History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland, Book 1 · Letter 1 – Floating text 2

History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland · Book 1 · Letter 1 – Floating text 2

p. 19MOst gracious Soveraigne Lord,Ale…ander Seton his Letter. under the Lord and King of all, of whom onelyonly thy Highnesse and Majestie hast power and authority, to exercise Justice within this thy Realme under God, who is King and Lord of all Realms, and thy Majestie, and all mortall kings are but onelyonly servants unto that onelyonly immortall Prince, Christ Jesus, &c.

It is not, I wot, unknowne to thy gracious Highnesse, how that thy Majesties sometime servant and Orator (and ever shall be to my lives end) is departed out of thy Realm, unto the next adjacent of England; neverthelesse, I believe the cause of my departing is unknown to thy gracious Majesty: Which onelyonly is, Because the Bishops and Church-men of thy Realm have had heretofore such authority upon thy subjects, that apparently they were rather King, and thou the subject; which unjust Regiment is of it self false, and contrary to holy Scripture, and Gods Law. Then thou art the King and Master, and they thy subjects, which is very true, and testified expresly by the Word of God. And also because they will give no man of any degree or state (whom they often call Hereticks) audience, time, nor place to speak and have defence, which is against all Law, both the old Law (called the Law of Moses) and the new Law of the Gospel. So that if I might have had audience and place to speak, and have shewed my just defence, conformable to the Law of God, I should never have fled to any other Realm, suppose it should have cost me my life. But because I believed that I should have no audience, nor place to answer (they are so great with thy Majestie) I departed not doubting, but moved of God, unto a better time▪ that God illuminate thy Majestie, even to give every man audience (is thou shouldst and mayst, and is bound by the Law of God) who are accused to the death. And to certifie thy Highnesse that these are no vain words, but of deed and effect, here I offer me to thy Majestie to come in thy Realme again, so that thy Majestie will give me audience, and hear what I have for me of the Law of God: and cause any Bishop or Abbot, Friar or Secular, which is most cunning (some of them cannot reade their Mattins, who are made Judges of Heresie) to impugne me by the Law of God; and if my part be found wrong, thy Majestie being present and Judge, I refuse no pain worthy or condigne for my fault. And if that I convince them by the Law of God, and that they have nothing to lay to my charge, but the law of man, and their own inventions to uphold their own glory and pridefull life, and daily scourging of thy poor subjects▪ I refer my self to thy Majestie as Judge, Whether he hath the victory that holds him at the Law of God, which cannot fail, or be false, or they that holds them at the Law of man, which is very oft plain contrary, and against the Law of God; and therefore of necessity false, and full of lies. For all things that is contrary to the veritie (which is Christ and his Law) is of necessity a lie. And to witnesse that this comes of all my heart, I shall remain at Berwike while I get thy Majesties answer, and shall without fail return, having thy hand write, that I may have audience, & place to speak. No more I desire of thee, whereof if I had been sure, I should never p. 20have departed; and that thou mayst know the truth thereof, if fear of the justnesse of my Cause, or dread of persecution for the same, had moved me to depart, I could not so pleasantly revert, onelyonly distrust was the cause of my departing. Pardon me to say that which lieth to thy Majesties charge. Thou art bound by the Law of God (suppose they falsly lie, saying it pertaineth not to thy Majestie to intermeddle with such matters) to cause every man in any case accused of his life, to have their just defence & their accusers produced conform to their own law. They blinde thy Ma^tie eyes, that knows nothing of thy law: but if I prove not this out of their own law, I offer me to the death. Thy Ma^tie therefore by experience, may daily learn (seeing they neither fear the King of Heaven, as their lives testifie, neither thee their Naturall Prince, as their usurped power in their actions shews) why thy Highnes should be no longer blinded. Thou maist consider that they pretend nothing else, but onelyonly the maintenance and upholding of their barded mules, augmenting of their insatiable avarice, and continuall overthrowing and swallowing up thy poore subjects; neither preaching nor teaching out of the Law of God (as they should) the rude ignorant people, but contend who may be most high, most rich, and neerest thy Majesty; to put thy Temporal Lords and Lieges out of thy counsell and favour, who should be, and are most tender servants to thy Majesty in all time of need, to the defence of thee and thy Crown: And where they desire thy Majesty to to put out thy Temporal Lords and Lieges, because they despise their vitious life, What else intend they, but onelyonly thy death and destruction, as thou maist easily perceive: suppose they colour their false intent and minde with the pursuit of heresie; for when thy Barons are put downe, What art thou but the king of Land, and not of men, and then of necessity must be guided by them: and there (no doubt) where a blinde man is guide, must be a fall in the mire. Therefore let thy Majesty take boldnes and authority, which thou hast of God, and suffer not their cruell persecution to proceed, without audience given to him that is accused, and just place of defence: and then, no doubt, thou shalt have thy subjects hearts, and all that they can or may do in time of need, tranquility, justice, and policy, and finally, the Kingdom of the heavens. May it please you to give one Copy of this to the Clergie, and keep the Original, and thy Majestie shall have experience, if I go against one word that I have spoken. I shall daily make my hearty devotion for thy Majestie, and for the prosperity and welfare of thy body and soul. I doubt not but thy gracious Highnesse will give answer to this Letter, unto the Presenter of it unto thy Highnesse.

At Berwike, by thy Highnesse servant and Orator. Sic subscribitur, Alexander Seton.

This Letter was delivered to the Kings own hands, and of many read; but what could greatly avail, where the pride and corruption of Prelats commanded what they pleased; and the flattery of Courtiers fostered the unadvised Prince in all dissolutenesse, by which means they made him obsequious unto them.There was another Frier Forrest hanged in Smithfield, 1538. From the death of that constant Witnesse of Jesus Christ, M. Patrike Hammilton, God disclosing the wickednesse of the wicked, as before we have heard. There was one Forrest of Linlytquow taken, p. 21who after long imprisonment in the said Tower of S. Andrews was adjudged to the fire, by the …aid Bishop Iames Betonne and his Doctors, for no other crime,Note. but because he had a new Testament in English. Further of that History we have not, except that he died constantly, and with great patience at S. Andrews. After whose death th… flame of Persecution ceased, till the death of M. Norman Gurlaw, the space of ten yeeres,For 10 yeers the persecution ceaseth. or thereabout, not that the bloody beasts ceased by all means to suppresse the lyght of God, and to trouble such as in any sort were suspected to abhorre their corruption; but because the Realme in these times was troubled with intestine and cruell warres, in the which much blood was shed; first at Melrosse, betwixt the Dowglas and Balclench, in the yeere of God 1526. the 24. day of July: Next at Lynlythcow, betwixt the Hamiltons and the Earle of Lenox, who was sisters son to the Earle of Arran ▪ where the said Earle with many others lost his life, the thirteenth day of September, in the same yeere: And last, betwixt the King himself and the foresaid Dowglas, whom he banished the Realme, and held him in exile during his whole dayes. By reason of these, we say, and of other troubles, the Bishops and their bloody bands could not finde the time so favourable unto them as they required, to execute their Tyrannie.

In this middle time,1534. so did the wisedome of God provide, that Henry the eight,1538. King of England, did abolish from his Realme the name and authority of the Pope of Rome, The civil troubles give some rest to Gods flock f…r a time.commanded the Bible to be read in English, suppressed the Abbeys and other places of Idolatry, with their Idols, which gave great hope to divers Realmes, that some godly Reformation should thereof have ensued: And therefore from this our Countrey did divers learned men, and others that lived in feare of Persecution, repaire to that Realme, where albeit they found not such purity as they wished (and therefore divers of them sought other countreys) yet they escaped the tyrannie of mercilesse men, and were reserved to better times, that they might fructifie within his Church in divers places and parts, and in divers vocations. Alexander Setonne remained in England, and publikely (with great praise and comfort of many) taught the Gospel in all sincerity certain yeers. And albeit the craftinesse of Gardner Bishop of Winchester and of others, circumvented the said Alexander, so that they caused him at Pauls Crosse, to affirme certaine things that repugned to his former Doctrine: yet it is no doubt but that God potently had assisted him in all his life,Note. and that also in his death (which shortly after followed) he found the mercy of his God, whereupon he ever exhorted all men to depend. Alexander Alaesius, Master Iohn Fyfe, and that famous man Doctor Machabeus departed unto Dutchland, where by Gods providence they were distributed to severall places. Makdowell for his singular prudence,Macdowel. besides his Learning and Godlinesse, was elected borrow-Master in one of their steads. Alaesius was appointed to the Universitie of Lipsia, Alaesius.and so was Master Iohn Fyfe, John Fyfe.where for their honest behaviour and great erudition they were holden in admiration with all the godly. And in what honour, credit, and estimation Doctour Machabeus was,Machabeus. with Christian, king of Denmark, Cawpmanhowen and famous men of divers nations can testifie. This did God provide for his servants,Note. and did frustrate the expectation p. 22of these bloody beasts, who by the death of one (he meanes M. Patrick Hamilton) in whom the lyght of God did clearly shine, intended to have suppressed Christs Trueth for ever within this Realme, but the contrary had God decreed: for his death was the cause (as is said) that many did awake from the deadly sleep of ignorance; and so did Jesus Christ the onelyonly true Lyght shine unto many, for the way taken of one. And albeit that these notable men did never after (M. Iohn Fyfe onelyonly excepted) comfort their countrey with their bodily presence, yet made he them fructifie in his Church, and raised them up Lyghts out of darknesse, to the praise of his own mercy, and to the just condemnation of them that then ruled; To wit, of the King, Counsell, and Nobility, yea, of the whole people, who suffered such notable personages without crimes, counted to be unjustly persecuted, and so exiled; others were after even so dealt withall, but of them we shall speak in their own place.

