THE EXAMINATIONS, Arraignment & Conviction of George Sprot, Notary in Aye-mouth, Together with his constant and extraordinary behaviour at his death, in Edinburgh, Aug. 12. 1608.  
Written & set forth by Sir William Hart, Knight, L. justice of Scotland.  
Whereby appeareth the treasonable device betwixt john late Earl of Gowry and Robert Logane of Restalrig (commonly called Lesterig) plotted by them for the cruel murdering of our most gracious Sovereign.  
Before which Treatise is prefixed also a Preface, written by G. Abbo● Doctor of Divinity, and Deane of Winchester, who was present at the said Sprats execution.  
LONDON: Printed by Melch. Bradwood, for William Aspley. 1608.   

A PREFACE to the Reader.  
AMong those troubles & crosses, wherewithal our heavenly Father is pleased to exercise his best children, while they remain in this Tabernacle of their flesh, there is no one more frequent, than such evil and slanderous reports, as the virulent tongues of malicious persons, out of a hatred to their virtues, are desirous to lay upon them. For there was never Age nor Country, wherein either man or woman was adorned with rare and eminent qualities, for the service of God, and advancement of true religion, but immediately such as were ill-affected began to employ their wits, and beat their brains, how by calumniation and forged imputations, they might obscure the lustre of those singular parts, which their quick but envious eye had discovered in them. That worthy Moses the meekest 
a Num. 12.3.  man upon earth is reproached as ambitious, and charged by Core, to 
b Num. 16.3.  take too much upon him. That admirable Daniel was 
c Dan. 6.13.  accused to the King as a contemner of his Greatness, and violater of his Laws. It was objected to zealous and just Nehemiah by 
d Neh. 6.6.  Sanballat, that himself and the people of juda intended a rebellion. Paul and Silas, two great instruments of God's glory, were complained upon as seditious persons, and 
e Act. 16.20.  disturbers of the peace and quietness of the city. The old Christians, men no doubt of virtuous behaviour, yet because in time of persecution they assembled themselves together in the night, for the worship of their God, and profession of their faith, were reported by the Gentiles to have the Feasts of 
f Euseb. Eccl. Hist. lib. 4.7.  Thyestes, (that is, to eat the flesh of children) and to do as Oedipus did, that is, promiscuously to commit fornication with their mothers, sisters and daughters. Yea, their own 
g Lib. 5.1.  servants were brought by the terrors of the Infidels to accuse them of such crimes. Tertullian complaineth of this, declaring that it was objected to the Christians; 
h Tertull. Apolog. cap. 2.  that they killed a babe new borne, and in the blood thereof did dip their Eucharist, and so eat it; as also, that suffering their dogs of purpose to overturn their lights, they in the dark committed incest with their mothers and daughters. Hence it grew, as a kind of Proverb, That it was the part of Christians to do good, and yet to be ill spoken of. So 
i Euagrius Eccl. Hist. lib. 3.40.  Euagrius reporteth, touching that holy and blessed Emperor Constantine the Great, that the Ethnics laded him with many false criminations:, because he took away their Heathenish superstitions, and in place thereof advanced the service of Christ jesus.  
In all which accusations, and other of like nature, (if we look advisedly into them) we shall perceive, that both Satan hath his work, and evil men have a part, yea that God himself hath a finger. Satan hath his work, because (as Cyprian writing of Cornelius, saith) It is 
k Cyprian. Epist. add Antonian. Lib. 4.2.  evermore the work of the Devil, that he may with lies ●eare the servants of God, and by false opinions spread concerning them may defame their glorious name; that such as are bright in the light of their own conscience may be sordidated, or dimmed, by the reports of other. Evil men have their part, either because with Zoilus, when they 
l Aelian. Hist. lib. 11.10.  can do not hurt to the good and virtuous, at least they will speak ill of them; or else, because (as Hierome writeth) 
m Hieron. Epist. 10. ad Furiam.  It is the solace of evil men to carp at the good, thinking that by the great number of offenders the guilt of their faults is diminished and abated. Nay, God hath a finger in it, to try & sharpen men, and by that means to fit them to himself. For slanders have that force in them, as Gregory well noteth, speaking thus: 
n Gregor. Hom. 38. in 40. Hom.  Going thorough almost all examples, we find, that there hath not been one good man whom the naughtiness of evil men hath not tried: for, that I may so speak, the sword of our soul is not brought to the exactness of sharpness, if the file of other men's naughtiness hath not rubbed and fretted it. Again, in as much as we should grow into deep and dangerous security, if it were not for such remembrances, our heavenly Father is contented that by such calumniations we should be roused from the sleepiness and drowsiness of the world. 
o Plin Nature. Hist. lib. 8 16.  Pliny writeth, that the Lion is subject to no sickness, but only a fastidium, or fullness of stomach: wherewithal when he is oppressed, the way to cure him is to offer him some contumely; which is by tying an Ape near him: for the Lion is so moved and vexed for the time, with the tricks which the Ape playeth, that he riddeth and putteth over that, which so much before offended him. Even so God useth the contumelies of base persons, & the reproaches of the vilest, to rouse up men of excellent spirits, that they surfeit not in voluptuousness, and so consequently be lulled asleep in idle security, to their own harm and peradventure ruin.  
But be it for one or all these reasons, certain it is, that in our age as well as in times bypassed, the dearest children of God have tasted of this trial, and have been forced to endure very horrible imputations & staining aspersions, which the venomous tongues of ungodly men have strived to cast upon them. It were no hard matter to name very strange calumniations which have been invented by the vassals of Antichrist, and published by the adorers of the beast in divers books (which are no better than defamatory libels) against God's servants of the highest rank upon earth, because they overturned the strong holds of idolatry, and gave free passage to the Gospel of Christ jesus. But I forbear to give such particular instances, and rather leave to the consideration of the wise, whether it may ever be hoped, that such irreligious creatures (who have sold themselves to Satan the accuser of the brethren) will make spare to lash and scourge such single persons as stand in their way, & hinder their designs; when they make no conscience to brand our holy faith, and the generality of our profession, with reports most odious, and such as must needs be acknowledged for abominable, if they should be true: but in sooth are in the sight of God, of Angels and men, before heaven & earth▪ but plain fictions and forgeries, containing in them no parcel of verity. Of which sort are those defamations▪ which a countryman of ours, without all shame, avoucheth in a 
p Certain Articles or forcible reasons printed at Antwerp 1600:  Pamphlet not long since put out, and published to the world; That the Protestants are bound in conscience, never to ask God forgiveness of their sins: That the Protestants are bound in conscience to avoid all good works: That the Protestants make God the author of sin; the only cause of sin: that man sinneth not; that God is worse than the Devil. And that of 
q Ross. contra Henri●. Gallum. cap. 4.5.  Rosseus writing against the French King now reigning: Hominum animas cum corporibus interire, & homines a brutis pecoribus nihil differre, Euangelicorum infinita millia credunt. Infinite thousands of Protestants do believe that the souls of men die together with their bodies, and that men do nothing differ from brute beasts.  
