bishops of Galloway and Argyle the Prior of S. Andrews the Abbots of Abberbrothock Kilwining Lundors Newbottle and Culross at which the Prelates stormed mightily alledging that some of them were meer Laicks and all of them Apostates for they had openly renounced popery and joyned themselves with the Professors of the truth but there was no remedy the course was changed and now it behoved them to take law
was accustomed when she supped private to admit others to sit by her and that night the Countess of Argile and beneath her Davie was placed commanded him to arise and come forth for the place where he sate did not beseem him The Queen starting up hastily went between Davie and Ruthven to defend him and Davie clasping his hands about her middle the King laboured to loose them willing her not to be afraid for that they were come onely to take order with that villain Then was he dragged down the stairs to the gallery where Morton with his company was walking There they fell upon him and striving who should give the first stroak killed him with many wounds It was constantly reported that he had warning given him oftner then once by Iohn Damiott a French Priest who was thought to have some skill in Magick to do his business and be gone for that he could not make good his part And that he answered disdainfully The Scots are given more to brag then to fight Some few dayes again before his death being warned by the same Priest to take heed of the bastard he replied That whilest he lived he should not have credit in Scotland to do him any hurt For he took the Earl of Murray to be the man of whom he was advertised to take heed But that prediction either fulfilled or eluded the first stroak was given him by George Douglas base son to the Earl of Angus after whom such others as were in place either serving their private malice or desiring to be esteemed associates in that conspiracy inflicted every man his wound till he was dispatched yet had they no commandment from the contrivers so to kill him It being their purpose to have brought him to publick execution which they knew would have been to all the people a most grateful spectacle And good it had been for them so to have done or then to have taken him in another place and at another time then in the Queens presence For besides the great peril of abortion which her fear might have caused the false aspersions cast upon her fame and honour by that occasion were such as she could never digest and drew on all the pitiful accidents that afterwards ensued The Queen bursting forth in many tears after a great chiding she kept with the Lord Ruthven sent one of her maids to enquire what was become of Davie who quickly returning told that he was killed having asked her how she knew it the maid answered that she had seen him dead Then the Queen wiping her eyes with her handkerchief said No more tears I will think upon a Revenge Neither was she seen after that any more to lament The rumour of this deed ran soon through the Town whereupon the people did arm and go to the Palace But they were pacified by the King who calling to them from a window shewed that the Queen and he were well and that they needed not to fear because that which was done was done by his own commandment The Noblemen that lodged within the Palace were charged to keep within their chambers yet the Lords Huntley and Bothwel escaped the same night by a window at the back of the Palace Athol and the rest had licence to depart the next morning Upon Tuesday thereafter for the slaughter was committed upon Saterday the ninth of March the Earls of Murray and Rothes with these that were exiled in England returned to Edinburgh and going first to the Parliament house took documents that they were ready to answer the summons of forfeiture directed against them and that none did insist to pursue In this doubtful estate of things the Queen not knowing whom to trast sent for her brother the Earl of Murray and having conferred familiarly a while with him by his means had her servants and guards restored for after the slaughter they were all put from her The night following she went from the Palace to Seaton and from thence to Dumbar taking the King with her in company who repenting the fact and forsaking the other Conspirators did openly by sound of Trumpet at the Market Crosse of Edinburgh protest his innocency denying that ever he gave his consent to any thing but to the returning of the Lords that were banished in England Yet was the contrary known to all men so as this served only to the undoing of his reputation and made him find few or no friends thereafter to aid him in his necessity Upon the Queens departing the Conspirators and whosoever were thought privie thereto fled some to England others to the borders and Highlands and such a change you should have seen as they who the night preceding did vant of the fact as a goodly and memorable Act affirming some truly some falsely that they were present thereat did on the morrow forswear all that before they had affirmed The Earl of Morton with the Lords Ruthven Lindesay and young Lethington remained at Newcastle in England where the Lord Ruthven falling again in the feaver departed this life Mr. Iames Macgill Clerk of Register with divers Citizens of Edinburgh that were esteemed favourers of the fact left the Town and lurked privately amongst their friends After some four dayes stay at Dumbar the Queen returned to Edinburgh accompanied with many of the Nobility and then began Inquisition to be made for the Murtherers Thomas Scot Sheriffe depute of Perth and servant to the Lord Ruthven with Sir Henry Yair sometimes a Priest being apprehended were after trial hanged and quartered William Harlaw and Iohn Mowbray Burgesses of Edinburgh convicted and brought to the place of execution had their lives spared by the intercession of Bothwel The Lairds of Calder Ormeston Halton Elphingston Brunston Whittingham Shirreâ—hall and many others being cited as conscious of the murther for not appearing were denounced Rebels The office of the Clerk Register was conferred upon Sir Iames Balfour and a conclusion taken in councel that they who should be tried to have either devised or to have been actual committers of the said murther should be pursued by order of Justice and the same executed with all severity but that the Commons and others that came to the Palace accidentally should upon their supplication be used with more clemency In all this proceeding there was none more earnest or forward then the King notwithstanding whereof the hatred of the fact lay heavy upon him nor could he ever after this time recover his former favour with the Queen The rest after a little time were reconciled Lethington by the means of Athol was first called home albeit Bothwel did strongly oppose it The Barons addressed for themselves by means of their friends that were in credit Morton and Lindesay in the winter following were pardoned at the request of the Earls of Huntley and Argyle Now the time of the Queens lying in drew nigh whereupon the Councel meeting to advise upon the place where her
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
Majesty and esteemed a sufficient security for the Queen of Scots And if he did find her Majesty inclining thereto then to remember her with what a person she had to do a Princess by birth in Religion Popish one that professed her self a captive and as joyned with an husband suppose in a most unlawfull conjunction and that any one of these would serve for a colour to undo whatsoever thing she agreed unto at the present for her Majesty could not be ignorant how after her escape out of Lochleven she revoked the dimission of the Crown made in favours of her son though the same was done for good respects upon a pretext of fearâ— and that she did the same being a Captive As likewise she knew the Papists Maxime of not keeping faith to Hereticks which would serve her for a subterfuge to break all Covenants when she saw her time and that to dimit her upon any surety would prove no less dangerous to her Majesties own estate then to Scotland considering the claim she had made in former times to the Crown of England and the attempts of her Rebels at home not yet well extinct upon the same grounds In regard whereof there was nothing could assure the quiet of both Realmes in their opinions but her detention under safe custody which could not be esteemed dishonourable the just causes and occasions being published and made manifest to the world As to the power of forain Princes whereof they boasted the same was not much to be feared so long as her person was kept sure And if war for that cause should be denounced the perill should be less then if she were set at liberty and restored to the Crown for so she should have her forces and friendship ready to joyne with other Princes in all their quarrells against which no Hostages could serve for assurance This was the summe of his instructions He had presence of the Queen the penult of November and perceiving that none of these Articles were concluded he did communicate all his instructions unto her as he was desired she having perused them and reasoned thereupon with her Councell returned this Answer That she found in his instructions divers things worthy of consideration which behoved to be further debated and gravely weighed because of their importance Therefore desired some men of credit to be directed unto England that an end might be put to that business for as to the restitution of the Queen seeing it appeared they had reason to oppose it she would not have the Regent or those of his party to think that she intended to wrong them in any sort for if they should make it appear that nothing was done by them but according to justice she would side with them and maintain their quarrell And otherwise if they were not able to justifie their cause by such evident reasons as might satisfie her Majesty in conscience and make her answer the world in honour she would nevertheless for that naturall love she bare to the King her near kinsman and the good will she carried to the Noblemen that stood for his authority leave no means unprovided for their safeties But in regard a great part of the time appointed in the last prorogation of the Abstinence was already spent she desired the same to be prorogated unto March next and would desire them to agree thereto in regard they that stood for the Queen had condescended to the same and as much more time as she should think fitting This answer of the date at Hampton Court the â— of December came unto the Regent the 15. who thereupon advertised the Noblemen to meet at Edinburgh with all diligence for taking deliberation of things desired The Laird of Grange whether to impede the meeting or to divert the Councell from trying a conspiracy which was then discovered and said to have been devised in the Castle against the Regents life it is uncertain raised a great trouble in the town of Edinburgh about the same time One of his servants called Iames Fleming being imprisoned by the Magistrates for a slaughter committed by his direction he in the evening whilest all men were at supper made the Garrison of the Castle to issue forth and break open the prison doors playing all the while upon the town with the Canon to tertifie the inhabitants from making resistance This being complained of to the Regent he was called to answer for the riot but refused to appear and presently brake out in open rebellion fortifying the Castle and conducing a number of souldiers who did afterwards greatly annoy the Citizens The Nobility notwithstanding did keep the meeting and made choice of the Earl of Morton the Abbot of Dunfermlin and Mr. Iames Mr. Gill to goe unto England withall they agreed to the Abstinence required adjourning the Parliament to May thereafter How soon these Commissioners were come to London The Earl of Leicester and Sussex the Lord Keeper the Chamberlain Sir William Cecill Secretary then made Lord Burleigh Sir Walter Mildmay and Sir Francis Knolls were appointed to confer with them These meeting in the Secretaries chamber at Court after salutations and some generall speeches the Lord Burleigh said That they were desired to come into England upon occasion of a Treaty begun betwixt the two Queens and that her Majesty did now expect to receive from them such evident reasons for their proceedings against their Queen as wherewith she might both satisfie her self and with honour answer to the world for that which she did Or if they could not be able so to do that matters might be composed in the best sort for their safeties which her Majesty would by all means procure The Commissioners answered that they had before that time imparted the truth of all things to her Majesty which they thought might satisfie to clear them from the crimes objected yet if she stood doubtfull in any point the same should be cleared and their doings justified by most evident reasons Nothing further was said at that time but all continued to the next day And then having again met the Earl of Morton made a long discourse of the reasons and grounds of their proceedings answering the objections which he thought could be made against what he had spoken His discourse ended they were desired to put their reasons in writing which was with some difficulty yielded unto and under condition that if the reasons proponed by them did not content her Majesty the writing should be redelivered and no Copy taken thereof Otherwise if her Majesty did like and allow them they were content the same should be put in Record if so it pleased her Higness The last of February for albeit the 20. of that moneth they came to London they presented a number of Reasons for justifying the deposition of their Queen and cited many Lawes both Civill Canon and Municipall which they backt with examples drawn forth of Scottish Histories and with the
munition plate jewels and housholdstuffe pertaining to the King with the Registers and publick records of the Kingdom there reserved should be all delivered to the Regent within three days after the house was recovered and the rest of the spoil distributed amongst the souldiers 3. That so far as might be the persons within the Castle should be reserved to the trial of law wherein the Regent should proceed by the advice of the Queen of England 4. That the Regent should provide the English forces with victuals and all other things necessary during the siege as likewise assist them with a convenient power of horse and foot 5. That recompence should be given at the Generals sight to the wives and nearest friends of the English souldiers who should happen to be killed 6. That if any of the Ordinance should break or be otherwise spoiled the same should be changed with other pieces of the like quantity within the Castle 7. That the English General should not fortify within the ground of Scotland without the Regents advice and the service finished should immediately retire his forces 8. And lastly that for the safe return of the souldiers and munition the losse which fortune of war should make being excepted hostages of Noblemens sons should be delivered to the English and entertained in the parts most adjacent to Scotland These conditions made and the Masters of Ruthven and Semple Iohn Cunningham son to the Earl of Glencarn and Douglas of Kilspindie being entred in Berwick as pledges Sir William Drary marched with his forces into Scotland and came to Edinburgh the 25. of April The Regent giving out a Proclamation Wherein was shewed the care that the Queen of England had taken for the peace of the Realm in times past and the liberal succours she had granted at the present for the expugnation of the Castle treasonably detained and fortified by the Laird of Grange Did require and charge all good subjects to carry themselves as became them towards the English General and his company and not to injure them either by word or deed except they would be esteemed enemies to the peace and partakers to the Traitors in their rebellious attempts The next day the Castle was summoned and offer made of their lives if they should yield before the planting of the Canon but the Captain in stead of answer set upon the highest Tower his ensign for a token of defiance Then the Pioneers were put to work and begun to cast trenches and raise mounts for planting the Artillery The besieged made all the hinderance they could playing with their Ordinance upon the workmen and killing divers ere the mounts were brought to perfection How soon they were erected being five in all and entituled by the names of their several Commanders the Artillery was planted 31. pieces in number more and lesse All things prepared and the Parliament finished which the Regent had called to the last of April for ratifying the Articles of pacification the battery began the 17. of May on the 27. the Castle was made assaultable the Canon having made great breaches in the fore and back walls and the Tower called Davids Tower being also demolished The 26 early in the morning the assault was given in two places at the West part where the ascent was most difficult the assailers were repulsed after an obstinate sight that continued 3. hours and 24. persons killed on the East side the blockhouse called the Spurre was taken with less resistance which put the defendants in fear and made them demand a parle This granted a truce was taken for the space of two days in which time the English General used many perswasions to the Captain to make him render the house neither was he then unwilling so as the lives and honours of these within might be saved but the Regent would give no condition and have him simply to yield The Captain seeing nothing but extremity resolved to stand to his utmost defence yet when he came back to the house he found them all within divided and the greater part so discouraged as they refused to undergo the hazard of a second assault which forced him to other counsels and so following Lethingtons advice upon the 29. of May being let down by a rope over the wall he and Piltadrow his Constable did yield themselves and the house to the English General in the name of his Queen whose discretion misknowing the Regent they were willing to abide The General made them to be attended to his lodging whither all that were of any note in the Castle were brought Thereafter they were commitred to several places most of them transported to Leth and some detained in Edinburgh till the Queen of England should signify her will concerning them the Ladies and Gentlewomen were licenced to depart as likewise the private souldiers and others of meaner sort It was thought that the Queen in regard of the render made to her Lieutenant would take a favourable course with them and save their lives but she gave direction to put them all in the Regents hands to be used as he thought meet which when Lethington heard either despairing of life or not willing to injoy it by the mercy of an enemy he died at Leth so suddenly as he was thought to have made himself away by poison A man he was of deep wit great experience and one whose counsels were held in that time for Oracles but variable and unconstant turning and changing from one faction to another as he thought it to make for his standing This did greatly diminish his reputation and failed him at last which should warn all Counsellours to direct their courses by the lines of piety and true wisdom without which the most politick prudence will prove nothing but folly in the end His brother Mr. Iohn Maitelan who came afterwards to great honours had his life spared and was imprisoned in Tentallon George Creichton Bishop of Dunkeld was sent to Blackness and the Lord Home detained in the Castle which the Regent gave to his brother George Douglas in custody Grange himself with his brother Sir Iames Kirkaldy and two Goldsmiths Iames Mosman and Iames Cockey were publickly hanged in the Mercat street of Edinburgh Such was the end of Sir William Kirkaldy of Grange a man full of valour and courage who had sometimes done good service to his countrey against the French and purchased by that means great honour But seeking ambitiously to raise his fortunes and hearkening to perverse counsel he did break his faith to the Regent who had put him in trust and thereby lost all his former esteem and drew upon himself these troubles wherein he perished His part was foul in the death of the Cardinal and for it when he was in his best estate many did foredeem that he should not escape some misfortune Yet herein he was happy that at his death he expressed a great sorrow for his
with a common consent This I thought likewise fittest but in the mean time I prepared to depart and would have been gone if contrary winds had not stayed me The same Gentleman came afterwards unto me and shewed that they were returned and would shortly be seen at Striveling This moved me to remain albeit doubting of a sufficient concurrence of Noblemen I was not resolved what course to take and lay in a carelesse security at Dundy more inclined to go then to stay I protest always before God that I never heard nor was in counsel of any plot against his Majesties Person Crown or Estate but only studied to keep my self from ruine by the assistance of others At our meeting together unto which time all was deferred it was thought that a course should be taken by common advice for securing our selves in his Majesties favour And whereas I am asked what Noblemen were privy to the enterprise and what was looked for from England I will truly declare all upon the firm assurance of his Majesties clemency At home it was expected that all those who subscribed the bond in that first alteration would joyn themselves with us and besides those divers others namely the Earl of Marshal and Bothwel with the Lord Lindesay and some of the West parts So it was affirmed to me but how truly I cannot say From England we expected a supply but no certain time was appointed and it was said that the Queen minded to intercede for restitution of the Hamiltons if she found the King tractable This is all I know and if there by any other particular tending to his Majesties well or hurt which I do not at the present remember I shall plainly reveal the same whosoever be offended therewith At his coming to Striveling he sent to the King a letter penned in this form Please your Majesty it is neither diffidence nor despair in your Highnesse favour and clemency towards me nor any desire I have to live in this world that moves me to require some short audience of your Majesty But there is a purpose of so weighty importance which I desire to impart unto your Highnesse which might have endangered the life and estate of your mother and your self if I had not stayed and impeded the same the revealing whereof may avail your Majesty more then the lives and livings of 500. such as my self most humbly therefore I beseech your Highnesse that my Petition may be granted I assure my self of your Majesties gracious answer Striveling the last of April 1584. In a Postscript this was added The matter I have to speak is not the concealing of treason but the revealing of a benefit This Petition was denied and the same made a part of his indictment for being brought to his trial the fourth of May Mr. Iohn Grahame sitting as Justice and assisted by Sir Iohn Gordon of Lochinvar Alexander Master of Levingston Alexander Bruce of Airth and Iames Edminston of Duntraith he was indicted of four points First that in the beginning of February Mr. David Home servant to the Earl of Marre came to him privately in the town of Perth under silence of night and communicated to him the treasonable device of surprizing the Burghs of Perth and Striveling at least of one or other of them and that he agreed to the taking and fortifying of the said towns whereby he had incurred the crime of Treason as well in concealing as consenting to that wicked purpose 2. That understanding Mr. Iames Areskin to be a trafficker betwixt Marre Angus and others he did belay the ways to the end he might speak with him and after meeting kept conference with him touching the surprise of the Castle of Striveling and the furnishing thereof with men and ammunition 3. That being charged in Dundy by his Majesties letters to render himself to the Lord Petten Weyme his Majesties Chancellor and Captain of his Highnesse guard he did enter into the house of William Drummond Burgesse of Dundy and with his Complices defended the same by the space of 6. houres making exclamations to the people that he was pursued for Religion and desiring them to aid and assist him 4. That he being obliged to maintain his Majesties person life honour and Crown and having intelligence of a most weighty purpose that concerned the life and estate of the King and the Queen his mother he had treasonably concealed the same and did as yet keep up the specialties thereof albeit he professed he knew it so perfectly that in his letter written to the King he saith that it had not failed to have taken effect if he had not stayed and impeded the same The indictment read he first excepted against Lochinvar that he could not be assessor to the Justice in his trial in regard of the deadly enmity betwixt Gartland who had married his Ladies sister and him This exception was repelled because the propinquity alledged was only affinitas affinitatis Then he complained that the Noblemen who were sent to examine him had not kept their word having promised that whatsoever he had confessed should not be laid to his charge It was answered that the Noblemens word could not warrant him Thirdly he said that being indicted for treason he ought to have been cited upon 40. days and a delation made by some accuser which was not observed The Advocate replied that in matters of Treason the King might arrest any person upon the space it pleased him Fourthly he alledged the license granted him to depart the countrey This was found nought except he did therewith produce a respit or permission To the last point of the indictment he said that what he offered to reveal tended to his benefit if he had vouchsafed him hearing and was no matter of treason It was answered that the concealing of that might tend to the hurt of the Kings life and mothers was treason So the indictment was found relevant and the persons of the Jury called These were Colin Earl of Argile David Earl of Crawford Iohn Earl of Montrosse Iames Earl of Glencarne Hugh Earl of Eglinton Iames Earl of Arran George Earl of Marshal Alexander Lord Seaton Hugh Lord Sommervil Iames Lord Down William Lord Levingston Patrick Lord Drummond Iames Lord Ogilvy Alexander Master of Oliphant and Iohn Murray of Tillibardin They retiring themselves as the custom is and returning within a short space pronounced him guilty whereupon sentence was given that he should be taken to the Market Crosse have his head cut off and be dismembred as a traitor The last part thereof was dispensed and he in the evening beheaded His servants were permitted to take the head with the body and bury it This was the end of that Nobleman who in his life was much honoured and imployed in the chief offices of Court a man wise but said to have been too curious and to have consulted with Wizards touching the state of things in future times yet was
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
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
meet apart the Barons and Commissioners of Burghes likewise apart to set down their advice in writing and present the same to the whole Assembly the next Session The day following all being convened the advice of the Noblemen and Barons was presented containing three heads 1. That the laws of the countrey should be prosecuted against Jesuits Seminary Priests Idolaters and the maintainers thereof And for the more speedy effectuating of the same that the names of all such should be enrolled and delivered to the Thesaurer with the names of their resetters and entertainers to the end citations might be directed against them 2. That in regard of the danger so imminent his Majesty and Councel should be earnesty solicited to proceed in execution of the laws against the principal Jesuits and their maintainers without delay 3. That the Noblemen Barons Ministers and whole Assembly should go together to his Majesty and regrate the peril whereunto the Church and Kingdom was brought by the practises of Jesuits making offer of their lives lands and friendship to be imployed at his Majesties direction for preventing their wicked devices This advice being approved command was given to meet at two of the clock in the afternoon that all might go together from the place of the Assembly to the Palace of Halirudhouse where the King then remained When this was told to the King and that they were to present themselves in such numbers he grew into choler and said They meant to boast him with their power and force the execution of their demands Therefore refusing accesse to the multitude some few of the principals only were called to whom he uttered his dislike of those irreverent and tumultuary forms Yet because he did acknowledge their complaint to be just and that there was need of a remedy to the evils complained of he promised to appoint six of the Councel to meet with such as the Assembly should design for advising upon the best remedies This reported to the Assembly they did nominate the Lords of Wedderburn Colluthie Caprinton Ormston and Whittingham Iohn Iohnston Commissioner for Edinburgh Oliver Peblis for Perth and William Menzeis for Aberdene Mr. Robert Pont David Lindesay Andrew Melvil and Peter Blackburn to attend These convening the next day with the Chancellor and some others of the Councel did urge in name of the Church That Mr. James Gordon and Mr. William Crichton Iesuits who were known to be in Town should be apprehended and that the resetters of Iesuits and Priests none excepted whether they were Noblemen or others of an inferiour degree should be punished according to the lawes For the Noblemen the Chancellor answered that the King did mean to use them more calmly and as he had begun with the Earl of Huntley of whose conversion there were good hopes so he would proceed with others of that degree For the two Iesuits it was promised that order should be taken for their dispatch forth of the countrey The Assembly no ways pleased with the report of this conference resolved to present their griefes to his Majesty in writing and insist for a more direct answer to their desires as they did exhibiting therewith the names of Jesuits Priests and their resetters such as had been delated to the Assembly Among others they complained of the Lord Hereis and the disorders committed by him at Dumfreis where he had openly erected Masse and forced the Ministers to leave the Town The King having considered the griefs made answer That albeit they had no warrant from him to assemble at that time yet as he had signified before to the Noblemen that were sent unto him he was glad to hear that they were convened in so frequent a number the businesse being of such importance and that he should do what became him as a King to do neither should any of those that he found unreclameable have credit or countenance of him For the Lord Hereis he said that he was more offended with him then any of themselves and had resolved to take journey in the beginning of March unto Dumfreis for punishing that and all other insolencies committed by him This answer reported by the Chancellor gave some content thereafter as he was directed he shewed the Assembly that the King did expect a reparation of the offence committed by the Minister Iames Gibson for he had obtained his liberty upon promise that he should give satisfaction at the Churches sight Hereupon the Minister was called who acknowledged his offence and was enjoyned the next Sermon day to preach and publickly acknowledge the speeches complained of to have been unadvised and rashly uttered This he promised to do yet when he came to the place he made no mention at all of that businesse and being immediately charged for not doing that he had promised he answered That out of infirmity and weaknesse he had confessed a fault albeit his conscience did tell him he had not spoken any thing that might give just offence The Chancellor perceiving the mans inconstancy and that he had been diverted by some ill disposed persons required the judgement of the Assembly Whether or not they did esteem it an offence to call the King a persecutor of the Church and to affirm in pulpit that he should be the last of that race The question was a while declined yet in end being put to voices it was found that the speeches were slanderous and offensive and that he ought therefore to be censured It being then 12. of the clock the defining of the censure was continued to the afternoon and the Minister warned to attend The hour come and he not appearing the businesse was greater then before some alleadging that citation must be used ere any censure was inflicted others excused his absence upon just fear being pursued by so great personages Hereto it was replied That there was no fear of any indirect or violent course to be taken the King who by his own authority might have punished him having for the regard he carried to the Church choosed to complain to the Assembly and remit the offender to be censured by themselves Next for the citation required it was answered That the warning given him in the face of the Assembly was sufficient and that by his not appearing he had added contumay to his offence These answers being held sufficient and the voices askt touching his censure by the greater number he was ordained to be suspended from the ministery during the pleasure of the Assembly Yet this did not end the businesse for in August thereafter another Assembly being convened the Minister appearing declared That the reason why he withdrew himself in the former Assembly was not any contempt or stubbornness on his part but the care he had of the Churches peace the affairs whereof as he was informed had been cast off if he had compeired and not been punished Upon this Declaration without once acquainting the King he was purged of
troubles of the Church he made a particular relation of the proceedings and treacherous forms so he called them wherewith they were used by the Court laying the whole blame upon the President Controller and Advocate whom he particularly named and used with most reproachfull tearms Then turning to the Noblemen and Barons he put them in minde of the zeal which their predecessours had shewed in planting Religion and exhorted them with the like courage and constancy to maintain the same Having closed the Sermon with a Prayer as use is he requested the Noblemen and Barons to meet in the little Church for assisting the Ministery with their best advice There assembled in the place many people besides those that were desired and so great was the throng as the Ministers could hardly finde entrance Mr. Robert Bruce at last having made way unto himself went to the table where the Noblemen and Barons were placed and after a short Prayer declared in what danger the Church was brought by the return of the Popish Lords how they had regrated the case to the King and when they expected that order should have been taken therewith a new business was moved and one of their Brethren called in question for his preaching about which they had been in long conference but could come to no end and that now at last the best affected of their people were charged to leave the Town whereby they were brought to suspect some worse practises They did therefore request them humbly to intercede and intreat his Majesty that they might be permitted to serve God in their callings without molestation The desire seemed reasonable the Lords Lindesey and Forbes with the Lairds of Bargenny and Blaquhan Mr. Robert Bruce and Mr. William Watson were chosen to preferre the Petition By some occasion the King was that day come to the Session and being in the Upper House the Lords with these others were admitted where Mr. Robert Bruce taking the Speech said That they were sent by the Noblemen and Barons convened in the little Church to bemoan the dangers threatned to Religion by the dealing that was against the Ministers and true professours What dangers see you said the King Under communing said he our best affected people that tender Religion are discharged of the Town the Lady Huntley a professed Papist entertained at Court and it is suspected that her husband is not farre off The King leaving that purpose askt who they were that durst convene against his Proclamation The Lord Lindesey in passion replied That they durst doe more then so and that they would not suffer Religion to be overthrown Numbers of people were at this time thronging unmannerly into the room whereupon the King not making any answer arose and went down to the Lower House where the Judges doe sit commanding the doors to be shut They that were sent returning to the Church shew that they were not heard nor was there any hope so long as the Counsellours remained about the King that they should receive any favourable answer and were therefore to think of some other course No course said the Lord Lindesay but one let us stay together that are here and promise to take one part and advertise our friends and the favourers of Religion to come unto us for it shall be either theirs or ours Upon these speeches followed such a clamor and lifting up of hands as none could hear what another spake The sedition increasing some cried to Arme others to bring out Haman for whilest the Lords were with the King M. Michael Cranstone Minister of Cramond had been reading to the people that story others cried The sword of the Lord and of Gideon and so great was the fury of people as if one of the Deacons of Crafts-called Iohn Wat had not kept them back with a guard of Crafts men that followed him they had undoubttedly forced the doors and wrought some mischief Sir Alexander Hume Provost of the Town was then lying sick yet being told what a tumult was raised he came to the street and as he was wise and skilfull in handling the people with his fair speeches brought them after a little time to lay down their weapons and retire to their lodgings The commotion thus raised the King directed the Earl of Marre the Lord Pittenweem and Laird of Traquair to confer with the Ministers and ask the cause of the tumult They were then walking at the back of the Church for the tumult had scattered the meeting and professing a great dislike of that which had happened besought the Noble men to shew the King that they were not in fault and had done their best to appease the multitude The cause they said to their conjecture was that his Majesty refused to hear their Petition which they knew came not from himself but of others The Earl of Marre replied that any reasonable Petition would be heard and answered being preferred in a dutifull manner wherefore they should do wisely to go together and supplicate his Majesty for remedy of these things wherein they were grieved Whereupon they returned to the little Church and after a short deliberation sent the Lord Forbes the Laird of Bargenny and M. Robert Rollock with these Petitions First that all which have been done in prejudice of the Church the last four or five weeks might be rescinded Next that in the things that concerned the Church the President Controller and Advocate should have no voice as being suspected in Religion and opposite enemies to the Church Thirdly that the Citizens of Edinburgh who were charged to leave the Town might be permitted to stay at home upon surety to appear whensoever they were called The King answered very calmly That his doings had been greatly mistaken by the Ministers and that as these controversies were moved against his will so he wished nothing more then to have them quietly setled But that it could not stand with his honour to rescind so hastily the conclusions taken in Councell nor to remove Counsellors from their places upon naked suspicions except somewhat could be verified that might disable them At afternoon he should call the Councell and satisfie them in every thing which with reason they could desire For the Citizens he said that the supplications made in their behalf would come better from the Provost and Baylifs of the Town and the same upon their Petition should be granted With these answers the Lord Forbes and the rest returned and with them the Lord Ochiltry and Laird of Cesford were sent by the King to desire them to put their Petitions in reasonable terms and await on the Councell at two of the clock Matters thus quieted the King with the Lords went down the street peaceably to his palace At afternoon the Noblemen and Barons assembling with the Ministery after long reasoning did condescend upon the supplication and Articles following In most humble manner we the
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
