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A R T E S








CALDERWOOD'S HISTORY
THE KIRK OF SCOTL AND.
WOLUME FIFTH.
THE WODROW SOCIETY,
INSTITUTED MAY, 1841,
FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE WORKS OF THE FATEIERS AND EARLY
WRITERS OF THE REFORMED CIIURCH OF SCOTIANID,
THE
HISTORY
OF THE
KIRK OF SCOTL AND.

BY
MR DAVID CALDERWOOD,
SOME TIME MINISTER OF CRAILING.
EDITED FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT PRESERVED IN
THE BRITISH MUSEUM,
EY TIIE
REW. THOMAS THOMSON.
VOLUME FIFTH.
|FD IN BUR, G H :
PRINTED FOR THE WOD ROW SOCIETY.
M.DCCC, XLIV.
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EDINBURGH PRINTING COMPANY., SOUTII ST DAVID STREET.
ł CONTENTS
OF
THE FIFTH VOLUME.
1589.
PAGE
PAPISTs continue their intrigues, §
Petition of the Kirk upon the dangers threatened by the Popish
intrigues, ſº g £b.
The Petition granted by the King and Council, & 3
Meeting for the purpose of effecting its execution, tº ib.
Further measures for preventing the designs of Papists, tº &b.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, i.e. ge e 5
Reference for its proceedings made to the Register, . £b.
Bancroft’s calumnies against John Knox and the Kirk of Scotland, ib.
He is answered by John Davidson, g ū tº 6
Intercepted letters of the Popish Lords of Scotland, sent by Queen
Elizabeth to King James, * ë Žb.
Her reproachful letter to him on the occasion, & gº 7
A letter from the English Council to their ambassador in Scot-
land, with the intercepted letters, © g 8
Alphabet of the Ciphers used in these letters, tº te 12
Translation of the letters, * tº 14
From Lords Morton, Huntley, and Claud Hamilton, to the
King of Spain, g g * 3b.
vi CONTENTS.
PAGE
From the Earl of Huntley to the Duke of Parma, 16
From the Earl of Errol to the Duke of Parma, & 18
From Robert Bruce to Mons. Aquirre, ſº 19
From the same to the Duke of Parma, iö.
Material points in these letters, 27
Letter from Robert Bruce to Colonel Semple, 30
From Thomas Tyrie to Robert Bruce, 34
Huntley and Lord Claud Hamilton warded, 36
Errol escapes, g * o ib.
Huntley set at liberty, . & g g Žb.
He invites the King and nobility to a banquet, but does not attend 37
it, g ſº tº &
Act of Secret Council proclaimed against Papists, Žb.
List of Commissioners chosen to execute the act, © 42
Band for the maintenance of Religion, the King, and the State, 49
The Earl of Errol’s letter to Mr Robert Bruce, minister, 52
Bothwell occasions fresh alarm, & g 54.
Huntley, Errol, and Crawford, assemble their forces against the
King at the Bridge of Dee, 55
Their purpose defeated, & ib.
Bothwell surrenders, and is committed, 56
The Laird of Niddry rescued from an assize, £5.
IIuntley, Crawford, and Bothwell, convicted of treason, 57
They are warded, & tº º © 58
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, * £b.
Justice courts in the North, e © àb.
Marriage between James and Anne of Denmark ratified, 59
The Popish Earls set at liberty, ſº & Žb.
Queen Anne at sea, driven upon the coast of Norway, Žb.
Plan of the Queen’s reception on her landing in Scotland, 60
Commission to try holders of benefices, 64
King James embarks for Norway, . © & 67
The confidence he reposes in Mr Robert Bruce, Žb.
Governors appointed in his absence, sº ſº £b.
Bothwell makes public repentance in the churches of Edinburgh, 68
He immediately relapses, $º Žb.
King James arrives in Norway, © * ib.
Letter from Mr David Lindsey in Norway to the Eldership of
Edinburgh, & e g º 69
Letter from the King to Mr R. Bruce, & © 70
The King travels from Norway to Denmark, āb.
CONTENTS. vii
PAGE
• . . 1590.
Suspicion of an attempt to surprise the Castle of Edinburgh, 70
The citizens keep guard, tº ſº g 71
The Laird of Niddry kills a gentleman in the King's absence, &b.
Reception of King James by the King of Denmark, à 72
The Ministers resolve to petition the King and Council, ib.
J. Davidson's Apology for the Kirk of Scotland, addressed to Queen
Elizabeth, in answer to Bancroft's calumnies, & 73
A letter to Bancroft intercepted, & ſº ſº 77
Bancroft’s queries concerning the Kirk of Scotland, . 78
Letter of King James to Mr R. Bruce, g g 81
Letter from Chancellor Maitland to the same, º 83
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, g g g g 86
The Assembly petitioned in behalf of the Laird of Fintry, ib.
General acts concluded in this Assembly, g iö.
Commission given to Waldegrave, the printer, ... • 90
Letter from the King to Mr Bruce, tº ę 91
Letter from Chancellor Maitland to the same, tº tº 92
The King and Queen arrive at Leith, o & 94.
The Queen brought to Holyroodhouse, g e Žb.
Her coronation, . g - g Q 95
Her entry into Edinburgh, & º & 96
Pageants on the occasion, g © & āb.
Andrew Melvill makes a harangue to the Danish ambassadors on
the occasion, e º tº § 97
It is printed at the King's desire, ſº & g öö.
The King's harangue in the Great Kirk, ſº ſº , 98
Departure of the Danish ambassadors, tº e • àb.
J. Gibson, minister of Pencaitland, proclaimed rebel, © 99
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, • g tº | 00
James Melvill’s sermon at the opening of the Assembly, £5.
The Moderator's assessors appointed, © tº 104.
Enquiry concerning execution of sentences, g £b,
The excommunication of the Earl of Angus rescinded, 105
The King's speeches in the Assembly, g * > ib.
His encomiums of the Kirk of Scotland, g 106
And promises to maintain it, * • ib.
Petitions of the General Assembly to the King, º àb.
Acts, & • © g 107
Questions, © - g wº & ib.
Commission, g © g àb.
viii CONTENTS.
- FA GIE
Bothwell and several persons warded, tº ... e J Il
The King favours the Jesuits, - 112
Letter of Mons. Castoll to the Presbytery of Edinburgh, thanking
them for their contributions to the impoverished foreign Pro-
testants, fº * > e & ib.
J. Gibson of Pencaitland apprehended, & ſº 114
Charged with treasonable expressions in his sermon, * 115
He confesses rashness, and is set at liberty, ſº * ib,
Witches apprehended, e § º ib.
Their singular confessions, © & 116
J 591.
An affray in the King's presence, and his consternation, . ib.
Bothwell takes a man out of the Tolbooth by force, & 117
King James's scoffings at religion and the ministers, . ib.
Letters from Bancroft to Patrick Adamson intercepted, . 118
Adamson's last sickness and remorse, * i.e. º {b.
He is absolved from the sentence of excommunication, § 119
He recants his errors, te de tº . ib.
Copy of his recantation, * § ib.
His refutation of the work called the King's Declaration, . 124
. Bothwell accused of consulting with witches, and warded, ge 127
Trial and punishment of witches, tº g 128
Accomplices of the Papists accused by the Ministers, wº 129
Bruce's advice to the King in sermon, te & 75.
John Davidson's rebuke of the King's proceedings from the pulpit, 130
Conference between the King and the Ministers of Edinburgh in
Consequence, g Žb
James's letter to Queen Elizabeth in favour of Mr Udall, e 131
Bothwell breaks prison, and is denounced rebel, º 132
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, g e sº . 133
Alteration of the place of this Assembly, ſº Žb.
Graham of Halyards summoned upon the charge of a
minister, e & & . ib.
The competency of the Assembly to try him called in
question, ſº º te £b.
Petitions and Articles, g g . 134
Acts, * . tº g 135
Graham of Halyards submits, & ſº g 138
Proclamations against Bothwell, ſº & Žb.
Walter Balcanquall justifies the character of John Knox, , 139
Ministers examine into the state of the King's household, ib.
CONTENTS. ix
PAGE
Conference of John Davidson with the King, * *> 140
Bothwell besets the Palace of Holyrood, * e Žb.
Names of his abettors, . § e gº 141
The King's public thanksgiving for his delivery from Bothwell, 142
Craig in his sermon rebukes the King, e b Žb.
Anonymous letter thrown into the King's chamber, * 143
1592,
Proclamation against Bothwell, g \g Yo àb.
The King almost drowned, Q $ tº 144
Murder of the Earl of Murray by the Earl of Huntley, * &b.
The Earl of Murray's corpse brought to Leith, o b 145
His mother's indignation at the King's refusal of justice, § ib.
Discontent of the people on account of the murder, b 146
The King's friendly letter to Huntley, tº *} {b.
Death of Patrick Adamson, to b 147
Huntley persuaded to enter into ward, b § 148
Graham the sorcerer executed, § * {b.
The King's rage against the Ministers, * b àb.
Huntley freed from ward, go {º b 149
The King goes in pursuit of Bothwell, º © 2b.
Bothwell’s letter to the Ministers, clearing himself of witch-
craft, &c., te ë gº k I50
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, º * § § 156
Commissions, o g © àb.
Acts, & § b & 158
Craig's Catechism sanctioned, * g 159
Conference between the King and Ministers, ſº ib.
A Parliament held, e © § 160
The King's speech at this Parliament, & º ib.
Balcanquall rebukes the King from the pulpit, & 16]
Debate between him and the King in consequence, tº ib.
Act of Parliament made for the liberty of the Kirk, g I62
Copy of the Act, º § g & iö.
Other Acts of Parliament, & ū g 166
Bothwell and his friends forfaulted, o g ib.
Letter fixed upon the gate of the Palace, & g 167
Answer to the letter by Colonel Stewart, s g ib.
The Raid of Falkland, g t; º 168
Bruce's exhortation to the King, g & º ib.
The King's stubbornness under rebuke, wº g {b.
Admonition of a young woman to the King, g & 169
X CONTENTS,
PAGE
Attempt to assassinate Lord Hamilton, e * 169
Bruce's admonition to the Chancellor from the pulpit, , 170
The King shows intercepted letters to the ministers, wº 171
The Earl of Angus warded, g de e 6b.
The King shifts his dwelling from dread of Bothwell, º 172
Bruce's remarks on the King's negligence in executing justice, Žb.
Proposal to divide Edinburgh into eight parishes, ſº Žb.
The Lairds of Burley and Logie questioned for favouring Bothwell, 173
Logie's escape from trial by the help of a Maid of Honour, Žb.
Colonel Stewart and Lord Spynie warded, § 174
Captain Hackerston and the Laird of Airdrie warded for aiding
Bothwell, * tº tº g Žb.
Premonition of a massacre by an anonymous letter, g I75
The King goes in pursuit of Bothwell, tº . 177
Disturbances among the crafts of Edinburgh, e £6.
Anonymous verses on the occasion, abusing the Clergy, g Żó.
Ministers request the King to remove Lord Hume from his company, 178
His imbecile and shifting answers, g § we ib.
Proceedings of the Ministers for the safety of tho Church, . 179
General fast appointed, . tº g º ib.
Causes of the fast, g © 180
Precautions to be adopted against the Papists, ge & 75
Commissioners nominated to watch and report their proceedings, 182
Articles upon this subject, to be transmitted to the King and
Council, g & g & āb.
Captain Stewart (Earl of Arran) sent for to court, g 186
Resolutions of tho ministers of Edinburgh on this occasion, łb.
Balcanguall preaches against Arran's being received, * 187
The King reproaches the Ministers for their opposition to Arran, ib.
Davidson's sermon against Arran, tº e 188
Patrick Galloway rebukes the King for keeping evil company, Žb.
Arran appears before the Presbytery of Edinburgh, g |89
Finds no favour from the Church, and returns home, . 190
Bruce accused of treason, tº $ tº iö.
A trial demanded, º g g , ib.
No accuser appears, e & g £5.
Davidson's Sermon on the morning of the general fast, . 191
The King offended with him, § g º iö.
Davidson agrees to desist soon from preaching, sº . 192
Apprehension of Mr George Ker, about to repair to Spain, £5.
Dangerous letters found in his possession, viz., * © Žb
From an English Jesuit, tº & 193
CONTENTS. xi
PA GE
From the Earl of Angus, º * • 194
From Mr James Gordon to Mr William Crichton, 195
From Mr Robert Abercrombie to the same, & 199
From John Cargill to William Craig, ſº g £5.
From James Christison to Thomas Anderson, g 200
From the same to William Heriot, * © 201
From the same to John Chisholm, . *3 £b.
From the same to Robert Sanderson, tº º 203
From David Forster to a friend, * g Žb.
From #3 # to Sk % g º 206
From John Chisholm to the Bishop of Vaizon, . 208
Recommendation of Ker (in Latin) by Robert Abercrombie, 209
Recommendation by James Gordon, & 210
Letter from James Gordon to Fran. Antonio, & 211
From the same to P. Jacob. Anelianodus, ty 212
From the same to Pet. Rebadino, º e 213
1593.
The King called to Edinburgh in consequence of these letters, 214.
The Councillors alarmed at the oxtent of the conspiracy, & £b.
The King promises to pursue the traitors, . g Žb.
Bruce's exhortation to the King on this occasion, . 215
Measures proposed by the Ministers against the Papists, tº Žb.
The Courtiers endeavour to hinder their being presented to the
King, . g & te * 216
A numerous deputation from the Kirk wait on the King, . ib.
The King's confused specch to the deputation, , & £b.
Another meeting in the Little Kirk, g & 217
Their proposals to the King for the punishment of the conspirators, ib.
A third meeting hold, g ſº e 218
Resolutions agreed on by the King and nobility, . g ib.
Hume and Maxwell appear before the Presbytery, e 221
They raise a tumult in the church, . & * 222
A false alarm of Bothwell's coming, tº e Žb.
Graham of Fintry examined upon the Popish conspiracy, & 223
Graham of Halyards slain in a scuffle, tº tº £b.
Graham of Fintry beheaded, ę © ty 224
Substance of his and Ker’s confessions, g Žb.
Subscription of the blanks found in Kor's possession, † 226
Designs of the Popish Lords and their party in Scotland, . 228
Graham of Fintry's letter to the King, o & 230
xii CONTENTS,
PAGE
Advertisement, supposed to be from Bothwell, to the Ministers of
Edinburgh, d g tº & 232
Proceedings of the King at the Raid of Aberdeen, . Žb.
Band of the nobles and barons for defence of religion, £º 233
Act against Jesuits, Papists, &c., & tº 235
Davidson's farewell to Edinburgh, , d g 238
English ambassador's commission to the King, g 239
The Popish conspirators summoned before the Parliament, 240
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, e d * Żb.
Articles, e © g * ib.
The King's Articles to the Assembly, & 242
Answers of the Assembly to his Articles, . g 244
Number of the Presbyteries, & tº 245
Commission for visitation, º d g 246
Commission to present Articles to the Parliament, d £b.
Acts, º & * & 247
A convention of the nobility, . g g 249
Advice to the King respocting the Popish Lords, &c., . 250
The King said to be privy to the conspiracy of the Popish Lords, 251
A Lady torn from her father's house, * g 252
A riot in the streets of Edinburgh, ſº 3 &b.
The magistrates complain to the King in vain, ſ g ib.
Sir R. Melvill sent ambassador to England, & . ib.
A day of law held in Edinburgh, g s ſº 253
A Parliament held, g g g 254
Ministers displeased with its dilatoriness in proceeding against the
Papists, 9 g º & 255
Davidson's rebuke of this Parliament from the pulpit, e ib.
Bloody shirts carried through the streets of Edinburgh, . 256
Bothwell suddenly enters the Palace of Holyrood, º ib.
The citizens come to the rescue, gº º g 257
Conditions granted by the King to Bothwell, ſº Žb.
Bothwell begins to occasion fresh troubles, & & 258
Bruce's letter to the Presbytery of Dunformline, on the agreement
between the King and Bothwell, 9 e 259
A convention of the nobles at Stirling, ſº & Žb.
Further conditions imposed on Bothwell, ge * 260
The King alienated from him, ſe e tº 261
Meeting of the Provincial Synod of Fife, © £b.
Davidson's Sentiments at the synod, on the dangers of the Kirk, Žb
A fast agreed upon, & tº * 203
CONTENTS. xiii
- PAG E
They excommunicate the Popish Lords, * - g 263
Proceedings of the synod, - §b.
The King tries Lord Hamilton in behalf of the Papists, & 268
He promises to the Ministers to have no dealings with the Popish
Lords, . & • tº & 269
Meets them on the same day, and receives them favourably, 270
Commissioners sent to the King to urge their punishment, $5.
His answers to the commissioners, g * 271
Trial of the Popish Lords to be held at Linlithgow, $ 274
Circular from the ministers to the barons on the occasion, £b.
The King discharges the barons from repairing to the trial, 275
Mr Davidson's speech on this occasion, . tº āb.
He is congratulated upon his motion at the meeting, £º 277
James Melvill appointed to present their petitions, g ib.
Which are remitted to another meeting, º g ió.
Act upon the occasion, * g g & iö.
Davidson's sermon upon the King's procrastination, tº 279
Proclamation in favour of the Popish Lords, • º £5.
Proclamation forbidding people to repair to Edinburgh, * 280
Interview between the King and some Ministers, & 282
A convention held, tº * & g Žb.
The Commissioners mocked by the King, te e 283
Quarrel between J. Davidson and David Lindsay, º Žb.
An act of abolition in favour of the Popish Lords, tº - 284.
Mr A. Melvill rebukes the King for favouring the Papists, 288
The King intimates to the Ministers of Edinburgh the act of
abolition, & - © & & 289
Their dislike of it, tº tº º Žb.
The Ministers consult upon the act of abolition, g Žb.
Lord Maxwell slain, & g & 290
Bruce's denunciation of the King for the act of abolition, e Žb.
Lord Hume subscribes the Confession of Faith, tº āb.
Mr G. Ramsay, minister of Lasswade, denounces the Lords of the
College of Justice, g g àb.
He is summoned before them, and dismissed, o - 291
- 1594,
Lord Zouch, ambassador from England, obtains audience, g ib.
Ministers of Edinburgh summoned by the Council, to give advice
on the treatment of the Popish Lords, & iö.
Minutes of the Council to this effect, © tº 292
Birth of Prince Henry, & - gº 6 293
xiv. CONTENTS.
Murray of Powmais apprehended, º (e
The King accuses the Ministers of breach of promise,
Proclamation for pursuit of Bothwell,
Bruce denounces the King from the pulpit,
A guard raised for defence of the courtiers,
A new coinage, º
The Raid of Leith, g te
The King chased into Edinburgh by Bothwell,
Bothwell's pretexts for this insurrection, sº ſº
The Ministers consulted on the measures to be taken with him,
They advise that the King should repent of his sins,
A proclamation against Bothwell,
J. Ross accused of preaching against the King,
Refuses to acknowledge an offence, and is warded,
'Ross's examination before the King and Council,
A Moravian apprehended, e
A muster of the King's horsemen at Leith, o
The two Melvills suspected by the King of favouring Bothwell,
GENERAL ASSEMBLY, º tº º
Proceedings against Papists,
Memorial to the King, on the danger to be apprehended from
them, º
PAGE
294
2b.
295
Žb.
Žb.
296
Žb.
297
6b.
298
Žb.
Žb.
299
Žb.
300
306
£5.
307
Čb.
£b.
310
Remedies for the danger specified, and the King's answers, 313
Lord Hume's submission to the Assembly,
316
He requests to be absolved from the sentence of excommuni-
cation, © 317
Conditions proposed to him, 3.18
He is absolved, o º º 320
Report of the Ministers on Ross's sermon, Q 321
He expresses regret, 323
Is admonished, o * 2b.
Articles proposed by the King to the Assembly, Žb.
Answers of the Assembly, sº 325
The superstition of the Goodman's Croft, 326
A fast appointed, e º e & ib.
Conference between the King and Commissioners of the
Assembly, © º © 327
James Melvill's favourable reception by the King, £b.
The King's complaints of the Kirk, e º 328
Mr R. Pont's rebuke of the nation's lukewarmness in the care of
religion, o © º . 329
A Parliament held, • g º &b.
CONTENTS.
XV
Fray between the citizens and the King’s guard,
Substance of the King's address to the Parliament,
Lords of Articles chosen, o g
Andrew Melvill admonishes the King and Lords,
Probation and summons against the Popish Lords,
The Ministers consult upon the execution of the sentence,
The Laird of Johnston escapes, ©
The Ministers exhorted to praise God for the King's proceedings,
Mr Davidson’s rebuke of the Three Estates,
His observations in the church of God's special Providence,
The King applies to the Presbytery of Edinburgh for pecuniary aid,
A Spanish ship boarded at Aberdeen,
The prisoners rescued by the Popish Lords,
Aid to the King against the rebels promised,
His application to the Ministers in behalf of the ambassadors,
Baptism of Prince Henry, e
Proclamation made for the Northland Raid,
Bothwell reduced to great necessity,
The Battle of Glenrinnis,
The King's Raid in the North, &
The two Melvills accompany him at his desire,
3.
Tº A G F.
329
330
Žb.
Žb.
332
336
Žb.
Žb.
337
33%)
34()
Žb.
7b.
341
342
Žb.
346
347
348
353
Čb,
Mr James Melvill directed to apply to the burghs for money for
the King's forces,
His Letter of Credit from the King to the Ministers of Edinburgh,
And to the Magistrates of Edinburgh, º 0.
354
Žb.
355
His Letter of Credit from other Ministers in the expedition, to the
Ministers of Edinburgh,
The King lenient to the rebels,
His lenity overruled by Andrew Melvill,
W. Balcanduall delated to the King,
1595.
The King's remission of murderers blamed by Rollock,
New conspiracy of the Popish Lords,
Band to be established between them,
Skirmish in Edinburgh, ©
The Earl of Argyle warded, º • .
Offers made in his name to the King and Council,
Fresh lonity to the Popish Lords, g g
Letter of Bothwell to the Ministers of Edinburgh,
He is excommunicated, tº Q
The Queen wishes to obtain the keeping of the Prince,
356
357
$0.
358
350
Žb.
360
361
£b.
362
363
ib.
365
ib.
xvi. CONTENTS.
F A GE
A jewel sent from the Pope to the King, e 366
The Laird of Spott excommunicated, gº * Žb.
A GENERAL ASSEMBLY, & * 367
Articles from the King, presented by his Commissioners, ib.
Tenor of the Articles, & in º Žb.
Answer of the Assembly, * g 368
Acts against Papists and Non-communicants, tº 369
Other acts, * º, & e 370
Commission for visitation of Colleges, & 371
Commission concerning dilapidation of benefices, * ib,
Queries to be made upon the subject, . ſº 373
Commission for a “Constant Platt,” e 374
A fast appointed, § g tº 376
Mr David Black summoned before the King, e £b.
James Melvill's judgment of Black, * , * 377
Black refuses the King as his judge, . g Žb.
Andrew Melvill's defence of him, ſe & 378
James Melvill mediates between the King and Black, ib.
His sermon on the occasion, * } & & 379
The Laird of Burleigh and Andrew Melvill reconciled, §. 38]
An Edinburgh magistrate murdered by a schoolboy, * 382
Death of Chancellor Maitland, & Q ib.
The Earl of Angus craves a conference of the Synod of Angus, 383
Discussion in the synod in consequence, & & Žb.
Davidson requires that the Earl should be dealt with as a traitor, 384
The King's licence to admit the Earl to a conference, g Žb.
Conflict between the Maxwells and the Johnstons, ſº 385
Complaints of the Ministers of the King's remissness in justice, ib.
Consultation upon resisting a Spanish invasion, g 386
Davidson's farewell sermon to Edinburgh, tº * 387
1596.
Happy prospects for the Church at this period, tº- Čb.
Symptoms of declension, © tº 388
Royal proclamation for resisting the Spaniards, g 389
The Octavians chosen, tº g tº 393
Their duties, & e g & ib.
Their proceedings, g & o 394
A GENERAL ASSEMBLY, * g & ib.
Advice of the Presbytery of Haddington, on two heads pro-
posed by the Commissioners, g t Žb
The advice approved of, g º 396
CONTENTS. xvii
PAGE
The King attends the Assembly, g * 396
He deprecates public rebuke of himself, e 397
Debates with Andrew Melvill, P. n £b.
J. Davidson's proposals, º 6 © āb.
They are not relished, e º o 399
Davidson's boldness commended, o © Žb.
Overtures for resisting the enemies of religion, g £b.
A day of humiliation appointed, º 400
J. Davidson appointed to preach, º s 401
Ordinance of the same appointed by the Assembly, Žb.
Advice of the Assembly upon the prevalent corruptions, Žb.
Day of humiliation held, e e 406
Davidson's sermon, º e o Žb.
Its moving effect upon the audience, º 407
They resolve to enter into a Covenant with God, g Žb
Terms of the Covenant, to be enjoined upon the Synods, 408
Ministers appointed to represent to the King the sins of his
household, © º g Žb.
These sins specified, e ſº º &b.
And those of all the Estates of the realm, © 409
Offences of the court and justiciary, g . 411
The King's instructions to his commissioners sent to the
Assembly, g o º 412
Articles proposed by them on the “Constant Platt,” 413
Grievances to be complained of to the King, º 415
Proposals for their remedy, º e 416
Commission for visitation of kirks, © 419
Form of a “Constant Platt,” drawn out by Mr John Lindsay, 420
Fruitlessness of the attempt, g * 433
Manner in which the appointed day of humiliation was
held by the Synod of Fife, & ſº £b.
David Black's sermon upon the occasion, e e 434
Mr D. Ferguson’s account of the commencement of the Re-
formation, º © º 435
Covenant renewed by the Presbytery of St Andrews, 436
Beneficial effects of the day of humiliation, g 437
The King angry at Mr Robert Bruce, © ſº Žb.
Convention of the Estates at Falkland, & e &b.
Proposal made there to call home the Popish Lords, º 4.38
Andrew Melvill's opposition to the measure, d º Žſ.
It is resolved to call them home, º ib.
Birth of Princess Elizabeth, e * e £b.
VOIL. V. b
xviii CONTENTS.
PAGE
A convention at Cupar opposes the return of the Popish Lords, 439
The King angry at the remonstrance of its commissioners, àb.
Andrew Melvill's speech to him on this occasion, g 440
Proposals of the Countess of Huntly in behalf of her husband, 441
The Popish Lords are suffered to return, © º 443
The Commissioners of the General Assembly take the alarm fib,
Their Circular to the presbyteries on the occasion, & Žb.
The Remedies they propose for the evil, g º 446
Commissioners appointed by the Kirk, to watch the proceedings
of the Popish party, and their abettors, º & 448
Proposals to the Commissioners of the Kirk, about restoring the
Popish Lords, & tº * & 449
The proposals refused, sº o & ib.
Ministers sent to the King, to complain and remonstrate, * 450
Grievances of the Kirk presented by them, g tº 45 l
The King's answers to these grievances, gº tº ib.
Replies of the ministers to his answers, tº 3. 452
David Black accused of seditious speeches, . * º 453
The ministers resolve, that he decline the King's judicature, 454
Proposals to the King for dealing with the Popish Lords, 455
He agrees, tº º * & $5.
The ministers deliberate about Black's declinature, g 456
The declinature, e tº #3 & 457
Ministers sent to deal with the Queen, g º 459
Circular, with the Declinature, sent to the presbyteries, tº 460
The Octavians admonished to do their duty, p e 46]
The King enraged at the Circular and Declinature, & 462
Deputation of ministers sent to admonish the King, º 463
Report of their mission, ſº & ſº 464
The Commissioners of the Assembly justify Black's Declinature, ib.
David Black summoned at the Market Cross, te 465
Form of the Summons, & e $º e £b.
The Commissioners of the General Assembly commanded to leave
Edinburgh, gº o o wº 466
Form of the Proclamation, Q º ſº &b.
The Commissioners appeal against it, g g 468
Their arguments against the Proclamation, g g 6b.
Articles proposed by them to the King, in vindication of the rights
of the Church, ſº g g º 470
A new Declinature to be given in by D. Black, g 475
Form of the second Declinature, tº & { } 476
Preparations of the Kirk for Black's defence, ſº 480
CONTENTS. xix
PAGE
The King and Council hurry on the trial, & g 481
Account of proceedings, tº ę ib.
Proposals of the King to the ministers upon Black's case, * 482
Reply of the Ministers, & te gº Žb.
Request from the King, upon the doctrines to be preached on the
Fast day, g g gº g 483
Negotiation in consequence, & © e Žb.
Articles between the King and Commissioners of the Assembly, 484
The King consents to them, ſº • tº 485
His purpose afterwards altered, gº º 486
He requires Black's submission, º g Žb.
Black refuses, & e {} e ib.
And demands to have the Kirk for his lawful judge, & . ib.
Black summarily condemned upon his non-appearance, . 487
The King complains of the sermons preached on the occasion, Žb.
His proposals of agreement, * te ib.
They are refused, sº Q e tº 488
The King promises compliance, * “. . 489
Points and grounds of agreement proposed, iº º £5,
The King consents to them, except in the case of David Black, 490
The Queen moved to intercede in Black's behalf, * 491
Letter of the Commissioners to the King in his favour, º 492
Act of the Commissioners sent to the King, & 493
Their forms of Proclamations, • tº e 494.
The King's answers, g te 496
He requires Black to be tried and punished, ğı ſº àb.
The ministers refuse, º * o 497
Black charged to ward by the King, & & 498
Form of the charge, Žb
The Synod of Aberdeen found fault with by the Commissioners, 499
A Convention of Estates and Goneral Assembly summoned by the
King, * wº t g 6b.
The King requires submission from the ministers, ve 500
Those who refuse ordered to leave the town, * g 50]
Declaration of the Commissioners on their proceedings concerning
the Popish Lords, © e ta 502
The tumult in Edinburgh upon the 17th of December, gº 510
Proclamations made on the occasion, ſº g 514
Bruce's letter to Lord Hamilton, requesting his good offices in be-
half of the Kirk, º g tº & 515
The letter altered, and sent to tho King, g 516
Bruce's sermon previous to his removal from Edinburgh g ib,
XX CONTENTS.
PAGE
Two proclamations against certain ministers, * 520
Charge to the magistrates to apprehend the ministers, º £b.
Bruce and other ministers leave Edinburgh, sº 521
Band sent by the King for Mr P. Galloway's subscription, ib.
Copy of the Band to be subscribed by all the ministers, , 522
Reasons for refusing to subscribe, º e àb.
Mr P. Galloway's answer to the King's Band, tº º 529
Fear of the citizens of Edinburgh for the consequences of the riot, 530
The King's menaces against the city, tº º 531
Accusations against Mr D. Black, º o © £5.
Charge to the magistrates to apprehend ministers preaching against
the King and Council, * º g ib.
Letter of Bruce to Lord Hamilton, upbraiding him for his treachery, 534
Some of the citizens of Fdinburgh imprisoned, & . 535
1597.
The King's protestations in the Great Kirk of Edinburgh, o &b.
Ogill’s ridiculous sermon before him, ſº o 536
Rigorous acts of Council on account of the riot, o e Žb.
Three proclamations against the rioters, &c., & o 538
Anonymous letter addressed to the King, on his oppressing the
Kirk, * e º g . 539
Proclamation against all communing with the four ministers of
Edinburgh, &c., & § & 551
The Queen of England's letter to James upon the riot, . ib.
The absent ministers slandered, g & º 553
Bruce and Balcanguall's reply and apology, ſº . ib.
Another apology in Bruce's name, written by Spottiswood, 560
No conspiracy or forethought malice in the riot, * , 575
A Synod held at Leith, o o e 576
James Gibson preaches, and pleases all parties, Žb.
Conditions on which sermons were to be continued in Edinburgh, ib
A Synod held at Fife, & & B77
Convention appointed by the King to be held at Perth, ... ib.
Further encroachments of the King on the liberty of the Kirk, Žb.
The Synod protests against them, º º . 578
Synod's instructions to the Commissioners who were to repair to
the Convention, & 579
Form of commission to the Commissioners of the Presbytery of
Edinburgh, e e º . 581
The King's intentions declared in his Preface to the Questions, 583
Questions propounded by him to the Convention, with their answers, 585
CONTENTS. XX1
PAGE
Other Answers to the Questions, o e 597
Answers of another person to the Questions, º 599
The ExTRAORDINARY General Assembly at Perth, © 606
Protestations against its authority and decisions, o 608
Proceedings of this Assembly, & * ib.
The King's Articles, º t e 610
Answers to the Articles, tº º 612
Commission of the Assembly to try the Popish Lords, 616
The Articles for Trial of the Earl of Huntly, g Žb.
The Countess of Angus’ request in favour of her husband, 617
Offers of the Earl of Errol to the Assembly, º 618
The Assembly’s decision, 6. tº º 619
Petitions of Ministers to the King, o e £b.
The King's Answers, º o & 62I
The Courtiers endeavour to produce dissensions among the Mini-
Sters, º & e g 623
The town of Edinburgh reconciled with the King, © 624
Mr D. Lindsay censured by the Synod of Lothian, º 625
The four Ministers of Edinburgh relaxed from the horn, e 626
The ordinary General Assembly fenced, g e &b.
Description of the Assemblies of the new fashion, and their con-
trast with the old, © º e {b.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY held at Dundee, g º 628
Rollock appointed Moderator, and for what purpose, 629
High debate betwen the King and Andrew Melvill, e £5.
John Davidson's Letter to the Assembly, º 630
Report of the Answers of the Popish Lords, g 633
Answors of the Earl of Huntly to the Articles of tho
Kirk, o º º g iö.
Answers of the Earl of Errol, ſº e 635
Answers of the Earl of Angus, º g 636
Commission to absolve the Earls, º e 638
The Articles proposed at Perth, explained and concluded, 640
The Acts, & º g &b.
Answers to the rest of the King's Questions by this As-
sembly, º º g 642
General commission granted to some Ministers, & 644
Form of the first general commission, * ib.
Destruction of the liberties of the Kirk in this commission, 646
Acts, e g e g ib.
Commission to try the Heir of Bonytown, º g 647
Mr J. Rutherford replaced in the office of the Ministry, º £5.
xxii CONTENTS.
PAGE
Mr R. Wallace, Minister at St Andrews, suspended, * 648
Declinature of this sentence of suspension, e º Žb.
Black and Wallace removed from the ministry of St Andrews, 649
Andrew Melvil's office changed from that of Rector to Dean of
Theology at St Andrews, q & 651
The Ministers of Edinburgh permitted to preach in their own
places, & º e ib.
The Popish Earls relaxed from the horn, º & 655
An Earthquake and Pestilence, q & g ib.
Letter of Jock Upo’ Land to the Commissioners of the General
Assembly, * º º e ib.
A Parliament held, e tº º sº 668
The privilege of vote in Parliament granted to the Kirk, º iö.
Purpose thereby to introduce Episcopacy, º e £b.
Act of Parliament upon this occasion, º º 669
General Assembly called, o & 4. 671
Form of the Circular sent for this purpose, g o £b.
1598.
Frenzy of Thomas Foullis on account of his debts, e o 673
Robertson and Hewat proposed as Ministers for Edinburgh, 674
Opposition of the Edinburgh Ministers to the proposal, * £b.
Robertson and Hewat received, 0. º 676
Robert Bruce's meditation upon the present state of the Kirk, 677
A conference between the King and John Davidson, º àb.
Synod held in Lothian, º º º 680
Synod in Fife, e e e e ib.
Debate there on Ministers having vote in Parliament, 6 âb.
A solar eclipse, and the consternation it occasioned, º 68I.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY held at T)undee, e e 682
Andrew Melvill challenged by the King for coming to the
Assembly, © º ib.
He maintains his right to be present, o g 683
He is removed by the King's authority, o ib.
A. Melvill and J. Johnston ordered out of Dundee, º 2b.
Grievances adduced against the Commissioners of the last
Assembly, o º e e 684
Grievances to be proposed to the King, & 685
The King's answers, 9 e 686
He consents to deal with the tacksmen for augmentation
of the duty, & º 687
Grievances of certain presbyteries quashed by the King, 688
CONTENTS. xxiii
PAG [.
Grievances of the Synod of Lothian against the Commis-
sioners obliterated, & & © 689
Commission to plant Edinburgh with churches and mi.
nisters, b e © g ib.
The King declares himself reconciled with the Ministers of
Edinburgh, g § & 69()
The general commission renewed, ſº & 69 l
Discussion about the Clergy having vote in Parliament, 693
The King's protestations in favour of the measure, . &b.
Mr John Davidson opposes it, b º 694.
The votes in the affirmative prevail, e tº 695
The Act confirming it, g $ b &b.
Davidson's opposition to the proceedings of the Assembly, 697
The King debates with him, e * 698
Davidson's Protest, 6 § e 699
Number and quality of those who should have vote in Par-
liament, b g ge 700
The Assembly refuses to register Davidson's Protest, 7() I.
Form of refusal, & g © Žb.
Articles proposed for the prevention of abuses in the Kirk, 702
Acts, ë º © © 706
Davidson prosecuted before the Presbytery of Haddington, . 709
He defends himself, g & g 710
The action deserted, g 6 & fib.
Robert Bruce urged to be minister of a particular congregation, 711
He assents, but refuses to receive ordination, & & £b.
A compromisement offered to him, s o & Žb.
The brethren break their promise made to him, * 7] 2
His conference with the King on the subject, d § &b.
Refuses in the church to be ordained, d tº 714
His elders acknowledge him as their lawful Pastor, g 715
Bruce summoned before the King, e & © 65.
The King and Commissioners deny the validity of Bruce's former
call to the ministry, o © gº ib.
He is sentenced to deprivation, unless he consents to be ordained, 717
He appeals and protests against the sentence, & tº fib.
He desists from preaching, º ſº o 718
Approbation given by the Presbytery of Edinburgh to his calling
as a lawful Pastor, g § tº ib,
Patrick Simson's letter to him on the subject, & g £5.
He has further conference with the King and Commissioners, 720
Spottiswood sent to treat with him, e & ib.
xxiv. CONTENTS.
PAGE
Unsatisfactory offers made to Bruce by the King and Commis-
sioners, º º g . 721
His remonstrance with the Commissioners for their injurious treat-
ment of him, o º © 722
Terms upon which he submits, g º & Žb,
He receives imposition of hands, © º 723
Commissioners chosen by the Synod of Fife to sit in Parliament, 724
Decision of questions on the subject, g º £b.
A convention of the nobles, and its proceedings, o 725
Convention at Falkland of Commissioners from Synods, º 726
Maclean murdered, º gº e Žb.
The Ministers find fault with the restoring of the Bishop of Glas-
gow, & 6 d e 727
The King's work on Free Monarchies published, e & &b.
Privy Councillors chosen, and their names, . . © £b,
1599.
The King offended with the Ministers for blaming his proceedings, 728
The four Ministers of Edinburgh required by the King to subscribe
to certain Acts, º Žb.
They refuse, © * & e 729
The King labours in vain to persuade them, o £b.
They are summoned before the Secret Council, . e Žb.
The King's final proposals to them, º g &b.
Their reasons for refusal, e e ſº 730
They are threatened with banishment, & o 73]
The Popish Lords received favourably at Court, º . 732
Death of Rollock, © © & 6b.
The King's malice against Robert Bruce, e 733
Endeavours to deprive him of his pension, º e £b.
The Bishop of Glasgow sent ambassador to France, º 735
Adventurers to the Lewes, e g . 736
Misfortunes that befel them, ib.
The English ambassador kidnaps an English fugitive in Scotland, ib.
A fast agreed upon, o º º tº 737
Causes of the fast, º º e &b.
Discussion among the Ministers concerning it, º & 738
A convention of Ministers at St Andrews, o tº &b.
Contention about the removal of a wall in the Great Kirk, g 739
A French Ambassador's Mass complained of by the Ministers, 740
Letters sent in the King's name to the Papal Court, tº £b.
Explanation of the circumstance by Secretary Elphinston, g Žb.
CONTENTS. XXV
PAG E
Copy of the letter and articles, * 742
Passages exhibited to the Synod of Fife from the unpublished
Basilicon Doron, & º dº 744
The passages condemned by the Synod, g tº ib.
The Minister who reveals them obliged to fly, ſº § iê.
The King assembles the chief Ministers who were to repair to the
next General Assembly, & g © 746
The Conference held at Holyrood House, & & g ib.
Preface explaining the purpose of the Conference, tº © ič.
Proposal made to the Ministers, & ſº Žb.
Rejected by several, & e Žb.
Argument that Ministers should engage in legislative functions, 747
Answered, © g e 748
Discussion whether Ministers having vote in Parliament should
bear office for life, g & • 755
And by what title they should be distinguished, g 758
Result of these proceedings reported to the King, º g 760
Andrew Melvill’s protest against them before the King, tº ib.
The King's final answer to the Conference, * tº ib.
His purposes in summoning it, g e wo 761
Opinions delivered by an anonymous author on the order of Bishops,
and the conditions of their office, à & 762
A monster born, sº & g 765
Arrival of English Actors in Scotland, © © g §b.
The Ministers of Edinburgh opposed to them, g tº Žb.
They make an act upon the subject, g ib.
The Ministers summoned to answer before the King for their hos-
tility, g tº " . ib.
Bruce's defence of the Ministers, wº te © 766
The Ministers ordered to rescind their act, tº & Žb.
They comply, º g 767
Bruce again annoyed about his pension, g & 768
His conference with the King on the subject, § tº Žb.
Terms on which he consents to relinquish his pension, * Žb.
Some seek a quarrel with Bruce, g 769
Bruce complains to the Presbytery of the injuries he had sus-
tained, * > tº tº * ib.
The Calendar improved, ſº g º 771
The King breaks his promises to Bruce, tº & £5.
APPENDIX.
Names of those who subscribed the Band at Aberdeen, in 1592,
for defence of religion, e & § 774
CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE
OF
THE KIR K OF SC OTL AND.
M.D.LXXXIX.
NOTWITHSTANDING that the Lord did manifest, the yeere preceed-
ing, by the overthrow of the Spanish Armada, what care he had of
his poore kirk in this yle, yitt did the enemeis continue still in their
despite and malice : sindrie practising, traffiquing Jesuits, Semi-
narie preests, and other emissareis of Antichrist, creeping in the
countrie, ceassed not to pervert and subvert in diverse parts,
namelie, in the North and in the South, wherupon dangerous ef-
fects were like to follow. Therefore, the most vigilent of the mi-
nistrie wairning and moving others, as the custome of the Kirk of
Scotland was from the beginning, conveened at Edinburgh in the
moneth of Januar, 1589, and gave in to the king and counsell the
petitiouns following:—
HUMBLE PETITIONS TO HIS MAJESTIE AND COUNSELL, FOR PRE-
VENTING OF THE DANGERS THREATNED TO THE PROFESSORS OR
THE TRUE RELIGIOUN WITHIN THE REALME. JANUAR, 1589.
“That it may please his Majestie give command, both to parti-
WOL. V. A
2 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
cular presbytereis, and suche others ministers, barons, and gentle-
men, as sall be thought meete to conveene and consult upon the
readiest remedeis of thir dangers appearand, so oft as they sall
thinke expedient; and to report their opiniouns and advices to his
Majestie, betuixt this and the 20th day of Januar.
“That it may please his Hieness to forbeare, in tyme to come,
to interpone his privie letters or discharges to the kirk, for staying
of their proceeding with their censures against Papists, when as
they can not be reclamed by lawfull admonitiouns.
“That commissiouns may be directed to some specialls of his
Hienesse' counsell, best affected and of greatest power, to searche,
seeke, and apprehend, and present to justice, all Jesuits, or other
privat or publict seducers of his Hienesse' lieges; and that the saids
commissioners may be instantlie named, and a day appointed to
the report of their diligences in that behalfe.
“That some specialls of the ministrie, assisted with some weill
affected barons or other gentlemen, may be authorized with his
Hienesse’ commissioun and licence, to passe to everie quarter of
this realme, and there, by meanes that they find meetest, try and
explore what noblemen, burrows, barons, and others of anie ranke
and calling, professe the religioun, and will joyne effaldlie in the
defence therof, and who will not; and that a day be appointed in
like maner for reporting of their diligence.
“That seing the speciall occasioun of the sinistrous suspiciouns
conceaved of his Hienesse' sinceritie in the truthe, and that ani-
mateth the Papists most, is his authoritie and service putt in the
hands of Papists, under whose wings all Jesuits, and others de-
voted to that superstitioun, find countenance and confort; that for
remeed therof, it may please his Majestie to purge his hous, coun-
sell, and sessioun, and to retire his power of lieutenantrie, war-
danrie, and other his authoritie whatsomever, from all and what-
somever persons avowed or suspected to be Papists; and to lett
proclamatiouns immediatlie be directed for publication of his
Hienesse’ good intentioun and meaning in that behalfe, to the con-
fusioun of the Papists and their patrons, and confort of the godlie,
1589. OF THE RIRE OF SCOTLAND. 3
offended this tyme bygane with their long tolerance and over-
sight.”
These petitiouns were presented to the king and counsell, and
were granted. Therafter, commissioners were nominated for everie
part of the countrie, to putt in executioun the things craved.
At the same tyme, it was thought good, that certane sould be
nominated to consult in privat, concerning the best and most readie
way of the said executioun. Ten noblemen, lawyers, and bur-
gesses, on the one side, the Erle of Marshall, the Maister of Glames,
Treasurer, the Laird of Lochlevin, the Clerk Register, Mr Johne
Schairpe, Mr Thomas Craig, Mr Johne Nicolsone, Johne John-
stoun of Elphingstoun, Johne Adamsone; and ten of the ministrie,
viz., Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr Robert Pont, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr
David Lindsay, Mr Andrew Hay, Mr Patrik Galloway, Mr Nicol
Dagleish, Mr James Melvill, Mr Andrew Mylne, mett; and after
long reasoning and advisement, thought it most expedient and need-
full, first, that the said executioun sould be without delay, in re-
spect of the imminent danger: Nixt, that forasmuche as there were
three ranks of enemeis; the first, of cheefe mainteaners of Papists
and Papistrie ; the secund, of Jesuits, Seminarie preests, and
traffiquers; the thrid, of allowers, receavers, and interteaners of
these in their houses, and partakers of their purposes and idolatrie,
it was thought best, that the first sort sould be charged to waird,
the secund apprehended at unwars and punished, the thrid pro-
ceeded against, conformetothelawes of the countrie, and being found
culpable, to be punished accordinglie : And last, to the intent that
so weightie a mater might be solidelie advised, and sett doun in all
points, the Clerk Register, Alexander Hay, Mr Johne Schairpe,
Mr Thomas Craig, and others, were requeisted to tak tyme, and
pause upon the mater, and everie one severallie sett doun their
judgement in writt; the which being conferred together, conclusioun
was takin and reported to his Majestie, wherof proceeded the acts,
proclamations, and commissiouns, soone after published in print.
At this conventioun were appointed certane commissioners and
brethrein to meete everie weeke, to consult upon effaires perteaning
4 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1589.
to the weale of the kirk in so dangerous a tyme ; viz., Alexander
Hay, Clerk Register, Mr Johne Lindsay, one of the Senators of
the Colledge of Justice, Mr Johne Schairpe, Mr Thomas Craig, Mr
Johne Skeene, Mr Johne Nicolsone, advocats ; William Littill,
Proveist of Edinburgh, Johne Johnstoun of Elphinstoun; Johne
Adamsone, Henrie Charters, burgesses of Edinburgh; Mr Robert
Bruce, Mr David Lindsay, Mr Robert Pont, ministers.
The king's commissioners, with some other, being of the mini-
strie, were appointed to travell with his Majestie for a proclama-
tioun, to lett all his subjects understand his Hienesse’ zeale and
care to purge the land of Poprie, and to mainteane the true reli-
gioun ; and to desire his Majestie of new againe, now in his per-
fyte age, to subscribe the Confessioun of Faith, and to renew the
charge givin in his minoritie to all his subjects, to subscribe the
same of new againe, which was also obteaned ; and the Confessioun
of Faith afterward printed, with blankes following, for the names
of the subscribers.
It was further ordeanned, that all commissioners and moderators
of presbytereis in all parts sould be carefull to have intelligence of
all maters within their bounds, concerning religioun and the weale
of the kirk; and to send advertisements, from tyme to tyme, to the
forsaid commissioners, appointed to conveene weekelie in Edin-
burgh.
It was agreed that the Generall Assemblie sould be holdin in
Ldinburgh the sixt of Februar mixtocum; and that the provinciall
synods be holdin and dissolved before the 24th of Januar.
It was thought necessar that the commissioners of provinces,
and everie minister within their owne bounds respective, informe
all gentlemen, weill affected to religioun, of the attempts of Papists,
and dangers imminent, and of the libertie granted by the king
and counsell to conveene ; that so they may be moved to take
commissiouns from synods, and not faile to keepe the Generall
Assemblie.
As concerning Jesuits, Seminarie preests, and other seducers of
the people, it was agreed, that, at the nixt synods, the ministers
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 5
sould be charged to declare them excommunicated, out of the pul-
pit, immediatlie after their returne to their owne kirks, that the
people may beware of them, and of suche as favour them, inter-
teane them in their houses, or have anie medling with them ; and
that everie minister have their names enrolled to this effect.
Mr Andrew Melvill moderated at this conventioun ; Mr James,
his nephew, was scribe.
THE 3% ºk GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.
The Generall Assemblie conveened, as was appointed, upon the
sixt of Februar. It was frequented with manie noblemen and
gentlemen. The greevances of everie province and presbyterie
were givin in, whereby might be perceaved cleerelie how the land
was defiled all throughout, speciallie the North and the South, with
Poprie, superstitioun, bloodshed, and all kind of villanie. Wher-
upon the brethrein were stirred up to watch diligentlie over their
flockes, and to have a care of the weale of the whole church ; com-
plaints, greevances, and petitions, were formed, to be presented to
the king and counsell.
[The proceedings of the Assemblie are to be sought out of the Register.]
DOCTOR BANCROFT's CALUMNEIS.
Upon the nynth of Februar, Doctor Bancroft, afterward Bishop
of Londoun, traduced, in a publict sermoun at Paul's Croce, the
good name and credite of that worthie and famous servant of God,
Mr Knox, of blessed memorie, calling him a man of nature too con-
tentious, and one of perverse behaviour; and all, forsuith ! becaus
he agreed not to their Booke of Commoun Prayer, which he him-
self confessed was diverse tymes amended and corrected. He
traduced likewise our kirk and ecclesiasticall governement, ground-
6 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
ing his calumneis upon infamous witnesses, the author of the De-
claratioun, which was printed anno 1584, and a schismatick, Robert
Browne, of whom the Separatists were denominated Brownists.
This sermoun was printed, wherin he fathereth upon our king
the penning of that Declaratioun, and chargeth him with incon-
stancie; for when he hath made mentioun of the overthrow of the
presbytereis in the 1584 yeere, he would seeme, by pre-occupatioun,
to answere an objectioun. “It may be heere said,” (sayeth he,)
“for they darre say what they list, that now the king is of another
minde, and that this Declaratioun was made when he had conceaved
some displeasure against them. For the king, he is not altered :
Ictus piscator sapit.” It pleased the king, when this pamphlett
came in his hand, to write in the margin, page 75, just over these
his assertiouns, the words following: “My speeking, writting, and
actiouns, were, and are ever one, without anie dissembling, or bear-
ing up, at anie tyme, what ever I thought : Ergo, casts the libel.
Ne quid asperius. James Rea.”
What ever the schismatick Browne reported is not to be re-
garded; for he was a malcontent, becaus his opiniouns were not
embraced, and that he was committed to waird a night or two till
they were tryed. His misreports were general, mather was he able
to justifie anie particular. As for the Declaratioun, which he
fathereth upon the king, it was knowne that Mr Patrik Adamsone
was the author of it. Mr Johne Davidsone made a short answere
to the calumneis of this sermoun, entituled “ Doctor Bancroft’s
Rashnesse in railing against the Church of Scotland,” which was
printed anno 1590. The 9th of Februar, when Doctor Bancroft
taught, was the first Sabbath after the beginning of the parliament.
What just caus of feare the ministers had of the traffiquing of
Papists, to the subversioun of religioun, did appeare this moneth of
Februar. For upon the seventeenth day of Februar, the king being
in the Tolbuith with the Lords of the Sessioun, and at the point
of rysing, as the custome is, at the twelve houre, a packett was
presented to the king sent from the Queene of England, and Eng-
lish Counsell, conteaning a letter sent from the queene herself to
1589. OF THE IXIRR OF SCOTLAND. 7
the king, and other letters intercepted and found upon Colonell
Sempill's man, called Pringill, directed by Huntlie, Erroll, to the
Duke of Parme and King of Spaine, and by Mr Robert Bruce,
Seminarie preest, to the Duke of Parme, together with other letters
directed by others, all tending to the overthrow of religioun, and
bringing in of Spanish forces to that effect. There were present
with the king, in the meane tyme, the Erle of Huntlie, Erroll,
Bothwell, Mortoun, Angus, who latelie was invested in the erle-
dom, (after that he had agreed with the king for fourtie thowsand
merkes,) Marr, the Maister of Glames, Treasurer, the Maister of
Lindsay, the Proveist of Glencludden, and sindrie others. The
copie of the letters which were sent heere followeth :—
QUEEN ELIZABETH's LETTER TO THE KING.
“MY DEERE BROTHER,--I have ere now assured you, that als long
as I found you constant in amitie towards me, I would be your
faithfull watche, to shunne all mishappes or dangers that, by assured
intelligence, I might compasse to give you. And according to my
good devotioun and affectioun, it hath pleased God to make me, of
late, so fortunat as to have intercepted a messinger, (whom I
keepe safe for you,) that caried letters of high treasoun to your
person and kingdome ; and can doe no lesse, than with most glade-
nesse, send you the discovered treasoun, suche as you may see, as
in a glasse, the true portrature of my late wairning letters; which,
if then it had pleased you follow, als weill as read, you might have
taikin their persons, receaved their treasoun, and shunned their
further strenthening, which hath growne daylie by your too great
neglecting and suffering of so manic practises which, at the begin-
ning, might easilie have been prevented.
“Permitt me, I pray you, my deere brother, to use als muche
plainnesse as I beare you sinceritie, your supposing to deale mode-
ratlie and indifferentlie to both factions, and not to take nor punishe,
at the first, so notorious offenders, as Suche as durst send to a for-
rane king for forces to land in your land under what pretence so
8 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1589.
ever, without your speciall directioun, the same never punished ;
but rather, hold foote deere and neere, with a parentage of neere
allya. Good Lord! me thinke I doe but dreame: no king a weeke
would beare this Their forces assembled, and held neere your per-
son, held plotts to take your persoun neere the sea-side; and that
all this wrapped up with giving them offices, that they might the
better accomplishe their treasoun! These be not the formes of go-
vernements that my yeeres have experimented. I would yours
had noucht, for I sweare unto you myne sould never in like sort.
“I exhort you be not subject to suche weakenesse, as to suffer
suche lewdnesse so long to roote, as all your strenth sall not plucke
up, (which God forbid l) which to shunne, after you have perused
this great packet that I sent you, take speedie order least you linger
too long; and take counsell of few, but of wise and trustie. For if
they suspect your knowledge they will shunne your apprehensioun.
Therefore, of a suddantie they must be clapped up in Saifer custodie
than some others have beene, which hath bred their laughter. You
see my follie when I am entered to mater that tuicheth you so
neere. I know not how to end, but with my prayers to God to
guide you for your best. My agent with you sall tell you the rest.
“Your most assured loving sister and consignesse,
(Sic subscribitur) “ELIZABETH R.”
A LETTER FROM THE COUNSELL TO THE ENGLISH AMBASSADER.
“To our loving Freind, Mr Ashebie, Squire, her Majestie's Ambassader
with the King of Scots.
“After our heartilie commendatiouns: We doe send to you with
this bearer a certane packet, sealed up with our seales. For the
better understanding therof, and for your proceeding therin, this
you sall understand: the letters that are in ciphers have beene by
some good diligence taikin upon one * * a Scotishman, appointed
to have caried them to the Duke of Parma. The partie is in prisoun
heere, and sall be sent thither, to be used for the prooffe, that it
1589. OF THE KIRIX OF SCOTLAND. 9
was he which caried these letters. The letters that were in ciphers
are deciphered, and writtin in plaine, for to be read; the others
are sent in their proper nature. And for warrant of the true de-
ciphering of them, we have caused some few lynes of the deciphered
letters to be subscribed by interlineatioun, with the true and plaine
words in commoun letters. And to the intent that the rest may
appeare to be als truelie deciphered, we doe send to you the true
alphabet of the ciphers, so as anie man skilfull therin may perceave
the letters to be trulie deciphered.
“The contents of these letters are suche as you may see to be of
great weight, and to be used verie secreitlie and substantiouslie.
And, in verie truthe, we ought to acknowledge the continuance of
God’s favour, in ordeaning the discoverie of these notable hid prac-
tises, so dangerous to the caus of religioun professed in both these
realmes ; and there with also, so dangerous both for the queen's
Majestie and that king, and both their realmes and faithfull sub-
jects, as no one practise hath beene more covertlie and subtillie
practised these manie yeeres. And for prooffe that these ciphered
letters come from the parteis therin named, and that the contents
are no wise fained, but certanelie conteaning the mindes and pur-
poses of the tratours therin mentiouned, the scope of their secreit
actiouns, the truthe of all circumstances for the naming of the per-
sons that are in prisoun, the Jesuits that are there secreitlie har-
boured, and the behaviour of the crles and lords now conspired in
all their actiouns, are infallible prooffes of the truthe of all the con-
tents: which we doe mentioun to you, as not doubting of your
judgement to censure the same, both by reasoun of the present
contents, and of your owne knowledge of the dependances of a great
number of circumstances better knowne to you there than can be
to us.
“After you have weill perused these letters in ciphers, and their
decipherings, with other letters that doe concurre therewith, her
Majestie's pleasure is, that you sould als. Soone as convenientlie you
may, without delay, resort to the king, and deliver to him her Ma-
jestie's letter, whereby she requireth the king to give you credit;
10 CALDERwooD's HISTORIE 1589.
and then you sall require him, that you may in most secreit sort
impart to him a mater of most great weight but to be knowne to
him; and that in secreit sort, and circumspectlie to be considered,
for the remedie of the great danger therupon depending, if it be not
both secreitlie, wiselie, stoutlie, and princelie used. And if it so
may be weill used, you may certanlie pronounce to his Majestie,
that he sall assure himself and his estat of a perpetuall great quiet-
nesse, and sall thereby advance God’s honour in the caus of reli-
gioun. And this being by you before-hand declared, you sall then
show to him the letters, one after another, both in their ciphers
and in their explained sort, and suche other letters as be writtin
out of cipher; and you sall show to him the alphabet, whereby
his Majestie may himself plainlie see the truthe of the translating
therof. And when he hath seene and read them, which would be
done in secreit maner, for avoiding of suspicioun by the slanders,
then you may feele his minde, to whom he will communicat the
same ; and therin, as you see caus, to show your judgement and
opinioun, how you sall thinke the persons fitt or unfitt, whome the
king sall name unto you; and so use the mater by good perswa-
siouns, that mather manie be acquainted thorewith, nor anie that
may seeme to you unmeete to understand the same, for feare ather
of discoverie of the same mater to the persons who are the princi-
pall offenders or partners with them. And you sall doe your best
endeavoure to stirre the king to take to heart these notable traterous
conspiraceis, and to use all good speed to the apprehending of them
all at one instant, als neere as may be possible ; and that being so
apprehended, they be committed to more sure custodie, than it
seemeth ather the Erle Mortoun or Bruce, or others be, that the
terrour of their strait imprisonment may terrifie their factioun, de-
pendants, for attempting anie thing to the disquiet of his estate.
You may remember to his Majestie, that this sufferance of the
Jesuits, as Crichtoun and his complices, is the roote of these con-
spiraceis; and the continuance of these Spaniards that have long
remained there, hath surelie corrupted verie manie of his subjects,
and hath made them verie like to attempt these treasons; and,
1589. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 11
therefore, the sooner they be banished the countrie, and committed
to the seas, the better it sall be. We cannot in particular sort in-
forme you how the king sall proceed heerin: but all celeritie with
secrecie would be used to apprehend the principalls, and to committ
them. And we doubt not but suche as be sound counsellers and
religious, will, with their counsells and their forces, assist the king,
both in their apprehensioun and imprisounment, and in seizing on
their writtings, letters, and the money sent thither from the Duke
of Parma, mentioned in their letters; and afterwards, in proceed-
ing against the principall offenders by order of law, to the rooting
out of suche wicked corrupt members, so manifestlie tending to the
subversioun of the whole estat of the realme, and to the destruc-
tioun or captivitie of the king's owne persoun, as, by the letters,
is most manifestlie promised to be attempted. These dangers so
appearant can not by you be amplified too muche, ather to the
King, or unto suche as he sall impart the same unto, as to receave
their advice.
“And becaus the comming of this present messinger, or your ac-
cesse to the king, or your deliverie and his reading of these letters
in the sight of anie, may percace give to the guiltie consciences of
some of the offenders, some sparkes of suspicioun of the intercept-
ing of these letters, or of the discoverie of their practises, we doe
send to you at this tyme certane writtings and requeists of Mr
Ortell, the agent of the estates of the Low Countreis, as peti-
tioners from him to the king, in name of the estats, which you may
shew to the king, so as it may please him to referre the considera-
tioun therof to his counsell, by you to be treatted withall. And if
some of the offenders sall be of the number of these counsellers,
you may also the more tolerablie deale with them heerin, whereby
they may conceave that your dealing with the king at this tyme is
onlie about these maters of the Low Countreis. And so you may
informe the king, or anie confident counseller, that you are to deale
for these maters, to avoide suspicioun of the discoverie of the other.
We minde to send the partie that had the cariage of the letters,
heerafter to be at Berwick, untill the letters sall be communicated
12 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
to the king; and then, if the king sall thinke good to have him
brought thither, to avow from whom he had the letters, he may be
sent, but not before ; for otherwise, his comming in Scotland Sall
give light to Bruce and his complices, to provide for themselves.
“From the Court at Westminster, the 13th of Februar, 1589.
“Your loving freinds,
“CHR. HATTON, Canc. J. HounspEN, M. Bin.
“FRA. WALSINGHAME. T. HENSALYE.”
Becaus there is mentioun made in this letter to the English am-
bassader of ciphered letters, and of an alphabet of ciphers, together
with the deciphered and explained letters, I have heere subjoyned
the alphabet of the ciphers with their explanation; and some few
lynes of the ciphered letters, sent from Robert Bruce to the Duke
of Parma, that the reader may see what paines they tooke in writt-
ing so manie prolixe letters in ciphers, to keepe secreit their mis-
cheevous purposes.
THE ALPHABET OF THE CIPHERS.
A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. L. M.
10. 70. 71. 72. 20. 7. 74. 75. 66. 77. 78.
b. 49. 18. 48. d. 16. 0–0. b. 15. 75.
17.
N. O. P. Q. R. S. T. V. X. Y. Z.
79. 40. 80. 81. 12. 82. 84. 50. Y. 86. 4
14. 11. 13. 63. 83. 11. t. 85. 28°
A over a character doeth double the same ; W over, in like
maner, maketh the same a null.
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 13
94. 93. 140. 131.
Angleterre. Ecosse. Espagne. R. d'Espagne.
97. 106. 104. 105.
D. de Parma. Huntley. Morton. Claud Hammilton.
112. 139. 103. 111.
Don Bernadino. V. Altesse. Comte. Chancelier.
115. 116. 120. 95. 96.
Evesque. Jesuite. Lettre. Catholique. Heretique.
108. 89. 117. 136. 135. 134.
My Lord. Roy. Religion. Par. Pour. Que.
132. |><|
Vous. Robert Bruce.
i8 78 n 79 82 20 h 74 79 20 50 12 15 d 83 h d t 12 72
20 71 75 17 82 20 25 b 12 66 50 10 17 79 71 13 b h 82 566 40
50 12 83 b 13 12 d 82 14 136 11 177 820 79 114 82 O 1510 et
avec la diligence requise vint trouver le 103106 1779 82 1025 b
6682 40 144 820 7250 1717 12251777 6679 40 t 1550 8 1086 b
1484 presente les 12082 4820 13948 t 1372 40 7111 40 70
1220. Il declara amplement le crédit à luy commis conformement
au contenu des lettres de 139 esquelles tous est apperceu de la
grande humanité de 139 et de son affection à l'advancement de 15
b 1615 40 h 12 d 72 20 48 h d t d 14711713 b 6682, avec
d'aultres consolations tres convenables, pour moderer les ennuyz et
douleurs conceus es eueurs 49 d 8295 83 b 1210 66 82 4014, etc.
The letters explained and translated in Scottish, which were
afterward printed in the yeere 1593, heere follow, together with
some others not extant in print.
14 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE I589.
A LETTER DIRECTED TO THE KING OF SPAINE, BY THREE NOBLE-
MEN OF SCOTLAND, WHEROF TWO HAVE SENSYNE RETURNED
(Now, VIZ., ANNO 1593) TO THE PROFESSION AND DEFENCE OF
THE TRUTHE, BY THEIR OATHS AND subscriptions, wherD-
FORE THEIR NAMES ARE SUPPRESSED ; TEIE THRID HIS NAME
EXPRESSED, TO WITT, THE ERLE OF HUNTLIE, BECAUS HE CON-
TINUETH AS YITT IN HIS FORMER WICRED COURSE. T.HIS
LETTER, WRITTIN BY THEM IN THE NAME OF THE CATHOLICK
NOBLEMEN IN SCOTLAND, CYPHERED IN FRENCHE, wAs INTER-
CEPTED IN JANUARIE, 1589, LATELIE BEFORE THE TIME OF THE
ROAD OF THE BRIDGE OF DEE ; TELERAFTER WAS DECYPHERED
worD BY WORD, AND TRANSLATED IN SCOTTISH, AS FOL-
LOWETH –
“SIR,-We cannot sufficientlie expresse by speeche the great
regrait we have conceaved, being frustrated of the hope we have
so long had, to see (this yeere past) the desired effects fall out,
which we attended, of your Majestie's preparatiouns; and our dis-
pleasure hath beene so much the greater, that your armie navall
sould have passed by so neere us, unvisiting us, who expected the
same, with sufficient forces for the peaceable recept and assisting
therof, against all enemeis, in Suche sort, as it sould have had no
resistance in this countrie, and with our support, sould have givin
eneugh adoe to England. At least, if it had come heere to re-
freshe it, it had preserved a number of vessells and men, which we
know have perished neere our iles, and upon the coast of Ireland;
and had discovered an incredible number of freinds in full readi-
nesse to have runne the same fortune with it, in Suche sort as we
darre weill affirme, it sould not have found halfe so manie in Eng-
land, for all that is spokin by the English Catholicks refuged there,
who by emulation, or rather by an unchristian invy, extenuat over
farre our meanes to aide you, to magnifie their owne onlie, and to
! Morton, alias Maxwell, and Claud Hammiltoun.
1589. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 15
make themselves to be esteemed able to doe all, to advance them-
selves therby in credit with your Majestie, and suche as are about
you. But the experience of this yeere past hath sufficientlie testi-
feid, they have not shewed themselves in suche number to assist
your forces as we have done. And, therefore, your Majestie, as
most wise as ye are, sall, if it please you, make suche accompt of
the one as you neglect not the other; and so serve you with them
both, to the end you pretend, without hazarding your forces for
the particular of the one or the other.
“We remitt to the declaratioun of some of your owne subjects
that have beene here, the commoditeis and advantage of landing in
thir parts, where the expences bestowed upon the equippage of one
galliasse sall bring more fruict to your service than you may have
of ten upon the sea. And we may assure your Majestie, that
having once six thowsand men heere of your owne, with money, yee
may list heere forces in this countrie, als freelie as in Spaine,
who will serve you no lesse faithfullie than your owne naturall sub-
jects. And albeit we cannot, without blame of presumptioun, give
your Majestie advice in your effaires there, alwise, in that that may
concerne your service heere, we may speeke more freelie, as being
upon the place, and knowing by Ordinarie experience, manie things
unknowne to anie of yours that are not heere. The over-late arri-
vall of your armie in our waters tooke from it the commoditie to
retire itself in suche safetie, as it might have done comming sooner,
by reasoun of the great winds that are ordinar heere in harvest; as
also, laike of pylots experimented upon the coasts of England,
Scotland, and Ireland, appeareth to have bred great harme to the
said armie; wherunto we could have remedied concerning Scot-
land, to have sent pylots from this, if it had liked your Majestie to
have served yourself with them. Likewise, (saving better advice,)
it seemeth to us altogether unprofitable to fight the armie by sea,
if it may be eshewed, for manie causes; and amongst others, be-
caus such as sall have foughten by sea sall be unable, being wearie,
to fight againe by land against new forces. So the best sould be,
to shift by one way or other, for Spairing of your men and vessells;
16 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
and so, the English forces staying upon the sea unfoughten sall be
disappointed, and sall not come in time to assist them that sall be
assailed by land. Attour, sending heere a part of your forces be-
fore the other, which sould goe the right way to England, and that
secreitlie, by the backe of Ireland, your Majestie sould compell the
enemie to divide their forces, and it may be, sould caus them send
the greatest part heere, where you might make them beleeve the
greatest part of your forces were arrived; at least, sould caus them
disgarnish als muche of England, and draw a great part of their
forces, which would resist your landing and invasioun on that
coast. And we may weill promise, that having heere six thowsand
of your men, and money to list others heere, we sould, within six
weekes after their arrivall, be weill farre within England, to ap-
proache and assist the forces which your Majestie sould caus enter
there.
“The knight, William Sempill, Colonell, can show your Majestie
the whole, to whom we remitt. Also, we have caused write both
before and since his departure, our manie suche advices, by Mr
Robert Bruce, and caused addresse the same to my Lord Duke of
Parma, to whom your Majestie remitted us from the beginning in
these effaires. And Seing we hope your Majestie is duelie adver-
tised and informed, we will end the present, kissing most humblie
your Majestie's hand, praying God with all our affectioun to grant
you full accomplishment of all your holie interprises.
“From Edinburgh, this 24 of Januarie, 1589.
“Your Majestie's most humble and affectioned servitours,
“GEORGE ERLE OF HUNTLIE, etc.,
“in name of the Lords Catholicks in Scotland.”
ANOTHER LETTER DIRECTED FROM THE ERLE OF HUNTLIE TO
THE DUKE OF PARME, INTERCEPTED IN JANUARIE, ETC.
“My LoRD, Ihave receaved from Johne Chisholme the letters
it pleased your Highnesse to write the 13 of October, full of most
Christian affectioun to the weale of our caus, for the which I give
1589. OF THE ICIRR OF SCOTLAND. 17
your Highnesse most humble thankes. The support often thowsand
“crownes sent to that end is receaved by Mr Robert Bruce, which
sall not be imployed but for the helpe of the most urgent neces-
sitie of the said caus, as it hath pleased your Highnesse to direct.
After the departure of Colonell Sempill, I have found myself so
boasted on all hands, and preassed in suche sort by our king, that
it behoved me to yeeld to the extreme difficultie of tyme, and sub-
scrive with his Majestie (not with my heart) the Confessioun of their
Faith, or otherwise I had beene forced immediatlie to have departed
the countrie : or to have taikin the feild for resisting his forces, or
suche as he might have drawin out of England for his aide; which
I could not have done, speciallie then, when, by the returning of
your armie into Spaine, all hope of helpe was taikin from us. But
if, on the one part, I have failed, by the apprehensioun of dangers
that threatned my ruine, Isall, on the other part, endeavour myself
to amend my fault, (wherof I repent me with all my heart,) by
seene effect, tending to the weale and advancement of the caus of
God, who hath putt me in suche credit with his Majestie, that
since my comming to court, he hath brokin his former guardes, and
caused me establishe others about his persoum, of my men, by the
moyen of whom, and their captans, who are also myne, I may ever
be maister of his persoun; and your support being arived, spoile
the hereticks of his authoritie, to fortifie and assure our enterprises.
Wherupon, I beseeke your Hienesse to send me your advice, and
to assure your self of my unchangeable affectioun in my former re-
solutions, albeit the outward actions be forced to conforme them-
selves sometimes to necessitie of occasiouns, as Mr Robert Bruce
will more amplie write unto your Hienesse, to whom I remitt me
farther; praying God, after I have most humblie kissed your
Hienesse' hand, to give you accomplishement of your holie inter-
prises.
“From Edinburgh, the 24th of Januarie, 1589.
“Your Hienesse’ most humble and affectioned servitour,
“ G. ERLE OF HUNTLIE.”
VOL. W. |B
18 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
A LETTER FROM THE ERLE OF ERROLL TO THE DUKE OF PARME,
INTERCEPTED IN JANUARIE.
“MY LORD,--Since God of late, by the cleere light of his holie
Catholick faith, hath chaissed from my understanding the darke-
nesse of ignorance and errour, wherin I have beene heeretofore
nourished, I have beene als soone perswaded in acknowledging so
great an effect of his divine grace toward me, that I am cheefelie
obliged to procure, since I know the interprises of his Majestie
Catholick, and your Highnesse, tend principallie to that end, as
also, to the advancement of some civill caus, (which hath verie great
affinitie and conjunctioun with ours heere,) that I must testifie, by
the present, the affectioun that I have to the weale of the one and
the other; having ever, before my conversioun, beene one of the
number of your freinds and servitours; for the respect of the last,
to the which the first of religioun (which is the greatest and most
important in the world) being joyned, I am also become altogether
yours; which I beseeke most humblie your Hienesse caus be sig-
nified to his Majestie Catholick, and to promise in my behalfe, that
he hath not in this countrie a more affectioned servant than I,
mather yitt your Hienesse, as yee sall understand more amplie of
my intentioun in particular, by him by whom your Hienesse sall
receave this present. To whom, after I have most humblie kissed
your hand, I beseeke the Creator to give the accomplishement of
your holie desires.
“From Edinburgh, the 24th of Januarie, 1589.
“Your Hienesse' most humble and most affectiouned servitour,
“FRANCIS ERLE OF ERROL.”
1589. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLANTD. 19
A LETTER FROM ROBERT BRUCE TO MONSIEUR FRANCIS AQUIRRE,
ESPAIGNELL, &c., INTERCEPTED IN JANUARIE, 1589; writtin IN
FRENCHE, AND TRANSLATED IN SCOTISH, AS FOLLOWETH.
“MONSIEUR DE AQUIRRE,--I have receaved your letter of the
nynth of November, writtin from Antwerpe, whereby I was glade
to understand of your arrivall there, and health, and that yee have
guided your self so wiselie, in executioun of all that I committed
to you. Your maister, who at my requeist hath givin you inter-
teanement, hath givin me the like testimonie of your behaviour;
and hath promised unto me by his letters to have you in the fa-
vourable commendatioun I desired, and to imploy you in good oc-
casiouns. If he send you heere again in thir parts, caus sett you
on land neere Setoun, where I pray you to enter secreitlie; and
there you sall be keeped, whill I may come and find you,” &c.
The rest of this missive being sett doun in obscure termes, is to
be found in the originall.
A LETTER FROM ROBERT BRUCE TO THE DUKE OF PARME, INTER-
CEPTED IN JANUARIE, 1589, LATELIE BEFORE THE ROAD OF THE
BRIDGE OF DEE ; CIPHERED IN FRENCHE, DECIPHERED THER-
AFTER, AND TRANSLATED IN SCOTISH, AS FOLLOWETH.
“My Lord, Monsieur Chisholme arrived in this countrie four
dayes after his departing from thence, and with requisite diligence
came to the Erle of Huntlie, in his owne hous in Dumfermline;
where, having presented unto him your Hienesse' letters of the
13th of October, he declared amplie to him the credit givin him
in charge, conforme to the tenour of the letters from your Hienesse,
wherin they perceaved your Hienesse great humanitie, and affec-
tioun to the advancement of the glorie of God in this countrie, with
other consolatiouns most convenient to moderat the dolour and
displeasure conceaved by the hearts of the Catholicks, by reasoun
of the successe of your armie, against their hope and expectatioun ;
20 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
also, some dayes theraſter, as the commoditie offered to me to re-
ceave the money, the said Chisholme delivered unto me six thow-
sand, three hundreth, threescore, twelve crowns of the Sunne, and
three thowsand seven hundreth Spanish pistolets; and likewise,
hath caried himself in all his actiouns sensyne verie wiselie, and as
became a man of God; cheefelie then, when upon the suspicioun
conceaved of his so suddane returning, the king sent to gar take
him. I sail behave my self by the grace of God in the keeping
and distributing of the money last sent, and of that which resteth
yitt of the first summe, according to your Hienesse’ prescriptioun,
and according as I ought to answere to God in conscience, and to
your Hienesse in credit, and to the whole world in the reputatioun
of an honest man ; and sall manage it in Suche sort, that, by the
grace of God, there sall be fruict drawin therof, pleasant to your
Hienesse.
“It is true, that I find (as all others would doe that would enter-
prise suche a charge heere) my self involved in great difficulteis ;
for, on the one part, I am in great danger of the hereticks, and of
them of the factioun of England, by reasonn of the opin professioun
that I make of the Catholick religioun, and of the suspicioun that
the last have of my secreit practises and dealing against them; on
the other part, I have much adoe to moderat the appetite that
some Catholick lords have to have the money presentlie, for the
hope they give of some pretended occasiouns, which will never fall
out as they promise. The Erle of Huntlie made instance, to have
the thrid part of the summe which was sent heere, als soone as it
was delivered to me. But he hath not tuiched, nor yitt sall tuiche
heerafter, a mailyie, but upon good tokins. I have payed him in
the meane tyme with inexpugnable reasouns, wherof in the end
he is content. I beseeke your Hienesse, by the first letter it sall
please you to write in thir parts to the Catholick lords, to remove
an errour from three who have written there in name of the rema-
nent, that moveth them to thinke, by reasoun they were the first
that made offer of their service to the Catholick king, that all the
money that cometh heere sould be parted in three, and immedi-
1589. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 2I
atlie after the arrivall therof, delivered to them without giving part
to others, which beside them are in great number, to the king Ca-
tholick's service and yours, and alsua deliberat to hazard after their
power, for the advancement of this caus, as they are ; of whom the
others will not depend in anie sort, in accepting of the moyens that
come from your liberalitie, but acknowledging them as comming
directlie from your Hienesse, to whom onlie they will be bound and
obliged, and not to the other three. Of the which the Erle of
Morton hath hitherto contented himself with reasoun, as also
the Erle of Huntlie hath never shewed himself subject to money,
but since he hath beene enduced by the thrid, viz., my Lord
Claud Hammilton, his uncle, who is somwhat covetous of gear,
and thought under suche pretext to make his profite.
“The said Erle of Huntlie is constrained to remaine at court. He
is fallin from his constancie in his outward professioun of the Ca-
tholick religioun, partlie for having lost all esperance of your sup-
port, before the returning of the said Chisholme, becaus of his long
stay there ; partlie by the perswasion of some politicks; partlie to
eshew the perrells imminent to all them that call themselves Ca-
tholicks; partlie to keepe himselfin ſavour of his king, who pressed
him greatlie to subscribe the Confessioun of the hereticks, and to
league with England. But for all this, his heart is no wise alien-
ated from our caus; for he hath the soule ever good, albeit he have
not suche vigour to persevere and execute suche as is requisit in so
great an interprise. But they may helpe these defects, putting be-
side him a man of credit, resolute to assist him, as we have advised
to doe, since the Baron of Fintrie is putt in waird by the king in
the toun of Dundie, so that he darre not goe out of the ports ther-
of, under the paine of a great summe, whill the occasioun may be
offere to depart the countrie within the time limited ; and I, by
the king's commandement, am discharged to come neere the said
erle, becaus they have attributed to the said Laird of Fintrie and
me his constancie in the Catholick religioun, and his absence from
court against the king's will. His wairding has somwhat hindered
our course, and permitts me not to move him as it hath pleased
22 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
you to command me, and as I desire, to dispense the money con-
junctiie with me; so that for the support of the default of him, I
have associat to the same end a verie honest man, and verie wise,
called Father William Crichton, Jesuit, who was deteaned some
yeeres in the Towre of London, after he was tane upon the sea
comming toward this from France. Likewise, I sall helpe my self
by the prudence of Sir James Chisholme, eldest brother to the said
Johne who brought the money from your Hienesse ; for he is a
man confident and wise, and one upon our part, and verie little sus-
pected. In the meane tyme, the one part of the money is in the
principall hous of my Lord Livingstoun, a verie Catholick lord;
the other heere in Edinburgh, in great eneugh securitie to helpe
as it sall neede the lords Catholicks, who will conveene verie soone
heere, to resist to the designes of these of the factioun of England,
who, in the same tyme, are purposed to remaine at court with forces,
to rainge all things at their phantasie. As for the like summe or
greater, which your Hienesse willeth to caus follow the last sent
heere, it is good in all events it were verie soone sent heere secreit-
lie, to help the necessitie that may fall out, and to caus things in-
clyne into our side, when they are in ballance, as there is great ap-
pearance they will be by the occasioun foresaid. And incace that
necessitie require no distributioun, the said summe sall be keeped
and reserved to better occasiouns, or whill the arrivall of your
forces in this Ile.
“There is suspicioun, as also arguments probable eneugh, that
Thomas Tyrie, who has brought heere your Hienesse' letters to
our king, hath not behaved himself according to his duetie: for he
hath accommodat himself in his behaviour more after the affectioun
of our Chanceller, (who is of the factioun of England, and abuseth
the credit he hath with the king,) nor according to the instructions
givin unto him there. He hath not presented, nor made mentioun
to the king, of Colonell Sempill's letter, wherof I have caused
present the copie to his Majestie by the Erle Bothwell, as if it had
beene sent to him, with another of the said colonell's to himself,
which he receaved from Thomas Tyrie at his arrivall, who hath re-
1589. OF THE KIRR OF SCO'TLAND. 23
ported to the said Chanceller all that Seigneur Don Bernardino
spake to him in Parise, to the disadvantage of the said Chanceller.
Also, he hath reported to the king, that my Lord Bishop of Dum-
blane being returned there, spake to your Hienesse and to others,
manie things to the great prejudice of his Hienesse; and it is beleeved
also, that he is the caus of the suspicioun which is conceaved, of
the comming of the said Johne Chisholme newlie to the said
bishop. However it be, the other reports foresaid which he hath
made have not served to conciliat, but to alienat the affectioun of
the king, of the chanceller, and manie other hereticks, from the said
Seigneur Don Bernardino, the said bishop, and Catholicks heere
that have adoe with them.
“As for me, albeit I speeke not willinglie to the disadvantage of
anie whatsomever, cheefelie of them whom I have recommended, as
I did the said Thomas Tyrie to the said Don Bernardino, yitt I
will preferre the love of the truthe to men, and would not, in con-
cealing therof, bring prejudice to the publict weale, nor to the
fidelitie that the one ought to others, and speciallie to that we
ought all to the King of Spaine, and to your Hienesse, to whom I
am presentlie servant, particularlie addicted by the obligatioun of
five hundreth crowns of fee, and fourtie for monethlie interteane-
ment, which it hath pleased your Hienesse freelie to give me, in
name of the King of Spaine, unbeing required for my part, nor
other thing for my particular to this present; by reason wherof, I
am the more bound to give your Hienesse most humble thankes,
and to endeavoure my self to deserve, by my most humble and
faithfull service, als weill the said interteanement, as the recom-
pence it hath pleased your Hienesse to promise me of your grace
and favour. The said gifts of your liberalitie come to me weill to
purpose, Seing, by reasoun of the danger of my person, it behoved
me to augment my ordinarie tryne, for my greater securitie, which
I was not able longer to have borne out without helpe; for from
all the lords of Scotland I have not reteaned but a part onlie of
the money, which I spended travelling for the weale of this caus
in Spaine, with his Majestie Catholick, and with your Hienesse in
24 * CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
the Low Countreis. As for the foure hundreth crownes imployed
for the deliverance of Colonell Sempill out of prisoun, I have putt
it in compt, with the remanent, which I debursed of the first
summe, according as it hath pleased your Hienesse to command
Iſle,
“The Erle of Morton," to whom I have givin consolatioun by
writt, in prissoun, hath instantlie prayed me also by writt to re-
member his most affectiouned service to your Hienesse, finding
himself greatlie honoured by the care it pleased you to have of
him. By the grace of God he is no more in danger of his life by
way of justice, it not being possible to his enemeis to prove
against him anie thing which they had supposed in his accusatioun;
as also, the king's affectioun [is] not so farre alienated from him as
it hath beene heretofore. And incace they would noy him, or that
it were presentlie requisite for the weale of our caus to deliver him,
we have ever moyen to gett him out of prisoun, and abide not in
the meane tyme but the king's will toward his libertie, onlie, to
avoide all persute that they would make, if we delivered him ex-
traordinarilie. When they offered him in the king's name his
libertie, if he would subscribe the Confession of the hereticks' faith,
he answered, he would not doe it for the king's crowne, nor for an
hundreth thowsand lives, if he had them to lose; and hath offered
to confound the ministers by publict disputatioun. I sall solicite
the lords, his freinds, to procure of the king his libertie verie soone,
for he importeth the weale of our caus more than anie of the rest,
by reasoun of his forces, which are neere England, and the princi-
pall toun of Scotland, and the ordinar residence of our king; as also,
he is the lord the most resolute, constant, and of greatest exe-
cutioun of anie of the Catholicks.
“It is no small mervell, considering the moyen the hereticks have
to harme us, and their worldlie witt so farre passing ours, and
their evill will and intentioun against us, that we subsist. Truelie,
we can not but attribute the effect thereof to God, who (then when
the certane newes of the returning of the armie of Spaine by the
' Alias Lord Maxwell.—Note in the MS.
1589. OF THE RIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 25
backe of Ireland were dispersed through this countrie, and the
hereticks of the factioun of England triumphed, and the constancie
in the outward professioun of the Erle of Huntlie and others was
brangled) caused the Erle of Angus to dee, who was cheefe of the
English factioun; and the self-same tyme, suscitat some dissensioun
among the hereticks, by reasoun of some offices that some pretend-
ed to usurpe above others at court; and by the instant prayers and
nolie perswasiouns of two fathers, Jesuits, converted to our holie
faith two hereticks, erles of the first of authoritie and power
amongst them, the one wherof is called the Erle of Erroll, Constable
of Scotland, converted by Father Edmund Hay; the other, called
the Erle of Crawfurd, converted by the said Father William
Crichton. They are both able and wise young lords, and most de-
sirous to advance the Catholick faith, and your enterprises in this
Yle, which they are deliberat to testifie to his Majestie Catholick and
your Hienesse, by their owne letters, which, by the grace of God, I
sall send with the first commoditie. In the meane tyme, they have
required me to make you offer of their most humble and most
affectioned service, promising to follow whatsomever the said
Jesuits and I sall thinke good to be done for the conservatioun of
the Catholicks; and to dispose and to facilitat the executioun of
your interprises heere, which they may doe more easilie nor they
that are knowne to be Catholicks, whose actions are ever suspicious
to the hereticks for their religioun, wherof the two erles have not
yitt made outward professioun, but in that, as in the rest, they sub-
mitt themselves to our will, and to that we find most expedient.
“The saids Fathers of that companie make great fruict in Scot-
land; and so soone as a lord or other person of importance is con-
verted by them, they dispose and inclyne, in the verie meane tyme,
their affectioun to the service of the King of Spain and your Hie-
nesse, as a thing unseparablie conjoyned with the advancement of
true religioun in this countrie. If I had commandement of your
Hienesse, I would give them some little almous in your name, to
helpe them, and eight others, whereof foure are also Jesuits, and
other foure are Seminarie preests of Pontawmoussone, in Lorane,
26 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
which are all the ecclesiasticks that produce so great spirituall
fruict in Scotland, and acquire to you heere suche augmentatioun
of your freinds and servants.
“After the parting of Colonell Sempill from this, the lords sent
letters with the said Father Crichtoun, and other gentlemen, after
the armie of Spaine, to caus it land in this countrie; but it had
taikin the way to Spaine, few dayes before their arrivall at the
Iles, where it had refreshed the self, so that it was not possible for
them to attend on it. They of this countrie that are of the
factioun of England were in a mervellous feare during the incerti-
tude of the landing of the said armie ; and confesse plainlie, if it
had landed heere, they had beene alluterlie wracked.
“The Erle Bothwell, who is Admirall of Scotland, and alsgalyeart
a lord as anie is in the countrie, albeit he make professioun of the
new religioun, yitt is he extremelie desirous to assist you against
England, having listed and interteanned all this sommer (under
pretext to goe dantoun the Iles) some troups of men of warre,
which, together with his forces ordinar, sould have joyned with
yours, if they had come heere. He suffereth himself peaceablie to
be guided by me, notwithstanding the diversitie of our religioun ;
and hath oftin tymes said, that if the Catholicks would give him
suretié to possesse, after the restitutioun of the Catholick religioun,
two abbeys which he hath, that he sould be even presentlie one of
ours. He intendeth to send the Colonell Halkerstoun, to ac-
companie certan captans and gentlemen to Spaine, and almost foure
hundreth souldiours, all safe from the naufrage in our Iles. And
becaus they are in great necessitie, he is purposed to accommode
them with shipps, victuall, and other things necessar, to testifie
thereby to the King of Spaine the affectioun he hath to doe him
most humble and affectioned service : and, if we thinke it good, he
hath offered himself to goe out of the countrie, and to goe offer
himself to your Hieness in the Low Countreis; and by your ad-
vice therafter, doe the like to his Majestie Catholick in Spaine.
But heerupon we sall advise upon the most expedient. If we may
alwayes be assured of him, he will be als profitable for the weale of
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 27
our caus as anie lord in Scotland; for he hath great dependance
about this toun, which is the principall of Scotland, as also upon
the frontiers of England. He hath offered to mainteane and de-
fend me against all that would attempt against me.
“We have chosin for everie Catholick lord a gentleman of the
wisest and most faithful Catholicks, and beloved of their freinds, to
serve them of a counsell, and to conveene at all occasiouns, to re-
solve the most expedient that may concerne the weale of our caus,
according to the will and intentioun of their lords, who have obliged
themselves to approve and execute their resolutiouns, and no wise
to contraveene the same. And by that moyen, we hope to proceed
with greater soliditie and effect than we have done heeretofore.
Alwise, they sall know nothing of our intelligences there, nor our
finall intentiouns, but according to the exigence of the effaires sall
be in hand, and that superficiallie, and without discovering our-
selves over farre. Your Hienesse sall understand by the particu-
lar letters of the lords, that which resteth to be said to you by
thir presents; by reasoun wherof I will make end; most humblie
kissing your Hienesse' hands, and praying God to give you all the
good hope and felicitie you desire.
“From Edinburgh, the 24th of Januarie, 1589.
“Your Hienesse' most humble and affectioned servitour,
“ROBERT BRUCE.”
MATERIALL POINTS IN THE LETTERS OF THE ERLEs of HUNTLIE,
MORTON, HAMMILTOUN, AND ROBERT BRUCE, SENT IN CYPHER
TO THE KING OF SPAINE AND THE DUKE OF PARMA, 24TH
JANUARY, 1589.
That the Erles of Huntlie and Mortoun, and Claud Hammiltoun,
have intelligence with the King of Spaine and the Duke of Parma,
as appeareth by these their letters joyntlie to the king, and the Erle
of Huntlie's severallie to the duke; which intelligence hath con-
tinued a long time, they having made offer of their service to the
said king, in name of all the Catholick nobilitie, as appeareth by
Bruce's letter to the Duke of Parma, and accordinglie by Bruce have
28 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
addressed themselves from tyme to tyme to the said Duke of Parma,
to whom they were referred by the King of Spaine, as may ap-
peare by their joynt letters for advice and directioun in this behalfe.
That they were readie to receave the Spanish fleete comming
thither the last yeere, for suppressioun of the religioun professed
in this yland, with forces sufficient to assist the same, both against
the enemeis of Poprie in that realme, and to annoy England; and
that they were sorie the Spanish fleete passed by without landing
in Scotland, their owne letters testifie.
That they did send Crichtoun, the Jesuit, with certane gentle-
men, after the said Spanish fleete, to caus them to stay and take
land in Scotland, for subversioun of the religioun there now pro-
fessed. (Bruce to the Duke of Parma.)
They solicite the King of Spaine to renew his invasioun of this
yland, by the way of Scotland; whose apparent designes are, sup-
pressioun of the Gospell, as themselves confesse, but finall inten-
tiouns are suche as Bruce (in his letter to the Duke of Parma)
sayeth sall be keeped and concealed from their owne instruments,
whom they have selected for a counsell of the best Catholicks of
everie familie, for the caus of religioun. So as they cannot be
judged to be other than tending to the captivitie of the king, and
conqueist of the whole iland.
Bruce hath receaved heeretofore diverse summes of money, and
latelie ten thowsand crownes, by Johne Chisholme; and looketh
for als muche more to be sent shortlie from the Duke of Parma, to
be distributed among the Catholick nobilitie, and employed for the
executioun of some great interprise in Scotland, (as appeareth by
his letter,) with the assistance of the King of Spaine's forces, re-
quired by the joynt letter of Huntlie, Mortoun, and Hammiltoun,
in the name of all the Catholick nobilitie, and Bruce's letter.
That these interprises to be executed in Scotland are for the
King of Spaine and Duke of Parma his service. (Bruce's letter.)
That the Duke of Parma, upon their solicitatioun by Chisholme
hath offered to come in person to assist them, as may appeare by
Chisholme's letter to Colonell Sempill.
That Huntlie dissembleth his religioun, as himself confesseth in
1589. OR THE IXII?IK OF SCOTTLANT). 29
his owne letter to the Duke of Parma, for to make himself maister
of the king's persoun. And so, the Spanish souldiours arriving to
strengthen his interprises by colour of the authoritie, having for
that purpose wrought the change in the king's guard, appointing
Suche as are meerelie at his owne devotioun ; and requireth the
Duke of Parma his farther advice in that behalfe.
That the Erles of Erroll and Crawfurd are seduced from the re-
ligioun, and to the service of the King of Spaine, by the practise
of Hay and Crichtoun, the Jesuits, who, with the rest of that sect
there, doe daylie draw men to Poprie, and so to the King of
Spain's service in this yland ; things thought to be inseparablie
joymed together. (Bruce to the Duke of Parma : The Erle of
Erroll to the duke.)
That Bruce is the King of Spain's feed servant, and hath re-
ceaved five hundreth crownes from the Duke of Parma, and hath
an interteanement of fourtie crownes a moneth. (His owne letter
to the duke; his letter to Sempill.) Hath of long tyme negociated
these things with the king in Spaine, and the duke in the Low
Countreis. (His owne letters.)
That the Catholick lords have a plott to take Maxwell out of
prisoun at their pleasure. (Bruce to the Duke of Parma.)
That the Erle Bothwell is practised by Bruce to joyne in these
causes, (his letters to the duke,) having by Bruce alreadie offered
his service to the King of Spaine and Duke of Parma, and meaning
to send Hackerstoun presentlie with the wracked Spainards there
to the king for the same purpose.
That Johne Chisholme, who brought the money into Scotland
from the Duke of Parma, abused the King of Scotland with false
pretences of his returne. (Bruce to the duke.)
They have informed the King of Spain's subjects scattered heere
of the means to doe good by landing in Scotland, and how to
assault this iland heereafter.
With six thowsand men sent from Spaine, and money to levie a
power in Scotland, they will in six weekes be farre in England.
30 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
Letters were receaved from the Duke of Parma by Johne Chis-
holme.
By reserving the money to better occasiouns which was sent by
the Duke of Parma, is meant that the Spanish forces sould arrive
in this yland. *
OTFIER LETTERS NOT EXTANT IN PRINT.
A LETTER FROM ROBERT BRUCE TO COLONELL SEMPILL, THE
24TH OF JANUARIE, 1589.
“Since the recept of your letter from Johne Jamesone, (Johne
Chisholme,") I wrote to you at suche lenth as the shortnesse of time
suffered me, and sent my answere by one called Johne Abercrum-
bie, who departed heerfra in the barke wherin Thomas Tyrie
arrived. I prayed you to excuse me that I might not write then
to our Miller, (the Duke of Parma,) and in the meane tyme sig-
nified unto you, how I had receaved from the said Jamesone,
(Chisholme,) bearer, six chalders, two bolls, and threescore twelve
lippeis of Frenche stuffe, (6272 French crowns,) and three chalders
and sevin bolls of Spanish victualls, (3700 Spanish pistolets,) com-
prehending the foure bolls (hundreth) which yee have reteaned, of
the which altogether I have givin him a discharge, and have an-
swered to our Millar, (Duke of Parma,) tuiching your foure bolls,
(foure hundreth,) as yee willed me, both by your letter to me, and
the directioun givin to Johne, your man. And as for the other
two bolls (two hundreth) which I had charge to receave of your
sister, I never as yitt made mentioun of them unto her, but abode
your owne will therin, as I promised, conforme to your desire,
which I sall obey als at this present concerning this mater; and sall
be likewise readie, in tyme comming, to doe whatsoever yee will lay
'In the MS. history, the words printed in italics, and within parentheses, are given
in the form of notes; but it is hoped that by being incorporated in this manner with
the text, they will be more intelligible to the reader.
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTILAND. 31
to my charge, for your weale and contentment, for to keepe inviol-
ablie the mutuall correspondence, freindship, and brotherlie love
which Iought unto you, who hath begunne alreadie sofaithfullie with
me, that I feare I sall never be able to requite it with the like plea-
sures in due estimatioun. Alwise, my true affectioun sall never be
inferiour to my duetie toward you, of whom I understand the five
bolls (500 crowns) allowed to me, and some interteanement monthlie,
which is come unto me in due seasoun. For in respect of so manie
imminent dangers as threattin travellers, I have beene forced to
augment the number of my mariners, (servants,) which I could not
goodlie have susteaned, without that helpe which beareth more nor
the halfe of my ordinarie charges. If yee thinke expedient, yee
may procure encreassement therof at our Landslord’s (King of
Spaine) hands, when yee goe to him; as also, that I may have the
charge and commandement, or the like to it, we speeke of at our
last heere being, when as it sall be time to beginne our trade, (inter-
prise.) In the meane tyme, I pray you to advertise me of your
will in all things, which I sall follow preciselie, together with the
prescriptiouns alreadie sent by our Millar, (Duke of Parma.) And
becaus I may not myself deale with everie one of our partners,
(confederats,) whose number is increassed, as yee will understand by
our letters sent to our Millar by the advice of Davidsone (Crich-
town) and of the Men, (Jesuits,) unto the which yee granted once
before your departing a boll of victuall, (a hundreth crowns,) to
helpe their urgent necessitie, we have appointed to everie one of
them a factour, (counseller,) which sall conveen ordinarilie, for to
resolve what sall be best to be done at everie occasioun that may
be presented. And to thir factours' (counsellers’) good advices
are all our partners (confederats) bound, in the forme of their traf.
fique (practises) and proceedings. So that now, we may say, that
we have a more assured way to profite than ever we had ; and I
hope that of the same yee sall understand shortlie some good fruict
to ensue to your contentment; for the number and goodwill of our
partners (confederats) increasseth daylie, and occasiouns are offered
to profite at these which onlie, and at these cheefelie which cannot
32 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
be omitted. I sall expose our victuall to be solde, (distribut our
money,) which if yee pleased to caus augment, as yee have writ-
tin, it were for the best. For things may so fall out, that we
may obteane the whole trade of this countrie in our hands, (draw
the whole governement in our hands, by possessing the king's per-
soun,) which we will not be able to interteane, without greater
abundance of merchandice, (treasurie,) wherof there sall never
knowledge be had through me, but when I must bring it to the
mercat to sell it, (distribut or employ it.) The Pilot (Erle Huntlie)
knowing of this last victuall, by our Millar's (Duke of Parma) let-
ters, and the bearer's report, made great instance to have the thrid
therof delivered incontinent in his hand; but I payed him onlie with
reasouns, wherunto he could no wise resist. For he, for his particu-
lar, was in no necessitie, having an ease, by his subscriptioun against
his promise made unto us, and by usin his name unto others. And
as for the weale of our trade, (enterprises,) there was then no occa-
sioun serving therunto, nor wherin he might profite, being in the
estate wherunto he had reduced himself. Therefore, if he would
not effectuat some thing of himself to recover his good name, de-
fyled by his last misbehaviour, I could not credite him of no vic-
tuall, (money,) except I would lett it appeare that I betrayed my
maister, giving his goods for no effect, and to them that keeped
not tuiches unto him. Truth it is, that being so long without word
after your departing, he was almost despaired of a good successe :
hearing together so manie things reported to our disadvantage, and
being pressed extraordinarilie by his Maister, (the King of Scots,) and
together being enduced by some men's evill perswasiouns, he stood
not therefore by his promise. Alwise he repenteth himself greatum-
lie now, and seeketh to amend faults by some desired effect. Your
man hath not remained in his hous, but upon his owne charges, for
suche causes as he can shew you ; and speciallie, becaus the Pilot
(Erle of Huntlie) feared to bring himself in suspicioun. Johne
Jamesone (Chisholme) hath behaved himself verie honestlie in all
his proceedings; but Thomas Tyrie hath not done his duetie to
you, for he never did enquire for me after his heere comming. And
1589. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLANT). 33
when I sent Mr Edward Foster to him, to know if he pleased to
speeke with me, he shew he had nothing to me but commendatiouns
from freinds; but this is little or nothing, if he had not omitted to
present Innocent's (Colonell Sempill) letter for the pleasure of his
Competitour, (Chanceller,) who hath caused his Maister (King of
Scots) write to Innocent's (Colonell Sempill) disadvantage, knowing
nothing of his good will towards him by his letter, wherof Ducher
(Robert Bruce) caused present a copie by our Nighbour (the Erle
Bothwell) unto his Maister, (King of Scots,) who liked verie weill
therof, and shew that he had never heard of it before he had directed
and sent away an answere to the other. I wrote to the said Thomas,
to know how he had proceeded, and receaved of him the answere
heerewith enclosed, wherby yee will perceave the shifts. I have not
seene your servant, Johne, since his heere comming, becaus he hath
beene ever sensyne in the West land ; and I feare that this shippe
sall depart before that we may heare from him. I trust yee sall
understand of him, (when he sall be readie to goe,) of some thing
that sall fall out for the weale of our trade (enterprise) er then.
Tuiching our directiouns there, I sall doe as yee have ordeaned, as
likewise in all the rest ; wishing of God a good successe in our
a-does both heere and there, and to you in particular, all the pro-
speritie yee desire.
“From my residence in Leith, this 24th of Januarie, 1589.
“Postscript.—Pitifull and most sorrowfull are the newes that are
come heere through England, of the Duke of Guise his maner of
death, where with we are all greatumlie dejected for sindrie consider-
atiouns. God of his goodnesse have mercie on us, and send us some
consolation for so great displeasure. Our soverane hath lost the
best freind he had in the world. I am so hamelie, as to send you the
measure of the coat yee pleased to desire of me, which I pray you
caus make for the pistoll behind and before ; and to send me the
head peece, with the rest that is most requisite, and I sall pay the
whole together, with the price of the swords, wherof I would be
glade to have one long and stiffe for the calsey, and another shorter
VOI. V. C
34 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1589.
and braid to have on horsebacke. If Francisco come heere, I would
be glade he brought with him an horse of service under seven yeeres
old, and I sall pay whatsomever he sall give for him. Suche as sall
be sent heere in tymes comming caus putt them furth of the shipp,
with their cockeboate, on land, beside Setoun, where entering quiet-
lie they will be receaved, and gett knowledge of me. I have de-
livered to your servant, present bearer, (Colonell Sempill's man,)
(who hath ever remained heere upon his own charges, and, there-
fore, was skant of silver for his voyage,) twelve crowns of the sunne,
which it will please you to caus allow.
“Your loving brother at command,
“GLENKELVIN.”
THE COPIE OF THOMAS TYRIE’s LETTER TO ROBERT BRUCE.
“RIGHT HONORABLE SIR,-After my duetie remembred; it will
please you witt, I receaved your letter this Saturday after noone
at Broughtie, whereby I understand that yee have beene desirous
to have conferred with me since my arrivall. It is true that I have
beene, and am earnest, in like maner, to speeke with you, if your
effaires would suffer. Mr Edward Foster required of me once, if
I had anie letter from you, but spake no farther to me. As to the
successe of my particular effaires, by your addresse and recommen-
datioun it hath beene, I thanke God, indifferent ; wherefore, I am
yitt obliged to your good will, which I sall carie a good minde to
acquite, when ever occasioun sall serve. As to the estat of our
freinds in France, and where I come fra last, it is in the old maner,
and as yee would wishe ; but that I have anie thing to communicat
to you from them, truelie I have none, save that Colonell Sempill
desired me, if I saw you, to require your counsell, whether it sould
be needfull or not to crave an obligatioun from the Erle Bothwell
of the thowsand crownes the colonell lent to the said erle at his
heere being. I have dealt with the Erle Bothwell in that mater,
who promiseth to give me the obligatioun when it sall please me,
and in what forme I like. To the letters I brought his Majestie,
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 35
he hath verie thankfullie receaved his owne letters, and is glade
thereby to understand his good will toward him; and by my earnest
dealing with the king, before my comming from Edinburgh I pro-
cured his Majestie's answere therunto, and have dispatched the
same to the law-pursuers before I departed from Leith. To
Colonell Sempill's owne letter, I have shewed the king's Majestie
therof, but have not yitt delivered the same, becaus the king
maketh difficultie to receave the said letter, in respect, as he alledg-
eth, of the colonell's misbehaviour at his heere being. But I be-
leeve he sall be shortlie better minded toward the said colonell; for
his Majestie seemeth to be weill contented that the correspondence
sould increasse betuixt him and the Duke of Parma, unto whom he
promiseth to give mutuall satisfactioun in all things he can crave at
his hands. The king hath promised at my over comming againe,
which sall be shortlie, to receave the colonell’s letter. I will doe no
lesse for the said colonell nor lyeth in me. Beleeve, Sir, for thir an-
sweres sall satisfie you; for truelie I can write no farther nor is above
mentioned to the answere of your letter, . But if I might see you,
I would speeke more freelie of all things nor I can write. Alwise, I
remitt this to your wisdome. If anie thing ly in me that may be
agreeable to you, yee may assure yourself therof; for I will be laith
to be ingrait for the good will and benefites I have alreadie receaved
of you, and for the freindship also I look for at your hands, as one
of my most speciall freinds. Not willing to trouble you farther at
this time, I pray God keepe you, and send you good successe in
all your effaires.
“From Broughtie, presentlie after the recept of your letter,
“By yours to be commanded with service,
“TYRIE,
“If it please you to advertise me of your leasure, I will await
therupon, to have conference with you.”
36 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE * 1589.
HUNTLIE AND LORD CLAUD WAIRDED.
These letters being read in Counsell, and in presence of the
Erle of Huntlie, he offered to enter in what waird his Majestie
pleased till he were tryed. The place of wairding being at his
owne choice, he choosed the Castell of Edinburgh. The Laird of
Coldingknowes, captan of the castell, was appointed to convoy him
to his waird. When he was above the Tolbuith, his freinds ac-
cused him of feeblenesse and negligence, in not stirring his tyme
when he might. The captan perceaving him to linger, asked
whether he would obey or not ? being minded to advertise the
king, incace he refused to enter. He yeelded, and went fordward.
The Erle of Montrose convoyed him to the castell. Erroll went
not so farre; but taiking his leave, went to some secreit hous apart
from his domesticks. The Bailiffe of Erroll did the lyke, howbeit
that some spread the rumour, that Erroll was gone over the walls.
The king cometh doun that night about halfe houre to nyne, to
Chanceller Matlane's loodging. The day following, the king and
chanceller went up to the castell, and dynned with Huntlie. The
king kissed him often, and protested he knew he was innocent.
Claud Hammiltoun was summouned to compeere before the coun-
sell upon six dayes wairning. It was appointed that Huntlie sould
come furth, demitt the guarde, and returne to his owne countrie,
and that Claud Hammiltoun enter in the castell. Lord Claud de-
nyed obstinatlie in Chanceller Matlane's loodging, that he was
privie to anie suche letters. The citicens of Edinburgh were in
their armes the dayes that Huntlie and Lord Claud were examined.
Huntlie came doun the street weill accompanied with his freinds,
about two hundreth men, and Lord Claud entered in the castell the
same verie houre. Before Huntlie came furth, the duke, the Pryour
of Blantyre, accompanied with some horsemen, road to Callander,
having commissioun to search for some Spanish gold which was
thought to be there. But they returned without it, and the Lord
Livingstone came in to the king.
1589. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 37
HUNTLIE COMETH NOT TO THE BANKET WHICH HE HAD
PREPAIR.E.D.
Huntlie being sett at libertie, was laith to depart. Some noblemen
fearing danger, moved the king to urge him with his promise. He
Seing no remeed, caused prepare a bankett to the king and nobi-
litie in Jonet Fockart’s hous, that after dinner they might Sunder
with lesse suspicioun of variance. The king went out to the hunting
with Huntlie, where Errollmett with him also in the feilds. After
some conference, they both departed, and the king returned to the
prepared dinner without Huntlie his oast, who invited him ; for
Huntley had beene informed that the toun was in armes, which was
not so indeid, onlie the proveist caused give privie wairning to the
burgesses to have their armour and weapons in their boothes,
readie for whatsomever adventure, becaus he had heard that there
was a variance among the nobilitie. Before Huntlie and Erroll
parted from the king, they desired him to goe with them. He re-
fused, and threatned if they attempted anie suche thing against his
heart, they sould never have his heart, and if ever he find his tyme,
to be revenged.
In the beginning of Marche an act of Counsell was made, at the
instance of ministers presenting their petitiouns for suppressing the
traffique of Jesuits and Seminarie preests, etc., which was after
published, and at last printed, together with the band mentiouned
in it, and the Confessioun of Faith, with blankes for the names
of subscribers. The act and band heere follow.
THE ACT OF SECREIT COUNSELL, MADE MARCTIE 6, AND PUBLISHED
THERAFTER AT THE MERCAT CROCE.
“JAMES, by the Grace of God, King of Scots —To our lovits,
etc., messingers, our shirreffs in that part, conjunctlie and severallie,
speciallie constitute, greeting. Forasmuche as by act of our Par-
liament, intituled, ‘Anent the Triell and Punishement of the Of.
38 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
fence of the Adversareis of the True Religioun presentlie professed
within this Realme, it is statuted and ordeanned, that whatsoever
professed and avowed Jesuits or Seminarie preests sould be found
in anie part of our realme, within the space of a moneth after the
publicatioun of the said act, which was duelie published upon the
14th day of August, the yeere of God 1587 yeeres, sould be taikin,
apprehended, called, persued, and incurre the paine of dead, and
confiscatioun of all their movable goods; and whoever wittinglie or
willinglie sould receave or supplee anie of them therafter, by the
space of three dayes or three nights together, or severallie at three
tymes, upon certane knowledge that they are persons of that pro-
fessioun, being lawfullie and orderlie convicted of the same, sould
incurre the tinsell of their lyverents; and that they, as also the
sayers or hearers of the Masse, or profaners of the Sacraments, or
other persons suspected to have declyned from the true religioun, or
refusing to resort to the preaching of God’s Word, or whatsoever
persoun that sould be reasoning or dispersing of bookes and let-
ters, presume to perswade anie of our subjects to declyne from the
professioun of the said true religioun, being called to compeere and
answere therupon before us and our Privie Counsell, or anie five of
them, (our Chanceller and Clerk of Register being two of that
number,) ather by the confession of the saids persons accused, or
by the depositioun of diverse famous witnesses; or if the saids per-
sons being called and adjudged criminallie, (incace we and the
Lords of our Privie Counsell sall so thinke good,) and were found
culpable and guiltie of the premisses, that they therethrough sould
incurre the paine of tinsell of all their moveable goods, together
with the lyverents of all their livings and lands whatsoever, to be
uptaikin and imployed to our owne uses, and no wise dispouned to
the persons that sould be convicted or fugitive for the caus afore-
said; as the said act of our parliament in the self proports.
“And becausweandour estats, which conveenned at Halyrudhous
upon the 27th day of Julie, the yeere of God 1588 yeeres, perceaved
by good experience the inconvenient that followed through default of
not putting the same act to due executioun, and that therethrough
1589. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 39
the said Jesuits and Seminarie preests disdained our said acts, and
continued in seducing and perswading of diverse of our nobilitie, and
others our good subjects, to declyne from the said true and Christian
religioun, and to practise the alteratioun and trouble of our estat;
therefore, by another act and ordinance made by us, our said nobili-
tie, counsell, and estats, which conveenned the saids 27th day of Julie,
certane persons speciallie expressed therin were nominated, elected,
and constituted our commissioners and justicers in that part, with-
in the bounds of our shirefiloms, stewartreis, bailliffereis, burrowes,
and citeis under-mentiounned, lyke as to them, conjunctlie and se-
verallie, within the bounds speciallie limited to them, were givin
our full power and commissioun : All and sindrie Jesuits and Semi-
narie preests, as namelie, Mr James Gordoun, father brother to the
Erle of Huntlie, Mr Edmund Hay, brother to the Goodman of Meg-
inche, Mr William Crichtoun, Mr Alexander Mackquirrie, Gilbert
Browne, sometyme Abbot of Newabbey, Mr Marke Ker, sonne to
Robert Ker, elder, burgesse of our burgh of Edinburgh, and cer-
tane others of that professioun, incace they sould not depart furth
of our realme, and enter themselves to the proveist of our said
burgh of Edinburgh, to have beene loodged whill occasioun served
to transport them, according to our proclamatioun published to
that effect, and als, all and sindrie our rebells remaining at the horne
for slaughter, and suche other odious crymes, and all sorners, bri-
gants, and maisterfull vagabounds, to searche, seeke, take, and ap-
prehend; and ather to bring and present them before our Justice
and his deputs, in our burgh of Edinburgh, or then our said jus-
ticers and commissioners themselves to putt the saids Jesuits, Se-
minarie preests, and others above writtin, to the knowledge of an
assise, for the saids wicked and unlawfull practises and attempts,
and contemptuous disobeying and contraveening of our lawes and
acts of parliament, and other odious crymes committed by them :
And as they sould be found culpable or innocent, to minister jus-
tice upon them, conforme to the lawes and consuetude of our
realme: court or courts to this effect to sett, beginne, affirme,
hold, and continue; deputs under them, with clerks, serjants, damp-
40 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
sters, and all other officers and members of court needfull, to make,
creat, substitute; and ordeane assise, one or moe, to that effect, eache
persoun under the paine of fourtie punds, to summoun, warne,
choose, and caus be sworne; unlawes, amerchiaments, and escheats
of the said courts, to aske, lift, and raise: And for the same, if need
beis, to poynd and distreinzie, compt, reckoning, and payment to us
and our treasurer in our name, in our Checker to make ; wherin
the necessarie expences to be made in the executioun of our said
commissioun is appointed to be defeased and allowed. And incace
the said Jesuits and Seminarie preests, and others above specified,
sall happen to flee to houses and strenths, to assiege and persue
them therin, raise fire, and use all force and warlyke ingyne for re-
coverie therof. And if it sall happin anie of them, or anie assist-
ing and concurring with them, to be hurt, slaine, or mutilated, or
anie wracke, destructioun of hous or goods to be done, the same to
be imputed for no cryme nor offence to our said justicers or com-
missioners, or persons assisting them in the executioun heerof; nor
they nor none of them to be called or accused for the same, crimi-
nallie nor civillie, by anie maner of way in tyme comming ; ex-
onering them of all actioun and cryme that may be moved or in-
tended against them, or anie of them, for the same; and discharging
all our judges and ministers of our lawes, of all calling, outlawing,
or anie wise proceeding against them therefore, and of their officers
in that part for ever. Moreover, with power to the saids justicers and
commissioners to enquire what feeds or variance standeth betuixt
anie parteis, inhabitant within the shires and bounds appointed
to them ; and who were the most able and indifferent freinds
for compouning and away-taiking therof; and to require and com-
mand them to travell for that effect, and the persons standing at
variance to submitt themselves to the moderatioun and arbitrement
of the saids indifferent freinds, according to the effect and meaning
of the generall band subscribed by us and diverse of our cstats:
Or incace of refuse or delay, to certifie the same to us and our
counsell with all convenient diligence, that suche farther order might
be taikin therin as apperteaned. And to move certane of the most
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 41
zealous and worthie persons in everie parish, to take upon them our
commissioun for executioun of our act of parliament made for
punishment of strong and idle beggers, and releefe of the poore and
impotent; as also, ordeanned and commanded our said commission-
ers and justicers to proclame and cause make wappinshowings of
all fensible persons in the bounds particularlie limited to them ; and
to charge them to conveene in armes at all occasiouns needfull for
defence of the countrie, and resisting of all outward and domestick
invasioun tending to the danger of the professors of God's true re-
ligioun, or troubling of the common quietnesse of our realme. And
further, to charge and require all our good subjects to concurre and
assist them in the executioun of the premisses, under the paines
conteammed in the acts of our parliament; and further, under the
paine to be reputed, holdin, esteemed, and persued as hinderers of
our service, art and part-takers with the foresaids rebellious and
disobedient persons in their ungodlie and wicked deeds; and that
our said commissioners and justicers doe their exact diligence for
executioun of the premisses, as they, and everie one of them, will
answere to us upon their obedience, at their utmost charge and
perrell; and farther, under the paine of a thowsand punds, to be
payed by everie one of them that sall be found remisse or negli-
gent heerin; as the said act of our Secreit Counsell, of the date fore-
said, at more lenth proports. Which, with the said act of our par-
liament, and others acts, ordinances, and commissiouns, past and
givin for executing of the same acts against the said Jesuits, Se-
minarie preests, and excommunicated persons, the said Lords of
our Secreit Counsell in our name ratifie, approve, and ordeane the
same to be putt to further executioun in all points, conform to the
tenour therof in all points, with Suche expeditioun as convenientlie
may be.
“And becausthere are certan of the noblemen, barons, and others,
expressed commissioners in the said act of our Secreit Counsell,
made upon the said 27th day of Julie, 1587 yeeres, that since the
making therof are departed this life, others diseased in bodie, and
some absent furth of our realme, and in other parts farre distant
42 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
from the bounds within the which commissioun was givin to them
by reasoun of their residence therin for the time, so that at this
present they may not convenientlie use and execute our said com-
missioun with suche expeditioun as is requisite: Therefore, the saids
Lords of our Secreit Counsell, at the humble and earnest desire of
the Generall Assemblie of the kirk presentlie conveenned, have
thought good, concluded, and ordeanned that our said commissioun
and acts foresaid sall be putt in due and full executioun, by the
persons respective after following, givin in by them in roll, within
the liberteis, shirefloms, stewartreis, and bailliffereis, particularlie
undermentiouned.
“They are to say, the proveists and bailliffes of everie citie and
burgh; justicers and commissioners within the self, and liberteis of
the same.
“And for the countrie to landwart, Robert Erle of Orkney, with-
in the bounds of our shirefilome of Orkney.
“George Erle of Cathnesse, Coline Mackeinzie of Kintaill, Thomas
Fraser of Knockie, Andrew Monro of Dowachartie, Angus Wil-
liamsone Mackintosh in Termet, and Johne Urquhart, Tutor of
Cromartie, within the bounds of our shirefdome of Innernesse and
Cromartie.
“Johne Campbell of Caddell, our shireff of Narne, Hucheon Rosse
of Kilrawack, and Johne Hay of Lochloy, within the bounds of
our shireflome of Narne.
“James Erle of Murrey, Patrik Dumbar, shireff, wardatare of
Elgine and Forresse, Robert Inneis of that Ilk, Johne Grant of
Frewchie, James Dumbar of Tarbert, and David Dumbar of
Grangehill, within the bounds of our shirefloms of Elgine and
Forresse.
“William Erle of Morton, shireff, wardatare of Bamf, Alexander
Lord Saltoun, and Walter Ogilvie of Finlatour, within the bounds
of our shirefdom of Bamf. *
“Johne Maister of Forbesse, William Forbesse of Corse, Alex.
ander Irwing of Drum, James Crichtoun of Fendraucht, Alexander
Setoun of Meldrum, Johne Gordoun of Pitlurg, William Keith of
1589. OF THE EIRIX OF SCOTLAND. 43
Ludguharne, and William Turing of Foverne, within the bounds
of our shirefdome of Aberdeene.
“William Erle of Angus, George Erle Marshall, Robert Lord
Altrie, Andrew Lord Dingwell, Alexander Stratoun of Laureston,
Johne Strathauchane of Thorntoun, Johne Wishart of Pittarrow,
and Johne Ramsay of Balmaine, within the bounds of our shiref-
dome of Kincardin.
“Johne Lord Hammiltoun, Thomas Maister of Glames, Patrik
Maister of Gray, David Lindsey of Edzell, James Scrimgeour of
Duddop, Constable of Dundie, and George Halyburton of Pitcur,
within the bounds of our shirefilome of Forfar.
“Johne Erle of Atholl, Duncane Campbell of Glenurquhart,
Thomas Stewart of Garntullie, Alexander Blair of Bathyock, Wil-
liam Moncreif of that Ilk, Patrik Ogilvie of Inchemartine, within
the bounds of our shirefdoms of Perth, Stormont, and Dunkelden.
“Johne Murrey of Tullibardin, Johne Stirline of Keir, and Mr
Johne Haddin of Glennegeis, within the bounds of our stewartreis
of Stratherne, Menteith, and diocie of Dumblane.
“William Erle of Morton, Alexander Commendatar of Culrosse,
William Menteith of Kerse, and Robert Bruce of Clackmannan,
within the bounds of our shirefdoms of Clackmannan and Kinrosse.
“Andrew Erle of Rothesse, our Shireff of Fife, James Lord
Lindsey of the Byres, Mr William Lundie of that Ilk, Andrew
Wood of Largo, and David Carnegie of Colluthie, within the
bounds of our shireflome of Fife.
“Johne Erle of Marr, William Lord Livingstoun, Alexander For-
rester of Gairdin, and Johne Livingstoun, younger of Donypace,
within the bounds of our shirefilome of Stirline.
“George Dundas of that Ilk, Nicoll Cornwall of Ballinhard, and
David Dundas of Preestsinche, within the bounds of our shirefdome
of Linlithguo.
“Archibald Naper of Merchinstoun, Alexander Fairlie of Braid,
and Patrik Monypennie of Pilrig, within the bounds of our shireſ.
dome of Edinburgh.
44 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE - 1589.
“William Erle of Angus, Francis Erle Bothwell, James Lord
Hay of Yester, Sir Johne Matlane of Thirlestane, knight, our
Chanceller, and Alexander Hume of Northberwick, within the
bounds of the constabularie of Hadintoun and Dumbar.
“Sir James Hume of Coldingknowes, knight, George Hume of
Wedderburne, Johne Hume of Huttonhall, Patrik Hume, appear-
and of Aittoun, Patrik Cockburne, Tutor of Langtoun, James
Setoun of Tullibody, and Mr Thomas Cranstoun of Morestoun,
within the bounds of our shirefdom of Berwick or Merse.
“Robert Ker of Cesfurde, Walter Scot of Branxholme, George
Dowglas of Bunjedburgh, Johne Cranstoun of that Ilk, and An-
drew Ker of Fadownside, within the bounds of our shirefdom of
Roxburgh or Tiviotdaill.
“William Lord Hay of Yester, Johne Stewart of Traquair, Wil-
liam Twedie of Drummalyer, and Patrik Murrey of Fawlahill,
within the bounds of our shirefiloms of Selkirk and Peebles.
“Johne Lord Hammiltoun, William Erle of Angus, James Lord
Somervell, James Maxwell of Calderwod, Johne Stewart of Minto,
and James Hammiltoun of Libberton, within the bounds of our
shirefilome of Lanerk or Cliddisdaill.
“Ludovick Duke of Lennox, James Erle of Glencarne, Robert
Lord Sempill, George Buchanan of that Ilk, Johne Schaw of
Greenock, William Edmistoun of Duntreth, and Humfrey Cahown
of Luce, within the bounds of the Lennox and our shireflome of
Renfrew.
“Robert Maister of Eglintoun, Thomas Lord Boyd, Johne Blair
of that Ilk, and Thomas Crawfurd of Jordanhill, within the bounds
of our bailliffrie of Cuninghame.
“Hugh Campbell of Teorinzean, Johne Wallace of Craigie, An-
drew Lord Uchiltrie, and William Crawfurd of Lochnoreis, within
the bounds of our bailliffrie of Kyle.
“Johne Kennedie of Blairquhan, Thomas Kennedie of Barganie,
and Johne Cathcart of Carleton, within the bounds of our baillif.
frie of Carict.
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 45
“Alexander Stewart of Gairleis, Uthrid Mackdowgall of Garth-
land, and Sir Patrik Waus of Barnbarroch, within the bounds of
our shirefilome of Wigtoun.
“Johne Gordoun of Lochinvar, Thomas Mackclellan of Bombie,
and James Lidderdaill of Sanctmarie Yle, within the bounds of
our stewartrie of Kirkcudbright.
“Johne Lord Hammiltoun, James Dowglas of Torthorald, and
Roger Greresone of Lag, within the bounds of our shirefilome of
Dumfreis.
“Robert Lord Sanquhare, James Dowglas of Dumlanrig, and
Roger Kirkpatrick of Closburne, within the Sanquhar or over-part
of Nithisdaill.
“James Johnstoun of Dunskellie, Charles Murrey of Cockepoole,
and Robert Johnstoun, Laird of Newbie, within our stewartrie of
Annanderdaill.
“Archibald Erle of Argile and his curators, within the bounds of
our shireflom of Argile.
“Angus Mackoneill of Dunniveg and Glennis, Lauchlane Mack-
claim of Dowart, David Mackoneill Gorme of Slait, and Donald
Mackcloid of Harris, within the bounds of the Iles.
“Attour the saids Lords of our Secreit Counsell hearing sindrie
brutes and rumors, als weill of forrane as intestine platts and pre-
paratiouns, for the trouble of the true and Christian religioun pre-
sentlie professed within our realme, and perelling of our estat and
standing depending therupon, both having the self-same freinds and
commoun enemeis, and subject to the like event of standing and
decay, have thought meete, for preventing of the danger threatned
heereby alsweill to the one as to the other ; that first of all, the
godlie and weill affected persons, our good subjects, sall be knowne
and discerned from them that are of contrare dispositioun. And
to this effect, the saids Lords have givin and granted, and by thir
presents give and grant, full power and commissioun, expresse
bidding and charge to the persons underwrittin, everie one of
them, within the bounds particularlie limited to them, as followeth :
46 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
“They are to say, Thomas Swintoun, Henrie Colvill, Johne Dun-
none, within the bounds of our shirefilome of Orkney.
“Mr William Paip, Mr Robert Inneis, William Gray, younger,
Mr Johne Robertsone, Mr George Monro, Mr Robert Williamsone,
and Mr Thomas Howesone, within the bounds of our shirefloms of
Innernesse and Cromartie.
“Mr Robert Rait, within the bounds of our shirefdom of Nairne.
“Mr Johne Keith, minister at Duffus, Mr Alexander Dowglas,
minister at Elgine, and Johne Forester, minister at Forresse,
within the bounds of our shirefloms of Elgine and Forresse.
“Mr William Strathauchane, Mr James Duffe, and Mr George
Nicolsone, within the bounds of our shirefoome of Bamf.
“Mr Peter Blekburne, Johne Strauchan, James Reid, and Abra-
ham Sibbald, within the bounds of our shireflom of Aberdeen.
“Mr Andrew Mylne, Mr William Lisk, and Mr Alexander
Arbuthnet, within the bounds of our shirefdome of Kincardin.
“Mr James Melvill, Mr Paul Fraser, William Christesone, Mr
James Nicolsone, Mr Henrie Guthrie, Mr Henrie Duncan, Johne
Foullarton, and Mr Thomas Ramsay, within the bounds of our
shireflom of Forfar.
“Mr William Glasse, Mr William Rind, Alexander Young, Mr
Archibald Muncreif, Mr William Row, within the bounds of our
shirefdoms of Perth, Stormont, and Dunkelden. *
“Mr Andrew Young, Mr William Stirline, and Alexander
Fergy, within the bounds of our stewartreis of Stratherne, Men-
teith, and diocie of Dumblane.
“Johne Dykes, Robert Rait, Mr Alexander Wallace, within the
bounds of our shirefiloms of Clackmannan and Kinrosse.
“Mr.Thomas Buchanan, Mr Andrew Muncreif, Mr James Melvill,
and Mr Adam Mitchell, within the bounds of our shireflom of Fife.
“Johne Duncansone, Mr Alexander Livingstoun, and Andrew
Forester, within the bounds of our shireflom of Stirline.
“Patrik Kinloquhie, Mr James Law, and Mr Robert Cornwell,
within the bounds of our shireflom of Linlithguo.
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 47
“Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Patrik Simsone, and Mr Michaell Cran-
stoun, within the bounds of our shirefdom of Edinburgh.
“Mr Adam Johnstoun, Johne Hereis, and James Gibsone,
within Dalkeith.
“William Sandersone, Mr Cuthbert Bonckle, Mr Thomas Makgie,
and Mr James Carmichaell, within our constabularie of Hadintoun
and Dumbar.
“David Hume, Johne Clapperton, and Robert Frenche, within
our shirefilome of Berwicke or Merce.
“Mr Andrew Clayhills, Mr William Auchinmowtie, George
Johnstoun, William Balfour, and Mr Johne Knox, within our
shirefdome of Roxburgh or Tiviotdaill.
“Mr Archibald Dowglas, minister at Peebles, Mr Johne Welshe,
minister at Selkirk, and William Sandersone, minister at Inner-
letham, within the bounds of the Forrest and Tweddaill.
“Mr Johne Davidsone, Mr Robert Lindsay, and Mr Andrew
Hay, within the bounds of Cliddisdaill or Lanerk.
“Mr Thomas Jack, Mr Andrew Knox, Mr Thomas Walkinschaw,
within the bounds of the Lennox, and our shireflom of Renfrew.
“Mr Alexander Scrimgeour, Mr Alexander Wratoun, and Mr
Robert Wilkie, within our baillifferie of Cunninghame.
“Johne Porterfeild, Mr Johne Inglis, Mr Peter Primrose, within
our bailifferie of Kyle.
“Johne Mackcorne, and William Young, within our baillifferie of
Carict.
“Mr Ninian Macklenoquhan, and Johne Young, within our
shirefdom of Wigtoun.
“Mr James Hammiltoun, and Mr David Blyth, within our
stewartrie of Kirkcudbright.
“Mr Hugh Foullarton, and William Thomsone, within our shiref-
dome of Dumfreis.
“Mr James Brysone, and Johne Foullertoum, within the San-
quhare, or over-part of Nithsdaill.
“ Alexander Gordoun, within Annanderdaill.
“Mr Neill Campbell, within our shirefdome of Argile.
48 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1589.
“All and sindrie erles, lords, barons, free holders, gentlemen, in-
habitants of our burrowes, and other our lieges whatsomever, of
what ranke and degree that ever they be of, to call and conveene
before the said ministers, by their missive letters or messingers, at
what soever place or dayes they sall thinke expedient; and there
require them to give the confessioun of their faith, together with
their subscriptiouns thereto, and to the generall band made and
subscribed alreadie by us, and certan of our estats, tuiching the
maintenance and defence of the said true religioun, our person and
estate, and notwithstanding of all forrane preparatiouns and forces
tending to the trouble therof. And in cace anie persons so re-
quired disobey, that the ministers of God's Word proceed to
admonitiouns; and finding them obstinat, caus the censures of
the kirk be used against them, as enemeis to God, us, and to the
commoun weale of this their native countrie; and that the saids
ministers crave the concurrence of the noblemen, barons, and gentle-
men, within the bounds particularlie above writtin, for the better
executioun of the premisses.
“Our will is heerefore, and we charge you straitlie and com-
mand, that, incontinent thir our letters seene, yee passe, and in our
name and authoritie make publicatioun heerof, by opin proclama-
tioun at the mercat croces of the head burrowes of our realme, and
others places needfull, wherethrough none pretend ignorance of the
same : As also, that yee command and charge the noble men,
barons, ministers, and others foresaid, to accept upon them our
commissioun givin to everie one of them in maner particularlie
above-mentioned, and to report their diligence tuiching the exe-
cutioun therof to the Clerk of our Secreit Counsell, betuixt and
the 20th day of May mixtocum, under the paine of rebellioun, and
putting of them to our horne: With certificatioun to them, if they
failyie, they sall be denounced rebells, and putt to our horne, and
all their movable goods escheate, and imbrought to our use, for
their contemptioun. And siclyke, that yee command and charge
all and sindrie our lieges to readilie answere, intend, obey, con-
curre, fortifie, and assist our said commissioners in the executioun
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 49
of the premisses; and to doe nor attempt nothing to their hinder-
ance, as they, and ilk one of them, will answere unto us, upon
their obedience and allegiance, and under all highest paine, cryme,
and offence, that they may committ and incurre against us in that
behalfe; as yee will answere to us therupon. The which to doe,
We committ to you, conjunctlie and severallie, our full power, by
thir our letters, delivering them by you duelie executed and in-
dorsed again to the bearer. Givin under our signet, at Edin-
burgh, the sixt of Marche, and of our raigne the 23d yeere, 1589.
“Per actum Secret; Consilä,
“J. ANDRO.”
THE COPIE OF THE BAND TUICEIING, TIIR MAINTENANCE OF THE
TRUE RELIGIOUN, THE KING's MAJESTIE’s PERSON AND ESTAT,
SEVERALLIE TO BE SUBSCRIBED BY ALL NOBLE MEN, BARONS,
GENTLE MEN, AND OTHERs, ACCORDING TO THE TENOR OF THE
ACT OF SECREIT COUNSELL, AND COMMISSIONS THERIN CON-
TEANED.
“Wee, undersubscribing, considering the strait linke and con-
junctioun betuixt the true and Christian religioun presentlie pro-
fessed within this our realme, and soverane lord’s estat and
standing; having both the self-same freinds and commoun enemeis,
and subject to the like event of standing and decay; and weyghing
therewith all the imminent dangers threatned to the said religioun,
als weill by forrane preparatiouns for prosecutioun of that detest-
able conspiracie against Christ and his Evangell, called THE HOLIE
LEAGUE, as by outward and intestine practises of the favourers
and supposts therof amongst ourselves, who now, enanimated by the
report of forrane powers repairing to this realme, beginne more
plainlie to utter and professe their long conceaved evill meaning
to the truthe, and, consequentlie, to the standing of his Majestie,
our soverane lord, whom they have found and tryed to be a con-
stant and inflexible professour of the same; the preservatioun wherof
being dearer to us nor whatsoever we have dearest in this life, and
VOL. V. D
50 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1589.
finding in his Majestie a most honorable and Christian resolutioun,
to manifest himself unto the world that zealous and religious
prince which he hath hitherto professed, and to imploy the meanes
and power that God hath putt into his hands, als weill to the
withstanding of whatsomever forraine forces sall meane within this
Yland, for alteratioun of the said religioun and endangering of the
present estate, as to the repressing of the inward enemeis thereto
among our selves, linked with them in the said antichristian
league and confederacie; have, therefore, in the presence of
Almightie God, and with his Majestie's authorizing and allowance,
faithfullie promised and solemnelie sworne, like as, heereby we
faithfullie and solemnelie sweare and promise, to take a true, effald,
and plaine part with his Majestie amongst our selves, for diverting
of the present danger threatned to the said religioun, and his Ma-
jestie's estat and standing depending therupon, by whatsoever
forces or intestine plotts or preparatiouns: And to that effect,
faithfullie, and that upon our truthes and honours, bind and oblige
us to others, to conveene and assemble our selves publictlie, with our
freinds in armes, or in quiet maner, at suche tymes and places as
we sall be required by his Majestie's proclamatiouns, or by writt or
messinger directed to us from his Majestie, or anie having power
from him; and being conveened and assembled, to joyne with the
whole forces of our freinds and favourers, against whatsoever for-
rane or intestine powers, or Papists and their partakers, sall arive
or arise within this Yland, or anie part therof; readie to defend or
persue, as we sall be authorized and conducted by his Majestie, or
anie other having his power and commissioun ; to joyne and hold
hand to the executioun of whatsoever meane or order sall be
thought meete by his Majestie and his counsell, for the suppressing
of Papists, promotioun of the true religioun, and settling of his
Hienesse' estat and obedience, in all the countreis and corners of
this realme: to expone and hazard our lives, lands, and goods, and
whatsoever meane God hath lent us, in the defence of the said
true and Christian religioun, and his Majestie's person and estat,
against whatsomever Jesuits, and Seminarie or Masse preests, con-
1589. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 51
demned enemeis to God and his Majestie, to their utter wracke
and exterminioun, according to the power granted unto us by his
Hienesse' proclamatiouns and acts of parliament: to try, searche,
and seeke out all excommunicats, practisers, and other Papists
whatsomever within our bounds and shyres, where we keepe resi-
dence ; delate them to his Hienesse and his Privie Counsell, and
conforme us to suche directiouns as, from tyme to tyme, we sall
receave from his Majestie and his Counsell in their behalfes ; and,
speciallie, so manie of us as presentlie are, or heerafter sall be, ap-
pointed commissioners in everie shire, sall follow, persue, and
travell, by all meanes possible, to take and apprehend all Suche
Papists, apostats, and excommunicats, as we sall receave in writt
from his Majestie; and we, the remanent within that shire, Sall
concurre and assist with the said commissioners, with our whole
freinds and forces to that effect, without respect of anie persoun
whatsoever : And, generallie, to assist in the meane tyme, and de-
fend, everie one of us one another, in all and whatsoever querrells,
actiouns, debaits, moved or to be moved against us, or anie of US,
upon actioun of the present band, or others causes depending ther-
upon ; and effauldlie joyne in defence and persute against what-
soever sall offer or intend anie injurie or revenge against anie one
of them, for the premisses, making his causand part that is persued
all our parts, notwithstanding whatsoever privie gºûdge or dis-
pleasures standing betuixt anie of us; which sall be no impediment
or hinder to our said effauld joyning in the said commoun caus, but
to ly over, and be misknowne, till they be orderlie removed and
tane away by the order underspecified.
“To the which tyme we, for the better furtherance of the said caus
and service, have assured, and by the tenour heerof, everie one of
us taiking the burthein on us for ourselves, and all that we may
lett, assure eache other to be unhurt, unharmed, or in anie wise to
be invaded by us, or anie of our foresaids, for old feed or new,
otherwise nor by the ordinarie course of law and justice; nather
sall we, nor anie of our foresaids, make anie provocatioun of tumult,
trouble, or displeasure to others in anie sort, as we sall answere to
52 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
God, and upon our honours and fidelitie to his Majestie. And for
our farther and more heartilie unioun in this service, we are content,
and consent that all and whatsoever our feeds and variances fallin,
or that may fall out betuixt us, be within foure dayes after the
date heerof amicable referred and submitted to seven or five indif-
ferent freinds chosin by his Majestie, of our whole number, and
by their moderatioun and arbitrament, compouned and tane away.
And, finallie, that we sall, nather directlie nor indirectlie, seperat
or withdraw us from the unioun and fellowship of the remnant, by
whatsoever suggestioun or privat advice, or by whatsoever incident,
regard, or stay, suche resolutioun, as by commoun deliberatioun
sall be tane in the premisses, as we sall answere to God upon our
consciences, and to the world upon our truthe and honours, and
under the paine to be esteemed tratours to God and to his Majestie,
and to have lost all honour, credit, and estimatioun, in tyme com-
ming. In witnesse wherof, his Majestie, in token of his approba-
tioun and protectioun promised to us in the premisses, and we by
his authorizing and allowance foresaid, have subscribed thir presents
with our hands.”
ERROLL's LETTER TO MR. R. BRUCE.
After Huntlie's departure, sindrie brutes arose of the conveen-
ning of his factioun. In the meane tyme, the Erle of Erroll writeth
to Mr Robert Bruce, minister at Edinburgh, (whose ministrie at that
tyme was most confortable to the godlie, and fearefull to the
enemeis.) The tenour of the letter heere followeth : —
“My verie good freind: After all heartilie commendatiouns. I
doubt not but yee have heard how unhonestlie the Chanceller, Sir
Johne Matlane, hath caused me to be accused behind my backe,
as him who had meaned, by his travells with strangers, to trouble
the estate, and consented to the alteratioun of the religioun. Of
the which two points, as nothing could be layed to my charge
wherof I was more innocent, so have I oft sensyne required at his
Majestie's hands, in speeking my self, imploying the credit of other
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLANL). 53
noblemen, and writtin at the last to his Hienesse, that in a mater
of suche consequence I might be tryed before his Majestie, and
the nobilitie who are my peers, and borne to be counsellers and
competent judges to me; and that to their conventioun some rea-
sonable day might be appointed, where I wish to find no favour nor
grace but as my innocencie meriteth. For otherwise, if I sall be
tryed, cleane as I am, where my professed enemie, now but contra-
dictioun doeth all, the least I looke for, and am assured of is, waird-
ing during his pleasure ; which I would be laith to interteane in
that sort, seing it hath pleased him but caus, upon his owne ima-
ginatiouns, so falselie to detract me. But Seing a part of this
actioun tuicheth your vocatioun, and that wherin I ought to be
comptable to the kirk, (which that man so farre as in him lyeth
would abuse, in cloaking his particulars with their caus, and so ad-
joyning them to be partie with him against all his enemeis,) I have
thought necessar, being likelie through his credit not to find suche
courtesie as my honestie deserveth, to rander you thankes for your
owne assured freindship, who, by report I heare, hath refused so
lightlie to give credit to his malicious imposts; as also, to desire,
(seing some are more easilie enduced to thinke and say otherwise
than men justlie procure,) that where opportunitie is offered, yee will
remember your brethrein how laith they sould be to follow the sedi-
tious designes of a man being altogether irreligious, careth no estat
but as it may availl his owne standing. And if evident arguments
and constant zeale at all tymes sall find place before false forged in-
ventiouns, I cannot looke but so farre as in you and all them lyeth, to
be reckonned that man whom I have professed myself since my in-
fancie, in faith, life, and conversatioun, both publictlie and privatlie,
and wherof, in all your presences, in an expected danger to the kirk,
I gave evident testimonie. Wherefore, as I have beene an assured
member to the kirk, and never in anie sort have ministred anie
evil caus, but have contended in that heed to be inferiour to none,
so I will lippin that my enemie sall not (where I have so weill
merited) find advantage of me, seing I am, and sall be alwise readie
to be tryed by the kirk's self, if ever I have pretermitted my duetie
54 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1589.
in anie sort to them, or if I have travelled anie wise against the re-
ligioun, as my unfreind hath charged me, to whom I will be laith
to render compt of my doings. Wheranent, remitting farther to
your good affectioun, looking some answere, committs you to the
eternall protectioun of the Almightie.
“At Logyalmond, the 22 of Marche, 1589.
“By your good freind at power,
“ERROLL.”
TEIE BRIDGE OF DEE.
The king passing his tyme at Haltoun, the Erle of Montrose
came to Mr Johne Grahame at Halyairds. Bothwell sould also have
come, and, as was reported, they sould have taikin the king. The
Maister of Glames advertised the chanceller, that Huntlie and his
complices were assembled at Brechin, and minded to come to Edin-
burgh with their whole forces. The chanceller advertised the king.
So the king came in to Edinburgh, in all haste, upon the fyft of
Aprile, about two houres in the morning, and lay doun to sleepe in
the chanceller's loodging. At the same tyme, the Erle Bothwell
came to Dalkeith upon the sixt of Aprile, accompanied with a num-
ber of border men, where he stayed two nights. All maner of men
on this side of Forth were charged to repaire to the king, in feare
of warre, with all diligence. Bothwell offered himself in his Ma-
jestie's will, for anie offence could be layed to his charge, and to
come to anie place for that effect, except where Chanceller Matlane
was ; and offered to accuse the chanceller of three points of trea-
soun. But the king refused to give him audience. Huntlie, Erroll,
and Crawfurd, were gathering their forces in the meane time in the
north. They beseiged the Maister of Glames in his owne hous,
who randered to them upon conditiouns. Upon the nynth of
Aprile, the king went to Linlithquo, accompanied with 140 hors or
thereby. The king urged the toun of Edinburgh to come to him
in armes to Linlithguo, upon Thursday, the tenth of Aprile. Upon
the elleventh they returned, waged two hundreth souldiours, and
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTfLAND. 55
sent them after the king. Huntlie, Erroll, Crawfurd, Bothwell,
Montrose, and their forces, were conveened at Perth. The king's
forces increasse. He goeth by Stirline to Perth. The lords being
departed out of Perth, he went with two thowsand men, or thereby,
to Dundie, and from thence to Brechin; the nixt day to Cowie.
His number decreassed. He resolved betweene Brechin and Cowie
toly that night in the campe, but he rested in Charles Mowat's hous.
When the king came to Cowie, the Erles Huntlie, Crawfurd,
and Erroll, came from Aberdeene to the Bridge of Dee, accom-
panied with three thowsand men, and resolved to fight. The king
was skarse accompanied with a thowsand, yitt feare seazed upon
the most part of Huntlie's factioun when they heard the king was
in persoun in the feilds. Huntlie had made manie to beleeve that
he had a commissioun for gathering his forces. Erroll would have
foughten, Huntlie feared. Manie of the barons of the north left
them. Some came in to the king betweene Cowie and Aberdeene,
The king came to Aberdeene upon the 20th of Aprile, where he stay-
ed three or foure dayes. The secund day, the Maister of Glames
was sent to him from Auchindoun, where he had been keeped pri-
soner, and others, to the number of five or six persons. Becaus
Huntlie cometh not in, the king purposed to goe fordward to his
lands, to demolishe his castells and houses, and speciallie Strabogie.
But when he came to the Terrysoule, Huntlie came in to the king,
and was committed to Carmichaell, and Captan William Hume,
without getting presence of the king. When the king returned to
Aberdeen, Mackintosh, Grant, and other barons of the countrie,
were moved by his Majestie and counsell to subscribe a band of
obedience in tyme comming. The king returneth to Edinburgh
in the beginning of May. Huntlie is wairded in Robert Gourlaye's
hous. The Erle of Crawfurd came in the 20th of May to Edin-
burgh, and was wairded in his owne loodging. He alledged that
Huntlie pretended a commissioun for gathering his forces, and that
when he understood the contrare he left him.
56 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1589.
BOTHWELL COMMITTED TO THE CAPTAN OF THE GUARDF.
Whill the king was in the North, Bothwell was passing to and
fro in the Cannogate, Edinburgh, Leith, Dalkeith, and his border
men at Dalkeith, for the most part, living most dissolutelie. When
the king returned from the North to Edinburgh, Bothwell was
brought in upon the elleventh of May by moyen of some that tra-
velled with the king into a garden where the king was walking,
where he gott presence. The king suffered him to sitt a long tyme
upon his knees without anie answere, and at last committed bim to
William Hume, Captan of the Guarde, to keep him as he would be
answerable.
YOUNG NIDRIE ESCAPETH OUT OF THE PANNELL, THE
ASSISE SITTING.
Upon the 12th of May, Archibald Wauchop, young Laird of
Nidrie, lying in Robert Peacoake's hous at the Bridge-end, in waite
for the Laird of Edmistoun, was besett by Edmistoun, who was
advertised, and gathered his freinds. Some cryed for fire; others
better advised, to advertise the king. The drumme was beatin be-
tweene Sevin and eight at night in Edinburgh. The inhabitants,
and other gentlemen and noblemen, were charged to come inconti-
nent to the king's loodging. The king cometh to the Burrow Mure,
and directed an herald to charge Nidrie to come out of the hous to
him under paine of treasoun. He cometh furth with his companie,
is brought to Edinburgh, and wairded in the Tolbuith. The day
following, he was brought furth to thole an assise, for the slaughter
of the Laird of Shirefhall, and his brother, Johne Giffard. The
Lord Hume, the Laird of Edmistoun, the Laird of Broxmouth, and
Thomas Giffard of Shirefhall, were persuers. The mater was con-
tinued till the nixt day. Then he and his complices were brought
furth againe out of the prisoun hous to thole an assise, but some
of his freinds were upon the assise. The dittay being read, and
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 57
the assise enclosed, tyme was protracted, that noblemen might
have leasure to travell for pardoun. No pardoun being granted,
at least professed, the Judge sitting in judgement, and about a
thowsand persouns in the Tolbuith waiting upon the event, the
candles were putt furth about ellevin houres at night, and Nidrie
and his complices escaped out at the windowes of the Tolbuith.
Sir James Sandilands, Tutor of Calder, the cheefe man that assisted
him to break waird, was soone after familiar againe with the king,
in his owne chamber. But God in his justice, notwithstanding,
persued Nidrie, till he came to an unhappie end. This enormitie
was so vile and odious, that the ministers could not keepe silence.
HUNTLIE, CRAWFURD, AND BOTHWELL, CONVICTED OF TREASOUN.
Huntlie and Crawfurd were called in before the king and states
conveened about the 20th of May. Huntlie was desired to give
his depositioun quietlie to the king and foure or five of the coun-
sell, in the gairdin that is in the backe of the Counsell-hous, which
he did: Crawfurd was examined publictlie before the counsell.
Some were directed to examine Bothwell. He denyed anie kind
of attempt against the king or religioun professed, and alledged his
gathering of men was onlie for particular querrells betuixt him and
Chanceller Matlane. The king, with advice of the estates, in re-
spect of their denyall, thoughte meete they sould be putt to the
tryell of an assise. So, upon the 24th of May, they were convoyed
out of their wairds to the Tolbuith of Edinburgh, and there accused
of sindrie points of treasoun. Huntlie came in the king's will, for
all things layed to his charge ; the other two were putt to the know-
ledge of an assise. Bothwell was convicted for conveening with
certan other noblemen at the Querrell Holes, betuixt Leith and
Edinburgh; for devising and conspyring interprises tending to the
alteratioun of the present state of king and countrie; for leveing of
souldiours without warrant, and molesting the countrie. Crawfurd
was convicted for the same conventioun at the Querrell Holes, for
surprizing the toun of Perth ; in gathering his forces for raising
58 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1589.
fire, and sieging the Maister of Glames in the hous of Kirkhill; for
comming against his Majestie with displeyed banner, betuixt Aber-
deen and Cowie. The assise satt till two houres in the morning,
The king and Chanceller Matlane stayed in the inner Counsell-hous.
After convictioun, the king ordeanned them to be caried to their
wairds where they were before, but were afterwards transported to
surer wairds. So, upon the fyft of June, the Erle Bothwell was
ordeanned to be wairded in Tamtallon, to be keeped there by Cap-
tan William Hume; Huntlie the day following to be wairded in
Borthwick Castell; Crawfurd, in the Castell of St Andrewes. In
the meane tyme, there arived at Leith one of the Queene of Eng-
land’s great shippes, upon the last of May, sent thither to attend
upon the king's service, if he had anie need of it. But he meant
no great harme to the convicted, for they were soone after sett at
libertie.
Upon Saturday, the last of May, the Maister of Gray came out
of England, and the Lord Hounsdane with him. So it was seene
that his banishment was but onlie for the fashioun,
THE # # GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.
The Generall Assemblie conveenned upon Tuisday the 17th of
June, Mr Udall, an English preacher, who died in prisoun after per-
secuted by the English bishops, preached in presence of the king
in the Great Kirk, upon the wedding of the king's sonne, Luke xiv.,
upon Friday the 20th. The king had a speeche to the Assemblie,
and promised to hold hand to discipline. All the commissioners
of countreis were changed, except the Laird of Dun. The king
would needs have Mr Patrik Galloway to be his minister.
% % 3% % % 3% %
JUSTICE COURTS IN THE NORTEſ.
About the end of June, the king rydeth to the North, to hold
justice courts, and to fyne suche as had beene at the Bridge of Dee,
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 59
who as yitt had not beene taikin order with. He came to Aber-
deen the secund of Julie, and deputed certane lords, compositors,
and judges, to sitt doun and hold justice courts in the Tolbuith of
that burgh. After he had stayed some dayes in Aberdeen, he went
to the Channonrie of Rosse ; from thence to Innernesse, from thence
to Cromartie to hunt, and returned to Aberdeen the 21st of Julie,
where he stayed five dayes. When he was upon the point of
returning, the Erle of Erroll, the Laird of Auchindoun, Balquhan, .
and Clunie, with others of the surname of Hay and Gordoun,
came in to the king, and were receaved in favour upon composi-
tioun.
THE MARLAGE OF TEIE KING AND QUEEN ANNE PERFYTED.
Upon the 18th of June, after consultation at sindrie conventiouns
upon the king's mariage, the Erle Marshall, with the Lord Ding-
wall, the Constable of Dundie, and sindrie knights and gentlemen,
embarked at Leith to saile to Denmarke, to accomplishe the
mariage. Colonell Stewart, Pryour of Pittenweeme, embarked at
Aberdeen soone after, and followed with an ample commissioun
after the Erle Marshall, ambassader. They were honourablie re-
ceaved in Denmark, and the mariage with Anna, daughter to Fre-
derick the Secund, King of Denmarke, was perfytted the 20th day
of August.
THE ERLES SETT AT LIBERTIE,
Upon the 12th of September, Johne Lord Maxwell was released
out of waird, out of the Castell of Edinburgh, to attend upon the
ariving of the queene. Upon the same pretence, the rest of the
erles were sett at libertie about the same tyme.
THE QUEEN’s FLEET DRIVIN UPON THE COASTS OF NORWEY.
Upon the 12th of September, Lord Andrew Keith, Lord Ding-
well, and Colonell Stewart, arived at Leith, sent before to adver-
60 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
tise the queene was comming. But it fell furth, that, by force of
tempest, her fleete was drivin upon the coasts of Norwey. Her
owne shippe was three dayes and three nights in missing, and first
found by the ambassader's shippe.
A MOTION MADE IN TELE SYNOD OF LOTHIANE.
The Synod of Lothiane conveenned about the midds of Sep-
tember. It was thought good by manie of the ministrie, that the
king sould be desired to urge the act of counsell to be executed,
tuiching the publict repentance of the rebell erles before the kirk
of Edinburgh. But in respect of the lenitie that was used, it was
thought but an ydle thing, and that it would turne but to plaine
mockerie.
TEIE MANER HOW TO RECEAVE THE QUEENE.
Upon the 16th of September was sett doun the forme following,
for receaving the queene at her landing, and her interteanement
immediatlie after :-
“At Leith, the 16th of September.
“How soone the queene sall arive, God willing, in Leith Raid,
the Erle Bothwell, admirall, accompanied with the Lords Seytoun,
Dingwell, and Mr Peter Young of Seytoun, eleemosyner, sall passe
on boord, and salute and welcome her Grace, the said Mr Peter
making the harangue in Latine, als breefelie as may be.
“They sall conferre and take purpose anent her Grace's comming
on land, as she sall be found disposed, and in Leith, and advertise
with speed.
“My Lords Marshall and Bothwell to come in the boat with
the queene, if so please her Grace; as also, the ambassader of Den-
marke.
“The other lords to offer to receave the ambassaders, or gentle-
men of Denmarke.
1589. OF THE RIRK OF SCOTLAND. 61
“At her Grace's landing, she to be convoyed on the right hand
by the Erle Marshall, and on the left hand by the Erle Bothwell,
admirall, whill she be out of the flood mark, and at the head of the
stone staire.
“On the north side of the stone staire, comming up from the
shore, sall stand the Scotish noble wedmen and ladeis, to the
number of sixteene; the Countesse of Marr and Marshall, and my
Ladie Setoun and Thirlestane, standing first in order, nixt them
the ladeis of Dudop and Boyne; everie one of the first foure having
two gentle wedmen attending upon them, and everie one of the
last two, one, making in the whole sixteene.
“On the south side of the same stone staire, that cometh up from
the shore, sall stand the Scotish noble men and counsellers likewise,
to the number of sixteene persons, to be speciallie nominated by his
Majestie; as also, in what ranke and order they sall stand, his Ma-
jestie sall declare and give in writt to my Lord Marshall or his
deput.
“From the head of the stone stair to the scaffold, and the whole
scaffold to the hall doore, sall be layed with Turkie tapeis or tapes-
trie, and both the sides of the scaffold sall be likewise covered and
hung.
“The king's Majestie alone, and onlie the Lord Fleming, his
chamberlane and maisterisher, passing before him in the midds be-
tuixt the lords and ladeis, sall meete the queen and welcome her;
and shortlie leaving her, to accept the reverence of the noble
weomen foremost in ranke, his Majestie sall welcome the Danish
ambassaders, and immediatlie taiking the queen again by the arme,
sall turne toward the scaffold. But before them sall first marche
the Scotish noble men, they that were last in ranke going fore-
most.
“And betuixt them and the king and queen sall goe the Danish
ambassaders, whill they be past the midd scaffold, where sall be
placed two shires' for the king and queene; and there a breefe
| Chairs.
62 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1589.
harangue sall be made unto them, the Danish ambassaders and
noble men of Scotland turning their faces toward the king; and
how soone the harangue is ended, sall turne about, and passe up in
order as before, whill they be within the hall; where suche of the
Scotish noble men and counsellers as come up the staire first sall
tarie on the south side of the hall, giving place to them which come
up last, to approache neerest the chamber, which sall leave so
muche roome as the Danish ambassaders may convenientlie stand
in, betuixt them and the doore on that side.
“Then the king and queen comming up, and entering in the
hall, sall passe directlie to the queen's chamber.
“Nixt after them sall follow the Danish ladeis of honour; and
immediatlie after them, the noble weomen and ladeis of Scotland,
which sall take their places in the north side of the hall, the Danish
ladeis being nixt the chamber doore, and the noble weomen and
ladeis of Scotland in their owne ranke and order.
“After the ladeis sall come the Danish gentlemen, and sall be
convoyed to stand in the bodie of the hall, behind the noble men
of Scotland, whill the king come furth of the queen's chamber; and
then his Majestie first to welcome the Danish ladeis, and therafter
the gentlemen of Denmark, and sua to depart furth of the hall
toward his loodging, accompanied with all the noble men and coun-
cellers, except my Lord Marshall, and suche others as are appoint-
ed to attend and accompanie the Danish ambassaders.
“During the tyme of the queen's landing and remaining in
Leith, my Lord Colonell to take the charge of commanding the ports
and guarde beside her loodging, having under him Captan Arnot,
one of the bailiffes of Leith, and 24 of the most able of the inha-
bitants of Leith, with halberts.
“After the queene be loodged, the scaffold to be immediatlie re-
moved, leaving onlie the stair.
“That my Lord Colonell foresee and command, that there be no
working in the shippes foreanent her loodging, during her remain-
ing in Leith, nor nothing on the bounds within the two new ports
that may unquiett her.
1589. OF THIE KIRK OF SCOTLANI), 63
“That my Lord Marshall, and suche as were in commissioun with
him, my Lord Colonell, the Laird of Halhill, and Mr William
Melvill, sall attend upon the interteanement of the Danish ambas-
saders.
“The Danish ambassaders to be served in Leith with my Lord
Marshall’s silver worke.
“It is to be looked, that when the fleete sall arive in the Raid,
they will shoot three schots, and then the Castell of Edinburgh to
answere als manie.
“At the queen's comming off the shippes, they will shoote their
whole volie : when they have done, the Castell of Edinburgh to
answere with all the schotes being therin.
“That no shooting be in Leith whill the queene be in her cham-
ber, and then all the peeces on the shore there to be discharged.
“That bonefires be bigged in Leith the same night of the
queen's arivall.
“That the three Danish ambassaders be loodged in Johne Kin-
loch's hous.
“That the Vice-admirall of Denmark, and the speciall Danish
gentlemen, be loodged in Robert Cunningham's hous, in the Can-
nogait.
“That the Justice-Clerk and my Lord of Dingwell see the con-
ditiouns of their loodgings, what furnishings sall be had, and what
sall be payed for everie night.
“That Sir James Chisholme advance to everie one of them
twentie crownes, in part of payment of their hous mailes, to a good
compt.
“That Sir James Chisholme await upon the furnishing and ser-
vice of the Danish ambassaders in the Cannogate, suppleed by the
other maister of houshold.
“The entrie of the queene in Edinburgh to be upon a Saturday,
the king's Majestie in the mean tyme being absent whill her com-
ming to Halyrudhous, and there to be present to receave her.
“That his Majestie appoint the number and speciall persons that
sall attend upon himself.
64 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
“The mariage and coronatioun to be, God willing, upon the
morne nixt therafter, being Sunday; and incace of foule weather,
that both the kirks of Edinburgh and Halyrudhous be prepared
with scaffolds.”
This forme was somwhat altered, by reasoun of sindrie impedi-
ments that fell furth, and the king's owne voyage to Norway. The
king was advertised, upon the secund of October, that the queen's
fleete was forced to land in Norway; that the queen's shippe was
two barrell high of water before they were aware, and a great laike
strickin up in her shippe, and she transported to another vessell to
land; wherupon the king tooke purpose to faire to Norway in
perSoun.
A COMMISSION GIVIN TO TRY BENEFICED PERSONS ; DATED
OCTOBER 15.
“Our soverane lord ordeans a letter to be made under the testi-
moniall of the great seale, in due forme, making mentioun that his
Hienesse being effectuallie moved to promote and advance the
glorie of God and his true religioun, and to eschew and cutt away
all occasiouns tending to the hinderance and detriment therof;
finding nothing more necessar for the weale of the kirk of God,
than the observatioun of a decent and comelie order, in tryell, re-
ceaving, and admissioun of suche persons as beare publict charge
and functioun therin, or that possesse and live by the rents and
fruicts wheron the ministers of God’s Word, the schooles, and
poore, ought to live and be interteanned: And understanding now,
that notwithstanding the puritie and unioun in doctrine continueth
within this realme, by God's favour and providence, the space of
threttie yeeres or thereby now bygane, neverthelesse, the sindrie
troubles and alteratiouns interveening in the meane tyme, have not
suffered the ecclesiasticall policie, in things concerning the necessar
provisioun of them that duelie and lawfullie served in their calling,
nor the tryell and correctioun of them that abused and neglected
the same, to be cared for, and putt to due executioun : for remeed
1589. OF TEIE EIRR OF SCOTIAND, 65
wherof, and provisioun to eshew the like inconveniences heerafter,
nothing hath appeared more necessar and expedient, than to es-
tablishe a certane and lovable forme of ordinar judgement, for
cognoscing upon all causes and vices which may be led against the
persons or lives of whatsomever ministers, or others brooking bene-
fices of cure, or others ecclesiasticall livings or rents, as ministers,
readers, or as teachers, schollers, students, or maisters of hospitalls,
receavers or intrometters with the rents belonging, or destined to
the sustentatioun of the ministrie, teachers, and schollers, or releefe
of the poore and impotent: And being informed of the pietie,
learning, discretioun, experience, and sound judgement of his Weil-
belovits, Mrs Robert Pont, David Lindsey, Robert Bruce, Adam
Johnstoun, and James Carmichaell, all ministers and preachers of
God's Word, his Majestie, with the advice of the Lords of his Se-
creit Counsell, hath elected, nominated, constituted, and ordeanned,
and by the said commissioun nominats, elects, makes, constituts, and
ordeans them Judges and Commissioners in ecclesiasticall causes, to
the effect underwrittin; giving, granting, and committing to them,
or anie two of them conjunctlie, full power and authoritie to call be-
fore them all persons pretending to be provided, or anie wise
bruiking benefices of cure, or others ecclesiasticall livings or rents
belonging, or destined to the sustentatioun of the ministrie, or of
teachers, or schollers in universiteis or schooles, or for releefe of the
poore and impotent, which are or sall be delated of heresie,
papistrie, false and erroneous doctrine, commoun blasphemie, non-
residence, pluralitie, simonie, and dilapidatioun, or anie of the saids
causes and vices; to heare and see them deprived, and decerned to
tyne their said benefices, or others ecclesiasticall livings or rents
therefore; as also, to call and proceed to deprivatioun against them,
and all beneficed persons that are alreadie, or sall happin to be
heerafter first convicted criminallie, for treasoun, slaughter, mutila-
tioun, adulterie, incest, thiſt, commoun oppressioun, usurie, perjurie,
and falshood. And, in like maner, to call and proceed to depriva-
tioun against all persons pretending to be provided to benefices pleno
jure, having cure of Soules annexed to them, without lawfull pre-
WOL, V, E
66 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1589.
sentatioun and ordinar collatioun, according to the lawes and lovable
custome of the realme. With power also to call before them, and
cognosce upon all double titles of benefices, if questioun be, upon
admissioun givin upon double presentatiouns, and to doe justice to
the parteis compleaning upon wrong admissioun givin by whatsom-
ever person, bishop, commissioner, or anie other pretending right
of admissioun ; and to discerne their right to be valuable, that Sall
be found to have best right and title. And to trie and consider
what prelaceis have vaiked since the acceptatioun of the governe-
ment of the realme in his Majestie's owne persoun; and if the kirks
annexed to the said prelaceis be provided of sufficient ministers,
with competent livings, and stipends be reserved in the said pro-
visiouns, to the effect that ministers may be provided thereto ad
vitam ; and to the effect that if anie gifts or provision of prelaceis
be alreadie, or sall happin to passe otherwise, the samine may be
declared null, and of none availl, force, nor effect, according to the act
of parliament made theranent: and to searche, enquire, and trie the
true estat of the rentalls of all prelaceis, and other benefices within
this realme, at this present; and in whose default, and by what occa-
sioun the saids benefices the rents therof are so farre hurt and
dismembred, that therafter the best remeeds possible may be con-
sidered and provided, for helping of the saids rentalls heerafter,
both for the weale of his Hienesse and the kirk. With power to
the said judges and commissioners, or anie two of them conjunctlie,
as said is, to proceed and minister justice in the said causes; and
to sitt in the yle, within the parish kirk of Edinburgh, or anie
other places, at whatsomever day or dayes they sall thinke expedi-
ent, als weill in tyme of vacance as others, dispensing with them
theranent; and to make, creat, substitute, and ordeane clerks, and
all other officers needfull, for execution of their offices in the said
commissioun ; and to summoun witnesses, if need be, to compeere
before them, ilk persoun under the paine of twentie punds. And,
generallie, etc., firme and stable, etc. And that the said commis-
Sioun be extended in the best forme, with all clauses needfull; with
command in the same, to the Lords of Counsell and Sessioun, to
1589. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 67
grant siclyke letters and executioun upon the decreits and sentences
of the said judges and commissioners, or in helpe and supplee of
their processe and judgement, as of anie other judges ordinar with-
in this realme. Charging alsua, all and sindrie his Hienesse’
lieges, to answere and obey the saids judges and commissioners in
all things concerning the execution of the said commissioun, under
all highest paine and charge,” etc.
“Subscribed by our Soverane Lord, at Leith, the 15th day of
October, the yeere of God 1589 yeeres.”
THE KING FM BARRETEI FOR, NORWAY.
The king embarked at Leith, upon the 22d of October, at nyne
houres at night, accompanied with Chanceller Matlane, Mr Alex-
ander Lindsay, Lord Spynie, Sir William Keith, the Justice-
Clerk, the Proveist of Glencludden, the Laird of Barnbarroch, the
Laird of Carmichael, Mr Johne Skeene, and sindrie other barons
and gentlemen, to the number of three hundreth persons. At his
departure, he willed Mr Robert Bruce to be made acquaint with
the effaires of the countrie, and proceedings of the counsell, re-
posing, as he professed, upon him and the rest of the ministrie
above all his nobles. He was not disappointed, for they did their
endeavoure, and the countrie was never in greater peace than during
his absence. Where as before, few moneths or weekes past over
without slaughter and bloodshed, there was little or none at all
done in his absence.
GOVERNOURS APPOINTED IN THE KING's ABSENCE.
The day after the king embarked, a proclamatioun was made at
the Croce of Edinburgh, wherin the caus of his departure was ex-
pressed, the chanceller and others that were in companie purged
of all entysement, and the governours whom he had left behind
him nominated. The Duke of Lennox, with the assistance of
Bothwell, was appointed to have a care of the east parts, but to
{38 CALDERWOOD'S EIISTORIE 1589.
doe nothing without advice of the Counsell; the nobilitie and
gentlemen of everie shyre neere hand were appointed to remaine in
Edinburgh fourteene dayes by course; Hammilton, for the West,
to remaine in Dumfreis, and take the advice of Glencarne, Max-
well, Hereis, Boyd ; and so furth of the rest.
BOTHWELL MAKETEI HIS REPENTANCE.
Bothwell, in the king's absence, offered to Mr Robert Bruce
and Mr Robert Rollocke to make his publict repentance. So,
upon the Sabboth day, the nynth of November, he humbled him-
self on his knees, in the Little Kirk before noone, and in the Great
Rirk after noone. In his confession, he wished that he could
utter all that was in his heart, and prayed the people to pray for
him. He confessed his licentious and dissolute life, and promised
to prove another man in tyme comming. But he mocked God and
his people, as was seene after; for the same night, or soone aſter,
he ravished the Erle of Gowrie's daughter out of Dirleton, and
likewise mett with the northland conspiratours conveened in Kin-
cairdin, as was alledged, at the baptisme of the Lord Hume's
childe. There arose a querrell betuixt him and the Lord Hammil-
toun, becaus of some emulatioun betuixt the Lord Hammiltoun
and the duke, Hammiltoun being somewhat malcontented that
the duke sould have beene left cheeſe president and governour in
the king's absence. But Bothwell yecláed, being brought to ac-
knowledgement of his owne rashnesse by Mr Robert Bruce. How-
beit, he made his repentance in the kirk with teares, and said, he
wished God would perswade them all of his repentance, as God
had perswaded him, and so knitt to him the hearts of manie, yitt
in short tyme it was seene that it was but a false perswasioun.
The king arrived in Norwey within six dayes after he embarked,
and came to Upslaw in Norway the 19th of November, and was
maried with great solemnitie and triumphe in that toun, upon the
24th day of November, by Mr David Lindsay, minister at Leith,
who accompanied him. Colonell Stuart and the Laird of Barn-
1589. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. (39
barroch returned to Scotland, and reported that he had landed in
safetie, and was maried in proper persoun. They brought with
them this letter following, from Mr David Lindsay, to the elder-
ship of Edinburgh –
“The Lord Jesus Christ by his mightie power confort you.
“After diverse perells, and troublesome journeyes both by sea
and land, we came heere to Upslaw, the 19th of November, where I
maried his Majestie the nixt Sunday therafter, with a princesse
both godlie and beautifull, as appeareth to all that knoweth her.
I trust she sall bring a blessing to the countrie, lyke as she giveth
great contentment to his Majestie. Before our comming, the
counsell of Denmarke had concluded not to suffer her to take the
sea this winter, which is the caus of our stay. And albeit his
Majestie hath granted licence to the greatest part of his companie
to returne homeward, yitt I could not obteane the like, seing
thereby, altogether he would have beene destituted of a minister.
And, surelie, I would not willinglie have accompanied his Majestie
to this countrie, if I had not done the like in his home-comming.
I trust the sight of this countrie sall be profitable to his Majestie
and the kirk. Remember us in your prayers. Leaving to trouble
you farther, committs you to the protectioun of God. From Ups-
law, the 28th of November, 1589.
“Your loving brother,
“DAVID LINDSEY.
“His Majestie hath commanded me to write earnestlie unto you,
that in his absence you be verie diligent to counsell all estats of per-
sons to keepe good order and quietnesse ; which will make him to
esteeme weill of the whole ministrie, which they will know at his
Majestie's returning. Great necessitie constraineth his Grace to
be so long absent, as after yee will better understand.”
70 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1590.
THE KING's LETTER TO MR. R. BRUCE.
The king wrote a freindlie letter to Mr Robert Bruce, wherin he
thanked him for the care he had of the peace of the countrie in his
absence, acknowledging that he was worthie of the quarter of his
petite kingdome.
THE KING's JOURNEY OUT OF NORWEY TO DENMARKE.
The king stayed at Upslaw from the 19th of November till the
22d of December. Then, being earnestlie requeisted by the king,
the queen mother, and the rest of the counsell, to come and visite
them, he tooke journey toward Denmarke, and was weill inter-
teaned by the way in manie of the preests' houses, where he had
occasion to consider and to take to heart the povertie of the mini-
sters of Scotland, and to thinke upon some remeed in the owne
tyme. The King of Sweden's brother convoyed our king and
queen through a part of Sweden, accompanied with foure hundreth
hors weill appointed at the commandement of the King of Sweden,
howbeit there was warre betuixt Denmark and Sweden in the
meane tyme. They went through Newluds, which is esteemed the
secund towne of Sweden.
M.D.XC.
AN ATTEMPT TO SURPRIZE EDINBURGH SUSPECTED.
Upon Moonday, the fyft of Januar, there was a great feare of
surprizing Edinburgh in the night by the Papists, who were thought
to be in the toun with their freinds, verie frequent. The repaire
of Crawfurd, Claud Hammiltoun, the Setouns, and others evillaf-
fected to religioun, and the sight of manie uncouth faces, bred this
suspicioun. The suspicioun was augmented by a brute of some
Spaniards to be sent from the Duke of Parma to Leith. The Erle
of Morton and Maister of Glames being in Dalkeith, wairned the
1590. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 71
Erle of Marr, the Lord Hume, the Lord Lindsey, the Lairds of Ces-
furd, Coldingknowes, and others their freinds, to be in readinesse
upon the nixt advertisement. They purposed to goe to Edinburgh
in cace the Popish factioun had stayed long, or had increassed in
number. The duke and Bothwell found fault with the burgesses
for bearing their swords, and keeping so strait watche without their
advice and warrant. The proveist and bailliffes, accompanied with
Mr Robert Bruce, answered, that they had done nothing but accord-
ing to their priviledges. They laboured to perswade Mr Bowes, the
English ambassader, and the ministers, that they had no purpose,
ather against the ministers or other professors. Montrose wrote
likewise that it sould be against his will if anie stranger landed
heere: and yitt, Thomas Duncan of Leith reported, that Johne
Knolls of Aberdeen had caried letters to the Duke of Parma, di-
rected from sindrie noblemen, and had brought his answere again.
And, in the meane tyme, a Spanish shippe arrived at Wigtoun with
gold, as was suspected, to the Scotish crles. The lords lieutenants
sent the Pryour of Blantyre and the Laird of Barnbarroch to try.
They brought with them upon the 28th of Januar the captan of
the shippe, three Spaniards, a Scotishman called Melvill, an Eng-
lishman, two mariners; and left in the shippe to the number of
threttie persons. The Scotish mariner was wairded in the Castell
of Edinburgh; the rest were sett at libertie, howbeit there were
sindrie presumptiouns, that they were come to plumme our waters,
and to try where the Spanish fleete might land.
NIDRIE KILLETH A GENTLEMAN IN THE KING's ABSENCE.
Upon the 16th of Januar the young Laird of Nidrie killed a
gentleman depending upon the Abbot of Halyrudhous, becaus he
reproved him for striking of an officer of armes. Immediatlie after
the slaughter he went to Edinburgh, and had conference with Both-
well. This was the onlie slaughter that I heare of in the king's
absence; but committed by the man who had escaped the hands
of justice in an uncouth maner, whill the king was present.
7
2
CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1590.
THE KING RECEAVED BY THE RING OF DENMARK.
Upon the 21st of Januar the king crossed the Sound before Elsi-
nure, and landed at the Castell called Tamberrie; being mett by
the king, the queene, the queene mother, the Duke of Holster, upon
the bridge; the king's brother, Elizabeth, the king's eldest sister,
the foure regents, and the rest of the counsell. After salutatioun
they marched, everie one in their owne rankes, in to the castell; the
King of Scotland, the King of Denmarke, the Queene of Scotland,
the Queene of Denmark; the Duke of Holster going before them
bare-headed, the princesse Elizabeth following the two queens, and
the counsell according to their owne rankes. The cannons were
shott continuallie for halfe an houre.
PETITIONS TO TEIE [ING AND COUNSELL.
Upon Tuisday, the 27th of Januar, diverse brethrein of the
ministrie assembled to Edinburgh. They agreed that a commoun
letter sould be sent to the king to deplore the estat of the church.
Item, That some of their number sould be sent to the counsell with
some petitiouns; speciallie, that commissioun be givin to some to
concurre with some of the ministrie, to try who would concurre by
subscriptioun for the maintenance of religioun, the countrie, and
the king's authoritie, according to the order taikin by the king and
counsell before about a yeere since, when the Spaniards were looked
for.
Mr Johne Davidsone penned this letter following, at the desire
of some brethrein, to be sent to the Queen of England; which
conteaneth an apologie for our kirk against the calumneis of Doctor
Bancroft, uttered in sermoun, the first Sabboth day after the begin-
ning of the parliament, and after published in print. But it was
not sent and delivered as was intended.
1590. OF THIE [IRR OF SCOTLAND, 73
“To the Most Mightie Princesse, and worthille Most Renowned Ladie
of our dayes, Elizabeth, Queene of England, &c., and her Right
Honorable Counsellers; the Ministrie of God’s Word in Scotland,
presentlie assembled in Edinburgh, wishe the increase of the spirit of
godlie governement, with a long and prosperous raigne in Christ, to
her Majestie. Amen.
“As ever hitherto, Most Mightie Princesse, and Right Honor-
able Counsellers, we have beene most carefull of the continuance of
the commoun peace in Christ betweene these two realmes, which,
as no doubt it is weill knowne to you all, so it pleased her Majestie,
in speciall, within these few yeeres, not without great significatioun
of a thankefull minde, by your owne hand writt to acknowledge us
heerin, in speciall, to be your most loving freinds and trustie weill
willers, as (God be praised) we continue to this day; professing
freindship and good will in Christ, als weill to your self as to your
whole realme. As we have ever beene most carefull of this, we
say, so we have ever cheefelie studied that Christian concord might
be procured and nourished within the bowells of our owne countrie
and commoun weale, by teaching everie man in his place and call-
ing, first to obey God, and then the civill magistrat, in the Lord.
Wherof, beside the testimonie of our owne consciences, we have
the king his Majestie, the counsell, and whole bodie of this com-
moun weale to beare witnesse.
“Howbeit we grant our labours in this cace, through the malice
of Satan, and God’s secreit judgements, have not had suche prosper-
ous successe as from our hearts most earnestlie we wish, which in no
wise can be attributed to God’s holie ordinance, nor to our good
endeavoure in that behalfe ; neverthelesse, some aspiring heads,
and bissie spirited men of the ecclesiasticall estat, (as they will be
called,) namelie, of your realme, more carefull of their owne preſer-
ment worldlie, with the defacing of others, than studious appear-
andlie of godlic edifeing, and interteaning of brotherlie charitie,
have laboured verie earnestlie this long tyme, als weill to sow some
74 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1590.
seeds of mislyking of us and our ministrie into the heart of our
owne native prince, as to bring us and it into utter contempt with
you. And becaus they darre not openlie accuse us in the mater of
commoun amitie, least thereby their malicious purpose sould soone
be made manifest unto you, who so weill know our uprightnesse in
that cace, they have gone to worke another way, and laboured by
all meanes without and within to bring upon us and our ministrie
the whole blame of all the domestick unquietnesse and civill sedi-
tiouns that have beene this long tyme within the bowells of our
owne commoun weale, making us and our ministrie cheefe authors
and instruments therof; yea, more, they upbraid us as the firebrands
of rebellioun against our native soverane, and the onlie bellowes of
great attempts against the pretious life of his royall persoun, (than
the which nothing can more deepelie wound our troubled hearts;)
heereby schooting, not so muche at our persons, as at Christ's holie
ministrie through our sides; the sinceritie wherof in our weake
hands, as it is most fearefull unto their guiltie consciences, so they
thinke most safelie to bring it into hatred with you, and everie one
of you, by surmising slanderous reports against us of things done, or
alledged to be done, in our owne countrie, the particulars wherof,
as they are not universallie so weill knowne to all, so more easilie
may they breed suspicioun, except by tyme they be confuted.
“Heerof it hath come to passe, that as in manie other things they
uttered their malice against us, so did they never lay themselves
more opin in our contrarie than at the tyme of our late troubles;
in contriving wherof, whether they were guiltie in anie sort, that is,
whether they procured that Diotrephes, apostat of St Andrewes,
to come into England to them, or whether, like Judas, he willinglie
went and offered his service in that behalfe unto them, or what
was their part in that pagean, we leave it to the day of the Lord's
farther revelatioun. How ever it was, as he was weill interteanned
with the cheefe of that crew, so soone after his returne into Scot-
land, that alteratioun followed, wherupon he and his complices
tooke boldnesse to use that houre and power of darknesse, to write
1590. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 75
most slanderous reproaches and false reports of us, and of our
whole church and ministrie ; and falselie fathering them upon the
king, (as in the owne place sall be cleerelie proved,) under the
name of ‘The King's Majestie's Declaratioun, caused them to be
printed, and in great number sent into England, with all expedi-
tioun ; where they were so joyfullie receaved of these good men,
your ecclesiasticall subjects, (who were even greedilie gaiping for
them, as appeared,) that they haistilie did divulgat them. And
becaus they would not have the mater buried, so farre as in them
lay, they allowed (we will not say procured) the printing and re-
printing again of the booke in Londoun, with a most odious addi-
tioun of a new preface, to engender the greater hatred in the
hearts of all men against us, our church and ministrie. And so,
triumphing as it were in our ignominie, [they] presented it to your
Majestie, as we were informed, or to diverse, at the least, great per-
sonages of cheefe credit with your Majestie, greatlie rejoicing in
reading and marking sindrie passages, which they thought served
most to overwhelme us with everlasting shame : as also, for the
perpetuall memorie therof, they have passed it to be sett in and
imprinted, word for word, as we heare, in the chronicles of your
countrie, compiled by Holinshed—a mater, no doubt, worthie of
tymelie correctioun, least the whole historie gett the lesse credit,
being blotted with such a blurre of manifest falshood, conteaning
als manie lees as lynes.
“Neverthelesse, albeit so manie and diverse wise we have beene
abused and highlie provoked by these your subjects aforesaid,
having alwayes before our eyes the studie of commoun quietnesse,
and continuance of the happie amitie betweene the two realmes,
we have peaceablie putt up all these indigniteis to this day; never
rencountering the same by word or writt, as, otherwise, it was
lawfull eneugh for us to have done; ever hoping that ather these
good people would surceasse from suche uncharitable kinde of deal-
ing toward us, or ellis that yee by your authoritie would correct
and suppresse their insolencie in that cace, considering that the
beginning of strife is as the breaking out of water, as Salomon
76 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1590.
sayeth. But we find, that of our silence they have taikin greater
boldnesse, in so muche, that not onlie are some of our worthie and
Weill approved brethrein who escaped into England in our late
troubles particularlie pointed out, as we heare, with most false and
reproachefull titles, by diverse of that proud generatioun, after their
arrogant, yea, and manie tymes (as speciallie in this cace) verie
ignorant maner: a mater, they must thinke, that in no wise we can
Winke at ;-but also, of verie purpose, they have sett up a chap-
lane, called Richard Bancroft, to blaze our infamie to the whole
World, so farre as in them lyeth ; who, among manie other un-
worthie parts, uttered against the good brethrein of your owne
land, openlie at Paul's Croce, on Sunday the nynth of Februar
last, in the tyme of parliament, in the most frequent assemblie of
the realme, upon most false and frivole grounds, hath more impu-
dentlie traduced us and our ministrie, than hath beene done at anie
tyme heeretofore; not spairing our verie dead, but railing against
that famous father of happie memorie, Mr Knox. And not con-
tented to have us, in open sermoun, publictlie traduced, they have
also, not trying the spirits, caused the same infamous and invective
declaratioun come out in print, to the further defaming and pro-
voking of us to greater contentioun. As also, they ceasse not, as
we heare, to make our discipline rediculous in the eyes of men, by
scoffing us in their stage playes. Wherefore, as we have thought it
high tyme, by a short and modest answere, to purge our selves and
our ministrie of so manifold calumneis most falselie forged against
us, especiallie by that late firebrand, Bancroft, so we have thought
it altogether expedient most humblie to requeist your Hienesse
and Honours to looke to these things by tyme, that als weill this
said chaplane, with his complices in that cace, may be duelie cor-
rected for their most injurious dealing against us, as also, that suf-
ficient order may be taikin for tymelie repressing the lyke attempts
in tyme comming, als weill in him as all others your subjects fore.
said; least otherwise we, being drivin through their unrepressed
insolencie, by answering to cleere our innocencie in these caces,
the mater come to a greater contentioun (which God forbid) than
1590, OF THE FIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 77
Weill can be quenched in our dayes: as also, by these our letters
unfaimedlie to protest, that as there is nothing that more earnestlie
We desire, than the continuance of our wounted love in Christ, so
there is nothing that more we abhorre than that the commoun
enemie, the Papists, sould take anie heart unto them, through our
contentioun about these maters, to upbraid the undoubted truthe,
which otherwise universallie we professe, after their wounted
maner. For as there are manie thowsands in England of all sorts
and degrees that agree fullie with us, even in the mater of disci-
pline it self, alsweill as in all the articles of religioun, so there is
no great variance (in professioun at the least) betweene these our
adversars in that cace and us, save onlie in the points of doctrine
which concerne discipline. Wherin, if they can not agree with us,
lett them temper themselves, at the least, in the meane tyme, from
all farther uncharitable dealing against us heerafter, untill it may
please God to move your wisdoms to a farther consideratioun of
reforming the great present abuses of your church governement, ac-
cording to the Word of God, to the glorie of his name, and sure
establishing of amitie betweene the two realmes, through Christ
Jesus our Lord. Amen.”
Johne Nortoun, Englishman, and stationer, dwelling in Edin-
burgh, his letter to Doctor Bancroft, wherin he thanked him for
his bountifulnesse, was intercepted. He was examined upon the
12th of Februar, when he was readie to take journey toward Eng-
land, by Mr Robert Bruce, and some others of the ministrie, upon
suspicion of secreit intelligence with Bancroft, to the prejudice of
our kirk. He confessed, with teares, that he was sett on worke by
his uncle, old Nortoun, at the requeist of Doctor Bancroft, upon
promise of some commoditeis in his trade; and exhibited to them
some questions delivered by old Nortoun in Paul’s Church to him,
for resolutioun and informatioun,
78 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1590.
