passge into France But the walls of Leith were not to be blown down by this breath nor was it strong enough to fill the sails for her passage into France A stronger wind blew out of the Town which so dispelled the Congregational Brethren that glad was he who could shelter himself and many grew desperate of the cause But Iohn Knox by power of the spirit when but a spark or two of rebellion was left could ever blow it up into a flame which he began now at Sterlin in a Sermon upon the 80. Psalm v. 4 5 6 7. and encreased it in another afterwards some where else upon Iohn 6. exhorting the Congregation that they should not faint but that they should stiâ—l row against the contrarious blasts till that Iesus Christ should come so that onely the day of judgement is to put an end to the Presbiterian commotions But nothing can be done without a Covenant which An. 1560. was entred at Edenburgh That what person soever will plainly reject their godly enterprises and will not concur as a good and true member of their Common-wealth they shall fortifie the authoritie of Council to reduce them to their duty c. The issue of this as of all their Covenants was to put many quiet conscientious people to the choice of either extream without the priviledge of a detestable neutrality Do as we do Rebel or perish whereby they never faild of an Army that should guard the gospell with an unparalell'd villany and resist the Queen Regent unto her death which fell out very opportunely while they lay at the siege before Leith being if not procur'd by their means very evidently hastened by their malice denying Her Majesty the benefit of some drugs for which she sent to her Apothecary and Chyrurgeon and in her inrecoverable condition not indulging her free speech with some Lords joyntly though of their own faction and what curtesie they granted being clogged with the ungrateful presence and more unpleasing discourse of Iohn Willock Brother-rebel-preacher with Knox who was sent on purpose to set the Queens conscience on the rack and torture it to despair if he could By all these unchristian proceedings having speeded on their impatient wishes and fretted open a passage for that Royal soul to expire they become soon Lords not onely of the Congregation but Countrey and having eleven points of the law their young Queen and her Husband being absent in France upon advantage enough they capitulate with their Majesties for the twelfth In which pacification the Deputies from France would not medle with the matter of Religion but agreed that a certain number of Noblemen should be chosen in the next Convention and Parliament to be sent to their Majesties to whom they shall expose those things that shall be thought needful for the State of that business In the interim the Brethren I 'le warrant you were not idle but after publick thanksgiving at Edenburgh for their deliverance that is to say for the death of their Queen upon whom they heap though they name her not a heavy load of calumnies in their prayers A Committee sits to distribute Ministers and so Knox is made Primate of Edenburgh or in it rather of Scotland that being the fountain head from whence all future Rebellion must stream by Goodman to St. Andrews by Heriot to Aberdeen by Row to St. Iohnston c. And though they will have no Bishops they 'l have Over-seers {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Spotswood for Lothian Winram for Fife c. And now to work they go to drive the stray-doctrine and discipline of the Countrey into the Parliament pound at Edenburgh Please your Honours comes presently from the supplicant Barons Gentlemen and Burgesses A Confession of Faith with a more imperious preface or title from the Presbytery out of Matth 24. And this glad tidings of the Kingdome shall be preached through the whole world for a witness unto all Nations and then shall the end come that is the Presbyterian Scot shall pull down all Government in the world establish the Kingdome of Iesus Christ upon the earth and then the end shall come the work is done 't is fit then the wages should be paid especially since by this new engine they draw Christ into their Covenant chap. 11. rebellion into the fifth Commandement under the notion of saving the life of innocents and repressing Tyranny resisting authority if they take it to passe the bounds of the Magistrates office not suffering innocent bloud to be shed if they may gain-stand it ch. 14. Likewise they dash all moral vertues at a stroak restrain the power of Gods Grace from effecting due obedience to his Law ch. 15. Confine the Catholick Church to themselves and such as shall communicate with them denying all other Christians the undeniable benefit of their Baptism ch. 16 18. which they say notwithstanding ch. 21. was instituted of God to make a visible difference betwixt his people and those that are without his League Pretend to reconcile these contradictions making both true at a time This Church is invisibly known onely to God who alone knoweth it whom he hath chosen c. ch. 16. and yet the notes signs and assured tokens whereby the immaculate Spouse of Christ Iesus is known to whom from the horrible Harlot the Church malignant we affirm are c. Defraud Antiquity and lineal descent in an undivided continuity the reverence rendred by the Primitive Fathers of the Church to be paid by us for the first knowledge benefit of the Gospel and yet at the same time running to the Ancients for strengthening the authority of the Canon For the doctrine taught in our Churches say they is contained in the written Word of God to wit in the Books of the New and Old Testaments in those Books we mean which have been reputed by whom but Bishops and Episcopal Doctors no Preâ—byterian canonical Depriving the Church of her just priviledge in interpreting the Scriptures under a pretence of bestowing it upon the Spirit distracting Christians hereby in matter of opinion without extraordinary divine revelation as in the point of Justification wherein St. Paul and St. Iames seem to differ and in matters of practice by the example of St. Peter and St. Paul Gal. 3. All this in one ch. viz. 18. frame a plausible excuse for negligence in or after the receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper ch. 21. Exclude all but Preachers though Priests or Deacons from the efficatioâ—s administration of the Sacraments annexing the power and vertue of the same to divine revelation or operation of a Sermon and so defrauding many that have had legitimate imposition of hands call'd Ordination of the character exercise of that power Justifie such as resist Supream powers doing that which appertaineth not to their charge ch. 24. so taking away the glory of Christian
humility patience and the crown of Martyrdome it self Retâ—act in part ch 15. what they professed chap. 18. about the notes of the Church and so take Gods Name in vain making a formal confâ—ssion of his truth to no purpose This pretty Pageant fram'd in a schismatical Assembly was brought into the packt Parliament to be voted The true Representative of the doctrine of Christs Church which the Bishops suffered quietly to pass by without spoiling any of the pastboard or guilding because they durst not writes Knox say any thing to the contrary and very likely when they knew it would be to no purpose and were well assured they should pay their Ecclesiastical Benefices if not their lives for a syllable of any such contradiction the Bretheren having petitioned that they might be compelled to answer to former accusations and to other likewise they had yet to lay to their charge which were such no doubt as wanted no weight of further delinquence to press them down to the depth of any Parliamentary Vote This Confession of Faith very liberally suffrag'd was sent into France by the Lord St. Iohn to be ratified by their Majesties By which act of pretended submission to the supremacy of their Princes we may interpret the true meaning of all the rest and take a sure essay of the Presbyterian subjection whatsoever otherwhere they pretend which I desire the Reader diligently to observe and have in mind whensoever afterward shall occur their hypocrisie in dutifull expressions for saith no less author than Mr. Knox No ratification brought he the Lord St. Iohn unto us but that we little regarded or yet do regard for all that we did was rather to shew our dutiful obedience than to beg of them the King and Queen any strength to our religion which from God hath full power and needed not the suffrage of man wherefore then was it put to the Vote in Parliament but in so far as man had need to believe it if that ever he shall have participation of the life everlasting Such obedience as this shewed the Souldiers to our Saviour when they bowed the knee before him and mocked him saying Hail King of the Iews Buchanan acknowledgeth it was sent to the Queen without hope of grant onely to discover the nakedness of her thoughts as good an argument of the modesty as the other was of loyalty of the Brethren But this was not enough to make the Assembly magisterial who themselves must stoop as low as any lay-brother in doctrine and confession of faith It is the discipline that must hold up the rod at least if not the axe too bind their Kings in chains their Nobles in links of iron To the framing of which immediately after this Parliament dissolved commission was given to Mr. Iohn Winram Sub-prior of St. Andrews Mr. Iohn Row and Iohn Knox Mr. Iohn Spotswood Iohn Willock Mr. Iohn Dowglass Rector of St. Andrews all Iohns and beloved