letter directed to the E. of Northumberland that we may know the wisdome and piety of the King who had sent him advertisement of the Queens weaknesse and advised him to make sure his title by apprehending possession in time he said That man can neither be religious nor just that dealeth worse with his neighbour then he would be dealt withall and in a man of quality it can be no wisdome to leap hedge and ditch and adventure the breaking of his neck for gathering forbidden fruit before it be ripe when as by attending the due time he may be sure to finde all the gates of the orchard open and with free scope enter take and tast at liberty Sure it were a great weakness and unworthiness in me to come in as an Usurper with offence and scandall to the laws and present estate of government when I may in the right time claim the Crown as nearest Heir to the Prince deceased and possesse with equity should I out of untimely ambition fall to break the long continued and faithfully preserved amity that by the proof of many kinde offices hath taken root among us it were an error inexcusable And howbeit I doe acknowledge your kinde affection in the offers you make of assistance I must tell you freely that no Prince can presume of any subjects loyalty to himself that hath been unsound and unfaithfull to his own Soveraign nor would I ever look to be secure in a Kingdome so trayterously disposed In end he advised the Earl to forbear such writing and when he wrote which he wished him to doe rarely and not but upon great occasions to beware of any thing that might justly offend the Queen lest by interception or other misadventure he might be disabled to serve him another day This was the Kings resolution which God so blessed as it brought him within a short time after against the opinions and desires of many to the quiet and peaceable possession of his right and inheritance for in the Spring the Queens disease encreasing which was judged to be a melancholy incorrigible and by some conceived to proceed from a sorrow for Essex others ascribed it to the accepting of the Rebell Tyrone to peace and all apprehending it to be deadly the hearts of people did so incline to the King as a great many in that State did write unto him That all England was grown to be Scotish The Queen her self continuing constant in her affection when she was askt a little before her death by the Lord Keeper and Secretary who were directed by the Councell to understand her will touching her Successor answered None but my Cousen the King of Scots After which words she spake not much only being desired by the Archbishop of Canterbury whom she would not suffer to go from her all that time to fix her thoughts upon God she said So I doe neither doth my minde wander from him and then commending her soul to God in devout manner died most patiently and willingly A Queen imcomparable for wisdome and fidelity of government she departed this life the 24th of March in the 70 year of her age and 44 of her Reign The same day in the forenoon the King of Scots was proclaimed King first at the Palace of whitehall next at the Crosse in Cheapside within the City of London with an infinite applause of all sorts of people The end of the sixth Book THE HISTORY of the CHURCH OF SCOTLAND THE SEVENTH BOOK The Contents The proceedings after his Majesties going into England unto his death THE news of the Queens death were brought the third day after by Sir Robert Cary a son of the Lord Hunsdon after whom Sir Charles Percy brother to the Earl of Northumberland and Thomas Somerset sonne to the Earl of Worcester were directed from the Councell of England with the Letter following RIght High Right Excellent and mighty Prince and our dread Soveraign Lord as we cannot but confess unto your Majesty that the grief we have conceived by the loss of our late Soveraign Lady whose soul in your palace of Richmond passed from her earthly body to the joyes of heaven betwixt two and three of the clock this morning was nothing less then our loyalty and love to her whilest she lived being a Princesse adorned with vertues meet for Government prosperous in the success of her affairs and under whose obedience we have lived in greater tranquillity these many years then commonly happeneth to Princes so we must acknowledge that our sorrow is extingushed by the impression we have of those heroicall vertues of wisdome piety and magnanimity which we know to be in your Majesties person to whose right the lineall and lawfull succession of all our late Soveraigns dominions doth justly and onely appertain wherein we presume to profess this much as well for the honour which will thereby remain to our posterity as for your Majesties security of a peaceable possession of your kingdomes that we have never found either of those of the Nobility or of any other of the Estates of this realm any divided humour about the receiving and acknowledging your Majesty to be the onely head that must give life to the present maimed body of this kingdome which is so happy as with an universall consent to have received one sole uniform and constant impression of bright blood as next of kin to our Soveraign deceased and consequently by the Laws of this realm true and next heir to her kingdomes and dominions whereof we have made outward demonstration by publick Proclamation this very day a fore noon first in the City of Westminster at your Majesties palace gate at White-Hall and next at the Cross of Cheap-side within your Majesties City of London with an infinite applause of your people and with such solemnity as the shortness of time would permit Of all which we have thought it our duty immediately to advertise your Majesty by these two Gentlemen Sir Charles Percy brother to the Earl of Northumberland and Thomas Somerset Esq son to the Earl of Worcester of whom we have made choice to be the bearers of our Letters humbly beseeching your Highness to accept the same as the first fruits and offering of our tender and loyall affections towards you our gracious Soveraign and to rest assured that the same shall be ever hereafter seconded with all faith obedience and humble service which shall be in our power to perform for maintaining that which we have begun with the sacrifice of our lives lands and goods which we with all our other means do here humbly present at your Majesties feet craving of your Highness that seeing hereby you may perceive in what estate we remain as body without a head or rather without that spirit here amongst us which from the head might give vigor to every member to exercise the duty to it belonging thereby to keep the whole body from confusion you will be pleased to enter
new business in September complained to the Councell of the disobedience given to their charge order was taken hereupon to summon them before the Councell and a beginning made with the two Leaders of the rest Mr. Forbes and Mr. Welch being charged to a certain day of the same moneth They appeared and standing to the defence of that which they had done were committed to the Castle of Blackness direction was likewise given for citing the rest to the third of October At the day all appeared and being charged for disobeying his Majesties letter thirteen of the number acknowledging their offence and protesting that what they did was not out of disobedience intreated the Lords to intercede with his Majesty for their Pardon the rest taking contrary course and maintaining their proceedings were Committed to severall prisoners their names were Mr. Charles Farum Mr. Iohn Monro Mr. Iames Irwyn Mr. William Forbes Mr. Nathaniell Inglis Mr. Andrew Duncan Mr. Iames Grey and Mr. Iohn Sharp Some of these being sent to Dunbarton others to Blackness and some to the Castle of Down the others that had confessed their offence were dimitted suffered to return to their charges These proceedings of the Councell were openly condemned by divers preachers and to make them more odious it was every where given out that the suppressing of Assemblies and present discipline with the introduction of the rites of England were the matters intended to be established whereupon the declaration following was by his Majesties command published Whereas we have ever since it pleased God to establish us in the imperiall Crown of great Britain equally regarded the good of both kingdomes now happily united in our royall person in one Monarchy ever minding to maintain and continue the good and laudable customes and laws whereby each of them hath been these many ages so worthily governed nevertheless some malicious spirits enemies to common tranquillity have laboured to possesse the mindes of our well affected subjects with an opinion that we do presently intend a change of the authorized discipline of the Church and by a suddain and unseasonable laying on of the rites ceremonies and whole Ecclesiasticall order established in this part of our kingdome of Britaine to overturn the former government received in these parts which none of our good subjects we trust will be so credulous to believe knowing how carefull we have been to maintain both Religion and Justice and to reform the evills that did in any sort prejudice the integrity of either of the two whereby justice hath attained under our government to a greater perfection and splendor then in any of our predecessors times and many abuses and corruptions in the discipline of the Church amended that otherwise might have brought the purity of Religion in extreme danger neither of which was done by our soveraign and absolute authority although we enjoy the same as freely as any King or Monarch of the world but as the disease of the civill body ever was cured by the advise of our three Estates so were the defects of the Church by the help and counsell of those that had greatest interest therein And however in rule of policy we cannot but judge it convenient that two estates so miserably disjoyned should be drawn to as great conformity in all things as the good of both may permit and that no Monarchy either in Civill or Ecclesiasticall policy hath yet obtained to that perfection that it needs no reformation or that infinite occasions may not arise whereupon wise Princes will foresee for the benefit of their estates just cause of alteration yet are we and ever have been resolved not to make any suddain and hasty change in the government of that part of our kingdome either Civill or Ecclesiasticall but with grave advise and consent of our Estates and the wisest and best sort of them whom it most properly concerns much less to trouble them with an unnecessary alteration of indifferent and ceremoniall matters and to do it upon such foreseen advantages and prevention of confusion and evill to come as the greatest enemies to peace and obedience to Princes shall not obtrude any inconvenient to the contrary And as by Gods holy assistance we have drawn that part of our kingdome out of infinite troubles factions and barbarities reducing the utmost borders and confines thereof to Gods obedience and acknowledging of our laws a condition never heard of since this Isle was first inhabited so by the same divine providence and our fatherly care over the whole Island we intend to transmit the same in good order happy quietness and flourishing policy to the posterity wherewith God hath blessed us and after them to the worlds end Like as for the more verification of his own honourable intention and to stop the mouths of those unquiet spirits raisers of that false scandall of alteration we have appointed a generall Assembly to be holden at Dundie the last Tuesday of Iuly whereat we expect a reparation of these disorders in as farre as belongeth to their censure and to be freed in time coming of all such calumnies Given at our Honour of Hampton Court the 26 of September 1605 and in the third year of our reign of Great Britain France and Ireland The Copies of this Declaration were sent to the Ministers remaining in ward that they might see the vanity of these rumors and be induced to acknowledge their offence but they still continuing in their obstinacy and shewing no tokens of penitency were again called before the Councell the 24th of October to receive their censure for the disobedience of his Majesties commandements At which time being enquired what they had to say for themselves and how they could excuse the contempt of his Majesties directions after some speeches tending to justifie their doings they presented a write a Declaration formed in this sort Please your Lordships the approbation or disallowance of a Generall Assembly hath been and should be a matter spiritual and alwaies cognosced and judged by the Church as Iudges competent within this Realm and seeing we are called before your Lordships to hear and see it found and declared that we have contemptuously and seditiously convened and assembled our selves in a Generall Assembly at Aberdene the first Tuesday of Julyâ—ast â—ast and the said Assembly to be declared unlawfull as at more length is contained in the summons executed against us We in consideration of the premises and other reasons to be given by us have just cause to decline your Lordships judgment as no waies competent in the cause above specified and by these presents we simpliciter decline the same seeing we are most willing to submit our selves to a triall of a Generall Assembly that is only the Iudge competent Subscribed with our hands the 24th of October 1605. The subscribers were Mr. Iohn Forbes Mr. Iohn Welch Mr. Iohn Monro Mr. Andrew Duncan Mr. Alexander Straghan Mr. Iames Greg Mr. William
The Earl of Murray returneth from France He visiteth the Queen at Lochlevin The Earl of Murray elected Regent Bothwell taketh the Sea and is pursued by Grange The custody of Edinburgh Castle committed to Grange The Lords convened at Hamilton write to the Regent An. 1566. The first Parliament of King Iames the 6. The Acts concluded in Parliament The Queen ordained to be kept in prison The Bishop of Orkney deposed for marrying the Queen The confession of these that were executed for the Kings murther An. 1568. The Queen escapeth from Lochlevin The manner of the Queens escape The Queens resignation decerned null The Regent advertised of the Queens escape The Lord Boyd falleth to the Queen The Regent resolveth to stay at Glasgow and assemble forces The battel of Landside 13 May 1568. The order of the Regents Army The number of the slain The ptisoners that were taken The Castles of Hamilton and Darffan rendered to the Regent The Queen flieth to England and writes to Queen Elizabeth The Queen of Scots begins to see her error A Parliament called by the Regent The Queen of England desires the Parliament to be delayed The Râ—gent refuseth The Queen of England writeth to the Regent Commissiooners choosed to go into England The tenour of the Commission An Assembly of the Church Who should have voice in Assemblies Acts of discipline The Bishop of Orkney reponed A meeting of the English and Scots Commissioners at York Commissioners for the Scottish Queen Protestation for the Queen of Scotland Commissioners of Eâ—gland protest in the contrary A declaration in behalf of the Queen of Scotland The Regents â—etire to the â—ommissioners oâ— England The Duke of Norfolks answer Lethington disswadeth the Regent from accusing the Queen The information presented against the Queen of Scots The Commissioners of the Queen of Scots reply The Commissioners of England desire the Regent to give better reasons 〈◊〉 disperied of the Râ—gents imprisonment A Declaration presented in writing by the Râ—gent The answer of the Commissioners for the Queen of Scots The Queen of England doubteth how to cary her self in the business The Queens Commissioners purge the Regent of the Kings murther The Duke of Chattellerault claimeth the Regency A reply to the Dukes petition The Queen of Scots letters intercepted The Regent returneth to Scotland The Duke made Deputy by the Queen of Scots He writeth to the Assembly of the Church The Assemblies answer Commissioners from the Churches the Regent Petitions in behalf of the Church Orders for giving degrees in Divinity The Regent and Duke agreed An. 1569. He forthinketh his yielding The Duke and Lord Hereis commitâ—ed to the Castle of Edinburgh A treaty with Argile and Huntley Huntky remitted upon some conditions The Regents expedition into the North. The Lord Boyd briageth letteâ—s from both Queens to the Regent A letter from Sir Nicholas Throgmorion to the Regent A letter from Sir Nicholas to Lethington A Convention of Estates at Perth Their judgement of the Letters sent from the two Queens A message sent into England The Abbot of Dunsermling sent into England The Earl of Northumberland imprisoned in Lochlevin Lethington charged with the Kings murther The Laird of Grange counterâ—â—en the Regents hand and taketh Lethington to the Castle The Regent makes an expedition to the borders He is informed of practices against his life Lethingtons triall deferred Iames Hamilton of Bothwell-haugh taketh in hand the Regents murder The Regent killed by the shot of a bulbullet The murtherer escapeth Thuanus 46. The death of the Regent greatly lamented A prediction of Iohn Knox. An Ambassadour sent from England The Ambassadours speech in Councell An. 1570. The Laird of Lochlevin urgeth a revenge of the Regents murther The delay ill taken of the people The principals of the Queens faction writ to the Earl of Morton Lethington offereth himself to a trial A meeting at Edenburgh of the Noblemen of both parties in March They deliberate upon the choice of a Regent An Ambassadour from France A meeting at Linlithgow of the Noblemen that stood for the Queen They give out a Proclamation They deal wiâ—h the Earl of Morton but he will not hearken to them An Army cometh to Berwick under conduct of the Earl of Sussex The Lords forsake Edinburgh upon the report They give warrant for fortifying the Castle The Army of England entereth in Scotland The Lords desire a Truce from the Earl of Sussex which he refused A Convention of the Estates at Edinburgh An offer of peace to those of the Queens party The Queens authority proclaimed A Proclamation made by the Estates The Conspirators ranked in their Orders All prepare for Warre The Lord Seaton sent to Flanders The Parson of Dumbar brings moneys and Armour to Huntley The Lords who stood for the King send to Sussex for supply Grange and Lethington seek to stay the English forces upon offers Sir William 〈…〉 in Scotland with an Army The Castle of Hamilton rendered The Abbot of Dunfemlin Ambassadour in England His instructions The Queens answer to the instructions The Earl of Lennox made Lieutenant of the Countrey The Queen of Englands answer to the Lords that stood for the King The Earl of Lennox created King An Assembly of the Church at Edinburgh Commissioners directed from the Assembly of the Church to the Lords of the Queens party The Regent goeth to impede the Parliament indicted at Linlithgow A Parliament indicted at Edinburgh The Regents expedition to Brichâ—n An Ambassadour to Denmark An Abstinence agreed unto A Treaty with the Queen of Scots Tâ—is Regents letter to the Queen of England Secretary Lethington denounced Rebel and loses his office The Secretaries Declaration The Regents Reply Articles propounded to the Queen of Scotland Sir William Cecil his letters to the Regent The Earl of Sussex his advertisement to the Regent His particular advice The Regents answer The Abbot of Dunfermlin made Secretary and sent into England The Queen of Englands answer ult November 1570. The Laird of Grange raiseth a trouble in Edinburgh and breaks out in open Rebellion Commissioners sent into England Reasons justifying the Queen of Scots deposition Articles proponed to the Commissioners of Scotland Answer to the foresaid Articles Propositions made to the Queen of Scots Commissioners The Answer The Treaty continued to a more convenient time The Bishop of Galloway and the Lord Levingston conferre with the Earl of Morton Paslay taken by Lord Claud Hamilton and recovered by the Regent The Castle of Dunbartâ—n surprized The Archbishop of S. Andrews executed His Declaration at his death They who stood for the Queen take Arms and come to Edinbugh The Regent resolveth to hold the Parliament An. 1571. Persons forfeited in this Parliament The civil war renewed The Regent goeth to Striveling A conflict betwixt Morton and the Lords at Edinburgh The Eaâ—l of Morton hireth souldiers The Queen of England sendeth to Sir William Drury to try the estate of things The Lords on the Queens party hold
A Councell appointed for the University The Doctors Professors and Regents exempted for the Church-meetings A discovery of Witches A discharge of proceedings against Witches except in case of voluntary confession Troubles in the Borders A Parliament at Edinburgh Articles presented in the name of the Church Voice in Parliament granted to such Ministers as shâ—uâ—d be provided to the places as Bishops Abbots or other Prelates The office for the spirituall government remitted to the Assembly An. 1598. A General Assembly at Dundie Ministers might give voice in Parliament The number to be aâ—se many as of old in the Papisticall Church The election of those that should give voice to be made by the King and Church Commission for discussing the rest of the points Ministers of Edinburgh permitted to preach upon condition Four others named to be joyned with the Edinburgh Minâ—sters Exception taken at two of the number The providing of the Commissioners in the planting of Edinburgh allowed Anact desining the number of Commissioners from Presbyteries to Assemblies His Majesty pleaseth to remit all offences past of the Ministers Mr. Iohn Dividson protesteth against the conclusions of the Assembly Question moved for Mr. Robert Bruce who refused the imposition of hands A declaration made for his satisfaction A tumult in the Church as his admission Mr. Robert Bruce cited before the Commissioners purgeth himself of the tumult He is admitted and receives imposition of hands Commissioners directed to Synod of Fife A meeting at Falkland for determining the vote of Parliament Caveats for eschewing of corruption His Majesties purpose in giving way to these conclusions Ambassadors directed to the Princes of Germany The success of that Ambassage The Queen brought to bed of a daughter Hamilton and Huntley created Marquesses Mr. Iohn Lindesay Secretary dieth The Lord of Colluthy his death Mr. Thomas Buchannan his death David Ferguson his death The death of Mr. Robert Rollock most lamented His behaviour in the time of his sicknâ—ss and at his dying An. 1599. Alteration of some officers of State The Earl of Cassills made Treasurer Lord Elphingston succeeded Treasurer Sr. William Bowes Ambassadour from England One Ashfield conveighed privately to Berwick by two of the Ambassadours servants A visitation of the University of S. Andrewes Discourse of his Majesties Title to the Crown of England The King publisheth his Basilicon Doron by occasion of a libell Mr. Iohn Dikes fugitive for the libell The book well received in England A trouble for receiving some English Comedians A generall Assembly of the Church The voice in Parliament determined Two Cavears more added The state of Bishopricks at that time Bishops appointed for Rosse and Cathnes An. 1600. Iohn Dury Minister at Montrosse his death with a short description of his life The conspiracy of the Earl of Gowry The Kings kindness to his brethren and sister The plot contrived for entrapping the King The King goeth to Perth Gowry meeting the King was much troubled Mr. Alexander did move the King to goe with him Mr. Alexander professeth what he was about The Kings voice heard and is discerned Sir Thomas Areskin challengeth Gowrie Iohn Ramsey doth first relieve the King The Kings servants prepare to defend Gowrie entereth and after a little space is killed The Lords come to the King The danger by the people of the Town The Caracters found at the Earls girdle Some servants of Gowrie executed Andrew Henderson his confession The Ministers of Edinburgh required by the Councell to give thanks for his Majesties deliverance Their excuse and refusing to obey The Bishop of Rosse giveth thanks at the Market-cross The King cometh to Edinburgh Master Patrick Galloway his preaching at the Crosse. 1000 l mortified to the poor at Scone A solemne thanksgiving appointed for the Kings deliverance The Ministers of Edinburgh removed from their places Three of the number acknowledging their fault are pardoned Mr. Iames Balfoure remitted Master Robert Bruce banished A Parliament wherein Gowrie and his brother are forfeited The fifth of August to be kept yearly in remembrance of his Majesties delivery Acts concluded in this Parliament The King goeth to Dunfermlin to visit the Queen Prince Charles born at Dunfermlin The death of M. Iohn Craig with a description of his life Accidents that befell M. Craig in his flight A strange accident and singular testimony of Gods care over him He preacheth to Maximilian the Emperour but is forced to leave those parts He cometh to Scotland and is appointed Minister at Halirudhouse An. 1601. A trouble in the Court of England The Earl of Marre sent Ambassadour to England Pope Clement sends his Breves to England for excluding the King A Proclamation against some Jesuits An Assembly at Brunt-island Mr. Iohn Hall elected Modederator The defection in Religion complained of and the causes searched The remedy of the evils Mr. Iohn Davidson his letter to the Assembly The letter offended greatly the wiser sort A combustion touching the Ministers of Edinburgh A Proposition was made for a new Translation of the Bible and correcting the Psalmes The liberty of Application restrained The Ministers of Edinburgâ— received in favour New troubles by the Lord Maâ—well The Duke of Leâ—nox directed Ambassador to France The Queen of France lying of her first born The Duke returneth to Edinburgh An. 1602. Certain undertakers conqueâ— the Isles The Laird of Balcomy taken prisoner and dieth in Oikeney Neill betrayeth his brother Murdach The Lewis lost by the undertakers security Mr. Robâ— Bruce licenced to return upon promise of satisfaction Mr. Rob Bruce his inconstancy A Generall Assembly in the Chappell of Halirudhouse Petitions to his Majesty in name of the Church Overtures for provision of the Ministers The overtures deferred to another time Grievances of the Synod of Fife An answer to the grievances Acts concluded in the Assembly The businesse of Jesuits in England The story of Francis Mowbray and an Italian The Queen of England groweth sick A Conference betwixt the French Ambassadour Secretariâ— Cicill The King advertised of this conference His Majesties letter to the Secretary A letter from the King to the Earle of Northumberland An. 1603. The Queen of England her death The King advised of the Queens death A letter from the Councell and Nobility of England to the King The contents of the letter published The Borders make incursions upon the report of the Queens death The King giveth order for his journey The persons chused to attend the King in his journey He goeth to S. Giles to hear sermon The King makes a speech to the People which is followed with a great lamentation of the hearers The King cometh to Berwick The Councellors meet him at York The death of Mr. Iames Beaton Archbishop of Glasgow The Queen falleth sick at Striveling The Prince delivered to the Queen The King and Queen inaugurated at Westminster A conspiracy detected a-against the King George Brook and two Priests executed The Noble-men and others spared Ann. 1604. 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
much kindnesse of this Gregory at Tholouse in the year 1527. and saith that he died in that City having left divers monuments of his ingenie to the posterity the Catalogue whereof you may see in the place With this I shall joyn another not for any commendation of his learning for he had none nor for his good qualities which were as few but for strange and extraordinary things seen in him which in the time ministred occasion of great talk and wondring to many This man named Iohn Scot having succumbed in a plea at law and knowing himself unable to pay that wherein he was adjudged took sanctuary in the Abbey of Halirudhouse where out of a deep displeasure he abstained from all meat and drink the space of 30 or 40 dayes together Publick rumour bringing this abroad the King would have it put to trial and to that effect shut him up in a private room within the Castle of Edinburgh whereunto no man had accesse he caused a little bread and water to be set by him which he was found not to have tasted in the space of 32. days This proof given of his abstinence he was dimitted and coming forth into the street halfe naked made a speech to the people that flocked about him wherein he professed to do all this by the help of the Blessed Virgin and that he could fast as long as he pleased Many did take it for a miracle esteeming him a person of wonderful holinesse others thought him to be phrentick and mad so as in a short time he came to be neglected and thereupon leaving the countrey went to Rome where he gave the like proof of his fasting to Pope Clement the seventh From Rome he came to Venice apparelled with holy vestures such as the Priests use when they say Masse and carrying in his hand a Testimonial of his abstinence under the Popes Seal he gave there the like proof and was allowed some five Duckats to make his expence towards the holy Sepulcher which he pretended to visit This voyage he performed and then returned home â— bringing with him some palm-tree leaves and a scripful of stones which he said were a part of the pillar to which our Saviour was tied when he was scourged and coming by London went up into the Pulpit in Panls Church-yard where he cast forth many speeches against the divorce of King Henry from Katherine his Queen inveying bitterly against him for his defection from the Roman See and thereupon was thrust in prison where he continued 50. dayes fasting After that being dimitted for they held him to be a mad man he came directly into Scotland and remained in company with one Thomas Doughty who a little before was returned from Italy and had built a little Chappel to the holy Virgin with the money he had begged in his travel This man by his counterfeit miracles made great advantage amongst the simple people and albeit he was known to be a cousening fellow and in life extremely vicious yet was he suffered by the Clergy to abuse the ignorant multitude for that the opinion of Purgatory Pardons and prayers to Saints which began then every where to be despised was by this mean nourished amongst the people Scot grudging that Doughty did appropriate all the gain he made to himselfe did not admit him a partner in the same retired to a house in the suburbs of Edinburgh at the Western part of the Town and therein erected a religious Altar which he adorned in the best manner he could setting up his daughter a young maid of reasonable beauty upon the Altar and placing lights and torches round about her the simple sort for a long time believed her to be the Virgin Mâ—ry and frequented the place in great numbers to do her worship but the knavery coming to be detected he forsook his Altar and forgetting all his devotion returned to his first trade and manner of life Lesley in his story saith that he prophesied many things concerning the decay of the Romish Religion and the restitution of it in a short time of the decay he might speak having seen it begun but for other things he was a dreamer rather then a Propher 40. The first act of the Cardinal after his promotion did shew what an enemy he would be to those who in that time were called hereticks for he was not well warmed in his seat when to make his greatnesse seen he brought to S. Andrews the Earles of Huntley Arran Marshall and Montrosse the Lords Fleming Lindsay 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 with divers other Barons and men of quality There came thither also Gawine Archbishop of Glasgow Chancellour William Bishop of Aberdene Henry Bishop of Galloway Iohn Bishop of Briâ—â—en and William Bishop of Dumblane The Abbots of Melross Dunfermlin Lindors and Kinlosse with a number of Priors Deans and Doctors of Theologie And they all having convened in the Cathedral Church he sitting in a Chair somewhat erected above the rest for that he was a Cardinal began to expone the dangers wherein the Catholick faith stood by the increase of hereticks and the boldnesse they took to professe their opinions openly even in the Kings Court where he said they found too great countenance In special he named Sir Iohn Borthwick commonly called Captain Borthwick whom he had caused cite to that Diet for dispersing heretical books and for maintaining divers Articles contrary to the doctrine of the Romane Church desiring their assistance in the procedure of Justice against him The heads of the accusation were read 1. That he held the Pope to have no greater authority over Christians then any other Bishop or Prelat had 2. That Indulgences and Pardons granted by the Pope were of no force nor effect but devised to abuse people and deceive poor ignorant soules 3. That Bishops Priests and other Clergy men may lawfully marry 4. That the heresies commonly called the heresies of England and their new Liturgy was commendable and to be embraced of all Christians 5. That the people of Scotland are blinded by their Clergy and professed not the true faith 6. That Churchmen ought not to enjoy any temporalties 7. That the King ought to convert the rents of the Church into other pious uses 8. That the Church of Scotland ought to be governed after the manner of the English 9. That the Canons and Decrees of the Church were of no force as being contrary to the law of God 10. That the Orders of Friers and Monks should be abolished as had been done in England 11. That he did openly call the Pope Simoniack for that he sold spritual things 12. That he did read heretical books and the New Testament in English and some other Treatises written by Melanchthon Oecolampadius and Erasmus which he gave likewise unto others 13. The last and greatest point was that he refused to acknowledge the authority of the Romane See or be subject
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
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
before they did shew themselves manifest contemners of the Authority by surprising Townes and making bonds both amongst themselves and with the ancient enemies of the Kingdome and to omit other things Could they think it lawful to them to keep an Army at Edinburgh for pursuing her who was their Regent and her Councel and that it should not be lawful to her to entertain a few companies at Leth for her own safety Belike they would have her to flee from place to place as hitherto she hath done declining their fury In their whole letters was there a word sounding to obedience any overture of peace or so much as an intimation of willingnesse in them to have debates composed and all things reduced to their former estate They might cover it as they pleased with the pretexts of the Commonwealth and their care of the good and quiet thereof but nothing lesse was meaned by them For if they desired peace she hath often shewed the way unto it Neither could they be ignorant that the French souldiers would long before that time have been recalled by the command of their King if they themselves had not been a let and hinderance thereto Further he was required to say that if as yet they would live obedient to their Soveraigns she for her own part would refuse no meanes of concord nor should she omit any thing that made for the good of the Commonwealth Neither was this her mind alone but the mind likewise of their Soveraigns who had sent two chief men one of the Church estate and the other an honourable Knight to signifie so much unto them whom they so farre despised as they would not vouchsafe them either answer or audience Lastly the said Herald as he was enjoined did charge the Duke the Noblemen and others their assisters and partakers to depart forth of the Town of Edinburgh and dissolve their forces under the pain of lese Majestie The Herald having in this sort delivered his credit the Lords convened in Councell with a number of Barons and Burgesses whom they called to assist In this meeting the Lord Ruthven presiding declared how the Queen had refused their Petitions and that there was no expectation of the yeelding up the Town of Leth or dimitting the French companies by a peaceable treaty so as now they were to think of the next course The reverence of authority which as yet was in the person of Queen Regent deterred many at first from uttering their mindes yet after some short silence they began to speak of discharging the Queen of her Regencie The motion seemed dangerous to some as wanting example at least for a long time The like they said had been sometimes done but it was alwayes carried under the shew of authority they in whose hands the King was at that time taking upon them in his name to suspend the present Government But that the Nobility and Estates without and against the Princes consent should assume that power to themselves was never heard and would be thought strange Others held that she being a Regent only might very well be prohibited to use the name of the King and Queen for authorising of her proceedings especially when they were known to be hurtful and pernicious to the whole Kingdomes In this variation of judgements it was thought meet to take the opinion of the Preachers and to that effect Mr. Iohn Willock and Iohn Knox being called they delivered their mindes one after another in this sort Mr. Iohn Willock first speaking said That albeit Magistracie be Gods Ordinance and that they who bear rule have their authority from him yet their power is not so largely extended but that the same is bounded and limited by God in his word And albeit God had appointed Magistrates his Lieutenants on earth honouring them with his own title and calling them Gods yet did he never so establish any but for just causes they might be deprived for even as subjects said he are commanded to obey their Magistrates so Magistrates have direction given them for their behaviour towards those they rule and God in his word hath defined the duties both of the one and the other In deposing Princes and those that have borne authority God did not alwayes use his immediate power but sometimes he used other means such as in his wisdome he thought good As by Asa he removed Maacha his own Mother from the honour and authority which before she did exerce By Jehu he destroyed Joram and the whole posterity of Achab and by divers others he deposed from the Government those whom he established before by his own word Of these ensamples he inferred That since Queen Regent had denied her chief duty to the subjects of the Realme which was to minister Iustice indifferently to preserve them from the invasion of strangers and to suffer the word of God to be freely preached seeing also she was a maintainer of superstition and despised the counsell of the Nobility he did think they might justly deprive her from all regiment and authority over them Iohn Knox being next desired to speak after he had approved all which his brother had said did adde this more That the iniquity of the Queen Regent ought not to withdraw their hearts from the obedience due to their Soveraigns nor did he wish any such sentence to be pronounced against her but that when she should change her course and submit her self to good counsel there should be place left unto her of regresse to the same honours from which for just causes she ought now to be deprived It had been a better and wiser part in these Preachers to have excused themselves from giving any opinion in these matters for they might be sure to have it cast in their teeth to the scandal of their profession Neither was the opinion they gave sound in it self not had it any warrant in the word of God for howbeit the power of the Magistrates be limited and their office prescribed by God and that they may likewise fall into great offences yet it is no where permitted to subjects to call their Princes in question or to make insurrections against them God having reserved the punishment of Princes to himself And for the ensamples they alleadged they are nothing to the purpose for Asa was King of Iudah and in possession of the Crown and Maacha though in nature his Mother was by condition his subject and might lawfully be discharged from the authority which by his favour she enjoyed after she fell to the erecting and worshipping of Idols As to the ensample of Iehu it is nothing better seeing what he did was by Gods expresse Commandment who giveth and taketh away Kingdomes as he pleaseth but no man hath this power and they that presume otherwise go expresly against the Commandment of God and the duty of Christian profession Alwayes the Lords and others then assembled as having now their determination