BANCROFT's QUESTIONS.
“1. Considering the king's edict, 1584, how it came to passe, that
the bishops were so soone overthrowne again, and the presbytereis
So Soone re-established; and of the circumstances of that actioun ?
“2. How manie presbytereis there be in Scotland erected;
whether there be one in everie parish, according to their old dis-
tinctioun of parishes; or if they have made a new distinction of
them, how manie parishes generallie they have putt into one, and
whether everie suche parish or presbyterie have a preaching pastor,
and a catechizing doctor?
“3. How manie elders are generallie in everie presbyterie; and
whether they be suche men, and so qualified, as St Paul, 1 Tim.
iii., required a bishop to be qualified: likewise, how manie deacons
there are, and whether they be qualified in everie respect lyke unto
St Paul’s deacons? 1 Tim. iii.
“4. If no ministers be allowed of, but suche as be preachers,
and that some parishes have therefore none at all, what becometh
of the people in suche parishes as are destituted; who christeneth
their childrein; what prescript forme of publict prayer have they,
als weill in the weeke dayes as upon the Sundayes 2
“5. If manie parishes, as too farre, are become one, what is done
with the old churches of the former parishes; how farre thereby
are men constrained to come to their presbyterie church; how oft
in the weeke are the people bound to come thither, and how are
the churches keeped in reparation, generallie, through the countrie P
“6. Whether have they in their consistoreis anie sett jurisdic-
tioun; whether the king be exempted from their censures? By
what authoritie doe they command anie man to compeere before
them? If one, for exemple, sall be compleaned of for adulterie,
or anie other the like offence, and doe deny the same, by what
course of law doe they proceed against him? whether doe they
examine witnesses upon their oathes against the supposed offender,
or whether doe they inflict their censure upon a bare relatioun,
1590. OF TIE ICIRK OF SCOTLANT). 79
without the oath of suche as be accusers? or whether are not suche
offenders first convicted by witnesses before the civill magistrate,
and then, after they have susteaned suche punishment as the law of
the realme doeſh lay upon them, are they returned to the ecclesi-
asticall censures 2
“7. If this last course mentionned be observed, and if the partie
so punished by the lawes of the realme doeth schow himself there-
by verie penitent, whether doe the consistoreis proceed against
Suche a persoun anie further by their censures 2
“8. If anie man suppose himself to be injureid by anie presby-
terial consistorie, whether he may appeale; and whither; and
whether have everie presbyterie an absolute jurisdictioun, so as in
the causses they deale withall there lyeth no appeale from them P
“9. What maner of causes be they, wherewith all the consisto-
rians doe not meddle ; whether they doe keepe the old distinctioun
of ecclesiasticall and civill causes, and so deale with ecclesiasticall
onlie : or whether doe they not accompt all the causes of the king-
dom, being a Christian kingdome, to be ecclesiasticall, and so in-
trude themselves to be dealers and directers, als weill in temporall
causes as ecclesiastical ?
“10. Whether is all the canon law abrogated 2 If it be not, what
lawes and constitutiouns have the presbytereis to proceed by ? or
whether have they none at all, but that everie consistorie doeth pro-
ceed according to their owne consciences, ruled, as everie one may
say, by the Word of God?
“11. How doe the ministers and the elders agree in everie consis-
torie; and whether doe they proceed, in suche caces as doe come
before them, by number of most voices 2
“12. What place have the ministers and consistoriall elders
there in parliament? whether have they voices in all kinde of
causes, or in ecclesiasticall onlie P or whether have the laitie in suche
assembleis anie thing to deale with maters of the church, other-
wise than to confirme these things (without questioun making or
farther disputatioun) which the ministers and elders doe deter-
mine P
80 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1590.
“13. Whether have they anie sett Assemblies termed Confer-
ences; and how manie presbytereis doe apperteane to everie Suche
conference P Whether the old distinction of bishop's dioceis be not
reteaned, and whether the whole land, in respect of the church
governement, be not distinguished in provinces? If it be, whether
have they not provinciall synods? if they have, how manie confer-
ences are bound to appeare in that synod P If they have neither of
these synods or meeting, what kinde of synods or meeting have
they ; who doeth summoun them, and by what authoritie are they
summouned P
“14. If they have certane sett synods, etc., appointed by law,
then, if the ministers and elders doe thinke meete to assemble them-
selves extraordinarilie, whether may they doe so or no P By whose
commandement doe they soe assemble; and who doeth give parti-
cular notice therof to everie severall man P
“15. If the governours of anie particular presbyterie doe thinke
this or that to be expedient for the congregatioun committed to
their charge, which is not alreadie concluded of by anie former
and greater authoritie, whether may they by their owne authoritie
appoint and command the same P
“16. Upon anie occasioun which there sall fall out of the meet-
ings of the ministers and elders, whether in conferences, provincial
synods, or howsoever, by what authoritie doe they command these
things to be generallie observed, which there they doe conclude and
determine? If by the king's, then, whether hath his Majestie a ne-
gative voice therin If he use the said voice, whether may they,
notwithstanding, urge the people to observe them, and punishe them
if they disobey them 2 And whether may the ministers proceed
against his Majestie with their ecclesiasticall censures, if he sall per-
sist in denying to confirme anie suche their decrees 2
“ 17. Whether do they attribute unto the king anie further
authoritie in causes ecclesiasticall, (now Seing their presbytereis are
erected,) than that he ought to defend the same so erected, and
confirme by his authoritie suche lawes and maters ecclesiasticall, as
the ministers and elders sall conclude of, so as, by his commandement,
1590. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 81
they may be the better observed? or what farther authoritie they
attribute to him P
“18. What maintenance of living have the ministers ? If but
little, how doe they beare it 2 How are the bishops' livings be-
stowed ? who hath the tithes P or whether be there none payed at
all ? If the laitie have both the said livings and tithes, who doe
pay the ministers their wages 2 If the people doe pay them, how
doe they take it to pay their tithes to the laitie, and yitt to have
that charge layed upon them for the finding of their ministers?
“19. Whether have the lay or ruling elders anie allowance for
their pains in their severall charges; and who doeth pay it 2
“20. What accompt is generallie made of the ministers for their
learning, gravitie, and age, to be ministers; of the elders, for their
maner of proceeding, and of that presbyteriall governement for the
course which generallie it holdeth P. How are their censures gene-
rallie feared; and what great reformatioun of maners doeth there-
by appeare, especiallie prayer, fasting, obedience to superiours, hu-
militie, brotherlie love, and patience 2
“21. What course hath beene held against the Archbishop of St
Andrewes?
“22. Whether is Buchanan's treatise, “De Jure Regni apud
Scotos, approved there by the consistorians, and the contents ther-
of allowed for good doctrine?
“23. How have the ministers dealt with the king from tyme to
tyme 7”
Upon the 19th of Februar, the king wrote this letter following
to Mr Robert Bruce :-
“Good MR ROBERT, Besides the welcome newes that by your
last letter yee sent unto me, yee painted out so vivelie therin
your honest meaning to my service, besides the good report I have
otherwise heard of your daylie travells for that effect, now during
my absence, as I thinke myself beholdin whill I live never to for-
gett the same. And now, Mr Robert, since by the seasoun of the
yeere, ye may perceave that, God willing, your fasherie in that is
WOL. W. I'
82 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1590.
neere an end, yee may fight out the rest of your battell with greater
courage; Nam perseveranti in finem, etc. I pray you, wakin up
all men to attend my comming, and prepare themselves accord-
inglie, for my dyett will be sooner, able," nor is looked for ; and as
our Maister sayeth, I will ‘come lyke a theefe in the night; and
whose lampe I find burning, provided with oyle, these will I cunne
thankes to, and bring into the bankett hous with me; but these
that laike their burning lampes, provided with oyle, will be barred
at the doore, for then will I not accept their crying, ‘Lord, Lord,
at my comming, that have forgett me all the tyme of my absence.
How properlie this metaphore conveeneth with my purpose, I leave
to your judgement. For God’s sake, take all the paines yee can
to toone our folkes weill, now against our home comming, least we
be all shamed before strangers; and exerce diligentlie your new
office of redder and componner | I thinke this tyme sould be a holie
jubilee in Scotland; and our shipps sould have the vertue of the
arke, in agreing for a tyme at least, naturales inimicitias inter feras;
for if otherwise it fell out, (quod Deus avertat,) I behoved to come
home like a drunken man amongst them, as the prophet Sayeth ;
which would weill keepe decorum, to comming out of so drunken
a countrie as this is. I pray you, recommend me heartilie to the
good proveist of your toun; and in anie thing he can, pray him to
assist my effaires, as I have ever beene certane of his good will in
moe services; speciallie desire him to further all he can the reeking
out of three or foure shippes, to meete me heere, and convoy me
home, as more particularlie the counsell’s directiouns will informe
him ; and likewise, I doubt not, he will assist the Maister of Worke,
in getting als manie good craftsmen as may be had, for ending out
the halfe perfytted Abbey, that lyes in suche a dead thraw, as did
the hoastie of Hoc est enim cor—betuixt the Spangnell preest's hands.
Thus recommending me and my new rib to your daylie prayers, I
committ you to the Onelie Alsufficient.
“From the Castell of Croneburg, the 19th of February, 1589.
“JAMES R.
* Perhaps.
1590. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 83
“Recommend me heartilie to my three ministers, and show Mr
Patrik my man, I am sorie he has beene so long hained from court.
But he may the better wait on heerafter.”
This letter was directed on the backe in these words,-
“To our trustie and weilbeloved, Mr Robert Bruce,
Minister of the Evangell at Edinburgh.”
About the same tyme, Chanceller Matlane being in companie
with the king, wrote likewise to Mr Robert Bruce as followeth :—
“To my loving Brother, Mr Robert Bruce, Minister of Christ's
Evangell at Edinburgh.
“BROTHER,-By your letter of the 28th of November, delivered
to me the ferd of Januar, (wherof I thanke you most heartilie,) I
understand what was then the estat of that realme, more quiett
than there was appearance at his Majestie's departure, which is
cheefelie to be imputed to the mercie of God; as alsua, all men
standing upon their owne guarde, leaning to no other protectioun.
The practises of bussie men tending to incompatible ends, and your
owne travells in componing differences, and watchefull ey and
paines taiken to obviat to factious persons, has beene no small oc-
casioun of quietnesse in hoc quasi interregno. Yee have beene
keeped occupyed beside your ordinarie charge, to keepe all things
in good frame there, wherof his Majestie has understand by diverse
meanes; and so conceaves of you, as one in that realme most care-
full of him and his estat, as yee will more amplie understand by his
owne letter.
“My cheeſe care was to perswade his Majestie's returning before
the closing of the seas; which I could not obteame, (for suche oc-
casiouns as I doubt not yee have knowne er now,) by suche as
were directed from us. Sensyne, ...I am holdin perplexed and in
cummer to conserve his Majestie's tocher; which moved me cheefc-
lie to be so farre opposite in opinioun to his Majestie and others
84 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1590.
heere, and to withstand the resolutioun taikin for his repairing from
Norway to Denmarke, foreseing (beside the cummer and coast to
thir countreis, and their Majesties’ travell in so longsome a jour-
ney) what occasioun of expences he sould have in a forrane part,
in the eyes of strangers, where diverse dukes of Germanie are to
repaire, whose companie, and exemple, and honour of his ranke and
name above theirs, sould putt him to exorbitant charges. As alsua,
interview of princes produces not oft the expected fruict, but breeds
rather emulatioun, than increasse of amitie or good intelligence.
And heere we are farther from home, and must have a more long-
some, publict, and perellous voyage in our returning, than we might
have had out of Norway, which is little above three dayes sailling
from Scotland. Although my arguments and oppositioun were
not effectuall to stay the journey, yitt I hope to gett the most part
of the tocher preserved, which will not be without great feed and
difficultie; for to save the whole will be impossible, in respect of
our slender provisioun, and honour and necessitie being so urgent.
The next remeed is, to haste his Majestie's returning, wherin I sall
be an earnest solister, and have alreadie dealt with them of cheefest
authoritie heere, who have alreadie givin command to beginne to
prepare the navie. It is looked for heere, that some shippes sall
be directed from Scotland, with the first commoditie, with the most
expert mariners, and skilfull pylots to conduct this navie, speciallie
in the Scottish waters, where thir men leane not greatlie to their
owne experience. If suche had beene in the fleete, the last yeere,
his Majestie would not have needed to have interprised this voy-
age. They are indeid necessar, and would serve to great purpose,
if they might convenientlie be had.
“His Majestie's dyet will not be divulgated, and no certane day
prefixed to his loosing; and he intends, in all events, to be the first
warner. I hope in God his arrivall there sall be sooner nor is ex-
pected; and if anie bussie braines be sett on worke, their practises
sall be prevented, and they surprized unawars. We heare from
Germanie manie of the princes there are weill affected to the sin-
cere truthe, and that manie of them agree fullie with us in religioun.
1590. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 85
There is good hope of reformatioun in manie of their estats, if it
were wiselie travelled, as also, that they would gladelie yeeld to
a contraleague, to occurre to that antichristian, which threatneth all
Europ. We are airche" to meddle deepelie therin, fearing to irritat
the jealousie of our nighbours, who would misconstrue all our pro-
ceedour therin, if we sould deale without their privitie. Yitt moyen
sall be made to prepare the mindes of Suche as we may move, at-
tending the concurrence, or rather, the motioun of England to that
purpose. The Dukes of Magilburgh and Brunswicke are shortlie to
be heere, where the mariage of the eldest sister sould have beene
accomplished. But for my owne part, I thought it was not meete
for his Majestie, that it sould be celebrated during the tyme of his
residence heere, for manie consideratiouns. It is indirectlie gottin
delayed till the Sunday after Witsonday.
“As we may have commoditie of bearers, yee sall be advertised
of our proceedings and occurrences heere. My wife has advertised
me, what aid and confort she has of you; wherefore, I can not for-
beare to give you most heartilie thankes. I have writtin to the
Clerk of Register and others to further the platt, which is the
thing in that realme I most affect. I know yee will both be a pro-
moter and carefull soliciter therof. His Majestie has not onlie pro-
mised, but solemnelie vowed, a frugalitie at his returning, wherof
he sees good exemple heere in all estats, speciallie the queene, his
mother-in-law, whom her daughter, our maistresse, is like eneugh to
imitat, and will not be found prodigall, but rather inclyning to the
contrare. So, I have the better esperance vowes sall be performed,
wherof there is alreadie some beginning. I sall by God's grace
observe your counsell, and not deceave your opinioun, wherof I re-
mitt to tyme and occasioun to give full testimonie in the meane
while. After my heartiest commendatiouns to your self, and the
remanent brethrein there, I wishe you in Christ Jesus that which
yee most desire, who mott preserve you eternallie.
“From the Castle of Crouneburgh, the 12th of Februarie, 1589.
“It is beleeved assuredlie heere the queen has conceaved. God
! Reluctant.
86 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1590.
of his mercie blesse us with a godlie young prince, to His glorie,
and the settling of our estate. If so be, we will thinke our travells
Weill bestowed.
“Yours alwayes as his owne,
“JO. MAITLAND.”
THE * * GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.
The Generall Assemblie was conveenned at Edinburgh, the *
day of Marche. Bothwell, Montrose, and Fleming, gave in a Sup-
plicatioun in favours of Fentrie. Some brethrein were appointed
to conferre with him. Upon the fyft of Marche, the said lords re-
queisted for twentie dayes' libertie for further conference. It was
granted, upon conditiouns that he be keeped at the proveist's ap-
pointment in some honest man's hous, where none sould have
accesse to him without the presence of some of the ministrie; and
that if he remained obstinat, they would travell no more for him,
nor have anie dealing with him. Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr Nicoll
Dagleish, Mr Johne Davidsone, and sindrie others, opponned, but
in vaine, and, therefore, Bothwell and Montrose came again to the
Assemblie the same day, after noone, and sought other twentie
dayes, which was hardlie taikin with. Bothwell desired, in end,
that the Assemblie sould conceave no evill opinioun of him, and pro-
mised to speeke no more for Fintrie.
Upon Wednisday, the elleventh of Marche, my Lord Hammil-
toun offered to the Assemblie all kinde of assistance according to
his power. The duke did the like after noone. Manie words, but
few deeds !
It was appointed that a fast sould be keeped everie Sabboth till
the king's returne.
A MINUTE OF THE GENERALL ACTS CONCLUDED IN THE ASSEM-
BLIE THE 3D OF MARCHE, 1589, alias 1590.
First, An act concerning discipline to be used against recepters
of Jesuits, Seminarie preests, and excommunicats, wherof the dili-
1590. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 87
gence is to be reported to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh betuixt
and the first Tuesday of May nixt to come.
All pastors proceeding to the sentence of excommunication
against whatsomever persons, injoyned to send the testimoniall of
the sentence to the sessioun of the ministers of Edinburgh, to be
intimat by them ; as also, the sentence of absolution therfrom,
under the paine to be publictlie admonished that failzies therin.
An act against the keeping of faires and mercats on the Lord's
day, to be execute generallie, and in speciall, against certan persons
nominat therin, who may stay the samine.
The subscription of the band of mainteaning religion and confes-
sion de novo is to be execute by the brethrein, and commissioners ap-
pointed by the Privie Counsell thereto ; and that report of the
diligence be made to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, betuixt and the
20th day of May nixt to come. The said band, with Confes-
sion of Faith, Act of Secreit Counsell concerning Jesuits, Papists,
and Seminarie preists, a new commission to receive subscriptions,
are ordeaned by the counsell to be printed, wherof everie presby-
terie sall tak home a copie; or give tickets to Mr John Davidson
of the persons' names who sall receive the samine, and pay therfor;
and siclike, to tak with them a requeist of the Assemblie to the
commissioners. *
Item, The whole ministers to proceed against Papists within their
bounds, conforme to the acts of the kirk.
Item, Triell de novo is appointed of the whole presbytereis, as
was had before this Assemblie, and their diligence to be givin in
writt, in their Synodall, in October nixt to come, and therefrom
brought back to the Generall, nothing altered in the whole commis-
sion except Elgine, Forresse, and Innernesse, to be tried by them-
selfs, and the presbytereis of Dumfermeline and Kirkaldie to try
themselfs, with the assistance of Mr Andrew Melvill and Mr
Nicoll Dagleish: Haddington, as before, changing Mr Nicoll Da-
gleish with John Brand; and at the triell of Peeblis, for Mr David
Lindsey, John Brand.
The whole presbytereis within this land are commanded to
88 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1590.
direct, under their testimonialls, the names of all the beneficed per-
sons not making residence, and others incurring deprivation by
Act of Parliament, that are els deposed, or sall be deposed heer-
after, to the judges of non-residence, betuixt and the 20th day of
May nixt to come, under the paine to be publictlie rebuked by the
whole Assemblie.
Diligence to be done by pastors, commissioners, and presbytereis
of countreis, against the interteaners of excommunicat persons, viz.,
that after admonition, they be proceeded against with the sentence
of excommunication; and this diligence to be remitted back by
everie presbyterie to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, betuixt and the
first Tuesday of May mixt; and the same order and execution to
be followed on against recepters of Jesuits, Seminarie preists, to be
likewise remitted, under the paine of deposition of the pastors ne-
gligents heerin, and accompting of the presbytereis and commis-
sioners for slouthfulnesse.
Presbytereis and particular sessions to proceed against the vio-
laters of the Lord's day, by keeping of mercats and faires thereon,
with the censures of the kirk; and, in speciall, against the persons
that may stay [them] to be holdin within their bounds.
It is ordeaned, that the brethrein recommend to God, in their
publict and privat supplications, the afflicted brethrein in England,
for the confession of the puritie of the religion.
The act concerning the acceptation of one kirk allanerlie by
everie presbyterie, ratified, and to be putt in execution, and the
refusers to be deposed of the function of the ministrie.
Synodalls are ordeaned to helpe the burrowes tounes within the
same yitt unprovided and unhelped, and provide pastors thereto,
exeeming Edinburgh, Dundie, Glasgow, St Andrewes, which are
to remaine yitt as of before; and the provision to be, by some of
their owne members or otherwise, who are licenced, to be trans-
ported by the Generall Assemblie, or suche as 3% 3%
The act made before, and published in August, 1587, and the act
made in Julie, 1588, were ratified in counsell, at the earnest desire
1590. OF THE KIRIX Olº SCOTLAND. 89
of the Generall Assemblie presentlie conveenned ; and commissioun
givin to a great number of lords, barons, and gentlemen in the coun-
trie, to putt the said acts, and other acts and ordinances, and com-
missiouns against Jesuits, Seminarie preests, and excommunicated
persons, in executioun. And farther, becaus of the brutes and rumors
both of forrane and intestine platts, and preparatioun for the
trouble of the estat of Christian religioun professed within this
realme, and of the king's estate and standing, commission was givin
to certane ministers to call and conveene before the lieges of what-
soever ranke or degree, to subscribe the Confessioun of Faith, and
the generall band made and subscribed alreadie by the king and
certane of his estats, tuiching the maintenance and defence of the
true religioun, the king's person and estate, and withstanding all
forraine preparatiouns and forces tending to the trouble therof;
and commissioun was givin to certane noblemen, barons, and gen-
tlemen, within the bounds particularlie prescribed to them, to con-
curre, in cace the ministers so required disobey, or be found obstimat.
This act was made in the Secreit Counsell upon the sixt of Marche,
in the beginning of the Generall Assemblie, which is extant before
page 1033,' but is to be referred to this place. For it maketh men-
tioun of the Generall Assemblie presentlie conveenned in Marche,
1589, after the old style, that is, 1590 after the new style. So the
act was made when the king was absent.
THE GENERALL BAND.
“We undersubscribing, considering the strait linke and con-
junctioun,” &c. See page 1038.”
THE ACT OF SECREIT COUNSELL AT EDINBURGH, MARCHE 6.
“James, by the grace of God,” &c. See page 1033.”
Upon the 13th of Marche, priviledge was granted to the printer
1 Page 37 of this Volume. * Page 49, * Page 37.
90 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1590.
to print the foresaid act and band, together with the Confessioun
of Faith, as followeth :—
“The Lords of the Secreit Counsell grant, and give license and
priviledge by thir presents, to Robert Waldegrave, to imprint, or
caus to be imprinted, the Confessioun of Faith, together with the
generall band made tuiching the maintenance of true religioun, the
king's Majestie's persoun and estate, and withstanding of all for-
rane preparations and forces tending to the trouble therof: As
also, the Act of Secreit Counsell, conteaning a commissioun to cer-
tane noblemen, barons, and others, for searching, seeking, appre-
hending, and pursute of Papists, Jesuits, Seminarie preests, and ex-
communicated persons: with the like commissioun to certane
ministers of God’s Word, to receave de novo the subscriptions of
all noblemen, barons, gentlemen, and others his Highnesse' lieges
of whatsomever degree, to the said generall band; for the imprint-
ing of the which Band, Act of Secreit Counsell, and the Confes-
sioun forsaid, the saids Lords decerne and declare, that the said
Robert sall not be called or accused criminallie nor civillie, by anie
maner of way, in time comming, nor incurre no skaith nor danger
in his person, lands, nor goods; but the same sall be compted and
esteemed good and acceptable service unto his Majestie, tending
to the advancement of God’s glorie, and commoun weale of this
realme. Exonering him by thir presents of all paine and danger
that may incurre therethrough ; for ever discharging by thir sa-
mine presents, all and sindrie judges and ministers of his Highe-
nesse’ lawes whatsomever, of all calling, accusing, troubling, pur-
suing, or in anie wise proceeding against the said Robert, for the
caus forsaid, and other offices in that part.”
Subscribed by the said Lords, at Edinburgh, the 13th day
of Marche, the yeere of God 1589 yeeres, (1590 after the new
style.)
By warrant of this priviledge, the printer beganne to print the
1590. OF THE KIRIX OIF SCOTLAN ID, 91
Act and Commissioun forsaid, together with the Confessioun of
Faith, about the end of the same moneth.
Upon the 16th of Marche, the subjects were charged, by procla-
matioun, to persevere in quietnesse, so muche the rather, becaus
strangers were to come in companie with his Majestie : that none
of the nobilitie repaire to his Majestie's arrivall but so manie as
sall have commissioun ; nor to the court till they be sent for.
Shipps were writtin for to transport the king and his companie.
So, upon the 28th of Marche, Colonell Stuart, directed by the nobi-
litie, embarked at Leith, and had with him five shipps. The Jus-
tice-Clerk was in England, to procure shippes likewise for the
king's convoy.
Upon the fourth of Aprile, the king wrote this letter following
to Mr Robert Bruce, with his owne hand, as he had done the other
before :-
“To our right trustie and weilbeloved, Mr Robert Bruce, Minister of
the Evangell at Edinburgh.
“I have receaved, Mr Robert, from colonell a letter of yours,
the counsell wherof, as I thanke you heartilie for it, so I promise
you I am resolved deliberatlie to follow it, in my home comming.
I pray you, continue carefull in all my effaires, as yee have beene,
whill my home comming; for now, your fashrie, God willing, will
last you but few dayes. I have heard of all the Generall Assem-
blie's proceeding, wherof I like verie weill. As to the contents of
their letter, I sall, Godwilling, satisfie all your expectatiouns at my
home comming. I doubt not of your diligence to perswade the
toun of Edinburgh to guarde themselves in suche forme as the
bearer heerof has in directioun unto them. I hope, by this letter
come to your hands, it sall be tyme for you to pray for a good wind
to us. So fareweill whill meeting.
“From the Castell of Crowneburgh, the fourth of Aprile, 1590.
“JAMES R.
92 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1590.
“I pray you lett not this calme lull the toun of Edinburgh
asleep; for in deadest calmes, yee know, suddane and perrellous
pufts and whirlewinds will arise.”
Upon the seventh of Aprile, Chanceller Matlane wrote this
letter following to Mr Robert Bruce:–
“To my speciall loving Freind, Mr Robert Bruce, Minister of
Christ's Evangell at Edinburgh.
“I am glade to understand by your letter, how God has miracu-
louslie preserved that realme in quietnesse, by the expectatioun of
all men; which, as I wishe of God to continue, so doubt I not, se-
ditious Papists and popishlie affected atheists will bussilie travell to
disturbe. We heare some rumours of their practises, and the
late Spanish barke discovered the dissimulated hypocrisie of some.
His Majestie takes verie hardlie the enlarging of the Scotish pylot
and Spaniards, and intended dismissing of that barke and her
equippage; and wrote home to restraine them, and try them by all
meanes, alsweill torture as other examinatioun : for he understands
there is more in that earand nor is confessed. I heare the band of
the Bridge of Dee beginnes to revive, which, if my advice had beene
followed, and our owne fellowship had not countenanced and dealt
for them, and obteaned their appointment in my absence, sould not
have had the moyen nor power to have uttered their evill will, as I
heare they would, if they durst. And yitt will we soundlie con-
curre among ourselves, their lucke will be no better this yeere nor
ferne yeere. His Majestie continues of als constant and fordward
dispositioun as can be wished ; wherof, by God’s grace, I hope to
see him give, within short tyme, effectual demonstratioun. As to
me, although to cover their treasouns they seeme to take them par-
ticularlie to my part, yitt, I thanke God, tyme and their beha-
viour hath detected their designes. The more they freatt, the
lesse I feare; the more they threattin, the more earnest sall I be
to prosecute and advance the caus and course we had in hand.
For promoting wherof, I sall mather spaire my credite, hazard of
1590. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND 93
life, nor whatsomever God sall putt in my hand, without fainting
or swerving, for whatsomever present respect or future event, or
looking for truthe or goodwill of faithlesse enemeis to God, their
prince, and countrie.
“I sall not leave off to urge with all instance his Majestie's re-
turne, which, as I wishe to be haistie and prosperous, so sall I
preasse it to my uttermost. The onelie stay I feare is the attend-
ing upon some shippes from Scotland, without whose conduct, thir
princes and state will be laith to hazarde their Majesties to the skill
ofanie heere, who are not weill acquainted with our coast and waters.
If they be not directed away, I pray you deale with all instance to
haiste them, that we linger not heere for laike of convoy. I heare
a great part of the invy was wount to ly on me is derived on you.
I sall doe what I can to haste me home, to susteane my part, least
yee be overcharged. I know, since our departure, yee susteane a
great burthein ; but I doubt not God sall strenthen you, and make
you able, both in spirit and bodie, to susteane it, it being cheefelie
for his caus. I am glade my Lord Hammiltoun has caried himself
so discreitlie, and would wishe, that men who accompt themselves
more stayed, sould give proofe of the like constancie. Becaus
letters replye not, but would be followed with diligent agents, I
have advised his Majestie to send home the Laird of Carmichael, a
man weill affected in religioun and course, to impart his minde and
directiouns to noblemen and counsell there, yourself, the toun of
Edinburgh, and others, by your advice, whom I have willed, to
communicat unto you my minde and opinion in all things; and to
use your directioun in Suche things as yec sall thinke convenient
for the establishing of religioun, the quietnesse of that state, and
his Hienesse' service. So remitting all things to his declaratioun,
after my heartiest commendatiouns, I committ you from my heart
to God’s holie protectioun.
“From Elsinure, the seventh day of Aprile, 1590.
“Yours alwayes as his owne,
“JO. MAITLAND.
94 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1590.
“I cannot forbeare to give you heartilie thanks for the confort,
good advice, and assistance givin to my wife in my absence, which
I sall doe my best endeavoure to acquite, als thankfullie as God
sall give me the moyen.”
THE KING RETURNETH WITH THE QUEENE, AND ARRIVETH AT
LEITEI.
Upon the first of May, the king and queene arrived in the Firth
of Leith, and landed about two after noone, where the toun of
Edinburgh, Leith, and the Cannogate, were in armour. The king
led the queene by a trance," covered with tapestrie and cloath of
gold, that her feete tuich not the earth. Mr James Elphinstone
made an oratioun in Frenche, wherin he congratulated her safe re-
turne and prosperous voyage. The castell and shipps shott great
voleis. The Duke of Lennox, the Erles of Marr and Bothwell,
with sindrie others, receaved them at the staire heads. The queene
being placed in her loodging, the king tooke the cheefe of the
dames by the hand, everie one after another. Therafter he went
to the kirk to praise God. Mr Robert Bruce came to him when
he was to goe to the kirk, whom he embraced kindelie, and com-
mouned with him a long tyme whill he was going to the kirk, where
Mr Patrik Galloway, the king's minister, made the exhortatioun.
The Lord Hammiltoun came to the king before he came furth out
of the kirk.
THE QUEENE BROUGHT TO THE PALACE OF HALY RUDHOUS.
Upon Wednisday, the sixt of May, about foure of the clocke
after noone, the king and queene came from Leith to the Palace
of Halyrudhous, the king and the noblemen ryding on horsebacke,
the queene in a Danishe coache drawing with eight hors, and
richelic apparrelled with cloath of gold and purple velvet. The
' A covered way,
1590. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, 95
toun of Edinburgh, Cannogate, and Leith, were in their armes.
The king taking the queene by the hand, convoyed her through
the inner closse to the great hall, and thereafter to the chambers,
which were richelie hung with cloath of gold and silver.
THE QUEENE'S CORONATION.
The king and the Danes would have had both the coronatioun
of the queene, and her entrie to Edinburgh, upon the Lord's day.
The proveist and bailliffes reviled despitefullie these ministers who
laboured in the contrare, speciallie Mr Johne Davidsone. By his
perswasioun, Chanceller Matlane laboured to have her entrie to
Edinburgh upon another day nor the Sabboth. Some questioun
was moved among the ministers, whether her coronatioun might
be lawfullie upon the Lord’s day. Some thought it might, becausit
was a mixed actioun, like mariage, and therin a solemne oathe
past mutuallie betuixt the prince and the subjects, and from both
to God, and the minister was to blesse. It was agreed among the
ministers of Edinburgh convocated together by Mr David Lind-
say, that the ceremonie of anointing was no part of the office of a
minister; but as it hath beene a superstitious rite among Christians,
borrowed from the Jewes, so now, if princes would use it, that it
be used as a civill ceremonie; and that a subject may use it at the
king's command, not as a minister, but as a civill persoun, providing
declaratioun were made by the anointer in tyme of the actioun to
that sense, that all opinioun of superstitioun be removed. The de-
claratioun was sett doun in writt. Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Robert
Pont, Mr David Lindsay, Mr Walter Balcalquall, and the king's
owne ministers, were appointed to be present at the coronatioun.
The noblemen were writtin for. So, upon the Lord's day, the 17th
of May, the queene was crowned in the Abbey Kirk. Before she
went out of her chamber, the Chanceller was made Lord Thirle-
stane; the Maister of Glames, the Maister of Cassils, the Lairds
of Basse, Balcleugh, Phairnihurst, Cesfurde, Dumlanrig, Lochinvar,
Garleis, Glenurquhart, Halhill, Balwerie, were dubbed knights.
96 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1590.
Then marched the king's houshold ; nixt the barons, knights,
burgesses, nobilitie; therafter the ministers. The Erle of Angus
caried the sword, the Lord Hammiltoun the sceptre, the Duke of
Lennox the crowne. Then followed the king, and the Erles of
Atholl, Montrose, Murrey, and Marr, bearing up his rob royall ;
the Lords Setoun, Hereis, Livingstone, Ogilvie, following after.
After them, the Chanceller, bearing the queen's matrimoniall
crowne, the English ambassader on his right hand, and the admi-
rall of the Danes on his left hand. The queene followed, accom-
panied with the English ambassader's ladie, the Countesse of Marr,
the Countesse of Bothwell, and other ladeis. After they were
placed in their seates in the kirk, there were three sermouns made ;
one in Latine, another in Frenche, the thrid in English. After
sermoun, Mr Robert Bruce and Mr Johne Craig, ministers, made
short oratiouns to the queene, which being ended, the queene was
convoyed to a cabinett within the kirk, by the duke and the
ladeis, where she was clothed with her rob royall, and so returned
to her owne chaire. Then the crowne was taikin from the Chan-
celler, and sett upon her head by the ministers; others report, by
the Lord Hammiltoun and the duke. The Ladie Marre loosed her
right hand, which Mr Robert Bruce anointed, as also her forehead
and her necke. The Lord Hammiltoun presented unto her the
sceptre, the Erle of Angus the sword. The trumpets and drummes
sounded a long tyme, and the cannons of the castell thundered.
The kirk being voided, the king, queene, nobilitie, and ministers,
went out of the kirk to the palace, after the same maner that they
came furth. The solemnitie continued from ten houres till five
houres at night.
THE QUEEN’s ENTRIE TO EDINBURGH.
Upon Tuisday, the 19th of May, the queene made her entrie in
Edinburgh. She came by the south side of the tour, by the West
Port, in a coache. A young boy descending in a globe, which
opened, delivered certane keyes, with a Bible and a Psalme Booke.
1590. OF THE EIRR OF SCOTLAND, 97
Mr Johne Russell made an harangue in Latine, and the cannons of
the castell were discharged. The nobles of Scotland and the
Danish road before, and a traine of ladeis behind. The queene
herself road in a coache drawin with eight hors, accompanied with
the citicens in their gownes, and some of them careing a pale of
purple velvet above the coache. At the strait of the Bow, Mr
Hercules Rollocke, Maister of the Grammar Schoole, made an
oratioun. At the Butter Trone, there were some young wedmen
coastlie apparrelled, standing upon a scaffold, playing upon organs,
and singing of musicians. Mr Johne Craig's sonne, a young boy,
had a short oratioun to her. At the Tolbuith were five youths,
clothed in gentlewomen's apparell, one having a sword, another a
ballance, the thrid a booke, the fourth a target, and other two with
their signes, all representing Peace, Plentie, Policie, Justice,
Liberallitie, and Temperance. Everie one expouned the significa-
tioun of their owne signes. Therafter, the queene went in to the
kirk, and satt in the east end, in the loft, under a faire cannabie of
velvet. Mr Robert Bruce made the sermoun, which being ended
within halfe an houre, the queene is brought furth. Comming by
the Croce, they see there Bacchus drinking, and casting glasses,
violers playing, and musicians singing. At the Salt Trone was
represented the king's genealogie ; and at the root of the tree a
young boy made an oratioun in Latine. At the port of the Nether
Bow were represented the seven planets, and the weird givin in
Latine; and a faire jewell, of a great price, called the A, was
givin to the queene. All the way there went, before the honest
men of the toun, twentie-foure youths clothed, some with cloth of
silver, others with white taffetie, and golden chaines about their
neckes, legges, and armes, and visoures on their faces, making
them seeme Mores. The fore staires were covered with tapestrie
or faire coverings. Mr Andrew Melvill made an oratioun to the
ambassaders, to their great admiratioun. The king acknowledged
that he had honoured him and his countrie that day, promised
never to forgett it, and commanded to print it with all diligence.
The day following it was delivered to the printer, with an epi-
WOL. V. & G.
98 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1590.
gramme of dedicatioun to the king, and entituled Xrepayloxlow.
Josephus Scaliger, after the sight of it, wrote to Mr Andrew, and
said, “Profecto nos talia non possumus.” Lipsius reading it, said,
“Revera Andreas Melvinus est serio doctus.”
Upon Saturday, the 23d, the Danish ambassaders were bankett-
ed by the toun of Edinburgh in the coine house.
THE SUMME OF THE KING's HARANGUE IN THE GREAT KIRK.
Upon the Lord's day, the 24th, the king came to the Great
Rirk, where Mr Patrik Galloway made a sermoun. The sermoun
being ended, Mr Patrik desired the king to confirme his promises
made before. So the king had a short harangue, wherin he shew-
ed that he was come to thanke God with the people for his
prosperous returne, and to thanke them for the good order keeped
in his absence; to thanke the ministers for their care in stirring up
the people to fast and pray for his safe returne, and peace of the
toun. He promised to prove a loving, faithfull, and thankefull
king; to amend his former negligence, and to execute justice with-
out feed or favour, and to see the kirks better provided. He confess-
ed manie things had beene out of order before, partlie through the
injurie of the tyme, and partlie through his youth : but now he had
seene more ; and, being maried, he said he would be more stayed.
Als soone as the strangers were dimissed, he promised to give
himself whollie to executioun and performance of his promises.
TEIE DANISEI COMPANIE DEPART.
Upon the 26th of May the Danish ambassaders embarked at
Leith. The duke, the Lord Hammiltoun, Marr, and other noble-
men, convoyed them, and supped with them in their shippes. When
the lords returned the shippes shott their volie, and the Castell of
Edinburgh answered by shott of cannon. They receaved in pro-
pines the worth of thretteene or fourteene thowsand crownes, in
chaines and plait, or jewells; seven or eight tunnes of wine; aile,
1590. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 99
beefe, bread, mutton, in abundance, were layed in to their shippes.
There remained none of the Danish companie with the queene but
sixteene persons, to serve her in one office or other.
Upon Saturday, the 13th of June, the Erle of Worcester, ac-
companied with the Lord Compton, and some knights and gentle-
men, to the number of six or seven score, came from the Queene
of England, and upon the 16th of June presented to the queene a
cloake sett with diamonds, an horologe, a tablet, and a chaine,
which was layed about her necke by the Ladie Marr. This am-
bassader was the Chanceller of the Assise which was led against
the king's mother.
J. GIBSONE DIENOUNCED REBELL.
James Gibsone, Minister at Pencaitland, was denounced rebell
by sound of trumpet, at the Croce of Edinburgh, upon Wednisday,
the 15th of Julie, becaus, being summouned before the Counsell,
he compeered not, and had preached, notwithstanding the Generall
Assemblie suspended him till he had satisfied the king, as the king
alledged. But he was suspended onlie for contumacie in not com-
peering before them, of which contumacie he was purged in another
Assemblie, after he had givin his excuse for his non-compeerance.
THE QUEEN CONVOYED TO DUMIFERMLINE.
Upon the 17th of Julie the queene went over to Dumfermline,
convoyed with a number of noble men and wedmen.
Upon Fryday, the 24th of Julie, the Tutor of Drummalyer was
slaine in the streets of Edinburgh by three or foure of the Vetches,
who had their brother slaine by the Twedies. The king wrote to
the Proveist of Edinburgh to sett them at libertie. The king
soone forgott his promises made in the Great ISirk. A little be
fore, he would needs have the Erle of Angus wairded, becaus of a
tumult raised by him and Mr Alexander Lindsay at the Tolbuith
doore. Mr Alexander would have caried one of his servants to
100 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1590.
prisoun, alledging the king's warrant. The erle withstood him,
becaus he had not his warrant to produce.
GENERAIL ASSEMBLIE
The Generall Assemblie conveened at Edinburgh the 4th of
August. Mr James Melvill, Moderator of the last Assemblie, made
the exhortatioun upon 1 Thes. v. ver, 12, 13. He discoursed at
lenth upon the Discipline. The heeds of his discourse were, 1.
That discipline is most necessar in the kirk, Seing, without the
same, Christ's kingdome could not stand. For unlesse the Word
and Sacraments were keeped in sinceritie, rightlie used and prac-
tised by directioun of the discipline, they would soone be cor-
rupted. This was declared by the exemples of a republict and
citie, and by the acts of warefare and pasturage. The historie of
the beginning, continuing, breache, and restoring of the true disci-
pline, was called to remembrance; and, therupon, exhortatioun was
givin to deale earnestlie with his Majestie, that his Majestie would
shew that true tokin of thankfulnesse to God for the great bene-
fite of his safe preservatioun and returne, with his queene, from
Denmarke, as to rescind and annull obscure and dangerous acts and
lawes made in prejudice of the discipline, and libertie of Christ's
kingdome within this realme, Seing he hath found, by good experi-
ence, in his absence, as alwayes before, the good will, fidelitie, love,
and care of the ministrie. He exhorted the brethrein to studie the
discipline diligentlie, and practise it carefullie, that they might be
able at all occasiouns to stand in defence therof, and at this tyme
speciallie, for these causes : 1. Becaus of the estat of zealous
brethrein in our nighbour kirk, standing for the truth, and suffering
for the same. 2. Becaus these Amaziahs, the bellie-god bishops in
England, by all moyen and money were seeking conformitie of our
kirk with theirs, as did Achaz and Urias with the altar of Damas-
cus. 3. Becaus we had lurking within our owne bowells a
poysonfull and venomous Psyllus, so empoysouned with the
venome of the old serpent, and so altered in his substance and
1590. OF THE RIRE OF SCOTLAND. 101
naturall, that the deidlie poysoun of the viper is his familiar food
and nourishement, to witt, lees, falsehood, malice, and knaverie,
who hath beene lurking a long tyme hatching a cockatrice eg, and
so fynelie instructed to handle the whissell of that old inchanter, that
no Psyllus, Circe, or Medea, could have done better. This is Mr
Patrik Adamsone, who at this tyme was making a booke against
our discipline, which he intituled Psyllus, and dedicat it to the
king. In the epistle dedicatorie, he sheweth his purpose to be, to
sucke out the poysoun of the discipline of the Kirk of Scotland, as
the Psylli, a venomous people in Africk, sucke out the vennome of
the wounds of suche as are stinged with serpents. “But I trust in
God,” said he, “he sall prove als mad a foole as did the sillie Psylleis,
of whom Herodot in his Melpomene writteth, when the south wind
had dryed up all their cisternes of water, they tooke counsell to goe
against it in armes. But when they came in the desert, and in
the sands, the wind blowing, raised the sand, and overwhelmed
them. So, I doubt not,” said he, “the like sall become of this
malicious foole, whill as he intendeth not onlie to stoppe the breath
of God’s mouth, but also to be avenged upon it, becaus it hath
stricken him, so that he is blasted therewith and dryed up. But,
alas ! my brethrein,” said he, “if yee would doe that which I thinke
yee might and sould doe at this tyme, he would feele better his
miserable follie, and be wonne againe to Christ, if he be of the
number of the elect ; that is, if yee will ratifie and approve the
sentence of excommunicatioun, most justlie and orderlie pronounced
against that vennemous enemie of Christ's kingdome, as I am as-
sured it is ratified in the heavens, as may appeare cleerelie by the
effects, no lesse than in the dayes of Ambrose, when Satan sensi-
blie possessed suche as were delivered to him by excommunica-
tioun. If yee doe not, I may foretell you, by a seene experience
not long since passed before, a thing to come, if God in his mercie
for his Christ's sake stay it not; that yee will find and feele yitt
more greevouslie the reserved poysoun of that Psyllus, in brangling
the discipline of the kirk, and punishing of us for our undutifull
negligence.”
102 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1590.
Another point of doctrine he had, tuiching the duetie of the
flockes toward their pastors and watchemen ; to witt, that they
ought to provide for them all things needfull and confortable for
this life, and to give them that honour which apperteaneth to the
ambassaders of Christ: that he who will not honour God in his
ministrie with the best of his substance, he is but an unthankefull
theefe, and not a lawfull possessour. It is no excuse to say, that
the burthein lyeth on them who exact the tythes rigourouslie ; for
if men pitie their owne soules, they will be no lesse carefull for it
than for the bodie. For howbeit men were never so sore spoiled,
they will not want necessarie food and rayment so long as anie
thing remaineth, or can gett anie thing by begging or borrowing,
and will seeke, by all meanes, a remeed of the oppressioun and
wrong. And if this doctrine sounded ofter, a number would be
moved to seeke pastors on their own charges ; and that for his
owne part, he ever found the fault more in the paines of the pastor
nor in the purses of the people, if they had it : not that he would
have the sacriligious to passe free and bruike the tithes, but wished
the flockes and pastors to joyne together, cry and crave of king,
counsell, and estates, als earnestlie as gentlemen are in things
tuiching their heritage and honours; and then, no doubt, they sall
speed. As for the kirk's duetie in this cace, it was to leave nothing
undone which Christ required of them.
“Are we,” said he, “the true kirk? are we the lawfull mini-
strie? have we the authoritie and power of Christ's sceptre? have we
that fire that devoureth the adversarie P that hammer that breaketh
the rockes? have we that sharpe two-edged sword * or is it sharpe
onlie against the poore and meaner sort, and not potent in God for
overthrowing of holds, for working vengeance upon whole natiouns,
chastising of people, binding of kings in chains, and the most hon-
ourable princes in fetters of yron 2 Is there exceptioun of persons
or sinnes before the judgement-seate of Christ P Or sall his sword
and censure strike upon the poore adulterer, and obstinatfornicator,
and ly in the skabert rousting, when it sould strike upon the sacri-
ligious? Nay, nay, my deere brethrein. First, I would the king's
1590, OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 103
Majestie sould be travelled with for his favour and concurrence,
who is neere als farre hurt in this mater as the kirk is. We have
his will, we have his promise; manifold exemples and reasouns to
lay before him. We, and the greatest and best number of our
flockes, have beene, are, and must be, his best subjects, his strenth,
his honour. A good minister (I speeke not arrogantlie, but accord-
ing to the truthe) may doe him more good service in an houre,
nor manie of the sacrilegious courtiours in a yeere. Nixt, I would
wishe, that from this present Assemblie were directed to the cheefe
sacrilegious persons in the realme, chosin men of gravitie and au-
thoritie, full of the Holie Ghost, to instruct, admonish, and charge
them, in the name of God, and of his Sonne Christ Jesus, to
amend without delay. Last, that a frequent and honourable AS-
semblie were keeped, assisted by the king's owne presence in per-
soun, solemnelie sanctified with the exercise of humiliatioun and
fasting, with a good number of gentlemen and burgesses directed
in commissioun from everie parish and burgh; that the cheefe of
these sacrilegious persons be called before them, and asked if they
were true members of Christ's kirk or not ? If they were, that then
they sould desire to testifie the same, by hearkening to the voice of
Christ and his kirk : if not, lett it be shewed unto them that
Christ commandeth to hold them as publicans and ethnicks. As to
their number, it is nothing in respect of the multitude of poore
soules that want their spirituall food, of subjects oppressed in their
tithes, and manie good men wishing to see reformatioun. As for
their fighting for religioun, so did sacrilegious Achan for the inherit-
ance of Canaan, Saul for Israel, Joab and the sonnes of Zeruiah for
the kingdom of David. But they were not approved of God. If
they refuse that which we crave, they declare evidentlie they fought
never for God nor religioun, but for the kirk geare, to disturbe the
possessors therof, that they might invade the same: they fought
never against the Papists, but against the titulars of the tithes and
rents of the kirk : they sett not themselves to hold out Jesuits,
but the souldiours which clamed right to Christ's coate : they
would not roote out the Seminarie preests, but the seed of the kirk,
104. CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1590.
good learning, and all religioun. So that if God, if Christ, if reli-
gioun, if ministrie, sall be reclamers of the tithes and kirk's geare
again, they sall at an instant become to them Satan, Antichrist,
Papistrie, and Jesuits. To conclude,” sayeth he, “lett us leave
the event to God: lett us not say, with the sluggard, ‘There is a
lyoun in the way, nor for feare of stormie weather leave off to sow
and sheare." It was God, even our God, who almost without all
meanes beganne the worke mervelouslie, and no lesse mervelouslie
hath continued it, in despite of all contrarie craft and power: the
same God, in the same sort, will crowne and end it, if yee will be
couragious; if yee will seeke after him, and seeke to procure the
weale of the soules concredited unto you.”
This doctrine and advice was approved of all; but the politick
and worldlie wise thought it not expedient to putt it in practise at
this tyme : as for the bishop, that he would fold of will, as he had
alreadie begunne to ſold; but if he were putt at, the king would
take his part.
THE MODERATOR AND EIIS ASSESSORS.
The exhortatioun being ended, Mr Patrik Galloway was chosin
Moderator. Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr David
Lindsey, Mr Robert Pont, David Fergusone, Mr Peter Blekburne,
Mr Neill Campbell, Mr William Rind, Mr Johne Davidsone, Mrs
Nicoll Dagleish, Andrew Hay, James Hammilton, Robert Rollock,
Peter Primerose, Johne Inneis, James Nicolsone, William Glasse,
were appointed assessors to the moderator, to advise him what
things were needfull to be propouned and treatted in the As-
semblie.
In the Secund sessioun, the commissioners of countreis were en-
quired, what they had done concerning the executioun of the last
act made against Papists, Jesuits, Seminarie preests, excommuni-
cats and their interteaners, mercats, and other profanatioun of the
* Reap.
1590. OF THE EIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 105
Sabboth day, non-residents, and the rest of the heeds committed to
the presbytereis and commissioners.
The excommunicatioun of William Erle of Angus, for the infor-
malitie therof, was reduced, and Johne Liverence, for his rashnesse,
ordeanned to confesse his offence to God and the said erle, in pre-
sence of the congregatioun upon a Sabboth day, at the kirk where
the sentence was pronounced; and that some other minister inti-
mat the reductioun of the processe. Yitt becaus there was just
caus of offence in the said lord, the Assemblie desired him to have
a care that the Sabboth day be not violated within his bounds, by
faires or mercats, labouring, or cariage, and that his vassalls com-
pell not their tennents to carie loads on the Lord's day; and that
they grant to their tennents some weeke day to sheare and lead
their corns. The erle promised, at the rising of the sessioun, to
hold a court in Dowglasse.
THE KING's SPEECHES IN THE ASSEMBLIE.
Sessioun 8.
In presence of the king's Majestie, the moderator propouned to
his Hienesse three articles, which the Assemblie craved to be
granted, viz., the ratificatioun of the liberteis of the kirk, the purg-
ing of the land of Jesuits, Seminarie preests, abusers of the sacra-
ments, and provisioun of a sufficient stipend to everie kirk. The
king answered, that in all parliaments, the liberteis of the kirk
were first ratified; that they knew his good will to purge the land
of Papists, Jesuits, &c. As for provisioun to kirks, he said moe
had interesse nor he, and therefore desired that Mr Robert Bruce,
Mr David Lindsey, Mr Robert Pont, and the moderator, might be
sent to the counsell to conferre with them theranent. His
answeres did little content the Assemblie, yitt were they appointed
to present some few petitiouns to the king and his counsell. The
king willed the ministers to purge themselves, and to be unpartiall in
their owne caus. It was his duetie, said he, als well to see them
106 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1590.
reformed, as it was theirs to urge him and the nobilitie to reforme
themselves. In nopoint was he so earnest asin this. In end, to please
the Assemblie, he fell furth in praising God, that he was borne in
suche a tyme as the tyme of the light of the Gospell, to suche a place
as to be king in suche a kirk, the sincerest kirk in the world.
“The kirk of Geneva,” said he, “keepeth Pasche and Yuile; what
have they for them P they have no institutioun. As for our nigh-
bour kirk in England, it is an evill said masse in English, wanting
nothing but the liftings.' I charge you, my good people, ministers,
doctors, elders, nobles, gentlemen, and barons, to stand to your
puritie, and to exhort the people to doe the same ; and I, forsuith,
so long as I bruike my life and crowne, sall mainteane the same
against all deidlie,” &c. The Assemblie so rejoiced, that there
was nothing but loud praising of God, and praying for the king
for a quarter of an houre.
HUMBLE PETITIONS OF THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE CRAVED AT HIS
MAJESTIE AND HONORABLE COUNSELL.
“First, In respect that manie things have beene promised before,
and no executioun following therupon, that now performance may
be therof, and the speciall declaration of the meane and performance
therof.
“ Item, A ratificatioun is craved of all lawes that have beene
made for the weale of the true kirk, with a new act of parliament,
speciallie establishing the kirk's jurisdictioun, their generall and sy-
nodall assembleis, presbytereis, and discipline ; and all acts made
contrare to the libertie and jurisdictioun of the said kirk, preceeding
the date heerof, to be abolished; and whill a parliament may be
had, the said act to be concluded in counsell, or conventioun of
estats, if anie sall happin in the meane tyme to be holdin.
“The purging of the kirk and countrie of all Jesuits, Papists, Se-
minarie preests, and excommunicats; a law for repressing and pu-
nishing of the abusers of the holie Sacraments; a law and meane,
! Raising the host.
1590. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 107
whereby ministers may be possessed in their gleebs and manses,
and peaceablie injoy them, and the controveenners may be repressed
and punished.
“An order for them that were at the Bridge of Dee ; a law
and ordinance for breaking of the Sabboth ; a law and ordinance
against them that trouble and hurt ministers going to their kirks,
and executing their offices; a strait law for repressing of the great
bloodshed and murther in the countrie, and all the quarters therof,
and that the land may be purged of the same.
“That all kirks within this countrie be sufficientlie planted with
ministers, teachers, and other necessar office-bearers, and sufficient
stipends appointed to them for serving of their cures, out of the
best and readiest of the tithes, and other rents mortified to the use
of the kirk; and the whole rest to be imployed upon colledges, up-
bringing of the youth, and sustentatioun of the poore, the fabrick
of the kirk, and other commoun effaires therof.”
ACTS.
Sessioun 10.
Forasmuche as it is certane, that the Word of God can not be
keeped in the owne sinceritie, without the holie discipline be had
in observatioun, it is therefore by commoun consent of the whole
brethrein and commissiouners present concluded, that whosoever
have borne office in the ministrie of the kirk within this realme, or
that presentlie beare, or hecrafter sall beare office therin, sall be
charged by everie particular presbyterie where their residence is,
to subscribe the heeds of discipline of the kirk of this realme, at
lenth sett doun and allowed by act of the whole Assemblie, in the
Booke of Policie, which is registred in the register of the kirk; and
namelie, in the controverted heeds, by the enemeis of the discipline
of the reformed kirk of this realme, betuixt and the nixt synodall
assemblie of the provinces, under the paine of excommunicatioun,
to be executed against the non-subscribers, and the presbytereis
108 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1590.
which sall be found remisse or negligent heerin to receave publict
rebooke of the whole Assemblie. And to the effect the said dis-
cipline may be knowne as it ought to be to the whole brethrein, it
is ordeanned, that the moderator of eache presbyterie sall receave
from the Clerk of the Assemblie a copie of the said booke, under
his subscriptioun, upon the expences of the presbyterie, betuixt and
the first day of September mixtocum, under the paine to be opinlie
accused in face of the whole Assemblic.
Sessioun 12.
Tuiching the examinatioun before the communioun, it is thought
meete, for the commoun profite of the whole people, that an uni-
forme order be keeped in examinatioun ; and that a short forme of
examinatioun be sett doun by their brethrein, Mrs Johne Craig,
Tobert Pont, Thomas Buchanan, Andrew Melvill, to be presented
to the nixt Assemblie.
Sessioun 13.
Forasmuche as it being with commoun consent of the whole
brethrein of the Assemblie resolved, that where the presbytereis
are weill and orderlie constituted, the yeerelie electioun and nomi-
natioun of ministers over countreis hitherto customablie observed
in the Assemblie is not necessar nor expedient, the samine presby-
tereis having established in them owne selves a sufficient power
to send out of their owne number instructed with their commissioun
pro re nata, to take order with suche things as fall out in their
bounds: Therefore, it is thought meet and universallie concluded,
that the said yeerelie electioun of commissiouners over countreis,
where presbytereis are weill and sufficientlie constituted, sall cease
in tyme comming. And where of before, the saids commissioners
bare the charge, to enroll the ministers and their stipends at the
platt, receave presentatiouns, and give collation therupon, designe
manses and gleebs; that the said weill constituted presbytereis,
eache one of them, sall yeerelie (ay and whill the necessitie therof
crave) elect and choose out of their owne number a brother, in
1590. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 109
name of the whole presbyterie, for enrolling and expeditioun of .
their stipend at the platt, authorized and instructed by them, with
commissioun subscribed by the moderator and clerk of the presby-
terie to be shewed and produced to the modifiers; and the samine
commissioner to designe manses and gleebs within the bounds of
the said presbyterie, and in all things concerning the executioun
of his commissioun, to be comptable and subject to the judgement
and censure of the presbyterie whom fra he receaved the same ;
and that all presentations be directed, in tyme comming, to the
presbytereis where the benefice lyeth. Alwise, in admissioun and
deprivatioun of ministers in Buchan, Aberdeen, Garioch, and Marr,
that Aberdeen and Buchan proceed with mutuall advice in admis-
sioun and deprivatioun of ministers, and likewise Marr and Garioch
with mutuall advice of others; and incace of variance, the mater
to be committed to the Assemblie.
Sindrie of the ministers regrated, in the fyft sessioun, that the
Sabboth day was profained by going of mylnes, salt-panns, shearing
and leading of corne, cariage of victuall to burrow touns. The As-
semblie declareth Suche occupatiouns to be unlawfull, and against
the law of God and acts of Parliament; and ordeaneth the viola-
ters to be punished, conforme to the ordinance made before, and
the burrow touns to be discharged to receave in loads and cariages
upon that day; and the presbytereis to travell with the gentlemen
within their bounds, to grant to their tennents libertie, in the worke
dayes, to lead and sheare their owne cornes. All the brethrein
who were present were commanded to give up the names of suche
as might best hinder the holding of mercats within their bounds
upon the Lord's day, that his Majestie may command them to doe
their duetie in that point; otherwise, in cace of refusall, to call
them before them.
The Bailiffes of Edinburgh compleaned, in the 15th sessioun,
directed from their counsell, and reported, that it was the intention
of their counsell to doe what in them lay for keeping the Sabboth
unviolated, by going of mylnes, receaving of loads within their
ports, selling of flowers, &c., notwithstanding of whatsoever diffi-
110 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1590.
cultie, that the rest of the burghes have no occasion to follow evill
exemple in them. My Lord Somervell being present in the fyft
sessioun, alledged the priviledge of his infeftment for holding the
mercat of Carnweth on the Lord’s day; yitt consented that
nather fare nor mercat sould be keeped there. If he failed, the
Assemblie commanded the presbyterie to proceed against him ac-
cording to the acts.
QUESTIONS.
Becaus great slander lyeth upon the kirk, through manifold mur-
thers, notorious adultereis and incests, and the parteis being brought
under processe, often tymes elude the kirk, and shift from place to
place, wherethrough the processe can not be brought to a finall
sentence, during all the which tyme, the slanders continue and in-
creasse : Quatritur, Whether parteis falling into suche horrible and
odious crymes may summarlie, upon the notorietie of the said
cryme, be excommunicated or not ? It is answered to the said ques-
tion, affirmative.
COMMISSION.
Sessioun 17.
Forasmuche as the dangerous insurrectioun made at the Bridge
of Dee, being considered to have notoriouslie imported speciall pre-
judice to the true religioun publictlie professed and established by
the mercie of God within this realme, notthelesse the speciall au-
thors and interprisers of the same, remaining under the said slan-
der, have never meaned to purge themselves therof, by confessioun
of their offence, and satisfeing of the Kirk of God: Therefore, the
Generall Assemblie, for this caus presentlie conveenned, have givin
their full power and commissioun to the brethrein of the Presby-
terie of Edinburgh, with the concurrence of one of the king's Ma-
jestie's ministers, viz., Mr Robert Hepburne, William Sandersone,
1590. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 111
Mr James Carmichaell, Mr Thomas Makgie, Mr George Ramsay,
Mr Adam Johnstoun, Mr James Law, Mr Johne Spotswod, to
summoun before them in Edinburgh the erles, lords, barons, free-
holders, that were at the said insurrectioun, and speciall traffiquers
and counsellers to the said noblemen; and to charge them to ac-
knowledge and confesse their offence against the true Kirk of God
and his religioun, and make satisfactioun for the slander committed
by them therethrough, under the paine of excommunicatioun ; and
that betuixt and the first day of Februarie nixtocum, referring to
their discretiouns the particular dyets, and order of processe to be
keeped therin; providing alwise, that this commissioun be executed
betuixt and the said day: Requiring their brother, Mr Johne Craig,
to remember this mater to the said commissioners, as he would
eshew the blame of the brethrein, in cace of negligence.
Tuiching the provisioun of the generall visiters directed to the
north and south parts, as als commissioners to be nominated by
their presbytereis, the brethrein nominated to the platt by the
king's Majestie are ordeanned to travell with the modifiers, that
the commissioners of the kirk may be provided, and assignatiouns
givin for that effect.
BOTHWELL, MACKONEILL, &C., WARDED.
Upon the 5th and 7th of August, the king tooke sovertie of all
the gentlemen of the borders, to suffer none of their clan or depen-
ders to committ thiſt, under paine of repairing of the dammage,
and to bring in malefactors to underly triell. Bothwell was wairded
becaus he refused, but not long deteaned in waird. Some also of
the surname of Scot were wairded in the Castell of Edinburgh,
their cheefe, the Laird of Balcleuche, being in France. Makconeill
and Makelaine were wairded in the Castell of Edinburgh, for manie
slaughters committed by them.
112 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1590.
TEIE KING FAVOURABLE TO JESUITS.
Upon Tuisday, the 15th of September, the Presbyterie of Edin-
burgh was advertised by a letter from the Presbyterie of Kirkcaldie,
that Sir Robert Melvill and the magistrats of Bruntisland refused
to apprehend Mr James Gordoum, Jesuit, being desired by the mi-
nister, alledging the king had givin him a warrant to keepe his
residence there. Mr Craig, at the desire of the presbyterie, adver-
tised the king. The king promised to take order with one or
two of the meanest that resorted to him; but no word of the
greater sort, nor of himself. The king favoureth the Jesuit, and
in the meane tyme, is offended with Robert Waldegrave, printer,
for printing Mr Johne Davidsone's answere to Doctor Bancroft's
calumneis.
MONSIEUR CASTOLL HIS LETTER, TRANSLATED OUT OF FRENCHE,
DATED THE SECUND OF OCTOBER, AND SENT TO THE PRESBY-
TERIE OF EDINBURGH.
“SIRE, AND HONOURABLE FATHERS AND BRETHREIN, The
zeale and affectioun which the toun and kirk of Edinburgh hath
shewed in the support of the toun and kirk of Geneva is to us no-
tablie knowne. I trust the Lord sall remember this good deid in
the latter day, and sall putt the same in register, to witt, the al-
mous done to the poore and indigent people; and sall esteeme no
lesse heerof than they were done to his owne persoun. His cor-
porall presence is no more with us; but He hath left us of his
members to serve us as an altar, wheron we lay and present most
agreeable sacrifices unto him. I will not faine to you, that, con-
forme to your small power and estate, your zeale and charitie at
this tyme hath excelled and passed the charitie of sindrie natiouns
who, notwithstanding, have greater abundance of worldlie sub-
stance nor yee ; sua that, by my judgement, I see you in this
worke beare the prize above them. So great is the wisdom of God,
1590. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, 1.13
that recompenceth his owne, in want of extermall things, with other
singular vertues and graces. I beseeke the Lord, that this spring
of good will which is in you dry not, but rather that it continue
and augment, to the succour of the Lord's faithfull; that in help-
ing with almous, (which is more profite nor money above the banke,)
and doing your other effaires with discretioun, the remembrance
of your good deeds and justice may last for ever.
“Yee sall witt, therefore, that I receaved a letter in your names,
from Johne Edgar, right ample, dated the 15th of September,
whereby we were assured of your diligence; with another letter,
and with the samine I receaved two packets from the hands of
Alexander Lindsey, conteaning two hundreth and fiftie crowns; and
also a thrid letter, and with the same, from James Rennold, an
hundreth and fourtie crowns, wherof twelve emperours' crowns,
threescore ten pistolets, with fourtie-two angels and a halfe. Of
the which summes, I have delivered acquittances to everie man,
conforme, as I receaved from him, as stipulant, in place of Monsieur
Leiges, agent for the town of Geneva. And now, by this present,
I acknowledge yitt againe the recept of the foresaids summes, and
that I have sent them over, with promise to obteane of the town
and kirk of Geneva quittances and letters of thankes for your good
compassioun, unto your whole toun and sessioun. And becaus I
understand by the said last letter of the said Johne Edgar, that
there is some esperance of some farther contributioun among some
other presbytereis of your land, who partlie know not the great
extremitie and need which our poore brethrein are in ; assailled
without with a mightie and cruell enemie, consumed within with a
number of orphelings and wedowes, minassed with famine, destitut
of support of their nighbours, and without succour almost of all
men in this world; to whom nothing restest except onlie courage,
and the esperance they have in the providence of God ; it will
please you, therefore, to lett thir writtings be communicated to the
rest of the presbytereis, to the effect they may be exhorted to fol-
low your exemple. Yee and they both may thinke that almous or
assistance was never better bestowed than it will be ; and that
VOT. V. H
114 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1590.
manie good soules will requeist the Lord earnestlie for your weale
and preservatioun, seing the benefit will redound to the weelefare
of sindrie other kirks. For the which causes, I requeist you most
heartfullie to communicat this mater unto them, with a copie of the
newes that I have sent to Johne Edgar, which is the last that I
have receaved from Geneva; praying all not to suffer themselves
to be abused with false rumors and bruites, which are sown by
their enemeis, expresslie to hinder the charitie of good folkes, and
to stay the worke of God's sancts; and the thing they would doe,
lett it be with a joyfull heart, and that in tyme, that the samine
may be sent unto me so soone as it is gottin, to witt, their collec-
tioun, to the intent that they who are in great mister and indi-
gence may be in tyme conforted.
“And this is the summe of the whole I can write to you at this
present, praying you to take this my urgent requeist in good part.
Our banished people which are heere in England have helped to
this subventioun with twelve hundreth crownes, and somewhat
better. I would this might be eneugh, with it which is writtin in
other compts. I would wishe to God that I had caus of another
argument to write unto you. Neverthelesse, the Lord be praised,
who will putt us to some tryell to assay our obedience. Praised be
the Lord, who will the bowells of his sancts receave consolatioun
by this moyen, which hath great efficacie with it. The Lord keep
you all, Sirs, fathers, and brethrein, and conserve all your kirks.
“At Londoun, the 2d of October, 1590,
* “Your obedient servant,
“JoHNE CASTell,
“Minister of the Frenche Kirk at Londoun,
substituted in the place of Monsieur Lawis,
Agent for the Kirk and Toun of Geneva.”
J. GIBSONE BROUGHT TO SOME COXFESSION.
James Gibsone being denounced rebell, could by no meanes gett
the registratioun of his horning delayed, till he gott the chanceller's
1590. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 115
answere tuiching the king's minde. He was apprehended upon
the 21st of November, betweene Elphinstoun and his owne hous in
Pencaitland, by William Hume, Captan of the Guard, and was
brought to the Cannogate. Mr Robert Bruce, the day following,
in his sermon said, that Jesuits and excommunicated Papists were
winked at, but the king was incensed against a man, nather enemie
to God nor the king. The king aggredged his fault that day
after noone to Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Robert Rollock, Mr Walter
Balcalquall, and Mr James Balfoure, who came down to the palace
with him, and urged the act of the Assemblie to be putt in exe-
cutioun, Johne Duncansone said, the people were offended that he
was so hardlie handled, and Jesuits lett passe free. The king an-
swered, No Jesuit had wronged his persoun so muche as he had
done. The ministers of Edinburgh being conveened upon the 26th
of November, the right tenour of James Gibson’s words was ex-
hibited to them : viz., It was not now Ladie Jesabell, Captan James,
and William Stuart, that were persecuters, but the king himself.
Wherefore, if the king continued in that course, he feared, that as
Jeroboam and his posteritie did end their race, so the king sould
conclude his race. They all thought these words might be defend-
ed. Yitt, upon the 17th of December, James Gibsone gave in a
submissioun in write to the king. The king was weill quicke with
him in words, and the other much dejected ; and, therefore, he
willed an ampler submissioun. Upon Tuisday, the 22d of Decem-
ber, he compeered before the king and the counsell, and confessed
his rashenesse at subscribing at Linlithguo before the king and coun-
sell, otherwise than he spake in pulpitt; and so was sett at libertie.
In the moneths of November and December, manie witches
were taikin : Richard Grahame, Johne Sibbet, alias Cunninghame,
Annie Sampsone, middewife, Jonet Duncan in Edinburgh, Ewſame
Makcalzeane, daughter to umquhile Mr Thomas Makalzcan, Bar-
bara Naper, spous to Archibald Dowglas of Pergill, Jonet Drum-
mond, a Hieland wife, Katherine Wallace. They conspired the
overthrow of the king and queen's fleete, at their returne out of
Denmarke, by raising of stormes upon the seas. Sindrie of the
116 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1591.
witches confessed they had sindrie times companie with the devill,
at the kirk of Northberwick, where he appeared to them in the
likenesse of a man with a redde cappe, and a rumpe at his taill,
[and] made a harangue in maner of a sermoun to them ; his text,
“Manie goe to the mercat, but all buy not.” He found fault with
sindrie, that had not done their part in ill. These that had beene
bussie in their craft, he said were his beloved, and promised they
sould want nothing they needed. Playing to them upon a trumpe,"
he said, “Cummer, goe yee before ; cummer, goe yee " and so
they daunced. When they had done, he caused everie one, to the
number of threescore, kisse his buttocks. Johne Gordoun, alias
called Graymeale, stood behind the doore, to eshew, yitt it behoved
him also to kisse at last. John Feane, schoolesmaister of Salt-
prestoun, confessed he was clerk to their assembleis; yitt at his
executioun he confessed onlie he had abused the people that way,
and had committed adulterie with two and thrittie wedmen, but
denied witchecraft. Of Richard Grahame, Ewfame Makcalzeane,
and Barbara Naper, we will heare more heerafter. -
Me D.XCT.
A TUMULT AT THE KING's BACKE.
Upon the seventh of Januar, the king comming doun the street
of Edinburgh from the Tolbuith, the Duke of Lennox, accompanied
with the Lord Hume, following a little space behind, pulled out
their swords, and invaded the Laird of Logie. The king fled into
a closse-head, and incontinent retired to a skinner's booth, where,
it is said, he fylled his breeches for feare. The querrell was, that
Logie, a varlett of the king's chamber, would not ishe at the duke's
command, being chamberlane, till he was putt out by force, wher-
"Jew's Harp.
1591. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 117
upon he upbraided the duke. The duke and Lord Hume were
discharged the court, but repaired again to it soone after.
BOTHWELL’S RYOTT.
Upon the 13th of Januar, the Laird of Craigmillar intended di-
vorcement before the Commissars of Edinburgh against his wife,
for adulterie committed with the Laird of Nidrie. The witnesses
being sworne, and to be examined, one of them, who could depone
most in that mater, was taikin by force out of the Tolbuith by the
Lord Bothwell, the king sitting in the meane tyme with the Lords
of the Sessioun in the Tolbuith, and was taikin captive to Crich-
toun, where Bothwell threatmed him with the gallous. Manie
enormiteis were committed, as if there had beene no king in
Israell; so contemptible was the king's authoritie, and that through
his owne default, wanting due care and courage to minister justice.
Sindrie scoffing speeches he had at these tymes, which manifested
what religioun was in his heart. Hearing the advocats reasoun
before the lords, he burst furth in these words: “Your reasouning
is like this which the ministers use : There can be no preaching
without ministers; ministers cannot be had without livings; livings
can not be had without a platt : Ergo, the Gospell can not be
preached without a platt.” Another tyme, he said that Calvin’s In-
stitutions was a childish worke. And another tyme, speeking of re-
ligiotise and devoute wedmen in Edinburgh, he called them taunt-
inglie, “The holie sisters.”
Upon the 19th of Januar, Mackclaine and Mackoneill were
brought out of the Castell to the Tolbuith of Edinburgh, by the
citicens, in feare of warre, to underly the law for raising of fire,
murther, and other oppressiouns. They came in the king's will,
and were sent backe again to the Castell, but were released upon
the secund of Aprile, upon cautioun to keepe goode order in tyme
to come, and to remaine in Edinburgh till they payed everie one
of them compleitlie twentie thowsand punds,
118 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1591.
BANCROFT's WRITTS TO MR P. ADAMSONE INTERCEPTED.
Doctor Bancroft his letters to Mr Patrik Adamsone, some tyme
usurping Bishop of St Andrewes, were intercepted about this tyme.
They were directed on the backe as to Mr JBowes, the English
ambassader. In his letter, he letteth Mr Patrik understand that
he had read his bookes, the one upon the Revelatioun, directed to
the Chanceller of England, the other upon Job, to the queen's Ma-
jestie. He advised him to give her more honourable styles, and
to praise the Church of England above anie other. He mervelled
why he resorted not to England, as he was looked for, assuring
him he would be verie weill accepted by my Lord of Canterburie's
Grace, and weill rewairded if he came.
M.R. P. ADAMSONE ABSOLVED FROM TEIE SENTENCE OF
EXCOMMUNICATION.
The king was so vexed with complaints upon Mr Patrik
Adamsone, lying registred at the horne, and so ashamed of him, now
infamous, that he cast him off, dispouned his lyferent to the Duke
of Lennox. The miserable bishop fell in extreme povertie, and
with all into a heavie disease of bodie and minde. His necessitie
was so great that he was forced to crave helpe of Mr Andrew
Melvill, and confesse his offences. Mr Andrew visited him, and
gave him support. At last, he besought Mr Andrew to gett him
a collectioun of the brethrein of the toun, promising to present him-
self to the pulpit, and make publict confessioun. But he had never
the grace to present himself to the pulpit again. He sent to the
Presbyterie of St Andrewes, and sought to be absolved from the
sentence of excommunicatioun. The brethrein, doubting whether
if this requeist proceeded from trouble of mynde, or a shift onlie to
gett some support, they sent Mr James Melvill and Mr Andrew
Moncreiff to try him. Als soone as he saw Mr James, he plucked
off his cappe, and cryed, “Forgive me, forgive me, for God's sake,
1591. OF TELE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 119
Mr James; for I have manie wise offended you !” Mr James for-
gave him, but exhorted him to unfained repentance. When he
was asked if he acknowledged the lawfullnesse and validitie of the
sentence of excommunicatioun pronounced against him, he inter-
rupted Mr James, and cryed pitifullie and oftin, “Loose me, for
Christ's sake!” At their report, the brethrein, with prayer and
thanksgiving, absolved him.
MR. P. ADAMSOUN's RECANTATIOUN.
The Provinciall Assemblie conveenned at St Andrewes the sixt
of Aprile, 1591. Mr Johne Caldeleuche presented, in Mr Patrik
Adamson's name, certan articles writtin in Latine, conteaning his
recantatioun, which being read, the Assemblie directed the Rector
of the Universitie, Mr Andrew Melvill, and Mr Robert Wilkie,
David Fergusone, and Mr Nicoll Dagleish, to him, to crave, in
name of the Assemblie, a cleerer and ampler recantatioun in the
vulgar tongue. The bishop sent it subscribed with his owne hand,
the tenour wherof heere followeth :
THE RECANTATIOUN OF PATRIK, BISHOP OF ST ANDREWEs, DI-
RECTED TO THE SYNODALL CONVEENED AT ST ANDREWEs,
8 APRILIS, 1591.
*
“BRETHREIN,-Understanding th; proceedings of the Assemblie
in my contrare, and being now withholdin by sicknesse from pre-
senting myself before you, that I might give confessioun of that
doctrine, wherin I hope God sall call me, and that at his pleasure
I might depart in an unitic of Christian faith, I thought good by
writt to utter the same unto your wisdoms, and to crave your
godlie wisdoms' assistance, not for the restitutioun of anie worldlie
pompe or preeminence, which I little respect, but to remove from
me the slanders which are raised in this countrie concerning the
variance of doctrine, speciallie on my part, wherin I protest before
120 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1591.
God, that I have onlie a single respect to his glorie, and by his
grace I sall abide heerin unto my life's end.
“First, I confesse the true doctrine of Christian religioun to be
publictlie taught and rightlie announced within this realme, and
deteast all papistrie and superstitioun, lyke as, blessed be God, I
have deteasted the same in my heart the space of 30 yeeres, since
it pleased God to give me the knowledge of the truthe, wherin I
have walked uprightlie, alsweill heere as in other countreis, as the
Lord beareth me record; untill these last dayes, wherin, partie
for ambitioun and vaine glorie, to be preferred before my brethrein,
and partlie for covetousnesse, I have possessed the pelfe of the
Kirk. I did undertake this office of archbishoprick, wherewith
justlie the sincerest professours of the Word have found fault, and
have condemned the same, as impertinent to the office of a sincere
pastor of God's Word. And albeit men would colour the same,
and the imperfectiouns therof, by divers cloakes, yitt the samine can
not be concealed from the spirituall eyes of the faithfull, nather yitt
can the men of God, when they are putt to their conscience, dis-
semble the same.
“Nixt, I confesse that I was in an erroneous opinioun, that I
beleeved the governement of the kirk to be like unto the kingdoms
of the earth; plaine contrarie to the commandement of our Maister
Christ; and the monarchie whereby the kirk is governed, not onlie
to be in the person of our Saviour Christ, (as it is,) but in the mi-
nisters, who are nothing but vassalls under him, in an equalitie
among themselves.
“Thridlie, That I maried the Erle of Huntlie, contrarie to the
command of the kirk, without the confessioun of his faith, and
professioun of the sincere doctrine of the Word, I repent and crave
God pardon.
“That I travelled, both by reasoning and otherwise, to subject
the kirk men to the king's ordinance in things that apperteane
unto ecclesiasticall maters and things of conscience, I aske God
mercie, wherupon great enormiteis have fallin furth in this countrie.
“That Ibeleeved, and so taught, the presbytereis to be a foolish
1591. OF TELE KERK OF SCO'I LAND. | 21
inventioun, and would have it so esteemed of all men, which is an
ordinance of Christ, I crave God mercie.
“Farther, I submitt my self to the mercie of God, and judge-
ment of the Assemblie, not measuring my offences by my owne
self, nor infirmiteis of my owne ingyne, but by the good judgement
of the kirk, to the which alwayes I subject my self; and beseeche
you to make intercessioun to God for me, and to the king, that I
may have some moyen to live, and consume the rest of this my
wretched tyme, for winning of whose favours, (which foolishelle I
thought thereby to obteane,) I committed all these errours.
“As where I am burthenned to be the setter furth of the booke
called The King's Declaration, wherin the whole order of the kirk
is condemned and traduced, I protest before God, that so I was
commanded to write the same by the Chanceller for the tyme ;
but cheefelie by the Secretar, another great courteour, who himself
penned the secund act of parliament, concerning the power and
authoritie of judicator to be absolutelie in the king's power, and
that it sould not be lawfull to anie subject to reclame from the
same, under the penaltie of the act, which I suppose was treasoun.
“Item, Where it is alledged that I sould have condemned the
doctrine announced and taught by the ministrie of Edinburgh, and
to have allowed onlie concerning obedience to the prince, I con-
ºfesse and protest before God, that I never understood, nor yitt
knew anie thing but sinceritie and uprightnesse in the doctrine of
the ministrie of Edinburgh, in that point nor in anie other.
“Farther, I confesse I was the author of the act, discharging
the ministers' stipends that did not subscribe these acts of parlia-
ment, wherewith God hath justlie recompenced my self.
“As for anie violent course, it is knowne weill eneugh who was
the author therof; and my part was tryed at the imprisonment of
Mr Nicol Dagleish, Mr Patrik Melvill, Mr Thomas Jacke, and
others. .*
“Moreover, I grant I was more bussie with some bishops of
England, in prejudice of the discipline of our kirk, partlie when I
was there, and partlie by our mutuall intelligence sensyne, than
122 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1591.
became a good Christian, muche lesse a faithfull pastor. Nather
is there anie thing that more ashameth me, than my oftin deceaving
and abusing of the kirk heeretofore, by confessions, subscriptions,
protestations, &c., which be farre from me now, and ever heerafter.
Amen.
“Your brother in the Lord,
(Sic subscribitur) “MR PATRIK ADAMSONE.”
“As where your wisdoms desire to have my owne opinioun con-
cerning the booke of [the Declaratioua of the King's Intentioun,
the same is at more lenth declared in the confessioun which I
[have made] alreadie, wherin I have condemned all the whole arti-
cles therin conteanned, lyke as by these presents I condemne them.
“As where yee require, what became of the bookes of the As-
semblie P all which I had preserved whole unto the returning of
the lords and ministrie out of England; and if I had not preserved
them, my Lord of Arran intended to have made them be cast into
the fire. And upon a certane day, in Falkland, before they were
delivered to the king's Majestie, the Bishop of N., accompanied
with Mr Henrie Hammilton, rent out some leaves, and destroyed
suche things as made against our estat, and that not without my
owne special allowance.
“As for the bookes which I have sett furth, I have sett furth
nothing except a commentarie upon the First Epistle of Paul to
Timothie, which I did direct to the king's Majestie, and keeped no
exemplar beside me; and understands that Mr Johne Geddie gott
the same from the king, and lent it to Mr Robert Hepburne.
“Farther, I wrote nothing, but onlie made mentioun in my pre-
face upon the Apocalypse, that I sould write a booke called Psyllus,
which (being prevented by disease) God would not suffer me to
finish ; and the little thing that was done I caused to destroy it.
And, likewise, I have sett furth the Booke of Job, with the Apoca-
lypse, and the Lamentations of Jeremie, all in verse, to be printed
in England.
“As for my intention, I am not disposed, or in abilitie to write
1591. OF THE KiRK OF SCOTLANI). 123
anie thing at this tyme; and if it please God I were restored to
my health, I would change my style, as Cajetanus did at the Coun-
cell of Trent.
“As for Sutlivius' booke against the forme and order of the
Presbytereis, so farre am I from being partner in that worke, that
as I know not the man, nor had never anie intelligence of the worke
before it was done, so, if it please God to give me dayes, I will
write in his contrare, to the maintenance of the contrarie confes-
sioun.
“Prays the brethrein to be at unitie and peace with me, and in
tokin of their forgivenesse, becaus health suffereth me not to goe
over to the colledge, where yee are presentlie assembled, which I
would gladelie doe, to aske God and you forgivenesse ; that it
would please you to repaire thither, that I may doe it heere.
“Moreover, I condemne, by this my subscription, whatsoever is
conteaned in the Epistle Dedicatorie to the king's Majestie, before
my booke on the Revelation, that is ather slanderous or offensive
to the brethrein.
“Also, I promise to satisfie the brethrein of Edinburgh, or anie
other kirk of this realme, according to good conscience, in whatso-
ever they find themselves justlie offended, and contrarie to the
Word of God, in anie of my speeches, actiouns, or proceedings
which have past from me.
“And concerning the Commentarie upon the First Epistle of
Paul to Timothie, becaus there are diverse things therin conteaned
offensive, and that tend to allow of the estate of bishops otherwise
than God’s Word can suffer, I condemne the same.
“The pages before writtin, dytted by me, Mr Patrik Adam-
sone, and writtin at my commandement, by my servant, Mr Sam-
well Cuninghame, and by his hand drawn in the blankes, I sub-
scribe with my owne hand, as acknowledged by me in sinceritie of
conscience, as in the presence of God, before these witnesses, di-
rected to me from the Synodall Assemblie, becaus of my inabilitie
to repaire toward them ; James Monypennie, younger of Pitmillie,
Andrew Wood of Strawithie, David Murey, portioner of Ardeit,
124 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1591.
Mr David Russell, Mr William Murrey, minister at Dysert, Mr
IRobert Wilkie, David Fergusone, with others diverse.
(Sic subscribitur) “MR P. ADAMSONE.
“David Fergusone, witnesse. “David Murrey, with my hand
Mr Nicoll Dagleish. witnesse.
James Monypennie of Pitmillie, Mr David Russell.
witnesse. Mr David Spence.
Andrew Wood of Strawithie, Mr Johne Caldeleugh.
witnesse. Mr William Murrey.”
Mr Robert Wilkie, witnesse.
MR PATRIK ADAMSON'S OWNE ANSWERE AND REFUTATION OF THE
BOOKE FALSELIE CALLED THE KING's DECLARATIOUN.
“I have interprised, of mere remorse of conscience, to write
against a booke called A Declaratioun of the King's Majestie's In-
tentiouns, albeit it conteaneth little or nothing of the king's owne
intentioun, but my owne, at the tyme of the writting therof; and
the corrupt inventions of suche as for the tyme were about the king,
and abused his minoritie. Of the which booke, and contents therof,
compyled by me at the command of some cheefe courteours for
the tyme, (as is before writtin,) I sall shortlie declare my opinioun,
as the infirmitie of my sickenesse, and weakenesse of memorie will
permitt.
“First, In the whole booke is nothing conteaned but assertiouns
of lees, ascribing to the king's Majestie that wherof he was not
culpable. For albeit as the tyme went, his Majestie could have
suffered these things to have beene published in his realme, yitt his
Majestie was never of that nature to have reviled anie man's per-
son, or to upbraid anie man with calumneis, wherof there is a num-
ber conteaned in that thing.
“Secundlie, In the declaratioun of the secund act of Parliament,
there is mentioun made of Mr Andrew Melvill, and his preachings
1591. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 125
most wrongfullie condemned in speciall, as factious and seditious;
albeit his Majestie hath had a livelie tryell of that man's fidelitie
and truthe in all proceedings, from tyme to tyme. True it is he is
earnest and zealous, who can abide no corruption, (which most un-
advised lie I attributed to a fierie and salt humour,) which his Ma-
jestie findeth by experience to be true. For he alloweth weill of
him, and knoweth things that were alledged upon him to have
beene false and contrived treachereis.
“There are conteaned in that secund act of Parliament diverse
others false intentions, for to defame the ministrie, and to bring the
kirk of God in hatred and invy with their prince and nobilitie; bur-
thening and accusing the ministers falselie of seditioun, and other
crimes wherof they were innocent. As likewise, it is writtin in the
same act and declaratioun therof, that soverane and supreme power
perteaneth to the king in maters ecclesiasticall, which is worthie to
be condemned, and not to be conteaned among Christian acts,
where the power of the Word is to be extolled above all the power
of princes, and they to be brought under subjectioun to the same.
“The fourth Act condemned the Presbytereis, as a judgement
not allowed by the king's law, which is a verie slender argument.
For, as concerning the authoritie of the Presbyterie, we have the
same expressed in the Gospell of St Matthew, cap. 18, where
Christ commandeth to shew the kirk; which authoritie being com-
manded by Christ, and the acts of Parliament forbidding it, we
sould rather obey God than man. And yitt the Presbyterie laiked
never the king's authoritie for the allowance therof from the begin-
ning, save onlie at that houre of darkenesse, when he was abused
through evill companie. As for anie other thing that is conteaned
in this act against anie order or proceeding of the Presbyterie, it is
to be esteemed that nothing was done by the Presbyterie without
wisdom, judgement, and discretioun ; and so, hath receaved appro-
batioun again by the kirk; wherunto, also, I understand his Ma-
jestie hath given allowance, ratified and approved the same; which
should be a sufficient reasoun to represse all men's curiositie, that
ather have or yitt would find fault with the same.
126 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1591.
“The last article conteaneth the establishing of a bishop, which
hath no warrant of the Word of God, but is grounded upon the
policie of the inventioun of man, wherupon the primacie of the
Pope or Antichrist is rissin; which is worthie to be disallowed and
forbiddin, becaus the number of the eldership that hath jurisdictioun
and oversight, als weill of visitatioun as admissioun, will doe the
same farre more authenticlie, godlie, and with greater zeale than a
bishop, whose care commounlie is not upon God and his duetie, but
upon the world, wherupon his cheefe attendance is. Consider how
that office hath beene used these five hundreth yeeres bygane, with
what crueltie and tyrannie it hath beene exercised, ye sall find it
to have beene the cheefe caus that hath in everie countrie suppress-
ed the Word of God; which sall be evident to all that read the
historie of the kirk. As for my owne opinioun, it seemeth to be
neerest the truth, and farthest from all kinde of ambitioun, that the
brethrein in equall degree assemble themselves under their head,
Christ; and there, everie man discharge his office carefullie as he
is commanded. And becaus weakenesse of memorie and sickenesse
suffereth me not at lenth to discourse upon these maters as I would,
I must requeist the good reader to assure himself that I have writ-
tin this without compulsioun or perswasioun of anie man ; with an
upright heart, and have delivered the same with a perfyte sinceritie
of minde, so farre as infirmitie of fleshe and blood did suffer, as God
sall judge me at the latter day; and that the same reader accompt
of whatsoever things are omitted, that they are to be imputed to my
imbecillitie of memorie, and the present sickenesse, and not to anie
good will, which was (I protest) to have condemned everie point,
yea, even to the false narratioun of the bankett, and all the rest
conteaned in that little treatise, called The Declaratioun of the
King's Majestie's Intention; as, I acknowledge, they deserve to
be condemned by the censure and judgement of the kirk; to the
which also I submitt myself, in whatsomever thing I have ather in
word or writt attempted, ather in that foresaid Declaratioun or
otherwise: By these presents, subscribed with my hand at St An-
drews, the 12th of May, 1591. Before these witnesses, Mr David
1591, OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 127.
Blacke, minister at St Andrewes, Mr Robert Wilkie, Principall of
St Leonard's Colledge, Mr Johne Aitton of Enmath, Mr William
Russell.
(Sic subscribitur) “PATRIK ADAMSONE.
“Mr David Blacke, witnesse. “William Learmonth.
George Ramsey. Patrik Guthrie.
Mr Johne Auchinfleck. Charles Watsone, Scribe.”
“I, Mr Patrik Adamsone, declare that this confessioun and de-
claratioun befor writtin is my owne confessioun, givin with my
heart, and subscribed with my hand, before the witnesses under-
writtin, undersubscribing with me at my requeist and desire. At
St Andrewes, the 10th day of June, 1591.
“MR P. ADAMSONE.
“David Carnegie of Colluthie, “William Learmonth,
witnesse. Thomas Kingzo.
William Scot of Abbotshall, wit- Mr Robert Wilkie.
720SSé. Mr Andrew Muncreif.
Alexander Bruce of Earleshall, Mr David Blacke.
witnesse. Mr Andrew Hunter, Scribe
Borthwick of Gordounshall. of the Provinciall Assem-
Mr William Russel. blie.”
Mr David Blacke, a man mightie in doctrine, and of singular
fidelitie and diligence in the calling of the ministrie, came to Mr
Patrik, when he was drawing neere to his end, and found him as he
lived, senselesse. Commending him to the mercie of God, he de-
parted with an heavie heart.
IBOT DIWELL WAIRDEE).
Upon the 15th of Aprile, the Erie of Bothwell compeered be-
fore the king and Secreit Counsell, where he was accused of trea-
128 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1591.
sonable consultatioun with witches against the king. He denied
obstinatlie, but was committed to waird in the Castell of Edin-
burgh. His freinds, allya, servants, were charged upon the 22d of
Aprile to passe out of Edinburgh, and not to come neere the king
by the space of ten myles.
THE DUIKE MARIETEI JEANE RUTHWEN.
Upon the 19th of Aprile, the Duke of Lennox went over the
water to Wester Weymes, and tooke out Ladie Jeane Ruthven,
daughter to the Erle of Gowrie, wairded there at the king's com-
mand for his caus, wherat the king was highlie offended. He
maried her the day following.
BARBARA NAPER AND EUFAME MAKCALZEAN THOLE AN ASSISE
FOR WITCHCRAFT.
Upon Saturday, the 8th of May, Barbara Naper, sister to Wil-
liam Naper of Wright's Houses, was convicted by an assise for art,
part, and consulting with witches. The nixt Tuisday she was
condemned to be wirried till she were dead, and therafter to be
burnt. When the staike was sett in the Castell Hill, with barrells,
coales, heather, and powder, and the people were looking for pre-
sent executioun, her freinds alledged she was with child, wherupon
the executioun was delayed, till that alledgance was tryed. In the
meane tyme, these that were upon her assise were summouned to
underly the law upon Moonday, the seventh of June, for wilfull
errour, in cleanging her in treasoun against the king's persoun.
The jurie men came in the king's will.
Upon Moonday, the 9th of June, Eufame Makcalzeane was ac-
cused of witchcraft, and practise to take away the king's life. The
procurators pleaded so subtillie for her, that the assise could not
be resolved before the 13th of June. She was wirried and burnt
to ashes upon the 25th of June. She tooke it on her conscience
that she was innocent of all the crymes layed to her charge.
1591. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 129
Some other witches were also wirried and burnt about this tyme ;
as Donald the Man, the gleed Hieland witche, etc. Barbara Naper
was convicted onlie of consulting with Richard Graham and Agnes
Sampsone. That she consulted for the death of the king or the
Erle of Angus she denied. In respect of the Act of Parliament
against naiked consultatioun was not putt in executioun, it was
thought hard to execute her.
. Upon Wednisday, the 19th of May, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Robert
Pont, Mr David Lindsey, Mr Walter Balcalquall, and Mr Johne
Davidsone, went to the Palace of Halyrudhous, at the time when some
traffiquing Papists were summouned to compeere before the counsell.
The Bailliffe of Erroll was accused for recept of Papists, and distri-
buting of forraine gold sent for waiging of souldiours against the
estat of religioun. He made some excuses for the first, but denied
the secund. The Maister of Angus was likewise accused, for distri-
buting of forraine gold to levie souldiours, but he denied. The king
affirmed, with great attestatiouns, that he was als truelie informed
of it, as it was true he was speeking there. Fentrie likewise de-
nied anie sort of traffique. Mr Bowes, English ambassader, was
certified that Captan Robert Bruce was to come home with
twentie-five thousand crownes, to be distributed to the same use.
MR ROBERT BRUCE's ADMONITION TO THE KING.
Upon the Lord's day, the sixt of June, the king was at Mr
Robert Bruce's sermoun in the Little Kirk. Mr Robert, in his
sermoun upon Hebrews xii. 14, 15, moved the questioun, what
could the great disobedience of this land meane now, whill the king
was present ; Seing some reverence was borne to his shadow when
he was absent? He answered, it meant an universall contempt of
the subjects: therefore willed the king to call to God, before he
ather eate or drinke, that the Lord would give him a resolutioun
to execute justice upon malefactors, although it sould be with the
hazard of his life. Which, if he would interprise courageouslie,
the Lord would raise enew to assist him, and all these impediments
WOL. W. I
130 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1591.
would vanish away, which now are cast in his way: “Otherwise,”
sayeth he, “yee will not be suffered to bruike your crowne alone,
but everie man will have one.” Mr Johne Davidsone said likewise,
in the morning doctrine, that it appeared by the evill successe he
had in executioun of justice, so farre, that he had not power over
a carline witche, naming Barbara Naper; that he and his counsell
were not assisted by God, and that, because he had not repented
sufficientlie for his former sinnes. The day following, the king
made an harangue to the Lords of the Sessioun for upright admi-
nistratioun of justice.
CONFERENCE BETUIXT THE KING AND SOME MINISTERS.
Upon Tuisday, the 8th of June, the ministers of the Presbyterie of
Edinburgh were called up to the Tolbuith whill the king was sitting
among the Lords of the Sessioun. He findeth fault with them for
particular reprooffes in pulpit, without premonitioun to the partie,
and speciallie of himself, and that young boyes were permitted so to
doe. He alledged Mr David Lindsay promised to him, in name of
the ministers, another sort of behaviour ; but seing the promise was
not keeped, he would have a Generall Assemblie conveened in Edin-
burgh, for discussing of that and other points. They were com-
manded to returne with their answere after noone. They conveened
in the Little Kirk, and agreed, First, that wairning sould be givin
by missives to presbytereis, for changing the place of the Generall
Assemblie, according to the power they had by an act. Nixt,
that it sould be regraited to the king, that he sould have accused
them before the Sessioun, Seing they had there some unfreinds.
Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Robert Pont, Mr David Lindsay, Mr.Robert
Rollock, Mr James Balfour, Mr Johne Davidsone, were directed
to the king after noone, with these answeres. They find the king
in the chanceller's loodging. He said, they ought to affirme nothing
in pulpit in reproving vice, but when men were convicted by law,
and that he would see himself exeemed heerafter. Mr Johne
Davidsone said, “We were ordeaned to regrait unto your Majestie,
1591. OF THE IXIRE OF SCOTLAND. 131
that, by your speeches in an uncouth place, yee sould have givin
suche occasioun of contempt of our ministrie.” The king said, he
would avow what he spake before all the ministers of Scotland,
and repeated his words, but not in so rough a maner. Mr David-
sone said, If anie particular minister had defamed his Majestie, lett
him be called and accused. “I thinke I have,” said the king, “so-
verane judgement in all things within this realme.” “There is a
judgement above yours,” said Mr Robert Pont, “and that is God’s,
putt in the hand of the ministrie; for we sall judge the angels,
sayeth the Apostle.” “Yee understand not that place weill, Mr
Robert,” said the king, “howbeit yeebe an old theologue.” After Mr
Robert had discoursed upon the words, the king concluded, that the
judgement mentiouned in that place perteanned to everie Sutor
and tayleour, als weill as to the kirk, and insulted. Mr Robert
replyed, “ Christ sayeth, “Yee sall sitt upon twelve thrones, and
judge,' etc., which is cheefelie referred to the apostles, and conse-
quentlie to ministers.” Mr Robert Rollock said the like. “Be it
so,” said the king; and then had a long discourse tuiching the ju-
risdictioun of the kirk. None could charge him, as he alledged,
with anie fault in his owne persoun, and, therefore, he would use
the power of his office and authoritie over them, becaus they did
manie things beside their duetie. Mr Johne Davidsone answered,
their office consisted for the most part in words, but his in deids;
lett see upon what malefactor in Scotland his sword did strike.
The king threatned to correct him, as he had done others before.
Mr Johne protested that he and the rest of the brethrein of the
ministrie loved him ; and so they parted on reasonable good
termeS.
THE KING's LETTER IN FAVOURS OF MR UDALL.
Upon Fryday, the 11th of June, a letter was purchassed from
the king, by my Lord Lindsay and Mr Robert Bruce, to the Queene
of England, in favours of Mr Udall. The letter was penned by
Mr George Young, as followeth :— *
132 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1591.
“Right Excellent, Right High, and Mightie Princesse, our deerest
Sister and Cousine, in our heartiest maner we recommend us unto
you. Hearing of the apprehensioun of Mr Udall, of whose good
eruditioun and fruictfull travells in the kirk we heare a verie cre-
dible commend, howsoever that his diversitie from the bishops and
others of your cleargie, in maters tuiching him in conscience, hath
beene a meane, by their delatioun, to worke him your mislyking at
this present: We cannot, (weyghing the duetie which we owe to
suche as are afflicted for their conscience in that professioun,) but,
by our most affectuous and earnest letter, interpone us at your
hands, to anie harder usage of him for that caus; requeisting you
most earnestlie, that for our caus and intercessioun, it may please
you to lett him be releeved of his present strait, and whatsomever
farther accusatioun or persute depending on that ground; respect-
ing both his former merite in the furthsetting of the Evangell, the
simplicitie of his conscience in this defence, which cannot weill be
thirled by compulsioun, and the great slander which could not faill
to fall out upon his further straiting for anie Suche occasioun.
Which, we assure us, your zeale to religioun, beside the expecta-
tioun we have of your good will to pleasure us, will willinglie ac-
cord to our requeist; having suche prooffes, from tyme to tyme, of
our like dispositioun to you in anie maters yee recommend unto us.
“And thus, Right Excellent, Right High, and Mightie Princesse,
our deerest Sister and Cousine, we committ you to God's good
protectioun.
“From Edinburgh, the 12th day of Junie, 1591.”
BOTEIWELL DENOUNCED REBELL.
Upon Tuisday, the 21st of June, Bothwell brak waird at two
houres in the morning, and escaped out of the Castell of Edin-
burgh, with one of the captan's servants. Upon the 24th of Junie,
it was concluded in counsell that he sould be putt to the horne,
and denounced rebell, which was putt in executioun ; and upon the
last of June, the gentlemen within the shirefilome of Edinburgh,
1591. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 133
Stirline, Linlithquo, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Peebles, Berwick, were
charged to repaire to Edinburgh for the persute of Bothwell. The
king went to the borders in the beginning of Julie to apprehend
him, but returned the eight day without him. Bothwell caused
rander to him all his houses and strenths.
THE * >k GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.
The Generall Assemblie conveenned at Edinburgh in the New
Rirk, the 2d of Julie. Exhortatioun being made by Mr Patrik
Galloway, Moderator of the last Assemblie, Mr Nicoll Dagleish
was chosin Moderator.
Sessioun 2.
Forasmuche as the alteratioun of the place of the Assemblie may
move some brethrein to call in doubt the authoritie of this Assem-
blie, the Assemblie hath voted that there was a reasonable and
weightie caus of the alteratioun therof; and that nothing is done
in prejudice of their act, the speciall caus being the desire of his
Majestie, who for sindrie reasons willed the Assemblie to be keeped
heere at this tyme; wherof if anie brethrein would be satisfied
farther, the brethrein on the conference sall resolve them, and
that this is a lawfull Assemblie, notwithstanding the alteratioun
foresaid.
|Mr Johne Grahame of Halyairds, one of the Senators of the
Colledge of Justice, was cited to compeere before the Assemblie,
at the instance of Mr Patrik Simsone, for calling him a suborner.
The Lord Provand, President, the Lord Culrosse, and Barnbarroch,
directed from the Lords of the Sessioun, desired the Assemblie, in
the elleventh sessioun, not to proceed to judge in that caus, Seing
it was civill, and proper to their cognitioun, till it tooke an end be-
fore them; and that they would doe nothing in derogatioun of the
priviledges of the Colledge of Justice. It was answered, they
would not prejudge in anie civill mater, nor derogat from their pri-
viledges; but the purging the members of their owne bodie was a
134 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1591.
mater ecclesiastick, wherin they might judge, without prejudice to
anie civill judicatorie.
The Lord-Justice was demanded, in the 13th sessioun, if he ac-
knowledged the judgement and jurisdictioun of the kirk in this
caus, or not ? He answered, that he acknowledged with reverence
the judgement of the Assemblie in all causes apperteaning to them :
but in this caus, which is civill, wherinto the lords are primario ju-
dices, before whom also it dependeth, they cannot be judges pri-
mario. He was removed and called in again; and it was declared
to him, that the Assemblie findeth themselves judges primario in
this caus, and would presentlie proceed therein; and required him
to alledge or propone farther for his defense what he thought good.
He tooke instruments of their interloquiter, and protested for re-
meed of law. Becaus the protestatioun was made verballie, and
conteaned manie heeds, he was desired to give it in to the clerk in
writt. This actioun did so drive time, that the Assemblie was
forced to referre it to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, and some
commissioners joyned with them.
HUMBLE PETITIONS OF THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE, CRAVED OF HIS
MAJESTIE AND COUNSELL.
Petitions and Articles.
It is craved, that the acts of Parliament made for suppressioun
of the enormiteis following may be putt to executioun : First,
against Jesuits, suche as Mr James Gordoun, and recepters of
them; and excommunicats, suche as the Laird of Fintrie and the
Maister of Angus; profaners of the Sacraments, privat men and
weomen givers therof; idolaters, pilgrimageis, papisticall magi-
strats, sayers and hearers of messe, givers of the sacrament accord-
ing to the papisticall forme, and receavers of the same; committers
of apostasie; publict mercats upon the Sabboth-day; violent inva-
ders of ministers, by striking of them, or by shedding of their
1591. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 135
blood; profaning of the Sabboth-day by Robin-Hood playes; mur-
therers and bloodshedders, which overflow the whole land.
Item, That the ministrie planted may be sufficientlie provided ;
and also, that ministers may be provided of sufficient living to the
kirks unplanted. Item, The Act of Annexatioun to be dissolved ;
the new erectiouns and patronages be discharged; the Act of Dis-
solutioun of prelaceis and benefices consisting of moe kirks nor
one be ratified and established; the Act of Februarie, without the
exceptioun, the eight of Junie, eeked to it, may have place; that
small benefices dispouned to ministers may be free of all taxations;
that manses and gleebes be designed of kirk lands, abbeyes, frier
lands, and whatsomever kirk lands; that manses and gleebes have
their liberties of faggot, fewell, and pasturage; that commoun kirks
be dispouned to ministers serving the cure; that everie kirk be
provided of a sufficient pastor, and a competent living assigned to
him for his service.
It was ordeanned also in the thrid sessioun, that an article sould
be givin in to the king and counsell against Egyptians.
ACTS.
Sessioun 4.
Tuiching the subscriptioun of the Booke of Policie injoyned in
the last Assemblie, in respect the greatest part of the presbytereis
as yitt have not satisfied the ordinance of the Assemblie, the Assem-
blie hath ordeaned their former act to be observed and executed, be-
tuixt and their nixt Assemblie; and the moderator of everie presby-
terie to see to the execution therof, under the paine of fourtie shil-
lings, to be imployed to the use of the poore, beside the publict
rebook in the opin Assemblie.
Sessioun 6.
Forasmuche as the order observed of before, in giving power to
certane of the brethrein, nominated thereto, to read an answere to
136 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1591.
the bills givin in to the Generall Assemblie, appeareth to some
brethrein to be inconvenient, and derogative to the Provinciall As-
sembleis, speciallie, in that farre as the maters that are thought
doubtsome to them, and referred to the full Assemblie, are com-
mitted to the decisioun of foure or five brethrein: It is thought, there-
fore, expedient in tyme comming, that certane brethrein be chosin
and named by the Assemblie, who sall have power onlie to take in
the supplications and complaints, which are to come before the full
number; read them, and consider if they come in pertinentlie be-
fore the Generall Assemblie ; and, if they be impertinent, to give
their answere on the backe of the bills: and where as they are per-
tinent, to bring them backe to the whole Assemblie, to be answer-
ed there, with their opinioun in word what they have considered
therof, and where they thinke meet to be answered.
Sessioun 15.
Tuiching the Act of the Lords of the Excheker, proceeding upon
a supplication made by the brethrein of the ministrie to them,
dated at Halyrudhous, the 10th day of Februar, 1590, declaring
their meaning to be, that all ministers that have vitiated anie bene-
fices of cure, in whole or in part, by purchassing unto themselves,
their heyres and assigneys, long tackes of the same, within the worth
of the said benefices, be compelled, by the censures of the kirk, to
restore them againe to their owne integritie, unto the ministers pre-
sentlie serving the cure; and, to that effect, requires the Generall
and Synodall Assembleis, commissioners, and presbytereis of the
bounds where the said benefices ly, to take triell of suche persons,
and to proceed against them as said is, in most strait forme, ac-
cording as suche a great enormitie in ministers craveth, ay and
whill they have redintegrated the benefices which have beene cor-
rupted and vitiated by them as said is, but anie farther processe of
law to follow therupon ; as the said act, subscribed by my Lord
Chanceller Newbottle, Sir Robert Melvill, Parbrothe, Blantyre,
Carmichael, Glencludden, Colluthie, and Mr Peter Young, beareth.
The Generall Assemblie of the kirk being advised therewith,
1591. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 137
alloweth and approveth the said act and advice of the said Ex-
checker, and ordeaneth the same to be putt in executioun in everie
presbyterie, according to the tenour therof.
Sessioun 17.
Forasmuche as it being deepelie considered by the Assemblie,
that manie things have beene done by them, and by others pre-
tending the title and name of the kirk, greatlie prejudiciall to them-
selves, their discipline, and also the patrimonie and living of the
kirk; and that by priviledge of good lawes it is granted and lea-
some to them to remedie themselves, by revocatioun therof: There-
fore, the whole Assemblie, after grave and mature deliberation, hath
revocked, and by thir presents revocketh, all and whatsomever
thing done by them, or others clothing them with the name of the
kirk, prejudiciall to themselves, their discipline, their patrimonie,
and living, as being enormelie hurt thereby ; and protesteth, ac-
cording to the dispositioun of the said law, solemnelie, they may be
heard in tyme and place, to seeke remeed therof: And for more
speciall expressing, and more particular declaratioun therof, hath
willed their brethrein, Mr Robert Pont, Mr David Lindsey, Mr
Robert Bruce, and Mr Andrew Melvill, to conceave in writt the
forme therof; the copie wherof, eache presbyterie is ordeaned to
receave, and to give command to the pastors within their bounds,
to intimat the said revocation made in this Assemblie from their
pulpits.
Tuiching the forme of the examinatioun before the communioun,
penned by their brother, Mr Craig, the Assemblie thought it meete
to be imprinted, being by the author therof contracted in some
shorter bounds.
The Generall Assemblie is appointed to be holdin at Aberdeen,
the 17th of August, 1592; but in cace a parliament interveene, to
hold where the parliament sall sitt for the tyme, and conveen two
dayes before, the rest of the presbytereis being advertised by the
Presbyterie of Edinburgh.
- 138 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1591.
MR P. SIMSONE PIJIRGED,
Mr Johne Grahame, Lord-Justice, compeering upon the thrid of
August before the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, charged them, by a
macer, to desist from further proceeding against them, but under
no paine. The charge was subscribed by the chanceller, the
Lords Menmure, Culrosse, Barnbarroch. Mr Andrew Melvill and
Mr Robert Bruce were appointed to speeke the king, the chanceller,
and sindrie lords. The king composed the mater, and made Mr
Johne Grahame to acknowledge Mr Patrik to be an honest man.
. So, whereas Mr Johne Grahame had slandered him to be a suborner
of a notar, he changed his words, and said he knew nothing but
- that he had beene bussie in his contrare.
BOTHWELL DENUDED OF HIS OFFICES AND PERSUED.
Upon Fryday, the 23d of Julie, a proclamatioun [was made] at
the Croce of Edinburgh, discharging to furnishe meate and drinke to
Bothwell, to interteane or recept him, and to assist the magistrats
to apprehend him when they sall be required. Upon Moonday, the
26th, Bothwell supping in Leith, in Captane Maisterton's, the com-
moun bell of Edinburgh was knelled to give wairning to apprehend
him. He came to the Neather Bow, throwed doun a fourtie shil-
ling peece, in witnesse that he provoked the chanceller to come
and take him, saying, he was at his horne, not at the king's. After
that the king went over the water, the chanceller, fearing Bothwell,
waiged souldiours to keepe his hous in Edinburgh, and caused
Edinburgh keepe a strait watche. Upon the 29th of Julie, Mar-
shall was wairded in the Castell of Edinburgh with Peter Kin-
loche, servitour to the Erle Bothwell, for speaking with Bothwell.
The Lord Hume, guiltie of the same cryme, fled, but entered him-
self soone after in Blacknesse ; Rosling in Edinburgh, but were
soone after sett at libertie. The Lord Hume turned an enemie to
Bothwell. Upon Wednisday, the 4th of August, Bothwell was de-
1591. OF THE IXIEE OF SCOTLAND. 139
nuded by publict proclamatioun at the Croce of Edinburgh of all
honours, offices, and digniteis, as the Admiralitie of Scotland, the
Shirefshipp of Lothiane, Merce, and Berwick. The Duke of Len-
nox was proclamed Admirall and Shireff in his place. The day
after, the duke went to the Tolbuith of Edinburgh, and held an
Admirall and Shireff Court, choosed new members, and held an-
other Court of Admiraltie in Leith. Upon Moonday, the 18th of
October, there was great bussinesse about the taiking of the Erle
Bothwell, who escaped out of Leith, notwithstanding of all the haste
the king made. His best hors, called Valentine, was taikin, and
* * Scot, the Laird of Balwerie's brother, was caried to the
Castell of Edinburgh by the guarde, at six houres at night.
MR WALTER STANDETTH TO THE DEFENCE OF MIR, ICNOX.
Upon Fryday, the 29th of October, Mr Walter Balcalquall was
sent for to the king, becaus in his sermoun he had rebooked these
that spake anie thing to the discredit of Mr Knox. The king said,
ather he sould lose his crowne, or Mr Walter sould recant his
words. Mr Walter prayed God to preserve his crowne, but he
said, if he had his right witts, the king sould have his head before
he recanted anie thing he spake. Upon the Lord’s day following,
Mr Robert Bruce, the king being present at sermoun, said, that
nothing would accuse the conscience more fearefullie, when God
wakenned it, than speeking against God's servants, and persecuting
them ; and prayed that the queene might be induced to frequent
the preaching of the Word, and that evill companie might be re-
moved from about her. The nixt Sabboth, he tuiched the king,
and his evill companie about him, speciallie, hypocriticall subscribers
preferred to high places.
THE MINISTERS VISITE THE KING's HOUS.
Upon Wednisday, the eight of December, Mr Robert Pont, Mr
David Lindsey, and Mr Johne Davidsone, went doun to the Palace
140 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1591.
of Halyrudhous, to visite the king's hous, to try what negligence
was in pastors, and abusses in the familie. They went againe upon
Fryday, the 10th, and the king himself was present. They urged
the king to have the Scripture read at dinner and supper, and
willed that new elders sould be chosin, and the comptroller left out.
MR. J. DAVIDSONE'S CONFERENCE WITH THE KING.
Upon Fryday, the 17th of December, Mr Johne Davidsone went
doun to the Palace, to speeke with the king of suche things as he
would not utter publictlie at the visitatioun. He admonished him
of neglect of justice, carelesse appointing of the ministers of justice,
placing unfitt men in offices, granting remissiouns. The king an-
swered, he found not concurrence in inferiour magistrats; no, not
against Bothwell, who sought his owne life : farther, that there were
diverse officers of justice clamed their places by heritage, and sin-
drie shireffs. As for knowne pardouns, he would answere for
everie one which he gave by good law and reason. As for un-
knowne, suche was the multitude of his bussinesses, that some
about him deceaved him by importunitie, and gott stolin subscrip-
tiouns, from which kinde of dealling he thought no flesh in his
place could alwayes be free ; and farther, he saw not where to
make choice of fitt officers; for when anie man's particular cometh
in questioun, then their partiallitie may be seene. Tyme straiting,
Mr Davidsone desired that he might have accesse to his Majestie
another tyme, which was granted. Mr Patrik Galloway was called
upon to the king, to make a sport of the conference, as Mr David-
sone collected.
POTEIWELL BESETTETH THE PALACE OF HALYRUDHOUS.
Upon the 27th of December, about supper tyme, Bothwell came
to the Palace of Halyrudhous. He and his complices came to the
king's doore, the queen's, and the chanceller's ; at one tyme with
fire to the king's doore, with hammers to the queen's doore. Sir
1591. OF THE KERK OF SCOTLAND.
141
James Sandelands was sent in haste to the Proveist of Edinburgh.
The citicens, wairned by the sound of the commoun bell, followed
the proveist doun to the palace. Before they came, Bothwell and
his complices escaped, all except Sevin or eight, that were appre-
hended, and after hanged at the Croce.
stabler, was slaine, and his brother hurt.
William Schaw, maister
It was suspected that
the duke was upon the conspiracie, for the conspirators came
through his stables, and he himself came not till all was ended.
THE NAMES OF SUCHE AS WERE AT THE BESETTING OF THE ABBEY
OF HALYRUDHOUS, UPON MOONDAY, THE 27TH OF DECEMBER,
BETWEENE SEVIN AND EIGHT AT NIGHT.
The Erle Bothwell.
The Laird of Spott.
Mr Johne Colvill.
Hercules Stuart, brother to
|Pothwell.
The Laird of Samwellstoun,
younger, and Alexander,
his brother.
The Laird of Nidrie, younger.
The Bailiffe of Nidrie.
Archibald Douglas, sonne to
Mortoum.
Robert Scot, brother to Bal-
werie.
The young Laird of Dawick.
James Stuart of Tinneis.
William Stuart, constable, his
brother.
David Stuart.
Robert Stuart.
Johne Stuart of Fowleth.
Laird of Thornedykes.
Ninian Chirneside.
James Hepburne.
Robert Hepburne in Hales.
William Lermonth of Hill.
Mr Thomas Cranstoun,
younger, of Moreston.
Robert Hume, younger, of
Heuche.
William Hume of Prandergaist.
Alexander Hume, his brother.
William Pringle in Heriot
Mure.
Hob Pringle there.
William Ormeston in Brigend.
* * Ormeston of Brigend.
Ormeston, sonne to
Johne Ormestone in Smail-
hame.
Midlemest of Greisone.
James Pot in Sprowstoun.
142 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1591.
David Glaidstains there. Alexander Liddall.
Robert Lermonth, in the Toun- Johne Chiftane.
heid of Kelso. Robert Moffett.
James Lermonth, his brother. Hector Trummill.
Alexander Lermonth, brother William Trummill.
to the Laird of Lermonth, Thomas Veitche.
in Ersiltoun. George Heigh.
Patrik Crummie. Johne Gourlay, all eight of
John Trotter in Ryselay. Dalkeith, suspected.
David Pringle in Kelso. Johne Gibsone, Greave of
Johne Ormeston in Smailhame. Crichtoun, tane, putt in
Patrik Ethintoun of Mirran- the king's will, had to
kirk. the gallous, sent backe
Two brethrein to the Person of to the Tolbuith of Edin-
Aldhamstocks. burgh.
THE KING's PUBLICT THANKSGIVING FOR HIS DELIVERIE.
Upon Tuisday, the 28th of December, the king came to the
Great Kirk of Edinburgh. Mr Patrik Galloway preached upon
the 134th Psalme. He discoursed upon the deliverie the Lord had
wrought the last night, and declared the king was come to give
publict thanks to God for the same. It was a fitt tyme to instruct
the king and the lords to their dueteis, by sharpe admonitioun, but
in that point he was verie slander. After sermoun, the king re-
lated what benefites he had bestowed upon Bothwell from the be-
ginning, and how ungrate he was of late in seeking his life, by poy-
soun, witchecraft, and now at last directlie, and compleaned that
the subjects recept him. He thanked the proveist and the toun of
Edinburgh for their readinesse to serve him. The 124th Psalme
being sung, they dissolved.
Upon Wednisday, the 29th, Mr Craig teaching before the king
upon the two brazen mountaines in Zacherie, said, that the king
had lightlie regarded the manie bloodie shirts presented to him by
his subjects craving justice; so God, in his providence, had made
1592. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, 143
a noise of crying and fore-hammers to come to his owne doores. He
would needs have the people to stay after sermoun, and purged
himself. He said, if he had thought his fied servant, meaning Mr
Craig, would have dealt after that maner with him, he would not
have suffered him so long in his hous. Mr Craig not hearing what
the king said, by reasoun of the throng, went his way.
Not long after this fact committed by Bothwell, this letter fol-
lowing was cast into the king's chamber : “It appeares to me that
the duke cannot excuse himself weill of the last turne that was in
hand, in respect his speciall servants are gone away with the dead,
and als William Keith, his good father, one of the interprise of
that fact. If your Majestie be not blind, that may be weill seene,
and als, your Majestie may understand, that these that the duke
hath medled with have not forgott the death of the Erle of Gow-
rie. Therefore, I thinke it best that yee caus her flitt her campe,
and dwell farther from your Abbey; for your Majestie's entreis and
hers is all one. I see sindrie daylie in your companie that give
your Majestie faire words, that are als guiltie as they that were at
the turne doing, that looke right mylde upon the mater; and if
they wist where to leape to, they would be faine away. But they
feare they sall not be so welcome as before, to England, I meane.
And if your Majestie cannot judge what they are, consider with
your Majestie's self what they are that Mr Johne Colvill has the
greatest stroke of, and what companie he hanteth most. I have no
farther at this present to say. But suche as I meane will await
Weill on, whill they devise a new guise. Therefore, be wise, and
doe your turne quickelie. So I conclude.
“By your Majestie's servant at power.”
M.D.XCII,
PROCLAMATION AGAINST BOTHWELLs
Upon Moonday, the tenth of Januar, a proclamatioun was made
at the Croce of Edinburgh, tuiching the apprehensioun of the Erle
144 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
of Bothwell, and promises made to anie that would kill him. In
this proclamatioun, Bothwell was declared to be one of the factioun
of the Bridge of Dee. It was thought to be penned by the king
himself.
THE ECING ALMOST DROWNED.
Upon the 13th of Januar, the king road from the Palace of Haly-
rudhous eastward, to apprehend Bothwell, but had almost beene
drowned in a poole of water, if he had not beene rescued and
pulled furth by the necke by a yearman, where the courteours durst
not Venture.
Upon Thursday, the 20th of Januar, Colonell Stuart was wairded
in the Castell of Edinburgh, becaus the queene used him as an in-
strument to disgrace the chanceller, and to sivver the king from
him.
THE ERLE OF MIUIRREY KILLED BY HIUNTILEY.
Upon Tuisday, the 8th of Februar, Edinburgh [was] full of
mourning and lamentatioun, earelie in the morning, for a cruell
murther committed in the night before, upon the Erle of Murrey,
in his owne place at Dinnybrissill, and the Shireff of Murrey, by the
Erle of Huntlie. He went out of Edinburgh from the king, and
that same night sett the hous of Dinnybrissill on fire, so that the
Erle of Murrey was forced to come furth, and was discovered by
some sparkes of fire in his knapskall, and so was killed and cruellie
demained. The Shireff of Murrey was likewise killed. The king
went furth to the hunting that morning, and hunting about Inner-
leith and Weirdie, he saw the fire, which had not yitt died out,
but nothing moved with the mater; yea, the people blamed him
as guiltie, and not without caus. For he hated the Erle of Mur-
rey, partlie becaus he hated that hous for the Good Regent's sake;
partlie becaus the erle was suspected to be a favourer of Bothwell.
Chanceller Matlane, for the same respects, hated Murrey, and
1592. OF THE [KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 145
hounded furth Huntlie. Camden, in his Annales, layeth the whole
burthein upon the chanceller to cleere the king. But it is knowne
that these his Annals were composed at the king's directioun and
pleasure. The king sent for five or six of the ministers, made an
harangue to them, wherin he did what he could to cleere himself,
and desired them to cleere his part before the people. They de-
sired him to cleere himself by earnest persuing of Huntlie with
fire and sword. A proclamatioun was made, with beating of the
drumme, to declare the king innocent, but no word of persuing of
Huntlie. The king alledged his part to be like David's, when
Abner was slain by Joab,
THE ERLE OF MURREY'S CORPS BROUGHT OVER THE WATER.
Upon the nynth of Februar, the Erle of Murrey’s mother, accom-
panied with her freinds, brought over her sonne's and the Shireff
of Murrey's deid corps, in litters, to Leith, to be brought from
thence to be buried in the yle of the Great Kirk of Edinburgh, in
the Good Regent's tombe; and, as some report, to be made first a
spectacle to the people at the Croce of Edinburgh. But they were
stayed by command from the king. Captan Gordoun was left for
dead at Dinnybrissell; his hatt, his purse, his gold, his weapons,
were taikin by one of his owne companie; his shankes were pulled
off. He was taikin in to the Erle of Murrey's mother, and was
cherished with meate, and drinke, and clothing. A rare exemple !
She brought him over with her sonne's corps, to seeke justice. The
Erle of Murrey's mother caused draw her sonne's picture, as he
was demained, and presented it to the king in a fyne lane cloath,
with lamentatiouns, and earnest Sute for justice. But little regard
was had to the mater. Of the three bullets she found in the
bowelling of the bodie of her sonne, she presented one to the king,
another to k + the thrid she reserved to herself, and said, “I
sall not part with this, till it be bestowed on him that hindereth
justice.”
VOL. V. R.
146 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1592.
CAPTAIN GORDON BEEIEADED.
The Erle of Huntlie stayed at Innerkeithing till the Laird of
Geicht returned from Edinburgh. When he understood how the
mater was taikin by the people, he went homewards by St John-
stoun, where one of his men that was at the slaughter died. Cap-
tan Gordoun was beheaded at the Croce of Edinburgh, and a
running footman hanged upon Saturday the 12th of Februar.
The captan condemned the fact as horrible, protesting he was
brought ignorantlie upon it; but confessed the Lord had brought
him to this shamefull end for his manie other great offences.
THE MURMIURING AND OBLOQUIE OF THE PEOPLE.
The king and the chanceller went from Edinburgh to Kinneill,
to the Lord Hammiltoun, to eshew the obloquie and murmuring of
the people. Hardlie could they be asswadged. The proveist and
magistrats of Edinburgh with great difficultie stayed the crafts
from taking armes, to stay the king from ryding, and to threattin
the chanceller. The souldiours of the king's guarde being miscon-
tent their waiges were not payed, tooke the chanceller's trunkes
and coffers off horsebacke into the guarde-hous, till Carmichaell
made a solemne promise that they sould be payed. The Lord
Uchiltrie avowed that he would stand to it, that all that he did in
bringing in the Erle of Murrey under assurance to Dinnybrissill
was by the king's appointment, and that none was privie to it but
the king, the chanceller, and he. Blarguhan, father-in-law to Uchil-
trie, assured Mr Johne Davidsone that this was of veritie.
THE KING's LETTER TO HUNTLIE, WRITTIN ABOUT THE SAME
TIME, OR A LITTLE BEFORE.
“Since your passing heerefra, I have beene in suche danger and
perrell of my life, as since I was borne I was never in the like,
1592. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND, . 147
partlie by the grudging and tumults of the people, and partlie by
the exclamatioun of the ministrie, whereby I was moved to dis-
semble. Alwise, I sall remaine constant. When yee come heere,
come not by the ferreis; and if yee doe, accompanie yourself, as
yee respect your owne preservatioun, Yee sall write to the princi-
pall ministers that are heere, for thereby their anger will be greatlie
pacified.”
JOHNE NAISMITH TEIREATN.E.D.
The king raid to Glasgow to persue Bothwell; but Bothwell
cometh backe by the way above Dumbartane, accompanied with
one, and leaving his ladie behind him. Johne Naismith was caried
to Glasgow upon Wednisday the sixteenth, where he was threatned
with torments to confesse that the Erle of Murrey was with Both-
well that night he besett the king in the Abbey. But he answered,
He would not damne his owne soule with speeking untruthe for
anie bodilie paine.
MR. P. ADAMSONE'S DEATH.
Upon Saturday, the 19th of Februar, Mr Patrik Adamsone,
Rishop of St Andrewes, departed this life about ten houres at
night, without anie sense or feeling.
SOME MINISTERS INVITED BY THE RING TO GILASGOW.
Upon Tuisday, the 22d of Februar, the king came unlooked for
to Edinburgh, in haist, accompanied with seven or eight hors. He
would have some of the ministrie with him to Glasgow. Mr Robert
Bruce, Mr Robert Rollock, Mr David Lindsey, went with him,
but gave sindrie reasouns wherefore they could not justifie Huntlie's
fact, howbeit it were found that the Erle of Murrey had been in
the Abbey with Bothwell upon the 27th of December last bypast.
148 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
THE KING MEETETH WITH HUNTLIE AT LINLITEIQUO.
Upon Moonday, the 28th of Februar, the king and chanceller
came from Glasgow to Linlithguo. There they dealt with Huntlie
to enter in waird in Blackenesse, when he sould be charged, as-
suring him he sould incurre no danger; wherunto he yeelded.
RICHARD GRAELAME THE SORCERER EXECUTED.
Upon Tuisday, the last of Februar, Richard Grahame, the great
sorcerer, was wirried and burnt at the Croce of Edinburgh. He
stood hard to his former confessioun tuiching Bothwell's practise
against the king; that Arran, Lord Farneyeere, was an inchanter;
that the devill was raised at the Laird of Auchinfleck’s dwelling-
place, and in Sir Lewes Bellendine, the Justice-Clerk's yaird.
The bruit went that the chanceller had some tables and images
about his necke, and that he was sure so long as he used them so ;
but Richard Grahame deponned no suche mater.
THE KING's RAGE AGAINST THE MINISTERS.
Upon Tuisday, the seventh of Marche, the Presbyterie of Edin-
burgh laboured earnestlie to have Huntlie and his complices ex-
communicated. The king grudged that the besetters of the Abbey
were not excommunicated, and said it would not be weill till noble-
men and gentlemen gott licence to breake ministers' heads.
Upon the thrid of Marche, Dame Margaret Douglas, Countesse
of Bothwell, James Dowglas of Spott, Archibald Wauchop, younger
of Nidrie, Mr James Colvill of Strarudie, William Stuart, some-
time Constable of Dumbartan Castell, James Stuart of Tinneis,
Johne Hammiltoun, Person of Samuelstoun, William Learmonth of
the Hill, Robert Hume of the Heuche, Hercules Stuart of Quhyte-
law, George Auchincraw in Easterton, Patrik Auchineraw there,
Mr Thomas Cranstoun, younger of Morestoun, Johne Cranstoun,
1592. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, 149
his brother-german, Johne Ormestoun in * * Robert Orme-
stoun, Patrik Crummie of Carrudden, David Orme of Magdrum,
etc., were summouned at the Mercat Croce, to compeere in Parlia-
ment the 24th of May, to heare and see themselves forefaulted, for
the cruell murther of Johne Schaw, the king's domestick, under
cloud of night, breaking the chamber doores of the king's palace.
HUNTTTE WAIRDED AND RELEASED AGAINE.
Upon the 10th of Marche, George Erle of Huntlie entered in
waird in the Castell of Blacknesse. But he and his servants keeped
the castell in effect, howbeit James Sandelands, Tutor of Calder,
was captane. He gave in his supplicatioun to the king and coun-
sell, conveened in Linlithguo, for release, offering to re-enter, and
underly the law when he sould be required. It was granted, he
finding sovertie to re-enter. He found the duke, the Lord Ham-
miltoun, the Erle of Montrose, the Lord Maxwell, soverteis, under
the paine of twentie thousand pund. The Ladie Down, seing no
justice lyke to be obteaned for the murther of her sonne, left her
maledictioun upon the king, and died in displeasure.
Upon the penult of Marche, Chanceller Matlane was commanded
to remove from court. He obeyed, and went to Lethingtoun,
there to remaine during the king's will. This change of court was
wrought by the queene, and others that favoured Bothwell, who
layed the burthein of all the present troubles and jarres upon the
chanceller. The Erle of Marr, William Dowglas of Lochlevin,
now Erle of Morton, and the Pryour of Blantyre, guided the
court.
Upon the 7th of Aprile, the king went with speed over at Leith,
to apprehend Bothwell in Braghtie. But being frustrated of his
purpose he went to Perth, and sent for the Erle of Atholl, to chal-
lenge him for interteaning Bothwell. But he disobeyed. The
Lord Gray, for the same caus, was wairded in the Castell of Edin-
burgh, the 25th of Aprile.
About this tyme, Bothwell caused cast in privatlie to the mini-
150 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
sters of Edinburgh this letter following, before the executioun of
Richard Grahame.
“To his loving Brethrein, the Ministrie and Eldership of Edinburgh.
“Least innocencie sould give place to calumneis, and truth to
lees, and least I, needing, but destitute of good counsell, sould ne-
glect you, the ordinarie instruments appointed to snib and confort
the afflicted, as you find them nocent or innocent, and to assist
your owne infirme members with good advice, so farre as you may
of a safe conscience, howsoever they be traduced ; least, I say, by
committing the forsaid errours, I give occasioun to my evill willers
to thinke they have triumphed through my silence, and unto you
mater to judge, I have disdained to seeke your wholesome coun-
sell, how to behave myself in this my undeserved calamitie, for
anie thing attempted against my soverane lord, native countrie, or
religioun professed therin; I have therefore made my addresse unto
your godlie Wisdoms, mynding sincerelie to expone unto you the
estate of my lamentable caus, and to crave your charitable opinioun,
with sattled mynde to follow the same: Not doubting but yee
will, as patrons, protect my innocencie, so farre as I am able to jus-
tifiemy owne part, and shew your selves meekefull censurers, where
(to glorifie my God) I sall, with unfained repentance, confesse my
offences; thanking his Divine Majestie, that he, as a mightie gyant,
hath overcome and forced me to glorifie him to my owne shame;
and yitt acknowledging it to be no shame, but honour, to suffer
shame in this my vitious bodie, which hath not beene ashamed, in
so manie wise, to offend and dishonour his Divine Majestic.
“So farre as I can learne, two principall points are objected
against me. The one, dealing with strangers to the overthrow of
true religioun, and of my native countrie; and consulting with
witches, for the destructioun of his Majestie, my soverane, Con-
cerning the former, I protest before God Almightie, (whose sacred
name I minde never heerafter to use in vaine,) that I never dealt
with anie forraine natioun, to the hurt ather of religioun or of his
1592. of THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 151
estat. But the truthe is, that immediatlie after the death of the
queene, my soverane's mother, of good memorie, Mr Johne Mat-
lane, now chanceller, the author of my calamitie, dealt with me as
with other noblemen for the tyme, and enduced us at the last Par-
liament to give our oath to revenge her death ; causing us also so-
lemnelie to protest inimitie to that natioun which had procured her
destructioun, and freindship to their foes whatsomever. Heerupon
the Spanish agents, heere resident for that tyme, tooke occasioun
to insinuat themselves in the favours of sindrie noblemen; and
among others, I cannot deny but I entered to be privie and fami-
liar with them, so farre furth as I thought they might helpe to the
effect foresaid.
“In dealling with suche instruments, although I might alledge,
for excuse, that it was not altogether unleasome in maters of poli-
cie to have frequented them ; that the oath foresaid, made in Par-
liament, gave me occasioun to use them ; that the exemple of sindrie
noblemen doing the like encouraged me so to doe; but cheefelie
the exemple presented by the chanceller himself, who admitted
them to be his domesticks, (like as yitt some of them are ;) being
farther embarrassed in the Spanish course nor ever I was, and con-
tinuing theerin, till he perceaved the Erle of Huntlie, with some
others, then his unfreinds, to have more credit with the Leaguers
nor he had ; and the distributioun of the Spanish gold committed
to them, and not to him. This oversight in the agents foresaid
made him incontinent of an enemie to England, and freind to
Catholicks, a sincere Protestant, and favourer of England; how
sincerelie and uprightlie lett everie man judge. Albeit these and
other arguments might serve me for coloured excuses, yitt I con-
fesse my errour; condemning myself that I had to doe for anie re-
spect with suche persons, without your privitie and knowledge,
submitting myself to be censured heerin as ye sall thinke conve-
nient for removing of slander.
“As for the destructioun of my soverane lord, how improbable
that is, I leave that to everie discreit man’s consideratioun. For who
will procure the death of another, but ather for hatred or some ap-
152 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE * 1592.
pearance of profite that may redound thereby ? Nixt, can anie man,
that is not beside himself, hate, where both benefites and blood
compell him to love; and is it not the greatest honour I can wishe,
yea, more nor apperteaneth to me, to have my prince so neere a
kinsman; or can anie come in his place so sib to me, or that sall
be of himself so weill affected ? But lett thir presumptiouns (though
they carie a necessar probabilitie) have no place, I am accused by
deboshed and infamous persons, and poore beggars that have des-
peratlie renounced their faith and baptisme. The accusatioun of
suche is not sufficient to prove, in anie civill caus, the valour of five
shilling. Then sall their affirmatioun bereave me of my life, land, and
honour P O, but the great legislator the chanceller, my judge and
partie, affirmeth, that not onlie persouns of whatsomever conditioun,
but also apes, if they could speeke, were sufficient witnesses in
maters of treasoun! Yitt the law of God, the onlie tuichstone of all
judgement, admitteth no witnesses but suche as be famous and
unsuspected ; and our municipall law condemneth none without
confessioun of the criminall, or by a condigne assise of their equalls.
But I thinke myself beholdin to the chanceller; for he would not
wishe me to be wearied with long processe, but would perswade
his Majestie to proceed summarilie against me, even as he and
some of his freinds advised the Erle of Murrey, Regent, to have
proceeded against his mother, of good memorie; but finding the
said erle contrarious, they left him and returned to her service;
objecting falselie against him the treasoun which they themselves
invented, as sall be cleerelie verified, whensoever convenient place
and tyme sall be offered. But to purpose ; granting that apes
could speeke, and were by law admittible to testifie, yitt if they
were suborned, and their depositiouns contrarious, condemning the
person accused, so long as they were in hope of life, and purging
him when they were brought to the executioun, then sould not
ather their depositiouns be thought unsufficient, by reasoun of their
wavering, or, at least, sould not their last words have most effect 2
But so it is, that all these desperat persouns, whatsomever they
have alledged upon hope of life against me, yitt, in end, by their
1592. OF THE EIRE OF SCOTTLAND, 153
latter speeches, they have declared me innocent, albeit they laiked
not malicious persons to perswade them to the contrarie. So of
all that number, resteth onlie Richard Grahame to affirme against
me; and he hath a warrant of his life weill subscribed. But the
more he be assured of his life, the more dishonour to the estat, and
his depositiouns are the more suspicious. For I am assured, if he
were ather tortured or executed, he sould, as the rest have done,
confesse his errour, Seing I am able to prove, that not eight dayes
before he accused me, he said these words to a gentleman of good
place and fame: What sall I doe? I must ather dee, or lee of noble-
men. Yea, his owne brother, and some of your owne number, Sall
be witnesses heerof, if need be.
“Moreover, what malefactor, speciallie Suche as he is, will refuse,
upon promise of impunitie, to accuse another, were he never so in-
nocent P Yee can remember, (and some of you were slandered, al-
though most unjustlie, in the mater I am to alledge,) was not an
honest baron, for safetie of his owne life, perswaded to affirme that
the Erles of Angus and Marr, and Maister of Glames, with the
rest of the banished for the tyme, had sett out some disguised
persons to invade his Majestie, and bereave him of his life?' And
for this purpose, the late Justice-Clerk was sent to England to accuse
them therupon. So long as the said noblemen were absent, none
durst excuse their innocencie: but how soone they gett accesse to
his Majestie, the authors of that calumnie were removed, the accu-
satioun vanished as a mater most frivolous and false. It is not
then to be mervelled, though deboshed Richie Grahame, inspired
with an uncleane spirit, accuse me for preserving of his owne life,
considering a baroun of good fame and estimatioun committed the
like errour, against the noblest and faithfullest subjects of this
realme, forced therunto by just feare, that may fall upon constant
and upright mindes.
“Tyme, the mother of truthe and experience, the schoolemaister
of fooles, teacheth me to consider my calamitie to have proceeded
from him that hath beene the author of all distresse which honest
* See Vol. IV. p. 345.
154 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
men have susteanned within this realme these ten or twelve yeeres
bypast. For who wrote the Erle of Mortoun's dittay but the
chanceller with his collegues, the Person of Flisk, the furnisher of
the hous and powder perpetrated for the massacre of his Majestie's
father, of worthie memorie P Did he not craftilie perswade the Erle
of Gowrie to write a letter which served for a dittay against him-
self? Did not he first penne the infamous and hereticall accusa-
tiouns sett out under the name of the Bishop of St Andrewes,
against the faithfull servant of God, Mr James Lowsone, and re-
manent godlie persons banished at that tyme, as the said bishop
hath latelie confessed ? Who hath putt in his Majestie's minde the
hard impressiouns against the Erle of Murrey, Regent, and others
that gave their heart blood for his service, but Sobnah and Rezin,
our chanceller, mynding thereby, both to make the worthie instru-
ments that mainteaned his Majestie's life and crowne in his youth,
together with the caus which they susteaned, to be odious in his
presence P But all that tyme he was masked, covering himself with
the power and countenance of some one or other evill-advised per-
son, whom he powssed fordward to execute his craft and malice.
But now, finding none that will be anie more abused by his subtili-
tie, he is forced unmasked to enter in the stage. So, by the meanes
foresaid, unperceaved, he hath perfytted the first act of his tragi-
call shame, so farre as in him lyeth, concerning the destructioun
and discrediting of his Majestie's most faithfull servants, and their
caus. Now, he is in doing of the secund act, which is, the over-
throwing of his Majestie's race and name, moving his Grace, as it
were, with his owne sword, to dismember himself. Some of us are
alreadie banished, some are incarcerated, some are cruellie mur-
thered, some have na favourable countenance when they gett ac-
cesse, and suche as are in best cace amongst us have little or no
credite. If he can compleit the secund act, then had he neerelie
ended his tragedie; for his Majestie's faithfull servants and kins-
men once destroyed, what can stay him to build up another king-
dom, wherof he hath alreadie layed a solide foundatioun ? Or how
sall his Majestie be able to correct him, incace his Hienesse, at anie
1592. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 155
tyme heerafter, see occasioun to find fault with him 2 Cochrane's
misdemeanour, in my opinioun, was more tolerable; for though he
drew his soverane to contemne his nobilitie, and persecute his
brethrein upon suspiciouns of witchecraft, yitt he never professed
freindship where he perswaded his prince to hate. But the chan-
celler doeth the contrarie; for, under the pretence of sincere freind-
ship, he worketh all his malice, wherof I myself have had the
prooffe; considering all that while I was in the Castell of Edin-
burgh, Ireceaved so freindlie messages from him as my heart could
wishe ; and after that I had escaped, he advertised me that it was
not eneugh to escape, and keepe myself obscure, but it was neces-
sar for me to make a partie of noblemen, once to shew them pub-
lictlie in arms for my releefe. Which being, he assured me it
sould move his Majestie more to compositioun than all the requeists
and intercessiouns that would be made. I absteane heere to de-
clare what he spake to the dealers betuixt us concerning his Ma-
jestie's naturall and inclinatioun, for my heart abhorreth to thinke
theron. But after I had refused to attempt anie such mater, then,
by the saids persons, who yitt live, he shew me that he had almost
discredited himself for my caus, and that the cubiculars destroyed
in the night all that he could build for me in the day ; and, there-
fore, he advised me to move her Majestie to intercead, assuring me
her mediatioun would take effect. And, last of all, he caused cer-
tane noblemen draw me to Leith, where he promised to knitt up
sure freindship with me, and to make my peace within a short
tyme, forewarning me that there was no danger to come hither,
seing his Majestie would not ryde himself a myle out of his way to
seeke me, in respect he had appointed one or two that sould under-
take to slay me. So I, more credulouslie nor wiselie, came to
Leith, where he, thinking to have surelie trapped me, moved his
Majestie to come hither, and most diligentlie to search me, as is
weill knowne.
“The stirring up, not long before, at Carfra, of the Lord Hume,
my faithfull brother, against me, lykeas he has of late hounded
out the Erle of Huntlie most cruellie to murther the Erle of Mur-
156 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
rey, and his craftie device to caus the Lord Hume and me, everie
one of us to destroy another; esteeming the destructioun of both, or
anie one of us, sould have made him elbow-roome, and given an oc-
casioun to a puddock-stoole of a night to occupie the place of two
ancient cedars; this, his unhumane treacherie, made me somewhat
jealous of his plausible offers; yitt, overcome with the fidelitie of
honourable dealing betwixt us, who were alsua $: % %
THE # 3% GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.
The Generall Assemblie conveened upon the 21st of May. Ex-
hortatioun being made by Mr Nicoll Dagleish, moderator of the
last Assemblie, Mr Robert Bruce was chosin moderator.
COMMISSIONS,
Sessioun 2.
It was propouned to the whole brethrein, to consider and dis-
cerne, if they thought meet or not the Assemblie sould make sute
for the articles following:—First, That the acts of Parliament
made in the yeere of God 1584, against the discipline of the kirk,
libertie, and authoritie therof, be annulled, and the samine disci-
pline, wherof the kirk hath beene in practise, ratified. Secundlie,
The abolitioun of the Act of Annexatioun, and restitution of the
patrimonie of the kirk. Thridlie, That abbots, pryours, and other
prelats pretending the title of the kirk, and voting for the samine,
without their power or commissioun, be not suffered in tyme
comming to vote for the same, ather in parliament or other con-
ventioun, Last, That the countrie, which is polluted with feareful
idolatrie and blood, be purged: Which whole articles the full As-
semblie thought most necessar to be craved; and for putting the
same in good forme, imployed their brethrein, Mr Robert Pont,
Mr David Lindsay, Mr Thomas Buchanan, Mr James Melville,
1592. OF THE RIRK OF SCOTLAND. 157
willing them to present the samine at ten houres to the full Assem-
blie, to be considered by them.
As concerning the voting in parliament in name of the kirk, if it
sould be thought leasome the ministrie sould succeed in that part
in the prelats' place, it is referred to consultatioun whill the morne;
and everie brother is ordeanned to weygh and debate that argument
with himself, and be readie the morne to reasoun their opinioun in
the same.
Sessioun 6.
Forasmuche as the Assemblie, considering their duetie, first, to
God, and the necessitie of the charge which is imposed upon them,
seing the daylie decay of religioun, and laike of justice, wherof the
effects, to the regrait of all true Christians, more and more fall out
in miserable experience; and that the duetie of their office bur-
thenneth them to discharge their conscience in this behalfe, to
their soverane, to whom cheefelie it apperteaneth to procure re-
medie therof: Therefore, directs their brethrein which were nomi-
nated before, to present their articles to his Majestie, together with
Mrs Nicoll Dagleish, Patrik Symesone, Patrik Schairp, Johne
Malcolme, and David Fergusone, to passe immediatlie to his Ma-
jestie; to lament the daylie decay of religioun, disorder, and laike
of justice within this realme ; to crave his duetie, as he would an-
swere to God, to be done for remeed therof; and gravelie to ad-
monishe his Majestie, in the name of the Eternall, to have respect
in time to the estat of true religioun perishing, and to the manifold
murthers, oppressiouns, and enormiteis daylie multiplied, through
impunitie and laike of justice; and to discharge his kinglie office
in both, as he would eshew the fearefull challenge of God, and
turne his wrathe off his Majestie and the whole land. And to the
effect his Majestie may be the better informed of the particulars,
to lay down the same particularlie to him, and crave his answere,
that they may report his answere to the whole Assemblie.
158 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
Sessioun 22.
Tuiching the haynous and cruell murther of the Erle of Murrey,
committed by the Erle of Huntlie and his complices, the brethrein
and Assemblie present hath givin, and giveth ordinance and strait
command to the brethrein of the Presbyterie of Brechin, who have
alreadie entered in processe with him, to proceed, with concurrence
of two brethrein of everie one of the Presbytereis of Angus and
Mernes, against him, for the said cruell fact, according to the Acts
of the Assemblie.
Sessioun 23.
Tuiching the act made concerning deposed ministers or persons
in this last Parliament, it was thought meete at the nixt Parliament
or conventioun, having the force or commissioun of a parliament,
to crave, that where it ellis hath beene enacted, that notwithstand-
ing the pastor be deposed, the tacks and titles sett by him sall, never-
thelesse, stand, it be now provided and added to the said act, that
incace the tacke or title be sett after the committing of the fact
for the which the person is deposed, that suche tackes, factoreis, or
titles whatsomever, sall be null, and of none availl, force, nor effect.
ACTS,
Sessiour, 5.
It is ordeanned in tyme comming, that the brethrein receaving
commissiouns from the kirk, and sleuthfullie overseing the execu-
tioun therof, sall be rebooked in the face of the Assemblie for their
negligence.
Sessioun 22.
Tuiching the forme and order of excommunicatioun to be used
against notorious murtherers, the Assemblie hath concluded, that
1592. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 159
the order conteaned in the Booke of Excommunicatioun be keeped
and followed out, according to the tenour therof.
MR CRAIG's CATECHISME ALLOWED.
The forme of examinatioun before the communioun, penned by
Mr Craig, was allowed by this Assemblie, and ministers willed to
recommend it to the flockes and famileis, and to be learned in Lec-
ture Schooles, in place of the Catechisme.
A CONFERENCE BETWEEN TEIE RING AND THE MINISTERS.
The brethrein who were appointed to present the articles to the
king, went unto him upon Wednisday the 24th of May. The
king was hote against the ministrie, for speeking so freelie in the
pulpits against him and his nobilitie, and defending Mr Knox, the
Good Regent, and Mr George Buchanan, “who,” said he, “could
not be defended, but by traterous and seditious theologues.” They
replyed soundlie and coldlie. Afternoone, Mr Andrew Melvill was
so earnest in defence of these worthie men, that the chanceller
said, That was not his earand he come for. Mr Andrew answered,
He would take no discharge at his hand, nor at the hand of anie
subject in Scotland in that mater, except his Majestie. The king
found fault with Mr George Buchanan's booke, “De Jure Regni,”
and with sindrie other things in these worthie men, Mr Andrew
answered, These men sett the crowne upon his head. He said, It
came by successioun, and not by anie man. Mr Andrew replyed,
They were the executioners and instruments; whosoever informed
him sinistrouslie of these men, were mather true to him nor the
commoun weale. The king said, Mr Knox called his mother a
whoore, and allowed the slaughter of Davie in her presence. Mr
Patrik Galloway answered, “If a king or queene be a murtherer,
why sould they not be called so?” Mr Robert Bruce and Mr
Patrik Galloway were sent for after supper, at which tyme the
king was somewhat colder in conference. Upon Thursday, the
160 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
25th, he promised to the commissioners of the Assemblie, that the
acts made against the kirk sould be annulled. Upon Fryday, the
26th, he purged himself, and layed the blame of all present mis-
orders upon other estates. He granted the kirk sould have their
owne place in Parliament. Mr David Blacke preaching in the
Little Kirk, upon the 28th of May, in presence of the chanceller,
said, The slaughter of Davie, so farre as it was the worke of God,
was allowed by Mr Knox, and not otherwise.
A PROCLAMATION.
Upon the 24th of May a proclamatioun [was made] at the Croce
of Edinburgh, that none weare anie fireworkes, hacquebutts, or
dags, during the tyme of the Parliament, except the guarde and
toun of Edinburgh : that none raise uproar and tumult, ather for
new feed or old, under the paine of death. The Parliament was
fenced, the sutes called.
A PARLIAMENT.
The Parliament beganne upon Moonday, the 29th of May. The
king and the lords road to the Tolbuith in order, the duke bearing
the crowne, the new made Erle of Angus the sceptre, Argile the
sword. Angus protested, that howbeit at the king's desire he had
granted his place to the duke, that it sould not be prejudiciall to
him in tyme comming.
THE KING's HARANGUE.
The first day of the Parliament the king had an harangue, wher-
in he layed to Bothwell's charge that he sought his destructioun,
first by witchecraft, both when he was in Denmarke, and when he
was at home, as the depositiouns of the witches would testifie, that
he might succeed to the crowne, as the Erle of Atholl used against
King James the First : Nixt, by violence, beating at his chamber-
1592. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 161
doores with hammers. “And yitt,” said he, “he was but a bastard,
and could clame no title to the crowne.” Item, That he had shed
innocent blood, and had abused his bodie in adulterie; and sindrie
other speeches he had to make Bothwell odious.
THE ICING OFFENDED AT MIR, WALTER BALCALQUALL's REBOOKE
IN PULPIT.
Upon Fryday, the 2d of June, Mr Walter Balcalquall, in his
sermoun, charged the king and nobilitie with great negligence of
their dueteis, and called to their remembrance, that the same day
ellevin yeere the Erle of Mortoum was executed, “who,” said he,
“some tyme was in als great place in this realme as anie subject
among you. He repented that, when he had tyme and occasioun,
he did not the good he might.” Mr Walter was called before the
king after noone, and in presence of the Lords of the Articles,
querrelled him for declaiming against his persoun and estat, with-
out exemple of the like in anie realme. Mr Walter alledged the
practise of the commoun wealth of Israel. The king said, the office
of the prophets was ended. Mr Walter answered, that not in sub-
stance but in circumstance, and that a greater office had succeeded
in the ministrie of the New Testament than the prophets had.
“Where have we that ?” said the king. “Johne the Baptist was
greater,” said Mr Walter. “That was nothing,” said the king :
“The office of the prophets was to specke of things to come, defi-
mitivelie.” Mr Walter said, “That hindered not, but ministers
might speeke definitivelie of things alreadie done, and rebooke as
they did.” The king, notwithstanding, dealt earnestlie with the
Lords of the Articles to agree to an act against suche libertie of
speeche, and to a commission to some speciall magistrats, to pull
the ministers out of the pulpits when they speeke after that maner.
He directed his speeche in speciall to the Proveist of Edinburgh.
The proveist answered, “Sir, yee may discharge me of my office if
you please, but that I cannot doe.” “What,” said the king, “will
yee preferre them to me?” “I will preferre God before man,” said
VOL. V. Ea
162 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
the proveist. The king chaffed, and that night at supper railed
against the ministers. He was not a little offended at Mr David
Lindsey, howbeit a court minister, for mainteaning that the kirk
might excommunicat the king.
AN ACT OF PARLIAMENT FOR THE LIBERTIE OF THE KIRIX.
The terrour of Bothwell's remaining in the countrie, and oftin
neere the court, together with the horrour of the deed at Dinny-
brissill, which the unburied corps of the Erle of Murrey, lying in
the Kirk of Leith, made to be unburied in the hearts of the people,
commoun rymes and songs, and threatning of judgement from the
pulpit, keeped in recent detestatioun ; and the better expeding of
Bothwel’s forfaltrie, procured at this parliament, by the expecta-
tioun of the ministers, the act following to be made, which had cost
them muche paines in manie yeeres before. Mr Johne Matlane,
chanceller, was a cheefe instrument to enduce the king to passe it
at this tyme, and that, to winne the hearts of the ministers and
people, alienated from him for his hounding out of Huntlie against
the Erle of Murrey. But the king repented after that he had
agreed unto it. Becaus it is the speciall evidence of our discipline
amongst civill men, I have heere sett doun the tenour of the act.
“THE RATIFICATION OF THE LIBERTIE OF THE TRUE KIRK, OF
GENERALL AND SYNODALL ASSEMBLEIS, PRESBYTEREIS, AND
DISCIPLINE ; AND LAWES IN THE CONTRARE ABROGATED.—PARL.
JUNIE 1592.
“Our Soverane Lord and Estats of this present Parliament,
following the lovable and good exemple of their predecessors, hath
ratified and approved, and by the tenour of this present act rati-
fieth and approveth, all liberteis, priviledges, immuniteis, and
freedoms whatsomever, givin and granted by his Highnesse, his
regents in his name, or anie of his predecessors, to the True and
Holie Kirk presentlie established within this realme, and declared
1592. OF THE KIRR OF SöOTLAND. 163
in the first act of his Highnesse' Parliament, the 20th day of Octo-
ber, in the yeere of God 1579 yeeres, and all and whatsomever acts
of parliament and statuts made of before by his Highnesse and his
regents, tuiching the libertie and freedome of the said kirk; and spe-
ciallie, the first act of parliament holdin at Edinburgh, the 24th day
of October, the yeere of God 1581 yeere, with the whole particular
acts there mentiouned, which sall be als sufficient as if the same
were heere expressed ; and all other acts of parliament made sen-
syne in favour of the true kirk; and siclyke, ratifieth and approveth
the Generall Assembleis appointed by the said kirk; and declareth
that it sall be lawfull to the kirk and ministers, everie yeere
at the least, and oftener pro re nata, as occasioun and necessitie
sall require, to hold and keepe Generall Assembleis, providing that
the king's Majestie or his commissioners with them, to be appointed
by his Highnesse be present at eache Generall Assemblie, before
the dissolving therof nominat and appoint tyme and place, when
and where the nixt Generall Assemblie sall be holdin. And in-
cace nather his Majestie nor his said commissioners beis present for
the tyme in that toun where the said Generall Assemblie sall be
holdin, then, and in that cace, it sall be leasome to the said Gene-
rall Assemblie, by themselves, to nominat and appoint tyme and
place where the nixt Generall Assemblie of the kirk sall be keeped
and holdin, as they have beene in use to doe these tymes bypast.
“And als, ratifeis and approves the Synodall or Provinciall As-
sembleis to be holdin by the said kirk and ministers twise in the
yeere, as they have beene, and are presentlie in use to doe, within
everie province of this realme.
“And als, ratifeis and approves the Presbytereis and Particular
Sessiouns appointed by the said kirk, with the whole jurisdictioun
and discipline of the kirk, as agreed upon by his Majestie, in con-
ference had by his Hienesse with certane of the ministers conveened
to that effect. Of the which articles the tenour followeth :—
“ Maters to be intreated in Provinciall Assembleis.
“Thir Assembleis are constituted for weightie maters necessar to
164 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
be intreatted by mutuall consent and assistance of brethrein within
the province as need requireth. This assemblie hath power to
handle, order, and redresse, all things ommitted or done amisse in
the particular assembleis. It hath power to depose the office-
bearers of their province, for good and just caus deserving depriva-
tioun. And generallie, these Assembleis have the whole power of
the particular elderships wherof they are collected.
“Maters to be treated in Presbyteries.
“The power of the Presbytereis is, to give diligent labours in
the bounds committed to their charge, that the kirks be keeped in
good order; to enquire diligentlie of naughtie and ungodlie persons,
and to travell to bring them in the way again, by admonitioun or
threatning of God’s judgements, or by correction. It apper-
teaneth to the eldership to take heed that the Word of God be
purelie preached within their bounds, the sacraments rightlie mi-
nistered, the discipline interteaned, and ecclesiasticall goods uncor-
ruptlie distributed. It belongeth to these kinde of Assembleis to
caus the ordinances made by the Assembleis Provinciall, Nationall,
and Generall, to be keeped and putt in executioun ; to make consti-
tutions which concerne ro ºrgatoy in the kirk, for decent order in
the particular kirk where they governe, providing that they alter no
rules made by the Provinciall or Generall Assembleis, and that they
make the Provinciall Assembleis foresaid privie to the rules that
they sall make, and to abolish constitutiouns tending to the hurt
of the same. It hath power to excommunicat the obstinat, formall
processe being led, and due intervall of tymes observed.
“Tuiching particular kirks, if they be lawfullie ruled by sufficient
ministrie and sessioun, they have power and jurisdictioun in their
owne congregatioun in maters ecclesiasticall.
“And decernes and declares the said Assembleis, Presbytereis,
and Sessiouns, jurisdictioun and discipline therof foresaid, to be in
all tymes comming most just, good, and godlie in the self, notwith-
standing of whatsomever statuts, acts, canons, civill or municipall
1592. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 165
lawes made in the contrare; to the which and everie one of them
thir presents sall make expresse derogatioun. And becaus there
are diverse acts of parliament made in favours of the Papisticall
kirk, tending to the prejudice of the libertie of the true kirk of God
presentlie professed within this realme, jurisdictioun, and discipline
therof, which standeth yitt in the bookes of the acts of parliament
not abrogated nor anulled : Therefore, his Hienesse and estats
foresaid have abrogated, cassed, and annulled, and by the tenour
heerof abrogats, casses, and annulls all acts of parliament made by
his Hienesse' predecessors, or anie of them, for maintenance of su-
perstitioun and idolatrie; with all and whatsomever acts, lawes, and
statuts, made at anie tyme before the day and date heerof, against
the libertie of the true kirk, jurisdictioun and discipline therof, as
the samine is used and exercised within this realme : and in spe-
ciall, that part of the act of parliament holdin at Stirline, the 4th
of November, 1443, commanding obedience to be given to Eugen-
nius, the Pope for the tyme ; the act made by King James the
Thrid, in his parliament holdin at Edinburgh, the 24th of Februar,
1480, and all other acts whereby the Pope's authoritie is esta-
blished; the act made by King James the Thrid, in his parliament
holdin at Edinburgh, 20 Novembris, 1469, tuiching the Saturday
and other vigils, to be holie dayes from even song to even song.
Item, That part of the act made by the queene regent, in the par-
liament holdin at Edinburgh, 1st Februar, 1551, giving speciall
licence for holding of Pasche and Yuile. Item, The king's Majestie
and estats foresaid declare, that the 129th act of the parliament
holdin at Edinburgh, the 20th day of May, the yeere of God 1584
yeeres, sall in no wise be prejudiciall, nor derogat anie thing to the
priviledge that God hath givin to the spirituall office-bearers in the
kirk, concerning heeds of religioun, maters of heresie, excommuni-
catioun, collatioun or deprivatioun of ministers, or anie Suche like
essentiall censures, speciallie grounded and having warrant of the
Word of God. Item, Our soverane lord and estats of parliament
foresaid abrogat, casse, and annull the act of the same parliament
holdin at Edinburgh, the Saide yeere 1584, granting commissions
166 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
to bishops, and other judges constituted in ecclesiasticall causes, to
receave his Highnesse’ presentatioun to benefices, to give colla-
tioun therupon, and to putt order in all causes ecclesiasticall, which
his Majestie and estats foresaid declares to be expired in the self,
and to be null in tyme comming, and of none availl, force, nor
effect. And, therefore, ordeans all presentatiouns to benefices to
be directed to the particular presbytereis in all tyme comming, with
full power to give collations therupon, and to putt order to all
maters and causes ecclesiasticall within their bounds, according to
the discipline of the kirk, providing the foresaid presbytereis be
bound and astricted to receave and admitt whatsomever qualified
minister presented by his Majestie or laick patrons.”
OTHER ACTS OF PARLIAMENT.
There were also other acts made in this parliament anent manses
and gleebs in cathedrall and abbey kirks. Committers of slaughter
within kirks and kirk-yairds, and recepters of them after declara-
tour, incurre the tinsell of their lyverents. Erectioun of kirk lands
and tithes in temporall lordships is forbiddin. Sayers of messe,
Jesuits, Seminarie preests, traffiquing Papists, and recepters of anie
of them, committ treasoun. The act made in Februar, 1587, in
favours of ministers, their stipends and rents, is ratified. Mercats
on the Sabboth day are discharged. Who have not givin confes-
Sioun of their faith sall not injoy the act of pacificatioun and aboli-
tioun, Unqualified persons being deprived, the benefice vaiketh,
and the patron not presenting, the right of presentatioun pertean-
eth to the presbyterie, but prejudice of the tackes sett by the per-
son deprived.
BOTHWELL AND HIS FREINDS FOREFAULTED.
At this parliament, Bothwell and the persouns before mentionned,
summouned in the beginning of Marche, were forefaulted. The
Castell of Edinburgh was givin to the keeping of the Erle of Marr.
1592. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND, . I67
THIS LETTER FOLLOWING WAS AFFIXED UPON THE GATE OF
THE KING's PALACE.
“SIR,-Fearing this treasonable conspiracie now attempted by
the greatest number of Papists in Scotland, and of the best ranke,
to subvert the religioun, and to reforme your Majestie's estat, by
the hands of your deadliest enemie, Bothwell, with whom they
are joyned in confederacie, sould be effectuated, I have tane occa-
sioun to present to your Majestie this publict advertisement, which,
I thinke, sall be the last, if your Majestie have not a better respect
to it, to your privie intelligence, if yee remaine in this touri. I
thinke Colonell Stuart sall perfytlie declare the effect of this mater,
when it sall please your Majestie to inquire of him. Which (if
your Majestie must be at Falkland) your nighbour, the Laird of
Balwerie, hath the same moyen, and can reveele the lamentable and
most dolorous conclusiouns devised for your Majestie's person, which
sall be King Richard the Secund his courtesie. I ashame to re-
member your Majestie that the diligence of wedmen is imployed to
the performance of this conspiracie, and in speciall the Ladie of
Pitfirran, who is a woman of executioun, and hath sufficient prooffe
heerof, and the Maistresse of Gray. I darre take an instrument
upon their heads, Quia vid, scivi, et audºvi.”
ANSWERE OF COLONELL STUART.
“Thy seing, hearing, knowledge, with thy concealing maters,
maketh the treasoun to remaine in thy owne person, ay and whill
thou manifest thyself, and bring to tryell that which thou hast
spokin.”
There was a reply made to Colonell Stuart's answere, subjoyned
to it, wherin the author sayeth, he sould choppe him on the
shoulder for warranting of his word in his face, if the king would
give him leave.
168 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
THE ROAD OF FALIKLAND.
Upon the 27th of June, Bothwell, accompanied with a number
of horsemen, and speciallie border men, besett the Palace of Falk-
land. The Erle of Erroll and Colonell Stuart being with the king,
were holdin captives, as suspected privie to this attempt. The
countrie people dwelling neere Falkland releeved the king; Both-
well and his complices were scattered. They returned home sin-
drie wayes, and some of them so wearied with ryding night and
day, that they fainted for want of meate and sleepe. Sir James
Sandelands brought in to the king, upon the 29th of June, nyne or
ten border men, speciallie Armstrangs, whom he had overtaikin in
Bothwell Mure, of which number five were hanged, and the rest
spaired, at the requeist of the Laird of Carmichaell, becaus they
were not ordinarie or usuall ryders.
MR. R. BRUCE HIS EXEIORTATION TO THE KING, AND TIIE KING's
ANSWERE.
Upon Thursday, the 29th of June, the king came to Edinburgh
earelie in the morning, and went to bed in Sir Neill Laing's hous.
After noone Mr Robert Bruce had an exhortation upon these words,
“O if thou haddest knowne,” etc. He said to the king, “Your
Majestie hath had manie admonitions, as we of the ministrie and
other estats have had ; but this last admonition is sharper nor the
former, that now they pretended they come to seeke justice for the
last horrible murther.” How could he punishe others that was
persued himself? He desired him to humble himself upon his
knees, and to confesse his negligence before God, and to keepe his
promise better nor he did the last he made in that place. The king
was so farre from humbling himself on his knees, that he stood to
his owne purgatioun, and controlled Mr Robert in some circum-
stances of the fact, which he related as he was informed, not having
had as yitt the full knowledge therof. He said they were the same
1592. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 169
persons that came to the Abbey, not moe in number, but rather
fewer ; that they came later in the night, to witt, at one after mid-
night; that they pretended no suche mater as to seeke justice for
the last murther. “And this I speeke,” said he, “that no man
sould be afraid, for their number, nobilitie, or anie pretended querrell,
to assist me in persuing these tratours.” He willed all men to
thanke God for his deliverie, if they would have anie benefite by
his governement.
TEIE AI)MONITION OF A YOUNG WOMAN TO THE KING.
There come from Aberdeene a young woman, called Helene
Guthrie, daughter to Johne Guthrie, sadler, to admonishe the
king of his duetie. She was so disquietted with the sinnes raigning
in the countrie, swearing, filthie speeking, profanatioun of the Sab-
both, etc., that she could find ne rest till she came to the king.
She presented a letter to him when he was going to see his hounds.
After he had read a little of it he fell a laughing, that he could
skarse stand on his feete, and swore [so] horriblie, that the woman
could not spaire to reprove him. He asked if she was a prophetesse?
She answered, she was a poore simple servant of God, that prayed
to make him the servant of God also ; that was desirous vice sould
be punished, and speciallie murther, which was cheefelie craved at
his hands; that she could finde no rest till she putt him in minde
of his duetie. After the king and courteours had stormed a while,
she was sent to the queene, whom she found more courteous and
humane. So great and manie were the enormiteis in the countrie,
through impunitie and want of justice, that the mindes of simple
and poore young wedmen were disquietted, as yee may see; but the
king and court had deafe eares to the crying sinnes.
JAMES SINCLAR KILLED AT THE LORD IIAMMILTON'S BACKE.
Upon the first of Julie, at even, the Laird of Nidrie, with two of
his brethrein, the Laird of Samuelston, with his brother, Alexander
170 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
Abercrummie, and two Hepburnes, lying sleeping in the medow of
Lesmahago, wearied after the last road, were taikin by the Lord
Hammiltoun, and putt in the Castell of Drephan, the captan wherof
was his sonne, Sir Johne. He came post himself to the king, to
advertise him, but intreatted the king for their lives, becaus he had
promised so to doe at their taiking. The king would not grant
him his petition, but sent Carmichael to receave them. Before
Carmichael came, the Lord Hammilton's base sonne, Sir Johne,
sett them at libertie, and fled also himself. Upon Moonday, the
3d of Julie, the king sent for the Lord Hammilton to come to Sir
Neill Laing's hous, where he loodged. Whill he was entering in
at the closse head, hard beside the Neather Bow Port, toward the
king's loodging, the guarde comming in at the port in the meane
tyme, shott their volie, under shew of honour, but killed one of his
companie, named James Sinclare of Eurston, through the head.
His blood and harns ranne in the gutter before the loodging. It
was alledged the shott was intended for the Lord Hammilton him-
self. He went home the day following.
Upon the 4th of Julie, Colonell Stuart had libertie to come from
his loodging to the court, and to returne again. Upon Fryday, the
6th, he was transported from Robert Gourlay’s hous in Edinburgh
to Blackenesse.
IMR. R. BRUCE, HIS OBSERVATION BEFORE THE CHANCELLER.
Upon the Lord's day, the 16th, Mr Robert Bruce teaching upon
the 1st of Samwell, chap. vii, the chanceller being present, said, that
at Saul's inauguration the people were verie frequent, for people
have great expectation of new raised men. If they answere not to
their expectatioun, they contemne them. If a vengeance light upon
great men not doing their duetie, and people care not for it, it is
the just judgement of God.
1592. OF THE IXIRK OF SCOTLAND. 171
THE KING ACQUAINTETEL THE MINISTERS WITH SOME
INTERCEPTED LETTERS.
Upon Moonday, the 17th, sindrie of the ministrie of Edinburgh
were sent for to the king. He shew unto them sindrie letters found
upon Mr Johne Colvill’s servant's brother, taikin at Falkland Road,
conteaning their whole purpose. Manie of them were writtin with
Mr Johne Colvill’s owne hand so darkelie, that it was hard to take
up the meaning; for a letter was sett doun for a word, and one
word for another; as A. for the king, B. for the queene, C. for the
duke, D. for Bothwell, S. for the Erle of Erroll, W. for Colonell
Stuart, Pater for * * Noster for the Erle of Angus, O. for the
Erle of Morton. A passage for exemple : “If A. (that is, the
king) be at our toun, (that is, Dalkeith,) being made sure, etc.—
but if A. be at Tusculanum, (that is, at Falkland,) etc., D. (that is,
Bothwell) sall persue the late Erle of Murrey's murther so farre
furth as Noster and S. (that is, Angus and Erroll) sall thinke good.”
The king divided the conspiratours in three rankes : Bothwell's
faction, the Papists, and others drawin on for their owne particulars.
The first two, he said, sought his life directlie. He shewed unto
them also some contumelious verses made in contempt of him,
calling him Davie's sonne, a bougerer, one that left his wife all the
night intactam ; contemnit numina, sponsam, &c. It was thought
they were made by Captan Hackerston, one of Bothwell’s cheefe
followers. “Yee may see,” said the king, “what they meane to
my life, that carie suche libells about them. I thought good to
acquaint you with these things, that ye may acquaint the people
with them, for they have a good opinioun of you, and credit you.”
ANGUS WAIRDED.
When the king was at Dumfreis, in the beginning of Julie, the
Erle of Angus interceeding for Bothwell, was wairded in Dumlan-
rig, till the king returned to Edinburgh, at which tyme he was
172 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
committed to waird in the Castell of Edinburgh. Upon Tuisday,
the 18th of June, Johnstoun was wairded in Dumfreis for aiding
Bothwell, but was pardouned, becaus he came in the king's will.
THE RING SEHIFTETH FROM PLACE TO PLACE FOR BOTEIWIELL.
Upon Tuisday, the 19th, the king was convoyed over the water
with his guarde, with an hundreth harquebusiers out of Edinburgh,
and sindrie gentlemen; for the courteours had raised a brute that
the Lord Bothwell had gottin some shippes and boates to ly in
waite for him. He returned upon the 24th of Julie from Falkland
to the Palace of Halyrudhous, upon a brute that Bothwell was
comming about by Stirline Bridge.
MR. R. BRUCE HIS OBSERVATIOUN.
Upon the Lord's day, the 23d, Mr Robert Bruce, the Chanceller
and Lord Maxwell being present, said, that the conventiouns of
Scotland resolved in commissiouns; that the king himself went not
about in person to execute justice yeerelie, as Samuell did ; that
the commissioners sought their owne standing more than the king's.
THE TOUN OF EDINBURGH TO BE DIVIDED IN EIGHT PARISHES.
Upon the Lord's day, the 6th of August, there was a letter read
publictlie in the kirk of Edinburgh, at the directioun of the toun
counsell, concerning divisioun of the toun in eight parishes, and
providing of eight ministers, which was agreed unto by the sessioun
and tour. The substance of it heere followeth :—
“By reasoun of the great dishonour done to God, speciallie in
his holie Sabboth, by a great number of this citie in tyme of divine
worship, partlie in ale houses, partlie at profane games in backe
sides, partlie in opin streets, and some committing harlotrie in
honest men's houses: and that besides thir, God’s name is conti-
nually blasphemed, and manie other vices abound, as daylie expe-
1592. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 173
rience teacheth us : As also, there is a great number of houses in
diverse parts heere, that live onlie in recept of stollin geare, and in-
terteaning of harlotrie, which whole vices spring of ignorance, for
laike of teaching, due examinatioun, and oft visitatiouns, lyke as
our pastors, being so few in number, can not in good conscience dis-
charge a pastorall duetie in Suche a populous citie where vice so
aboundeth, except a meane be found out how these enormiteis in
some measure may be remedied ; which can not be done but by
divisioun of the toun in competent congregatiouns: For this caus,
the kirk and counsell hath thought good for the present, that this
citie be divided in eight congregatiouns, and they to have eight
ministers, whose stipends must be supplied by a yeerelie contribu-
tioun of the godlie and honest men of this good toun, whill it please
God that the good toun be able, of their owne commoun good, to
doe it themselves.”
LOGIE ACCUSED FOR BOTH WELL,
Upon Moonday, the 7th of August, the king being in Dalkeith,
the young Laird of Logie and Burlie promised to Bothwell to
bring him in before the king to seeke pardoun. The king was fore-
warned, and Bothwell, howbeit brought in quietlie within the cas-
tell, was convoyed out againe. Burlie was accused, and confessed ;
Logie denyed, and, therefore, sould have suffered tryell. The night
before, one of the queen's dames, Maistresse Margaret, a Dutch-
woman, came to the guarde, and desired that he might be suffered
to come to the queen, who had something to inquire of him. Two
of the guarde brought him to the king's chamber doore, and stayed
upon his comming furth, but she convoyed him in the meane tyme
out at a window, in a paire of scheats, and he loodged with Nidrie
that night. Others report that he confessed, but pretended he
did it for the king's weale, to learne what was the purpose of the
enemie. The king said, That was too muche, not making him
privie. Logie said, “God forbid I sould have told you anie thing,
who can keepe nothing closse.” The king regraited to the queene
174 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
that he had none about him that were sure. Logie maried the
gentlewoman after, when he was receaved into the king's favour
againe.
COLONELL STUART AND SPYNIE WAIRDED.
Upon the 15th of August, Colonell Stuart accused the Lord
Spynie, brother to the Erle of Crawfurd, of secreit conference with
Bothwell. Spynie offered the single combat. A day was assigned.
In the meane tyme, the colonell was wairded in the Castell of Edin-
burgh, and Spynie in the Castell of Stirline.
HACKERSTON AND AIRDRIE TAIKIN.
Upon Thursday, the 7th of September, Captan Hackerston and
the Laird of Airdrie, both followers of Bothwell, were apprehended
in Leith by the Maister of Glames, brought to Dalkeith to the
king, and after they were examined brought backe to Edinburgh,
and imprissouned in the jayle, and an assise wairned for them.
Upon the 22d of September, the Laird of Airdrie and Captan
James Hackerston being putt to the knowledge of an assise for
the Road of Falkland, Airdrie granted he was at the Road, but
thralled by the Erle of Bothwell against his will, as he was passing
through the countrie to doe his lawfull effaires. The captan con-
fessed he was there to obteane some things of Bothwell, which he
had promised to him, but was not privie to his intentioun. They
came in the king's will, and were wairded till the king declared
his will. The bruite went they had the king's warrant to come
in, that they might be led as witnesses against Spynie. They were
sett at libertie soone after, as also the Laird of Nidrie, Samwelstoun,
Logie, Burlie, Balwerie, little James Hepburne, and the Countesse
of Bothwell herself; for she was discharged to come neere the
place of the king's residence by the space of two myles. The
Laird of Spott and Mr Johne Colvill were still outlawes.
1592. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 175
A PREMONITION OF A MASSACRE,
Upon the Lord's day, the 24th of September, after noone, a
letter was cast in to the pulpit of the Great Kirk, the tenor wher-
of followeth :—
“DEERE AND CHRISTIAN BRETHREIN,-Being moved with a
troubled conscience to reveele the most dolorous, terrible, and
devilish conspiracie, sett doun, devised, and concluded to be exe-
cuted, by the excommunicated Papists, fained Jesuits, and godlesse
atheists, and their confederats in this realme, against all the mini-
strie and preachers of Christ's Evangell, and all these that are en-
rolled, to be putt in execution : We thinke ourselves more starke
than we have beene, in respect we have joynned with us the great
courteours, and these who have the greatest credite in court; the
Duke of Lennox, the Erle of Marr, the Lord Hume, the Maister
of Glames, whose consciences, I doubt not, have beene and are als
heavilie troubled as myne hath beene. Our interprise is to give
you the conclusioun of the Read Friers, or, at the least, the cruell
and barbarous end of the bankett of Parise, practised by the um-
quhile devilish Duke of Guise, against the Admirall of France, etc.
We have appointed a great number in everie citie and toun, etc.,
to be executioners of our godlesse and bloodie platt; and these
that we cannot be certan and sure of at that cruell tyme, we in-
tend, before hand, to use by craft and policie of justice, ather to
charge them to compeere before the Secreit Counsell, etc. At
which tyme, my deere brethrein, beware, for, as the old proverbe
is, “ Tune tua res agitur paries cum provinus ardet, etc. For we
meane to beginne our bloodie deliberated conclusioun with a colour
of justice, etc. Our course and platt was devised in Flanders by
the Prince of Parma, and the King of Spaine's commissioners.
Some of us have imbrought innumerable and hudge summes of
money, which are almost obscured, whill our cruell and barbarous
intentioun be putt in execution. Wherefore have our diverse con-
176 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
ventions beene in the Castell of Edinburgh these manie tymes by-
gane, but to have the advice of our confederats 2
“I beseeche you, deere brethrein, impute nothing to his Majestie,
becaus, I assure you, his Grace is als innocent heerof as anie barne:
for we lett him to understand that we have a great and weightieturne
in hand, both for his honour, weill standing, and utter wracke of all
his enemeis in this countrie, when there is no lesse meant than a
perpetuall destructioun to the religioun, his Majestie, people, and
commoun weale. Credit if yee please; we will promise faire
eneugh, when we purpose nothing but to build up our owne stand-
ing, etc. We are all Cain's brethrein in our hearts, but rather
worse; for he slue but one, but we certanelie deliberat to putt to
death thowsands, etc. His Majestie's godlesse, bloodie, barbarous,
brigant, and bryberous chamber, (wherunto, alas ! his Majestie
giveth over muche eare,) is the wracke and destructioun both of
religioun, his Majestie, and commoun weale. Therefore, most
Christian brethrein, as yee tender, etc., addresse yourselves, ather
by some meanes or other, to prevent the samine, or ellis by fasting
and praying, etc. Give credit, and esteeme als little heerof as his
Majestie did of the advertisement made and affixed upon the
chappell doore, before the Road of Falkland, against the colonell,
who is one now of our cheefe commanders and executors of our
lamentable and dolorous tragedie, in respect he and his wife are
persons of executioun, as one of the windowes of Pitfirran could
declare, if they could speeke. Alwise this is sufficient for adver-
tisement, credit as yee please.
“Writtin from Dalkeith, by me that nather is willing nor minde-
full that the true religioun sould be thus cruellie extinguished, as
prooffe sall try; but that ye sould advert to the premisses, as
courses sett doun to be performed, if all sall hold that is heght.”
Upon Moonday the 25th, Angus and Erroll were releeved out
of waird.
1592. OF THE KERK OF SCOTLAND. 177
A ROAD TO THE SOUTH.
Upon the 9th of October, the king raid to the borders, to appre-
hend Bothwell. The toun of Edinburgh sent with him an hun-
dreth hacquebutters. Little or nothing [was] done. The king re-
turned with some prisoners, which were wairded into Fife, but
were releeved upon the 21st day. , Yea, except the Lord Hume
had promised to releeve them, they had not come in.
A STIRRE AMONG THE CRAFTS,
Upon Fryday, the 20th of October, the crafts beganne to storme,
for the change of Moondaye's mercat to the Wednisday; and the
people murmured not onlie for change of the mercat, but also for
the collection to the poore, and contribution to big new kirks.
The merchants that traffiqued to Spaine bragged they would not
desist from careing victuall to Spaine for anie censure of the kirk,
and spread some infamous rymes and libells against the ministrie."
* The following verses, transcribed from the Cotton MSS., (Calig. D. 2, 27,)
and which were thrown into the pulpit in the Great Church of Edinburgh, on the
24th of October, 1592, will serve as a specimen of the libels and rhymes to which
Calderwood alludes.
Will Watson’s wordes or Bruce's boist availl?
Can Carius or Craige make merchaunts to remaine
Malcanker's cryes a whitt sall not prevaile;
Balfour may barke, but all wilbe in vayne.
Ye spewe your spites on such as Sayle to Spaine,
And lives like Lards by bryberyo of the poore:
Howbeit we beg, providinge ye get gayne,
You of your stipendes will not want one stuir, (stiver.)
Ye crye for kirkes, for furnishing of your cure,
Not taking tent howe men may doe the turne.
I feare your falles, your dayes cannot indure,
The best among you wilbe loath to burne.
Ye curse but cause by (beyond) warrant of the Word ;
Wee neede not feare the fury of your sword.
What moves your mindes to mell with merket dayes 2
What lawe alledge you for such foolish actes ?
Your gukket zeale procures our great dispraise,
And heapes contempt and haitred on your backes.
WOL. V. M
178 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
This is, and has beene the religioun of Edinburgh, when they are
tuiched in their particular.
SEARCH FOR BOTHWELL.
Upon Fryday, the 3d of November, a great searche [was] made
for Bothwell in Edinburgh, in tyme of dinner, and the people
wairned to this effect by the knell of the commoun bell. All the
bussinesse turned to the committing of two or three wives to the
jayle, for recepting some tymes Bothwell.
A CONVENTION OF MINISTERS.
Upon Fryday, the 17th of November, Mr Robert Pont, Mr An-
drew Melvill, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr David Lindsay, and some of
the king's ministers, were directed to the king. They desired that
he would remove the Lord Hume, a professed Papist, out of his
companie. He answered, he had no law for him to doe so. They
layed before him the dangers hanging over church and commoun
weale. He acknowledged them, and condescended to a commis-
sioun to be made to some ministers and others, for taiking up of
deidlie feeds among professors; but, as for Glencarne and Eglin-
toun, he said he could not save them from inconveniences, if they
sould be sent for to Edinburgh for that purpose. A weake an-
swere for a king ! The brethrein thought good that Mr Robert
Bruce and Mr David Lindsay sould travell with them, for an as-
surance for that end, and that the ministers of the West sould
travell with Blaquhan and Gairleis for the like. The king granted
The comon people craves your public wrackes,
Detests your tournes, and damns your divelish deeds ;
The divell himself can forge no curster facts;
You are but wolves cladde up in wether's weedes :
Ye looke like lambs, yet in your bosome breedes
A poysoned speare, poore people that perverts.
I hope to see your selves, or else your seedes,
Abandon’d all, like our lawes in deserts.
Ye scorne but Christ, your cuntry, kinde, and king,
Prescribing pointes, as Scribes, in everie thing.
1592. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 179
also in words that missives sould be directed to some weill-affected
noblemen and barons, to desire them to repaire to Edinburgh, and
to winter in it, and to be on the Counsell, to disappoint the de-
signes of the adversareis. Upon the Lord's day, the 19th, Mr
William Row, in his sermoun, said, that the king might be excom-
municated, incace of contumacie and disobedience to the will of
God. Upon Moonday, the 20th, the ministers who were con-
Veened from all parts, meeting in the Little Kirk, named commis-
sioners of noblemen and barons to execute the lawes against
Jesuits, excommunicats, etc.; reteanning the most part of these
who were in the old commissioun in print, some being left out.
The proceedings of the ministers conveened at this tyme, to pre-
vent the dangers imminent to the religioun and professors therof,
heere follow, as they were sett doun by Mr James Melvill in his
Memorialls.
“At Edinburgh, the 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, and 20th
dayes of November, in the yeere 1592.
“The which dayes, the brethrein conveened from diverse parts
of the countrie, to foresee and prevent the dangers imminent to the
religioun and professors therof, after incalling of the name of God,
having communicated mutuallie their intelligences, have found the
enemeis of the truthe within this countrie verie diligentlie labour-
ing for subversioun of the religioun, and sindrie cruell and dangerous
platts concluded, and intended to be executed with all possible dili-
gence, unlesse the Lord of his mercie disappointed their inter-
prises. For remeed wherof, it is concluded, that there be a gene-
rall fast in all the kirks of this countrie, the 17th and 24th days of
December nixt, that by true humiliatioun and unfained repentance,
the fearefull judgements of God that hang over this land may be
prevented.”
180 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
THE CAUSES OF THE GENERALL FAST.
1. The practises of the enemeis within and without the countrie
intending to execute that bloodie decree of the Councell of Trent,
against all that truelie professe the religioun of Christ, to the utter
subversioun therof, and of the king's estate and persoun, whose
standing and decay they acknowledge to be joynned with the
standing and decay of religioun.
2. A miserable desolatioun of the greatest part of the countrie,
perishing in ignorance through laike of pastors, and sufficient moyen
to interteane the Word of God among them, with a carelessness of
the magistrats to remeed these misereis.
