History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland, Book 5 · Letter 1 – Letter 2
❧ The Queens Letter to the Provest, Bailiffe, and Councell of Edinburgh.
PRrovest, Bayliffe and Councell of our Citie of Edinburgh,
We received your Letter from our Advocate, and understand by this report what diligence you took to stay the Tumult in the late disorder attempted at Edinburgh; wherein, as you did your duty in suppressing the Tumult, so can we not take in good part, nor thinke our self satisfied of so notorious a thing, without certain seditious persons, who were pleased to do justice perforce and without the Magistrates Authoritie, be condignly and really punished for their rashnesse and misbehaviour; for if all private Persons should usurpe to take vengeance at their owne hands, What lies in ours? And to what purpose hath good Laws and Statutes been established? Since therefore we have never been obstinate to the due punishment of any offendors, prescribed by the Lawes, but have alwayes maintained Iustice in that case without respect of persons. It is Our will, and We command you, as you will answer to Us upon your obedience and allegiance, That you will take before you certaine of the most responsall persons which are declared Authors of the said Sedition, and usurpers of our Authority, and to administer Iustice upon them, in such sort as We may know a sinceritie on your parts, and Our Authority no wayes slighted. But if you faile, perswade your selves, (and that shortly) we will not oversee it, but will account this Contempt not onelyonly to be in the Committers thereof, but in your selves, who ought to punish it, and relieve us on our part, remitting the rest to your diligence and execution, which we look for so soon as reason will permit.
Subscribed with Our Hand at STERLIN, this 24 of April, Anno 1565.
BY this manner of writing and high threatning, may be perceived how grievously the Queens Majestie would have been offended if the said Tarbot and Masse-monger had been handled according to his demerite, being not onelyonly a Papist Idolater, but a manifest Whoremaster, and a common Fighter and blasphemer; neverthelesse within few dayes the Queen charged the Provest and Bailiffs to set him at libertie, commanding them further, That no man should trouble nor molest him in any sort for whatsoever cause, and soon after rewarded him with a Benefice, and likewise his Assisters Iohn Low and Iohn Kennedie set at libertie in the same manner. At this Easter-Tyde in Sterlin the Queen made her domestick servants use Papisticall Rites and Ceremonies, and more, she perswaded others by faire means to do the same, and threatned those that were most constant at the Earle of Cassels House. Upon the second day of May 1565. conveened at Edinburgh the Earle of Murray with his friends in great numbers to keepe the day of Law against the Earle Bothwell, who being called, appeared not, onelyonly the Laird of Rickerton protested, That the personall absence of the Earle Bothwell should not be prejudiciall to him, by reason that for just fear, which might happen in the heart of any man, since he had so potent an enemy as the Lord of Murray, who, next the Queens Majesty was of greatest estimation and Authority of any man within this Realm, to whom assisted at this present day of Law, seven or eight hundred men, which Force he could not resist, and therefore had absented himself; which Protestation being made, those that had been Sureties for his appearance, were Outlawed. The said Earle Bothwell a few dayes after past into France, after he had been in Liddesdale, where suspecting almost every man, he was not in great assurance of his life, notwithstanding he was not put to the Horne, for the Queen continually bore a great favour towards him, and kept him to be a Souldier, as appeared within lesse then half a year; for she would not suffer the Lord Morton, nor my Lord Ariskin, my Lord of Murrayes great friends to keep the day; There assisted my Lord of Murray, the Earles of Argyle, Glencarne, and Crawford, with great numbers, and many Lords and Barons, who for the most part conveened the same Afternoon to Treat and Consult for the maintaining of Religion; where some Articles were devised, and delivered to the Lord of Murray to be presented to the Queens Majestie and privie Councell, which Articles were enlarged at the generall assembly following, as shall be declared. In the meane time, as they were informed in Court of this great Assembly of people in Edinburgh, they were affraid, for naturally the Queen-hated and suspected all such Conventions as were not in her own presence, and devised by her self. The chief Counsellors in the Court, were the Earls of Lenox and Athole. The Queen writ incontinent for all the Lords to come to Sterlin, so soone as she was advertised that they had Treated in Edinburgh of Religion; She Writ likewise for the superintendants and other learned men who went thither, and being there they caused to keep the Ports or Gates, and make good Watch about the Towne. The speciall cause of this Convention was to give to the Lord Darley Title of Honour openly and solemnly, with consent of the Nobles, before the marriage. The fourth day of May the Earle of Murray came to Sterlin, where he was well received by the Queens Majestie, as appeared, and immediately, as he past with her to my Lord Darleys Chamber, they presented to him a Contract, containing in effect, That forasmuch, as, or since, the Queen had contracted Marriage with the Lord Darley, and that therefore sundry Lords of the Nobilitie had under-written, ratified and approved the same, and obliged themselves to grant unto him in full Parliament the Crowne Matrimoniall, (by a new Court Solecisme in Policie, the Crowne for the second time is sirnamed Matrimoniall; (before, when the Queen was first married, it was so called also) to serve and obey him and her as their Lawfull Soveraignes. The Queen desired my Lord Murray to subscribe, as many others had done before; which hee refused to do, Because (said he) it is required necessarily that the whole Nobility be present, at least the principall, and such as he himself was posteriour unto, before that so grave a matter should be advised and concluded.
