History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland, Book 2 · Body of book two · Letter 17 – Letter 21
If it be sedition to speak the trueth in all sobriety, and to complaine, when they are wounded, or to call for help against unjust tyrannie before that their throats be cut, then can we not denie, but we are criminall and guilty of tumult and sedition. For we have said, That our Common-weale is oppressed, that we and our brethren are hurt by the tyrannie of strangers, and that we fear bondage and slaverie, seeing that multitudes of cruell murtherers are daily brought into our Countrey without our counsell, knowledge, and consent. We dispute not so much whether the bringing in of moe French-men be violating of the appointment (which the Queen and her faction cannot deny to be manifestly broken by them in moe causes then one) as that we would know, if that the heaping of strangers upon strangers, above us, without our counsell or consent, be a thing that may stand with the Liberty of our Realme, and with the profit of our Common-wealth. It is not unknown to all men of judgement, That the fruits of our Countrey, in the most common yeers, be no more then sufficient reasonable to nourish the born inhabitants of the same. But now seeing we have been vexed with wars, taken upon us at the pleasure of France, by the which the most fruitfull portion of our Countrey in Corne hath been wasted. What man is so blinde, but that he may see, That such bands of ungodly and idle Souldiers can be nothing else but an occasion to famish our poore brethren. And in this point we refuse not (which is the chiefe) the judgement of all naturall Scottish-men. The Queen Regent alleadged, That although there was an hundred French-men for one that is in Scotland, yet she is not minded to trouble any unjust possession. Whereto we answer, That we dispute not what she intended (which neverthelesse by probable conjectures it is to be suspected) but alwayes we affirm, that such a multitude of French-men is a burden not onelyonly unprofitable, but also intolerable to this poor Realme; especially being treated as they are by her and Monsieur Dosell: For if their wages be paid out of France, then are they both (the Queen, we say, and Monsieur Dosell) traytors to the King and Counsell;Note. for the poor Commons of this Realme have sustained them with the sweat of their brows, since the contracting of the Peace, and somewhat before.
What motherly affection she hath declared to this Realm, and to the inhabitants of the same, her works have evidently declared, even since the first hour that she hath borne Authority. And albeit men will not this day see what danger hangs over our heads, yet fear we that ere it be long, experience shall teach some, that we have not feared without cause. The cruell murther and oppression used by those whom now she fostereth, is to us a sufficient argument what is to be looked for when her number is so multiplied, that our force shall not be able to gainstand their tyranny. Where she complaineth of our Preachers, affirming that unreverently they speak of Princes in generall, and of her in particular, inducing the people thereby to defection from their duty, &c. And therefore that such a thing cannot be suffered. Because this occasion is laid against Gods true Ministers, we cannot but witnesse what course and order of Doctrine they have kept, and yet keep in that point.
In publike prayers they recommend to God all Princes in generall,The doctrine of our Preachers concerning obedience to be given to Magistrates. and the Magistrates of this our native Realme in particular. In open audience they declare the Authority of Princes and Magistrates to be of God, and therefore they affirm that they ought to be honoured, feared, and obeyed, even for conscience sake; provided that they command nor require nothing expresly repugning to Gods Commandment and plain Will revealed in his holy Word. Moreover, they affirm, That if wicked persons abusing the Authority established by God, move Princes to command things manifestly wicked, That such as can and do bridle those inordinate appetites of misled Princes, cannot be accused as resistaries of the Authority, which is Gods good Ordinance. To bridle the rage and fury of misled Princes in free Kingdoms and Realms, they affirm it appertaineth to the Nobility, sworn and borne Councellors of the same, and also to the Barons and people, whose votes and consents are to be required in all great and weighty matters of the Common-wealth; which if they do not, they declare themselves criminall with their misled Princes, and so subject to the same vengeance of God, which they deserve, for that they pollute the seat of Iustice, and do as it were make God author of Iniquity. They proclaim and cry, That the same God who plagued Pharaoh, repulsed Sennacherib, struck Herod with worms, and made the bellies of dogs the grave and sepulcher of the spitefull Jesabell, will not spare misled Princes, who