3. A fearefull defectioun of a great number of all estats in this
land to papistrie and atheisme, especiallie of the nobilitie, through
the resorting and traffiquing of Jesuits, Seminarie preests, and
other Papists, without executioun of anie law against them.
4. The generall disorder of the whole estate of the commoun
wealth, overflowing with all kinde of impietie; as contempt of the
Word, blasphemie of the name of God, contempt of the magistrat,
treasoun, innocent bloodshed, adultereis, witchecrafts, and other
abominable crymes.
These causes to be enlarged and eeked by the discretioun of
everie brother, according as he sall have sure knowledge and sense
of the premisses.
Item, It is ordeanned, that everie presbyterie travell within their
owne bounds, to informe the specialls and best affected gentlemen
among them of the practise of the enemeis; and to move them to
be upon their guarde, and in readinesse, upon advertisement, for
defense of religioun and professors therof, and resisting of the ene-
mie; and to take up and compose all feeds, namelie, among them
that are true professours, or at the least, assurances, where full
agreement cannot be presentlie procured; and to receave their sub-
scriptiouns unto the generall band, at least where it sall be thought
requisite, at the discretioun of everie eache presbyterie. And be-
1592. OF THE ICIRK OF SCOTLAND. 181
caus the presbytereis underwrittin, for diverse consideratiouns,
crave the assistance of some other brethrein, the brethrein heere
conveened have appointed Mr Robert Pont to concurre with the
Presbyterie of Aberdeene, for the effect abovewrittin; Mr Robert
Rollock, with the Presbyterie of Dalkeith ; and Mr Robert Bruce
and Mr David Lindsay, with the Presbytereis of the West, for
uptaking of the deidlie feeds betweene the Maister of Eglintoun
and the Erle of Glencarne, the Lairds of Garleis and Blairquhan,
etc.; and to this effect, that they obteane his Majestie's commissioun,
and procure his Majestie's commissioners may be directed with
them, and they to attend on this, as their leasure will serve. And
in the meane tyme, that his Majestie's letters be obteaned, to move
the parties to assure; and the presbytereis to travell, so farre as
they may, by their owne labours.
Item, That the brethrein acquaint themselves with the historeis
of the cruelties of the confederats of the Councell of Trent, prac-
tised against the faithfull in other countreis, and informe their con-
gregatiouns therof; as likewise, of the like crueltie against them-
selves, if they prevaile in their wicked attempts. And in respect
of the subtilitie and secreit craft of the adversars, who now so
deepelie have learned to dissemble their proceedings, that speciall
Sute be made to God in our publict prayers, that the platts and
hid practises of the enemeis may be discovered, brought to light,
and disappointed.
Item, It is ordeanned, that there be an ordinarie counsell of the
brethrein underwrittin, viz., Mrs Robert Bruce, David Lindsay,
Robert Pont, Johne Davidsone, Walter Balcalquall, James Bal-
four, Patrik Galloway, Johne Duncansome, who sall conveene or—
dinarilie everie weeke once, and oftener as occasioun sall crave, to
consult upon suche advertisement as sall be made to them from
diverse parts of the countrie or otherwise, and providere in omnibus,
me quid ecclesia detriment; capiat. And for the better executioun of
their conclusions, it is ordeanned, that there be an ordinarie agent
in Edinburgh to attend upon them, viz., Mr James Carmichael,
182 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1592.
till the nixt Assemblie Generall, whose office sall consist in thir
points following:
Imprimis, He sall travell diligentlie by all meanes to be informed
of the practises of Papists, as by merchants and passengers com-
ming from other countreis, and all suche as from anie part of this
countrie resort unto Edinburgh; for the which causalso, the ministers
in everie part are commanded to make carefull advertisement of all
kinde of practises against the religioun ; of all Papists, Jesuits, and
recepters of them within their bounds ; and all other weightie
enormiteis that sall fall out, and come to their knowledge, and that
in forme as after followeth :
Mr Andrew Carnbie and Mr George Munro for Rosse, Mr
Thomas Howesome for Innernesse, and Johne Forester for Forresse,
sall send their advertisements to Mr Alexander Dowglas, minister
of Elgine.
Mr Alexander Douglas for Elgine, sall send to Mr Peter Blek-
burne, minister at Aberdeen; Mr George Hay for Bamf, Mr James
Duff, and Mr Gilbert Gairdin for Strabogie, Mr Johne Strauchan
for Marr, Mr George Patersone for Garioch, and Mr Duncan
Davidsone for Deer, sall send to Mr David Cunninghame, minister
at Aberdeene.
Mr Peter Blekburne and Mr David Cunninghame sall send their
advertisements to Montrose.
Mr Andrew Mylne for Mernes, Johne Durie for Brechin, Mr
Arthure Futhie for Arbrothe, Mr James Nicolsone for Meigle, sall
send to William Christesone, minister at Dundie.
William Christesone sall send to Mr Adam Mitchell, minister at
Cowper, and Mr Adam to Mr Thomas Biggar, minister at King-
horne, and Mr Thomas to Mr Walter, minister at Edinburgh.
Mr William Glasse for Dunkelden, sall send to Mr Johne Mal-
colme, minister at Perth.
Mr Johne Malcolme, to Mr Walter at Edinburgh.
Mr William Stirline for Dumblane, Mr Patrik Simsone for Stir-
line, Mr Johne Spotswood for Linlithquo, Mr Adam Johnstoun for
1592. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLANI). 183
Dalkeith, James Gibsone for Hadintoun, Mr Robert Hepburne for
Dumbar, Mr Archibald Dowglas for Peebles, Johne Clappertoun
for Huttoun, Mr William Methven for Dunse, Mr Johne Knox for
Melrose, Mr Andrew Clayhills for Jedburgh, Mr Hugh Fouller-
toun for Dumfreis, Mr David Blythe for Kirkudbright, Mr James
Davidsone for Wigtoun, Mr Andrew Hay for Glasgow, Mr Robert
Darroch for Hammiltoun, Mr Robert Lindsay for Lanark, David
Fergusone for Dumfermline; all these sall send their advertise-
ments directlie to Mr Walter Balcalquall in Edinburgh.
Johne Porterfeild for Air, Mr Robert Wilkie for Irwing, Mr
Johne Rosse for Dumbartan, Mr Andrew Knox for Paisley, sall
sende to Mr Andrew Hay in Glasgow, and he to Mr Walter in
Edinburgh.
Mr Andrew Melvill for St Andrewes, Mr Thomas Buchanan for
Cowper, sall send to Mr Thomas Biggar, minister at Kinghorne,
and he to the said Mr Walter; and last, Mr David Spence for
Kirkaldie, to the said Mr Walter.
Providing, that if anie of the above writtin brethrein have the
commoditie of a trustie bearer otherwise, or if the mater be of
suche weight that it will not suffer delay, in that cace they sall
send to Edinburgh, to the said Mr Walter, immediatlie. And to
the end that the foresaid brethrein may have the more sure in-
telligence, it is ordeanned that everie brother within the presby-
terie sall give them sure informatioun at all occasions needfull.
Secundlie, After the said agent sall receave these intelligences
and advertisements, he sall, at the first meeting, communicat them
to the counsell of the brethrein; and if the mater require haste, the
agent sall conveene the councell for that office; and being found
by them to require further advice of other brethrein, the said
agent sall convocat them by his letters, according as he sall re-
ceave directioun from the councell.
Thridlie, Whatsoever sall happin to be concluded to by the coun-
cell of the brethrein to be suted at his Majestie's councell, sessioun,
proveist, and bailliffes of burrows, or barons, or others whatsomever,
184 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
the said agent sall attend faithfullie and diligentlie for executing
therof, and report his diligence to the councell.
The said agent sall seeke out and extract all letters, acts, and
decreits, concerning the caus committed to him, as they ought to
be, and to communicat them, together with the conclusiouns of the
councell, to suche presbytereis and parts of the countrie as the
councell sall direct, according to the forme, and by the persons
above writtin, ordine retrogrado.
The said agent sall write the memoreis of the kirk's proceedings
and deallings with the prince, counsell, and estats of this realme,
from tyme to tyme, since the reformatioun of religioun, to be a
monument to the posteritie. And to that effect it is ordeanned,
that from all presbytereis, scrolls, writts, and anie peeces. that are
in the holding of anie brethrein, sall be directed to Mr Walter
Balcalquall, to be delivered to him ; and, likewise, all proceedings
and dealings which the kirk sall have with the king, to be noted by
him heerafter, etc.
Item, It is ordeanned, that there be a commoun purse, for fur-
nishing of necessarie expences for the effaires foresaid, without the
which they cannot take effect. And that for the present, Mr
Robert Bruce, with Suche as he thinketh good to adjoyne to him,
sall meane the want of these commoun expences in so dangerous
a tyme, to suche men of all estats as he knoweth to be weill affect-
ed, that by their liberalitie this want may be suppleed, untill some
good ordinarie meane be found out for that effect; and that the
summes collected be putt in a boxe, wherof there sall be two or
three keyes, in the hands of two or three brethrein of the counsell,
who sall deburse therof as the said counsell sall command them.
Item, It is ordeanned, that the said counsell sall travell earnestlie
with his Majestie and Counsell, that the articles following may be
granted :-
That his Majestie, by publict proclamatioun, make his good
affectioun toward the religioun and professors therof knowne to the
whole subjects, and promise to mainteane and defend it against
1592. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. & 185
all enemeis without and within, to the uttermost of his power; and
that he accompt all the enemeis therof to be enemeis of his estate
and persoun, and of this commoun wealth : Charging, heerefore, his
whole subjects to joyne themselves in an unitie and professioun of
the true religioun professed within this countrie, and subscribe the
generall band for the maintenance therof, against whatsomever
enemeis, which sall be presented to them by the ministrie.
That a commissioun be granted to a certan of the best affected
noblemen, barons, and gentlemen, and magistrats within burghs;
that is to say, to the proveist and bailliffes of everie burgh within
their bounds, and liberteis therof; Robert Erle of Orkney, James
Lord Zetland, Michael Balfour of Monquhanie, for Orkney, etc., to
execute all acts of Parliament and Counsell, against whatsomever
Jesuits, Seminarie preests, excommunicated and traffiquing Papists
and their recepters, and to caus make wapoun-showings, and to con-
veene the countrie in armes at all occasiouns needfull, for defence
of the true religioun, and resisting the enemeis therof.
That a sufficient number of the wisest of the noblemen, barons,
and best affected to religioun, his Majestie's estat and standing,
and the weale of this commoun wealth, be appointed upon the
Secreit Counsell, and make their residence in Edinburgh this
winter, and farther ay, whill the conspiraceis, platts, and attempts
of the enemeis of religioun within this countrie be disappointed and
repressed.
That all Papists and practisers against the religioun be removed
from his Majestie's companie, and debarred from all publict charge,
commissioun, lieutenantrie, or publict office.
That all skippers and maisters of shippes sall present to the
magistrat and counsell of the place where they sall arrive, all pass-
ing merchants, and others that sall come within their shippes; who
sall give their conscience and oath of all persons, and packets of
letters or bookes whatsomever, which they have receaved at anie
part since their departure, to be delivered to anie person or persons,
or delivered packets, or bookes, coffers, or kists, to anie whatsomever,
under paine of confiscatioun of shippes, goods, and geare.
186 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
That a commissioun be givin to the persons underwrittin, viz.,
* * * * * to sett doun a constituted forme of provisioun
of ministers' stipends, at everie congregatioun within this countrie;
and that to be ratified in Secreit Counsell, Checker, and Sessioun,
to have the strenth of a law, whill the Parliament, and then to be
ratified by the whole estate.
Last, It is ordeanned, that there be a Generall Assemblie at Edin-
burgh, the 9th of Januarie mixtocum, incace the Parliament hold;
and if the Parliament be continued, that the Presbyterie of Edin-
burgh give advertisement therof to the brethrein of all presbytereis,
that they make no waist travell.
And these things devised by Mr Andrew Melvill, with the rest
of the brethrein, Mr James Nicolsone and Mr James Melvill were
ordeanned to penne and sett in order.
OPPRESSION IN THE NORTH,
In the meane tyme, the Erle of Argile, Atholl, the Laird of
Grant, Malcolmetoshe, made great heirship and wracke in the Erle
of Huntlie's lands, for the Erle of Murrey's slaughter. The king
sent William Erle of Angus as Lieutenant to the North, to stay
farther oppressioun.
CAPTAN JAMES STUART SENT FOR TO COURT.
Upon Moonday, the 27th of November, Captan James Stuart,
some tymes Erle of Arran, came to Edinburgh, being writtin for by
the king to come to court, which weakenned all sorts of people.
He came to give articles and points of dittay against the Chanceller
and the Lord Hammiltoun, as he had done before against the Erle
of Morton. The ministers of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh agreed
among themselves, that none sould speeke with him without con-
sent of the rest: that Mr Robert Bruce, Mr David Lindsay, and
Mr Patrik Galloway, sould goe to the king, sould show unto him
the discontentment of the godlie, and to urge his departure out of
1592. OF THE [IRR OF SCOTIANTD. 187
these bounds with expeditioun, Mr Robert told them that the
king would have sent a macer for him, for recepting of my Lord
Bothwell in his hous, as he alledged, if my Lord of Marr had not
stayed him. The brethrein to whom he communicat that mater
thought good that Mr Robert sould not seeme to take notice of
that mater, except he were sent for publictlie.
Upon Fryday, the first of December, Mr Walter Balcalquall,
in his sermoun, painted out Captane Stuart in his colours. He
recompted what mischeefe he had done before ; how he had abused
the king, the nobilitie, and other subjects: he assured them that
brought him in, they sould find the first dint of his battoun. Now,
the Duke of Lennox was the cheefe worker of his bringing in.
After noone, the proveist, bailliffes, counsell, and ministers, were
called to court. The king charged Mr Robert Bruce with har-
bouring of Bothwell. He denyed, and craved an author. Sindrie
were promised, but none were found. The king reproached the
proveist and bailliffes bitterlie, for suffering Bothwell, his tratour,
to lodge in their toun, when he was chassed out of all parts of
Scotland. They alledged ignorance, and promised diligence in
tyme comming. The ministers were reproved for passing him
over with silence in their sermouns, and inveyghing onlie against
Huntlie and Captan James. They referred themselves to their
auditors. The Erle of Morton bare witnesse to their faithfulnesse
and honestie in that cace. They were desired to make mentioun
of him the nixt Sabboth in their sermouns, in a reproachefull maner,
and to dehort all men from societie with him, or interteanning of
him; which they did. The king upbraided the ministers for manie
things, and, among the rest, for Captan James, saying, if they
had beene als long whipped with afflictioun as he was, they
would not have beene so outrageous. As for their slipping away
into England, he said, the wives of Edinburgh made them too
wantoun and wealthie. “Mr Walter,” said he, “ had more wealthe
in a monethe in England, than in Scotland in a yeere.” The king
said, Stirling Road would be yitt layed to their charge, and that
he might, and would use them when need were, to punishe, as
188 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
other subjects; mather thought he that they could find the con-
trarie in all their New Testament. He checked Mr Walter for
prattling, as he called it, that day against Captan James. Mr
Walter defended himself.
Upon Saturday, the 2d of December, after noone, Captane
James went doun to the Abbey, accompanied with the Lord
Uchiltree, the Laird of Blairquhan, and a great number of others
his favourers. He gott incontinent favourable accesse to the king.
Upon the Lord's day, the 3d of December, Mr Johne Davidsone
preaching upon the thrid of Exodus, upon the constancie of Moses
and Aaron, and replying againe to proud Pharao's resolute answere,
he shewed what was the duetie of the servants of God in follow-
ing their exemple, speciallie now, when men are so stiffe to leave
the courses against God. He discoursed upon the obstinat course
of the enemeis of Christ in Scotland, and how God’s servants ever
withstood them to their faces; beginning at the Queene Regent,
and comming to Queene mother, and after her to some regents,
and then to the Guises’ course in Aubigney, and the tenour therof
to this day :-‘‘Which appeareth now,” sayeth he, “in bringing
backe Captan Stuart, to continue the same course.” He painted
him out at lenth, and protested he did it not for hatred of his
persoun, for whose wealefare in Christ he could bestow his life;
(“Suche is my love,” said he, “to the hous wherof he is come ;)
but for the hatred of his vice, which I hate as the devill.” He
told the auditorie what the king had promised; “but,” said he, “I
am beguiled, if his spirit will be so rainged in order, if he gett
audience at court.” Bringing in the historie of Absalom, Joab,
David, and the wife of Tekoah, he layed furth the nature of the
captan, and his maner of bringing in, that it seemed to tend to his
preferment, contrarie to the pretended promise. Mr Robert Bruce
following after, said, that the defenders of Moonday’s mercat, and
traffiquers with Spaine, had now gottin a captan. These were the
men in Edinburgh that countenanced Captan James. Mr Walter
Balcalquall, Mr William Watsone, and William Aird, were vehe-
ment against him after noone. Mr Patrik Galloway likewise, in
1592. OF THIE ICIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 189
the king's owne presence, said, the king had now gottin about him
all the skumme and verie of courings of the wicked, if that man
were once in; and that the king could not continue in sinceritie with
suche companie as he had, if he were an angell of heaven. Mr
Robert Bruce and Mr Walter Balcalquall, as the king had requeist-
ed, inveyghed against Bothwell, and desired all good Christians to
forsake him.
Upon Tuisday, the 5th, the Lord Uchiltree made sute to the
presbyterie, that Captan James might have privie conference with
some of them, which was denyed. Publict conference by pluralitie
of votes was granted. He presented himself after noone, accom-
panied with Uchiltrie, Phairnihurst, etc., and desired to be heard.
He made a long harangue of manie maters in generall and parti-
cular, without acknowledging anie offence, or shewing anie tokin
of repentance, save that now and then he said, “Perchance I have
offended in some thing.” He desired they might have a better
opinioun of him, than to cry out upon him as they had done, for
the which he would not querell them; alledging that he was not
to beare the blame of all things where with he was charged, seing
they were done by the advice of twentie-eight counsellers; and,
therefore, desired their Honours' favours, (so he spake,) that he
might attend upon his effaires, offering himself to obey them in all
things that they would injoyne unto him, and that he would never
be drawin from the defense of the true religioun, for ought that
could be. Manie Suche faire words he had. He was removed. It was
concluded he had showed no offers of repentance, as the kirk looked
for, and, therefore, they were to continue in their former opinioun;
besides, that that mater concerned the whole Generall Assemblie,
and, therefore, they ought not to deale farther therin, but to referre
it therunto. He said it was reasoun, and beganne to breake up
manie particulars concerning the Erle of Morton's death, the Laird
of Maynes, etc. The brethrein answered they could not enter into
these or the like particulars. He craved privat conference with
some brethrein. It was answered, they would appoint none to that
purpose: if anie would conferre with him, lett him be answerable to
190 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
the Assemblie. Sua he was dismissed by Mr Walter, moderator,
with this generall answere, “Yee must give us als good prooffe of
your weill doing as yee have givin of your evill doing, before we
can credite you muche.” So Captan James, finding so great oppo-
sitioun, went home, and came not to court again.
MR. R. BRUCE CALUMNIATED.
Upon Fryday, the 8th, some of the brethrein went doun to the
king, to urge a prooffe of the treasoun that was layed to the charge
of Mr Robert Bruce, James Gibsone, Mr Andrew Hunter, etc.
The king would have the mater past over. They still urge tryell.
Thursday come eight dayes was appointed for the production of
accusers, speciallie the Maister of Gray and Thomas Tyrie.
Upon the Lord’s day, the 10th, Mr Robert Bruce teaching upon
1 Sam. xii., said, the king was envirronned with leers for the most
part, and that he would superseed from preaching till he were
purged of that haynous accusatioun which was layed against him,
viz., that he and others had conspired to take the crowne off the
king's head, and putt it on Bothwell's. The presbyterie, the kirk-
sessioun, the counsell of the toun, urged by their letters. The
Maister of Gray in the meane tyme promised Bothwell to gett him
the king's favour. But Bothwell fearing his treacherie, disappoint-
ed the tryst appointed betuixt them. The Maister of Gray disap-
pointed of his intentioun, and having disappointed the king of the
promise he made to him, left the court for shame, and went home,
denyed all accusatioun of Mr Robert Bruce, and offered to fight
his honest querell in that behalfe with anie man, but with the king;
which was testified by a letter from Mr James Robertsone, and
other brethrein in these parts where he dwelt. Upon Thursday,
the 14th of December, Mr Robert Bruce being accompanied with
the sessioun of the kirk, and other zealous professours, went doun
to the palace. There was no likelihood of anie accuser to be pro-
duced against Mr Robert. The king would have had the mater
buried, and mislyked that Mr Robert insisted so farre in that
1592. OF TIIE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 191
mater: but the counsell, and sessioun of the kirk of Edinburgh,
urged his tryell for purgatioun. Howbeit, their bills were not read,
yitt promise was made to doe it the mixt day, and so the mater de-
serted.
THE KING HIGHLIE OFFENDED AT MR DAVIDSON'S REPROOFE.
The fast beganne upon the Lord's day, the 17th of December.
Mr Johne Davidsome preaching in the East, or Little Kirk of Edin-
burgh, in the morning, said, that since Aubigney’s comming thither,
the king had receaved infectioun, and if he vomited it not out, he
would not escape severe judgement; and that the corps, meaning
the Erle of Murrey’s wounds, cryed to the Abbey all this while for
justice, but mather the living nor the dead could procure justice to
be executed, howbeit great severitie had beene used against the
servants of God. The king swore that night that he sould not be
suffered to teache longer in Edinburgh. The duke would needs
slay him. Upon Thursday following, the king aggredged these
speeches to the provest, counsell, and ministers of Edinburgh; that
he had cryed out against a dead man, and called him whom he had
raised to the honour of a duke, contempteouslie, Monsieur Aubig-
ney. “I mervell muche of him,” said the king, “for I heard once
that he was one of the cheefe theologues in Scotland, learned and
weill approved both at home and abroad, and that he had some
prooffe of him in privie conference; but now,” said he, “I cannot
tell how he is become so phrenetick, that he did nothing but make
placats and ballats, wherof he had sindrie to show, and that all his
teaching was turned into railing against him and his estat.” He
asked the provest if he was their ordinar minister P He answered,
Not. Then said the king, “What did he there P’’ He answered,
“The sessioun of the kirk had a warrant to appoint whom they
pleased at that houre.” “If yee avow him to be yours,” said the
king, “yee sall answere for him; if not, I will not suffer him to byde
there.” The ministers desired the king to suffer the kirk to take
order with him. Mr Davidsone preaching the mixt day, to witt,
arº-
192 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
the Lord's day, the 24th, in the morning, made his apologie for the
last Sabboth daye's speeches, with some additioun, protesting he
loved the king his weelefare, both in soule and bodie. He repeated
the similitude he had the Sabboth day before, to witt, that honie
slipped doun to the bottom of a sore, and did byte als muche as
anie liquor, and yitt ceased not to be sweete. The ministrie were
to meete, to consult what sould be done concerning the warranting
of his calling, without irritating the king. Dut their consultatioun
stayed upon his owne overture; for after two or three sermouns he
was to desist, by reasoun of the seasoun of the yeere, and his owne
infirmitie. Alwise, after this time, the ministers of Edinburgh, and
the cheefe of the citie, miscontent with his rough applicatioun,
laboured to be ridde of him, and he himself was als willing to re-
move from them, as we sall see following in the progresse of the
Historie. -
MIR GEORGE EER APPREEMENDED,
The fruict of this solemne fast, which was keeped in December,
kythed immediatlie by the discoverie of a strange conspiracie. A
certan young gentleman, named Mr George Ker, brother to Marke
Lord Newbottle, being readie to make for the saile out of Fairlie
Raid, at the West Sea Banke, his speeches were taikin heed to, and
he perceaved to be a Papist passing to Spaine, to traffique betuixt
the King of Spaine and some Scottish noblemen. Mr Andrew Knox,
minister at Paisley, accompanied with some schollers of Glasgow,
gentlemen's sonnes, and other freinds, apprehended him upon the
27th of December in the Yle of Cumra, before Boote, when he was
readie to embarke, searched his coffers, found diverse letters and
blankes directed from George Erle of Huntlie, Francis Erle of Er-
roll, and William Erle of Angus, the Lairds of Auchindoun and
Fintrie, and other practisers, some in Latine, some in Frenche, to-
gether with their caschets and signets. The blankes were to be
filled up by Mr William Crichton. The Lord Rosse brought him
to Calder, and there stayed for a greater convoy. Some of the
1592. OF THE EIRK OF SCOTLAND. 193
magistrats of Edinburgh, accompanied with some citicens, went to
Calder upon the last of December, accompanied with 60 horsemen
and 200 footmen, and brought him in to Edinburgh that night, be-
tuixt sevin and eight, and wairded him in the Tolbuith.
The letters intercepted with Mr George Ker heere follow. For
the understanding of the borrowed and counterfooted names, the
interpretatioun is sett doun in the margin, according to the deposi-
tiouns of the practisers, and the meaning of otherintercepted letters.
A LETTER DIRECTED FROM AN ENGLISH JESUIT, AND INTERCEPTED
WITH MR GEORGE KER, THE 27TH OF DECEMBER, 1592.
“GOOD FATHER,--The enclosed to my Lord, I pray you read,
and take it as writtin to yourself. What I write to him I write to
you ; what I crave of him I crave of you ; what I hope of him I
hope of you, as of my patron and pedagogue in spiritualibus, as of
a man whose discretioun and moderatioun I have weill experi-
mented in all caces, and at all tymes. If I had so farre over-
lasched, and gone beside my compasse, as some good fellowes
would imagine, yitt I wonder that some good men, both in their
owne conceats, and other meanes spirituall, will admitt no excuse,
no satisfactioun, no purgatioun, when St Paul to the Galatians, in
most evident delicts, setteth doun this rule amongst the perfect
and spirituall: “Fratres, et si preoccupatus fuerit homo in aliquo
delicto, vos qui spirituales estis hujusmodi instruite in spiritu leniſatis,
considerans te ipsum, ne et tu tenteris.’ If I had spokin with you
at my last being in Italie, as I weill hoped, I had perhaps made a
better conclusioun of my businesse there than I did, to my owne
content, and all my freinds' satisfactioun, which hope, for all these
stormes, I will never give over; and when I leave by your meanes
to be under the good habering, I will write to you of that subject.
The Lord Setoun, in whose hous I sojourn sometimes, salutes you.
Of the effaires of the Catholicks heere, I leave it to them to write
and relate, by whose meanes these letters sall be convoyed. My Lord
WOL. V. N
194 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
Setoun has an haven of his owne, which may be heereafter verie com-
modious for our missiouns. Commend me, I pray you, to F. Barth.,
Pere, etc. Mr Dudley Ilper, knight, and Johne Thules, which, upon
some suddane pushes of persecutioun, make their repaire hither,
are in health, and salute you. And Master Syall, a preest, died
heere latelie in Edinburgh. Love me, and pray for me, I beseeke
you all, solito; and if you send anie into these parts, lett them
come furnished with als ample faculteis as you may. Lett them
enquire for one Mr Jonas, which will be a token betuixt us. Our
Lord blessé, and send us to meete once ere we dée.
“Setoun, this 2d of October, 1592.
“Yours ever most assured,
“JOAN, CECILIO.”
Blanke brº the backg.
A LETTER DIRECTED FROM THE ERLE OF ANGUS, ALL WRITTIN
AND SUBSCRIBED WITH HIS OWNE HAND ; INTERCEPTED WITH
MR GEORGE KER, THE 27TH OF DECEMBER, 1592.
“My most affectioned commendatiouns premitted. This present
is onelie to know of your weelfare and freinds, and of the estat of
maters where yee remaine, and to be a testimonie of my good affec-
tioun towards you; for, God be praised, if yee were in this countrie,
I could doe you greater pleasure nor I was able to doe before,
albeit good will enlaiked not at no tyme, as yee know. The pre-
sent bearer (George Ker") can informe you of suche things as oc-
curre with us, for we are heere daylie subject unto alteratioun.
Yee may credite him as myself, for so his vertues doe merit. It is
not needfull I trouble you with his recommendatioun, seing he is to
you that he is. Yee know his honestie and good intentioun, and
the causes of his parting, to whose sufficiencie referring the rest.
My heartie salutatiouns and my bed-ſellowe's, with all our com-
* The marginal notes are in italics, and within parentheses, as before.
I 592. OF THE KIIRK OF SCOTL_*.N. i.), 195
panie, young and old, remembered unto you, and your good com-
panie; committs you with them to the protectioun of God.
“Edinburgh, the tenth of October after our compt, 1592,
“Yours ever at power,
“ANG U.S.”
#lanke on the backe, (to Mr William Crichton.)
A LETTER DIRECTED FROM MR JAMES GoRDOUN TO MR willſAM
CRICHTOUN; INTERCEPTED UPON MIR GEORGE KER, THE 27TH
OF DECEMBER, 1592.
“TRAIST FREIND,-After most heartilie commendatiouns. Your
freinds that are heere have directed this present bearer (Mr
George Ker) to you, for full resolutioun of all your effaires in thir
quarters. We have delayed overlong I grant. But he will show
you the caus of all. The nixt best is, yee use all expeditioun in
tyme comming, against the nixt sommer, otherwise yee will tyne
credite heere with your factours. If yee come, yee will find moe
freinds nor ever yec had ; but, otherwise, yee will find fewer, be-
caus the nixt sommer manie are bowned to other countiers, and
will not abide on you no longer. Haste home heere some word to
your freinds, that we may putt them in good hope of you, and they
will tarie the longer. The bearer is an honest man, and verie suf-
ficient : yee may credit him as myself. I sould have come with
him myself, were it not I was perswaded that yec would remaine
on our answere, and becaus I gott a stop out of Flanders, as the
bearer can shew you. Yee have gottin all that yee desired, (rela-
tive to the blankes ;) therefore make haste. The bearer is come to
you on his owne charge, therefore, yee must have respect to him.
The last bearer that yee sent came heere behind the hand, and
has gottin na satisfactioun as yitt, becaus nothing could be gottin
heere, and we could finde no man but this that would passe on his
owne charge. And I feare, that if he had not come on his owne ex-
196 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
pences, yee sould not have receaved answere so soone. Therefore,
yee sould treate him the better. We will abide heere yourself
shortlie; and I would yee brought the rest of your freinds with
you that ale beyond sea, (the Spanish armie.) For if your blocke
passes fordward, they must be also present; otherwise, we must
come and visite you. All other effaires of this countrie I will com-
mitt to the bearer, who is faithfull. Your wife (the Catholick
Itomans and their confederats) and your bairnes commend them to
you, and looke to see you shortlie. If I, or Sandesone, (Mr Robert
Abircrumbie,) your freind, receave anie silver from the bearer, yee
sall be advertised by another ticket how muche it is, and subscribe
it with both our hands. The rest I will referre to the bearer.
God preserve you ever from all evill.
“At Dundie, the 20th of November, 1592.
“Yours most affectioned at all his power,
“J. CHRISTESONE,” (Mr James Gordown.)
Directed on the backe,
“To his assured Freind, George Craufurd,” (Mr W. Crichton.)
A LETTER DIRECTED FROM MR, ROBERT ABIRCRUMBIE TO MR
WILLIAM CRICHTON ; INTERCEPTED WITH MR GEORGE KER, THE
27TH OF DECEMBER, 1592.
“After my due and humble salutatiouns and offer of service, I
regrait and lament heavilie the sleuth and negligence your mer-
chants have used in answering of your last Sute ye propouned to
them; for appearandlie, if they had made answere in due tyme,
our wairs had beene heere in due tyme, with our great profite and
consolatioun. The stay and stoppe of the mater, appearandlie, was
laike of expences, that no man could, of his owne charges, take that
voyage in hand; yea, some craved a thowsand crowns for his ex-
pences. So the mater was once whollie givin over, and almost
cleene forgot, untill it pleased God, of his Divine providence, to
stirre up this bearer to take the turne in hand, on his owne ex-
1592. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 197
pences; as he has beene ever bent in that caus, not onlie to spend
his goods, but also the thing that is more deere to him, that is, his
life. Therefore, I thinke he sould be the more acceptable, as also
for the affinitie of his blood; for both his gooddames were Crichtons.
And as for witt and abilitie of treatting of these affaires, he is not
inferiour to none of your merchants which yee desired, as yee will
perceave by experience, God willing. And albeit that he, of his
courageous liberalitie and zeale to the caus, has tane the mater in
hand on his owne charges, yitt all your freinds in these quarters
thinke it verie reasonable, that all sould be refounded to him againe,
cum usura, with promotioun, till anie other accident sould fall out,
for the weale and furtherance of this caus, etc. But now I will
say one word of him, and syne come to some other purpose of our
owne. If I had a thowsand tongues, with als manie mouthes, with
Cicero's eloquence, I cannot be worthie eneugh in commendatioun
of this gentleman to you and all your companie, as I sall lett you
understand, God willing, if ever we sall chance to meete face for
face.' And, therefore, whensoever yee may prevent him with anie
benefite, ather by yourself or anie other, abide not whill he crave
it at you; for he is the worst asker in his owne caus that ever yee
conversed with. Sed nunc ad alia.
“If yee be right remembered, at your departing out of this, yee
gave Mr James Mackartney a procuratorie, to intromett with Mr
Alexander Hume's little living he has heere in East Lothiane, the
which he pleaded and obteaned in law, and tooke up yeerelie rents
therof to his owne behove, and gives his none of it. In this meane
tyme, there fall out suche cummers tuiching that land, that we are
able to lose the haill wair first. The said Mr Alexander's neerest
freind and heyres has in judgement proved him to be deid, and so
enters heyres to him. By this the Laird of Spott, his overlord, is
forefaulted, and so the land wairds, so that we are able to tyne all,
if remedie be not found. Wherefore, falling in consultatioun with
Mr Alexander IQing, he thought best to sell the land to him, and
we to use the silver in a more sure maner, of the which yee sall re-
| The hyperbolicall and ridiculous commendation of Mr George Ker.-Note in MS.
198 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
ceave some writtings" from this bearer, the which yee will under-
stand better nor I. Onlie I thinke, if forme of moyen be not
used, we sall lose all : and better it is to have some thing nor lose
all. As to the price, sett yee it doun, for he has mentionned none
as yitt : but he will give als muche as anie other, becaus, as he
sayes, he has some land lying contigue to it. I pray you for an
haistie answere of this. I doubt not but yee have heard how the
young men, whose father was slaine by the Laird of Ruthvenis,
slue him againe, whose ladie is maried to one James Reid. Cammay
is come in the constable's hands, and your nephew is privat of it;
and that by the moyen, I trow, of Abraham your brother; but
your mewche is little better nor begging. Drumkilbo is deid, and
Thomas Tyrie is tutour. I pray you advertise me by what maner
Mr Stevin Wilsone has come by my Lord Livingstoun's obligatioun,
the which he had of the fourtie crownes his lordship was owand
you ; for Mr Stevin has gottin these fourtie crowns, randering the
obligatioun which yee had. I durst never make mentioun of the
hundreth crowns from the father, and fourtie crowns from the
sonne, which ye left me power to crave, etc. My Lord Livings-
toun has departed off this world. Yee heard before, that David
Forrester (David Graham of Fintrie) had a sonne, and now has
another, borne in the Castell of Stirline, where he is in waird, hardlie
handled. There is but one of our nobilitie heere, which has of the
King of Spaine a pensioun, weill payed, of twelve hundreth crowns;
the which apparentlie are evill bestowed, for he, nor none of his, as
yitt, have never dome anie kinde of good in the promotioun of the
king's maters.” Wherefore, suche pensiouns were better bestowed
on others, who travell daylie and hourelie, putting to the hazard
both their goods and lives, as this bearer has done and daylie does,
and others, as he can shew you, etc. Because I have no other thing
1 Thir writtings, intercepted with the rest, are, a Charter and obligation, to be
past by Mr Alexander Hume of Palywel, to Mr Alexandee King, his heyres and
assigneyes, of four husband lands in the lordship of Spott, with a missive letter
directed by him to that effect.–Note in the MS.
* Invy among the Papists themselves.—Note in the MS.
1592. OF THE EIRK OF SCOTLAND. 199
to write, and have beene long eneugh, I commend me to your
prayers, and you to God.
“At Scotland, the 15th of December, 1592,
“Yours at his power,
“RoPERT SANDESONE,” (Mr Robert Abircrumbie.)
Directed on the backe,
“To his trust Freind, George Craufurd,” (Mr W. Crichton.)
Beside these letters which are extant in print, in a booke in-
tituled, “A Discoverie of the unnaturall and traferous Conspiracie
of Scotish Papists against God, his Kirk, their native Countrie, the
King's Majestie's Person and Estate,” I have heere subjoynned
other letters, which were not printed,
“To his verie good Freind, William Craig.
“TRUST FREIND,-After my verie heartlie commendatiouns. Be-
caus I receaved your verie loving and heartilie letter, I will meete
the same with thir few lynes, albeit the sufficiencie of the bearer
might serve to acquit me of this part of my duetie, and that our let-
ters be of small consequence. Alwise, the paines which yee desired
me to take for you, sall be accompted by me as my duetifull
duetie; for in your so just and honest caus I will bestow my life
and all that I have. Your advertisement has beene long in com-
ming, and this bearer being boun for the way, makes you all the
helpe the shortnesse may permitt for the present. If my freinds
heere find my comming to you necessar, as the bearer can shew, I
sall be readie when they please. In the meane tyme, I doubt not,
but, unremembered by me, yee will consider the earnest good
will of the bearer in your turnes, and make him by your earnest
moyen to receive suche countenance and favour, as suche a worthie
person meriteth, to the honour of the honourable personages he has
to doe with, and to the encouragement of others that merit not so
muche; as he hath, indeed, not manie marrowes to my opinioun,
200 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1592.
Your judgement needs no information, to make it capable to dis-
cerne of anie man that merits. Farther, I remitt to the sufficiencie
of the bearer, who can shew you how readie I am at the desire
of your letter, if it be thought necessar. So committs you to
God. *
“From Edinburgh, the 12th of June, 1592.
“Your affectioned and loving freind,
(Sic subscribitur) “JOHNE CARGILL.”
“To his trust Gossop, Thomas Andersone. .
“Gossop,-After most heartilie commendatiouns: I receaved a
letter of yours, the last Januar, but no answere as yitt to my other
two former letters; yitt I abide daylie some answere of the same
from you. The bearer of this present can shew you all that heere
occurreth ; whom I pray you credit, and interteane as my self;
for both I, and the rest of your freinds that are heere, have beene
verie greatumlie addebted unto his kindenesse. So I will pray
you to be kinde unto him, and give him your good counsell and
helpe as farre as yee may, in all things that he desires of you ; for
I am assured that his desire will be verie honest and reasonable.
And if yee please to send anie word heere to your freinds, yee may
assuredlie credit him in all effaires; for we have found him ever
verie honest. And, therefore, if he happeneth to come where yee
are, I pray you both to treat him weill, and to make his acquaint-
ance and recommendatioun to your freinds that are in your parts,
with whom he is not acquaint. All other things I will referre to
his credit. So I will pray the Eternall God to preserve you ever
from all evill.
« At Dundie, the first of Julie, 1592.
“Your most affectioned gossop at command and service,
“JAMES CHRISTESONE.”
1592. OF TIIE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 201
“To my verie good Freind, William Heriot.
“RIGHT HONORABLE SIR,-My due commendatiouns being
premitted: Your freinds which are heere thinke verie long for you.
And, therefore, understanding that the bearer of this present was
perhaps to come where yee are presentlie, I thought good to putt
you in remembrance of your old freindship. I doubt not but yee
have heard that Thomas Abercrumbie, your good old freind, is
passed from this life to a better. Mr Alexander Leslie is mirrie,
and would be glade to know of your weelefare. The other good-
man who passed to Sutherland with us is long since maried, and
his wife has borne him a man-childe, God be praised. As to all
other particular effaires that heere occurre presentlie, the bearer of
this present can declare at lenth ; for he is a verie honest man, and
a great freind to all us that apperteane heere unto you; whom we
have found ever both honest and constant ; and, therefore, I will
pray you, in our most affectioned maner, to helpe him with your
assistance and good counsell, and to make his acquaintance with
some of your freinds, which may further him, as he sall charge you.
For he has beene ever a verie good freind unto me, and I doubt
not but yee will doe something for my requeist. And when yee
come nixt to Sutherland or Cathnesse, where I am now boun to,
I sall convoy you there, and shew you how yee sall speede better
nor yee did the last tyme yee were there. God preserve you from
all evill. In all other things give credit to the bearer.
“At Dundie, this first of Julie, 1592.
“Your most affectioned freind at command and service,
“JAMES CHRISTESONE.”
“To his beloved Brother, Johne Chisholme, Gentleman,
for the present with his Brother, in Vaizon.
“Cousin,_After all humble commendatiouns: I receaved onlie
one of yours thir two yeeres bygane, dated the 14th day of Novem-
202 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
ber, 1591, and came not to my hand untill the 10th of Junie, St
Laurence day. I followed ever your directioun to Flanders, as
otherwise, mervelling the occasioun of your tinsell. I shew your
brother Thomas, anent your adoes, as anent your clothing, who
will answere to yourself. I thanke you of all your commendatiouns
from all these in Vazon, as of your kines Robert's mariage ; in
recompense of that I have writtin at lenth to my lord, your
brother, as manie other things, not doubting but his lordship sall
give you inspectioun therof. Your commendatiouns I have made to
all these of Dumblane yee desired me to doe; as the person and
his wife redoubles these manie unto you : the Ladie Rickarton and
her daughter, a worldlie woman, and manie bairns. Good Sir
William Blaikwod, his brother, and his wife, Johne Moresone, and
William Moresone, rest with God, with manie others in that toun.
Your brother would be faine to visite you, but I cannot see his ladie
agreeable thereto. I wrote sindrie and manie tymes unto you, to
have desired you to write to your brother Thomas, to have plea-
sured me, in my necessitie, with some of the worst of your clothing,
rather not to spill; and at meeting I sould have pleasured you with
als good againe. Yitt, if yee please, yee will doe. Not longer to
trouble you presentlie, but my humble commendations, with ser-
vice to the lord my brother, and as occasioun sall serve, will write
unto his lordship, how soone I understand to what place I may
surelie direct them to, as I would have done at this present, think-
ing that this present will not be tane in ill part. So, with my
right heartilie commendatiouns to all these in Wazon yee made
mentioun of to me, that in this present they be not forgott, as to
Alaster and his bairnes, and to Jacques Gasparet in Criset ; to
whom, with you, committs to the protection of God.
“Off Edinburgh, the penult of August, 1592.
“Your cousine to be commanded with service,
(Sic subscribitur) “JoHNE CHISHol.M.E.”
1592. OF THE IXIRK OF SCOTLAND. 203
“To his trust Freind, Robert Sandersone.
“TRUST FREIND,-After most heartilie commendatiouns. Hav-
ing the commoditie of this bearer, I thought good to lett you
know I came heere yestrein. I pray you be diligent in the caus I
sent you for, begaus all things appeare to be in good dispositioun.
Yee may advertise me by this bearer how maters succeed to you.
If this have not good successe, we must of force assay the other
way by others, and that shortlie, otherwise we will lose all. If yee
receave anie thing from Mr George Ker by our blanke, send the
halfe heere by this bearer, and I sail caus it serve me and Hender-
sone. The other halfe yee sall keepe to you and Johne Blacke,
and give him as he mustereth ; for this is eneugh. Your man,
William, departs out of this the morne. I have writtin to you by
him also. Hendersome is heere neere by in the Newton, in the old
fashioun, I am to vissie him shortlie. Our man of warre has beene
at Pluscardie, and is yitt in Cathnesse or Sutherland. The bearer
will be heere againe shortlie, and I will abide some word from you
with him. So I will committ you to the protectioun of God,
“At the tyde, in haste, the first of November, 1592.
“Yours as yee know,
(Sic subscribitur) “J. CHRISTESONE.”
“SIR,--I receaved your courteous and confortable letter yester-
night from Johne, before the recept wherof a five dayes I had
spokin the gentleman, whose ticket yee sent me closed in your last
letter. He uttered nothing to me anent you in particular, but he
assured me, that against all Catholicks in generall there was over
hard a conclusioun sett doun. For my owne part, albeit my estat
be als difficill for the present as anie others within this realme, I
thanke the etermall God of all, I mather lightlied his advertisement,
mather yitt apprehended I it anie more vehementlie than I ought
to have done: for He to whose blessed protectioun I have com-
mitted me, and in the which onlie I putt my full assurance, I doubt
204 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
not will preserve me, and worke all the things to the best, accord-
ing to his godlie pleasure and providence.
“In the meane tyme, if commodiouslie I might, I would gladelie
be freed out of this prisoun, to prepare me to goe furth of Scot-
land; for I susteane moe incommoditeis here nor everie one can
easilie conjecture, as I pray you, and all others our speciall freinds,
to give heed unto your selves; for in this world men who have
anie evill intentioun dresse querrells, and forge falselie pretexts,
where none are. I am sorie that George Mackesone has beene so
long disappointed of his hors. But muche better is it to have
abiddin a cannie mercat, nor to have hazarded an old gloyd, which
might have stammered, and putt him in hazard. So, I doubt not,
at lenth, but all sall come for the best to the said George, who
meanes so honestlie and sincerelie; and he will haist word, how
soone he may commodiouslie, abacke. Care never for brutes, but
doe weill, and dread not. This is all: the first thing has beene in-
vented falselie, without anie ground. The man who fell seeke in
Setoun was willing to have spokin with me, but my opportunitie
could not serve farther nor in sending commendatiouns, and gene-
rall offers of good will. I shew freelie my opinioun to him who
sent you the ticket, concerning all this sort of people. Jey sont
trop fines pour vous, et payment beaucoup que nous. Je ne dis
prat que il mi a de gens de bien par moy mais tasta, eh. Il sa
bien guarde al sumo. I consider your opinioun and Mr Sandersone
his * * your filling of his bottle. Sed quomodo evitemus pericu-
lum in quo versatur puer? Nam neveremur illi. Nather is it a good
estat to lett him live into. Als great difficultie almost will be with
his mother, and manie others neere freinds. But, for my part, I
meane to preferre God to all. Alwise, their occupyes more
weightie impediment in this part nor I will expresse by letter.
“As tuiching David Gib his informatioun givin you of the
freindship I had of these two ministers, I never so muche as
dreamed it, lett be to have seene it, or knowne it, by informatioun
or extents. But the minister of this toun, accompanied with the
maister of the schoole, on Wedinsday at even last, and never of
1592. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 205
before, by my witting, as God sall judge my soule, came to the
castell gairdin, and directed up the porter, to know if I would
please to come and speeke with them. I thought it a point of in-
civilitie to have refused them speeche. So, after some talking, they
attered that their comming there was upon good will they boore
to me ; and, upon that, my bed-fellow said, she was sorie that
never none tooke the paines to travell with me, which I knew not
of. Alwise, in conclusioun, they desired to know if I was content
to confer with them gentlie. After manie demands how they had
beene directed to me, in respect that I assured them I was als
throuch in all the points of my faith as they were of theirs, I tooke
me to be advised for a certane day, whether if I would enter in anie
conference with them or not, in respect of the inconveniences which
might ensue to me, and I being in prisoun. As for my owne
opinioun, I thinke it likeliest not to enter in anie conference. But
I shew them, if I did, I would first speeke de ecclesia et éjus autho-
ritate. So I crave your advice; for I would not have them advant-
ing that I feared to enter in conference, for anie diffidence I have
in our caus: albeit, indeid, it requires a better scholler nor me,
yitt, in that heed, I am certane they will never winne through.
We reasoumed an houre de ecclesia, becaus I would not appeare so
retired, nor destitute of reasoun, but that I had de quoy prayer.
None was present but Johne Thomsone. He appeares courteous
eneugh this minister; but I see no fruict to ensue of our conference;
but rather, they may give it out as they list. Write both your ad-
vices in this, and lett Catholicks, if need be, understand the veritie,
I conceate by God’s grace not onlie to eshew periculum, but scandalum
omnis generis, which all Catholicks ought to respect. So, to referr-
ing your answere by a boy of myne, who sall come for it. So, my
commendatiouns remembred, with your cummer's, and her mother's,
to the goodwife, your mother, your brethrein, Katharine, and all
your familie, I committ you and them to the protectioun of the
Eternall, and me to your prayers, in the which, I thanke you for
remembring of me. Io supplicho V. S. de stor : in cornello di
proceder nelle sue facende prudentemente et con discretia et ratto
6 SAI. I.) F. RW (. S II (STORIE j92.
20: CALDERWOOD's IIISTORIE I 592
mande ogni cosa a nostro sig". Iddio Seme dubio nostri ne nullo
ha ore qualche gran Čosa per te manda. Iddio puet impedir il
loro designo. Con questa in bastole main, de questa mio dispratem
le residem. A. D. 9 Di Decembre, 1592.
“Di. V. S. Illire, affect. come fratello;
(Sic subscribitur) “DAVID FoRSTER,”
“Cousin, I receaved your letter the 9th of August, 1592, of the
date the 12th of November, 1591, saying, yee have not receaved
out of our parts this two yeare bygane or thereby; assuring our
paines, at the least myne, is not the lesse, and directed according
to your directioun, to your cousin Mathew, by the way of Flanders;
as also to France, after the moyen of a trust and sure hand. Try
wherin the fault of your moyen be, if anie be, as otherwise none
we heare of, as of anie challenging of letters: maist part, yee would
understand the estat of our countric, and of freinds.
“Toward the estat of our countrie, and court therof, als chang-
able as ever it was scene in anie dayes past, with als little obe-
dience or justice; but universallie, in all shires, manie deidlie feeds,
with great and most odious slaughter, without punishment; of
reafe and oppressioun through all the countrie. God wait, if the
Hielanders Iy ydie. The Mackfarlans are worse nor the Clan
Gregors. Alace the great heirship of the poore, by these, in all
parts where there is anie goods ! I doubt not but yee have heard
tell of the Erle of Murrey's slaughter by the Erle of Huntlie, in
proper person, with Geicht, Clunie, and Auchindoun ; where un-
honestlie they left good Captan Gordoun behind them, a prey to
their enemeis, wherethrough he suffered. I doubt not now yee
have heard how the Lord Bothwell, on St Stevin's day at evin,
(his Majestie being at supper, and quiett,) convoyed himself, with
an hundreth armed men, and thought to have slaine the chanceller,
and tane the king; but mist all, through misbehaviour, and over
soone showing themselves within the Abbey. Na slaughter, except
good Johne Schaw, maister stabuler, and his brother. Eight or
nyne of the crle's men were hanged before the Abbey gate. An-
1592. of THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 207
other interprise he made in Falkland, the 21st of Junie or thereby,
where his Majestie defended and keeped fast the towpe therof,
from day light unto nyme houres before noone, that of force the
said lord, accompanied with three hundreth men, weill horsed, be-
hoved to retire themselves, with the whole spulyie, and all the horses
they might gett, except onlie his Majestie's hors: notwithstanding
he came by the ferrie, he returned by the # 4 fuird, and to the
south went. His Majestie, that same night, came to Edinburgh.
Yitt his lordship resteth not. Immediatlie is slaime the Laird of
Luce, by the Mackfarlans in the Lennox, betrayed in the night most
shamefullie. There is appearance that the chanceller sall leave
court. Now guides his Majestie the Erles Angus, Mortoun, Argile,
who latelie has maried the Erle of Morton's youngest daughter,
whom, we suppone, the duke sould have had ; the Erle of Marr,
who sall marie my lord duke's sister; the Maister of Glames is
suppouned to be made chanceller. All thir sound not with us
anie wise, muche lesse to my Lord Huntlie, or yitt Crawfurd,
or anie of theirs. My Lord Bothwell having perswaded the Laird
of Burlie and young Logy, great courteours, being at tryst in the
Laird of Burlie's hous once or twise, it chanced to be declaréd and
revealed to the king. Wherefore, both the saids lairds were tane,
and examined by his Majestie and Counsell, which the said Laird
of Burlie granted, albeit Logie foullic denyed, yitt at last granted,
without anie thankes; wherethrough he was putt in sure keeping
with the guarde, and Burley remitted, becaus of his confessioun ;
and his Majestie was so commoved at Logie, that he was ordeanned
to suffer for his fault, and had suffered, were not the good hand his
love made to him, her Majestie's Gentlewoman of Honour, Mais-
tresse Margaret, and of her Majestie's blood, as of that countrie,
that she spiritilie and right craftilie delivered him in the night;
fetched him from the guard, as to speeke the queen, and two of the
guard with him, which two she deteanned at her maistresse' cham-
ber doore, and her self purposed with them, untill he was furth at a
window, in the Castell of Đalkeith.”
208 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
“To my right speciall good Lord the Bishop of Vaizon, in
the * * of Jºenice.
“MY LORD,-After most heartilie commendatiouns of service :
I receaved your letter the 9th of Julie, 1592, of the date the 12th
of November, 1591, thinking lang, and no lesse nor admiratioun,
that no answere came from anie of us of these your lordship
wrote; as if I had receaved anie, I had beene verie negligent, that
would not answere again. But I ever followed that directioun your
brother Johne wrote most part to Flanders, as otherwise as occasioun
served. Alas ! if I might anie wise pleasure your lordship, in
place of your lordship's good will offered to me, attour your lord-
ship's counsell and affectioun towards the newes of our countrie, as
they presented, I ever putt them in a memorandum, as heere yee
sall find inclosed for causes.
“To answere of your sister Margaret, and of your lordship's
earnest desire to have had her honestlie maried, which (loving to
God) was als well by her whole rest of speciall good freinds, as
the laird her brother, with her owne desire, was solemnized the
15th day of Junie, 1592, and that right honestlie, and manie noble-
men therat, nathing inferiour for good companie, as otherwise,
to anie of the rest; accompanied with the Erle of Argile, my
Lords Drummond and Inchaffrey, the Maister of Livingstoun, the
Countesse of Menteith, with the Lairds of Keir, Towche, Banhard,
and manie moe, with their ladeis. As her husband, the Laird of
Muschat, we cannot but compt him one of our owne. Now, muche
more, there is good appearance of him, and might weill live after
his guddame and mother, the Laird of Towy's sister. Therafter,
he will be threttie-two chalders of victuall, attour other pennie
maill and gressouns. The Ladie Kinfawnes, my sister, as the young
ladie, are in good health, loving to God, as their sisters siclyke.
Young Merchinstoun and his wife, as all the rest of freinds, except
in Dumblane. Attour the death of Johne Moresone, William More-
some, tayloure, Elizabeth Hendersone, no more rest but good Sir
1592. OF THE RIRE OF SCOTLAND. 209
William Blaikwod; yitt we can not gett the Laird of Keir and Wil-
liam Sinclare agreed anent * * * to his hurt; no justice for the
poore in anie degree. The Laird of Fintrie latelie commanded in
waird in the Castell of Stirline, as my Lord of Spynie accused of
treasoun by Colonell Stuart. Their day is the penult of August,
1592, before the counsell. My Lord of Huntlie remains ever in
the North. If the court change, have at him 1 Our ministers would
have Fintrie, having manie marrowes, as your brother and all the
rest. None good of that surname, except your brother the parson.
Your Lordship's commendatiouns are soone made, if to none other
but Catholicks. My Lord of Inchaffrey is yitt unmaried. Your
Lordship would witt whom on I depend. It is eight yeere since
ever I drew anie pay, and yitt I am in no good estat with my com-
petitors, albeit I have endured at their pleasures banishment in
England the space of two moneths. God, since I had made that
voyage unto your Lordship, as I had done, were not the troubles,
and hoping for redresse, and yitt deferred. I doubt not nor Mr
Edward Drummond, your Lordship's cousin, understands of the death
of his brother, the Laird of Rickarton. Not longer to trouble your
Lordship presentlie, except that the present, make my humble com-
mendatioun of service to my Lord my brother, untill better occasioun.
If your Lordship would witt what barnes the Laird your brother
has, which are two sonnes and two daughters on lyfe, right faire,
and of good inclinatioun. His eldest, James, of a good ingyne, and
William als; God send them grace. Your Lordship's sister, Ladie
I(infawnes, three lades and two daughters; Ladie Merchinstoun,
two lades, one daughter. Not having farther leasure presentlie,
committs your Lordship to the protectioun of God, and all yours, our
doubting I to be forgott in your ordinar prayers.
“Your Lordship's right obedient and loving cousin, at
command and service,
(Sic subscribitur) “JOHNE CHISHOLME.”
“Ego, Robertus Abircrumbius, Scotus, Societatis Jesu professus,
omnibus hasce literas lecturis notum facio, harum latorem, Domi-
WOL. W. O
210 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
num Georgium Carreum, natione Scotum, utriusque juris doctorem
esse, ex illustri familia oriundum, avitæque religionis, non solum
constantem professorem, verum etiam acerrimum propugnatorem.
Unde factum est, ut omnium hereticorum, presertim, eorum quos
Ministros Verbi voeant, et penes quos jam summa rei in hac pro-
vincia stare videtur, odium in se conflaverit, ita ut ipsum, summo
odio et crudeli persecutione secuti sint, indiesque divexarint.
Quare, ipsorum molestia ac diuturna tyrannide pertæsus, neque
ullum rei tam misere exitum conspicatus ipsorum furori censuit
cedendum, ac in externas provincias, inter Catholicos principes,
meliorem fortunam querendam, quousqùe divinæ bonitati placuerit,
avitam religionem hunc afflictæ provinciæ restituere. Quamobrem,
omnes cujuscunque status conditionisve existat, (presertim, veræ
nostræ societatis homines,) rogatos velim, ob Christi amorem, cujus
causa hæc passus est, ut hunc illustrem dominum jam semimartyrem,
non solum amore prosequantur, verumetiam in suis castris, palatiis,
domibus, ac collegiis recipiant, ac bene tractent, neque ullum
humanitatis benevolentiæ, ac etiam liberalitatis officium, quod ipsi
exhibere possint, prætermittant, uberrimam gratiam a Deo præpo-
lenti, omnium bonorum remuneratore relaturi. In cujus rei testi-
monium, sigillum nostrum apposui, manuque propria scripsi, ac
subscripsi.
(Sic subscribitur) “ ROBERTUS ABIRORUMBIUs,
** Socìetatis Jesu.”
“ Ego, Jacobus Gordonius, presbyter Societatis Jesu, fidem facio
per presentes literas, Magistrum Georgium Car, utriusque juris
Doctorem, nobilem Scotum, præsentium latorem, in fide sanctæ
ecclesiæ Catholicæ ac Romanæ hactenus fuisse constantem, imo,
hujus fidei eausa varia sustinuisse in hisce partibus incommoda; et
nunc tandem, ob ejusdem fidei confessionem, atque ut liberius Deo
inserviat, gravesque hujus temporis persecutiones aliquantisper de-
climet, natale solum deserere, et ad alienas regiones in quibus
fides Catholica claret, commorari statuisse. Quare illum, omnibus
præsentes literas inspecturis, tanquam virum vere pium et Catholi-
1592. OF TEIE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, 211
cum serio in Domino, commendo, dignumque esse attestor, qui ab
omnibus probis ac Catholicis, omni benevolentia et charitatis
officio, excipiatur et consoletur. In cujus rei testimonium, præ-
sentes has literas, manu mea scripsi ac subscripsi, nec non sigillo
quo uti soleo communi.
** In Scotia, die 24 Junii, 1592.
(Sic subscribitur) ** JACOBUS GORDONIUS,
** Societatis Jesu.”
Stamped with I. H. S. Pax Christo, &c.
“ Admodum Reverendo ín Christo, Patri Francisco Antonio,
** Societatis Jesu.
“Intelligissem de prospera tuæ P. valetudine, ex sacerdote quo-
dam Anglo, qui ex Hispania ad me venit : gavisus sum nom
mediocriter. Ea enim accepi a tua P. beneficia, eamque familiari-
tatem contraxi, cum ante multos annos, Viennæ, Austriæ, una
essemus, ut tuæ P. immemorem me esse, nec par est, nec decet.
Quare, cum lator præsentium, Magister Georgius Carus, nobilis
Scotus, homo vere Catholicus ac pius, in Hispaniam proficiscatur,
petivi, ut meas has literas, antiquæ amicitiæ ac observationis testes,
ad tuam P. deferret. Ab eo, emim, poterit tua P. intelligere de meo
statu, cæterorumque societatis nostræ, qui hic versamur. Est enim
is non tantum testis ac inspector, sed etiam socius ac particeps nostra-
rum afflictionum. Ab eo igitur fuisse intelligere poterit, tua P. quic-
quid tandem in hoc genere desideret. Est enim homo fide dignus
et dignissimus, qui bonis omnibus commendetur, quippe, qui ob
solam Catholicæ fidei professionem, natale solum, ac parentes quos
opulentos habet, deserere coactus sit. Cæterum, mi pater, nos qui
hic sumus, ac veluti oves in medio luporum versamur, plurimum
indigemus tuæ P., cæterorumque fratrum sacris sacrificiis et
orationibus. Id quod abunde intelliget tua P. ex narratione ejus
qui has defert. Quare, tuam P. cæterosque omnes patres ac fratres
obnixe oro, ut nos qui hic in tantis angustiis ac periculis versamur,
212 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1592.
suis sanctissimis sacrificiis ac orationibus plurimum Domino com-
mendent.
“Ex Scotia, 20 Novembris, 1592.
“Tuæ R. Servus in Christo,
** JACOBUS GORDONIUS,
“ Scotus, Societatis Jesu.”
** Admodum Reverendo in Christo, Patri P. Jacobo Amellanode,
“ Presbytero Societatis Jesu.
“ Cum imperrime intelligissem, e sacerdote quodam Anglo, qui
ex Hispania huc ad nos venit, de prospera tuæ P. valetudine, ga-
visus, sum non mediocriter. Et nunc, cum lator præsentium, Ma-
gister Georgius Carus, (vero, Deo ac nobis carus,) ad vos profis-
ciscatur, rogavi illum, ut tuam P. meo nomine, salutaret, simulque
significaret de meo, cæterorumque qui hic ex societate sumus vali-
tudine, atque statu partim adversa, partim prospera. Is enim talis
est, cui tua P. in omnibus, sine ulla hesitatione credere possit, nos-
trorumque laborum atque afflictionum comes fidelissimus. Ego
sane, ob pervetustam, cum tua P. initam familiaritatem, cum adhuc
Viennæ, Austriæ, una essemus, tuam P. plurimum in Domino et
diligo, et suspiro, atque de tuæ P. fausta valetudine aliquid intel-
ligere, haud mediocritur desidero. Potest vero præsentium lator
id præstare, ut de tuæ P. statu crebrius intelligam. Cæterum, mi
Fater, nos qui hic, tanquam oves in medio luporum versamur, plu-
rimum indigemus tuæ P., cæterorumque omnium patrum et fratrum
meorum, sanctis sacrificiis et orationibus. Id quod abunde intelli-
get tua P. ex iis quæ lator præsentium referre poterit, quem tuæ
P. plurimum commendo, ejusque fidei ac narrationi cætera relinquo.
Tuæ P. sanctis sacrificiis et orationibus me obnixe commendatum
desidero.
** Ex Scotia, 20 Novembris, 1592.
“ Tuæ R. Servus in Christo,
(Sie subscribitur) ** JACOBUS GORDONIUs,
I. H. S. “ Scotus, Societatis Jesu.”
1592. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 213
« Admodum Reverendo in Christo, Patri P. Petro Rebadeneio,
* Societatis Jesu Presbytero.
« Admodum Reverende in Christo Pater, Paae Christi, &c.
** Cum imperrime intellexissem de secunda tuæ P. valetudine, ex
quodam Anglo sacerdote, qui non ita pridem ex Hispania huc ad
nos venit, gavisus sum non mediocriter. Ea enim sunt P. tuæ an-
tiqua in me collata beneficia, cum ex *
sub tuæ P. disciplina versarer, ut ego horum oblivisci nec debeo
nee possum. Quare, cum lator præsentium, Magister Georgius
ante annos multos juvenis
Carus, in Hispaniam profiscisci statuerat, petivi ab eo, ut has literas
antiquæ meæ erga tuam, P. observationis testes secum deferret.
Ab eo, enim, plenius intelliget tua P. quid hic agatur, in quo statu
ego, cæterosque qui ex societate in hac provincia degimus, versamur.
Id quod tuæ P. haud injucundum fore scio. Cæterum, is qui has
literas defert, talis est, cui tua P. in omnibus fidere sine hesitatione
poterit. Quippe, qui non tantum Catholicus est, fuitque semper,
sed etiam laborum nostrorum atque persecutionum particeps et
socius. Quem provide tuæ P. cæterisque nostris patribus plurimum
commendatum velim. Is non nulla habet, quæ tuæ P., meo nomi-
Iae, coram significabit. Neque enim patitur injuria temporum, ut
omnia literis commendemus. Ex eodem etiam intelliget tua P.
quam indigeamus mos, qui hic sumus, veluti oves in medio luporum,
tuæ P. cæterorumque patrum et fratrum sanctissimis sacrificiis et
orationibus. Quare tuam P. cæterosque omnes patres, et fratres
qui vobiscum sunt, obnixe oro, ut nos qui hic in tantis angustiis et
periculis versamur, suis sanctissimis sacrificiis et orationibus fer-
venter domino commendent.
** Ex Scotia, 20 Novembris, 1592.
“ Tuæ R. Servus in Christo,
(Sic subscribitur) ** JACOBUS GORDONUs,
v “ Scotus, Societatis Jesu.”
214 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
M.D.XCIII.
THE RING SENT FOR.
Upon Moonday, the 1st of Januar, the Erle of Angus comming
to Edinburgh, was watched all that night by the tour, in his owne
loodging. The letters intercepted with Mr George Ker were
opened in counsell before a number of the ministrie. Upon Tuis-
day, the 2d of Januar, the Erle of Angus was convoyed to the
castle, at the command of the Secreit Counsell, by the magistrats
of Edinburgh, accompanied with two hundreth citicens. The king
was desired by a letter from the counsell, and another from the
ministers, to haisten to Edinburgh.
TELE COUNSEILL BEGINNETEI TO SHRINE E.
Upon Wednisday, the 3d, the brethrein conveened in the Little
Rirk at ellevin houres, and appointed a letter to be formed and
sent as the counsell had directed, to all gentlemen, favourers of
religioun, dwelling neere Edinburgh, to repaire thither against
the Lord’s day, at night. Mr George Ker was examined before
the counsell, but would confesse nothing. This day, a boy, sent
from the Erle of Huntlie with letters to the Erle of Angus, was
apprehended in Edinburgh, and the letters read before the counsell.
The counsellers beganne to shrinke, thinking they had proceeded too
farre alreadie.
THE KING SENDETFI FOR TEIE NOBLEMEN AND BARONS.
Upon Wednesday, at night, the king came to Edinburgh. The
counsell, the ministers, and magistrats of Edinburgh, went to him,
and related all their proceedings. The king approved all. He
called Angus a tratour of tratours, promised to hold hand to
prosecution of this caus, desired the ministers to signifie this his in-
1593. OF THE EIRE OF SCOTLAND. 215
tentioun to the people, and to committ him and the actioun in their
prayer to God. He directed missives to the nobilitie and barons
to conveene, who conveened in Edinburgh at his desire, the 10th
of Januar.
MR. R. BRUCE's SPEECH TO THE KING.
Upon the Lord's day, the 7th, the king came to Mr R. Bruce's
sermoun. He exhorted the king now to execute justice, “ or ellis,”
said he, “the Chronicles will keepe in memorie King James the
Sixt, to his shame.”
A CONVENTION IN MIR. R. BRUCE HIS GALRIE.
Upon Tuisday, the 9th, the brethrein mett in the morning in Mr
R. Bruce his galrie, and concluded that some propositioun sould be
propouned by the noblemen and barons. The propositiouns agreed
upon were these:–
“1. That the king sould be moved to accept of this their hastie
meeting, and proceed instantlie without delay, as if the day ap-
pointed by himself, that is, Moonday nixt, were come.
“2. That present tryell sould be had upon the persons which
were alreadie in hands, and sufficient order tane for making them
sure that were out of hand; or incace of absenting themselves, that
they be forefaulted, their lands dealt and distributed, and their fore-
faultour confirmed in parliament.
“3. That some sould be chosin of the nobilitie, some of the
barons, some of the ministers, some of the burgesses, and some of
his Majestie's Secreit Counsell, to be upon the tryell, and that no
Papist, nor anie suspected of Papistrie, have place in that actioun.
“4. That all Papists and suspected of Papistrie, excommunicats,
Jesuits, etc., be presentlie removed [from their] office in the go-
vernement of the realme, and others placed in their rowmes: And
that these things sould be propouned in the after noone.”
After dinner, as the multitude waited in the Great Kirk, as was
216 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
appointed, for going doun to the king, the duke, the Erle of Marr,
the Maister of Glames, Mr David Lindsey, etc., travelled muche
with the commissioners who were appointed to speeke in the Coun-
sell Yaird, that they would not goe doun to irritat the king, who
was highlie offended, as they said, with that meeting. The Lairds
of Barganie, Abbotshall, Merchinstoun, Andrew IKer of Fadowne-
side, the Proveist of Linlithquo, William Little, Duncan Balfoure
of St Andrewes, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Andrew Melvill, were ap-
pointed to be speekers. They were hindered three quarters of an
houre and more by the duke, the Erle of Marr, the Maister of
Glames, etc., till the Lord Lindsey brake off, and said, “I will
goe doun with the barons, goe who will. We will not desist from
our conclusioun made before noone.” So they went doun, accom-
panied with the magistrats and manie citicens of Edinburgh. Some
compted them a thowsand, some esteemed them to be two thow-
sand men.
When they came to the palace, Mr Robert Bruce and Mr David
Lindsay went up first, to make way; but [got] little thankes for
their labour, and small acceptatioun ; no admissioun to speeche for
the space of an houre and a halfe. At last, all being lett in to the
great hall that might gett place, the king, sitting in a chaire covered
with velvet, made a long and confused harangue. First, he con-
demned them for meeting without his warrant, and said, he knew
not of it till all the wives of the Kaill Mercat knew of it. He shew
that suche conventiouns were against the lovable lawes of his pre-
decessors; how dangerous they were for breeding of mutineis and
rebellioun in our rude countrie, which was wount to interprise
great treasouns, under pretence of meeting for good causes. He
upbraided them for meeting so haistilie now, when as they were so
slow to assemble at his desire, when he was in danger. He said,
they needed not to pretend the exemple of assembling in the begin-
ning of religioun. The prince, to witt, Queene Regent, was a
Papist, he was a Protestant prince. His harangue was tedious and
ungratious. Yitt in the end, to mitigat them in some measure, he
said, he liked weill their zeale, for he knew they did it for love of the
1593. . OF THE RIRE OF SCOTLAND. 217
good caus, but willed them not to use suche assembleis in tymes
comming without his knowledge; desired them to make him their
backe, and then all sould be weill. It was answered, that the
counsell gave directioun for that meeting; that it was not tyme
to stay upon wairnings, when religioun, prince, countrie, their lives
and lands, were brought in jeopardie. The king Sattled and ag-
gredged the cryme of the tratours highlie, and said, that it was of
the nature of these things that were above him, and with which
he could not dispense, and, therefore, promised to take tryell therin
with diligence, and putt order thereto with all severitie, to their
contentment.
Upon Wednisday, the 10th, there was a meeting of the noble-
men and barons in the Little Kirk of Edinburgh, where were pre-
sent the Lord Hammiltoun, the Lord Forbesse, and manie of the
surname of Hume. After prayer, the same speekers were chosin,
which were sent before to goe to the king, to desire him to approve
their meeting, that they might prepare maters better against the
tyme appointed by him to the nobilitie, if he will not presentlie enter
in tryell. After noone, answere was returned, that some barons and
gentlemen, suche as the king sould nominat, repaire to him the
morne after noone, at which tyme he would reveele some secreits
to them, which they must be sworne to keepe secreit, untill farther
occasioun. Upon Fryday, Mr Walter, in his sermoun, exhorted the
noblemen and barons to continue till they did see some effect. He
said, “If tho king satisfie not men's expectatiouns now, in a cace so
cleere, having suche assistance willinglie offered to him, he would
blott himself for ever.” That day, after noone, two things were
propouned, at the king's directioun : First, How he might be as-
sisted in prosecuting this present actioun : Secundlie, What order
sould be taikin to guarde his person afterward. The barons an-
swered, they sould assist him in their owne persons, and not by
servants, till farther order be taikin ; which they meaned sould be
done upon the expences of the convicted guiltie, by forefaltour of
their livings; but this claus they suppressed. Upon the Lord's
218 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
day, the 14th, Mr James Melvill, teaching in the Great Kirk after
noone upon the 5th Psalme, discoursed upon madmen that refused
the right way of standing, beginning at King James the Fyft.
He told how the governour, (the Lord Hammiltoun being pre-
sent,) the queene, etc., and the inferiour great ones, as the Cardi-
mall, Seigneur Davie, the castellans, the Lord Quondam, the late
chanceller, the duke, stood not, becaus they obeyed not God.
Upon Moonday, the 15th of Januar, the barons met in greater
number than before, with the king's commissioners, he himself in
the meane tyme hunting about Dalmahoy. They agreed he sould
have an hundreth footmen, and an hundreth horsemen, upon their
charges, to be his guarde, so that he interprised the worke against
the traffiquing Papists. When the king heard of this their resolu-
tioun, he said, Where before he was challenged for words without
deids, now deids sould speeke. An act was made by his owne
motioun, that whosoever procured for anie of the detected tratours,
he sould be reputed a tratour with them. I find in a certane ma-
nuscript these conclusiouns following, resolved upon by the king
and the nobilitie:-
“ 17th Januarii, 1593, alias 1592.
“It is concluded by the king's Majestie, with the advice of his
nobilitie, estats, and counsell present, that his Hienesse sall caus
his lawes strike upon everie ranke of Papists according to their
merit and medling; paine of treasoun for Papists, tratours waird-
ing, and suche other kinde of civill punishement for inferiour rankes.
“The other Papists in the countrie, which may give concurrence
unto them which are presentlie under tryell, after the names be de-
lated, their persons to be charged to remaine in suche wairds as his
Majestie sall appoint, during the tyme of the tryell of the persons
in hands, and delated in his Hienesse' will.
“That all avowed Papists be discharged from bearing of publict
offices in this land, and from a place of counsell, sessioun, parlia-
1593. OF THE IXIRIS OF SCOTTLAND. 219
ment, or other judicatour whatsomever; and suche as are suspected,
to be suspended from the said offices, after their names be delated,
whill they be sufficientlie tryed.
“That his Majestie sall proceed in tryell of the persons alreadie
in hands, for which effect sall grant commissioun to James
Lord Lindsay of the Byres, Andrew Ker of Fawdowneside,
Johne Johnstoun, brother to the Laird of Elphinstoun, burgesse
of Edinburgh, Mr David Lindsay, Minister of Leith, with suche
others of his Majestie's Counsell as his Hienesse hath appointed,
and Mr George Young, Archdeacoun of St Andrewes, to write the
examinatiouns; who sall conveene daylie before noone and after
noone in the Counsell Hous of the Laich Tolbuith, or otherwise
where they thinke good, whill the mater be ended.
“That letters be directed, charging George Erle of Huntlie,
Erancis Erle of Erroll, and Patrik Gordoun of Auchindoun, knight,
to compeere personallie before his Hienesse and his Privie Counsell
at St Andrewes, upon the fyft day of Februar mixtocum, to an-
swere to suche things as sall be layed to their charge, tuiching their
treasonable practising and traffiquing against the estat of the true
religioun, the person and authoritie of our soverane lord, and for
disturbing the peace of the realme; under the paine of rebellioun
and putting of them to our horne ; with certificatioun to them and
they failyie, letters sall be directed simpliciter to putt them to the
horne, and to escheat, &c. And if by fleing, they make themselves
guiltie, to be persued with all diligence whill their bodeis be appre-
hended; and failyeing therof, that the law goe fordward against
their persons, lands, and goods, as the custome is in maters of trea-
SOUl]].
“Forasmuche as our soverane lord is crediblie informed of the
treasonable conspiraceis made by certane his unnaturall and most
unthankfull subjects, led and seduced by Jesuits, Seminarie preests,
excommunicats, and traffiquing Papists, against God and his true
religioun, preached and established within this realme, for the im-
bringing of strangers, and raising of civill warre, to the perrell of his
Majestie's persoun and estat, and subversioun of the libertie of the
220 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1593.
countrie, if tymeous remeed be not provided, to resist and represse
their most wicked and treasonable plotts : Therefore, ordeans letters
to be directed to officers of armes, shireffs in that part, charging
them to passe to the mercat croces of Edinburgh, Hadintoun, Lin-
lithquo, Stirline, Clackmannan, Kinrosse, Cowper in Fyfe, Perth,
Forfar, Kincairdin, Aberdeen, Bamf, Elgine, Forresse, Narne, and
Innernesse ; and there, by opin proclamatioun in his Hienesse’
name and authoritie, command and charge all and sindrie erles,
lords, barons, free-holders, fewers, and landed men, als weill to
burgh as to land, regalitie as royaltie, and inhabitants of burrowes
within the bounds of the shirefiloms and stewartreis underwrittin :
That they, and ilk one of them, weill boddin in feare of warre, ad-
dresse them to meete his Hienesse at the dayes and places parti-
cularlie after mentioned. They are to say, all within the shirefdom
of Edinburgh, principall and constabularie of Hadintoun, at Edin-
burgh, upon the 15th day of Februarie mixtocum: all within the
shirefdome of Linlithguo and Stirline, at Stirline, upon the 16th day
of the said moneth of Februar: all within the shirefdom of Clack-
mannan, Kinrosse, Fyfe, and Perth, and stewartreis of Stratherne
and Menteith, at Perth, upon the 17th day of the said moneth of
Februar: all within the shireflom of Forfar, at Dundie, upon the
18th day of the said moneth of Februar: all within the shireſdom
of Kincairdin, at Brechin, upon the 19th day of the said moneth of
Februarie : all within the shireflom of Aberdeen, at Cowy, upon
the 20th day of the said moneth of Februarie : and all within the
shirefdom of Bamf, Elgine, Forresse, Narne, and Innernesse, at
Aberdeen, upon the 21st day of the said moneth of Februar: all
with 30 dayes victuall and provisioun, after their comming to Aber-
deen; and from thyne furth, to passe fordward with his Hienesse,
as they sall be conveenned, for resisting and repressing of the
authors of the saids treasonable conspiraceis, and defence and main-
tenance of the libertie of the crown and countrie from thraldom
of conscience, and conqueist and slaverie of strangers, under the
paine of tinsel of life, lands, and goods.
“To the effect that the odious crymes of treasoun, bloodshed,
1593 OF TIIE KIIRK OF SCOTLANT), 221
and others against God and his true religioun, the crowne, coun-
trie, and commoun weale, may be enquired of, and punished in the
best and most summar maner that may be, and for the particular
consideratioun, advice, and directioun, how justice in criminall
causes sall be sett fordward; gives power to William Erle of Mor-
ton, Lord of Dalkeith, Thomas Maister of Glames, Treasurer,
George Hume of Wedderburne, Alexander Hume of Northberuik,
Mr Robert Bruce, minister of Edinburgh, and Johne Johnstoun,
brother to the Laird of Elphinstoun, to conveen, and report their
advice to his Majestie at his returning.
“In respect his Hienesse' hous and other necessarie charges can
hardlie now be susteaned upon his Hienesse’ present rent, in strait
as it is, and that his Hienesse’ debts are growen great and diffi-
cill instantlie to be releeved, his Majestie having found, by expe-
rience, default in the handling of his effaires in tyme bygane, wher-
anent he is laith and unwilling to accuse them whom he has cre-
dited, or to excuse his owne part, and yitt, alwayes thinketh a
present reformatioun to the better most needfull, that he may live
more profitablie on his owne nor heeretofore, and be the lesse
chargeable to his good subjects, that merit not punishment for
anie their owne contempt or offences : Therefore, ordeans the
Lairds of Basse, Airth, Tullibairdin, and Tracquair; Johne Arnot,
William Little, and Henrie Nisbit, burgesses of Edinburgh, to con-
veene in the Checker-hous, and consider the bygane abuses, and
to give their advice and overture tuiching reformation and amendi-
ment therof in tyme comming, as alsua tuiching his Majestie's visi-
tatioun of the Iles this nixt sommer in proper persoun, and needfull
provisiouns to be made therefore.”
HUME AND MAXWELL BEFORE THE PRESBYTERIE OF EDINBURGH.
Upon Tuisday, the 23d, the Lord Hume compeered before the
Presbyterie of Edinburgh, professed himself a Catholick Roman,
but desired conference, which was granted, providing that it did
not hinder the king's proceedings against him, according to the
222 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
Sute of the barons. The presbyterie being conveenned extraordi-
narilie upon Fryday, the 26th, Maxwell subscribed the Confessioun
of Faith, under the name of Morton. He promised frankelie to be
readie, whensoever the kirk sould impley him. The day before,
the barons and gentlemen of Galloway said boldlie to the king,
they would not have one of their owne companions, meaning Max-
well, to be their king. If the king denied his patrocinie and de-
fence, they would submitt themselves to a forrane king.
A TUMULT RAISED BY MORTON AND MAXWELL.
Upon Fryday, the secund of Februar, Maxwell and Mortoun
striving for their place in the kirk, were parted without sword
drawin, by the proveist, and convoyed to their loodging. Maxwell
came in first, of purpose as it seemed. The Lord Hamiltoun was
also convoyed to his loodging, becaus he assisted Maxwell. The
toun was wairned by the knell of the commoun bell, a little before the
last bell.
A FALSE ALARM.
Upon Saturday, the thrid of Februar, the citicens of Edinburgh
were wairned secreitlie by the magistrats, to meete at night in their
armour. The king had so desired, becaus Carmichaell had re-
ported that Bothwell was to sett again the thrid tyme upon the
king. There went doun two hundreth in their armour, before ten
houres. The king thanked them, and willed them to returne to
keepe their owne toun, and leave 30 harquebusiers to watche the
Abbey.
Upon Tuisday, the sixt of Februar, order was taikin that all the
barons of Lothian sould be writtin for against Fryday nixt, at two
after noone, to contribute to the king's guarde. This was done at
the king's desire.
1593. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 223
SEARCHE FOR BOTHWELL.
Upon Wedinsday, the seventh, the duke, the Erle of Marr, the
Maister of Glames, raid furth, few knowing to what purpose. The
Maister of Glames returned in with a rib of his side brokin. The
toun ports were closed, and searche made for Bothwell.
EIUNTLIE ENTERETH NOT.
A warrant was givin to Huntlie to come to St Andrewes upon
the fyft of Februar. But this night, the seventh of Februar, the
king receaved a letter from him, wherin he excused himself, that he
might not enter at the day and place appointed, for feare of his
enemeis, and offered to depart out of the countrie till the king's
anger were asswaged.
D. GRATIAM OF FINTRIE EXAMINEDs
Upon Moonday, the 12th of Februar, David Grahame of Fintrie
being to be examined, was made drunk by his freinds, of pur-
pose to eshew examinatioun. But after his witts and memorie
awakenned, he wrote a confessioun, and sent it to the king, which,
howbeit it was sufficient for his convictioun, the king would have him
to be re-examined, and threatned with the torments of the bootes.
MIR. J. GRAHAM SILAINE,
Upon Tuisday, the 13th of Februar, Mr Johne Graham of
Halyairds went out of Edinburgh toward Leith, being charged to
depart off the toun. The duke and Sir James Sandilands following
as it were, with clubs in their hands, and comming doun Leith
Wynde, one of Mr Johne's companie looking backe, and seing them,
they turned to make resistance. The duke sent, and willed them
to goe fordward, promising no man sould invade them, yitt Mr
224 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
Johne Graham's companie shott; wherupon the duke suffered Sir
James and his companie to doe for themselves. Mr Johne was
shott ; his companie fled before ever he was caried to a hous. Sir.
Alexander Stewart's page, a Frenche boy, seing his maister slaine,
followed Mr Johne Graham in to the hous, dowped a whinger into
him, and so dispatched him. Before their encounter, Mr Johne
was accompanied with three or foure score.
ANGUS ESCAPETH ODT OF THE CASTELL.
Upon Tuisday, the 13th, at night, the Erle of Angus escaped
out of the Castell of Edinburgh. Sufficient wairning was givin to
the king, the captan, the constable; but no wairning availed.
FINTRIE BEEIEADIED.
Upon Thursday, the 15th, David Grahame of Fintrie was con-
victed of treasoun by an assise of barons and burgesses, and be-
headed at the Mercat Croce of Edinburgh, about two after noone,
farre by the expectatioun of manie.
A ticket was notwithstanding affixed that night after ten houres
upon Mr James Johneston's booth doore, bearing advertisement
to the ministers, that there was no true meaning in the Northland
Road ; for Angus had escaped prisoun, not without moyen of
court, and his sonne was infeft in the erledome ; that one of Erroll's
freinds had gottin his escheat. And, indeed, sindrie barons and
gentlemen of Lothiane had gottin licence to stay at home.
By the confessiouns and depositiouns of Mr George Ker, and
David Grahame of Fintrie, were discovered the unnaturall and tra-
terous practises of the Papists against God's kirk, their native coun-
trie, and the king's person. The substantiall points of their depo-
sitiouns were printed and published at the king's command, which
Heere follow, as they are extant in the printed booke:–
“By the confessiouns and depositiouns of Mr George Ker, and
David Grahame of Fintrie, it is discovered, that in Marche, 1591,
1593. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 225
Mr William Crichtoun (who has remained thir two yeares bygane
in Spain) sent to Mr James Gordoun, Jesuit, father brother to
George, now Erle of Huntlie, a gentleman called Mr William Gor-
doun, sonne to the Laird of Abiryeldie, with letters to lett the
Catholicks heere understand what travell Mr William Crichtoun
had tane with the Ring of Spain since his comming there; and
that the said king had opened to him that he had beene deceaved
by Englishmen, and would from that tyme furth embrace the advice
and way which the said Mr William would shew him, both for in-
vading of England, and alteratioun of religioun within this realme.
And for that purpose, the said Mr William craved by this gentle-
man to be sent to him so manie blankes and procuratiouns as could
be had of noblemen heere, for the assurance of his traffique. (De-
poned by Mr G. Ker, 3d, 5th, and 6th of Februar, 1592.)
“Upon the sight and recept of the which blankes, sent with
some other discreit gentleman, having the noblemen's commissioun,
to be filled up with suche conditiouns as sould be capitulated and
agreed upon betuixt the King of Spaine and Mr William Crichton,
which sould have served as pledges and sureteis for the subscribers'
part, at the landing heere of the Spanish armie, it was concluded,
that there sould have beene sent out of Spaine, about the latter
end of the Spring, in this present yeere, 1592, an armie of threttie
thowsand men, to have landed heere at Kirkcudbright, or at the
mouth of Clyde, according to the opportunitie of the wind ; where
they sould have entrenched and fortified themselves, for the as-
surance of them and their shippes. (Deponed by Mr G. Ker, the
3d, 5th, and 6th of Februar, 1592; and deponed by D. Graham of
Fintrie, 13th Feb. 1592.)
“And, first of all, money sould have beene sent to the Catholicks
heere, for raising of forces to supplee the said armie, wherof foure
or five thowsand sould have remained within this countrie, who,
with the fortificatioun and assistance of the noblemen, Catholicks,
their freinds, and suche other forces as the Spanish money would
raise, sould have, immediatlie after their landing, begunne to alter
their religioun presentlie professed within the realme, or, at least,
VOL. V. P
226 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
procured libertie of conscience, and Papistrie to have beene erected
heere; and the rest of the armie sould have past toward England,
the neerest way from their landing to the border. (Deponed by
Mr G. Ker, 3d Februar, 1592; and by Fintrie, 14th Feb. 1592.)
“The letters sent from Mr William Crichton being concredited
by Mr James Gordoun to Mr Robert Abircrumbie, were shewed
by him to David Grahame of Fintrie, at Abirnethie, in Aprile, 1592.
(Deponed by Fintrie, 13th Feb. 1592.)
“And for effectuating of this mater, it was once thought most
convenient, that Sir James Chisholme, who was then one of his
Majestie's Maister Housholds, sould have gone to Spaine with this
commissioun, in respect he was otherwise bown toward his uncle,
Mr William Chisholme, called Bishop of Dumblane; for Sir James
had the first credite of this earand with the noblemen, as he de-
clared to David Grahame of Fintrie, that he had dealt with the
Erles of Huntlie and Erroll, and conferred with Mr George
Rer anent this turne, about the tyme of the last parliament holdin
in Edinburgh, in June, 1592; as alsua, intercommouned againe in
his owne hous with the same Mr George in October, 1592,
tuiching the whole heads of this dispatche. But Sir James not
being able to be so soone readie, and Mr George Ker being bowned
off the countrie, it was thought best that the same commissioun
sould be givin to him, and that he sould undertake the careing of
the saids letters ; and sua he was imployed in that earand, the
rather becaus both his guddames were Crichtons. (Deponed by
Fintrie, 13th Feb. 1592.)
“Therafter, Mr George being bowned to his journey, and readie
to make saile out of the Fairlie Road, at the West Sea Banke, upon
the 27th of December, 1592, then by God’s providence the said
Mr George was apprehended in the Yle of Cumray, and with him
there were intercepted certane missive letters directed to this pur-
pose ; amongst which there were eight blankes, wherof one is sub-
scribed,
“De vostre Majestie très humble et très obéisant
“Serviteur, Guilliame Compte de Angus.
1593. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 227
“Another blanke is subscribed,
“De vostre Majestie très humble et très obéisant
“Serviteur, Françoys Compte de Erroll.
“And thir two blankes were both procured of them by Sir James
Chisholme, in their owne loodgings at Edinburgh, at the tyme of
the last parliament, in Junie, 1592. (Deponed by Mr G. Ker, 3d
Februar, 1592.)
“Another blanke is subscribed,
“ Gulielmus Angusia Comes.
“Another blanke is subscribed,
“ Franciscus Errollia Comes.
“Which were both procured of them by Mr Robert Abircrumbie,
who was the cheefest traveller in that mater, in October, 1592.
(Deponed by Fintrie, 13th Feb. 1592. Deponed by Mr George
Rer, 3d Februar, 1592.)
“Another blanke is subscribed,
“Georgius Comes de Huntlie.
“Another is subscribed,
“Georgius Comes de Huntlie.
“Which were both, with the whole blankes, proponed first to
the Erle of Huntlie, by Mr George Ker in Strabogie, at his passing
there. (Deponed by Mr G. Ker, 3d Feb. 1592.)
“Which six severall blankes before specified sould have beene
all filled with missive letters, by the advice of Mr William Crich-
ton. (Deponed by Mr. G. Ker, 3d Feb. 1592; and by Fintrie,
14th Feb. 1592.)
“And the other two blankes, making out the number of eight,
were both subscribed in the mids of two opin throuches of paper,
in this maner,
“Gulielmus Angusia Comes.
“Georgius Comes de Huntlie.
“Franciscus Errollia Comes.
“Patricius Gordoun de Auchindoum, Miles.
228 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
“Which last two blankes were first subscribed by the Erle of
Huntlie and Patrik, Gordoun in October, 1592, and therafter, being
sent with Mr Robert Abircrumbie to the Erles of Angus and
Erroll, were subscribed by them in the said moneth of October,
1592. (Deponed by Mr G. Ker, Feb. 3, 1592.) Q.
“And thir two blankes sould have beene filled up with procla-
matiouns, and whatsomever sould have beene thought meete, by
the said Mr William Crichton, for the avowance of that which Mr
George Ker had in directioun and credit with the subscribers,
which credit he receaved from the Erle of Huntlie, by the report
of Mr James Gordoun, and from the Erles of Angus and Erroll,
by themselves, in Edinburgh, in the beginning of October, 1592.
(Deponed by Mr G. Ker, 5th Feb. 1592.)
“And the summe of this his credit was an assurance, that thir
noblemen sould raise a power of horsmen, and meit the Spa-
nish armie at their landing; and reciprocklie to assist, accompanie,
and convoy them in their passing to England, by all the forces
they could procure upon the King of Spain's charges. (Deponed by
Mr G. Ker, the 5th and 6th Februar, 1592.)
“And thir noblemen, subscribers, tooke the burthein upon
them, and interponed their bands for the concurrence of the whole
Catholicks of Scotland in this caus, and thought it meet among
themselves, for the better secrecie, that none other sould be craved
to bind for this earand but they three.
“With thir eight blankes, subscribed as said is, there were in-
tercepted stampes in wax, of the Erle of Angus' seales of armes,
six; of the Erle of Huntlie's seales of armes, foure; and of the
Erle of Erroll’s seales of armes, three.
“David Grahame of Fintrie deponed, that he mett sindrie tymes
since this purpose was in hand with Mr Robert Abircrumbie; as
namelie, the first knowledge that he had of this purpose was by the
said Mr Robert, in Dumfermline, and therafter in the Castell of
Stirline, before Mr George Ker his preparatioun to his journey;
where Mr Robert shew him, that this commissioun was to be givin
to the said Mr George, to caus fill the blankes with Mr William
1593. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 229
Crichton's advice, and that he was to deliver the same blankes,
with the other letters to him, who was to depart and carie with
him all this message. (Deponed by Fintrie, 13th and 14th Februar,
1592.)
. “Lyke as the saids blankes and letters which were procured for
that earand were all delivered by Mr James Gordoun and Mr
Robert Abircrumbie to Mr George Ker, to be caried by him to
Mr William Crichton, Jesuit, and to be filled up at the discretioun
and directioun of the said Mr William, and of Mr James Tyrie,
who was best acquainted with the effairs there.
“Farther, it was deponed by David Grahame of Fintrie, (which
is not extant in the printed booke,) that the purpose of the armie
was to have revenged the Queene of Scotland's death, and their
owne particular.
“That of the armie there sould have remained heere foure or
five thowsand men.
“That by the number to have beene left behind, the alteratioun
of the religioun presentlie professed within this realme, or at the
least libertie of conscience, sould have beene ettled to.
“That to this effect, they sould have sent unto his Majestie to
have procured his favour and consent to it.
“That incace their sute to his Majestie had beene refused, what
sould have ensued he knows not, as he sould answere to God.
“That being in Stirline, he receaved a letter from the Erle of
Angus, but nothing to this purpose.
“He declairs, that the letter writtin at the end, “Henrie Gil-
bert, directed to Mr Robert Balfour, is his owne letter, delivered
by him to Charlie Murray, servant to Mr George Ker, within the
Castell of Stirline, in November last ; and that the mentioun made
of George Mackesone therin is Mr George Ker, and James Gud-
man is Mr James Gordoun.
“That Thomas Forbesse is a gentleman's sonne in Buchan; and
therafter declared, that this Thomas Forbesse is himself, and is his
owne tooname, as he sould answere to God.
“That Patersone was Mr Edmund Hay.
230 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
“That the name of Gabriel Grundesone is my Lord of Glasgow.
“That Mr James Balfour is one Mr James Kyd, a doctor of
Tholose or Bordeaux.
“That the agreeance betuixt William Craig is Mr William
Crichton; and Bartill Bailzie is Robert Bruce.
“Farther in this purpose he knowes not, (as he said,) as God
sould judge him at the latter day.
“All these premisses are subscribed with his owne hand, thus,
“FYNTRIE.”
“ Unto the which this postscript is subjoyned, writtin with the
hand of Mr James Bannatyne, clerk and writter to the most part
of the premisses, the 14th of Februar, 1592.
“The said David Grahame of Fintrie declairs, that the
“Erle of Angus was called William Achesone, to their too-
“Erle of Huntlie was called George Harvie,
“Erle of Erroll was called Ferguse Adam,
names.”
THE COPIE OF THE LAIRD OF FINTRIE HIs LETTER TO THE KING's
MAJESTIE, ALL WRITTIN AND SUBSCRIBED WITH HIS OWNE
HAND.
“Alwise, to the end that your Majestie may have the prooffe,
that I putt all in your Majestie's hands, the thing I know without
farther I will declare unto your Majestie; craving most humblie
of your Majestie your pardoun. This purpose was sett doun by
Mr William Crichtoun, and sent home heere, that suche a discreit
persoun might be directed backe with a commissioun and blankes,
and suche things as were requisite for the performance of suche a
purpose. So Sir James Chisholme sould have gone. But not
being readie, Mr George Ker being bowned furth of the countrie,
gott the imployment in that earand, and so was directed with the
blankes to have beene filled there, at the discretioun of Mr William
Crichtoun, with what particular conditiouns, as God sall judge me,
1593. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 231
I know not. But suche a number of men sould have come in, and
such a quantitie of money, if they were obteaned. Your Majes-
tie's right and title sould no wise have beene harmed. Libertie of
conscience sould have beene craved. And this is all I know in
this earand, so farre as I remember. Whom fra the blankes sould
have beene is knowne by the noblemen their names; and what
farther in particular I remember not.
(Sic subscribitur) “FYNTRIE.”
Mr George Ker, likewise, in his letter to the king, signefieth
also, that the conspirators doubted not of the king's owne consent
to their interprises. It appeareth, the cheefe conspirators have had
his expresse or tacite consent, or at least have perceaved him in-
clynned that way, wherupon they have presumed.
TEIE KING RY DETH TO THE NORTH.
Upon Saturday, the 17th of Februar, the king raid from the Pa-
lace of Halyrudhous to Stirline. From Stirline he raid to Perth,
from Perth to Dundie, from Dundie to Aberdeene.
ANGUS SUMMON.E.D.
That day the king entered in his progresse toward the North,
the Erle of Angus was summouned at the Croce of Edinburgh, to
compeere before the king and counsell at Aberdeen, the 27th of
this instant, under the paine of horning.
The same day that the king entered in his progresse there was
a ticket affixed, about ten houres at night, upon the Croce and other
parts; bearing advertisement to the ministers, penned, as appeareth,
by Bothwell.
232 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1593.
*-
ADVERTISEMENT TO THE MINISTRIE OF EDINBURGH, AFFIXED ON
THE KIRK DOORE, CROCE, OR TOLBUITH, ON FRYDAY, AT EVEN;
THE 17TH OF FEBRUAR, which was THE DAY HIS MAJESTIE
MADE PROGRESSE TO THE ROAD, 1592.
“Since yee see the faire promises made against the Spanish fac-
tioners lyke to take but small effect; for Angus is escaped, not
without favour of court; Erroll and Huntlie's lives are in no
danger, and a privat recommendatioun sent in their favour to some
forraine parts: Huntlie's sonne has receaved a new infeftment of
his lands, and Erroll’s escheat is tane by a freind of his to his owne
behove, whereby both their life and lands are safe ; Hume con-
tinues in great credit. And if Sir George Hume have receaved
three thowsand merkes, to be a freind to them that are in the Tol-
buith, he knowes. Yitt lett the weelefare of religioun move you
not to be over sore against your persecuted brethrein, till yee see
some better fruict of their large promises. So long as we remaine
constant in religioun, there is no just caus to abhorre us, albeit
we be declaired rebells; for so have they beene that now rules the
estate, together with some of yourselves. Fairweill.”
Another advertisement was affixed upon the 19th of Februar,
bearing the same purpose, but more plainlie, that Huntlie and his
freinds had a commissioun to kill the Erle of Murrey, and wanted
not daylie conforts from the greatest cubiculars; that Huntlie and
Erroll had privie recommendatiouns to forraine countreis, if they
list to depart; that a great courteour hath tane Erroll's escheat to
his owne use ; that Hume and Maxwell are in great credit at
court; that Sir George Hume knoweth if he hath receaved three
thowsand merk to save Mr George Ker.
The proceedings of the king at the Road of Aberdeen are re-
gistred summarilie in the bookes of the Generall Assemblie, in the
Assemblie holdin in May, 1594, sessioun 4th, viz., That the noble-
men and barons conveened at Aberdeen made a band for the suretie
of religioun, tooke the houses of the apostats, and putt men into
them; called suche as were Papists, which were sent to Edinburgh,
1593. OF THE ROIRE OF SCOTLAND. 233
to satisfie, and commissioun givin by his Majestie to the Erle of
Marshall, of lieutenantrie, for repressing of Papists and traffiquers;
siclyke, diverse barons called in by his Majestie to cognosce the
hand writts of the blankes subscribed by the apostat lords, who
verified the same to be their hand writts. Item, After his return-
ing from the said road, an act of counsell made, that none sould
procure at his Majestie anie favour or grace to them, with a charge
to his ministers, to take the oaths of his domesticks, that they sould
no wise interceed for them at his hand : which was done. And
yitt, in the same Assemblie, and the same sessioun, the ministrie
doe regrait that all these faire shewes turned to no effect, and that
their owne travells had as yitt small successe. So it appeareth
they make mentioun of these faire shewes for his greater con-
victioun ; and for the same caus registred the band above specified,
and the act made in Januar, the tenour wherof followeth : —
FOLLOWETH THE TENOR OF TEIE BAND AND ACT ABOVE
SPECIFIED.
“Wee, noble men, barons, and others undersubscribing, being
fullie and certanelie perswaded of the treasonable practises and con-
spiraceis of sindrie his Hienesse unnaturall and most unthankfull
subjects against the estat of the true religioun presentiie professed
within this realme, his Majestie's person, crowne, and libertie of
this our native countrie; and finding his Majestie's good disposi-
tioun to prevent and resist the same, and to represse the cheefe
authors therof, his Majestie having concurrence and assistance to
the same effect: Therefore, according to our bound duetie and
zeale ought to God’s glorie, love of our native countrie, and affec-
tioun to his Majestie's person, crowne, and estate, we have pro-
mitted, and by thir presents promitts, faithfullie bind and oblige us,
and everie one of us, to concurre, and take an effald, leill, and true
part with his Majestie, and eache one of us with others, to the
maintenance and defence of the libertie of the said true religioun,
crown, and countrie, from thraldom of conscience, conqueist, and
234 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1593.
slaverie of strangers, and resisting, repressing, and pursute of the
cheeſe authors of the saids treasonable conspiraceis; as, in speciall,
of George Erle of Huntlie, William Erle of Angus, Francis Erle of
Erroll, Sir Patrik Gordoun of Auchindoun, knight, Sir James
Chisholme of Dundarne, knight, Mrs James Gordoun, William
Ogilbie, Robert Abercrumbie, and all other Jesuits, Seminarie
preests, traffiquing Papists, and others his Hienesse' declared
tratours, rebellious and unnaturall subjects, treasonable practisers
against the estate of the true religioun, his Majestie's person and
crowne, and libertie of this our native countrie. And to that effect
we, and everie one of us, sall putt our selves in armes, rise, concurre,
and passe fordward with his Majestie, his lieutenants, or others
having his Majestie's power and commissioun, at all tymes when
we sall be required by proclamatiouns, missive letters, or otherwise;
and sall never shrinke nor absent our selves for anie particular
caus or querrell among our selves. We sall not ryde, assist, show
favour, give counsell, or take part with the saids erles, Jesuits, nor
others foresaids; nor yitt with the persons denounced, or that sall
be denounced to the horne, or declared fugitives from his Majestie's
lawes, for the treasonable fire-raising and burning the place of
Dunnybrissell, and murther of umquhile James Erle of Murrey;
nather recept, supplee, nor interteane them, nor yitt furnishe them
meete, drinke, hous, nor harberie, nor otherwise have intelligence
with them, privatlie nor publictlie, by letters, messages, nor no
other maner of way. The skaith and harme of others we sall not
conceale, but disclose and impede the same, to our utter power.
The querrell or persute of us, or anie of us, we sall esteeme, lyke
as presentlie we doe esteeme, equall to us all; and by our selves,
our whole forces, lyke as his Majestie, with his Hienesse' force and
authoritie, hath promitted and promitteth, to concurre and assist
together eache one in the defence of others to our utter powers.
And, incace anie variance sall happin to fall out amongst anie of
us, for whatsomever caus, we sall submitt, lyke as presentlie we
submitt us to the judgement and deliverance of anie two or three
of the principall of us, subscribers of this present band, and fulfill
1593. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 235
whatsomever sall be declared by them, but reclamatioun or con-
tradictioun. Attour, his Majestie, by whose directioun and com-
mand, with advice of his counsell, there are certane barons and
other gentlemen directed to remaine in the south parts of this
realme, hath promitted, and by thir presents promitts, in the word
of a prince, that the same barons sall not be licenced to returne
home again to the said north parts; mather sall anie favour or par-
doun be granted to the said erles, Jesuits, nor others above men-
tiouned; nor no order tane now dispensed with without the speciall
knowledge and advice of the lieutenant and commissioner for the
tyme, and six of the principall barons at the least, inhabiters of the
said north parts, subscribers of this present band. And this to
doe, we, the saids noble men, barons, and others foresaid, have
sworne, and sweare by the great God our Creator, Jesus Christ
his Sonne, our Redeemer, the Holie Ghost our Sanctifier, witnesses
of the veritie heere agreed upon, and revengers of the breache
therof; and, farther, oblige us thereto, under the paine of perjurie,
infamie, and tinsell of credit perpetuallie, honour and estimatioun
in tyme comming, beside the ordinarie paines of the lawes to be
executed upon us, in signe and memorie of our unnaturall defec-
tioun from God and his Majestie. In witnesse wherof, we have
subscribed these presents with our hands, as followeth, lyke as his
Majestie, in tokin of his allowance and approbatioun of the pre-
misses, hath subscribed the same.
“At Aberdeene, the * * day of Marche, 1592.
(Sic subscribitur) “JAMES R. LENNOx.
“ATHOLL. MARR. MARSHALL.
“JAMES LORD LINDSEY.
“JOHNE LORD INNERNESSE.
“JOEINE MAISTER OF FORBESS.E.” "
“At Halyrudhous, the fift of Januarie, 1592 yeares.
“Forasmuche as, albeit the dangerous effects of the covered and
bussie travells of Jesuits, Seminarie preests, borne subjects of this
1 For the list of all the subscribers to this band, see Appendix.
236 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
realme, and some other strangers these late yeeres, have beene oft
espyed and feared, and for that caus, by sindrie lovable lawes, acts,
and proclamations, als weill their owne remaining, as their recept
prohibited, under diverse high paines, yitt their coloured simplici-
tie hath so farre prevailed, as they have not onlie purchassed unto
themselves favour and credit to be keeped, hoorded, and interteaned
in sindrie parts of the realme, after manie promises made, that they
sould have departed furth of the same ; but als have tane occasioun
and leasure to perswade sindrie to apostasie from that religioun,
wherin they were weill instructed and grounded; and have con-
firmed others in their errours, and at last seduced them to cast off
that due obedience which they ought to his Majestie, and enter in
a treasonable conspiracie for imbringing of strangers, Spaniards,
within this realme, the next spring or sooner, to the overthrow of
his Hienesse, and all professing the true religioun, and to the
ruine and conqueist of his ancient kingdom and libertie, which this
natioun hath injoyed so manie ages, that it may be subject heer-
after to the slaverie and tyrannie of that proud natioun, which hath
made suche unlawfull and cruell conqueist in diverse parts of the
world, als weill upon the Christians as infidels, wherever the aide
of Spaine hath beene sought, regarding, in the end, no better their
imbringers nor them against whom they were imbrought, being
once victors and commanders; as easilie may be proved by speciall
exemples, which the malicious and unnaturall subjects of this land
would repute but as generall and improbable discourses, published
in hatred of that natioun, to whom they have alreadie sold them-
selves slaves, and are their freinds and factours in this land, as they
speeke and write, were not it hath pleased the good pleasure of
Almightie God to make the prooffe heerof certane, and without all
doubt, by detecting of the simple truthe of the intentioun and finall
caus of all the craftie practises of these pernicious traffiquing
Papists, Jesuits, and Seminarie preests, against God, true religioun,
his Majestie, and libertie of this countrie ; namelie, Mr James
Gordoun, father brother to the Erle of Huntlie, Mr Robert Abir-
crumbie, father brother to the Laird of Murthlie, whose letters, di-
1593. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTTLAND. 237
rectiouns, advices, yea, and messingers, cariers of their credit, and
certan others cheefe instruments and furtherers of their trade, God
hath cast in his Hienesse' hand, when the shippe appointed for their
transporting was in full readinesse to make saile, whereby his Ma-
jestie is now not onlie sufficientlie forewarned of the imminent
danger to the true religioun, his owne estat and persoun, his realme
and faithfull subjects, but resolved, with God's helpe, (by whose
providence he hath beene so wonderfullie delivered from manie
former perrells,) to try the full circumstances of this so high a con-
spiracie and detestable treasoun; to withstand it, and punishe the
same upon all guiltie therof, in exemple to the posteritie, and that
none of his subjects heeretofore abused and deceaved by the craftie
illusiouns of these pernicious and bussie workemen, sall remaine anie
longer doubtfull of the truthe of his Majestie's minde and inten-
tioun : Ordeans letters to be directed to officers of armes, shireffs
in that part, to make publicatioun of the premisses, by opin procla-
matioun at the mercat croce of the heid burghes of this realme, and
other places needfull, forewarning them of their owne danger, if
they sall suffer themselves to be anie longer led in errour by suche
deceavable spirits, to the perrell of their soules, bodeis, lands, and
goods; and, therefore, to absteane from farther hearkening to their
treasonable perswasiouns, and from all interteaning, recept, or
supplee, or intercommuning or having intelligence with them,
directlie or indirectlie, under whatsomever pretext or colour,
under the paine of treasoun : Commanding als, all and sindrie his
Hienesse' faithfull and obedient subjects, that love and feare God,
would the standing and weelefare of his Majestie, their soverane
lord and king, professing with him the true and Christian religioun,
and desire that their owne wives, barnes, and posteritie, sould now,
and heerafter, injoy the commoditeis of this their native countrie
unconqueissed, and made slaves in Soules and bodeis to mercilesse
strangers, that they implore the protectioun and mercie of Almightie
God for their defence and safeguard, and putt themselves in armes
by all good meanes they can ; remaining in full readinesse to per-
sue or defend, as they sall be certified by his Majestie, or other-
238 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
wise find the occasioun urgent : in the meane tyme, diligentlie
espying, and getting intelligence of the treasonable courses and
proceedings of the said Jesuits and Seminarie preests, their favour-
ers, interteaners, and recepters ; and make advertisement to his
Majestie, or anie of his counsell therof, with all speed and celeritie,
as they will answere to God and his Majestie therupon.
(Sic subscribitur) “JAMES R.”
Upon the 13th of Marche, the king returned from the North to
the Palace of Halyrudhous. Little or nothing was done, saving
that which is above mentionned ; and that the Erle of Huntlie's
hous was randered to his wife, the Erle of Erroll's to his wife.
MR. J. DAVIDSON'S FAREWEILL TO EDINBURGH.
Upon the 18th of Marche, Mr Johne Davidsone declared from pul-
pit obscurelie, the causes of his long absence, and shewed how the
devill invyed his ministrie, how his calling was called in doubt by the
court, how the magistrats had denyed him to be their minister. He
offered to let anie man see in writt he was called by the Synod, the
Presbyterie of Edinburgh, and the Sessioun of the Kirk of Edin-
burgh. He desired the godlie not to blame him, if he came not
there again; it might be, they would gett worse ghuests in his place.
His auditors were muche moved, and shed manie teares, and Sure-
lie not without reasoun; for he was a faithfull watcheman, fore-
warning dangers, a free rebuker of sinne, a familiar and sensible
teacher. The same day, conferring with Mr Andrew Melvill upon
the iniquitie of the tyme, they discanted upon these words of the
Apostle, Ephes. iv., xvºsio, roy ovºgorov, and that phrase of Cyprian,
“Anceps temporum palpator.” Mr Andrew compleaned to him, that
the ministrie was all turned to a kinde of politick dealing; and that
he never thought to have seene such a generall defectioun and
coldnesse in his dayes. Mr Michael Cranstoun teaching upon the
Fryday after, in the Great Kirk of Edinburgh, upon the xii. Psalme,
inveyghed against the king, lords, and all estats, and regrated that
1593. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 239
some fatherlie men were discharged to teache. But the tyme now
proveth, that his fervencie at that tyme was not true zeale ; for now
he can swallow up camels, where before he could not swallow a gnatt.
BARONBIJRGH EIIS COMMISSIOUN TO THE KING.
The same day, the 18th of Marche, the English ambassader,
Baronburgh, gott presence of the king. His commissioun was, to
crave warre to be denounced against Spaine, that the conspiratours
be persued with all extremitie, the league betuixt the two natiouns
renewed, the strenths betuixt the two natiouns garnished, to stoppe
the Spaniards to land, and that he would choose professours of the
religioun to be upon his counsell. He answered, that he had sent
to his mastresse informatioun of the whole discoverie of the trea-
soun; that he had persued the rebells, some to the death, and some
to the escheating of their goods, and that he had placed lieutenants
in their dominiouns; that he was to forefault them at the mixt par-
liament; that he was to choose faithfull patriots, and sincere profes-
sours of the reformed religioun to be his counsellers; that he sould
take the best order for the borders he could ; but reasoun craved,
that the queene sould assist him with money to resist the Spaniard,
and to represse the rebells. At last, he desired that the queene
his maistresse would punishe the favourers and recepters of Both-
well in England, and to deliver him, if he stayed there. These
answeres are set down in Camden’s Annales. But I find in a cer-
tane manuscript, that he receaved this answere ; that the King of
Spaine remained our confederat, and meaned no harme to us, how-
beit he had just querrell against England. When the English am-
bassader came heere, the yeere 1588, to crave our assistance to
withstand the Spaniards, and licence to levie ten thowsand men
incace there had been need, promises were made to nominat the
king secund person of the crowne, and to install him Prince of
Wales. But the Spaniard being disappointed of his interprise, it
was alledged, that that ambassader had past beyond the bounds of
his commissioun, and, therefore, deserved to be hanged. Nixt, he
240 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1593.
would receave no injunctiouns for spairing or punishing of his sub-
jects. As for the league, there was no breache, therefore there
was no need of renewing.
THE CONSPIRATORs SUMMOUNED TO COMPEERE IN PARLIAMENT.
Upon the 6th of Februar, Huntlie, Erroll, Angus, Auchindoun,
were denounced the king's rebells, and putt to the horne, but were
relaxed from the horne the 19th of Marche, and summouned to
compeere in parliament the 2d of June. Mackclain with his com-
plices were summouned to compeere at the said parliament, for
burning Angus Mackoneill's lands, the yeere 1589. This day, the
parliament was indicted by proclamatioun at the Croce of Edin-
burgh, by the Lyon Herald and his brethrein, to be holdin the 1st
day of June.
Upon the Lord's day, the 25th of Marche, Ladyland was lett
free out of the Tolbuith of Edinburgh, at the king's command,
foure sureteis being taikin for his re-entering in waird at Glasgow,
at the king's pleasure.
THE * * GENERAT,L ASSEMBLIE.
The Generall Assemblie conveened at Dundie, the 24th of
Aprile. Exhortatioun being made by Mr Robert Bruce, Modera-
tor of the last Assemblie, and Mrs David Lindsay, James Balfour,
James Nicolsone, Andrew Melvill, Patrik Simsone, being removed,
Mr David was chosin Moderator.
ARTICLES,
Sessioun 4.
The commissioners underwrittin, viz., the Lairds of Abbotshall,
Wedderburne, and Merchinstoun, Johne Arnot, and William Lit-
till, sometymes Proveist of Edinburgh, Clement Cor, Mrs Robert
1593. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 241
Bruce, Patrik Galloway, James Nicolsone, Walter Balcalquall, pre-
sented these articles following unto his Majestie and counsell:—
“First, Seing Papistrie increasseth daylie within this realme, it
is craved of his Majestie, that all Papists within the same may be
punished according to the lawes of God and the realme.
“Item, That the act of parliament of ipso facto may strike upon
all maner of men, landed and unlanded, constituted in office or
otherwise, of what sort soever they be, als weill as the same is pro-
vided to strike against beneficed persons.
“Item, That a declaratour may be givin against Jesuits, Semi-
narie preests, and traffiquing Papists, declaring them culpable of
treasoun and lese majestie, whereby the recepters of suche persons
may be punished according to the act of parliament; and that re-
formatioun may be had of the said act, on that part where the
Samine is onlie extended against suche persons as recept them by the
space of three dayes; and that the penaltie of the act may be in-
flicted against anie recepters, without anie conditioun of dayes.
“Item, All suche persons as the kirk sall find and declare pub-
lictlie to be Papists, although they be not excommunicated, be de-
barred from bruiking anie office within the realme ; as also, from
accesse to his Majestie's companie, and from injoying anie benefite
of the lawes; as also, that the paine of horning and other civill
paines may follow upon the said declaratour, siclyke as presentlie
followeth upon the sentence of excommunicatioun; and that an act of
counsell presentlie be made and published therupon, whill the mixt
parliament, where the samine may be established in a law.
“Item, That his Majestie would consider the great prejudice done
to the whole kirk, by erecting of the tithes of diverse prelaceis in
temporalitie, as of the Abbey of Paisley, and sindrie others, by
which the planting of kirks is greatlie prejudged ; and that, there-
fore, a substantiall order be tane for remeed therof.”
Sessioun 7.
Ordeans a supplicatioun to be made in parliament, that in all
WOL. V. “. Q
242 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
kirks, als weill abbey and cathedrall kirks, and others whatsomever,
where ather the whole parish is kirk land, or a part therof onlie,
and there hath beene neither manse nor gleeb knowne to apperteane
thereto of old, that the estats of the parliament make the act con-
cerning the designatioun of manses and gleebs to be extended to all
the foresaid kirks; and that there be foure aiker of land designed
and granted to the minister, most commodious and ewest the kirk,
whether there hath beene a gleeb there or not, or a part onlie, not
extending to foure aiker of land.
THE KING's ARTICLES TO THE ASSEMBLIE.
In presence of the whole Assemblie, compeered Sir James Mel-
vill of Halhill, one of the commissioners directed by his Majestie to
compeere in his Hienesse’ name, as commissioner, and presented
his Majestie's missive directed to that effect, with certan articles,
and an act of parliament for the instructing therof, which the As-
semblie thought meete to be considered by certane brethrein, who
were appointed to conferre with his Majestie's commissioner. And
to that effect, were dispatched out of the Assemblie, to advise and
give their opinioun at their returne, to witt, Mrs Robert Bruce,
Robert Pont, Andrew Melvill, James Nicolsone, Peter Blekburne,
James Melvill, the Laird of Cambo, Commissioners of Edinburgh,
who returning, read the articles and their answeres, which the As-
* semblie approved, ordeaning the saids articles, answeres thereto,
and act of parliament, to be insert in the Register of the Kirk,
wherof the tenour followeth :—
THE ARTICLES PROPOUNED IN HIS MAJESTIE’s NAME TO THE
GENERALL ASSEMBLIE PRESENTLIE CONVEENED AT DUNDIE.
“His Majestie declareth, that in respect he cannot of honour see
the priviledge of his crowne hurt, therefore he will have regarde to
see the act of his last parliament keeped, concerning the conveen-
wing of the Generall Assembleis by his Majestie's appointment;
1593. OF TEIE EIRE OF SCOTLAND. 243
willing them heerefore, before their skailling, to direct two or
three of their number unto him, to desire him to appoint the day
and place of their nixt conveening.
“Secundlie, His Majestie desireth them to make an act of their
Assemblie, prohibiting all and everie one of the ministrie, under the
paine of deprivatioun, to declame against his Majestie or counsell's
proceedings in pulpit, not onlie in respect of his Majestie's knowne
good intentioun for the furthsetting of pietie and justice, but like-
wise, becaus his Majestie at all tymes giveth readie accesse and
loving eare to sindrie of the ministrie, to informe, delate, or com-
pleane, ather in their owne name, or in the name of anie of the rest
of the brethrein.
“Thridlie, His Majestie desires them to appoint and put on leit
five or six of the discreitest of the ministrie, that his Majestie may
make choice of two of them to serve in his hous, in respect of Mr
Craig his decrepit age.
“Ferdlie, Seing that the standing of the religioun and weelefare
of his Majestie's person are so inseparablie joyned, and whosoever
are enemeis to one are commoun enemeis to both, so his Majestie
desireth, that through all the presbytereis of this countrie there sall
be some appointed to advertise and informe his Majestie heereafter
with diligence, for the more speedie remedie not onlie of whatsom-
ever practises they can learne in anie wise of Papists and Spanish
factioners, but also of the recepts and practises of Bothwell, wherof
they can have anie knowledge; whose whole courses, as they are
directlie against his Majestie's persoun, so whollie they tend to the
subversioun of the whole religioun : With directioun also to them
to informe the whole barons and honest men, most tenderers of his
Majestie's weelefare, to give ever suche faithfull intelligence of the
said practises as they can learne from tyme to tyme.
“Fyftlie, His Majestie desireth, that through all the countrie
where there are anie ports or landing places, that there be some of
the brethrein speciallie appointed to deale so with the burghes, that
they may take good and sufficient tryell, according to his Majestie's
law made theranent, of all these that sall heerafter come in, or
244 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
passe furth of this countrie, wherefra they come, and whereto they
are boun, what is their traffique, or intentioun to doe; and sua, after
good and sufficient tryell, if there be anie thing of weight and im-
portance, that they in no wise faile to make his Majestie acquainted
therewith all, to the effect his Majestie may the more easilie dis-
cover whatsomever forrane or civill practises is, or sall be in heed,
against the present estat of the religioun. And this he craveth to
be done so faithfullie, as he hath good opinioun of your earnest
affectioun, no lesse in the preservatioun of his Majestie's owne
persoun, as in the defence of the commoun caus. As also, he pro-
miseth to aide and assist you in all and whatsomever your good
resolutions, that may tend to the furtherance of peace and quiet-
nesse, with the advancement and maintenance of the religioun pre-
sentlie professed in this realme.”
EIUMBLE ANSWERES OF THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE TO THE ARTI-
CLES PROPONNED BY HIS MAJESTIE’s COMMISSIONERS TO THE
SAME AT DUNDIE, THE 27TH OF APRILE.
“First, The article concerning the conveening of the said Gene-
rall Assemblie is agreed unto, according to the tenour of the act of
parliament, presented with the said articles.
“As tuiching the secund article, it is ordeaned by the whole As-
semblie, that no minister within the realme utter from pulpit anie
rash or unreverend speeches against his Majestie or counsell, or
their proceedings; but that all their publict admonitiouns proceed
upon just and necessar causes, and sufficient warrant, in all feare,
love, and reverence, under the paine of deposing suche as doe in
the contrare from their functioun and office of the ministrie.
“As to the thrid article, the Assemblie agreeth thereto; and
speciallie, tuiching the provisioun of ministers, one or moe, to his
Majestie, that certane be nominated by the commissioners directed
to his Grace, with his advice, of whom his Majestie may make
choice; and that the brethrein to be leitted of his Majestie to be
1593. OF TEIE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 245
placed and admitted by the presbyterie where his Grace sall be
resident for the tyme. -
“As concerning the ferd and fyft articles, the samine are con-
descended unto, and order taikin, as his Majestie sall be particularlie
informed by the said commissioners.”
FOLLOWETH THE TENOR OF THE ACT OF PARLIAMENT.
In the parliament holdin at Edinburgh, the fyft day of Junie,
the yeere of God 1592 yeeres, our soverane lord, and estats of this
present parliament, following the lovable and good exemple of their
predecessors, have ratified and approved, and by the tenour of this
present act ratifie and approve, etc.— Vide caetera in Parl. 12, Ja.
VI.
NUMBER OF THE PRESBYTEREIS.
Sessioun 4.
Forasmuche as the number of the presbytereis within this realme
and their places would be knowne, the names therof being inquired,
the full assemblie and number of the same was givin up as follow-
eth; viz., one presbyterie in Zetland, called Tingwell. In Orkney,
Kirkwall. In Cathnesse, Thurso. In Sutherland, Dorno. In
Rosse, two ; Tane and the Channonrie. In Murrey, foure; Inner-
nesse, Forresse, Elgine, and Ruthven. In Aberdeene, five ; Bamf,
Deir, Inneroure, Aberdeen, Kincairdin. In Mernes, one; Coway.
In Angus, foure; Brechin, Arbroth, Megill, Dundie. In Dun-
kelden, one ; viz., Dunkelden. In Perth, St Johnstoun, Dum-
blane. In Fife, foure; St Andrewes, Couper, Dumfermline, Kirk-
aldie. In Stirline, one ; Linlithguo. . In Lothian, foure; Edin-
burgh, Dalkeith, Hadintoun, Dumbar. In Tweeddaill, Peebles.
In the Merce, two; Chirneside, Dunce. In Tiviotdaill, two ; Jel-
burgh and Melrose. In Nithisdaill, one ; Dumfreis. In Gallo-
way, two ; Kirkcudbright and Wigtoun. In the shireflom of
Air, two ; viz., Air and Irwing. In Renfrew, Paisley. In Len-
246 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
noxshire, one ; Dumbartane. In Cliddisdaill, three ; Glasgow,
Hammiltoun, and Lanark.
COMMISSION FOR VISITATION.
Sessioun 4.
Forasmuche as the visitatiouns of the presbytereis universallie
throughout the whole realme is thought a thing verie necessar, and
from diverse Assembleis commissiouns have beene givin to that
effect: Notthelesse, a necessitie yitt remaining, which craving the
continuing of the said commissioun : The Assemblie, therefore, and
commissioners present, have givin commissioun to certane brethrein
to visite and try the doctrine, life and conversatioun, diligence and
fidelitie of the pastors within the said presbytereis, and siclyke, to
try if there be anie of the beneficed number within the same not
making residence, having no reasonable caus to purge the same ; if
there be anie that have dilapidated their benefices, sett tackes, and
made other dispositiouns therof, by the consent of the Generall
Assemblie ; anie slanderous person unmeete to serve in the kirk of
God, and unable and unqualified to teache and edifie: And with
advice of the presbyterie within the which the saids persons are, to
proceed against them, according to the qualitie of the offence, or
undispositiouns of their offices, according to the acts of the kirk.
And that for shortning of the commissioners’ travells, a diligent
tryell among themselves be taikin before the commissioners' com-
ming, wherin they may understand and note the abuse which
would be corrected, commanding also the presbytereis within the
which the said commissioners remaine, to provide for the said com-
missioners' flockes in their absence in the said visitatioun.
COMMISSION TO PRESENT ARTICLES TO THE PARLIAMENT.
Sessiown 9.
Becaus the whole Assemblie could not meete before the parlia-
1593. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 247
ment, to be holdin in Junie nixt, it is ordeanned, that a brother or
two of everie presbyterie sall meete, to consult, treate, resolve, and
conclude upon suche heeds, articles, petitiouns, and supplicatiouns,
as they sall thinke meete to be craved and concluded by consent of
parliament, to the glorie of God, and confort of the generall kirk.
Which brethrein sall have the power of the said Generall Assem-
blie, and proceed as the samine might doe if the whole number
were present.
ACTS,
Sessioun 8.
Tuiching colledges and rents therof, the Assemblie hath or-
deaned, that no dispositioun of the rents and living therof by tacke,
or other title, be made, without the advice and consent of the As-
semblie Generall, under the paine of depositioun of the persons
doing in the contrare.
Tuiching the residence of ministers, for furthering of the resi-
dence of suche persons as, for laike of manses, are non-resident, it
is resolved and agreed, that everie parish where the pastor's manse
is ather ruinous or altogether laiketh, be ordeanned to repaire and
build the same manse upon their owne expences, with stone, tim-
ber, and all other materialls, workmanship, cariage, and other
things needfull for the repairing and bigging therof. Which if
they faile and refuse to doe, being duelie required, they sall not
onlie, so manie as refuse, be holdin by the kirk the whole caus of
their pastor's non-residence, but als it sall be lawfull to the heyres,
executors, and assigneyes of the minister or reader departing, or
himself during his tyme, to reteane the possessioun of the manse
builded by him, incace he build and repaire the same upon his owne
expences, after the refusall of the parochiners, ay and whill the in-
trant minister or reader succeeding refound to him, his heyres, exe-
cutors, and assigneyes, the whole expences made by him for repair-
ing and building, at the least so muche therof as the parochin
248 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
cannot be moved to refound. And that the presbyterie, at the in-
trant's admissioun, take order for performance heerof, providing,
that the expences to be made by the said pastor or reader exceed
not foure hundreth merkes, and that the presbyterie, after the re-
pairing or building of the said manse, take up the exact tryell and
compt of his expences, and give him their allowance therupon, to
be registred in their bookes: and this act to be extended, als weill
to them that are alive, and have alreadie builded, as to them that
are to build or repaire heerafter. And, likewise, the secund and
thrid minister or reader, and, consequentlie, the successours to the
ministers, where the manse is builded, sall have the like title to
crave of the intrant after him the said expences which he hath de-
bursed to his predecessors, ay and whill the parochiners redeeme
and outQuite the said manses or building therof, to be made free
therafter to the intrant minister or reader.
Sessiown 9.
Forasmuche as, in Synodall Assembleis, the bookes of particular
presbytereis are tryed and visited, and heeretofore the bookes of
the Synodall Assembleis have not beene tryed in the generall;
which appeareth to the whole brethrein to be necessar; therefore,
it is concluded, in tyme comming, to everie Generall Assemblie,
the bookes of the Synodall Assembleis sall be directed by the
synodalls to be sighted and considered in the Generall Assemblie,
for understanding the better of their proceedings, under the paine
of the censures of the kirk.
Tuiching controverseis betuixt the brethrein of the ministrie, for
uptaiking therof, it is resolved and concluded, by the whole
brethrein and commissioners present, that where anie pley or con-
troversie ariseth betuixt two brethrein of the ministrie, though it
be in civill maters, if they be of one presbyterie, that they elect
brethrein of the said presbyterie, to what number they thinke best,
who sall choose an overman, and summarlie decide and give sentence
in the mater, which sall be irrevocable, and no appellatioun to be
1593. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 249
interpouned therefra. And if they be of diverse presbytereis, they
likewise make electioun of brethrein of either of the presbytereis,
in equall number, as the said contendents sall agree: which brethrein
so elected sall choose an overman, and decide, and give sentence
as said is, from the which no appellatioun sall be interpouned.
And if anie brethrein will be wilful, and refuse this forme and sub-
missioun, he sall be holdin by the kirk contumax : and that this
act be putt in executioun presentlie, for decisioun of the contro-
versie betuixt James Andersone and Mr Henrie Guthrie.
The Generall Assemblie, by the authoritie givin to them of God,
dischargeth all and everie Christian within the kirk of Scotland
from repairing to anie of the King of Spaine his dominiouns, where
the tyrannie of inquisitioun is used, for traffique with merchandice,
negociatioun, or exercising of seafairing occupatioun, untill the
tyme the king's Majestie, by advice of the counsell, have sought
and obteaned speciall libertie and licence from the King of Spaine,
for all his lieges and subjects to traffique in merchandice, and
occupie within the whole parts of the said King of Spain's do-
miniouns, without anie danger to their persons or goods, for the
caus of their religioun and conscience; under the paine of incurring
the censures of the kirk, untill the last sentence of excommuni-
cation.
About this tyme, the Duke of Lennox, the Lord Spynie, and
Sir James Sandelands, were reconciled, and receaved into the court.
A CONVENTIOUN OF THE NOBILITIE,
A conventioun of the nobilitie was holdin in the beginning of
May, but rare and unfrequent : Argile, Morton, Maister of Glames,
Lord Lindsey, Lord Setoun, were in effect all that mett. Nothing
done, but agreed upon, that IRothwell sould ather be apprehended,
or forced to leave the countrie. At this tyme, the king sought a
whinger to throw at William Murrey, for compairing Huntlie to
Bothwell in wickednesse.
250 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
CLUNIE CRICHTON EXAMINED,
Upon Wednisday, the secund of May, Clunie Crichtoun was ap-
prehended, and sharpelie examined before the king and counsell,
for intentioun to have taikin the king by the horse brydle, and to
convoy him to Bothwell.
THE CHANCELLER COMETH TO COURT.
About this tyme, Chanceller Matlane came to court, and was re-
stored to the exercise of his office.
MR. W. BALCALQUALL HIS OBSERVATION.
Upon Fryday, the 25th of May, Mr Walter Balcalquall, in his
sermoun, regraited the decay of the zeale of Scotland, and layed
all the blame of the disorders upon the king. He said, Moses had
als few to helpe him, when he came doun from the mountaine with
Josuah, to punish the idolatrie of the people, as he had.
AN ADVICE TO THE RING,
The same day was the advice following exhibited to his Majes-
tie, but to none availl:—
“That my Ladie Huntlie remove her self beyond Tay, and all
suche as come with her to passe home.
“That all suche as have solicited his Majestie in favours of the
three erles and their complices, in their present course, contrare
the act and promise made, or who are suspected to favour them,
be removed from his Majestie's companie, whill the persons under
processe be tryed by law. The names are best known to his Hie-
nesse' self.
“That his whole counsellers and domestick servants purge them-
selves upon their oaths, if they have solicited his Majestie in favours
1593. OF THE IXIER OF SCOTLAND. 251
of the said erles; and who refuseth to give purgation to be re-
moved from his Majestie.
“If the persons under processe will offer to enter in waird whill
their tryell, that their wairding be sure, and in the custodie of suche
persons as are not knowne to be their favourers; and that their
tryell be onlie by the parliament.
“Since the parliament can not now weill hold at the first day,
that the continuatioun be to suche a short day therafter as is pos-
sible; and at that tyme, to proceed without farther delay or con-
tinuation.
“That his Majestie will settle himself upon a number of resident
counsellers, knowne honest, expert, and zealous to his service, and
releeve himself of a part of his owne great burthein, by laying the
care of the effairs of his estat upon them, as they will be answer-
able to God, to his Majestie, to their countrie, and to the whole
World.”
THE KING PRIVIE TO THE TRAFFIOUING.
Mr Johne Davidsone, in his Diarie, recordeth on the 26th of
May, that among the letters of the traffiquers intercepted were
found one to the Prince of Parma, which tuiched the king with
knowledge and approbatioun of the traffiquing, and promise of as-
sistance, &c., but that it was not thought expedient to publishe it.
Mr Johne was acquaint with the discoverie, and all the intercepted
letters, and made a preface to be prefixed to the printed discoverie,
and a directorie for understanding the borrowed and counterfooted
11%bſ(162S,
JOHNSTON ESCAPETH. OlúT OF WAIRD,
Upon the 4th of Junie, the Laird of Johnestoun escaped out of
the Castell of Edinburgh, betuixt the ellevinth and twelve houre
of the day. He was wairded a little before, for the slaughter of
252 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
some of the Lord Fleming and the Laird of Dumlanrig's de-
penders.
A GENTILE WOMAN RAVISEIED.
James Gray, brother to the Maister of Gray, ravished a gentle
woman, apparent heyre to her father, Johne Carnegie; but was
randered again, at command of the counsell, to her father. She
was again ravished by the said James, out of Robert Gowssei’s
hous, in Edinburgh, where she and her father remained for the
tyme ; was hailled doun a closse to the North Loche, and convoyed
over in a boat, where there were about ten or twelve men on the
other side to receave her. They sett her upon a man’s sadle, and
convoyed her away, her haire hanging about her face. The Lord
Hume keeped the High Street with armed men till the fact was
accomplished. Upon Moonday, the elleventh of June, the proveist
interprising with some bailliffes betweene ten and ellevin at night,
to apprehend James Hendersone, burgesse, an adulterer, and one
who had beene at the late ravishing out of k + Bannatyne, the
skinner's hous, was repulsed. A debosched minister, called Bishop,
tooke the proveist by the throat, after he had charged Hendersone
to waird. The Laird of Hattoun withstood that anie man sould
have him ; yea, they shott at the proveist. Wherupon Bishop was
slaine, Hattoun was hurt in the head, and Hendersone was caried
to the Tolbuith. The day following, the proveist and bailiffes went
to the king and compleanned. The king desired to know if they
eould compleane of anie that was about him. In the meane tyme,
my Lord Hume, the cheefe author of the uproare or ryott com-
mitted the last Lord’s day, was standing by. They answered
nothing, because they czpected for no justice.
SIR. R. MELVILL's AMBASSADGE.
Upon the 7th of June, Sir Robert Melvill went in ambassadge
1593. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 253
to the Queen of England, with an answere in writt to the last am–
bassader's articles, and to receave the king's annuitie; to crave
Bothwell to be delivered, and aide to persue the rebells. It was
answered, that, according to the transactioun in former treateis,
I3othwell sould ather be randered, or forced to remove out of Eng-
land. As for aide, none was due but for resistance of forainers ;
yitt some money was sent to the king.
A. DAY OF LAW.
Upon Tuisday, the 19th of June, [there was] a great conven-
tioun in Edinburgh, by reasoun of a day of law; Argile, the Shireff
of Air, the Erle of Morton, Dowglas, and manie with them, for
the Laird of Caddell's slaughter; the Lairds of Arkinlesse, Glen-
urquhart, and manie freinds with them, defenders. The Chanceller
imployed his credit and moyen also for conveening of his freinds,
under colour of the said day of law, viz., Arbrothe, Montrose, Se-
toun, Livingstoun, Glencarne, Eglintoun, and sindrie others, who
all accompanied the Lord Hammiltoun on the streets. The king
being informed that it tended to unquietnesse, commanded them
to keepe their loodgings, and after dealt with the Chanceller to in-
treate them to depart in peace. The other factioun, to witt, the
duke, Marr, Mortoun, Hume, Maister of Glames, Sir George
Hume, Sir James Sandelands, Spynie, puffed up with the queen's
countenance, who caried no good will to the Chanceller, thought
to bring in Captan James Stewart, called, alias, Lord Quondam,
in hatred of the Chanceller. The Lord Maxwell, the Laird of
Cesfurde, were not yitt come, but were to come within three dayes.
They were stayed. The rest were desired to depart. The Chan-
celler himself also raid out of the toun, accompanied with three
hundreth hors. The king promised to the Chanceller to call for
him again before the parliament. The king wrote to Sir Robert
Melvill, his ambassader, lying at Londoun ; willed him to assure
the queene of holding of the parliament, for forfaulting of Huntlie,
254 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
Erroll, and Angus, and that the Chanceller sould be restored to his
owne office.
MR. G. RER ESCAPETH ODT OF WAIR.D.
Upon Thursday, the 21st of June, Mr George IKer escaped out
of the Castell of Edinburgh. Some were sent out to persue after
him; but they persued one way, and he was convoyed another
way. Mr Walter Balcalquall declamed, the day following, in his
sermoun, against suche mockerie.
AN AMBASSADER FROM DENMARKE.
Upon Moonday, the 2d of Julie, the Danish ambassader was
convoyed by the Queen's Ferrie to Dumfermline, with two hun-
dreth hors. He had a commissioun from the King of Denmarke,
to see the queene possessed in her joynture, and that the same be
ratified in parliament.
A PARLIAMENT,
Upon Moonday, the 16th of Julie, the king came to the Tolbuith
of Edinburgh, to hold parliament. The duke caried the crowne,
Argile the scepter, Morton the sword. The king had on his right
hand Sir James Sandelands, on his left Mr William Leslie. Few
erles repaired to this parliament.
The king shewed to the commissioners of the kirk that his ad-
vocat, Mr David Makgill, had assured him that Huntlie, Angus,
and Erroll, could not be forefaulted at this tyme, for laike of pro-
batioun ; that few things were to be treated at this parliament;
that the cheefe occasioun of indicting it was the confirmatioun of
the abbacie of Dumfermline to the queene.
Upon Tuisday, the 17th, the ministers mett in the Little Kirk,
two commissioners from everie presbyterie. They consulted,
1593. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 255
whether they sould propone anie thing at all to the king in parlia-
ment, seing no order was to be taikin with the traffiquing Papists.
At last, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr Patrik Gal-
loway, Mr David Lindsay, were directed to the king, to understand
what they might expect. The articles which were to be propouned
to the parliament were read, and appointed to be reformed, but to
no purpose. The commissioners desired, that if nothing were done
in favours of the kirk, that nothing be done in prejudice of her
liberteis. The king said that was reasoun. So, little good was
done at this parliament, saving that mercats and faires were for-
biddin on the Sabboth day; contemmers of the decreets of the kirk
ordeaned to be denounced rebells; an act made, that ministers'
gleebs be designed furth of anie kirk lands; that ministers' stipends
be free of impositiouns: an act made against Sayers of masse, re-
cepters or interteaners of excommunicated Papists by the space of
three nights together, or three nights at severall tymes. Dumferm-
line was confirmed to the queene. Bothwell was forfaulted.
Huntlie, Erroll, and Angus, were not forefaulted; for offers were
givin, in their names, to satisfie the king and the kirk. Upon the
21st day of Julie the acts were read and concluded. Within the
space of an houre the heralds, pursevants, and trumpeters, went to
the Croce of Edinburgh, where Francis, some tyme Erle of Both-
well his forefaultrie was intimated.
MR. J. DAVIDSONE HIS REBOOKE.
Upon the Lord's day, the 22d of Julie, Mr Johne Davidsone,
teaching after noone upon the two last verses of 1 Thes. i., called
the last parliament a blacke parliament, becaus iniquitie was come
in rowme of equitie in the high court of justice, instituted cheefelie
for the punishment of arch-tratours. “Our arch-tratours,” said he,
“ have not onlie escaped, but in a maner are absolved, in that they
have escaped as men against whom no probation could be gottin.
The absolving of the wicked,” said he, “imported the persecutioun
of the righteous, except God restrained the adversareis.” IIe
256 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1593.
prayed that the Lord would compell the king, by his sanctified
plagues, to turne to Him rather er he perish ; otherwise, that he
would guide his governement to the weelefare of his kirk, whether
he would or not.
BLOODIE SHIRTS CARIED THROUGH TELE STREETS OF EDINBURGH.
Upon the same day, after noone, the 22d of Julie, there came
certane poore weomen out of the south countrie, with fyfteene
bloodie shirts, to compleane to the king that their husbands, sonnes,
and servants, were cruellie murthered in their owne houses by the
Laird of Johnstoun, themselves spoiled, and nothing left them.
The poore wedmen, Seing they could not gett satisfactioun, caused
the bloodie shirts to be caried by pyoners through the toun of
Edinburgh, upon Moonday, the 23d of Julie. The people were
muche moved, and cryed out for a vengeance upon the king and
counsell. The king [was] nothing moved, but against the toun of
Edinburgh and the ministrie. The court alledged they had pro-
cured that spectacle in contempt of the king.
Upon Tuisday, the 24th of Julie, the Erle Bothwell came to the
Balace of Halyrudhous, at the backe gate, which openeth to the
Ladie Gowrie's hous, as the Ladie Atholl was comming from the
king and queene to her mother, to take good night. He rapped
rudelie at the king's chamber doore, which was opened by the Erle
of Atholl, or, as others report, by a padge ; the king sitting in the
meane tyme upon the privie, and William Murrey with him. The
king would have gone to the queen's chamber, but the doore was
locked, and the duke, Atholl, Uchiltrie, Spynie, Dunipace, went
between him and the doore, and interceeded for him. The king
seing no other refuge, asked what they meant 2 Came they to
seeke his life 2 lett them take it: they would not gett his soule.
Bothwell sitting upon his knees, and Mr Johne Colvill with him,
said, he sought not his life, but came to seeke his Hienesse' par-
doun for the Road of the Abbey, and the Road of Falkland; offer-
ed to thole an assise for witchecraft, and seeking the king's life,
1593. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 257
directlie or indirectlie; and after he was tryed and purged, to de-
part out of the realme at his pleasure, to anie other realme his Ma-
jestie would prescribe; to joyne himself to no other course nor his
Majestie sould command; to attempt no novatioun of the estat, no
change of officers of estat, to like of them whom his Majestie liked.
Upon these and suche other conditiouns they agreed, and his Ma-
jestie pardouned him all bygans.
The tour of Edinburgh being wairmed by the knell of the com-
moun bell twise, there was great confusioun in the streets. The
proveist, bailliffes, and sindrie others, about an hundreth persons,
went doun in armes to the palace, others following, but slowlie.
Alexander Hume of Northberuick, with a few gentlemen, came to
the king's palace window, desiring to know his estat and will, offer-
ing to rescue him, or ellis to lose their lives. The king answered,
the Erle Bothwell had come in upon him by his expectatioun and
foreknowledge; had promised faire, and if he keeped, he would
keepe to him; wherupon he desired them to retire themselves a
little, till he commouned farther with them. They went toward
the south-west corner of the Abbey closse, and after a prettie
space returned, and receaved this answere, That they were finallie
agreed. In the meane tyme, there fell out some hote words be-
tweene the Erle Bothwell and the Goodman of Northberuick.
Bothwell said he had done, would doe, and could doe, als muche in
the king's service as anie Hume in the Merce, and would reckon
with him another tyme. In the meane tyme, the duke keeped the
backe gate, the Laird of Craigiehall the fore gate.
THE CONDITIONS GRANTED BY THE KING TO THE ERLE OF BOTH-
wer L AND HIS PARTAKERS, AFTER HE WAS PURGED BY THE
ASSISE.
“Full remissioun of all bygane offences done to his Majestie and
his authoritie preceeding this day; never to be querrelled heer-
after ; and that they receave present possessioun, restauration, and
all other securitie of their lives, lands, goods, and houses; and his
VOL. W. R
258 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
Hienesse sall ratifie the same, in the parliament to be holdin be-
tuixt and the 20th day of November nixtocum, according to the
act of repossessioun made in the parliament holdin at Linlithguo;
and this present act to serve as a sufficient securitie in the meane
tyme till the parliament. These persons following sall no wise re-
paire to the king's companie, viz., The Lord Hume, the Chanceller,
the Maister of Glames, Treasurer, Sir George Hume. His Majes-
tie's will is, the said erle, his companie and assisters, retire them to
their owne dwelling-places, or where they thinke good; and that
he sall call unto him suche as he sall thinke expedient to await on
him.” This he promised to hold firm and stable, by the word of a
prince.
(Sic subscribitur)
James R., Lennox, Atholl, Johne Lord Forbesse, Andrew
Lord Uchiltrie, Alexander Lord Spynie, Patrik Maister
of Gray, Sir Robert Melvill, Alexander Setoun, Lord
Urquhart, Mr James Elphinstoun, Alexander Skeene,
Clerk Register, Nicoll Udward, Proveist of Edinburgh,
Johne Moresone, Bailliffe, George Todrick, Bailliffe,
David Williamsone, Bailliffe, James Inglis, Bailliffe,
Mr David Lindsey, Minister, Mr Robert Bruce, Mini-
ster, Mr Robert Rollock, Minister, Mr Patrik Galloway,
Mr Walter Balcalquall, Mr William Watsone, Ministers.
Upon Fryday, the tenth of August, Bothwell was purged by an
assise.
The Maister of Glames, the Lord Morton, Blantyre, shifted
themselves off court. The Hammiltouns and their freinds, the
Lord Hume, who had the abbacie of Coldinghame, Sir George
Hume, who had the Laird of Spott his patrimonie, all stormed. In
the meane tyme, Huntlie, upon the seventh and eight dayes of
August, was burning, killing, and slaying, in Murrey land.
After that Bothwell was purged by an assise, the king preassing
to goe to Falkland, was stayed by him and his factioun, Atholl,
1593. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 259
Uchiltrie, Spynie, &c. Bothwell said they would follow him where-
soever he went. The king conveenned the counsell, and sent for
the ministers; compleaned he was deteaned prisoner, and un-
duetifullie handled. It was appointed that the king sould goe where
he pleased, and take with him in companie whom he pleased;
Bothwell likewise where he pleased. Onelie the Chanceller, Lord
Hume, Sir George Hume, and Maister of Glames, sould not come
to court before the parliament, at what tyme Bothwell was to be
restored. So the king went to Falkland, and within three dayes
after to Stirline. The indenture betuixt Bothwell and the king
may be gathered of the letter following, writtin by Mr Robert
Bruce to the brethrein of the Presbyterie of Dumfermline; and the
conditiouns above writtin.
“BRETHREIN,-Although it be not necessarie, yitt for the bear-
er's satisfactioun yee sall understand, that from hard and high ex-
tremiteis, we have brought the mater to a reasonable pacificatioun.
The counsell, sessioun, and ministrie of this burgh, are, after a sort,
become obliged, that the king sall keepe and stand to his promise.
The effect of the promise standeth in this, that they sall have the
benefite # k + k and a day affixed, to witt, the tenth of No-
vember, where in parliament these promises sall be ratified. My
Lord Bothwell sall remaine from the court in the meane tyme, and
their enemeis, namelic, the Chanceller, the Maister of Glames, Sir
George Hume, my Lord Hume, together with the Spanish fac-
tioun, sall remaine off court till the said day. After the issue of
the which, the Lord Bothwell sall have libertie to remaine, byde,
and goe at his pleasure. This farre for the bearer’s satisfactioun,
referring the rest to his sufficiencie. No farther, but committs you
to God.
“At Edinburgh, the 15th of August, 1593.
“Your brother,
“ROBERT BRUCE.”
Upon Fryday, the seventh of September, there was a conven-
tioun holdin at Stirline. At this conventioun holdin at Stirline,
260 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
the nobilitie being conveenned with the king, sent for Bothwell to
meete certane commissioners at Linlithguo, the ellevinth day, to
witt, the Pryour of Blantyre, Mr Robert Bruce, minister, Johne
Robertsone, merchant, burgesse of Edinburgh. He obeyed, and
mett them. It was declared by his Majestie, with advice of the
estats presentlie assembled, that he, as a free prince, may at his
pleasure take to his service and companie suche of the nobilitie,
and others good subjects, as he best lyked. The Erle Bothwell or
anie of his companie being in danger of the king's lawes, and need-
ing no farther remissioun, sall not repaire to his Majestie without
his licence. The king will alwise have the erle, his sonne, and com-
plices, effectuallie, and without delay, restored. And for safetie of
his Hienesse’ honour, the late forme subscribed at Halyrudhous is
suche as by law he may free himself of, if he please; notwithstand-
ing, for quietnesse of the realme presentlie assembled, he can be
content now, being at full libertie, and rypelie advised with the
estats, the said erle suting to him and his complices, whom he sall
specifie by name and surname, remissioun of their former offences,
and attempts against his persoun at Halyrudhous, first and last ;
and at Falkland, or other of the like qualiteis. As also, restitutioun
to their livings, and sall caus the same be ratified in the mixt parlia-
ment, to be holdin and concluded before the 20th of November nix-
tocum, the erle finding suretie, that within suche space as the king
pleases after the said parliament, to depart out of the realme be-
yond sea, where he sall remaine during the king's pleasure, and not
to returne till he obteane his licence ; and during his absence sall
remaine in suche places as he sall appoint to him. His complices
in the late troubles to be speciallie nominated in his remissioun, sall
remaine at their dwelling-houses, and no wise resort to the court
without warrant or licence; and that his Majestie sall be a father
to his childrein, and benefite them with his whole living.
The same night, the king accompanied with the duke, the Erles
of Marr and Morton, went out of Stirline to the new hous beside
Lochlevin, where the Lord Hume, the Maister of Glames, Sir
George Hume, and others of that factioun, mett them with a great
1593. QF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 261
companie, and were receaved to court again by his Majestie. The
conclusioun of the estats being declared to Bothwell, he promised to
performe the same, at his Majestie's pleasure. Sir Robert Melvill,
Mr David Lindsey, and Mr Robert Bruce, ministers, went to Falk-
land to the king, and reported his answere, wherewith the king
was weill content. Soone after, the king, by the instigatioun of
the Lord Hume, Sir George Hume, the Laird of Carmichaell, and
others of that factioun, his heart was altogether alienated again
from Bothwell, and turned to extreme hatred. The king cometh
to Linlithquo. The Chanceller, accompanied with Sir Robert
Ker, younger of Cesfurde, and his freinds, to the number of 200
men in armes, came to the king. The Chanceller and Maister of
Glames were reconciled, and likewise the Lord Hume and the
Laird of Cesfurde.
Upon the 22d of September, the Erle Bothwell, his servants and
dependers, were discharged, by opin proclamatioun at the Mercat
Croce of Edinburgh, to come neere the king within ten myles, un-
lesse they were sent for, under paine of treasoun.
THE PROVINCIALL SYNOD OF FIFE,
The Provinciall Assemblie of Fife conveened at St Andrewes
the 25th of September, 1593. After incalling of the name of God,
they thought it was their duetie, first, and above all things, to con-
sult upon the present dangers of the kirk, and how they might be
avoided. Mr Johne Davidsone being there present, and his judge-
ment asked, regraited that the coldnesse and negligence of the
ministrie had been the occasioun of great dangers, and said, he
feared except their fault were redressed, greater inconveniences
would yitt fall out thereby, both among themselves, and to the
hurt of the people, &c. Mr Thomas Buchanan said, his feare was
no sound argument in suche maters. The Moderator, Mr James
Melvill, willed Mr Davidsone to proceed. Mr Davidsone proceed-
ed, and shewed the danger to proceed from the defectioun of the
king, and his dispositioun presentlie alienated from the good caus.
262 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1593.
“For remeed,” sayeth he, “I thinke we sould gett us to the ordi-
narie and lawfull armour of fasting and prayer; and that theranent
we sould take present order for our owne bounds, and to require
the rest of the synods to concurre, that the fast may be universall,
so farre as could be, and that the heeds of the fast sould be plainlie
sett doun to the view of other assembleis, to adde, change, or di-
minish, as they thought good; as also, that a grave message of
pastors, barons, and burgesses, might be chosin, to be sent to the
king with all expeditioun, with concurrence of other synods, and
meetings of all their commissioners to be agreed upon by all their
consents.” This past in voting, and sindrie of the barons who were
present agreed. All the consultatioun afterward was tuiching the
qualificatioun of these generalls; as who sould be commissioners to
the Synodalls, and from them to the king, and what articles were
to be propouned. Upon Wedinsday, the 26th, Mr Johne David-
some taught upon the good stewart, in the xii. of Luke, in the
parish kirk of St Andrewes. He rebooked the ministrie for their
negligence and profainnesse, repeating the speeches he had in the
Assemblie; that he thought a great part of the ministrie the mirri-
est and carelesest men in Scotland, and that their message was not
faithfullie discharged to the king; in speciall, that young men could
not be prudent forlaike of experience. “Quinon credunt sed dicunt,”
as Aristotle said, writting, De Prudentia. After sermoun, the brethrein
followed furth their former purpose of commissioners. Upon Thurs-
day, the 27th, Mr James Melvill was appointed to penne the commis-
siouns, and Mr Johne Fairfull was appointed to moderatin his place.
There was muche reasoning about excommunicatioun of the traferous
erles. Sindrie reasons were alledged why they might excommuni-
cat them, as, that manie of them were some tyme students in the
Universitie of St Andrewes; and it was found, that they had
just reason to excommunicat them. The sentence was pronounced
by Mr James Melvill, Moderator for the tyme. It was ordeanned,
that the sentence sould be intimated in all kirks, with interdictioun,
that none recept them, or have anie fellowship with them, under
the paine of the same censures; and some brethrein were directed
1593. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 263
to the provinces mixt adjacent, to obteane their approbatioun and
assistance. God so blessed this work, that the whole Kirk of Scot-
land approved the same, and it was a speciall meane of preventing
..extreme danger threatned both to kirk and commoun weale, and
bringing forfaultrie and exile upon the enemie.
The Synod communicated with diligence that which they had
done, and craved a meeting of commissioners to be keeped at
Edinburgh, in October following, for prosecuting of the mater.
The names of the excommunicated were, William Erle of Angus,
George Erle of Huntlie, Francis Erle of Erroll, the Lord Hume,
Sir Patrik Gordoun of Auchindoun, and Sir James Chisholme,
knight. The proceedings of the Synod are shortlie sett doun in
this discourse following:—
“The Provinciall Assemblie of Fife, conveened within the citie
of St Andrew cs, the 25th day of September, 1593, after incalling
upon the name of God, thought it their duetie, first, and above all,
to consider of the present dangers of the kirk, namelie, within their
owne province. And finding the same to be verie great, and to
crave tymous remeed, in respect of the conventiouns of the ene-
meis, namelie, of late within the province of Fife, not dissembling
nor secreitlie covering their most pernicious and cruell attempts
against the Evangell of Jesus Christ, but promising unto them-
selves not onlie impunitie, but even speciall favour at the hands of
the prince, they are not affrayed with impudent and malicious
boldnesse, by themselves, their servants, dependers, and complices,
opinlie, at noble and gentle men's tables, where they are over
readilie receaved, to blaspheme the blessed truthe of God, rayle
out upon the same, and the blessed professors therof, contemme the
Word read, mocke and scorne at the grace and thanksgiving before
and after meate, and plainlie avowing their most erroneous and
idolatrous religioun, boast and brag that they sall make us all to
receave the same ; lyke as it was declaired by faithfull brethrein
before the said Assemblie, as notorious and knowne to all that
countrie, in the persons and behaviour of the Erles of Angus and Er-
roll, and Lord Hume, latelie, about the tyme of this last conventioun
264 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
at Stirline, and of the Erle of Huntlie, conveened with the foresaids
in Dumblane; and all the saids three erles, with the said Lord
Hume, conveened, immediatelie after the said conventioun of Stir-
line, at the Rocking Stone of Balvaird. The which thing, when the
said Assemblie had considered and weyghed, the ministers and
commissioners conveened therin thought it more nor high tyme to
awake, and take heed to themselves, and to the flockes over which
God had appointed them pastors and elders. And, therefore, for
occurring to the said imminent danger, and for remeed therof, so
farre as lyeth in them, after invocatioun of the name of God, long
and grave advisement, determined and concluded as after fol-
loweth :—
“First, That the pastors of everie congregatioun being first
sanctified themselves, and prepared by abstinence, prayer, and di-
ligent studie and attendance in all the points of their charge, travell
carefullie, by their doctrine and exemple, to move and dispose the
hearts of their flockes to unfained repentance, incalling for mercie
and preservatioun at the hands of God, that thus, both pastor and
people may be prepared against that generall and solemne fast which
the Synod thinketh most needfull to be, without delay of tyme, ap-
pointed and published throughout this whole realme ; the causes
wherof, attour the generalls of all our humiliatiouns in tyme bypast,
to be these in speciall:—
“1. The impunitie of idolatrie, and cruell murther, in the person
of the Erle of Huntlie and his complices.
“2. The impunitie of that most monstrouous and of that ungodlie
and unnaturall treasoun committed by the said Erle of Huntlie,
with the said Erles of Angus and Erroll, the Laird of Auchindoun,
Sir James Chisholme, and their adherents.
“3. The pride, boldnesse, malice, bussinesse, and going fordward
of these enemeis in their most pernicious purpose, arising of the
said impunitie and bearing with of the king, so that now, they not
onlie have no doubt, as they speeke plainlie, to obteane libertie of
conscience, but also brag to make us faine to come to their cursed
idolatrie, before they come to the truthe.
1593. OF TIIE FCIRE OF SCOTLANT), 265
“4. The land defiled in diverse places with the devilish and blas-
phemous masse.
“5. The wrathe of God brokin furth in fierie flamme, upon the
north and south parts of this land, with horrible judgements both
of soules and bodeis; threatning the mid part with the like, or
heavier, if repentance prevent not.
“6. The king's slownesse in repressing of Papistrie, and planting
of true religioun.
“7. The defectioun of so manie noblemen, barons, gentlemen,
merchants, and mariners, by the bait of Spanish gaine, which em-
boldeneth the enemeis; and, on the other part, the multitude of
atheists, ignorant, sacreligious, blood-thristie, and worldlie outward
professors, with whom it is a strange mater that God sould worke
anie good turne; the consideratioun wherof, upon the part of man,
may altogether discourage us.
“8. The cruell slaughter of ministers."
“9. The pitifull estate of the kirks and brethrein of France.
“Lastlie, The hote persecutioun of discipline, by the tyrannie
of Bishops in our nighbour land.
“Secundlie, That with all convenient diligence, commissioners
of gentlemen, burrows, and ministers, be directed to the king, from
this present Assemblie, to speeke plainlie unto his Majestie, that
which all his true subjects thinke, tuiching his overmuche bearing
with, favouring and countenancing of professed and treasonable
tratours, Papists, and his negligence in repressing of idolatrie,
and establishing of the kingdom of Christ into this realme; de-
clairing freelie unto his Majestie, the minde and resolutioun of all
his faithfull and godlie subjects within this province, both to burgh
and to landwart, to be readie rather to give their lives, than to
suffer the same to be polluted with idolatrie, and overrunne with
bloodie Papists. And for that effect, the Assemblie hath nominated
these commissioners, Mr Andrew Melvill, Rector of the Universitie,
1 Some of the Mures had slaine Mr David Blyth and Mr Johne Aikman,—Note
in the Original.
266 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1593.
David Fergusone, Minister of Dumfermline, Mr Andrew Lamb,
Mr Thomas Buchanan, Mr Nicoll Dagleish, and Mr James Mel-
vill, and the commissioners of gentle men and barons, to be directed
from the conventioun at Cowper, the secund of October. And for
this effect, there are directed from this Assemblie therunto, Mr
Andrew Melvill, Mr Robert Wilkie, Mr Andrew Muncreif, and the
rest of the Presbyterie of Cowper; and for informatioun of the
burghes of the provinces, and obteaming of their commissioners, the
ministers of everie burgh to have with them a letter from this As-
semblie, and commissioun for that effect. Ánd als, that the said
gentlemen and barons faile not to conveene in frequent number; the
said day Mrs Andrew Muncreif and David Mernes are ordeanned
to speeke the Lairds of Cambo and Balcomie, commissioners ordi-
nar of the barons; and the ministers of their # * * to warne
their owne gentlemen, and deale with them for that effect.
“Thridlie, That the brethrein directed to the barons and burghes
crave their counsell and assistance, according to their duetie and
subscriptions, tuiching thir dangers, and remedie therof ; and
namelie, to have their commissioners directed to the king in Edin-
burgh, the 19th day of October mixtocum, there to concurre with
the commissioners above nominated of this present Assemblie, and
with suche as God sall move other provinces to direct for the
effect above specified. They sall also exhort the barons and bur-
rowes to putt in faithfull executioun the acts of parliament made
against Papists, Jesuits, traffiquers within their bounds and domi-
natioun ; and to be upon their guarde at all tymes, for defence of
themselves and the caus of Christ, and to advise among them for
the best order to be taikin for that effect.
“Fourthlie, The Assemblie directeth, in like maner, David Fer-
gusone, Mr Johne Davidsone, and Mr Johne Coldoun, to deale
with the Erle of Morton and his ladie; to find fault with them,
and to rebooke them sharpelie, for receaving within their hous, and
interteaning the forenamed enemeis; and to crave their duetie to
be practised, according to their professioun : and incace otherwise,
their deeds sall declare what they are, and God will give them
1593. OF TIIE KIRK OF SCOTIANI). 267
their portioun with idolaters. And in like maner, Mrs Andrew
Melvill, James Melvill, Adam Mitchell, directed to conferre with
the Erle of Rothesse, to acquaint him with this mater, and to crave
his counsell and assistance; as also with the Erle of Crawfurd, if he
sall be found in Cairnie, or within this province; and the said Mr
Andrew Muncreif, with the said Mr James Melvill, to conferre
with my Lord Lindsay.
“And last, The said synodall, as on the one part being verie
laith to doe any thing rashlie or impertinent to them ; so, upon the
other part, willing to pretermitt nothing that God hath givin them
power to doe, and directioun what to doe for his honour, and the
weale of his kirk; entered in to consider what they ought and
might doe to these enemeis, so conjured against Christ and his
kirk. After earnest prayer to God, long and grave reasoning and
deliberatioun, [they] found and concluded this in end :—
“First, That the principall and cheefe enemeis, the Erles of
Huntlie, Angus, and Trroll, my Lord Hume, the Laird of Auchin-
doun, and Sir James Chisholme, have, by their idolatrie, heresie,
blasphemie, apostasie, perjurie, and professed inimitie against the
kirk and true religioun of Jesus Christ within this realme, ipso facto,
cutt themselves off from Christ and his kirk, and so become most
worthie to be declared excommunicated, and cutt off from the fel-
lowship of Christ his kirk, and givin in the hands of Satan, whose
slaves they are, that they may learne (so it may please the mercie
of God) not to blaspheme Christ and his Gospell.
“Secundlie, It was said, that manie of the saids persons being
some times students in the Universitie of Sanct Andrewes, had
communioun and fellowship with that kirk; namelie, the Erles of
Angus and Erroll, and my Lord Hume. And these same three
maried within the province of Fife, to have professed with these
kirks wherin they were maried, and subscribed the articles of our
religioun of Fife. Considering also, becaus of their affinitie and
freindship, their resort, as it hath becne, so might be in tyme
comming, over frequent within this province, to the great danger
of the kirk within the same ; and remembring the most cruell and
268 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
treasonable murther committed by the said Erle of Huntlie, and
Laird of Auchindoun, within the bounds of their province, for the
which caus, the advice of the Generall Assemblie was, that the said
erle and laird sould be excommunicated by the ministers of Fife,
and the said Sir James Chisholme, being one of their principall
complices, and devisers of their most malicious comploits; the said
synod found that they had just interest and occasioun to excom-
municat and cutt off from their fellowship and Christ's kirk at Fife
the said persons. And so in summar forme and maner custom-
able, and most righteouslie used in suche maters, according to the
Word of God, manie and diverse exemples of the primitive kirk,
and lovable practise of the same synod before against Jesuits and traf-
fiquers, the said synod, in name and authoritie of the Lord Jesus
Christ, did cutt the saids persons from their communioun, and de-
livered them to Satan, to the destructioun of their flesh, that the
spirit might be safe, if so it pleased God to returne and reclame
them by true repentance; otherwise, to their just condemnatioun
everlasting: And ordeanned intimatioun to be made therof by
everie one of the pastors in their kirks immediatlie to the same,
with interdictioun, that none sould presume to receave within their
houses, nor have anie dealing, fellowship, and societie with the
said excommunicated persons: with certificatioun to the contro-
veeners, that they sall incurre the like censure, sentence, and judge-
ment of excommunicatioun.
“And, finallie, To the intent that the proceedings of the said
Assemblie may be communicated with the brethrein of the pro-
vinces nixt adjacent, and their advice, approbatioun, and assistance
obteaned therunto, the said synod hath directed Mr Andrew Lamb
to Lothiane, Mr Thomas Dowglas to Angus, Mr James Stewart
and Mr Robert Colvill to Stirline, Mr William Patoun to the
Merce, with letters and commission to the brethrein to that effect.”
THE KING TRYETH THE LORD HAMMILTON'S AFFECTION.
The king was highlie offended with the excommunicatioun of the
1593. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 269
lords. He said the ministers were cruell, and as they sought blood
they sould have it. But he meant no suche mater, for he was too
favourable to these tratours. When he was latelie in Hammiltoun,
being desirous to try the Lord Hammiltoun his affectioun, after he
had made a preface that he assured himself of his favour, howso-
ever report was made in the contrare, he said, “Yee see, my Lord,
how I am used, and have no man in whom I may trust more than
in Huntlie, &c. If I receave him, the ministers will cry out that I
am an apostat from the religioun ; if not, I am left desolate.” “If
he and the rest be not enemeis to the religioun,” said the Lord
Hammiltoun, “yee may receave them; otherwise not.” “I can
not tell,” sayeth the king, “what to make of that ; but the mini-
sters hold them for enemeis. Alwise, I would thinke it good that
they injoyed libertie of conscience.” Then the Lord Hammiltoun
crying aloud, said, “Sir, then we are all gone, then we are all
gone, then we are all gone ! If there were no moe to withstand, I
will withstand.” When the king perceaved his servants to ap-
proache, he smyled and said, “My Lord, I did this to try your
minde.”
NORTEIBERUICR PROVEIST OF EDINBURGH.
Upon the secund of October, when the old and new counsell of
Edinburgh were conveenned to choose their magistrats, a charge
was sent to them to receave Alexander Hume of Northberwick,
proveist, within three houres, under paine of horning, which was
obeyed. Clement Cor, Johne Robertsone, Johne Dowgall, and
Niniane Mackmorran, were chosin bailliffes.
Upon Wedinsday, the tenth of October, the barons and gentle-
men in Linlithguo, Merce, Tiviotdaill, were charged by opin pro-
clamatioun to meete the king in Jedburgh, upon Saturday, the 13th
of October. Upon Fryday, the 12th, he tooke journey from Haly-
rudhous, accompanied with my Lord Hume and the Laird of Ces-
furde. Before he tooke journey, he promised to the ministers to
enter in no conference with the traterous lords, till they satisfie the
270 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1593.
kirk : yitt the same verie day, they mett him betuixt Sowtray and
Fawla, fell doun upon their knees, and craved pardoun. Howbeit
he was verie willing, yitt he was affrayed to grant it, least the
people sould suspect that he also had made defectioun from reli-
gioun. But he advised them to underly tryell, which they might
easilie doe, assise of their owne freinds being chosin, and being
cleanged by an assise, they sould then be receaved as free lieges.
They came backe from the king, and sent missives to their freinds
to meete them in Perth upon Wedinsday, the 24th of October.
The king went fordward to Jedburgh to persue Phairnihirst, for
recepting of Bothwell, howbeit other causes were pretended.
In the meane tyme, the ministers, commissioners of burrowes,
and sindrie barons, conveenned at Edinburgh, the 17th day of
October. In this conventioun, it was thought good that commis-
sioners sould be directed to his Majestie, to crave order to be taikin
with the excommunicated lords, and to regrait the accesse they had
to his Majestie at Fawlay. Mr James Melvill, Mr Patrik Gal-
loway, the Laird of Calderwod, the Laird of Merchinstoun, two
burgesses of Edinburgh, and one of Dundie, were directed com-
missioners. They were slenderlie accepted. The king inveighed
bitterlie against the assemblie of Fife for excommunicating the
erles, and found fault with the barons and burgesses conveenning
at this tyme. They answered, they conveenned with true and
upright hearts, in all duetie and reverence to his Majestie, to pre-
vent danger imminent to the estat of the religioun and the coun-
trie; that they had his promise, both by word and by writt, for
taiking order with the lords. The king said he understood nothing
of them till they were upon their knees before him. Where as
they alledged, his Majestie sould be better advised before he putt
them to an assise, and desired continuatioun, in respect they would
bring forces with them, and choose their owne assise; his Majestie
answered, he knew not whether their assise sould hold in St John-
stoun or not; but he sould take suche order that nothing sould be
done in that mater, in prejudice of the glorie of God, and lawes of
the realme : that he sould hold a conventioun at Linlithquo, soone
1593. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 27]
after his returne from the South, where he would take order with
these maters, that suche onlie as he called to that conventioun
sould be welcome, others not.
The brethrein being certanelie informed, that the excommuni-
cated crles were gathering their freinds, of purpose to be present
at the said conventioun, and to place themselves about the king,
thought meete that they sould returne with diligence ; and to
wairne the barons and burghes to be in readinesse at the said con-
ventioun, for disappointing the adversarie; and, for that effect, to
repaire to Edinburgh some few dayes before, to advise upon their
proceedings: the which was done by everie commissioner, with
exact diligence. Everie one was willed to show to the barons and
burghes the king's answeres to their petitiouns, which the brethrein
directed to Jedburgh had returned backe, the thrid day after they
were directed to the king from the conventioun. The answers
heere follow :—
THE ANSWERES GIVIN BY HIS MIAJESTIE TO THE IIEEDS PROPONED
TO FILMI BY THE COMMISSIONERS, DIRECTED TO HIS MAJESTIE
FROM THE ASSEMBLIE OF THE BARONS, BURROWES, AND KIRK.
As to the First, his Majestie, after the hearing of our proposi-
tiouns, answered generallie, he would not acknowledge the con-
ventioun gathered without his advice, nather satisfie us, as com-
missioners directed from that conventioun. It was replyed pre-
sentlie, that we were readie to produce sufficient warrants, proving
our assembleis to be with his Majestie's advice, uttered both by
print and proclamatioun. Neverthelesse, his Majestie yeelded, for
satisfeing us, as subjects of sindrie rankes resorting unto him, in
everie particular, as followeth :—
To the First, concerning my Lord Hume, a professed Papist,
and others, his followers, hanting about his Majestie, compted verie
dangerous to religioun, his persoun, and estate, becaus it was ac-
complishment, in a part, of the Spanish platt devised, that Papists
sould possesse his persoun; answered, a day, with advice of the
272 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
kirk, was appointed, that he sould satisfie, or then depart from his
Majestie's companie. To the which day, he sould opin his doubts,
conferre, and seeke resolutioun : which thing his Majestie yitt
standeth by, and sall performe, incace he resolve not. But his
Majestie was sure of his resolutioun before that day, becaus he had
opened his doubts, conferred with his Majestie and Johne Duncan-
sone, and receaved resolutioun, and would subscribe betuixt and
the day; “and, therefore,” his Majestie said, “that which was
done by advice of the kirk sould not be querrelled by the kirk.”
To that it was replyed, he had past his bounds, and done evill, and
beene a speciall instrument to bring the excommunicated erles and
Sir James Chisholme to his presence.
As to the Secund, the bringing of the excommunicated erles to
his presence, contrare to his promise, by certan evill affected men
about him, answered, as God sall judge his soule, he knew not of
their comming, nor was under no privie pactioun or conditioun
with them; and when upon their knees they had craved tryell,
which he could not denie unto them, if it had beene to the simplest
of the land, he dimissed them without anie promise. As tuiching
these about him that were instruments to bring them to him, he
knew them not; and willed us to name them in particular, and to
accuse them, and lett them give their answeres.
As to the Thrid, the hope and expectatioun the excommunicated
erles had to be made free, and cleanged of their odious treasouns,
after their departure from his Majestie, by reasoun of the place,
the tyme, the persons, assisers, and libertie granted to them to
conveene with their forces for their tryell, which was thought verie
dangerous; answered, as for the tyme, he did it with advice of the
ministrie; the place, with advice of the counsell; the persons,
assisers, he thought most indifferent in the land. And as for their
forces, he sould take order, that he sould be maister, by the pre-
sence of suche a number, weill affected to religioun, as his Majestie
sould make choice of. It was replyed, the tyme and place was not
meete. Answered, the tyme sould not hold so short, but after
foure or five dayes the conventioun sould hold, and to them it
1593. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 273
sould stay. As to the place, he was not certane whether it would
hold in St Johnstoun or not. As to the persons, assisers, when it
was replyed, that, seing the actioun was so weightie, and his Ma-
jestie was remembred, that he had said it passed the reache of his
power to pardoun it, and it tuiched everie estat in particular, and,
therefore, his Majestie ought to doe nothing therin without the
advice of the estats conveenned; answered, he sould keepe coun-
sell in Lawder, advise upon that purpose, and after, in Edin-
burgh, sould conveene with the counsell, certan of the barons, bur-
rowes, and ministrie, according to whose advice he sould proceed
in that mater; and no otherwise.
Last, Where it is shewed unto his Majestie, that the assemblie
presentlie conveenned, thinking it dangerous for his Majestie's
comming to Perth, by reasoun of the great numbers that were to
resort with the excommunicated erles, offered to be present with
his Majestie, and to guarde his person, for his safetie, against all
assaults; answered, suche as he charged to be present sould be
welcome at their comming, and suche as came undesired sould not
be welcome ; and he sould take order that they sould not come
with suche number as might trouble the day of law, and suche as
sould come with them sould be men of religioun. In end, his
Majestie, willing that we sould report his good intentioun and
honest meaning in this turne, with solemne oathes protested before
God, and in conscience affirmed, that he sould proceed in that
mater as he would answere to God and estats of his kingdome;
and that he meaned nothing in that mater but securitie of reli-
gioun and good men; and that suche substantatious order sould
be taikin with these excommunicated erles, that religioun might be
in securitie, they taikin order with, that they sould be unable to
brangle state or religioun afterward, and none sould be suffered
heerafter to trouble religioun, and professe Papistrie; and so, your
petition and my intentioun sall goe together.
About the same tyme there was a conventioun of the barons of
Fife holdin at Cowper. Mr Andrew and Mr James Melvill de-
sired them to direct some of their number, with certan of the mini-
WOL. V. S
274 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
strie, to the toun of Perth, to encourage them, and to promise their
assistance, for keeping of their toun, against the excommunicated
erles and their forces; which they did, till they were constrained
by the king's charge to receave them.
The king appointeth the 29th of October, the day for the assise
to be holdin in Linlithquo, wherupon new advertisement is givin
by the ministers, to the barons and gentle men, to conveen at
Edinburgh, against the day of the assise. The substance of the
wairning givin may be collected out of this letter following, writtin
to the Laird of Colestoun, Blance, &c., by Mr James Carmichaell,
minister at Hadintoun :—
“RIGHT HONORABLE SIR,-After salutatioun, &c. Yee heard
of the delay of the assise, which the Popish lords thought to have
tane to themselves in Perth, the 24th day of this instant; and the
resolutioun that the commissioners of the kirk from all quarters tooke
for being present therat. The letter sent from them, and the articles
propouned to the king's Majestie, and his answere, yee learned at
James Gibsone. We receaved new informatioun from the eldership
of Edinburgh, and the commissioners left in Edinburgh, to give
wairning to all the kirks this last Tuisday; which informatioun
was brought unto us this Wedinsday, in this sense, in writt, to
witt, that, seing the king's Majestie had appointed the 29th day of
this instant, which is Moonday nixt, in Linlithguo, to their assise,
and had signified the same to the kirk, to persue them as partie, as
they accepted it upon them, that we sould give wairning therof
unto the barons, gentlemen, and burrowes, to come to Edinburgh
this nixt Saturday, bodin in feare of warre, with their substantious
freinds and servants, to consult what order sall be followed for per-
suing of that processe ; and to execute the same, upon the said
day, as they tendered God's glorie, standing of the truthe, and
withstanding of falshood, and wrong worshipping of God. The
tendernesse and worthinesse of God perswadeth you, Sir, (without
my presence or words,) sufficientlie, whose zeale rather provoketh
the ministrie, than needeth to be provoked thereby, to the prosecut-
ing therof. Therefore, nothing doubting of your forwardnesse,
1593. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 275
and of your bentnesse to keepe the said 27th day, which is Saturday,
in Edinburgh, to the former effect, and therafter to be readie to
concurre with your brethrein, in this good and honorable caus;
committs you unto God's everlasting protectioun. From Edin-
burgh, this Thursday, at two after noone, the 25th of October,
1593.”
The best and most zealous barons and gentlemen were in readi-
nesse to keepe the dyett at Edinburgh, namelje, hearing of the
Erles of Huntlie and Erroll's forces comming to St Johnstoun;
till the king sent expresse discharge, and commanded them to
abide at St Johnstoun quietlie, with some few of their freinds, at-
tending his will tuiching their effaires. Whereupon diverse of
Fife, Angus, Stirlineshire, came to Edinburgh, leaving their armour,
some at Leith, some ellis where, till they saw need. But all re-
solved in a commissioun of some to be sent to Linlithguo, to the
great greefe of these that looked for more round dealing. Some
said, “It is not tyme to goe to reasoun with words, when the
enemeis appeared with swords: we will provide for our selves, if
the mater goe this way. This course will overthrow us that are
mett heere: we looked for another kind of dealing.” These words
were uttered by Merchinstoun and the Maister of Sinclare to Mr
Davidsone. The dealing they looked for was, that a power sould
have gone presentlie to St Johnstoun to assault the enemie, till
moe had come ; for which purpose, Edinburgh had appointed an
hundreth harquebusiers to goe thither to assist Fife, Angus, and
Stratherne, till moe had mett. But by the cunning convoyance
of some ministers, more fordward in pulpit to sett men on worke,
than constant in holding them on to the performance, their con-
sultatiouns resolved in this commissioun. Mr David Lindsay was
Moderator of this meeting, assembled upon Moonday, the 29th of
October. After noone they continue the same resolutioun of
sending of commissioners, with some articles.
When they were readie to dissolve, Mr Davidsone obteaning
licence of the Moderator, but with some difficultie, made a short
harangue. He said, “The caus of our meeting was, to avert the
276 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
imminent plague and danger, the greatnesse wherof could not be
denied, als weill in respect of the caus of the danger, as of the in-
struments of the same. The caus was our sinnes in all estats: first,
ministers, in neglecting their duetie, and seeking themselves and
the world. Nixt, in the prince and nobilitie, who had become ather
enemeis to God’s truthe, or no obeyers of the same. But leaving
the enemeis, who,” said he, “ of the nobilitie has cleanged his hands
of sacriledge, notwithstanding the long crying of God’s servants
for that purpose ? Who had reformed his life, or his familie's 2 Who
had shewed mercie to the poore tennents P etc. As for touns and
burgesses, see we not,” said he, “the great contempt of God's
Word and his ministrie, brokin furth in the most part of the touns
in this countrie P etc. This for the caus. The instruments are
great and mightie, and manie ather opinlie professing our punishe-
ment, or craftilie dissembling the same, till our greater danger;
which is so weill knowne to you,” said he, “as I need not to speeke
farther in that mater. Now,” said he, “we have to avert the caus
by unfained repentance, and to meete the instruments as be-
cometh. As for repentance, it is to be had by publict fasting and
prayer, and quicke stirring up our dulnesse by choice men of the
ministrie, which would be appointed heere presentlie, to continue
heere, till we receave a confortable answere of the king to your
commissioners; and therafter, take purpose, before we departed,
how to meete the enemeis; which thing if they did, for my owne
part,” said he, “I would take part with them in death and life, by
God’s assistance.”
There he tooke his leave at them, and in the end he said, “I
pray you, Mr David, Moderator, that yee give me not an answere
to these things of your owne head, untill yee receave it of your
brethrein.” After some reasoning in these things, it was agreed
that a publict fast sould be proclamed against Wednisday nixt,
and that the ordinarie exercise sould continue the morrow. Mr
Davidsone insisted to have preaching on the morrow, and so long
as they were to continue. But becaus none was found to take upon
him to preache on the morrow, the former purpose was continued,
1593. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 277
howbeit Mr Davidsone offered to beginne, if anie would follow ;
which Mr David Lindsay hearing, would not heare, but praised
God. And so they dissolved. Sindrie brethrein came to Mr
Davidsone, and thanked God for his motioun he made, saying, they
saw no motioun to turne to God, nor savouring of godlinesse, since
the beginning of that Assemblie till that motioun was made. Mr
James Melvill was appointed to be speeche man to the barons, bur-
gesses, and ministers, that were sent to the king and conventioun
of estats at Linlithquo, to present the petitions of this meeting.
They went to Linlithquo. But Chanceller Matlane had so dressed
all things before they came, that there was little adoe for that
tyme ; for the mater was remitted to a new conventioun of the
estats, which was to be holdin at Edinburgh the moneth following,
which may appeare by the act following:—
“Apud Linlithquo, ultimo die mensis Octobris, 1593.
“Forasmuche as the king's Majestie, and his estats presentlie
assembled, having heard and considered of the petitiouns and offers
of William Erle of Angus, George Erle of Huntlie, Francis Erle
of Erroll, and some others, now being under processe of his
Hienesse' lawes, for certane maters of lese majestie layed to their
charge, as attempted and practised by them against the true reli-
gioun professed, and by law established within this realme, his Ma-
jestie's person and estat, and publict quietnesse of the countrie; and
remembering how his Hienesse, with advice of his estats in his late
parliament, as not then fullie resolved with the summouns executed
against the said erles and some others, remitted the tryell, and
ordering of the maters, to his Hienesse and his Secreit Counsell,
for the which his Hienesse appointed this present conventioun ;
and yitt now finding that maters of suche consequence cannot con-
venientlie and sufficientlie be heard and determined in this present
conventioun, his Hienesse, therefore, with advice of his estats pre-
sentlie assembled, hath thought expedient to committ the hearing,
determinatioun, and consideratioun of the said maters, and others
heereafter mentionned, to the speciall persons of the said estats,
278 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
and of his Hienesse’ counsellers and officers following. They are
to say, Johne Lord Thirlestane, Chanceller, George Erle Marshall,
Johne Erle of Marr, Johne Erle of Montrose, Andrew Erle of
Rothesse, and Alexander Lord Livingstoun; James Scot of Bal-
werie, Johne Murrey of Tullibardin, Alexander Bruce of Airth,
knights; Mr George Lawder of Basse, William Scot of Abbots-
hall, and Mr David Carnegie of Colluthie, Alexander Hume of
North Berwick, Proveist, and Clement Cor, Commissioners of
Edinburgh, with the Commissioners of Dundie, Stirline, Linlithguo,
and Cowper, with the officers of estat that sall happin to be present
for the tyme. And incace anie sall happin to be absent, with
power to his Majestie, with advice of suche persons above writtin
as sall happin to be present, to nominat and choose other in their
places; and that Mrs David Lindsay, Robert Bruce, Patrik Gallo-
way, James Carmichael, Robert Rollock, and Johne Duncansone,
ministers, or suche of them as sall be present, have accesse and
audience, when they sall have anie thing to propone, or sall happin
to be called upon for conference: Giving, granting, and committing
to the saids speciall persons of the estats, or anie foure of everie
estat and qualitie, with the officers of the estat that sall happin to
be present for the tyme, full power, charge, and authoritie, to con-
sider the said petitiouns and offers of the said crles, and others sus-
pected and delated of the said crimes; and craving the said tryell,
to try the truthe als weill of their accusatiouns as purgatioun, and
all other maters that sall be propouned unto them, concerning his
Hienesse' estate and effairs, and the present troubles and dis-
orders over all the realme ; and theranent to treate, consult, and
deliberat, and to conclude, in whole or in part, as they sall thinke
convenient, speciallie tuiching the suretie of the estat of the reli-
gioun and professors thcrof; and Suretie to be taikin of all persons
suspected or delated to be adversars of the same, or troublers of
the quietnesse of the realme : Or incace of their disobedience or
contempt, how they sall be persued and repressed; admitting and
declairing the proceedings and conclusiouns of the saids elected
persons of the estats to be als lawfull, effectuall, and sufficient in
1593. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 279
all respects, as if the same were done by his Highnesse full Par-
liament, or by his Privie Counsell, Sessioun, or Assise, before the
Justice-Generall or his deputs: Which his Hienesse will cause be
ratified and approved in his Hienesse' nixt Parliament.
“Extractum de libro actorum Secreti Consilj, S. D. W. Regis, per
me, Joannem Andro, clericum deputatum ejusdem, sub meis signo et
subscriptione manualibus.
“JOANNES ANDRO.”
This driving of tyme made the king to be hardlie thought of by
his best subjects.