disciples that had laid their heads on Christs breast and knew his heart about the reglement of his Kingdome Yet their letters of credit were not so good as to obtain the reception of Ambassadors from heaven though they pretended their message was in every point consonant to the word The Lord Erskin as great a professor as he was and the major part of the Nobility refused this new model Knox imputes it to the care of his Kitchin and 't is not unlikely he and the rest thought their title as good to the Church lands that they might eat the fat and be cloathed with the wooll of the lambs which themselves as well the Clericall Iohns had taken the pains to worry and slay Or it may be they had a care of their eyes which already began to swell with fatness and if they yielded this they would go on with the Psalmist being holdâ—n with pride and overwhelmed with cruelty they would then do even what they lust Yet this curtesie they did the discipline to call it A Book of devout imaginations that is zealous whimzies which might run the round in the Name sakes noddles but if they once got abâ—oad with power to captivate the thoughts of other men which were to be kept in a more reasonable service and obedience of Christ they were to be cast down by the Apostles command like high things that exalt themselves against the knowledge if God yet Argile Glencarn and the whole private pack of conjur'd Rebels subscribe the Book and promise to set it forward at the uttermost of their power whose names were enough to write Nobility in the front and hold it out with the approbation of the Honourable to the people But to accomplish the work behold the hand of God appears through this cloud and scatters morning roses in the way of the Râ—formers Here saith Knox was joy to Scotland and matter of Thanksgiving for the wondrous work and inestimable benefit of the Lord And what is this but the death of an innocent young King Francis the second Husband to the Queen of Scots who because no friend to the Brethren and so a robber c. Knox cannot but brand his memory in the forehead with He was suddenly stricken with an Apostâ—me in the deaf ear that nevâ—r would hear the truth of God His glory perished and the pride of his stubborn heart vanished in smoak Upon notice hereof was a new Convention of the Nobility at Edenburgh wherein the Book of Discipline was again perused in favour of some that pretended ignorance who when they heard it were not so taken as to own it by subscription or adde to the authority of it by their vote yet to prepare the way for the people to be acquainted with it twelve things call'd Superintendents are â—ut out chipt and fashioned just after the pattern in the Book And because all must run in the name Iohn Spotswood is appointed for Lowthian and as the leading man is in the printed form and order of the election March 9 1560. In which form I shall onely intimate two or three things as I go First that the election of him not onely approbation is in shew devolv'd upon the people who promise obedience to him as their Pastor no longer than he remains faithfull in his office This election of the people is styl'd The Call of God in them who it should seem miraculously moves their hearts and directs them to the summoning of Iohn This Iohn must professe That the life of Angels relates to Christ as Head and Mediator of his Church that is if any thing Christ came to redeem as well Angells as men and either summon'd part of those lapsed spirits out of Hell or recovered others that never had been condemned so low This Iohn must further profess himself Subject to the wholesome discipline of the Church and to avoid ambiguity the discipline of the same Church by which he is now
ability of parts according to the learning of that age was much augmented by a constant resolution at his death which put the younger students and novices upon a combination for maintaining his Tenents and the breach they made let out some Friars to rail against the abuses of the Bishops The patronage of Mr. Gawin Logie and Mr. Iohn Maire added some reputation to these actions and a reformation was attempted by some more unworthy instruments upon their credit The light pulpit discourse of Friar Arithe with his gossips catched some slight people in a jest while other graver men by more serious arguments multiplied considerâ—ble proselytes in good earnest insomuch as the Archbishop of S. Andrews according to the rigour of his Religion began to call for more fire and faggots but was stopt a little by the witty advice of Mr. Iohn Lindsey who told him My Lord If ye will burn them let them be burnt in hollow Cellars for the smoak of Mr. Patrick Hamilton hath infected as many as it blew upon some touch of it was thought to have tainted Alexander Seton a black Friar and Confâ—ssor to King Iames the fifth who presuming upon the opportunity of his privacy endeavoured to withdraw the Kings affections from the Bishops and his conscience from some part of his Religion which by more prevalent counsell of Ecclesiastical persons about the Court made him be discharged of his office and his dread of the fire carried him out of the Realme From Berwick by letter he appeals to the King whom notwithstanding he accuseth to himself of weakness and ignorance being very invective against the Churchmen who at that time as well as the Presbyters since waved in many things their due subjection and in the name of Christ took upon themselves the authority of the King I finde no mention of any answer returned but I do of his progresse from thence to London where at S. Pauls Crosse he retracted some of the new divinity he had published After this for ten years space these violent oppositions in Religion were interrupted the civil warres making other disputes and partizans upon temporal principles among the Scots In which time began a reformation in England from King Henry the eights differences with the Pope whether the pillage of Abbies and demolishing other religious places easily invited the Scotish labourers who would alwayes be found at leisure for such work About the year 1534. began a new Inquisition in Scotland wherein was eminent the perverse demeanour of one David Straton an ignorant Gentleman though in the Catalogue of their Martyrs of whom when the Bishop of Murray Prior of S. Andrews demanded the customary Tythe of his Fish his answer was If they would have Tythe of that which his servants wan in the seâ— it were but reason that they should come and receive it where they got the stock and so as it was constantly affirmed he caused his servants to cast the tenth fish into the sea The processe of cursing laid against him by the Church being encountered with his contempt was re-enforced by a summons to answer for his heresie to maintain which having hitherto no pretense but the perversness of his will the Laird of Dun Arskin very lately illuminated in the point lends him his lamp to look out some better reason and because he could not read bids him hearken which he did with more diligence than devotion desirous to meet with what might colour the affectation of his errours to which purpose the Laird of Lawristons field-lecture conduced luckily chancing to be rather out of S. Matthew than the Prophet Malachy where the Pharisaical tything of Mint and Cummin being taxed might serve his turn to slight all Christian Decimations as publican-extortions and no weighty matters of the law Though that was not the text that brought the spirit of prayer upon him but another on which he might have made a better comment by his repentance than unwildy resolution and known that the denial of tenths is the denial of God in his institution before men and may perhaps be retaliated before the holy Angels by his Sonne Sentence of death being passed he asked grace of the King which Knox saith he willingly would have granted but the Bishop proudly answered no more proudly than the Presbyters more than once since then That the Kings hands were bound in that case and that he had no grace to give to such as by their law were condemned Notwithstanding the severity exercised upon him and many other the Reformation for precedents unto which by this time their Merchants and Mariners had traffiqued in forreign parts makes its way into the cloysters and by Friar Killors contrivance which Iohn Knox seems to approve of very well shews it self upon the stage in a Satyrick play and that on a Good-Friday morning the subject whereof was the passion of our Saviour Christ most envious paralels being made between the Iewish Priests and the Scotish Bishops This gave the occasion of a more close search into the Friars opinions which being found such as suited not with the present profession and government of the Church sent him with many other too zealous reforming complices unto the fire Not long after George Buchanan laid his cockatrice egge not onely of Iudaisme which himself hatched in a Lenten meeting at the eating of a Paschal lamb but of Schisme and Rebellion which His Majesty endeavoured to crush upon the first discovery notwithstanding the trust he had reposed in him of instituting some his natural children He was by the Kings special Order as they say committed to prison whence he made an unhappy escape to the ruine almost of that Kingdome by his writing All this while the Royal Reformers in England marched furiously so as King Iames had no minde to meet them at York nor give King Henry there the interview he desired This though imputed to his Clergy was taken as a discourtesie from himself which set the English jealousie on fire and that at last burnt out into a warre King Iames was not so absolute at home as to cement at pleasure the Scotish intestine divisions where the equality of power did so mi-party his thoughts that he knew not wch side to head nor had he alwaieâ— the liberty of his choice His distrust of both made him enter into secret counsel with his Clergy by whose advice and assistance he levied on a suddain a vâ—ry numerous Army the design whereof was scarcely thought of in England when it actualy entred upon the borders But such scruples were scatered by some disaffected persons to the Church and Crown as made most of the Souldiery dispute the justce of the quarrell when they were to handle their armes or without consulting their conscience leave them in the field The loss of this Army so troubled the King that he
