History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland, Book 4 · Floating text 5 – Letter 2

History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland · Book 4 · Floating text 5 – Letter 2

p. 323Apud Edinburge, 15. February 1561.

FOr as much as the Queenes Majestie by the advice of the Lords of her secret Councell, and others, divers of the Nobility had of before the two and twentieth day of December last past, ordained, that if the fourth part of the fruits, and Rents of all the Benefices within this Realme were not sufficient for the Supporting of her Majesties present wants, and the particular Charges under-written, necessary to be borne for the weale of the Countrey, than the third of the said fruits more or lesse should be taken up to the effects aforesaid; and ordained Letters to be directed, charging all and sundry Beneficed men on this side of the Water, to produce their Rentalls before the foure and twentieth day of Ianuary last past. And the tenth of p. 324February instant, were prefixed by the said Letters, for the bringing in all Rentalls of the Benefices beyond the water; with certification▪ That who produced not the said Rentalls at the dayes aforesaid respectively, the Queens Majesty and her Councell would provide remedy: according to the which Certification, her Highnesse, with advice of her Councell aforesaid, hath Ordained, That they who have not produced their Rentalls whole and full, intromission shall be had of their fruits, by them whom her Majesty shall direct thereto: And who have not given their just Rentalls, whatsoever part omitted forth of their said Rentall, shall be intromitted in like manner. And further, having consulted rightly, and diligently advised upon the common affairs, and necessities concerning the Queens Majesty, and charges to be borne for the Common-weale of the Realme, and sustentation and maintenance of the Preachers and Readers, conform to the said Ordinance made thereupon of before, hath Ordained and Declared the whole third part of all Benefices, of the which Rentalls are produced, to be taken up by the person or persons to be nominated by her Majesty, and to begin upon this last Crop of the yeer of God 1561. the same to be employed to the effect aforesaid: Together with the whole Profits of the Benefices whereof the Rentalls are not produced; And also, all that is omitted out of the Rentalls produced: And that order be directed by the Queens Majesty to the Lords of the Session, That the old Possessors may be answered of the remnant fruits of the said Benefices; providing, That the third part aforesaid, be full and whole taken up by the persons to be deputed to the taking thereof; And this Order to continue and stand, while further order be taken by the Queens Majesty, with the advice of the States. Moreover, her Highnesse, with the advice of the Councell aforesaid, hath Statuted and Ordained, That Annuells, Marles, and Duties within free Burroughs, or other Townes of this Realme, as well pertaining to Chaplanries, Prebendaries, as to Friers, together with the Rents of the Friers Lands, where-ever they be, setting and disposing thereupon, be intermedled with, and taken by such as her Majesty shall depute thereto, for employing of the same by her Highnesse to Hospitalls, Schools, and other godly uses, as shall seeme best to her Highnesse, with advice of her Councell. And knowing that nothing is more commodious for the foresaid Hospitality, then the places of Friers that are yet undemolished; and also to the entertainment of Schools, Colledges, and other uses aforesaid, ordains the Provests and Bayliffs of Aberdeine, Elgmen, Murray, Inneresk, Glasgow, and other Burroughs of this Realme, where the same are not demolished, to entertain and uphold the said Friers places standing in the said Townes, upon the Common goods thereof, and to use the same to the Common weale and service of the said Townes, untill the Queenes Majesty be further advised, and take finall order in such things, notwithstanding of any Gift, Title, or Entryes, given to whatsoever persons of the said places, with their Yards and Orchards, and other Pertinents, by our Soveraign Lady of before.

p. 325The Lords of secret Councell that were present at the Voting and making of the aforesaid Acts, were Iames Duke of Chattellarault, George Earle of Huntley, Archibald Earle of Argyle, William Earle Mershall, Iohn Earle Atholl, William Earle of Montrosse, Iames Earle Morton, Alexander Earle of Glencarne, Iames Commendator of Saint Andrews, Iohn Lord Erskin, The Treasurer, The Justice Clerke, The Steward and Controller.

For the first Acts, the Earle of Huntley said jestingly, Good morrow, my Lords of the two parts. The whole Rentals being gathered, the sum of the third, according to their own calculation, was found to extend to, &c. The Ministers even in the beginning of publike Sermons opposed themselves to such corruption, for they foresaw the purposes of the Devill, and clearly understood the Butt whereat the Queene and her flatterers Shot.Iohn Knox his judgement of the thirds. And so in the chaire of Edinburgh Iohn Knox said, Well, if the end of this Order, pretended to be taken for sustentation of the Ministers, be happy, my judgement failes me; for I am assured, That the Spirit of God is not the Authour of it, for first I see two parts freely given to the Devill, and the third must be divided between God and the Devill.