No sooner gate the Bishops opportunity (which alwayes they sought) but so soon renewed they the battell against Jesus Christ. For the aforesaid leprous Bishop in the yeere of God 1534.1534. caused to be summoned Sir William Kyrk, This yeere was Lawes made against the Reformation, the Pope having sent to Scotland a Legat the yeere before. 6 Accused for Heresie.Adam Dayis, Henry Kernes, Iohn Stewart of Leyth, with divers others, such as Master William Iohnston Advocate, Master Henry Henderson, Schoole-master of Edenburgh, of whom some compeered in the Abbey Kyrk of Halyrud-house, and so abjured, and publikely burnt their Bills: others compeered not, and therefore was exiled. But in judgement were produced two, to wit, David Straton, a Gentleman, and Master Norman Gowrlay, a man of reasonable erudition, of whom we may shortly speak. In Master Norman appeared knowledge, albeit joyned with weaknesse; But in David Straton could onelyonly be espied for the first; a hatred against the pride and avaritiousnesse of Priests, for the cause of his delation was, he had made to himselfe one Fish-boat to go to the sea; The Bishop of Murray, then being Prior of Saint Andrews, and his agents, urged him for the tythe thereof; His answer was, If they would have tythe of that which his servants wan in the sea,Note. it were but reason that they should come and receive it where they got the stocke, and so as it was constantly affirmed, he caused his servants to cast the tenth fish in the sea again: Processe of cursing was laid against him for not paying such tythes, which when he contemned, he was summoned to answer for Heresie. It troubled him vehemently, and therefore he began to frequent the company of such as were godly; for before he had been a man very stubborne, and one that despised all reading (chiefly of those things that were godly) but miraculously, as it were, he appeareth to be changed, for he delighteth in nothing but in hearing of reading (for himselfe could not reade) and was a vehement exhorter of all men to concord and quietnesse, and the contempt of the world. He frequented much the company of the Laird of Dun Areskin, whom God in those daies had marvellously illuminated: upon a day as the Laird of Lawriston that yet liveth, then being a young man, was reading unto him in the New Testament, in a certain quiet place in the fields, as God had appointed, he chanced to read these Sentences of our Master Jesus Christ; He that denieth me before men, or is ashamed of me in the midst of this wicked generation, I will deny him in the presence of my Father, p. 23and before his Angels. At which words, he suddenly being as one revived, cast himselfe upon his knees, and extending both hand and visage constantly to the heaven a reasonable time, at length he burst forth in these words; O Lord, I have been wicked, and justly mayest thou withdraw thy grace from me: but Lord, for thy mercies sake, let me never deny thee, nor thy Trueth, for fear of death or corporall paine. The issue declared that his prayer was not vain; for when he with the aforesaid Master Norman, was produced in judgement in the Abbey of Halyrud-House, the King himselfe (all clad in red) being present,2 Gentlemen Straton and Gow…ley burnt. great labour was made, that the said David Straton should have recanted, and burnt his Bill: But he ever standing at his defence, alleadging that he had not offended, in the end was adjudged to the fire, and then when he perceived the danger, asked grace at the King (which he would willingly have granted unto him) the Bishops proudly answered,See how the Bishops did intrench upon the good disposition of the King, and his Soveraigne. That the Kings hands were bound in that case, and that he had no grace to give, to such as by their Law were condemned. And so was he with the said Master Norman, after dinner, upon the seven and twentieth day of August, in the yeere of our Lord 1534. aforesaid, led to a place besides the roode of greene side: 1534.and there they two were both hanged and burnt, according to the mercy of the Papisticall Church. To that same diet were summoned as before we have said, others of whom some escaped into England, and so for that present escaped the death. This their tyranny, notwithstanding, the knowledge of God did wonderfully increase within this Realme, partly by reading, partly by brotherly conference which in those dangerous dayes was used to the comfort of many; but chiefly by Merchants and Mariners, who frequenting other countreys, heard the true Doctrine affirmed, and the vanity of the Papisticall Religion openly rebuked: Amongst whom were those of Dondie and Lieth principals, against whom was made a very strait inquisition, by David Beton, cruell Cardinall. And divers were compelled to abjure and burne their Bills,Burning of the Bill was a signe of recantation. some in Saint Andrews, and some at Edinburgh. About the same time, Captaine Iohn Berthwick Provost of Lithcow, was burnt in figure, but by Gods providence escaped their furie.1537. L…sly writes this done▪ 1540. Iohn Berthwick fled into England, from whence Henry sent him into Germany to the Protestant Princes.And this was done for a spectacle, and triumph to Mary of Lorraine, lately arrived from France, as wife to Iames the fifth King of Scots: what plagues she brought with her, and how they yet continue, such as are not blinde may manifestly see. The rage of these bloody beasts proceeded so farre, that the Kings Court it selfe escaped not that danger; for in it divers were suspected, and some accused. And yet ever did some lyght burst out in the midst of darknesse; for the trueth of Christ Jesus entred even into the Cloisters as well of Friars and Monks as of Channons. Iohn Lyn, a gray Frier, left his hypocriticall habit, and the den of those murtherers, the gray Friers. A black Frier, called Frier Killor, set forth the History of Christs passion in forme of a Play, which he both Preached and practised openly in Sterlin, the King himselfe being present upon a Good-Friday in the Morning, in the which all things were so lively expressed, that the very simple people understood and confessed, That as the Priests and obstinate Pharisees perswaded the people to refuse Christ Jesus, and caused Pilate to condemne him; p. 24So did the Bishops, and men called Religious, blinde the people, and perswade Princes and Judges to persecute such as professe Christ Jesus his blessed Gospel. This plain speaking so inflamed the hearts of all that bare the Beasts mark, that they ceased not, till the said Friar Kill…r, and with him Frier Beaverege, Sir Duncane Symson, Robert Forester Gentleman, and Deane Thomas Forrat, Channon regular, and Vicar of Dolour, a man of upright life,Foure burnt. who altogether were cruelly murthered in one fire upon the Castle hill the last of February, in the yeere of our Lord 1538.1538. This cruelty was used by the aforesaid Cardinall, the Chancellour, the Bishop of Glasgow, and the incestuous Bishop of Dumblane. After that this cruelty was used in Edinburgh upon the Castle hill, to the effect that the rest of the Bishops might shew themselves no lesse fervent to suppresse the lyght of God,1539. then he of S. Andrews was, were apprehended two of the Diocesse of Glasgow; The one named Ieronimus Russell, Ieremie Russell.a gray Frier, a young man, of a meeke nature,Alex. Kennedie. quicke spirit, and good Learning; And one Alexander Kennedie, who passed not eighteen yeers of age, one of excellent wit in vulgar Poesie. To assist the Bishop of Glasgow in that cruell judgement, or at least to dip his hands in the blood of the Saints of God, were sent Master Iohn Lawd…r, Master Andrew Olyphant, and Frier Meitman, servants of Satan, apt for that purpose; The day appointed to the cruelty approached; The two poore Saints of God were presented before those bloody butchers, grievous were the crimes that were laid to their charge: Kennedie at the first was faint, and gladly would have recanted: but while the place of repentance was denied unto him▪ the spirit of God, which is the spirit of all comfort, began to work in him; yea, the inward comfort began to burst forth, as well in visage, as in tongue and word, for his countenance began to be cheerfull, and with a joyfull voice upon his knees he said,Kennedie his thanks to God. O eternall God, how wonderfull is that love and mercy that thou bearest unto mankinde, and unto me the most caitife and miserable wretch above all others; For, even now, when I would have denied thee, and thy Son, our Lord Iesus Christ my onelyonly Saviour, and so have cast my self into everlasting damnation; Thou by thine own hand hast pulled me from the very bottome of hell, and made me to feele that heavenly comfort, which takes from me that ungodly feare wherewith before I was oppressed. Now I defie death, do what ye please; I praise my God, I am ready. The godly and learned Ieronimus, railed upon by these godlesse Tyrants,His speech to the Judges. answered; This is your houre, and power of darknesse; Now sit ye as Iudges, and we stand wrongfully accused, and more wrongfully to be condemned; but the day shall come, when our innocencie shall appeare, and that ye shall see your own blindnesse, to your everlasting confusion. Go forward, and fulfill the measure of your iniquity. While that these servants of God thus behaved themselves, a variance ariseth betwixt the Bishop and the beasts that came from the Cardinall; For the Bishop said, I thinke it better to spare these men, Note.then to put them to death: Whereat the idiot Doctors offended, said, What will ye do my Lord? will ye condemne all that my Lord Cardinall and the other Bishops and we have done? If so ye do, ye shew your selfe enemy to the Church and us, and so we will repute you, be ye assured. At which words, the faithlesse man afraid, adjudged the innocents to die, according to the desire of the wicked. The meeke and gentle Ieronimus Russell p. 25comforted the other with many comfortable sentences, oft saying unto him, Brother, fear not, more mighty is he that is in us, than he that is in the world: the pain that we shall suffer is short, and shall be light; but our joy and consolation shall nevea have end: and therefore let us contend to enter in, unto our Master and Saviour, by the same strait way which he hath taken before us: Death cannot destroy us, for it is destroyed already by him for whose sake we suffer. With these and the like comfortable sentences they passed to the place of execution, and constantly triumphed over death and Sathan, even in the midst of the flaming fire. And thus did those cruell beasts intend nothing but murther in all the quarters of this Realme: for so far had they blinded and corrupted the inconsiderate Prince, that he gave himself to obey the tyrannie of those bloodie beasts: and he made a solemne Vow, That none should be spared that was suspect of Heresie, yea, although it were his own son. To presse and push him forward in this his fury, he lacked not flatters enow; for many of his Minions were pensioners to Priests: Amongst whom, Oliver Synclare, yet remaining enemy to God, was principall. And yet did not God cease to give that blinded Prince documents that some sudden punishment was to fall upon him, if he did not repent, and amend his life; and that his own mouth did confesse: For after that Sir Iames Hamilton was beheaded (justly or unjustly we dispute not) this Vision came unto him,Sir Iames Hamilton said, That God had justly brought him to that, because he had offended often, to gain the King favour, by unjust ways. as to his familiars himself did declare) the said Sir Iames appeared unto him, having in his hands a drawn sword, with the which he stroke from the King both the arms, saying to him these words, Take that, till thou receive a finall payment for all thy impiety. This Vision with sorrowful countenance, he shewed on the morrow, and shortly thereafter died his two sons, both within the space of 24 hours, yea, some say within the space of six hours. In his own presence George Steill, his greatest flatterer,Note. and greatest enemy to God that was in his Court, dropped off his horse, and died not saying one word that same day, that in audience of many, the said George had refused his portion of Christs Kingdom, if the prayers of the Virgin Mary should not bring him thereto. How terrible a Vision the said Prince saw lying in Lintlightow that night that Thomas Scot, Justice Clerk, died in Edinburgh, men of good credite can yet report: For afraid at midnight, or after, he called aloud for Torches, and raised all that lay beside him in the Pallace, and told that Thomas Scot was dead; for he had been at him with a company of devills, and had said unto him these words; O we to the day that ever I knew thee or thy service; for serving of thee, against God, against his servants, and against Iustice, I am adjudged to endlesse torment. How terrible voyces the said Thomas Scot pronounced before his death, men of all estates heard; and some that yet live can witnesse his voice ever was, Iusto Dei judicio condemnatus sum; that is, I am condemned by Gods just Judgement. He was most oppressed for th… delation and false accusation of such as professed Christs Evangel, as M. Thomas Mairioribanckes, and M. Heus Rig, then advocates, did confesse to M. Henry Balnaves, who from the said Thomas Scot came to him, as he and M. Thomas Ballenden were sitting in Saint Giles Church, and asked him forgivenesse of the said Thomas. None of these terrible forewarnings could either change or alter the heart of the infortunate and misled Prince, but p. 26still he did proceed in his accustomed wayes. For in the midst of these evils, he caused, to put hands on that notable man M. George Buchanan, to whom for his singular erudition and honest behaviour, was committed the charge to instruct some of his naturall children: But by the mercifull providence of God he escaped (albeit with great difficulty) the rage of those that sought his life; and remaines alive to this day in the yeere of God 1566. to the glory of God, to the great honour of this nation, and to the comfort of those that delight in letters and vertue. That singular Worke of Davids Psalms, in Latin Meeter and Poesie, besides many others, can witnesse the rare graces of God given to that man, which that Prince by instigation of the gray-Friers and of his other flatterers,George Buchanan by the Kings c…mmand, then angry with the Friers, did write this Satyre against them. who thereafter having made their peace with the King, would not be appeased with G…orge Buchanan whom the king gave over to their importunity and so he was put in prison. would altogether have devoured, if God had not provided remedy to his servant by escaping (the keepers being asleep he went out at the window) This cruelty and persecution, notwithstanding the monsters and hypocrites, the gray-Friers, day by day came farther in contempt, for not onelyonly did the learned espie and detest their abominable hypocrisie, but also men in whom no such graces or gifts were thought to have been, began plainly to paint the same forth to the people. As this Ryme which here we have inserted for the same purpose, made by Alexander Earle of Glevearne to this day 1566 alive can witnesse, intituled, An Epistle directed from the holy Hermite of Larites, to his Brethren the gray-Friers.

I Thomas Hermite in Larite

Saint Francis brother heartily greete,

Beseeching you with firme intent

The Earle of Gleaverne his verse upon the Gray Friers.To be watchfull and diligent

For thir Lutherans rissen of new

Our ordour dayly doth pursew

These smacks do set their whole intent

To read this Engls' new Testament

And sayth we have them cleane desceivd

Therefore in haste they must be stopped

Our stately hypocrisie they pryse

And do blaspheme us on this wise

Saying that we are heretiks

And false loud lying Matin tykes

Cummerers and quellers of Christs Kyrk

Such lasie scemlers that will not wirk

But idlely our living winnes

Devouring Wolfs into Sheepe-skinnes

Hurkland with huids into our neck

With Judas minde to Jowcke and Bek

Seeking Gods people to devore

The overthrowers of Gods glore

Professors of hypocrisie.

Doctors in Idolatrie

Fishears with the feynds nette

The upclosers of heaven gate

p. 27Cancard corrupters of the Creede

Hemlock sowers among good seed

To throw in brambles that do men twist

The hye way kennand them from Christ

Monsters with the Beasts marke

Dogs that never stintes to barke

Church men that are to Christ unkend

A sect that Sathans selfe has send

Lurking in holes lyke trator todes

Maintainers of Idolles and false godes

Fantastike fooles and frenzie flatterers

To turne from the trueth the very teachers

For to declare their whole sentence

Would much cumber your conscience

To say your fayth it is so stark

Your cord and loosie cote and sark

Ye lippin may you bring to salvation

And quyte excludes Christ his passion

I dread this doctrine and it last

Shall either gar us worke or fast

Therefore with speede we must provide

And not our profit overslide

I schaip my selfe within short while

To curse our Ladie in Argyle

And there some craftie wyse to worke

Till that we builded have one Kyrk

Since miracles made by your advice

The kitterells thought they had but lyce.

The two parts to us they will bring

But orderly to dresse this thing

Aghaist I purpose for to cause gang

By counsayll of Frear Walter Lang

Which shall make certaine demonstrations

To help us in our procurations

Your holy ordor to decore

That practise he provd once before

Betw…xt Kyrkcadie and Kinggorne

But Lymmers made thereat such skorne

And to his fame made such digression

Since syn he heard not the Kings confession

Though at that time he came with speede

I pray you take good will as deede

And some among your selves receave

As one worth many of the leave

What I obtaine you through his art

Reason wold ye had your part

Your order handles no money

But for other casualtie

p. 28As beefe, meale butter and cheese

Or what else you have that you please

Send your brethren and habete

As now not els but valete

Be Thomas your brother at command

A Culrune kethed through many a land.

After God had given unto that mis-informed Prince sufficient documents, that his warring against his blessed Gospel should not prosperously succeed. He raised up against him Warres as he did of old against divers Princes that would not hear his voice, in the which he lost himself, as we shall hereafter heare.

The occasion of the Warre was this, HENRY the eighth, King of England, had a great desire to have spoken with our King, and in that point travelled so long, till that he gat a full promise made to his Ambassadour, Lord William Howard: The place of meeting was appointed Yorke, which the King of England kept with such solemnitie and preparations, as never for such a purpose was seene in England before. Great brute of that journey, and some preparation for the same was made in Scotland: But in the end, by perswasion of the Cardinall David Beton, and by others of his faction, that journey was stayed, and the Kings promise falsified. Whereupon were sharp Letters of reproach sent unto the King, and also unto his counsell. King Henry frustrate returneth to London, and after his indignation declared, began to fortifie with men his frontiers toward Scotland. There was sent to the borders, Sir Robert Bowes, the Earle of Angus, and his brother, Sir George Dowglas. Upon what other trifling questions (as for the debetable land and such) the Warre brake up, we omit to write. The principall occasion was the falsifying of the promises before made. Our King perceiving that Warre would rise, asked the Prelats and Churchmen, what support they would make to the sustaining of the same: for rather would he yet satisfie the desire of his Uncle▪ then he would hazard warre where he saw not his force able to resist. They promised mountains of gold (as Satan their father did to Christ Jesus if he would worship him) for rather would they have gone to hell, then he should have met with King Henry, for then thought they, Farewell our Kingdom of Abbots, Monks, &c. And farewell, thought the Cardinall,The Churchmen ingage the King to warre against his Uncle. his credit and glory in France. In the end, they promised fifty thousand crowns by yeere, to be well paid so long as the Warre lasted: and further, That their servants and other that appertained to them, and were exempted from common service, should neverthelesse serve in time of necessity. These vain promises lifted up in pride the heart of the unhappy king, and so begins the Warre. The Realme was Quartered, and men were laid in Iedburgh and Kelso: All men (fools we mean) bragged of victory, and in very deed the beginning gave us a faire shaw: For at the first Warden Reade which was made on Saint Bartholomewes day, in the yeere of our Lord, 1542. was the Warden Sir Robert Bowes, his brother Richard Bowes Captaine of Norhame, Sir William Mamebery Knight, a Bastard Sonne of the Earle of Angus, and Iames Dowglas of Parkhead, then Rebels, with a great number of Borderers Souldiers and Gentlemen taken: p. 29The Reade was termed Halderig. The Earle of Angus and Sir George his brother, did narrowly escape. Our Papists and Prelats, proud of this victory,Halderig Read. encouraged the King, so that there was nothing heard, but All is ours: They be but Heretickes, if we be a thousand and they ten thousand, they dare not fight;England called Hereticke, b… cause it renounced the Pope. France shall enter into one part, and we the other, and so shall England be conquest within a yeere. If any man was seene to smile at such vanitie, he was no more but a Traytour and an Hereticke. And yet by these meanes men had greater liberty then they had before,Note. as concerning their conscience, for then ceased the persecution. The Warre continued till midde September: And then was sent down the old Duke of Norfolke, with such an Army as a hundred yeeres before had not come into Scotland. They were in gathering their Forces, and setting forward of their Preparations and Munitions, which were exceeding great, till midde October and after. And then they Marched from Barwick and tended to the wast, ever holding Tweid upon their own side, and never camped from that River the space of a mile, during the whole time they continued in Scotland, which was ten or twelve dayes. Forces were sent up and down to Smallame, Stichell, and such places neere about, but many snappers they gat, some Corn they burnt, besides that which the great host consumed, but small bootie they carried away. The King assembled his Forces at Fallowe (for he was advertised that they had promised to come to Edinburgh) and tooke the Musters all at an houre, two dayes before Hallowe even.All hallow tyde There were found with him eighteen thousand able men: Upon the Borders that awaited upon the English Army, were ten thousand good men with the Earle of Huntlie, Lords Erskin, Seton, and Hume. These were judged men aneuh to hazard Battell, albeit the other were esteemed fourty thousand.Fallow Reade. While the King lay at Fallowe, abiding upon the Gunes, and upon advertisement from the Army. The Lords began to remember how the King had been long abused by his flatterers, and principally by the Pensioners of the Prelats. It was then concluded that they would make some new remembrance of Lawder brig, to see if that would for a season somewhat help the state of their Country. But because the Lords could not agree among themselves upon the persons that deserved punishment (for every man favoured his friend) the whole escaped,Note. and the purpose was opened to the King, and by him to the courtiers, who till they came to Edinburgh stood in no little fear: but that was suddenly forgot, as we shall after hear. While time is thus protracted, the English army, for want of victuals (as was bruted) retired over Tweid in the night, and so begin to skale & sunder; wherof the King advertised, desired the Lords and Barons to assist him to follow them into England; whose answer was with one consent,The Lords answer to the Kings desire. That to defend his person and Realme, they would hazard life, and whatsoever they had: But to invade England, neither had they so just Title as they desired, neither yet could they be able to do any thing to the hurt of England, considering that they had long before beene absent from their houses, their provision was spent, their horses wearied, and that which was greatest of all, the time of the yeere did utterly reclaime. This their answer seemed to satisfie the King: for he in words praised their prudent foresight and wise counsell. But the essay made to his Courtiers, and that bold p. 30repulse of his desires given to him in his owne face, so wounded his high stomacke (for long had he runne as himselfe listed) that he decreeth a notable revenge, which no doubt he had not failed to have executed, if God by his owne hand had not cut the dayes of his lyfe. He returnes to Edinburgh, the Nobility, Barons, Gentlemen, and Commons, to their habitations. And this was the second and third dayes of November.