Such truthless, shameless, and graceless assertions they have not sticked to proclaim openly in the face of the Sun. The knowledge whereof should cause all men indifferently affected, not to be credulous or light of belief, when they find gall and bitterness cast out of the mouth or pen of an enemy of the Gospel against any contending for the truth, though it be but a private man; but especially to suspend their judgements, when persons of highest quality, for maintaining God's cause, are traduced by an enemy, or defamed by some vile one, whose tongue and pen indeed is no slander, as we commonly speak. For these great ones are the special mark whereat malice doth aim; and as poison ordinarily hasteneth to the heart, so doth envy let drive at the head, at those who be most eminent in the State and Commonwealth. When Cato the elder lived, there was not in all Rome so worthy a man as he: for (as 
r Plin. Nature. Hist. lib. 7.27.  Pliny noteth) he was the best Orator, the best Leader or General in the field, the best Senator or Counsellor that was in that City: yet was he so entreated as never man was, being publicly called to his answer four and forty several times, whereby one while his fame was hazarded, another while his life: and yet always he was honourably, or as the younger Pliny hath it, 
s Plin. de viris illustrib.  gloriously absolved and acquitted. Doubtless there was against him a great deal of spleen, a very great deal of malice. From the touch whereof, even Kings and Princes are so far from being free, that they are more subject to it than any other persons: which made 
* Diog. Laert. in Antisth.  Antisthenes to say, That it was a Kingly thing, when thou hast done well, to be ill spoken of for thy labour. And if we be desirous to see a famous example of this, there is no one more notable than that of holy David, who being first a Prophet, and afterwards a King, (but in both most unspotted touching the crimes laid against him) yea being a man after Gods own heart, yet was accused and charged with many heinous iniquities; which caused him to complain both before and after his coming to the Crown: as unto Saul: 
t 1. Sam. 24.10.  Wherhfore givest thou an ear unto men's words, that say: Behold, David seeketh evil against thee? And to God himself: O 
u Psal. 7.3.  Lord my God, if I have done this thing, meaning, which they laid unto him; if there be any wickedness in my hands, intending, such as they would fasten upon him, then let the enemy persecute my soul and take it. And in another place, speaking to the slandering Adversary, Thy 
* Psal. 52.2.  tongue imagineth mischief, and is like a sharp razor that cutteth deceitfully. And yet further: The 
x Psal. 119.69.  proud have imagined a lie against me. So in the next Psalm: 
y Psal. 120.2.  Deliver my soul O Lord from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. These things, and that the 
z Psal 69.12.  drunkards did make songs upon him, did many times exceedingly grieve him, that he who laboured to seem innocent, should be reproached as nocent; that he who was but the Patient, should be held for the Agent; that the man wronged, should be reported to do wrong unto other; that he whose life was sought, should be termed by Shimei, 
a 2. Sam. 16.7.  a man of blood, and a murderer. This troubled & grieved him above measure. For it is the property of innocency and integrity, that if it may find no other reward, yet it would gladly shine in the simplicity and sincerity of itself. But when there was no other help to be freed from those slanders, David had one assured remedy; that was, to retire himself to the Lord, & commend his cause to his Maker: As he excellently doth in the three and fortieth Psalm, where being oppressed by the malice of his adversaries, and complaining of it in the first verse: 
b Psal. 43.1.  judge me O God, and defend my cause against the unmerciful people: deliver me from the deceitful & wicked man, he helpeth himself in the last verse, rebuking the impatiency which he found in his own soul, and directing his affections unto another course, 
c vers. 5.  Why art thou cast down my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? wait on God: for I will yet give him thanks: he is my present help and my God.  
Many men have been desirous to have their fame cleared from the reproaches of their enemies, and have sought means to have their hearts eased from the disturbances and distempers whereinto false accusations have put them. Zeno is much commended, that with such calmness he could turn aside those bitter taunts which some bestowed on him: for being asked, how he did bear himself against evil speeches: 
d Diog. La▪ ere'rt. in Zenon.  I do, saith he, as if an Ambassador should be sent unto me, and I should return him without an answer. This for a Philosopher, who was but an heathen man, was an excellent resolution. But in these words of David, there is a way more noble than Zeno could conceive; that is, to look up to our great God, and commit all to him, expecting his good leisure. It is not enough when a man being privy to his own innocency doth not boil within himself, or fret against the wicked (which are things 
e Psal. 37.1.  forbidden unto us) but he must go a step farther, and propose to his own heart some more notable example. And in this case who is rather to be imitated by a Christian, than our Saviour christ? Concerning whom S. Chrysostome said well: That 
f Chrys Homil. 1. de in●●●●treh. Dei natura.  when he cast out devils, and did innumerable good things, and yet was ill spoken of; against those men who said, that he had the Devil, he did not send any thunderbolt, he did not overthrow those blasphemous mouths, he consumed not with fire those unchaste, ungrateful, unworthy tongues of theirs: but only with these words put aside those evil speeches; I have not the Devil, but I honour him who sent me. This is most truly related of our Saviour: but there was in him somewhat else, which is better observed by S. Peter: 
g 1. Pet. 2.23.  When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed it to him that judgeth righteously. And this, committing it to him that judgeth righteously, was the course which David used: to wait patiently on the Lord, to cast up his eyes to heaven, and commending to God the integrity of his ways, to leave all to his disposing. And this is the very Lesson which he teacheth both himself and other. For in the seven and twentieth Psalm, having spoken of his 
h Psal. 27.12.14.  adversaries, of false witnesses which rose up against him, and such as speak cruelly, he concludeth with this document, Hope in the Lord; be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart, and trust in the Lord. Which is the most sound instruction, that any creature can have: to look up to his Creator (to whom all hearts are open, and no privy thing can be secret) and to commend to his providence, to his fatherly care and wisdom, the unspottedness of his ways, and the simplicity of his conversation. And assuredly that God who is the God of truth, will be the patron and protector of innocency in his servants. It is a strong consolation which David giveth in this case; 
i Psal. 37.5.6.  Commit thy way unto the Lord, and trust in him, and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgement as the noon day. But it followeth: Wait patiently upon the Lord, and hope in him: As if that must be the means to attain thy desire: not to run before thy Maker, and appoint him the time when thy integrity shall be cleared, and the dimming clouds of obloquy shall be blown from thy estimation; but to leave that to his managing, to his dispose and direction. For as S. Chrysostome telleth us; 
k Chrys. in Psal. 129.  If it be in the power of God to give unto us, it is also in his power to give when himself pleaseth. It is said of him, that he doth all things in 
l Sapient. 11.17.  measure, number and weight. But if before the number be full, or the measure be up, thou wilt limit him the time when thy innocency must appear: thou takest on thee to be wiser than the Lord, and in a sort mounting up into his throne in heaven, thou dost justle him out of his seat of majesty and eternity. If thou wilt set down the decree for time or place, or the manner of purging thyself, or how the wickedness of thine enemies must be displayed, thou makest thyself the judge, and the Lord of heaven and earth shall be but thy executioner. Leave the main then to him (which doth not fore-close thee, but that thou mayst use all honest means to lay open thy unspottedness) and thou shalt have reason with David to thank him, and say: 
m Psal. 43.5.  He is my present help and my God.  
