.

YALE UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME
OFTHE
MATTHEW C. D. BORDEN FUND

APPENDIX TO THE BOOKE

UNIVERSALL KIRK

SCOTLAND:

CONTAINING HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OP THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND,

FROM THE YEARS M.D.XCVII.-M.D.C.IIL

M.DOCO.XLV.

At a Meeting of the Council of the MAITLAND CLUB,
held at Glasgow, July 30, 1845.
Resolved, That the Sheets which were originally intended to form
part of Volume Third of the "Acts and Proceedings of the General
Assemblies of the Kirk of Scotland, from the Year 1560;" printed for
the Maitland Club, shall be distributed among the Members as an
Appendix. JOHN SMITH, Secretary.

THE MAITLAND CLUB.

M.DCCC.XLV.

THE MOST HONOURABLE
THE MARQUIS OF BUTE,
$rt*fttnk
HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF ARGYLL.
JOHN BAIN, ESQ.
DAVID BALFOUR, ESQ.
SIR DAVID HUNTER BLAIR, BART.
JAMES BOGLE, ESQ.
BERIAH BOTFIELD, ESQ. M.P.
SIR THOMAS MAKDOUGALL BRISBANE, BART. G.C.B.
HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH AND QUEENSBERRY.
10 ANDREW BUCHANAN, ESQ.
WALTER BUCHANAN, ESQ.
ALEXANDER CAMPBELL, ESQ.
SIR ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL, BART.
HUMPHRY WALTER CAMPBELL, ESQ.
THE HONOURABLE HENRY COCKBURN, LORD COCKBURN.

THE MAITLAND CLUB.

JAMES T. GIBSON-CRAIG, ESQ.
JAMES DENNISTOUN, ESQ.
JAMES DOBIE, ESQ.
THE MOST HONOURABLE THE MARQUIS OF DOUGLAS.
20 RICHARD DUNCAN, ESQ. [TREASURER.]
WILLIAM JAMES DUNCAN, ESQ.
WILLIAM EUING, ESQ.
JAMES EWING, ESQ. LL.D.
JOSEPH WALTER KING EYTON, ESQ.
JAMES OGILVIE FAIRLIE, ESQ.
ALEXANDER S. FINLAY, ESQ.
WILLIAM FLEMING, D.D.
WILLIAM MALCOLM FLEMING, ESQ.
JOHN FULLARTON, ESQ.
30 JOHN GORDON, ESQ.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THOMAS GRENVILLE.
JAMES HAMILTON, ESQ.
LAURENCE HILL, ESQ. LL.B.
JAMES HUNTER, ESQ.
THE HONOURABLE JAMES IVORY, LORD IVORY.
JOHN CLARK KENNEDY, ESQ.
JOHN KERR, ESQ.
ROBERT ALEXANDER KIDSTON, ESQ.
GEORGE RITCHIE KINLOCH, ESQ.
40 JOHN GARDINER KINNEAR, ESQ.
JOHN LEADBETTER, ESQ.
THE VERY REVEREND PRINCIPAL LEE, FOR THE LIBRARY OF
THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH.
MATTHEW LEISHMAN, D.D."
JOHN GIBSON LOCKHART, ESQ. LL.D.

THE MAITLAND CLUB.

REV. LAURENCE LOCKHART.
WILLIAM LOCKHART, ESQ. M.P.
JAMES LUCAS, ESQ.
ALEXANDER MACDONALD, ESQ.
THE VERY REV. DUNCAN MACFARLAN, D.D. [VICE-PRESIDENT.]
50 ANDREW MACGEORGE, ESQ.
ALEXANDER MACGRIGOR, ESQ.
GEORGE MACINTOSH, ESQ.
JOHN WHITEFOORD MACKENZIE, ESQ.
ROBERT MACLACHLAN, ESQ.
ARCHIBALD MACLELLAN, ESQ.
ALEXANDER MACNEILL, ESQ.
JAMES MAIDMENT, ESQ.
THOMAS MAITLAND, ESQ.
SIR JOHN MAXWELL, BART.
60 WELLWOOD MAXWELL, ESQ.
WILLIAM MEIKLEHAM, ESQ.
WILLIAM HENRY MILLER, ESQ.
JAMES PATRICK MUIRHEAD, ESQ.
WILLIAM MURE, ESQ.
WILLIAM SMITH NEILL, ESQ.
ALEXANDER OSWALD, ESQ. M.P.
JOHN MACMICHAN PAGAN, ESQ. M.D.
WILLIAM PATRICK, ESQ.
HENRY PAUL, ESQ.
70 ROBERT PITCAIRN, ESQ.
JAMES CORBETT PORTERFIELD, ESQ.
HAMILTON PYPER, ESQ.
THE QUiESTOR OF THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF
GLASGOW.

THE MAITLAND CLUB.

PHILIP ANSTRUTHER RAMSAY, ESQ.
JAMES CAMPBELL REDDIE, ESQ.
JOHN RICHARDSON, ESQ. LL.B.
THOMAS RISK, ESQ.
WILLIAM ROBERTSON, ESQ.
ROBERT RODGER, ESQ.
80 ANDREW RUTHERFURD, ESQ. M.P.
ROBERT SAWERS, ESQ.
THE REV. HEW SCOTT.
JAMES Y. SIMPSON, ESQ. M.D.
JAMES SMITH, ESQ.
JOHN SMITH, ESQ. LL.D. [SECRETARY.]
WILLIAM SMITH, ESQ.
WILLIAM SMYTHE, ESQ.
MOSES STEVEN, ESQ.
DUNCAN STEWART, ESQ.
90 SYLVESTER DOUGLAS STIRLING, ESQ.
WILLIAM STIRLING, ESQ.
WILLIAM STIRLING, ESQ. YR.
JOHN STRANG, ESQ.
ARCHIBALD SWINTON, ESQ.
THOMAS THOMSON, ESQ.
DAWSON TURNER, ESQ.
ADAM URQUHART, ESQ.
PATRICK WARNER, ESQ.

1597. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 931

[In the month of June, the King called the Commiffioners of the Af
fembly to a meeting at Falkland. They called the Prefbytrie of Sanct
Andrews before them, by vertue of a particular commiffion given to them,
upon a complaint made be Mr John Rutherfurd. They reduced the fen-
tence of depofition from the miniftry of Kinnocher given out be the faid
Prefbytrie, and pronounced againft him, which was approved be the Synod
of Fife.
Mr Robert Wallace, Minifter at Sanct Andrews, was accufed before the
Prefbytrie of Sanct Andrews be Mr John Lindfey of Balcarres, Secretary,
for fome words uttered be him in pulpit, having called him a Briber, and
faid, That albeit he had made conqueft of fifty chalders victual in Fife, and
built a houfe to the fkies, yet his pofterity fhould beg their bread, which
fome of his auditors fhould fee, and that it was doubtful if ever God fhould
grant him repentance. The Secretary had complained of this to the Pref-
bytery, but they refufed to admit his accufation, unlefs the fame was affifted
by two witneffes, who could affirm that the accufer had juft caufe to pur-
fue the complaint, which they alledged to be the Apoflles Canon in the I of
Timothy ch. 5. v. 19. He purfued the complaint before his Majefty and
Commiffioners. The Commiffioners of the General Affembly convened at Falkland, take
the cognition of the caufe to themfelves, and entered their procefs againft
him. Mr Wallace being fummoned to that Diet, and delired to anfwer to the
complaint, declyned their Judicatour. C. Melvill's Diary, Spotfwood.J
[The reafons of the declinatour of the Judicatory of certain of the
Commiffioners met at Falkland to cognofce in the procefs intended
by Mr John Lindfay, Secretar to our Soverane Lord, againft Mr
Robert Wallace, Minifter at Sanct Andrews.
The brethren Commiffioners forelaid neither have, nor can have any
commiffion to cognofce in the faid matter, becaufe it is of verity, that the

932 (r *,-THE BOOKE OF THE 1597.
%• ¦*¦¦ ¦
faid Mr Robert being challenged be his Majeftie, for fundry of his fpeeches
delivered la? him in the face of the Affembly, and namely for certain words
fpoken<againft the Secretar, and for a letter written to him ; lykeways the
faid Mr *Robert craved a Commiffion, wherein he offered himfelf to be
tryed in the truth and warrants of all his fpeeches, which Commiffion
was not granted be the Affembly, thinking it moft expedient, that that
matter fhould be defert, the Moderator himfelf both privatly and publickly
inclyning to that part, that the faid Mr Robert fhould not urge a Com
miffion ; whereunto the faid Mr Robert at length did condefcend.
2. The brethren forefaid have not, nor cannot have any commiffion
touching the matter forefaid, becaufe that matter could never be referred
to the Affembly General, in refpect that matter came never in be ane law-
full proceeding before the Affembly, neither be appellation, neither be way
of reference, from Prefbytrie, or Synod, or complaint of party, as is the
practice ufuall in the Kirk.
3. In refpect the procefs forefaid is once intended before the brethren
of the Prefbytrie of Sanct Andrews, undoubted judges thereto,'and never
orderly taken out of their hands : Therefore the faid Mr Robert has good
caufe to decline the prefent Judicature, not as yet being difmiffed be the
former, his Prefbytrie.
4. The Affembly General remitted the faid Mr Robert home to his cure,
not to try, but to ufe his function ; which the Affembly would nor could
not have done, in cafe the flander laying on him could not have been tane
away but be a Commiffion : And his Majeftie lykways difmiffing grati-
oufly and favourably, after long conference had with his Hienes, fhewing
that he was willing, that he fhould be in his own place, he behaving him
felf dutifully, fhewing that there was no Commiffion underflood be the
Affembly, nor his Majeftie, for taking further tryal : For which reafons,
and others to be alledged, if need be, he moft humbly befeeks the reverend
brethren in Jefus Chrift, that they would defift from this procedure againft
him in the matter forefaid, remembering that he has offered humbly to
travell for the refolution of any offended with his doctrine, and namely the
Lord Secretar, be all wayes poffible, not prejudicial to the honefty of his
miniftrie, and lofs of a good confidence thereinto, which as he craves of
God may be unfpoted to his end ; fo lykewife he befeeks your Wifdoms
wifely to tender the fame, as Minifters with him of the fame Evangel, and
Preachers of the fame hope in Jefus Chrift. Amen. Cl

1397. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 933
[This declinator being proponed, compeired Mr Nicoll Dalgleifh, Mo
derator of the Prefbytery, and in their name protefted againft the proceed
ings of the Commiffioners in that caufe, as being once intended "before them,
feeing by that form of doing all the Prefbyteries of Scotland fhould be pre
judged, and that the General Affembly, of whom they had their commif
fion, would not take unto them the trial of any caufe, with a neglect of
the inferior Judicatories.
Then faid the King, I will likewife proteft, that feeing one of the prin
cipal motives which induced me to crave, and the General Affembly to
yield unto this Commiffion, was to have the like of thefe offences, when
they did arife, removed, and juftice done by the Minifters themfelves, ra
ther than to be brought before the Council, ye either proceed in examining
the complaint, and do that which is righT, or hold me excufed if I take
order with it by another form that will not pleafe you fo well.
The Commiffioners having advifed the reafons of the declinator and
proteftation, did find them all invalid and of no force, and that they had
warrant fufficient to proceed and minifter juftice in that action, as well in
refpect of the general power contained in their commiffion, as of the parti
cular commended to their care in the planting of the Church of Sanct An
drews. So the complaint was admitted, and the 5 of July appointed at
Sanct Andrews for trying the fame.
At the day the Secretary compeiring, accompanied with Mafter Robert
Mauld, Commiffar of Sanct Andrews, and John Arnot, Clerk to the
Commiffar, (whom he produced as affifting witneffes to take away the
Prefbyterys exception,) did infift in his complaint. Mr Wallace being
afked if he had any thing to oppofe againft the witneffes, refufed to anfwer
in refpect ofhis declinator: whereupon they were admitted, and upon oath
declared that they knew the accufation to be juft, and that the Secretary
had not intended the fame of any purpofe to calumniate or flander the faid
Mr Robert, but only to be repaired to his credit and honor, as one who had
bein greatly wronged by him.
The witneffes for probation being then called, and Mr Wallace inquired
if he had any exception againft them, refufed, as before, to anfwer. So
they likewife were received, and being fworn, deponed, that they heard
the faid Mr Wallace utter the words complained of, in his fermon. Not
the lefs the Commiffioners for their better information did think it meet to
call his auditors of the Univerfity, who were of better judgment, and could

934 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597-
truly relate what they heard. The Mafters of the New College refilling to
give any teftimony, in refpect of the Prefbyteries Proteftation at Falkland,
all the reft affirmed what the witneffes had deponed.
After which Mr Wallace being again called, and defired to fhew what
reafon or warrant he had for uttering fuch fpeeches, refufed Hill to make
anfwer ; nor could any perfuafion break his obftinacy, though he was ear-
neftly labored by Mr Robert Rollock and Mr James Melvil apart, who
did offer, upon the confeffion of the fault, that the procefs fhould ceafe.
The Commiffioners feeing no way to efchew the pronouncing of fentence,
in regard of his obftinacy, did yet take Council to vifit the Church, and in
quire both of his and Mr Blakes behavior in that Miniftry, before they
went farther.
A vifitation for this effect being appointed the 11 of July, and Mr Blake
fummoned to the fame day, the Elders and Deacons of the Church were
inquired touching the behaviour of them both, and the verity of the accu-
fations laid againft them ; who all upon oath deponed that the accufations
were true, and that Blake had fpoken all that whereof he was convicted
before the Council ; as alfo that the Secretaries complaint of Mr Wallace
was moft juft. And being afked touching their behaviour otherwife, they
declared that both the one and the other were given to Factions, and that
they did not carry themfelves with that indifferency which became Preach
ers. This declaration made clear way to the Commiffioners for ending that
bufinefs, and providing Sanct Andrews with a more peaceable Miniftry ;
whereupon fentence was given that both the Minifters fhould be removed,
and Mr George Gladftanes (a man fufficiently qualified, ferving then at
Abirlot in Angus) tranflated and placed in their room, till another helper
might be found out to be joyned with him. This done, the Sunday fol
lowing he was accepted of the people with a great applaufe, Mr Thomas
Buchannan, Mr James Nicolfon and Mr James Melvil entring him to the
charge. And becaufe it concerned the peace of the Church no lefs to have the
abufes of the Univerfity reformed, he calling the Governors thereof, and in
quiring what order they kept ; when he underftood that, againft the cuftom-
ed form, Mr Andrew Melvil had continued Rector in a number of years to
gether, he commanded a new election to be made, and honoring the election
with his own prefence in the Schools of Sanct Salvator, Mr Robert Wilkie,

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 935
Principal of Sanct Leonard was chofen Rector, and appointed to bear that
charge unto the ordinary time of election : As alfo, for preventing the
like diforders, a Statute was made, That none fhould be continued Rector
above a year, nor admitted to the faid office but after the fpace of three
years. It was likewife declared, That any Suppoft, having received the
Degree of a Mafter of Arts, might be chofen Rector, he refiding in the
Univerfity during his office, or at leaft the moft part of his time.
In the New Colledge, whereof the faid Mr Andrew had the charge, all
things were found out of order ; the Rents ill hufbanded, the Profeffions
neglected, and in place of Divinity Lectures Politick Queftions oftentimes
agitated : as, Whether the Election or Succeffion of Kings were the better
form of Government ; How far the Royal Power extended ; and, If Kings
might be cenfured for abufing the fame, and depofed by the Eftates of the
Kingdom. The King to correct thefe abufes did prefcribe to every Pro
feffor his fubject of Teaching, appointing the firft Mafter to read the Com
mon places to the Students, with the Law, and Hiftory of the Bible ; the
fecond to read the New Teftament ; the third, the Prophets, with the
Books of Ecclefiaftes and Canticles ; and the fourth, the Hebrew Gram
mar, with the Pfalms, the Proverbs, and the Book of Job.
For the better hufbanding of the Rents as well in that as in the other
Colledges, it was ordained, That there fhould be a Council chofin to the
Univerfity, which fhould have power to elect a Oeconomus in every Col
ledge for uplifting the Rents, and take care to fee all things rightly admi-
niftrated. Of this Council were named the Chancellor of the Univerfity,
the Confervator of the Priviledges, the Laird of Colluthie, Mr David
Lindefay, Mr Robert Rollock and Mr Thomas Buchanan j without whof'e
confent and fubfcriptions it fhould not be lawful to fet any leafe, or make
other difpofition whatfoever of any part of the Rents.
And left they fhould be diftracted by any other employment, it was
concluded, That all the Doctors, Profeffors, and Regents, not being Paf-
tors in the Church, fhould be exempted from the keeping of Seffions,
Prefbyteries, Synodical or General Affemblies, and from all teaching in
Churches and Congregations, Exercifes excepted j with a difcharge to all
and every one of them, to accept any Commiffion prejudicial to the faid
exemption, under the pain of deprivation and rebellion, at the Conferva-
tors inftance, the one execution not prejudging the other. Yet that they

936 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597-
fhould not be thought excluded from the General Affembly, it was ap
pointed, That the Matters and Regents of the Univerfity fhould meet when
any fuch occafion did offer, and condefcend upon fome three perfons, of
whom one fhould be elected by the forefaid Council, to be prefent at the
General Affembly for that year ; which perfons fo chofen fhould not for
the fpace of three years thereafter be employed in that Commiffion.
Thefe Articles being openly recited in prefence of his Majefty, and of
the whole members of the Univerfity, were accepted by the Matters and
Regents, with folemn promife of obedience. Spotfwood.]
[Mr Andrew Melvill was appointed to the office of Dean of the Faculty
of Theologie, to flop the mouths of the people, and to content ftrangers,
Polonians, Danes, Belgians, and Frenchmen, fchollars, who at the fame of
Mr Androes lerning cam to the Vniverfitie of Sanct Andros that yier, and
war refident within the fam.
The Commiffioners agreed, and moved the King to confent, that the
Minifters of Edinburgh fhould continue in their general Miniftrie in Edin
burgh as before, till the Town was divided in quarters, and Collegues to
fill the places might be had. C. & MelvuTs Diary.]
[Upon the 13th of December the King held a Parliament in the Tol
buith of Edinburgh. The Commiffioners of the General Affembly, in
name of the Kirk, without any advice or direction from the General Af
fembly, befide the bounds of their commiffion, prefented this Petition to
this Meeting of Parliament, ' That the Minifters, as reprefenting the Kirk,
and Third Eftate of the Kingdom, might be admitted to give voice in
Parliament, according to the Acts made in favours of the Kirk, and the
liberty and freedom thereof.'
The King was earneft to have the Petition granted, and at laft obtained
the following Act to be made. C. & Spotfwood.]
Tenor of the Act of Parliament.
Our Soveraign Lord, and his Hienes Eftatesin Parliament having fpecial
confideration and regard of the great priviledges and immunities granted
be his Hienes predecelfors of moft worthy memory to the holy Kirk within
this realme, and to the fpecial perfons exercing the offices, titles, and dig
nities of Prelacies within the fame j which perfons have ever reprefented

1597. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 937
one of the Eftates of this realme, in all Conventions of the faid Eftates ;
and the faids priviledges and freedoms have been from tyme to tyme re
newed, and conferved in the fame integrity and condition wherein they
were at any tyme before ; fo that his Majeftie acknowledging the fame
now to be fallen, and become under his Majefties moft favourable protec
tion : Therefore his Majeftie, of his great zeal, and Angular affection,
which he alwayes hes to the advancement of the true religion prefently
profeffed within this realme, with advice and confent of his Hienes Eftates,
ftatutes, decernes, and declares, That the Kirk within this realme, wherein
the fame religion is profeffed, is the true and holy Kirk ; and that fuch
Paftors and Minifters within the fame, as at any tyme his Majeftie fhall
pleafe to provide to the office, place, title and dignity of a Bifhop, Abbot,
or other Prelat, fhall at all tyme hereafter have vote in Parliament, ficklyke
and als freely as any other Ecclefiaftical Prelat had at any tyme bygane.
And als declares, That all and whatfomever Bifhopricks prefently vaiking
in his Hienes, which as yet are undifponed to any perfon, or which fall
happin at any tyme hereafter to vaike, fall be only difponed be his Majeftie
to actual Preachers and Minifters in the Kirk, or to fuch other perfons as
fall be found apt and qualified to ufe and exercife the office and function
of a Minifter and Preacher, and who, in their provifions to the faids
Bifhopricks, fall accept in and upon them to be actual Paftors and Minif
ters, and according thereto fhall practife and exerce the fame thereafter.
Item, As concerning the office of the faid perfons to be provided to the
faid Bifhopricks in their Jpiritual policie and government in the Kirk, the
Eftates of Parliament have remitted, and remitts the fame to the Kings
Majeftie, to be advifed, confulted and agreed upon be his Hienes with the
General. Affembly of the Minifters, at fuch tyme as his Majeftie fall think
expedient to treat with them thereupon, but prejudice alwiie in the mean
tyme of the jurifdiction and difcipline of the Kirk eftablifhed by Acts of
Parliament, made in any tyme preceeding, and permitted be the faids Acts
to all General and Provincial Affemblies, and others whatfomever Prefby-
teries, and Seffions of the Kirk.
After that the Commiffioners of the General Affembly had obtained this
Act, they appoint a General Affembly to be holden in March following,
and fent their miflives to the Prefbytries.
6c

938 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597-
The tenor of the Miffive fent to the Prefbytrie of Hadintoun here
followeth.
Grace and peace from God the Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift.
Beloved brethren, as we have found continuance of mercy in flaying the
defolation, which was already begun, according to many threatenings
againft the contempt of this land ; fo wee fee, through the lack of due
confideration and forefight in fuch as principaly fhould have the moft tender
care of this work, and partly through the fubtile wayes of diffembling
friends, good occafions are likely to be turned to our hurt, unlefs remeed
be wifely provided in tyme : For this caufe wee have thought it needfull,
and be confent of his Majeftie concluded, that the General Affembly, which
was ordained to be in May, fhould hold the firft Tuefday of March next at
Dundie, for preventing of inconveniences, that delay of tyme might draw
to further evil, and for taking of folid refolution in fuch things as are ne-
ceffary to be deliberat upon, concerning the Kirks vote in Parliament, and
fome other neceffary points ; whereanent, for your better information, wee
have thought expedient to acquaint you with the effect of our travells here
at this tyme.
According as it has been the continual cuftome of the Kirk at Parlia
ments to crave fuch things as were found neceffary to pafs in lawes for
their well and priviledges ; fo with advice of diverfe Commiffioners of
Prefbyteries, wee found it requifite to inftft in fuch articles as have been
craved be the Kirk at Parliaments in tymes bypaft ; and namely wee urged
the article anent the Kirks vote in Parliament, and the article anent the
univerfal provifion of the whole Kirk with ftipends. In both wee found
great oppofition be the far greateft part of the Lords : but the Kings Ma
jeftie conveyed our fuits with fiich wifdom and dexterity in our favours,
that in end, after many hard anfwers, his Majeftie procured, that he might
difpone the whole great benefices to Minifters ; and that fuch Minifters as
fhould be admitted thereto, fhould have vote, but prejudice alwayes to the
prefent difcipline and jurifdiction of the Kirk in any point ; as ye will un-
derftand be the act itfelf, whereof we have fent you here a copy, which
his Majeftie thinks fhall be a mean, in fliort tymej to vindicate the Minif
try from their prefent contempt and poverty ; and this is already perceived
be many to their grief, who fear their hurt in our credit. For this caufe

1597. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 939
we have been earneftly requefted by fundry of the wifeft of all Eftates, who
moft favour the good caufe, that without fcruple we fhould accept this
good occafion. The which point of prefent acceptation was urged be the
Lords fo ftraitly, that unlefs we wold give our confent thereto prefently,
in name of the Kirk, they wold not fuffer the forefaid act to pafs in our
favours ; yet his Majeftie was fo favourable towards us, and fo carefull to
fave our credit, and efchew offence, that, be his moyen, all is referved free
to this Affembly for our . part : Therefore we befeek you, Brethren, to
have a regard hereof with fuch wifdom and care as is neceffary in a matter
of fo great importance, and fend in commiffion to the faid Affembly, the
moft wife, grave, and of beft credit and experience among you, fo far as
infirmity and age may«.fuffer ; that good occafion maybe ufed at this tyme,
as that the good may be taken without any hurt, fo far as is poffible.
Anent the Piatt and provifion of ftipends at every Kirk, commiffion is
given to a number of Lords and Minifters, who are to effay that work with
all diligence, and to crave your farther help in the information anent the
eftate of the kirks : which therefore ye fhall take paines to have in readi-
nefs, as ye fhall be required upon the next advertifement.
The Lord direct, you in all fin cer ity and wifdom, that ye may find a
bleffing upon your labours alwayes.
From Edinburgh the 22 day of December 1597-
Your Brethren and fellow labourers, the Commiffioners of the Gene
ral Affembly, and iu their name and command Mr Robert Rollock,
Moderator ofthe General Affembly.
In the beginning of Januar there was much bufinefs about the choiling
of Collegues to the four ordinary Minifters of Edinburgh. The King and
Commiffioners would have had Mr Peter Hewat and Mr George Robert-
fon. Much oppofition was made to them be the Minifters, fpecially Mr
Robert Bruce, becaufe they were too young to be placed in fuch roomes,
and the people was lykeways. altogether unwilling to accept them. The
Minifters were fent for to come before the Commiffioners fitting in the
Nether Tolbuith, when the King was prefent. Mr Robert Rollock being
Moderator declared, that their places were vacant according to the dimif-
fion which was made at Dundie j and therefore it was his Majefties and
the Commiffioners will, that they fhould take them every one to the charge
of a particular flock within Edinburgh. Mr Robert Bruce anfwered, Let

940 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597-
me know who fhall be my Collegue, and then I fhall give a direct anfwer.
Mr James Balfour anfwered almoft to the fame effeft. Mr William Watfon
and Mr Walter Balcalquall referred the choife of the men to themfelves,
as they would be anfwerable to God. The King faid to Mr Robert, that
he would not know the men. Then faid Mr Robert, if that be your
minds, fill the roumes as ye pleafe. The Commiffioners not content
with his anfwer directed Mr William Cowper and Mr George Glaidftanes
to Mr Robert to affure him, that the other two, befide Mr George and
Mr Peter, fhould be at his nomination. Whereupon Mr Robert fent to
Mr Patrick Galloway to learn whether he might have Mr Patrick Simpfon
to be his Collegue, and failing him, Mr John Hall ; and failing him,
William Aird ; failing William Aird, Mr Adim Colt j but any of the four
was denyed to him.
The Commiffioners meeting in the Eaft Kirk, after confutation, were
content that Mr Robert continue in his general Miniftrie till the General
Affemblie : for the reft of the Minifters had already confented to accept a
particular charge, and fuch as there would joyne with them.
Within few days, the King fent for Mr Robert, and willed him eithef
to tak on a particular charge or to leave the Toun. Mr Robert fhewed,
how the Commiffioners had given him licence to continue till the General
Affembly. The King anfwered, He would not fufter that licence to be of
any valour, and willed him to be at a point inftantly. Mr Robert craved
eight dayes to be advifed. The King would give him but one day, which
fell to be the Prefbytrie day.
Upon the Prefbytrie day Mr John Hall laid to the charge of the thrie
other Minifters, that the two young men themfelves, and the Commiffioners
of the General Affembly affirmed conftantly, that they had given their
confents already, without Mr Roberts knowledge. They faid, they would
goe to the King and affirme the contrair.
The brethren of the Prefbytrie advifed Mr Robert to accept with pro-
teftation againft the forme of their entrie. Mr Robert went doun to the
Kings Palace, and did fo.
Then the Commiffioners urged the Seffion of the Kirk of Edinburgh to
receive the two young men. It was anfwered, They could not refolve till
the other two Collegues were heard. The commiffioners refufed to carry
that anfwer to the King. It behoved therefore the Minifters themfelves
to go doun to the Palace, and deliver the anfwer. The King faid, None

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 941
fhould preach there, if they preached not. They anfwered, If his Majeftie
would needs have it done, they could not refift his will ; but certainly they
would euer proteft againft the forme of their entrie. Proteft as ye will,
faid the King, I will have it done.
The next Prefbytrie day, at a meeting of fome Minifters of the Prefbytrie
afternoon, it was concluded, that there fhould be an act made in the Books
of Seffion, touching the Provoft his overfight, that his forme of dealing pre
judge not the Kirk in tyme to come ; and an act of Counfel, after the fame
forme, regiftred in their Books ; and that the young men crave the appro
bation of the Prefbytrie be their bill, or otherways, that they be not fuller
ed to enter.
The Commiffioners came to the Seffion of the Kirk, defire the young
men to be received, fhewing themfelves willing, if there was any deformity
in their entry, to remove it be the advice of the Prefbytrie. The Com
miffioners being removed, and the Kings earneftnefs and their promife
confidered, Mr Bruce was content, they fould be received ; but not till
the condition was performed, and he had feen Gods bleffing upon their
travells. The young men were called in, and the Moderator declared the Pref-
bytries mind.
Upon the Prefbytrie day following, when it was looked the condition
fould have been performed, the matter was agitated before noon. Mr
Patrick brought with him a number of the Commiffioners of the Ge
neral Affembly afternoon. They carried away the matter be plurality of
votes. It was concluded, that the inferting of their procefs in the Books
of the Seffion and Prefbytrie, fall be a fufficient reformation for that tyme.
Mr Robert declared, that if they would not reforme that work otherwife,
he would have no fellowfhip with that entry.
Mr Walter Balcalquall that fame night, at the defire of the young men,
caufed extract the decreet of the Prefbytrie, which they prefented to the
Seffion of the Kirk the next Seffion day, whereupon they were both receiv
ed, and fatt doun. ,
In the Synodal Affembly holden at Edinburgh in the end of Februar,
there was much difputation upon the Kirks vote in Parliament. At length
the fincereft fort prevailed. The Minifters of Edinburgh were ordained
to continue in their places till the General Affembly. C]
[The Synod of Fyff convenit in Sanct Andros in the fame month of

942 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597-
Februar. To it was Sir Patrik Murrey direct from the King to nioyen for
the mater of Bifchopes. It was far and fearlie brought about with a Letter
thereanent from the Kings Maieftie to the Prefbyteries. Item, an vther
letter from the Commiffioners of the General Affembly was prefented, to
gether with the laft Act of Parliament concerning the vote of Minifters
provided to the office, place, title, or dignity of Bifhops, Abbots, Pryors,
&c, to have vote in Parliament. They fhewed in their letter, whow hard-
lie it haid been obteined by the Kings grait peanes and authoritie at the
hands of the Lords of Articles, and what great commoditie might thereby
com to the Kirk. Therefter the queftioun was proponit, Gif it war expe
dient and profitable for the Kirk, that the Minifters fould have vot in Par*.
liament for and in nam of the Kirk. The quhilk feiming guid be manieft
vottes of the breithring to be anfwerit affirmative, Mr James Melvill planlie
difcouerit vnto thame the myflery of it, to the grait offence of the Kings
Commiffionar, fchawing tham, that it being annes fund profitable and ex
pedient, that Minifters fold vot in Parliament, thefe Minifters behoved to
be Bifchopes and Prelates, or els they wald nocht be admitted to vott ;
and fa they fould fall to wark and big vpe Bifchopes quhilk they haid bein
all thair dayes dinging down. Mr Andro Melvill infilled herein in his
vehement maner ; wha taken vpe rudlie be Mr Thomas Buchanan, that he
fould nocht haue place in the Affemblie, (meining be reafoun of the act
quhilk the King and Commiffionars of the General Affembly haid maid at
the laft vifitation of the Vniuerlitie, debarring the Maifters thereof,
namlie of Theologie, from the Affemblies,) he anfwerit, My profeffioun
was to refolue queftiounes in the Kirk of God out of his Word, and to
reafone, vott and moderat in Affemblies, when yours was to teatche the
Grammar rewlles.
Efter the quhilk, Dauid Fergufone, the auldeft Minifter that tyme in
Scotland, fpak graulie, cleirlie, and at lainthe, whow the cbrruptiones of
that office of Bifchopes had bein efpyed be the Kifk of Scotland from the
begining ; what pein had bein taken bathe in doctrin from pulpites, and
in Affemblies, for purging and alluterlie putting away therof. And now
he perceavit a purpofe till erect tham of new, conveyed in fie a maner as
he could compear to nathing better nor that quhilk the Grecians vfit for
the overthrow of the antient citie and kingdome of Troy, bulking vpe a
braue hors, and be a craftie Sinon perfuading tham to pluk down the
walles with thair awin hands, to receaue that in for thair honour and

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 943
weilfear, quhilk feruit for thair vtter wrak and diftructioun : Therfor he
wald, with the breithring that haid giffen guid warning, cry, Equo ne cre-
dite Teucri.
Mr Jhone Dauidfone, an of the antient fathers of the Kirk, was prefent
at that Affemblie, and mightelie and grauelie warnit, informit and movit
the breithring. Amangs the reft he faid mirrelie, Bufk, bufk, bufk him as
bonilie as yie can, and fetche him in als fearlie as yie will, we fie him
weill aneuche, — we fie the homes of his.Mytre. C. & Melvill's Diary.]

944 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597-

A. D. M.D.XCVII.

The Generall Affemblie of the Kirk of Scotland, haldin at Dundie
the 7 day of Marche 1597« In the quhilk were conveinit the Kings
Majeftie and Commiffioners from all Shyres and Townes of the
countrey.

Seffio la- 7 Martij. Poft meridiem.
Exhortatioun beeand made be Mr Robert Rollock, Moderatour of the
laft Affemblie, ther was appointit vpon the leits, Mrs* Patrick Simfone,
David Fergufone, Peter Blackburne, James Robertfone, and Robert Wil-
kie j and [be the Kings authority,] and be the pluralitie of votes, [fpecialy
of Northland Minifters, and Barons,] Mr Peter Blackburne was electit
Moderatour hac vice.
[Mr Andrew Melvill was challenged be the King, after the calling of
the roll of the Commiffioners, for coming to the Affembly, feeing by his
authority he was difcharged from all Affemblies. Mr Andrew anfwered,
he had a calling from the Kirk ; the Kings difcharge being civil, touched
the conftitutions and rents of the Colledge, but not his doctoral charge,
which was ecclefiaftical, he would not betray the Kirk for his part. The
King replyed, There was none there that fought the betraying of the Kirk.
Mr John Davidfon faid, Sir, ye are to remember, that you fit not here as
Imperator, but as a Chriftian, ades ut interfis, non ut prefis. The King

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 945
ftarted at thefe words, yet taking up himfelf he diftinguifhed, but in effect
granted that which Mr John had laid ; but chaffed notwithftanding within
himfelf. Sir, we are affraid, faid Mr John, to fpeak, except ye be equal
and indifferent ; therefore we crave that liberty which is due to this Af
fembly. The King feemed to yield ; but would fuffer nothing to be done
till Mr Andrew was removed. So Mr Andrew was commanded be the
King to keep his lodging.

Seffio 2*^- 8 Martij.
Anent the Commiffioun given to certaine brethren of the North, for the
abfolving of the Erles of Angus, Huntlie, and Erroll, from the fentence of
excommunicatioun : The Affemblie ordaines Mr Peter Blackburne, in name
of the reft, to give in in wryte, the haill forme of thair abfolutioun, and
fatiffactioun to the articles injoyned to them in the laft Affemblie, to the
effect the fame may be regiftrat in the Bookes of the Affemblie.

Seffio 3a- Eodem die.
Becaufe ther is no accompt tane of the acts of every Provinciall Affem
blie ; therefor it is ftatute and ordainit, that, in all tymes coming, every
Provinciall Affembly within this realme fend the acts of thair Synod made
fen the Generall Affemblie immediatlie preceiding, with thair Commiffion
ers direct be them to the next Generall Affemblie, to the effect the brethren
of the Generall Affemblie may take tryall and cognitioun, that the pro
ceidings of every Synod be done decenter et ordine, and fo allow or diffallow
of them as they [fall] think meitt ; and this ordour to begin at the nixt'
Generall Affemblie.
Item, Becaufe it was meinit be fome of the brethren, and found fault
with, that fuch as vfes to be appointit Commiffioners from the Synodalls
to the General Affemblie, but any reafonable caufe, refufe to obey and
accept thair commiffioun, quherthrow it falls out oftentymes, that at the
Generall Affemblie ther inlakes Commiffioners from fome Synods : Heirfor
it is ftatute and ordainit, that every Synod fall choofe'out them that falbe-
6d

946 THE BOOKE OF THE "597-
thoght moft meit to come as Commiffioners to the Generall Affemblie,
who fall remaine to the laft day of the Affemblie inclufive : and to ^ the
effect they may pretend no reafonable caufe in the contrair, and fpeciallie of
povertie, therefor it is ftatute and ordainit, that in cace the Commiffioners
that are chofen may not commodiouflie awaite vpon the Affemblie vpon
thair awin expenffis, then and in that cace, the reft of the quhilk number
he is chofin fall contribute to his expenffis, according to the abilitie of thair
livings, vnder the paine of the tinfell of the tenth part of thair ftipends ;
quhilk Commiffioners beand fa furnifchit be ane commoun contributioun,
as faid is, he fall repaire to the Generall Affemblie, and remaine vnto the
finall end therof, vnder the paine of the tinfell of the tenth part of his awin
ftipend : And in cace either the Commiffioner or the brethren of his
Synodall, through not obeying every ane thair proceffe of the premiffes
refpective, incurreing the danger of the penalties above rehearfit, and get
refufing to make payment of the faids penalties, viz. of the tenth part of
thair ftipends, then and in that cace, they falbe fufpendit from thair calling
and functioun, ay and quhill they fatil'fie the fame.
Anent the fummounds raifit at the inftance of the Synodall of Fyffe
againft Andro Arnot, Minifter of Scotlandwell, craveand the faid Andro,
conforme to his promife, to mak provifioun for the kirk of Auchtermoonfie,
ane of the kirks of the faid Miniftrie : The faid Andro being callit, com
peirit and declarit, that he promifed to make iufficient provifioun for the
faid kirk, provyding alwayes he were refolvit of the payment of his thrid,
quhilk he payes prefentlie to Mr Robert Inchaw ; quhilk promife he pre-
fentlie ratified, and band himfelfe to make provifioun for the faid kirk of
Auchtermoonfie immediatly after the diffolving of the Affemblie, he being
releivit of the payment of the thrid, as faid is.
[Upon Thurfday the 9th, Mr Andrew Melvill and John Johnftoun were
charged to depart off the town, under the pain of horning.

Seffio 4a- 9 Martij.
When the Affembly conveened, Mr John Davidfone faid, Sir, there is
wrong done to the Affembly, in difcharging Mr Andrew Melvill and John
Johnftoun. Wold ye have plies, faid the King : No, Sir, faid Mr John,

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 947
but that ye wold give them licence to come in. I will not hear one word
of that, faid the King twife or thrice. Wee muft then crave help, faid
Mr John, of him that will hear us.
The Synod of Lothian gave in their grieves againft the Commiffioners
of the Generall Affembly, whereupon was made this ordinance follow
ing. C]
The Commiffioners appointit in the laft Generall Affemblie for planting
of the townes of Edenburgh, Dundie, and Sanct Androes, and fuch vther
affaires, as at mair lenth is conteinit in the faid commiffioun, and callit to
give ane accompt of fick things as had bein done be them be vertue of thair
commiffioun forfaid, Mr James Nicolfone, in name of the reft, produceit a
booke containing a whole regifter of thair whole procefs and proceidings
fince the acceptatioun of the faid commiffioun, quhilk was publicklie red in
prefence and audience of the haill Affemblie : And becaufe ther was fome
of the brethren that thoght themfelves greivit at certaine of thair proceid
ings, therfor it was thocht expedient that the brethren after following fould
cognofce vpon the faids greives and Commiffioners anfuers therto, quhilk
both fould be givin in in one wryte befor them, and therafter report to the
haill Affemblie quhat they fand therin : They are to fay, Mrs George
Monro, James Dundas, Robert Howie, Duncane Davidfone, William
Dowglas, Andro Mylne, Andro Lamb, James Robertfone, William Rynd,
Archibald Moncreiff, Alexander Lindfay, David Fergufone, William Cran-
ftoun, David Spence, Robert Wilkie, John Knox, Gawin Hamiltoun,
Johne Hall, Johne Spotifwood, Patrick Symfone, Robert Darroch, Harie
Levingftoun, David Barcklay, Hew Fullertoun, and Johne Welfch.
[In the mean tyme certain grieves were given in to his Majeftie be the
Affembly, which here follow, with their anfwers. C]
Greives to be proponit to his Majeftie.
Firft, to crave of his Majeftie ane releife of this prefent taxatioun to fick
of the Miniftrie as poffeffes fmall benefices within iijc marks, feing they are
not able to be fuftainit vpon the fame.
2. To crave in generall for the haill Miniftrie, that they be not troublit
with the taxatioun in no tyme coming; bot that the officiars that ingathers the
fame, charge the takfmen immediatlie quho are bund to releive the Mi
niftrie of thair taxatioun ; becaufe fo long as the Minifters charges thair

948 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597-
takfmen, not only it averts them from thair calling, but alfo breids a grudge
betuixt them and thair parochiners.
3. To crave a redreffe of the abufe of the buriall, that ane aft of Parlia
ment may be made, difcharging burialls in kirks. .
4. To crave ane redreffe anent adulterous marriages, quher two perfons,
both divorcit for adulterie committit either with vther, craves the benefite
ofthe Kirk to be joynit in marriage.
5. To crave his Majeftie, quhat ordour falbe tane anent the relaxatioun
of fuch murtherers from excommunicatioun as are alreadie relaxit from
the home, and get hes not fatiffied the partie, quhilk is a tokin of no
penitencie. 6. To advyce with his Majeftie, if the carieing of profeft witches from
towne to towne, to try witchcraft in vthers, be laufull ordinar tryall of
witchcraft, or nocht.
7> Anent the laik patronages : To lament vnto his Majeftie the great
abufe quhilk the late act of Parliament hes brocht in giving licence to the
patrone to poffeffe the fruits of the benefice, in cace he prefent a qualified
man, and the fame be not admitted be the Kirk ; vnder colour quherof
they vfe to prefent ane qualified man to the Prefbytrie, and hes him fworne
to fett back a tack of the fruites of the benefice to the patrone ; quher-
vpon, albeit the perfon prefentit be qualified, get the Kirk cannot admitt
him, in refpect of the impediment forfaid, quherthrow both the patrone
vplifts [the fruicts of] the benefice, and the Kirk lyes deftitute ; therfor to
crave redreffe of the fame.

Seffio 5**- Eodem die.
Anent the greives givin in to his Majeftie befor noone, his Majeftie being
prefent gave his anfueris as followes :
To the firft and fecond, His Majeftie defyrit the Commiffioners to be
deput from this Affemblie, to give in ane fupplicatioun to the Counfell,
anent the fame, quhervnto his Majeftie fould hold hand ; and in the mean
tyme promifed to caufe ftay all farther executioun againft fick of the Min
iftrie as were at the Affemblie prefentlie, quhill the 15 of Apryle nixt to
come.

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 949
Anent burials : His Majeftie thocht good that ane fupplicatioun fould
be givin in to the nixt Parliament, craveand that, for avoyding of burialls
in kirks, every Nobleman fould bigge a fepulture for himfelfe and his awin
familie. Anent adulterous marriages : His Majeftie thocht good that ane fup
plicatioun fould be givin in to the nixt Parliament, craveand fuch mar
riages to be declairit null in all tyme comeing, and the bairnes gottin therin
to be baftards.
Anent murtherers : His Majeftie declared, quhen any murtherer is re-
laxit from the horne, upon cautioun to vnderly the law, that he is not,
therfor, fimpliciter relaxit, bot to ane day to abyde tryall of his fault ; and
therfor thinks that the Kirk may continue in thair cenfures aganis fuch a
perfon, and deny him any benefite of the Kirk, vntill they fie evident
tokins of repentance in him, the partie be fatiffied, and thervpon ane full
remiffioun obtainit.
Anent tryall of witchcraft : His Majeftie declared, that, be ane act of
the laft Parliament, it is remittit to certaine of his Hienes Counfell, certaine
Minifters and Advocates, to conclude vpon [a folid order] anent tryall of
witches, and to advyce whither the forfaid carieing of witches is permiffive,
[or not.]
Tuiching the quhilk, the Affemblie ordainit Mr Patrick Galloway and
Johne Duncanfone to haid his Majeftie in remembrance.
Anent the abufe of laik patronages : His Majeftie thocht good lyke
wayes, that ane fupplicatioun fould be givin in to the nixt Parliament for
redreffing of the fame.
Becaufe it was reportit in the Affemblie, that albeit fundrie perfons were
convict of witchcraft, nevertheles, the civill Magiftrat not only refufit to
punifh them, conforme to the lawes of the countrey, bot alfo, in contempt
of the famein, fetts the perfons at libertie, quhilk were convict of witch
craft : Therfor the Affemblie ordaines that, in all tyme coming, the Pref
bytrie proceid in all feveritie with thair cenfures aganis [all] fuch Magif-
trats as fall fet at libertie any perfon convict of witchcraft heirafter.
Item, Becaufe diverfe perfons, with ane prepofterous hafte, hes proceidit
to the band of Matrimonie, without any laufull proclamatioun of thair
bands, quherthrow the ordinances of the Kirk are hielie contemnit : Ther
for it is ftatute and ordainit, that no perfons be couplit together in mar
riage, without they be thryfe laufullie proclaimit at thair awin paroch kirk,

950 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597-
according to the confuetude obfervit within this realme : and in cace of
contraveining of the fame, that the Minifter be depryvit of his offiee ; and
the parties ordainit to fatif 'fie the Kirk be public repentance.
Anent burialls : It is ordainit, that no pictures or images be caried
about in burialls, vnder the paine of the cenfures of the Kirk.
Item, Becaufe it was regratit, that becaufe certaine of the Miniftrie being
beneficit perfons, hes fett taks and affedatiouns of the fruits of thair bene
fice, and therafter hes obtainit licence of tranfportatioun from thair kirk,
fo that the fame, be reafone of the taks fet be them, remaines continuallie
vnplantit for lake of provifioun : Therfor it is ftatute and ordainit, that,
in tyme comeing, no Minifter get licence of tranfportatioun from his Kirk,
befor it be tryed, that he hes not hurt the benefice, from quhilk he wald be
tranfportit, be fetting tacks of the fruits of the fame ; and if the tacks, that
were fett befor his entrie to the faid benefice, expyrit in his tyme, that he
hes renewit no auld tack, but confent of the Generall Affemblie, and me-
lioratioun of his benefice.
Item, Becaufe for lake of moyen, fundrie of the Minifters hes not as git
obteinit the defignatioun of thair manfes and gleibs, Therfor it is ordainit,
that everie Minifter, that is not git poffeft with his manfe and gleib, obtaine
poffeffioun of the fame, betuixt and the nixt Affemblie : And in cace the
perfon, in whofe favours the defignatioun is grantit, be not able, throw
povertie, to awaite vpon the law for [obtaining] poffeffioun of the fame,
that the reft of the brethren of his Prefbytrie concurre and help him with
expenffes for obtaining of the fame.

Seffio 6a- 10 Martij.
Anent the proceidings of the Commiffioners appointit in the laft Gene
rall Affemblie, quhilk they did anent the planting of the Miniftrie of Sanct
Androes, and anent the examinatioun of the depofitioun of Mr Johne
Rutherfuird : The Affemblie ratifies, allowis, and approves thair proceid-
ings therin.
And farther ordaines, for reafonable caufes moving [themj Mr Robert
Wallace to be relaxit from the fentence of fufpenfioun from his Miniftrie,
pronuncit in thair decreit againft him, he fatiffieand my Lord of Menmure,
be the advyce of Mrs David Lindfay, Robert Bruce, and Robert Rollock,

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 951
to the effect he may be placit to ferve in fick parts, quher the Kirk fall
think his travells to be beft imployit.
As concerning Mr Johne Rutherfuirds procefs, and the reft of the things
done in Sanct Androes be the faids Commiffioners : Mrs David Black,
Johne Carmichaell, Robert Durie, Alexander Forfythe, and the reft of the
brethren of the Prefbytrie of Sanct Androes that were ther prefent, after
reafoning of fuch things quherof they had not bein of before refolved, de
clared themfelves fatiffied therin.
Becaufe it was reportit be the Commiffioners of the Generall Affemblie,
that the conftant Piatt for planting of every particular kirk, was hindred
be the takfmen who hes the haill teinds in thair hands, and refufeth to con-
difcend to any fubftantiall ordour anent the planting of the Miniftrie, with
out fome fecuritie were made vnto them anent the reft of thair teinds :
Therfor the Affemblie thocht good to confidder quhat be the conditions cravit
be thair takfmen, in cace of augmentatioun of the duetie of thair tackis for
fuftentatioun of the Miniftrie : To the quhilk it was anfuerit be the viii-
tours of Murray and Aberdeine, that the taxmen defyrit ane perpetuitie of
thair tacks, be renewing therof at thair outruning, without greiffom :
[Mernes offered prefently to augment in victual, upon condition that the
tacks be renewed at the outrunning therof, for a liquidat fumme, in name
of greffom :] The lyke offerit Angus : Clidfdaill, Galloway, Lauthian,
and Fyfe, wald make no offer.
Upon confideration quherof, the brethren defyrit his Majeftie that ane
law might be made anent the augmentatioun of the duetie of the tackis for
fuftentatioun of the Miniftrie : To the quhilk his Majeftie offerrit willingly
to deale with the takfmen in fuch fort, that they fould be forcit to augment
the duetie of thair tackis to a reafonable and competent living for ane
Minifter at every kirk, vpon conditioun they had fome reafonable eafe of
thair teinds. And for effectuating therof, the Affemblie ordaines every
Minifter to give in a particular overture in wryte to the Commiffioners
quhilk falbe appointit be the Generall Affemblie, [and information,]
quhat is the juft valour of the teinds of his paroch ; to quhom they are
fett ; for quhat duetie ; to quhom the duetie is payit ; and qUhat better
every ane can give for planting his awin kirk ; to the effect his Majeftie,
with advyce of the faid Commiffioners, may take ane folid ordour anent
the fufficient planting of every particular kirk betwixt and the nixt Gene
rall Affemblie.

952 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597*
[There was much altercation about the grieves givin in be the Commif
fioners from the Prefbytries out of diverfe quarters againft the Commiffion
ers of the Generall Affembly for their proceedings, fo that fuch altercation
was not feen, at any time, in any of the Affemblies fince the Reformation.
The excommunicated Earles, Papifts and polititians were brought in to
take their paftyme, and gather matters of flander and calumnie. But the
King fearing, that his purpofe to fet up Bifhops fliould not fucceed well
that way, laboured to have the grieves buried, promifed to deal with the
tackfmen for augmentation of their duetie of their tacks, and was the more
eafie to be reconciled to the Minifters of Edinburgh, and to condefcend to
their plantation in Edinburgh : whereupon a number of Prefbytries being
removed, and debarred from voting in the tryal of the Commiffioners, the
grieves were buried, and their proceedings allowed. But many of the
Minifters faid, They were fo evil buried, they would rife again. The drift
of this burying was that the Commiffioners might proceed without impe
diment farther in their intended courfe.
The Act of burying the grieves, and approbation of the Commiffion
ers here followeth. C]

Seffio'7a" Eodem die.
The brethren appointit to try the proceidings of the Commiffioners of
the laft Affemblie, and the greives givin in againft the fame, with the Com
miffioners anfuers therto, declarit, that they had confidderit the haill grieves
givin in be the Synodall of Lawthiane, and the Commiffioners anfuers
made to the fame ; and that they thocht it expedient, fo that it were the
will of the Affemblie, that the faids greives and anfuers fould be buried :
Notheles, the Affemblie, for fatiffactioun of the haill brether, thocht good,
that the faidis greives and anfuers fould be red in audience of the haill Af
femblie ; quhilk being done, after voteing, it was concludit, that the pro
cefs and proceidings of the faids Commiffioners fould be ratified in that
pairt j and the faids greives and anfuers buried and obliterat, for continu
ance of peace and quyetnes in the Kirk.

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 953

Seffio 8fc 11 Martij.
The brethren, after revifeing of the haill proceedings of the Commiffion
ers of the laft Affemblie, ratifies, alio wis, and approves [the fame ;] and
ordaines the haill greives givin in, and anfuers made therto, to be buried
and put out of memorie.
For better executioun of thair proceidings, the Generall Affemblie or
daines Mrs Robert Rollock, David Lindfay, Robert Pont, Patrick Gallo
way, Johne Duncanfone, James Nicolfone, Thomas Buchannan, George
Glaidftanes, or any fyve of them, to conveine with his Majeftie, to put the
decreit of the faids Commiffioners, anent the planting of Edenburgh, to
farther executioun, and place the Minifters of Edinburgh at thair particu
lar flocks ; ordaining lykewayes the Minifters of Edenburgh to obey the
laid decreit, be accepting every one of them thair particular flocks, vnder
the paine of deprivatioun from thair Miniftrie ; and in cace of diffobedience
on thair parts, and none acceptatioun of thair particular flockis, as faid is,
that the faids Commiffioners depryve them from thair functioun [of the
Miniftrie :] And therafter ordaines the faids Commiffioners to plant the
Kirk of Edenburgh with fuch of the wyfeft and moft difcreit of the breth
ren as they fall think moft meit, to the glorie of God and edificatioun of the
particular flockis within the towne of Edenburgh ; and in the meane tyme,
quhill the faids Commiffioners conveine for performing of the„ premiffes,
the brethren ordaines the Minifters of Edenburgh to continue in the
preaching of the Word and miniftratioun of the facraments.

Seffio 10a- 13 Martij.
Becaufe fundrie of the brethren defyrit to be fatiffied of his Majefties
mynd be his awin mouth toward certaine of the Miniftrie, and in fpeciall
toward the Miniftrie of Edinburgh, anent quhatfoevir thrawarts or accidents
that hes fallen out thir two geirs bygane ; his Majeftie, for making his
mynd more cleirlie to be vnderftood be the haill brethren, declarit himfelfe
to be content and fatiffied with the Miniftrie of Edinburgh ; and that his
Hienes did beare no grudge nor evill will to any of them for any accidents
quhilk hes fallin out in any tyme bygane, and that the fame fould never be
6 E

954 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597-
remembrit be his Majeftie in any tyme comeing ; bot that his Hienes and
they, (to the quhilk the Miniftrie of Edinburgh willinglie aggreit,) fould
never call any of thefe accidents fallin out in any tyme bygane to remem
brance, neither make mentioun of the fame in privat fpeiches or publick
ferm ons, in any tyme heirafter.
The quhilk day, in prefence of the haill Affemblie, the Kings Majeftie
having declarit his advyce anent the neceffitie of Commiffioners, to be ap-
pointed be the Generall Affemblie, to awaite and concurre with his Ma
jeftie for bringing to ane finall end, the longfome worke of the conftant
Piatt for the planting of Minifters at the principall burghes within this
realme, in cace any of thir places fall happin to vaike betuixt and the nixt
Generall Affemblie ; for awaiting on the Parliament, if any falbe, and
craveing the redreffe of fick things quherwith the Minifters fall find them
felves greivit ; and finaUie, for redreffing of fick enormities, and awaiting
vpon fuch good occafiouns, as may fall out before the nixt Generall Af
femblie ; defyreing, therfor, that the brethren wald confidder the neceffitie
forfaid, and according to thair difcretioun, whither if it were expedient,
that ane commiffioun fould be grantit to certaine of the moft wife and dif-
creit of the brethren for the caufes forfaids : The quhilk his Majefties ad
vyce the Affemblie thinks very neceffar and expedient, and therfor hes
givin and grantit, and, be the tenour heirof, gives and grants, thair full
power and commiffioun to Mrs Peter Blackburne, James Nicolfone, Andro
Mylne, Alexander Dowglas, Johne Ramfay, Thomas Buchannan, David
Fergulbne, William Cranftoun, George Glaidftaines, Alexander Lindfay,
Harie Livingftoun, Robert Pont, David Lindfay, Robert Rollock, John
Hall, Johne Clappertoun, Johne Knox, Gavin Hamiltoun, Andro Knox,
his Majefties and the Princes Minifters, or any nyne of them, to conveine
with his Majeftie, at fuch tyme and place as falbe found expedient ; with
power to them, or any nyne of them, to concurre with his Majeftie, anent
the fetting downe and concluding of the folid grounds and fundament of
the conftant Piatt, and quhat fecuritie falbe made to the taxmen for the
remnant of thair teinds : Quhilks grounds being fett downe be them, they
fall make every Prefbytrie within this realme privie to the fame; and in
cace the faids Prefbytries, be thair Commiffioners or be themfelves, after
vifitatioun of the faids grounds and conclufiouns, ratifie and approve the
fame, with power to the faids Commiffioners, or any nyne of them, to con
veine therafter with his Majeftie and [Lords of], the Privie Counfel], hav-

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 955
ing the power of the Parliament to that effect, and ther to put ane finall
end and conclufioun to the conftant Piatt, and folid planting of every par
ticular kirk within this realme ; with power alfo to the faids Commiffion
ers, or any nyne of them, to plant fufficient Minifters in the principall
burghes within this realme, in cace the Miniftrie therof fall happin to vaike
betuixt and the nixt Generall Affemblie, and in fpeciall to take care anent
the provifioun of Minifters to his Majefties and the Princes houfes, the
kirks of Newabbay, and Dumfreis ; with power alfo to the faids Commif
fioners, or any nyne of them, to awaite vpon the Parliament, if any falbe
befor the nixt Affemblie, and give in the greives of the famein, defyrand
them to be redreft ; and to give thair advyce to his Majeftie, for avoyding
or efchewing of any danger or inconvenient quhilk may be licklie to fall
out in prejudice of the Kirk : And lykewayes, in cace his Majeftie find
himfelfe greivit, or crave redreffe of any enormitie done to his Hienes be
any ofthe Miniftrie, with power to them, or any nyne of them, to fitt and
cognofce vpon the fame, quherin, for thair better informatioun of the cryme
or fact quhilk fall happin to be committit, they fall csave the advyce of the
moft difcreit of the Prefbytrie quher the offender dwells, as they fall think
expedient, and therafter proceid in taking tryall of the fact be themfelves
and conclude therin, as falbe moft expedient to the glorie of God, and
peace and quyetnes of the Kirk within this realme : And, finallie, with
expreffe power and command to the faids Commiffioners, to propone to his
Majeftie at thair conventiouns, the petitiouns and greives, afweill of this
Affemblie in generall, as of every member therof in particular, as falbe
meinit vnto them, promittend de rato, &C.
Anent the forfaid commiffioun grantit for redreffe of fuch things as fall
happin his Majeftie to be offendit with in the perfon of any of the Minif
trie : His Majeftie declarit in prefence of the haill Affemblie, that albeit
the haill power of cognofceing of fuch perfons, be devolvit in the perfons
of the Commiffioners, quho fould concurre with his Majeftie to that effect ;
nevirtheles, his Majeftie mynds no wayes to trouble the Commiffioners
with any fuch matters, vnleffe firft it be knowin notoriouflie, that the
Prefbytrie, quher the offender maks refidence, both hes gottin knowledge
of the fact, and either hes altogether neglectit the tryall therof, or els
not fatiffied his Majeftie with the punifhment imponit to the offenders be
them. [After this Commiffion was paft, the queftion, which was moyand before

956 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597-
at all the Synods, was propofed, to wit, concerning the Kirks vote in Par
liament, which was the chief end wherefore the Affembly was conveened.
The King made a harangue, wherein he declared, what great care he
had to adorne and commodat the Kirk, to remove all controverfies, to ef
tablifh the difcipline, and to reftore her patrimony : And that he might
effectuat this, it was needfull that the Minifters fliould have their vote in
Parliament ; without which the Kirk could not be vindicated from poverty
and contempt. I mind not, faid the King, to bring in Papiftical or Angli,
can Bifhoping, but only to have the beft and wifeft of the Miniftrie, ap-
pointed be the General Affembly, to have place in Counfel, and Parlia
ment, to fit upon their own matters, and fee them done, and not to ftand
alwife at the door, like poor fupplicants, defpifed and nothing regarded.
This fpeech he uttered with great proteftation, and fome of the Com
miffioners did the like.

Seffio lla- Eodem die.
There was hote difputation about vot in Parliament. Mr John David-
fon complained, that Mr Andrew Melvill was difcharged the Affembly.
Mr John Knox, Minifter at Melrofs, added, They had difcharged him, be
caufe they feared his learning, and no doubt the act made at Sanct An
drews be the King and the Commiffioners of the General Affembly,
touching the difcharging the Profeffors of Theologie from medling in
matters of difcipline, was made purpofely to feclude Mr Andrew Melvill
and Mr John Johnftoun from reafoning againft the erection of Bifhops,
which they had then in their heads.
Mrs Robert Bruce, James Melvill, John Carmichael, John Davidfon,
William Aird, and fundry others maintained, that Minifters fhould not
have vote in Parliament. Mr Thomas Buchannan, Mr George Glaid-
ftanes, Mr Robert Pont reafoned for the other part.
Mr George Glaidftanes alledged, that the whole fubjects were divided
in tres ordines, in refpect of their living in the Common weale ; and there
fore the Kirk muft be one eftate. Mr John Davidfon anfwered, We hold
not our livings of Kings nor Eftates. And becaufe Mr George had faid,
We have vote in rogandis et ferendis legibus : Mr Davidfon anfwered,
No otherwife then as it is faid among the Romans, prefentibus Sacerdoti-

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND 957
bus, et divina exponentibus ; fed non fuffragia habentibus. Where have
ye that, faid the King. In Titus Livius, faid he. Are ye going, faid the
King, from Scripture to Titus Livius. Nay, faid Mr John ; but for
Roman termes, which Mr George alledged, I have brought a fimile out of
the Roman practice to exprefs my mind. The place 2 Chron. 19. was
much agitat between Mr Thomas Buchanan and Mr John Carmichael.
Mr John difputed fo acutely, that the King himfelf was forced to commend
him. Mr James Melvill had his large part in reafoning.
Upon the calling of the roll, the affirmative was carried only be ten
votes.

The Act, as it lieth in the Regifter, here followes. C]
Forfameikle as the Commiffioners of the Generall Affemblie, at the Par
liament haldin in December laft bypaft, vpon ane earneft geale quhilk they
did alwayes beare to the weill of the Kirk, had givin in certaine articles to
the Lords of Parliament, concerning the libertie of the Kirk, and in fpeciall
had craveit that the Miniftrie, as reprefenting the true Kirk of God within
this realme, and fo being the third Eftate in this realme, might have vote
in Parliament according to the loveable acts and conftitutiouns of befor
made in Parliament, in favours of the friedome and libertie of the holie
Kirk ; quhilks thair travells and indevores, proceiding alwayes vpone ane
godly intentioun, they fubmittit to the cenfures of this prefent Affemblie,
defyreing the brethren to allow or diffallow the fame, as they fould think
moft expedient for the glorie of God and the eftablifching of the true re
ligioun within this realme : Quhervpon the brethren being ryplie advyfit,
allowit the honeft and godlie intentioun of the Commiffioners in crave-
ing vote in Parliament [for the Miniftrie,] as conforme and aggrieing to
fundrie vther acts of the Affemblies preceiding, in the quhilk it hes bein
found expedient that the Kirk fould [fute] vote in Parliament.
Forfameikle as his Majeftie is willing to vtter his good intentioun that
he hes alwayes borne to the eftablifching of the true Kirk of God within
this realme, declairit, that for the better performance thereof, his Hienes
had affifted the Commiffioners of the laft Affemblie in craveing vote in
Parliament in name of the Kirk ; quhilk thair fute, albeit it was in fome
pairt, and [as it were] in a certaine manner, grantit be the Lords of Par
liament ; get the acceptatioun therof, the forme, and haill circumftances

958 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597-
of the perfons, were referritt to this Generall Affemblie, to be acceptit or
refuifit as the Kirk fould think expedient. And feing his Majeftie had an-
ticipat the appointit tyme of the Affemblie, and defyred the brethren to
conveine at this prefent tyme, efpeciaUy for the caufe forfaid ; therfor
his Majeftie defyrit that the brethren wald enter in a particular confidera-
tioun of the haill points of the faid act in every particular point thereof;
and firft to reafon, in publick audience of the haill Affemblie, whither it
were lawfull and expedient, that the Miniftrie, [as] reprefenting vndoubt-
edlie the Kirk within this realme, fould have vote in Parliament, or not.
The faid queftioun being at verie great lenth reafonit and debaittit in
vtramque partem, in prefence of the haill brethren, and therafter vottit, the
Generali Affemblie votis, [finds,] and concludis, that it is neceffar and ex
pedient for the weill of the Kirk, that the Miniftrie, as the thrid Eftate of
this realme, in name of the Kirk, have vote in Parliament.
[The Affemblie proceed to other points, How many fhould vote forthe
Kirk, and who fhould have the election. Mr John Davidfon delired the
Affembly not to be fuddan in concluding fuch weighty matters ; and com
mended the cuftom of the Romans, who, in rogandis et ferendis legibus,
gave trinundinum fpatium to examine them. No anfwer was made to him.
Mention being made of Bifhops, Mr Robert Rollocks judgement was
craved. He faid, that Lordfhip could not be denyed to them, that were
to fit in Parliament, and allowance of rent to maintain their dignities. See
ye not, brethren, faid Mr Davidfon, how bonnilie yonder Bifliop beginnes
to creep out, novus palliatus Epifcopus. Have wee not done much to
it, that fo long have ftriven againft this corruption, to bring furth fuch a
birth now. The party laboured to extenuate the matter. I would learn,
faid he, of Mr Robert Pont there, who feemeth to know beft, what kin there
is betwixt this kind of Bifhoprie which is now urged, and that kind which
was condemned in our Acts, and Bookes of our Affemblie. Wee fhall
fhew that afterward, faid Mr Robert, when wee come to that point. It
will never be fhewed, faid Mr Davidfon, faving that this laft hath fuch a
content and approbation. Then Mr Black delired Mr Davidfon to give in
the Proteftation, which he had in readinefs three or four dayes fince. '*
Sundrie of the Brethren that had feen it, thought it dangerous at that time,
and not expedient that any fhould fubfcribe it, but himfelf. So his vote
being afked, he refufed to vote, in refpect he faw no freedom in that Af
fembly. He protefted in his own name, and name of other brethren that

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 959
would adhere to his Proteftation, that they diffented from all their pro
ceedings ; which here, faid he, I prefent in writt, that it may be infert in
the bookes of the Affembly. It fall not be granted, laid the King, feeing
ye have voted and reafoned before. Never, Sir, faid Mr John, but with
out prejudice to my proteftation made, and to be made ; which words I
ufed fundrie tymes before I fpake. He delivered the Proteftation in write.