authorize the murtherers of Christs members in this our time. On this manner they speak of Princes in generall,Let such as this day live, witnesse what God hath wrought since the writing and publication hereof. and of your Majesty in particular. This onelyonly we have heard one of our Preachers say, rebuking the vain excuses of such as flatter themselves by reason of Authority; Many now adayes (said he) will have no other Religion nor faith, then the Queen and Authority had: But is it not possible that the Queen be so far blinded, that she will have no Religion, nor no other faith, then may content the Cardinall of Loraine? And may it not likewise be true that the Cardinall is so corrupt, that he will admit no Religion which doth not establish the Pope in his kingdome?Note. But plain it is, That the Pope is Lieutenant to Sathan, and enemy to Christ Iesus, and to his perfect Religion. Let men therefore consider what danger they stand in, if their salvation shall depend upon the Queens faith and Religion. Further, we never heard any of our Preachers speak of the Queen Regent, neither publikely nor privately. Where her Majestie declareth, It will not be suffered that our Prerchers meddle with Policy, or speak of her, or of other Princes, but with reverence: we answer, That as we will justifie and defend nothing in our Preachers which we finde not God to have justified and allowed in his Messengers before them; so we dare not forbid them openly to reprehend that which the Spirit of God, speaking in the Prophets and Apostles, hath reprehended before them. Helias did personally reprove Achab and Jesabell of idolatry, of avarice,The Prophets have medled with policy, and have reproved the corruptions thereof. of murther, and such like: Esaias the Prophet called the Magistrates of Jerusalem in his time, companions to thieves, Princes of Sodome, bribe-takers, and murtherers; he complained that their silver was turned into drosse, That their wine was mingled with water, and that Iustice was bought and sold. Jeremie saith, That the bones of King Jehoiakim should wither with the Sun. Christ Iesus called Herod a Fox; and Paul calleth the high Priest a painted wall, and prayeth unto God that he should strike him, because that against justice he commanded him to be smitten. Now if the like (and greater) corruptions be in the world this day, Who dare enterprise to put to silence the Spirit of God, which will not be subject to the appetites of misled Princes.
We have said before, That the tenth of September was appointed for a convention to be holden at Sterlin, The coming of the Earle of Arran to Scotland, and his joyning with the Congregation.to the which repaired the most part of the Lords of the Congregation. At that same time arrived the Earle of Arran, who after he had saluted his father, came with the Earle of Argyle and Lord Iames to Sterlin, to the said convention; in which divers godly men complained of the tyrannie used against their brethren. And especially that more French-men were brought in to oppresse their Country. After the consultation of certain dayes, the principall Lords with my Lord Arran, and the Earle of Argyle past to Hammilton for consultation to be taken with the Duke. And in this mean time came assured word that the French-men had begun to fortifie Leith; which thing, as it did more evidently discover the Queens craft, so did it deeply grieve the hearts of all the Nobility there, who with one consent agreed to write unto the Queen in form as followeth.
At Hammilton the 29 day of September. MAdame,Letters to the Queen Regent.
we are credibly informed that your Army of French-men should instantly begin to plant in Leith, and to fortifie the same, of minde to expell the ancient inhabitants thereof, our brethren of the Congregation, whereof we marvell not a little, that your Majestie should so manifestly breake the Appointment made at Leith, without any provocation made by us and our brethren. And seeing the same is done without any manner of consent of the Nobilitie and counsell of this Realme, we esteem the same not onelyonly oppression of our poore brethren, and in-dwellers of the said Towne, but also very prejudiciall to the Common-wealth, and plain contrary to our ancient Laws and Liberties. We therefore desire your Majestie to cause the same work enterprised to be stayed, and not to attempt so rashly and so manifestly against your Majesties promise, against the Common-wealth, …he ancient Laws and Liberties thereof (which things, besides the glory of God, are most dear and tender to us, and onelyonly our pretence) otherwise assuring your Majestie, we will complain to the whole Nobility and Commonalty of this Realme, and most earnestly seek for redresse thereof. And thus recommending our humble service unto your Highnesse, whom we commit to the Eternall Protection of God, expecting earnestly your answer.
At Hammilton the day and yeer aforesaid: By your Majesties humble and obedient servitours.