Without longer delay at the palace of Halyrud-house was a new councell assembled, a councell we meane of his abusers, wherein were accusations layd against the most part of the Nobilitie;Note. Some were Hereticks; Some favourers of England; Some friends to the Dowglas: and so could there be none faithfull to the King in their opinion. The Cardinall and Prelats cast fagotts in the fire with all their force, and finding the King wholly addicted to their devotion, delivered unto him a schroll, containing the names of such as they in their inquisition had convict for Hereticks. For this was the order of Justice which these holy Fathers kept in condemning of innocent men;Note. Whosoever would accuse any of Heresie, he was heard, no respect nor consideration had, what minde the accuser bare to the person accused; Whosoever was produced for witnesse, were admitted, how suspitious and infamous so ever they were; if two or three had proved any point that by their Law was holden Heresie, that was an Hereticke: There rested no more but a day to be affixed to his condemnation, and to the execution of their corrupt sentence: What man could be innocent where such …udges were partie, the world may this day consider. True it is, by false Judgement and false Witnesses have innocents been oppressed from the beginning. But this freedome to shed innocent blood got never the Devill but in the Kingdome of Antichrist;Note. That the innocent should die, and neither know accuser, nor yet the witnesse that testifieth against him. But how sh…ll the Antichrist be knowne, if he shall not be contrarious to God the Father, and his Sonne Christ Jesus, in Law, Life, and Doctrine. But this we omit. The same schroll had the Cardinall and Prelats once presented to the king before, at that time when he returned from the Navigation about the Isles, in the yeere 1534. But then it was refused by the prudent and stout councell of the Laird of Grainge, who opened cleerely to the King the practices of the Prelats, and the danger that thereof might ensue: Which considered by the King (for being out of his passion he was tractable) gave this answer in the palace of Halyrud-house to the Cardinall and Prelats, after that they had uttered their malice, and shewed what profit might arise to the Crowne,An answer worthy of a Prince. By this answer you may see how good this Prince had bin if … C…urch m…n and flatter…s …ad not abused him. if he would follow their councell: Packe you Iuglers, get you to your charges, and reforme your owne lives, and be not instruments of discord betwixt my Nobilitie and me; Or else, I vow to God, I shall reforme you, not as the King of Denmarke by imprisonment doeth, neither yet as the King of England doth by hanging and heading: but I shall reproove you by sharpe punishments, if ever I heare such motion of you againe. The Prelats dashed and astonished with this answer, ceased for a season to attempt any further by rigour against the Nobility. But now being informed of all proceedings by their Pensioners, Oliver Sincler, Rosse Laird of Cragie and others, who were to them faithfull in all things: they conclude to hazard once again p. 31their former sute: which was no sooner proponed, but as soone it was accepted, with no small regreate, by the Kings own mouth, that he had so long despised their counsell:Abused Prince by Prelats. For (said he) now I plainely see your words to be true; The Nobility neither desire my honour nor countenance, for they would not ride a mile for my pleasure to follow mine enemies: Will ye therefore finde me the meanes how that I may have a roade made into England without their knowledge and consent, So the evil advised Prince gave himselfe over to the false Prop…ets, I meane, the Prelats.that it may be knowne to be mine owne reade, and I shall binde me to your counsell for ever. There were gratulations and clapping of hands; there were promises of diligence, closenesse, and fidelity among them. Finally, conclusion was taken that the West borders of England, which was most empty of men and Garrison, should be invaded. The Kings own Banner should be theirs, Oliver the great Minion should be Generall-Lieutenant, but no man should be privie (except the counsell that was then present) of the enterprise, till the very day and execution thereof. The Bishops gladly tooke the charge of that device. Letters were sent to such as they would charge,The Reade of Holway masse by Oliver Sinclar. To meet the King at the day and place appointed: The Cardinall with the Earle of Arran was directed to go to Hadington, to make a shew against the East Border, when the others were in readinesse to invade the West: And thus neither lacked counsell, practise, closenesse, nor diligence, to set forward that Enterprise; and so among these consulters there was no doubt of any good successe. And so was the scroell thankfully received by the king himselfe, and put into his owne pocket, where it remained to the day of his death, and then was found. In it were contained more then an hundred landed men, besides other of meaner degree: Among whom was the Earle of Arran, notwithstanding his siding with the current of the Court, and his neernesse in blood to the King. It was bruted that this roade was devised by the Lord Maxwell, but the certaintie thereof we have not. The night before the day appointed to the Enterprise, the King was found at Lochmabane. To him comes companies from all quarters, as they were appointed, no man knowing of another (for no generall Proclamations past, but privie Letters) neither yet did the multitude know any thing of the purpose till after midnight when that the trumpet blew. And commanded all men to march forward, and to follow the King (who was constantly supposed to have been in the host) guides were appointed to conduct them towards England, as both faithfully and closely they did; upon the point of day they approached to the enemies ground, and so passed the water without any great resistance made unto them. The forward goeth foorth, feare rises, hership might have been seen on every side. The unprovided people were altogether amazed, for bright day appearing, they saw an army of ten thousand men: Their Beacons on every side, send flames of fire unto the heaven: To them it was more then a wonder that such a multitude could have been assembled and conveyed, no knowledge thereof coming to any of their Wardens. For support they looked not, and so at the first they utterly despaired, and yet began they to assemble together, ten in one company, twenty in another, and so as the Fray proceeded their Troopes increased, but to no number (for Carlile fearing …o have been assaulted, suffered no man to issue out of their gates) p. 32and so the greatest number that ever appeared or approached before the discomfiture past not three or four hundreth men, and yet they made hot skirmishing, as in their own ground, in such feats as they are most expert, about ten hours: When fires were kindled, and almost slackned on every side, Oliver thought time to shew his glory, and so incontinent was displayed the Kings Banner, and he upholden by two Spears, lift up upon mens shoulders there with sound of Trumpet was proclaimed Generall Lieutenant, and all men commanded to obey him, as the Kings own Person, under all highest pains. There was preseut the Lord Maxwell, Warden, to whom the regiment of things in absence of the King properly appertaineth. He heard and saw all, but thought more than he spake: There were also present the Earls of Glencarne and Cassels, with the Lord Flemyng, and many other Lords, Barons, and Gentlemen of Lothaine, Fife, Angus, and Mearnes. In this Mountain did the skirmishing grow hotter than it was before,Wha…ton was then Warden in these parts. shouters were heard on every side; some Scottish-men were stricken down, some not knowing the ground, were mired,Stratageme. and lost their horses: Some English Horse of purpose were let loose, to provoke greedie and imprudent men to presse at them, as many did, but found no advantage. While such disorder rises more and more in the Army, every man cried aloud▪ My Lord Lievtenant, What will ye do? Charge was given that all men should light, and go to array in order, for they would fight: Others cried, Against whom will ye fight? yonder men will fight none other wayes than ye see them do, if ye will stand here while the morrow. New purpose was taken, That the Footmen (they had there with them certain Bands of Souldiers) should safely retire towards Scotland, and the Horse-men should take their Horse again, and so follow in order. Great was the noyse and confusion that was heard, while that every man calleth his own sluggards; the day was neer spent, and that was the cause of the greatest fear. The Lord Maxwell perceiving what would be the end of such beginnings, stood upon his feet with his friends, who being admonished to take his horse, and provide for himselfe, answered, Nay, I will rather abide here the chance that it shall please God to send me, than to go home, and there be hanged; and so he remained upon his foot, and was taken while the multitude fled, and tooke the greater shame. The enemies perceiving the disorder, increased in courage. Before they shouted, but then they stroke; they shot Spears, and dagged Arrows where the Companies were thickest; some encounters were made, but nothing availeth, the Souldiers cast from them their Pikes and Culverings, and other Weapons fencible; the Horse-men left their Spears, and so without judgement all men fled. The Sea was filling, and so the water made great stop; but the fear was such, as happy was he that might get a taker: Such as passed the water, and escaped that danger, not well acquainted with the ground, fell into the slimy mosse; the entry thereof was pleasing enough, but as they proceeded, all that took that way, either lost their horse, or else themselves and horse both. To be short,Note. a greater fear and discomfiture without cause, hath seldome beene seen; for it is said, That where the men were not sufficient to take the Bands of prisoners; Some ran to houses, and rendered themselves to p. 33women. Stout Oliver was without stroke taken fleeing full manfully. And so was his glory (stinking and foolish proudnesse we should call it) suddenly turned to confusion and shame. In that discomfiture were taken the two Earls aforesaid, the Lords Fleming, Somerwell, and Olyphant, and many other Barons and Gentlemen, besides the great multitude of servants. Worldly men say, That all this come but by misorder and fortune, as they term it: But whosoever hath the least spark of the knowledge of God, may as evidently see the work of his hand in this discomfiture, as ever was seen in any of the Battells left to us in Register by the holy Ghost:Note. For what more evident Declaration have we that God fought against Benhadad, Oliver compared to Benhadad against Samaria.King of Aram, when he was discomfited at Samaria, than now we have, that God fought with his own Arm against Scotland in this former discomfiture? There did two hundred and thirty persons in the Skirmish,2 King. 20.2 Kgs 20 with seven thousand following them in the great Battell, put to flight the said Benhadad, with thirty Kings in his Company. But here there is in this shamefull discomfiture of Scotland, very few more than three hundreth men, without knowledge of any Backe or Battell to follow, put to flight ten thousand men,300 men put to flight 10000 without resistance made. There did every man recounter his marrow, till that the two hundred and thirty slew such as matched them: But here, without slaughter, the multitude fled. There had those of Samaria the Prophet of God to comfort, to instruct, and to promise Victory unto them: But England in that pursuit had nothing, but as God secretly wrought by his providence in the men that knew nothing of his working, neither yet of the cause thereof, more then the wall that fell upon the rest of Benhadads Army knew what it did. And therefore yet again we say, That such as in that sudden dejection beholds not the hand of God fighting against pride, for freedome of his own little Flock injustly persecuted, doth willingly and maliciously obscure the glory of God; but the end thereof is yet more notable. The certain knowledge of the discomfiture coming to the Kings ears (who waited upon news at Lochmaban) he was stricken with a sudden fear and astonishment,Others say, at Carlave…ok, neer by the place where the defeat was given, called Sob…y Mosse: so that scarcely could he speak, or had purpose with any man: The night constrained him to remain where he was; and so went to bed, but rose without rest, or quiet sleep: His continuall complaint was, O fled Oliver, is Oliver taken? O fled Oliver: And these words in his melancholly, and as it were carried in a Trance, repeated he from time to time to the very hour of death. Upon the morn, which was Saint Katherines day, returned he to Edinburgh, and so did the Cardinall from Hadington. But the one being ashamed of the other, the brute of their communication came not to publike audience. The King made Inventory of his Treasure, of all his Jewels, and other substance. And thereafter ashamed to look any man in the face, secretly departed to Fife, and coming to Hallzairdes, was humanely received of the Lady of Grange, an ancient and godly Matron (the Laird at his coming was absent.) In his company was onelyonly with him William Kirk…ldy, now Laird of Grange, and some other that waited upon his Chamber. The Lady at Supper, perceiving him pensive, beganne to comfort him, and willeth him to take the Work of GOD in good p. 34part: My portion, said he, of this world is short, for I will not be with you fifteen dayes. His servants repairing unto him, asked where he would have provision made for Christmas,The King foretells his own death. which then approached: he answered with a disdainfull countenance, I cannot tell, chuse you the place; but this I can tell you, Or Christmas day you will be masterlesse, and the Realme without a King. Because of his displeasure, no man durst make contradiction unto him. So after that he had visited the Castle of Carny, pertaining to the Earle of Crawfurde, where the said Earles daughter, one of his Mistresses was, he returned to Falkland, and took bed. And albeit there appeared unto him no signes of death, yet he constantly affirmed, Before such a day, I shall be dead. In this mean time was the Queen upon the point of her delivery in Lynlitquow, who was delivered the 8 of December, in the yeere of God, 1542 yeeres,Reginae Nativitas. of Mary, that then was born, and now doth raigne for a scourge to this Realme, as the progresse of her whole life has to this day declared. The certainty that a daughter was born unto him coming to his ears, he turned from such as spake with him, and said, The devill go with it, it will end as it began, it came from a woman, and it will end with a woman. From Mary, daughter to Robert Bruse, married to Walter Stuart, he feared that his daughter should be married to one of another Name and Family; but you see by Gods providence, the Crown remains in one and the same Family and Name to this day, notwithstanding the many Plots of the pretenders to the Crowne both at home and abroad. After that he spake not many words that were sensible, but ever harped on his old song, Fie, fled Oliver, is Oliver taken, all is lost. In this mean time, in his great extremity, comes the Cardinall (a fit comforter for a desperate man) he cries in his eare; Take order, Sir, with your Realme, who shall rule during the minority of your daughter: ye have knowne my service, What will ye have done? Shall there not be four Regents chosen? And shall not I be principall of them? Whatsoever the King answered, Documents were taken, That so it should be, as my Lord Cardinall thought expedient. As many affirme, a dead mans hand was made to subscribe one blank, that they might write above what it pleased them best; the Cardinall having hired one Henry Balfour, a Priest, to make a false Testament; which was done accordingly, but in vain. This finished, the Cardinall posted to the Queen, lately before delivered,Mark the Queens mourning for the King. as is said. At the first sight of the Cardinall, she said, Welcome, my Lord, is not the King dead? What moved her so to conjecture, divers men are of divers judgements. Many whisper that of old his patte was in the pot, and that the suspition thereof caused him to be inhibite the Queens company.Others stick not to say, That the King was hastned away by a Potion. Howsoever it was before, it is plain, That after the Kings death, and during the Cardinalls life, whosoever guided the Court, he gate his secret businesse sped, of that gracious Lady, either by day or by night. Howsoever the tidings liked her, she mended with as great expedition of that daughter, as ever she did before of any son she bare.Levit. 12.Lev 12 The time of her Purification was sooner than the Leviticall Law appoints: but she was no Jew, and therefore in that she offended not. The noyse of the death of King Iames divulgate, who departed this life the 13 day of December, Regis exitus.in the yeere of God 1542 aforesaid, the hearts of men began to be disclosed. All men lamented that the Realme was left p. 35without a male to succeed. Yet some rejoyced that such an enemy to Gods Truth was taken away. He was called of some; A good poore mans King:Divers Charact…rs of the late King arise post fun…ra virtu… of others he was termed, A murtherer of the Nobility, and one that had decreed their whole destruction. Some praised him for the repressing of theft and oppression; others dispraised him for being much given to women. The Prelats and Clergie feared a change in the Kings minde, as he had expressed himself some few yeers before. And thus men spake even as their affection led them, and yet none spake altogether besides the truth; for part of these aforesaid were so manifest, that as the vertues could not be denied, so could not the vices by any craft be cloked. Yet to speak truth of him, his vices may justly be attributed to the times, and his breeding, and not any wickednesse in his nature; for he gave many expressions of a good nature, namely, in his sobriety and justice, &c. The question of Government was thorow this Realme universally moved. The Cardinall proclaimed the Kings last Will, and therein were expressed four Protectors or Regents, of whom himself was the first and principall, and with him were joyned the Earls of Huntley, Argyle, and Murhay: this was done on Munday, at the Market Crosse of Edinburgh. But the Munday following took the whole Regents remission for their usurpation: for by the stout and wise counsell of the Laird of Grange, did the Earle of Arran, then so neer to the Crown, cause assemble the Nobility of the Realme, and required the equity of their judgements in that his just suit to the Government of this Realm, during the minority of her to whom he pretended to succeed, failing of her, and of her lawfull succession. His friends convened, the Nobility assembled, the day of decision is appointed; the Cardinall and his faction opposes them, and are against the Government of one man, and especially of any called Hammilton: Character of the Hamiltons.For who knowes not (said the Cardinall) that the Hammiltons are cruell murtherers, oppressors of innocents, proud, avaritious, double, and false, and finally, the pestilence in this Common-wealth? Whereto the Earl answered, Defraud me not of my right, and call me what ye please: whatsoever my friends have been, yet unto this day hath no man cause to complain upon me, neither yet am I minded to flatter any of my friends in their evill doing, but by Gods grace shall be as forward to correct their enormities, as any within the Realme can reasonably require of me; And therefore yet again, my Lords, in Gods Name, I crave that ye do me no wrong, nor defraud me of my just Title, before ye have experience of my Government. At these words, were all that feared God, or loved honesty so moved, that with one voyce they cryed, That Petition is most just; and unlesse ye will do against Gods Iustice and Equity, it cannot be denied. And so in despight of the Cardinall, and his suborned Faction, was he declared Governour, and with publike Proclamation so denounced to the people. The Kings Pallace, Treasure, Jewels, Garments, Horse, and Plate was delivered unto him by the Officers that had the former charge; and he honoured, feared; and obeyed, more heartily than ever any King was before,Note the reasons why the Earle of Arran was thus favoured by the Countrey. so long as he abode at God. The cause of the great favour that was born unto him, was; That it was bruted that he favoured Gods Word; and because it was well knowne that he was one appointed to have been persecuted, as the Scroll found in the p. 36Kings pocket after his death did witnesse. These two things, together with an opinion that men had of his simplicity, bowed the hears of many unto him in the beginning; who after, with dolour of hearts, were compelled to change their opinions: but hereof we will after speak. The variety of matters that occurred, we omit, such as the order taken for keeping of the young Queen; of the provision for the mother; the calling home of the Douglas, and other, such as appertain to a Universal History of the time. For, as before we have said, we minde onelyonly to follow the progresse of the Religion, and of the matters that cannot be severed from the same.