Mr Johne Davidsone teaching in the Little Kirk, upon Thurs-
sould faire with us as with the Israelites, of whom fourtie thowsand
were slaine, before they had throughlie humbled themselves,
(Judges xx.) He said, we had als great right to mainteane the
possessioun of the truthe, whether the prince would or not, as our
forebeares had to bring it in, and putt us in possessioun of it,
whether the prince would or not, if need so required.
Upon Fryday, the 2d of November, was published this procla-
matioun following, that none trouble the Erles of Huntlie, Angus,
and Erroll, during the tyme of their tryell:—
“Forasmuche as Williame Erle of Angus, George Erle of Huntlie,
Trancis Erle of Erroll, and some others, being under processe of his
Hienesse' lawes, for certane maters of lese majestie layed to their
charge, as attempted and practised by them against the true reli-
gioun professed, and by law established within this realme, his
Majestie's person and estat, and commoun quietnesse of the realme,
have, by their humble petitiouns and offers, craved tryell of the
same ; wherupon, his Hienesse having consulted with the estats
presentlie assembled at Linlithquo, finding the present tyme and
place not convenient nor sufficient therefore, hath, with advice
of the said estats, nominated and elected certane speciall persons of
the same estates, and givin them full commissioun and authoritie to
consider of the said petitiouns and offers; and to trie the truthe, als
280 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
weill of the accusations as purgations; to provide for the suretie of
the said true religioun, and professors therof; as alsua, to take suretie
of all persons suspected, or delated to be adversars of the same, or
troublers of the quietnesse of the realme : Or incace of their dis-
obedience and contempt, to pronounce how they sall be persued and
repressed. And to the effect that the said erles, and others craving
the said tryell, may be ewest and readie to answere to Suche
things as occasioun sall offer to be inquired of them, and answered
unto by them concerning the same tryell, declareth that their recept
and interteanement in hous by whatsomever his Hienesse' leiges,
during the tyme of the same tryell, sall be no cryme, danger, nor
reproache to their recepters; nor they, nor none of them, sall be
called or accused therefore, criminallie nor civillie, by anie maner of
way in tyme comming, notwithstanding anie processe led or de-
pending against the said erles, or others foresaids, or anie paines
conteaned therinto ; wheranent his Hienesse dispenses, during the
said space, and ordeans letters to be directed for publicatioun
heerof, at the mercat croces of Linlithquo, Edinburgh, and other
places needfull, that none pretend ignorance of the same; and to
command and charge all and sindrie his Hienesse’leiges and sub-
jects, that none of them take upon hand to invade, trouble, or per-
sue the said erles, and others seekers of the said tryell, in bodies
and goods, during the tyme of the same tryell, under all highest
paine, charge, and offence, that they and ilk one of them may com-
mitt and incurre against his Hienesse in that part, the saids erles
and others foresaids craving the said tryell, behaving themselves
quietlie and duetifullie, and attempting nothing against his Hienesse’
estat, lawes, or the said true religioun, in the meane tyme.”
Upon Wednisday, the 7th of November, another proclamatioun
was made, that none repaire to Edinburgh but suche as sould be
writtin for. The act was made at Halyrudhous the day before.
“Apud Halyrudhous, 6 die mensis Novembris, 1593.
“Forasmuche as the king's Majestie, with advice of his nobilitie,
counsell, and estates, which latelie conveened at Linlithguo, hath
1593. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND, 281
givin full power and commissioun, expresse bidding and charge,
to sindrie noblemen, barons, and others, to conveene within the
burgh of Edinburgh upon the 12th day of November instant, there
to treate, consult, deliberat, and conclude upon sindrie maters, spe-
ciallie tuiching the suretie of the estat of religioun, and professors
therof, and suretie to be tane of all persons suspected or delated
to be adversars of the same, or troublers of the quietnesse of the
realme. Or incace of their disobedience and contempt, how they
sall be persued or repressed; and in all other maters that sall be
proponed concerning his Hienesse' estat and effaires, and the pre-
sent troubles and disorders over all parts of this realme; as the com-
missioun givin therupon at lenth proports: Wherefore, and to the
effect that this godlie and good worke may the better proceed, and
be no wise hindered nor stayed by the resort of anie persons sus-
pected, adversars of the said true religion, their freinds or favour-
ers, nor yitt by convocatioun or gathering of persons standing under
deadlie feed, or other persons whatsomever, under whatsomever
colour or pretence; nather by other crafts, factiouns, and restlesse
spirits, seeking occasioun to interteane troubles and unquietnesse in
the countrie, his Majestie, with advice of the saids lords, ordeans
an herald, macer, or other officer of armes, to passe to the Mercat
Croce of Edinburgh, and other places needfull, and there, by opin
proclamatioun in his Hienesse' name and authoritie, command and
charge all and sindrie his Hicnesse' leiges, of whatsomever estat,
qualitie, or degree that ever they be of, that none of them take upon
hand to resort or repaire to the said burgh of Edinburgh, or place
of his Majestie's present residence, upon whatsomever colour or
pretence, during the tyme of the handling and ordering of these
maters, except suche persons as are appointed, and speciallie writtin
for, or that sall first crave and obteane his Hienesse' licence for
their comming, and doing their other leasome effaires and bussi-
nesse ; nor yitt doe nor attempt anie thing by word, deed, or
actioun, which may hinder his Majestie's godlie and good inten-
tioun, as they and ilk one of them will answere to his Hienesse
upon their obedience, at their uttermost charge and perrell, and under
282 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1593.
the paine to be reputed, holdin, esteemed, and persued, as contemners
of his Majestie and his authoritie; movers and raisers of trouble
and insurrectioun, to the breache of his Hienesse’ peace; disquiett-
ing of the countrie, and hindering of this godlie and good worke:
Certefeing them, and they doe in the contrare, they sall be appre-
hended, wairded, and punished with the same, with all rigour and
extremitie, in exemple of others.”
Upon the same day, one called Smeatoun, who lett out Mr
George IKer out of the Castell of Edinburgh for five hundreth
merkes, was hanged.
Upon Fryday, the 9th, some of the ministrie of Edinburgh were ac-
cused by the king, before the counsell, for their free speeches against
the libertie granted to the excommunicated erles not yitt reconciled
to the kirk. He demanded, How they durst be so pert, as to make
him odious to his subjects, by invectives in their sermons? They an-
swered, He made manie faire promises unto them, and never keeped
a word : that he had givin libertie to the excommunicated tratours
to repaire where they pleased, they being excommunicated. They
avowed, that they, and all that professed the Lord Jesus, would
oppone themselves, and therefore desired that there might be sub-
stantiall executioun.
The conventioun beganne the 12th day of November. Few of the
nobilitie came to it: the Lord Hume, the Chanceller, Livingstoun,
the Commissioners of Burrowes. The ministers mett in Mr
Robert Bruce's galrie. Mr Robert Bruce, Mr David Lindsey, Mr
Patrik Galloway, were chosin by generall consent to conveene,
with two of everie estat, for preparatioun of the tryell which was
to be made by the lords. Mr Davidsone would not vote in that
mater. He said, “Looke that this preparatioun prejudge not the
caus: me thinke it necessar, that before anie benefite be granted to
the guiltie lords, the article tuiching wairding of their persons be
preciselie urged before yee goe further; for I am perswaded, that
no truthe, but drift is meant, by this kinde of dealling.” Howbeit,
Mr David Lindsay shifted this mater long, yitt at lenth, by vote of
the whole brethrein, this proposition was agreed unto.
1593, OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 283
The commissioners sent unto the king were halfe mocked. The
king asked, Whether Wedderburne was his baron or no 2 and
whether he understood his proclamatioun ? So Ormeston was cutt
off from further dealing, and whispered in the king's eare. Mer-
chinstoun, Carletoun, Fadownside, commissioners, [were] little con-
tent of their commissioun.
Upon Fryday, the 16th, after noone, the brethrein of the mini-
strie mett together. Mr David Lindsay was appointed to urge the
king's answere to their articles. He reported slight answeres to
no purpose, but drift of tyme and mockerie. For after he had re-
hearsed manie faire speeches uttered by the king, all turned to this,
that the ministers sould advise till the morne, whether the idolatrous
and traterous erles sould be first receaved by the kirk to repentance,
or be first tryed by the civill magistrat and parliament. He had
no sooner delivered this answere, but would have beene at the prayer,
that they might depart. Mr Davidsone said, “If this Assemblie
did their duetie, and used their owne authoritie as they sould, yee
sould be putt in the coale hous, for not urging our articles, and re-
turning suche shifting and triſting toyes to us. It was concluded,
that the article of wairding sould be urged, before anie other ques-
tioun be entered into. Yee bring us a new message and mater of
deliberatioun, to the utter casting off of our articles.” Mr David
upbraided him with singularitie of judgement. But Mr Thomas
Buchanan and Mr William Watsone enlarged his speeche, to the
confusioun of Mr David. There were offers made at this conven-
tioun, of satisfactioun to the kirk and the king's Majestie, by some
agents for the erles; wherupon, the nixt day, the king discoursed,
how dangerous it was to reject their offers. If their offers were re-
jected, they would take them desperatlie to armes, and gett ſorraine
assistance, which might endanger both king, countrie, and reli-
gioun. Manie called to that conventioun were prepared before
hand. Diverse dayes were spent in devising an Act of Abolitioun,
whereat the godlie were muche greeved. In end, it was concluded
as followeth :—
284 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
THE ACT OF ABOLITION.
“At Halyrudhous, the 26th of November, 1593 yeeres.
“The king's Majestie, for the publict peace and quietnesse of
the realme, and that the occasions and pretences of diverse late
troubles occurred within the same may be removed, after mature
deliberatioun, the ministers of God's Word being heard, conferred
with, and their petitions considered, with the advice of the elected
commissioners of the counsell and estats, declareth, and by this his
Hienesse’ perpetuall and irrevocable edict statuteth and ordeaneth,
that God's true religioun publictlie preached, and by law established
in the first yeere of his Hienesse' raigne, sall onlie be professed and
exercised by all his Majestie's lieges within this realme in tyme com-
ming ; and that none of them presume, or take upon hand to avow,
professe, or exercise anie other forme of religioun within the same,
or to recept, mainteane, supplee, or interteane intelligence with
anie Jesuits, Seminarie preests, or others adversars of the said true
religioun, under the paines conteaned in his Hienesse' lawes, and
acts of parliament made theranent; and that all his Majestie's sub-
jects which have not as yitt embraced and professed the said true
religioun, or that have made defectioun therefra in tyme bygane,
sall, before the first day of Februarie nixt to come, effectuallie obey
his Hienesse' lawes, by professing and exercising of the said true
religioun, and satisfeing his Hienesse, the true kirk of God, and
ministrie therof, in underlying and fulfilling suche injunctiouns as
sall be givin by his Hienesse and the kirk, whill there be a suffi-
cient prooffe had of their effectuall and unfained conformitie in
embracing and professing of the said true religioun. Or if anie
of them sall thinke it difficill so to doe, as not being yitt per-
swaded in conscience, that then, upon declaratioun to be made unto
his Majestie of their choice, and upon his Hienesse' licence first
sought and obtained, they sall depart furth of the realme, to suche
parts beyond sea as his Majestie sall please and be contented with,
betuixt and the first day of Februar nixtocum, and there remaine,
1593. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 285
and no wise returne in this realme, whill first they be content to
embrace and professe the said true religioun, and satisfie his Hie-
nesse and the kirk, and make securitie for that effect, in maner after
specified; they and their heyres enjoying their lands, livings, and
goods, in the meane tyme, to their owne uses : To whom his Hie-
nesse giveth power and libertie, by the tenour heerof, by their pro-
curators in their name, to stand in judgement, and persue and
defend their actiouns and causes by order of law, notwithstanding
anie act of parliament or processe led against them, wherewith his
Hienesse in that part by thir presents dispenseth.
“Item, Our Soverane Lord, with advice of the said elected com-
missioners of the estats and counsell, declares, decernes, statuts,
and ordeans, that William Erle of Angus, George Erle of Huntlie,
Prancis Erle of Erroll, Sir Patrik Gordoun of Auchindoun, and
Sir James Chisholme of Cornelix, knights, being suspected, de-
lated, and called to his Hienesse’ late Parliament for treasonable
causes and crymes conteaned in the summouns executed against
them, upon occasioun of blankes and letters intercepted, concern-
ing traffiquing with strangers for troubling of the said true reli-
gioun, his Hienesse, and others professors therof, and libertie of
the realme, sall be free and unaccusable in tyme comming of the
said causes and crymes; and all processe theranent to be abolished,
delete, and extinct, and remaine in oblivioun for ever; discharging
all his Hienesse' justicers, advocats, and others his officers, present
and to come, of all calling, accusing, or in anie wise proceeding
against them and their heyres therefore in tyme comming. But
if they have alreadie, or sall happin heerafter, to send pledges for
them out of this realme, to whatsomever strangers, as for Suretie of
fulfilling of anie offers or conditions on their part, tending to the
harme or perrell of the said true religioun, his Hienesse, or others
professors therof, or libertie or quietnesse of this their native
countrie, in that cace, this present abolitioun and annulling to be
null, and the saids persons to be accusable by law, for the same
causes and crymes conteaned in the said summouns, as if the same
abolitioun and oblivioun had never beene made and granted.
286 CALDERwooD's HISTORIE 1593.
Which abolitioun sall be extended onlie to the crymes conteaned
in the said summouns, proceeding upon the occasioun of the said
blankes and intercepted letters; and to no murthers, slaughters,
fire-raising, and other criminall maters whatsomever. And all
Suche of the said erles, and others above-writtin, conteaned in the
summouns foresaid, as sall deliberat to obey his Hienesse' lawes, in
professing and exercising the said true religioun, before the said
first day of Februarie mixtocum, abide and remaine, in the meane
tyme, in the places and bounds to be appointed unto them by his
Majestie, and utterlie forbeare to practise, traffique, recept, Sup-
plee, or have intelligence with Jesuits, Seminarie preests, excom-
municated or avowed Papists, but debarre them furth of their
bounds and companie ; that they sall forbeare, at their table or
otherwise, to dispute or suffer disputatioun against the said true
religioun, or in favours of the Papisticall religioun, damned by
God’s Word and his Hienesse’ lawes; and sall interteane a mini-
ster of God’s Word in their hous and companie, and be readie to
heare him, conferre with him, and be the better resolute of doubts
by him, against the tyme of their subscribing of the Confessioun
and Articles of the said true religioun; which sall be done by them
at the farthest betuixt and the said first day of Februar, except the
kirk and ministrie, upon good occasioun moving them, sall con-
descend that the said day be prorogued for some longer space:
That the Erle of Huntlie sall, betuixt and the first day of Februar,
putt furth of this realme Mr James Gordoun, his uncle, and the
said Erle of Erroll, Mr William Ogilvie, brother to the Laird
of Duncrummie, professed Jesuits or Seminarie preests, and sall
hold them furth of this realme in all tyme comming: And that
suche of the said erles and others forsaids as subscribe and professe
the said true religioun, sall no wise therafter make defectioun
therefra, but truelie performe the conditiouns above writtin, and
everie one of them, and sall find sufficient soverteis of barons,
landed men, to that effect, ilke one conjunctlie for their owne parts,
which sall content his Majestie. That is to say, everie one of the
said erles, under the paine of fourtie thowsand punds, and either of
1593. OF THIE IXIRIK OF SCOTLAN D. * 287
the saids Sir Patrik Gordoun, or Sir James Chisholme, under the
paine of ten thowsand punds ; and suche as sall make choice
rather to depart, or remaine furth of this realme, nor to embrace
and professe the said true religioun, sall, before the said first day
of Februar nixtocum, find like securitie, and under the lyke paines,
that whill their departing, they sall abide and remaine within the
bounds to be appointed to them by his Majestie ; that they sall
forbeare to practise, traffique, recept, supplee, or have intelligence
with Jesuits, Seminarie preests, or others avowed Papists, during
their remaining within the realme ; as also during their absence
furth of the same, sall forbeare all practising or doing to the harme,
hurt, or prejudice of his Hienesse, and professors of the said true re-
ligioun, or commoun weale, and libertie of this their native countrie,
in anie tyme heerafter. And that the said erles, and others which
sall clame the favour and benefite of this his Hienesse’ edict, ather
by their acknowledging and professing of the said true religioun
within the realme, or by departing and remaining furth of the
realme upon licence, as not yitt perswaded in conscience, make
their declaratioun in writt, of their choice of the said conditiouns,
to his Majestie and to the kirk, betuixt this and the first day of
Januarie mixtocum ; and that the kirk call also all persons sus-
pected to satisfie the kirk; and incace of their refuse, to delate
their names to his Hienesse and to his counsell, that they may be
called for tinsell of their lyverents, as the act of parliament made
theranent beareth : And that the maisters and landslords be holdin
to answere for their men tennents and servants, suspected and de-
lated of Papistrie, as for persons indytted for crymes; and exact
diligence to be done for punishing of the contemmers, alsweill excom-
municated as others, conforme to the said acts, and the paines to
be uptaikin to his Hienesse' use; which his Majestie promiseth to
see performed to the rigour, and that he sall no wise discharge or
dispone the same otherwise.
“And his Hienesse and the saids commissioners of estats have
thought, and thinke this the best forme and maner to quiett the
troubles growing through the bygane proceedings of the adver-
288 CALDERWOOD'S HISTOREE . 1593.
sareis of the said true religioun ; and, therefore, have granted this
present edict, incace the saids erles and others foresaids accept and
performe the conditiouns therof, in maner and within the space
above specified. But alwise the same edict no wise to stand, nor
have force of law, whill first it be accepted, and sovertie made for
accomplishing heerof; nor none sall have space to crave the bene-
fite of the same, incace it be not sought and accepted, the said first
day of Februar being bypast.
“And in tokin and witnessing of the premisses, his Majestie and
commissioners of the said estats have subscribed thir presents, day,
yeere, and place foresaid: Which his Hienesse ordeans to be rati-
fied and approved in his nixt parliament, and to have full effect
and force in the meane tyme, being accepted as said is. Lyke as
the said erles and others above specified, in tokin of their accepta-
tioun of the benefite and favour of the said edict, and faithfull pro-
mise to fulfill the conditiouns therof appointed to them, under the
pecuniall paines before mentionned, to be payed by the soverteis,
beside the incurring of the paine of treasoun themselves, if they
sall happin (as God forbid) to doe in the contrare; they and everie
one of them sall subscribe the double copie of this present edict
with their hands, and returne the same, with their declaratioun of
the choice of their conditions, to be keeped in register, betuixt and
the said first day of Februarie mixtocum. And that letters be
directed for publicatioun heerof, and the same also to be imprinted,
wherethrough probablie it may come to the knowledge of all our
subjects.”
It was givin furth, that this act was made with consent of the
commissioners of burrowes, but they denyed that ever they saw it.
MR. A. MELVILL REBOOKETH THE RING.
About this tyme, Mr Andrew Melvill gave the king a sharpe
reprooffe for his favour borne to Papists, speciallie Huntlie. He
desired that suche as counselled him might shew themselves in
presence of the estats; and if he convicted him not of treasonable
1593. OF THE KERK OF SCOTTANE). 289
and pernicious dealing against Christ, his kirk, the king's estat and
person, and the countrie, he would not refuse to goe to the gibbet,
providing they, being convicted, goe the same way. The king and
his courteours Smyled, and said he was more zealous than wise.
THE KING INTIMATETEI TO THE MINISTERS THE ACT OF
ABOLITION. .
Upon Moonday, the 26th of November, the king sent for the
ministers of Edinburgh. He told them the Act of Oblivioun or
Abolitioun was made by the advice of the three estats, wherupon
letters were givin furth to grant libertie to the lords accused to
passe freelie among his subjects, providing they satisfied the kirk.
They answered, they did not approve the act. The king said, he
required not their approbatioun, but onlie sent for them to intimat
unto them what was done. They said they were excommunicated.
The king answered, that the proceedings of some few ministers
against them in a corner of the countrie was nothing.
Upon Fryday, the 30th of November therafter, Mr Walter
Balcalquall discoursed upon the practises which had beene for a
long seasoun in the court, and the judgements of God that had
lighted upon the cheefe instruments; as upon Bothwell, who died
lyke a dog, and on the queene, that was beheaded the same day
twentie yeere that she caused her husband to be murthered.
TFIE MINISTERS CONSULT UPON THE ACT OF ABOLITION.
Upon Tuisday, the 4th of December, the ministers of Edinburgh,
and others of that Presbyterie, mett after noone, to consult upon
the Act of Oblivioun. Mr Robert Bruce shewed unto them what
faults he had found in it, and how the chanceller had promised to
amend them : that the king therefore had called him often a beast,
and said they sould not be amended. Mr Robert Pont wished the
act sould rather be disannulled, for if they amended it, it would be
called their doing.
WOL. W. T
290 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1593.
MAXWELL SILAINE.
Upon the 6th of December, the Lord Maxwell coming with
forces to cast doun the Lochmond, a hous belonging to the Laird
of Johnestoun, and other houses belonging to his freinds, was re-
sisted by Johnstoun, who gathered quicklie his freinds, the John-
stouns, Scots, Elliots, and others, to the number of five hundreth
men. Maxwell was accompanied with two or three thowsand,
having a commission of lieutenantrie. Maxwell himself, and others,
to the number of twentie in his companie, were slaine, and the rest
putt to flight.
MR. R. BRUCE THEREATNING.
Upon the Lord's day, the 16th of December, Mr Robert Bruce
in his sermoun, the Chanceller and the Secretar, the Justice-Clerk
and Colonell Stuart, being present, said that the king's raigne sould
be troublesome and short if he abolished not the Act of Abolitioun.
LORD HUME SUBSCRIBETH THE CONFESSION OF FAITH.
Upon Saturday, the 22d of December, the ministers of Edin-
burgh receaved the Lord Hume's subscription to the Confession of
Faith, at the directioun of the Presbyterie, who had ordeaned, in-
cace of refusall, that he sould have beene excommunicated the day
following.
MR. G. RAMSAY SUMMOUNED BEFORE THIE I/ORDS.
Mr George Ramsay, minister at Laswaid, teaching in Edinburgh,
charged the Lords of the Colledge of Justice with selling of jus-
tice. He said they sold in the Tolbuith, and tooke payment at
home, in their chambers: that the place of their judgement was
justlie called Tol-buith, becaus there they tooke toll of the subjects.
1594. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 291
He was summouned before the lords, and compeered upon the 22d
day of December, accompanied with the ministers of Edinburgh.
Mr Robert Bruce asked who accused him 2 the chanceller an-
swered, “All we heere that are members of the sessioun.”
“Then,” said Mr Robert, “yee cannot be judges.” “It is true,”
said the chanceller; “we meane no suche thing.” Sindrie of the
lords affirmed that they consented not to the summouns. The king
being present, [said, “Willyee not admitt me to be judge P. They
answered, they would, so farre as concerned his office. So they
were dismissed.
M.D.XCIV,
LORD SOUGH HIS COMMISSION.
Upon the Lord's day, the 13th of Januar, the Lord Sough,
English ambassader, gott presence of the king. The Queene of
England sent him to crave more rigourous justice against the traf-
fiquing lords. Wherupon followed, that becaus the lords had not
accepted of the benefite of the Act of Oblivioun, with the rest of
the conditiouns forenamed, that the act was annulled ; speciallie,
becaus they refused to keepe the tyme appointed to satisfie the
kirk, or depart out of the countrie, and a parliament proclamed to
be holdin the 22d of Aprile, wherunto they sould be summouned
to abyde tryell; and if they compeered not, were to be forefaulted.
The Lord Sough and the ordinarie ambassader procured likewise,
that the said lords sould be charged to enter their persons in waird,
lyke as they were charged soone after to enter. But they dis-
obeyed.
MINUTS SENT FROM THE COUNSELL TO THE PRESBYTERIE OF
EDINBURGHe
Upon the last of Januar, the ministers of Edinburgh were sent
for by a macer, to come before the counsell, to give their advice,
how the traterous lords sould be used. Laith were they to goe,
they had been so oft deceaved, yitt they went. Upon Tuisday, the fyft
292 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1594.
of Februarie, were produced before the Presbyterie of Edinburgh
some minuts from the counsell, by meanes of Mr David Lindsay
and Mr James Carmichaell, ministers, the tenor wheroffolloweth :—
“ Ultimo Januarj, 1594.
“The king's Majestie having commanded us of his counsell
heere resident, first to beginne and take order tuiching the Popish
lords, Jesuits, Seminarie preests, excommunicated persons and
their recepters, we have thought meete that the parliament sall
hold and beginne upon Moonday, the 22d of Aprile nixt.
“That the three erles and Laird of Auchindoun, suspected and
delated of treasoun, sall be charged to enter in waird within + x;
dayes after the charge, under the paine of treasoun; Huntlie, in the
Castell of Dumbartane, Angus, in the Castell of Blacknesse, Er-
roll, in the Castell of Edinburgh, Auchindoun, in the Castell of
Tantallon. If they faile, their disobedience in that point to be
added to the summouns which are to be directed against them.
“My Lords Treasurer-deput, Justice-Clerk, and Advocat, are
directed this day to consult and conclude upon the libelling of the
summouns, wherof we have thought good to give you knowledge ;
desiring you, if there be anie advocats, or other persouns whose
opinioun yee thinke necessar in this consultatioun, that yee will
name them, attend theron, als weill in helping to informe tuiching
the libelling, as in furnishing of mater to the probatioun.
“That yee will let us have the names of the Jesuits, Seminarie
preests, excommunicated persons, and their recepters, knowne to
you, abusers of the sacraments; and that yee will move the pres-
bytereis to proceed by admonitioun and excommunicatioun against
suche as are not alreadie excommunicated; or that they may be
called ather criminallie, or before the counsell, as the act of par-
liament appointeth.
“And that yee will appoint a man of judgement to informe us,
from tyme to tyme, of suche things as are requisite to be done, and
sett fordward to the furtherance of this worke, wherin we intend,
God willing, that there sall be no default on our part.
1594. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND, 293
“Eeked, Primo Februarj.
“Your advice what farther is to be done or craved tuiching the
slaughter of the two ministers in Galloway.
“To take some consideration of the Heeds following, as sall be
thought meete.
“Manie things granted by parliament in favours of the kirk, and
for punishment of the adversars of the true religioun, and of vice,
have taikin little or no effect for want of execution.
“Now, there is a Justice Court proclamed, God knoweth what
effect it sall take. Alwise, that it sall not appeare that the kirk
slippeth the occasioun to seeke justice.
“It appeareth necessar that the names of Papists, excommuni-
cated persons, Jesuits, and their recepters, were givin in, as also of
adulterers.
“And albeit it may be that some of them have alreadie gottin
respits or remissions, yitt it sould be meete to compell them to find
sovertie, under great paines, to absteane in tyme comming; or if it
be not done alreadie, that they sall satisfie the kirk. Which forme
beginning heere, might take the better successe in other parts.”
The ministers of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh named certane
lawyers as the counsell desired them, and appointed Mr Robert
Pont, Robert Bruce, Robert Rollock, James Balfour, David Lindsay,
to assist them.
PRINCE HENRIE BORNE.
Upon Tuisday, the 19th of Februarie, the queene was delivered in
the Castell of Stirline of a man child, betuixt three and foure in
the morning. After dinner, about twelve houres, a volie of twelve
cannons was shott out of the Castell of Edinburgh. The king sent to
the ministers to call the people together to publict thanksgiving, and
to the magistrats to cause sett on balefires. Mr Walter Balcalquall
taught at foure after moone, upon the 117th Psalme. Among
294 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
manie other speeches he had, he said he was assured that the mi-
nisters and godlie in the realme were more joyfull of these good
newes, nor false flatterers that sought themselves onlie, and meanes
to gett silkin schankes and gold buttons: that the joy of the breth-
rein confuted the calumneis of the court flatterers, who traduced
the ministers, as haters of his Majestie.
J. MURRAY OF POWMAIS APPREELENDED.
Upon Tuisday, the 26th of Marche, James Murrey of Powmais
was taikin by the Captan of the Guarde; and three craftsmen,
taylers, were taikin by the proveist, for receaving waiges from
Bothwell. James Murrey was imprissonned in the Jayle of Edin-
burgh, and examined by the Maister of Glames and others of the
counsell, and after lett out unto Johne Robertsone’s hous, upon
requeist, with some of the guarde to keepe him. The three crafts-
men were releeved the day after, or three or foure dayes, through
the importunitie of the wives crying to the proveist, the ministers,
and the ambassader.
THE KING CHALLENGETH THE MINISTERS FOR BREACHIE OF
IPROMISE.
The bruite went, that Bothwell was waiging men of warre, and
gathering his freinds and dependers. The king sent the Laird of
Largo, and Mr Michael Elphinstoun, to the Presbyterie of Edin-
burgh, upon the 26th day after noone, with articles of small pur-
pose. In the meane tyme was the king dytting a certane writt,
which was sent to them, which conteanned a challenge of the mi-
nisters for breache of promise, in that they had not notified Both-
well's guiltinesse and treasoun to the people, and manie faire pro-
mises to persue all suspected Papists. They sett doun their
answeres in writt, in generall, that in a commoun caus they could
doe nothing without advice of the Generall Assemblie ; in particu-
lar, that God’s knowne enemeis sould be first persued, and then
1594. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 295
Bothwell, if it were found that he had brokin since the last remis-
sioun. Mr Patrik Galloway, Mr James Carmichael, and Mr
Daniel Chalmers, were directed to the king, with their answeres to
his articles and the challenge. The king was content the mater
sould be continued till the nixt synod.
A PROCLAMATION FOR PERSUTE OF BOTEIWELL.
Upon the 29th of Marche, the leiges within the bounds of Edin-
burgh, Hadinton, and Linlithguo shirefloms, were charged by pro-
clamation to be in readinesse upon Moonday, the first of Aprile,
to accompanie the king, if neid required, to the persute of Both-
well and his complices, for their assembling themselves against his
person.
MR. R. BRUCE THREATNING.
Upon the Lord's day following, Mr Robert Bruce threatned from
pulpit, that howbeit Bothwell were out of the way, the king sould
never want a particular enemie, till he fought the Lord's battells
against the wicked. He said, the Lord Bothwell had taikin the
protection of the good caus, at least, the pretence therof, to the
king's shame, becaus he tooke not upon him the querrell. Farther,
that he understood not how the king could persue Bothwell, till he
could prove that Bothwell had brokin the last band and indenture
made betuixt them, wherof he was a witnesse. These speeches
galled the king.
A. GUARDIE TAIKIN U.P.
Upon Moonday, the first of Aprile, the drumme was beatin in
Edinburgh, at the king's command, and the trumpet blowne, for
talking up a guarde of foure cornets of horsemen, and four hundreth
footmen, to keepe the courteours' heads unbrokin; that is, the chan-
celler's, the Lord Hume's, and Sir George Hume's.
296 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
A NEW COINE STRICEEN.
A new kinde of coine [was] strickin; ten shilling peeces, five
shilling peeces, threttie shilling peeces, etc., and five pund peeces
of gold. By the raising of the money, the king gained out of the
coine hous a thowsand pund everie weeke, but the poore were
greatlie endammaged.
THE ROAD OF LEITH.
Upon Wednisday, the 3d of Aprile, about the breake of day in
the morning, Bothwell came to Leith with foure cornets of horse-
men. The Lord Hume came in the same day to Edinburgh, with
sevin or eight score of speares weill appointed. All the noblemen,
barons, and gentlemen that were in the toun, for the present, were
commanded to be in readinesse to accompanie the king in armes.
Before he went furth, he went up to the Great Kirk. Mr Patrik
Galloway, his minister, after he had ended the sermon, desired the
king to speeke to the people, and promise executioun of justice:
“Howbeit,” sayeth he, “I can hardlie desire you, by reasoun of
the manie breaches made heretofore.” The king said, “It is no
shame to me to confesse my sinne, suppose I were the greatest
king in the world, for no man liveth without sinne. But no man,
I am sure, ean accuse me of anie haynous cryme, except it be the
not executing of justice upon this Bothwell, as Mr Patrik hath
said. Wherefore, if yee will assist me against him at this tyme, I
promise to persecute the excommunicated lords, so that they sall
not be suffered to remaine in anie part of Scotland; and that the
guarde sall not be dismissed till it be done. And if the Lord give
me victorie over Bothwell, I sall never rest till I passe upon
Huntlie and the rest of the excommunicated lords.”
The toun putteth on their armour. The chanceller putteth on
his jacke. Carmichaell and the Laird of Wemes were chassed in
to the toun by Bothwell's men. The king would needs goe towards
1594. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 297
Leith. All followed confusedlie, and left the toun in confusioun.
As the king and his companie sorted out of the toun toward the
Querrell Holes, betweene ellevin and twelve, Bothwell divided his
companie in two bands, and retired from Leith, being informed
that the toun of Edinburgh was comming furth. They road thicke
and orderlie, not moving themselves more than if none had come
furth to persue them. They road by the backe of Arthure's Seate
toward Dalkeith. The king road through Pleasance to the Burrow-
mure, and the inhabitants of the toun of Edinburgh with him on
foot. Bothwell and his companie were at the Wowmet, when the
Lord Hume and his companie, and some of the guarde, charged
upon them. Bothwell and his companie turne, and chasse the
Lord Hume and his companie in to the footmen. Sindrie were
taikin, and sindrie hurt. My Lord Hume himself was drivin from
his horse, but mounted again with helpe of the neerest: Carmichael
was hurt in the finger. If the toun of Edinburgh had not beene
upon the feilds, Bothwell had chassed the king and all his companie
in at the ports; yea, the fray was so great, that Edinburgh was not
farre from purpose to give place to Bothwell's horse men, if they
had followed.
The king came ryding in to Edinburgh at the full gallop, with
little honour. Bothwell and his companie road at leasure to Dal-
keith, and stayed there all that night, and after went to the Borders.
Bothwell pretended at this road that he intended to persue some
counsellers, till they sould be presented to justice, or banished the
realme, or declared tratours to the countrie, becaus by their meanes
the amitie betuixt the two realmes of England and Scotland was
in danger to be brokin; masse preests suffered to wander through
the countrie, and oustages sent to Flanders for suretie to the
Spaniards, who were to arrive heere shortlie; and, therefore, ex-
horted the king, noblemen, commouns, and magistrats, to assist him
with their authoritie, and threatned, that whosoever assisted these
pernicious counsellers sould be denounced rebells, and punished
with all severitie. These his pretences he sent in writt to the
English ambassaders, and to the Synod of Lothiane, which was
298 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1594.
then holdin in Dumbar, as is alledged by Camden in his Annales,
or rather by the king himself.
THE KING's MOTION MADE TO THE MINISTERs.
Upon Tuisday, the 9th of Aprile, Sir Robert Melvill and the Laird
of Carmichael propouned from the king, to the ministers of Edin-
burgh and the rest of the presbyterie, that they sould advise how
Bothwell's forces sould be holdin out of these parts, if he road
upon the traterous lords. They taiking this motioun to be but a
snare, answered, they would pray for him, and against all that
would oppone to the good caus. Sir Robert urged farther. They
said, they could answere no farther till they saw farther actioun.
Sir Robert compleaned that the nobilitie had left the king. Mr
Robert Bruce said, “His doings and proceedings have made all his
subjects, speciallie the meaner sort, which were so oppressed, that
howbeit the ministrie would exhort them to assist him, it would not
availl, if he amended not.” Therefore, their advice was, that he
would turne, and repent him of his sinnes.
Two companels of horsemen were sent out to apprehend Mr
Jerome Lindsay, sonne to Mr David Lindsay, minister at Leith,
but missed him. He favoured Bothwell.
A PROCLAMATION AGAINST BOTHWELL,
A proclamatioun made against Bothwell, in the narrative wherof
it was alledged, that he keeped not the conditiouns sett doun to
him by the king and conventioun, viz.: That he sould depart the
realme after the parliament which was to be holdin in November
after, at what tyme he sould have pardoun for byganes, and his
living to depart; and, in the meane tyme, that he came not neere
the king by ten myles: but that he taiking them to advisement,
driving tyme, breaking the bounds limited, practised in the meane
tyme treasoun, and, after he was putt to the horne, came in, in
person and armes, against his Majestie.
1594. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 299
Upon Thursday, the ellevinth, the king went over the water to
Bruntisland, and remained foure or five dayes; sent for sindrie
barons and bailliffes of burghes, and inhibited them to suffer anie
to levie men of warre, under the paine of death.
J. ROSSIE ACCUSED.
Johne Rosse, minister, in a sermoun before a synod holdin at
Perth, found fault with the proceedings of the synod; concluded,
out of the sixt of Jeremie, the king to be a tratour to God, in joyn-
ing and shaiking hands with the wicked ; and said, that never good
yitt came out of the hous of Guise. He was summouned to com-
peere before the king and counsell. Whill he was comming to
Edinburgh, to conferre with the brethrein, as he had before con-
ferred with the brethrein at St Andrewes, he was taikin by the
king's horsemen, at the north side of Kinghorne ferrie, about a
myle from Bruntiland, where the king was for the tyme ; disguised
with a plaid, a bonnet, and two dags, without breeches, as one sus-
pected going to Bothwell. Upon Tuisday, the 13th of Aprile, the
ministers of the Synod of Perth came to Edinburgh, at the king's
directioun, for examinatioun of Johne Rosse, and confirmatioun
of their alledged condemnatioun against him. Upon Wednisday,
the 1st of May, some ministers mett in Mr Robert Bruce's galrie,
where some of the Presbyterie of Stirline reported what Johne
Rosse had said in his sermoun, viz.: That the king was a tratour
to God, and no good had come hitherto of the Guisian blood: that
they thought his speeches hard, admonished him, but proceeded no
farther. Some of the brethrein thought it hard to say that the
king sould dee in blood for spairing the shedding of blood; yitt
others justified it, that it was agreeable to the Word and commoun
experience. Johne Rosse could not be induced by the king to ac-
knowledge a fault, and, therefore, was wairded in the Castell of
Edinburgh. The moderator and greatest part of the Synod of
Perth came not as the king had ordeanned.
300 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1594.
JOHNE ROSSE HIS ANSWERES BEFORE THE KING AND THE
COUNSELL.
Q. “Whether ever yee had anie particular sute to anie of the
courteours; or if ever yee imployed his Majestie in anie thing?”—
A. “Never as yitt, nather desire I to imploy anie in anie sute of
myne to his Majestie.”
Q. “Whether are yee sib to Bothwell or not?”—A. “Yes, as I
suppone, and that upon the Hepburne's side.”
Q. “Had yee anie particular, or anie of yours, against his Ma-
jestie P-A. “Your Lordship nor his Majestie needs not to insist
in anie of these particulars; for I testifie before that Supreme
Majestie, that nothing by me that day was spokin of anie passionat
or prejudged affectioun to his Majestie, or of anie good will to his
rebell, but onlie for love of righteousnesse, and detestatioun of
sinne.”
Q. “I appeale your conscience, if yee knew that Bothwell was
on the feild at that tyme?”—A. “Yes, I knew it.”
Q. “Thought yee it not a dangerous thing, at suche a tyme, to
utter suche seditious doctrine, the king's rebell being on the feilds; or
whether meant yee to stirre up his Majestie's subjects against
him *—A. “I understand, the greater danger, the more sould we
studie to bring men to a sight of their sinne; nather meaned I anie
way to irritat his Majestie's subjects against him.”
Q. “But the king was not present there.”—A. “I have not
learned to round maters there; for, as appeareth, his Majestie hath
both heard of it, and now may read of it, though then absent; and
I concluded, ere I went there, I would be sent for and accused.
Farther, I had als good warrant out of the writtin Word to speeke
of men's doings, and to reprove their sinnes, though absent, as the
prophets had to the hills and mountaines of Judea ; and I see
preachings availl als muche uttered behind his Majestie's backe as
they that are before his face; and I have not learned that wisdom,
in tyme of danger to be silent.”
1594. OF THE ICIRE OF SCOTLAND. 301
Q. “What was your drift in that doctrine *—A. “To lett us
and all men see that we have cast over long our carnall eyes upon
the aide of a carnall prince ; looking that things disordered sould
be repaired, and, as yitt, no appearance. Therefore, that we might
learne to cast a vaill over the carnall ey, and studie to take the
Vaile away from the spirituall ey, and fixe it als long upon the
Prince of princes, yitt not rejecting altogether the hope of the
other, and yitt not to leane to it; and that the Lord would waikin
his Majestie's heart in mercie, by Bothwell his schapping,' since
heeretofore he hath gottin so manie wairnings.”
Q. “What was the caus yee came not unto his Majestie be-
fore ?”—A. “The meanenesse of my behaviour and gifts hindered
me. And, farther, so manie good men have spokin both privatlie
and publictlie to his Majestie, yitt have not come great speed,
therefore I thought, and thinke, my labour had beene lost.”
Rea. Q. “Had I beene there, I could have answered better nor
yee could have spokin.”—A. “And it may be, Sir, I had not beene
dumbe.”
Q. “Whether if your conscience accused you in anie thing that
day delivered 7”—A. “Not in a jote in anie fault or oversight to
his Majestie.”
Q. “What particular men, thought yee, misled his Majestie P’
—A. (Heere I stayed long, and refused to make them censurers of my
doctrine, but appealed to my ordinar judge. Pitt at lenth answered,)
“Certan it is his Majestie is misled, by whom I know not, nather
will I give up anie man a misleader of his Majestie.”
Q. “Wherin will yee prove his rebellioun ?”—A. “By a perpe-
tuall omissioun of that injoymed unto his Majestie by God; and,
Sir, your Majestie standeth over muche upon inches and points of
honour with God. God hath a particular, your Majestie hath a
particular; your particular tuicheth your Majestie over muche, and
God's nothing. So, ather must God yeeld or your Majestie. Yee
will not yeeld the spairing of Huntlie, and the rest holdeth up
Bothwell; and till order be putt to Huntlie, looke for no victorie
* Knocking.
302 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
over Bothwell. Admitt that Bothwell be gottin, yitt God sall
raise up a Bothwell out of a bushe: yee sall not want a Bothwell.
And it is not possible that the bloodie murthers and apostasie of
that man can be left unpunished: putt hand to Huntlie, and Both-
well sall fall. Sir, looke not for your owne standing, let be
Bothwell's fall, unlesse these tratours be put order to. Be instant,
Sir, in your owne particular, but oversee not God’s.”
Q. “Involved yee the king in their fault P−A. “Yes, indeed;
by reasoun of his Majestie's oversight, he is participant of their
sinnes, and that is a fault commoun to princes; and your Majestie
hath spokin with them since their apostasie, and might have pun-
ished them, and would not, and therefore guiltie of their sinne.”
Q. “Involved yee him absolutelie in their sinne P-A. “Yes,
alwise leaving place to amendment.”
. Q. Rew. “And so is there place of amendment left to them.”—
A. “I doubt of that, Sir, seing they have gone so farre in mischeefe
and malicious apostasie, and I have not heard nor read if anie Suche
double malicious apostats have gottin grace to amend; yitt I sus-
pend my judgement: but your Majestie having grace, might soone
red you of that miserie.”
Q. “Wherin will yee prove him guiltie of their treasoun?”—A.
“Becaus promise was made by his Majestie, that they sould be
punished, which is yitt overseene; and, till it be repaired, I involve
his Majestie in their treasoun, or anie other guilt whatsomever.”
Q. “How said yee, his Majestie sought their standing under
covert P’—A. “Under covert of his promise made concerning their
persute ; yitt no persute ; we, reposing upon the promise, are
frustrated of our expectatioun. And so, he sought their standing,
in so farre as he putt us off with faire words, they still remaining
in their owne rowmes unpersued. So, in respect of the promise
made, unperformed, I involve him in the guiltinesse of their
sinne.” $
Q. “What meaneth that yee said, that this houre his Majestie
hath a sore heart and accusing conscience P-A. “If conscience
be suche a thing as I take it, I am sure, even there where your
1594. OF THE IXIRK OF SCOTLAND. 303
Majestie sitteth, yee have a sore heart and an accusing conscience.
For where the conscience is once wakenned with the sight of so
great guiltinesse, it can have no true peace without reconciliatioun,
and no reconciliatioun with God but a mends of the misse. The
misse is yitt unrepaired. So, then as now, and now as then, I am
sure your Majestie may have a sore heart and an accusing con-
science, and sall have, till these oversights in some measure be
repaired.”
Q. “Whether will a conscience accuse at all tymes *—A.
“Where a guiltie conscience accuseth not, it hath but a false se—
curitie.”
Q. “What reasoun had yee to speeke of the house of Guise ?”
—A. “I find it a constant doing in the Scripture, not onlie to sett
doun the names of kings themselves, but of their fathers, mothers,
whose maners they followed, good or ill. So, in that point, I
varied not a jote from the ground of the Scripture.”
Q. S. R. M. “Queene Marie was als vertuous a prince as ever
raigned in Europe.”—A. “I speeke onlie of religioun and persecu-
tioun.”
Q. Rew. “What persecutioun was in my mother's tyme?”—
A. “There was persecutioun, wherof now I remember not.”
Q. “If yee cannot prove persecutioun to have beene in her
tyme, will yee not confesse yee have done his Majestie wrong in
all the rest ?”—A. “If I prove it not, Sir, as I sall prove it in that
point, Sir, I sall not be ashamed to confesse my fault to the mean-
est in all Edinburgh, lett be to your Majestie. But so farre as I
may prove it, I will not confesse a word.”
Q. “Will yee not ?”—A. “Na, not indeid, Sir.”
Q. “There was greater quietnesse of religioun in her tyme nor
anie tyme before or sensyne.”—A. “I speeke not what was, but
what might have beene. As for the time sensyne, the greater
shame is yours, Sir, she being an enemie, and yee a professor of
religioun.”
Q. “When Knox was brought before my mother, to the Abbey,
for preaching, as yee are before me now, he was more honourablie
304 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1594.
convoyed by the toun of Edinburgh, nor he nor anie of his kin was
worthie of.”—A. “Certanelie, Sir, that was an honest man.”
Q. “He was a knave, and yee another; and over muche rest
made him wantoun, as it does you now.”—A. “I wishe, Sir, yee
had manie knaves lyke him.”
Q. “How thought yee his Majestie mightie in words?”—A. “I
would wishe your words fewer and better, and your deeds moe and
better.”
Q. Rew. “It is hard to give anie sentence of the young prince.”
—A. “I speeke mather good nor evill of him.”
Q. “Will yee stand and byde by all that yee have spokin P−
A. “The heart thought it, the mouth spake it, the hand hath sub-
scribed it, and, if need be, (by God’s grace,) the blood sall seale it.”
Q. “What meant yee, he sould end in blood, and dee appear-
andlie extraordinariiie, with his predecessors P’—A. “These words
are two wise understood. That he sould end in blood, sould putt
an end to him ; that is, the punishment and judgement of inno-
cent blood sould persue him, and hunt him unto the death. And,
in the death, Abel's blood is said to persue Cain, that is, the
judgement of God, for innocent blood, raised up in the heart of
Cain. Now, no mentioun is made of Cain his death, but, how
ever, he deeth in the judgement of blood. Sir, God hath beene
chopping oft and sindrie tymes at your heart. Take tent in tyme,
least one choppe come for all. In a word, Sir, and yee putt not
order to so manie foule murthers, dee as yee will, dee in your bed,
yee sall dee in the judgement of blood, and in the judgement of
God. As for the other part, it is one in effect with the former;
nather speeke I of anie determinat or particular judgement. The
storehous of God’s judgements are never emptie. Yee continuing
in the course yee are in now appearandlie, yee sall one way or
other be tane away extraordinarilie.”
Q. “What meant yee, ‘He is in the way of death, the end
wherof must be reprobatioun ?’”—A. “So long as a man maketh
nather conscience of his owne sinnes, nor of other men's sinnes, so
long is he in the way of death, the end whereof must be reproba-
1594. OF THE ICIRE OF SCOTLAND. 305
tioun. So long as a man is not past nature, so long is he in the
way of death; and your Majestie's doings testifie yitt that yee
continue in that estate, and is not past nature.” *
Q. “What meaned yee, ‘He is a reprobat king P”—A. “Sir,
yee have the name of king, but yee want the stampe. Amendi-
ment of your former estat, which yitt we see not, is a stampe and
badge of Christianitie.”
Q. “Called yee me a hypocrite ”—A. “Yes, Sir.”
Q. “In what termes; and what was the caus yee wrote it not
as the rest ?”—A. “I forgott, Sir, but now I say it; and the more
unsanctified knowledge a man hath, being a hypocrit, he is the
fynner of it.”
Q. “How said yee, his Majestie's name sould be registred in the
name of a king, but to his greater shame *—A. “I trow, no man
can denie, but if there be not another forme tane up, the things
which alreadie tragicallie have fallin out in this land, in his tyme,
must be read heerafter to the shame of the living, and greefe of the
posteritie.”
Q. “But yee know, Samwell, after he had knowne Saul was
deposed from the kingdom, yitt at Saul’s requeist he came backe,
and honoured the king, and prayed for him two yeere after that ;
muche more, at suche a tyme sould yee have honoured the king,
and not uttered suche seditious doctrine, to irritat his subjects
against him.”—A. “The Lord is my record, that in that I meaned
no seditioun against his Majestie, and I heare ever, that at greatest
dangers men sould be wairned of their sinnes. And, Sir, I would
wishe at God, that not onlie your Majestie's rebells, but all God's
rebells, godlesse atheists, perjured Papists, and excommunicats with
obstinacie, were hanged, to the conditioun, I were hanged a pinne
above the lave; which is no tokin of seditioun ; that my blood
might remove the blood and plague from God's people.”
Q. “But yee will not gett King James the Sixt his name in
all the Bible *—A. “Als honest men's names as anie king in
Europ are sett doun in the Bible, more sharpelic reproved, as good
"WOL. V. |U
306 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
Josaphat and others. Sir, the Scripture is not of anie privat in-
terpretatioun,”
Q. “Will yee subscribe all that yee have givin in writt, and
abide by it?”—A. “Yes, Sir; and so farre as the Word or expe-
rience may beare it out, I will byde, and not yeeld onejote, by God's
grace; but where I laike warrant, I would not ashame to confesse
my fault.”
Q. “Who bade you preache, who choosed your text, and what
space gott yee to it?”—A. “I had a lawfull calling to that rowme,
God offered me my text, and the space was not long.”
Q. “How long have yee beene a minister P’—A. “Not long a
minister, and if God had givin me my owne will, I had never beene
a minister; but praised be God, that hath thrust me in that
honourable office against my will.”
A MORAVIAN TAIKIN.
Upon Wednisday, the 24th of Aprile, a Moravian was taikin
and examined. It was said that he was come from the Pope, for
evill offices against the king, but no suche thing could be tryed; a
fiction, no doubt, to make the people beleeve that the king was
hated of the Pope.
A SPANISEI SHIP AT MONTROSE.
A Spanish shippe runne on ground, at Montrose, upon the 30th
of Aprile, wherin was gold, which was caried to the enemeis.
THE KING's HORSEMEN MUSTERED.
Upon Fryday, the thrid of May, the king's horsemen mustered
at Leith, before noone. The king asked everie man's surname;
and finding one among them called Christesone, he said, “If yee
were in St Giles’ Kirk, and a Psalme Booke in your hand, yee
1594. OF THE RIRR OF SCOTLAND. 307
would be called an holie man.” Suche profane speeches were fre-
quent in his mouth. He would have everie one of his horsemen
sweare that they would serve him faithfullie. The most part
answered, they would serve God and him.
TEIE KING SUSPECTETH MIRS ANDREW AND JAMES MELVIII.
Becaus Bothwell made faire pretences, and gave out in secreit,
that he was imployed by the kirk against the Papists, Mr Andrew
and Mr James Melvill were suspected by the king as favourers,
and to have furnished money collected among good Christians to
his behove. The king made inquirie, but it was hard to find that
which was never ather thought or wrought. Mr James Melvill, in
his Memorialls, wrytting upon this purpose, hath these words: “I
never lyked the man, nor had to doe with him, directlie nor in-
directlie; yea, after good Archibald Erle of Angus, I knew not
one of the nobilitie of Scotland with whom I could communicat my
minde tuiching publict effaires, lett be to have anie dealing in
actioun.”
THE # * GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.
The Generall Assemblie conveened at Edinburgh, the 7th of
May. Exhortatioun being made by Mr David Lindsay, last Mode-
rator, Mrs Andrew Melvill, Patrik Galloway, Patrik Simsone,
Robert Pont, being removed, Mr Andrew was chosin Moderator.
PROCEEDINGS AGAINST PAPISTS.
Sessioun 2.
The necessitie of the tyme and effaires which are to be treated,
being considered by the Assemblie, It is concluded, that no brother,
having commissioun to this Assemblie, depart from the same
before the finall dissolutioun therof, without licence obteaned there-
308 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1594.
fra, under the paine of suspensioun from their office, untill they be
reponed by the said Generall Assemblie againe thereto. And as
concerning the penaltie of commissioners that come not to the AS-
semblie at all, or remaine not whill the end therof, ordeans the
register to be considered what hath beene statuted alreadie, and to
report after noone.
Sessioun 3.
Tuiching the citatioun of James Drummond, Oliver Young,
James Adie, Johne Tend, Patrik Justice, William Hall, indwellers
of Perth, at the instance of the brethrein of the presbyterie there,
for the slanderous recepting of the apostat lords within their toun;
the saids persons compeering, and inquired if they recept the said
lords, and acknowledging therin simplie an offence done to God
and his kirk, answered, they recept them, but against their will,
and for obedience to the king's charge. Alwise, before the com-
ming of the charge, the greatest part of all the toun had conde-
scended to receave them ; and being urged with the promise they
made not to receave them, and violatioun therof, answered, that pro-
mise of assistance was made unto them, and not keeped. After
which answere, being removed, and certane good brethrein being
directed to conferre with them, and re-entering, they, for them-
selves, and in name of the whole toun, confessed, to the glorie of
God and satisfactioun of the Assemblie, that they were over rash
and suddane in receaving suche notorious enemeis to God, desiring
most earnestlie that no man be slandered, or take evill exemple
thereby; protesting before God, they entered in the toun against
their hearts that are present heere ; promising, by God's grace,
never to give occasioun, in tyme comming; and to assist and
mainteane the kirk of God, and his true religioun professed pre-
sentlie within this realme, and to resist the enemeis and adversars
therof to the uttermost of their power; and to obey and putt in
executioun, so farre as concerneth their duetie, the ordinances of
the kirk, agreeing with the Word of God. Which confessioun
they gave in in writt, and subscribed the samine with their hand,
1594. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 309
so manie as could write, in presence of the whole Assemblie ;
wherewith the brethrein standing content, ordeaned the minister of
the toun of Perth to publish the same in pulpit, and to declare the
satisfactioun of the Assemblie theranent; ordeaning also the acts
concerning this offence, registred in the bookes of the presbyterie,
and processe deduced therin against the toun, to be obliterat and
putt out of the register.
Sessioun 4.
Tuiching the sentence of excommunicatioun pronounced by the
brethrein of the Synodall Assemblie of Fife against the apostat
lords, the whole Assemblie, in one voice, ratifieth and alloweth the
said sentence and processe of excommunicatioun led against them,
ordeaning the whole pastors within this realme to intimat solemne-
lie at their kirks the said sentence, that none pretend ignorance of
the same; except Alexander Lord Hume, who hath satisfied the
kirk, and is relaxed therefra.
In this sessioun, inquirie was made what diligence the presby-
tereis had used for extirpatioun of Poprie, and what discipline
against Papists, recepters of excommunicats, Jesuits, and Semi-
narie preests, that the danger imminent to the true religioun and
kirk of God may be considered.
It was thought meete to consider both what the king and the
ministers had done. The king's proceedings were considered, and
the act made, Januarie, 1592, and the band made at Aberdeen in
Marche, 1592, were ordeaned to be registred in the bookes of the
Assemblie. The tenour wherof, see above, page 233.
As for the part of the kirk in these dangers, it was found that
they had not beene ydle nor negligent in craving remedie; that
commissioners from the Assemblie had propouned the articles to
the parliament, for forfaultour of the apostat erles; that petitiouns
were directed from a conventioun of ministers and barons holdin in
Edinburgh, to the king, when he was at Jedburgh, and againe
from another conventioun to the king, and conventioun holdin at
3.1.6) CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1594.
Tinlithguo; but their travells had small successe, and the danger
nothing diminished.
The Generall Assemblie giveth commissioun to their brethrein,
Mrs Patrik Galloway, his Hienesse’ minister, Peter Blekburne, and
Patrik Simsone, to give informatioun to his Majestie of the evident
danger imminent to the kirk of God within this realme, according
to the instructioun givin to them, and therewithall to present to
his Majestie the humble articles and petitions of the Assemblie
proponned for removing of the said dangers; and to insist, with all
humilitie and due reverence, for his Majestie's good answere there-
unto, to the glorie of God and confort of his kirk; and to report
with all good diligence his Majestie's answere to the Assemblie,
before they dissolve.
THE DANGERs which, THROUGH THE IMPUNITIE OF THE EXCOM-
MUNICATED PAPISTs, TRAFFIOUERS WITH THE SPANIARDS, AND
OTHER ENEMEIS OF THE RELIGIOUN AND ESTAT, ARE IMMINENT
TO THE TRUE RELIGIOUN PROFESSED WITHIN THIS COUNTRIE,
HIS MAJESTIE'S PERSON, CROWNE, AND LIBERTIE OF THIS OUR
NATIVE COUNTRIE.
“The same dangers which of before, by the craftie and pernici-
ous practises of the Jesuits, and the malicious, unnaturall, and trea-
sonable conspiraceis of the Erles of Huntlie, Erroll, and Angus,
with their complices, threatned the subversioun of the true reli-
gioun, and the professors therof, his Majestie's crowne and person,
and betraying of this our native countrie to the cruell and merci-
lesse Spaniard, and were at that tyme discovered, and vivelie ap-
prehended by his Majestie and estats, and whole bodie of this
realme, so evidentlie, that none can pretend ignorance ; at this
tyme are imminent, more urgent, and more to be feared, nor when
the danger seemed to be the greatest, as may evidentlie appeare by
the reasons following:—
“1. It is certane that the Spaniard, who, with suche great pre-
paratiouns in 1588 yeere, interprised the conqueist of this yle, re-
1594. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 311
maineth as yitt of the same intention, and waiteth onlie upon a
meete occasioun to accomplishe that his purpose; as it appeareth
cleerelie, by his continuing in this intertainement of intelligence,
and traffiquing with the foresaids excommunicats, ever since the
dissipatioun of his navie.
“2. The manifest rebelliouns of the foresaids excommunicats,
and defection from his Majestie's obedience, after so evident ap-
pearances of their wracke, for their manifest and treasonable attempts
at the Bridge of Dee, at Falkland, etc., and the prooffe of his Ma-
jestie's favours and clemencie towards them in pardoning their said
treasons, declareth, that their malicious and restlesse ingynes, in
prosecuting of their unnaturall conspiraceis against the religioun
and countrie, cannot leave off nor ceasse, so long as they are not
punished, nor restrained by justice, and execution of justice.
“3. Where as the kirk at all occasiouns hath insisted to declare
to his Majestie, counsell, and estats, the dangers evident for the
tyme, and to crave convenient remedeis therunto, yitt, in effect,
nothing hath beene obteaned, notwithstanding whatsomever pro-
mises, acts, proclamatiouns, roads, etc., wherethrough they have
beene putt alwayes in great securitie, and take libertie and bold-
nesse of farther practises and attempts.
“4. Notwithstanding it was expresslie provided by Act of Coun-
sell, that none sould presume to traffique or speeke in favours
of the said excommunicats, under paine of tinsell of their offices,
yitt now they are advanced in greater credit of his Majestie, that
are knowne to have beene their cheefest favourers; and they ceasse
not as yitt, contrare to their promises, to procure them all favour,
oversight, and immunitie, as it appeareth in effect, whatsomever
they pretend. º
« 5. The erectioun of the idolatrie of the masse in diverse quarters
of the land, as namelie, in Mr Walter Lindsay's hous of Balgay, in
Angus; in the young Taird of Bonnyton's hous of Birnes; in the
Erle of Angus' hous of Bothwell, in Cliddisdaill, and in the places
of his residence in Dowglasdaill; in the Erle of Huntlie's houses of
Strabogie and Old Aberdeen ; in the Erle of Erroll's houses of
312 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1594.
Logyamont and Slains, prove cleerelie, that ather they find them-
selves sufficientlie assured of suche favour and assistance within the
countrie, as may plainlie mainteane their caus by force, or ellis that
they are perswaded of the aide of strangers to be in suche readi-
nesse, as in due tyme may serve for their releefe, before that his
Majestie and the professors of religioun performe anie thing in effect
in their contrare; or otherwise, they durst never so openlie disclose
their idolatrie.
“6. The refusall of the Act of Abolitioun offered unto them by
his Majestie, to the great greefe of his good subjects, proveth suffi-
cientlie the same; for it is verie probable and manifest, that they
would never have refused so great a benefite, except that they had
thought themselves fullie assured of a better, ather by favour of
court and assistance within the countrie, or by concurrence and aide
of strangers without.
“7. Their refusall to enter in waird, notwithstanding his Majes-
tie's indignatioun, and all that might follow therupon, proveth the
S{\,(\Ole.
“8. The late arrivall of the barke at Montrose evidentlie sheweth
that their dangerous practises are presentlie at the point of execu-
tion against the religioun and the countrie, and must haistilie bring
furth some great inconvenient, except they be prevented and re-
sisted by a present remedie.
“9. The opin conventiouns of the forenamed excommunicated
erles, holdin at Brechin and other places, since the arrivall of the
said barke, declareth, that they esteeme their courses now to be so
substantiallie led, that they regard not what may be done for re-
sisting of the same.
“10. The diligence of the said excommunicats, in preparing and
putting their whole forces in the North in armes and readinesse
upon advertisement, sheweth that they have some present interprise,
and attend onlie upon convenience, which appearandlie they are
verie muche animated to looke for, since the arrivall of the said
barke.
“11. Wheras his Majestie and estats, at the first discoverie of
1594. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTL.AND. 313
their conspiraceis, apprehended a verie great danger to the true
religioun, the king's estat and crowne, and libertie of the countrie;
and notwithstanding that the same causes of danger as yitt re-
maine whole unremoved, there is no apprehension of anie danger,
nor earnest care to withstand it, it is evident that ather there is an
inclination and purpose to cover, extenuat, and beare furth the
evill cause, wherethrough they will not see, or ellis the Lord in
judgement hath blinded and hardened the hearts of all estats, to
groppe in the midde day that which they cannot see ; which is the
greatest danger of all, and a most certane argument of the wrathe
of God, and his heavie judgement hanging over the land; and so
muche the more to be feared, becaus there is no caus of feare ap-
prehended.”
REMEDEIS FOR THE SAME.
“For remedie of the foresaids dangers, the Assemblie ordeans
the commissioners to deale earnestlie with his Majestie, that he
may apprehend the perrell, and be moved with a bent affectioun to
proceed against the forenamed excommunicated Papists, tratours,
as followeth :—
“1. That the saids excommunicats be forefaulted without favour,
and to that effect, that the parliament appointed to the 27th of this
instant be holdin preciselie, without anie kinde of delay; the ad-
vocat sufficientlie instructed in everie point, that the summouns
may be found relevant, and sufficient probatioun provided.
“There sall nothing of the turne be undone on my part, as I
have at lenth declared to the bearers.
“2. That none suspected of religioun be chosin upon the articles.
“Great reason ; and farther, as I have shewed the foresaid
bearers.
“3. That they be persued after the forefaultrie by way of deid,
with all extremitie, and their lands and rents annexed to the
crowne, to remaine with his Majestie and successors for ever,
314 CALDERWOOD's IIISTORIE 1594,
and no part therof disponned to anie in favour of the persons fore-
faulted.
“Great reason, the forefaultrie being ended.
“4. That, in the meane tyme, his Majestie his guarde be im-
ployed for apprehending Mr Walter Lindsay, the Abbot of New-
abbey, Bonnyton, younger, Mr George Ker, Mr Alexander Leslie,
Thomas Tyrie, with all other traffiquers, Jesuits, and Seminarie
preests, not conteaned in the summouns of forefaultrie.
“How willing I am to be imployed in apprehending anie prac-
tising Papist, I remitt me to the bearer's declaratioun.
“5. That the rebells' houses be taikin, charged, and manned, and
their livings intromitted with and uptaikin to his Majestie's use
without favour; and no part therof disponed to their freinds, or
anie other person for their commoditie.
“Great reason, how soon they are forefaulted, and I thanke
them for their counsell.
“6. That all persons be inhibited, under the paine of treasoun,
and tinsell of life, lands, and goods, to recept, supplee, rise, and
concurre, or have intelligence with the foresaids excommunicats,
under whatsomever pretence of vassals, dependers.
“Great reason, their forefaltour alwise preceding.
“7. That the whole subjects be charged to putt themselves in
armes, by all good meanes they can, remaining in full readinesse to
persue and defend, as they sall be certified by his Majestie, or
otherwise finding the occasioun urgent.
“To be readie at my charge is verie meet, but I understand not
the last claus of urgent occasion.
“8. That the barke arrived at Montrose be apprehended, and
the persons that were within her, together with suche others as
have had a dealing with them, according as they sall be givin up
in ticket, be called, and diligentlie examined, for discoverie of the
practises and purposes which they have presentlie in hand.
“I sall omitt no diligence in that which can be required at my
hands, as I Sall answere to God,
1594. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTTLAND. 315
“9. Forasmuche as the Lord Hume hath contraveened sindrie
points, wherin he was obliged unto the Kirk of Edinburgh, by his
promise, at the receaving of his subscriptioun ; as namelie, in not
satisfeing the Assemblie of Fife, in not receaving a minister in his
hous, in not removing furth of his companie Captan Andrew Gray
and Thomas Tyrie, whereby, as also by his slanderous life since his
subscriptioun, he has givin just caus of suspicioun to the kirk and
all good men, that in his heart he is not yitt truelie sanctified and
converted to the true religioun ; therefore, that his Majestie would
take earnest tryell of the premisses, and there judge if there appeare
in him suche a sinceritie of life and religioun as his Majestie may
lippin unto, and the kirk looke for sure freindship in so dangerous
a tyme, in the caus of religioun ; which not being found, that his
Majestie would remove him from his companie, and discharge him
of all publict office and commandement.
“I)istingue tempora, et concordabis Scriptwras. The meaning of
this the bearer will shew unto you.
“10. That the guarde presentlie taikin up be tryed, together
with their captans, in respect of manie complaints givin in against
them to the Assemblie.
“The complaints belong not to their office. Alwise, I have sa-
tisfied the bearer heerin.”
(Sic subscribitur) “JAMES R.”
“At Edinburgh, the 10th of May, 1594.
“The Assemblie giveth commissioun to Mrs Patrik Galloway,
Robert Rollock, Patrik Simsone, James Melvill, James Nicolsone,
to propone the dangers and remedeis above-writtin to his Majestie,
and to report his Majestie's answeres therunto.”
(Sic subscribitur)
“MR ANDREW MELVILL, Moderator.”
316 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1594.
Sessioun 12.
Alexander Lord Hume compeering in face of the Assemblie, and
inquired by the Moderator, if he confessed in his heart before the
Lord, and with his mouth, fbat he was justlie cast out of the kirk,
by a sentence of excommunication pronounced against him by the
Synodall of Fife, and as he would answere, upon paine of his sal-
vatioun and damnatioun, simplie to speeke the truthe theranent ;
protested and acknowledged opinlie, that he was justlie excommu-
nicated, and confessed his fault therin; and being inquired, why he
sought not to be relaxed from the said sentence, according to the
directioun of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh 2 excused him, by ig-
norance of that part of the act; as also, being accused that he de-
teaned the stipends of sindrie of the ministrie, speciallie of Chirne-
side, answered, he was readie what he ought to doe of law.
Being farther demanded, why he hath not keeped conditiouns
speciallie sett doun in the act of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, as
namelie, tuiching a minister in his owne hous; tuiching the re-
moving of Thomas Tyrie out of his companie P answered, that he
remembred not that he was oblished by promise to have a minister
in his hous; yitt, in that point, he is content to have one, as the
kirk sall appoint. And as to Thomas Tyrie, grants he was in his
service since his subscribing, but understood not that he was
obliged to remove him, whill the kirk proceeded to excommunica-
tioun against him ; which he beleeveth he sought of the kirk, and
beleeves they granted it. Alwise, fra the said Thomas was excom-
municated, he removed him out of his companie. And as to Johne
Tyrie and Captan Gray, they are not his servants,
Being inquired, if there was anie person called Cowy, whom
with he spake shortlie, or anie sett on land, with the barke that
came last in ; denyeth the same. And inquired, if Macquirrie was
in his hous shortlie, grants, within these five dayes he was in his
hous, and came by his witting, having mather letter nor commis-
sioun to him, and past away within halfe an houre. And, last of
1594. OF THIE [IRR OF SCOTLAND. 317
all, the said lord confessed, in presence of God and his holie angels,
whom he tooke witnesse, and the Lord Jesus, whom he tooke
Judge, when he sall come to judge the quicke and the dead, that
he professeth from his heart the religioun presentlie professed by
his kirk heere present, wherof alreadie he hath subscribed the
articles before the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, and with his solemne
oath confessed before them, and now confesseth before the As-
semblie, to be the onlie true and infallible religioun which leedeth
to salvatioun, wherin he mindeth to live and dee, and sall to the
uttermost defend against all the enemeis therof; and denyeth, as
he sall answere to the dreadfull God, the Roman Catholick reli-
gioun, as the antichristian religioun, directlie opponned to the
truthe of God, and his true service; which he testifieth to the whole
Assemblie, by upholding of his hand, and with solemne witnessing
of God, that he hath no dispensatioun nor indult to subscribe or
sweare to the said articles.
For farther satisfactioun of the brethrein, the Assemblie ordeans
my Lord Proveist of Edinburgh, Alexander Hume, the Laird of
Aittoun, Mrs Johne Davidsome, David Blacke, David Lindsay,
to deale farther with my Lord after noone, to try of his full reso-
lutioun,
Sessioun 14.
The which day, compeered Alexander Lord Hume in Assemblie,
and with all humilitie craved, that he might be absolved from
the sentence of excommunicatioun led against him ; protesting be-
fore God, he would in tyme comming give prooffe of obedience and
service to God, and mainteane the truthe of His religioun present-
lie professed by the kirk heere present, to his live's end. And al-
though he sometimes was in a different religioun from them, now
avoweth (he being better instructed in the heed, wherin he some-
tyme differed from them) the present Confessioun of Faith, and
religioun professed presentlie by the Assemblie; and if he sall heer-
after declyne therefra, submitts him in that cace to the Assemblie
3.18 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
of the Kirk, hoping, by God’s grace, never to make defectioun there-
fra. The Assemblie, in respect this mater hath beene past by
word, hath thought meet, that certane conditiouns be sett doun in
writt, to be subscribed by his Lordship ; therafter, his sute of ab-
solutioun to be considered.
Sessioun 15.
The conditiouns under writtin being proponed to Alexander
Lord Hume by the Generall Assemblie, to testific his unfained re-
pentance; after reading of the saids articles severallie, first, he ra-
tified and approved the subscriptioun and oathe givin by him to
the Confessioun of Faith, at Edinburgh, the 22d day of December
last, and that with a solemne oath, holding up his hand, and
agreed to the samine articles and everie one of them ; and in tokin
of acceptatioun therof, protesting he doeth the same sincerelie, sub-
scribed the same with his hand; humblie requiring, in respect of
his obedience and repentance, that the Assemblie would relaxe him
from the sentence of excommunicatioun pronounced against him.
The Assemblie, in respect of his repentance shewed, his oath and
declaratioun givin yesterday, and obedience in subscribing the said
conditiouns, being satisfied there with, and hoping that he sall fullie
keepe promise in tyme comming, ordeans him to be absolved from
the said excommunicatioun, and the sentence of absolutioun to be
pronounced by the Moderator, the morne, at meeting.
Follow the Conditions.
1. “The Assemblie craveth, that the said Alexander Lord Hume
ratifie and approve the subscription and oath givin by him to the
Confessioun of Faith, at Edinburgh, the 22d day of December last,
or subscribe and sweare again de novo, in face of the whole As-
semblie, as sall be thought expedient.
2. “That he remove and hold furth of his companie all Papists
and traffiquers against true religioun, and whatsomever persons sall
1594. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTIAND. 319
be delated to his Lordship, to be suspected and corrupt in religion;
that he receave and interteane within his hous Mr Archibald Os-
wald, as his ordinarie pastor, and failing of him, some other discreit
and godlie minister, by advice of the Presbyterie of Dumbar, and
that he make his familie subject to the Word and discipline.
3. “That he resort to the publict hearing of the Word, in all
places where it sall happin him to repaire and have his residence,
and that he communicat.
4. “That he make his whole tennants and servants subject to the
discipline of the kirk where they remaine.
5. “That he repaire all the ruinous kirks within the Pryorie of
Coldinghame, and provide sufficient livings for pastors planted, and
to be planted thereat, according to the Act of Parliament; and
siclyke, of all kirks within his bounds, so farre as law and reasoun
may bind thereto.
6. “That he make thankefull payment to the ministers of Chirne-
side, Swintoun, and Fishack, of their stipends, conforme to their
assignations and decreits past therupon, incace he be obliged therto
by law.
7. “That he concurre by his counsell, credite, and assistance, for
maintenance of the true religion publictlie professed and taught
within this realme, with the mainteners therof, against all and
whatsomever would come in the contrare, within the countrie or
without.
8. “That he nather recept, mainteane, assist, intercommoun, or
have intelligence with the excommunicated Popish lords, Jesuits,
Seminarie preests, or traffiquing Papists, nor solist for them, or
shew them favour, directlie or indirectlie, in judgement or out of
judgement.
9. “That he mather reasoun, nor suffer anie reasoning to be
against the true religion, or anie points therof, in the places where
he may inhibite the same.
10. “That he imploy himself carefullie to apprehend, and pre-
sent to justice, Mr Alexander Mackquhirrie, and all and what-
somever Jesuits, Seminarie preests, and traffiquing Papists, that
320 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
sall resort within his bounds; and that he doe nothing which may
be found by the minister appointed for the tryell of his behaviour,
to be prejudiciall to the true religioun presentlie professed by the
Generall Assemblie heere presentlie conveened. And incace he
sall be found to contraveene in anie one of the foresaid points, that,
in that cace, he consent to be summarilie excommunicated, upon
the notorietie of the fact. And in testimonie of his acceptatioun of
the said conditiouns, that he subscribe these presents with his
hand.”
(Sic subscribitur) “ALEXANDER L. HuME.
“Forasmuche as Alexander Lord Hume, by his subscriptioun,
is bound to observe and keepe the conditiouns propouned to him.
by the Generall Assemblie, and accepted by him, and incace he be
found to contraveene the same, or anie of them, that, in that cace,
to be summarilie excommunicated upon the notorietie of the fact;
the Generall Assemblie giveth libertie to whatsomever Presbyterie
that sall understand of his contraventioun of the said conditiouns,
to call him, and to try him of the said contraventioun, and convict
him therof, if he be found guiltie; and the convictioun to be directed
and sent to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, to whom the Assemblie
giveth commissioun summarilie to pronounce the sentence of ex-
communicatioun against him.”
Sessioun 16.
According to the ordinance of the Assemblie, the actioun of the
absolutioun of Alexander Lord Hume being committed to Mr David
Lindsay, exhortatioun being first made, the said lord was inquired,
if he was sorie in his heart for the fault and offence he had com-
mitted, and that he had incurred the said sentence, and found in
earnest dolour in his heart, for that he was separated from the kirk
heere present, so long thristing most earnestlie to be joyned thereto,
as a member of Christ's bodie ; and promising, as he sall answere
to God, in tyme comming, to continue a constant professour in the
1594. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 321
truth of his religioun presentlie and publictlie allowed by the Kirk
of Scotland here conveened, to his live's end, and to show the fruicts
of a true Christian in his life, removing all slanderous persons furth
of his companie 2 Who answered, in God’s presence, it was his true
meaning, and intended to show the same in evident effects in tyme
comming. Wherefor thanks being givin to God, and prayer made,
he was solemnelie absolved from the said sentence by the said Mr
David, and receaved by him in name of the said brethrein, and
embraced as a member reconciled to the kirk.
In the 13th sessioun, Mrs Andrew Melvill, James Nicolsone,
Robert Rollock, Robert Bruce, Johne Davidsone, Johne Craig,
David Lindsay, Patrik Galloway, James Melvill, Walter Balcal-
quall, Alexander Forbesse, James Robertsone, David Fergusone,
were ordeaned to treate upon the offence conceaved by the king
against Johne Rosse ; and so manie of the brethrein of Stirline as
were present were warned to be readie when they sould be called
for. In the eighteenth sessioun, they reported their advice and
proceedings, in writt, as followeth :—
“First, They have found that the people departed not out of
the kirk before the end of the doctrine, as it hath beene reported
unto his Majestie, wherethrough he might have uttered anie kinde
of offence; and that the said Assemblie had pronounced no dam-
natour sentence against him, but that they onlie admonished him
upon suche causes and consideratiouns as after follow : —
“1. In respect he delivered that doctrine at that tyme, when
his Majestie's rebells and enemeis were assembled in the feilds;
wherethrough it might appeare to the people that the kirk allowed
Bothwell's treasonable attempts, and that the Assemblie, of purpose,
had placed him in that rowme, to alienat the hearts of his people
from his Majestie's obedience.
“2. In respect of certane speeches delivered by him, without
anie sufficient warrant, so farre as they could see and understand;
and namelie, that sentence pronounced against the house of Guise
de futuro.
“3. In respect of the hard deliverie of speeches spokin of his
VOL. V. Y.
322 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
Majestie, which might have beene thought to have craved greater
yeeres, and farther experience. Farther, the whole brethrein, both
of the conference and of the Provinciall of Perth, all in one voice
acknowledged, that there is just caus of a sharpe rebooke, and
threatning of heavier judgements furth of the grounds of that text,
than hath beene or might have beene uttered by him; and what-
soever he uttered, as he deponed before God, and upon his con-
science, he uttered it out of love, seeking alwayes his Majestie's
standing; of no preoccupyed minde, prejudged opinioun, or troubled
affection, but of a soule thristing, and seeking alwayes his Majestie's
honour and weale in God; and, therefore, approves his whole
doctrine in that point, as it has beene read and declared by him-
self, in suche heeds as seeme to be most offensive.
“And as concerning the admonitioun of the Provinciall of Perth,
and the causes moving them therunto, the brethrein reverence and
allow their judgement in all things, upon consideratioun, as is be-
fore expressed. Onlie, tuiching that sentence concerning the hous
of Gwise de futuro, becaus the whole brethrein heard it not, and he
himself professeth that he remembreth not that he spake so, nather
had he suche meaning at anie tyme, and confesseth his fault, if
suche a word hath fallin out, the brethrein thinke with himself in
that point, that if he has spokin so, he hath failed, having no just
warrant. And being minded to satisfie his Majestie alwayes, so
farre as possiblie may be with a good conscience, after earnest in-
calling of the name of God, for assistance of his Spirit, and long
advisement, have found it good, that the admonitioun of the Pro-
vinciall of Perth, as said is, be reverenced of the said whole Gene-
rall Assemblie ; and that the Generall Assemblie at this tyme give
farther the said Johne Rosse a grave and earnest admonitioun to
speeke at all tymes reverentlie, and with Suche wisdom of his Ma-
jestie, as he alwayes may have so cleere a warrant of his speeches
as may fullie satisfie his owne conscience before God, and have the
approbatioun and allowance of all the godlie brethrein. And that
this admonitioun be extended to all other young men of the mini-
strie, and to the whole Assemblie.”
1594. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 323
Which judgement of the said brethrein being weill considered
by the whole Assemblie, after good deliberatioun, voted to the ap-
probatioun of their said judgement, and allowed the same in all
points. And therafter, the said Johne Rosse being called in, he, in
presence of the said Assemblie, protested before God, and in his con-
science, that whatsoever he uttered in the doctrine delivered by him,
he uttered the same for love to his Majestie's weale and standing ;
of no preoccupyed minde, prejudged opinioun, or troubled affec-
tioun, but of a soule seeking his Majestie's honour and weale in the
Lord, having nather ey nor respect to his Majestie's tratours being
then in armes upon the feilds; yitt granting some words hardlie
delivered, though truelie. And as concerning the words spokin of
the hous of Gwise de futuro, as is alledged, before the Lord re-
membreth not that he spake suche words, nather had intentioun or
meaning to speeke the same ; and if he spake the same, it was a
fault, et lapsus lingua. The Moderator, at command of the said
Assemblie, in the name and feare of God, admonished the said
brother, and all other young men of the ministrie, and the whole
Assemblie, in all tyme comming to speeke so reverentlie and dis-
creitlie of his Majestie, that they may have so cleere warrant of
their speeches, as may fullie satisfie their owne conscience before
God, and have approbatioun and allowance of all the godlie, and
his Majestie have no just caus of complaint and mislyking in tyme
comming. Which admonitioun the said Johne with all humilitie
reverenced.
INSTRUCTIONS TO SIR ROBERT MELVILL OF MORDECAIRNIE, AND
ALEXANDER HUME OF NORTHIBERWICK, COMMISSIONERS FOR HIS
MAJESTIE AT THE PRESENT GENERALL ASSEMBLIE : OIR ARTICLES
PROPONNED IN HIS MAJESTIE’s NAME TO THE SAID GENERALL
ASSEMBLIE AT EDINBURGEI.
1. “To protest, that his Majestie's royall priviledge, newlie sett
furth by act of parliament, be not prejudged, in conveening of
the nixt Generall Assemblie; and to that effect, that before their dis-
324 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1594.
solving at this tyme, they direct some of their number to his Ma-
jestie, to be resolved by him, upon the tyme and place of the nixt
meeting of the Generall Assemblie, according to his Majestie's
propositioun, and their promise, in the last Generall Assemblie
holdin at Dundie.
2. “That they will ratifie and approve, by act of this present As-
semblie, their promise made to his Majestie in their foresaid last
Assemblie, that in anie thing that anie of the ministrie had to crave
or compleane to his Majestie, they sould doe it by particular con-
ference with himself; and not utter publictlie in pulpit anie unre-
verend speeches against his Majestie's person, counsell, or estat,
under the paine of deprivatioun. And that for this caus, they will
presentlie try and censure one of their number, who hath contra-
veened the said act; and in speciall, that they will examine so
manie of their number as were present at the last Synodall Assem-
blie holdin at Perth, and charge them, upon their great oaths and
consciences, first, to declare what treasonable and unreverent speeches
of his Majestie they heard Johne Rosse utter publictlie from the
pulpit in all their audiences; and nixt, whether they censured him
for the same thereafter or not; and to desire them in his Majestie's
name, that, according to the synod censuring of him, they would
judge him as he demeriteth on the one part, and his Majestie's
modest behaviour ever since the beginning of that turne hath de-
served.
3. “That they will excommunicat Mr Andrew Hunter, for
bringing in a scandall upon their profession, as the first opin tra-
tour of their factioun, against a Christian king of their owne reli-
gioun, and their naturall soverane.
4. “That by act of the Assemblie, they will ordeane everie par-
ticular minister within their charge to disswade, alsweill by pub-
lict as privat exhortatioun, the flocke committed to their cure, from
concurring with the treasonable attempts of Bothwell, or anie other
tratours that raise, or sall raise themselves up, against the lawfull
authoritie placed by God in his Majestie's person; and speciallie,
that they sall narrowlie take heed, and not suffer anie of their
1594. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 325
flocke be seduced, under colour of religioun, or whatsomever false
pretext, to receave wages, or become souldiours for service of anie
persons, except they see his Majestie's commissioun and warrant
therunto; and namelie, of Bothwell, who has presentlie, in diverse
parts of this realme, attempted the same.
5. “That in respect the parliament tyme is at hand, and the occa-
sioun will suddanlie serve, for declaring his Majestie's honest and god-
lie intentioun for persecuting of the Popish excommunicated lords,
both by law and otherwise, that therefore they will select one or
two commissioners, of the discreitest and wisest of everie principall
presbyterie, and give them commissioun to attend upon his Majestie
at this tyme, als weill that his Majestie may have their good ad-
vice and assistance in his good turne; no lesse concerning the estat
of religioun, than the estat of his Majestie's crowne and countrie,
and likewise that his Majestie may, by their moyen, direct and in-
forme what he would wishe to be done by the whole rest of the
ministrie, as occasioun sall serve, from tyme to tyme, to be present.”
(Sic subscribitur) “JAMES R.”
EIUMBLE ANSWERES OF THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE CONVEENED AT
EDINBURGH, THE 27TH DAY OF MAY, 1594, To HIS MAJESTIE’s
ARTICLES PRESENTED BY HIS COMMISSIONERS,
1. “Tuiching the tyme and place of the Generall Assemblie, the
same is appointed by advice of his Highness' commissioners present,
according to act of parliament. -
2. “The act made by the Generall Assemblie at Dundie is, de
novo, ratified and approved, and the particular of Johne Rosse re-
solved, as his Majestie sall be informed more particularlie by the
commissioners of the Assemblie, to be directed to his Grace.
3. “Tuiching Mr Andrew Hunter, the Assemblie hath pro-
ceeded, and givin a sentence of depositioun for his offence against
him, whill he satisfie his Majestie and the kirk.
4. “Everie particular minister within his charge is straitlie com-
manded to disswade their flockes, als weill by publict as privat ex-
326 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
hortations, from concurring with the treasonable attempts of Both-
well, or anie other tratour to his Majestie, that raiseth, or sall raise
themselves up against his authoritie. And siclyke, to take heed,
and suffer not their flockes, under colour of religioun, or whatsom-
ever false pretexts, to receave wages of anie persons without his
Majestie's warrant; and namelie, of the said Bothwell.
5. “They have appointed a reasonable number of brethrein to
await on his Majestie for satisfeing the last article.”
Mr Andrew Hunter was deposed from the functioun of the mini-
strie, becaus he deserted his flocke, was fugitive from the lawes, and
was bruted and suspected to have joyned himself with the king's
rebells; and that till he satisfied the king and the kirk for his offence.
He had followed Bothwell, and being forced to leave the countrie,
became a minister unto souldiours in the Low Countreis.
THE GOODMAN'S GROFT.
Sessioun 11.
Tuiching the horrible superstitioun used in Garioch and diverse
parts of the countrie, in not labouring a parcell of ground dedicated
to the devill, under the name of the Goodman's Croft; the As-
semblie, for remedie therof, hath found meete, that an article be
formed to the parliament, that an act may proceed from the estats
therof, ordeaning all persons, possessors of the saids lands, to caus
labour the same, betuixt and a certane day to be appointed thereto ;
otherwise, incace of disobedience, the saids lands to fall in the king's
hands, to be dispouned to suche persons as please his Majestie, who
will labour the same.
A FAST.
This Assemblie ordeaned, in the 15th sessioun, a fast to be
keeped within the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, and suche other parts
where the samine may convenientlie be had, upon the Lord's day,
1594. OF THE RIRE OF SCOTLAND. 327
the 26th of this instant, immediatelie preceeding the parliament;
and his Majestie to be remembred that an exhortatioun be had the
first day of the parliament, according to the custome observed
before, and a thanksgiving at the conclusioun therof by one of the
ministrie: and also, that his Majestie be putt in minde of the fast
appointed the foresaid day, to the end his Majestie and houshold
may keepe the same. It was ordeaned also, that a fast sould be
observed universallie through the whole realme, the two last Sab-
boths of Junie nixtocum, with exhortatiouns and prayers on the
weeke dayes, betuixt the two Sabboths.
TEIE CONFERENCE BETUIXT THE RING AND COMMISSIONERS OF TEIE
ASSEMBLIE.
When Mr James Melvill was nominated to be one of the com-
missioners that were directed to his Majestie, to propone the dan-
gers and remedeis above writtin, some said it was not convenient,
seing he was suspected by the king, and not gracious to him. He
stood up and said, “I have beene often imployed in commissioun
against my will, and when things were more dangerous, evin when
others refused; but now, for the verie reasoun alledged, I will re-
queist for it as for a benefite, for it will be the onlie way to cleere
both yourselves and me of suspicioun. For, otherwise, I was of
purpose to present myself at court before the king, to see if anie
man had ought to say to me.”
The brethrein were glade, and directed him with the rest.
When they came to Stirline, and had gottin his Majestie's answere,
by his owne handwritt upon the margent of the remedeis to their
owne contentment, Mr James Melvill desired that his traducers
would shew their face before him, as he did. The king said he
had nothing to lay to his charge : he acknowledged both Mr An-
drew and him to be his most faithfull and trustie subjects. So that
Mr James, who went to Stirline a suspected tratour, returned to
Edinburgh a great courteour, yea, a cabinet counseller; for the
king conferred with him at the same tyme in his cabinet. This is
328 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
sufficient to justifie that man of God, in that point, against the ca-
lumneis of Spotswod, pretended Archbishop.
The commissioners obteaned of the king a promise that the par-
liament sould be holdin with all diligence, wherin the excommuni-
cated erles sould be forefaulted, and after proceeded against by fire
and sword. The king, at this tyme, regraited to the commis-
sioners, in his cabinet, that he found not that freindlinesse in the
kirk which he craved and wished. Mr James being spokesman,
answered, there was a peccant humour in the bodie, which behoved
to be purged, ellis it could not be out of danger of disease, yea,
death. The king asked him what that was P. He said, It was sus-
picioun on either side; for purging wherof, it were best that the
greeves and occasiouns of suspicioun were shewed. The king
thought it verie meete and pertinent, and beginneth to opin his
greeves. First, concerning the assembling of his subjects without
his licence. It was answered, It was done by warrant of his Ma-
jestie's lawes, and of Christ in his Word, and according to the cus-
tome of our kirk since the beginning, which never was, nor by the
grace of God ever sall be done, to the hurt of his Majestie, but to
his honour and weale. The secund, concerning the excommunica-
tioun of his speciall servant, a nobleman, the Lord Hume. They
answered, That he was a professed dangerous Papist, running in a
dangerous course with the rest; but how soone he repented, and
withdrew himself from them, as they were in good hope he sould
doe, and approved himself to the present Assemblie, he sould be
relaxed. The thrid and last was concerning Mr Andrew Hunter,
who had kythed in opin feilds with Bothwell. They answered,
That, incontinent therafter, the Presbyterie of St Andrewes had pro-
ceeded against him, and had deposed him of his office of the mini-
strie. Then Mr James asked if he had anie thing to say to him.
He said, “Nothing more than to the rest,” etc. He thanked
God, etc.
1594. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 329
MR. R. PONT's REBOOKE.
Upon the Lord's day, the 19th, Mr Robert Pont, teaching upon
Rom. x. 9, 10, 11, 12 verses, said there was great alteratioun in
the professers of this tyme, from the bold confessioun which was
at the beginning of reformatioun, when a few durst oppone them-
selves to the whole power of the land, in the worke of reformatioun
and constant confessioun of the truthe ; yea, the authoritie and
whole nobilitie of the land being against them, and not one lord
with them. Onlie the Maister of Lindsey, this lord's father, tooke
the caus first in hand; which God so blessed at lenth, that the pre-
sent libertie ensued therupon : whereas now, the authoritie and
lawes standing for us, and the whole realme, as it were, professors,
three meane lords darre professe and erect idolatrie in sindrie parts
of the land, and yitt no man darre, for confessioun of the truthe,
withstand them, and putt hand to reformatioun. “The Lord,”
said he, “stirre up some chiftan to pull doun that idolatrie, that
the godlie may joyne with him and follow ; and lett the rest goe
to the devill from whom they came.” Upon the Lord's day, the
26th, preaching upon the 20th Psalme, he said, we could not pray
with David's people to fulfill the desire of the king's heart, becaus
we suspected our king's heart not to be upright; which the coun-
tenancing of evill men, and unreverent hearing of the Word, de-
clared.
THE PARLIAMENT.
Upon Tuisday, the penult of May, the king came to the Tol-
buith of Edinburgh, the Lord Hume ryding upon his left hand,
and Carmichaell on his right hand, the Lord Hammiltoun and
Chanceller at his backe. The duke caried the crowne, Montrose
the scepter, Marr the sword. The toun stood in order, betuixt the
Stinking Stile and the Neather Bow. The king's guarde of horse-
men preassed to be neerest the king; the citicens resisted, by rea-
330 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
soun of their priviledge to guarde the king's person in tyme of
parliament, till he depart the toun. Sindrie swords were drawin
out, but no blood was shed. After the king's entrie into the Tol-
buith, a charge was givin with beating of the drumme, that no man,
under paine of death, shoot during the tyme that the king was
within the ports.
THE SUMME OF THE KING's HARANGUE.
After a short exhortatioun made by Mr Patrik Galloway, upon
the beginning of the 82d Psalme, the king had an harangue, wherin
the said that he had used plaister and medicine hitherto in dealing
with the rebellious lords; but that not availing, he was now to use
fire, as the last remedie. He declared, that this present parliament
was but a continuatioun of the former, becaus, at the former, the
erles were summouned to compeere, and answere to suche crymes
as sould be layed to their charge, but disobeyed. Nixt, that he had
convocated certane of the nobilitie, to whom he gave commissioun
to cognosce of their faults; who found that they sould be absolved
from all former offences, upon certane conditiouns, which they had
disobeyed. Farther, that he had required them, by an herald, to
enter their persons in waird, till they were tryed, which they also
contemptuouslie disobeyed; and, therefore, Seing that he cognosced
their subscriptiouns, he required the lords to doe in that caus as
God and good equitie sould require.
There were chosin to sitt on the articles, the duke, the Lord
Hammiltoun, the Erles of Marshall, Montrose, Marr, Hume, Liv-
ingstoun, Lindsey, the Constable of Dundie; the Lairds of Garleis,
Wauchton, Colinton, Largo, &c.; prelats, the Abbot of Inch-
affrey, Mr Edward Bruce, the Abbot of Kinlosse; Commissioners
for Edinburgh, Clement Cor, George Heriot, the Proveist of Aber-
deen. Mr Edward Bruce reasouned for the excommunicated lords.
Upon Fryday, the Lords of the Articles tooke to advise; wherupon
the ministers went, the day following, to the Tolbuith, to admonish
the king and the lords. Mr Andrew Melvill said, “Sir, it is true
1594. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 331
manie thinke it a mater of great weight to overthrow the estat of
three so great men. I grant it is so : yitt it is a greater mater to
overthrow and expell out of this countrie three farre greater; to
witt, true religioun, the quietnesse of the commoun weale, and the
king's prosperous estat.” Directing his speeche to the lords, he
said, mirrilie, “If yee can gett us a better commoun weale nor our
owne, a better king, we are content the traterous lords be spaired;
otherwise, we desire you to doe your duetie. There come some
heere to reasoun who have no interest, but ought to be excluded
by all law;”—meaning of the Pryour of Pluscardie, brother to the
Lord Setoun, who was after made chanceller. Some answered,
that he was a man of honorable place, President of the Sessioun.
Mr Andrew answered, more honorable were debarred from place
among the Lords of the Articles. The king confessed it was true,
and promised it sould be amended. “Nixt,” said Mr Andrew,
“there are some on the Articles justlie suspected partiall, and
almost als guiltie as the persons that are to be tryed.” The Abbot
of Inchaffrey and Mr Edward Bruce, sitting together, laughed.
The king asked at Mr Andrew, who it was that was suspected ?
Mr Andrew said, “One laughing there.” Mr Edward asked, if he
meant of him. Mr Andrew answered, “If yee confesse your self
guiltie, I will not purge you : but I meant of Inchaffrey there, be-
side you.” The king sayeth to Mr Edward, “That is Judas'
questioun, ‘Is it I, Maister P’”—whereat was muche laughter. The
king proceeding, said, “Weill, my lords, howbeit I might vote, I
will onlie sitt heere: see you doe right, and informe you, according to
the lawes: I will nather command nor forbid to agree to their fore-
faultrie. This I will say, they have committed high treasoun and
idolatrie; for I assure you they have all the masse in their houses,
which I could prove by witnesses: their traffiquing with Spaine is
certane, and I could (if it were needfull) prove the same at large.
As for the blankes and writts, they are theirs, I assure you; there-
fore, looke yee to it, as yee will answere to God and me.” This
night, the forefaultrie of the three excommunicated crles was agreed
332 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1594.
upon by all the Lords of the Articles save five, to witt, Marshall,
Montrose, Inchaffrey, Wauchton, and the Proveist of Aberdeene.
I have heere subjoynned the forme and probatioun of the sum-
mons of treason used against the excommunicated erles at this par-
liament, as appeareth, for I find no other tyme wherunto to referre
the same. But I have sett them doun heere as I have found them
in a certane manuscript.
THE FORME AND PROBATION OF THE SUMMONS OF TREASON CON-
TRARE WILLIAM ERLE OF ANGUS, GEORGE ERLE OF HUNTLIE,
FRANCIS ERLE OF ERROLL, AND SIR PATRIK GORDOUN OF
AUCHINDOUN, KNIGHT: WHICH suMMONS CONTEANE THREE
SEVERALL REASONs, SUFFICIENTLIE PROVED AND VERIFIED IN
MANER FOLLOWING :—
“Imprimis, The king's Majestie's advocats produced eight
blankes in paper; two therof subscribed by the said Erle of Angus
allanerlie, other two by the said Erle of Huntlie allanerlie, other
two by the said Erle of Erroll allanerlie, and other two subscribed
by the said three erles, and the said Laird of Auchindoun.
“Item, They produced diverse and sindrie seales of the said
erles # * in paper.
“Item, An act of parliament subscribed by the Clerk of Re-
gister, tuiching the punishment of them who traffique against the
religioun.
“Item, Diverse and sindrie depositiouns of Mr George Ker, noted
by letters.
“Item, Diverse and sindrie depositiouns of umquhile David
Grahame of Fintrie.
“Item, The processe and doome led and givin against the said
umquhile Laird of Fintrie, which conteaneth the first reasoun of
the said summouns, and verifieth, that traffiquing against the re-
ligioun is found alreadie by an assise to be treasoun.
“Item, They produced the letter of commendatioun writtin by
1594, OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 333
Mr James Gordoun, in favour of Mr George Ker, together with
two obligatiouns subscribed by the said Mr James and Mr Robert
Abercrumbie, to prove their fained subscriptiouns to be their owne
hand writt, per comparationem literarum ; viz., Sandesone to be
Abercrumbie, and Christesone to be Gordoun ; and to prove that
the said Mr George Ker was purposed to saile to Spaine with the
blankes, which is likewise confessed by himself in his depositiouns,
wltimo Januarii, 1592, which confessioun is repeated by the said
advocats, in modum probationis.
“Item, They produced the interloquitor givin by the Lords of
the Sessioun, finding, that infamous persons, bairnes, or persons
being fellowes or companions in the same cryme, may be witnesses
in the caus of treasoun and heresie.
“Item, They produced sindrie letters writtin by the said Mr
James Gordoun, under a fained name of James Christesone; and,
siclyke, a letter writtin by Mr Robert Abircrumbie, having a fained
subscriptioun of Robert Sandesone; and a letter writtin and sub-
scribed by the said umquhile Laird of Fintrie, having also a fained
subscriptioun of David Foster, which false subscription and name
to be his owne name he confessed in his depositiouns, 20 Januarij,
1592. Which confessioun is repeated in modum probationis ; and
for proving of his hand writt per comparationem literarum, repeated
the subscriptioun of his depositiouns, and a letter writtin and sub-
scribed by his owne hand, directed to the king's Majestie.
“Item, They repeated the depositiouns of witnesses, both tuich-
ing the principall summouns, and also tuiching the incident sum-
mouns raised for recognoscing of the hand writts and subscriptiouns
of the blankes, and of the seales; likewise of mutilatioun and
alteratioun of the fained subscriptions.
“They repeated the thrid reasoun of the summouns, in modum
probationis of the first reasoun therof, becaus the said erles and
Laird of Auchindoun being suspected of treasoun, and charged to
enter in waird therefore, and, disobeying the same, have incurred
the paine of treasoun, by reasoun of their contumacie, becaus of the
law : he that is contumaa may be condemned, by reasoun that his
contumacie causes him to be esteemed as present, and induceth
334 CALDERWOOD's IIISTORIE 1594.
against him a confessioun of the cryme, (3, 4, 9, c. decernimus.)
And it is of truthe, he is called contumaa of the law, who is
summouned by a peremptor summouns, and compeereth not at
the peremptour day to the which he is summouned. L. Contu-
nacia, et ibi Gloss. ff. De Re Indic.
“They repeated the act of parliament made 5th Junie, 1592,
against Jesuits, Seminarie preests, traffiquing Papists, and recepters
therof.
“They produced the sentence of excommunicatioun against Mr
James Gordoun, Mr Walter Lindsay, Mr Alexander Leslie of the
Peill, umquhile David Grahame of Fintrie, receaved and main-
teaned by the saids erles and Laird of Auchindoun, to prove the
said Mr Walter and others to be Papists and professors of the
Roman religioun.
“To prove the said Mr Walter and others to be traffiquers against
the religioun, the said advocats produced letters of horning, whereby
the said Mr Walter, and the said Mr Alexander Leslie, are de-
nounced rebells, and putt to the horne, for not finding of cautioun
to underly the law before the Justice and his deputs, for traffiquing
against the religioun presentlie professed within this realme. And,
likewise, they repeated the doome of forefaultrie givin and pro-
nounced against the said umquhile David Grahame of Fintrie,
together with the depositioun of the witnesses.
“They repeated, in modum probationis, the act of parliament
made by King James the Secund, concerning wairding of persons
suspected of treasoun.
“They repeated the king's letters, with the indorsatiouns therof,
whereby the said erles and Laird of Auchindoun are charged to
enter their persons in waird.
“They produced the act and decreit of the Secreit Counsell
made at Edinburgh the 8th of May last was, with the publicatioun
therof, at the Mercat Croce of Edinburgh, upon the 12th day of the
said moneth and yeere, finding and declairing, that the saids three
erles and Laird of Auchindoun have contraveened the said charges,
and, therefore, ordeaning them to be reputed, holdin, and persued
as tratours.
1594. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 335
“They produced the doome of forefaultour, givin and pronounced
5th September, 1582, against umquhile Archibald Erle of Angus,
Sir George Dowglas, and Archibald Dowglas, their father brother,
forefaulted for disobedience, and refusing to fulfill the command
and charges givin to them by King James the Fyft, of good
memorie, for non-entering their persons in waird.
“They produced the old summouns of treasoun, and executions
therof, to prove that the persons accused were delated and suspect-
ed of the treasoun libelled.
“Item, The saids advocats repeated all and sindrie the writts
above mentioned, for probatioun of the said summouns, and everie
reasoun, point, and article thereof, in quantum, etc., and the manifest
notorietie of the crymes libelled; and that of the law, “Sufficit
allegare notorium, et non probare.’
“Together with the publict voice and fame which, by the law of
this realme, is a sufficient accusatioun and probatioun, in the quyett
and hid cryme of treasoun.
“And, also, they repeated all and sindrie whatsomever deposi-
tiouns, probable conjectures, suspicions, and presumptiouns, which
are manifest in this caus, and are relevant probatiouns of all crymes
that are quietlie done, and difficill to be proved; and, speciallie, in
the cryme of treasoun, as is plainlie decided in the law of this
realme, called Regiam Majestatem, lib. 4, c. 1.
“And for verificatioun of the said presumptiouns, there is heere-
with produced a catalogue of false and fained names, of these who
are traffiquers in this mater.
“Item, They repeated the secund reasoun, tuiching the recept
of tratours, Papists; and the thrid reasoun, tuiching the contumacie
of the persons accused, for probatioun of the said summouns; and,
mutuallie, eache one of the reasouns therof, for probatioun of the
other.
“And, moreover, they repeated the notorietie of the treasoun
committed at the Bridge of Dee, for the which sindrie of them
came in his Majestie's will, which is a confessioun of the cryme;
together with the manifest treasoun committed by them, and ilke
336 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
one of them, in recepting of certane strangers, latelie in the same
moneth landed in the toun of Montrose, and are traffiquers and
treasonable mutiners, and raisers of seditioun against the state of
the realme and religioun ; and are presentlie, lyke as they have
beene since the tyme forsaid of their arriving in this realme, re-
ceaved, assisted, and mainteaned by the persons accused, and everie
one of them.”
THE MINISTERS CONSUILT UPON EXECUTION.
Upon Moonday, the 10th, some ministers conveened in Mr
Robert Bruce his galrie, and consulted upon two things: upon the
substantiall prosecuting of the forefaultour, and holding out of court
evill instruments, that might interceed with the king for the tratours,
as the Ladie Huntlie, etc. Mr Andrew Melvill and Mr Patrik
Galloway were ordeaned to speeke to the Chanceller, Mr James
Balfour and Mr Johne Davidsone to the Proveist of Edinburgh.
Others were appointed to speeke the Maister of Glames, Treasurer,
and Sir Robert Melvill, Treasurer-Deput.
JOHNSTOUN ESCAPETH.
In tyme of the parliament, the Lairds of Johnstoun and Wester-
raw were secreitlie within five myles to Edinburgh, awaiting upon
some courteours travelling for their peace. The Lord Hammilton
desired a commissioun to apprehend Johnstoun. The commissioun
was granted. But before it was subscribed, Johnstoun was fore-
warned by Carmichael, who sent his padge for haste upon one of
the king's hors to give him wairning.
THE MINISTERS WILLED TO PRAISE GOD FOR THE KING's
PROCEEDINGS.
Upon Tuisday, the 18th of June, a letter was sent from the king,
another from the commissioners of the kirk, to the Presbyterie of
1594. OF THE ICIRK OF SCOTLAND. 23.
337
Edinburgh, to will them to praise God for the king's good proceed-
ings in the parliament; and to exhort all men to remove suspicioun
of his Hienesse, conceaved for his former negligence, and to assist
him in prosecuting that caus. Mr Davidsone said, “One dead,
if it were but to execute Mr Walter Lindsay for his idolatrie,
would doe more good than all his letters, and the commissioners
both.”
MR. J. DAVIDSONE EIIS FREE REBOOKE OF ALL ESTATS.
Upon Moonday, the 24th of June, in tyme of publict fast, Mr
Michael Cranstoun preaching in the morning, on Isay lv., com-
mended the king's proceedings in the parliament. Mr Davidsone
taught after noone, in the Great Kirk, upon the xxii. of Ezechiel,
about the evening. He inveyghed against the courses of corrupt
ministers, that howbeit they preached not false doctrine, “yitt,”
said he, “the truthe was so unfaithfullie delivered, and so coldlie,
that their flockes were consumed with hunger.” He said, they
were ambitious and covetous; and become so fyne in seeking
stipends with dates and antidates, setting of tackes to their wives
and others, in prejudice of the intrants, that they were more cun-
ning in that art nor in Theologie, and had found out so manie
termes and vocables of art, with other quirkes in these caces, that
there might be a new canon law made therof; that where ministers
were best provided, the adversareis prevailed most ; that there was
no difference made betuixt the cleane and uncleane, but all hand
over head admitted to the Holie Sacrament; that they winked at
the profaning of the Sabboth day; that they dawbbed with un-
tempered morter, stealing the Word of the Lord from the people,
and not faithfullie meeting with sinne in kirk and countrie. He
excused the commissioners of the kirk, who had writtin to the
presbyterie in commendatioun of the king's proceedings in parlia-
ment, as allowable, if they went not too farre afterward in that
mater. “For,” said he, “I take it to be the worke of God's
mightie hand, hearing our prayers, and making the king to doe
VOL. V. Y
338 CALDERWOOD’s IIISTORIE 1594.
that which is most of all in all men's judgements, against his will.
If he performe the mater, it is weill. But Ilooke not for anie great
good thing at his hand, till he repent him of his sinnes.” He had
made mentioun not a little before of the scaffold sett up for Mr
Nicoll Dagleish, and the innocent blood shed under the colour of
justice, in the 1585 yeare of God. “Eor,” said he, “the suddane
appearance of the conversioun of great men, long inbred with evill
doing, is not to be straight credited, without notable signes of re-
pentance; wherof we see none in him ; for what wicked man guiltie
of these evill practises is removed out of his companie P
He related the treasonable dealing of King Charles the Nynth,
howbeit he did more for the admirall and the good caus nor as
yitt the king had done, and yitt minded nothing but murther and
massacre. “This I speeke not,” said he, “that I would have the
king prophecied to be suche a one, (for I will not ominari Suche
things;) but I speeke it, to move us to beware with light crediting,
before better prooffe, that the king may examine his heart, and re-
pent him otherwise of his sinnes, than hitherto in that place
(pointing to his seate) he hath done; rather vanting himself, than
humblie craving mercie for his sinnes, on his knees, with teares, as
he sould have done. Which if he doe not, he must goe from evill
to worse, till he be destroyed, wherefra the Lord preserve his Ma-
jestie. This is spoken of duetie and love, for his amendiment, as
yee see, we have not spaired ourselves. As for the nobilitie, their
blood, their reafe, their oppressioun of their owne tennants, and
others weaker than themselves, sacriledge, whooredome, blasphemie,
witchecraft, and all kinde of vice, call for a judgement unlesse they
repent. The commouns of all sorts follow to their powers the
exemples of the great ones, in oppressioun, blood, filthinesse, con-
tempt of the Word and ministrie, both in burgh and land. And
as for Edinburgh, it wanteth not the owne remarkable rebells
against God and the ministrie ; the traffiquers with Spaine, the
hinderers of the partitioun of the toun in parishes, unworthie to
have a kirk to come to ; and these that sett up the Moonday mer-
cat upon the 23d of October, 1592, which will be registred in the
1594. OF THE KIRIX OF SCOTLAND. 339
Chronicle to their shame. Now, for a particular man to stand in
the gap, we see none, except it be some mourners.”
Upon Saturday, the 29th, teaching upon Jeremie, he reckonned
up the judgements that are threatned upon all estats alreadie. On
the king, givin over to evill companie, and to love them so deere-
lie, “that, indeid,” said he, “I feare he be not sound at the heart,
which will appeare more cleerelie to all, ere it be long, as it ap-
peareth alreadie to such as marke with foresight. The queene,
though not evill disposed by nature, yitt like to be corrupted by
companie ; the prince young; and Scotland may be weill payed
cre he can helpe them. The nobilitie ather young or corrupt,
plagues both to themselves and to the land ; the ancient and
prudent men taikin away, so that among the twentie-two or twentie-
three erles of Scotland, and threttie or threttie-foure lords, how
manie could be named on the good side 2 The barons almost gone,
so that now there was not one like old Gatgirth, who said to the
Queene Regent, “We vow to God, we sall have a day of it against
these javells that stand beside you;’ and with that went on the
knapskalls. As for Edinburgh,” he said, “I feare more the multi-
tude and bodie of Edinburgh to be persecuters of me and my
brethrein, and their readinesse to concurre to take our lives from
us, than I feare the court, except they repented.”
MR. J. DAVIDSONE'S OBSERVATION OF GOD'S SPECIALL PROVIDENCE.
Upon Moonday, the first of Julie, Mr J. Davidsone being in
the kirk, at the preaching, he seeth comming in at the west kirk
doore, George Dawsone of Leith, skipper of the shippe called The
Grace of God, wherin he faired, when he went out of Scotland
that tyme nyneteene yeere, or a little before. That sight brought
to his minde their safe deliverie from shipwracke, which they were
like to suffer upon the costs of Flanders. Whill he was musing on
this mater, another skipper of Leith, called George Peddie, came
in at the other doore within his sight; a grave, fatherlie man, in
whose shippe first (called the Angell) he embarked, and after a
340 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1594.
night and daye's sailing, by contrarie wind was brought backe
againe to Leith, and stayed fourteene dayes upon the other shippe,
called The Grace of God, and gott greater support and provisioun
for his voyage than he had before. He was muche moved, and
greatlie conforted with this sight; and others also, to whom he dis-
coursed upon this providence. No doubt, the Lord, by this sight,
did animat his servant, that he sould not be affrayed for the
speeches he had uttered so freelie the weeke before,
THE KING's MESSAGE TO THE PRESBYTERIE OF EDINBURGH.
Upon Thursday, the 16th of Julie, Mr David Lindsay brought a
message from the king to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, to will
them to assist for procuring of money to him, for maintenance of
the ambassaders sent to the prince's baptisme. The king promised
to passe in person immediatlie after the baptisme against the re-
bellious lords. It appeareth that this present need hath moved him
to flatter the ministers, and promise faire.
A SPANISH SHIPPIE LANDETEI AT ABERDEEN.
Upon Tuisday, the 16th of Julie, there arrived a Spanish shippe
at Aberdeen. The citicens of Aberdeene tooke three or foure men
that were in it, and manned the shippe. They might have brought
it to Leith, but they alledged the wind was contrarie. Angus,
Erroll, and young Bonnyton, came to Aberdeene, with sevin or eight
score spearemen; craved the men to be randered, threatning other-
wise to burne the toun. Huntlie commeth with a greater force, and
becaus they were not able to resist, they were forced to deliver them.
The tenor of the minassing letter they sent to the toun heere fol-
loweth :—
“Proveist, Bailliffes, Counsell, and Communaltie of Aberdeen.
Considering that against the law of natiouns, and without anie order
of justice, yee, at the appetite of some of our enemeis, or indiscreit
malice against us, have tane and imprissonned three strangers, gen-
1594. OF THE EIRE ORY SCOTLAND. 341
tlemen who were come in the countrie (as we are informed) from
other Christian princes, to sute most humblie of his Majestic, our
maister, some ease of our distressed estats : Therefore, as we have
travelled with you by all honest and faire meanes these dayes by-
past, for their releefes, so now we certifie you by these presents, that
without these gentlemen, with their whole equippage, be putt to
libertie, randered, and delivered to us, we will not onlie esteeme of
you as our enemeis in all tymes comming, but we will instantlie
persue you, your toun, goods, and geir, both with fire and sword,
and all other kinde of hostilitie consisting in our possibiliteis and
powers; and it sall be a perpetuall querrell, to stand so long as our
houses or posteriteis sall last. Thus, remitting the rest to your
judgement and opinioun, without we be instantlie satisfied, we
give these presents for a discharge of all assuriteis bypast, and bid
you be at your advantage. Writtin the 19th of Julie, 1594.
“Yours, as yee desire ather presentlie peace or warre,
“ANGUS, HUNTLIE, ERROLI, AUCHINDOUN.”
CONCURRENCE PROMISED TO THE IXING, AGAINST THE REDELLS.
The king being advertised, came from Stirline to Edinburgh. He
promised to goe in persoun against the rebells, or to send a lieutenant
with his power, if the churchmen would procure the leveing of six
hundreth footmen, and four hundreth horsemen. The ministers of
Edinburgh, with some others, meeting together, thought this but
fraud and dryving of tyme, Seing the wounted course of proclama-
tioun was sufficient, and the good subjects would be a surer guarde
to him than anie waiged souldiours. Alwise some were appointed
to consult how money might be had. Mrs Robert Bruce, Andrew
Melvill, Patrik Galloway, David Lindsay, for the ministrie; the
Chanceller, the Maister of Glames, the Pryour of Blantyre, Sir
Robert Melvill, and the Laird of Colluthie, for the counsell. The
proveist, bailliffes, and counsell, with deacons of crafts, and others,
met in the afternoone in the Little Kirk. Mr Robert Bruce, Mr
Andrew Melvill, and Mr Walter Balcalquall, went to them. They
342 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1594.
were found verie willing to concurre, which they testified by hold-
ing up of their hands.
Upon Fryday, the 26th, the barons within the Presbyterie of
Dalkeith, they were found all readie to concurre, and sindrie were
offended that the road upon the rebells was delayed till the 26th of
August. Upon the same Fryday afternoone, the toun of Edin-
burgh mett in quarters, their ministers being with them, making
prayers and harangues to move them to concurrence. Some offer-
ed to furnish one man, some two, some three.
Upon the first of August, the king wrote this letter following to
the ministers of Edinburgh, willing them to procure that the am-
bassaders’ houses be weill furnished:—
“Right trustie and weilbeloved, we greet you heartilie weill.
We have writtin to the proveist and bailliffes of the toun, to con-
veene your nighbours, to make choice among them of some of their
speciall men, who sall vissie the ambassaders’ houses, and doe
their endeavoure, that there may no thing enlaike in the furnishing
of their houses, which may be to the honour of us and of the coun-
trie. Therefore we desire you effectuouslie to be present at their
conveening, and to interpone your requeist in furthering of this
mater, perswading them to make speciall choice of their men, or
suche other men as are meetest for everie place, as will take paines
therintill ; and assuring them that we sall have in remembrance
their service done at this tyme, and sall preasse to acquite the same
accordinglie. There be sindrie of them who, we trow, would not
refuse in particular. So, lippening that ye will not faile to take
paines heerintill, as in manie moe things, as yee will doe us speciall
pleasure, we committ you to God.
“At Stirline, the 1st day of August, 1594.
“JAMES REX.”
TEIE BAPTISME OF PRINCE FIENRIE.
Upon Wedinsday, the 23d of August, the toun of Edinburgh
sent west to Stirline an hundreth of their youthes weill fitted in
their armour, to remaine there as a guarde to the king during the
1594. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. " 343
baptisme of the prince. Upon Fryday, the penult of August, the
prince was baptized in the Chappell Royall at Stirline, honorablie
prepared in this maner : All the ambassaders conveened. The
king's Majestie satt on the north-east end. On the right hand was
sett a chaire richlie decked, about the which was the King of France's
armes. Nixt thereto was sett the English ambassader; above his
head the armes of England. Nixt him satt Mr Robert Bowes,
ambassader ordinar for the Qucene of England. Nixt was the
ambassader of the noble prince, Henricus Julius, Duke of Bruns-
wicke. Nixt the ambassaders of the Low Countreis of Flanders,
with the armes of their princes above them, all richelie sett, velvet
mandells fynned with colours richelie decked. Upon the king's
left hand were placed the two ambassaders of Denmarke, with a
faire long rob of velvet before them, with their prince's armes above.
Nixt them the ambassaders of the Duke of Meekleburgh, with
siclyke royaltie, and his prince's armes above his head. The pulpit
covered with cloth of gold, Mr Patrik Galloway placed therin, and
before the pulpit was sett Mr David Cuninghame, Bishop of Aber-
deen; upon his right hand, Mr David Lindsay, Person of Restal-
rig, and on his left, Johne Duncansone, Sub Deane of Stirline,
Ministers, before whom was a table covered with yellow velvet.
The harquebusiers of the younkeirs of Edinburgh, being an hun-
dreth in number, placed in a row from the king and prince's cham-
ber doores, through the which the king and his nobles came. The
old Countesse of Marr first receaved the prince, delivered him to the
Duke of Lennox, who randered him immediatlie to the English am-
bassader. The rob royall, borne before by the duke, putt about the
prince, the crowne by the Lord Sinclare and Lord Urquhart, then
removed fordward to the chappell : The paile borne above, foure
square of crammasie velvet pasmented with gold, by the Laird of
Bugeleuche, Constable of Dundie, Sir Robert Ker of Cesfurd,
knight, and the Laird of Traquair. The whole ambassaders, (the
English ambassader excepted,) with the whole estats, passed about
the paile. Then followed the old Countesse of Marr, and other
ladeis of honour, and Maistresse Nurce, the trumpets sounding
344 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
before the prince, with heralds. Nixt them, the Lord Sempill
caried the lawyer with water, the Lord Setoun the basine, the Lord
Livingstoun a towell, the Lord Hume a low crowne richelie sett
with diamonds. These were presented upon the foresaid table
before the ministers, and then past to their owne places. And
then Mr Patrik Galloway treatted upon the 21st of Genesis breefe-
lie. Therafter, the bishop stood up, and treatted upon the Sacra-
ment of Baptisme, first in our vulgar tongue, nixt in the Latine.
Therafter, the musicians sung the 21st Psalme.
The Duke of Lennox receaved the prince, and therafter delivered
him to the ambassader of England, named Friderick Henrie, and
Henrie Friderick, and baptised as use is. Therafter, the king's
Majestie, with the ambassaders, returned to their places. The said
bishop ascended to the pulpit, where he made an oratioun to the
prince and ambassaders. This done, the heralds cryed with a loud
voice, “God save Friderick Henrie, Henrie Friderick, by the grace
of God Prince of Seotland " Then the king and foresaids returned
in the same order to the prince's chamber. During their passing
the artillerie shott. The duke receaving the prince from the am-
bassader, presented him to the king, where he was made knight,
and tuiched with the spurre by the Erle of Marr. The king sett
a crowne on his head. Then was proclamed by the heralds and
Lyon King of Armes, “Friderick Henrie, Henrie Friderick, by
the grace of God, Knight, and Baron of Renfrew, Lord of Isla,
Erle of Carict, Duke of Rothsay, Prince, and Great Stewart of
Scotland.” Thir knights [were] made ; Sir William Stuart of
Howston, Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, Johne Boswald of Bal-
mowto, James Schaw of Sawchie, Johne Murrey of Ethilstoun,
William Menteith of Kerse, Alexander Fraser of Frazerburgh,
George Livingstoun of Ogilfesse, James Forrester of Torwodheid,
Andrew Balfour of Strathurd, Walter Dundas of Newlistoun, Johne
Boswald of Glasmouth, George Elphinstoun of Blythiswod, William
Livingstoun of Dernclester, David Meldrum of Newhall, and pro-
clamed in the forefront of the castell.
This done, the king and queene, with the ambassaders, satt at
1594. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLANTD. 345
table in the Great Hall, at eight houres at even : the office men to
the king, the Erle of Marr, Great Maister Houshold, the Lord
Fleeming, Great Uscher, the Erle of Montrose, Carver, the Erle
of Glencarne, Cupper, the Erle of Orkney, Sewer. To the queene,
the Lord Setoun, Carver, the Lord Hume, Cupper, the Lord
Sempill, Sewer. This table [was] so served, that everie one might
See an other. On the king's right hand the queene, nixt the am-
bassader of Denmarke, and the ambassaders of Holland and Zeland,
distant a good space one from another : on the left hand, the
English ambassader, mixt, Mr Robert Bowes; the ambassaders of
the Duke of Brunswicke and the Duke of Meckleburgh. Upon
the east and west sides of the hall, all the noblemen of these coun-
treis, ladeis of honour, and the rest of the nobles and barons, placed
a gentlewoman betuixt two men. They being refreshed, a certame
space, came in a blacke More drawing a chariot, wherin was the
desert, presented by ladies Ceres, Facundia, Faith, Concord, Lib-
eralitie, and Perseverance. The chariot returning, entered an
artificiall and weill proportionned shippe, the lenth of her keell
eighteene foote, and her breadth eight foote, from the bottom to
the high flag foure foote; the sea made counterfooted. On her
fore sterne was Neptunus, then Thetis and Triton; about the
shippe, mariners and Steirsmen. The mast was reid, her taikling
and cords of silke, with threttie-five peece of brazen ordinance; all
the sailes of double white taffetie. The pylot in cloth of gold moved
the shippe, wherin were musicians, and Arion with his harpe; and
in this maner she sailled, whill she came to the table, discharging
her ordinance in the sterne by the way. Out of this shippe was
losed and delivered a chrystall glasse, curiouslie painted with gold
and azure, (as the meases of the chariot were ;) all sorts of fishes made
of sugar, as shell fishes, and others. This done, the shippe returned,
and shott her ordinance. The bankett ended, thankes being givin
to God, there was sung the 128th Psalme, with diverse voices and
toones, and musicall instruments playing. The strangers mervelled
greatlie at the shippe. This done, the king and queene, with the
ambassaders, went to another hall, to the collatioun, a most rare,
346 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1594.
sumptuous, and princelie desert, and sugars. Which ended, and
taiking their leave, they sindered at three in the morning.
All the tyme of the remaining of thir ambassaders were delect-
able pastymes, muche dancing, masking, and running at the ring.
The Abbot of Halyrudhous, in woman's apparell, tooke up the
ring sindrie tymes. The Lord Hume, in Turkish rayment, the
king himself, in his masking geir, with a white overthwart croce,
the badge of the Knights of the Holie Spirit, which was muche
mislyked by good men. It is to be noted in the preceeding dis-
course, that the ministers who raid out of Edinburgh to Stirline
were enjoined by the Presbyterie of Edinburgh to withstand, so
farre as in them lay, the ministratioun of the baptisme by Mr
David Cuninghame, styled Bishop of Aberdeene, howbeit no bishop
in office or in effect.
The bankett being ended, the queene came to Edinburgh, ac-
companied with sixtie or eightie horse. When she came by the
long gate, benorth Edinburgh, there was shott Sevin great shott of
cannons from the castell. The king came from Stirline to the Pa-
lace of Halyrudhous upon the sixt of September, and then nyne
great peeces were shott. The Danish ambassaders shott their
voleis upon the tenth of September, in the morning, and pulled up
sailes. Upon Moonday, the 16th of September, the Estats’ ambas-
sader departed out of Leith with his volie ; the English ambas-
sader by land, upon the 12th of September.
A PROCLAMATION FOR THE NORTHLAND ROAD.
Upon the 11th of September, proclamatioun was made at the
Mercat Croce of Edinburgh, making mentioun that certane con-
jured tratours and unnaturall subjects had conveened themselves,
some in the north, and some in the South : Waiged souldiours with
forrane money, to the overthrow of the religioun, the king's estat,
and of the countrie. Therefore, erles, lords, barons, freeholders,
and substantious gentlemen within the Sherifdome of Edinburgh,
Constabularie of Hadintoun, Shirefdome of Berwick, Peebles, Lin-
1594. OF THE RIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 347
lithguo, Stirline, etc., were commanded to addresse them in feare
of warre, with threttie dayes victuall, to make their musters and
weaponshowing in Edinburgh, the last of this instant ; and to
prepare themselves, the 1st of October, to passe with the king's
Majestie to Dundie, under the paine of losse of life, lands, and
goods. And in lyke maner, Fife, Angus, Mernes, Menteith, Dundie,
|Bamf, to make their weaponshowings in Dundie the 4th of Octo-
ber; and on the 5th to passe with his Hienesse to Aberdeene, with
threttie dayes victuall.
BOTHWELL DIRIVIN TO GREAT NECESSITIE,
About this tyme, Bothwell directed a letter to the ministers of
Edinburgh, wherin he excused his meeting with Angus and Erroll
with extreme necessitie; deplored that he was forsaikin of Eng-
land and all others, almost destituted of food and rayment: pro-
mised never to declyne from religioun, and that he would prorogat
the other day appointed for the conferring with the erles, till he
saw what the ministers would doe for his releefe. But no word of
his repentance. Upon Wedinsday, the 25th, was another bill cast
in to the ministers, in the kirk-yaird, wherin Dothwell shewed that
he was joyned with Huntlie, and that he was readie to doe anie
thing for them at Huntlie's hands, if they pleased to imploy him.
In the meane tyme, sindrie of Bothwell's followers were executed.
William Allan in Leith, Admirall-depute, David Orne and John-
stoun were hanged at the Croce of Edinburgh; James Cochranc,
Captan of Blacknesse, was hanged upon the secund of October
after. Johne Bartan, goldsmith, was lett out of the jayle upon
Moonday at night, the 1st of October, and bid himself. The bruit
went that his wife sould be burnt for recepting of Bothwell. But
the greefe and miscontentment of the people, at the severitie that
was used against Bothwell's followers, so astonished the courteours,
that farther crueltie was stayed for the present.
348 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
THE BATTELL OF GLENRINNEIS.
Commission was givin to Archibald Erle of Argile, a young man
of eighteene yeeres or thereby, at the instant solicitatioun of the
ministers, to invade Huntlie for the slaughter of the Erle of Mur-
rey, and to disquiett him till the king himself came with his armie;
for the Erle of Murrey was his kinsman. Forces were gathered
on both sides, and the battell foughtin at Glenrinneis, above Mur-
rey land, with uncertane victorie, but greatest losse to Huntlie,
which made Huntlie and Erroll unable therafter to make anie re-
sistance to the king's armie. The historie of this battell may be
collected out of this letter following, sent from one to his familiar
freind :—
“The most speciall caus wherefore I direct this missive to you
at this tyme is, becaus I am sure yee are desirous of our northland
newes, and speciallie of this last conflict, to lett you understand the
veritie of the same, becaus I know the same, by ocular witnesses
who were there. For we had beene all there, to witt, Mackeinzie,
etc., if it had continued two dayes longer; for we marched ford-
ward that same day of the conflict, but were too long in comming.
But some of our men who were of our companie were within ten
myles to them where they were.
“The maner is this : Argile, after he had circuited the Castell of
Ryven of Bazenoch, would not seige the castell, becaus he had their
promise to give it over whenever it pleased him, which was one of
Huntlie's greatest strenths. Afterward he marched forward to
Auchindoun, having in his companie Grant, Makgilzeane, * * *
Macklaine, who undoubtedlie played the man, and Malcolmetoshe,
to the number of five thowsand naiked Heeland men, to call them
so. Huntlie, upon the other part, gathered with Erroll to the
number of fourteene hundreth horsemen. The Erle of Argile, after
he had come to Auchindoun, was in no wise minded to fight, untill
the tyme my Lord Forbesse, who was all horsemen, according to
his promise, had come. Siclyke Lord Lovat, Mackeinzie, Ballin-
1594. OF TIIE IXIRIC OF SCOTLAND. - 349
gowan, Fowles, and Mackoneill, had come. And, indeid, the men
of our side of the countrie, suche as Mackeinzie, Lovat, Fowles, and
Ballingowan, had marched fordward. But their greatest stay was
in the king's comming fordward, according to the proclamatioun.
Alwise, Huntlie and Erroll knowing that there were moe comming
to Argile, and seing he was but all Heeland men, they marche
fordward to Auchindoun, and there was but the space of a myle
betuixt both their campes. Alwise, had not beene the treasoun
committed by Lochinyell, who is Argile’s speciall and neerest kins-
man, and some other tratours, all had beene theirs. In Argile’s
factioun, Macklaine, Grant, and Malcolmetoshe, had gottin the
avant-guarde, and Seing Huntlie draw neere, he made him for battell.
Now, this Lochinyell desired the avant-guarde, but Argile would
not, Seing he was neerest to his hous. Now, this Lochinyell had
made pactioun with Huntlie by writt, that where he saw a yellow
standard, he sould persue there, for he would be there, and als soone
as Huntlie persued, he sould fast flee away; and he as the most
speciall fleeing, the rest sould flee, and so all sould be his owne.
This was done by Lochimyell, becaus my lord had executed one of
his brethrein, for slaughter of Caddell and others, and becaus,
failing my lord and his brother, he succeeded. This Lochinyell
desired Huntlie, moreover, if he had anie ordinance, to charge that
part wherever he saw the yellow standard. Alwise, Argile would
not suffer him to be in the avant-guarde, but in a wing of the stale
oast, beside himself. Moreover, it is plainlie alledged that Mal-
colmetosh and Grant did ut supra, which appeareth weill ut posted ;
for Grant was Huntlie's owne, and Grant and Malcolmetosh have
beene together heere this long tyme.
“First, Huntlie shott three cart peeces. The first did no harme;
the secund slue a man standing before Macklaine; the thrid non
venit. Now, after the three cart peeces were shott, one or two of
Huntlie's horsemen came fordward in this tratorie, and charged
Argile's avant-guarde, and in the charging Erroll was foremost, who
persuing Grant in the avant-guarde, ‘What, sayeth he, not beleeving
he had beene there, ‘is not this he was on our counsell heere yester-
350 } CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
day? Alwise, they past over Malcolmetoshe's companie and Grant's,
and made them for the yellow standard, where was my Lord Argile
and Lochinyell, and a great part of Argile’s men flee; and in fleing,
Lochinyell and his brother were slaine, as God would have tratorie
punished. Now, Macklaine being betuixt Argile and Huntlie, in
the wing of the stale oast, he and his men fell to, so that for a great
space nihil potuit videri for reeke of hacquebutts and arrowes, by
Macklaine and his men. And at that first onsett, there were manie
of Argile’s men slaine in the fleing, and of Macklaine's men in the
avant-guarde manie slaine. But of Huntlie's companie, nullus erat
of the charged first unslaine, never a man but ather hurt or slaine,
and all were cheefe and speciall men. Postguam, the rest of
Huntlie's companie cometh to, and all their horse were discomfited,
and never a gentleman of reputation amongst them but was ather
hurt or slaine. Argile was left him alone, onlie with ſoure men
with him in the stale oast, in the meane tyme whill Macklaine was
fighting. Argile puer graft, and shoutted on his men, who fled
like tratours, and after that Macklaine had foughten and done, he
could not gett Argile brought away, untill the tyme he was brought
by force. Macklaine hath played one of the most valient men that
ever Heeland man played. For in the comming to of Huntlie's
stale oast, after the first course was past, he having a jacke upon
him, two habergiouns, with a murrioun, and a Danish axe, he per-
ceaving Huntlie's standard, played so valientlie with the axe, that
he slue foure or five, untill the tyme he came to Huntlie's standard,
and sticked the horse wherupon the bearer raid, and nixt cutted
himself in two at the waste, and brought the standard away. This
the enemeis confesse. Also, the other confesseth, that if they had
stand who fled from the Erle of Argile, non viverit unus.
“The enemeis made their vaunt speciallie, avitus meus. After
their home comming, my brother having speered the maner of the
conflict, he answered, “The devill be at Malcolmetosh and Grant,
for they have both stand longer nor they promised!’ Judge yee
what tratourie this was, although some of them for honestie be-
hoved to fight. But whatsomever was done, Macklain and his
1594. OF THE [[It]{ OF SCOTLAND. 351
men were the doers. There is never one of Malcolmetosh or Grant's
kin [slaine, but of Argile and Macklaine's sixtie-foure, as their
bodeis were compted by sindrie therafter. But all these were but
of their commouns, for, indeid, there is not a landed man slaine in
this number, save three, Lochinyell, and two of Macklain's men.
But on the other part, Huntlie is hurt in the heele, although they
denie it. He was twise dishorsed. Erroll is shott in the arme and
leg, Auchindoun is slaine, Eswanlie is slaine, Clunie is shott through
the cheekes with a bullet, Mr William Gordoun, Commissar of
Murrey, is slaine, three of Carborrowe's bairnes are deidlie hurt,
Geicht is slaine, Lethersure is hurt, the Person of Bonar, a gentle-
man, is slaine, William Dowcat, a gentleman of Erroll's, is slaine,
who was a brave man ; a gentleman, Cheins, slaine, Mr George
Barclay, a man of law of Aberdeene, and his eldest sonne, slaine.
To be short, there was not a gentleman of Huntlie's, three or foure
excepted, but were ather hurt or slaine. Huntlie gott never suche
a wracke of his kin, although they gott the spoile of the campe of
Argile, which will not be able to pay the hors which Huntlie lost.
Argile is away to meete the king, who hath vowed, ather yitt to
be putt off the feilds, or ellis to putt them off. But truelie, Sir, I
assure you, if Argile will preasse to that thing againe, he will gett
great assistance in this countrie, for he is weill liked of Sir, be-
caus this is treasoun, at the least some of this, I suppresse my name
and subscriptioun, for feare of interception.”
This letter may be suppleed by another discourse which heere follow-
eth, sett down by another :-
“Huntlie and Erroll tooke their provisioun out of the place of
Strabogie. The people therabout abstracted their cornes and cat-
tell from these parts of the countrie, leaving their houses desolate,
to the effect the enemie sould find nothing within the countrie.
Argile understanding this, sent word desiring Huntlie and Erroll,
in the king's name, to passe off the feilds, and to make the same
patent to him, as lieutenant to the king, under the paine of trea-
352 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1594.
soun, and that he might loodge in Strabogie. Huntlie answered, he
would not passe off the feilds, and sould be porter himself, if he
came. In the meane tyme, he and Erroll gathered their forces.
They tooke God to witnesse, when they exhorted their people to
concurrence, that they had good caus to fight against these bar-
barians, becaus the querrell was God's glorie, and the defence of
their countrie and freinds; therefore they besought them, in the
name of God, to behave themselves valientlie. Erroll, with Sir
Patrik Gordoun of Auchindoun, and Captan Ker, to the number
of 200 horse, was appointed for the avant-guarde; Huntlie, with
other 200 hors, for the rere-guarde. All were assembled on a faire
greene feild. Foure hundreth horsemen were appointed to stand
behind them, with foure pieces of carted ordinance, in a secreit
place out of sight, and an hundreth hacquebutters. At last, the
parties drawing neere other within a shott, Huntlie's forces march-
ed fordward with a sober pace, in respect the enemie was on the
height of the hill rough and high, that convenientlie his horsemen
might not winne the same. Yitt they preassed up the hill at a side,
where, at the first brasche, the horsemen in Erroll’s companie, to the
number of fourtie, were slaine. The foure peece of ordinance shott
at Argile’s avant-guarde, and caused his whole companie to turne
backe. Huntlie's horsemen followed about the hill, and tooke.the
plaine following, neere the part where Argile was. The Laird of
Lochinyell and his brother were slaine. Macklain faught cruellie,
but was compelled to flee, howbeit Argile’s companels had the van-
tage of the ground, Sunne, and wind, and a great store of victualls
and carriages, to the number of five hundreth hors. Yitt they fled
with suche fearefulnesse, that they did cast their hacquebutts, tar-
gets, and plaides, from them. Argile’s owne pavilioun was cutted,
all his cariage takin. There were slaine of his companie 500 per-
sons. He himself escaped narrowlie. Huntlie's owne hors hurt.
Erroll hurt in the leg, Sir Patrik Gordoun of Auchindoun slaine,
and sindrie hurt and slaine, to the number of 460, and their hors,
as said is. All the harme Huntlie's companie gott was in the be-
ginning. But were not God's permissioun and their ſoure carted
1594. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 353,
peeces, they had beene all lost. Becaus Captan Ker did so valient-
lie, they knighted him on the feild. This battell was foughten upon
the thrid of October.”
THE KING's ROAD IN THE NORTH.
Upon Fryday, the fourth of October, the king tooke journey
from Halyrudhous, and goeth slowlie fordward, for he went about
by Stirline, with the horsemen. The footmen went over the water
at Leith and the West Ferrie, to meete the king at St Johnstoun.
The captans of the three bands of souldiours taikin up by the toun
of Edinburgh, to witt, Captan Weddell, Captan Cranstoun, Cap-
tan Davidsone, tooke their oaths in presence of the proveist and
bailiffes of Edinburgh, at their musters in the Gray Friers, before
they went over, to be true to the kirk, to the king, and the toun of
Edinburgh. The Erle of Morton was left lieutenant in the south
parts till the king's returne, becaus Bothwell was in these parts
leveing men. Beside the commoun forces gathered by proclama-
tioun, the king had waiged footmen and horsemen. The composi-
tiouns of suche as were licenced to remaine at home, together with
the contributiouns of the barons and burrowes, were bestowed to
that use. Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr James Melvill, and sindrie other
ministers, accompanied the king, at his owne desire, who willed
them to beare witnesse of his paines and severe proceedings, becaus
the people were jealous of him. Upon the seventh of October, the
king came to Dundie, where Argile came to him with two of his
servants, and reported what was past. About the 15th of October,
the king with his whole armie came to Aberdeene. At their com—
ming to Aberdeen, they found no resistance. The rebells keeped
themselves so secreit, that no knowledge could be had where anie
of them lurked. The king intendeth to goe fordward, and demo-
lishe their principall houses; but extremitie of weather stayed him,
till almost the first moneth was consumed. There was no pay to
the waiged horsemen and footmen (wherin stood the forces that
were reposed upon) for the nixt moneth. It was thought therefore
VOIL. V. Z.
354 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
expedient by the king and counsell, to direct a man of credite to
move the burghes and weill affected of all rankes, to send with
diligence the secund moneth's pay. Mr James Melvill was chosin
as the fittest man by the king, the counsell, and the ministers. He
was commanded to assure the brethrein of the ministrie of Edin-
burgh, yea, to preache it, that seing the rebells were fugitive, their
principall houses sould be demolished, to testifie the king's utter in-
dignatioun against them. Mr James Melvill undertaketh the bussi-
nesse, howbeit the countrie was brokin, and so the way dangerous,
the weather unseasonable, and great expeditioun was required, in
respect of the distance betweene Aberdeene and Edinburgh. For
his directioun and credite, he had these letters following:—
“To our trust Freinds, the Ministers of the Evangell at
Edinburgh.
“Trust freinds, we greet you heartilie weill. At the late con-
ventioun of our estats assembled for preventing of the dangers prac-
tised of the Papists, and others our unnaturall subjects joyned, and
conspiring the subversioun of religioun, the wracke of our person
and estat, and perpetuall thraldome of our countrie to most merci-
lesse strangers, it was resolved that we sould with all celeritie haste
in expeditioun toward the north, least, if tymous remeed were not
provided, their expected strangers might arive. And for the better
effectuating therof, it was thought requisite that we sould have our
ordinarie force of horsemen and footmen, of the which our burrowes
verie kindlie, and of good will, yeelded to a sowme for susteaning
of a thowsand footmen the space of two moneths, as we ourselves
provided by our owne privat moyen the first moneth to our horse-
men. The weather being verie unseasonable, and suche spaits of
waters, as with great difficultie, and not without perrell of a great
part of our armie, could we atteane to this toun before the halfe of
the first moneth was expyred ; whereby, and by the retreate of our
rebells covertlie to corners and hiddills, thinking to wearie us, and
abiding the issue of the pay of our waiged men, as things heere are
1594. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 355
like to draw to greater lenth than we expected : Yitt seing what our
departure from this might import, and how manie dangers are im-
minent, we are fullie resolved to make our residence heere, and to
depart no where ellis, till we have fullie settled this part of the
countrie, and putt it to suche point, as little danger sall be feared,
if we be aided by your kindlie helpe and promised releefe. We
will therefore most effectuouslie desire you, that yee will be instant
by all meanes to move, that our burgh of Edinburgh, and the rest
of our burrowes, to have at us in this toun, before the 28th of this
instant, the secund moneth's pay, with the rest of the first moneth's,
wherof onlie that one halfe yitt is receaved, without the which we
will be constrained to leave this good and necessar worke undone;
whereby the adversareis will be so encouraged, as they will looke
for no resistance, and have the countrie opin to strangers; which,
before it sould fall out in our tyme, or anie blame might be imputed
unto us, we had rather give crowne, life, and whatsoever God hath
putt in our hands. Be not therefore cold nor slow in this mater,
but imploy your whole meanes, and see the same effectuated.
Which we doubt not but yee will doe, and interpone all your good
travells and diligence to that effect. Farther we committ to this
bearer, Mr James Melvill, whom we have expresslie chosin to this
message, and we wishe you to credit as ourself. So we committ
you to God’s holie protectioun,
“From Aberdeen, the 16th of October, 1594.”
(Sic subscribitur) “JAMES R.”
“To our trust Freinds, the Proveist, Bailliffes, and Counsell of our
Burgh of Edinburgh, and the rest of our Burrowes.
“Trust freinds, we greet you heartilie weill. This bearer, Mr
James Melvill, being one of the ministrie that hath accompanied
us in this whole journey, and therethrough best acquainted with all
our proceedings in the way, and since our heere comming : We
have taikin occasioun ones earand to direct him towards you, to
signifie unto you particularlie how we have beene occupied, and
356 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1594.
what our intentioun is, before our returne; as also, have instructed
him in suche things as he sall speciallie impart unto you, in our
name, anent the furtherance of the caus in hands; whom we will
desire you firmelie to credit as ourself. And so, remitting the
mater to his sufficiencie, and the particular letter of the rest of the
ministrie heere, we committ you to God.
“From Aberdeen, the 15th of October, 1594.”
(Sic subscribitur) “JAMES R.”
“To our Right Worshipfull and deere Brethrein, the Ministers
of Edinburgh.
“‘Manie are the tribulations of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth
them out of them all.”
“Right Worshipfull and deere Brethrein, Albeit the Lord in
justice threatned this land with heavie judgements, for the con-
tempt of his favour, yitt we find, that in the middes of wrathe he
remembreth mercie, and overcometh when he is judged. For the
king and his counsell, with his whole companie, daylie grow in
earnest affectioun, to advance the good caus against the enemeis
therof; and have resolutelie concluded, by the grace of God, not
to remove out of thir parts before the utter overthrow of the ad-
versare caus. Wherin, as we have just occasioun to praise God, so
we earnestlie commend unto your prayer the good and happie suc-
cesse of this actioun : requeisting you likewise to imploy yourselves
with our brother, Mr James Melvill, the bearer, at the hands of
your owne toun, that a good caus be not forsaikin at the utmost
point, and fall through laike of sufficient moyen to beare it furth,
as we doubt not to find your effectuall assistance, according to your
zeale. The rest to the bearer, whom yee will credit. The Lord
preserve you, and direct all your proceedings to his glorie.
“From Aberdeene, the 16th of October, 1594.
“Your brethrein and fellow labourers in the Lord,
“A, MELVILL.
“MR P. GALLOWAY.
“J.A. NICOLSONE.”
1594. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 357
When all was done, there was little sound meaning and small
effect. For Mr James Melvill had not past two dayes in his jour-
ney, when moyen was made to the king to Spaire the houses of the
rebells, and to take onlie a view of them. When they were at
Strabogie, and consulting what sould be done, the most part in-
clyning to spaire the hous, Mr Andrew Melvill boore out the mater
so, by the assistance of the good Lord Lindsay, and the captans of
horsemen and footmen, that at last the king taketh upon him, con-
trarie to the minde of the greater part, to conclude the demolish-
ing and undermyning of the hous, and gave charge to the Maister
of Worke to that effect. The like was done to the Slains, a hous
belonging to the Erle of Erroll, and Newton, a hous belonging to
one of the Gordouns. A great number of the barons and their
confederals found cautioun not to hant or frequent with the saids
lords, or recept anie of their associats, under great Soumes of
money.
The king returneth from Aberdeene about the nynth of Novem-
ber, and leaveth Lodowick, Duke of Lennox, as lieutenant, with
Sir Robert Melvill of Mordecairnie, and Sir Johne Carmichael of
that Ilk, an hundreth horsemen, and an hundreth footmen. The
barons of the countrie were appointed to assist them, als weill in
counsell as otherwise. The people of the countrie were appointed
to attend quarterlie. The duke tooke up rigourouslie the penalteis
of the commoun people that obeyed not the proclamatiouns, but
componned easilie with the assisters of the rebells. He had ava-
ritious and craftie counsellers left with him. He receaved young
Geicht and Clunie, for he had power to receave to peace whom he
pleased. He travelled with Huntlie and Erroll to depart out of
the countrie, which they did, more to satisfie the king than for
anie hard persute. The duke was Huntlie's brother-in-law, and
therefore too favourable to be imployed in Suche an actioun. He
stayed in the North till the middest of Februar.
Upon the Lord's day, the 17th of December, the king cometh to
the Great Kirk of Edinburgh. Mr William Watsone, in his ser-
358 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1594.
moun, commended the king's proceedings. The like was done by
the rest in severall kirks.
THE MINISTERS CONSULT UPON A MOTIOUN TO THE KING.
Upon the 25th of December, some brethrein of the ministrie
meeting in the Little Kirk, agreed that a motioun sould be made
to the king, for taiking some substantiall order for the overthrow-
ing of the force of the enemie in tyme ; and that meanes might be
found for mainteaning the companels in the North, till the other
overture were found out. But it turned to no effect.
M.R. W. BALCALQUALL DELATED TO THE RING.
Upon Fryday, the 27th of December, Mr Walter Balcalquall be-
ing delated to the king, for charging him in his last sermoun with
the imprissoning of Mr Nicoll Dagleish, answered, That he meant
nothing of the king, but of the magistrats of Edinburgh, who had
used him roughlier than they were commanded. The king was
lightlie past over heere.
The chanceller being demanded of the king what he thought of
Mr Johne Davidsone, that would not lett the Castelians (that is,
these who keeped the castellin the last civili warres) alone, answered,
“No mervell, so long as the castell is in his ey. If the castell were
out of his ey, ather would he leave to speeke of it, or ellis to be
angrie if he spake.” His meaning was, That if he were removed
out of Edinburgh, and from the sight of the castell, he would not
make mentioun of them so oftin in his sermouns. He was forced
to remove indeid out of the sight of the castell, howbeit not farre
from it, as we sall see in the owne place.
1595. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 359
M.D.XCV.
MR. R. ROLLOCK FIN DETEI FAULT WITH TELE RING,
Notwithstanding of the king's road to the North, all this while
bygane, there was great dearth and povertie in the countrie, muche
blood shed, and manie horrible murthers committed : the sonne
slaying the father, the one brother the other, and brether sonnes
killing eache other, theeves spoiling and oppressing, and men daylie
ravishing webmen; but no executioun of justice, ather by the king
or by the inferiour magistrats. Yea, it was an easie thing to
obteane a remissioun from the king for blood. Therefore, Mr
Robert Rollocke, howbeit otherwise a mylde and meeke man, teach-
ing on the Lord's day, the fyft of Januar, upon the letting loose of
Barrabas and condemning Christ, prayed God to give the king a
remissioun for all the remissiouns he had givin to murtherers.
MURE EXECUTED.
Upon Moonday, the 13th, George Mure, the cheefe murtherer of
the minister at Kirkcudbright, was hanged in Edinburgh. He con-
fessed whoordome, murther, false coine.
There was a new conspiracie devised by the traterous lords,
Huntlie, Erroll, Angus, Cathnesse, and Bothwell. They sub-
scribed a dangerous band, wherunto Balwerie was privie. Balwerie
was wairded in the Castell of Edinburgh, and upon the 23d of
Januar, brought furth of the castell to the Tolbuith, where he was
keeped all the night. He delivered a copie of the foresaid band,
and confessed, as was reported, that the king sould have beene
taikin, committed to perpetuall prisoun, the prince crowned king,
Huntlie, Erroll, and Angus, chosin regents. He was suffered, not-
withstanding, to keepe his owne chamber upon the 29th of Ja-
nuarie, and was fynned in twentie thowsand punds, which the
hungrie courteours gaiped for, but gott not.
360 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1595.
THE HEEDS OF THE BAND TO BE MADE BETUIXT THE ERLES OF
ANGUS, HUNTLIE, ERROLL, BOTHWELL, AND CATHNESSE.
“That they sall take no dresse nor compositioun of their estats
by commoun consent.
“That all things sall be done and ordered by commoun advice
and consent.
“That they sall take an effald part, eache one with other, in
all causes.
“That the Erles of Angus, Huntlie, and Erroll, and the Laird
of Auchindoun, with all excommunicated Catholicks, sall not be
troubled, civillie nor criminallie, for their conscience and religioun.
“That assurance sall stand and be inviolablie keeped betuixt
the Erles of Huntlie and Bothwell, the Lord Uchiltrie, * * *
till the young Erle of Murrey be seventeene yeeres of age.
“If anie particular querrell sall chance betuixt anie of the sub-
scribers, or among their freinds, the contendent sall be subject to
the decisioun of the rest, or anie two most neutrall, chosin by com-
mon advice.
“That none sould be receaved in court nor burgh but suche as
sall be allowed by the whole.
“That none sall tak on preferment, or accept anie office, by the
commoun advice of the rest subscribers.
“That the Erle of Huntlie make offers for the Erle of Murrey’s
slaughter, by the advice of Angus, Erroll, Balwerie, and Spot, and
the Erle of Cathnesse sall be sufficient.
“And incace the bairne, at his perfyte age, Sall refuse the same,
the Erle of Bothwell and Lord Uchiltrie sall refuse to take his
part, or persue that slaughter.” *
(Sic subscribitur)
“ANGUS. HUNTLIE. ERROLL. BOTEIWELL.
“CATHNESSE. PATRIK GORDOUN of Auchindoun.
“James Scot, witnesse.”
1595. OF THE EIRE OF SCOTLAND. 361
Whether it was this band which was made before the battell at
Glenrinneis, as appeareth by Auchindoun, a subscriber, who was
slaine at that battell, or another made since that tyme, I am not
certane. Yitt it appeareth, by the words uttered by Mr Walter
Balcalquall, in his sermoun the last of Januar, that the band above
writtin is the band which Balwerie delivered at this tyme; for he
rehearsed the same verie heeds, in effect, which are conteaned in
the said band. The king promised to pardon Huntlie, and to take
upon him the slaughter of Dinnybrissill, if he would deliver Both-
well. But Huntlie refused to betray him, howbeit he had made
no scruple to betray his native countrie.
A CONFLICT BETUIXT THE MASTER OF GRAHAME AND SIR. JAMES
SANDELANDS.
Upon the last of Januar, there was a great combat betuixt the
Maister of Grahame and Sir James Sandelands, upon the High
Street of Edinburgh, the king being in the Tolbuith. Some were
slaine on both sides. Sir James Sandelands, himself hurt with two
shotts, had beene killed, if George Lokhart of Air had not stood
above him and defended, till the toun of Edinburgh sindered them.
Mr Johne Spotswod, now Bishop of St Andrewes, played the part
manfullie that day in defence of Sir James.
ARGILE WAIR.D.E.D.
Immediatlie after this conflict, there was a proclamatioun made
by sound of trumpet at the Croce of Edinburgh, declairing, that if
anie man had anie complaint to give in upon the Erle of Argile,
who now was wairded in the Castell of Edinburgh, sould be heard.
This was the rewaird he gott for his good service in the North.
He was wairded for oppressioun alledged to be committed by his
folkes. The king and the court would have had from him manie
thowsands presentlie, and Suretie for tyme to come.
362 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1595.
THE OFFERS MADE IN ARGILE'S NAME TO THE KING AND COUNSELL.
“Imprimis, He offereth, that he sall find cautioun for his men,
tenants, and servants, that he sall be answerable for them in tyme
to come, according to the generall band, act of parliament, and
lawes of the countrie.
“Item, For tymes bygane, he has satisfied the most part of the
men who have gottin skaith, and desireth to be sett at libertie,
that he may satisfie others who have actioun against him, or who
have beene troubled by anie of his ; promising to performe the
same within fourtie dayes after his releefe, or otherwise, to enter in
waird againe, under the paine of fourtie thowsand pund. For so
long as he is deteaned in waird, he can nather gett anie of the
parteis, nor a redresse of the brokin men. Providing alwayes, that
his cautioners be not acted, for the heirship done to the Gordouns.
“Item, More, that there is nothing that lyeth in his power, that
his Majestie will burthein him with but he will doe it, and sall
give his Majestie a prooffe therof.
“Item, If his Majestie will not be satisfied with these offers, to
desire that his Majestie will lett him have free waird within a myle
to the castell, Seing the rest of the noblemen that were wairded
had the like.”
JPATRIEC MILLAR HANGED.
Upon Fryday, the 14th of Februar, Patrik Millar, who had beene
in other countreis, and had returned, was hanged in Edinburgh,
for letting the Erle of Angus out of the castell.
THE DUKE RETURNETH.
Upon the Lord's day, the 16th, the duke returned from the
North to Edinburgh. He purged himself before the counsell upon
Moonday, the 17th, of the slanders raised upon him for his proceed-
1595. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 363
ings in the North, and desired to know who would accuse him ;
and yitt Huntlie was foure nights with the duke in Aberdeene,
before his returning, and was found dancing with two gentlewomen
till midnight. The livings of Huntlie and Erroll were givin by way
of factorie to the duke. He againe made their wives intrometters
there with. So their livings were taikin up to their owne use.
His chamberlans intrometted with the Erle of Angus' living to his
owne proper use. Hume, Cesforde, and Balcleuche, parted the
Lord Bothwell's living among them. Hume gott the Abbacie of
Coldinghame, Cesfurde the Abbacie of Kelso, Balcleuche the Lord-
ship of Crichton and Liddisdaill. +
Upon Tuisday, the 11th of Februar, the Justice-Clerk and
Alexander Hume of North Berwick, Proveist of Edinburgh, urged
the presbyterie with the excommunicatioun of Bothwell, and ex-
hibited to them the act of counsell tuiching the approbatioun of
Balwerie's confessioun. They tooke to advisement till the morne.
Upon the morne, after muche bussinesse, the mater was delayed
till the nixt Tuisday, that they might have a fuller meeting, and
that the rest of the Presbyteries of Lothiane be sent for by the king
to that effect. The king was enduced by Bothwell's enemeis, before
his forfaltour, to deale with the ministers, that immediatelie after
the forſaltour he might be excommunicated. Wherupon he meaned
his estat to them, by a letter affixed upon the entrie to their houses,
in the backe of the kirk. Yitt did he band himself with the rebells
after the forfaltour. The copie of the letter, omitted before, I have
thought good to insert heere, as in a proper place.
“Itight loving brethrein,_I have to this houre, with no small
danger, attended your answere: but finding none, I impute your
silence to the iniquitie of the tyme, etc. For this caus, I had de-
liberated no more to importune you, were not that I was of new
informed, that my enemeis had enduced his Majestie to deale with
you, to the effect yee might immediatlie, after my forefaltour, pro-
ceed in excommunicatioun against me, etc. Obstinat sall I not be
found; becaus I would, with all humilitie, receave your correctioun
364. CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1595.
for whatsomever offence I have committed, if sure accesse and re-
cesse were permitted.
“The state of my pitifull cace is not farre different from the
state of the noblemen latelie banished. Two landed men accused
them of conspiracie against his Majestie, as Richie Grahame accused
me. Two barons were most unjustlie putt to death, as partakers
of the cryme, etc. And with this, if I can not prove sorcerie, at
the least consultatioun with sorcerers and with witches, for obtean-
ing and mainteaning his Majestie's favours on the part of my ad-
versaries, then all sall be esteemed true that sall be objected against
me, etc. My uncle, the Erle of Murrey, Mr Knox, etc., if they
were alive, sould be excommunicated by this reasoun, Seing his
Grace thinketh no otherwise of them than of the most treasonable
tratours that ever this natioun bred, etc. And no doubt, if they
had survived to this houre, their portioun had beene no better (so
farre as Matlan’s credit might extend) nor that of the Erles of
Gowrie, Morton, and the late Erle of Murrey. I beseeke you, deere
brethrein, weygh this mater advisedlie, etc. But these men seeke
the murther of my soule, in so farre as they would have me excom-
municated.
“Your loving brother in Christ,
“BOTHWELL.”
Hſº RCULES STUATRT HANGED.
In the meane tyme, that the king urgeth the Presbyterie of
Edinburgh to excommunicat Bothwell, Hercules Stuart, his base
brother, William Sym, his servant, and one called Trotter, were
talkin by meanes of William Hume, but not without the treacherie
of Mr Johne Colvill, a deserter of his ministrie, and after an apostat
from religioun. He proposed to Hercules safetie of his life, which
was not keeped, and therefore turned to his great disgrace and dis-
credit. And so muche the rather was he suspected, becaus it was
thought he had furnished dittay against some latelie executed.
1595. OF THE RIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 365
Hercules, and his servant, William Sym, were executed upon Tuisday,
the 18th, at the Mercat Croce of Edinburgh, about foure afternoone.
He was rather a follower of Bothwell than anie great interpriser.
IBOTHWELL EXCOMMUNICATED.
Upon the same day, the 18th of Februar, after some reasoning
among the ministers conveened at Edinburgh, whether they made
up an ordinarie or extraordinarie assemblie, it was agreed that Both-
well sould be presentlie excommunicated, as by the Presbyterie of
Edinburgh, at the king's command, and not by that full meeting.
So the sentence of excommunicatioun was pronounced by William
Aird. Requeist was made by Sir George Dowglas, to receave
Balwerie to repentance. Mr Peter Young and Sir James Melvill
of Halhill propouned by the king's directioun a questioun tuich-
ing the excommunicating of these that were forefaulted for trea-
soun. The answere was delayed till after noone, but not treatted
upon then, becaus manie of the brethrein were at the executioun
of Hercules Stuart.
Upon Wednisday, the 19th, they meet, and thinke good to re-
ferre the answere to the Generall Assemblie. But as for satisfac-
tioun to the king, if he had anie particular to propone, it sould be
considered and answered. Mr Johne Davidsone being demanded
concerning Balwerie, who had purchassed a remissioun, answered,
“We sould say with the prophet that came to Ahab, “Becaus thou
hast lett goe out of thy hand whom I appointed to dee, thy life for
his life, etc.” Mr Patrik Galloway said, “That is not to be told
to the king.” Alwise, Balwerie's mater was putt over to the Gene-
rall Assemblie, and to the Presbyterie of Fife, to try him in the
meane tyme. The king was earnest to have had the Laird of Spott
excommunicated; but obteaned it not at this tyme.
THE QUEEN'S INTERPRISE.
There ariseth a variance at court. The queene would have had
366 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1595.
the prince in keeping in the Castell of Edinburgh, and Balcleuche
to be Captan. But the Erle of Marr would not suffer her to come
neere the prince but with a small number. The king liked not
the motioun, and therefore was not discontent with the Erle of
Marr's refusall. It was thought that this motioun proceeded from
the chanceller, who was now a great courteour with the queene.
A JEWELL SENT FROM TEIE POPE TO THE KING.
Upon the 24th of Marche, a Jesuit, the Laird of Camboe's
brother in Fife, was apprehended at Leith. Letters were found
upon him directed to the king from the Pope, which he rave, but
yitt they might be read. The king mett with him a little after in
the Tolbuith, apart, in secreit. He brought with him a jewell,
with a crucifixe enclosed in a glasse, and presenting it to the king,
said, It was a jewell for a prince. The king answered, he was a
prince, and would take it. When the ministers inquired the king
concerning the Jesuit, he blushed, and granted he came from the
Pope.
SPOTT EXCOMMUNICATED.
Upon Tuisday, the 15th, a letter was directed from the king,
charging the ministers of Edinburgh to be in Stirline the penult of
Aprile, where he would be present himself, and see Spott's mater
handled; alledging they had drifted it long, he could not tell how.
A number of ministers mett. The Laird of Spott, the Laird of
Geicht, and Colonell Boyd, were excommunicated. The greatest
difficultie stood in excommunicating the Laird of Spott. Mr Andrew
Melvill, and all the ministers of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh,
except Mr David Lindsey, minister at Leith, voted to the
contrare. The king said, they were like Anabaptists: when
they wanted reasoun, they pretended conscience. Upon Tuisday,
the 6th of May, the king sent Mr William Hart to the Presbyterie
of Edinburgh, to crave intimatioun of the excommunicatioun ; which
1595. OF THE RIRR OF SCOTLAND. 367
was yeelded unto by the greatest part, Mr Walter Balcalquall,
William Aird, and Johne Davidsone, disassenting.
This sommer, there was great slaughter committed betweene the
Johnstouns and the Maxwells in the South, and by Argile killing
and burning in the North. The ministers, greeved at these and
manie other enormiteis, Spaired not to affirme plainlie there was no
king in Israell.
TELE % GENERALL ASSIEMIBILIE.
The Generall Assemblie conveened at Montrose, the 24th of
June. After exhortatioun made by Mr Andrew Melvill, Proveist
of the New Colledge, and Moderator of the last Assemblie, Mrs
Robert Pont, Peter Blekburne, James Nicolsone, were removed,
and the said Mr James chosin Moderator.
The king's commissioners presented, in the eight sessioun, some
articles directed from his Majestie; the tenour wherof, and answeres
therunto, follow :—
THE TENOR OF THE KING's ARTICLES.
“His Majestie craveth that there be an act made, ordeaning
that whosoever sall at anie tyme practise anie treasonable interprise
or conspiracie against his Majestie's person or estat, being found
and declared culpable therof by the law, sall likewise incurre the
sentence of excommunicatioun therefore ; that thereby an insepa-
rable unioun may be betuixt the two swords.
“That an order be taikin concerning excommunicatioun, spe-
ciallie in three points: First, That it be not at the appetite of two
or three particulars; and that it be not proceeded in, whill first a
convenient number of the kirk be gravelie assembled. Secundlie,
That it be not for civill causes, or small crymes, and speciallie, anie
minister's particulars, least it be thought they imitat the Pope's
cursings, and so incurre the like contempt. Thridlie, The forme of
summar excommunicatioun, without anie citatioun, be allutterlie
abolished in tymes comming.
368 CALDERWOOD’S HISTORIE 1595.
“Item, In respect Mr Johne Craig is awaiting what houre it sall
please God to call him, and is altogether unable to serve anie
longer, and his Majestie mindeth to place Johne Duncansone
with the prince, and so hath no ministers but Mr Patrik Galloway,
therefore his Hienesse desires an ordinance to be made, granting
him anie two ministers he sall choose.”
EIUMBLE ANSWERES OF THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE CONVEENED AT
MONTROSE, TO THE ARTICLES PRESENTED BY HIS HIENESSE’
COMMISSIONERS.
“First, Where an ordinance is craved to be made against prac-
tisers of anie treasonable interprise or conspiracie against his Hie-
nesse’ persoun or estat, being found and declared culpable therof
by law, that they therefore sall incurre the sentence of excommu-
nicatioun, the Generall Assemblie agreeth therunto, legitima cogni-
tione ecclesiastica praee'unte.
“As to the order craved to be tane concerning excommunica-
tioun, speciallie in three points, conteaned in the secund article, the
first part therof is condescended unto. And as to the secund, that
no excommunication sall be used in causes mere civill, or in small
maters, the abolishing in tyme comming of summar excommunica-
tioun, without citatioun ; that point importing a great weight, and
craving mature deliberatioun, the Assemblie hath thought meete
to superseed all concluding therin, whill the nixt conventioun,
where, by God’s grace, they minde to resolve therupon; and that
none of the ministrie proceed in the meane tyme to excommunica-
tioun, without a citatioun preceeding, nisi periclitetur ecclesia et res-
publica.”
Tuiching his Majestie's sute concerning his ministers, it is agreed
that his Majestie sall have choice of the most grave, learned, and
godlie brethrein of the ministrie, with the advice of the commis-
sioners following, to be directed to his Grace : viz., Mrs Robert
Bruce, Andrew Melvill, James Melvill, David Lindsey, David Fer-
gusone, James Balfour, Thomas Buchanan, James Nicolsone, An-
1595, OF THE RIRK OF SCOTLAND. 369
drew Lambe, George Gladestanes, or anie six of the said brethrein,
who are appointed to meete the 22d day of Julie mixt.
ACTS AGAINST PAPISTS AND NON-COMMUNICANTS.
In the thrid sessioun, the presbytereis in all the parts of the
countrie were ordeanned to proceed to the sentence of excommu-
nicatioun against Papists within their bounds. Becaus sindrie
Papists suspected of Papistrie, after their oaths and subscriptiouns
absteaned from the Table of the Lord, pretending deidlie feed, the
presbytereis were ordeanned to proceed against them with the sen-
tence of excommunicatioun, so long as they refuse to communicat,
as if they had not subscribed, nor taikin their oath.
In the fourth sessioun it was ordeaned, that the professours of the
truthe absteaning from the communioun by reasoun of deidlie feeds,
be charged by the presbytereis to participat of the said Holie
Table; and incace they remaining obstinat refuse, that they be
proceeded against by the censures of the kirk; it being alwise con-
sidered, that if there be anie that refuse of infirmitie or tendernesse
of conscience, that the presbyterie travell with them, to bring them
to the participatioun of the said Table: granting, with good advice
and discretioun, some reasonable tyme, as to resolve with them-
selves; within the which, if they give not obedience, that the pres-
byterie proceed against them to the sentence of excommunicatioun.
In the eight sessioun, Sir James Chisholme compeared in pre-
sence of the whole brethrein, confessed with humilitie his apostasie
from religioun, for which he craved God’s mercie; declared he pro-
fessed with us the true religioun, renounced the Antichrist and all
his errours, and craved from his heart to be receaved unto the
bosome of the kirk. The Assemblie concluded he sould be relaxed,
and therafter the forme of his satisfactioun to be sett doun. So,
in the nynth sessioun, he was relaxed from the processe of excom-
municatioun led against him, he humbling himself upon his knees,
and acknowledging his offence.
2
A.
VOL. V.
370 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1595,
ACTS.
In the thrid sessioun it was ordeaned, that seing sindrie persouns
cutt off from the societie of the kirk by the sentence of excommuni-
catioun, were recept and interteaned, that the presbytereis proceed
against the recepters according to the acts of the kirk, under the
paine of publict rebooke in face of the whole Assemblie, and
making of humble confessioun upon their knees, and under the paine
of depositioun of the minister through whose default the said ordi-
nance is not executed; and that the same penaltie and executioun
be used and strike upon them that have intercommouning, intelli-
gence, or familiaritie, with the said excommunicats. º
In the mynth sessioun, the act made in favours of the executers
of ministers was cleered and explaned, that if the minister dee
after Michaelmesse, quia fruges seperata sunt a solo, that his exe-
cuters sall have that yecre's rent, and the halfe of the mixt.
It was ordeaned, that presbytereis take order for visitatioun and
reformatioun of grammar schooles in touns within their bounds,
and deale with the magistrats for augmentatioun of their stipends,
and provisioun of maisters; and to appoint some of their counsell
to attend carefullie on their schooles, and to assist the maisters in
discipline.
In the secund sessioun it was declared affirmative, that it was
proper to the kirk to declare by the Word of God what mariages
were lawfull, what unlawfull, so farre as concerned the spirituall
part.
In the nynth sessioun it was declared, that these two sorts of
mariages be unlawfull, viz., When a person marieth another whom
he hath polluted by adulterie; and when the innocent person is
content to remaine with the nocent and guiltie, and the guiltie
taketh another. As concerning mariages made by excommunicated
preests, or others that have served in the kirk, and are deposed
from their office, or by privat persons, the Assemblie declareth
suche mariages to be null, and ordeaneth the brethrein of Edin-
1595. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 371
burgh to travell with the commissars of Edinburgh, that they may
decide according to these conclusions.
It was ordeaned in the nynth sessioun, that the acts of the AS-
semblie be sighted, and speciallie acts serving for practise be ex-
tracted, and joynned with the Booke of Discipline, to be published
ather in writt or in print, that none pretend ignorance; and that
Mrs Robert Pont, Thomas Buchanan, James Melvill, Johne John-
stoun, and James Carmichael, concurre with the clerk to that effect.
A COMMISSION FOR WISITATION OF COLLEDGES.
Commissioun givin to Mrs James Melvill, Thomas Buchanan,
James Balfour, Robert Rollock, Walter Balcalquall, Nicoll Da-
gleish, James Nicolsone, and Alexander Forbesse, to conveene the
first day of Januar nixtocum, to the visitatioun of colledges; to
try and consider of the doctrine, life, and diligence of the maisters,
the discipline and order used by them, the estat of their rents and
living ; and where they find abuse, to reforme, so farre as they
may ; suche things as they cannot take order with being remitted
to the Assemblie, and to report what they effectuat.
COMMISSION CONCERNING D.I.L.APIDATIOUN OF BIENEFICES.
Tuiching planting of kirks, becaus a speciall impediment hath
beene therof, the dilapidatioun of the benefices possessed by the
brethrein of the ministrie who have sett their benefices with dimi-
mutioun of the rentall, or by conversioun of the victuall in silver,
not regarding the acts and ordinances of the Assemblie. Heere-
fore, for remeed, the Generall Assemblie hath givin power and
commissioun unto the brethrein underwrittin, within the bounds
particularlie underdivided, to call before them suche persons within
the ministrie, that since the act of the Assemblie made in the yeere
of God 1578, have sett their benefices with diminutioun of the
rentall therof, or conversioun of the victuall in silver; and to pro-
ceed against them with the sentence of depositioun, which sall
372 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1595
stand in force, ay and whill they restore their benefices to the
owne integritie wherin the samine was at their entrie therto. That
is to say, to Mrs Andrew Melvill, James Melvill, Robert Wilkie,
Thomas Buchanan, Andrew Muncreif, to call before them the saids
persons within the bounds following, viz., from Spey to Tay, and
all Lothiane, Merce, and Tiviotdaill, to compeere before them in
St Andrewes. Nixt, Mrs David Lindsay, Robert Bruce, David
Fergusone, Robert Pont, James Balfour, or anie three of them, to
sitt in Edinburgh, and call before them the saids dilapidators with-
in the bounds of the whole north to Spey and Fife, as als beneficed
persons that have made dilapidatioun within the diocie of Rosse.
Thridlie, Mrs Patrik Simsone, Andrew Young, Harie Livingstoun,
James Pont, Johne Davidsone, to sitt in Stirline, and call before
them the saids brethrein that have dilapidated their benefices with-
in the bounds of Stirlineshire, Stratherne, Cliddisdaill, Dumbartan,
Renfrew, Lennox, Kyle, Carict, Cunninghame, Galloway, Nithis-
daill.
And for the better executioun to be had of this commissioun,
ordeans everie presbyterie, within the bounds foresaids, to send to
the judges, everie one of them within their owne bounds, particular
informatioun and answere to the heeds which sall be penned by
their brother, Mr Robert Pont, betuixt and the fyfteenth day of
August nixt. And to the effect that the presbytereis be not igno-
rant heerof, the Assemblie presentlie hath nominated the brethrein
after specified, to give wairning to the presbytereis within the bounds
respective following, according to the divisioun after specified :
That is to say, Mr Alexander Crambie for Rosse; Mr Alexander
Rawsone, Mr Alexander Dowglas, for Murrey; Mr Peter Blekburne,
Mr Duncan Davidsone, James Reid, for Aberdeene; Mr Andrew
Mylne, Mr Alexander Forbesse, for Mernes; Johne Durie, Mr
James Melvill, for Angus; Mrs Alexander Lindsay and William
Glasse for Stratherne ; Mr James Melvill, David Fergusone, for
|Eife; Mr Walter Hay, Mr Andrew Blakhall, for Lothiane; James
Dais for Merce and Tiviotdaill; for Tweeddaill, Mr Andrew Blak-
hall and Mr Walter Hay; for Stirlineshire, Mr Adam Bannatyne;
1595. OF TEIE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 373
for Cliddisdaill, Renfrew, Lennox, Dumbartane, Mr Walter Stuart
and Mr Gawin Hammiltoun; for Nithisdaill, Mr James Brysone,
Mr Hugh Foullertoun; for Galloway, Mr Johne Aikman ; for
Ryle, Carict, and Cunninghame, Mr David Barclay. Which in-
formatiouns being receaved by the saids judges, ordeans them with
all diligence to proceed against the said persons. And for the
faithfull executioun of the said commissioun, the saids judges were
sworne, except Mrs Thomas Buchanan, Robert Bruce, Patrik Sim-
sone, Harie Livingstoun, James Pont, who were not present.
THE HEEDS OF INQUISITIOUN TO BE MADE IN EVERIE PIRESBYTERIE
CONCERNING DILAPIDATIOUN OF BIENEFICES.
Sessioun 8.
1. Imprimis, To take up from everie beneficed minister the pre-
sent rentall of his benefice, and what yeerelie duetie, by his owne
confessioun, he giveth presentlie for the same.
2. If he has sett tacks therof, and whom to, privatlie or pub-
lictlie; and if need be, to take his oath therupon.
3. To enquire what was the estat of his benefice when he en-
tered in the same, or whether he was hurt or vitiated by his pre-
decessor P
4. To take diligent inquisitioun, not onlie by report of the bene-
ficed person himself, but by others that know the just valour therof,
what the benefice was worth, or payed of old, at the best estat.
5. What the samine would extend to, in yeerlie duetie of tithes
or otherwise, if it were free of tacks, and in a minister's owne hand;
and if need beis, that the presbyterie or commissioner call an In-
queist of men of best knowledge in the countrie about, to declare
the veritie heerin, and send the same to the judges appointed, in
due tyme, with the whole circumstances before rehearsed.
JForasmuche as there is an abusse necessarie to be remedied,
speciallie in Cathnesse, and some other parts where they that
possesse the benefice (as the late Bishop of Cathnesse did in spe-
374. CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1595.
ciall) dilapidat the whole rents therof, except a verie small quantitie,
in pensiouns most prodigallie to all that sought the same, whereby
he has dilapidated the whole patrimonie of the said bishoprick; for
remeed wherof, the Assemblie ordeans Mr David Lindsay and Mr
James Balfour to admonishe Mr Thomas Craig, and the solister of
the kirk to persue the said pensioners, for reductioun of their pen-
Siouns, which cannot stand by the law, of the whole or of the most
part of the fruicts of anie benefice, and to insist diligentlie therin.
A COMMISSION FOR THE CONSTANT PLATT.
Forasmuche as a great occasioun of the non-planting of kirks
standeth in inlaike of provisioun of the ministrie, and that their
stipends from yeere to yeere being changeable, they are drawin
from their kirks, to the neglecting of their flockes, and to the dis-
gracing of their callings: With commoun advice it is heerefore con-
cluded and resolved, that a constant platt sall be sett doun by the
brethrein following, appointed out of everie province, who sall sitt
and conveene the first day of September nixt within Edinburgh ;
and before their conventioun and sitting, everie presbyterie sall,
betuixt and the fyfteene day of August nixtocum, deliver to the
said brethrein appointed of their provinces a resolute informatioun,
writtin in forme of a booke, in mundo, of the estat of their kirks in
the heeds following: viz., of the names of the benefices within their
bounds; whether the same be severall benefices or annexed: Who
is patron therof; Who possessour; By what right the samine is
bruiked; The old rent, the present rent, and the just availl theroſ,
and what kirks may be united or divided. Which informatiouns
being receaved and collected together, the saids commissioners con-
veening, as said is, sall appoint everie presbyterie severall dayes, to
direct a speciall brother fullie instructed by them, with a constant
platt of the kirks within their presbytercis; and the said brethrein
so directed, with the commissioners foresaids, to conclude and putt
in forme a constant platt of their presbyterie; and so furth to pro-
ceed, whill the worke be whollie made up and compleit. And after
1595. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 375
compleiting therof, the saids commissioners sall make wairning to
everie presbyterie, to direct a brother from them, to consider the
whole worke. And the samine being allowed by the saids com-
missioners and brethrein from everie presbyterie, which are consi-
dered to be fiftie in number, the ratificatioun therof to be sought of
his Majestie and counsell.
Of the which commissioners, chosin out by this Assemblie from
the provinces, the names follow : viz., For Zetland, Orkney, Cath-
nesse, and Sutherland, Mr Robert Pont. For Rosse, Mr Andrew
Crumbie. For Murrey, Mr Alexander Dowglas. For Aberdeen,
Mr David Cunninghame, Mr Peter Blekburne. For Mernes and
Angus, Mr James Nicolsone, Mr Andrew Mylne. For Stratherne,
Dunkelden, Dumblane, and Stirlineshire, Mr Patrik Galloway,
Mr Alexander Lindsay. For Fife, Mr Thomas Buchanan. For
Lothiane and Tweeddaill, Mr David Lindsay. For the Merce,
Johne Clapperton. For Teviotdaill, Mr Johne Knox. And for
Cliddisdaill, Renfrew, Lennox, and Dumbartane, Mr Gawin Ham-
miltoun, Mr Johne Howesome. For Nithisdaill, Mr James Bry-
sone, and incace of his sickenesse, Mr Hugh Foullertoun. For
Galloway, Mr Johne Aikman. For Kyle, Carict, and Cunning-
hame, Johne Mackquerne. Which brethrein and commissioners,
in number eighteene, sall als have power to make a platt for an In-
terim ; which being concluded by the saids commissioners, and a
brother directed from everie presbyterie, which will make fiftie
more, no reclamatioun sall be therefra ; but what sall be concluded
ather concerning the constant platt or interim, sall stand in force
and ſull effect, as if the same had beene concluded by the Generall
Assemblie, but anie reclamatioun thereſra, as said is.
And becaus the said worke will require waiting on, and the saids
eighteene commissioners will be putt to charges and expences, it is
ordeanned, that their expences sall be borne by their provinces.
And for the faithfull executioun heerof, they all are sworne, except
Mrs Alexander Dowglas, Johne Knox, Patrik Galloway, Johne
Clapperton, and Johne HoweSone, who were not present.
376 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1595.
A FAST APIPOINTED.
In the nynth sessioun, a Fast was appointed to be observed in
August, through the whole realme, from the first Sabboth to the
nixt following. These causes following were sett doun in print :-
“1. The great abundance and increase of sinne, and transgres-
Sioun of all the commandements of God by all the estats, fostered
by impunitie and laike of justice; producing, in speciall, all kinde
of murther and oppressioun.
“2. The great apostasie, defectioun, and decay of Zeale and god-
linesse in professours of everie estat.
“3. The great and present danger that the church, commoun
weale, and king standeth in, through the wrathe of God, not onlie
Kindled against us, but also justlie burning and devouring us up
alreadie, by sindrie fearefull plagues and punishments, as by un-
seasonable weather, dearth, and famine, and appearance of greater;
the deepe conspiraceis and daylie confederaceis of the factioun of
the knowne adversareis to religioun, king, countrie, threatning to
roote us out from being anie more a natioun, and the breaking and
removing of our two staves of church and commoun wealth.
“4. The compassioun it becometh us to have of our brethrein
of other churches, under no lesse danger than we, through all
Europ, not onlie by the confederats of the Councell of Trent, but
also by the barbarous crueltie and great boundage exercised and
brought upon our deere and worthie brethrein, by suche as it be-
cometh not, speciallie in Poland, England, Saxonie, and diverse
parts of Germanie.”
MR. D. BLACKE DELATED TO THE RING.
In the same moneth of August, Mr David Blacke, minister at St
Andrewes, was called before the king and counsell at Falkland, to
answere for certane speeches uttered by him in his doctrine, against
the king's progenitors. William Balfour, fearing that Mr David
1595. OF TIHE EIRR OF SCOTLAND. 377
sould have evicted his hous in the Abbey, to be a manse for the
minister, filled the king's eares, by diverse courteours, with sini-
strous informatiouns of his doctrine and ministrie. The king asked
at Mr James Melvill, what was his judgement of Mr David Blacke?
He answered, that he was a godlie man, and a powerfull preacher,
and that his ministrie had beene verie fruictfull in St Andrewes.
“O,” said the king, “yee are the first I have heard speeke good of
him.” “I am sorie, Sir,” said Mr James, “that your Majestie
hath not asked at the best sort of ministers, gentlemen, and bur-
gesses, concerning him.” “I know,” said the king, “who are the
best, and have spokin with them ; but all your seditious dealings
are, and have beene, cloked with that name of the best men.”
“Then surelie,” said Mr James, “ your Majestie sall doe weill to
give Mr David an assise of a number of anie the three rankes, none
excepted, but suche as are knowne to have particular querrels
against him; and if they fyle him, I sall not speeke againe in this
maner for him, till your Majestie find in effect what he is.”
The king slippeth from Mr James, and sayeth to a courteour,
“Faith, Mr James Melvill and I are at the hight of our familiaritie,
for I perceave he is all for Mr David Blacke, and the like.”
Alwise the king, least he sould irritat the kirk, by calling before
his counsell anie minister for their doctrine, becaus suche a course
had not succeeded weill before, called onlie a number of the breth-
rein of the ministrie to try and judge, but speciallie suche as were
offended with Mr David's plaine forme of doctrine; for he spaired
nather king nor minister; never suffered non-residents in his pres-
byterie rest till they made their residence.
Mr David compeering, declynned the king's judicatorie in doc-
trine; and as for the brethrein, he refused them not to be judges,
providing they made up anie assemblie of the kirk rightlie called
for that effect; content otherwise to conferre with them in privat,
and satisfie them, in anie doubt conceaved in his doctrine. The
king summarilie and confusedlie past over all, and putt none of
these things to interloquitor, but called for the witnesses. Mr
David was called on to alledge his exceptiouns, if he had anie
878 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1595.
jº
against them. Mr David answered, incace that were a competent
judicatorie, as it was not, there ought to be an accuser, fortified
with two witnesses, according to the rule of the apostle. But his
answere Was past over, and a number of witnesses were examined,
Burleigh, the delater and accuser, being alwise present. Which
when Mr Andrew Melvill perceaved, he schopped at the chamber
doore where they were conveened, went in, and after humble reve-
rence done to the king, brake out in free speeches, letting the king
understand plainlie, as he did diverse tymes before, that there were
two kings in Scotland, two kingdoms, and two jurisdictiouns,
Christ's and his ; and if the King of Scotland civill, King James
the Sixt, had anie judicatorie or caus there presentlie, it sould not
be to judge the faithfull messinger of Christ, but this tratour, (turn-
ing him to the Laird of Burleigh,) who has committed diverse
points of high treasoun against his Majestie's civill lawes, to his
great dishonour, and offence of his good subjects; namelic, taiking
his peaceable subjects in the night out of their houses, ravishing
weomen, recepting within his hous the king's rebells and professed
enemeis. Burleigh falleth doun on his knees before the king, and
craveth justice. “Justice l’’ said Mr Andrew, “would to God
yee had it, for then yee would not be heere to bring a judgement
from Christ upon the king, and thus unjustlie vexe the faithfull
servant of God.” The king beganne with rough countenance and
speeches to command silence, and to dash him. But he boore out
the mater so with greater boldnesse, that the king was faine to
compose the mater betuixt them with gentle termes, and said mir-
rille, they were both little men, and their heart was at their mouth.
So that meeting was dissolved before noone, nather were they as-
sembled againe in anie forme of judicatorie.
Mr James Melvill perceaving the king to be incensed against
Mr Andrew and Mr David, informed the Erle of Marr of the
truthe of the whole mater, and willed him to consider how danger-
ous a thing it was to his Majestie to breake out with the kirk
at this tyme, when Bothwell had confederated with the excommu-
nicated Papists, and the borders were stirring. He travelled with
1595. OF THE KIIRIK OF SCOTLANI). 379
the king. The king called Mr David himself, and in privat and
homelie maner desired to understand the truthe, by way of con-
ference. Mr David and Mr Andrew satisfied the king.
In end, the king directed Mr James Melvill, after long conference
upon these maters, to St Andrewes, to relate the whole proceed-
ings, that the people might be informed that his Majestie and their
minister were weill agreed; for it was reported that the king had
begunne to putt at the kirk, and to plunge with the ministrie. Mr
James taught at St Andrewes the day following, upon the 127th
Psalme. He told that the witnesses were examined, the king satis-
fied, and the king and their pastor reconciled. Becaus he knew
his speeches would be marked, he sett doun the whole points he
was to speeke of upon that mater in writt, as followeth :—
“Now, I am sure, good Christians and brethrein, yee would
faine have newes from this last dyett, which we have keeped with
his Majestie at Falkland. And, indeid, the king's Majestie and
brethrein of the ministrie there conveened, fearing that which in
effect is fallin out, viz., the fashiouns of evill fame, which ever re-
ports of all things to the worst, and oftin tymes Soweth abroad lees
for veritie, and evill newes for good, as we heare it has been re-
ported among you, that the king had begunne to putt at the kirk,
and to plunge in maters with the ministrie; namelie, had medled
with your pastor, and ather putt him to exile, waird, or silence,
whill as indeid there is nothing lesse. Therefore has his Majestic
and the said brethrein directed me to this place, to testific and do-
clare the truthe.