The tenor of the Proteftation here followeth :
This is to deplore by writt, Right Reverend in Chrift, according to your
appointment, when otherwayes I was interrupted the other day to fpeak
in the Affembly viva voce, (as ye know,) the great corruption, confuiion
and diforder in our General Affemblies, and the great inconveniences that
have followed thereupon in the Kirk, fince the injurious difcharge of the
lawfull Commiffioners thereof, by publick Proclamation at the Crofs of
Edinburgh, in November bygane a year ; namely at Perth, Dundie, at the
laft General Affembly ; and now at this moft of all, wherein that freedom,
due unto a free Affembly, is utterly denyed to us, as at more length fhall
be qualified in tyme and place, if need fall require : As alfo to declare,
that I adhere to my former Proteftation made be word before his Majeftie,
at the laft General Affembly holden at Edinburgh, and by writt, ordained
to be infert in the Books of the General Affembly, at the laft General Af
fembly in this town, that it may be lawfull to me, and fuch other brethren
ofthe Miniftry, as wold adhere to the faid Proteftation, to ufe our wonted
freedom in our Miniftry, according to the Word of God, and good lawes,
and practicks of this realme ; notwithftanding any law or act made, or to
be made in the contrair. And, finally, to proteft of new in my own name,
and name of all fuch brethren as fhall think good to hold hand to this com
mon caufe, that we diffent from all the proceedings in this, and the other
two forefaid Affemblies, as not having the priviledge of free Affemblies
permitted unto them, till the next better conftituted and advifed Affembly :
Which Proteftation I defire to be infert prefently in the bookes of this Af
fembly. C]

960 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597:

Seffio 12a- 14 Martij.
Concerning the number of the Miniftrie that fould have vote in Parlia-
ment in name of the Kirk, it was lykewayes concludit and thocht expe
dient, that als many of them fould be chofin for the vote [in Parliament] as
was wont of auld, in tyme of the Papifticall Kirk, to be Bifchops, Abbots,
and Pryours, that had the lyke libertie, viz. to the number of fiftie and
ane, or therby.
Item, After reafoning, it was vottit and concludit, that the electioun of
fick of the Miniftrie as fould have vote in Parliament, aucht to be of ane
mixt qualitie, and appertaine partlie to his Majeftie, and partlie to the
Kirk. And becaufe, through fhortnefs of tyme, the brethren could not be
perfytelie refolvit in the remanent heids and circumftances concerning
the office of him that fould have vote in Parliament, viz. de modo eligendi ;
of his rent ; of the continuance of his office, whither he fould be chofin ad
poenam, or not ; of his name ; of the cautions for prefervatioun of him
from corruptiouns, and fick vther circumftances : Therfor the Affemblie or
daines every Prefbytrie to be rypelie and throughlie advyfit with the particu
lar heids above wrytin ; and therafter to convocat thair Synodall Affemblies
through the haill countrey vpone ane day, quhilk falbe the firft Tuefday of
Junij nixt to come, and ther, after new reafoning and advyfement of the
particular heids above wrytin, that every Synodall choofe out thrie of the
wyfeft of thair number, quho falbe readie vpon his Majefties advertifement,
quhilk falbe vpon ane moneths warning at the leaft, to conveine with his
Majeftie, together with Doctours of the Vniverfitie, viz. Mrs Andro
Melvill, Johne Johnftoun, Robert Rollock, Patrick Sharpe, Robert Howie,
Robert Wilkie, and James Mertin, fick day and place as his Majeftie fall
think expedient, with power to them to treat, reafon and conferre vpon
the faids heids, and vthers pertaining thereto ; and in cace of aggriement
and vniformitie of opiniouns, to vote and conclude the haill queftioun con
cerning vote in Parliament : vtherwayes, in cace of difcrepance and vari
ance, to referre the conclufioun 'therof to the nixt Generall Affemblie.
For better obferving of the Prefbytries, It is ftatute or ordainit, that
every Prelbytrie fall affemble themfelves once ordourly, ilk weike in thair
full number, at the leaft fo many of them as hes thair refidence within aucht
myfes to the place of the ordinar conventioun of the Prefbytrie.

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 961
That every member of the Prefbytrie ftudie the text quhervpon the exer-
cife is to be made.
That a commoun heid of religioun be intreattit every moneth in ilk Pref
bytrie, both be way of difcourfe and difputation.
That every Paftour have ane ouklie exercife of inftructioun and exami-
natioun of ane part of his congregatioun in the Catechifme.
Quhilks haill heids are ordainit to be obfervit vnder the paine of incur
ring the cenfures of the Kirk.
[After the diffolving of this Seffion, Mr John Davidfon departed off the
Toun. Much adoe there was after noon about his Proteftation. The King
demanded, Who would ftand to it. Tlie brethren thought good to keep
filence. Some would have it remitted to the Prefbytrie. Mr Thomas
Buchanan would have him prefently cenfured and condemned. It was
agreed, that it fhould not be infert, as followeth. C]

Seffio ultima. Eodem die.
Anent the Proteftatioun given in be Mr John Davidfone, for himfelfe
and in name of certaine brethren, as he alledgit, protefting, that this prefent
Affemblie was not ane frie Affemblie ; quhilk his Proteftatioun he defyrit
to be infert in the bookes of the Affemblie.
It being inquirit be the Moderatour, if any man wald adhere to the faid
Proteftatioun : There was none found that wald adhere to the fame, nor
was of the faid Mr John his opinioun thereanent ; and therfor the brethren
difchargeit the Clerk to infert the fame in the books of the Affemblie.
The brethren having red and confident the paines and travells takin be
Mr Patrick Sharp, Principall of the Colledge of Glafgow, and his Leffouns
vpon the Catechifme and grounds of religioun, allowis ofthe fame, and thinks
them very neceffar and profitable ; and therfor ordaines them to be printit.
Becaufe the queftioun anent fummar excommunicatioun, for lake of tyme,
cannot be commodioufiy intreatit at this prefent, therefor the brethren con-
tinewis the fame quhill the nixt Affemblie : in the meane tyme fufpends all
fummar excommunicatioun.
Becaufe ther hes bein no ordour fett downe hitherto anent the number
of Commiffioners [to be] direct from every Prefbitrie to be fent to the
Generall Affemblie, Therfor it is ftatute and ordanit, that, in all tyme
6 F

962 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597-
comeing, thrie of the wyfeft and the graveft of the brethren falbe direct
from every Prefbytrie at the moft, as Commiffioners to every Affemblie ;
and that none prefume to come but commiffioun, except they have a fpeciall
complaint ; and that the Clark of the Affemblie take heid to receive no
more in commiffioun bot thrie allanerlie, as faid is ; and lykewayes that
ane be direct from every Prefbytrie in name of Barrones, and ane out of
every burgh except Edinburgh, quhilk fall have power to direct two Com
miffioners to the Generall Affemblie.
Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be the Towne of Dundie, craveing ane
vther Minifter to be appointit to them in place of William Chryftefone,
quho through age is not able to difcharge his calling : The brethren thocht
their defyre reafonabill ; and having appointit on the leits Mrs Johne Hall,
Minifter at Leith, and Robert Howie, Principall of the New Colledge of
Aberdein, be pluralitie of vottis, Mr Robert Howie was chofin to be Min
ifter at Dundie, and ordainit to be tranfportit with all poffible diligence.
Becaufe it was reportit that the Miniftrie of Orknay had dilapidat thair
benefices be fetting of tackis of the rent of the fame, to the great hurt and
prejudice of the kirks, Therfor it is ftatute and ordainit, that none of the
Minifters of Orknay or Zetland fett any tacks of any part of the fruites of
thair benefices, nor get give thair confent to the tackis that falbe fett be
vthers, in any tyme comeing, vnder the paine of deprivatioun.
Becaufe it was reportit be certaine of the brethren, that notwithftanding
of the actis of the Affemblies proceiding againft faillors and traffiquers with
Spaine, the faid traflique was not intermittit, Therfor the Affemblie or
daines the acts made anent the faids traffickers to be put to farther execu
tioun in all points, but any refpect of perfons.
The Affemblie hes ordainit the Prefbitries of Dundie and Arbroth to
fummound befor them the Counteffis of Huntlie, Sudderland, and Cathnes,
to fubfcryve the Confeffioun of Faith, vnder the paine of excommunicatioun;
quhilk fummounds falbe execute be Mr William Paip, quho fall fummound
the Ladie Cathnes ; Alexander Dowglas, the Ladie Huntlie ; and George
Monro, [the Ladie] Sudderland.
The brethren ordaines the nixt Generall Affemblie to be haldin at
Aberdein, the firft Tuefday of July 1599 geirs.

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 963

[The following Articles penned, to be advifed upon by this Affembly,
for timely preventing of abufes and corruptions, [were probably given in
to the Affembly in Seffio 2a-,] howbeit they were not much regarded, or
taken notice of. They are here inferted as they were found written be
Mr John Davidfon his own hand.
Certain Articles to be advifed upon in this Generall Affembly, given
in be a brother, for the timely preventing of abufes and great cor
ruptions that in tyme ufe to ffyde in upon the Kirk, where negli
gence hes place.
Imprimis, That a common care be had be all the brethren, that the
liberty due to all Commiffioners in the Generall Affembly, freely to fpeak,
propone and vote, (provyding it be done with order and modefty,) be ho
wife prejudged by the authority or prefence of any brethren, moe or fewer,
of what quality foever, but that remain to our pofterity farta tecta (as they
fay) as from the beginning the cuftome has been ; and if the appearance of
the contrary beginne to break out in any, it be gravely and foundly tane
up in tyme ; and alfo that things of weight advifed upon be the Moderator
and his Affeffors, be fo clearly propounded again in the Affembly, with
fuch indifference, and without all precipitation, in urging of the brethrens
voices, before they thoroughly underftand the matter, that they may have
due tyme to confider of the thing in hand, and to be alfe well acquainted with
the fame, before they vote, as the Affeffors themfelves ; yea, and that the
Moderator and Affeffors be fworne or bound to hide nothing of importance
from the knowledge of the Affembly, that by word or writt is proponed to
them, concerning the common weale of the Kirk and Miniftrie ; left other-
wife that which was ordained for the eafe and benefit of the Affembly,
turne to the prejudice and hurt of the liberty thereof, and lay the funda-
tion of an oligarchie.

964 THE BOOKE OF THE 1597.
Next, That the ordinance of the univerfal vifitation of the Prefbytries
and kirks in all the quarters of this realme, be wakened up again, and put
in practife primo quoque tempore, with a fupply of fuch wants as fhall be
found in the former ordinance, either in places to be vifited, or tyme, or
perfons, vifiters, for the need was never greater.
Thirdly, That the chief fubject ofthe tryal be touching the ftudy, faith-
fulnefs, gravity and zeal of the Minifters of every Prefbytrie ab initio to-
wards the work of the Lord, in edifying Gods people be life and doctrine,
and of their increafe or decay of the fame fincefyne ; and that they be cen-
fured accordingly.
4ly, That, in the tryal of the life of every Minifter, the government of
his own perfon, and of his familie, touching the ufe of their fpeach, com
panie, meat, drink, and apparell, be narrowlie marked ; becaufe, in thefe
and the like, they fhould be examples to the flock ; and that the names of
the flanderous offenders in thefe premiffes, without exception of perfons, be
given up to the General Affembly.
5ly, That concerning doctrine, for of readers only, and men unable to
teach in fome reafonable meafure, there is an act made in the General Af
fembly, holden in the fame Town of Dundie 1580, difcharging them, as
having no lawfull nor ordinary office in the Miniftrie, which would be
tryed alfo, how it is keeped : Concerning doctrine then in teaching Mi
nifters, that diligent inquifition be made, what days and hours they preach,
how reverently and familiarly they break the Word to the capacity of their
people for their true edification, and what account they take of the peoples
profiting in knowledge and practice : and for this purpofe, that a well con
ceived act be fett doun be the General Affembly, touching the brydling
and leaving this curious kind of preaching, yea rather a certain unprofitable
and profane wo^a, without the right cutting of the Word, which of a
long tyme has been unprofitably ufed be many, and, be their example, be
ginneth now to be more exceffively ufed of moe, to the great hinderance of
true edification ; wherethrough the people univerfally for the moft part
within this realme, under a fhadow of religion, are intertained in atheifm,
without all true knowledge and feeling, as woefull experience does plainly
prove • For remedy whereof, fo far as in us lyeth, let us labour with the
Apoftle, that making more confcience of preaching, our preaching may
ftand rather in the evidence of the Spirit, and that the faith of our flockes
be not in the wifdom of men, but in the power of God. And here is not

1597- UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 965
to be ommitted the trial of the execution of the act made in the fame Town
of Dundie, in July 1580, touching the difcharging of Readers, as having
no ordinary office in the Kirk : as alfo, that the forme of catechifing com
monly ufed, be more plain and familiar, according to the manner of that
kind of doctrine, as the Word itfelf doth import.
Sixthly, That this may be the better brought to pafs, that it be enjoyned
to the Miniftry, be an ordinance of this Affembly, publickly and privatly
to urge divifion of great parifhes in competent congregations, and that with
fuch orderly and comely manner as may ftand with the quietnefs and good
will of the people, weighty reafons of their motion being gravely adduced.
7ly, That timely regard be taken in every Prefbytrie, of the infolent be
haviour of fuch, as under pretence would go about to deface or diminifh
the joint authority of the Prefbytrie, in matters belonging thereunto, be
drawing the fway of matters, after the convoy or authority of fome few
perfons : quhilk corruption, as it is no new thing in the Kirk, fo it has
been the original of all the antichriftian tyrannie that has wracked the li
berty of the Kirk from tyme to tyme ; and fo is the more fharply to be
watched on, and fnibed in tyme, wherfoever, or in whatfomever perfons,
it beginneth to break out.
8ly, When any publick fafts are appointed, (as prefently great need
there is, that one be,) that the true caufe of our miferies be truely tane up
from the ground without refpect of perfons ; and that all preachers being
made well acquainted therewith, may labour to feel the weight of them in
their own hearts, that they may fpeak of knowledge and feeling, and not
be bare information, confidering that the faying is true, fi vis me flere,
dolendum eft primum ipfi tibi : and therefore we read in the 2d of Joel,
that the Priefts were commanded, in tyme of publick faft, to weep between
the porch and the altar, and to fay, Spare thy people, O Lord &c. ; for it
appears the Lord will have us in all eftates, and fpecialy of the Miniftrie, to
come nearer the grounds of our calamity, than we have done yet ; that
feing the fword, we may blow the trumpet, as becometh for the tymely
warning of Gods people, and difcharging our own fouls in thefe moft perril-
lous dayes.
Ninthly and laft, That as the matter of our ftipends and Ta piowa be not
ommitted, but have their place to be treated either firft or laft in the Af
fembly, as need fhall require ; fo the care how to warne our Prince and
people of the prefent approaching deflruetion to him, this Kirk, and coun-

966 THE BOOKE OF THE 1598.
trie, and how wee may hereafter have better occafion to difcharge (every
man in his calling) a faithfull duty to Gods people, perifhing in this land
for lack of true knowledge, may have once the chief roume and place
amongft us in our Affemblies, (left wee get other reformers ere it be long ;)
for haec oportet facere, et ilia non ommittere ; and feeking the kingdom
of God, his righteoufnefs, thefe things fhall be eaft unto us.
In love, and fubmiffion to be made fruit of, as God fhall direct your
Wifdoms. Grandis prudentiae eft aurum in luto quaerere, quod
bonum fuerit retinere. C]

[After the Affembly was diffolved, the King directed Mr William Mel
vill and Mr David Mcgill, Senators of the Colledge of Juftice, with com
miffion to the Prefbytrie of Haddintoun, to complain upon Mr John
Davidfon for his mifbehaviour in the Affembly holdin in Dundie, (fo it
pleafed them to terme the giving in of his Proteftation.) The Prefbytrie
fent an officer to fummond him with certification.
Mr John compeared the next Prefbytrie day. He faid to the Prefbytrie,
He marvelled, that any queftion fhould be made touching that Proteftation,
feeing it was lawfull in itfelf, and the King himfelf found no fault with him,
when he was prefent in the Affembly. After reafoning to and fro, it was
agreed that fome brethren fhould goe into Edinburgh the day following
with Mr Davidfon, to advife with fome brethren in Edinburgh, and to goe
with them to the King. He confented, provyding the caus of the Kirk be
not prejudged in his perfon, and that he be not urged to pafs from his
Proteftation. The King would not admitt him to fpeech, but directed his fpeech to
Mr James Carmichael and James Gibfon, and called him a very ftark fooll,
an heretick, an anabaptift, a traitour to him, to the common weale, to
Chrift, and his Kirk.
The next Prefbytrie day, Mr David Mcgill profecuted before the Pref
bytrie of Hadintoun the action intended againft him ; but nothing done,
becaufe Mr John was detained at home be a feaver.
Upon the 26 of Aprile, a purfevant was fent from the Commiffioners
of the Generall Affembly to the Prefbytrie of Hadintoun, to get the extradt

1598. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 967
of the procefs againft him. It was denyed, and fome brethren were fent
to conferr with Mr David Makgill ; fo the action after lingering, at laft
was deferted.
Upon Fryday the 14 of Aprile, the Commiffioners of the General Af
fembly, appointed to fee Edinburgh planted, convented the Minifters of
Edinburgh before them. The King being prefent, the Moderator afked
Mr Robert Bruce if he was willing to accept a particular flock according
to the adt of the Generall Affembly. He anfwered, Yes. Next he de
manded, How foon. He anfwered, As foon as ye pleafe. Then, at the
Kings direction, he faid to Mr Robert, you muft have ordination befide the
reft. Mr Robert Bruce anfwered, He wold not be made a fpectacle more
nor the reft, offered himfelf ready to obey the decreet of the Generall Af
fembly, or to doe any other thing, that any Paftor of Edinburgh had to
doe. Some promifed to move his collegues to accept of the like. When
he was near fatiffied, the King hearing will have him only to accept of that
ceremony of impofition of hands. He refufed. They will him to advife
till the morne after noon. He went doun the morn to Mr Patrick Gallo
way his houfe. After long reafoning, they came to this point, that they
fhould all take impofition of hands alfe well as he. He went with them to
the Palace. The King fhewed him, that it behoved him to take a new or
dination. Mr Robert anfwered, He heard no word of a new ordination
in the Generall Affembly. The King affirmed the contrary. Mr Robert
called him to remembrance, that there is mention made only of impofition
of hands. That is a like, faid the King. Not a like, Sir, faid he ; for this
ceremonie may ferve, as well for confirmation, as ordination. The King
flipping from him, the Commiffioners defire him to enter in no further con-
teftation with the King, promiffing to give him a teftificat in writt, that this
ceremony was not for ordination ; and that Mr Robert Pont fould declare
the fame before the people, and approve his bygane Miniftry, and Paftoral
calling there ; and that they fhould caufe the reft of his Collegs receive the
lyke impofition : But the Lords day following, they caufed an edict to be
proclaimed after the doctrine, for him, and not for the reft, whereby he
perceived they meant to goe foreward with their ordination. Mr Robert
Pont feemed to be ignorant of the edict. Mr Robert Bruce therefore
craved their promife to be fubfcribed in writt, and agreed with Mr Robert
Pont upon a forme, which he promifed to get paft ; wherein he offered not
to ftand for the ceremony of impofition of hands, if they would ufe it, as a

968 THE BOOKE OF THE 1598-
ceremonie of entrie to a particular flock, or elfe a ceremony of confirmation
in his calling ; and willed them to acknowledge his former calling, certi
fying them, that if they ufed it as a ceremony of entry, he would not accept
of it. The Commiffioners, who had caufed ferve the edict, came up to the
toun, to fee what the people had to objeft againft Mr Robert. The people
all with one confent took inftruments, he was their lawful Paftor. After
the people was difmiffed, Mr Robert addreffed himfelf to the Commiffion
ers, afked, why they had ferved an edict for him more nor the reft ; defired
them to be plain with him, what was their meaning in that ceremony, and
to fubfcribe a ticket, which he had penned, wherein they fhall acknowledge
him to have had a lawfull calling, to be a Paftor in Edinburgh ; where
upon he took inftruments, that he was willing to obey the act of the Ge
neral Affembly, and to doe any thing, any other Paftor of Edinburgh would
doe. He went down to the Palace, where hardly he got accefs to the King,
in audience of Sir Patrick Murray. He defired his Majeftie would remove
all jealoufy and finiftrous opinions he had conceived of him, and to think
of him, as of a fubject well affected toward his fervice, whereof he fhould
give a proof, if it pleafed his Majeftie to employ him. The King promifed
to think no otherwife of him, and faid, he was well content, that he fhould
remain where he was. At laft, he defired to underftand, whether it was
his pleafure precifely, that he fhould take impofition of hands, or not. He
could not think his Majeftie would do any thing to difgrace his former
calling, or to prejudge his former Miniftry. If the Commiffioners feek
only a ratification of his former calling, he would not ftand with them for
a ceremony, fo much the rather, becaufe he faw his Majeftie fo bent upon
it. The King anfwered, He had commanded Mr Robert Pont to approve
his former travels and calling, in his doctrine. He thanked the King, and
defired only to get a little ticket penned to that effect, paft to him be the
Commiffioners, which he promifed to fend to his Majeftie incontinent. The
King promifed it fhould be done. Mr Robert fent the ticket incontinent
to Sir Patrick Murray. The meffenger returned with this anfwer, that
Sir Patrick promifed to get it paft, and to fend it back or 8 hours at night ;
but fo foon as Mr James Nicolfon and Mr Thomas Buchanan went doun to
the Abbey, the King was diverted. No anfwer was returned that night.
Sir Patrick went over the water foon in the morning, before Mr Robert
could come doun to him ; and the King went out to the hunting. This

1598. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 969
was the day of the admiffion of the Minifters to their particular quarters,
to wit the 18 of Aprile. The north eaft quarter reforted to the Colledge
Kirk, to receive Mr Walter Balcalquall and Mr George Robertfon : the
north weft quarter to the Great Kirk, to receive Mr William Watfon and
Mr John Hall : the fouth weft quarter to the Upper Tolbuith, to receive
Mr Robert Rollock and Mr Peter Hewat : the north eaft quarter reforted
to the Eaft or Little Kirk, where Mr Robert Bruce and Mr James Balfour
fliould have been received.
Before the ringing of the bell, Mr Robert caufed deal with the Com
miffioners for a ratification of his former calling. They would fubfcrive
nothing. The furtheft could be obtained was, that Mr Robert fhould come
in, and if he heard any thing that did not like him, he fhould be free to
goe out.
Mr Robert Pont, who made the fermon, it being ended, entered in the
action. After he had uttered many things to the commendation of Mr
Bruce, and acknowledged him to have been a Minifter in Edinburgh law
fully called ; at laft he afked, If he would take impofition of hands. The
other craved to make his anfwer in audience of the people. Mr Robert
Pont gives him place ; fo that they were both ftanding in the pulpit at one
time. There Mr Robert proved before the people, that he lacked nothing
that was effential to a lawfull calling, yet now, faid he, it hath pleafed the
Lord to try me, by calling my former calling in doubt : and the Commif
fioners of the General Affembly have urged me with a new ordination to
the Miniftry, as if I had never been a Minifter in Edinburgh. This new
ordination I could not accept, except I would proclaim my felf to have
runne unfent to this people thefe eleven years bygane. As to the cere
mony, becaufe I take it to be indifferent, and may ferve as well for confir
mation, as ordination, I will not refufe it, if that may pleafe you, faith he,
(directing his fpeach to fo many of thefe Commiffioners as were appointed
to attend the action in that Kirk,) only fubfcribe this ticket, that I may be
fure, that ye mean no other thing. So he read the ticket in their audience.
He preffed Mr Robert Pont to fubfcribe it, and offered him the pen ; but
he refufed, and eaft it over the pulpit to Mr Thomas Buchanan and Mr
James Nicolfon. The Bailie Cornelius Englis conveyed it to them, and re-
quiefted them very earneftly to fubfcribe it. They refufed all together, but
faid, they would ratifie whatfoever the preacher had fpoken. But faith Mr
Robert, he hath teftified the fame in effect ; teftify it be your hand writt: if ye
6 G

970 THE BOOKE OF THE 1598.
mean not truely, why doe ye deceive both him and the people. But in no cafe
they would fubfcrive, for no requieft ofthe Bailie, or the Elders who were
fitting befide them. Mr Robert perceiving their obftinacy, made him to
withdraw himfelf, becaufe he would not trouble their action : which when
Mr James Nicolfon perceived, he moved Mr John Nicolfon to call for Mr
Robert, and to move him to fit doun upon the furme befide them, and he
fhould find contentment. Mr Robert comes, and fitteth doun befide Mr
James, looking that Mr Robert Pont fhould have dimitted them without any
farther ceremony ; but he refufed, and they would not fubfcribe the ticket.
The Elders fitting upon the furmes, cried all with a loud voice, Wee ac
knowledge him to be our Paftor ; and, in token thereof, take him by the
hand. They prayed Mr Robert Pont to give his bleffing, and to admitt ;
but he refuted, and went to the prayer, and fo ended.
After noon, fome of the honeft citizens of the toun, together with Mr
James Nicolfon, went to the Commiffioners, defired them to report favour
ably and truely of the proceedings the forenoon. They promifed much,
but performed little, and made a dangerous report to the King.
The day following, Mr Robert and fome citizens went doun to the King,
but the Commiffioners preveened him. Mr Robert was called upon, but
none fuffered to come in with him. The King afked, What motion was
yon ye made yefterday in the Kirk. Mr Robert anfwered, There was no
motion offenfive. What meaned ye, faid the King, be going to the pulpit.
The people could not hear me, where I fat, faid Mr Robert. I chufed the
moft commodious place, with the Preachers leave, to make my anfwer.
What faid ye in the pulpit, faid the King. I faid, Sir, faid Mr Robert, in
effect, that I had lawfull calling, and the thing that was craved of me was
not lawfull. I dare fay upon my confcience, faid the King, ye have no
lawfull calling. Your Majeftie fpeaketh, as ye are informed ; but I reft
upon my inward warrant, faid Mr Robert. Ye faid to Mr Thomas Bu
channan, ye had rather given your life, ere ye had done it, faid the King.
Sir, after wee came out of the pulpit, I faid, my life was not fo dear to me,
as the honour of my calling, faid Mr Robert. What writt was it, ye urged
them to fubfcrive, faid the King. Even that fame writt, which they pro
mifed to fubl'crieve both on Saturday and Monday. Who promifed, faid
the King. Mr Robert Pont, Mr David Lindfay, John Duncanfon, Mr
James Nicolfon, and Mr Thomas Buchanan, faid Mr Robert. They are
falfe knaves then, faid the King ; and they themfelves alfo denyed. Mr

1598. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 971
Robert offered to prove it be witneffes. Mr Thomas Buchanan alledged,
he promifed only to approve whatfoever Mr Robert Pont had faid. Well,
faid Mr Bruce, but fo it is, that Mr Robert Pont called me a lawfull Paf
tor. But Mr Robert Pont and Mr Thomas both denyed. Mr Robert
Bruce offered to prove his alledgeance be a hundred witneffes. Then the
King afked him, how he bewitched the people with his harrangue. Sir,
faid Mr Robert, I ufe no harrangues. Mr Robert Rollock faith to him,
fo faid ye, ye would hot appeall to the Generall Affembly again. I thank
you for that, Mr Robert, faid Mr Bruce, ye are lyke to goe from differ
ence in opinion to malice in affection. Anfwer to the point, fays the King.
Ye have difobeyed the ordinance of the Commiffioners, faid the King. It
ought to have been intimated to me, faid Mr Robert. Read it to him,
Mr James, faid the King. It being read, Mr Robert faid, this is the firft
tyme that ever I faw it. Remove you, faid the King, wee will judge, not
withftanding, whither ye have difobeyed, or not. He is called in again in
continent, and its declared, that they had found him difobedient. He is
removed again, and after confultation called on. The King fhewed, that
it was his part to prevent difcord, which was like to arife among Paftors,
and to knitt them up in unity ; and therefore he had taken upon him, and
that of his own authority, to give him yet a day to obey their ordinance.
They wold ratifie his former doctrine, and fuch commiffion as he had
borne in name of the Kirk. He thanked the King, and afked, if they
would ratifie his former calling, that he had a lawfull calling to be a Paftor
in Edinburgh. Will ye, Mr Robert, that wee be plain with you, fayes the
King ; I am not of that mind, nor is there any here will fay, that ye have
a lawfull calling to be a Paftor in Edinburgh. Ye fhall hear them all
pofed in your audience. So the King afked firft Mr Robert Pont. He
was not refolved what to fay. The King left him, and afked at Mr David
Lindfay. Mr David faid, that he wanted impofition of hands. Ye fee,
Sir, faid Mr Robert, he fays not, that I am no lawfull Paftor ; he voteth
not fo. Mr David, fays the King, what fay ye, whether is he a lawfull
Paftor, or not. He anfwered, in refpect he wanteth impofition of hands, I
cannot fay. Then the King afked Mr Robert Rollock. He directed his
fpeech to Mr Robert Bruce. Sir, I grant ye have the prefentation of the
General Affembly, and the confent of the people, and that very great ; but
ye want ordination. After him voted Mr Thomas Buchanan, Mr James
Nicolfon, Mr Patrik Galloway, and John Duncanfon. Ye fee, quoth the

972 THE BOOKE OF THE 1598.
King, they call you no lawfull Paftor. Sir, fayes he, they obfcure that
conclufion ; I had rather been buried, if the Lord would have affifted me,
ere I had voted to the like of them. Then he afked of Mr Patrick Gal
loway, if he thought not his calling as good as his own. My calling is
better than yours, fayes Mr Patrick. Well, faid Mr Robert, when ye
drew upon us all this work, ye wold have faid other wayes ; ye and Mr
James Nicolfon formed the declinator, and wrote letters unto the Prefby
tries. Was Mr James Nicolfon, fayes the King, one of them. Forfuith
was he, fayes Mr Robert. Can ye fay no more, fayes Mr Patrick. I can
fay more, faid he. Ye have flipped from the caufe, faid he, and left us
out. As for my felf, I thank the living God, I am not afhamed of it.
With this Mr Robert was removed again, and they proceed to the fen
tence of deprivation, except he obeyed their firft ordinance, betwixt and
the nynth of May. He was called in again. The King caufed read the
fentence. When he heard it, he faid, he thanked God, he was ready, not
only to fuffer that much, but the very death in that caufe, if it fhould pleafe
God to call him to fuffer ; and I hope, Sir, faid he, ye fhall not charge me
wrong in that caufe, and it were to the very fcaffold.
So he came forth, and declared to fome of his friends what was done.
They advifed him to goe ben again, and to appeall from their ordinance to
the General Affembly. So he fent for Alexander Frier, a Noter, and
went in, when Mr James Balfour was called on, took inftruments of his
appellation. The King fayes to him, what is that ye are faying, thinking
to terrifie him. Sir, fayes he, I am appealling from this ordinance. It is
reafon, faid the King, to appeall and proteft, why not.
A little before the day that Mr David Lindfay brought him the copy of
the charge to leave off, he refolved to defift after the expyring of tlie day,
till fome new appointment interveen. So after the receipt of the charge,
he took his leave in the pulpit the fift of May.
The Prefbyterie of Edinburgh give their approbation and teftimony to
his calling, as followes. 2 May, 1598.
The which day the brethren of the Prefbytrie of Edinburg having ripely
advifed upon the defire of their brother, Mr Robert Bruce, willing to de-

1598. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 973
clare, whither he had been, and is yet a lawfull Paftor of the Kirk of Edin
burgh, having his calling of the Generall Affembly thereto : The whole
brethren being prefent, gave their refolute anfwer without contradiction,
That they had acknowledged, and acknowledge him to be a lawfull Paftor
of the faid Kirk, by whom God in his mercy had wrought effectually in the
faid paftoral charge ; and be whole travells the whole Kirk and themfelves
had received great comfort.
Extract out of the bookes, &c.
Mr Charles Lumfdane, Clerk to the Prefbytrie of Edinburgh.
The Prefbytrie of Edinburgh fent doun Mr James Balfour, Mr Walter
Balcalquall, William Aird, and Mr Charles Lumfden, to the Commiffion
ers to deal for Mr Robert. They agreed with the Commiffioners upon a
forme, and after prefented it to Mr Robert. He corrected fome words in
it, and fent it back to the brethren. They directed it to Mr Patrick Gal
loway, and Mr Robert Rollock : it lieth befide them unanfwered.
Mr Robert is fent for to the King and Commiffioners upon Tuefday the
9 of May. The King urgeth him with obedience to their ordinance. Mr
Robert anfwered, that the Commiffioners and he had agreed upon a forme,
with advice of the Prefbytrie. Mr Robert Rollock draweth it out of his
pocket, and prefents it to the King. The King would not ftand content
with it, but reformed it at his own pleafure, and gave it to Mr Robert
to advife upon. Mr Robert conferred with the Prefbytrie, and feeks their
advice. At the firft, fome of the number perceived not the deceit, which
was lurking under the words ; but after noon, when they entered in new
conference with the Commiffioners, they faw they meaned not uprightly
in that forme, which they had conceived ; therefore urged the firft. They
would not condifcend till they had advifed with the King. The King wold
not alter his forme. Mr Robert being wearied went out of the toun to
take the air. Mr John Spotfwood, now Archbifhop of Sanct Andrews,
being directed from the Commiffioners, overtakes him within half a myle
out of the toun : he fhewed to him, that the Commiffioners marvelled that
he fhould depart out of the toun, the procefs not being clofed ; and that
he had anfwered for him, that in refpect they had found him difobedient
already, and had proceeded to the fentence of deprivatioun, that he had no
farther to doe, except that the King had charged him to attend upon his
incoming. Mr Robert anfwered, He was charged only to attend before

974 THE BOOKE OF THE 1598.
noon, and yet attended both before and after noon. In the end Mr Spotf
wood faid, he had power fra the Commiffioners to offer him admiffion
without any ceremony. Mr Robert defired writt upon that, and then they
fhould have an anfwer.
Upon Fryday the 12 of May, Mr John Spotfwood, Mr John Prefton,
and Mr George Young went out to Smeton to Mr Robert. He afked at
Mr Spotfwood, if he brought with him the writt, which he promifed. Mr
Spotfwood faid, the Commiffioners were willing, but the King wold not
agree to it ; and that he had brought another little different from his own.
When Mr Robert wold have made fome animadverfions upon it, Mr
Spotfwood alledged, he was difcharged to alter one fyllable.
Upon the 13th of May, Mr Spotfwood fent a letter to Mr Robert,
wherein he made known to him, that he had brought the King and the
Commiffioners almoft to fatiffy his defire, and fent a third forme, which
he prayed him to agree unto ; yea he ftirred up fome of his chief friends
to urge him : fo fundry of Mr Roberts friends wrought upon be his craft,
condemned Mr Robert, as if he flood only upon trifles.
Upon 14 day of May, Mr John Prefton, Mr John Nicolfon, and Mr
George Young went out to Mr Robert, and requiefted him to returne to
the toun. He yielded, and returneth the day following, that is Monday
the 15 of May, in the morning.
Mr Andrew Knox, Minifter of Paifley, and after Bifhop of the Ifles,
was fent to him, as appeared, be the Commiffioners : he travelled between
him and them for the fpace of three or four hours. One of the Bailies
prefented to Mr Robert a forme, affuring himfelf of the Commiffioners
confent ; but that they would have him fubfcrive firft. Mr Robert was
content with the form and fubfcribed ; but the Bailiff could not get their
fubfcriptions, howbeit fome of them had promifed.
Mr Patrick Simpfon travelled with the Commiffioners, but could not
obtain that which was reafonable.
The day following, that is the 16 of May, which was the Prefbytrie day,
Mr Robert propounded to the Prefbytrie, and other brethren conveened
out of fundrie quarters, if they thought it meet he fhould take a new or
dination to the Miniftry, or not ; craved their interlocutor, and removed
himfelf. After a fpace he was called in, and they declared, it was their
mind that he fhould not take a new ordination to the Miniftrie.
After noon the Commiffioners conveened together with the whole Pref-

1598. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 975
bytrie and many other brethren. They fent for Mr Robert twife, ere he
would come. At laft be cometh : He afked, Whether it was his ordina
tion to the Miniftrie that was fought, or not. The Commiffioners would
give no direct anfwer. Mr Robert burfting forth in the grief of his heart,
faid, They had perfecuted him extremely, and had ufed tyrannous and im
perious dealing toward him ; that he could never remember, that he ever
abufed any of them in word or deed, or ufed any recrimination, fave only
againft Mr Patrick Galloway, and that compelled be his injurious fpeeches
uttered before the King, at their laft meeting in the Abbay. And now
faid Mr Robert, I take my leave of you, brethren, and wifh you from my
heart rather to choife affliction than iniquity. Mr Patrick granted he fpoke
the words alledged ; but he fpake them in refpect he had impofition of
hands, which Mr Robert wanted. Mr James Balfour replyed, that he
wanted impofition of hands alfe well as Mr Robert. Mr Robert went out,
and left them at this debate.
Some of the brethren were directed to Mr Robert, and again mended
the forme : Mr Robert would not agree unto it, except they fpecified in
plain terms, that the impofition of hands, which they urged, was not a
ceremony of ordination to the Miniftry. The Commiffioners refufe, and
offered admiffion without all ceremony, rather than to infert that claufe.
Mr Robert was content to take admiffion as the reft had it. When they
perceived him fatiffied, they would have paffed from their offer ; but at laft
were brought to be content to infert his words in the laft forme.
The Commiffioners went doun to the King, and informed him what was
done. The King yielded at laft, and appointed the nixt Friday to be the
day of his admiffion.
Upon Wednefday the 17 of May, the Commiffioners conveened in the
Eaft or Little Kirk, and fent for Mr Robert : He went to them, and de
fired to know in tyme, whether they meant as they fpake. It was long
ere they would anfwer. At the laft, they declared, that they fpake as they
meant, and wrote as they fpoke. Mr Robert taketh the brethren witnefs.
Mr Robert Pont is appointed to teach. Mr Robert and he differed about
the forme of the declaration, which he fhould ufe in pulpit, as he had found
him ambiguous before both be word and be writt. At laft Mr Robert and
the Commiffioners agree, that the writt, which he and they had fubfcribed,
fhould be read, and ferve for his declaration.
Upon Fryday the 19 of May, Mr Robert Pont made a fermon in the

976 THE BOOKE OF THE

1598.

ion

Little or Eaft Kirk of Edinburgh ; and after fermon, and the declaratL.
forefaid made, came doun from the pulpit, and laid hands upon the heads
of Mr Robert, and Mr John Balfour. The Elders and Deacons fitting
befide upon furmes, took them be the hands, and received them as their
lawfull Paftors. C]
[The Synod of Fyff convenit in Dumfermling in the monethe of Junie.
Ther war Commiffioners from his Maieftie, the Lord of Towngland, and
Sir Patrik Murray.
Reafoning was, and the iudgments of all the Prefbyteries and breithren,
giffen in thir Queftiones.
1. Efter what maner he fall be chofin wha fall vot in Parliament for the
Kirk : Whither fall the Kirk haue the nominatioun, and the King the
choife, or e contra. Cuper Prefbyterie, quhilk Mr Thomas Buchanan
gydit, thought that the Kirk fould nominat fyve or fax, out of the quhilk
the King fould chufe an. The vther thrie Prefbyteries aggreit in an, that
the Kirk fould mak chofe of ther awain Commiffionars, and therwith the
King fould content and accept the fam, as the Barrones and Burrowes
does. 2. Whow lang fould they continow.
Cuper Prefbytrie anfwerit, Tota vita, nifi interueniat culpa. The vther
thrie in an, That they fould continue from a Generall Affemblie to an
vther. 3. Whow they fould be callit.
Cuper Prefbyterie thought it a thing indifferent, whither they war callit
Bifchopes or Commiffioners. The vther thrie in an, thought the confe-
quens of the nam of graitter importance, becaufe the verie nam of Bifchope
now importethe the corruptioun and tyrranie in the Kirk ; and therfor
that they fould be called Commiffioners of the Kirk.
4. Concerning their rent.
All aggreit in that it fould be but hurt of vther kirks, and nocht hinder
the diffolutioun of benefices.
Mr James Melvill protefted for his awin part, he wald haue na thing
ado with the forging or blocking ofit in anie fort j for as he faw it work
ing, the beft forme of it wald be bot a corruptioun and tyrannie brought in
within the Kirk to the wrak therof.
But all the cair and trauell ofthe Kings Commiffioners, was to gett lick
thrie men nominat as the King lyked beft of: grait deuyfes and mikle

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 977
biffines was about that. In end they fand the way to put vpon the lyttes
a guid number of the thrie Prefbyteries that war againft tham, that they
might be quyt of thair vottes ; and fa haiffing moyenned the reft behind,
they gatt thair intent, for Mr George Gladfteanes, Mr Thomas Buchanan,
and Mr Jhone Fearfull were chofen Commiffioners be manieft votes ; and
thefe that were upon the leits were called in. Whilk when the guid bre-
thring efpyed, they wald give them na vther commiffioun bot to report
faithfullie thair iudgment in the Queftionnes ; and attending therto, to rea
fone, vot, and conclud, and fie ne quid Ecclefia detrimenti capiat. Pro-
mitten to approue and allow na thing bot that quhilk they did lawfullie in
that matter.
The Commiffioners from Synods conveened at Falkland in the moneth of
Auguft. Mr James Melvill went not to it ; yea his opinioun and wis was,
ther fould be na generall meittings, Rege prefidente, vnles it pleafit God
to turn and fett his heart vtherwayes ; for he faw and was certean, we fould
ay be farder and farder behind in the finceritie and libertie of Chryfts king-
dome ; and they fould euer, a way or vther, get thair intents brought
about. Allwayes in generall, the King and his Commiffioners fand nocht fie
fordar in their purpofe as they luiked for. What was concluded be plurality
of votes, was related to the General Affembly following.
The General Affembly, that was appointed to be holden the year follow
ing at Aberdeen, in July, was prorogat be the Kings proclamatiouns almoft
a yeir, for aduyfment and better dreffing of maters. C. & MelvilPs Diary.]

It 99.
[The King offended at the Minifters of Edinburgh for finding fault with
the prefent corruptions, namely, the reftoring of Beton, Bifhop of Glafgow,
the keeping of Chriftmafs, and the idle Munday, fent up Sir Patrick Mur
rey to Mr Robert Bruce with certain acts of the General Affembly, and
to crave his anfwerin writt, whither he would be judged be them, or not.
After advifement, he anfwered be word, he could not refule judgement ;
let the Judge advife be what law he would judge him.
The Commiffioners of the General Affembly, with Sir Patrick Murrey,
were fent from the King to the four old Minifters of Edinburgh, to crave
6 H

978 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599.
their fubfcription to fome afts of the General Affembly. Mr James Nicol
fon fhewed them, that his Majeftie compted them branglers of his Eftate ;
and that he thought not himfelf fecure, unlefs they fubfcribed thefe acts.
Mr John Hall anfwered, That they had not come within the compafs of
thefe acts ; that they were content to be tryed, and to be judged be them ;
but as to the fubfcriving of them, it was a novelty, and fuch a preparative
as they could not beginne.
The King was not content with this anfwer, but employed the Prefident
and fome others of the Counfel to conferre with them ; but the conference
took no effect, for they faid, they never had been in ufe of injunctions be
fore, and could not beginne them. So they were brought doun upon
Munday the eight of January to the King. They defired his Majeftie to
fet doun his propofition in writt, that they might anfwer it in writt. They
took his propofition, and advified upon it that night.
Mr John Hall was fent with their anfwer in writt the day following.
Tbe King was not fatiffied. They were fent for to come doun. They
went. The King would have them to fubfcribe after the affirmative, or
the negative. They anfwered, They were ready to fubfcribe the negative,
if his Majeftie would fuffer theni to add their reafon. He would not fuffer,
but removed them ; and moved the Commiffioners to teftify againft them
in writt, that they had refufed to fubfcribe either of the parts of the con- ,
tradiction. The King accufed them before the Secret Counfel. He profeffed before
the Lords, that he dreaded them bodily harme ; that they were upon fome
confpiracy againft him, his enemies, men at whofe hands he could never
look for good, and fo defired the Lords to add a certain punifhment to the
act of the Eftates. The Lords voted, that the punifhment fhould be arbi
trary, as his Majeftie fhould decerne, according to the quality of the crime.
It was ordained, that they fhould be warned to compear that day 8 days
before the Counfel.
They compear. The Prefident and the Lord Fleming were directed
from the Counfel to fpeak with them. They defire them to hear patiently
whatfoever his Majeftie fhould fpeak, and make no anfwer. They advifed
among themfelves, and made this anfwer, That if his Majeftie touched
their Miniftrie, it behoved them to ftand to the defence of the fame ; other-
ways they had the lefs to fpeak.
They were called in. The King made a long harranguo ; and in end

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 979
came to this point, that he wold pafs from all byganes, fo that they would
promife there before the Counfel, to obey all his lawes, and lawes of the
Affembly ; fpecialy the two acts made at Sanct Johnftoun, one of the Af
fembly, the other of the Eftates ; that they fhould not medle with any of
his lawes and proceedings, without privie admonition preceeding, of what
fort foever they were : for they had before excepted in their writt matters
of religion, wherein Gods honour was impaired, and the eftate of the Kirk
indangered. They anfwered with all humility and reverence, It behoved
them to be accountable of their actions, and of their Miniftry. As to their
actions, they were open to the view ofthe world, fo they were well con
tent his Majeftie and Counfel fhould try them, and fo deale with them, as
they find them merit. And for their affections, how reverent they were
toward his Majefties perfon and high calling, God, who only faw the fe-
crets of hearts, would bear witnefs one day. As to their Miniftry, they
were to make accompt to the Lord for it : Always, touching his Majefties
defire, they faid, they had given their anfwer. already in writt, and with
that produced it again. The King faid, He would have thefe two acts
obeyed. They anfwered, They wold be content to be fubject to them, that
is, to be cenfured be them accordingly, if they were found to have tranf-
greffed in any fort ; but obey the direction of them they could not, but in
fo far as they agreed with the Word of God. Agree not the acts of the
Affembly with the Word of God, fayes the King, that was plain anabaptif-
try. They anfwered, Wee fpeak, Sir, according to our light ; and if any
man will let us fee better out of the Word, we will yield to it. That law
fhall ye obey, fayes the King. Will ye, Sir, (fay they,) fave our religion, as
we have it already eftablifhed be our own laws and the Word of God. In
other things we fhall keep us, be Gods grace, within the compafs of the
act ; but if any thing fall be done (as God forbid) to the open prejudice of
our religion, wherefor ferve we, if we fall not fhew, that the Word of God
plainly damneth it. Will ye fufpect me, fayes the King. We fufpect an
Angel, if an Angel bring an other Gofpel, fay they. Well, fayes the King,
upon your perrill be it : I affure you, ye fall be punifhed to the example of
others ; and this he repeated oftner than ten tymes.
After this they defired, that feeing they could not get leave to bruik a
good confluence, that it would pleafe his Majeftie to give them their dimif-
iion, and let them live as fubjedls in the country. That pertaineth not,
faid he, to the Counfel ; give in your bill to me and my Commiffioners.

980 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599.
They defired the interlocutor of the Counfel, what they thought of the
matter, and fo were removed.
They were called in again. The Chancellor fhewed to them, the Coun-
fell would not medle with it. The King began to threaten them in the
end, faying, that neither Edinburgh nor Scotland fhould keep them, if they
obeyed not thefe lawes. They afked the King, what was the paine. The
Eftates had fet doun your paine, fayes the King, according to the fault. If
ye fpeak againft me, my Croun or Eftate, hanging fhall be the pain for the
firft fault ; if otherwife ye fpeak againft fifh or flelh, or any inferiour lawes,
the paine fhall be the lefs. In whofe hand is this paine, Sir, fay they.
Whither is it in the Counfels hands, or in your Majefties hands. The King
anfwered, It is in my hands, given to my arbitriment.
After this, in refpect they had both the act of the Eftates, and the act
of the Affembly againft them, and in refpect the King had intimat to them
their punifhment, they thought it meet to abftain till they might find a
favourable interpretation of .the act from the Commiffioners, to fhew their
unity in mind with them.
The Commiffioners promifed to give them their interpretation, and to
avow it before the King. The day was fet, and they looked for it ; but
they difappointed them, and fent them doun to fpeak with the King, as if
the King had been of a good mind toward them.
They went doun, found the King ready to leap on ; but got never harder
words, and at no tyme ever found him worfe minded ; never received they
fo many injunctions at any tyme : and he affured them, goe where they
would, they fhould be forced to keep them, not only in this country, but
in the next, if they come there ; and fent them to Mr Alexander Hay, to
get them from him. They went to Mr Alexander Hay, and conferred with
him. He promifed to fet them doun in writt and fend them to them.
Huntlie the Duke and Erroll were come to Edenburgh. This hard
dealing with the Minifters of Edinburgh was no doubt to break them
before Huntlies coming.
About the tenth of Februar the King bringeth doun the Exchecker to
his own chamber, and there difponeth a penfion, which Mr Robert Bruce
had out of the Abbacie of* Arbroth, twenty four chalder of victual, or
therby ; Mr Robert not being cited nor heard, howbeit he had a gift of it
for his lyfe tyme, and letters conforme upon his gift. He affifted the Lord

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 981
Hammiltons tennents againft Mr Robert, when they fufpended his charge.
When that mean ferved not, he wold medle in the matter of his own in
tereft. Mr Robert was ready to take up his peeces, (proces ?) if either he would
have keeped his penfion in his own hand, or beftow it upon kirks, as he pre
tended : But when the Lords perceived that he gave command to tranfferr
all his right to my Lord Hammilton, to give decreet in his favours, and
that there was collufion between them ; the Lords advifed Mr Robert to
proceed in his action.
The King was prefent when the action was called : and threatned the
Lords when he was abfent ; either he fent for fome of them, or fent his
ring to others, and all to pervert juftice. He was prefent when it came
to voting ; and perceiving Mr Robert was like to prevail, he raged, and
afked, Who durft be fo bold as to vote in that matter in his favours.
Four or five of the number rofe up, and faid, With his Majefties reverence,
except he would difcharge them be his abfolute power, they both durft,
and wold doe their office. All voted with Mr Robert, except one, who
for fear durft not. After the interlocutor was paft in Mr Roberts favours,
matters were referred to his probation to pleafe the King.
The probation was delayed till the next Seffion. His rage continueth.
He fends for the Advocats to caufe them intend a new action againft Mr
Robert. When he heard, that the Pryour of Blantyre, Treafurer, fitting
among the Lords, had fent out a ticket to Mr Roberts Procurators to
come in, and refolve the Lords, whether there was fuch a claufe in his gift,
or not, as was alledged : The King cometh to the place of Juftice, accu-
feth the Treafurer. The Lords find no crime in that he did ; yet to pleafe
the King, they were content, he fould be removed when that action came
before them.
The King was not fatiffied ; but commanded the Treafurer to waird in
the Caftle of Edinburgh ; and after fent fome to defire him to give over
his office. He refufed, unlefs the King payed him what he was indebted
to him. After that he was charged to enter in Inuernefs, and could never
be at reft till he dimitted his office. Thefe things fell out about the tenth
of March.
It was credibly reported to Mr Robert, that the King, among many de-
fpitefull fpeaches uttered to Mr Roberts difgrace, faid, Were not for fhame,
if he had a whinger, he wold eaft it at his face. There paft not a Saturday

982 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599-
for 15 weeks, whereon the King did not fend one meffenger or other to
trouble his meditation.
At laft, Mr Robert employed the Queen to procure the Kings favour ;
and received the Kings anfwer out of her mouth, in thefe words, That ex
cept he gave him furetie in writt, fubfcribed with his oun hand, that he
would at no tyme medle with him, his eftate, laws, or proceedings, he
could no wayes be content with him : If he would grant his hand writt to
that promife, he fould be in als great credit as he ever was, and have all
things at command : otherways he could not well fuffer him ; for he went
in between him and his fubjects, and ftirred their hearts to rebellion
againft him.
Colonell Murrey made a motion to Mr Robert to goe with him to Flan
ders, affuring him, that the King would give him letters of recommenda
tion. Mr David Lindfay, Minifter at Leith, advifed him to provide for him
felf : for he faw, it behoved either to be the Kings life, or his, or both ;
and fuch other terrifying fpeeches he had : Mr Robert anfwered, He was
content, providing it were done with confent of the Prefbytrie, and his
flock. Means were effayed be the Kings inftruments to get this done.
When this failed, others were hounded out to terrify him. The Clerk
of Regifter and fundry other Lords of Counfell advertifed him, that they
were not his friends that flayed him : for fay they, Wee have heard the
King fay, that he hated not Bothwell with a greater hatred, nor he doth
you. Mr John Hall, one of the Minifters of Edinburgh, told him, that he
heard fome of the Commiffioners of the General Affembly fay, That he
was the only peft and troubler of the whole Kirk of Scotland. The truth
is, they would have been rid of him ; becaufe, as long as he flood in that
place of the Miniftry, he wold be a great impediment to their proceed
ings. Mr James Robertfon and Mr Andrew Lamb, directed from the Synod of
Angus about the 29 of Aprile, proponed to King the a motion made in the
Synod, to wit, That it would pleafe his Majeftie to draw the Miniftry to
gether to be reconfiled one with an other ; to the end they might be a
greater barre againft Papifts : But the true and fecret drift intended was,
that, under peace and concord, they might fet foreward their own courfe.

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 983
The King anfwered, He knew none of the Miniftrie to be at variance,
except one man, who would neither obey God nor man ; and if they
would fuffer him, he fould take order with him, meaning Mr Robert
Bruce. Some of the Commiffioners of the General Affembly laboured priviely
to draw fome of the Minifters of Edinburgh from Mr Robert, as Mr John
Hall and Mr James Balfour confeffed to him in plain terms before fome
brethren of the Miniftry.
Not long after the King caufed lybell a new fummonds againft Mr Ro
bert, to force him either to fuffer the action to goe with him, and fo to
cutt off his raoyand, and difable him to live in Edinburgh ; or if he infill
ed, to put not only himfelf in danger, but alfo all his friends that loved
him, alfe well Advocats, as Lords ofthe Seffion.
Upon the 22 of June, the Minifters of Lothian conveened in Edinburgh
at the Kings appointment. Mr David Lindfay wold have the Faft indict
ed be the laft Synod, continued till a general Faft, which was to be ap
pointed in July in a Convention of Minifters which was to be held in Sanct
Andrews. The Prefbytries all agreed to the keeping of the Faft appointed
at the laft Synod, feeing it was not prejudicial to the other. John Dun-
canfon confeffed the King defired not the Faft to be left off, but fome caufes
to be ommitted. Whereupon the caufes were read, as they were penned
be Mr Robert Pont himfelf at the Synods command, as followeth.
Finaly, For as much as, after fo long offering of the graces of God unto
this unthankfull countrey, be the preaching of the Gofpel now be the fpace
of 40 years bypaft, the Kirk perceives fuch a coldnefs and loathing of the
truth to be fallen out in all Eftates, that none can be excufed thereof: The
Minifters and Teachers for their parts, for the moft part being negligent to
difcharge their duty, in free rebuking of fuch enormities as fall out in the
country ; and in fo doing, reftraining the liberty of the Word, and bringing
the blood of fouls, that perifh through tlieir default, on their own heads :
And the people of all Eftates from the higheft to the lowefl, being become
loathfome hearers thereof, and not humbling themfelves to the obedience
and cenfure of the Word : Whereby it appears, that the Lord our God,
in his juft judgement, is moved to take away both the liberty of preaching,
and to loofe the yock of difcipline, which, be his great mercy, has been ef
tablifhed and continued among us ; and to break the hedge thereof, be ap-

984 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599.
pearand fetting up of thefe things, that plainly have been damned concern
ing the fpiritual government of the Kirk, in times bypaft, meaning the
Eftate of Bifhops.
Mr Robert Ponts advice was, that prayer fhould be made at the Faft for
the Convention which was to be holden at Sandt Andrews. Mr John
Davidfon anfwered, I pray God difappoint them, that conveen in the name
of man, and not in the name of God and his Kirk, but be virtue of that
Affembly againft which I protefted at Dundie.
In their reafoning about the Faft, Mr David Lindfay faid, the oppofition
of Minifters to the King had done much evil. Mr Robert Bruce and Mr
Duncanfon anfwered, That not oppofition, but yielding had done much
evil ; neither was oppofition a yielding fo much to the King, as to fome
Minifters whom it became to be otherwayes occupyed. Mr John Spotf
wood, now Bifhop of Sanct Andrews, faid, Let us not feek worldly eafe,
with the lofs of the liberty of Chrifts Kingdom. C]
[In a meeting of the King and Commiffioners with fundry brethren, at
Sanct Andrews, in the beginning of July, the King and Commiffioners
obtained a reconciliation and profeffion of brotherly love ; as if the differ
ence had been only in opinion and judgment concerning the acts and con-
clulions that were already paft.
The Conference of Commiffioners from Synods was prorogued to No
vember. At this tyme Montrofe was made a Chancellour of the Univerfitie, Mr
George Glaidftanes, Vice Chancellour, and Mr Andro Melvill, Dean of
the Facultie of Theologie. C. & Melvills Diary.]
[The King made a new vifit of the Univerfitie, where it was ordained,
That there fhould be yearly, upon the 3 of March, a Dean of Faculty of
Theologie elected by the Doctors, the Minifters refident within the City,
and the principal Matters of the Colledges ; which Dean fo chofen, fhould
have the like privilege and jurifdiction upon the Students and Profeffors
of Theologie, that the Deans of Philofophy had by the Foundation over
the Profeffors thereof: with exprefs provifion, that he who was elected
Dean, fhould not till after three years fpace be received again into the
office. Other Conclufions were taken for diftributing the Students of Theologie
in Claffes, and their yearly examination. Spotfwood.]