1543The Earle of Arran thus being established in the Government, godly men repaired unto him, exhorted him to call to minde for what end God had exalted him to be Governour, out of what danger he had delivered him, he being in the bloody Scroll, as we saw before; and what expectation all men of honesty had of him, because they saw him a soft man, they conceited goodnesse of him. At their instant suit, more than of his own motion, was Thomas Guilliame, a black Frier, called to be Preacher. The man was of sound judgement, of reasonable letters (as for that age) and of a prompt and good utterance. His Doctrine was wholsome, without great vehemency against superstition. Preached also sometime Iohn Rough, (who after for the verity of Christ Jesus suffered in England) albeit not so learned, yet more simple, and more vehement against all impiety. The Doctrine of these two provoked against them and against the Governour also, the hatred of all such as more favoured darknesse than light; and their own interest, more than God. The gray Friers (and amongst the rest Frier Scot, Note Frier Scot.who before had given himself forth for the greatest Professor of Christ Jesus within Scotland, and under that colour had disclosed, and so endangered many.) These slaves of Sathan rowped as they had been Ravens; yea rather they yelled and roared as devills in hell; Heresie, heresie, Guilliame and Rough will carry the Governour to the devill. The Towne of Edinburgh, for the most part, was devoured in superstition. Edward Hope, young William Adamson, Sibilla Lyndsay, Patrike Lyndsay, Francis Aikman; And in the Cannongate, Iohn Mackaw, and Nivian Browne, with few others, had the burit of knowledge in these dayes. One Wilson, servant to the Bishop of Dunckell, who neither knew new Testament nor the old; made a despightfull railing Ballad, against the Preachers, and against the Governour, for the which he narrowly escaped hanging. The Cardinall moved both heaven and hell to trouble the Governour to stay the Preaching: but yet was the Battell stoutly fought for a season; for he was taken and put first in Dalkeyt, The Cardinal taken.after in Seaton. But at length, by Bribes given to the said Lord Seaton, and to the old Laird of Lethington, he was restored to Saint Andrewes, from whence he wrought all mischief, as we shall after heare. The PARLIAMENT approached which was before EASTER, there began question of the abolishing of certaine Tyrannicall ACTS made before, at the Devotion of the Prelates, for the maintaining of their Kingdome of Darkenesse. p. 37To wit, That under paine of Heresie, no man should reade any part of the Scriptures in the Vulgar Tongue, neither yet any Tractate or Exposition of any place of Scripture: Such Articles began to come in question we say: And men began to enquire, If it were not lawfull to men that understood no Latine, to use the word of their Salvation in the Tongue they understood, as it was for the Latine men to have it in Latine, Grecians or Hebrews to have it in their Tongues. It was answered, That the Church, he means the Prelats, first had forbidden all Tongues but the three viz. Hebrew, Greek, and Latine. But men demanded, when that Inhibition was given, and what Counsell had ordained it; considering that in the dayes of Chrysostome, he complained, That the people used the Psalmes and other holy Books in their owne Tongues: And if ye will say they were Greeks, and understood the Greek Tongue; We answere, That Christ Jesus commanded his word to be Preached to all Nations; now if it ought to be Preached to all Nations, it must be Preached in the Tongue they understand. Then if it be lawfull to Preach, and heare it Preached in all Tongues; Why should it not be lawfull to reade it, and hear it read in all Tongues? to the end that the people may try the spirits, according to the commandment of the Apostle. Beaten with these and other Reasons, they denied not but it might be read in the Uulgar Tongue, provided if the Translation were true. It was demanded, What could be reprehended in it? And when much searching was made, nothing could be found: But that Love say they was put in the place of Charity: When the Question was asked, What difference was betwixt the one and the other; and if they understood the nature of the Greek term foreign, they were dumb. Reasoned for the party of the seculars, The L. Ruthwen, father to him that prudently gave counsell to take just punishment upon that knave David, for that he abused the unhappy K. Henry Stuart, in mo cases then one, a stout and a discreet man in the cause of God, and M. Henry Balneves, an old professour. For the part of the Clergy, one Hay, Dean of Lastarrik, and certain old Bishops with him. The conclusion was, the Commissioners of Broughes, and a part of the Nobility, required of the Parliament, that it might be Enacted, That it should be lawfull to every man to use the benefit of the Translation which then they had of the Old and New Testament, together with the benefit of other Treatises containing wholsome Doctrine, untill such time as the Prelats and other Church-men should give and set forth unto them a Translation more correct. The Clergie hereto long repugned. But in the end convinced by Reasons,1543. and by multitude of voyces in their contrary,An Act of Parliament for reading of the Scripture. they also condescended; And so by Act of Parliament it was made free to all men and women to read the Scriptures in their owne Uulgar Tongue, and so were all Acts made to the contrary abolished.