And in truth it is strange to see the Lords work in this behalf, how, when the fame of his servants hath been unjustly denigrated by false accusations, he taking the matter into his hands hath in his good time dispelled all mists of slander. Hereof David himself had singular experience. For when Saul was informed that David sought his life, and by the often ingeminations of malicious men this was taken for a truth, and David was accordingly persecuted, and in danger to be murdered, God put Saul 
n 1. Sam. 24.4. c. 26.7.  two several times into the hands of David, that easily he might have slain him: which being entertained as an invincible argument of David's fidelity, Saul himself by the irrefragable evidence of truth was forced to cry out, 
o 1. Sam. 24.18.  Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rendered me good, and I have rendered thee evil. And a second time: 
p 1. Sam. 26.21.  I have sinned: come again my son David, for I will do thee no more harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day: behold I have done foolishly, and have erred exceedingly. Eusebius hath such another example, of 
q Euseb. Ecel. Hist. lib. 6.8.  Narcissus the Bishop of jerusalem, who was a virtuous and worthy man, and yet by three persons was accused of a heinous crime. The story doth not clearly deliver what it was: but by circumstances it may be gathered to be incontinency. These three to give the more reputation to that accusation, wherewithal they charged him, did use divers imprecations and execrations on themselves, if those things were not true which they objected against him. As the one wished that himself might be burnt, the second that he might die of a loathsome disease, the third that he might lose the sight of his eyes. This constant and consenting crimination so affected Narcissus, though privy to his own uprightness, that he withdrew himself from his abode, and living privately commended his righteous cause to God: which had such effect, that not very long after, the first of his accusers was indeed consumed with fire, the house being burnt in which he remained: the second died of the same disease which he wished upon himself: and the third being much affrighted with the punishment of his fellows, had remorse of his sin, and came and openly acknowledged the conspiracy of them three against innocent Narcissus: but withal, he had such feeling of his own iniquity, that pouring out continual tears, he lost the sight of his eyes with the rheum that descended. A most memorable narration to their comfort, who, being wronged by men in their fame or good name, commend their cause to God. Like to which is that of 
r Theodor. Eccl. Hist. lib. 1.20.21.  Theodoret, who reporteth, that Eustathius the Patriarch of Antioch had many combats with the Arrians for defence of Christ's truth: and when he still prevailed against them, they out of their malice suborned a harlot to accuse him of fornication, and openly to maintain, that a child was his which she held in her arms: by which means he was constrained to fly to the same succour that Narcissus formerly had done; which had such force with Almighty God, that within a while after the harlot was stricken with a grievous sickness, which wrought in her so powerfully, that she freely confessed the combination of the Arrians against the holy man: and how she was suborned to accuse him wrongfully, whereof she was now sorry. But whereas she had said that Eustathius was the father of her child; that indeed was true of another Eustathius, but not of the Bishop of Antioch. Wherein we may behold, that even so long agone Equivocation was in use, but it was with lewd persons, as heretics and harlots: but withal God's work appeareth, that he will not evermore suffer innocency to be oppressed, and truth to be wronged; but at the last verity shall break forth, as the Sun which was darkened with a cloud. And this merciful favour of God to his servants was not only in the ages past, but our days have experiments of the very like occurrents; as in a famous case lately acted at Edinburgh may sensibly be discovered: whereof, because I was an eye-witness at my late being there by the commandment of his Majesty, I have thought it my duty, in honour to God and love to his truth, to declare what I saw and heard; that this following Treatise penned by an honourable parsonage of North-Britaine might not go forth unaccompanied with the Declaration of one of South-Britaine, for so much as he beheld.  
There are few in this Island of any understanding, but have heard of the traitorous and bloody attempt of the Earl Gowrie and his brother against the person and life of our most blessed Sovereign. Wherein albeit there were such evidences and arguments, as that any man who would have taken notice thereof, might have been sufficiently informed therein even at the very first▪ and afterward by the clear depositions (for most pregnant circumstances) and ample attestations of many persons of honour and quality, the Parliament of that Kingdom took full knowledge thereof, and accordingly proceeded to the forfaiting of the whole estate of that Earl, and of his heirs for ever: yet some humorous men, whom in that respect I may justly term unthankful unto God, and undutiful to their King, out of fond imaginations, or rather, if you will, seditious suppositions of their own, did both at home and abroad, by whisperings and secret buzzings into the ears of the people (who were better persuaded of them than indeed there was cause) employ their wits and tongues to obscure the truth of that matter, and to cast an imputation where it was least deserved. Which when God had permitted for the space of some years to rankle and foster in the bowels of those who were the Authors of it; the same God in his wisdom at last meaning to cure them if they would be cured of that malady, discovered, that in the same treason, although carried never so secretly, there were other confederates, of whom hitherto the world had taken no kind of knowledge. And albeit two of the persons interested in that business were lately dead, and departed unto far greater torment than all the earth could lay upon them (unless they died repentant) yet it was apprehended that a third party remained, who had foreknowledge of that conspiracy, and was able to utter much of the secrets of it; one George Sprot, a Notary inhabiting at Aye-mouth, a place well known in that country. Which matter, or some part thereof, being made known to an 
s The Earl of Dunbar.  honourable person, a most faithful servant to his Majesty, first by some words that fell from Sprot himself, and afterwards by some papers found upon him, it was so wisely carried, and so prudently brought about, by the great care and diligence of that noble man (God Almighty blessing the business) that so much was revealed as followeth in this Treatise, upon the Acts to be seen; which are here set down at large, word for word as they agree with the process original, and other examinations, that such as have been averse may at last receive satisfaction. Touching all which, I shall say nothing, but only report that which befell upon the day of his death, when he suffered for that treason. Having then the sentence passed on him upon Friday the twelfth of August 1608 in the forenoon, and publicly being warned to prepare himself to his end, which must be that after-dinner, he most willingly submitted himself unto that punishment, which (as he then acknowledged) he had justly deserved. And being left to himself till dinnertime was expired, then came to him into that private place where he remained, some of the 
* Archb. of Glasc. Bis. of Brickh. L. Halyrudeh. L. Collector. L. Register. L. justice. D Maxey. M Hodson. M. P. Galoway. M. I. Hall. N. Ch. Lumsden with others.  reverend Bishops, divers L.L. of the Session, two of the English Ministers there employed by his Majesty, with divers other Ministers of the town of Edinburgh. Before whom he first acknowledged and avouched his former confession to be true, and that he would die in the same; and then falling on his knees in a corner of that room, where he and they then were, in a prayer to God uttered aloud he so passionately deplored his former wickednesses, but especially that sin of his for which he was to die; that a man may justly say, he did in a sort deject and cast down himself to the gates of hell, as if he should there have been swallowed up in the gulf of desperation: yet presently laying hold upon the mercies of God in Christ, he raised himself, and strangely lifted up his soul unto the Throne of Grace, applying joy and comfort to his own heart so effectually, as can not well be described. In the admitting of this consolation into his inward man, he burst out into tears, so plentifully flowing from him, that for a time they stopped his voice. The sight & hearing whereof wrought so forcible an impression in those persons of honour and learned men who beheld him, that there was scant any one of them, who could refrain tears in the place, as divers of themselves that day did witness unto me. The effect of his prayer was the aggravating of his crime in concealing the treason against the King's Majesty; into which, he said, God did most justly suffer him to fall, by reason of his former wickedness which he had so desperately multiplied in despite of God and his holy Word. And thereupon going on with many sensible speeches and most feeling comparisons, he insisted on the fearful and dreadful danger wherein he was, if the Lord in judgement should look upon him. Notwithstanding, at last he proceeded: Yet most merciful father, whereat he made a stay, and repeating the word father with a marvelous loud and shrill voice, he added, why should I call thee father, that have so many ways and so horribly transgressed thy commandments, in all the course of my life, but especially in concealing this vile, fearful and devilish treason against my most gracious Sovereign? Lord, Lord, there is nothing belongeth to me but wrath and confusion: and so went on in a strange unaffected current of words, lively expressing the sorrow of his heart. Yet there he stayed not, but spoke forward to this purpose: Notwithstanding, Lord thou hast left me this comfort in thy Word, that thou hast said, Come unto me all ye that are weary and laden, and I will refresh you. Lord I am weary, Lord I am heavily laden with my sins, which are innumerable: I am ready to sink Lord even to hell, without thou in thy mercy put to thy hand and deliver me. Lord thou hast promised by thine own word, out of thine own mouth, that thou wilt refresh the weary soul. And with that he thrust out one of his hands, and reaching as high as he could, with a louder voice and a strained, cried, I challenge thee Lord, by that word, and by that promise which thou hast made, that thou perform and make it good to me, that call for ease and mercy at thy hands. Lord hear me, Lord pardon me, Lord comfort me by thy holy spirit: assure my conscience of the forgiveness of my sins, & say to my soul, that thou art reconciled. And so after many zealous petitions uttered to the like effect, he applied to himself the mercies of God in Christ jesus, in whom he assured himself of God's favour, with earnest request, that he might continue in that assurance to the end, whereof he nothing doubted.  
