History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland, Book 2 · Body of book two · Letter 4 – Floating text 3

History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland · Book 2 · Body of book two · Letter 4 – Floating text 3

p. 139To the Nobility of Scotland. The Congregation of Christ Iesus within the same, desire the spirit of righteous Iudgement

BEcause we are not ignorant that ye the Nobility of this Realme, who now persecute us, employing your whole study and force to maintain the kingdom of Sathan, of superstition and Idolatry, are yet neverthelesse divided in opinion. We the Congregation of Christ Jesus, by you unjustly persecuted,The first of the Nobility. have thought good, in one Letter, to write unto you severally. Ye are divided, we say, in opinion; for some of you think that we who have taken this enterprise to remove Idolatry, and the Monuments of the same, to erect the true Preaching of Christ Jesus, in the bounds committed to our Charges, are hereticks, seditious men, and troublers of this Commonwealth, and therefore no punishment is sufficient for us; and so blinded with this rage, and under pretence to serve the Authority, ye proclaim War and destruction without all order of Law against us. To you, we say, that neither your blinde zeal, neither yet the colour of Authority, p. 140shall excuse you in Gods presence, who commandeth none to suffer death till that he be openly convinced in judgement, to have offended against God, and against his Law written; which no mortall creature is able to prove against us: for whatsoever we have done, the same we have done at Gods commandment, who plainly commands Idolatry, and all Monuments of the same to be destroyed and abolished.The constant request of the Protestants of Scotland. Our earnest and long request hath been, and is, That in open Assembly it may be disputed, in presence of indifferent auditors, Whether that these abominations, named by the pestilent Papists, Religion, which they by fire and sword defend, be the true Religion of Jesus Christ or not? Now this humble request denied unto us, our lives are sought in most cruell manner: And the Nobility (whose duty is to defend innocents, and to bridle the fury and rage of wicked men,Note the duty of Noblemen. were it of Princes or Emperors) do notwithstanding follow their appetites, and arme your selves against us your brethren, and naturall Countrey-men: yea, against us that be innocent and just, as concerning all such crimes as be laid to our charges. If ye think that we be criminall, because that we dissent from your opinion, consider, we beseech you, that the Prophets under the Law, the Apostles of Christ Jesus after his Ascension, his Primitive Church and holy Martyrs, did disagree from the whole world in their dayes. And will ye deny but that their action was just, and that all those that persecuted them were murtherers before God? May not the like be true this day? What assurance have ye this day of your Religion, which the world that day had not of theirs? ye have a multitude that agree with you, and so had they: ye have antiquity of time, and that they lacked not: ye have Counsells, Laws, and men of reputation, that have established all things, as ye suppose: but none of all these can make any Religion acceptable unto God, which onelyonly depended upon his owne will, revealed to man in his most sacred Word.Note. It is not then a wonder that ye sleep in so deadly a security in the matter of your owne salvation; considering that God giveth unto you so manifest tokens, that ye and your leaders are both declined from God. For if the tree shall be judged by the fruit (as Christ Jesus affirmeth that it must needs be) then of necessity it is, That your Prelats, and the whole rabble of their Clergie be evill trees: For if Adultery,Probation against the Papists. Pride, Ambition, Drunkennesse, Covetousnesse, Incest, Unthankfulnesse, Oppression, Murther, Idolatry, and Blasphemy, be evill fruits, there can none of that Generation which claim to themselves the title of Churchmen, be judged to be good trees: For all these pestilent and wicked fruits do they bring forth in greatest abundance. And if they be evil trees (as ye your selves must be compelled to confesse they are) advise prudently with what consciences ye can maintain them to occupy the room and place in the Lords Vine-yard. Do ye not consider that in so doing ye labour to maintain the servants of sin in their filthy corruption, and so consequently ye labour that the devill may raigne, and still abuse this Realme by all iniquity and tyranny,Against such as under colour of authority persecute their brethren. and that Christ Jesus and his blessed Gospel be suppressed and extinguished. The name and the cloke of the authority which ye pretend, will nothing excuse you in Gods presence, but rather shall ye bear double condemnation, for that ye p. 141burden God, as that his good Ordinances were the cause of your iniquity: All Authority which God hath established, is good and perfect, and is to be obeyed of all men, yea, under pain of damnation. But do ye not understand,Difference betwixt the person and the Authority. That there is a great difference betwixt the Authority which is Gods Ordinance, and the persons of those which are placed in Authority; the Authority and Gods Ordinances can never do wrong, for it commandeth that vice and wicked men be punished,Note. and vertue with vertuous men and just be maintained. But the corrupt person placed in this Authority, may offend, and most commonly doth contrary to this Authority: and is then the corruption of man to be followed, by reason that it is clothed with the name of Authority? Or shall those that obey the wicked commandment of those that are placed in Authority, be excusable before God? Not so, not so, but the plagues and vengeances of God taken upon Kings their servants and subjects,Note diligently. do witnesse to us the plain contrary. Pharaoh was a King,Pharaoh his fact and had his Authority of God, who commanded his subjects to murther and torment the Israelites, and at last most cruelly to persecute their lives: But was their obedience (blinde rage it should be called) excusable before God? the Universall plague doth plainly declare, That the wicked Commander, and those that obeyed, were alike guilty before God. And if the example of Pharaoh shall be rejected,Note. because he was an Ethnicke, then let us consider the facts of Saul: He was a King anoynted of God, appointed to raign over his people;The fact of King Saul. he commanded to persecute David, because (as he alleadged) David was a Traytor, and Usurper of the Crowne: And likewise commanded Ahimeleck the High Priest and his fellows to be slaine: But did God approve any part of this obedience? evident it is, That he did not. And think ye that God will approve in you, that which he did condemne in others? be not deceived; with God there is no such partiality. If ye obey the unjust commandments of wicked Rulers, ye shall suffer Gods vengeance and just punishment with them. And therefore, as ye tender your owne salvation, we most earnestly require of you moderation, and that ye stay your selves, and the fury of others, from persecuting of us, till our cause be tried in open and lawfull Judgement.The second sort of the Nobility. And now to you who are perswaded of the justice of our cause, who sometimes have professed Christ Jesus with us,Note. and who also have exhorted us to this enterprise, and yet have left us in our extreme necessity, at least looke out thorow your fingers in this our trouble, as that the matter appertained not unto you, we say, That unlesse (all fear and worldly respects set aside) ye joyn your selves with us, that as of God ye are reputed Traytors, so shall ye be excommunicated from our Society, and from all participation with us in the Administration of Sacraments: the glory of this Victory which God shall give to his Church, yea, even in the eyes of men, shall not appertain to you, but the fearful judgement which apprehended Ananias, and his wife Saphira, Let both the one part and the other judge if God have not justified the cause of the innocents.shall apprehend you and your posterity. Ye may perchance contemn and despise the Excōmunication of the Church now by Gods mighty power erected amongst us, as a thing of no force: But yet doubt we nothing, but that our Church, and the true Ministers of the same, have the same power which our Master Christ Jesus granted to p. 142his Apostles in these words, Whose sins ye shall forgive, shall be forgiven; and whose sins ye shall retain, shall be retained, and that because they preach, and we believe the same Doctrine which is contained in his most blessed Word: and therefore, except that ye will contemne Christ Jesus, ye neither can despise our threatning, neither yet refuse us calling for your just defence.From whence this courage did proceed the issue did declare. By your fainting, and by extracting of your support, the enemies are encouraged, thinking that they shall finde no resistance: in which point, God willing, they shall be deceived; for if they were ten thousand, and we but one thousand, they shall not murther the least of our brethren, but we (God assisting us) shall first commit our lives into the hands of God for their defence. But this shall aggravate your condemnation, for ye declare your selves both Traytors to the Truth once professed, and murtherers of us and of our brethren,Note. from whom ye withdraw your dutifull and promised support, whom your onelyonly presence (to mans judgement) might preserve from this danger. For our enemies look not to the power of God, but to the force and strength of man; when the number is mean to resist them, then rage they as bloody wolves; but a part equall or able to resist them by appearance, doth bridle their fury. Examine your owne consciences, and weigh that Sentence of our Master Christ Jesus, saying, Whosoever denieth me, or is ashamed of me before men, I shall deny him before my Father. Now is the day of his Battell in this Realm, if ye deny us your brethren, suffering for his Names sake, ye do also deny him, as himselfe doth witnesse, in these words, Whatsoever ye did to any of these little ones, that ye did to me, and what ye did not to one of these little ones, that ye did not to me: If these sentences be true as concerning meat, drink, cloathing, and such things a appertain to the body, shall they not be likewise true in these things that appertain to the preservation of the lives of thousands, whose blood is now sought, for profession of Christ Jesus? And thus shortly we leave you, who sometimes have professed Christ Jesus with us, to the examination of your own consciences. And yet once again of you, who blinded by superstition, persecute us: We require moderation, till our cause may be tried; which if ye will not grant unto us for Gods Cause, yet we desire you to have respect to the preservation of your common Countrey, which we can no sooner betray into the hands of strangers, then that one of us destroy and murther another. Consider our Petitions, and call for the spirit of righteous judgement.