This was no small Victorie of CHRIST JESUS, fighting against the conjured enemies of his Veritie; No small comfort to such as before were holden in such bondage, that they durst not have read, The Lords Prayer; The ten Commandments; nor, The Articles of their Faith in the Uulgar Tongue, but they should have been accused of Heresie. Then might have beene seene the Bible lying almost upon every Gentlemans Table. The New Testament was borne about p. 38in many mens hands. We grant that some (alas) prophaned that blessed Word, for some that perchance had never read ten Sentences in it had it most common in their hand, they would chop their familiars on the cheeke with it,Note the hypocrisie of worldlings. and say, This hath lyne under my beds feet these ten yeers. Others would glory, O how oft have I been in danger for this Booke, how secretly have I stollen from my wife at midnight to reade upon it. And this was done we say of many to make cowrt, and curry favour thereby: For all men esteemed the Governour to have been one of the most fervent Protestants that was in Europe. Albeit we say that many abused that libertie, granted of God miraculously, yet thereby did the knowledge of God wonderously increase, and God gave his holy spirit to simple men in great abundance: Then were set forth works in our owne Tongue, besides those that came from England, that did disclose the pride, the craft, the tyrannie, and abuses of that Romane Antichrist. The fame of our Governour was spread in divers countreys,So long as men follow God, they are blessed and many praised God for him. King Henry the eight sent unto him his Ambassadour M. Radulph Saidlair, who lay in Edinburgh a great part of the Summer, his Commission and Negotiation was to contract a perpetuall amitie betwixt England and Scotland. The occasion whereof God had so offered, that to many men it appeared that from heaven he had declared his good pleasure in that behalfe.Nothing could be said against the lawfulnesse of Edwards birth. Katharine of Spaine and Anne Bullen being dead before his mother was married to his father. For to King Henry, of Iane Seymer (after the death of Queene Katherine, and of all others that might have made his Marriage suspect) was given a sonne, Edward the sixth of blessed memory, elder some yeeres then our Mistresse; and unto us was left a Queene, as before we have heard. This wonderfull providence of God caused men of greatest judgement to enter into disputation with themselves, Whether that with good conscience any man might repugne to the desires of the King of England, considering that thereby all occasion of Warre might be cut off, and great commodity might ensue to this Realme. The offers of King Henry was so large, and his demands so reasonable, that all that loved quietnesse were content therewith. There were sent from the Parliament to King Henry in Commission, Sir Iames Lermont, and M. Henry Balnevis, who long remaining in England, so travailed, that all things concerning the Marriage betwixt Edward the sixth and Mary Queen of Scots was agreed upon, except the time of her deliverance to the custody of English-men. Upon the finall conclusion of the which head, were added to the former Commissioners, William Earle of Glencarne, and Sir George Dowglas, to whom was given ample Commission and good Instructions. In Scotland remained M. Radulph Saidlaire: advertisements past so frequently betwixt, yea, the hands of our Lords liberally were anointed, besides other commodities promised, and of some received, for divers Prisoners taken at Solway mosse, were sent home free upon promise of their fidelity, which as it was kept, the issue will witnesse. But in the end so well were all once content, (the Cardinall, the Queene,Note well▪ and the faction of France ever excepted) that solemnely in the Abbey of Hallyrud-house was the Contract of Marriage made, betwixt the persons aforesaid, together with all the Clauses and Conditions requisite for the faithfull observation thereof, read in publike audience, subscribed, p. 39sealed, approoved, and allowed of the Governour for his part, Nobilitie and Lords for their parts, and that nothing should lacke that might fortifie the matter was Christs Body sacred (as Papists terme it) broken betwixt the said Governour and M. Saidlar Ambassadour, and received of them both, as a signe and token of the unitie of their mindes, immediately to keepe that contract in all points, as they looked of Christ Jesus to be saved, and after to be reputed men unworthy of credit before the world. The Papists raged against the Governour, and against the Lords that had consented and abode fast to the Contract, and to confound all as after follows. But upon the returning of the aforesaid Ambassadours from England, pacification was made for that time, for by the judgements of eight persons for either partie chosen, to judge whether that any thing was done by the said Ambassadours in the Contracting of that Marriage, which to do, they had not sufficient power from the Counsell and Parliament. It was found that all things were done according to their Commission,The Queenes marriage the second time ratified. and that so they should stand. And so were the Seales of England and Scotland interchanged. Master Iames Fowles, then Clerke of the Register, received the great Seale of England: And Master Saidlare received the great Seale of Scotland. The heads of the Contract we passe by. These things newly ratified, the Merchants made preparation to Saile, and to their Traffique, which by the troubles of Warres had some yeeres been hindered. From Edinburgh were fraughted twelve Ships richly laden, according to the wares in Scotland: From other Townes and Ports departed other, who all arrived upon the coasts of England toward the South, to wit, in Yarmouth; and without any great necessity entred not onelyonly Roads, but also within Ports and places of commandment, and where that Ships might be arrested. And because of the late contracted amitie and gentle entertainement that they found at the first, they made no great dispatch: But being (as they supposed) in security, in merrinesse they spent the time, abiding upon the winde. In this meane time arrived from France to Scotland the Abbot of Paislay (called now of late Iohn Hamilton, He was before sometimes called Cunningham, sometimes Colwan, so uncertaine was it who was his father.bastard brother to the Governour, whom yet many esteemed sonne to the old Bishop of Dunikelden, called Crichton (and with him M. David Panter, who after was made Bishop of Rosse. The brute of the learning of these two, and their honest life, and of their fervencie and uprightnesse in Religion was such, that great hope there was that their presence should be comfortable to the Church of God. For it was constantly affirmed of some, that without delay, the one or the other would go to the Pulpit, and truely Preach Jesus Christ. But few dayes disclosed their hypocrisie. For what terrours, what promises, or what enchaunting boxes they brought from France, the common people knew not. But shortly after, it was seene that Frier Guilliam… was inhibited to Preach, and so departed into England: Iohn Rough to Kylle (a receptacle of Gods servants of old.) The men of counsell, judgement, and godlinesse that had travailed to promote the Governour, and that gave him faithfull counsell in all doubtfull matters, were either craftily conveyed from him; or else by threatning to be hanged were compelled to leave him. Of the one number was the Laird of Grange aforesaid, M. Henry p. 40Balneves, M. Thomas Ballenden, and Sir David Lindesay of the Mount: Men by whose labours he was promoted to honour, and by whose councell he so used himselfe at the beginning, that the obedience given to him was nothing inferiour to that obedience that any King of Scotland of many yeeres had before him, yea, in this it did surmount the common obedience, in that it proceeded from love of those vertues that was supposed to have beene in him. Of the number of these that were threatned, were M. Michael Durham, M. David Borthinke, David Forresse, and David Bothwell: who counselled him to have in company with him, men fearing God, and not to nourish wicked men in their iniquity, albeit they were called his friends, and were of his surname: This counsell understood by the aforesaid Abbot,Note. and by the Hamiltons (who then repaired to the Court, as Ravens to the Carrion) in plaine words it was said, My Lord Governour nor his friends will never be at quietnesse, till a dozen of these knaves that abuse his Grace be hanged. These words were spoken in his own presence, and in the presence of some of them that had better deserved, then to have beene so used: the speaker was allowed for his plain and bold speaking. And so the wicked counsell followed, honest and godly men left the Court and him, in the hands of such as by their wicked counsell led him so far from God, that he falsified his promise, dipt his hands in the blood of the Saints of God, and brought this Commonwealth to the very point of utter ruine.Note. And these were the first fruits of the Abbot of Paislay his counterfeit Godlinesse and Learning: But hereof we will heare more. All honest and godly men banished from the Court, the Abbot and his counsell beginneth to lay before the inconstant Governour, the dangers that might ensue the alteration and change of Religion. The power of the King of France, the commodity that might come to him and his house, by retaining the ancient League with France, and the great danger that he brought upon himselfe, if in one jote he suffereth the authority of the Pope to be violated or called in doubt within this Realme: Considering that thereupon onelyonly stood the security of his pretended right to the succession of the Crowne of this Realme: For by Gods word could not be good the divorcement of his father from Eliz. Hume, sister to the Lord Hume, his lawfull wife, and consequently his marriage with Beton, Neece to Iames Beton, Bishop of S. Andrews (Elizabeth Hume being alive) must be null, and he declared Bastard. Caiphas spake Prophesie, and yet wist not what he spake: For at that time there was hardly any man that truely feared God that minded any such thing, but with their whole force would have fortified him in the place that God had given unto him, and would never have called in question things done in time of darknesse. But this head we passe by till God declare his will therein. Another practise was used: As for the Cardinall, he being set at libertie (as before we have heard) ceased not to traffique with such of the Nobility as he might draw to his faction, or corrupt by any meanes, to raise a partie against the said Governour, and against such as stood fast at the Contract of Marriage and Peace with England. And so assembled at Lynlytquow, the said Cardinall, the Earles Argyle, Huntlie, Bothwell, the Bishops and their bands. And thereafter they passed to Strevelin, and took p. 41with them both the Queenes, the mother and the daughter; and threatned the deposition of the said Governour, as Inobedient to their holy Mother the Church (so terme they that harlot of Babylon, This is the Prelats language.Rome) The inconstant man, not thorowly grounded upon God, left (by his owne fault) destitute of all good counsell, and having the wicked ever blowing in his eare, What will you do? you will destroy your selfe and your house both for ever. The unhappy man (we say) beaten with these temptations, rendred himselfe to the appetites of the wicked; for he quietly stole away from the Lords that were with him in the Palace of Halyrud-house, past to Sterlin, subjected himselfe to the Cardinall and to his Councell, received absolution,The Governour violated his faith, refused God, and took absulution of the devil, renouncing his Religion in the gray Friers. renounced the profession of Christ Jesus his holy Gospel▪ and violated his Oath that before he had made, for the observation of the Contract and League made with England. At that time was our Queene crowned, and a promise made to France. The certainty hereof coming to King Henry, our Scottish Ships were stayed, the Sailes taken from the Rigs, and the Merchants and Mariners were commanded to sure custody. New Commission was sent to Master Radulph Saidler (who then still remained in Scotland) to demand the cause of that sudden alteration, and to travell by all meanes possible, that the Governour might be called back to his former godly purpose, and that he would not do so foolishly, and dishonestly, yea, so cruelly and unmercifully to the Realme of Scotland: that he would not onelyonly lose the commodities offered, and that were presently to be received. But that also that he would put it to the hazard of fire and sword, and other inconveniences that might ensue the war that was to follow upon the violation of his Faith. But nothing could availe. The devil kept fast the grype that he got, yea all the dayes of his government: For the Cardinall got his eldest son in pledge, whom he kept in the Castle of S. Andrews, while the day that Gods hand punished his pride. King Henry perceiving that all hope of the Governours repentance was lost, called back his Ambassadours, and that with fearfull threatnings as Edinburgh after felt: Denounced War, made our Ships prises, and Merchants and Mariners lawfull prisoners, which to the Broughes of Scotland was no small hership. But thereat did the Cardinall and Priests laugh, and jestingly he said, When we shall conquer England the Merchants shall be recompensed. The Summer and the Harvest passed over without any notable thing: For the Cardinall and Abbot of Paislay parted the prey amongst them; The abused Governour bare the name onelyonly. In the beginning of Winter came the Earle of Lenox to Scotland, sent from France in hatred of the Governour, whom the King (by the Cardinals advice) promised to pronounce Bastard, and so to make the said Earle Governour; First,All this was then said by the Cardinall, Penes authorem fides est…. because he himselfe was borne by Beto…, his fathers lawfull wife, Elizabeth Humes being yet alive; Next, because his Grandfather was borne by Mary Stuart to Iames Hamilton, when her lawfull husband Thomas Bo…d was yet alive. So the Earle of Lenox did not onelyonly pretend to be lawfully next to the Crowne, as the late King Iames the fifth did often declare, That if he died without heire male, he would settle the Crowne upon him, but also lawfull heire of the Earledome of Arran, as being descended from Margaret Hamilton, borne to Mary Stuart and p. 42Iames Hamilton, after the death of Thomas Boyd her former husband (now by this time the inconstant Earle of Arran had given himselfe wholly to the Cardinall) The Cardinall farther put the E. of Lenox in vain hope that the Queen Dowager should marry him. He brought with him some money and more he after received at the hands of Labrosse. But at length perceiving himselfe frustrate of all expectation that he had, either by France, or yet by the promise of the Cardinall; he concludeth to leave France, and to seek the favour of England: And so began to draw a faction against the Governour, and in hatred of the others inconstancy many favoured him in the beginning: For there assembled at Christmas in the Town of Ayre, the Earles of Angus, Glencarne, Cassilles; The Lord Maxwell, The Laird of Dumlanrig, The Sheriffe of Ayre, Campbell; with all the force that they and the Lords that remained constant at the opinion of England might make; and after Christmas they came to light. The Governour and Cardinall with their forces kept Edinburgh (for they were slackly pursued) Men excused the Earle of Lenox in that behalfe, and laid the blame upon some that had no will of the Stewards Regiment. Howsoever it was, such an appointment was made, that the said Earle of Lenox was disappointed of his purpose, and narrowly escaped, and first gat him to Glasgow, and after to Dumbartane. Sir George Dowglas was delivered to be kept as pledge. The Earle his brother was in the Lent after taken at the siege of Glasgow. It was bruted, that both the brethren, and others with them had lost their heads, if by the providence of God the English Armie had not arrived in time. After that the Cardinall had gotten the Governour wholly addict to his devotion, and had obtained his intent above a part of his enemies: He began to practise, how that such as he feared, and therefore deadly hated, should be set by the eares, one against another (for in that thought the carnall man put his greatest securitie) The Lord Ruthwen he hated, by reason of his knowledge of Gods Word. The Lord Gray he feared, because at that time he used the company of such as professed godlinesse, and bare small favour to the Cardinall. Now thus reasoned the worldly wise man;Note the device of the wicked to set men by the … If I can put enmity betwixt these two, I shall be rid of a great number of unfriends; For the most part of the Countrey will either assist the one or the other, and so will they be otherwise occupied, then to watch for my displeasure. He finds the means without long processe; for he labours with Iohn Chartarous (a man of stout courage and many friends) to accept the Provostrie of S. Iohnston, which he purchased to him by donation of the Governour, with a charge to the said Towne, to obey him as their lawfull Provost: Whereat not onelyonly the said Lord Ruthwen, but also the Towne being offended, gave a negative answer; alleadging that such intrusion of men to office was hurtfull to their priviledge and freedom: which granted unto them free election of their Provost from yeere to yeere, at a certain time appointed, which they could not nor would not anticipate. Hereat the said Iohn, offended, said, That he would take that office by force, if they would not grant it unto him of benevolence. And so departed and communed the matter with the Lord Gray, with Norman Leslie, and with others his friends, whom he easily perswaded to assist him in that pursuit. Because he appeareth to have the Governours right, p. 43and had not onelyonly a charge to the Towne, as is said, but also he purchased Letters to besiege it, and to take it by strong hand, if any resistance were made unto him. Such letters, we say, made many to favour his action. The other made for defence, and so took the Master of Ruthuen, (the Lord that after departed into England) the maintenance of the town, having in his company the Laird of Montcreif, and other friends adjacent. The said Iohn prepared for the pursuit, and upon Saint Magdalens day in the morning,1543 anno. 1543. approached with his Forces (the Lord Grey tooke upon him the principall charge. It was appointed, that Norman Lesley, with his friends, should have come by Ship with Munition and Ordnance, as they were in readinesse. But because the Tyde served not so soon as they would: the o…er thinking himself of sufficient force for all that were in the Towne, entred in by the Bridge, where they found no resistance, till that the former part was entered a pretty space within the Fish-Gate; And then the said Master of Ruthuen with his Company stoutly recountred them, and so rudely repulsed the foremost, that such as were behinde gave back. The place of the retreat was so strait, that men that durst not fight, could not flie at their pleasure (for the most part of my Lord Grayes friends were upon the Bridge) and so the slaughter was great;Note. for there fell by the edge of the Sword threescore men **And many trod under foot died.. The Cardinall had rather that the mishap had fallen on the other part: but howsoever it was, he thought that such trouble was his comfort, and advantage. The knowledge whereof came to the ears of the party discomfited, and was unto them no small grief. For as many of them entred into that action for his pleasure, so thought they to have had Fortification and assistance; whereof finding themselves frustrate, they began to look more narrowly to themselves, and did not so attend upon the Cardinals devotion, as they had wont to do before: and so was a new jealousie engendered among them;Note. for whosoever would not play the good servant unto him,As they went to Dundie ▪ they said they were going to burne the readers of the new Testament; and that they would stick to the old; for Luther said they had made the new, was reputed his enemy. The Cardinall drew the Governour to Dundie; for he understood that the Earle of Rothesse, and Master Henry Balnaveis were with the Lord Gray in the Castle of Huntley. The Governour sent and commanded the said Earle and Lord, with the foresaid Master Henry to come unto him to Dundie, and appointed the next day, at ten of the clock before noon; which hour they decreed to keep, and for that purpose assembled their folks at Balgavie, or thereby. The Cardinal advertised of their number (they were no more than 300 men) thought it not good that they should joyn with the Towne; for he feared his owne estate, and so he perswaded the Governour to passe forth of Dundie before nine hours, and to take the straight way to S. Iohnston: which perceived by the foresaid Lords, they began to fear that they were come to pursue them, and so put themselves in order, and array, and marched forward of purpose to have bidden the uttermost. But the crafty fox foreseeing that in fighting stood not his security, ran to his last refuge, that is, To manifest Treason, and so consultation was taken how that the force of the others might be broken. And at the first were sent the Laird of Grange, and the Provost of S. Andrews (knowing nothing of the Treason) to ask why they molested my Lord Governour in his journey. Whereto p. 44they answered, That they meant nothing lesse, for they came at his Graces Commandment, to have kept the houre in Dundie appointed by him; which because they saw prevented, and knowing the Cardinall to be their friend, they could not but suspect their unprovided coming forth of the Towne, and therefore they put themselves in order, not to invade, but to defend, in case they were invaded. This answer reported, was sent to the Bishop of Saint Audrewes, the Abbot of Paisley, Master David Panter, the Lairds of Balcleuch and Coldinknowes, to desire certain of the other company to talk with them; which they easily obtained (for they suspected no treason.) After long communication, it was demanded, If that the Earle and Lord, and Master Henry aforesaid, would not be content to talk with the Governour, provi…ed that the Cardinall and his company were on the place: They answered, That the Governour might command them in all things lawfull. But they had no will to be in the Cardinals mercy. Fair promises enow were made for their security. Then was the Cardinall and his Band commanded to depart, as that he did, according to the purpose taken. The Governour remained, and a certain number with him: To whom came without company, the said Earle, Lord, and M. Henry. After many fair words given to them all, to wit, That he would have them agreed with the Cardinall, and that he would have Master Henry Balnaves the worker and instrument thereof, he drew them forwards with them towards Saint Iohnston, whereto the Cardinall was ridden. They began to suspect (albeit it was too late) and therefore they desired to have returned to their folks, for putting order unto them: But it was answered, They should send back from the town, but they must needs go forward with my Lord Governour: and so, partly by flattery, and partly by force, they were compelled to obey; and as soon as they were in the Towne, they were apprehended, and on the morrow sent all three to the Black Nesse, where they remained as it pleased the Cardinals gracelesse Grace, and that was till the Band of Manred, and of service, set some of them at liberty. And thus the Cardinal with his craft perswaded on every side; so that the Scots Proverb was true in him, So long rinnes the Fox, as he fute hes. Whether it was at this journey, or at another, that that bloody butcher executed his cruelty upon the innocent persons in S. Iohnston, we cannot affirme: neither yet therein study we to be curious, but rather we travell to expresse the verity, whensoever it was done,Note. than scrupulously and exactly to appoint times▪ which yet we omit not, when the certainty occurres. The verity of that cruell fact is this;A woman and her childe put to death because she prayed not to the Virgin Mary. At S. Pauls day, before the first burning of Edinburgh, came to S. Iohnston the Governour and Cardinall, and there upon envious delation, were a great number of honest men and women called before the Cardinall, and accused of heresie. And albeit they could be convinced of nothing, but onelyonly of suspition that they had eaten a Goose upon Friday, four men were adjudged to be hanged, and a woman to be drowned; which cruell and most unjust sentence, was without mercy put in execution: the husband was hanged, and the wife, having a sucking babe upon her brest,Men put to death for eating a Goose upon Friday. was drowned. O Lord, the Land is not yet purged from such beastly cruelty, neither hath thy just vengeance yet stricken all that were criminall of p. 54their blood. But the day approacheth when that the punishment of that cruelty, and of others, will evidently appears. The names of the men that were hanged, were, Iames Hunter, William Lambe, William Anderson, Iames Ruvals, Burgesse of Saint Iohnston. At that same time were banished, Sir Henry Eldar, Iohn Eldar, Walter Piper, Laurence Pullar, with divers others, whose names come not to our knowledge. That sworn enemy to Christ Jesus, and unto all in whom any spark of knowledge appeared, had about that time in prison divers;Iohn Roger, a black Friet, murthered. amongst whom was Iohn Roger, a black Frier, godly and learned, one that had fruitfully preached Christ Jesus, to the comfort of many in Angus and Mearnes, whom that bloody man caused to murther in the ground of the Sea Tower in S. Andrews, and then caused to cast him over the wall, spreading a false brute, That the said Iohn seeking to flie, had broken his own neck. This ceased not Sathan by all means to maintaine his kingdome of Darknesse, and to suppresse the light of Christs Gospel. But mighty is he against whom they …ght: for when the wicked were in greatest security, then began God to show his anger. For the third day of May, in the yeer of our Lord 1544 yeers,1544. without knowledge of any man in Scotland, (we mean of such as should have had the care of the Realme) was seen a great Navy of Ships arriving towards the Fyrth. The Posts came to the Governour and Cardinall (who both were in Edinburgh) what multitude of Ships were seen, and what course they took. This was on the Saturday before noon. Question was had, What should they mean? Some said, It is no doubt but they are English-men, and we fear that they will land. The Cardinall skipped, and said, It is the Island flote, they are come to make a shew,The English Army arrived in Scotland. and to put us in fear. I shall lodge all the men of Warre in mine eye, that shall land in Scotland. Still sitteth the Cardinall at his dinner, eating as though there had been no danger appearing. Men assembled to gaze upon the Ships, some to the Castle hill, some to the mountains, and other places eminent.Note. But there was no question, With what Forces shall we resist, if we be invaded. Soon after six of the clock at night, were arrived, and had cast Ankor in the Road of Leith, more than two hundred Sail. Shortly after, the Admirall shot a flott Boat, which from Granton hills, till by East Leith, sounded the deep, and so returned to her Ship. Hereof were divers opinions; men of judgement foresaw what it meant, but no credit was given to any that would say, They minded to land, and so passed every man to his rest, as if the Ships had been a guard for their defence. Upon the point of day upon Sunday the fourth of May, addresse they for landing, and they ordered the Ships so, that a Galley or two laid their snouts to the hills: the small Ships, called Pinnaces and light Horse-men, approached as neer as they could. The great Ships discharged their Souldiers into the smaller Vessels, and they by Boats set upon dry Land before ten of the clock, 10000 men, as was judged, and more. The Governour and Cardinall seeing then the thing that they could not, or at least they would not believe before, after they had made a brag to fight, fled as fast as horse could carry them; so that after, they approached not within twenty miles of the danger. The Earle of Angus, and Sir George Dowglas were that night freed of Ward p. 46(they were in Blacknesse) The said Sir George in merrinesse, said, I thanke King Henry, and my gentle Masters of England. The English Army betwixt one and two of the clock entered into Leith, found the Tables covered, the dinners prepared, such abundance of wine and victualls, besides the other substance, that the like riches within the like bounds was not to be found neither in Scotland nor England. Upon Munday the fifth of May, came to them from Barwick and the borders, two thousand Horse-men, who being somewhat reposed, the Army upon the Wednesday marched toward the Town of Edinburgh, spoiled and burnt the same, and so did they the Palace of Halyrud-house. Endinburgh burnt and spoiled by the English.The Horse-men took the House of Craigmiller, and gat great spoils therein; for it being judged the strongest House neer the Towne, after the Castle of Edinburgh, and all men sought to save their moveables therein. But the stoutnesse of the Laird gave it over, without shot of Hacke but, and for his reward was caused to march upon his feet to London: He is now Captain of Dumbar, and Provost of Edinburgh. The English-men seeing no resistance, hurled by force of men Cannons upon the street, to the Butter trone, and above, and hazarded a shot against the fore-entry of the Castle; but that was to their own pains; For they lying without Trench or Gabion, were exposed to the force of the whole Ordnance of the said Castle, which shot, and that not all in vain, for the Wheel and Axletree of one of the English Cannons was broken, and some of their men slain, and so they left with small honour, that enterprise taken rather of rashnesse, than of any advised counsell. When the most part of the day they had spoiled and burnt, towards the night they returned to Leith, and upon the morrow returned to Edinburgh, and executed the rest of Gods judgements for that time. And so when they had consumed both the Towns, they laded the Ships with the spoiles thereof, and they by Land returned to Barwick, using the Countrey, for the most part, at their own pleasure. This was a part of the punishment which God took upon the Realm for the infidelity of the Governour,Note. and for the violation of his solemne Oath. But this was not the end; for the Realme was divided into two factions; the one favoured France, the other the League lately contracted with England: The one did in no things credit thorowly the other, so that the Countrey was in extreme calamity: for to the English-men were delivered divers Strengths, such as Carelaverock, Lochmaben, and Langham: the most part of the Borderers were confederate with England: And albeit at Ancrome mure in February, in the yeer of God 1544. was Sir Rafe Ewers, 1544.with many other English-men slain, and the yeere after were some of the said strengths recovered, yet was it not without great losse and detriment of the Common-wealth: For in the month of Ianuary, in the yeer of God 1545. Monsieur de Lorge, Lorge cometh to Scotlandwith Bands of men of War, came from France, for a destruction to Scotland: For upon their brag was an Army raised; forwards they go towards Warke, 1545.even in the midst of harvest. The Cardinalls Banner was that day displayed, and all his Files were charged: to be under it many had before promised, but at the point it was left so bare, that with shame it was shut up into the pock againe, and they after a shew returned with more shame to the Realm, then hurt p. 47to their enemies. The black book of Hamilton maketh mention of great vassallage done at that time by the Governour and the French: but such as with their eyes saw the whole progresse,Note. knew that to be a lye, and do repute it amongst the veniall sinnes of that race, The character of Hamilton.which is to speak the best of themselves they can. That winter following so nurtured the French-men, that they learned to eat (yea to beg) cakes (which at their entrie they scorned) without jesting; they were so miserably used, that few returned into France again with their lives. The Cardinall then had almost fortified the Castle of S. Andrews, which he made so strong in his opinion, that he regarded neither England nor France. The Earle of Lenox, as is said, disappointed of all things in Scotland, passed into England, where he was received of King Henry into protection, who gave him to wife Lady Margaret Dowglas, of whom was borne Henry, sometime husband to our Queen and Mistresse. While the inconstant Governour was sometimes dejected, and sometimes raised up againe by the Abbot of Paislay (who before was called, Chaster then any maiden) began to shew himselfe; for after he had taken by craft the Castles of Edinburgh and Dumbar, he took also possession of his enemies wife, the Lady Stanehouse. The woman is and hath been famous,Note. and is called, Lady Gilton: her Ladyship was holden alwayes in poverty. But how many wives and virgins he hath had since, and that in common, the world knoweth, albeit not all, and his bastard birds bear some witnesse. Such is the example of holinesse, that the flock may receive of the Papisticall Bishops. In the midst of all the calamities that came upon this Realme, after the defection of the Governor from Christ Jesus, came into Scotland that blessed Martyr of God M. George Wischarde, George Wischardein company of the Commissioners before mentioned in the yeere of our Lord 1544. a man of such graces, as before him was never heard within this Realme, yea, and are rare to be found yet in any man, notwithstanding this great light of God that since his dayes hath shined unto us: he was not onelyonly singularly learned, as well in all Godly knowledge, as in all honest humane Science: but also he was so clearely illuminated with the spirit of Prophesie, that he saw not onelyonly things pertaining to himselfe, but also such things as some Townes, and the whole Realme afterward felt, which he forespake not in secret, but in the audience of many, as in their own places shall be declared. The beginning of his Doctrine was in Mount Rosse, therefrom he departed to Dundie, where with great admiration of all that heard him, he taught the Epistle to the Romanes: Note a fals… brother.till that by procurement of the Cardinall, Robert Myle, then one of the principall men in Dundie, and a man that of old had professed knowledge, and for the same had suffered trouble, gave, in the Queenes and Governours name, Inhibition to the said Master George, that he should trouble their Towne no more, for they would not suffer it: And this was said to him being in the publike place; which heard, he mused a pretie space, with his eyes bent unto the heaven. And thereafter looking sorrowfully to the speaker, and unto the people, he sayd, God is witnesse that I never minded your trouble, but your comfort: yea, your trouble is more dolourous unto me, then it is unto your selves: But I am assured, that to refuse Gods word and to chase from yo… p. 48his messenger shall not preserve you from trouble, but it shall bring you into it: For God shall send unto you messengers who will not be afraid of burning, nor yet for banishment. I have offered unto you the word of Salvation, and with the hazard of my life I have remained amongst you. Now ye your selves refuse me,M. Wischard his words in Dundie. and therefore must I leave my Innocencie to be declared by my God, if it be long prosperous with you, I am not led with the Spirit of Truth. But if trouble unlooked for apprehend you, acknowledge the cause, and turne to God. For he is mercifull, but if ye turne not at the first, he will visit you with fire and sword. These words pronounced, he came downe from the Preaching place. In the Church present was the Lord Marshall, and divers noble men, who would have had the said M. George to have remained, or else to have gone with them into the Countrey. But for no request would he either tarry in the towne or on that side of Tay any longer. But with possible expedition past to the West-land, where he began to offer Gods word, which was of many gladly received, till that the Bishop of Glasgow, Dumbar, by instigation of the Cardinall, came with his gatherings to the Towne of Ayre to make resistance to the said M. George, and did first take the Church. The Earle of Glencarne being thereof advertised, repaired with his friends to the Towne with diligence, and so did divers Gentlemen of Kyle (amongst whom was the Laird of Lefnoreise, a man far different from him that now liveth, in the yeere of our Lord 1566. in manners and Religion) of whom to this day yet many live, and have declared themselves alwayes zealous and bold in the cause of God, as after will be heard. When all were assembled, conclusion was taken that they would have the Church. Whereto the said M. George utterly repugned… saying, Let him alone, his Sermon will not much hurt▪ Let us go to the Market Crosse: And so they did, where he made so notable a Sermon, that the very enemies themselves were confounded.The Bishops Sermon. The Bishop Preached to his Jackmen, and to some old Bosses of the Towne. The sum of all his Sermon was, They say we, should Preach; Why not? Better late thrive, then never thrive. Hold us still for your Bishop; and we shall provide better the next time. This was the beginning and the end of the Bishops Sermon: Who with haste departed the Towne, but returned not to fulfill his promise. The said M. George remained with the Gentlemen in Kyle, till that he gat sure knowledge of the estate of Dundie. He Preached commonly at the Church of Gastonne, and used much in the Barrie. He was required to come to the Church of Machlyne, and so he did: But the Sheriffe of Ayre caused to man the Church, for preservation of a Tabernacle that was there beautifull to the eye. The persons that held the Church was George Campbell of Mongarswood, that yet liveth Anno 1566. Mung… Campbell of Bro…syde, George Rid in Dandilling the Laird of Tempilland.