Afterward, being brought to the scaffold, where he was to die, he uttered many things, among which I observed these: He acknowledged to the people, that he was come thither to suffer most deservedly; That he had been an offender against Almighty God in very many respects; But that none of his sins was so grievous unto him, as that for which he must die: wherein, notwithstanding he was not an Actor, but a Concealer only. That he was ingyred in it by the Laird of Rastalrig and his servant the Laird of Bour, both which, he said, were men that professed not religion. Whereupon he exhorted men to take heed how they accompanied with such as are not religious; because, said he, with such as make not profession of religion, there is no faith, no truth, no holding of their word, as himself had tried and found. But touching the treason for the concealing whereof he was condemned, he added, That he was preserved alive to open that secret mystery which so long had lain hid; That God had kept him since that attempt of the Earl Gowrie from very many dangers, but notedly from one, when being in apparent hazard of drowning, he was strangely delivered: which, said he, was God's work, that I might remain alive unto this happy and blessed day, that the truth might be made known. And now I confess my fault to the shame of myself, and to the shame of the Devil; but to the glory of God. And I do it not either for fear of death, or for any hope of life, (for I have deserved to die, and am unworthy to live) but because it is the truth, which I shall seal with my blood. My fault, saith he, is so great, that if I had a thousand lives, and could die ten thousand deaths, yet I might not make satisfaction, that I should conceal such a treason against so gracious a King. These and the like words, when he had spoken upon one side of the scaffold, he turned him to the second side, and afterward to the third, (that all the people might hear) where he spoke to the same purpose as formerly he had done. And here it may not be forgotten, that in the uttering of these things his tongue served him very well, with words ready and significant, his memory was perfect, his countenance reasonably erect and full of alacrity, without all fear of death, his voice was loud and audible on every part: which was the more strange, because at the times of his examination, as also that very forenoon, at the hour of his arraignment, his speech was low and weak; but now so strong, as if God of purpose had given him power to deliver his words in such a manner, that all the people might hear and understand.  
When this abovementioned declaration had been made, Sprot returned to that part of the scaffold where he first began to speak, and there falling on his knees, he uttered a prayer to the same purpose as is set down in this ensuing Treatise. And having ended the same, one of the Ministers prayed again, and the prisoner joined with him, That God would forgive his sins, and receive his soul to mercy. After which, Sprot standing up made divers requests: First that what he had delivered by this Confession on the scaffold, might be put into his Process, that the world might take notice of it. Secondly, that such as were present (as they might have opportunity) would be suitors unto the King, that his Majesty would forgive him this offence, for the which, he said, he craved pardon of God, of his Sovereign, and the world. And thirdly, he desired those of the ministery which were present, that wheresoever they, came they would proclaim in the Pulpit his confession of his crime, his sorrow for the same, and his full hope that God would pardon him. And to the end that this might be performed, he took the hands of such Ministers as stood near about him, so binding a promise on them. And here, being told by the said Ministers and other persons of quality, that being so near his departure out of the world, it concerned him to speak nothing but the truth, and that upon the peril of his soul: he answered, that to the end that they should know, that he had spoken nothing but the verity, and that his Confession was true in every respect, he would (at the last gasp) give them some apparent token for the confirmation of the same. Then fitting himself to the ladder, the Executioner cometh to him, and, as the manner is, ask forgiveness of him; With all my heart, saith he, for you do but your office, and it is the thing I desire; because suffering in my body, I shall in my soul be joined unto my Saviour. Ascending up to the ladder, he desired the people to sing a Psalm with him, which they did with many a weeping eye. He named the sixth Psalm, and beginning it or taking it up himself, in every verse or line thereof he went before the people, singing both loud and tunably unto the very end. Then once again confirming and avowing his former confession, he covered his own face, and commending his soul to God, he was turned off the ladder; where hanging by the neck some little while, he three several times gave a loud clap with his hands, that all the standers by might hear: which was the sign or token (as it seemeth) which he a little before had said that he would give at his last gasp, for the ratification and avowing of those things, which by his confession he had so many times declared and delivered. These things were done in the open sight of the Sun, in the King's Capital town, at the Market-crosse in Edinburgh, in the presence of divers thousands of all sorts: of the Nobility, of the Clergy, of the Gentry, of the Burgesses, of women and children, myself with the rest of the English Ministers standing by and looking on, and giving GOD the glory, that after so long a space as eight years and eight days (for so it was by just computation after the attempt of Gowrie) he was pleased to give so noble a testimony unto that, which by some maligners had been secretly called in question without any ground or reason. I have reported at length those particulars which I heard and saw, which that honourable parsonage, who wrote this Treatise following doth somewhat more briefly deliver, but yet both of us very truly, as thousands can witness.  
Out of both these narrations there may divers observations be gathered. As first, how heinous a thing it is in the sight of God himself, for subjects of what nature or quality soever, to enter into conspiracy against the life and person of the Lords Anointed: for Almighty God hath threatened to discover these traitorous enterprises; and if no other way, yet by some strange and miraculous fashion. He who spoke against cruel imaginations of the heart, 
t Eccl. 10.20.  Curse not the King, no not in thy thought: for the fowl of the heaven shall carry the voice, and that which hath wings shall declare the matter; what will he do, when acts of hostility in rebellious manner shall be entered into? And doth his Divine Majesty disclose it, and will he not also punsh it? The example of that Earl Gowrie among thousands of others may be a sufficient instruction in this behalf, who for his Sovereign's love and gracious favour testified in many respects, and intended many more ways unto him, returning nothing but ungratefulness and traitorous resolutions, digged a pit for another, but by God's judgement fell into it himself: and did not only lose in one day his fidelity, estimation and life, but overthrew his house and all the honour of his family, thorough succeeding generations. Therefore far be it at all times from any noble heart to walk in his ways, or upon any occasion to entertain such discontentment as may grow to undutifulness: for when the wrath of God shall overtake men offending in this kind, and the justice of a King shall once proceed against them, what horror must there needs be in their bowels and conscience? what trembling & affrighting in their very soul? If this poor man Sprot, for concealing that odious combination, found such touches in himself, and such remorse in his heart, what quaking and dreadfulness may we think will fall on him who is guilty of the highest act of treason and rebellion?  
Secondly, we here may see the Lords protection over Christian Kings and Princes; whom as he placeth next himself in majesty and authority, and calleth them by his own name, I have said, 
u Psal. 82.6.  Ye are Gods; so he blesseth and upholdeth them as his Deputies and vicegerents, men representing himself, especially if sincerely they serve and fear and love him. He is a God of order, and loveth subordination in all Kingdoms and Countries, where if he grace, countenance and protect inferior Magistrates, what will he do to the heads and chief governors of his people, who are next to his own greatness? He hath set them above other in honour and glory, which causeth them to be more observed according to their state: but withal, the prayers of their subjects are powered out for their welfare, day & night, and at all times; which concurring with their own requests to God, do find acceptance with the Highest to their noted prosperity and eminent felicity. It preserveth from many perils, to have at all hours and seasons the prayers and supplications of faithful men and women hovering over their heads, which may be perpetual Remembrancers for them to their heavenly Father, if by human fragility and unavoidable imperfections they should forget themselves.  