Well, said he, beare witnesse to me, that this day I said it, Ere it be long the Devill shall have three parts of the third; and judge you then, what Gods portion will be. This was an unsavory saying in the eares of many; Some were not ashamed to affirme, That the Ministers being sustained, the Queen will not get at the yeers end, to buy her a paire of new shoes. And this was Secretary Lethington.

There were appointed to modifie the Ministers stipends, The Earle of Argyle, Murray, and Morton, Lethington, Justice Clarke, and Clerke of the Register. The Laird of Pittaro, was appointed to pay the Ministers Stipends, according to their Modification:Let this be noted. Who would have thought that when Ioseph ruled Egypt, that his brethren should have travelled for Victuals, and have returned with empty Sacks unto their families; men would rather have thought that Pharaohs Pose, Treasure, and Gilnells should rather have been diminished then that the houshold of Iacob should stand in danger to starve for hunger.

But so busie and circumspect were the Modificators (because it was a new Office the terme must also be new) that the Ministers should not be over-wanton; That a hundred **That is, five old pieces.Marks was sufficient to a single man, being a common Minister: Three hundred Marks was the highest that was appointed to any, except the Superintendents, and a few others; shortly, Whether it was the ingratitude of their own hearts, or the care that they had to enrich the Queene, we know not: But the poore Ministers, Readers and Exhorters, cryed out to the heaven (as their complaints in all assemblies do witnesse) That neither were they able to live upon the Stipends appointed, neither could they get payment of that small thing that was appointed, so faine would the Controllers have played the good Vallet,A proverb upon Pittaro, Controller. and have satisfied the Queen, or else their own profit: The good Laird of Pittaro was an earnest Professour of Christ, but the great Devill receive the Controller, for he and his Collectours are become greedy factors. To put an end to this unpleasing matter; When the brethren complained p. 326of their poverty; it was disdainfully answered of some, There are many Lairds that have not so much to spend, when men did reason, that the Vocation of Ministers craved of them, books, quietnesse, study, and travell to edifie the Church of Christ Jesus, when many Lairds were waiting upon their worldly businesse; and therefore that the stipends of Ministers, who had no other industry, but to live upon that which was appointed, ought not to be mollified according to the living of other common men, who might and did daily augment their Rents by some other industry. When such reasons were laid before them, they got none other answer, but, The Queen can spare no greater Sums; Oft was it cryed out in their ears, O happy servants of the Devill, and miserable servants of Iesus Christ, if after this life there were nor Hell nor Heaven: For to the servants of the Devill, these dumbe Dogs, and horrid Bishops; To one of those idle bellies, I say, ten thousand was not enough, but to the servants of Christ, that painfully preach his Evangell, a hundreth will suffice; how can that be sustained?

One day in reasoning of this matter, the Secretary burst out in a piece of his collor, and said, The Ministers have thus much payed unto them by year, who ever yet said to the Queen, Grand mercies for it? was there ever a Minister that gave thanks to God for her Majesties liberalitie towards them? One singled, and answered, Assuredly, I think, that such as receive any thing gratis of the Queen, are unthankfull if they acknowledge it not, both in heart and minde: But whether the Ministers be of that rank, or not, I greatly doubt▪ gratis I am sure they receive nothing, and whether they receive any at all from the Queen,The right that Princes have to the Patrimony of the Church. wise men may reason; I am assured, that neither third nor two parts ever appertained to any of her Predecessors within this Realm these thousand years last past, neither yet hath the Queens Flatterers better title to that which she usurpes, be it in-giving to others, or taken it to her self, then the souldiers who crucified Jesus Christ had to divide his Garments amongst them. And if the truth may be spoken, she hath not so good Title as they had, for such spoile ought to be the reward of such men. And in that point the Souldiers were more gentle than the Queenes Flatterers, for they parted not the Garments of our Saviour, till that he himself was hung upon the Crosse; but her Flatterers do part the spoil whilest that poor Christ is yet preaching amongst you. But the wisedome of our God taketh tryall of us by this meanes, knowing well enough what the Court faction have purposed to do: Let the Papists, who have the two parts, some that have their thirds free, and some that have gotten Abbeys, and few Lands, thanke the Queen, and King, Placebo Domine, the poore Preachers will not yet flatter, for feeding of their bellies. These words were judged proud and intollerable, and ingendred no small displeasure to the Speaker.

Note.This we put in memory, that the posterity to come may know that God once made his truth to triumph, but because some of our selves delighted more in darknesse, than in light, God hath restrained our freedom, and put the whole body in bondage, yea, the greatest Flatterers have not escaped so free as they supposed, yea, the latter plagues appear yet to be worse than the first. Be mercifull unto us, (O Lord) and deal with us not according p. 327to our deservings, but look thou to the equitie of the cause which thou hath put in our hands, and suffer not iniquitie to oppresse thy Trueth, for thy own names sake, O Lord.

