History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland, Book 4 · Letter 3 – Letter 4

History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland · Book 4 · Letter 3 – Letter 4

p. 337To the Queens Majesty, and her most honorable Privy Councell. The Superintendents and Ministers of the Evangell of Christ Iesus within this Realme, together with the Commissioners of the whole Churches, desire Grace and Peace, from the Father of our Lord Iesus Christ, with the Spirit of righteous Iudgement.

HAving in minde that the fearfull sentence pronounced against the Watch-men that see the Sword of Gods punishment approach, and do not in plain words forewarn the people, yea, the Princes and Rulers, that they repent, we cannot but signifie unto your Highnesse, and to your Councell, That the state of this Realme is such for this present, that unlesse redresse and remedy be shortly provided, Gods hands cannot long spare in his anger, to strike the Head and the Tayle; the inobedient Prince,Note. and sinfull People: For as God is unchangeable and true, so must he punish, in these our dayes the grievous sins which before, we reade, he hath punished in all Ages, after that he hath long called for repentance, and none is showne. And that your Majesty and Councell may understand what are the things we desire to be reformed, we will begin at that which we know assuredly to be the Fountain and Spring of all other evils that now abound in this Realme: To wit:

That Idoll and base service of God, the Masse, the fountain, we call, of all Impiety, not onelyonly because many take boldnesse to sin, by reason of that opinion which they have conceived of that Idoll, to wit, That by vertue of it they get remission of their sins; But also because that under this colour of the Masse, are Whores, Adulterers, Drunkards, Blasphemers of God,This causeth the Qu…ens R…ligion to have many …avourers. of his holy Sacraments, and such other manifest Malefactors, maintained and defended: For let any Masse-sayer, or earnest maintainer thereof be deprehended in any of the fore-named crimes, no execution can be had; for all is done in hatred of his Religion: And so are wicked men permitted to live wickedly, cloked and defended by that wicked Idoll. But supposing that the Masse was occasion of no such evils, yet in it self it is so odious in Gods presence, that we cannot cease with all instance to desire the removing of the same, as well from your selfe, as from all others within this Realm; Taking Heaven and earth, yea, your own Consciences to record, That the obstinate maintenance of that Idol, shall in the end be to you, destruction of soul and body, if you do not repent.

If your Majesty demand, Why that now we are more earnest, then we have been heretofore? We answer (our former silence no wayes excused) Because we finde our selves frustrate of our hope and expectation; which was, That in processe of time your Majesties heart should have been mollified, so farre, as ye would have heard the publike Doctrine taught within this Realme; by the which, our further hope was, That Gods holy Spirit should so have moved your heart, that you would have suffered your Religion (which before God is nothing but abomination and vanity) to be tryed by the true Touch-stone, the written Word p. 338of God; And that your Majesty finding it to have no ground nor foundation in the same, should have given that glory unto God: that you would have preferred his Truth to your own preconceived vain opinion, of what antiquity that ever it hath been, whereof we in part now discharged,Note. can no longer keep silence, unlesse we would make our selves criminall before God of your blood, perishing in your own iniquity; for we plainly admonish you of the danger to come.

The second thing that we require, is, Punishment of horrible vices, such as are Adultery, Fornication, open Whoredome, Blasphemy, Contempt of God, of his Word and Sacraments; Which in this Realme do even so abound, that sin is reputed to be no sin. And therefore, as we see the present signes of Gods wrath now manifestly appear, so do we forewarn, that he will strike ere it be long, if his Law without punishment be permitted thus manifestly to be contemned. If any object, That punishment cannot be commanded to be executed without a Parliament; we answer,Note. That the Eternall God in his Parliament, hath pronounced death to be the punishment of Adultery, and for Blaspheming: whose Act if we put not in execution (seeing that Kings are but his Lievtenants, having no power to give life, where he commands death) as that he will repute you, and all others that foster vice, patrons of Impiety, so will he not fail to punish you, for neglecting the execution of his judgements.

Our third request concerning the poor, who be of three sorts: The poor labourers of the ground, the poor desolate Beggers, Orphans, Widows and Strangers,Note d…ligently. and the poor Ministers of Christ Jesus his holy Evangel; which are so cruelly used by this last pretended Order taken for sustentation of Ministers, that their latter misery farre surmounteth the former; for now the poore labourers of the ground are so oppressed by the cruelty of those that pay their hire, that they for the most part encroach upon the poore, in whatsoever they pay unto the Q…een, or to any other. As for the very indigent and poor, to whom God commands a sustentation to be provided of the Tenths, they are so despised,Note. that it is a wonder that Sun giveth heat and light to the earth, where Gods Name is so frequently called upon, and no mercy (according to his Commandment) showne to his Creatures. And also for the Ministers, their Livings are so appointed, that the most part shall live but a Beggers life: And all cometh of that impiety, that the idle bellies of Christs enemies, must be fed in their former delicacy. We dare not conceal from your Majestie, and honours our conscience, which is this, That neither by the Law of God, neither yet by any just Law of man, is due unto them, who now most cruelly do exact of the poor and rich, the two parts of their Benefices, as they call them. And therefore we most humbly require, That some other Order may be taken with them, that they be not set up againe to empire above the people of God; for we fear that such usurpation of their former state, will be neither in the end pleasant to themselves, nor profitable to them that would place them in that Tyranny. If any think that a competent Living is to be assigned to them, we repugne not, provided p. 339that the Labourers of the ground be not oppressed, the poor be not utterly neglected, and the Ministers of the Word so hardly used, as now they are. And finally, That those idle bellies, who by Law can crave nothing, shall confesse, that they receive their sustentation and maintenance, not of debt, but of benevolence. Our humble request is therefore, That in every Parish some part of the Tythes may be assigned to the sustentation and maintenance of the poor within the same: And likewise that some publike relief may be provided for the poor within Burroughs, that Collectors may be appointed to gather; And that strict Accounts may be taken, as well for their Recepts, as of the disbursements. The further consideration to be had of our Ministers, we in some part remit to your wisedoms, and to their particular complaints.

Our fourth Petition is for the Mause-Yards and Gleebs justly appertaining to the Ministers, without the which it is impossible unto them quietly to serve their Charges; and therefore we desire that order be taken without delay.

Our fifth concerns the disobedience of certain wicked persons, who not onelyonly trouble, and have troubled Ministers in their Functions, but also disobey the Superintendents in their Visitation: wherefore we humbly crave remedy; which we doubt, not so much for the feare that we and our Ministers have of the Papists, but for the love that we bear to the common tranquility. For this we cannot hide from your Majesty and Councell, That if the Papists thinke to triumph where they may, and to do what they list, where there is not a party able to resist them: that some will thinke, That the godly must begin where they left, who heretofore have borne all rhings patiently, in hope that the Lawes should have bridled the wicked;Note this for our times. whereof if they be frustrate (albeit that nothing is more odious to them then Tumults, and domestick Discord) yet will men attempt the uttermost, before that in their owne eyes they behold the house of God demolished, which with travell and danger God hath within this Realm erected by them.

Sixthly, we desire, That such as receive release of their Thirds, be compelled to sustain the Ministers within their Bounds, or else we forewarne your Majesty and Councell, that we feare, That the people shall retain the whole in their hands, untill such time as their Ministers be sufficiently provided.

Seventhly, we desire the Churches to be repayred, according to an Act set forth by the Lords of the Secret Councell, before your Majesties Arrivall into this Countrey: That J…dges be appointed to heare the causes of Divorcement; for the Church can no longer sustain the burden, especially, because there is no punishment for the offenders: That sayers and hearers of Masses, prophaners of the Sacraments; such as have entred into Benefices by the Popes Bulls, and such other transgressors of the Law made at your Majesties Arrivall within this Realme, may be severely punished; for else men will think there is no truth meant in making of such Laws.

p. 340Eighthly, We most humbly desire of your Majesty and your honourable Councell, a resolute answer to every one of these Heads afore-written, that the same being known, we may somewhat satisfie such as be grievously offended at manifest iniquity now maintained at, oppression, under pretext of Law, done against the poore, and at the rebellious disobedience of many wicked persons, against Gods Word, and holy Ordinance.

God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, so rule your hearts, and direct your Majesty and Councels judgements by the judgement and illumination of his holy Spirit, that you may answer so, as your offences may be absolved in the presence of that righteous Judge, the Lord Jesus; and then we doubt not but your selves shall finde felicity, and this poor Realme, that hath long been oppressed by wicked men, shall enjoy tranquility and rest, with the true knowledge of God.