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 985
[Mr Robert Bruce and Mr James Balfour feek tranfportation, but can
not find a fufficient authority at this Convention holden at Sanct Andrews
to loofe them : Therefore the matter lieth over to the General Affem
bly. C]
[The fame year did the King publifh his Doron Bafilicon upon this oc
cafion. Sir James Semple, one of his Majefties fervants, (whofe hand was
ufed in tranfcribing that Treatife,) upon an old familiarity with Mr Andrew
Melvill, did give it him to read, who offending with fome paffages that
touched the Miniftry and prefent Difcipline, took copies thereof, and dif-
perfed the fame amongft the Minifters : thereupon a Libel was formed, and
eaft in before the Synod of Sanct Andrews, wherein the paffages at which
they excepted being firft fet down, it was afked, What cenfure fhould be
inflict upon him that had given fuch inftructions to the Prince, (for that
Treatife was directed to Prince Henry,) and if he could be thought well
affected to religion, that had delivered fuch precepts of government. Sir
Patrick Murray and Mr James Nicolfon being prefent in the Synod as
Commiffioners for the King, and apprehending the Libel to concern his
Majefty, made diligent enquiry to find out the prefenters. The whole num
ber pretending ignorance, the Commiffioners commanded the doors to be
fhut, and the roll of the Minifters names to be called, who being put to
their oath one by one did purge themfelves ; yet was it tried the very next
day to be laid on the table by Mr John Dikes, Minifter at Anftruther.
Spotfwood.] [The Synod judged them treafonable, feditious and wicked ; and think
ing that fuch propofitions could not be maintained be the King, they fent
them to him. The King knowing that none durft exhibit the book itfelf,
fent Mr Francis Bothwell to apprehend Mr John Dykes; but he efcaped,
and fled as foon as he faw him, and was denounced rebel.
The Conclufions, whereby they got certain knowledge of the Kings de-
terminat mind in matters of the Kirk fet doun in that Book as a Teftament
to his fon, were fpecially thefe following.
1. The office of a King is a mixed office betwixt the ciuill and ecclefiaf-
tik efteat.
2. The rewling ofthe Kirk weill is na fmall part ofthe Kings office.
3. The King fould be Judge if a Minifter vag from his text in pulpit.
4. The Minifters fould nocht mell with maters of efteat in pulpit.
6i

986 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599.
5. The Minifter, that appealles from the Kings judicator in his doctrine
from pulpit, fould want his head.
6. Na man is mair to be hated of a King nor a proud Puritane.
7. Paritie amangs the Minifters can nocht agrie with a Monarchie.
8. The godlie, lerned, and modeft men of the Miniftrie, fould be pre
ferred to Bifchopries and benefices.
9. Without Bifchops, the thrie Efteats in Parliament can nocht be re-
eftablifhed : therfor Bifchops mon be, and paritie banifhed and put away.
10. They that preatches againft Bifchops, fould be punifhed with the
rigour of the law.
11. Puritans ar pefts in the Commoun weill and Kirk of Scotland.
12. The Principals of tham ar nocht to be fuffered to bruik the land.
13. For a preferuative againft ther poifone, ther mon be Bifchops.
14. The Minifters fought till eftablifhe a democracie in this land, and tb
becom Tribuni plebis thamfelues, and lead the peiple be the nofe, to bear
the fwy of all the gouernment.
15. The Minifters quarrell was euer againft the King, for na vther caufe
bot becaufe he was a King.
16. Paritie is the mother of confufion, and enemie to vnitie, quhilk is
the mother of ordour.
17- The Minifter thinks be tyme to draw the policie and ciuill gouern
ment, be exemple of the eccefiafticall, to the fam paritie.
18. Na conventionnes or meittings of Kirkmen to be fuffered bot be the
Kings knawlage and permiffioun.
In the monethe of November therefter, the King, maid to vnderftand
that a Conference amangs the breithring of all fortes wald mak maters to
go fordwart peaceablie, and all his purpofes to pas eafiely at the nixt Gene
rall Affemblie, fend his miffives athort all the provinces, and convocat the
fpecialles of the Minifterie from all partes to Edinbruche againft the 17 of
November. The foum of the quhilk Conference, als faifhfullie and neir as Mr James
Melvill could collect and remember it immediatlie therefter, he fett down
as followes :

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 987
The Soum of the Conference keipit at Halirudhoufe, the 17 of No
vember 1599. The Preface.
Becaufe the meittings of the laft Generall Affemblie was fadtius, tumul-
tuus, confufe, haitt, and vnordour lyk ; leaft the lyk fould fall out at the
nixt, his Maieftie, withe advys of the Commiffionars, thought meit till
apoindt this prefent Conference, and call therevnto of all fortes of the Min
ifterie, zealus and fyrie, modeft and graue, wys and indifferent, wherin
maters might be quyetlie and graulie reafonit, and a way prepearit to a
decent and peaceable Affemblie, wherin they may be decydit and concludit.
The Propofition.
The propofition was : That it was permitted to euerie an ther convein-
ed, friely to reafone and fchaw thair mynd bathe vpon things concludit
in Affemblies and Conferences before ; as alfo on things to be concludit
that war yit in deliberatioun : Provyding alwayes, that na reafone war
brought againft things concludit in Affemblies, but onlie out of Scripture,
quhilk may iuftlie be brought and vfed againft the conftitutionnes of anie
Affemblie. The breithring that ftud for the eftablifhed difcipline and difaffented from
whatfoeuer conftitutiones, actes, or ordinances maid in the leat and new
form of Affemblies, preiudiciall to fam, anfwerit, They nather could nor
wald reafone in thefe maters, nocht being preparit therfor, nor meining to
preiudge the Generall Affemblie following. In the quhilk, efter the in
ftrudtion of God's Word, and calling for his wifdome, they purpofed, be
his grace, being called therto, to fpeak thair mynd cleirlie and fullie, as
God fould furnife abilitie and warrand be his Word and Spreit.
It was anfwered, That there was na preiudice meinit to the Affemblie,
bot onlie a preparatioun for it ; and in cais anie having occafioun to fpeak
now, being wryttin for be the King for that effect, and keipe vpe his rea-
fones and mynd to ftand in the head of a factioun therwith therefter in the
Affemblie, he might be counted a fais knaue.
The breithring being thus vrged, accordit to fpeak as they could remem-

988 THE BOOKE OF THE 159&
ber prefentlie ; protefling alwayes the faftie of the caufe from hurt, that the
Affemblie war nocht preiudgit, and that it might be leifome to tham to help
thair prefent fpeitches and reafones, and bring out fordar as they might
attein vnto, for the weill of the caufe at the nixt Affemblie.
Sa the conclufiones of the Affemblie at Dondie was read, bearing, That
it was neidfull and expedient that Minifters fould vott in Parliament ; and
that that office was of a mixed qualitie, partlie ciuill, partlie ecclefiafti
cal], &c.
In lyk maner, was read the thing done at the Conventioun at Falkland
efter the faid Affemblie, with the car.eattes for keiping of the faids votters
in Parliament from all Epifcopall corruptioun, &c.
And fa returning to the former conclulion, the cheiff poinct of all, it was
proponit to be reafonit vpon firft, and the faid breithring requyrit what
they haid to fay againft the faming.
The breithring anfwered : They knew na warrant of the Word of God
for fie a conclulioun ; defyrit, therfor, they might be inftructed of the
[fame] be Scripture, quhilk giff they could find, they wald willinglie aggrie
and ftand content ; giff nocht, that conclulioun could nocht be maid in
fathe, and therfor wrang, and to be reformed in thair iudgment.
Na Scripture was producit, only a reafone buildet vpon this principall :
Euangelium non deftruit polytiam : Atqui haec eft pars politic. Ergo.
To the quhilk it was anfwerit be diftinction of polytia in lawfull and vn-
lawfull ; and the lawfulnes therof behouethe to be fchawin be the Word of
God, els Ethnik, Turkifhe, and Jewifhe policie might ftand withe the
Gofpell. It was anfwerit, It was eneuche that the polecie was nocht re
pugnant to the Word of God, whowbeit the warrand of euerie part of
polecie, and Act of Parliament, or ciuill law, war nocht producit; ther
for (faid they,) fchaw yie the affirmatiue, that it is repugnant to the Word,
the probatioun wherof now comes vpon yow.
Ther was an vther argument rather meinit nor proponit : Minifters
war ciues and libera capita ; and therfor, according to polecie, behouethe
to giff ther conf'ent to the making of lawes in Parliament.
Anfwer, Giffa confent be neceffar, it is douted : but ceas it be, they confent
to the law in Parliament, ather be the Lords or Barones of the fchyre whar
they war born and remeans, or be the Commiffionars of the brouche wherin
they war born or dwelles ; for, as to their Minifterie, it is na part nor
poinct of polecie nor ciuill burgefchipe ; or if the mouth of the Lord be to

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 989
be confulted, the Commiffioners, directed from the Generall Affemblie,
fould be heard.
It was therfor provin repugnant to the Word of God, and concludit be
this fyllogifme :
That Minifters fould be inuoluit and intanglit with effears of this lyff,
namelie of polecie, ciuill iudicators, effears of commoun weill, is againft
the exprefs Word of God. But this conclulioun and office therby impofit,
will intangle and inuolve tham. Ergo.
The propofitioun is proven be the expres Word, 2 Tim. 2. 4. /n/Sei?
GTpaTevo/ievos epnrXeiceTai Tats tov fiiov Trpar/fiaTetaii, whar the Word irpa^jfiateia meines
properlie effeares of law, iurifdictioun, and rewling of the comoun weill ;
as i. Cor. 6. vpa^a, for a ciuill actioun or caufe.
It was anfwerit, That that place tuk nocht away natural], oeconomic
and polytic dewties, quhilk neceffarlie this lyff requyres ; and the quhilk
man be done, and may be done of euer ilk an, fa that they inuolue nocht
thamfelues, and intangle therin to the hinder of thair calling.
To that it was aggreit, That ther was certean dewties and fimple action-
nes to be difchargit now and then for nature, oeconomie and polecie, be
euerie an, and fa be Minifters alfo for the helpe and nocht hinder of thair
cheiff and propre callings : Bot ther was a grait difference betwix fie
actiones and dewties to be done at certean tymes and occafionnes of vrgent
neceffities, and the difcharging of a fett and ordinar office in a comoun
weil], namlie in the twa graitteft poincts of the majeftie and princeTie flat,
vouoOeTiKn and Sucaaracn, that is, the making of lawes in a comoun weill, iudg-
ing of the fubiects according to the fam in the Parliaments, Counfalls, and
Conventionnes of Efteattes of the realme, quhilk could nocht be done
without intangling and involuing in effeares, and fa diftractioun fra the
cheiff charge ; as the place itfelf cleirlie declarit what intangling was, viz.
whatfoeuer might hinder the wariour from doing the dewtie of a fouldart,
and plealing his Captean.
For the quhilk purpofe alfo, the weghtines of the charge of the Minif
terie, and graitnes of the cure of faulles, was infifted into ; and planlie
affirmed they knew neuer, nor felt neuer the weght therof, that thought a
ciuill office of government in the comoun weill, might be vndertakin and
ioyned therwith. Whar mirrelie was call in the fpeitche of the-Quein of
Eingland, when fche makes a Bifchope : Alas ! for pitie, (fays fche,) for

990 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599.
we haue marred a guid pretchour to day. And the King exhorted nocht
to mar his pretchours fa.
For corroborating and ftrynthning of the reply, this fyllogifme was fub-
ioynit :
That Minifters fould be diftracted from preatching the Word, is againft
the Word of God.
But this will diftract them. Ergo.
The expres word, Luc. 9- ver. 59, 60, 61, 62, Chryft fayes to an, Follow
me ; wha anfwerit, Let me firft go burie my father. Chryft anfwers, Let
the dead go burie the dead, and go thow and preatche the Gofpell of
the kingdome of God. Another fayes, I will follow thie, but let me firft
go and tak ordour with my hous. Chryft anfwers, Na man putting his
hand to the pleuche, and luikes bak, is meit for the kingdome of God.
Heir ar maift neidfull naturali dewties and oeconomic, quhilk Chryft ex-
preflie forbiddes for fteying of the pretching of the Gofpell, and attending
vpon his miniftrie : Whow mikle mair then incompetent offices, quae funt
Caefaris et Reipublicae, as we will fchaw heirefter.
The expres word is the faxt of the Actes. The twoll Apoflles fayes to
the reft of the difciples, It is nocht equitable, or to be approued, that we
fould leaue the Word of God and ferue the tables ; therfor, let deacones
be choline and appointed. Giff the Apoflles wald nocht leaue the preatch
ing of the Word of God for an ecclefiaftic office, becaufe of diftractioun ;
mikle les wald they that Minifters fould leaue thair minifterie of the Word
for ciuill and impertinent.
Thirdlie, The Scripture calls the Minifters atpivpio/ievovs, Rom. i. feparat
and fett apart : And wharfra, Queftionles fra the occupationes of this lyff,
to faue the peiple and thamfelues, and draw tham be the Gofpell to the lyff
euerlafting, to fifhe tham out of the fie of this warld to God and his king
dom of heavin. Sa the haill nature of ther calling is separat and fett apart
from the warld, to the quhilk they fould nocht be callit bak again, mikle-
les therin involued and drownit.
Fourtlie, The Lords minifterie vnder the Law is callit a warfear, Num.
4., and his Minifters wariours ; and fa in the place alleagit in the New
Teftament, the facrament and aithe wharof is maift ftreat, and na wayes
fuffers diftractioun. For tham was allotted na inheritance, but haid the
Lord for thair inheritance, Deut. 18. 1. ; Jofu. 13. 14. They fay to thair
father, I refpect him nocht ; they ken nocht thair breithring, they acknaw-

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 991
lage nocht thair fbnnes, but keipes the Lords words, and obferues his co
venant ; teatches Jacob his iudgments and his law to Ifraell, fettes incenfe
before his face, and burnt offerings on his altar, Deut. 33. Then mikle
mair the Minifters of the New Teftament, becaufe of a graitter and cleir-
ar grace, fpirituall and frie from beggerlie cerimonies and elements of this
warld. And laft, To conclud this poinct with that maift wechtie and graue at-
teftatioun of the Apoftle to Timothy, 2. 4 : I atteft thie befor God, and
the Lord Jefus Chryft, who fall iudge the quick and the dead at his ap-
peirance and kingdome ; Pretche the Word ; be inftant in tyme, and out
of tyme ; convict, reproue, exhort with all lang fuffring and doctrine.
And in the fourt of the firft, Tak cear of thir things, be about thir things.
And ar thir things fpoken to Timothy onlie, and nocht to all Minifters and
Paftors. And gif they be fpoken to all, what tyme, I pray yow, is left to
be imployed at Parliament, and in the effeares of the comoun weill. The
deuill is a biffie Bifchope, and goes about lyk a roaring lyon ; and wha fall
giff a compt of the torn fchiepe, or flollen in the Paftors abfence. And,
finalie, that thrifauld demand to Piter, Amas me, and charge, Pafce agnos,
&c. perteines it nocht to all.
It was obiected, that we fell in the fam abfurditie with the Papifts, that
gatherit thair Celibatum out of the words of the Apoftle, i. C. 7- Coniu-
gatus curat quae funt mundi, quomodo placeat uxori. And gif ane with
a ecclefiaftic or paftorall charge may haue the charge of wyS and familie,
wharfor nocht of the comoun weill. And the Apoftle fayes, That he that
ceares nocht for his familie, is wars nor an infidell.
It was anfwerit, That the Papifts argument was friuolous from the abbus
of mariage to the taking away of the benefit therof, being apointed be God,
and rightlie ferving for the helpe of man in his calling ; and na thing lyk
vnto this, wherin an euident intangling and diftractioun may be fein. And
to anfwer for the caring for the hous and tham that ar therin, that is meined
for inftrudtioun and rewling therof be Chriftian difcipline, as is euidentout
of the 3 Chap. ver. 4. be the word irpaa-rnvm, he that can nocht rewall and
govern his awin hous, whow fall he haue cair eirifieknae-rai, of the Kirk of God.
For the Apoftle is cleir in that poinct, i. Cor. 9. That the flocks fould
prouyde for thair Paftors, tham and thair families, the things that ar neid-
full for this lyff, as the Captan or Prince for his fouldarts, and they maid
frie till attend on thair feruice.

992 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599-
It was infilled, that ther was als mikle diftractioun and tyme fpent in
our com miffions and vifitationnes, in avatting on plattes and pleying of
ftipends, -attending on Parliaments and Conventionnes, &c.
Anfwerit : That thefe war the wantes, imperfectiones and corruptiones
of our Kirk, as yit nocht weill conftitut, wharof the fault is in the Magi-
ftrat and flockes, fchawin, compleanit vpon, and rebuked at all occafionnes
be the Word of God, quhilk hes na place to proue anie thing in this ma
ter, ubi quseritur, Quid fieri debeat, non quid fiat. And as for Commiffion
ars for vifitatioun, we ar occupied therin in our awin fubiect, in pretching
the Word, exerceifing difcipline, and vfing of cenfures ; and that nocht
ordinarlie or be fett office, bot ex neceffitate ecclefige et pro re nata.
It was fordar infilled, that we granted till obey and com to the Kings
Maieftie when foever he called for ws, quhilk was all an with that in quef
tion. Anfwerit : His Maie'ftie now and then calling for ws, we might repear
to his Hienes, and giff our advys in all things de iure diuino, or vtherwayes
as ciues, fa that the benefit redounding to the Kirk or Comoun weill ther
by, preponderat and weyed down the hurt of our particular charge : Bot
it was longe aliud to haue an ordinar office to difcharge in the Kings
Counfall and Parliament ; for, as was twitched befor, ther is a grait differ
ence betwix a certean actioun to be done now and then, as neceffitie and
occafioun craueth, and a fett office to be ordinarlie difcharged.
It was obiected, that the Generall Affemblie haid alwayes, from tyme to
tyme, cravit this votting in Parliament ; and now when the King offers it,
it was euill thought of and refuiit.
Anfwerit : The Affemblies haid oftentymes cravit that nan fould vott
in Parliament in nam of the Kirk, bot fie as buir office within the fam, and
haid commiffioun therfra : bot that anie Generall Affemblie, befor the laft
in Dondie, haid determined that Miniflers fould vott in Parliament, it was
flatlie denyed. And it was fchawin that often tymes that queftion haid
bein agitat in Affemblies and amangs breithring, bot could neuer be fund
whow it could ftand with the office of a Minifter to be a Lord in Parlia
ment, nor was able to be fchawin be the Word of God.
It was then demandit, Wha could vott for the Kirk, giff nocht Miniflers.
Anfwerit : It might ftand better with the office of an Eldar and Deacon,
nor of a Minifter, they having commiffioun fra the Kirk, and fubiect to
rander a compt of thair doing at the Generall Affemblies. And that

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 993
indeid we wald als fean haue the Kirk inioying hir awin priuilages as anie
vther, and haue his Maieftie fatiffeit, and the effeares of the Comoun weill
helped ; bot nocht with the hinder, wrak and corruptioun of the fpiritual
minifterie of Gods worfchiping and faluatioun of his peiple.
It was replyit, That it war better for the Minifters to be thair awin car-
uers, and fie to the weill of the Kirk, bathe in the ordering and prouifion
therof thamfelues, rather nor commit it to vthers, wha wald cear bot fklan-
derlie for it.
Anfwerit : That the King and his Nobles gaue the Minifterie credit and
onlie place in fpirituall maters, fo that they wald nocht tak the facraments,
nor vther benefites of the Kirk at thair awin hands, nor of the hands of
na vther. They wald nocht think thair bernes weill bapteifed, nor the
Supper weill miniftrat, nor thair manages bleffed bot be fum Minifter.
And gif his Maieftie gaue ws fie credit, authoritie and place, in things per
teining to the faull, and proper to our office, why fould we nocht giff him
and his Lords the lyk in things perteining to the body, and this lyff, as
proper to tham and thair office ; and think it als grait abfurditie to mell
therwith ourfelues, &c.
It was obiected, That the Kirk was in poffeffioun of voting in Parlia
ment be Bifchopes, viz. Mr Johne Dowglas, Patrik Adamfone, Dauid
Cuningham, and vthers.
Anfwer : Sen the Generall Affemblie haldin at Dondie, ann. 1580, whar
that office of a Bifchope was declarit vnlawfull be the Word of God, the
Kirk cryed out continualie againft tham, and excepted againft all thair do
ings in Parliament or els whar, as hauing na lawfull office in the Kirk, nor
na commiffioun fra the faming.
Therefter place being given, ther was producit ane vther argument to
fchaw the conclufion repugnant to the Word of God.
That Minifters fould bear fupremacie, dominioun, and be called Lords,
is againft the Word of God.
But the conclulioun imports that. Ergo.
The propofitioun is cleir out of the thrie Evangelifts, Math. 20, Marc
10, Luc. 22, and i. Peter, 5, 3. ; and, Nolite vocari Rabbi, etc. This rea
fone was nocht infifted into, nor anfwerit for want of tyme. Sykas alfo ane
vther in the fam maner :
The confounding and mingling of Jurifdictions diftinguift in the Word
of God, is repugnant thervnto.
6 k

994 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599.
But the conclulioun imports that. Ergo.
The propofitioun is euident of the 2 Chron. 19. ; and, Quis conftituit me
Judicem ; and, Date quae funt Caefaris Caefari, et quae Dei Deo. etc.
Chryft refufed to deuyd the inheritance amangs brethring, to iudge the
adulteres, Jhon 8. He refufed to be maid a King, and profeffed that his
kingdome was nocht of this warld.
Heir was declarit at lainthe and verie weghtelie be Mr Andro Melvill,
be what meanes and degries the Pape was hoifed vpe into that chaire of
peftilence, wherout of he tyrannif'es over all Kirks and Comoun weills,
tramping Kings vnder his feit, and tranfferring thair crownes and domi-
niones at his pleafur ; and all from this vfurping of bathe the powars and
fwords, the ciuill and ecclefiaftic.
In end a ficcer caveat was given to the King, to be war he fett nocht
vpe fie as fould eaft him or his down.
And this mikle anent the conclulioun of the laft Generall Affemblie, as
memorie might ferue.
Therefter was proponit the twa poincts left be faid Affemblie to the
meitting at Falkland, and ther alfo left vndecydit or determined vpon.
1. Gif thefe votters in Parliament, being annes chofin be his Maieftie
and the Kirk, fould bear that office ad vitam or culpam, and fa be perpe
tual! ; or gif they fould be alterable fra tyme to tyme at the Affemblies
pleafour. 2. Gif they fould bear the nam of Bifchopes or nocht.
Againft the perpetuitie, The diftractioun fra thair fpirituall office of the
minifterie was mikle vrgit againe, fchawing cleirlie that fie a continuall
charge and burding lying on a few, could nocht bot debaufh and diftradt
tham alluterlie from the paftorall attending and feidding of thair flockes ;
the quhilks they behoued to commit to fum Vicares and fum fuffraganes.
For the perpetuitie, Thir arguments war vfit :
Firft, That ther wald na man tak the peanes and mak the expences vpon
the tytle of the benefice, to giff it over the nixt yeir to an vther.
It was anfwerit, That we war nocht vpon mans particular commoditie,
bot feing what might be for the helpe and guid of the Kirk and Comoun
weill ; to the quhilk fie wald neuer do guid, wha war feiking thair awin
honour and welthe.
Nixt it was reafonit, That the hinder of all comoun turnes was be twa
inleakes chiefflie; ane of fkill and vnderftanding of maters, and right way

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 995
of proceiding therin ; ane vther of continuance and attendance conftantlie
on tham being annes begoun, till they war brought to fum guid poinct and
effect : Bot fa it was, that gif thefe comoun men fould be changable, they
could nather lern flail, nor profecut things. Ergo.
Anfwer. They might gett mair fkill of the wit and lawes of men, and
les of the wefdome and buik of God ; mak mair attendance on Court and
the Warld, bot les on Chryft and his Kingdome. And it was hard to per-
fwad ws, that a few wald fie fa mikle for the weill of the Kirk as a haill
Generall Affemblie conveinit for that effect, or follow out a guid comoun
caufe better and mair conftantlie ; feing experience alwayes teatched, that
they wha wilbe ritche and honourable, are mikle about the faming, and
verie litle for Chryft.
At laft, Thir reafones and inconvenients war brought out, dilated, and
infilled into, againft perpetuitie :
Firft, It wald brak the barres of all thair caveattes, and, but dout, efta-
bliflie lordfchipe over the breithring, tyme ftrynthning opinioun, and cuf
tome confirming conceat. And gif the beft deuyce hes be tyme turned to
corruptioun, mikle mair this, of the lawfulnes wharof we iuftlie dout.
To this was anfwerit, That paritie amangs Minifters was nocht to be
lyk, and wald nocht be. And put the cais, it behoued to ftand, becaufe of
our conftitutiones and ordour ; they fould be pares and alyk as Minifters,
whowbeit, in refpedt of thair ciuill office and Lordfchipe, they war abon
the reft.
Nixt, Perpetuitie wald bereaue and defraud the Kirk of the benefit and
libertie of electioun and choife of the meitteft for the turn pro rei natse
commodo ; for it is fure that all men ar nocht meitteft for all turnes, etc.
Anfwerit : The meitteft fould be chofin at the beginning, who wald
grow ay meittar and meittar : alfo that it was frie to the Kirk till adioyne
fie as they pleafit to tham for counfall and affiftance.
It was replyit, That fie as was adioyned wald nocht be hard to reafone
nor vott in Parliament, Conventiones and Counfall.
Thirdlie, Manie alterationnes befalls to mortal] men : They may be feik
in body, fall in offences, quhilks albeit nocht mak them worthie to be de-
polit, (nam difficilius ejicitur quam non admittiturhofpes,) yit maydifgrace
them fa, that they becom vnable and vnmeit to do anie guid in comoun
turnes ; they may tyne the gifts of mynd and vtterance,. etc. In fie ceaffes
this perpetuitie will defraude the Kirk of an in that roum ; for fie a man,

996 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599.
an or ma, can nocht, nor will nocht, be depofit, and a Commiffionar in his
place will nocht be admitted.
It was anfwerit, The number of Minifters admitted and ordeined to vott,
viz. fiftie, was fa greitt, that, whowbeit an, twa, thrie, four, or ten, or twoll,
war away, ther might be a new behind.
Replyed : It wald be lang or fie a number war weill fett down and
prouydit with guid Lords leivings in Scotland ; and when they war, ther
might be a new, and mair nor a new, behind of the guidnes they wald be
of ; bot an guid man might be mair ftedable to the Kirk nor an and fiftie
of that fort.
Fourtlie, Gif thefe men ferue for the Prince and Steat, whowbeit againft
the weill of the Kirk, the Prince will meantein tham, ather be his authoritie
and moyen amangs the breithring in Affemblies, having thair lyff and gear
in his powar, fa that they will nocht fear depofitioun ; or whowbeit the
Affemblie wald depofe tham of the Minifterie, yit wald the King caufe
tham keipe thair Lordfchipe and leiving : and fa fould they fett thamfelues
to be advengit on the Kirk to hir wrak.
Anfwerit : Ther was na thing fa guid bot might be bathe ill fufpedted
and abufit, and fa we fould be content with na thing.
Replyed : That we doutted of the guidnes, and had over iuft caufe to
fufpect the euiU of it.
Duplyit : That ther was na fault bot we war all trew aneuche to the
craft : Bot God mak ws all trew aneuche to Chryft, fay we.
Fyftlie and laft, This perpetuitie will overthraw the powar and libertie
of the Affemblies of the Kirk, and altar the Chriftian government of the
Kirk to Antichriftian hierarchie, placing perpetuall Commiffionars or Bif
chopes aboue Minifters and thair Affemblies ; and fyne fum Minifteriall
head mon be abon tham, the hie way to Paprie. At leaft the haill powar
of the Kirk and Generall Affemblie falbe in the hands of thefe twoll or
threttein, wha, I warrand yow, will tak na limitat Commiffioun from the
Generall Kirk, bot to reafone and vott as they think beft for the weill of
the Kirk forfuthe ; fa this Epitome will abolifhe the grait wark, and the
Generall Affemblie will becom to be bot a Chaptour of thefe Bifchopes,
and fkarflie that.
Anfwer : Thefe Caveattes hes prouydit for all thefe inconvenients weill
aneuche.

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 997
Reply : Thefe commentares will be tedius to reid, and ill to rember ;
and the text taken to be fchort and cleir aneuche in the felff.
In end, Ther was alleadgit a number of inconvenients that fould fall out,
giff thefe vottars war nocht perpetuall :
1. That his Maieftie and Efteattes wald nocht admit tham in Parliament
vtherwayes, and fa we fould lofe the grait benefit.
Anfwer : Facilis iactura.
' 2. That the Minifters fould ly in contempt and povertie.
Anfwer : It was thair Maifters cais befor tham ; it may ferue tham
weill aneuche to be as he was ; and better povertie with finceritie, nor
promotioun withe corruptioun.
3. That vthers wald be promouit to that roum in Parliament, (for his
Maieftie could nocht want his thrie Efteattes,) wha wald oppres and wrak
the Kirk.
Anfwer : Let Chryft, the King and advengar of the wrangs done to his
Kirk, and tham dell togidder, as he hes done befor; let fie wha getts the warft.
4. That it could nather ftand for the weilfear of King, nor Kirk, nor
comoun weill.
Anfwer : It was beft that God thought beft.
5. That it wald be fafhius and confufe ilka yeir to chufe Commiffionars.
Anfwer : Na profit nor pleafure without pean taken ; and experience
haid proven it maift eafie and ordourlie.
6. That it wald breid variance and contentioun, whill a end wald preas
to haue fie, and another fie, and fa forthe.
Anfwer : Tak away profit and honour, and contentioun will ceas.
7. Men wald be that way difgraced, now fett vpe, and now fett by and
eaft down, and fa difcuragit from doing guid.
Anfwer : He that thinks it difgrace to be employed as Gods Kirk thinks
guid, hes lytle grace in him ; for grace is given to the lawlie.
Thus after a thrie or four houres dealling in the formar heades, it was
thought infifted lang aneuche theron ; and therfor the poinct remeaning
concerning the nam that thefe vottars in Parliament fould bear, was pro
ponit to be reafoned vpon.
It was reafoned for the affirmative : That aggreing vpon the mater and
fubftance, it maid nocht what nam war giffen it. And feing the Parliament
at laft haid granted to the mater, vnder conditioun the Minifters votting

998 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599.
in Parliament fould bear the name and office of Bifchopes, quhilk was alfo
a name of Scripture, we fould nocht ftand till agrie therto, left the refufing
of the name fould mak the benefit to be refufed, quhilk his Maieftie haid
gottin paft in favours of the Kirk with grait peanes and difficultie.
It was anfwerit : That the nam twwKOTroi being a Scripture nam, might
be giffen tham, prouyding, that becaufe ther was fum thing mair put to the
mater of a Bifchopes office then the Word of God could permit, it fould
haue a lytle eik put to the nam, quhilk the Word of God ioyned to it, and
fa it war beft to baptife tham with the nam that Piter, i. Chap. 4, giffes to
fie lyk officers, calling tham aWoipioeiriaKoirov?, war nocht they wald think
fcham to be merfchallit with fie as Piter fpeakes of ther, viz. murderars,
theifts and malfactors. And verelie that goffope [Mr Andro Melvill] at
the baptifme (giff fa I dar play with that word) was na litle vokie for get
ting of the berns name.
But in erneft it was reafonit on the contrar, That the nam of Bifchope
could nocht be giffen tham for thefe reafones, the quhilk war nocht fullie
handlit, nor replyed vnto, partlie for want of tyme, and partlie for want of
patience, becaufe of litle fpeid in the purpofe.
1. Giff they fould gett the nam of Bifchope, they behoued to haue it,
ather as it was taken properlie in the Word, or as it was comounlie con-
ceauit be the peiple. Bot nather of the twa could thay : Nocht as in the
Word, becaufe it fould be applyed to fignifie that quhilk could nocht ftand
with the Word, as hes bein declarit, except it war Judas Epifcopatus : And
nocht as it is comounlie taken, becaufe then it fould import the corruptioun
of Antichriftian and Anglican Bifchopes, contrar to the caueats.
2. That quhilk offendes the Kirk of God fould be ef che wit, altho a thing
indifferent, for fa it becomes euill. Bot this nam of Bifchope offendes the
Kirk of God in this land. Ergo.
3. That quhilk iuftlie may fklander the Minifters and bring tham in dif-
grace, fould be avoidit ; bot giffing to tham of that name will iuftlie fklander
tham, becaufe thefe twentie yeirs thair doctrin from the pulpit hes foundit
againft Bifchopes, till they war vtterlie overthrawin : And now fa foone
to turn our toung for hope of ritches and promotioun, and change our note,
with the clok on the vther fchoulder, will it nocht offer iuft occafioun of
fklander. 4. That quhilk may and will bring in tyranie and corruptioun in the
Kirk, is nocht to be admitted within the fam. Bot this will do it; for

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 999
bearing that nam, that caries with it the fignificatioun of Bifchopes corrup
tions amangs the peiple, all the Caveattes will nocht keip it therfra, nam-
lie from inequalitie, preeminence, and lordfchipe over the breithring. For
they wilbe fa efteimed and faluted amangs the reft of the Lords in Parlia
ment and Court ; and I warrand yow thair maners and faciones will eaf-
lie fram thervnto, bringing from Court to Kirk fie behaviour as they drink
in ther ; for being callit Lord at ilk a word, and bruking principall roumes
in Court and Parliament, they will luik verie foure gif they want the fam
in Kirk and amangs the breithring and peiple ; yea and be ficcar in thair
evin at plat, Court, and vtherwayes, whom they think to contemne tham,
and nocht giff tham thair fiylles and honors.
And fa for that night leat we war dimiffit.
Vpon the xix of Nouember, the breithring wryttin for being affemblet
again with his Maieftie, the Moderator reported fchortlie the things con-
ferrit vpon the laft day, requyring yit, that gif ther was anie man wha was
nocht fatiffeit anent the heads conferrit vpon, that they wald yit infift ; and
' gif all war fatiffeit, they fould proceid to the poinct remeaning anent the
nam. It was anfwerit planlie be the brethring that ftud againft this new forg
ing of Bifchopries, that they haid hard to and fra reafoning vpon the poincts
proponit ; they war throuche and fatiffeit in thair awin iudgments for the
treuthe, and rather confirmed fordar therinto nor anie wayes moued to the
contra, for ought that haid bein fpokan ; wherin they haid hard na thing
out of the Word of God, quhilk might warrand that conclufion of the laft
Affemblie to thair confcience, or anie thing yit buildit, or to be buildet
thervpon. And in fpeciall Mr Andro Melvill appealit the Moderator,
Mr Dauid Lindfay, maift weghtelie and vehementlie on his confcience,
that feing he was an of the antient fathers of the Kirk, wha was prefent
at fa manie godlie and graue Affemblies, hauldin fa manie tymes anent thefe
matters, and wharin they war cleirlie decydit be the Word of God, whow
could he now mak fie a propofitioun, or think that anie fattlit man in the
treuthe, could, be a light conference, (inference ?) wherin the Word of
God had bein rather profaned then holelie, reuerentlie and grauely vfit, be
moued to alter his iudgment, and be fatiffeit in the contrair.
The word of the profaning of the Scriptures was takin in verie euiU part
be the King, and anfwerit courteouflie with, A lie ; whowbeit the fpeaker

1000 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599.
condemnit himfelff for vndewtifull handling of the Word, als weill as anie
vther. Sa the King in end brak af the conference thus in effect : That
he haid bein mouit be the Commiffionars to appoindl this conference, for
fatiffadtioun of lie as war nocht refoluit, that maters might proceid mair
paceablie and vniformalie ; bot feing he perceavit men to be fa full of thair
awin conceattes, and preoccupied in iudgment, that they plafed thamfelues
mair and mair, and war rather confirmed in thair opiniones, nor moued to
giff place to reafone, he wald leaue the mater to the Affemblie. Giff the
Affembly wald receaue the benefit quhilk he offered, and conclud in the
mater accordinglie, he wald ratefie thair conclulioun with a fanctioun ciuill
of his law, that nan following thair particular and privat conceatt and
opinioun, fould be permitted to fpeak againft the publict ordinance of the
Affemblie. Gif the Affemblie wald nocht embrace the benefit, let them
wyt themfelues, giff graitter povertie and contempt cam vpon the Kirk.
As for him, he could nocht want an of his Efteates ; he wald put in that
roum, and thefe offices, fie as he thought guid, wha wold accept therof,
and do thair dewtie to him and his countrey. C. & Melvill's Diary.]
[The opinion of [a brother,] a faithfull well wilier to the Kirk of
Scotland, touching their demand of having vote in Parliament, and
the Kings affent thereunto, upon thefe conditions : 1. That fuch as
are to have vote, fhall be nominat be his Majeftie. 2. That they
fhould be efteemed as Lord Bifhops. S. That they fhould continue
during life.
1. Concerning the demand, I marvell, that the Kirk fliould be earneft
for fuch a thing, feeing the Common weale or Parliament requires not the
like in the Generall Affembly, fo far as I underftand : if then the Church
has governed hitherto, without prejudice to the Common wealth, why may
they not hope, that the fame God, who has defended the Kirk fo long, and
in fo troublous tymes, can ftill defend the fame without fuch votes in Par
liament. 2. If Chrift our Lord and Mafter did fo earneftly refufe to be a Judge
betwixt two brethren, are not we to take heed how we feem over earneft
to be made Judges contrair to his exemple.
3. Wherein it is to be confidered, that the petitioner urged Chrift to
judge, as it were ex officio : and therefore it may be thought, that Chrift

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1001
was fo much the more zealous in denying the fame. Doe not the Kings
conditions argue the fame. And fhould not the Church do well to confi-
der Chrifts exemple.
4. I grant, that the King, upon extraordinary occafions, (fuch as the
Parliaments,) may have (as Kings of Judah before him) certain of the
Clergie to joyn with him in Councill : but to avoid the danger of erecting
of a new office in the Kirk of God, without warrant from God, I could
wiffi, that the fame men fhould not be at every Parliament.
5. But truely I utterly miflyke, that any profeffing fincerity fould, for
policies fake, and for pretended good to the Kirk, accept of votes in Par
liament, (not properly pertaining to their function,) upon conditions that
would be given to that calling, which heretofore they have banifhed as
Antichriftian. 6. In which their policie (in fo far as I can difcerne) they are twice de
ceived : for neither will it prove fo beneficial to the Kirk, as they imagine ;
neither (if it fo prove for a tyme) ought they to take fuch a courfe.
7. Concerning the former, it is to be remembred, that Chrift faith, Every
plant, that my heavenly Father hath not planted, fhall be rooted out. If
God hath not planted Lord Bifhops, and if that fentence ftand true, what
fruit can the Church of God expect from fuch roots as vpon due confidera
tion they have formerly fupplanted.
8. Can the ketle and the earthen pot, the Ark and Dagon, Chrift and
Belial, Difcipline and a Lordlie Miniftrie, continue long together without
ruine to the one. Suith, The ftrength of Ifrael (from whom all liability
proceedes) cannot abide an ox and an afs to plewgh together.
9. Howfoever Dagon received hurt, and not the ark, which the Phili-
ftins brought into his temple, to be, as it were, difgraced be their Dagon :
yet if the Ifraelites fhould, in the vanity of their minds, fet Dagon with
religious refpect by the ark of God, I doubt not, but that the Holy One of
Ifrael, not allowing the altar of Damafcus to ftand by the altar of God,
would fo punifh the tempting ofhis Majeftie, that not Dagon, but the glory
of Ifrael fliould have been diminifhed, if not utterly taken from them.
10. In ancient tymes, the Church imagining that their Minifters were
more contemptible, becaufe they were not lyke to the Flamines, and Arch-
flamines among the Gentiles, did advance, firft, Lord Bifhops ; then, Arch-
bifhops ; and, at laft, (for all the inventions of men have their curfe in the
end,) Antichrift got him up upon their fhoulders.
6l

1002 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599,
11. It is to be remembred, and applyed, that God, in his wrath, gave
Saul, that hypocrite and tyrant, to Ifrael, who would needs have a King,
after the manner of other nations; notwithftanding civil callings (not ec
clefiaftical) be arbitrable ; and they were occafioned to defire a change, be
reafon of the bad government of Samuels children.
12. Gregory the firft permitted images in Churches only, to be laick
mens books ; notwithftanding there were living teachers befide : But in
tyme thefe images were adored ; whereas fincere teaching was utterly
abandoned. 13. Laftly, I have heard it to be the faying of that worthy and godly
man, Mr Knox, that except the tree be cutt doun bough and branch, the
crow will have a neft again.
14. But let it be fuppofed, that this Babyl, or confounding of a Lordly
Miniftry with difcipline, may prove beneficial to the Kirk ; yet if this rule
be infallible, we muft not doe evil, that good may come of it. I conclude
with this queftion, Will ye make a lye for God, as one lieth for a man.
15. That a Lordly Miniftry is a lye, being a mere invention of a man,
who is a lier, I need not to prove ; feeing hitherto it has been fo reputed :
and that it is evil to erect fuch a Miniftry fo long abhorred in Scotland ;
fince it may be partly gathered from that which is a fore faid.
1 6. I, at this tyme, only touch thir few things to be confidered : 1. For
malins in England fhall have matter of rejoycing. 2. Affliction fhall be
added to the bands of them that fuffer for fincerity. 3. The weak fhall
be offended in their judgement as touching difcipline. 4. Scotland fhall
be traduced, as unconftant even in Church government. And 5. The
Minifters fhall be fubject to this cenfure, Are ye fo foolifh, that after ye
have begun in the Spirit, ye would be made perfect be the flefh. lf there
fore ye build again the things that ye have deftroyed, ye make yourfelves
trefpaffers. 17. In confideration of the premiffes, I befeek yow, brethren, to mark
them diligently, that caufe divifion, and offences contrair to the doctrine,
which they have learned : for they that are fuch ferve not the Lord Jefus,
but their oun bellies ; and, with fair fpeeches and flatterie, deceive the
hearts of the fimple.
Some Englifh Comedians came to this countrey in the month of Odtober.
After they had acted fundry Comedies in prefence of the King, they pur*

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1003
chafed at laft a warrant or precept of the Bailies of Edinburgh, to get them
an houfe within the Toun.
Upon Munday the 12 of November, they gave warning be trumpets and
drums, through the ftreets of Edinburgh, to all that pleafed to come to
Blackfriers Wynd to fee the acting of their Comedies.
The Minifters of Edinburgh fearing the profanity that was to enfue, fpe-
cially the profanation of the Sabbath day, convocated their four Seffions of
the Kirk. An adt was made be common confent, that none fhould refort
to thefe profane Comedies, for efchewing offence of God, and for evil ex
ample to others : and an ordinance was made, that every Minifter fliould
intimat this act in their own feveral pulpits. They had indeed committed
feveral abufes, fpecialy upon the Sabbath at night before.
The King taketh the act in ill part, as if made purpofely to crofs his
warrant, and caufed fummon the Minifters and four Seffions fuper inqui-
rendis before the Secret Counfell.
They fent doun fome in Commiffion to the King, and defired the matter
might be tryed privatly, and offered, if they had offended, to repair the of
fence at his own fight ; and alledged, they had the warrant of the Synod
prefently fitting in the Town.
The King would have the matter to come in publick. When they went
doun, none was called on, but Mr Peter Hewat and Mr Henrie Nifbet.
After that they were heard, the fentence was given out againft all the reft
unheard ; and charge given to the Minifters and four Seffions to conveen
within three hours after, and to refcind their former ordinance ; and to the
Minifters to intimate the contrair of that which they had intimated before.
They craved to be heard. Loath was the King, yet the Council moved
him to hear them.
Mr John Hall was appointed to be their mouth. Wee are fummoned,
Sir, faid Mr John, and craue to underftand, to what end. Its true, faid
the King, ye ar fummoned, and I have decerned already. Mr John made
no reply. Mr Robert Bruce faid, If it might ftand with your pleaf'ure,
wee wold know, wherefore this hard fentence is paft againft us. For con-
traveening of my warrant, faid the King. Wee haue fulfilled your war
rant, faid Mr Robert, for your warrant craved no more but an houfe to
them, which they have gotten. To what end, I pray you, fought I an
houfe, faid the King, but only that the people might refort to their Come
dies. Your warrant bears not that end, faid Mr Robert, and we have

1004 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599:
good reafon to flay them from their playes evin be your own acts of Par
liament. The King anfwered, Ye are not the interpreters of my lawes.
And farther, the warrant was intimat but to one or two, faid Mr Robert,
and therefore defired the King to retract the fentence. The King wold
anfwer nothing. At the leaft then, faid Mr Robert, let the paine ftrike
upon us, and exeem our people. The King bade him make away. So in
departing, Mr Robert turned and faid, Sir, pleafe you, nixt the regard wee
owe to God, wee had a reverent refpect to your Majefties royal perfon,
and perfon of your Queen ; for wee heard, that the Comedians in their
playes, checked your royal perfon with fecret and indirect taunts and
^checks ; and there is not a man of honour in England wold give fuch fel
lows fo much as their countenance. So they departed.
They were charged at two hours, be found of trumpet, the next day fol
lowing, at the publick Crofs, about ten hours to conveen themfelves, and
refcind the act, or elfe to pals to the horn immediately after.
The four Seffions conveen in the Eaft Kirk. They afked the Minifters
advice. The Minifters willed them to advife with fome Advocats, feeing
the matter touched their eftate fo near. Mr William Oliphant and Mr
John Sharp, Advocats, came to the four Seffions. The charge was read.
The Advocats gave them counfel to refcind the act, be reafone the Kings
charge did not allow flanderous and undecent Comedies ; and further
fhewed them, that the Seffions could do nothing without their Minifters,
feeing they were charged as well as the Seffions, and the matter could not
pals in voting, but the Moderator and they being prefent. They were call
ed in, and after reafoning they come to voting. Mr Robert Bruce being
firft afked at, anfwered, His Majeftie is not minded to allow any flander
ous and offenfive Comedies ; but fo it is, that their Comedies are flander
ous and offenfive : Therefore the King in effect ratifieth our acts. The
reft of the Minifters voted after the fame manner. The Elders, partly for
fear of their eftates, partly upon information of the Advocats, voted to the
refcinding of the act. It was voted next, Whither the Minifters fliould in
timat the refcinding of the adt. The moft part voted, They fliould. The
Minifters affured them, they would not.
Henrie Nifbet, Archibald Johnftoun, Alexander Lindfay and fome
others, took upon them to purchafe an exemption to the Minifters. They
returned with this anfwer, That his Majeftie was content that the matter
fould be paft over lightly ; but he would have fome mention made of the
annulling of the act. They refufe.

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1005
Their Commiffioners went the fecond tyme to the King, and returned
with this anfwer, Let them neither fpeak good nor evil in that matter, but
leave it as dead.
The Minifters conveened apart to confult. Mr Robert Bruce faid, It be
hoved them either to juftify the thing they had done, or elfe they could not
goe to a pulpit. Some others faid the lyke. Others faid, Leave it to God
to doe as God fall direct their hearts: So theyd eparted.
Mr Robert and others that were of his mind juftified it the day follow
ing in fome final meafure, and yet were not quarrelled.
Mr Arthur Futhie, Mr Andrew Lamb now Bifhop of Galloway, Mr
Patrick Lindfay now Bifhop of Roffe, and fome others, made a new mo
tion to the King to put at Mr Robert for his penfion, and are inftant with
the King to caufe call the action, while Mr Robert was abfent at his mo
thers buriaU. Some courteours directed from the King to the Lords of
the Seffion threatned, the King would change them, if they voted as they
did before. The lyke they faid to Mr Roberts Advocats.
As foon as Mr Robert returned, he goes doun to the King, and afketh
how this matter was wakned again, feeing he had obtained his Majefties
favour, and was under fo good termes with his Majeftie. The King anfwer
ed, I made a promife to thefe men the laft year, when ye oppugned my
lawes. But your Majeftie has been well fatiffied with me fincefyne, faid
Mr Robert. I have your Majefties anterior promife ; I have your Majef
ties grant written with your own hand, that I deferved it, fuppofe it had
been the quarter of your kingdome ; which writes I fhall keep as monu
ments to poflerity, as your Majeftie alfo bade me. The King becomes more
calme, and fayes, Save my honour, Mr Robert, and I fall not hurt
you. What way, faid Mr Robert, fall I fave your Majefties honour.
Ye fall come up the morne, faid the King, and fubmitt that matter to my
will, and fay, looke how freely I give that gift, ye will render it as freely.
Pardon me, Sir, faid Mr Robert, I will not benefit my enemy, nor give
over my right in the favour of any fubject ; but if your Majeftie will have
it to your own ufe, and think it meet, that I, in prefence of the Lords, de
liver it freely to your Majefties own hands, I will doe it moft heartily, pro
vyding your Majeftie gratifie not my competitors, and bereave me not of
my right for the pleafure of any other fubject. The King promifed in
prefence of Sir George Elphinfton, it fhould be fo.

1006 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599,
The day following, the King comes up to the Tolbook, and caufes call the
action before Mr Robert was aware. As foon as he underftood of it, he
went up, and fpake in audience of the Lords, as after followeth. If his
Majefties officer would be contradidlorie to rae in this caufe, I would
willingly yield to his Majeftie ; I had my gift of his Majefties free liber
ality ; if his Majeftie think that gift meet for his own ufe, look how freely
his Majeftie gave it me, I will alfo freely render it again. But as for my
Lord Hamilton, or any other neighbour man of the Miniftrie, I am no wife
oblidged to them ; fo I look his Majeftie will fuffer me to enjoy my right
againft them. The King willed him to referre to his courtefie. Mr Robert
referred that much to his courtefy, either to take it to himfelf, or fuffer him
to enjoy. The King appeared to be well pleated and fatiffied.
Mr Arthur Futhie fent the Reader, Mr John Young, to quarrell Mr
Robert for fome fpeeches uttered againft him, (as he alledged) before the
Lords ; and he fent again, and quarrelled him for the fpeeches uttered to
the firft meffenger Mr John Young : but finding vantage in neither, he
fought conference of Mr Robert, which was granted. He and Mr Andrew
Lamb laid fome things to Mr Roberts charge, which he refuted clearly,
and told them plainly, that they, and their complices the Commiffioners of
the General Affembly, had fought his Miniftrie directly, and his life indi
rectly ; that now they had hounded out and debufhed men to feek his
ftipend be calumnies ; that he took them only to be organs, and the Com
miffioners to be players on them : Therefore he could not agree with
them till he faw them commend their Miniftry be a good life, and take up
a better courfe. If they do fo, they fhall find he fhould foon forget
his particular. Mr Andrew Lamb was wonderfully dafhed with thefe
fpeaches. Within fourteen days after, that is about the end of December, Mr
Robert complaineth to the Prefbytrie of the injuries done to him, namely,
that notwithftanding he had as good a right, and as fure to his gift, as to
proper heritage, two decreets upon his right, and given in his bill fundry
tymes to the Chancellour for juftice, he could not get the benefit of the
law. The Chancellour affured him, that the King had given him exprefs
countermand out of his own mouth.
Next, That he could not get the acts of the Affembly keeped to him,
for the Affembly holden at Montrofs anno 1595, appointed every Minifter

1599. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1007
to fubmitt their ftipends to the modification of certain Commiffioners,
named by the Affembly ; at which tyme the whole Affembly was deeply
fworn, by holding up of their hands, to ftand to their decifion. He fubmitted
himfelf. They took off his ftipend what they pleafed, and affigned the reft
to him for his life tyme, fubfcribed his affignation, and promifed to caufe
the fifty Prefbyteries, and every particular Minifter to ratifie the fame :
yet notwithftanding of their own ordinance, fome of them fitting in the
platt fuffered it to be affigned to the Minifter of Arbrothe, looking through
their own fingers.
Thirdly, Notwithftanding to pleafure his Majeftie, he had fubmitted his
right upon many fair promiffes, which his Majefty had made him ; yet when
it came to the giving out of the fubmiffion, his Majeftie would not fuffer
the Clerk, Mr Alexander Gibfon, to give it out, as it was conceived in
deed ; but fent up Mr John Young his Reader and Sir Patrick Murrey
to threaten him with hanging, if he gave it not out, as his Majeftie directed
him. He gives out an extract to Mr Arthur Futhie limpliciter in as large
a forme as he could 14 days before it came to Mr Roberts knowledge,
alledging no other caufe, but that the King had threatened him out of his
oun mouth.
Fourthly, That notwithftanding of all this diftrefs, none of the Prefby
terie tooke notice of it, except only Mr Walter, who was found fault with
by the King, for accompanying him doun to the Abbay, but had now got
ten two chalders of victual and eight bolls more than he had, in hope that
he would defert him.
Fiftly, That the Commiffioners refufed reconfiliation with him, when it
was urged be one of their own number, Mr Alexander Lindfay, when he
was laft at Sanct Andrews, that Mr Patrick Galloway alledged that Mr
Robert faid, he regarded neither his good nor his ill ; but he fhould let
him know, what his good and his evil might doe him. Mr Patrick being
prefent anfwered not a word.
And laft, He complained, that neither Mr Patrick, nor any of the Com
miffioners haunted the Prefbytrie, but did what they lyked.
Mention has been made of Mr Robert Bruce his fubmiffion to the King
touching his penfion out of the Abbacy of Arbrothe. The King breaketh
the gift befide his promife, annulles the decreets Mr Robert had gotten,
paffeth by the affignation of the General Affembly, alters the quality of the

1008 THE BOOKE OF THE 1599;
vidlual, diminiffieth the quantity, gives him only eight chalders victual;
whereof three were meale, and gives him no furetie, but during his plea
fure. Whereupon Mr Robert, upon the 18 of Januar, went doun to the
Palace to reftore to the King his gift in his own hand, but could get no
accefs. The King defired, that the Laird of Kincavell his brother might
be fent to him, to whom he fhould declare his will. Mr Robert difcharged
his brother to take that burthen upon him.
The ordinary General Affembly was appointed at the laft Affembly to
be held at Aberdeen the firft Tuefday of July 1599> But by the Kings
Proclamations both the tyme and place was changed, and now appointed
to be holden at Montroffe in March. C]

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1009

A. D. M.DC.

The Generall Affemblie ofthe Kirk of Scotland haldin at Montrois,
the 18 of Marche 1600 geirs : Quher the Kings Maieftie being
perfonallie prefent, were conveinit the Commiffioners of Schyres.

Seffio la-
Exhortatioun being made be Mr Peter Blackburne, Moderatour of the
laft Affemblie, Mrs Robert Bruce, Patrick Galloway, Robert Wilkie,
Patrick Sharp, James Melvill, and Patrick Simfone, were appointit on the
leits : Be pluralitie of votis Mr Robert Wilkie was electit Moderatour
hac vice.
[The next policy was to put the chief of the whole Affembly upon the
Conference, there to reafone upon their propofitions, thereby to know what
to bring in publick, and how. In the Conference firft was intended a treaty
for uniforme confent and agreement in opinions, as if there had never been
occafion of grief miniftred be informality and iniquity in their proceedings.
It was thought good, that four of one opinion, and four of the other,
fhould goe apart to conferre, upon hope, that upon their agreement would
follow an univerfal agreement.
For the Kings fide were chofen Mr George Glaidftones, Mr James Ni
colfon, Mr Robert Howie, Mr Alexander Dowglafs, and Mr John Spotf
wood to be their fcribe.
For the other fide, Mr Patrick Sharp, Mr Patrick Symfon, Mr James
6 M

1010 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
Melvill, Mr David Barcley, and one to be their fcribe. They were com
manded to put their reafons in writt, and to report them to the Affembly.
They began to reafon the matter ab ovo, to define a Parliament, and
what it is to vote in Parliament. The King hearing of it, difcharged them
to medle with that point. Thefe eight fpent the tyme very fruitfully a
whole afternoon tide. The four that flood for the eftablifhed difcipline,
were very plaine, fquare and compendious, after proteftation before God
for fecrecie ; and indeed fome good was expected.
But the day following, when the four ftanding for the eftablifhed difci
pline, were ready to continue, the King would have the reafoning before
himfelf, and certain of his Counfel, in the privie Conference. So the quef
tion was reafoned at length, Whither vote in Parliament, as it was offered ,
to the Kirk, in the Statute made laft thereanent, fhould be accepted, or
not. The brethren who flood for the eftablifhed difcipline, brought many
reafons to prove, that it was directly againft the Word of God.
The minute of the Conference followeth.
That the Conftitution of the General Affembly holden at Dundie-
1588, taken as is meaned after the mind of the forefet doun act of
Parliament, is flat repugnant to the Word of God.
Arg. 1. Antichriftian and Anglican Epifcopal dignities, offices, places,
titles, and all Ecclefiaftical Prelacies, are flat repugnant to the Word of
God, Luke 22. ; i. Tim. 3. ; Tit. 1. ; i. Pet. 5. ; Math. 23. &c. But fuch
is that which is fet doun in the Act of Parliament forefaid, and meaned in
effect be the Conftitution of the faid Affembly. Ergo.
Anfwered, That all corruptions of thefe Bifhhpricks are damned and
rejected. And as to the Act of Parliament, it was alledged to be formed
and fet doun be the invyers of Uie Kirks welfare, of purpofe that the be
nefit might be refufed, and the Kirk to lie over in the old mifery and con
tempt, Arg. 2. That the Miniflers of God, feparated from the common affaires-
of the world, fanctified and confecrat to the Miniftrie of Gods worfhip,
and falvation of his people, fhould turne again to the world, and bear a
common office, and charges therein, and affaires thereof, is flat repugnant
to the Word of God..

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1011
But fo it is, that this Conftitution will impofe that on the Minifters of
God. Ergo.
The propofition is proved be thir places following.
Numb. 3. 44, 45. And the Lord fpake vnto Mofes, faying, Take the
Leuites for all the firft borne of the children of Ifrael ; and the Leuites
fhalbe mine, (I am the Lord.)
Numb. 18. 6. For lo, I haue taken your brethren the Leuites from
among the children of Ifrael, which as a gift of yours, are giuen to the
Lord, to doe the feruice of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.
Deut. 10. 8. The fame tyme the Lord feparated the tribe of Leui to
beare the Arke of the couenant of the Lord, and to fland before the Lord,
to minifter vnto him, and to bleffe in his Name vnto this day.
Deut. 18. 1, 2. The Priefts of the Leuites fhal haue no part nor in
heritance with Ifrael : for the Lord is their inheritance, as he hath faid
vnto them.
Acts 13. 2. Nowe as they miniftred to the Lorde, and failed, the holy
Ghoft faid, Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the worke whereunto I
haue called them.
Rom. 1. 1. Paul a feruaunt of Jefus Chrift, called to bee an Apoftle,
put apart to preache the Gofpel of God.
The affumption is proved be the Act of Parliament, where unto the
Miniftry is adjoyned an office to be given be the King, called the office
and dignity of a Bifhop, or Ecclefiaftical Prelat. And in the Conftitution
of the Affembly it is determined to be of a mixed quality, partly, or half
civil, half ecclefiaftical. This argument was anfwered by denying the
affumption ; and fo the Act of Parliament, and conclufion of the Affembly ;
and plainly declared, that they fould bear no commoun office, nor charge
in things civil.
Arg. 3. That the Minifters of Chrift fhould be diftracted from preach
ing of the Word and dodtrine, is flat repugnant to the word of God. But
this office of a Bifhop voting in Parliament, will diftract &c. Ergo.
Luke 9. 59. But he faide vnto another, Follow me. And the fame
faid, Lord, fuffer me firft to go and burie my father. And Jefiis faid vnto
him, Let the dead burie their dead : but goe thou, and preach the king-
dome of God. Then another faide, Lord, I will follow thee : but let
me firft goe bid them farewell, which are at mine houfe. And Jefus faid

1012 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
vnto him, No man that putteth his hand to the plough, and looketh backe,
is apt to the kingdome of God.
Deut. 33. 8. And of Leui he faid, Let thy Thummin and thine Vrim
be with thine Holy one, whome thou diddeft proue in Maffah, and didft
caufe him to ftriue at the waters of Meribah. Who faid vnto his father,
and to his mother, I haue not feene him, neither knew he his brethren,
nor knew he his owne children- : for they obferued thy word, and kept thy
couenant. They fhall teach Iaakob thy iudgments, and Ifrael thy law : they
fhall put incenfe before thy face, and the burnt offering vpon thine altar.
Acts 6. 2. Then the twelue called the multitude of the difciples toge
ther, and faid, It is not meete that wee fliould leaue the word of God to
ferue the tables.
If thefe moft neceffar, natural, oeconomick, yea and ecclefiaftical offices
fhould not diftract from the preaching of the Word, much lefs fhould civill
affairs and offices have place to diftract. To the which it was anfwered,
That they fhould not be diftracted, but neceffarly employed in preaching
the Word and doctrine, at thefe folemn and common tymes, for the weale
of the whole Kirk, and Common weale.
Arg. 4. Whofoever are, in tyme, and out of tyme, to be occupyed day
and night in the bufinefs of their calling, fliould be freed and have immu
nity from all other turnes. But fo ought, and are the Paftors of the Kirk
to be occupyed. Ergo.
1 Chron. 9. 33. And thefe are the fingers, the chiefe fathers of the Le
uites, which dwelt in the chambers, and had none other charge : for they
had to do in that bufineffe day and night.
2 Tim. 4. 1, 2, 5. I charge thee therefore before God, and before the
Lorde Jefus Chrift, whieh fhall iudge the quicke and dead at that his ap
pearing, and in his kingdom, Preach the Worde : be inftant, in feafon and
out of feafon : improue, rebuke, exhort with all long fuffering and doc
trine. Watch thou in all thinges : fuffer aduerfitie : doe the worke of an
Euangelift : caufe thy miniftrie to be throughly liked of.
1 Tim. 4. 15, 16. Thefe things exercife, and giue thyfelf vnto them,
that it may be feene howe thou profiteft among all men. Take heede vnto
hyfelfe, and vnto learning : continue therein : for in doing this thou fhalt
both faue thyfelfe, and them that heare thee.
Joh. 21. 15, 16, 17- So when they had dined, Jefus fayd to Simon
Peter, Simon the fonne of lona, loueft thou me more then thefe ? He faid

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1013
vnto him, Yea Lord, thou knoweft that I loue thee. He faid vnto him,
Feede my lambes. Hee faid to him againe the fecond time, Simon the
fonne of Iona, loueft thou me ? He fayd vnto him, Yea Lorde, thou
knoweft that I loue thee. He faid vnto him, Feed my fheepe. He faid
vnto him the third time, Simon the fonne of Iona, loueft thou me ? Peter
was forie becaufe he faid to him the third time, Loueft thou me ? and fayd
vnto him, Lord, thou knoweft all things : thou knoweft that I loue thee.
Jefus fayd vnto him, Feed my fheepe.
Acts 20. 18, 19, 20, 21. When they [the Elders of the Church of
Ephefus] were come to him, hee fayd vnto them, , Ye knowe from the firft
day that I came into Afia, after what maner I haue bene with you at all
feafons, feruing the Lorde with all modeftie, and with many teares, and
tentations, which came vnto me by the laying awaite of the Jewes, and how
I kept backe nothing that was profitable, but haue fhewed you, and taught
you openly and throughout euery houfe, witneffing both to the Jewes, and
to the Grecians the repentance toward God, and fayth toward our Lord
Jefus Chrift. &c. 26, 27, 28. Wherefore I take you to record this day,
that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I haue kept nothing backe,
but haue fhewed you all the counfell of God. Take heede therefore vnto
your felues, and to all the flocke, whereof the holy Ghoft hath made you
Ouerfeers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchafed with that his
owne blood, &c. 31. Therefore watche, and reniber that by the fpace of
three yeers I ceafed not to warne euery one, both night and day with tears.
Anfwer to this was, They fall be occupyed in nothing by their calling.
Arg. 5. To make the charge of fouls fo light, that therewithall another
may be joyned and borne, is direct againft the Word of God. But &c.
Ergo. Ezek. 34. I. And the word of the Lord came vnto mee, faying, Sonne of
man, prophecie againft the fhepherds of Ifrael, prophecie and fay unto them,
Thus faith the Lord God vnto the fhepherds, Woe be vnto the fhepherds of
Ifrael, that feede themfelues : fhould not the fhepherds feede the flocks ?
Ye eate the fat, and yee clothe you with the wool : ye kill them that are
fed, but yee feede not the fheepe. The weake haue ye not ftrengthened,
the ficke haue ye not healed, neither haue yee bound vp the broken, nor
brought againe that which was driuen-away, neither haue yee fought that
which was loft, but with crueltie, and with rigour haue ye ruled them.
And they were fcattered without a fhepherd : and when they were dif-

1014 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
perfed, they were deuoured of all the beafts of the field. My fheep wan
dered through al the mountaines, and vpon euery hie hil : yea, my flocke
was fcattered through all the earth, and none did feeke or fearch after
them. Therefore ye fhepherds, heare the word of the Lord. As I fiue,
faieth the Lord God, furely becaufe my flocke was fpoiled, and my fheepe
were deuoured of all the beafts of the field, hauing no fhepheard, neither
did my fhepheards feeke my fheepe, but the fhepheards fedde themfelues,
and fedde not my fheepe, Therefore, heare ye the word of the Lord, O
ye fhepheards, Thus faith the Lord God, Behold, I come againft the fhep
heards, and will require my fheep at their hands, and caufe them to ceafe
from feeding the fheepe : neither fhal the fhepheards feed themfelues any
more : for I will deliuer my fheep from their mouthes, and they fhall no
more deuoure them. &c.
Zach. 11. 17. O idole fhepherd that leaueth the flocke, the fword fhalbe
vpon his arme, and vpon his right eye. His arme fhall bee cleane dryed
vp, and his right eye fhalbe vtterly darkened.
Acts 20. 20. I kept backe nothing that was profitable, but haue fhewed
you, and taught you openly and throughout euery houfe.
V. 26. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from
the blood of all men.
V. 28. Take heede therefore vnto yourfelues, and to all the flocke,
whereof the holy Ghoft hath made you Ouerfeers, to feed the Church of
God, which he hath purchafed with that his owne blood.
V. 31. Therefore watch, and remember that by the fpace of three
years I ceafed not to warne euery one, both night and day with teares.
1. Peter 5. 2. Feede the flocke of God, which dependeth vpon you,
caring for it not by conftraint, but willingly : not for filthie lucre, but of a
readie minde.
V. 8. Be fober, and watch : for your aduerfary the deuil as a roaring
lyon walketh about, feeking whom he may deuoure.
11. Cor. 2. 15, 16, 17. For wee are vnto God the fweete faupur of
Chrift, in them that are faued, and in them which perifh. To the one we
are the fauour of death, vnto death ; and to the other the fauour of life,
vnto life : and who is fufficient for thefe things ? For wee are not as
many, which make marchandife of the worde of God : but as of finceritie,
but as of God in the fight of God fpeake we in Chrift.
Heb. 13. 17. Obey them that haue the ouerfight of you, and fubmit

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1015
yourfelues : for they watch for your foules, as they that muft giue accounts,
that they may doe it with joy, and not with griefe : for that is vnprofit-
able for you.
The anfwer was the denying the affumption ; and fo as in all other an
fwers, in effect denying the thing they were doing.
Arg. 6. The jungling and confounding of jurifdictions and callings,
which God has diftinguifhed in perfons, and manner of handling, is againft
the Word. But fo it is, that this Conftitution imports that, exprefly term
ing their office to be of a mixed quality. Ergo.
Numb. 18. 4, 7- And they fhalbe joyned with thee, and keep the charge
of the Tabernacle of the Congregation for all the feruice of the Taber
nacle : and no ftranger fhall come neere vnto you. But thou, and thy
fo nnes with thee fhall keepe your Priefts office for all things of the altar, and
within the vaile : therefore fhall ye ferue : for I haue made your Prieftes
office an office of feruice : therefore the ftranger that commeth neere, fhal
be flaine.
ii. Chron. 19. 11. And behold, Amariah the Prieft fhalbe the chiefe ouer
you in all matters of the Lord ; and Zebadiah the fonne of Iffimael, a ruler
of the houfe of Judah, fhalbe for all the Kings affaires, and the Leuites
fhalbe officers before you. Be of courage, and doe it, and the Lord fhalbe
with the good.
Math. 22. 21. Then fayd hee vnto them, Giue therefore to Ceefar, the
things which are Ceefars ; and giue vnto God, thofe things which are
Gods. Deut. 22. 9, 10, 11. Thou fhalt not fowe thy vineyard with diuers kinds
of feedes, left thou defile the increafe of the feede which thou haft fowen,
and the fruite of the vineyard. Thou fhalt not plowe with an oxe and
an affe together. Thou fhalt not weare a garment of diuers fortes, as of
woollen and linen together.
This was anfwered be a denyal of jungling and confufion, but with a
granting of conjoyning and conjunction ; and fo all one, and bewraying of
the purpofe, which they feemed before to deny, viz. to conjoine a civil
office with an ecclefiaftick.
Arg. 7. That the officers of Chrifts kingdom fhoud medle with things
not pertaining thereto, is aXKotpioe-wiaKoireiv, againft the Scripture, 1. Pet. 4.
15. But politick and civil affaires are fuch.
John 6. 15. When Jefus therefore perceiued that they would come, and

1016 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
take him to make him a king, he departed againe into a mountain him felfe
alone. John 18. 36. Jefus anfwered, [and faid unto Pilate,] My kingdome is not
of this world : if my kingdome were of this worlde, my feruants would
furely fight, that I fhould not be deliuered to the Jewes : but now is my
kingdome not from hence.
Luke 12. 13, 14. And one of the company faid vnto him, Mafter, bid
my brother deuide the inheritance with me. And he faid vnto him,
Man, who made me a iudge, or a deuider ouer you ?
John 8. 10, 11. When Jefus had lift vp him felfe againe, and fa we no
man but the woman, hee fayd vnto her, Woman, where are thofe thine
accufers? hath no man condemned thee ? She faid, No man, Lord. And
Jefus faid vnto her, Neither do I condemne thee : goe, and fin no more.
It was anfwered, That the fpiritual and civil functions differed not in
fubject, but in manner and forme of handling and traiting of one and the
fame fubjedt to divers ends ; and that Chrifts officers fall be urged to handle
civil things no otherwife but fpiritually.
Arg. 8. That Chrifts Minifters fhould bear worldly preeminence, bruik
ambitious ftiles, and be called evep^erai, gracious Lords, is againft the word of
God. But this conftitution will permitt, yea and make them fo to doe.
Ergo. Math. 23. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. The Scribes and Pharifees loue
the chiefe place at feaftes, and to haue the chiefe feates in the affemblies,
and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But
be not ye called Rabbi : for one is your dodtour, to wit, Chrift, and all ye
are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth : for there is
but one, your Father which is in heaven. Be not called doctors : for one
is your dodtor, euen Chrift. But he that is greateft among you, let him
be your feruant. For whofoeuer fhall exalt himfelfe, fhall be brought low :
and whofoeuer will humble himfelfe, fhalbe exalted.
Luke 22. 24, 25, 26. And there arofe alfo a ftrife among them, which
of them fhould feeme to be greateft. But he fayde vnto them, The kings
of the Gentiles reigne ouer them, and they that beare rule ouer them, are
called bountifull. But ye fhall not be fo : But let the greateft among you
be as the leaft : and the chiefeft as he that ferueth.
Math. 20. 26, 27, 28. But it fhal not be fo among you : but whofo
euer will be great among you, let him be your feruant. And whofoeuer

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1017
will be chief among you, let him be your feruant : Even as the Sonne of
man came not to be ferued, but to ferue, and to giue his life for the ran-
fom for many.
To this was anfwered, That this which they were about to do, fhould
neither permitt, nor make worldly preeminence nor ambitious ftyles.
Arg. 9. That the foldier of God fliould be involved in the affaires of this
life, is flat repugnant to the Word of God. But this will involve in the
affaires of this life. Ergo.
Num. 4. 1, 2, 3. And the Lord fpake vnto Mofes, and to Aaron,
faying, Take the fumme of the fonnes of Kohath from among the fonnes
of Leui, after their families, and houfes of their fathers, from thirtie yeere
olde and aboue, euen vntill fiftie yeere olde, all that enter into the affemblie
to doe the worke of the Tabernacle of the Congregation.
ii. Tim. 2. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7- Thou therefore fuffer affliction as a good
fouldier of Iefus Chrift. No man that warreth, entangleth himfelfe with the
affaires of this life, becaufe hee woulde pleafe him that hath chofen him
to be a fouldier. And if any man alfo ftriue for a mafterie, he is not
crowned, except he ftriue as he ought to doe. The hufbandman muft la
bour before he receiue the fruites. Confider what I fay : and the Lorde
giue thee vnderftanding in all things.
Anfwered, They fall not be involved, nor fhould not, be the nature of
their calling.
Arg. 10. The Magiftrats and Civil rulers preach not the Word, nor
minifter facraments, nor exercife fpiritual difcipline, acknowledging thefe
things impertinent to their function. Ergo : Neither fhould Minifters
make civil lawes, nor judge and rule conforme therto.
Anfwer, It was not meaned be that voting in Parliament, that the Mi
nifters fould ufe judicatour civil, or any part of the Magiftrats office : for
that the King was only Judge in the Parliament, and the Eftates gave but
their advice.
Arg. 11. That which wants both precept and example in the Evangels,
Acts, and Epiftles of the Apoflles, and the whole hiftory of and writings
of the Chriftian Church, till almoft 800 years after Chrift, and at what
tyme the Pope came to that fhamelefs ufurpation of both the fwords, and
fet himfelf in the chair of peftilence and pride, tradding on the necks of
Emperours and Kings &c, is no wayes to be admitted or fuffered in our
reformed kirks. But fo is this new office of a mixed quality. Ergo.
6 N

1018 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
For anfwer to this were brought forth exemples of the Old Teftament,
Melchifedeck, King and Prieft, the government of the Kirk in the families
of the Patriarches. Item, Mofes and the Levites, who were appointed
Judges, and interpreters of the Law, throughout the land.
To this was replyed, Melchifedeck, Mofes, nor the high Prieft cannot
be exemples for the Evangelicall Miniftrie, being types of the head and
foveraign King, and high Prieft, the Lord Jefus Chrift. Alfo Mofes and
Aaron were brethren indeed ; but after Aarons confecration bear diftindl
offices, fhewing us, that the ecclefiaftick and civil rulers fhould live as
brethren ; but every one to be about their oun office and calling, for others
mutual welfare.
As for the government of the families, there was another reafon thereof,
than of Cities and Common weales, in fo .far as he that rules his familie,
rules but himfelf; but who rules a City and Common wealth governs
many families : Therefore Ariftotle, i Polit. makes ane effential difference
betwixt the adminiftration of a familie and a republick.
And finaly, As for the Levits, they reprefented no ecclefiaftick Evan-
gelick office, and concerning thefe that were appointed
called in the Gofpel wapim™*, if they reprefented any office under the
Evangel, it was the office of Doctors ; fo that thereby the Doctors fliould
be appointed voters in Parliament.
Arg. 12. The fubject of the office of a Minifter, and of a civil worldly
office, are divers and contrary : Therefore cannot be occupyed in both.
Rom. 8. 5, 6, 7. For they that are after the flefh, fauour the things
of the flefh : but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.
For the wifedome of the flefh is death : but the wifedome of the fpirit is life
and peace : Becaufe the wifedome of the flefh is enmitie againft God : for
it is not fubiect to the Law of God, neither indeede can be.
i. Cor. 2. 12, 13, 14. Now we haue receiued, not the fpirit of the
world, but the fpirit, which is of God, that we might knowe the things
that are freely giuen to vs of God. Which things alfo we fpeake, not in
the woordes which mans wifedome teacheth, but which the holy Ghoft teach
eth, comparing fpirituall things with fpirituall things. But the natural man
perceiueth not the things of the Spirit of God : for they are foolifhneffe
vnto him : neither can he knowe them, becaufe they are fpiritually
dif cerned.
i. John 2. 15, 16, 17- Loue not this world, neither the things that are

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1019
in this world. If any man loue this world, the loue of the Father is not
in him. For all that is in this world (as the lull of the flefh, the Iuft of
the eyes, and the pride of life) is not of the Father, but is of this world.
And this world paffeth away, and the lull thereof: but he that fulfilleth
the will of God, abideth euer.
It was anfwered, That this argument was againft worldly, unchriftian,
and unfanctified civil offices.
Replyed, That many alledged, Chriftian were more impious and un-
juft, than the Perfian, Grecian, and Roman.
Arg. 13. The manner of doing of the one, is in lyke manner adverfe to
the other, as is evident of the fame places, and many other. Ergo.
And here was pertinently ufed the apologie of Efop anent the collier
and the waker, where the collier defired to dwell befide the waker, alledg-
ing many commodities that might come to both. But the waker well ad
vifed, refufed altogether : for it is not poffible, fayes he, but thy occupa
tion will marre mine, for thow makes a black, and I make whyte.
Arg. 14. Their ends are alfo contrair ; the Minifters office being to
fifh men out of the fea of this world, unto God, which they cannot doe, if
they lye plunging in the world themfelves. So faid Chrift to his difciples,
Peter, John, &c. Follow me, and I will make you fifhers of men.
Arg. 15. The experience of the Kirk in all ages fince the corruption
entered in, and namely in our own age, not only amongft the Papifts, but
in our neighbour land of England, among ourfelves, clearly proves, and
loudly cries, That it is not poffible, that they can ftand together : There
fore the Queen of Englands diction is, when fhe makes a Bifhop, Alace
for pity ; for we have marred a good preacher to day. And what gappes
our Bifhops have been in Scotland, and are, the whole countrey
knowes. The experience alfo of godlie Paftors teaches them this, where they
have been, but never fo little, and of neceffity, occupyed in the world,
how hard it is to gather themfelves again, and get the heart fet toward
God, and their fpiritual duties and actions. Qui ambulat in fole, colora-
tur ; qui tangit picem, inquinatur j qui frequentat aulam, et curiam, pro-
fanatur. Forum Pontificis Petrum ad Chrifti abnegationem adegit. Quae
eft corporum conftitutio, ea eft et morum circumpofitio. Aere calido ca-
lefcimus, et rurfus frigido frigefcimus. Sic cum fanctis fanctus eris, cum
perverfis perverteris.

102° THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
Math. 6. 24. No man can ferue two matters : for eyther he fhall hate
the one, and loue the other, or els he fhall leane to the one, and defpife
the other. Ye cannot ferue God and riches.
Arg. 16. Nature and the fame experience has dyted the axiome and
proverb, One office for a man is enough, and many irons in the fire, fome
will coole : Therefore the wife men in nature, Plato and Ariflotle in their
Republick, fet doun the fame, l« wpo* kv -, and banifh therefra ofie\iaKo\vXvwv,
et Sopv8p€iravov, inftruments ferving for moe ufes at once, as unprofitable,
and that fpill things &c. Now if in a civil Common weale, by the light of
nature, in fubjecto homogeneo, one turne and office is enough for a man ;
furely it is no wife convenient nor poffible, that, in fubjecto heterogeneo,
viz. both in Kirk and Common weale, one man can bear two offices.
Arg. 17. That which has been as a peft efchewed, ftraitly forbidden be
adts, and ftoutly flood againft in publick doctrine, and at all Affeniblies,*
fince the firft planting of the fincerity of the Gofpel within the realme,
fhould not now, by perfwafion and moyand of Court, be brought in with*
in the Kirk. But fuch is this. Ergo.
The Acts of our Generall Affemblies forbid a Minifter to joyne with his
Miniftrie the office of a Notar, hufbandrie, or labouring of land, hoftlarie,
&c, under pain of depofition.
Theod. Beza, Epiftola 79. Joan. Cnoxo. Sed et iftud, mi Cnoxe, te cae-
terofque fratres velim meminiffe, quod jam oculis pene ipfis obueriatur ;
ficut Epifcopi Papatum pepererunt, ita pfeudepifcopos Papatus reliquias
Epicureifmum terris invecturos. Hanc peftem caueant, qui falvam Eccleii-
am cupiunt : Et quum illam in Scotia in tempore profligaris ; ne, quaefo,
illam unquam admittas, quantumuis vnitatis retinendae fpecie quae veteres
etiam optimos multos fefellit, blandiatur.
Arg. 18. And laft, The judgment of the Fathers, and Doctors of the
Kirk, ancient, and modern, old, new, Tertullian, Cyrillus, Primafius,
Ambrofius, &c.
Tertull. De Idololatria, cap. 18. Si poteflatem nullam ne in fuos quidem
exercuit Chriftus, quibus fordide minifterio functus eft, fi Regem fe fieri
confcius fui regni refugit, pleniffime dedit formam fuis de rejiciendo om
ni faftigio et fuggeftu tam dignitatis quam poteftatis. Quis enim magis
his ufus fuiffet, quam Dei filius ? quales enim fafees produceret ? quale
aurum de capite radiaret, nifi gloriam feculi alienara et fibi et fuis judicaf-

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1021
fet? Ideoque noluit, rejecit ; quae rejecit, damnavit; quae damnavit in
pompa Diaboli deputavit.
Cyrillus in Joan. lib. 3. cap. 20. Honor et gloria mundi fugienda funt
iis, qui volunt gloriam Dei confequi.
Primafius in 2 Tim. 2. Comparatione militum utitur, ut oftendat mul
to magis nos a negotiis fecularibus liberos effe debere, ut Chrifto placeamus,
fi etiam feculi milites a reliquis feculi artibus vacant, ut poffint regi fuo
placere. Ambrofius in Epift. i. Tim. 2. Ecclefiafticus autem idcirco Deo fe pro-
bat, ut huic devotius officium impleat, quod fpopondit in Dei rebus folici-
tus, a ieculari negotio alienus : non enim convenit unum duplicem habere
profeffionem. Bernard. De Confid. lib. 2. cap. 4. Apoftolis interdicitur dominatus :
ergo tu ufurpare audes aut dominus Apoftolatum, aut Apoftolus domina-
tum ? Plane ab utroque prohiberis. Si utrumque fimul habere velis, perdes
utrumque. Idem. Non monftrabunt ubi quifquam Apoftolorum aliquam-
diu judex federit hominum, aut divifor terminorum aut diftributor terra
rum fletiffet. Denique lego Apoftolos judicandos fediffe ; judicantes non
lego. Can. Apoft. can. 80. Dicimus quod non oporteat Epifcopum aut Prefby-
terum publicis fe adminiftrationibus immittere ; fed vacare, et commodum
fe exhibere ufibus ecclefiafticis. Animum igitur inducito hoc non facere,
aut deponitor. Nemo enim poteft duobus dominis fervire.
Vide Gregor. Lib. i. Epiftolarum Epift. 5. Ad Theotiftam Impera-
toris fororem.
Synod. Nicen. Can. Sylv. et Conftant. Nemo Clericus, vel Diaconus,
vel Prefbyter propter caufam fuam quamlibet intret in curiam, quoniam
omnis curia a cruore dicta eft ; et fi quis Clericus in curiam introeat, ana
thema fufcipiat, nunquam rediens ad matrem ecclefiam.
Damafus, et Confil. Neocaefar. et Antioch. Anno 341. Epifcopi qui
fecularibus intenti curis, greges Chorepifcopis vel Vicariis commendant, vi-
dentur mihi effe meretricibus fimiles, quae ftatim ut pariunt, infantes fuos
aliis nutricibus tradunt educandos, ut fuam citius libidinem explere valeant.
Sic et ifti infantes fuos, i. e. populos fibi commiffos, aliis educandos tradunt,
ut fuas libidines expleant, i. e. pro fuo libitu fecularibus curis inhient, et quod
unicuique vifum fuerit liberius agant. Pro talibus enim animae negligun-
tur, oves pereunt, morbi crefcunt, haerefes et fchifmata prodeunt, deftruun-

1022 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
tur ecclefiae, facerdotes vitiantur, et reliqua mala proveniunt. Non taliter
Dominus docuit, nee Apoftoli inftituerunt ; fed ipfi qui curam fufcipiunt,
ipfi peragant, et ipfi proprios manipulos Domino repraefentent : nam ipfe
ovem perditam diligenter quaefivit, ipfe invenit, ipfe propriis humeris re-
portavit, nofque id ipfum facere perdocuit. Si ipfe pro ovibus tantam
curam habuit, quid nos miferi didturi fumus, qui etiam pro ovibus nobis
commiffis curam impendere negligimus, et aliis eas educandas tradidi-
mus ? Audiant, quid beatus Jacob dixerit focero fuo, Viginti annos
fui tecum ; oves tuae et caprae fteriles non fuerunt ; arietes gregis tui
non comedi, nee captum a beftia oftendi tibi ; ego damnum omne redde-
bam, et quicquid furto perierat, a me exigebas : ego die noctuque aeftu
urgebar et gelu ; fugiebat fomnus ab oculis meis. Si ergo fie laborat, et
vigilat, qui pafcit oves Laban ; quanto labore, quantifque vigiliis debet in-
tendere, qui pafcit oves Dei ? Sed in his omnibus ipfe nos inftruat, qui pro
ovibus fuis dedit animam.
• Synod. Carthag. Ut Epifcopus nullam rei familiaris curam ad fe revo-
cet, fed ut lectioni, et orationi, et verbi Dei praedicationi tantummodo
vacet. Synod. Chalced. Oecumenica confeff. 15. Ne Epifcopi, Clerici, et
Monachi rebus fe politicis implicent, aut praedia aliena conducant.
Sexta Univerf. Synod. Conftan. can. 80. Epifcopis non competere
ecclefiafticam et politicam eminentiam. Epifcopus, aut Prefbyter, vel Dia-
conus militiae vacans, et volens utrumque, principatum Romanum et facer-
dotalem dignitatem, deponitor. Nam quae Caefaris funt Caefari, et quae
Dei Deo.
Ex Epiftola Concilii Africani ad Papam Coeleftinum. Executores etiam
Clericos veftros quibufque potentibus nolite mittere, nolite concedere, ne
fumofum typhum faeculi in Ecclefiam Chrifti, quae lucem fimplicitatis et
humilitatis diem Deum videre cupientibus praefert, videamur inducere.
Synod. Macrens. Nee Rex Pontificis dignitatem, nee Pontifex regiam
poteftatem fibi ufurpare praefumat. Sic actionibus propriis dignitatibufque
a Deo diftinguuntur ; ut Chriftiani Reges pro aeterna vita Pontificibus in-
digerent ; et Pontifices pro temporali rerum curfu Regum difpofitionibus
uterentur, quatenus fpiritualis actio a carnalibus diftaret in curfibus : et
ideo militans Domino minime fe negotiis fecularibus implicaret, ac viciffim
non illi rebus divinis praefidere viderentur.

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1023
Synod. Roman. Anno 1215. Univerfis Clericis interdicimus, ne quis
praetextu ecclefiafticae libertatis fuam de caetero jurifdidtionem extendat in
praejudicium juftitiae fecularis. Et quae funt Caefaris, Caefari reddant, et
quae funt Dei, Deo.
Calvinus in Epift. ad Tim. 2. Semper Paftorem meminiffe oportet ve-
teris proverbii, Hoc age, quod fignificat, ita ferio incumbendum effe pera-
gendis facris, ut ftudium ejus et intentionem nihil aliud impediat.
Martyr, in Loc. Com. claff. 14. cap. 13. Diftingui oportet has func-
tiones, Civilem et Ecclefiafticam, quae utraque earum feorfim totum homi-
nem requirit : nam vix ullus unquam repertus eft, qui alterutram redle
obire poffet, adeo eft difficilis utraque provincia.
Gefner de Synodis. Bohemi quatuor articulos Bafilienfi Synodo pro-
ponunt ; quorum fecundus eft de civili dominio, quod interdici Clericis
divina lege dicebant.
The matter not fucceeding as the King and the Commiffioners looked
for, they went another way to work, to the end they might obtain a rati
fication of the articles agreed upon be the Commiffioners fent fra the Sy
nods, and the perpetuity of the Commiffioner voter in Parliament.
They ufed diligence, craft, and authority : diligence, for from the Kings
rifing early at morne, till he went late to bed, he was fo bufie with Mi
nifters, that the Courteours complained heaviely they could get no accefs.
As for authority, it kythed many wayes, efpecialy in the laft Moderators
recantation ; and commanding Mr Andrew Melvill to keep his lodgings,
howbeit he was fent in commiffion from his Prefbytrie. When wee were
(he was ?) called for to the King, and demanded in privat, why he was fo
troublefome : wherefore came he to Affemblies being difcharged : He
Anfwered, He had a calling of the Kirk, which it behoved him to dif
charge. The King threatned him : But he put his hand to his craig, and
faid, Sir, take yow this head, and caus cut it off, if ye will ; ye fall fooner
get it, then that I fhall betray the caufe of Chrift. He remained in the
toun, and ftrenthned the brethren with arguments and exhortations.
Their craft and diffimulation kythed in this, that working with might
and main for Epifcopacy, yet they gave it out among the brethren, that
there was no fuch thing meant ; but only vote in Parliament, to vindicate
the Kirk from contempt and poverty : and fo feemed their anfwers to the
arguments in the Conference.

1024 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
By craft they got fuch a Moderator as they had at their own devotion ;
and yet there was fuch oppofition made be many worthy brethren, that
they could not get perpetuity of Commiffion to vote in Parliament, ad vi
tam or ad culpam, agreed unto ; but only that it fliould be annual : Which
conclufion the King and the Clerk, by adding thereto, drew as near their
purpofe as they could ; to wit, that the Commiffioner voter in Parliament
fhould give account annuatim, and lay down the office at the feet of the
Affembly, to be continued, or altered, as the Affembly, with confent of
the King, fall think moft expedient.
One and fifty voted, That the Commiffioner voter fliould be chofen an
nuatim be every Prefbytrie, from year to year. Fourty eight voted, That
he fhould continue ad vitam, or ad defectum, as they called it. Many of
the 48 were not Minifters, and had no commiffion, as the Secretar, and
Commiffioners of burghs.
The Commiffioners of the General Affembly were fo grieved for the
great advantage gotten of them be plurality of votes, that they mett fecret-
ly at night, and did advife a new interpretation, which they put in the
Kings hand : and fo it was concluded upon the Saturday, after the forme
that is now extant in the Book.

Seffio 2*1- Eodem die.
The Commiffioners appointit in the laft Generall Affemblie for vifita
tioun of the kirks within every Prefbitrie, as are particularlie divydit in
the faid commiffioun, being requyrit quhat diligence they had done in dif
charge of the faid commiffioun : It was anfuerit for the moft part of them,
that they were not able to difcharge any part of the faid commiffioun, in
refpect they wantit moyen to make thair expenffis during the tyme of the
vifitatioun : and therfor the Affemblie thocht good that it fould be ineanit
to his Maieftie, that through inlake of expencis the worke of vifitatioun
was lyke to ceafe, and to crave that fome remeid may be provydit therto.
[Vifiters, notwithftanding, were appointed in the eight Seffion, to vifit
fome parts ofthe countrey that needed. C]
Forfameikle as it was regratit, that the act made in the laft Affemblie,
anent the ordinar keiping of Prefbytries, and the reforting therto, was not

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 'l025
regardit be fundrie of the Miniftrie, and fpeciallie be them of the Preffii
tries of Air and Irwing : Therfor the Generall Affemblie ordaines the
faid act to be put to executioun in all points, throughout all the Preffiitries
within this realme ; and quhofoevir contemnes and violats the famein, after
twyfe admonitioun, that he be fufpendit from his miniftrie : ordaining the
vifitors, that falbe appointit fra this Affemblie, to report to the nixt Af
femblie quhat diligence they find done, tuiching the keiping of the faid
aft.

Seffio 3a- 19 Martij.
Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be the Synodall of Galloway, making
mentioun, that quher they had ane act for the erecting and bigging of ane
kirk at the burgh of Stranrawer, within the Prefbitrie of Wigtoun, andan-
nexatioun therto of the 20 pound land of the parochine of the Inche, lyand
towards the coaft of Ireland, pertaining to the Lairds of Garthland, Stran
rawer, Kinhilt, and Sorbie, with the 29 mark land of the parochin of Sal-
fett, the fyve mark land of Auchterlure, and fyve mark land of Stranrawer,
as being moft commodious for the inhabitants of the faid lands, for refort-
ing to the faid kirk for heiring of the Word ; vnto the quhilk eredtioun
and annexatioun forfaid, the heritours and kyndlie tennents of the faids
lands, hes alreadie givin thair confent : defyreand, therfor, the Generall
Affemblie will ratifie and approve the fame, as at mair lenth is conteinit in
thair fupplicatioun. The Generali Affemblie [ratifies and] approves the
erecting [and annexatione] forfaid, of the faid Synodall of Galloway in all
points. Becaufe the generall queftioun was proponit to the haill Affemblie,
quher congregatiouns are fo fpatious, that a great part therof may not
commodiouflie refort to thair awin paroch kirk, be realbn of the great dif-
tance of thair habitatioun therfra, If it be lawfull to ane number of the
faid congregatioun to big ane new kirk, and intertaine a Paftor at the fame
vpon thair awin expenffis : The Generall Affemblie, after lang reafoning,
thinks it both lawfull and expedient, and declares they will affift the famein
as a godlie wark, and will crave the famein to be ratified in Parliament,
how fo oft it fall occurre.
6o

1026 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
Becaufe it was reportit, that a great number of gentlemen, and vthers of
this realme, wilfullie and obftinatelie abftaines from the holie communioun ;
fome vnder collour of deadlie feids, and fome for fome vther licht caufes :
Therfor, for remeid of the faid abufe, it is ftatute and ordainit, That all
Preffiitries, within this realme, give expreffe charge and command to every
particular Minifter within thair bounds, charging them to take vp the names
of all them within thair parochines, quho hes not communicat ilk geir anes
at the leift ; and therafter fummound them [to compeir] befor the Prefbi-
trie, to heir and fie themfelves decernit to communicat within thrie monethis
nixt after the charge ; certifieand them and they failgie, the act of con
ventioun made aganis non communicants falbe put to executioun aganis
them : quhilk being done, and the faids perfons, non communicants, re
maining obftinate, and the faids thrie monethis expyred, that the Preffii
tries delate the names of the faids non communicants to the Kings Maieftie,
to the intent the forfaid adt of conventioun made againft non communicants
may be put to executioun aganis them : And in the parochin quher ther
is no Minifter, that this ordour be fupplied be the Prefbitrie within the
quhilk the faid paroch lyes.
Forfameikle as it was heavilie lamentit in the Kings Maiefties prefence,
that quhenas fundrie of the Miniftrie were occupied in thair lawfull calling,
in perfewing malefactours, fuch as adulterers, murtherers, and vther flan-
derous perfons, vrging them to purge [themfelves of] the flanders commit
tit be them, conforme to the ftatutes of the Kirk, daylie obfervit within
this realme, that at fuch tymes they were drawin from thair calling, and
chargit to compeir befor the Secreit Counfel], be letters privielie obtainit
vpon falfe narratives be the faids flanderous perfons j quherby not only
were they diftractit from thair lawfull functiouns, but alfo the difcipline of
the Kirk and punifhment of vyce [was] greatlie [neglectit and] contem-
nit : Therfor the brethren of tbe Affemblie moft humblie requeifts his
Maieftie not to fuffer fuch contempt of the difcipline of the Kirk, quher
by the brydle wald be loufit to all impietie and licentious living.
To the quhilk his Maieftie promift, that, in tyme comeing, no letters fould
be direct from the Secreit Counfell, at the inftance of any perfon, aganis any
Minifter in particular, or any Prefbitrie in generall, for quhatfoevir thing he
or they fall doe in the executioun of their offices, befor the perfon, requyrer

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1027
[ofthe faids letters,] produce ane teftimoniall under forme of ane inftru-
ment de denegata juftitia ofthe Minifter or Prefbytrie judge ordinar.

Seffio 4a- Eodem die.
The brethren appointit to await vpon the Kings Maieftie, for advyfeing
of fuch articles as fould be cravit ofthe nixt Conventioun for taking ordour
with Jefuits, Papifts, Seminarie Priefts, &c, hes, with the Kings Maiefties
advyfe, formed the articles vnderwrytin, to be givin in to the nixt Con
ventioun. 1. That all Jefuites and Seminarie Preifts, excommunicat and trafficking
Papifts, that fall happin, in any tyme comeing, to returne within the coun
trey, or that are prefentlie within the* countrey, fall, immediatlie after thair
delatioun to his Maieftie, be apprehendit and put in ward, ther to be de-
teinit ay and quhill they be convertit to the religioun, or els punifchit ac
cording to the adts of Parliament, or els removit aff the countrey.
2. That the refetters of obftinate excommunicat Papifts, and thair cheife
friends and acquaintances, in whofe houfes they haunt, be chargit to find
catioun, vnder a pecuniall paine according to thair abilitie and rank, that
they fall no way receit nor intertaine the faid excommunicats.
3. That all excommunicat Papifts be chargeit to fatiffie the Kirk with
in the fpace of thrie monethis, vnder the paine of horning ; and if they fail-
gie, to be denuncit therto, that thair efcheitts and lyferents, in cace of geir
and dayes rebellioun, may be intromettit with be his Maiefties Thefaurer,
and not difponit to any donatour.
4. That the Marqueis of Huntlie be chargeit to [exhibit and] prefent
before his Maieftie and Secreit Counfell, John Gordoun of Newtoun, Pa
trick Butter, and Alexander Leflie, according to his band, that they may
be committit to ward ay and quhill they fatiffie the Kirk.
Bonytoun gonger, alledgit refident within the Preffiitries of Ellon,
Aberdeine, and Breichin, is ordainit be the General Affemblie to be con-
veinit befor the Prefbitrie of Brechin, and ther to offer his fatiffactioun- as
to his Judges ordinar.
Tarwes, and Methlik, kirks of the Synodall of Aberdeine, vpon the xj
day of November 1597 geirs, with mutual confent of the parochiners, and

102S THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
heritours of the lands to be interchangit and annexit, with confent of the
faid Synodall, excambit certaine lands, and annexit them in refpect of the
farre diftance from thair awin paroch kirks, and contiguitie to the kirks
quhervnto they are annexit, but prejudice alwayes of thair rents of the
Perfonage and Viccarrage of the faids lands, to be payit to the auld Perfons*
and Viccars, as befor the faid excambion. The Generall Affemblie, at the
defyre of the faid Synodall, ratifies and approves the faid excambion and
alteratioun in all points, and ordaines the famein to take full effect.
Forfameikle as diverfe and great inconveniences arifes daylie through
the vntymeous marriage of goung and tender perfons befor they come to
age meit for marriage ; and that ther is no law, nor ftatute of the Kirk,
[made] as get defyning the age of perfons to be married : Therfor it is
ftatute and ordainit, that no Minifter within this realme prefume to joyne in
matrimonie [any perfones], in tyme coming, except the man be of fourtein
geirs, and the woman of twelve geirs at the leift : ordaining lykewayes the
Commiffioners of the Generall Affemblie to defyre this ftatute to be ratified
in the Conventione.
Anent the queftioun, Whither a man being blind may difcharge all the
parts of the office of a Paftor ; and in fpeciall anent the admiffioun of Mr
Johne Boyle to the miniftrie of Jedburgh, being blind : The Affemblie
referres the anfuer of the generall queftioun to the nixt Generall Affemblie.
And as to the admiffioun of the faid Mr Johne, referris it to the Com
miffioners of the faid Generall Affemblie ; and in the meanetyme difcharges
the faid Mr Johne fra vfing any part of the office of a Paftour, except
the preaching of the Word.
Becaufe the mariage of perfons convict of adulterie, is a great allurement
to maried perfons to committ the faid cryme, thinking therby to* be fepa-
rate from their awin lawfull halfe marrowes, to injoy the perfons with
quhom they have committit adulterie : for efchewing quherof, the Generall
Affemblie thinks it expedient, that ane fupplicatioun be givin in to the nixt
Conventioun, craveand ane act to be made, difchargeand all mariages of
fuch perfons as are convict of adulterie ; and that the famein be ratified in
the nixt Parliament : ordaining the brethren appointit to awaite vpon the
nixt Conventioun to give in this article with the reft.

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1029

Seffio 6a- 20 Martij, poft meridiem.
Forfameikle as, in the laft Affemblie, ther was a commiffioun givin to
every Synodall within this realme, to elect and choofe out thrie of the
wyfeft of thair number, to be readie vpon his Majefties advertifement, and
to conveine with his Hienes, and treat vpon fuch heids, concerning vote in
Parliament, as were not condifcendit vpon in the laft Affemblie, and, in
cace of agriement, to conclude the haill matter, vtherwayes to referre the
fame to the nixt Affemblie, as at mair lenth is conteinit in the faid commif
fioun : conforme to the quhilk, the faids Commiffioners being conveinit at
Falkland, the 25 day of Julij 1598, they being rypelie advyfit with the
heids following, gave thair advyce and conclulioun, as follows :
1. Concerning the maner of choofing of him that fall have vote in Par
liament in name of the Kirk : It is condifcendit vpon, that he fall firft be
recommendit be the Kirk to his Majeftie ; and that the Kirk fall nominat
fixe for every place that fall have neid to be filled, of quhom his Majeftie
fall choofe ane, of quhom he beft lykes ; and his Majeftie promifes, obleifes,
and binds himfelfe to choofe no vther but ane of that number : And in
cace his Majeftie refufes the haill vpon ane juft reafon of ane infufficiency,
and of greater fufficiencie of vthers that are not recommendit, the Kirk
fall make ane new recommendatioun of men according to the firft number,
of the quhilk, ane falbe chofin be his Majeftie without any farther refuifall
or new nominatioun ; and he that falbe chofin be his Majeftie, falbe ad
mittit be the Synods.
2. It is concludit, that the Generall Affemblie fall have the nominatioun
or recommendatioun of him that, in the name of the Kirk, fall vote in Par
liament, quho fall take the advyce of the Synods and Prefbytries theranent,
direct from them in wryte : and the Synod fall have libertie to nominat
afweill within thair province as without ; provyding that ther be a man
within the province meit for the place, cseteris paribus, he be preferrit to
another. 3. Anent his rent : It is advyfeit, with one confent, that the Kirk being
plantit fufficientlie, the Colledgis and Schooles alreadie erectit not prejud-
geit, that the Kings Majeftie fall provyde him to all the reft that may be
obtainit of that benefice, quherto he is preferrit.

1030 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
As to the cautions to keip him, that fall have vote in Parliament, from
corruptiouns : They be thefe following.
1. That he prefume not, at any tyme, to propone at Parliament, Coun-
fell, or Conventioun, in name of the Kirk, any thing without expreffe
warrand and directioun from the Kirk, and fick things as he fall anfwer
[for] to be for the weill of the Kirk, vnder the paine of depofitioun from
his office : neither fall he confent, or keip filence, in any of the faids Con-
ventiouns, to any thing that may be prejudiciall to the weill and libertie of
the Kirk, vnder the famein paine.
2. He fall be bound, at every Generall Affemblie, to give ane accompt
anent the difcharge of his Commiffioun fen the Affemblie gangand befor ;
and fall fubmitt himfelfe to thair cenfure, and ftand at thair determinatioun
quhatfumevir, without appellatioun ; and fall feik and obtaine ratificatioun
ofhis doings at the faid Affemblie, vnder the paine of infamie and excom
municatioun. 3. He fall content himfelf with that part of the benefice quhilk falbe
givin in be his Majeftie for his living, not hurting nor prejudging the reft
of the Minifters of the kirks, within his benefice, plantit or to be plantit, or
any vther Minifter [of the countrie] quhatfumever ; and this claus to be
infert in his provifioun.
4. He fall not delapidat in any wayes his benefice, neither make fett nor
difpofitioun therof, without the fpecial confent of his Majeftie and Generall
Affemblie : and for the greater warrand heirof, he fall interdyte himfelfe
not to delapidat his benefice, nor confent to delapidatioun therof made be
vthers to the Generall Affemblie ; and falbe content that inhibitiouns be
raifed on him to that effect.
5. He falbe bound faithfullie to attend vpon his awin particular con-
gregatioun, quherat he falbe Minifter, in all the points of a Paftor ; and
heiranent falbe fubiect to the tryall of his awin Prefbitrie and Provinciall
Affemblie, as any vther Minifter that beares not commiffioun.
6. In the adminiftration of difcipline, collatioun of benefices, vifitatioun,
and all vther points of ecclefiafticall government, he fall neither vfurpe nor
acclaime to himfelfe any power or jurifdictioun farther then any vther of
the reft of his breither, unleffe he be imployit be his breither, vnder the
paine of deprivatioun : And in cace he vfurpe any part of ecclefiafticall
governement, and the Prefbitrie, Synodal!, or Generall Affemblie, oppone

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1031
or make any impediment therto, quhatfoevir he doe, after that impediment,
to be null, ipfo facto, without any declaratour.
7. In Preffiitries, Provinciall and Generall Affemblies, he fall behave
himfelfe in all things, and be fubiect to thair cenfureing, as any of the
brethren of the Prefbitrie.
8. At his admiffioun to his office of Commiffionarie, thir and all vther
points neceffar he fall fweare and fubfcryve to fulfill, vnder the paine of
the penalties forfaids ; and vtherwayes not to be admittit.
9. And in cace he be depofit be the Generall Affemblie, Synod, or Pref
bitrie, from his office in the Miniftrie, he fall alfo tyne his vote in Parlia
ment, ipfo fadto, and his benefice fall vaik.
And farther cautions to be made as the Kirk pleafes and finds occafioun.
Anent his name that for the Kirk fall [have] vote in Parliament : It is
advyfeit, be vniforme confent of the haill brether, that he falbe callit Com
miffioner of fuch a place ; and in cace the Parliament, be his Majeftie
moyen, be induceit to aeknowlege that name, it fall ftand fo : if not, the
Generall Affemblie fall conclude this queftioun anent -his name.
The queftioun being deraandit, Whither the Commiffioun of him that
for the Kirk [fall vote in Parliament,] fould indure for his lyfe tyme, ex
cept fome cryme or offence interveine, or for a fhorter tyme at the pleafure
[of the Kirk] : The Commiffioners of the Provinciall Affemblies being
of diverfe opiniouns, thoght good to referre this queftioun to the nixt Ge
nerall Affemblie.
Quhilks haill conclufiouns being red in prefence and audience of the
haill Affemblie, and they being rypelie advyfeit therwith, ratified, allowit,
and approvit the famein ; and thocht expedient that the faid cautiouns,
together with fick vthers as falbe concludit vpon be the Affemblie, be infert
in the bodie of the act of Parliament, that is to be made for confirmatioun
of vote in Parliament to the Kirk, as moft neceflar and fubftantial parts of
the famein.
Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be James Leirmonth, gonger of Dairfie,
James (David?) Kynninmonth of that ilk, Johne Traill of Blebo, for
themfelves, and in name of thair tennents, and vthers, parochiners of the
paroch of Sanct Androes, makand mentioun, That albeit they are paroch
iners of the faid paroch kirk, lykeas they and thair predeceffours hes bein
[continually fubject to the difcipline of the faid kirk, and hes been]

1032 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
ever readie to vnderly quhatfoevir burdein was impofit for furtherance of
the faid kirk, and concurre with the reft of the parochiners, according to
thair rent and portioun of the faid paroch : nevertheles the Miniftrie and
Seffioun of the faid kirk refutes to fuffer them and thair faids tennents to
enjoy the benefits ofthe Kirk with the remanent of the faid paroche ;4but
debarres them from the heiring of the Word, receiving of the facraments,
and benefite of marriage, within the faid kirk of Sanct Androes, but any
reafonable caufe : Defyreand, therfor, ane command to the Miniftrie and
Seffioun of the faid kirk of Sanct Androes to admitt the forfaids perfons and
thair vaffalls to the hearing of the Word in the faid kirk of Sanct Androes,
and the injoying of the haill remanent benefites of the Kirk, as at mair
lenth is conteinit in the faid fupplicatioun.
The Generall Affemblie having confidderit the premiffes, commands and
ordaines the Miniftrie and Seffioun of the faid kirk of Sanct Androes to
admitt the faids complainers, and thair vaffalls and tennents, parochiners
ofthe faid kirk, to the hearing ofthe Word, mariage, and receiving ofthe
facraments of the Kirk, within the faid kirk of Sanct Androes, as thair
proper paroch kirk, in all tyme comeing, ay and quhill thair awin confent
be obtainit in the contrair.

Seffio 7a- 21 Martij.
Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be the parochiners of Tulliebodie,
makeand mentioun, Albeit the faid paroch of Tulliebodie be ane auld
paroch, feparate from all vthers, having within itfelfe the number of foure
or fyve hundreth communicants or therby, and payes thair teinds to the
Abbot of Cambufkenneth, quho rigorouflie exacts the fame : Neverthe-
leffe the Prefbitrie of Striveling hes, be thair ordinance, commandit the
faid kirk of Tulliebodie to be vnittit to the Chappell of Alloway moft
wrangouflie, feeing the faids complainers, be ane anterior command of the
faid Prefbitrie, not only reedified thair faid Kirk of Tulliebodie, but alfo,
vpon thair awin charges, furnifchit a Paftor to the faid kirk, lykeas get they
are moft willing to doe, notwithftanding thair teinds are moft wrangouflie
led away be the faid Abbot, as faid is : deiyreing, therfor, thair faid fup
plicatioun to be confidderit, and the faid unioun to be diffolvit, as, at mair
lenth, is conteinit in the faid fupplicatioun.

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1033
The brethren of the Prefbitrie of Striveling being callit to give a reafon
of this thair vnioun of the faid kirks, anfuerit, That the caufe moving them
was, Firft, That both the faids parochines lay verie commodiouflie to the
faid kirk of Alloway : Secondlie, That the number of both the faids pa
rochines wald make but one fufficient congregatioun : Thirdlie, That ther
could not be ane ftipend obtainit to the faid kirk of Tulliebodie, in fo farre
that at the defyre of the faids complainers, ther being ane Paftour appointit
to the faid kirk, vpon promife that they wold furnifch him a fufficient
ftipend, he was forcit, for povertie, for to leave them : quheras, be the con
trair, be the vnioun of the faids two kirks, the Erie of Marre furnifches a
fufficient ftipend to ane Paftour, refident at the fame.
The Generall Affemblie having confidderit the premiffes, ratifies and ap
proves the vnioun of the faids kirks of Alloway and Tulliebodie, and or
daines Alloway to be the paroch kirk in all tyme coming.
Anent the fupplicatioun givin be the Prefbitrie of Deir, makand men
tioun, that quher the Laird of Phillorth having erectit ane Colledge vpon
the towne of Fraferburghe, and aggreit with Mr Charles Ferme to be both
Paftour of the faid burgh, and Principall of his Colledge ; quhilk burdein
the faid Mr Charles refufe3 to accept vpon him, without he be commandit
be the Generall Affemblie : Defyreand, therfor, ane command to be givin
to the faid Mr Charles to accept both the faid charges, as at mair lenth is
containit in the faid fupplicatioun :
The Generall Affemblie having at length confidderit the neceffitie of the
faid wark, and how the faid Laird of Phillorth hes refufit to intertaine a
Paftour at the faid kirk, vnleffe he vndertake both the faid charges, Ther
for commands [and charges] the faid Mr Charles Ferme to vndertake and
awaite vpon, afweill the faid kirk, as to be Principall of the Colledge of
Fraferburghe.

Seffio 8a- Eodem die.
Forfameikle as the Commiffioners of the Synodalls conveinit at Falkland,
the 25 of Julij 1598 geirs, being of diverfe opiniouns concerning the con
tinuance of his commiffioun that fall have vote in Parliament, Whither he
fould indure for his lyfetyme, except fome cryme or offence interveine, or
6p

1034 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
for a fliorter tyme, at the pleafure of the Kirk, they thocht good to referre
the fame to this prefent Affemblie : Therfor the Generall Affemblie having
reafonit at length the faid queftioun, tuiching the continuance of him that
fall have vote in Parliament, after votting of the fame, finds and decernes,
that he fall annuatim give count of his commiffion obtainit from the Affem
blie, and lay downe the famein at their feitt, to be continuit or alterit ther-
fra be his Maieftie and the Affemblie, as the Affemblie, with confent of his
Maieftie, fall think moft expedient for the weill of the Kirk.
It is ftatute and ordainit, that nane of them that fall have vote in Par
liament, fall come as Commiffioners to any Generall Affemblie, nor have
vote in the fame in any time comeing, except he be authorizit with a com
miffion from his awin Prefbitrie to that effect.
It is found be the Affemblie, that crimen ambitus falbe a fufficient caufe
of deprivation of him that fall have vote in Parliament.
It is ftatute and ordainit, that every Minifter intimat this Generall Af
femblie, that the vote in Parliament is concludit be the Affemblie ; and
that nane vtter fpeich in pulpitt contrair the fame.
[The generall Commiffion, which ruled all, was renewed immediately
after in the fame Seffioun. C]
Forfameikle as it hes bein found neceffar of before, and profitable for the
weill of the Kirk, that certaine Commiffioners be appointit fra Affemblie
to Affemblie, whofe fpeciall care and travell fould be to give thair advyce
to his Maieftie in all affaires concerning the weill of the Kirk, and inter
tainment of peace and concord betuixt his Maieftie and the Kirk : Ther
for the Generall Affemblie, continowing in that fame courfe, hes givin and
grantit, lykeas be the tenour heirof gives and grants, thair full power and
commilfioun to Mrs Johne Strachane, James Nicolfone, Andro Mylne,
Alexander Forbes, Alexander Dowglas, Robert Howie, James Melvill,
Johne Caldcleuch, Robert Wilkie, Harie Livingftoun, Alexander Lind
fay, George Glaidftanes, Robert Pont, David Lindfay, Robert Bruce,
Johne Hall, Johne Clappertoun, Johne Knox, Andro Lamb, James
Lowfbne (Law ?) Johne Spottifwood, Gawin Hamiltoun, David Barklay,
Andro Knox, with the Kings Maiefties Minifters, or any nine of them,
Giveand, grantand, and committand to them thair full power to plant fuch
kirks in Burrogh Townes as are deftitute of Paftours, and in fpeciall, the
kirk of Leith, in place of Mr Johne Hall laft removit therfra, and the

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1035
fouthweft kirk of Edinburgh, vaikand be the deceis of vmquhile Mr Robert
Rollock : to prefent the greives of this prefent Affemblie to the nixt Con
ventioun, and to receive the anfuers of the famein. And lykewayes, in
cace his Maieftie find himfelfe greivit at any enormities committit be any
of the Miniftrie, to try and cognofce vpon the famein, and take fick or
dour theranent as falbe meiteft to the glorie of God, and weill of the Kirk ;
to advyfe with his Maieftie anent the effectuating of the conftant platt :
Promitten de rato &c.
Thir are the Commiffioners appointit to await on the Conventioun ;
Mrs David Lindfay, Robert Bruce, James Nicolfone, Andro Lamb,
William Couper, Alexander Lindfay, Johne Spottifwood, with the Kings
Maiefties Minifters.
[It is to be obferved, that fundry were nominated Commiffioners for the
fafhion : for the King and his faction minded never to make them parta
kers of their platts, namely, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr John Knox, Mr An
drew Mylne, Mr Hery Livingftoun. The King might proceed with any
nyne without the reft. C]
Becaufe it was vnderftand be the Affemblie, [that Mr Andrew Lamb,]
Minifter at Aberbrothok, was licklie to be traniportit to fome vther flock,
quher his gifts micht profite the Kirk in fome greater aboundance : Ther
for the Generall Affemblie gives licence to the faid Mr Andro Lamb to
be tranfportit from the faid kirk of Aberbrothok.
The faid day, the Generall Affemblie receivit and admittit Mr Thomas
Hope to be Solifter for the Kirk in place of James Mowat ; quho being
perfonallie prefent, dimittit the fame in the Affemblies hands, after the faid
Mr Thomas had givin his oath of fidelitie in the faid office.
Anent the proceffe of appellatioun perfewit be James Lord Lindfay of
the Byres, and remanent gentlemen and parochiners of the paroch kirk of
Seiris, aganis the Prefbytries of Couper and Sanct Androes, concerning
the admiffioun of Mr Robert Buchannan, Proveft at Kirkheuch, to the
Miniftrie [at the kirk] of Seiris, and tranfportatioun of him from the kirk
of Frirgane in Fyfe : The brethren appointit to vifite the faid procefs,
having made thair report to the haill Affemblie, the rights, reafons, and
allegatiouns of all the faid pairties beeand [heard and] confidderit, The
Generall Affemblie decernes and ordaines the faid Mr Robert to remaine
Minifter at the faid kirk of Seiris : And fick lyke gives thair power and*
commiffioun to Mrs James Melvill, Robert Wilkie, James Nicolfone,

1036 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
Alexander Lindfay, and William Scott, giveand them power to elect and
choofe out a difcreit man, with confent of the faids parochiners of Seiris,
to be adjoinit to the faid Mr Robert as Minifter and fellow helpher with
him at the faid kirk of Seiris ; with power alfo to them to modifie how
mikle of his ftipend falbe modified [payit ?] be the laid Mr Robert, and
how mikle be the faids parochiners of Seiris. And in fpeciall, the Affemblie
recommends vnto them thair brother, Mr William Symfone, Minifter at
Bruntiland. Forfameikle as there are diverfe parts of the countrey, that, for lake of
vifitatioun, are become almoft defolate, Therfor the Generall Affemblie
hes thocht good that certaine vifitours be diredtitfor vifiteing of the bounds
of Kirkudbright and Wigtoun, Mrs David Barklay, Alexander Scryra-
geour, and Nathan Inglis ; of the bounds of Murray, Mrs George Hay
and Andro Crombie ; ofthe bounds of Orknay and Cathnes, Mrs Robert
Pont, John Monro elder, and John Monro gonger ; of the bounds of
Roffe, Mrs Alexander Dowglas, Johne Carmichaell, and William Scott ;
and for Nithefdaile, Mrs Robert Wallace and Johne Welfche : with pow
er to them to inquyre in the lyfe, doctrine, and qualificatioun of the Minif
trie within the faids bounds ; to try the fayers and heirars of meffe with
in the famein : with power alfo to plant and tranfport Minifters to fuch
places as they fall think moft expedient for the glory of God and weill of
the Kirk ; and to report to the nixt Affemblie.
Becaufe the Hand of Errone lyes moft commodious and adjacent to the
Prefbitrie of Irvin, therfor the Generall Affemblie annexis the fame to the
faid Prefbitrie.
Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be the Prefbitrie of Migle, makand
mentioun, That feeing the faid Prefbitrie had vnited the kirks of Effie and
Neua (Norva ?) to be and remaine a congregatioun vnder the charge of
ane Paftour, at ane kirk to be biggit in the mids of the faids two parochines;
partlie in refpect of the fewnes of the number [of] both the faids paroch
ines, not extending [to] the number of fyve hundreth perfons ; partlie in
refpect ofthe commoditie ofthe place, feeing the fartheft part of both the
faids parochines will not be diftant halfe a myle from the place, quher the
laid kirk fould be biggit ; and partlie in refpect ofthe impoffibilitie of moy
en to fuftaine two fundrie Minifters at the faids two kirks : Defyreing,
^therfor, ane ratificatioun of the vnioun in this Affemblie, together with a
(command to the brethren direct to the Eftates conveinit at Perth, to crave

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1037
the famein to be ratified in the faid Conventioun, as at mair lenth is con
teinit in the fupplicatioun :
The Generall Affemblie ratifies and approves the vnioun forfaid; and
ficklyke [ordaynes] the brethren appointit to gang to the Conventioun at
Perth, to crave the faid vnioun to be ratified in the faid Conventioun.
Anent the appellatioun perfewit be the Prefbytrie of Dumfermling fra
the decreit pronuncit be the Synodall of Fyfe, haldin at Couper the 6 of
Marche 1598, finding that the faid Prefbytrie had done wrong in planting
of the kirk of Dalgatie with hurt and prejudice of the kirk of Aberdoure,
being the moft great and populous congregatioun, and the haill ftipend being
but a meane ftipend, and therfor decernand the haill ftipend to remaine
with the kirk of Aberdoure : The faid Prefbytrie of Dumfermling com
peirand be Mr Johne Fairfull, Minifter of Dumfermling, thair Commif
fioner, and the Commiffioners of the Synodall of Fyfe being lykewayes
prefent, with the Commiffioners ofthe Towne of Aberdoure, the rights and
reafones of both the faids parties hard and confidderit, The General Affem
blie decernes and ordaines Mr William Patoun, Minifter at Dalgatie, to
ferve the cure of both the faids kirks of Aberdoure and Dalgatie, and to
have aflignit to him for his fervice thereat, the haill auld ftipends of Aber
doure and Dalgatie befor the divifioun therof, for the crope and geir of God
1599, and geirlie in tyme comeing, ay and quhill fufficient provifioun may
be gottin for planting of both the faids kirks.
The Generall Affemblie grants libertie to Mr William Symfone, Minifter
at Bruntiland, to tranfport himfelfe from the faid kirk, in refpedt he hes
fervit therat thir many geirs bygane, but any ftipend ; and the Queines Ma
ieftie and her Chamerlanes, quho was in vfe of payment of before of the
Minifters at the faid kirk, refufes to make payment to the faid complainer
of the famein : and therfor recommends him to the Synodall of Fyfe, to
have confide ratioun of him in planting of thair kirks.
The nixt Generall Affemblie is appointit to be haldin at Sanct Androes
.the laft Tuefday of Julij 1601.

1038 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.

[In the month of July, there came a French Ambaffader from the King
of France, and brought with him a Mefs Prieft, who faid Meffe to him and
his domefticks. The Minifters fent Commiffioners to the King to move
the Ambaffader to forbear fuch exercife : but the King fuffered him to con
tinue ftill his exercife at his pleafure ; and propyned him honourably at his
departure in September after following.
The Erie of Gowries unnatural and vile confpiracie attempted againft
his Majefties perfon at Sanct Johnftoun, upon the fifth of Auguft
being Tuefday 1600.
When the bruit of the fact came to Edinburgh, upon Wedenfday the
fixth of Auguft be 9 hours in the morning, and a letter from the King to
the Council at ten hours, the Minifters of Edinburgh were charged to
compear before the Confell.
They compear. The Kings letter was read, bearing, That the King was
delivered out of danger, and that, therefore, the Minifters fhould be com
manded to goe to the kirk, conveen the people, ring bells, and give praife
to God. But before they could give their anfwer, the Proveft and fome
of the Counfell were fent for be the Lords of Secret Counfel ; and there
fore were difmiffed before they made anfwer.
In the mean tyme, the Minifters goe to the Eaft Kirk to advife. They
faid, they could not enter in particular defence of the treafon, feing the
King made no mention of treafon in his bill ; and the reports of courteours
varied among themfelves. While they were thus confulting, comes a Ma-
cer, and chargeth them to compear before the Lorde of Secrit Councill.
They appoint Mr Robert Bruce to be their mouth.
The Erie of Montrofe, Chancellor, defired them to goe to the kirk to
praife God for the Kings miraculous deliverance from that vile treafon
They anfwered all in one voice, They were not certain of the treafon, and,
therefore, could make no mention of it ; but would fay in generall, that
he was delivered from a great danger : or otherways, if their Lordfhips

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND.

1039

wold give them leafure till they get the certainty, they fliould not only
blaze the treafon ; but alfo be content that his houfe were made a jackes.
The Lords faid, it fhould be fufficient to read his Majefties letter.
They anfwered, They could not read his letter, and doubt of the truth
of it. It were better to fay generally, If the report be true. The Lords
of the Secret Councill would not be content with Ifs, and Ands.
In the meane tyme comes in Mr David Lindfay, and fheweth, that he
had been at Falkland, and telleth the hiftorie of the fact. It was
thought meet, in refpect he heard the narration out of the Kings oun
mouth, that he, inftead of the reft, fhould give praife to God. The confent
of the Miniflers was craved. Mr Robert Bruce anfwered, If he fpake the
truth, as he would be anfwerable to God, he was well content. So Mr
David went with the Lords of Counfell to the Mercat Crofs of Edinburgh :
and after he had made ane harrangue for the purpofe, the people with dif
covered heads praifed God ; the bells rang ; the Cannons of the Caftle
were ffiott between three and four afternoon ; and bonfieres were fet out
before every houfe that night. The Minifters thought the Council had
been fatiffied ; but they report hardly of them to the King.
Upon Mundajr the eleventh of Auguft, the King landed at Leith be
tween four and five [afternoon.] Mr David Lindfay, Minifter at Leith,
takes him to the kirk, and exhorteth him, after thankfgiving, to performe
his vow made before times of performance of juftice : at which words he
fmyled, and talked with thefe that were about him, after his irreverent man
ner of behaviour at fermons.
Thereafter he went up to Edinburgh, and fat upon the Merkat Croce
cloathed with tapeftry, accompanied with fome of the Nobilitie ; where
Mr Patrick Galloway made a fermon to the people conveened about the
Crofs, and the King an harrangue, both tending to perfwade the people,
that Gowrie and his brother had verily confpired the Kings death, and
were flain in the executioun of the enterprize. Mr Patrick Galloways text
was taken out of the 124 pfalme. The fubftance of Mr Patricks harrangue
or fermon here follows.
David the King compofed this pfalme after that he had been freed from
the great danger of his deadlie enemies. In it he does three things efpe-
cialy, fets doun his danger, his delivery from the danger, and his thank-
fullnefs to God for his delivery ; and in fuch fort, that almoft all three are
includit in every verfe.