In this mean while,The marriage of the Earl of Murray. to wit, in February, 1561. was Lord Iames, first made Earl of Murray, and then marryed one Agnes Keith, daughter to the Earl Marshall. The marriage was publike in the Church of Edinburgh; at the blessing of the marriage they both got one admonition to behave themselves moderately in all things: For said the Preacher to him, The Church of God hath received comfort by you, and by your labours unto this day. In the which, if hereafter you shall be found fainter then you have been formerly, it will be said, That your Wife hath changed your nature. The greatnesse of the Bankquet, and the vanitie used thereat, offended many Godly; There began the Masking, which from yeer to yeer, hath continued since. Master Randolph, Agent for the Queen of England was then, and sometime after in no small esteem with our Queen: For his Mistris sake, she did drink to him in a Cup of Gold, which he possessed with great joy, more for the favour of the giver, then of the gift, and value thereof, and yet it was honourable. The things that then were in handling betwixt the two Queens, whereof Lethington, Secretary Cecill, and Master Randolph, were Ministers, were of great weight, as we will after heare.

This Winter the Earl of Bothwell, the Marquis D'albuff, and Lord Iohn of Coldingham committed ryot in Edinburgh, and disordered the whole Town, brake Cuthbert Ramseyes Gates and Doors, searched his House for his Daughter in law, Alison Craige. And this was done in despight of the Earl of Arrane, who was suspected to have been in love with the said Alison, the horrours of this fact, and the veritie of it highly commoved all godly hearts. The Assembly, and also the Nobilitie, for the most part were in the Town; and so they concluded to crave justice, and so they did, as by this subsequent supplication doth appear.

To the Queens Majestie, Her secret Councell, Her Highnesse faithfull and obedient Subjects, The professors of Christ Iesus, his holy Evangell, wish the Spirit of righteous judgement.

THe fear of God conceived of his holy Word; the naturall and unfained love we bear unto your Majestie; the duetie which we owe to the quietnesse of our Country; and the terrible threatnings which our God pronounceth against every Realm, and Citie; in the which horrible Crimes are openly committed, and then by the Committers obstinately defended, compells us, a great part of our Subjects, humbly to crave of your Majesties, upright and true judgement against such persons as have done, what in them lye, to kindle Gods wrath against this whole Realm. The impiety by them committed, is so haynous, and so horrible, That as it is a fact most vile and rare to be heard of within the Realm, and principally within the Bowels of this Citie; So should we thinke our selves guiltie of the same, if negligently, p. 328or yet for worldy fear we put it over with silence; and therfore your Majestie may not think that we crave any thing, while that we crave open Malefactors condignly to be punished; But that God hath commanded us to crave,Note this diligently. and also hath commanded your Majestie to give to every one of your Subjects; for by this Lynk hath God knit together the Prince and people, that as he commands honour, fear and obedience to be given to the powers established by him; so doth he in expresse words command and declare what the Prince oweth unto the Subjects, to wit, That as he is the Minister of God, bearing the sword for vengeance to be taken on evill doers, and for the denfence of peaceable and quiet men; so ought he to draw the sword without partialitie, so oft as in Gods Name he is required thereto. Seeing so it is (Madame) that this crime so recently committed, and that in the eyes of the whole Realm now publikely assembled, is so hainous; for who heretofore hath heard within the bowels of Edinburgh, Gates and Doors under silence of night broken, Houses ripped or searched, and that with hostillity, seeking a woman, as appeareth to oppresse her. Seeing (we say) that this crime is so hainous, that all godly men fear not onelyonly Gods dispeasure to fall upon you and your whole Realm; but also that such licentiousnesse breed contempt, and in the end sedition, if remedie in time be not provided, which in our judgement is possible, if severe punishment be not executed for the crime committed. Therefore we most humbly beseech your Majestie, that all affection set aside,Note this diligently. you declare your self so upright in this case, that ye may give evident demonstration to all your Subjects, that the fear of God, joyned with the love of common tranquility, hath principall seat in your Majesties Heart. This, further Madame, in conscience we speak, That as your Majesty in Gods Name doth crave of us obedience, which to render in all things lawfull we are most willing; so in the same name doe we the whole Professors of Christs Evangell within this your Majesties Realme, crave of you and of your Councell sharp punishment of this crime. And for performance thereof, that without delay the most principall Actors of this haynous crime, and the perswaders of this publike Villany, may be called before the Chief Justice of this Realm, to suffer an Assise, and to be punished according to the Laws of the same; and your Majesties Answer most humbly we beseech.