These things read in publike Assembly as aforesaid, were approved of all: And some wished that more sharpnesse had been used, because that the time so repuired. But the Minions of the Court, and Secretary Lethington above others, could not abide such hard spoken words; for whoever shall write (said he) to a Prince, That God would strike the head and the tayle; That if Papists do what they list, men would begin where they left:Note this for our times. But above all others, that was most offensive That the Queen was accused, as that she would raise up Papists and Papistry again; To put that in the people heads, was no lesse then Treason: yea, Oathes was made, That she never meaned such thing. To whom it was answered,An answer to Lethington. That the Prophet Isaiah used such manner of speaking; And it was no doubt but that he was acquainted in the Court, for it was supposed that he was of the Kings Stock: but howsoever it was, his words make manifest that he spake to the Court, and to the Courtiers, to Judges, Ladies, Princes and Priests; and yet, saith he, The Lord shall cut away the head and the tayle, &c. And so said the first writer, I finde that such phrase was once used before us: And if this offend you, that we say, Men must begin where they left, in case the Papists do as they do, we would desire you to teach us, not so much how we shall speak, but rather what we shall do, when our Ministers are stricken, our Superintendents disobeyed, and a plain Rebellion decreed against all good Orders. Complain, said Lethington. To whom? said the other. To the Queen, said he. How long shall we do so? quoth the other. Till that you get remedy, said the Justice Clerke: Give me their names, and I shall give you Letters. If the Sheep, said one, shall complain to the Wolfe, That the Wolfs whelps have devoured their Lambs, the Complainer may stand in danger, but the offender we fear,Note this diligently. shall have leave to hunt after his prey. Such Comparisons (said Lethington) are very unsavoury; for I am assured, That the Queen will not erect nor maintaine Papistry. Let your assurance (said the other) serve your selfe, but it cannot assure us; for her manifest p. 341proceedings speaketh the contrary. After such cautious reasoning on both sides, the pluralitie concluded, That the supplication as it was conceived, should be presented, unlesse that the Secretary would make one more fit to the present necessitie; he promised to keep the substance of ours, but he would use other termes, and aske things in a more gentle manner. The first Writer answered, That he served the Churches at their commandment, and was content, That in his ditement, men should use the libertie that best pleased them; providing, That he were not compelled to subscribe to the flattery of such, as more regarded the persons of men, then the simple truth of God: And so was this former supplication given to be reformed, as Lethingtons wisedome thought best. And in very deed, he framed it so, That when it was delivered by the Superintendents of Lothain and Fyfe. And when the Queen had read somewhat of it, she said, Here are many faire words, I cannot tell what the hearts are; And so for our painted Oratory we were termed by the next name, Flatterers and dissemblers; but for that Session, the Church received no other answer.

Short after the Convention of the Church, chanced that unhappy persuite which Iohn Gordon, Iohn Gordonne and Ogilvie.Laird of Finlater, made upon the Lord Ogilvie, who was evill hurt, and was for a long time mitilate; The occasion was for certain Lands, and Rights, which old Finlater had resigned to the Lord, which he was pursuing by Law, and was in appearance to obtain his purpose; whereat, the said Iohn, and his servants were offended, and therefore made the said pursuite, upon a Saterday, at night, betwixt nine and ten. The friends of the said Lord, were either not with him, or else not willing to fight that night, for they took stroakes, but gave few that left markes.

The said Iohn was taken and put in the Tolbuith, where he ramained certain dayes, and then broke the Prison: Some judged, at his Fathers commandment; for he was making preparation for the Queens coming to the North, as we will after heare.

The enterview and meeting of the two Queens delayed till the next yeer. Our Soveraign took purpose to visite the North, and departed from Sterlin in the monethmonth of August; whether there was any paction and confederacy betwixt the Papists of the South, and the Earle of Huntly and his Papists in the North (or to speak more plainly) betwixt the Queen her Self, and Huntly: We cannot certainly affirme, But the suspitions were wondrous vehement, that there was no good will borne to the Earle of Murray, nor yet to such as depended upon him, at that time. The History we shall faithfully declare, and so leave the judgement free to the Readers.

That Iohn Gordon broke the Prison, we have already heard, who immediately repaired to his Father George, Earle of Huntly; and understanding the Queens coming, made great provision in Strabogie, and in other parts, as it were to receive the Queen. At Aberdeine, the Queen and Court, remained certaine dayes to deliberate upon the Affaires of the Countrey, where some began to smell, that the Earle of Huntly was privately gathering men, as hereafter shall be declared.

p. 342Whilest things was so working in the North, the Earle of Bothwell broke his prison, and came forth of the Castle of Edinburgh the eight and twentieth day of August;Bothwell brake the ward or prison. some say he broke the Stancheours of the Window; others whispered, that he got easie passage by the gates: one thing is certain, to wit, The Queen was little offended at his escaping. There passed with him a servant of the Captains, named Iames Porterfield. The said Earle shewed himself not very much afraid, for his common residence was in Louthain. The Bishop of Saint Andrews and Abbot of Crosrainell kept secret convention that same time in Paislay, Note another wavering of the Hamiltons.to whom resorted divers Papists; yea, the said Bishop spake to the Duke, unto whom also came the Lord Gordon from the Earle of Huntly, requiring him to stirre his hands in the South, as he should do in the North, and so it should not be Knox crying and preaching that should stay that purpose: The Bishop, be he never so close, could not altogether hide his minde, but at his own Table said, The Queen is gone into the North, belike to seek disobedience, she may perchance finde the thing she seeks. It was constantly affirmed, That the Earle Bothwell and the said Lord Gordon spake together, but of their purpose we heard no mention.

That same year, and in that same instant time, were appointed Commissioners by the Generall Assembly, to Carrick and Cunningham; Master George Hay, who with great profit preached the space of a monethmonth in all the Churches of Carrick. To Kyle and to the parts of Galloway was appointed Iohn Knox, who besides the doctrine of the Evangell, shewne to the common people, forewarned some of the Nobilitie and Barrows, of the dangers that he feared, and that were appearing shortly to follow; and exhorted them to put themselves in such order, as that they might be able to serve the authoritie, and yet not to suffer the enemies of Gods truth to have the upper hand: Whereupon a great part of the Barons and Gentlemen of Kyle, Cunningham and Carrick, professing the true doctrine of the Evangell, assembled at Ayre; and after the exhortation made, and conference had, subscribed this Bond, the Tenour whereof followeth:

A new Covenant, 1562.WE whose Names are under-written, do promise in the presence of God, and in the presence of his Son, our Lord Iesus Christ, that we and every one of us, shall and will maintain the preaching of his holy Evangell, now of his mercy offered and granted unto this Realm; and also will maintaine the Ministers of the same against all persons, power and authoritie that will oppose themselves to the Doctrine proposed, and by us received: And further, with the same solemnitie, we protest and promise, that every one of us shall assist another, yea,Note. and the whole Body of the Protestants within this Realme, in all lawfull and just occasions, against all persons; So that whosoever shall hurt, molest or trouble any of our bodies, shall be reputed enemies to the whole, except that the offender will be content to submit himself to the Government of the Church now established amongst us: and this p. 343we do, as we desire to be accepted and favoured of the Lord Iesus, and accepted worthy of credit and honesty in the presence of the godly.

At the Burgh of Aire the fourth day of September, in the year of God, 1552. Subscribed by all these with their hands, as followeth: The Earle Glencairne, Lord Boyde, Lord Uchiltrie and Failfurd, Mathew Cambell of Lowdoune Knight, Allaine Lord Cathcart, Caprington elder and younger, Cuninghameheid, Rowallan, Waterston, Craigie, Lefnoreis, Achinharvy, Middleton, Master Michael Wallace Provest of Ayr, with fourty more of the honestest Burgesses of that Towne. The Master of Boyd, Graitgirth, Barr, Carnell, Dreghorne, Hested, Skeldon, Wolston, Carsland, Fergnshill, Polquhairne, Stair, Barkskyning, Kinganelech, with a hundred more Gentle men of worth; Iohn Dumbar of Blantyre, Carleton and his brother, Halrig Cers, Kirckmichael, Dalyaroich, Crosclayes, Horsclench, Carbiston, Kelwood, Tarmganoich, &c.

THese things done at Ayr, the said Iohn passed to Nithsdaill, and Galloway, where, in conference with the Master of Maxwell, a man of great judgement and experience; he communicated with him such things as he feared, who by his motion wrote to the Earle of Bothwell to behave himself as it became a faithfull Subject, and to keep good quietnesse in the places committed to his charge, and that his crime of breaking the Ward would be the more easily pardoned. Iohn Knox wrote unto the Duke, and earnest-exhorted him neither to give ear to the Bishop his Bastard brother, no… yet to the perswasions of the Earle of Huntly; for if he did, he assured him, that he and his house should come to a sudden ruine. By which meanes was the South parts kept in reasonable quietnesse during the time that the troubles were a brewing in the North; and yet the Bishop and the Abbot of Cosraynell did what in them lay to have raised some trouble; for, besides the fearfull bruits that they spearced abroad, sometime that the Queen was taken, sometimes that the Earle of Murray and all his were slain, and sometimes that the Queen had given her self to the Earle of Huntly; besides such bruits the Bishop to break the Countrey of Kyle, where quietnesse then was greatest, raised the Crawfords, against the Reides, for the payment of the Bishops Paschfynes; but that was pacified by the labor of indifferent men, who favoured peace. The Abbot of Cosrainell required disputation of Iohn Knox for maintenance of the Masse, which was granted unto him; and the dispute held in Mayboll three dayes: The Abbot had the advantage that he required, to wit, he took in hand to prove, That Melchisedec offered Bread and Wine unto God; which was the ground that the Masse was built upon p. 344to be a Sacrifice, &c. But in the work of three dayes there could no proofe be produced for Melchizedecks Oblation; as in the disputation, (which was afterwards Printed) clearly may appeare. The Papists looked for a revolt, and therefore they would have some brag of reasoning; the Abbot further presented himself to the Pulpit, but the voyce of Master George Hay so affrayed him, that after once he was wearied o… that exercise.