The Queens Majesty no wayes content with this Answer, insisted still upon him, saying, The greatest part of the Nobilitie were there present and content with the matter, wished him to be so much a Stewart, as to consent to the keeping of the Crown in the Family, and the sirname, according to their Fathers Will and desire, as was said of him a little before his death: But he still refused for the causes above written.
Now as the Lords were assembled, an Ambassadour from England named sir Nicholas Throckmorton arrived at Sterlin, and in his company the Laird of Lethington; the Ambassadour was at the Castle Gate or ever they were aware; and as he stood there in the Entry, he was desired to passe to his Lodgings. The next day he had audience of the Queen, and was graciously received according to the dignity of his Message. The whole summe of this his Message was, to shew and declare to the Queene, how highly the Queene his Mistris was offended with this precipitated Marriage, and wondred what had moved her to take a man of inferiour rank and condition, to her selfe: And therefore disswaded her therefrom. And specially desiring her most earnestly to send home her Subjects the Earle of Lennox and the Lord Darley: But all in vaine for the matter was well farre proceeded. In her heart Queen Elizabeth was not angry at this marriage; first, because if Q. Mary had married a forraigne Prince, it had been an accesse to her Greatnesse, and consequently she had been more redoubted by the other; next both Harry and Mary were alike and in equall degree of Consanguinitie unto her, the father of Mary and the mother of Harry being Children to her fathers sister.
With many fair words the Queen let the Ambassadour depart, promising to do all she could to satisfie the Queen of England; and for the same purpose she would send an Ambassador to her.
In the meane time the Queens marriage with the Lord Darley, The Earl of Murray seeing the other Nobles consent, gave his, which before he refused.was prepared and propounded in Councell, and the chief of the Nobilitie, such as the Duke, the Earles of Argyle, Murray, Glencarne, with the rest, granted freely to the same, providing that they might have the Religion established in Parliament, by the Queene, and the Idolatrous Masse and Superstition abolished, shortly it was concluded, That they should convene again to Saint Iohnstoun, where the Queen promised to take a finall order for Religion. The day was appointed, to wit, the last of May at Perth, my Lord of Argile came too late. The Queens Majestie communed with the Lords, who were very plain with her, saying, Except the Masse were abolished, there should be no quietnesse in the Countrey. The twelfth day of May the Lord Darley was Belted, (that is, Created) Earle of Rosse, with great solemnity, a Belt or Girdle being tyed about his waste or middle; and albeit all kinde of provision was made to make him Duke of Rothesay, yet at that time it came not to effect, albeit the Crown and Robe-Royall were prepared to him for the same. For the entertainment of this Triumph there were many Knights made, to the number of 14. The next day, which was the 13 of May, the Queen called for the Super-intendants, by name Iohn Willock, Iohn Winram, and Iohn Spotswood, whom she cherished with fair words, assuring them that she desired nothing more earnestly then the glory of God and satisfying of mens consciences, and the good of the Common-wealth; and albeit she was not perswaded in any Religion but in that wherein she was brought up, yet she promised to them that she would hear Conference and Disputation in the Scriptures: And likewise she would be content to hear publike preaching, but alwayes out of the mouth of such as pleased her Majestie; and above all others she said she would gladly hear the Superintendant of Angus (for he was a milde and sweet natur'd man) with true honesty and uprightnesse. Sir Ariskin of Dun. Soon after the Queen past to Saint Iohnstons, after that she had directed Master Iohn Hay Prior of Monimusk to passe to England, who sped at the Queen of Englands hand even as sir Nicholas Throckmorton did in Scotland. Before the day, which was appointed for the meeting at Saint Iohnston, my Lord of Murray most carefull of the maintenance of Religion, sent to all the principall Churches, advertising them of the matter, and desiring them to advise, and send the most able men in Learning and Reputation, to keep the day; but their craft and dissimulation appeared, for the Dean of Restalrigge who lately arrived out of France, with others, such as Mr. Iohn Lesley Parson of Vure, afterward Bishop of Rosse, caused the Queen to understand that thing whereof she was easily perswaded, to wit, That there ought to be given to all men libertie of conscience, and for this purpose to shun or put off the first day appointed; The Queen writ to the Nobility, that because she was informed that there was great meetings out of every Shire and Town in great number; and then the other partie (so termed she the Papists) were minded together to the said Convention, which should apparently make trouble or sedition, rather then any other thing; therefore she thought it expedient, and willed them to stay the said meetings, and to deferre the same till such a day that she should appoint with advice of her Councell. At this time there was a Parliament proclaimed to be held at Edinburgh the twentieth day of Iuly. By this Letter, some of the Protestants having best judgement, thought themselves sufficiently warned of the Inconveniences and troubles to come. Now her Councell at this time, was onelyonly the Earles of Lenox and Athole, the Lord Ruthen, but chiefely David Rizio the Italian ruled all; yet the Earle of Rosse already in greatest credit and familiarity. These Letters were sent out to the Lords about the eight and twentieth day of May; and within twelve dayes thereafter, she directed new Missives to the chief of the Nobility, desiring or, commanding them, to come to Saint Iohnston the three and twentieth day of Iune following, to consult upon such things as concerned Religion, and other things as her Majesty should propose; Which day, was even the day before that the generall Assembly should have been held in Edinburgh. This last Letter uttered the effect of the former; so that the Protestants thought themselues sufficiently warned. Always as the Earle of Murray was passing to Saint Iohnston to have kept the said day, he chanced to fall sick of the Fluxes in Lochlevin, where he remained till the Queen came forth of Saint Iohnston to Edinburgh, where the generall Assembly of the whole Church of Scotland was held, the four and twentieth day of Iuly. The Earls of Argyle and Glencarne assisted the Church with a great company of Lords, Barons, and others: It was there ordered and concluded, That certain Gentlemen, as Commissioners from the Church National, should passe to the Queens Majesty, with certain Articles, to the number of six, desiring her most humbly to ratifie and approve the same in Parliament. And because the said Articles are of great weight, and worthy of memory, I thought good to insert the same word by word.