of Arrane and Lord Iames taking some companies of horse with them made towards Creichton whither Bothwel as they were advertised was gone But finding that he was escap'd they seised upon the house and gave it in keeping to Captain Forbes The same day that this happened the Provost of Dundy with his Townesmen and a few mercenary souldiers went down towards Leth carrying with them some pieces of Artillery which he planted on a hill near unto the Town The French had warning that most of the horsemen were gone about other businesse and knowing the footmen to be few made a salley upon them with some companies The Townesmen of Dundy sustained the fight for a while trusting to be seconded by the souldiers but they turned backs in the very beginning of the conflict the townesmen were forced to retire keeping still their ranks till a cry was raised that the French were entring by Leth Winde to cut them off from the Town This caused such a perturbation as every man took the way he held best for his safety and in the flight as commonly it falleth one hindering another many were overthrown some ten souldiers were killed Captain Mowak taken prisoner and Mr. Charles Geddes servant to the Master of Maxwell The flight held to the middest of the Canon gate where the Earl of Argyle and Lord Robert Abbot of Halirudhouse turned the Chase and pursuing the French made them flie as fast as they followed This little advantage of the French made Bothwel so insolent as he simply refused to restore the moneys he had taken And thus all hopes of money failing and the souldiers refusing to serve some not of the meanest sort stole away secretly the few that remained were distracted in opinions among themselves and grew doubtful what to do The fifth of November upon advertisement that the French were issued forth of Leth to intercept the provision that was carrying to Edinburgh the Earle of Arrane and Lord Iames with their domesticks went out to defend the Careers and were followed with divers of the Citizens these giving the onset upon the French with more courage then foresight advanced so farre as they were almost encompasâ—ed by the enemy and cut off from the Town For the French had divided their companies in two one part took the way directly from Leth to Halirudhouse the other marched somewhat more Eastward and nearer the Sea The Lords who were gone as farre as Restalrig beholding the French to march towards Edinburgh returned with expedition fearing the case of the Citizens and that they themselves should be cut off which in all appearance had been done if the Laird of Grange and Alexander Whitlaw with a few horsemen had not kept them in skirmish for a little time The other French companies that came by Restalrig beholding the Lords retire made after them and pursued so hotly as the Earle of Arrane and Lord Iames were forced to quit their horses for safety of the foot who were in great disorder Captain Alexander Halliberton a man of good spirit and forward in the cause of Religion staying behinde to hold off the French received divers wounds whereof the same night he died In this conflict there fell some 25. or 30. men The Master of Buchan with the Lairds of Pitmilly Fairnay and some others of smaller note were taken prisoners A little before this time William Maitland of Lethington Secretary to the Queen perceiving that he was hated of the French for the freedom he used in his counsel did secretly withdraw himself and joyned with the Lords He was earnest to have them abide together laying before them the dangers that might ensue upon their dissolving but few or none consenting conclusion was taken to leave the Town and after midnight to depart towards Striveling The day after the Lords departing the French went up to Edinburgh and took possession of the Town All that professed the Religion were compelled to flie and seek their refuge in other places Mr. Willock the Minister went unto England and immediately was the Romane service restored The Church of S. Giles as if infected with some contagion by the Sermons preached therein was of new hallowed by the Bishop of Amiens with a number of Ceremonies and such triumphing was amongst the Popish sort as they thought the game to be theirs The Queen sent advertisement to France requiring new forces with expedition to make the victory absolute Whereupon the Marquesse D'Elbeuf and Count Martiques a young Nobleman were directed with some companies both of foot and horse but they imbarking at Deep were dispersed by tempest 18. Ensignes cast away upon the coast of Holland and the rest driven back into France A while after the Marquesse putting to Sea arrived at Leth about the beginning of the spring with a thousand foot and some few horsemen The Lords at their coming to Striveling were in great heavinesse and doubtful what course to take till encouraged by a Sermon that Iohn Knox made unto them they gathered new spirits resolving to send unto England for supply and till answer should come to divide their companies The Duke and Earl of Glencarne with the Lords Boyde Ochiltry and their friends were appointed to remain at Glasgow the Earles of Arrane and Rothes Lord Iames the Master of Lindesay and their friendship to stay together in Fife and for making intelligence one to the other Mr. Henry Balnaves was ordained to attend the Noblemen at Glasgow and Iohn Knox these of Fife The Duke at his coming to Glasgow caused all the Images and Altars to be pulled down and took the Castle pertaining to the Bishop Upon the report of this the Bishop taking with him a number of French men and assisted by the Lords Semple Seaton and Rosse marched hastily thither recovered the Castle for the Lords advertised of their coming had left the Town and staying there one onely night returned to Edinburgh In Fife there was more quietnesse all things continuing peaceable till a little before Christmas at which time answer was returned from England and hopes given of support from thence William Maitland younger of Lethington and Robert Melvil brother of the Laird of Raith had been intrusted with that businesse They at their coming to the Court of England did inform the Queen of the troubles of the countrey the difficulties whereunto it was reduced and the danger that England should fall into if Scotland were once subdued by the French entreating her aid and assistance for their expulsion She remitting the matter to the Councel it was long debated whether or no any supply should be granted some maintaining that it was a thing of ill example to assist the subjects of another Prince in their Rebellion and that the same might draw upon themselves a dangerous warre Others holding that they were obliged in conscience to defend their neighbours from the oppression of strangers and that to suffer the French who
no less respect then before In the beginning of the next summer there was a great speech of the interview of the Queens of England and Scotland and messengers to and fro sent to agree upon the place the time and manner of the meeting The motion came from the Queen of Scots who as it was thought greatly affected the same out of a desire she had to live in a firm peace with the Queen of England and make her self known to the subjects of that Countrey Neither was the meeting disliked of the better sort as thinking it would serve besides the preservation of the common peace to bring her unto a liking of the reformed religion But they who were popishly set fearing greatly the conference spake openly against it saying That of such interviewes there was never seen any good fruit and that it would not be safe for the Queen of Scots to put her self in the power of her whose Kingdom she had claimed Not the less the treaty went on and was concluded York condescended to be the place of meeting the numbers on either side agreed unto and the time designed about the end of Iune But whilest all things were in readiness for the journy the Queen of England excused her self by letters desiring the interview should be put off till the next year which the Queen of Scots was not ill pleased to hear for she feared if the same had held that the French King and her uncles should have been much offended This journey being stayed the Queen took her progress unto the North. Being at Striveling she was petitioned by certain Commissioners of the Church for abolishing the Mass and other superstitious rites of the Roman religion and for inflicting some punishment against blasphemy against the contempt of the Word the profanation of the Sacraments the violation of the Sabbaths adultery fornication and other the like vices condemned by the word of God whereof the laws of the Countrey did not take any hold For actions of divorce it was likewise desired that they should be remitted to the judgement of the Church or at least trusted to men of good knowledge and conversation and that Popish Churchmen might be excluded from places in Session and Councell To these Petitions exhibited in writing the Queen after she had perused the same made answer That she would do nothing in prejudice of the religion she professed and hoped before a year was expired to have the Masse and Cattholick profession restored through the whole Kingdome and thus parted from them in a choler About the midst of August she entred into Aberdene and was met by the Lady Huntly a woman of an haughty disposition wise and crafty withall in sifting the minds of others she knowing the mutability of Princes favours laboured to insinuate her selfe in the Queens affection using all servile flattery extolling the power of her husband and repeating the offer he had made for reestablishing the Romane profession in these North parts Then falling to intercede for her son Iohn Gordon who had offended the Queen by his escape forth of ward in which he was put for wounding the Lord Ogilvie upon the high street of Edinburgh she intreated her Majesties favour for that oversight and that he might be licensed to attend her Majesty during her abode in those quarters The Queen understanding what they went about and how they flattered themselves with a conceipt of her marriage answered that it stood not with her honour to admit him in her presence unless he should reenter himself in the place from which he had escap't The Lady thanking her Majesty and promising obedience in her sons behalf did only intreat that the place of his Ward might be changed to the Castle of Striveling whereunto the Queen having yielded the Lord Glames was appointed to convey him thither and he indeed went so farre on the way as to the Nobleman his house of Glames but whether called back by his Father and friends or of his own private motion it is uncertain there he changed his mind and returned to the North where gathering some forces a thousand horse or thereabout with them he drew near to Aberdene The Queen highly commoved with his contempt yet dissembling her anger did after a day or two keep on her journey towards Innerness whither she intended The eighth of September the night before her setting forth were seen in the firmament great inflamations and lightnings extraordinary which continued the space of two houres and above It feared the common sort who do always interpret such accidents to be prognosticks of some trouble But the Queen contemning these things as casual would not hear of altering her journey so the first day she went to Buquhaine the next to Rothemay and the third day being invited by Huntley to his house of Straâ—thbogie where great preparations were made for her receipt she denied to go with him or grace him in any sort till his son gave obedience and so kept on her way The day following she came to Innerness and thinking to lodge in the Castle the Keeper Alexander Gordon refused to give her entry Thereupon she began to suspect some treachery In the Townesmen she could repose no assurance as being all vassals and dependers of Huntley The town it self was unfenced with walls and the countrey all in Arms as she was advertised to attend his coming Yet disposing of things in the best sort she could order was given to keep a strong watch to fortify the passages into the town and have ships prepared in the Road whereunto if need were she might take her refuge About midnight some spies sent from Huntley unto the town were apprehended who discovering his numbers and enterprise were made fast And the next morning upon a rumour that went of her danget the Queen stood in there flocked out of all quarters unto her number of Highlandmen the Frasers and Munroes chiefly with their followers and friendship The Clanchattan in Huntleys company how soon they knew that the enterprise was against the Queen forsook him and slipped aside came and yielded themselves unto her She finding her forces increased commanded to lay siege to the Castle which rendered upon the first assault The Captain and principal Keepers were executed but the lives of the common souldiers spared After some four days abode in the Castle the Queen returned to Aberdene accompanied with all the Noblemen and clans of the countrey and thither came the Lady Huntley with offers of submission for her husband but was denied accesse Huntley perceiving the world thus altered and himself fallen in the Queens displeasure so as there was no hope of regaining her favour betook himself to desperate courses and assembling his friends and others that would run hazard with him he approached to Aberdene presuming much of the affection of the inhabitants At Court he had the Earl of Sutherland and Iohn Lesley of Bughaine men
Majesty should stay made choice of the Castle of Edinburgh as the part most commodious and ordained the Earl of Arrane who was there kept prisoner to be removed to the Castle of Hamilton with a liberty to travel by the space of two miles about providing he should do nothing to the prejudice of his house and enter himself unto 20. days warning in the Castles of Edinburgh Dumbar and Dumbarton or any of them for observance whereof the Earls of Murray and Glencarn became sureties The Queen at her first entrie into the Castle did feast the Nobility and made them all friends Argyle Murray and Athol had lodgings assigned them within the Castle Huntley Bothwel and others of the Nobility remained in the Town The 19. of Iune betwixt nine and ten of the clock in the evening she was brought to bed of a son to the exceeding joy of the subjects for which the Nobles and whole people assembled the next day in the Church of S. Giles gave solemn thanks to God Presently was Sir Iames Melvil sent to carry the newes to the Queen of England who to congratulate her safe and happy delivery sent Sir Henry Killigrew to Scotland by Post. The Assembly of the Church convened the same time in Edinburgh sent the Superintendent of Lothian to testify their gladnesse for the Princes birth and to desire that he should be baptized according to the form used in the reformed Church To this last she gave no answer otherwise the Superintendent and his Commission were very graciously accepted The Queen calling to bring the Infant that the Superintendent might see him he took him in his Armes and falling upon his knees conceived a short and pithy prayer which was very attentively heard by her having closed his prayer he took the babe and willed him to say Amen for himself which she took in so good part as continually afterwards she called the Superintendent her Amen This story told to the Prince when he came to years of understanding he alwayes called him his Amen and whilest he lived did respect and reverence him as his Spiritual Father The Queen waxing strong went by water to Alloway a house pertaining to the Earl of Marre and kept private a few dayes In that place brake out first her displeasure against the King her husband for the following her thither was not suffered to stay but commanded to be gone and when at any time after he came to Court his company was so loathsome unto her as all men perceived she had no pleasure nor content in it such a deep indignation had possessed her mind because of the disgrace offered to her in the slaughter of her servant Davie the envy whereof was all laid upon the King as she could never digest it Secretary Lethington who by his subtle flatteries was crept again into favour did wickedly foster this passion by putting in her head a possibility to divorce from the King which he said was an easie work and a thing that might be done only by abstracting the Popes dispensation of their marriage And the Earl Bothwel a man sold to all wickednes did likewise by himself and by his instruments of whom Sir Iames Balfour was the chief take all occasions to incense her and by exaggerating the Kings ingratitude towards her wrought her mind to an hatred implacable In the beginning of October the Queen went to Iedburgh to keep some Justice Courts where she fell dangerously sick the King coming there to visit her had no countenance given him and was forced to depart At her return from the Borders being in Craigmillar Lethington renuing the purpose of divorce in the hearing of the Earls of Argyle and Huntley did perswade her to take some course for her separation from the King seeing they could not live together in Scotland with security The Queen asking him how that could be done without some blemish to her honour he replied that none would think ill of her part therein she being so ungratefully used by him but that all might know the murther of Davie to have been his fact her Majesty should do well to pardon the Lords that were fled to England and call them home Nay said the Queen I will rather have matters to continue as they are till God remedie them Yet within few days Morton and Lindesay were recalled at the intreaty of the Earls of Argyle and Huntley as was touched before Preparation was then making for the Baptisme of the Prince who about the end of August had been transported to Striveling To honour this solemnity the Counte de Briance was sent Ambassadour from the French King Monsieur de Croke from the Duke of Savey and the Earl of Bedford from the Queen of England who brought with him a Font of gold weighing two stone weight with a Bason and Ewer for the Baptisme At the day appointed for the solemnity which was the fifteenth of December they all convened in the Castle of Striveling The Prince was carried by the French Ambassadour walking betwixt two ranks of Barons and Gentlemen that stood in the way from the Chamber to the Chappel holding every one a proket of wax in their hands The Earl of Athol went next to the French Ambassador bearing the grear fierge of wax The Earl of Eglington carried the Salt the Lord Semple the Cude and the Lord Ross the Bason and Ewer all these were of the Romane profession In the entry of the Chappel the Prince was received by the Archbishop of S. Andrews whose Collaterals were the Bishops of Dunkeld Dumblane and Ross there followed them the Prior of Whithern sundry Deans and Archdeans with the Gentlemen of the Chappel in their several habits and Copes The Countesse of Argyle by Commission from the Queen of England did hold up the Prince at the Font where the Archbishop did administer the Baptisme with all ceremonies accustomed in the Romane Church the spittle excepted which the Queen did inhibit The Earl of Bedford entered not in the Chappel during the service and without the dores stood all the Noblemen professors of the reformed Religion The rites performed the Prince was proclaimed by his name and Titles Iames Prince and Stewart of Scotland Duke of Rothesay Earl of Carrick Lord of the Isles and Baron of Renfrew then did the Musick begin which having continued a good space the Prince was again conveighed to his chamber It was night before the solemnity took end for it was done in the afternoon The feasting and triumphal sports that followed were kept some days with exceeding cost and magnificence yet the content the people received thereby was nothing so great as their offence for the Kings neglect for neither was he admitted to be present at the Baptisme nor suffered to come unto the feast To some his ill disposition was given for an excuse others more scornfully were told that his fashioners had not used the diligence they ought
Armes not against the Queen but against the murtherer of the King whom if she would deliver to be punished or then put him from her company she should find nothing more desired of them and all other subjects then to continue in their dutiful obedience towards her otherwise no peace could be made Neither are we come said he to ask pardon for any offence that we have done but rather to give pardon to those that have offended The Ambassadour perceiving this to be their resolution and judging it reasonable which they required but not like to be obtained took his leave and departed to Edinburgh During the Treaty of the French Ambassadour the Queens Army keeping within the trenches that the English of old had made Bothwel advanced himself upon a strong and lusty horse appealing any one of the adverse party to single combat Iames Murray brother to Tulibardie he that before had offered himself to fight but suppressed his name as we shewed made answer that he would accept the challenge Bothwel refusing to hazard with him as not being his equal in honour and estate Willam Murray his eldest brother made offer to take his place saying that in wealth he was not inferiour to Bothwel and for antiquity of his house and honesty of reputation he esteemed himself more then his equal yet he likewise was refused as being a Knight only and of a lower degree Divers Noblemen did thereupon offer themselves the Lord Lindesay especially shewed a great forwardnesse desiring he might be permitted to try himself with Bothwel which he would take as a singular honour and esteem it as a recompence of all his service done to the State Here when as Bothwel could not honestly shift the combat the Queen interposing her authority did prohibit him to fight Thereafter taking a view of the Army on horseback and incouraging them to battel she found Bothwels friends and followers very desirous to fight but in the rest there appeared no such willingness some saying that the battel would prove dangerous to the Queen because howsoever Gentlemen were ready to hazard themselves the Commons who were the greatest number seemed not to be so disposed nor well affected to the cause Others more plainly declaring their minds said that it were much better that Bothwel should defend his own quarrel by combat then to expose the Queen and so many Gentlemen to peril And there were some that counselled to delay the battel to the next day for that the Hamiltons were said to be coming who would greatly increase her forces All these things the Queen heard impatiently and bursting forth in many tears said they were but cowards and traitors After which perceiving divers of the Army to steal away she advised Bothwel to look to his own safety for she could render her self to the Noblemen Then sending for VVilliam Kircaldy of Grange she talked with him a good space and when she thought Bothwel was past all danger went with him to the Lords unto whom she spake on this manner My Lords I am come unto you not out of any fear I had of my life or yet doubting of the victory if matters had gone to the worst but I abhorre the shedding of Christian blood especially of those that are my own subjects and will therefore yield unto you and be ruled hereafter by your counsels trusting you will respect me as your born Princesse and Queen They receiving her with the wonted reverence answered dutifully at first but when she could not be permitted to go unto the Hamilions whom she had a desire to see although she gave her promise to return and so found her liberty restrained she waxed angry and fell a complaining of their ingratitude They replyed nothing but taking their way towards Edinburgh led her along with them and kept her that night in Craigmillar his lodging who was then Provost of the Town It was night before they came thither albeit the day was then at the full length because of the stayes she made by the way either looking for some relief by the Hamiltons as many supposed or not liking to be gazed on by the multitude and seen in the estate of a prisoner The next day towards the evening she was by the direction of the Noblemen sent to be kept in the house of Lochlevin and conveighed thither by the Lords Ruthven and Lindesay because Balfour had not as yet transacted with the Lords upon the delivery of the Castle of Edinburgh though even then he betrayed the trust which Bothwel had in him For how soon it was known that the Queen was made prisoner Bothwel having sent one of his servants to the Castle to bring a little silver Cabinet which the Queen had given him and wherein he reserved all the letters she had written unto him at any time Balfour delivered the Cabinet to Bothwels servant but withall advertised the Lords what he carried and made him to be apprehended These Letters were afterwards divulged in Print and adjected to a libel intituled The detections of the doings of Queen Mary penned with great bitternesse by Mr. George Buchannan Some two days after the Queen was committed the Earl of Glencarne taking with him his domesticks only went to the Chappel of Halyrudhouse and demolished the Altar breaking the pictures and defacing all the ornaments within the same The Preachers did commend it as a work of great piety and zeal but the other Noblemen were not a little displeased for that he had done it without direction and before they had resolved how to deal with the Queen neither did matters frame with them according to their expectation divers of the Nobility of whose assistance they held themselves assured lying back and giving no concurrence And those that favoured the Queen of which number were the Earls of Argile Huntley and many others who were at the same time at Hamilton professing open enmity and condemning the action ás a crime of the highest treason that could be committed The common people also who a little before seemed most incensed pitying the Queens estate did heavily lament the calamity wherein she was fallen In this uncertainty of things they resolved to write unto the Lords convened at Hamilton and intreat their concurrence for reordering of the estate and establishing of matters by a common consent But neither would they admit the messenger nor receive their letters so highly did they offend with their proceedings and so confident they were to repair things by their own power The Noblemen hereupon made a motion to the Assembly of the Church which was then convened at Edinburgh to deal with those of the other faction and perswade them to a general meeting for matters of the Church wherein they hoped some good might be done and all occasions of civil discord removed The Assembly liking well the motion condescended to prorogue their meeting unto the 20. of Iuly next and in the mean season
passe out of the fields as suspected of the Kings murther till the same might be tried and that she would go with them and follow the counsell of the Nobility which if she would do they would honour serve and obey her as their Princess and Soveraign whereunto her Majesty for the love she bare unto her subjects and to avoid the effusion of Christian blood did willingly assent In verification whereof the said Laird of Grange took the Earl of Bothwell at the same time by the hand and willed him to depart giving his word that no man should pursue him So as nothing is more clear then that he passed away by their own consents for if they had been minded against him only would they not have pursued him so long as he was in the Countrey for he remained a great space after that in his own house and might more easily have been taken there then upon the Seas where they in a coloured manner did pursue him Hereby said they may all men of found judgement perceive that they cared not what became of him if so they might advance their own ambitious purposes and designes Thirdly where she is charged to have used them with threats and menacings that they said was not to be thought strange considering their undutiful behaviour and the rude and vile usage her Majesty suffered by them For when the Earl of Morton at her highnesse first coming to them had reverently as it became him said Madame here is the place where your grace should be and we will honour and serve you as truly as ever the Nobility of the Realm did any of your progenitors in former times ratifying thereby the promise made by the Laird Grange in their names to her Majesty and that she trusting their speeches had gone with him to Edinburgh they first lodging her in a simple Burgesse house and contrary to their promises did most rudely intreat her whereupon she sent Lethington her Secretary and made offer unto them that for any thing wherewith they or any of the subjects were offended she was content the same should be reformed by the Nobility and the Estates of the Realm her Highnesse being present and permitted to answer for her self yet would they not hearken once to the motion but in the night secretly and against her will carried her to Lochivin and put her in prison As to that they say that she wearied with the molestations of government did make a voluntary resignation of the Kingdom in favours of the Prince her sonne appointing the Earl of Murray his Regent during his minority The falshood thereof did as they said many ways appear For first her Majesty is neither decayed by age nor weakned by sicknesse but praised be God both in mind and body able to discharge the most weighty affairs As also the truth is that the Earl of Athol the Lairds of Tullibardin and Lethington who were of their Councel sent Robert Melvil with a ring and some other tokens to her Majesty advising her to subscrive the letters of resignation and what else should be presented unto her to save her own life and avoid the death which was assuredly prepared for her if she should happen to refuse the same and at the same time the said Gentleman did bring unto her Majesty a letter written by Sir Nicholas Throgmorton Ambassadour of England requesting her Highnesse to set her hand to whatsoever they should desire of her To whom her Majesty answered that she would follow his counsel praying him to declare to her dearest sister the Queen of England how she was used by her subjects and that the resignation of the Crown made by her was extorted by fear which her Highnesse doubted not but the said Nicholas performed Further it is notorious that the Lord Lindesay at the presenting of the letters of resignation unto her Majesty did menace to put her in close prison if she refused to put her hand to the same adding that in that case worse would shortly follow and that her Highnesse never looked what was in the writings presented but signed the same with many tears protesting that if ever she should recover her liberty she would disavow that which he compelled her at that time to do And to testify that the said resignation was made against her will the Laird of Lochlevin who was then her Keeper refused to subscrive it as witnesse and did obtain a Testificat under her Majesties own hand declaring that he refused to be present at the said resignation Neither can that renuciation be sustained by any reason considering that no portion of Revenue was reserved for her to live upon neither was her liberty granted or any security given her of her life All which weighed in the ballance of reason will to men of indifferent judgement make manifest that the alledged dimission so unlawfully procured can never prejudge her Majesty in her Royal estate especially considering that at her first escape out of prison she did revoke the same and in the presence of a great part of the Nobility at Hamilton by a solemn oath declared that what she had done was by compulsion and upon just cause of her life For the Coronation of her Highnesse son they said that the same was most unorderly done because there being in the Realm above an hundred Earls Bishops and Lords having voice in Parliament of whom the greatest part at least ought to have consented thereto it being an Action of such consequence four Earls and six Lords the same that were present at her apprehension with one Bishop and two or three Abbots and Priors were only assisting and of the same number some did put in a protestation that nothing then done should prejudge the Queen or her successor by reason she was at that time a captive Nor can any man think that if the dimission had been willingly made her Highnesse she would ever have nominated the Earl of Murray Regent there being many others more lawful and that have better right thereto then he of whom some have been governours of the Realm in former times and during her Majesties minority had worthily exerced that place It is to as little purpose that they object of the Parliament and the ratification made therein Seeing the principalls of the Nobility disassented and put in their protestations both to the Lords of the Articles and in the open Parliament against their proceedings affirming that they would never agree to any thing that might hurt the Queens Majesties person her Crown and Royall estate further then her Highnesse self being at liberty would freely approve Lastly where they would have it seen that the authority established by them was universally obeyed in the Realm and all things well and justly administred both these are alike untrue for a great part of the Nobility have never acknowledged another authority then that of the Queen keeping and holding their Courts in her Majesties name And for the administration of affairs it
and for this Sir William proponed that he should stand between the companies and upon a sign to be given by him both should turn at one instant The Earl of Morton accepted the condition lest he should offend the Gentleman who had taken such pains amongst them the others refused giving forth great brags that they should make them leave the fields with shame if they did it not willingly How soon Morton was advertised of the difficulty they made he cried aloud On on we shall see who keeps the fields last and therewith gave so hard a charge upon them as they disordered both the horse and foot The Chase held towards the Watergate where by reason of the skant and narrow passage many were killed and trod to death but the number of prisoner were greater for there were 150. taken amongst whom were the Lord Home and Capt. Iames Cullen the Abbot of Kilwining was killed a Gentleman of good worth and greatly lamented for he was of all that faction esteemed most moderate There died some 50. in all most of them common souldiers and of mean accompt On Mortons side Captain Weymis with one only souldier was slain this conflict happened on Satturday the 28. of Iune 1571. Advertisement hereof sent to the Regent he came the next day to Leth where first order was taken with the prisoners and the Lord Home sent to Tantallan But he stayed not long there for the Lord of Drumlanrig being intercepted by Sir David Spence of Wormston as he was making homewards an exchange was made of the Lord Home with him Captain Cullen a man infamous and who in the last wars had used great cruelty was hanged on a Gibbet The rest upon promise not to serve against the King were dimitted Resolution then was taken for the Regents abode at Leth and the countreys attendance upon him by quarters to keep the adversaries busied and hinder the victualling of the town During which time no day passed without one conflict or other wherein sometimes the Regent and sometimes the Queens party had the better at this time upon a report carried to the Laird of Grange that he was commonly called by those of Leth the Traytor he sent a Trumpet to appeal any one of their side to combat that should dare to affirm so much The Laird of Garleys offering to maintain it time and place were appointed for the sight and when all were expecting the issue of it Grange excused himself by the publick charge he bare saying that it was not thought convenient he should hazard the cause in his own person Notwithstanding of this great heat amongst the parties the Queen of England ceased not to mediate an accord and by a letter to the Marshal dated the 19th of Iuly willed him to move them of new for an abstinence offering to send persons of authority and credit to the borders who should travel to agree them and remove all differences as well concerning the title of the Crown as other private matters and because it was given her to understand that both parties had indicted Parliaments to August next she desired that no proceeding should be made therein either by making of lawes or by denouncing any persons forfeited and that only they should authorize certain persons to meet with her Commissioners for consulting upon the best means to conclude a solid peace There was also a letter of safe conduct sent for any one that Grange would direct unto England for this he had desired Lethington excepted and those that were suspected of the late Kings murther But whether this exception gave the cause or the daily incouragements sent by the French none was directed thither The Regent by his answer of the 27. excused the not yielding to the abstinence which he said without evident prejudice to the Kings cause could not be granted so long as Edinburgh was detained For other points he answered That by himself without the consent of the Nobility and Estates he could say nothing but at their meeting in August her Majesty should receive all reasonable satisfaction The adversary party in the mean time nothing relenting of their course did keep a form of Parliament at Edinburgh the 22. August and though they were but five persons in all present that had any voice in the State to wit two Bishops and three Noblemen they pronounced above 200. persons forfeited The Regent advertising the Queen of England how they had proceeded and what disorder did shew the necessity whereunto they that lived in the Kings obedience were brought and how it concerned him and the rest to prosecute what they had justly intended in regard of their enemies precipitation So in the Parliament kept at Striveling the 28. of the same moneth sentence of forfeiture was pronounced against the Duke of Chatteller ault and his two sons the Abbot of Aberbrothock and Lord Claud the Earl of Huntley the Laird of Grange and some others And for satisfying the Queen of Englands desire the Earl of Morton Marre and Glencarn the Lords Semple Ruthven and Glamis with the Bishop of Orkney the Abbots of Dunfermlin and S. Colmes Inche Sir Iohn Ballendine Justice Clerk and Mr. Iames Mr. Gill Clerk of Register were nominated by the Estates and Commission given or to any four three or two of that number to treat with such as the Queen of England should appoint upon the differences arisen amongst the subjects by occasion of the late troubles and for contracting a League offensive and defensive betwixt the two Realms Of all that did the Regent give notice to the Queen beseeching her not to presse them with any thing that might seem to call the Kings authority in question But before these letters came to her hands he was killed as ye shall hear Lord Claud Hamilton having intelligence given him of the security wherein the Regent and Nobility lived at Striveling and how as in a time of setled peace they did not so much as keep a watch by night took resolution to invade them and was therein greatly incouraged by Cap. George Bell a man born in Striveling one that knew all the passages streets who made offerto put him the company he should bring with him safely in the town This he communicated to the Earl of Huntley Walter Scot of Bacleugh and David Spence of Wormeston who were all content to joyn in the enterprise The second of September they went from Edinburgh a little before Sun-setting accompanied with 200. horse and 300. foot and lest their journey should be suspected they made the rumour go that they went towards Iedburgh to compose a discord fallen out betwixt the town and the Laird of Fernherst To ease the footmen they had taken all the horses which came the day before to the Market and as many as they could otherwise purchase by the way and so marching with a wonderful confidence for by the wayall their discourse
should prefer none thereto but such as was sound in Religion and for other qualities apt and worthy That during his Regencie he should grant no respits nor remissions for hainous crimes That he should not transport the King forth of the Castle of Striveling without the advice of the Councel That he should grant no favour to the murtherers of the Kings Father and Regents That he should neither enter into league with forainers nor denounce warre without the consent of the Estates And that he should be careful to entertain the amity contracted with the Queen of England The Estates on the other part did promise to assist him with all their power against the Kings enemies and to joyn with him in the reformation of whatsoever abuses crept in by occasion of the late troubles without offending at the execution of justice upon their nearest and dearest friend Order was also taken for the entertainment of his house the setling of a resident Councel and the advancing of the revenues of the Crown to the best profit And these were the things done in that meeting Soon after came Sir Henry Killigrew Ambassadour from England partly to declare the content which the Queen had received in the choice of the Earl of Morton to be Regent and partly to renew the Abstinence which was then near the expiring Herein he prevailed so farre with the Duke and Huntley as they were brought not only to prorogate the Abstinence but also to name certain Noblemen who should meet for them at Perth with such as the Regent by advice of the Councel should nominate for concluding a perfect peace The Laird of Grange and those that remained with him in the Castle refusing to be comprehended in that treaty went on in victualling and fortifying the house for impeding whereof the Regent did levie some companies of souldiers to inclose the Castle and because the time of Parliament was approaching he caused erect Bulwarks in divers places of the street to secure the people at their meetings to Sermon and the Judges that convened to the ministration of Justice Grange finding himself thus pent up did by a Proclamation from the Castle wall command all the Queens subjects to depart forth of the town within the space of 24. hours The time expired he made the Cannon thunder upon the town to the great terrour of the Inhabitants yet there was no great hurt done that way which when he perceived he hired one of his souldiers to set fire in the night time to some houses under the wall which destroyed a number of tenements for a strong Western wind blowing in the time the fire did so rage as from S. Magdalens Chappel Westward all was consumed none daring to put hand to quench the fire because of the Canon that played still on the part where they saw any concurse of people This made him extremely hated and even they that otherwise wished him well were greatly offended with this doing The Parliament notthelesse kept and thre in divers Acts were mode partly for maintaining the Kings authority partly for preservation of true Religion which causes were held in those days so conjoyned as the enemies of the one were likewise esteemed enemies to the other Therefore was it then enacted That none should be reputed loyal and faithful subjects to the King or his authority but be punished as rebels who made not profession of true Religion And that all such as made profession thereof and yet withstood the Kings authority should be admonished by their teachers to acknowledge their offence and return to his Majesties obedience and if they refused that they should be excommunicated and cut of from the society of the Church as putrid and corrupted members The Parliament breaking up the Regent by advice of the Councel directed to the meeting at Perth the Earl of Argile then created Chancellour the Earl of Montrosse the Abbot of Dunfermlin Secretary the Lords Ruthven Boyd and Sir Iohn Ballenden Justice Clerk There met with them the Earl of Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton Commendatory of Aberbrothock authorised by the rest that maintained the Queens authority The English Ambassadour assisting them after some days conference they were brought to agree upon these Articles 1. That all persons comprehended in the present pacification should acknowledge and professe the true Religion established and professed within the Realm and maintain the Preachers and professours thereof against all opposers specially against the confederates of the Councel of Trent 2. That the Earl of Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton with their friends and followers should submit themselves to the King and to the government of the Earl of Morton his Regent and his successours in the same acknowledging themselves the Kings subjects by their oaths and subscriptions 3. That they should confesse all things done by them under colour of any other authority since the time of his Majesties Coronation to have been unlawful and of no force nor effect 4. That an Act of Parliament should be made with all their consents ordaining that none of the subjects should assist fortify supply or shew any favour directly nor indirectly to those who should happen to practise against the religion presently professed the Kings person his authority or Regent And if they should be tried to do any thing to the contrary the remissions granted to them with all other benefits of the pacification should be null and they pursued for their offences past as if they had never obtained pardon for the same 5. That all persons professing his Highnesse obedience who had been dispossessed during the late troubles should be reponed to their houses lands livings benefices and whatsoever goods belonging to them if so the same were extant in the hands of the intrometters horses and armour only excepted 6. That the Master of Forbes Iames Glen of Barre and all other persons should be set at liberty as likewise the bonds given by the Lord Semple and others for entry of prisoners or for paiment of any ransomes be discharged 7. That the Earl or Huntley and Lord Iohn Hamilton should dimit and cause all souldiers hired or maintained by them or any of their party to be forthwith dimitted 8. That all processes of forfeiture which had been led especially the sentences given against the Earl of Huntley Lord Iohn Hamilton and Lord Claud his brother William Bishop of Aberdene Alexander Bishop of Galloway Adam Gordon of Awchindown and the rest of their friendship for any crimes or offences done in the common cause against the King and his authority since the 15th of Iune 1567. or for any other cause contained in the summons of forfeiture raised against them should be declared null and of no force without any other special declaration And that the foresaid persons should have liberty given them to reduce the said forfeitures as they should please 9. That all persons then returning or who should return to the Kings obedience and