After that the Queene was somewhat satisfied of hunting, and other pastimes, she came to Aberdein, where the Earle of Huntly met her, and his Ladies, with no small Train, who remained in Court, and was supposed to have the greatest credite, departed with the Queen to Buchan, met her againe at Rothemay, looking that shee should have passed with him to Strabogy; but in the journey certain word came to her, that Iohn Gordon had broken promise in not re-entring in ward; for his Father the Earle had promised, that he should enter againe within the Castle of Sterlin, and there abide the Queens pleasure; but whether with his Fathers knowledge and consent, or without the same, we know not; but he refused to enter: which so offended the Queen, that she would not go to Strabogy, but passed thorow Straithla to Innernesse, where the Castle thereof was denyed unto her; the Captaine was commanded to keep it, and looked for relief; for so had Iohn Gordon promised; but being thereof frustrate, the Castle was rendred, and the Captain called; Gordon was executed upon the place, the rest were condemned, and the hands of some bound, but escaped.

This was the beginning of further trouble, for the Earle of Huntly thereat offended, began to assemble his Folkes, and spared not to speak that he would be revenged; But alwayes his Wife bare a faire countenance to the Queen; and it is verily supposed, that no other harme then the Queen her self could easily have stood content with, was meaned unto her own person. But the whole matter lay upon the Earle of Murray, Secretary Lethington and the Laird of Pittaro; yet the Queene began to be afraid, and by Proclamation, caused to warn Sterling Shire, Fyfe, Anguis, Mernes, and Stratherne, charging all substantiall men to be in Aberdein the fifth day of October, there to remaine the space of twenty dayes; In her return from Innernesse she required the Castle of Finlater, which was likewise denyed, and so was Anchndowne; which more angred the Queen. The Earle of Huntly was charged to cause deliver the said house, under the pain of Treason; to shew some obedience, he caused the Keyes of both to be presented by his servant Master Thomas Keir; But before had the Queen sent young Captaine Stewart, son to Iames, (who to this day hath neither been stout, happy, nor true) with sixscore to lye about the places of Finlater. They lodged in Culan, not farre distant from the said place. But upon a night Iohn Gordon came with a company of Horsemen, took the Captain, slew certain of the Souldiers, and disarmed the rest.

This fact done (as the Queen alleaged) under trust, so inflamed her, that all hope of reconciliation was past; and so the Earl of Huntly was charged under the pain of putting him to the Horn, to present himselfe, and the said Iohn before the Queen and Councill within six dayes; which charge he p. 345disobeyed, and so was denounced Rebell: Whether it was Law or not, we dispute little thereof; but it was a preparative to others, that after were served with the like measure:So was the Duke. the Earls of Argyle, Murray, and Glencarne, with all their Company after ter served. The day of Correthie field. Octob. 22. 1562 he was sought at his Place of Stragobie, but escaped. The evil encreased, for the Earle assembled his fellowes out of all parts of the North: He marched forwards towards Aberdiene, and upon the two and twentieth of October, 1562. came to the Lough of Skeine.

His Army was judged to be seven or eight hundred men. The Queens Army, both in number and man-hood, far surmounting his, and yet he took no fear; for he was assured of the most part of them which were with the Queen; as the issue did witnesse: Within the Town they stood in great fear, and therefore it was concluded, That they would assayle the uttermost upon the fields. The Forbesses, Hayes, and Lesleyes took the Vant-guard, and promised to fight with the said Earle, without any other help. They passed forth of the Towne before ten hours in the morning; they put themselves in aray, but they approached not the enemy, till that the Earle of Murray and his Company were come to the fields, and that was after two after noon; for he was appointed with his Company, onelyonly to have beholded the Battell: but all things turned otherwise then the most part of men supposed.

The Earle of Huntley was the night before determined to have retired himselfe and his Company: But that morning he could not be wakened, before it was ten hours; and when he was upon his feet, his spirits failed him, by reason of his corpulency, so that rightly, a long time he could do nothing: Some of his friends fearing the danger, left him. When that he looked upon both the Companies, he said, This great Company that approacheth neerest to us, will do us no harme, they are our friends: I onelyonly feare that small Company that stands on the hill side, they are our enemies: But we are enough for them, if God be with us. And when he had thus spoken, he fell upon his knees, and made his Prayer in this form:

O Lord, The Earle of Huntlies prayer.I have been a blood-thirstie man, and by my means hath much innocent blood been spilt: But wilt thou give me Victory this day, and I shall serve thee all the dayes of my life.

Note and observe, good Reader, he confesseth that he hath beene a blood-thirsty man; and that he had been the cause of the shedding of much innocent blood; but yet would he have had Victory: And what was that else, but to have had power to have shedded more, and then would he have satisfied God for altogether; wherein is expressed the nature of hypocrites,Note. which never fear nor love God further then present danger or profit perswadeth. But to our History.

The Lesleyes, Hayes, and Forbisses, espying the Earle of Murray and his to have lighted upon their feet, and made forward against the Earle of Huntley and his, who stood in Correthieburne (some call it Farabanke) But ere they approached nigh,Corriethieburne, or Farabank. by the space of the shot of an Arrow, they cast from them their Spears and long Weapons, and fled directly in the face of the Earle of Murray and his Company: The p. 346danger espied, the Laird of Pittarrow (a man both stout, and of a ready wit) with the Master, after Lord Lyndsey, and Tutor of Pitcur, said, Let us cast down Spears to the foremost, and let them not come in amongst us; for there is no doubt but this flying is but Treachery: And so they did, so that they that fled of Huntley seeing the Vaunt-guard flie, said unto his Company, Our friends are honest men, they have kept promise; Let us now encounter the rest. And so he and his, as sure of Victory, marched forward. The Secretary in few words, made a vehement Oration; and they willed every man to call upon his God, to remember his duty, and not to fear the multitude: And in the end concluded thus: O Lord, thou that rulest the heaven and the earth, Secretary Lethingtons Oration.look upon thy servants, whose blood this day is most unjustly sought, and to mans judgement, are sold and betrayed, our refuge is now unto thee, and our hope is in thee: Iudge thou, O Lord, betwixt us and the Earle of Huntlie, and the rest of our enemies: If ever we have justly sought his or their destruction and blood, let us fall on the sword. And, O Lord, if thou knowest our innocency, maintain thou and preserve us, for thy great mercies sake.

Shortly after the speaking of these and the like words, the former Rank rejoyced; for Huntlies Company made great haste: They were repulsed by the Master of Lyndsay; and the Companies of Fyfe and Angus, some of them that had fled, returned, and followed the Earle of Murray, but gave no stroke, till that Huntlies Company gave back. In the Front there was slain eighteen or four and twenty men; and in the flying there fell 100. There were taken 100. and the rest were spared: The Earl himselfe was taken alive; his two sons, Iohn aforesaid, and Adam Gordon, were taken with him. The Earle, immediately after his taking, departed this life, without any wound, or yet appearance of any stroke, whereof death might have ensued: And so, because it was late, he was cast overthwart or upon a payre of Creilles, and so was carried to Aberdeine, and was laid in the Tolbuith thereof, that that which his wives Witches had given, might be fulfilled; who all affirmed (as the most part say) That same night he should be in the Towne of Aberdeine, without any wound upon his body. When his Lady got knowledge thereof, she blamed her principall Witch, called Iannett; but she stoutly defended her selfe (as the devill can do) and affirmed, That she gave a true answer, albeit she spake not all the truth; for she knew that he should be there dead, but that could not profit my Lady. She was angry and sorry for a season: But the devill, the Masse, and Witches, have all great credit with her this day, the twelfth of Iune, 1566. as they had seven yeers agoe.

The Earle of Murray sent a Message unto the Queen, of the marvellous Victory; and humbly prayed her to shew that obedience to God, as publikely to convene with them, to give thanks unto God for his notable deliverance. She glomed and frowned both at the Message, and at the Request, and scarcely would give a good word, or blythe and merry countenance to any that she knew earnest favourers of the Earle of Murray, whose prosperity was, and yet is a very venome to her boldned heart: For many dayes she bare no better countenance; whereby it might have been easily espied, That she rejoyced not greatly of the successe of p. 347that matter; And albeit she caused to execute Iohn Gordon, and divers others, yet it was the destruction of others that she sought.

Upon the morrow after the discomfiture, the Lady Forbesse, a woman both wise, and fearing God, came, amongst many others, to visite the Corps of the said Earle; and seeing him lie upon the cold stones, having onelyonly upon him a Doublet of Canvas, a payre of Scotch gray Hose,The Lady Forbesse her words. and him covered with an Arras work. She said, What stability shall we judge to be in this world? There lieth he that yesterday in the morning was esteemed the wisest, the richest, and man of greatest power that was within Scotland. And in very deed she lyed not; for in mans opinion, under a Prince, there was not such a one these three hundred yeers in this Realme produced:Let others that yet live mark this. But felicity and worldly wisedom so blinded him, that in the end he perished in them, as shall all those that despight God, and trust in themselves.