IMprimis, That the Papisticall and Blaspemous Masse, with all Papisticall Idolatry, and Papall Iurisdiction, be universally supprest and abolisht thorowout this Realme, not onelyonly in the Subjects, but also in the Queens own Person, with punishment against all persons that should be deprehended to transgresse and offend in the same: And that the sincere Word of God, and Christs true Religion now at this present received, be published, approved, and ratified, thorowout the whole Realm, as well in the Queens owne Person, as in the subjects: And that the people be to resort upon the Sundayes at the least, to the Prayers, and Preaching of Gods Word, even as they were before to the Idolatrous Masse: And these Heads to be provided by Act of Parliament, and ratified by the Queens Majesty.
Secondly, That provision be made for sustentation of the Ministry, as well for the time present, as the time to come: And that such persons as are presently admitted to the Ministery, may have their Livings assigned unto them, in places where they travell in their Calling, or at least next adjacent thereto: And that the Benefices now vacant, or hath been vacant since the MonethMonth of March, 1558. or that hereafter shall happen to be vacant, be disposed to qualified and learned persons, able to preach Gods Word, and discharge the Vocation concerning the Ministery, by Tryall and Admission of the Superintendents and Overseers: And that no Benefice or Living, having many Churches annexed thereunto, be disposed altogether in any time to come, to any man, but at the least the Churches thereof be severally disposed, and that to severall persons; So that every man having Charge, may serve at his owne Church, according to his Vocation: And to that effect, likewise the Gleebs and the Manses, be given to the Ministers, that they may make residency at their Churches, whereby they may discharge their consciences according to their Vocation; and also that the Kirks may be repaired accordingly; And that a Law be made and established hereupon by Act of Parliament, as said is.
Thirdly, That none be permitted to have charge of Souls, Colledges, or Universities, neither privately or publikely teach & instruct the youth, but such as shall be tried by the Superintendents or Visitors of Churches, and found sound and able in Doctrine, and admitted by them to their Charges.
Fourthly, For the sustentation of the poor; That all Lands founded for Hospitality of old, be restored again to the same use: And that all Lands, Annals, Rents, or any other Emoluments pertaining any wayes sometimes to the Friers, of whatsoever Order they had been of▪ As likewise the Annuities, Alterages, Obits, and the other Duties pertaining to Priests, to be applied to the sustentation of the poor, and uphold of the Town-Schools in Towns, and other places where they be.
Fifthly, That such horrible crimes as now abound within this Realme without any correction, To the great contempt of God and his Word; such as Idolatry, Blasphemie of Gods Name, manifest breaking of the Sabbath day, Witchcraft, Sorcery, Inchantment, Adultery, manifest Whoredome, maintenance of Bordals, Murther, Slaughter, Oppression, with many other detestable Crimes, may be severely punished; and Iudges appointed in every Province and Diocesse, for execution thereof, with power to do the same; and that by Act of Parliament.
Lastly, That some order be devised and established for ease of the poor Labourers of the Ground, concerning the reasonable payment of the Tythes, who are oppressed by the Leasers of the Tythes set over their heads without their own con-consent and advise.
The persons who were appointed by the Church to carry these Articles and present them to the Queens Majestie, were the Lairds of …unningham-Head, Lundie, Spot and Grange of Angus, and Iames Baron for the Broughs: These five past from Edinburgh to Saint Iohnston, where they presented the said Articles to the Queens Majestie, desiring and requiring her Highnesse most humbly to advise therewith, and to give them answer. The next day, ere they were aware, the Queen departed to Dunkeld, and immediately they followed; And after they had gotten audience, they desired the Queens Majestie most humbly to give their dispatch. She answered, That her Councell was not there present, but she intended to be in Edinburgh within eight dayes, and there they should receive their answer. At the same time, as the generall Assembly was holden in Edinburgh, the Brethren perceiving the Papists to brag, and trouble like to be, they assembled themselves at Saint Leonard Cragg, where they concluded they would defend themselves; and for the same purpose, elected eight persons of the most able, two of every Quarter, to see that the Brethren should be ready armed.