1040 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
His danger was this, that he had fallen into the hands of men, and men
only, natural men, that had not a fpunk of grace, or of -that fpirit. And
the thing that aggreges his danger, is the properties of thefe men, cruelty,
and craft, which became rather brute beafts than men. Their cruelty is
fet doun in two comparifons ; ane tane from beafts ; another tane from
waters, and flouds, proud and fwelling, that with force carry with them
every thing that is obj ected to their force. Their craft is fet doun in a
fimilitude taken from the fowler, who be craft overcomes the poor foule
with his nett, and catches it. This is the danger David was in.
Ere I goe foreward, I obferve a leffon, and that for your Majefties ufe.
Sir, I fee, that this is not the firft tyme, that Kings, good Kings, even
Kings, whom the Lord has chofen according to his own heart, have fallen,
be Gods permiffion, into the hands of men, men cruell and craftie ; and
have been delivered alfo from them. But whereto ? not to the end, they
fhould live according to the fafhion of the world ; but that they fhould
be new men, and ffiew their gratitude to God, as David did here, of
which wee fhall fpeak hereafter.
As for the delivery, It was not from men ; but from God : and there
fore he openly proclaimed, That except the Lord had been with us, men
had fwallowed him up, according to the fafhion of beafts : and therfore
takes him to God, which is his gratitude ; and afcribes his delivery wholly
to him, while he fayes, Our help is in the name of the Lord. This ffiort-
ly concerning the danger that David was in, his delivery, and thankfull-
nefs for his deliverance.
The lyke caus wee have in hand prefently. Our King, our David, our
anointed, has been in danger deadly, and is delivered, praifed be God :
for the which both yee, and he, and wee have occafion to be gratefull, and
thankfull to the Majeftie of God the deliverer. As to his danger, it is
lyke Davids. He fell in the hands of men, and men only.
For as to that man Gowrie, let none think, that, be this traiterous fact
of his, our religion has received any blott : for ane of our religion was he
not ; but a deep diffimulat hypocrite, a profane atheift, and an incarnat
devil, in the coat of an angel ; as is moft evident, both be his traitorous
fadt, which he has attempted ; and alfo be fundrie other things, which wee
have received be the familiars, and be the moft dear and near of his friends,
that the books which he ufed, which prove him plainly to be a ftudier of ma-
gick, and conjurer of devils, and to have had fo many at his command ; his

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1041
manner of living without the country, and haunting with papifts, yea, the
Pope himfelf, with whom he had not conference only, but farther has made
covenants and bands with him, as appears very well : for fince his home
coming he has travelled moft earneftly with the King ; and his Majeftie has
received from him the hardeft affault, that ever he did, from him, I fay, to
revolt from religion, afleft in inward lincerity, to intertain purpofely with
the Pope, and he himfelf promifed to furniffi intelligence. Was fuch a
man of the religion ? or can any man fay, that our religion is ftained be
the doings of fuch a man ? No, not. He was nothing but a man : and
our Davids danger was, that he had fallen in the hands of men.
Now that yee may know the danger the better, I fall recite the hiftorie
to you, even as it was before my God, who one day fhall be my judge, as
he fhall bear me record ; and before my Prince and Soverane, and before
you all, who one day fall ftand up and bear witnefs againft me, in cafe in
any point I lye.
On Tuefday laft was Alexander Ruthven come to Falkland to his Ma
jeftie, and found him at his paft tyme, and defired him to goe to Sanct
Johnftoun ; and fo he leads him from Falkland to Perth, as a moft inno
cent lamb, from his Palace to the flaughter houfe. There he gets his
dinner, a cold dinner, yea, a very cold dinner, as they know, who were
there. After dinner, Alexander Ruthven leads his Majeftie up a turnpyck, and
through a trance, the door whereof, fo foon as they had entered in, check
ed to with a lock ; then through a gallerie, whole door alfo checked to ;
through a chamber, and the door thereof checked to alfo ; and, laft of all,
brings him to a roume fcarce fix foot bread, and fix foot wide, and the
door thereof he locked alfo ; in which there was Handing an armed man
with a drawen dagger in his hand to have done this filthie turne, the moft
unnatural, and contrair to that duty wee owe to Princes. Then Alexan
der covereth his head, and fayes, I am fiire, thine heart accufeth thee now.
Thou was the death of my father, and here is a dagger to be avenged upon
thee for that death.
Now judge yee, good people, what danger your David was in, when, as
an innocent lamb, he was clofed up between two hungrie lions thirfting for
his blood, and four locks betwixt him and his friends and fervants ; fuathat
they might neither hear, nor hearken unto him. This was his danger.
But what fort of delivery got he ? It was wholly miraculous, altogether
6q

1042 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
to be afcribed to' God, and no part to man. And, among many that oc
curred, I fhall point out to yow five or fix circumftances, which yee will
all call and acknowledge to be miraculous.
And, firft, his Majeftie Handing betwixt two armed men, without all
kind of armour, having nothing on, but his hunting horne about his neck,
when he, at his entry, ffiould have been aftoniffied at the fight of an armed
man to take his life ; yet, on the contrair part, this man was fb aftoniffied
at his fight, that he might neither move foot nor hand. Was not this mi
raculous ?
But yet farther, when Alexander had tane him be the gorget, and had
holden the dagger to his breafl, not two inches from it, fo that there was
fcarce two inche betwixt his death and his life ; yet even then, be his gra
cious, chriftian and moft loving words, he overcame the traitour. His
words were thefe, Mr Alexander, confider, that you are a chriftian ; and
farther, that hitherto ye have been trained up in the principles and grounds
of Chriftianity. And then confider how ye were brought up in the School,
which fent forth many noble and holy youths, the Colledge of Edinburgh,
under Mr Robert Rollock, that holy man, and moft worthy of all good
memory, who could never have taught yow to put hand in your Prince
And laft of all, Mr, fuppofe ye take my life, neither ye, nor your brother,
will be King after me : yea, the fubjedls of Scotland will root yow out, and
all your name. The words fo moved the heart of the traitour, that he be
gan to enter in conditions with the King, and made him fwear, (which he
alfo did,) that all thefe things fhould be forgot, and that after he fhould
ever be favourable to him and his brother : And fo he went furth to his
brother, from whom he received commiffion to difpatch him haftily.
He then coming up again, brings a pair of filk garters in his hand ; and,
after he had locked the door, fayes, Traitour, thow muft die : and there
fore lay thy hands together, that I may bind thee, to the intent no doubt,
that, he being bound, they might have ftrangled him, and eaft him in a
cave, or pitt, which they had prepared for that ufe ; that, no blood being
found, his friends might mifs him without fufpition, and not wit where to
feek him. Now here is the third miracle.
The King anfwers the traitour, I was borne a free Prince. I have lived
hitherto a free Prince. I ffiall never die bound. With this, every one of
them grip to others gorgets. While in wreftling the King overcomes, and
gets him under him. Now, Is not this miraculous ? Will any confider it,

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1043
The Mafter of Gowrie, an able young man in comparifon with the King,
I'm fure, had ftrength dowble, yea, and threefold greater nor the King ;
and yet is overcome, and eaft under. When they are thus wreftling, up
comes John Ramfay be the black turnpyck ; and, at the Kings command,
gives the Mafter a dead ftroke. Now yet a miracle.
My Lord, being in the clofs, when he heard that the Mailer was flain,
fo he had bewitched the hearts of the people of Perth, by the counterfoot-
ed virtues he had begun to kyth amongft them, that if he had cried, My
Brother is murthered, that fame people had facked the fame whole houfe :
but yet fo the Lord directs be his providence, that he comes up the flair
immediatly with eight with him. And mark, how that fame word, which
they had prepared to be a word for the keeping clofe of their knaverie,
God ufed to be a mean for prefervation of the Prince : for they had appoint
ed this for their watch word, The King is gone to** the Inche. Quhilk
words his fervants hearing, ran about to meet his Majeftie in the Inche ;
and going by the window, where the King and the Mafter was wreftling,
they heard the Kings fcriechs and cries, which had tane fuch impreffions
in their hearts, that, fo long as they live, will never goe out of them ; and
are here fitting to beare witnefs to it. The cry was, Treafon, fy help,
Erie Marr, I am murthered.
The Kings fervants hearing the cries, prefently come up to this black
turnpike. Now yet a miracle. Into the chamber with the King are only
four, two lades, and two men ; and one of them mutilated. My Lord, a
man well exercifed in armes, comes up with eight with him. And, at the
firft, calls up all thir four in a noock ; and never refts, while John Ram
fay chanced to cry, Fye upon the cruell traitour. Has thou not done evil
enough elfe. Thow has gotten the Kings life elfe ; and would thou have
ours. At which fpeeches he drew a little back, and in back going he got
the fir oak whereof he dyed.
This is the very truth of fact, which I have received not be the Kings
Majeftie ; but be him, who ffiould have been the doer of the turne. He
is living yet ; he is not flain ; a man well enough known to this Toun
Andrew Henderfon, chamberlain to my Lord Gowrie. This day I re
ceived a letter from him, fubfcribed be his own hand. Any man, that
wold fee it, come to me, and fee, if they can know his hand writt for their
fatiffadtion. The tenor of the letter is this. It is of truth, that, on Tuefday laft, I

1044 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
was commanded be my Lord of Gowrie to ryde to his brother to Falkland ;
from the which he fent me back again, to tell my Lord, that the King was
coming, and to bid prepare for his coming. My Lord commanded me to
put on my fecreit, and my plate flieves, and to await on the Mafter, and
doe whatever he bade me.
At the Matters lighting, I went to him, and told him of my Lords com
mand, which I had received. He takes me with him up a turne pyke,
through a tranfe, a gallery, and a chamber, and lockes me in into the
roume that goes off the chamber. At which doing, I began to grow feared,
and fufpect fome evil againft the King ; and then I took me to my knees
to pray, that it would pleafe his Majefty never to fuffer me to be employ
ed to fuch a turne ; and while I was fitting on my knees, Mr Alexander
comes with the King in his hand. The reft of his narration differs almoft
nothing from this which ye have heard according to the Kings information ;
this only, he ffiewes the manner how he had efcaped to have been thus.
When the King and the Mafter were wreftling, he opened the door, and
went doun be the black turnepyke, be the which the Kings fervants came
up, and faved him. This is the verity, which will fatiffy any good
fubject. As for the faid rumours that goe, That the King was a doer, and not a
fufferer ; a purfuer, and not a purfued ; it is not true, nor lykely : For
think ye, having fuch a turne on his hand, he would goe to the toun, in
which he was fo much efteemed, accompanied with fo few folkes, only ten
perfons, and fuch men, who, as I am affured, would have been content
to have bled their whole blood with my Lord of Gowrie, if it had not been
in ane action againft the King ; the Duke his good brother, the Erie of
Marr his good father, who, at that unhappy and accurfed tyme he was
baptized, gave him the name. As for fuch as will not be fatiffied with
this, let them perifh in their incredulity. There are evidences enew of
this verity. Now what am I that fpeak thefe things ? one, as I proteft
before God, that loved the Erie of Gowrie better than any flefh in the
earth, except his Majeftie.
After this harrangue was ended, they fang 124 pfalme.
Upon Tuefday the 12 of Auguft, the Minifters of Edinburgh were charg
ed be a Macer to compear before the King and Councill. The King de
manded at Mr Robert Bruce, in name of the reft, why they difobeyed him

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1045
and his Counfell, and would not praife God for his delivery. They an
fwered, They had not difobeyed ; but were ready to have praifed God for
his Majefties delivery generally, as they did upon the Sabbath immediatly
following : but they could not defeend into particulars, to qualifie what fort
of danger it was, in refpect they had no certainty. Had ye not my letter,
fayes the King, to ffiew you the certainty ? Sir, fayes Mr Robert, your
letter did bear no particulars; but made mention only of a danger in general,
and wee were content to follow it. Could not my Counfel, faid the King,
affure you of the particulars ? and withall, addreffeth himfelf to the Prefi
dent, Affured ye not them, fayes he to the Prefident ? The Prefident
anfwered, Yes, Sir, wee all affured them of the certaintie of the treafon.
Sir, with their Honours leave, they had received no information, except
David Mofes bill, and John Graham of Balryrine his report, who came
in the mean tyme, when the Lords were fitting at Counfell : and the two
reports did fo fight againft other, that no man could find any certainty.
The Secretar rifeth up, and faid, They agree very well. The Prefident
faid the lyke. Mr Robert anfwered, He had David Mofes letter to fhow,
which would teftifie the contrair. The King afked at laft, How are ye yet
perfwaded ? ye have heard me, ye have heard my Minifter, ye have heard
my Counfell, ye have heard the Erie of Marr, touching the report of this
treafon, whether are yee yet fully perfwaded, or not ? Surely, Sir, fayes
Mr Robert, I would have farther light, before I preached it to perfwade
the people. If I were but a privat fubject, not a Paftor, I could reft upon
your Majefties report, as others doe.
Then the King afked at Mr James Balfour, Are you fully perfwaded ?
He anfwered, I fhall fpeak nothing to the contrary, Sir. But are ye not
perfwaded, fayes the King ? Not yet, Sir, faid he. Mr William Watfon
anfwered after the fame manner. Mr Walter Balcanquall faid, That he
would affirme all that Mr David Lindfay preached in pulpit, in prefence
of his Majeftie yefterday. What faid Mr David, fayes the King ? Mr
David founded himfelf, fayes he, upon your Majefties report, and made a
faithfull rehearfell of your report ; and fo ffiall wee. Think yee, fayes the
King, that Mr David doubted of my report. Mr David was fent for pre
fently. The King fayes to him, Are you not certainly perfwaded of this
treafon ? Yes, Sir, fayes he, I am perfwaded in confcience of it. Now,
fayes the King, Mr Walter, are ye furely perfwaded indead? Sir, fayes
he, I would have farther tyme and light.. Then the King afked Mr John

1046 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
Hall, Are ye furely perfwaded ? He anfwered, 1 would have the civil
tryal going before, Sir, that I may be perfwaded. Then the King afked
at Mr Peter Hewat, Mr Peter, Whether are ye yet perfwaded, or not ?
Sir, fayes he, I fufpect not your proclamation. But whither believe ye it,
or not, faid the King ? The Prefident heard, faid he, what I faid the laft
Sabbath. The Prefident began to juftify him ; but the King infifted, fay
ing, Let me hear himfelf, Whither believe ye my proclamation, or not,
fayes the King ? Sir, fayes he, I believe it. So they were all removed,
and, after a great fpace, the Macer comes to them with a roll in his hand,
wherein all their names were written, and a fcore drawn upon Mr Peter,
and Mr George Robertfons name. Mr George and Mr Peter were not
called in. The reft were called.
The Chancellour pronounces the fentence. Firft, They are difcharged
preaching, under pain of death, throughout all the Kings dominions. Next,
They were charged to remove out of Edinburgh, within fourty eight hours
after the charge, and not to come near Edinburgh, be the fpace of ten myles,
under paine of death. They thanked the Lord heartily, and faid, their
fentence was very welcome ; and fo departed out of the Council houfe.
Upon the day following, they gave in a new fupplication to the Coun
fell with common confent, wherein they offered three things. 1. To give
God thanks for his Majefties delivery moft heartily. 2. To make faithfull
report, as his Majeftie had delivered to them, of the whole hiftorie touching
the treafon. 3. They offered to fpeak nothing in the contrair, but to doe
all the good offices, which might ferve to nuriffi his Majefties credit and
eftimation in the hearts ofthe people.
Every man, who faw it, thought their fupplication could not be refufed ;
yet was it refufed, and anfwered on the back after this manner, That they
ffiould confefs a fault, and crave his Majefties pardon moft humbly. 2.
That they ffiould efteem the hiftory of this treafon- an undoubted truth,
and publiffi it as an undoubted truth to their flocks.
They feeing their bill refufed, craved prorogation of their day, and that
they might have farther light, which was alfo refufed. So, upon Thurf
day in the morning, the 14 of Auguft, they departed off the Toun.
This occafion was gripped at to overthrow the Miniftrie of Edinburgh,
which croffed the Court in all their evil proceedings. Mr Robert Bruce
efpeciaUy was hated for his uprightnefs, and oppofition to the Epifcopal
courfe : for which caufe he was never fuffered to returne to Edinburgh

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1047
again to this hour. So the King and Counfel ufiirped the place and au
thority of the Kirk, and deprived them of the exercife of the Miniftrie
within the countrie, by their oun authority.
It is "appointed be the King and Commiffioners conveened at Falkland,
that the Commiffioners from the Synods fhould be directed to conveen the
fecond of October next to come, as the letter following bears, to agree
upon a public forme of thankfgiving for the Kings delivery.
To our truftie friends, the Minifters of the Synod of Edinburgh, to be
delivered to them, be Mr David Lindfey, or the laft Moderator.
Truftie friends, wee greet you well. The. Minifters of Edinburgh being
difcharged there preaching be us and our Counfel, for their unnatural and
undutifull behaviour toward us in this late danger, whereof it pleafed God
miraculoufly to deliver us, We have, by advice ofthe fame Counfell, refolved,
that they fhall never be reftored again to their oun places ; fince, in that
cafe, wee dread no lefs than the hazard of our life, and perrelling of our
eftate, as wee have more particularly declared to the Commiffioners, by
whofe advice their roumes are declared to be vacant, that others may be
provided therto. Lykeas, for the fame effect, wee, be advice of the fame
Commiffioners, have appointed a meeting at Edinburgh, upon the fecond
of October next, not only upon order taking in that matter, but for con-
fulting upon fuch other things as ffiall be thought good, to be propounded
in name of the Kirk, for the well of our and their eftate, at our next Par
liament appointed the firft day of November next : And therefore have
thought good to will and defire yow to direct two of the wifeft and beft
affected of your number to keep the faid dyet, and inftrudted fiifficiently
to give their advice, and concurrence with the faid Commiffioners in the
premiffes, as ye will teftifyyour duetifull affection toward us, and the quiet-
nefs of our, and your eftate.
And, in refpedt of our fo happy deliverance upon a Tuefday, wee have,
by the advice forefaid, appointed, that every Tuefday thereafter fhall be a
day of ordinar preaching within every burgh, within the bounds of the
Synods : And, in lyke manner, commanded by our publick proclamation,
that tbe laft day of September nixt, and the Sunday next thereafter, be
keeped folemnly for giving thanks to God, for our deliverie of fuch an evi-

1048 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
dent danger ; which we have thought meet alfo to intimat unto yow by this
our particular letter, befide our proclamation, that ye pretend no ignorance.
And fo wee commit yow to God.
From Stirline, the 24th of Auguft 1600.
JAMES REX.
Let your Synod be conveened the third Tuefday of September next, for
directing of Commiffioners for the effect forefaid.
The Application of the 30 pfalme preached be Mr Patrick Galloway,
the laft of Auguft 1600, before his Majeftie in Glafgow.
Now I fould end, if I had not to let you fee in the application of this
pfalme, that as David, and his people had their juft occafion to praife God,
fo our David, and wee have now juft occafion to praife God ; David then
in danger, our David has now been in danger ; David then delivered in
the high mercy of God, our David now delivered in the high mercy of God.
Now the Lord of heaven, that is prefent with us, as he has given us proof
of the one, fo mott he give us the proof of the other, that wee may be
thankfull for this great grace : for concerning the danger, David was never
in greater danger, nor our David ; his deliverance never more magnificent,
than the deliverance of our David : and, therefore, wee have as juft occa
fion, as ever David had, to praife God.
Take tent then, I think there is here no fmall number that has never
heard the danger, wherein the Kings Majeftie has been ; or if they have
heard, they have heard a poyfoned untruth : Therefore to clear the truth,
I will ffiew yow the hiftory truely.
His Majeftie, be the perfwafion of the Mafter of Gowrie, was led from
his paft tyme to Sanct Johnftoun ; (take tent, that ye may efchew falfe
information) when he comes there, and enters in the lodging, after the
cold dinner, and a far colder welcome, his Majeftie is tane be the hand of
the Mafter of Gowrie, and led up a flair ; three or four doors are locked
on his back, neither friend nor fervant with him ; and there is fitting a
man prepared to joyne with the other, for the treafonable murthering of
his Majeftie. When he is fet betwixt thefe two, the Mafter of Gowrie, a
vile traitor, no fooner comes the King in, but to teftify, that all reverence
of a chriftian to his God, and of a fubject to his Prince, was trampled

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1049
vnder foot, he puts on his hat, draws his dagger, and fayes, I fall now be
avenged on thee for my fathers flaughter : but the Lord flayed the dagger,
that he dowght not ftrike with it. When the ire of this traitour was fome-
what mitigated be the Kings modeft language, he goes out, leaving the
other man to keep him, appearandly to get farther refolution of his brother.
Again he comes in, as a wood lion, and enters upon his Majeftie with his
garter to bind him. Noblemen, and citizens of Sanct Johnftoun heard his
Majeftie cry, Treafon, I am murthered, as the voice of a half dead man.
Let vile knaves fay through the countrey what they will : This is truth.
I know well, there are many furmifes of the people eaft in with all to
breed an ill conceit of the Kings Majeftie in the hearts of the people. I'le
tell part of them. This is one, How can it be, fuch a nobleman as the
Earle of Gowrie, fo well brought up, could have foftered fuch a treafon.
This would appear to carry fomething with it ; but, in very dead, carries no
probability. If the Erie had bidden ftill in Scotland, and keeped the edu
cation that he got under that worthy man, Mr Robert Rollock, he might,
perchance, not have attempted fuch a treafon ; but when he went to Padua,
there he fludied necromancie. His own paedagogue, Mr William Rynd,
teftifies, that he had thefe characters ay upon him, which he loved fo, that,
if he had forgot to put them in his breeks, he would run up and doun lyke
a mad man ; and he had them upon him, when he was flain ; and, as they
teftify that faw it, he would not bleed, fo long as they were upon him.
He that this way cafteth off all reverence to his God, what reverence can
he have to an earthly King.
Another queftion, I know, will be moved, Some will fay, fall we true,
that he could have devifed his alone fuch a treafon ? could he have enter-
prized fuch a work, without a back ? I doubt not but he had a back.
The Lord difcover it ; . and I am affured, he fall at laft difcover it. And,
as I faid before to your Majeftie, I fay it yet, and ye lay it not out, ye
fall yet fome day make us all a forrowfull morning, if ye rype not up the
fountain thereof, it is a manifeft tempting of God ; and I exhort your Ma
jeftie and Counfell to doe it, as ye will anfwer to God, before whom they
fall be counted traitours one day, if they keep up the leaft chop ofit, which
they can try out. But to meet the queftion, it is no marvell, fuppofe it
be hid ; for the Erie of Gowrie was a man of exceeding great fecrecie,
there was not a man he would reveal it to. His own paedagogue, Mr
William Rynd faid, that the Erie, talking of treafon againft Princes, faid,
6 R

1050 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
That if the right hand wift what the left hand were doing, he was not to
be counted a man : and therefore I true, indead, there was none upon the
foreknowledge of the execution, but the Erie, and his brother, and the
devil that led them both.
I know there will be a third queftion, Is there none that can bear why
nefs to it ? God forgive them that fay, The King is a party, he cannot
be believed. And thow were a good chriftian, thow would rife up, and
fay, I am a party ; and the King, that never has been a lier, ffiould be
believed himfelf ; and not fuch fufpitious furmifes fpread abroad. But I
goe on, there was there noblemen, his Majefties fervants, and citiezens of
Sanct Johnftoun, who faw his Majeftie carried there without an^ weapon,
but his hunting horne about his craig ; four doors are locked upon him ;
my Lord Duke, the Erie of Marr, bailies, and burgeffes, faw his hands
in the Kings face and throat. If they will not believe them, whom will
they believe. Fy upon incredulous and malicious hearts.
I fay more for the truth. Andrew Henderfon, a man to that hour ap
proved good, and zealous, and without fpott all the days of life, this man
perforce is put in the roume without any foreknowledge, this man yet liv
eth, every man has accefs to him. This man, as before he was made be
God an inftrument to fave the King ; fo now he is made an inftrument of
the Kings honour to tell the truth. I muft fpear here, becaufe fome fay,
till we fee him die on the fcaffold for it, wee will never believe it. Fy on
it, that his Majeftie ffiould execute him, that faved his life, for their pleafure.
I muft fay in my confcience, that man is rather worthy of reward, nor of
punifhment ; and I trow not a man, that fears God, but he will confent
to it. But he was put in, be providence of God, to be an inftrument of your
deliverance. Now as ye have heard the danger, take tent alfo, how he was delivered.
As David faid, Lord, thou haft exalted me, and not made my foes to re-
joyce over me ; juftly may your Majeftie fay, I was in deadly danger, and
thow, Lord, has looked on me. When I confider his Majefties deliver
ance, I may fay, there was not a circumftance of that action, but every one
was a wonderfull prefervation. Firft, When the Erie of Gowrie, and his
brother took that man, and put him in, and faid to him fimply, Doe what
my brother commands thee, they thought he ffiould have put to his hand
to doe the turne ; but God comes doun from heaven, and altereth the
man. No fooner comes the King in, but he cries, alace ! alace ! woes mei

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1051
Is not this a great work of God ? he that fliould have flaine his Majeftie,
is made an inftrument of his fafetie. And when the Mafter of Gowrie is
bringing doun to flay his Majeftie, he withholds his hand. Thirdly, When
the Mafter, of a cruel tiger, is made, as it were, a dove, faying, I will
promife you your life, Sir, if ye will hold your tongue. Fy traitour, What
had he to doe with his Majeftie life ? but he is mitigated be the Kings mo
deft words, Ye and I come in under friendfhip ; yow are a chriftian brought
up under that good man, Mr Robert Rollock, why fhould ye put hands
in your Prince. With this, he goes out, and ffiortly comes in again, and,
as a tiger, enters upon his Majeftie. This is a marvell : he was far beyond
the King in ftrength, and yet the living God fo ftrenthed his Majeftie, that
he got him under his feet. And laft, When the Erie of Gowrie caufed
cry, The King is away, they running out tc follow his Majeftie, hear his
voice again. When the Erie and feven men come in againft four, he him
felf is flain be thefe four ; and the reft of his company hurt, and put to
flight. Yea, had Gowrie bidden ftill on the caufay, and faid, that traitours
about the King had flain his brother, all the men of Sanct Johnftoun had
ruffled in with him : but the Lord wrought otherways. And, therefore,
as David faid, fo fhould your Majeftie fay, O Lord, I will magnify thee ;
becaufe thou haft exalted me.
Now, becaufe it is faid, as falfely as the fun fhineth not, that the King
went to Sanct Johnftoun to flay the Erie of Gowrie, (fuch is the fpirits of
malitious hearts) I would now have yow indifferent people. When the
Mafter of Gowrie comes to Falkland, and moves him to come to Perth,
I think not thirteen in his company, judge if he would have come to Sanct
Johnftoun, which was Gowries London, there to have flain him. Again,
if he would have brought my Lord Duke, the Erles good brother, and the
Erie of Marr, his godfather, with him, if he had been minded to flay
him. Judge, laft, of this, When his Majeftie is led be the Mafter of Gow
rie, and feparat from all his folks, put in a little round, having nothing
but his hunting horne about him, let indifferent people judge here, whither
his Majeftie could have been minded to flay the Erie of Gowrie, or not.
Now, when I have fhewed yow the danger, and divine deliverance, fee,
whither our D,avid fhould not fay, I will magnify thee, O Lord ; becaufe
thow haft exalted me. Where he fayes, Saints, fing praifes for me ; fee, if
wee have not juft occafion to praife God for the deliverance of our David :
for woefull had been the ftate of Scotland, yea, woefull darknefs, if the

1052 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
Lord had not wrought this deliverance. The Lord give your Majeftie a
thankfull heart ; and to us your fubjedls thankfull hearts for your deliver
ance. The Synods conveened the beginning of September, as was appointed
be the King, and Commiffioners. C]
[The Synod of Fife conveened in Dumfermline, where Mr James Mel
vill was Moderator. After the Affembly was diffolved, he went to the
King then refident at Falkland, and prefented to him the form of thankf
giving agreed to be the Synod.
Upon this occafion, he made humble fute for his colleg, Mr Jhone Dykes ;
and obteined afterwards libertie to him to glorifie God again, in the exer-
eeis of his minifterie at his awin kirk. Mr John made fome fonets againft
the Erie of Gowrie, and his brother, quhilk Mr James prefented to the
King in November following ; whereupon the King accepted him in favour,
after a years trouble for fome Propofitions, which he had drawen out of
Bafilicon Doron, and publifhed ; the book itfelf not yet publifhed, howbeit
fome few copies were printed. Mr James, after he had obtained his fuit
for his brother in law, and collegue^ Mr John Dykes, being freed from
that quhilk was na fmall exerceis to his mynd, and being then refolued to
haue left Commiffionarie, Court, and all that courfe, he was compelled of
confcience to continow with a mair heavie and grewis fafcherie, labour and
pean, bathe of mynd and bodie, for that Miniftrie of Edinbruche ; for twa
ofthe breithring being all commandit of the town, cam to his hous and
vrgit. him to continow in his Commiffionarie for thair caufe. C. & Melvill's
Diary.] [Upon Thurfday the fifth of September, the Minifters of Edinburgh were
charged at the Crofs of Edinburgh, to compear before the King and his
Counfell in Stirline ; Mr William Watfon, upon Teuefday the ninth ; Mr
John Hall, and Mr Walter Balcanquall, upon Wednefday the tenth • Mr
Robert Bruce, and Mr James Balfour, upon Thurfday the 11th, to hear
farther punifliment decerned, and that for their obftinat blindnefs, as they
called it, and perfwading others to doubt, in the parts whei^ they come.
Mr William Watfon was commanded to enter in waird : But the day
following, after his humble fupplication given, fhewing that he was refolved,

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1053
was fet at liberty, and was appointed to publiffi his refolution in fo many
kirks as were appointed to him.
Mr Walter, and Mr John Hall were appointed to doe the lyke ; be
caufe they profeffed they were refolved.
When Mr Robert compeared, the Chancellor caufed him to hold up his
hand, and fwear to fpeak the truth. Firft, He afked, in what parts of the
country he had been, and who were in company with him. Then he afked,
if he was refolved touching the laft treafon, or not. He anfwered, • I am
in the way of refolution ; but not fully refolved. But what moveth yow,
faid the King, more than the reft of your brethren ? they fay, they are all
fully refolved ; Mr John Hall fayes, he is more then refolved ; Mr Walter
fayes, he was fick, when the word came firft, but when he travelled in
Fife, he became refolved ; Mr William Watfon gave in his fupplication, pro
feffing he was refolved ; Mr James Balfour is even now gone out, and he
faid ficlyke, that he is refolved. Mr Robert, yow were but their mouth,
why fhould ye fpeak otherwife, nor the body bides yow ? Sir, faid Mr
Robert, I was their mouth indead, chofen be them in the action fanctified
by prayer, and whatever I fpake to the Counfell, I had their vote thereto ;
and I am perfwaded, Sir, they are not fully refolved yet. Then faid the
King, they fpeak one thing to yow, and another thing to me. I will not
fay that, Sir, faid he ; but I ffiall fpeak the truth. If ye pleafe, faid the
King, I fhall caufe them come in before yow, and fay, they are fully re
folved. Mr Robert, perceiving it was the Kings drift to fet them be the
ears, anfwered, Well, Sir, let them live in their own faith, I muft live in
mine ; fo far as I know, I ffiall preach, and farther I will not promife.
Two things moved me to enter in the way of refolution. 1. The depofi-
tion of George Craigengelt, as I heard. 1 be chance mett be the way
yefterday coming to this toun, a young man of Edinburgh, called Robert
Kerr, who tells me, that he was in Sanct Johnftoun, at the execution of
George Craigengelt, and was upon the caffold, together with James Kin-
neir clerk to our Seffion, and Robert Arefkine tailyeour ; and that they
heard George Craigengelt fay, that he would never have believed, that
my Lord his Mafter had any intereft in that matter, were not after that he
had gone into- the lodging, and found the two corps lying, and took firft
up my Lords corps, and then the Mailers, and laid them together ; (then
his fpeach was interrupted a long time, when he remembered upon my Lord)
after this, he went to Andrew Henderfons houfe, where he and Andrew

1054 . THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
lamented together ; where he afked at him, if he knew, whither my Lord
had any intereft : and Andrew, as he faith, anfwered, That my Lord him
felf caufed him goe up to the gallerie chamber, and put him in the room ;
and he was dreffing the defert, when he faw Andrew goe up the flair, not
knowing what the matter meant. If this be true, Sir, that George depo-
neth, in refpect he died fo well, I will reft upon his teftimony for one.
And the fame day I have written to James Kinncir our clerk, and to Ro
bert Arefkine, that they may teftify, whether they heard fuch words, or
not. So, Sir, I am as diligent as I can. Next, Sir, if this Andrew Hen-
derfon dye with that confeffion, I will be fatiffied for my own part. Here
the Comptroller interrupted him, faying, Will ye true a condemned man
better than the King and his Counfell. My Lord, faid he, if he die peni
tently, I will truft him ; fra tyme that God receive the foul, I think we
may receive the teftimony. I faw John Ramfay, the falfe Notar, die very
penitently. He faved the Kings life, faid the Comptroller. As to that,
faid he, I cannot tell ; but if it were for no more, but only this, that he
employed not the whinger, that he threw out of the Matters hand, upon
the Matter himfelf, I fay, juflly he ought to die : for, I fay, he ffiould
have flricken the traitour, and not have folded it up in his cloak. Indead,
quoth the King, I know not whither he folded it up, or not. Then faid
the Comptroller, What if he goe back from the thing that he has deponed.
I tell yow, my Lord, faid Mr Robert, his teftimony is the worfe. There
fore, fayes the Comptroller, it were better to keep him alive. Nay, my
Lord, ye ffiould preferr the Kings honour to his life, fayes Mr Robert :
for it will ferve greatly to his honour, if he die penitently. Then, laid
the King, I fee ye will not truft me, nor the noblemen that were with
me, except ye try me. Sir, faid Mr Robert, will cannot be conftrain-
ed, I may well lye to yow with my mouth ; but I cannot truft, but
after tryal. I fee, Mr Robert, that ye would make me a murtherer,
faid the King. Its known very well, that I was never blood thirfty;
if I would have taken their lives, I had caufes enough ; I needed not
to hazard myfelf alfo. Surely, Sir, faid Mr Robert, I will not make
yow a murtherer. Yea, Sir, fuppofe I knew it were fo, I will neither
withdraw my affection, nor obedience from your fervice. I would only
prefs to draw yow to repentance, in refpect ye are not fubject to our puni-
tion. Then the Earle of Marr faid, I marvell, that ye will not truft men
that faw his hand in his throat, and heard the King cry. My Lord, faid

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1055
Mr Robert, if ye were there to hear, and fee, ye may the more ealily
credit. Then the Prior of Blantyre, Mr Edward Bruce, and all ftart up,
faying, Why ftand £ye in a thing fo clear ? Becaufe, fayes Mr Robert, I
will not have yow look for more of me, than I profefs to know. I get
never tyme to try. I never heard my Lord of Marr, nor the Duke fpeak
out of their oun mouthes of that fubject ; nor have I liberty to goe to
Edinburgh, or to Sanct Johnftoun : fo I cannot get full refolution. Then,
fayes the King, this is your meaning, ye are but in the way, ye are not yet
fully refolved. Yes, Sir, faid he, I am in the way of thefe things, try true.
So Mr Robert was difmift, as he thought, with a very loving counten
ance ; but was not called in again.
The Macer, Archibald Douglas, comes forth and chargeth him to enter
in ward in the place of Airth, and to remain there till the eight day of
Odtober ; and thereafter to pafs off the countrey, and not to return to
England or Scotland, without his Majefties licenfe. Mr Edward Bruce was
inftant with the Councill, for a licenfe to Mr Robert to depart, if tbe King
would have him off the countrey : but the King wold have him banifhed,
that his living might fall. He wold alfo have had him in another ward :
but the Treafurer faid, he behoved to prepare himfelf before he went off
the country.
Mr Robert, in a letter written to his wife, after he hath fet doun the
whole proceeding, concludes after this manner. If wee had fpoken all one
thing, I had not been in this cafe ; and yet I would not be in their cafe,
for all the benefit they have gotten : for the Court giveth it out, that they
are fent to make their repentance, each one of them in fo many kirks ; and,
indeed, the act bears, that they fall confefs their error and incredulity, and
ffiew they are fully refolved ; and fo he makes a triumph, and fpectacle of
their miniftrie. Mr William Watfon fhewed me, that he repented from
his heart, that he entered not in ward. Mr Peter Hewat fhewed me, that
he requiefted Mr Patrick Galloway very earneftly to ftay untill the day of
my compearance, and help me as he had done the reft. But he would not
ftay one hour, but got out of the Toun, and rode away. The Secretar was
there alfo. So that, as I fhewed yow, this was a plott laid for me, fay what
they would have faid.
Mr Robert Bruce, being charged, upon Thurfday the eleventh of Sep
tember, to enter in ward in the place of Airth, obeyed the charge. While
he was in Airth, Sir Thomas Arefkine purchafed a warrant for him, to

1056 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
come and meet him at the Abbots Park. Mr Robert looked for no good
of the meeting ; yet, craving Gods direction and affiftance, he went to meet
him. After that Sir Thomas had made to him a prolix difcourfe and rela
tion, he fhewed how he trufted, and wherein he doubted, The conference
ended without quarrell, yea, with promifes on Sir Thomas his part, to ftand
his friend fo far as he durft. This conference was holden on the 18 of
September. Upon Fryday the 19 of September, Mr Robert Bruce received two
letters ; one directed from Mr Peter Hewat, who was fent in commiffion,
with Mr George Robertfon, and Mr Robert Cornwall, from the Synod of
Lothian to the King, to treat for reftoring of the Minifters of Edinburgh
to their oun places : Another from Mr James Balfour, Mr Walter Bal
canquall, and Mr John Hall. The letters, together with Mr Roberts letters
and anfwers, here follow.
Mr Peter Hewats letter to Mr Robert Bruce.
Sir, I have travelled with his Majeftie, at the defire of the Synodall, for
a prorogation of your day, in the which I found his Majeftie very difficil at
the firft ; but, after infilling, he granted it, as a benefit to the Kirk : for he
affirmed, that ye flanding in that eftate, could not be capable of a benefit at
his hands.
I perceive, Sir, that he would very fain have you reduced to a confor
mity with the reft of the brethren ; and he wifhes all them that love him,
and you, to travell with you to that effect.
I will not be fo bold as to give you counfell ; but I would pray you to
goe as far as is poffible to keep the King, under whom wee have the liberty
of the Gofpel, and who being removed, the flate of this country would be
dolorous. I think, Sir, ye miller no mediators in this matter, but may be as far in
the Kings affection, as any man, if ye would come to him, and declare your
mind to him in this matter, but in thefe fame terms, that your brethren
have done before you. Ye ffiall receive from this bearer the warrant fub
fcribed be his Majeftie. Having na further for the prefent, committs yow
to the protection of God. From Edinburgh the 18 of September 1600.
Yours ever to his power
Mr P. H.

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1057
Mr Bruce his anfwer.
Brother, I wrote to you as mouth, andone bearing the perfon of the
brethren. Ye count, I perceive, this ffiort prorogation a benefit, which I
count none ; if I had efteemed it fo, I might have had a longer and larger ;
by embracing of this, ye ftay me from the greater and better, which was
alfo offered me : for fince ye, who ffiould be fharper of fight and quicker
of judgment in difcerning of things expedient for me, has made choice of
this, ye ftopp the mouths of others, who were once affured to have pur-
chafed greater things for me. And I marvell, feeing ye know that I muft
be moft fenfible in my own cafe, that ye have not fought my own advice in
feeking of a benefit to me : for if the fliort fpace of tyme, which ye have
purchafed, be abufed of me, as it will be accounted, ye ffiall make me
more odious, as one who ftudies to be Angular ; and ye fhall not faile to
multiply the wrath of the Prince againft me, as one who has biden fo long
upon me, and clofe your own mouths from further fuiting, feeing ye have
made no gain be your former fuit. I had far rather ye had fhewed me how
far ye had gone before me in this matter, and what any of you has done,
that I have not done : for if your warrants be ftrong and fufficient, and the
ftrength of your warrants may carry me fafely to doe the like ; and if ye
have done no farther, and mean to doe further nor I have done, Why fhould
not wee, that are lyke minded, be lyke mouthed, and proceed after one
way ?
I am troubled for lack of a full perfwafion. Now this fort of perfua-
fion is the action of the heart, and God is only the fearcher and tryer of
the heart ; fo this fort of queftion ffiould fall only under the cenfure. The
Lord*help my unbelief! I had mifter ofhis fulnefs in the very articles of
my belief, fuppofe they lean upon undoubted grounds. I will truft the re
port of my Prince, I will truft the report of noblemen, as it becomes me :
but I can truft no report of man, as a very undoubted truth, but the report
of him, who is God alfo.
Where ye call in a word touching the defolation of our eftate, in cafe
(as God forbid) our Prince were removed, I wot not well, what it ffiould
mean : but if ye mean thereby, that there is an inlack in me, either of re
verence or affection toward his Majefties perfon, certainly ye take me up
wrong : for as to my heart, the Lord knowes it, and I appeal to him,
touching the fincerity of it, in that point : and as to my actions in this mat-
6 s

1058 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
ter, fince the accident fell out, ye cannot be ignorant, how ready I was to
have gone over the water, to have had better information of his Majefties felf,
if wind and weather had not flayed ; and to have mett his Majeftie at Leith,
if I could have had accefs. And what I offered to the Counfell, I report me
to Mr George Robertfon, and to fome of my eollegues that heard ; fo that
my confcience bears me witnefs, that I have been about ever to ommitt no
duty, where either my reverence or affection ought to have been teftified.
I crave to be led be the Spirit of truth in this particular, and have been
inftant after my manner with my God ; and I am in that hope, that as yet
he has not deferted me. Communicat your light with me, any of you that
has farther, than I, and let me fee what argument may import a neceffary
conclufion. If I embrace it not, I cannot refufe to be marked with the
mark of obftinacy. If I agree with you in your light, Why fhould I be
hardlier ufed than ye ? wherefore fhould there be any acception of perfons ?
Therefor, to end in a word, either impart this light to me with diligence,
that your prorogation may be a benefit indeed ; or, otherways, keep me
from the fcaith and confequences of your fuit, that ye put me not in worfe
cafe, nor ye found me in.
I have been fomewhat homely with you ; but affure yourfelf, my fpeech
es proceed not of bitternefs, but of juft grief, that I ffiould be fo hardlie
dealt with: for, in my judgement, no honeft man can be refolved in con
fcience, except fome ane or other dye penitently teftifying this matter.
The Lord by his holy Spirit direct us in thir matters, to whofe direction
for the prefent I committ yow and your travels.
Off Airth, the 22 of September 1600.
Your brother and fellow labourer,
Mr R. B.
Mr James Balfour, Mr Walter Balcanquall and Mr John Halls letter.
The Spirit of the Lord Jefus be with yow, and guide yow for ever.
Right honourable Sir, and loving brother, after our heartie falutation :
Remembring your ftate and prefent danger, to us no lefs heavy and forrow-
full, than to yourfelf ; and therefore what in us lieth, both be our prayers
to God for yow, as alfo be what lawfull mean wee can, wee have travelled
to your relief ; underftanding, that ye alfo will refufe no lawfull way for
the fame.

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1059
We have remembered the Kirk of Fife, as alio our own Affembly here,
who will leave nothing undone, that lyeth in them, as wee pray God to
profper their travells. But when wee confider the ftate of things, and Mr
Patrick Galloways credit, wee thought good alfo to fpeak with him to em
ploy his credit in that matter, of whom in effect we find, that if ye will
imploy him, he will affay his outtermoft credit for you ; which wee account,
as things goe, to be the moft ready way of your relief: And therefore would
even pray you to make no fcrouple to write to him a loving letter, defiring
him, that he would not refufe to ufe his credit for your relief; as ye fhall
be ready to pleafure him, when your credit is greater nor his. This, Sir,
we think nothing againft your honour or duty, in refpect that he is a bro
ther ; and peradventure will have adoe with our friendfhip again. And
whatever has been in miflyke before, as Gods fervants, it may be forgot,
and brotherly love, in time to come, may be intertained ; which, we know,
he will willingly and lovingly meet.
We purpofed to have vifited you, where you are, were not wee are,
every one of us, upon our journey, to aecomplifh the appointment of the
King and Counfel. Praying God, from our hearts, to guide you with his
holy Spirit, and to direct yow in this matter to his glory, and your own
peace and comfort. From Edinburgh, the 18 of September 1600.
Wee your loving brethren in God, Mr James Balfour, Mr Walter
Balcanqual, Mr John Hall.
Mr Robert Bruce his anfwer.
Brethren, I received your letter : And as touching the mean that ye
proponed for my delivery, as I am not minded to contemne it, (for I never
flood fo upon the fleps of my reputation, but could have found in my heart
to have ufed the help of the meaaefl brother in the Miniftrie, and to have
forgiven in my heart alfo the greateft enemy, that ever I had, in my own
particular,) yet, brethren, ere I embrace it, I would be refolved of fuch
doubts as occupy my mind.
I remember, brethren, when my cafe was better, and my credit greater
with his Majeftie ; yet Mr Patrick refufed reconfiliation altogether : for
Mr Alexander Lindfay, one of the Commiffioners, was mediator betwixt
me and him ; but he, at that tyme, could purchafe no favour to me, except

1060 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
I had firft acknowledged a fault done to him, yea, fuch a fault, as I, at
that tyme, ftood in great doubt, whither I had fpoken it, or not. If he
ftood then, brethren, upon fuch flepftones, much more may he ftand now,
when I underftand his credit to be greater.
He began, Firft, at my calling, he, and his complices, and how they
filled it, ye know ; then, at my living, and held me in continual exer
cife to this hour ; and now, laft, at my life : for this banifhment in this
feafon of the year, (except God in his mercy be more favourable unto me)
may import no lefs. And if he had been minded to winne me, and have
made me to have buried thefe things in oblivion, I am perfwaded he would
not have deferted me, efpecialy, when he was fo urged and inftantly dealt
with be yow, and Mr Peter, that are brethren to us both.
Secondly, I doubt greatly, if his credit may reach fo far, or any mans
in this country either, as to purchafe me a relief without a full refolution :
and fuppofe I were refolved, it is concluded, that I ffiall not feel the fa
vour of that roume, where I had my carting.
Thirdly, I know my letter fhall be made a bachle of, and prefented to
his Majeftie.
And, laft of all, As touching my credit, that way which ye mean, cer
tainly I took to be for the fafhion, as I have oft told fome of yow : I was
never loved as a Minifter ; and yet if ye had been in my cafe, I would have
ftepped to unbidden, and employed my uttermoft without ceremonies, as
all the brethren ofthe Miniftry had experience, who ever had to doe en
during my credit with any of the Princes. Thir things, I tell yow, breth
ren, make me to be laither to open my pack, except I were certain to fell
fome wares.
There is a better caufe nor I wracked, and in greater danger, nor I am
in. Ye know yourfelves, in what eftate the difcipline of the Kirk ftands in,
what incroatching, what ufurpation is daily increafed upon the fpiritual
kingdom : Yea, and it were no more, I wonder how that brother could
fay, in the face of that Synodall Affembly, that our roumes were vacant ;
and that they had confented to our depofition. Shall I look for a benefit
at his hand, that flops the breath of Gods Spirit in me ; and deprives us
unheard ? Brethren, let him beginne, firft, to kyth himfelf good in the
common caufe, and then I fhall look for a benefit from him in my oun par
ticular ; yea, then ffiall I fhake heart and hand with him, and honour him
alwayes, as it becomes me ; for I know he has received better gifts, nor I :

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1061
and if he would let me fee, that he would prefs to fanctify them this way, by
helping the diftreffed ftate of Gods Kirk at this tyme ; certainly, brethren,
my eldeft fon fhould not be fo dear to me, as he fhould be : for the Lord
knowes, I have no malice in my affection, either againft him, or Mr James
Nicolfon, fuppofe I take them two to be the procurers of my trouble, and
fountains of my exercife. Would thefe two men extend their credit to
ftainch the bleeding of the caufe, and to ftay the grouth of this ufurpation,
then could I promife to myfelf good things of them both : But till I fee
their bowels poured out that way, I am the loather to trouble them with
my particular.
I will not faffi yow with farther letter ; but fubmitt thefe things, and all
my cogitations to your fpiritual judgment, to be corrected, as your light
out of the Word of God ffiall find expedient. So committing yow to the
protection of his Spirit, and Word of his grace, I take my leave.
Off Airth, the 22 of September 1600.
Your loving brother, and fellow labourer in the work of the Lord,
MrR. B.
Mr Patrick Symfon, Minifter at Stirline, viliting Mr Robert upon the
22 of September, told him, that if he would promife to fnib the people,
and reprove them for their raffi and leud opinion, which they were ready
to conceive, and publiffi of a Prince, without found and folid ground, the
Erie of Marr was of that hope, that it might work his peace. Mr Robert
thinking, when the matter is doubtfull, the benigne interpretation fliould
be for the Princes fide, wrote to the Erie of Marr the letter following.
My Lord, after my very hearty commendations of fervice : Fearing left
this lingering of mine fhould give occafion of finifter impreffions, and nuriffi
the people in leud opinions (whereunto they are over much bent of will)
of their Prince, I thought it my duty, my Lord, to prevent fuch fufpicions,
and to fignifie my mind to your Lordffiip, as be this letter I doe, that if
ever God open my mouth, either in that place, or in any other place, I
will promife, be his grace, to fnib them, and to divert them [from] fuch cogi
tations, as flow from perverfity of nature, rather than from any folid ground.
This I may doe fafely ; and fhall doe farther, when God fhall grant me farther
light : for your Lordffiip takes me up wrong, if ye be of that mind, that it
is not confcience that moves me to this, but only a prepoflerous affection
to perfons. My adtions, my Lord, fhortly will be my beft judges and wit-

1062 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
neffes, either with me, or againft me. And, in the mean tyme, I would
crave this favour of your Lordffiip, if my fervice will not be acceptable to
his Majeftie within the country, that he would fuffer me with his licence and
favour, while this ftorm be fettled, to depart.
I will not faffi your Lordfliip with farther letter ; but if I durft fay it,
my confcience fayes to me, I deferve good will of your Lordffiip alwife.
The Lord in his mercy direct your Lordffiip in all your affaires, and take
yow and yours under his tuition and defence, both now and ever.
Off Airth, the 22 of September 1600.
Your Lordffiip to his power to be commanded with fervice,
Mr R. B.
The Erie of Marrs anfwer to this letter mett not Mr Roberts expecta
tion, neither was anfwerable to the promife made to Mr Patrick Symfon in
my Lords name. The juft copy of the anfwer followes.
Sir, I received your letter, wherein ye defired me to be a dealer at his
Majefties hand, that ye may have licence to pafs furth of the country, if
better cannot be, (whereof I would be very forrie.) I fhall leave nothing
that in me lyes, to doe what ye defire me. But ye muft give me leave,
even to fpeak with you. I think ye are far in the wrong to yourfelf, and
all your well willers, that is fo hard of credit in fo manifeft a matter ; and
now feeing it is come to fiich a hight, I fear his Majeftie fall be very hard
in it : for I dar take it on me before God in heaven, that is my only wit-
nefs in writing thefe words unto yow, that the moft mifhant treafon, that
ever was intended againft a Prince, was that day intended againft his Ma
jeftie, be my Lord of Gowrie, and his brother. This I may boldly write,
in refpect of that I faw : And if I had the occafion to fpeake with yow
I believe to let yow fee it evidently. Alwife, Sir, I befeek you, even to
refolve with yourfelf upon that, which I am affured of in confcience ye
may, and that in refpect I know it to be truth. I remitt the reft to the
bearer, whom, I know, ye will credit. And fo I committ yow to God.
Off Stirline, the 24 of September.
Your loving friend,
MARR.

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1063
As to that part of your letter, concerning your good will toward me, in
truth, I never thought otherways ; neither merited I ever other at your
hand, nor yet ftill doe.
The Countefs of Mortoun undertaketh, if Mr Robert would ftand to
that which he had offered, to purchafe him either full liberty, or, at leaft,
a prorogation till the end of the Parliament, which was to be holden.
Whereupon a licence was promifed, but delayed till the laft hour ; which
made Mr Robert fhake of all care of provifion for his departure. The
tyme of his departure was prorogued till the eleventh of November.
Upon Tuefday the 14 of October, the Commiffioners from Synods con
veened in the Palace of Halyrudhous.
The King was earneft to have the Kirk of Edinburgh planted with other
Minifters. The brethren of the Miniftry anfwered, That could not be
done, unlefs they were depofed be the Kirk, and cutt off be fome civil
form of judicature. The King, on the other fide, affured them, that he
had determined, they ffiould never come in Edinburgh again.
They thought good, rather than that kirk ffiould vaik, that the Minifters
of Edinburgh themfelves ffiould be afked, if they were content of their own
accord to yield to tranfportation : Therefore Mr James Melvill, Mr Wil
liam Scott, and Mr John Carmichael were directed be the King, and the
Minifters conveened, to afk at them, and to report their anfwer.
After they were fent out, the King with his Commiffioners, and the
Minifters there conveened, nominated and chufed three Bifhops, Mr David
Lindfay, Bifhop of Rofs, Mr Patrick Bleckburne, Bifhop of Aberdeen,
Mr George Glaidftances, Bifhop of Cathnefs, and appointed them to vote
at the next Parliament in name of the Kirk, without any regard had to
the caveats, or conclufions made. The three brethren fent out to conferr
with the Miniflers of Edinburgh, underftood nothing of this matter till the
Convention was diffolved.
The King and Commiffioners of the General Affembly, employed thefe
three, who were efteemed the wifeft among thefe who ftood for the liberties
of our Kirk, in another action, that they might the more eafiely circumveen
the reft who were prefent. This Convention had not the power of a Ge
neral Affembly ; but any colour was fufficient for their proceedings, having
authority on their fide.

1064 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
As for tbe Minifters of Edinburgh : The King took Mr John Hall in
his own hand, and fo he was repofed to his own place in Edinburgh. The
like favour was not granted to the reft. Indead Mr John was ftedable to
the King, and Commiffioners, enjoying that place, and advanced their
caufe more fecretly and under ground, than any of that number did either
fecretly or openly.
Mr Robert Bruce, eight dayes before the tyme appointed for his depar
ture, directed a letter to the King, be the Laird of Balvaird, wherein he
took his good night, and made a repetition of the former offers in as rever
ent and humble manner as he could.
The tenour of the letter followes.
Pleafe your Majeftie : Hearing that your Majeftie was nothing relented
of your former wrath againft me ; and being now upon the point to fhew
my obedience unto your Majefties laft charge, I could not ommitt this, as my
laft duty, to intreat your Hienes elemeneie, and mitigat the extremity of
this intended wrath. I am not ignorant of that fpeach, That the wrath of
the Prince is the meffenger of death : So that I crave, that the Lord, for
Chrifts fake, may add his bleffing, and work effectualy in your Grace, as
he ffiall fee expedient for his oun glory, and your Majefties perpetual pre
fervation. Then to be ffiort, To fhew my conformity with the reft of my brethren
of the Miniftrie, as at all tymes, fo now efpeciaUy, to ffiew both my con
formity with the reft of my brethren of the Miniftrie, and my reverence to
your Majeftie, and to clear my fufpected affection herein, I offer to give to
the Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift, in him, and through him, moft hearty
thanks for all your Majefties deliverances, from your cradle to this prefent
hour ; but namelie, for that deliverance, which he granted to your Majeftie
in Sanct Johnftoun, on Tuefday the fyft of Auguft, far above all our deferts,
and your Majefties expectation.
I offer alfo to flirr up the people to that fame duty ; and attour, to divert
the people, fo far as lyes in me, from their lewd opinions, and uncharitable
conflructions, anent your actions, and namely in this turne.
Finaly, There is no duty your Majeftie can crave of me, without the
manifeft offence of God, and hurt of my own confcience, but I will doe it
with as good a heart as ever I did thing in this earth ; that, if by any means,

1600. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1065
I may teftify my good affection toward your Majeftie my Soveraign, and
enjoy my natural air, and fuch other comforts as the Lord has given me
under your Majefties reign. Which I muft humbly crave of your Majef
tie ; befeeking the Lord to move your heart herein, for his Chrifts fake.
So awaiting for your Hienes anfwer, in all humilitie I take my leave.
Mr Robert was upon his jurney to the fhip ; and Balvaird returned with
the anfwer to his wife. He fhewed her, that his Majeftie had interlined
the letter, and eeked fome words upon the margent. And if Mr Robert
condefcended not to thefe words, and was not content to utter them in
pulpit, there was no byding for him in Scotland. He defired alfo, that he
might keep the interlined letter a while, promifing to redeliver it ; but he
gave it to his uncle, Sir Patrick Murrey, and was never redelivered.
In the mean tyme, Mr Robert returned to Reftalrig, upon Thurfday at
night, the penult of October. Upon the third of November, Mr Robert
went up to the fliip, which lay at anchor at the Queens ferrie. Two of
the Minifters certified him, that he was to be charged, under the pain of
treafon, to retire to the fhip within 24 hours, which made him to make the
greater hafte. So he rode to the Queens ferrie, accompanied with William
Cranfton and his fon ; and after fupper took fhip. Two bailies went with
him to the fliip, and Mr Thomas Gray, and a Notar, John Mackie. He
took inftruments in the hand of the Notar, that he had obeyed the act. So
they drew to fea, by Gods bleffing ; and arrived at Deep in France, upon
Saturday the eight of November.
Upon the 15 of November, the King and Nobility came to the Tolbuith.
The late Erie of Gowrie and his brother Mr Alexander were forefaulted
for treafon. An act was made, that all the furname of Ruthven chufe their
firnames betwixt and Whitfunday next. Four Minifters voted as Bifhops
at this Parliament, but rade not, Mr David Lindfey, Bifliop of Rofs, Mr
George Glaidftanes, Bifliop of Caithnefs, Mr Peter Bleckburn, as Bifhop
of Aberdeen, Mr Alexander Dowglafs, as Bifhop of Murrey.
Upon the 24 of November, there was a proclamation at the Crofs of
Edinburgh, charging, that none recept Jefuits, Popiffi Priefts, nor excom
municated Papifts within their houfes, or otherwife ; fpecialy Mr John
Hammilton the Apoftat, father brother to Mr Thomas Hamilton, Advo
cate. And yet, within 20 dayes after, Mr Henry Blyth, Minifter of the
Cannongate, was cited to compeir before the Counfel, for alledging in
6 T

1066 THE BOOKE OF THE 1600.
pulpit, that Mr John Hammilton was recept in the fpecial houfes of Edin
burgh ; and threatned with punifhment in cace he qualified not his fpeeches.
He gave in fundrie proofs and prefumptions, that he was feen fay maffe in
the Prelidents, and Andrew Napers houfe ; but there was no correction.
Chriftmafs was folemnly keeped be the Court, upon the 25 of December,
with ffiooting of cannon out of the Caftle of Edinburgh, and other ligns of
j°7-

A. D. MDCI.
In refpect of the difficulty, and obftinat refufal of the Toun of Edinburgh
to accept other Minifters than their oun, the King gave their Minifters
licence vpon the 16 of Januar to come home, and, dwell in their oun
houfes, till he were farther advifed ; Mr Robert Bruce only excepted.
The Synod of Fife conveened at Sanct Andrews, third of Februar, be
fore the ordinar tyme.
Mr John Hamilton the apoftate, taking unto him the name of John
Thomfon, was excommunicat.
Mr Robert Abercrombie, taking to him the name of Mr William Simfon,
was declared not to be of our fociety.
Mr William Dalyell was depofed for too great familiarity with Mr John
Hammilton, and not revealing him ; item, for infufficiency to bear the
office of the Miniftry.
Mr George Glaidftanes, Minifter at Sanct Andrews, confeffed, that he
fatt in Parliament, and anfwered with the name of Bifhop ; but againft his
will, as he alledged, becaufe they would not name him otherwayes.
Upon Tuefday the third of March, there was a meeting of certain Mi
nifters of both parties at Bruntiland. After long contraverting, they
agreed, that it was meeteft that the Minifters of Edinburgh ffiould be re-
flored to their own places ; and that there be a free General Affembly to
put all matters debatable to a point. The Commiffioners of the General
Affembly promifed to deal with the King to that effect.
The Lady Marr obtained liberty to Mr Robert Bruce to return to Eng
land. But he ftayed notwithftanding, till Mr Edward Bruce fent to him

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1067
twice to come over to London, to conferre with the Erie of Marr, and the
Minifters there ; and to doe all that lay in him, to countenance his Princes
actions. He came over. How matters paft betwixt him and the Erie of
Marr, may be gathered of the letter written to his own wife from Berwick ;
which is infert after in the own place.
In the beginning of March, maffe was faid in Edinburgh, in Andrew
Napers houfe, in Helen Sempils chamber, at fundrie tymes, be Mr Alex-
•ander Mcquhirrie. There were prefent at the mafs, the Mafter of Elphin-
ftouns fon, Mr William Barclay, a new made Advocat, Helen Semple ex
communicat, Charles Burdeaux his wife, the young Laird of Bony toun,
the Laird of Latoun, and fundry others, whofe names are not known.
A little before this tyme, the faid young Laird of Bonytoun, and Laird
of Latoun, with their complices, in the fame month of March, brake up
the old Laird of Bonytouns houfe in Angus, and took away all the eviden
ces, and other plenifhing belonging to old Bonytoun, father to the faid
Bonytoun younger ; and, within five or fix days after, reforted openly to
Edinburgh, and was at the meffe forefaid.
Bonytoun younger and Latoun were apprehended, put in ward, prefent
ed to an inquieft, and accufed criminaly for the faid thieft allenarly, were
convicted thereof, and confequently of treafon ; and the doom given out
upon them to be executed : Neverthelefs they were intertained in ward,
in the Tolbuith of Edinburgh, a great fpace thereafter.
Upon Tuefday the feventh of Aprile, the Synod of Lothian conveened
in Tranent. Mr Michael Cranftoun, preaching upon the fecond of Mala
chy, put the Miniftry in mind of the great troubles and labours of Mr
Knox, Mr Lawfon, Mr Bruce, and their neighbour, whom God yet ever
approved, meaning Mr John Davidfon.
Upon Wedenfday the eight, after noon, Mr John Davidfon caufed read
the 13 of Deutronomy, and the acts of Parliament againft idolatries, Je-
fuits, and Seminary Priefts. He fhewed, that they were to interpret the
meaning of the Commiffioners of the General Affembly to the beft part, if
they would now acknowledge the -infirmity of their courfe. But if they
would yet goe on in flattering the King, and defacing good brethren, they
fliould bear the blame of the fchifm, which was lyke to fall out.
He fayes to Mr David Lindfay, Affure yourfelf, I love neither your Biffi-
oping, nor your mounting to be a Counfellor : for all this is eome of your

106S THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
corrupt courfe in making yourfelf Moderator at Sanct Johnftoun, anno
1595 ; or, at left, in accepting the Moderatorfhip againft all good order.
He defired the brethren to be plain from pulpits touching the prefent dan
ger, and not to wink any longer. Mr David hang doun his head all the
tyme, and never faid a word.
A faft was concluded to be keeped upon the Sabbath come eight dayes.
Upon Munday the 27 of Aprile, the Laird of Bonytoun was beheaded-
at the Crofs of Edinburgh, betwixt fix and feven of the morning, be a com
miffion from the King, directed to the Bailies of Edinburgh tymeoufly in
the morning : For howbeit great interceffion was made be Huntlie, Erroll,
Hume, and others ; yet the Minifters were inftant with the King to have
a proof of his lincerity. He died an obftinat Papift, ever looking for par
don till the laft gafp. He pretended he fuffered for the Roman Catholick
religion : but it was no point of his dittay ; only the Healing of his fathers
evidences and writts, was laid to his charge.
Latoun got remiffion be moyen of courteours.

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1069

A.D. MDCI.

The General Affemblie of the Kirk of Scotland, haldin at Bruntiland,
the 12 day of May 1601 geirs. In the quhilk the Kings Majeftie
with his Commiffioners of the Nobilitie and Burrowes, were pre
fent.

Seffio la-
Exhortatioun being made be Mr Robert Wilkie, Moderatour [of the laft
Affemblie,] the brethren proceidit to the electioun of ane new Moderatour :
and Mrs Patrick Galloway, Patrick Simfone, Patrick Sharpe, Johne Hall,
and James Robertfon, being put on leits ; be pluralitie of votes Mr Johne
Hall was chofen Moderatour hac vice.
[The eyes of the fincereft fort were upon Mr Patrick Simfon, who was
in leets with Mr Patrick Galloway at the firft : But the King would have
thefe leets changed, and a neutral man chofen ; but Mr John Hall was
not a neutral man, howfoever he caried himfelf outwardly. C.J
[In the tyme of Mr James Melvill's feiknes, the Generall Affemblie,
apointed to be hauldin at Sanct Andros, was, be the Kings proclamation
at Mercat croffes, commandit to be keipit with him at Brinteyland in the
monethe of May. • To the quhilk, whowbeit feik and vnable, it behoued

1070 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
him to wryt. The quhilk letter the King tuk out of the Moderators hand
and fufferit it nocht to be read, but keipit it in his awin poutche, and hes
it leyed vpe, as he is informed, amangs his priuie wryttes as yit, for what
purpofe tyme will deelar. The copie wharof, word be word, he thought
therfor guid to fett down, as follows.
To the godlie Fathers and Breithring convenit in this prefent Generall
Affemblie at Brintyland, May 1601, James Melvill wiffethe grace,
mercie, and peace from God throw Jefus Chrift, with the fpreit of
fredome, vprightnes, and fathfulnes.
Hauinge manie wayes a calling to be prefent with yow at this Affembly,
(godlie fathers and deir breithring) and fteyit onlie be infirmitie of body,
efter a lang and foar fiknes, I could nocht at leaft bot communicat my mynd
with yow fchortlie in wryt.
And, firft, as concerning his Majeftie : Sen it hes pleafit God to indew
him with fie a rare and lingular grace, as to relblue to beftow him felff, his
flat, and all that God hes giffen him in poffeffioun, or tytle, for glorefeing
of Chryft, King of Kings, in the meantenance of his gofpell and trew re
ligioun ; and now to put hand to iuftice againft impietie, wrang, and all op-
preifioun, to kythe, in effect, the trew and erneft difpofitioun of his hart : I
think it all our partes to praife God vnceffantlie therfor, and to concur and
ioyne with his Maieftie in our calling to our vttermaift, namlie in fteiring
vpe and moving the harts of his peiple to his reuerence and obedience, yea,
to beftow thair Hues and all that they haue with his Hienes in that caufe,
and in all his Maiefties effeares that may ferue for the weill therof. And
trewlie they ar worthie to be accurfed, and nocht bruik the nam of Chrif
tian nor Scottes men, bot efteimed enemies to God, Relligioun, and his
Hienes, that will nocht willinglie yeild heirvnto, as Deborah cryes,
" Curfe Meror, fayethe the angell of the Lord, curfe, becaufe they cam
nocht to affift the Lord againft the mightie." I wald wis therfor for this
effect, as in the dayes of Afa and Joas, kings of Juda, namlie according
to the derectioun of guid Jehoiada the prieft, that folemne covenants and
bands, the Word of God and prayer going befor, war maid betwix God
and the King, God and tbe peiple, and betwix the King and the peiple,
beginning in this prefent Affemblie, and fa going to Provincialles, Prefby
teries, and throw euerie Congregatioun of this land.