Thirdly, we may note more particularly the saving health of God upon our gracious Sovereign; to whom as the Lord hath given many blessings and much happiness beyond all his progenitors, so he hath maintained and protected his person in a marvelous and strange manner, not only from his cradle unto this day, but (as it is very well known) from before his coming into the world. And how did the Lord free his servant even from the brink of the pit, and from the gates of the grave at the time of Gowries' attempt? as also since that day, when those wicked sons of Belial, the stain of the Land and Country wherein they were borne, intended that Powder-treason? Which as on the one side it expecteth at the hands of his Majesty a greater thankfulness to God the King of kings, so on the other side it calleth for of us who sit peaceably under his shadow, everlasting tokens of gratefulness to so merciful a Lord, and hearty obedience to our Sovereign, whom God hath raised up, defended, protected, maintained, upheld with his extraordinary favour to no common end; but to the enlarging of his Church, to the further ruin of Antichrist; to the uniting of Kingdoms, to the comfort of all the godly dispersed thorough Europe. And happy is he, not who can find devices, and cast imaginary perils to hinder such a work, but who in his poor place can with a faithful heart give furtherance to the same.  
Fourthly, as many blessings from heaven have been powered on the head of his Majesty, so it is not the least, that tanquam è postliminio, after so many years, and that as from the bones of a dead man, when living men would not believe it, God hath given farther light to the opening of the conspiracy of that ungodly Earl Gowrie; which some few persons, affected more to a rebel that is dead, than to their living Sovereign, did endeavour to disguise and mask at their own pleasure. The strange conceits of whom I can never sufficiently wonder at; that men professing conscience and zeal to the truth, should upon no kind of ground or show of probability, suffer such unreverent thoughts to enter into their hearts; especially against his sacred person, whose life hath been so immaculate and unspotted in the world, so free from all touch of viciousness and staining imputation, that even malice itself (which leaveth nothing unsearched) could never find true blemish in it, nor cast any probable aspersion on it. Against his sacred person, whom as they must acknowledge to be zealous as David, learned and wise as the Solomon of our age, religious as josias, careful of spreading Christ's faith as Constantine the Great; so if they will speak truth, they must confess to be just as Moses, undefiled in all his ways as jehosaphat or Hezechias, full of clemency as another Theodosius, far from spilling the blood of any of his Nobility, but rather sparing those who have lift up their hand against him. Notwithstanding, when preposterous affection had so blinded these men, that they would not see this truth, the Lord hath given light yet once more to the rectifying of their judgements. A singular example of God's unlimited and unbounded wisdom, who will do things as he liketh. That when as S. john saith, 
u Apoc. 22.11.  Qui sordescit, sordescat adhuc, He that lift to be peevish and refractory and self-conceited, did think he might have persisted and died in that peevishness and refractory conceit, and supposed that never any thing in this world should have been able to reform him, may see before his face so illustrious a testimony of his misconceited fancy, and almost unsatisfiable undutifulness, that unless his face be hardened and his heart obdurated against both heaven and earth, he must cease to be perverse. God is the God of truth: and he who is the protector of innocency in the poorest, will certainly be the maintainer and defender of integrity and sincerity in his noblest and dearest servant. It is fit that he should have his own will, to put off and prolong his mercies till the time which seemeth good to himself, that men may wait upon him, and patiently expect, and still tarry the Lords leisure: yea that his power may be known, who can bring light out of darkness, and good out of evil, and truth out of treason; who can give hope beyond hope. But when he is once resolved that things acted in secret shall be preached upon the house top, that iniquity shallbe opened, that simplicity shall be cleared, and innocency disburdened of scandalous imputations, if men would not speak, or children sound out the truth in the streets, 
x Luc. 19.40.  yet the very stones shall cry, as our Saviour once answered to the maligning Pharisees. Blessed be the GOD of justice, who cleareth up the fame of his holy ones, when malice would obscure it.  
Lastly, here may be a warning to men of mine own profession, I mean the Ministers of the Gospel, that in cases of highest nature between a King and his rebel they conceive not things to the worst, and (because they will be opposite to him whom most of all they should honour) by buzzings and whisperings, and secret suggestions, without all ground of truth, labour to sow sedition in the ears of women and children, or in the minds of men either weak or ill disposed. For as the 
y Mal. 2.7.  lips of the Priest should always preserve knowledge, so should they preserve truth. And we are to go before our flocks and Congregations in obedience and obsequiousness unto the Christian Magistrate, not in sowing sedition, or making of mutinies, to the disturbance of the State. Who should stick closer to Moses' wielding so huge a charge, than Aaron and his tribe? And who should rather labour to do his Prince all right, than the Minister of the Gospel, who next after teaching men their duty to GOD, is made to teach obedience and respectiveness unto Kings? And who more deserveth to be chastised than he, if he wilfully transgress?  
These things I thought not amiss to observe to thee, Christian Reader, before thou come to the perusing of this plain and true narration, touching the examination, arraignment and death of the person here described. GOD Almighty bless the King's Majesty, grant unto him many days full of piety and felicity; and after this mortal life expired, send him an everlasting Crown of glory, through jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.  
Thine in the Lord, GEORGE ABBOT.   

THE EXAMINATIONS, ARRAIGNMENT, AND Conviction of George Sprot, Notary in Aye-mouth: Together with his constant and extraordinary behaviour at his death in Edinburgh, August 12. 1608.  Written and set forth by Sir William Hart Knight, L. justice of Scotland. 
Whereby appeareth the treasonable device between JOHN late Earl of Gowrie and Robert Logane of Restalrig (commonly called Lesterig) plotted by them for the cruel murdering of our most gracious Sovereign.  
I Thought good (gentle Reader) for satisfaction of the true hearted and well affected subjects to their gracious Sovereign, and closing of the mouths of his majesties malicious enemies, to spend a little time in discourse of a strange and almost miraculous accident, that fell out of late, anent the revealing of the practices of Gowries treasonable Conspiracy, intended against his highness royal person. Which purpose was hidden and concealed, until the time it pleased God to move one George Sprot (who was privy thereto) to manifest and confess the same, as by this that followeth may appear.  
This Sprot after divers examinations being moved with remorse of conscience, for the long concealing of the foreknowledge of this treasonable conspiracy, confesseth, declareth and deponeth, with the peril of his own life,  
That he knew perfectly, that Robert Logane, late of Restalrig, was privy and upon the foreknowledge of Gowries treasonable conspiracy. And for the greater assurance of his knowledge, deponeth, That he knew that there were divers Letters interchanged betwixt them, anent the treasonable purpose aforesaid, in the beginning of the month of july 1600. Which letters james Bour, called Laird Bour, servitor to Restalrig, (who was employed mediator betwixt them, and privy to all that errand) had in keeping, and showed the same to Sprot in the place of Fast-Castle. The first of Gowries' Letters containing in effect, as followeth:  
Good Laird of Restalrig, you understand what conditions should have been betwixt us, of before. Indeed I purposed to have come by your house, but understanding of your absence in Lothiane I came not. Always I wish you either yourself to come West, or else to send some sure messenger, who may confer with me anent the purpose you know. But rather would I wish yourself to come, not only for that errand, but for some other thing that I have to advise with you.  