And when the five Commissioners above named had waited upon the Court four or five dayes after her Majesties coming to Edinburgh, there the matter was proposed in Councell: And after long and earnest reasoning upon these Articles, at length it was answered to the Commissioners by the Secretary, That the Queens Majesties command was, That the matter should be reasoned in her presence; which for the gravity of the same, there could nothing be concluded at that time, albeit the Queens Majestie had heard more in that matter, then ever she did before: But within eight dayes thereafter, she understood that a great part of the Nobility should be present in Edinburgh, where they should have a finall answer. At length, the one and twentieth of August, they received the answer in Writing in her presence, according to the Tenour hereof as followeth.
The Queens Majesties Answer to the Articles presented to Her Highnesse, by certain Gentlemen, in the Name of the whole Assemblie of the Church.
TO the first, Desiring the Masse to be suppressed and abolished, as well in the Head, as in the Members, with punishment against the Contraveners; As also, the Religion professed to be established by Act of Parliament, it was answered, first for her Majesties part, That her Highnesse is no way yet perswaded in the said Religion, nor yet that any impiety is in the Masse; and therefore believeth, That her loving subjects will not presse her to receive any Religion against her conscience, which should be unto her a continuall trouble by remorse of conscience, and therewith a perpetuall unquietnesse. And to deale plainly with her Subjects, her Majesty neither will, nor may leave the Religion wherein she hath been nourished and brought up; and believeth the same to be well grounded; Knowing, besides the grudge of conscience that she should receive, upon the change of her owne Religion, That she should lose the friendship of the King of France, the married Allia of this Realme, and of other great Princes her Friends and Confederates, who would take the same in evil part, and of whom she may look for their great support in all her necessities; And having no assured consideration that may countervaile the same, she will be loth to put in hazard all her friends at an instant, praying all her loving subjects, seeing they have had experience of her goodnesse, that she hath neither in times past, nor yet intends hereafter, to presse the conscience of any, but that they may worship God in such sort, as they are perswaded in their conscience to be best, That they will also not presse her conscience. As to the establishing of Religion in the Body of the Realme, they themselves know, as appears by their Articles, That the same cannot be done onelyonly by consent of her Majestie, but requires necessarily the consent of the States in Parliament, and therefore so soon as the Parliament holds, those things which the States agree upon amongst themselves, her Majestie shall consent unto the same; and in the mean time shall make sure, That no man be troubled for …sing Religion according to conscience; So that no man shall have cause to doubt, That for Religions sake mens Lives and Heritage shall be in any hazard.
To the second Article, it is answered, That her Majestie thinks it no wayes reasonable, that she should defraud her self of so great a part of the Patrimony of the Crowne, as to put the Patronage of Benefices forth of her own hands; for her owne necessity, in bearing of her Port and common Charges, will require the retention thereof, and that in a good part, in her owne hands: Neverthelesse her Majestie is well pleased, That consideration being had of her owne necessity; And what may be sufficient for the reasonable sustentation of the Ministers, a speciall Assignation be made to them in places most commodious and meet: With which her Majesty shall not meddle, but suffer the same to come to them.
To the third Article it is answered, That her Majestie shall do therein as shall be agreed by the States in Parliament.
To the fourth Article, Her Majesties liberality towards the poore shall alwayes be so far extended, as can be reasonably required at her hands.
To the fifth and sixth Articles, Her Majesty will refer the taking order therein, unto the States assembled in Parliament.
As the Queens Majestie came from Saint Iohnston, over Forth to the Callender, she was conveyed to the Water side of Forth with two hundred Spears: For at that time it was bruted, That there was some lying in wait at the Path of Dron. In the mean time the Earle of Murray was in Locklevin, and the Earle of Argyle with him. Now in the Callender the Lord Levingston had desired the Queens Majestie to be Witnesse to the Christning of a childe; For his Lady was lately delivered and brought to Bed: And when the Minister made the Sermon and Exhortation concerning Baptisme, the Queens Majestie came in the end, and said to the Lord Levingston, That she would shew him that favour that she had not done to any other before; that is, That she would give her presence to the Protestant Sermon, which was reckoned a great matter.
The Queen being in the Callender, was informed both by word and Letters by false Brethren, That a great part of the Protestants of Edinburgh had lately convened upon Saint Leonards Craigs, and there made a Conspiration against her; And had chosen for the same purpose, certain Captains to governe the rest; And without any Tryall, or perfect notice taken in the Case, she sent to the Provest and Bayliffs of Edinburgh, commanding them to take and apprehend Alexander Guthrie, Alexander Clerke, Gilbert Lawder, and Andrew Slater, and put them in prison in the Castle.
This new and unaccustomed fashion of proceeding seemed to be very strange: And because the said four persons were not apprehended, she sent the next day a Charge to the Provest and Bayliffs, and to her owne great Treasurer, to passe to the houses of the said foure men, and likewise to their Booths or Shops, and there to take Inventory of all their Goods and Chattells; And commanded the said Treasurer to take the Keyes of the said Houses and Booths, together with the said Inventory; which was executed in effect, especially upon the said Alexander Guthrie his wife, he being then common Clerke, and one of the greatest in estimation within the Towne; his wife and children were shut out of their house, and compelled to seek some other lodging in the Town.