doings and a more particular discovery expected by him of the form and manner of that murther Yet at this execution he did only confess that Bothwel had communicated the purpose to him and shewed him the subscriptions of the Earls of Argile Huntley Secretary Leithington and Mr. Iames Balfour testifying their consents to that wicked fact Nottheless the Regent to the offence of many did suffer the said Balfour to enjoy the benefit of the pacification and passed an Act thereof in open Councel Whether the subscriptions of Argile and Huntley were counterfeit or not it was uncertain but of the other two it was easily believed as being men universally hated Argile died in September following in whose place the Lord Glamis was created Chancellour In the same moneth Adam Heriot Minister at Aberdene departed this life a man worthy to be remembred He was sometime a Frier of the Order of S. Austin and lived in the Abbey of S. Andrews an eloquent Preacher and well seen in Scholastick Divinity Queen Regent coming on a time to the City and hearing him preach was taken with such an opinion of his learning and integrity that in a reasoning with some Noblemen upon the Article of reall presence she made offer to stand to Heriots determination Warning of this being given and he required to deliver his mind upon that subject in a Sermon which the Queen intended to hear he did so prevaricate as all that were present did offend and depart unsatisfied Being sharply rebuked for this by some that loved him he fell in a great trouble of mind and found no rest till he did openly renounce Popery and joyn himself with those of the Congregation Afterwards when Order was taken for the distribution of Ministers amongst the Burgs he was nominated for the City of Aberdene in which there lived divers addicted to the Romane profession as one that was learned in Scholastick Divinity and for his moderation apt to reclaim men from their errors Neither did he fail the hope conceived of him for by his diligence in teaching Schools and Church he did gain all that people to the profession of the truth 14. years he laboured among them and in end was forced by sicknesse to quit his charge He died of the Apoplexy the 28. of August in the 60. year of his age greatly beloved of the Citizens for his humane and courteous conversation and of the poorer sort much lamented to whom he was in his life very beneficial The next summer there fell out an accident which was like to have caused great trouble and divided the two Kingdoms Sir Iohn Forrester Warden of the English side and Sir Iohn Carmichael of the Scottish meeting in the Borders at a place called the Red Swyre for redressing some wrongs that had been committed it fell out that a Bill so they used to speak was filed upon an English for which Carmichael according to the law of the Borders required him to be delivered till satisfaction was made Sir Iohn Forrester either wearied with the multitude of businesse or desiring to shift the matter answered that enough was done that day and at the next meeting the complainer should have satisfaction Carmichael urging a present performance they fell foul in words which made the companies that attended draw their weapons A great tumult there was and at first the Scots being inferiour in number to the English gave back But as they were fleeing they met with a company of Iedburgh men who were come to attend the Warden This giving them new courage they turned upon the English and made them flee The chase held the space of two miles Sir George Heron Warden of Tindale and Rhedesdale with 24. English was killed the Warden himself Francis Russel son to the Earl of Bedford Cuthbert Collinwood Iames Ogle Henry Fenwick and many others of good note were taken prisoners When the Regent heard it he was sore displeased knowing the Queen of England would be much offended whereupon he sent for the prisoners and using them with all courtesy excused what was done and permitted them to return home And the Queen indeed at the first report was much incensed and thereupon sent Mr. Killigrew to the Regent to require the delivery of Carmichael which divers of the Councel withstood Yet such was the Regents care to please the Queen as he caused him enter into England where he was a while detained But the provocation being tried to have been made by the English the Queen dimitted him honourably and not without rewards At his return the Regent meeting the Earl of Huntington the English Commissioner at Foulden some two miles from Berwick all things were peaceably composed This year the Duke of Chattellerault ended his life A Nobleman well inclined open plain and without all dissimulation and fraud but too easily led by them he trusted which bred him much trouble yet by the goodnes of God who doth always favour the innocent and honest minded he went through all and died honourably and in peace Not long after his son Lord Iohn Hamilton riding to Aberbrothock accompanied only with his ordinary train for he held himself secured by the pacification was pursued by William Douglas of Lochlevin who did lye with a number in his way of intention to kill him As he was refreshing himself at Couper he was advertised of the danger and presently resolved to single himself from his company and flee to the Castle of Lewchars deeming as also it fell out that they would follow the greater company which he directed to keep together and take the South of the River of Edin Neither had they passed far when they were invaded by a troop of horsemen and forced to yield themselves The Nobleman beholding this from the other side of the River and knowing how soon they found themselves deceived that they would make haste to overtake him changed his first resolution and fled to the house of Darsey where he was received Lochlevin belayed the house and kept him inclosed all that night and the day following But being charged by an Herauld of Armes to dissolve his forces and hearing that the Noblemans friends were gathering for his release he departed home Being called before the Councel for his insolencie and charged with the breach of the pacification he alledged the exception of the first Regents murther but that being found no warrant and he refusing to give assurance for keeping peace was committed to the Castle of Edinburgh where he remained till surety was given In the Church this year began the innovations to break forth that to this day have kept it in a continual unquietness Mr. Andrew Melvil who was lately come from Geneva a man learned chiefly in the tongues but hot and eager upon any thing he went about labouring with a burning desire to bring into this Church the Presbyterial discipline of Geneva and having insinuated himself into the favour of divers Preachers
And that by the care they took of affairs all things had gone well and peaceably till Morton out of his ambitious desire to rule did suborn some instruments to surprise the Kings house and person at Striveling injuriously displace the Captain and put his family and servants to the gates Of which seditious enterprise although he did pretend ignorance yet the progresse of his actions continually since that time did shew that he was the chief plotter of that businesse for after his coming to â—ourt and admission to be one of the Councel he had disordered all things thralling the King so farre that his best subjects could have no free accesse unto him and usurping the jurisdiction of his Majesties ordinary Councel in translating the Parliament from Edinburgh the Principal â—ity of the Realm unto the Castle of Striveling Like as to bear out his wicked and violent designes he had of late presumed to levie souldiers at the Kings cost and charge intending thereby to maintain his usurped authority and oppresse his Majesties obedient and lawful subjects In consideration of which abuses and lest notorious presumptions should by their continual patience grow to a further height they had resolved laying aside all difficulties to withstand the violences practised by him under the title of the Kings authority and to hazard their goods lives and lands for the delivery of his Majesties person out of his thraldom protesting that the inconveniences which should ensue upon the present troubles should not be imputed to them in as much as they were forced unto it for their own just and necessary defence the restitution of their native Prince to liberty and the delivering of the Church and Commonwealth from the Tyranny of such as have ever sought and still do seek the ruin and overthrow of both This declaration published all parts of the Realm were in a commotion Souldiers were levied on either side Horse and Foot and Proclamations sent to the Sheriffdomes of Edinburgh Hadington Linlithgow Clackmannan Kinress Perth Fife Forfar Lanark Dumbarton and to the Bailiaries of Kyle and Cunningham to prepare themselves with victuals for 15. days and be in readinesse to follow the King or his Lieutenants upon six hours warning as they should be directed Herewith a Commission of Lieutenandry was given to the Earl of Angus for convocating the subjects and pursuing the rebels who had usurped the Kings authority with all sort of rigour charges were also directed to command the Earls of Athol and Argile to depart forth of Edinburgh within the space of 24. houres and return to the places of their dwelling under the pain of treason the Magistrates of Edinburgh were enjoyned to apprehend the persons that had taken Armes within their Town and not to suffer any armed men to enter in the same except such as should have direction from his Majesty Which when the Provost Archibald Stewart came to excuse as not being in the Towns power to withstand the forces of the Noblemen he himself was sent prisoner to the Castle of Down The Parliament in this mean time went on and all things proceeded therein as in a time of most secure peace Upon their dissolving when it was told the King that the Lords were gathering forces and that they gave out the same to be done by warrant from him he commanded by a new Proclamation all that were assembled in Armes to separate and return to their dwellings within the space of six houres promising pardon to such as obeyed And lest any should be deceived with the rumours of his captivity and secret warrants from himself he again declared That it was his own desire to remain at Striveling and be served by the Earl of Marre with whom he knew his surety was greater then if he should be at the devotion of those that caused the present troubles whose meanings towards him could be no better then it had been in times past For the Warrants they pretended he called God to witnesse that they had neither word nor writ from him therefore willed all his good subjects to live quiet and not to be misled by such false informations This Proclamation the Lords would not suffer to be published at Edinburgh but making the greater expedition drew together their companies and marched towards Striveling the first night they camped at Linlithgow and the day following having mustered their Army which they found to be about 4000. they went to Falkirk The Earl of Angus as Lieutenant for the King took the fields and displaying the Royal Banner made towards them In number he did not equall the others but they were Gentlemen all active and resolute Sir Robert Bowes the English Ambassadour riding betwixt the Armies travelled earnestly to bring them to an agreement and by his intreaties and the proponing of honourable conditions did keep them from joyning In which time one Tait a follower of Cesford who as then was of the Lords party came forth in a bravery and called to the opposite horsemen asking if any among them had courage to break a lance for his Mistress he was answered by one Iohnston servant to the Master of Glammis and his challenge accepted The place chosen was a little plain at the river of Carron on both sides whereof the horsemen stood spectators At the first encounter Tait having his body pierced through fell from his horse and presently died This was taken by those of Mortons side to be a presage of victory But by the Ambassadours travails the parties were drawne to the conditions following 1. That the forces on either side should presently separate and a few horsemen only be retained upon his Majesties charges who should be imployed for quieting the borders and not against the Lords convened at Falkirk or their adherents in the present action 2. That the proceedings of the Lords and other partakers with the Chancellour since the tenth of Iuly last should be allowed as good service done to the King in respect his Majesty was assured of their good affection towards his own person 3. That the Chancellour and Earl of Argile should have their lodging within the Castle of Striveling with the like numbers that were permitted to other Noblemen 4. That all the Noblemen Barons and other Gentlemen who pleased to come unto the King should be freely admitted to his presence and have liberty to propone their own affairs 5. That the Earl of Montross and Lord Lindesay should be received in the number of the Councel 6. That the King calling to himself eight Noblemen that is four of each party to be nominated by themselves should consider the griefs and offences of either side take order for removing the same and make up a perfect reconcilement amongst the Nobility 7. That the Commission of Lieutenantry granted to the Earl of Angus should be discharged 8. And last that the Captains of the Castle of Edinburgh and Dumbarton should enjoy their offices till the
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
either of life or goods When your Grandfather departed this life which was in the year 1542. they did not exceed the number of 20. or 30. men at most Now they are growne to three or four hundred dwell nigh to others are well armed have good horses and upon a simple shout are ready to joyn in defence one of another The Borderers on the Scots side are not in this condition for the space of twenty miles there is not a strength in which an honest man may sleep safe no town nor strong hold to retire unto in time of necessity neither is the countrey populous nor is it fruitful the ground being a pasture ground barren and profitable only for the bestial the people that inhabit the same poor unruly and not subject to order So what for the number of these wicked men that live in the English Borders what for the evil disposition of our own it is a charge most difficile to guard these marches and to contain the people from doing or receiving wrong The only remedy in this time of peace is to keep our own countreymen in awe and fear of justice so as neither they break loose themselves nor have any dealing with their neighbours under hand in their wicked practices And how this may be done most surely your Majesty and this honourable Councel is to think my opinion I have set down in some Articles which I humbly submit to your Majesties and Councels censure Having thus spoken he presented a writing containing these heads 1. That the Warden should make his residence in Lochmaben with his family and if in the Winter season he made his stay in Dumfreis he should depute a sufficient Gentleman for holding Courts of Justice weekly according to the ancient form 2. That the Warden should be assisted with five or six of the wisest men in the countrey of which number two should be of the name of Iohnston and lest their chief should think the Wardens proceeding against his followers partial and done out of old rancor that a moderate course should be kept in confiscation of their goods the halfe being allowed to the wives and children of them that should happen to be convicted and executed and the other half disponed to the Laird of Iohnston himself 3. That the Barons and landed men within the bounds should present their tenants and servants as they should be required and no man excused or exempted 4. That the Lords Carlile and Hereis the Lairds of Drumlanrig Apilgirth Lag and Iohnston should remain nigh to the Warden and when the Lord Maxwell hath not the charge that he be obliged to dwell in the house of Langhome or if he be Warden himself that he maintain a Captain therein with twelve horsemen to be ready upon all occasions 5. That the Warden be allowed a guard of 24. horsemen with their Captain who shall be laid in the town of Annand 6. That the Kings houses of Lochmaben and Annand with the watch-tower called Repentance be repaired a great bell and firepan put into it with some honest man to watch and give warning to the countrey where the fray is and a husband land allowed him for his service 7. That the lands called The debateable lands be visited that it may be known how much thereof is claimed by the broken men of the countrey to be their steedings and security taken of them for keeping good order 8. That dayes of truce be kept every 40. days once or within two moneths at least and such as shall be found to be robbed of their goods be redressed to the double and with safer according to the law of Marches Lastly that his Majesty every year in the moneth of September send one or two of the Councel to try the estate of the countrey what duty the Warden doth and if the Barons and landed men do give their assistance that where any defect is found the same may be punished At these Articles the Lord Maxwel took exception especially at the first and second for the house of Lochmaben he said was his own as heretable Stewart of Annandale and that any part of the Escheats should be given to the Laird of Iohnston he held it prejudicial to the Wardens office and said it would be an occasion for other Barons to suite the like But that which did most displease him though this he dissembled was that any should be joyned with him as assisters for he would needs be absolute in these parts and have all to depend of him which ambition he still nourished and thereby in end wrought his own ruine Yet the King not willing to displace him for he understood his power to be great in these marches made offer to continue him in the charge and to allow him a company of 24. horsemen with a Captain for repressing the outlawes upon three conditions First that he should take the advice of the Barons of the countrey in all affairs and proceed in the ministring of justice by their counsel Next that none should be declared fugitives but by their consents And thirdly that the servants of landed men should not be apprehended till their Masters were first charged to exhibit them unlesse they were taken in the fact and as they speak with the red â—and He excusing himself and professing a great willingnesse to give his attendance to any other whom his Majesty should appoint the Lord Hereis was chosen Warden and the custody of the West Marches committed to him In the beginning of this year to wit upon the 24. of April the Earl of Athol died at Kincarne of a sicknesse contracted in Striveling where he and some other Noblemen had been feasted by the Earl of Morton and as report speaketh always the worst of great mens deaths so the rumour at this time went that Morton had made him away by poyson which his Lady and friends did so strongly apprehend as when the Councel was examining the Physitians that embalmed his corps whether they perceived any sign of poyson at his unbowelling they took upon protestation that the trial of the Councel should not prejudge the criminal pursuit which they intended before the Justice And albeit the Physitians did upon their oathes declare that his death was not caused by any extraordinary mean yet the scandal was fostered a long time by a sort of rhyming Libels which were afterwards tried to be composed by one Turnbull a Schoolmaster at Edinburgh and another called William Scot who were executed for the same at Striveling in the end of the Summer A consultation was held at the same time in Striveling for punishing the murtherers of the two Regents which by the edict of pacification was delayed unto the King his assuming of the government in his own person Touching the form of proceeding the opinions of those that were privy to the businesse were different for some thought that the persons who were suspected should be summoned to a day and
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
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
King hereupon took purpose to confine some of the principals in several countreys and to commit others who were reckoned most turbulent The Earl of Angus was confined beyond Spey Iohn Levingston of Dunypace and Patrick Drummond of Carnock in the countrey of Galloway Lochlevin and Buchan in Innerness the Master of Glammis Abbot of Dunfermlin and Lord of Cleish were charged to enter themselves in the Castle of Dumbritton William Commendator of Paisley in Blackness and Mr. Iohn Colvil commanded to keep Ward in Edinburgh The whole Angus only excepted disobeying the charge were denounced rebels and Proclamations made commanding all the subjects to be in readinesse for resisting the practises of seditious subjects An oath also was taken of all the Kings domesticks that they should not keep intelligence with any of the rebels or others known to be in his Majesties mal-grace and at this time was Mr. Iohn Metellan who came afterwards to be Chancellour admitted Counsellour of Estate The Queen of England being advertised of this alteration in Court sent Sir Francis Walsingham her principal Secretary to the King to challenge him for breach of promise in readmitting the Earl of Arran and casting off the Noblemen who had maintained his authority and hazarded their lives and estates in defence of his Crown The King answered that he was a free Prince and in ruling his affaires might follow the course which he thought to be most convenient that the Queen would not take it well if he or any other should direct her in matters that concerned her subjects and for the promise alledged he said it was made in time of his restraint to the performance whereof he was not tied As to these subjects of whom the Queen seemed so careful he said that he had freely offered to pardon them upon the acknowledgement of their offence and promise of amendment which he would faithfully observe expecting of the Queen his sister that neighbourhood which became Princes living in amity and friendship and that she would not countenance his subjects in their rebellion The Ambassadour replying Sir the Queen my Mistris will never meddle with your affaires but to work your good and quietnesse Yet she taketh it unkindly that the promises made unto her are so lightly regarded One Holt an English Jesuit who is thought to have an hand in Throgmortons treason that was of late detected being in your prison at the request of the French Ambassadour was permitted to escape whereas the Queen my Soveraign looked daily to have been delivered in England as was promised Nay said the King it was not promised that he should be delivered but as the Queen answered my Ambassadours when I desired Mr. Archibald Douglas to be rendered who is known to be guilty of my Fathers murther I said that the man was charged with certain suspicious practises in my Kingdom which I believed first to try and if the Queen had been pleased to have delivered my subject to me whom I had more then reason to remand I would have made no delay in the rendering of Holt. But for his dimission or my connivence at his escape there is no such thing and if you know or can learn that any indirect means have been used for letting him go the trial and punishment of the doers shall clear my part This said the Ambassadour who was a most worthy and discreet Gentleman declaring that he was satisfied fell to speak of the preservation of peace betwixt the two Kingdomes and of a new league to be made with the Queen whereof the King did shew a good liking and in these termes they left for that time In October next the Church Assembly convened at Edinburgh where great regrates were made and presented in certain Articles to the King First they complained that the benefit of pacification was extended to Mr. David Chalmers a professed enemy to Religion and suspected of the murther of his Majesties Father Next that Papists were grown too familiar in Court and namely the Laird of Fintry who had made defection from the true Religion in which he was educated 3. That Holt a wicked Papist sent to the countrey to traffique against Religion and the State was suffered to escape and no trial taken of the workers thereof 4. That his Majesty seemed to favour too much the enemies of the truth both in France and at home 5. That he had received in his service men of dissolute life and who had never given any testimony of their good meaning either to Religion or the state of the countrey and put others from his service that were known to be zealous of Gods cause and faithful to his Majesties self from his very tender age 6. That since his acceptation of the government the Church had received many fair promises without any performance and that to the contrary the liberties and priviledges thereof were daily infringed 7. That the thirds were set in taks or leases in defraud of the Church 8. That Abbacies were disponed against the Acts of Parliament and no care taken for provision of the Ministers that served at the Churches annexed 9. That spiritual livings were conferred to children and erected in temporal Lordships 10. That there were no punishment for incest adultery witchcraft and the like abominations 11. That there was an universal murmur that no man could be assured of his lands and life the laws of the countrey being wholly perverted 12. That his Majesty did interpone his authority to stay the execution of the Churches Acts in matters properly Ecclesiastical Lastly they regrated the division of the Nobility one part seeking the ruine and overthrow of another for which they did intreat his Majesty to call unto himself the most wise and indifferent amongst them and by their advice to take some moderate course for uniting the hearts of all good subjects to the maintenance of Gods truth the preservation of his Highnesse person and estate and the comfort of all that were grieved at the present division The King desiring to give the Church satisfaction made answer the next day to all these particulars And first concerning Mr. David Chalmers he said that he was only forfeited for the common action for being at Landside field field for which pardon had been given to many so as it should not be thought strange to give him the like benefit especially at their request who had moved him therein and that he no ways intended to grant oversight to him or any others that should be found culpable of his fathers murther or yet professed themselves adversaries to the Religion Touching Fintry he said that he had not impeded the proceedings of the Church against him or any other Popishly affected nor had he been countenanced at Court if the Minister of Edinburgh had not testified that he was willing to conform That for Holts escape he had satisfied the English Ambassadour and that it was no uncouth thing to see
committing of the fact he had satisfied his dislike thereof The King acknowledging the same to be of truth made his protestation to be admitted Then began all the faction to fall asunder every man suing his pardon which was granted upon condition they should depart forth of the Realm and not return without his Majesties licence The Earl of Marre the Master of Glammis with the Abbots of Driburgh and Cambuskenneth went into Ireland the Lord Boid Lochlevin and Easter Weymis unto France others of the meaner sort were confined within certain bounds The Earl of Gowry notwithstanding he was reconciled to Arran fearing to be troubled obtained licence to go into France but whilest he delayes to go and putteth off his journey from day to day he falleth into new practises which brought him unto his end The rest of the winter was quiet but now and then the Court was kept in exercises by the Sermons of some Preachers who were therefore called in question Iohn Dury Minister at Edinburgh had in one of his Sermons justified publickly the fact of Ruthven for which being cited before the Councel he stood to the defence of that he had spoken yet after advice taken with Mr. Iames Lawson his Colleague he was moved to submit himself to the King who continued the declaration of his pleasure till he had proof of his better behaviour The businesse with Mr. Andrew Melvil was greater for he being cited to answer for certain speeches uttered by him in a Sermon preached at S. Andrewes declined the judgement of the King and Councel affirming That what was spoken in Pulpit ought first to be tried and judged by the Presbytery and that neither the King nor Councel might in primâ instantiâ meddle therewith though the speeches were treasonable When by no perswasion he could be induced to submit himself and that the King and Councel finding themselves Judges did proceed to examine the witnesses he burst forth in undutiful speeches against the King saying he perverted the lawes both of God and man which unreverent words proceeding from a Divine in whom moderation and humility should chiefly have appeared did greatly offend the Councel Thereupon was he charged to enter his person in Blackness within the space of ten hours but in stead of obeying he turned his back and fled that night to Berwick Then did all the Pulpits sound and every day were the Ministers exclaiming that the light of the countrey for learning and he that was only most fit to resist the adversaries of religion was exiled and compelled for safety of his life to quit the Kingdom Pity it is to think how the King was then used for though he cleared himself by Proclamations shewing that the mans flight was voluntary and that he meant not to have used him with any rigour yet nothing was believed and every where people began to stirr Hereupon charges were directed commanding those who had obtained leave to depart out of the Realm to use the benefit of their licences and inhibiting all intelligence by letters or otherwise with those that are already gone This wrought not much only made those that travelled to and fro with advertisements the more wary and circumspect The Earl of Gowry to liberate himself of suspicion came to Dundy and conducing a ship gave out that he would forthwith depart yet still he lingred attending the return of the Earl of Marre and the Master of Glammis from Ireland at which time he and others of that faction were to joyn and take Arms for reformation of abuses the securing of Religion and preservation of the King his person and estate for that was made the pretext The King having notice given him of these practises sent Colonel Stewart Captain of the guard to apprehend the Earl of Gowry who was suspected because of his lingring The Colonel coming upon him unexpected as he lay in the house of William Drummond Burgesse of Dundy he made to defend the lodging and stood to it some space but the Town concurring with the Captain he was forced to yield and the next day conveyed to Edinburgh and committed to the custody of Arran A night or two after the Earls of Angus and Marre with some of their friends and followers surprised the Town and Castle of Striveling intending there to fortify themselves But the suddain expedition which the King made compelled them to fly into England and leave the Castle victualled for some days and in it a few Gentlemen whom they promised to relieve Such a readinesse the King found in his subjects at this time as upon a short warning a greater Army and better appointed was in no mans memory known to have been assembled The Town of Edinburgh shewed a great forwardnesse for both they advanced moneys to levy souldiers and put divers of their own inhabitants in Armes to attend the King It was the 19th of April when knowledge was given first of the taking of Striveling and before 24. all the Army was in readinesse to march The same day advertisement came of the Rebels flight whereupon the Wardens and Keepers of the Marches were directed to pursue them The King himself with the Army marching towards Striveling Alexander Master of Levingston was sent to inclose the Castle which yielded upon the hearing of his Majesties approach and was delivered in keeping to the Earl of Arran The Earl of Gowry after he had been kept some days in Kinneil was brought to Striveling Before his transporting from Edinburgh the Earl of Montrosse the Lord Down and Mr. Robert Melvil were directed to examine him and hopes given that he should find favour if he would discover the conspiracy and what the Rebels had intended to do he upon promise that what he declared should not be made an endictment against himself disclosed all the plot setting down the same with his own hand as followeth Perceiving his Majesties favour altered towards me by misreport of my unfriends and my life and my living aimed at I was of necessity forced to seek my relief by concurring with others of the Nobility who laboured to secure themselves and their estates And hearing that there was some trafficking betwixt the Noblemen in Ireland and others at home I used all means though I was suspected by them to know what their courses and hopes were after some diligence I made that way I met with Mr. Iames Areskin who travelled to and fro betwixt them And he at first obscured himself from me and would not be plain till I promised my assistance Then he shewed me that he had been with the Earl of Angus whom he found cold and in some hope to make addresse for himself and so lesse careful of their relief who were absent Yet he believed if the Nobleman saw any good concurrence of others he would give his assistance but refused to deal in these matters till they should return and things be determined
bridge of which he kept the keyes Some weak resistance was made by Colonel Stewart at the head of the Market street but he was soon put back with the slaughter of one or two of his company The borderers according to their custome fell upon the stables and made prey of all the Gentlemens horses whereof they found good store The spoile otherwise was not great as of a town not very rich in merchandise In the morning betimes the Castle was inclosed which they knew could not long hold out for it was unfurnished and scarce provided with victuals of one day in this extremity the King was advised to employ two of his Councel towards the Lords to ask what they intended Choice was made of the Secretary and Justice Clerk as men whom they would willingly hear At the first meeting the Secretary was rough enough with them saying That such violent formes were not to be approved and to deal in that manner with their King they would finde it unsure for what was extorted from him by force or fear he would soon finde means to undo and never want men to serve him in that whereunto his will was bent that humble Petitions became subjects and had been more fitting then to come in the manner they did The Lords answered that it grieved them fore to be reduced to that necessity nothing being more dear to them then the Kings honour and safety But what could they have done they were banished from their countrey put from their livings their friends used with cruelty the King not permitted to hear them in their just defence and alwayes shut up from presenting their Petitions That their coming in that manner was not to dishonour nor force the King to whom they would be most humble supplicants and upon their knees if they should find accesse beg mercy at his hands All they did was to save themselves from ruine and to be secured from their adversaries who had wronged them and the whole States of the Kingdom wherefore they besought them as their countreymen and friends to intercede with his Majesty that they might be accepted in favour and all things composed in the most quiet and honourable manner for the King and State that could be devised This reported to the King did mitigate his mind a little For my self said he I did never like that mans violence meaning Arran and howbeit I cannot but offend with their doings yet for the countreys sake and preservation of publick quietnesse I can pardon and overpasse all but one thing I desire you that have been in conference with them to look to that none in my company receive any harm I know there are quarrels betwixt the Earl of Crawford and the Master of Glammis That the Earl of Angus doth not like Montrosse and I believe that Colonel Stewart is not well beloved for things done in my service These I cannot see with mine honour hurt provide for that and that they may be in safety and I shall willingly admit them When this was shewed the Lords they said that they had not taken up Arms for any private quarrel nor would they mixe their particulars with the publick but it should be good for eschewing such inconveniences as might happen that the Noblemen whom the King had named were put in custody with some special persons and that the Colonel should be discharged from his office of the guard and the same conferred to another This being declared to the King he gave his consent to receive them Being brought unto his prefence they fell all upon their knees and the Lord Hamilton who had the precedency in regard of blood taking the speech said that they were come in most humble manner to beg mercy and his Majesties love and favour The King answered My Lord I did never see you before and must confesse that of all this company you have been most wronged you were a faithful servant to the Queen my mother in my minority and when I understood not as I do the estate of things hardly used The rest of you that have since that time been exiled and put from your livings cannot say but it was your own fault and that your misbehaviour procured the same But turning himself to Bothwel what should have moved thee Francis said he to take this course and come in Armes against me did I ever thee any wrong or what cause hadst thou to offend I wish thee a more quiet spirit and that thou mayest learn to live as a Subject otherwise thou wilt fall in trouble To you all who as I truly think have not meant any harm to any person I am pleased to give both my hand and my heart and will remember nothing that is past providing you carry your selves from henceforth as becomes men of your places and behave your selves as dutiful subjects So they arose one by one and kissed his Majesties hands It was observed that he received the Lord Hamilton with greatest kindnesse and gave him more respect then any others This was the day after their entering into Striveling Two days after in Councel the King renewing his promise did by publick Act confirm the pardon granted to them and their Assisters which was by sound of trumpet proclaimed The Earls of Crawford and Montross were commended to the Lord Hamilton who used them honourably and Colonel Stewart suffered quietly to depart Arran after his flight went unto Coile and lived private amongst his friends deprived of all his honours The charge of the guard was given to the Master of Glammis the Castle of Dumbritton put in the Lord Hamiltons custody Striveling restored to the Earl of Marre and the Castle of Edinburgh delivered to Sir Iames Home of Coldinknâ—ws In this manner did the banished Lords recover his Majesties favour and return to their places albeit Thuan deceived by some information hath otherwise related the same How soon the Noblemens peace was proclaimed Duntraith who had touched them in his deposition against Maius saying that he was told by one Iohn Home the Lords had hired every one of them two men to kill the King so comperired before the Councel undesired so the Act of Councel beareth and confessed that he was suborned by Captain Iames who is henceforth to be so named the title of Arran being returned to the right owner to make that deposition which in it self was false and untrue out of fear and to save his life For verifying whereof and to shew that he did not confesse this to please the Noblemen whom he had wronged by such a confession he declared that for the space of eight weeks before their return he had revealed the same to the Master of Gray and to the Provost of Linclouden both which upon oath testified no lesse to the King The Councel for clearing the Noblemen ordained his confession to be published which was not very needful for no man did beleive the