To the which Letter Restalrig wrote an answer, and sent the same to the Earl of Gowrie, by the said james Bour, of the tenure following:  
MY Lord, my most humble duty and service heartily remembered. At the receipt of your Lordship's Letter I am so comforted, that I can neither utter my joy, nor find myself sufficiently able to requite your Lordship with due thanks. And persuade your Lordship in that matter, I shall be as forward for your Lordship's honour, as if it were mine own cause. And I think there is no living Christian that would not be content to revenge that Machiavellian massacring of our dear friends, yea howbeit it should be, to venture and hazard life, lands and all other thing else. My heart can bind me to take part in that matter, as your Lordship shall find better proof thereof. But one thing would be done: namely. That your Lordship should be circumspect and earnest with your brother, that he be not rash in any speeches touching the purpose of Padua. My Lord, you may easily understand, that such a purpose as your Lordship intendeth, can not be done rashly, but with deliberation. And I think for myself, that it were most meet to have the men your Lordship spoke of, ready in a boat or bark, and address them as if they were taking pastime on the sea, in such fair Summer time. And if your Lordship could think good either yourself to come to my house of Fast-Castle by sea, or to send your brother, I should have the place very quiet, and well provided after your Lordship's advertisement, where we should have no scant of the best Venison can be had in England. And no others should have access to haunt the place, during your Lordship's being here, but all things very quiet. And if your Lordship doubt of safe landing, I shall provide all such necessaries as may serve for your Lordship's arrival, within a flight shot of the house. And persuade your Lordship you shall be as sure and quiet here, while we have settled our plot, as if you were in your own chamber: for I trust and am assured we shall hear word within few days from them your Lordship knoweth of; for I have care to see what ships comes home by. Your Lordship knoweth I have kept the L. Bothwell quietly in this house in his greatest extremity, say both King and Counsel what they liked. I hope (if all things come to pass, as I trust they shall) to have both your Lordship and his Lordship at one good dinner afore I die. Haeciocosè, to animate your Lordship: I doubt not my Lord but all things shall be well. And I am resolved, whereof your Lordship shall not doubt, of any thing on my part, yea to peril life, land, honour and goods; yea the hazard of hell shall not affray me from that, yea although the scaffold were already set up. The sooner the matter were done, it were the better; for the King's bucke-hunting will be shortly: and I hope it shall prepare some dainty cheer for us to dine against the next year. I remember well my Lord, and I will never forget, so long as I live, that merry sport which your Lordship's brother told me of a Nobleman at Padua: for I think that a parasceve to this purpose. My Lord, think nothing that I commit the secrecy hereof, and credit to this bearer: for I dare not only venture my life, lands, and all other things I have else, on his credit, but I durst hazard my soul in his keeping, if it were possible in earthly men: for I am so persuaded of his truth and fidelity. And I trow (as your Lordship may ask him if it be true) he would go to hell gates for me: and he is not beguiled of my part to him. And therefore I doubt not but this will persuade your Lordship to give him trust in this matter, as to myself. But I pray your Lordship direct him home with all possible haste, and give him straight command, that he take not a wink sleep, while he see me again, after he come from your Lordship. And as your Lordship desireth in your letter to me, either rive or burn, or else send back again with the bearer: for so is the fashion I grant.  
Which letter written every word with Restalrigs own hand, was subscribed by him after his accustomed manner, Restalrig. And was sent to the Earl Gowrie by the said james Bour. After whose return within five days with a new letter from Gowrie, he stayed all night with Restalrig in 
a A house of Restalrigs.  Gunnes-greene: and Restalrig road to Lothiane the morn thereafter, where he stayed five or six days. Then after his returning, past to Fast-Castle, where he remained a certain short space.  
And farther deponeth, that he saw and heard Restalrig read the last letter, which Bour brought back to him from Gowrie, and their conference there-anent. And heard Bour say; Sir, if ye think to make any commodity by this dealing, lay your hand to your heart. And Restalrig answered, that he would do as he thought best. And farther said to Bour, Howbeit he should sell all his own land that he had in the world, he would pass thorough with the Earl of Gowrie, for that matter would give him greater contentment, nor if he had the whole Kingdom: and rather or he should falsify his promise, and recall his vow that he had vowed to the Earl of Gowrie, he should spend all that he had in the world, and hazard his life with his Lordship. To whom Bour answered: You may do as you please Sir, but it is not my counsel, that you should be so sudden in that other matter. But for the condition of Dirlton, I would like very well of it. To whom Restalrig answered, Content yourself, I am at my wit's end.  
And farther Sprot deponeth, that he entered himself thereafter in conference with Bour, and demanded what was done betwixt the Laird and the Earl of Gowrie. And Bour answered, that he believed that the Laird should get Dirlton without either gold or silver, but feared that it should be as dear unto him. And Sprot enquiring how that could be; Bour said they had another pie in hand nor the selling of any land: but prayed Sprot, for God's sake, that he would let be, and not trouble himself with the Lairds business; for he feared, within few days, the Laird would either be landless or lifeless.  
And the said George Sprot being demanded if this his deposition was true, as he would answer upon the salvation and condemnation of his soul; and if he will go to death with it, seeing he knoweth the time and hour of his death to approach very near; deponeth for answer, that he hath not a desire to live, and that he knows the time to be short, having care of no earthly thing, but only for cleared of his conscience in the truth of all these things, to his own shame before the world, and to the honour of God, and safety of his own soul; that all the former points and circumstances contained in this his deposition, with the deposition made by him the fifth day of july last, and the whole remanent depositions made by him sen that day are true, which he will take on his conscience, and as he hopeth to be saved of God, and that he would seal the same with his blood.  
And farther being demanded where this above written letter, written by Restalrig to the Earl of Gowrie, which was returned again by james Bour, is now; deponeth that he abstracted it quietly from Bour, in looking over and reading Bours letter's, which he had in keeping of Restalrigs; and that he left the above written letter in his chest among his writings. when he was taken and brought away, and that it is closed and folded within a piece of paper.  
This foresaid deposition was made by him the tenth of August 1608, written by james Primrose, Clerk of his majesties Privy Counsel, and subscribed with the said George Sprats own hand, In the presence of 

The Earl of Dunbar.  
The Earl of Lothiane.  
The Bishop of Rosse.  
The L. Schune.  
The L. Halyrudehouse.  
The L. Blantyre.  
Sir William Hart, his majesties justice.  
M. john Hall,  
M. Patrick Galoway,  
M. Peter Hewart: Ministers of the Kirkes' of Edinburgh.    
Subscribed with all their hands.  
And also the eleventh day of the foresaid month and year, the said George Sprot being reexamined, in the presence of a number of the Counsel and Ministers aforesaid, and it being declared to him, that the time of his death now very near approached, and that therefore they desired him to clear his conscience with an upright declaration of the truth; and that he would not abuse the holy name of God, to make him, as it were, a witness to untruths: and specially, being desired that he would not take upon him the innocent blood of any person dead or quick, by making and forging lies & untruths against them:  
Deponeth, that he acknowledgeth his grievous offences to God (who hath made him a reasonable creature) in abusing his holy name with many untruths, sen the beginning of this Process: but now being resolved to die, and attending the hour and time, when it shall please God to call him, he deponeth with many attestations, and as he wisheth to be participant of the Kingdom of heaven, where he may be countable and answerable upon the salvation, and condemnation of his soul, for all his doings and speeches in this earth, that all that he hath deponed sen the fifth day of july last, in all his several depositions were true in every point and circumstance of the same; and that there is no untruth in any point thereof.  
And having desired M. Patrick Galoway to make a prayer, whereby he might be comforted now in his trouble: Which was done:  
The said Deponer with many tears after the prayer affirmed this his deposition to be true: and for the confirmation thereof, declared, that he would seal the same with his blood.  
And the next day thereafter, being the twelfth of the foresaid month of August, the said George was brought forth and presented in judgement upon panel, within the Towlebewth of Edinburgh, before Sir William Hart of Preston, his Majesty justice; and there in a fenced Court holden by him that day, assisted by the honourable persons following, his Assessors in that errand, They are to say, 

Alexander Earl of Dumfermling L. chancellor.  
George Earl of Dunbar, Treasurer.  
john Archbishop of Glascow.  
David Bishop of Rosse.  
Gavin Bishop of Galloway.  
Andrew Bishop of Brechine.  
David Earl of Crawford.  
Mark Earl of Lothiane.  
john L. Abirnethy of Saltoun.  
james L. of Balmerinoth, Secretary.  