By this manner of proceeding, the hearts of all men of spirit and judgement were wonderfully abashed and wounded, seeing and perceiving these things so furiously handled upon sinister and wrong Information, men never called to their answer, nor heard, nor any triall taken therein. Immediatly thereafter as she came to Edinburgh, she called to counsell such as pleased her Majestie, and there complains of the said matter, alleadging it to be a Conspiracy and manifest Treason. And another matter likewise was complained upon, That the Earle of Argile (as the Queen was surely informed) was riding with a great Army to invade the Earle of Athole and his Lands. For the first matter it was concluded by the Councell, That diligent inquisition should be made in the matter, and to that purpose appointed the Queens Advocates M. Iohn Spence of Condie, and M. Robert Crichton to examine such as they would; and when the said Advocates had called before them, and examined a sufficient number, and their depositions subscribed and delivered to the Queen, there was nothing found worthy of death nor Treason; at length the said four persons were summoned to answer at Law.
For the matter, That the Queens Majesty should send to the Earles of Argyle and Athole some of her Councell or familiar servants to take order touching it. And when the Secretary, the Justice Clarke and Lord of Saint Colme had past to the said Earle of Argyle, they found no such thing; but in Athole there was great fear come of a sudden fray; for after many Proclamations, the Fire-Crosse (which they made use of in lieu of Beacons) was raised in Athole.
Now as the day of the Parliament approached, the Lords pretending to consult before, what should be done, as well in Religion, as for the Commonwealth, the fifteenth day of Iuly there conveened at Sterlin the Duke, the Earles of Argyle and Murray, Rothes, and other Lords and Barons, and as they were devising and consulting, the Queens Majesty taking their meeting in evill part, sent her Advocates Master Iohn Spence and Master Crichton to them at Sterlin, requiring the cause of their meeting; they answered, That the speciall occasion of their meeting was for the cause of Religion and the assurance thereof, according as they had lately written to the Queens Majesty in S…aton from the town of Edinburgh, they desiring then to prorogate the day.
Finally, when the said Advocates could by no means perswade them to come to Edinburgh, they returned again to Edinburgh and declared to the Queens Majestie according as they had found.
In the mean time the Parliament was prorogated at the Queens Majesties command to the first of September next after following; for it was thought, That the least part and principall of the chiefe Nobility being absent, there could no Parliament be holden: at the same time the Queens Majestie perceiving that the matter was already come to a maturity and ripenesse, so that the mindes and secrecy of mens hearts must needs be disclosed, she wrote to a great number of Lords, Barons, Gentlmen, and others that were nearest in Fife, Angus Lowthian, Mers Tevimdale, Perth, Lithgow Clidsdall, and others to resort to her, in this forme of words hereafter following.
The Queens Letter.
TRusty friend, We greet you well; we are grieved indeed by the evill bruite spread amongst our Lieges, as that we should have molested any man in the using of his Religion and Conscience freely, a thing which never entred into our minde; yet since we perceive the too easie beleeving such reports hath made them carelesse, and so we think it becomes us to be carefull for the safety and preservation of our state; wherefore we pray you most affectionately, That with all possible hast (after the receipt of this our Letter) you with your kindred, friends and whole Force, well furnished with Arms for Warre, be provided for, fifteen dayes after your coming, addresse you to come to us, to waite and attend upon us, according to our expectation and trust in you, as you will thereby declare the good affection you bear to the maintenance of our Authoritie, and will doe us therein acceptable service.
Subscribed with Our Hand at Edinburgh, the seventeenth day of July, 1565.
THere was likewise Proclamation made in Edinburgh, That the Queen minded not the trouble, nor alter the Religion; and also Proclamations made in the Shires above mentioned, for the same purpose, That all Freeholders and other Gentlemen should resort (in the aforesaid manner) to Edinbronth, where the Earle of Rosse was made Duke of Rothesay, with great triumph, the 23 day of Iuly. The same afternoon the Queen complained grievously upon the Earle of Murray in open audience of all the Lords and Barons; and the same day the Bans of the Earle of Rosse, and Duke of Rothesay, and the Queens Marriage were proclaimed. About this time the Lord Arskin was made Earle of Marre. In the mean time there were divers Messages sent from the Queens Majestie to the Lord of Murray, first, Master Robert Crichton to perswade him by all meanes possible to come and resort to the Queens Majestie: his answer was, That he would be glad to come to her self, according to his bounden duty; yet for as much as such persons as were most privie in her company, were his capitall enemies, who also had conspired his death, he could no wayes come so long as they were in Court.
Soon after my Lord Erskin and the Master Maxwell past to him to S. Andrews, rather suffered and permitted by the Queen, then sent by her Highnesse; after them the Laird of Dun, who was sent by the means of the Earl of Mar, but all this did not prevail with him; and when all hope of his coming was past, an Herald was sent to him, charging him to come to the Queens Majesty, and answer to such things as should be laid to his charge within eight and fourty hours next after the Charge, under pain of Rebellion; and because he appeared not the next day after the eight and forty hours, he was denounced Rebell, and put to the Horne. The same order they used against the Earle of Argyle, for the Queen said she would serve him and the rest with the same measure they had mete to others, meaning the said Argyle.