These Supplications was presented by divers Gentlemen; the Flatterers of the Court at first stormed, and asked who durst avow it? To whom the Master, after Lord Lyndesay, answered, A thousand Gentlemen within Edinburgh: others were ashamed to oppose themselves thereto in publike; but they suborned the Queen to give a gentle answer, untill such time as the Convention was dissolved; and so she did: and then after in fair words, shee alleaged, That her Uncle was a Stranger, and that he had a young Company with him; but she should put such order unto him, and unto all others, that hereafter they should have no occasion to complain: And so deluded she the just Petition of her Subjects: And no wonder, for how shall she punish in Scotland that vice, which in France she did see so free without punishment, and which Kings and p. 329Cardinalls commonly use, as the Mask and Dancing of Orleans can witnesse; wherein virgins and mens wives were made common to King Harry, Charles the Cardinall, and to their Courtiers and Pages, as common women in Bordells are unto their Companions. The manner was thus: At the entry of King Henry of France in the Town of Orleans, the Matrons, Virgins,The Mask of Orleance. and mens wives were commanded to present themselves in the Kings Palace to dance: And they obeyed; for commonly the French Nation is not very hard to be entreated to vanity. After Fidling and Flinging, and when the Cardinall of Loraine had espied his prey, he said to the King, Sire le premiere est a vous, & fault queje soy le second: that is, Sir, the first choyce is yours, and I must be the second. And so the King got the preeminence, that he had his first Election. But because Cardinalls are companions to Kings, the Cardinall had the next. And thereafter the Torches were put out, and every man commanded to provide for himself the best he might. What cry there was of husbands for their wives, and wives for their husbands, of ancient matrons for their daughters, of virgins for their friends, for some honest men to defend their pudicity, Orleance will remember more Kings dayes then one. This horrible villany, a fruit of the Cardinalls good Catholike Religion, we shortly touch, to let the world understand, what subjects may look for of such Magistrates; for such Pastime to them is Jollity. It had been good for our Queene, that she had been brought up in better company, both for her credit, and for the course of her life: And it may be, that her excellent naturall enduements had been better employed for her reputation and happinesse, then they were to her great misfortune, and to the grief of those that wished her truely well. But punishment of that enormity, and fearfull attempt, we could get none. Yea, more and more they presumed to do violence, and frequented nightly Masking, and began to bear the matter very heavily. At length the Dukes friends began to assemble in the night time on the calsay or street. The Abbot of Kylwinning, who then was joyned to the Church, and so, as we understand, yet abideth, was principall man at the beginning. To him repaired many faithfull, and amongst others, came Andrew Stewart, Lord Uchiltrie, a man rather borne to make peace, then to brag upon the calsey, he demanded the quarrell: And being informed of the former enormity, said, Nay, such impiety shall not be suffered, so long as God shall assist us: The Victory that God hath in his owne mercy given us, we will by his grace maintaine. And so he commanded his son Andrew Stewart, then Master, and his servants, to put themselves in order,The Hamiltons against Bothwell and the Marquesse. and to bring forth their spears and long weapons; and so did others. The word came to the Earle Bothwell and his son, that the Hamiltons were upon the street: vows was made, that the Hamiltons should be driven, not onelyonly out of the Town, but also out of the Countrey. Lord Iohn of Coldingham married the E. Bothwels sister (a sufficient woman for such a man) Alliance drew Lord Robert, and so they joyned with the E. Bothwell. But the stoutnes of the Marq. le Beuf (d'Albuff they call him, is most to be commended; for in his Chalmer in the Abbey, he start to an Halbert, and ten men were scarce able to hold him that night, and the danger was betwixt the Crosse and Tron; and so he was a long quarter of a mile from the shot & sklenting of Bolts. The M. of Maxw. (after L. Herreis gave declaratiō p. 330to the Earle Bothwell, That if he stirred forth of his Lodging, he, and all that assist him, should resist him in the face. Whose words did somewhat beat down that blast. The Earles of Murray and Huntley being in the Abbey, where the Marquesse was, came with their company sent from the Queen, to stay that tumult; as they did, for Bothwell and his were commanded under pain of Treason, to keep their lodgings.

It was whispered by many, That the Earle of Murray's displeasure was as much sought, as any hatred that the Hamiltons did bear against the Earle of Bothwell, or yet he against them. And in very deed, either had the Duke very false servants, or else by Huntley and the Hamiltons the Earle of Murray's death was oftener conspired then once; the suspition whereof burst forth so far, that upon a day the said Earle being upon horse to have come to the Sermon, was charged by one of the Dukes own servants, to turn and abide with the Queen. The fame whereof spread over all: What ground it had, we cannot say; but shortly after, the Duke, and some of the Lords, remained at Glasgow; their conclusion was not known. The Earle of Arrane came to Edinburgh, where the Earle Bothwell lay. The Queen and the Court were departed to Fyfe, and remained sometimes in S. Androes, and sometimes in Falkland.