“First, then, it is of veritie, that a great number of evill reports
have beene caried from this place to the king. So bussie have
men beene, speciallie suche as were tuiched in their particulars,
which might have easilie moved and crabed the king; but he sus-
pended his opinioun, and reserved all to a just tryell, as occasioun
might best serve for the same.
“Amongst the rest, a delatioun of late was made, most offensive
and odious, that Mr David, your pastor, by name sould have pub-
lictlie from pulpit traduced the king's mother most vyllie, to
380 CALDERWOOD's IIISTORIE 1595.
make his Majestie contemptible in the eyes of his people, and to
stirre up the seditious to treasonable and dangerous attempts
against his Majestie's estat and person; the which could not be
suffered unputt to tryell. Compeering then before his Majestie,
and a good number of the brethrein of the ministrie, both the ac-
cuser and accused, the accuser affirmed that your pastor had
spokin never a good word of the king's mother, but muche evill,
the which if he sould not prove by sufficient witnesses there pre-
sent, he sould be content to tyne his land, life, and all.
“Your pastor answered, he had commended his Majestie's
mother for manie great and rare gifts, and excellent vertues, and
onlie verie sparinglie and soberlie had tuiched the truthe of the
judgement of God which had come on her for resisting the whole-
some admonitioun of the Word of God.
“So the witnesses were produced and examined. It was found
cleere in end, that your pastor, contrare to the accusatioun, had
spokin muche good of the king's mother; as also, had spokin con-
cerning the judgements of God upon her in her fall.
“The king could not think it altogether unlawfull to use his
mother for exemple, but thought it no wise expedient in his tyme,
becaus of the people, that is ever readie to draw that in the con-
tempt of his Hienesse persoum ; and of the seditious and treason-
able, wherof there are manie in the land, who are ever readie to
grippe therat, as though the forme of men's dealing against her,
which was extraordinarie, might be drawin in exemple, and used
by them.
“Therefore, it was thought expedient by the whole brethrein
there, that mather Mr David, nor no minister, sould speeke a word
of his Majestie's mother, till that a certane act of the Generall
Assemblie, made theranent at Dundie, were seene and considered ;
and in all tymes coming, the tenour therof to be keeped preciselie.
“And for satisfactioun of his Majestie, the said Mr David came
most humblie in his Majestie's presence, and acknowledged there,
that as he sould make answere to God upon the usage of his mini-
strie, he thought not that his speeches could be offensive to his
1595. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 381
Majestie, nor anie wise meaned to have offended his Hienesse, but
onlie used that exemple, to beare doun sinne, in the person which
he was rebooking; nather yitt would he heerafter use that speeche,
nor anie other, wilfullie or undutifullie, to his Majestie's offence or
displeasure; but as his heart was effald, upright, and most affectioned
to his Majestie, as anie subjects or ministers in the realme, so would
he make it knowne in experience and all dutie to his Hienesse heer-
after. Wherewith his Majestie was weill pleased, and in good
favour dimissed the said Mr David. Conceave, therefore, rightlie
and reverentlie, and stand in good opinioum both of your prince
and pastor, for the discharge of all dueteis addebted to them ; and
pray God to keepe his Majestie in good concord and agreement
with his faithfull and true servants, deteasting from your hearts
the evill dispositioun of suche persouns as, for their particular, are
sett in the contrare.”
This peece of service was weill accepted by both parts, but Mr
James his court grew lesser, and decayed after, speciallie at the
returning of the Popish lords, who departed out of the countrie the
spring before. During the tyme of his two yeeres courting, not
sought, but offered to him, as he went about to winne the king to
the kirk, so farre as in him lay, so was the king in winning him to
the court,
BURLEIGH AND MR. A. MELVILL RECONCILED.
In the moneth of September following, the Erle of Orkney, at
Burleigh's desire, was directed from the king to St Andrewes, where
he made the reconciliatioun betuixt the said Laird and Mr Andrew
Melvill, Rector of the Universitie, Mr David Blacke, and Mr
Robert Wallace, ministers, at St Andrewes. Under this pretext,
Burleigh drew the people to the hous of Dairsie, and the Laird of
Dairsie was receaved againe to be their proveist.
382 CALDERWOOD'S EIISTORIE 1595.
J. MACKMORRAN SLAINE.
Upon the 15th of September, Johne Mackmorran, one of the
bailliffes of Edinburgh, was shott through the head by a young
boy, called William Sinclare, holding the Grammar Schoole, with
other schollers his companiouns, becaus the privilege or vacance
for certane dayes was not granted unto them. This man was the
richest merchant in his tyme, but not gracious to the commoun
people, becaus he caried victuall to Spaine, notwithstanding he was
oftin admonished by the ministers to refraine.
IDEARTEI AND FAMINE.
The corne was so evill winne this harvest, that there fell out a
great dearth and famine this winter, so that sindrie died in the
north for verie hunger. There was a great mortalitie of bestiall
the yeere before.
TEIE DEATH OF CEIANCELLER MATLANE.
Upon the 3d of October, Sir Johne Matlane, Chanceller, de-
parted this life in a verie good estat, as appeared, for a life to come,
howbeit his practises, at his first entrie to court, were verie perni-
cious and offensive to the godlie manie yeeres after. He preassed
in end to repaire all wrongs, so farre as he might. He was care-
full to keepe peace betuixt the two nighbour countreis, betuixt the
king and the kirk, and to withdraw the king's favour from the
Papists, which kythed the yeere following after his departure. Yitt
it was thought that all the good he did, he did it to winne the mini-
strie, and to strenthen himself against Bothwell. Howsoever it
was, he granted at his death, that he had greatlie offended that
man of God, Mr Knox; wished often that he had builded a
hospitall when he builded his castell at Lawder, and cryed oftin
for mercie.
1595. OF THE ICIRE OF SCOTLAND. 383
ANGUS CRAVET II A CONFERENCE.
Upon Tuisday, the 7th of October, the Synod of Lothiane being
conveened in Edinburgh, a motioun was made in the privie con-
ference, by some ministers, to grant conference to the Erle of
Angus. Mr Johne Davidsone oppouned, Seing it was not pro-
pouned publictlie to the Assemblie. “It savoureth,” said he,
“greatlie of defectioun in these dayes, that suche a notorious rebell
to God, his kirk, and this realme, that hath so oft and in so high
degree mocked the kirk, sould be heard, before farther tryell be
had of his repentance. He has beene twise excommunicated, and
ever deceaved the kirk, and polluted the land with his messes.
Therefore, we ought to doe nothing rashlie, in so grave and danger-
ous a mater, least a doore be opin to bring in the rest of God’s
enemeis, without better prooffe of their repentance and amendment,
than we have yitt seene.” It was objected that he had caused the
Synod of Fife to be suted. “That is no prejudice to us,” said he,
“ becaus there he was excommunicated, and from thence came the
beginning of his casting out of the kirk, which was ratified by the
Generall Assemblie. If it be said, they have found occasioun to
heare him by offer made, and desire our concurrence, we may
answere, we know not the offer; for who made it?” Mr David
Lindsay, interrupting him, said, “The king made the offer.” “That
was not eneugh,” said Mr Davidsone; “the king was not partie,
nor made the offer in the partie's name, by way of sute, but rather
gave his advice.” “The king,” sayeth Mr David, “has givin him
licence to stay with a nobleman, to attend upon conference.” “The
king ought not to have givin him licence,” sayeth the other, “he
being excommunicated.” In end, he consented that he sould be
tryed to the quicke, by some sound and judicious men, but with-
out authoritie or warrant from the Synod. Mr Walter Balcal-
quall said, the Synod might not meddle in that mater, which con-
cerned the estat of the whole kirk, without the Generall Assemblie.
Other brethrein were of the same judgement, so the mater was
384 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1595.
drivin over that night. The day following, Mr Davidsone desired
the brethrein to requeist the king to execute justice upon suche a
manifest tratour; and to putt him in minde how his Majestie, at
the discoverie of their conspiracie, said, it past his reache to par-
doun so high treasoun.
THE COPIE OF THE KING's LICENCE TO ADMITT THE ERLE OF
ANGUS TO CONFERENCE.
“ Rea.
“We, understanding that the cheefe occasioun and pretence of
the late troubles which occurred within our realme these diverse
yeeres bygane, has proceeded upon controverseis in religioun, and
that William, some tyme Erle of Angus, one of the professours of
the contrarie religioun, is now willing to obey our lawes, by pro-
fessing and exercising of the said true religioun, and satisfeing of
us, the true Kirk of God, and ministrie therof, if, after conference
had with them, he may be moved in conscience; and we, con-
tinuing in our accustomed clemencie, for safetie of our subjects and
quietting of our estat, and willing, if it be possible, to reduce the
said sometyme erle from his errours, to the acknowledging of the
truthe, and professing of our obedience: For this effect, we have
dispensed, and by thir presents dispense, with all and whatsomever
processes, sentences, and doomes of forfaultour pronounced against
the said sometyme erle, and with all crymes, transgressiouns, and
offences committed by him at anie tyme bygane, untill the * *
day of * * mixtocum, to the effect, in the meane tyme, he may
have the conference of suche of the ministrie as the kirk sall ap-
point, and others sincere and unsuspected professours of the true
religioun, as he sall call unto him for his resolutioun. During the
which space, we appoint and ordeane him to remaine in hous and
companie with our right traist cousin and counseller, the Erle
of Morton; and give full libertie and power to our said cousin to
receave and interteane him; and to all others our lieges and sub-
jects, being sincere and unsuspected professors of the true reli-
1595. Of THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 385
gioun, as said is, to intercommoun with him personallie, or by their
letters, without anie cryme, paine, or danger to be incurred by
them, their persons, lands, goods, or geir, notwithstanding what-
somever our acts, statuts, or constitutions made, or to be made, in
the contrare ; wheranent, and all paines conteaned therintill, we
dispense by these presents, declairing our said cousin's recept of
the said some tyme erle, and the travells and intercommouming of
others our subjects foresaid, with him, to be reputed for good and
thankefull service done to us; lyke as also we have assured, and by
the presents, upon our honour and princelie word assure the said
sometyme erle, to be in full suretie of his life during the space fore-
said, and no wise to be querrelled, troubled, charged, or burthened
with anie his former offences, but that the same sall remaine as
bureid during the said space.
“Givin under our signet, and subscribed with our hand, at 4 +
the # 3 day of * * and of our raigne the 29th yeere,
1595.”
A CONFLICT BETWEENE THE MAXWELLS AND JOHNSTOUNS.
In the end of October, the Lord Hereis, accompanied with the
Laird of Newark and Neatherpooke, and others of the surname of
Maxwell, their freinds and hyred servants, to the number of three
hundreth or foure hundreth men, came out of Dumfreis, to seeke
some of the Johnstouns at Lockerbie. But the Johnstouns
gathering, mett them. The Laird of Neatherpooke, Maxwell,
with eighteene or twentie of his servants, was slaine, the Laird of
Newarke deidlie hurt, a great number of gentlemen mutilated and
hurt, and manic taikin prisoners by the Johnstouns.
THE MINISTERS COMPLAINTS.
Upon Fryday, the last of October, Mr Walter Balcalquall teach-
ing upon the 84th Psalme, said, there was an aged man of sixtie-
foure yeeres, that came to compleane to the king of injurie done to
VOL. V. 2 B
386 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1595.
him, who, immediatlie after his parting from the king, was slaine
by his adversareis. “Fy! if there be an inche of the heart of a
ling in him, he will not sufferit unpunished.” The day following,
in the sermoun of preparatioun before the Communioun, Mr R.
Bruce said, the sunne never shyned a day without some rare judge-
ment: and brought in for exemple, that the excommunicats in the
North had taikin and hurt a baron of the religioun, for religioun’s
sake ; meaning Ludguharne, beseiged, and evill used by the
Hayes. “What would they doe,” said he, “if their cheefe were at
home P’
CONSULTATION UPON RESISTANCE OF THE SPANIARDS.
About the end of November, [there was] a great bruite of the
Spanish fleet lying at Biskay, to the number of three hundreth
saile or thereby, wherupon followed great preparatioun for warre
in England; proclamatiouns for musters and weapon-showings in
Scotland. An act was made by the counsell for resisting the
Spaniards. Mr James Balfour, and the king's owne ministers, were
directed by the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, to desire some meeting,
to consult upon the meanes to resist them. Mr James reported
the king's answere the day following, that is, the thrid of Decem-
ber, viz., that he was verie willing that all meanes sould be used;
but the convocating of professors by the presbytereis would dis-
grace his proceedings. They could not know what to make of this
answere. The king rydeth away earelie in the morning. They
insist, notwithstanding, as not satisfied, and appoint Mrs Robert
Pont, Thomas Buchanan, Johne Davidsone, and Johne Howesone,
to conferre upon the act of counsell made for resisting of the
Spaniards. They meeting together, all except Mr Robert Pont,
agreed upon these overtures : 1. That the new Act of Counsell
sould be printed. 2. That it sould be proclamed at Mercat Croces.
3. That the old commissioun sould be renewed, with some correc-
tioun, and change of persons, commissioners. 4. That a privie
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 387
commissioun sould be sought, for apprehending some suspected
persons presentlie.
Upon Tuisday, the 9th of December, Mr Johne Davidsone add-
ing in the thrid place, in the exercise of propheceing, when he
came to the applicatioun, had this speeche following:—
“I came not hither by hap-hazard, but sent of God more than
sevin yeeres since. So long as I had place to teache, I dealt faith-
fullie, according to the meane measure of knowledge bestowed on
me, after a rude and familiar way, of verie purpose for edificatioun’s
sake; whereas I could have done otherwise, if my conscience would
have suffered me. It was compted rude and rough by manie ; but
I thanke God, I wist what I spake. So that I have uttered
nothing against prince, preacher, or people, which I have not my
warrant for, and by the helpe of God will stand to the defence of
it, in the face of man or angell. So that my first preaching and
last are one, without differing, to witt, that the princes of the land,
the king, the cheefe prince, with the rest of the rebellious nobilitie,
the profane ministrie, and negligent for the most part to winne
soules, and the rebellious multitude, sall be severelie punished, ex-
cept they repent. I have sought to be away, but could not till
now, that it has pleased the Lord to ryppin my departure. It was
nather a drinke of the Muse Well, nor anie other benefite in Edin-
burgh, that drew me to it lyke an adamant stone, as some
speeke, or that keeped me heere; but the mightie hand of God
sent me hither, for causes knowne to him. And so, having cleered
my ministrie hitherto, I take my leave of you in Christ.”
M.D.XCVI.
This yeere is a remarkable yeere to the Kirk of Scotland, both
for the beginning and for the end of it. The Kirk of Scotland was
now come to her perfectioun, and the greatest puritie that ever she
atteaned unto, both in doctrine and discipline, so that her beautie
was admirable to forraine kirks. The assembleis of the sancts
were never so glorious, nor profitable to everie one of the true
388 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
*
members therof, than in the beginning of this yeere. There was
good appearance of further reformatioun of abuses and corruptiouns,
which were espied, when the covenant with God was renued first
in the Generall Assemblie, then in particular synods and presby-
tereis. There was also appearance of a constant platt, for provid-
ing perpetuall stipends to all the parish kirks within the countrie.
But the devill invying her happinesse and laudable proceedings, so
inflammed both Papists and politicians, and stirred them up to dis-
turbe her peace, and to deface so glorious a worke. The Papist
perceaved there was no rest for him in Scotland, if her authoritie
continued. The politicians feared their craft and trade (which is
to use indifferentlie all men and meanes to effectuat their owne
aimes, and to sett themselves up, as it were, in the throne of Christ)
sould be undone. Wheras now, she had gottin the apostat erles,
Angus, Huntlie, and Erroll, forefaulted for an unnaturall and trea-
sonable conspiracie with the Spainiard, and expelled out of the
realme, and was setting herself to reforme whatsoever abuses and
corruptiouns were perceaved in her members, and speciallie, against
the re-entrie and restauratioun of the said erles, by the craft and
policie of polititians and dissembled Papists she was forced to take
herself to the defence of her owne liberteis, and of that holie dis-
cipline which was her bulwarke, and leave off farther persute of
the excommunicated erles re-entering. For, some thornie questiouns
in points of discipline were devised, whereby her authoritie was in
manie points called in doubt; ministers were called before the
counsell, to give a compt of their rebookes in sermoun, and to un-
derly their censure; the ministers of the kirk of Edinburgh, which
was, in a maner, the watche-towre to the rest, were forced to lurke;
and that kirk, which shynned as a lampe to the rest of the kirks
within the countrie, was darkenned, and no lesse danger appeared to
threatin the like to the rest. In a word, the end of this yeere
beganne that doolefull decay and declynning of this kirk, which has
continued to this houre, proceeding from worse to worse; so that
now we see such corruptioun as we thought not to have seene in
our dayes.
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 389
In the beginning of Januar, there was a proclamatioun sett furth
and printed, whereby the leiges were charged to prepare themselves
by mustars and otherwise, for withstanding of the Spaniards, mynded,
as was reported, to invade this yle; to lay aside all particular
querrells, and to interteane peace in the borders, that they may be
the more able to resist them. The tenor of the proclamatioun, as
it is extant in print, heere followeth :—
“James, by the grace of God, King of Scots: To our lovits,
Rothesay ; heralds, Dingwall and Bute, pursuivants, messingers,
our sheriffs in that part, conjunctlie and severallie, speciallie con-
stituted. Forasmuche as the ambitious pretence of the King of
Spaine, to make conqueist of the crowne and kingdom of England, is
more nor manifest to all that are indued with the least spunke of
understanding within this yle, as has appeared by his innumerable
practises to that effect, within the space of these mynteene or twentie
yeeres past; and most speciallie, by Suche a great armie by sea
which he reeked out in the yeere of God 1588, wherin so great a
provisioun was made for conqueist, as they laiked nothing uncaried
with them that was necessarie, not onlie for helping them to over-
come, but lykewise for settling and setting them doun there, after
their victorie, as numbers of moonkes, friers, preests, and all sort of
shavelings, for exercing their corrupted religioun ; and also, wives,
bairnes, with all kinde of houshold geare and plenishing requisite
for dwelling.
“But although it pleased God, of his infinite goodnesse, by his
mightie power, and no wise by the arme of man, to disappoint his
so dangerous interprise at that tyme, making the winds his messingers,
to scatter and destroy that hudge and fearefull preparatioun for con-
queist, yitt has not this overthrow in anie wise diminished the said
king's courage, in making him swerve from his former attempts;
but, by the contrarie, the greatnesse of his losse has so bolldenned
him with the bitternesse of revenge, as he has ever sensyne bended
his whole witts, and imployed all his power, to make this his last
and greatest faird inevitable to all his enemeis; and for that caus
390 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
has he appointed this nixt sommer to be the full period of tyme
for perfytting of that great purpose.
“And now, what perell this his pretended conqueist, incace it
succeeded, (as God forbid,) might carie with it to the estate of
our countrie, we leave it to the consideratioun of anie Scotish man
that is not blinded with his buddes, how so great and ambitious a
monarch, of nature ever givin to conquering, professing, yea, the
onlie patron of that tyrannick and bloodie religioun, which is di-
rectlie opposite to that truthe which, in the great merceis of God,
we professe, can become our neerest nighbour, undivided by seas
or anie other impediment, without the eminent hazard of our utter
thraldome both in soule and bodie, the subversioun of our crowne
and estat, and the redacting of this whole natioun (so long free) in
a perpetuall slaverie, the accustomed fortune of all the countreis
that are by force brought under his dominioun.
“The grave consideratioun of this so great and imminent perell
moved us of late, not onlie by publict proclamatioun to forwarne
all our good subjects heerof, to command them to be in a readinesse,
and for that caus, to give a generall muster upon the secund of
Februarie nixt, but besides that, to have taikin, as we daylie take,
the more paines in our owne person, for reforming the long dis-
ordered estate of our countrie, als weill by restoring the due force
and reverence to the law in punishing of the horners, and all other
contemners therof, as by giving order for away taking, and pulling
out by the root, the whole disordered deidlie feeds and bloodie in-
imiteis within our realme; a barbaritie wherunto this onelie coun-
trie has ever beene miserablie subject, as an abusse not knowne or
named in anie other civill countrie of the world; to the end, that
having once our whole kingdome by this meanes brought fullie un-
der our obedience, and in peace and quietnesse among themselves,
we might be the more able to resist the commoun enemie, and all
as one bodie, not onlie defend our so ancient liberteis, but might
likewise concurre with our nighbour of England, for preserving of
this yle from the tyrannie of strangers.
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 391
“But becaus the nature of all people is suche, and speciallie of
the people of our owne natioun, that although they apprehend once
never so deepelie anie imminent danger that they are forewarned
of, yitt, long intermissioun of tyme cooleth their heate, and maketh
their former zealous fervencie to turne in a sluggish slownesse.
Therefore, Seing God has appointed us, als weill to be the great
captan of our people in tyme of warre, as their governour in tyme
of peace, it is our duetie wiselie to give the allarum when tyme
serveth, that all our good subjects may in due tyme be upon their
guardes; which has moved us now, of new again to waikin them
up by this our present proclamatioun, renewing heereby our former
wairning, commanding expresslie by thir presents all our good sub-
jects, as they tender the weale of their owne soules and consciences,
and the libertie therof, our obedience, and the libertie and safetie of
the whole commoun wealth in generall, and of the wives, barnes, and
famileis of everie one of them in particular, that, on the one side,
they omitt no kinde of preparatiouns, by mustars or otherwise, ac-
cording as our former proclamatiouns have prescribed unto them;
and, on the other part, that they rander Suche due reverence and
obedience unto the law as becomes good and loving subjects, post-
poning their base and barbarous particular querrells to the honour-
able and worthie publict caus. For in ourself we have made a
princelie vow, never to ceasse, whill we have that barbaritie of
feeds utterlie extinguished, and to become plaine partie against all
and whatsomever that darre oppone themselves to that good order
that we are to establishe in that earand. Lett us abhorre the
beastlie Indians, whose unworthie particulars made the way patent
of their miserable subjectioun and slaverie under the Spaniards;
and lett us preasse to ressemble the worthie ancient Romans, who
not onlie preferred their commoun weale to their owne particulars,
but even to their owne proper lives.
“And becaus the King of Spaine, amongst his other politick
devices for advancing of this his interprise, has oft tymes, by his
supposts, budded and practicqued diverse of our uncolie borders,
392 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE → 1596.
under pretexte of old inimiteis and picks betuixt the two nighbour
realmes, to make opin incursiouns by way of hostilitie upon our
nighbour countrie, and rathest at Suche times as this is for stay-
ing of our commoun concurrence against the commoun enemie :
Our will is heerefore, and we charge you straitlie and command,
that, incontinent thir our letters seene, yee passe, and in our name
and authoritie command and charge, first, in generall, all our sub-
jects, inhabitants of our borders, not onlie to desist and ceasse from
all violence and hostilitie against the opposite borders of England,
but farther, to mainteane and increasse, by their loving and courte-
ous behaviour toward them, that happie amitie inviolablie continued
betuixt us, the two princes, during the whole space of both our
raignes, as the neerenesse of blood betuixt our two persons, the
uniformitie in the true religioun, (the greatest bond of amitie that
can bind true Christians) and the likenesse in language and maners,
most justlie do require : Certefeing all the controveeners heerof,
that they sall be reputed and holdin as practicers with strangers,
for subversioun of the true religioun, and estat of their native king
and countrie, and sall be punished with all rigour for the same, as
effeires. And in speciall, that yee command and charge the wair-
dans and officers of our whole marches foreanent England, to take
diligent care and travell, everie one within their owne offices and
bounds committed to their charge, that quietnesse and good nigh-
bourheid with England may preciselie be keeped and observed ;
and that they represse and punishe als carefullie and rigorouslie the
insolencie of the contraveeners heerof, as if the same injureis were
committed upon our owne subjects, as they will answere to us upon
their offices, and upon all uttermost charge and perrell that heer-
upon may ensue: and that they make the opposite wairdanes and
officers of England foreseene and acquainted with our order and in-
tentioun in the premisse, as yee will answere to us heerupon.
The which to doe, we committ unto you, conjunctlie and severallie,
our full power, by thir our letters, delivering them by you duelie
executed, and indorsed again to the bearer.
1596. GF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 393
“Givin under our signet, and subscribed with our hand. At
Halyrudhous, the secund day of Januar, and of our raigne the 29th
yeere, 1595, (according to the new accompt, 1596.”)
(Sic subscribitur) “JAMES R.”
This is the proclamatioun wherof Camden makes mentioun in
his Annales, which he relateth to have beene verie acceptable to
Queene Elizabeth. Yitt there is no mentioun made in it of the
traffiquing of our apostat erles with the King of Spaine, both in
the 1589 yeere and 1592, the memorie wherof was yitt recent and
freshe ; yea, before the end of this yeere, he laboured to have them
restored to their owne freedom and libertie.
THE OCTAVIANS CHOSIN.
About the beginning of this yeere were chosin eight commis-
sioners by the king and counsell, called the Commissioners of the
Exchecker, but otherwise by the people called Octavians, to whom
was committed the oversight and care of the king's rents, propertie,
and casualteis, becaus the king was superexpended, and that
through the default of these who had the charge in former tymes.
Their names follow : Alexander Setoun, Lord President, Mr Johne
Lindsay of Baccaras, Walter Stuart, Pryour of Blantyre, Mr Johne
Skeene, Clerk of the Register, Mr Peter Young, Eleemosyner, Sir
David Carnegie, Laird of Colluthie, Mr Thomas Hammiltoun, the
king's Advocat, and Mr James Elphinstoun, one of the Senators of
the Colledge of Justice. They were solemnelie sworne, without
feed or favoure, to respect the king's weale and profite. The king
agreed to dispone none of his casualteis without their consent, at
least, of foure of their number. They craved nather wages for
their paines, nor intromissioun with anie thing, but simplie pro-
fessed they had onlie regard to the king's estat and revenues.
They resorted daylie to the Upper Tolbuith of Edinburgh, where
they satt everie after noone. They discharged gifts and pensiouns
dispouned to the king and queen's domestick servants, and re-
394 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
moved manie of them. All that were at the horne were charged
to come in and compone. The Maister of Glames, Treasurer, was
urged to demitt his office. He made some difficultie, wherupon he
gott six thowsand punds for contentatioun, and so demitted. Walter
Pryour of Blantyre was made Treasurer, in the beginning of Marche.
David Setoun of Parbrothe, Comptroller, and Mr Robert Dowglas
of Glencludden, Collector, demitted their offices voluntarilie, a little
before, being required so to doe. This change portended a great
alteratioun in the kirk; for some of the number were suspected
of Papistrie, and all were counsellers, and sweyed the effeirs of the
countrie as they pleased. -
TEIE # # GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.
The Generall Assemblie conveened at Edinburgh in the East
Kirk, the 24th day of Marche. Exhortation being made by Mr
James Nicolsone, Moderator of the last Assemblie, upon the sixt
of Isay, David Fergusone, Mrs David Lindsay, James Balfour, and
Robert Pont, were removed, and the said Mr Robert, by pluralitie
of votes, was chosin Moderator.
In the beginning of the Assemblie, there was some consultatioun
upon the causes of their conveening; wherupon Mr Johne David-
sone, then minister at Saltprestown, and a member of the Presby-
terie of Hadintoun, produced the advice of that Presbyterie, tuich-
ing the heeds of the letter sent from the commissioners of the Ge-
nerall Assemblie to them, the tenour wherof followeth :—
TUICHING THE TWO EIEEDS PROPOUNED BY THE COMMISSIONERS
OF THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE TO THEIR BRETHREIN, TO ADVISE
UPON AGAINST THIS ASSEMBLIE, VIZ, OF UNIVERSALL REPENT-
ANCE, AND EARNEST TURNING TO GOD ; AND OF ORDER TAIKING
FOR RESISTING THE ENEMEIS, AND MAINTENANCE OF THE LIBER-
TIE OF RELIGION AND COUNTRIE,
“Our advice in the first is, that yitt once at the last, the cheefe
1596. • OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 395
and grosse sinnes of all estats which procure this present wrath of
God be agreed upon by name, severallie, and acknowledged by this
Assemblie, for the more easie provocatioun of the whole bodie of
this realme to earnest repentance, and speedie turning away from
the sinnes foresaid. For as Johne sayeth, “If we acknowledge our
sinnes, God is faithfull and just to forgive us our sinnes; otherwise,
if in so great a multitude of our iniquiteis which this day answere
so plainlie to the faces of all estats of this realme, we say on still,
with the unhappie Jewes, as hitherto we have dome, ‘Wherin have
we sinned ?’ what ellis doe we, but as desperatlie they did and said,
in the dayes of Jeremie P ‘Surelie we will walke after our owne
imaginations, and doe everie man after the stubbornnesse of his
wicked heart: and so, as it is said in the law, The Lord will not
be mercifull unto us, no, not though Moses and Samuell would pray
for us; but will shew us the backe, and not the face, in the day of
our destructioun. (Deut. xxix. 19, 20 ; Jer. xv. 1; and xviii.
12–17.)
“And to beginne at ourselves of the ministrie, that we acknow-
ledge our publict transgressions, in our persons and office particu-
larlie, wherof the catalogue is in readinesse to be seene, according
to the admonitioun of the Lord by his prophet, saying, ‘Lett the
preests, the ministers of the Lord, weep betweene the porche and
the altar, and lett them say, Spaire thy people, O Lord,' etc., least
it be found, according to the Saying of the apostle, that we that
teache others teache not ourselves, and so be found reprobats.
(Joel ii. 17; Romans ii. 21.)
“Nixt, that this Assemblie agree upon the true and right taik-
ing up the sinnes of our princes and magistrats, superiour and
inferiour, and on the sound meanes to deale with them duetifullie
and faithfullie, without all flatterie, for their true amendiment; ac-
cording to God's command to the prophet, saying, “Say unto the
king and to the queene, Humble yourselves, sitt doun ; for the
crowme of your glorie sall come doun from your heads.” For
their sinnes are not the least caus of the plague of God on the
people, as by David, Manasseh, and others, may be seene. (Jerem.
396 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
xiii. 15; 2 Sam. xxi. 1; and xxiv. 1–17; Isay xix. 13; and Jerem.
xv. 4.) Some particulars articulated.
“Thridlie and last : That the most notorious sinnes of the whole
bodie of the people, in burgh and land, be givin in and acknow-
ledged, and order taikin for the speedie amendiment therof, by the
ministrie and magistrats, according to the exemples of Josuah, Je-
hoshaphat, Ezekias, Josias, the King of Nineveh, Constantius,
Constantine, etc., the prophets and apostles, etc. The catalogue
over easie to be made. (Josuah vii.; Judges xx. ; 2 Cron. xix. and
xx. ; Jon. iii.)
“As for resisting the commoun enemie, which is the secund, our
judgement is, that the sound following out of the former advice
tuiching the first, sall make an easie way for the secund; other-
wise, (which God forbid l) it will be but lost labour to travell muche
in that mater. Yitt, wishing and hoping the best, we have re-
mitted the particulars of that mater, and our advice theränent, to
the Commissioners of this Presbyterie, who faithfullie, we doubt
not, will discharge their duetie in the same.”
This advice was approved by manie, but withstood by some,
namelie, by the moderator himself, Mr Robert Pont, who alledged,
that the first and cheeſe motive of their conveening was, to consult
upon withstanding the Spaniards. The commissioners’ letter was
read, and it was found that Mr Davidsone had said right. Mr
Davidsone was appointed to give up the particular catalogue of the
cheefe offences and corruptiouns in all estats. He presented the
catalogue of the offences in ministers, upon Wednisday, before the
Assemblie. Mr Andrew Melvill desired to be added, the censure
answerable to the offence. Wherupon Mrs Nicoll Dagleish, Peter
Blekburne, Walter Balcalquall, Johne Mackquherne, Adam John-
stoun, Johne Knox, James Law, John Johnstoun, and Maister
Davidsone himself, were appointed to goe apart, and to consider
what offence merited admonitioun, what deprivatioun ; which they
did.
Upon Tulsday, the 25th of Marche, the king came himself to
the Assemblie. He urged a contributioun of the whole realme, not
1596. OF TIII, KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 397
to be lifted presentlie, but when need sould require. The mode-
rator related to the king how the Assemblie had beene hitherto
occupyed, and how farre they had proceeded in two heeds, viz., a
solide meane how to resist the enemie ; mixt, tuiching the purg-
ing of the kirk of offences. The Lord of Kinlosse, in name of
the rest who were deputed to advise upon the first heed, reported
their advice verballie. The barons and ministers, deputed to con-
sult upon that heed, were appointed to consult farther, and to pre-
sent their advice in writt. As for the other heed, the king granted he
was a sinner, as other men were, but not infected, he trusted, with
anie grosse sinne; and therefore required, that no preacher would
inveygh against him or his counsell publictlie, but to come to him or
them privilie, and tell what is the offence; and as for himself, if he
mended not, incace he were guiltie, they might deale publictlie : his
chamber doore sould be made patent to the meanest minister in
Scotland; there sould not be anie meane gentleman in Scotland
more subject to the good order and discipline of the kirk than he
would be. For he acknowledged his standing to be joyned with
the standing of religioun, and affirmed, that he had never anie in-
telligence with the commoun enemeis, nor ever promised them
countenance or aide.
When the king had ended, Mr Andrew Melvill said, As for con-
tributioun for withstanding of the Spaniards, it was agreed upon
at the road in the North, that the rebells' living sould be taikin up
for maintenance of the commoun caus, and their freinds and wives
deprived therof, and wairded, etc., which was not done. The king
replyed with a checke to Mr Andrew, that he could not redresse
that, becaus it was done by his deputs there, with advice of the
ministrie, that their wives and freinds sould take up their livings
in their absence. Mr Andrew rejoynned, that the tyme of that
agreement, which was never valide ab initio, was expired. The king
made no direct answere, but shunned it by some wantoun speeches.
Mr Davidsone obteaning license of the moderator to speeke,
said, he would tuiche onlie two things shortlie. One concerning
the livings of the rebells; the other, concerning the duetie of the
398 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
ministrie, in reproving his Majestic. He made a preface tuiching
his Majestie's princelie and loving offers to the kirk and realme.
“This one thing I may confidentlie speeke,” said he, “in name of
all your good subjects in Scotland, that as they are most willing
to concurre with your Majestie to their powers, for the defence of
the peace of this kirk, commoun weale, and his Majestie's persoun,
so there is nothing that would animat them more, remove all scru-
ple out of their hearts, encourage them to assist readilie with their
life, lands, and goods, nor the substantiall medling with the lands,
goods, and possessiouns of the detected rebells, and applying them,
without further delay, to the use of the commoun caus, at the sight
of all men; otherwise, doubtfulnesse can not but remaine in men's
hearts. As to the other point,” said he, (directing his speeche to
the Moderator and the Assemblie,) “seing it pleased God to move
his Majestie to submitt himself to the scepter of the Lord Jesus,
and the discipline of the kirk, as yee have heard, it standeth you in
hand to discharge your duetie toward his Majestie and hous, that
through your negligence heerin, we, that be God’s servants, be not
otherwise hazarded in our lives, for the discharge of our dueteis in
this cace.” The king replyed nothing to the first part of his
speeche, which concerned the rebells' livings. “It may be,” said
he, “ some men heere present take, peradventure, occasioun of my
last speeches, to thinke otherwise of me, my hous, and counsell,
than there is caus. I will have no man thinke, that if anie grosse
fault be found in anie of us, that we will refuse to be judged therof
by this Assemblie, or anie one of you, providing it be done privi-
lie, as said is.” “Yee heare, brethrein,” said Mr Davidsone, “his
Majestie's offer. Therefore, in the name of God I exhort you, dis-
charge your duetie at this tyme, Seing, in this publict defectioun,
and now, when God is threatning us for the same, everie estat hath
the owne grosse sinnes, as we have alreadie seene in the triell of
the ministrie, and shortlie ye are to heare, in the tryell of his Ma-
jestie's hous, counsell, and other magistrats, and other inferiour
estats; that so, after due tryell of these offences in his Majestie,
his hous, and counsell, yee discharge your duetie therin; otherwise,
1596. OF THE RIRE OF SCOTLAND. 399
I protest, if yee faile therin, that we, that are the servants of Christ,
sall find fault both with you and his Majestie, as becomes us. But
whether yonder way that his Majestie speeketh of, by admonishing
privatlie for opin sinne, and manifest continuing therin, if it be ac-
cording to the Word of God, yee are to judge. I speeke this,”
said he, “for the libertie of our message, that are Christ's servants,
and as a free Scotishman, as ever I have beene, and minde by God's
grace so to dee.” The king made no answere. Mr David Lindsey
held furth untymouslie an act tuiching the platt, so that the king
said, “God give you good even, Mr David.” Mr Andrew Melvill
said, the lords appointed to sitt on the platt, being so deepelie in-
fected with sacriledge as they were, would never agree to a good
platt for the weale of the kirk. “It may be,” said Mr Davidsone
to Mr Andrew, “yee know not what policie was in that: it may
be, it was to try their liberalitie to the kirk, out of her owne patri-
monie.” Heerat, both the king and whole Assemblie laughed.
Mr Davidson's freedom for the freedom of God’s messingers, and
that in the king's presence, before so frequent an Assemblie, was so
commended by the godlie, that they wished it might be registred
in the Assemblie bookes, for a testimonie to the posteriteis. The
king lamented the disorder of the yeerelie alteratioun of the platt
appointed for the modificatioun of ministers' stipends, and desired
that a constant platt might be sett. The Assemblie thought meete,
before anie thing be concluded therin, that the act of parliament,
made in the yeere of God 1592, be considered.
OWERTURES FOR RESISTING OF TEIE ENEMEIS OF THE RELI-
GIOUN AND ESTAT OF THE COUNTRIE, ALS WEILL FORRAINE AS
INTESTINE.
Sessioun 5.
1. That all suche as have kythed in actioun with his Majestie's
forefaulted rebells, and their knowne favourers and assisters, be
charged to enter their persons in Waird, there to remaine, ay and
400 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
whill they find sufficient caution, that they sall not traffique nor
interteane intelligence with the said rebells, nor anie other enemeis
to the estat or religioun ; nather sall joyne with them, nor make
them anie assistance, in cace they repaire within the countrie; and
that they give their eldest sonnes, or neerest freinds, in pledges
for the more sure observing heerof.
2. That the whole livings of his Majestie's foresaid rebells be
tane up exactlie by his Majestie's officers, to be appointed for that
effect, and to be imployed upon the interteanement of waiged men
for the defence of the good caus against the enemie, and for bear-
ing of other charges necessar for advancing of the said caus, as one
of the effectuall meanes to encourage all suche as are knowne to be
best affectioned to the caus, and to procure their effald concurrence
to the uttermost.
3. That there be chosin in every parish, by his Majestie's autho-
ritie, and voice of the minister, sessioun, and principalls of everie
parish, captans knowne to be most meete, and of best affection, to
conveene the whole parochiners in armes monethlie, in musters, and
to see that they be sufficientlie armed, according to their abilitie,
and trained up in the exercise of their armes. And siclyke, that
there be chosin generall commanders, in diverse shires and quarters
of the countrie, to conveene in armes at all occasions needfull, to
resist all attempts and interprises of the enemie, forraine and in-
testine.
4. That some substantious order be tane for bringing home a
sufficient number of corslets, picks, muskets, and other armour
needfull; and that the same may be bought, and receaved off the
merchants’ hands, with all expeditioun.
Last, That the whole cautioners, which became bound for the
good behaviour of the said rebells without the countrie, be charged
before the counsell, and convicted in the penalteis conteaned in the
acts of the cautionrie; and that the saids penalteis be employed
upon the sustentatioun of waiged men, and other burtheins need-
full for the weale of the caus.
Upon Fryday, the 26th, it was agreed that there sould be a
1596. OF THE EIRR OF SCOTLAND. 401
humiliatioun among the ministrie before their departure. Mrs
Robert Bruce, Robert Rollock, Andrew Melvill, Patrik Simsone,
James Nicolson, and Mr Davidsone, being putt in the list, Mr Ro-
bert Rollock was chosin, by pluralitie of votes, to make the exhor-
tatioun. But he altogether refusing, the burthein was layed upon
Mr Davidsone, and the Assemblie would admitt no excuse upon his
part. He had no tyme and leasure to provide for that exercise, which
it behoved him to discharge upon Tuisday nixt, at nyne houres,
becaus he was to ryde home to his owne congregatioun to teache.
The tenor of the ordinance for this exercise heere followeth :—
“Sessioun 7.
“Concerning the defectiouns in the ministrie, the same being at
lenth read out, reasoned, and considered, the brethrein concluded
the same, agreing therewith. And in respect that, by God’s grace,
they intend reformatioun, and to see the kirk and ministrie purged,
to the effect the work may have the better successe, they thinke it
necessar that this Assemblie be humbled for wanting suche care as
became, in suche points as are sett doun, and some zealous and
godlie brother in doctrine to lay them out, for their better humi-
liatioun ; and that they make solemne promise before the Majestie
of God, and make new covenant with him, for a more carefull and
reverent discharge of their ministrie. To the which effect was
chosin Mr Johne Davidsone, and Tuisday nixt, at nyne houres in
the morning, appointed in the New Kirk for that effect, wherunto
none is to resort but the ministrie. The forme to be advised the
morne in privie conference.”
THE TENOR OF THE ADVICE OF THE BRETEIREIN IDEPUTED FOR
PENNING OF THE CORRUPTIOUNS AND ENORMITEIS IN TEIE MINI-
STRIE, AND REMEID THEROF; ALLOWED BY THE GENERALL
ASSEMBLIE EIEERE CONVEENED,
“Corruptions in the Office.
“Forasmuche as by the too suddane admissioun and light tryell
VOL. V. 2 C.
402 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
of persons to the ministrie, it cometh to passe, that manie slanders
fall out in the persons of ministers, it would be ordeanned in tyme
comming, that more diligent inquisitioun and tryell be used of all
suche persons as sall enter in the ministrie; as speciallie in these
points:
“That the intrant sall be posed upon his conscience, before the
great God, and that in most grave maner, what moveth him to ac-
cept the office and charge of the ministrie upon him.
“That it be inquired, if anie by solistatioun or moyen, directlie
or indirectlie, preasseth to enter in the said office. And it being
found, that the solister be repelled; and that the presbyterie repell all
suche of their number from voting in the electioun or admissioun
as sall be found moyeners for the solicitarie, and posed upon their
conscience to declare the truthe to that effect.
“Thridlie, Because by presentatioun, manie forciblie are thrust
in the ministrie and upon congregatiouns, that utter therafter, that
they were not called by God, it would be provided, that none
seeke presentatiouns to benefices, without advice of the presbyterie
within the bounds wherof the benefice lyeth. And if anie doe in
the contrare, to be repelled as re; ambitus.
“That the tryell of persons to be admitted to the ministrie heer-
after consist not onlie in their learning and abilitie to preache, but
also in conscience, and feeling, and spirituall wisdom, and name-
lie, in the knowledge of the bounds of their calling in doctrine,
discipline, and wisdom; to behave them accordinglie with the di-
verse rankes of persons within their flockes, as namelie, with athe-
ists, rebellious, weake consciences, and suche others wherin the pas-
torall charge is most kythed; and that he be meete to stoppe the
mouths of the adversareis. And suche as are not found qualified
in thir points to be delayed till farther tryell, and whill they be
found qualified.
“And becaus men may be found meete for some places which
are not meete for other, it would be considered that the principall
places of the realme be provided with men of most worthie gifts,
wisdom, and experience; and that none take the charge of greater
1596. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 403
number of people nor they are able to discharge; and the Assem-
blie to take order herewith, and the acts of the provinciall assemblie
of Lothian made at Linlithguo to be urged.
“That suche as sall be found not givin to their booke and studie
of Scriptures, not carefull to have bookes, not givin to sanctifica-
tioun and prayer, that studie not to be powerfull and spirituall, not
applying the doctrine to his corruptiouns, which is the pastorall
gift, obscure, and too scholastick before the people, cold, and want-
ing zeale, negligent in visiting the sicke, cairing for the poore, or
indiscreit in choosing parts of the Word not meetest for the flocke,
flatterers, and dissembling at publict sinnes, and speciallie of great
personages in their congregatiouns, for flatterie or for feare; that
all suche persons be censured according to the degrees of their
faults, and continuing therin to be deprived.
“That suche as be sleuthfull in the ministratioun of the sacra-
ments, and irreverent, as profaners, receaving cleane and uncleane,
ignorants and senselesse, profane, and making no conscience of
their professioun in their callings and famileis, omitting due tryell,
or using none or light tryell, having respect in their tryell to per-
sons, wherin there is manifest corruptioun ; that all suche be
sharpelie rebooked, and, if they continue therin, that they be de-
posed.
“And if anie be found a seller of the sacraments, that he be de-
posed simpliciter ; and Suche as collude with slaunderous persons,
and dispensing and overseing them for money, incurre the like
punishment.
“That everie minister be charged to have a sessioun established
of the meetest men of his congregatioun ; and that discipline strike
not onlie upon grosse sinnes, as whoordome, bloodshed, &c., but
upon all sinnes repugnant to the Word of God, as blasphemie of
God, banning, profaning of the Sabboth, disobedients to parents,
idle unruelie ones without calling, drunkard, and suche like do-
boshed men, as make not conscience of their life, and ruling of their
famileis, and speciallie of edificatioun of their children, leing,
slandering, backbyting, flattering, breaking of promise. And this
404 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
to be an universall order throughout the realme; and suche as are
negligent heerin, and continuing therin after admonitioun, to be
deposed.
“That none falling in publict slanders be receaved in the fellow-
ship of the kirk, except his minister have some appearand warrant
in conscience, that he has both a feeling of sinne and apprehen-
sioun of mercie ; and, for this effect, that the minister travell with
him by doctrine and privie instructioun, to bring him heereto ;
and speciallie in the doctrine of repentance, which being neglected,
the publict place of repentance is turned in a mocking.
“Dilapidatioun of benefices, dimitting of them for favour or
money, that they become lawit patronages, without advice of the
kirk; and siclyke, interchanging of benefices by traditiouns, trans-
acting, and transporting of themselves by that occasioun, without
the knowledge of the kirk, preciselie to be punished. Siclyke,
setting of tacks without the consent of the Assemblie, to be pun-
ished according to the acts: and that the dimissioun in favours for
money, otherwise to the effect abovewrittin, be punished as the
dilapidators.
“Corruptions in their Persons and Lives,
“That suche as are light and wantoun in behaviour, as in gor-
geous and light apparrell, in speeche, in using light and profane
companie, unlawfull gaining, as dancing, cairding, dycing, and
suche like, not beseeming the gravitie of a pastor, be sharpelie and
gravelie reproved by the presbyterie, aceording to the degree ther-
of; and continuing therin after due admonitioun, that he be de-
prived, as slanderous to the Gospell.
“That ministers being foundswearers or banners, profainers of the
Sabboth, drunkards, fighters, guiltie of all these, or anie of them,
to be deposed simpliciter; and siclyke, leers, detracters, flatterers,
breakers of promises, brawlers and querrellers, after admonitioun
continuing therin, incurre the same punishment.
“That ministers givin to unlawfull and uncompetent trades and
occupatiouns for filthie gaine, as holding of ostlareis, taiking of
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, 405
ocker beside conscience and good lawes, and bearing worldlie
offices in noble and gentle men's houses, merchandice, and suche
like, buying of victualls, and keeping to dearth, and suche like
worldlie occupatiouns as may distract them from their charge,
and may be slanderous to the pastorall calling, be admonished, and
brought to the acknowledging of their sinnes; and if they con-
tinue therin, to be deposed.
“That ministers not resident at their flockes be deposed, accord-
ing to the acts of the Generall Assemblie and lawes of the realme;
otherwise, the burthein to be layed upon the presbytereis, and they
to be censured therefor.
“That the Assemblie command all their members, that none of
them await on the court and effaires therof without the advice and
allowance of their presbyterie.
“Item, That they intend no actioun civill without the said ad-
vice, except in small maters. And for remeeding of the necessitie
that some ministers have to enter in pley of law, that remedie be
craved, that short processe be devised to be used in ministers'
actiouns.
“That ministers take speciall care, in using godlie exercises in
their famileis, and teaching of their wives, childrein, and servants;
in using ordinarie prayers, and reading of Scriptures; in removing
of offensive persons out of their famileis, and suche like other
points of godlie conversatioun and good exemple; and that they,
at the visitatioun of their kirks, try the ministers’ famileis in these
points foresaids; and suche as are negligent in the points, after
due examinatioun, sall be judged unmeete to governe the hous
of God, according to the rule of the apostle.
“That ministers, in all companels, strive to be spirituall and
profitable, and to talke of things perteaning to godlinesse; as,
namelie, of suche as may strenthem them in Christ, instruct us in
our calling ; of the meanes how to have Christ's kingdome better
established in our congregatiouns, and to know how the Gospell
floorisheth in our flockes; and siclyke others the hinderances and
the remedeis that we find, wherin there are manifold corruptiouns
406 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
both in our companeing with our selves and with others; and that
the controveeners heerof be tryed, and sharpelie rebooked.
“That no minister be found to countenance, procure, or assist a
publict offender, challenged by his owne minister for his publict
offence, or to beare with him, as though his minister were too
severe upon him, under the paine of admonitioun and rebooking.
“Tuiching Generall Assembleis, to urge the keeping of the acts
anent the keeping of the Assemblie, that it may have the owne re-
verence.”
Upon Tuisday, the 30th of Marche, the ministers and other com-
missioners conveened in the Little Kirk at nyne houres, the one
kirk doore being shutt, and the other sett opin for a certane space,
whereby it came to passe that few were present except the mini-
strie, the whole number amounting to foure hundreth persons, all
ministers, or choice professors. After the first prayer, Mr David-
sone caused the reader read the xiii. and xxxiv. chapters of Eze-
chiel. Which being done, first he purged himself of ambitus for
that place; yitt seing it pleased God, said he, to move them to
choose him, the least worthie and unmeetest in the number, to oc-
cupie the place of a teacher that day, they were not to looke that
he came there to be censured of them, but to use the authoritie of
a teacher, as to disciples in that respect, and yet did not take from
them the libertie that God gave them to try the spirits, whether
they were of God or not. He shewed that the end of that con-
ventioun was the confessioun of their owne sinnes, who were mi-
nisters, and promise of amendiment in tyme to come ; and so to
enter into a new league with God, that being sanctified by re-
pentance, they might be the meeter to provocke others to the
same. That they sould not thinke it needelesse nor strange to
enter in examinatioun of themselves, guiltie of the imminent judge-
ment; they were to conferre and compare themselves, their learn-
ing, zeale, godlinesse, multitude, dayes, tyme, occasiouns, and
helpes, or rather wants, with the prophets of former tymes, name-
lie, the prophets of these dayes wherof these two chapters treatted;
and see what priviledge they have more than they had, and why
1596. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 407
among their multitude pro rata, there might not be als manie false
prophets, and als few true and sincere, as were in these dayes.
He amplified this heed, and said by preteritioun, he would not be
rhetoricall in discourse. And yitt he was verie moving in appli-
catioun to the present tymes, so that within an houre after they
entered in the kirk, they looked with another countenance than
that where with they entered. He exhorted them to enter into
their privie meditatiouns, and to acknowledge their sinnes, with
promise and purpose of amendiment. So whill they were humbling
themselves for the space of a quarter of an houre, there were suche
sighes and sobbs, with shedding of teares among the most part of
all estats that were present, everie one provoking another by their
exemple, and the teacher himself by his exemple, that the kirk re-
sounded, so that the place might worthilie have beene called
Bochim ; for the like of that day was never seene in Scotland, since
the Reformatioun, as everie man confessed. There have beene
manie dayes of humiliatioun for present or imminent dangers, but
the like for sinne and defectioun was there never since the Refor-
matioun. After the prayer and publict confessioun, he treatted
upon Luke xii. 22, with rare assistance of God's Spirit, to the
wounderfull astonishment and casting doun, and to the raising up
againe of the brethrein. The exercise continued till neere one
after noone. When the brethrein were to dissolve, they were
stayed by the moderator, and desired to hold up their hands to tes-
tifie their entering in a new league with God. They held up their
hands presentlie. Manie were wonderfullie moved at the sight of
so manie hands so readilie holdin up. There was never one that
was not moved, or at least that despised that exercise, namelie,
Mr Davidson's part, except onlie Mr Thomas Buchanan, who, in
the tymes of defectioun aſter, kythed a ringleader to a number of
the corrupter sort of the ministric, and in end, died with the trail-
ing of a hors, from whence he had fallin. That the covenant might
be renewed in presence of the synods after the same maner, it was
concluded after noone as followeth :—
408 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
Sessioun 12.
“Forasmuche as the brethrein of the ministrie conveenned in this
Generall Assemblie have, with a solemne humiliatioun, acknow-
ledged this day their sinnes, and negligences in their consciences,
before God, and have entered into a new covenant with him, pro-
testing to walke more warilie in their wayes, and more diligentlie
in their charges; and Seing a great part of the ministrie is not pre-
sent at this actioun, the Assemblie commandeth the brethrein of
the synodall assembleis to make the like solemne humiliatioun and
protestatioun as was observed by the Generall, at their nixt con-
veening ; and so manie as be not at their synod to doe it at their
presbytereis.”
Sessioun 13.
Tuiching the articles concerning their Majesteis' persons and
houses, the Assemblie has nominated Mrs Patrik Galloway, James
Nicolsone, James Melvill, to conferre with their Majesteis ther-
anent.
OFFENCES IN HIS MAJESTIE’s HOUS.
First, As strangers and other good subjects repairing to the court,
have beene conforted to see Christian religioun religiouslie exer-
cised, so now they are somwhat troubled, seing the exercise of the
reading of the Word at table, and reverent saying of the grace be-
fore and after meate, diverse times omitted :-That on the weeke
day the repairing to the hearing of the Word is more rare than
of before ; and that he would be admonished for hearing of
speeches in time of sermon, of them that desire to commune with
his Majestie.
Privie meditatioun with God, in spirit and conscience, earnestlie
to be recommended to him.
His Majestie is blotted with banning and swearing, which is over
commoun in courteours also, and moved by their exemple.
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 409
His Majestie would labour to have such companie about him as
himself, according to his owne a which is gravelie
to be recommended to his Majestie to be puttin practise. Robert-
land, and suche as are suspected, to be removed; especiallie mur-
therers, Papists, and profane persons.
The queen's Majestie's ministrie to be reformed; and tuiching
her companie, her not repairing to the Word and Sacraments, night-
waking, balling, &c., and siclyke eoncerning her gentle weomen.
In respect of the report of the brethrein of the North, that gentle-
men and burgesses are like to leave their houses for feare of the
enemeis, Seing their great insolencie unrepressed at home, return-
ing of their wives to their countrie again; and their provisioun in
their houses and castells for their home comming, which is mur-
mured against in all the countrie; for remedie it is to be craved
that the Ladeis of Huntlie and Erroll presentlie be brought backe
again, and placed in St Andrewes ; my Lord Gordoun siclyke to
be brought to the South, and putt to the schooles; their freinds in
the South to be wairded, as Clunie, Geicht, Abergeldie, Cowbairdy,
Bonytoun younger, Craig younger, Alexander Hay of Auchin-
rathie, Mr Alexander Leslie of Peill, James Knolls, Johne Gor-
doun of Newtoun, to be apprehended, Cowie Barclay, Patrik Con.
And for this effect, it was thought good that some commissioner,
the Proveist of Edinburgh, with the Laird of Wedderburne, to be
directed to the North, with the Assemblie's commissioners alreadie
appointed.
THE COMMOUN CORRUPTIONS OF ALL ESTATS WITHIN THIS
REALME.
An universall coldnesse and decay of zeale in all estats, joyned
with ignorance and contempt of the Word, ministrie, and sacra-
ments; and where knowledge is, no sense nor feeling; which it ut-
tereth itself most manifestlie by this, that they want religious ex-
ercises in their famileis, as of prayer and of reading of the Word;
and where the same, for the most part abused and profaned by
410 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
cookes, stewarts, jacke-men, and suche like ; the maister of the
famileis ashamed to use thir exercises of godlinesse in their owne
persons, and no conference at their tables, but of profane, wanton,
and worldlie maters.
Superstitioun and idolatrie is interteaned, which uttereth itself
in keeping of festivall dayes, bone-fires, pilgrimages, singing of
carrolls at Yuille.
Great blasphemie of the holie name of God in all estats, with
horrible banning and cursing in all their speeches.
Profanatioun of the Sabboth, and speciallie in seed-tyme and har-
vest, and commoun journeying on the Sabboth, and trysting, and
worldlie turnes, exercising all kinde of wantoun games, keeping
of mercats, dancing, drinking, and siclyke.
Little care, reverence, and obedience of inferiours to their su-
periours, as siclyke of superiours, in discharging their dueteis to
the inferiours; as where childrein pley in law against parents, and
manie of them marie against their fathers' will and consent ; and
no care of their parents, for their educatioun in vertue and
godlinesse.
A flood of bloodshed and deadlie feeds rising therupon ; an uni-
versall assisting of bloodsheds, for eluding of lawes.
Adultereis, fornicatiouns, incests, unlawfull mariages and divorce-
ments, allowed by publictlawes and judges, and childrein begottin in
suche mariages declared to belawfull; excessive drinking and waught-
ing; gluttonie, which is no doubt the caus of the dearth and famine;
and gorgeous and vaine apparrell, filthie and bloodie speeches.
Sacriledge in all estats, without anie conscience, growing con-
tinuallie more and more, to the utter undoing of the kirk, and
staying of the planting of the Gospell; cruell oppressioun of the
poore tenents, whereby the whole commouns of the countrie are
utterlie wracked, by extreme deere setting of their rowmes, and
holding out of their cornes by untymous teinding and extreme
thraldom in services.
Oppressioun under pretext of law, by usurie and by contracts
against law; forestalling of mercats, and regraiting by gentlemen,
1596. OF THE IXIRE OF SCOTLAND. 411
burgesses, and commouns, whereby the price of victuall is mer-
vellouslie raised, to the great hurt of the poore; and siclyke girnel-
ling of victualls, and withholding them from the mercats, and not
threshing them out in due time.
A great number of idle persons without lawfull calling, as pypers,
fidlers, songsters, Sorners, pleasants, strong beggers, living in har-
lotrie, and having their children unbaptized, without all kinde of
repairing to the Word.
OFFENCES IN THE COURT AND JUDGEMENT-SEATE,
Universall neglect of justice both in civill and criminall causes,
as namelie, in giving remissiouns and respits for blood, adultereis,
and incests; no executioun of good lawes made against vices, or in
favour of the kirk; and in civill maters the judges for the most
part unmeete, ather in respect of the want of knowledge, or of con-
science, or both ; and when anie office vaiketh, the worst men ad-
vanced thereto, both in high and inferiour rowmes.
No executioun made against the adherents of the detected ene-
meis, and the enemeis themselves, nor imploying their livings to
the use of resisting of the enemeis, whereby the enemeis are rather
benefited nor hurted.
The odious murther of Dunnibrissell not punished.
In parliaments sacreligious persons, as abbots, pryours, dumbe
bishops, voting in name of the kirk, contrare the lawes of the
countrie, whereby the caus of the kirk is damnified.
The sessioun is charged with buying of pleyes, delaying of jus-
tice, and briberie, which is evident by extraordinarie and suddane
conqueists.
412 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
INSTRUCTIONS TO MRS JoBNE PRESTON, AND EDWARD BRUCE,
COMMENDATAR OF KINLOSSE, HIS MAJESTIE'S COMMISSIONERS
TO THE PRESENT GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.
Sessioun 10.
“Inprimis, Yee sall shew to the said Assemblie our good will to
have all the kirks of Scotland planted with ministers, and sufficient
livings appointed to them, to the great hurt of our owne rent, and
that portioun of the thrids which was assigned to our hous, and
our comptrollers in possessioun therof. But finding that the whole
thrids are not sufficient to plant the wholekirks, nor yitt commodious
to ministers to serve in one place, and have their livings to seeke
in another, verie farre distant from their cure : Therefore, we
thought good to sett fordward an order for locall stipends, founded
upon the ground that all the kirks of Scotland sould have ministers,
and all ministers stipends within their owne parishes, of suche
valour, as, by our authoritie, on the one part, and concurrence and
procurement of the kirk on the other, might be obteamed from the
tacksment of tithes, present possessors of the said rent; for the
which effect, we caused an act of parliament to be made in the
yeere of God 1592, granting commissioun to certane noblemen,
counsellers, officers, and ministers, on the other part, to treat and
prosecute this mater; and als have givin command, in particular,
to certan of our Lords of Exchecker, to helpe with their advice
and labours, to bring this mater to some perfectioun, wherin, as we
understand, there is some thing done, as a part of the brethrein can
record; lyke as we, continuing in our good minde, in our tyme, to
have the kirk settled tuiching their livings, and not intangled
yeerelie with processes, and the whole kirks planted within this
realme ; by these presents, offer and promitt to the said Assemblie, to
caus our commissioners, counsellers, and officers, to conveene pre-
sentlie before the expiring of this Assemblie, with the saids com-
missioners for the kirk, to beginne this good purpose, and to lay the
ground, and sett doun the order, tyme, and place of conveening, to
prosecute the same to the finall end, conforme to the act of par-
1596. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND, 413
liament ; so that the stay, if anie be, sall be in the part of the kirk,
as it has beene of before, and not on our part.
“Item, Yee sall shew to them that it is a stay to this good worke,
that by some of their preachings they would make the people un-
derstand that we and our counsell would stay the planting of kirks,
aud take away the present livings possessed by ministers, albeit
the contrare be of veritie, that we and our counsell are most
willing that the whole kirks be planted, and the rent of the mini-
sters be augmented, so farre as lawfullie may be obteaned, with con-
sent of our nobilitie, and others tacksmen of tithes, whose rights,
but order of law, we can not impaire. And, therefore, this forme
of preaching discourageth our counsellers most willing to this worke,
and is a heavie slander upon the ministers themselves, wherin yee sall
desire order to be tane, that the like be not done in tyme comming.
“Item, Yee sall desire these your instructiouns in our name to
be registred in the bookes of the Assemblie, as a perpetuall tes-
timonie of our good will; and als that answeres in particular be
givin by a generall voting of the whole Assemblie, and no wise
to be referred to a privat conference; and the answeres so voted to
eache particular heed to be registred in like maner therewith: and
the extract of all these articles and answers to be delivered to you,
to report to us again.”
(Sic subscribitur) “JAMES R.”
ARTICLES PROPONED BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE CONSTANT
PLATT, TO BE ADVISED AND PAST IN ACTS BY THE GENERALL
ASSEMBLIE.
Sessioun 12.
“First, It is thought requisite by the said commissioners, and
craved, that the said Assemblie would ordeane, that the moderator
of eache presbyterie within the countrie sould give presentations,
jure devoluto, of all benefices of cure belonging to laick patronages
within their bounds, that have not presented qualified persons with-
414 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
in six moneths after the deceasse of the last possessor therof: And
siclyke, of these benefices which sall vaike heerafter, in cace the
said patrons neglect to present within six moneths, to ministers
serving, or that sall serve the cure of the saids kirks, under the
paine of deprivatioun ; and that the saids ministers accept their
presentatiouns and persue them. And in cace there be not actuall
ministers presentlie at the said kirks, in that cace, that the saids
moderators deale effectuouslie with other qualified persons to ac-
cept the said presentatiouns, and to prosecute the same by law.
“That all beneficed persons, that are heere present in this As-
semblie, be moved presentlie to interdyte themselves from all sett-
ing and disponing of anie part of their benefices to whatsomever
person or persons, without the speciall consent and allowance of
the Generall Assemblie, and the interdictioun to be subscribed by
suche as are present, and others that are absent, urged by their
presbytereis to doe the like, immediatlie after the dissolving of the
Assemblie.
“Becaus the kirks in diverse places of the countrie susteane
great hurt, through the laike of qualified persons in the ministrie
instructed and trained up in the schooles of theologie; therefore,
it is craved, that an act be made in this Assemblie, ordeaning
everie Provinciall Assemblie to furnish a sufficient interteanement
for a bursar in the New Colledge of St Andrewes, this 1596 yeere,
and so furth, yeerlie, in all tyme comming ; and that everie Pro-
vinciall Assemblie sall have the priviledge to present the said bur-
sar, so oft as the place sall vaike. And in cace there be anie of the
ministers' sonnes within the province of meete graces for the said
place, that he be preferred to all others by the ministrie; and after
the expiring of his course in the studie of theologie, that he be
bound to imploy his travells within the province to the which his
graces may be answerable ; and that it be not leasome to the said
bursar to imploy his travells in anie other place, except by the
speciall advice and consent of the said province.
“Seing the necessitie of the commoun effaires of the kirk craveth
that there be a continuall travelling and attendance at court, both
1596. OF THE RIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 415
for the furtherance of the present worke which is in hands, tuiching
the planting of the kirks, as likewise of the continuall diligence of
the enemie, waiting at all occasiouns, speciallie when they find anie
slacknesse upon the part of the kirk, in the discoverie and resist-
ing of the interprises of the said enemie: Therefore, it is craved,
that a care and burthein of the commoun caus be layed upon some
brethrein by the Generall Assemblie, ather of them that are resi-
dents heere about court, or ellis of some others to be appointed
furth of diverse parts of the countrie ; becaus, otherwise, there is
none that find themselves in conscience bound to have anie care
heerof, or to tak anie pains heerin.”
To the first two articles the Assemblie answered, “It is agreed.”
To the Thrid, the Assemblie ordeans it to be moved in the pro-
vinces first. To the Ferd, appoints Mrs Robert Bruce, David
Lindsey, James Balfour, and James Nicolsone with them, when he
is present.
GREEVES TO BE HUMBLIE MEANED TO HIS MAJESTIE, IN NAME OF
THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE, BY THEIR COMMISSIONERS, TUICH-
ING THE PRINCIPALL OFFENCES IN THE ESTAT OF THE COUN-
TRIE, THAT BY IIIs MAJESTIE’s COUNSELL AND AUTHORITIE
SUFFICIENT REMEDIE IN TYME MAY BE PROVIDED THERUNTO.
“First, It is humblie meaned unto his Majestie, that to the
great hazard of religioun, and peace of the countrie, and greafe of
all good men, the forefaulted rebells and enemeis of his Majestie's
estat injoy their lands and livings als peaceablie, and to their
greater advantage, than if they were at his Majestie's peace within
the countrie; and their confederats and freinds, partakers and as-
sisters with them and their treasonable attempts, are suffered in so
great libertie, never having once so much as entered their persons
in waird, nor givin Suretie and pledges of their good and duetifull
behaviour and obedience to his Majestie: incace it sall happin the
said rebells, or anie other forraine enemeis, to repaire within the
countrie, for disquietting of the estat therof, as if they had immu-
416 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
nitie and exemptioun from all lawes, to confirme themselves for
strenthening the hand of the enemeis when they happin to arrive,
as it appeares their intentioun is, by their preparation, force, and
armour, and leagues of freindship which they are daylie bind-
1ng up.
“Diverse Jesuits and excommunicated Papists are interteaned
within the countrie, deteaning suche as they have perverted in their
errours, and enducing others in the same corruptioun, and holding
them in hope of the returning of the Popish lords, with assistance
of strangers; and, namelie, Mr Robert Abercrumbie, Mr Alex-
ander Mackquirrie, the Abbot of Newabbey, Johne Gordoun of
Newton, the young Laird of Bonytoun, Mr Alexander Leslie of
Peill, Patrik Con, Alexander Ramsay, and others diverse.
“That in manie places of the countrie, for laike of provisioun of
sufficient stipends for provisioun of pastors, the people ly alto-
gether ignorant of their salvatioun, and duetie to God and the king,
wherethrough the land is overflowed with atheisme and all kinde
of vice, there being above foure hundreth parish kirks destituted of
the ministrie of the Word, by and attour the kirks of Argile and
the Iles.
“It is regraited universallie by his Majestie's lieges, that through
the delaying, perverting, and eluding of justice, murthers, oppres-
siouns, incests, adultereis, and all kinde of haynous crimes abound.
“It is to be heavilie meaned, that the brethrein of the ministrie
that have gottin anie meane provisioun or helpe, by the assignatioun
made, anno 1595 yeere, are delayed and frustrated of justice, by the
Lords of Sessioun refusing to decide their suspensiouns, according
to the act of Februar, 1587.”
ARTICLES TO BE PROPONTED TO HIS MAJESTIE FOR REMEDIE OF
THE SAID GREEVES.
“For remeed of the former greeves, it is humblie to be craved
of his Majestie, that the lands of the forefaulted rebells be dis-
pouned to Suche as are knowne to be most meete, and of best affec-
1596. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 4.17
tioun to resist the enemeis of religioun, and of his Majestie's estat,
both forraine and intestine; and in the meane tyme, that their
livings be taikin up and intrometted with by his Majestie's
officers, and imployed upon the interteanement of waiged men, and
other necessar uses, for the maintenance and advancement of the
good caus; and that the Ladeis of Huntlie and Erroll be charged
to come south, and make their residence in St Andrewes, that they
be no more a recept and encouragement to the enemeis, as they are
presentlie, by their subtile forme of practise, which they have used
this yeere bypast, to the confirming of their freinds and confede-
rats, and intising of others whom they might seduce to their pur-
pose, and opin violence against such as refuse to yeeld to their
course; and that the Ladie Huntlie's eldest sonne be brought south,
to be trained up in the knowledge of good letters and religioun ;
and that the Lairds of Clunie, Geight, Aberyeldie, Cowbardie,
Craig younger, Alexander Hay of Auchmathie, Buckie, James
Rnolls, Cowie, Barclay, Patrick Con, and the rest of their princi-
pall freinds and confederats that have kythed with them in actioun,
in their treasonable interprises against his Majestie, be charged to
come south, and enter their persons in some speciall waird, there to
remain, ay and whill they have found sufficient cautioun, under
great summes, that they sall mather traffique, intercommoun, sup-
plee, or interteane intelligence, nor give anie kinde of assistance to
his Majestie's rebells, or anie other enemeis of religioun whatson-
ever, and give sufficient pledges for their sonnes and neerest freinds
to that effect.
“That his Majestie give commissioun to some of his speciall ser-
vants, and others knowne to be of abilitie and good affectioun, to
searche, seeke, apprehend, and present before his Majestie, Mr Ro-
bert Abircrumbie, Mr Alexander Mackquhirrie, the Abbot of New-
abbey, Alexander Ramsay, the young Laird of Bonytoun, Alex-
ander Leslie of Peill, Johne Gordoun of Newtoun, and others,
Jesuits and excommunicated Papists, as their names sall be givin
in a roll.
VOL. W. 2 D
418 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
“That his Majestie would prosecute his good purpose and inten-
tioun declaired before the Assemblie, tuiching the planting of the
whole kirks within his countrie with qualified pastors, and sufficient
provisioun of stipends for their interteanement; and for that effect,
that he would give commissioun to the visiters nominated by the
Generall Assemblie, to take inquisitioun of the estat of all kirks
within the bounds of their visitatioun, and to deale with the tacks-
men and possessors of the tithes, in his Majestie's name, for suffi-
cient provisioun to ministers out of the rent of everie parish; and
to report the same unto his Majestie's commissioners appointed for
the worke of the platt in the act of parliament, and provide some
honest moyen for interteanement of their charges in the journey.
“That his Majestie take order substantiouslie, by advice of his
counsell and estats, how the principall judgement-seates, and other
inferior judgements, may be purged of unqualified and corrupt per-
sons, and filled with others meete to discharge that calling faith-
fullie, for the confort of his Majestie's peaceable and weill-disposed
subjects.
“That his Majestie will command and ordeane the Lords of
Sessioun to minister justice to the brethrein of the ministrie that
have gottin anie augmentatioun of their meane stipends, or new
provision, by the modifiers appointed by his Majestie's commis-
sioun, 1595 yeeres, and that according to the act of Februar, 1587,
as they are bound by their solemne oath and promise, Seing the ex-
traordinarie dearth urgeth them with so great necessitie, that un-
lesse his Majestie have consideration of their estat, they and their
famileis will be drivin to extreme povertie and want.”
In the sixt sessioun it was ordeaned, that an article be presented
to the king, for establishing an act, annulling all tacks sett by mi-
nisters without consent of the Assemblie.
In the seventh sessioun it was ordeaned, that the act made at
Dundie, concerning decisioun of controverseis among ministers,
sould be extended also to readers; and that the paine of contuma-
cie mentiouned therin be deprivatioun.
1596. OF THE RIRE OF SCOTLAND. 419
In the eight sessioun was givin this commissioun following, for
visitatioun of kirks:–
A COMMISSION FOR VISITATION.
“Forasmuche as it being considered by the Assemblie and com-
missioners present, to be a thing most necessar that the most
dangerous parts of the countrie, and where least or no planting is,
a visitatioun sould be appointed to occurre to the dangers alreadie
fallin out, or that may farther fall out, if they be not prevented; and
for the better planting of the ministrie, where as yitt it is not
planted: Therefore, the Assemblie has givin and committed, and,
by the tenor heerof, gives and committs, their full power and com-
missioun to their loving brethrein underwritten, within the particu-
lar bounds after specified, according to the divisioun following, to
visite and try the doctrine, life, diligence, and fidelitie, of the pas-
tors within the presbytereis where they are established alreadie;
as als in the bounds where as yitt no presbytereis are planted; and
therin to take inquisitioun and tryell if there be anie beneficed
persons of the ministrie not making residence, having no reasonable
caus to purge the same; if there be anie that have dilapidated their
benefices, sett tacks, or made to others dispositiouns of their bene-
fices, or anie part therof, by the consent of the Generall Assem-
blie; anie slanderous, or unmeete to serve the kirk of God: Anū-
if anie suche be found, to proceed against him according to the
qualitie of the said offence, according to the acts of the kirk, assum-
ing unto them suche brethrein of the presbyterie where they make
tryell as they thinke most zealous, sincere, and best affectioned to
reformatioun, to assist them; with power alsua, to depose suche as
are worthie of depositioun by the acts of the kirk, and place others
in their rowmes. And where no presbyterie is, the brethrein ap-
pointed to the visitatioun of these bounds to travell diligentlie to
plant the ministrie therin, and to proceed in all the heeds above
writtin, by themselves, with the like power of depositioun with the
former, the particular tymes of their visitatioun to beginne as heer-
420 cALDERwood's EIISTORIE 1596.
after sall be appointed; and generallie, in all things to proceed as
the Assemblie might doe if they were present. That is to say, for
the bounds of Orkney, Zetland, Cathnesse, and Sutherland, Mr
Robert Pont, Mr Alexander Dowglas, minister at Elgine, Mr
George Monro, elder, to beginne their visitatioun the first day of
June mixt: For Rosse, Murrey, and Aberdeen, Mr James Nicol-
sone, Mr Peter Blekburne, Mrs James Melvill, Andrew Melvill,
with the said Mr Alexander Dowglas, to beginne their visitatioun
the first of August mixt: For Angus, Mrs James Balfour, David
Lindsey, Andrew Muncreif, or anie two of them, to beginne their
visitatioun the first of Julie nixt: For Kyle, Carict, Cuninghame,
and bounds of Galloway, Mrs Robert Bruce, Patrik Schairp, Johne
Spotswod, to beginne their visitatioun the first of Julie nixt, and
the said Mr Robert Bruce's place in his absence to be suppleed by
Mr Robert Rollock: For Nithisdaill, Annerdaill, Lauderdaill, Es-
daill, and Ewisdaill, Mrs Johne Davidsone, Johne Johnestoun,
William Scott, Johne Carmichaell, Johne Knox, and Johne
Welshe, their visitatioun to beginne the first of August nixtocum;
and ordeans the presbytereis which have no visiters appointed by
this commissioun to be carefull in their owne visitatioun whill the
nixt Assemblie; injoyning also the presbytereis out of which com-
missioners are tane to visitatioun, and what the saids commission-
ers doe in executioun of this commissioun, to report to the nixt
Generall Assemblie of the kirk,” &c.
[Heere end all the sincere Assembleis Generall of the Kirk of
Scotland, injoying the libertie of the Gospell under the free
governement of Christ.]
Becaus there was mentioun made in this last Assemblie of a con-
stant platt, I have heere subjoynned a forme devised by Mr John
Lindsey, one of the Octavians. Muche paines was taikin five or
six yeeres bygane for planting of kirks, and diverse commissiouns
givin by the parliament and the Generall Assemblie to that effect,
and letters to deale with tacksmen and all titulars of tithes for ef-
1596. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 421
fectuating a good constant platt. Mr Alexander Hay, Clerk of
Register, held it an impossibilitie, as things stood in Scotland, to
devise it; or, if it were devised, to effectuat it. But Mr Johne
Lindsey holding it was possible, sett himself to devise the forme
which heere followeth ; but for the effectuating, died in the same
opinioun that the other did.
THE NEW AND CONSTANT PLATT OF PILANTING ALL THE KIRES OF
SCOTLAND, PENNED, TO BE PRESENTED TO THE KING AND ESTAT,
Žn anno 1596.
“Our Soverane Lord, with consent of his three estats in parlia-
ment, understanding that, by the law of God, it is expresselie com-
manded, as also for interteanement of religioun and God’s service
it is more nor necessar, that the ministers of his Holie Word have
sufficient rents for their honest sustentatioun; considering also, that
the rents and patrimonie which perteaned of old to the kirk is
greatlie damnified and exhausted, by annexatioun of the whole
temporalitie therof to his Hienesse’ crowne, and by erectioun of a
great part of the said temporall lands of the kirk, with diverse
Kirks and tithes included therewith, in new temporall lordships;
and by the new fashioun of setting of long tacks of the said tithes for
diverse nynteene yeeres and lyferents successive, for payment of
small silver duetie, no wise equivalent to the halfe of the reasonable
valour of the saids tithes; and by the pretended rights of so manie
pensiouns, lyferents, assignatiouns, and other dispositiouns of the
said tithes and duetie of tacks, and by his Majestie's right of the
thrids, superplus, commoun kirks, first fruicts, and fyft pennie of
everie benefice, rights and dispositioun of the same, proceeding
from his Hienesse after his perfyte age, and from his Grace's pre-
decessors, for the most part ratified in parliament; whereby there
is no moyen left presentlie to augment the small stipend of a poore
minister, albeit he had never so great necessitie, nor yitt to plant
anie new minister at anie congregatioun, albeit the most part of all
the parish kirks of Scotland are altogether destituted of all exercise
422 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
of religioun ; and that there is a great number of ministers not pro-
vided, but waiting upon some speciall charge and vocatioun ; lyke
as a great number of good schollers of the youth of this realme, for
the like povertie, is compelled to passe to France, to the great
danger of apostasie from religioun, wheras, otherwise, they might
be profitable to the kirk, and might be honestlie interteaned upon the
said tithes, which tithes not onlie before the writtin law of God, and
therafter, by expresse commandement of the same, but also by the
consent of all nations, and speciallie of this realme, have ever per-
teaned to the kirk, whereby, of all reasoun, the kirk, having no
other patrimonie, ought to be mainteaned in the right and posses-
sioun of the said tithes, at least, ay and whill they be sufficientlie
provided otherwise: Conforme to the which, diverse acts have
beene made in parliament, that before the new provisioun of anie
prelat, the ministers at the kirks and parishes united to the said
prelacie sould be first provided to sufficient stipends, otherwise,
the provisioun of the prelacie to be null: And likewise, in the
tenth act of the parliament, holdin 1567, it is ordeaned, that the
whole thrids be first employed to the use of the ministers, ay and
whill the kirk come in possessioun of their owne patrimonie, which
is the tithes: And also in the said act of annexatioun, and diverse
others laudable acts, it is expresselie provided, that the ministers
sould be sufficientlie provided of livings furth of the best and
readiest of the spiritualiteis, and that they sould be provided in
title to all small benefices; that they sould be provided to manses
and gleebs, for their residence at their kirks, and that laick patrons
sould provide qualified persons; which acts have not tane fullie
effect, but, on the contrare, the livings of the said ministers left un-
certanelie to be sought from yeere to yeere at his Hienesse' ex-
checker, out of the thrids, with infinite processe in law, by reasoun
of the manifold dispositiouns of the thrids to other laick persons,
proceeding from his Hienesse, as having right to the whole thrids,
commoun kirks, superplus, fyft pennie, and temporalitie of ilk be-
nefice; and by reasoun of the collatioun of benefices pleno jure to
persons no wise qualified, contrare to the good meaning and inten-
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 423
tioun of the foresaid acts of parliament, to the utter wracke and
destructioun of the kirk, by plaine povertie, as the professed ene-
meis of Christ would have done of old, if speedie remedie be not
found.
“Therefore, his Hienesse, remembring that there is nothing more
proper to his royall office nor to be the nourisher of the true kirk,
and to be carefull of the advancement of the true religioun, and
continuing therof to the posteritie, with consent of the estats in
parliament, by the tenor of this act declairs, that the whole tithes
of this realme, both of personages and vicarages, alsweill united to
prelaceis and other digniteis, as not united, and other tithes what-
somever, have perteaned in all tymes bygane, and sall perteane in
all tymes comming, to the kirk, as their proper patrimonie. And
of new, with consent foresaid, giveth, granteth, and disponeth, and
perpetuallie mortifieth, the saids tithes of all personages and vicar-
ages, and other benefices whatsomever within this realme, to the
kirk, to remaine therewith as their owne proper patrimonie, con-
forme to the tenour of this present act, in all tyme comming; and,
with advice foresaid, statuteth and ordeaneth, that the Lords of
Exchecker, with suche of the ministrie as sall be appointed heer-
unto, being of equall number with the said lords, sall modifie and
assigne, out of certane touns of everie parish, a certane quantitie of
victuall of the teind-Scheaves therof, and other duteis of the vicar-
age, as the nature of the ground may pay, with the manse and
whole gleeb land, if the same remaine yitt unfewed. And if the
said gleebe be fewed, foure aiker of the said gleeb, whether the
same be of the parson's, vicar's, bishop's, pryour's or pryoresse's,
deane's or subdeane's, abbeye's, or anie other kirk land, for the
gleeb, as a locall stipend to everie parish kirk of this realme with-
out exceptioun, for sustentatioun of the minister therat sufficientlie
and honestlie in all respects, of the fruicts of the parish itself, not-
withstanding the said kirks be annexed to prelaceis or other bene-
fices, or not; doted to colledges or universiteis, or otherwise per-
teaning to old possessors of whatsomever degree, or to ministers
newlie provided in title therto, at the king's presentatioun or laick
424. CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
patron's; divided amongst manie prebendreis, deanreis, or chaplan-
reis, or not divided ; commoun kirks, or other whatsomever qualitie
or conditioun the said parish kirk has beene of, or by whatsomever
maner of way the tithes therof have beene bruiked in times bypast,
and notwithstanding all and whatsomever right his Majestie may
have or pretend to the thrids, superplus, first fruicts, and fyft pen-
nie of the said benefices; and notwithstanding of all pensiouns,
tacks, assignatiouns, lyferents, erectioun of the said tithes, or anie
part therof, in a temporall lordship, provisioun to prelaceis, or other
benefices, uniouns, or divisiouns of the said parishes, and other dis-
positiouns of the said tithes, or anie part therof whatsomever, pro-
ceeding from his Majestie or his predecessors, after his or their per-
fyte age, confirmed in parliament with whatsomever solemnitie, or
otherwise, to whatsomever castells, colledges, universiteis, or par-
ticular persons of whatsomever degree; and notwithstanding what-
somever other tacks, pensiouns, lyverents, fewing of the said tithes,
with lands, and fewing of the said gleebs, and other dispositiouns
whatsomever, made by prelats or beneficed persons, with consent of
their chapters, to whatsomever particular persoun, colledge, or uni-
versitie, for whatsomever space of yeeres or yeerelie duetie, and
notwithstanding the priviledge of the Lords of the Sessioun and
acts of parliament, and other lawes bygane, uniouns, annexatiouns,
and incorporatiouns of severall parish kirks to a prelacie or other
benefice, or divisioun of the fruicts of a parish among manie pre-
bendreis, or chaplains, or others; and notwithstanding all other
impediments which anie wise may stay the full executioun of this
present act.
“Declaring all and whatsomever the foresaids provisioun of bene-
fices, uniouns, incorporatiouns, divisiouns, tacks, pensiouns, lyferents,
erectiouns, and fewing of tithes, manses, gleebs, priviledges, acts,
lawes, and constitutiouns former, and other dispositiouns what-
somever, of the said tithes, manses, and gleebes, proceeding from
his Majestie, or his Majestie's predecessors, or whatsomever other
beneficed person, with whatsomever solemnitie, to be null in tyme
comming, in so farre as they may make anie prejudice to this pre-
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 425
sent act, and to the particular locall assignatioun of stipends, to be
assigned to everie parish kirk conforme thereto, and to the full
executioun therof, but anie other reductioun or declaratour of law.
With power to the saids lords and ministers to take true tryell of
the valour of the said tithes, and to appoint, ordeane, and assigne
the saids perpetuall locall stipend at everie parish, out of suche spe-
ciall touns and lands of the said parishes, and to unite severall
parishes in one, or dissever and seperat one in moe, with consent
of the parochiners, and to make a speciall booke therupon; and
generallie, to doe all things necessar for this effect. Which locall
assignatiouns of stipends and tithes whatsomever, of the particular
touns and lands to be specified therin, sall perteane als freelie to
the minister of the said parish as if he had beene provided of old
in title thereto; with power to the said minister to collect, gather,
and intromett with, and to make wairnings and inhibitiouns against
the possessors of the said tithes, manses, and gleebs, with als great
effect as anie parson or vicar, or anie other beneficed person, might
have done in anie tyme bypast, notwithstanding all impediments
foresaids, and others whatsomever; but prejudice of the saids mini-
ster's rights to the whole remanent of the said benefice, when the
same sall vaike and fall in their hands, by deceasse of the present
possessors, reducing or expiring of tacks, or otherwise whatsomever,
and of the free dispositioun therupon, as accords of the law, and
conforme to this present act in all points.
“And for the better executioun of the premisses, our Soverane
Lord, with advice foresaid, dissolves expresselie all and whatsom-
ever uniouns of severall parish kirks to prelaceis, benefices of dig-
nitie, and others, and suppresseth and abrogateth the name and
stiles of the said prelaceis and digniteis, and units of new the tithes
of everie parish where the same were divided of old amongst manie
prebendars, chaplans, or others, in a whole benefice; and ordeans
that ministers be provided in title to everie parish kirk in particu-
lar, which was before united to prelaceis now vacant, or which
have vaiked in his Grace's hand, since the parliament holdin at
Edinburgh, anno 1584, or which sall in anie wise vaike heerafter,
426 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
by demissioun, deprivatioun, or otherwise whatsomever; and to all
other severall parishes vacant, both to the personage and vicarage
therof, with the manse and gleeb of foure aikers of land, conforme
to the former acts made anent the said gleebs and manses. At the
which kirks the said ministers sall be oblished to make their resi-
dence, and sall have intromissioun with the fruicts therof, conforme
to this present act, and booke of perpetuall modificatioun of the
locall stipends to follow heerupon ; and after their deceasse, dimis-
sioun, or deprivatioun, the other qualified persons to be presented
thereto by his Hienesse, and his Grace's successors, and by others
having the right of presentatioun and patronage therof: And that
no new prebendars sall be provided after the deceasse of the pre-
sent possessors, but the rent to accresce to the living of the mini-
ster, conforme to this act, &c.
“And becaus it is most necessar that the saids locall stipends
be of a certane quantitie, according to the nature of the ground,
and out of certane speciall lands most ewest to the kirk, and com-
modious for the minister, that the minister may know of whom
to crave his duetie: And seing it is impossible to the Lords of
Checker to know what lands to appoint for payment heerof, by rea-
soun they know not nather the names of the lands, nor valour of the
teind-scheaves, of everie particular toun and land within this realme:
Therefore his Hienesse, with advice foresaids, ordeans that everie
presbyterie within this realme, with advice of three barons or
landed gentlemen, who have their residence within the said pres-
byterie, of good religioun, and least participant of kirk rents, chosin
by advice of the Generall Assemblie, and failing the concurrence
of the saids barons, that the saids presbytereis, by themselves, sall
have power to estimat reasonablie the valour of tithes, both per-
sonage and vicarage, of everie particular toun and lands lying with-
in eache one of the saids touns and parishes of their presbytereis,
and of the commodiousnesse therof to the sustentatioun of the mi-
nister: Which estimatioun sall be published upon two severall
Sundayes in tyme of divine service, in the said parish kirks, with
provisioun, that whatsomever partie interessed in anie wise by the
1596. OF TEIE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 427
said estimatioun, and please to compleane therupon, sall have most
summar remeed before the saids Lords of Exchecker, after summar
cognitioun of the caus betuixt the said presbyterie, and particular
minister of the parish kirk, and generall procurator for the kirk; or
others having interesse on the one part, and the said partie com-
pleaner on the other part.
“Attour, becaus the dilapidatioun of the rents of the kirk has
proceeded for the most part from the kirk men themselves, who
had over great libertie to sett suche long tacks and fewes, and for
suche dueteis as they pleased, the solemnitie of ordinar chapters
serving not to restraine the said dilapidatioun, for which they were
first instituted, but rather to authorize the same; which chapters
for the most part be now worne away : Therefore our Soverane
Lord, with advice foresaid, statuts and ordeans, that no minister or
beneficed persoun sall have power to sett in tacke, or to make anie
kinde of dispositioun, alteratioun, or change in anie wise the estat
of the locall stipends of the parishes, with whatsomever consent
or solemnitie; nather to sett new tacks, or to renew old tacks, of
whatsomever other tithes of his parish, or anie part therof, or make
whatsomever dispositioun of the same in tyme comming, without
the consent of the whole or the most part of the presbyterie wher-
in the parish lyeth, at their ordinar day of conveening, after rea-
soning two former ordinarie dayes anent the equitie of the setting,
renewing, or making of the said tacks and dispositiouns: And de-
claires, that the converting of victualls or other dueteis sall be ex-
presse diminutioun of the rentall, and a caus of nullitie or reduc-
tioun. And for eshewing of antedating of tacks and rights of
tithes, and of the infinit tyme for which the same is sett in tyme
bypast, his Hienesse, with advice foresaid, ordeans that all and
whatsomever tacks of whatsomever tithes sett in anie tyme pre-
ceeding the date heerof, for whatsomever longer tyme of manie
nynteene yeere tacks or lyferents successive, sall endure onlie for
the space of nynteene yeeres after the date of the said tacks; with
provisioun, that whatsomever nynteene yeere tacks or lyferent of
tithes, which has not begunne in the setter's tyme, sall be null, and
428 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
of none availl, albeit another nynteene yeere tacke or lyferent con-
teaned in that same tacke has begunne, or runne out in the said
setter's tyme; and that all former tacks of tithes preceeding the
date heerof, lyferents, assignations, pensiouns, erectiouns, fewes,
and other dispositiouns of tithes, sall be produced before the Lords
of Exchecker, before the x + day of k + nixtocum, and re-
gistred in the bookes of the collectorie: At the least, so muche of
the said erectiouns and fewes to be registred as concerneth the
right of tithes conteaned therin, and the date of the registratioun
therof, and the person ingiver of the saids tacks and other rights
to be registred therewith in like maner, and marked and subscribed
by the collector clerk in the backe of the saids tacks and rights, for
eshewing of all frauds which may be heerin : With certificatioun,
that the tacks, and other rights of whatsomever tithes not registred,
as said is, sall be null, and make no faith in judgement nor with-
out : And that the imprinting or publicatioun of this act sall be
sufficient intimatioun heerof, and of the certificatioun foresaid,
without anie other speciall letters, &c.
“Moreover, becaus the ministers and other beneficed or laick
persons, having the right of tithes of other men's heritage, oft tymes
unjustlie trouble both themselves and the lawfull possessors of the
said tithes with inhibitiouns and actiouns of spuilyie, whereby they
compell them to hight their tithes above the reasonable valour:
Therefore, our Soverane Lord, with advice foresaid, declairs and
ordeans, that whatsomever person is lawfullie in the naturall posses-
sioun of tithes, by leading and intrometting therewith, the heritage
or present right of possessioun of the land being his owne, and
makes good and thankefull payment within + k dayes after ilk
terme of the duetie of the said tithes, conforme to the estimatioun
abovewrittin, to be made by the presbytereis foresaids to the mini-
sters, and others having right to the said tithes ; in that cace, the
said person sall be free of all actioun of spuilyie and danger which
may follow upon inhibitioun led against him theranent: Providing
alwise, that whatsomever person committ anie violence, in ejecting
another furth of the naturall possessioun of leading of tithes, Sall
1596. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 429
be subject ather to the actioun of spuilyie, or to the quadruple of
the estimatioun foresaid, at the optioun of the partie ejected, as said
is. Like as also it is provided, that where the right both of the
propertie and present right of the actuall possessioun of the land,
and als of the tithes, concurre in one man’s persoun, it sall be lea-
some to him to use inhibitiouns, and conforme to the old order, ap-
prehend possessioun of his owne tithes, paying alwise the duetie
and valuatioun therof to the minister, or others having right. In
the which cace, the offer of the estimatioun foresaid sall be no re-
levant defence to rescind the naturall possessioun of the tithes of
another person's heritage, and to eshew the danger of spuilyie in
prejudice of him who has the right both of the lands and tithes, as
said is, and in favour of him who has not present right to the actuall
possessioun of another man's land, nor yitt of the tithes therof, &c.
“Attour, by reasoun that the said patrimonie of the kirk sould
also susteane and uphold schooles and poore, with commoun effaires
of the kirk, and other godlie uses: Therefore, our Soverane Lord,
with advice foresaid, statuts and ordeans, that a perfyte rentall be
made of the superplus of the rents of everie parish kirk, by and at-
tour the foresaids locall stipends, conteaning the rights by the
which the superplus of everie benefice is possessed: And that the
minister, albeit he be provided in title to the whole benefice, and
have the collectioun of the whole fruicts therof, and libertie to re-
duce tacks or fewes, as anie other beneficed person might have
done of before, yitt the saids ministers sall not have the free dispo-
sitioun of the said superplus to their owne use, but sall be compt-
able therefore to them who sall obteane the right therof: And in-
cace of their failyie in thankefull payment, or committ violence, they
sall be subject to the danger of spuilyeis, double or quadruple of
the estimatioun foresaid, siclyke as others that make not payment
thankefullie to the said ministers themselves, conforme to the for-
mer article.
“And as for the said superplus of the rent of everie particular
parish kirk, by and attour the locall and perpetuall stipend appoint-
ed for the minister, which superplus ather presentlie perteaneth to
430 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
the kirk, by vaiking of the benefice or otherwise, or sall heerafter
perteane or fall in the kirk's hands, by expiring or reductioun of
tacks and other rights, deceasse of the present possessors, or other-
wise whatsomever: Our Soverane Lord, with advice foresaid, or-
deans and statuts, that the said superplus sall be dispouned by ad-
vice of the Lords of Exchecker, and brethrein of the ministrie
appointed for modificatioun of ministers’ stipends, first to the col-
ledges and Lords of Sessioun, and old possessors of the benefices
induring their lyfe times, for so muche as sall be tane from them
by the present order. Nixt, that the commoun effaires of the kirk
be sufficientlie susteaned therupon. Thridlie, that reasonable con-
sideratioun be had of the poore, of strangers, wedowes, and orphans,
reparatioun of bridges, kirks, hospitalls, and other godlie workes;
and if there be anie rest, the same sall be collected and keeped to
the use of the kirk, and at their dispositioun allanerlie ; and what-
somever particular person, colledge, or other, sall obteane assigna-
tioun of anie part of the superplus, by the saids lords and modi-
fiers, their said assignatioun, and letters therupon, sall be speciallie
in quantitie, and out of what touns and lands the same is assigned:
And the saids letters sall be speciallie directed against the tenents
and actual possessors of the saids particular lands, and the minister
of the parish allanerlie, so that no letter in tyme comming be di-
rected generallie against all and sindrie parochiners, &c., and of
the best and readiest of the fruicts, where the right wherupon the
letters passe extend onlie to a part of the fruicts, and not to the
whole fruicts of the parish, as was of before, which was the occasioun
of great confusioun.
“And becaus the prelaceis in effect were before dissolved, the
whole temporaliteis therof being annexed to the crowne, and mini-
sters' stipends ordeanned to be tane out of the parish kirks united
and incorporated therewith : Lyke as, by this order, the whole spi-
ritualitie and tithes are of new destinated, givin, and mortified to
the kirk, whereby the saids prelaceis are alluterlie dissolved, and
so ceasse in tyme comming to be one of our estats in parliament:
Therefore, our Soverane Lord, with advice foresaid, statuts and or-
1596. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND, 431
deans, that, in tyme comming, everie presbyterie sall send of their
owne number a commissioner to the parliament, out of the which
whole number of commissioners the rest of the estats sall choose so
manie as, being joymed with the old possessors of the prelaceis who
sall be present for the tyme, may make out the full and compleat
number of them who have vote in parliament for the estat of the
kirk, which number sall be equall with the number of anie of the
other estats; and after the deceasse of the whole present possessors
of prelaceis, the whole number of the kirk's estat sall be elected
and tane of the said commissioners of the presbytereis, who sall
have suche vote, priviledges, and liberteis in parliament, as the said
prelats had of before, &c.
“And to the effect that the right of no parteis be further pre-
judged, our Soverane Lord, with advice foresaid, ratifieth all acts
and statuts made of before in favour of the kirk, in so farre as the
same agrees, or may in anie wise fortifie this present act ; and spe-
ciallie, the act by Secreit Counsell, Sessioun, or Exchecker, upon
the 14th of Februar, 1587; and in like maner, all acts and statuts
made in favour of fewes, tacks, patronages, pensiouns, erectiouns,
and other dispositiouns of the kirk rents, in so farre as they are not
contrare or anie wise repugnant to this present act, or full execu-
tioun therof. Which acts, together with all and whatsomever
rights perteaning to privat persons and parteis, suche as fewes,
provisioun of their benefices, erectiouns, tacks, lyferents, pensiouns,
patronages, assignatiouns, and dispositiouns whatsomever of the
tithes, sall stand in the same force as of before the making of these
presents, excepting plainlie in so farre as they are expreslie pre-
judged by the said locall stipend to be appointed to everie particu-
lar parish, conforme to the tenour of this present act, and booke of
particular modificatioun to follow therupon, and others provisiouns
and restrictiouns expresselie conteaned heerin; lyke as our Soverane
Lord, with advice foresaid, abrogateth all former lawes, acts, consti-
tutiouns, practicks, and ordinances whatsomever, which may in
anie wise hinder, stoppe, or impede this present act, and full force
and executioun therof; and declairs whatsomever sall be done in
432 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
the contrare therof, or anie part of it, the failyie and contraventioun
sall be tryed, and the right dispositioun, or other deid whatsomever,
done contrare to the tenour heerof, sall be reduced and annulled, als
weill by way of exceptioun, reply, or duply, as by way of actioun ;
lyke as our Soverane Lord, with advice foresaid, commands that no
judges remitt to an actioun, or delay the proponer of the said nulli-
teis, by way of exceptioun, reply, or duply, but proceed instantlie
to the tryell of the said nullitie, as said is,
“Attour, becaus there are diverse and sindrie persons who pre-
sentlie bruike the rents of everie parish kirk, our Soverane Lord,
with advice foresaid, ordeans that the quantitie of the locall and per-
petuall stipend sould be equallie tane from everie one of the saids
persons proportionallie, at the least, everie one to releeve others
proportionallie, according to the free profite which they receave of
the saids tithes, at the discretioun and summar cognitioun of the
said modifiers, who sall be onlie judges heerin, and sall try, judge,
and cognosce, summarilie, upon the equitie of the releefe betuixt
the possessors of the saids tithes; suche as where there is a prelat,
or old provided man, one or moe tacksmen or pensioners, new
erected lordships, with tithes included, with the fewes of lands,
fewes of fermes, and whatsomever other varietie there is of rights,
by the which the possessor of the tithes of everie parish respective
bruiketh the same; and what releefe the rest ought to make them
from whom immediatlie the rights of the tithes are tane, which sall
be assigned for the perpetuall locall stipend of everie parish kirk;
wherin also sall be considered the right which our Soverane Lord
had to the thrids, or anie other parts of the benefices, together
with suche other actiouns, for the which his Majestie might have
charged the possessors of the said tithes; lyke as also, the saids
Lords of the Exchecker, in making of the said releefe, sall consider
immuniteis, priviledges, and rights, which parteis had of before,
and validitie therof, with all other circumstances, ea aquo et bono.
And for this effect, our Soverane Lord, with advice foresaid, giveth
power to the saids Lords of Exchecker, and ministers speciallie to
be appointed by his Hienesse' commissioun, being alwise equall in
1596. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 433
number with the saids lords, to interprete all obscuriteis, and to
decide summarilie all controverseis which sall arise upon this pre-
sent act, and upon the foresaid releefe, betuixt all parteis subject
therto.”
This platt was thought the best and most exact that ever was
devised or sett doun, and, some little things amended, would have
beene gladlie receaved by the brethrein of best judgement, if, in the
moneth of August after following, there had not beene an act of
the estats devised, tuiching the renewing of the tacks of tithes to
the present tacksmen, for their granting to the present platt, which
in effect made the tithes in all tyme comming heretable to them,
their locall stipend, and a portioun to the king sett aside in everie
parish ; to the which mather the kirk, nor gentlemen whose tithes
were in other men's possessioun, could nor would condescend to.
And so, the said Mr Johne, cheefe in this worke, gave it over, as a
thing not like to be done in his dayes.
In the last Assemblie it was ordeaned, that in everie Synodall
throughout the land, the covenant betweene God and his ministrie
within this realme sould be renewed. How this was performed I
am to take the Provinciall of Fife, holdin at Dumfermline, the 12th
of May, for an exemple. Mr William Scott, presentlie minister
at Cowper, made a notable exhortatioun. Mr James Melvill was
chosin Moderator. It was thought needfull that all meanes sould
be used, that might move and stirre up the hearts of the brethrein;
and so, the articles of reformatioun sett doun in the last Assemblie
were distinctlie read in the publict audience of the Assemblie, and
the articles ordeaned to be insert in the booke of the synod, and
everie presbyterie commanded to have the copie therof in their
bookes, and everie one of their members were ordeaned to extract
to themselves a copie therof for their remembrance. Nixt, for
preparatioun of their hearts, the pastor of the toun, David Fergu-
sone, is ordeanned to keepe his owne place and houre of doctrine
the day following, and to frame his doctrine for the purpose, and
Mr David Blacke ordeaned to teache the nixt day therafter; and
in the meane tyme, earnest exhortatioun was made by the mode-
"VOL. W. ' 2 E
434 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
rator, to weygh the mater and worke they were about, most deepe-
lie and earnestlie with their God and their conscience, and to pray
earnestlie for the brethrein appointed to teache.
Mr David Blacke taught upon Thursday, the 13th of May, upon
the 13th chapter of Ezechiel, and the last verse of the 50th Psalme.
He was copious, powerfull, piercing, and pertinent. The brethrein
of the ministrie, and commissioners of everie parish, conveenned
immediatlie after sermoun, in place of the synodall. The mode-
rator, for better disposing of their hearts, handled the last chapter
of Josuah verie movinglie, with great abundance of teares. The
exemple and forme of that chapter was followed point by point, first,
by commemoratioun of the benefites of God bestowed upon the Kirk
of Scotland, in planting and guarding the same from the Castellans,
the Aubignists, Balaamitish bishops, and the late conspiracie of
the Popish erles. Then he spake of their unthankfulnesse and their
unduetifulnesse in their charges, with suche motioun, that all were
forced to fall doun before the Lord, with sobs and teares in abund-
ance, everie man mightilie commoved, and in privat meditatioun
ryping up their wayes, acknowledging their unworthinesse, and
craving grace for amendiment, and that for a long space. The
moderator therafter made opin confessioun, in name of the rest, of
unthankefulnesse, forgetfulnesse, unduetifulnesse, negligence, cold-
nesse, hardnesse of heart, darkenesse, senselessnesse, instabilitie,
vanitie of minde, stubburnnesse, and rebellioun of will, unsavouri-
messe and follie of speeche and of conversatioun fashiouned after
the world, &c. Finallie, trembling and weeping for the misusage
of so honourable a calling, and quaiking for feare that suche a
weight of wrathe was lying over their heads, for the blood of so
manie soules belonging to their charge, all bitterlie weeped, and
sought grace of God for amendiment. After this confessioun, the
moderator entered again upon the conference of Josuah with the
elders and rulers: and so, after diverse other points of doctrine,
admonitiouns, and exhortatiouns for the purpose, by lifting up of
the hand, everie man testified before God, and mutuallie one to
another, the sincere and earnest purpose of the heart, to studie to
1596. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 435
amend and serve God better in tyme to come, both in their privat
persons, and in the great office of the ministrie, &c. And, last, the
moderator spake upon these words, “Yee are witnesses this day
against yourself,” &c., the which he applyed to the present pur-
pose. And so, by their owne consent, it was agreed, that a minute
and summe of the whole actiouns sould be insert and registred in
the booke of the Assemblie, there to remaine for their admonitioun
and remembrance during their tyme, and for exemple to the pos-
teritie. Therafter, the moderator remembring of the defectioun
mentiouned soone after the death of Josuah, and the fathers and
elders that had seene the works of God in their dayes, for prevent-
ing of the like defectioun, and fastening of this new covenant the
more firmelie in the hearts of all the brethrein of smaller age, re-
quired certane godlie fathers and zealous brethrein to speeke as
they had seene, and heard, and helped to doe in the great worke
of God, in planting and preserving the Gospell, and libertie of
Christ his kingdome, with sinceritie in the land. First, he desired
Mr Johne Davidsone, a zealous grave father, directed, with Mr
Patrik Symsone, by the Generall Assemblie, to visite that Synod,
that he might utter what he thought good.
“I have seene,” said he, “from the beginning, when the Frenche-
men keeped the Abbey, before the Road of St Johnstoun and Cow-
per Moore, and saw the forces of the Papists ryding to both against
the Congregatioun ; but our brother and father there, David Fer-
gusone, was an actor, when I was but a spectator, and, therefore,
it were good his judgement were first heard.”
David Fergusone being desired, spake verie pleasantlie and con-
fortablie, of the beginning and successe of the ministrie, namelie,
how that a few number, viz., onlie six, wherof he was one, so
mightilie went fordward in the worke, without feare and care of
the world, and prevailed, when there was no name of stipend heard
tell of; when the authoritie both ecclesiasticall and civill oppouned
themselves, and skarselie was there a man of name and estimatioun
to take the caus in hand, etc. But now, the feare or flatterie of
men, care of purchassing, or feare of losing of moyen and stipends,
436 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
had weakenned the hearts of a number of ministers: and, ther-
withall, he made an exhortatioun meete for the purpose.
Mr Johne Davidsone subjoyned, and compared the new temple
with the old. Mr Patrik Symsone followed, and reproved the fool-
ish and unsavourie speeches of ministers evin at tables, in opin
audience. Mr David Blacke exhorted powerfullie everie man to
attend upon their owne charge in a new maner. Mr Andrew Mel-
vill, insisting on the feare of defectioun, warned the brethrein of a
late experience of a great weakenesse and slydding away, when the
holie discipline was persecuted, and sought to be overthrowne : how
manie, for feare of the want of their stipend onlie, were brought to
a sort of denying Jesus Christ, by subscribing the acts of parlia-
ment, anno 1584: what sall be looked for, if the Spaniards, who
had latelie taikin Calice, sould transport themselves in few houres
into our firth, and assay our constancie, with fyne and exquisite tor-
ments of their Inquisitioun, upon the which peece of service, our ex-
communicated and forefaulted lords were attending P [He] exhorted
them to fixe this present actioun and covenant in their memoreis.
The moderator ended with earnest prayer for grace to pay their
vowes they had made. The Assemblie was dimissed about foure
after noone, als full of spirituall joy in the soule, as emptie of cor-
porall foode, through that daye's abstinence. Everie brother glori-
fied God for that actioun, amongst all other that ever they had beene
partakers of.
As for exemple of presbytereis, upon the penult Thursday of
Julie, the covenant was renewed in the Presbyterie of St Andrewes,
by a verie frequent assemblie of gentlemen and burgesses prepared
for the purpose before by their ministers in everie parishe. The
covenants of Ezra and Nehemiah, which they made with the people
after their returne from Babylon, which, with fasting and prayer,
were made, writtin, sealed, and sworne, were read distinctlie; and
conforme to these heeds, doctrine, and exhortatioun used; and
after meditatioun, in privat and publict prayer, by holding up of
hands these vowes were made : 1. The exercise of reading the
Word, prayer, catechizing of childrein, servants, and famileis. 2.
1596. OF THE KIRIX OF SCOTLAND. 437
The resisting of all enemeis of religioun. 3. The planting of the
ministrie within their parishes, according to their abilitie. 4. To
take order with the poore, that there be no vagabound beggers. 5.
To keepe better publict conventiouns, and to discharge offices and
commoun dueteis, for the weale of the kirk and countrie.
Therafter, the barons and gentlemen conveenned in the place of
the presbyterie, and understanding that there was word and ap-
pearance of the Spaniards, and the quiet returne of the excommu-
nicated erles, they offered themselves verie freelie for resistance,
and named their captans of horsemen and footmen, and sett doun
an order tuiching the armour and provisioun.
The covenant was renewed likewise in the parishes; howbeit, it
is not to be omitted, that the kirk of Edinburgh omitted this
actioun, and a fearefull desolation followed, as we sall heare.
We wanted not a remarkable effect of this fasting. Thowsands
had died for hunger, if God had not extraordinarilie provided
victualls out of other countreis, in Suche abundance, that by the
estimatioun of the customers and men of best judgement, for
everie mouth that was in Scotland there came in at least a boll of
victuall.
This sommer the king sent the Lord Ogilvie and Mr Peter
Young to Denmark, to the mariage and coronation of the king.
The king was in a great chaffe at Mr Robert Bruce, for the con-
voy he had when he was last in the west countrie, in the moneth of
Julie, at a visitatioun of the kicks there, which was layed upon him
by the last Generall Assemblie. He vowed he sould want his
head, alledging he was upon the counsell of bringing in of Both-
well, becaus he said in pulpit, that if the king brought in God’s
enemeis, God would bring in his enemie; when as, notwithstand-
ing, Bothwell was upon the conspiracie with the tratours.
About the end of August, or beginning of September, the king
called a conventioun of the estats to Falkland. They were suche
as by favour and freindship were nearest joyn d to the excommu-
nicated erles. Alexander Setoun, then President of the Sessioun,
afterward Chanceller, made a prepared harangue, to perswade the
438 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
king and estats to call home these erles, least, lyke Coriolanus the
Roman, or Themistocles the Athenian, they sould joyne with the
enemeis, and creat an unresistable danger to the estat of the
countrie. Diverse of the ministrie were writtin for to that con-
ventioun, but suche as the king could dresse for his purpose. Mr
Andrew Melvill, being a commissioner appointed by the Generall
Assemblie to see to the dangers of the kirk at all occasiouns, came
thither, and presented himself with the rest. When the king and
estats were sett doun, the ministers were called on by name. Mr
Andrew was omitted, but he came in with the formest. The king
finding fault with him, that he came there uncalled, he answereth,
“Sir, I have a calling to come heere from the King, Christ Jesus,
and hiskirk, who has speciall interest in this turne, and against whom
this conventioun is digectlie assembled ; charging you and your
estats, in the name of Christ and his kirk, that yee favour not his
enemeis whom he hateth, nor goe not about to call home, and make
citicens, these who have traterouslie sought to betray their citie
and native countrie to the cruell Spaniard, with the overthrow of
Christ's kingdom;”—and breaking on in particular upon the great-
est part of that conventioun, with plaine speeche and mightie force
of zeale, challenged them of the treason both against Christ and
the king, and kirk and countrie, in that purpose and counsell they
were about. The king interrupted him, and commanded him to
goe out; whose command he obeyed, thanking God that he had
gottin his message discharged. Mr James Melvill, Mr David
Lindsey, Mr James Nicolsone, Mr Patrik Galloway, remained,
heard all, spake in the contrare; adhered in effect to that which
Mr Andrew had uttered. In end, the estats conclude, that the
king and the kirk being satisfied, it were best to call them home,
and that his Majestie sould heare their offers for that effect.
The queene was delivered of a maid childe upon the 19th day of
* * at Dumfermline. The baptisme was appointed to be ce-
lebrated the 28th of November, at Halyrudhous, but without
solemnitie. So she was baptised upon the 28th of November. Mr
Bowes, English ambassader, holding her up as witnesse for Queene
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 439
Elizabeth, named her Elizabeth. So she was proclamed by the
Lyoun Heralds, “Ladie Elizabeth, the first Daughter of Scotland.”
The rest of the witnesses were the Duke, the Proveist and
Bailiffes of Edinburgh. Manie of the nobilitie were absent, by
reasoun of the winter seasoun.
In the moneth of September, the commissioners of the Generall
Assemblie, with diverse others good brethrein, conveened at Cow-
per; and understanding certanelie of the returne of the Popish
lords, and of their platts, purposes, and businesse, with their
favourers and assisters, thought good to direct certane of the breth-
rein there present to the king, being in Falkland, to meane the
mater to him, and crave a discharge of his duetie; namelie, that
Seing, without his licence and knowledge, as was certified to the
kirk by his Majestie's ministers, these rebells were come home, and
were about to make insurrectioun in the countrie, their dangerous
endeavoures sould be maturelie prevented by his Majestie his
authoritic and power ; also, that there sould be a meeting again of
the brethrein in Edinburgh, in the moneth of October following.
So, Mrs Andrew Melvill, Patrik Galloway, James Nicolsone, and
James Melvill, came to Falkland, where they found the king verie
quiett. The rest layed upon Mr James Melvill to be speeker, al-
ledging he could propone the mater substantiouslie, and in a myled
and smooth maner, which the king liked best of. And entering in
the cabinet with the king alone, Mr James shew his Majestie that
the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, with certane other
brethrein, ordeaned to watche for the weale of the kirk in so
dangerous a tyme, had conveened at Cowper. At the which word
the king interrupted him, and crabbitlie querrelled their meeting,
alledging it was without warrant, and seditious, making themselves
and the countrie to conceave feare, where there was no caus. To
the which, Mr James, beginning to reply in his maner, Mr Andrew
could not abide it, but brake off upon the king in so zealous,
powerfull, and unresistable a maner, that howbeit the king used
his authoritie in most craibed and cholerick maner, yitt Mr Andrew
boore him doun, and uttered the commissioun as from the mightie
440 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
God, calling the king but God's sillie vassall, and taiking him by
the sleave, sayeth this in effect, through muche hote reasoning, and
manie interruptiouns : “Sir, we will humblie reverence your Ma-
jestie alwayes, namelie, in publict: but since we have the occasioun
to be with your Majestie in privat, and the truthe is, yee are
brought in extreme danger both of your life and crowne, and with
you, the countrie and kirk of Christ is lyke to wracke, for not tell-
ing you the truthe, and giving you a faithfull counsell, we must
discharge our duetietherin, or ellisbetratours both to Christand you.
And, therefore, Sir, as diverse tymes before, so now again I must
tell you, there are two kings and two kingdomes in Scotland:
there is Christ Jesus, and his kingdome the kirk, whose subject
Ring James the Sixt is, and of whose kingdome not a king, nor a
head, nor a lord, but a member; and they whom Christ has called,
and commanded to watche over his kirk, and governe his spirituall
kingdome, have sufficient power of him, and authoritie so to doe,
both together and severallie, the which no Christian king nor prince
sould controll and discharge, but fortifie and assist, otherwise, not
faithfull subjects, nor members of Christ. And, Sir, when yee
were in your Swedling clouts, Christ Jesus raigned freelie in this
land, in spyte of all his enemeis; and his officers and ministers con-
veened and assembled, for the ruling and weale of his kirk, which
was ever for your weelefare, defence, and preservatioun : also when
these same enemeis were seeking your destructioun and cutting off;
and, in so doing, by their assembleis and meeting sensyne, con-
tinuallie have beene terrible to these enemeis, and most stedable
for you. And will yee now, when there is more nor necessitie
of the continuance and faithfull discharge of their duetie, (drawin
to your owne destructioun, by a devilish and pernicious counsell,)
beginne to hinder and dishaunt Christ's servants, and your best and
most faithfull subjects, querrelling them for their conveening, and
care that they have of their duetie to Christ and you, when yee
sould rather commend and countenance them, as the godlie kings
and good emperours did As to the wisdom of your counsell, which
I call devilish and pernicious, it is this; that yee must be served
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 441
with all sorts of men, to come to your purpose and grandour, Jew
and Gentile, Papist and Protestant. And becaus the ministers and
Protestants in Scotland are over strong, and controll the king, they
must be weakenned and brought low, by stirring up a partie to
them, and the king being equall and indifferent, both sall be faine
to flee to him. So sall he be weill served. But, Sir, if God’s
wisdome be the onlie true wisdome, this will prove meere and mad
follie : for his curse can not but light upon it, so that, in seeking of
both, yee sall losse both ; where as, in cleaving uprightlie to God,
his true servants sould be your sure freinds, and he sould compell
the rest counterfootedlie and leinglie to give over themselves, and
serve you, as he did to David.”
These things, and manie moe, were spokin by occasioun in con-
ference, with great libertie and vehemencie, till at last the king
sattled, and dimitted them pleasantlie, with manie attestatiouns,
that he knew not of the Popish lords' home comming till they were
in the countrie. And howbeit the estats had licenced them to make
their offers, they sould not be receaved, till they themselves were
furth of the countrie again ; and offer what they would, they sould
gett no grace at his hand, till they satisfied the kirk.
The tyme was drivin over. They remaine still in the countrie,
and travelled with the ministers by their freinds, for reconciliatioun,
that they might remaine with the greater securitie. Henriett,
Countesse of Huntlie, made some offers in her husband’s name to
the Synod of Murrey, the tenor wherof followeth :—
THE OFFERS PRESENTED BY THE LADIE HENRIET STEwART,
COUNTESSE OF HUNTLIE, HAVING COMMISSION FROM HER HUS-
BAND IN HIS ABSENCE, TO THE SYNODALL ASSEMBLIE OF THE
PRESBYTEREIS WITHIN THE DIOCESE OF MURREY, CONVEENNED
IN ELGINE, THE 19TH DAY OF OCTOBER, 1596.
“In the First, Hearing and having intelligence that your Wis-
doms heere conveenned, and remancnt of the kirks of this realme,
442 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
have beene in tyme past, and as yitt remaine evill informed, by
suggestioun and misreports of my lord and spouse, that he sould be a
traffiquer with strangers since his departure out of this realme, in
prejudice of the religioun presentlie professed in the same, and of
the estat of his native countrie, I, as having commissioun, in his name
offer not onlie to make his purgatioun of the sinister reports of him
above writtin, but also, that he sall abide and submitt himself to
all lawfull tryell theranent; and if he be found culpable and guiltie
therof, to suffer and underly the censures of your Wisdoms, King,
and Counsell.
“Secundlie, I offer, that he sall make sufficient securitie, nather
to attempt assist, nor devise anie things in tyme comming, tending
to the alteratioun or inversioun of the religioun presentlie professed
within this realme.
“Thridlie, [I] offer, that he sall banish and eject from his com-
panie and societie all Jesuits, Seminarie preests, excommunicated
persons, and notorious knowne Papists.
“Ferdlie, He is and sall be content to intercommoun with what-
somever of the ministrie your Wisdoms and whole kirk sall appoint;
and incace he may be moved by good arguments and reasouns, and
thereby perswaded in his conscience to leave the religioun present-
lie professed by him, he sall embrace the religioun professed with-
in this realme.
“Fyftlie, Offers that he sall receave an ordinar minister in his
companie, for his better instructioun, on his owne charges; and in
the meane tyme, sall keepe good order.
“Sixtlie, For better assurance of his good meaning, he is con-
tent to assist your discipline, in punishing vice.
“Seventhlie, In consideratioun of the premisses, I will desire
your Wisdoms to give and concord a reasonable tyme, wherin my
lord, my spouse, may be resolved in his conscience; and that it
may please your Wisdoms to shew him that favour, to absolve him
from the processe of excommunicatioun, and that he may have,
by your mediatioun and interceeding, his Majestie's favour and
oversight to remaine within the countrie untroubled, during the
1596. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 443
tyme of the conference. And for your perswasioun in the pre-
misses, I offer in his name, that he sall make sufficient securitie
for observing of the articles above writtin; and in testimonie of
his good intentiouns, sall assist the planting of ministers in the
kirks desolate within his bounds.”
These articles were presented by the barons underwrittin; Sir
Walter Ogilvie of Finlatour, knight, Robert Inneis of that Ilk, Sir
Johne Gordoun of Pitlurg, knight, William Sutherland of Duffus,
Johne Urquhart of Tullo, Tutor of Cromartie.
Thus subscribed, HENRIETT, Countesse of Huntlie.
Upon these offers, the Popish erles were suffered to bruike the
countrie, yea, their owne houses and livings, till the moneth of May
therafter.
The commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, and from diverse
synods, conveenned at Edinburgh upon the 20th day of October;
and after incalling of the name of God, entered in consideratioun
of the dangers of the kirk, arising of the returne of the forefaulted
excommunicated erles within the realme, and what remedeis might
be devised for preventing therof, determined to write to all the
presbytereis within this realme, in forme as followeth :—
“The Spirit of the Lord Jesus strenthen you against the day of triell
to ſight a good fight valiantlie, that yee may receave the crowne of
glorie at the appearance of that great Pastor.
“RIGHT DEERE AND WEILL-BELOVED BRETHREIN,-The neere
approaching of these great dangers, which a long tyme have beene
threatned against the true religioun and professors therof within
this countrie, hath moved us at this tyme to assemble ourselves at
Edinburgh, the 20th of this instant, and to enter in a deepe con-
sideratioun, both of the dangers, and likewise of the most expedient
remedeis to be used of us in so dangerous a tyme, when as the
enemeis of the truthe have had libertie, without controlment, to
returne and remaine within the countrie, for accomplishing their
whole wickednesse, according to their old intentiouns; wheranent
444 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
we have thought it necessar to communicat with you the summe
of our conclusiouns, requeisting you earnestlie to consider the same,
as apperteaneth, and to conforme your selves therunto, as yee would
shew your selves zealous and carefull of the caus of God, and of
the weale of this his inheritance concredited to you.
“The commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, after incalling
on the name of God, having tane earnest inquisitioun of the heeds
underwrittin, have found by certan and evident arguments and
prooffe, that the Erles of Huntlie and Erroll are returned, and re-
sident within the countrie.
“That they have no warrant or approbatioun of their returning
from his Majestie, (as his Majestie constantlie affirmeth;) where-
through it appeares, that ather they have a secreit force within the
countrie, whereby they thinke themselves able, according to the
grounds of their old crueltie, to massacre suche of the principall
noblemen, barons, cheefe favourers of the good caus within burghes,
and ministers, as might principallie impeshe their godlesse course,
that therafter they might the more easilie accomplish their whole
iniquitie; or ellis they are assured of the assistance of strangers,
whereby they may in opin battell beare furth the caus.
“Siclyke, that they have had accesse by their freinds, favourers,
ladeis, and agents, to deale for their peace at all occasiouns, as they
have thought good, and have used exceeding great diligence ther-
in, both with the king and queen's Majestie, and likewise with the
counsell, and diverse of the nobilitie and barons, all tending to that
end, that they might have libertie to returne, and injoy their livings
peaceablie within the countrie; mather acknowledging their offences,
in their treasonable dealings against the estat of the realme, nather
the offence of their apostasie, but standing to their honestie and
good conscience both in the one and the other; whereby it is evi-
dent, that the hazard both of the religioun and quietnesse of the
countrie is no lesse yitt, incace their travells and credit effectuat
their peace, (as they intend it sall,) nor it was in the tyme of their
excommunicatioun and forefaultrie, Seing the causes of both stand
yitt unremoved by them, and unacknowledged for offence.
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 445
“Item, That they have obteaned an act of counsell made in their
favours at Falkland, and ratified in Dumfermline, ordeaning licence
to be granted to them for their returning, and remaining within the
countrie, upon suche conditions as sould be proponned by his Ma-
jestie and counsell, to be performed of them.
“As likewise, diverse of their freinds and favourers are found to
vaunt verie proudlie, that they have procured alreadie his Majes-
tie's protectioun and peace, past and subscribed in counsell; and
that they are encouraged to looke assuredlie for advancement to
office, charge of guardes, and lieutenantreis, as they have had of be-
fore. The which is probable, and muche to be feared.
“Where through it is manifest, that as in tymes past, by their
traffique and godlesse practises the estat of religioun has beene ex-
tremelie perelled by the imbringing and maintenance of Jesuits,
Papists, Seminarie preests, traffiquers with forraine enemeis, erect-
ing of masses, perverting of sindrie professors of the truthe, trea-
sonable dealing with the King of Spaine and other enemeis of the
kingdom of Christ, for overthrowing of the truthe within the coun-
trie, and likewise, by these same meanes, and diverse roads which
they have made, and intended to make, and by roads and taxatiouns
made by his Majestie and lieges, upon occasioun of their treasouns,
the countrie has beene oppressed and impoverished, his Majestie's
owne person and crowne endangered, the lives of good men
in all estats, speciallie Suche as were knowne the speciall favour-
ers and mainteaners of the good caus, sought by all meanes
directlie, as brake out evidentlie in the cruell murther of Dinny-
brissell, and would doubtlesse have kythed farther against manie
others of the nobilitie, barons, burrowes, and ministers, if the
Lord, in his great mercie, had not resisted and disappointed their
bloodie intentiouns. So of necessitie, as yitt, Seing there re-
maines in them the same dispositioun and ground of caus, wher-
upon their whole mischeeſes have proceeded, the same effects
must follow their credit, peace, and advancement, to the subver-
sioun of religioun, wracke of the countrie, hazard of his Majestic's
446 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
estat and person, and of the estat and lives of all good men within
the land.”
JREMEDEIS.
“For remeed wherof, first, it is thought necessarie that all pres-
bytereis within the countrie be particularlie acquainted with the
danger foresaid, and made to apprehend the same deepelie, as it is,
that therafter they may sett themselves the more effectuallie to use
all convenient meanes for preventing therof, and that everie mini-
ster within the countrie be carefull alsweill in his doctrine publict-
lie, as in his privie conference, to informe the whole professors of
the truthe therof; and to bend his doctrine and prayers to that
end, that they may apprehend the danger deepelie, and be stirred
up zealouslie to seeke of God in their prayers, the turning away
therof; and to be disposed, and in full readinesse to resist it at
their whole power, als farre as lawfullie they may of their call-
ing.
“Nixt, that there be a publict humiliatioun throughout the whole
countrie, to be keeped the first Sabboth day of December nixt,
1596; and the causes therof to be, the said danger, which everie
one sall inlarge, according to the grounds foresaid.
“That there be an universall amendiment urged in all estats, and
that the ministrie go before, as paternes, in reformatioun of them-
selves in everie point of their life and calling; and preasse an ear-
nest reformatioun of all noblemen, barons, and other gentlemen
professing God, and of their hous, speciallie in suche points wherin
they have been slanderous; and namelie, in blasphemie and licen-
tious speeches, neglecting of the exercise of prayer, and reading of
the Word at noone and at even at table. And that there be ap-
pointed within everie presbyterie some of the most discreit breth-
rein, to deale with the principall noblemen and barons within the
bounds to that effect, and to the effect above writtin.
“That the excommunicatioun of the foresaid erles be solemnlie
1596. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 447
intimated in all the kirks within the countrie, upon the nixt Sab-
both after the sight heerof.
“That everie presbyterie call before them all suche persons with-
in their bounds as interteane anie societie with the foresaid erles,
or that take anie dealing for them ; and that they proceed against
them with the censures of the kirk summarilie, una citatione ; quia
periclitatur salus ecclesia, et respub.
“Item, It is thought expedient that an ordinarie number of
commissioners from all the quarters of the countrie, viz., one out of
everie quarter, sall have an ordinarie residence at Edinburgh, to
conveene everie day with a number of the Presbyterie of Edin-
burgh, to communicat suche advertisement as sall come from di-
verse parts of the countrie, and consult upon the most expedient in
everie cace. And for that effect, there is appointed for the north
quarter, Mrs Alexander Dowglas, Peter Blekburne, George Glade-
stanes, James Nicolsone : For the midde quarter, Mrs James Mel-
vill, Thomas Buchanan, Alexander Lindsay, and William Stirline:
And for the south quarter, Mrs Johne Clapperton, Johne Knox,
George Ramsay, and James Carmichael : And for the west, Mrs
Johne Howesone, Andrew Knox, Johne Porterfeild, and Robert
Wilkie. Of the which, Mrs James Nicolsone, James Melvill,
James Carmichael, and Andrew Knox, are appointed for the first
moneth, beginning at the first day of November; and their charges
to be borne out of the quarters whereout of they are chosin, and their
kirks to be suppleed by their presbytereis during their absence.
“Item, The foresaid commissioners, with advice of the Pres—
byterie of Edinburgh, finding the danger to grow by a farther
dealing of the adversarie, sall appoint a Generall Assemblie to
be conveened of the ministrie from all the parts of the countrie;
with a good number of the best affected noblemen, barons, and com-
missioners of burghes, that by a commoun advice, the most expe-
dient way may be found out and followed, for the Suretie of reli-
gioun and commoun peace.
The same day, the said commissioners ordeaned, amongst
others, Alexander Seton, Lord Urquhart, President of the Sessioun,
448 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
to be summouned to compeere before the Synod of Lothiane the
secund day of November, for dealing in favours of the Erle of
Huntlie.
2 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, compeered
before the commissioners one of the ordinarie Clerks of the Ses-
sioun, showing, there were two of the Lords of the Sessioun, and
two advocats, that desired conference with certane of the brethrein.
The which being granted, the saids brethrein reported to the com-
missioners, that the saids lords compleaned of the summoning of
the President of their Sessioun, and with manie arguments travell-
ed to move the said commissioners and synod conveened to super-
seed the calling of the said summouns. At last [they] obteaned,
that so sould be, if the said president would prescnt himself before
the synod of his owne accord. The which he did; and being by
the synod remitted to the said commissioners, came before them
on the morne, and purged himself verie largelie of anie dealing for
the Erle of Huntlie, etc.
At Edinburgh, 5 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, the ordinarie counsell of the ministrie conveened
within the galrie of the manse of the ministers of Edinburgh. Af.
ter invocatioun of the name of God by Mr Robert Pont, modera-
tor, it was thought good that the names of the counsellers for the
first moneth sould be sett doun in writt, and place and tyme ap-
pointed for their meeting ordinar.
TEIE NAMES OF THE ORDINAR COMMISSIONERS ECCLESIASTICE FOR
THE FIRST MONETH.
For the north quarter, Mr James Nicolsone; for the middle
quarter, Mr James Melvill; for the west, Mr Johne Howesome and
Mr Andrew Knox; for the south, Mr Adam Johnstoun and Mr
George Ramsay ; and of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, which are
1596. OF THE RIRK OF SCOTLAND. 449
appointed to be alwayes ordinarie, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Robert
Pont, Mr David Lindsay, Mr James Balfour, Mr Patrik Galloway,
Mr Walter Balcalquall.
Concerning the meeting, the house therof to be appointed at
everie convention, before the dissolving therof, siclyke the place.
The same day, by the commoun consent of the whole, it was or-
deaned and enacted, that whosoever sould be found absent at the
calling of the catalogue, which sould be ordinarilie done before the
prayer, sould ather give a reasonable caus of his absence, such as
the rest of the brethrein sould judge sufficient, or immediatlie with-
out delay to pay ten shillings, to be imployed for commoun ex-
pences.
6 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, aſter incalling of the name of God, there were
directed certane of the brethrein, viz., Mrs David Lindsay, Patrik
Galloway, James Nicolsone, and James Melvill, to confer with the
Lords of Counsell, who reported to the brethrein as followeth :—
That my Lords President, Secretarie, Advocat, and Laird of
Colluthie, had proponed two things unto them in his Majestie's
name: First, That his Majestie offered, that mather thir excommu-
nicated erles, nor anie in Suche estat, sould receave anie favour at
his Majestie's hands, before they satisfied the kirk: Nixt, That his
Majestie craved of the kirk their judgement, whether the said per-
sons having satisfied the kirk, may receave favour at his Majestie's
hand 2 To the which, the Counsell of the kirk answered as fol-
loweth —
To the first, They accept the offer, and according thereto, require
that the said erles be putt off the countrie; and being putt off the
countrie, make their offers to the kirk, for satisfactioun therof, con-
forme to his Majestie's promise made at the Callendar, to certane
of the brethrein.
To the secund, they answere, That these persons being suche
whom the law of God, and greatest assise of the realme in parlia-
ment, hath adjudged unto death, his Majestie may not lawfullie
WOL. V. 2 F
450 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
show them anie favour, contrare to God’s Word, and sentence of
the said parliament ; and that they could give no other advice of
conscience and duetie toward his Majestie's safetie, and weill of his
kirk and countrie. But if his Majestie and counsell will take on
them to doe otherwise, lett them answere to God and the countrie
for it. They protested, whatever sould ensue, the kirk sould be
free therof, before Christ and the whole estats of the realme.
The which answeres being reported to the saids Lords of Coun-
sell, and found verie hard, the secund propositioun was altered by
the saids lords, and proponed in this forme: That his Majestie
would understand, whether, if the said erles rightlie repenting, and
satisfeing the kirk, may have the bosome thereof patent to them,
and be receaved within the same. To the which, the brethrein
answered affirmative, They might alwise, without prejudice of the
magistrat’s part and duetie.
9 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after invocatioun of the name of God, the breth-
rein thought it expedient to direct certane of their number to his
Majestie, to show that there was a most dangerous suspicion en-
tered in betuixt his Majestie and the kirk, the which, unlesse it
were purged and putt away in tyme, could not but procure great
inconveniences: To desire, therefore, his Majestie to declare plainlie,
what offendeth him in the ministrie, ather in generall or particular,
that his Majestie might be satisfied theranent; lyke as also, on the
other part, to shew his Majestie the greeves of the kirk, which
move a great suspicioun in the hearts of all the godlie and good
men within this realme, of his Majestie's meaning and intentiouns;
and to crave most humblie and earnestlie, that the same might be
amended in tyme, etc. The brethrein directed were Mrs David
Lindsay, Patrik Galloway, James Nicolsone, and James Melvill.
In like maner, that the queene sould be dealt withall in most
grave and fectfull maner, for her favouring of Papists, etc., by Mr
Robert Bruce, and some of the said brethrein.
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 451
THE ARTICLES AND POINTS OF THE GREEVES OF THE KIRK, To BE
INSISTED UPON witH HIS MAJESTIE BY THE SAID BRETHREIN,
ARE THESE : —
1. Tuiching the favour which the said erles had obteaned in the
conventiouns at Falkland and Dumfermline.
2. That the Ladie Huntlie was so weill liked of by his Majestie
and queen, that she was to be sent for, to be present at the bap-
tisme of the princesse.
3. That the said princesse was to be concredited and delivered
in custodie to the Ladie Livingston, being a professed Papist, and
at the point of excommunicatioun.
4. That the king's commoun talke was, inventions against the
ministers and their doctrine.
11 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the brethrein
directed to his Majestie reported his answere, that there could be
no good agreement betuixt the ministers and him till the marches
of their jurisdictioun were read ; and that in these points, namelie,
he thought he had farther interesse —
1. In preaching of the Word, they sould not speeke of his effaires
of estat and counsell, but he sould ken what the ministers sould
speeke before he came out of his chamber.
2. The Generall Assemblie sould not be convocated but by his
authoritie and speciall command.
3. There ought nothing to be holdin firme and stable that is
done in that Assemblie, before he had ratified and allowed the same
by himself or his commissioners, even as in his parliament, tuiching
the acts and statuts of the realme.
4. That the synods, and presbytereis, nor particular sessiouns,
meddle with no causes wherupon this law strikes, but upon forni-
catioun, and suche like slanders; and that he would propone his
intentioun and minde tuiching these heeds, and others, and crave
452 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
to be satisfied, otherwise there could be no good lyking or agree-
ment among them.
1. As to the Greeves.
1. He had granted nothing to the excommunicated erles but
that which the counsell and estats had thought needfull for the
peace of the realme, and that alwayes under condition they sould
first satisfie the kirk.
2. That the Ladie Huntlie was a good discreit ladie, and worthie
of his affectioun, howbeit she was a Papist, wherof the kirk had
the wyte, that dealt not with her : and yitt, Papists might be hon-
est folkes, and good freinds to him ; for his mother was a Catho-
lick, and yitt he behoved to say she was an honest woman. The
truthe was, that the queene could not want her from the baptisme,
becaus she had taikin great paines with her at her birth.
3. That the Ladie Livingstoun sould ather yeeld to the religioun,
and satisfie the kirk, or then she sould not come neere his daughter;
but he could not refuse to concredit her to the Lord Livingston,
who was a man known of good religioun.
4. That the ministers had the wyte themselves of his maner of
speeking, who ceasse never in their sermouns to provocke him, and
utter all kinde of outrages against him, to disgrace him before the
people.
To all which the said brethrein made sufficient and plaine replyes
and answeres:–
As to the free preaching of the Word, in rebooking of all sinnes
in whatsomever persons without respect, and discipline joyned
therewith, they were established after manie conferences, upon evi-
dent grounds of the Word of God, by his Majestie's lawes and acts
of parliament, and manie yeeres' practise and use past therupon.
That his Majestie sould not have permitted anie benefite to have
beene granted to these enemeistill they had beene off the countrie;
and that all these tokins of favour shewed to Papists moved the
hearts of all good men to suspicioun of his Majestie.
1596. OF THE KIRIX OF SCOTLAND. 453
That if the Ladie Huntlie came to the baptisme, it would con-
firme all in their evill opinion of his Majestie, and the pulpits could
not but cry out against it.
That the putting of the princesse in the Lord Livingston's cus-
todie, his ladie being as she is, would be esteemed of all a speciall
pledge of his Majestie's affectioun to Papists.
That the ministrie had spokin alwayes reverentlie of his Ma-
jestie, but could not spaire the enemeis, nor no favourable dealing
used toward them by whatsoever, &c.
The which report, when the brethrein of the counsell had heard,
they perceaved clearelie that the overthrow of the libertie of Christ's
kingdom was intended, and were verie glade that his Majestie had
uttered his meaning so plainlie. They thought meete, and or—
deanned therefore, that everie one of the brethrein sould studie
the heeds of the discipline.
That Mr James Carmichaell, and Mr Charles Lumisden, sould
seeke out all the conferences, acts of counsell and parliament past
in favour of the kirk, and libertie and discipline therof.
That the presbytereis sould be advertised heerof throughout all
the countrie, and the brethrein exhorted to diligence in their studeis
therament.
That the said brethrein sould heare the king again, and receave
his articles, but not to enter in questioun or reasoning thereament,
till the brethrein of the counsell were advised; fearing anie wise
to call and bring in doubt the undoubted freedom and discipline of
Christ's kirk.
The same day, it was reported to the brethrein, that sure intelli-
gence was gottin of Mr David Black's charging before his Majestie
and counsell, for certan unreverent, reproachefull, and infamous
speeches uttered by him, in certan of his sermons made in the
moneth of October last, and that his day was the eighteenth of this
instant.
12 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, it was or
454 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
deanned that a summons sould belibelled against the Ladie Huntlie
by Mr Robert Pont, and sent away with diligence, to stay her com-
ming to court, if it were possible.
That a letter sould be sent to the Presbyterie of Stirline, charg-
ing them to proceed to the sentence of excommunicatioun against
the Ladie Livingstoun.
The same day, it was resolved by the whole brethrein of the
counsell, that Mr David Blacke sould declyne the judicatour of the
king and counsell, and exhortatioun made to all the brethrein to
seeke out all the warrants of Scripture or positive lawes, to prove
that the judgement of doctrine whatsomever apperteanes to the
pastors of the kirk in prima instantia.
The same day, the brethrein before named to deale with his Ma-
jestie were directed by the counsell —
1. To heare his Majestie's questions and doubts, which his Ma-
jestie said he had to propone, tuiching the bounding of the office
and calling of the ministrie ; but no wise to reasoun therupon, nor
give anie answere thereto, onlie to report the same to the brethrein
of the counsell. *.*
2. Becaus his Majestie desired to be advertised of anie thing the
kirk mislyked in privat, before it was rebooked in pulpit, his Ma-
jestie sould be admonished tuiching the repairing of the Ladie
Huntlie to the baptisme ; that if his Majestie suffered the same, it
could not be comported with unspokin against in pulpit, as a thing
most offensive to all the good and godlie. And in like maner, of
the giving of the princesse in custodie to the Ladie Livingstoun.
In like maner also, tuiching the summoning of Mr David Blacke,
which was verie evill thought of, that the ministers of God's Word
sould be charged and troubled upon calumneis and trifling dela-
tiouns, where as, in the meane tyme, the enemeis of the truthe were
favoured and overlooked.
15 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the brethrein
reported that they had spokin all the former points to his Majestie,
1596. OF THE KIIRIX OF SCOTLAND. 455
but had gottin no good answere, becaus of a great discord fallin
out betuixt him and Mr Patrik Galloway, for the words which
Mr Patrik used in conference with the king, That the kirk gott
but faire words and promises without effect, and the enemeis gott
the deid and effect. The which words were so highlie taikin, that
there was no patience that night, &c.
The same day it was thought most needfull, that the same breth-
rein, Mr Patrik excepted, sould deale earnestlie with his Majestie
in this point, that the commoun enemeis sould be tane order with,
before there were anie controversie intended with the kirk, or anie
of the brethrein putt at, otherwise all the world would say there
was nothing meant but to benefite the enemie, and trouble the kirk.
Also, that for disappointing the enemeis, it sould be earnestlie
suted of his Majestie, 1. That the Ladie Huntlie sould be debarred
from anie accesse to court. 2. That the cautioners of the some-
tyme Erles of Huntlie and Erroll sould be putt at, and the summes
evicted for the king's use and effairs. 3. That their livings sould
be intromitted with, and taikin up presentlie by his Majestie's offi-
cers and chamberlans, and applyed to his Majestie's furniture in
expeditioun against them. 4. That their lands sould be disponed,
and dealt unto suche as would shew themselves most fordeward
and fectfull in persuing of them to the uttermost.
16 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after invocatioun of the name of God, the breth-
rein reported a direct answere affirmative, concerning the caution-
ers of the foresaid erles. And as to the rest, his Majestie declared
his determined purpose was to purge the land from all Papistrie
and Papists, and to suffer none, in whatsomever degree, to be of
another religioun nor he was of. And, therefore, as to the said
erles, ather sould they fulfill the things enjoynned to them, wherof
the first was, the satisfeing of the kirk, or then he sould upon them
with fire and sword ; and if they offered to satisfie, they sould be
in sure waird, and under all other sure bonds as could be devised,
till they had done the same.
456 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
The Ladie Huntlie sould subscribe, and be of good religioun, or
then sould find no favour, nor be suffered to abide neere court.
Her sonne sould be brought over with diligence, and putt in the
companie of a godlie and zealous man, to be brought up in the truthe
of religioun, &c.
As for Mr David Blacke, his Majestie being dealt with earnestlie
to lett that mater and dyet desert, answered, he thought not muche
of that mater, onlie lett Mr David compeere, and if he was inno-
cent, purge himself in judgement, and he sould satisfie the am-
bassader. “But take heed, sirs,” sayeth he, “that yee declyne
not my judicatour, for if yee doe so, it will be worse,” &c.
17 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the brethrein
entered in a conference tuiching the declinatour to be used by Mr
David Blacke; and after mature and grave consideratioun, resolved,
that forasmuche as they perceaved the drift of that dealing with
Mr David to tend to the setting doun of a preparative against the
free preaching of the Word, and to bring the doctrine of all mini-
sters under the censure and controlment of his Majestie and coun-
sell ; and remembring, that notwithstanding diverse good brethrein
being conveened before the king and his counsell, for their doctrine,
had declyned the judgement therof, yitt becaus it was but verballie
done, it vanished, and was forgett and denied, and the exemple
therof alledged for a practise : Therefore, at this tyme, the said
declinatour sould be made by writt, weill qualified and fortified
with good reasouns. And for testifcing the consent and approba-
tioun of the whole brethrein, as in a commoun caus, everie one
sould putt to their hand, and subscribe the same with the said Mr
David, wherof the tenor followeth :—
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTTAND. 457
THE DECLINATOUR OF THE RING AND COUNSEL's JUDICATOUR IN
MATERS SPIRITUALI, NAMELIE, IN PREACHING OF THE WORD ;
GIVIN IN TO THE SAME AT HALYRUDIIOUS BY AIR DAVID BLACKE,
MINISTER AT ST ANDREWFS, IN IIIS OWNE NAME, AND NAME OF
HIS WHOLE BRETHREIN OF THE MINISTRIE, THE 18th DAY OF
NOVEMBER, 1596.
“ Unto your Majestie and Ilords of Secreit Counsell, in all re-
verence in Christ, humblie meanes I, Mr David Blacke, minister of
the Evangell at St Andrewes, that where I am charged by your
Highnesse' letter to compeere and answere for certan, unreverent,
unfamous, and undecent speeches, alledged uttered by me in some
of my sermons made in publict in the kirk of St Andrewes, in the
moneth of October last bypast, 1596, as at more lenth is conteaned
in the said letters: wherin, albeit the conscience of my innocencie
upholdeth me sufficientlie against whatsomever calumneis of men,
and that I am readie, by the assistance of the grace of my God, to
give a confessioun and stand to the defence of everie point of the
truthe of God, uttered by me in the said sermouns, ather in open-
ing up of his Word, or applicatioun therof, before your Majestie
or counsell, or whatsomever person or persons that, upon anie law-
full caus, will crave an accompt of that hope which is in me, in
whatsomever place of thaner, so farre as sall be requisite for clear-
ing and maintenance of the truthe and of my ministrie, and may
be done without the prejudice of that libertie which the Lord
Jesus has givin and established in the spiritual] office-bearers of
his kingdom ; yitt Seing I am not at this tyme brought to stand
before your Majestie and counsell as a judge sett to cognosce and
decerne upon my doctrine, wherethrough my answering to the said
pretended accusatioun might import (with the manifest prejudice
of the liberteis of the kirk) an acknowledging also of your Majestie's
jurisdictioun in maters that are meere spirituall, which might move
your Majestie to attempt farther in the spirituall governement of
the hous of God, to the provocatioun of his hote displeasure against
458 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
your Majestie; and in end, ather a plaine subverting of the spiri-
tuallyudicatour, or, at least, a confounding therof with the civill, if
at anie tyme profane and ambitious magistrats might, by suche
dangerous beginnings, find the hedge brokin doun, to make a vio-
lent irruptioun upon the Lord's inheritance, which the Lord forbid:
Therefore, Iam constrained, in all humilitie and submissioun of mine,
to use a declinatour of this judgement, at least in prima instantia;
which I beseeche your Majestie to consider earnestlie, and accept
of according to justice, for the reasouns following:
“1. The Lord Jesus, the God of order and not of confusioun, as
appeareth evidentlie in all the kirks of his sancts, of whom onlie I
have the grace of my calling, as his ambassader, (albeit most un-
worthie of that honour,) to beare his name among his sancts, he has
given me his Word, (and no law nor traditioun of man,) as the onlie
instructiouns, whereby I sould rule the whole actiouns of my calling,
in preaching of the Word, administratioun of the seales therof, and
exercise of discipline: And in the discharge of this commissioun, I
cannot fall in the reverence of anie civill law of man, but in so farre
as I sall be found to have passed the compasse of my instructiouns,
which can not be judged, according to the order established by that
God of order, but by the propheits, whose lippes he has appointed
to be the keepers of his heavenlie wisdom, and to whom he has
subjected the spirits of the propheits. And now, seing it is the
preaching of the Word wherupon I am accused, which is a princi-
pall point of my calling, of necessitie the propheits must first de-
clare whether I have keeped the bounds of my directiouns, before
I come to be judged of your Majestie's lawes for my offence.
“2. Becaus the libertie of the kirk and whole discipline therof,
according as the same has beene, and is presentlie exercised within
your Majestie's realme, has beene confirmed by diverse acts of par-
liament, and approved by the Confessioun of Faith, by the sub-
scriptioun and oath of your Majestie, your Majestie's estats, and
whole bodie of the countrie, and peaceablie bruiked by the office-
bearers of the kirk in all points; and namelie, in the foresaid point,
tuiching the judicatour of preaching of the Word in prima instantia,
1596. OF THE RIRK OF SCOTLAND. 459
as the practise of diverse late exemples evidentlie will shew : There-
fore, the questioun tuiching my preaching ought first, according to
the grounds and practise foresaid, be judged by the ecclesiastick
Senat, as the competent judge therof in the first instance.
“In respect wherof, and for diverse other weightie causes and
consideratiouns, namelie, for eshewing the great and dangerous in-
conveniences that might fall both to religioun and your Majestie's
owne estat, by the appearance of distractioun of your Majestie's
affectioun from the ministrie, and good caus of God in their hands,
to the greefe of your Majestie's best subjects, and to the encourage-
ment of the adversareis both of your Majestie's estat and religioun :
Therefore, I most humblie beseeche your Majestie, and in name of
my brethrein, the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, and
the remanent of the brethrein of the ministrie, who, for testifeing
their earnest affectioun and allowance of the premisses, have sub-
scribed these presents with their hands, that your Majestie, in this
actioun, would manifest your earnest care to mainteane that libertie
which the kirk of Christ within this countrie, for the confort of his
sancts, has with so great blessing injoyed, since the Gospell was
first revceled in this land, wherethrough the godlie may be con-
forted, the adversareis frustrated of their expectation, and your
Majestie truclie honoured in honouring the Lord Jesus.”
19 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the counsell
of the brethrein thought it needfull, that certan of the brethrein
sould be directed to speeke and deale with the queen's Majestie,
1. Tuiching her religioun ; 2. Her maners in favouring and deal-
ing for the enemeis of the truthe, namelie, the Erle of Huntlie, and
speeking contemptuouslie and reproachfullie of the ministrie; as also
for want of godlie and vertuous exercise among her maids, and
spending of all tyme in vanitie : for remeiding and helping wherof,
to travell to move her to heare now and then some godlie and dis-
creit men, to teache her by short forme of doctrine and conference.
460 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
The brethrein nominated for that effect were Mr Robert Bruce,
Mr Andrew Melvill, and Mr Johne Davidsone.
The same day, the said brethrein went doun to have discharged
this commissioun to the queene, but gott not accesse,' but were
desired to come at another time.
20 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, it was thought
needfull that a copie of the declinatour ſore-placed, givin in by Mr
David Blacke, by advice of the commissioners of the Generall
Assemblie, to his Majestie and counsell, sould be sent to everie
presbyterie within this realme with all diligence; with a letter,
showing them the occasioun therof, and desiring them to caus the
same be subscribed by all their members. The just copie wherof,
becaus it was muche querrelled as seditious and treasonable, was
thought meete to be insert as followes :-
“If we suffer with him, we sall raigne with ſailº.—Rom. viii.
“BRETHREIN,-—After an earnest remembrance of our duetie (o-
ward God, and our Ring Christ Jesus, please you to witt, the com-
missioners of the Generall Assemblie, and ordinarie conventioun of
the brethrein at Edinburgh, perceaving the drift of this charging
of Mr David Blacke before his Majestic and Counsell to tend to
the setting doun of a preparative whereby the whole authoritie of
Christ's kingdom might be overthrowne, by subjecting to the judge-
ment of the civill magistrat the censuring of the preaching of the
Word, and setting of injunctiouns therupon, and upon the whole
discipline of the kirk, thought it most needfull, and pertinent to
our ductie, to counsell the said Mr David to use a declinatour of
the judgement of the king and counsell, and that in writt; becaus,
that notwithstanding the brethrein, which have beene conveened
before his Majestie and counsell for their doctrine in time past, have
* She was at the dancing.—Note in the original.
1596. OR THE RIRK OF SCOTLAND. 461
faithfullie discharged their duetie of declimatour, yitt, becaus it
was but verball, it was forgott and denied, and the exerople of judg-
ing of their doctrine alledged for a practise. And for testifeing of
our consent and approbatioun of the same, we have everie one of
us adjoynned our subscriptiouns with the said Mr David unto the
said declimatour.
“Now yee are not ignorant, brethrein, how unitie strentheneth
the caus, and makes us able to stand whole and unbrokin. We
have therefore thought meete to send a copie of the said declina-
tour to you, requiring everie one of the pastors within your pres–
byterie, as we doubt not of the agreement of your hearts with us
in this most honourable caus of our Christ, and standing to the
libertie of his spirituall kingdom, as not onlie faithfull subjects, but
the honourable office-bearers therof, so to sett your hand writt and
subscriptiouns therunto, for testifeing your approbatioun therof
with us, and to remitt the same subscribed backe to us, before the
first day of the nixt moneth, or with all possible diligence, and that,
with one of your most wise and faithfull brethrein, who may con-
sult and assist us in thir so weightie maters. As likewise, we be-
seeche everie one of you to studie this questioun diligentlie, and
the whole points of the discipline, by searching the Scriptures, and
writtings of the learned ; for certanelie, Satan is to make the first
onsett upon this hedge of the Lord's vineyard, that breaking doun
the same, he may therafter waist and wracke the plants therof at
his pleasure. The Spirit of the Lord Jesus be with you, and make
you, with us, faithfull even to the death, that we may be partakers
of the crowne of life. Amen.
“From Edinburgh, the 21st of November, 1596.”
22 Novembris, 1596.
After incalling of the name of God, it was thought needfull, that
the counsell named Octavians sould be admonished of their duetic,
seing it appeared evidentlie, that ather by their stirring up of the
king, or, at the least, not staying of him, the kirk was this way putt
at and troubled, and the enemeis in the meare tyme overlooked
462 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
and favoured. And Seing they found the kirk at freedom, and
were his Majestie's ordinarie counsell, who was a prince of his owne
naturall, and by the fundamentall lawes of the countrie subject to
his counsell, what ever ensued and fell out in maters, they would
justlie beare the blame therof; and the kirk behoved to take her
to them also, to admonishe them of their negligence in hearing of
the Word, &c.
The same day also, it was thought expedient, that suche of the
nobilitie as sould repaire to this baptisme and conventioun sould
be spokin, viz., the Erle of Marr by Mr James Melvill, the Erle of
Crawfurd by the same, the Lord Hammiltoun by Mr Robert Bruce
and Mr James Balfour, the Erle of Argile by Mr Robert Bruce
and Mr James Nicolsone, the Erle of Montrose by Mr James
Nicolsone; and siclyke the rest, as brethrein had acquaintance and
occasioun.
23 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the brethrein
appointed to speeke the counsell reported their answeres to this
effect, purging themselves verie muche of all favouring and dealing
for the Popish lords; also of all counselling of his Majestie to putt
at the ministrie, or controvert with the kirk, in whatsomever
mater. And becaus for their good deserving they had gottin little
thankes, they were determined to quite their commissioun, and
cast it in the fire: but as for other maters that the king had to doe
with the kirk, they would not meddle therewith ; they were brought
on by their advice, and so sould they end: lett the king's Majes-
tie and his wise nobilitie see thereunto.
24 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the modera-
tor, Mr James Nicolsone, shew how he was called for by his Ma-
jestie, who was highlie incensed, for sending of the declinatour
through the presbytereis, and, therefore, craved to see the com-
missioun of the Generall Assemblie, and a copie of the letter sent
1596. OF THE KIRIX OF SCOTLAND. 463
to the presbytereis; both the which the brethrein granted, and sent
the same with their moderator, accompanied with some of the
brethrein, becaus they were not judiciallie charged so to doe, but
desired by the king's mouth.
The moderator returning, shew to the brethrein, that the letter
was verie evill thought of, as seditious and treasonable, and that he
feared the commissioners sould be charged off the toun. Therefore,
the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie being for the most
part present, with advice of the counsell of the brethrein, ordean-
ed the Generall Assemblie to be convocated to the secund Tuisday
of Januar, and to be holdin at Edinburgh.
It was resolved also, that Seing the commissioners of the Generall
Assemblie were there conveened by the warrant of Christ and his
lcirk, at a most needfull and dangerous tyme, to see to the weale
therof, and me quid detrimenti capiat, they sould obey God rather nor
man; and notwithstanding of anie charge, sould remaine at this
worke so long as it was found expedient for the weale of the kirk
so to do.
In end, it was thought good, that Mrs David Lindsay, James
Nicolsone, Robert Rollock, and James Melvill, sould be sent doun
to his Majestie, to shew him what great inconveniences might en-
sue, namelie, to his Majestie's owne estat and person, by entering
in hard dealing with the kirk, and discharging the commissioners
of the Generall Assemblie : That it would therefore please his Ma-
jestie to leave off all this persute of Mr David Blacke, and contro-
verseis arising thereby, untill the tyme that order were taikin with
the commoun encraeis the Papists, and a Generall Assemblie con-
vocated, for deciding of all controverseis, and satisfeing of his Ma-
jestie's greeves and questiouns: That they sould move his Majestie
to thinke more earnestlie upon the danger the whole estat of the
realme standeth into, by the bussinesse of the Papists in banding
themselves together, and associating of diverse clannes with them;
in preparing of armour and horses, &c.
464. CALDERWOOD's IIISTORIE 1596.
25 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the brethrein
directed to his Majestie the day before reported his Majestie's an-
swere ; that he was sorie that maters sould have so fallin out betuixt
him and the commissioners, &c. Yitt would the commissioners
passe from the declinatour, or at least make a declaratioun therof,
that it was not generall but particular, and used in that caus of Mr
David Blacke, being a caus of slander perteaning rightlie to the
kirk particularlie, &c., he would passe from the summons, and all
persute of the said Mr David.
Tuiching the which answere, the brethrein advising a large tyme
upon that declaratour, and diverse formes therof being devised,
voted and agreed all to this one, as followeth :—
“The commissioners of the Generall Assemblie declare, that their
intentioun in the declimatour, used by their advice, of his Majestie
and counsell by Mr David Blacke, was no wise to diminish, hurt,
or prejudge his Majestie's authoritie, by exeeming therefra the ju-
dicatour of anie mater or caus civill or criminall committed by what-
somever persoun, that justlie apperteaned thereto, not contrarie to
the Word of God: onlie in maters and causes spirituall, of persons
bearing a spirituall functioun in the kirk and spirituall kingdom of
Jesus Christ, in discharge of the points of their office and duetie
spirituall; as namelie, in preaching of the Word, ministratioun of
the sacraments, and exercise of Christian discipline, the lawes and
instructiouns wherof, as they have receaved from Christ onlie, sett
doun in the Word, and from no king nor civil magistrat earthlie,
so ought they to be censured and judged by the same Word allan-
ellie, and suche as have their lawfull calling to travell in the inter-
pretatioun and opening up of the same.”
The declaratour agreed upon was esteemed by the brethrein
who conferred with the king Suche as he would not be content
with, and, therefore, refused to present it to his Majestie. In end,
the commissioners condescended to make this offer to his Majestie,
that iſ he would leave the summouns of Mr Blacke, passe therefra,
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 465
and sett doun an act of reference of all persute of the said Mr
David, and leaving of charging of ministers for their preaching, till
a lawfull Generall Assemblie, they would on the other part take up
their declinatour, and ceasse to use the same until the said Assem-
blie.
27 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the brethrein
directed to his Majestie reported how they had spent muche tyme
in reasoning with his Majestie and counsell, but could not agree,
unlesse they would condescend to passe from the declinatour, and
caus Mr David Blacke to answere, and acknowledge the judicatour;
the which they could on no wise grant.
The same day, betuixt two and three after noone, Mr David
Blacke was summouned again by a new libelled summouns, most
slanderous, blasphemous, and malicious, with opin proclamatioun,
and sound of trumpet at the Mercat Croce; and therewithall a
proclamation made, discharging all ecclesiasticall conventiouns and
assistance of the ministers, &c. The tenor wherof followeth –
“James, by the grace of God, King of Scots : To our lovits, Wil-
liam Forsyth, messinger, messingers, our shireffs in that part, con-
junctlie and severallie, speciallie constitute, greeting: Forasmuche as
it is understood to us and Lords of our Secreit Counsell, that sindrie
ministers, presbytereis, and other ecclesiasticall judgements, have
oft and diverse tymes of late proudlie presumed to make convoca-
tioun of diverse barons and others our lieges, under certane frivo-
lous pretences, alledging acts of parliament or Secreit Counsell for
their warrant; at the least, that they have our licence and consent
therunto, albeit it be of veritie, there are no suche acts, nather
gave we our licence and consent to anie suche convocatiouns; but
whatsomever is, or has been alledged, to colour their unlawfull do-
ing in this point, is altogether without warrant, expresse against
our lawes, acts of parliament, and Secreit Counsell, to bring our
good subjects in hatred of us, and perrell and danger of the said
lawes and acts foresaid.
WOL. W. 2 G.
466 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
“For remeed wherof in tyme comming, our will is, and we charge
you straitlie and command, that, incontinent thir our letters seene,
yee passe, and in our name and authoritie command and charge all
and sindrie our lieges, of what estat, qualitie, or degree that ever
they be, and that by opin proclamatioun at the mercat croces of
the heed burrowes of our realme, and other places needfull, that
none of them take upon hand to convocat or assemble themselves
in anie sort, at the desire of the said ministers, presbytereis, or
other ecclesiasticall judgements, in anie part of our realme, under
whatsomever colour and pretence of assisting them in their defence,
being accused of anie caus, cryme, or offence, or in their repairing to
whatsomever judgement-seate, or otherwise whatsomever, without
our speciall licence and proclamatioun made to that effect, under the
paines conteaned in our lawes and acts of parliament made heer-
ament: Certifeing them, and they doe in the contrare, they sall be
called, accused, persued, and punished, according to the tenour of
our said acts and lawes foresaids, with all rigour and extremitie, in
exemple of others, as ye will answere to us heerupon : The which
to doe, we committ, &c.
“Givin under our signet, at Edinburgh, the 24th day of Novem-
ber, and of our raigne the 30th yeere, 1596.
“Per actum Secret: Consilj.”
The same day also were givin furth letters upon an act of Secreit
Counsell, charging the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie off
the toun within 24 houres, and not to conveene at Edinburgh nor
ellis where, &c. The tenor whorof in like maner followeth :—
“James, by the grace of God, Ring of Scots: To our lovits, &c.,
messingers, &c. Forasmuche as it is understand unto us and Lords
of our Secreit Counsell, that there are certane persons of the mini-
strie, which have remained this long tyme bygane, and still re-
maine, within our burgh of Edinburgh, unlawfullie occupyed in
devising and setting doun of formes, rules, and platts, altogether
against the lawes of God and man, and most hurtfull and prejudi-
ciall to our royall person and authoritie; usurping also power over
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 467
their brethrein of the ministrie, in directing of letters, appointing
them to subscribe a declinatour formed and alreadie subscribed by
themselves, against our judgement-seat and our lawes, and to re-
turne the same to them, with some of their brethrein, to assist them in
their defence, as though they were not our subjects, nor that we had
no power nor authoritie to command them ; intending, as appeares
by Suche kinde of convocatioun and tumultuous forme of doing, to
breake our peace, and to raise trouble, seditioun, and insurrectioun
in our countrie, no care being taikin in the meane time of their
severall flockes and congregatiouns committed to their charge, but
leaving them altogether confortlesse, and destitut of the Word ;
colouring their doings in all these things with a generall commis-
sioun, alledged givin by the last Generall Assemblie of the mini-
strie, albeit there be no suche commissioun ; at least, the same is
unorderlie, past and givin by the same Assemblie without consent
of our commissioners, being there present for the tyme, who no-
wise consented thereto, and without whose consent no suche com-
missioun can be lawfull : As als, the same pretended commissioun
granted to them being produced by themselves, seene, and consi-
dered by us, and they heard at lenth therupon : We, with advice fore-
said, have found that the same is granted to intreate, consult, and
report, and in no wise to exerce anie acts or jurisdictioun, as is above
mentiounned. And, therefore, to prevent the great disorder, con-
fusioun, and inconvenient likelie to follow heerupon, we, with advice
of the Lords of our Counsell and Sessioun, all in one voice, sitting
together in judgement, have discharged, and by these presents dis-
charge, the said commissioun, as unlawfull in it self, and more un-
lawfullie executed by the said pretended commissioners.
“Our will is heerefore, and we charge you straitlie and command,
that, incontinent thir our letters seene, yee passe, and in our name
and authoritie, command and charge the persons underwrittin :
They are to say, Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr James Melvill, Mr Johne
Davidsone, Mr Nicoll Dagleish, Mr James Nicolsone, Mr James
Carmichael, Johne Clappertoun, to depart home to their severall
flockes and congregatiouns, within twentie-foure houres mixt aſter
they be charged by you thereto ; and to attend, remaine, and await
468 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
upon the faithfull discharge of their calling; and on no wise to re-
maine, or keepe suche unlawfull conventiouns, convocatiouns, or as-
sembleis, ather within our said burgh, or anie other burgh, part, or
place of this realme, in tyme comming, without our speciall licence
obteaned to that effect, under the paine of rebellioun, and putting
of them to our horne: And if they failyie, the said space being by-
past, that yee incontinent therafter denounce the disobeyers our
rebells, and putt them to our horne and escheat, and inbring all
their moveable goods to our use, for their contemptioun, as yee will
answere to us therupon. The which to doe, &c.
“Givin under our signet, at Edinburgh, the 24th of November,
and of our raigne the threttie, 1596.
“JEa deliberatione Dominorum Consilj.”
The same day, immediatlie after the proclamatioun, the commis-
sioners conveenned in the galrie, read and considered the saids pro-
clamatioun and charge, and layed them opin before the Lord, to be
the righteous judge and revenger, als weill of the slanderous lees
and blasphemous calumneis therof, as of the great iniquiteis and
wrong done to the Lord Jesus Christ, and libertie of his kirk, in
usurping the judicatour and supreme authoritie of commandement
over the same ; controlling his commissioners, and annulling and
discharging the acts of the Generall Assemblie, as though it was
a judicatour inferiour and subalterne to the Secreit Counsell and
Sessioun, &c., and therefore ordeanned the ministers of Edinburgh,
and suche others as were to occupie the pulpits, to deale mightilie
by the Word, the scepter of the Lord Jesus, the King of Glorie,
against the said proclamatioun and charge, whereby his honour
and libertie of his kingdom might be vindicated from the yoke of
oppressioun, and blott of calumneis imposed theron by the pre-
sumptioun of men. And to that effect, to use arguments flowing
from the grounds following, and suche others:–
That immediatlie the spirituall jurisdictioun floweth from Christ,
(Ephes. iv.;) nather can anie wise the same proceed mediatlie from
a king or civill magistrat.
1596. OF THE RIRE OF SCOTLAND. 469
That the power of conveening to the exercise therof is from
Christ, in like maner; and no Christian prince sould impede the
same, but fortifie, defend, and mainteane the same, &c.
That the acts and ordinances therof can not, nor ought not be
controlled, but by the Word of God, and that in a lawfull assem-
blie, according as they are made.
That the Christian prince nor his commissioners have no interesse
in judging in the Assembleis, but bearing the office and name of
elders, directed in commissioun from inferiour assembleis or parti-
cular congregatiouns: And, therefore, as tuiching the expositioun
of the Word, inferiour in gifts and calling, to the doctour and pas-
tors of the kirk; otherwise they are present, non tanquam judices et
guygºrozotoſ, but tanquam custodes et nutritº.
That as Christ and his disciples commanded to give unto Caesar
that which is Caesar's, so they never usurped the things that per-
teaned to Caesar. But so is it, that Christ and his apostles con-
veenned themselves and the people, and discharged all the points
of their spirituall calling, without anie warrant or leave asked or
givin by the magistrat.
The Councell of Jerusalem, (Acts xv.) convocated by the apostles,
intreatted not onlie of doctrine, but of things indifferent, without
licence or authoritie from anie civill prince or magistrat.
And so, finallie, as the pastors of the kirk are the messingers and
ambassaders of God, and have their commissiouns and instructiouns
from Christ Jesus, and not from anie king or prince earthlie, so are
they to be answerable to him who gave the commission allanerlie,
and not to be controlled or discharged by anie other.
And becaus it was objected, that they did wrong in speaking of
the king in his absence, by other just reasouns why they behoved so
to doe, they sould have in readinesse the exemple of Ezechiel xxi.,
who rebooked Zidkiah the king most sharpelie, being absent from
him more than five hundreth myle in Caldea ; calling him polluted
or profane, and wicked, &c.
470 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
29 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, being the day before Mr David Black's dyet, after
incalling of the name of God, the commissioners understanding the
king to be incensed, by report of the doctrine, which had mightilie
sounded from all the pulpits the Sabboth past, and that his Majes-
tie was purposed to keepe Mr Black's dyet, accompanied with his
nobilitie and counsellers in great solemnitie and pompe within the
Tolbuith, and there, in a frequent and honourable counsell, to find
himself judge, and establishe the same by an act, they resolved, after
grave deliberatioun, to putt in forme their minde, under the title
of Articles, (because their commissiouns boore expresselie, to give
in articles to his Majestie and Counsell, and receave answeres ther-
of;) and give in the same, by certan of the brethrein chosin for
that effect ; requiring most instantlie, that these articles sould be
read and considered by his Majestie and honourable Counsell, and
an answere granted therunto; and that, to prepare his Majestie
and Counsell the better for Mr David’s actioun. The tenor wher-
of followeth :—
ARTICLES HUMBLIE PROPONED TO HIS MAJESTIE AND SECREIT
COUNSELL, BY THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE GENERALL AS-
SEMBLIE, IN NAME OF THE SAID ASSEMBLIE ; 30 NOVEMBRIS,
1596.
“An humble Supplication and faithfull Admonition to his
Majestie and Counsell, with the Nobilitie and Session,
wnder the title of Articles.
“Please your Majestie, and Lordships of your Majestie's Coun-
sell: Forasmuche as the Generall Assemblie of the kirk, holdin at
Edinburgh, in the moneth of Marche last bypast, considering that
the iniquitie of the land in all estats was alreadie come to that ful-
nesse, that it could not more suffer anie long delay of the judge-
ments which had beene so oftin threatned in vaine against the con-
tempt of this age; and perceaving the rage of Satan so mightilie
1596. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTHAND. 471
kindling up the malice of all his instruments, als well within the
countrie as without, that even then, it appeared, the Lord was
preparing the scourge of his indignatioun, wherewith he would
strike undoubtedlie before it were long : Therefore, they gave their
commissioun to certane chosin brethrein, who, upon the occasioun
of the approaching of the angrie countenance of God, might as-
semble themselves, and give their attendance upon the Lord's
working, that, by their fidelitie, everie one in his owne calling might
be in convenient tyme stirred up and turned unfainedlie to God,
for preventing of his wrath. According to the which, being heere
conveenned, and finding the forefaulted excommunicated erles to
be returned, and remaining within the countrie, and to strenthen
themselves daylie by their impunitie and oversight, wherethrough
they become able both to give their concurrence to the forrane
enemie incace of forrane assault, and likewise to attempt by them-
selves and their confederats within the countrie, whatsoever pur-
pose might be most prejudiciall to the caus of God and your Ma-
jestie's estat; which is to us an evident argument of the Lord's
wrathe to be at hand, and more neere alwayes nor is apprehended
by your Majestie.
“We therefore can not but give your Majestie faithfull adver-
tisement, beseeking your Majestie to give heed therunto, but all
preoccupied minde and affectioun, as we, by the grace of God, in
sinceritie, love, and humilitie, sall propone the same to your
Majestie.
“And becaus that we, our presbytereis, and other ecclesiasticall
judgements, are greevouslie traduced at tables, counsell, mercat-
croces, in publict proclamatiouns, by giving us out to be unlawfullie
occupyed in devising and setting doun of formes, rules, and platts,
altogether against the lawes of God and man, prejudiciall to your
Majestie's authoritie and person; to presume proudlie to make con-
vocatiouns and tumults, to intend the breake of your Majestie's
peace, the raising of trouble, sedition, insurrectioun, confusioun, dis-
order, and other inconveniences in your Majestic's countrie, seeking
onlie to colour these doings under frivolous pretences and commis-
*
472 CALDERWOOD’S HISTORIE 1596.
Siouns, as though we were not your Majestie's subjects, or that
your Majestie had not power and authoritie to command us; and
to be usurpers of authoritie over our brethrein, to be carelesse of
our flockes, and leavers of them confortlesse; which crymes, if they
might be justlie layed to our charge, we were of all your Majestie's
subjects the most unworthie to live, lett be to have the honour to
beare the message of reconciliatioun to the world.
“And as they are so calumniouslie published against us, they
can proceed of no other fountaine, but from the dreg of Anti-
christianisme, and can tend to no other end, but to the disgrace of
our holie ministrie, that therafter the truthe it self might likewise
fall in discredit, and then a plaine way might be layed opin to
Papistrie or atheisme ; which we beseeke your Majestie to consider
and take heed to wiselie in tyme, before it come to a canker that
can not be cured.
“For this caus we are compelled, for cleering of our ministrie,
and purging of us from all suspiciouns of suche unnaturall affectioun
and offices toward your Majestie, and the estat of your Majestie's
countrie, to call that great Judge that searcheth the hearts, and Sall
give recompence to everie one conforme to the secreit thought
therof, to be judge betuixt us and the authors of all these malicious
calumneis; before whose tribunall we protest, that we have alwayes
borne, now beare, and sall beare, God willing, to our lives' end, als
loyall affectioun to your Majestie, as anie your Majestie's best sub-
jects within your Majestie's realme of whatsoever degree and
ranke; and according to our power and calling sall be, in the grace
of our God, als readie to procure and mainteane your Majestie's
weelefare, peace, and advancement, as anie of the best affectiouned
whatsomever: Lyke as we call your Majestie's owne heart to re-
cord, whether if yee have not found it so in effect in your Majestie's
straits? And if your Majestie be not perswaded to find the like of
us all, if it fall out that your Majestie have occasioun, in these dif-
ficulteis, to have the tryell of the affection of your subjects again,
and whatsoever we have uttered, ather in our doctrine or our other
actiouns toward your Majestie, it has proceeded in a zealous affec-
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 473
tioun toward your Majestie's weelefare, nixt to the honour of God,
above all things, as we protest; choosing rather by the libertie of
our admonitiouns to hazard our selves, than by our silence to suffer
your Majestie to draw on the guiltinesse of anie sinne, that might
involve your Majestie in the wrathe and judgement of God.
“In respect wherof, we most humblie beseeke your Majestie so to
esteeme of us and our proceedings, as tending alwayes, in great sin-
ceritie of our hearts, to the establishing of religioun, the suretie of
your Majestie's estat and crowne, which we acknowledge to be in-
separablie conjoynned therewith, and to the commoun peace and
weelefare of the whole countrie, as the Lord knowes ; and that
your Majestie would earnestlie consider what may be the intentioun
and end of suche as have so subtillie and covertlie drawin your Ma-
jestie to exagitat these thornie questiouns and unnecessar, at suche
tyme, wherin everie Small appearance of distractioun of your Ma-
jestie, and your Majestie's course from the ministrie of the Gospell,
and course therof, will give a deepe wound in the hearts of your
Majestie's best subjects, and a great encouragement to the adver-
sareis, whereby they may, and will doubtlesse be, bold to attempt
to the highest, in this so great advantage which is presented to
them upon this occasioun.
“For we perswade ourselves, that howsoever the first motioun
of this actioun might have proceeded upon a purpose of your Ma-
jestie, to have the limits of the spirituall jurisdictioun distinguished
from the civill, yitt the same is interteaned and blowne up by the
favourers of these that are, and sall prove in end the greatest ene-
meis that ather your Majestie or the caus of God can have in this
countrie; thinking thereby to engender Suche a mislyking betuixt
your Majestie and the ministrie, as sall by tyme take away all fur-
ther trust, and in end worke a divisioun irreconcilable ; where-
through your Majestie might be brought to thinke your greatest
freinds to be your enemeis, and your greatest enemeis to be your
freinds, which the Lord forbid, for his merceis' sake.
“As lykewise, heereby to make your Majestie's affectioun to-
ward the forefaulted erles manifest to the whole world, as if this
474. CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
heate in your Majestie's part against the ministrie had proceeded
upon occasioun of the kirk's insisting against the said erles; which
out of all questioun is thought alreadie, and will be thought more
and more questionlesse, if your Majestie insist in this forme.
“And, therefore, we most humblie beseeke your Majestie, Seing
there is no necessitie at this tyme, nor occasioun offered upon our
part, to insist in the decisioun of intricat and unprofitable questiouns
and processes, to the diverting of your Majestie's intentiouns and
courses from against the adversareis upon the ministrie, albeit, that
by the subtile craft of their favourers, and adversars of your Ma-
jestie's quietnesse, some absurd and almost impossible suppositiouns
(which the Lord forbid sould enter in the hearts of Christians, lett
be in the hearts of the Lord's messingers) be drawin in, and urged
importunatlie at this tyme, as if the suretie and priviledge of your
Majestie's crowne and authoritie royall depended upon the present
decisioun therof.
“That, therefore, it would please your Majestie to remitt the
decisioun therof to our lawfull assemblie, that might determine
therupon according to the Word of God, and not to encroache
upon the limits of the kingdome of Jesus, under whatsomever pre-
tence; and to bend your Majestie's actioun, according to the present
necessitie, against the commoun enemie of your Majestie's estat, and
estat of religioun : for this, we protest, in the sight of God, accord-
ing to the light that he has givin us in his truthe, that the spe-
ciall caus of the blessing that remaines, and has remained upon
your Majestie and your Majestie's countrie, since your coronatioun,
has beene, and is, the libertie which the Gospell has had within
your realme. And if your Majestie, under whatsomever colour,
abridge the same, directlie or indirectlie, the wrathe of the Lord
Jesus sall be kindled against your Majestie and kingdome, which
we, in the name of the Lord Jesus, forewarne your Majestie of,
that your Majestie and counsell's blood ly not upon us.
“Charging likewise your Lordships of his Majestie's counsell and
nobilitie, in the name of the Lord Jesus, to give his Majestie free
and faithfull counsell ; and as hitherto (to the honour of God, and
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 475
your Lordships' just praise) yee have keeped yourselves, both in
counselling and actioun, free from all prejudice of the libertie of the
Gospell, by laying anie injunctiouns upon the ministrie therof; so
your Lordships would at this tyme wiselie and godlie foresee, that
yee be not drawin in the guiltinesse of so great a sinne against the
throne of Christ, by the craft of suche as have been subtillie seeking
the thraldome of the Gospell, and now would lay the guiltinesse of
their malicious devices upon your Lordships, as skugges of their
iniquitie: but that by your advice, and credit at his Majestie's
hand, all controverseismoved, or to be moved heeranent, be remitted
to a free and lawfull Assemblie, that the same may be gravelie
reasouned and concluded, with great evidence of the Word of God,
as becometh, in a mater of so great weight, importing the brangling
of a religioun established; wherin we assure ourselves, your Lord-
ships sall doe acceptable service to God, and profitable to his Ma-
jestie and whole countrie.”
The same day also, it was thought expedient, that, Seing a new
libell was intended against Mr David Blacke, and by his occasioun
against the libertie of the Gospell, there sould be a new declinatour,
fortified with evident and strong reasons, penned and used againe
by Mr David, in his owne name, and in name of the whole mini-
strie of Scotland, who, for the best part, (even so manie to whose
hands the former declinatour had come,) had subscribed the same,
and sent it backe againe to the commissioners with all diligence
and expeditioun, by the hand of one of their most faithfull and wise
brethrein, according to the desire of the letter sent to the presby-
tereis throughout the realme. The tenour of the secund declina-
tour followeth –
476 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
THE SECUND DECLINATOUR OF THE RING AND COUNSELL's JUDI-
CATOUR IN MATERS SPIRITUALL, NAMELIE, ANENT THE PREACH-
ING OF THE WORD ; GIVIN IN TO THE SAME AT EDINBURGH, THE
30TH OF NOVEMBER, BY MR DAVID BLACKE, IN HIS OWNE NAME,
AND IN NAME OF THE WEIOLE MINISTRIE OF SCOTLAND.
“ Unto your Majestie and Lords of Secreit Counsell, in all due-
tifull reverence in Christ Jesus, humblie meanes I, Mr David
Blacke, Minister of the Evangell, that where I am charged by
your Majestie's letters again, as I am informed on Saturday last
was, after noone, not personallie, or at my dwelling place, but at
the Mercat Croce of the burgh of Edinburgh, by publict and opin
proclamatioun, to compeere and answere for unduetifull and calum-
nious speeches uttered by me in my publict sermons, made in St
Andrewes, within thir three yeeres last bypast, against your Ma-
jestie, the queene your deerest spous, your Majestie's deerest sis-
ter the Queene of England, and the lawfull power and authoritie
of all princes; as lykewise, against your Majestie's nobilitie, coun-
sell, judges, and magistrats of this realme, as at more lenth is con-
teaned in your Majestie's said letters: Wherin, albeit the con-
science of my innocencie upholdeth me sufficientlie against what-
somever calumnie of men, and that I am readie, by the assistance
of the grace of my God, to give a confessioun, and stand to the
defence of everie part uttered by me in my said sermouns, ather in
opening up of the text, or in applicatioun therof, before your Ma-
jestie or counsell, or whatsomever person or persons that upon anie
lawfull caus will crave a compt of that hope which is in me, in
whatsomever place or maner, so farre as sall be required for cleer-
ing of the truthe, and maintenance of my ministrie, that may be
done without prejudice of that libertie which the Lord Jesus has
givin, and your Majestie has established in the spirituall office-
bearers of his kingdome: Yitt Seing I am this day, as I was this
day twelve dayes, brought to stand before your Majestie, nobilitic,
1596. OF THE EIRK OF SCOTLAND. 477
and counsell, as a judge sett to cognosce and decerne upon my ser-
mons and preaching of the Word of God, which, as it is spirituall
in itself, and spirituallie to be teached, preached, and applyed, so
it sould not, nor can not, be lawfullie tryed and judged by anie
civil authoritie or judicatour whatsomever. And, therefore, how-
beit I would not, nor cannot, refuse to be judged by your Majestie's
authoritie and judicatour, in all causes and maters whatsomever,
civil or criminall, belonging thereto, and humblie submitts my-
self in persoun, goods, and geir, with all duetifull reverence and
obedience to all lawfull power and authoritie, as it becomes a due-
tifull and obedient subject.
“Yitt, neverthelesse, Seing I am accused for the discharge of my
spirituall ministrie, in the preaching of the blessed Evangell of
Jesus Christ, and that before your Majestie, who not onlie is a
Christian prince, and has established by lawes and acts of parlia-
ment the sincere religioun and spirituall jurisdictioun of the kirk;
has confessed, sworne, and subscribed the same, alsweill in the ad-
ministration of doctrine as discipline, and has commanded, under
all highest paine, the same to be confessed, sworne, and subscribed
by all your faithfull leiges and duetifull subjects, to the good ex-
emple of all Christiane princes, and exemple worthie to be remem-
bred by all the posteritie; but also is, by the grace of God, en-
dued with suche knowledge and understanding of controverseis in
maters of religioun, and exercised from your tender yecres, in hear-
ing, reading, and meditating the Holie Scriptures, that no Chris-
tian prince in all Christendome, as I am perswaded, may justlie in
lyke measure with your Majestie be compared; I darre not for my
life, and cannot, unlesse I would wilfullic committ the crime of
lese-majestie and high treasoun against the Lord of Glorie and
crowne of Christ Jesus, but adhere to my former protestatioun and
declinatour of your Majestie's civill judicatour, givin in by me the
last tyme I compeered before your Majestie and counsell, and sub-
scribed by the brethrein, commissioners of the Generall Assemblie,
by reasoun the caus was commoun to all the ministrie. Which
declinatour humblie then presented by me, I crave with all humili-
478 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
tie and reverence now to be read againe in your honourable audi-
ence, weyghed, and considered againe by your Majestie, nobilitie,
and counsellers, no lesse nor if it were insert, word by word, within
this present.