In the mean while, as the fire was well kindled, and enflamed, all means and wayes were sought, to stir up enemies against the chief Protestants that had been lately at Sterlin; for the Earle of Athole was ready bent against the Earle of Argyle: the Lord Lindsay against the Earle Rothesse in Fyfe, they being both Protestants; for they had contended now a long time for the Heir-ship of Fyfe: And that no such thing should be left undone, the Lord Gordon, who now had remained neer three yeers in prison in Dumbar, was, after some little travell of his friends, received by the Queen; and being thus received into favour, was restored first to the Lordship of Gordon, and soon after to the Earldom of Huntley, and to all his Lands, Honours and Dignities, that he might be a bar and a party in the North to the Earle of Murray.
The 18 of Iuly, The Dispensation being come from Rome for the Marriage: Before which, according to the Romish Law, it was unlawful to marry, being Cousin Germans, brother and sisters children, and so the degree of Consanguinity forbidden.late in the evening, neer an hour after the Suns going down, there was a Proclamation made at the Market-Crosse of Edinburgh, containing in effect: THat forasmuch as at the will and pleasure of Almighty God, the Queen had taken to her husband a right excellent and illustrious Prince, Harry Duke of Rothesay, Earle of Rosse, Lord Darley, Therefore it was her Will, That he should be holden and obeyed, and reverenced as King: Commanding all Letters and Proclamations to be made in the Names of Henry and Mary in times coming.
The next day following, at six hours in the morning, they were marryed in the Chappell Royall of Halyrud-house, by the Dean of Lestarrig; the Queen being all clothed in Mourning: But immediately, as the Queen went to Masse, the King went not with her, but to his Pastime. During the space of three or four dayes, there was nothing but Balling and Dancing, and Banqueting.
In the mean time, the Earle Rothesse, the Laird of Grange, the Tutor Pitcur, with some Gentlemen of Fyfe, were put to the Horne, for none appearance; And immediately the Swash, Tabron, and Drums, were stricken or beaten, for men of War to serve the King and Queens Majestie, and to take their Pay. This sudden alteration, and hasty creation of Kings, moved the hearts of a great number.
Now amongst the people there were divers brutes; for some alleadged, That the cause of this alteration was not for Religion, but rather for hatred, envie of sudden promotion or dignity, or such worldly causes: But they that considered the progresse of the matter, according as is heretofore declared, thought the principall cause to be onelyonly for Religion.
In this mean time, the Lords past to Argyle, taking apparantly little care of the trouble that was to come: Howbeit they sent into England M. Nicolas Elphinston for support, who brought some Moneys in this Countrey, to the sum of ten thousand pounds sterlin. There came one forth of England to the Queen, who got Presence the seventh of August in Halyrud-house. He was not well, &c.
About the fifteenth of August, the Lords met at Aire, to wit, the Duke Hamilton, the Earles Argile, Murray, Glencarne, Rothesse, the Lord Boyd, and Ochiltrie, with divers Barons and Gentlemen of Fife and Kyle, where they concluded to be in readinesse with their whole Forces the four and twentieth day of August. But the King and Queene with great cerity prevented them, for their Majesties sent thorow Lowthian, Fife, Angus, Stratherne, Tividaile and Chiddisdaile and other Shires, making their Proclamations in this manner, That forasmuch as certaine Rebels, who (under colour of Religion) intended nothing but the trouble and subversion of the Common-wealth,Note this for our time. were to convene with such, as they might perswade to assist them; therefore they charged all manner of men under pain of Life, Lands, and Goods, to resort and meet their Majesties at Linlithgow the 24 day of August.
This Proclamation was made in Lowthian the third pay of the said monethmonth. Upon Sunday the ninteenth of August, the King came to the high Kirke of Edinburgh, where Iohn Knox made the Sermon; his Text was taken out of the six and twentieth Chapter of Esayas his Prophesie, about the thirteenth Verse, where in the words of the Prophet, he said, O Lord our God, The King, to make himself more popular, and to take from the Lords of the Congregation the prete…t of Religion, he went to the Kirk to hear Iohn Knox preach.other Lords then thou have ruled over us. Whereupon he tooke occasion to speake of the government of wicked Princes, who for the sinnes of the people are sent as Tyrants and scourges to plague them: And amongst other things he said, That God sets in that room (for the offences and ingratitude of the people) Boyes and women. And so other words which appeared bitter in the Kings ears, as, That God justly punished Ahab and his Posterity, because he would not take order with that Harlot Iezabel. And because he had tarried an hour and more, longer then the time appointed, the King (sitting in a Throne made for that purpose) was so moved at this Sermon, that he would not Dine; and being troubled, with great fury he past in the afternoon to the Hawking.