The Earle Bothwell, by means of Iames Barron Burgesse, and then Merchant of Edinburgh, desired to speak with Iohn Knox secretly; which the said Iohn gladly granted, and spake with him upon a night, first in the said Iames his lodging,The Earle of Bothwells communication with Iohn Knox 1562. and after in his own Study: The sum of all their conference and communication was; The said Lord lamented his inordinate life; and especially, That he was provoked by the enticements of the Queen Regent, to do that which he sore repented, as well against the Laird of Ormestoun, whose blood was spilt, albeit not by his faults: But his chief grief was, That he had misbehaved himself toward the Earle of Arrane, whose favour he was most willing to redeem, if possible it were that so he might: For (said he) if I might have my Lord Arranes favour, I would aye wait upon the Court with a Page and a few servants, to spare my expence; where now I am compelled to keep for my own safety a number of wicked and unprofitable men, to the utter destruction of my state that is left. To which the said Iohn answered, My Lord, would to God that in me were Counsell and Judgement, that might comfort and relieve you; for albeit that to this hour it hath not happened to me to speak with your Lordship face to face, yet have I born a good minde to your house; and have been sorry at my heart of the trouble that I have heard you to be involved in; for (my Lord) my great Grandfather, Grandfather, and Father, have served your Lordships Predecessors, and some of them have died under their standers; and this is a part of the Obligation of our Scotish kindenesse:Note the complement. but this is not the chiefe; But as God hath made me his publike Messenger of glad Tydings, so it is my earnest desire that all men may embrace it, which perfectly they cannot, so long as there remaineth in them rankor, malice, or envie: I am sorry that you have given occasion unto men to be offended with you: But more sorrowfull, That you have offended the Majesty of God; wherefore he often punisheth the other sins of man: And therefore my p. 331counsell is, That you begin at God, with whom if you enter into perfect reconciliation, I doubt not but he shall bow the hearts of men to forget all offences.Note diligently. And as for me, if you will continue in godlinesse, your Lordship shall command me as boldly, as any that serves your Lordship. The said Lord desired him that he would trie the Earle of Arrans minde, If he would be content to accept him in his favour: Which he promised to do. And so earnestly he travelled in the matter; and it was once brought to such an end, as all the faithfull praised God for such agreement: The greatest stay stood upon the satisfaction of the Laird of Ormestoune, (who beside his former hurt, as is before declared, was even at that time of the coming, pursued by the said Earle Bothwell, and his son Master Alexander Cockburne was taken by him, and carried by him to Berwicke, but courteously enough sent back again. The new trouble so greatly displeased Iohn Knox, that he almost gave over further travelling for amity: But yet upon excuse of the said Earle, and upon declaration of his minde, he re-entred into labour, and so brought it to passe, that the Laird of Ormestoun referred his satisfaction in all things to the Judgement of the Earles of Arrane and Murray, to whom the said Earle submitted himselfe in that Head: And thereupon delivered his hand writing; and so was conveyed by vertue of his friends, to the Lodging of the Church of Field, Reconciliation betwixt the Earle of Arrane, and Earle of Bothwell.where the Earle of Arrane was with his friends, and the said Iohn Knox with him, to beare witnesse and testification of the end of the Agreement. As the Earle of Bothwell entred the Chamber, and would have done those Honours that friends had appointed, Master Gabriel Hamilton, Abbot of Kilwinning, and the Laird of Richardton, were the chief friends that communed, the said Earle of Arrane gently past unto him, embraced him, and said, If the hearts be upright, few Ceremonies will serve, and content me. The said Iohn Knox, in audience of them both, and of their friends, said, Now, my Lords, God hath brought you together by the labour of simple men, in respect of such as would have travelled therein: I know my labours are already taken in evill part; but because I have the testimony of a good conscience before God, That whatsoever I have done, it is in his fear, for the profit of you both, for the hurt of none, and for the tranquility of this Realm: Seeing therefore that my conscience beareth witnesse to me what I have sought, and do continually seek, I the more patiently bear the misreports, and wrongfull judgements of men. And now I leave you in Peace, and desire you who are the friends, to study that Amity may encrease, all former hatred forget. The friends on either party embraced other; and the two Earles departed to a window, and talked by themselves a reasonable space. And