“Wherunto I adde now, for farther declaratioun, that as in all
Christian kingdomes and commoun weales there sould be, so
(praised be our mercifull God, and blessed be your gracious Ma-
jestie) there are two jurisdictiouns established by good lawes, and
exercised in this realme. The one spirituall, the other civill: the
one respecting the conscience, the other externall things; the one
directlie procuring the obedience of God his Word and commande-
ments, the other obedience unto civill lawes; the one perswading
by the spirituall Word, the other compelling by the temporall
sword; the one spirituallie procuring the edificatioun of the kirk,
which is the bodie of Christ Jesus; the other, by interteaning jus-
tice, procuring the commoditie, peace, and quietnesse of the com-
moun weale, the which, having ground in the light of nature, pro-
ceeds from God, as he is the Creator, and so termed by the Apostle
Humana creatura, 1 Pet. ii., vareing diverselie, according to the
constitutiouns of men, the other, above nature, grounded upon the
grace of redemptioun, proceeding immediatlie from the grace of
Christ Jesus, onlie Head and onlie King over his kirk, (Ephes. i.;
Coloss. ii.,) which is His spirituall bodie; from whose Spirit flow
all spirituall gifts and graces; by whom are appointed all spirituall
offices and functiouns, (1 Cor. xii.;) by whom are givin to the kirk,
and effectuallie called, all spirituall office-bearers and ministers,
(Ephes. iv.;) to whom He has concredited the preaching of the
Evangell, (1 Cor. ix. ;) whom He reproves and punishes, and of
whom He craves a compt and reckoning of the transgressions of
the people, (Ezech. xxxiv.; Exod. xxxii. ;) whom He has placed in
their spirituall ministrie over kings and kingdoms, to plant and
plucke up by the roots, to edifie and demolishe, (Jerem. i.,) to cast
doun strong holds, and whatsomever lifteth up it self against the
knowledge of God, (2 Corin. ii. 10.) Unto these He has givin spi-
rituall armour to that effect, and to take revenge of all stubborne
1596. OR THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 479
disobedience. Ibid. whom He has commanded not onlie to
preache the Word, and to be instant in seasoun and out of seasoun,
(2 Tim. iv.,) but also to cutt the Word aright, giving the dueti-
full part and portioun therof to everie degree and sort of men,
(Mat. xxiv.; 2 Tim. ii.;) to admonishe, rebooke, convince, exhort,
and threattin, (2 Tim. iv.;) to deliver unto Satan, (1 Cor. v.;
1 Tim. i. ;) to bind the impenitent in their sinnes; to locke out and
debarre from the kingdom of heaven, (Matt. xviii.; John xx. ;) to
whom He has givin the keyes of the kingdom of heaven, (Matt.
xvi.,) and power to assemble themselves to this effect, (Matt.
xviii. 1; Acts xv.; 1 Cor. xiv. 3) promising His presence and assist-
ance, (Matt. xxviii.;) and, to be short, the spirituall administratioun
as He has putt it in their hands, making them judges, to try and
cognosce in spirituall maters, (1 Cor. xiv.;) even so He chargeth
them, with vehement obtestatioun, by the great God and glorious
comming of the Prince of Pastors, (1 Peter v.,) to doe these things
but respect of persons, with all attentioun, (1 Tim. v. 6; 2 Tim. iv.;
1 Pet. v.; Tit. ii.) *
“And, therefore, in so farre as I am one (howbeit most unwor-
thie) of these spirituall office-bearers, and have discharged my spi-
rituall calling in some measure of grace and sinceritie, sould not,
nor cannot, be lawfullie judged in spirituall maters, for preaching
and applying the Word of God, by anie civill power, authoritie, or
judge, I being an ambassader and messinger of the Lord Jesus,
(Malachi ii.,) having my message and commissioun from the King
of kings, as said is, and all my instructiouns sett doun and limited
in the booke of God, that can not be extended, abridged, or altered,
by anie mortall wight, king, or emperour, (2 Tim. iii.; Deut. iv.;
Prov. xxx. ; Revel. xxii.) And Seing I am sent to all sorts of men,
to lay opin their hid sinnes, to preache the law and repentance,
the Evangell and forgivenesse of sinnes, and to be a savour of life
unto life unto these that are appointed for life, and a savour of
death unto death unto these that are appointed for death, (2 Cor.
ii.,) my commissioun, the discharge and forme of deliverie therof,
sould not, and cannot, be lawfullie judged by them to whom I am
480 CALDERWOOD's IIISTORIE 1596.
sent, they being als both judge and partie, sheep and not pastors,
to be judged by this Word, and not to be judges therof.
“For these reasouns, and authoriteis of Scripture, and manie others,
which may be easilie brought furth to the same purpose, I hum-
blie crave of your Majestie and honourable counsell, as is conteaned
in my former declinatour, to be remitted to my competent judges,
that is, the ecclesiasticall senat, with whom, if your Majestie please,
yee may appoint some of your commissioners to be present, and to
see justice done.”
30 Novembris, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the houre of
Mr David Black's caus approaching, the commissioners appointed
Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Robert Pont, Mr Robert Rollock, Mr David
Lindsay, and Mr Patrik Galloway, to present the articles before
sett doun, and to assist the said Mr David in his actioun ; in the
meane tyme, the rest to be occupyed in confessing and trying furth
of their wayes before the Lord, and everie one to another, which
had most justlie procured suche troubles, that with penitent hearts
and earnest motioun of the Spirit of grace, they might powre out
their prayers to God. This exercise, most grave, profitable, and
confortable, was continued till halfe houre to one, when, by the
brethrein’s returne, it was interrupted.
The brethrein returning, reported that a certane commouners for
peace and agreement had entered in dealing with them, and had
condescended upon certane grounds,’ for obteaning wherof the said
commouners for the king's part sould travell with his Majestie
against after noone, and the said brethrein with the commissioners
of the Generall Assemblie. But er the brethrein could be able to
* “ Nota. One of these grounds was, that they sould take up their declinatour
used the last day, and the counsell their summons, and presentlie use a forme of pro-
testatioun, and all sould be weill; the which was done before noone, wherof craſtilie
they catched this advantage, that they proceeded after noone to the interlocutor
before the secund declimatour was used, as they alledge. But the truthe is, the
said declinatour was givin in before anie voting to the interlocutor.”—Note in the
original.
1596. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 481
take a little refreshing of meate, and meete again together, the
King and counsell were sett doun again to proceed against the said
Mr David Blacke; so that the treatie for agreement was slipped
upon the part of the court. The brethrein, therefore, conveening
again, prosecuted their exercise begunne before noone verie edifi-
cativelie and confortablie, with great motioun of the hearts of the
godlie brethrein, and stirring up therof to prayer, till neere five at
night.
At which houre, the brethrein appointed to assist Mr David, and
to present their articles, returning, declared to the commissioners,
and rest of the brethrein conveened, how God had vouchsafed of
his grace wonderfullie to assist their brother, Mr David, in the
whole processe of his accusatioun, with wisdome, courage, and ut-
terance; and in like maner, the brethrein who assisted, namelie,
Mr Robert Bruce.
That, notwithstanding the instant urging of the brethrein, the
King would no wise suffer the articles to be read before the coun-
sell; but, after he had read them himself in privat, withheld them,
saying, the exhortatioun in the end therof to the nobilitie was sedi-
tious and untolerable; and yitt, as they understood, all was read
therafter, articles and declinatour, with post haist, and rejected.
That, in conclusioun, his Majestie and Counsell had found them
judges competent to all the points of the libell, excepting onlie that
point of the religioun of England;—so scrupulous were they, and
conscientious in meddling with maters spirituall and ecclesiastick."
. And so, ordeaning that the doctrine sould be directed against
the said interlocutor, as against a mightie and strong hold sett up
against the Lord Jesus for overthrowing the freedom of his Gospell,
* Verba ips . By their interlocutor, all in one voice find themselves judges com-
petent to the whole causes, points, crimes, and accusations particularlie above speci-
fied, (viz., in the bodie of the libell ;) as also, to all causes criminall or civill concern-
ing the said ministrie or others whatsomever, his Hienesse’ subjects, becaus the said
crimes are treasonable and seditious, wherunto the kirk or presbyterie can be no wise
judges competent.—Note in the original.
WOL. W. 2 H
482 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
and giving heartie praise to God for the force and unitie of the
Spirit among the brethrein, the meeting was dimitted that night,
and appointed to be keeped the nixt day after the sermon.
Immediatlie after the dimissioun of the commissioners came
the Treasurer and Proveist of Edinburgh, directed from his Ma-
jestie, who, craving conference with certan of the brethrein, name-
lie, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Robert Rollock, Mr James Nicolsone,
and Mr James Melvill, declared unto them how his Majestie, not-
withstanding the proceedings against Mr David Blacke, by finding
himself and counsell judges, and admitting of witnesses, yitt he
meaned no rigour of justice or extremitie against the said Mr
David; but rather, for satisfactioun of the brethrein, and intertean-
ing of peace with the kirk, his Majestie would pardoun the said
Mr David, providing the brethrein would bring doun the said Mr
David to his Majestie, and caus him resolve his Majestie of the
truthe of all the points libelled by the declaratioun of his owne
conscience.
The brethrein, after consideratioun of the mater, answered, that
if it were Mr David Blacke in his particular that were endangered
or hurt onlie, or anie other of the brethrein, his Majestie's offer
were thankfullie to be accepted of. But, Seing it was the libertie
of Christ Jesus' Gospell and kingdom that was so heavilie hurt
and wounded in the discipline therof, by the proclamatioun and
charge givin out on Saturday, and now, in the preaching of the
Word, by usurpatioun of the judicatour therof by the interlocutor
pronounced that day, it was a mater of suche importance and
weight in the estimatioun of all the brethrein, that if the king had
taikin Mr Blacke’s life, and a dossoun of theirs with him, he could
not have wounded the hearts of the brethrein more, nor done suche
injurie to the Lord Jesus. And, therefore, ather these things be-
hoved to be retreated and amended, or then the brethrein could no
wise be content, but oppone themselves to suche proceedings, to
the extremitie of their lives. With which answere the said mes-
singers being verie muche moved, and rightlie instructed and per-
1596. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 483
Swaded of the weightinesse of the mater, which they had not per-
ceaved before, they departed, and reported their answere to his
Majestie that same night.
Wednisday, the 1st of December, 1596.
The which day, which was the morne after, be tymes in the
morning there came a gentleman of the king's chamber to one of
the brethrein, and, raising him out of his bed, shew how his Ma-
jestie, after receaving of the answere yesternight, was verie muche
moved, and had thought upon that mater all night, with little rest;
requeisted, therefore, that the dint of the doctrine might stay that
day, and he doubted not but his Majestie would satisfie them. It
was answered, that the doctrine could not be blunted, unlesse
there were an evident appearance of amending the wrongs; for the
brother to teache had God to answere to, in a good conscience, and
his brethrein’s expectatioun, whom he would not offend, for pleasur-
ing of all the kings of the earth. The gentleman answeres, he
sould make haste, and gett his Majestie's minde in particular, if it
could be before the doctrine, and, for that effect, requeisted the
brother to goe doun with him. The said brother, accompanied
with another, past doun, and, after conference with two of his
Majestie's chamber, were by them, at his Majestie's desire, brought
in to his Majestie immediatlie after his prayer after rysing; who,
after they had shewed his Majestie the greeves of the kirk, &c.,
they receaved his Majestie's minde for remedeing therof, to be
communicated with the commissioners and brethrein.
In the meane tyme, the doctrine past fordward, and sounded
mightilie by the power of the Spirit accompaneing the brother that
day; as to the great praise of God be it marked, the Lord's assist-
ance in unitic, and force of spirit in doctrine, with all the brethrein
in privat and publict actiouns, was in so great measure as sould not
be forgett, but remembred alwayes, to make men upright, faithfull,
constant, and couragious in the caus of Christ, who, according to
his promise, will be present with them by the powerfull confort and
484 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
joy of his Spirit, that intend to serve him in holinesse, and glorifie
his name aright in the world.
After the doctrine, the brethrein, commissioners, and others,
being conveenned, after incalling of the name of God, the two bre-
threin foresaid, accompanied with a thrid also, who by occasioun
was present and heard the king, recompted to the commissioners
his Majestie's minde and offers; the which being desired to be
amended in some points, and sett doun in writt, were ordeaned to
be read again before the brethrein, who were not a little rejoiced
for the alteratioun of his Majestie's minde and good dispositioun
therof, for the weale and peace of the kirk.
TEIE ARTICLES AND GROUNDS OF AGREEMENT BETUIXT HIS MAJES-
TIE AND THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE.
That the king's Majestie sould declare his meaning tuiching the
greeves of the kirk, as followeth –
“Tuiching the greeve of the ministrie meanned to us, making
mentioun that in an act made by us in our counsell at Edinburgh,
the 24th day of November, 1596, and charge raised therupon for
discharging of the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, they
thought themselves prejudged in the libertie and power of their
assemblies granted unto them by the Word of God, and approved
by our lawes, and wherof they have beene in continuall possessioun
since the reformatioun of religioun , craving, therefore, of us our
declaratioun theranent for cleering our intentioun and good minde
toward the maintenance of the spirituall jurisdictioun of the kirk,
als weill for the satisfactioun of the ministrie, as likewise of the
whole rest of our good subjects: Therefore we, with advice of our
Secreit Counsell, by the tenour hereof declare, that in the said act
we intended nor meaned not, nather yitt intend nor meane, to dis-
charge anie assemblie of the kirk, nor acts or conclusiouns therof;
but that the same standeth, and sall stand, in full strenth, force,
and effect, according as they have beene in use therof by the war-
1596. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 485
rant of the Word of God, and approbatioun of his Majestie's lawes,
agreeable therunto ; and whatsoever prejudgeth, or may prejudge,
the same in the said act of our counsell, we declare the same, in so
farre, to be in the self null, and of no availl, force, nor effect.
“Nixt, that a proclamatioun be made and published heerupon,
conteaning, likewise, a declaratioun of the act made at Edinburgh
the 24th of November, and published by opin proclamatioun at
the Mercat Croce of Edinburgh, the 27th of November, tuiching
the discharging of convocatioun, and assembling at the desire of
the ministers, or extending the same to the convocatioun of barons
and gentle men in armes onlie, and no wise to anie ecclesiasticall
conventiouns.
“Last, that his Majestie declare that the interlocutor in the pro-
cesse intended against Mr David Blacke, finding his Majestie and
counsell to be judge of certan speeches uttered by him in his ser-
mons, stand over, and not be used in anie actioun intended, or to
be intended, against the said Mr David, or anie minister, tuiching
his doctrine or applicatioun therof in his preachings, whill it be
fullie reasouned and concluded by the evidence of the Word of
God in a lawfull Generall Assemblie, whether if his Majestie in
anie respect may be competent judge therin or not.”
Thursday, the 2d of December, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the foresaid
articles and grounds of agreement being read before the commis-
sioners and remanent brethrein, were agreed unto, and thought
meete to be sett doun to his Majestie, to see if that was his Ma-
jestie's meaning.
The brethrein resorting to his Majestie, found his Majestie weill
content there with in effect, saving certane words, which his Ma-
jestie caused presentlie be altered ; and farther, at the desire of
the brethrein said, he would agree to the abolishing of the said
acts, and not suffer them to be imbooked, being perswaded by the
486 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
*
reasouning of the brethrein, that they being extant, might be
copied, and sent to other countreis, and so be hurtfull to his Majes-
tie's estimatioun amongst the godly within and without his Majes-
tie's realme. Also, his Majestie offered, of his owne accord, to
write to the presbytereis, and satisfie them anent the said interlo-
cutor, receaving of them a band of duetifulnesse in their doctrine
on the other part.
And as for Mr Blacke, he sould be brought doun to his Majestie,
and declare his conscience anent the points of the libell, before Mr
David Lindsey, Mr James Nicolsone, and Mr Thomas Buchanan;
and whatsoever therafter they thought meete to be done, his Ma-
jestie sould be content therewith.
But the said brethrein comming doun with the said Mr David
after noone, found his Majestie altered by certan of the Octavians,
and others that God knowes, so that he sent Mr David Lindsey
to Mr Blacke, and craved of him to accord to come before the
counsell, and there confesse an offence done to the queen at least,
and so receave pardoun, &c. The which Mr David refused al-
Juterlie to doe, least he sould condemne himself, and approve their
judicatour and proceedings, which were most unlawfull and unequit-
able, both in that they had taikin upon them to judge of his ser-
mons, and in proceeding of their judicatour, notwithstanding of
most ample testimonialls of proveist, bailiffes, counsell, and ses-
sioun of his kirk, and of the rector, deane of facultie, principalls of
colledges, regents, and whole members of the universitie, his day-
lie auditors, produced by him before them; as yitt leaving and re-
jecting the same, they had summouned and admitted a certan of
ignorant and partially affected people, hardlie putt at by him, and
under the danger of the censures of the kirk, to beare witnesse in
tanta testium idoneorum copia, which cleerelie declaired the evill
meaning and unjust intentioun in their proceedings. And, there-
fore, he would in no jote acknowledge them, nor confesse a fault,
how light so ever. But if it would please his Majestie and coun-
sell to remitt him to his lawfull and ordinarie judge, the senat ec-
1596. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND, 487
clesiastick, he sould willinglie declare the truthe in everie point,
and suffer whatsomever maner of tryell it pleaseth them to use.
And if they found anie fault, ordeaned him to crave his Majestie,
Queen, and Counsell, forgiveness, or whatsoever they decerned
against him he sould obey with all his heart.
So, it being reported to his Majestie that Mr David was not
disposed to satisfie in that forme, he past to counsell, called Mr
David; who not compeering, they proceed in counsell against him,
read the depositioun of the witnesses, find the libell proved, con-
vict Mr David therof, and referre the penaltie to the king's will
and pleasure.
Fryday, the 3d of December, 1596.
The which day, the doctrine sounded in the old maner, which
had beene discreitlie used the day before. The commissioners being
therafter conveenned, after incalling and praising of the name of
God, the king called for the brethrein with whom he had confer-
red the day before, who comming up to him to the Tolbuith, his
Majestie compleaned of the doctrine so uttered in tyme of confer-
ence. It was answered, that there was not so muche spokin as
there was caus to speeke, in respect his Majestie had altered with
them, &c., and had proceeded against Mr Blacke, and caused re-
gistrat the acts, interlocutor, and whole processe of Mr Black's ac-
tioun.
The king answered, that it was reported to him by Mr David
Lindsey that Mr Blacke would not consent to doe as was agreed
upon before noone, so that it failed on their side. It was answered,
if Mr David had so said, he had done wrong, and had no commis-
sioun of the brethrein, nor Mr Blacke, to say so; for Mr Blacke
had come doun, and was readie to satisfie his Majestie, as was accord-
ed before noone; onlie he had justlie refused to come before the
counsell, and acknowledge a fault, which was not required of him
before noone.
After long reasoning they returned to the articles and grounds
of agreement; and there was produced a forme of a declaratioun
488 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
upon the proclamatioun, also a declaratioun anent the charge, to-
gether with a missive to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh anent the
interlocutor. {
All the which formes and declaratiouns, the brethrein, after they
had caused diverse things be amended in them, at last receaved,
to communicat with the commissioners and brethrein who awaited
upon their returning. *
The which being read and considered by the said commissioners
and counsell of the brethrein, they found them no wise meete to
repaire the hurt and injureis which the kingdom of Jesus Christ
had receaved, but rather indirectlie to confirme the same ; and
therefore appointed certan to penne Suche formes as might be
able to repaire the kirk's domage, and yitt, so farre as possible
could be, to have respect to his Majestie's honour and satisfac-
tioun.
It was thought meete also, in end, that the brethrein sould
speeke his Majestie again, and see how muche they might obteane,
being most willing to be at peace with his Majestie, if anie way
they might passe over the present with a safe conscience, fearing
the most dangerous inconveniences that might ensue, upon the dis-
agreing of the kirk and his Majestie, to the exercise of the kirk
for a while, but to his Majestie's utter overthrow and wracke in
the end: Charging, therefore, the said brethrein to show the same
unto his Majestie in a most grave and loving maner, and to travell
by all reasouns and perswasiouns with his Majestie, for peace and
agreement in Jesus Christ.
Saturday, the 4th of December, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the breth-
rein directed to his Majestie, viz., Mrs James Nicolsone, Thomas Bu-
chanan, and James Melvill, reported how his Majestie had left his
going to his pastyme of hunting, and givin them larger tyme of con-
ference, even from his rysing till that houre, which was almost
ellevin; and that they had uttered their mindes, and discharged
the commissioun receaved, at great lenth, and als faithfullie, fec-
1596. OF THE IXIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 489
fullie, and plainlie, as in them lay; and that in end, his Majestie
had condescended this farre, praying the commissioners and breth-
rein of the counsell to heare the heeds propouned patientlie and
tentivelie, and give their judgements, if maters might be so past
over for the tyme ; declairing, that, in their opinioun, it was not in
malice that his Majestie dealt, mather yitt obstinatlie against a
truthe cleered unto, him, but ignorantlie, and upon evill grounds,
which by the Bishop of St Andrewes, of unhappie memorie, were
putt in his young breast, and had not beene taikin away by cleere
and painfull dealing sensyne ; and, therefore, behoved to have
tyme and paines imployed for removing therof, and planting of
the contrarie grounds of veritie, lyke as his Majestie offered to
heare conference at all tymes, &c.
With these and other arguments, namelie, the tendering of his
Majestie's estat, and care of his standing in God, the commissioners
and brethrein, muche moved, heard and concluded the points and
grounds of agreement following:—
1. That his Majestie was content to caus delete the foresaid
acts, wherupon the proclamatioun and charge did proceed, by writ-
ting on the margent of the booke, according to the custome of de-
leting acts, “This mater is agreed otherwise, and therefore deleted;”
and that the narrative of the proclamation naming the ministers
sould be amended, and in place therof, putt in the Papists, and
evill affected persons, enemeis to the true religioun, kirk, and
countrie; and being voted among the brethrein, whether this
might satisfie, tuiching that point, for the tyme, it was concluded
it might.
2. Tuiching the processe led against Mr Blacke, his Majestie
sould offer, by writt, to differre to use or alledge the preparative or
vertue therof, mather against the said Mr David, nor against no
other minister, untill it were decided by a lawfull assemblie,
whether he clamed that which was his right or not ; and if by
Scripture or good reasoun he might be moved to leave that clame,
he sould quite it; and farther, that he never meant to call anie of
the ministrie before the counsell again, but ather privatlie before
490 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
himself, or certan of the brethrein, whom he sould call for that
effect. The which, in like maner, being put in voting, if it might
satisfie for the tyme, it was concluded it might.
3. That his Majestie craved writt, conforme to the act of the
Generall Assemblie, that the brethrein sould not speeke unreve-
rentlie of him nor his counsell; the which also being voted, it was
concluded it sould, and some brethrein appointed to sett down the
forme therof. And so, the forenamed brethrein were directed
doun again to his Majestie, hoping, that by advice of certan of his
best affectioned counsellers, as the brethrein had required, the
mater sould be agreed.
The same day, after noone, the brethrein foresaid entered in
conference with his Majestie and certan of his counsellers, viz.,
the Secretar, the Treasurer, and Sir George Hume, who all seemed
verie weill affected. It was agreed in short tyme of conference,
upon all the former points, except anent Mr Blacke, concerning
whom it was craved, that some penaltie by the brethrein sould be
condescended unto, for satisfeing his Majestie, for his honour, and
in favour of the queene, in respect that the speeches were suffi-
cientlie proved against him. It was replyed concerning the judica-
tour and forme of probatioun, ut supra, and that for that same caus,
the brethrein could not condescend to no sort of penaltie, how light
so ever, least thereby they sould seem anie wise to approve the un-
lawfulnesse of the judicatour, and iniquitie of proceeding; but if
his Majestie would annull the judicatour and processe, and suffer
Mr David to be tryed by his owne judge of his speeches in his
sermons, that is, the ecclesiastick Senat, his Majestie being present
therein, or anie his Majestie thought meete to appoint to see jus-
tice done, and the said Mr Blacke being found to have spokin
amisse, he sould not escape the most severe censure that his offence
could deserve.
So, after long dealing to and fro, till more nor five houres, the
mater was differred till Moonday, against the which, his Majestie
sould be better resolved concerning Mr Blacke, and appoint certan
of his counsell to show his minde theranent. In the meane tyme,
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. • 491
his Majestie craved truce in the doctrine, for he feared the appli-
catiouns, becaus of the generall fast.
The which being that same night reported to the commissioners
and brethrein, they accorded to the truce, and leaving off the
sharpenesse of applicatioun, studeing alwayes to peace, and hoping
for agreement: Onlie resolved to move the people to pray earnest-
lie for his Majestie, that he being throughlie joyned with the kirk
of Christ Jesus, might sett all their forces against the commoun
enemie, the Spaniard without, (whose preparatioun his Majestie
assured the brethrein to be verie great,) and the Papists within our
owne bowells.
Moonday, the sixt of December, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the brethrein
that conferred with his Majestie being sent for, to confer with the
Lords of Counsell, past to them at the directioun of the commission-
ers. There were the Secretar, the Treasurer, and Laird of Colluthie,
who agreed with them in all the points, except anent Mr Blacke
and his actioun. Wheranent, when they had reasouned a while,
it was thought good, for helpe of the mater, that they that were
the reasouners sould goe doun, and intreat the queen's Majestie
for contentment and favour.
The same day, after noone, they past doun to the queen, who
accepted of all most graciouslie ; and as concerning their sute, she
answered, that not onlie would she pardoun whatsoever fault done
against herself, but also would interceed by her requeist to his
Majestie.
Tuisday, the seventh of December, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the brethrein
reported the queen's answere ; therafter, the king's letter directed
to the presbyterie was read, and found no wise sufficient to satisfie
the desire of the commissioners; and, therefore, a certan were
named to penne Suche a forme of letter as might serve, the tenor
wherof followeth :—
492 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
“Forasmuche as the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie,
and rest of the brethrein of the ministrie conveenned, alledge the
interlocutor pronounced the last of November, in the actioun of
Mr David Blacke, whereby we and our counsell are found judges
competent in the whole causes, points, crimes, and accusatiouns,
particularlie specified in the libell against the said Mr David, to be
verie prejudiciall to the libertie of preaching of the Word, and spi-
ritual power of Jesus Christ, allowed and established by the lawes
of parliament ; we, most willing to keepe unitie and peace in our
whole estat, speciallie with the pastors and ministers of the kirk, as
also, to hold our selves free of anie suspicioun that may arise on
our part, that we sould be minded to abridge the liberteis of the
kirk, warranted by the Word, and allowed by our lawes, are con-
tent, and by the word of a prince faithfullie promitt, that the said
interlocutor, nor nothing depending theron, sall no wise be used by
us against the said Mr David, or made a preparative against anie
minister within this realme, untill the questioun moved anent the
limits of the two jurisdictiouns, civill and spirituall, be first freelie
reasouned, defynned, and fullie resolved, in a Generall Assemblie
of the kirk, lawfullie conveened to that effect, by whose resolu-
tioun we promise to abide. And if it sall happin anie minister to
be delated to us heerafter in like sort, we sall friendlie and fami-
liarliesend for him, and absteane from all judiciall proceedour against
him, except we find it convenient to remitt him to his presbyterie,
or others his ordinarie judges, assembleis of the kirk, to be censured
as accords; wishing you to doe your duetie to us, as yee are obliged,
procuring obedience of the people to God and us, the quietnesse of
the whole estat, and keeping in all your sermons the bound pre-
scribed to you by the Word of God, and act of the Generall As-
semblie holdin at Dundie ; and to send us your hand writts ther-
upon, that if anie man sall be found to doe in the contrare we may
see him censured, according to the said.
“From Halyrudhous, the * * day of k + &c.”
The same day, being the day of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh,
1596. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 493
the act therof which his Majestie craved, was penned and agreed
unto by the whole presbyterie and commissioners of the Generall
Assemblie, the tenor wherof followeth:-
“At Edinburgh, the seventh of December, 1596.
“The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the mode-
rator and remanent brethrein of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, con-
sidering how necessar it is that the prince, and suche as are placed
in authoritie, have all due honour, reverence, and estimatioun with
his subjects, wherethrough they might with the greater care and
readinesse of minde, for conscience sake, give their subjectioun and
obedience, as to the ordinance of God, and that all occasiouns which
justlie might hinder or impaire the same be carefullie removed, and
all that by sinister constructioun of the ungodlie might be perverted
and drawin to that end so cleered, that Satan thereby could have
no advantage; and perceaving that the libertie of admonitiouns,
which are at diverse tymes givin to his Majestie and counsell, from
pulpit, in publict audience of the people, are interpreted and taikin
by some (namelie, suche as have their heart sett upon his Majestie's
disgrace, unquietnesse of the countrie, and hurt of the caus of God)
as arguments of mislyking, and distrusting his Majestie's affectioun
in the upright course, and tending to the contempt and disgrace of
his Majestie's authoritie and person with his subjects, whereby
dangerous suspiciouns are engendred and fostered betuixt his Ma-
jestie and his good subjects, to the great encouragement of the un-
godlie, and perrell of the good caus: Therefore, the said presby-
terie, willing, according to their bound duetie, by all meanes to
testifie their duetifull affectioun and care toward the maintenance
and advancing of his Majestie's authoritie and honour, by these
presents declare, in the sight of God, before whose eyes their hearts
are manifest, that their intentiouns have beene, are, and sall be,
God willing, to their lives' end, in all sinceritie, to procure his Ma-
jestie all blessing and prosperitie by their prayers at the hand of
God, and all due honour and obedience, by their exhortatiouns and
good exemple, at the hands of his subjects; acknowledging this to
be most acceptable before God, their Saviour; and ordeans everie
494 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
one of the said presbyterie to imploy himself fullie, according
to his calling, for that effect; and that they committ nothing
in the contrare, upon whatsomever pretence, under all highest
paine that may be incurred by the discipline of the kirk, ac-
cording to the qualitie of the offence; and in speciall, that none
utter from pulpit anie rash or unreverent speeches against his Ma-
jestie, the queen's Majestie, and his Majestie's counsell, or their
lawfull and godlie proceedings; but that all their publict admoni-
tiouns tend to the glorie of God, and edificatioun of their flockes
and auditors, and proceed upon just and necessar causes, and with
sufficient warrant, in all feare, love, and reverence, under the paine
of depositioun of suche as doe in the contrare from their functioun
and office in the ministrie. And for the better observing heerof, it
is ordeanned, that the moderator and whole presbyterie subscribe
these presents with their hand.”
The formes of proclamatiouns appointed to be penned by some of
the brethrein were likewise heard and allowed, the tenor wherof
followeth :—
“Forasmuche as it is understood to his Majestie, that his Hie-
nesse' proclamatioun, made the 24th of November last bypast, is
mistaikin by a number of his Majestie's subjects, as though the
same discharged all meetings to the hearing of the Word preached,
and all maner of assistance of barons, gentlemen, and others what-
somever, with the ministrie of the kirk in their lawfull assemblie,
which was never, nor is not his Hienesse’ intentioun ; therefore his
Majestie, with advice of the Lords of the Secreit Counsell, declairs,
that the foresaid proclamatioun extends onlie unto the unlawfull
convocatioun of barons, gentlemen, and others his lieges, in armes,
and no wise to the discharge of Presbytereis, Synods, and Generall
Assembleis, or other ordinar meetings allowed by the Word of God
and lawes of this realme; and, therefore, his Majestie, with advice
foresaid, ratifeis and allowes the said Sessiouns, Presbytereis, Syno-
dall and Generall Assembleis, and other ecclesiasticall meetings,
as they have beene used of before, and as they are established by the
acts of parliament; and ordeans letters to be directed.
“Forasmuche as, albeit his Majestie being hardlie informed of
1596. OF THE RIRK OF SCOTLAND. 495
the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie presentlie conveenned
in Edinburgh, and their proceedings, caused an act of Secreit
Counsell to be made, annulling the commissioun givin to them in
the last Generall Assemblie, and, therefore, charges were directed
to certan of the brethrein of the ministrie speciallie named within
the said commissioun, charging them to depart to their several flockes
and congregatiouns, and no wise to come within the toun of Edin-
burgh, or in anie other place or places within this realme, without his
Majestie's licence had and obteaned thereto : Yitt his Majestie,
considering the great danger wherin the estat of religioun present-
lie standeth, by the diligent traffiquing of enemeis, forraine and do-
mestick, against the same, and that it will be no small encourage-
ment to the said enemeis to have the commissioners discharged,
who are meete for resisting of their courses, find it no way con-
venient to put the said act or letters raised theron in executioun ;
but has allowed, and his Majestie, with advice of the Lords of his
Secreit Counsell, ratifies and allowes the said commissioun, in all
the points and articles therof, and ordeans the samine to stand in
the owne force and strenth to the nixt Generall Assemblie. As als,
his Majestie declairs, it was never, is, or sall be his Hienesse’ inten-
tioun to impugne any of the liberteis of the kirk warranted by the
Word, and allowed by the acts of parliament, special ie the free-
dom of their meetings in Presbytereis, Synods, and Generall Assem-
bleis, but rather to defend the same to his utmost, and to perseeute
the enemeis of the religioun, and of the liberteis therof, with all ex-
tremitie; and ordeans letters to be directed.”
The brethrein directed to his Majestie before noone [were] or—
deaned to goe again, and crave these formes above sett doun to be
accepted of, otherwise they could not be satisfied in conscience,
nor thinke the wounds which the kirk of Christ Jesus had gottin
to be healed.
Wedinsday, the eight of December, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, in a verie
frequent Assemblie of brethrein out of diverse provinces of the
496 9 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
countrie joyning with the said commissioners, the brethrein directed
to his Majestie reported answeres as followes :-
1. Anent the forme of letter sett doun by the brethrein, which
his Majestie sould send to the presbytereis, the king, in presence
of counsell, refused to grant, becaus it imported an indirect annul-
ling of the interlocutor, as was alledged by the president.
2. Anent the act of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, it was not
thought sufficient, becaus it conteanned not a simple band of not
speeking against his Majestie and counsell, but limited, with cer-
tane conditiouns, which would ay come in questioun, and turne
againe to the controversie of the judicatour.
3. The formes of proclamatiouns penned by the brethrein were
refused, becaus they imported a plaine retreating of the former pro-
clamatiouns, and acknowledging of an offence.
4. Tuiching Mr David Blacke, his Majestie would no wise passe
from the interlocutor pronounced in his caus, nor grant to suspend
the executioun of the same, till the Assemblie Generall; but the
punishment therof being in his will, he would declare it in privat
to the brethrein."
The which his Majestie did to this effect, that howbeit he might
punishe rigorouslie, according to the qualitie of the cryme proved,
yitt he would content himself with transportatioun, or suspensioun
of Mr David for a certane space. The which when the brethrein
answered, they could not agree unto, for the reasons above rehearsed,
his Majestie craved, in end, to be resolved of the truthe of certan
speeches, namelie, anent the treacherie of his heart disclosed, and
that all kings were the devill's barnes; and that in this maner
there sould be givin unto him a twentie or five-and-twenty names
of men indifferent, and of the best judgement, of Mr David's audi-
tors, out of the which he sould choose seven or eight, whom he
* Nota.—The president that night wan great favour and advancement in the can-
cellariat, by putting in his Majestie's head that he could not be in the undoubted pos-
session of the judicatour of the ministers, by the preparative of Mr Blacke, unlesse
upon the sentence pronounced there followed a punishment; and that stayed the king
from agreeance.—Note in the MS.
1596. OF THE IXIIRE OF SCOTLAND. 497
would call for and examine in privat, upon their conscience, and by
their depositioun be resolved, and in the meane tyme, the said Mr
David sould desist from preaching. The brethrein answered, they
had no commissioun, but to desire the formes givin in to be ac-
cepted and past. Alwise, they sould report his Majestie's answeres
to the commissioners and brethrein.
Thursday, the 9th of December, 1596.
The which report being made, the brethrein perceaving nothing
but shifting and drift of tyme, whereby the motioun of the Spirit
was abated in the brethrein, and the enemeis overseene, and suf-
fered to compasse their intentiouns, thought it no wise good that
anie farther commouning sould be used, but that a grave commis-
sioun sould be directed to his Majestie, shewing, that seing the
brethrein had most humblie sought redresse of the greeves and
wrongs which the Lord Jesus in his kingdom had receaved of late,
by the proclamatioun, charge, and interlocutor, and whole processe
prosecuted against one of their most honest and faithfull brethrein,
for interteaning peace and good lyking betuixt his Majestie and
the kirk, and had beene most willing to condescend to anie condi-
tiouns that might have but mitigat the wounds which the said
kingdom of Christ had receaved, untill therafter they might have
beene throughlie cured, and that, to the intent the whole forces,
both of his Majestie and of the kirk, might be turned against the
commoun enemie ; and yitt that could no wise be obteaned, but
by the contrare, the enemeis favoured and spaired, and the faith-
full pastors of the kirk reviled and persued, they sould protest be-
fore God they were free of his Majestie's blood, and whatsoever sould
ensue and come upon his realme, in the righteous judgements of
God. For as to them and the remanent of their brethrein, the pas-
tors of the kirk, and office-bearers in the kingdom of Christ
Jesus, they durst not, for feare of committing of high treasoun
against the spirituall King and Lord, absteane anie longer from
fighting against suche proceedings, with that spirituall armour givin
to them, potent, in God, for overthrowing of these bulwarks and
WOL. V. 2 I
498 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
mounts erected and sett up for the expugning and sacking of the
Lord's Jerusalem.
Tuisday, [Friday ?] the 10th of December, 1596.
The which day, after incalling on the name of God, compeared
Mr David Blacke, and produced a copie of a charge which he had
presentlie receaved of a macer, charging him to waird, the tenour
wherof followes :—
“Apud Halyrudhous, 9 Decembris, 1596.
“The king's Majestie, with advice of the Lords of Secreit Coun-
sell, for certan causes and considerations moving his Hienesse, or-
deans the macer of counsell, or other officer of armes, to passe, and
in his Majestie's name and authoritie command and charge Mr
David Blacke, minister at St Andrewes, to passe and enter his per-
son in waird, in a part by-north the North Water; and to remaine
and keepe waird by-north the said water, upon his owne expences;
and no wise to repaire by-south the said water, ay and whill his
Hienesse declare his will and minde toward him, tuiching certane
treasonable, indiscreit, slanderous, and seditious calumneis and
speeches uttered by him against his Majestie, his deerest bedfellow,
his nighbour princesse, his nobilitie, counsell, and sessioun, to the
fostering and raising up of trouble, and of his Hienesse’ subjects, to
a convocatioun and insurrectioun against his Majestie, to the dis-
quietting of the estat, particularlie mentiouned, in a decreit of Se-
creit Counsell givin against him therupon, within six dayes nixt
after he be charged thereto, under the paine of rebellioun, and put-
ting of him to the horne; and in cace he failyie, the said six dayes
being bypast, that the said macer, or other officer of armes, incon-
tinent therafter denounce him our rebell, and putt him to the horne
and escheat, and imbring all his moveable goods to his Hienesse’
use, for his contemptioun.”
The same day also, Mr Peter Blekburne, minister at Aberdeene,
declared to the commissioners, whill he and Mr David Cunning-
hame, called Bishop, were called by the king, and inquired if
1596. OF THIE ICIRK OF SCOTLAND. 499
there was conference betuixt certane barons, in the name of the
Erle of Huntlie, and certane brethrein of the synod, who answered,
that there was conference, but had referred the conclusioun to his
Majestie and the Generall Assemblie. Therafter, being called be-
fore the counsell, they declared the same. The which doing, his
Majestie and counsell allowed, and gave licence to deale farther
with the said erle.
The which being heard of the brethrein, they found fault with
the doings of the brethrein of the said Synod of Aberdeene, in so
farre as they had writtin over to them, forbidding them to doe anie
thing in the said mater : 1. In that they promised conference upon
the king's licence, without mentioun of the kirk. 2. In that they
promised to report the said conference betuixt them and the erle's
freinds. Therefore the commissioners ordeaned them to desist
from anie further dealing with the said erle's freinds untill the tyme
the advice and licence of the whole kirk, in Generall Assemblie, were
craved and obteaned.
Saturday, the 11th of December, 1596.
The which day, it was lett the commissioners understand that
there was a great number of missives writtin, and readie to be di-
rected throughout the countrie, for calling of a conventioun of
estats and Generall Assemblie, the copie wherof followeth :—
“WE GREET YOU WEILL-As we have ever caried a speciall good
will toward the effectuating of the policie of the kirk, wheranent
we have often tymes had conference with the pastors and ministrie,
so we and they both, resolving now, in end, that the whole order of
the said policie sall be particularlie condescended on and agreed,
for avoiding of sindrie questiouns and controverseis that may fall
out theranent, to the slander and danger of religioun : We have,
for that effect, appointed, als weill a generall conventioun of our
estats, as a Generall Assemblie of the ministrie, to hold heere in
Edinburgh, upon the fyſt day of Februar mixtocum, to treate and
resolve anent all questiouns standing in controversie and difference
betuixt the civil and ecclesiasticall judgement, or anie wise con-
500 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
cerning the policie and externall governing of the kirk. And there-
fore will we effectuouslie requeist and desire you, that yee faile not,
all excuses sett apart, to be present at our conventioun, the day and
place foresaid preciselie, to give your best advice and opinioun of
that mater, as yee tender the effectuating therof, respect the weale
of religioun and estat, and will show yourself our duetifull and
affected subject. So we committ you in God’s protectioun.
“From Halyrudhous, the * * day of December, 1596.”
Sunday, the 12th of December, 1596.
Being the Sabboth, a fast was keeped, and the doctrine sounded
powerfullie, and stirred up a mightie motioun amongst the people of
God, to deteast the wicked proceedings, and call earnestlie to God
for redresse. In the meane tyme, the same day, in the Abbey, was
keeped a feast of the queene's nativitie, lyke as all the fasting dayes
preceeding, which were diverse. The king would suffer no absti-
nence in his hous, howbeit intimated from his owne pulpit by his
ministers.
Moonday, the 13th of December, 1596.
The which day, after incalling of the name of God, the commis-
sioners of the Generall Assemblie thought good to direct some of
the brethrein to his Majestie, and crave a commissioun to be passed
to a certane of the lords and ministers, to sitt upon the modifica-
tioun of stipends according to the yeerelie custome.
Tuisday, the 14th of December, 1596.
The brethrein sent to his Majestie reported his Majestie's an-
swere was, that Suche as would acknowledge his authoritie, and
then to be his subjects, sould have their pensiouns; but he would
give no fee to suche as would disclame his authoritie and obedience.
It was answered, all would be, and continue his Majestie's most
duetifull and obedient subjects, and lyke as none in the land had
proved better: indeid, in his Majestie's greatest straits, what was
the affectioun and loyaltie of their hearts toward his Hienesse, so
1596. OF THE RIRIS OF SCOTLAND. 501
none sould goe before them in all duetie in God, in tyme to come.
The answere was, his Majestie behoved to have a prooffe of obe-
dience, by subscribing a few lynes which he would sett, doun in
writt; the which who would doe sould have their stipends, other-
wise, not. The which writt they sould receave the morne, once in
the day.
The same day, the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie
gave their advice, and earnestlie exhorted the Presbyterie of Edin-
burgh, as they would answere to God and his kirk, tuiching the dis-
charging of their duetie in so necessar and dangerous a tyme,
that they sould call before them suche persons of highest ranke,
namelie, as are knowne, or may be found, to be malicious enemeis
against the ministrie and caus of Jesus Christ, in their hands, and
to proceed against them to excommunicatioum.
The same day also, by sound of trumpet and publict proclama-
tioun at the Mercat Croce, the charge before imbooked, givin out
against the commissioners, was proclamed, and so they charged to
passe off the toun within 48 houres. Wherupon the brethrein rea-
soning, if obedience sould be givin thereto, concluded it was lea-
some to disobey anie suche unlawfull charge ; but in respect of
diverse circumstances, it was not expedient to disobey for the pre-
sent, namelie, becaus other good brethrein might succeed to suche
as were discharged, and soe the worke goe fordward.
The same day also, the ministers of Edinburgh declared to the
commissioners how they were lett to understand for certane that
there was cruell violence intended against them, even to take them
out of their pulpits; craving the advice of the brethrein theranent :
who gave this advice, that they sould meane that mater to their
flockes, who, if they would keepe them from violence, they sould
stand to the discharge of their calling; otherwise, it was lawfull
for them to give place to suche furie, and not endanger their lives,
that might be reserved to a better tyme, for the worke of God's
grace, and salvatioun of his people, &c.
The same day also, the commissioners, fearing the heavie tenta-
tioun of povertie might prevaile over the weake and ignorant, and
502 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
move them to condescend to subscribe the forementiouned writt,
which might be sett doun in generall faire termes, and yitt cap-
tiouslie import the judicatour of preaching of the Word; therefore,
for due and full informatioun and strenthening of the said brethrein,
they thought it most needfull and requisit, that a declaratioun of
the whole proceedings of the commissioners sould be tuiched, and
cleerelie sett doun in writt, and a copie therof sent to everie pres-
byterie, together with a letter from the said commissioners. The
which being done, the said commissioners sould returne to their
owne particular charges, and give place to others.
A DECLARATION OF TEIE COMMISSIONERS OF THE GENERALL AS-
SEMBLIE'S PROCEEDINGS, ANENT THE PETITION PROPONED BY
THEM TO HIS MAJESTIE, FOR ORDER-TAKING TO PURGE THE
LAND OF THE EXCOMMUNICATED IDOLATROUS ERLES ; AND
CONTROVERSIE FAILLIN OTUT BY OCCASION THEROF".
“Forasmuche as the lawfull and godlie proceedings of the com-
missioners of the Generall Assemblie conveened at Edinburgh, in the
moneth of October, November, December, in the yeere 1596, for
preventing the great and manifold dangers imminent to the estat of
true religioun, the whole commoun weale, and estat of his Majestie's
crown and person, have beene, and are publictlie traduced by infam-
ous acts, libells, and proclamatiouns, as being against the lawes both
of God and man, wherethrough the adversareis of the truthe might
take advantage, to beare doun the good caus of God, and credit of
the ministers therof, and the consciences of the infirme wounded,
if the truthe of the said proceedings were not manifested, and the
sinceritie of the commissioners cleered openlie, and made evident
to the consciences of all: Therefore, they have thought it necessar,
and their bound duetie, to sett doun the substance of their whole
proceedings summarlie, in the discharge of the said commissioun,
which they will avow before God and the world to be the simple
truthe : Craving, therefore, that it may be lovinglie heard, and
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 503
have credit of all their faithfull brethrein, against whatsomever
calumneis uttered in publict or privat, to the derogatioun therof.
“And first, tuiching the occasioun and warrant of their meeting:
It is of veritie, that the last Generall Assemblie, holdin at Edin-
burgh in the moneth of Marche, considering that the iniquitie of
the land was even then, in all appearance, come to that hight that
could not be long unvisited in the Lord’s justice, found it necessar
that the said commissioners sould, at all evident occasiouns of the
approaching wraith, assemble themselves, to consult, reasoun, and
advise, &c., and propone articles to his Majestie, for preventing of
all dangers which might be likelie to fall to the estat of religioun.
And albeit it was certanelie knowne to diverse of them, that the
sometyme Erle of Huntlie had returned within the countrie in the
moneth of Junie ; lyke as his Majestie was informed and certified
therof by them soone after, in the moneth of Julie, wherupon,
notwithstanding, no actioun followed against him at that tyme :
And albeit that after was proponed in his name, at Falkland, in
the moneth of August therafter, and heard by his Majestie in coun-
sell, where it was concluded that it sould be leasome for him to
returne and remaine within the countrie, upon the performance of
suche conditiouns as his Majestie sould propone to be performed of
him, notwithstanding that the whole ministers there present for the
tyme disassented therefra, and protested in the contrare; in re-
spect that mather could it stand with his Majestie's honour, to re-
ceave or propone conditions to him, by reasoun of the constant
brute of his returning, whill it might be first made manifest to his
Majestie, by an authentick testimoniall from the place of his resi-
dence with out the countrie, (where the Suters for him then al-
ledged he was,) that he was indeid then resident without the coun-
trie in suche a place; nather yitt could it be for the suretie of reli-
gioun, and peace of the countrie, to receave the said offers, in so farre
as both the apostasie, wherupon the sentence of excommunicatioun
had beene pronounced against him, and likewise his conspiracie
with the Spaniard, for which he was forefaulted, stood unremoved,
or acknowledged anie wise for an offence. And albeit, likewise,
504 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
that the conditiouns foresaid were concluded in his favours at
Dumfermline, and proponed to him, whereby diverse of his freinds
and confederats, favourers of the evill caus, beganne insolentlie to
be puffed up, and be in esperance of their full peace, and recoverie
of the estat of the caus, yitt, notwithstanding, the said commission-
ers desisted from all assembling themselves, whill the pride and ad-
vancement of the enemeis was like to come haistilie to that hight,
which might endanger the whole caus and peace of the countrie;
as was perceaved evidentlie by diverse presbytereis and provinciall
assemblies, from whom the advertisement was givin to the Mode-
rator of the Generall Assemblie; that he might, upon so necessarie
occasiouns, assemble the commissioners foresaid for that effect, con-
teaned in the said commissioun. Upon whose advertisement, the
said commissioners being conveenned, according as the necessitie
craved, were occupyed from tyme to tyme, in the points and maner
following:—
“First, their care was to examine and find out the truthe of the
Erle of Huntlie's returning, and of the course and diligence which
had beene taikin by himself, his freinds, and favourers; and what
the same had effectuated, and was like to effectuat, by all probabi-
litie of reasoun; that thereby the danger might be once vivelie
seene and apprehended. Therafter they were occupyed in sett-
ing doun the most effectuall and lawfull remedeis that could be
found out to prevent the said dangers.
“And it was found that the Erle of Huntlie was undoubtedlie
returned in the moneth of Junie, and the Erle of Erroll in the
moneth of September, and that both were resident within the coun-
trie: That the Ladie Huntlie, by her diligence and credit, had
procured a conventioun of diverse of the nobilitie and others, the
Erle of Huntlie's speciall favourers, in the which it was concluded
that he sould have licence to returne within the countrie, upon the
performance of suche conditiouns as sould be propouned to him by
his Majestie : As likewise, another conventioun at Dumfermline,
where the said conditiouns were concluded, the which were offered
to him; and all done without the consent and approbatioun of the
1596. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 505
ministrie, whereby the pride and strenth of the said erle was per-
ceaved to grow in suche sort, that therin the hazard of religioun,
of the peace of the countrie, of the lives of good men, of his Majes-
tie's estat and crowne, was seene evidentlie, in so farre as the same
causes that had perelled all these before were yitt standing in his
persoun unremoved.
“For remeed wherof, it was found necessar that everie presby-
terie within the countrie sould be acquainted heerwith, to the end
they might apprehend, in the evidence of this danger, the angrie
countenance of God against the iniquitie of the land, that therafter
they might bring themselves and their flockes, to a true humilia-
tioun before God, and turning from all their evill wayes to a true
and unfeigned amendiment of life. Nixt, that his Majestie sould
be earnestlie insisted with to kythe in actioun against the said
forefaulted enemeis; and for that effect, the said commissioners
diverse tymes directed some of their number to his Majestie, who
craved the same of his Majestie, in all humilitie and earnestnesse.
“And becaus the pride of the adversarie encreassed, and the
danger appeared more and more, the brethrein were constrained
in their doctrine, publictlie to deale against the forefaulted excom-
municats and their favourers, and to use their admonitiouns pub-
lictlie to his Majestie and counsell, with greater power than of be-
fore. Whereby it was likelie to come to passe, partlie by the
dealing of the brethrein privatlie with his Majestie, and partlie by
the force of the doctrine publictlie, that the adversareis sould be
frustrated somewhat of their expectatioun, and the course tane in
their favours interrupted.
“Which being perceaved of their favourers, as appeares cleerelie
by the effect, they imployed their witts and credit to engender in
his Majestie's heart a suspicioun and mislyking of the ministrie,
that therafter they might the more easilie divert his affectioun from
them and their caus; wherin they profited so farre, that upon oc-
casioun of a privat admonitioun, givin in loving maner by his Ma-
jestie's owne minister, he was moved at the instant to cast him off,
in suche sort, that ever since he has refused to heare him ather in
506 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
privat or publict, albeit at all tymes before his Majestie was ac-
customed to take all suche admonitiouns lovinglie ; wherupon the
advantage of the enemie and prejudice of the caus goes fordward
in suche maner, that the brethrein were moved upon necessitie, for
zeale of the caus, to be more frequent in their publict admonitiouns,
and by this meane his Majestie's miscontentment was so fostered,
by the craft of the favourers of the enemeis against the ministrie,
that he was induced to convert his whole actiouns against them,
with greater intentioun than he could be moved against the adver-
sareis this long tyme ; thinking thereby, first, so to perell the cre-
dit of the ministrie at his Majestie's hand, and then to invade the
libertie of their preaching, that the whole commissioners sould be
drivin to leave the prosecuting of their sute against the Papists,
and to employ themselves whollie to defend the freedom of their
preaching and discipline.
“And for the more effectuall accomplishing therof, during the
tyme of their conference which the commissioners had with his
Majestie, Mr David Blacke, minister at St Andrewes, was charged
by letters to compeere before his Majestie and Secreit Counsell,
for certan unreverent, unfamous, and undecent speeches, alledged
uttered by him in his sermouns, the particulars wherof nather con-
cerned his Majestie nor anie of his counsell, wherethrough his
Majestie might have beene moved earnestlie to insist in the said
accusatioun. And yitt, notwithstanding, the commissioners could
no wise procure the delaying therof. And, albeit they dealt in-
stantlie with his Majestie, that all controversie and questioun that
his Majestie had with anie of the ministrie might be past in silence,
whill, first, by a commoun concurrence, some order might be tane
for repressing the commoun adversar; which moved the commis-
sioners to enter in a more deepe consideratioun of the actioun in-
tended against the said Mr David Blacke, and of the consequence
therof. And finding that it might be a dangerous preparative to
impaire the libertie of the ministrie in applicatioun of the Word, if
his Majestie sould find himself judge, and proceed in tryell of doc-
trine, or applicatioun therof, therefore it was thought necessar by
1596. OF THE RIRR OF SCOTLAND. 507
the said commissioners, that if his Majestie and counsell would in-
sist in prosecuting the said actioun against the said Mr David, in
that cace he sould propone a declinatour of his Majestie and coun-
sell's judgement; not mynding thereby to derogat unto his Majes-
tie's authoritie or jurisdictioun in anie point, as they protest before
God, but having regard that the freedom of the Spirit of God in
the rebooke of sinne be not restrained in the mouths of his ser-
vants. The which, the said commissioners perceaved cleerelie, and
affirme to be the verie principall butt that is shott at in this whole
actioun ; becaus the mysterie of iniquitie which has beene intended,
begunne, and going fordward, (whether the purpose be to thrall
the Gospell by injunctiouns, or by a policie equivalent to injunc-
tiouns, or to bring in libertie of conscience; or, if it draw yitt deeper,
in Papistrie, which is to be feared for manie reasouns, and will be
reveeled in the owne tyme;) being of it self suche as can not abide
the light of reprehensioun, the onlie advantage of their caus is
thought to stand in extinguishing of the light, which might dis-
cover the unlawfulnesse therof, that so they might passe fordward
in darknesse without all challenge, till the truthe were overthrowne,
which the Lord forbid, for his great merceis' sake. And becaus
that impietie darre not be yitt so impudent to crave, that in ex-
presse termes sinne be not rebooked, it is sought onlie that his
Majestie and counsell be acknowledged judge in maters civill and
criminall, treasonable and seditious, which sall be found uttered by
anie minister in his doctrine ; thinking to draw the rebooke of
sinne in the king, counsell, or their proceedings, under the name of
one of these crymes, and that way ather to restraine the libertie of
preaching, or ellis to punishe it under the name of sinne, vice, by a
pretence of law and justice ; and so, by tyme to bind the Word of
God, that sinne may goe fordward with lifted up hand to the
highest : lyke as his Majestie and counsell have proceeded and
found themselves judges, and followed out the processe to the verie
sentence, which his Majestie has reserved in his owne hand, and, in
the meane tyme, has putt the said Mr David in waird, whill his
Majestie's will be declared.
508 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
“Wherin the commissioners perceaved the Gospell to be assaulted
with deepe craftinesse, and suche as could not be easilie decyphered,
nor perceaved of everie one when it is decyphered, found it there-
fore most requisit, that the caus sould be with fasting and prayer
most earnestlie recommended to the defence of God, by whose
power it had beene assisted and mainteaned from the beginning,
against all adversareis whatsomever; and, in the meane tyme, that
the brethrein, according to the measure of spirituall wisdome and
strenth which the Lord sould bestow on everie one, notwithstanding
of whatsomever hazard, sould stand constantlie to the truthe, against
all power and craft that might assaile the same ; and sould discover
the danger that, by this course in end, might fall to religioun, the
estat of the countrie, his Majestie's estat and person, and lives of
all good men : Protesting alwise, that if anie minister of the Word
within the whole land, in the using and preaching of the Word of
God, sould passe the bounds prescribed by the apostle, in that cace
he sould underly the straitest punishment conteaned in his Majes-
tie's lawes, according to the qualitie of his offence, being found and
declared so to have done by his competent and lawfull judge, the
senat ecclesiastick: That is to say, if ather he applyed not the
Word; interpreted not to the informatioun of the minde in the
truthe, by doctrine, or to the reformatioun of errour contrare to
the truthe of God; or ellis the reformatioun of the powers and
actions of the soule and bodie, by exhortatioun to godlinesse; or
to the rebooke of sinne; or to confort and strenthen the godlie in
all truthe and godlinesse, against the assaults of sinne and errour;
or to suche other godlie end allowed in the Word of God, in that
cace, lett him be convicted to speeke but warrant, and to be
punished therefore with all extremitie, as accordeth.
“In respect wherof, the said commissioners have verie often and
earnestlie travelled with his Majestie, that the caus of the kirk
might be repouned in als good case as it was in when the sute
was first moved to his Majestie against the commoun enemie; that
if they profited nothing in their travells in the principall earand, at
least the caus sould not be worse, for their duetifull and faithfull
1596. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 509
diligence in the discharge of a good conscience in their commis-
sioun : And to that effect, that all acts, decreits, and interlocutors,
givin to the prejudice of the same, might be retreated. The which,
becaus it could not be obteaned of his Majestie, the commissioners
were content to accept a suspending of processe and executioun
therupon whill it might be reasouned and concluded in a lawfull
assemblie, whether, if the same ought to be simpliciter rescinded or
not; promising, in the meane tyme, that none of the ministrie sould
utter against his Majestie or counsell, or anie of their lawfull and
godlie proceedings, anie rash or unreverent speeches, under the paine
of depositioun from the functioun of the ministrie.
“But this could no way be granted, notwithstanding of the
great instance of the commissioners, still travelling to procure by
all meanes the same at his Majestie's hands, that the peace of the
kirk might be keeped, if it were possible, so farre as could be, with
good conscience, not prejudging the Gospell. And albeit the suc-
cesse of the brethrein's labours was not according to their desire,
yitt they determined in patience to attend upon the caus, whill it
sould please the Lord to move his Majestie's heart to a better con-
sideratioun. And for that effect, they ceassed not to use all lawfull
meanes, whill by publict proclamatioun the commissioners were
charged, under paine of horning, to remove themselves, and depart
to their severall congregatiouns. At which tyme, notwithstanding
that the necessitie of the caus craved a greater attendance and
diligence of the commissioners nor of before, yitt they, not willing
to incurre anie wise the suspicioun of contempt of his Majestie's
authoritie, resolved to obey his Majestie's charge, and to committ
the caus to God, and to the faithfull care and diligence of the
brethrein of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh ; charging them in the
name of God to have that care therof that is requisite in so danger-
ous a tyme ; requeisting likewise the whole brethrein, unto whom
expresselie the said commissioners direct this present declaratioun
for that effect, to recommend this caus earnestlie in their prayers
to God; and to employ their whole credit and labours to the same
end, so farre as they may, of their calling, that yitt the Lord may
510 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
suspend the executioun of his wrathe which this countrie has justlie
deserved, and continue his favour, for the confort of his sancts in
Christ; to whom be all glorie and honour for ever. Amen.”
Thursday, the 16th of December, 1596.
The which day, immediatlie after Mr Robert Bruce's sermoun,
his Majestie sent a macer for the foure ministers of Edinburgh, and
by the secretar and Mr John Preston sought a new commouning;
and said that he had directed Mr James Balfour to gett an an-
swere yesterday to that effect. Mr James answered, and said, It
was true his Majestie sent unto him, but before he could speeke
the commissioners, they were publictlie charged off the toun. The
secretar replyed, and said, the king would take him to the ministers
of Edinburgh allanerlie. Mr Robert gave answere, that they would
on no wise enter in new commouning till the commissioners were
called back againe, with als publict and honest a proclamatioun as
they were charged away with an unhonest and calumnious. The
secretar promised that so sould be, and that after advisement taikin
with the president. And so the brethrein were content with a
more moderat course untill the returne of the commissioners.
THE TUMULT UPON THE 17th DAY OF DECEMBER.
In the meane tyme, under commouming, they intended to charge
twentie-foure of the best affected burgesses of Edinburgh, thinking
thereby to emptie the toun of the most zealous sort, that thereby
they might the more easilie accomplishe their interprise. Sir
George Hume, afterward Erle of Dumbar, David Murrey, now
Lord of Skoone, and Vicount of Stormont, Sir Patrik Murrey, his
brother, Sir Robert Melvill younger, and sindrie of the cubicular
courteours, finding themselves prejudged by the Octavians, who had
the menaging of the king and queene's patrimonie, sought by all
meanes to kindle a fire betuixt them and the kirk, playing with
both the hands.
First, they went to the ministers severallie, and assured them
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 511
that the Octavians were the onlie procurers of Mr David Black's
trouble, and the other inconveniences which were lyke to follow
therupon; that if they tooke not good heed, the Octavians would
soone alter the estat of religioun ; that without their knowledge
the Popish lords durst never have come home again; that all men
lºnew weill eneugh that President Setoun, Mr James Elphinston,
Mr Thomas Hammiltoun, Advocat, and Secretar Lindsay, were
Papists. They willed them to be upon their guarde als weill as
they could, both night and day, and looke for no good so long as
they guided the court. Upon the other part, they sent word to
the Octavians, that the Kirk of Scotland perceaved them to be the
accusers of the ministrie, and the imbringers of the Popish lords;
that the ministers and a great part of the professors of Edinburgh
were upon their guarde; therefore, desired them likewise to keepe
their gates closse, that some night they come not in and cutt all
their throats. Wherupon some of the citicens were to be charged
to depart off the toun. Robert Stuart, macer, tooke the opportu-
nitie to be avenged upon Edward Cathkin and Andrew Hart,
booksellers, for they had bought the bookes belonging to Johne
Nortoun, after the death of Edmond Wates, his servant, resident
heere in Edinburgh, and all the debts belonging to him or to his
maister, Johne Nortoun, stationer at Londoun ; wherupon they
gott a decreit against Robert Stuart for the payment of foure hun-
dreth pund, addebted by him to the said Johne Nortoun, or his
servant, Edmund Wates. Robert Stuart, to be freed of the
payment of this summe, delated them to the king; and to cover
his owne particular respects, delated other citicens also, who were
most familiar with the ministers, and watched in the might for their
defence, as if they had beene seditious, and ringleaders to others, en-
couragers and emboldeners of their ministers in the present course.
This charge was givin upon Thursday, at night, and beganne to
be executed the morne tymouslie. It was executed first upon
Edward Cathkin, bookeseller. He cometh to Mr Walter Balcal-
quall, who was to preache, before he went to the kirk, and informeth
him of the executioun of the charge; but with all telleth him that,
512 CALDERWOOD's EIISTORIE 1596.
in his opinioun, the ground was a particular plott of William [Ro-
bert] Stuart's. Mr Walter answered him againe, there were deeper
plotts and intents in that mater nor to serve his particular purpose,
and that they would putt at themselves mixt. Mr Walter in his
doctrine opened up the purpose of the enemeis, found fault speci-
allie with that charge that was givin to some honest inhabitants of
the toun to depart out of it, and not to come neere it by so manie
myles during the king's will, without anie caus alledged wherefore,
and when the king and the ministrie were under good termes and
conditiouns. After sermoun, he requeisted the noblemen and gen-
tlemen there present, and others weill affected, to assemble in the
East Kirk, called the Little Kirk, to advise how the imminent
danger might be eshewed; shewing he had a warrant of the kirk
to desire them to conveene for that effect. They conveene im-
mediatlie after sermoun. Mr Robert Bruce made an exhortatioun,
and declared to the people the danger wherin the kirk stood by the
returning of the Popish lords, and great favour shewed to them;
and therupon desired, since they were conveened, to hold up their
hands, vow and sweare to defend the present state of religioun
against all opponers whatsomever.
After the exhortatioun, they directed in commissioun two lords,
Lindsay and Forbesse, two barons, Barganie and Blairquhan, and
two bailliffes, in name of the toun of Edinburgh, two ministers, Mr
Robert Bruce and * * * * * * to the king, sitting in the
meane tyme in the Tolbuith, in the seate of justice, among the
Lords of the Sessioun, with certan articles, for redresse of the
wrongs done to the kirk, and preventing of imminent dangers.
Mr Michaell Cranstoun, then a verie fordward minister, but
now key-cold, readeth in the meane tyme, while the commis-
sioners were furth, the historie of Haman and Mordecai, and suche
other places of Scripture. The commissioners went up to the
Tolbuith, to deliver their commissioun, which they discharged in
a humble and lamentable maner. One of the points was, to re-
move from him these counsellers that had counselled him to bring
home the Popish lords, to the perrell of the kirk, his owne estat,
1596. OF THE ICIRK OF SCOTLAND. 513
and the estat of the countrie. The king tooke their commissioun
in evill part, and with miscontented behaviour withdrew himself;
wherupon, the commissioners returned their report to the rest.
They beganne to advise what was nixt to be done. In the meane
tyme, there ariseth a rumour in the tour, that the king had givin
no good answere to the kirk; and in the Tolbuith, that the toun
was in armes, before there was anie suche thing. But it fell furth
so immediatlie; for a messinger of Satan, suborned by some of
the cubicular courteours above-named, who wished some mischeefe
to fall upon the Octavians, came to the kirk doore, and cryed,
“Fy! Save your selves;” and ranne to the streets, crying, “Ar-
mour ! armour !” The people ryse in armour. Some runne one
way, some another. Some thinking the king was taikin in the
Tolbuith, ranne to the Tolbuith. Some thinking that some of the
ministrie were slaine, ranne toward the kirk. In this hurlie-burlie,
two or three came to the Tolbuith doores, which were closed, and
called for some of the Octavians, abusers of the king, speciallie,
President Setoum, Mr James Elphinstoun, and Mr Thomas Ham-
miltoun, to be delivered to them, that they might take order with
them. The noblemen, barons, and gentlemen, that were in the
kirk, went furth at the false alarum, and were likewise in their
armes. The Erle of Mar and the Lord Halyrudhous went out to
the barons and ministrie conveenned in the kirk-yaird. Some hote
speeches past betuixt the Erle of Mar and the Lord Lindsey, so
that they could not be pacified for a long tyme. The king sent a
charge to the proveist and bailliffes of Edinburgh to stay the tu-
mult. The proveist being sicklie, came to the king, and after
knowledge of his will, did his office. So everie man went home,
and putt off his armour, for they had no foresett purpose of anie
interprise. The ministers assisted the magistrats to stay the tu-
mult. The king sent the Lord Uchiltrie with some others to the
ministers, barons, and gentlemen, to desire them to penne their
articles and requeists, and send them to him after his going to the
Abbey, promising them an answere to their contentment. So the
king went doun the street, convoyed by the proveist and bailliffes,
WOL. V. 2 K
514 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE - 1596.
and foure of the Octavians with him. The ministers and other
professours conveenned, directed foure commissioners to the king,
to witt, the Lord Forbesse, Lairds Barganie, Blairquhan, and Fa-
downeside, with these articles: 1. That his Majestie would re-
move from his companie Suche as were thought to be the cheefe
authors of all the troubles of the kirk, and were knowne to be
moyeners for the excommunicated erles : viz., the President, Alex-
ander Setoun, Mr James Elphinstoun, Mr Thomas Hammiltoun,
&c. Item, That the excommunicated erles be removed off the
countrie, till they offered suche reasonable conditiouns as the kirk
might be content with, Item, That the Commissioners of the Ge-
nerall Assemblie, who were putt away by opin proclamatioun, might
be charged by opin proclamatioun to returne again to Edinburgh,
to attend on the effaires of the kirk committed to their charge.
They went down in the evening about five houres, but gott no
presence; or, as others report, being informed in what rage the
king was, for the dishonour he thought was done to him and his
crown that day, after consultatioun, when they came to the Ab-
bey Closse, they separated themselves, leaving their commissioun
undischarged. But Barganie was brought in to the king's cham-
ber that night by Uchiltrie's moyen, and recovered the king's
favour again. The king, being misinformed that the ministers had
stirred up the toun to that tumult, was in a great rage that night
at them and the toun.
IPROCLAIVIATIONS.
Upon Saturday, the 18th of December, the king rydeth tym-
ouslie to Linlithquo. All that were not ordinarie residents in
Edinburgh were commanded, by opin proclamatioun in the king's
name, to passe furth of the same within six houres, under paine of
treasoun. Shireſts, justicers, commissars, and other judges, were
discharged to hold their courts in Edinburgh, under the paine of
death. All the members of the Sessioun were charged to make
1596. OF THE RIRK OF SCOTLAND. 515
them readie to come out of Edinburgh, to hold sessioun in the
place which sould be appointed by the mixt proclamatioun.
This day, Mr Robert Bruce wrote the letter following to the
Lord Hammiltoun :—
“PLEASE YOUR LORDSHIP,-We doubt not but yee have heard
er now the effect of this long conference that has past betuixt his
Majestie's counsell and us : manie communings, and als manie
breaches. They tooke their advantage ever under trust, whill at
last, the malice of some counsellers is come to this, that the sti-
pends of the ministers are discharged, the commissioners of the
Generall Assemblie putt off the toun, Mr David Blacke convicted
of treasoun, and putt in waird, and we, by an ordinance alreadie
sett doun, appointed to suffer the like. And now, last of all, un-
der commouning also, a great number of our flocke, who were most
zealous, are charged off the toun, so that the people, animated as
effeirs, partlie by the word and violence of the course, tooke armes,
and made some commotioun, fearing the invasioun of us, their pas-
tors: but, by the grace of God, we repressed and pacified the mo-
tiouns incontinent. Alwise, the godlie barons and other gentle
men that were in the toun have conveened themselves, and taikin
upon them the patrocinie and mediatioun of the kirk and her caus.
They laike a cheeſe noble man to countenance the mater against
these counsellers, and with one consent have thought it meete
that I sould write unto your Lordship. And seing God has
givin your Lordship this honour, we could do no lesse than follow
his calling in the brethrein, and make it knowne unto you, that
with all convenient diligence your Lordship might come thither,
to utter your affectioun to the good caus, imploy your credit, and
so to receave the due honour that God calleth you unto, as we
doubt not but yee will doe. And in the meane tyme, committs
your Lordship to the protectioun of God. Off Edinburgh, the
18th of December, 1596.
“Your Lordship's to be commanded in God,
“MR, ROBERT BRUCE. MR ROBERT ROLLOCK.
“MR WALTER BALCALQUALL. MR WILLIAM WATSONE.”
516 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
The Lord Hammiltoun sent this letter to the king, vitiated and
adulterated as followeth :—
“PLEASE YOUR LORDSHIP, We doubt not but yee have heard
er now the effect of the long conference that has beene betuixt his
Majestie and us : manie commounings, and als manie breaches.
They tooke their vantage ever under trust, whill at the last, the
malice of some counsellers is come to this, that the stipends of the
ministers are discharged, and the commissioners of the Generall
Assemblie putt off the toun, Mr David Blacke convicted of
treasoun, and putt in waird, and we, by an act alreadie sett doun,
appointed to suffer the like. And now, last of all, a great number
of our flocke, who stood in our defence, are charged off the toum ;
so that the people, animated, no doubt, by the Word, and motioun
of God’s Spirit, tooke armes. Alwise, the godlie barons and other
gentle men that were in the toun have conveenned themselves, and
tane upon them the mediatioun and patrocinie of the kirk and her
caus. They want a cheefe and speciall noble man to countenance
the mater, and, therefore, with consent, have made choice of your
Lordship. And Seing God has givin your Lordship this honour,
we could do no lesse than follow his calling, and make it knowne to
you, that with all convenient diligence your Lordship may come
heere, and utter your Lordship's affectioun in the good caus, and
receave the honour which is offered unto you, which we doubt not
but yee will doe. In the meane tyme, we committ your Lordship
to the protectioun of God.”
Upon the Lord’s day, the 19th of December, Mr Robert Bruce,
teaching upon the 51st Psalme, foretold, that their removall was at
hand, and that they (meaning the ministrie) behoved to be siv-
vered, but in mercie to them, before the great judgement and wrathe
come upon others. “I know,” (said he,) speeking to Edinburgh,
“some of you will be verie glade, others sorie, for our sivvering.
Our life sall be extremelie sought ; yee sall see it with your eyes,
that God sall guarde us, and be our buckler and defence; for looke,
how surelie I see your bodeis, als surelie see I his mercie toward
us, in this earand. The hypocrisie of manie, and the iniquitie of
1596. OF THE RIRR OF SCOTLAND. 517
some, sall cleerlie appeare. Therefore, make you for it; all men
sall be tryed. He that has good stuffe sall utter it; he that has it
not, the world Sall see hypocrisie. The Lord sall make the world
to see the verie thing that I see. The tryell sall goe through all
men, from king and queene to counsell and nobilitie, from sessioun
to barons, from barons to burgesses, yea, to the verie craftsmen.
The love of all men sall be seene, both toward God and the reli-
gioun, Sorie am I that I sould see suche weaknesse in manie of
you, that yee darre not so muche as utter one word for God's glorie,
and the good caus. It is not we that are partie in this eaus; no,
the querrell is betuixt a greater Prince and them. What are we
but sillie creatures, sillie men, unworthie creatures; yitt it has
pleased Him to sett us in this office, and make us his owne mouth,
that we sould oppose to the manifest usurpatioun that is made upon
the spirituall kingdome, and this encroaching upon all our spirituall
liberteis. I am heartilie sorie, that our holie and gracious caus sould
be so obscured by this late tumult, and that the desperat enemeis
sould be so emboldenned, to pull doun the crowne off Christ's head.
It becometh us to learne obedience by suffering. I had rather
been banished Scotland for ever, er one drop of their blood had
beene spilt that day. Lett us suffer cheerefullie, and in the meane
tyme, stand to the caus. The Lord so beare us out, that if the
greatest were sitting there, we shrinke not to admonishe them with
all reverence. I heare, and am heartilie sorie to heare, that some
men, that have receaved great graces beyond their nighbours, im-
ploy their ingyne and witt to the hurt of Christ and his ministrie,
wittinglie, to the hurt of a desolat king and countrie. I affirme,
they runne als direct a course to the wracke of king and countrie,
lett be of religioun, as if they had combined, and taikon informa-
tioun of Pope, Ring of Spaine, and the apostat Papists in the coun-
trie. What suppose the prince see not his owne weale, and the
weale of his countrie, and that a deceaved heart is deceaved? Yitt
their experience sould see farther. Suppose it be his heart's desire
to interteane a pest, and secreit fire in his owne bowells, that will
breake furth in a devouring flamme at last ; sould they, to whom
518 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596,
God has givin eyes to see, consent thereto, and vote rather to his
afflictioun, than to his standing and weelefare 2 Is there a more
forcible meane to draw doun the wrathe of God, than to lett Barra-
bas, (as yee heardweill taught upon Fryday last,) that nobilitated and
renowned malefactor, [Huntly, passe free, and beginne the warres
against Jesus Christ and his ministrie? What greater solace, con-
tentment, and joy, can come to the heart of the intestine enemie,
than to heare of this P Might not this forged cavillatioun against
Mr David Blacke, (as I know, by the conscience and depositioun
of the partie accused,) might it not have ceassed, and lyin over for a
tyme, till ather the desperat and cruell enemie had beene reclaimed
and winne, or otherwise, forciblie had beene expulsed and banished
the countrie P But now, to increasse his furie, and to nourishe his
desperat attemptats, is not a mater keeped secreit, but knowne
weill eneugh, that some of these tratours that came last home have
promises of moyen, and succours sall shortlie follow. When the
cardinall sall heare of this dealing, sall he not be animated to pro-
secute his intended hopes, and to precipitat the ruine of this sense-
lesse and secure yle? What sall the religious of both countreis
thinke of this 2 Is this the moyen to advance the prince's grandour,
and to turne the hearts of the people toward his Hienesse P. It
greeves me also, that so manie sould applaud and rejoice in our vi-
sitatioun, and that some of them that beare office, and have borne
office in this toun, sould ceke mater of greefe; and to heare, that
so manie of diverse callings, and sindrie rankes, sould be so soone
readie, some to imploy their witt to devise, some their tongue to
libell, others their pen to write, others their foote to runne so bus-
silie against Christ and his servants, of whom they have receaved
(as their leing tongue at least confessed) so great confort. Last
of all, it putteth on the kepstone, that so manie of our owne breth-
rein sould not be so faithfull, as their worthie calling and the dig-
nitie of this caus craveth. Fy upon false brethrein . They that
had their tongue so sharpe, whose speeches went ryfe in the coun-
trie, to see them so dumbe now, so faint-hearted, when it comes to
the chocke, Not onlie darre they not speeke the thing that they
1596. OF THE IXIRK OF SCOTLAND. 519
thinke, which is a shame in a pastor, but speeke the plaine con-
trare, and directlie against their former doctrine, oathe, and sub-
scriptioun. Thir tymes have discovered great secreits, and, there-
fore, the Lord has a notable worke, a worke of singular tryell in
this fearefull persecutioun. Suppose maters be farre out of order
in respect of things we have seene, yitt all is in good order
with God, whill this worke of discoverie be ended. We have ever
beene praying for planting, but never for good planting; we never
cast our eyes upon wholesome and spirituall plants, but upon men
that had all their christianitie in their tongue, and in a show, but
nothing in their heart, and in their practise. I had rather one sin-
cere heart planted, that is brought out of nature by the worke of
the Spirit of Grace, nor twentie or an hundreth of these fyne coun-
terfoots, for all their fyne learning. These men are the wracke of
the kirk, for the graces they have are not sanctified. They will
speeke the truthe awhile, till they be putt at ; but incontinent, they
turne, and make their graces weapons to fight against Christ and
his kingdome; for there is none so malicious as an apostat, from
tyme once he beginne to slyde backe. They will doe evill that
good may come of it; pretend their calling, but intend another
thing. I warrant you, untill the tyme that the Lord gar cast the
dirt of their owne actiouns upon the face of their owne consciences,
to confound them with shame, and untill the tyme that we, who are
weake indeid, be humbled in our consciences for over muche bear-
ing with them, for not resisting their corruptiouns, (I will not say
flattering of them,) I looke never to see the baners of grace dis-
pleyed as they were wount to be. In the meane tyme, brethrein,
our victorie must breake out of our great patience, and our triumphe
out of our long-suffering. The Lord prepare us in mercie, enlarge
the narrow bounds of our wretched hearts, that they may be ca-
pable; and multiplie his holie and divine unctioun on them, that his
glorie may breake out, and shyne in our constancie and holie perse-
verance; and, on the other side, that the tokins of his hote and
just wrathe may breake up and beginne in the heart of the enemie,
waiken their conscience, and opin their mouths to confesse their
520 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
owne turpitude, to the honour of the good caus, and glorie of him
that ought it for ever.”
Upon Moonday, the 20th of December, the king and counsell
directed from Linlithguo to Edinburgh two proclamatiouns; the
one charging Mrs Robert Bruce, James Balfour, Walter Balcal-
quall, William Watsone, ministers of Edinburgh, and some spe-
ciall citicens, to enter in waird in the Castell of Edinburgh, within
six houres after the proclamatioun, under the paine of horning.
Another, that the saids persons, and Mr Michael Cranstoun, mini-
ster at Cramond, compeere at Linlithguo upon the 25th of Decem-
ber, to answere super inquirendis ; wherin also was declared, that
this proclamatioun sould be a warrant to the captan of the castell
to present them. A charge was sent likewise to the magistrats of
Edinburgh to apprehend their ministers, and so manie citicens, as
this act of counsell following declareth:-
“Apud Edinburgh, vicesimo die mensis Decembris.
“The which day, Roger Macknacht, George Todrick, Patrik
Cochran, and Alexander Hunter, Bailliffes, Richard Dobie, Trea-
surer, Thomas Aikinheid, Deane of Gild, Johne Robertsone, in
absence of William Mould, Alexander Crawfurd, Deacoun of the
Cordiners, * * * * * in absence of Archibald Martine,
Deacoun of the Skinners, Daniel Crawfurd, Deacoun of the Gold-
gmiths, being conveenned in counsell, and having presented unto
them his Majestie's charge for the taiking, apprehending, and incar-
cerating of Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Walter Balcalquall, Mr James
Balfour, and Mr William Watsone, ministers at Edinburgh, Mr
Michaell Cranstoun, minister at Crawmond, Edward Johnestoun,
merchant, Michaell Flebarne, merchant, William Littill, called
alias Laird Littill, skinner, Edward and James Cathkins, skinners,
and Andrew Hart, bookbinder, for the treasonable and seditious
stirring up, and moving of the treasonable tumult and uproare
that was in the burgh of Edinburgh, upon the 17th day of De-
cember instant, as the cheefe authors, his Majestie in the meano
tyme being in the Tolbuith, for administratioun of justice, &c. The
1596. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 521
said bailliffes and counsell having considered the said charge, they all
in one voice agree, determine, and conclude, to searche, seeke, take,
and apprehend the saids persons, and putt them in the Castell of
Edinburgh, for obedience of the said charge.
“Extractum de libro Actorum, per me, Alexandrum Guthrie, &c.”
Mr Michael Cranstoun, James Dalyell, * * * entered
in waird. The ministers of Edinburgh being assured the king's
anger was cheefelie kindled against them, three of the number re-
solved to eshew the present furie. Mr Robert Bruce, in respect
that he went not out of the kirk or kirk-yaird, would have stayed
to abide the worst. But least, by that divisioun, the rest sould be
involved in greater guiltinesse, and by the perswasioun of the wis-
est of his owne flocke, who apprehended the danger more deepelie
nor he did himself, was moved to withdraw himself with the rest.
So Mr Robert and Mr Walter tooke journey about the evening,
the 23d of December, and after they had stayed three or foure
nights in Braid, Brunston, and Newbottle, they were convoyed out
of Newbottle to England, where they stayed in Twedmouth five or
six dayes, and after were convoyed to Yorkshire. Mr James Bal-
four and William Watsone went over to Fife, and lurked with Mr
James Melvill, and other secreit places which the Lord prepared.
After their departure, they were putt to the horne.
Upon the same Moonday, the 20th of December, the king sent
for his minister, Mr Patrik Galloway. Wherupon he went to Lin-
lithguo, but was not suffered by the Octavians to come neere the
king. The king sent to him the copie of the band following, to be
subscribed, which he would urge also all the rest of the ministers
to subscribe. Mr Patrik answered, that he was never the head of
anie factioun of the kirk, and now, God willing, would not be-
ginne; but if his Majestie would call for a Generall Assemblie, or
send for the commissioners therof, to caus that mater to be rea-
souned, if it were found lawfull, he sould subscribe it.
522 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
*
THE JUST COPIE OF THE BAND ORDEANED BY HIS MAJESTIE AND
ESTATS TO BE SUBSCRIBED BY EVERIE ONE OF THE MINISTRIE,
UNDER PAINE OF TINSELL OF THEIR STIPENDS.
“We, the pastors and ministers of Scotland undersubscribing,
humblie acknowledging our duetie to God, and obedience to the
king our soverane, whom for conscience’ caus we ought to obey,
confesse that he is our soverane judge, to us and everie one of uS,
in all causes of seditioun and treasoun, and others civill and crimi-
nall maters; and to all our speeches which may import the said
crimes, albeit uttered by anie of us publictlie, in pulpit, (which
God forbid,) or in anie other place; and that the said pulpits, nor
no other place whatsomever, hath that priviledge or immunitie, to
be occasioun or pretence to anie of us of declynning of his Majes-
tie's judgement, in anie of the said civill or criminall causes intended,
or to be intended, against anie of us in tyme comming; but rather,
that our offence is greater, incace anie of us committ suche crimes
in the said pulpits, (which God forbid,) where the Word of God,
his truthe and salvatioun, sould be preached by us unto our flockes.
In witnesse wherof, and of our humble acknowledging of our duetie
in the premisses, we have subscribed these presents with our hands,
and are content the same be registred in the bookes of our soveran's
Secreit Counsell, in futuram re; memoriam.”
CERTANE REASONS PENNED AT TEIE SAMIE TYME WHY THAT NONE
OF THE MINISTRIE CAN SUBSCRIBE THE FORESAID BAND."
“1. In the king's Confessioun of Faith, which all ministers not
onlie have subscribed themselves, but also are bound to caus their
flockes subscribe, the king's authoritie is confessed and acknow-
ledged by all. Therefore, it is superfluous to crave anie subscrip-
tioun therof of new by anie suche band.
* The following words are added in the MS., but in another hand,-‘‘ but this is
somewhat different from the other.”
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 523
“2. Everie minister at his admissioun to his office sweares his
obedience to God and the king in the Lord. Therefore, it is su-
perfluous.
“3. The enemeis at this tyme are lying at watche, readie at all
occasiouns to cutt the throat not onlie of professors and ministers,
but also of religioun it self. Therefore, the urging of Suche sub-
scriptiouns is out of tyme and suspicious.
“4. The craving of subscriptioun to this band would import an
unduetifull impairing, or denyall of his Hienesse authoritie by the
ministers in tymes past. The contrarie wherof our conscience bear-
ing us witnesse before God, we can not yeeld to the craved sub-
scriptioun, unlesse we would indirectlie confesse our selves guiltie
of the cryme of lese-majestie.
“5. The loving care and fidelitie of the ministers in all duetifull
obedience toward his Majestie's preservatioun, and acknowledging
his authoritie, has been suche since his infancie, that not onlie they
in their owne persons have behaved themselves as obedient subjects,
but also, nixt unto the glorie of God, have procured earnestlie, that
all degrees and rankes of his subjects whatsomever sould yeeld
unto his Majestie duetifull obedience, lyke as his Hienesse has oftin
confessed in privat and publict, and the which the verie enemeis
can not deny. Therefore, to crave of us new subscriptioun ther-
anont, it were unnecessar.
“6. If the Gospell which we professe, and calling of the holie
ministrie, which binds us not onlie in our owne persons to be sub-
ject to his Hienesse authoritie, but also to require the same of the
people by the Word which we preache, and discipline which we
exercise, be not sufficient to assure his Majestie of our duetifull
obedience, what bond can knitt us?
“7. All new formes in tyme of danger, namelie, proceeding from
the favourers of the enemeis, suche as this present is, have ever
beene by the prudent and wise holdin suspicious.
“8. There is no duetifull and lawfull obedience but his Majestie
may exact of us by the Word of God, and lawes of the realme, and
justlie panish us if we refuse or transgresse. Therefore, the band
524 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1596.
is to be suspected to crave farther nor we are bound to by the
Word of God, and lawes of the countrie.
“9. The exemple of the 1584 yeere forbids us, unlesse we would
incurre the same judgement which lighted upon the Bishop of St
Andrewes and his complices, and blott which befell the weake
brethrein which were induced to subscribe that band.
“10. This being a mater which tuicheth the whole kirk, it must
be considered by a Generall Assemblie, and ather approved or re-
jected, before the subscriptioun of anie be craved, otherwise, it
seemes to be devised of purpose by the enemie, to breed and bring
in a schisme amongst the brethrein, betuixt subscribers and not-
subscribers.
“11. This mater is controverted betuixt his Majestie and the
kirk. Therefore, it ought to be decided in a lawfull Assemblie,
before that anie be urged to subscribe the king's part, unlesse his
Majestie would be esteemed to prevaile by oppressioun, and not by
I'62,SOUII].
“12. It is contrarie to the Word of God, as sall be proved in
particular.
“13. It is contrare to the acts of the Generall Assemblie, as
likewise sall be declared.
“14. It is against the acts of parliament made in favours of the
liberteis of the kirk anent the spirituall jurisdictioun therof, as sall
be verified in like manner.
“15. And last, it is conceaved so ambiguouslie, that anie who
have eyes may easilie perceave it to be a snare layed before the
simple, to take them there with in high treasoun against the libertie
of the Lord Jesus’ kingdom, as sall cleerelie appeare, in the exami-
natioun and discussing of everie particular claus therof.
“‘HUMBLIE OBEY.’—Why sould we not humblie acknowledge
our duetie to the king P But it is not true humilitie to subject to
the king's judicatour that which properlie belongeth to Christ,
suche as, indeid, the particular of this band is.
“‘OBEY.’—If we humblie acknowledge our duetie to God, and
obedience to our superiours for conscience. But this is craſtilie
1596, OF THE RIRR OF SCOTLAND. 525
suppressed, that we sould doe it in conscience, that is, in the Lord,
and onlie in things lawfull.
“‘HIS GRACE.’—This is ather to be taikim to the king's Grace
alone, separated from his counsell, sessioun, parliament, &c., or
conjunctlie. Separat, his Grace can not be judge in all causes,
&c., nather by good reasoun nor the lawes of his countrie. For
there are acts of parliament ordeanning everie caus, civill or crimi-
mall, to be brought and discussed before their owne ordinarie judges,
in sessioun, commissariats, shireffs, stewartreis, burrowes, &c. Con-
junctlie he can not but ather in counsell or parliament, wherin, by
the lawes and custome of this countrie, treasoun and seditioun are
judged by an assise, &c.
“‘JUDGE.’—Ather according to the lawes made alreadie, or to be
made. If after the lawes made, we refuse expresslie diverse of the
lawes made in parliament, 1584: if to be made, we darre not, in-
cace Papisticall, and repugnant to the Word of God, be made and
intrused upon us, by vertue of our band.
“‘SovieRAN.E.”—This may import that the king is supreme and
onlie judge, to all ministers, in all causes; and so in their deponing
from their offices, which is proper to ministers to doe, als well as
to try and admitt. For we deteast that act of 1584 yeere, making
the king Head of the Kirk; and all admissiouns, depositiouns, &c.,
to be done by vertue of commissioun flowing from him, as high
treasoun, and sacriledge against Christ, the onlie King and Head
of the Kirk.
“‘CRIMINALL.’—Upon a criminall fact may arise a slander de-
serving excommunicatioun, as of the fact of Bothwell, &c., in hand-
ling of the which caus, the king can not be supreme judge, nather
did he acclame it in the excommunicatioun of Bothwell, but craved
it at the kirk.
“‘TREASONE.’—Ather treasoun indeid, or alledged. If indeid,
then lett that be defynned in particular by God's Word, and good
lawes not repugning thereto, and sett doun in the band. If alled-
ged, what free rebooke of sinne in pulpit, or out, will not be called
treasoun in anie mater concerning the estat? Also, high treasoun
526 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
against Christ and his state is judged and vindicated by his kirk,
and spirituall sword of power, to arraigne kings and princes of trea-
soun, and all earthlie powers.
“‘SCHISME, SEDITIOUN.’—There is schisme and seditioun with-
in the kirk, that may fall out anent points of doctrine, which the
kirk must judge and punish spirituallie, before it require the sword
of the civill magistrat.
“‘CrVILL’—The Word of God prescribeth the dueteis civill of
princes, people, fathers, childrein, husbands, wives, maisters, ser–
vants, &c. The which must be taught and preached, and so judged
by the kirk and propheits.
“‘CRIMINALL’–A perſyte judicatour handleth three questiouns,
An factum 2 Quale factum ? Quid mereatur 2 Now heresie, idola-
trie, witchecraft, and suche like, deserve death by all lawes, and so
are criminall. And yitt, the kirk must judge all the three ques-
tiouns by the Word of God, and not the king, whose part is but
to execut. &
“‘TO ALL OUR SPEECHES PUBLICTLIE UTTERED.’—Primario, or
secundario 2 Primario, we can not, unlesse we passe the bounds of
our commissioun, which must be judged by them that gave the
commissioun, and have the interpretatioun of the Word.
“‘WHICH MAY IMPORT.’—What may not import, if they sall be
judges, where sinnes are rebooked and affectiouns controlled; wherof
we had latelie daylie experience, when skarselie a sentence came
out of our mouth, which fell under lesse nor treasoun *
“‘PULPITs SALL BE NO PRETENCE.’—This is calumnious, as
though we acclaimed a priviledge to the place, and not a right and
authoritie to the message and commissioun.
“‘INTENDED.’—Then sould we subscribe a plaine contradictioun
to our declinatour, warranted by the Word of God, good law, and
reasoun. Also, this binds us to acknowledge the king judge in the
first libell against Mr Blacke; the which, as it was conceaved, his
Majestie confessed properlie to apperteane to the ecclesiasticall ju-
dicatour. In summe, the drift of this band is to take from us, and
represse the freedom of God's Spirit in the rebooke of sinne, in the
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 527
persons of all the supreme rulers. The interlocutor pronounced
against Mr Blacke was almost in thir same termes, and to the same
effect, and damned manie speeches uttered by the prophets and
apostles, and proceeding from the Spirit of Christ, in the person
and caus of that good servant of God. This band, in effect, takes
away the whole five uses of the Scripture of God, sett doun by the
apostle, 2 Tim, iii.; Rom. xv., viz., 01620%&Atoy, 87.8%09, Toadstov,
gºrovogtooty, Toºgo.zººnoty.
“‘DOCTRINE.’—A minister darre not teache that the king and
his counsell may and sould be rebooked publictlie for their sinnes.
The hypocrisie, atheisme, idolatrie, murther, &c., in the persons of
suche high powers, are high vices, and deserve high punishment.
“‘IMPROVING.'-A minister is bound not to improve or refute
lawes and proclamatiouns against the Word of God, grounded on
errour, calumneis, and slanders.
“‘ADMONITIOUN.’—A minister is bound not to admonish his Ma-
jestie freelie, according to the Word of God, nor to mend his evill
proceedings.
“‘CORRECTION.—He darre not correct his faults by the threat-
ning of the judgments of God, &c.
“‘CONSOLATION.’—He darre not give confort to an afflicted bro-
ther putt at by the king or counsell.
“Item, This band, though short and in faire termes, is worse nor
the band in anno 1584, the subscriptioun wherof brought suche
shame among the ministrie, and wounded their conscience so deepe-
lie; becaus the band in anno 1584 bound us onlie to ecclesiasticall
persons; but this band drawes all our doctrine under the names of
civill and criminall, &c., lyke the civill judicatour, so that thereby
we sall be bound to receave our injunctiouns from them. As als,
a danger evidentlie appeares in this respect, that in anno 1584
there is a plaine act of parliament commanding that none sall take
upon them the dignitie of the thrid estat of the realme, under the
paine of treasoun. And Seing bishops, and Suche other stiles of
antichristian offices, are the thrid estate of parliament, against them,
as unlawfull offices in the kirk of God, we alwayes stand, accord-
ing to the Word of God. This doctrine, by this band, and accord-
528 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
ing to that act, sall fall under the civill judicatour, and incurre the
penaltie of treasoum.
“Last, This band is flatt against the highest charges givin to
the ministers by the Spirit of God, under all highest paines; as
2 Tim. iv. 2, “Obtestor ego, &c., praedica, argue,’ &c. And 1 Tim.
v. 2, ‘Obtestor in conspectu Dei, ut hoc serves, Xogic agozggarog; nihil
faciens in alienam partem declinando.’ And 2 Tim. vi. 13, ‘ De-
nuncio tibi coram Deo ;’ et vers. 20, ‘ Depositum serva; et 2 Tim, i.
11, ‘ Evemplar teneto sermonum sanctorum, vel saniorum ;’s et cap.
ii. 15, “Stude teipsum probatum sistere;’ et ad Tit. ii. ult, Hic
loquere, eachortare. Besides practises of God’s prophets, Johne
I3aptist, Christ, his apostles, and all faithfull servants of God in all
times.
“Finallie, In respect this band, which is craved to be subscribed
by the ministers, for acknowledging the king's authoritie, is not
necessar, but superfluous, in that we have alreadie acknowledged
his Majestie's authoritie by subscriptioun in the King's Confessioun
in our admissioun to the ministrie, and preveemned by our dueti-
fulnesse bygane, and have the Gospell and our calling most faith-
fullie oblishing us thereto; and in respect it is untymous and im-
pertinent, the enemeis now lying at the watche for overthrow of re-
ligioun. And in respect it might seeme to be a condemnatour of
our selves for unduetifulnesse bygane, and yitt is dangerous for the
innovatioun, and for the woefull experience in anno 1584; and it is
suspicious, in that his Majestie may crave all lawfull obedience of
us, and punish our disobedience, without our subscriptioun ; in that
it is prejudiciall, for that the whole kirk has interest therin, and
the mater standeth questionable betuixt the king and the kirk; in
respect it is repugnant to the Word of God, acts of Generall As-
semblie, possessioun of the kirk, and Confessioun of Faith allowed
by act of parliament; in respect it is verie sophisticall, that it
usurpeth upon Christ his crowne, derogats to God’s glorie and
obedience, urgeth obedience to the king but not in God; that it
maketh spiritualitie to be judged civillie under civill pretences;
that it establisheth unlawfull acts, anni 1584; that it makes in
effect the king spirituall head of the kirk, as he is temporall head of
1596. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 529
the commoun weale; that it confounds the two jurisdictiouns by
confusioun of causes; that it submitts the Word of God to the
lawes of men, restraines rebooke of sinne, the meanes of repentance;
abridgeth the arme of the Lord in his Word, which is powerfull to
salyatioun; betrayeth the honour of God, and the soules of prince
and people; trampes the blood of Christ under feete; quenches
the Spirit of Grace in his ordinarie working, in that it is contrare
to the declinatour latelie subscribed by us before; more prejudiciall
to the kirk than that of the yeere 1584; and, last, contrare to the
expresse charge givin by the King of kings to all his messingers,
whereby in all the premisses evidentlie appeares, nather sould anie
Christian magistrat professing with us urge the ministrie to sub-
scribe this band, mather can the ministrie being urged, in conscience
yeeld.”
AN ANSWERE TO THE FORESAID BAND, BY MR PATRIK GALLOWAY,
MINISTER TO BIIS MAJESTIE.
The Ministers may refuse to subscribe the Band, for the causes
following :-
“1. It is superfluous, Seing everie minister has subscribed the
same in effect at his entrie to the ministrie, his presentatioun by his
Majestie conteaning that speciall claus of obeying and acknow-
ledging his authoritie; and we are readie to abide the challenge of
anie, upon the breache of our obedience, that can be lawfullie proved.
“2. It is unprofitable, Seing it makes sindrie to suspect that it
is craved ather to breed schisme among the brethrein, or to entrap
them covertlie, or give occasioun of some new breache, to farther
crabbing of his Majestie.
“3. It is suspicious, Seing the Generall Assemblie holdin at
Dundie satisfied his Majestie with an act serving to the same end
for which the band is craved. Nixt, the commissioners of the
Generall Assemblie latelie at Edinburgh offered a band equivalent
to this, which then was not receaved. And, as yitt, this band is
urged untymouslie, when it were more meete the enemeis of re-
ligioun sould be putt at who await their commoditie upon our
farther distractioun,
WOL. V. 2 L
530 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
“4. It is odious, seing that the like band, craved in anno 1584,
brought suche inconveniences with it, as trouble to the urgers, and
greefe of conscience to the obeyers.
“5. It is not princelie, seing his Majestie may at all tymes take
of anie of his subjects, and use them according to the lawes, if they
transgresse, without their subscriptioun.
“6. It is dangerous, seing it is conceaved under suche generall
termes as may bring us under danger of the acts made in anno
1584. Nixt, of the acts which may be made heerafter by princes
which are not so disposed as his Majestie is. Thridlie, under the
danger of an evill disposed counsell toward the ministrie; who may
declare it to be treason or sedition, which, in the owne nature of it,
is not so.
“7. It is opposite to the libertie which God has givin us in his
Word:–1. Of interpretatioun of Scriptures when we expone the
mutuall dueteis of persons bound to others, which being preached
must fall under the civill judicatour as maters civill. 2. Of appli-
catioun of rebooking of sinne freelie in all persons, according to the
apostles' rule and lovable use continued from the beginning of the
kirk; which must fall under the same judicatour if it appeare to be
or import treasoun or seditioun to our evill willers. 3. Of the
spirituall power, the deposing of ministers, in trying of doctrine
primario, in taiking from us the judicatour of heresie, witchecraft,
idolatrie, blasphemie, which are criminall causes, becaus capitall.”
IEDINBURGEI IN GREAT FEARE.
The citicens of Edinburgh perceaving the king to be in great
rage against them, partlie for the uproare raised upon the 17th day
of December, partlie for suffering their ministers to escape, directed
some commissioners to Linlithguo to the king, to make apologie
for them, to qualifie their innocencie. But they were not heard,
yea, he threatned to be avenged upon them, and to wracke them.
Missives were directed from the king and counsell to noblemen and
gentlemen to meete the king at Leith upon the 28th of December.
He pretended he would be avenged upon the bodie of the toun,
1596. OR THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 531
and the brute went the borderers would be brought in to spoile it.
But this barbaritie was not putt in executioun ; for the king and his
counsell understood verie weill that the bodie of the toun was in-
nocent, whatsoever they alledged in the contrare. The citicens
were in suche feare that they offered to putt all in the king's will,
both concerning kirk and policie, to save their goods, and promised
that their ministers sould not be suffered to preache to them till
they be reconciled with the king.
Upon Moonday, the 27th of December, it was published at the
Mercat Croce, that Mr David Blacke had uttered slanderous
speeches, to raise seditioun betuixt the king and his subjects, say-
ing that he and his counsell had declynned from religioun, that the
Queen of England was an atheist; and, therefore, he was not
worthie to be a preacher. The same day was published a charge
to apprehend ministers rebooking king and counsell in the pulpit:
the tenor wherof followeth :—
“James, by the grace of God King of Scots: To our lovits, &c.,
messingers, our shireffs in that part, conjunctlie and severallie,
speciallie constitute, greeting: Forasmuche as we, with consent of
the three estats of our parliament, in the yeere of God 1584 yeere,
understanding what great harme and inconvenient has fallin in
our realme through the wicked and licentious publict and privat
speeches, and untrue calumneis of diverse our subjects, to the dis-
daine, contempt, and reproache of us, our counsell, and proceedings,
and to the dishonour and prejudice of us, our parents, progenitours,
and estat, stirring up our subjects thereby to mislyking, seditious
unquietnesse, and to cast off their due obedience to us, to their owne
evident perrell, tinsell, and destructioun ; we alwise continuing in
love and clemencie toward all our good subjects, and most willing
to seeke their safetie and preservation: Therefore, it was then
statuted and ordeanned by us and our estats of parliament, that
none of our subjects, of whatsomever functioun, degree, or quali-
teis, in tyme comming sould presume or take upon hand, privatlie
or publictlie, in sermouns, declamatiouns, or familiar confer-
ences, to utter anie false and slanderous speeches to the disdaine,
reproache, and contempt of us, our counsell and proceedings, or to
532 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1596.
the dishonour, hurt, or prejudice of us, our parents or progenitours;
or to meddle in the effaires of us and our estat then present, by-
gane, or to come, under the paines conteaned in our acts of parlia-
ment, against the makers and tellers of leesings betuixt us and our
subjects, which is the paine of death: Certifeing them that sould
be tryed controveenners therof, or that heare suche slanderous
speeches, and report not the same with diligence, the saids paine
sall be executed against them with all rigour, in exemple of others;
as in the eight statute of the said parliament, 1584 yeeres, at more
lenth is conteaned. In the which, also by another act, our royall
power and authoritie, above all estats, both spirituall and tempo-
rall, was established. And, therefore, it was ordeanned, that no
person, of whatsomever functioun or degree, spirituall or tempo-
rall, sould declyne our judgement in anie maters of seditioun or
treasoun, and others civill and criminall causes, or in anie contu-
melious, seditious, or treasonable speeches uttered by them in
pulpits or schooles, or otherwise, to the disdaine or reproache of
us, our counsell, and proceedings, under the paine of treasoun; as
in the said other act at more lenth is conteanned.
“And by reasoun the said wicked and licentious forme of speekers,
publictlie in sermons and pulpits, and medling with the effaires of
the estat, daylie increasse, by impugning of our lovable acts of par-
liament, counsell, and proclamatiouns following therupon, with our
lovable decreits in civill maters, givin with advice of our nobilitie
and counsell, our royall power and authoritie, in all civill and cri-
minall maters of seditioun and treasoun, being brought in doubt
and questioun, as though we were not judge to anie speeches of
whatsomever qualitie uttered in pulpit, or that the said place, for
uttering God's Word in truthe and veritie, sould be a girth and
immunitie to false, seditious, and treasonable words, and a caus of
declyning our judgement therin, as also, the same is most negli-
gentlie suffered by the auditors therof, testifeing thereby, in a
maner, their consent ; speciallie by magistrats and men of power,
to whom the executioun of all good lawes, and maintenance of our
authoritie, properlie perteaneth ; therefore, it is statuted and or-
deaned, that everie sheriff, stewart, bailliffe of regalitie, proveist,
1596, OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 533
bailliffes, and counsell, within burrowes, noblemen, barons, and
gentlemen of power to landwart, and everie one of them, conjunct-
lie and severallie, who sall be present, auditors and hearers of
anie Suche false, seditious, and treasonable speeches uttered in
pulpits, publict sermouns, or otherwise, in reproache, contempt, and
disdaine of us, our parents and progenitours, our counsell, and pro-
ceedings, or medling otherwise with the effairs of our estat, bygane
and to come, sall incontinent stoppe and interrupt the same, and
utterers therof; and sall take and apprehend them, and putt them
in sure firmance, whill we be advertised to take further order
therin : at the least, sall stop, stay, and impede the said Sayers and
utterers of the said false, slanderous, seditious, or treasonable
speeches, of all farther preaching in the said kirks, or within anie
privat hous within their bounds and jurisdictioun respective, &c.,
where they have sufficient power to make the said stop and impe-
diment, under the paine of horning, and escheating of all their
movable goods perteaning to the said shireffs, stewarts, bailliffes of
regaliteis, proveist, bailliffes, and counsell within burgh, noblemen,
barons, and gentlemen of power to land wart; and everie one of
them, conjunctlie and severallie, who sall be present, hearers and
auditors of the said false, slanderous, seditious, or treasonable
speeches foresaid respective; and sall not interrupt the same, and
apprehend, keepe, and deteane the utterers therof; at the least,
who sall suffer the utterer to preache or declame, publictlie or pri-
vatlie, anie more within their bounds and jurisdictioun foresaid;
and that letters be directed by us, at our advocat’s instance, charg—
ing the said shireffs, stewarts, bailliffes of regaliteis, proveist, bail-
liffes, and counsell of touns, noblemen, barons, and gentlemen of
power to landwart, and everie one of them respective, to putt our
said act of parliament, and this our present act, to due executioun,
under the paine foresaid, within fourtie-eight houres after they and
everie one of them be charged thereto, under the paine of rebel-
lioun, &c. And if they failyie, to denounce, &c. And that the
tryell therof sall come in most summarilie, by suspensioun, by way
of supplicatioun. And charge to a macer, to summoun the said
advocat to the morne, after the charge to be obteaned by the partie
534 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1596.
charged, and to be decided summarilie, before us and our coun-
sell, incace the partie charged denie all bygane contraventioun, and
offer to find cautioun under great summes, incace he be found to
have contraveened, and for obedience in tymes comming; but
prejudice alwise of our right and power to seeke farther paines,
suche as paine of life; or the paine of life, lands, and goods, com-
petent to us, against the not reveelers of leesings, seditioun, and
treasoun, according to the qualitie of the said speeches respective,
which sall be publictlie uttered, and not stopped and reveeled by
the persons foresaid, hearers therof, conforme to the old lovable
lawes, ordinances, and consuetude of our realme, in persute of trea-
sonable and seditious persons.
“Our will is, etc., make publicatioun heerof,” etc.
The same day, the 27th of December, Mr Robert Bruce wrote
this letter following, to be directed to the Lord Hammiltoun, after
he had heard that he had sent his former letter to the king, and
that somewhat altered :—
“MY LORD,--I cannot mervelleneugh what sould have moved
your Lordship to have abused me in suche a maner. I heere that
your Lordship has presented a copie of my letter, directed unto
your Lordship, unto his Majestie ; a copie, as I have seene, not
transumed out of the originall, but a vitiated copie, manked, altered,
and so adulterated, that skarselie it keepes the right portraiture of
my letter. I knew your Lordship to be facile, but till now I never
had a proffe of your malice. I am assured your Lordship's sister
sonne, the Erle of Huntlie, would not have done the like that yee
have done; and if I failed in anie thing in that letter, I failed
onlie in this, in framing my penne over farre to your Lordship's
humour, which I know to be ambitious. The king takes it, as I
heare, as if I had preassed to sett you in a chaire foreanent him.
Surelie it came never in my minde ; and of all fooles I had beene
the first, if so I had done: but my meaning was onlie to use your
Lordship's moyen and countenance, to interceed at his Majestie's
hand; and suche intercessioun as yee have made for me and the
kirk of God, suche, I doubt not, but the Head of the kirk sall make
for your Lordship, before the face of a more fearefull Judge, except
1597. OIT THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 535
he bring you to a sense of your Lordship's sinne in this: for, looke,
what inconveniences have ensued on me, or sall ensue heerafter,
ather to me or the good caus, I ascribe all to that deid. And as
for me, notwithstanding the strait wherin I am, I would not change
my estate with your Lordship. For if conscience be suche a thing
as I take it to be, I am assured, howsoever she sleepe for a while in
your Lordship, it sall wakin, and then I sall have a greater pitie
on your Lordship, than yee have had compassioun on me at this
tyme. I compted myself in the number of your Lordship's freinds;
but if yee use your freinds so, I crave no longer to be compted of
that number. I see it is a tyme of tryell, wherin everie one sall
utter suche stuffe as lurketh with him. The Lord that has led us
in this tentatioun, leade us safelie backe, to his glorie and our ever-
lasting confort. To Him and his mercie I will committ your Lord-
ship, notwithstanding of the great greefe your Lordship has putt
to my heart.
“Off the place of our sojourning, the 27th of this instant Decem-
ber, 1596.
“Your Lordship's patient, farre disappointed of his hope,
“ MR. R. BRUCE.”
Some of the citicens of Edinburgh compeered at Linlithguo, the
23d of December, and therafter were committed to waird, some in
Blacknesse, others in the Castell of Edinburgh, to be keeped till
farther tryell, viz., James Dalyell, Johne Johnstoun of Newbie,
David Johnstoun of Newbie, Andrew Hart and Edward Cathkin,
booksellers, and James Cathkin, now also a bookseller, but then a
worker of marikin leather.
M.D.XCVII,
MR. D. O.GILL SUSPENDED.
Upon Saturday, the first of Januar, the king came from the
Abbey to the Great Kirk of Edinburgh, and after the sermon made
536 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
by Mr David Lindsay, he declared to the people that he meant
no alteratioun of religioun, but to establishe the same. The day
following, he came againe to the Great Kirk. Mr David Ogill, a
minister within the Presbyterie of Hadintoun, preached before him
upon the figge tree, ridiculouslie eneugh. Sometymes he flattered
the king for the benefite we had under him; sometymes he flatter-
ed the ministers of Edinburgh, saying, they were sanctified men
that hadebeene there, though not the learnedest in the countrie.
The king marked the speeche, and mocked him. He condemned
summar excommunicatioun, grounding himself upon the delay of
cutting doun the figge tree. Als soone as he went home, he was
suspended by his owne presbyterie, for not obeying their ordinance;
for consenting to some things, in name of the presbyterie, without
their commissioun. But by the advice of Mr David Lindsay, and
Mr Robert Rollock, some ministers in East and West Lothiane
were charged, under paine of horning, to come to Edinburgh to
heare what sould be propouned to them. The purpose was, to
caus them teache by course, becaus the foure ministers of Edin-
burgh had withdrawin themselves, to eshew the present furie.
In a frequent conventioun of the estats holdin in the beginning
of this moneth of Januar, were these rigorous acts made, the titles
wherof follow :-
Imprimis, Three acts of counsell confirmed by their authoritie.
One, finding the uproare at Edinburgh, the 17th of December, to
be highest treasoun, and the authors and partakers, with their fa-
vourers, to be tratours in the highest degree. Another, discharg—
ing the ministers' stipends that would not subscribe a band ac-
knowledging the king to be onlie judge in maters of treasoun, or
other civill and criminall causes, committed by preaching, prayer,
or what way soever. The thrid, ordeaning all proveists, bailliffes,
shireffs, stewards, and others of authoritie that sould happin to be
present at anie slanderous speeches of his Majestie in pulpit, or
otherwise, to stay them from anie farther proceedings, take and ap-
prehend, keepe and deteane them, till they sould understand his
“Hienesse' pleasure anent their offence.
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 537
Item, There past an act with these, finding his Majestie to have
power to charge and discharge a minister to teache, at anie tyme or
place, as he sould thinke convenient.
Item, An act discharging all Generall and Synodall Assembleis
and presbytereis to be keeped at anie tyme heerafter within the
burgh of Edinburgh, and the Presbyterie of Edinburgh to sitt in
Mussilburgh or Dalkeith.
Item, An act ordeaning the ministers' houses in Edinburgh to be
appropriated in tyme comming to his Hienesse' use, by reasoun of
the treasonable and seditious comploits there devised at sindrie
tymes by the former inhabitants; and therewithall the Neather
Counsell Hous, for that it was sometymes employed to be a guarde
hous, to be an exchecker hous in all tymes comming.
Item, There was a forme of band to be subscribed by the pro-
veist and bailliffes of Edinburgh, and therafter to be presented to
the remanent magistrats within burghs, bearing a most strait oath
of fidelitie to his Majestie, and obliging them never to suffer anie
minister to blaspheme his Majestie, his counsell, and estats, unap-
prehended, under the paine of perjurie against the whole Three
Persons of the Godheid, and under a great pecuniall summe incace
of failyie.
Item, The toun of Edinburgh bound never to admitt their for-
mer ministers to teache againe within the tour, without his Ma-
jestie's consent ; never to choose anie other in their place, without
his Majestie's allowance: siclyke, never to choose a magistrat,
without his Majestie's approbatioun ; and the present magistrats to
dimitt and resigne their offices over in his Hienesse' hands, to the
intent he may, with advice of counsell, elect suche others as he
pleases. And farther was injoymed to them, ather to find out the
principall offenders, and make their processe cleere, that there rest
nothing but executioun 'before the last day of this instant, or ellis
the proveist, bailliffes, deacouns, and counsell, representing the
whole bodie of the toun, to enter their persons in Waird within the
toun of Perth, upon the first of Februarie nixt, there to underly
538 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
the law, for the said treasonable uproare, and for their letting to
libertie of Mr James Balfour, after his apprehensioun.
Item, The sessioun to be transported to Perth, there to sitt the
first day of Februarie nixt, and his Majestie and the Exchecker to
remaine till then at Linlithquo, the commissars and shireff court to
sitt at Leith.
At the same conventioun were read upon one day but three
bills; one of the Erle of Huntlie's, another of the young Laird of
Bonyton's, a thrid of the Lord Sanquhar's, three excommunicated
Papists.
In the two first, Aberdeen was charged to heare their offers,
and finding them agreeable to the law of God, conscience, and
quietnesse of the realme, to accept them, and to releave the com-
pleanners of the sentence of excommunicatioun ; otherwise, to
compeere before the counsell within fifteene dayes therafter, and
shew a reasonable caus why, with certificatioun, incace of failyie,
letters sould be directed to charge them simpliciter thereto.
And, last, there was appointed a number to sitt in everie quar-
ter of the toun of Edinburgh, and examine Suche as they pleased,
or sould be givin in roll to them : of whose depositiouns, there were
writtin manie quires of paper, and yitt amongst all not so muche
found as might justlie make a man, to lett be a minister, suspi-
cious of anie conspiracie or foredevised uproare, that could pub-
lictlie be punishable.
Upon Moonday, the tenth of Januar, there were three procla-
matiouns made at Edinburgh, conforme to the acts foresaid, by
sound of trumpet. The first, to intimat that the sessioun sould
sitt in Perth, which, notwithstanding, failed. The secund, that the
proveist, bailliffes, and counsell of the toun of Edinburgh sould
searche and try out the authors and devisers of that treasonable
insurrectioun, which fell out the 17th day of December, with cer-
tificatioun, that otherwise the whole toun sould be culpable therof;
and charging the proveist, bailliffes, and counsell of Edinburgh, to
compeere before the Lords of Secreit Counsell at Perth, to underly
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 539
the law, the thrid day of Februar. The thrid, that no person, of
whatsoever estate, speeke unreverentlie of the king and his coun-
sell, whether minister or others, in pulpit or out of pulpit.
Upon the same Moonday, at night, there was a letter convoyed
in to the king after this maner: Johne Boge, maister porter,
standing at the gate of the palace, at five houres at night, in the
twilight, there came to him one, and said, “Sir, I have mett with
you weill, for I was seeking you; for I have a letter unto you from
the minister of Kilconquhar, in Fife, who, as yee know, is heavilie
vexed for the king's sake, and deprived of his office. He hath sent
me unto you with this letter unto your self, which yee sall read,
and deliver it unto the king's Majestie, that the king may know
more than he knoweth ; and I sall come to you the morne, and
seeke an answere.” John Boge receaved the letters and his owne;
presented the other when the king was going to his Supper. The
king opened it immediatlie, and read it; but raged so, that he
could eate no meate that night for anger. The tenor of the letter
heere followeth :—
“PLEASE YOUR MAJESTIE,--I have beene oft tymes purposed
with myself, since the brewing and beginning of this unhappie storme
betuixt your Majestie and the ministrie, to have come and shewed
your Majestie not onlie my own minde and opinioun, but also the
minde and opinioun of your Majestie's best affected subjects, so
farre as I can learne, of your Majestie's proceedings. And this, Sir,
my duetie requires, not onlie as a Scotishman, but as a Christian
professour, and, farther, one who has found himself obliged to your
Majestie, by diverse benefites and good deids, which now to recite
the tyme is not proper. And so, your Majestie knowes, Si ingra-
tum diveris, omnia diveris, which vice I would willinglie eshew.
Alwise, being distracted by diverse occasiouns, and now, the tyme
falling out verie wrong, I have this farre presumed to shew your
Majestie, in writt, that which iniquitie of tyme permitts not to
speeke unto your Majestie. I beseeche your Majestie to read and
to accept of it, without anie prejudicat opinioun of the writter, and
try all spirits, both in speiking and writting, as yee can right weill.
540 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
For, Sir, I reverence you, and wishe no better to my owne soule,
as the Lord sall judge me at that great day, nor to your Majestie,
and that yee may be the most glorious and most religious king
under heaven, Seing godlinesse has joyned with it not onlie the
promises of the life to come, but also the promises of this present
life. Sir, I alwayes protest and bespeeke your Majestie to consider
of it, if I sall write anie thing wherof your Majestie sall conceave
anie offence, it is no wise my minde to doe it, nor anie wise to ex-
asperat your Majestie, for it is writtin, ‘Yee sall not speeke evill
of the ruler of the people.” For now, Sir, as I heare, all occasiouns
are taikin away, whereby anie weill affected may have conference
with your Majestie. Where onlie these flatterers have your Ma-
jestie's eare, there can be no place for honest men. I will onlie
therefore propone foure or five consideratiouns, which I beseeche
your Majestie to weygh and judge of, as yee weill can.
“First, therefore, your Majestie is to consider, that the constant
opinioun and just feare of your Majestie's best subjects is, that the
purpose of both these within and without the court, in credit and
out of credit, in the countrie and without the countrie, is to stirre
up the present fire of seditioun, wherin they thinke without all
questioun yee must perish, no wise piteing you; as by all appear-
ance yee must, except, say they, the Lord of his mercie move your
Majestie's heart with a greater care to quenche this fire in tyme.
For yee know, Sir, suche a tyme as this offereth a faire occasioun
to suche as seeke preferment by themselves, although with losse of
your Majestie's crowne and persoun. Read the First of the
Kings, 4th chapter. There yee sall find, that Jeroboam had never
come to the crowne of Israell, had not Rehoboam followed young
and foolish counsell, which moved the people to mutinie and revolt
from their lawfull prince. In the 15th of the First of the Kings,
it is said, ‘It was the ordinance of God.' And now, Sir, lett me
be free with you in writting other men's reports, and that of the
wisest politicians. They say, our bygane historeis report, and ex-
perience teacheth, that raro et fºre nunquam has a king and a prince
continued long together in this realme; for ‘Filius ante diem patrios
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 541
inquirit in annos.’ And they say, Sir, farther, that whatsoever
they were of your Majestie's predecessors in governement that
oppouned themselves, directlie or indirectlie, to God's ordinance in
his kirk, it has beene their wracke and subversioun in the end. I
might heerin be more particular; but I leave it to your Majestie's
owne grave and modest consideratioun, for it concerneth you most
neere. Sir, consider men's persons, actiouns, and proceedings,
and forme of dealing about you, and be not like the deefe adder,
(Psalme lyiii.,) that stoppeth his eare, and heareth not the voice of
the inchanter, though he be most expert in charming. Sir, (say
they,) Mr Patrik Galloway was letted by your counsellers to have
conference with your Majestie. Consider what that meanes,
before experience teache you; for these men hinder all occasioun
of men's meeting with your Majestie, that may doe your Majestie
good.
“Secundlie, wise men say that your Majestie has wiselie to con-
sider, both what other countreis, and, namelie, the best reformed
sort, both in France and our nighbour countrie, thinke of your
present proceedings. And then weygh what your Majestie's owne
best subjects esteeme of them, and utter it freelie eneugh among
themselves, although your Majestie heare not of it. Surelie (say
they) the politicks of other natiouns, lett be the true and zealous
professors, esteeme verie hardlie of your present doings; for they
say it is a principle of policie, in Machiavell, that whatsoever re-
ligioun may stand with the present state and forme of governe-
ment, that religioun ought to be mainteaned. Now, say they, this
religioun, with the discipline therof, agrees verie weill with this pre-
sent estat, as experience has provin these thirtie-two yeares, wherin
nather schisme nor heresie has beene; the like wherof has never
beene heard of in anie countreis of the world. And so, Sir, to
alter this religioun it were to offend a principle of policie: for they
say the abridgement and impairing of this discipline, and your
usurping of authoritie to depose ministers, to charge and discharge
them, under the paine of horning, to teache or not to teache, is a
readie way, if not to sett up Papistrie, yitt to bring inflatt athcisme.
542 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
And, farther, had not the discipline of the kirk beene more rever-
entlie and better executed than the civill policie was these yeeres
bygane, the countrie had beene cast in a most barbarous confusioun.
And, Sir, in conscience I assure your Majestie, that I know not
a zealous and honest professour this day, who is weill informed how
things goe, who accompteth not your Majestie an avowed enemie
to this religioun presentlie professed in this countrie, and everie
religious professour; so that it is universallie thought it were good
for religioun that he sould kythe himself in verie deid a plaine
Papist, as your present proceidings both against pastors and pro-
fessours, and countenancing of the enemeis of your owne estat and
crowne, doe testifie. And sindrie speeches are uttered by men,
which, in conscience, I mervell to heare. So that within thir few
dayes an honest man going to the kirk, and demanding where he
went, answered, ‘I am going to plaint to God upon the king.’
Another said, “God coole the king weill of this fever.' Another
said, ‘The weather is weill temperat; I pray God temper the
king's heart alsweill.’ And sindrie other speeches daylie uttered
of your Majestie, which were long to sett doun in writt. Sir, men
would have you to remember that cursing of a whole congregatioun
within the Lennox, within these few yeeres, against your Majestie.
And I assure you, Sir, men compt thir hard presages, since we that
travell, try, and are acquainted with men's speeches, know thir
things best. And moe words say they. Would your Majestie
hazard to imitat King James the Fyft, of famous memorie, and
travell as a privat and unsuspected man alone through the
countrie, yee would gett more informatioun of your Majestie's sub-
jects’ affectioun toward you, and that in halfe a yeere, nor hitherto
yee have done in all your life long, having flatterers onlie about
you, who, holding you in opinioun that all things are weill, when
in verie deed they were never more unhappilie, both in kirk and
commoun weale.
“Thridlie, wise men say that the strenth of Scotish kings stand-
eth not in the strenth of foure Papists and godlesse counsellers,
which as now yee have, but it standeth in the good affectioun of
1597. OF TIIE RIRK OF SCOTLAND. 543
the subjects' hearts; and speciallie now, Sir, as your estat standeth
in, having suche an ey to the crown of our nighbour countrie. And,
Sir, if our nighbour countrie beis enemeis to you, as I feare they
sall pretend, and promise part they will; for, Sir, they are weill
content with this geir, and the enemeis of your estate both within
and without this countrie laugh in their sleeve. And they, if your
owne subjects leave you, as, indeid, wise men say your maners give
them over great occasioun, by your present doings, to alienat their
minde from you, And, Sir, men thinke your Majestie has not the
moyen to fee men of warre to serve your turne. And, indeid, it is
going, that your unlawfull and tyrannous proceedings (for so they
termethem) against the ministers of your citie of Edinburgh hath tint
you manie thowsand hearts, whom yee sall hardlie conqueis so long
as yee live. Sir, there is no honest man darre stand in defence of
anie moving against your Majestie, to be lawfullie and duelie tryed;
and the just ought not to suffer for the unjust. Your favourable
proclamatiouns against the excommunicated and tratorous erles,
wherin suche space is granted unto them to doe their turnes, to
amasse their forces, and to stay in the countrie without hurt or
harme, have opened the mouths of manie men, who before were in
suspense what to say, that ye love a traterous and idolatrous erle,
better than all the honest professors and pastors in Scotland. Your
malicious and infamous proclamatiouns against the ministers, charg—
ing them as traducers, leers, factious and seditious persons, ene-
meis to monarcheis, accepting things upon them against the lawes
of God and man, denouncing the foure ministers of Edinburgh to
the horne, indicta causa ; in taiking upon you to judge and cognosce
upon the ministers' doctrine; in controlling the acts of the Generall
Assemblie, seeking to be supreme Head of the kirk, and soverane
judge in all causes; your discharging the ministers' stipends, for-
bidding the conventiouns and meetings, with sindrie other things.
And truelie, Sir, men thinke that no greater persecutioun was used
by Julian, Trajan, or Domitian, or anie of the persecutors of the
primitive kirk, except that these ancient persecuters medled with
the blood of God's sancts. And so men thinke now that yee
544 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
would doe, if yee had the men in hand against whom yee have a
speciall and directed shott. Wise men say, though ministers were
silent at this tyme, the stones would speeke, and cry out against
your doings. And, certanelie, if yee strait them, although the
men thinke nothing, yitt their poore wives and bairnes will cry
against you in their hearts, and call on God for a vengeance to
light on you from heaven. And, questionlesse, the Lord will
heare the cry of the afflicted ones. And, Sir, there is one thing
reported by men, that your blasphemous speeches have greeved
the hearts of manie godlie men, not onlie against the men, but even
against the simple wedmen, misterming them, and shoring to doe
them suche wrongs as yee thinke best, which I thinke shame to
committ to writt. And, Sir, we heare of an intolerable crueltie
against that toun of Edinburgh, wherin, not onlie are they pre-
judged of their ancient liberteis, but, which is more, the libertie of
their conscience is so hurt, in propouming to them suche ministers
according to your heart’s desire. And truelie, Sir, methinkes that
the ministers and justitiars that yee have used for this purpose, evi-
dentlie discover to the world all the iniquitie of that present in-
tentioun, which must be in verie deed for executing suche a vile
fact, What needs there (say men) suche a convocatioun to take
order with a civill toun, as though there were anie man in Edin-
burgh that yee may not take order with, according to your lawes,
as they demerited, without yee used the assistance of suche god-
lesse nobilitie, suche as Sempill, Sanquhare, IHume, Hereis, and
the rest of that band? Weill, Sir, King James the Fyft, or anie
other prince, would have beene verie loath to take up suche an
evill course. Send for these foure ministers, whom, men say, now
yee accompt tratours, and give them an unsuspect judge, and they
will byde a tryell; and if they be justlie convicted of that late se-
ditioun wherewith they are charged, lett them suffer for it. But
that cannot be, whill anie of this unhappie counsell remaineth, these
foure, I meane, that are in authoritie. Moreover, Sir, these men (say
they) are so universallie hated, by reason of the course wherin they
have brought your Majestie, in Shaiking loose both kirk and com-
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 545
moun weale, that good men suspect that part is not in the land
where platts and courses will not be layed against them, and exe-
cuted according to men's power. And, in a word, Sir, men thinke
that whill these men have your eare, your Majestie sall neverlooke
for peace to your Majestie's owne crowne, person, estat, commoun
weale, and religioun, Seing they take their standing to be in dis-
turbing all maters. And so, Sir, to conclude this point, if all the
pulpits in Scotland sall sing dumbe, as your doings have begunne a
preparatioun in Edinburgh alreadie, yee will not beleeve what a
readie way it will make to dissolutioun, and will make the people
mutine against you, and tyre of you in their heart. Sir, men com-
pare you to these men, qui decimabant cuminum, et anethum non
omittere, et majora legis omittunt. But, Sir, ‘haec oportebat facere,
älla non omittere.’ Men would have you to take order with thir
men whom your Majestie can convict of seditioun, but, in the meane
tyme, lett order be taikin with these excommunicated tratours,
enemcis to God and his Christ.
“Fourthlie, men would have you to consider wiselie what
warrant yee have to crave to be supreme head and judge in all
causes, that is, whether yee meane to prosecute it by tyrannie and
punishing the ministrie, or by disputing, or ellis by following the
exemple of other princes. First, if yee minde to persue it by
tyrannie, as it is verie likelie, then assure yourself, Sir, to have the
oppositioun of all honest professors and pastors in Scotland. For
they say, Sir, suppose men ly by now, yitt when they see maters
come to a hight, men will kythe themselves. And policie sould
leade your Majestie this farre, to hold among your subjects unitie
and interteanement. Nixt, if by disputs yee minde to follow it,
they say, that ought to be done in a lawfull assemblie, where yee
ought to take no more nor reasoun will give ; and nather your Ma-
jestie, your counsell, nor nobilitie, may be judge therin, but onlie
God’s Word must be judge in his caus, with good reasouns resulting
therefra. And, thridlie, if yee purpose to have it after the exemple
of other princes, your Majestie knowes verie weill, there is not a
Popish prince in Europe darre clame the like stile, and a Protestant
WOIL. We 2 M
546 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
prince, say they, there is none but her Majestie of our nighbour
countrie. And yee know, Sir, how King Henrie the Eight gott
that stile, and how she has bruiked it sensyne; and the most learned,
not of Britane onlie, but of all Europ, and the most godlie, have
opponned, and yitt doe oppone themselves therunto. And had not
her Majestie beene letted by the corrupt bishops, with some par-
ticular politick counsellers, that reformatioun had beene there long
er now, which they say your Majestie mindeth to chasse away.
And, Sir, wise men would have your Majestie to ponder that saying,
1 Tim, iii. 5th verse : ‘If anie man cannot rule his owne hous, how
sall he care for the kirk of God?” So they thinke, Seing there are
so manie evill favoured things fallin out in your owne policie, partlie
in your owne default, partlie in your counsellers' default, from tyme
to tyme, so that wise men are of that opinioun, if both jurisdictiouns
sould be devolved on your Majestie's owne person, and (as God
forbid) both fall under your judicatour, dreadfull experience would
shortlie teache your Majestie the iniquitie of your present Sute.
And Surelie, Sir, craftsmen laugh to scorne, that anie man sould
judge in maters of controversie among themselves in their owne
craft, but onlie the deacouns of the craft, Quia unicuique in sua arte
credendum. So that a tailyeour would thinke himself farre interessed
if a fisher, or anie, sould controll him in his craft. Now, Sir, wise
men, and also simple men, thinke, that if this libertie be granted to
merchants and servile trades, that your Majestie doeth great injurie
to Jesus Christ, first to controll his ministrie, and to be judge to
that part of doctrine which is most spirituall, namelie, of preaching
and of applicatioun, which, say they, is the life and soule of the
Word, the laike wherof makes deid ministrie, though otherwise
learned. And, Sir, I move the questioun upon “Quhat if, seing
men say your Majestie makes lawes and acts upon “Quhat if: what
if a minister speeke treasoun in the pulpit: who sall be judge P I
say, Sir, what if your Majestie, as the Lord of his mercie forbid,
sould be a blasphemer, an idolater, or a favourer of them that hate
God; an oppressour of your subjects, a tyranne, and maker of
godlesse decreits; an enemie to religioun, an atheist? I pray you,
1597. OF THE RIRK OF SCOTLAND. 547
Sir, were it treasoun to make your Majestie guiltie of anie of these
particular sinnes 2 Truelie, Sir, men say, that the prophets freelie
found fault with the corruptioun of good lawes by wicked princes,
and have not beene called tratours. So, Sir, this forme of pro-
ceeding were to bring libertie to all kinde of sinne. And, Sir, if
civilians’ interpretatioun of treasoun be admitted, they say it will
not extend itself so farre, as yee and your counsellers doe the de-
finitioun, what treasoun would be accorded upon. And this, Sir, I
will adde, there is no indifferent man will call it treasoun to speeke
against most of your Majestie's unhappie counsellers, and their
wicked proceedings, since their preferment to their offices, and
namelie, this last halfe yeere. And, Sir, thinke as yee will, men
are resolved to oppone themselves in their ministrie against their
wicked deeds, if they live. To conclude this part, Sir, men say, it
was heresie, in tyme of ignorance, to have the Old and New Testa-
ment in English ; and yee call all heresie that is done against your
wrathefull doings, though men have never so good a warrant out
of the two Testaments. Men hold it verie hard where reasoun
hath no place, and everie will whatsomever of a prince is compted
for a law.
“Fyftlie, and last of all; men thinke your Majestie has wiselie
weyghed, as yee weill can, what have beene the grounds, instru-
ments, and drifts of these that have kindled this seditioun. Men
take up foure grounds and motives therof. The first on your Ma-
jestie's part, the secund on your counsell’s part, the thrid on your
nobilitie’s part, and the fourth on the ministers' part. Which foure
being layed together, and your Majestie granting discreit judge-
ments therupon, as indeid yee can take up things weilleneugh when
yee please, it sall appeare, from what ground and fountane this
storme has rissin.
“The first ground and motive on your Majestie's part, they say,
is this, that yee can not susteane to have your doings and proceed-
ings thralled nor reproved in pulpit, nor out of pulpit. In pulpit,
they bring for testimonie the arraignement of ministers from tyme
to tyme before your judgement-seats, the imprissonment of some,
548 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1597.
the banishment of others, your slanderous speeches, harangues, and
pleadings against the ministers of Edinburgh, without due and law-
full tryell and inquisition had. And to adde, thir men say that
the blood of Mr James Lowsone lyeth yitt on your Majestie's head,
who, they say, was a worthie man. Out of pulpit men say that
pastorall admonitiouns givin by Mr Patrik Galloway were verie
hardlie receaved. And these free rebookes of sinne on your Majes-
tie's owne part have moved your Majestie thus to encroache upon
the bounds and limits of Jesus Christ, and in so doing, to have
drawin that curse upon your self, Deut. xxvii., “Cursed be he that
removes his nighbour's marke.’ And he whose marke, Sir, yee
have removed, is not your nighbour, but your Lord and Maister,
of whom yee have your crowne ; for the two jurisdictiouns were
distinguished and established in this countrie, both by lawes of
God, your Majestie's acts of parliament, and peaceablie possessed
in your Majestie's mother's tyme, although a Papist, and regents
succeeding, during your Majestie's minoritie. And now, your Ma-
jestie being a Protestant prince, endued with so notable gifts of
knowledge and utterance, as all men confesse yee are, and now
major, has now made forcible and violent irruptioun upon the spi-
rituall jurisdictioun, without conscience, and sufficient warrant and
ground, directlie against the Word of God, your owne acts of par-
liament, 27 yeares' possessioun, and experience of your subscrip-
tioun and oath.
“The secund fountane, ground, and motive of this storme [is, the
default of your unhappie counsellers that are presentlie about you,
who once after they had come to preferment, per fas et nefas,
secreitlie, directlie, or indirectlie, have sought their owne standing,
without care or conscience of the weale of anie man whatsomever,
whose infamous names, I am sure, Sall remaine to all posteritie and
age, to their ignominie; I meane that Romanist president, a shave-
ling and a preest, more meete to say masse in Salamanca, nor to
beare office in Christian and reformed commoun weales, Mr Johne
Lindsay, a plaine mocker of religioun ; Mr James Elphinstoun, a
greedie and covetous man, a preest, without God, religioun, or con-
1597. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 549
science, as his godlesse doings can testifie; and the interteanement
of that excommunicated, forefaulted, bloodie tratour, Huntlie, in
his hous; and Mr Thomas Hammiltoun, brought up in Parise with
that apostat, Mr Johne Hammiltoun, and men say the dregs of stink-
ing Roman professioun sticke fast to his ribbes. And, alas ! Sir, it
is to be lamented that ever suche a prince, to whom God has givin
so manie notable gifts of knowledge, sould suffer your self to beled
with suche foure malicious counsellers, whose attempt, I hope, yee
sall curse one day. These men seing your Majestie's inclinatioun,
which is over inconstant in good purposes, accompt you as a facile
one ; and they seing the ministers sore in rebooking sinne in whom-
soever, have concluded their standing and securitie to be in casting
the whole policie, als weill civill as ecclesiasticall lawes. For, Sir,
in judgement, justice is bought and sold, as I could prove by sindrie
instances, and the ecclesiasticall policie is so farre persecuted, that
without great danger, mather can pastors discharge their spirituall
offices, nor professors concurre. And, Sir, I pray your Majestie
consider the degrees of thir men's preferment. First, they were
admitted upon the sessioun; Secundlie, to be handlers of her Ma-
jestie's living; Thridlie, of your Majestie's revenues and rents,
Fourthlie, to the administratioun of the whole commoun weale,
which how it is guided, let God and everie honest man record.
Alwise for thir men, we say, the Lord reward them according to
their workes, and meete them according to their demerits: Sed in-
terim, patitur justus.
“The thrid ground or motive is in your Majestie's nobilitie’s
part, of whom, some are enemeis, some professors, some neutralls.
The enemeis yitt are about you, who are so countenanced by you
and your godlesse counsellers. The professors, some ly by, some
kythe themselves. As for neutralls, a small part of preferment will
make them plaine enemeis. Some of them of purpose to flatter,
others to shake off this yoke of discipline, others seeking reconcilia-
tioun by other men's disgrace and discredit, have thus incensed
your Majestie against the ministrie, and doun must this religioun.
“The fourth ground and motive is in the ministers' part, namelie,
550 **. CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
the free controlling of sinne whatsoever, and standing against the
corruptiouns of king, court, and counseller. And wisest men think
and say, had they winked and beene silent at men's proceedings,
and suffered you runne from tyme to tyme intended courses, the
crowne long er now had not beene on your head, esteeme of them
what yee please; and mixt, they had beene als free of trouble as
anie estat in the land, if they durst have gimped" with a good con-
science. And so, Sir, I end with that saying of David, 1 Sam. xxvi.
and 19, “If the Lord has stirred thee up against me, lett him
smell the savour of a sacrifice; but if the childrein of men have
done it, cursed be they before the Lord.”
“As for the instruments, we lay the wyte onlie upon your un-
happie counsellers about your Majestie's eare, who doe what they
will without controlling of anie, that the ministers may be disgraced
and unjustlie persecuted as they ar, and religioun defaced, if not
quite taikin away; and the Popish lords receaved, them selves to
be continued in office. And, Sir, amongst the rest, we heare that
your Majestie wrote a verie favourable letter to her Majestie of our
nighbour countrie, desiring her that the consciences of good and
learned men, namelie, of Cairtwright, sould not be straited with the
yoke and boundage which now your Majestie urgeth, whereof in
the Word of God they had no warrant, nor no perswasioun in con-
science. For, as your Majestie's letter boore, the conscience is a
werie tender thing, and is hard to be controlled in maters of re-
ligioun. And now, Sir, your Majestie may see, men make your
owne letter meete your self. And, therefore, Sir, urge not that of
good men in your countrie, the contrare wherof heeretofore yee
have testified, by speeking your owne conscience; knowledge, good
reasoun beareth witnesse, and that writting, yet extant, records.
“And now, Sir, I end this longsome and tedious letter, full of
words; nather will I be so particular in thir great maters as I might
be, and would be, if occasioun were offered to speeke with your
Majestie, as I have sometyme had. Alwise, Sir, I remit thir, and
. . Used liberty of specch.
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 551
manie other things, to your grave and wise consideratioun. And
as for my affectioun to your Majestie's standing and weale in God,
I leave that to be weyghed in the Lord's ballance, who one day
sall judge the world according to his Gospell, which men would so
banish out of this countrie. And, Sir, conceave no evill opinioun
that I conceale my name; for as men's affectiouns are inclynned, a
prejudicat opinioun stayes, or ellis extenuats the force and effect of
the good counsell. And so, Sir, I hope your Majestie will not
esteeme anie thing heere to be treasoun against your Majestie, seing
it is a privat letter, not communicated to none but your self; a
writting of a weill affected and disposed minde to your Hienesse’
estat and weelefare, as the Lord sall be my Judge. And thus, Sir,
I leave your Majestie to God, who in mercie divert you from this
evill course, and establishe your throne in peace and justice. Amen.”
Upon Tuisday, the ellevinth of Januar, there was a proclama-
tioun made in the king's name, at the Croce of Edinburgh, dis-
charging to speeke or commoun with the rebells, that is, the foure
ministers, and other citicens putt to the horne, or to keepe their
goods and geir ; and were charged to bring the same in to the
treasurer, with certificatioun, if they failed, they sould be holdin as
guiltie as they that were fugitives.
The Queene of England being enformed by her ambassader, Mr
Bowes, of the uproare raised the 17th day of December, and of the
king's proceedings after, wrote to the king as followeth –
“MY DEERE BROTHER,-If a rare accident and evill welcomed
newes had not brokin my long silence, I had not now used my
penne-speeche, being carefull of your quiett, and mindefull of your
Safetie, to omitt the expressing of both, by letting you know how
untymelie I tooke this new begunne phrenesie, that may urge you
to take such a course as may bring into opinioun the verifeing of
Suche slander, as yee avowed unto me to be farre frome your
thought. In this sort, I meane some members, with their com-
panels, have over audaciouslie emboldenned themselves to redresse
some injurious acts, that they feared might overthrow their posses-
sioun ; which though I grant, no king for the maner ought to beare
552 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
the same, yitt, at the instant, the new come banished lords be re-
turned, and they seeme winked at without restraint, and spring grow-
ing on when promised succour was attended, together with manie
letters from Rome and ellis where sent abroad, to tell the names of
men authorized by you, (as they say, though I hope falsely,) to
assure your conformitie, as tyme may serve you, to establishe the
dangerous partie, and faile in your owne. I waile in unfained sort,
that anie just caus sould be givin unto you to call in doubt so dis-
guised acts; and hope that yee will try this caus, as it harme not
you, though it ruine them. You may of this be sure, that if you
make your strenth of so sandie a foundatioun, as to call to your aide
Suche aiders as be not of your flocke, whereas the one side be fool-
ish, rash, head-big, and brain-sicke, yitt such as may defend you,
having no sure anchorage, if yee faile them, and the other, who
have other props to susteane them, though they laike you; yea,
Suche, as though your privat love to their persouns might inveigle
your eyes not to peirce into their deepe treasoun, yitt it is weill
knowne that their manie petitiouns for forraine aide might have
tended to your perrell, and countrie's wracke. For seldome cometh
in a stranger to a weaker Soyle, that thralleth not the possessors,
or dangeres it at least. I trust yee thinke no lesse, or ellis they
must justifie them selves to condemne you; for without your dis-
pleasure, not feared for suche a fact, no answer can scheild them
from blame. Now, to utter you my follie, in seeming bissie in
another's effaires, I hope you will not mislyke, since the surse of all
is, the care of your good, with desire that nocht be done that may
embolden the enemie, decreasse your love, or endanger your suretie.
This is in summe the fine wherunto I tend. And God I beseeke
to direct your heart in Suche sort, as yee please not your worst
subjects, but make all know in measure what is fitt for them, and
make difference betuixt errour and malice. With the true thought
of her that meanes you best,
“Your affectioned sister,
“ELIZABETH R.”
1597. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 553
THE ABSENT MINISTERS SLANDERED.
The ministers of Edinburgh, after they had withdrawin them-
selves, were slandered by evill-affected persons, both by their tongues
and pennes. For some tooke the paines to write libells against
them, speciallie Mr Hercules Rollock, some tyme Maister of the
Grammar Schoole of Edinburgh. But his verses were answered by
others who favoured the truthe. The ministers themselves were
carefull to vindicat their owne innocencie by apologeis, which were
spread at that tyme, and went from hand to hand. Mr Robert
Bruce and Mr Walter Balcalquall prefixed this letter following to
their Apologie:-
“Increasse of all spirituall wisdom and strenth, together with the
practise of holie obedience, be multiplied upon you.
“Notwithstanding, brethrein, that it stood us greatlie in hand
to have obviated the foule slanders and odious calumneis givin out
against us, by some publict answere long er now, yitt we still
forboore, hoping this way to reclame our enemie, and to raise in
him some bowells of pitie and compassioun of our estat ; partlie
fearing also his Majestie's farther irritation. We sent some grounds
and scrolls secreitlie, for satisfactioun of our freinds, but with ex-
presse command that they sould not see the light, nor come in
publict, except there were no hope of recoverie in them : yitt we
cannot tell how it comes to passe, thir scrolls fall in the president his
hand : he incenseth his Majestie, and moveth him to a farther choler
by them, so that now we are forced to alter our purpose, and suffer
these things come furth, which otherwise gladelie we would have
buried for ever. And suppose we give our pen now some further
libertie nor otherwise we thought to have done, he that feares God
will excuse us; for their desperat malice forceth us to break our
silence, and cleere our ministrie after a sharper maner nor we in-
tended. Gladelie would we have keeped peace in God with all men,
and speciallie them whom his Majestie has so farre honoured, and
554 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
placed in so high rowmes, if they could have keeped anie hoe 1 or
measure in their crooked course. There was no untruthe in these
scrolls, nor no suche thing as could justlie irritat anie man. We
purposelie absteaned from all bitter speeches, from all doubtsome
and uncertane brutes. In this answere we keepe the substance of
the scrolls; but we eeke and we paire, as we see most expedient.
“This greeveth us most of all, that his Majestie sould take thir
things as spokin to him, and misconstrue our good meaning. We
heard that his Majestie tooke offence cheefelie at two things con-
teaned in these scrolls. In this apologie we have left out both, and
if we knew that there were anie other thing heerein that might of
fend his Majestie justlie, we sould absteane gladelie therefra; suche
reverent affectioun beare we alwise to his Majestie's honour. And
suppose we be now so straited, that we are forced to seeke our con-
fort under the feete of strangers, among suche godlie and learned
men as tender us in God, where our report would be both trusted
and reverenced, we know kings have long ears. Lett his Majestie
backe-speare us als narrowlie as his Majestie pleaseth, if his Ma-
jestie sall not find that we have keeped an honest and loving duetie,
with all reverent estimatioun of him, we are content that his
Majestie withdraw his countenance and favour for ever. We
would therefore most humblie crave that he would suffer us to
stand to the defence of our owne ministrie, and that he would
withdraw his countenance and authoritie from assisting so manie
proud and furious adversars against so few poore and simple men,
that have fighting eneugh at home, in their privat and domestick
estat, pinched with povertie, and with want of all outward things,
suppose they were not oppressed a feild with so manie woolves and
vulturs, without all helpe or refuge in the earth. For therin con-
sisteth especiallie the honour of princes, to pitie the miserable, to
releeve the oppressed, to rescue the wrongs of the poore, and to
tender and respect the weaker part, especiallie in keeping a good
conscience, where right and truthe standeth with them. This sould
f
sº- * Pause.
1597, OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND's 555
redound to the immortall renowne of his Majestie his princelie
estat, to all posteritie.
“We know what they pretend, and how they insinuat themselves
in his Majestie's affectioun, that it is for his honour, and for the pri-
viledges of his crowne, that they strive. We remember to have oft
heard of his Majestie his owne mouth, that he craved no farther
honour nor jurisdictioun nor is due to him by the Word of God.
If it may be found by the advice of holie learned men, within or
without the countrie, that we have withdrawin anie part or parcell
of that honour from his Majestie, we are not onlie content to
confesse our fault publictlie, but also underly suche civill punish-
ment as his Majestie pleaseth to impose. For we are bound in con-
science to give his Majestie all honour and reverence, to obey all
his lawes and commandements, so farre as they agree with the
Word of God, under the paine of damnatioun ; as his Majestie, on
the other part, is bound to receave and beleeve our doctrine that
are sent unto him, under the same paine, so farre as it agrees with
the Word of God.
“Now, the questioun fallethin, Whether our doctrine or prayers
agree with the Word or not ? This questioun must be tryed of force
by the Word. The Word is the onlie tuichstone that must decide
this mater. Now, who has the keeping of this tuichstone, appear-
andlie they must first judge and controll this doctrine. If his Ma-
jestie pleaseth to come doun and condescend in particular what he
would have eshewed of us in doctrine, and forborne, we sall give
his Majestie a present and a readie answere. But under a generall,
under the colour of the names of seditioun and treasoun, to dis-
charge the rebooking of sinne, we are assured his Majestie will
never thinke it reasonable. If we speeke by gesse of anie man,
without a warrant; if we make things publict that are privie in
themselves; and if we, in word or deid, seeke his Majestie's dishon-
our before his people, we have no immunitie by the pulpit: we are
content to be punished, to the exemple of others. For we are not in
that errour, as some esteeme of us, as to thinke that our gift is ather
immeasurable or incontrollable. The gifts and graces of God his
556 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1597.
Spirit were onlie without and beyond all measure in Tour Head and
Saviour, Christ. And in respect he was God also, he behoved to
be above all, and subject to the controlment of none. We have
them in a small measure, according to the measure of his donatioun :
and the measure which we have receaved is so farre from a perfec-
tioun, that we have mister to see the thing that we see daylie, bet-
ter and better; yea, we are so farre from vindicating a perfection
in anie thing, that we acknowledge our best things to be mixed
with imperfectioun. We clame no perfectioun but a good con-
science in all things. Onlie lett us play the pairt of faithfull watche-
men, to give tymous wairning ; to reprove publict and knowne
sinnes, and that only to the end that our people admitt no conta-
gioun, and the sinner may be sivvered from his sinne, if it be pos-
sible. For this last point, tuiching the rebooke of sinne in all per-
sons, lyeth so straitlie to our charge, that it is both inevitable and
indispensable: for we are expresslie discharged to communicat with
anie man his sinnes, of what calling and ranke so ever he be, except
we will wilfullie involve our selves in his guilt and punishment
also.
“If it be a reformatioun according to the Word that they seeke,
we will not onlie joyne the right hand of fellowship with them if
they please, but we will also yeeld to it in all humilitie. If other-
wise it be a platt overthrow, als weill of the true and free worship
of God established in the Word, and by the late act of parliament,
(suppose it be a custome with us, that dispensatiouns with acts
sould be better favoured nor the acts themselves, yitt in all other
natiouns it is compted a great indignitie,) as also our persons, his
Majestie will give us leave to resist it, as God sall furnishe us grace.
And we crave no farther, but that his Majestie will heare us with-
out prejudice, and judge therafter as the caus meriteth, and as
we have deserved at his Majestie's hands. We take us not to his
Majestie, mather to the nobilitie of Scotland, nather yitt to the
barons and gentlemen, nather yitt to anie old counseller: we take
us onlie to the Sessioners. Thir are the men that have raised this
tempest, and pulled doun the storme upon us: against them we
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 557
speeke, of them we meane, and to them we turne our penne. We
can not crave the overthrow of our discipline and libertie, the per-
secutioun of our persons, the trouble of the kirk, the divisioun of the
whole countrie, which is like to ensue at no man's hands ellis, save
at theirs onlie. It may be, as it is verie likelie, they have had manie
other complices in the worke; yitt none tooke it upon them so
pertlie, drew the draught, nor layed the platt, but these foure.
The President is the ringleader in this worke, the accuser of the
brethrein, the urger of their trouble; looking no doubt for the office
of the Cancellarie by thir meanes. Against these, at the least some
of them, the kirk was minded to have used her censures, and to
have applyed the last medicinable censure, were they would not in-
curre the offence of his Majestie. We spaired them, but they have
not spaired us. So it is against them that we have to doe. We
crave all that feares God to marke them, and to marke the course
of God his judgements following them; for if they be not spec-
tacles of the Lord’s wrathe, except they prevent, by speedie and
unfained turning, his farther furie, there was never none in this
earth.
“They could not choose a more proper subject to exercise their
ingyne, and to sey" their craft on, nor us. They have leaped the
wall where they thought it weakest. We are weake, indeed, yea,
just right noght, the verie refuse and offscourings of this world; yitt
our hope is in the name of the Lord, that made the heaven and the
earth. Yee have not learned Anna her song, as appeares. She sings
that “No man sall be strong in his owne strenth; and the apostle
biddeth us be ‘strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.”
We willinglie rejoice in our infirmiteis, that the power of Christ
may dwell in us. When we are weakest, then are we strongest.
He calleth these things that are not, and by calling he maketh
them to be. Suppose we be weake, He that is, and liveth in us,
is not weake. There is a power in Him passing the power of man,
passing the power of kings, passing the power of angels, yea, pass-
ing the power of all the creatures together. By the sillie netts of
* Try.
558 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1597.
*
poore fisher men, he drew in the verie pride of the world, and made
them beleeve; and by the follie of preaching drew in the greatest
politicians and wisest men of the world, and made them dee willing-
lie for their beleefe. And for beleeving what, I pray you? Even
of things contrare to the law of the world, and to the witt of man;
namelie, that this Jesus Christ crucified is God, and that it is a
blessefull thing to endure all sort of trouble for his sake. Yee
know not, as appeares, whence we are, nor whether we goe. Yee
might have knowne us by our walking thir yeeres bygame, that we
were of another generation nor yee are. We professe ourselves to
be the successors of them who, through faith, subdued kingdoms,
quenched the violence of the fire, escaped the edge of the sword, of
weake were made strong, who were tryed by mockings and slan-
ders, by bonds and imprissounments, of whom the world was not
worthie, who, through their faith, obteaned a good report. Yee sall
find it is with Him yee have to doe, and not with feeble flesh. It
is a fearefull thing to fall in the hands of a consuming fire.
“But, brethrein, it is our sinnes that have promoved thir men;
that have enarmed them, and sett them on worke against us. If
the godlie King Josiah, when he heard the booke of the law read,
and compared the age of his forefathers with the present estat of
his kingdom, rent his cloaths, for horrour of the judgements that
he heard denounced in the law; if the prophet Jeremie, in his
tyme, so soon after Josiah his death, when the defectioun beganne
but to breake out, and the whole land to declyne from the ancient
wayes of the Lord, upon the consideratioun of God his fearefull
judgements to ensue, brake furth into suche deepe and extreme la-
mentatiouns, that he wished unto himself a cottage in the wilder-
nesse, where he might remaine, never to returne to the land, to
behold ather the enormiteis present, or the calamiteis to come, but
there continuallie to lament and shed furth abundance of teares,
for the wrathe and desolatioun that was to fall upon it, wishing his
head a fountaine of teares, and his eyes as bucketts therunto, what
occasioun of lamentatioun and Sorrow have we, in thir most dan-
gerous, yea, almost desperat dayes, wherin ungodlinesse and un-
1597. Of THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 559
righteousnesse, that were wount of before to round and whisper in
the eare, to cover the face for shame, is growne now so peart and
impudent, that she darre stop up to the Mercat Croce, draw downe
her maske, sett out her shamelesse forehead, and spew out of a foule
mouth vile blasphemeis against God and his servants 2 What heart
would not melt and breake to behold the estat of that countrie, the
breache whereof is lyke the ocean sea; wherin the best men, as
would appeare, are content to be blinded, winke with their eyes,
stop their eare, and turne away their shoulder, least they sould
heare the cryes of the Daughter of Sion, behold her bloodie wounds,
lowt down, and helpe her ? There is none that calleth upon God,
yea, there is not one that stirres himself up, as the propheit speek-
eth, to take hold on him.
“Seing maters goe so hardlie, brethrein, what resteth there for us
to doe, but that we sould preasse to make our right use of all thir
things? And, first of all, lett us labour our owne hearts, to bring
them to a true sense and feeling of sinne; to waken them out of
the craddell of securitie, wherein the sinnes of this age are so lulled
on sleepe, that the most part goeth laughing to hell. Lettus strive
in prayer to bring our selves to a taist of a groaning and brokin
spirit. Lett us fetch our sighes from the verie depth and bottom
of our soules; and lett us practise these Christian vertues which we
have beene preaching unto others, to witt, repentance, faith, hope,
love, patience, sanctificatioun, whereby we may glorifie our God,
edifie our flockes, give good exemple to strangers, and keepe joy
in our owne soules, with assurance that we sall see his face in glorie.
If we sall sanctifie and prepare our selves this way, there is no
doubt but our deliverie in mercie sall shortlie follow. But, in re-
spect this preparatioun is not in our sleave, to shake it out when
we please, lett us crave it of God. He has promised to give both,
by his propheit Zacharie, in cap. xii., verse 10: ‘I will powre
(sayeth he) upon the hous of David, and upon the inhabitants of
Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and compassion. (There, the pre-
paratioun ; and immediatlie upon the backe of this preparatioun,
in the beginning of the 13th, he promises,) ‘There sall be a foun-
560 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1597.
tane opened to the hous of David, and to the inhabitants of Jeru-
Salem, for sinne and for uncleannesse.” There the deliverie. If
we be prepared in mercie, we must be delivered in mercie. Elett
us therefore urge the Lord with his promise, that in this great se-
curitie, and want of all outward things, we be not pinched also in-
wardlie, for laike of sweet and saving health to our withered soules.
He is bountifull, and full of compassioun. Pray for us, brethrein,
in spirit, that we make our Christ our joy, our gaine, our glorie, as
there is none able to fill our heart, and satiat our affectioun in thir
three but he. To him be praise, glorie, and dominioun, for ever
and ever.
“From the mountaine of the Lord’s providence, who is our onlie
hid and secreit place at this houre.”
As their Apologie itself came in sindrie men's hands, so, among
others, to Mr Johne Spotswod, now Bishop of St Andrewes. He
appeared to be so fracke in their caus, that he would needs give it
a sharper edge. The copie I have heere subjoynned:—
“2 Pet. iii. Bewarre least yee be plucked away with the errour
of the wicked, and fall from your owne steadfastnesse.
Philem. Through your prayers, we trust to be givin againe
to you.”
“The crosse of Jesus Christ is never free of the calumneis of the
wicked; and it is Satan's craft to sow lees alwayes of the Lord's
servants, but speciallie under their persecutions, that so the holi-
nesse of the caus for which they suffer may be obscured, and the
glorie of their sufferings may quite be extinguished. This was his
dealing with our Lord and Maister in the dayes of his humilitie.
The apostles in their tyme, and the martyrs of the primitive kirk,
proved the same. Wherefore, we have not to compt it a strange
thing that this way our innocencie is traduced, and that whill we
suffer for the good caus of God, we are by manie condemned as
malefactors. In all thir reproaches which I heare to be givin out
against us, though the testimonie of a good conscience uphold us,
1597. CF Ti IE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 561
yitt, moved by manie reasouns, I have thought meete to declare,
by way of apologie, our innocencie in all thir crimes of treasoun
and seditioun wherewith we are so falselie charged, and to sett
doun the just and lawfull warrants of our present eshewing: which
being considered, will satisfie, I am assured, everie man that
standeth in doubt of either of thir. Suche as have sett themselves
maliciouslie against us, the good caus, and Kirk of God, we remitt
to that righteous Judge that sall revenge himself with power, and
ere it be long reward them according to their workes.
“Then, I will first repeate the historie of that broyle, as it fell
out upon Friday, the 17th of December, and by the true narra-
tioun therof discover the falshood of these calumneis, which partlie
are conteaned in their proclaimed libells, and partlie are givin out
by them in their counsells, and other meetings, against us. The
truthe is, that the said day, immediatlie after doctrine, certane
noblemen and barons, by our desire, conveenned themselves in the
East Kirk, where we imparted to them our estat, and made them
privie to our greeves. For we thought it meete to stirre their
affectiouns after this sort, that with the greater instance they might
interceed at his Majestie's hand, and purchasse by their credit that
which we could no wise obteane by all our dolcances givin in
from tyme to tyme. I was chosin mouth in that meeting, and I
referre me heerin to all that were present, (and they were manic
famous men,) if my speeches tended to anie other scope save this
onlie. With one consent the Lords Lindsey, Forbesse, the Lairds
of Barganie and Blairquhan, were nominated, and I, by the broth-
rein, was desired to goe with them, and propone the mater to his
Majestic.
“We were of mind to have gone doun to the Abbey; but hear-
ing his Majestie was in the Tolbuith, we turned our course that
way. We found his Majestie in the upper hous, and spake to him
in thir termes, so neere as I can remember : “Sir,’ said I, the
barons, brethrein, and gentle men, apprehending the danger to re-
ligioun, in this dealing against the ministrie, and true professors
therof, have directed some of our number to your Majestie.”
‘What danger see yee?' sayes the king, “Under commouning,
WOL. W. 2 N
562 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1597.
said I, “our best affected people, that tender God’s glorie and re-
ligioun most, are charged off the toun; the Ladie Huntlie, wife
to the apostat, is interteaned at court; and we have great suspi-
cions that her husband is not farre off. All these indicat our dan-
gers.” “What have yee to doe with that ?" sayes his Majestie—
and with this he departeth, preassed, as appeared unto us, by the
president, and others about him. So we communicat our answere
to the brethrein in this sort : “We went to his Majestie, as yee
desired us, but are not weill accepted, nor yitt our greeves receaved ;
and so yee have to consider what is nixt to be done.’
“It was thought meete to reserve the greeves to a better tyme,
and, in the meane while, to knitt up a covenant with the Lord, to
stand to our professioun, and the defence of the good caus, to the
last breath. Therunto all agreed, testifeing the same by holding
up of their hands. There was a great applauding of all the multi-
tude that was in the kirk heereto ; but I besought them for silence,
and to behave themselves quietlie, for the regard they had to the
good caus. They keepe peace, and whill we are proceeding, a cry
comes off the street, with these words, ‘Save your selves; a tu-
mult is in the gate l’ There goeth another cry through the street,
“Armel arme l’ The people mervelling what the mater might be,
lappe to the gate, thinking there had beene a fight amongst parteis.
The greater number of honest burgesses being in their houses, sent
to inquire the maner. They heare that we are invaded, and the
cry went that the ministers are slaine; wherupon they runne out
in haste with their armes. The barons and gentlemen that were
in the kirk gett up, and doe me the courtesie to putt me in the
loodging, and then they retire to their owne, being minded, after
they sould know what the mater meant, to returne to the kirk-
yaird, for they also feared our invasioun. I remained awhile in my
hous. Some of my brethrein passed to the street, to behold the
maner, and incontinent returned : they sent for me, and by
this were the barons and gentlemen come backe to the kirk-
yaird. They shew, that there was among the people a great dis-
order, but it was a false alarme, for no man could perceave the
caus of the fray. We lamented it heavilie, and sent for some of
1597. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 563
the magistrats, requiring them to pacifie the people, as they pro-
mised to doe. The Lord of Marr, and some with him, came from
his Majestie, with verie faire and gracious speeches, as we could
have wished ; after which we goe to the East Kirk, and being
quietlie sett, we direct the same commissioners for the most part
that went before, to shew his Majestie that the tumult greeved us
very sore, and to beseeke him for some substantious remeed to all
thir evills. His Majestie accepteth our desire in verie good part,
and willeth us to propone our petitions in writt to the counsell,
at after noone ; promiseth a reasonable answere to them all, and
farther to certifie us all of his Majestie's affectioun to religioun, and
the preachers therof. The Lord Colonell, the Lairds of Traquair
and Cesfurd, are sent from his Majestie, who putt us in expecta-
tioun that all maters sould be fullie pacified. Then we dissolve
with a singular contentment in heart, giving publict thankes to our
God, who by his providence had so weill disposed of all things that
day, as no man had receaved anie harme, and the people had so
quietlie at the voice of the magistrats retired to their houses.
“This is the true historie of all that which past amongst us that
forenoome. Mamie beheld it, and if I fained anie thing, I might be
called an impudent man. Lett the libell published against us be
examined according heereto, and yee sall perceave it patched of a
number of manifest untruthes. It confounds these things that in
themselves are disjoynned in place, persons, and tyme, for the tu-
mult was long after the meeting of the barons. The tumult was
in the street, the meeting was in the East Kirk. The meeting
stood of lords and barons in a small number, the tumult was of the
meane people in a great number. To say the tumult was the birth
of the meeting, I can not see in what probabilitie it can be affirmed.
For the first meeting was lawfull, warranted by the Word of God,
by the lawes of the realme, and suche a meeting as we had beene
in use of all tymes before, speciallie thir moneths last ; for everie
day almost we had our meetings, and therin whiles few, whiles moe
gentlemen with us, as that day, by occasioun, there was a greater
concourse of noblemen than had beene anie tyme before. Nather
may they alledge a discharge of their meetings, by that proclama-
564 CALDERWOOD's IIISTORIE 1597.
tioun which was published in the 27th of November last, seing we
have our conventiouns established by act of parliament in the yeere
1592, to the which no proclamatioun of Privie Counsell can dero-
gat. And nixt, we have for this his Majestie's commissioun by ad-
vice of his estats, givin to certan of the ministrie in all the parts of
the countrie, for calling and conveening with them erles, lords,
barons, freeholders, gentlemen, inhabitants of burrowes, and others
his lieges whatsomever, at whatsomever places and dayes they sould
thinke expedient; and to require the confessioun of their faith,
their oaths and subscriptiouns heereto, and to the generall band
which was devised for the maintenance of true religioun, with a
sufficient warrant to them to conveene to that effect. Which com-
missioun his Majestie and estats ordeanned to be putt in print, as
the samine was done, and yitt is extant and undischarged. Farther,
the proclamatioun of November last was interpreted by another
edict of k + declaring, that the same extended no farther
than to the unlawfull convocatioun of his Majestic's lieges in armes.
So then, the first meeting is necessarilie good; and a caus that is
necessarilie good can not worke an evill effect. If the tumult be
the effect of this caus it must be good ; or if it be evill, as it ap-
peares to be, they must derive it from another fountaine. Surelie,
it is against all reasoun to make a connexioun of wicked events
with good and honest beginnings; and so to doe has beene alwayes
damned by all good lawes and constitutiouns. I remember Bald.
in Concil. 309, cites thir lawes, ‘Sº mulier f. Reu. Annot., et l. 11,
# 6, bonor. rapt. et per illa jura scribit, si aliqui justo modo se congre-
gaverint, licet ew tal; congregatione sequatur posted malum, non te-
mentur qui eos congregaverunt, quia satis est quod initium fuerit licitum,
et ol, bonam causam : That is to say, If there be anie persons that
lawfullie have conveened themselves, howbeit an evill fact fall out
upon their gathering, yitt are they not to be compted guiltie that
conveenned them ; becaus it is sufficient to them that the begin-
ning was lawfull, and upon a reasonable caus.
“I am led, as yee see, to expone the caus of our meetings, and to
lay furth our greeves to the view of all good men, which I heare
our enemeis doe laugh at, esteeming there is no Suche danger as we
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 565
affirme to be. Therefore consider, what a great decay is threatned
to religioun by the apostat lords their peaceable coming in the coun-
trie; and though forefaulted by the lawes, for their odious treasoun
against their native countrie, prince, and religioun, yitt offers and
conditiouns are made unto them, easier then they could have wished,
the Ladie Huntlie, a professed Papist, in favour at court, and all
their favourers in cheeſe credit at the same. During their absence,
they were knowne to traffique with Pope and Spaniard, for supplee
of men and money, and promise of supplee was made them, how
Soone they sould returne to their countrie. All this was made mani-
fest to his Majestie and counsell, by the letters intercepted at Mar-
sills, sent from Rome by the ambassaders of Spaine to their maister,
the double wherof were sent home by Colonell Murrey, this last
Sommer, to his Majestie; yitt no regard was had to the said in-
telligences, howbeit the same conteaned the platt and purpose of
the enemie for the subversioun of religioun, the surprize of the
whole countrie, by the possessioun of all the ports between St
Andrewes and Stirline, and the destructioun of his Majestie's
person.
“Thir perells have beene concealed from the estats, not reveeled
in a lawfull conventioun, no order taikin for the withstanding ther-
of; but conventiouns have beene keeped in their favour, and licence
givin them to remaine, whereby they have beene emboldenned to
a continuall negotiatioun sensyne, and have made leagues and bands,
and joynned to themselves manie associats; and where it had beene
necessar to have persued them with all rigour, and their cautioners,
for comming in the countrie without licence, in place therof a cruell
pursute has beene devised against some brethrein of the ministrie,
for certane speeches uttered by them in pulpit, three or foure yeeres
since, purposelie to draw the jurisdictioun of the kirk in questioun,
to stoppe the mouths of pastors from the free rebooke of sinne in
all persons indifferentlie, that the saids tratours might have the
better accesse to his Majestie, and, under a colour of their peace,
practise their treasonable attemptats precogitat and concluded long
of before. For this have the commissioners of the Generall As-
566 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE’ 1597.
semblie beene discharged to conveene themselves in anie sort; pro-
clamatiouns have beene givin out slanderous to the ministrie, and
hurtfull to the liberteis of the Gospell; and the more we compleanned,
the worse we were receaved, [so] that he is blind that sees not the
causes of our greefe more than necessar to have beene insisted on.
This for the first point of the libell.
“They affirme, nixt, that we were the hounders out, the personall
assisters and applauders to the tumult. If we were the hounders
out, then I speare, who stayed it 2 who restrained the furie?—for
the most part of the magistrats say they were inclyned to us. So
we behoved ather to be quenchers of this flame, or there were none
to quenche it. And to say that we were the personall assisters, is
not that a vyle calumnie? Did Igoe out of the kirk or kirk-yaird 2
Had I anie sort of armour? Did not the brethrein that went to the
gate goe in their gownes; and tended not all their speeches to ends
platt contrarie, namelie, to the quietting of the commotioun ? This
is so weill knowne, as the enemie may not deny it, be he never so
malicious; nay, certanlie, there was nothing more against our hearts.
Eor we saw weill the advantage that the enemie would take by it,
to obscure the holinesse of our caus, and irritat the prince against
us. So all our care was to pacifie the tumult. We report us to
the commissioners that came from his Majestie, namelie, the Pro-
veist of Edinburgh, the Laird of Tracquair, the Lord Colonell, the
Laird of Cesfurd, and my Lord Uchiltrie, if all our answeres tended
not to have his Majestie satisfied.
“Thridlie, they ashame not to say, that our drift was to offer vio-
lence to his Majestie. I leave that as an absurd blasphemie, un-
worthie to be answered; and I say, in uprightnesse of heart, I had
rather have quyte my naturall soyle for ever, or a drop of the blood
of anie of these counsellers (how great so ever their malice be
against us) had beene drawin that day; for we know weill it sould
have beene layed upon us alwayes. But praised be our God that
provided otherwise. We sang this song the Sabboth after, and this
song we sing yitt, for it becomes us to resemble the sheepe and
lambes of our Maister's lezure. Lett the wolves and dogges that
1597. OF TIIE KIRK OF SCOTLANTD. 567
are without his sheepe-coate keepe their naturall, and satiat their
lust, as they are wount to doe: as for us, the Lord will provide in
mercie. I speeke the truthe ; I lee not : the Lord beares record
unto my conscience, that in sinceritie of heart I walked that day,
alwayes studeing to have things pacified upon whatsomever con-
ditiouns, for I liked no way that forme of proceeding. And, there-
fore, I appeale the devisers, penners, and allowers, of that detest-
able libell, before the high tribunall, where no doubling sall be,
and forging sall not be accepted. And, O God, raise thou in their
hearts a tribunall: cite, accuse them by their owne consciences,
that in the light therof they may see their iniquitie, and in the force
and furie therof they may feele the greefe, the shame, the despaire,
the just torment, that useth to follow suche leing detractiouns. If
our intentioun was suche as they have libelled, then lett this work-
ing light on us; but if we be unjustlie traduced, of thy mercie and
for thy glorie's sake cleere our caus, as we confide greaturnlie thou
will.
“Now, we heare that a letter of ours, directed to the Lord
Hammiltoun, and presented by him to his Majestie, is muche ag-
gredged. If it be ours, our subscriptiouns will beare it; if it be a
copie, it must agree with the originall, or ellis we are not to answere
to it. If it be suche a copie as we have seene, we protest it is
altered so farre, that our sense and meaning ryseth not so cleerelie
therof as in the originall. In our letter we craved no other thing,
but that he, with the rest of the barons, as a cheefe nobleman and
peere of the realme, would interceed, and imploy his credit and
moyen at his Majestie's hands, to see, if it were possible, the kirk
restored to the libertie and freedom she wount to have. If our
letter had fallin in the hands of benigne interpreters, we needed not
to have feared the misconstructioun therof. But what is so weill
spokin, that may not be throwne and perverted to a wrong sense?
Of all the fooles of the world, we had beene the first, if we had
meaned, as I heare it is taikin, to sett him in a chaire forement his
Majestie. We were better acquainted with his weaknesse and
facilitie nor so; and, Surelie, we had made an evill cosse. We
568 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597,
promise you, if they fyle us in this point, they ſyle most innocent
men; for it came never so muche as in our minde, and sall never
come, by God’s grace. We knew before his other imperfectiouns,
but now we have prooffe of his malice; and, I thinke, he that has
dealt so untruelie with the servants of God, sall never be true to
anie. I say, farther, could we desire him to anie other end nor we
desired the barons? We desired them to interceed onlie, as they
will testifie themselves. So we craved no more of him but media-
tioun. If there was anie fault in that letter, it was in that I
framed my penne to his ambitious humour. And yitt, I trust, I
past not my bounds. Nather wrote I to him anie letter this long
tyme before, and I had not writtin this, if he had not beene a suter
therof; for some brethrein, resident at his owne kirks, shew that
he tooke in evill part, that he was so overseene and neglected.
They desired to putt him to a prooffe; and suche a prooffe as this
is will serve for our tyme. For my self, it is weill knowne, I
nather spake nor wrote to him thir two yeeres; for he hounded out
his man, the Person of Crawfurdjohne, to seeke my living indirect-
lie ; and after he saw he could not have it without my owne advice,
he moved the Person to stirre up some brethrein of the ministrie
against me, and came in person, and stood up in the last Generall
Assemblie holdin at Montrose, and oppouned himself in my face,
by word and writt against me. Sensyne, I craved no favour of his
Lordship, and hoped for little, nather has he disappointed me of
my expectatioun that way.
“Then, wherefra, I pray you, sould this mutatioun proceed so
suddanlie, to sett him up so high P Surelie, before Huntlie came
home, I am of the opinioun that no man of my calling was farther
in his Majestie's affectioun nor I; and I am perswaded, if the
Papists had not returned toward us, I had continued so ; and what
has beene my part to his Majestie at all tymes, in privat and pub-
lict, I report me to some of his counsell. I might also report me
to her Majestie. She can testifie what was my care and solicitude
for him. But this letter, say they, has discovered me to be an
hypocrit. None will say so who has anie right sense. But, I
1597. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 569
feare, a short tyme sall discover us both; and, alas ! I feare it, with
over great a losse, yea, with an irreparable losse. Alace that he
sould be so farre blinded, to trampe so foullie on God’s glorie in us.
The Lord mitigat his judgements toward him, which this doing
portends. This farre, for clearing my innocencie, and to vindicat
my ministrie from these fumes and mists whereby they seeke to
obscure the puritie therof; wishing all the faithfull to thinke
charitablie of us, and to pitie the cace of the Gospell, and to pray
with us for a new re-edifeing of the spirituall worke, which is so
farre overthrowne in this countrie.
“I goe to the warrants of our flight, wheranent I will labour to
be short; for I thinke no man will controvert this, that it is law-
full to flee in tyme of persecutioun. Our Maister giveth us our
warrant in the x. Matthew, 23d verse, ‘When they persecute you
in one citie, flee in to another.” In the ix. of the Acts, 25th verse,
the disciples laboured for Paul his escape at Damascus, whill he
was persued and sought for by Aretas, as is to see in that historie.
The Fathers in the primitive kirk (as Athanasius, Chrysostom, and
Polycarp, who was after a martyr, their doings prove) did esteeme
the same to be lawfull. Nather is flight alwayes an argument of
feare, and laike of courage. The Greeke proverbe, &yng 5 povyov wroxy
(0.0%agerø, He that flees will fight againe, requires a wise foresight
in men, and forbids foolehardinesse. It is naturall to feare death,
and provide for life, and to be prodigall of the life which God has
givin us, I see it no where allowed. I compt him prodigall of his
life that lawfullie may eshew a perrell, and has the meanes offered
him for eshewing, yitt he neglects it; and I call that a lawfull
eshewing that agrees with the estat of our calling, and fights not
with the glorie of our God, the onlie principall end of all our
actiouns. Now, who knowes not, that the glorie of God is some-
times more advanced by the saving of his servants from the ene-
mie's furie, than by their exponing to the same f Our Maister's
manie escapings before the appointed tyme, and in the first perse-
cutiouns of the kirk, the faithfull their withdrawing of themselves
to solitarie places, makes this manifest. And it makes for the
57() CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
weale of the flocke, that the pastor, in dangerous tymes, even hyde
himself; for whill he liveth there is hope that the woolve may be
skaired by one meane or other, nather is the pastor to be accompted
desertor gregis sui; deseritur a grege. Then, if I shew, that, in our
present flight, we have all the causes and respects foresaid, warrants
upon everie one of them, not supposed, but undoubtedlie true, I
thinke yee sall be satisfied in this point. So I have first to qualifie
our persecutioun, and nixt, to give you the reasons of our choice.
“For proofe of the persecutioun, I alledge their proclamatiouns
sett furth against the ministrie thir moneths last, wherin are con-
teaned a number of slanders and infamous reproaches layed to the
preachers of the Word, as thereby also have our meetings beene dis-
charged, and all assistance to be givin us by barons, or others what-
somever, has beene forbiddin. I may alledge their mockes and
scoffing speeches uttered against the ministrie in their counsells and
other places, where it is mervell to thinke how we are traduced.
Surelie, in this, they goe beyond Ismaell. I bring, thridlie, the
preparative past in the servant of God, Mr David Blacke, who was
challenged in a mater of doctrine, upon a spirituall subject. And
howbeit he lawfullie declynned, and in everie point cleered him-
self sufficientlie against that libell in forme, as it was libelled, yitt
they found themselves judges, proceeded to his convictioun, and
commanded him to waird. Now, I reasoun, if they used him after
suche a sort in a spirituall subject, in a mater of doctrine, in a
challenge so weill cleered, what sould we have looked for, being
charged upon a criminall point, so highly aggredged, that carieth
with it so manie appearances in the eyes of evill affected men P
And sall I omitt that ridiculous interlocutor, whereby the counsell
usurpes the judgement of doctrine, and applicatioun therof, by
which our office is in effect discharged P Fourthlie, The prejudice
made us in their proclamatioun on Saturday, the 18th of Decem-
ber, manifested their cruell intentioun to us ward, wherin they con-
demne us as raisers of the tumult, though nather heard, nor brought
to our answere. Fyftlie, Consider the maner of their charges.
They command our flocke to apprehend us, which were to use us as
1597. OF THE RIRE OF SCOTLAND. 57.1
opin malefactors. No man can take it otherwise. They make the
place of our waird the Castell of Edinburgh, which to me were a
suspicious waird, as all men know. When this failed, they charged
us openlie at the Mercat Croce, to compeer within three dayes
after, to answere for the treasonable attemptat against his Majes-
tie. And before what judges? even before these that had shewed
themselves our enemeis, ever since the beginning of thir troubles,
and had brokin the appointment that was once fullie agreed be-
tweene his Majestie and us. I will not blame all the counsell;
for some of that number, I doubt not, carie an honest heart to the
good caus, his Majestie, and the commoun weale, and others
amongst them desire quietnesse and peace to the kirk, for suretie
of their owne estats. I will not blame these, mather, least I ap-
peare too sharpe a censurer. But of these men I meane, that now
beare cheefe Swey, and are in greatest credite; who are knowne to
have a course direct against religioun, and for this have preassed to
cast doun all our discipline, and are begunne to intreate the mini-
sters of the Gospell verie hardlie. Is it meete, or was it meete,
that we sould accept these men to be our judges? Last, on this
point, I enquire if this be not Julian's persecutioun, to discharge
the stipends of the ministrie, except they subscribe a band devised
by them for entrapping all the teachers, one by one, as they see
tyme? Then it is manifest there is a persecutioun.
“For our choice, I alledge, first, the testimonie of a good con-
science, which assures us that we have done the best for the tyme;
and God is our witnesse, we had onlie a respect to his glorie, and
weale of the caus, as feeble nature would suffer. What care we
had also of our flocke, we remitt that to their owne testimonie.
They knew we would not have forsaikin them, evin to the laying
of our lives for them, if they would have stood for themselves, and
our just defence. But they conceaved, as we saw, a hazard to
themselves by our remaining. They had condescended to offer us
to the enemie's furie, and grew so faint-hearted, that I may com-
pleane we were forsaikin of that people, and evill dealt with
these for whom we have oft tymes stand before the Lord. I will
572 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
construe the best alwise of the greatest number of them, but I pray
the Lord from my heart to avert his wrathe from that citie, which
I feare. We have with this, the advice of the commissioners of
the Generall Assemblie, together with the advice of our brethrein
of the presbyterie, approving our choice. For they saw our out-
being might serve muche more to the weale of the caus than our
remaining. If we escaped their crueltie, as some hope was, (and
for my owne part, I never feared my life,) yitt I looked that none
of us sould have escaped along and dwynning imprissonment, with-
out a manifest hazard and craze of conscience. And as for the
slander of our taiking the cryme upon us by flight, it was too weake
a reasoun to have stayed us. Our Maister was challenged for
being an enemie to Caesar, and yitt innocent. He withdrawes him-
self till the tyme appointed come. Paul is accused for making
seditioun in Jerusalem by his doctrine, yitt he tarieth not to
answere. So our suffering, of what sort that ever it be, cannot be
free of suche slanders, and we hold these to be not the least parts
of our sufferings.
“But now, we heare it is said, and fleeth in the mouths of manie,
that our deid and word agrees not, our actiouns and doctrine are
contrarie. In doctrine, we promised to wair our blood; in deid,
we flee to spair our blood. For answere, we said at no tyme abso-
lutelie, but at all tymes, by God’s grace, we sould seale up that
truthe with our blood. This we said, and when it sall please him.
to call us to that effect, I doubt nothing but he sall strenthen us to
follow his calling. But presentlie, he calleth us to flee, to reserve
our life to a better tyme. So whether we flee, whether we byde,
from him we sall never flee, by his grace, and without him we sall
never byde. There be few called to the honour of martyrdom ;
and as to our selves, the Lord knowes, we compt our selves most
unworthie of it. It may suffice us weill to be compted in the num-
ber of his witnesses, to give him a testimonie in meane sufferings,
nothing doubting, but if he call us to that honour, he sall also en-
able us. That with Him we flee at this tyme, it appeares manie
wayes, but namelie, in the caus, in the just and most urgent caus,
1597. OR THE ICIRK OF SCOTLAND. 573
that moveth us thereto. There is no lawfull caus of flight, so farre
as we know, save onlie that wherof we have spokin, persecutioun.
This causin our cace is manifest, and in a high degree, as yee have
seene. So our flight must be just. Our Maister commands, if we
be persecuted, to flee. Now, his command craves readie obedience.
It is not our part to disput, consult, and dryve tyme, but to follow
and it were blindlings.
“Besides his calling in his Word, we have his calling to this by
his Spirit in our consciences; for our hearts were never so tran-
quill at home, nor we had never so cleere testimoneis of his favour,
as we have had sensyne; yea, we have his calling also by his
Spirit in the brethrein, as I said in a writt agreing heerto; and,
last, we have undoubted evidences of his calling in his fatherlie
providence Sensyne, providing recepts, providing sureteis, mollifeing
the hearts of strangers, and making all things facile for our convoy.
Now, what were we to resist suche evidences, as to contemne suche
wairnings? We compt it to tempt, yea, we might be thought to
presume, and to be prodigall of the life which He would have re-
served for his farther service. And the way of presumptioun is not
our way, it is not the high way; the way of feare and trembling
is our ley way. We leave the way of presidence to them that pre-
sume of their owne strenth, and abound in their owne senses. He
is more nor blind, that sees not the Lord approving our choice
daylie, and justifeing our flight to the eyes of the blind world; for
when the gentlemen and good burgesses for our caus, that are not
within the compasse of anie law, are so farre abused, how farre
thinke yee sould we be, if we were in their grippes P Suppose they
were greeved at us, it was somewhat tolerable; for we spake in
their play, and discovered their drift to the world. But to be
greeved at gentlemen, and suche as gave us a night's loodging onlie,
we can see no reasoun, but will and malice. Surelie, for our owne
parts, we were als indifferent to byde as to goe, and als readie for
the one as the other. And if our flocke at their pleasure had not
persecuted us, and if they in tymes past had shewed themselves in-
different judges, and not plaine enemicis, and if our innocencie, by
574. CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
this late incident, had not beene so farre obscured, yea, I say more,
if they had beene at themselves, and not so farre caried away with
preposterous troubled affectioun, supposing the thing that was not,
we durst have committed our selves hardilie to their judgements.
But Seing them in a furie, and so farre blinded therewith, we
thought it meete to let the blood recoole from their hearts, and
suffer them to returne to a sounder minde and judgement before
we entered. But I am in great doubt if ever they sall returne.
Nam neque imperium neque philosophia mutat affectus, sed Spiritus
Domini renovans.
“It is true, they have gottin the first few of us, and they have
compted us alreadie guiltie. But wrong compt is no payment.
We live in that hope by God’s grace, the tyme sall come, wherin
we sall be heard before more indifferent judges; and if that faile
us, we appeale to the great and righteous judgement of Him who
sall rescind all wrong sentences, and make everie man's conscience
show him the right, ather to his weale or to his woe, and that for
ever. Where the Spirit of God is, there is libertie. They are onlie
free whom the Sonne of God maketh free. Blessed is he to whom
the Lord imputeth not his sinne. Up, heart, therefore ; converse
with Him. In Him thou art free. In Him thou art strong, in Him
thou art wise. Sivver not ; increasse thy unioun, power, and thy
affectioun more and more on Him. Grow in love, and love sall make
all things easie. The Lord inlarge our hearts, and make them
capable. Lord, yett out thy Spirit, and make them spirituall, and
give thy gift of perseverance, that we may continue to the end, and
in the end.