These our Letters being divulgate, some began to reason, Whether in conscience they might invade us, or not, considering that we offred due obedience to the Authority, requiring nothing, but liberty of conscience, and our Religion and fact to be tried by the Word of God. Our Letters came with convenient expedition to the hands of our brethren in Cuninghame and Kyle, who assembled at the Church of Craggie; where after some contrarious reasons, Alexander Earle of Glencarne, in zeal burst forth in these words, Let every man serve his conscience, I will, by Gods grace, see my brethren in S. Johnston:The Earle of Glencarne his resolution. Yea, albeit never man should accompany me, yet I will go, and if it were but a Pike upon my shoulder; for I had rather die with that company, then live after them. These words so encouraged the rest, that all decreed to go forward, as that they did so stoutly, that when the p. 143Lion Herault in his coat of Arms, commanded all men under pain of treason to return to their houses by publike sound of trumpet in Glasgow, never man obeyed that charge, but all went forward, as we shall after heare. When it was clearly understood that the Prelates and their adherents suppressing our Petitions so far as in them lay, did kindle the furie of all men against us: it was thought expedient to write unto them some Declaration of our minds, which we did in this forme following.

To the generation of Antichrist, the pestilent Prelats, and their Shavelings within Scotland, the Congregation of Christ Iesus within the some saith,

TO the end that ye shall not be abused, thinking to escape just punishment, after that ye in your blinde furie have caused the blood of many to be shed: This we notifie and declare unto you, That if ye proceed in this your malicious crueltie, ye shall be dealt withall wheresoever ye shall be apprehended, as murtherers and open enemies to God and unto mankinde. And therefore betimes cease from this blinde rage: Remove first from your selves, your bands of bloodie men of war, and reform your selves to a more quiet life, and hereafter mitigate ye the authority, which without crime committed on our part ye have inflamed against us, or else be ye assured, That with the same measure that ye have measured against us, and yet intend to measure to others, it shall be measured unto you; that is, As ye by tyrannie intend not onelyonly to destroy our bodies, but also by the same to hold our souls in bondage of the Devil, subject to Idolatry: So shall we with all force and power, which God shall grant unto us, execute just vengeance and punishment upon you, yea, we shall begin that same war which God commandeth Israel to execute against the Canaanites, that is, contract of peace shall never be made till that ye desist from your open Idolatry and cruell persecution of Gods children. And this we signifie unto you, in the name of the eternall God, and of his Son Christ Jesus, whose Verity we professe, and Gospel we have Preached, and holy Sacraments rightly ministred, so long as God will assist us to gain stand your Idolatry. Take this for advertisement and be not deceived.

Notwithstanding these our Requests and Advertisements, Monsieur Dosell and his French men, with the Priests and their bands, marched forward against S. Iohnston, and approached within ten miles of the Town; then repaired the brethren from all quarters for our reliefe. The Gentlemen of Fyfe; Angus, Mernes, with the Town of Dundie were there, they that first hazarded to resist the enemy: and for that purpose was chosen a place of ground, a mile and more distant from the Town. In this mean time, the Lord Ruthuen, Provest of the Town of S. Iohnston, and a man whom many judged godly and stout in that action (as in very deed he was even unto his last breath) left the Town, and departed first to his own place, and after to the Queen; whose defection and revolt was a great discouragement to the hearts of many, and yet did God so comfort them, that within the space of twelve houres after, the hearts of all men p. 144were set up againe. For those that were then assembled, did not so much hope of victory by their own strength, as by the power of him, whose Verity they professed, and began one to comfort another, till the whole multitude was erected in a reasonable hope. The day after that the Lord Ruthuen departed, which was the foure and twentieth of May,Speakers sent by the Queene to S. Iohnston. came the Earle of Argyle, Lord Iames Prior of S. Andrews, and the Lord Semple, directed from the Queen Regent, to enquire the cause of that Convocation of Lieges there. To whom when it was answered, That it was onelyonly to resist the cruell tyrannie devised against that poore Towne, and the inhabitants of the same. They asked if we minded not to hold that Towne against the authority, and against the Regent. To the which Question answered the Lairds of D…n and Pitarro, with the Congregation of Angus and Mernes, the Master of Lindsay, the Lairds of Londy, Balvarde, and others Barons of Fyfe. That if the Queenes Majestie would suffer the Religion there begun to proceed,Note the answer. and not trouble their brethren and sisters that had professed Christ Jesus with them, That the Towne, they themselves, and whatsoever to them pertained, should be at the Queens commandment. Which answer understood,The false suggestion of the Queen Regent the Earle of Argyle and the Prior (who both were then Protestants) began to muse, and said plainly, That they were far otherwise informed by the Queen, to wit, That we meant no Religion, but a plaine Rebellion. To the which when he had answered simply, and as the trueth was, to wit, That we Convened for none other purpose, but onelyonly to assist our brethren, who then were most unjustly persecuted, and therefore we desired them faithfully to report our answer, and to be intercessors to the Queen Regent, That such cruelty should not be used against us, considering that we had offered in our former Letters, as well to the Queens Majesty, as to the Nobility, our matter to be tried in lawfull judgement. They promised fidelity in that behalfe, which also they kept. The day after, which was the five and twentieth of May, before that the said Lords departed, in the morning Iohn Knox desired to speak with the same Lords, which granted unto him, he was conveyed to their Lodging by the Laird of Balvarde; and thus began,

The Oration of Iohn Knox to the Lords.

THe present troubles, honourable Lords, ought to move the hearts, not onelyonly of the true servants of God, but also of all such as beare any favour unto our Countrey and naturall Countrey-men, to descend within themselves, and deepely to consider, what shall be the end of this pretended tyrannie. The rage of Satan seeketh the destruction of all those that within this Realme professe Christ Iesus, and they that inflame the Queene, and you the Nobles against us, regard not who prevaile, provided that they may abuse the world, and live at their pleasure, as heretofore they have done: yea, I feare that some seek nothing more, then the effusion of Scottish blood, to the end that their possessions may be more patent to others. But because that this is not the principall which I have to speak, omitting the same to be considered, by the wisdome of those to whom the care of the Common-wealth appertaineth.

1. I most humbly require of you, my Lords, in my name, to say to the Queene p. 145Regent, That we in whom she in her blinde rage doth persecute, are Gods servants, faithfull and obedient Subjects to the authoritie of this Realme: That that Religion which she pretendeth to maintaine by fire and sword, is not the true Religion of Christ Iesus, but is expresse contrary to the same, a superstition devised by the braine of man,Let the Papists rather ambitious Romanists, judge. which I offer my selfe to prove against all that within Scotland will maintaine the contrary, liberty of tongue being granted unto me, and Gods written Word being admitted for judge.

2. I further require your honours in my name to say unto the Queen, That as oft before I have written, so now I say, That this her enterprise shall not prosperously succeed in the end, and albeit for a time she trouble the Saints of God, for she fights not against man only, but against the eternall God, and his invincible Verity, and therefore the end shall be her confusion, unlesse betimes she repent and desist.

These things I require of you, in the Name of the eternall God, as from my mouth, to say unto her Majestie, adding, That I have been, and am a more assured friend to her Majestie, then they, that either flattering her, as servants to her corrupt appetites, or else inflame her against us, who seek nothing but Gods glory to be advanced; Vice to be suppressed; and Veritie to be maintained in this poore Realme.