Iohn Gordon, at his death, confessed many horrible things, devised by his father, by his brother, and by himself. There were Letters found in the Earles pocket, that disclosed the Treason of the Earle of Sutherland, and of divers others. Master Thomas Keir, who before was the whole Councellor of the said Earle, disclosed whatsoever he understood might hurt the Gordons and their friends, and so Treason plainly disclosed; which was, That the Earle of Murray should have been murthered in Stragobie; the Queen should have been taken, and kept at the devotion of the said Earle of Huntley. These things, we say, revealed, the Queen left the North, and came to Dundie, Saint Iohnston, Sterlin, and then to Edinburgh: The Earle of Huntleys body was carryed about in a Boat, and laid without Buriall in the Abbey of Halyrud-house, till the day of his Forefaltor, as after shall be declared. The Duke apprehended the Lord Gordon his son in Law, because that the Queen had straitly commanded him so to do, if that he repaired within his bounds. Before that he delivered him, the Earle of Murray laboured at the Queens hands for the safety of his life, which hardly was granted; and so was he delivered within the Castle of Edinburgh, the eight and twentieth day of November. 1562. where he remained till the eighth day of February; when he was put to an Assise, accused and convinced of Treason; but was restored againe; first, to the Castle aforesaid, and thereafter was transported to Dumbar, where he remained prisoner till the monethmonth of August, in the yeer of God 1565. as we will after hear.

In the mean time the troubles were hot in France, and the intelligence and outward familiarity betwixt the two Queens was great; Lethington was directed with large Commission, both to the Queene of England, and to the Guisians.

The Marriage of our Queen was in all mens mouthes; some would have the Infant of Spaine, Mens judgement of the Queens Marriage.some the Emperours Brother, some Duke Denemours, and some truely guessed at the Lord Darley.

What Lethingtons Credit was, we know not; but shortly after there began much to be talked of the Earle of Lenox, and of his son p. 348the Lord Darley. It was said that Lethington spake to the Lady Margaret Dowglas; And that Robert Melvill received a horse to the Secretaries use from the Earle of Lenox, or from his wife. Howsoever it was, Master Fouller servant to the said Earle, came with Letters to the Queene, by which, License was permitted to the Earle of Lenox to come to Scotland, to travell in his lawfull businesse. That same day the Queens License was granted, the Secretary said, This day I have taken upon me the deadly hatred of all the Hamiltons within Scotland, and have done unto them no lesse displeasure, then if I had cut their throats. The Earle Bothwell, who before had broken Ward, fearing apprehension or taking, prepared to passe to France; but by storm of Weather was driven into England, where he was stayed, and was offered to have been rendred by the Queen of England: But our Queens answer was, That he was no Rebell, and therefore she requested that he should have liberty to passe whither he pleased. And thereto Lethington helped not a little, for he travelled to have friends in every faction of the Court. And so obtained the said Earle Lincense to passe to France.

The Winter after the death of the Earle of Huntley, the Court remained for the most part at Edinburgh. The Preachers were wondrous vehement in reprehension of all manner of Vice, which then began to abound; and especially Avarice, Oppression of the poore, Excesse, Ryotous Cheer, Banquetting, immoderate Dancing, and Whoredome, that thereof ensues. Whereat the Courtiers began to storme and to pick quarrells against the Preachers,Note this. alleadging that all their Preaching was turned to Rayling;The Preachers railed upon the Courtiers. whereunto one of them gave answer as followeth; It comes to our eares that we are called Raylers, whereof albeit we wonder, yet we are not ashamed, seeing that the most worthy servants of God that before us have travelled in this Vocation, have so been stiled: But unto you do I say, That the same God,The Preachers Admonition after the Earle of Huntlies death. who from the beginning hath punished the Contempt of his Word, and hath poured forth his Vengeance upon such proud mockers, shall not spare you; yea, he shall not spare you before the eyes of this same wicked Generation, for the pleasure whereof ye despise all wholesome Admonitions: Have you not seen greater then any of you sitting where presently ye sit,Meaning of Huntley. pick his nayles, and pull down his Bonnet over his eyes, when Idolatry, Witchcraft, Murther, Oppression, and such Vices, were rebuked: Was not this his common talke? When these Knaves have rayled their fill, then will they hold their peace: Have ye not heard it affirmed to his owne face, That God should revenge that his Blasphemie, even in the eyes of such as were witnesse to his iniquity.

Then was the Earle of Huntley accused by you, as the maintainer of Idolatry, and onelyonly hinderer of all good Orders; him hath God punished, even according to the threatnings that his and your ears heard, and by your hands hath God executed his Judgements: But what amendment can be espied in you? Idolatry was never in greater quiet, Vertue and vertuous men were never in more contempt; Vice was p. 349never more bold, nor punishment lesse feared. And yet who guides the Queene and Court; who but the Protestants. O horrible slanderers of God, and of his holy Evangell; Better it were unto you, plainely to renounce Christ Jesus,The end declared their words to be true. then thus to expose his blessed Evangell to Mockage: if God punisheth not you, That this same age shall see and behold your punishment, the spirit of righteous judgement guides me not.

This vehemency provoked the hatred, not onelyonly of the Courtiers, but also of divers others against the Speaker, which was Iohn Knox; for such as be in credit, never lack flatterers. Their Brethren of the Court were irreverendly handled. What was that, but to raise the hearts of the people against them; They did what they could. Such speaking would cause them to do lesse.The defence of the Courtiers. And this was the fruit that the Preachers gathered of their just reprehensions; The generall Assembly of the Church held on the 25 of December, 1562. approached. In the which, great complaints were made; That Churches lacked Ministers; That Ministers lacked their Stipends; That wicked men were permitted to be Schoole-Masters; and so to infect the youth amongst them, whom one Master Robert Cunning Schoole-master in Aberbrothoke, was complained upon by the Laird of Dun, and sentence pronounced against him. It was further complained, That Idolatry was erected in divers parts of the Realm: For redresse hereof, some thought best, That a new supplication should be presented to the Queen; others demanded, what answer was received of the former. The superintendent of Lowthian confessed the delivery of it; but (said he) I received no answer. It was answered for the part of the Queene, (for her supposts were ever there) that it was well known to the whole Realm, what troubles had occurred since the last Assembly; and therefore, That they should not wonder, albeit that the Queen had not answered, but betwixt that and the Parliament, which was appointed to be in May, they doubted not but such order should be taken,The Queens practise. as all men should have occasion to stand content. This satisfied for that time the whole Assembly. And this was the practice of the Queene, and of her Councell, with faire words to drive time, as before we have said.

The Assembly notwithstanding proceeded forward in establishing of such orders, as whereby vice might be punished, and vertue might be maintained, And because there was a great slander risen upon Paul Meffane of whom mention is made in the second Booke of the Historie, Commissions and charge was given unto Iohn Knox, Minister of Edinburgh, and unto certain of the Elders of the Church of Edinburgh, to passe to the Town of Iedwart, where the slander was raised, and to be found there,The tryall of Pauls Meffanes fact. the third of Ianuary next, was the tryall to be taken of the slander raised, and to hear the Articles and complaint of the said Paul: and after the tryall, to report the truth to the Session of the Church of Edinburgh; To whom with the assistance of the superintendent of Lowthian Commission was given to discerne therein. The tryall and examination of that crime was difficile, the slander was universall in that Towne and Country; the servant woman of the said Paul, had betwixt that and Christmas left his House, she had borne a child, no father to it could she p. 350finde, but alleaged her self to have been suppressed late in an Evening; the said Paul constantly affirmed himself innocent, and would have given his publike purgation; but because his Accusators had taken on them to prove ther accusation that was denyed, many witnesses were produced, of whom some deposed so clearly, that the Commissioners suspected, that they had been suborned, and therefore they required to have inspection of the places, where some said they saw, and some said they heard them in the very act of iniquitie. The sight and consideration of the place augmented greatly the suspition; but one thing was most suspitious of all other, for the Wife of the sad Paul (an ancient Matron) was absent from him the space of eight or nine weeks in Dundie; which time (or at least a great part thereof) they suspected, and he lay nightly in one house without other company then a Childe of seven or eight yeers of age. The Judges, notwithstanding these suspitions, having a good opinion of the honestie and godlinesse of the man, travelled what they could (conscience not hurt) to purge him of the slander: But God, who would not that such a Villanie should be cloaked and concealed within his Kirk, otherwayes had decreed, for he brought the brother of the guilty woman to the Towne, having no minde of such matters, who being produced by the Accusators, as one that was privy to the fact; and knew the veritie of all circumstances; this witnesse, we say, (which could not be suspected) being produced, made the matter so plain and clear, that all suspition was removed; for he it was that conveyde the woman away, he it was that caused the Childe to be baptised, alleaging it to be his own; he it was that carried frequent message betwixt them, and from Paul carryed money and clothes divers times: How soon that ever the said Paul saw that man produced, as Witnesse, he withdrew himselfe and left the Town, by that means plainly taking upon him the Crime; And so the Commissioners with full information, returned to Dundie, and notified the same unto the Kirke, who caused publikely to summon the said Paul to hear the sentence pronounced; who not appearing in the end, for his odious Crime and contumacy, was publikely excommunicated, and was deprived of all functions within the Kirke of Scotland, and so left the Realme. For two causes we insert this horrible fact, and the order kept in punishing of the same; the former to forewarn such as travell in that Vocation, that according to the admonition of the Apostle, Such as stand, take heed lest they fall. No man in the beginning of the Evangell, was judged more fervent and more upright; and yet we have heard how far Sathan has prevailed against him; God grant that we may hear of his repentance; neither yet should this fall do any thing to prejudice the Authoritie of the Doctrine which he taught, for the Doctrine of God hath its authority of no creature, but hath the assurance of God himselfe, how weak or imperfect soever the Instruments be by whom it pleaseth God to publish the same. The treason of Iudas, the Adultery of David, and abnegation of Peter did derogate nothing from the glory of Christs Evangell, nor yet the Doctrine which before they had taught; but declared the one to be a Reprobate, and the other to be Instruments in whom mercy must surmount judgement. The other cause is, that the World may see what difference there is betwixt the uprightnesse of the Kirke of God, and p. 351the corruption that reignes in the Synagogue of Sathan, the Papisticall rabble; for how many of that sort hath been, and still remaine openly knowne Whoremongers, Adulterers, Violators of Virgines, yea, and committers of such abominations as we will not name; and yet are they called and permitted to be Bishops, Archbishops, Cardinalls and Popes themselves: For what sinnes can unable the sworne servants of Symonie, and of their Father the Devill? For bragg what they list of Christ, of Peter, and of Paul, their lives and conversation bear witnesse to whom they belong. But we return to our History of things done in Court.