Immediately Iohn Knox was commanded to come to the Councell, where in the Secretaries Chamber were convened the Earle of Athole, the Lord Ruthven, the Secretary, the Justice Clarke, with the Advocate. There passed along with the Minister a great number of the most apparent men of the Towne. When he was called, the Secretary declared, That the Kings Majestie was offended with some words spoken in the Sermon, (especially such as are above rehearsed) desiring him to abstaine from preaching for fifteen or twenty dayes, and let Master Craig supply the place.
In answering he said more then he had preached, for he added, That as the King had (to pleasure the Queen) gone to Masse, and dishonoured the Lord God, so should God in his justice make her an Instrument of his ruine; and so it fell out in a very short time: but the Queen being incensed with these words, fell out in Tears, and to please her Iohn Knox must abstain from preaching for a time.He answered, That he had spoken nothing but according to his Text, and if the Church would command him either to speake or abstain, he would obey so far as the Word of God would permit him.
Within four dayes after, the King and Queen sent to the Councell of Edinburgh, commanding them to depose Archibald Dowglas, and to receive the Laird Craigmiller for their Provest, which was presently obeyed.
The five and twentieth of August the King and Queens Majesties past from Edinburgh to Linlithgow, and from thence to Sterlin, and from Sterlin to Glasgow. At their first arrivall, their whole people were not come. The next day after their arrivall to Glasgow, the Lords came to Paisley, where they remained that night, being in company about one thousand horses. On the morrow they came to Hamilton, keeping the high passage from Paisley hard by Glasgow, where the King and Queen easily might behold them. The night following, which was the penult of August, they remained in Hamilton with their Company; but for divers respects moving them, they thought it not expedient to tarry; especially, because the Earle of Argyle was not come; for his Diet was not afore the second of September following, to have been at Hamilton. Finally, they took purpose to come to Edinburgh, the which they did the next day. And albeit Alexander Areskin, Captain under the Lord his brother, caused to shoot forth of the Castle two Shot of Cannon, they being neer the Towne; And likewise that the Laird Craigmiller Provest, did his endeavour to hold the Lords forth of the Towne, in causing the common Bells to be rung, for the convening of the Towne, to the effect aforesaid, yet they entred easily at the West Port or Gate, without any molestation or impediment, being in number, as they esteemed themselves, one thousand three hundred Horses. Immediately they dispatched Messengers Southward and Northward to assist them; but all in vain: And immediately after they were in their Lodgings, they caused to strike or beat the Drum, desiring all such men as would receive Wages for the defence of the Glory of God, That they should resort the day following to the Church, where they should receive good Pay: But they profited little that way; neither could they in Edinburgh get any comfort or support, for none or few resorted unto them; yet they got more rest and sleep when they were at Edinburgh, then they had done in five or six nights before.
The Noble-men of this Company were, The Duke, The Earles Murray, Glencarne, and Rothesse; The Lords Boyd and Uchiltrie; The Lairds of Grange, Cunningham-head, Balcomie, and Lavers; The T…tor of Pitcur; The Lairds of Barr, Carmell, and Dreghorn; And the Laird of Pittarow Comptroller, went with them: Some said merrily, That they were come to keepe the Parliament, for the Parliament was continued till the first day of September: Upon the which day they wrote to the King and Queens Majesties a Letter, containing in effect, That albeit they were persecuted most unjustly, which they understood proceeded not of the King and Queens Majesties own Nature, but onelyonly by evil Counsell, yet notwithstanding they were willing and content to suffer according to the Lawes of the Realm, providing that the true Religion of God might be established, and the dependants thereupon be likewise reformed: Beseeching their Majesties most humbly to grant these things: But otherwise, if their enemies would seek their blood, they should understand, It should be dear bought. They had written twice, almost to the same effect, to the King and Queens Majesties, after their passing from Edinburgh; for the Laird of Preston presented a Letter to the King and Queens Majestie, and was therefore imprisoned, but soon after released; neverthelesse they got no answer. The same day that they departed out of Hamilton, the King and Queens Majesties issued out of Glasgow in the morning betimes: And passing towards Hamilton, the Army met their Majesties neer the Bridge of Cadder: As they mustered, the Master of Maxwell sate downe upon his knees, and made a long Oration to the Queen, declaring what pleasure she had done to them, and ever laid the whole burden upon the Earle Murray. Soon after, they marched forward in Battell aray: The Earle of Lenox took the Van-guard, the Earle of Mortoun the middle Battell, and the King and Queen the Reere: The whole number were about five thousand men, whereof the greatest part were in the Van-guard.
As the King and Queens Majesties were within three miles of Hamilton, they were advertised that the Lords were departed in the morning; but where they pretended to be that night, it was uncertain: Alwayes soon after their returne to Glasgow, the King and Queen were certainly advertised, That they were past to Edinburgh; and therefore caused immediately to warne the whole Army to passe with them to Edinburgh the next day; who early in the morning, long before the Sun was risen, began to march: But there arose such a vehement Tempest of winde and raine from the West, as the like had not been seen before in a long time; so that a little brook, turned incontinent into a great River; and the raging storme being in their face, with great difficulty went they forward: And albeit the most part waxed weary, yet the Queens courage encreased man-like so much, that she was ever with the foremost. There was divers persons drowned that day in the water of Carren; and amongst others, the Kings Master, a notable Papist, who for the zeal he bare to the Masse, carried about his neck a round god of bread, well closed in a Case, which alwayes could not serve him.