They all three did promise to report his words so far as they could, which afterwards we understood they did; yea the Lord Sempill himselfe, a man sold unto sin, enemie to God and all godlinesse, did yet make such report, That the Queen was somewhat offended, that any man should use such libertie in her presence. She still proceeded in her malice, for immediately thereafter she sent her Lion Herald with Letters, straitly charging all men to avoid the Towne under the paine of Treason. Which Letters, after he had declared them to the chiefe men of the Congregation, he publikely proclaimed the same upon Sunday the 27 of May. In this meane time came sure knowledge to the Queen, to Duke Hamilton, and to Monsieur Dosell, That the Earle of Glencarne, the Lords Uchiltrie and Boyde, the young Sheriffe of Air, the Lairds of Craggy, Wallace, Sesnock, Carnell, Bar, Gairgirth, and the whole congregation of Kyle and Cuninghame approached for our reliefe, and in very deed they came in such diligence, and such a number, That as the enemy had just cause to fear; so have all that professe Christ Jesus, just matter to praise God, for their fidelity and stout courage in that need: For by their presence was the tyrannie of the enemy bridled. Their diligence was such,The diligence of the Earle of Glencarne, and of the brethren of the wast, for the relief of S. Iohnston. that albeit the passage by Sterlin and six miles above was stopped (for there lay the Queen with her bands, and caused the Bridges to be cut upon the waters of Forth, Gudy, and Teith, above Sterlin) yet made they such expedition through desert and mountaine, that they prevented the enemy, and approached within sixe miles of our Campe, which then lay without the Towne awaiting upon the enemy, before that any assured knowledge came to us of their coming. Their number was judged to twentie five hundred men, whereof there was twelve hundred Horsemen. The Queene understanding how the said Earle and Lords, with their company approached, caused to beset all wayes, that no advertisement should come to us: To the end, That we despairing of support, might condiscend to such appointment as she required. And sent p. 146first to require that some discreet men of our number would come and speak to Duke Hamilton and Monsieur Dosell, (who then with their Army lay at Achtererdoch, ten miles from S. Iohnston) to the end, that some reasonable appointment might be had. She had perswaded the Earle of Argyle and all others, That we meant nothing but Rebellion; and therefore had he promised unto her, That in case we would not stand content with a reasonable appointment, he would declare himselfe open enemy unto us, notwithstanding that he professed the same Religion with us. From us were sent the Laird of Dun, the Laird of Inuerquhartye, and Thomas Scot of Abbotshall, to hear what appointment the Queene would offer. The Duke and Monsieur Dosell required, That the Towne should be made patent, and that all things should be referred to the Queenes pleasure. To the which they answered, That neither they had commission so to promise, neither durst they in conscience so perswade their brethren: But if the Queene would promise,The Petition of the Protestants, for the rendering of S Iohnston. That no inhabitant of the Town should be troubled for any such crimes as might be alleadged against them, for the late mutation of Religion and abolishment of Idolatrie, and for down-casting the places of the same; If she would suffer the Religion begun to go forward, and leave the Towne at her departing free from the Garrisons of French Souldiers; That they would labour at the hands of their brethren, that the Queene should be obeyed in all things. Monsieur Dosell perceiving the danger to be great, if that a sudden appointment should be made, and that they were not able to execute their tyrannie against us, after that the Congregation of Kyle (of whose comming we had no advertisement) should be joyned with us, with good words dismissed the said Lairds to perswade the brethren to quiet concord. To the which we were all so well minded, that with one voice they cried; Cursed be they that seek effusion of blood; Let us possesse Christ Iesus, and the benefit of his Gospel, and none within Scotland shall be more obedient Subjects then we shall be. With all expedition were sent from Sterlin againe (after that the coming of the Earle of Glencarne was knowne, for the enemie for feare quaked) the Earle of Argyle and Lord Iames aforesaid. And in their company a crafty man Master Gauin Hamilton, Abbot of Kilwinning, who were sent by the Queen to finish the appointment aforesaid. But before that they came, was the Earle of Glencarne and his honourable company arrived in the Towne: and then began all men to praise God, for that he had so mercifully heard them in their most extreame necessitie, and had sent unto them such reliefe as was able without effusion of blood to stay the rage of the enemie. The Earle of Argyle and Lord Iames did earnestly perswade the agreement, to the which all men were willing: but some did smell the craft of the adversary, to wit, That they were minded to keep no point of the promise longer then they had obtained their intent. With the Earle of Glencarne came our loving brother Iohn Willock, Iohn Knox was in the Town before. These two went to the Earle of Argyle and Lord Iames, The answer of the Earle of Argyle and L. Iames, Prior of S. Andrews.accusing them of infidelity, in so far as they had defrauded their brethren of their dutifull support, and comfort in their greatest necessity. They answered both, That their heart was constant with their brethren, and that they would defend that Cause to the p. 150uttermost of their power. But because they had promised to labour concord, and to assist the Queen in case we refused reasonable offers, in conscience and honour they could do no lesse then be faithfull in their promise made: And therefore they required that the brethren might be perswaded to consent to that reasonable appointment;The promise of the foresaid. promising in Gods presence, That if the Queen did break in any jot thereof, that they with their whole powers would assist and concurre with the brethren in all times to come. This promise made, the Preachers appeased the multitude, and obtained in the end that all men did consent to the appointment foresaid; which they obtained not without great labours; and no wonder, for many foresaw the danger to follow: yea the Preachers themselves in open Sermon did affirme plainly, That they were assuredly perswaded that the Queen meant no truth. But to stop the mouth of the adversary,Note. who unjustly did burthen us with Rebellion, they most earnestly required all men to approve the appointment, and so to suffer hypocrisie to disclose it self. This appointment was concluded the 28 of May, and the day following, at two in the after noon, departed the Congregation from Saint Iohnston, after that Iohn Knox had in his Sermon exhorted all men to constancy, and unfainedly to thanke God, for that it had pleased his mercy to stay the rage of the enemy without effusion of blood; Also that no brother should be weary, nor faint, to support such as should after be likewise persecuted: for (said he) I am assured that no part of this promise made shall be longer kept, then till the Queen and her French-men to have the upper hand. Many of the enemies were at the same Sermon: For after that the appointment was made, they had free entry in the Towne to provide Lodgings. Before the Lords departed, was this Bond, whose Tenour followeth, as it was written and subscribed.

The second Covenant at Perth.

AT Perth the last of May, the yeere of God 1559 yeers,1559

the Congregations of the West Countrey, with the Congregations of Fyfe, Perth, Dundie, Angus, Mernes, and Monrosse, being convened in the Towne of Perth, in the Name of Iesus Christ, for setting forth of his glory, understanding nothing more necessary for the same, then to keepe a constant amity, unity, and fellowship together, according as they are commanded by God, are confederate, and become bounden and obliged in the presence of God, to concurre and assist together in doing all things required of God in his Scripture, that may be to his glory; And at their whole powers to destroy and put away all things that doth dishonour to his Name, so that God may be truely and purely worshipped. And in case that any trouble be intended against the said Congregation, or any part or member thereof, the whole Congregation shall concurre, assist, and convene together, to the defence of the same Congregation or person troubled: And shall not spare Labours, Goods, Substance, Bodies and Lives, in maintaining the liberty of the whole Congregation, and every member thereof, against whatsoever person shall intend the said trouble for cause of Religion, or any other cause depending thereupon, or lay to their charge, under pretence therof, although it happen to be coloured with any other outward cause. In witnessing and p. 148testimony of the which, the whole Congregation aforesaid have ordained and appointed the Noble-men and persons under-written, to subscribe these Presents.

Sic subscribitur,

Arch Argyle,

Iames Steward,

Glencarne.

R. Lord Boid, Lord Wchiltrie,

Matthew Campbell of Tarmganart.