Amongst the Menizoons of the Court, there was one named Monsieur Chattelet, a Frenchman, that at that time passed all others in credit with the Queene: In dancing of the purpose, so terme they that dance, in the which man and woman talketh secretly, wise men would judge such fashions not agreeable to the gravity of honest women. In this dance the Queen choose Chattelet, Chattelet and the Queen.and Chattelet took the Queen, for he had the best dresse. All this winter Chattelet was so familiar with the Queen, that the Nobilitie being by this means stopped to have so free accesse as they thought fit and due unto them, were highly offended; at length Chattelet having conveyed himselfe privately under the Queens Bed, but being espied, was commanded away: The Bruit arising, the Queene called the Earle of Murray, and bursting in a womanly affection,The Queens desire concerning Chattelet. charged him, that as he loved her, he should slay Chatelet, and let him never speak word. The other at the first made promise so to doe; but after calling to minde the judgement of GOD pronounced against the shedders of innocent blood, and also that none should die without the testimonie of two or three witnesses, returned, and fell upon his knees before the Queen, and said, Madame, I beseech your Majestie cause not me to take the blood of this man upon me; Your Majestie hath used him so familiarlie before, that you have offended all your Nobilitie; and now if he shall be secretly slain at your owne commandment, what shall the world judge of it? I shall bring him to the presence of Justice, and let him suffer by Law according to his deserving. Oh, said the Queene, you shall not let him speake. I shall doe (said he) Madame, what in me lyeth, to give your Majestie content. Poor Chattelet was brought back from Kingorne to Saint Andrews, examined, put to an Assize, and so beheaded the two and twentieth day of February, Anno Dom. 1562. He begged license to write to France the cause of his death; which said he, in his Tongue was Pour estre trouve en lien trop suspect; that is, Because I was found in a place too much suspected. At the place of Execution, when he saw that there was no remedie, but death, he made a godly confession, and granted, that his declining from the truth of God, and following of vanitie and impietie, was justly repayed unto him: But in the end he concluded, looking unto the Heavens, with these words, O cruelle Dame! What that complaint imported I leave it to conjecture; and so received Chattelet the reward of his dancing, for he lost his Head, that his Tongue should not utter p. 352the secrets of our Queen; deliver us, O Lord from the rage of so inordinate a Court.

The punishment of God for maintaining and erecting of the Masse, death and famine.The year of God, 1563. there was a universall death in all Scotland, but in the North, where (the Harvest before) the Queene had been, there was a great Famine, of which may died in that Countrey. the dearth was great over all, but the Famine in the Wheat, the Beare or Barley, the Meale, the Oates, Beefe, Mutton, &c, were exceeding dear and scant; yea, all things appertaining to the sustentation of man, in triple, and more exceeded, their accustomed prices. And so did God according to the threatning of the Law punish the Idolatry of our wicked Rulers, and our ingratitude that suffered them to defile the Land with that abomination again, that God so potently had purged by the power of his Word; for the riotous Feasting and excessive Banquetting used in City and Countrey, wheresoever that the prophane Court repaired, provoked God to strike the Staffe of Bread, and to give his maledictions upon the fruits of the earth. But alas, who looked, or yet looks to the true cause of our Calamitie?

Lethington was absent (as before we have heard) in the Queens affairs; the Papists at that Pasch. Ann. 1563. in divers parts of the Realm, had erected that Idoll the Masse, amongst whom the Bish. of S. Andrews, the Prior of Quihithorn, with divers others of that faction would avow it. Besides the first Proclamation, there had Letters past in the contrary with certification of death to the contraveiner.

The Brethren universally offended, and espying that the Queene by Proclamation did but delude them, determined to put to their own hands, and to punish for example of others; and so some Priests in the West-Land were apprehended; Intimation made unto others, as to the Abbot of Cosragnell, the Parson of Sangohar, and such, that they should neither complaine to the Queene nor Counsell, but should execute the punishment that God has appointed to Idolaters in his Law, by such means as they might, where ever they should be apprehended.

The Queen stormed at such freedom of speaking, but she could not amend it, for the Spirit of God, of boldnesse, and of wisdome had not left the most part of such as God had made Instruments in the beginning, they were of one minde to maintaine the truth, and to suppresse Idolatry, particularities had not divided them; and therefore could not the Devill working in the Court, and in Papists, do then what they would; and therefore the Court began to invent a new craft; The Queen advised, to send for Iohn Knox to come to her where she lay,Iohn Knox sent for by the Queen. at Lochlevin; She dealt with him earnestly two houres before supper, that he would be the Instrument to perswade the people, and principally the Gentlemen of the West, not to put hand to punish any man for the using of themselves in their religions as pleased them. The other perceiving her craft willed her Majestie to punish Malefactors according to the Laws, and he durst promise quietnesse upon the par… of all them that professed the Lord Jesus within Scotland; But if her Majestie thought to delude the Laws, he said, he feared some would let the Papists understand,Reasoning between I. Knox and the Queen that without punishment they should no be suffered so manifestly to offend Gods Majestie. Will ye (quoth she) allow that they shall p. 353take my Sword in their hand. The Sword of Justice (quoth he) Madame, is Gods, and is given to Princes and Rulers for one end: which if they transgresse, sparing the wicked, and oppressing the Innocents. They that in the fear of God execute Judgement where God hath commanded, offend not God, although Kings do it not; neither yet sin they that bridle Kings to strike innocent men in their rage: The examples are evident; for Samuel spared not to slay Agag, the fat and delicate King of Amelek, whom King Saul had saved: Neither spared Elias, Iezabels false Prophets, and Baals Priests, albeit that King Achab was present: Phineas was no Magistrate, and yet feared he not to strike Zimri and Cozbi, in the very act of filthy Fornication. And so, Madame, your Majesty may see that others then chief Magistrates may lawfully punish, and have punished the vice and crimes that God commands to be punished: For Power by Act of Parliament is given to all Judges within their own bounds, to search the Masse-mongers, or hearers of the same, and to punish them according to the Law.Note diligently. And therefore it shall be profitable to your Majesty to consider what is the thing your Majesties subjects look to receive of your Majesty; and what it is you ought to do unto them by mutuall Contract. They are bound to obey you; and that not, but in God ye are bound to keep Laws unto them: Ye crave of them service, They crave of you Protection and Defence against wicked doers. Now, Madame, if ye shall deny your Duty unto them, who especially crave that ye punish Malefactors; Think ye to receive full Obedience of them? I fear, Madame, ye shall not. Herewith she being somewhat offended, past to her Supper. The said Iohn left her, and informed the Earle of Murray of the whole reasoning, and so departed, of finall purpose to have returned to Edinburgh, without any further communication with the Queen: But before the Sun rising on the morne were two directed (Wat Melvill was the one) to him, commanding him not to depart, whilst he had spoken with the Queens Majesty; which he did, and met her at the Hawking by West Kinros. Whether it was the nights sleepe, or a deep dissimulation locked in her brest, that made her to forget the former anger, wise men may doubt; But thereof she never moved word, but began divers other purposes, such as the offering of a Ring to her by the Lord Ruthuen, whom (said she) I cannot love (for I know him to use Enchantment; and yet he is one of my Privy Councell. Whom blameth your Majesty (said the other) thereof? Lethington (said she) was the whole cause. That man is absent for this present (said he) Madame, and therefore I will speak nothing in that behalfe. I understand (said the Queen) That ye are appointed to go to Dumfreis, for the Election of a Superintendent to be established in those Countreyes. Yes (said he) those Quarters have great need, and some of the Gentlemen so require. But I heare (said she) That the Bishop of Caithnes would be Superintendent. He is one (said the other) Madame, that is put in Election. If ye knew him (said she) as well as I do, ye would never promote him to that Office, nor yet to any other within your Kirk. What he hath been (said he) Madame, I never knew, nor yet will I enquire; for in time of darknesse, What could we do p. 354but g…ope and go wrong, even as darknesse carryed us; but if he feare not GOD now, he deceives many more then me: And yet said he, Madame, I am assured, GOD will not suffer his CHURCH to be so farre deceived, As that an unworthy man shall be Elected, where free Election is, and the Spirit of GOD is earnestly called upon, to decide betwixt the two: Well said she, do as ye will, But that man is a dangerous man,The Queens judgement of the Bishop of Cathaes. and therein was not the Queen deceived; For he had corrupted the most part of the Gentlemen, not onelyonly to nominate him, but also to Elect him, which perceived by the said Iohn, Commissioner, delayed the Election, and left it with the Master of Maxwell, Master Robert Pont, who was put in Election (with the foresaid Bishop) to the end that his Doctrine and Conversation might be the better tryed of these that had not known him before; and so was this Bishop frustrate of his purpose for that present; and yet was he at that time the man that was most familiar with the said Iohn in his house, and at Table. But now to the former conference, When the Queen had long talked with Iohn Knox, and he being oft willing to take his leave, she said, I have one of the greatest matters that have touched me since I came in this Realm,The Lady Argile was naturall Sister to the Queen, as the Earle Murray was naturall Brother. to open unto you, and I must have your help into it. And she began to make a long discourse of her Sister, the Lady Argile, how that she was not so circumspect in all things, as she wished her to be; and yet said she, my Lord, her husband whom I love, useth her not in many things so honestly, and so godlily, as I thinke ye your self would require: Madam said he, I have been troubled with that matter before, and once I put an end to it (and that was before your Majesties arrivall) that both she and her friends, seemed fully to stand content; and she her self promised before her friends, That she would never complain to any Creature, till that I should first understand the controversie by her own mouth, or else by one assured Messenger: I now have heard nothing of her part; and therefore, I think there is nothing but concord: Well said the Queen, it is worse then ye beleeve; but do this much for my sake, as once again to put them at Unitie; and if she behave not her self, so as she ought to do, she shall finde no favour of me; but in any wise said she, let my Lord know, That I have requested you in this matter; For I would be very sorry to offend him in that, or in any other thing. And now said she, as touching our reasoning yesternight, I promise to do as ye required. I shall cause to summon all offenders, and yee shall know that I shall minister Justice. I am assured then said he, That ye shall please God, and enjoy rest and tranquilitie within your Realm, which to your Majesty is more profitable, then all the Popes power can be. And thus they departed.