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1071
Nixt, as concerning the Minifterie of Edinbruche, I haid faft that ag-
greiment of the breithring conveinet in Brintyland in the monethe of
Merche laft ; and wald befeik the breithring of the Affemblie till infift with
his Maieftie, with the reafonnes fett down at that conference, and fie vther
as God will furneife, ioyning prayer to God wha hes the Kings hart in his
hand, wherby his Hines might be brought to yeild thervnto, as a fpeciall
weill, nocht onlie of the Kirk, but of his Maiefties efteat and effeares (gif
God hes giffen me anie eis to fie anie thing in tham.) For by that, that
the cheiff blokhous of the Lords Jerufalem in this land can nocht, in my
iudgment, be weill fortefied without tham. In my confcience I knaw nocht
brauer trompettes to incurage, moue and fett fordwart the peiple to his
Maiefties obedience and affiftance, when occafioun of his Maiefties wech-
tieft effeares may craue the fam. And trewlie, when I pas throw the
formes of proceidings with myfelff to fpy out what may befall in end, I can
nocht fie gif it be weill, bot it wilbe repoffeffioun ; for proceffes wilbe fund
hard ; tranfportatioun full of fafcherie and inconvenients, and in end fedt-
les wanting contentment : therfor the beft mon be repoffeffioun, whervnto
I pray God his Maiefties hart may be inclyned as the haill breitheringes ar
I am fure.
Bot ther is heir an incident (deir breither) of graitter importance nor all
the reft, wheranent I mon nocht onlie exhort yow, bot in the nam of Chryft
charge and adiure yow, as yie will anfwer to Him vpon your fidelitie in
his feruice, that yie endeuour to redres it. This is that intereft quhilk
Chryft fuftenit be that act and decreit of Counfall, wherby the Minifters of
Edinbruche ar depofit from pretching in anie tyme heirefter, becaufe they
refufit to pretche and giff thankes as was enioyned to tham be the faid
Counfall ; the graitteft intereft that euer Chryft fuftenit in this land ; for
gif he hes nocht foil powar to chufe, call, and depofe his awin melingers
and ambaffadours, he has na powar at all. His Maieftie hes fchawin him
felff, in my heiring diuers tymes, willing that this fould be amendit ; bot
I feir the decreit ftands in the buiks without anie not thervpon. Forget
nocht this, bot remember it as the graitteft poinct yie haue to do. And let
nocht, I humblie befeik, his Maieftie and Counfall be mifcontent with the
bringing of this in heid ; for the honour of Chryft, and feir of his iuft wrathe
againft fie as fay, Nolumus hunc regnare f'upra nos, (Luc. 19. 14, 27.) con-
ftraines me ; the quhilk I wis to be als far from his Hienes and honourable
Counfall, as from my awin hart and faull ; bot contrarie wayes, that in

1072 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
the fawour, and be the bleffing of Chryft, his throne, as the throne of
Dauid, may be eftablifhed and florifhe as the palme.
Now as to the reft, reuife your Caueattes, for corruptioun creipes faft
on, and is corroborat be cullom ; fight the conclulioun of your laft Affem
blie, and fie giff maters hes proeeidit conform thervnto ©r nocht, giff it may
pleife his Maieftie to permit thir thinges to be done at this tyme, (quhilk
indeid ar maift neceffar to be done, vtherwayes it is nocht poffible to keipe
fra corruptioun).^ Fordar, the reftraining of the fridome of our Generall
Affemblies in the ordinar conventionnes thairof, wald be heavelie compleanit
vpon and regratit to his Maieftie ; for feing we haue full powar and expres
charge of Chryft, the onlie King of his Kirk, to meit and convein togidder
for the government therof, and hes our ordinarie conventiones annes in the
yeir at leaft, and ofter pro re nata approven be his Maieftie in his lawes and
Actes of Parliament, (Pari. 1592, Act 1.) Wharfor fould our meittings
depend on licences, letters and proclamationes, namlie whill vther efteattes,
as of barrones and brouches, ar permitted to vfe ther priuilage frelie ? Sail
the Kirk of Jefus Chryft be les regardit, and reftranit in hir fredome and
priuilage, in a fetlit and conftitut efteat, vnder the protedtioun of a rare
Chriftian magiftrat ? God forbid !
Finalie, my deir breithring, charitie and the loue of Chrift comands me
to mak yow warning be my experience, that in all your fpeitches yie refpect
the trew profit of the Kirk, and of his Maiefties efteat ioynit therwith, and
nocht prefent pleafuring. Now the trew profit is that quhilk hes the war
rand in the Law and the Prophetes, whowfoeuer the reafone of men think
of it. We fould be the mouthe of God to all. His law fould be in our
lippes, and trew wifdome in our mouthes. Our fpeitches fould be the
fpeitches and oracles of God. And as the lawers fayes, It is fcham to fpeak
without a law ; mikle mair, fay we, It is fcham befor God and his angeles,
and befor the Kirk of God, to the difpenfator of the heavinlie myfteries, to
fpeak without Scriptoure and warrand of the Word of God. Tak head to
this, wtherwayes when God beginnes to tak yow afyde and racken with
yow, and ley on his hand, as I thank his fatherlie affectioun he hes done
with me, yie will deteft from your hart the facionnes of this warld, the
wifdome of fleche and bluid, the exemple and maner of doing of this tyme
in fpeciall ; yea, yie will repent and rew that euer yie knew or followed
tham. In conclulioun, I ley down at your feit my Commiffioun, as the pynnour

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1073
does his burding when he is owerleyed. It hes fpendit that wharon my nu
merous familie fould haue bein fufteined ; it hes greivit my mynd continualie,
and now, in end, it hes brought me in extream danger of my lyff : whar-
for I befeik yow burding me na mair with it, vnles yie wald haue my fkine.
Now the Lord Jefus, of the fam loue that moued him to giff his lyff for his
Kirk, govern and keipe the fam fra the poUutionnes of this laft age ; and
mak ws, and all the laborars within the fam, euer myndfull of that grait
day, when he fall com and call ws to a compt of our difpenfatioun. Amen.
From the bed of my Infirmitie, the 12 of May, 1601.
Melvill's Diary & C]
[Mr John Davidfon fent to the Affembly this letter following :
Grace and peace with upright judgement, and conftant practice
thereof in thefe dayes of trial. Amen.
Reverend brethren, How long fhall wee fear or favour flefh and blood,
and follow the counfel and command thereof, leaving the plain and known
will of God in the mean tyme undone ? Should our meetings be in the
name of man ? nay, fliould they not be in the name and authority of our
Lord Jefus Chrift, to whom every knee fhould bow ? Are wee not yet to
take up ourfelves, and to acknowledge and leave our former errours, negli
gence, and feeblenefs in the work ofthe Lord, by the miferable experience
of thefe our woefull dayes of fuch dangerous defignements, that forfitan
ipfe fenex deploret taliaPeleus ? Yea, quam graviter ingemifcerent illi fortes
viri, qui, propter gloriam et Ecclefiae Scoticanae libertatem, olim in acie
decertarunt, fi noftram nunc ignaviam (ne quid gravius dicam) confpicerent !
But wee fhould have God the fearcher of the hearts, before whom all things
are naked and bare, before our eyes, and ffiould walk before him, and be
upright. Should James and John be feeking to fitt, one at the right hand,
another at the left, and namely, when Chrift is going to Jerufalem to fuffer
death ? Is it tyme for Baruch to feek great things for himfelf, when the
Lord is about to deftroy the thing he planted, and threatneth his people
with fearfull captivity ? Is it tyme for us now, when fo many of our wor
thy brethren of the Miniftry are fhamefully thruft out of their callings, with
out all order of juft proceeding againft them, et boni malis deputantur, as
a Father fayes ; and Jefuits, Atheifts, and Papifts, in great number daily
flocking home, are fuffered, countenanced, and advanced to great roomes
6u

1074 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
in the realme, to the bringing in of idolatrie, and captivity more than Ba-
bylonical, with an high hand, and that in our chief city ; in no corners, but
in effect at the Mercat Crofs of Edinburgh, without all due punifhment for
the fame, according to the Law of God, and manifeft lawes of the realme ?
Is it tyme now, I fay, for us in the Miniftry to be inveigled and blindfolded
with pretence of preferment of fome fmall number of our brethren, and
that not to ftand fo much in the ordinance and election of the Kirk, as at
the pleafure of the Court, to have vote in Parliament, to ride with foot
mantles, and have the titles of Prelacies, and fo to make the preparative in
ourfelves for that Hierarchie, as they call it, which the Papifts mind with
fpeed to enjoy ? What is this elfe, but honorari intra palatium ad fervitu-
tem, as the ancient Father faith ? Shall wee, brethren, with Sampfon fleep
ftill on Delilah's knee, till flie fay, The Philiftines be upon thee, Sampfon ?
Then worthily with Sampfon may wee be made a ridiculous and ignomi
nious fpectacle to the Philiftines, which the Lord in his great mercy avert.
But Bonitoun is execute ! A famous thief in the higheft degree, for his
vile thieft is punifhed 1 What is that to the caufe of religion, whereof there
was no queftion, as worthily there might have been ? Is there no Papift,
idolater, nor wilfull favourer and maintainer of Papifts in Scotland, but
Bonitoun ? Speir and fee. But the King, and the Kirk being yet found
in religion, What can the adverfaries doe ? Being found, as ye fay, there
were the lefs danger. What is then our doubt ? There is no doing,
neither in Kirk, nor King, according to our callings. As for Seggene, as
they fay, it goeth light coupe : And it is but final wifdom for the Ifraelites to
let the Canaanites remaine among them, and wax ftrong. Therefore, if
there be any zeal in us, laying all bygones afide, let us joine together as one
man, and that before all other things to purge the land of this fearfull idola
trie ; leaving all other things to be handled in the next Affembly to be ap
pointed primo quoque tempore, for the fame purpofe, taking example of the
children of Ifrael, who hearing but a bruite of the erection of a contrarie
altar by their brethren of Reuben, Gad, and half tribe of Manaffe, determin
ed with all fpeed to have rooted them out with deftrudtion, if the matter had
been fo. The matter with us is out of doubt : and, therefore, let us fhow
our zeal for the Lord and his caufe ; otherwayes wee can look for no bleff
ing at the hands of God. Farewell, dear brethren in Chrift. Amen.
Your brother in Chrift to his power, or rather Gods power in him,
to be forthcoming at Gods pleafure, in tyme and place.

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1075
Of one thing in fpecial, dear brethren, I wiffi yow to beware, that ye
doe not evil, that good may come of it, to wit, that ye confent no wayes
to determine any thing de praefenti, touching the new planting of Edin
burgh, in prejudice of the former brethren yet undifplaced by order, in
refpect of any promife de futuro, touching the punifhment of Papifts. For
as punifhment of Papifts, and their difplanting without order, cannot ftand
together ; fo their ftanding in their own roome will ferve very greatly for
the overthrow of Papiftrie ; weigh it when ye will.
Finally, if reafon be refufed, as God forbid, remember, that always
melius et optabilius eft egregium bellum pace impia, et a Deo diftrahente.
Farewell again in Chrift. Amen.
This letter was read and allowed in the Affembly ; but the King alledg
ed there was treafon in it, and troubled him for it.
The Affembly began with fmall contentment to either partie. But the
King, to acquire credit, and the good opinion of the people, fpecialy of
fuch as doubted of his innocency in the laft fact, made many proteftations,
not without tears in his eye, to be foreward for the Kirk, and liberty of
the Gofpel : whereupon followed a mutual band of love betwixt his Ma
jeftie and the Miniftrie. For further fatiffadlion, it was approved both by
the Court and many of the Miniftry, which before was not only neglected,
but alfo mocked, to wit, to rip up the caufes of defection in all eftates, and
to advife upon the remedies. It was concluded, that a faft, and renewing
ofthe Covenant with God, fhould beginne at this Affembly, and thereafter
be keeped univerfaly in one week. C]

Seffio 2a- 14 Maij.
The quhilk day the brethren having entrit in confideratioun of the ge
nerall defectioun from the puritie, zeale, and practife of trew religioun in
all eftates of the countrey ; and how that the fame muft of neceffitie, at
laft, be concludit either in Papiftrie or Atheifme, within ffiort fpace, in the
righteous judgement of God, except fome fubftantious remeid be provydit
therto in tyme ; and becaufe the evill cannot be weill curit vnleffe the ori
ginall fpr ings and [fpeciall] caufes therof be rypit vp : Therfor the bre-

1076 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
thren, after mature deliberatioun and weying of the caufes of the faid de-
fedtioun, hes found the principall caufes therof to be, as followes.
Caufes of the defedtioun from the puritie, zeale, and practife of true
religioun in all eftates of the Countrey : And how the fame may
be moft effedtuallie remeidit.
The principall caufe of this fearefull change, no doubt, is the juft wrath
of God kindlit againft the haill land for the vnreverent eftimatioun of the
Gofpell, and for the fins of all eftates, and diffionouring of thair profef-
fiouns, and making the name of God to be blafphemed through the profane
world without remorfe.
Laik of care and diligence vpon the part of the Miniftrie, in the difcove
rie of them that makes apoftafie to Papiftrie ; and negligence in executioun
of the lawis and difcipline aganis fick as happins to be difcoverit.
Want of Paftours, and vnplantit kirks, and difplanting of kirks, quhilk
hes bein provydit, be diminutioun of the Thrids.
Neglecting of places that are of cheifeft importance to the intereft of re
ligioun, in not planting fufficient Paftours therat, fick as [are] her Majef
ties houfe, the Princes houfe, the Erles of Huntlie, Erroll, and Angus
houfes, and places of thair cheifeft refidenee ; the Lord Hoomes houfe, the
Lord Herries houfe, and chiefe places of thair refidenee ; the towne of
Dumfreis, and vthers of the Nobilitie and [of] greateft power within the
countrey. The ovir haftie admiffioun of men to the Miniftrie, befor they be knowin
to be of fufficient gifts and experience to difcharge fruitfullie that high call
ing [in] thir difficile tymes.
The negligence of the Miniftrie in advancing of thair knowledge, be
ever continuall and conftant reiding of the Scriptures, and controverfies of
the tyme ; quherthrow they might be able to bring the confeiences of thair
auditours in fubiedlioun to the obedience of the Gofpell, and convince of
the adverfarie.
Negligence in the lyves of the Miniftrie, not frameing thair converfa-
tioun in gravitie as paterns of lyfe to the peiple ; bot frameing themfelves
exceffively to the humours of men, efpeciallie in communicatioun at tables,
and giving fometymes examples of intemperance, [and] in the light and
prodigall abulzements of thair families.

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1077
The diftractioun of mynds quhilk is fuppofed to be in the Miniftrie ;
[and] the diftractioun quhilk is fuppofed to be of his Majefties mynd from
fome of the Miniftrie.
The advancing of men fufpect in religioun, and knawin to be evill
affectit to the good caufe, vnto offices, honours, [and] credit in Court,
Counfell, and Seffioun, and vther rowmes of great importance within the
countrey. The defolatioun of the Kirk of Edinburgh through the want of Paf
tours. The continuall refidenee and intertainment of the Ladie Huntlie, a
knowin and profeft Papift, of Margret Wood, filler to the Laird of Bony
toun, and vthers knawin and profeft Papifts, in his Majefties Court and
companie. The educatioun of thair Majefties children [in] the companie of obftinat
and profeft Papifts, fick as the Ladie Livingftoun.
The negligent educatioun of the children of noblemen, and fending
them out ofthe countrey vnder the charge of paedagogues fufpect in reli
gioun, or, at the leift, not weill groundit and confirmit therin, to be brocht
vp and inftrudtit in places quher Papiftrie is profeft.
The impunitie of flappers, mariners, and awners of fhipes, that, vnder
the name of paffingers, tranfports from vther places, and brings within the
countrey Seminarie Preifts, Jefuites, and vther traffiqueing Papifts, with
thair coffers, and bookes ; and the impunitie of fick quho convoyes and
fparfells the bookes through the countrey.
The decay of Schooles and of the educatioun of the gouth in knowledge
of good letters and godlines, fpeciallie a landwart, for lake of provifioun
fufficient to intertaine a qualified Schoolemafter in places neidfull.
That men fufpect in religioun, and challengit therfor be thair Prefbytrie
and Paftours, hes acceffe to Court dureing the tyme of thair proceffe.
That the late reconcileit Papifts are not vrgeit to performe the condi-
tiouns aggreit to be them at thair reconciliatioun to the Kirk.
Remedies of the former Evills.
The Generall Affemblie, having entrit in the confideratioun of the caufes
of the faid [great and] fearefull defedlioun of all eftates of perfons within
this land from the true and fincere profeffion of the Gofpell, [prefentlie]

1078 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
founding within the fame ; and having found the principall caufes of this
change to be, no doubt, the juft wrath of God kindlit againft this land, for
the vnreverent eftimatioun of the Gofpell, and for the fins of all eftates,
and for the difhonouring of their profeffioun, and making the name of God
to be blafphemit be the profane world without remorfe : quhilk horrible
judgements hes fallin in every eftate, for the contemptuous heiring of the
Word of God, in fo farre as ther is none hes worthilie efteimit the faid pre
cious Word according to the dignitie therof: Therfor, and for removing
ofthe former evills, and caufes, and farther judgements, if they be notpre-
ventit be fpeidie repentance, the Affemblie hes [concludit and] ordainit a
generall humiliatioun to be keipit folemnlie throughout the haill land, with
fafting and prayer in all feverall congregatiouns, two feverall Sabboth dayes,
both in burgh and land, within the realme ; and lykewayes in burrow townes,
throughout the haill weik betuixt the faids two Sabboths ; and the caufe of
the faid humiliatioun to be [intimat to be] only the fins of the land, be the
quhilk the profeffioun of the Gofpell hes bein difhonourit, and the wrath
of God provockit : quhilk generall humiliatioun is ordainit to be vpon the
laft two Sabboth dayes of Junij nixt to come.
The vnplantit kirks wald be effectuallie recommendit to his Majefties
care, whofe authoritie only is able to accompliffi that worke ; and, for the
better furtherance therof, that his Majeftie wald caufe take heid that the
thrids be keipit vnvitiat.
Nothing more neceffar nor to have his Majefties houffe, the Princes
houfe, the Erles houfes, and places of thair refidenee, and vthers places of
chiefeft importance, as the Towne of Dumfreis, to be weill plantit with
learnit, wife, and godlie perfons : and quher the laik of provifioun mycht
be a hinder to the prefent planting, as at the Erles houfes, it were requi-
fite for a time, that the meiteft for that purpofe, not being in places quher
the caufe may be fo farre intereft be the want of a refident Paftour,
fould be tranfportit fra thair awin places, to remaine for ane quarter or
halfe ane geir, that ane fubftantious meane may be found out for ane con
ftant provifioun and planting of thefe rowmes, be whofe labours, in the
meane tyme, the Erles and thair families might be confirmit in the trueth,
and the enemies debarrit from thair companies, and therafter to returne to
thair awin charges ; the Prefbytries, in the meanequhill, taking ordour for
the helping of thair kirks in the tyme of thair abfence : And to that effect,
ordaines Mr George Glaidftanes to be direct to awaite vpon the Erie of

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1079
Huntlie ; Mrs Alexander Lindfey and William Couper vpon the Erie of
Erroll ; Mrs James Law and Johne Spottifwood vpon the Erie of Angus ;
Mr Johne Carmichell vpon the Lord Hoome ; Mrs David Lindfey and
Johne Hall vpon the Lord Herreis.
That ane petitioun be givin in to his Majeftie and Secreit Counfell, de-
fyring, that thefe quhom his Majeftie knowis, or fall know heirafter, to deale
in favours of profeft traffiqueing Papifts farther nor the lawes of the coun
trey fall permitt, falbe countit and haldin as men fufpect in religioun, and
fall not have the honour to be in his Majefties houfe, Counfell, or Sef
fioun. Item, That it be craveit lykeways of his Majeftie and Secreit Counfell,
that all Papifts, men and women, challengit be the Kirk for thair religioun,
and not fatiffieand the Kirk for the fame, be difchargeit from refort to court,
quhill they have fatiffied, and bring from the Prefbytrie of thair bounds a
fufficient teftimoniall of thair obedience.
Item, For difcovering of the adverfaries of the true religioun lurking
within this countrey, it is ordainit, that every Prefbytrie, immediatlie after
the diffolving of this prefent Affemblie, take vp the names of the non com
municants within thair bounds, and fend them to his Majefties Minifters
with all expeditioun, fubfcryvit be the Moderatour and Clark of the Pref
bytrie, and Minifter of the paroch ; and that from this tyme furth, at every
Provinciall Affemblie, the names of the non communicants be tane vp, and
fent to his Majefties Minifters.
Item, That it be inquyrit anent the late reconcilit Lords to the Kirk, be
the Prefbytries quher they make refidenee, whither they have keipit and
performit the articles fubferivit be them at thair receiving, and that they be
vrgit feverallie to performe every ane of the faid articles ; and if they re
fufe, that the Prefbytries certifie the Kings Majefties Minifters therof.
Item, For efchewing of farther evill quhilk might come to the eftate of
the religioun be the evill educatioun of the gouth foorth of the countrey,
it wald be cravit of his Majeftie and Secreit Counfell, that fuch noblemen
and vthers as directs a paedagogue with thair fonnes furth of the countrie,
that thair paedagogue be knowin godlie and of good religioun, [learait]
and inftrudtit in the famein, and approvit of his religioun be the teftimo
niall of his Prefbitrie : that thair remaining out of the countrey be in the
places quher the religioun is prefentlie profeft, or, at the leaft, quher ther
is no reftraint of the fame be the crueltie of Inquifitioun : that dureing the

1080 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
tyme of thair abfence they fall not haunt any idolatrous exercife of reli
gioun : and fuch [as] hes not the moyen to fuftaine a paedagogue with
thair fons foorth of the countrey, that they fend them to fuch parts quher
ther is no reftraint [of religioun : and in caice thair fonnes, 'after thair de
parting out of the countrey, haunt thefe parts quher the profeffion of the
trew religioun is reftrainit,] that they find caution not to intertable them :
And in cace any that paffes out of the countrey imbrace any religioun ex
cept that quhilk is prefentlie profeft within this realme, that they fall not
be able to bruik moyen, heritage, honours, nor offices, within this realme ;
and this to be ane exceptioun aganis the fervice of thair breives, and at the
tyme of admiffioun of them to any office or honours : And in cace any of
thair parents contraveine any of the premiffes, that they incurre fuch paine
as his Majeftie and Secreit Counfell fall modifie ; and that fuch as are al
ready out of the countrey, [either] be callit back againe befor ane day to
be appointit be his Majeftie and Secreit Counfell, or els that thair parents
be fubiect to the lyke conditiouns befor fett downe.
Item, It wald be craveit of his Majeftie and Secreit Counfell, that all
fkippers, mariners, and awners of ffiips, be inhite that they bring in any
Jefuites, Seminarie Priefts, declarit fugitive traitours and rebells within the
countrey, bot fuch as they know to be of true religioun, or hes fufficient
teftimoniall of the honeftie of thair religioun fra the places quher they have
bein converfant, vnder the paine of efcheiting thair haill goods ; and vnder
the fame paine, that they delyver them in the hands of the Magiftrat of the
towne or port, quher they fall happin to arryve at, ther to be keipit, ay
and quhill they be examinat and tryed, and his Majefties warrand obtainit
for thair libertie after they have bein tryed [and fand] honeft in religioun ;
and fall keip them, thair bookes, goods, and geir in fhipboord, ay and
quhill they receive ane warrand from the ordinar Magiftrate for the releiv-
ing of the fame ; and to that effect, that they fett none vpon land bot in
commoun ports, quher ther is ane Magiftrate to receive the paffengers
from thair hands.
Item, That his Majeftie be dealt earneftlie with anent the removeing of
his dochter out of the Ladie Levingftouns companie, in refpect of her ob-
ftinate continueing in the profeffioun of Papiftrie : for the quhilk caufe, his
Majeftie being requeifted [be] the haill Affemblie, promifed that his Hienes
dochter fould be tranfportit, betuixt and Mertimes nixt to come, to his awin
houfe.

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 108L
And becaufe the non planting of kirks is a great part ofthe wyte of the
defedlioun from the puritie of religioun, and that the beft way for the plant
ing of the faids kirks, is the furtherance of the conftant platt for locall fti
pends to be appointit to every kirk within this realme : Therfor the Affem
blie hes ordainit the brethren following, viz. Mrs David Lindfay, James
Nicolfone, Robert Pont, Patrick Galloway, George Glaidftanes, Johne
Nicolfone, or any thrie of them, to conveine [upon the firft day of Junij]
with my Lords ChanceUar, Secreitar, Prefident, Collector, Comptroller,
Sir Patrick Murray, and Mr George Young, to treate and advyfe on fick
overtures as, be thair commoun confent, falbe found moft meit and expedient
for advancing ofthe faid work ofthe conftant platt, and to lay downe fuch
grounds as they fall find moft meit and profitable for profecuting of the
fame ; and to report thair diligence to the nixt Affemblie.
[The King was head ftrong, notwithftanding, to have the Minifters of
Edinburgh tranfported. When that matter came before the privie Confer
ence, the brethren were all earneft with the King for reponing of them in
their own places. The King laid in a rage, What ! Are there not fome of
yow that faid to me, when I put them out, Now, Sir, if ever they anger
you again, blame yourfelf.
The day after, the privie Conference defired a number of the brethren
to be fent from the Affembly to affift them in that fuit : But before they
came, it was voted in the Conference ; and all voted to tranfportation, ex
cept Mr Andrew Melvil, Mr John Carmichael, Mr John Knox, and Mr
Patrick Simfon.
When that matter came before the Affembly, the Moderator, Mr John
Hall, formed the ftate of the queftion thus, Whether it were more expe
dient to let Edinburgh lie deftitut, as it is prefently, or to tranfport the
three Minifters, Mr William Watfon, Mr James Balfour, Mr Walter Bal
canquall, in refpect of his Majefties declaration ; and rehearfed the pro
ceedings in the Conference : but Mr John Knox rehearfed the fame in a
more favourable manner.
Mr Robert Wallace and Mr George Gladeftanes were appointed to
reafone ; but the King himfelf anfwered, and replyed moft to Mr Robert,
or to any other that fpake in that matter. The Kings chief argument wae,
That he himfelf, who was a chief pariffioner in the chief City, could not
be edified be them. As for the caufes, he would not utter them, left he
fliould leave a blot upon the Miniftrie.
6x

10S2 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
. Mr Adam Colt anfwered, That be that reafon, when he is angry at any
Minifter in the countrie, he may, if he will, have him tranfported ; the
preparative whereof had already paft in Sanct Andrews, which was very
dangerous. The King called him a feditious knave, and afked, why he
fupponed fuch a thing ; I fuppone, faid he, Mr Adam Colt fliould fteal
neat, then he fhould be hanged.
John Johnftoun of Elphinftoun and George Heriot had a commiffion
from the Town of Edinburgh, to fute for their own Minifters, and to pro
teft againft the planting of any other.
The King fent a menacing letter to the Town Counfel, with a poflfcript
written with his own hand, wherein he threatned to remove the Seffion,
and remember the 17 day of December. So the Counfel renewed their
commiffion, and referred the matter to the Affembly : Five and fiftie voted
to their tranfportation, and eight and twenty againft it, fix, non liquet.
The two Commiffioners of Edinburgh protefted, That their tranfporta
tion fhould not be prejudicial in tyme coming to their reponing, when it
fhould pleafe the King and the Kirk to be pleafed with the fame. The
King promifed to fubmit himfelf for Mr Walters part, to Mr Patrick Gal
loway, Mr Robert Pont, and Mr David Lindfey ; and that he would be
content the other two be planted in their rooms, who are to come to Edin
burgh. As for Mr Robert Bruce, faid he, I can fay nothing of him, be
caufe he is out ofthe countrey. C]

Seffio 3a- Eodem die.
The Kings Majeftie having declarit his intentioun and defyre to have a
Minifter for his Hienes houfe, in refpect of the deceife of Mr Johne Craig,
and Johne Duncanfones old age, and another to the Queines Majefties
houfe, and ane vther to the Princes houfe, the Affemblie nominat for his
Majefties and the Queines houfe Mrs Henrie Blyth, John Fairfull, Peter
Hewat, and Andro Lamb ; for the Princes houfe, Mrs James Nicolfon,
James Law, and Johne Spottifwood.
[The Affemblie ratifies the acts made in the Affemblies of befor, anent
the difcharging of particular applicatiouns to be made in the exercifes, and
of the forbidding of goung men not admittit to the Miniftrie to preach in

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1083
the cheife places of the countrey ; and ordaines the fame to be put in exe
cutioun, under the paine of incurring the cenfures of the Kirk. C. & B.]

Seffio 4a- 15 Maij.
The Affemblie adjoynes the Prefbitrie of Kirkudbright to the Miniftrie
of Nithifdaill, ay and quhill ther be fick a number of kirks plantit within
the faids bounds as may conftitute a laufull Prefbytrie among themfelves.
The Affemblie ordaines the Commiffioners to recommend vnto his Ma
jeftie the provifion of competent livings to the faids kirks ; and nominates
Mrs Johne McBirney, George Greir, and William Airthur, to be plantit
therat. Anent the queftioun referrit fra the Prefbytrie of Couper to this prefent
Affemblie, concerning the caufe perfewit be the faid Prefbytrie aganis Eliza
beth Pitcairne, for fatiffactioun of the adulterie committit be her, and pro-
vin againft her, conforme to the decreit of the forfaid Prefbytrie ; quho
being vrgeit to fatiffie the Kirk therfor, producit ane decreit of adherence
obteinit againft her hufband befor the Commiffars of Edinburgh, ordaining
her hufband to adhere to her, and be confequence exonering her of adul
terie : The Affemblie ordaines the Prefbytrie to put thair awin decreit to
executioun, notwithftanding the decreit of adherence.
Anent the citatioun vfit be the Prefbytrie of Couper aganis the auld
Laird of Kynneir, to have anfuerit for the abufing of Mr Robert Infhaw,
Minifter of Kilmanie, in the folemnizating of the mariage of his dochter,
and in antedating of ane teftimoniall fent to Mr Henrie Balfour, Minifter
at Colleffie : The Affemblie, in refpedt of the Laird of Kynneirs abfence,
referris the tryall of the faid matter to the Prefbytrie of Couper.

Seffio vltima. 16 Maij.
It being meanit be fundrie of the brethren, that ther was fundrie errours
that merited to be correctit in the vulgar tranllatioun of the Byble, and of
the Pfalmes in meetter ; as alfo that ther are fundrie prayers in the Pfalme
Booke quhilk wald be altered, in refpect they are not convenient for the
tyme : In the quhilk heids the Affemblie hes concludit as followis :

1084 THE BOOKE OF THE H601.
Firft, Anent the tranflatioun ofthe Byble : That every ane of the brethren
quho hes beft knowledge in the languages, imploy thair travells in fundrie
parts of the vulgar tranflatioun in the Byble, that neids to be mendit, and
to conferre the lame together at the Affemblie.
Anent the tranflatioun ofthe Pfalmes in meeter : It is ordainit, that the
fame be revifit be Mr Robert Pont, Minifter at Sanct Cuthberts Kirk, and
his travells to be revifit at the nixt Affemblie.
It is not thocht good, that the prayers alreadie contenit in the Pfalme
Booke be altered or delatit ; bot if anyr brother wald have any vther prayers
eiked, quhilk are meit for the tyme, ordaines the fame firft to be tryed and
allowed be the Affemblie.
The Generall Affemblie, for caufes and confideratiouns moving them,
hes ordainit Mrs James Balfour, Walter Balcanquell, and William Wat-
fone, to be tranfportit out of thair awin places of thair Miniftrie in Edin
burgh, and plantit in fuch places as the Commiffioners deput be this prefent
Affemblie think expedient: And lykewayes ordaines the laid Commif
fioners to plant fuch vthers of the Miniftrie in thair places in the Kirk of
Edinburgh, as falbe found expedient for the advancement of the glorie of
God within the fame.
The Commiffioners for the Towne of Edinburgh, viz. Johne Johnftoun
and George Heriot, proteftit in the name of the faid Towne, that feeing
the Generall Affemblie hes ordainit thair Minifters above namit to be
tranfportit furth of Edinburgh, the faid Towne fould be frie of thair bur
dein fra this tyme of thair prefent tranfportatioun ; and that the faid tranf
portatioun fould not be p' ejudiciall to them in any tyme heirafter, bot that
they might be reponit in thair awin places, quhen it fould pleafe his Majeftie
and the Kirk to lyke weill therof: quhilk proteftatioun his Majeftie and
the haill Affemblie willinglie aggreit vnto ; quhervpon the faid Commif
fioners afkit inftruments.
The Affemblie hes ordainit, that, in every Affemblie to be eonveinit in
all tyme comeing, fuch as fall happin to be appointit Commiffioners from
the Generall Affemblie to indure quhill the Affemblie nixt therafter, fall
give ane accompt of thair proceidings dureing the haill tyme of thair com
miffioun, in the beginning of the AHemblie, befor any vther caufe [or mat
ter] be handlit ; and thair proceidings to be allowit or diffallowit as the
Affemblie fall think expedient.

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. iu85

[The generall Commiffioun was renewed, as followeth. C]
The Generall Affemblie having rypelie weyit the neceffitie of the ap
pointing Commiffioners fra this prefent Affemblie, not only to advyfe and
awaite vpon fuch affairs as falbe for the Weill and vtilitie of the Kirk of
God, bot alfo for giving advyfe to his Majeftie anent the halding furth of
the enemies ofthe iamein, quhen they falbe requyrit be his Hienes therto :
Therfor, the brethren conveinit in this Affemblie hes givin and grantit,
lykeas, be the tenour heirof, gives and grants thair power and commiffioun
to thir brether, viz. Mrs Alexander Dowglas, Johne Strauchane, Peter
Blackburne, George Monro, James Nicolfone, Andro Leitch, Alexander
Forbes, Patrick Simfone, Wiliiam Couper, Alexander Lindfay, George
Glaidftanes, William Scott, Johne Caldeleugh, Robert Wilkie, David Lind
fay, Robert Pont, Johne Spottifwood, Johne Hall, James Law, Johne
Knox, Johne Abernethie, Johne Hay, Gawin Hamiltoun, Alexander
Scrymgeour, David Barklay, and the Kings Majefties Miniflers, or any
nyne of them ; giveand, grantand, and coramittand vnto them thair full
power to plant fuch kirks in Burrow Townes as are deftitute [of Paftours]
in generall, and fpeciallie to plant the Kirk of Edinburgh, quhich is vacand
be "tranfportatioun of the Minifters therof ; with power alfo to plant Mrs
James Balfour, Walter Balcanquell, and William Watfone, Minifters tranf
portit out of Edinburgh, with his Majefties advyce, in fuch convenient
places as they fould find expedient for the glorie of God ; with power alfo
to tranfport any of the Miniftrie within the. realme from their awin places
quher they prefentlie ferve, and to plant them in the faid vacand places of
the Kirk of Edinburgh ; in the planting quherof they fall take the advyce
of the Prefbytrie of Edinburgh, according to the acts and ftatutes of the
Generall Affemblie made of befor :
Attour, lf it fall happin the Kings Majeftie to be greivit at any of the
Miniftrie for quhatfoevir enormitie committit be any of theni aganis his
Majeftie, with power to them, or any nyne of them, as laid is, to try and
cognofce thervpon, and to take fuch ordour theranent as they fall find moll
meit to the glorie of God and weill of his Kirk :
And, finallie, with power to them to prefent the greives and petitiouns of
this prefent Affemblie to his Majeftie and Secreit Counfell, and generall

1086 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
Conventioun of the Eftates and Parliaments, if any fall happin to be ; and
to crave redreffe of the famein : Promitten de rato.
The Affemblie ordaines Mrs James Nicolfone, James Robertfone, Alex
ander Lindfay, and William Couper, to take tryall anent the vnioun of the
kirk of Forgundie to the paroch bf Arngofk ; and if they find the famein to
have bein done of auld, and [to be] commodious for the peiple, to ratifie
the fame.
Forfameikle as, in the Generall Affemblies haldin of before, it hes bein
verie wifelie confidderit, that ther hes bein nothing more profitable for ad
vancing of the glorie of God by the preaching of the Gofpell, then appoint
ing of Commiffioners for every fchyre within this realme, whofe care and
diligence fould be partly to try the life, dodtrine, and manner of converfatioun
of the Miniftrie in the bounds committit to thair vifitatioun ; and partly to
plant the kirks quhilk as get ly deftitute of the comfort of the Word, be
dealing with fuch as hes the Kirk livings in thair hands, for ane reafonable
moyen to fuftaine a Minifter at every kirk within this realme : quhilk love-
able cuftome this prefent Affemblie being myndfull to profecute, therfor hes
givin and grantit, lykas, be the tenour heirof, gives and grants thair full
power and commiffioun to thir brethren, [to vifit the bounds particularly
after fpecified,] viz. to Mrs Robert Pont and Robert Durie for Orknay
and getland ; to Mr George Glaidftanes for Cathnes and Sutherland ; to
Mrs Alexander Dowglas and Alexander Rawfone for Rofs ; to Mrs George
Hay and Andro Crumbie for Murray ; to Mr George
Glaidftanes for Aberdein ; for Angus and Merns, Mrs Robert Wilkie and
James Nicolfone ; for Perth and Stratherne, Mrs Thomas Dowglas and
Johne Fairfull ; for Fyfe, Mrs James Nicolfon and Robert Howie ; for
Louthian, Mrs Patrick Simfone and Harie Livingftoun ; for Mers and
Teviotdaile, Mrs James Gibfone and Adame Colt ; for Cliddifdaill, Mrs
David Lindfay and Johne Spottifwood ; for Irwing and Air, Mrs Gawin
Hamiltoun and Andro Knox; for Anandaill, Mrs Johne Kiiox, Patrick
Shaw ; for Nithef'daile and Galloway, Mrs David Barclay, Alexander
Scrymgeour, and Nathaniel Inglis : with power to them to try the breth
ren of the Miniftrie within the bounds particularlie above delignit, in thair
lyfe, doctrine, qualificatiOun, and converfatioun ; and how they have be-
havit themfelves twiching the rents of thair benefices, whither they have
fett tacks ofthe fame, but confent ofthe Generall Affemblie, or not, and fo
dilapidat the fame ; to depofe fiich as deferves depolitioun ; to plant Mi-

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1087
nifters in fuch places as hes not bein plantit heirtofoir : and to that effedt
to deale with the takfmen of every paroch kirk for provifioun of ane Mi
nifter to thair kirks ; and to report to the nixt Generall Affemblie ane
anfuer of the takfmen in write, containing the planting of the kirks quher
of they poffeffe the teinds ; and to report thair diligence to the nixt Affem
blie : Promitten de rato.
[About the end ofthe Affembly, the King difcourfed upon the duty of
good Kings, in making and executing good lawes ; confeffed his own neg
ligence, craved Gods mercy, vowed folemnly, holding up his hands, to
execute juftice faithfully, to defend religion, to difcredit all fuch as, in
tymes coming, ffiall prefs to hinder him in the execution of juftice, or at
tempt any thing to the prejudice of religion ; and defired all that were pre
fent to vow to affift him to that effect ; which they did. Many were
moved to tears.
Mr Hall defired the brethren to give his Majeftie a meeting be enter
taining a good eftimation of him in the hearts of the people ; which he de
lired them to vow, be holding up their hands, And this, indeed, was the
thing that was aimed at be his vowes, and proteftations, viz. to winne the
hearts of his fubjedls, which were ajienated in a great meafure from him,
for fundrie caufes.
It was defired lykewife, that this mutual covenant fliould be intimat to
the people the next Sabbath. C]
The nixt Affemblie is appointed to be haldin at Sanct Androes, the laft
Tuefday of Julij, the geir of God 1602 geirs.

[Upon the Lords day, the 24 of May, Mr John Davidfon was charged
to compear before the Counfell upon the 26 of May. The King fent a
letter to the Counfell to caufe him be warded in the Caftle of Edinburgh,
in any cafe whatfoever.
He compeared, and being urged to anfwer, Whither the letter that was
fhewed to him was his ? He granted. Being removed, a charge in writt

1088 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
was fent forth to him, to enter in ward in the Caftle of Edinburgh, be
fore feven hours at night, under the pain of rebellion. After he had writ
ten a letter to the King, at the defire of fome brethren, he went to the
Caftle, and entered in ward.
Upon Wednefday the 27th, Mr Patrick Galloway, Mr John Hall, Mr
Peter Hewat carried his letter to the King, and brought back with them
the warrant following, to tranfport him to his own houfe, there to remain
till farther tryall.
Wee, be the tenor hereof, in refpect of Mr John Davidfon, Minifter, his
prefent difeafe and infirmity, tranfport his ward, from our Caftle of Edin
burgh, to his own lodging in Pieftounpannes ; and ordaines, that he ffiall
not pafs forth at the door of the fame to any other part, but to his own
yard adjacent therto, till he be farther tryed in that matter, for which he
is challenged, under the pain of difobedience. Be thefe prefents, fubfcribed
with our hand, at Dalkeith the 27th of May 1601. REX.
Mr Davidfon wrote a letter to the King at the defire of his moyeners,
alledging it was the Kings mynd.
Grace and peace.
Underftanding be the brethren of your Majefties gentle acceptation of ray
rude letter, and that your Majefties will was, that by writt I fliould fup
ply conference by prefence, for declaration of my purpofe in that letter to
the General Affembly, and of my dutiful mind and fincere affection to
ward your Majeftie in the fame, I have moft willingly acquiefced to your
Majefties will and pleafure tberanent ; protefling in the entry, without flat
terie, or fear what your Majeftie can doe to me, for freedom of fpeech in
truth, according to my calling, that your Majefties falvation, and welfare
in foul and body is moft dear to me ; and that of purpofe I would not
minifter occafion of anger or grief unto your Majeftie, by thought or deed,
by word or writt, for all the good in this world : for we fhould make con
fcience of this matter, as the Apoftle teaches. And full forie am I, if I
might amend it, for the manyfold grieves that your Majeftie has, from
tyme to tyme, in that weighty charge, that no flefh can be privie to, but
yourfelf; which, I am affraid, fhall make many mourn, that now take little
true thought, or care of the matter, when they may not amend it ; whereof

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1089
as I have the teftimony of confcience, fo my continual and hearty prayers
to God, publick and privat, for your Majefties long, profperous, and happy
itanding in the fear of God, will witnefs the fame to the world, in delpite
of devil, and man ; yea, I am of that mind, that God ffiall once move your
Majefties heart to acknowledge, that, according to my rank and mean gifts,
I have been a faithful fubject to your Majeftie, and a true fervant of God,
before ye goe out of this world, notwithftanding all the mifconllruing of
my good meaning, faying, and doing toward your Majeftie, by mifreports ;
for, otherwife, very fmall is the occafion that ever yet your Majeflie had to
try my loyalty and fincere affection by any familiar proof. True it is in-
dead, that partly my plainnefs, and partly confcience in my calling to con-
demne fin and iniquity in all perfons, (whereunto naturally all flefh is fub
ject) moves your Majeftie now and then to have my manner of dealing in
fome jealoufie, which otherwife, no doubt, is moft wholefome for all men,
and namely for perfons in high eftate, whom oft tymes flatterie has brought
to ruine, as hiftories of all forts and daily experience doe declare.
Now as touching that letter: The drift and end thereof (wherunto the
whole letter is to be referred) is to move the Affembly, to whom it is di
rected, to difcharge their ecclefiaftical office to the uttermoft for repreffing
and removing of idolatrie, which now fo manifeftly begines to fett out the
head in this land. The whole difcourfe of the letter ferveth as an amplifi
cation of arguments to this purpofe, by certain interrogatours, and prolep-
tick anfwers to tacit objections, that fome Minifters might make to the con
trair ; and in end, if any of them will yet be hinderers hereof, that the Kirk
efteem and ufe them as enemies, and fchifmaticks ; of which my meaning,
my fpeeches in the laft Synodal of Lothian, in Tranent, had to Mr David
Lindfay in particular, in name of the reft of the Commiffioners, (then all
but he abfent) maybe a moft plain commentary, where, in effect, I had the
fame words, that are in the end of that letter, touching egregium bellum
&c. as Nazianzen ufeth the fame in the Greek tongue, in the lyke cafe ;
whereof, with much more fpoken to that effect, in moft plain terms, let the
quhole Affembly bear witnefs. And I am perfwaded, that Mr David him
felf, being demanded of the truth hereof be your Majeftie, ffiall not deny it.
And fo the whole fpeeches of that letter, in my intent and purpofe, are
properly to the Affemblie, and of their duties to affift your Majeftie, accord
ing to their callings, effaldly and zealoufly to the rooting out of idolaters
and idolatrie, not be way of blood, for I mean not fo, except they offer
6t

1090 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
violence to your Majeftie, (which God forbid) but by execution, otherwife,
of good laws made thereanent, for their departing forth of the land, for
avoiding of trouble of the Kirk, and common weal, and otherways wilfully
polluting the land, the law of God, and laws of the realme may ftrike upon
the obftinat rebellers of what rank foever they be.
The caufe why I fubfcribed not the letter was only, left the bafenefs of
the perfon might bring any prejudice to the caufe in hand, as fome tyme, in
lyke cafes, cometh to pafs, as we read in Plutarch De cult. Inftitut. of one
Demoflhenes in thefe words tranflated in Latine. Lacedemone vero Demof-
thenes quidam in Senatu autor fententiae fuit fatis falutaris, et rei de qua
agebatur fatis idoneae, ad quam repudiandam, pro dignitate authoris, vifus
eft Senatus propenfior &c.
Thus candide and truely I have exponed my meaning in this cafe, be-
feeking your Majeftie benevolently to accept thereof, and, according to your
promife made in tbe Affembly to the great comfort of all the godly in
Scotland, and anfwering in a manner to the contents and requieft of my
letter, couragioufly to goe forward in profecuting the fame, as your Hienes
has begunne better, both touching adminiftration of juftice, and miflyking
of the adverfaries, and their courfe, nor wee of the Miniftry in our callings,
and other eftates in theirs, have yet affifted, and concurred with your Ma
jeftie to that effect.
And fo, for my own part, ready to fatiffy farther at your Majefties plea
fure, I will continue my earneft and hearty prayers to God, for your Ma
jefties long and prolperous reigne amongft us ; for I defire never to fee
another King of Scotland with mine eyes. I fpeak it truly, from my heart,
whereof, what I fpake publickly, at the laft forefaid Synodal, exhorting all
the brethren never to forget your Majeftie in their publick nor private
prayers, which was moft gladely accepted of them all, let all that then
were prefent bear witnefs.
And fo craving pardon for my long and ill fcribled letter through my
weaknefs, I take my leave of your Majeftie, expedting your Majefties loving
anfwer, with a warrant in writt, for reftoring me to my wonted liberty, by
this poor bearer, my wife.
From my houfe at Saltpreftoun, the penult of May 1601.
Your Majefties moft humble fubject in the Lord, and prefently warder
within my own houfe, at your Majefties ordinance and command,
MR JOHN DAVIDSON.

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1091
Upon Munday the firft of June, he received fome farther relief, to wit,
to exercife his calling in all the bounds of his pariffi, not that the King
was content with his letter ; but only, as he faid himfelf, for flanders fake,
and giving offence to the people. The copie of the Kings warrant fol
loweth. Wee, be the tenor hereof, doe difpenfe with Mr John Davidfon, Min
ifter at Preftoun, to pafs, and to teach at his ordinary kirk, to vifit the fick,
and to doe whatfoever belongs to his function, in quiet manner, within his
own parifh,, fo that he tranfcend not the bounds thereof, but ufe this our
difpenfation during our will allenarly ; notwithftanding of the command to
keip waird within his own lodgings, and yard, wherewith wee difpenfe, he
keeping himfelf quiet within the bounds forefaid. Be this prefent fubfcrib
ed by our hand, at Dalkeith the laft of May 1601. JAMES REX.
Upon the penult of May, the Erie of Marr, and the Abbot of Kinlofs,
Ambaffadors, returned to Scotland. The proceedings betwixt them and
Mr Robert Bruce fent for be them to come to England, may be gathered
out of the letter, which Mr Robert fent to his wife, the 5 of June. The
copy whereof here followes.
My Heart, I received your letters the laft Thurfday at night, one dated
on the third of June, the other dated on the fecond, whereby I underftand,
that ye are defireous to know the particulars how far I have condefcended.
Ere I come to the particular itfelf, at my firft entrie to the Ambaffader,
wherein I was croffed very induftruoufly (judaslie ?) be Mr Andrew Lamb,
fuppofe I covered it, I fhowed my Lord of Kinlofs what I was content to doe,
and not content to doe. I was content, feeing that the Parliament, which
is the great Affile of the country, had found and tryed thefe perfons to be
guilty, and that upon their confcience, and fo the civil tryal had gone be
fore me, I was content to find myfelf fatiffied to reft there, and to fpeak
nothing to the contrair : for it becomes a fubject to reverence the law of
the countrie, namely, where he knowes nothing certainly to the contrary ;
and this is not only my judgement, but the judgement ofthe whole honeft
brethren of this countrey. When I was at London, they fhewed me, that
they were urged touching Effex, as I was urged touching Gowrie. And

1092 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
as they were content to reverence the law, to truft and reft fatiffied touch
ing the tryal of that great Affife, that paft againft Effex ; fb am I content
to content me, for the prefent, with that tryal that paft againft Gowrie.
And as they were not content to publiffi Effex his treafon from the pulpit,
from their own knowledge, and from their own perfuafion ; no more was I
content, but refufed to publifli it, from my knowledge, and from my per-
fwafion : for as to me, I was never perfwaded of it, and ffiowed my Lord
of Kinlofs, and my Lord of Marr, that it was not poffible to any man to
be fully perfwaded, or take on their confcience, but fo many as faw and
heard. And, at the firft, both the Lords faid, that they would not urge
me, neither with my confcience, nor with a full perfwafion, nor with preach
ing neither ; and to truft and reverence the law, I was well content, as be
comes a fubject.
With that they were content at the entry, and continued content a long
tyme, till near the end. A little before their away going, they began to
eaft at my hand ; and my Lord Kinloffe be name (many?) fhew me plainly,
that the King would not ftand content with my diftinction. I behoved,
either to find myfelf fully perfwaded, and refolved to preach it, or elfe there
was no liberty for me.
Then I began to find fault, that they were once content and fatiffied
with my anfwer, as I had written both to France and Scotland : and now
fince they had drawen fuch fervice out of me, as indead was very fteddable
to the caufe, they eaft at my hand, and keeped not touches to me, and
fought of me things impolfible, yea, the very perfwafion, that I could not
get to the articles of my own belief, that they craved of me in fo doubtfome
a matter. What ? fayes my Lord, Are ye not fully perfwaded of the articles
of your belief? Not, my Lord, faid I, as I fhould be. If ye and I both
were fully perfwaded, that there were an hell, wee would doe otherways,
than wee doe. And fo, after many fharp and fpitefull taunts, and fpeech
es, both publickly and privatly, wee difmiffed our conference ; fo that I
looked for nothing, but extremity.
I durft not byde from my Lords table for fufpicion ; and when I was at
it, I know myfelf, if I was grieved, or not. I found, indead, great cour-
tefy be fome ofthe fervants, namely, of Mr John Archbald, but, indeed,
otherwayes I found myfelf not in my own element. There were certain
honeft men waiting on, that would fain have convoyed me homeward.
They urged me to fpear, and to know, when it ffiould be leafome for me

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1093
to goe ; but they would tell me nothing, neither whether I ffiould goe
backward or foreward, home or afield ; and to terrifie me the more, they
would not have yow to come to me in Englifh ground. I boor with all
this, as I might. I took Mr Andrew Lamb, and one Montgomerie, a
Scotiffiman alfo, who uttered his mind clearly to me, and oft tymes upbraid
ed me, to fee if they could draw fpeeches out of me ; but 1 thank God,
fuppofe it was not without a batteU, I fuffered their perfecution. So I
continued a long tyme, and ftill haunted my Lords houfe notwithftanding,
while it came to the point of their away going.
Upon the point of their away going, they took up themfelves. And,
firft, Mr Edward fends for me. And I and he entered in conference, and
he fhewed me, that he trowed, that preaching ffiould not be fought of me,
in refpect it was not needfull ; becaufe the matter was already buried : and
as to my perfwafion, they fliould make no mention of the fulnefs of it ;
they fhould only hold them in general, that I was content, and refolved to
truft and reverence the tryal that was already tane in the Parliament.
Hold yow in the general, fay I, move no particulars to me, and I ffiall
move none to yow ; fo he difmiffed me, only faid this, My Lord will fpeak
with yow himfelf the morne. Quhat needs that, faid I, can ye not fay all
that he can fpeak ? for I have no will, that my Lord and I fliould crofs
other. Sayes he,' ye may hold yow on the general, as ye have fpoken to me ;
for that is one, my Lord will fpeak with yow. Well, fince it can be no bet
ter, I ffiall make me for it. So upon the morn, which was the very day that
he went away upon, my Lord fent for me, and I came to his Lordffiip.
And fo to be ffiort, My Lord beginnes, I thought meet, Mr Robert,
fayes he, to hear out of your own mouth, how ye are yet refolved touching
this matter ; for I muft make my report thereof to his Majeftie. My Lord,
fay I, your Lordffiip knowes, that his Majeftie, in the Caftle of Stirline be
fore the Counfell, urged me with a full refolution : for fuppofe I faid to
his Majeftie, as your Lordffiip remembers, that I was in the way of refo
lution ; and if Andrew Henderfon died conftantly with this depofition I
fhould find myfelf alfo fully refolved : but his Majeftie chapped ay on that
word fully, and becaufe I was not fully; therefore he banifhed me.
Wherefore, if your Lordffiip ftand upon fuch terms as to crave a full per
fwafion or refolution of me, I have that fame anfwer to give. So my Lord
anfwers me, We will not trouble yow with that, neither with conference,
neither with a full perfwafion or refolution ; but anfwer me, fayes he, to

1094 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
this only, Whether are ye refolved to truft it, or not ? I ffiall anfwer your
Lordffiip directly, faid I, in refpect of the civil tryal that is already paft in
the Parliament, I think it becomes me, and I am already refolved to truft it,
and reverence it. That is enough, faid he, now that fatiffieth me, I fhall
once put yow and the King together, and ye fhall drefs out the reft of it
among yow ; fo we agreed fully in terms.
But Mr Edward and I entered after what my Lord fliould mean by yon
words, to put me and the King together. He means, faid Mr Edward,
that he will make yow once a Scotifh man, and then let the Kirk and yow
juft out for the reft of it. Yea, but my Lord, faid I, that is not enough,
for that is but the beginning of a plea ; for his Majeftie may prefs me with
giving in of my bill, and preaching of it, as he did the reft ; and, if I refufe,
put me in a ftraiter ward, and trouble me worfe, nor I am : Therefore,
I pray you, betray me not, but deal faithfully with me. Sayes he, The
worft that fhall be, fhall be banifhment again. Yea, but, my Lord, laid I,
I have no will to come in that hazard ; for if ye banifh me again, ye will
not let me look here away.
So, my Heart, howfoever they gave me fair words after this, and faid,
they ffiould warrant, it fliould never come to this ; yet affure yow, I fear
them greatly ; for it was in the mouth of many of their fervants, as I tryed,
what fatiffadlion the King could get for my obftinacy, if I preached it not,
and come to a publick confeffion, as well as the reft. Mrs Bowes fpake
with my Lord of Marr, even in the by going, when I was at Efk, and re
quiefted his Lordffiip for me, and fhewed, that it was not reafonable that I
fliould be urged to preach it ; yet he gave fo cold an anfwer to that, that
fhe had no good hope of it. Therefore, I pray thee be wife ; and if they
will affure thee, that the King is fatiffied, as they are fatiffied with this ge
neral, and that there is no farther to be laid to my charge, I will come in,
and verifie to his Majeftie the thing that I have fpoken. But if they fay
only, that they will bring us together, and let the Kirk and us agree
amongft ourfelves, I count not that a benefit ; let me ftand where I am.
Take no warrant that way ; for I had rather yet be banifhed England
and Scotland be his Grace, ere they were able to flaine the glory of my
Miniftrie; for this has been my petition to God, ever fince I came out of
France, and I took the facrament of the Lords body in France upon the
fame condition, that the Lord Jefus fhould lead me fafely out of this temp
tation, without impairing of my union with him, witliout the hurt of the

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1095
peace of my oun confcience, and without the lofs of the credit of my holy
miniftrie in the hearts of his dear children. The Lord encreafe my faith
to look for this, for I defire not my country otherwife.
So ye have both the general, and particular, and all that was done be
me, fo far as I can remember. If they will fpeak otherwife, God will
judge lyars in his own tyme. Therefore, advife with God, what ye may
doe ; for, I thank God, it is the weale of his work in me, that I refpect
above my own pletifure : for if ye can try that they mean not fincerely,
the fooner that ye come to me, it is the better, that while wee have this
licence, I may denude myfelf of fuch things as I may put fafely off my hands
in the perfons of my children. So the Lord give us both an holy wifdom,
and holy hearts to God, and in God to other.
I have no caufe, neither to try, nor to diftruft of Gods providence,
wherefore I fliould chufe iniquity before afflidlion : Therefore the Lord
eftablifh my heart be multiplying of his powerfull Spirit upon me, that I
may dwell with him, and in him for ever. I commend yow and your chil
dren to the Word of" his grace. Off Berwick, the 5 of this inftant of June.
Your loving hufband, not wearie, I affure you, of the Lords crofs,
but wearie of the treacherous flatterie of men.
Mr Archibald Ofwald, Minifter at Pentcaithland, liaving vifited Mr Ro
bert at Berwick, reported to friends, that Mr Robert remained ftill of the
fame judgment he was of before, fave that he would acquiefce in the fen
tence of the Parliament ; and that he had fuftained great affaults with the
good brethren at London, namely, Mr Philips milinformed be Mr Andrew
Lamb, who accompanied the Ambaffaders.
Upon the 19 of June, the Kings birth day, Mr Walter Balcanquall re-
entred to the exercife of his Miniftrie in Edinburgh.
About the end of this month, Mr Patrick Galloway was removed from
Court at the Queens inftance.
At this tyme, the King promifed to Mr John Hall, that the book called
" A declaration ofthe Kings mind toward the Catholicks," fhould never be
fet forth.
The fyft day of Auguft was folemnly keeped in Edinburgh be appoint
ment of King and Counfell, with preaching before noon, and after noon,
for the thankfull remembrance of the Kings delivery that day.

1096 THE BOOKE OF THE 1601.
Upon the 25 of September, Mr Peter Hewat, one of the Minifters of
Edinburgh, went to Berwick, with the Kings letter, and licence to Mr Ro
bert Bruce to return home. But the letter injoyned him to fend firft his
refolution in writt, that the act ftanding againft him might be delete. Mr
Robert defired to hear from his Majeftie, that he was fatiffied with his let
ter, and that he would be no farther urged.
Mr Peter returneth, and went again with an anfwer out of his Majefties
oun mouth, That he was fatiffied with his refolution. Yet Mr Robert was
jealous, and ftayed long in Berwick till he tryed the foundnels of the Kings
mind, while Mr Patrick Symfon, Minifter at Stirline, affured him be letter,
that he might boldly come home ; for there would be no farther craved in
that matter.
Mr Patrick writes to Mr Robert this letter following.
Right honourable and loving brother in Chrift, I have waited this long
tyme for fome certainty in your affairs, and I was very fpairing to write
before I knew what to write. Now it has pleafed the Lord to bring your
turne to fome end ; for my Lord of Marr, after long travells, obtained a
licence for you, to returne to your own native countrey, to travell in any
part thereof, to doe your leafome bufinefs, only Edinburgh excepted with
fome myles thereabout ; together with a difpenfation with the adt of Coun
fell, made anent your inhibition to preach in any part of this country ; which
part of the act alfo the whole Generall Affembly conveened at Bruntiland
found fault with : and the Kings Majeftie promifed, that that part of the
act fhould be delated. Alwife, Sir, after this licence was obtained, it
pleafed his Majeftie to pals another, which is already fent unto yow. Yet,
leaft ye fhould be in any doubt of my Lord of Marrs part, I will affure
you, firft, that my Lord of Marr made the chief travells to obtain it ; next,
that he obtained the firft licence, only a blank was left into it, containing
the number of myles about Edinburgh, where his Majeftie would not have
yow to repair. Before this blank was filled, another licence was paft, and
fent to you.
I have fpoken my Lord in your turne, who is not grieved, that any other
perfon have the name and honour of the travels that his Lordfliip has tane,
only he is glad of your returning ; and if ye pleafe to have ex abundanti the
licence his Lordffiip obtained, ye fhall have it, together with his Lordfhips
own letter, wherein I doubt not, but ye fhall perceive, that he is minded to

1601. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1097
procure all friendfhip unto yow, at his Majefties hands, that lies in his power.
My Lord hes been plain with me, that, for the prefent, the King cannot
be moved to agree, that ye fhould return to Edinburgh. Alwife, brother,
the heart of the King is as a boat upon the waters, and the Lord ftireth
the rudder of it, as his Majeftie pleafes : Therefore, Sir, this prefent fall
be to befeek yow to make no delay of your returning, to the end wee may
enjoy the benefit of your prefence and Miniftrie, if it pleafe the Lord,
which ftrangers have enjoyed this tyme bypaft. Thus remitting all other
things till meeting, commends you to the protection of the Almighty.
From Stirline the 29 of September.
Yours to command in Chrift,
PATRIK SIMSON.
Mr Robert defired Mr Patrick to bring with him the Erie of Marrs
warrant, with the advice of fome good brethren.
Mr Patrick went to Berwick, and delivered to him a letter from the
Erie of Marr, with credit, whereupon he chiefly depended, and came in
the countrie. He looked to have been fet at liberty within eight days, after
he came ; but he was commanded to keep ward within his own houfe in
Kinnaird. The Synod of Fife.
In the Synod of Fife holdin at Sanct Andrews, the grieves for the pre
fent corruptions entred in the Kirk, were penned, and Commiffioners ap
pointed to prefent them to the next Generall Affembly. The Lord opened
the mouth of Mr James Melvill to fpeak freely.
Sir Patrick Murrey theKings Commiffioner fent Mr Robert Wilkie, Rector
ofthe Univerfity to him, to affure him, that the King had commanded him to
give his letter fent to the laft Affembly to the Advocat, to libell an accufation
thereupon againft him, and to will him to be more calme, but to no purpofe.
Sir Patrick reported to the King, that fince Mr James fell fick he was
become more fierie nor Mr Andrew. The King, hearing that he was not
affraid with threats, faid he was become phrentick.
Mr Henry Blyth was fummoned to compear before the King and Com
miffioners, for finding fault in pulpit, with giving remiffions for blood, and
6z

1098 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
recent murder, and worfe remiffions alfo, as he termed them in general.
The bruit went indead in the mean tyme, that the King had given Powre
Ogilvie a remiffion for trafficking againft the country and religion, and for
counterfiting the Kings hand writt, and great feal.
Mr Henrie compearing was defired only to be wifer in tymes coming.
A. D. MDCII.
The King appointed Mr Robert Bruce to come to Craigmiller to con
ferr with fome appointed be him.
Mr Robert took Mr Patrick Simfon with him to be a witnefs to their
dealing. So upon the 15 of Januar they mett at Craigmiller. They pro
pounded three things to him, That he would approve the book fet out
upon Gowries confpiracy ; That he would purge the King in fuch places
as the King fliould appoint him to preach in ; That 'he would crave the
Kings pardon for his long miftruft and difobedience. All the three were
refufed be Mr Robert.
After long conference, they gave him fome articles and inftructions in
writt, and craved his anfwer in writt. The tenor whereof followeth.
Inftructions for his Majefties Commiffioners directed to Mr Robert Bruce.
Whether if he be throughly refolved now of the forme and manner of
that treafonable attempt committed againft his Majefty at Perth, and fpe
cialy of his Majefties honeft mind, intention, and miraculous deliverance ;
and of Gowrie and of his brothers vile and bloody confpiracie, intended to
the taking away of his Majefties life, as it is particularly fett down in the
printed book, and acts thereanent, or not ; as his doubting of that turne
has been the principal caufe of the doubt of many, and of his Hienes flan
der in that point : And if he be willing to utter in pulpit, in fuch places as
fhall be appointed, his refolution therein, according to the forme of the
faid articles, als clearly as any his Majefties good fubjedls have done ; crav
ing pardon, and excufing his long incredulity, and the flander arifeing
thereupon ; and wifliing the people that any wife doubted thereof, as they
were ever ready to conceive doubts upon unjuft grounds, only moved be
his exemple, fo now to be content, be his means, rightly to be refolved
thereof. ¦ Sic fubfcribitur,
JAMES R.

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1099
Mr Robert Bruce his anfwer to his Majefties inftructions delivered
to him be his Majefties Commiffioners, who were fent for that
effect.
Seeing his Majefties Commiffioners have required me to give my anfwers
in writt unto certain articles given to them under the name of inftructions,
I anfwer plainly, that as touching the matter, whereupon thefe inftructions
are paft, I have already fatiffied, firft, his Majefties Ambaffader, as was
appointed me, whofe fatiffadlion unto me was his Majefties fatiffadlion :
Next, when his Majeftie craved my refolution in writt be Mr Peter Hewat,
who was fent to me for that effedt, I gave my refolution in writt. And
fuppofe that Mr Peter Hewat then brought me a warrant to come home ;
yet in refpect his Majefties letter, directed at that fame tyme to me be Mr
Peter, commanded me not to repair within his Majefties realme, while his
Majeftie had firft found fatiffadlion by my writt, I did fua, and ftayed,
till Mr Peter, who was his Majefties mouth to me, plainly teftified by his
own writt, that his Majeftie was fatiffied ; yea, I ftayed long after, and all
to be certified of his Majefties fatiffadlion ; and found, fo far as I could
learn be all men, that his Majeftie would never put me to farther trouble
touching that matter. So I cannot but marvell greatly, whereupon thefe
articles ffiould grow.
Thefe men who put me to this bufinefs, doubtlefs invye ray peace, and
are no wayes wearied of my long banifhment ; yet I will look, that a chrif
tian duty fhall be keeped to me, that the faith, that is given me, both by
word and writt, fhall not be violated. And if thefe bands cannot bind
Chriftians, What fhall I fay ? I have a body, and fome goods, let his Ma
jeftie ufe thefe, as God ffiall direct him : But as to my inward peace, I
would pray his Majeftie in all humility to fuffer me to keep it, as- God of
his mercy ffiall enable me ; for I am of that mind, that no good fubject has
gone farther than I have gone : and, therefore, if my well were fought,
the thing that I have faid, behoved to give fatiffadlion to any rational
man. This far forNnfwer to his Majefties Commiffioners.
The Second anfwer is perempture to the Articles, and not
dilatour, as the firft was.
Suppofe this be my anfwer to yow, brethren, who are his Majefties Com-

1100 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
miffioners, (for it becomes me with yow to Hand upon my right and law-
full defence) yet left this manner of doing ffiould appear only a tergiverfa-
tion in me, I anfwer to the fubftance of both the articles directly.
And, firft, whereas it is faid, that I am the principal caufe, and, confe-
quently, the principal author of his Majefties flander : This is a very heavy
imputation, I grant, and if any of my actions could produce this effect, as a
proper effect flowing immediatly from them, furely, be all laws, I behoved
to merit great punifhment. But how is this proved, I pray yow? Becaufe I
doubted ? I doubted, I grant, but not limply ; for, as his Majefties fubject,
I never refufed to doe the duty of a fubject ; but as the mouth of God to
utter in pulpit, under the authority of my calling, here I behoved to ftand,
till I got very good light : for I am commanded to fpeak there from the
Word, and from my oun perfwafion ; to fpeak as the oracles of God, and
to doe nothing with a doubting confcience : fo my deed cannot produce
this, as a proper effect. Yea, how fhould it be my deed, feeing it was never
in my mind? yea, the very flat contrarie, if I had known guiltinefs, as I
knew not ; yet notwithftanding, to have procured his Majefties peace, both
inward and outward, be all humble and loving duties that lay in my power.
So feeing God, and my confcience fpeaks for me, and clears me of that im
putation, I regard the flander the lefs ; becaufe he is only allowed," whom
God commends : And I had rather give my life, ere it could be made out
be any neceffary confequence in the world. But will ye fuffer me to tell
yow the truth, what was the great and principall caufe of the people doubt
ing ? The ftrait trying (urging?) of the Miniftrie, the variety of reports, and
the fpairing of Henderfon. Thefe are the true caufes,fo far as I can gather.
I had been very malicious, if that mind had been in me ; for I would have
been very loath, that any fliould have dealt fo with myfelf.
Now,' next, as touching my preaching : I had never a calling of God, as
yet, to any place in this land, fave to Edinburgh. There I found his Majef
ties bleffing in fome meafure. Place me there, where God placed me, and
I ffiall teach as fruitfull and wholefome doctrine to the honour of the Ma-
giftrat, as God fhall give me grace ; but to goe through the coimtry, and
make proclamations here and there, it will be counted either a beaftly fear,
or a beaftly flatterie in me. And in fo doing, I ffiould not exeem doubts
neither, but raife greater ; doe no good to the caufe, but great harm : for
the people look not to words, but to grounds. And, as to myfelf, I will
ever be a partial and fpairing blazer of my own infirmities ; others will be

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1101
far better heralds of my ignominy, than myfelf. My incredulity has turned
already to my paines.
And if it were leafome to afk, I wold gladely know thefe good fubjedls,
that fay, They have uttered this forme of article from the pulpit, as it is
touched here. I would wiffi they would put their hands to it, that we
might truft them ; for write is the fureft and moft diuturnal teftimony :
otherwayes, they who fpeak fo, and make his Majeftie believe they doe,
but abufe his Majeftie with words, and mafk a feigned heart with the vail
of fairded language, thinking thereby to devolve the whole weight of the
former imputation upon me ; but God in his own tyme, I doubt not,
fhall clear me of it. And I befeech the true and living God to teach me
the art of right and dutifull obedience, and from my heart to render all the
humble and fubmiffive duties, that an obedient fubject ought to render to
his Prince, and to make me faithfull, and upright to the end to him that
called me.
The Commiffioners of the Generall Affembly wrote this letter following
to the Prefbytrie of Sanct Andrews, the 20 of Januar. The letter was
dyted be Mr George Gladeftanes, general, and officious, more to purchafe
credit to the King and themfelves, than out of fear of any danger appre
hended be them ; yet, as Mr Andrew Melvill noted upon the back of the
letter, they would cry, Hannibal ad portas.