The 29 of May entred the Queen, the Duke, Monsieur d'Osell, and the French-men,The first slaughter at the entry of the French-men. who in discharging their Volley of Hacquebutes, did well mark the house of Patrike Murray, a man fervent in Religion, and that boldly had sustained all danger in that trouble; against whose stayr they directed six or seven Shot even against the faces of those that were there lying; all men escaped, except the son of the foresaid Patrike, a boy of ten or twelve yeers of age; who being slain, was had to the Queens presence: but she understanding whose son he was, said in mockage, It is pity it chanced on the son, and not on the father; but seeing that so it is chanced, we cannot be against fortune. Idolatry erected against the appointment.This was her happy entry in Saint Iohnston, and the great zeal she beareth to Justice. The swarme of Papists that entred with her, began straight to make provision for their Masse; and because the Altars were not so easie to be repaired again, they provided Tables, whereof some before used to serve for Drunkards, Dicers, and Carders, but they were holy enough for the Priest and his Pageant. The Queen began to rage against all godly and honest men, their houses were oppressed by the French, the lawfull Magistrates, as well Provest as Baylies, were unjustly, and without all order, deposed from their Authority: a wicked man, void of Gods fear, and destitute of all vertue, the Laird of Kilfans, was intrusted by her, Provest of the Towne: Whereat all honest men offended, left their owne houses, and with their wives and children sought amongst their brethren some resting place for a time.Against the appointment the second time. She took order that four Colours of the Souldiers should abide in the Town to maintain Idolatry, and to resist the Congregation. Honest and indifferent men asked why she did so manifestly violate her promise? She answered, That she was bound to keep no promise to hereticks: And moreover, That she promised onelyonly to leave the Towne free of French Souldiers; which (said she) she did,Second answer of the Queen Regent. because that these that therein were left were Scotishmen. But when it was reasoned in her contrary, That all those that took wages of France were counted French Souldiers, she answered, Princes must not be straitly bounden to keep their promises: The third an…wer.My selfe (said she) would make little conscience to take from all that sort their lives and inheritance, if I might do it with as honest an excuse. And then she left the Towne in extreme Bondage:The departure of the Earle of Argyle, and Lord Iames from the Queen Regent. After that her ungodly French-men had most cruelly used the most part of those that remained in the …ame, the Earle of Argyle, and Lord Iames foresaid perceiving in the Queen nothing but meer tyranny and falshood, mindefull of their former promises made to their brethren, did secretly convey themselves, and their Companies of the Town, and with them departed the Lord Ruthuen, of whom before mention is p. 149made; then the Earle of Menteth, and the Laird of Tullybardin, who in Gods presence did confederate and binde themselves together, faithfully promising one to assist and defend another against all persons that would pursue them for Religion sake; and also that they with their whole force and power would defend the brethren persecuted for the same Cause. The Queen highly offended at the sudden departure of the persons aforesaid, sent charges to them to return, under the highest pain of her displeasure. But they answered,The answer the Earle of Argyle. That with safe conscience they could not be partakers of so manifest tyranny as was by her committed, and of so great iniquity as they perceived devised by her, and her ungodly counsell the Prelats, This answer was given to her the first day of Iune, and immediately the Earle of Argyle, and Lord Iames repaired toward S. Andrewes; and in their Journey gave advertisement by writing to the Laird of Dun, to the Laird of Petarrow, to the Provest of Dundie, and others, professors in Angus, to visite them in S. Andrewes the fourth of Iune, for Reformation to be made there: which day they kept, and brought in their company Iohn Knox, who the first day after his coming to Fyfe, did preach in Carreal, the next day in Anstruther, minding the third day, which was the Sunday, to preach in S. Andrews. The Bishop hearing of Reformation to be made in his Cathedrall Church, thought time to stirre, or else never, and therefore assembled his colleagues, and confederate fellows, besides his other friends, and came to the Towne upon the Saturday at night, accompanied with a hundred Spears, of minde to have stopped Iohn Knox from Preaching. The two Lords and Gentlemen aforesaid were onelyonly accompanied with their quiet housholds, and therefore was the sudden coming of the Bishop the more fearfull; for then was the Queen and her French-men departed from Saint Iohnston, and were lying in Falkland, within twelve miles of S. Andrews; and the Town at that time had not given profession of Christ, and therefore could not the Lords be assured of their friendship. Consultation being had, many were of minde that the Preaching should be delayed for that day, and especially that Io. Knox should not preach, for that did the Bishop affirme that he would not suffer, considering that by his Commandment the Picture of the said Iohn was before burnt. He willed therefore an honest Gentleman, Robert Colwill of Cleisse, The Bishops good minde towards Iohn Knox.to say to the Lords, That in case Iohn Knox presented himselfe to the Preaching-place, in his Towne and principall Church, he should make him be saulted with a Dozen of Culverings, whereof the most part should light upon his nose. After long deliberation had, the said Iohn was called, that his owne judgement might be had; When many perswasions were made that he should delay for that time, and great terrours given in case he should enterprise such a thing; as it were in contempt of the Bishop, he answered, God is witnesse that I never preached Christ Iesus in contempt of any man, Iohn Knox his answer to the Lords, and the rest of the brethren.neither minde I at any time to present my selfe to that place, having either respect to my owne private commodity, either yet to the worldly hurt of any creature: But to delay to preach to morrow (unlesse the body be violently with-holden) I cannot in conscience: For in this Towne and Church began God first to call me to the dignity of a Preacher, from the which I was re…t by the tyranny of France, and procurement p. 147of the Bishops, as ye well enough know, how long I continued prisoner, what torment I sustained in the Gallies, and what were the sobs of my heart, is now no time to recite. This onelyonly I cannot conceale, which more then one have heard me say when my body was absent from Scotland, That my assured hope was, in open audience to preach in Saint Andrewes, before I departed this life. And therefore (said he) my Lords, seeing that God above the expectation of many hath brought my bodie to the same place where first I was called to the Office of a Preacher, and from the which most unjustly I was removed: I beseech your Honours not to stop me from presenting my selfe unto my Brethren: And as for the feare of danger that may come to me, let no man be solicite, for my life is in the custody of him whose glory I seek; and therefore I cannot so feare their boast nor tyrannie, that I will cease from doing my duty, when of his mercy he offereth the occasion. I desire the hand and weapon of no man to defend me, onelyonly do I crave audience; which if it be denied here unto me at this time, I must seek further where I may have it. At these words the Lords were fully content that he should occupy the place, which he did upon Sunday the tenth of June, and did treat of the ejection of the buyers and the sellers forth of the Temple of J…rusalem; as it is written in the Evangelists Matthew and Iohn, and so he applied the corruption that was then, to the corruption that is in Papistry: and Christs fact, to the duty of those to whom God giveth power and zeale thereto,The Reformation of S. Audrews. that aswell the Magist…ates, the Provest and Baylies, as the communalty for the most part within the Towne, did agree to remove all Monuments of Idolatry, which also they did with expedition. The Bishop advertised h…reof, departed that same day to the Queen, who lay with her French-men, as is said, in Falkland. The hot fury of the Bishop did so kindle her choler (and yet the love was very cold betwixt them) that without farther delay conclusion was taken, to invade Saint Andrewes, For the old Earle of Argyle was dead.and the two young Lords aforesaid, who then were very slenderly accompanied. Posts were sent from the Queen with all diligence to Cowper, distant onelyonly six miles from Saint Andrewes, to prepare Lodgings and Victualls for the Queen and her French-men. Lodgings were assigned, and F…rriers were sent before. Which thing understood, counsell was given to the Lords to march forward, and to prevent them before they came to Cowper: which they did, giving advertisement to all brethren with all possible expedition to repair towards them, which they also did, with such diligence,Cowper-Moore. that in their Assemblie the wonderous Worke of God might have been espied: For when at night the Lords came to Cowper, they were not an hundred Horse, and some few Foot-men whom the Lord Iames, brought from the Coast …ide; and yet before the next day at noon (which was Tuesday the thirteenth of June) their number passed three thousand men, which by Gods providence came unto the Lords from Lowthiane the Lairds of Ormeston, Calder, Hatton, Lestarrig, and Colston, who albeit they understood at their departing from their owne houses no such trouble, yet were they by their good counsell very comfortable that day. The Lord Ruthuen came from Saint Iohnston with some Horse-men with him: The Earle of Rothesse Sheriff of Fyfe, came with an honest Company. p. 151The Townes of Dundie and S. Andrews declared themselves both stout and faithfull. Cowper, because it stood in greatest danger, was assisted with the whole Force. Finally, God did so multiply our number, That it appeared as men had rained from the clouds. The enemy understanding nothing of our Force assured themselves of Victory. Who had beene in Falkland the night before, might have seen embracing and kissing, betwixt the Queen, the Duke, and the Bishop: But Master Gawin Hamilton, gaper for the Bishoprick of S. Andrews, above all others, was lovingly embraced of the Queen; For he made his solemne Vow,M. Gawin Hamiltons Vow. That he would fight, and that he would never return till he brought those Traitours to her Majestie, either quick or dead. And thus before midnight did they send forward their Ordnance, themselves did follow before three of the clock in the morning. The Lords hereof advertised, assembled their company early in the morning upon Cowper-moore; where by the advice of M. Iames Haliburtoun Provest of Dundie, was chosen a place of ground convenient for our defence: For it was so chosen▪ That upon all sides our Ordnance might have beaten the enemy, and yet we have stood in safety, if we had been pursued till we had come to hand strokes. The Lord Ruthuen took the charge of the horsemen, and ordered them so, That the enemy was never permitted to espie our number; the day was dark, which helped thereto. The enemy (as before is said) thinking to have found no resistance, after that they had twice or thrice made shew unto us, as that they would retire, marched forward with great expedition, and approached within a mile before that ever their horsemen stayed, and yet they kept betwixt us and them a water, for their strength. It appeared to us, That either they marched for Cowper or S. Andrews: and therefore our Horse-men in their Troope, and a part of the Foot-men with the Ordnance marched somewhat alwayes before them for safety of the Towne. The Lords, with the Gentlemen of Fyfe, and so many of Angus and Mearns as were present, kept themselves close in a knot, neere to the number of a thousand Speares. The Townes of Dundie and S. Andrews were arrayed in another battell, who came not to the sight of the enemy, till that after twelve of the clock the mist began to vanish, and then passed some of their Horse-men to a mountaine, from the height whereof they might discerne our number. Which perceived by them, their Horse-men and Foot-men stayed incontinent, Posts ran to the Duke and Monsieur Dosell, to declare our number, and what order we kept: And then were Mediators sent to make appointment, but they were not suffered to approach neere to the Lords, neither yet to the view of our Camp; which put them in great feare. Answer was given unto them,First answer at Cowper-moore. That as we had offended no man, so would we seek appointment of no man; but if any would seek our lives (as we were informed they did) they should finde us, if they pleased to make diligence. This answer received, were sent againe the Lord Lindsay, and Laird of W…nchton, who earnestly requested us to concord, and that we would not be the occasion that innocent blood should be shed. We answered,The second answer. That neither had we quarrell against any man, neither yet sought we any mans blood: onelyonly we were convened for defence of our own lives unjustly sought by others. We added further▪ p. 152That if they could finde the meane, that we and our brethren might be free from the tyrannie devised against us, that they should reasonably desire nothing which should be denied for our part. This answer received, the Duke and Monsieur Dosell, having Commission of the Queen Regent, required, That Assurance might be taken for eight dayes; to the end that indifferent men in the mean time might commune upon some finall agreement of those things which were then in controversie. Hereto did we fully consent, albeit that in number and force we were far superiour, and for testification hereof, we sent unto them our hand writs; and we likewise received theirs with promise, That within two or three dayes some discreet men should be sent to us to S. Andrews, with further knowledge of the Queens minde. The tenour of the assurance was this.