into her heart to do so if it should be he desired her to consider how much it touched him in honour that was both a King and a sonne to suffer his mother an absolute Prince to be put to an infamous death No answer being returned to this upon new advertisement that the Queen was like to be drawn by the importunity of her Estates to give way to the execution he wrote to William Keith more sharply requiring him to shew the Queen how unjust he held that proceeding against his mother and that it did neither agree with the will of God who prohibiteth to touch his anointed ones nor with the law of Nations That an absolute Prince should be sentenced and judged by subjects and if she would be the first to give that pernicious example of profaning her own and other Princes Diadems to remember her that both in respect of nature and honour it concerned him to be revenged of so great an indignity which if he should not do he should peril his credit both at home and abroad and therefore willed him for to labour for a delay untill he should send an Ambassadour with overtures that might content and satisfy her Majesty For by a letter sent from Mr. Archibald Douglas that stayed as Leiger in England he found him not well disposed in the businesse and thereupon resolved to employ a more honourable person and one of greater trust William Keith having intreated the Queen for a delay when as he could not obtain the same did shew her the direction he had received from the King at which she grew into such a passion that if Leicester and others of the Councel who stood by had not pacified her saying that the King did only request that his mother might be well used which was a thing natural and in him an honourable part and that some ill affected persons possibly had stirred him up to write so sharply she had simply refused him any more hearing But after she had calmed a little she said That she would give no answer in anger and would think of it to the next morning At which time calling him again she said That no precipitation should be used and if any did come from the King within a few days she would stay all proceeding to that time and be glad to hear such overtures as might save the Queen of Scots life and assure her own The King advertised of this and conceiving some hope that matters would draw to an agreement wrote of new to the Queen and shewed he was sorry to understand that his letter sent to William Keith had been construed as if he did threaten her and her Estates whereas his purpose was only to inform her of the rumours going in the countrey and how much his subjects were moved at these forms of proceeding with their Queen That for himself he knew well enough how hardly she was pressed by objecting unto her the perill of her own life and that he never blamed her directly for any thing that was done Therefore prayed her to accompt him her most honest and stedfast friend since he never had nor should deserve any other at her hand and that for his sake she would continue any proceeding against his mother till his overtures should be heard which the Master of Gray should bring with him who was to take journey on the Saterday following This letter was speedily carried to the Queen which gave her some content for thereby she perceived the rumours to be vain which were dispersed that he was minded to break the league and denounce warre The King in the mean time having convocated the Estates and imparted to them the case wherein his mother stood had very liberal promises given him and a present supply of money granted for dispatch of his Ambassadour And being advised by the Estates to joyn Sir Robert Melvil in Commission with the Master of Gray as one that had served his mother long and was truly affected unto her the Commission was given to them both and they put in equal trust So parting from Halirudhouse the 20th of December they came to London the penult of the moneth The next day Master Archtbald Douglas being sent to desire audience the same was refused upon information that they had been with Monsieur Bellieur the French Ambassadour who was imployed in the same errand and had parted from the Queen in wrath yet the contrary being shewed and that they refused to make any visit till they had prefence of her Majesty they had accesse granted the first of Ianuary At her first meeting she quarrelled the letter sent to William Keith asking if they were sent with the like threats They answering that his Majesties letter might receive a good construction and that he had interpreted himself by another directed since that time to her Majesties self she brake forth into these speeches I am unmeasurably sorry that there can be no means found to save the life of your Kings mother and assure mine own I have laboured to conserve the life of us both but now I see it cannot be done The Ambassadour replied that the case was nothing so desperate and that means would be found to put her Majesty in assurance yet because they perceived her to be somewhat commoved they did not think meet to enter at that time more deeply in the businesse At their second audience which was on the tenth day the Queen begun with them in this sort A thing long looked for should be good when it cometh I would now hear what are your Kings offers The Master as having the first place answered no man makes offer but for some cause If it like your Majesty we desire to know if the person be extant for whom we offer for the rumour went constantly that the execution was past As yet said the Queen I think she be but will not promise an hour Nay said the Master we come not to shift but to offer from our Soveraign whatsoever in reason can be required specially that he shall interpose his credit in behalf of his mother and give the chief of his Nobility for pledges that no plot nor practise should be contrived against your Majesty with her knowledge or privity or if that be not sufficient and that it shall please your Majesty to set her at liberty and send her into Scotland a course shall be taken for securing your Majesty from all such attempts by her occasion The Queen calling the Earl of Leicester with the Lords Admiral and Chamberlain who were nigh by repeated in their hearing these offers setting them all at nought whereupon the Master took occasion to ask What should move any man to attempt against her Majesty for the Queen of Scots Because said the Queen they think she shall succeed to me and that she is a Papist And if these means shall be taken away said the Master apparently the danger will cease This
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
said and promised to meddle no more in that businesse Huntley upon the like promise after a few dayes obtained his liberty and went into the North. In his going thither whether of purpose or by accident it is uncertain the Earl of Crawford did meet him at Perth where at first they concluded to fortifie the town as a place most convenient for drawing forces together from all quarters but doubting how they should make good the enterprise they gave it over and getting intelligence that the Thesaurer was come to Angus and had appointed a meeting of some friends at the Church of Megle they belayed the wayes and gave him the Chase unto the house of Kiâ—khill where he was received being desired to render upon his refuse fire was cast to the house and he forced to yield himself as he did to his Cousen the Laird of Achindown who kept him some weeks prisoner in the North. The Letters written to the King of Spain and Prince of Parma whereof we made mention and some others from Mr. Bruce directed to the same Prince being about this time intercepted laid open all the practises of these Noblemen which being reported to the Queen of England she wrote to the King a sharp letter wherein complaining of his remisnesse in punishing these treacheries of the entertainment he gave to the Spaniards that had fled into Scotland after their wrack in the Irish Seas she besought him not to overslip such happy occasions as itâ— had pleased God to offer him by revealing these practises as likewise to rid the Realm of those strangers and send them away with speed Hereupon order was taken for their dispatch and ships conduced to transport them unto West-Flanders The Hollanders advertised of their coming sent forth some ships to intercept them and meeting them some two miles from the coast of Flanders took one of the vessels and put to the sword all the Spaniards that were therein the rest ran their vessels on ground where a number seeking to save themselves by swimming were pitifully drowned A Proclamation was likewise renewed against the Jesuits and their ressetters and Mr. Edmond Hay Mr. William Creichton Mr. Robert Bruce and David Graham of Fentry commanded under pain of death to depart the Realm But they contemning the charges did stir up the Earls of Huntley Crawford and Arrol to make open insurrection These three taking Arms and assembling all the forces they could gather came to Aberdene in the beginning of April where they made Proclamations in the Kings name Declaring that he was held captive forced against his mind to use his Nobles more rigorously then he desired requiring all the Lieges to concurre and assist them for setting his person at liberty Their hopes were that Bothwel with his friendship in the South should make the King such businesse as they needed not to fear any suddain pursuit but the King having caused denounce Bothwel and the chief of his followers Rebels resolved to begin with them and leave him to his return So charges being directed to warn all the subjects remaining on the South of Aberdene to accompany the King and they gathering somewhat slowly he made forward with those he had in his company toward the middle of April and having advanced as farre as Cowy a little Village some ten miles off Aberdene was there advertised that the Earls were 3000. strong and marching directly towards him The King nothing dismayed called the Noblemen that were in the Army together and spake cheerfully unto them saying That they had a great deal of advantage of their enemies the better cause and the King on their part Neither oaths nor subscriptions said he can assure these men and if benefits or good deeds could have made them loyal and obedient I have not been sparing to them all Now that I am drawn against my will by their open Rebellion to use force I do assure my self of your fidelity and that you will not forsake me I shall desire you stand no longer then ye see me stand and howbeit I do not think they dare set their faces against me yet I shall pray you to dispose all things in the best order you can This speech he delivered with such a grace as thereby the Noblemen and others that stood by were greatly incouraged every one avowing to do their uttermost for his Majesties honour But a question falling between the Lord Hamilton and the Earl of Angus for leading the Vant-guard was like to have caused some trouble Angus claiming the place by the priviledges granted to his predecessors and the Lord Hamilton alledging that none ought to contend with him in honour because of his proximity to the Royal blood but the King interposing his authority gave the leading of the Vant-guard for that time to the Lord Hamilton reserving the rights and priviledges of the house of Angus whereunto nothing was done at that time should work any prejudice All that night the King did watch himself and kept his Army on foot In the morning early he was advertised that the Rebels were dispersed and gone back for Huntley understanding that the King was resolved to put it to a day declined the fight because of the danger that might come to the Kings person Crawford for the same reason seemed not very bent but Arroll insisting to have gone forward when he saw they would not be moved parted from them at the bridge of Dee in great wrath The King came the same day to Aberdene and calling the Magistrates did threaten them sharply for receiving the Rebels into their City They excused themselves by their weaknesse and the want of power to resist the great forces which was admitted upon promise that they should look better to their town in after times Whilest the King stayed there the Noblemen and Barons of the countrey came in and made offer of their service giving surety not to reset nor intercommune with the Rebels and to concurre with his Majesties Lieutenant when they should be required This done the King returned to Edinburgh for he was then about the directing of the Earl of Marshall to Denmark for the accomplishing of his marriage and bringing home the Queen there went with him Andrew Lord Dingwell Sir Iames Scrymgeour of Dudap Mr. Iohn Sheen Advocate and Mr. George Young Archdeacon of S. Andrewes For defraying the Ambassadours charges a Subsidy of an hundred thousand pounds was granted by the Councel according to a warrant given them in the Parliament 1587. whereof the subjects made ready payment so great was their desire to have the King matched and the royal succession established in his race The enterprise of the Rebels being in this sort defeated the Thesaurer was put to liberty and at his coming to Court did solicit the King in favours of the Earl of Huntley and Crawford who forthinking the attempt they had made did offer to enter their persons in
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
more nigh and then relating the many indignities he had endured at Bothwells hands which they all knew he desired to have their advice touching the Conditions granted to him of late and whether they did think him tyed to the performance thereof the same being extorted by the importunity of those that took on them to mediate betwixt him and Bothwell and yeelded unto by him upon just fear The answer of the Convention was That they judged the fact of Bothwell Treasonable and the Conditions granted in such a manner to carry no necessity of performance that for the remission promised to him and his followers the same depended upon his Majesties own pleasure and that he should doe therein what seemed to him good but to be tyed not to receive in his company his servants and officers they held it not to stand with the honour and dignity of a King For the remission said the King I could be content for the quiet of the Realm to grant the same upon his humble suite and supplication when I am now at liberty but to be forced thereto and by way of capitulation to grant the same I do not think it agreeth with mine honour That which I require of you since I judge the conditions unlawfull and that neither in law nor conscience I am bound to observe them is that by publick Act the same be declared and that as a free Prince I may presently and in all time coming admit and receive into my company such of the Nobility Councell Officiars and other good subjects as I shall think good to use in the administration of my affairs All esteeming this to be most reasonable an Act was made declaring That his Majesty with the advice of the Estates had recalled the grant made to Bothwell in August last and that being a free Prince he might use the service of any of his subjects and call them to him at his pleasure This Declaration made the Prior of Blantyre and Sir Robert Melvill were directed to Bothwell to shew him that albeit the King did not think himself bound in law or hnour to perform the Conditions made at Halyrudhouse yet if he should now make humble suit for pardon to himself and his followers the same should be granted with a double Proviso first that he should supplicate his pardon and pass the same formally before the 20 of November secondly that the remission being exped he should depart forth of the Realm and abide in such parts beyond Sea as the King should appoint and not return into the Countrey without his Majesties licence Bothwell at first did take the offer well and seemed therewith content but when he was returned to Edinburgh for the intimation was made to him at Linlithgow and heard that the Lord Home and those others against whom he took exception were received in Court he was greatly commoved and falling to his wonted forms threatned to make the King observe the Conditions and keep what he had promised To this purpose he advertised the Earl of Atholl desiring he should meet him at Striveling the first of October with his forces Atholl kept the Diet accompanied with the Earl of Montrosse and a great number of men but the King was parted from Striveling and remained then at Linlithgow attended by the Lord Hamilton and divers other noble men which made Bothwell change his purpose and disappoint the interprise The King understanding that Atholl with his forces was come to Striveling sent a messenger to charge him to return home and dissolve his companies which he obeyed pretending that his business was onely to hold a Court at Down Castle a house pertaining to the Earl of Murray whereof he had the Ward and that the messenger might witness the truth thereof he took him along with him the next morning to Down The stay of the messenger put the King in suspicion that the Charge was not obeyed and that Atholl did wait upon Bothwells coming Whereupon he went back to Striveling and understanding that Atholl was gone to Down he followed thither The Lord Home who was appointed to ride before and view the fields encountring the Earl of Montrosse made him prisoner and used him and his men somewhat roughly But he professing to be sent by Atholl to the King for making his excuse and declaring the true cause of his coming in those parts was dimitted the next day upon his promise to appear before the Councell whensoever he should be charged After this the King going to Edinburgh Bothwell was cited before the Councell and not appearing was of new denounced Rebell Leaving these affairs for a while we will now return to the Popish Lotds They had been cited to the Parliament which was kept in Iuly preceding but upon some informalities and defects in the libell the process was remitted by the Estates to the King and Councell This being ill interpreted and taken to be done in their favour the Ministers of the Synode of Fife meeting at S. Andrews in the beginning of October did summarily excommunicate the Earls of Angus Huntley and Arroll the Lord Home and Sir Iames Chisholme They sent letters also to all the Presbyteries desiring their excommunication to be published in all the Churches and particularly required the ministers of Edinburgh to call a meeting of some principall ministers and well affected Barons to advise what course was fittest to be taken for the defence of Religion and repressing the practises of enemies The King upon advertisement of these proceedings called M. Robert Bruce who was then in great favor and willed him to stay the publication of sentence as being unjust and altogether informal for that neither were these persons subject to the Synod of Fife nor were they cited to answer And if this be your order said he that the Ministers of one Synod may excommunicate and at their desire all the rest shall make intimation who can be sure or how shall it be eschewed but number shall this may be brought in troubles M. Robert answering that it was not in his power to stay the publication the brethren having already concluded the same and that the Ministers of Fife had their own reasons and were answerable to the generall Assembly Well said the King I could have no rest till ye got that which ye call the Discipline of the Church established now seeing I have fonnd it abused and that none amongst you hath power to stay such disorderly proceedings I will think of a mean to help it The intimation in the mean time went on and according to the motion made for convening some principal Ministers and Barons there assembled a good number at Edinburgh the 17 of October The King was gone then to Iedburgh for pacifying some tumults in the borders and in his going thither was met at Falaw by the Earls of Angus Huntley and Arroll who humbly intreated a trial and that they should not be condemned
unheard offering to enter themselves what time and in what place his Majesty should appoint There were divers of the Councell with the King at the time by whose advice they were enjoyned to enter their persons in the town of Perth the 24 of that moneth and abide there till order was taken for their trial And lest casting of themselves in the Kings way should be thought to have proceeded upon an intelligence that the King did keep with them the Master of Glammis and Abbot of Lundors were directed to inform the English Ambassador and Ministers of Edinburgh of that which had happened and the answer that the Lords received How soon this was known Commissioners were sent from the Assembly to the King with certain Petitions conceived in this form The Commissioners of the Church Barons Burgesses convened from divers parts of the realm foreseeing the present danger wherein the Church of God the person of the King and whole Countrey do stand have thought it their duty to petition his Majesty and propone their advice as followeth 1 Seeing the Commissioners are informed that the excommunicate Lords namely the Earls of Angus Huntley and Arroll with their complices are to be put to the trial of an Assise they humbly crave that the trial be not precipitated and that the Diet assigned may be prorogated till such time as the professors of Religion who are minded to be their accusers and to pursue them for the treasons they have contrived may be throughly advised with the business and resolve what is convenient to be done 2 That according to the laws and customes observed in such crimes those excommunicate and treasonable apostates may be committed to sure custody in the town of Edinburgh Dundy and Striveling or other places that shall be thought expedient till order be taken with Papists of new faction they are known to be the heads and till the estates advice upon the form of their trial 3 That when the Estates after mature deliberation shall put the foresaid traitors to trial the Jury be not nominated at the option of the parties accused but by the party accuser who are the whole professors of the Gospel 4 That seeing the aforesaid traitors are excommunicated and by the just sentence of the Church cut off from the society of Christs body that they are not admitted to stand in judgement or have any benefit of law till they be reconciled to the Church according to the laws of the Countrey and his Majesties own promise as likewise in respect they have made themselves guilty partly through their escape forth of Ward and partly by playing the fugitives and not appearing neither at S. Andrews to which they were first cited nor at the time of the last Parliament 5 Or if his Majesty will not alter the day appointed at Perth as we do not doubt but after good consideration he will then we desire that such as profess Religion may be a guard to his Majesty at the time to defend his person from violence and to accuse and pursue them to the uttermost which we are minded to do although it should be with the loss of all our lives in one day being fully resolved if they continue enemies to God and his truth that the Countrey shall not brook them and us together The Commissioners coming to Iedburgh had presence given them and having presented the Petitions the King at the reading of the inscription grew incensed saying That he would not acknowledge any such Convention nor them for Commissioners seeing they had assembled themselves without his consent and knowledge They answered that the meeting was warranted by his Majesties Proclamations A long reasoning was kept upon that point in end the King condescended to hear them as subjects and satisfie them with reason in every particular but to accept of their Commission or return any answer to that meeting he would not This passed he said That he was not foreseen of the coming of these Earls unto him at Falow nor had he any intelligence with them but when they came and did humbly offer themselves to triall he could not of his Princely duty refuse it though they had been the meanest and simplest persons of the land that he had dismissed them without any promise or the smallest assurance of favor whereof he had many witnesses and for the time and place assigned to their triall the same was done by advice of such of the Councell as were present but that he had since considered the time to be too short and the town of Perth not so convenient and therefore had appointed a meeting of the Estates at Linlithgow the last of that moneth by whose advice he would proceed and doe that which was fitting It hath been said he the suite of the Ministers to have those Earls brought to their triall and now when they offer themselves unto it it is strange there should be such business made for a delay As for himself he had resolved what time and place soever were appointed for the triall to have all things rightly done and that neither the Iudges nor Iurors if the matter came to that point should be other then men indifferent and well affected to Religion The Commissioners putting his Majesty in minde of that he had said at the first view of the Blancks and the hearing of M. George Ker his confession that the crime was above the reach of his power to pardon and beseeching him to regard his honour and surety seeing it was dangerous to permit the Earls to come accompanied with such numbers as they intended to bring he said that he could provide for any dangers that way And when they did offer as in the Articles to come and attend his Majesty as a guard at the time of triall he answered That he would make choice of his own guard that those whom he called to that Diet should be welcome and such as came undesired should not be so Then they shew what offence was taken at the Lord Hume his entertainment in Court who was both excommunicated and known to be a professed enemy to Religion the King replyed That a day was given him to satisfie the Church by the Ministers themselves which was not as yet expired and if he did not satisfie that he should remaine no longer at Court But said they he doth not keep promise and is thought to have been a chief instrument in bringing these excommunicates to your Majesties presence For that said the King I know it not and if you will accuse him he can speak for himself After these speeches they humbly besought his Majesty to vouchsafe the Assembly some answer in writing but he absolutely refused and so they took their leave These answers reported did no way content the Meeting whereupon it was resolved that upon advertisement they should all convene in armes at the place which should be assigned for the triall of the Lords and be their pursuers to
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
that troublesome time so powerfull was the combination of parties But that which by the ordinary way of Justice could not as then be required we have since visibly punished in the fall and ruine of those Families for a lesson to all men to fly and abhorre the shedding of innocent blood The year preceding the King had directed as we shewed Sir Richard Cockborn of Clerkington his Secretary to England and amongst other instructions willed him to urge the payment of the moneys which the Lord Souch and Mr. Bowes the Queens Ambassadours had often promised Wherein finding nothing but delayes and his necessities dayly growing he resolved to look to his own estate at home and order his revenues to the best profit For this effect he made choice of eight persons to rule the affairs of the Exchequer These were Alexander Lord Urqhart President of the Colledge of Justice Walter Commendator of Blantry Lord Privie Seal Mr. David Carnegy of Colluthy Mr. Iohn Lindersey Parson of Menmure and Iames Elphingston of Ennernathie Mr. Thomas Hamilton of Dummany Mr. Iohn Sken Clerk of Register all Senators of the Colledge of Justice and Mr. Peter Young of Seaton his Elemosynar To these eight or any five of them was intrusted the full and free administration of the whole Rents and Duties pertaining to the Offices of Controllery and Collectory resigned and committed by the four Officers in his Majesties hands with power to deprive and discharge all inferiour Chamberlains Under-collectors Customers Secretaries Intrometters whatsoever with any of the said Rents all inferiour Clerks of the said Offices and to appoint new Clerks Receivers and Intrometters with the same excepting onely the Office of the Clerk of Register his fees priviledges and other commodities belonging to him or any of his Predecessours to hear and exact account of Steward Sheriffs Bayliffs Provosts of Burghs Customes Clerks of Cockquet Searchers Chamberlains Receivers Factours and Intrometters with the Farmes Males Profits and Duties Caves Customes Fishings Cole-houses Parks Steadings Orchards and other Rents of the propertie annexed of old and of new or unannexed and belonging any way to the Patrimony of the Crown as also to hear the unmade accounts of the Treasurer and his Deputies the Generall and Warden of the Coin and Taskmen and labourers of the Mines and Metalls the Collectours of the Taxation the Master of the Wardrobe Jewels and moveables the Master of the work the munition and plenishing of Castles the Monks portions the payment of the Guard and men of Warre the rents of Colledges Hospitalls Schools and Students the common good of Burghs the Dowry of whole moneys appertaining to the King as well within the Realm as coming from other parts and to allow or refuse allowance thereof as they should find meet with power likewise to appoint and set Fines and Penalties for offences to make and set down the prices of Wines Victualls and Corns yearly to put an order to his Majesties house and Esquiery and stable and make provision therefore to repair the decayed Customes appoint the Order of uplifting the same and to rowpe and set them to the best profit to consider the state of the present Coin and therein direct what they should think requisite to assist the Treasurer and the Compositors in the expeding of signators and that without advice nothing should passe to examine the diligence of Sheriffs and other inferiour Judges with their Officers and negligence to correct and punish the faults of Officers of Arms to compone transact or uplift the escheats of persons denounced to the horn and generally to do and perform all things proper to the Exchequer they enoying such places in Councell and Parliament as the Officers thereof had in former times with all the power priviledges honours and immunities that belonged thereto either by Acts of Parliament or by consuetude of the Realm The King did further promise in verbo principis not to joyn any more to the present Commission at any time hereafter and in case a place fell void by decease of any of the present Commissioners to receive and admit none but by advice and consent of those that remained alive as also not to signe any letter or signatour concerning the disposition of any of the rents of property collectory or new augmentations confirmatives or ratifications of any former gifts dispositions pensions or infestments or licenses for transporting of forbidden goods unlesse the same were first heard allowed and subscribed by the said Lords or any five of them sitting in Councell by way of Action Exception or Reply notwithstanding the Seals were appended thereto The keeper whereof were discharged to append any signet or seal except the letters or signatures were subscribed in manner above rehearsed under the pain of losing their offices Moreover it was declared that the said Lords should have power to direct letters of horning poynding and caption upon their own acts and decretes and that no suspension of any charges for ingathering any part of the Patrimony should pass except in Exchequer or Session three of the said Lords subscribing the same The Lords again made faith That the next unto God and good Conscience they should in all things respect his Majesties weal honour and advancement of his revenue and neither for tenderness of blood commodity to themselves awe or fear of any person consent to the disposition of any part of the patrimony whereby his Majesties profits might be diminished and that they should not give their consents severally but being assembled at least five of them in Exchequer under protestation that the accepting of the said Commission should not be a reason of declining them in Action that concerned his Majesty seeing they did neither receive fee nor were intrometters with any part of the rents but only directed the receivers and collectors of the same This Commission approved by the Lords of Councell was published at the market Cross of Edinburgh the 12 of Ianuary 1595. diverse excepting at the ampleness of it and saying That the King had left nothing to himself but the naked title of a King and put all his power and means in the hands of others so as subjects were to expect no benefit nor reward from him The Courtiers they especially of the bed-chamber did grudge exceedingly that all occasion to do good to themselves or their friends was this way cut off Nor was it long before these Commissioners became extremely disliked partly for their strict dealing with the subjects and partly for drawing all the offices into their own hands Beginning was made at M. David Magill Advocate whom they pressed to dimit and resigne his office by reason of his age and imbecillitie as they pretended and when by no perswasion he could be moved unto it they did associate with him in office M. Thomas Hamilton one of their own number which bred him such a grief as shortly after he ended his days Next they fell upon the
should be called and to pay the summes contained in their bonds This advice presented to the King went much against his minde for his desire was to have the banished Lords reclaimed and brought to obedience which he esteemed to be the greatest assurance both of his own peace and the Countries quiet therefore did he onely answer That if it could be proved that the Lords since their departing from Scotland had traffiqued with strangers to the prejudice of Religion or State they should be used with all extremity but otherwise neither could their Cautioners be convicted nor would he change the course which he had kept with their wives and children Not long before this Assembly the King had communicated his minde to Mr. Robert Bruce touching that business hoping that by the sway he carried in those meetings some such Propositions as tended to the reclaiming of the banished Lords should have been made by the Assembly but finding his expectation not answered he brake to him the matter of new and shewed how greatly it concerned his estate to have them reduced and called home That the Queen of England was grown old and if any should after her death withstand his Title he would have need of his subjects assistance And that having so many Nobles exiled he would be lesse respected of strangers and be a great deal weaker at home If he could therefore win them to acknowledge their offence and so embrace the true Religion without which they should never get any favour from him he believed the course would not be disallowed of wise men and those that loved him Alwaies he desired to know his judgment for as yet he had not shewed his minde in that matter to any person Mr. Robert Bruce being as then in great favour and credit with the King said that he did think well of his Majesties reasons and that he should not doe amisse to bring home Angus and Arroll so as they would conform themselves in Religion But that Huntley could not be pardoned being so hated as he was of the subjects The King reasoning to the contrary that if Huntley be willing to satisfie the Church and fulfill the Conditions which he would require of him he saw no reason why he should not be received as well as the other two And as he could not but know that his care of that man was great and he having married his Cousin whom he accounted his own Daughter so was he the man of greatest power and one that could stand him in most stead Therefore desired Mr. Robert to think of that matter and after a day or two give him his advice in it At the next meeting being enquired what he had thought of the business he answered as before saying That Huntley's return would be ill interpreted and offend all good men The King repeating the former Reasons and adding That if he brought one home he would bring them all he replied I see Sir that your resolution is to take Huntley in favour which if you doe I will oppose and you shall choose whether you will lose Huntley or me for us both you cannot keep This saucy reply the King did never forget and it was this which lost him the favour which formerly he carried with the King The exiled Lords not finding that respect given unto them in forain parts which they expected took a resolution to return and to use all means for reconciling themselves to the King Church And that their return might be the more secret they separated one from another Arroll taking his journey homewards through the United Provinces was intercepted and delivered into the hands of Mr. Robert Danielston Conservator of the Scotish priviledges to be kept by him till the King should be advertised But whether by the Conservators knowledge or otherwise he made an escape and came into the Countrey Huntley came some moneths before and lurking secretly in the North sent a supplication to his Majesty and the Convention which met at Falkland the 12 of August the effect whereof was that he might be permitted to return and remain within any part of the Countrey his Majesty should appoint he giving sufficient surety for his quiet and peaceable behaviour The King having heard the Supplication took occasion to say That one of the two courses was needfull to be followed with him and the rest that were in his condition that is either utterly to exterminate them their race and posterity or then upon their humble acknowledgment of their offence and surety made for the state of Religion to receive in favour for to continue in the condition wherein they presently were could not stand either with the safety of Religion or with his own honour and estate The first course said he hath the own difficulties and will not be performed without great trouble And for my self so long as there is any hope that they may be reduced to the profession of the truth I desire not their destruction but like rather to extend my clemency towards them which I believe is the minde of all good and peaceable men As to the present offer made by Huntley I do not think it well generall and to no purpose therefore by your advise I would have particular Conditions condescended upon such as may serve for security of Religion mine own honour and the tranquillity of the Countrey such Conditions being offered and security found for performance I should then think that license might be granted him to return he being confined in such a part of the Countrey as should be thought most convenient The Convention approving his Majesties judgment resolved upon this as the fittest course remitting the Conditions to be formed by his Highness and the Lords of Councell September the same conclusion was ratified at another Convention of the Estates at Dunfermling and the Baptisme of the Princesse who was born the 19 of August appointed to be at Halyrud-house the 28 of November next How soon this their return into the Countrey was known and that such an Act was passed in their favours the Commissioners of the Church assembled at Edenburgh where falling to consider the dangers threatned to Religion by their return it was thought necessary to acquaint all the Presbyteries with the present state of things particularly that the forfaited Earls were returned into the Countrey without his Majesties warrant and approbation that they remained peaceably in the same using all means to be restored to their livings albeit they had neither acknowledged their offence in that treasonable dealing with the King of Spaine nor their defection and apostasie from the truth And that they had maintained an Act of Councell in their favours at the Convention of Falkland which was ratified thereafter at Dunfermling whereby they were licensed to remain upon certain Conditions to be prescribed unto them by his Majesty and Councell to the manifest hazard both of Church and