thereafter the Earle of Bothwell departed for that night, and upon the next day in the morning returned with some of his honest friends, and came to the Sermon with the said Earle, whereat many rejoyced. But God had another work to work, then the eyes of men could espie. The Thursday next they dined together; and thereafter the said Earle Bothwell, and Master Gabriel Hamilton, rode to the Duke, who then was in Enmell: what communication was betwixt p. 332them, it is not certainly knowne; but by the report which the said Earle of Arrane made to the Queen, and unto the Earle of Murray, by his writings, for upon the third day after their Reconciliation, the Sermon being ended, the said Earle of Arrane came to the house of the said Iohn Knox, and brought with him Master Richard Strange, and Alexander Guthrie, to whom he opened the grief of his minde before that Iohn Knox was called; for he was busie, as commonly he used to be after his Sermon, in directing of writings: Which ended, the said Earle called the three together, and said, I am reasonably betrayed, and with these words began to weep. Iohn Knox demanded, My Lord, Who hath betrayed you? One Iudas or other (said he) I know it is but my life that is sought; I regard it not. The other said, My Lord, I understand no such dark manner of speech; if I shall give you any answer, you must speak more plainly. Well (said he) I take you three to witnesse, That I open this unto you, and I write it unto the Queen: An act of Treason is laid to my Charge. The Earle Bothwell hath showne to me in Councell, That he shall take the Queen and put her in my hands, in the Castle of Dumbartane; And that he shall slay the Earle of Murray, Lethinton, and others that now misguide her, and so shall he and I rule all. But I know this is devised to accuse me of Treason; for I know he will informe the Queen of it: But I take you to witnesse, That I open it here unto you: And I will passe incontinent, and write to the Queens Majesty, and unto my Brother the Earle of Murray. Iohn Knox demanded, Did you consent (my Lord) to any part of that Treason? He answered, No. Then (said he) in my judgement his words,Note diligently. although they were spoken, can never be Treason to you; for the performance of the Fact depends upon your will, whereunto ye say ye have disassented; and so shall that purpose vanish and die of it selfe, unlesse that you waken it; For it is not to be supposed, That he will accuse you of that, which he himselfe hath devised, and whereunto you would not consent. Oh (said he) you understand not what craft is used against me: It is Treason to conceale Treason. My Lord (said he) Treason must import consent and determination, which I hear on neither of your parts: And therefore (my Lord) in my judgement, it will be more sure, and more Honourable unto you, to depend upon your your Innocency, and to abide the unjust accusation of any other (if any follow thereof) as I thinke there shall not) then to accuse, especially after so late reconciliation. I know (said he) That he will offer the Combate unto me, but that would not be suffered in France: But I will do that which I have purposed. And so he departed, and took with him to his Lodging the said Master Alexander Guthrie, and Master Richard Strange, from whence was written and endited a Letter to the Queens Majestie, according to the former purpose: which Letter was directed with all diligence unto her Majesty, who then was in Falkland. The Earle himselfe rode after to Kinneill to his Father the Duke; but how he was used, we have but the common bruit. But from thence he wrote a Letter with his owne hand in p. 333Cyphers to the Earle of Murry, complaining of his rigorous handling and entertainment by his owne father and friends. And assured further, That he feared his life, in case he got not sudden rescue. But thereupon he remained not, but broke the Chamber wherein he was put, and with great pain passed to Sterling, and from thence was conveyed to the Haly-yards, where he was kept till that the Earle of Murray came unto him, and conveyed him to the Queen, then being in Falkland, who then was sufficiently instructed in the whole matter; and upon suspition conceived, had caused to apprehend Master Gawan Hamilton and the Earle Bothwell aforesaid, who knowing nothing of the former advertisements, came to Falkland, which augmented the former suspition. But yet the Letters of Iohn Knox made all things to be used more circumspectly, for he did plainly forewarne the Earle of Murray, that he espyed the Earle of Arran to be stricken with phrensie, and therefore willed not over great credit to be given unto his words and inventions. And as he advertised, so it came to passe forthwith in few dayes, his sicknesse increased, he talked of wondrous signes that he saw in heaven; he alleaged that he was bewitched, he would have been in the Queens Bed, and affirmed that he was her husband; and finally, in all things he behaved himself so foolishly, that his phrensie could not be hid.