Walter L. Blantyre.  
john L. Halyrudehouse.  
Michael L. Burley.  
Sir Richard Cokburne of Clarkintoun, Knight.  
M. john Preston of Fenton Barnes, Collector General.  
Sir john Skeyne of Currhil, Knight, Clerk of Register:   was delated, accused, and pursued by Sir Thomas Hamilton of Binning, Knight, Advocate to our Sovereign Lord for his highness Entries, of the crimes contained in his Indictment, produced by the said Advocate; whereof the tenure followeth:  
GEorge Sprot Notary in Aye-mouth, You are indicted and accused, forsomuch as john sometime Earl of Gowrie having most cruelly, detestably, and treasonably conspired, in the moweth of july the year of God 1600 years, to murder our dear and most gracious Sovereign the Kings most excellent Majesty: And having imparted that devilish purpose to Robert Logane of Restalrig, who allowed of the same, and most willingly and readily under took to be partaker thereof: The same coming to your knowledge at the times and in the manner particularly after specified, you most unnaturally, maliciously, and treasonably concealed the same, and was art and part thereof in manner following. In the first, in the said month of july six-hundred years, after you had perceived and known, that divers letters and messages had passed betwixt the said sometime Earl of Gowrie, and the said Robert Logane of Restalrig, you being in the house of Fast-Castle, you saw and read a letter written by the said Robert Logane of Restalrig with his own hand to the said john sometime Earl of Gowrie, of the tenure following.  
MY Lord, my most humble duty and service heartily remembered. At the receipt of your Lordship's Letter I am so comforted, that I can neither utter my joy, nor find myself sufficiently able to requite your Lordship with due thanks. And persuade your Lordship in that matter, I shall be as forward for your Lordship's honour, as if it were mine own cause. And I think there is no living Christian that would not be content to revenge that Machiavellian massacring of our dear friends, yea howbeit it should be, to venture and hazard life, lands and all other thing else. My heart can bind me to take part in that matter, as your Lordship shall find better proof thereof. But one thing would be done: namely, That your Lordship should be circumspect and earnest with your brother, that he be not r●sh in any speeches touching the purpose of Padua.  
And a certain space after the execution of the aforesaid treason, the said Robert Logane of Restalrig having desired the Laird of Bour to deliver to him the foresaid letter, or else to burn it; And Bour having given to you all tickets and letters, which he then had either concerning Restalrig or others, to see the same, because he could not read himself, you abstracted the above written letter, and retained the same in your own hands, and divers times read it, containing farther in substance nor is formerly set down, according to the words following.  
My Lord, you may easily understand, that such a purpose as your Lordship intendeth, can not be done rashly, but with deliberation. And I think for myself, that it were most meet to have the men your Lordship spoke of, ready in a boat or bark, and address them as if they were taking pastime on the sea, in such fair Summer time. And if your Lordship could think good either yourself to come to my house of Fast-Castle by sea, or to send your brother, I should have the place very quiet, and well provided after your Lordship's advertisement, where we should have no scant of the best Venison can be had in England. And no others should have access to haunt the place, during your Lordship's being here, but all things very quiet. And if your Lordship doubt of safe landing, I shall provide all such necessaries as may serve for your Lordship's arrival, within a flight shot of the house. And persuade your Lordship you shall be as sure and quiet here, while we have settled our plot, as if you were in your own chamber: for I trust and am assured we shall have word within few days from them your Lordship knoweth of; for I have care to see what ships comes home by. Your Lordship knoweth I have kept the L. Bothwell quietly in this house in his greatest extremity, say both King and Counsel what they liked. I hope (if all things come to pass, as I trust they shall) to have both your Lordship and his Lordship at one good dinner afore I die. Haeciocosè, to animate your Lordship: I doubt not my Lord but all things shall be well. And I am resolved, whereof your Lordship shall not doubt, of any thing on my part, yea to peril life, land, honour and goods; yea the hazard of hell shall not affray me from that, yea although the scaffold were already set up. The sooner the matter were done, it were the better; for the King's bucke-hunting will be shortly: and I hope it shall prepare some dainty cheer for us to dine against the next year. I remember well my Lord, and I will never forget, so long as I live, that merry sport which your Lordship's brother told me of a Noble man at Padua: for I think that a parasceve to this purpose. My Lord, think nothing that I commit the secrecy hereof, and credit to this bearer: for I dare not only venture my life, lands, and all other things I have else, on his credit, but I durst hazard my soul in his keeping, if it were possible in earthly men: for I am so persuaded of his truth and fidelity. And I trow (as your Lordship may ask him if it be true) he would go to hell gates for me: and he is not beguiled of my part to him. And therefore I doubt not but this will persuade your Lordship to give him trust in this matter, as to myself. But I pray your Lordship direct him home with all possible haste, and give him straight command, that he take not a wink sleep, while he see me again, after he come from your Lordship. And as your Lordship desireth in your letter to me, either rive or burn, or else send back again with the bearer: for so is the fashion I grant.  
Which letter written every word with the said Robert Logane his own hand, was subscribed by him after his accustomed manner, with this word, Restalrig.  

And albeit by the contents of the foresaid letter you knew perfectly the truth of the said most treasonable conspiracy, and the said Rober Logane of Restalrig his foreknowledge, allowance and guiltiness thereof; like as you was assured of the same by his receiving of divers letters sent by Gowrie to him, and by his sending of letters to Gowrie for the same purpose, and by sun dry conferences betwixt the said Robert Logane of Restalrig, and the said james Bour, in your presence and hearing concerning the said treason; as well in the said month of julie immediately preceding the attempting of the said treason, as at divers other times shortly thereafter, as likewise by the revealing thereof to you by the said james Bour, who was upon the knowledge and device of the said treason, and was employed as ordinary messenger by the said Robert Logane of Restalrig, to the said sometime Earl of Gowrie, in the traffic of the said damnable treason, whereby your knowledge, concealing and guiltiness of the said treason was undeniable: yet, for farther manifestation thereof, about julie 1602 years, the said Robert Logane of Restalrig showed to you that Bour had told him, that he had been somewhat rash to let you see a letter which came from the Earl of Gowrie to the said Robert Logane of Restalrig, who then urged you to tell what you understood by that letter. To whom you answered, that you took the meaning of it to be, that he had 〈◊〉 upon the counsel and purpose of Gowries' conspiracy. And he answered you, what ever he had done, the worst was his own: But if you would swear to him, that you should never reveal any thing of that matter to any person, he should be the best sight that ever you saw: and in token of farther recompense he then gave you twelve pound of silver. Nevertheless, albeit you knew perfectly the whole practices and progress of the said treason, from the beginning thereof as said is, as well by the sight of the said letters, as also by your conferences with the said james Bour, called Laird Bour, and Robert Logane of Restalrig, yet during all the days of their life times, who lived till the year of God 1606 years or thereby; and so by the space of six years after that you knew the guiltiness of the treasonable conspiracy aforesaid, you most treasonably concealed the same: and so you was and is art and part of the said most heinous, detestable and treasonable conspiracy, and of the knowledge and concealing thereof: and therefore you ought and should incur, under-lie and suffer the sentence and pain of high treason. To the token, that ye have not only by your depositions subscribed with your hand and solemnly made in presence of many of the L L. of his majesties Counsel, and of the Ministers of the Borough of Edinburgh, of the dates, the fifth, fifteenth and sixteen days of julie last bypassed, and tenth and eleventh days of August instant, confessed every head, point and article of the Indictment above written, but also by divers other your depositions subscribed likewise with your hand, you have ratified the same, and sworn constantly to abide thereat, and to seal the same with your blood, which you can not deny.   