State considering their continuance in the same disposition to work mischief as before of these things they were desired to inform their flocks and both in publick doctrine and private conference to stirre up the Countrey-people to apprehend the danger and to be in readiness to resist the same so farre as lawfully they might It was further thought meet that publick humiliation should be indicted through the whole Countrey the first Sunday of December and the cause thereof declared to be the return of the excommunicated Lords and dangers thereby threatned to Religion which the Ministers should enlarge according to their discretions as also that the Presbyteries should call before them their Entertainers Reffetters and such as kept company with them and proceed summarily with the Censures of the Church una citatione quia periclitatur salus Ecclesiae Reipublicae Lastly they concluded that a number of Commissioners selected out of all the Quarters of the Countrey should reside at Edinburgh and convene every day with some of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh to receive Advertisements as should be sent from other places and take counsell upon the most expedient in every case The Brethren nominated to this purpose were Mr. Alexander Douglas M. Peter Blaickborure M. George Gladstaves and M. Iames Nicholson for the North parts Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. Thomas Buchannan Mr. Alexander Lindesey and Mr. William Striveling for the middle part of the Countrey Mr. Iohn Clapperton Mr. Iohn Knox Mr. George Ramsey and Mr. Iames Carmichaell for the South and for the West Mr. Iohn Howson Mr. Andrew Knox Iohn Porterfield and Mr. Robert Wilkie Their attendance was ordained to be monethly and to begin in November At which time Mr. Iames Nicholson Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. Andrew Knox Mr. Iohn Howson and Mr. George Ramsey were appointed to wait Mr. Robert Bruce Mr. Robert Pont Mr. David Lindesey Mr. Iames Balfour Mr. Patrick Gallaway and Mr. Walter Balcanquell observing ordinarily all the meeting These Conventions were by a new name called the Councell of the Church and appointed to be kept once every day at least for taking advice in every business that occurred by direction of this Councell Lord Alexander Seaton President of the Session was called before the Synod of Lothian for keeping intelligence with the Earl of Huntley and by them remitted back to that Councell before whom with many attestations he purged himself of any dealing with Huntley or any of the Papist Lords and upon promise not imploy his credit that way was dimitted The King suspecting their beginnings should end in some trouble but not like to fall in contrary terms with the Church if by any means the same could be eschewed commanded the President Secretary Advocate and Laird of Colluthle to conferre with the most moderate of the Ministery and use their best means for satisfying them touching the return of the forfeited Lords Mr. David Lindesey Mr. Patrick Gallaway Mr. Iames Nicholson and Mr. Iames Melvill being sent for to this Conference were desired to give their opinions Whether or not due satisfaction being made to the Church by the Lords for otherwise the King did not mean to shew them any favour they might be pardoned and restored to their estates The Ministers answered They came only to hear what was proponed and in a matter of that importance could say nothing unacquainting their brethren The Conference was delayed till afternoon At which time returning they said That the brethren were glad of the respect carried by his Majesty to the Church and that his resolution was to give no favour to those Rebels till the Church was first satisfied But in their judgments they having by Gods law deserved death and being by the most soveraign Court of the Kingdome sentenced to have lost their estates they could not be lawfully pardoned nor restored And if the King and his Councell would take on them to doe it they had God and the Countrey to answer unto but for them they would give no assent but protest to the contrary that they were free thereof before God and man This answer seeming rather to proceed of passion then any good zeal it was next urged Whether upon their humble and submisse suite to be reconciled the Church could not deny to receive them it being commonly held thâ—t the bosome of the Church should ever be patent to repenting sinners They answered That the Church indeed could not refuse their satisfaction if it were truly offered neverthelesse the King stood obliged to doe justice When by no reasoning they could be wrought from these extremities the Conference brake off and the effects thereof being reported to the King he was greatly commoved inveighing against Ministers at his table in Councell and every where The wiser sort that foresaw the ill effects this rancour would breed advised the Ministers to send some of their number to understand what it was that did offend the King and offer all satisfaction on their parts withall to lay open their grievances and in humble manner entreat a redress of the things which they esteemed hurtfull Herein the same Brethren being employed they found the Kings answers more biting and peremptory then they expected for being desired to shew what it was that made his majesty so offended wth the Church and professing to amend it so farre as lay in them he said There could be no agreement so long as the marches of the two Iurisdictions were not distinguished that in their preachings they did censure the affaires â—f the Estate and Councell convocate Generall Assemblies without his license conclude what they thought good not once desiring his allowance and approbation and is their Synods Presbyteries and particular Sessions meddle with every thing upon colour of scandall besides divers other disorders which at another time he would propound and have reformed otheâ—wise it was vain to think of any agreement or that the same being made could stand and continue any while The Ministers not willing to dip in these matters after they had in sober manner replied to each of these points fell to speak of their own grievances as first the favour granted to the Popish Lords in the late Conventions at Falkland and Dunfermlin the countenance given to the Lady Huntley and her invitation to the Baptisme of the Princesse the putting her in the hands of the Lady Levingston an avowed and obstinate Papist and which grieved them more then any thing else the alienation of his Majesties heart from the Ministers as appeared by all his speeches publick and private To this last the King did first reply saying That they had given him too just cause by their railing against him and his proceedings in their Sermons for the Popish Lords he had granted nothing to them but what the Estate had found needfull for the peace and quiet of the Realm As to the Lady Huntley he esteemed her a good discreet Lady and worthy of his
countenance and that she was a Papist they might blame themselves who had never taken care to enform her of the truth Lastly for his Daughter the Princesse he had trusted her to the Lord Levingston a Nobleman known to be of good Religion and not to his Lady who should not be suffered to take any care of her unlesse she conformed in point of Religion Whilst things thus past betwixt the King and the Church a new occasion of trouble was presented by M. David Blake one of the Ministers of S. Andrews who had in one of his Sermons cast forth divers speeches full of spight against the King the Queen the Lords of Councell and Session and amongst the rest had called the Queen of England an Atheist a woman of no Religion This being dilated to the English Ambassadour he complained to the King and thereupon was Mr. David Blake cited to appear before the Councell the 10 of November Mr. Andrew Melvill accompanying him to Edinburgh did labour to make this a common cause giving out that the same was done onely for a preparative against the Ministers to bring theâ—r Doctrine under the censure and controlement of the King and Councell and so farre he prevailed with the Commissioners of the Church as they sent certain of their number to intreat the deserting of the Diet saying It would be ill taken to draw Ministers in question upon trifling delations when as the enemies of the truth were spared and overseen The King some daies before had published the Conditions upon which he was to grant a Protection to Huntley and asking those Commissioners if they had seen the Conditions said That both he and the rest should either satisfie the Church in every point or be pursued with all extremity so as they should have no reason to complain of the oversight of Papists For Master Blake he said he did not think much of that matter onely they should cause him appear and take some course for pacifying the English Ambassadour But take heed said the King that you doe not decline the judicatory for if you doe it will be worse then any thing yet fallen out Now the Conditions proponed to Huntley were as followeth That he should give sufficient and reasonable caution of Inland-men and landed Barons to the number of sixteen at least who should be acted in the Books of Councell under the pain of forty thousand pounds each two of the Cautioners conjunctly and severally for five thousand pounds of the said summe that he should faithfully observe and fulfill the whole Articles undermentioned and every one of them as first that betwixt and the first day of April next to come he should either satisfie the Church for his Apostasie and return to the bosome thereof in uniformity of Religion or before the expiring of the said time depart again forth of the Countrey and not return again without his Majesties license 2 Next that during the said space he should not receive in his company any Jesuit Masse-priests or excommunicate Papists nor have any dealing communication or intelligence with them especially with his Uncle Mr. Iames Gordon nor suffer his Children in case any be brought forth in the mean time to be baptized by another then a Minister 3 That so long as he remained in the Countrey as likewise in case of his departing at the time aforesaid he should not traffick with any stranger or others whomsoever for alteration of the true Religion or disquieting the state of the Countrey in any sort 4 That his former Cautioners should remain obliged in case after lawfull triall it should be found that since his last departing he had trafficked with strangers for subversion of Religion or the alteration of the State in the summes for which they were bound 5 That he should presently enter his person in ward within such a place as his Majesty should appoint 6 That within fifteen daies next he should enter his eldest Son and apparent Heir as a Hostage to his Majesty for observing the Articles before and after mentioned and that his said Son should abide in such company ward or Castle as his Majesty should appoint where most conveniently he might be instructed in the true Religion and not escape by his Fathers knowledge or assistance Lastly that he should compeir personally before the Councell whensoever he should be called upon fifteen daies warning for trying the contravention of any of the Articles above expressed providing the cause for which he should be charged were expressed in the Letters and warrant given himâ— that he should not be challenged for any other fact done before his last passing forth of Scotland These Articles the King caused to be imprinted that all men might see he meant not to bestow any favour either upon him or the rest unlesse they joyned themselves to the Religion publickly professed yet this served not to stop the mouths of people nor did it remove the jealousie of the Preachers who were daily complaining That Papists were favoured the Ministers troubled for the free rebuke of sin and the scepter of Christs kingdome sought to be overthrown The processe they said intended against Mr. Blake was but a policy to divert the Ministers from prosecuting their suite against the Popish Earls and if he should submit his Doctrine to the triall of the Councell the liberties of the Church and spirituall government of the house of God would be quite subverted In any case therefore they concluded that a Declinator should be used and protestation made against these proceedings This was held a dangerous course and earnestly disswaded by some few but they were cried down by the greater number that said it was the cause of God whereunto it concerned them to stand at all hazard So a Declinator was formed and given Mr. Blake to present bearing this in substance That howbeit the conscience of his innocency did uphold him sufficiently against the calumnies of whomsoever and that he was ready to defend the doctrine uttered by him whether in opening the words or in application yet seeing he was brought thither to be judged by his Majesty and Councell for his doctrine and that his answering to the pretended accusation might import a prejudice to the liberties of the Church and be taken for an acknowledgement of his Majesties jurisdiction in matters meerly spiritual he was constrained in all humility to decline that Judicatory for the reasons following First because the Lord Iesus of whom he had the grace of his calling had given him albeit unworthy of the honour to bear his name his Word for a rule to his preaching and that he could not fall in the reverence of any Civill law but in so farre as he should be tried to have passed his instructions which trial belonged onely to the Prophets and Pastors the spirits of the Prophets being subject to them alone for as first it must be declared whether he had kept his instruction or
against him rejecting the testimonies of the Town and University When by no perswasion he could be moved unto it the King went to Councell and the same day it being the second of December caused read the deposition of the witnesses who did clearly testifie that all the speeches libelled were uttered by M. Blake in Pulpit Thereupon sentence was given that he had falsely slandered and treasonably calumniated the Kings Majesty his bedfellow the Queen his neighbour Princess the Queen of England the Lords of his Highness Councell and Session and therefore his punishment being remitted to the King it was ordained that till his Majesties pleasure should be declared he should be confined beyond the North water and enter to his ward within six days Notwithstanding of this Sentence the day following a new Treaty began which continued some ten daies and was like to have produced an agreement for the King was content as before to delete the Acts of Councell at which the Ministers took offence by writing on the margent of the book according to the custome of deleting This matter is agreed and the Act delete He was likewise pleased to mend the Narrative of the Proclamation turning that upon the Papists and enemies of Religion that was said of Ministers and for Mr. Blakes businesse was content that the Interloquutor pronounced should not be made a preparative against any other Minister and that none should be called upon their preaching before the Councell till it was found in a lawfull Assembly that the King might judge of those that passed their bounds in Doctrine Provided he might in the mean time be assured of the good behaviour of the Ministers and that they should not speak unreverently of him or of his Councell which assurance he would have in writing Some punishment also he would have afflicted on Mr. Blake as either to transport him from S. Andrews to another Congregation or suspend him for a time from his charge punishments not very rigorous nor answerable to the quality of the offence The Commissioners being herewith advised liked well of all the last excepted A punishment they said could not be afflicted where no cognition had proceeded for as to the triall taken neither was it done by the proper Iudge nor was that equity observed which ought to have been witnesses that were under the Censures of the Church and ill-affected to Mr. Blake being admitted to depone against him This reported to the King he made offer to name twenty persons against whom no exception could be alledged and to give Mr. Blake his choice of seven or eight of that number who should be new examined touching the verity of the speeches whereof he was accused if they upon their consciences did absolve him he should rest satisfied if otherwise he would crave him to be deposed But this came to no effect nor could any overture albeit divers were proponed serve to work an accord so as the communing broke off and greater displeasures arose on both hands then afore For the Commissioners having directed two of the Brethren to shew the King That since they could obtain no redresse for the wrongs done unto Christs kingdome and saw nothing but the enemies of the truth were favoured and the faithfull Pastors of the Church reviled and pursued they could not abstain from opposing these proceedings with the spirituall armour given them by God and did therefore indict a Fast to be kept the Sunday following being the 12 day of December with solemn prayers for averting the judgments which the present courses did threaten The King on the other side made his displeasure and the scorn he took of these proceedings known by a Declaration published on the 15 day wherein he shewed That out of a desire he had to keep peace with the Ministers he did condescend to abstain from troubling in any case bygone untill by a convention of Estates and a Generall Assembly of the Ministery the difference between the Civill and Ecclesiasticall judgments might be removed providing they should promise not to disgrace him and his proceedings in their Sermons which he was in hope to obtain by sundry Conferences and meetings that he had kept with some of them till at last publickly they had opposed themselves in Pulpit by approving the doings of Mr. David Blake accusing himself of persecution and falsly suggesting to the people that all Church Assemblies were discharged whereas his resolution was and is to maintain Religion and the Church discipline established by law and to suffer nothing to be done in prejudice thereof by whomsoever which his Highnesse thought good to make known to all his subjects ordaining all Ministers to subscrive their obedience to his Majesty and set their hands to the bonds which should be presented to them for that effect under the pain of sequestring their rents stipends ay and while they gave the obedience required The same day was Mr. Blake charged to go unto his ward and the Commissioners of new commanded to remove themselves forth of the Town How soon they were gone the Secretary Mr. Iohn Lindesey thinking the Ministers of Edinburgh would be more tractable being left to themselves did move the King to send for them and make a fresh Proposition for setling these divisions But they refusing to enter in any communing except the Commissioners were recalled by as publick a Proclamation as that whereby they were discharged hope was given that the next day the same should be done and all questions laid over unto their return which some of the Kings Chamber having understood and fearing if matters were once accorded the Octavians against whom they were chiefly set should contine in their imployment among other reports they informed the King that a mighty watch was kept in Edinburgh about the Ministers houses for fear of some violence to be offered unto them which laid an heavy imputation upon his Majesty and that the Ministers would never be quiet till these factious people were put forth of the Town The advice as truly meant was hearkned unto and direction given to some 24 of the Burgesses that were best affected to the Ministers to depart the Town within the space of six hours This they knew would be ill taken by the Ministers and to put them in a greater fear they did advertise them by a counterfeit Letter to look unto themselves because Huntley had been with the King that night late and caused that charge to be given This Letter sent to Mr. Robert Bruce was by him communicate to Mr. Walter Balcanquall whose course it was to preach that morning and they both apprehending the information to be true did think it the safest way for themselves to make the people advertised of the danger so when the hour of Sermon came the Preacher reading his Text out of the book of Canticles which was his ordinary at that time and taking occasion of the present
Noblemen Barons Gentlemen Burgesses and Ministers this day by the mercy of God convened do beseech your Majesty to apprehend the great danger wherein the state of Religion Common-wealth and your Majesties own honour and person are brought by the means of crafty and deceitfull Counsellours who respecting onely their own preferment and standing labour to file your Majesties eyes that you should not perceive their courses for albeit it hath pleased God to endue your Majesty with knowledge wisdome and graces beyond all Princes that have ruled this kingdome at any time yet it is no strange thing to behold good Kings brought upon ill courses by the devices of such as pretend love but in very deed hate them maliciously That such courses are now in hand please your Majesty to consider what a division is made and entertained between your Majesty and the Church who was ever to this time inseparably joyned and how under colorable pretexts the liberty of preaching and faithfull applying of the word is sought to be restrained and taken away which cannot but bring many evils and inconveniencies with it as this days tumult may partly teach And now seeing blessed be God the same is setled without the harm of any person for preventing the like or worse we humbly desire the Articles following to be weighed and considered by your Majesty 1 That professed Papists processed by the Church be not suffered to reside at Court and that the Lady Huntley and Lord Sauwhar be removed and sent home 2 That Alexander Seaton President Mr. Thomas Hamilton Advocate and Mr. Iames Elphingston be not admitted to sit in Councell at least when the cause of Religion and matters of the Church are treated seeing they are enemies to the quietness thereof and have by their devices raised the troubles that presently do vex the same 3 That the Acts of Councel Proclamations Decrees and Interloquutors passed in prejudice of the Church and Ministers these last five weeks be rescinded and annulled 4 That the Commissioners of the Church be recalled by Proclamation and the Burgesses of the Town permitted to remain and attend their callings 5 That the bond advised by the foresaid enemies to be subscrived by all the Ministers under the pain of losing their Benefices and stipends be discharged seeing the same is prejudiciall to the Gospel and that Commission as use is to modifie stipends for the present year Lastly that an Act of Councell be made allowing the proceedings of the Church and the concurrencie given them by the Noblemen Barons and others in the present action It was late and the night fallen before these Articles were put in form the day being then at the shortest the persons chosen to present them were the Lairds of Bargenny Pâ—tarrow Faudonside Mr. David Lindesay and Mr. Robert Rollock Before their coming the Councell had concluded not to receive the Petitions as was promised and to commit those that did present them yet doubtfull what might be the event thereof it was thought fitter to terrifie them from presenting the same for this effect the Lord Ochiltry was appointed to meet them at the utter gate who drawing Bargenny aside advised him to go back because of the anger which the King had conceived and to meddle no more in that business for the King he said knew he was brought upon it unwillingly and would excuse his part if he went no further Bargenny forthinking his imployment and not knowing how to colour it to his associates the Lord Ochiltry drew them aside and said that he had brought the Laird of Bargenny to the Town for affairs that did neerly touch him and that he did not think to meet with such business at his coming therefore desired them to have his friend excused for that time and seeing they were a number sufficient to doe the errand they might goe to it or if they pleased to delay the same to the next morrow he should be with them They answered that they were alse little foreseen at their coming of those matters as he was and seeing they were all joyned in one Commission if he was the principall did decline it they could doe nothing by themselves and so the businese was left for that night In the morning early the King and Councell departed to Linlithgow leaving a Proclamation which was presently published at the Market Cross of Edinbough of this Tenor. That the King considering the late treasonable uproar moved by certain factious persons of the Ministery of Edinburgh who after they had uttered most seditious speeches in Pulpit did convene a number of Noblemen Barons and others in the little Church and sent some of their number to his Majesty being then in the upper house of Session using him in a most irreverent manner and with speeches ill-beseeming any subject And that a multitude of the Townsmen by perswasion of the said Ministery had treasonably put themselves in Armes intending to bereave his Majesty and his Councell of their lives did think the said Town an unfit place for the ministration of justice and had therefore ordained the Lords of Session the Sheriffs Commissioners and Justice with their severall members and Deputies to remove themselves forth of the Town of Edinburgh and be in readiness to repair unto such places as should be appointed commanding in like sort all Noblemen and Barons to dispatch unto their houses and not to presume to convene either in that or any other place without his Majesties licence under the pain of his Highness displeasure This Proclamation with the Kings suddain departing wrought a great alteration in the mindes of the people They began then to see their errour and lookt heavy one upon another the better sort being in a great perplexity what they should doe called their Councel together but could not resolve what course to take To follow the King and plead for the Town they could not think any of them would be accepted and it being the last day of the week hardly would any others undertake the imployment so as they saw no way but to be quiet till they heard what the King and Councell concluded to doe But the Ministers persisting in their first resolution laboured to have the Noblemen and Barons remain together and to send for others well-affected in Religion who as they thought would joyn in the cause A Bond to this effect was drawn up and subscrived by some few The Councell of the Town excused themselves saying Their good will was known and that they were not to leave their dwellings which made divers keep back their hands Alwaies it was thought meet that the Ministers should write to the Lord Hamilton and the Laird of Bacleugh of whose assistance they held themselves assured intreating them to repair to the Town and countenance the cause as likewise that the rest of the Ministers in the Countrey should be convened as unto a Generall Assembly and desired to bring with them the best
meet in the same place where the dishonor was done unto him and would follow their advice both in the triall and punishment With this answer they were dimitted The last of December which was the day preceding the Convention the King came to Leth and stayed there all night giving order for his entry into the Town the next morning which was in this manner The keys of the Town being delivered to one of the Kings Officers a guard of armed men was placed in the streets and the Citizens being commanded to stay within their houses and forbidden to carry any weapon The Earl of Marre with the Lord Seaton and Ochiltrie had the charge of the Town given them without the admission of the Magistrates and they having disposed all things in the best fashion the King accompanyed with a great train of Nobles entered the Town and riding up the street lighted at the Tolbuith where the Estates were appointed to meet after some generall discourses of the Tumult the King was advised to call the Magistrates and hear what they could say in behalf of the Town Sir Alexander Hume of North-berwick Provost Roger Matmath George Todrick Patrick Cothran and Alexander Hunter Bayliffes with a number of the Town Councell compeiring and falling on their knees after some few words delivered by the Provost did present in writing the offers following That for pacifying his Majesties wrath and satisfying the Lords of Councell they should upon their great oath purge themselves of all foreknowledge and partaking in that seditious Tumult And as already they had made a diligent search to find out the authors so they should not cease till they had brought the triall unto the uttermost point or if his Majesty and Councell doe think any others more fit to take the examination they should willingly resigne their places to such as his Highnes would appoint and assist them at their power And because his Majesty had taken that Tumult to proceed from certain Sermons preached by their Ministers who were now denounced Rebels they should promise never to readmit any of those Ministers unless his Majesty did command otherwise As also that the like should not fall out thereafter the Town should be obliged never to receive any Minister in time coming but by his Majesties advice and approbation and in the election of their Magistrates they should yearly present their lites to his Majesty and the Lords of Session to be allowed or disallowed at their pleasure and propone such others as his Majesty should think more apt and sufficient for the Charge and to that effect should alter the time of their election and make the same on some day of November when the Lords of Session were conveened aâ—d might give their advice thereto They did lastly offer to fulfill whatsoever his Majesty and Councell should think fit to be done in the premises under protestation that they did not take upon them the crime and that it should not be thought to have been committed of their foreknowledge Thus it proved true which Tacitus saith that all conspiracies of the Subjects if they succeed not advance the Soveraignty for by this Tumult was the Kings authority in matters Ecclesiasticall so farre advanced as he received little or no opposition thereafter The offers of the Town howbeit made in great submission were not accepted and counsell given by some Noblemen to raze the Town and erect a Pillar in place thereof for a monument of the insolency committed and the just punishment taken thereof Others were more mild in their opinions but for that time nothing was concluded The Queen of England upon notice sent to her of these broiles did write to the King a letter which for the loving advice it contained I thought meet here to insert My deare brother If arare accident and ill welcomed news had not broken my long silence I had not used now Pen-speech as being carefull of your quiet and mindfull of your safety To omit the expressing of both by letting you know how untimely I take this new begun phrensie that may urge you to take such a course as may bring into opinion the verifying of such a scandall as ye avowed to me to be farre from your thought In this sort I mean it some members of the Church with their companies have over audaciously emboldened themselves to redress some injurious acts that they feared might overthrow their profession which though I grant no King for the manner ought to bear with yet at the instant when the new banished Lords returned and they seen to be winked at without restraint and the spring time going on when promised succour is attend together with many letters from Rome and elsewhere sent abroad to tell the names of men authorized by you as they say though I hope falsly to assure your conformity as time may serve you to establish the dangerous party and fail your own I wail in unfeigned sort that any just cause should be given you to call in doubt so disguised acts and hope that you will so try this cause as that it harm not you though it ruine them Of this you may be sure that if you make your strength of so sandy a foundation as to call to your aid such as be not of your flock when as the one side be foolish rash headstrong and brainsick yet such as may defend you having no sure anchorage for themselves if you fail them and the others who have other props to sustain them though they lack you yea such as though your private love to their persons may inveigle your eyes not to pierce in the depth of their treason yet it is well known that their many petitions for forain aid might have tended to your perill and your Countreys wrack for seldome comes a stranger to a weaker soyl that thralleth not the possessour or indangereth him at least I trust you think no less or else they must justifie themselves to condemne you for without your displeasure not feared for such a fact no answer can shield them from blame Now to utter my folly in seeming busie in anothers affairs I suppose you will not mislike since the source of all is care of your good to desire that nought be done that may embolden the enemy decrease your love and endanger your surety This is in summe the line whereto I tend and God I beseech to direct your heart in such sort as ye please not your worst subjects but make all know in a measure what is fit for them and make difference between errour and malice So God bless you with a true thought of her that means you best Your most affectionate sister ELIZABETH R. This letter was to the Kings mind for albeit he judged the offence great yet it was not his purpose to use rigour but to assure the obedience of the subjects in time coming and make his own advantage of their disorders Therefore in the
Government is committed to me it is not your subject nor are ye to medle with it After such words as these he began to speak of the Articles proponed desiring to hear what reasons they had to the contrary Mr. Thomas Buchannan as he was appointed did first protest in the name of the Assembly That their coming to that place was onely to testifie their obedience to his Majesty and to hear what shall be proponed but not to submit matters Ecclesiastick either concerning doctrine or discipline to their Judicatory or yet to make themselves one Assembly with the Estates and that therefore they should be permitted to return to the place of their Assembly to treat reason and conclude in the points moved unto them according to the word of God and good consciences which protestation was admitted Then he did humbly thank his Majesty for his good affection to the Church and care he had to redress things that were amiss in so peaceable a manner And for the particulars proponed he shewed what was the minde of the Assembly and the reasons that led them unto it saying they were willing to hear and give place to better information Hereupon ensued a reasoning which kept a long time and ended in a good agreementL so the ministers were dimitted and Assembling again in the ordinary place they corrected their first answers in this sort 1 That it is lawfull to his Majesty by himself or his Commissioners or to the Pastors to propone in a generall Assembly whatsoever point his Majesty or they desire to be resolved or reformed in matters of externall government alterable according to circumstances providing it be done in right time and place animo aedificandi non tentandi 2 That no Minister should reprove his Majesties Laws Acts Statutes and Ordinance unto such time as first he hath by the advice of his Presbytery Synodall or generall Assemblies complained and sought remedy of the same from his Majesty and made report of his Majesties answer before any further proceeding 3 That no mans name should be expressed in Pulpit to his rebuke except the fault be notorious and publick which notoriety is thus defined if the person be fugitive convict by Assise excommunicate contumax after citation or lawfull admonition nor yet should any man be descrived vively by any other circumstances then publick vices always damnable 4 That no Minister should use application wherein he hath not a principall respect to the edifying of his own flock and present auditory 5 That every Presbyter take diligent accompt of the Pastors doctrine and that he keep himself within the bounds of his words 6 That the answers of the sixth Article shall be superseded unto the next generall Assembly suspending in the mean time all summary excommunication unto the said Assembly 7 That the seventh Article be remitted to the next Assembly 8 That all summons contain the speciall cause and crime and none to be given out super inquirendis 9 That no conventions shall be amongst the Pastors without his Majesties knowledge and consent except their Sessions Presbyteries and Synods the meetings of the visitations of Churches admission or deprivation of Ministers taking up of deadly fewds and the like which have not been found fault with by his Majesty 10 That in all principall Towns the Ministers shall not be chosen without his Majesties consent and the consent of the flock 11 That all matters concerning remnant questions shall be suspended and neither damned nor rebuked in Pulpit or other Judicatories till they be decided in the generall Assembly and that no matters importing slander shall be called before them in the mean time wherein his Majesties authority is prejudged causes Ecclesiasticall onely excepted Lastly for reasoning the said questions according to his Majesties desire the Assembly did ordain Mr. Iames Nicolson Mr. Iohn Coldelewch Mr. Andrew Clayhills Mr. Thomas Buchannan Mr. David Lindsey Mr. Iames Melvill Mr. Robert Wilky Mr. William Cowper Mr. Iohn Cowper Mr. Robert Rollock Mr. Patrick Galloway Mr. Robert Howy Iohn Duncanson and Mr. Iames Bryson to convene at such time and place as his MaJestie should be pleased to appoint and to report their opinion and advice to the next generall Assembly These conclusions taken which for a beginning did satisfie the King a Commission was also given at his Majesties desire to the Ministers of Aberdene and Murray with some others of Mernis and Angus for reconciling the Popish Lords The conditions required of Huntley to be fulfilled before his absolution were 1 That he should appear before the Commissioners appointed by the Assembly the 22 of March at Aberdene and remain in that City during the time of their conference with him to the effect he might be instructed in the truth and brought to condescend with knowledge unto the religion professed and to the detestation of the contrary 2 That he should acknowledge the Church of Scotland to be a true Church and adjoyn himself thereto hear the Word receive the Sacraments and be obedient to the discipline thereof 3 That he should solemnly promise to remove forth of his company and from the bounds that were under his power all Jesuits Priests and excommunicate persons 4 That he swear and subscribe the confession of the faith in presence of the whole Commissioners 5 That he acknowledge the sentence of excommunication to have been justly pronounced against him for his apostasie from the truth the slaughter of the Earl of Murray and burning of Dumbrissill and that he declare himself penitent therefore promising asfithment to the partie whensoever he should be moved to accept the same 6 That he provide sufficient maintenance to the Churches within his bounds by the advice of his best advised friends and have an ordinary Minister to reside with him in his family And lastly that he be content to reconcile with all that he is esteemed to carry any grudge unto and profess no quarrell to any of those that assisted the King in his pursuit The like conditions were required of Angus and Arroll that which concerned the Earl of Murray only excepted All matters being thus peaceably accorded the King caused publish the good agreement he had made with the Church taking in his protection the Ministers with their families goods and possessions and charging all Papists those excepted that were in tearms of satisfaction to depart forth of the Countrey before the first of Iune The Assembly finding the King so well pleased made bold to intercede for the Ministers the Town of Edinburgh and the Gentlemen that were challenged for the tumult For the Town his Majesty answered that he was not minded to trouble innocent men and should shortly settle with them Touching the Gentlemen he said they should doe well to present their supplications by their friends But for the Ministers he esteemed them most guilty and knew not what course to take with them It being replyed that by the examinations taken
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
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
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
to the Parliament of Scotland for the making of their shipping more proportionable in burthen to the shipping of England the better to serve for equality of trade and a common defence for the whole Isle And because it is requisite that the mutuall communication aforesaid be not only extended to matter of commerce but to all other benefits and priviledges of naturall born subjects it is agreed that an Act be proponed to be passed in manner following That all the subjects of both realms born since the decease of the late Queen and that shall be born hereafter under the obedience of his Majesty and of his Royall Progeny are by the Common laws of both realms and shall be for ever enabled to obtain succeed inherite and possess all goods lands and cattels honours dignities offices liberties priviledges and benefices Ecclesiasticall or Civill in Parliament and all other places of the kingdomes every one of the same in all respects and without any exception whatsoever as fully and amply as the subjects of either realm respectively might have done or may do in any sort within the kingdom where they are born Further whereas his Majesty out of his great judgement and providence hath not onely professed in publick and private speech to the Nobility and Councell of both but hath also vouchsafed to be contented that for a more full satisfaction and comfort of all his loving subjects it may be comprised in the said Act that his Majesty meaneth not to confer any office of the Crown any office of Judicature place voice or office in Parlâ—ament of either kingdome upon the subjects of the other born before the decease of the late Queen untill time and conversation have encreased accomplished an union of the said kingdomes as well in the hearts of all the people and in the conformity of laws and policies in these kingdoms as in the knowledge and sufficiency of particular men who being untimely imployed in such authorities could no way be able much less acceptable to discharge such duties belonging to them It is therefore resolved by us the Commissioners aforesaid not onely in regard of our desires and endevours to further the speedy conclusion of this happy work intended but also as a testimony of our love and thankfulness for his gracious promise on whose sincerity and benignity we build our full assurance even according to the inward sense and feeling of our own loyall and hearty affections to obey and please him in all things worthy the subjects of so worthy a Soveraign that it shall be desired of both the Parliaments to be enacted by their authority that all the subjects of both realmes born before the decease of the late Queen may be enabled and capable to acquire purchase inherit succeed use and dispose of all lands goods inheritances offices honours dignities liberties priviledges immunities benefices and preferments whatsoever each subject in either kingdome with the same freedome and as lawfully and peaceably as the very naturall and born subjects of either realm where the said rights estates or profits are established notwithstanding whatsoever law statute or former constitutions heretofore in force to the contrary other â—en to acquire possess succeed or inherit any office of the Crown office of Judicatory or any voice place or office in Parliament all which shall remain free from being claimed held or enjoyed by the subjects with the one kingdome within the other born before the decease of the late Queen notwithstanding any words sense or interception of the Act or any circumstance thereupon depending until there be such a perfect and full accomplishment of the union as is desired mutually by both the realms In all which points of reservation either in recitall of the words of his Majesties sacred promise or in any clause or sentence before specified from enabling them to any of the aforesaid places or dignities it hath been and ever shall be so far from the thoughts of any of us to presume to alter or impair his Majesties Prerogative royall who contrarywise do all with comfort and confidence depend herein upon the gracious assurance which his Majesty is pleased to give in the declaration of his so just and Princely care and favour to all his people as for a further laying open of our clear and dutifull intentions towards his Majesty in this and in all things else which may concern his prerogative we do also herein profess and declare that we think it fit there be inserted in the Act to be proponed and passed in express terms a sufficient reservation of his Majesties Prerogative royall to denizate enable and preferre to such offices honours dignities and benefices whatsoever in both the said kingdomes and either of them as are heretofore excepted in the preceding reservation of all English and Scottish subjects born before the decease of the late Queen as freely soveraignly and absolutely as any of his Majesties most noble progenitors or predecessors Kings of England or Scotland might have done at any time heretofore and to all other intents and purposes in as ample manner as no such Act had ever been thought of or mentioned And for as much as the severall jurisdictions and administrations of either realm may be abused by malefactors by their own impunity if they shall commit any offence in the one realm and afterwards remove their person and aboad unto the other It is agreed that there may be some fit course advised of by the wisdomes of the Parliaments for tryall and proceeding against the persons of offenders remaining in the one realm for and concerning the crimes and faults committed in the other realm And yet nevertheless that it may be lawfull for the Justice of the realm where the fact is committed to remand the offendor remaining in the other realm to be answerable unto justice in the same realm where the fact was committed and that upon such remand made the offender shall be accordingly delivered and all further proceeding if any be in the other realm shall cease so as it may be done without prejudice to his Majesty or other Lords in their Escheats and forfeitures with provision nevertheless that this be not thought necessary to be made for all criminall offences but in speciall cases onely as namely in the cases of wilfull murther falsifying of moneys and forging of Deeds Instruments and writings and such other like cases as upon further advice in the said Parliaments may be thought fit to be added These were the Articles agreed upon which written in their severall scrolls of Parchment were subscribed and sealed at Westminster the sixth of December by the Commissioners of both Parliaments and one thereof presented the same evening to his Majesty by the Earl of Salisbury who in name of the whole number there present having shewed what pains they had taken in that business and how after many conferences they were grown to the resolution contained in that scroll