And yet were the Earl Bothwell and Master Gawan Abbot of Kilming kept in the Castle of Saint Andrews, and convent before the Councill with the Earl Arran, who ever stood firm, that the Earl of Bothwell proposed to him such things as he advertised the Queens Majestie of; but stiffely denyed that his father, the said Abbot, or his friends knew any thing therof, either yet that they intended any violence against him; but alleaged that he was inchanted, so to think and write. Whereat the Queen, highly offended, committed him to prison, with the other two, first in the Castle of Saint Andrews; and thereafter caused them to be conveyed to the Castle of Edinburgh; Iames Stewart of Cardonhall, called Captain Iames, was evill bruited for the rigorous entertainment that he shewed to the said Earle in his sicknesse, being appointed Keeper unto him.

To consult upon these occasions the whole Counsell was assembled at Saint Andewes, the eighteenth of April 1562. years; in which it was concluded, that in consideration of the former suspition, the Duke should render to the Queen the Castle of Dunbartan the custody thereof was granted unto him by appointment, till that lawfull succession should be seene of the Queens body: But Will prevailed against Reason and promise, and so was the Castle delivered to Captain Anstruther, as having power from the Queen and Councill to receive it.

Things ordered in Fyfe, the Queen returned to Edinburgh, and then began mirth to grow hot, for her friends began to triumph in France: The certainty hereof came to the ears of Iohn Knox, for there were some that then told him from time to time the state of things, and amongst others he was assured, That the Queen had been merry, excessively dancing till after midnight, because that she had received Letters, that pacification was begun again in France, and that her Uncles were beginning to stirre their taile, and to trouble the whole Realme of France, upon occasion p. 334of this Text, And now understand O ye Kings, and be learned ye that judge the Earth; he bagan to taxe the ignorance, the vanity and despite of Princes, against all vertue,Psal. 2.Ps 2 and against all those in whom hatred of vice and love of vertue appeared; the report hereof made unto the Queen, the said Iohn Knox was sent for,The second communing of Iohn Knox with the Queen. Master Alexander Cokburne, who before had been his Schollar, and was very familiar with him, was the messenger who gave him some knowledge, both of the report, and of the reporters. The Queen was in her Bed-Chamber, and with her (besides the Ladies and common servants) were the Lord Iames, the Earle Morton, Secretary Lethington, and some of the Guard that had made the report; he was accused as one that had irreverently spoken of the Queene, and that travelled to bring her into hatred and contempt of the people; and that he had exceeded the bounds of his Text; and upon these three heads made the Queene a long Oration; whereto the said Iohn answered as followeth, Madame, this is oftentimes the just recompence which God gives the stubborn of the world;Note diligently that because they will not hear God speaking to the comfort of the penitent, and for amendment of the wicked, they are oft compelled to hear the false report of others, to their great displeasure. I doubt not, but that it came to the Ears of Herod, that our Master Jesus Christ called him a Fox, but they told him not how odious a thing it was before God to murther an Innocent, as he had lately done before, causing to behead Iohn the Baptist to reward the dancing of an Harlots daughter: Madame, if the reporters of my words had been honest men, they would have reported my words and the circumstances of the same; but because they would have credit in Court, and wanting vertue worthy thereof, they must have somewhat to please your Majestie,Note. if it were but flatteries and lies: But such pleasure (if any your Majestie take in such persons) will returne to your everlasting displeasure; for (Madame) if your own Ears had heard the whole matter that I treated, if there be in you any spark of the Spirit of God, yea, of honestie and wisedome, you would not justly have been offended with any thing that I spake. And because you have heard their report, please your Majesty to hear my self rehearse the same so near as memory will serve, (it was even upon the next day after that the Sermon was made;) My Text (said he) Madame, was this, And now, O Kings, understand, be learned ye Iudges of the Earth: After (Madame said he) that I had declared the dignity of Kings and Rulers, the honour wherein God hath placed them, the obedience that is due unto them, being Gods Lieutenants, I demanded this question; But oh (alas) what account shall the most part of Princes make before that Supreme Judge,Note. whose Throne and Authoritie so manifestly and shamefully they abuse, the complaint of Solomon is this day most true, to wit, That violence, and oppression do occupie the Throne of God here in this Earth; for whilest that murtherers, blood-thirsty men, oppressors and Malefactors dare be bold to present themselves before Kings and Princes, and that the poor Saints of God are banished and exiled, what shall we say, but that the Devill hath taken possession in the Throne of God, which ought to be fearfull to all wicked doers, and a refuge to the innocent, oppressed: and how can it otherwise be, for Princes will not understand, they will not be learned, as God p. 335commands them; but Gods Law they despise, his Statutes and Holy Ordinances they will not understand, for in fidling and flinging they are more exercised than in reading or hearing Gods most blessed Word; and Fidlers and Flatterers (which commonly corrupt the Youth) are more precious in their eyes then men of wisedome and gravitie, who by wholesome admonitions may beat down in them some part of that vanity and pride wherein we all are born, but in Princes take deep root and strength by evill education. And of dancing (Madame) I said, That albeit in Scriptures I found no praise of it, and in prophane Writers, that it is termed the gesture rather of those that are Mad, and in phrensie, then of sober men; yet do I not utterly condemn it, providing that two vices be avoyded; the former, That the principall Vocation of those that use that exercise, be not neglected for the pleasure of Dancing. Secondly, That they dance not as the Philistins their Fathers,Note diligently for the pleasure that they take in the displeasure of Gods people; for if they do these, or either of them, they shall receive the reward of Dancers,Note. and that will be to drink in Hell, unlesse they speedily repent; so shall God turne their mirth into sudden sorrow: For God will not alwayes afflict his people, neither will he alwayes wink at the Tyranny of Tyrants. If any (Madame, said he) will say that I spake more, let him publikely accuse me, for I think I have not onelyonly touched the summe, but the very words as I spake them. Many that stood by did bear witnesse with him, that he had recited the very words that publikely he spake.