Before the end of August, there came a post to the Queens Majestie, sent by Alexander Areskin, who declared, That the Lords were in the Town of Edinburgh, where there was a multitude of innocent persons, and therefore desired to know if he should shoot. She commanded incontinent that he should return again to the said Alexander, and command him, in her name, That he should shoot so long as he had either Powder or Bullet, and not spare for any body.
At night, the King and Queen came well wet to the Callender, where they remained that night, and about eight hours at night, the first of September, the Post came again to the Castle, and reported the Queenes Command to Alexander Areskin, who incontinently caused to shoot six or seven shot of Cannon, whereof the marks appeared, having respect to no reason, but onelyonly to the Queens Command.
The Lords perceiving that they could get no support in Edinburgh, nor Souldiers for money, albeit they had travelled all that they could; and being advertised of the Queens returning with her whole Company, they took purpose to depart: And so the next day betimes, long before day, they departed with their whole Company, and came to Lanrik, and from thence to Hamilton, where the Master of Maxwell came to them, with his Uncle the La…rd of Dumlanrick. And after consultation, the said Master wrote to the Queens Majesty, That being required by the Lords as he was passing homeward, he could not refuse to come to them; and after that he had given them counsell to disperse their Army, they thought it expedient to passe to Dumfreis to repose them, where they would consult and make their Officers, and send to their Majesties: And thus beseeching their Majesties to take this in good part. The Town of Edinburgh sent two of the Councell of the Town to make their excuse.
The next day the King and Queen past to Sterlin, and sent to Edinburgh, and caused a Proclamation to be made, commanding all men to returne to Glasgow, where having remained three or four dayes: And understanding that the Lords were past to Dumfreis, they returned to Sterlin, and from thence to Fyfe; And in their passage, caused to take in Castle Campbell, which was delivered without impediment to the Lord of Sanquhar.
Before the King and Queen went out of Sterlin, there came from Edinburgh two Ensignes of Foot-men, to convey them into Fyfe. In the mean time the Burroughs were taxed in great Sums unaccustomed, for the payment of these Souldiers: Farther, there was raised divers Troops of Horse-men, to the number of five or six hundred Horse. The Souldiers had taken two poor men that had received the Lords wages; which two men being accused and convinced of, at the Queens Command, were hanged at Edinburgh, the third day after the Lords departing.
At this time, M. Iames Balfour, Parson of Flesk, had gotten all the guiding in the Court. The third day after the Queens coming to Fyfe, the whole Barons and Lairds of Fyfe, convoyed her Majestie, till she came to S. Andrewes, where the said Lairds and Barons, especially the Protestants, were commanded to subscribe to a Band, containing in effect, That they obliged themselves to defend the King and Queens Persons, against Englishmen and Rebells: And in case they should come to Fyfe, they should resist them to their utmost power; Which Charge every man obeyed.
The second night after the Queens coming to S. Andrews, she sent a Band or Troop of Horse-men, and another of Foot, to Lundie, and at midnight took out the Laird, being a man of 80 yeers old: Then they past to Fawside, and took likewise Thomas Scot, and brought him to Saint Andrewes, where they, with the Laird of Bavard, and some others, were commanded to prison. This manner of handling and usage being o… kend and strange, were heavily spoken of, and a great terrour to others, who thought themselves warned of greater severity to come.
In the mean time the houses of the Earles of Murray, Rothesse, and the houses of divers Gentlemen, were given in keeping to such as the Queen pleased, after that their children and servants had been cast out.
At the same time the Duke, the Earls of Glencarne and Argyle, the Lords Boyd and Uchiltrie, with the Lord of Cunningham-head, and the rest, were charged to come and present themselves in S. Andrews, before the King and Queens Majesties, to answer to such things as should be laid to their charge, within six dayes, under the pain of Rebellion: And the day being expired, and they not appearing, were denounced Rebells, and put to the Horne.
As the Queen remained in Saint Andrews, the inhabitants of Dundie, being sore afraid, because of some evil report made of them to the Queen, as if they had troubled the Queen, in seeking men of War, and suffered some to be raised in their Town for the Lords; for there was nothing done in Dundie, but it was revealed to the Queen; especially that the Minister had received a Letter from the Lords, and delivered the same to the Brethren, perswading them to assist the Lords; which being granted by the Minister, the Queen remitted it. After great travell and supplication made by some Noble-men, at length, the King and Queen being in the Town, they agreed for two thousand marks, five or six of the principall left out, with some others, that were put to their shift. After the King and Queen had remained two nights in the Towne of Dundie, they came to S. Andrews; and soon after, they came over Forth, and so to Edinburgh. During this time, the Master of Maxwell wrote to the King and Queen, making offers for and in the name of the Lords.
The next day after the King and Queens coming to Edinburgh, there was a Proclamation made at the Market-Crosse: And because the same is very notable, I thought good to insert it here word by word, albeit it be somewhat long.