This Letter was subscribed with the hands of the Duke, the Earles of Arran, Argyle, Glencarne, and Menteth; by the Lords Ruthwen Uchiltrie, Boyd, and by divers others Barons and Gentlemen. To this request she would not answer by wret, but with a Letter of credit she sent Sir Robert Carnegie, and Master Danid Borthwike, two, whom amongst many others, she abused, and by whom she corrupted the hearts of the simple. They travelled with the Duke, to bring him again to the Queens Faction: Labrosse and the Bishop of Amians were shortly before arrived, and, as it was bruted, were directed as Ambassadours, but they kept close their whole Commission; they onelyonly made large promises to them that would be theirs,The Petition of la Brosse. and leave the Congregation. The Queen did grievously complain, That we had intelligence with England, and the conclusion of their Commission was to solicite the Duke to put in all in the Queens Will, and then she would be gracious enough. It was answered,The answer. That no honest men durst commit themselves to the mercy of such throat-cutters as she had about her; whom if she would remove, and joyn to her a Councell of naturall Scotish-men, permitting the Religion to have free passage, then should none in Scotland be more willing to serve her Majesty then should the Lords and Brethren of the Congregation be. At the same time the Duke and the Lords wrote to my Lord Erskin, Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh, in form as followeth.
Letter to the Lord Erskin.
MY Lord and Cousin, after our hearty commendations, this present is to advertise you, That we are credibly informed that the Army of French-men now in this Realme, without any advice of the Councell or Nobility, are fortifying, or else shortly intendeth to fortifie the Towne of Leith, and expell the ancient inhabitants thereof, whereby they proclaim to all that will open their ears to hear, or eyes to see, what is their pretence. And seeing the faithfulnesse of your antecessors, and especially of your Father of honourable memory, who was so recommended and dear to the Estates and Councellors of this Realme, through affection they perceived in him towards the Common-wealth thereof, that they doubted not to give in his keeping the key, as it were, of the Councell, of the Iustice and Policy of this Realme, the Castles of Edinburgh and Sterlin, we cannot but believe ye will rather augment the honourable favour of your House by stedfast favour and loyalty to our Common wealth, then through the subtill perswasions of some (which care not what after shall come to you and your House, at the present would abuse you to the performance of their wicked enterprises and pretences against our Common-wealth) utterly destroy the same. And herefore seeing we have written to the Queen to desist from the enterprise, otherwise that we will complain to the Nobility and Commonalty of the Realm, and seek redresse thereof; We likewise beseech you as our tender friend, brother and member of the same Common-wealth with us▪ that in no wise you meddle with, or assent to that ungodly enterprise against the Common-wealth: And likewise that ye would save your body, and the jewels of this Countrey, committed to yours and your predecessors loyalty and fidelity towards your native Countrey and Common-wealth, if ye thinki to be reputed, hereafter one of the same: And that ye would rather be brother to us then to strangers; for we do gather by the effects, the secrets of mens hearts, otherwise unsearchable unto us. Thus we write, not that we are in doubt of you, but rather to warne you of the danger, in case ye suffer your selfe to be inchanted with fair promises, and crafty Councellors: For let no man flatter himself; we desire all men to know; That though he were our father (seeing God hath opened our eyes to see his Will) if he be enemy to the Common wealth,Note. which is now assailed, and we with it, and all true members thereof, he shall be knowne, and as he is indeed enemy to us, to our lives, our houses, babes, heritages, and whatsoever is contained within the same: For as the Ship perishing, What can be safe that is within? So the Common wealth being betrayed, What particular member can live in quietnesse. And therefore in so far as the said Castles are committed to your credite, we desire you to shew your faithfulnesse and stoutnesse, as ye tender us, and whatsoever appertaineth to us. And seeing we are assured ye will be assayled both with craft and force, as now by warning we help you against the first, so against the last ye shall not misse in all possible haste to have our assistance, onelyonly to shew your selfe a man. Save your person by wisedome, strengthen your self against force: And the Almighty God assist you in both, that one ayd the other, and open the eyes of your understanding to see and perceive the craft of Sathan and his supposts.
At Hamilton the 29 day of September, 1559. By your Brethren.
The Duke and Lords understanding that the Fortifications of Leith proceeded, appointed their whole Forces to convene at Sterlin the 15 day of Octob. that from thence they might march forward to Edinburgh, for the redresse of the greatest enormities which the French did to the whole Countrey,The tyranny of the French. which by them was so oppressed, that the life of all honest men was bitter unto them. In this mean time the Lords directed their Letters to divers parts of the Countrey, making mention what danger did hang over all men, if the French should be suffered to plant in this Countrey at their pleasure. They made mention farther, How humbly they had besought the Queen Regent, That she would send away to France her French-men, who were a burden unprofitable and grievous to this Common-wealth, and how that she notwithstanding did daily augment their number, bringing wives and children, a plain declaration of a plain conquest.