The Assurance.

WE James Duke of Chattellerault, Earle of Arrane, Lord Hamilton; and my Lord Dosell, Lieutenant for the King in these parts, for our selves, our assistaries, and partakers, being presently with us in company. By the tenor hereof promits faithfully in honour to my Lords Archibald Earle of Argyle, and James, Commendater of the Priory of S. Andrews, to their assistants and partakers being presently with them in company: That we and our company aforesaid, shall retire incontinent to Falkland, and shall with diligence transport the French men, and our other folkes now presently with us, and that no French men or other Souldiers of ours, shall remaine within the bounds of Fyfe, but so many as before the raising of the last Army lay in Disert, Kirkcaldie, and Kinghorne, and the same to lie in the same places onelyonly, if we shall think good. And this to have effect for the space of eight dayes following the date hereof exclusive, That in the meane time certaine Noble-men, by the advice of the Queen and the rest of the Councell may convene to talk of such things, as may make good order and quietnesse amongst the Queens Lieges. And further, We, nor none of our assisters being present with us, shall invade, trouble, or disquiet the said Lords nor their assisters, during the said space. And this we binde and oblige us upon our loyall fidelitie and honour, to observe and keepe in every point above-written, without fraud or guile. In witnesse whereof, we have subscribed these presents with our own hands.

At Garlebanke the 13 day of Iune 1559. Subscribed.

Iames Hamilton.

Meneits, Dosell.

And this received, we departed first, because we were thereto requested by the Duke; and so we returned to Cowper, lauding and praising God, for his mercy shewed, and thereafter every man departed to his dwelling place. The Lords and a great part of the Gentlemen passed to S. Andrews, who there abode certain dayes, still looking for those that were promised to come from the Queen for appointment to be made. But we perceiving her craft and deceit (for under that assurance, she meant nothing else but to convey her selfe, her Ordnance, and French-men over p. 153the water of Forth) took consultation what should be done for delivering S. Iohnston from these ungodly Souldiers, and how our brethren exiled from their own houses,The delivery of S. Iohnston. might be restored again. It was concluded, That the brethren of Fyfe, Angus, Mernes, and Stratherne, should Convene at S. Iohnston the foure and twentieth day of June for that purpose, and in the mean time were these Letters written by the Earle of Argyle and Lord Iames to the Queen then Regent.

Letters to the Queen Regent.

MAdame, after our hearty commendations of service, this shall be to shew your Majestie, That upon the 13 day of Iune, we were informed by them that were Communers betwixt the Duke, Monsieur Dosell, and us, That we should have spoken unreverently of your Majestie, which we beseech your Majestie, for the true service that we have made, and are ready to make at all times to your Majestie, That of your goodnesse you will let us know the sayers thereof, and we shall do the dutie of true Subjects, to defend our own innocency: As we take God to witnesse, of the good Zeale and Love we beare towards you, to serve you with true hearts, and all that we have, as well lands as goods; desiring no other thing for our service, but the liberty of our conscience to serve our Lord God, as we shall answer to him, which your Majestie ought and should give us unrequired. Moreover, please your Majestie, That the Duke and the Noble-men being in Sterlin for the time, by your Majesties advice, solicited us to presse the Congregation assembled at the Town of Perth, to Commune of Concord, where we did our exact diligence, and brought it to passe, as your Majestie knows. And there is a point, that we plainly see it not observed to us, which is, That no Souldier should remain in the Town after your Majesties departing. And suppose it may be inferred, That it was spoken of French Souldiers onelyonly, yet we took it otherwise, like as we do yet, That Scottish-men, or any other Nation, taking wages of the King of France, are reputed and holden French Souldiers. Therefore seeing we of good will and minde brought that matter to your Majesties contentment, it will please your Majestie of your goodnesse to remove the Souldiers and their Captains, with others that have gotten charge of the Town, That the same may be guided and ruled freely, as it was before, by the Ballyes and Counsell conforme to their infeoffments given to them, by the ancient and most excellent Kings of this Realme, to elect and chuse their officers at Michaelmas, and they to endure for the space of one yeere, conforme to the old Rite and Custome of this Realme: which being done by your Majestie, we trust the better successe shall follow thereupou to your Majesties content, as the bearer will declare at more length to your Majestie; Whom God preserve.