cast off all care to recruit it and measuring the shortnesse of his daies by the extremity of his grief he becomes too true a prophet of his death Some six dayes before his Queen was delivered at Linlitquow of a daughter whom Iohn Knox very civâ—lly calls the scourge of that Realm as her mother one that brought continuing plagues upon the same and that hâ—r whole life declared hâ—r to be such No lesse did his brethren spare the deceased King but call'd him Murtherer and rejoyced at the taking away of such an enemy to Gods truth In the Kings last will were four Protectors oâ—Regents of the Kingdome appointed the Cardinall of S. Aâ—drews the Earls of Huntley Arguyle and Murray but these were men especially while in the Cardinals company very unlikely to promote the new Religion or the more unjustifiable ends of the pretended Reformers of the Church The young Earl of Arran was found a fitter subject to work on the facility of his nature rendring him very flexible to their desires and the narrownes of his judgment admitting in no latitude an abilitie to counterplot at any time their designs or a discovery of their purposes but what they laid directly in his sight His pretence of the second place in succession to the Crown gave him colour and the Lord Grange furnished him with courage to claim the government during the minority of the Queen which that faction of the Nobility soon bestowed upon him who had more will to rule with him than reason to suppose that in his hands lay the best security for her person Yet to enable him for that or some other more secret ends were presently delivered up to him the Kings Treasure Jeweâ—ls Plate Horse c. which notwithstanding they scarcely give him liberty to look on before they set him to study controversies in Religion and tutor him as well in the polemick divinity as politicks of that party And to point the bluntness of his nature by some new animosity of spirit they shew him his own name among others in a private Schedule of the K. being a memoriall of such as of whose disaffection to his person government religion good notice being taken as good care might be had to prevent the â—ll effects of that humour which they suggested to be a destination of them unto ruin This was called the bloudy Scroll and the discovery of it a great deliverance of Gods which some godly men as they term'd themselves that is such as whose guilt made them conscious how much concerned they were in it fearing the execution of their ends and intents thereof being left to the Cardinal as a Legacy by the King pressed the Governour to â—ake notice of to betake himself for what puâ—pose God had exalted him to that honour and how great expectation was had of him The principal of their meaning being to depose the Cardinal for their own security he understood not and therefore they put upon him one Guilliame a lapsed Friar with some others to be priviledged in the preaching down Superstition a word of as great extent in those times as since from which was taken as much advantage for a licentious and violent Reformation But the Friars arguments being more powerfull to draw the people into sedition than the Bishops to a dispute one of their servants thought to rime down the ridiculous part of the practice in a ballad for which he had like to have lost his life as the Cardinal his liberty who for some time was their prisoner in Dalkeith and Seaton but this project being advanced and another pass'd the vote in Parliament about a marriage between Prince Edward of England and their Queen whether by command or connivance of the Governour or intercession of the Queen Mother to which they adde the bribing of his keeper the Lâ—rd Seaton and Lethington he was soon after set free About this time they obtained with some difficulty the use of the Bible in the vulgar tongue not to leaâ—n out of it the duty of obedience to the supreme Magistrate not to study the sincere doctrine and sense of the holy word but to have the same advantage with the hereticks of old to wrest the authority of sacred writ out of the hands of the Catholick Church and to serve their purposes at any time rend the letter from the meaning of the holy Spirit For this they cited the pattern of primitive Christians whom they never meant to imitate and the authority of some Fathers who countenanced that indulgence to humble holy men but in canvasing the question I finde not them calling upon Tertullian who spake his minde too freely adjudging them for Hereticks who came short of them in pertinacy and errour and excluded all that were so from any benefit of the Bible in their oppositions unto the Church The first good use they made of it was the garnishing their libells and rebellious Pamphlets and the first fruits of the new amity between England and them was the lâ—berty of getting thence in great numbers the most angry Treatises penned in favour of King Henries fury against the Church The contract of Marriage was made solemnly in the Abbey of Hallirud-house to the confirmation of which howsoever the Governour was prevail'd with to have Christs sacred body bâ—oken between him and Mr. Sadler the Ambassadour from England yet the Queen and Cardinal and what they call the faction of France which was the principal nobility are confessed to have no consent in it upon which the Commissioners were afterward questioned for their proceedings but being maintained by the great politick Patriot the pretended Parliament it mattered not what the Holy spiritual father or natural mother had to say against them the young Queen must be disposed of as they thought fittest and the great Seals of both Kingdomes for a second ratification interchanged But soon after came out of France I. Hamilton the Abbot of Paisly and Mr. David Painter afterward Bishop of Rosse men formerly cried up by the Reformers for their learning life religion and expected by them to become pillars of the new Temple they were building but their private instructions directed them to the Court with new advice to the Governour to consider whither his petty Counsellors were carrying him what the consequences might be of the alterations in religion what commodity in continuing the ancient League with France and what hazzard of his own â—ightful succession to the crown under the displeasure of the Pope who legitimated his birth by favouring the marriage of his mother after the divorcement of his father from Elizabeth Hume then alive although he might have had security as to the last from the Reformers who acknowledged afterward they would with their whole force have fortified him in the place that God had given unto him and would never have called in Question things done in time of darkness
So it seems they can digest the Popes dispensations when they serve their turn The Abbots counsel being observed to make impression in the Governor some of the Courtiers took courage to confront his zealous party and one let flye a desperate speech That neither He nor his friends could ever be at quietness till a dozen of those Knaves that abus'd his Grace were hanged Some of them about him that had deserved it disliked the liberty taken to speak so much truth and secretly withdrew themselves Friar Guilliame being inhibited his licentious preaching went for Engand others had their dismission and the Lord Governour betook himself unto the Cardinal Lords better affected unto the Q. This was call'd renouncing the profession of Christ Iesus holy Gospell as if the Christian Creed were then confined to the Cabinet as since to the Consistory But this impetuous calumnie forc'd not through his resolution nor did his rash oath lately taken to the English Ambassadour oblige him to withstand the counsell of breaking the imperfect League the onely difficulty was how to raise mony for preparations requisite to a defensive warre which they must now expect from King Henry of England whose will in woing though for his Sonne must not be checked without â—evenge Toward this the Clergy upon the motion of the Cardinal who made it a case of conscience in the vindication of Religion raised great contribution and an opportunity of breaking the league offer'd it self when the hostages for the observance of conditions were to be delivered the denial of whom was seconded with the stay in Scotland of some noble personages late prisoners in England who had their liberty but on parole or bail none returning to custody but the Earl of Cassils who stood more upon his honor word passed unto King Henry then his duty to serve his Queen and Country for which singular instance of adhering unto his promise and for the hopes King Henry had that being gratified with his liberty he might gain him to some future