Forbes Mr. Nathaniel English Mr. Charles Farum Mr. Iames Irwyn Mr. Iohn Sharp Mr. Robert Dury Mr. Iohn Rosse and Mr. Robert Youngson The last of these was one that had acknowledged his offence and craved pardon yet at this Diet compeired with these others professing That he was troubled in conscience for the confession he had made and that he would now take part with the brethren who stood to the defence of the good cause as he termed it The Councell repelling the Declinatour declared the Assembly to have been unlawfull and those that met in the same contrary to his Majesties command punishable But because they had added to their former fault the crime of Treason it was thought meet to deferre the Censure till the King should be acquainted therewith and his pleasure known No sooner was his Majesty advertised of the Declinatour then direction was sent to the Councell for proceeding against them according to the laws whereupon the six that were imprisoned in Blacknesse that is to say Mr. Iohn Forbes Mr. Iohn Welch Mr. Andrew Duncan Mr. Iohn Sharp Mr. Robert Dury and Mr. Alexander Straghan were upon the tenth of Ianuary thereafter brought to the Town of Linlithgow and presented upon Pannell before the Justice who was assisted by a number of Noblemen and others of the Privie Councell The Indictment made which was grounded upon the Statute of Parliament holden in May 1584. touching his Majesties Royall Power over all Estates and the presumptuous fact committed by them in declining the judgment of the Councel Certain of their brethren did supplicate the Justice for licence to conferre with them apart that they might perswade them to an humble submission and acknowledgment of their offence This obtained they were most earnestly dealt with as well by their Brethren as by the Advocates that came to plead for them to relinquish their wilfulness and not to exasperate the King by standing to the defence of their Declinatour but no perswasions could avail So returning to the Barre they were desired to answer and shew a reason if any they had why the matter should not passe the triall of a Jury The Advocates that stayed with them for the two principalls refused to plead because of their obstinacy excepting against the Indictment said that the Statute 1592. Whereby it was declared That the Act made against declining of the Councells judgment should not derogate any thing from the priviledges which God had given to the spirituall office-bearers in the Church concerning heads of Religion in matters of heresie collation and deprivation of Ministers or any such essentiall censures having warrant of the word of God and that thereupon inferred that their meeting at the time libelled in Aberdene being an essentiall censure warranted by Gods word they might lawfully have declined the Councells judgment from taking cognition therein It was answered by his Majesties Advocate That the exception was naught because the keeping of an Assembly at a certain time and place and the appointing of another contrary to his Majesties direction and the charge of the Councell was neither a head of Religion nor matter of heresie nor excommunication nor an essentiall censure and so being no waies comprehended under that limitation their declining of the Councell when as they were called to answer for the keeping of that Conventicle in the Town of Aberdene must of necessity come under the generality of the Statâ—te 1584 and bring them under the punishment of Treason The matter after some dispute being put to triall of an Assise all the six were found guilty of Treason and returned to their severall prisons till his Majesties pleasure concerning their punishment should be certified what this was in the story of the next year shall be declared Mean while a Proclamation went out discharging all the subjects of what rank place calling function or condition soever either in publick or private to call in question his Majesties authority Royall or the lawfulness of the proceeding against the said Ministers or to make any other construction of the Statute concerning the declining of his Majesties and the Councells judgment then made in that decision of the Justice with certification of those that contravened that they should be called and severely punished as seditious persons and wilfull contemners of his Majesties most just and lawfull government Before these stirres in the Church a Convention of the Estates was kept the sixth of Iune at Edinburgh where a Letter was presented by his Majesty to the Estates full of affection The Letter was to this effect That his Majesties love being nothing diminished through his absence towards that his native and antient Kingdome he did wish them to contend in a laudable emulation who should live most vertuously and be most obedient to the laws That the Nobility should give assistance to the execution of justice and be in all things a good ensample to their inferiours The Barons should set themselves to procure the good of the Kingdome And the Burgesses apply their mindes to the increase of trade especially the trade of fishing which had been long neglected and to the working of cloth that had made their neighbour Countrey so famous To them all be recommended the rooting forth of barbarity the planting of Colonies in the Isles and peopling the same with civil and industrious persons assuring them that they so behaving themselves their liberty should be as dear to him as either his life or estate This was the substance of the Letter which the Chancellour having resumed and thereunto added many perswasions for the following of those wholsome and profitable counsells the Estates did expresse a great forwardness that way and after a long deliberation condescended upon divers good Acts which if they had been all carefully put in practise as they were wisely devised the Kingdome had long before this time tried the benefit thereof Amongst other directions the removing of the barbarous fewds was recommended to the Councell whereof they were desired to make a Roll and urge the parties to reconcile and if they refused then to assure them to the peace and commit them to ward till the same was secured And whereas the custome had been to cause parties assure one another the King did prohibit the same as a thing dishonourable and arguing too great presumption in the subject seeing the Law should be to every man a sufficient assurance The Councell reverencing his Majesties direction did ordain that course from thenceforth to be observed and all assurances to be taken for the peace thereafter and not of one party to another Beginning being made with the Lord Maxwell and the Lord of Iohnston they were moved to joyn hands and reconcile in presence of the Councell This Summer the enterprise of the Lewes was again set on foot by Robert Lummisdale of Ardrie and Sir George Hay of Netherliffe to whom some of the first undertakers had made over
Majesties use as being convicted of the foresaid treasonable crimes His life upon the Queens intercession was spared and he returned to his prison in Falkland where he abode some moneths being thereafter licensed to go unto his house in Balmerinoch he dyed as was thought of grief and sorrow A man of abilities sufficient for the places he injoyed in Session and Councell but one that made small conscience of his doings and measured all things according to the gain he made by them The possessions he acquired of the Church kept him still an enemy unto it for he feared a restitution should be made of those livings if ever the Clergy did attain unto credit Not long before he fell in his trouble the King had imployed him to deal with the Lords of Session among whom he carried a great sway for restoring the Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction to the Bishops but he taking ways that he thought should not have been perceived to disappoint the errand drew upon himself the Kings displeasure and fared nothing the better because of his miscarriage in that business when this occasion was offered It is not for those that serve Princes and are trusted by them in the greatest affairs to deal deceitfully with their Masters for seldome have any taken that course and have not in the end found the smart thereof A Parliament was this year kept at Edinburgh the 24 of Iune the Earl Marshall being Commissioner for the King wherein the Acts concluded in the preceding convention were ratified the jurisdiction of Commissaries restored to the Church the Justices of peace commanded to be setled in every shire and a Statute made for the Apparell of Iudges Magistrates and Churchmen which were all remitted to his Majesties appointment Patterns accordingly were sent from London not long after for the apparell of the Lords of Sessions the Justice other inferiour Judges for Advocates Lawyers Commissars and all that lived by practise of law and command given to every one whom the Statutes concerned to provide themselves of the habits prescribed within a certain space under the pain of Rebellion Such was the Kings care to have those who were in publick charge held in due respect and dignosced whither soever they came The King by his Letters was now daily urging the Bishops to take upon them the administration of all Church affairs and they unwilling to make any change without the knowledge and approbation of the Ministers an assembly to this effect was appointed to hold at Glasgow the 6 of Iune The Earl of Dunbar Sir Iohn Preston President of the Session and Sir Alexander Hay Secretary which two had succeeded to Balmerinoch his places being Commissioners for the King the Archbishop of Glasgow was elected to preside There a Proposition was made by the Commissioners of certain point of Discipline which his Majesty craved to be determined That all things might be done thereafter orderly in the Church and with that consent and harmony which was fitting among preachers Some three daies being spent in reasoning at last the conclusions following were enacted 1 The Assembly did acknowledge the indiction of all such generall Assemblies of the Church to belong to his Majesty by the prerogative of his Crown and all convocations in that kind without his licence to be meerly unlawfull condemning the conventicle of Aberdene made in the year 1605 as having no warrant from his Majesty and contrary to the prohibition he had given 2 That Synods should be kept in every Dioces twice in the year viz. in Aprill and October and be moderated by the Archbishop or Bishop of the Dioces or where the Dioceses are so large as all the Ministers cannot conveniently assemble at one place that there be one or moe had and in the Bishops absence the place of Moderation supplied by the most worthy Minister having charge in the bounds such as the Archbishop or Bishop shall appoint 3 That no sentence of excommunication or absolution from the same be pronounced against or in favour of any person without the knowledge and approbation of the Bishop of the Dioces who must be answerable unto God and his Majesty for the formall and unpartiall proceeding thereof And the process being found formall that the sentence be pronounced at the Bishops direction by the Minister of the Parish where the offender hath his dwelling and the process did first begin 4 That all presentations in time coming be directed to the Archbishop or Bishop of the Dioces within which the Benefice that is void lieth with power to the Archbishop or Bishop to dispone or conferre the Benefices that are void within the Dioces after the lapse Iure devoluto 5 That in the deposition of Ministers upon any occasion the Bishop do associate to himself some of the Ministers within the bounds where the delinquent serveth and after just triall of the fact and merit of it pronounce the sentence of deprivation The like order to be observed in the suspension of Ministers from the exercise of their function 6 That every Minister at his admission swear obedience to his Majesty and to his Ordinary according to the form agreed upon Anno 1571. 7 The visitations of the Dioces be made by the Bishop himself and if the bounds be greater then he can well undertake by such a worthy man of the Minsterie within the Diocese as he shall choose to visit in his place And whatsoever Minister without just cause or lawfull excuse shall absent himself from the visitation or Diocesan assembly be suspended from his Office and Benefice and if he doe not amend deprived 8 That the convention of Ministers for exercise be moderated by the Bishop being present and in his absence by any Minister that he shall nominate in his Synod 9 And last it was ordained that no Minister should speak against any of the foresaid conclusions in publick nor dispute the question of equality or inequality of Ministery as tending only to the intertainment of Schisme in the Church and violation of the peace thereof These conclusions taken it was complained in behalf of the Moderators of Presbyteries who had served since the yeare 1606. That notwithstanding of their promise made at their accepting of the Charge they had received no payment at all of the stipend allowed Which the Earl of Dunbarre excused by his absence forth of the Countrey affirming That unto that time there was never any motion made thereof to him and that before the dissolving of that Assembly he should cause satisfaction to be given to them for the time past declaring withall That seeing order was taken for the moderation of Presbyteries in time coming his Majesties Thesaurer should not be any further burthened with that paiment The Ministers therein remiting themselves to his Majesties good pleasure gave his Lordship thanks for that he had offered which he did also see performed som five thousand pounds Scots being distributed by the Thesaurers servants among those that
that he would not utter any thing that might work prejudice to others nor could he be induced either by perswasion or threatning to detect the persons with whom he had resorted The Commissioners offending at his obstinacy and meaning to extort a confession from him advised to keep him some nights from sleep and this indeed wrought somewhat with him so as he began to discover certain particulars but how soon he was permitted to take any rest he denied all and was as obstinate in denying as at first His Majesty being certified that without torture nothing would be drawn from him made answer That he would not have those forms used with men of his profession and if nothing could be found but that he was a Iesuit and had said Mass they should banish him the Countrey and inhibâ—t him to return without licence under pain of death Bâ—t if it should appear that he had been a practiser for the stirring up of subjects to Rebellion or did maintain the Popes transcendent power over Kings and refusâ—d to take the Oath of Allegeance they should leave him to the course of law and justice mean while his pleasure was that the questions following should be moved unto him and his answers there to required 1 Whether the Pope be Judge and hath power in spiritualibus in over his Majesty and whether that power will reach over his Majesty in tempor alibus if it be in ordine ad spiritualia as Bellarmine affirmeth 2 Whether the Pope hath power to excommunicate Kings especially such as are not of his Church as his Majesty 3 Whether the Pope hath power to depose Kings by him excommunicated and in particular whether he hath power to depose the Kings Majesty 4 Whether it be no murther to slay his Majesty being so excommunicated and deposed by the Pope 5 Whether the Pope hath power to assoile subjects from the oath of their born and native allegeance to his Majesty These Questions were sent inclosed in a Letter to the Archbishop of Glasgow who assuming to himself the Provost of the City the Principall of the Colledge and one of the Ministers as Witnesses did in their hearing read the Questions and receive his Answer which he gave under his hand as followeth I acknowledge the Pope of Rome to be Iudge unto his Majesty and to have power over him in spiritualibus and over all Christian Kings But where it is askt whether that power will reach over him in temporalibus I am not obliged to declare my opinion therein except to him that is Iudge in Controversies of Religion to wit the Pope or one having authority from him For the second point I think that the Pope hath power to excommunicate the King and where it is said that the King is not of the Popes Church I answer that all who are baptized are under the Popes power To the third where it is askt if the Pope hath power to depose the King being excommunicate I say that I am not tied to declare my minde except to him that is Iudge in controversies of Religion To the fourth and fifth I answer ut supra Being reasoned with a long time and the danger exponed wherein he did cast himself by maintaining such treasonable opinions he answered That he would not change his minde for any danger that could befall him and speaking of the Oath of Allegeance that it was a damnable Oath and treason against God to swear it Some daies being allowed him to bethink himself better of these points When as no advice could prevail and answers were sent to his Majesty subscribed by himself and therewith a testification of such as were present at the giving thereof Hereupon the Councell was commanded to passe a Commission to the Provost and Bayliffs of Glasgow for putting him to a triall there were assisting Iames Marquis of Hamilton Robert Earl of Lothian William Lord Sanqhar Iohn Lord Fleming and Robert Lord Boyd Some daies before he was brought to the Barre it was told him That he was not to be charged with saying of Masse nor anything that concerned his profession but only with the Answers made to the Questions proponed which if he should recall there being yet place to repentance the triall should be suspended till his Majesty were of new advertised His reply was That he did so little minde to recall any thing he had spoken as when he should be brought to his answer he should put a bonnet on it And this indeed he performed for when he was placed on pannell and the Indictment read which was grounded all upon the Acts of Parliament made against those that declined his Majesties authority or maintained any other Jurisdiction within the Realm and upon answer made to the above-written demands subscribed with his hand he brake forth in these speeches Under protestation that I doe no way acknowledge this judgment nor receive you that are named in that Commission for my Judges I deny any point laid against me to be treason for if it were treason it would be such in all places and all Kingdomes which you know not to be so As to your Acts of Parliament they were made by a number of partiall men and of matters not subject to their forum or judicatory for which I will not give a rotten figge And where I am said to be an enemy to the Kings authority I know not what authority he hath but what he received from his predecessors who acknowledged the Pope of Rome his jurisdiction If the King will be to me as his predecessors were to mine I will obey and acknowledge him for my King but if he doe otherwise and play the runnagate from God as he and you all doe I will not acknowledge him more then this old hat At these words being interrupted and commanded to speak more reverently of his Majesty he said That he should take the advertisement and not offend but the judgment he would not acknowledge And for the reverence I doe you to stand uncovered I let you know it is ad redemptionem vexationis not ad agnitionem Iudicii The persons cited upon the Jury being then called and he desired to shew if he would except against them said That he had but one exception against them all which was that either they were enemies to his cause or friends if enemies they could not sit upon his triall and if friends they ought to assist him at the Bar. Only he should wish the Gentlemen to consider well what they did and that he could not be judged by them That whatsoever he suffered was by way of injury and not of judgement and that he was accused of treason but had not committed any offence nor could he beg mercy And proceeding in this strain I am said he a subject as free as the King is a King I came by commandement of my Superior into this kingdome and if I were even now forth of it
forward to God which I for my part doe hope and firmly believe that you all will endevour according to the wisdome and prudence which Almighty God hath given unto you And thus as your Lordship hath ever been desirous that I should give you the best assistance I could with his Majesty for the reducing or restraining this Nobleman so you see I have done it with the best discretion I could which I doubt not but all our brethren with you will take as proceeding from my desire to serve God and his Majesty and the whole Church of Scotland I send you herewith the form which I used in absolving the Lord Marquiss in the presence of the Lord Primate of Ireland the Lord Bishop of London and divers others And so beseeching the blessing of God upon you all that in your Assembly with unity of spirit you may proceed to the honour of Christ and to the beating down of Antichrist and Popery I leave you to the Almighty From my house at Croyden Iuly 23. 1616. This letter being shewed to the Clergy and others that were offended with the absolution of the Marquiss gave them content yet was it resolved that the Marquiss who then was returned from Court should present a supplication to the generall Assembly which was to meet at Aberdene the 13 of August acknowledging his offence not despising the admonitions of the Church and promising to continue in the profession of the truth and make his children to be educated in the same and that upon his supplication he should be new absolved according to the form used in the Church of Scotland This was very solemnly performed the first day of the Assembly the earl of Montrose being then Commissioner for his Majesty In the Assembly it was ordained That for as much as his Majesty had by Proclamation recalled such as were gone forth of the Countrey to be educated in the Colledges of Jesuits or other Popish Universities within the space of a year upon pain to be declared uncapable of succession either to goods or lands a triall and exact search should be made of all those that were sent or gone into forain parts within these last ten years and that every Minister should send a particular note unto his Ordinary of those within his Parish that were gone to follow their studies in places abroad with their age profession and families whereunto they appertained to the end they may be known and the dangers prevented wherewith their corrupt education did threaten the Church It was likewise enacted That no man should be permitted to practise or profess any Physick unless he had first satisfied the Bishop of the Dioces touching his religion That a Liturgie or book of Common prayer should be formed for the use of the Church That the Acts of the generall Assemblies should be collected and put in form to serve for Canons to the Church in their Ministration of discipline That children should be carefully catechised and confirmed by the Bishops or in their absence by such as were employed in the visitation of Churches That Grammar Schooles should be established in all Parishes where the same might be conveniently done And that a Register should be kept of baptismes marriages and burialls by the Minister of every Parish These Acts being put in form were ordained to be presented to his Majesty by the Archbishop of Glasgow and Bishop of Rosse who were sent from the Assembly to intreat his Majesties confirmation of the thing concluded By the answer returned with them his Majesties good liking of all that had proceeded in the Assembly was understood only against the Act of confirming young children by Bishops he excepted saying it was a meer hotch potch and not so cleer as was requisite and therefore directed the same to be reformed and among the Canons of the Church the Articles following to be inserted First That for the more reverend receiving of the holy Communion the same should be celebrated to the people thereafter kneeling and not sitting as had been the custome since the reformation of Religion 2 If any good Christian visited with sickness which was taken to be deadly should desire to receive the Communion at home in his house the same should not be denied to him lawfull warning being given to the Minister the night before and three or four of good Religion and conversation being present to communicate with the sick person who must provide for a convenient place and all things necessary for the reverent administration of the blessed Sacrament 3 That the Sacrament of Baptisme should not be longer deferred then the next Sunday after the child is born unless some great and reasonable cause declared and approved by the Minister doe require the same And that in the case of necessity tried and known to the Minister it should be lawfull to administrate Baptisme in private houses the same being alwaies ministred after the form it would have been in the congregation and publick declaration thereof made the next Sunday in the Church to the end the child might be known to have been received into the flock of Christs fold 4 Seeing the inestimable benefits received from God by our Lord Iesus Christ his birth passion resurrection ascension and sending down of the Holy Ghost have been commendably remembred at certain particular dayes and times by the whole Church of the World every Minister from thenceforth should keep a commemoration of the said benefits upon these days and make choice of severall and pertinent texts of Scripture and frame their doctrines and exhortations thereto rebuking all superstitious observation and licentious profaning of the said times 5 The Act of confirmation of Children his Majesty desired to be reformed in this manner Seeing the confirmation of Children is for the good education of youth most necessary being reduced to the Primitive integrity It is thought good that the Minister in every Parish shall catechise all young children of eight years of age and see that they have knowledge and be able to rehearse the Lords prayer the Belief and ten Commandments with answers to the questions of the small Catechisme used in the Church and that the Bishops in their visitations shall cause the Children be presented before them and bless them with prayer for the encrease of Grace and continuance of God his heavenly gifts with them The difficulty of admitting these Articles being represented in an humble letter to his Majesty by the Archbishop of S. Andrews and a reason given why the same could not be inserted with the Canons as having at no time been mentioned to the Church nor proponed in any of their meetings he was pleased to forbear the pressing of the same for that time thinking at his coming into Scotland which he intended the next Summer to satisfie such as were scrupulous and to obtain the Churches consent Shortly after a letter was sent to the Councel To assure them of the
But agreeth with the Iewes 13 Augustine the Monk endevoureth to perswade the Saxons in Britain to observe Easter according to the Roman account but they refuse 12 A dispute held in England in Yorkshire concerning the computation of Easter between a Scottishman a Bishop and the abettors of the Roman Church 15 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury with the content of the Church of Scotland 527 The tryall of the Earl of Somerset 525 The Earl of Essex his death and the cause 463 Edinburgh Castle surrendred by the Queens party 271 The Town having maintained tumults against the King submit themselves 432 Elizabeth Queen of England is styled an Atheist by the Ministers of Scotland in their sermons 419 423 The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palsgrave 19 Excommunication of persons of capitall crimes if they are fugitives forbidden 517 A Member of the Scottish Church excommunicated is absolved by the Archbishop of Canterbury to the content of the Scottish Ministers 527 F FAst one fasteth fourty daies without any the least kinde of food another time thirty daies 69 Francis II of France husband to Mary Stewart Queen of Scots dâ—eth 69 H PRince Henry baptized 406 His death 510 The death of Iames Marquiss of Hamilton 546 I IReland Patrick a Scot converteth that Nation 8 Ignorance Some Priests so ignorant as that they thought the New Testament written by Luther 76 Iames VI. born 196 Baptized according to the rites of the Roman Church 197 His Father attempted by poyson ibid. His Father murthered by Bothwell 200 Crowned in the Church of Striveling being thirteen moneths old Some Lords rebel against him at Edinb 287 He is offended at some proceedings of the Church and does not favour them much 308 Surprised by a combination of Nobles and sequestred from the Duke of Lennox 321 Temporiseth with the Church 322 He appointeth a feast for the entertainment of the French Ambassador the Ministers to cross him on the same day appoint a fast 322 A promise made in time of restraint he judgeth not obliging 327 He giveth clear testimony of the care of the Church 347 A letter written by Walsingham to perswade the King to pass by the revenge of his Mothers death 359 An offer made by an English Ambassador and accordingly done to bring a Declaration signed by all the Judges in England to shew that the sentence against his Mother did not invalidate his right 365 Married to the King of Denmarks daughter 377 Goeth in person to Norway 377 Giveth directions for government in his absence 378 Bringeth his Queen to Scotland 380 Bothwells plot to surprise him discovered and prevented 386 He is surprised by Bothwell 394 He writeth an Epitaph on the death of his Chancellour 411 His just complaint against the petulancy of Churchmen 419 Publisheth his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 455 Gowry's conspiracy against him 457 A letter written to him from the Councel and Nobility of England 473 Crowned at Westminster 478 He would never hang Priests of the Roman profession onely for their Religion 523 He foretelleth his own death therefore not likely to be poisoned 546 He died of an Hemitritaea a disease very dangerous for the aged 546 A Witch had not power to kill him 383 K KIngs Iohn Knox his opinion concerning deposing them for ill-government 137 Reasons why they are not to be punished by their Subjects ibid. The Scots cannot resolve to arraign their Queen 214 The Assembly of the Church protest against the Kings judging in Causes Ecclesiastical the Councel of State reject their Protestation 318 A Minister of Scotland affirmeth in his Sermon that it is lawful for Subjects to take arms against their King 430 Rebellion of the Subjects if they succeed not advance the Soveraignty 432 Conspiracies against Princes not thought true unless they are slain 460 Colman a Scottish Bishop disswadeth the Nobility of Scotland from deposing their King 19 Knox his death 266 Proved that he was not the Author of the book published in his name under the title of the History of Scotland 267 A form of Church policy drawn up by him 152. L LAws Malcolm repealeth that wicked Law of Eugenius III which appointed the first night of the new married woman to belong to the Lord of the ground 29 Lollards Articles of Religion taught by them 61 The Earl of Lennox Grandfather to Iames VI and Regent slain in fight 256 The Lord Aubigny Earl and after Duke of Lennox embraceth the Protestant faith 308 He dieth in the Protestant Religion 324 M JOhn Maior Hector Boeth Gilbert Crab William Gregory learned men lived in Scotland A. D. 1539. 68 The Earl of Murray Regent of Scotland murthered 233 Earl of Marre Regent of Scotland dieth a natural death 264 The Earl of Morton then Regent his covetousness and sacrilege 271 Executed upon suspicion that he consented to the murther of the Father of Iames VI 314 Rabanus Maurus born in Scotland 22 O OAths The Catholicks are dispensed from Rome to profess or swear against their Religion so as in minde they continued firm and laboured secretly in promoting the Roman faith 308 Ordination One Bruce being to be made Minister of a Parish in Edinburgh refuseth Ordination 451 Had preached many years before without Ordination ibid. Ordination by Presbyters in case of necessity that it is lawful 514 The death of Sir Thomas Overbury 514 P PRiests called Culdees and why 4 Pope his league not suffered to enter into Scotland 43 The Clergy will acknowledge no Statute imposed upon them by the Legate 45 A Collection demanded by the Pope denied and the Legate not permitted to enter the Realm ibid. VRbane IV. ordained that every Bishop and Abbat elect of Scotland should travail to Rome for consecration 46 A Councel held at Lyons by the Pope the Acts thereof ibid. The King of Scotland refuseth to stand to the Popes judgement 50 One thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of Rome and are all slain 12 Prayer A great question arose among the Churchmen whether the Pater noster were to be said to the Saints or God only Protestants the Queen Regent Dowager of Iames V. dieth in the faith of Protestants 146 The Queen of England contriveth a counter-league against the Holy league made in France for the extirpation of Protestants 389 The Articles of that League 349 Election of Ministers by the People discharged by authority in Scotland 545 The same Portent interpreted to contrary significations 542 Presbyters excluded from intermedling with the making of Ecclesiastical laws in Scotland 531 Ordination by them in case of necessity is lawfull 514 The marriage of the Palsgrave with the Lady Elizabeth 519 The history of the Powder-treason 491 This conspiracy carried on in secrecy a whole year 492 R ROme one thousand two hundred Monks refuse to receive the rites of the Roman Church and are all slain 12 A ploâ—to reintroduce the Roman religion 390
523 45 Iohn Spotswood 524 Bishops of Dunkeld 1 Gregorius 98 2 Richard 3 Cormacus 4 Walter de Bidden 5 Iohn Scot 6 Richard Provand 99 7 Iohn Leicester 8 Hugo de Sigillo 9 Mathew 10 Gilbert 11 Galfrid Liverance 12 Richard 13 Richard of Innerkithing 14 Robert Sutevile 15 Matthew 16 William Sinclare 17 Duncan 18 Michael of Monimusk 100 19 Iohn Peblis 20 Robert Carden 21 Donald Machnachtan 22 Iames Kennedy 23 Alexander Lawder 24 Iames Bruce 25 Iohn Ralston 26 Thomas Lawder 27 Iames Levingston 28 George Brown 29 Gawan Douglas 30 George Creighton 31 Robert Creighton 32 Iames Paton Bishops of Aberdene 1 Beanus 101 2 Donortius 3 Cormachus 4 Nectanus 5 Edward 6 Matth. Kinninmouth 102 7 Iohn 8 Adam 9 Gilbert Striveling 10 Radolph 11 Peter Ramsay 12 Richard Pottock 13 Hugh Benham 14 Henry Cheyn 15 Alexander Kinninmouth 16 William Deyn 103 17 Iohn Raith 18 Alexander Kinninmouth 19 Adam Cunningham 20 Gilbert Grindaw 104 1 Henrey Leighton 22 Ingram Lindesay 3 Thomas Spence 24 Robert Blaicaster 105 25 William Elphingston 6 Alexander Gordon 106 27 Gawan Dumbar 28 William Stewart 29 William Gordon 107 30 David Cunningham 406 Bishops of Murray 1 William 107 2 Simon 3 Richard 4 Bricius 5 Andrew 6 Simon 7 Archibald 8 David Murray 9 Iohn Pilmore 10 Alexander Barre 11 William Spinie 12 Iohn Innes 13 Henry Lichton 14 Columba Dumbar 15 Iohn Winchester 16 Iames Stewart 17 David Stewart 18 William Telloch 108 19 Andrew Stewart 20 Andrew Forman 21 Iames Hepburn 22 Robert Shaw 23 Alexander Stewart 24 Patrick Hepburn Bishops of Brichen 1 Edwardus al. Vrwardus 108 2 Turpinus 3 Rodolphus 4 Hugo 5 Gregorius 6 Albinus 7 William Dean of Brichen 108 8 Iohn 9 Adam 10 Patrick 11 Steven 12 Walter Forrester 13 Iohn 14 George Shoreswood 15 Iohn 16 William Meldrum 17 Iohn Hepburn 18 ... Sinclare 19 Andrew Lamb 549 20 David Lindesay ibid. Bishops of Dumblane 1 Ionathan 108 2 Simon 109 3 Abraham 4 Gulielmus de Bosco 5 Osbert 6 Clemens 7 Robert 8 Alpin 9 Nicolaus 10 Maurice 11 William 12 Walter Cambuslang 13 Finlaw al. Dormoch 14 William Stephen 15 Michael Ochiltrie 16 Robert Lawder 17 Iohn Hepburn 109 18 Iames Chisholme 19 William Chisholme 20 Andrew Ghram 261 21 Adam Ballendene 524 Bishops of Rosse 1 Gregorius 109 2 Reynaldus 110 3 Andrew Murray 4 Robert 5 Matthew 6 Thomas Dundy 7 Roger 8 Alexander 9 Thomas Vrwhart 10 Alexander Kilbuines 11 William Bulloch 12 Thomas Tullich 13 Henry Cockburn 14 Iames Woodman 15 Thomas Hay 16 Iohn Guthry 17 Iohn Fraser 18 Robert Cockburn 19 William Elphingston 20 Iames Hay 21 Robert Carncrosse 22 David Panter 23 Henry Sinclare 110 24 Iohn Lesley 15 David Lindesay 442 Bishops of Cathnes 1 Darrus 110 2 Andrew 3 Iohn 4 Adam 111 5 Gilbert Murrary son to the Lord of Duffus 6 William 7 Walter 8 Archibald 9 Andrew 10 Ferqhard 11 David 12 Thomas Fingask 13 Alexander 14 Malcolm 15 Robert Strackbock 16 Iohn Innes 17 William Mudie This See was vacant 24 years Adam Gordon governed it in that interval 18 Andrew Stewart 19 Robert Stewart brother to Matthew Earl of Lennox 20 George Gladstaves 456 Bishops of Orkney 1 William 112 2 William Tulloch 3 Andrew 4 Edward 5 Robert Reid 6 Iames Law 502 Archbishops and Bishops of Glasgow 1 Kentigern al. S. Mungo 2 Iohn Achaian 3 Iohn 113 4 Herbert 5 Angelramus 6 Ioceline 7 Eugenius 8 Hugo 9 William Malvoisin after translated to S. Andrews 10 Florentius son to the Count of Holland 11 Walter 12 William Babington 13 Iohn de Chyan 14 Nicol Moffet 15 William Wishart after translated to S. Andrews 16 Robert Wishart 17 Iohn Lindesay 114 18 Stephen Dundy 19 Iohn Wishart 20 William Rae 21 Walter Wardlaw made Cardinal 114 22 Matthew Glendouning 23 William Lawder 24 Iohn Cameron 25 Iames Bruce 26 William Turnbull al. David 27 Andrew Moorhead 28 Iohn Lang 29 George Carmighal 30 Robert Blacader first Archbishop of Glasgow 60 114 31 Iames Beaton after translated to S. Andrews 114 32 Gawan Dumbar 33 Iames Beaton 115 34 Iames Boyd 261 35 Robert Montgomery 316 36 William Areskin a Lay-man 364 Iames Beaton restored to this See ibid. 477 37 Iohn Spotswood 477 481 Bishops of Galloway 1 S. Ninnian 115 2 Plechelmus al. Pectelmus 3 Frithwoldus 4 Pethumus 5 Ethelbert 6 Baldulphus 7 Iohn 8 Thomas Spence after translated to Aberdene 9 David 10 Alexander 11 Henry 12 George 13 ... Gordon 115 14 Gawin Hamilton 524 15 William Cowper 523 16 Andrew Lamb 540 Bishops of Argyle 1 Iohn Scot 115 2 Evaldus al. Harold 3 William 4 William 5 David 6 Finlaw 7 George Laird of Balcomie Bishops of the Isles 1 Amphibalus first Bishop of Man where was the Seat proper to the Isles 116 2 Machilla The See of Man translated to Ilcomkell after which 3 Onacus 4 Mauricius IT may concern the ease of the Reader to observe that care was taken so strictly to follow the Authors own Copy that it was not thought fit to change those words of the Scottish Idiome which sometime the Reader will meet with in this History Most of them are of Latine origination and therefore will not be matter of difficulty to very many And lest for want of caution any should be inclinable to condemn the Printers care it was thought necessary to prepossess him with this advertisement The rest that have escaped his diligence the present Table of Errata will represent to be objects of his care to amend and of his Charity to pardon page Line Reade 1 17 18 matter Wh time 12 12 Trithemius 21 43 her self 28 11 Bighan 30 4 Normandy  16 Hungary 35 2 Sautrey 36 42 Iedburgh 40 4 possessed of S. Andr.  13 defray 46 41 generall 47 2 Teviotdale  8 Lermonth ita 71. 11. 72. 25. 96. 33. 49 43 Kingorn 50 57 fallen 53 5 Duncanus  15 Campbell 54 14 rather Wooddale 57 19 Canon 62 11 Crowns 62 23 to his  38 Ferm 75 33 Kinfawns 77 29 Laird 78 22 Longnedry 82 50 repair 83 7 29 Normand ita 84. 1. 87. 1. 87 1 rites 88 25 Balfour 89 13 return with  36 Dumbriton 94 19 forsan 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 119 51 except 163 1 three 180 51 me course 197 32 Charls Iames 258 45 chusing 338 14 not be 368 12 contumacy 433 55 killed by Iames In the Margent p. 83. l. 5. r. Pinkie p. 8. l. 5. t. Baron p. 289. l. 18 21. for sheweth r. floweth A Catalogue of some Books Printed for Richard Royston at the Angel in lvie-lane LONDON And of some formerly Printed at Oxford Books written by H. Hammond D. D. A Paraphrase and Annotations upon all the Books of the New Testament by Henry Hammond D. D. in fol. 2. The Practicall Catechisme with all other English Treatises of Henry Hammond D. D. in two volumes in 4o. 3. Dissertationes quatuor quibus Episcopatus Iura ex S.