To Saint Iohnston, with the Gentlemen before expressed, did Convene the Earle of Monteith, the Laird of Glaneurquhair, and divers others, who before had not presented themselves for defence of their brethren. When the whole multitude was Convened, a Trumpet was sent by the Lords, commanding the Captains and their Bands, To avoid the Towne, and to leave it to the ancient Libertie and just Inhabitants of the same; Also commanding the Laird of Kilfawnes, put in Provest by the Queen,The summoning of S. Iohnston. with the Captains aforesaid, To open the gates of the Town, and make the same patent to all our Soveraigns lieges, to the effect, That as well true Religion now once begun therein, may be maintained, p. 154and Idolatry utterly suppressed, as also the said Town might enjoy and brook their ancient Laws and Liberties, unoppressed by men of War, according to their old Priviledges granted to them by the ancient Princes of this Realme, and conforme to the provision contained in the Contract of Marriage, made by the Nobility and Parliament of this Realme with the King of France, bearing namely, That our old Laws or Liberties should not be altered: Adding thereto, If they foolishly resisted, and therein happened to commit murther, That they should be treated as murtherers. To the which they answered proudly, That they would keep and defend that Towne, according to their promise made to the Queen Regent. This answer received, preparation was made for the Siege and assault. For amongst all, it was concluded that the Towne should be set at liberty, to what danger soever their bodies should be exposed. While preparation was in making, came the Earle of Huntly, the Lord Erskin, Master Iohn Ballenden, Justice Clerk, requiring that the pursuit of the Town should be delayed.Communing at S. Iohnston. To speake to them were appointed, the Earle of Argyle, Lord Iames, and Lord Ruthuen, who perceiving in them nothing but a drift of time, without any assurance that the former wrongs should be redressed, gave unto them a short and plaine answer, That they would not delay their purpose an houre: and therefore willed them to certifie the Captains in the Town, That if by pride and foolishnesse they would keep the Town, and in so doing slay any of their brethren, that they should every one die as murtherers. The Earle of Huntly, Huntly.displeased at this answer, departed, and was highly offended that he could not dresse such an appointment, as should have contented the Queen and the Priests. After their departing the Town was again summoned: but the Captaines supposing that no sudden pursuit should be made, and looking for reliefe to have been sent from the Queen, abode in their former opinion. And so upon Saterday the nine and twentieth of June, at ten of the clock at night, commanded the Lord Ruthuen who besieged the west Quarter, to shoot the first Volley, which being done, the Town of Dundie did the like, whose Ordnance lay on the east side of the Bridge. The Captaines and Souldiers within the Town, perceiving that they were unable long to resist, required assurance till twelve houres upon the morrow; promising, That if before that houre there came unto them no relief from the Queen Regent, that they would render the Town: Provided that they should be suffered to depart the Town with Ensigne displayed. We thirsting the blood of no man, and seeking onelyonly the liberty of our brethren, condescended to their desires, albeit that we might have executed against them judgement without mercy, for that they had refused our former favours, and had slain one of our brethren, and hurt two in their resistance, and yet we suffered them freely to depart without any further molestation. The Town being delivered from their thraldom, upon Sunday the six and twentieth of June thanks was given to God for this great benefit received, and consultation was taken, what was further to be done. In this meane time, zealous men considering, how obstinate, proud, and despightfull, the Bishop of Murray had been before,The Bishop of Murray. how he had threatned the Town by his Souldiers and friends who lay in Scone, thought good that some p. 158order should be taken with him, and with that place, which lay neer to the Towns end. The Lords wrote unto him (for he lay within two miles of S. Iohnston) That unlesse he would come and assist them, they neither could spare nor save his place. He answered by his writing, That he would come, and would do as they thought expedient; that he would assist them with his Force, and would consent with them against the rest of the Clergie in Parliament. But because this answer was slow in coming, the Town of Dundie partly offended for the slaughter of their men, and especially bearing no good favour to the said Bishop, for that he was and is chief enemy to Christ Jesus, and that by his counsell alone was Walter Mile our brother put to death, they marched forward: To stay them was first sent the Provest of Dundie, and his brother Alexander Halyburtoun Captaine; who little prevailing, was sent unto them Iohn Knox; but before his coming, they were entred to the pulling downe of the Idols and dortoir. And albeit the said Master Iames Halyburtoun, Alexander his brother, and the said Iohn, did what in them lay to have stayed the fury of the multitude, yet were they not able to put order universally, and therefore they sent for the Lords, Earle of Argyle and Lord Iames, The destruction of Scone.who coming with all diligence, laboured to have saved the place and the place and the Church. But because the multitude had found buried in the Church a great number of hid goods, of purpose to have preserved them to a better day (as the papists speak) the Towns of Dundie and S. Iohnston could not be satisfied, till that the whole reparation and Ornaments of the Church (as they terme it) were destroyed. And yet did the Lords so travell, that they saved the Bishops Palace, with the Church and place for that night: For the two Lords did not depart, till they brought with them the whole number of those that most sought the Bishops displeasure. The Bishop greatly offended that any thing should have been enterprised in reformation of his place, asked of the Lords his Band and hand-writing, which not two hours before he had sent unto them; which delivered to his Messenger Sir Adam Browne, advertisement was given, That if any farther displeasure chanced unto him, he would that he should not blame them. The Bishops servants that same night began to fortifie the place again, and began to do violence to some that were carrying away such Baggage as they could come by. The Bishops Girnall was kept the first night by the labours of Iohn Knox, who by exhortation removed such as violently would make interruption. The same night departed from S. Iohnston the Earl of Argyle, and L. Iames, as after shall be declared.The cause of the burning of Scone. The morrow following, some of the poor, in hope of spoyl, and some of Dundie, to consider what was done, passed up to the said Abbey of Scone; whereat the Bishops servants offended, began to threaten and speak proudly: and as it was constantly affirmed, one of the Bishops sons thrust thorow with a Rapier one of Dundie, for because he was looking in at the Girnell door. This brute noysed abroad, the Town of Dundie was more enraged then before; who putting themselves in Armour, sent word to the inhabitants of S. Iohnston, That unlesse they would support them to avenge that injury, they should never after that day occure with them in any action. The multitude easily enflamed, gave the Alarm, and so was p. 156that Abbey and Palace appointed to Saccage, in doing whereof they took no long deliberation, but committed the whole to the merciement of fire. Whereat no small number of us were so offended, that patiently we could not speak, to any that were of Dundie or Saint Iohnston. A poor aged matron seeing the flame of fire to passe up so mightily, and perceiving that many were thereat offended,Speaking of an ancient matron when Scone was burning. in plain and sober manner of speaking, said, Now I see and understand that Gods judgements are just, and that no man is able to save where he will punish: since my remembrance this place hath been nothing else but a Den of Whore mongers: It is incredible to believe how many wives have been adulterate, and virgins deflowred by the filthy beasts which have been fostered in this den; but especially by that wicked man who is called the Bishop. If all men knew as much as I, they would praise God, and no man would be offended. This woman dwelt in the Towne nigh to the Abbey. At whose words were many pacified, affirming with her, That it was Gods just Judgement. And assuredly if the labours or travell of any man could have saved that place, it had not been at that time destroyed: for men of greatest estimation laboured with all diligence for the safety of it. While these things were done at Saint Iohnston, the Queen fearing what should follow, determined to send certain Bands of French Souldiers to Sterlin, of purpose to stop the passage to us that then were upon the North side of Forth. Which understood, the Earle of Argyle and Lord Iames departed secretly in the night, and with great expedition preventing the French,The taking of Stirlin. they took the Towne (before whose coming the rascall multitude put hands on the thieves, I should say Friers places, and utterly destroyed them) whereat the Queen and her Faction not a little afrayed, with all diligence departed from Edinburgh to Dumbar. And so we with reasonable diligence marched forward to Edinburgh, for Reformation to be made there; where we arrived the 29 of June. The Provest for that time, the Lord Seaton, Lord Shaton.a man without God, without honesty, and oftentimes without reason, had before greatly troubled and molested the brethren, for he had taken upon him the protection and defence of the Black and Gray Friers; and for that purpose did not onelyonly lie himself in one of the Colledges every night, but also constrained the most honest of the Towne to watch those monsters, to their great grief and trouble. But hearing of our sudden coming,The coming of the Congregaon to Edinburg. he abandoned his charge, and left the spoyl to the poor, who had made havock of all such things as was moveable in those places before our coming, and left nothing but bare walls; yea, not so much as door or window: whereby we were the lesser troubled in putting order to such places. After that we had deliberate certain dayes what was best to be done, and what order was to be taken for suppressing all Monuments of Idolatry within that Towne, and the places next adjacent, determination was taken to send some Message to the Queen then Regent. For she had bruted (as her accustomed manner was, by advice of her counsell, ever to forge lies) that we sought nothing but her life, and a plain revoltment from the lawfull obedience due to our Soveraigne her Authority, as by the Tenour of these Letters may be seen.

p. 157FRANCIS and MARIE By the Grace of God, King and Qneen of Scots, Doulphin and Doulphinesse of Viennois: To Our loved Lyon King of Armes, &c. Our Sheriffs in that part conjunctly and severally specially constitute, greeting.