service he commended his fidelity rewarded him and sent him home but being deceived in the rest and by the Governour in the contract he seiz'd upon all the Scotish Ships withâ—n his ports and proclaim'd a warre yet made no haste to it that Summeâ— but us'd the prudence and industry of his Ambassadour before he recall'd him and afterward of the party he had in Scotland to regain the Governours faith in the performance of his word In the mean time comes from France the young Earl of Lenox who setting aside the custom the Governour had by the Popes cherishing the divorce was reputed to have a nearâ—r relation unto the Crown and so far said to be justified in his pretences by the deceased King as that he had intended to declare him succâ—ssor in default of heirs Much contrivance is charged on the Queen Dowager and the Cardinal in and after the Earls coming over somewhat whereof may be not improbable to keep the Governour more firm to them to the title of whose estate as well as honour the Earl was rival and ready to step into all if the importunity of that parâ—y he first headed had â—ecovered him from the Court which prevailing not the Earl thereby frustrate of his hopes and the amarous addresses he made to the Queen Dowager not so entertained as to correspond with his ambition of a Royal marriage he takes livery and sâ—isin of what was left him the forlorn party of Reformers joyning his with their counsells and discontents His interest added somewhat to the number they got together out of anger against the Cardinal and now revenge against the Governour whom they took to be a creature of their own making and thought he would have continued to acknowledge their soveraignty while he did wear the badge of honour they bestowed upon him Those who on other reasons were of a faction for England came in to them Having modell'd their Army they send a challenge to the Cardinal at Edenburgh undertaking to give him and whatsoever forces would come out against them battail between that and Leith This the Cardinal seemed not to decline yet prudently judging the medley of those bravadoes could not be kept long together and that he might have a greater necessity ere long to use a better Army against the English than he had yet in readiness put the appointment off from day to day whereupon the more impatient part deserted them and some other by good conference received good sâ—tisfaction to that their General the young Earl became jealous of the remainder and thought it better policy to resign himself and pass over voluntarily than to stay till he were fetched by his enemies or delivered up by his despairing friends Thus perswaded he goes to Edenburgh where he was entertained with a litâ—le more cuâ—tesie in the City than he would have been in the field yet he liked not the complement so well as to trust to it but by the advice of some friends withdrew in the night to Glascow and from thence having garison'd the Bishops Palace to Dunbarton Some offers were made of an accommodation between the Governour and the Earl but the jealousies on both sides were such as could not be concentred in a point of mutual satisfaction and so multiplied into counter designs and perturbations of publick pâ—ace This civil discord hastened King Henries preparations who in the beginning of May 1544. poured forces into Scotland by sea and land which troubled many the great ones there little as Sr. George Douglasse who being taken out of prison upon their approach said in meriment I thank King Henry and my gentle Masters of England And indeed he had so many fellow servants devoted to the English that the Governour and Cardinal could not raise a sufficient power of loyal subjects to make resistance So the Army having sacked and burn'd Edenburgh wrought their pleasure at Leith and other places adjacent returned home After this the Earl of Lenox sends an expresse into France with as advantageous pretenses as he could contrive for his proceedings in Scotland but King Francis who advised his going thâ—ther to some better purpose than upon a private quarrell he had against the Protector to raise a power against the Crown would vouchsafe his Messenger no hearing nor his Letters reading but set such a guard upon him as made him doubt whether he had the liberty of his person at least fear to hazard it by giving intelligence to his Lord about the counsels of that Court This straitned the Earl in the necessity he was reduced to of seeking some protection for himself In the midst of which distraction the Governour after few dayes siege took the Castle of Glascow and left no secure sanctuary for the Earl but England which he soon resolved on having promises of his welcome yet could not
c. This stopt not the strickter inquisition of the Precisians who intercepted Sir Iames Carvet upon the road having it should seem been at some private Masse revested him with his garments carried him to the Market-Crosse at Edenburgh bound the Chalice to his hand and him to the Crosse let him stand there an hour or two for the boyes to throw egges at which they called Serving him with his Easter egges This popular piece of justice was approved afterward and seconded by a grave censure to the same punishment at the Assize onely for some solemnity he had appointed to him the attendance of the Hangman The Queen sent a serious Letter to the Provost Bayliff to proceed legally with the seditious executioners of justice but hereof was little notice taken beside setting Sir Iames and his company at liberty upon Her Majesties special Command In the month of May following some of the Precise Nobility and Clergy being angry that they failed of a design they had against the Earl Bothwell whom they summon'd to Edenburgh but he diverted toward France turn'd their Law-Court into an Ecclesiastick Assembly and without any authority from the Queen sate down to consult about maintaining of Religion but Her Majesty knowing by custome that would end in a Rebellion cites them all to Sterlin about her marriage with the Lord Darley and to subscribe a Writ about obedience to him as their Soveraign which the Brethren that bent themselves every way to cross her caused the Earl Murray to refuse till some conditions about religion were consented to on her part and a Convention ordered to be at St Iohnston to that purpose A day for which being prefixed that a business of that consequence might be the more sedately and peaceably deliberated on the principals of the Precisians summon in what strength they could out of the Countrey which Her Majesty fore-seeing was to force her consent to whatsoever they would propound put off the day till she had advised with her Council after which the 23. of Iune following was appointed but the Queen being by that time too well guarded agaiâ—â—t the intended violence the Brethren had no stomack to assemble and to divert the Earl of Murray who â—as going thither feign a formal stoâ—y of a design upon his person That the Lord Darley should discourse with him and draw him into a dispute whereupon David Rizio of whom more shall be said hereafter was to strike in and with some other Assistants that were in readinesse murder him To colour the Earls absence was given out that he was taken with a flux and lay sick at Lochlevin where he remained till the Queen came to Edenburgh In the interim there is held a general Assâ—mbly of the Church Iuly 24. By this time the Brethren had mustered their strength and were resolved to capitulate to the rigour with the Queen six very modest Articles are drawn up and sent by five Commissioners to be ratified by Her Majesty in Parliament The first and fifth of which were to have her sign her own death in case she altered not her Religon for the Papistical and blasphemous Masse with all Papistical Idolatry c. must be abolished throughout the Realm not onely in the subjects but also in the Queens own person with punishment against all persons that should be deprehended Her Majesty expresly named in the former and not excepted in the latter and the punishment appointed for Idolaters is death as they every where mention The Queen having received this pleasing message departs privately to Dunkeld whither she is persecuted by this Commission prevail'd with for audience and importun'd for a dispatch In her answer she delayes them for eight dayes after which she intended to be in Edenburgh with her Council To gain Her Majesties concession the Brethren arm themselves and assemble at St. Leonard Crag The Queen saw it was now high time to speak her mind which she did in a particular return to the six Articles To the first she onely demanded of her subjects what she freely gave to them liberty of Conscience in the exercise of Religion hoped they would not press her to receive any religion against her conscience which should be unto her a continual trouble by remorse and a perpetual unquietness And to deal plainly Her Majesty neither will nor may leave the Religion wherein she hath been nourâ—shed and brought up But the Brethren still prosecute the religious cause and to prepare it the better for the Parliament approaching the Earls of Aâ—gile and Murray c. meet at Sterlin to consult The Queen takes this ill sâ—nds her two Advocates Mr. Spense and Mr. Crichton who câ—uld by no means perswade them to come to Edenburgh The Queen pâ—orogues the Parliament to the fiâ—st of September preparing by Letters and Proclamations to be in as good a military posture of defence as they could Upon the 18. of Iuly Proclamation was made for obedience to be