To the right worfhipfull brethren, the Prefbytrie of Sanct Andrews,
Grace and peace from God the Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift.
Right worfhipfull brethren, The manyfold arguments of the fearfull
judgements of God, fo evidently approaching, and tending to the troubling,
as well of religion, as of the eftate of this country, makes us to requieft
yow moft effectioufly, as ye tender the Gofpel, the good of the eftate of the
countrie, and your own quietnefs, and as ye will anfwer to the Lord upon
your fidelity in the adminiftration of his kingdom, that ye ftirr up your
graces to a zealous, wife, and faithfull diligence in your calling, according
to the neceffity of the tyme, that, be your labours, and good exemple, the
people may be brought to feek the Lord with unfained repentance : for
this wee certifie yow, the chief hope of this care, fo far as we can perceive,

1102 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
will ftand only in our tears, and earneft prayers ; and neglect no ordinary
mean, whereby your travels and credit may ferve to ftrengthen the caufe.
Deal with all noblemen, barons, and other chief men within your bounds,
that they may apprehend the danger imminent to religion, tbe liberty of
the countrey, and their own particular eftate, if the faction of the Spani
ard prevail in this ifle. Perfwade them of the Kings honeft mind, and fted-
faft refolution, to hazard his eftate, life, and crown, in the caufe of religion ;
with the ftanding and falling whereof, he acknowledges his ftanding and
falling to be infeparably conjoyned. Affure them alfo of his Majefties fore-
ward refolution to execute juftice againft all forts of malefactors, homers,
and rebells of all eftates.
Mark carefully the actions of all men, fpecialy fuch as, either for reli
gion, or miflyking of the prefent government, or for neceffity of their own
eftate, are inclined to novations, and troubling of the Kings eftate ; and
that ye fee in any kind of extraordinary bufinefs by their cuftome ; and make
the Kings Minifters advertifed thereof; and ceafe not, in the mean tyme,
to bring them to a quieter mind : and be not flow to make all fuch intelli
gence as ye can, that be ordinary means, fo far as is poffible, the dangers
may be prevented. For this effect, in all your ordinary meetings at Pref
bytries, inquire among yourfelves particularly, what every man knowes in
the premiffes, and take order for fending word thereanent to the Kings
Minifters ; as ye fhall, God willing, be more fpecially acquainted with the
particulars that fhall happen to fall out here, as far as may be divulgat
without great danger.
We befeek yow, brethren, take not thefe advertifements fo careleflly as
in tymes paft ; for the ftate of things goes harder, then that wee fliould
neglect them. The Lord give yow wifdom, and blefs your labours.
From Halyrudhoufe, the 20 day of Januar 1602.
Be your brethren and fellow labourers, the Commiffioners of the
General Affembly, David Lindfey, Mr John Hall, Mr Andrew
Lamb, Mr Robert Pont, Mr John Knox, Mr John Abernethy,
Mr Patrick Galloway.
Notwithftanding of this fair fhew, the inhabitants of Dumfreis accufed
for going to meffe, in the beginning of the fame month, were for the moft
part fuffered to return home without punifhment, after many mirrie mowes
paft, becaus, as was alledged, they would not fwear to their own turpitude ;

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1103
though, not long before, one of the Pokileis gentlemen was executed upon
his own oath for other matters ; and, not long after, in the month of
March, Maxwell was wairded for the faffiion and fome others : but the
Papifts were not much moved with the matter. Mr John Hammilton, the
apoftat, taught in Maxwels galrie publickly, a little before, upon Luke 9.
58. The foxes haue holes, and the birdes of the heauen nefts, but the
Sonne of man hath not whereon to lay his head.
In the beginning of Aprile, the Erie of Marr directed a letter to Mr
Robert Bruce, at the Kings direction, to come to Brechin with diligence.
Immediatly before the receit of the letter, he was exercifed in prayer with
fhedding of tears.
When he came to Brechin, as foon as the King faw him, he raife, and
came foreward to the place where he ftood, and looked, as appeared to
Mr Robert, very lovingly. He caufed void the houfe, none remaining, but
the King and Mr Robert. The King afked, if he was refolved. He an
fwered, Yes. He afked, next, what moved him. Mr Robert anfwered,
Sundrie things, namely, my Lord of Marre his deep fwearing; for I
thought, faid he, that a chriftian of his quality fhould not manfwear himfelf,
for all the geir in the world. How could he fwear, faid the King, he nei
ther faw, nor heard. I cannot tell yow that, Sir, faid Mr Robert, but in-
dead he fwore very deeply. The King wold underfland what was the
forme of the oath ; which he repeated to him. What was the caufe then,
faid the King, ye would not truft me ? Sir, faid Mr Robert, your Majeftie
took no paines to informe. I fent, faid the King, Sir Thomas Arefkine to
yow. As for Sir Thomas Arefkine, faid Mr Robert, I trufted him in a
part ; but there were other things that I thought hard. What was that, faid
the King ? That part, which concerned the Mafter of Gowrie, and your
Majeftie, faid Mr Robert. Doubt ye of that, faid the King ? then ye
could not but count me a murtherer. It followes not, if it pleafe yow,
Sir, faid Mr Robert, for ye might have fome fecret caufe. The King de
duced the whole tragedie from the beginning. Mr Robert uttered his
doubt, where he found occafion. The King heard him gently, and with a
conftant countenance, which Mr Robert admired.
At laft, the King urgeth him to preach the articles, which were fent to
him. Mr Robert anfwered, He had given his anfwer already to thefe arti
cles, and had offered to the Ambaffaders that which all men thought fatif-

1104 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
fadlion, yea, more than preaching. What is that, faid the King ? That I
will fubfcribe my refolution, faid Mr Robert. Truft ye it, faid the King ?
Yes, Sir, faid Mr Robert. If ye truft it, why may ye not preach it, faid
the King ? I ffiall tell yow, Sir, faid Mr Robert. I give it but a doubt-
fome truft : for I learne this out of Bernard, in doubtfome things to give
an undoubted truft, is temerity ; and in undoubted things to give a doubt
fome truft, is infirmity. But this is undoubted, faid the King. Then bear
with my infirmity, faid Mr Robert. But ye fay, it is more than preaching,
faid the King. Sir, I ought to preach nothing, but the Word of God, faid
Mr Robert. Obedience to Princes, fuppofe they were wicked, is in the
Word of God, faid the King. I durft lay a waiger, there is no exprefs
word of King James the fixth in the Scripture. Yes, faid Mr Robert, if
there be a King, there is word for yow alfo. The whole Kirk has done it
already, faid the King, ye muft not be lingular. Sundrie have not done it,
faid Mr Robert. Shew me one, faid the King ? Your Majeftie muft bear
with me, faid Mr Robert ; for it were againft the rule of charity to harme
my brethren.
He defired the King to conveen the Miniftry to fee what they would in-
joine him to doe. That needs not, faid the King, none darr, or will re
fufe, but ye ; and, therefore, ye are the fole and only ground of my flander.
Mr Robert, to clear him of this imputation, faid, I have offered to fubfcribe
my refolution in what language your Majeftie pleafeth, which none have
done, but I ; and this is a diuturnal and conftant teftimonie. Where is
your refolution, faid the King ? I fent it in writt to your Majeftie, faid
Mr Robert. That which ye fent was to general, faid the King, But what
fault find ye in my articles ? I cannot remember all ; but one thing I re
member, faid Mr Robert, ye would have me to refolve according to your
book, And who can do that ? There is never a falfe word in that book,
faid the King. Yes, Sir, there are fundrie. Well then, faid the King,
wee ffiall put out that claufe out of the article. What other fault find ye ?
I cannot remember now, faid Mr Robert. Have ye not the articles, faid
the King ? I gave them to Sir Patrick Murrey, faid Mr Robert. I am
fure, faid the King, ye have keeped the copie.
Mr Robert, perceiving the King drift was to urge him with farther,
thought it not expedient to produce the copy. Well, faid the King, ftay
here, till Sir Patrick come. Yet, after fupper, Mr Robert got licence to
returne home, till the next advertifment.

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1105
. Sundrie other things paft betwixt the King and him in conference, as
namely, Mr Robert defired, that he and others of the Miniftrie be not
urged to hurt their confeiences ; and that his Majeftie would not think that
honeft men would fell their fouls, howbeit their bodies and geir fhall be at
his command. I underftand not what ye mean, faid the King, be the fell
ing of your fouls ; but I fall gar the beft of you fay, and gainfay. That
may be, Sir, faid Mr Robert, and that yet they fay not againft confcience.
Ye fhall not find the like in me, laid the King, my faying fhall be alwife
one. It fetteth not to compare with your Majeftie, faid Mr Robert.
He prayed in heart all the tyme thus, O Lord, keep my heart unto thee,
and fave me from the danger that this traitorous and falfe heart is lyke to
eaft me into.
Mr John Davidfon being informed that the King had granted, at the
Commiffiioners requieft, to give releife, in cafe he would fuit for it, wrote
this letter following upon the 22 of June, to be fent to the King, who
was, for the tyme, at Sanct Johnftoun, with a number of the Nobility and
Commiffioners of the Kirk.
Grace and peace, with a long and profperous government.
Amen.
Sir, As it was your Majefties will more than a year fince, that by warding
I fhould be reftrained of my wonted liberty, till your Majefties mind fliould
be known to the contrarie ; fo, in all fubmiffion and reverence, I have
obeyed the fame to this hour, (although to the great impairing of my health,
and hinderance of the things of this life ;) wherefore, this is moft humbly
to crave of your Majeftie, that it may pleafe your Majeftie to reftore me
now again to my wonted liberty of a free fubject of your realm, tb doe my
lawfull affaires, as occafion fhall ferve, which, by all appearance, I am not
long to enjoy, if God profecute his intended fummonds of removing to a
far better freedom, wherewith daily in a manner I beginne to be charg
ed. And your Majefties loving anfwer in writt for my warrant moft
humbly befeeks. From my warding place at Salt Preftoun, the 22 of June 1602.
Your Majefties moft humble and loving fubjedl, teftified in the fight
of God and man, by his continual publick, domeftic, and privat
: prayers. John Davidfon, Chrifts Minifter at Salt Prefton.
7 a

1106 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
The King perceived, that there was no confeffion of a fault. When Mr
John Hall, who feemed to be a friend to Mr John Davidfon, would have
extenuated the fault, the King faid, I am gentle, and courteous, but not
a leper. So Mr Davidfon was difappointed.
Mr Robert Bruce, after his conference with the King at Brechin, was
confined in the pariffi, where he had his dwelling place, and fuffered to
preach no where elfe. He received a letter from the King to come to him
to Perth, the 24 of June.
When he came, and entred the Kings chamber, no other was fuffered to
enter, but Sir Patrick Murrey. The King afked where the articles were.
Mr Robert anfwered, that he had redelivered them to Sir Patrick Murrey.
Sir Patrick produced them.
After they were read, the King afked, if he was willing to preach ac
cording to thefe articles. Not, Sir, faid Mr Robert, if it pleafe yow.
Why, fayes the King ? Becaufe my preaching is the matter of my inftruc
tions, and commiffion. No Prince hath power to give inftructions to
another Princes Ambaffader : I am the Son of Gods Ambaffader, and
Preacher. But, faid Mr David Lindfey, ye offered to preach to that effect before
ye went out of the countrey. Whereupon Sir Patrick produced Mr Ro
berts letter, which was read in the audience of the King and Commiffioners.
Well, faid Mr Robert, ye refufed this offer ; fo I am not bound to it.
Will ye goe from the thing ye have offered, fay they ? Well, faid Mr
Robert, will this letter fatiffy you ; fhall I be no farther urged, in cafe
we condefcend to this letter ? Nay, quoth the King, ye may fay all this,
and not be refolved. Say truely, was ye refolved at that tyme, or not ?
Not indead, faid Mr Robert. How fay ye then, that ye will give thanks
for my deliverance that day, faid the King ? Yes, Sir, faid Mr Robert, I
have caufe to give thanks for your prefervation, fuppofe ye had eaft your
felf in danger. I told yow that, quoth the King, ye fee what he meant.
Are ye now refolved ? Yes, Sir, laid he. That is but the duty of a fub
ject, when ye have done, faid the King. Are ye refolved to preach? I
am difcharged to preach the pleafures of men, faid Mr Robert. Place me
where God placed me, and I ffiall teach fruitfull doctrine, as God fhall
give me grace. But we have not had that cullom to be injoyned to preach,
nor I dar not promife to keep that injunction ; it lies not in my hand to

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1107
make a promife ; I know not certainly what God will fuffer me to fpeak,
I may ftand dumb : Therefore, Sir, leave me free, and when I fhall find
myfelf to be moved be Gods Spirit, and to have the warrant of his Word,
I lhall not fail to do it.
That is plain anabaptifme, that is a caball, and tradition, fayes the King,
jre fhall preach as the reft have done ; or elfe I cannot be fatiffied, ye ffiall
goe. I pray your Majeftie, faid Mr Robert, fet doun your difjunctive,
and the one, God willing, fhall be as welcome to me, as the other : I have
racked certainly a peice of my heart to pleafe your Majeftie. Now feeing
your Majeftie cannot be fatiffied, except I make fliipwrack of all, let me
goe in Gods name. Suppofe I have fome commodities, as other mean
gentlemen have in your Majefties countrie ; yet, Sir, I never defire to
have feen your Majefties face, or your countrey either, except I had been
certainly informed that your Majeftie was fatiffied.
What warrant had ye, who informed you, faid the King ? If it pleafe
yow, Sir, faid Mr Robert, I had firft a warrant from the mouth of both
your Ambaffaders, who affured me their fatiffadlion ffiould foe yours. I
truft, faith the King, they will not fay it, fuppofe of all this new kindnels
that is knitt up betwixt yow. Surely, Sir, faid Mr Robert, I am perfwaded,
they will fay it. And here is a brother, meaning Mr Patrick Simfon, that
has heard my Lord of Marr fay as much.
Befide this, if it pleafe yow, Sir, I have your Majefties warrant. What,
fayes the King, my letter ? Your Majefties letter, faid Mr Robert, will
eth me to fend in my refolution in writt, and thereupon promifed to be
fatiffied, and fo I did ; and therefore I ought not to. be urged any farther.
My letter bears no fuch thing, faid the King. If it beareth not, Sir, it
fhall turne to my own paines, faid Mr Robert, I have it befide rae.
The King went into his cabinet, and walked up and doun a reafonable
fpace. In the mean tyme the Commiffioners dealt with Mr Robert, almoft
each one after another. He wold gladely have gone out of the houfe ; but
the door was locked, fo he'behoved to ftand, till the King came out of the
cabinet. At laft, the King comes out. The Commiffioners fay to him, Sir, fee
ing it is fb, that Mr Robert alledgeth fuch promifes, ye fhall leave the
.preaching free to his own will ; but letters come to his fubfcription in the
room thereof. Are ye content, faid Mr David and the reft, to fubfcribe

1103 THE BOOKE OF THE i 1602.
the Kings innocence, and their guiltinefs ? Not in thefe terms, anfwered
Mr Robert.
The King urgeth him the more earneftly, and faith, I will not only have
yow clearing me, but my whole company. As for your Majefties company,
faid Mr Robert, they have no need of my clearing, neither will they feek
it. I am bound to your Majeftie, and will doe all that lieth in my poffibi-
lity. Then ye muft fubfcribe my innocency, faid the King. Your own
confcience, Sir, can doe that beft, faid Mr Robert ; it is very hard for me
to doe it. Why is it hard, faid the King ? Laith was Mr Robert to anfwer,
left he ffiould irritat him ; but he infifted.
Then, faid Mr Robert, your Majeftie will not be offended, if I fpeak
freely. Not, faid the King. I was reading, faid Mr Robert, upon Amandus
Polanus, touching the flaughter of the magicians, whom the King of Babell
commanded to flay. Amandus difputeth the queftion, Whether the King
of Babell did well, or not. Firft, He faith, animi gratia, it would appear
that he did well, for he had the plain Law of God for him in many places ;
yet he concludes againft the King, that he did not well : for howfoever he
had the Law, yet he looked not to the Law, nor had regard to God, nor
bis glory : Therefore, faith he, howfoever the Magiftrat hath the fword,
and may moft juftly execut ; yet if he has nothing before his eyes, but his
own particular, God, nor his glory, he is a murtherer.
Now, Sir, I pray yow, what can I, or any man fay, what your Majeftie
had before your eyes, or what particular ye had. It is true that, faith the
King ; and, therefor, I will give yow leave to pofe me upon the particulars.
Then, firft, if it pleafe yow, faid Mr Robert, had ye a purpofe to flay my
Lord ? As I fhall anfwer to God, I knew not that my Lord was Haine,
till I faw him in his laft aganie ; and was very forrie, yea, prayed from my
heart for the fame.
What fay ye then, concerning Mr Alexander, faid Mr Robert? I grant,
faid the King, I am art and part of Mr Alexanders flaughter, for it was in
my own defence. Why brought ye him not to juftice, faid Mr Robert ? fee
ing ye fhould have had God before your eyes. I had neither God, nor the
devil, man, before my eyes, faid the King, but my own defence. Here
the King began to frett. He took all thefe points upon his falvation, and
damnation : and that he was once minded to have fpared Mr Alexander ;
but being moved for the tyme, the motion prevailed.

1*602; UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. H09
Farther, Mr Robert demanded of the King, if he had a purpofe that day
in the morning to flay Mr Alexander ? The King anfwered upon his fal-
vation, that day in the morning he loved him as his brother.
Mr Robert, be reafon. of his oaths, thought him innocent of any purpofe
that day in the morning to flay them ; yet becaus he confeffed he had not
God, nor juftice, before his eyes, but was in a heat and mind to revenge,
he could not be innocent before God, and had great caufe to repent, and
to crave mercy for Chrifts fake.
In end, Mr Robert yielded to fubfcribe his refolution, according to the
act of Parliament ; which he did partly, becaus, in his judgment, it was
the duty of a fubject to reverenee the laws of the countrie, except he knew
them- certainly to be contrary to the Word of God :
Next, He thocht he wTas bound to free himfelf of that imputation which
was laid to his charge, partly be the King himfelf, partly be others direct,
ed to him from the King, That come death, come life to him, come what
would come of him, the whole blame fhould lye upon him, in refpect he
was the author of the flander :
Thirdly, Becaus he made a faithfull promife to him, that no more fhould
be crayed of him.
So upon thefe three refpects he gave his refolution in writt, not that
he was perfuaded in his confcience, for any thing that he could learn by
himfelf, or from Gods Spirit, after prayer, as he himfelf recordeth in the
hiftory of the proceeding ; but, in refpect there was a ftrait and publick
law, he thought good to follow it, till God gave him farther light.
All the Commiffioners, and Mr Patrick Simfon, who accompanied him,
fubfcribed as witneffes. Hereupon a warrant was granted for him to tra
vell abroad in the countrie, providing he come not near Edinburgh be four
myles. About the end of July, Mr Andrew Melvill making the exercife upon
Eph. 5. 11. (And have no fellowffiip with the vnfruitful works of dark nes,
.but euen reproue them rather) touched the prefent corruptions of the Kirk ;
and namely of the Miniftrie of Sanct Andrews.
They complain to the King. The King went to Sanct Andrews the
July after, and commanded him to keep ward in the Colledge.

1110 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
Apud Sandt Andrew, undecimo die menus Julij,
anno Domini 1602.
The Kings Majeftie, for certain caufes and confiderations moving his
Hienes, ordaines a macer, or other officer of armes, to pafs, and, in his name
and authority, command and charge Mr Andrew Melvill, Principal of the
New Colledge of Sanct Andrews, to remaine, and containe himfelf in ward,
within the precinct of the faid Colledge, and in no wife to refort nor re
pair without the faid precinct, while he be lawfully and orderly relieved
and free be his Majeftie, under the pain of rebellion, and putting him to
the horn ; with certification to him, if he faile, and doe in the contrair,
that he fliall be incontinent thereafter denunced rebell, and put to the
horn ; and all his moveable goods efcheit to his Hienes ufe, for his con-
temption. THOMAS FENTOUN, Meffenger.
Be the Queens interceffion he got liberty to travell abroad within fix
myles of Sandt Andrews.
The learned of that Prefbytrie handled the controverted heads in the
Schooles of Divinity, as if they had been confuting the Papifts only ; when
as their chief purpofe was to clear the controverfies arifing in our Kirk,
whereby the Minifters in that province were much edified. This exercife
galled the Court Minifters ; but, becaufe it was done in the Latine tongue
in the Schooles, and'in ffiew againft Papifts, it could not juftly be found
fault with.
In the beginning of Auguft, Mr Robert Bruce was written for to come
to Falkland.
When he came, Mr Alexander Lindfey, now Bifhop of Dunkelden, af
fured him, the King was to fend him to the North to travell with the Erie
of Huntlie for his converfion ; and, if he refufed, the King would charge
him to teach in Sanet Johnftoun upon the 5 of Auguft. Mr Robert an
fwered, He could not be urged with the laft, in refpect he had tlie Kings
promife and his hand.
Mr Alexander affured him, that the King counted the thing that was
done, but the" duty of a fubject ; but he had not gottin of him as yet the
duty of a Paftor, which it behoved him to have. Is it fo, faid Mr Robert ?
affure the reft of the Commiffioners, that I will take me to them particu-

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1111
layly, and lay all the blame upon them, of whatfoever fall fall forth ; and
fignifie to them from me, that I count this a breach of promife, and an ill
effect of the laft agreement.
After that Mr Alexander had declared Mr Roberts mind to the Com
miffioners, he returned to Mr Robert with this anfwer, That they would
deal with the King what in them lay to put that matter to the laft point,
or to put the King of the laft point j advifed him to give the King good
anfwers touching the Northland voyage ; and if he feared any danger in
it, they promifed to divert the King from it.
The King being informed of Mr Roberts refolution, urged him only
with the Nortland voyage. Mr Robert craved a tyme to advife. The
King appointed him to come to him to Stirline within 20 days.
Mr Robert went to the King in Stirline, and prayed the King to bear
with him ; for it behoved him to fee his foverty before he went. Farther
he faid, he knew not whether his Lordfhip was defireous of him, or not ;
and that he knew certainly, that Mr John Hammilton the apoftat, a bufie
trafficking Papift, a man no wife anfvverable to his Majefties lawes, was in
the North ; that fo long as the Marquefs of Huntlie covered him with his
wings, there could be no furety for him in thefe parts. The King willed
him to come to Falkland the 15 of September, where and at what time he
doubted not but Huntlie would fatiffie him touching his fovertie.
Mr Robert, in his jurney toward Falkland, upon the 15 of September,
is advertifed, that Huntlie was not at Court, but returned homeward ;
whereupon he returned back to his own houfe.
The true intent of the King and Commiffioners was to fend him far
north, left his prefence in the fouth parts fhould be an impediment to their
courfe of Epifcopacie.
The fyft day of Auguft being be act of Parliament ordained to be fo-
lemnly keeped, without anie conftitution of the Kirk made thereanent, was
neglected be fundrie Miniflers of Fyfe. They were fummoned publickly at
mercat croffes to compear before the King and Counfell. The narrative
of the proclamation was foulle and fearfull.
Mr James Melvill refolved to declyne, after the old manner, if they had
been brought before the Counfell ; which the King vowed fliould be capital.
Mr James found himfelf well refolved, whereof the plaee, where he medi
tated and prayed, held him daily in remembrance.

1112 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
The King underftanding be Mr Patrick Galloway, what was his refolu
tion, called him and the reft calmelie and friendlie before the Commiffion
ers, none of the Counfell being prefent. After a word or two fpeaking
for the faffiion, they were difmiffed.
The General Affemblie, howbeit appointed at the laft ordinary Affembly
for the faffiion at Sanct Andrews, the laft Tuefday of July, was prorogued
be the King to the tenth of November : for now it was the cuftom, that
the King appointed the Affemblies, when and where he pleafed, by pro
clamations at the Mercat Croffes. C]

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1113

A.D.MDCII.

The Generall Affemblie of the Commiffioners from the Preffiitries of
the Kirk of Scotland, haldin at Halierudehous the 10 of November
1602 : In the quhilk, the Kings Majeftie being perfonallie prefent,
were conveinit the Commiffioners following, viz. Commiffioners
with his Majeftie, the Secreitar, Thefaurer, Collectour, Comptrol
ler, Sir Patrick Murray :
For the Miniftrie,
Orknay.
Mr Robert Pont.
Cathnes.
Mr George Glaidftanes.
Rose, Murray.
Mr Alexander Rawfone.
7 b

1114

THE BOOKE OF THE

1602.

Aberdein.

Mr Peter Blackburne.
Mr Archibald Blackburne.
Mr David Rait.
Mr Richart Rofs.
Mr Johne Strauchane.

Mr Johne Rofs.
Mr James Milne.
Mr Abraham Sibbald.
Mr Alexander Hay.

Mr Johne Erfkine.
Mr Alexander Forbes.

Mernes.

Mr James Sibbald.

Mr Andro Leitch.
Mr Johne Merfchell.

Brechine.

Mr Jofua Durie.

Mr Patrick Lindfay.
Mr Arthur Foothie.

Aberbrothock. Mr Henrie Philip.

Mr Robert Howie.

Dundie.

Mr Andro Clayhills.

Mr James Anderfoun.
Mr Johne Barclay.

Megle.

Mr David Browne.

Mr James Rofs.
Mr Arehbald Monereiff.
Mr William Row.
Mr Adame Ballandyne.

Perth.

Mr Alexander Hoome.
Mr Johne Edmeftoun.
Mr William Glaffe.
Mr Silvefter Rattray.

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1115
Sanct Androes.
Mr James Melvill. Mr Robert Durie.
Mr John Carmichell.

Vniversitie therof.
Mr James Mertin.
Couper.
Mr Thomas Douglas. Mr William Cranftoun.
Mr Robert Buchannan. Kirkadie.
Mr William Scott. Mr David Spens.
Mr Johne Michelfone. Dumfermling.
Mr Johne Fairfull. Mr Edmond Myles.
Mr Johne Cauden. Edinburgh.
Mr James Balfour. Mr William Aird.
Mr Walter Balcanquell. Lithgow.
Mr Thomas Peebles. Mr George Inglis.
Mr Robert Cornwell. Dalkeith.
Mr George Ramfay. Mr Adam Colt (Scot ?)
Mr Archibald Simfone.

1116

THE BOOKE OF THE

1602.

Haddingtoun, Dumbar.
Mr Edwart Hepburne. Mr Richard Ogill.
Pebles.
Mr Johne Ker.

Mers.

Mr Johne Clappertoun.
Mr Tobias Ramfay.
Mr William Methven.
Mr Alexander Gaites.
Mr Johne Abernethie.

Mr Andro Boyd.

Mr William Clerk.
Mr Johne Knox.
Mr James Dailt (Dais ?)
Mr Johne Smith.

Glasgow.

Mr William Levingftoun.

Vniversitie therof.
Mr Patrick Sharp.
Paislay.
Mr Johne Hay.
Dumbartan.
Mr William Simfone.
Hamiltoun.
Mr Johne Howifone. Mr Patrick Walkinfchaw.

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1117
Lanerick.
Mr William Birnie. Mr Robert Bannatyne.
Air.
Mr George Dumbar. Mr Johne Welfch.
Mr Nathan Inglis. Irwing.
Mr Hew Fullertoun.
Drumfries.
Mr Robert Hunter. Mr Richart Browne.
Mr Johne Browne. Kirkkudbryt.
Mr William Hamiltoun.
Wigtoun.
Mr Robert Wallace. Mr Mathew Reid.
Burrowis.
Edinburgh.
Mr Johne Robertfone. Mr George Heriot.
Dundie.
Mr William Fergufone.

1118 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
Sanct Androes.
Mr William Ruffell.
Leith.
Mr Jerome Lindfay. Mr David Orok.
Bruntiland.
Patrick Greiff.
Commissioners of the Generall Assemblie.
Mr Alexander Dowglas. Mr Robert Wilkie.
Mr George Monro. Mr David Lindfay.
Mr James Nicolfone. Mr Johne Hall.
Mr Patrick Simfone. Mr James Law.
Mr William Couper. Mr Gawin Hamiltoun.
Mr Alexander Lindfay. Mr Alexander Scrymgeour.
Mr Johne Spotifwood. Mr David Barklay.
Mr Johne Calcleugh. Acta Seffione prima.
Exhortatioun being made be Mr Johne Hall, Moderatour of the laft
Affemblie, the Affemblie, after the accuftomit manner, proeeidit to the
electioun of the Moderatour of this prefent Affemblie ; and, after nomina
tioun of the brethren following, viz. Mrs Patrick Sharp, Patrick Galloway,
James Balfour, and Johne Carmichaell, out of the quhilk number the Mo
deratour fould be chofin ; be pluralitie of votis the faid Mr Patrick Gallo
way was chofen Moderatour hac vice.
[Mr Patrick Galloway was chofen Moderatour ; for all things were pre
pared be the King and his Commiffioners for anie purpofe that ferved
their chief intent.
Mr James Melvill, when his vote was afked at the election of the Mo-

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1119
derator, anfwered, as followeth : With all reverence to your Majeftie, be
fore I fpeak any thing in this Affembly, I muft proteft, That, feeing it is
conveened extraordinary by the tyme appointed in the laft Affembly, be
your Majefties authority, and is keeped here within your Majefties Palace,
a place not accuftomed heretofore to hold the Affemblies of the Kirk in,
whatfoever be done therein contrair to the Word of God, and former
Conftitutions of the Kirk, and eftablifhed difcipline thereof, be null, and of
no effect, and remeeded at the next ordinar and lawfull General Affembly
of the Kirk of Scotland. C]
The houres appointit to conventioun, to be nyne houres of the morning
for the privie conference ; and elevin houres, for conveining of the Affem
blie, and to fitt quhill four houres afternoone.
The Afleffours appointit to conveine with the Moderatour in the privie
conference, for treating of fuch things as are to be concludit in the Affem
blie, are Mrs Johne Hall, Robert Pont, George Glaidftanes, David Lind
fay, Alexander [Rawfone,] Peter Blackburne, Johne Strauchan, David
Rait, Alexander Forbes, James Nicolfone, Robert Howie, James Melvill,
Robert Wilkie, Johne Carmichael, Alexander Lindfay, William Glaffe,
Patrick Sharp, James Balfour, Walter Balcanquell, James Law, Johne
Spottifwood, Johne Clappertoun, John Knox, David Barklay, William
Hamiltoun, Nathaniel Inglis, Johne" Hay, Andro Lamb.

Seffio 2a- Eodem die.
The faid day, being callit, Mr George Glaidftanes, Minifter of Sandt
Androes, quho was direct be the laft Affemblie to have remained for ane
quarter or halfe ane geir with the Marqueis of Huntlie, to the effedt that,
be his travells and labours, the faid Noble Lord and his familie might be
informit in the Word of Trueth prefentlie profeft within this realme, and
the enemies therof debarrit from his companie, To give ane accompt of his
diligence in the faid commiffioun, the faid Mr George compeirand, declarit,
that, at the tyme of his journeying northward for vifitatioun ofthe Prefby
tries of Cathnes and Sudderland, he addreft himfelfe to the Marqueis of
Huntlie, and remained with him the fpace of thrie dayes, dureing the quhilk
tyme he conferrit with him anent the contravertit heids of religioun, and
defyrit of his Lordffiip that he wald fhew him quherin he doubtit, that to

1120 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
the effect be his conference he might be refolvit of fuch heids quherof he
was not as get fullie fatiffied, quhilk his Lordffiip promifed to doe at his
back coming : and lykeways having demanded, why his Lordffiips kirks
were not plantit, and why he refortit not to the preaching at the ordinar
tymes in paroch kirks ?
To the firft he anfuerit, That the non planting of his kirks proceids vpon
the not giving licence to the Perfons of the faids kirks to renew his taks,
conforme to the promife made to his Lordffiip be the Commiffioners of the
Affemblie, at the tyme that his Lordffiip grantit to the augmentatioun of
the rents of the faid kirks.
As to the fecond, He could not weill refort to the paroch kirks, partlie,
in refpect of the meane rank of fuch as were within the paroch, and partlie,
in refpect his Lordffiips predeceffours were in vfe to have a chappell in
thair awin houfe, quhilk he was myndit to profecute now, feeing he was
prefentlie repairing [to] his houfe of Strathbogie.
The faid Mr George being demandit, why he made no longer refidenee
with his Lordffiip, conforme to his commiffioun, anfwerit, that he could
not, becaufe the Marqueis of Huntlie was vpon his voyage fouthward, at
his Majefties directioun, for reconciliatioun of the feid betuixt him and the
Erie of Murray, quhilk feid was the caufe that his Lordffiip could not
communicat. Being callit lykewayes, Mr Alexander Lindfay and William Couper, Com
miffioners appointit be the laft Affemblie to awaite vpon the Erie of Erroll
for the effect forfaid, compeirand Mr Alexander Lindfay, declairit, that he
had awaitit vpon the faid Noble Lord dureing his remaining in the Carfe of
Gowrie, and that he fand him a diligent heirer of the Word : and having
requyrit of him, if he doubted of any thing, his Lordffiip anfuerit, That, at
the tyme of his reconciliatioun, he did the famein vnfainedly, and had caftin
all fcruples away. As concerning the planting of his kirks, that he had pro
vydit the famein of his awin benevolence ; and that he wald communicat at
fick tyme as the facrament fould be miniftrat at any of his awin kirks,
quherat his refidenee fould be for the tyme.
Being callit, Mr Johne Spottifwood and James Law, Commiffioners ap
pointit to awayt vpon the Erie of Angus, Mr Johne Spottifwood excufit
himfelfe, becaufe he was directit be his Majeftie to awaite vpon the Duke
of Lennox in his ambaffadrie to France ; in refpect quherof, Mr James
Law, being appointit Commiffioner conjunctlie with the faid Mr Johne,

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1121
could doe nothing him alone : but becaufe it was reportit be the haill bre
thren of thefe parts quher the faid Erie does haunt, that he did neither re
fort to the heiring of the Word, nor partieipatioun of the facraments, bot,
be the contrair, mantainit profeft enemies to the religioun in his companie,
fick as ane Mr Charles Browne ; therfor, to advife in the conference for
remeid therof.
Being callit, Mr John Carmichaell, Commiffioner appointit to awaite
vpon my Lord Hoome, declarit, that he execute no part of his commiffioun,
be reafon of the faid Lords abfence foorth of the countrey.
The lyke excufe was vfit be Mrs David Lindfay and Johne Hall, quho
were appointit to await on my Lord Herreis, in cace that he repairit to
Edinburgh, declaring, that the faid Lord remainit but a verie ffiort fpace
in the faid towne.
Anent the Commiffioners appointit be the laft Affemblie to awaite vpon
the conftant platt : My Lord Collectour being prefent, declarit, that the
ftay of that worke proeeidit vpon the default of the Prefbytries, quho, for
the moft part, had nevir returnit ane anfuer of his Majefties letters direct
be his Commiffioners of the conftant platt, without the quhilk they could
not proceid : and," therfor, the Affemblie ordaines fick as had not reportit
thair anfuers, to produce them the morne.
Anent the Commiffioners appointit for vifitatioun of Prefbytries : The
Affemblie ordaines them to give in thair diligence in wryte the morne, that
the famein may be tryit and confidderit be the Affemblie. And becaufe
ther hes bein flack, or no executioun of fick Commiffions in tyme bygane,
be reafon of carlefnes of lick as were appointit to accept the fame : Ther
for, it is ordainit, that, in tyme comeing, fick as falbe appointit Commif
fioners, fall accept the commiffiouns on them, and promife be thair aithes,
in face of the Affemblie, to doe thair honeft and faithfull diligence in the
executioun therof; and to report the famein to the nixt Affemblie in wryte,
vnder the paines conteinit in the acts of the Generall Affemblie.
Being callit the Commiffioners of the Generall Affemblie to give ane
account of thair proceidings fen the laft Affemblie, they were ordainit to
'give in thair diligence in wryt the morne.
The quhilks things being confidderit be the haill Affemblie, it was thocht
moft expedient, that certaine qualified perfons be chofin out of the Minif
trie, for planting of fuch parts of the countrey as are deftitute of the Word
of God ; and fpeciallie, that qualified men be chofin out to be appointit
7c

1122 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
Minifters to the particular families of the faid Noblemen : and lykewayes
that the catiouners of thefe quho were fufpect of religioun, and were or
dainit be his Majeftie to paffe off the countrie, be ftraitit conforme to thair
band, and fpeciallie for Patrick Butter, Patrick Mortimer, and vthers,
and themfelves [to] be lykewayes chargit for breaking of the faid band.

Seffio 3a- 11 Novembris.
Anent the fummounds raifit at the inftance of the Provinciall of Low
thiane and Tweddall, aganis Dame Helenour Hay, Countes of Lithgow,
makand mentioun, That in the proceffe of excommunicatioun led and de-
duceit againft her, be the Prefbytrie of Lynlithgow, flio made appellatioun
from the faid Prefbytrie to this prefent Affemblie, and therfor ordaining
her to be fummoundit to [compeir befor] this Affemblie, the thrid day
therof, to profecute her appellatioun, with certificatioun, and flie failziet,
the Affemblie wald allow of the proces led and deduceit aganis her be the
faid Prefbitrie, as at mair lenth is conteinit in the faids fummounds, of the
dait, at Edinburgh, the 3 of November 1602 : The fame being callit, the
Affemblie continues the fame in the felfe fame force and effect to the morne.
The brethren appointit for vifitatioun of the Preffiitries in the laft Affem
blie, quho were ordainit this day to produce thair diligence in wryte, being
callit, compeirit Mrs David Lindfay and Johne Spottifwood, Commiffioners
for Cliddifdaill ; Mr Andro Knox, Commiffioner for Air ; Mrs James Ni
colfone and Robert Howie, Commiffioners for Fyfe ; Mr Robert Durie,
Commiffioner for Orknay ; and Mr George Glaidftanes, Commiffioner for
Cathnes ; and produceit thair diligence in wryte. The reft of the faids
Commiffioners either were not prefent, or had done no diligence. Quhilks
diligences producit, the Affemblie ordainit to be vifited be the brethren,
Mrs Johne Hall, Walter Balcanquell, Patrick Walkinfchaw, Archibald Mon
ereiff, and James Anderfon, and therafter to report what they have found
in it to the haill Affemblie.
The faid day, the Commiffioners quho were appointit in the laft Affem
blie, for planting of burrowes tounes vacand, and awaiteand vpon his Ma
jeftie, quho were ordainit this day to produce thair diligence [and proceed
ings in wryte,] to the effect they might be tryit be the brethren, and either
¦allowit or diffallowit, [conforme] as they deferved ; being callit, they com-

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1123
peirit ; and, in name of the reft, Mr James Nicolfone, Minifter at Migle,
produceit thair haill proceidings in wryte ; quhilk being [openly] read in
prefence of the haill Affemblie, and the brethren being demandit be the
Moderator, if they had any thing to fay againft tha famein, or againft them
in any vther heid quhatfumevir : Efter the particular votes of every ane
of the Commiffioners was fpeirit, the Affemblie allowit of the laid proceid
ings, and thankit God for the fame.
The quhilk day, the brethren conveinit in this prefent Affemblie having
confidderit, that nothing is more neceffar for the advancement of Gods
glorie and his true religioun within this realme, then that the cheife rowmes
and places within the countrey, fuch as are noblemens houfes and families,
be plantit with learnit and difcreit Paftours, able not only to inftruct and
confirm the faid noblemen, thair wyves, cliildren, and families, in the true
feare of God, and heids of fincere religioun profeft prefentlie within this
realme, bot alfo quho may, be thair provident care and diligence, procure
that the families of fuch noblemen be not corruptit with the companie and
hanting of profeft Papifts, Jefuites, [and vther] Seminarie Priefts, quho
goes about daylie to fmore and put out the fpunks of true religioun and
knowledge of God kindlit in the faids noblemens hearts ; and becaufe
prefentlie fuch men cannot be found to vndertake the charge of the faids
noblemens houfes, as faid is : Therfor, the Affemblie hes thocht good,
that, for a tyme, brethren meiteft for the purpofe fould be borrowit from
thair awin places, to remaine for the fpace of a quarter of ane geir conti-
nuallie with the faids noblemen, be whofe labours in the meane tyme, quhill
ane conftant and permanent provifioun may be found out for the planting
of thefe rowmes, the faids noblemen and thair families jnay be confirmit in
the trueth, and the enemies therof debarrit from thair companies ; and
therafter to returne to thair awin charges ; and in the meane tyme, that
the Preffiitries take ordour that thair places be furnifchit dureing thair
abfence : And, therfor, they have electit and nominat the brethren fol
lowing to awaite vpon the faids noblemen dureing the fpace forfaid, viz.
Mr William Scott, Minifter at Kennoquhy, to remaine with the Marqueis
of Huntlie ; for the Erie of Erroll, Mr Alexander Lindfay ; for the Erie
of Angus, Mr James Law ; for the Lord Hoome, Mr Johne Carmichaell ;
for the Lord Maxwell, fo long as he remaines in the Caftle of Edinburgh,
Mr Henrie Blyth; for the Lord Hereis, Mr Robert Wallace; for the
Lord Semple, the Preffiitrie of Irwing, fo long as he remaines within the

1124 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
fame ; and in cace he remaine within the Preffiitrie of Paiflay, the faid
Prefbitrie to awaite vpon him ; and lykewayes for the Erie of Sutherland,
the Preffiitrie of Edinburgh, in cace he make his refidenee within the fame :
And in cace any of the noblemen make thair refidenee any tyme in Edin
burgh, or within the Prefbitrie therof, the Affemblie ordaines the Prefbitrie
of Edinburgh to direct twa brethren of thair number, with the lyke power as
the brethren above fpecifeit, to awaite vpon every ane of the faids noblemen
that falbe found refident within thair Prefbitrie : quhilks brethren forfaid,
and every ane of them, fall receive the articles in wryte fra this Affemblie,
quherin they fall travell with the laids Noblemen. Quhilks articles the
Affemblie ordaines to be pennit be Mrs James Melvill, James Nicolfone,
Johne Carmichaell, Patrick Galloway, William Scott, and Alexander Lind
fay, to be givin in the morne to the Affemblie, that the brethren may con-
fidder the famein. The tenour quherof followis.

Inftructiouns for the brethren appointit be the Generall Affemblie to
attend vpon the Marqueis of Huntlie, the Erles of Angus and
Erroll, the Lords Hoome, Herreis, and Maxwell.
Firft, ge fall addreffe gourfelves with all convenient diligence and ne
ceffar furniture to entir in thair companie and families, ther to remaine ftill
with them for the fpace of thrie monethis continuall ; dureing the quhilk
tyme gour principall care falbe, by publick doctrine, by reiding and inter-
pretatioun of the Scriptures ordinarlie at thair tables, and by conference at
all meitt occafiouns? to inftruct themfelves in the haill grounds of true re
ligioun and godlinefs, fpeciallie in the heids controvertit, and confirme
them therin.
2. Take paines to catechife thair families ordinarlie every day, once or
twyfe at the leift, or fo oft as may ferve to bring them to fome reafonable
meafure of knowledge and feiling of religioun, befor the expyring of the
tyme prefcryvit for gour remaining ther ; and let this actioun begin and end
with prayer.
3. Preafe to have thair houfes purgit of all perfons living inordinately,
whofe evill example might be a flander to thair profeffioun, fpeciallie fuch
as are of fufpect religioun, and found any wayes buffie in traffiqueing aganis

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1125
the trueth, and quyetnes of the eftate of the countrey ; and be carefull to
have all fick perfons furth of thair houfes and companie.
4. Travell to have thair kirks plantit with fufficient provifioun of fti
pends, and weill qualified perfons ; and procure, that, be thair authoritie
and affiftance, the difcipline of the Kirk may have executioun within thair
bounds. 5. Perfwade them to make honeft provifioun of ftipends for the inter
tainment of refident Paftours at thair houfes and cheife dwelling places ;
and to make choife of learnit, grave, and wyfe Paftours, to be plantit therat.
6. Urge performance of the articles aggreeit vpon and fubfcryvit at the
tyme of thair reconciliatioun, and regiftrat in the bookes of the Affemblie,
quheroutof ge fall extract them.
7. Informe the Kings Majeftie fra tyme to tyme, how they have profited,
and quhat companie reforts to them, and quhat difpofitiouns thair com
panies are of.
Quhilks articles being red in audience of the Affemblie, the brethren
approvit the famein, and ordainit them to be infert, with the commiffioun
given to the Minifters appointit to remaine with the faids Lords, in the
bookes of the Affemblie.
The brethren appointit to vifite the diligence of the vilitours appointit
in the laft Affemblie, finds fault, that in all thair diligences produceit, ex
cept of Cathnes and Fyfe, the vifitors hes not exactlie tryed the lyfe, doc
trine, and converfatioun of every Minifter at his awin kirk and be his awin
flock, but nakedlie and flenderlie be a generall view at the Synodall Affem
blies ; quhilk the Affemblie finds fault with, and ordaines to be amendit in
tyme comeing.
[Under colour of vilitation, the King, and Commiffioners of the Generall
Affembly his led horfe in the Affembly, preffed to put two Bifhops in pof-
feffion of their jurifdiction. This was efpied, and greatly withftood, name
ly in the perfon of Mr George Glaidftanes. The far greateft number of
the Affembly refufed to appoint him of new vifiter of Cathnefs, left the
power of vifitation continued in his perfon ffiould put him in pofeffion of
that Biffioprick, whereof he had already received the title ; yet be autho
rity and cunning convoy his commiffion was renewed, and for the fafhions
lake an order fet doun for vifitation.

1126 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
The Commiffion for vifitation here followes. C.J
The quhilk day, the brethren conveinit in this Affemblie, having rypelie
weyit how neceffar it is, that ane general vifitatioun be for inquyring in
the lyfe, doctrine, qualificatioun, and converfatioun of every ane of the
Miniftrie in particular ; the quhilk albeit it was committit to the charge of
the vifitours appointit be the laft Affemblie, nevirtheles they, or at the leaft
the moft of them, hes done fmall or no diligence in the executioun of that
profitable worke committit to thair charge, excufit partlie be infirmitie and
feiknes, and partlie be vther neceffar affaires, quherin they were imployit,
as they alledgit : Therfor, the Affemblie, not willing that fuch a neceffar
and profitable worke fould want the awin good execution [and fuccefs,] hes
nominat, and be thir prefents nominats thir brethren following, thair verie
laufull Commiffioners for vifitatioun of the bounds vnderwrytin, every ane
of them for thair awin parts, as they are particularlie defignit ; viz. for
Orknay, Mr Robert Pont; for Cathnes and Sudderland, Mr George
Glaidftanes, Mr Alexander Rawfone ; for Rofs, Mr David Lindfay ; for
Murray, Mrs Peter Blackburne, Abraham Sibbald ; for Aberdein, Mrs
William Scott and Alexander Lindfay ; for Angus and Mernes, Mrs Ro
bert Wilkie and James Melvill ; for Perth and Striveling, Mrs James Mer-
tin and Johne Caldcleugh ; for Fyfe, Mrs James Nicolfone and Robert
Howie ; for Lauthiane, Mrs Patrick Sharp, Johne Couper ; for Mers and
Teviotdaill, Mrs Johne Carmichaell and James Law ; for Cliddifdaill, Mrs
Johne Spottifwood, William Airthur ; for Irwing and Air, Mrs Andro
Boyd, Johne Hay ; for Nithefdaill and Annandaill, Mrs Johne Knox,
Patrick Shaw, and Johne Smith ; for Galloway, Mrs Johne Welfli, Hew
Fullertoun ; for Argyle, Mrs Andro Knox, Andro Lamb : Giveand,
grantand, and committand to every ane of them conjundtlie, and in cace
of feiknefs of any ane of them, with power to the vther, &c. to try the
brethren of the Miniftrie within the bounds particularlie above committit to
every ane of thair charges refpective, in thair life, dodlrine, qualificatioun,
and converfatioun, and how they behave themfelves tuiching the rents of
thair benefices, whither they have fett taks of the famein but confent of the
Generall Affemblie, or not ; and fo incurrit the cenfure of dilapidatioun :
with power alfo to try the Preffiitries within the faids bounds, if they have
keipit thair ordinar conventiouns, and particular vifitatiouns of thair awin
kirks, and vfit and exercifeit all fuch things as belongs to the Prefbitrie :

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1127
with power alfo to them to try every particular congregatioun within the
bounds committit to thair vifitatioun : and generallie, to try every ane of the
Miniftrie, Preffiitries, and Congregatiouns, conforme to the particular or
dour of vifitatioun fett downe in this Affemblie. And in cace any fault or
enormitie be found be them in any of the faids vifitatiouns committit to
them, with power to cenfure the famein according to the act of the Gene
rall Affemblie ; and as they proceid in thair faid vifitatioun, that they re
port thair haill proceffe and diligence to the nixt Generall Affemblie :
Promitten de rato, &c.

Seffio 4"« 12 Novembris.
The faid day it being confiderit be the Affemblie, that for inlake of ane
conftant and vniforme ordour of vifitatioun of Synods, Preffiitries, and par
ticular kirks, the labours and travells takin hitherto hes bein almoft vn-
profitable and ineffedtuall : Therfor, that ane folid ordour may be takin
and generallie obfervit in vifitatiouns in all tymes comeing throughout the
haill kirks within this realme, the Affemblie ordaines the brethren follow
ing, viz. Mrs Robert Pont, Patrick Galloway, James Carmichaell, Wil
liam Scott, Alexander Lindfay, to advyfe anent the fubiect of vifitatiouns,
and the forme and ordour of proceffe that falbe vfit in the fame in all tyme
coming, and to produce the famein in wryte to the Affemblie the morne.
The quhilk day the brethren haveand confidderit the great travells and
paines takin be thair brother, Mr Johne Howefone, Minifter at Cambuflang,
in anfuering to Bellarmine in thrie fundrie volumnes, and how profitable
the fame wilbe to the Kirk of God, quhilk he prefentit to the Affemblie,
defyreing the fame to be revifit be them, to the effect, if they be found
worthie, they may be put foorth in print ; they appointit the faid worke,
firft, to be revifit be Mrs Robert Howie, James Nicolfone, and James Ro-
bertfone ; therafter, be Mr Andro Melvill ; and laft, be Mrs Robert Pont
•and Johne Hall j and to report to the nixt Affemblie : quhilk bookes are
prefentlie delyverit to Mr Robert Howie.
Anent the conftant platt: The brethren appointit to fitt therypon with his
Majefties Commiffioners being demandit, quhat effect thair travells had
takin in the fame, they producit the conclufioun of the Commiffioners of the

1128 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
faid platt, refolving in 3 heids, out of the quhilk ane fould be chofen, as
the moft ready way for effectuating the faid work ; quherof the tenour fol
lowis. Overtures of the Commiffioners of the Plat to be advifit with his Majeftie.
If everie Minifters ftipends being affignit out of the fruites of the Kirk
quher he ferves be the benevolence of the takfmen, that they fall grant to
the augmentatioun of the faid ftipend.
If ther falbe ane perpetuall fecuritie made to the faid taxmen of thair
teinds, vpon a fpeciall greffome to be condifcendit vpon for ilk chalder, for
the fpace of xix geirs ; and to be renewit geirlie therafter, for the faid fpace,
for the lyke greiffome, upon this conditioun, that the faid principal tackf-
men fall grant and renew the lyke fecuritie to thair fubtakfmen, for pay
ment of thair part of the faid greiffome pro rato, quher any fubtaks are.
Or if the great benefices falbe provydit to Minifters vpon this conditioun,
that all the kirks of the Prelacies be plantit with fufficient Paftours, and be
provydit with competent livings, as the modifiers of the conftant platt fall
think expedient, and he to pay the Kings Majeftie geirlie the tent part of
the fruites of the faids benefices, quhilk fall reft by and attour the fuftenta
tioun of the faids Minifters ; and that all the inferiour benefices falbe pro
vydit to Minifters ferving the cure of the faids kirks, as weill Perfonages
as Viccarrages.
Or if all the great benefices falbe diffolved, and the Prelat to have the
principall kirk of the Prelacie with the temporal lands therof ; and the reft
of the kirks to be provydit with qualified Minifters ; and the faid Prelate
and titulars of the faids kirks to pay ane geirlie duetie to his Majeftie, as
the benefice may beare at the licht of the Commiffioners forfaids.
Quhilk overtures beeand red in the licht of the Affemblie, it was ordainit,
that every Synod fould have a copie of them, to be advyfit therwith vntill
the morne, that they might give thair advice to his Majeftie, quhilk of the
thrie were moft meitt to be imbraceit.
[The purpofe of the King and Commiffioners was efpyed and plainly
withftood. A better than any of the three fet doun formerly in writ, was
produced, viz. a formed platt for planting all the kirks of the realme, by
diffolving of the Prelacies, and planting of fifty Prefbytries in their place,
the Commiffioners whereof ffiould have vote in Parliament. This was the

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1129
plat form fet doun by Commiffion from his Majeftie, and the Eftates of
Parliament, the year 1597. But this overture found no place, for the pur
pofe was well prepared before hand.
The Provincial Synod of Fife conveening at Kinghorn the laft Tuefday
of September, agreed upon fome articles to be prefented to this Affembly
to be advifed upon. They were often rejected, but at laft, through impor-
tunitie, they were read. C.J
Anent the referris and petitiouns of the Synod of Fyfe givin in to this
prefent Affemblie, to be advyfed vpon be the famein : The brethren no-
minats Mrs James Melvill, Johne Carmichaell, Robert Durie, William
Scott, Johne Cowden, Johne Fairfull, James Nicolfone, Andro Lamb,
Robert Howie, Patrick Sharp, George Gladftanes, and Johne Spottifwood,
to conveine the morne at aucht houres, and advyfe vpon anfuers for fatif-
fadlioun of the faid petitiouns, and to report the famen to the Affemblie.
The Articles of the Synod of Fyffe.
1. ltwald bemeinit tethe Generall Affemblie, that the Generall Affem
blies are not ordinarlie keipit, notwithftanding of the acts of Parliament
and Generall Affemblie, and neceffitie of the tyme ; bot the dyetts therof
altered without the knowledge of the Preffiitries and Synods.
2. That Minifters are callit befor his Hienes Secreit Counfell, in prima
inftantia, for doctrine and difcipline ; quhilk is a great incouragement to
the enemies.
3. That all applicatiouns in Exercifes of Preffiitries is found fault with,
vnder pretence of the act of the Generall Affemblie ; the quhilk act ther
for wald be fightit and cleirly interpretit.
4. That the governement of the cheife matters of the Kirk continues in
the hands of a few number, vnder the name of a Commiffioun, to the pre
judice ofthe liberties ofthe Synods and Preffiitries.
5. That the Doctours bearing ordinar calling in the Kirk, be the difci
pline and cuftome therof, are debarrit from the Affemblies.
6. That the Affemblie hes takin no tryall hithertill, anent the cautioun
fett downe for avoiding of corruptioun in the Commiffioners, [voters in
the Parliament.
7. That the abfence of the Paftours of Edinburgh, [and the] alteratioun
7d

1130 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
of the Miniftrie therof, quhilk was the cheife watch tower of our Kirk,
hurts greatlie the caufe of religioun, and encourages the enemies.
8. That ther is diftractioun of opiniouns different from that confent of
hearts, quhilk hes bein in the Kirk befor, in weghtie caufes ; and over lit
tle confideratioun, deliberatioun, and reafoning had, quherby conclufions
paffe, almoft the halfe of the brethren gainfaying.
9. That the land is defylit, and the Kirk endamnagit, by the French
Ambaffadours mefs.
10. Excommunicat perfons for Papiftrie fufferit to haunt the countrey
publicklie and peaceablie.
11. That the noblemen latelie relaxit fra excommunicatioun for Papif
trie, gives no tokin of the profeffioun of the trueth, but rather the contrair.
12. That apprehendit Papifts diredliouns and letters are keipit clofe ;
and the danger imminent therby to the Kirk not communicat to the watch
men, quherby they may make faithfull warning, and prevent the perrill.
13. That the difcipline of the Kirk againft murther, inceft, and adul
terie, is not practifed, [nor execute] with that holie feveritie that becomes ;
notwithftanding of the frequent remiffions obteinit be criminall perfons, for
efcheWing of civill punifhment.
14. That the remedies fett downe aganis apprehendit dangers, at diverfe
tymes, and at diverfe meitings ofthe Kirk, are not followed foorth.
Anent the act made of befor aganis fick perfons as abftaines from the
holie communioun, either for Papiftrie, or for the colour of deadlie feids :
The Affemblie ordaines, that every ane of the Miniftrie keip this ordour
following [within his kirk,] to wit, That he warnefick perfons, be the fpace
of moneths befor the communioun, to compeir be themfelves for the
famein ; quhilk beand done, and they diffobey, that every Minifter incon
tinent therafter fend the names of the diffobeyars fubfcrivit with his hand
to ane of his Majefties Minifters, quha fall intimat the famein to his Majef
tie and his Hienes Thefaurer, to the effect that his Hienes Thefaurer may
put the acts made aganis non communicants to executioun aganis them ;
and that everie Prefbitrie command the Minifters within thair Prefbitrie to
be diligent in the executioun of this act.
Becaufe it was meinit be the brethren, that the fupplicatioun made in the
laft Affemblie to his Majeftie anent the reftraining of the libertie of noble
men and gentlemens fonnes, that paffes foorth of the countrey to fuch places

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1131
quher ther is reftraint of the true religioun, Therfor his Majeftie declairit, in
prefence of the haill Affemblie, that he wald give a command to the Secrei-
tar> that he fould fubfcryve no warrand for paffing of noblemen or gentle
mens fonnes foorth of the countrey, except they firft fand catioun conforme
to the tenour of the act made in the laft Affemblie, anent paffing of gen
tlemens fonnes foorth of the countrey.
The faid day, the Kings Majeftie having declairit that it was requifite
that his Hienes had another Minifter adjoynit to his houfe, to the effect the
Prince might be broght vp in the true religioun, Therfor the Affemblie
tranfports Mr James Nicolfone from the kirk of Megle, and appoints him
to be Minifter at the Kings houfe, to the effect forfaid ; and ordaines him
to entir in the faid fundtioun betuixt and the 15 day of Februar nixt to
come, vnder the paine of deprivatioun, provyding he be firft fufficientlie
provydit be the Kings Majeftie : And lykewayes ordaines Mr Andro
Lamb to entir in his cure [in his Majefties houfe,] betuixt and the firft of
Januar nixt to come, vnder the faid paine.
Anent the planting of the kirks of Edinburgh : Johne Robertfone and
George Herriot, Commiffioners for the faid towne, being callit, declairit
that for the prefent they had bot thrie kirks, quhilks alreadie were plantit
with fixe Minifters ; and quhen as thair fourth kirk, quhilk is prefentlie
bigging, is compleit, they wald crave fupplement of vther twa Minifters.

Seffio 5a- 13 Novembris.
The brethren appointit for penning the forme and fubject of vifitatioun
of kirks, gave in thair advyfe as followes :
The vifitours fall appoint twa or thrie dayes for the tryall of every Pref
bitrie within the bounds of thair vifitatioun ; and be the fpace of a moneth,
or twentie dayes at the leaft, befor thair edicts, they fall make the Prefbi
trie acquaint therwith, and fend them the edict following, to be publifchit
at every paroch kirk be fome vther brother then the Minifter, that it may
be dewlie execute, reportit, and indorfit to the viftours, at the firft dyett of
[thair] meiting. [Edict.
Blank : For this Edict was never formed. C]

1132 THE BOOKE OF THE i602.
Let the Edicts be fo directit be the Preffiitries, that ane equall number
[fall to] be tryit in every ane of the dayes appointit for tryall of ilk Prefbi
trie ; and the Commiffioners of eongregatiouns to be chargit to thair awin
dyetts accordinglie.
Try the eftate, firft, of every Minifter particularlie ; therafter the eftate
of the eongregatiouns and countrey ; and laft the eftate of the Preffiitrie in
generall. The particular tryall of Paftours.
Try ilk Paftour feverallie, in his graces, and habilitie to difcharge his
calling ; in his furniture of bookes and neceffar helps that may inable him
in his calling ; with quhat fidelitie and prudence he difcharges himfelfe in
doctrine and difcipline, in his lyfe, and the eftate of his living.
For this effect, inquyre firft of the Commiffioners of his congregatioun,
quhat teftimonie he hes of his awin Seffioun and remanent of his flock ; and
in fpeciall if he be refident in his parochin vpon his manfs and gleib ; if his
awin lyfe and the governement of his familie, be fuch as breids no offence,
bot edifies his flock ; if he teaches every Sabboth once or twyfe, and if he
teaches any vther dayes in the weik ; if he minifters the communioun geir
lie with due examinatiouns preceiding ; if he hes ane eftablifchit Seffioun
of Elders and Deacons ; if he keips a weiklie conventioun with his Seffioun
for the exercife of difcipline ; if he catechifes weiklie a part of his parochin ;
if he keips ane ordinar vifitatioun of fome families of his congregatioun
weiklie ; if he vifites the feik and diftreft quhen occafioun requyres ; if he
be carefull to take away all eyelifts and variances that falls out in the con
gregatioun. Therafter, if neid beis, let him be tryed be the opening vp of fome place
of Scripture, and be queftiouns ; let it be inquyrit of him, quhat helps he
hes for the advancement of his ftudies ; if he hes the text of the Scripture
in the originall languages, in cace he be fein in the tongues ; if he hes
Tremellius tranflatioun of the Auld Teftament, and Bezas of the New,
with the vulgar Inglis tranflatioun ; if he hes the Common Places ; if he
hes the Ecclefiafticall Hiftorie ; quhat Commentaries he hes vpon the Scrip
tures, and fpeciallie vpon his ordinar text ; if he hes the Adts of the Coun
fell of [Trent ;] and quhat vther wryters of the controverfies of religioun ;
and if he vfes the conference of brethren for his reformatioun in the doubts.