Forasmuch as our dearest Mother Marie, Queen Dowager Regent of Our Realme, and Lords of our Secret Councell, perceiving the seditious tumult raised by one part of our Lieges, naming themselves, The Congregation; who under pretence of Religion have put themselves in Armes. And that Our Mother, for satisfying of every mans conscience, and pacifying of the said troubles, had offered unto them to appoint a Parliament to be holden in January next to come (this was a manifest lie, for this was neither offered, nor by her once thought upon, till we required it) or sooner, if they had pleased, for establishing of a Universall order in matters of Religion by Our advice, and States of Our Religion, and in the meane time to suffer every man to live at liberty of Conscience without trouble, unto the time that the said order were taken by advise of Our foresaid States. And at last, because it appeareth much to stand upon Our Burrough of Edinburgh, offered in like manner to let the inhabitants thereof chuse what manner of Religion they would set up and use for that time, so that no man might alleadge that he was forced to do against his conscience. Which offer the Queen, Our said dearest Mother was at all times,Let the Reader marke how this agrees with our time. and yet is ready to fulfill. Neverthelesse the said Congregation being of minde to receive no reasonable offers, hath since by open deed declared, That it is no Religion, nor any thing thereto pertaining that they seek, but onelyonly the subversion of Our Authority, and usurpation of Our Crowne: In manifest witnessing whereof, they daily receive English-men with Messages unto them, and sendeth such like into England: And last of all, have violently intermitted, withtaken, and yet with-holds, the Irons of Our Coyning-House, which is one of the chiefe Points that concerneth Our Crowne: And such like have intromitted with our Pallace of Halyrud-house. Our Will is therefore, &c. That ye passe to the Market Crosse of Our said Burrough of Edinburgh, or any other place within the same, and there by open Proclamation, in Our Name and Authority, command and charge all and sundry persons of the said Congregation, or yet being presently within Our said Borough, other then the inhabitants thereof, that they within six hours next after Our said Charge, depart forth of the same, under the pain of Treason. And as that ye command all and sundry persons to leave their company, and to adhere to Our Authority; with Certification, That such as do the contrary, shall be reputed and holden as manifest Traytors to Our Crowne.

These Letters did not a little grieve us, who most unjustly were accused; for never a sentence of the Narrative true, except, That we stayed the Irons, and that for just cause; to wit, Because that daily there was such number of hard-heads printed, that the basenesse thereof made all things exceeding dear; And therefore we were counselled by the wisest to stay the Irons while further order might be taken. The Queen Regent with all possible diligence posted for her Faction: Master Iames Balfour was not idle in the mean time. The Lords, to purge themselves of these odious crimes, wrote to her a Letter in form as after followeth:

p. 155PLease your Majestie to be advertised, That it is come to our knowledge, that your Majestie hath set forth by your Letters openly proclaimed,The third Letter to the Queen Regent. That we, called by name, The Congregation, under pretence and colour of Religion convene together to no other purpose, but to usurp our Soveraignes Authirity, and to invade your person, representing theirs at this present. Which things appeare to have proceeded of sinister information made to your Majestie by our enemies, considering that we never minded such thing, but onelyonly our minde and purpose was and is, To promote and set forth the glory of God, Maintain and defend the true Preachers of his Word, And according to the same abolish and put away Idolatry and false abuses which may not stand with the said Word of God. Beseeching your Majestie to beare patiently therewith, and interpose your Authority to the furtherance of the same, as is the duty of every Christian Prince, and good Magistrate. For as to the obedience of our Soveraignes Authority in all Civill and Politick matters, we are and shall be as obedient, as any other your Majesties subjects within the Realme. And that our convention is for no other purpose, but to save our Preachers and their auditors from the injury and violence of our enemies: Which should be more amply declared by some of us in your Majesties presence, if ye were not accompanied with such as have pursued our lives, and sought our blood. Thus we pray Almighty God to save your Highnesse in his eternall tuition.

At Edinburgh the 2 of Iuly, 1559.

And for further purgation hereof, it was thought necessary that we should simply expose as well to her Majesty, as to the whole people what were our requests and just petitions: And for that purpose after that safe-Conduct was purchased and granted, we directed unto her two grave men of counsell, to wit, the Lairds of Pittarrow and Cuninghamehead, to whom we gave commission and power, first to expose our whole purpose and intent, which was no other then before, at all times we had required; to wit, First, That we might enjoy the liberty of conscience. Secondly, That Christ Jesus might be truely preached, and his holy Sacraments rightly ministred unto us. Thirdly, That unable Ministers might be removed from Ecclesiasticall Administration: And that our Preachers might be relaxed from the Horne, and permitted to execute their charges, without molestation unto such as either by a generall Councell lawfully convened, or by a Parliament within the Realme the controversies in Religion were decided. And for declaration that her Majestie was hereto willing that the Bands of French-men, who then were a burden intolerable to the Countrey, and to us so fearfull, that we durst not in peaceable and quiet manner haunt the places where they did lie, should be sent to France their native Countrey: Which things granted, Her Majestie should have experience of our accustomed obedience. To these Heads she did answer at the first so pleasantly, that she put both our Commissioners in full esperance that all should be granted, and for that purpose she desired to speak with some of greater Authority; promising, That if they would assure her of their dutifull obedience, that she would deny nothing of that which was required. For satisfaction of her minde, we sent again the Earle of Glencarne, The craftines of the Queen Regent may yet be espied.the Lord Ruthwen, the Lord Uchiltrie, and the said Laird of Pittarrow, with the same Commission as before. But then she began to handle the matter more craftily, complaining that she p. 159was not sought in a gentle manner. And that they in whom she had put most singular confidence, had left her in her greatest need. And such other things pertaining nothing to the Commission, she proposed to spend and drive the time. They answered, That by unjust tyrannie devised against them and their brethren (as her Majestie did well know) they were compelled to seek the extreame remedie, and therefore that her Majestie ought not to wonder though godly men left the company, where they neither found fidelity nor trueth. In the end of this communing; which was the twelfth day of July 1559.1559. She desired to have talked privately with the Earle of Argyle and Lord Iames, Prior of S. Andrews; for else (as she alleadged) she could not but suspect that they pretended to some other higher purpose then Religion. She and her crafty Counsell had abused Duke Hamilton, perswading him and his friends, That the said Earle and Lord Iames had conspired,Accusations. first to deprive our Soveraigne her daughter of her authority,Mark the craftie calumnies. and thereafter the Duke and his Successors of their pretended Title to the Crowne of Scotland. By these invented lyes she inflamed the hearts of many against us, insomuch that some of our own number began to murmure. Which perceived, as well the Preachers in their publike Sermons, as we our selves by our publike Proclamation, gave purgation and satisfaction to the people, plainely and simply declaring what was our purpose, taking God to witnesse, That no such crimes were ever entred into our hearts, as most unjustly was laid to our charge. The Counsell after consultation, thought not expedient that the said Earle and Lord Iames should talke with the Queen in any sort; for her former practises put all men in suspition, That some deceit lurked under such coloured communing. She had before said, That if she could by any meane sunder these two from the rest, she was assured shortly to come by her whole purpose. And one of her chiefe Counsell in those dayes (and we feare but too inward with her yet) said, That ere Michaelmas day they two should lose their heads; and therefore all men feared to commit two such young plants to her mercy and fidelity. It was therefore finally denied that they should talk with the Queen, or any appertaining to her, but in places void of all suspicion, where they should be equall in number with those that should talk with them. The Queen perceiving that her craft could not prevaile, was content that Duke Hamilton, and that Earle of Huntley, with others by her appointed, should convene at Preston, The communing at Preston.to Commune with the said Earle and Lord Iames, and such others as the Lords of the Congregation would appoint, to the number of an hundred on each side: Of the which number, eight persons onelyonly should meet for conference. The principals for their party, were the Duke, and Earle Huntly, the Lords Erskin and Somerwell, M. Gawin Hamilton, and the Justice Clerk. From us were directed the Earles of Argyle and Glencarne, the Lords Ruthuen and Lord Iames, Boyde and Uchiltrie, the Lairds Dun and Pittarrow. Who Convening at Preston, spake the whole day without any certaine conclusion: For this was the practise of the Queen and of her faction, By drift of time to weary our company, who for the most part, had been upon the fields from the tenth day of May: That we being dispersed, she might come to her purpose, in p. 160which she was not altogether deceived: For our Commons were compelled to scatter for lack of expences: And our Gentlemen partly constrained by lack of furnishing, and partly hoping some finall appointment, after so many Communings, returned for the most part to their dwelling places, for reposing of themselves. The Queen in all those Conventions seemed that she would give liberty to Religion;The demand of the Queen Regent, and answer of the Protestants Provided, That wheresoever she was, our Preachers should cease, and the Masse should be maintained. We perceiving her malicious craft, answered, That as we would compell her Majestie, to no Religion; so could we not in conscience, for the pleasure of any earthly treasure, put silence to Gods true Messengers: neither could we suffer that the right administration of Christs true Sacraments should give place to manifest Idolatry, for in so doing we should declare our selves enemies to God, to Christ Iesus his Son, to his eternall Veritie, and to the libertie and establishment of his Church within this Realme: For your request being granted, There can no Church within the same be so established, but at your pleasure, and by your residence and remaining there, ye might overthrow the same. This our last answer we sent unto her with the Lord Ruthuen and Laird of Pittarrow, requiring of her Majestie in plaine words, to signifie unto us, What hope we might have of her favour towards the upsetting of Religion? We also required, That she would remove her French-men, who were a feare to us, and a burden most grievous to our Countrey; and that she would promise to us in the word of a Prince, That she would procure no man to be sent in. And then should we not onelyonly support to the uttermost of our powers to furnish Ships and Victuals for their transporting, but also upon our honours should we take her body into our protection.The last offers of the Protestants to the Q. Regent. And should promise, in the presence of God and the whole Realme, to serve our Soveraigne her daughter, and her Majestie Regent, as faithfully and as obediently, as ever did we Kings within Scotland. That moreover we should cause our Preachers give reason of their Doctrine in her audience to any that pleased to impugne any thing that they did or taught. Finally, That we should submit our selves to a lawfull Parliament. Provided that the Bishops, as the partie accused and our plaine enemies, should be removed from judgement.