rendred to the Lord Darley as King the next morning he was Married to the Queen notwithstanding such disturbance intended as the Queen was fain to raise an Army to secure her in her Marriage The Precise Lords had appointed the rendezvouz for their forces the 24. of August and a countermand issued out from their Majesties to attend them at Linlithgow the same day But upon the 19. day of that month Iohn Knox preacheth before the King at Edenburgh upon Isa. 26.13 O Lord our God other Lords besides thee have had dominion over us but by thee onely will we make mention of thy name He declaims against Tyrants and wicked Princes saith expresly That God sets in that room for the offences and ingratitude of the people boyes and women That God justly punisheâ— Ahab and his Posterity because he would not take order with that Harlot Iezabel The King knew whom he meant and forbore his dinner out of anger Knox was summon'd before the Council and wisht to abstain from preaching for some few dayâ—s He answered That he had spoken nothing but according to his Text and if thâ—Church would command him either to speak or abstain he would abstain So far as the word of God would permit So the Kings command must give way to the Churches and Iohn Knox regulate the Churches too according to the word The Lords range up and down the Countrey to encrease their strength but find not what success they hop'd for This makes some divisions in their Councils Murray and Glencarne were for an accommodation the Hamiltons put no confidence in peace pretending the enmity of Kings was implacable no other way to be extinguished but by their death This harsh advice took place with none but such as adhered to them upon a mystical reason their neaâ—â—itle to the Crown And many others looking upon the quarrel as prosecuted upon private interest more than the publick good
which was pretended deserted their party and so infirmed their strength The remnant sent a Letter to their Majesties flattering their persons but enveighing against their Council putting in some caution for Religion and menacing a hard market for their blood if sought The Princes guessing this might be to gain time remitted no whit of their Military care but made hard marches the weather being very bad At St. Andrews Proclamation was publish'd to inform the subjects about the true state of the difference demonstrating to them that nothing lesse was mean'd than Religion most pretended how hardly they were used according to Mr. Knoxs's Doctrine like Boyes and Gyrls in their pupillage the Lords appointing their Council as their Guardians The Ministers all this while were no cyphars but knowing their Majesties were somewhat necessitated for money to pay their Army which was come to a considerable number of 18000 men thought it the fittest time to supplicate for their meanes This piece of impertinency was easily swallowed among greater troubles their authority being not such at this time as to stand upon termes and expostulate at length the Holy Lords of the Congregation being confiscate and banish'd Therefore they fall to their Prayers for patience comfort and constancy to the exil'd which Iohn Knox did not without honorable mention of them as the best part of the Nobility the chief Members of the Congregation But prayers and tears were not wont to be the onely arms of this new Church and though they had no other at present yet some course must be taken to reduce them into possession of such a power This cannot be done without the exil'd Lords return into the Countrey for which their Letters and missive supplicates not prevailing enquiry was made about the principal obstruction the common current of the Queens favour and mercy diffusive enough requiring naught of the most delinquent Subject but to take the paines to stoop and taste it as he pleased This was found to be David Rizio Her Secretary who by the excellency of his parts and fidelity of his service in these many turns of treachery and falsehood had rais'd himself to an intimacy with the Queen much beyond the quality oâ— his Birth or place in Her Court The Brethren had no such free accesse to the retirements of the Royal Palace as afforded them an opportunity to commit such a rape on Majesty as this nor could there be they thought a better hand than the King to rend in sunder the Queens heart and rifle thence by prerogative priviledge the counterfeit of her dearest servant whom they were resolved to have thrown out of the world that she might never more have benefit by his Counsel nor content by his presence and attendance But such transcendent wickedness as this requires supream providence to guide it nor can any miraculous mischief be wrought but by the plenipotence of Heaven To this purpose a Fast is proclaimed by the Assembly and observed No Fast for strife and debate nor to smite with the fist of wickedness such a Fast no doubt as the Lord had chosen to undo the heavy buâ—thens to break the yoak and to let the oppressed go free The Kings head is daily possessed by convenient instruments with variety of jealousies about his Queen her privacies with David Rizio are suggested as no arguments of her matrimonial fidelity and the precedence of her name before his Her paramours invention did derogate as much from the due authority of an Husband as from the Majesty of a King Naught but David Rizio's removal can make way for the future innocency of the Queen and very just is it thought that his heart blood should blot out his hands error in the writs But bare-fac'd murder is not so beautiful as to draw a tender Conscience to embrace it Religious mask may hide somewhat of the horror and necessity of state animate an adventure to take it by the hand which the Lords of this black Council weighing with themselves propound three Atticles to the King Establishing the Religion Recalling the banish'd Lords and in the rear of these The murder of David Rizio His Royal word might vanish into ayr and be no standing evidence for the security of the actors who presse for a subscription by his hand The discourse alone upon this is enough for an after-claim to his consent and the counterfeit of his name to give his disavowing Majesty the lie Howsoever if his engagement were any the reverence of a Father that advised brought him half way upon the misse-taken borders of his duty and old Patrike Ruvens resurrection who had for many moneths been bed-rid but skipped very lively into this action might impose on his youth as an oracle from the dead Upon the Saturday before the Tuesday prefixed by the Queen for the attainder of the Lords this cripled assassin in the company of the Earl Morton Lord Ruthuen Lord Lindsay c. broke into the presence and in Her Majesties sight who was then great with child carry violently away her servant of greatest secresie and trust and within a Chamber or two by fifty three stroaks with their whingers or daggers murder him for the advancement of the Discipline which work now goes on a pace the Earl Murray and the banish'd Lords returning to the Court upon a pretended summons from the King These with the Murderers sit in Council desire the Queen to take the act for good service because hereby were so many Noblemen restored The poor Queen was fain to be silent in what she could not help and not knowing how soon her own turn was to come as an essay of their intentions desired the armed Guard might be dismissed for granting which the cruel Brethren count the King uxorious and simple the Earl Murray facile and the other Lords too inclinable to submit Her Majesty though good natur'd was neither stupid nor partial when indued with exercive power The blood of Rizio called upon her for Justice more then the memory of his good service or her own affection did incite her to revenge This opportunity she took to summon her loyal Subjects to Dunbar whither Her Majesty privately withdrew The guilty Lords did not like to have any armed assemblies appear but their own and accounted it an entrenchment on their priviledge for the Queen to act any thing but by their counsel At the same time and * place where they should have answered to their charge they convene to protest against the Q. proceedings yet wanting that which was wont more then either their authority or innocency to spirit their dispute they disperse themselves to seek each a single sanctuary in a corner The King and Queen in March were attended with a strong Guard to Edenburgh His Majesty having before by Proclamation quit himself not onely of the guilt but all fore-knowledge of the murder which is not