Some zealous of the Parish, amongst whom was Hugh Campbell of Kingarcleuch, offended that they should be debarred their Parish Church, concluded by force to enter. But the said M. George withdrew the said Hugh, and said unto him, Brother, Christ Iesus is as mighty upon the fields as in the Church; And I finde that …e himselfe after Preached in the Desert, at the sea side, and other places judged prophane then, he did in the Temple of Jerusalem. p. 49It is the word of Peace that God sends by me: The blood of no man shall be shed this day for the Preaching of it. And so withdrawing the whole people, he came to a ditch in a More-edge, upon the South-west side of Machlyne, upon the which he ascended: The whole multitude stood and sate about him (God gave the day pleasant and hot) he continued in Preaching more then three houres: In that Sermon God wrought so wonderfully with him,Note. that one of the most wicked men that was in that countrey, named Larence Ranckin, Laird of Sheld, was converted. The teares ran from his eyes in such abundance, that all men wondered; His conversion was without hypocrisie, for his life and conversation witnessed it in all times to come. While this faithfull servant of God was thus occupied in Kyle, word rose, that the Plague of Pestilence rose in Dundie, which began foure dayes after that the said M. George was inhibited Preaching, and was so vehement, that it passed almost credibility, to hear how many departed every foure and twenty houres. The certainty understood, the said Master George tooke his leave of Kyle, and that with the regrate of many. But no request could make him to remain;Note M. Wescharde his zeale to gain soules. His reason was, They are now in trouble, and they need comfort: Perchance this hand of God will make them now to magnifie and reverence that word which before (for the feare of men) they set at l…ght price. Coming unto Dundie, the joy of the faithfull was exceeding great. He delayed no time, but even upon the morrow gave signification that he would Preach. And because the most part were either sick, or else were in company with those that were sick, he choosd the head of the East port of the Towne for his Preaching place, and so the whole stood or sat within, the sick and suspected without the Port or gate. The Text upon the which his first Sermon was made, he took from the hundred and seventh Psalme; The Sentence thereof, He sent his Word and healed them; And therewith joyned these words, It is neither herbe nor plaister, O Lord, but thy Word healeth all. In which Sermon he most comfortably did entreat of the dignity & utility of Gods word, the punishment that comes for the contempt of the same; the promptitude of Gods mercy to such as truly turn to him; yea, the great happinesse of them whom God taketh from this misery, even in his own gentle visitation, which the malice of man can neither mend nor pair. By the which Sermon he so raised up the hearts of all that heard him, that they regarded no death, but judged them more happy that should depart, then such as should remain behinde. Considering that they knew not if they should have such a comforter with them at all times. He spared not to visit them that lay in the very extremity. He comforted them as he could, being such a multitude; He caused minister all things necessary to those that could use meat or drink, and in that point was the Town wonderous beneficiall; for the poore was no more neglected then was the rich. While he was spending his life to comfort the afflicted, the Devill ceased not to stir up his owne son the Cardinall again, who corrupted by money a desperate Priest, named Sir Iohn Weighton, to slay the said M. George, who looked not to himselfe in all things so circumspectly as worldly men would have used. And upon a day the Sermon ended and the people departing, no man suspecting danger, and therefore not heeding the said M. George; The Priest that was corrupted stood p. 50waiting at the foot of the steps, his gowne loose, and his dagger drawne in his hand under his gowne. The said Master George, as that he was most sharpe of eye and judgement,A Priest appointed by the Cardinall to stab M. George Wischarde. marked him, and as he came neere, he said; My friend, what would you do? And therewith he clapped his hand upon the Priests hand wherein the dagger was, which he took from him. The Priest abashed fell down at his feet, and openly confessed the verity as it was. The noise rising, and coming to the eares of the sicke. They cryed, Deliver the traytor to us, or else we will take him by force; And so they burst in at the gate: But M. George took him in his armes, and said, Whosoever troubles him shall trouble me, for he hath hurt me in nothing, but he hath done great comfort to you and me, to wit, he hath let us to understand what we may feare, in times to come we will watch better: And so he appeased both the one part and the other, and saved the life of him that sought his. When the Plague was so ceased that almost there was none sicke, he tooke his leave of them, and said, That God had almost put an end to that battell. He found himselfe called to another place. The Gentlemen of the West had written unto him that he should meet them at Edinburgh; for they would require Disputation of the Bishops, and that he should be publikely heard, whereto he willingly agreed. But first he passed to Montrosse to salute the Church there, where he remained, occupied sometimes in Preaching, but most part in secret Meditation: In the which he was so earnest, that night and day he would continue in it, while he was so occupied with his God, the Cardinall drew a secret draught for his slaughter; He caused to write unto him a Letter,The second attempt of the Cardinall for the killing of M. George Wischarde. as it had been from his most familiar friend, the Laird of Kinneir, desiring him with all possible diligence to come unto him, for he was stricken with a sudden sicknesse. In the mean time had the traitor provided 60 men with Jacks and Spears to lie in wait within a mile and halfe to the town of Montrosse for his dispatch. The Letter coming to his hand, he made haste at first (for the boy had brought a horse) and so with some honest men he passed forth of the Town, but suddenly he stayed, and musing a space,Note the spirit of Prophesie. returned back, whereat they wondring, he said, I will not go, I am forbidden of God, I am assured there is treason; Let some of you, saith he, go to yonder place, and tell me what ye finde. Diligence made; They found the Treason as it was, which being shewn with expedition to M. George, he answered, I know that I shall end my life in that blood-thirstie mans hands, but it will not be on this manner. The time approaching that he had appointed to meet the Gentlemen at Edinburgh, he tooke his leave at Montrosse, and sore against the judgement of the Laird of Dune, entred on his journey, and so returned to Dundie. But remained not, but passed to the house of a faithfull brother named Iames Watson, who dwelt in Inner-Gowrie, distant from the said Towne two miles, and that night (as information was given to us, by William Spadin and Iohn Watson, both men of good credit) before day he passed forth into a yard, the said William & Iohn followed privily, and tooke heed what he did, when he had gone up and down in an alley a reasonable space, with many sobs and deep grones, h… fell upon his knees, and sitting thereon, his grones increased. And from hise knees he fell upon his face. And then the persons aforenamed, heard weeping, and as it were, an indigest sound of prayers, in the which he p. 51continued neer an hour, and after began to be quiet, and so arose, and came into his bed. They that waited upon him came before, as if they had bin ignorant, till that he came in, and then began they to demand where he had been: But that night he would answer nothing. Upon the morrow they urged him again; and while that he dissembled, they said, M. George, Be plain with us, for we heard your mourning, and saw you both upon your knees, and upon your face. With dejected visage, he said, I had rather ye had been in your beds, and it had been more profitable for you; for I was scarce well occupied. When they instantly urged him to let them know some comfort, he said, I will tell you, That I am assured that my travell is neer an end, and therefore call to God with me, that now I shrinke not when the battell waxes most hot. And while that they weeped and said, That was small comfort unto them; he answered, God shall send you comfort after me. Prophesie spoken by Master George Whischarde of the Church of Scotland.This Realme shall be illuminated with the light of Christs Gospel, as cleerly as ever any Realme since the dayes of the Apostles. The House of God shall be builded in it; yea, it shall not lack (whatsoever the enemy imagine in the contrary) the very Kepstone, meaning, That it should once be brought to the full perfection. Neither (said he) shall this be long to▪ there shall not many suffer after me, till that the glory of God shall evidently appeare, and shall once triumph in despight of Sathan. But alas, if the people shall be after unthankfull, then fearfull and terrible shall the plagues be that shall follow. And with these words he marched forwards in his journey towards S. Iohnston, and so to Fyfe, and then to Leyth, where he arrived; and hearing no word of those that appointed to meet him, to wit. The Earle of Cassels, and the Gentlemen of Kyle and Cuninghame, he kept himself secret a day or two. But beginning to wax sorrowfull in spirit, and being demanded of the cause, of such as were not in his company before, he said, What differ I from a dead man, except that I eat and drinke? To this time God hath used my labours to the instruction of others, and unto the disclosing of darknesse, and now I lurke as a man that were ashamed, and durst not shew himself before men. By these and the like words, they that heard him understood that his desire was to preach,Note the resolution of a Preacher. and therefore said, Most comfortable it was unto us to hear you; but because we know the danger wherein ye stand, we dare not desire you. But dare ye and others hear (said he) and then let my God provide for me as best pleaseth him. Finally, it was concluded, That the next Sunday he should preach in Leith, as he did, and took the Text, The Parable of the sower that went forth to sow seed, Matth. 13. And this was upon the fifteenth day before Christmas. The Sermon ended, the Gentlemen of Lowthan, who then were earnest Professors of Christ Jesus, thought not expedient that he should remain in Leith, because that the Governour and Cardinall were shortly to come to Edinburgh, and therefore they took him with them, and kept him sometimes in Brunston, sometimes in Langnidrie, and sometimes in Ormeston. For these three diligently waited upon him. The Sunday following, he preached in the Church of Enneresk, besides Mussilburgh, both before and at after noon, where there was a great confluence of people, amongst whom was Sir George Dowglas, who after the Sermon p. 52said publikely, I know that my Lord Governour. and my Lord Cardinall shall hear that I have been at this preaching (for they were then at Edinburgh) Say unto them, That I will avow it, and will not onelyonly maintain the Doctrine that I have heard, but also the person of the Teacher, to the uttermost of my power. Which words greatly rejoyced the people, and the Gentlemen then present. One thing notable in that Sermon we cannot passe by: Amongst others,Two gray Friers. there came two gray Friers, and standing in the entry of the Church door, they made some whispering to such as came in: which perceived, the Preacher said to the people that stood neer them, I heartily pray you to make room to those two men, it may be that they be come to learne. And unto them he said, Come neer (for they stood in the very entry of the door) for I assure you ye shall hear the Word of verity, which shall either seal in you this same day your salvation or condemnation. And so proceeded he in Doctrine, supposing they would have been quiet: But when he perceived them still to trouble the people that stood neer them (for vehement was he against the false worshipping of God) he turned unto them the second time, and with an irefull countenance said, O Sergeants of Sathan, and deceivers of the souls of men, Will ye neither heare Gods Truth, nor suffer others to heare it; Depart, and take this for your portion, God shall shortly confound and disclose your hypocrisie within this Realme; ye shall be abominable unto men, and your places and habitations shall be desolate. This Sentence he pronounced with great vehemency in the midst of the Sermon: And turning to the people, he said, You wicked men have provoked the Spirit of God to anger. And so he returned to his matter, and proceeded to the end. The dayes travell was ended, he came to Langindrie, and the two next Sundays preached in Tranent, with the like grace, and like confluence of people. In all his Sermons after his departure from Augus, he forespake the shortnesse of the time that he had to travell, and of his death, the day whereof approached neerer than any would believe. In the latter end of those dayes that are called the holy dayes of Christmas, past he, by consent of the Gentlemen, to Hadington, where it was supposed the greatest confluence of people should be, both by reason of the Towne, and of the Countrey adjacent. The first day before noon, the auditors were reasonable, and yet nothing in comparison of that which used to be in that Church. But the afternoon, and the next day following before noon, the auditory was so slender, that many wondred. The cause was judged to have been, That the Earle Bothwell, who in those bounds used to have great credit and obedience, by procurement of the Cardinall, had given inhibition, as well unto the Towne, as unto the Countrey, that they should not hear him, under the pain of his displeasure. The first night he lay within the Towne, with David Forrest, now called the Generall, a man that long professed the truth, and upon whom many in that time depended. The second night he lay in Lethington, the Laird whereof was ever civill, albeit not perswaded in Religion. The day following, before the said M. George past to the Sermon, there came to him a boy, with a Letter from the Westland; which received and read, he called for Iohn Knox, who had waited upon him carefully from the time he came to Louthaine, with whom he began to enter into purpose, That he wearied of p. 53the world, for he perceiveth that men began to be weary of God. The cause of his complaint was; The Gentlemen of the West had written unto him, That they could not keep the meeting at Edinburgh. The said Io. Knox wondering that he desired to keep any purpose before Sermon (for that was not his accustomed use before) said, Sir, the time of Sermon approacheth, I will leave you for the present to your meditation. And so he took the Bill containing the purpose aforesaid, and left him: the said Master George walked up and down behinde the high Altar more than half an houre. His weary countenance and visage declared the grief and alteration of his minde. At last he passeth to the Pulpit; but the Auditory was small, he should have begun to have treated of the second Table of the Law: but thereof in that Sermon spake he very little. He began on this manner: O Lord, How long shall it be that thy holy Word shall be despised, and men shall not regard their owne salvation? I have heard of thee, Hadington, That in thee would have been, at any vaine Clarke Play, two or three thousand people; and now to hear the Messenger of the Eternall God, of all the Towne or Parish, cannot be numbred one hundred persons: Sore and fearfull shall the plagues be, that shall ensue upon of this thy contempt, with fire and sword shalt thou be plagued: Yea, thou Hadington in speciall, Vengeance against Hadington.strangers shall possesse thee, and you the present inhabitants shall either in bondage serve your enemies, or else ye shall be chased from your own habitations; and that because ye have not knowne, nor will not know the time of Gods mercifull visitation. In such vehemency and threatning continued that servant of God, neer an hour and an half; in the which he declared all the plagues that ensued as plainly, as after our eyes saw them performed. In the end he said, I have forgotten my self, and the matter that I should have treated of: But let these my last words concerning publike Preaching remain in your mindes, till that God send you new comfort. Thereafter he made a short Paraphrase upon the second Table, with an Exhortation to patience, to the fear of God, and unto the works of mercy, and so ended, as it were making his last Testament, as the issue declared fully. The Spirit of Truth and of true Judgement were both in his heart and mouth: for that same night was he apprehended before midnight, in the house of Ormeston, Master Wischarde taken at Ormeston.by the Earle Bothwell, made for money butcher to the Cardinall. The manner of his taking was thus: Departing from the towne of Hadington, he took his good-night, as it were, for ever,Note. of all his acquaintance, especially from Hewe Dowglas of Langindrie. Iohn Knox pressing to have gone with the said Master George, he said, Nay, He means Gods people.returne to your children, and God blesse you; one is sufficient for one Sacrifice. And so the said Iohn Knox albeit unwillingly obeyed, and returned with Hewe Dowglas of Langindrie, Master George having to accompany him the Laird of Ormeston, Iohn Sandelandes of Calder younger, the Laird of Brounston, and others, with their servants, passed upon foot (for it was a vehement Frost) to Ormeston. After supper he held comfortable purpose of Gods chosen children, and merrily said, Methinke that I desire earnestly to sleep: And therewith he said, Shall we sing a Psalm? And so he appointed the One and fiftieth Psalme, which was put in Scottish Meeter, and began thus, Have mercy on me now good Lord after thy great mercy, &c. Which being ended, he past to his Chamber, and sooner p. 54then his common diet, was to passe to bed with these words, And grant quiet rest. Before midnight the place was beset about, that none could escape to make advertisement. The Earle Bothwell came and called for the Laird, and declared the purpose, and said, That it was but in vain to make him to hold his house, for the Governour and the Cardinall with all their power were coming (and indeed the Cardinall was at Elphinston, not a mile distant from Ormeston) But if he would deliver the man to him, he would promise upon his Honour,The Lord Bothwels promise. That he should be safe, and that it should passe the power of the Cardinall to do him any harme or hurt. Allured with these words, and taking counsell with the said Master George, (who at the first word said, Open the gates, the blessed will of my God be done.) They received in the Earle Bothwell himself, with some Gentlemen with him: To whom Master George said, I praise my God, that so honourable a man as you, M Georges words to the Earl Bothwell.my Lord, receiveth me this night, in the presence of these noble men: For now I am assured, That for your Honours sake, ye will suffer nothing any wayes to be done to me, but by the order of Law. I am not ignorant that all their Law is nothing but corruption, and a cloake to shed the blood of the Saints. But yet I lesse fear to die openly, than secretly to be murthered. The said Earle Bothwell answered, I shall not onelyonly preserve your body from all violence that shall be purposed against you against order of Law, but also I promise here in the presence of these Gentlemen, That neither shall the Governour nor the Cardinall have their will of you, But I shall retaine you in mine owne hands, and in mine owne house, till that either I shall make you free, or else restore you in the same place where I receive you. The Lairds aforesaid, said, My Lord, If ye will do as you have spoken, and as we thinke your Lordship will do, then do we here promise unto your Lordship, That not onelyonly we our selves shall serve you all the dayes of our life, but also we shall procure the whole professors within Lothan to do the same. And upon either the preservation of this our brother, or upon his delivery againe to our hands; we being reasonably advertised to receive him, That we, in the name and behalfe of our friends, shall deliver to your Lordship, or any sufficient man that shall deliver to us againe this servant of God, our Band of Manred in manner requisite. And thus promise made in the presence of God, and hands stricken upon both the parties for observation of the promise, the said Master George was delivered to the hands of the said Earle Bothwell; who immediately departing with him, came to Elphinston, where the Cardinall was. Who knowing that Calder Younger, and Brunston, were with Iohan Cocburne Laird of Ormeston, sent back with expedition to apprehend them also. The noyse of Horse-men being heard, the servants gave advertisement, That more then departed, or was there before, were returned. And while that they dispute what should be the motive, the Cardinalls Garrison had seized both the outer and inner Close. They called for the Laird, and for the Laird of Calder, who presenting themselves, demanded what their COMMISSION was. To bring you two, and the Laird of Brouneston to my Lord GOVERNOUR. They were nothing content (as they had no cause) and yet they p. 55made faire countenance, and intreated the Gentlemen to drinke, and to baite their horses, till that they might put themselves in readinesse to ride with them. In this meane time Brounston conveyed himselfe first secretly, and then by speed of foot to Ormiston wood, and from thence to Dundallon, and so escaped that danger; the other two were put into the Castle of Edinburgh, where the one, to wit, Calder Zounger, remained untill his baud of Manred to the Cardinall, was the meanes of his deliverance: And the other, to wit, Ormiston, freed himselfe by leaping off the wall of the Castle, betwixt ten of the clock and eleven before noon: And so breaking Ward, he escaped prison, which he unjustly suffered. The servant of God M. George Wischarde, was carried first to Edinburgh, thereafter brought backe, for fashion sake, to the house of Hailles againe, which was the principall place that then the Earle Bothwell had in Lothiane. But as gold and women have corrupted all worldly and fleshly men from the beginning, so did they him: For the Cardinall gave gold, and that largely; and the Queen, with whom the said Earle was then in the Glunders, promised him favour in all his lawfull suites to women: if he would deliver the said M. George, to be kept in the Castle of Edinburgh. He made some resistance at the first, by reason of his promise. But an effeminate man cannot long withstand the assaults of a gracious Queene, and so was the servant of God transported to Edinburgh, where the Cardinall then had a convention of Prelats, wherein somewhat was said of redressing the abuses of the Church, and reforming the lives of the Clergie, but it tooke no effect. M. Wischarde remained but few dayes in Edinburgh: For that bloodie woolfe the Cardinall, ever thirsting after the blood of the servant of God, so travelled with the abused Governour, that he was content that Gods servant should be delivered to the power of that Tyrannie. And so small inversion being made, Pilate obeyed the petition of Caiaphas, and of his fellows, and adjudged Christ to be crucified. The Cardinall seeing it was forbidden by the Canon Law to Priests to sit as Judges upon life and death, although the crime were Heresie, sent to the Governour, desiring him to name some Lay-Judge to pronounce Sentence against M. Wischarde. The Governour had freely condescended to the Cardinalls request, without delay, if David Hamilton of Preston, a godly and wise man, had not remonstrated unto him, That he could expect no better end then Saul, since he persecuted the Saints of God, for that Truth which he professed once with such a shew of earnestnesse; the profession thereof, being the onelyonly cause of his advancement to that high degree wherein he was: The Governour moved at this Speech of David Hamiltons, answered the Cardinall; That he would not meddle with the blood of that good man; and told him, That his blood should be on him, for he himselfe would be free of it. At this the Cardinall was angry, and said he would proceed, and that he had sent to the Governour of meere civility, without any need. And so the servant of God, delivered to the hand of that proud and mercilesse Tyrannie, triumph was made by the Priests. The godly lamented, and accused the foolishnesse of the Governour: For by the retaining of the said M. George, he might have caused Protestants and Papists (rather proud Romanists) to have served; The one, to the end the life of their p. 56Preacher might have been saved; The other, for feare that he should have set him at liberty again, to the confusion of the Bishops. But where God is left (as he had plainely renounced him before) what can counsell or judgement availe? How the servant of God was dealt withall, and what he did from the day that he entred within the sea Tower of S. Andrews, which was in the end of January,1546. in the yeere of God 1546. unto the first of March the same yeere when he suffered, we cannot certainly tell, except we understand he wrote somewhat in prison, but that was suppressed by the enemies. The Cardinall delayed no time, but caused all Bishops, yea, all the Clergie that had any preheminence, to be called to S. Andrews, against the seven and twentieth day of February, that consultation might be had in that question; which in his minde was no lesse resolved, then Christs death was in the minde of Caiaphas. But that the rest should bear the like burden with him, he would that they should before the world subscribe whatsoever he did. In that day was wrought a wonder, not unlike that which was at the accusation and death of Jesus Christ, when Pilate and Herod, who before were enemies, were made friends, by consenting of them both to Christs condemnation;Note. differs nothing, except that Pilate and Herod were brethren under their father the Devill, in the estate called Temporall; And these two of whom we are about to speake, were brethren (sons of the same father the Devill) in the estate Ecclesiasticall. If we interlace merrynesse with earnest matters, pardon us good Reader, for the fact is so notable that it deserveth long remembrance.