This Conference we have inserted, to let the World see how deeply Mary Queen of Scotland, can dissemble; and how that she could cause men to thinke, That she bare no indignation for any controversie in Religion, which that yet in her heart was nothing but venome, and destruction, as shortly after did appeare. Iohn Knox departed, and prepared himself for his journey, appointed to Dunfreis. And p. 355from Glasgow, according to the Queens Commandment; he wrote this Letter to the Earle of Argyle, the Tenour whereof follows.

My Lord,

THe Lord cometh, and shall not tarry. After commendation of my service unto your Lordship: If I had known of your Lordships sudden departing, the last time it chanced me to see and speak with you, I had opened unto you some of my grief: But supposing that your Lordship should have remained still with the Queen, I delayed at that time to utter any part of that which now my conscience compelleth me to do. Your behaviour towards your wife is very offensive unto many godly: Her complaint is grievous, That ye altogether withdraw your conversation from her: If so, ye have great need to look well to your own state; for albeit that ye within your self felt no more repugnancie then any flesh this day on the earth, yet by promise made before God, are ye debtour unto her in all due benevolence. But if that ye burne on the one side, (albeit ye do no worse) and she in your default on the other, ye are not onelyonly men sworn before God, but also doth what in you lieth, to kindle against your self his wrath and heavie displeasure. The words are sharp, and God is witnesse in dolour of heart I write them: But because they are true, and pronounced by God himself, I dare not but admonish you, perceiving you, as it were sleeping in sin. The proud stubbornnesse whereof your Lordship oft complained, will nothing excuse you before God; for if ye be not able to convince her of any fault, ye ought to bear with her imperfections, as that ye would she should bear with you likewise. In the bowells of Christ Jesus, I exhort you, my Lord, to have respect of your own salvation, and not to abuse the lenity and long-suffering of God; for that is a fearfull treasure that ye heap up upon your own head, while that he calleth you to repentance, and ye obstinately continue in your own impiety; for impiety it is, that ye abstract your comfort and company from your lawfull wife. I write nothing in defence of her misbehaviour towards your Lordship in any sort; but I say, If ye be not able to convince her of any fault committed since your last reconciliation, which was in my presence, that ye can never be excused before God, of this rude and strange usage of your wife. And if by you such impiety be committed as is bruted, then, before God, and unto your owne conscience, I say, That every moment of that filthy pleasure, shall turne to you, in a yeers displeasure; yea, it shall be the occasion and cause of everlasting damnation, unlesse speedily ye repent: and repent ye cannot, except ye desist from that impiety. Call to minde, my Lord, That the servant knowing his masters will, and doing the contrary, shall be plagued with many plagues. Sin, my Lord, is sweet in drinking; but in digesting, more bitter then the gall. The Eternall move your heart earnestly to consider how fearfull a thing it is, ever to have God to be enemy. In the end, I pray your Lordship not to be absent from Edinburgh, the 19 of this instant, for such causes as I will not write. Thus much onelyonly I warne your Lordship, that it will not be profitable for the common quietnesse of this Realme, that the Papists brag, p. 356and Justice be mocked that day. And thus I cease further to trouble your Lordship, whom God assist.

In haste from Glasgow, the 7 of May, 1563. Your Lordships to command in godlinesse, Sic subscribitur, JOHN KNOX.

THis Letter was not well accepted of the said Earle, and yet did he utter no part of his displeasure in publike, but contrarily shewed himself most familiar with the said Iohn Knox: He kept the Diet, and sate in Judgement himself, where the Bishop, and the rest of the Papists, were accused as after follows.

The Summons were directed against the Masse-mongers with expedition, and in the straitest forme: The day was appointed, the 19 of May, a day onelyonly before the Parliament of Popes Knights appeared. The Bishop of Saint Androes, the Prior of Quinthorne, the Parson of Sanguhair, William Hamilton of Camskeneth, Iohn Gordon of Barskuch, with divers others. The Protestants convened whole, to crave for Justice. The Queen asked counsell of the Bishop of Rosse, and of the old Laird of Lethington (for the younger was absent, and so the Protestants had fewer friends) who affirmed, That she must see her Laws kept, or else she would get no obedience: and so was preparations made for their accusations. The Bishop,The Clergie did pretend to be free from all Jurisdiction, save the Popes. and his band of the exempted sort, made nice to enter before the Earle of Argyle, who sate in Judgement; but at last he was compelled to enter within the Barre. A merry man, who now sleeps with the Lord, Robert Horwell, instead of the Bishops Crosse, bore before him a Steel Hammer: Whereat the Bishop and his Band were not a little offended, because the Bishops priviledges were not then currant in Scotland (which day God grant our posterity may see of longer continuance then we possessed it.) The Bishop and his fellows, after much ado, and long drift of time, came in the Queens will, and were committed to Ward, some to one place, and some to another. The Lady Arskine got the Bishops for her part. All this was done of a most deep craft, to abuse the simplicity of the Protestants, that they should not presse the Queen with any other thing concerning the matters of Religion.

At that Parliament, which began within two dayes thereafter, she obtained of the Protestants whatsoever she desired; for this was the reason of many,The judgment of some. We see what the Queen hath done, the like of this was never heard within this Realme; we will bear with the Queen, we doubt not but all shall be well. Others were of contrary judgement, and forespake things, as after they came to passe; to wit, That nothing was meant but deceit; and that the Queen, how soon that ever the Parliament was past, should set the Papists at freedome: And therefore willed the Nobility not to be abused. But because many had their private businesse to be handled at that Parliament, the common Cause was the lesse regarded.

p. 357The Earle of Huntley, whose Corps had been unburied till the time it was brought to the Tolbuith; he was accused his Arms rent off; himself, the Earle of Sutherland, Huntley forfeited.and eleven Barons, and Earles, bearing the surname of Gordon, were that day forfeited; the Lady Huntley craftily protested and asked the support of a man of Law, or Counsellor.