chusing Lords Protectors That they would set up and further the true worship of God and all that may concern the purity of Religion and life And for this to take arms if need require They should have added Where need requires another pretense they would take that for taking arms or if it please them take arms without any That all Princes and Kings hereafter in this Realm before their Coronation shall take Oath to maintain the true Religion which if they do to be sure theirs is out of protection This being done the Assembly brake up But all this while they were troubled how to râ—d their hands of the Queen who though a prisoner had yet such authority at liberty as prevented the Brethren from being absolute in their power In consultation about her some were for a conditional restitution others for a legal Tryal deposition and condemnation to perpetual imprisonment but Knox and the meek-spâ—rited Assembly-men upon some holy inspiration publish'd this mercifull censure in their Pulpits To have her divested of Royal authority and executed which took effect in the end although not in so short a time nor by the same hands they then hastily desired Queen Elizabeth of England whose Royal dignity did rather cherish her in then exempt her from an eager emulation which is very inseperable in some cases happily incident to her Sex partly by that and partly upon a conscientious care to preserve and enlarge what is call'd in the Mass the Protestant Religion the sincerity of which was ever pretended but never mean'd nor practis'd by the Presbytery in Scotland and farther upon the jealousie she had of the great reputation and growing power of her successor had from time to time recruited the strength and supported the fainting spirits of that faction yet at such opportunities and upon such politick advantages as gave all her actions the countenance of justice and her self the honour of being as bitter to theirs but when by the help of her Sword they had cut out their way and got the Royal Scepter in their reach like perfidious Rebells ungratefull and cruel Murderers as she call'd them they turn'd the point upon her self would stand no more to the courtesie of her imperious mediation denyed her Ambassador accesse to their Queen and sent him back with a French Proverb in his mouth Il perd le jeu qui la isse la partie to bid her have a care to continue a Friend to their party lest having got the fore-game for them she lose an after-game more considerable when she playes it for her self In the interim the Lords Lindsey and Ruthuen were sent to the Queen to have two Wriâ—s signed one for the renunciation of the Crown and Royal dignity the other to ordain the Earl of Murray Regent during the Princes minority They having by their hard usage brought upon Her Majesty some infirmity of body did her the courtesie to put her in mind of that as a fair pretense why she gave up her Crown and Government but to ballance that they threatned her with Death if she refused Whether Her Majesty set her Hand or no is not so certain as that it was proclaim'd she had at the Market-cross of Edenburgh and soon after the young Prince Crowned King at Sterlin where Iohn Knox sanctified his inauguration with a Sermon and Earl Morton one of them that kill'd his Father with Lord Hume that mean'd as much unto his Mother when he besieged her in Borthwike Castle took the Oath in his behalf That he should constantly live in the profession of the true Religion and maintain it c. It 's no matter whether the King knows it to be true or false he swears to The next solemnity was to proclaim the Regent who was returned out of France whither he had cunningly diverted to avoid the discovery about the murther of the King and his personal appearance in the depositâ—on of the Queen After eleven moneths Imprisonment in all which time she was not once permitted the sight of her Son which she earnestly desired Her Majesty by the help of George Douglas Brothâ—r to the Regent makes an escape out of the Castle and Island of Lochlevin and within ten dayes got an handsome Army and fought a Battail for the recovery of her right but her Friends that were stronger in their affections then arms were unfortunately dispersed and her self narrowly escaped to the borders of England Afterward having sent a Letter to Queen Elizabeth to crave protection in her Kingdom as apprehending some danger in her stay where she was prevented the Queens answer by her coming to Carliste What passed before Queen Elizabeths Commissioners at York and herself at London whither the Regent came being only a discussion of the Scotch factions on all sides and including title of the Clericall proceedings I purposely omit The Regent being returned into Scotland meets with new commotions rais'd by the opportunity of his absence and afterward was overtaken by that which pleas'd him worse three desires from Queen Elizabeth in behalf of the banished Queen 1. That she might be restored to her former Authority and place Or 2. That she might be joynt Regent with her Son aad her Name as well as his in all publick Acts and Writings yet so as Murray should bear all the sway untill the King came to seventeen years of age Or 3. That if the Queen of Scots liked of it she might enjoy her peace in a private condition and with it what honour should not be prejudiciall to the Royal dignity of the King Beside the Queen of Scots sent 〈◊〉 Letter to demand a fair judicial heaâ—ring about the businesse of her marriage with Earl Bothwell that if 〈◊〉 were found illegal she might have the benefit of a divorce and be quiâ— of that engagement These were referred to a Parliament at Perth where the last of Queen Elizabeths propositions were yeilded to upon hopes to get her within the limits of their power when she could have no pretense to raise a party being divested of all her Royalties and to be acknowledged as no other then a private person and subject to the rigor of their Laws by which within a very short time she might be reduced to her former condition in the Castle of Lochlevin To the Queen of Scots Letter they make exceptions upon her assuming the title of Queen c. and when offer was made that that should be amended and urged as a strange Paradox that they which had so much pressed the illegality and impiety of that marriage would not now yeâ—ld unto a cognizance of the businesse they made many frivilous demurs as to have 60 dayes given for the summons of Earl Bothwell who was now in Denmark c. and at last spake plainly that they would have her send to the Danish King to take his Head off and then she was at liberty
stratagem be declined at first and yet the same afterward authorized by strength The long disconsolate captivity of the Queen and despair of ever obtaining her liberty had withdrawn her thoughts from her Scepter on earth and rais'd them to an higher kingdom than the Scots whereon that they might be fixed without any diversion she resolves to divest her self of the other interest and confer freely her Royal title upon her Son The Assembly Brethren have intimation hereof do not like to have their King become absolute or Reign by any other Title than what he had before received on courtesie from them The Duke of Lenox and Earl of Arran are two good Friends to his Majesty not to be instrumentall in promoting so just an advancement to his Crown and therefore it is the Presbyters tasks to preach them out of all favour with the people and then an opportunity is fairly taken in their absence from Court for the Earls Gowry Marre Lindsey and others to invite his Majesty to the Castle of Ruthen and by the Laws of Displinarian hospitality detain him prisoner dismiss his retinue deny him the liberty to stir abroad but at his peril Nor indeed could he well be at leisure to walk for the perpetuity of business they found him within doors forcing him first by a Writ to recall Earl Angus from England whither the guilt of his late rebellion had carried him by another after the imprisonment of His Majesties dearest Friend to command the Duke of Lenox into France who being in possession of Dunbriton Castle might have disputed the freedome of that Royal command if his clear awfull spirit had not dreaded the thought of the least disloyal averseness to obey And by a slight of singulâ—r cunning tyranny in a third fram'd into a Letter to Queen Elizabeth of England to justifie their act and contract the guilt of that unnatural sin in laying violent hands upon himself By a fourth to authorize the Convention of States indicted by them All acts of such transcendent rebellion that George Buchanan their never-failing advocate before could be wrought neither to advise by his Council nor justifie with his pen nay 't is said he turn'd penitent upon it retracted with tears what he had writ before in their cause and wished he could wash out all the spots the black calumnies he had dropt upon Royal Majesty with his blood yet further he would have writ retractions if being so old he could have hoped such a conversion would not have been interpreted an act rather of dotage then devotion The Queen of Scots much affected with this treasonable surprisal of her Son complains at large to Queen Elizabeth in a Letter appeals to her conscience for Justice and summons her to her plea about the differences between them before the highest Tribunal of Heaven yet very charitably imputes the obstruction of intercourse between her and her Son for a twelvemoneth before as likewise Queen Elizabeths long silence notwithstanding some former importunate letters not unto her self but some malignant disposition in her Council Queen Elizabeths blood and thoughts had many quick motions upon this querulous writing many ebbs and flows of resolutions and fears at length Mr. Secretary Deale an austere man and no Friend at all unto the Royal Prisoner was joyn'd in Commission with the Earl of Shrewsbury to expostulate the business with the captive Queen and yet treat with her about articles of enlargement but the Disciplinarian Scots being called in about what concern'd them raised new spirits of division by interposing ungrounded jealousies of one Father Holt a Iesuit and some other Emissaries lately come over as they alledged on purpose to plot the invasion of England and therewith a violent rescue of their Queen As little truth as there was in this calumny there was Sophistrie enough to prevaile with Queen Elizabeth to lay aside the complaint of her prisoner and to imploy her two Agents in Scotland Bowes and Davison in vying Courtship