“I will conclude, (becaus to you, my brethrein, I cheefelie write,)
I wish you to remember, that to stand for us is a part of your
duetie, by letting our innocencie be knowne to the faithfull; and
labour, I beseeke you, to keepe the good and holie caus for which
we suffer free of all slander, as possiblie may. It is a tyme of tryell,
a gentle, I say, and not a fyrie tryell. Then, fy on us, if we shew
not the Lord's strenth in us, and patience in this tyme, which sall
not be long. If the enemie's furie be not restrained, we may cer-
1597. OF THE KIRIX OF SCOTLAND. 575
tanelie looke for greater crueltie. And if the Lord sould call us to
suffer death for his truthe, sould we not suffer? If he call us to
banishment, wherin oft tymes are moe evills than in death, lett us
embrace it also. But away with this, that the discharge of our
stipends sould move us anie white to consent to iniquitieſ The
Lord will provide for all your necessiteis. Therefore, encourage one
another, and be strong, for the Lord will trade Satan under foote
shortlie. And as to these that have brokin the peace of our kirk,
tramped upon God’s glorie in us, exponed his Majestie's person to
so appearing dangers, lett be to the secreit wrath of a craibbit God,
and have offered our chief citie, which in tyme past was the onlie
terrour of the enemie, to a prey, can we thinke that the Lord
sleepes, and sees them not, nor their doings P Will He never re-
store holie Sion to her decking and glorious ornaments P Yes, He
will; and in the sight of men sall he glorifie himself of the wicked,
er it be long.
“Now, the God of all strenth strenthen you, and be with you,
to keepe you and your ministrie blamelesse to the end. Faithfull
is He that has called you, who will also doe it. Pray for us. I
charge you in the Lord, that this letter be read to all the brethrein.
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Amen.
“From the place of our sojourning, the fourth of Januar, 1596.
“Your brother suffering for the Gospell,
“R. BRUCE,
“Minister of Christ's Evangell.”
Mr James Balfour and Mr William Watsone wrote likewise an
Apologie, conteaning the causes of their withdrawing themselves
for a seasoun, which agreeth in substance with the former Apologie,
and that with the advice and concurrence of Mr James Melvill.
These their Apologeis were justified by the exact examinatiouns of
the citicens; for howbeit manie quires of paper were spent upon their
examinatiouns and depositiouns, yitt could not anie thing be found
to make anie citicen, let be a minister, guiltie of anie conspiracie,
or forethought uproare, but that onlie they feared a massacre, or
576 C.ALDERWOOD's IIISTORIE 1597.
the invasioun of their ministers, and that for that effect they tooke
armes. It is true, that when the uproare was raised, some two or
three uttered some rash and inconsiderat speeches, as it is usuall in
suche accidents.
A SYNOD AT LEITH,
The synodall assemblie of Lothiane conveenned at Leith upon
the first of Februar. Mr Johne Preston, Mr Edward Bruce, Mr
William Oliphant, were sent to them in commissioun from the
king. They having the moderator, Mr Robert Rollock, at com-
mand, by the moyen of Mr David Lindsey and Mr Patrik Gal-
loway, now receaved again by the king in his favour, gathered the
assessors, and shewed that the king was miscontent James Gibsone
sould preache, except he conteaned himself within bounds. After
muche adoe, he was at last permitted, upon promise to aime at God's
glorie and the peace of the kirk, as the Lord sould direct him. He
preached to all their contentment, so that the king's commissioners
wished the king had heard him. And yitt he justified the mini-
sters of Edinburgh, wishing the ministers there present would goe
together to the king to procure them favour; and that not being
granted, to grant nothing. Muche adoe there was for choosing
men to occupie the places of the absent ministers in Edinburgh.
Some withstood simpliciter ; the most part yeelded, that foure or
five of Edinburgh Presbyterie, and one out of everie one of the
rest, sould preache in the Great Kirk of Edinburgh upon the Wed-
nesday, and Sabboth day before and after noone, till the beginning
of Aprile, upon these conditiouns: 1. That their teaching sould
not be prejudiciall to the returning of their ordinar ministers.
2. That they sould have the king's favour. 3. That the readers be
discharged. 4. That the toun grant to be divided in parishes.
After that was granted, the king's commissioners would have had
Mr David Ogill restored, and the ministers of Edinburgh excom-
municated; which was taikin in evill part, and refused by all.
In the meane tyme, the Sessioun or Colledge of Justice satt in
1597. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 577
Leith, and not at Perth, as was first intended, where they remained
two weekes.
A SYNOD BIOLDIN AT IFIFE.
The king finding that he had gottin a shew of advantage, but no
just ground, by the overthrow of the kirk of Edinburgh, was em-
boldenned to encroache farther upon the liberteis of the whole Kirk
of Scotland. A number of questiouns were published in print,
whereby the whole discipline and governement of the kirk was called
in doubt, and ordeanned to be disputed in a solemne conventioun
of the kirk and of the estats, which was to be holdin at Perth about
the end of Februar. These questiouns were moved by the king, to
brangle the discipline, not becaus he was offended at that uproare
which was raised in Edinburgh the 17th day of December, (as
some would beare the world in hand,) or tooke occasioun therof to
alter the discipline of the church, and, indeid, no just occasioun was
offered. These questiouns were devised before by Mr Johne Lind-
sey, one of the cheefe Octavians, and the commissioners of the
Generall Assemblie were advertised the yeere before, and before
the 17th day of December, that a great number of missives were
writtin and readie to be directed, for calling a conventioun of estats
and Generall Assemblie, for resolutioun of the questiouns, the copie
whereof yec may find inserted in their proceedings in the Register,
on Saturday, the elleventh of December ; and, likewise, mentioun
made of them in their proceedings, the elleventh of November, the
24th, the 29th of November, and secund and sixt of December,
both before and after Mr David Black's declinatour. So that it is
cleere that the king intended, before the 17th day of December, to
worke an alteratioun in discipline, and to sett the ministers on worke
to defend themselves, that they might be diverted from persuing
the excommunicated erles; which was also the ground of calling
Mr David Blacke before the counsell, for speeches uttered three
yeeres before.
The king sent missives to the presbytereis, to wairne them of
VOI. V. 2 O
578 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
this meeting at Perth. The Synod of Fife, holdin at Cowper, the
eight of Februar, ordeanned everie presbyterie to nominat two of
the most wise and resolute of their number to meete at St
Andrewes, the 21st of that instant moneth of Februar, to conferre
and resolve with commoun consent upon the most solide and sub-
stantious answeres to these questiouns. After earnest incalling on
the name of God, grave and weightie consideratioun of the dangers
the kirk might fall into, if the governement therof, established
manie yeeres agoe by the lawes of the countrie, and according to
the Word of God, practised peaceablie, and accompanied with a rare
blessing of sinceritie and concord, voide of all errour and schisme
even to this day, sould now be called in controversie, and brought
in doubt, by reasoning among men unskilfull in the Scripture and
kirk effaires, without the advice of a Generall Assemblie, or anie
other inferiour assemblie of the kirk; namelie, at suche a tyme
when the notorious enemeis therof, after so long preparatioun, are
now in full readinesse to accomplishe their intents, to her utter
overthrow ; the synod ordeanned their brethrein, David Fergusone,
Mr Thomas Buchanan, Mr Robert Wilkie, Mr Robert Durie, Mr
William Scott, Mr Thomas Dowglas, and Mr Johne Fairfull, to
passe from the present Assemblie in commissioun to the king's
Majestie; and in all humble reverence and duetifull maner, by all
good arguments and reasouns, to travell with his Majestie, that the
Assemblie appointed to be holdin at Perth may desert, or at least
be prorogued or continued to the tyme appointed by the last Ge-
nerall Assemblie, with consent of his Majestie's commissioners, ac-
cording to the act of parliament; that is, to the moneth of Aprile
nixtocum, at which tyme the Assemblie was appointed to be holdin
at St Andrewes; and to give their advice tuiching his Majestie's
intentiouns and purpose published in print; to shew in speciall that
no presbyterie have power to give commissioun to anie of the
brethrein, to call in questioun, or putt in doubt the determinatiouns
and conclusiouns of the Generall Assemblie, no more than a parti-
cular burgh may call in questioun or controversie his Majestie's
acts of parliament; so that, howbeit the presbytereis sall direct
1597. OF THE [IRR OF SCOTLAND. 579
their commissioners to Perth, to keepe the day appointed by his
Majestie for testifeing their due obedience, they can no wise come
instructed to putt in questioun, or alter anie constitutioun of a Ge-
nerall Assemblie. In like maner, to desire that it would please his
Majestie to relaxe the ministers of Edinburgh from the horne, and
repone them again in their owne rowmes, as also, Mr David Blacke
to his owne place at St Andrewes; and to assure his Majestie that
he can doe nothing more acceptable to the faithfull in the countrie
at this tyme. Farther, to beseeke his Hienesse not to suffer anie
thing to be published in print, tuiching the late proceedings betuixt
his Majestie and the kirk; and to assure his Majestie that therin
they had a speciall care of his honour and estimatioun, which can
not but be impaired amongst the godlie and sincere professors in
all realmes, if our controverseis come in their hands. At this As-
semblie, also, was read the band which the king and counsell de-
vised to be subscribed by all the ministers, under the paine of losse
of their stipends, that is, in effect to rescind the declinatour sub-
scribed before, at the calling of Mr David Blacke before the king
and counsell. The Assemblie judged the band to be unlawfull and
superfluous, for manie and diverse reasouns.
INSTRUCTIONS GIVIN BY THE SYNOD OF THE PROVINCE OF FIFE
TO THE COMMISSIONERS TO BE CHOSIN FOR EVERIE PRESBY-
TERIE WITHIN THE SAID SYNOD, TO GOE TO THE CONVENTIOUN
APPOINTED BY HIS MAJESTIE AT PERTH; THE WHICH, THE SAID
SYNOD ORDEANNED THEM, AND EVERIE ONE OF THEM, PRECISE-
LIE TO KEEPE.
“First, Yee sall shew that they are come for obedience to his
Majestie, and not for that they acknowledge that to be a lawfull
Generall Assemblie, by reasoun that it was not appointed by the
last Generall, nor convocated by advice of the commissioners of
the last Generall Assemblie, as has beene the practise of the kirk
580 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
at all tymes before, within this realme, warranted by the Word of
God and lawes of the countrie.
“Item, Yee sall shew that yee may not condescend, in anie wise,
to the reasouning and putting in questioun the maters of the policie
of the kirk; becaus the Generall Assemblie of this realme, to which
yee are subject, has determined alreadie the same, which determi-
natiouns yee have also subscribed unto, and none may call the same
in doubt, and put them in reasoning, but a Generall Assemblie.
Therefore, yee sall desire his Majestie, in all humilitie, for continu-
atioun of the reasoning to the ordinar assigned Generall Assemblie,
to be holdin at St Andrewes, the 26th of Aprile mixfocum.
“Item, If no continuatioun can be obteaned, and yee be urged
to proceed, yee sall protest for the liberteis of the kirk, and, plainlie
disassenting, keepe yourselves free of everie thing that sall be done
theranent.
“Item, Becaus the conventioun is appointed by his Majestie
onelie for the questiouns, yee sall not meddle in anie maner of way
with the receaving of Huntlie or other excommunicats, or anie
other thing remitted from synodalls or presbytereis, or properlie
belonging to a Generall Assemblie.
Item, Incace the brethrein among themselves, or his Majestie, or
anie of his counsell, enter in a reasouning with you, or anie of you,
in privat, that yee hold fast by these generall grounds: 1. That
the whole externall governement of the kirk must be tame out of
the Word of God. 2. That the ordinar pastors and doctors of the
kirk must shew the will of God out of his Word, and that onlie to
be followed. 3. That the pastors and doctors of the Kirk of Scot-
land have, with long and grave deliberatioun, sett doun and consti-
tuted the whole externall discipline and governement of the kirk,
according to the which it has beene these manie yeeres so happilie
governed and ruled, that no heresie, Schisme, or dissensioun, hath
had place therinto, unto this houre; and that there is none bearing
office in the kirk who calleth the same in doubt. It would
therefore please his Majestie not to suffer the rare and most peace-
able and decent constitutioun therof to be disturbed, by exagitat-
1597. OF TIIE RIRE OF SCOTLAND. 581
ing of fruictlesse questiouns, namelie, at this tyme, when Papists
preasse by that meane of disputatioun, namelie, to brangle and per-
vert all.
“Item, Yee sall travell with the ministers, barons, and noblemen
that sall happin there to be conveened, that an uniforme supplica-
tioun may be made and givin in, for restoring of the ministers of
Edinburgh, and Mr David Blacke, again to their flockes; and be-
have yourselves heerin, in the feare of God, and love of Christ and
his kingdome, faithfullie and providentlie, with all duetifull reverence
to the king's Majestie.”
The Presbyterie of Edinburgh, being in jealousie likewise of
the king's proceedings, limited their commissioners, in forme as
followeth :—
TEIE FORME OF COMMISSION GIVIN TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE
PRESEYTERIE OF EDINBURGEI.
“Forasmuche as his Majestie has appointed a Generall As-
semblie of the ministrie, to conveene at Perth, the last of Februar
instant : And, to that effect, his Hienesse has directed letters mis-
sives to diverse presbytereis within this realme, and, among
others, to the brethrein of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, willing
and desiring them to addresse two or three of the wisest and most
discreit brethrein of their number to the said Assemblie, against the
said day and place, instructed with commissioun, and their best ad-
vice and opinioun, in maters tuiching the policie of the kirk, as the
same beares: The brethrein, therefore, of the said presbyterie, to
witnesse their humble obedience to his Majestie, as to their sove-
rane, have directed, lyke as, by these presents direct, their weil-be-
loved Mr David Lindsey, Mr Patrik Galloway, Johne Duncan-
sone, ministers, with power to them to conveene and assemble them-
selves with the commissioners of other presbytereis that sall happin
there to be conveenned ; to heare and see what sall be proponed
anent the treating of the difference of the civil and ecclesiasticall
judgements, and maters concerning the policie of the kirk, and exter-
582 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
nall governement therof, and to report to them; but no wise to pro-
ceed in reasoning, voting, or concluding anie thing, which may be
prejudiciall to the constitutiouns of the generall kirk, anent the
said maters; and to deale therin according to the instructiouns
givin in writt, and no otherwise. To all which we give the
brethrein foresaid our power and commissioun, promising to hold
firm and stable,” &c.
Subscribed by the clerk of the presbyterie,
Instructions to the Brethreºn.
“1. Yee sall shew that yee are come for obedience to his Ma-
jestie, and not for that yee acknowledge this to be a lawfull As-
semblie ; by reasoun it is not appointed by the last Generall, nor
convocated by the commissioners of the last Generall Assemblie,
as has beene the practise of the kirk at all tymes before in this
countrie.
“2. Item, Yee sall shew that yee may not condescend anie way
to the reasoning of the maters of the policie, becaus the Generall
Assemblie, to which yee are subject, has alreadie determined the
same. Which determinatiouns yee have also subscribed unto, and
none may call the same in doubt, or putt them in reasoning, but
the Generall it self. Therefore, yee sall desire his Majestie, in all
humilitie, for a continuatioun of the reasoning till the ordinarie
Assemblie, which is to be in St Andrewes, in the moneth of Aprile
mixtocum.
“3. If no continuatioun can be had, and yee be urged to proceed,
yee sall protest for the liberteis of the kirk, and keep yourselves
alwayes free of everie thing that sall be done theranent.
“4. Becaus this Assemblie is convocated by his Majestie onlie
for thir differences, yee sall not meddle in anie maner with
Huntlie's receaving, or anie other thing properlie perteaning to
the Generall.
“5. Last, Yee sall travell with the ministrie, barons, and noble
men, that sall happin there to be conveened, that an uniforme Sup-
1597. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 583
plicatioun may be made for restoring the ministers of Edinburgh
to their flocks, and to behave your selves heerin prudentlie, as
accords.”
The king declared what was his intentioun in moving so manie
questiouns anent the discipline, in the Preface to the Reader, be-
fore the printed questiouns, the tenor wherof followeth :—
“To the Reader.
“Forasmuche as it is one of the principall points of the office of
a Christian king, to see God rightlie honoured in his land, for
effectuating wherof, it is necessar that the spirituall office-bearers
in the kirk not onlie teache sound doctrine concerning the points
of Salvatioun, but likewise observe suche a comelie order in the
spirituall policie (agreing with the Word of God, the lovable
custome of the primitive kirk, and with the lawes of the countrie
and nature of the people, for repressing the vices wherunto they
are cheefelie inclynned) as best may serve to establishe and main-
teane the puritie of religioun : Therefore, it becomes everie Chris-
tian king, as fathers, nourishers of the kirk within their dominiouns,
and revengers of the breaches of both the Tables, to strenthen and
assist, by the concurrence of their civill sword, the said spirituall
office-bearers in the due executioun of their calling; and, on the
other part, to compell them to exercise faithfullie their office, ac-
cording to the rule prescribed to them by the Word of God, not
suffering them to transgresse the limits thereof in anie sort : We,
therefore, having had due consideratioun heerof, and perceaving
not onlie a great libertie used in applicatioun of the doctrine within
our countrie, without anie cleere warrant of the Scripture as yitt
alledged for proving of the same, as also, a great obscuritie in di-
verse points of discipline and policie of the kirk, novelteis daylie
creeping in, the lawfull authoriteis and warrants therof not being as
yitt made manifest, have thought comelie, following the lovable ex-
emple of the Christian emperours of the primitive kirk, to conveene
and assemble a nationall councell, als weill of the ministrie as of
our estats, and of all sorts of men of deepest learning and greatest
584 CALDERWOOD'S KIISTORIE 1597.
sinceritie in religioun, to be holdin, and to beginne to sitt in our
burgh of Perth, the last of Februarie nixtocum; gravelie to treat,
reasoun, consult, and determine, (according to the Word of God as
the onlie rule,) upon the cleering and distinguishing of the spirituall
jurisdictioun, als weill in applicatioun of doctrine as in the whole
policie and governement of the hous of God. And to the effect
that all men may come the better prepared to the said conventioun,
being duelie forewarned and advised with the maters that then are
to be treated on, we have thought good to sett doun certane
articles therof, in forme of questiouns, as heerafter followeth; taiking
God, the searcher of all hearts, to record, that our intentioun in
this is no wise to trouble the rest and peace of the kirk by thornie
questiouns, or to clame anie tyrannicall or unlawfull governement
over the same, but onlie to see all suche troublesome questiouns
solved at this tyme, which, if they still remained in doubt, might
ather in our tyme, or in the tyme of our successors, breed slander-
ous debates; and that the policie of the kirk be so cleered, as all
corruptiouns may be weeded out of the same, and none suffered
heerafter to creep in, that thereby the glorie of God may be ad-
vanced, all grounds of farther questions betuixt us and the mini-
strie may be removed, and a pleasant harmonie and mutuall con-
currence between us may be established, to the great confort of all
good men, and terrour of the wicked.”
Upon the 29th of Februar the brethrein appointed out of everie
presbyterie of the Synod of Fife conveened at St Andrewes, where
they tossed sindrie dayes the king's questiouns. The short summe
of their answeres to the questiouns heere followeth :—
1597. OF TEIE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 585
THE QUESTIONS PROPONED BY THE KING, TO BE RESOLVED AT
THE CONVENTION OF THE ESTATS, AND GENERALL ASSEMBLIE,
APPOINTED TO BE AT THE BURGH OF PERTH, THE LAST OF FE-
BRUAR, 1596.
Answere, (1 Tim. vi.)
“If anie man teache otherwise, (viz. than the apostles have taught,
concerning the governement of the hous of God, which is his
Kirk,) and consents not to the wholesome words of the Lord Jesus
Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godlinesse, he
ãs puffed up, and knoweth nothing ; but dotteth about questiouns
and strife of words, wherof cometh invy, strife, railing, evill
surmisings, vaine disputatiown of men of corrupt mindes and
destitut of the truthe, who thinke that gaine is godlinesse:
jrom suche separat thy self.”
“Question 1. May not the maters of the eternall gubernatioun
of the kirk be disputed, salva fide et religione *—“Answere. They
may not. 1. The governement of the kirk being alreadie esta-
blished, and constituted upon good grounds of the Word of God,
by lawes of the countrie, and more nor threttie yeeres' possessioun.
2. And namelie, at suche a tyme, when the Papists are readie bent to
shake and overthrow the kirk and Gospell. 3. When that unformall
conformitie is sought by our nighbour enemeis of the discipline,
the bishops of England. 4. In so dissolute an estat of a lawlesse
and justicelesse people. 5. When no edificatioun, but destructioun,
and breeding of schisme and dissensioun within the bowells of the
kirk, may arise therof. 6. When none of the pastors or doctors of
the kirk doubteth theranent. 7. Lett the king and counsell con-
sider how intolerable they would thinke it, to cast in doubt the
fundamentall lawes of the kingdom and acts of parliament; or if
anie man would putt in arbitrement his undoubted possessioun,
leaning upon a law, and decreit, and right unreduced.
586 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
“Q. 2. Is the king severallie, or pastor severallie, or both con-
junctlie, that sould establishe the acts anent the extermall governe-
ment of the kirk; or what is the forme of their conjunctioun to
make lawes?”—“A. All acts of the kirk sould be established by the
Word of God conteaned in holie Scripture, the ordinar interpreters
wherof are the pastors and doctors of the kirk : the extraordinar,
in tyme of corruptioun of the whole estat of the kirk, are propheits,
and suche as God endues with extraordinarie gifts; and kings and
princes ought, by their civill authoritie, to ratifie and approve
that by their lawes, and vindicat by their civill sanctiouns, which
they declare to be God’s will out of his Word.
“ Q. 3. Is not the consent of the most part of the flocke, and also
of the patron, necessar in electing pastors P-4: A. The electioun
of pastors sould be made by them who are pastors and doctors law-
fullie called, and who can try the gifts necessarilie belonging to
pastors by the Word of God. And to suche as are so chosin, the
flocke and patron sould give their consent and protectioun.
“Q. 4. Is it lawfull for the pastor to leave his flocke against their
wills, albeit he have the consent of the presbyterie ; and for what
causes sould the presbyterie consent thereto?”—“A. When the
flocke will feare and obey men and not God, and not keep their
faithfull pastors from wrong, and dint of deidlie malice and violence,
in suche cace, the pastors, by consent of their presbytereis, may
leave their flockes.
“Q. 5. Is it lawfull for a minister to use farther applicatioun nor
that which may edifie his owne flocke; or is the whole world the
flocke of everie particular pastor *—“A. A minister may declare
and apply the Word of God throughout the whole Scripture, and
His workes wrought throughout the whole world, for the gloric of
God, and edification of his particular flocke.
“Q. 6. Is he a lawfull pastor who wanteth impositionem ma-
nuum ?”—“A. Impositioun, or laying on of hands, is not essentiall
and necessar, but ceremoniall and indifferent, in admission of a
pastor.
“ Q. 7. Is it lawfull to pastors to expresse particular men's
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 587
names, counsellers, or magistrats, in pulpit, or so vivelie to describe
sthem, that the people may understand whom by they meane, with-
out notorious declared vices, and privat admonitiouns preceeding *
—“A. The canon of the Apostle is cleere, “Them that publictlie
sinne, rebooke publictlie, that the rest may feare.’ And so muche
the more, if the publict sinnebe in a publict person, bearing publict
office and charge, which, not being corrected, might endanger the
publict estat; nather can anie sore be healed without the plaister
be particularlie applyed to the person, and place of his sore, other-
wise he does nothing of the pastorall duetie aright. And suche as
find fault therewith, thinke more evill to be called vitious nor be
vitious indeid; and, like fooles and bairnes, choose rather to dee
in their disease than abide the cure.
“Q. 8. For which vices sould admonitions and reproving of
magistrats passe publictlie from pulpit, in their absence or presence
respective *—“A. For all publict vices against the first and
secund Table of the Law of God, and that in all congregations,
hecaus all have interest in their king and superiour magistrats.
Therefore, all sould know their danger, and be moved to pray for
them.
“Q. 9. Is the applicatioun of doctrine in pulpits lawfull, which
is founded upon informations, brutes, and rumors, suspicious con-
ditiouns, “if this be, and that be, probabiliteis, likenesse, or unlike-
messe in things to come in civill maters; which all may be false,
and consequentlie the doctrine following therupon : or sould all
applicatioun be upon the veritie of knowne and notorious vices P-
“A. There is no bruted vice or corruption but may fall in the
person and offices of men, and commounlie the same is muche
worse nor the brute. Therefore, though this were, there were no
great perrell of one speeking truthe therin, albeit there nather has
beene nor is anie applicatioun used, but against over notorious
veritie of vices.
“Q. 10. Is the text which is read in the pulpit the ground
wherupon all the doctrine sould be builded; or may all things be
spokin upon all texts, so that the reading therof is but a cere-
588 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
monie P-" A. The Apostle to Timothie, Epist. 2, cap. iii. answeres
cleerelie that there is no Scripture which is not so rightlie inspired
by God, that it is profitable for doctrine, refutatioun, correctioun,
admonitioun, yea, even to make the man of God perfyte for all good
works: And to the Romans, Whatever is writtin is for instructioun
and consolatioun. So this is but an ignorant and ceremonious
questioun,
“Q. 11. May a simple pastor exercise anie jurisdictioun with-
out consent of the most part of his particular session ?”—“A. He
may, with consent of the best part, which commounlie is not the
most. For he, being the messinger of God, and interpreter of his
Word, has more authoritie with a few, nor a great multitude in the
COntrare.
“Q, 12. Is not his sessioun judge to his doctrine *—“A. The
Word of God, and exponers therof, the pastors and doctors, are
onlie judge of his doctrine: The spirit of the propheits is subject
to the propheits, 1 Cor. xiv.
“ Q. 13. Sould not the moderator of the sessioun be chosin
yeerelie, of anie who has vote therin P’—“A. The cheefe burthein
of moderatioun over the whole flocke lyes on the pastor or pastors;
and becaus of the message, gift, office, and commission by the
Word, which he beares, the elders and deacons must be mode-
rated by him also.
“Q. 14. May the session be lawfullie elected by ministers onlie,
but the consent of the whole congregation?”—“A. Not; for the
ministers direct and moderat the electioun by the Word, and the
congregatioun obeyeth and giveth their consent thereto.
“ Q. 15. Why sould not elders and deacons of ilk particular
session be elected ad vitam *—“A. They are elected ad vitam’
except just causes of deprivatioun interveene. But becaus the
kirk-living is so sacrilegeouslie spoyled which sould susteane them,
they may not everie yeere leave their occupatiouns, and attend on
that office. And, therefore, of a number lawfullie elected suc-
cessivelie, some releeve other, yitt all abide kirk officers. And this
is of necessitie, till the kirk gett her owne living.
1597. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND, 589
“ Q. 16. How manie presbytereis are meete to be in the whole
countrie; in what places; and how manie pastors of kirks in ilk
presbyterie P'_* A. Plant the countrie weill with kirks out
through, and the kirks with pastors and doctors, and this questioun
will be soone solved. But if this forme of doing hold on, there will
be fewer er they be moe.
“Q. 17. Sould not the elders and deacons of ilk particular ses-
sioun have vote in the presbytereis, or the pastors onlie P’—“A.
Elders also, having commission from their session, in maters of
maners; lyke as also deacons, in the poore's effaires, and patrimonie
of the kirk.
“Q. 18. What are the maters of the jurisdiction of the presby-
terie, which may not be treatted in particular sessions?”—“A.
The Booke of the Policie of the Kirk of Scotland sett doun by the
Generall Assemblie, and the first act of the parliament holdin at
Edinburgh, anno 1592, answereth heereto sufficientlie, and to manie
of all thir questiouns; and, therefore, would never have beene pro-
pouned, if the old affection had remained toward the kirk.
“Q. 19. What forme of processe in libelling and citatioun,
termes and dyett, probatioun and pronouncing of the sentence,
sould be used, before the said particular session and presbytereis
respective?”—“A. Echo, forme, summar, equitable, grave, and
spirituall, as best may serve for the end of their dealing to winne
soules from Satan, and his snares of sinne, to God, by true repent-
ance, and purging and preserving of the kirk from slander, and
danger of corrupt and pernicious members respective.
“Q. 20. What maters sould the synod treat upon, which may
not be decided by presbytereis?”—“A. The answere to the
eighteenth answeres to this.
“Q. 21. Sould not all who have vote in the presbytereis, and
als in the particular sessiouns, have vote in the synodall assem-
bleis P’—“A. The pastors, doctors, and Suche as have commissioun
from particular sessiouns of congregations, have vote, except in
maters of doctrine, wherin onlie they that labour in the Word may
vote and judge.
590 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
“Q. 22. Sould everie universitie, or everie colledge, or everie
maister or regent within everie colledge, have vote in the presbytereis
or synodall, in the touns or countreis where they are ; and, siclyke,
what forme of vote sould they have in the Generall Assemblie?”—
“A. Doctors and Professors of Theologie, and ordinar instructers
of the youth in the grounds of religion, sould vote. The first, be-
caus they are ordinar office-bearers within the kirk; the secund,
being lawfullie called to be sympresbyters.
“Q. 23. Is it leasome to convocat the Generall Assemblie by his
Majestie's license, he being pius et Christianus magistratus 2°–“A.
If he be pius et Christianus, he will alwayes allow and protect the
assembleis of the office-bearers of the kirk for governing the same,
who have their offices and warrant of conveening, for discharge
therof, not of anie earthlie or mortall king, but of Christ Jesus,
whom the Father has anointed King on his holie mountaine; and,
therefore, may conveene in his name, and sould, whensoever they see
the weale of the kirk, and doing of their office, to require the same.
“Q. 24. Is it necessar that the Generall Assemblie be ordinar,
or onlie extraordinarilie conveened, for weightie causes concerning
the weale of the kirk?”—“A. The necessitie has beene, is now, and
yitt like to be, in this land so great, that both the one and the other
is needfull; the ordinar, for the ordinar causes conteaned in the
Booke of Discipline; the extraordinar, for preventing of dangers,
et pro re nata.
“Q. 25. Have not all men of good learning and religioun vote in
the Generall Assemblie P-4* A. None may vote but suche as have
lawfull calling, viz., commissioners from synods and presbytereis.
Yitt all the godlie and faithfull men may assist, heare, or speeke, in a
grave, orderlie, and comelie maner, with leave asked and givin by
the Moderator.
“Q. 26. Isilk particular pastor obliged to repaire to the Gene-
rall Assemblie ; or is it sufficient that onlie commissioners come
from ilk particular sessioun, presbyterie, or synod P’—“A. Com-
missioners are sufficient for voting; but the whole faithfull, for as-
sistance, if they please, and need be.
1597. OF THE RIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 591
“Q. 27. Who sould choose the commissioners to come from ilk
shyre to vote in the Generall Assemblie P-4 A. The Provinciall
Synods.
“Q. 28. What is the number of voters necessar to the lawful-
nesse of the Generall Assemblie; and how manie of the whole
number sould be pastors, and how manie other men?”—“A. A
certane of everie province, and fewer or more, as the maters to be
treatted of crave.
“Q. 29. May anie thing be acted in the Assemblie to which his
Majestie consenteth not?”—“A. The king sould consent to, and
by his lawes approve, all that by the Word of God’s Majestie is
concluded in his Assembleis; but the acts therof have sufficient
authoritie from Christ, who has promised, that whatsoever two or
three conveened in his name sall agree upon in earth, to be rati-
fied in the heavens; the like wherof no king nor prince has. And
so the acts and constitutions of the kirk are of greater authoritie
nor anie king earthlie can give; yea, even suche as sould command
and over rule kings, whose greatest honour is to be members,
nourish-fathers, and servants of the King, Christ Jesus, and his
Spouse and Queene, the Kirk.
“Q. 30. Is it not expedient that the two part of them who have
jus suffragić sould consent to anie thing decerned in ecclesiasti-
call judgement, that maters passe not by a vote more or lesse P’—
“A. We have to thanke God alwayes for that spirit of unitie in
judgement, which hath accompanied our Assembleis to this houre,
in suche sort, that nothing of importance ever past till all were
fullie resolved, and in one voice voted therunto, namelie, in the
whole points of the discipline. God grant that thir questiouns and
court dealing breed not contradictioun.
“Q. 31. Has not ilk judgement inferiour to the Generall Assem-
blie, a territour limited, outwith the which they have no power of
citatioun or jurisdictioun ?”—“A. They have, but in suche sort,
that if other persons committ slanderous crymes within their bounds,
they may proceed against them there, untill they satisfie and re-
move the slander from the part they have committed the crymes
592 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1597.
into ; and where citatioun is requisite, the Assemblie within whose
bounds the person is resident cites him, and causes him to com-
peere; but, contra hostem communem et publicum, it is lawfull to anie
member to deale.
“Q. 32. What is the ordinar ecclesiasticall judgement to the dis-
cipline of his Majestie's houshold and counsell, removable with his
Majestie to anie part of the realme *—“A. The sessioun of his
Majestie's hous and presbyterie within the bounds where his Ma-
jestie makes residence for the tyme ; or the presbyterie within
which the slander is, or was committed, pro ratione delecti.
“Q. 33. Sould there be libelled precepts conteaning the caus of
the citatioun, and certificatioun of the censures, before all ecclesias-
ticall judgements; or onlie to answere, super inquirendis 2°–% A.
They that are cited by ecclesiasticall judgements are cited com-
mounlie for a delated or arissin commoun slander, ather by word or
writt; but oftest by word, partlie for shortnesse of processe, part-
lie for want of the kirk-living to susteane a clerk, with certifica-
tioun as effeirs, as the caus and salus ecclesiæ aut persona sall re-
quire.
“Q. 34. Has the inferiour judgement power to summoun to com-
peere before anie Superiour judgement; or sould men be summoun-
cd onlie by authoritie of that judgement before which they sould
compeere *-* A. Great slanders, where with inferiour judgements
can not weill take order, will be referred to the superiour or greater
judgements, and the persons guiltie charged to answere there, as
having a warrant so to doe in Suche causes from the superior as-
semblie.
“Q. 35. Is it not necessar that privat admonitions, with rea-
sonable intervalls of tyme passe, before all maner of citations P-
“A. Where the slander is become publict, the place of privat admo-
nitioun is past; and no citatioun before a publict judgement, before
the slander break out. So the questioun is answered negative.
“Q. 36. What intervalls of tyme are necessar betuixt everie pri-
vat admonitioun ; and between the last admonitioun and the first
citatioun ; and betuixt the citatioun and day of compeerance before
1597. OF THE KHièK OF SCO'TLAN ID. 593
everie one of the said judgements P-4 A. The officers of Christ's
kingdom are men of wisdom, and equitable discretioun, occupyed in
maters of cheefe importance concerning the glorie of God and
salvation of his people; and, therefore, sould not be impeshed with
trifling questiouns.
“Q. 37. How manie citatiouns sould inferre contumacie P’—“A.
One may inferre contumacie. But the kirk, unlesse there be pub-
lict danger, useth pluralitie both of publict and personall, as best
may serve for winning of the offender. The law sayeth, ‘Uma
citatio contumaciam inducere potest, sº scientia citationis apprehenderit
citatum ; atque ita comperiatur maliciose latitare. Haec una pro omni-
bus dicitur.’
“Q. 38. Is simple contumacie but probation of a cryme, or is
anie cryme but contumacie sufficient caus of exeommunication ?”—
“A. Conjunctlio and severallie. For the cryme may be so haynous,
that for purging of the kirk, and moving of the person to a greater
humiliatioun, he may be excommunicated, howbeit obedient, in
short tymes, outward appearance; and being called for before the
kirk, if he compeere not, nather show a just caus why, he bewrayes
a pride and corruptioun of heart, testifeing him not to regard the
kirk, or have anie societie therewith. And so worthilie to be de-
clared, and publictlie to be signified, suche a one as he is indeid.
“Q. 39. Are there not diverse kindes of censures, suche as pro-
hibitio privati convictus interdictio a caena, not published to the people,
and last of all, publica traditio Satana 3’—“A. We have in com-
moun use of our kirk, as was in the ancient, but two, Abstentos a
coma, et excommunicatos. As for the rest of the sorts, looke our
theologues' commoun places, and our answere to the Bishop of St
Andrewes' appellation.
« Q. 40. Sould the presbytereis be judges of all things that im-
port slander; and if so be, wherof are they not judges?”—“A. The
presbytereis sould preasse to purge their bounds from all slander, and
separat everie Soule from their slanderous knowne sinne, least it
slay him, and his blood be craved at their hands. And as Martyr
sayes, ‘Nihil est quod Dei verbum se non extendat, ac proinde, cem-
WOL. W. 2 P
59.4 CALDERWOOD'S IIISTORIE 1597.
surge ecclesiastica.’ And yitt, in the meane tyme, it nather consi-
dereth nor tuicheth that which the civill magistrat doeth, nor for
that end. Wide supra, in Mr Andrew Melvill's letter writtin to the
Rirks of Geneva and Tigurine.
“Q. 41. Can excommunicatioun be used against murtherers,
theeves, usurers, or not payers of their debts? And if so it may
be, why are not all the border and Hieland theeves cursed; as als
the manswearing merchants and ockerers' among the burrowes P’
—“A. It can verie weill; but if the magistrat doe his duetie, it needs
not, and if the Hieland and border kirks were planted, there would
be lesse thiſt. Also, suche merchants are cursed indeid, and bryb-
ing Lords of Sessioun too.”
“Q. 42. Is there anie appellatioun from the inferiour to the supe-
riour judgement; and is not the sentence suspended during the
appellatioun ?”—“A. There is appellatioun from the inferiour
judgement to the Superiour upon just causes, ay and whill it come
to the supreme, which is the Generall Assemblie, from which there
is none. And as to the sentence, if the appellatioun be admitted,
it is suspended for just and reasonable causes; if not admitted, but
justlie repelled, not.
“Q. 43. Sould not all processes and acts be extracted to parteis
having interest?”—“A. Inforopoli this may be or not, as the judges
see best to be for the honour of God, weale of the kirk, and saving
of the person from the danger of his sinne. And Seing the ecclesias-
ticall judgements are not astricted alwayes to a writtin processe,
for diverse reasons, they can not be bound to give an extract in
writt alwayes.
“Q. 44. Is summar excommunicatigun lawfull in anie cace, but
admonitions and citations preceeding *—“A. In some caces it is,
suche as of Bothwell, Spott, and the Popish erles; and wants not
good warrants of reason and Scripture, with exemples of the primi-
tive kirk.
“Q. 45. Have anie other nor the pastors of the kirk vote in ex-
! Usurers.
2 They meant of Mr Johne Lindsey.—Note in the original.
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 595
communicatioun ?”—“A. Doctors that interprete the Word, and
elders that watche over maners, have vote also ; howbeit, cheefelie
that censure is deduced, directed, and executed by the pastors,
the ordinarie ministers of the Word of Wisdom, Xoyoy goſpto.g.
“Q. 46. Has everie ecclesiasticall judgement alike power to ex-
communicat?”—“A. Everie ecclesiasticall judgement, weill consti-
tuted, has power to excommunicat within their bounds; howbeit,
in respect of the weightinesse of that censure, it is thought good
that the sessions proceed not without advice of their presbyterie.
“Q. 47. Is it lawfull to excommunicat suche Papists as pro-
fessed never our religioun ?”—“A. A Papist resident within our
bowells, esteemed of our communioun, and under shadow therof,
endangering the kirk, may, by excommunicatioun, be discovered,
and made knowne for suche a one as he is.
“Q. 48. A woman being excommunicated, having a faithfull
husband, therafter sould he absteane from her companie P”—
“A. Excommunicatioun cutteth not off the duteis of mariage nor
nature, so they be used but danger of the kirk, offence of the
godlie, and stay of the medicine applyed, which is to move the
person to be ashamed of his defeasted estat, and to seeke to be re-
leeved therefra.
“Q. 49. Is it not reasonable, that before anie letters of horning
be granted by the sessioun upon the processe of excommunicatioun,
that the partie sould be summouned to heare them granted P”—
“A. The order prescribed heeranent in the act of parliament is
good and reasonable. As to the summouning, it can serve for
none other end but to make the sessioun judge in the processe.
“Q. 50. Has not a Christian king power to annull a notorious
unjust sentence of excommunication ?”—“A. No more nor to ex-
communicat, or the kirk has to annull a notorious unjust sentence
of horning or forfaultrie.
“Q. 51. May anie counsell or universitie be excommunicated 2
for what caus? whom by ? and maner therofº”—“A. Some coun-
sell or universitie may be, viz., wherof everie member, or indivi-
duum, and person, is slanderous, for Suche crymes as, by the Word
596 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
of God, deserve excommunicatioun. And this sould be done by
their ordinarie judgement ecclesiasticall, in maner sett doun, con-
forme to the Word of God.
“Q. 52. When the pastors doe not their duetie, or when one
jurisdictioun usurpes above another, or anie other schisme falleth
out, sould not a Christian king mend suche disorder?”—“4. A
Christian king sould employ his authoritie for mending all dis-
orders, as the pastors and doctors of the kirk declare by God's
Word, are to be amended ordinarilie; and extraordinarilie, by an
extraordinar warrant. But no king nor prince sould take upon
hand mending nor reformatioun, but with the advice of the watche-
men, and at the sight of the seers, who have the gift and calling to
take up the just causes, conforme to the Word of God.
“Q. 53. May fasts, for generall causes, be proclamed by a Chris-
tian prince's command *—“A. By advice of the watchemen, and
at the sight of the seers, who have the gift and calling to espie the
just causes of humiliatioun by the Word of God, they may.
“Q. 54. May anie ecclesiasticall judgement compell a man to
sweare in suam turpitudinem 2°—“A. A man slandered in causa
turpi, if witnesse can not be gottin, and weightie presumptions and
motives being, confirming the suspicioun of the slander, the slander
can not be removed, the kirk satisfied, nor the person purged, but
by the oath of the Lord interpouncid, which, by the Word of God,
determines all doubts and controverseis.
“Q. 55. Sould there anie thing be treatted in the ecclesiasticall
judgement, prejudiciall to the civill jurisdictioun, or privat men's
rights; and may not the civill magistrat lawfullie stay all suche
proceedings?”—“A. None of them sould prejudge another, but
both sould judge as brethrein, for the mutuall helpe and confort,
according to the diversitie of the gifts and calling bestowed upon
them by God, and settº doun in his Word, whereby all men's law-
full rights sall be helped, and none have occasioun to stay, but
both to further and advance other mutuallie.”
These questiouns, penned by Mr Johne Lindsay, Secretar, tended
to the overthrow of the cstablished discipline. And, therefore, not
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 597
onlie the Synodall of Fife, but also particular brethrein of the mi-
mistrie, being carefull to mainteane the discipline established, wherof
the Kirk of Scotland had found so great fruict, sett hand to pen,
and made answers to the foresaid questions; and among the rest,
Mr Patrik Galloway, who would seeme somewhat in these dayes,
made the answere following:—
AN ANSWERE TO THE QUESTIONS.
“1. They may.
“2. Orders ecclesiasticall, for order and comelinesse, sould be
made by pastors, and authorized by princes.
“3. The approbation of pastors perteans to the flocke, and pre-
sentation to the presbyterie.
“4. The weale and profite of the kirk is the onlie caus of trans-
portation.
“5. Application sould serve to edifie his owne flocke, furnished
by exemples of judgement and mercie, practised in all ages and
natiouns.
“6. The ceremonie is indifferent, if the apostolick dueteis of or-
dinatioun be weill observed and followed.
“7. If the sinnes be publict and offensive, they sould be pub-
lictlie rebooked.
“8. For notorious vices and incorrigible, but wiselie and spair-
inglie.
“9. Suche applicatioun is allowable, which ariseth of the Scrip-
ture, being rightlie expouned, and wherof the pastor challenged
may give a warrant."
“10. Not all things may be gathered on all texts.
“11. Nocht.
“12. Nocht.
“13. No, but of pastors and preaching elders.
“14. Nocht.
“15. They serve per vices, and to helpe one another yeerelie;
but none is deposed except for a cryme.
598 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1597.
“16. The Booke of the Generall Assembleis telleth.
“17. Pastors onlie.
“18. It is defyned in the Booke of Discipline.
“19. The Booke of Discipline resolves this.
“20. The Booke of Discipline resolves this.
“21. Yes, if they come with commissioun.
“22. Yes, if they be chosin elders, or sent commissioners to As-
sembleis.
“23. His consent may be heard, and sould be.
“24. Once in the yeere ordinarilie; and extraordinarilie, pro re
7tata.
“25. None but commissioners.
“26. None sould come without commissioun.
“27. The Synodall Assemblie.
“28. Melior pars et sanior.
“29. If they be lawfullie acted, his Majestie sould not onlie con-
sent, but authorize, and make them to be obeyed.
“30. Vota sunt ponderanda, et non numeranda.
“ 31. Yes.
“32. Pro ratione delicti, they sould answere to everie presby-
terie where it is committed, but ordinarilie to that where their re-
sidence is.
“33. The caus sould be expressed.
“34. By the authoritie of that judgement before whom they
sould compeere.
“35. Not, if the cryme be publict.
“36. According to the sitting and meeting of everie Assemblie.
“37. The prince sould not suffer controversie in his kingdom.
“38. Contumacie would be remedeid by the prince and his au-
thoritie,
“39. There is prohibitio a cana by command of the sessioun.
“40. The Booke of Discipline resolves this.
“41. Lett his Majestie doe his duetie heerin, and when they
are going to execution, lett the pastors preache repentance to them.
“42. Yes.
1597. OF THE KIRIS OF SCOTLAND. 599
“43. Good reason upon the reasonable expences.
“44. This is to be reasouned.
“45. None.
“46. No session, but presbytereis, Synodall and Generall As-
sembleis.
“47. If they have their residence in their bosome.
“48. Excommunication breakes no naturall duetie betuixt the
prince and subject, man and wife.
“49. The lawes of the countrie have defyned this.
“50. Yes, but mediatlie, in a weill constituted kirk.
“51. Nocht.
“52. Yes, mediatlie and ordinarilie in a weill constituted kirk,
and extraordinarilie when it is confused.
“53. Yes, with it.
“54. He may sweare to honour God in telling the truthe, and
cleering himself if he have an accuser.
“ 55. Nocht.”
ANSWERES OF ANOTHER BROTHER TO TIII, KING's MAJESTIE’s
QUESTIONS.
“1. Maters of religioun, and cheefe articles of faith, may be dis-
puted, salua ſide et religione ; how muche more, then, may maters
of externall policie of the kirk, if so be that men would deale with
modestie and thirst of edificatioun ?
“2. The word easternall would be explicated, for Christ being
Maister of his owne hous, has sett doun the rules of the re-
giment of his owne hous and houshold familie; which may no
more be altered, than Moses might have altered the forme of the ta-
bernacle sett doun to him, (Exod. xxv. 40.)
“3. This word Patron, and Presentation of Patronages, est hu-
manum institutum ; and has no warrant ea jure divino, and there-
ſore imports no necessitie of consent. As to the consent of the
people, no man will deny but it is necessar to be had, (Acts i. 43.)
“4. The governours of the kirk have to foresee where men
(300 CALDERWOOD'S IIISTORIE 1597.
may best profite the kirk; plant and transport ad majorem a difica-
tionem.
“5. The whole world is not the particular flocke of a minister;
and yitt may everie minister in his doctrine exhort, admonishe, re-
prove, and, if St Paul may be trowed in this subject, both in sea-
Soun and out of seasoun. The propheits of Israel denounced the
judgements of God against Babylon, Ninive, Tyrus, Sidon, and all
the profane people that persecuted the kirk, and disobeyed God.
“6. The admissioun of the kirk serves for impositioun of hands.
“7. Thir words, “Notoriouslie declared vices,’ are verie ambi-
guous, and would have some better explicatioun of their meaning.
But if St Johne might say to the Scribes and Pharisees, who were
in great estimatioun among the people at that present, “Genera-
tion of vipers, who hath taught you to flee from the wrath to come?'
and to Herod, ‘It is not lawfull for thee to have thy brother's
wife;’ to Christ, to call Herod a foxe; Jeremie, the princes of Is-
rael, “kyne of Basan,’ and infinit suche other exemples, it appeares
not onlie to be lawfull, but also necessar. God has, without ex-
ceptioun of persons, arraigned all men under the law, and exeemed
none from admonitiouns and correctiouns; and admonisheth everie
brother meekelie, more a pastor, to be carefull to draw by verie
force the wicked, whose wickednesse is burning up and consuming
him to destructioun, (Jude 22, 23.)
“8. For all vices whereby God is dishonoured, and wherein men
persist without repentance.
“9. Quaestio per forte solvitur, per forte non. If St Paul may be
trowed, all appearance sould be eshewed; and whatever is defended
to be done, may be reproved upon appearance to be done.
“10. The Word is the foundatioun wherupon the doctrine is
builded, and all things cannot be builded upon a particular text:
yitt the discreit builder, having invocated the great Maister Builder
for his instructing to build, may build both gold and silver, as
circumstances of tyme, place, and maner sall require, howbeit the
world thinke it but straw and stubble.
“11. What is meaned by a simple pastor, I wote not : but if it
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 601
be, as I take it, a pastor alone, he may exercise all the power of his
calling, in teaching, ministring the sacraments, rebooking, casting
doun and raising up, by himself alone, and the ecclesiasticall policie,
by sessioun of the kirk.
“12. Blind men sould not judge colours. Paul Sayes, that the
elder that is occupyed in the Word is worthie of double honour;
signifeing, that all elders cannot teache. If then unapt to teache,
unapt to judge of doctrine. And farther, he sayes, ‘The spirit of
the propheits is subject to the propheits, (1 Cor. xiv. 32.)
“13. Alexander Lawson held opinioun, that he sould not ryde
that cannot ryde. Manie will have vote that cannot moderat.
“14. The ministers choose not the sessioun but by consent of
the people; et qui non contradicit, consentit.
“15. Becaus of the unsatiable greedinesse of great men that take
up the patrimonie of the kirk, that skarselie can the few ministers
that are planted be susteamed unbegging, lett be to susteane elders
and deacons, the lamentable spectacle of so manie unplanted kirks,
whereby people are no better nor Turkes, whose blood cryes for
vengeance upon that sacriledge, sall some day make them cry,
‘Woe with the tyme that ever we possessed that patrimonie l'
“16. Moe than can be gottin planted for sacriledge; for if all
were planted, the kirk might easilie sett doun the divisioun.
“17. The pastors onlie; for the elders voting passeth not out of
their owne particular sessiouns.
“18. Things that are hard for particular kirks are consulted with
in presbytereis : that are hard for presbytereis in synodall assem-
bleis: hard for synodalls to Generall. Lyke as the king's Majestie
will have his ordinar counsell and convention of estats, and last of
all his great parliament.
“19. Als summar as may be, for ease of the people, after the
forme of the primitive kirk, wherin, I doubt not, but as God calleth
men to beare office in his hous, he will also give them wisdome to
doe it featliest and fruictfullest.
“20. Referre the answere heerof to the 18 and 19 questiouns.
“21. Referres to the answere of the 17 questioun.
G02 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1597.
“22. If the youth in the schooles be the seminarie of the Word,
it appeares their teachers sould have vote in the Assembleis, being
called thereto, cheefelie these maisters that are teachers in Divinitie.
As to the forme of their vote, I wote not what is meaned by the
forme, Seing all voters have one forme of voting.
“23. It is leasome, and established by act of parliament, for that
were perrellous to restraine the libertie of it to the prince ; for
howbeit we have now a Christian prince, we cannot tell what his
successors will be, or how they will be affected, suppose they make
externall professioun of religioun.
“24. The Generall Assembleis may be both ordinar and extra-
ordinar, as sall seeme expedient to the governours of the kirk, for
the good regiment of the same.
“25. It is not learning that makes the voting, but the lawfull
calling to vote; for the king will have oft tymes wiser men without
nor within the counsell. And yitt it is the counsellers, what ever
they be, that resolve of counsell.
“26. Both are lawfull to be done, and the kirk resolves quid
expedit.
“27 and 28. The presbytereis of the shyre, eache one respective
within themselves, sall choose; and the discretion and wisdom of
the governours of the kirk will see to both, that is necessar and
expedient.
“29. God forbid that the vote or consent of one man sould pre-
vaile and preponderat the votes of the whole kirk
“30. The forme, order, and resolutioun accustomed to be re-
ceaved in former Assembleis and ecclesiasticall councells, sould be
used; for it is to be presupposed, where manie are gathered in the
name of God, that he will be among them by his Spirit, to sanctific
their doings, speciallie invocated to that end; and votes would
rather be collected by the authoritie of the voters nor number of
the votes; for it is oft seene, that major pars vincit meliorem, and is
suspected presentlie to be aimed at.
“31. Otherwise there sould be a great confusioun.
“32. Presbytereis or Synodall Assembleis, where his Majestie
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 603
sall have cheefe residence for the tyme of the event to be censured;
if so be, the eldership of his owne hous find it hard for them, or
that it fall not under their judicatour.
“33. The forme and order in summoning and deductioun of
processes, verball or by libell, assignatioun of dayes of compeerance,
and termes to answere continuatiouns, or other dyets, the discreit
session, presbyterie, Synodall or Generall Assembleis may use, as
the circumstance of the tyme and place, and weightinesse of the
caus, Sall minister occasioun.
“34. Remitted to the 33, with this additioun, If the caus be in
the first instance, it sould by the ordinar forme of that same judi-
catour : if at the secund instance, as a caus first heard in the pres-
byterie, and referred to the Synodall Assemblie, the partie may be
cited by that presbyterie to compeere before the Synodall; and so
of elderships to presbytereis, and of presbytereis to Synodalls, and
of Synodalls to Generall Assembleis.
“35. Tryell, and citatioun to tryell, must necessarilie passe be-
fore all admonitiouns.
“36 and 37. The discretioun of judges will consider the qualitie
of the offence, the person of the offender, place of his residence,
and other circumstances, pro re nata.
“38. Pride did cast Lucifer out of heaven, and there can be no
greater caus of excommunicatioun than a proud contumacious heart,
that will not heare God’s voice in his kirk; and no cryme incurres
the censure of excommunicatioun but contumacie. The bosome of
the kirk is alwayes opin to repenting sinners, and obedience purgeth
contumacie.
“39. Of thir three, the first is the civill magistrats, wherin,
alas ! that they were this day solicite, and said with David, ‘The
zeale of thy hous hath eatin me up ; and in another place, ‘With
an unfained hatred have I hated them that hate thee; wherin if
they were thus solicite, the kirk would not be so muche troubled
with the other two perteaning to them as they are this day.
“40. If the kirk be not judges of slander, they have no judi-
604 CALDERWOOD'S IIISTORIE 1597.
catour at all; and to affirme they have none, I affirme to be blas-
phemie.
“41. The end of excommunicatioun is not to destroy, but to
winne and bring them to Christ, for saving of soules in the day of
his appearing. Therefore, who ever of what estat, ranke, or degree
so ever they be, that transgresse anie of the rules of the Decalogue,
and rebelliouslie persist therin, repugning against the voice of the
kirk, may be, ought, and sould be admonished and rebooked; and
if he conformenot himself to the voice of the kirk, excommunicated,
and givin to the devill.
“42. It is without all peradventure, that appellatiouns are and
sould be in the kirk; and a sentence givin must stand and have
executioun, till the lawfull superiour judge appealed to decerne the
contrare.
“43. Manie processes are summar and verball, and have no acts
but suche as are upon a libell, wherin judiciall acts ought to be ex-
tant to parteis having interesse.
“44. Seeke the resolutioun of this questioun at the conventioun
where Bothwell and Spott were summarlie excommunicated. But
for my self, for the present, non liquet.
“45. If pastors be tane for ministers, elders, and deacons, I say
no otherwise; if for ministers onlie, compting a minister alone, I
say, elders and deacons sould have vote with them.
“46. Though one be in greater reverence, or have greater ma-
jestie nor another, by occasioun of grave and learned men, yitt is
jurisdictioun and authoritie in all alyke ; and one eldership is not
subalternat to another, nather is presbyterie or synodall to another.
“47. This is resolved in a Generall Assemblie, affirming it to be
leasome.
“48. Sanct Paul and Peter resolve this questioun, saying, it is
not leasome if the unbeleeving woman list to remaine with him, for
the beleeving and obedient person sanctifies the unbeleeving and
disobedient, (1 Cor. vii. 14; 1 Pet. iii.) If, then, they may not
sivver for unbeleefe, muche lesse for excommunicatioun.
1597. OF THIE EXII&R OF SCOTLAND. 605
“49. It is both against reasoun and the act of parliament, but
letters sould be granted upon the sight of the sentence onlie.
“50. If he had power to annull the sentence of excommunica-
tioun, he had power also to excommunicat ; for to annull the sen-
tence is more than to excommunicat. Nather may a king judge
of the notorietie of the unjustnesse of a sentence of excommunica-
tioun, more nor might Uzzah handle the arke, or Uzziah offer
sacrifice in the temple. And if kings will presume to that judica-
tour, lett them looke for the like rewaird.
“51. A counsell or universitie committing crymes that deserve
excommunicatioun, and persisting rebelliouslie therin, against the
kirk's admonitiouns, may be excommunicated, even after the same
order and forme of particular men. *
“52. Schismes, als weill as errours and hereseis in the kirk, or
usurping priviledges one above another, are properlie judged and
cognosced by the kirk; and if anie be refractorie, the king may and
sould punish.
“ 53. No doubt he may, and we pray God he were solicite to
doe it. And yitt is this libertie not so his, that the kirk may not
doe it.
“54. Not, except it be in maters of religioun and faith. And
this custome is keeped this day in the kirk.
“55. This questioun is verie obscure in thir words, “Prejudiciall
to the civill jurisdiction and privat men's rights,' that hardlie can
the right sense of the questioun be tane up ; for the kirk medleth
not with the cognoscing of anie man's right, but with God's right
in man’s obedience to him. The civill judicatour has the owne
subject, judges, forme, and end, and not to be usurped by ecclesi-
asticall: as also, the ecclesiasticall theirs, which may no way be
usurped nor troubled by the civill; nather may one of them en-
croache themselves upon other's bounds. If this questioun were
cleere in the meaning, there might be muche more spokin in this
subject.”
I have thought good to sett doun these answeres, howbeit they
be but onlie the answeres of a synod, and some particular per-
606 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
sons, and not of the Generall Assemblie, becaus they were not all
discussed in the Generall Assemblie at anie tyme, as was intended,
but onlie some few selected and agitated in the meeting holdin at
Perth, in Februar following.
THE MEETING AT PERTEI ALLOWED TO BE AN EXTRAORDINAR
ASSEMBLIE.
The brethrein of the ministrie conveened at Perth the last of
Februar, according to the king's appointment. The ministers of
the North conveened in suche numbers as were not wount to be
seene at anie tyme before, and everie one of them great courteours.
Ministers were seene lett in at night, and betymes in the morning.
Sir Patrik Murrey, brother to the Laird of Balvaird, the diligent
Apostle of the North, made all the northland ministers acquaintance
with the king. In end, beganne they forsuith to looke big on the
mater, and found fault with the ministers of the South, and the
Pops of Edinburgh, that they had not handled maters weill, and
almost losed the king. The sincerer sort of the ministrie was
greeved at the heart at suche speeches, and followed the directioun
of their instructiouns both privatlie and publictlie, in suche sort,
that the holding of an Assemblie was putt off for three dayes. At
last, Mr James Nicolsone was brought in to the king by Sir Patrik
Murrey, and conferred with him till midnight. When he came to
his bed, he told his bed-fellow, Mr James Melvill, what long con-
ference he had with the king; how the king's speeches were mixed
with threats and flatterie. “I perceave,” said he, “the king will
not faile to wracke himself and the kirk both, unlesse our maters
be better looked unto, and that we yeeld so farre as we may of con-
science, rather than that we lose all.” Mr James Melvill perceav-
ing him to be farre changed, answered, he could see no better re-
solutioun, than as they had done in former straits, to seeke God by
prayer, and discharge their dueteis faithfullie, leaving the event to
God, to whom the caus belongeth. As for himself, he sould never,
by the grace of God, yeeld to anie thing which was contrare to that
1597. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 607
wherof we had sufficient warrant in God's Word, and so long
possessioun, with suche confortable fruict. For to passe at suche
a tyme as this from the least point would shake us loose, disarme
us of the trust we have in the equitie of our caus, and unitie, where-
by we have stood so strong to that houre. Sir Patrik Murrey was
sent the day following, to command all that were sent to this meet-
ing, to resolve ather to hold an Assemblie or not. The questioun
being propouned, Mr Peter Blekburne tooke the defence of the
affirmative, being indeid of that minde ; Mr James Melvill of the
negative. The brethrein inclynned to Mr James Melvill's opinioun.
But Mr James Nicolsone suppleing the wants of the other rea-
souner with some perswasive speeches, and the king joyning his
authoritie, a great number yeelded. When the mater was putt in
voting, the ministers of Angus and the North Sweyed muche.
Eight presbytereis refused to allow that meeting for an Assemblie:
ellevin approved it, under the name of EXTRAORDINAR. The com-
missioners of the presbytereis of Fife made a plaine protestatioun
of their disassenting from all that forme of proceeding, and whatso-
ever sould be done in that pretended Assemblie. Mr James Mel-
vill, fearing a dangerous course of defectioun, not without caus, and
understanding that diverse were directed from the king to deale
with him, and bring him to him, withdrew himself secreitlie. Mr
Andrew Melvill was absent, becaus the choice of the rector of the
Universitie of St Andrewes fell furth at that tyme. It appeareth
that this tyme was appointed purposelie for this meeting to eshew
him.
The day following, after it was concluded that this meeting of
the ministrie sould be holdin an extraordinar Generall Assemblie,
the king willed them to repaire to the place where he and his estats
were presentlie conveened, that they might conferre with them upon
some articles. At his desire, they resorted to the Counsel-hous.
After he had discoursed upon suche things as sould be propouned,
before they entered to reasouning, they protested in maner as fol-
loweth –
008 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1597.
A PROTFSTATION.
“Forasmuche as we are come hither to testifie to your Majestie
our obedience, and to heare what sall be propouned to us by your
Hienesse, in all reverence we protest, that this our meeting be not
esteemed, as though we made our selves an Assemblie with the
estats, or yitt doe submitt anie mater ecclesiastick, ather concern-
ing doctrine or discipline, to this judicatour. But after that we
have conferred and reasouned with your Majestie anent the articles
propouned to us, we must returne to the ordinar place of our As-
semblie, there to reasoun, vote, and resolve in all the points, ac-
cording to the Word of God and good conscience. And this our
protestatioun we most humblie desire may be admitted, and insert
in your Majestie's bookes of counsell, for eshewing of inconveniences
that heerafter may arise.”
THE PROCEEIDINGS OF THIS ASSEMBLIE.
The brethrein of the ministrie refused to putt anie of the heeds
of discipline in questioun and doubt. The king would needs have
reasouning, and made provocatioun. Mr Thomas Buchanan an-
swered, “We distrust not our caus, for want of reasons to solve
anie doubt, so they be propouned in a loving and weill-willing maner.
But we perceave, that the purpose is onlie to tosse our maters
heere a while, that therafter men of little skill and lesse conscience
may decerne in them as they please.” After diverse pertinent pro-
testatiouns, he entered in reasouning, and reasouned solidelie, and,
after his maner, sometimes sarcasticklie. He gave them their fill of
reasoning, and at that tyme acted the part of a faithfull man, how-
beit, afterward, he proved false eneugh, when he saw the king
headstrong in the course, and some hope of preferment. Their pro-
testatiouns were ratified by the king, and after long reasoning
upon the articles, they were dimitted. This their protestatioun
1597. OF TEIE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 609
and reasoning, is referred, in the register of the acts of the As-
semblie, to the fourth sessioun.
In the first sessioun, it is recorded that Mr Thomas Nicolsone,
advocat, was chosin clerk in place of Mr James Richie, which
is false; for he was not admitted till the Assemblie following, at
Aberdeen.
It is recorded in the secund sessioun, that Sir Johne Cocke-
burne of Ormistoun, knight, Justice-Clerk, and Mr Edward Bruce,
Commendatar of Kinlosse, were directed to the commissioners of
the presbytereis conveened in the kirk, to enquire of them, if they
be a lawfull Generall Assemblie, and have sufficient power of them-
selves to give answere, treate, and conclude, upon suche things as
were to be propouned, according to his Majestie's warrant and mis-
sive letter directed to them; and, after long reasoning, it was con-
cluded that it was a lawfull extraordinar Generall Assemblie, by
reason of the king's letter directed to the presbytereis and pro-
vinciall synods to that effect, and commissioun givin by the pres-
bytereis and provinciall synods; and that they were willing to heare
what his Majestie sould propone, and to treate, conclude, and give
answere, conforme to the commissiouns where with they were au-
thorised by the presbytereis and synods.
In the thrid sessioun, the king's commissioners proponed the
heeds and articles which were to be reasoned upon. Mr Johne
Monro, Mr Alexander Dowglas, Mr Peter Blekburne, Mr Johne
Strathauchane, Mr Alexander Forbesse, Mr James Nicolsone, Mr
Andrew Lamb, Mr Alexander Lindsay, Mr William Cowper, Mr
Thomas Buchanan, Mr James Melville, Mr Johne Spotswod, Mr
Adam Colt, Mr Thomas Torie, Mr Andrew Clayhills, Mr Johne
Knox, Mr James Brysone, Mr Patrik Scharpe, Mr Gawin Ham-
miltoun, Mr Alexander Scrimgeour, Mr David Barclay, were ap-
pointed to conferre upon the said articles, and to report their
overture and advice to the Assemblie.
In the fourth sessioun, the Assemblie was desired to repaire
to the place where the king and states were conveened, to con-
WOL. V. 2 Q
610 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
ferre upon the same articles; which they did after protestatioun,
as said is.
In the sixt sessioun, the answeres to the articles are sett doun,
but different from the answeres conceaved by the brethrein ap-
pointed to conferre and devise upon answeres, which were ap-
proved by the Assemblie, but after, through pretended haste, were
altered.
THE KING's ARTICLES.
“Since the quietnesse of the kirk, and freing the same of slan-
der, which upon the contrare effects would necessarilie follow, is
the cheefe butt and end wherat his Majestie shutteth, in the con-
veening and holding this present Assemblie; therefore, for eshewing
of fashedus and longsome disputatiouns, wherupon diverse uncome-
lie controverseis and debates might arise, his Majestie has thought
good to remitt the decisioun of a great number of the pretended
questiouns to a better opportunitie, to be reasonned in the meane
tyme by suche as sall be authorised by commissioun to that effect;
and for the present sall content himself with the decisioun of thir
few articles following, having made choice of none but suche as ne-
cessitie of tyme could not permitt to be delayed, without a greater
harme and slander to follow.
“1. That it be not thought unlawfull, nather to the prince nor
anie other of the pastors, at anie time heerafter, to move doubts,
reasoun, or crave reformatioun in anie points of the externall po-
licie and governement or discipline of the kirk, that are not espe-
ciallie concerning salvatioun, or are not answered affirmative vel ne-
gative by anie expresse part of the Scripture, providing it be done
decenter, in right tyme and place, animo dedificandi, non tentandi.
“2. That since the civill and publict governement of the countrie
belongeth allanerlie to the king's office and his counsellers, and is
no wise pertinent to the spirituall ministrie of the Word, that no
minister sall heerafter meddle with anie matters of estate in the
pulpit, or with anie of his Majestie's lawes, statutes, or ordinances;
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 611
but if anie of the ministrie sall think anie of them hurtfull to the
religioun, or contrarie to the Word, they sall privatlie compleane
therupon to the king, or his counsell.
“3. That it sall not be lawfull to the pastors to name anie par-
ticular men's names in the pulpit, or so vivelie to describe them, as
may be equivalent with their naming, except upon the notorietie
of a cryme; which notorietie must onlie be defynned by the guiltie
persons being fugitive for the tyme, or being fyled by an assise, or
excommunicated for the same.
“4. That everie minister, in his particular applicatioun, sall have
onlie respect to the edificatioun of his owne flocke and present au-
ditor, without expatiating upon other discourses no wise pertinent
for that congregatioun.
“5. That everie particular presbyterie sall be commanded to
take diligent compt of their pastor's doctrine, and that he keepe
himself within the bounds of the premisses.
“6. That summar excommunicatioun be alluterlie discharged as
inept ; and that three lawfull citations, at least of eight dayes' in-
tervall betuixt everie one of them, preceed the sentence.
“7. That no sessioun, presbyterie, nor synodall, use their cen-
sures upon anie but these that are resident within the bounds
committed to them, otherwise their decreits and sentences to be
null.
“8. That all summouns conteane a speciall caus and cryme, and
none super inquirendis to be summouned, quod est mere tyrannicum.
“ 9. That no meeting or conventioun be among the pastors
without his Majestie's knowledge and consent, excepting alwise the
ordinarie sessiouns, presbytereis, and synods.
“10. That in all the principall touns ministers be not chosin
without the consent of their owne flockes and of his Majestie, and
that order to beginne presentlie in the planting of Edinburgh.
“11. That all maters concerning the rest of his Majestie's
questiouns be suspended, unmedled with, ather in pulpit or anie
other judicatours, whill first all his Hienesse' questiouns be fullie
decided; and, in speciall, that all maters importing slander come
612 CAIDERWOOD’s HISTORIE * 1597.
not in before them in the meane tyme, wherin his Majestie's au-
thoritie royall is highlie prejudged, but onlie in causes that are
mere ecclesiastick.
“12. That seven or eight of discreit wise ministers be author-
ised by commissioun, to reason upon the rest of the questiouns, as
opportunitie of tyme sall serve.
“13. That they give commissioun to the ministrie of the North
to be at a point with Huntlie, and, incace he satisfie them, to ab-
solve him.”
ANSWERES TO THE ARTICLES BY THE BRETHREIN APPOINTED
ON THE CONFERENCE,
“1. The brethrein conveened give their advice in the first article,
that it is not expedient to make a law or act tuiching this, least a
doore sould be opened to curious and turbulent spirits; otherwise,
they thinke it lawfull to the king, by himself or his commissioners,
to propone in a Generall Assemblie whatsomever points he desireth
to be resolved of, or to be reformed, in specie eaſterni ordinis, seing
substantia eaſterna administrationis ecclesiasticae, is plenissime tradita
in sacris literis. And as the Generall Assemblie may accept of this
from the king, so may the Generall Assemblie doe anent anie thing
that is done by his Hienesse in anie conventioun, meeting, or as-
semblie, conveened by him heerafter.
“2. Their advice to the secund article is, that lawes alreadie
made, hurtfull to religioun, or prejudiciall to the libertie of the
Word, be declared to be expired, as the same sall be particularlie
condescended upon; and no law be made heerafter tuiching reli-
gioun, without advice and consent of the kirk, who are declared to
be the thrid estat of the countrie ; and that no act whatsomever be
made contrare to the Word, the preaching wherof the ministers
have concredited to them. Which if it sall fall out, as God for-
bid, they thinke that everie pastor, by advice of his presbyterie,
Synodall, or Generall Assemblie, sould first compleane and seeke
remedie of the same ; which remedie not being gottin, they sould
# 597. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 6.13
direct the force of the Word against the same, with all libertie.
And as concerning maters of estat, the brethrein desire the explain-
ing of this point of the article.
“3. No man's name sould be expressed to his rebooke in pulpit,
but where the fault is notorious publict; yitt they esteeme noto-
rietie must be defyned otherwise than by being fugitive, fylled by
assise, or excommunicated; for contumacie after citatioun, publict
commissioun of murther, adulterie, or suche lyke, as was Both-
well's comming to the Abbey, the murther of Dunnybrissell, and
manie other of that sort makes notorietie. As also, when the fact
is so evident, that the notorietie therof may be made out before the
judge ordinar. As to the vive descriptioun equivalent to the
naming, it is hard to sett a law thereto, Seing a guiltie person will
apply to himself, howbeit the preacher never thought on him.
“4. No pastor sould use applicatioun wherin he has not respect
to the edificatioun of his owne flocke, and the present auditor.
“5. It is the duetie of everie presbyterie to take a compt of
everie pastor's doctrine, that he keepe himself within the bounds of
the Word of God.
“6. In the Generall Assemblie holdin at Montrose, it was or-
deaned that everie presbyterie sould seeke out the warrants of
summar excommunication, pro et contra, and produce the same, to
be considered in the nixt Generall Assemblie, and that decisioun
might be taikin therin conforme to the Word of God. And seing
the commissioners from presbytereis at this present have not brought
with them the said reasouns, it is best to leave this mater to the
ordinar Generall Assemblie; in the meane tyme, the act of Mon-
trose to be keeped.
“7. The Generall Assemblie has appointed everie offender to be
censured in the place where he offendeth, which they cannot go by,
misè in causa communi.
“8. Fiat.
“9. This article is against the meeting of pastors necessar, as
visitatioun of kirks, admissioun of ministers, concurrence of breth-
rein in most lawfull earand, as in taiking up of feeds, resolving of
614 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
questiouns, and suche lyke. Therefore, beside their sessiouns, pres-
bytereis, and synods, provinciall and generall, the brethrein thinke
all meetings for discharge of their office ought to be allowed.
“10. This article is answered by an act of the Generall Assemblie,
which statuteth, that the principall touns sall be planted with mini-
sters, by advice of the Generall Assemblie, at the which his Hie-
nesse’ commissioners are and sould be present.
“11. This article importeth a discharge of manie points of our
discipline, so as it cannot be presentlie answered.”
They gave their advice by word to the 12 and 13 articles.
The answeres as they were altered, and are extant, registred in
this sixt sessioun, heere follow ;-
Sessioun 6.
“Tuiching the articles propouncid by his Majestie, to be resolved
and answered by the Generall Assemblie, the brethrein, after long
conference and mature deliberatioun, conclude and answere to the
same, in maner as after followeth :
“1. That it is lawfull to his Majestie, by himself or his
Hienesse’ commissioners, or to the pastors, to propone in a Gene-
rall Assemblie whatsomever point his Majestie or they desire to be
resolved, or to be reformed, in maters of externall governement,
alterable according to circumstances, providing it be done in right
tyme and place, animo adficandi, non tentandi.
“2. The Assemblie ordeans that no minister sall reprove his
Majestie's lawes, statuts, acts, and ordinances, untill the tyme that
first he, by advice of his presbyterie, synodall, or Generall
Assembleis, compleane and seeke remedie of the same from his
Majestie, and report his Majestie's answere before anie farther pro-
ceeding.
“3. No man's name sould be expressed to his rebooke in pul—
pit, except the fault be notorious and publict; which notorietie is
defynned, if the person be fugitive, convicted by an assise, excom-
municated, contumax, after citatioun or lawfull admonitioun ; nor
1597. . OF THE [IRR OF SCOTLAND. ($15
yitt sould amie man be described vivelie, by anie other circum-
stances except publict vices, alwayes damnable.
“4. The brethrein find that no persoun sould use applicatioun,
wherin he has not a cheefe respect to the edifeing of his owne flocke
and present auditors.
“5. The Assemblie ordeans everie presbyterie to take diligent
accompt of the pastor's doctrine, and that he keepe himself within
the bounds of the Word.
“6. The Assemblie superseeds to answere the sixt article till the
next Generall Assemblie ; and, in the meane tyme, suspendeth all
summar excommunicatioun whill the said Assemblie, -
“7. The seventh is likewise referred to the nixt Assemblie.
“8. Ordeans all summouns to conteane a speciall caus and
cryme, and that none be summouned super inquirendis.
“9. No conventiouns sould be among the pastors without his
Majestie's knowledge and consent, except alwise their sessions,
presbytereis, and synods, their meetings in visitatiouns of kirks, ad-
missioun and deprivatioun of ministers, taking up of feads, and
suche others as have not beene found fault with by his Majestie.
“10. In all principall touns ministers sould not be chosin with-
out the consent of their owne flocke and his Majestie.
“11. All maters concerning his Majestie's questiouns remanent
sall be suspended, not damned or rebooked, ather in pulpit or
others their judicatours, whill first all his Hienesse’ questiouns be
decided in the nixt Generall Assemblie ; and, in speciall, no maters
importing slander sall come in before them in the meane tyme,
wherin his Majestie's authoritie royall is highly prejudged, except-
ing onlie ecclesiasticall causes.
“12. The Assemblie hath chosin and appointed certane breth-
rein, with commissioun to treate upon the said questiouns, and re-
port their advice and opinioun to the nixt Generall Assemblie, re-
ferring the tyme and place of conveening to his Majestie. The
brethrein appointed to that effect, as followes : Mrs James
Nicolsone, Johne Caldeleuche, Andrew Clayhills, David Lindsey,
Thomas Buchanan, James Melvill, Robert Wilkie, William
616 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE - 1597.
Cowper, Johne Cowper, James Brysone, Robert Rollock, Patrik
Galloway, Johne Duncansone, Robert Howie.
COMMISSION TO TRY THE POPISH LORDS.
“13. The Assemblie giveth commissioun to the ministers of the
Presbyterie of Murrey and Aberdeene to insist in conference with
the Erle of Huntlie; and to that effect appointeth Mrs Andrew
Mylne, Andrew Lamb, Andrew Leitche, George Gladestanes, and
Johne Ramsay, to concurre and assist with them; and ordeans
them to report their answeres to the conditiouns and articles givin
them in commissioun for tryell of the said erles.”
TEIE ARTICLES FOR TRYING OF THE ERLE OF FIUNTLIE.
Sessioun 7.
“1. That the said erle, from the day of his compeerance before
the said commissioners, sall make his constant and ordinarie resi-
dence in Aberdeen, that he may be instructed, by hearing the
Word, and ordinarie conference, during the tyme appointed for the
Så IQ62.
“2. That he be weill informed with knowledge, to condescend
in the principall grounds of religioun affirmative, and the untruthe
of the errours contrare to the same ; and that he be able to give a
reason of his knowledge in some measure.
“3. That he be brought to a plaine acknowledging of the kirk
within this countrie, and professe himself adjoynned to the same, as
an obedient member therof; and be content to heare the Word,
participat the sacraments, and obey the discipline of the kirk, as
the same is presentlie avowed by the king's Majestie and estats.
“4. That he solemnelie promise, by word and writtin band, to
remove out of his companie, and whole bounds under his power,
Jesuits, preests, and excommunicated persons.
1597. OF THE RIRK OF SCOTLAND. 617
“5. That he agree to sweare and subscribe the Confessioun of
Faith in presence of the whole commissioners. -
“6. That he agree to satisfie in the kirk of Aberdeen, in most
humble maner, for his apostasie; and there renew the foresaid pro-
mises and bands in most solemne maner.
“7. Tuiching the slaughter of the Erle of Murrey, that he de-
clare his greefe and repentance for the same, and promise to make
an assithement to the partie, when the same may be convenientlie
accepted of; and utter his foresaid repentance and greefe therin,
at the tyme of his publict satisfactioun foresaid.
“8. Forasmuche as, by occasioun of service done to his Majestie,
in persuing the said erle by force and otherwise, sindrie in these
parts have incurred his displeasure and deidlie fead, that he be con-
tent to remove all these occasiouns, with suche convenient diligence
as the said commissioners sall thinke expedient.
“9. For declaratioun of his effald adjoyning with us, that he be
content, at their sights, and advice of his best disposed freinds, to
provide sufficient stipends for his kirks.
“10. That he sall acknowledge his faults wherefore he was
justlie excommunicated, and especiallie the burning of Dinny-
brissell, and his apostasie.
“11. That he sall have an ordinar minister continuallie resident
in his owne hous.
“With power to them to conveene the 22d day of Marche in-
stant, or sooner, if they can possiblie ; and to conferre with the
Erle of Huntlie, and resolve him in the articles foresaid; and to
report his minde and resolutioun anent the same at the nixt Gene-
rall Assemblie, to be holdin at Dundie, the tenth day of May
nixtocome.”
In the same sessioun, Dame Elizabeth Oliphant, Countesse of
Angus, requeisted that certan of the wisest of the ministrie might be
appointed to conferre with her husband, and to resolve him of the doubts
which stayed him from embracing the religioun publictlie professed
within this realme, alledging that diverse sutes had beene made be-
fore by her, and others her freinds, but had taikin no effect. The As-
($1.8 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE J. 597.
semblie ordeanned the ministrie of Angus and Mernes (becaus
there the erle made residence, and that was her desire) to conferre
with him upon his doubts, and speciallie upon the articles above
writtin, wherupon the Erle of Huntlie was to be tryed, suche onlie
as concerned the Erle of Murreye's slaughter being excepted, and
to report his resolutioun to the nixt Assemblie.
THE OFFERS OF FRANCIS, SOMETYME ERLE OF ERROLL.
“First, I offer to abide anie just tryell of the alledged traffiquing
against the religioun presentlie professed within this countrie, dur-
ing my absence off the countrie, and to make all sufficient purga-
tion to your Wisdoms for the same.
“Further, I offer all possible securitie and cautioun in all tymes
comming, never to traffique against the said religioun, and that
nather the said religioun nor discipline therof sall be anie wise hin-
dered by me, but have the ordinar course in my bounds, as in other
parts of the countrie.
“And to declare my willingnesse to be resolved in the said reli-
gioun, I am content to accept conference therin, and require the
same at your Wisdoms, who have the power, that yee will appoint
one or moe of your number indifferentlie, as they sall be required
of me in the parts where I presentlie dwell; and have the leasure
and occasioun to resort where I sall happin to be, to conferre with
me upon the whole controverted heeds, that I may have instruc-
tioun. And if I sall be thereby moved, that the whole number of
that synod where my residence is will take the paines to conveene,
and meete me at some competent place, to heare and testifie of me.
“During which tyme of conference I sall no wise recept anie
Jesuit, Seminarie preest, or excommunicated person.
“And if it sall happin that I be resolved in the heeds of contro-
versie, I sall unfainedlie from my heart embrace the said religioun,
and make publict professioun therof in tyme comming, and sall
make satisfactioun for my defectioun from the same, as sall be in-
joynned.
1597. Oğ THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 619
“Lastlie, desires to be absolved, or at least suspended, from the
sentence of excommunicatioun, during the tyme of conference, so
that none of my freinds that resort to me, and may be steadable to
me by their counsell, ather in the said conference, or other my lea-
some effaires, be troubled by your censure therefore, but may have
your licence to have accesse to me, and I to them, in whatsomever
part of the countrie I sall resort; lyke as I have obteaned his Ma-
jestie's licence and charge to your Wisdoms, to give me conference,
which it may please you receave and doe accordinglie, as yee would
give me argument of your good intentioun towards my conversioun,
wherof I doubt not.
“And for performance of the premisses sall find cautioun and
sovertie.”
The Assemblie ordeanned the ministers of Murrey and Aber-
deen, with the five ministers adjoynned to them for conferring
with the Erle of Huntlie, to conferre likewise with the Erle of
Erroll, and to report his resolutioun concerning the articles con-
ceaved for trying the Erle of Huntlie, except suche as concerne the
slaughter of the Erle of Murrey. Farther, the Assemblie or—
deanned these commissiouns granted for conference with the Erles
Huntlie, Angus, and Erroll, to be extended to the Lairds of New-
ton and Bonnytoun, incace they offer to satisfie the kirk. Farther,
if anie of the said excommunicated persons sall happin to repaire
to anie other part within the realme, the Assemblie gave power to
the presbytereis where they sall chance to resort, to treate and con-
forre with them upon the heeds and articles abovewrittin.
PETITIONS OF THE MINISTERS PRESENTLIE CONVEENED, TO BE
PRESENTED TO EIIS MAJESTIE,
“1. It is humblie craved by this present Assemblie, that your Ma-
jestie, with advice of the estats presentlie conveened, considering
how it has pleased God to give a good successe to this present con-
ventioun, and that all things concluded heerin tend to the peace
and quietnesse of the whole estat of this countrie, and the disap-
620 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
pointing of the expectatioun of the adversareis, will, with advice
foresaid, publishe, by opin proclamatioun, the good successe of this
present conventioun, together with a declaratioun of your Majestie's
intentioun, uttered by you at this tyme, in presence of your estats,
declaring your good will to mainteane the true religioun presentlie
professed within your countrie, with the discipline adjoynned
thereto, and the ministers to whom the charge of the same is com-
mitted; and to declare that your Majestie's will is, that whatsoever
law, act, or proclamatioun, has beene made prejudiciall to the same,
sall be esteemed contrare to your Majestie's meaning, and sall have
no force nor effect in tyme heerafter ; and that none of your sub-
jects pretend, by anie colour therof, to molest or trouble anie of the
said ministers, but that they be under your Majestie's protectioun,
and that yee will esteeme the controveeners troublers of your
estat, and punish them accordinglie.
“2. That all Papists, Jesuits, and excommunicats, remaining
within this countrie, be charged to passe off the same, betuixt and
the first of May nixtocum, or ellis to satisfie the kirk; and if they
doe not the same before the day appointed, that shireſts in shires,
proveists and bailliffes in touns, be commanded to apprehend and
present them to his Majestie or counsell, to be punished according
to the law. And if they be negligent in apprehending them, that
commissioun be givin to certane most zealous and willing persons
to doe the same.
“3. That it may please your Majestie, according to your accus-
tomed clemencie, to relaxe presentlie the ministers of Edinburgh
from the horne, and suffer them peaceablie to returne and remaine
within this countrie; as also, to releeve and sett at freedom suche
gentle men, professors of religion, as are now under challenge, seing
your Majestie knowes that the love to religion moved them to
these things wherewith they are burthened.
“4. That seing Edinburgh has that honour to be the cheefe
burgh of this countrie, and that place wherin religioun from the
beginning has beene most floorishing, and now are both destituted
of their owne ministers, and siclyke called from tyme to tyme be-
1597. OF THE ECIRK OF SCOTLAND. 621
fore your Majestie, which is no small greefe to their hearts, in re-
spect your Majestie knoweth that the greatest part of the whole
toun are most willing to give your Majestie all obedience, and
hazard life and substance for your Majestie's standing, that it may
please your Majestie favourablie to deale with them, according to
your accustomed gentlenesse ; that it may appeare your Majestie
is more inclynned to shew favour to men that meane uprightlie to
your Hienesse nor to Papists. We are moved to crave the same,
that all your subjects may see a generall agreement.
“5. That it may please your Majestie, Seing Mr David Blacke
has obeyed suche things as were injoyned to him, to give him liber-
tie to returne unto his flocke; and siclyke to Mr Johne Welshe
and Mr Johne Howesome.
“6. Becaus diverse complaints of hurting and mutilating mini-
sters are givin in before us, and namelie, 3 + 3 + ... we
most humblie crave, that your Majestie would take some substan-
tiall order for punishing the offenders, in exemple of all others
heerafter.
“7. That provision be made for planting of kirks, and that the
augmentatiouns and planting of new kirks, made in anno 1595, be
allowed.”
THE KING's MAJESTIE’s ANSWERES TO THE FORESAID PETITIONS
AND ARTICLES.
“The first article is granted in substance.
“The secund is granted.
“As to the thrid, and first part therof, concerning the ministers
of Edinburgh, they are ordeanned to be relaxed, upon cautioun to
be found by them to the Justice-Clerk, that they sall underly the
law. As to the gentlemen for whom the Assemblie makes requeist,
the king's Majestie thinkes it good that they, by the mediation of
their freinds, be suters for themselves.
“As to the fourth, tuiching the toun of Edinburgh, his Majestie
622 CALDERWOOD’s IIISTORIE 1597.
will no wise trouble innocent men, but suche onlie as are guiltie,
and mindes shortlie to be at a point with them.
“Tuiching the invasioun of ministers, a commissioun is ordean-
ned to be directed for ealling and punishing of the offenders.
“Concerning the last article, the king's Majestie ordeans the
Treasurer, Mr James Elphinstoun, the Clerk of Register, Mr
Johne Prestoun, and Mr Edward Bruce, to take order als weill for
planting of kirks, as with the augmentatiouns which were granted
in anno 1595.”
TEIE NULLITIES OF THE PERTEI CONVENTION.
This Assemblie, and consequentlie all that followeth therefra, or
followed therupon, was esteemed, of the best and most godlie, to be
null in the self, and of no force nor effect, for manifold reasouns.
1. Becaus it was convocated unlawfullie, that is, against the
lawes of the countrie, ordeanning the Generall Assembleis to be ap-
pointed by themselves, with advice of the king or his commission-
ers. But so it is, that this was convocated by the king, against the
advice of the kirk, to prejudge the ordinar appointed Generall AS-
semblie in St Andrewes.
2. Becaus it was not to edifie, but to demolishe the discipline
established, as was evident by the printed questiouns, casting in
doubt the whole discipline thereby; at least, to gaine some advan-
tage against the same.
3. Becaus it was not fenced nor sanctified by the Word of God
and prayer, conceaved and done by the mouth of the last mode-
rator, Mr Robert Pont, according to the order observed in all
Generall Assembleis since the first beginning.
4. Becaus there was no moderator chosin ; but one suborned
by court, Mr David Lindsey, intrused himself; wherof proceeded
confusioun and unaccustomed immoderat behaviour.
5. Becaus the ordinar scribe being since the last Assemblie de-
parted this life, there was no scribe chosin, sworne, nor admitted.
6. Becaus almost halfe of the commissioners from presbytercis,
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 623
according to their commissioun, disassented therefra, and protested
against it.
7. Becaus it was after foure dayes' delay, by flatterie and boast
of court, by a few votes moe, skarselie at least, throwne out, and
named an extraordinar Assemblie, as it was indeid.
8. Becaus when it was sett doun for an Assemblie, there was
mather holie, grave, nor orderlie proceeding therin.
9. Becaus there was no cleere proponing of maters, but convoy-
ed and dressed for the purpose.
10. There was no article gravelie reasouned therin, na, no wise
reasouned.
11. There was none voted.
12. There was none concluded. There were indeid named a
certane brethrein of everie province, to heare his Majestie's articles,
and give their advice to the Assemblie, the which being heard in
opin and full meeting, were weill liked of and approved.
13. But the same therafter were upon post haste altered, eeked,
and paired, and most confuselie parbuilyeid; and, notwithstanding
the disassenting and protesting of diverse brethrein against the
same, yitt, without reasoning and voting, were, by the mouth and
penne of an unchosin moderator and clerk, concluded and putt out
in writt. And so it was of the great mercie of God that no more
evill was done there; and that the evill which was done, was done
in suche a sort, as it may for these manifold nulliteis be justlie
esteemed as undone.
THE COURTEOURS SOW DISSENSION AMONG THE MINISTERS.
Great paines and policie was used by courteours to rent the mi
nisters in contrarie factions. They compleaned to the ministers of
the North of the indiscretioun, severe and rough cariage, the pride
and arrogancie of the ministers of the South usurping the whole
governement of the kirk, commending them as men of better dispo-
sitioun and discretioun ; with whom his Majestie being acquainted,
they sould see that in short tyme all maters sould be brought to a
624 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
good point. The cheefe of these were imployed to deale with the
rest that were sent out of the North in favour of the excommuni-
cated erles, who sought to be reconciled again to the church. The
greatest part of the ministrie, partlie terrified with threatnings,
partlie allured by faire promises, to restore the ministers of Edin-
burgh, and to compose all maters, were enduced to inclyne to the
court. But the best sort perceaved cleerelie the overthrow of the
discipline of the kirk, and, therefore, would no wise consent that
that meeting sould have the power or strenth of a Generall Assem-
blie, or enter in reasouning upon the questiouns, but referred all to
the ordinarie Assemblie, which was appointed to be holdin in Aprile.
THE TOUN OF EDINBURGH RECONCILED.
The bailliffes, some of the counsell, and some other citicens of
the toun of Edinburgh, came to Perth about the end of Februar,
to underly tryell for the uproare raised the 17th day of December.
They remained in Perth from the 28th of Februar till the 7th of
Marche. The king would have had them comming in his will.
They refused, and offered to abyde tryell. Upon the first of
Marche, compeered two Bailliffes, the Deane of Gild, the Treasurer,
ſoure of the counsell, foure of the deacons, the Toun-Clerk, and his
deput, William Stewart. Becaus William Mould, one of the bail-
liffes, compeered not with the rest before the king and counsell, it
was ordeanned, that the proveist, bailliffes, and toun of Edinburgh,
sould be putt to the horne; lykeas they were putt to the horne
the tenth of Marche. Mr Johne Lindsey devised this trick, that
William Mould sould be absent, with whom he laboured to that
effect, that the toun might be brought within compasse of some
law and danger. When the king came to the Palace of Halyrud-
hous, the magistrats and counsell of the toun went to the king;
avowed still they had committed no treasoun, howbeit they had
offended in the neglect of some points of their office, for which ne–
glect they would come in his will. They went again upon the
20th of Marche, and recompted to him what service they had done
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 625
him in former tymes, and how readie they were still to serve him.
The king being somwhat moved, desired them to come in his will,
not for treasoun, but for three other faults: First, For not dis-
charging their duetie upon the 17th day of December, in appre-
hending the authors of the tumult, committing them to waird:
2. For not committing Mr James Balfour to waird when he was
in their hands: 3. Because William Mould, bailiffe, compeered
not at Perth with the rest that were summouned in name of the
toun. They tooke to advisement. Upon Tuisday, the 22d of
Marche, the magistrats, and a great number of the citicens, went
doun to the Abbey before moone; confessed upon their knees they
had offended his Majestic in these three points, and offered unto
him twentiethowsand merkes. The king receaved them in favours.
Their peace was proclaimed after noone. The day following, the
king came up to the toun in the morning, being to take journey to
Dumfreis; ratified this favour to them in the counsell hous, and,
drinking to the magistrats and counsell, called them his gossops.
The bells were rung for joy. The king was convoyed out at the
West Port with trumpets, pypes, and great mirth. He returned
to Edinburgh upon the 13th of Aprile. The toun made him a
bankett in Mr Robert Bruce's hous. In the meane tyme, there
was ringing of bells, and playing upon instruments. Therafter, he
was convoyed to the Abbey. So the king, in a maner, would
triumph over the poore banished ministers; but he had little credit
in the mater.
MR. D. LINDSEY CENSUREI).
Mr David Lindsey was gravelie censured in the Synod of Lo-
thian, holdin at Leith upon the fyft of Aprile, for not receaving
and using the commissioun of the presbyterie, and his fault regi-
stered in the booke of the synod.
WOL. V. 2 R
626 JALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
THE FOURE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH RELAXED FROM THE
IHORNE,
Upon Thursday, the 21st of Aprile, the foure ministers of Edin-
burgh gott accesse to the king. He approved their flight, becaus,
as he said, he might perhaps have done in his furie that which he
would have repented after. They were relaxed from the horne
the day following, but had not yitt gottin libertie to exercise their
ministrie in Edinburgh.
THE ORDINAR ASSEMBLIE FENCED.
Upon the 27th of Aprile, Mr Robert Pont, moderator of the last
Generall Assemblie ordinar, went to St Andrewes, of purpose to
keepe the dyett appointed by the last Generall. Few or none con-
veenned, but some commissioners out of Lothian, Perth, Stirline,
and out of the Synod of Fife. They conveenned in the New Col-
ledge Schoole, the place appointed for the said Assemblie. After
incalling on the name of God, and humble confessioun of the sinnes
which had procured that desolatioun, craved mercie, and fenced
the Assemblie. Notes and documents of protestatioun were taikin
for the libertie of the kirk. All summouns, references, appella-
tiouns, were continued till the Assemblie following. The exhorta-
tioun of the moderator was likewise continued to that day.
ASSEMBLEIS OF THE NIEW FASHIOUN.
Becaus the Assemblie was to be holdin in May approaching, we
heere once for all make a difference betuixt the Assembleis pre-
ceeding, and the Assembleis following, after this maner:—
1. Christ, by his spirituall office-bearers, convocated and ap-
pointed tymes and places of before. Now, the king, bearing no
spirituall charge in the kirk, usurpeth that allanerlie.
2. Christ presided by his Word and Spirit, directing the mode-
i597. OF THE ICIRR OF SCOTLAND. 627
rator and brethrein. Now, the king his lawes and policie of estat
directeth (I will not say controlleth) moderator and brethrein.
3. Maters were propouned simplie, and the brethrein sent to
seeke light therin out of the Word of God, by reasons, conference,
meditation, and prayer. Now, platts and courses are wiselie layed
before, moyens and meanes are appointed to bring them about.
All is devised and advised in the king's cabinet: according thereto
is the proceeding. Tent is weill tane in publict, in privat, what
may further, what may hinder the same. There is mater to winne
credit in court. He is the king's man, an honest man, a good
peaceable minister, that goeth that way; and they are seditious,
troublesome, capped, factious against the king, as meane or reasoun
in the contrare.
4. In reasouning, the Word was alledged, the text sighted, the
reasoun weyghed at great lenth and leasure, and according to the
weyght therof, it boore the conclusioun away by a plaine force of
cleere truthe ; the which being once found out, he that held the
contrare, willinglie and pleasantlie yeelded, and all acquiesced.
Now, the Word is ather (as a thing knowne and commoun) past
and posted over, or if it come directlie and cleere against the layed
purpose, then the king's man that is quickest of ingyne must de-
vise a glosse and distinguo ; and if it be insisted upon, the king
himself must fall on him, and beare him doun, and putt him to
silence with reasoun, language, and authoritie.
5. The veritie was uprightlie and indifferentlie sought, without
respect of this side or that, this purpose or that, which made men
Sattledlie, gravelie, and quietlie, to bring out their reasouns, and
speeke their opiniouns. Now, the purpose must be respected, and
dealt for with heate and contentioun, as they can not be thought
fracke eneugh in the caus.
6. The feare of God, the love of Christ, the care of the kirk,
learning in Scripture, the power of preaching, the motioun and force
of prayer, and the ey and presence of these in whom these gifts
speciallie shynned, wrought amongst all estimatioun, reverence,
and good order. Now, it is the person, presence, purpose, favour,
and regaird of the prince, that beares out and controlls all.
628 CALDERWOOD's IIISTORIE 1597.
7. If anie had a gift and measure by others of learning, utter-
ance, uprightnesse, zeale, earnestnesse in prayer, force in exhorta-
tioun, it was spyed out, and speciallie employed by consent of all
at these Assembleis. Now, the platts are layed, how none sall have
place but suche as serve for the purpose.
8. If an offensive word or gesture had fallin out in a brother, it
was incontinent censured and redressed. Now, if a truthe be
uttered freelie, and in zeale, it is mett with a square lee; and he
that is for the king's caus may use what countenance, gesture, and
language he pleases.
9. And voting was wount to be used for no other purpose, but
to testifie an universall consent in a cleered and found out veritie,
so that skarselie yee would have found one non liquet, becaus that
tyme and all meanes were granted and used for resolutioun. And
now, reasoning is used but for the fashioun ; and nothing is suffered
to come in determining but that which is sure to be borne away
by maniest votes. And, therefore, the catalogue of the commis-
sioners must be perused, to ken who is with us and who is against us.
10. In end, the end of the Assembleis of old was, how Christ's
kingdom might stand in holinesse and freedom. Now, it is how
kirk and religioun may be framed to the politick estat of a free
monarchie, and to advance and promote the grandour of man, and
supreme absolute authoritie in all causes, and over all persons, als
weill ecclesiasticall as civill. In a word, where Christ ruled before,
the court beginneth to governe all: where preaching prevailed,
policie tooke place: where devotioun and holie behaviour honoured
the minister before, then beganne pranking at the chaire, and
prattling in the eare of the prince, to make the minister to thinke
himself a man of estimatioun,
TEIE GENERALI, ASSEMIBLIE PIOLDIN AT DUNDIE.
The Assemblie which was holdin in Dundie, in the moneth of
May, was an Assemblie of this new fashioun before described. The
two cheefe intents the king and his factioun had was, to absolve
1597. OF THE KIRIX OF SCOTLANF). 629
the excommunicated erles, and to gett the articles concluded at
Perth declared and ratified, and als muche farther as might be
atteaned unto. That the king might come to his purpose, he
granted, by the advice of suche ministers as favoured his course,
conference to the ministers of Edinburgh; the libertie of free sub-
jects, yea, libertie to come to Dundie to the Assemblie, to know
further of his mindel. In like maner, libertie was granted to Mr
David Blacke to come from his waird to Dundie. After the
Assemblie was lawfullie fenced by the doctrine of the last mode-
rator, Mr Robert Pont, and Mr Thomas Nicolsone was chosin clerk,
it was drifted and wearied at the king's pleasure, till the comming
of Mr Robert Rollock, whom he and his factioun intended to have
moderator. He was a godlie learned man, but simple, timorous,
and easilie led with counsell. Mr Thomas Buchanan, his old maister,
tutoured him in a maner. Mr Thomas was now winne to the
king's side, by the grant of a favourable sute made for the Lord
Lindseye's restitutioun. Manie motives were used, both in privat
and publict, to choose Mr Robert Rollock moderator. When the
king and his followers had dressed him for the purpose, the Assem-
blie was keeped frequentlie. Sir Patrik Murrey, and suche of the
ministers as were alreadie winne, travelled with others that were of
anie note, and brought them to be acquaint with the king. This
was their exercise morning and evening, diverse dayes. Sir Patrik
Murrey advised Mr James Melvill to move his uncle, Mr Andrew,
to returne home, or ellis the king would charge him to goe off the
toun, for he could not abide him. Mr James answered, that were
but vaine labour, for he would not take that counsell: if the king
would use his authoritic, he would suffer patientlie. “Surelie,”
said Sir Patrik, “I feare he suffer the dint of the king's wrathe.”
“Truelie,” said Mr James, “I am not affrayed but he will abide all.”
The day following after that conference, before the sitting doun of
the Assemblie, Mr Andrew and Mr James were commanded to
come to the king. After they entered in his cabinet, he beganne
to speeke gentlie to Mr Andrew ; but when he beganne to tuiche
maters, Mr Andrew brake out in his wounted maner, so that the
630 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
king and he were heard for the space of an houre, by all that were
in the hous and the closse. In end, the king groweth calme, and
dismisseth him favourablie. At the choosing of the clerk, there
was an ordinance made, that at the penning of everie act, there
sould be certane brethrein with the clerk to see the acts formed, of
which number was Mr James Melvill and Mr James Nicolsone,
But when Mr James Melvill came to attend, they were commanded
to come to the king with the minuts; so he gotte not accesse
again. It was also ordeanned, that all the acts sould be read in
publict, before the dissolving of the Assemblie ; but that was not
performed. It was shewed to the Assemblie how the king's articles
past at St Johnstoun. But no remedie, howbeit a great number
of the sincerest sort did their part honestlie.
Mr Johne Davidson's letter to the Assemblie was read in the
third sessioun, the copie wherof followeth :—
“Stand fast therefore in that libertie wherewith Christ has made
ws free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of boundage.”
Gal. v.
“As infirmitie of bodie hindered my presence from this Assem-
blie, (reverend and loying brethrein,) so straitnesse of tyme suffereth
me not to supplee my absence by writt, as I would ; yitt, Seing duetie
craved somwhat in this case, at so necessar a tyme, I abridged a
few things to call to your godlie remembrance, besecking you all to
take them in a good part, as they come of a loving minde to Christ's
caus, and weale of his kirk. It is not unknowne to you (deere
brethrein) that the unitie and libertie in the sinceritie of doctrine
hath beene, and is to this day, the rose-garland of the Kirk of
Scotland; and that the preservatioun of this unitie and libertie in
doctrine came of the agreement in the libertie of the executioun of
discipline, which has beene the hedge and bulwark, as it were, to
the doctrine hitherto. And, therefore, the invasioun of the freedom
of discipline can not be without ensuing danger to the libertie and
unitie of doctrine, no more than Edinburgh can be long free of feare
1597. OF THE KIIK OF SCOTLAN. İ). 631
of perrell, if invasioun of the borders be not resisted at the borders.
And it may weill be thought that the preservatioun of the libertie
and unitie in discipline was saved by the wise wearing off of
thornie questiouns theranent, by wise foresight of our worthie
fathers and brethrein, who ranged the questiouns in the Generall
Assemblie to a boun the tyme and place thcrof, that the heate
therof sould not burst out at the beginning, and so disturbe the
whole actioun. Beside this, these questiouns were limited to come,
by degrees, from other inferiour Assembleis who were not able to
solve them, and not to breake in at the braid side. And last, if
they were questiouns of weight, they were remitted from one Assem-
blie, to be rypelie advised by the brethrein to the nixt Assemblie,
for avoiding of contentioun and rash conclusiouns. Which good
custome, if it had not beene keeped, our libertie and unitie could
not have stand, as two loving sisters, to this day. For where ques-
tiouns gett over-great libertie, godlie edifeing is excluded, as miser-
able experience teacheth among the Popish schoolemen. They
breed strife, as the apostle writteth ; and the beginning of striſe is
as one that openeth waters. Wherfore, er contentioun beginne,
lett us leave off, as Salomon sayeth. Nather is it about mere ex-
ternall things, or alterable, as men specke, that the cheeſe questioun
is now a day, howbeit questiouns even in these maters, as is said,
are warilic to be admitted; (for, as that ancient Father gives out,
• Facilius est constituta labefactare, quam labéfactata in pristinum
statum reducere;’) but it is about a substantiall part of doctrine, to
witt, rebooke of vice, and that manifest, opin, and obstinat vice,
that groweth to suche great hight, as it would be licentiated by
lawes, with imprissounment and boundage of the libertie of the
truthe, as all that wilfullie are not blind may easilie see; for the
which truthe, and libertie therof, are we bound to strive.
“Therefore, lett us stand fast in that libertie where with Christ in
that cace hath made us free above all natiouns, and lett us not agree
with men in these things, ‘qua concordiam prorsus excludunt. We-
farie guidem, impieque concordes erant, qui turrim eatruebant.” Nazi-
anzenus, And lett ‘libido novand; circa ecclesiam’ be farre at the
632 CALDERWOOD's IIISTORIE 1597.
least from ourselves of the ministrie, as in sense the same author
hath. Manie things hath our kirk need of at this tyme, meeter to
be handled than suche questions; nather has our prince (God be
praised) occasioun to conveene us, for making agreement and con-
cord among us, as the good emperours had. And as for things to
be reformed for the weale of the kirk, I heare no word of them. I
pray God, Satan's drift be not to breake our agreement, that hath
stood so long in Christ; for it is delivered by an ancient Father in
this sense, ‘Nam tyranni ecclesiam insectando, firmiorem etiam ipsam
reddiderunt, etc. Quod cum versipellis ille animadvertisset, aliam
fraudem excogitavit; inimicitiasque et funesta dissidia inter duces
(antistites) ipsos excitavit.’ And Basile, giving the caus of this
plague, writteth in this sense, Dissentio multorum contra multos,
ea, eo contingit quod indigmos nos ipsos gubernatione et moderamine
domini constituimus. Wherefore, brethrein, lett us stand fast in
our Christian libertie and unitie, “et absit ut inter nos tristi con-
tentione (as one writteth) decertemus. But if the tyme be come
that the sentence of the apostle is to be performed, Oportet enim
etiam hareses inter vos esse, we doubt not but qui probati sunt,
manifesti fient inter nos. And if anie act sall passe, as God forbid,
in contrare anie jote of our Christian libertie, agreeable to God’s
Word and the lawes of the realme, I, in my owne name, and the
rest of Christ's faithfull messingers within this realme, will stand
by God’s grace to the protestatioun made verballie by me in
his Majestie's presence, at the last Generall Assemblie holdin at
Edinburgh; for it will not be the new cords of the Philistins that
will keepe Samsone bound. Howbeit Moses would not leave be-
hind him ne ungulam quidem, he was not for that a schismatick;
and Elias was no troubler of Israel. Haec (go.geog psy, toog zo,
opo.003. Yitt, I trust, the good brethrein will take my simple
meaning in good part. Fareweill, good brethrein, and the good
Spirit of the Lord be president among you. Amen.
“From Saltprestoun, the 8th of May, 1597.
“Your loving Brother in Christ,
“JOHNE DAVIDSONE.”
1597. OF THE KIIRE OF SCOTLAND. 633
“My simple advice is, if anie grant of absolving from excommu-
nicatioun be made, as I know no caus yitt why, yitt, if others know,
that they gett annum probationis injoynned to them, before they be
admitted to court, or have accesse to sitt at the helme, for though
they have Jacob's voice, yitt I feare Esau’s hands. But it is ob-
jected, that this mater will be troublesome to us, if we stand to it.
Answere, It is a new doctrine to say, that Christ can be without a
crosse.”
TIIE REPORT OF THE POPISH LORDS" ANSWERES.
In the sixt sessioun, the brethrein of the Presbytereis of Murrey,
Aberdeene, and Mernes, with the other brethrein joynned with
them in commissioun, declared that they had found the Erles of
Angus and Erroll to satisfie in all humble maner, and did continue
in their earnest sute for reconciliatioun with the kirk. They pro-
duced their answeres to the articles and conditiouns prescribed
for their tryell subscribed, the tenour wherof followeth :-
THE ERLE OF HUNTLIE’s ANSWERES TO THE ARTICLES.
“1. The first is obeyed, for he compeered at Aberdeene the
22d of Marche appointed to him, and there abode, waiting on doc-
trine and conference, till the commissioners were satisfied with his
resolution. And so the conference ended.
“2. The brethrein appointed to deale with him brought him,
after long conference, to confesse the veritie of the whole grounds of
religioun affirmative, resolved his doubts by the Word of God, and
moved him, with knowledge, to refuse and deteast all heeds of
Papistrie contrare to the same.
“3. He acknowledgeth the Reformed Kirk of Scotland to be
the true kirk; he is readie to joyne himself effaldlie thereto, ac-
knowledging himself a member therof, submitting himself to the
same ; will heare the Word, and obey the same by the grace of God,
634 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
participat the sacraments, and obey the whole discipline of the kirk,
as it is avowed by the king's Majestie and the estats.
“4. He is readie to sweare and subscribe the Confessioun of Faith,
in presence of the whole commissioners, so soone as they sall come
backe with power to pronounce his absolutioun.
“5. In significatioun of his obedience to this article, he has de-
clared to the whole commissioners, that since he entered in dealing
with the kirk, he never entered in commouning by word nor writt
with anie Jesuit, preest, nor excommunicated Papist, except so
manie as are under conference with the kirk, and is content to abide
therat in all tyme comming. Siclyke, he is content to give his
writtin band that he sall banishe out of his companie and whole
bounds, all Jesuits and Seminarie preests, and sall expell therefra
all excommunicated Papists, except suche as sall have licence of
the kirk and king's Majestie. And, finallie, that none sall have re-
cept by his knowledge in the places of his commandement, that are
professed enemeis to religioun.
“6. He is content, now or heerafter, to satisfie for his apostasie
in the place appointed, at the discretioun of the said commissioners,
nd then to ratifie the foresaid premisses.
“7. He declareth his unfained greefe for the slaughter of the
Erle of Murrey, and will satisfie the partie at the sight of the king's
Majestie, the kirk, or of godlie and indifferent freinds; will make
offers to that effect, lyke as he has givin a blanke to his Majestie,
to be filled up with particular assithement, and that after his ab-
solutioun.
“8. He promises, now or heerafter, to crave of God mercie for
the said slaughter, when, where, or how the kirk’s commissioners
sall appoint.
“9. At the desire of the saids commissioners, he presentlie re-
mitteth all rancour and malice conceaved by him, for anie occasioun
or deid offered to him by the countrie men in the king's service,
and promitts upon his fidelitie never to querrell anie for the same
that are within thir bounds, and speciallic, none of the ministric
ather North or South.
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 635
“10. He agrees, that at the sight of the ministers, Mrs David
Cunninghame, Alexander Dowglas, George Glaidstains, and of his
freinds, Pitlurg, Clunie, * * sall sett doun an order for pro-
visioun of his kirks, which he promises to execute immediatlie
after his absolutioun.
“11. By the advice of the said commissioners he promitts to
take a minister, and interteane him in his owne hous.
“12. He confesseth, that by his publict offences, he gave suffi-
cient mater to the kirk to have deduced the sentence of excom-
municatioun against him.
(Sic subscribitur) “HUNTLIE.”
THE ERLE OF ERROLL's ANSWERES TO THE ARTICLES.
“1. The first is obeyed; for he, having sufficientlie excused his
absence from the first dyet, the 27th of Marche, came to Aber-
deen the 5th day of Aprile, where the commissioners appointed him
to resort to Aberdeen, about the 20th day of Aprile, to have
conference with suche as they appointed of their number to meete
him there; which he did, comming in the toun the 20th of Aprile,
and there abode, resorting to publict doctrine and conference, till
the commissioners were satisfied with his resolutioun. And so the
conference was ended.
“2. The brethrein appointed to deale with him brought him,
after long reasoning, to confesse the veritie and the whole grounds
of religioun affirmative, resolved his doubts by the Word of God
and ancient doctors, and moved him with knowledge to refuse all
heids of errour in Papistrie contrare to the same.
“3. He acknowledged the reformed Kirk of Scotland to be the
true kirk; he is readie to joyne himself thereto, and professe hin-
self a member theroſ; will heare the Word, obey the same by the
grace of God, participat the Sacraments, obey the whole discipline
of the kirk, as it is acknowledged presentlie by his Majestie and
estats.
“4. He solemnelie promises, and offereth his writtin band, that
636 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
lyke as since his promises and entering in conference with the kirk,
he never intercommouned with Jesuits, preests, or excommunicated
persons, except with suche as are dealing with the kirk, so to keepe
in all tyme comming; and that he sall banishe out of his companie
and bounds all Jesuits, preests, and sall expell therefra all excom-
municated Papists, except suche as sall have licence of the kirk
and king's Majestie. And, finallie, none sall have recept in his
bounds that are professed enemeis to the kirk, by his knowledge.
“5. He is readie to sweare and subscribe the Confessioun of
Faith, in presence of the whole commissioners, so soone as they
sall come backe from the nixt Generall Assemblie, with power to
pronounce his absolutioun.
“6. He is content to satisfie for his apostasie in the place ap-
pointed, and there to ratifie the foresaid premisses.
“7. At the desire of the said commissioners, he presentlie remitts
all rancour and malice conceaved by him for anie occasioun or deid
offered to him by the countrie men in the king's service; and pro-
mitts, upon his fidelitie, never to querrell anie for the same, speci-
allie none of the ministrie South nor North.
“8. He agrees, that suche of the ministrie as sall be appointed,
with suche freinds as he sall appoint, sett doun what sall be his
part for planting of the kirks within his bounds; which he promises
to execute after his absolutioun.
“9. By the advice of the commissioners, he is content to take a
minister, and interteane him in his hous.
“10. He confesseth, that he gave sufficient mater to the kirk
to have deduced the sentence of excommunicatioun against him.
(Sic subscribitur) “ERROLL.”
THE ERLE OF ANGUS’ ANSWERES TO THE ARTICLES.
“1. He being called before us, it was injoynned unto him to re-
maine at Barras, in the parish of Kynneffe, and there await upon
the hearing of the doctrine in that his parish kirk; and upon con-
1597. OF THIE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 637
ference, at suche tymes and places as were appointed at Conveth
and Aberbuchnot kirks; which he has faithfullie keeped and ob-
served, untill his resolutioun was obteaned. &
“2. After we had reasoned and conferred with him in manie of
the controverted heeds of religioun, by the Scriptures and ancient
doctors, he satisfied us affirmative and negative.
“3. He acknowledgeth the Kirk of Scotland to be the true kirk,
and is readie to joyne himself thereto, and professe him a member
therof: will heare the Word, participat the Sacraments, and obey
the whole discipline of the kirk, as it is avowed presentlie by his
Majestie and the estats.
“4. He solemnelie promises, by word and writtin band, to re-
move furth of his whole companie and bounds Jesuits and excom-
municated persons, lyke as he has done, since the commissioners
intimated this article to him.
“5. He desires the commissioners to gett a power to absolve
him, and immediatlie therafter he sall sweare and subscribe the
Confessioun of Faith.
“6. He is content to satisfie for his apostasie in his owne parish
kirk, and there to ratifie the foresaid promises.
“7. He understands none of the countrie to have incurred his
wrath or deidlie fead, for pursuing him in his Majestie's service,
which he protests before God, that he never meant to harme anie
man for giving obedience to his Majestie's lawes; which, if he had
done, he sould rather have made a mends, nor have forgiven;
and if anie in particular will compleane, he will satisfie that article,
albeit, in verie truthe, as all the countrie knowes, he has susteanned
great losse; which he has the kirk to meane in most humble
maner to his Majestie, as the commissioners will declare at more
lonth.
“8. He is content at the sight of the commissioners, and his best
advised freinds, to provide stipends for his kirks, how soone he sall
be absolved and restored to his living.
“9. He will most willinglie take a minister, and interteane him
in his owne hous, by the advice of the commissioners.
638 CALDERWOOD's IIISTORIE 1597,
“10. He confesses that he deserved to be excommunicated.
(Sic subscribitur) “ANGUS.”
COMMISSION TO ABSOLVE THE POPHSFI ERLES.
The Assemblie ordeanned the saids commissioners respective to
proceed farther with the saids erles, and to receave a full satis-
factioun of suche things as were promised by them, and to crave
the accomplishement, so farre as possiblie can be performed.
That is,
“That they (as they in their answeres have avowed and sub-
scribed) presentlie confesse the veritie of the whole grounds of our
religioun affirmative, and, with some measure of knowledge, refuse
and deteast all heads of Poprie contrare to the same.
“That they acknowledge the reformed Kirk of Scotland to be the
true kirk.
“That they effaldlie joyne themselves to acknowledge themselves
members therof, submitting them to the same ; and sall be readie
at all occasiouns to heare the Word, and obey the same, participat
the sacraments, and obey the whole discipline of the kirk, as is
allowed by his Majestie and the estats.
“That before their absolutioun they sweare solemnelie and sub-
scribe the Confessioun of Faith, in presence of the whole com-
missioners.
“That as they have testified by their writt, even so by their band
they promise to remove out of their companie, in all tyme comming,
all Jesuits, preests, and excommunicated Papists, but suche as sall
be licentiated by the kirk.
“That at the tyme of their absolutioun they satisfie in most
humble maner in the kirks of Aberdeen and * * for their
former apostasie, and there ratifie these their promises in most so-
lemne maner.
“That the Erle of Huntlie, before his absolution, aske God
mercie for the Erle of Murrey's slaughter, and declare his peni-
tence for the same.
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 639
“And becaus their Lordships have promised, upon their fide-
litie, never to querrell anie gentle men of the countrie that have
persued, or otherwise troubled them, and thereby incurred their
wrath in his Majestie's service, and at his Majestie's commande-
ment : Therefore, to the effect the fruicts therof may the more evi-
dentlie appeare, that their Lordships faithfullie promise, that like
as their sonnes have alreadie obteaned, or, at least, are to obteane,
of his Majestie, of meere grace and free donatioun, the gift of their
forefaultries; even so, the gentlemen of the countrie that are vas-
sals to them, and have incurred the like sentence of forefaultour,
and perrelled their lands, not through their owne evill demerit, but
by reasoun they were vassalls to them, may receave and obteane
of their Lordships the like grace as is imparted unto them by their
soveran; and as his Majestie granted a benefite unto them who
had offended, even so their Lordships’ vassalls be not troubled for
anie compositioun of their lands, which not by their fault, but
through their Lordships' failyie, were endangered and holdin in
non-entrie; and that their Lordships renew their promise, of re-
mitting all rancour and malice of heart against the said gentlemen.
And as to the provisioun of kirks which perteane to everie one of
the saids erles respective, that they, at the advice of their best af-
fectiouned freinds, and the saids commissioners, sett doun a solide
order how the ministrie may be planted, and honestlie susteaned
at the same : which they sall ratifie and approve, and putt in exe-
cutioun, immediatlie after their absolutioun.
“That by the advice of the commissioners, they make choice of
a minister, who sall be interteaned in their hous for instructing of
the same.
“That they renew the confessioun of their sinnes, acknow-
ledging that they were justlie excommunicated for the same.
“And to the effect that all slander may be removed from the
Erle of Huntlie, and speciallie that which did arise upon the
slaughter of Mr William Mure, which was committed during his
Lordship's remaining at Aberdeene, that his Lordship provide
suche remedie, that the poore woman, mother to the said Mr Wil-
64() CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
liam, may be satisfied; and suche assithement made, als weill for
him as her husband's slaughter, as the commissioners sall thinke
expedient.
“With power to the saids commissioners, after the accomplishe-
ment of the premisses, to absolve the saids erles from the said
sentence of excommunicatioun, and receave them again in the
bosome of the kirk.”
Thus, by pluralitie of led votes, it was concluded that the Popish
erles sould be absolved ; for there were some of the ministers als
bent to absolve as they were to seeke absolutioun. This schisme
and rent, which beganne in Februar, at Perth, becometh wider at
this Assemblie.
THE ARTICLES BROPONED AT PERTH EXPLANED AND CONCLUDED.
In the seventh sessioun, the articles which were givin in by the
king to the last Assemblie, (for so now it was declared and ratified,)
the decisioun wherof was referred to certane commissioners, and
therafter to be concluded in this Assemblie, were explained, under
colour of satisfactioun of suche as were not present at Perth at that
tyme, nor acquainted with them. After reasouning and voting, his
Majestie being present for the tyme, these declaratiouns and con-
clusiouns were sett doun which follow :-
NOTES IN FORME OF DECLARATION OF CIERTAN OF THE ACTS MADE
IN THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE HOLDIN AT PERTH, IN FEBRUAR
LAST BYPAST, FOR EXPLAINING OF HIS MAJESTIE'S AND THE
ASSEMBLIE’s MEANING, FOR THE SATISFACTION OF SUCHE As
THEN WERE NOT ACQUAINTED THEREWITH ; WHICH ARE OR-
DEANNED TO BE REGISTRED IN THE ACTS OF THIS PRESENT
ASSEMBLIE.
“First, Anent the lawfulnesse of the said Assemblie holdin at
Perth, it is declared by this present Assemblie, that one of the
reasouns moving the brethrein to acknowledge the lawfulnesse of
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 641
the said Assemblie, was found to have beene, that the commis-
sioners of the kirk accorded with his Majestie theranent, as is ex-
presselie sett doun in his Majestie's letter.
“Item, The reasoun moving the Assemblie to grant the more
willinglie to the secund article, concerning the reproving of his Ma-
jestie's lawes, was this; his Majestie's earnest and constant affectioun
to religioun, and obedience to the Word, was evidentlie knowne to
the whole Assemblie; and that it was his Majestie's declared will
and intentioun alwayes to frame his lawes and whole governement
according to the same: for which causes the said Assemblie agreed
to the said article.
“Anent the article ordeanning that no man's name be expressed
in pulpit, except in notorious crymes, &c., the point of notorietie
is farther defynned, if the cryme be so manifest and knowne to the
world, ut nulla tergiversatione celari possit.
“Anent the article ordeaning that no conventioun of pastors be
without his Majestie's knowledge and consent, &c., his Majestie's
consent is declaired to be extended to all and whatsomever forme,
ather of Generall Assemblie or Speciall, permitted and authorized
by his Hienesse lawes, according as they have warrant in the Word
of God, as being the most authentick forme of consent that anie
king can give.
“Anent the article concerning provisioun of pastors to burrowes,
it is declared, that the reasoun therof was, and is, that his Majestie
was content, and promised, where the Generall Assemblie finds it
necessar to place anie person or persons in anie of the said touns,
his Majestie and the flocke sall ather give their consent thereto, or
ellis a sufficient reasoun of the refusall, to be propouned ather to
the whole Assemblie, or to a competent number, or the commis-
sioners therof, as his Majestie sall thinke expedient.”
VOL. V. 2 S
642 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
ANSWERES TO THE REST OF HIS MAJESTIE’s QUESTIONS, ACCORD-
ING AS THEY WERE PROPOUNED BY HIS HIENESSE AND HIS
COMMISSIONERS, IN THE PRESENT ASSEMBLIE.
“First, Anent the propositioun moved by his Majestie to the
Assemblie, craving, that before the conclusioun of anie weightie
maters concerning the estat of his Hienesse or of his subjects, his
Majestie's advice and approbatioun be craved thereto, that the
same being approved by his Majestie, may have the better execu-
tioun, and if need be, be authorized by his Hienesse' lawes. The
Assemblie craves most humblie that his Majestie, ather by himself
or his Hienesse’ commissioners, in maters concerning his Majes-
tie's estat, or the whole estat of his subjects, and others of great
weight and importance that have not beene treatted of before,
would give his advice and approbatioun thereto, before anie finall
conclusioun of the same : And for the better obedience to be givin
to suche like statuts in all tyme comming, that his Majestie would
ratifie the same, ather by act of his Hienesse’ parliament, or Secreit
Counsell, as sall be thought needfull; the which his Majestie pro-
mised to doe, according to his Hienesse’ propositioun, which was
accepted and allowed of by the whole Assemblie.
“The Assemblie ordeans that there be an uniformitie in the or—
dinatioun of the ministrie throughout the whole countrie : Imposi-
tioun of hands; and that they be admitted to certane flockes, upon
the which they sall be astricted to attend, according to the acts of
the Assembleis made of before: and ordeans that none that are not
admitted to the ministrie be promoved to teache in publict and
great rowmes, except upon verie urgent necessitie, in defect of
actuall ministers, they be ordeanned to supplee Suche wants by the
presbytereis, provinciall or Generall Assembleis, who sall take order
that they keepe themselves within the bounds of their gift, and
speciallie in applicatioun.
“That no pastor exercise anie jurisdictioun, ather in making of
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 643
constitutiouns or leading of processes, without the advice and con-
currence of sessioun, presbyterie, provinciall or Generall Assemblie.
“That all sessiouns be elected with consent of their owne con-
gregatiouns.
“That all sessiouns, presbytereis, and provincialls, use suche
formes in all their processes, as may be found lawfull and formall,
and able to abide tryell; the which sall be registred in maters of
importance.
“And, to that effect, ordeans the proceedings of privat sessiouns
to be sighted at presbytereis, and the proceedings of presbytereis
at provinciall assembleis, and the proceedings of provincialls at the
Generall Assembleis.
“The Assemblie ordeans that in the exercises, when the mini-
sters are conveenned at their presbytereis, no applicatioun be used.
“That in the determinatioun of maters of importance, where the
votes sall be onlie different upon two or three, that nothing be con-
cluded therin till better resolutioun ; and that in suche difference,
he that susteanes the negative with his vote sall give rationem ne-
gandi.
“The Assemblie ordeans the presbytereis to meddle with nothing
in their judicatour which sall not be found but controversie proper
to the ecclesiasticall judgement; and that heerin an uniformitie be
keeped throughout the whole countrie.
“That all processes and acts be extracted to parteis having in-
teresse, where there is a writtin processe.
“The Assemblie superseeds to answere the article tuiching sum-
mar excommunicatioun whill the nixt Generall Assemblie, and in
the meane tyme suspends all summar excommunicatioun. Alwise,
in great crymes, the Assemblie ordeans a publict intimatioun of the
same to be made, and the committer therof to be suspended a
sacris, and prohibited a privato convictu.
“If anie presbyterie sall be desired by his Majestie's missive to
stay the proceeding of anie thing prejudiciall to the civill jurisdic-
tioun, or privat men's rights, it is ordeaned that the said presby-
644 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
terie sall desist in the said mater untill they send to his Majestie
for satisfactioun theranent.”
A GENERALL COMMISSIOUN GRANTED TO SOME MINISTERS.
A new forme of commissioun was made, and power givin to some
few ministers to conveene with the king, at suche tyme and place
as his Majestie sould require, under colour to keepe concord be-
tuixt the kirk and the king, and to treate upon all maters serving
to that use ; but in effect to putt in executioun the articles alreadie
yeelded to by the greater number, to the greefe of the better sort.
In a maner the whole power of the Generall Assemblie was weaken-
ned by this commissioun ; for the commissioners being exalted so
high as to have accesse to the king when they pleased to sitt with
him in counsell, they beganne soone to change their maners. They
would rule all both in and out of Generall Assembleis as the king
pleased. For they were the king's led horse, and usurped boldlie
the power of the Generall Assemblie and governement of the whole
kirk. All ecclesiasticall maters which were to be treatted in Gene-
rall Assembleis from hencefurth, was first prepared and dressed at
court, and then in the full Assembleis concluded by pluralitie of
purchassed votes, where as before, after earnest prayer, searching
of the Scriptures, powerfull exhortatiouns, grave reasouning, and
mature deliberatioun, maters of importance were determined by
uniforme consent of the whole for the most part. So the commis-
sioners were as a wedge taikin out of the kirk, to rent her with her
owne forces, and the verie needle which drew in the threed of
bishops.
THE FORME OF THE FIRST GENERALL COMMISSION.
Session 9, May 16.
The which day, in presence of the whole Assemblie, the king's
1597. OR THE RIRR OF SCOTLAND. 645
Majestie being personallie present, declared, that seing through the
shortnesse of tyme there were sindrie maters of weight and import-
ance not only concerning particular flockes, but which did in spe-
ciall tuich the whole estat and bodie of the kirk, which could not
commodiouslie be treatted and concluded in this present Assem-
blie; as namelie, tuiching both the planting of particular congrega-
tiouns, and of the whole kirks within this realme, which as yitt,
through default of honest interteanement, remaine unplanted, and
destituted of the confort of the Word; and anent a solide order to
be tane anent a constant and perpetuall provisioun for the susten-
tatioun of the whole ministrie within this realme, to the end they
be not (as in tyme bygane) to depend and await upon the commis-
sioners appointed for modifeing of their stipends, and so be forced
to absent themselves the most part of the yeere from their flocke,
to the great disgrace of their calling, dishanting of the congrega-
tioun, and discontentment of his Majestie, whose care ever has
beene, and earnest desire continues as yitt, that everie congrega-
tioun have a speciall pastor honestlie susteaned, for the better
awaiting on his cure, and discharging his duetifull office in the
same: And, therefore, his Majestie desires the brethrein to consider,
whether it were expedient that a generall commissioun sould be
granted to a certane of the most wise and discreit of the brethrein,
to conveene with his Majestie for the effectuating of the premisses.
The which his Majestie's advice the Assemblie thinkes verie neces-
sarie and expedient, and, therefore, has givin and granted, lyke as
by the tenour heerof they give their full power and commissioun to
the brethrein underwrittin; viz., Mrs Alexander Dowglas, James
Nicolsone, George Gladstains, Thomas Buchanan, Robert Pont,
Robert Rollock, David Lindsay, Patrik Galloway, Johne Duncan-
sone, Patrik Schairp, Johne Porterfeild, James Melvill, William
Cowper, and Johne Clappertoun, or anie seven of them, to conveene
with his Majestie betuixt the day of these presents and the last of
May instant : with power to them to take solide order anent the
provisioun of ministers to the touns of Edinburgh, Dundie, and St
Andrewes, his Majestie and the prince's hous; to give their advice
646 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1597.
and judgement to his Majestie ament the planting of everie particu-
lar kirk within this realme; to make suche overtures as they can
best devise, tuiching the Constant Platt; and, generallie, to give
their advice to his Majestie in all effaires concerning the weale of
the kirk, and interteanement of peace and obedience to his Majestie
within this realme: with expresse power and command to the saids
commissioners to propone to his Majestie the petitiouns and greeves,
als weill of the kirk in generall as of everie member therof in par-
ticular, as sall be meaned to them. Promitten de rato.
So, in this corrupt Assemblie, we find the Kirk of Scotland farre
prejudged of her liberteis, in that the libertie of applicatioun and
free rebooke of sinne was restrained; maters of greatest importance
committed to some few court ministers seeking advancement and
preferment; summar excommunicatioun for notorious crymes sus-
pended, and in effect taikin away; all conventiouns of pastors, not
permitted or authorized by the king's lawes, discharged; the Popish
erles remitted to the fulfilling of some conditiouns, for absolutioun
and reconciliatioun, etc. These were the effects and fruicts of di-
visioun, which now was wrought among the ministrie by the craft
and counsell of some statesmen. It was the advice, some say, of
Mr Johne Lindsey, Secretar; others say, of Mr Thomas Ham-
miltoun, then the king's Advocat, now his Secretar, to divide the
ministrie, becaus otherwise they could not be overthrowne. And
it was an easie mater to effectuat, Seing there were so manie ambi-
tious spirits among them thristing for gaine and glorie.
ACT,
In the eight sessioun it was ordeanned, that no reader minister the
sacrament of baptisme, nor yitt presume to celebrat the bannes of
mariage, without speciall command of the minister of the kirk;
and if there be no minister, of the presbyterie of the bounds; and
that this act be intimated at everie parish kirk, that none may pre-
tend ignorance in tyme comming. The occasioun of the act arose
of the abusse of readers baptizing childrein gottin in adulterie and
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 647
fornicatioun, before satisfactioun made by the offenders, and cele-
brating unlawfull mariages. The Assemblie, therefore, discharged
the readers simpliciter of baptisme, and limited the celebratioun of
mariage with some cautioun.
A COMMISSIOTJN TO TRY BONYTON.
In the last sessioun, commissioun was givin to the brethrein ap-
pointed to receave the Erles of Huntlie and Erroll, to enter in far-
ther conference and tryell with James Wood, appearand of Bony-
ton, and incace of full satisfaction, to absolve him from the sentence
of excommunicatioun. Commissioun was givin to Mr George
Glaidstains, Andrew Mylne, Andrew Leitche, Johne Ramsay, and
Andrew Lambe, to travell in the reconciliatioun betuixt the Laird
of Bonytoun and his sonne, seing he offered to satisfie his father
for anie wrong he had found into him at anie tyme.
MR. J. R.UTEIERFORD REPOSED TO EIIS MINISTRIE.
In the moneth of June, the king entered in practise with the
commissioners of the Generall Assemblie against the liberteis of
the kirk. They conveened at Falkland; called the Presbyterie of
St Andrewes before them, by vertue of a particular commissioun
givin to them, upon a complaint made by Mr John Rutherfurde.
They reduced the sentence of depositioun from the ministrie of
Kinnocher, givin out by the said presbyterie, and pronounced
against him, which was approved by the Synod of Fife. He pur-
chassed his freindship in court, by calumneis forged upon Mr
David Blacke and his ministrie. He hated the faithfull servant of
God, becaus he was a great eye-sore to negligent, loose, and un-
faithfull ministers, of which number he was one. But the sentence
of the presbyterie, as it was ratified in the synod, so it was ratified
in the heavens, for he did never good in the ministrie after, ne-
glected it, and tooke him to the exercise of physick, and now,
again, after the exercise of his ministrie in a cold negligent maner
648 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE * 1597.
in Dairsie, after his old fashioun, he is removed out of Dairsie by
the bishop himself, notwithstanding of his former good service done
to the king, commissioners, and bishops; but more for particular
respects nor for his negligence in the ministrie.
MR. R. WAILACE SUSPENDED.
Mr Robert Wallace, minister at St Andrewes, was accused be-
fore the Presbyterie of St Andrewes by Mr Johne Lindsay, Secre-
tar, at the king's instigatioun, for some words uttered by him in
pulpit, in the Little Kirk of Edinburgh. The commissioners of
the Generall Assemblie conveened at Falkland take the cognitioun
of the caus to themselves, and enter in processe against him. He
declynned their judicatorie.
THE REASONS OF THE DECLINATOUR OF THE JUDICATOUR OF .
CERTANE OF THE COMMISSIONERS METT AT FALKLAND, TO COG-
NOSCE IN THE PROCESSE INTENDED BY MR JOHNE LINDSAY, SE-
CRETAR TO OUR SOVERANE LORD, AGAINST MR ROBERT WAL-
LACE, MINISTER AT ST ANDREWEs. -
“1. The brethrein, commissioners foresaid, nather have, nor can
have, anie commissioun to cognosce in the said mater; becaus it is
of veritie, that the said Mr Robert being challenged by his Majes-
tie for sindrie of his speeches delivered by him in face of the As-
semblie, and namelie, for certan words spokin against the secretar,
and for a letter writtin to him ; likewise the said Mr Robert craved
a commissioun, wherin he offered himself to be tryed in the truthe
and warrants of all his speeches; which commissioun was not
granted by the Assemblie, thinking it most expedient that that
mater sould desert, the Moderator himself, both privatlie and pub-
lictlie, inclynning to that part, that the said Mr Robert sould not
urge a commissioun ; wherunto the said Mr Robert at lenth did
condescend.
“2. The brethrein foresaid have not, nor can have, anie commis-
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 649
Sioun tuiching the mater foresaid, becaus that mater could never
be referred to the Assemblie Generall, in respect that mater came
never in by anie lawfull proceeding before the Assemblie, mather by
appellatioun, nather by way of reference from presbyterie or synod-
all, or complaint of pairtie, as is the practise usuall in the kirk.
“3 In respect the processe foresaid is once intended before the
brethrein of the Presbyterie of St Andrewes, undoubted judges
thereto, and never orderlie taikin out of their hands, therefore, the
said Mr Robert has good caus to declyne the present judicatour,
not as yitt being dismissed by the former, his presbyterie.
“4. The Assemblie Generall remitted the said Mr Robert home
to his cure, not to be tryed, but to use his functioun ; which the
Assemblie would nor could not have done, incace the slander lying
on him could not have been tane away but by a commissioun ;
and his Majestie likewise dismissing gratiouslie and favourablie,
after long conference had with his Hienesse, shewing he was willing
that he sould be in his owne place, he behaving himself duetifullie,
sheweth, that there was no commissioun understood by the As-
semblie nor his Majestie, for taiking farther tryell.
“For which reasons, and others to be alledged, if need be, he
most humblie beseekes the reverend brethrein in Jesus Christ, that
they would desist from this proceedour against him in the mater
foresaid; remembring, that he has offered humblie to travell for the
resolutioun of anie offended with his doctrine, and namelie, of the
Lord Secretar, by all wise possible, not prejudiciall to the honestie
of his ministrie, and losse of a good conscience therinto ; which, as
he craves of God may be unspotted to his end, so likewise, he be-
seekes your Wisdoms wiselie to tender the same, as ministers with
him of the same Evangell, and preachers of the same hope in Jesus
Christ. Amen.”
MR. D. BLACKE, MR. R. WALLACE, REMOVED FROM THE MINISTRIE
OF ST ANDREWES.
Mr Johne Lindsey is stirred up by the king, notwithstanding, to
prosecute the accusatioun. So, in the moneth of Julie, the king
650 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1597.
}*
and commissioners conveene at St Andrewes. The king inter-
rupteth Mr Robert in his sermoun; wherupon, Mr Andrew Mel-
vill rebooked the king verie sharpelie, threatned him with the
judgements of God if he repented not. Thus Mr Andrew dis-
charged a necessarie duetie, howbeit he was not ignorant that the
cheefe intent of their conveening was to trouble him one way or
other. Yitt the king and his commissioners proceed against Mr
Robert, and removed him from the exercise of his ministrie there.
His colleague, Mr David Blacke, was not so muche as called upon ;
and yitt, it behoved him to be debarred out of St Andrewes, and
take him to some countrie parish; lyke as he was removed to
Angus, and Mr George Gladestains transported out of Angus, and
planted in his rowme at St Andrewes. In the meane tyme, the
king and his commissioners suffered themselves to be intreatted for
libertie to the ministers of Edinburgh to teache to their owne con-
gregatioun ; yea, and craved thankes for that favour ! But all this
favour was granted onlie to overthrow the more easilie the ministrie
of St Andrewes, for they could not at one tyme, and so soone, worke
their intent in everie thing. Mr Robert Rollock, moderator of the
last Assemblie, and consequentlie moderator at this and the like
conventiouns of the commissioners, kythed his owne weakenesse, in
following the humours of the king and his commissioners, so that
his credit and reputatioun were muche impaired by the troubling
of these faithfull pastors, and concurrence with the king and court
ministers in their proceedings. The best constructioun that was
made by suche as favoured the sinceritie of discipline, and puritie
of the Gospell, was, to attribute his part to simplicitie. Howsoever
it was, he conceaved no small greefe of the miscontentment of
the godlie. Yitt was he drawin on to proceed farther, as we sall
heare.
TEIE RECTOR OF THE UNIVERSITIE CHANGED.
Manie accusatiouns and complaints were made upon Mr An-
drew Melvill, at the visitatioun of the universitie. But God so
1597. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 651
assisted him with courage and utterance, that they could find no
vantage against him, but made choice of a new rector of the uni-
versitie; which office, according to the custome, he dimitted
willinglie for manie causes, but speciallie becaus there was in it a
mixture of civill magistracie with the spirituall office; and tooke
on that burthein before at the desire of the universitie. Yitt to
stoppe the mouths of the people, and to content strangers, Po-
lonians, Danes, Low Countrie men, Frenche men, who, drawin with
the fame of his learning, came to the universitie, gave him another
office, more agreeable to him in all respects, to witt, to be Deane
of the Facultie of Theologie. New orders and lawes were made,
which the king and his commissioners thought fittest for that
course ; namlie, that no Maisters or Professours, nor Professours of
the Universitie, na, nor Doctors of Divinitie, sould sitt in the pres-
byterie upon maters of discipline; which was done of purpose to
seclude Mr Andrew Melvill. Thus, the king and the commission-
ers, by a borrowed authoritie from a corrupt assemblie, and, as it
were, with the forces and armour of the kirk, sett upon one of her
maine fortresses, to witt, the church and universitie of St Andrewes,
and by authoritie more than order, throwed out two painfull pastors
out of the kirk; and without anie advice at all, yea, directlie
against the consent of the presbyterie, appointed Mr George Glade-
stains minister at St Andrewes, changed the rector, and made
new orders and lawes.
THE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH PERMITTED TO TEACHE IN THEIR
OWNE PIACES.
The ministers of Edinburgh beganne to preache again in their
owne places upon the 24th of Julie. They atteaned to this liber-
tie by degrees, as followeth : They directed a letter to the mini-
sters, and a supplicatioun to the estats conveenned at Perth in
Februar, wherin they craved exact tryell. The king hearing that
their supplicatioun was to be presented, caused stay the presenting
of it, and alledged that was not the way to come by his favour, or
652 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
to compose the mater. When another bill was formed and pre-
sented to the counsell, some of the counsell found fault with it, as
conteaning rather a recriminatioun nor a purgatioun. The king
found fault with the prolixitie of it. They made a thrid, short, and
advertised the king that they were to present it. The king pro-
mised to passe out of the counsell secreitlie ; but he prorogued the
counsell day. By moyen, they obteane their bill to be read the
nixt counsell day, before the king was awar. The counsell or-
deanned them to enter their persons in waird, and to find cautioun
to that effect within ten dayes, where as they sould have had four-
tie dayes' leasure, in respect they were out of the countrie; and
likewise ordeanned them not to come neere Edinburgh by two
myles. The king hearing that they sturred not for the hardnesse
of the conditiouns, but were minded to enter in waird, directed Mr
Patrik Galloway and Mr Robert Rollock to conferre with them,
and promised, if they agreed not, they sould have recourse to their
bill, that is, have libertie to enter in waird. So the conference
was holdin at Nidrie. They were desired to advise what way they
thought best to be purged of slander, for his Majestie knew per-
fytelie they were innocent of the alledged treasoun. The other
heed proponed was concerning the king's satisfactioun. It was
answered, what needeth satisfactioun, if his Majestie was perswaded
of their innocencie? When some other particulars were objected,
the ministers cleered themselves sufficientlie. At last, they report,
that the king came to this point, that if their owne consciences ac-
cuse them in anie thing, they sould not thinke shame to confesse
it to God’s glorie ; so manie as had anie scruple, in respect it was
offensive to his Majestie, which was done the day of that tumult,
to crave his oversight. They tooke in hand to satisfie the king.
But after conference, the king urgeth farther; and urgeth them
who had no scruple, to confesse an oversight, if it were but for un-
kindnesse. The ministers perceaving the king to creepe in upon
them peece and peece, answered, they sould rather goe to the scaf-
fold, ere he gott anie farther of them.
At lenth they are admitted to the king's presence in the palace
1597. OF THE ICIRR OF SCOTILAND. 653
of Halyrudhous, upon Tuisday, the 29th of Aprile, at nyne houres
at night. Everie one of them made his owne declaratioun. Mr
Robert Bruce said, “Certanelie, Sir, if I could have foreseene, or
anie way foreknowne, the consequent that ensued upon the actioun
we had in hand that day, I would not for all the earth have entered
in it. But as to that consequent, it was mere accidentall, and
greeved me als muche as anie thing that ever fell out in my tyme
in Edinburgh. Alwise, Sir, since yee have begunne so weill, I pray
your Majestie continue, and lett me recover the rowme I wount
to have in your Majestie's affectioun. For my part, I will promise
to serve you, and to studie by all meanes to your preservatioun, so
that I sall not [be] privie to the tuiche of the lap of your mantle,
lett be of your person; for I know your calling is high, and person
great, and therefore craveth due reverence of all your subjects.”
The king answered, “Surelie, Mr Robert, yee sall recover your
rowme which yee had in my affectioun. But lett me expostulat a
little with you.” After some short conference, the king said, he
would give him both heart and hand. So they entered that night
in the toun, at that same houre they went out when they departed,
and that same day of the weeke. They gave in their bill to the
Secreit Counsell, and craved to be relaxed. The king made a verie
indifferent report of the conference he had with them.
Within foure dayes before the Assemblie, which was to be holdin
at Dundie, they had another conference with the king. Two
things were demanded of them : One, tuiching the absolution of
the Lord Huntlie; the other, tuiching the planting of Edinburgh,
and their re-entrie. To the first they answered, they had shewed
their minde alreadie to Mr Patrik Galloway, to witt, that his absolu-
tioun would depend muche upon the report of these to whom his
tryell was committed. If they were suspected and knowne not to
deale uprightlie, the Assemblie would subjoyne others of greater
sinceritie and fidelitie; and that the Ladie Huntlie sould be dealt
with before her husband were receaved. As for the other point,
that his Majestie sould urge the divisioun of Edinburgh in quar-
654 CALDERWOOD's EIISTORIE 1597.
ters, as was intended before their departure out of the countrie;
and that no pastor sould be granted to them, till they were content
to receave the number which was agreed upon. The king ap-
proved their answere, and sent up the Clerk of Register to the
counsell of Edinburgh the day following, with commissioun to in-
joyne them to sute their owne ministers, and so manie moe as were
necessarie for the divisioun.
About the end of the Assemblie which was holdin at Dundie,
they were sent for to come to the king with diligence. Upon the
Sabbath day after their comming the king [sent] Mr Robert Rol-
lock, Moderator of the Assemblie, and Mr Patrik Galloway, his
owne minister, to them after supper, and desired them in plaine
termes, that they would remove out of Edinburgh, and choose anie
other place in the countrie that they thought meete. They an-
swered, that that propositioun was altogether dissonant from the
last conference which they had with his Majestie. Before they
blotted themselves with such ignominie, they would willinglie re-
nounce the favour they had gottin, and submitt themselves to tryell,
howbeit it sould bring their heads under the axe. At last, accord-
ing to their commouning in the last conference, they came in be-
fore the Assemblie, and layed down their generall ministrie at the
feete of the Assemblie, to the end that the work of the divisioun
of the toun in quarters might succeed. Tyme did not suffer the
Assemblie to proceed farther in that mater, and, therefore, it was
committed to the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie. The
commissioners meeting at St Andrewes in Julie, least they sould
draw upon themselves the displeasure of the godlie, by the dis-
placing of Mr David Blacke and Mr Robert Wallace, agreed, and
moved the king to consent, that they sould continue in their gene-
rall ministrie in Edinburgh, as before, till the divisioun in quarters,
and collegues to fill the places might be had.
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 655
THE POPISH ERLES RELAXED.
In the beginning of August the Erles of Angus, Huntlie, and
Erroll, were relaxed from the horne, by sound of trumpet, at the
Croce of Edinburgh, and proclamed the king's free lieges.
AN EARTHQUAKE AND THE PEST.
About the same tyme there was an earthquake, which made all
the north parts of Scotland to tremble; Kintaill, Rosse, Cromartie,
Marr, Braidalban, etc., betuixt eight and nyne in the morning, upon
the 23d of Julie. A man in St Johnstoun laying compts with his
compters, the compters lappe off the boord, the man's thighes trem-
bled; one leg went up, and another doun. There is mentioun made
of an earthquake in the dayes of Uzziah, who usurped the preestlie
office, and went in to the temple, to offer incense at the golden
altar. The pest infected sindrie parts about Edinburgh, so that
manie fled out of the toun. A fast continued from the seventh of
August till the end of the harvest, in Edinburgh, at which time the
pest ceassed. The ministers conforted the people. So they were
restored to them in a seasonable tyme.
JOCKUPALAND’S LETTER.
Heere followeth a letter writtin by one favouring the sinceritie
of religioun, to the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, in
the name of Jockupaland, and dated the 10th of August.
“To the late Commissioners of the Kirk, chosin by his Majestie
for disordering things ecclesiasticall, Jockupaland, in name of
the Commouns, wisheth greater grace, and lessé witt.
“Being moved, greatlie beloved in the Lord Jesus, in respect of
656 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
the great slander arisin in this countrie, concerning your proceed-
ings since the acceptatioun of your commissionarie, appointed by his
Majestie for taiking order in things ecclesiasticall, als weill in doc-
trine as in discipline in the Kirk of Scotland, we, the poore
laicks and commouns of this countrie, cannot but seeke to be re-
solved in things alledged upon you, as also appearand to us to be
true. The which things doe shake our faith, as it were ; for which
faith, in that respect, ye must be answerable, if it be slander just-
lie givin by you; and if it be by us tane unjustlie, lett us be satis-
fied by your resolutioun, that alwayes, according to your callings,
yee may winne us to Christ, after the exemple of St Paul; who,
as we are instructed, and have beene by you instructed, absteaned
from manie things for offending of the weake ones, which other-
wise were to him lawfull ; muche more yee, from things unlaw-
full, for our weakenesse caus, as we alledge.
“But to our purpose. We beseeke you, brethrein, according to
your doctrine delivered to us these manie yeeres bygane, that yee
godlie and wiselie consider how farre Satan has prevailed over
you in your callings, who not onlie has made you to winke, as it
were, at sinne, in men's persons, but also to lay, as it were, the
foundation wheron to big up sinne without controlment, much
lesse anie punishment. Beloved, and sometyme reverend in the
Lord Jesus, I doubt not but yee know by the space of manie yeeres
bygane, religioun in this countrie has beene shott at, directlie and
indirectlie, by the civill magistrats within this countrie; from tyme
to tyme, to have been impaired and cutt short of the libertie therof,
according to the institutioun of God in Christ Jesus his Sonne,
and onlie Head of his Kirk, as we are informed; till now, that we
heare that yee have made his Majestie Head of the Kirk within this
countrie ; which, as yee have instructed us, apperteanes not unto
him, except yee lett us understand more than Christ hath shewed
unto us, who commandeth to give that unto Caesar which appertean-
eth unto him, and no more. But yee, through your gentle wis-
dom and love to his Majestie, have givin him more. God grant
that this your gentle wisdome and love to his Majestie turne not
1597. OF THE IXIIRIC OF SCOTLAND. G57
to hatred and follie, in the one or both parteis. And now, my
brethrein, we alledge the same course against the kirk in this countrie
is begunne to be putt to executioun, and that not onlie through
and by your presence, but by your plaine deid and ratificatioun
as yitt. Alace for pitie, and woe to us, the poore weake ones,
upon whom the latter and dangerous dayes are fallin, whose faith,
libertie, and standing in Christ, is shaikin as it were, and brought
to nought ; for the great lights are dazelled and made dimme, and
the starres fallin from heaven
“But, to our purpose, concerning the shott against the Kirk of
God in Scotland. The king's Majestie, in the 1595 yeere of God,
after long advisement, consultatioun, and deliberatioun of his
honorable counsell, altogether carnallie affected, (by all likelihood,)
beganne to sett in order the queene's effaires, honouring her Ma-
jestie as the weaker vessell; nixt, his Majestie's effaires, als weill
concerning the governement of the countrie as his Majestie's patri-
monie, and that by the number of eight wise and politick, (I doubt
not in their owne kinde,) by whose counsell and deliberatioun has
he chosin you, his Majestie's commissioners, by whose meanes
they are to putt in order or disorder things in ecclesiasticall estate,
als weill in doctrine as policie and discipline : and as concerning
your proceedings in your callings, we esteeme, that although the
first commissioners concerning temporall effaires were created be-
fore you, Surelie yee have gone farre before them in pleasing his
Majestie's evill tempered humour in your callings, more than they
have done his Majestie concerning their callings. For ever since
the tyme of their creatioun, they indeid have beene laying platts
and devices against the Kirk of God in this land; but yee, indeid,
since your last creatioun, have quicklie putt in executioun things
of them long looked for. Sua that we esteeme, that the first com-
missioners, in all their tyme, have not done so great hurt to the
civill governement in this land as yee, in your shorter tyme, have
done against the kingdome of Christ Jesus.
“Now, to come to the particulars concerning your proceedings,
there are two or three things which we desire to be satisfied of,
WOL. W. 2 T
658 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1597.
and which we heare to be manifest iniquitie. Of the which two
or three things there are two but small maters; and yitt, we have
heard you say and affirme them to be something before God.
And if we k < * and as we remember yee shew us, that
they were things muche sett by in the presence of God; to witt,
to free the wicked from bonds, and to condemne the innocent.
And surelie, my brethrein, if this be true, as is alledged, yee have
stopped a low stop by the way at your first beginning; if not true,
lett us be satisfied by your answere and just purgatioun. And
now, my brethrein, before I expresse anie particulars, I thinke it
not needlesse to purge myself of all particular affectioun or partiali-
tie whatsomever, but as an indifferent persoun, seeking to be re-
solved in maters doubtfull unto us. And for myself, who write this
rusticall letter unto you, a man of meane estat and calling, yea, of
the meanest and poorest estat of all the countrie, one of the com-
mouns, I protest before God, and unto you to whom I write, and
for whose weale I write, that concerning the parteis of whom I am
to speeke, I am free of particular affectioun to the one or to the
other; mather doe I esteeme of their persons, but according to their
doctrine and conversatioun in the Lord’s worke, allowing and dis-
allowing in Christ, and for Christ's caus.
“Now to our particular: First, I desire, my brethrein, to under-
stand by what warrant yee did repose Mr Johne Rutherfurde, who
not onlie, as we alledge, merited by you to be deposed rather, but
also, farther, we esteeme, and not onlie we who are meane in know-
ledge, but the best in knowledge and godlie understanding in all
the countrie, that yee sould rather have cast him out of the kirk,
and also out of the societie of God’s people for a tyme, untill it
had pleased God to have shewed better tokins of repentance, hu-
miliatioun, and amendiment, nor yee saw before yee reposed him P
Weill, weill, my brethrein, I feare that the healing of suche un-
tented and undercoatted wounds sall come to a feister, if it be not
the more wiselie and godlie prevented; which God of his mercie
grant. And, my brethrein, I appeale you before God and his
holie angells, in whose presence all men's consciences sall be opened
1597. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 659
and made manifest, where no worldlie excuses nor pretences sall
be admitted, nather anie policie of princes, nor for princes allowed,
if anie of you darre say in a good conscience, that before yee ad-
mitted that man again to beare office in the kirk of God, yee saw
in him good and just causes whereby yee might, in a good con-
Science, justlie admitt him; or if yee did it partlie upon appearand
repentance, (wherof yee had no sufficient proofe,) and partlie for
his Majestie's earnest Sute. Examine, I say, your consciences, my
brethrein, heerin; for it may be that this mater draw deeper nor
yee have happilie yitt considered. Bewar, my brethrein, for hall
binkes are slidrie. It feares me sore that yee sall losse that good
and high commendatioun which your brother, of most famous and
godlie memorie amongst the godlie, sometimes gott, and that of the
most politick prince for the tyme, bearing his Majestie's person;
who, after long dealing with him, as yee have beene dealt with,
that he would but temporize in maters of religioun and discipline,
yea, in maters of lesse importance than these wherin yee are faine
to temporize; who not onlie refused that noble prince, but also,
most valiant in the caus of Christ, withstood him to his face, and
dissallowed also of manie of his brethrein for the tyme, according
to their and your fleshlie wisdome, I doubt not to him no small
greefe; yitt God was with him, who, according to his faith and
single eye, made him to prevail. And by this strait dealing and
warre with princes (as it were) to establishe the kirk of God in
greater libertie, quietnesse, and peace, and he himself died in peace,
and made a godlie and blessed end. After whose funeralls, the self-
same prince was forced, at his grave and sepulture, before a famous
and frequent auditor, to say, ‘There lyeth thou, Johne Knox, who
never feared flesh.” I doubt not, my brethrein, but yee all know
and will confesse, as I have heard some of you, that Johne Knox
was wise in God. But yee appeare to be wise; without God, or in
God, I darre not judge. But one thing I darre say and affirme,
that in this mater concerning Mr Johne Rutherfurde, yee have not
walked in the spirit of Elias, nother according to the uprightnesse
of the said Johne Knox, whose uprightnesse yee have not followed,
660 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1597.
and whose praise ye sall justly laike, without speedie amendiment;
which God of his mercie grant. Thus, my brethrein, yee have putt
the wicked free, as we alledge; yea, I say farther, my brethrein,
if there be no farther humiliatioun, repentance, amendiment, and
reconciliation to his godlie brethrein, against whome he hath offended,
(by and attour the offence of the weake ones,) nor yitt there is, he
sall be found a worse instrument in the Kirk of Scotland nor ever
the Bishop of St Andrewes was, whose doings, I doubt not, yee
have disallowed.
“Now, to come to the secund, concerning the condemning of
the innocent : I pray you what just caus had yee against your
brethrein of St Andrewes, the ministers there, that yee have so
suddanlie putt them from their charges without due or just tryell,
or mater of just suspensioun, deprivatioun, or out-putting from
their lawfull calling, and have thrust in upon their flockes a man
corrupt, and not meete for that congregatioun, as we alledge?
Darre anie of you, in anie good and upright conscience, say and
affirme before God and his kirk, being freelie conveenned together
to a Generall Assemblie, (as I hope in God yitt one day to see you,)
that these men, whom yee have putt from their charges and law-
full callings, are of meaner graces and lesse gifts to worke the
Lord's worke in that congregatioun nor the man whom yee have
thrust in upon the same; or thinke yee, my brethrein, that that
man whom yee have intrused, by his cold forme of doctrine, without
applicatioun, (which is the life of the Word,) is abler to worke the
Lord’s worke there, nor the men whose travells and diligence in
their callings, they say, might have beene compared with the best
of you, except they were not tractable unto princes, nather were
they weill acquainted with Placebo 2 My brethrein, looke that it
faire not with you as it foore with the sonnes of Jacob concerning
their brother Joseph, who, for the graces of God in him, and greater
affectioun toward him of his father, could not abide him, nather
would they suffer him to abide in his father's hous, which was the
kirk of God for the tyme, but spoiled him of his partie-coloured
coat, the cognizance and badge of his father's greater affection and
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 661
love towards him; but more speciallie becaus of the oracle of God
reveeled unto him concerning things to come to his kirk, they were
the more incensed against him, concluding to kill him; but after
letted by the instrument of God, Reuben, they cast him in a pitt,
and after sold him to the Ismaelits, who caried him to Egypt;
where after the kirk of God receaved by him great confort, and
things spokin by him were putt in executioun, not one jote of them
falling to the ground, although, in the tyme when he spake it, it
was esteemed to be mere follie, and that by the verie members of
the kirk for the tyme. I darre not compare these poore men with
Joseph, nather you with his brethrein; muche lesse the king's Ma-
jestie with Jacob. For, I remember, Jacob, when Joseph reveeled
his last dreame unto him, he could not abide it, becaus it tuiched
himself neerelie; yitt the text sayeth, he ‘layed up the sayings in
his heart.” One thing I must marke, by the way, my brethrein;
I see, at the declairing of the first dreame to Jacob, he is not
moved; but when he heares the last dreame, which concernes him-
self in some part, he could not away with it. All the generalls are
good. But Joseph would not conceale the mater for no worldlie
respect, although there was mater in it to craib his father. Con-
sider of this geare, I pray you, my brethrein. It may be that
these men have als much of the counsell of God as anie of you, and
be als familiar with God also as the best of you. Lett them not,
therefore, be despised in your sight, becaus of the graces of God in
them. Take not away from them that parti-coloured coat, the cog-
nizance and tokin of their father's love towards them; (I meane
the heavenly Jacob and Father.) Send them not doun to Egypt,
for I am perswaded in my conscience that a word uttered by these
men from the pulpit of St Andrewes, that chaire of veritie, sall not
fall to the ground, but sall be accomplished in the Lord’s owne
tyme, as God sall choose it meetest. And, moreover, I am per-
swaded that our eyes living this day into Scotland sall sce the per-
formance therof. Take tent to this geare, my brethrein. It may
be that the best of you sall be forced to seeke of them ather cor-
porall or spirituall foode. I say yitt againe, my brethrein, heer-
662 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
after comes not yitt; but when yee sall be crossed in your wayes,
and perchance, who can tell, may find your money in your secks'
mouthes, and yee be accused unjustlie, not being acquainted with
the judge of the land, then sall your conscience beginne to wakin,
and to pricke you sharpelie; then sall yee be compelled to say,
* This is justlie come upon us, becaus we would not heare our bro-
ther Joseph in his afflictioun.’ My brethrein, I pray you compt
Over againe.
“Thridlie, my brethrein, we would understand, by what good
warrant in Scripture, or humane example out of the Scripture, yee
have made our king's Majestie head in the kirk within this coun-
trie, that he sould judge of doctrine, or impose and depose at his
pleasure to places or from places; placing some in places uncalled
by God, and displacing others from places whereto they have beene
lawfullie called by God; and charging or discharging presbytereis,
and persons of presbytereis untryed or convicted, if they ought
justlie to have beene discharged or not ? And most, we mervell
concerning the discharging of the students and young men of the
New Colledge, who, as we alledge, ought speciallie to be there, that
they may learne of the rest of the presbyterie, both in maters of
doctrine and discipline, how to behave themselves. As concerning
the discharging of Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr Johne Johnestoun, Mr
Patrik Melvill, and the rest of that sort, (daft, precise men, who,
although God have more nor anie king or kings, cannot suffer
kings to borrow from him; greedie men of God’s geir, of fierie
humours, enemeis to monarcheis, and seditious persons, as courteours
terme them; who can tell if all may be sealed that they say?) as
for these men, I know them not weill. But we heare say heere-
about of them, that these men, whom they so terme, are als upright
with God (whose commissioners they are) as anie in this land, yea,
the king's commissioners not excepted, whom some call his Ma-
jestie's led horse, when his Majestie rydeth in the effaires eccle-
siasticall. And sure, men call you worse, which at this tyme I
will not expresse, till I heare your answere and purgatioun of the
things above writtin; which, if yee faile, I will tell you a taile that
1597. OF THIE IXIEK OF SCOTLAND. 663
yee have not yitt heard. And farther, my brethrein, concerning these
men, they say, that in God they love his Majestie als weill as anie
of his commissioners doe; and some say, that if they were putt to the
prooffe concerning true love to his Majestie, they sould be found
the most faithfull subjects his Majestie has in this land, as some-
tymes his Majestie has esteemed of some of them : and it is
esteemed by the godlie, that these men sall dee in peace, ceasse
from their labours, and their workes sall follow them, to their great
praise and high commendatioun. I remember, my brethrein, of a
sermon made in the Little Kirk of Edinburgh, by one of your
brethrein; and I remember he said, speeking by way of supposi-
tioun, “Suppone,' said he, “the king's Majestie of this countrie
were dead, and could live againe a yeere or two therafter, and
sould heare the things that sould be spokin and writtin of him, it
would breake his heart. My brethrein, if he were to preache the
same over againe, he sould say the same of you, his commissioners:
fy my brethrein, that yee have made so little resistance to suche
an evill course. I remember, that I heard some of you say, that
Johne the Baptist would not suffer Herod to have his brother
Philip's wife, but cryed out against him, and so suffered imprisson-
ment, and after was beheaded. But, my brethrein, they say that
yee have winked at greater maters, and have not resisted unto im-
prissonment, lett be to give your head for the testimonie unto the
truthe, and resisting of sinne. I am perswaded, my brethrein, that
if yee had resisted lawfullie unto our Christian prince, as Johne did
unto this heathen king, his Majestie had beene winne er now to
have submitted himself to Christ's kingdom alwayes, and yee had
beene approved of God and man; and religioun in this countrie
had floorished better, and in greater libertie and freedom, than in
anie countrie under heaven this day. But, alas ! my brethrein, yee
have suffered, and not onlie suffered, but admitted our king to slippe
in upon the Lord's marches and bounds, the which, I feare, he sal,
not onlie be laith to part with again, but I feare he sall seeke
farther dominioun in it. It had beene easier, my brethrein, to hold
out nor to putt out. Consider what I speeke, my brethrein, and
664 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
the Lord give you understanding. If his Majestie continue in this
evill course, which God forbid, I feare that he perish therin, but
his blood will be required at your hands. Lett me be satisfied in
this one simple requeist, and I will end this long rusticall letter, I
doubt not tedious unto you, by reason of the informalitie heerof.
But everie man is like his craft, schollars as schollars, and rusticks as
rusticalls. But to the purpose: scing, my brethrein, that yee have
his Majestie's eare at this tyme, and we can gett no accesse unto
his Majestie, these few lynes shew unto his Majestie in our name.
“Seing the cace so stands, we, the poore commouns of this coun-
trie, perceaving his Majestie, the Kirk of God, and the commoun-
weale of this land, to be in great danger, and none to pitie the
same, and the danger so muche the more at this tyme, as
before this tyme things were under hope, but now are past hope :
for before, wicked men were travelling by all meanes, directlie
and indirectlie, to putt doun religioun in this countrie, and the
professors therof; but, praised be God for it, to this tyme, have
they beene gratiouslie espyed, and mightilie withstood: and, my
brethrein, I cannot lett it passe by, they say, that by the same men
that now are most odious to his Majestie, the Melvills, Johnestoun,
Blacke, and Wallace, and the rest of them. But now, my brethrein,
hath the devill violentlie brokin into the kirk in this land, and hath
tane out of their owne a wand to ding themselves with. And now,
my brethrein, Seing it is come to this hight, that it is come to mani-
fest persecutioun, there is nothing to be looked for, say we, but one
of two things; that is, ather speedie repentance and amendiment,
or ellis speedie and great overthrow and confusioun of king, kirk,
and commoun weale. I pray you, lett his Majestie understand,
that the standing of religioun within this countrie, and his Majes-
tie's standing, are inseparablie conjoynned. Show his Majestie that
it may not goe this way. For we, the commouns of this countrie
of Scotland, his Majestie's subjects in God, having nothing before
our eyes but the glorie of God, the weale and standing of his Ma-
jestie, and commoun weale within the countrie, before we trater-
ouslie suffer his Majestie thus to be abused by the devill and his
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. G65
instruments in this land, we sall, God willing, withstand the same
by all meanes possible. And if his Majestie insist anie farther in
this evill course against the kirk of God, by stopping of their mouthes
as it were ; before we suffer this, I say, we sall, God willing, lett
them that have the wyte of this geare in this land see manie rousted
sword and reeked axe, that thir new come fellows never yett saw,
nather never have they yitt considered, what it is to draw a king
from God’s obedience in anie cace, and so to alienat his subjects'
hearts from him, without which he cannot be a king. But lett
them be assured, before we suffer this, we will putt it in God’s
hand, and rather choose to be alledged tratours to them, nor tratours
to God and his Majestie both. For it appeares to us, that these
inchanters have, as it were, bewitched his Majestie ; for it seemeth
strange to us, that a Christian prince, weill brought up, in whom
God has shewed so manie good gifts and graces, sould be so drawin
away by suche devill’s limmes, Papists, Athiests, and licentious
men, from whose hands, if it were with the effusioun of all our
blood, by God’s grace, we thinke to have his Majestie. After the
which tyme, I doubt not, but his Majestie will thinke it good
service; and it may be, my brethrein, that God may blesse the
worke in our hands, of the which I doubt no way; becaus our eye
is single, and our heart is upright, so manie, I meane, as we thinke
to imploy in this worke; for we trow, that the God of Gideon be
yitt living.
“And I pray you, my brethrein, shew his Majestie that there is
no caus in us whereby his Majestie sould suspect us, that we usurpe
his kingdom in anie point, as he, in some measure, has done the
kingdome of Christ. Nather lett his Majestie thinke that we are
instigated by anie person or persons. I doubt not but some of
the devill’s limmes about his Majestie, by whom his Majestie is
bewitched, will so say. But they resemble the devill, their mais-
ter, in that point, who speekes not the truthe. And although so
were, my brethrein, (as God knowes the contrare,) show his Majes-
tie, that it were but sinne punished with sinne, and man by his
owne iniquitie. But we protest before God, that nather minister,
(366 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
ministers, nor ministrie, nather lord, lords, barons, nor baron, has
instigated us, moved, nor desired us. But, indeid, my brethrein, we,
God willing, sall instigat, move, or stirre up, of all thir estats fear-
ing God, to concurre with us, for the safeguarde of his Majestie,
who stands in so great danger of the enemeis of God, and his Ma-
jestie's enemeis also ; although yitt his Majestie has not rightlie
apprehended their inimitie. And show his Majestie, that we think
ourselves no farther bound to his Majestie than his Majestie is
bound to Jesus Christ. And as his Majestie's heart is alienated
from the right obedience of Jesus Christ, so are our hearts alien-
ated, and for God’s caus and the true religioun changed from his
Majestie and his due obedience: for if his Majestie had beene als
good and loving a prince unto us, as Jesus Christ has beene to his
Majestie, we would have beene readie to have pulled out our eyes
for his Majestie's pleasure. But to the effect his Majestie may
understand we seeke his Majestie to God with a single ey, and up-
right heart to his Majestie's weale and standing, show his Majes-
tie this farre; that if his Majestie will suffer to conveene together
the Kirk of Scotland, with some of the weill affected subjects to
God and his Majestie, to concurre with them, and at their sight
putt in order things disordered by his Majestie within the same,
and by wicked counsellers concerning that part, and after the con-
vocatioun of a lawfull and frequent parliament, ratifie and confirme
the acts of the said Assemblie, and putt from his Majestie's coun-
sell Papists and atheists, not seeking his Majestie's standing, but
their owne ; and I, my brethrein, who am the writter of this rusti-
call letter, sall expresse my name, and putt myself in his Majestie's
will; and if that after I may have his Majestie's eare uncorrupt, to
speeke unto his Majestie for myself in this mater, after the which,
if his Majestie accompt me to have done wrong, I sall willinglie
suffer for it. But I doubt not his Majestie sall rightlie construct
my upright meaning to his Majestie and the honour of God, for
the which, I thinke, I durst lay doun my life. And to the condi-
tioun that things were putt in order, as I have said, wherethrough
his Majestie might againe recover the gracious fame and bruite of
1597. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 607
his Majestie's subjects in this land, and the high commendatioun
of the godlie everie where, I would I had layed doun my life this
night before the morne. Would to God his Majestie would right-
lie consider, betuixt the gracious commendatioun of his Majestie,
before this evill course come to light, and the evill bruites and out-
cryes now of the pure ones in God, and all the godlie. But, my
brethrein, if so be, (as God forbid,) that, after this poore admoni-
tioun, his Majestie will not take order, but insist in this wicked
course, according to the evill dispositioun of his present wicked
counsell, we will be forced by proofe to lett his Majestie under-
stand what it is justlie to tyne the hearts of his subjects weill af-
fected to his Majestie in God. And I pray you to show these pro-
fane counsellers, who are not onlie unworthie to beare rule in a
Christian commoun weale, under a Christian prince, but also are
unworthie of his Majestie's presence, (I meane Setoun, Lindsay,
Hammiltoun, Elphinstoun, Hume, Sanquhare, Livingstoun, and
the rest of that wicked band,) that it may be that we caus some of
their owne long speares and rustie staves knapp their owne crownes.
“What, my brethrein sall we suffer mischeantlie to see our owne
lawfull prince, as it were, murthered, and none to pitie it, nather
in kirk nor commounweale; and a prince, my brethrein, I must
say, upon whom God has bestowed great gifts and graces, as
knowledge, wisdom, eloquence, and humilitie, great gifts to be in a
prince, and yitt all smoored doun and darkenned by the shadow of
the wicked, which the Lord of his mercie amend ?
“Thus, my brethrein, looking for amendiment in things amisse
in your owne persons, require the amendiment of things in his Ma-
jestie's person and counsell, which may bring things yitt to a good
fyne and end. And, looking for your answere in God, according
to this my letter in all points, I will now leave to trouble you with
farther writting, till farther occasioun in God; to whose protectioun
and spirit of righteous judgement I committ you. From the place
of my abode, the 10th of August, anno 1597 yeeres.
“I have continued and putt off, my brethrein, to paint out everie
one of you, his Majestie's commissiouners, temporall and ecclesias-
668 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
ticall, in your owne colours, especiallie the ravening gled now in
St Andrewes : looking for your most diligent travells for the per-
forming of all the premisses in yourself, as in others, to whom it
effeirs. Of the which, if yee disappoint my good expectation, I
sall, God willing, show you more of my minde, little to your con-
tentment, and that justlie. Fairweill.”
A PARLIAMENT.
Upon the 13th of December, the king came ryding up to the
Tolbuith of Edinburgh to hold a parliament; and the honours were
borne before him, the Erle of Cassils bearing the crowne, the Erle
of Marr the sceptre, the Erle of Sutherland the sword. After the
king entered in the Tolbuith, the Lyoun Herald, with the rest of
his brethrein and some trumpetters, came from the Tolbuith to the
Croce of Edinburgh, and proclaimed the restauratioun of the Erles
of Huntlie, Erroll, and Angus, with their complices, to their livings,
honours, and digniteis, and sett up their names againe upon standards.
At this parliament, the Castell of Dumbartane was taikin from
the Lord Hammiltoun, and givin to the duke; in recompense
wherof, the Abbacie of Arbroth was erected in a temporall lord-
ship to the Lord Hammiltoun and his heyres. Thomas Foulles,
goldsmith, was made collector of the customes, and maister of the
imposts, and treasurer, and that becaus the king was in his debt.
VOTE IN PARLIAMENT GRANTED TO THE RIRIK.
An entrie was made at this parliament, for erectioun of bishops.
The mater was brought about after this maner : The commission-
ers of the Generall Assemblie, in name of the kirk, gave up a peti-
tioun for ministers to vote in parliament. They thought they had
sufficient warrant, becaus it had beene oftin and almost at everie
parliament compleaned, that none sat and voted in parliament in
name of the kirk, nather bearing office in the kirk, nor having com-
missioun. The abbots, pryours, Lords of Sessioun, and suche of
the nobilitie as they drew to assist them, were against [it] Yitt,
1597. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 669
by earnest dealing of the king, who had promised muche good to
be done to the kirk at that parliament, they condescend and agree
that so manie of the ministrie as his Majestie sould promove heer-
after to the dignitie, office, place, and title of prelacie, bishop, abbot,
or other, sall have vote in parliament als freelie as anie other ec-
clesiasticall prelat had in anie tyme bygame. This, forsuith ! was
the great benefite obteaned for the kirk at that parliament, when the
Popish erles were restored, for the which it behoved the kirk to re-
ceave them in favour. The kirk had lyin long under contempt and
povertie, say they, and this was the onlie way to amend it : That
some of the godliest and wisest of the ministrie may be chosin to sitt
upon the counsell of the realme, at the conventioun of estats, and
highest court of parliament, where they may reasoun and vote in their
owne causes, and recall the kirk living; and not stand at the doore,
giving in papers of petitiouns, and yitt Skarse gett a faire answere,
when they had waited on manie dayes. So the commissioners of
the Generall Assemblie, without anie advice or directioun from the
Generall Assemblie, beside the bounds of their commissioun, pre-
tending the weale of the kirk, preferred this petitioun. The estats
of parliament, indeid, thought that no honest man in the ministrie
would take upon him suche titles, and therefore thought themselves
secure of their offer; for the force and tenour of their doctrine had
sounded manie yeeres against these offices and titles.
The tenour of the Act of Parliament heere followeth :
“Our Soverane Lord, and his Honorable Estats in Parliament,
having speciall consideration and regaird of the great priviledges
and immuniteis granted by his Hienesse’ predecessors, of most
worthie memorie, to the IHolie Kirk within this realme, and to the
speciall persons exercing the offices, titles, and digniteis of prela-
ceis within the same : Which persons have ever represented one
of the estats of this realme, in all conventiouns of the saids estats;
and that the saids priviledges and freedoms have beene, from tyme
to tyme, renewed and conserved in the same integritie and con-
670 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
ditioun wherin they were at anie tyme of before, so that his Ma-
jestie, acknowledging the samine now to be fallin, and become
under his Majestie's most favourable protectioun: Therefore, his Ma-
jestie, of his great zeale and singular affectioun, which he alwayes
has to the advancement of the true religion, presentlie professed
within this realme, with advice and consent of his honourable
estats, statuts, decernes, and declares, that the kirk within this
realme, wherin the same religioun is professed, is the true and holie
Kirk; and that suche pastors and ministers within the same, as at
anie tyme his Majestie sall please to provide to the office, place,
title, and dignitie of a bishop, abbot, or other prelat, sall at all
tyme heerafter have vote in parliament, siclyke and als freelie as
anie other ecclesiasticall prelat had at anie tyme bygane; and als,
declares that all and whatsomever bishopricks presently vaiking in
his Highnesse' hands, which as yitt are undispouned to anie per-
son, or which sall happin at anie tyme heerafter to vaike, sall be
onlie disponed by his Majestie to actuall preachers and mini-
sters in the kirk, or to suche other persons as sall be found apt and
qualified to use and exercise the office and functioun of a minister
and preacher; and who, in their provisiouns to the said bishopricks,
sall accept in and upon them to be actuall pastors and ministers,
and according thereto sall practise and exerce the same therafter.
“Item, As concerning the office of the said persons to be pro-
vided to the said bishopricks in their spirituall policie and governe-
ment in the kirk, the estats of parliament have remitted, and re-
mitt the same to the king's Majestie, to be advised, consulted, and
agreed upon by his Highnesse, with the Generall Assemblie of the
ministers, at Suche tymes as his Majestie sall thinke expedient to
treate with them therupon, but prejudice alwise in the meane tyme
of the jurisdictioun and discipline of the kirk, established by acts
of parliament made in anie tyme preceeding, and permitted by the
said acts to all Generall and Provinciall Assembleis, and others
whatsomever presbytereis and sessiouns of the kirk.”
1597. OF THE KIRIS OF SCOTLAND. 67.1
A GENERALL ASSEMBLIE INDICTED,
After that the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie had ob-
teaned this act, they appoint a Generall Assemblie to be holdin in
Marche following, and sent their missives to the presbytereis. The
tenour of the missive sent to the Presbyterie of Hadintoun heere
followeth :—
“Grace and Peace from God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“BELOVED BRETHREIN,-As we have found continuance of
mercie, in staying the desolatioun which was alreadie begunne, ac-
cording to manie threatnings against the contempt of this land, so
we see, through laike of due consideratioun and foresight, in suche
as principallie sould have the most tender care of this worke, and
partlie through the subtile wayes of dissembling freinds, good oc-
casiouns are likelie to be turned to our hurt, unlesse remeed be
wiselie provided in tyme: For this caus, we have thought it need-
full, and by consent of his Majestie concluded, that the Generall
Assemblie, which was ordeaned to be in May, sould hold the first
Tuisday of Marche mixt, at Dundie, for preventing of inconve-
niences that delay of tyme might draw to farther evill, and for
talking of solide resolutioun in Suche things as are necessarie to be
deliberated upon, concerning the kirk's vote in parliament; and
some other necessarie points, wheranent, for your better informa-
tioun, we have thought expedient to acquaint you with the effect
of our travells heere at this tyme.
“According as it has beene the continuall custome of the kirk
at parliaments, to crave suche things as were found necessarie to
passe in lawes for their weale and priviledges, so, with advice of
diverse commissioners of presbytereis, we found it requisite to
insist in suche articles as have beene craved of the kirk, at parlia-
ments in tymes bypast ; and, namelie, we urged the article anent
the kirk's vote in parliament, and the article anent the uni-
672 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1597.
versall provisioun of the whole kirks with stipends. In both we
found great oppositioun, by the farre greatest part of the lords;
but the king's Majestie convoyed our sutes, with suche wisdome
and dexteritie in our favours, that in end, after manie hard an-
sweres, his Majestie procured, that he might dispone the whole
great benefices to ministers, and that suche ministers as sould be
admitted thereto sould have vote, but prejudice alwise to the pre-
sent discipline and jurisdictioun of the kirk in anie point; as yee
will understand by the act itself, wherof we have sent you heere a
copie, which his Majestie thinkes sall be a meane, in short tyme,
to vindicat the ministrie from their present contempt and povertie.
And this is alreadie perceaved by manie, to their greefe, who fears
their hurt in our credit. For this caus, we have beene earnestlie
requested by sindrie of the wisest in all estats, who most favour
the good caus, that without scruple we sould accept this good oc-
casioun : the which point of present acceptatioun was urged by
the lords so straitlie, that unlesse we would presentlie give our
consent thereto, in name of the kirk, they would not suffer the
foresaid act to passe in our favours. Yitt his Majestie was so
favourable toward us, and so carefull to save our credit and eshew
offence, that, by his moyen, all is reserved free to this Assemblie
for our part: Therefore, we beseeke you, brethrein, to have a re-
gard heerof, with Suche wisdom and care, as is necessarie in a
mater of so great importance, and send in commissioun to the said
Assemblie, the most wise, grave, and of best credite and experience
among you, so farre as infirmitie and age may suffer, that good oc-
casioun may be used at this tyme, as that the good may be taikin
without anie hurt, so farre as it is possible.
“Anent the platt, and provisioun of stipends at everie kirk, com-
missioun is givin to a number of lords and ministers, who are to
assay that worke with all diligence, and to crave your further helpe
in the informatioun anent the estate of the kirks, which, therefore,
ye sall take paines to have in readinesse, as yee sall be required,
upon the nixt advertisement. The Lord direct you in all since-
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 673
ritie and wisdom, that yee may find a blessing upon your labours
alwayes.
“From Edinburgh, the 22d day of December, 1597.
“Your brethrein and fellow-labourers, the Com-
missioners of the Generall Assemblie ; and in
their name and command,
“MR RobºFT ROLLOCK,
“Moderator of the Generall Assemblie.”
This was an old point of policie, to bring in anie corruptioun, to
putt the ministers in hope of augmentatioun of their stipends,
which, in verie deid, made manie ministers, looking more to their
bellie than to the glorie of God, and weale of his kirk, to yeeld to
anie corrupt course.
All this winter, the king and queen remained in the Abbey, and
came up to the toun sindrie tymes; dynned and supped in the mi-
nisters' houses behind the kirk. For the king keeped their houses
in his owne hand, howbeit they were restored to their generall mi-
nistrie in Edinburgh.
M.D.XCVIII,
THOMAS FOULLES, PHRENETICK,
About the 17th of Januar, Thomas Foulles, goldsmith, fell in a
phrenesie, becaus he was not able to satisfie his creditors for the
debt he had contracted in furnishing the king. So his offices were
talkin from him, and a precious jewell, called the H, which he had
in pledge from the king. But a supersedere was granted to him,
that his creditors trouble him not till the king payed him.
"VOL. V. 2 U.
674 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1598.
THE ENTRIE OF MIR. G. ROBERTSONE AND ME. P. HEWATT.
In the beginning of Januar, there was muche bussinesse about
choosing collegues to the foure ordinar ministers of Edinburgh.
The king and commissioners would have had Mr Peter Hewat
and Mr George Robertsone. Much oppositioun was made to them
by the ministers, speciallie by Mr Robert Bruce, becaus they were
too young to be placed in suche rowmes, and the people was like-
wise altogether unwilling to accept them. The ministers were sent
for, to come before the commissioners sitting in the Neather Tol-
buith, when the king was present. Mr Robert Rollock being mo-
derator, declared, that their places were vacant, according to the
dimissioun which was made at Dundie, and, therefore, it was his
Majestie and the commissioners' will, that they sould everie one
take them to the charge of a particular flocke within Edinburgh.
Mr Robert Bruce answered, “Lett me know who sall be my col-
legue, and then I sall give a direct answere.” Mr James Balfour
answered almost to the same effect. Mr William Watsone and
Mr Walter Balcalquall referred the choice of the men to them-
selves, as they would be answerable to God. The king said to Mr
Robert, that he sould not know the men. “Then,” said Mr Ro-
bert, “if that be your minde, fill the rowmes as yee please.”
The commissioners, not content with this answere, directed Mr
William Cowper and Mr George Gladestaines to Mr Robert, to
assure him, that the other two, beside Mr George and Mr Peter,
sould be at his nominatioun. Whereupon, Mr Robert sent to Mr
Batrik Galloway to learne whether he might have Mr Patrik Sim-
sone to be his collegue, or failing him, Mr Johne Hall; failing Mr
Johne, William Aird; failing William Aird, Mr Adam Colt P But
anie of the four were denied to him. The commissioners meeting
in the East Kirk, after consultatioun, were content that Mr Robert
sould continue in his generall ministrie till the Generall Assem-
blie, for the rest of the ministers had alreadie consented to accept
a particular charge, and suche as they would joyne with them.
Within few dayes the king sent for Mr Robert, and willed him
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 675
ather to take on a particular charge, or to leave the toun. Mr
Robert showed how the commissioners had givin him licence to
continue till the Generall Assemblie. The king answered, he would
not suffer that licence to be of anie valour, and willed him to be at
a point instantlie. Mr Robert craved eight dayes to be advised.
The king would give him but one day, which fell to be the pres-
byterie day.
Upon the presbyterie day, Mr Johne Hall layed to the charge of
the three other ministers, that the two young men themselves, and
the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, affirmed constantlie
that they had givin their consents alreadie, without Mr Robert's
knowledge. They seemed to be verie angrie at this report, and
said they would goe to the king, and affirme the contrarie. The
brethrein of the presbyterie advised Mr Robert to accept, with
protestatioun against the forme of their entrie. Mr Robert went
doun to the king's palace, and did so. Then the commissioners
urged the sessioun of the Kirk of Edinburgh to receave the two
young men. It was answered, that they could not resolve till the
other two collegues were heard. The commissioners refused to
carie that answere to the king. It behoved, therefore, the ministers
themselves to goe doun to the palace, and deliver the answere. The
king said, None sould preache there, if they preached not. They
answered, If his Majestie would needs have it done, they could not
resist his will; but certanelie they would ever protest against the
forme of their entrie. “Protest as yee will,” said the king; “I
will have it done.” The nixt presbyterie day, at a meeting of some
ministers of the presbyterie, afternoone, it was concluded that there
sould be an act made in the bookes of sessioun, tuiching the pro-
veist his oversight, that this forme of dealing prejudge not the kirk
in tymes to come ; and an act of counsell, after the same forme,
registred in their bookes; and that the young men crave the appro-
batioun of the presbyterie by their bill, or otherwise that they be
not suffered to enter.