Such stinking pride of women,The pride of Women at that Parliament. as was seen at that Parliament, was never seen before in Scotland. Three sundry dayes the Queen rode to the Tolbuith; The first day she made a painted Oration, and there might have been heard amongst her flatteries, Vox Dianae, The voyce of a goddesse, for it could not be Dei, and not of a Woman: God save that sweet face; Was there ever Orator spake so properly and so sweetly, &c.

All things misliked the Preachers; They spake boldly against the superfluities of their Cloathes, and against the rest of their vanitie, which they affirmed should provoke Gods vengeance, not onelyonly against these foolish Women, but against the whole Realme; and especially against those that maintained them in that odious abusing of things that might have been better bestowed. Articles were presented for orders to be taken for Apparrell, and for Reformation of other Enormities, but all was winked at.

The Earledome of Murray, Note diligently.needed confirmation, and many things were to be ratified that concerned the helpe of friends and servants; and therefore they might not urge the Queene,And so was Religion and the Common-wealth, both neglected. For if they so did, she would hold no Parliament; and what then should become of them that had medled with the slaughter of the Earle of Huntley, let that Parliament passe over; and when the Queene shall aske any thing of the Nobilitie, as she must do before her marriage; then shall Religion be the first thing that shall be established. It was answered, That the Poets and Painters erred not altogether,Occasion painted with a bald Hind-head. that fained and painted Occasion with a bald Hind-head: For the first, when it is offered, being lost, is hard to be recovered againe.Variance betwixt the Earle of Murray and Iohn Knox. The matter fell so hot betwixt the Earl of Murray, and some others of the Court, and Iohn Knox, That familiarly after that time, they spake not together more then a yeer and a half; For the said Iohn by his Letter, gave a discharge to the said Earle of all further intromission or care with his affaires. He made unto him a discourse of their first acquaintance, in what estate he was, when that first they spake together in London, how God had promoted him, and that above mans judgement, and in the end made this conclusion: But seeing that I perceive my self frustrate of my expectation, which was, That ye should ever have preferred God to your own affection, and the advancement of his Truth, to your owne commoditie, I commit you to your wit, and to the conducting of those which can better please you. I praise my God, I leave you this day victor of your enemies, promoted to great honour, and in credite and authority with your Soveraigne. If so yee long to continue, none shall be more glad then I shall be. But that after this, ye decay,Iohn Knox discharge to the Earl of Murray. (as I feare ye shall) then call to minde, by what means God exalted you; which was neither by plying with impiety; neither yet by maintaining of pestilent Papists.

p. 358This Letter and discharge was so pleasing to the Flatterers of the said Earle, that they triumphed of it, and were glad to have gotten their occasion; for some envyed, that so great familiaritie was betwixt them; and therefore from the time they got once that occasion to separate, they ceased not to cast Oyle in the burning Flame, which ceased not to burne, till that God by water of affliction began to slacken it, as we shall after heare. But least that they should altogether have been seen to have forsaken God,God knowes if our times be better. (as in very deed, both God and his Word was vey farre from the hearts of the most part of the Courtiers of that Age, a few excepted) they began a new Schift, to wit, To speak of the punishment of Adultery, of Witchcraft, and to seek the restitution of Gleibes or Manses to the Minister of the Church, and of the reparation of the Churches; and thereby they thought to have pleased the Godly that were highly offended at their slacknesse.

The Act of Oblivion passed, because some of the Lords had entresse; but the Acts against adulterie, and for the Manses and Gleibes, were so modified, that no Law, and such a Law might stand in eodem predicamento; To speak plain, no Law and such Acts were both alike: The Acts are in Print, let wise men read, and then accuse us, if without cause we complain.

In the progresse of this corruption, and before the Parliament dissolved, Iohn Knox in his Sermon before the most part of the Nobilitie, began to enter in a deep discourse of Gods mercies which that Realme had felt, and of that ingratitude which he espied in the whole multitude which God had marvellously delivered from the bondage and tyrannie both of body and soule: And now my Lords, (said he) I praise my God, through Jesus Christ, that in your own presence I may powre forth the sorrows of my heart; yea, your selves shall be witnesse if I make any lie in things by-past from the beginning of Gods mighty Works within this Realme: I have been with you in your most desperate temptations. Aske your own Consciences, and let them answer you before God, if that I (not I, but Gods Spirit by me) in your greatest extremity willed you not ever to depend upon your God, and in his Name promised unto you victory and preservation from your enemies, so that onelyonly ye would depend upon his protection, and preferre his glory before your lives and worldly commoditie; in your most extreme danger I have been with you; Saint Iohnstou… Cowper-More, and the charges of Edinburgh, are yet recent in my heart; yea, that dark and dolorous night wherein all you my Lords with shame and feare left this Town, is yet in my minde, and God forbid that ever I forget it: What was (I say) my Exhortation unto you? and what is fallen in vain of all that ever God promised unto you by my mouth, ye your selves live and testifie. There is not one of you against whom death and destruction was threatned, perished in that danger; and how many of your enemies hath God plagued before your eyes; shall this be the thankfulnesse that ye shall render unto your God? To betray his Cause when ye have it in your own hands, to establish it as you please? The Queen sayes you will not agree with us; aske ye of her that which by Gods Word ye may justly require, and if she will not agree with p. 359you in God, you are not bound to agree with them in the Devill; Let her plainly understand so farre of your mindes, and steal not from your former stoutnesse in God, and he will prosper you in your enterprises: But I can see nothing but a recalling from Christ Jesus, that the man that first and most speedily fleeth from Christs Ensigne, holdeth himselfe most happy; yea, I hear some say, That we have nothing of our Religion Established,The Speaker was the Dean of Restaruk. neither by Law nor Parliament; Albeit the malicious words of such can neither hurt the truth of God, nor yet us that thereupon depend; yet the speaker of this Treason, committed against God, and against this poore Common-wealth, deserves the Gallows; for our Religion being commanded, and so established by God, is received with this Realme in publike Parliament. And if they will say, That it was no Parliament, we must, and will say, and also prove, That that Parliament was also as lawfull as ever any that passed before it within this Realme. I say, if the King then living was King, and the Queen now in this Realm be lawfull Queen, that Parliament cannot be denyed.

And now my Lords to put end to all, I hear of the Queens marriage, Dukes,Iohn Knox his affirmation Brethren to Emperours, and Kings strive all for the best gain; But this my Lords will (I say) note the day, and beare witnesse after, Whensoever the Nobilitie of Scotland who professe the Lord Jesus, consents that an Infidell (and all Papists are Infidels) shall be Head to our Soveraigne, ye do, so farre as in you lyeth, to banish Christ Jesus from this Realme, yea, to bring Gods vengeance upon the Countrey, a plague upon your selves, and perchance you shall do small comfort to your Soveraigne.

These words and this manner of speaking was judged intollerable, Papists and Protestants were both offended; yea, his most familiars disdained him for that speaking, Placeboes and Flatterers posted to the Court, to give advertisement, That Iohn Knox had spoken against the Queens Marriage. The Provest of Glencludan, Douglas by sirname, of Drumlangrig, was the man that gave the charge, That the said Iohn should present himselfe before the Queen, which he did immediately after Dinner. The Lord Uchiltrie and divers of the faithfull bare him company to the Abbey, but none past in to the Queen with him in the Cabinet, but Iohn Arskin of Dun then super-intendent of Angus and Mernes.

The Queen in a vehement fume began to crie out, That never Prince was used as she was; I have (said she) born with you in all your rigorous manner of speaking, both against my selfe, and against my Uncles; yea, I have sought your favours by all possible means; I offered unto you presence and audience whensoever it pleased you to admonish me; and yet I cannot be quit of you; I Vow to God I shall be once revenged: and with these words scarce could Marnocke, one of her Pages, get Handkirchiefs to hold her Eyes drie, for the Tears and the howling, besides womanly weeping stayed her Speech. The said Iohn did patiently abide all this fume, and at opportunitie answered; True it is Madame, your Majesty and I have been at divers controversies, into the which p. 360I never perceived your Majestie to be offended at me; but when it shall please God to deliver you from that bondage of darknesse and errour, wherein ye have been nourished for the lack of true doctrine; your Majestie will finde the libertie of my tongue nothing offensive; without the preaching-place (Madame) I thinke few have occasion to be offended at me; and there (Madame) I am not Master of my selfe, but must obey him who commands me to speak plaine, and to flatter no flesh upon the face of the Earth.

But what have you to do (said she) with my marriage?

If it please your Majestie (said he) patiently to hear me, I shall shew the truth in plaine words. I grant your Majestie offered unto me more then ever I required, but my answer was then as it is now, That God hath not sent me to awaite upon the Courts of Princes, or upon the Chamber of Ladies, but I am sent to preach the Evangell of Jesus Christ, to such as please to hear; it hath two points, Repentance and Faith: Now (Madame) in preaching repentance, of necessity it is that the sinnes of men be noted, that they may know wherein they offend.Let this serve for our times. But so it is that the most part of your Nobilitie, are so addicted to your affections, that neither Gods Word, nor yet their Common-wealth are rightly regarded; and therefore it becometh me to speake, that they may know their dutie.

What have you to do (said she) with my marriage, or what are you within the Common-wealth?