with two other from the French to gaine upon the affection of the King The News of the Duke of Lenox's death at Paris though accompanied with that which confounded his enemies who thought they had undone him by traducing him for a Papist puts life into the Kings banded Jailers who take assurance by this they had him prisoner during pleasure but His Majestie escapes soon after to the Castle of Saint Andrews makes them curse the lying spirit in their Prophets and desperate enough to become executioners of themselves but the good King repriev'd them by his mercy offering pardon unto all that could find confidence to ask it but this appear'd in none but Earl Gowrie who corrupted the benefit of it unto his bane The rest not long after being banish'd went some into Ireland others into France only Angus ask'd and had a confinement unto his Earldom Queen Elizabeth sends Sir Francis Walsingham to the King not so much to gratulate his liberty as to instill some sententious Counsel how to use it He meets with a greater luster and gallantry in the Scotch Court then he expected and a young King as grave a politician as himself He was entertained better than his carriage to the captive Queen had deserved and returned with an answer no less modest than Majestick Though many acts had passed the Assemblies of late derogatory to the safety and Royal authority of the King yet none more than the justifying the late Treason requiring the Ministers in all their Churches to commend it unto the people and threatning excommunication to such as subscribed not though against their Conscience to the unjust judgement of the Assembly And in the year 1582 the Assembly at Saint Andrews proceeded violently against one Montgomery Bishop of Saint Andrews cutting off the appeal he had made unto the King rejecting both his Letter and Messenger sent on purpose to inhibite them The late treasonable justification voted by the Assembly though nipt in the bud by the Kings unexpected escape and all the leaves scattered by the breath of his displeasure into several corners of the world began now to sprout again in a second conspiracy many of the Traitors being at that time appointed by Gowry return'd again and under the colour of care and courtesie to the King attempting a second surprizal of his person But the Earl of Arran whom they had not now time or opportunity to secure seizeth upon Gowrie at Dundee and the Kings martial appearance suddenly affrights his Complices out of the Castle of Sterlin which they had taken Queen Elizabeth whose Court because the Cathedral of Religion was ever abused as a sanctuary after a Scotch rebellion had now a new address to make by mediation unto their King And her Secretary Walsingham by the no justifiable priviledg of his place issued out Writs in Her Majesties name though without her knowledg for
their admission into the Holy Island The Letters were not obeyed by Earl Hunsdon who dâ—sputed the Secretaries single separate authority nor was the Queen hearkenâ—d to otherwise then by yeilding a legal tryal which cost Gowrie hâ—s Head for all the promises he had of better success from oâ—e Maclen a Wâ—tch whom he had consulted in the case To ballance this somewhat must be done by the Disciplinarian undertakers in England who frame divers Lâ—tters in the name of the Queen of Scots and some English fugitives conveigh them into the Papists houses and then make discovery of a plot Hereupon as slight and improbable as the proofs were the Earls of Northumberland and Arundel were confined his Lady imprison'd divers examin'd and the Lord Paget scarcely by hâ—s prudent innocency protected Queen Elizabeth though facile in hearing their complaints was not so barbarous as to execute the cruelty of their Counsels but called her Judges to account for their extream serverity against the Papists granting indemnity and liberty to many Iesuits and Priests Yet Mendoza the Spanish Ambassador was sent home and Throckmorton whom he was said to have encouraged in an intricate conspiracy being neither constant in denying nor clear in confessing nor at all cunning in concealing or disguising his guilt was hang'd A new Treaty between the two Queens is now commenc'd and Sir William Wade imployed in an overture unto the Queen of Scots but the Agitators of differences between them renew their division by unseasonable jealousies and fears and Wade falls to pasting Father Creyghtone the Iesuits torn papers together neglecting a far more Christian and honourable artifice which he might haâ—e sâ—ewed by cementing the unhappy rupture in two so Royal and magnanimous Ladies hearts This new discomposure gave the Scottish partizans in England a colourable pretense to enter into an association for Queen Elizabeths security from danger which was managed by the policy of the Earl of Leicester The Queen of Scots took hence an alarum oâ— her ruine yet chose rather to submit somewhat of her spirit then in an humour sacrifice her life unto their malice She sends her Secretary Nave with Articles so near Queen Elizabeths demands as had wrought undoubted reconcilement if it had been consistent with the Discipline of the Kirk but this the Scotch Ministry declared to be otherwise in their Pulpits call out for help as if both Kingdoms had been on â—ire and Christian Religion in danger to be consumed by the flames inveâ—gh bitterly against their Queen King and his Council slight the Kings summons to answer stand upon their Ecclesiastical exemption and Presbyterian privilege of immunity from his censure The King began from hence to apprehend it better for his safety and more agreeable with his honour to restore the Miâ—er to the Church then cast away his Crown to a mungrel lay-Clerical Assembly Hereupon he recalls Bishops to their primitive jurisdiction and dignity inhibites all Presbyteries and their Synods together with the popular parity of Ministers and among other Acts pasâ—eth this in the eight Parliamentâ—olden at Edenburgh May 22. 1584. which alone cuts off all their vaine â—retences to this day For as much as some persons being â—ately called before the Kings Majeâ—ty and his secret Council to answer â—pon certain points to have been enquiâ—ed of tâ—em concerning some treasoâ—able seditious and contumelious â—â—eeches uttered by them in Pulpits â—chools and otherways to the disdain â—nd reproach of his Highness his Proâ—enitors and present Council conâ—â—mptuously declined the judgement of â—is Highness and his said Council in that behalf to the evill example of others to dâ— the like if timely remedy be not provided Therefore our Sâ—veraigne Lord and his threâ— Estates assembled in this present Parliament ratifieth and approveth and perpetually confirmeth the Royal power and authority over all Estates as well spiritual as temporal within this Realm in the person of the Kings Majesty our Soveraigne Lord his Heirs and Successors And also statuteth and ordaineth that his Hignâ—ss his Heirs and Successors by themselves and their Councils are and in time to comâ— shall be judges competent to all person His Highnesses subjects of what estate degree function or condition so 〈◊〉 they be spiritual or temporal in 〈◊〉 matters wherein they or any of theâ— shall be apprehended summoned 〈◊〉 charged to answer to such things 〈◊〉 shall be enquired of them by our 〈◊〉 Soveraigne Lord and his Council And that none of them which shalâ— happen to be apprehended called 〈◊〉 summoned to the effect aforesaid prâ—sume to take in hand to dâ—cline 〈◊〉 judgement of his Highness his Heirs and Sâ—ccessors or their Council in the Premises under the pain of Treason This Act puts many of the Assembly birds upon the wing who iâ—nâ—cent Dâ—â—es take none but a Virgin breast for their refuge Queen Elizabeth whose too industriâ—us infirmiâ—y it was to keep up her popular interest with all as well as to enjoy the honour and more clear content of an impartial conscience within her self although she gave no ear to their querulous Remonstrances in private nor permitted their publick libelling in her Churches yet cherished their persons and very unproperly imployed their endeavours to preserve Religion from innovations which made no such real impressions in Scotland as some untrue aggravating relations had in the timeâ—ous minds of her Reformed English Subjects and her self This practise of Her Majesty being observed by those who looked ouâ— of the Scotch Kings Court put the Earl of Arran upon a forward tender of his Service to meet Her Majesties desires and Her Agent the Lord Hunsdon upon the borders but before the time the Sterlin fugitives whom she had protected were prescribed and at it charged by the Earl with their treason against the King The complement he left of his real intentions at parting took place until Patrike Grey came with another Embassie and particular Articles from King Iames But the ill offices it was suspected he did at the same time to the captive Queen gain'd him no reputation with her party and put her upon some such extraordinary courses as betrayed her into a new prison under more restraint and Lâ—icester 't is said upon murderous designes who would not hear of her liberty lesse of her succession to the English Crown To cover whose private spleen and malitious attempts new fears are fetched from the Romane Catholicks and their designes magnified in a mist unto the people whereby a sharper edge is set upon the severity of the Laws This alteration encouraged some of the precise Scottish Religion to pursue the Queens commands for pressing in Parliament to have the Bishops reformed and to others as may be not improbably conjectur'd to murder the Earl of Northumberland in the Tower because a known Friend to the Queen of Scots though they left the pistol wherewith they acted it in