The commissioners come to the sessioun of the kirk, desired the
young men to be receaved; shewing themselves willing, if there
676 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1598.
were anie deformitie in their entrie, to reforme it by advice of the
presbyterie. The commissioners being removed, and the king's
earnestnesse and their promise considered, Mr Robert Bruce was
content they sould be receaved, but not till the conditioun was per-
formed, and he had seene God’s blessing upon their travells. The
young men were called in, and the moderator declared the presby-
terie's minde. Mr George Robertsone, one of the young men,
answered, he was sorie that there sould be anie deformitie in his
entrie, for that might be an occasioun of casting him furth after-
ward: so he craved the right hand of fellowship. The moderator
gave him the hand. When he sought Mr Robert Bruce's, Mr Robert
said, “Pardone me; I cannot doe it, till the conditioun be first
performed, and that I have seene some arguments of God’s blessing
upon your travells: then yee sall have both heart and hand.” Mr
George starteth backe, goeth out of the kirk, and refuseth to accept.
The rest of the ministers were offended, and alledged Mr Robert
would cast all that worke loose, and bring in inconveniences upon
them all. Mr Robert was so greeved at their speeches, that he
removed, and said, It behoved him to be like Jonas that was
cast out of the shippe. He went no sooner furth, but Mr George
cometh in again to the sessioun, was receaved, and satt doun.
Upon the presbyterie day following, when it was looked the con-
ditioun sould have beene performed, the mater was agitated before
noone. Mr Patrik Galloway brought with him a number of the
Commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, afternoon. They caried
away the mater by pluralitie of votes. It was concluded, that the
inserting of their processe in the bookes of the sessioun and pres-
byterie sall be a sufficient reformatioun for that tyme. Mr Robert
declaired, that if they would not reforme that worke otherwise, he
would have no fellowship with that entrie. Mr Walter Balcal-
quall, that same night, at the desire of the young men, caused ex-
tract the decreit of the presbyterie, which they presented to the
sessioun of the kirk the nixt sessioun day, wherupon they were
both receaved, and satt doun. Therupon Mr Robert absteaned
from the sessioun a certane space after.
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 677
Mr Robert Bruce had this meditatioun following, in this his
exercise with the king, the commissioners, and his owne fellow
labourers:–
“I am lost in verie great doubt. Upon the one hand, I am sorie
to leave the childrein of God in the citie: I am sorie to want my
exercise, that presence of God that sanctified me; and feared to
incurre the bruite that I left my statioun, that I have givin over
the battell, and putt up my sword. On the other side, again, Isee
this maner of entrie is not sanctified, but verie corrupt. I see no
spirituall authoritie in them to beare out this worke; and if we sall
accept of them at this tyme, I see a dangerous preparative estab-
lished in this citie, to be a president for all the kirks of Scotland,
and for all the kings that are to succeed our king, to doe the lyke.
If I hold out, and accept not, my removing may be a ground
another tyme to reforme the corruptioun. If I accept, I cannot
see how it can be reformed in anie tyme heereafter. I like not to
abide in their companie to whom I oppone, and gainsay in their
entrie. Renting of actions followeth renting of hearts. Loath am
I to be a spectator and beholder of suche a decay, that have seene
the glorie of the former worke. What is most expedient, I am un-
certane. But I am instant with His majestie, that in the light of
his Spirit it may be givin me to see which of the two will please
him best, that by his powerfull grace I may be resolved to follow
the light : yea, I crave also, that he who has my heart and tongue
in his hand may so governe both, that they cast me not in His
majestie's disgrace; but that I may keepe his favour and his coun-
tenance, with the daylie growth of his inward grace, howbeit it
were never so farre against my affectioun, bodilie ease, and out-
ward commoditie. The Lord grant, for his Christ's sake.”
A CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE RING AND ME. J. DAVIDSONE.
Upon the 17th of Januar, Mr Johne Davidsone went doun to the
palace, where he had conference with the king. First, he entered
upon the restoring of the ministers' houses, wherunto he gott little
678 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1598.
answere. Then he fell in upon the choosing of the new ministers.
The people would have their priviledge, said Mr Johne, in that
cace, and xelgorovio, wherof the Scripture speekes of “There is
nothing done against that,” said the king, “ for they had their
place.” “No, Sir,” said Mr Johne, “the commissioners gave in
others who were chosin, than they whom they gave in lyte, and So,
they doing beside their commissioun, they were but privat men.”
“There were two leits, indeid,” said his Majestie, “but the people
hath no more adoe, but either to admitt, or ellis to give a reason-
able caus of refusall.” “Your giving them place to choose a leit
prejudges that,” said Mr Johne; “nather ought the order of subal-
terne sessiouns of the kirk to be pretermitted : and as for the
people's consent, it is a substantiall part, which is not yitt.” “Yes,”
sayes the king, “all of kirk and counsell have consented, except
a five or six caprician heads, and some foolish weomen.” “I know,
Sir,” said Mr Johne, “the whole multitude, in a maner, to be of
another minde; and so, your Majestie is not rightlie informed in
this mater. Julian the Apostat had a good saying.” “What,”
said the king, “ compare yee me to Julian the Apostat?” “No,
Sir,” said Mr Johne, “God forbid; but I take his speeche, as Au-
gustine sayes, ‘tanquam ab injusto possessore.” “What is it?” sayes
the king. “He sayes,” said Mr Johne, “Nescit recte imperare equis
bobus, etc., qui nihil concedat eorum voluntati.” “That is a good sen-
tence,” sayes the king; and pausing a while, he said, “Mr Johne,
take that sentence to yourself, for yee will give me none of my
will.” “Yes, Sir,” said Mr Johne, “so farre as may be, and may
doe you good.”
“Thridlie,” said Mr Johne, “I thinke it were wisdom for your
Majestie to send for suche ministrie as yee thinke most backeward,
and conferre with them familiarlie. And they being satisfied with
your reasouns, and yee with theirs, it would both restraine your Ma-
jestie from doing things to irritat them, and make them to be of good
opinioun toward your Majestie, which would breed great quiet-
nesse.” “Indeid,” sayes the king, “that is a good counsell; would
they come to me as yee doe now, they sould be welcome; but I
1598. OF TEIE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 6.79
will send for none of them, for I have other things to doe.” “Your
sending,” said Mr Johne, “would encourage them, where otherwise
they darre not be bold.” “Mr Johne,” sayes the king, “when yee
are with me, we agree verie weill; but in-absence, what toyes take
yee in your head, to speeke of me and my mother, I know not.”
“But I have not yitt entered into the ficks facks' of the mater,”
said Mr Johne. “What is that?” said the king. “I have some
maters of great weight to impart unto your Majestie, if you might
beare them at my hands, but I will not come to irritat your Majes-
tie.” “There is no reasoun,” said the king, “that I sould be angrie
at you, comming in so freindlie a maner, howbeit I thinke no
prince giveth suche accesse to suche men.” “Truelie,” said Mr
Johne, “I thinke it a benefite; but I would faine occasiouns of
publict rebooke were taikin away, for I am to speeke as Modera-
tor in the nixt synod.” “I will give you my directioun,” said the
king, “that yee meddle nothing with the Generall Assembleis de-
terminatiouns: if yee had beene at Dundie, yee would have ap-
proved all my proceedings.” “I cannot tell,” said Mr Johne; “but
as for our synod, we have our bounds limited to us.” “Five or six
of you,” said the king, “may talke privatlie among yourselves, but
not so publictlie, for raising of schismes.” “I trust,” said Mr
Johne, “your Majestie will not deny us the use of the priviledges
granted to us by long custome, and the lawes of the realme.” “Yee
may raise schisme that way,” said the king. “Not we,” said Mr
Johne, “yitt, oportet hareses esse, ut qui probati sint, manifesti fiant.”
“O, then, yee approve schismes and hereseis?” said the king. “It
followeth not, Sir,” said Mr Johne; “Woe be to them by whom
offences come. They are good as they are of God, but evill as occa-
sioned by men.” “Weill,” said the king, “doe as yee will;” and in
disdaine went from him. Mr Johne pulled upon his gowne sleeve,
and the king looked backe. “I wishe,” said Mr Johne, “to be
dismissed with favour.” “God forbid ellis,” said the king, “seing
yee come to me after this maner.” Mr Johne offered his simple
and faithfull advice, as occasioun served. The king promised to
Trifling and troublesome affairs.
680 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1598.
caus Mr Patrik Galloway tell him when he was at leasure. Mr
Johne, making him courtesie, and taking his leave, the king turned
backe, and, taking him by the shoulder, said, “Mr Johne, yee sall
be welcomer with me becaus yee are plaine.”
THE SYNOD OF LOTHIANE.
In the Synodall Assemblie holdin at Edinburgh, in the end of
Februar, there was muche disputatioun upon the kirk's vote in par-
liament. At lenth the sincerest sort prevailed. The ministers
of Edinburgh were ordeaned to continue in their places till the
Generall Assemblie,
A SYNOD OF FIFE.
Sir Patrik Murrey was directed from the king to the Synod of
Fife, holdin in the same moneth of Februar. A letter directed
from the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie was presented,
together with the last act of parliament, concerning the vote of
ministers provided to the office, place, title, or dignitie of bishops,
abbots, pryours, etc., to have vote in parliament. They showed in
their letter how hardlie it had beene obteaned by the king's great
paines and authoritie, and what commoditie the kirk might reape
thereby.
The questioun was propouned, if it were expedient and profitable
to the kirk that the ministers sould have vote in parliament, for and
in name of the kirk. The greatest number of the brethrein seemed
to inclyne to the affirmative part. Therefore, Mr James Melvill
discovered unto them the mysterie of it, to the great miscontent-
ment of the king's commissioners. He showed unto them, that it
being once found profitable and expedient that ministers sould
vote in parliament, it behoved these ministers to be bishops and
prelats, or ellis they would not be admitted to vote; and so they
sould build up that which they had beene destroying all their
dayes. Mr Andrew Melvill insisted upon the same point. Mr
1598. OF THE KIRR OF SCO'TLAND. 681
Thomas Buchanan taketh him roundlie, saying, he sould not
have place in the Assemblie; meaning, by reasoun of the act the
king and commissioners of the Generall Assemblie had made at the
visitatioun of the universitie, debarring the maisters, namelie, of
Theologie, from the Assemblie. Mr Andrew answered, “It hath
beene my professioun to solve questiouns out of the Word, to rea-
Soun, vote, and moderat in Assembleis, when yours was to teache
the grammar rules.” David Fergusone, the eldest minister at that
tyme in Scotland, related how the corruptiouns of that office of
bishops had beene espyed by the Kirk of Scotland from the be-
ginning; what paines had beene taikin, both in doctrine from pul-
pits and in Assembleis, for purging and utter removing of them :
that now he perceaved a purpose to erect them of new, convoyed
after suche a maner, as he could compare the convoyers to nothing
better than to that which the Grecians used for the overthrow of
the ancient citie and toun of Troy: busking up a brave horse, and
by a craftie Sinon perswading them to plucke doun the walls with
their owne hands, to receave that in for their honour and weelefare,
which served for their utter wracke and destructioun. Therefore,
he would, with the two brethrein that had givin good wairning, cry,
“Equo ne credite, Teucri /* Mr Johne Davidsone being present,
among other speeches he had, said mirrilie, “Busk, busk, buske
him als bonilie as yee can, and bring him in als fairlie as yee will,
we see him weill eneugh ; we see the hornes of his mytre.”
A FEAREENUILL ECLIPSE.
Upon Saturday, the 25th of Februar, betuixt nyne and tenne
houres before noone, beganne a fearefull eclipse, which continued
about two houres. The whole face of the sunne seemed to be
covered and darkenned about half a quarter of an houre in suche
measure that none could see to reade on a booke. The starres ap-
peared in the firmament. Sea, land, and aire, was still, and strucken
dead as it were. The ravens and fowles flocking together mourned
exceedinglie in their kinde. Great multitudes of paddockes ranne
GS2 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1598.
together, making an uncouth and hideous noise; men and weomen
were astonished, as if the day of judgement had beene comming.
Some weomen swooned. The streets of Edinburgh were full of
cryes. Some ranne off the streets to the kirk to pray. The like
fearefull darknesse was never seene in this land, so farre as we can
reade in our historeis, or understand by tradition. The wise and
godliest thought it verie prodigious, so that from pulpit and by
writt admonitiouns were givin to the ministers, that the changeable
and glistering shew of the world goe not in betuixt them and Christ,
the Sunne of righteousnesse, and remove the cleere light of the
Gospell from the kirk. And, indeid, if the estat of bishops which
then was in hatching continue long, it will not faile to bring on
darknesse and ignorance, atheisme and Poprie. The like fearefull
eclipse of the sunne, and appearance of fallin starres from the
heaven, was seene in France, when men of greatest estimatioun
were intised by flatterie and gifts to agree upon a midde betuixt
Papists and Protestants, which had beene effectuated, if God had
not cutt them off in a strange maner.
TEIE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE HOLDIN AT DUNDIE.
The Generall Assemblie conveened at Dundie, the seventh of
Marche. Mr Robert Rollock made the exhortatioun on 2 Cor. iv.
Mr Patrik Simsone, David Fergusone, Mr Peter Blekburne, Mr
James Robertsone, and Mr Robert Wilkie, being putt on the list,
Mr Peter Blekburne, by the king's authoritie, and pluralitie of
votes, speciallie of northland ministers and barons, was chosin
Moderator. The king and commissioners had layed doun before
all the platts and courses which might serve for furtherance of their
purposes. They travelled cheefelie that the commissioners of the
Generall Assemblie sould not be severelie censured, becaus then
their purpose in advancing bishops would not succeed.
The first two dayes nothing was done, but from morne till late
at night ministers sent for to the king, and their votes procured.
Mr Andrew Melvill was challenged by the king, after the calling
1598. OF THE KIIRE OF SCOTLAND. (383
of the roll of the commissioners, for comming to the Assemblie,
seing by his authoritie he was discharged from all Assembleis.
Mr Andrew answered, He had a calling from the kirk; the king's
discharge being civill, tuiched the constitutiouns and rents of the
colledge, and not his doctorall charge, which was ecclesiasticall;
he would not betray the kirk for his part. The king replyed,
There was none there that sought the betraying of the kirk.
Mr Johne Davidsone said, “Sir, yee are to remember that yee sit
not heere as Imperator, but as a Christian; ades ut intersis, non ut
praesis.” The king start at these words; yitt taking up himself,
he distinguished, but in effect granted, that which Mr Johne had
said, but chaffed, notwithstanding, within himself. “Sir, we are
affrayed,” said Mr Johne, “to speake, except yee be equall and
indifferent. Therefore we crave that libertie which is due to this
Assemblie.” The king seemed to yeeld, but would suffer nothing
to be done till Mr Andrew was removed. So Mr Andrew was
commanded by the king to keepe his loodging.
MR ANDREW MELVILL DISCHARGED THE ASSEMBLIE.
Upon Wednisday, the eight, Mr Patrik Galloway had a flatter-
ing sermoun, of no learning, farre lesse sinceritie, exhorting to a con-
fused peace, without due distinctioun betweene peace in God and
peace in the devill. There was nothing but drift of tyme. The
assessors were elected by the king against all order. Mr Johne
Davidsone perceaving that the other partie minded to drive maters
of greatest weight to the end of the Assemblie, and then make con-
clusiouns on a suddane, when poore ministers, after their purses
were emptied, were forced to depart, he uttered his greefe in that
point; and, farther, that the moderator and his assessors, who
sould be as servants and helpers, were become lords and com-
manders. But small redresse was made.
Upon Thursday, the nynth, Mr Andrew Melvill and Mr Johne
Johnstone were charged to depart off the toun, under the paine of
684 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE. 1598.
horning. When the Assemblie conveened, Mr Johne Davidsone
said, “Sir, there is wrong done to the Assemblie in discharging
Mr Andrew Melvill and Mr Johne Johnstoun.” “Would yee have
pleyes?” said the king. “No, Sir,” said Mr Johne, “but that
yee would give them licence to come in.” “I will not heare one
word of that,” said the king twise or thrise, “We must crave
helpe, then,” said Mr Johne, “ of Him that will heare us.”
This day, in the fourth sessioun, the Synod of Lothiane gave in
their greeves against the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie,
wherupon was made this ordinance following:—
GREEVES AGAINST THE COMMISSIONERS.
Sessioun 4.
“The commissioners appointed in the last Generall Assemblie
for planting of the touns of Edinburgh, Dundie, and St Andrewes,
and suche other effaires as at more lenth is conteaned in the said
commissioun, being called to give an accompt of Suche things as
had beene done by them by vertue of the commissioun foresaid,
Mr James Nicolsone, in name of the rest, produced a booke con-
teaning a register of their whole processe and proceedings since the
acceptation of the said commissioun, which was publictlie read in
presence and audience of the whole Assemblie. And becaus there
were some of the brethrein that thought themselves greeved at cer-
tan of their proceedings, therefore it was thought expedient that
the brethrein after following sould cognosce upon the said greeves,
and the commissioners' answeres thereto, which both sould be givin
in writt before them, and therafter report to the whole Assemblie
what they found there. They are to say, Mrs George Monro,
James Dundas, Robert Howie, Duncane Davidsone, William Dow-
glas, Andrew Mylne, Andrew Lambe, James Robertsone, William
Rind, Archibald Muncreif, Alexander Lindsey, David Fergusone,
Robert Wilkie, William Cranstoun, David Spence, and Johne
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 685
Knox, Gawin Hammiltoun, Johne Hall, Johne Spotswod, Patrik
Symsone, Robert Darroche, Henrie Livingston, David Barclay,
Hugh Fullertoun, and Johne Welshe.”
GREEVES TO BE PROPONED TO HIS MAJESTIE.
In the meane tyme, certan greeves were givin in to his Majestie
by the Assemblie in the fourth sessioun, which here follow, together
with their answeres.
TEIE GREEVſºS OF THE ASSEMBLIE.
“1. To crave of his Majestie a releefe of this present taxatioun,
to suche of the ministrie as possesse small benefices within three
hundreth merkes, seing they are not able to be susteaned on the
S2ULY162s
“2. To crave in generall for the whole ministrie, that they be
not troubled with the taxation in no tyme comming, but that the
officers that ingather the same charge the tacksmen immediatlie,
who are bound to releeve the ministrie of their taxatioun ; becaus,
so long as the ministers charge their tacksmen, not onlie it averts
them from their calling, but also breedeth a grudge betuixt them
and their parochiners.
“3. To crave a redresse of the abuse of buriall, that an act of
parliament may be made, discharging burialls in kirks.
“4. To crave a redresse tuiching adulterous mariages, where
two persons both divorced for adulterie committed either with
others, crave the benefite of the kirk, to be conjoynned in mariage.
“5. To crave his Majestie, what order sall be tane anent the
relaxatioun of Suche murtherers from excommunicatioun, as are al-
readie relaxed from the horne, and yitt have not satisfied the partie ;
which is a token of no penitence.
“6. To advise with his Majestie, if the careing of professed
witches from toun to toun to try witchecraft in others, be law-
full and ordinar tryell of witchecraft or not.
686 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1598.
“7. Tuiching laick patronages, to lament unto his Majestie the
great abusse which the late act of parliament has brought in, giving
licence to the patron to possesse the fruicts of the benefice, incace
he present a qualified man, and the same be not admitted by the
kirk; under colour wherof, they use to present a qualified man to
the presbyterie, and have him sworne to sett backe a tacke
of the fruicts of the benefices to the patron. Wherupon, albeit the
person presented be qualified, yitt the kirk cannot admitt him, in
respect of the impediment foresaid; wherethrough, both the patron
uplifts the fruicts of the benefice, and the kirk lyes destitute.
Therefore, to crave redresse of the same.”
THE KING'S MAJESTIE’s ANSWERES.
To the first and secund, his Majestie desired the commissioners
to be deputed from this Assemblie to give in a supplicatioun to
the counsell anent the same, wherunto his Majestie sould hold hand;
and in the meane tyme, promised to caus stay all farther executioun
against suche of the ministrie as were at the Assemblie present-
lie, whill the 15th day of Aprile nixtocum.
Tuiching burialls, his Majestie thought good that a supplicatioun
sould be givin in to the nixt parliament, craving, that, for the
avoiding of burialls in kirks, everie nobleman sould big a sepulture
for himself, and his owne familie.
Tuiching adulterous mariages, his Majestie thought good that a
supplicatioun sould be givin in to the nixt parliament, craving
suche mariages to be declared null in all tyme comming, and the
bairnes gottin therin bastards.
Tuiching murtherers, his Majestie declared, when anie murtherer
is relaxed from the horne, upon cautioun to underly the law, that
he is not therefore simplicifer relaxed, but to a day, to abide tryell
of his fault; and therefore thinkes the kirk may continue their
censures against Suche a person, and denie him anie benefite of the
kirk, untill they see evident tokins of repentance in him, the partie
be satisfied, and therupon a full remissioun obteaned.
1598. OF THE KLRK OF SCOTLAND. 687
Tuiching tryell of witchecraft, his Majestie declared, that by an
act of the last parliament, it is remitted to certane of his honorable
counsell and advocats, to conclude upon a solide order anent tryell
of witches, and to advise, whether the foresaid careing of witches
is permissive or not. Tuiching the which, the Assemblie ordeanned
Mr Patrik Galloway and Johne Duncansone to hold his Majestie
in remembrance.
Tuiching the abusse in the laick patronages, his Majestie thought
good likewise that a supplicatioun sould be givin in to the nixt
parliament, for redressing of the same.
THE COMMISSIONERS’ PROCEEDINGS IN PART ALLOWED.
In the sixt sessioun, the proceedings of the commissioners of the
Generall Assemblie, anent the planting of the ministrie of St
Andrewes, and the examinatioun of Mr Johne Rutherfurd’s depo-
sition, were approved and allowed, and Mr Robert Wallace loosed
from the sentence of suspensioun pronounced by them, providing
he satisfie my Lord of Menmure, by advice of Mrs David Lindsay,
Robert Bruce, and Robert Rollock, to the effect he may serve at
suche parts where the kirk sall thinke fittest.
THE KING PIROMISETH TO DEALE WITEI TACRESMEN FOR AUGMEN-
TATION OF THE DUIETIE,
In the same sessioun, becaus it was reported by the commis-
sioners of the Generall Assemblie, that the constant platt for plant-
ing of everie particular kirk was hindered by the tacksmen, who
have the whole tithes in their hands, and refuse to condescend to
anie substantiall order for planting of the ministrie, without some
securitie made to them of the remanent of the tithes; it was in-
quired, what were the conditiouns the tacksmen craved, incace of
augmentatioun of the duetie of their tackes, for sustentatioun of
the ministrie. The visiters of Murrey and Aberdeene answered,
that the tackesmen desired a perpetuitie of their tackes, by renew-
688 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1598.
ing therof at the outrunning, without gressome. Mernes offered
presentlie to augment in victuall, upon conditioun that the tackes
be renewed at the outrunning therof, for a liquidat summe, in name
of gressome. Angus offered the like. Fife, Lothiane, and some
others, would make no offers. The ministers craved of his Ma-
jestie, that a law might be made anent the augmentatioun of the
dueteis of the tacks, for sustentatioun of the ministrie. The king
offered willinglie to deale with the tackesmen in suche sort, that they
sould be forced to augment the duetie of their tackes to a reason-
able and competent living for a minister at everie kirk, upon con-
ditioun they gett some reasonable ease for their tithes. Wher-
upon the Assemblie ordeaned everie minister to give in a particu-
lar overture in writt to the commissioners who sould be appointed
by the Generall Assemblie, and informatioun, what is the just
value of the tithes of his parish, to whom they are sett, for what
duetie, and to whom the duetie is payed; to the effect his Majestie,
with the advice of the said commissioners, may take a solide order
anent the sufficient planting of everie particular kirk, betuixt and
the nixt Generall Assemblie.
TEIE GREEVES OF SOME PRESBYTEREIS BLIRIED.
There was muche altercatioun about the greeves givin in by the
commissioners of the presbytereis out of diverse quarters, against
the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie for their proceedings,
so that suche altercatioun was not seene at anie tyme, in anie of
our Assembleis, since the Reformatioun. The excommunicated erles,
Papists, and polititians, were brought in to take their pastyme, and
gather mater of slander and calumnie. But the king fearing his
purpose to sett up bishops sould not succeed weill that way, la-
boured to have the greeves buried, promised to deale with the
tackesmen for augmentatioun of the duetie of their tackes, and was
the more easie to be reconciled with the ministers of Edinburgh,
and to condescend to their plantatioun in Edinburgh. Wherupon,
a number of presbytereis being removed, and debarred from voting
1598. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 689
in the tryell of the commissioners, the greeves were buried, and
their proceedings allowed. But manie of the ministrie said they
were so evill buried, that they would rise again. The drift of this
bureing was, that the commissioners might proceede without impe-
diment farther in their intended course. The act of bureing the
greeves, and approbatioun of the commissioners, heere followeth –
Sessioun 7.
“The brethrein appointed to try the proceedings of the commis-
sioners of the Generall Assemblie, and the greeves givin in against
the same, with the commissioners' answeres thereto, declared, that
they had considered the whole greeves givin in by the Synodall of
Lothiane, and the commissioners' answeres made to the same; and
that they thought it expedient, so that it were the will of the As-
semblie, that the said greeves and answeres sould be bureid. Not-
thelesse, the Assemblie, for satisfactioun of the whole brethrein,
thought good that the said greeves and answeres sould be read in
audience of the whole Assemblie. Which being done, after voting it
was concluded, that the processe and proceedings of the said commis-
sioners sould be ratified in that part, and the said greeves and an-
sweres buried and obliterated, for continuance of quietnesse and
peace in the kirk.”
COMMISSION TO PLANT EDINBURGH.
Sessioun 8.
“The brethrein, after the revising of the whole proceedings of
the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, ratifie, allow, and ap-
prove the same, and ordeane the whole greeves givin in, and an-
sweres made therunto, to be bureid and putt out of memorie. And
for better executioun of their proceedings, the Generall Assem-
blie ordeans Mr Robert Rollock, David Lindsey, Robert Pont,
Patrik Galloway, Johne Duncansone, James Nicolsone, Thomas
WOL. V. 2 X
690 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1598.
Buehanan, George Glaidstains, or anie five of them, to conveene
with his Majestie, to putt the decreit of the saids commissioners
anent the planting of Edinburgh to farther executioun, and place
the ministers of Edinburgh at their particular flockes: Ordeaning
likewise the ministers of Edinburgh to obey the said decreit, by
accepting everie one of them their owne particular flockes, under
the paine of deprivatioun from their ministrie. And incace of dis-
obedience on their parts, and non-acceptatioun of the particular
flockes, as said is, that the said commissioners deprive them from
the functioun of their ministrie; and, therafter, ordeane the said
commissioners to plant the kirk of Edinburgh with suche of the
wisest and most discreit of the brethrein as they sall thinke most
meete, to the glorie of God, and edificatioun of the particular
flockes within the toun of Edinburgh : and in the meane tyme,
whill the saids commissioners conveene for performing of the pre-
misses, the brethrein ordeane the ministers of Edinburgh to con-
tinue in preaching of the Word, and ministratioun of the Sacra-
ments.”
THE KING DECLARETH HIMSELF RECONCILED WITH THE
MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH.
Sessioun 10.
Becaus sindrie of the brethrein desired to be satisfied of his Ma-
jestie's minde, by his owne mouth, towards certan of the ministrie,
and speciallie toward the ministrie of Edinburgh, anent whatsoever
thwarts or accidents that have fallin out these two yeeres bygane;
his Majestie, for making his minde more cleerelie to be understood
by the whole brethrein, declared himself to be contented and satis-
fied with the ministrie of Edinburgh; and that his Hienesse did
beare no grudge nor evill will to anie of them, for anie accidents
which have fallin out in anie tyme bygane, and that the same sould
never be remembred by his Majestie in anie tyme comming; but
that his Hienesse and they (to which the ministers of Edinburgh
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 69]
willinglie consented) sould never call anie of these accidents fallin
out in anie tyme bygane to remembrance, nather make mentioun
of the same in privat speeches nor publict sermouns heerafter.
Before the king was brought to this point, Mr Robert Bruce of
fered, five or six tymes, to enter in waird, and abide the law, for the
fact committed the 17th day of December. The king said, were
not for pleasure of the commissioners, with whom he professed to
take plaine part, a dossoun of them had trotted over Twede er
now. In end, taiking up himself, and considering what he had to
doe, and sindrie of the brethrein on the other side desiring to un-
derstand what was his Majestie's minde towards certan of the mi-
mistrie, speciallie the ministrie of Edinburgh, declared himself to be
contented, as said is,
THE GENERALL COMMISSIOUN RENEWED.
This being done, and manie supposing the commissioners meant
not anie violent course, the Generall Commissioun was renewed in
the tenth sessioun, as followeth :—
“The which day, in presence of the whole Assemblie, the king's
Majestie having declared his advice anent the necessitie of com-
missioners to be appointed by the Generall Assemblie, to await and
concurre with his Majestie, for bringing to a finall end the longsome
worke of the constant platt, for planting of ministers at the princi-
pall burghes within this realme, incace anie of their places sall hap-
pin to vaike before the mixt Generall Assemblie, for awaiting upon
the parliament, if anie sall be, and craving redresse of suche things
wherewith the ministers find themselves greeved; and, finallie, for
redressing of suche enormiteis, and awaiting upon suche good occa-
siouns as may fall out before the nixt Generall Assemblie; desiring,
therefore, that the brethrein would consider the necessitie foresaid,
and according to their discretioun, whether it were expedient that
a commissioun sould be granted to certan of the most wise and dis-
creit of the brethrein for the causes foresaid. The which his Ma-
jestie's advice, the Assemblie thinkes verie needfull and expedient,
692 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1598.
and therefore has givin and granted, lyke as they, by the tenour
heerof, give and grant, their full power and commissioun to Mrs
Peter Blekburne, James Nicolsone, Andrew Mylne, Alexander
Dowglas, Johne Ramsay, Thomas Buchanan, David Fergusone,
William Cranstoun, George Glaidstains, Alexander Lindsay, Hen-
rie Livingstoun, Robert Pont, David Lindsay, Robert Rollock,
Johne Hall, Johne Clappertoun, Johne Knox, Gavin Hammiltoun,
Andrew Knox, and his Majestie's and the prince's ministers, or
anie nyne of them, to conveene with his Majestie, at suche tyme
and place as sall be found expedient : With power to them, or anie
nyne of them, to concurre with his Majestie anent the setting doun,
and concluding of the solide grounds and fundaments of the con-
stant platt, and what securitie sall be made to the tacksmen for
the remanent of their tithes; which grounds being sett doun by
them, they sall make everie presbyterie within this realme privie to
the same. And incace the said presbytereis, by their commissioners,
or by themselves, after visitatioun of the said grounds and conclu-
siouns, ratifie and approve the same, with power to the saids com—
missioners, or anie nyne of them, to conveene therafter with his
Majestie and Lords of his Privie Counsell, having the power of the
Parliament to that effect, and there to putt a finall end and con-
clusioun to the constant platt, and solide planting of everie parti-
cular kirk within this realme. With power also to the said com-
missioners, or anie nyne of them, to plant sufficient ministers in
the principall burghes of this realme, incace the ministrie therof
sall happin to vaike, betuixt and the nixt Generall Assemblie;
and in speciall, to take care anent the provisioun of ministers to his
Majestie and the prince's hous, the kirks of Dumfreis and New-
abbey. With power also to the saids commissioners, or anie nyne
of them, to await upon the Parliament, if anie sall be before the
nixt Assemblie, and give in the greeves of the same, desiring them
to be redressed ; and to give their advice to his Majestie, for avoid-
ing and eshewing of anie danger or inconveniences which may be
likelie to fall out in prejudice of the kirk.
“And likewise, incace his Majestie find himself greeved, or crave
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAN ID. 693
redresse of anie enormiteis done to his Hienesse by anie of the mi-
nistrie, with power to them, or anie nyne of them, to sitt and cog-
nosce upon the same ; wherin, for the better informatioun of the
cryme or fact which sall happin to be committed, they sall crave
the advice of the most discreit of the presbyterie where the person,
offender, dwelleth, as they sall thinke expedient; and therafter
proceed in taiking tryell of the fact by themselves, and conclude
therin, as sall be most expedient to the glorie of God, and peace
and quietnesse of the kirk within this realme. And, finallie, with
expresse power and command to the said commissioners to pro-
pone to his Majestie, at their conventiouns, the petitiouns and
greeves als weill of this Assemblie in generall, as of everie member
therof in particular, as sall be meaned unto them. Promitten derato.
“Tuiching the foresaid commissioun granted for redresse of suche
things as sall happin his Majestie to be offended with in the person
of anie of the ministrie, his Majestie declared, in presence of the
whole Assemblie, that albeit the whole power of cognoscing in suche
maters be devolved upon the persons of the commissioners, who
sould concurre with his Hienesse to that effect, neverthelesse, his
Majestie's minde is no wise to trouble the commissioners with anie
suche mater, unlesse, first, it be notoriouslie knowne that the pres-
byterie where the offender makes residence both has gottin know-
ledge of the fact, and ather has altogether neglected the tryell
therof, or not satisfied his Majestie with the punishement impouned
to the offender by them.”
REASOUNING UPON MINISTERS’ VOTE IN PARLIAMENT.
After this woefull commissioun was past, the questioun which
was moyened before at all the synods was propouned, to witt, con-
cerning the kirk's vote in parliament; which was the cheefe end
wherefore the Assemblie was conveened, howbeit they had spent
hitherto a whole weeke in other maters, to wearie a number of the
ministers, that in their absence they might effectuat their intent the
more easilie. The king made an harangue, wherin he declared what
694 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1598.
great care he had to adorne and commodat the kirk, to remove all
controversies, to establishe the discipline, and to restore her patri-
monie; and that he might effectuat this, it was needfull that the
ministers sould have their vote in parliament, without which the
kirk could not be vindicated from povertie and contempt. “I
minde not,” said the king, “to bring in Papisticall or Anglican
bishopping ; but onlie to have the best and wisest of the ministrie
appointed by the Generall Assemblie, to have place in counsell
and parliament, to sitt upon their owne maters, and see them done,
and not to stand alwise at the doore, lyke poore supplicants, de-
spised, and nothing regarded.” This speeche he uttered with great
protestatioun in the tenth sessioun, and some of the commissioners
did the like.
In the eleventh sessioun there was hote disputatioun about vote
in parliament. Mr Johne Davidsone compleaned that Mr Andrew
Melvill was discharged the Assemblie. Mr Johne Knox, minister
at Melrose, added, they had discharged him, becaus they feared his
learning; and, no doubt, the act made at St Andrewes, by the king
and the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, tuiching the
discharging of the Professors of Theologie from meddling in
maters of discipline, was made purposelie to seclude Mr Andrew
Melvill and Mr Johne Johnstoun from reasoning against this
erectioun of bishops, which they had then in their heads. Mrs
Bobert Bruce, James Melvill, Johne Carmichael, Johne Davidsone,
William Aird, and sindrie others, mainteaned that ministers sould
not have vote in parliament. Mr Thomas Buchanan, Mr George
Glaidstains, Mr Robert Pont, reasouned for the other part. Mr
George Gladestains alledged that the whole subjects were divided
wn tres ordines, in respect of their living in the commoun weale, and,
therefore, the kirk must be one estat. Mr Johne Davidsone an-
swered, “We hold not our living of kings nor states;” and becaus
Mr George had said, “We have vote in rogandis et ferendis legibus,”
Mr Davidsone answered, “No otherwise, than as it is said among
the Romans, praesentibus sacerdotibus, et divina eafonentibus, sed non
suffragia habentibus.” “Where have yee that?” said the king. “In
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 695
Titus Livius,” said he. “Are ye going,” said the king, “from
Scripture to Titus Livius * “Nay,” said Mr Johne, “but for Ro-
man termes, which Mr George alledged I have brought a simile
out of the Roman practise, to expresse my minde.”
The place, 2 Chron. xix., was muche agitated betweene Mr
Thomas Buchanan and Mr Johne Carmichaell. Mr Johne disputed
so acutelie, that the king himself was forced to commend him.
Mr James Melvill had his large part in reasoning. His reasouns
and arguments he renewed and enlarged afterward in the confer-
ence holdin in Monrose, in tyme of the Generall Assemblie, anno
1600, to which place we remitt them. But to what use served
reasoning, Seing authoritie boore swey, and men were winne with
threats and perswasiouns before hand? When it came to the calling
of the roll, that everie man might give his vote, Mr Gilbert Bodie,
a drunken Orkney asse, was first called. He led the ring, and a
great number of the North followed, all for the bodie, without re-
gard to the spirit. And yitt a great number of honest brethrein
glorified God, in reasoning and voting directlie against it. A thrid
sort were mistaikin both in reasoning and voting. The number
that caried away the affirmative were not suche as laboured, or
had skill in the Word, but laicks wanting commissioun. Yitt not-
withstanding of their helpe, and the king's authoritie, who kythed
plaime partie, they exceeded the sincerer sort onlie by ten votes.
The act, as it lyeth in the Register, heere followeth –
Sessioun 11.
“Forasmuche as the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie,
at the parliament holdin in December last bypast, upon an earnest
zeale which they did alwayes beare to the weale of the kirk, had
givin in certane articles to the lords of parliament concerning the
libertie of the kirk; and, in speciall, had craved that the ministrie,
as representing the true kirk of God within this realme, and so
being the thrid estat of the realme, might have vote in parliament,
according to the lovable acts and constitutiouns of before made in
(396 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1598.
parliament in favours of the freedom and libertie of the holie kirk :
Which their travells and endeavoures, proceeding alwise upon a
godlie intentioun, they submitted to the censures of this present
Assemblie, desiring the brethrein to allow or disallow the same, as
they sould thinke most expedient for the glorie of God, and esta-
blishing of the true religioun within this realme. Wherupon the
brethrein being rightlie advised, allowed the honest and godlie in-
tentioun of the commissioners in craving vote in parliament for the
ministrie, as conforme and agreeing with sindrie other acts of the
Assembleis preceeding, in the which it has beene found expedient
that the kirk sould sute vote in parliament.
“Forasmuche as his Majestie, willing to utter his good intentioun
that he has alwise borne to the establishing of the true Kirk of
God within this realme, declared, that for the better performance
therof, his Hienesse had assisted the commissioners of the last As-
semblie, in craving vote in parliament in name of the kirk; which
their sute, albeit in some part, and as it were in a certane maner,
granted by the lords of parliament, yitt the acceptatioun therof,
the forme and whole circumstances of the person, were reserved to
this Generall Assemblie, to be accepted or refused as the kirk sould
thinke expedient. And Seing his Majestie had anticipated the ap-
pointed tyme of the Assemblie, and desired the brethrein to con-
veene at this present tyme, especiallie for the caus forsaid: There-
fore, his Majestie desired, that the brethrein would enter in a par-
ticular consideratioun of the whole points of the said act in everie
particular point therof; and first, to reasoun in publict audience of
the whole Assemblie, whether it were lawfull and expedient that
the ministrie, as representing undoubtedlie the kirk within this
realme, sould have vote in parliament or not. The said questioun
being at verie great lenth reasoned, and debated in utramgue partem,
in presence of the whole brethrein, and therafter voted, the Generall
Assemblie votes, finds, and concludes, that it is necessar and ex-
pedient for the weale of the kirk, that the ministrie, as the thrid
estat of the realme, in name of the kirk, have vote in parliament.”
1598. OF THE [IRR OF SCOTLAND. 697
MR. J. DAVIDSON’s OPPOSITION TO THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
ASSEMBLIE.
Thus we see how the commissioners, presuming without warrant
from the kirk, to treate with the parliament anent the kirk’s vote
in parliament, she standing yitt in doubt whether it be lawfull to
ministers to succeed in the place of prelats for voting in parlia-
ment were allowed; and they proceed to other points, how manie
sould vote for the kirk, and who sould have the electioun ? Mr
Johne Davidsone desired the Assemblie not to be suddane in con-
cluding suche weightie maters; commended the custome of the Ro-
mans, who in rogandis et ferendis legibus, gave trinundinum spatium
to examine them. No answere was made to him. Mentioun
being made of bishops, Mr Robert Rollock's judgement craved, he
dissembled not, but said plainlie, that lordship could not be denied
them that were to sitt in parliament, and allowance of rent to
mainteane their digniteis. “See yee not, brethrein,” said Mr
Davidsone, “how bonilie yonder bishop beginneth to creepe out !
Novus palliatus episcopus ;”
at which words, the king and a great
number burst furth in laughter, so light accompt made they of the
mater. But he proceeded in his speeche : “Have we not done
muche to it,” said he, “that so long have striven against this cor-
ruptioun, to bring furth suche a birth now * The other partie
laboured to extenuat the mater. “I would learne,” said he, “ of
Mr Robert Pont there, who seemeth to know best, what difference
there is betuixt this kinde of bishoprie which is now urged, and
that kinde which was condemned in our acts and bookes of our
Assemblie?” “We sall shew that afterward,” said Mr Robert,
“when we come to that point.” “It will never be shewed,” said
Mr Davidsone, “saving that this last hath suche a consent and
approbatioun.” Then Mr Blacke desired Mr Davidsone to give
in the protestatioun which he had in readinesse three or foure
dayes since. Sindrie of the brethrein had seene it, thought it
dangerous at that tyme, and not expedient that anie sould sub-
(398 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1598.
scribe it but himself. So his vote being asked, he refused to vote,
in respect he saw no freedome in that Assemblie. He protested
in his owne name, and name of other brethrein that would adhere
to his protestatioun, that they disassented from all their proceed-
ings, “which heere,” said he, “I present in writt, that it may be in-
sert in the bookes of the Assemblie.” “It sall not be granted,”
said the king, “seing yee have voted and reasouned before.”
“Never, Sir,” said Mr Johne, “but without prejudice of my pro-
testatioun made, and to be made, which words I used sindrie
tymes before I spake ;” which was truthe. For in the weeke
before, upon Thursday, after he had gottin licence to speeke, he
said, “Sir, I have some thing to speeke to your Majestie.” “Have
yee commissioun ?” said the king. “Yes,” said he, “from my
Maister.” “That is witche-like spokin,” said the king: “are yee
a commissioner or messinger from Christ P’ “Yes,” said Mr Johne,
“ and that yee sall finde, by the grace of God.” At which words
the king shrunke. He protested against their proceedings, becaus
freedom was denyed to them. The king said, he spake anabaptis-
ticall-like, and had too muche acquaintance with Mr Penrie. He
answered, he was no Anabaptist, and agreed not with Mr Penrie,
as sindrie there could beare witnesse, namelie, Mr Robert Bruce,
Mr Walter Balcalquall, and others.
Upon Saturday, when they came to the weightier maters, after
some were discharged the Assemblie and sindrie departed, as Mr
Davidsone had foretold, he desired licence to speeke. It was
hardlie granted, speciallie by the king, who was more than Mode-
rator. He beganne to compare the kirk to a sicke wife, and the
ministers to physicians. He said, he saw now a great schisme:
and if they would have it cured, the best remedie was to beginne
at the removing of the caus; which, said he, was the wrongfull
charge of the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, by pub-
lict proclamatioun, in November, 1596, to depart out of Edinburgh.
The king interrupting him, said, it was not true; the sermouns
in pulpits were the caus of the discharge. He was not suffered to
reply. The Moderator willed him to give in, in writt, anie thing
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTL.AND. G99
he would say. So, after sindrie speeches at sindrie tymes, he de-
livered the protestatioun in writt, which was reached from hand to
hand, till it was layed doun before the clerk. The king taiketh it up
and readeth it, sheweth it to the Moderator and others about him,
and at lenth putteth it up in his pockett. Mr Davidsone thought
there sould be no more of it. The tenour of the Protestatioun
heere followeth :—
“This is to deplore by writt, Right Reverend in Christ, accord-
ing to your appointment, when otherwise I was interrupted this
other day to speeke in the Assemblie, viva voce, (as yee know,) the
great corruptioun, confusioun, and disorder in our Generall Assem-
bleis, and the great inconveniences that have followed therupon in
the kirk, since the injurious discharge of the lawfull commissioners
therof, by publict proclamatioun at the Croce of Edinburgh, in
November bygane a yeere, namelie, at Perth, Dundie, at the last
Generall Assemblie, and now at this, most of all, wherein that
freedome due unto a free assemblie is utterlie denyed unto us, as
at more lenth sall be qualified in tyme and place, if neede sall re-
quire. As also, to declare, that I adhere to my former protesta-
tioun made by word before his Majestie, at the Generall Assemblie
last holdin at Edinburgh, and by writt ordeanned to be insert in
the bookes of the Assemblie, at the last Generall Assemblie in this
toun, that it may be lawfull to me, and suche other brethrein of
the ministrie as would adhere to the said protestatioun, to use our
wounted freedom in our ministrie, according to the Word of God,
and good lawes and practick of this realme, notwithstanding anie
law or act made, or to be made, in the contrare. And, finallie, to
protest of new, in my owne name, and name of all suche brethrein
as sall thinke good to hold hand to this commoun caus, that we
disassent from all the proceedings in this and the other two fore-
said Assembleis, as not having the priviledge of free assembleis per-
mitted unto them, till the nixt better constituted and advised As-
semblie. Which protestatioun I desire to be insert presentlie in
the bookes of this Assemblie.”
They proceed in the voting, howbeit there was diversitie of
700 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1598.
judgements among these that would have the kirk the thrid estat
in parliament; some desiring the commissioners of the kirk to
be chosin as barons and burgesses are, others willing to accept
vote in parliament upon what conditioun soever it might be had.
It was concluded by pluralitie of votes as followeth :—
THE NUMBER AND QUALITIE OF THE WOTERS.
Sessioun 12.
“Concerning the number of the ministrie that sould have vote
in parliament in name of the kirk, it was likewise concluded and
thought expedient, that als manie of them sould be chosin for the
vote in parliament, as were wount of old in tyme of the Papisti-
call kirk to be bishops, abbots, and pryours, that had the like liber-
tie, viz., to the number of fiftie and one, or thereby.
“Item, After reasoning, it was voted and concluded, that the elec-
tioun of suche of the ministrie as sould have vote in parliament
ought to be of a mixed qualitie, and apperteane, partlie to his Ma-
jestie, and partlie to the kirk. And becaus through shortnesse of
tyme, the brethrein could not be perfytelie resolved in the rema-
nent heeds and circumstances, concerning the office of him that
sould have vote in parliament, viz., de modo eligendi, of his rent, of
the continuance of his office, whether he sould be chosin ad poenam,
or not, of his name, of the cautiouns for preserving of him from
corruptioun, and suche other circumstances: Therefore, the Assem-
blie ordeans everie presbyterie to be rypelie and throughlie advised
with the particular heeds above writtin, and therafter to convocat
their Synodall Assembleis through the whole countrie, upon one
day, which sall be the first Tuisday of Junie mixtocum ; and there,
after new reasoning and advisement with the saids particular heeds
above writtin, that everie synodall choose out three of the wisest
of their number, who sall be readie upon his Majestie's advertise-
ment (which sall be upon a moneth's wairning at the least) to con-
veene with his Majestie; together with doctors of the universiteis,
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 701
viz., Mrs Andrew Melvill, Johne Johnestoun, Robert Rollock, Pa-
trik Schairp, Robert Howie, Robert Wilkie, and James Martine,
suche day and place as his Majestie sall thinke expedient. With
power to them to treate, reasoun, and conferre, upon the said heeds,
and others apperteaning thereto; and incace of agreement and uni-
formitie of opiniouns, to vote and conclude the whole questioun
concerning vote in parliament; otherwise, incace of discrepance
and variance, to referre the conclusioun therof to the nixt Generall
Assemblie.”
The king and commissioners had a purpose to passe through
manie questiouns, which, that they might passe the more easilie,
were made cleane of all corruptioun, Popish and English, and bi-
shops formed of a new mould, embarred and enclosed with suche
caveats, as would rainge them in, suppose they sould grow never
so wylde. Yitt when they were read, they perceaved that the
brethrein's hearts who assented to the first beganne to swither.
Therefore, they thought meete to refyne them, that they might the
more easilie purchasse the consent of manie whom they found ad-
verse; and were content at this tyme with the number of the
VOterS.
THE ASSEMBLIE REFUSETH TO REGISTER MR. J. DAVIDSON’s
PROTESTATION.
After the dissolving of this sessioun, Mr Johne Davidsone de-
parted off the toun. Muche adoe there was, after noone, about his
protestatioun. The king demanded, who would stand to it? The
brethrein thought good to keepe silence. Some would have had
it remitted to the presbyterie. Mr Thomas Buchanan would have
had him presentlie censured and condemned. It was agreed that
it sould not be insert, as followeth :—
Sessioun ultima.
“Tuiching the protestatioun givin in by Mr Johne Davidsone,
702 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1598.
for himself, and in name of certan other brethrein, as he alledged,
protesting that this present Assemblie was not a free Assemblie,
which his protestatioun he desired to be inserted in the bookes of
the Assemblie : it being inquired by the moderator, if anie would
adhere to the said protestatioun, there was none found that would
adhere to the same, nor was of the said Mr Johne's opinioun ther-
anent. And, therefore, the brethrein discharged the clerk to in-
sert the same in the bookes of the Assemblie.”
Mr Johne Davidsone had skarse landed on this side of Dundie
Perrie, when manie of the brethrein overtooke him, and subscribed
the protestatioun, to the number of three or four score. But when
Mr Davidsone came to St Andrewes, it was thought expedient to
cutt off the names, and burne them in the fire. There were certan
articles penned, to be advised upon by this Assemblie, for tymelie
preventing of abusses and corruptiouns. The author I know not, or
whether they were presented in publict; but I have heere inserted
them, as I have found them writtin by Mr Johne Davidsone's owne
hand.
CERTAN ARTICLES TO BE ADVISED UPON IN THIS GENERALL AS-
SEMBLIE, GIVIN IN BY A BROTHER, FOR THE TYMELIE PRE-
VENTING ABUSES, AND GREAT CORRUPTIONS THAT, IN TYME,
USE TO SLYDE IN UPON THE KIRR, WHERE NEGLIGENCE HAS
JPLACE.
“Imprimis, That a commoun care be had by all the brethrein,
that the libertie due to all commissioners in the Generall Assem-
blie, freelie to speeke, propone, and vote, (providing it be done with
order and modestie,) be no wise prejudged by the authoritie or pre-
sence of anie brethrein, moe or fewer, of what qualitie soever; but
that it remaine to our posteritie, sarta tecta, (as they say,) as from
the beginning the custome has beene. And if the appearance of
the contrarie beginne to breake out in anie, it be gravelie and
soundlie tane up in tyme. As also, that things of weight, advised
upon by the moderator and his assessors, be so cleerelie propouncil
1,98. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 703
againe in the Assemblie, with suche indifferencie, and without all
precipitatioun in urging of the brethrein’s voices before they
throughlie understand the mater, that they may have due tyme to
consider of the thing in hand, and to be als weill acquainted with
the same before they vote as the assessors themselves; yea, and
that the moderator and his assessors be sworne or bound to hide
nothing of importance from the knowledge of the Assemblie, that
by word or writt is propouned to them concerning the commoun
weale of the kirk and ministrie; least otherwise, that which was or—
deaned for the ease and benefite of the Assemblie, turne to the
prejudice and hurt of the libertie therof, and lay the foundatioun
of an oligarchie.
“Nixt, That the ordinance of the universall visitatioun of the
presbytereis and kirks in all the quarters of this realme be waken-
ned up againe, and putt in practise, primo quoque tempore; with a
supplee of suche wants as sall be found in the former ordinance,
ather in places to be visited, or tyme, or persons visiters, for the
need was never greater.
“Thridlie, That the cheefe subject of the tryell be tuiching the
studie, faithfulnesse, gravitie, and zeale, of the ministers of everie
presbyterie, ab initio, towards the worke of the Lord, in edifeing
God’s people by life and doctrine; and of their encreasse or decay
of the same sensyne, and that they be censured accordinglie.
“Fourthlie, That in the tryell of the life of everie minister, the
government of his owne persoun and of his familie, tuiching the
use of their speeche, companie, meate, drinke, and apparell, be
narrowlie marked, becaus in these and the like they sould be ex-
emples to their flocke; and that the names of the slanderous of.
fenders in these premisses, without exceptioun of persouns, be
givin up to the Generall Assemblie.
“Fyftlie, Concerning doctrine : For of readers onlie, and men
unable to teache in some reasonable measure, there is an act made
in the Generall Assemblie, holdin in the same tour of Dundie,
1580, discharging them as having no lawfull ordinarie-office in the
ministrie, which would be tryed ; also, how it is keeped concern-
704 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1598.
ing doctrine. Then, in teaching ministers, that diligent inquisi-
tioun be made, what dayes and houres they preache, how reve-
rentlie and familiarlie they breake the Word to the capacitie of
their people, for their true edificatioun, and what accompt they
take of the people's profiting in knowledge and practise. And for
this purpose, that a weill conceaved act be sett doun by the Gene-
rall Assemblie, tuiching the brydling and leaving this curious kinde
of preaching, yea, rather, a certan unprofitable and profane zavo-
poyſo, without the right cutting of the Word, which of a long
tyme has been unprofitablie used by manie, and, by their exemple,
beginneth now to be more excessivelie used of moe, to the great
hinderance of true edificatioun, wherethrough the people universal-
lie, for the most part, within this realme, under a shadow of reli-
gioun, are interteaned in atheisme, without all true knowledge and
feeling, as woefull experience does plainlie prove ; for remedie
wherof, so farre as in us lyeth, lett us labour with the apostle, that
making more conscience of our preaching, our preaching may
stand rather in the evidence of the Spirit, &c. : that the faith of our
flockes be not in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
And heere is not to be omitted the tryell of the executioun of the
act made in the same toun of Dundie, in Julie, 1580, tuiching the
discharging of readers, as having no ordinarie office in the kirk.
As also, that the forme of catechizing commounlie used be more
plaine and familiar, according to the maner of that kinde of doctrine,
as the word itself doth import.
“Sixtlie, That this may be the better brought to passe, that it
be injoynned to the ministrie, by an ordinance of this Assemblie,
publictlie and privatlie to urge divisioun of great parishes into
competent congregatiouns, and that with Suche orderlie and come-
lie maner as may stand with the quietnesse and good will of the
people, weightie reasouns of their motioun being gravelie ad-
duced.
“Seventhlie, That tymelie regaird be taikin in every presbyterie
to the insolent behaviour of suche as, under anie pretence, would
goe about to deface or diminishe the joynt authoritie of the pres-
1598. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 705
byterie in maters belonging therunto, by drawing the swey of
maters after the convoy or authoritie of some few persons. Which
corruptioun, as it is no new thing in the kirk, so has it beene the
originall of all the antichristian tyrannie that has wracked the
libertie of the kirk from tyme to tyme, and so is the more sharplie
to be watched on and snibbed in tyme, wheresoever, or in whatso-
ever persons, pixo~gorevovot, it beginneth to breake out.
“Eightlie, When anie publict fasts are appointed, (as presentlie,
great need there is that one be,) that the true caus of our misereis
be truelie tane up from the ground without respect of persons;
and that all preachers, being weill made acquainted therewith, may
labour to feele the weight of them in their owne hearts; that they
may speeke of knowledge and feeling, and not by bare informa-
tioun, considering that the saying is true, “S; vis me fiere, dolen-
dum est primum ipsi tibi. And, therefore, we read in the secund of
Joel, that the preests were commanded, in tyme of publict fasts, to
weepe betweene the porche and the altar, and to say, ‘Spaire thy
people, O Lord!’ &c. For it appeares the Lord will have us in all
estats, and speciallie of the ministrie, to come neerer the grounds
of our calamitie than we have done yitt, that seing the sword, we
may blow the trumpet as becometh, for the tymelie wairning of
God’s people, and discharging our owne soules, in these most
perellous dayes.
“Nynthlie and last, That as the mater of our stipends and ro,
Čtorizo be not omitted, but have their place, to be treatted ather
first or last in the Assemblie, as need sall require; so, the care how
to wairne our prince and people of the present approaching de-
structioun to him, this kirk, and countrie, and how we may heere-
after have better occasioun to discharge (everie man in his calling)
a faithfull duetie to God’s people perishing in this land for laike of
true knowledge, may have once the cheefe rowme and place
amongst us in our Assembleis, (least we gett other reformers er it
be long,) for, hac oportet facere, et illa non omittere, and seeking the
kingdom of God and his righteousnesse, these things sall be cast
unto us.
WOL. V. 2 Y
706 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1598.
“In love and submission to be made fruict of, as God sall direct
your Wisdoms.
“Grandis prudentiae estaurum in luto quierere, quod bonum fuerit
retimere.”
Howbeit these articles and instructiouns were not muche re-
gairded, or taikin notice of, yitt these acts following were made:—
ACTS.
Sessiown 3.
“It is statuted and ordeanned, that, in all tyme comming, everie
provinciall Assemblie send the acts of the synod made since the
Generall Assemblie preceeding, with their commissioners directed
by them to the nixt Generall Assemblie, to the effect the breth-
rein of the Generall Assemblie may take tryell and cognitioun that
the proceedings of everie particular synod be done decenter et or-
dine, and so allow or disallow of them, as they sall thinke meete;
and that this order beginne at the nixt Generall Assemblie.
“Item, Becaus it was meaned by some of the brethrein, and found
fault with, that suche as use to be appointed commissioners from
the synods to the Generall Assemblie refuse, without reasonable
caus, to obey, whereby it falleth out oft that at the Generall As-
semblie there is enlaike of some commissioners from synods: It is
statuted and ordeaned, that everie Synod choose out suche as sall
be thought most meete to come as commissioners to the Generall
Assemblie, who sall remain till the last day of the Assemblie in-
clusive. And to the effect they may pretend no reasonable caus
in the contrare, speciallie povertie, it is statuted, that incace the
commissioners which are chosin may not commodiouslie await
upon the Assemblie upon their owne expences, then, and in
that cace, the rest out of which number he is chosin sall con-
tribute to his expences, according to the abilitie of their livings,
under the paine of tinsell of the tenth part of their stipends. Which
commissioners being so furnished by a common contributioun, as
said is, they sall remaine untill the finall end therof, under the paine
of the tinsell of the tenth part of his owne stipend. And incace ather
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 707
the commissioner, or the brethrein of the synod, through not obey-
ing everie one their parts of the premisses respective, incurre the
dangers of the penalteis above rehearsed, and yitt refuse to make
payment of the said penalteis, viz., of the tenth part of their stipends,
then, and in that cace, they sall be suspended from their calling
and functioun, ay and whill they satisfie the same.”
Sessioun 5.
“Becaus it was reported in the Assemblie, that albeit sindrie
persons were convicted of witchecraft, neverthelesse, the civill magi-
strat not onlie refused to punishe them conforme to the lawes of
the countrie, but also, in contempt of the same, sett the persons
at libertie which were convicted of witchecraft: Therefore, the
Assemblie ordeans, that, in all tyme comming, the presbyterie pro-
ceed in all severitie with their censures against suche magistrats
as sall sett at libertie anie person or persons convicted of witche-
craft heerafter.
“Item, Becaus diverse persons, with a preposterous haste, have
proceeded to the bannes of matrimonie, without anie lawfull pro-
clamatioun of the bannes, wherethrough the ordinances of the kirk
are highlie contemned: Therefore, it is statuted and ordeaned, that
no persons be coupled together in mariage without they be thrise
lawfullie proclamed at their owne parish kirk, according to the con-
suetude observed within this realme. And incace of contraveening
of the same, that the minister be deprived of his office, and the
parteis ordeaned to satisfie the kirk by publict repentance.
“Tuiching burialls, it is ordeaned, that no pictures or images be
caried about in burialls, under the paine of the censures of the kirk.
“Item, Becaus it was regraited that certan of the ministrie being
beneficed persons, have sett tackes and assedatiouns of the fruicts
of their benefice, and therafter have obteaned licence of transporta-
tioun from their kirk, so that the same, by reasoun of the tackes
sett by them, remaine continuallie unplanted for laike of provisioun :
Therefore, it is statuted and ordeaned, that, in tyme comming, no
708 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1598.
minister gett licence of transportatioun from his kirk, before it be
tryed that he has not hurt the benefice from which he craves to be
transported, by setting tacks of the fruicts of the same. And if
the tacks that were sett before his entrie to the said benefice ex-
pired in his tyme, that he have renewed no old tacke, but consent
of the Generall Assemblie, and melioratioun of his benefice.
“Item, Becaus, for laike of moyen, sindrie of the ministrie as yitt
have not obteaned designatioun of their manses and gleebs: There-
fore, it is ordeanned, that everie minister who is not possessed with
his manse and gleeb, obteane possessioun of the same betuixt and
the nixt Assemblie. And incace the person in whose favours the
designatioun is granted be not able, through povertie, to await
upon the law for obteaning possessioun of the same, that the rest
of the brethrein of his presbyterie concurre and helpe him with ex-
pences for obteaning of the same.”
Sessioun 12.
“For better observing of the presbytereis, it is statuted and
ordeaned, that everie presbyterie sall assemble themselves once
orderlie eache weeke, in the full number; at the least, so manie of
them as have their residence within eight miles to the place of the
ordinarie conventioun of the presbyterie.
“That everie member of the presbyterie studie the text wherupon
the exercise is to be made.
“That a commoun head of religioun be treatted everie moneth,
in everie presbyterie, both by way of discourse and disputatioun.
“That everie pastor have a weekelie exercise of instructioun, and
examinatioun of a part of his congregatioun in the Catechisme.”
Sessio ultima.
“Becaus the questioun anent summar excommunicatioun, for
laike of tyme, cannot be commodiouslie treatted at this present,
therefore, the brethrein continue the same to the nixt Assemblie ;
in the meane tyme, suspend all summar excommunicatioun.
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, 709
“Becaus there has beene no order sett doun hitherto anent the
number of commissioners to be directed from everie presbyterie to
the Generall Assemblie : Therefore, it is statuted and ordeanned,
that, in all tyme comming, three of the wisest and gravest of the
brethrein sall be directed from everie presbyterie at the most, as
commissioners to everie Assemblie; and that none presume to come
but commissioun, except he have a speciall complaint; and that
the clerk of the Assemblie take heed to receave no man in com-
missioun but three allanerlie, as said is: And likewise, that one
be directed from everie presbyterie in name of barons, and one out
of everie burgh, except Edinburgh, which sall have power to direct
two commissioners to the Generall Assemblie.
“Becaus it was reported by certan of the brethrein, that, not-
withstanding the acts of the Assembleis preceding, against sailers
and traffiquers with Spaine, the said traffique was not intermitted :
Therefore, the Assemblie ordeans the act made anent the said
traffiquers to be putt to farther executioun in all points, but anie re-
spect of persons.”
Sessioun 2.
“Tuiching the commissioun givin to certan brethrein of the
North, for absolving the Erles of Angus, Huntlie, and Erroll, from
the sentence of excommunicatioun, the Assemblie ordeans Mr Peter
Blekburne, in name of the rest, to give in, in writt, the whole
forme of their absolutioun, and satisfactioun to the articles in-
joynned to them in the last Assemblie, to the effect the same may
be registred in the bookes of the Assemblie.”
MR. DAVIDSONE PERSUED BEFORE THE PRESBYTERIE.
After the Assemblie was dissolved, the king directed. Mr Wil-
liam Melvill, and Mr David Mackgill, Senators of the Colledge of
Justice, with commissioun to the Presbyterie of Hadintoun, to
compleane upon Mr Johne Davidsone, for his misbehaviour in the
Assemblie holdin at Dundie, (so it pleased them to terme the
710 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1598.
giving in of his protestatioun.) The presbyterie sent an officer to
summoun him, with certificatioun.
Mr Johne compeered the nixt presbyterie day, howbeit with
hazard of his life, in respect of his present weakenesse, and infir-
mitie of bodie, through sweating the night before. He said to the
presbyterie, He mervelled that anie questioun sould be made
tuiching that protestatioun, seing it was lawfull in itself, and the
king himself found no fault with him, when he was present in the
Assemblie, after the presenting of it. “I wish,” said he, “that
yee sould desist from suche dealing; not that I distrust my caus,
but for his owne weale. The Erle of Mortoun never thrave
after he medled with me, and said, before that mater was ended,
he would have beene content to have givin ten thowsand pund
why he had not entered into it.” After reasoning to and fro, it
was agreed that some brethrein sould goe in to Edinburgh the day
following with Mr Davidsone, to advise with some brethrein in
Edinburgh, and to goe with them to the king. He consented,
providing the caus of the kirk be not prejudged in his person, and
that he be not urged to passe from his protestatioun. The king
would not admitt him to speeche, and directed his speeche to Mr
James Carmichaell and James Gibsone, and called him a verie
starke foole, an heretick, an Anabaptist, a tratour to him, to the
commoun weale, to Christ, and his kirk. The nixt presbyterie
day Mr David Makgill prosecuted before the Presbyterie of Had-
intoun the actioun intended against him. But nothing [was] done,
becaus Mr Johne was deteaned at home by a fever which seazed
upon him. Upon the 26th of Aprile a pursuivant was sent from
the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie to the Presbyterie of
Hadintoun, to gett the extract of the processe led against him. It
was denyed, and some brethrein were sent to conferre with Mr
David Makgill. So the actioun, after lingering, at last deserted.
After the Assemblie, the king interteaned the Duke of Holster,
now come through England to Edinburgh, and about the end of
Marche directed Mr Edward Bruce to England in ambassage.
1598. OF THE IXIER OF SCOTLAND. 711
MR. R. BRUCE HIS ADMISSION TO A PARTICULAR FLOCKE IN
IEDINBURGH.
Upon Fryday, the 14th of Aprile, the commissioners of the Ge-
nerall Assemblie convented the ministers of Edinburgh before
them. Mr Robert Rollocke was their mouth for the tyme. The
king being present, he asked at Mr Robert Bruce if he was willing
to accept a particular flocke, according to the act of the Generall
Assemblie P. He answered, “Yes.” Nixt he demanded, How
soone P. He answered, “Als soone as yee please.” Then, at the
king's directioun, he said to Mr Robert, “Yee must have ordina-
tioun beside the rest.” Mr Robert Bruce answered, He could not
be made a spectacle more nor the rest; offered himself readie to
obey the decreit of the Generall Assemblie, or to doe anie thing
that anie other pastor of Edinburgh had to doe. Some promised
to move his collegues to accept of the like. When he was neere
satisfied, the king hearing, will have him onlie to accept of that
ceremonie of impositioun of hands. He refused. They will him to
advise till the morne after noone.
He went doun the morne to Mr Patrik Gallowaye's hous. After
long reasoning, they came to this point, that they sould all take
impositioun of hands als weill as he. He went with them to the
palace. The king shewed him that it behoved him to take a new
ordinatioun. Mr Robert answered, he heard no word of a new
ordinatioun in the Generall Assemblie. The king affirmed the
contrare. Mr Robert called him to remembrance, that there was
mentioun made onlie of impositioun of hands. “That is alike,”
said the king. “Not alike, Sir,” said he, “for this ceremonie may
serve als weill for confirmatioun as ordinatioun.” The king slip-
ping from him, the commissioners desire him to enter in no further
contestatioun with the king, promising to give him a testificat in
writt, that this ceremonie was not for ordinatioun ; and that Mr
Robert Pont sould declare the same before the people, and ap-
prove his bygane ministrie, and pastorall calling there ; and that
712 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1598.
they sould caus the rest of his collegues receave the like imposi-
tioun.
He looked certanelie for performance of their promise. But the
Lord's day following they caused an edict to be proclamed after
the doctrine, for him and not for the rest, whereby he perceaved
they meant to goe fordward with their ordinatioun. Mr Robert
Pont seemed to be ignorant of the edict. Mr Robert Bruce there-
fore craved their promise to be subscribed in writt, and agreed
with Mr Robert Pont upon a forme, which he promised to gett
past, wherin he offered not to stand for the ceremonie of imposi-
tioun of hands, if they would use it as a ceremonie of entrie to a
particular flocke, or ellis a ceremonie of confirmatioun in his call-
ing; and willed them to acknowledge his former calling; certife-
ing them, that if they used it as a ceremonie of entrie to his mini-
strie, he would not accept of it. The commissioners who had
caused serve the edict came up to the toun, to try what the people
had to object against Mr Robert. The people, all with one con-
sent, tooke instruments he was their lawfull pastor. After the
people was dismissed Mr Robert addressed himself to the com-
missioners; asked why they had served an edict for him more
than for the rest; desired them to be plaine with him, what was
their meaning in that ceremonie, and to subscribe a ticket, which
he had penned, wherin they sall acknowledge him to have had a
lawfull calling to be a pastor in Edinburgh. They all refused to
subscribe, or to acknowledge him to be a lawfull pastor in Edin-
burgh. Wherupon he tooke instruments, that he was willing to
obey the act of the Generall Assemblie, and to doe anie thing anie
other pastor of Edinburgh would doe.
He went doun to the palace, where hardlie he gott accesse to
the king, in audience of Sir Patrik Murrey. He desired his Ma-
jestie would remove all jealouseis and sinistrous opiniouns he had
conceaved of him, and to thinke of him as of a subject weill affected
toward his service, wherof he sould give a prooffe, if it pleased his
Majestie to imploy him. The king promised to thinke no other-
wise of him, and said, he was weill content he sould remain where
lie was. At last, he desired to understand, whether it was pre-
1598, OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 713
ciselie his pleasure, that he sould take impositioun of hands or not;
he could not thinke his Majestie would doe anie thing to disgrace
his former calling, or to prejudge his former ministrie. If the
commissioners seeke onlie a ratificatioun of his former calling,
he would not stand with them for a ceremonie, so muche the rather
becaus he saw his Majestie so bent upon it. The king answered,
he had commanded Mr Robert Pont to approve his former travells
and calling in his doctrine. He thanked the king, and desired
onlie that he would gett a little ticket penned to that effect, past
to him by the commissioners, which he promised to send to his
Majestie incontinent. The king promised it sould be done. Mr
Robert sent the ticket incontinent to Sir Patrik Murrey. The
messinger returned with this answere, that Sir Patrik promised to
gett it past, and to send it backe er eight houres at night. But
so soone as Mr James Nicolsone and Mr Thomas Buchanan went
doun to the Abbey the king was diverted; no answere was re-
turned that night. Sir Patrik went over the water soone in the
morning, before Mr Robert could come doum to him, and the king
went out to the hunting. This was the day of the admissioun of
the ministers to their particular quarters, to witt, the 18th of Aprile.
The north-east quarter resorted to the Colledge Kirk, to receave Mr
Walter Balcalquall and Mr George Robertsone; the south-east
quarter to the Great Kirk, to receave Mr William Watsone and
Mr Johne Hall; the south-west quarter to the Upper Tolbuith, to
receave Mr Robert Rollock and Mr Peter Hewat ; the north-
west quarter resorted to the East or Little Kirk, where Mr Robert
|Bruce and Mr James Balfour sould have beene receaved.
Before the ringing of the bell, Mr Robert caused deale with
the commissioners for a ratification of his former calling. They
would subscribe nothing. The farthest could be obteaned was,
that Mr Robert sould come in, and if he heard anie thing that did
not lyke him, he sould be free to goe out. Mr Robert Pont, who
made the sermoun, it being ended, entered in the actioun. After
he had uttered manie things to the commendatioun of Mr Robert,
and acknowledged him to have beene a minister in Edinburgh, law-
714. CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1598.
fullie called, at last he asked, if he would takimpositioun of hands.
The other craved licence to make his answere in audience of the
people. Mr Robert Pont giveth him place, so that they were both
standing in the pulpit at one time, which was an uncouth sight.
There Mr Robert [Bruce] proved before the people, that he laiked
nothing that was essentiall to a lawfull calling. “Yitt now,” said
he, “it has pleased the Lord to try me, by calling my former call-
ing in doubt; and the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie
have urged me with a new ordinatioun to the ministrie, as if I had
never beene a minister of Edinburgh. This new ordinatioun I
could not accept, except I would proclaime myself to have runne
unsent to this people these ellevin yeeres bygane. As to the cere-
monie, becaus I take it to be indifferent, and may serve als weill
for confirmatioun as ordinatioun, I will not refuse it, if that may
please you,” sayeth he, (directing his speeche to so manie of the
commissioners as were appointed to attend the actioun in that
kirk;) “onlie subscribe this ticket, that I may be sure that yee
meane no other thing.” So he read the ticket in their audience.
He preassed Mr Robert Pont to subscribe it, and offered him the
penne. But he refused, and cast it over the pulpit to Mr Thomas
Buchanan and Mr James Nicolsone. The bailliffe, Cornelius In-
glis, convoyed it to them, and requeisted them verie earnestlie to
subscribe it. They refused altogether, but said they would ratifie
whatsoever the preacher had spokin. “But,” sayeth Mr Robert
[Bruce, “he hath testified the same in effect: testifie it by your
hand-writt. If yee meane not truelie, why doe ye deceave both
him and the people P’ But in no cace would they subscribe for
no requeist of the bailliffe, or the elders who were sitting beside
them. Mr Robert perceaving their obstinacie, made him to with-
draw himself, becaus he would not trouble their actioun. Which
when Mr James Nicolsone perceaved, he moved Mr Johne Nicol-
some to call for Mr Robert, and to move him to sitt doun upon the
furme beside them, and he sould find contentment. Mr Robert
cometh, sitteth doun beside Mr James, looking that Mr Robert
Pont sould have dimitted them without anie farther ceremonie.
1598. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 715
|But he refused, and they would not subscribe the ticket. The
elders sitting upon the furmes cryed all with a loud voice, “We
acknowledge him to be our pastor P and in tokin therof tooke him
by the hand. They prayed Mr Robert Pont to give his blessing,
and to admitt. But he refused, and went to the prayer, and so
ended.
After noone some of the honest citicens of the toun, together
with Mr Johne Nicolsone, went to the commissioners, desired them
to report favourablie and truelie of the proceedings before noone.
They promised muche, but performed little, and made a dangerous
report to the king. The day following, Mr Robert [Brucel and
some citicens went doun to the king, but the commissioners pre-
veenned him. Mr Robert was called upon, but none suffered to
come in with him. The king asked, “What motioun was yon
yee made yesterday in the kirk?” Mr Robert answered, “There
was no motioun offensive.” “What meane yee,” said the king,
“by going up to the pulpit?” “The people could not heare me where
I satt,” said Mr Robert. “I choosed the most commodious place,
with the preacher's leave, to make my answere.” “What said yee
in the pulpit?” said the king. “I said, Sir, in effect,” said Mr
Robert, “that I had a lawfull calling, and the thing that was craved
of me was not lawfull.” “I darre say, upon my conscience,” sayeth
the king, “yee have no lawfull calling.” “Your Majestie speeketh
as you are informed, but I rest upon my inward warrant,” sayeth
Mr Robert. “Yee said to Mr Thomas Buchanan, yee had rather
givin your life, er yee had done it,” said the king. “Sir, after we
came out of the pulpit, I said, my life was not so deere to me as
the honour of my calling,” said Mr Robert. “What writt was it
yee urged them to subscribe P’ said the king. “Even that same
writt,” said Mr Robert, “which they promised to subscribe both on
Saturday and Moonday.” “Who promised ?” said the king. “Mr
Robert Pont, Mr David Lindsey, Johne Duncansone, Mr James
Nicolsone, and Mr Thomas Buchanan,” sayeth Mr Robert. “They
are false knaves then,” said the king ; and they themselves likewise
denyed. Mr Robert offered to prove it by witnesses. Mr Thomas
716 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1598.
Buchanan alledged he promised onlie to approve whatsoever Mr
Robert Pont had said. “Weill,” said Mr Robert, “but so it is,
that Mr R. Pont called me a lawfull pastor.” But Mr R. Pont
and Mr Thomas both denyed. Mr Robert offered to prove his al-
ledgance by an hundreth witnesses. Then the king asked him
how he bewitched the people with his harangues 2 “Sir,” said Mr
Robert, “I use no harangues.” Mr Robert Rollock sayeth to him,
“So said yee, yee would not appeale to the Generall Assemblie
again.” “I thanke you for that, Mr Robert,” said Mr Robert
Bruce ; “you are like to goe from difference in opinioun to malice
in affectioun,” “Answere to the point,” sayeth the king; “yee
have disobeyed the ordinance.” “Sir, I have not disobeyed the or-
dinance of the Assemblie,” said Mr Robert. “Yee have disobeyed
the ordinance of the commissioner,” said the king. “It ought to
have beene intimated to me,” said Mr Robert. “Read it to him,
Mr James,” said the king. It being read, Mr Robert said, “This
is the first time that ever I saw it.” “Remove you,” said the king;
“we will judge, notwithstanding, whether yee have disobeyed or
not.”
He is called in again incontinent, and declared that they had
found him disobedient. He is removed again, and, after consulta-
tioun, called on. The king shewed that it was his part to prevent
discord, which was like to arise among pastors, and to knitt them
up in unitie; and, therefore, he had taikin upon him, and that of
his owne authoritie, to give him yitt a day to obey their ordinance.
They would ratifie his former doctrine, and suche commissioun as
he had borne in name of the kirk. He thanked the king, and
asked if they would ratifie his former calling, that he had a lawfull
calling to be a pastor in Edinburgh. “Will yee, Mr Robert, that
we be plaine with you?” Sayes the king; “I am not of that minde,
nor is there anie heere will say that yee have a lawfull calling to
be a pastor in Edinburgh; yee sall heare them all posed in your
audience.” So the king asked first at Mr Robert Pont. He was
not resolved what to say. The king left him, and asked at Mr
David Lindsey. Mr David said that he wanted impositioun of
1598. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 717
hands. “Yee see, Sir,” sayes Mr Robert, “he sayes not that I
am no lawfull pastor; he voteth not so.” “Mr David,” said the
king, “what say yee? whether is he a lawfull pastor or not?” He
answered, “In respect he wanteth impositioun of hands, I can not
say.” Then the king asked Mr Robert Rollock. He directed his
speeche to Mr Robert Bruce; “Sir, I grant yee have the presen-
tatioun of the Generall Assemblie, and the consent of the people,
and that verie great, but yee want ordinatioun.” After him voted
Mr Thomas Buchanan, Mr James Nicolsone, Mr Patrik Galloway,
and Johne Duncansone. “Yee see,” quoth the king, “ they call
you no lawfull pastor.” “Sir” sayes he, “they obscure that con-
clusioun ; I had rather beene buried, if the Lord would have as-
sisted me, or I had voted to the like of them.” Then he asked of
Mr Patrik Galloway if he thought not his calling als good as his
owne. “My calling is better than yours,” said Mr Patrik. “Weill,”
said Mr Robert, “when yee drew upon us all this worke yee would
have said otherwise; yee and Mr James Nicolsone formed the
declinatour, and wrote letters unto the presbytereis.” “Was Mr
James Nicolsome,” sayes the king, “one of them P’ “ Forsuith
was he,” said Mr Robert. “Can yee say no more?” sayeth Mr
Patrik. “I can say more,” said he ; “yee have slipped from the
caus, and left us out. As for my self, I thanke the living God I
am not ashamed of it.”
With this, Mr Robert was removed again, and they proceed to
the sentence of deprivatioun, except he obeyed their first ordinance
betuixt and the nynth of May. He was called in again. The
king caused read the sentence to him. When he heard it, he said,
he thanked God he was readie not onlie to suffer that muche, but
the verie death in that caus, if it sould please God to call him to
suffer; “and I hope, Sir,” said he, “yee sall not charge me wrong
in that caus, and it were to the verie scaffold.” So he came furth,
and declared to some of his freinds what was done. They advised
him to goe ben again, and to appeale from their ordinance to the
Generall Assemblie. So he sent for Alexander Frier, a notar, and
went in when Mr James Balfour was called on ; tooke instruments
718 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1598.
of his appellatioun. The king sayeth to him, “What is that yee
are saying?”—thinking to terrifie him. “Sir” sayes he, “I am
appealing from this ordinance.” “It is leasome,” said the king,
“to appeale and protest; why not?” A little before the day that
Mr David Lindsey brought him the copie of the charge to leave
off, he resolved to desist, after the expiring of the day, till some
new appointment intervene. So, after the recept of the charge, he
tooke his leave in the pulpit the fyft of May. The Presbyterie of
Edinburgh giveth their approbatioun and testimonie to his calling
as followeth :—
“2 Maj, 1598.
“The which day the brethrein of the Presbyterie of Edinburgh
having rypelie advised upon the desire of their brother, Mr Robert
Bruce, willing them to declare whether he had beene, and is yitt,
a lawfull pastor of the Kirk of Edinburgh, having his calling of the
Generall Assemblie thereto? the whole brethrein being present,
gave their resolute answere, without contradictioun, that they had
acknowledged, and acknowledge him to be a lawfull pastor of the
said Kirk, by whom God in his mercie has wrought effectuallie in
the said pastorall charge, and by whose travells the whole kirk and
themselves have receaved great confort.—Extract out of the
bookes, &c.
“Mr CHARLEs LUMSDEN,
“Clerk to the Presbyterie of Edinburgh.”
Mr Patrik Simsone directed this letter following to Mr Robert
Bruce, to confort him in this his exercise:–
“ RIGHT HONORABLE AND WEIL-BELOVED BROTHER,
ceaved your letter, whereby I understand that your ministrie in
Edinburgh these ellevin yeeres bygane had beene called in ques-
tion. Deere brother, this is one of Satan's old fetches toward you,
who, as he was a great stay to your entrie unto this holie calling,
so he leaves not off yitt to practise his old and wounted malice
against you. But be of good confort, Sir; the Lord, who sces that
I re-
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 719
the drift of Satan is against his owne kingdom, will fortifie the
pillars of his owne hous, that they may stand out against the gates
of hell. I am sorie to heare tell that our owne brethrein are in-
struments of your trouble; for they seeme to me to be als unminde-
full of their owne speeches as Aaron was unmindefull of his owne
doings when he stood up against Moses, his brother. For, not-
withstanding the workes which confirmed the calling of Moses were
wrought in the hands of Aaron, yitt he oppouned himself to his
brother. In like maner, these brethrein manie tyme have givin
good testimonie to your ministrie. But now, alace they are be-
come forgetfull of their owne words, which, notwithstanding, are
writtin by the penne of God in their owne consciences; and yee
have a witnesse in the secreit of their hearts that your ministrie is
of God, and that it hath watered the husbandrie of God more
fruictfullie than the ministrie of anie man who oppugnes the same.
“I perceave that Mr Robert Rollock stands muche upon the
laike of ordinatioun in your ministrie; which moves me to mervell
how he could call himself a minister of Christ's Evangell in Edin-
burgh, in his Analysis upon the Romans, and wanting, in the meane
tyme, ordinatioun to that ministrie, if this forme of ordinatioun
which yee want be so essentiall as he speekes. Also, it was not
unknowme to him that yee laiked the Ordinatioun, as the people of
Israel wanted circumcisioun in the wildernesse. For yee were
ever awaiting upon a good opportunitie when the people would
divide themselves in competent parishes, to the end yee might be
appointed to a speciall flocke which yee could goodlie attend upon.
But to make an end of this point, if conscience moveth them to
object this against your ministrie, they sould have objected it these
ellevin yeeres bygane; and if anie other caus move them, the
wayes of men may weill seeme good in their owne eyes; but the
Lord pondereth the hearts.
“And concerning the mater, Sir, wherin yee crave my advice, my
simple judgement is this: that incace the commissioners will approve
your former ministrie, yee sall not stand to receave impositioun of
hands of them, becaus the Generall Assemblie has so commanded,
720 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1598.
and yee have promised to the king's Majestie (as appeares by the
writt I receaved) to doe the same ; and the hungrie soules of the
Lord's people in Edinburgh earnestlie crave the confort of your
ministrie. And, finallie, what ever iniquitie be in their hands at
this tyme, I hope the Lord will pardoun it in Jesus Christ, if yee
make earnest prayers for them, as Moses did for Aaron and Miriam :
and the blessing of God be upon your ministrie, to whose protec-
tioun I heartilie recommend you, both now and ever.
“From Stirline, the first of May, 1598.
“Your brother to command,
“PATRIK SIMSONE.”
The Presbyterie of Edinburgh sent doun Mr James Balfour, Mr
Walter Balcalquall, William Aird, and Mr Charles Lumisden, to
the commissioners, to deale for Mr Robert. They agree with the
commissioners upon a forme, and after presented it to Mr Robert.
He corrected some words in it, and sent it backe to the brethrein.
They directed it to Mr Patrik Galloway and Mr Robert Rollock.
It lyeth beside them unanswered. Mr Robert is sent for to the
king and commissioners, upon Tuisday, the nynth of May. The
king urgeth him with obedience to their ordinance. Mr Robert
answered, that the commissioners and he had agreed upon a forme,
with advice of the presbyterie. Mr Robert Rollock draweth it out
of his pocket, and presenteth it to the king. The king would not
stand content with it, but reformed it at his owne pleasure, and
gave it to Mr Robert to advise upon. Mr Robert conferred with
the presbyterie, and seeketh their advice. At the first, some of
the number perceaved not the deceate which was lurking under the
words. But after noone, when they entered in new conference
with the commissioners, they saw they meant not uprightlie in
that forme which they had conceaved, therefore, urged the first.
They would not condescend till they advised with the king : the
king would not alter his forme.
Mr Robert being wearied, went out of the toum, to take the aire.
Mr Johne Spotswod, now Archbishop of St Andrewes, being
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 721
directed from the commissioners, overtaketh him within halfe a
myle out of the toun. He shewed to him that the commissioners
mervelled that he sould depart out of the tour, the processe not
being closed; and that he had answered for him, that in respect
they had found him disobedient alreadie, and had proceeded to the
sentence of deprivatioun, that he had no farther to doe, except that
the king had charged him to attend upon his incomming. Mr
Robert answered, he was charged onlie to attend before noone, and
yitt attended both before and after noone. In end, Mr Spotswod
said, he had power from the commissioners to offer him admissioun
without anie ceremonie. Mr Robert desired writt upon that, and
then they sould have an answere.
Upon Fryday, the 12th of May, Mr Spotswod, Mr Johne Pres-
ton, and Mr George Young, went out to Smeton to Mr Robert.
He asked at Mr Spotswod, if he brought with him the writt which
he promised ? Mr Spotswod said, the commissioners were willing,
but the king would not agree to it; and that he had brought an-
other, little different from his owne. When Mr Robert would have
made some animadversiouns upon it, Mr Spotswod alledged he was
discharged to alter one syllabe. Upon the 13th of May, Mr
Spotswod sent a letter to Mr Robert, wherin he made knowne to
him that he had brought the king and commissioners almost to
satisfie his desire; and sent a thrid forme, which he prayed him to
agree unto; yea, he stirred up some of his cheefe freinds to urge him.
So sindrie of Mr Robert's freinds, wrought upon by his craft, con-
demned Mr Robert, as if he stood onlie upon triffles. Upon the
14th day of May, Mr Johne Preston, Mr Johne Nicolsone, Mr
George Young, went out to Mr Robert, and requeisted him to re-
turne to the toun. He yeeldeth, and returneth the day following,
that is, Moonday, the 15th of May, in the morning. Mr Andrew
IGnox, minister at Paisley, and after Bishop of the Iles, was sent
to him, as appeared, by the commissioners. He travelled betuixt
him and them for the space of three or foure houres. One of the
bailliffes presented to Mr Robert a forme, assuring himself of the
commissioners' consent, but that they would have him to subscribe
VOIL. V. 2 Z
722 CALDERWOOD's IHISTORIE 1598.
first. Mr Robert was content with the forme, and subscribed.
But the bailliffes could not gett their subscriptiouns, howbeit some
of them had promised. Mr Patrik Simsone travelled with the
commissioners, but could not obteane that which was reasonable.
The day following, that is, the 16th of May, which was the presby-
terie day, Mr Robert propouned to the presbyterie, and other breth-
rein conveenned out of sindrie quarters, if they thought it meete he
sould take a new ordinatioun to the ministrie or not, craved their in-
terlocutor, and removed himself. After a space he was called in,
and they declared it was their minde that he sould not take a new
ordinatioun to the ministrie. After noone the commissioners con-
veened together, with the whole presbyterie, and manie other
brethrein. They sent for Mr Robert twise er he would come. At
last he cometh. He asketh, whether it was his ordinatioun to the
ministrie that was sought, or not ? The commissioners would give
no direct answere. Mr Robert bursting furth, in the greefe of his
heart, said they had persecuted him extremelie, and had used
tyrannous and imperious dealing toward him : that he could never
remember that he ever abused anie of them in word or deid, or
used anie recriminatioun, saving onlie against Mr Patrik Galloway,
and that, compelled by his injurious speeches uttered before the
king, at their last meeting in the Abbey. “And now,” said Mr
Robert, “I take my leave of you, brethrein, and wishe you from
my heart rather to choose afflictioun than iniquitie.” Mr Patrik
granted he spake the words alledged, but that he spake them in
respect he had impositioun of hands, which Mr Robert wanted.
Mr James Balfour replyed, that he wanted impositioun of hands
als weill as Mr Robert. Mr Robert went out, and left them at
this debate. Some of the brethrein were directed to Mr Robert,
and againe mended the forme. Mr Robert would not agree unto
it, except they specified, in plaine termes, that the imposition of
hands which they urged was not a ceremonie of ordinatioun to the
ministrie. The commissioners refuse, and offered admissioun with-
out all ceremonie, rather than to grant to insert that claus. Mr
Robert was content to take admissioun as the rest had it. When
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 723
they perceaved him satisfied, they would have passed from their
offer; but at last were brought to be content to insert his words in
the last forme.
It is to be observed, that this impositioun of hands, wherabout
all this bussinesse was made, was holdin for a ceremonie unnecessarie
and indifferent in our kirk, whill that now, laying the foundatioun of
episcopacie, it was urged as necessar. For it being layed as a
ground, that none can receave ordinatioun to the ministrie without
impositioun of hands, and that this ceremonie was proper to
bishops, it behoved to follow that none could enter in the mini-
strie without impositioun of hands by bishops, who were to be
brought in, according to the intent of the king and the commis-
sioners, at that same verie tyme when they were so strict with Mr
Robert, as the event hath made manifest.
The commissioners went doun to the king, and informed him
what was done. The king yeelded at last, and appointed the nixt
Fryday to be the day of his admissioun. Upon Wednisday, the
17th of May, the commissioners conveened in the East or Little
Kirk, and sent for Mr Robert. He went to them, and desired to
know in tyme whether they meant as they spake. It was long er
they would answere. At the last they declared that they spake
as they meant, and wrote as they spake. Mr Robert taketh the
brethrein witnesse. Mr Robert Pont is appointed to teache. Mr
Robert and he differed about the forme of the declaratioun which
he sould use in pulpit, as he had found him ambiguous before, both
by word and by writt. At last Mr Robert and the commissioners
agree that the writt which he and they had subscribed sould be
read, and serve for his declaratioun.
Upon Fryday, the 19th of May, Mr Robert Pont made a ser-
moun in the Little or East Kirk of Edinburgh ; and after sermoun,
and the declaratioun foresaid made, came doun from the pulpit, and
layed hands upon the heads of Mr Robert [Bruce] and Mr James
Balfour. The elders and deacons, sitting beside upon furmes, tooke
them by the hands, and receaved them as their lawfull pastors.
This difficultie had that faithfull servant of God in his entrie to the
724 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1598.
charge of a particular flocke in Edinburgh. Before his entrie to the
ministrie he was exercised with terrours of conscience, and called
to that office not after an usuall and commoun maner. Since his
entrie he has beene exercised sindrie tymes with the malice of men.
COMMISSIONERS CHOSIN BY THE SYNOD OF FIFE.
Since the last Generall Assemblie, all the care and travell of the
commissioners was to gett suche three commissioners chosin by the
synod as the king liked best of. The Synod of Fife conveened in
Dumfermline, in the moneth of June. The Lord of Tungland and
Sir Patrik Murrey were directed to them in commissioun from the
king. The presbytereis gave in their judgements upon thir ques-
tiouns:–
1. After what maner he sall be chosin who sall have vote in par-
liament for the kirk : whether sall the kirk have nominatioun, and
the king the choice, or contra? Cowper Presbyterie, guided by Mr
Thomas Buchanan, thought that the kirk sould nominat five or six,
out of which the king sould choose one. The other three presby-
tereis agreed in one, to witt, that the kirk sould make choice of
their owne commissioners, and the king sould accept them, as the
barons and burrowes doe.
2. How long they sould continue? Cowper Presbyterie answer-
ed, Tota vita, nisi interveniat culpa : the other three presbytereis,
that they sould continue from one Generall Assemblie to another.
[3] Cowper Presbyterie would have it a mater indifferent
whether they were called bishops or commissioners. The other
three thought the consequence of the name of greater importance,
becaus the name of bishops now importeth corruption and tyrannie
in the kirk; and, therefore, that they sould be called Commission-
ers of the Kirk.
4. Concerning the rent, all agreed that their rent sould be with-
out hurt of other kirks, and not hinder the dissolutioun of benefices.
Mr James Melvill protested, for his owne part, he would have no-
thing adoe with the forging or blocking of it in anie sort; for as he
1598. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 725
saw it working, the best forme of it would bring in tyrannie and
corruptioun, to the wracke of the kirk. f*
The cheefe care and travell of the king's commissioners was to
gett suche three men nominated as the king liked best. Manie
platts were devised. In end, they found the way to putt on the leits
a good number of the three presbytereis, that they may be ridde of
their votes ; and having made moyen with the rest, they obteaned
their intent ; for Mr George Glaidstans, Mr Thomas Buchanan,
and Mr Johne Fairfull, were chosin commissioners, by maniest
votes, and these that were upon the leits were called in. When
the sincerest sorte perceaved their devices, they would give no
other commissioun, but to report faithfullie their judgement in the
questiouns; to reasoun, vote, and conclude, according to the same ;
and to see me quid ecclesia detriment capiat, promitten, to approve
and allow nothing but that which they did lawfullie in that mater.
A CONVENTION.
About the end of June it was concluded, in a convention of the
nobilitie, that there sould be a coine stamped of ten-shilling peeces,
five-shilling peeces, and threttie-shilling peeces. Thomas Foulles
was made Maister of the Coine-hous. The Bishop of Glasgow, a
fugitive out of the countrie ever since the alteratioun of religioun,
was restored to his honours, rents, and digniteis. Parteis at deidlie
feed were to be charged to come in before the king and counsell,
betuixt and a certane day of the nixt moneth, that they may be re-
conciled; with certificatioun, that the parteis disobeying sall incurre
the king's displeasure : That a definit counsell sould be chosin,
which was remitted to the parliament: That the Lords of the Ex-
checker sitt once everie yeere, and in June onlie ; and that Moon-
day be a play-day, or day of vacance, of the sessioun and worke-
I\l CIl.
726 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1598.
A CONVENTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS AT FALKLAND DIRECTED
FROM SYNODS.
The commissioners from synods conveened at Falkland in the
moneth of August. Mr James Melvill went not to it, yea, he
wished there sould be no generall meetings rege praesidente, unlesse
it pleased God to turne the king's heart, and sett it otherwise; for
he perceaved he was ever getting farther ground upon the liberteis
of the kirk at Suche meetings. Yitt the king and his commission-
ers found not suche furtherance in their course as they looked for.
What was concluded by pluralitie of votes was related to the Ge-
nerall Assemblie following, to which place we referre them. The
Generall Assemblie which was appointed to be holdin the yeere
following at Aberdeen, in Julie, was prorogued by the king's pro-
clamatiouns, that he might have tyme to dresse and prepare
materS.
MACKLAINE MURTHERED.
Upon the 4th of August, Macklaine, with a number of his freinds,
were slaine treacherouslie by Sir James Mackoneill, his owne sister
sonne, being invited to a tryst by the said Sir James, under pre-
tence to sett marches for dividing of their lands. It was constant-
lie reported, that he was hounded out by the king; for the king
never lyked of Macklaine after the 17th day of December. The
suspicioun was confirmed afterward, in that there was no execu-
tion of justice for so villanous a fact. He made a faird about the
beginning of September, as if he would goe to Kintyre and the
Iles, and redresse Macklain's murther, and other enormiteis.
1598. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 727
THE MINISTERS FIND FAULT WITH THE RESTORING OF THE BISHOP
OF GLASGOW.
About the end of August, Mr Patrik Simsone, minister at Stir-
line, exhorted the king to bewar he drew not upon himself a secreit
wrath, in setting up manifest and professed idolaters. Immediat-
lie after sermoun, before the last prayer, the king stood up, and
forbade him to medle with these maters. The ministers of Edin-
burgh found fault with this behaviour of the king's, and the restor-
ing of this idolatrous preest, meaning the Bishop of Glasgow.
THE LAW OF FEEE MONARCHEIS PRINTED.
In September the king's booke, intituled “The Law of Free
Monarcheis,” was printed. The bent of it was directed against
the course of God’s worke in our kirk and ellis where, as rebellious
to kings.
There was a conventioun holdin in the Palace of Halyrudhous,
upon the 10th of December. At this conventioun it was conclud-
ed that there sould be a definit number of the king's privie coun-
sellers, viz., threttie and one, wherof there sould be sixteene noble-
men, and the rest officers of estat, barons, and gentle men, at the
king's nominatioun : that they sould sitt in the Palace of Halyrud-
hous upon Tuisday and Thursday weekelie, after noone. They
were solemnelie sworne and subscribed to give the king true and
faithfull counsell, and to fulfill sindrie other things conteaned in the
act of their admissioun. Their names, Ludovick, Duke of Len-
nox; Erles Cassils, Angus, Marr, Glencarne, Montrose; the Se-
cretar, the Comptroller; the Lords Setoun, Livingstoun, Fleming,
Uchiltrie, Newbottle, Fyvie; the Treasurer, Clerk of Register,
Justice-Clerk, Privie Seale, Collector, Advocat, and Eleemosynar;
the Commendatar of Kinlosse, the Bishop of Dunkelden, the Laird
of Tracquair, Sir George Hume, then of Spott, and the Laird of
Carmichaell. These were present, and the rest were reserved to
728 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1599.
the king's nominatioun, as he thought good. At this tyme the
coyne was cryed in again, in this maner: the unce of our owne
fyne silver to be fiftie-three shillings foure penneis, and the unce
of gold as is particularlie sett doun. Weapon-showing appointed
to be holdin the first Moonday of May, June, and Julie. The con-
ventioun being ended, the counsell beganne and held fordward ac-
cording to the prescribed order. The Erle of Montrose was con-
stituted president of the counsell.
Upon the 24th of December the queene was delivered of a man-
childe in the Castell of Dalkeith.
Great feasting and pastyme at court at Christmasse, which of.
fended manie, and speciallie ministers.
M.D.XCIX.
THE FOURE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGEI CALLED BEFORE THE
COUNSELL.
The king being offended at the ministers of Edinburgh for find-
ing fault with the present corruptiouns, namelie, the restoring of
Betoun, Bishop of Glasgow, the keeping of Christmasse, and the
ydle Moonday, sent up Sir Patrik Murrey to Mr Robert Bruce,
with certan acts of the Generall Assemblie, and to crave his an-
swere in writt, whether he would be judged by them or not? After
advisement he answered, by word, he could not refuse judgement;
let the judge advise by what law he would judge him.
The commissioners of the Generall Assemblie, together with
Sir Patrik Murrey, were sent from the king to the foure old mi-
misters of Edinburgh, to crave their subscriptioun to some acts of
the Generall Assemblie. Mr James Nicolsone shewed that his
Majestie compted them branglers of his estat, and that he thought
not himself secure, unlesse they subscribed these acts. Mr Johne
Hall answered, that they had not come within the compasse of
these acts; that they were content to be tryed, and to be judged
1599. OF THE IX [RK OF SCOTLAND. 729
by them ; but as to the subscribing of them it was a noveltie, and
Suche a preparative as they could not beginne. The king was not
content with this answere, but imployed the president and some
others of the counsell to conferre with them. But that confer-
ence tooke no effect, for they said they had never beene in use of
injunctions before, and could not beginne then. So they were
brought doun upon Moonday, the eight of Januar, to the king.
They desired his Majestie to sett doun his propositioun in writt,
that they might answere it in writt. They tooke his propositioun,
and advised with it that night. Mr Johne Hall was sent with
their answere in writt the day following. The king was not satis-
fied. They were sent for to come doun. They went. The king
would have them to subscribe ather the affirmative or the negative.
They answered, they were readie to subscribe the negative, if his
Majestie would suffer them to adde their reasoun. He would not
suffer, but removed them, and moved the commissioners to testifie
against them, in writt, that they had refused to subscribe either of
the parts of the contradictioun. The king accused them before
the Secreit Councell. He professed before the lords that he
dreaded them bodilie harme; that they were upon some conspi-
racie against him ; his enemeis, men at whose hands he could
never looke for good; and so desired the lords to add a certane
punishment to the act of the estats. The lords voted that the
punishment sould be arbitrarie, as his Majestie sould decerne, ac-
cording to the qualitie of the cryme.
It was ordeanned that they sould be wairned to compeere that
day eight dayes before the counsell. They compeere. The presi-
dent and Lord Fleming were directed from the counsell to speeke
with them. They desired them to heare patientlie whatsoever his
Majestie sould speeke, and make no answere. They advised
among themselves, and made this answere :—That if his Majestie
tuiched their ministrie, it behoved them to stand to the defence of
the same ; otherwise, they had the lesse to speeke. They were
called in. The king made a long harangue, and, in end, came to
this point, that he would passe from all byganes, so that they would
730 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1599.
promise there before the counsell to obey all his lawes and lawes
of the Assembleis, speciallie the two acts made at St Johnstoun,
one of the Assemblie, the other of the estats; that they sould not
meddle with anie of his lawes and proceedings, without privie ad-
monitioun preceeding, of what sort so ever they were; for they
had before excepted in their writt maters of religioun, wherein
God’s honour was impaired, and the estat of the kirk endangered.
They answered, with all humilitie and reverence, it behoved them
to be comptable of their actiouns and of their ministrie. As to
their actiouns, as they were opin to the view of the world, so they
were weill content his Majestie and counsell sould try them, and
so deale with them as they find them merite. As for their affec-
tiouns, how reverent they were toward his Majestie's person and
high calling, God, who onelie saw the secreits of their hearts,
would beare witnesse one day. As to their ministrie, they were
to make accompt to the Lord for it. Alwise, tuiching his Ma-
jestie's desire, they said they had givin their answere alreadie in
writt, and with that produced it again. The king said he would
have these two acts obeyed. They answered they would be con-
tent to be subject to them, that is, to be censured by them ac-
cordinglie, if they were found to have transgressed in anie sort;
but obey the directioun of them they could not, but in so farre as
they agreed with the Word of God. “Agree not the acts of the
Assemblie with the Word of God?” sayes the king; “that was
plaine Anabaptistrie.” They answered, “We speeke, Sir, accord-
ing to our light; and if anie man will let us see better out of the
Word, we will yeeld to it.” “That law sall yee obey,” sayes the
king. “Will yee, Sir,” say they, “save our religioun as we have
it alreadie established by our owne lawes, and the Word of God;
in other things we sall keepe us, by God’s grace, within the com-
passe of the act; but if anie thing sall be done, as God forbid, to the
opin prejudice of our religioun, wherefore serve we, if we sall not
show that the Word of God plainlie damneth it.” “Will yee suspect
me?” sayeth the king. “We suspect an angell, if an angell bring
another gospell,” say they. “Weill,” sayes the king, “upon your
1599. OF THE ICIRK OF SCOTLAND. 731
owne perrell be it. I assure you yee sall be punished, to the ex-
emple of others;” and this he repeated oftener than ten tymes.
After this they desired, that seing they could not gett leave to
bruike a good conscience, that it would please his Majestie to give
them their dimissiouns, and lett them live as subjects in the coun-
trie. “That perteaneth not,” said he, “to the counsell. Give in
your bill to me and my commissioners.” They desired the inter-
locutor of the counsell what they thought of the mater, and so were
removed. They were called in again. The chanceller shewed
unto them the counsell would not meddle with it. The king be-
ganne to threattin them in the end, saying, that nather Edinburgh
nor Scotland sould keepe them, if they obeyed not these lawes.
They asked the king what was the paine the estats had sett doun ?
“Your paine,” sayes the king, “is according to the fault. If yee
speeke against me, my crowne or estat, hanging sall be the paine
for the first fault. If, otherwise, yee speeke against fish or flesh,
or any inferiour lawes, the paine sall be the lesse.” “In whose
hands is the paine, Sir?” say they ; “whether is it in the counsell's
hands, or in your Majestie's hands?” The king answered, “It is
in my hands, givin to my arbitrement.” After this, in respect they
had both the act of the estats and the act of the Assemblie against
them, and in respect the king had intimated to them their punish-
ment, they thought it meete to absteane till they might find a
favourable interpretatioun of the act from the commissioners, to
shew their unitie in minde with them.
The commissioners promised to give them their interpretatioun,
and to avow it before the king. The day was sett, and they looked
for it. But they disappointed them, and sent them doun to speeke
with the king, as if the king had beene of a good minde toward
them. They went doun, found the king readie to leape on, but
gott never harder words, and at no tyme ever found him worse
minded; never receaved they so manie injunctiouns at one tyme,
and he assured them, goe where they would, they sould be forced
to keepe them not onlie in this countrie, but in the nixt, if they
came there; and sent them to Mr Alexander Hay, to gett them
732 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1599.
from him. They went to Mr Alexander, and conferred with him.
He promised to sett them doun in writt, and send them to them.
Huntlie, the Duke, Erroll, were come to Edinburgh. This hard
dealing with the ministers of Edinburgh was, no doubt, to breake
them before Huntlie's comming.
MONTROSE CHANCELLER.
About the end of Januar, Johne Erle of Montrose was pro-
moted to the office of the Chanceller, a favourer of the Popish
lords. Upon the secund of Februar, Huntlie, Hume, and the
Laird of Johnstoun, came to court, were weill receaved; men re-
nowned for treasoun, raising of fire, killing, spoiling. About the
same tyme Mr Johne Lindsey, secretar, dimitted his office to Mr
James Elphinstoun of Barntoun.
THE DEATH OF MIR. R. ROLLOCIX,
Upon the eight of Februar, Mr Robert Rollock, Principall of
the Colledge of Edinburgh, and one of the eight ministers, ended
his dayes. He was a man of good conversatioun, and a powerfull
preacher, but simple in maters of church governement. The king
and commissioners of the Generall Assemblie abused his simplicitie,
that by his countenance to their course they might gett the moe
followers. He was not ignorant that the godlie were offended
with his cariage in these bussinesses; yea, it was told him plainlie,
after the removall of Mr David Blacke and Mr Robert Wallace
out of St Andrewes, that he sould meddle onlie with his schollers,
for he knew not what the governement of the kirk meaned. He
was greeved, yitt they held him on in that course. Manie are of
opinioun, that if he had forseene the evill effects which have fol-
lowed sensyne, he would never have beene drawin to it.
1599. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 733
THE KING's EXTREME MALICE AT MR. R. BRUCE.
About the tenth of Februar, the king bringeth doun the Ex-
checker to his owne chamber, and there dispouneth a pensioun
which Mr Robert Bruce had out of the abbacie of Arbroth, twentie-
foure chalder of victuall, or thereby, Mr Robert not being cited
nor heard, howbeit he had a gift of it for his life tyme, and letters
conforme upon his gift. He assisted the Lord Hammiltoun's ten-
ents against Mr Robert, when they suspended his charge. When
that meane served not, he would meddle in the mater for his owne
interesse. Mr Robert was readie to take up his peeces, if ather he
would have keeped the pensioun in his owne hand, or bestow it
upon kirks, as he pretended. But when the lords perceaved that
he gave command to transferre all his right unto my Lord Ham-
miltoun, to give decreit in his favours, and that there was collusioun
betweene them, the lords advised Mr Robert to proceed in his ac-
tioun. The king [was] oft present when the actioun was called,
and threatned the lords; when he was absent, ather he sent for
some of them, or sent his ring to others, and all to pervert justice.
He was present when it came to voting, and perceaving Mr Robert
was lyke to prevaile, he raged, and asked who durst be so bold as
to vote in that mater in his favours? Foure or five of the number
raise up and said, with his Majestie's reverence, except he would
discharge them by his absolute power, they both durst and would
doe their office. All voted with Mr Robert except one, who for
feare durst not.
After the interlocutor was past in Mr Robert's favours, maters
were referred to his probatioun. To pleasure the king, the pro-
batioun was delayed till the nixt sessioun. His rage continueth.
He sendeth for the advocats to caus them intend a new actioun
against Mr Robert. When he heard that the Pryour of Blantyre,
treasurer, sitting among the lords, had sent out a ticket to Mr
Robert's procurators to come in and resolve the lords whether there
was suche a claus in his gift or not, as was alledged, the king
734 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE } 599.
cometh to the place of justice, accuseth the treasurer. The lords
find no cryme in that he did, yitt, to please the king, they were
content he sould be removed when that actioun came before them.
The king was not satisfied, but commanded the treasurer to waird
in the Castell of Edinburgh, and after sent some to desire him to
give over his office. He refused, unlesse the king payed him what
he was addebted to him. After that, he was charged to enter in
Innernesse, and could never be at rest till he dimitted his office.
These things fell out about the tenth of Marche.
It was crediblie reported to Mr Robert that the king, among
manie despitefull speeches uttered to Mr Robert's disgrace, he said,
“Were not for shame, if he had a whinger he would cast it at his
face.” There past not a Saturday for fyfteene weekes wheron the
king did not send one messinger or other to trouble his medita-
tioun. At last Mr Robert imployed the queene to procure the
king's favour, and receaved the king's answere out of her mouth in
these words, That except he gave him suretie in writt, subscribed
with his owne hand, that he would at no tyme meddle with him,
his estat, lawes, or proceedings, he could no wise be content with
him : if he would grant his hand-writt to that promise, he sould be
in als great credit as ever he was, and have all things at command;
otherwise he could not weill suffer him, for he went in betweene
him and his subjects, and stirred up their hearts to rebellioun
against him. Colonell Murrey made a motioun to Mr Robert to
goe with him to Flanders, assuring him that the king would give
him letters of recommendatioun. Mr David Lindsey, minister at
Leith, advised him to provide for himself, for he saw it behoved
ather to be the king's life or his, or both ; and suche other terrife-
ing speeches he had. Mr Robert answered, he was content, pro-
viding it was done with consent of the presbyterie and his flocke.
Meanes were assayed by the king's instruments to gett this done.
When this failed, others were hounded out to terrifie him. The
Clerk of Register, and sindrie other lords of counsell, advertised
him that they were not his freinds that stayed him; “for,” say
they, “we have heard the king [say, that he hated not Bothwell
1599. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 735
with a greater hatred nor he doeth you.” Mr Johne Hall, one of
the ministers of Edinburgh, told him that he heard some of the
commissioners of the Generall Assemblie say, that he was the onlie
pest and troubler of the whole Kirk of Scotland. The truthe was,
they would have beene ridde of him, becaus, als long as he stood
in that place of the ministrie, he would be a great impediment to
their proceedings.
Mr James Robertsone and Mr Andrew Lamb, directed from
the Synod of Angus about the 29th of Aprile, proponed to the king
a motioun made in their synod, to witt, that it would please his
Majestie to draw the ministrie together, to be reconciled one with
another, to the end they might be the greater barre against Papists.
But the true and secreit drift intended was, that, under peace and
concord, they might sett fordward their owne course. The king
answered, he knew none of the ministrie to be at variance, except
one man, who would nather obey God nor man ; and if they would
suffer him, he sould take order with him—meaning Mr Robert
Bruce. Some of the commissioners of the Generall Assemblie la-
boured privilie to draw some of the ministers of Edinburgh from
Mr Robert, as Mr Johne Hall and Mr James Balfour confessed to
him, in plaine termes, before some brethrein of the ministrie. And
yitt Mr Johne Hall, if not alreadie, was soone after, drawin to
their course, howbeit a long tyme he covered himself, and so
proved the more dangerous. Not long after, the king caused libell
a new summouns against Mr Robert, to force him ather to suffer
the actioun to goe with him, and so to cutt off his moyen, and dis-
able him to live in Edinburgh, or, if he insisted, to putt not onlie
himself in danger, but also all his freinds that loved him, als weill
advocats as lords of the sessioun.
THE BISHOP OF GLASGOW THE RING's AMBASSADER.
Betoum, Bishop of Glasgow, was not onlie restored to his bene-
fice, but also authorized with ambassadge for his Majestie in France.
Jn the meane tyme, that the king is so hote against Mr Robert, a
736 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1599,
proclamatioun was made at the Croce of Edinburgh for May-
games to have libertie, which muche displeased good men.
VENTURERS TO THE LEWIES.
In the conventioun holdin in the beginning of Aprile, there was
a contract made betuixt the king and the gentlemen venturers to
the Lewes, upon certane conditiouns, speciallie for sufficient secu-
ritie made to them they sould pay to the king 140 chalders of
beere yeerelie. Wherupon they tooke their journey toward the
Lewes about the end of October, accompanied with 500 or 600
waiged men, beside gentlemen voluntars. A great number died of
a fluxe, through the coldnesse of the yle, want of loodging, and
other interteanement. The Laird of Balcolmie and his companie,
passing in a boat out of the Lewes toward Orkney, were inter-
cepted by some Hieland men, Mackenzie's followers, as was sup-
posed. Some of his men were slaine, himself taikin, deteaned
captive, and so hardlie used, that he contracted a deidlie disease,
wherof he died in Orkney after he was sett at libertie. For which
caus, by the meanes of a cheefe Hielandman, ten or twelve of the
interprisers were apprehended and beheaded, and their heads sent
in a pocke to Edinburgh, which were sett upon the ports.
THE KING’s SONE BAPTIZED.
Upon the 15th of Aprile the king's sonne was baptized in Haly-
rudhous. Huntlie and Hammiltoun were made marquesses, and
sindrie gentle men knights.
MR. ASHFEILD CONWOYED TO ENGLAND BY A STRATAGEME.
Upon the 12th of June the Lord Bowes, English ambassader,
caused certan of his servants drinke Mr Ashfeild, an English
fugitive, drunk in Leith, and had a coache in readinesse on the
Sands to carie away the gentleman. He goeth out to take the
1599. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLANI). 737
aire, and is intised to enter in the coache, about five houres at
night or thereby, and was caried away to Berwick. The Lord
Willebie sent in a trumpeter, with an aged gentleman, to shew Mr
Ashfeild's hand-writt, that no violence was used toward him, but
all was done with his owne consent, and therupon craved the de-
liverie of the captan and his freinds that used this stratageme.
Wherupon they were delivered, and returned to England.
A FAST AGREED UPON.
Upon the 22d of June the ministers of Lothian conveenned in
Edinburgh, at the king's appointment. Mr David Lindsey would
have had the fast indicted by the last synod continued, till a gene-
rall fast, which was to be appointed in Julie, in a conventioun of
ministers which was to be holdin at St Andrewes. The presby-
tereis all agreed to the keeping of the fast appointed at the last
synod, seing it was not prejudiciall to the other, Johne Duncan-
some confessed, the king desired not the fast to be left off, but some
causes to be omitted. Wherupon the causes were read, as they
were penned by Mr Robert Pont himself, at the synod’s command,
as followeth :—
“2d May.
“Finallie, Forasmuche as after so long offering of the graces of
God unto this unthankfull countrie, by the preaching of the
Gospell, now by the space of fourtie yeeres bypast, the kirk per-
ceaves suche a coldnesse and loathing of the truthe to be fallin out
in all estats, that none can be excused therof; the ministers and
teachers for their parts, for the most part being negligent to dis-
charge their duetie, in free rebooking of suche enormiteis as fall
furth in the countrie, and, in so doing, restraining the libertie of the
Word, and bringing the blood of the soules that perish through
their default on their owne heads; and the people of all estats, from
the highest to the lowest, being become loathsome hearers therof,
and not humbling themselves to the obedience and censure of the
VOL. W. 3 A
738 CALIDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1590.
Word, whereby it appeares that the Lord our God, in his just
judgement, is moved to take away both the libertie of preaching, and
to loose the yoke of discipline, which, by his great mercie, has beene
established and continued among us; and to breake the hedge ther-
of, by appearand setting up of these things that plainlie have beene
damned concerning the spirituall governement of the kirk in tymes
bypast, meaning the estat of Bishops.”
Mr Robert Pont's advice was, that prayer sould be made at the
fast, for the conventioun which was to be holdin at St Andrewes.
Mr Johne Davidsone answered, “I pray God disappoint them that
conveene in the name of man, and not in the name of God and his
kirk, but by vertue of that Assemblie against which I protested at
Dundie.” In their reasoning about the fast, Mr David Lindsey
said, the oppositioun of ministers to the king had done muche evill.
Mr Robert Bruce and Mr Davidsone answered, that not opposi-
tioun, but yeelding, had done muche evill; nather was oppositioun
a yeelding so muche to the king as to some ministers, whom it be-
came to be otherwise occupyed. Mr Johne Spotswod, now
Bishop of St Andrewes, said, “Lett us not seeke worldlie ease,
with the losse of the libertie of Christ's kingdom.” With which
words his father-in-law, Mr David Lindsey, was dashed, and the
brethrein tooke a good conceate of Mr Spotswod.
A CONVENTIOUN OF MINISTERS AT ST ANDREWES.
In the meeting of the king and commissioners, with sindrie
brethrein at St Andrewes, in the beginning of Julie, the king
and commissioners obteaned a reconciliatioun and professioun of
brotherlie love; as if the difference had beene onlie in opinioun and
judgement concerning the acts and conclusiouns which were al-
readie past. The conference of commissioners from synods was
prorogued to November. At this tyme Montrose was made Chan-
celler of the Universitie, and Mr George Glaidstains Vice-
Chanceller.
1599. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLANI). 739
THE DEMOLISHING OF A PARPAN WALL A MATER OF CONTENTION.
Mr Robert Bruce is now the thrid tyme putt to an exercise,
through the divisioun of the toun of Edinburgh into quarters. The
first battell he had was about the entrie of two young men, Mr
George Robertsone and Mr Peter Hewat. The nixt was with the
king and commissioners, for the maner of his owne admissioun to
his owne particular flocke. Now, the third falleth furth, about the
demolishing of a parpan wall in the Great Kirk, to enlarge the
East or Little Kirk, where Mr Robert Bruce and Mr James Bal-
four taught, and the building up of another; for there was not
sufficient rowme for people resorting to that kirk, nor for commo-
dious ministratioun of the Lord's Supper. Two acts were past the
yeere preceeding by the Counsell of Edinburgh for demolishing ;
but the counsell chosin for this yeere refused. The presbyterie
directed their commissioners to them. They answered, If his Ma-
jestie would consent they sould be readie. The presbyterie di-
rected Mr David Lindsey, Mr Patrik Galloway, and Johne Dun-
cansone, to the king. The king would in no cace consent. After
that, two citicens were sent to the king, who obteaned, that if it
were found by suche as sould be appointed to view and consider it,
that it might be demolished without deforming the kirk, he would
consent. It was found so. The king, notwithstanding, would
have a conditioun that they sould be readie to cast doun the new
wall again, in cace he had adoe, becaus it was the most spatious
kirk, and comeliest, in tyme of conventiouns and solemniteis. The
counsell refused to doe it upon that conditioun. Threttie of that
north-west quarter offered themselves cautioners to goe betuixt the
toun and anie danger which might ensue upon that warrant; yitt
the counsell refused. Mr Robert and Mr James seeke transporta-
tioun, but can not find a sufficient authoritie at this conventioun,
holdin at St Andrewes, to loose them; therefore, the mater lyeth
over to the Generall Assemblie.
In the same moneth of Julie there came from France an am-
740 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1599.
bassader, called Monsieur Biron. His commissioun came not to
the knowledge of the commoun people. He had in his companie a
preest, who celebrated masse to him and his domesticks, whereso-
ever he went in the countrie. The ministers found fault with this
publict exercise of idolatrie. The king and counsellers said the
priviledge of an ambassader could not be empaired. So there was
no remeid had.
LETTERS IN THE KING's NAME TO THE COURT OF ROME.
In the moneth of September, Secretar Elphinstoun drew up a
letter, in the king's name, to the Pope, without the king's know-
ledge, as he reporteth himself, for which he was troubled in the
1608 yeere. But it is not likelie that he would have beene so
fordward for advancement of the king to the crown of England if
the king himself had not beene privie to it, yea, an urger of it;
howbeit, after, when he was troubled, (to procure the king's favour,)
he did cast this cloke upon it. And yitt he atteaned not to his in-
tent. His relatioun, as it is sett doun by himself, I have heere in-
serted, as followeth :—
A TRUE RELATION OF THE SERVICE DONE BY ME, IN PROCURING
THE LETTER TO THE POPE FROM HIS MAJESTIE.
“In the yeere of God 1599, in September, as I suppone, the
verie tyme that Monsieur de Bethune came ambassader from the
Ring of France, for renewing of the ancient league betuixt Prance
and Scotland, the Archbishop of Glasgow having carefullie consi-
dered the prejudice his Majestie susteaned, for laike of credit and
intelligence at the court of Rome; and that by the publishing of
Dolman's booke, and by the great moyen that the King of Spaine
had painfullie established at Rome, for advancement of the Infanta
her title to England, his Majestie's right was the lesse respected :
And knowing Pope Clement otherwise to be weill-affected to the
king's title, and jealous of the grandour of Spaine; having the ad-
1599. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 74.1
vice of manie princes in Europ, his Majestie's most loving freinds,
how convenient it was that some correspondence sould be keeped
by his Majestie with the Pope, did move the same to me, then be-
ing his Majestie's secretar, as a service verie behovefull to his Ma-
jestie, and belonging to my place, speciallie at that tyme, becaus
Monsieur de Bethune, who was the archbishop's verie tender freind,
and verie willing to doe his Majestie the best offices he could, was,
immediatlie after his returning to France, to be directed resident
ambassader for the King of France to Rome. I presumed diverse
tymes to move his Majestie in it, and found no scruple, except his
Majestie could not yeeld the Pope his ordinar titles of Pater and
Beatissime. I travelled diverse tymes with his Majestie, that a
little ceremonie sould not impede a course thought by his honour-
able freinds to be followed, in a mater of so great moment: the
ground of the letter sould be a courteous acknowledging of the
Pop's past favours; a desire that a Scotish man might be a cardi-
nall, that maters might be the more truelie caried betuixt his Ma-
jestie and him; and seing there were but two capable of it, the
Archbishop of Glasgow and the Bishop of Vaizon, and the arch-
bishop excusing himself, both in respect of his age, and his present
service he had of his Majestie, as unwilling to accept of it, it was
layed upon the Bishop of Vaizon. And for this caus, Sir Edward
Drummond came at that same tyme (who was maried in Vaizon)
to Scotland, to solicite the bussinesse. And if the Archbishop of
Glasgow sould thinke meete, by advice of them who were best af.
fected to his Majestie's service, at his returning to France, that he
sould goe fordward to Rome, and follow the sute, wherin Monsieur
de Bethune would be his freind, and doe his Majestie good service.
This dispatche had a long dealing, and his Majestie was content to
write to the Duke of Florence, Duke of Savoy, and some cardi-
nalls, in favour of the Bishop of Vaizon, for his advancement, but
continued still difficill to write to the Pope, onlie for scruple of his
titles and styles. But in my earnest affectioun to the advance-
ment of his Majestie's service, and to give other princes, his Ma-
jestie's freinds, satisfactioun how willing his Majestie was to em-
742 C.AI, DERWOOD's EIISTORIE 1 599.
brace and follow their counsell, I caused draw up a letter in his
NMajestie's mame to the Pope, wherin there sould be nothing hurt-
full to his Majestie's honour, religioun, mor estate, and yitt to carie
the sute that was thought convenient, with some few articles com-
moun to the Pope, the Dukes of Florence and Savoy. Of the
which letter and articles, I have sett doun heere, as I protest be-
fore God, the just copie, and have the double under Sir Edward
Drummond's hand, who was writter of the principall.
“ BEATISSIME PATER,
“ Cum variis ad nos perlatum fuisset rumoribus, quam diligenter
nostræ sortis æmuli, sæpius egissent ut authoritatis vestræ acies in
nos distringeretur, quâque constantiâ id pro vestra prudentia hac-
tenus fuerit recusatum, committere noluimus quin accepti memores
beneficii gratius ageremus, opportunam nacti occasionem, cum lator
præsentium, natione nostras, vester ascriptitius, in fines ditionis
vestræ reverteretur, quem pro sua indole vestris ornatum beneficiis,
V. Sti. commendamus, ut eum in iis quæ nostro nomine habet im-
pertienda, audire placide nom dedignetur. Et quia adversus male-
volorum calumnias, qui nostras in Cathlicos injurias falso commemo-
rando, nobis invidiam, et ipsis gratiam conciliant, nullum tutius re-
medium agnoscimus, quam ut e nostratibus aliqui, veritatis stu-
(liosi, quantumvis a religione, quam nos a prima hausimus, infantia
abhorrentes, honestam in curia Romana demorandi occasionem
semper haberent, ex quibus V. Stas. certo possit, quo in statu res
nostræ sint edicere, hoc nomine Episcopum Vazoniensem com-
mendamus, qui ut sortis suæ qualecunque incrementum V. Sti.
duntaxat refert acceptum : ita cardinalatus honorem, prioribus
beneficiis nostra præsertim gratia adjici, obnixe rogamus. Sic in-
imicorum cessabunt calumniæ præsentibus, qui rerum gestarum veri-
tatemque possunt astruere, nec actionum nostrarum ullam æques
rerum æstimatores cupimus latere qui in ea religionis quam profite-
mur puritate enutriti, sic semper statuimus nihil melius, tutiusque,
quam citra fucum in iis promovendis, quæ divini numinis gloriam
serio spectant, pie contendere, et remotis invidiæ stimulis, non
tam quid religionis inane nomen, quam veræ pietatis sacro-sancta
1599. OIT THIE KIRIK OF SCOTILANIO. 743
tessera requirat, charitatis, semper adhibit foment diligenter con-
sideraturi. Sed quia de his copiosius cum latore præsentium, viro
non inerudito, et in rebus nostris mediocriter versato, differuimus,
longioris epistolæ tedio censuimus abstinendum. E. Sta. Cruce,
24 Septembris, 1599.
“ Beatitudinis V. obsequentissimus filius.
“ Summa mandatorum Edwardi Drummond, quem ad Pom-
tificem Maximum, magnum Ducem Hetruriæ, Ducem Sa-
baudiæ, ceterosque principes et cardinales ablegamus.
“ Salutabis inprimis nostro nomine quam potes officiosissime,
IPontificem Maximum, cæterosque principes et cardinales ; datisque
nostris literis fiduciariis, significabis,
“ Cupere nos vehementer eum quem decet, amoris et benevo-
lentiæ modum cum iis conservare, omnemque removere, non sus-
picionem modo, sed et suspicionis levissimam quamcumque occasi-
OI) €ÌY\.
“ Quod quamvis in ea persistimus religione, quam a teneris
hausimus annis, non tamen ita esse charitatis expertes, quin de
Christianis omnibus bene sentiamus modo in officio, primum erga
Deum, optimum, maximum, deinde magistratus, quorum subsint
imperio permanserint.
“ Nullam nos unquam servitiam contra quoscumque Cathlicos
religionis ergo exercuisse.
“ Exoptare, ne, mendatiis et calumniis inimici tantum possint,
ut iniqui aliquid de nobis, Pontifex Maximus, et celeberrimum
cardinalium collegium, nisi prius adhibita veritatis indagine velit
statuere.
“ Et quia plurimum interest nostris rebus, ut pari diligentia qua
malevoli mentiuntur, nos per amicos et subditos veritatem possi-
mus adstruere.
** Idicirco, ininteris in hoc totis viribus, ut Pontifex Maximus
tam rogatu nostro, quam precibus illustrium principúm quos per
literas nostras ad hoc rogavimus, ut hoc induci possit, ut Episco-
744 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1599.
pus Vazoniensis in Cardinalium Collegium asciscatur, in quo si
proficeris, ut de eo rediti fuerimus certiores, ulterius progrediemur.
“Cavebis, ne in hoc negotio ad Pontificem Maximum, aut illus-
trissimos cardinales, ulterius progrediaris, nisi primum subsit spes
optati eventus.”
Of the effects that followed upon this imployment of Sir Edward
Drummond, these articles of credence, and the letter preceeding,
we will heare in the owne place,
In the same moneth of September, Mr Johne Dykes, minister
at Anstruther for the tyme, in place of Mr Robert Durie, who
went to the Lewes, gave in to the Synod of Fife certane passages
which he had drawin out of the king's booke, intituled “BASILICON
DoRON.” The booke was not as yitt published; howbeit, by
moyen, he had gottin a sight of one. The synod judged them trea-
sonable, seditious, and wicked, thinking that no suche propositiouns
could be mainteaned by the king. They sent them to him. The
king, knowing that none durst exhibite the booke itself, sent Mr
Francis Bothwell to apprehend Mr Johne Dykes. But he escaped,
and fled als soone as he saw him. The conclusiouns, whereby they
gott knowledge of the king's determinat minde in maters of the
kirk, sett doun in that booke as a testament to his sonne, were
speciallie these following:—
1. The office of a king is a mixed office, betuixt the civill and
ecclesiasticall estat.
2. The ruling of the kirk weill is no small part of the king's
office.
3. The king sould be judge if a minister vaig from his text in
pulpit.
4. The ministers sould not meddle with maters of estat in
pulpit.
5. The minister that appeales from the king’s judicatour, in his
doctrine from pulpit, sould want the head.
6. No man is more to be hated of a king nor a proud puritan.
1599. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 745
7. Paritie amongst the ministers can not agree with a mo-
narchie.
8. The godlie, learned, and modest men of the ministrie, sould
be preferred to bishopricks and benefices.
9. Without bishops the three estats in parliament cannot be re-
established. Therefore, bishops must be, and paritie banished and
putt away.
10. They that preache against bishops sould be punished with
the rigour of the law.
11. Puritans are pests in the commoun weale and Kirk of
Scotland.
12. The principalls of them are not to be suffered to bruike the
land.
13. For a preservative against their poysoun there must be
bishops.
14. The ministers sought to establishe a democracie in this land,
and to become Tribuni plebis themselves, and lead the people by
the nose, to beare the Swey of all the governement.
15. The ministers' querrell was ever against the king, for no
other caus but becaus he was a king.
16. Paritie is the mother of confusioun, and enemie to unitie,
which is the mother of order.
17. The ministers thinke by tyme to draw the policie and civill
governement, by the exemple of the ecclesiasticall, to the same
paritie.
18. No conventiouns or meetings of kirkmen to be suffered, but
by the king's knowledge and permissioun.
These conclusiouns were sett doun by the king, in the first im-
pressioun of his BASILICON DORON.
Mr James Melvill, who hitherto had dishanted the meeting of
the commissioners since the Assemblie of Perth, was now forced to
repaire to them againe, not so muche for hope that he could doe
anie good among them, as to procure some favour to his colleague,
Mr Johne Dykes.
In the moneth of November, the king being made to understand
7.46 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1599.
that a conference amongst the brethrein of all sorts would make his
course to goe fordward peaceablie, and all his purposes to passe
easilie at the nixt Generall Assemblie, sent his missives through
all the provinces, and convocated the cheeſe of the ministrie from
all parts to Edinburgh, against the 17th of November. The
summe of the conference, als neere as Mr James Melvill could re-
member, who sett it doun in writt immediatelie after, heere
followeth :—
THE SUMME OF THE CONFERENCE KEEPED AT HALYRUDHOUS,
17 NovembHIs, 1599.
The Preface.
Becaus the meetings of the last Generall Assemblie were factious,
tumultuous, and confused, hote and unorderlike, least the lyke
sould fall out at the nixt, his Majestie, with advice of the commis-
sioners, thought meete to appoint this present conference, and call
therunto of all sorts of the ministrie, zealous and fierie, modest and
grave, wise and indifferent; wherin maters might be quietlie and
gravelie reasouned, and a way prepared to a decent and peace-
able Assemblie, wherin they may be decided and concluded.
The Propositioun.
The propositioun was, that it was permitted to everie one there
conveened freelie to reasoun and show their minde, both upon
things concluded in Assembleis and conferences before ; as also, in
things to be concluded that were yitt in deliberatioun, providing
alwise, that no reasoun were brought against things concluded in
Assembleis but onlie out of Scripture, which may justliebe brought
and used against the constitutiouns of anie Assemblie.
The brethrein that stood for the established discipline, and dis-
assented from whatsomever constitutiouns, acts, and ordinances,
made in the late and new forme of Assembleis, prejudicall to the
same, answered, they nather would nor could reason in these
1599. OF THE EIRK OF SCOTLAND. 747
maters, not being prepared therefore, nor meaning to prejudge the
Generall Assemblie following. In the which, after the instructioun
of God’s Word, and calling for his wisdom, they purposed, by his
grace, being called thereto, to speeke their minde cleerelie and
fullie, as God sould furnish abilitie and warrant, by his Word and
Spirit.
It was answered, that there was no prejudice meant to the As-
semblie, but onlie a preparatioun for it. And incace anie having
occasioun to speeke now, being writtin for by the king to that ef-
fect, keepe up his reasouns and minde, to stand in the head of a
factioun therewith therafter in the Assemblie, he might be
compted a false knave.
The brethrein being thus urged, accorded to speeke as they
could remember presentlie; protesting alwise the safetie of the
caus from hurt, that the Assemblie were not prejudged, and that it
might be leasome to them to helpe their present speeches and rea-
souns, and bring out farther, as they might atteane unto, for the
weale of the caus, at the nixt Assemblie. So the conclusioun of
the Assemblie of Dundie was read, bearing, that it was needfull
and expedient that ministers sould vote in parliament, and that
that office was of a mixed nature, partlie civill, partlie ecclesiasticall,
etc. In like maner, was read the things done at the conventioun
of Falkland, after the said Assemblie, with the caveats for keeping
of the said voters in parliament from all episcopall corruptioun,
etc. And so, returning to the former conclusioun, the cheefe point
of all, it was propouned, to be reasouned upon first, and the said
brethrein required what they had to say against the same.
The brethrein answered, they knew no warrant of the Word of
God for suche a conclusioun ; desired, therefore, they might be in-
structed of the same by Scriptures, which if they could find they
would willinglie agree, and stand content: if not, that conclusioun
could not be made in faith.
There was an argument rather meaned nor propouned. Ministers
were cives, et libera capita, and, therefore, according to policie,
behove to give their consent to the making of lawes in parliament.
748 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1599.
Answere, If a consent be necessar, it is doubted. But putt the
cace it be, they consent to the law in parliament, ather by the lords
or barons of the shyre where they were borne and remaine, or by
the commissioners of the burgh wherin they were borne or dwell;
for as to their ministrie, it is no part nor point of policie nor civill
burgesship; or, if the mouth of the Lord be to be consulted, the
commissioners directed from the Generall Assemblie sould be heard.
No Scripture was produced, onlie a reasoun builded upon this
principall, Evangelium non destruit politiam: Atqui, hac est pars poli-
tia: ; Ergo. To the which it was answered, by distinctioun of
Politia in lawfull and unlawfull; and the lawfulness therof behoved
to be shewed by the Word of God, ellis Ethnick, Turkish, and
Jewish Policie might stand with the Gospell. It was eneugh that
the policie was not repugnant to the Word of God, howbeit the
warrant of everie part of policie, and act of parliament or civill law
were not produced. Therefore, said they, “Show yee the affirma-
tive that it is repugnant to the Word, the probatioun wherof now
comes upon you.” It was, therefore, proved repugnant to the Word
of God, and concluded by this syllogisme:-
That ministers sould be involved and entangled with the affaires
of this life, namelie, of policie, civill judicatours, and effaires of
commoun weale, is against the expresse Word of God.
But this conclusioun and office thereby imposed will entangle
them ; Ergo—
The propositioun is proved by the expresse word, 2 Tim. ii.:—Mn3eig
sgo.ſ0000&yog, ºutx3x3rºl roug row Clov ºrgozygoreto.16 ; where the word
orgay/orgio, meanes properlie effaires of law, jurisdictioun, and
ruling of the commoun weale, as, 1 Cor. vi., recºyºo, for a civill
actioun or caus.
It was answered, that that place tooke not away naturall economie
and civill dueteis, which necessarlie this life requires; and the
which must be done, and may be done of everie one, so that they
involve not themselves, and entangle therin, to the hinder of their
calling.
To that it was agreed that there were certan dueteis and simple
1599. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 749
actions to be discharged now and then, for nature, oeconomie, and
policie, by everie one, and so by ministers also, for the helpe and
not hinder of their cheefe and proper callings. But there was great
difference betuixt suche actiouns and dueteis, to be done at certane
tymes and occasiouns of urging necessiteis, and the discharging of
a sett and ordinar office in a commoun weale, namelie, in the two
greatest points of the majestie and princelie estat, you.0%rizn, and
ôtzgsixn; that is, the making of lawes in a commoun weale, and
judging of the subjects according to the same, in parliament, coun-
sells, and conventiouns of the estats of the realme; which could not
be done without entangling and envolving in effaires, and so, dis-
tractioun from the cheefe charge, as the place itself cleerelie de-
elared what entangling was, viz., whatsoever might hinder the
warriour from doing the duetie of a souldiour, and pleasing his
captan. For which purpose, also, the weightinesse of the charge of
the ministrie, and greatnesse of the cure of soules, was insisted
into ; and plainlie affirmed they knew never, nor felt never, the
weight therof, that thought a civill office of government in the
commoun weale might be undertaikin aad joynned there with :
where mirrilie was cast in the speeche of the Queen of England,
when she makes a bishop : “Alas! for pitie,” sayes she ; “we have
and the king exhorted not to
2
marred a good preacher to-day :
marre his preachers so. For corroborating and strenthening of the
reply, this syllogisme was subjoynned —
That ministers sould be distracted from preaching the Word is
against the Word of God:
But this will distract them ; Ergo—
The expresse Word, Luke ix. verse 59, 60, 61, 62. Christ sayes
to one, “ Follow me ; who answered, “Lett me first goe burie my
father.” Christ answered, “Lett the dead goe burie the dead, and
goe thou and preache the gospell of the kingdom of God.” An-
other sayes, “I will follow thce, but lett me first goe take order
with my hous.” Christ answeres, “No man putting hand to the
pleughe, and lookes backe, is meete for the kingdom of God.”
Heere are most needfull naturall dueteis and oeconomie, which
750 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE lă99.
Christ expresselie forbiddes for staying of the preaching of the
gospell, and attending upon the ministrie. How muche more then
incompetent offices, qua, sunt Caesaris et reipublica, as we will show
heerafter ? The expresse Word is, Acts vi. The twelve apostles
say to the rest of the disciples, “It is not equitable, nor to be ap-
proved, that we sould leave the Word of God, and serve the tables;
therefore, lett deacouns be hosin and apointed.” If the apostles
would not leave the preaching of the Word for an ecclesiasticall
office, becaus of distractioun, muche lesse would they that ministers
sould leave their ministrie of the Word for civill and impertinent.
Thridlie, The Scripture calleth apoglou ºvovg, (Rom. i.,) separated
and sett apart. And wherefra 2 Questionlesse from the occupa-
tiouns of this life, to save the people and themselves, and draw
them by the gospell to the life everlasting; to fish them out of
the sea of this world to God and his kingdom of heaven. So the
whole nature of their calling is separated, and sett apart from the
world, to the which they sould not be called backe againe, muche
lesse therin involved and drowned.
|Fourthlie, The Lord's ministrie under the law is called a ware-
fare, (Numb. iv.,) and his ministers warriours. And so in the place
alledged in the New Testament, the sacrament and oath wherof is
most strait, and no wise suffereth distractioun. For them was al-
lotted no inheritance, but [they] had the Lord for their inheritance,
Deut. xviii. 1; Jos. xiii. 14. They say to their father, I respect
him not ;-they ken not their brethrein, they acknowledge not
their sonnes; but keepe the Lord’s word, and observe his cove-
nant, teache Jacob His judgements, and His law to Israell; sett
incense before His face, and burnt-offerings on His altar, Deut.
xxxiii. Then, muche more the ministers of the New Testament,
becaus of a greater and cleerer grace spirituall, and free from beg-
gerlie ceremoneis and elements of this world.
And last, to conclude this point with that most weightie and
grave attestatioun of the Apostle to Timothie, (ii. 4,) “I attest
thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who sall judge the
quick and the dead, at his appearance and kingdome; preache the
1599. OF THE KIHK OF SCOTLAND. 7.51
Word, be instant in tyme and out of tyme; correct, reprove, ex-
hort, with all long-suffering and doctrine.” And in the Fourth of
the First, “Take care of thir things; be about thir things.” And
are these things spokin to Timothie onlie, and not to all ministers
and pastors 2 And if they be spokin to all, what tyme, I pray you,
is left to be imployed at parliament, and in the effaires of the com-
moun weale 2 The devill is a bussie bishop, and goes about lyke a
roaring lyoun. And who sall give a compt of the torne sheepe, or
stollin in the pastor's absence P And, finallie, that threefold demand
to Peter, “Amas me?” and charge, “Pasce oves,” &c., perteaned it
not to all P
It was objected, that we fell in the same absurditie with the Pa-
pists, that gathered their calibatus out of the words of the apostle,
(1 Cor. vii.,) “Conjugatus curat qua sunt mundi, quomodo placeat
ww.ori.” And if one with an ecclesiasticall and pastorall charge may
have the charge of wife and familie, wherefore not of the commoun
weale? And the apostle sayeth, that he that cares not for his fa-
milie is worse nor an infidele. It was answered, that the Papist's
argument was frivolous, from the abuse of mariage to the taking
away the benefite therof, being appointed by God, and rightlie serv-
ing for the helping of man in his calling; and nothing lyke unto
this, wherin an evident entangling and distractioun may be seene.
And to answere to the caring for the hous, and for them that are
therin, that is meanned for instructioun, and ruling therof by Christ-
ian discipline, as is evident out of thrid chapter, verse 4, by the
word Teodogal. “He that can not rule and governe his owne hous,
how sall he have care early exnrol, of the kirk of God?” For the
apostle is cleere in this point, (1 Cor. ix.) that the flocke sould
provide for their pastors and their famileis the things that are
needfull for this life, as the captan or prince for his souldiours, and
they made free to attend on their service.
It was insisted that there was als muche distractioun and tyme
spent in our commissiouns and visitatiouns, in awaiting on platts
and pleying of stipends, attending on parliaments and conventiouns,
&c. Answered, that these were the wants, imperfectiouns, and
752 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1599.
corruptions of our kirk, as yitt not weill constituted, wherof the
fault is in the magistrats and flockes, shewed, compleanned upon,
and rebooked at all occasiouns, by the Word of God, which have
no place to prove anie thing in this mater, ubi quaritur, quid fieri
debeat, non quid fat. And as for commissioners for visitatioun, we
are occupyed therin in our owne subject, in preaching the Word,
exercising discipline, and using of censures, and that not ordinarilie
or by sett office, but ea necessitate ecclesiae, et pro re nata.
It was further insisted, that we granted to obey, and come to the
king's Majestie whensoever he called for us, which was all one with
that in questioun. Answered, his Majestie now and then calling
for us, we might repaire to his Hienesse, and give our advice in all
things de jure divino, or otherwise, as cives, so that the benefite re-
dounding to the kirk or commoun weale thereby preponderat and
weygh doun the hurt of our particular charges. But it was longe
aliud to have an ordinarie office to discharge in the king's counsell
and parliament. For (as was tuiched before) there is a great dif-
ference betuixt a certan actioun to be done now and then, as ne-
cessitie and occasioun craveth, and a sett office to be ordinarilie
discharged.
It was objected, that the Generall Assemblie had alwayes, from
tyme to tyme, craved this voting in parliament; and now, when
the king offereth it, it was evill thought of and refused. An-
swered, the Assemblie had often tymes craved that none sould vote
in parliament in name of the kirk but suche as bare office within
the same, and had commissioun therefra; but that anie Generall
Assemblie before the last in Dundie had determined that ministers
sould vote in parliament, it was flatlie denyed; and it was shewed
that oftin tymes that questioun had beene agitated in Assembleis,
and amongst brethrein, but could never be found how it could stand
with the office of a minister to be a lord in parliament, or was able
to be shewed by the Word of God.
It was then demanded, who could vote for the kirk, if not mini-
sters? Answered, it might stand better with the office of an elder
or deacoun nor of a minister, they having commissioun from the
1599. OF THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 753
kirk, and subject to rander a compt of their doing at the Generall
Assemblie; and that, indeid, we would have the kirk als faine in-
joying her priviledges as anie other, and have his Majestie satis-
fied, and the effaires of the commoun weale helped; but not with
the hinder, wracke, and corruptioun, of the spirituall ministrie of
God’s worshipping, and salvatioun of his people.
It was replyed, That it were better for ministers to be their owne
carvers, and see to the weale of the kirk, both in the ordering and
provisioun therof themselves, rather nor committ it to others, who
would care but slenderlie for it. Answered, That the king and his
nobles gave the ministrie credit and onlie place in spirituall maters,
so that they would not take the sacraments, or other benefites of
the kirk, at their owne hands, nor of the hands of no other; they
would not thinke their barnes weill baptized, nor the Supper weill
ministred, nor their mariage blessed, but by some minister. And
if his Majestie give us suche credit, authoritie, and place, in things
perteaning to the soule, as proper to our office, why sould we not
give him and his lords the like in things perteaning to the bodie
and this life, as proper to them and their office, and thinke it als
great absurditie to medle therewith our selves? &c.
It was objected, That the kirk was in possession of voting in
parliament by bishops, viz., Mrs Johne Dowglas, Patrik Adam-
sone, David Cunninghame, and others. Answered, Since the Ge-
nerall Assemblie holdin at Dundie, anno 1580, where that office of
a bishop was declared unlawfull by the Word of God, the kirk
cryed out continuallie against them, and excepted against all their
doings in parliament, or ellis where, as having no lawfull office in
the kirk, nor no commission from the same.
Therafter, place being givin, there was produced another ar-
gument to shew the conclusion repugnant to the Word of God.
That ministers sould beare Supremacie, dominioun, and be called
Lords, is repugnant to the Word of God:
But the conclusioun imports that; Ergo—
The propositioun is cleere, out of the three Evangelists, Matt.
WOL. W. 3 B
754 CALDERWOOD’s HISTORIE 1599.
xx., Mark x., Luke xxii.; and 1 Peter v. 3; and “Nolite vocari
Rabbi,” &c. This reasoun was not insisted into nor answered, for
want of tyme, like as also another in the same maner:
The confounding and mingling of jurisdictions distinguished in
the Word of God is repugnant thereto :
But the conclusioun imports that ; Ergo—
The propositioun is evident, 2 Chron. xix. ; and “Quis consti-
tuit me judicem 2° and “Date quae sunt Caesaris Caesari, et quae sunt
Dei Deo,” &c. Christ refused to divide the inheritance among
brethrein, to judge the adulteresse, John viii. He refused to
be made king, and professed his kingdome was not of this world.
Heere was declared at lenth, and verie weightilie, by Mr Andrew
Melville, by what meanes and degree the Pope was hoised up into
that chaire of pestilence, wherout of he tyrannizes over all kirks
and commoun weales, tramping kings under foote, and transferring
their crowns and dominiouns at his pleasure ; and all from this
usurping of both the powers and sword, the civill and ecclesiastick.
In end, a sikkir' caveat was givin to the king, to bewar he sett
not up suche as sould cast him or his doun.
And this muche anent the conclusioun of the last Generall As-
semblie, as memorie might serve.
Therafter were propouned the two points, left by the said As-
semblie to the meeting at Falkland, and there also left undecided
or determined upon : 1. If these voters in parliament, being once
chosin by his Majestie and the kirk, sould beare that office ad vitam
or ad culpam, and so be perpetuall; or if they sould be alterable
from tyme to tyme at the Assemblie's pleasure ? 2. If they sould
beare the name of bishops or not ?
Against the perpetuitie, the distractioun from their spirituall
office of the ministrie was muche urged again, showing cleerelie,
that suche a continuall change and burthein lying on a few, could
not but debausche and distract them alluterlie from the pastorall
* Secure, firm,
1599. OF THE RIRK OF SCOTLANE). 755
attending and feeding of their flockes, the which they behoved to
committ to some suffragans and vicars. For the perpetuitie, these
arguments were used :— `s
First, That there would no man take the paines, and make the
expences, upon the title of the benefice, to give it over the nixt
yeere to another. It was answered, That we were not upon men's
particular commoditie, but seing what might be for the helpe and
good of the kirk and commoun weale, to which suche would never
doe good who were seeking their owne honour and wealth.
Nixt, it was reasouned, that the hinder of all commoun turnes
was by two enlaikes cheefelie; one, of skill and understanding of
maters, and right way of proceeding therin; another, of continu-
ance and attendance constantlie on them, being once begunne, till
they were brought to some point and effect. But so it was, that if
these commoun men sould be changable, they could nather learne
skill nor prosecute things; Ergo—
Answere, They might gett more skill of the witt and lawes of
men, and lesse of the wisdom and Booke of God; make more at-
tendance on court and the world, but lesse on Christ and his king-
dom; and it was hard to perswade us, that few would see so muche
for the weale of the kirk, as a whole Generall Assemblie conveenned
for that effect, or follow out a good commoun caus better, and
more constantlie, Seing experience alwayes taught, that they who
will be riche and honourable are muche about the same, and verie
little for Christ.
At last these reasons and inconveniences were brought out, di-
lated, and insisted into, against perpetuitie :-
First, It would breake the barres of all their caveats, and with-
out doubt establishe lordship over the brethrein, tyme strenthening
opinioun, and custome confirming conceate. And if the best de-
vices have by tyme turned to corruptioun, muche more this, of the
lawfulnesse wherof we justlie doubt. To this was answered, That
paritie among ministers was not to be like, and sould not be ; and
putt the eace it behoved to stand, becaus of our constitutiouns and
756 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1599,
order, they sould be pares and like, as ministers, howbeit, in respect
of their civill office and lordship, they were above the rest.
Nixt, Perpetuitie would bereave and defraud the kirk of the
benefite of electioun, and choice of the meetest for the tyme, pro
ref nata commodo. For it is sure that all men are not meetest for
all turnes, &c. Answered, The meetest sould be chosin at the be-
ginning, who would grow ay meeter and meeter. Also, that it was
free to the kirk to adjoyne suche as they pleased to them, for
counsell and assistance. It was replyed, That such as were adjoyned
would not be heard to reason nor vote in parliaments, conventiouns,
and counsells.
Thridlie, Manie alteratiouns befall to mortall men. They may
be sicke in bodie, fall in offences, which, albeit they make them not
worthie to be deposed, (nam facilius efficitur, quam non admittitur
hospes,) yitt may disgrace them so, that they become unable and
unmeete to doe anie good in commoun turnes; they may tyne the
gifts of minde and utterance, &c. In suche caces, this perpetuitie
will defraud the kirk of one in that rowme. For suche a man, one
or moe can not, nor will not, be deposed, and a commissioner in his
place will not be admitted. It was answered, The number of mini-
sters admitted and ordeanned to vote, viz., fiftie, was so great, that
howbeit one, two, three, foure, ten, or twelve, were away, there
might be anew" behind. Replyed, It would be long er suche a
number were weill sett doun and provided with good lords' livings
in Scotland; and when they were, there might be anew, and more
nor anew, of the goodnesse they would be of; but one good man
might be more stedable to the kirk nor fifty-one of that sort.
Fourthlie, If these men serve for the prince and state, howbeit
against the weale of the kirk, the prince will mainteane them,
ather by his authoritie and moyen amongst the brethrein in As-
sembleis, having their life and geare in his power, so that they will
not feare depositioun; or, howbeit the Assemblie would depose
* Enough.
1599. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 757
them of the ministrie, yitt would the king caus them keepe their
lordship and living; and so sould they sett themselves to be avenged
on the kirk, to her wracke. Answered, There was no thing so good
but might be both ill suspected and abused, and so we sould be
content with nothing. Replyed, That we doubted of the good-
nesse, and had over just caus to suspect the evill of it. Duplyed,
That there was no fault, but we were all true eneugh to the craft;
but God make us true eneugh to Christ, say we.
Fyftlie and last, This perpetuitie will overthrow the power and
libertie of the Assembleis of the kirk, and alter the Christian go-
vernement of the kirk to antichristian hierarchie, placing perpe-
tuall commissioners or bishops above ministers and their Assem-
bleis; and syne some ministeriall head must be above them, the
high way to Poprie; at least, the whole power of the kirk and
Generall Assemblie in the hands of these twelve or threttein, who,
I warrant you, will take no limited commissioun from the generall
kirk, but to reasoun and vote as they thinke best for the weale of
the kirk, for suith ! So this epitome will abolishe the great worke,
and the Generall Assemblie will become to be but a chapter of these
bishops, and skarselie that. Answere, The caveats have provided
for all these inconveniences weill eneugh. Reply, These commen-
tars will be tedious to read, and ill to remember.
In end, there was alledged a number of inconveniences that sould
fall out, if these voters were not perpetuall. 1. That his Majestie
and estats would not admitt them in parliament otherwise, and so
we sould lose the great benefite. Answere, “ Facilis jactura.” 2.
That the ministers sould ly in contempt and povertie. Answere,
It was their Maister's cace before them : it may serve them weill
eneugh to be as he was ; and better povertie with sinceritie, nor
promotioun with corruptioun. 3. That others would be promoved
to that rowme in parliament, (for his Majestie could not want his
three estats,) who would oppresse and wracke the kirk. Answere,
Lett Christ, the King and Avenger of the wrongs done to his kirk,
and them deale together, as he has done before : lett see who
7.58 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1599.
getteth the worst. 4. That it could nather stand for the weelefare
of the king, kirk, nor commoun weale. Answere, It was best
that God thought best. 5. That it would be fashous and confused
everie yeere to choose commissioners. Answere, No profite nor
pleasure without paine takin, and experience had proved it most
easie and orderlie. 6. That it would breed variance and contentioun
whill one end would preasse to have suche, another suche, and so
fight. Answere, Take away profite and honour, and contentioun
will ceasse. 7. Men would be that way disgraced; now sett up,
and now sett by and cast doun, and so discouraged from doing
good. Answere, He that thinkes it disgrace to be imployed as
God’s kirk thinkes good has little grace in him; for grace is givin
to the lowlie.
Thus, after a three or foure houres' dealing in the former heeds, it
was thought insisted long eneugh therin; and, therefore, the point
remaining, concerning the name that these voters in parliament
sould beare, was propouned to be reasouned upon.
It was reasouned for the affirmative, that agreing upon the mater
and substance, it made not what name was givin it. And seing the
parliament last had granted to the mater, under conditioun that the
ministers voting in parliament sould beare the name and office of
bishops, which was also a name of Scripture, we sould not stand to
agree thereto, least the refusing of the name sould make the bene-
fite to be refused, which his Majestie had gottin past in favours of
the kirk, with great paine and difficultie. It was answered, That
the name gºrigzowog, being a Scripture name, might be givin them,
providing, that becaus there was some thing more putt to the mater
of a bishop's office than the Word of God could permitt, it sould
have a little eeke putt to the name, which the Word of Godjoyned
to it; and so it were best to baptize them with the name that
Peter, cap. iv., gives to suche like officers, calling them oxxorgiosºrio-
xorovc, were not they would thinke shame to be marshalled with
suche as Peter speekes of there, viz., murtherers, theeves, and male-
factors. And verilie, that gossop at the baptisme (if so I darre
1599. OF TEIE KIRK OF SCOTLANTD. 7.59
reply with that word) was no little vokie" for getting of the bairn's
name.”
But in earnest, it was reasouned in the contrare, that the name
of bishop could not be givin them, for these reasouns, the which
were not fullie handled nor replyed unto, partlie for want of tyme,
and partlie for want of patience, because of little speed in the pur-
pose :-
1. If they sould gett the name of bishops, they behoved to have
it, ather as it was taikin properlie in the Word, or as it was com-
mounlie conceaved by the people. But neither of the two could
they. Not as in the Word, becaus it sould be applyed to signifie
that which could not stand with the Word, as has beene declared,
except it were Judas episcopatus. And not as it is commounlie
taikin, for then it sould import the corruptioun of antichristian and
Anglican bishops, contraire to the caveats.
2. That which offends the Kirk of God sould be eshewed, although
a thing indifferent, for so it becomes evill. But the name of Bishop
offends the Kirk of God: Ergo—
3. That which justlie may slander the ministers, and bring them
in disgrace, sould be avoided. But giving unto them that name
will justlie slander them, becaus these twentie yeeres their doctrine
from the pulpit has sounded against bishops, till they were utterlie
overthrowne. And now, so soone to turne our tongue, for hope of
riches and promotioun, and change our note, with the cloke on the
other shoulder, will it not offer just occasioun of slander P
4. That which may, and will bring in tyrannie and corruptioun
in the kirk, is not to be admitted within the same. But this will
doe it. For bearing that name, which carieth with it the significa-
tion of bishops’ corruptions among the people, all the caveats will
not keepe it therefra, namelie, from inequalitie, pre-eminence, and
lordship over the brethrein. For they will be so esteemed and saluted
among the rest of the lords in parliament and court; and, I war-
rant you, their maners and fashiouns will easilie frame therunto,
bringing from court to kirk Suche behaviour as they drinke in there.
! Wain. * This was Mr A. Melvill.—Note in the Original.
760 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1599.
For being called “Lord” at everie word, and bruiking principall
rowmes in court and parliament, they will looke verie Sowre if they
want the same in the kirk, and amongst the brethrein and people;
yea, and be sickker in their, even at platt, court, and otherwise,
whom they thinke to contemne them, and not give them their stiles
and honours. And so, for that night late, we were dimissed.
Upon the 19th of November, the brethrein writtin for being as-
sembled again with his Majestie, the moderator repeated shortlie
the things conferred upon the last day, requiring yitt, that if there
was anie man that was not satisfied tuiching the heeds conferred
upon, that they would yitt insist, and if all were satisfied, they
sould proceed to the points remaining anent the name. It was
answered plainlie, by the brethrein that stood against this new forg-
ing of bishopricks, that they had heard to and fro reasoning upon
the points propouned ; they were throuch and satisfied in their
owne judgements for the truthe ; and rather confirmed further
therinto, nor anie wise moved to the contrare, for aught that had
beene spokin, wherin they had heard nothing out of the Word of
God which might warrant that conclusioun of the last Assemblie
to their conscience, or anie thing yitt builded, or to be builded
therupon. And, in speciall, Mr Andrew Melvill appealed the mode-
rator, Mr David Lindsey, most weightilie and vehementlie on his
conscience, that, seing he was one of the ancient fathers of the kirk,
who was present at so manie godlie and grave Assembleis, holdin
so manie yeeres anent these maters, and wherin they were cleerelie
decided by the Word of God, how could he now make suche a
propositioun, or thinke that anie sattled man in the truthe could,
by a light conference, (wherin the Word of God had beene rather
profanned, than holilie, reverentlie, and gravelie used,) be moved to
alter his judgement, and be satisfied in the contrare P The word of
profanning of the Scripture was taikin in verie evill part by the
king, and answered courteouslie with a lee, howbeit the speeker
condemned himself for unduetifull handling of the Word, als weill
as anie other. So the king, in end, brake off the conference thus,
in effect: That he had beene moved by the commissioners to ap-
1599. OF THE KIRIK OF SCOTLAND. 761
point this conference, for satisfactioun of suche as were not resolved,
that maters might proceed more peaceablie and uniformlie. But
Seing he perceaved men to be so full of their owne conceats, and
pre-occupyed in judgement, that they pleased themselves more and
more, and were rather confirmed in their opiniouns nor moved to
give place to reason, he would leave the mater to the Assemblie.
If the Assemblie would receave the benefite which he offered, and
conclude in the mater accordinglie, he would ratifie their conclusioun
with a sanctioun civill of his law, that none following their parti-
cular and privat conceate and opinioun sould be permitted to speeke
against the publict ordinance of the Assemblie. If the Assemblie
would not embrace the benefite, lett them wyte' themselves, if
greater povertie and contempt come upon the kirk. As for him,
he could not want one of his estats : he would putt in that rowme,
and these offices, suche as he thought good, who would accept
therof, and doe their duetie to him and his countrie. -
But the true causes moving the king to appoint this conference
were two : The one, that if he could obteane the unanimous con-
sent of these that were conveened, who were the cheefe men of
note in our kirk, he assured himself their judgement would be fol-
lowed in the nixt Assemblie, where they themselves would be prin-
cipall members. The other was, that incace they could not be
drawin to consent in judgement, yitt the reasons of the other partie,
standing for the former discipline, sould be made knowne, and his
owne partie made foreseene how to answere in full Assemblie; by
shifts and cavillatiouns how to suborne their owne followers, or to
hold off the dint of anie argument, by interruptions, digressions,
taunts, or terrours and threats, as experience proved after.
As at meetings and Assembleis, faithfull ministers opposed them-
selves to this corruptioun of erectioun of bishops in their verie
entrie; so did diverse, in privat, consider the mysterie of iniquitie
that was lurking in this course, and communicated their observa-
tions to others. As, for exemple, heere followeth :—
' [8]ame.
762 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1599.
THE OPINIOUN OF A FAITH FULL WEILL-WILLER TO THE EIRK OF
SCOTLAND, TUICHING THEIR DEMAND OF HAVING VOTE IN PAR-
LIAMENT, AND THE KIN G's ASSENT THERUNTO, UPON THESE
CONDITIONS:—1. THAT SUCHE AS ARE TO HAVE VOTE SALL BE
NOMINATED BY HIS MAJESTIE :—2. THAT THEY SOULD BE ES-
TEEMED AS LORD BISHOPS:-3. THAT THEY SOULD CONTINUE
DURING LIFE.
1. Concerning the demand, I mervell that the kirk sould be
earnest for suche a thing, Seing the commoun weale or parliament
requires not the like in the Generall Assemblie, so farre as I under-
stand. If, then, the church has governed hitherto, without preju-
dice to the commoun wealth, why may they not hope that the
same God, who has defended the kirk so long, and in so troublous
tymes, can still defend the same, without suche votes in parlia-
ment P
2. If Christ, our Lord and Maister, did so earnestlie refuse to
be a judge betuixt two brethrein, are not we to take heed how we
seeme over-earnest to be made judges, contrare to his exemple *
3. Wherin it is to be considered, that the petitioner urged
Christ to judge, as it were, ea officio, and, therefore, it may be
thought that Christ was so muche the more zealous in denying the
same. Doe not the king's conditiouns argue the same P And sould
not the church doe weill to consider Christ's exemple 2
4. I grant that the king, upon extraordinarie occasiouns, (suche
as the parliaments,) may have (as kings of Judah before him)
certan of the clergie to joyne with him in counsell. But to avoide
the danger of erecting of a new office in the kirk of God, without
warrant from God, I could wish that the same men sould not be
at everie parliament.
5. But truelie, I utterlie mislyke that anie professing sinceritie
sould, for policie's sake, and for pretended good to the kirk, accept
of votes in parliament, (not properlie perteaning to their functioun,)
1599. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 763
upon conditions that would be givin to that calling, which heere-
tofore they have banished as antichristian.
6. In which their policie (so farre as I can discerne) they are
twise deceaved. For nather will it prove so beneficial to the kirk
as they imagine, nather (if it did so prove for a tyme) ought they
to take Suche a course.
7. Concerning the former, it is to be remembred that Christ
sayeth, “Everie plant that my heavenlie Father hath not planted
sall be rooted out.” If God hath not planted lord bishops, and if
that sentence stand true, what fruict can the church of God ex-
pect from suche rootes, as upon due consideratioun they have for-
merlie supplanted P
8. Can the kettill and earthen pott, the arke and Dagon, Christ
and Belial, discipline and a lordlie ministrie, continue long together
without ruine to the one, suith" the Strenth of Israel (from whom
all stabilitie proceedeth) can not abide an oxe and an asse to plew
together?
9. Howsoever Dagon receaved hurt, and not the arke, (which
the Philistins brought into his temple, to be, as it were, disgraced
by their Dagon;) yitt if the Israelits sould, in the vanitie of their
mindes, sett Dagon with religious respect by the arke of God, I
doubt not but that Holie One of Israel, not allowing the altar of
Damascus to stand by the altar of the Lord, would so punish the
tempting of his Majestie, that not Dagon, but the glorie of Israel,
sould have beene diminished, if not utterlie taikin from them.
10. In ancient tymes, the church, imagining that their ministers
were more contemptible, becaus they were not like to the Flamines
and Archiflamines among the Gentiles, did advance first Lord
Bishops, then Archbishops, and at last (for all the inventions of
men have their course in the end) Antichrist gott him up upon their
shoulders.
11. It is to be remembred and applyed, that God, in his wrath,
gave Saul (that hypocrat and tyranne) to Israel, who would needs
have a king after the maner of other natiouns, notwithstanding
i Since.
764 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1599.
civill callings (not ecclesiasticall) be arbitrable; and they were
occasiouned to desire change, by reasoun of the bad governement
of Samuel's childrein.
12. Gregorie the First permitted images in churches, onlie to be
laick men's bookes, notwithstanding there were living teachers be-
side. But in tyme these images were adored, where as sincere
teaching was utterlie abandouned.
13. Lastlie, I have heard it to be the saying of that worthie and
godlie man, Mr Knox, that except the tree be cutt doun, bough
and branche, the crow will have a nest againe.
14. But lett it be supposed that this Babel, or confounding a
lordlie ministrie with discipline, may prove beneficiall to the kirk,
yitt, if this rule be infallible, (we must not doe evill that good may
come of it,) I conclude with this questioun, “Will you make a lee
for God, as one leeth for a man P’’
15. That a lordlie ministrie is a lee, (being a mere inventioun of
man, who is a leer,) Ineed not to prove, Seing hitherto it has beene
so reputed; and that it is evill to erect suche a ministrie, so long
abhorred in Scotland, since it may be partlie gathered from that
which is aforesaid.
16. I, at this tyme, onlie tuiche thir few things to be considered:
1. Formalists in England sall have mater of rejoicing. 2. Afflictioun
sall be added to the bonds of them that suffer for sinceritie. 3.
The weake sall be offended in their judgement tuiching discipline.
4. Scotland sall be traduced as unconstant, even in church governe-
ment. And, 5. The ministers sall be subject to this censure, “Are
yee so foolish, that after yee have begunne in the Spirit, yee would
be made perfyte by the flesh P’ If, therefore, yee build again the
things that yee have destroyed, yee make yourselves trespassers.
17. In consideratioun of the premisses, I beseeke you, brethrein,
to marke them diligentlie which caus divisioun and offences, con-
trare to the doctrine which they have learned; for they that are
suche serve not the Lord Jesus, but their owne belleis, and with
faire speeches and flattering deceave the hearts of the simple.
1599. OF THE EIRR OF SCOTLAND. 765
A MONSTER BORNE.
There was a monster borne in Merkinche, or therabout, in the
beginning of October, which had nather mouth, eares, eyes, nor
nose; the privie members standing betuixt the shoulders, a slitt in
the breast, wherin appeared two great tuskes or teeth.
THE KING CHARGETH THE KIRE OF EDINBURGH TO RESCIND
AN ACT.
Some English comedians came to this countrie in the moneth
of October. After they had acted sindrie comedeis in presence of
the king, they purchassed at last a warrant or precept to the bail-
liffes of Edinburgh, to gett them an hous within the tour. Upon
Moonday, the 12th of November, they gave warning by trumpets
and drummes through the streets of Edinburgh, to all that pleased,
to come to the Blacke Friers' Wynd to see the acting of their come-
deis. The ministers of Edinburgh, fearing the profanitie that was
to ensue, speciallie the profanatioun of the Sabboth day, convocated
the foure sessiouns of the kirk. An act was made by commoun
consent, that none resort to these profane comedeis, for eshewing
offence of God, and of evill exemple to others; and an ordinance
was made, that everie minister sould intimat this act in their owne
severall pulpits. They had indeid committed manie abusses, speci-
allie upon the Sabboth, at night before. The king taketh the act
in evill part, as made purposelie to crosse his warrant, and caused
summoun the ministers and foure sessiouns, super inquirendis, be-
fore the Secreit Counsell. They sent doun some in commissioun
to the king, and desired the mater might be tryed privatlie, and
offered, if they had offended, to repaire the offence at his owne
sight; and alledged they had the warrant of the synod presentlie
sitting in the toun. The king would have the mater to come in
publict. When they went doun, none was called upon but Mr
Peter Hewat and Henrie Nisbit. After that they were heard, the
766 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1599.
sentence was givin out against all the rest unheard, and charge
givin to the ministers and foure sessiouns to conveene, within three
houres after, to rescind their former ordinance, and to the mini-
sters, to intimat the contrarie of that which they intimated before.
They craved to be heard. Loath was the king, yitt the counsell
moved him to heare them.
Mr Johne Hall was appointed to be their mouth. “We are
summouned, Sir,” said Mr Johne, “and crave to understand to
what end.” “It is true,” said the king, “yee are summouned, and
I have decerned alreadie.” Mr Johne made no reply. Mr Robert
Bruce said, “If it might stand with your good pleasure, we would
know wherefore this hard sentence is past against us.” “For con-
traveening of my warrant,” said the king. “We have fulfilled
your warrant,” said Mr Robert; “for your warrant craved no more
but an hous to them, which they have gottin.” “To what end, I
pray you, sought I an hous,” said the king, “but onlie that the
people might resort to their comedeis P’ “Your warrant beareth
not that end,” said Mr Robert, “ and we have good reasoun to stay
them from their playes, even by your owne acts of parliament.”
The king answered, “Yee are not the interpreters of my lawes.”
“And farther, the warrant was intimated but to one or two,” said
Mr Robert, and, therefore, desired the king to retreate the sen-
tence. The king would alter nothing, “At the least, then,”
said Mr Robert, “lett the paine strike upon us, and exeeme our
people.” The king bade him make away. So, in departing, Mr
Robert turned, and said, “Sir, please you, nixt the regard we ow
to God, we had a reverent respect to your Majestie's royall person,
and person of your queene; for we heard that the comedians, in
their playes, checked your royall person with secreit and indirect
taunts and checkes; and there is not a man of honour in England
would give suche fellowes so muche as their countenance.” So they
departed.
They were charged, at two houres, by sound of trumpet, the day
following, at the publict Croce, about ten houres, to conveene them-
selves, and rescind the acts, or ellis to passe to the horne imme-
1599. Ol: THE KIRR OF SCOTLAND. 767
diatly after. The foure sessiouns conveene in the East Kirk.
They asked the ministers' advice. The ministers willed them to
advise with some advocats, seing the mater tuiched their estate so
neere. Mr William Oliphant and Mr Johne Schairp, advocats,
came to the foure sessiouns. The charge was read. The advocats
gave their counsell to rescind the act, by reasoun the king's charge
did not allow slanderous and undecent comedeis; and farther,
shewed unto them, that the sessiouns could doe nothing without
their ministers, Seing they were charged als weill as the sessiouns,
and the mater could not passe in voting, but the moderator
and they being present. They were called in, and after reasouning
they came to voting. Mr Robert Bruce being first asked, answer-
ed, “His Majestie is not minded to allow anie slanderous or
offensive comedeis; but so it is that their comedeis are slanderous
and offensive; therefore, the king, in effect, ratifieth our act.” The
rest of the ministers voted after the same maner. The elders,
partlie for feare of their estats, partlie upon informatioun of the
advocats, voted to the rescinding of the act. It was voted nixt,
whether the ministers sould intimat the rescinding of the act? The
most part voted they sould. The ministers assured them they
would not. Henrie Nisbit, Archibald Johnstoun, Alexander Lind-
sey, and some others, tooke upon them to purchasse an exemptioun
to the ministers. They returned with this answere, that his Ma
jestie was content the mater sould be passed over lightlie, but he
would have some mentioun made of the annulling of the act. They
refuse. Their commissioners went the second tyme to the king,
and returned with this answere, “Lett them mather speeke good
nor evill in that mater, but leave it as dead.” The ministers con-
veenned apart to consult. Mr Robert Bruce said it behoved them
ather to justifie the thing they had done, or ellis they could not
goe to a pulpit. Some others said the like. Others said, Leave
it to God, to doe as God would direct their hearts. So they dis-
solved. Mr Robert, and others that were of his minde, justified
it the day following, in some small measure, and yitt were not
querrelled.
768 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1599.
MR. R. BRUCE PUTT AT AGAIN FOR EIIS PENSION.
Mr Arthure Futhie, Mr Andrew Lamb, now Bishop of Gallo-
way, Mr Patrik Lindsey, now Bishop of Rosse, and some others,
made a new motioun to the king, to putt at Mr Robert for his
pensioun, and are instant with the king to caus call the actioun whill
Mr Robert was absent at his mother's buriall. Some courteours
directed from the king to the Lords of the Sessioun threatned the
king would hang them if they voted as they did before. The like
they said to Mr Robert's advocats. Als soone as Mr Robert re-
turneth, he goeth doun to the king, and asketh how this mater
was wakenned again, seing he had obteaned his Majestie's favour,
and was under so good termes with his Majestie P The king an-
swered, “I made a promise to these men the last yeere, when yee
oppugned my lawes.” “But your Majestie has beene weill satis-
fied with me sensyne,” said Mr Robert. “I have your Majestie's
anterior promise; I have your Majestie's grant, writtin with your
owne hand, that I deserved it, suppose it had beene the quarter of
your kingdom ; which writts I sall keepe as monuments to the
posteritie, as your Majestie also bade me.” The king becometh
more calme, and sayeth, “Save my honour, Mr Robert, and I sall
not hurt you.” “What way,” said Mr Robert, “sall I save your
Majestie's honour?” “Yee sall come up the morne,” said the king,
“ and submitt that mater to my will, and say, Looke, how freelie
I gave that gift, yee will rander it als freelie.” “Pardoun me, Sir,”
said Mr Robert; “I will not benefite my enemie, nor give over my
right in the favour of anie subject; but if your Majestie will have
it to your owne use, and thinke it meete that I, in presence of the
lords, deliver it freelie into your Majestie's owne hands, I will doe it
most heartilie, providing your Majestie gratifie not my competi-
tors, and bereave me not of my right, for the pleasure of anie
other subjects.” The king promised, in presence of Sir George
Elphinstoun, it sould be so.
The day following the king cometh up to the Tolbuith, and
1599. OF THE EIRR OF SCOTLAND. 769
causeth call the actioun before Mr Robert was awar. Als soone
as he understood of it, he went up and spake in audience of the
lords, as after followes —“If his Majestie's officer would be con-
tradictorie to me in this caus, I would willinglie yeeld to his Ma-
jestie. I had my gift of his Majestie's free liberalitie. If his Ma-
jestie thinke that gift meete for his owne use, looke, how freelie
his Majestie gave it me, I will als freelie rander it again; but as
for my Lord Hammiltoun, or anie other nighbour man of the mini-
strie, I am no wise obliged to them. So I looke his Majestie will
suffer me to injoy my right against them.” The king willed him
to referre to his courtesie. Mr Robert referred that muche to his
courtesie, ather to take it to himself, or to suffer him to injoy it.
The king appeared to be weill satisfied.
Mr Arthure Futhie sent the king's reader, Mr Johne Young, to
querrell Mr Robert for some speeches uttered against him, as he
alledged, before the lords; and he sent again, and querrelled him
for speeches uttered to the first messinger, Mr Johne Young. But
finding vantage in neither, he sought conference of Mr Robert ;
which was granted. He and Mr Andrew Lamb layed some things
to Mr Robert's charge, which he refuted cleerelie, and told them
plainlie, that they and their complices, the commissioners of the
Generall Assemblie, had sought his ministrie directlie, and his life
indirectlie: that now they had hounded out debausched men, to
seeke his stipend directlie, and his life indirectlie, by calumneis :
that he tooke them onlie to be the organs, and the commissioners
the players on them; therefore, he could not agree with them, till
he saw them commend their ministrie by a good life, and take up
a better course. If they would doe so, they sould find he sould
soone forgett his particular. Mr Andrew Lamb was wonderfullie
dashed with these speeches. º
Within fourteene dayes after, that is, about the end of Decem-
ber, Mr Robert compleaneth to the presbyterie of the injureis done
to him; namelie, that notwithstanding that he had als good a right,
and als sure to his gift, as to his proper heritage, two decreits upon
his right, and givin in his bill sindrie tymes to the chanceller for
WOL. V. 3 C
770 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1599.
justice, he could not gett the benefite of the law. The chanceller
assured him that the king had givin him expresse contramand out
of his owne mouth. Nixt, that he could not gett the acts of the
Assemblie keeped to him, for the Assemblie holdin at Montrose,
anno 1595, appointed everie minister to submitt their stipends to
the modificatioun of certane commissioners named by the Assem-
blie ; at which tyme the whole Assemblie was deepelie sworne, by
holding up of their hands, to stand to their decisioun. He sub-
mitted himself. They tooke off his stipend what they pleased, and
assigned the rest to him for his lyfetyme ; subscribed his assigna-
tioun, and promised to caus the fiftie presbytereis, and everie par-
ticular minister, to ratifie the same. Yitt, notwithstanding of their
owne ordinance, some of them sitting in the platt, suffered it to be
assigned to the minister of Arbrothe, looking through their owne
fingers. Thridlie, that, notwithstanding, to pleasure his Majestie,
he had submitted his right, upon manie faire promises which his
Majestie had made him, yitt, when it came to the giving out of the
submissioun, his Majestie would not suffer the clerk, Mr Alexander
Gibsone, to give it out as it was conceaved indeid; but sent up
Mr Johne Young, his reader, and Sir Patrik Murray, to threattin
him with hanging, if he gave it not out as his Majestie directed
him. He giveth out an extract to Mr Arthure Futhie, simpliciter,
in als large a forme as he could, fourteene dayes before it came to
Mr Robert's knowledge, alledging no other excuse but that the
king had threatned him out of his owne mouth. Fourthlie, that,
notwithstanding of all his distresse, none of the presbyterie tooke
notice of it, except onelie Mr Walter, who was found fault with by
the king for accompaneing him doun to the Abbey, but had now
gottin two chalders of victuall, and eight bolls more nor he had, in
hope that he would desert him. Fyftlie, that the commissioners
refused reconciliatioun with him, when it was urged by one of their
owne number, Mr Alexander Lindsey, when he was last at St
Andrewes, that Mr Patrik Galloway alledged that Mr Robert said
he regairded mather his good nor his evill; but he sould lett
him know, what his good and his evill might doe him. Mr Patrik
1599. OF THE KIRE OF SCOTLAND. 771
being present, answered not one word. And last, he compleaned
that mather Mr Patrik, nor anie of the commissioners, haunted the
presbyterie, but did what they like.
A CONVENTION OF TEHE ESTATS.
Upon the 10th of December the nobilitie and states conveenned
at Edinburgh. It was appointed that the yecre sould beginne the
first day of Januar, which heeretofore beganne the 25th of Marche.
No mater of moment [was] concluded, but referred to a fuller con-
ventioun, which was to be holdin at Perth in Marche following.
SLAUGHTERS.
There were this yeere diverse incursiouns in the Hielands and
in the Borders, and sindrie slaughters committed in diverse parts of
the countrie. Fyve sindrie men were slaine in one weeke, within
two myles of Edinburgh.
THE RING WIRONGETH MIR. R. BRUCE,
We made mentioun a little before of Mr Robert Bruce his sub-
missioun to the king, tuiching his pensioun out of the abbacie of
Arbrothe. The king breaketh the gift beside his promise, an-
nulleth the decreits Mr Robert had gottin, passeth by the assigna-
tioun of the Generall Assemblie, altereth the qualitie of the vic-
tuall, diminisheth the quantitie, giveth him onlie eight chalders
victuall, wherof three were meale, and giveth him no suretie but
during his pleasure. Wherupon Mr Robert, upon the 18th of
Januar, (1600,) went doun to the palace to restore to the king his
gift in his owne hand, but could gett no accesse. The king de-
sired that the Laird of Rincavell, his brother, might be sent to
him, to whom he sould declare his will. Mr Robert discharged
his brother to take that burthein upon him.
APPENDIX.
THE NAME OF THESE THAT SUBSCRIBED THE BAND ANENT THE
RELIGIOUN, AT ABERDEENE, MARCHE 1592.
JACOBUS REX.
Lennox
Atholl
Marre
Marishall
Henrie Stuart of Uchiltrie
Cancellarius
James Lord Lindsay
Innermethe
John Maister of Forbesse
Sir Robert Melvill
Blantyre
Tullibardin
Sir George Hume
Drum
John Grant of Trewquhy
Walter Ogilvie of Finlater
Philorth
Pitsligo
Robert Inneis of that Ilk
John Middletoun of Kilhill
Walter k + k of Fettercarne
William Achtmachie of that Ilk
Mr Wrm. Meldrum of Mancofer
Robert Falconer of * * *
James Lyell of # * *
Arthur Gardin of Banchrie
George Hume
Renneth Makenzie of Kintaill
George Ogilvie of Bamfe
J. Lindsay of ¥ € $
George Rosse of # * *
William Forbesse of ¥ € $
John Forbesse of Echt
William Strachan of Glenkindie
Alexander Blakhall of that Ilk
Jhon Lumisdane of Cuschmie
Jhone Urquhart of Culmo, Tutor
of Cromartie
Jhon Cumine of Erneside,
younger
William Leslie of Wardes
Alexander Forbesse of ¥ € $
Mr Alex. Cumine of # * *
William Burnet of Camphell
774
APPENDIX.
Patrik Gordoun of Hilheid
Andrew Harvie of k + k
William Forbesse of Corse
Alexander Forbesse, Tutor of
Brux and # # #
Alexander Forbesse of Fingask
William Keith of Ludguharne
Alexander Skeene
Donald Farquardsone
Tilligarmon
Thomas Fraser of k + k
Hector # * *
Andrew Fraser in Lyr
William Sutherland of Duffus
Alexander Hay of Dalgetie
Walter Cheyne of Ar
Pat. Cheyne of Elsmone
Gilbert Meinzeis of Petsoddells
J. Burnet of Leyis
William Forbesse of ¥ € $
John Gordoun, with my hand,
younger of Auch
Alex. Forbesse of Auchintowle
George Johnstoun of that Ilk
Johne Forbesse of Colleis
George Bannerman of Watertoun
James Gordoun of # * *
Andrew Reid of Collestoun
Andrew Tillidaffe of Ramestoun
Andrew Frazer of Stornewood
William Forbesse of Manimisk
James Mortimer, feir of Cragivarr
Petrie Leslie of that Ilk
Petrie Leslie of Kincragie
Andrew Leslie of New-Leslie
James Steward of Ryland
Jhon Fraser of Trichie
James Innes of k + k
William Abernethie of * * *
Thomas Leask of that Ilk
David Brodie of that Ilk
Mr William Leslie of Warthill
Mr James Skeene of Wester Corse
Alexander Straquhan of Thornton
Mr Robert Dowglas of Glenbervie
J. Areskine of Pitcarie
Robert Straquhan of Tillivaird
* * * Wishart of Pittarow
Robert Arbuthnot, feir of that Ilk
William Rosse, apparent of * * *
Jhon Dunbar of Maynes
Walter Watt of ¥ € $
William # * * of that Ilk
Alex. Dumbar, apparent of Tarbet
Marke Dumbar of Dullus
William Seaton of Blair
John Keith of Rewinscraig
Duncan Leslie of Pitcarple
Robert Coutts of k + k
George Mortimer of Auchinkeidie
Alexander Buchan of Auchin
Jo. Grahame, apparent of Morphie
John Pantoun of Pitmeddin
Alexander Chalmer of Ba
John Rosse of Auchlosin
George Meldrum of D.
Archibald Dowglas of Pendreigh
Robert Tulloch of Tannachers,
Provest of Forresse
Alex. Cumine, apparent of Abber
Wm. Keith, apparent of Pittarrey
John Keith of Northfeild
Alexander Ogilvie of Boyne
John Hay, apparent of Loch
AIPPENDIX. 775
Alex. Kinnaird, apparent of k + k William Pendrigh of that Ilk
Johne Leslie of Dandileith Alexander Leslie of Bucharne
William Irvine of Beltie Mr John Innes, apparent of
George Ogilvie of Cullen Cockstoun
John Chalmer of Bobithen Alexander Fraser of ¥ € $
John Abircrummie of Skeith Andrew Knokis of that Ilk
William Dumbrek of # * * * * * Mowat, apparent of # * *
Hughe Crawfurd of Quhythall Wm. Ogilvie, apparent of * * *
George Adamsone of Brako John Ogilvie of k + #
John Innes of Auchlinakart Thomas Innes, apparent of ¥ € $
John Forbesse of Auchinachie Alexander Gairdin of Blakfurd
William Abercrummie of k + k George Gairdine of Bauchrie
Robert Innes of Elrick Alexander Keith of ¥ € $
William Chalmer of Achorthie Thomas Burnett of Craigmylne
William Forbesse of Barnes Alex. Abernethie of Lashindrum
Alexander Skeene of that Ilk Alexander Spence of Bod
Johne Irvine of Petmorchie James Creightoun of Coulen
Alexander Caddell of ¥ € $ James Ogilvie of Blerock
Alex. Innes, apparent of k + k James Forbesse of Fichile
And. Meldrum, apparent of k + + Alexander Annan of ¥ € $
Alexander Hay of ¥ € $ Andrew Meldrum of Auchortie
# * * Burnet of Gask David Ramsay of Bomane
William Ferquharsone of Kelleyes < * * Straitoun of Craigie
William Craig of Craig Fentrie John Cruikshank of Tillimo-
Gilbert Ogilvie of ¥ € $ quhan
END OF VOLUME FIFTH.
EDINBURGH PRINTING COMPANY.,
12, South St David Street.
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