Which Indictment being read openly in judgement to the said George Sprot, before he was put to the knowledge of an Inquest, he confessed in the presence of the said L. justice and whole Assessors above named, the same and every point thereof to be true and of verity. And therefore the justice ordained the same Indictment to be put to the knowledge of a condign Inquest of the honest, famous and discreet persons underwritten. They are to say: 

William Trumbill of Ardre.  
William Fisher Merchant, Burgess of Edinburgh.  
Robert Stuart there.  
Edward johnston Merchant, Burgess there.  
Harbert Maxwell of Cavens.  
james Tennent of Linhouse.  
William Trumbill, Burgess of Edinburgh.  
George Browne in Gorgy mill.  
john Hucheson Merchant, Burgess of Edinburgh.  
john Leyis Merchant, Burgess there.  
james Someruell Merchant, Burgess there.  
William Simintoun, Burgess there.  
john Cunnison in Dirlton.  
Thomas Smith Merchant, Burgess of Edinburgh.  
And john Cowtis, Burgess there.   Which persons of Inquest being chosen, sworn and admitted, after the accusation of the said George Sprot, before them of the said treasonable, heinous and detestable crimes contained in the Indictment aforesaid, and reading of the said Indictment of new again in his and their presence; the said George Sprot of new confessed in the audience of the said Inquest the foresaid Indictment and every point thereof to be true and of verity. Whereupon the said Sir Thomas Hamilton of Binning Knight, his majesties Advocate, as before, asked act and instrument. And in respect thereof protested in case the said Inquest cleansed him of the said crimes, for wilful and manifest error. And therefore the whole forenamed persons of Inquest removed all together forth of Court to the Inquest house, where they being enclosed, by plurality of votes elected and made choice of the said Harbert Maxwell of Cavens to be chancellor or Foreman. And having with great deliberation gravely considered the effect and whole circumstances of the said Indictment, and constant judicial confession made by the party pannelled, as well before the said L. justice and his Assessors, as thereafter in presence of the Inquest themselves, they all voted upon the whole effect of the said Indictment. And being ripely and well advised therewith, re-entered again in Court, where they all in one voice by the mouth of the said chancellor or Foreman, found, pronounced, and declared the said George Sprot (according to his own confession judicially made in their presence and audience) to be guilty, culpable, filled and convict of art and part of the said most heinous, detestable and treasonable conspiracy contained in his Indictment abovewritten, and of the knowledge and concealing thereof. For the which cause the said justice, by the mouth of the Dempster of Court, by his sentence and doom discerned and ordained, The said George Sprot to be taken to the Market Cross of Edinburgh, and there to be hanged upon a gibbet till he be dead, and thereafter his head to be stricken from his body, and his body to be quartered and demeaned as a Traitor, and his head to be affixed and set up upon a prick of iron upon the highest part of the Towlebewth of Edinburgh, where the Traitor Gowrie, and others of the Conspirators heads stand; and his whole lands, heritage's, tacks, steding, rooms, possessions, goods and gear to be forfeited and eschet to our Sovereign Lord his use, for his treasonable and detestable crimes above specified. Which was pronounced for doom.  Extractum de libro Actorum Adiornalis S. D. N. Regis per me D. johannem Cohburne de Ormestoun militem, Clericum justitiariae eiusdem generalem. Sub meis signo & subscriptione manualibus. 
The doom being pronounced, the said George was convoyed to a privy house, where he remained at his secret meditation, and afterwards in conference with the Ministers and others, unto the time all things was provided necessary for his execution: and being brought to the place where he was to die, he in public audience of the whole people, at the three sides of the scaffold, ratified the former depositions made by him concerning the treasonable practices intended and devised betwixt Gowrie and Restalrig, for the murdering of our most gracious Sovereign, and bereaving his Highness of his life, and his own knowledge and concealing of their guiltiness. For the which he humbly craved God and his Majesty forgiveness, being most sorry and grieved that he had offended God and the King's Majesty in concealing such a vile, detestable and unnatural treason, enterprised by them against his gracious Sovereign, who hath been ever so good and gracious to his subjects, protesting that if he had a thousand lives to render, and were able to suffer ten thousand deaths, it were not a sufficient satisfaction and recompense for his offence. And that God had preserved him from many great perils, when his life was in extreme danger, to bring him to this public declaration of that detestable and horrible fact in presence of all the people, uttered by him in these words following: To my own shame, and to the shame of the devil, but to the glory of God. And for satisfaction of the consciences of all those (if any be) that have or can make any doubt of the truth of this so clear a matter, he acknowledged that his haunting with Restalrig, who was a man without religion, and subject to many other vices, as also his continual being in company with the Laird of Bour, who likewise was irreligious and without fear of God, and his being ingyred by them into their matters after his first sight of Restalrigs' letter written by him to Gowrie, brought him from one sin to another, and consequently upon this grievous crime, for the which most justly, worthily and willingly he is now to render his life. And thereupon he desired all the people there present to beware of evil company, and namely of the society of those who are void of religion. And farther desired, that this his declaration might be inserted in his Process, and that the Ministers of God's word would publish the same from their Pulpits to the people: for which purpose also he took divers of them there present by the hand, with their promise to do the same, saying to them, That this was the most glorious day that ever his eyes did see. In the midst almost of these speeches, he did prostrate himself and fell upon his knees in presence of the whole people, making a very pithy prayer, in the form following.  

O Father, how should I call thee Father, that am so unworthy to be called thy son? I have wandered astray like a lost sheep, and thou of thy mercy hast brought me home unto thee, and hast preserved my life from many dangers until this day, that I might reveal these hidden and secret mysteries, to mine own shame, and thy glory. Thou hast promised, that whensoever a sinner from his heart will repent and call to thee, that thou wilt hear him, and grant him mercy.   
And thus he continued a good space in a most fervent prayer, to the great admiration of all the standers by. Afterward ganging up the ladder with his hands loose & untied, being on the upper part thereof, he desired liberty to sing the sixth Psalm, and requested the people to accompany him in the singing thereof. Which being granted, he took up the Psalm himself with a very loud and strong voice, far by his accustomed form, being before his coming to the scaffold a weak spirited man, of feeble voice and utterance; and was assisted with the number of a thousand persons at the least, who accompanied him in singing that Psalm. After the ending whereof he openly repeated and ratified his said former confession: and with that, recommending his soul to God, he fastened a cloth about his own eyes, and was cast over the ladder, so ending this mortal life.  
I had almost forgotten that, which in this action of his death was strange, and in a manner marvelous. For being urged by the Ministers and other of good rank upon the scaffold, that now at his end he should declare nothing but the truth (touching the matter for which he suffered) on the peril of his own salvation, or condemnation of his soul; he for the greater assurance of that his constant and true deposition, promised (by the assistance of God) to give them an open and evident token before the yielding of his spirit. Which he accomplished thereafter. For before his last breath, when he had hung a pretty space, he lift up his hands a good height, and clapped them together aloud, three several times, to the great wonder and admiration of all the beholders. And very soon thereafter he yielded his spirit.  
By this Narration aforegoing, each man may learn, that the contriving and plotting of treason against Kings and Princes, is a thing odious in the sight of God, and therefore ordinarily is disclosed by him, at first or at last, by one means or another: and that it is not good to conceal any such conspiracy intended by enemy or friend, because the life and safety of a Christian King, who is the common Father of the Country, aught to be dearer to all good men, than the love or acquaintance of any whatsoever: who howbeit he make show of many fair things in him, yet in this alone, That he purposeth evil against the Lords Anointed; sufficiently declareth himself to be of a rebellious and ungodly disposition. And how woeful the fruit is either of such traitorous resolutions, or of the concealing of them, may be seen (as in a glass) both in the sudden end of the Earl Gowrie, and in the execution of this George Sprot with more deliberation.