of marrying E. Bothwel Having forecasted all difficulties to be encountred Iohn Craig declaims against it and excites the people to rebellion The Queen demands Edenburgh Castle and obtains it on an hard condition for the person of the Prince the original of her ruine They address now no more supplicates Isai. 22.23 Their malitious calumnie of the Queen and E. Bothwell's resolution to murder the young Prince The Queen raiseth an Army Yet proclaims great concessions They besiege Her Majesty at Borthwike-Castle Thence they go to Edenburgh Yet incline to disband but are prevented by the Queens approach An unfortunate Treaty by the French Agents means The Queens Army discouraged Her Majesties discourse with L. Kirkaldic of Grange while E. Bothwell slips away Her horrid entertâ—inment in the Rebells Army She is thrust into an Inne at Edenburgh and guarded Thence posted away to the Isle of Lochlevin The Ministers â—ssemble Four Commissioners deputed by them to summon in the Hamilton's c. Articles agreed on by the Rebells They are yet pâ—rplex'd in their thoughts what to do with the Queen Queen Elizabeths emulation c. made her countenance some of their proceedings Their ingratitude and scorn return'd upon her The Queen moved to qâ—it her Crown and permit Murray to be Regent K Iames 6. The Prince Crowned at Sterlin K. Iames 6. Murray returned out of France and proclaimed Regent The Queen escapes out of prison Her last ill success in Battail She escapes to England for protection Queen Elizabeth's three Desires unto the Regent Queen of Scots demands a hearing about her last marriage All discussed in the Parliament at Perth Whence the two Queens reeeive little satisfaction They demurre about E. Bothwell Pelkarne sent with their apology to Queen Elizabeth Their subtilty in making a diffâ—rence between the two Queens by much falsehood mixed with little truth Q. of Scots and D. of Korfolk sâ—cured Regent Mâ—rray kill'd The Brethren prosecute revenge A scâ—upulous question put to them Tâ—eir applicatlons to Q. Eliz. rejected They confer regall power upon the Earl of Lenox Divest him again of it and make him Regent Q of Scots by all means endeavours her liberty Queen Eliz giveth fair answers to her and her intercessors Q. Eâ—izabeths Councill how affected at this time K. Iames 5. They involve her in a multitude of difficulties She calls the Scots to accounâ— about the deposition of their Queen They exhibâ—te a large Remonstrance rebellious and antimonarchiall enough K Iames 6. 1571. Queen Eliz dislikes it Yet persists in her high demand from the Qu of Scots Commissioners Their modest answer L Keepers sharp reply K. Iemes 5. A truce between the divided parties in Scotland made by Q Eliz. The Regent and his do notwithstanding what they please They hang up the Arâ—h-Bishop of St Andrews K Iames 6. Revenge taken upon the Regent They make the E of Marre his successor who is so vexed by them that he shortly dies with grâ—ef The Parliaments fierce proposition to Q Eliz. about the Queen of Scots Rejected A resolution taken by the Rebells in Scotland fatall to the Queen and her party Divers executed in England The Duke of Norfolk Beheaded The Brethren well-pleased at the successe of their designes and approach of the Ax so near their Queen To whom Commissioners are sent to expostulate The French interceding are answered with instances from their own and other Nations Momoranchies propositions not hearkened to The Assemblies domineer while no Regent in Scotland Q. Elizabeth calls upon them to chuse one They take E Morton as fittest for their purpose The young E of Marre becomes Guardian to the King Orders made by the new Regent The Queens party in Scotland faint Edenburgh Castle taken by the help of the English Forces The Scotch army disbanded Bishop of Rosse banish'd England upon the Scots importunity Morton cannot obtain a league c. with England Queen of Scots aâ—cused of contâ—â—ving a Match E Castleherault dies with grief Don Iohn of Austria faileth in his design to marry the Q. of Scots And dyeth Morton deposed from his Regency Twelve appointed to assist the King in governing Morton one of them but defeated in his purpose to do all The King begins to shew himself to the terror of the Assembly Preserves the Bishops in some part of their Rights and revenues whereof the other would deprive them 2 B of Discip. cannot yeâ— pass in Parliament D of Alanson attempts a marriage with Q Eliz. D. of Lenox and E of Arran set at difference by the Assembly Reconciled by the King Then they accuse Lenox to Q Elizabeth Who demands to have him banish'd The King will not part with him Humes his Agent hears of this from the L Treasurer in England Morton questioned Randolphs sent to intercede but prevails not Arrogant Assembly Acts. 1579. No Christianity allowed but in Scotland and where is a confâ—rmity in Religion unto the Kirk Th K checks thâ—m They contest with him by a Committee And extort his subscription to the Negative Confession with a câ—mmand of the like from all * This is that Craig and this that confession which K Iames reflects upon in Hampton-Court conference saying That with his I renounce and abhor his detestations and abrenuntiations he did to amaze the simple people that they not able to conceive all those things utterly gave over all falling back to Popery or remaining still in their former ignorance yea if I saith his Majesty should have been bound to his form the confession of my Faith must have been in my Table-book not in my head A publick stratagem practis'd by the Brethren The Queen of Scots directs her thoughts to an higher kingdom and means to resign all up to her Son Whereupon the Brethren put all into confusion The King invited to the Castle of Ruthen and detained prisoner They press him most insolently to do their business Buchanan deserts them and repents of what he had done heretofore Queen of Scots complains to Queen Eliz. Queen Eliz very uncertain what to do Sends two Commissioners to the Queen of Scots The Disciplinarians make new jealousies about Fa Holt. Qu Eliz by her Agents Courts King Iames kindness D Lenoxs's death King Iames makes an escape Offers pardon to all that ask it Sir Francis Walsingham sent to counsell him The Assemblies justifie their late Treason And commit new Gowrie c attempt again the surprisal of the King But himself is seised on c. Walsinghams Letters not observed by E Hunsdon E Gowrie behâ—aded Letters feigned in the nâ—me of the Queen of S.o.s. Vpon whiâ—h divers Nobles are questioned And the Iudges for their severity against Papists Throckmorton hanged A reconciliation between the two Queens prevented An â—ssociation in England Queen of Scots sees a necessity of complying with Q Eliz The Scots Presbytery foreseeing the effect of it declaim â—gainst her their Kingâ— and Council in the Pulpit Vpon their flighting the Kings summons they are inhibited and Episcopacy setled The Kings suprâ—macy established by Act of Parliament Hereupon â—ivers Miâ—isters take their flight Q Eliz restrains â—heir violence but countenâ—nceth them too much Earl of Arran offers a meeting with L Hunsdon upon the borders The fugitives proscribed Patrike Grey sent Ambassador for England Qu of Scots practises too much for her self And Leicester against her and her party Queen Eliz requires a reformation of Scots Bishops Earl of Northumberland â—urdered in the Tower Sir Edward Wotton sent Ambassador into Scotland E of Bedford slain at a meetiâ—g uâ—on the borders L Fernihurst imprisoned E of Arran confined Qu Eliz demands their persons is denyed She sends home the Scottish Fugitives A rebellious army raised by them E of Arran accuseth P Grey of Treason Is besieged and narrowly escapes The Rebells answer to L Grey They capitulate and hâ—ve what they ask of the Kiâ—g A league renewed with England A considerable Article had it been agreed and kept heretofore Another about Religion the ambiguity whereof doth more hurt than good A Conspiracy in England discovered Many executed for it The Queen of Scots how far concerned in it Walsingham and her own Secretaries charge more upon her then she owns She is prejudged too soon by persons uncommission'd The more prudent yet as loyal grue milder censures Leicester woâ—lâ— have her poiâ—on'd Walsingham not prevailed with to consent Yet dâ—rects the contrivers to a methodical proceeding Queen Elizabeth yeilds to their perswasions for signing a Writ oâ— Delegacy The Queen of Scots prudent dâ—meanour reward the Delegates at Fotheringham Castle Lord Treasurâ—r rigid witâ— her Her Majesty answâ—rs him accordingly Submits to a Tryal but on condition Iustice Gawdies too particular nâ—rration The Queen protests against it Nave disclaims his pâ—pers The English Parliaâ—ent passeth sentâ—nce according to the sense of the Delegates But Q Eliz makes no hast to signe the Bill King Iames endeavours to preâ—erve his Mother but â—annâ—t Commands the Ministers to prâ—y in pâ—blick for her who deny him and her that respect Paâ—rike Greys proverb to Qu Eâ—iz Who is troubled in mind about her execution Vâ—certain instructions given to Davison with the feigned Bill He is fined and imprisoned for gâ—ing beâ—ond tâ—e meaning of them The Queen very resoâ—ute and â—eligious at her death A Priest denied her Fletcher Dean of Peterburgh Iustice blushed when she suffered