A subject, borne within the same, (said hee) Madame; and albeit I be neither Earle, Lord, nor Barron within it, yet hath God made me, (how abject that ever I be in your eyes) a profitable and usefull Member within the same; Yea, Madame, to me it appertaineth no lesse to forewarne of such things as may hurt it, if I foresee them, then it doth to any one of the Nobility; for both my Vocation and Office craveth plainnesse of me: and therefore (Madame) to your selfe I say, that which I spake in publick, Whensoever the Nobilitie of this Realme shall be content, and consent that you be subject to an unlawfull husband, they doe as much as in them lieth, to renounce Christ,Let the Papists judge this day 1567. to banish the truth, to betray the freedome of this Realme, and perchance shall in the end doe small comfort to your selfe.

At these words howling was heard, and teares might have beene seene in greater abundance then the matter required: Iohn Arskin of Dun, a man of meeke and gentle spirit, stood beside, and did what he could to mittigate the anger, and gave unto her many pleasant words, Of her Bounty, of her Excellencie, and how that all the Princes in Europe would be glad to seek her favours; but all that was to cast Oyl into the flaming fire. The said Iohn stood still, without any alteration of countenance for a long time, while that the Queen gave place to her in ordinate passions; and in the end he said, Madame, in Gods presence I speak, I never delighted in the weeping of any of Gods Creatures, yea, I can scarcely well abide the teares of mine own Boyes, when my own hands corrects them; much lesse can I rejoyce in your Majesties weeping; but seeing I have offered p. 361unto you no just occasion to be offended, but have spoken the truth, as my Vocation craves of me: I must sustaine your Majesties teares, rather then I dare hurt my conscience, or betray the Common-wealth by silence. Herewith was the Queene more offended, and commanded the said Iohn to passe forth of the Cabinet, and to abide further of her pleasure in the Chamber.

The Laird of Dun tarried, and Lord Iohn of Coldinghame came into the Cabinet▪ and so they remained with her neere the space of one houre. The said Iohn stood in the Chamber, as one whom men had never seene (so were all afraid) except that the Lord Uchiltrie bare him company; And therefore began he to make discourse with the Ladies who were there sitting in all their gorgeous apparell: Which when he espied,Note Women. he merrily said, Fair Ladies, How pleasant were this life of yours, if it should ever abide; and then in the end that we might passe to Heaven with this geare: But fie upon that knave, Death, that will come whether we will or not; and when he hath laid on the Arrest, then foule wormes will be busie with this flesh, be it never so faire and so tender. And the silly soule, I fear, shall be so feeble, that it can neither carry with it Gold, Garnishing, Targating, Pearle, nor precious Stones. And by such and the like discourse entertained he the Ladies, and past the time, till that the Laird of Dun willed him to depart to his house, till new advertisement.

The Queen would have had the sentiment of the Lords of the Articles, if that such manner of speaking deserved not punishment. But shee was counselled to desist; And so that storme quieted in appearance, but never in the heart.

Short after the Parliament, Lethington returned from his Negotiation in England and France. GOD in the February before had stricken that bloodie Tyrant the Duke of Guise; which somewhat brake the heat of our Queene for a season: But short after the returning of Lethington, Pride and Malice began to shew themselves againe. The Queene set at liberty the Bishop of Saint Andrewes, and the rest of the Papists that before were put in prison for violating of the Laws.

Lethington at his returning, shewed himselfe not a little offended that any brute should have beene raised of the Queenes Marriage with the King of Spaine; for he took upon him to affirme, That any such thing had never entered into her heart: But how true that was, we shall hereafter heare. The end of his acquaintance and complaint was, To discredit Iohn Knox, who had affirmed, That such a Marriage was both proposed, and upon the part of the Queen, by the Cardinall accepted. Lethington in his absence had run into a very evil brute among the Nobility, for p. 362too much serving the Queens affections against the Common-wealth: And therefore had he, as one that lacked not worldly wisedome, made provision both in England and Scotland; for in England he travelled for the Freedome of the Earle Bothwell, and by that means obtained promise of his favour: He had there also taken order for the home coming of the Earle of Lenox, as we shall after hear. In Scotland he joyned with the Earle of Atholl; him he promoted, and set forward in Court; and so began the Earle of Murray to be defaced: And yet to the said Earle, Lethington at all times shewed a fair countenance.Lethingtons practice. The rest of that Summer, the Queen spent in her Progresse thorow the West Countrey, where in all Towns and Gentlemens places, she had her Masse; which coming to the ears of Iohn Knox, he began that forme of prayer which ordinarily he saith after thanks-giving at his Table: (1.) Deliver us, O Lord, from the bondage of Idolatry. (2.) Preserve and keep us from the tyranny of strangers. (3.) Continue us in Peace and Concord amongst our selves, if they good pleasure be, O Lord, for a season. Whilst that divers of the familiars of the said Iohn asked of him, Why he prayed for quietnesse to continue for a season, and not rather absolutely, that we should continue in quietnesse: His answer was, That he durst not pray, but in faith; and faith in Gods Word assured him, That constant quietnesse would not continue in that Realme, wherein Idolatry had been suppressed, and then was permitted to be erected againe.

From the West Countrey, the Queen past into Argyle to the Hunting, and after returned to Sterlin. The Earle of Murray, the Lord Robert of Halyrud-house, and Lord Iohn of Coldingham, past to the Northlands, where Justice Courts were holden.Note diligently Theeves and Murtherers were punished: Two Witches were burnt; the eldest was so blinded with the devill, that she affirmed, That no Judge had power over her. The same time Lord Iohn of Coldingham departed this life in Innernes: It was affirmed, That he commanded such as were beside him to say to the Queen, That unlesse she left her Idolatry, God would not fail to plague her: He asked God mercy that he had so far born with her in her impiety, and had maintained her in the same; and that no one thing did him more grief, then that he had flattered, fostered, and maintained in her fury against God and his servants.The last commendation of Lord Iohn to the Queen. And in very deed, great cause had he to have lamented his wickednesse: For besides all his other infirmities, he in the end, for the Queens pleasure, became enemy to vertue, and all vertuous men, and a patron to impiety, to the uttermost of his power; yea, his venome was so kindled against God and his Word, that in his rage he bursted forth these words; Do I see the Queens Majesty so troubled with the railing of these knaves? I shall leave the best of them sticked in the Pulpit. What further villany came forth of his stinking throat and mouth, modesty will not suffer us to write: whereof if he had grace unfainedly to repent, it is no small document of Gods mercies: But however God wrought with him, the Queen regarded his words as winde, or else thought them to have been forged by others, and not to have proceeded from himself; and affirmed plainly, They were invented by the Laird of Pittarrow, and Master Iohn Wood, both whom she hated, because they flattered her not in her p. 363dancing, and other things. One thing in plain words she spoke. That God took alwayes from her those persons in whom she had greatest pleasure; and that she repented. But of farther sins no mention.

Whilst the Queen lay at Sterlin, with her Idolatry in her Chappell in the Palace of Halyrud-house, were left certain Duntiberis, and others of the French Menzie, who raised up their Masse more publikely then they had done at any time before: For upon the same Sundayes that the Church of Edinburgh had the Ministration of the Lords Table, the Papists in a great number went to the Abbey to their Abomination: Which understood, divers of the Brethren being sore offended, consulted how to redresse that enormity: And so were appointed certain of the most zealous, and most upright in Religion, to wait upon the Abbey, that they might note such persons as resorted to the Masse; and perceiving a great number to enter into the Chappell, some of the Brethren thrust in also: Whereat the Priest and French Dames being afraid, made the Showt to be sent to the Town; and Madame Baylie, Mistris to the Queens Dountibures (for maids that Court would not then well bear) posted on with all diligence to the Comptroller the Laird of Pittarrow, who then was in Saint Geills Church at the Sermon, and cryed for his assistance, to save her life, and to save the Queens Palace: Who, with greater haste then need required, obeyed her desire, and took with him the Provest and Baylies, and a great part of the faithfull; but when they came where the fear was bruted to have been, they found all things in quiet, except the tumult they brought with themselves, and peaceable men talking to the Papists, forbidding them to transgresse the Laws. True it is, a zealous brother, named Patrick Cranston, past into the Chappell, and finding the Altar covered, and the Priest ready to go to his abominable Masse, said, The Queens Majesty is not here; How dare you then be so malapert, as openly to do against the Law? No further was done or said, and yet brute hereof was posted to the Queen (with such information as the Papists could give: Which found such credit as their hearts could have wished for) which was so haynous a crime in her eyes, that satisfaction for that sin was there none, without blood; And therefore without delay were summoned Androe Armstrong, and Patrick Cranston ▪ to finde surety to under-lie the Law; for fore-thought Fellony, having made violent invasion into the Queens Palace, and for spoliation of the same. These Letters divulgate, and the extremity feared, the few Brethren that were within the Towne, consulted upon the next remedy, and in the end concluded, That Iohn Knox (to whom the charge was given to make advertisements, whensosoever danger should appear) should write to the Brethren in all quarters, giving information as the matter stood, and requiring their assistance, which he did, in manner as here ensueth.