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
conference at Hampton Court His Majesties proposition at the meeting An. 1603. Doctor Reynolds speech in behalf of the Petitioners The particulars complained of The meeting continued to 18 of Ianuary The effect of the meeting and his Majesties exhortation to the Clergy The Chancellor of England his judgement of the King The number deposed for disconformity An. 1604. A Parliament in England for the union The English Commissioners The power given them by the Parliament A Parliament in Scotland to that purpose The Scottish Commissioners The power granted hâ—em Westminster appointed for the place of meetting Articles of the union Hostile lawes extinguished The name of Borders abolished Order for sentences not satisfied Participation of Commâ—dito be mutuall Inequality of priviledges to be be tried Importation to be free to both people Exportation of Goods prohibited made unlawfull to both Order for Native Commodities Order for Customes Scots may be associated in English Companies Order for transportation Punishment of such as shall transgress Caution to be given by the owners and Masters of Ships Indifferency of fraighting Poâ—â—nati declared free Exception for Offices of the Crown Reservation of his Majesties Prerogative Remanding of malefactors A scroll of the Articles presented to the King The Kings speech to the Commissioners The title of great Britain assumed Peeces of gold and silver coyned The Earl of Montrosse made Commissioner of the kingdom The Lord Fiâ—â— received Chancellor An. 1605. The generall Assembly continued A number convene notwithstanding the discharge The names of them convened The Kings Commissioner dischargeth the meeting The Ministers denounced and cited by the councell for their disobedience Some confess their fault and are pardoned Oâ—hers maintain their meeting and are Committed The proceeding of the Councell condemned by the Ministery His Majesties Declaration touching some rumours dispersed The King his resolution in making no sudden change in the Church policy The form of their Declinatour The Assembly declared unlawfull Some of the Ministers pursued criminally The Indictment Exception proponed by the Advocates The Reply to the Exception The Ministers found guilty of Treason A Proclamation that none should oppose the decision of the Justice A Convention of Estates His Majesties Letter directed to the Estates The Acts passed in the Convention The history of the Powder Treason The Jesuits approve of the enterprise The Conspirers swear secrecy A Cellar hired for the myne A deliberation for the Kings children Contribution for the enterprise Catholicks to be stopped from coming to the Parliament No forain Princes to be acquainted therewith Intention to proclaim Lady Elizabeth Queen The Conspiracy detected The Letter sent to the L d Mounteagle The secrecy of so many very strange An. 1606. Mr. Iames Melvills answer in name of the rest His Majesty proponeth three questions to them A time is desired by them and granted The second audience The Bishops judgement of the meeting at Aberdene Mr. Addrew Melvills answer touching the same Mr. Iames Balfour his answer Mr. Melvill his answer Mr. William Scot his answer interrupted by Mr. Andrew Melvill The Ministers called before the Scottish Councell They are discharged to return into Scotland The Kings pleasure touching the warded Ministers The letter to the Justice prescriving the forme of the sentence A Letter from his Majesty to the Councell The sentence pronounced by the Justice A Proclamation against Jesuits Mr. Andrew Melvill committed to the Tower The Observation of the Writer An Assembly indicted at Linlithgow His Majesties letter to the Assembly An overture sent from his Majesty to the Assembly Some brethren deputed undergoe to consider the overture The overture embraced with some cautions Cautions for the constant Moderators The cautions and overture approved A complaint of the Papists and their ininsolencie Petition from the Assembly to his Majesty His Majesties answer An. 1607. His Majesties pleasure touching the Popish Noblemen Direction to the Councell for constant Moderators The Synod of Perth discharged The Synod of Fife discharged A Provest placed in the new Colledge of S. Andrews The Ministers permitted to return from London Alexander Lord Spynie killed Trouble betwixt the Earl of Morton and Lord Maxwell Maxwell committed maketh an escape The Laird of Iohnston most treacherously killed by Maxwell An. 1608. The Earl of Argile made Lieutenant of the Isles A Parliament in Scotland for the union Provisions for the union An Assembly in Linlithgow for restraining Papists The Marquis of Huntley excommunicated The causes of the defection partly in the Church The remedies of the same The cause of the defection proceeding from others Supplication to his Majesty for redresse of these evils Petitions to his Majesty for repressing Popery The Secretaries journey to Court He is charged for writing a letter to the Pope and stealing his Majesties hand thereto The Secretary charged with the fault before the Councell His answer tothe Lords of the Councell Chancellor Egerton pronounceth sentence against him Sprot his execution The Commissioners of the Assembly have audience His Majesties answer A convention at Edinburgh An. 1609. The Chancellor admitted Counsellor of England Acts made for Religion Acts made against ravishing of women The Secretaries tryall at S. Andrews His indictment The Secretary his speech and answer to the indictment His protestation of two things The Jury sworn The doom pronounced against Balmerinoch A Parliament at Edingburgh An. 1610. An Assembly at Glasgow The moderators paid of the stipend promised A supplication in name of the Popish Lords Huntly freed of his confining The Earl of Arroll troubled for his simulation The Earl of Angus goeth to Paris The Archbishop of Glasgow called to Court The business proponed by his Majesty The Archbishop his answer The consecration questioned The High Commissioners appointed Directions for the High Commissioners and other matters Ecclesiasticall An. 1601. Directions for matters Ecclesiasticall The Clergy doth approve the directions Orders for the Councell An. 1611. A Proclamation against bearing of quarrell The troubles of Orkney The Earl of Orkney committed and his Acts of Court discharged The Clangregore to be rooted out The deuh of the Earl of Dunbarre Somerset his rising Advocate made first Clerk Register afterwards Secretary Sir Iohn Skeen dyeth of grief An. 1612 The Lord Samqhar executed in England Excommunication of persons for criminall and capitall cases if they become fugitive The Clergy agree to reform this point The death of the earl of Eglington and the disposition of his living to his Cousin A Parliament in Scotland A subsidy granted The L d Burleigh removed from Councell An. 1613. The death of Prince Henry The marriage of the Lady Elizabeth with the Palgrave The King acquireth the lands of Orkney Rebellion in Orkney The Earl of Cathnes imployed to suppresse the Rebels Persons executed for the Rebellion The death of the Bishop of Rosse The Earl of Orkney put to triall An. 1614 The Earl of Orkney his indictment The persons named for the Jury The sentence pronounced The execution of
the Earl of Orkney Iohn Ogilvy a Jesuit apprehended His examinamination by certain Commissioners A direction from his Majesty touching their proceeding with him Certain Questions moved to the Jesuit His Answer to the Questions His Answer sent to his Majesty Commission for the Jesuits triall The Jesuits defence at his indictment The exception proponed by the Jesuit The exception proponed by the Jesuit The Jesuite convicted and executed Moffet another jesuit licenced to depart An. 1615. The Archbishop of S. Andrews his death Bishops translated by this occasion The History of Somersets fall Sir Tho Overburie his free advice to Somerset Overbury committed to the Tower Overbury poysoned and dyeth The murther discovered and laid open An. 1616. Somerset and his Lady brought to triall The persons of the Jury The Earl and his Lady convicted and sentenced The Marquis of Huntly called before the Commissioners He is Committed He is released by the Chancellour The Bishops complain to his Majesty A Command to the Marquis to return to his ward The Marquis permitted to come to Court The form of the absolution His Majesties letter to the Bishops for justifying the absolution The Archbishop of Canterbury's excuse for the absolution The Archbishops letter giveth some content An Assembly at Aberdene The Marquiss of new absolved Acts concluded in the Assembly Commissioners directed to the King from the Assembly His Majesties answer returned Articles craved to be incerted among the Canons Reasons why the Articles could not be inserted among the Canons A Proclamation touching the Kings purpose to visit the Countrey The Earl of Marre made Thesaurer A direction for repairing the Chapell The Bishops entreat the stay of some carved pictures upon fear of offence Ann. 1617. His Majesties answer The King refutech to deferre his journey as he was desired A Parliament in Scotland His Majesties speech to the Estates A Trouble in choosing the Lords of the Articles Article concerning his Majesties prerogative in caâ—ses Ecclesiasticall A stir among the Ministers because of the Article The Ministers Protestation The subscrivers of the Protestation Mr. Peter Hewet undertakes the presenting of the Protestation The Clerk of Register commanded to pass by the Article of Prerogative The Bishops warned to meet at S. Andrews His Majesties speech at the meeting The Ministers promise obedience upon permission of a general Assembly Mr. Arâ—hibald Sympson and Mr. David Catherwood committed The King departeth towards London An assembly at S. Andrews The Assembly inclineth to a delay The Commissioners obtain a grant of private Communion The King offended with the Assemblies proceedings writeth to the two Archbishops Another letter to the Archbishop of S. Andrews Letters to the Councell for inhibiting the payment of Stipends Mr. Archibald Sympson put to liberty His inconstancie and change A warrant to proceed with the Commission of Stipends A generall Assembly indicted at Perth His Majesties Letter to the Assembly An. 1618. The five Artiticles concluded Article for kneeling Private Communion Private Biptisme Confirmation of Children Observation of Festivities The Articles ordained to be intimated in all Churches The Earl of Argile falleth from his profession A Comet or blasing Starre Queen Anne dieth Ann. 1619. The Synod of Dordrecht said to have condemned the five articles of Perth The Bishop of Galloway dieth The Bishop of Brichen translated to Galloway A distraction betwixt the Ministers and Magistrates of Edinburgh The disorder pacified Four other Ministers planted at Edinburgh An. 1620. A contribution required for defence of the Palatinate Ann. 1621. A Parliament desired by the estates Sir Gideon Murray his death The Marquis of Hamilton keepeth the Parliament Matters concluded in Parliament The King receiveth great content by the things concluded A Letter from his Majestie to the Bishops A Letter from his Majesty to the Councell The Marquis of Hamilton wronged by a false rumour An. 1622. The Chancellor Seaâ—on dieth Rumors dispersed of Tolerations intended The judgment of the wiseâ— sort His Majesties speech in a Parliament held at that time in England An. 1623. His Majesties directions to the Councell of Scotland The Princes journey to Spain and the occasion thereof The Princes entertainment in Spain The Letter of Pope Gâ—gory the 15 to the Prince The successe of the Match intended with Spaiâ— The Prince returneth to England An. 1624. A trouble in Edinburgh raised against the Minisâ—es The death of Lodovick Duke of Richmond and Lennox An. 1625. The death of Iames Marquis of Hamilton The King much affected with these deaths contracts a feaver and dieth An Epitaph upon King IAMES his death written by the Reverend Divine Dr. Morley C. C. C. Oxon.
touched any Minister might be drawn from their Judicatory resolved to send a prohibition to the Assembly and discharge their proceeding but by the mediation of some well disposed persons that did not like to have questions of Jurisdiction moved the business was setled and both actions ordained to cease Not the less the instrument was sustained by the Lords and judges to make faith which turned in end to the pursuers undoing In this Assembly certain Articles were presented subscribed by the Archbishop of S. Andrews allowing the Presbyterial discipline and condemning the Government Episcopal which were afterward imprinted under the title of M. Patrick Adamsons recantation The Bishop lay bedfast at the time and was fallen into great necessity by his own misgovernment whereof his Adversaries taking advantage it was devised that he should be visited by some of the brethren and desired to leave a testimony under his hand of his opinion of matters of discipline This being moved unto him he said That he did not trouble himself with such thoughts at that time and had never allowed of any other Bishop in the church but S. Pauls Bishop which he would willingly set his hand to Upon this his answer were these Articles drawn up and subscribed by him Whether he knew what was contained in them or that he was induced thereto by a poor collection they gave him in the time for so the report went or otherwise it is uncertain but when it was told him that such a recantation was published in his name he complained heavily of the wrong that was done him and committing his cause to God ended his days in the end of this year A man he was of great learning and a most perswasive Preacher but an ill administrator of the Church Patrimony which brought him to the misery that is pitiful to think of Divers works he left of which some are extant that shew his learning but his prelections upon the Epistles to Timothy which were most desired falling into the hands of his adversaries were suppressed In the same Assembly a general revocation was made in name of the Church by M. Robert Pont of all things done in prejudice of the Rents and Patrimony thereof either by Ministers that were beneficed or by others bearing the title of Church-men This in the opinion of wise men was esteemed to be a good way for pleading restitution according to the priveledge of ancient Laws but was derided and scoffed at by those that had filled their hands with the spoils of the Church And folly it was sure to think they could enjoy any benefit by these priviledges having destroyed the estate and dignity of the Church by which these priviledges should have been preserved Soon after this meeting there happened a great division in the Presbytery of S. Andrews for planting the Church of Luchars The pretenders were M. Patrick Weimes and M. Robert Wallace M. Andrew Melvill with some few that followed him stood for M. Wallace M. Thomas Buchannan and the rest for M. Patrick Weimes The matter after a hot contention being put to voyces M. Thomas Buchannan and some 19 or 20 with him gave their suffrages to M. Weimes M Andrew and other six that adhered to him gave their voices to M. Robert Wallace M. Andrew taking it impatiently to be thus oversweyed left the place where the Presbytery did meet and with his six went to the Schools of the new Colledge and made up another Presbytery M. Thomas and the rest aboad in the place and according as they had voyced appointed Mr. Patrick Weimes on the next Sunday to be received Minister of Luchars M. Andrew with his company gave forth the like Ordinance for M. Robert Wallace and thus both were instituted and admitted Ministers to the Church upon one day The Gentlemen of the parish went likewise in factions some holding with the one and some with the other which caused a great scandal There being none to pacifie the strife M. Andrew Lambe the Minister at Brunt-Island was directed from the Synod of Fife to entreat some of the Ministers of Lothian to take the pains of bringing them to an agreement For this effect M. David Lindesay M. Robert Bruce and M. I. Spotswood were chosen who coming to S. Andrews in the Moneth of October called the parties before them to understand the reasons of their dissension M. Andrew did plead for the one party and M. Thomas Buchannan for the other It was laid to M. Andrew his charge That he had made a secession forsaken the place of meeting and the fellowship of his brethren and with some six onely that followed him presumed to overturn the conclusion of the greater number His defence was That albeit he and his followers had left the place yet they could not be judged to have made secession by reason the others had given the cause and conspired to preferre a person in worth not comparable to him whom they had elected As to the number of voices he said quòd suffragia essent ponder anda non numer anda that voyces ought not to be numbred but to be weighed and pondered Two days they continued reasoning and in end the mediators finding no other means of their agreement took course to displace both the yong men and to appoint a third person for the service of the Church and for eschewing such contentions thereafter which were feared because of the heat betwixt M. Thomas and M. Andrew they did appoint the Presbytery to be divided in two a part to sit at Couper and the rest to abide at S. Andrews Thus was that strife pacified which many held to be ominous and that the government which in the beginning did break forth into such schismes could not long continue for this every man noted That of all men none could worse endure parity and loved more to command then they who had introduced it into the Church But to leave the matters of the Church for a while when as the King did think that all was quiet and Bothwell so weakned as he could not make any trouble for Bacleugh his son in law was by licence gone into France and all the gentlemen of the South parts who were of any worth had given surety to have no medling with him there were found in the Court it self instruments apt enough to serve his turn For of the Duke of Lennox his retinue some that envied the Chancellors credit with the King and others whose hopes wholly depended upon the trouble of the State did by secret messages incite Bothwell to enterprise somewhat for himself offering to bring him within the Kings Palace unperceived where with a few hands he might make himself master of the King and all the Court Bothwell is easily drawn to condescend and the conspiracy so ordered that he with his followers should under night be let in at a back passage that lay through the Lord Duke his Stables and first they should seise
upon the Gates take the keyes from the Porter and go after that to the Kings Chamber and make him sure Within the Palace were divers privy to the conspiracy especially Colonell William Stewart Iohn Neswith Chirurgeon to the King and Iames Dowglas of Spot who was brought to take part in that enterprise by this occasion Some days before it happened George Home of Spot his father in law to be killed by certain Mersemen of the surname of Home and Craw. Sir George Home Nephew to Spot and one of the masters of the Kings Esquiry did charge Iames Dowglas as author or accessary to the murther because of a fear he had conceived that his Father in law should by a new right possess his Nephew Sir George in some part of the lands to which he had right by his mariage upon this suspicion three of his servants were apprehended and detained prisoners within the Palace till they should be tryed by torture The Chancellor on whom Iames Dowglas depended laboured all he could to free his servants from that extraordinary form of trial but the presumptions being pregnant the King would have them to be tortured which when Spot understood and saw that the same would not be eschewed he thrust himself desperately in the action which but a few hours before was communicated to him by one of the Associates This fell out happily for the King and was it that marred the whole conspiracy for when Bothwell with his company had entred by the way named and was come to the inner Court of the Palace Iames Dowglas that minded nothing but the relief of his servants drew a number to break open the doors where they were detained and by the noise thereof all in the palace were put upon their guard The King was then at supper and being told that armed men were in the nether Court leaving the rooms wherein he lodged went up to the Tower as to a place of greater surety Bothwell having directed some to enclose the Chancellors lodgings lest he should escape made towards the Queens rooms where he expected to find entry and perceiving all shut upon him called to bring fire But ere they could find any Sir Iames Sandilands one of his Majesties chamber who had supped without the palace with a number of the people of Edinburgh entring by the Church of Halirud-house did beat him and his company from the doors and was in possibility to have taken them all if there had been any lights but those being all extinguished Bothwell with the principals of his company made shift in the dark and escaped returning by the same way that he entred in his out-going he was encountred by a Gentleman of the Esquiry named Iohn Shaw whom he killed with a Pistoll yet lost some nine of his followers men of small note who were executed the next morning The enterprise thus defeated Bothwell went into the North looking to be supplyed by the Earl of Murray his Cousen germane which the King suspecting Andrew Lord Ochiltry was sent to bring Murray unto the South of purpose to work a reconcilement betwixt him and Huntly But a rumour being raised in the mean while that the Earl of Murray was seen in the Palace with Bothwell on the night of the enterprise the same was entertained by Huntly who waited then at Court to make him suspected of the King and prevailed so far as he did purchase a Commission to apprehend and bring Murray to his triall The Nobleman not fearing that any such course should be used was come to Dunybirsill a house situated on the north side of Forth and belonging to his mother the Lady Downe Huntly being advertised of his coming and how he lay there secure accompanied onely with the Sheriffe of Murray and a few of his own retinue went thither and beset the house requiring him to render The Earl of Murray refusing to put himself in the hands of his enemy after some defence made wherein the Sheriffe was killed fire was set to the house and they within forced by the violence of the smoak and flame to come forth The Earl stayed a great space after the rest and the night falling down ventured among his Enemies and breaking through the midst of them did so farre out-run them all as they supposed he was escaped yet searching him among the rocks he was discovered by the tip of his head-peece which had taken fire before he left the house and unmercifully slain The report went that Huntlies friends fearing he should disclaim the fact for he desired rather to have taken him alive made him light from his horse and give some stroaks to the dead corps This done Gordon of Buckie was dispatched to advertise the King what had happened and Huntly himself took journey Northwards in such hast as he left Captain Gordon his Cousen that was lying on the ground wounded behinde him This Captain was brought the next day to Edinburgh and publickly executed The death of the Nobleman was universally lamented and the clamours of the people so great especially against the Chancellor upon whom all the blame was laid that the King not esteeming it safe to abide at Edinburgh removed with the Councell to Glasgow where he remained untill Huntly did enter himself in Ward in Blackness as he was charged But he stayed not there many dayes being dimitted upon Caution to answer before the Justice whensoever he should be called The corps of the Earl and Sheriffe of Murray were brought to the Church of Leth in two coffines and there lay diverse Moneths unburied their friends refusing to commit their bodies to the earth till the slaughter was punished Nor did any man think himself so much interessed in that fact as the Lord Ochiltry who had perswaded the Earl of Murray to come south whereupon he fell afterwards away to Bothwell and joyned with him for revenge of the Murther The Parliament which had been now twice prorogated did keep in the moneth of Iune In behalf of the Church it was there petitioned 1 That the Acts of Parliament made in the year 1584. against the Discipline of the Church and liberty thereof should be abrogated and annulled and a ratification granted of the discipline whereof they were then in practise 2. That the Act of annexation should be repealed and restitution made of the Churches Patrimony 3. That the Abbots Priors and other Prelates bearing the titles of Churchmen and giving voice for the Church without any power and Commission from the Church should not be admitted in time coming to give voice in Parliament or conveen in their name And 4. That a solid order might be taken for purging the Realm of idolatry and blood wherewith it was miserably polluted The second and third Petitions rejected consultation taken about the other two and satisfying the last it was condescended That saying of Masse receiving of Iesuits Seminary Priests and trafficking Papists against the Kings Majesty and
work should more easily be effected if a beginning was made in Scotland did call a Parliament in August which was kept by Lodowick Duke of Lennox as Commissioner for his Majesty the Earl of Montrose being then deceased The Estates to satisfie the Kings desire did allow all the Articles concluded in the Treaty with a provision That the same should be in like manner ratified by the Parliament of England otherwise the conclusions taken should not have the strength of a law It was also declared that if the union should happen to take effect the Kingdome notwithstanding should remain an absolute and free Monarchy and the fundamentall laws receive no alteration But the Parliament of England either disliking the union as fearing some prejudice by it to their Estate or upon some other hidden cause did touch no more the business and so that good work tending to the advantage of both Kingdomes was left and quite deserted In the Church a new trouble was moved by the revolt that Huntley and the two Earls of Angus and Arroll made divers especially in the North parts falling away by their example This being represented to the King he gave order for calling an Assembly which convened at Linlithgow in the end of Iuly Therein the Earls of Dunbar Winton and Lothian sate Commissioners for the King The Bishop of Orkney elected to preside having shewed the occasion of the present meeting to be the growth and increase of Papists in all the quarters of the Kingdome it was thought meet to take up the names of those that made open profession of Popery and likewise of those that were suspected to favour the course that their number and forces being known the remedies might be the better advised and provided The number was found to very great chiefly in the North and the Marquis of Huntley delated by all as the only cause of the defection in those bounds he being cited to appear before the Assembly under the pain of excommunication and neither compeiring nor sending any excuse was ordained to be excommunicated and the sentence accordingly pronounced in the hearing of the whole Assembly This was appointed to be intimated in all the Churches and no absolution given upon whatsoever offers in regard of his manifold apostasies without the advice of the general Church The like course was concluded to be kept with Angus Arroll and the Lord Semple how soon the processes intended against them were brought to an end This done the Assembly began to rip up the causes of the defection more narrowly which they found to proceed from the Ministers in a part their negligence in teaching and catechising of people the too suddain admission of young men into the Ministery and the distraction of mindes among those that are admitted for remedy whereof it was ordained as followeth First that they should apply themselves to the exercise of their function with greater diligence then they were accustomed and take a speciall care of young children to see them instructed in the Belief the Lords prayer and ten Commandements whereof they should examine every childe at the age of six years and yearly enquire of their profiting and increase in knowledge 2 That some longer time should be prescrived for the admission of men to the Ministery and the exceptions contained in the Act of the age of Ministers to be admitted reserved to the cognition of the Generall Assembly 3 That they use a greater diligence in the processing of Papists and that none out of corrupt favour should grant them any oversight under the pain of deposition 4 That all who carried office in the Church should be carefull to eschew offences and endevour to keep love and peace among themselves 5 And for the present distractions in the Church seeing the same did arise partly from a diversity of opinions touching the externall government of the Church and partly from divided affections the last of these two being the most dangerous as not suffering the brethren to unite themselves against the common enemy they were all in the fear of God exhorted to lay down whatsoever grudge or rancour they had conceived and to be reconciled in heart and affection one to another Which all that were present did faithfully promise by the holding up their hands But the fault not being in the Ministers alone and seen to proceed from other causes also as from the oversight of Jesuits and Priests and their entertainment in the Countrey the preferment of men to publick offices that were suspected in Religion the favour shewed to Papists by them in places of chief authority Masie Priests admitted without his Majesties warrant and no security taken for their not returning Licences granted to Noblemens sons for going abroad and their education trusted to men of contrary profession advocation to the Councell of matters properly belonging to the Ecclesiasticall Judicatories and the lack of Preachers in many parts of the land It was concluded that certain Petitions should be formed and presented to his Majesty by some selected Commissioners for remedying these evils which were formed in this manner First that an humble supplication should be made by the whole Assembly intreating his Majesty not to permit any Papist or suspected of Popery to bear charge in Councell Session or in any Burgh or City and where his Majesty did know any such to occupie these places humbly to crave that order might be taken for their removing 2 That the laws made against Papists should receive execution and no favour be granted unto them by the Officers of State with a prohibition to the Councell to meddle in affairs Ecclesiasticall or to discharge the processes led by Ministers against Papists and others contemners of Church discipline 3 That Papists abjuring their Religion in hope of preferment to Offices of State should not be admitted thereto till they had given five years probation at least 4 That the sons of Noblemen professing Popery should be committed to the custody of such of their friends as are sound in Religion 5 That a Commission should be granted to every Bishop within his Dioces and to such well affected Noblemen Barons and Gentlemen as the Commissioners of the Assembly should nominate for apprehending of Jesuits Seminary Priests excommunicated Papists and traffiquers against Religion 6 That the Searchers of ships should seise upon all Books that are brought unto the Countrey and present them to the Ministers of the Town where the ships shall happen to arrive 7 That excommunicate Papists be put in close prison and none have accesse unto them but such as are known to be of sound Religion 8 That the Deputies of excommunicates be not suffered to enjoy any office under them and that some others be appointed by his Majesty to serve in their places 9 Finally that his Majesty should be humbly intreated to plant the unprovided Churches especially the Churches of the Chappel Royall with competent Stipends The