To no point would she answer directly, but in all things she was so generall and so ambiguous, that her craft appeared to all men. She had gotten assured knowledge that our company was scattered (for her French-men were daily amongst us, without molestation or hurt done unto them) and therefore she began to disclose her minde,The scoffing of the Queen Regent. and said, The Congregation hath reigned these two moneths past; Me my selfe would reigne now other two. The malice of her heart being plainely perceived, deliberation was had what was to be done. It was concluded, That the Lords, Barons, and Gentlemen, with their chiefe domesticks, should remaine in Edinburgh that whole Winter, for establishing of the Church there. And because it was found, That by the corrupting of our Money the Queen made to her selfe immoderate gaines,Note. for maintaining of her Souldiers, to the destruction of the whole Common-wealth: It was thought necessary, That the Printing yrons, and all things pertaining should be stayed, for feare that she should privily cause to transport them p. 161to Dumbar. In this mean time came assured word, first, That the King of France was hurt, and after that he was dead. Which albeit it ought to have put her in minde of her own estate and wicked enterprises:The death of Henry King of France. for he that same time in the fulnesse of his glory (as she her selfe used to speak) had determined most cruell persecution against the Saints of God in France, even as she her selfe was here persecuting in Scotland: and yet he so perished in his pride, That all men might see that Gods just vengeance did strike him, even when his iniquity was come to full ripenesse. Albeit we say, That this wonderous work of God in his sudden death, ought to have danted her fury, and given unto her admonition, That the same God could not suffer her obstinate malice against his Truth, long to be unpunished: Yet could her indurate heart nothing be moved to Repentance; for hearing of the staying of the Printing yrons, she raged more outragiously then before, and sending for all such as were of her faction, exposed her grievous complaint, aggravating the same with many lies,Note how this agrees with our times. to wit, That we had declared that which before she suspected: For what could we mean else but usurpation of the Crown, when we durst put hands to the Coining-house, which was a portion of the patrimonie of the Crown. She further alleadged, That we had spoiled the Coining-House of great sums of money. To the which we answered, both by our Letters sent to her and her Counsell, and by publike Proclamation to the people, That we without usurpation of any such thing, justly appertaining to the Crown of Scotland, Answer to the calumnie.did stay the Printing yrons, in consideration that the Common-wealth was greatly hurt by corrupting of our money. And because we were born Counsellers of this Realm, sworn to procure the profit of the same, we could do no lesse of dutie and of conscience,Note, Nobles. then to stay that for a time, which we saw so abused, That unlesse remedy were found, should turn to the utter detriment of the whole body of this Realme. And as to her false accusation of spoil, we did remit us to the conscience of M. Robert Richeson, master of the Coining-house, who from our hands received silver, gold, and mettall, as well Coined as un-Coined, so that with us there did not remain the value of a Bawbee, or Farthing. This our Declaration and purgation notwithstanding, she, partly by her craft and policie, and partly by the labours of the Bishops of Saint Andrews and Glasgow, procured the whole number that were with her, to consent to pursue us with all cruelty and expedition, before that we could have our company (which then was dispersed for new furnishing) assembled again. The certaintie hereof coming to our knowledge the Saturday at night, being the 25 of July, we did what in us lay to give advertisement to our brethren: but impossible it was that the Wast, Angus, Mernes, Straitherne or Fyfe, in any number could come to us. For the enemie Marched from Dumbar upon the Sunday, and approached within two miles of us before Sun-rising upon Munday. For they verily supposed to have found no resistance, being assured that the Lords onelyonly with certain Gentlemen remained with their private houses: calling upon God for counsell in that straight, we sought what was the next defence. We might have left the Town, and might have retired our selves without any p. 162danger, but then we should have abandoned our brethren of Edinburgh, and suffered the Ministery thereof to have decayed; which to our hearts was so dolorous, that we thought better to hazard the extremitie then so to do. For then the most part of the Town appeared rather to favour us then the Queens faction, and did offer unto us the uttermost of their support, which for the most part they did faithfully keep. The same did the Town of Leith, Leith left us the congregation.but they kept not the like fidelity. For when we were upon the field, marching forward for their support (for the French marched nigh to them) they rendred themselves without further resistance. And this they did, as is supposed, by the treason of some within themselves, and by perswasion of the Laird of Lestarrig, who before declared himselfe to be one of us; and notwithstanding that same day rendred himselfe undesired to Monsieur Dosell. Their unprovided and sudden defection astonished many, and yet we retired quietly to the side of Cragingate, which place we took for resisting the enemy. In the mean time divers mediatours passed betwixt us, amongst whom the Lord Ruthuen for our part was principall. Alexander Erskin did much travell to stay us and our Souldiers, that we should not joyne with them of Leith, till that they, as is said, had rendred themselves to the French. The said Alexander did oft promise that the French would stay, provided, That we would not joyne with those of Leith. But after that they were rendred, we heard nothing of him but threatning and discomfortable words. Before it was eight of the clock in the morning, God had given unto us both courage, and a reasonable number to withstand their furie. The Towne of Edinburgh, so many as had subject themselves to discipline, and divers others besides them, behaved themselves both faithfully and stoutly. The Gentlemen of Lowthiane, especially Calder, Hatton, and Ormeston, were very comfortable, as well for their counsell as for their whole assistance. Some Gentlemen of Fyfe prevented the French-men, other were stopped by reason that the French had passed Leith. Alwayes the enemy took such a fear, That they determined not to invade us where we stood, but took purpose to have passed to Edinburgh, by the other side of the water of Leith: and that because they had the Castle to their friend, which was to us unknown, for we supposed the Lord Erskin, Captain of the same, either to have been our friend, or at least to have been indifferent. But when we had determined to fight,The Lord Erskin and his fact. he sent word to the Earle of Argyle, to Lord Iames, his sisters son, and to the other Noble-men, That he would declare himselfe, both enemy to them and to the Town, and would shoot at both, if they made any resistance to the French-men to enter into the Town. This his treasonable defiance sent us, by the Laird of Ricarton did abate the courage of many, for we could not fight, nor stop the enemy, but under the mercy of the Castle and whole Ordnance thereof. Hereupon was consultation taken, and in conclusion, it was found lesse damage to take an appointment, albert the Conditions were not such as we desired; then to hazard battell betwixt two such enemies. After long talking, certaine heads were drawn by us, which we desired to be granted.

p. 166First, That no member of the Congregation should be troubled in life, lands, goods or possessions, by the Queen her Authority, nor any other justice within the Realm, for any thing done in the late Innovation, till a Parliament (which should begin the tenth of Ianuary) had decreed things in controversie.

2. That Idolatry should not be erected, where it was at that day suppressed.

3. That the Preachers and Ministers should not be troubled in their Ministery where they are already established, neither yet stopped to preach wheresoever they should chance to come.

4. That no Bands of men of War should be laid in Garrison within the Town of Edinburgh.

5. That the French-men should be sent away at a reasonable day; and that none other should be brought into the Countrey without consent of the whole Nobility and Parliament.

But these our Articles were altered, and another forme disposed, as followeth.