The proud Cardinall, and the glorious foole Dumbar.The Cardinall was knowne proud; and Dumbar Archbishop of Glasgow was knowne a glorious foole: And yet because sometimes he was called the Kings Master, he was Chancellour of Scotland. The Cardinall cometh even the same yeere, in the end of harvest before to Glasgow, upon what purpose we omit. But while they remaine together, the one in the Towne, the other in the Castle; Question riseth for bearing of their Crosses.A question worthy of such two Prelats. The Cardinall alleadged, That by reason of his Cardinalship, and that he was Legatus natus, and Primate within Scotland, in the kingdome of Antichrist; That he should have the preheminence, and that his Crosse should not onelyonly go before, but that also it should onelyonly be borne wheresoever he was. Good Gukstone Glakstone, the aforesaid Archbishop, lacked no reasons, as he thought, for maintenance of his glory. He was an Archbishop in his owne Diocesse, and in his owne Cathedrall Seat and Church, and therefore ought to give place to no man. The power of the Cardinall was but begged from Rome, and appertaineth but to his own person, and not to his Bishoprick, for it might be, that his successour should not be Cardinall, but his dignity was annexed with his office, and did appertaine to all that ever should be Bishops of Glasgow. Howsoever these doubts were resolved by the Doctors of Divinity of both the Prelats, yet the decision was as ye shall heare; Comming forth (or going in, all is one) at the Queere doore of Glasgow Church, begins striving for state betwixt the Crosse-bearers, so that from glouming they came to shouldring, and so from shouldring they go to buffets, and from dry blowe-neffaling; and then for charities sake, they cry, Disperst… dedit pauperibus, and essay which of the Crosses was finest mettall, which p. 57staffe was strongest, and which Crosse-bearer could best defend his Masters preheminence; and that there should be no superiority in that behalf, to the ground go both their Crosses. And then began no little fray, but yet a merry game, for rockets were rent, tippets were torne, crowns were knapped, and side gowns might have been seen wantonly to wagge from the one wall to the other: Many of them lacked beards, and that was the more pity, and therefore could not buckle other by the brises, as bold men would have done. But fie on the Jackmen, that did not their duty: For had the one part of them recountred the other, then had all gone right; but the Sanctuary we suppose saved the lives of many. How merrily so ever this be written, it was bitter mirth to the Cardinall and his court. It was more then irregularity▪ yea, it might well have been judged laese majesté to the son of perdition, the Popes own person; and yet the other in his folly, as proud as a Peacocke, would let the Cardinall know, that he was a Bishop, when the other but Beton, before he gat the Abbey of Aberbroth. This enmity was judged mortall, and without all hope of reconciliation. But the blood of the innocent servant of God, buried in oblivion all that bragging and boast. For the Archbishop of Glasgow was the first unto whom the Cardinall wrote, signifying unto him what was done, and earnestly craving of him, that he would assist with his presence and counsell, how that such an enemy to their estate might be suppressed. And thereto was not the other slow, but kept time appointed, sat next to the Cardinall, waited and subscribed first in ranke, and lay over the East block-house with the said Cardinall, till the Martyr of God was consumed with fire: for this we may note, That all these beasts consented in heart to the slaughter of that Innocent. So did they approve it with their presence, having the whole ordnance of the Castle of S. Andrews, bent towards the place of execution, which was neere to the Castle, ready to have shot, if any would have made defence or rescue to Gods servant. The manner of his Accusation, Processe, and Answers followeth, as we have received from certaine Records, which we relate truely, as neere as possibly we can.

Upon the last of February was sent to the prison where the servant of God lay,1546. the Deane of the Towne, by the commandment of the Cardinall and his wicked counsell, and there summoned the said Master George, that he should on the morrow following appeare before the Judge, then and there to give account of his seditious and Hereticall Doctrine. To whom the said Master George answered; What needeth (said he) the Cardinall to summon me to answer for my Doctrine openly before him, under whose power and Dominion I am thus straightly bound in irons? May not he compell me to answer, of his extort power? Or beleeveth he that I am unprovided to render account of my Doctrine? To manifest your selves what men ye are, it is well done that ye keepe your old Ceremonies and Constitutions made by men. Upon the next morrow the Lord Cardinall caused his servants to addresse themselves in their most warlike array, with Jack, Knapscall, Splent, Spear, & Axe, more seemly for the war then for the Preaching of the true word of God. And when these armed Champions, marching in warlike order, had conveyed the p. 58Bishops into the Abbey-church, incontinently they sent for M. George, who was conveyed unto the said Church by the Captaine of the Castle, and the number of an hundred men, addressed in manner aforesaid, like a Lamb led they him to the sacrifice. As he entred in at the Abbey-Church doore, there was a poore man lying vexed with great infirmities, asking of his almes, to whom he flung his purse, and when he came before the Cardinall, by and by the Sub-prior of the Abbey,Who was a learned man and heartily favoured the pure Religion, in secret. called Deane Iohn Winrame, stood up in the Pulpit, and made a Sermon to all the congregation there then assembled, taking his matter out of Matth. 13. Whose Sermon was divided into foure parts. The first was, A short and briefe declaration of the Evangelist. The second, of the interpretation of the good seed: And because he called the Word of God the good seed, and Heresie the evil seed; he declared what Heresie was, and how it should be knowne. He defined it on this manner;Bona heresios definitio, &c. Heresie is a false Opinion, defended with Pertinacie, clearely repugning the Word of God. The third part of his Sermon was, The cause of Heresie within that realm, and all other realms. The cause of Heresie (said he) is the ignorance of them which have the cures of mens soules: to whom it necessarily belongeth to have the true understanding of the Word of God,Note the cause of Heresie. that they may be able to winne again the false Teachers of Heresies, with the sword of the Spirit, which is, the word of God: and not onelyonly to win again, but also to overcome, as faith Paul to Timothy, A bishop must be faultlesse, as becometh the minister of God, not stubborn, nor angry, no drunkard, no fighter, not given to filthy lucre, but harberous, one that loved goodnesse, sober-minded, righteous, holy, temperate, and such as cleaveth unto the true Word of Doctrine. That he may be able with wholsome learning, and to impugne that which they say against him. The fourth part of his Sermon was, how Heresies should be knowne; Heresies (quoth he) be knowne on this manner;The Proofe of Heresie. As the God-smith knoweth the fine gold from the unperfit, by the touch-stone; So likewise may we know Heresie by the undoubted Touch-stone, that is, The true, sincere, and undefiled Word of God. At the last he added, That Hereticks should be put down in this present life. To which Proposition, the Gospel he treated of appeareth not to repugne, Let them both grow to the harvest. The harvest is the end of the world, neverthelesse he affirmed, That they should be put down by the civill Magistrate, and Law. And when he ended his Sermon, incontinent they caused M. George to ascend into the Pulpit, there to heare his Accusation and Articles, for right against him stood one of the fat flock, a monster, Iohn Lawder, a Priest, laden full of cursings, written in paper of the which he took out a roule, both long, and also full of outrages, threatnings, maledictions, and words of devilish spite and malice, saying to the innocent M. George, so many cruell and abominable words, and hit him so spitefully with the Popes thunder, that the ignorant people dreaded lest the earth then would have swallowed him up quick. Notwithstanding he stood still with great patience, hearing their sayings, not once moving or changing his countenance. When that this fat sow had read thorowout all his lying menaces, his face running down with sweat, and froathing at the mouth like a boare: He spate at M. Georges face, saying, What answers thou to these sayings? Thou runagate, traitour, theefe, which we p. 59have duely proved by sufficient witnesse against thee. Master George hearing this, sate downe upon his knees in the Pulpit, making his prayer to God. When he had ended his Prayer, sweetly and Christianly, he answered unto them all in this manner:

Master George his ORATION.

MAny and horrible sayings unto me a Christian man, many words abominable for to heare, have ye spoken here this day, which not onelyonly to teach, but also to thinke, I thought it ever great abomination. Wherefore I pray your discretions quietly to heare me, that ye may know what were my Sayings, and the manner of my Doctrine. This my Petition (my Lords) I desire to be heard for three causes. The first is, Because through preaching of the Word of God, 1his glory is made manifest. It is reasonable therefore, for the advancing of the glory of God, that ye heare me teaching truely the pure and sincere Word of God, without any dissimulation. The second reason is, Because that your health 2springeth of the Word of God, for he worketh all things by his Word. It were therefore an unrighteous thing, if ye should stop your eares from me, teaching truely the Word of God. The third reason is, Because your Doctrine speaketh 3forth many pestilentious, blasphemous, and abominable words, not coming by the inspiration of God, but of the devill, on no lesse perill than my life. It is just therefore and reasonable for your discretions, to know what my words and Doctrine are, and what I have ever taught in my time in this Realme, that I perish not unjustly, to the great perils of your selves. Wherefore both for the glory of God, your owne health, and safeguard of my life, I beseech your discretions to heare me, and in the meane time I shall recite my Doctrine, without any colour.

First and chiefly, since the time that I came into this Realme, I taught nothing but the ten Commandments of God, the twelve Articles of the Faith, and the Prayer of the Lord in the mother Tongue. Moreover, in Dundie I taught the Epistle of Saint Paul to the Romanes. And I shall shew your discretions faithfully what fashion and-manner I used, when I taught without any humane dread. So that your discretions give me your eares benevolent and attentive.

Suddenly then, with a loud voyce cryed the accuser, the fat sow, Thou Hereticke,Note. Runnagate, Traytor, and Thief, It was not lawfull for thee to preach; thou hast taken the power at thine owne hand, without any authority of the Church. We forthinke that thou hast been a Preacher so long. Then said the whole Congregation of the Prelats, with their complices, these words; If we give him license to Preach, he is so crafty, and in holy Scriptures so exercised, that he will perswade the people to his opinion, and raise them against us. M. George seeing their malicious and wicked intent, appealed to an indifferent and equall Judge. To whom the accuser, Iohn Lawder aforesaid, with hoggish voyce answered, Is not my Lord Cardinall the second person within this Realme, Chancellor of Scotland, Archbishop of Saint Andrewes, Bishop of Merepose, Note.Commendator of Arbroth, Legatus natus, Legatus a Latere. And so reciting as many Titles of his unworthy Honours as would have laden a Ship, much sooner an Asse: Is not he (quoth Iohn Lawder) an equall JUDGE apparently to thee. Whom other desirest thou to be thy JUDGE? p. 60To whom this humble man answered, saying, I refuse not my Lord Cardinall, but I desire the Word of God to be my Iudge, the Temporall estate with some of your Lordships mine auditors, because I am here my Lord Governours prisoner. Whereupon the pridefull and scornfull people that stood by, mocked him saying, Such man, such Iudge, speaking seditious and reproachfull words against the Governour, and other of the Nobles, meaning them also to be hereticks. And incontinent, without all delay, they would have given sentence upon M. George, and that without further Processe, had not certain men there councelled my Lord Cardinall to reade againe the Articles, and to heare his answers thereupon, that the people might not complaine of his wrongfull condemnation. And shortly for to declare. These were the Articles following, with his Answers, as far they would give him leave to speak. For when he intended to mitigate their leasings, and shew the manner of his Doctrine, by and by they stopped his mouth with another Article.