The Queen Regent perceiving that her craft began to be espied, by all means possible travelled to blinde the people;Note how this agrees with our times And first she sent forth her pestilent Post forenamed, in all parts of the Countrey, to perswade all men, that she offereth all things reasonable to the Congregation; and that they refusing all reason, pretended no Religion, but a plaine revolt from Authority. She tempted every man, in particular, as well those that were of the Congregation, as those that were neutralls. She assaulted every man as she thought most easily he might have been overcome. To the Lord Ruthuen she sent the Justice Clerk, and his wife who is daughter to the wife of the said Lord, what was their Commission and credit, is no further known, then the said Lord hath confessed, which is, That large promise of profit was promised, if he would leave the Congregation, and be the Queens. To Lord Iames, Prior of Saint Andrews, was sent Master Iohn Spens of Condie, with a Letter and Credit, as followeth.
The Memoriall of Master Iohn Spens of Condie, the thirtieth of September.
1. YE shall say, That the Queens great favour towards you moveth her to this.
2. That she now knoweth that the occasion of your departing from her, was the favour of the Word, and of the Religion, with the which, albeit she was offended, yet knowing your heart▪ and the hearts of the other Lords firmely fixed thereupon, she will beare with you in that behalfe, and at your owne sights she will set forward that Cause at her power, as may stand with Gods Word,Note. the common policie of this Realme, and the Princes honour (note good Reader what venome lurked here, for plaine it is that the policie which she pretended, and the Princes honour will never suffer Christ Iesus to reigne in this Realme.)
3. To speak of the occasion of assembling of these men of Warre, and fortifying of Leith, you must know, That it was given to the Queen to understand by some about her, that it is not the advancement of the Word and Religion which is sought at this time, but rather a pretence to overthrow or alter the authority of your Sister, of the which she beleeveth still that ye are not participant: and considering the tendernesse betwixt you and your Sister, she trusted more in you,Let this be noted, O cra…ty flatter…r! in that behalfe, then in any living. But before the Earle of Arrane arrived, and that the Duke departed from her faction, she ceased not continually to cry, That the Prior sought to make himselfe King; and so not onelyonly to deprive his Sister, to make himselfe King, but also to defraud the Duke and his house of their pretension. But foreseeing a storme, she began to seek a new winde.
She further willeth him, to offer the sending away of the men of War, if the former suspition could be removed, she lamented the trouble that appeared to follow, if the matter should long stand in debate, she promised her faithfull labours for reconciliation, and required the same of him. Requiring further, Faith, Honour, and kindnesse towards his Sister, and to advertise for his part, what he desired; with promise, That he might obtaine what he pleased to desire.
To this Letter and Credit the said Lord Iames answered as followeth.
MADAME,
I Received your Highnesse Writ, and have heard the credit of the Bearer, and finding the businesse of such importance, that dangerous it were to give hastie answer. And also your Demands are such, That with my honour I cannot answer them privately by my selfe, I have thought good to delay the same till that I may have the judgement of the whole Councell. For this point I will not conceale from your Majestie, That amongst us there is a solemned Oath, that none of us shall traffique with your Majestie secretly, neither yet that any of us shall treat or deale for himselfe particularly: Which Oath, for my part, I purpose to keep unviolated to the end. But when the rest of the Noble-men shall conveene, I shall leave nothing that lyeth in my power undone, that may make for the quietnesse of this poore Realme: Provided, That the glory of Christ Iesus be not hindered by our concord. And if your Majestie shall be found so tractable, as now ye offer, I doubt not to obtaine of the rest of my brethren such favour towards your service, as your Majestie shall have just occasion to stand content: For I take God to record, That in this action I have neither sought, neither yet seek any other thing then to increase Gods glory, and the Libertie of this poore Realme to be maintained. Further, I have shewed unto your Messenger what things have misliked me in your proceedings, even from such a heart as I wish to God you knew fully, and all men else. And this, with hearty commendation of service to your Majestie, I heartily commit your Highnesse to the eternall protection of the omnipotent.
At Saint Andrews, the first of October. Sic subscribitur. Your Majesties humble and obedient Servitour. I. St.
Note.This answer received, she raged, as hypocrisie useth when it is pricked, and perceiving that she could not work what she would at the hands of men particularly, she set forth a Proclamation, universally to be proclaimed, in the tenour as followeth.