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1133
that he finds in his reiding, and of quhom ; if he hes ane ordinary courfe
of reiding the Scriptures, Ecclefiafticall Hiftories, and Controverfies ; iflie
makes any memoriaU of his travells in wryte ; quhat is his ordinary text ;
if he be provydit in the title of the Perfonage or Viccarrage, and if he lies
fett any tacks therof, to quhom, and on quhat conditioun ; in whofe hands
are the rents of his kirk ; and quhat is the beft overture he can give for
provifioun of a ftipend therat, in cace it be not alreadie fufficientlie provy
dit : and ficht the Seffioun Booke.
The brether beand removit, let the Prefbitrie be inquyrit ane be ane,
and declare vpon thair confcience quhat they know anent his graces, fideli
tie in doctrine and difcipline, and anent his lyfe and converfatioun. After
the quhilk tryall, let him be judgeit, and either allowit or admonifched ; or
vtherwayes cenfured, as the caufe requyres.
The triall of the Congregatiouns.
Try every Minifter particularlie, if ther be any Jefuites, Papifts, Semi
narie Preifts, traffiquers againft the eftate of religioun and quyetnes of the
countrey, within thair congregatioun, or refetters of them : if ther be any
witches, excommunicats, contraveiners of the difcipline of the Kirk; [if
ther be any fuperftitious dayes keipit, be letting out of banefires, J or vther
wayes ; if ther be any fuperftitious places of pilgrimages, wells, and chap
pells ; if ther be any non communicants ; [if ther be any] homicides, or
deadlie feids ; if ther be any adulterers, or inceftuous perfons ; if the Sab
both be profaned be keiping of mercatts, or labouring, fpeciallie in the
tyme of harveft : And as they find in the premiffes, to take ordour for re
formatioun of the points forfaids, or any part therof.
Tryell ofthe Preffiitries.
Let the Moderatour be inquyred, if they keip thair ordinar conven-
tiouns ; if they have thair monethlie difcourfe vpon the commoun heids
and difputatiouns ; if they [have] vifited the haill kirks within thair bounds
fen the laft generall vifitatioun ; if they take ouklie and monethlie account
of thair brethrens diligence in the difcharge of thair dutie, by catechiling
and viliteing of thair families ; and licklyke, if ther be any of thair num
ber that be infolent, and will not acquiefee in the determinatiouns of his

1134 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
brethren ; [if ther be any eyelift or divifioun amang the brethren ;] quhat
vnplantit kirks are in thair bounds. •
Quhilk forme the Affemblie thinks good, and ratifies and approves the
famein ; and ordaines it to be vniverfallie obferved in all tyme comeing, in
all vifitatiouns within this realme : and ordaines the power of the vifitours
to be direct conforme to the acts of the Generall Affemblie.
The faid day, the brethren appointit to vifite the petitiouns ofthe Synodall
of Fyffe, condifcendit vpon the anfuers following.
Anfuers to the Petitiouns of the Synodall of Fyfe.
1 . Finds, that the Generall Affemblies fould be appointit and keipit ac
cording to the act of Parliament, haldin at Edinburgh the 5 of Junij 1592
geirs, quherof the tenour followes, fo farre as concerns that point : And
ficklyke ratifies and approves the Generall Affemblies appointit be faid kirk ;
and declares that it falbe lawfull to the Kirk and Minifters, everie geir
once at the leaft, or oftener pro re nata, as occafioun and neceffitie fall re
quyre, to haid and keip Generall Affemblies ; provydand that the Kings
Majeftie, or his Commiffioners with them, to be appointit be his Hienes,
being prefent at ilk Generall Affemblie befor the diffolving therof, nominat
and appoint a tyme and place, quhen and quher the nixt Generall Affem
blie fould be : And in cace neither his Majeftie nor his faids Commiffion
ers beis prefent for the tyme, in that towne quher the Generall Affemblie
beis haldin ; then and in that cace it falbe leifum to the faid Generall
Affemblie be themfelves to nominat and appoint tyme and place, [quhen
and] quher the nixt Generall Affemblie of the Kirk beis keipit and haldin,
as they have bein in vfe thir tymes by paft.
2. If his Majeftie fall proceid againft Minifters, according to his Majefties
awin declaratioun made and inactit in the Generall Affemblie haldin at
Dundie [1597,J Seffioun 10. the defyre ofthe fecond article is fatiffied, and
no vther thing meanit therby.
3. Thinks it expedient, that the act anent the applicatioun in the Exer
cife, be interpret not to be extendit to forbid the vfing of the Word of
God in applicatioun to the general ends therof, quhilk is laufull to exercife
after this manner ; this heid of doctrine ferves for the refutatioun of fuch
ane errour, for the rebuik of fuch a vyce, for conforting of fuch a perfon in

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1135
fuch a cafe : And as for particular and perfonall applicatioun, leaves it
to be advyfit, whether it falbe in tyme comeing or not, and how farre ;
and thinks it good, that this be reafonit in the Preffiitries ; and then [that]
Commiflioners [be] fent with thair reafons to the nixt Affemblie theranent ;
and, in the meane tyme, no innovatioun to be vfit anent perfonall appli
catioun. 4. Let all commiffiouns be givin and vfed from this [tyme] foorth, ac
cording to the acts of the Generall Affemblie.
5. Finds, that Dodtours hes had, and may have, vote in the Generall
Affemblie, they haveand a laufull commiffioun for that effect, according as
it hes bein found be the Generall Affemblie haldin at Edinburgh the 10 of
May [1586,] and at 1581, quher it is found and declarit be
the act of the Generall Affemblie, that Dodtours fould concurre with the
Elders as brethren in all Affemblies.
6. Let the caveats be looked to, and preceiffie keipit in tyme comeing,
vnder the paines conteinit in the acts made theranent.
7. Anfuerit in the Affemblie.
8. [Nothing to be done and concluded in Affemblies, except it be fuf-
ficiently reafoned and deliberated. C]
9. Acquiefes in the declaratioun of the brethren that hes fpokin to his
Majeftie theranent ; and defyres Mr Walter Balcanquell to fhew the fame
to the Affemblie, and how the Preffiitrie of Edinburgh is fatiffied in this
point. 10. Let thair names be givin vp, that his Majeftie may take ordour with
them according to the lawis ; and in fpeciall with Captaine Halkerftoun,
Patrick Butter, Mr Alexander Leflie, Duncane Law, Thomas Browne,
William Leflie of Concraig, and Patrick Mortimer.
11. Endit (anfuerit ?) in the Affemblie.
12. To acquiefee in his Majefties declaratioun heiranent, and [to] requeift
his Majeftie, that the Preffiitries' be acquaint heirafter, in fuch cafe quher it
falbe neidfull.
13. Quher ther is negligence in this point, let it be amendit heirafter,
according to the acts of the Affemblie.
14. Let farther diligence be vfit, quher negligence hes bein.
'Quhilks anfuers the Affemblie allowes of, and ordaines the famein to be
infert in the Books ofthe Affemblie.

1136 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602

[The general Commiffion was renewed, as followeth. C]
The quhilk day, the Generall Affemblie haveand advyfedlie confidderit
the neceffitie of appointing Commiffioners from this prefent Affemblie, not
only to awaite vpon fuch affaires as falbe for the weill and vtilitie of the
Kirk [of God,] bot alfo to give advyfe to his Majeftie anent the halding
furth [of the enemies] of the fame, quhen they falbe requyrit be his Majef
tie therto : Therfor the brethren conveinit in this prefent Affemblie hes
givin and grantit, lyke as they, be the tenour heirof, gives and grants thair
full power and commiffioun to the brethren vnderwrytin, viz. Mrs Robert
Pont, David Lindfay, George Glaidftanes, David Hoome, Johne Clapper
toun, Johne Knox, Johne Spottifwood, Alexander Lindfay, Robert Howie,
Johne Hall, Johne Caldcleugh, Johne Straucban, Andro Knox, Gawin
Hamiltoun, James Law, Andro Boyd, Alexander Dowglas, Alexander
Forbes, Andro Leich, Robert Wilkie, Patrick Sharp, Peter Blackburne,
Patrick Simfone, with the Kings Minifters, or any nyne of them, Giveand,
grantand, and committand to them thair full power to plant fuch kirks in
Burrowftounes as [is] or falbe deftitute of Paftours :
Attour, If it fall happin the Kings Majeftie to be greivit at any of the
Minifters for quhatfumevir enormitie committit be them againft his Hienes,
with power to them, or any nyne of them, as faid is, to try and cognofce
thervpon, and to take fuch ordour theranent as they fall think meitt to the
glorie of God and weill of his Kirk.
And finallie, With power to them to prefent the greives and petitiouns
of this prefent Affemblie to his Majeftie and Secreit Counfell, and generall
Conventioun of Eftates and Parliament, if any fall happin to be ; and to
crave redreffe of the famein : Promitten de rato.
The faid day, the Affemblie, confidering that the conventiouns of the
peiple, efpeciallie on the Sabboth day, are verie rare in many places, efpe-
ciallie be diftractioun of labour, not only in harveft and feid tyme, bot
alfo every Sabboth, be fifching both of whyt fifch and falmond fifching, and
of ganging of mylnes of all forts vpon the Sabboth day, vnder the paine of
incurreing the cenfures of the Kirk ; and ordaines the Commiffioners of
this prefent Affemblie to meane the famein to his Majeftie, and to defyre
that ane pecuniall paine might be injoynit vpon the contraveiners of this
prefent act.

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1137
* [Motion was made when his Majeftie was prefent, for keeping of the
Sabbath day ; and mention was made in fpecial of the fait pannes. Mr
John Knox and Mr David Black took occafion to propone, that Mr John
Davidfon ffiould be fent for to give his advice, what order fhould be taken
with the falters. No, fayes the King, he fliall not come here ; if I knew
there were fix of his judgement in the Affembly, I ffiould not byde in it,
more than in Sodom or Gomorrah ; if he teach not on the 5th of Auguft,
he fall not teach in Scotland ; and if he were not an old man, he fhould
be hanged. C]
Anent the overtures givin in be the Commiflioners of the conftant plat,
with the quhilk the brethren were ordainit to be advylit : After mature
deliberatioun and voteing, the Affemblie thinks the fecond overture moft
expedient to be acceptit, bearing the provifioun of Minifters to all Prelacies,
with the conditiouns therin conteinit, as is above expreft.
Anent the planting of the kirks within the bounds of Annandaill, quhilk
hes bein defolat continuallie, fen the reformatioun of the religioun within
this countrey : After that the Kings Majeftie had made declaratioun of his
godlie intent theranent, how that his Majeftie was myndit to caufe the
barrones and gentlemen of Annandaill, at their compeiring befor his Hienes,
quhilk wilbe fhortlie, find fufficient catioun and fovertie for provifioun of rea
fonable and competent livings to every ane of the kirks within the bounds
of Annandaill ; and therfor defyreand that ane number of qualified men may
be provydit for to enter in the Miniftrie at the kirks within the faids bounds :
The Affemblie ordaines every ane of the Commiffioners prefent to give
vp the names of fuch perfons quho are vacand within thair Preffiitries, and
willing to entir in the Miniftrie, to the effect they may be exhortit and
earneftlie dealt with be the Commiffioners of the Generall Affemblie, quho
fall plant them in places they think moft meit, for to accept vpon them the
cure of the faids kirks, how foone fufficient provifioun may be found out
for them, and fecuritie for themfelves : And in cace that after all the dif-
cretioun [be] vfit with them, they then refufe to accept the faids callings
vpon them, the Affemblie declares that they falbe countit vncapable of the
function of the Miniftrie, ay and quhill they meine themfelves to the faid
* The last paragraph in the preceding page is printed as it is in two MSS. of B. U. K. ;
but after ganging of mylnes, and before of all sorts, C. has the following additional words,
which make the paragraph more perfect and intelligible. [The Assembly discharged, and inhi-
biteth all such labour of fishing, as well white fish as salmon fish, and going of mylnes. C] Ed.
7e

1138

THE BOOKE OF THE

1602.

Commiffioners, whofe calling and directioun they refufed, and be content
to be employed in any part they [fall] think expedient ; and if they be al
ready actuall Minifters, and craves tranfportatioun, if they refufe to be
tranfportit to any of the faids vackand kirks, the Affemblie finds, that the
libertie of tranfportatioun falbe denyed to them, fo that they fall remaine
at the faids kirks, fra the quhilk they craveit to be tranfportit.

The names of fuch as are vacand.

Brechin.

Mr Hendrie Fullertoun.
Mr Thomas Hogge.

Mr Dowgall Campbell.

Aberbrothock.
Mr Thomas Glover.
Dundie.
Mr David Lindfay. Mr Johne Scrymgeour.

Sanct Androes.

Mr William Wedderburne.
Mr Peter Bruce.

Mr Daniel Wilkie.
Mr David Kynneir.

Mr Thomas Ros.
Mr James Ros.

Perth.

Mr Alexander Balnevis.
Mr Patrick McGreigour.

Mers.

Mr Johne Spotifwood.
Mr Johne Gibfone.

Mr William Struther.

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1139
Irving.
Mr Robert Boyd. Mr Malcome Hamiltoun.
Mr James Montgomerie. Mr Robert Frenfeh.
Lanerick.
Mr George Cliddifdaill. Mr David Lindfay.
Mr David Roger.

Acta Seffione 6a- Novembris 1602.
Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be Alexander Stewart of Gairlies, Pro-
veft of Dumfreis, in name and behalfe of the Counfell and communtie of
the faid towne, makand mentioun, that quher be the tranfportatioun of
Mr Hew Fullertoun, fome tyme Minifter at thair kirk, the eftate of thair
congregatioun is altogether defolate in fick fort, that for inlake of a Paftor
quho fould attend vpon the flock, and to care the weill of thair foules, they
are not only depryvit of the fpirituall food and confort of the Word, but
alfo thair towne is become a receipt of excommunicat Papifts and Jefuites ;
defyreand therfor the Affemblie to conlidder thair miferable eftate, and to
provyde fome qualified man to be thair Paftour ; and in fpeciall, ane of
the leits given in be them, viz. [Mrs David Barclay,] William Airthur,
Alexander Scrymgeour, William Watfone, Hew Fullartoun ; promifing
that [not] only that they wold be reverent hearers of the Word, but alfo
[that] they wold concurre with him and affift him that falbe nominat to be
thair Paftour, in the executioun of difcipline of the Kirk to the vttermoft
of thair power; as at mair lenth is conteinit in thair fupplicatioun: The
Affemblie, after voting, hes chofin Mr William Airthur to be Minifter at
Dumfreis, quham they ordaine and appoint to be Minifter at the faid kirk,
after incalling on the name of God.
The faid day it was thoght good be the brethren, to be meanit, that
notwithftanding his Majefties good mynd and intentioun to have all the
kirks within this realme fufficientlie plantit with Minifters with competent
livings appointit for them ; and albeit it was provydit be the act of Februar,
and approvit in Parliament, that all the thrids of benefices fould be applyed
to the vfe of the Miniftrie ay and quhill the kirks were plantit, and that
penliouns givin [in prejudice] therof fould be null; get be importune

1140 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
futeing, ane great part of the faids thrids are difponit in penfiouns, to the
great hinderance not only of the prefent provifioun of Minifters, but alfo
of the conftant platt, quhilk his Majeftie intends : Defyreing therfor that
his Majeftie were informit therof, and take fuch ordour, that the faids dif-
pofitions made in contrair the faid act of Februar fould be retreatit, and
that command be givin to the modifiers of the platt of this inftant geir, to
affigne out of the faids penfiouns for planting of kirks, notwithftanding of
faids difpofitiouns : The quhilk his Majeftie moft willinglie grantit, and
promift to ftay all farther gifts in any tyme comeing.
Item, The Affemblie thocht expedient to adjoyne and nominat vthers
out of the number of the brethren to be adjoynit to thefe, quhilk were nomi
nat be Commiffioners of Provinces conveinit at Halierudehous, the 15 of
October 1600 geirs, out of the quhilk number his [Majeftie] fould make
choife of luch as he fould prefent to the benefices vacand. The names of
them all are, as followes, Mrs Robert Pont, Robert Howie, James Nicol
fone, Alexander Scrymgeour, Johne Forbes, Gawin Hamiltoun, George
Monro, James Robertfone, Johne Howifone, James Melvill, Andro Knox,
Patrik Galloway, Alexander Dowglas, Alexander Lindfay, Robert Wilkie,
Johne Spottifwood, William Malcolme, Alexander Forbes, Johne Knox,
Andro Lamb, Johne Clappertoun, George Grahame, Robert Bruce, John
Carmichell, Patrick Lindfay.
[We find here fome named only for the faffiion ; for fome of them were
abfent, others plainly refufed ; and yet the good are fet doun among the
bad to grace them.
Mr Robert Bruce drew near to Edinburgh in the time of the Affembly.
George Heriot and John Robertfon, Commiffioners for the toun of Edin
burgh, made mention of his repofition, whereunto the Affembly applauded ;
but the King and the Moderator alledged, they had fundry things to pro
pone before that were granted. The King defired to have the interloqui-
tour of the Affembly, whether Mr Robert fliould be injoyned to utter in
pulpit that which he had offered in his bill, before his banifhment, and the
refolution which he had fubfcribed at Perth, after his return, or not. Mr
John Hall being firft afked, anfwered, there could be nothing done in that
matter, while the parties were firft heard. So it was thought meet, that
Mr Robert fliould be fent for ; but the matter was delayed till the end of
the Affembly. And howbeit he was neither called nor heard, they vote,
that he ffiould publifli in pulpit his bill and refolution.

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 11 11
The proceedings, as they are extant in the regifter, here follow. C]
Anent the requeift made be the Moderatour, in name of the haill Affem
blie, to his Majeftie, in favours of Mr Robert Bruce : His Majeftie de
clairit that he wald doe in that matter be the advyce of the Commiffioners
ofthe Generall Affemblie, and [as] Mr Robert be his awin behaviour fould
give him occaffioun. And becaufe Mr Robert Bruce had be his miffive
direct to his Majeftie befor his departure aff the countrey, as alfo be the
ratificatioun and farther examinatioun and explanatioun therof, in wryte
[at Sanct Johnftoun] the 26 of Junij 1602, declarit his refolutioun of his
Majefties innocencie, and guiltines ofthe Erie of Gowrie and his brother,
and promifed to divert the peiple fo farre as in him lay, from their leud
opiniouns and vncharitable conftrudtiouns anent his Majefties actiouns,
namlie, in this turne : Therfor, his Majeftie defyrit the determinatioun of
the Affemblie, Whither if the faid Mr Robert fould lykewayes make the
fame declaratioun in pulpitt, according as it is at length fett doune in the
faid miffive and explanatioun therof, at Perth, quherof the tenour followes.
• Pleis gour Majeftie : Hearing that gour Majeftie was nothing relentit
of the former wrath againft me, and being now vpon the point to ffiew my
obedience to your Majefties laft charge, I could not omitt this as my laft
duetie, to intreat gour Hienes elemeneie, and to mitigate the extremitie of
this intendit wrath. I am not ignorant of that fpeich, That the wrath of
the Prince is the meffinger of death ; fo that I crave, that the Lord for
Chryfts fake may adde his bleffing, and worke effectuallie in your Grace,
as he fall fie expedient for his awin glorie, and gour Majefties perpetuall
prefervatioun. Then to be ffiort : To ffiew my conformitie with the reft of my breth
ren of the Miniftrie, as at all tymes, fo now efpeciallie, to ffiew my reve
rence to gour Majeftie, and to cleir my fufpect affedliouns heirin, I offer
to give to the Father of our Lord Jefus Chryft, in him, and through him,
moft heartlie thanks for all gour Majefties delyveries from gour cradle to
this prefent houre ; but namelie, for that delyverie quhilk he gave to gour
Majeftie, [at Sana Johnftoun,] on Tuefday the 5 of Auguft, farre above
all gour (our ?) deferts, and gour Majefties expedtatioun.
I offer alfo to ftirre vp the peiple to that [fame] duetie, and alfo to di
vert the peiple fo farre as lyes in me, from thair lewd opiniouns, and vn
charitable conftrudtiouns of gour Majefties actiouns, namelie in this turne.

IIS 2 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
FinaUie, Ther is no duetie that gour Majeftie can crave of me, without
the [manifeft] offence of God, and hurt of my awin confcience, but I will
doe it with als good a heart as ever I did [any] thing in this earth ; that
if by any meanes I might teftifie my good affedlioun to gour Majeftie my
Soveraigne, and to enjoy my naturali aire, and fuch vther conforts as the
Lord hes given me vnder gour Majefties reigne, quhilk I moft humblie
crave of gour Majeftie ; befeikand the Lord to move gour heart heirvnto
for Chryfts fake. So waiting of gour Hienes anfuer in all humilitie, I
take my leave. Sic fubfcribitur,
Mr ROBERT BRUCE.
[And upon the back thereof, At Perth the 25 of June 1600. C]
Farther, concerning the heids within conteinit, I am refolvit [of] his
Majefties innocencie, and the guiltines of the Erie of Gowrie and his
brother, according as it is declairit be the act of Parliament ; and therfor
acknowledges the great mercie of God towards his Majeftie, haill Kirk,
and countrey, in his Majefties delyverance ; for the quhilk I thank God
from my heart. Sic fubfcribitur, Mr ROBERT BRUCE.
The quhilk the haill Affemblie, after votting, thocht not only reafon
able, bot alfo concludes, that the faid Mr Robert aucht to doe the fame.
[The Affembly ordained, that, in all tyme coming, the licence to be
granted to any beneficed Perfon to fet tacks, be reftrained either to a life
rent tack, or a nineteen year tack allenarly. C]
Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be Mr Robert Pont, Minifter at Sanct
Cuthberts Kirk, defyreand, in refpect of his great age, and long travells
takin in the Kirk of God, and continuall feiknes quhilk followeth age,
that he might be releivit from the ordinarie burdein of the teaching, vpon
conditioun that he fall fubftitute ane in his place quhen through infirmitie
he fall not be able to teach himfelfe : The Affemblie thinks his fute reafon
able, and therfor condifcendit to the fame.
Item, Becaufe his Majeftie declarit that he was informit that fundrie of
the Miniftrie neglectit that part of thair duetie towards his Majeftie in not
giving thanks to God for the wonderfull delyverie of his Majeftie from the
treafonabill attempt [at Sandl Johnfton] of Johne fometyme Erie of Gow
rie, and his brother, vpon every fyft day of Auguft : Therfor the Affera-

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1143
blie flatutes and ordaines, that in all burrowftounes within this realme ther
be ordinar preaching and teaching every Tuefday, in the remembrance of
the delyverie of his Majeftie that day of the weik ; and that every fyft day
of Auguft ther be preaching in every kirk within this realme, to burgh and
to land, thankand God of his Majefties delyverance that day of the
moneth :
And becaufe the peiple in landwart parochines cannot be fo eafilie con
veinit as in burrowftounes, therfor, and for [their] better conveining, it is
ordainit, that everie Minifter at everie landwart kirk fall, vpon the Sonday
preceiding the fyft day of Auguft, make intimatioun to his parochiners,
that they conveine the faid day in the kirk with him, to thank God for his
Majefties delyverance.
And to the effect that all ryotoufnes, drunkennes, and vther filthie ex-
ercifes, may be reftrainit, his Majeftie promifed to caufe all infolencie in
behaviour to be difchargit and forbidden every geir be [open] proclama-
tioun, and Magiftrats to take ordour with the contraveiners therof.
Item, The Affemblie ordaines, that no marriages be celebrate airiie in
the morning, or with candle light ; and finds lykewayes, that is leifum to
celebrate the faid band of mariage vpon the Sabboth day, or any vther
preaching day, as the parties fall requyre and think expedient ; and or
daines the fame to be indifferentlie done ; and that no ryotoufnes be vfed
at the fame vpon the Sabboth day.
[The King was earneft to have this liberty granted to celebrate marriage
upon the Lords day ; and ficklyke the act following. C]
Item, It is ftatute, that the facrament of baptifme be not refufed to any
infants, if the parent crave the lame, he giveand a Chriftian confeflioun of
his fjuth, vpon any vther particular pretence ; and fpecially, that baptifme
be not delayit to certaine particular dayis.
Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be Mr Edwart Bruce, Commendatour,
Abbot of Kinlofs, makand mentioun, that quher he haveand ane tack and
affedatioun of the Kirk of Tarbet, fett be Mr Johne Monro, and Mr David
Lindfay, Bifliop of Ros, the geirlie duetie quherof, albeit it extends only to
the fowme of twa hundreth pounds, nevertheles [he,] for the better inter
tainment of the faid Mr Johne, adtuall Minifter at the faid kirk, hes con
difcendit to convert the faid fowme of twa hundreth pounds in ten (twa ?)
chalder of beir as for ane conftant ftipend to the faid Mr Johne and his
fucceffours, Minifters at the faid kirk of Tarbet, vpon conditioun that the

1144 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
Minifters of the Prefbitrie of Ros, quhilk are of the Chapter of the faid
Bifchoprick, wald ratifie and approve this tack of the faid kirk, quhilk they
wald willinglie doe, provyding the Affemblies [confent] were obtainit therto,
as at mair lenth is conteinit in the faid fupplicatioun : The Generall Af
femblie ratifies and approves the faids tack and aifedatioun, fett to the faid
Commendatour of the teinds of the faid Kirk of Tarbet, as weill be the faid
Mr Johne Monro as be the faid Mr David Lindfay ; and ordaines the
brethren of the Prefbitrie of Ros, quho are members of the faid Chapter, to
confent to the fame be thair fubfcriptiouns ; becaufe they vnderftand the
faid kirk to be fufficientlie plantit be the moyen forfaid.
Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be Mr Patrick Carmichaell, Minifter at
Aberdoure, makand mentioun, that quher the Affemblie haldin at Mon-
trois in Marche 1600 geirs, it was concludit, that Mr William Patoun fould
ferve the cure of both the kirks of Aberdoure and Dalgatie, and for his fer
vice fould uplift the auld ftipend of both the faids kirks, ay and quhill fuf
ficient provifioun were made for planting of both the faids kirks ; and true
it is that the laid complainer is now plantit Minifter at Aberdoure ; de-
fyreand, therfor, to caufe the halfe of the faid ftipend to be dimittit to him
be the faid Mr William, in refpedt ofhis fervice at one of the faids kirks :
The Affemblie finds [and decerns] the haill ftipend contravertit, to apper-
taine to Mr William Patoun, Minifter at Dalgatie, conforme to his affigna-
tioun of the crope and geir of God 1601 geirs, except the Viccarrage of
Aberdoure, quhilk they adjudgeit to pertaine to the faid Minifter at Aber
doure. Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be the north Paroch of Leith, makand
mentioun, that quher the Prefbitrie of Edinburgh hes eredtit the faid north
Paroch of Leith in ane parochin, quhilk is alfo approvin be the Synodall of
Lawthiane; defyreand, therfor, the ratificatioun ofthe Generall Affemblie
vnto the lame : The Affemblie ratifies and approves the erectioun forfaid
in all points.
Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be the inhabitants of the Ferrie of
Scottifcraig, Garpat, Shamvall, and Muirtaine, makand mentioun, That
they being a great multitude, and farre diftant from thair paroch kirk of
Leuchars, they, with commoun confent of the haill parochiners, Preffiitrie
of Sanct Androes, and Synod of Fyffe, hath eredtit ane paroch kirk in the
faid Ferrie, and almoft eompleitit the fame, for the commoditie and vfe of
the peiple moft adjacent therto ; defyreand, therfor, the Affemblies autho-

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1145
ritie to be interponit therto, and to give power to the Preffiitrie to annexe
fick villages as are moft adjacent to the faid paroch kirk : The Affemblie
ratifies the erectioun forfaid, and gives power to the faid Prefbitrie to the
effect above wrytin.
Anent'the fupplicatioun givin in be ane Noble Lord, Alexander Erie of
Lynlithgow, makand mentioun, That quher it hes pleafit the brethren of
the laft Affemblie to relaxe Dame Helenor Hay, his fpous, from the fen
tence of excommunicatioun, and to injoyne certaine particular conditiouns
to be obferved be her, quhilks conditiouns, albeit flie, of the flubbornes of
her heart, wald no wayes condifcend to obey, to his great greife and for-
row ; nevertheles, the brethren fould have confideratioun of his hard eftate,
quho cannot, be no law, feparate himfelfe from her, notwithftanding that
flio refufes to heare and obey the wholefome voyce of the Kirk, calling her
to grace in Jefus Chryft ; and the rather becaufe he himfelfe, as he lies
continuallie and conftantlie profeft the trueth and religioun prefentlie pro
feft within this realme, fo he hes vfed all meanes poffible for bringing his
fpous to the true knowledge of the fame ; lykeas alfo he is readie to doe
quhat lyes in his power, be all good meanes, to draw her to the trueth ;
defyrand, therfor, the Affemblie to pitie his daylie greife, and fhew him
fome favour in the mitigatioun of her punifhment, and flaying of the cen-
fure of excommunicatioun aganis her, that he be not compellit to remaine
in focietie with her that falbe cutt off from the focietie of the Kirk : The
Affemblie having confidderit the fupplicatioun, continues the pronouncing
of the fentence of excommunicatioun againft her vnto the nixt Generall
Affemblie, provydeing that the Kings Majeftie remove his Hienes daughter
out of her companie ; and lykewayes that his Lordfliips bairnes be catechifit
in the trueth ; and lykewayes that his Majeftie give command to him to
debarre all Papifts from his houfe ; and that, in the meanetyme, his Lord
ffiip caufe deale with his faid fpous, to fie if by any meanes fho may be
drawin to the acknowledging of the trueth.

Seffio Vltima, 16 Novembris 1602.
Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be the brethren of the Synod of Glaf
gow, makand mentioun, That quher albeit fundrie tymes, be their adlis,
they had difcharged Mr George Simple to have any meddling with the
7 f

1146 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
Miniftrie of the Kirk of Killellane, for the caufes and confideratiouns
knowin to them, and fpeciallie for a great miflyking that fpecialls of the
paroch had of him ; nevertheles he had not only inflftit in futeing of the
faid kirk, but alfo he had obteinit, be privie moyen, the confent of the
Commiffioners ofthe Generall Affemblie therto, for planting of him at the
faid kirk, the faids brethren not being heard, nor thair reafons in the con
trair difcuffed ; defyreing, therfor, that thair reafons may be heard, and,
after dew tryall, that the Affemblie wald give thair finall fentence in the
faid matter, quhilk they wald obey :
The Affemblie, after due tryall, abfolves the faid Mr George from all
evill crymes and eylifts quhilk were laid to his charge, either be the breth
ren of the faid province, or be the parochiners of Killellane, and gives him,
be thir prefentis, a teftimonie of his honeft behaviour ; bot in refpect that
he was nevir plantit fullie Minifter at the faid kirk, and of the great mif
lyking that is betuixt him and fundrie of the faids parochiners of Killellane,
as faid is, they think it not good that he be plantit Minifter at the faid kirk ;
and, therfor, ordaines him to defift therfra, and to dimitt the prefentatioun
made to him of the benefice therof, in favours of Mr Johne Cunighame,
quhom the Prefbitrie lies thoght good to be Minifter therat, vpon condi
tioun that the faid Mr George be firft fatiffied be the faid Mr Johne, for his
faid dimiffioun, paines and lofe fufteinit be him in pleying of the fame :
Quhilk fatiffadtioun falbe prefentlie modified be Mr Johne Cowper, arbiter
chofen for the faid Mr William Cunnighame, and Mr Robert Pont, arbiter
chofen for Mr George Sempill ; and in cace of variance, be Mr Patrick
Galloway, as oddifman and ovirfman chofen be both thair confents : With
provifioun lykewayes that the faid Mr George be firft plantit at the Kirk of
Kirkbeane, or any vther place quher his Majeftie fall think expedient in
the fouth weft parts, with fufficient provifioun for his fuftentatioun therat.
The faid day, the Affemblie ordaines Richart Browne to be tranfportit
to the kirk of Haliewood, and that the brethren deale with the Abbot for
a fufficient provifioun to the faid kirk, and in fpeciall Mrs David Barklay,
Robert Hunter, and Hew Fullertoun.
Item, The Affemblie ordaines, that, in all tyme comeing, the licence to
be grantit to any beneficit Perfon to fett tackis, be reftraint either to ane
lyferent tack, or to ane nynetein geir tak allanerly.
Anent the fupplicatioun givin in be Mr John Nicolfone of Laifwad,
beirand, that quher he was kyndlie takfman of the teinds of his awin lands

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1147
of Leffwaid, in refpect quherof he had aggried with Mr George Ramfay,
Deane of Reftalrig, for renewing of his faids tacks for paying of a greater
duetie then they payed of before, fo that the kirk was fufficientlie plantit ;
to the quhilks the faid Mr George condefcendit ; defyreand, therfor, the
Affemblie to ratifie [and approue] the laids tackis, and declare the famein
als fufficient as if ane fpeciall licence had bein obtainit to fett the fame :
The Affemblie ratifies and approves the faids taks of the teinds of his awin
lands of Leffwaid, and declares the famein als fufficient, as if a fpeciall
licence had bein obteinit therto.
Item, At the earneft fute of the Preffiitries of Cliddifdaill, Walter,
Pryour of Blantyre, tackifman of the Perfonage of Glafgow, condifcendit
to give 15 chalders victuall, by and attour the duetie of his tacks, for the
better provifioun of the Miniftrie at the faid kirk of Glafgow, vpon condi
tioun that the prefent Perfon fould ratifie and approve his prefent tack that
he hes to runne of the faids teinds : The Affemblie thinks the conditioun
reafonable, and, therfor, ordaines the prefent Perfon to ratifie the fame ;
and declares that the faid Commendatour fall not be farther troublit for
any great provifioun to the faid kirk during his faids tacks, be nane of the
Miniftrie ferving that cure.
[Before the diffolving of the Affembly, in the penult Seffion thereof, Mr
James Melvill penned the two heads following, and prefented them to the
Affembly. Firft, That feeing the Ambaffadors of Chrift ought at all tymes conve
nient difcharge his meffage to his fubjedls ; and howbeit the King be head
of the Commonweale, yet he is but a fubject to Chrift, and a member of
his Kirk : It wold pleafe the King to hear Chrifts Ambaffadors to dif
charge their meffage upon the grounds of Scripture following, Pfal. 2.
Kiffe the Sonne, left he be angry. Math. 22. 21. Give to Caefar, the
things which are Caefars, and give vnto God, thofe things which are Gods.
The fumrae of which meffage, that it may be the better accepted, take it
from the pen of that notable Father and Doctor of the Kirk, Ambrofe,
writing ad Auxentium. Solvimus quae limt Caefaris, Caefari ; et quae funt
Dei, Deo. Tributum Caefaris eft, non negatur. Eccleiia Dei eft ; Cae
fari utique addici non debet : quia jus Caefaris effe non poteft Dei templum.
Quod cum honorificentia Imperatoris nemo dictum poteft negare. Quid
enim honorificentius, quam ut Imperator Ecclefiae filius dicatur ? Quod
cum dicitur, fine peccato dicitur, cum gratia dicitur. Imperator enim

1.1 4S THE BOOKE OF THE 3 602.
bonus intra Eeclefiam, non fupra Eeclefiam eft. Bonus enim Imperator
quaerit auxilium Ecclefiae, non refutat. Haec ut humiliter dicimus, ita
conftanter exponimus.
Of this Ambrofe Bifhop of Millan, Valentinian the Emperour wrote to
the people of Millan thefe words. Talem in Pontificali conftituite Sede, cui
et nos, qui gubernamus Imperium, fincere capita noftra fubmittamus ; et
ejus monita, dum tanquam homines deliquerimus, neceffario, veluti curan-
tis medicamenta, fufcipiamus.
Next, That in cafe any thing be paft and concluded in this prefent Af
fembly, prejudicial or hurtfull to the difcipline eftablifhed be the Word of
God, within the Kirk of Scotland, it may be remedied and amended at a
better advifed Affembly, according to an Article agreed upon at Perth,
March 1597-
But thefe two heads were eaft by, and no audience was given to words,
or acceptation of writt. The King, and his man Mr Patrick Galloway,
Moderator of the Affembly, ruled as they pleafed. If any zealous Paftor
would fpeak his mind, Mr Patrick would command him filence ; or the
King would boaft and threaten him. The men that would not be boafted,
nor threatned, Mr Robert Bruce, Mr Andrew Melvill, Mr John David
fon, were withholden from coming to this Affembly, and were confined or
outfyned. C]
[Mr John Spotfwood, thereafter Bifhop of Sanct Andrews, was delated
for being prefent at Maffe, when he was at France with the Duke of Len
nox. He was removed, notwithftanding of the oppofition of the King,
and fome Minifters ; many voting that he fliould be fufpended or depofed.
The King and Commiffioners packed it up. C. printed copy.]
Anent the propofitioun made in the Affemblie vpon the privat motiouns
of fundrie particular brether, from diverfe parts, to the Moderatour, de
fyreand that a certaine number ofthe brethren of beft judgement and ex
perience fould be put apart to confidder of the chiefeft dangers appeirand
to religioun, and quyetnes of the eftate of the countrey, and of the princi
pall caufes therof, and how the famein might be moft effedluouflie pre
vents ; with power to them to conclude, and communicat thair beft ad-
vyces to his Majeftie theranent, and to the Preffiitries, fo farre as falbe
found expedient : The Affemblie finds the famein moft requifite, and, for
the effect above wrytin, nominats, &c. with power as faid is.

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1149
The quhilk brether having at length communicat thair informatioun, to
gether with thair awin knowledge, anent the premiffes, Finds that ane of
the cheifeft caufes of danger proceids from the mifcontentment of fome out-
ragious and malicious Papifts, that rages and leaves nothing vnaffayit to
trouble ; for being out of all efperanee to have his Majefties indifferent
affectioun, or overfight over them and thair religioun during his reigne ;
and of vthers that be the executioun of juftice finds themfelves or thair
freinds and thair houfes to have fuftainit any lofe, and to be impairit of thair
greatnefs and dependance, and to be redactit to live vnder the obedience
of lawis vtherwayes nor they were wont ; and from the malicious buffines
of certaine craftie and feditious perfons, that either for the prefent neceffi
tie of thair awin eftate, or for hope of advancement and gaine to be had in
the change of the prefent governement, ceafes not be all meanes to inflame
the hearts of fuch as they perceive to be mifcontentit in any eftate, and
making every man to fie his awin defyre in the trouble of the countrey ;
dealing in the meanetyme lykewayes with fuch as are of the moft fincere
affectioun to religioun and juftice ; that things is not done in that integri-
tie that is profeft ; preafing hereby to make the godlie and good i'ubiedls the
more cold adverfaries to fuch as wold intend a trouble :
For remeid quherof it is thoght good and concludit, that his Majeftie
falbe informed heiranent, that be his awin care and foirfight fuch vngodly
.-plats and counfells may be fruftrate ; and liclyke that every Minifter within
this realme fall deale generally with thair eongregatiouns and auditors, at
all occafiouns, in thair publick doctrine in pulpitt, and with all noblemen,
barrones, gentlemen, and vthers that are of any fpeciall credit or power,
particularlie in thair privie conferences, perfwading them of the Kings ho
neft mynd for eftabliffiing of the true religioun prefentlie profeft within
this realme, and of the executioun of juftice, and of his ftedfaft refolutioun
to hazard his eftate, lyfe and crowne, in the caufe of the Gofpell, with the
ftanding and falling quherof, he acknowledges his ftanding and falling to
be infeparablie conjoynit ; and that they marke narrowlie the actiouns of all
men, fpecially of fick as that either for religioun, or executioun of juftice,
or for the neceffitie of thair awin eftate, miflykes the prefent governement,
and are inclined to novatiouns, and quhom they fie in any kynd of extra-
ordinar buffines by thair cuftome ; and that they make his Majefties Minif
ters acquaint therwith, not ceafing in the meane tyme to bring them to ane
quyet mynd : and for this effect, that in all thair ordinarie meltings in Set

1150 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
fiouns, Preffiitries, and Provinciall Affemblies, ther be a particular and
privat inquifitioun in thir points as neid beis, that his Majefties Minifters
may be advertifed with all expeditioun : And lykewayes it is thocht expe
dient and concludit, that his Majefties Minifters, and fick vthers of the
Miniftrie as fall have occafioun to be in any charge about his Majeftie, in-
forme the Preffiitries of the eftate of things, as they proceid, fo farre as it
is neidfull for the weill of the caufe ; and that this advyce be extractit and
fent with diligence to every Preffiitrie in authentique forme.
The nixt Affemblie is appointit to be haldin at Aberdein, the laft Tuef
day of Julij 1604.
Thanks beeand givin to God be the Moderatour, for the confortable
fucceffe of this prefent Affemblie, the brethren were dif miffed.

[The Affembly being ended, the King lent for Mr Robert Bruce. Mr
Robert comes directly to the Schens, where he finds the Minifters of Edin
burgh and others conveened. After in calling upon the name of God,
Mr James Melvill deduced to him the proceedings of the Affembly, and
how the act paft againft him, notwithftanding that many opponed ; yet fee
ing it is paft, faith he to Mr Robert, ye have a farther warrant than ye had
before. Mr Robert granted ; but, faid. he, I craved no farther of the
King, and the Affembly, but that that matter might be left to my liberty,
and I ffiould doe therein, as God ffiould direct me by his Spirit. They
thought it very reafonable, and faid, it could not be refufed. So they went
in to the town.
The day following, Mr John Hall invited him to dinner, and promifed
to drefs that matter to his contentment. Then he met with Mr Walter,
Mr James Balfour, and other brethren. The whole number faid, he flood
upon trifles. Mr John Hall was fo far from performing his promife, that
he found him large worfe than the King himfelf. So he parted from them
in great mifcontentment, and was commanded to keep his lodging, till the
King fent for him.
The King fent for him, and urged him to preach, as of before. Give

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1151
me leave, Sir, faid he, fuppone I were refolut, and ready to preach, as
your Majeftie biddeth me, let rae know one thing, I pray yow, Sir, How
long fliall I ftay there after I have preached ? Mary, even as I find yow,
faid the King, to favour and diffavour me in your preachings. That is
well hard, Sir, faid Mr Robert ; for there may be many wrong conflruc-
tions made to yow ; alwife, if it will pleafe your Majeftie to let me have
my liberty, I will doe as God fhall direct me ; if otherways, I turne me
here to the Commiffioners. Let me fee, fayes he, your act, I fliall give
yow an anfwer the morn. The King confented to this. So upon the
morne he was ready to give his anfwer, after he had gotten the act. The
Laird of Beltries fhewed to him, that the King was gone to the hunting.
So Mr Robert retired out of the toun to Reftalrig, becaufe the toun refufed
to take to his ufe the lodging, wherein he was wont to lodge.
The day following, he fent to the King, and defired accefs. Beltries
reported, that the King wold not be at leafure, and that he would appoint
him a text, and injoyne him fuch things as he would have recommended
to the people. Mr Robert defired him to purchafe him licence to return
home, becaufe it was now Saturday, and it behoved him to teach upon the
Sabbath. Beltries, after conference with the King, certified Mr Robert be letter,
if ever he refolved to relide in Edinburgh, he muft lay his account to fa-
tiffy there at his firft entry. So, Sir, (writes he) I think his Majeftie deal-
eth with yow moft gratioufly ; and I pray yow, Sir, for Gods caufe, take
away all eyelafts, either given, or taken on your part concerning his Ma
jeftie. And becaufe 1 fee, I muft retire home for a ffiort while myfelf, ye
fall doe well in my judgment, to retire home alfo, upon the excufe I have
made to his Majeftie already, till I return ; at which tyme I will beginne
of new to intreat his Majeftie in your favours, as I have ever found him
favourable. In the mean tyme, I would wifli yow to exercife yourfelf in preaching,
and fo to behave yourfelf toward your neighbours, that thereby they may
make good reports to be carried to his Majefties ears touching yow ; which
will make a fmooth way to yow, for your reentry to Edinburgh, and open
a door to your liberty which ye plead fo much for.
Mr Robert retireth himfelf from Reftalrig to Smetoun ; and upon the
Tuefday following, the Laird of Beltries fent him this letter following.
Sir, I inquired ofhis Majeftie yefternight, if he had any new intention

1152 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
anent you. He anfwered, None, but that ye ffiould enter, and do your
duty, as was told yow of before. His Majeftie alledgeth, ye never bide
long at one refolution ; for after my excufing yow of your not abilitie for
preaching the laft Sabbath, as ye willed me to doe, yet ye fent Mr Henry
Blyth to the Moderator to inquire if ye ffiould teach. This I was ignorant
of ; but yet I anfwered, that it was upon a fear that poffeffed yow of a new
offence, in not teaching ; and fo that was done for the full affurance of
his Majefties mind in it.
To the purpofe, Sir, ye fhall enter, if ye pleafe, on Sunday next ; and
advertife his Majeftie two or three days before, inquiring, if he pleafe to
fpeak with yow. At your entrie, ye muft doe (as his Majeftie fpeeks is)
the duty of a good fubject, and of a good Paftor, not to fay fimply, ye are
refolved, which ye have done already ; but ye muft endevour to remove
all fcrouple from the auditor, als well in clearing his Majefties innocencie,
as of their guiltinefs : Thefe are his Majefties own words. And my poor
advice is, to fatiffy his Majeftie, feeing (with many) I think it may, and
would be done ; being a thing able to doe good to the King, and whole
Commonweale, to knitt the hearts of his people to him, by removing
fcrouples, if any be ; or by confirming them in the conceived truth, which,
be your filence in this matter, will be called again in queftion be them.
The Lord give yow that refolution, which may beft ferve for his glory.
Keep this ticket for both our warrants.
Halyrudhous, this Tuefday the laft of November 1602.
Mr Robert finding be this and other advertifments, that the fatiffadlion
of the act would not fatiffy the King, and without his full fatiffadlion there
was no remaining for him, he thought it better to fupercede his entrie, till
he might get a farther liberty, than to preach with the offence of his own
mind, and of good Chriftians : forthe declaration, which was craved of
him, would have been counted be all a flatt recantation of his former judg
ment, a pleafing of flelh and blood ; which would turne to the dilgrace of
his Miniftrie.
Upon the Sabbath, that he ffiould have taught, there were four Com
miffioners in the kirk that day, Mr Robert Pont, Mr David Lindfey, Mr
George Gladeftanes, Mr Alexander Forbefs, to mark what they might
carp. The act gave him liberty of tyme and place ; but the Commiffioners
tyed him to the firft preaching day in Edinburgh. Suppofe the matter was

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1153
prefcribed in the act, yet the King would not ftand to it ; but conceived
words of his own, and enjoyned to him. And yet the Commiffioners, to
make him odious to the people, and to the Miniftrie, as one who had de-
ferted his flock, reported, that he had gotten full liberty to enter, if he
pleafed ; and farther, that he had given no anfwer to the King ; when as
he was ready every day to have given his anfwer, but could not find accefs ;
the King alledging, he was not at leafure.
His meditation and prayer in the mean time was, That if it be the Lords
good pleafure to exercife him with a new temptation, to pull the people
and Miniftrie both from him, that it would pleafe the Lord, infteed of the
King, Prieft, and peoples favour, to triple his Spirit upon him, and let
him fee in his heart, his face brighter and brighter, a threefold meafure of
his favour, to fupply his outward wants ; yet was he not deftitut all utterly
of witneffes : for wifdom will ever be juftified of her own children.
So Mr Robert, having tryed and found what the King and Commiffion
ers meant, choofed to returne to his own houfe, which he did upon the
firft of December ; and wrote this anfwer following to the Laird of Beltries
letter. Sir, I was upon my jurney homeward, when I received your laft letter,
and hearing that ye were gone to the countrey, I delayed my anfwer till
your returning ; therefore now, Sir, for anfwer, firft, I fay, that if Mr
Henry Blyth had any fuch commiffion of me, or if the honeft men will fay
fo in my name, I will be content to take that imputation upon me ; but
otherways, as it is true indead, I receive wrong, I am no wayes ambitious
of it ; for I have been twice thruft into it, and als oft out of it. And I
have no will, that his Majeftie be compelled to ufe his royall office upon
the remanent of my frail life ; for thefe four or five years bygane I have
been continually under a lingering and dwyning death, which, I am affured,
hath been more troublefome and tedious to me, both in body and mind,
than that hour of death ffiall be, whenever it ffiall pleafe the Lord to call
me therto.
I have not forgot thefe voices, that often times I wondered to hear, that
his Majeftie dreads us bodily harm. Thefe things make me to look, ere I
leap, and to advife well ere I enter. And yet I fpeak not this, as if I were
minded to ffiake off my duty, that I owe to my flock ; but if it would pleafe
his Majeftie to fuffer us to ftand in that liberty, wherein the Lord has
7 o

1154 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
placed us, and to fpeak in the chair of truth, as the Word and Spirit of
truth ffiould direct us, I would promife, be Gods grace, whenever the
Word ffiould give us occafion, as oft tymes it will, that then from the au
thority ofthe Word, I ffiall reprefs all finifter conftrudlions of his Majefties
actions, and by the authority therof beat doun all feditious and infolent
humours of fubjedls, that would prefs to ufurp upon their fuperiours, and
fo from the Word, as moved thereby, to fpeak upon thefe matters ; which
muft have a far greater grace, then to fpeak by way of injunctions, or to
fpeak, as it were, a conned leffon, or an a, b, c, put in mans hands ; the
one duty fmelling of Divine Theologie ; the other of Court Theologie,
and does no good to the caufe, but hurts greatly. And as God lyketh a
chearfull giver, fo when the people fee thefe things to come freely of myfelf
without conftraint, nor yet put into my head, they will reverence them the
more, and have the greater weight with them.
So to be fliort, Cufine, if this fort of fervice may be acceptable to the
Prince, I am at command. And if otherways, I will hold me with the
benefit that I have gotten, within the compafs of obedience, and be Gods
grace fhall be unreproveable of any. Having no farther for the prefent,
I reft. Mr John Hall, Jofeph Marjoribanks, Bailife, John Johnftoun of El-
phinftoun, Ninian Mackmorrane, Merchant, went to The Kerfe to Mr
Robert Bruce, upon the penult of December, with a commiffion, lo afk
wherefore he entred riot to his calling, feeing there was liberty granted to
him be the King, and the Kirk, as they alledged : He anfwered, liberty
was not granted to him, to enter to his calling, but to preach injunctions,
which the Kirk was never accuftomed with, and which he eould not
obey, without offence of the Son of God.
Mr John Hall denyed, that there were any injunctions laid upon him.
Mr Robert proved there was thus, firft, becaus the place was injoyned ;
next, the day, and time ; thirdly, the perfons were appointed to carp, and
to report ; laftly, the very words and matter were prefcribed, as the letter
directed from the Laird of Beltries, who received the words immediatly
from his Majefties own mouth, may teftify.
Beltreis darre not ftand be that letter, laid Mr John ; and if fo were,
that is no injunction. All thefe are befide the act, faid Mr Robert ; the
act giveth me liberty in all the circumftances : Therefore it is not obedi-

1602. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1155
ence to the act which ye crave, but only my difgrace, which is the ready
way to make my Miniftrie unprofitable. Mr John anfwered, An injunction
was a fin ; this which was craved, was a thing lawfull ; and therefore might
be poached in the pulpitt. Mr Robert denyed it to follow, becaufe there
was another Word, which was left in regifter be the Prophets and Apoftles
to be preached.
He fhewed them how farre he would fpeak in that matter, if he fpake
any thing of it in the chair of truth ; for he had advifed with learnedft of
the Miniftrie in England, who were urged in the like manner to publifh
in pulpit the treafon alledged upon Effex. Some of them refufed ; and he
afked the reafon at fome of them, namely, at Mr Wottoun, Preacher at the
Towerhill in London : He anfwered, he refufed not fimplie, but only as
from himfelf ; for he neither faw, heard, nor knew any thing of himfelf.
The knowledge he had, was from their Lordfhips, and from the Bench :
and that far he was content to declare out of pulpit.
They departed, as appeared, well fatiffied. Mr John informed the King
of every word that paft, wherewith he was not well pleafed.
Mr James Melvill being detained by ficknefs from repairing to the Pro
vinciall Affembly, holden at Cowper in Aprile, wrote to his brethren of
the Miniftrie this letter following.
The Spirit of holinefs, wifdom, peace, power, and freedom, from God
the Father, through the Lord Jefus, his Son, our Saviour, be among
yow.
Dear Brethren, Howbeit my difeafe be fo notorious, that all this winter
I have not feen my brethrens face in our Prefbytrie, fafe once in paffing
by, nor my own flocks in their congregation, but twice or thrice, to my
great grief and ffiarp correction ; yet I could not but according to the
order excufe my abfence from yow by writ. And left the writt ffiould
feem emptie, containing but a bare excufe, as alfo that my abfence might
be the eafier comported with, I could not but communicat with yow the
things, that are moft in my mind at this tyme, as I hope they are farther
and better in yours.
Firft, That the mention, thought, and care of the common eftate of our
Kirk keep and bruike the firft place in your Affembly ; and that neither

1156 THE BOOKE OF THE 1602.
forgetfullnefs, particular care of our turnes, favour, nor fear of men, dif-
poffefs the fame. And howbeit it appears, that nothing can be helped or
bettered in the fame ; yet it flirreth up to prayer, and eafeth a little the
confcience, to have it motioned among yow, and regrated there before God.
Next, I would wiffi, that every man ffiould fpeak there before God, in
his Affembly, as he Ipeaks with God in his confcience, namely, being light-
ned and wakened be earneft meditation of the Word of God, and confide
ration of matters, how they pafs conforme or contrarie thereto, and not to
bear up, for fear or favour of any man, that which fhould be uttered for
the honour of our Chrift, which may be a byting wafp to wanreft the
confcience thereafter : for truely, I am contrair in judgement to him, who
faid, He repented him of his fpeaking, but never of his filence. And cer
tainly, my filence (when required in my oun place, I might have freely
uttered my confcience, and by meditated reafons ftoutly ftood thereunto)
is now my fharpeft accufation.
Thirdly, The doling of that mouth, which God opened fo notably, and
undoing of that Miniftry that was fo fledablc to the Kirk of Chrift, and
powerfull in comfort to the faithfull, and fearfull to the enemies, within
the Zion of our Jerufalem, (I mean of that moft faithfull fervant of Chrift,
Mr Robert Bruce,) cannot but highly crab Chrift, and make Paftors in
fpeciall to feell the dint of his wrath, if they make not inftant and faithful
warning to the Prince thereanent.
Fourthly, In my judgement our Affembly cannot be fakelefs of the blood
of fouls of the people of Dyfert, if their Miniftrie be not helped ; becaufe
it lies in our hand to caufe all our members doe that which becomes of
confcience and duty. And I true there is none in confcience (except fuch
who fitting in the very court of confcience, cannot with patience hear con-
fcienc enamed) can think it tolerable, that fuch a living ffiall be uplifted be
a Minifter, and his Miniftrie fo weaklie maintained.
And laft, For the mercies of Chrift, prefs with all poffibility to purge
thefe foul flanders, which lye upon us : for, alace I we are far from the
holinefs of Chrifts Kirk, when wee are fufpedted be our own very friends,
of fuch filthinefs as is fcarce named among the Gentiles ; but it is eafier to
prefcribe, nor practife : And, therfore, I befeek the Almighty Prince of
Paftors to grant yow both to will, and doe, according to his good pleafure.
So befeeking yow, dear brethren, to pray to God for me, either to take
uie to his reft in mercy from this vexation, or grant me liberty to doe fome

1603. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1157
thing in his work here, or then to be content with his good will and plea
fure, howfoever it feem to my fillie fenfes : for the chief challenge of my
confcience, is undutifull negligence, when I might have done well both
to the common work, and my particular charge : and, therefore, I fear in
wrath, that God has taken abilitie from me. Intreat him, therefor, for
mercy to be powred on me in Jefus Chrift, as the tender affection of my
foul in his bowels ffiall be flirred up to him, according to the meafure of
the furniture of his Spirit, for yow all in generall, and every one of yow
in particular ; as moft humbly at this prefent I commend yow to his grace,
who is the only gracious God bleffed for ever. Amen.
From Anftruther, the penult of March 1602.
Your brother moft lovingly and humbly in Chrift.

A.D. M.D.CIII.

The Laird of Beltries, directed from the King to Mr Robert Bruce
about the midft of Januar, craved his letter from him, which he fent him
laft ; for it had made flirr enough. Mr Robert gave him his letter, and
his anfwer to it, which he purpofed to have fent to him, but had not yet
fent it. I need no anfwer, fays Beltries. I will ffiew my mind, notwith
ftanding, fays Mr Robert, and ye may communicat it to whom ye pleafe.
Beltries received it, never opened it, but delivered it clofed to the King,
and played the courteour in that point, and in his fpeeches alfo, as Mr
Robert learned after, howbeit he was his near kinfman.
At the firft meeting of the Commiffioners, the King urged them to de-
pofe Mr Robert, in refpect that he obeyed not the act of the Affembly.
They anfwered, they had no power to depofe him. The King demand
ed next, if they had power to remove him from Edinburgh, and to declare
the place vacant ? They anfwered, they had power, and devifed fum-
monds to fummond him to compear.

1158 THE BOOKE OF THE 1603.
Before the fummonds were executed, Cornelius Inglis and George
Heriot, men well approved by Mr Robert, Were directed to him be the
Counfell of Edinburgh, to ffiew him, there was nothing, but extremity in
tended ; and that fummonds were directed already againft him. Mr Ro
bert afked, what Warrant fliall he have to eUter to his calling, in cafe he
goe with them, and fatiffy the act. They anfwered, his Majeftie wold
grant no warrant, nor conference, nor delay of an hour. How then would
ye have me to goe with yow, faid Mr Robert ? It is fit ye goe, fay they,
howfoever it be, that ye may ffiew yourfelf ready, and put the blame off
yourfelf. Mr Robert fought counfel of God that night, and came with
them the day following, that is the 19 of Januar to Edinburgh, and lodged
at the Weft Port in John Howefons.
The day following, he directed this letter following to the Counfel with
the Commiffioners above named ; which was delivered the day following,
which was the Counfel day. The tenor whereof followes :
Right Worfhipfull Fathers and Brethren, Notwithftanding, that the dif
charge of my calling in your City hath been accompanied with very many
great difficulties in tyme paft, and there appear no lefs, yea rather greater
to enfue in tyme to come ; yet certainly the conftancy of your affection
makes me to forget things paft, and committ the iffue of things to come to
the living God, and to offer my travells willingly, if it could pleafe God,
in any fort, to move his Majefties heart to fuffer us to ftand in that liberty,
wherein the Lord the Son of God has placed us, and to fpeak in the chair
of truth as the Word and the Spirit of truth ffiould direct us. Being left
to our liberty, I might boldly promife with Gods grace, whenever the
Word ffiould give us occafion, (as oft tymes it will) that then from the au
thority of the Word I fhall reprefs all finifter conftrudlions of his Majefties
actions, and by the authority thereof beat doun all feditious and infolent
humours of fubjedls, that Wold prefs to ufurp upon their fuperiours : and
fo from the Word as moved thereby, to fpeak upon thefe matters ; quhich
may have a far greater grace, nor to fpeak by way of injunction, or to
fpeak as it were a conned leflbn, or an a, b, c, put in ones hand. The one
duty fmelleth of Divine Theologie, the other of Court Theologie, and doth
no good to the caufe, but hurteth greatly : fo when the people fee thefe
things to come freely of myfelf, without conftraint, or yet put into my head,

1603. UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1159
they will reverence them the more, and have the greater weight with
them. So to be ffioft, ^brethren, if this fort of fervice can be agreeable to his
Majefty, I am at command ; if otherways, as God forbid, ye will hold me
excuTed ; for whereto fhould we enter to be a plague to the people, a ffiame
to the Kirk, and a curfe to our own fouls.
The Lord of his mercy make us faithfull to the end, and turn all our
wanderings, and fufferings to his glory, and our perpetual comfort.
Your brother in the Lord, and one of the Paftors in your City,
Mr R. BRUCE.
Immediatly after this letter was read in the Counfel, Sir Patrick Mur
rey cometh, directed from the King to them, with Mr Roberts laft letter
to Beltries in his hand, which he defired to be read, and then to give their
judgment of it. After it was read, their judgraent being craved, either to
juftifie, or condemn it, they anfwered, they could not be judges in that
matter ; for the letter was not directed to them, nor yet to his Majeftie,
but to a privat fubjedl, with whom they had no medling.
The fame day after noon, Mr Robert fent Cornelius Inglis and George
Heriot to the King, to fignifie that he was come, and was ready to reenter
in his calling. At the firft, the King feemed to be well content, but in
the end flirred up, as appeared, be Sir Patrick Murrey, he fell out in very
hard fpeaches againft Mr Robert, and more fearfull than ever he uttered
in his tyme, in the audience of the Bailies, and whole multitude that fol
lowed them ; fo that George Heriot and Cornelius Inglis repented, that
they had brought him to the toun. In end, the King came to this point,
that Mr Robert ffiall advertife him two or three dayes before he enter, to
the end that he might appoint fome of the Commiffioners, or fuch others,
as he thought meet, to hear him.
Upon Saturday in the morning, the 22 of Januar, Mr Robert being
ready to. leap on horfeback to ryde to Smetoun, James Aikenhead bailiff,
and John Robertfon, directed from the King, inhibit him to goe to the
pulpit, unlefs he advertifed the King two days before. They feared, as
appeared, that he would enter that Sabbath. Mr Robert promifed to doe
fo, and withdrew himfelf out of the toun.
Upon Thurfday the 27th of Januar, he fent a ticket to James Aikenhead
bailie, willing him to lignify to his Majeftie, that he was ready to enter to

1160 THE BOOKE OF THE 1603.
his calling, God willing, the next Sabbath, and ffiould doe all that lay in
his power to pleafure his Majeftie, in God. James Aikinhead finding Mr
David Lindfey in the Kings utter hall, defired him to convoy the ticket to
his Majeftie, and to return him an anfwer. Mr David reading it, and
finding thefe words in the end, In God, he faid, this will not doe the turne ;
he muft obey our injunctions. The bailiffe, notwithftanding, defired him
to feek an anfwer.
Mr David, after long conference with the King, comes forth, and deny-
eth to the bailie, that the King had feen the letter, and commanded him
to fend for Mr John Hall.
Mr John Hall, after he had conferred long with the King, he reported
this anfwer to Mr Roberts wife, that the King would not look upon the
ticket, but would have it mended ; and in ftead of thefe words, In God,
he would have thefe words to be put in, According to the act. At her
defire he writeth to Mr Robert himfelf.
Sir, James Aikinhead bailiff gave intelligence to his Majeftie, that ye
were purpofed to preach the next Sabbath, God willing ; and I being doun
in the Abbey, his Majeftie gave me this anfwer, and ordained me to fignifie
the fame unto yow, that is, Becaufe your advertifement was general, and
thereby he eould not underftand what ye were to doe in the matter, where
in he has been offended ; alfo he would affure yow, that if ye entred into
the pulpit, and did not according to the act of the Affembly, it would be
matter of great irritation : Therefore be your ticket ye would certifie
again, that ye are ready to preach, and to fatiffie his Majeftie according to
the act of the Affembly ; or otherwife, it will not be heard, as a fufficient
offer. Sir, if ye write hereanent to me again, I ffiall be ready to deliver
it, and fhew you the event. Your brother in Chrifl, Mr JOHN HALL.
After Mr Robert had received this letter, he wrote to Mr John Hall,
fignifying that feing he could not entir into his calling, but upon condition
that notwithftanding he had gone als far in his letter as any fervant of God.
could go, and none could promife more, except he who had his Commif
fion from Himfelf ; yet feing, brother, faid he, ye crave a fpeciall anfwer,
you muft pardon me, before I anfwer to your fpeciall, to crave this fpeciall
of you, and in refpect, this alfo dependeth upon his Majeftys gracious

1603 UNIVERSALL KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1161
favour heere, I must crave the helpe of your intercessioun, to take the paines
to purchasse me a warrant under his Majestie's hand, and that it may be
leasome to me to enter fuUie and freelie to my calling; and that the act of
counsell that inhibits me, under the paine of death, to teache in his dominiouns,
may be deleted, and lease the strenth of it against me, incace I so doe ; and
I sail give his Majestie a verie resoluteans were." Mr. Johnne, after long
conference with the King, sent this letter to Mr. Robert :
MR. J. HALL, HIS OTHER LETTER, TO MR. R. BRUCE.
" Sir, — After the recept of your letter, I went to his Majestie, and com
municated to his Hienesse the desire of the said letter, and used suche humble
meanes as I could, ather to obteane the same for you, or ellis to find out his
utmost resolutioun; who, in end, delivered his determined will in this maner:
Seing the ground of the act of the Assemblie proceeded from his Majestie's
owne good will for furthering the kirk of Edinburgh, so be it he might be
^satisfied to his honour ; and seing the Assemblie, as the act beareth, devised
and appointed the easiest way for you to content him, he declared himself
then willing, after the accomplishment of the said act by you, to declare his
will anent your re-entrie to your office in Edinburgh, with advice of the
commissioners therof. Heerefore his Majestie will no wise make anie com-
promitt in that mater, nor give word nor warrant in writt for your repositioun,
till he be first satisfied on your part. Secundlie, he will not have your first
preaching in Edinburgh to be compted your re-entrie to the ministrie there,
but onlie a sermoun of satisfactioun to his Majestie. And, last, if yee minde
so to doe, and advertise him that yee will preache the first day, according to
the tenour of the act foresaid to that effect, yee sail receave a warrant ; and
also, if yee doe your duetie, he sail not be found to goe backe from nothing
promised to the Assemblie. Sir, this is the effect that has followed of my
travell, or so farre as I can see, will be obteanned at his Majestie's hand, in
this erand. God direct you by his Spirit, to doe as may best serve his glorie,
and the helpe of this kirk, that lyeth so long waiting yous labours."
Your brother in Christ, Mr. JOHN HALL.

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