The Queen looked about to some of the Reporters, and said, Your words are sharpe enough as you have spoken them, but yet they were told me in another manner; I know (said she) that my Uncles and you are not of one Religion, and therefore I cannot blame you to have no good opinion of them; but if you hear any thing of my self that mislikes you, come to my self and tell me, and I shall hear you. Madame (quoth he) I am assured, that your Uncles are enemies to God, and unto his Son Jesus Christ,Let Princes note this. and for maintenance of their own pompe and worldly glory, that they spare not to spill the blood of many Innocents; and therefore I am assured, that these enterprises shall have no better successe than others have had, that before them have done as they doe now. But as to your own person, (Madame) I would be glad to doe all that I could to your Majesties contentment, providing that I exceed not the bounds of my Vocation: I am called (Madame) to a publike function within the Church of God, and appointed by God to rebuke the vices and sins of all; I am not appointed to come to every man in particular to shew him his offence, for that labour were infinite; if your Majestie pleaseth to frequent the publike Sermons, then I doubt not but that you shall fully understand both what I like and mislike, as well in your Majesty, as in all others: Or if your Majesty will assigne unto me a certaine day and houre when it will please you to hear the form and substance of Doctrine, which is proposed in publike to the Churches of this Realm, I will most gladly wait upon your Majesties pleasure,Let Court-Chaplains and unthrifts of the time, note this. time and place; but to come to wait upon your chamber door, or elswhere, and then to have no further liberty but to whisper my minde in your Majesties eare, or to tell you what others p. 336think and speak of you, neither will my conscience, nor the vocation whereto God hath called me, suffer it; for albeit at your Majesties commandment I am here now, yet I cannot tell what other men will judge of me, that at this time of the day I am absent from my book, and waiting at the Court. You will not alwayes (said she) be at your Booke, and so turned her back; And the said Iohn departed, with a reasonable merry countenance; whereat some Papists offended, said, He is not afraid; which heard by him, he answered, Why should the pleasant face of a Lady afray me: I have looked in the faces of many angry men, and yet have not been afraid above measure; and so left he the Queen, and the Court for that time.

In this mean time the negotiation was great betwixt the Queen of England and our Soveraigne, Letters, Curriours and Posts ran frequent, great bruit there was of the interviewe and meeting at Yorke, and some preparation was made therefore in both the Realmes; but that failed upon the part of England, and that by occasion of the troubles moved in France, (as was alleaged;) which caused the Queene of England, and the Councill attend upon the South parts of England, for avoyding of Inconveniences.

This Summer there came an Embassadour from the King of Sweden, requiring marriage of our Soveraigne to his Master the King; His entertainment was Honourable; but his Petitions liked not our Queene one whit, for as yet she could not resolve to be Wife to the King of Sweden, having been lately Queen of France: And yet she refused not one much inferiour to a Soveraigne King.The Earle of Lennox, and his Lady imprisoned in the Tower of London, for traffiquing with Papists. The Earle of Lennox and his Wife were committed to the Tower of London, for traffiquing with Papists; the young Laird of Barre was a stickler in that businesse, and was apprehended with some Letters, which was the cause of his and their trouble.

The Earle of Murray made a private journey to Hawicke upon the Fayre day thereof, and apprehended fifty Theeves, of which number were seventeen drowned, others were executed in I…dburgh, the principall were brought to Edinburgh, and there suffered, according to their merits upon the Burrow Mure.

The Queene was no whit content of the prosperitie and good successe that God gave to the Earle of Murray in all his enterprises, for she hated his upright dealing, and the Image of God that evidently did appear in him; but at that time she could not well have been served without him.

The assembly of the Church at Midsommer the four and twentieth day of Iune, 1562. approached, in the which were many notable heads handled concerning good Order to be kept in the Church, and for the Papists,Sharp left preaching, and took him to the Laws. and for the Idolatry of the Queen which troubleth the former good order; Some Ministers, such as Master Iohn Sharpe, had left their charges, and entered into other Vocations, more profitable for the belly, against whom were Acts made, although this day they have not put them in execution. The tenour of the Supplication, read in open audience, and approved by the whole Assembly, to be presented to the Queens Majesty, was this: