History of the Catholic Church from 600 to 1600, Ecclesiastical epoch 1300-1600 · Century 16 · Part 2 · Chapter 4 · Letter – Floating text 2

History of the Catholic Church from 600 to 1600 · Ecclesiastical epoch 1300-1600 · Century 16 · Part 2 · Chapter 4 · Letter – Floating text 2

p. 170Moſt Gracious Soverain Lord, under the Lord and King of all, of whom only thy Highneſs and Majeſty hath power and authority to exercize juſtice within thy realme, under God, who is King & Lord of all realms, and thy Seatons letter againſt the iniquity, impiety & uſurpation of bb. and his advice to the King.Ma. and all mortall Kings are but ſervants unto that only immortall Prince, Chr. Jeſus

....It's not unknown to thy gracious Highneſs, how thy Mas. ſomtime ſervant & Oratour (and ever shall be to my lifes end) is departed out of thy realme.....but I believe, the cauſe of my departing is unknown, which only is, Becauſe the bb. and churchmen of thy realme have heertofore had ſuch authority over thy ſubjects, that apparently they were rather King, and thou, the Subject: which unjuſt regiment is of it ſelf falſe p. 171and contrary to holy Scripture: Thou art the King & Maſter, and they are thy ſubjects, which is true, and teſtified by the word of God. And alſo becauſe they will give no man of whatſoever degree (whom they once call hereticks) audience, time nor place to ſpeak, and uſe defence, which is againſt all lawe....So that if I might have had audience, and shewd my juſt defence....I should never have fled....albeit it had coſt mee my life: But becauſe I believed, that I could have no audience (they are ſo great with thy Ma.) I have departed, not doubting, but moved of God, untill a better time, that God illuminate thy Ma., even to give every man audience (as thou shouldſt & mayſt, and art bound by the law of God) who are accuſed to death. And to certify thy Highneſs, that theſe are not vain words, here I offer me to come into thy realm again, if thy Ma. will give mee audience, and hear what I have for mee according to the word of God; and cauſe any Bishop, abbot, frier or Secular; which is moſt cunning (ſome of them can not read their Matins, who are made Judges of hereſy) to impugne mee by the law of God; and if my part be found wrong, thy Ma. being preſent and judge, I refuſe no pain....and if I convince them by the law of God, and that they have nothing to lay to my charge, but the law of man, and their own inuentions to uphold their own glory and pridefull life, and dayly ſcourging thy poor ſubjects; I refer myſelf unto thy Ma. as judge, Whether he hath the victory, that holds him at the law of God, which can not fail nor be falſe, or they that hold themſelves at the law of man, which is very oft plain contrary, and therefore of neceſſity falſe: for all thing contrary to verity (which is Chriſt and his law) is of neceſſity a ly. And to witneſs that this comes of all my heart, I shall remain at Berwick, whil I shall have thy Mas. anſwer, and shall without fail return, having thy hand writing, that I shall have audience and place to ſpeak, I deſire no more, whereof if I had been ſure, I should never have departed....Pardon mee to ſay that, which lieth to thy Mas. charge. Thou art bound by the law of God (albeit they ly, and ſay, It appertaines not to thy Ma. to intermedle with ſuch matters) to cauſe every man, who in any caſe is accuſed of his life, to have their juſt defenſe, and their accuſers produced, according to their own law. They do blinde thy Ma. eies, that knoweſt nothing of thy law: but if I prove not this out of their own law, I offer mee to the death. Thy Ma. therefore may learn by dayly experience (ſeing they neither feare the King of heaven, as their lives teſtifie; neither Thee their natural Prince, as their vſurped power in their actions shewes) why thy Highneſs should be no longer blinded. Thou mayſt conſider that they intend nothing elſe, but only the upholding of their barded mules, augmenting their inſatiable avarice, and continually overthrowing & ſwallowing up thy poore ſubiects; never preaching nor teaching out of the law of God (as they should) the ignorant people; but contend, who may be moſt high, moſt rich, and neareſt thy Ma; to put thy temporall Lords and Lieges out of thy Counſell & favour, who should bee and are moſt tender ſervants to thy Ma. in all time of need, to the defenſe of Thee and thy Crown......Let thy Ma. take boldneſs and authority, which thou haſt of God, and ſuffer not their cruell perſecution to proceed, without audience given to him, who is accuſed...and then no doubt, thou shalt have thy ſubiects hearts and all that they can do in time of need, tranquillity, juſtice and policy, and finally the kingdom of heaven. May it pleaſe you, to give a copy of this to the Clergy, and keep the originall, and thy Ma. shall have experience, if I go againſt one word, that I have p. 172ſpoken, &c.

This Letter was delivered unto the King and it was read by many: but no anſwer was returned; and the man went into England, and preached (ſome years) the goſpell to the comfort of his hearers. The hiſto. of Reformat. Others ſpoke alſo againſt the licenciouſneſs of the Clergy, that a new reſolution was taken to burne moe. A frier John forreſt was brought to Santandrews for ſaying, Pa. Hamilton died a Martyr: becauſe they had not clear proof againſt him, another frier Walter Laign was ſent to confeſſe him: he askes him in way of confeſſion, What is his judgement concerning Pa Hamilton? Forreſt anſwereth, I think, he was a good man, and the articles might be well defended, for which he was condemned. This is ſufficient evidence to condemn him unto the fire. When they lead him out to be degraded, he cried among the people, Fie on falshood, fie on falſe friers, revealers of confeſſion: let never a man truſt them after mee: they are deſpiſers of God, and deceivers of men. While they conſult upon the manner and place of his execution, John lindſay a gentle man (waiting upon the Bishop) ſaid, If yee will burn any more, do it in a hollow cellar: for the ſmoke of Mr Pa. hamilton hath infected all theſe on whom it blew. Nevertheleſs he was burnt at the north ſide of the abbey, that the hereticks of Anguiſe might ſee the fire. The perſecution goeth-on: James Hamilton of Livinſton brother of the Martyr, and his ſiſter Ca…herin were ſummoned to compear at Halirudhouſe before the Bishop of Roſs. The King adviſeth the gentleman not to appear: he was condemned for not obeying. Catherin was asked, whither she believes to be juſtified by works? She anſwered, I believe no perſon can be juſtified by their own works. John ſpence a Lawyer had a long diſcourſe of the diverſity of works of congruitie and of condignity, &c. The young woman ſaith, Worke here, work there: what kinde of work is all this? I know perfitly, that, no work can ſave mee, but the works of Chriſt my Saviour. The King laugheth at the anſwer; and taking her aſide, perſuades her to recant her opinion: and by her example ſundry others at the ſame time were moved to abiure their profeſſion; as Wi. kirk a prieſt, Adam daes, &c. So ſoon as theſe were diſmiſſed, Normand gourley and David ſtraton were brought to tryall. Norman was charged for denying Mo are perſecutedpurgatory, and that the Pope had any juriſdiction in Scotland. David had been turbulent, and was by conference with John Erskin of Dun becom another man, and God had kindled in his heart ſuch love to the knowledge of trueth, that he oft prayd for ſpirituall courage, if he shall be brought to ſuffer for Chriſt. He was charged for maintaining, that tyths were not due to Church-men. He denied that he had ſaid ſo: but ſaid he, I ſend a fish-boat to the ſea, and they are ſo rigorous in craving the tenth fish, that they can not be contented, and I ſaid, If they will not believe, how many fishes are taken, go and ſee where they are taken; yea and I gave order to my ſervants to caſt the tenth fish into the ſea. And …e was further accuſed of the ſame points wich Norman. He was condemned with him, and was offered to be ſpared, if he would burne his bill, which was then vſed as the ſigne of recanting: but he would not. So they were burnt together Auguſt XXVII. year 1534: At the ſame time were ſummoned Alex Aleſſe, Jo. Fife, John macbee, and one Macdowall: they fled into England, and thereafter into Germany the firſt two were Profeſſours of Divinity in Lipſia: the thrid was called Maccabeus, and was Chaplain to Chriſtian King of Denmark. As the hiſtory of the Reformation shewes, there were civil broils in the countrey, and the perſecution was interrupted untill the year 1538. and in the mean while the knowledge of the truth increaſeth, partly p. 173by conference of men about what had been done, and partly by reading the New teſtament in English, and partly by report of merchants and …eamen; telling what was a doing in other countries in the cauſe of religion. The bb and their officialls accurſe many for triffles and pecuniall cauſes: the people contemn their excommunications: therefore the bb. would ſtrengthen their ſentences by civill autority, and procure an act of Parliament againſt ſuch, who lay 40 daies under excommunication James 5. Parl. 4. Act. 8.

III. The heat of perſecution in England ſeemed but to begin in year 1527. The beginning of Reformation in Englandthoſe who before were called Lollards, were then called Lutherans: great numbers were burnt: whereby the King thought to promerite the Popes favour. Behold how God brings light out of darknes! When King Henry had been 20 years married, he falles into the ſcruple, whither his marriage was lawfull? but who can tell, whither he was ſo touched indeed, or King Henry intends to divorcebut a pretext, in reſpect he had not a ſon, or that he loved another woman? Yet ſo it was; he abſtaines from her company, and ſpeakes of divorcement: The Queen ſendeth unto the Pope and complaines: the King alſo ſendeth, and craves, that the Pope would juſtify by the ſacred word the former diſpenſation to marry, or diſſolve the marriage. How this was carried in the Popes court, none can declare better than an Italian: and ſo Pe. Soave in Hiſtor. Conc. Triden. hath it thus; Pope Clemens in time of his diſtreſs had It is pleaded at Rome.good hope, if the Kings of France & England shall continue in his grace, and make diſturbance unto Ceſar in the Kingdom of Naples: therefore he diſpatches Card. Campegius into England, and commits the cauſe unto him and the Card. of York. The King was certified by letters from Rome, that the cauſe shall be diſcerned ſpeedily in his favours: this was in the year 1528. But when Clemens conſidereth, that the Emperours favour was more uſefull unto him in recovering the City Florence; in the year 159. he ſent Francis Campana unto Campegius, ordering him to burne his former Bull, and proceed warily in that cauſe. Campegius deviſeth pretexts of delay, and pretends difficulties. The King obſerves his jugling, and askes the advice of the Univerſities in Italy, Germany & France. Some were againſt his mind, and ſome for him, eſpecially the Pariſians, and many thought, that they were moved by his gifts more than by weight of reaſon. But the Pope whether willing to gratifie Caeſar, or fearing, that by means of the Card. of York ſome what might happen contrary to his mind, drawes back the cauſe unto himſelf. The King being He marryeth without the Popes indulgence.impatient, and ſmelling the fraud, forſakes Catharin, and marrieth Anna Bolen in the year 1533. Nevertheleſs the plea is continued, but ſlowly; that, if the Pope can., he may both ſatiſfie the Emperour, and decline the offenſe of the King. And then he touches not the point, but ſome acceſſory articles: eſpecially he decerneth againſt the King, that it was not lawfull for him by his own authority and without the Sentence of the Church, to forſake the company of his wife. When the king underſtood this, in the beginning of the year 1534 he denieth obedience unto the Pope, and chargeth all his ſubjects, that they ſend no mony unto Rome, nor pay Peter-pence unto any of the Collectors. This vexeth the Romane Court, and all their thoughts were upon remedies. Many would proceed with cenſures againſt the king and interdict all Nations to have commerce with England: but they took a more moderate courſe to ſerve the time, and by interceſſion of France to compoſe the buſineſs. And Francis undertooke it, and ſent the Bishop of Pariſe unto Rome with tolerable propoſitions; p. 174and in the mean while they went on ſlowly at Rome, that they would decern nothing, unleſs Ceſar would either firſt, ot at the ſame time revenge by the ſword his couſin's wrong. The plea was branched into 23 articles, as 1. whether Prince Arthur had carnall copulation with Catherin? The half of Lent was ſpent on this queſtion: then March 19 Newes were brought to Rome, that a famous libell was published in England againſt the Pope and all his Court; and that before the king was a com…dy to the great reproach of the Pope and the Cardinals. Then all were in a rage; and March 24 they pronounce ſentence, that the marriage betwixt Henry & Catharin was lawfull, and unleſs he hold her for hi… wife, he shall he reputed as excommunicated. This praecipitation pleaſeth not the Pope: for within ſixe dayes Letters come from France, shewing that Henry is content to ſubmitt unto their judgement, and obey the Pope, if ſuch Cardinals were ſecluded of whom he was jealous; and ſuch as were free of ſuſpicion, were ſent to Camerac, and there determine the plea: and Francis ſent Oratours for t…is effect. Th…n Clemens adviſeth on pretenſes, to ſuſpend the Sentence, and recover a loſt cauſe, But Henry ſaid, Their Sentence was nothing unto him: he is the only Lord of his own kingdom, as the Pope is the only Bishop of Rome; and he will do as the Eaſterne Church did of old, He renunceth the Pope and takes his power unto himſelf in England.to wit, he will keep the Chriſtian faith, and caſt-off the Popes authority; nor will he ſuffer that the Lutheran or any other hereſy have place in his …ealm. And ſo he did: for he publisheth an Edict, whereby he declares himſelf The head of the Church of England, and chargeth upon pain of death, that no man aſſ…ribe any power unto the Pope within Engl…nd, and commandeth all the Collectors of Peter-pence to be gone. All thoſe were confirmed by ordinance of the Eſtates, which they call the Parliament. And it was alſo Acted, that the archb. of Canterburry shall inveſt all the bb. of England. and that the Churchmen shall pay yearly unto the King 150000 pounds, for defence of the kingdom againſt whatever enemy, Various were the judgements of men concerning this action of the King: ſome ſaid, it was done prudently, that he had caſt of the Romane See without any alteration of religion, without any ſedition among his ſubjects, and without appeal of his cauſe unto a Councel: for if he had permitted it unto the judgement of a Councel, he ſaw, that he could not carry it without difficulty, and the iſſue might have been dangerous: for a Councel conſiſting of Church-men would without doubt have maintained the Papal power, ſeing, albeit they be in ſome reſpect obnoxious unto Emper. and Princes, yet they do prefer the eminency of the Pope, nor among the Churchmen is any but the Pope that carrieth ſway, having no Superour in degree of honour. But the Roman Court argueth, it could not be affirmed, that he had made no change in religion, …hen the chief and firſt article of their faith, concerning the Primacy of the Pope, was changed: for which alone they should have kindled the fire of ſedition, as if all had been changed: and the event did confirm this, ſeing the King was driven by neceſſity of maintaining this edict, to punish ſeverely his formerly deareſt minions Nor can it be eaſily told, how great offenſe and ſadneſs not only at Rome, but every where, this departure of ſo great a Prince from the obedience of the Pope, wrought in the …earts of Churchmen. Certainly …t was a cleare document of humane frailty: whereby it often hapneth, that what things were moſt advantagious, turn at laſt to the greateſt A wicked policy of the bb.loſſ and harm. For the Romish PP. by diſpenſations of marriages, and ſentences of divorces either granted or denied, were wont to make great advantages, p. 175under the name of Chriſts Vicar as under a shadow covering thoſe Princes, which thought it expedient, (either by ſome inceſtuous marriage, or by violating one, and contracting another) to make new purchaſe of other Landes, or to cut away the rights and titles of diverſe competitours; and that made ſure friendship among them [The Pope and the Princes] when his authority did ſerve to maintain their power, without which the actions of Princes, being unlawfull, had been clearly condemned & hindered; nor only unto theſe Princes, but unto all their children, which might have been called, to prove the lawfulneſs of their birth. So far Pe. Soave in hiſt Con…. Trid. Lib. 1. Others shew what was done in England: Card. Wolſey archb. of York had adviſed the King unto that divorcement: but when he underſtood of his affection toward Anna Bolen, he changeth his mind, becauſe she was infected (ſo he ſpoke) with Lutheraniſme; and he wrote unto the Pope that for this cauſe he would not conſent unto the divorce. Thus we ſee, that in all theſe variations both at Rome and in England, the Pope and his Cardinals look not to any Rule, either of Gods word or of reaſon, but are moved by the Spring of their own intereſt. When the King underſtood of theſe Letters by his Agent lying at Rome, he was highly diſpleaſed, and diſplaceth Wolſey of his office of Chanceller in France, and of two bishopricks (for he had three, York, Dureſme & Wincheſter) and at laſt …e ſent the Captain of his Gaird to bring him to London: but he died by the way, of a flixe. When the king was married with Queen Anna, he entangleth all the Clergy by the law Praemunire, for aſſiſting the Popes Legate. They ſubmitt themſelves: namely, the Prelates profer for diſcharge of that law, to give unto the king 100000 pounds out of Canterburry, and 18840 pounds out of York; and in their ſubmiſſion they call the King the head of the Church. In the Parliament An. 24. of his reigne, in January following, he annulleth ſome former Acts, that were made againſt hereticks, and ordaineth, that none shall be in danger for ſpeaking againſt the Popes pretented authority or his Decrees or lawes, which are not grounded on the holy Scriptures. Item An. 25 ch. 39 he appointed 32 judges out of the higher & lower houſes (whereof 16 should be of the clergy, and 16 of the temporality, and all at his own nomination) to examine the Synodal Canons, and to determine of them, either to ſtand in ſtrength, or to abrogat them at their diſcretions. Item the Clergy should promiſe on the word of a prieſt, never to aſſemble without the Kings licence, nor enact conſtitutions without his conſent. Item that all caſes, that were (before) reſerved from the power of the bb. unto the Pope, were declared to appertain unto the King and his commiſſioners; as to diſpenſe with Canons, to divide or unite bishopricks. Item all annats or firſt year's fruits, and tyths of Benefices were forbidden to be carried out of the Country; and An. 26 c. 3. they were ordained to be payd unto the King as before unto the Pope. Item no appellation should be made to Rome. Item Peter-pence, penſions & all ſuch exactions shall ceaſe; With expreſſ proviſion, that the King nor his ſubjects shall not intend to vary from the articles of the Catholick faith of Chriſtendom. Item the degrees of conſanguinity & affinity that are prohibited by the law of God, were explained & published. The Kings marriage with Catherin was declared unlawfull, and his marriage with Anna daughter to the Earle of Wiltshire was approved. The excommunication of the King was affixed on the church-doors of Dunkirk, becauſe the Nuntio durſt not come into England. But the King proceeds in parliament An. 26. c. 1. renouncing and p. 176cauſing the ſubjects to renounce the Pope, and eſtablishing the Papal authority in his own perſon. The oath of the clergy unto the Pope is made void, and they are ordained to give their oath unto the king. The bb. and Doctours of Divinity and of both lawes do both by word & write, and in their Convocations confirme all that the king had done in Parliament. Jo Fisher Bishop of Rocheſter and Thomas Moore refuſe to ſubſcribe: therefore they were committed. Pope Paul hearing of Fisher's conſtancy (as they called it there) creates him a Cardinall: for he ſaid, The King will not put hands in a Cardinal: but ere the Bull came, the king had intelligence of it, and cauſed to execute the Bishop and Thomas Moore An. 1535. It was the juſt judgement of God on them: for they had incenſed the king againſt many Martyrs; namely, Fisher cauſed his Dean Do. Parker to take up and burn the body of William Tracy an Eſquire in Rocheſter-shire, after it had lyen in the grave three years, becauſe he ſaid in his latter Will, he would have no pompe at his buriall, and he truſted in Chriſt only, hoping to be ſaved by Him, and by no Saint. Tho cooper at An. 1532. Likewiſe leſt the Pope did provoke other Princes againſt king Henry, he ſent Ambaſſadors with Letters and informations unto the Emperour, the kk. of France....entreating them to keep amity. The ſumme of his Letter unto James V. king of Scotland was; Forasmuch as the Pope without the knowledge of the Emperour or French king or Germane Princes hath excommunicated King Henri… Letter u…o king Iam… V. againſt the Pope and Card.Jas 5mee, and now the Popes N…ntio the Cardinal of Scotland is arrived with commiſſion (as I hear it brooted, but have no intelligence) to pract…ze ſome anoiſance by his pretended cenſures againſt mee thy uncle; Therefore I premonish and require thy Grace, and moſt heartily pray thee, to conſider 1. the Supremacy of Princes granted by the holy Scriptures unto mee and other Princes in their Churches 2. to weigh what Gods word calleth a Church 3. what ſuperſtitions, idolatries and blind abuſes have crept into all realmes to the high diſpleaſure of God. 4. what is to be underſtood by the cenſure & excommunication of the Church, and how no ſuch cenſure can be in the power of the Bishop of Rome or of any other man againſt mee or any other Prince, having ſo juſt ground to avoide from the root, and to abolish ſo execrable authority which the Bishop of Rome hath vſurped and vſurpes upon all Princes to their great dammage; My requeſt therefore to my nephew is to conſider, of what moment it should bee unto yourſelf (having your ſubiects evill inſtructed in the premiſſes) if you agree unto ſuch cenſures, and by ſuch example give upper-hand over yourſelf and other Princes unto that vſurper of Rome, as is like to happen in other places of Chriſtendom, (where the true declaration of the word of God shall have free courſe) to ſcourge them unleſs they will adore and ki…e the foot of that corrupt holineſs, which deſireth nothing but pride and the vniverſall thrall of Chriſtendom under Rome's yoke; I a…ſo premonish your Grace, that you would not receive the Popes Cardinal into your Countrie: for he will not be content to be next unto you, but aſſuredly he will be equall, yea and uſurp over you, and be a heavie burden unto your conntrie, as experience teaches in England, &c. After this, Henry enioyeth peace, notwitſtanding all that the Pope wrought againſt him. Jo. Fox Act. & moni. But upon this occaſion the King of France was perſuaded by the Pope not to pay (as he was wont) yearly 95000▪ Crowns, and other 10000. crowns, as a Treatie of peace betwixt the kingdoms did ſpecifie. In the year 1536. Q. Catherin died; Q. Anna and her brother were beheaded, with Henry Norreys and Francis Weſton and p. 177other two gentle men of the bedchamber; for what cauſe, it is not known, …aith Jo. Foxe: but within three Dayes the king married Lady Jane Seimer. Firſt by a Convocation, and then by Parlament An. 32. Henry VIII. his marriage with Lady Anna was declared unlawfull (no reaſon is alledged in the Act) and he excludes his daughters Mary and Eliſabet from ſucceſſion, and declareth the Crown to appertain u…to the heirs to be begotten. In the next year prince Edward was borne, and within 12. dayes his mother died. Then by determination of Synods and Sentence of both Univerſities it was acknowledged, that unto the king did belong the title The Supream head of the Church, that is, (as they expounded it) under Chriſt the Supream member of the Church within his own dominions, to commande for trueth, and not againſt trueth. Fran. Maſon lib. 3. c. 3. According to this title he began Steps of Reformation.to conſider the eſtate of the Church: by advice and prudence of the godly Lord Cromwell and others of his Counſell he underſtood, that the corrupt eſtate of the Church had need of Reformation in many things; yet becauſe ſo many ſuperſtitious perſons were to be turned from their olde cuſtoms; he procures an Act of Parlament (An. 32. of his reigne) that whatſoever article of faith and declaration of other expedient points, the Archbb. Bishops and a great number of the learned Doctors with conſent of the King shall think needfull & expedient, together with their determination of other points and ceremonies in Divine Service, shall have the ſtrength of an Act of pa…liament. Then he would not Reforme all at once, but purpoſing to lead them ſoftly, he intendeth to proceed by degrees. Firſt he publisheth a litle book, bearing the inſcription, Articles deuiſed by his Highneſs to eſtable Chriſtian quietnes & vnity. In this were 1. the articles of the Creed neceſſary to be believed by all men. 2. the doctrine of baptiſme, pennance and ſacrament of the altar, little or nothing differing from the Church of Rome. 3. he declareth, that the cauſe of our juſtification is the only mercy of the Father promiſed freely unto us for his ſon Chriſts ſake, and for the merit of his paſſion; yet good works are neceſſary with inward contrition, charity and other ſpirituall graces and good motions, that is, when wee have received remiſſion of our ſins, or are juſtified, we muſt give obedience unto God, in obſerving his Law. 4. he commandeth paſtors to teach their people, that images should not be worshipped, and are but repreſenters of vertue and good example; and therefore no incence, knieling, nor offering should be done unto them. 5. Saints are to be praiſed, or Chriſt is to be praiſed in them, for their graces and good example, that they have left unto us; but wee obtain all grace by the only Mediation of Jeſus Chriſt, and of none other. 6. concerning ceremonies, as holy veſtures, holy water, bearing candles on Candlemes-day, and ſome ſuch others, he admits them to be good, ſo far as they put men in remembrance of ſpirituall things, but ſo that they contain in them no power to remit or take a way ſin, &c. There he addeth other iniunctions: ſpecially he cauſethto tranſlate the Bible, and commandeth all prieſts to have a Latine and English Bible lying open in their parish-churches, that whoſoever pleaſeth, may read them. Then diverſe images were demolished An. 1538, eſpecially the moſt notable ſtocks of idolatry at Walſingham, Worcheſter...which had devices to role their …ies, and to ſtirre other parts of their body, and many other falſe juglings; wherewith ſimple people had been deceived: all which was then made known, and deſtroyed. Jo. Foxe in Acts. In the ſame year followeth the ruine of all religious (as they had been called) houſes, by advice of the ſame L-Cromwell Lord of the privy ſeale; So that all friers, Nuns and ſects of religion were rooted out of England, to p. 178the number of 645. Abbeys, priories and Nuneries, and by Act of Parliament their lands did return to the heirs of the firſt Donours. All that time Steeven Gardener Bishop of Wincheſter ſo dealt with the king by repreſenting unto him the grudge of his ſubjects for rejecting the pope and for his dealing toward his wifes (he had then married Anna Siſter to the Duke of Cleve An. 1539.) and for theſe his late doings; that he perſuadeth him (for taking away ſuſpicion of hereſy) to conſent unto the burning of John Lambert: yea Gardener prevaileth ſo, that the king hearkned no more unto L. Cromwell, but contrariwiſe he beheaded him and Walter. L. Hungerford, July 28 An. 1540. Tho. Cooper. He made an Act diſcharging the Tranſlation of the Bible made by W. Tindall, and reſtraining the authorized Tranſlation with many limitations, An. 34. Henr. VIII. It came then to paſſe, that the eſtate of Religion ſeemed more and more to decay, and popish injunctions were authorized, eſtablishing Tranſubſtantiation, vowes of chaſtity, private Maſſes and auricular confeſſion; and forbidding communion in both kinds and marriage of prieſts (wherefore ſome ſaid, Henry had forſaken the Pope, but not popery) and he annulled not thoſe former Statutes. Such was the craft of the venemous ſerpent! But God raiſeth up ſome good inſtruments: for Thomas Cranmer archb. of Canterburry reſiſts Gardener; and the Counſel of England was divided: ſome were for the old Religion, and ſome for the Reformed; and Statutes of both ſorts were in force. So in one day at Smith field An. 1541. Gardener with his faction, for refuſing his articles cauſed burn three godly men, Do. Robert Barnes, Tho. Garret & Will. Jerom prieſts; and Tho Cranmer with his ſide, cauſed hang, drawe and quarter other three, Ed. Powell, Ric. Fetherſton & Tho. Abell, for denying the kings Supremacy, and maintaining the Bishop of Rome's authority. Jo. Foxe in Acts. A ſtranger beholding theſe, ſaid, Good God. how can men live here? on the one ſide Papiſts are hanged, and on the other anti-papiſts are burnt. The people were brought marvelouſly into doubt of Religion. All the number of them, which ſuffered in England for maintaining Papacy (which was called Treaſon) wer 24 perſons: but of the other ſort many were burnt, and ſo many were impriſoned the ſame year, that room could not be found in the priſons of London, and many were kept in other houſes: by interceſſion of the L. Chanceller Audley, many of them were given to the cuſtody of Noble men. where they were uſed favourably. In that year Henry was divorced from his fourth wife by Sentence of his Clergy, which did hate her for Lutheraniſme (as they ſpoke) yet with her own conſent, and within a month he married Catherin Howard a brothers daughter of the houſe of Norfolk: the next year she was accuſed of adultery with Tho. Culpeper, and beheaded in the Tower with Jane Lady Rocheford as acceſſory unto her deeds. After that, Henry began to miſſe his good Counſeller L. Cromwell, and to perceive the ſcope of Gardener: he wrote unto Archbisbop. Cranmer, to reforme pilgrimages and idolatry; and he permits to eat flesh in Lent, pretending a civill reſpect and the ben…fite of the people. But bloodie Gardener …eaſeth not from perſecution, and burnt in one fire Ro. Teſtwood, Ja. Filmer, Jo. Marbeck and Antonie pierſon, at Wincheſter An. 1543; and great numbers at Calice; amongſt whom was the abovenamed Alex. Seton. The Commiſſioners of this bloody Inquiſition were reſtrained by the Lords of parliament An. 1545, that no inditements should be received againſt any perſon, but by the oaths of 12. men (at leaſt) of p. 179honeſty & credite, and free of malice. Item, that no perſon should be put in ward before his enditement were heard & judged except at the Kings ſpeciall command. Item An. 35. Henr. VIII. c. 16. it was enacted, that the king should have full authority to appoint 16. of the clergy, and 16 of the Temporalty, to peruſe and examine the canons, conſtitutions and ordinances Provincial and Synodal, and according to their diſcretions with his Royall conſent, to ſetle and eſtablish an order of Eccleſiaſticall lawes, to be obſerved in time coming in all ſpirituall courts. As theſe Acts did in ſome meaſure shew the mind of the King, ſo Gardener ceaſeth not; yea he ſpareth not the godly Lady the Kings ſixth wife, and ſent to apprehend her: but by her wiſedom and ſubmiſſion unto the King she was ſaved out of the butchers handes. In a word, Henry was much led by his Counſellers: he died in January 1547. When he ſaw death approaching, he nameth his ſon Edward to be his heire; and failing him, he appointeth the Crown unto Mary; and failing her, unto Eliſabeth. he appointeth 16. Counſellours, as Governours of his ſon: amongſt whom were Th. Cranmer, and Gardener: but afterward he cauſed to blott out Gardeners name, becauſe (ſaid he) he would trouble all the reſt, he is of ſo turbulent a ſpirit. The chieff of theſe Counſellers was Edward Seymer Earle of Herford uncle to king Edward, and Zealous of the Reformed religion. Henry would not ſuffer Gardener to come into his preſence in time of his ſicknes, but called oft for Cranmer, to receive ſpirituall confort. Jo. Foxin Acts. Great joy was among the Fathers at Trent and Rome, when they heard of his death. Pe. Soave. But they where diſapointed, as followes.

IV. Pope Paul ſeeing that England had left him, and fearing the like departure … Light & perſecution continue in Scotland.of Scotland, creates David beton (one, which was not entred into the order of prieſthood) Cardinal S. Stephani de Mon…e Coelio, and ſent him as his Legat to prevent defection. Strict inquiſition was made at his command in the year 1538. many both in Edinburgh and Sant Andrewes for fear did abjure the reformed Religion. Notwithſtanding his oppoſition, the light of the Trueth ſpreads in the cloiſters, and the Friers preach againſt the ignorance and malice of the Bishops. In February 1538. the bishops held a meeting at Edinburgh: There two Friers Killore and Beverage, two prieſts Duncan Simſon and Thomas Forreſt, and a gentle man Tho. Forreſter were condemned and burnt upon the Caſtle-hill. Thomas Forreſt had been Vicar of Dolor, and was delated unto the Bishop of Dunkell for preaching every ſunday to his parishoners upon the Epiſtles & Goſpels of the day: the Bishop deſireth him to forbear, ſeing that diligence brought him into ſuſpicion of hereſy: but (ſaid he) if you can find a good Goſpell or a good epiſtle, that makes for the liberty of the holy Church, teach that, and leave the reſt. Thomas anſwereth, I have read both the New teſtament and the old, and I never found an ill epiſtle or an ill goſpell in any of them. The Bishop replieth, I thank God, I have lived well theſe many years, and never knew the old nor new: I content mee with my Portuiſe and Pontificall; and if you leave not thoſe fantaſies, you will repent, when you can not mende it. He anſwered, he thought it his duty to do as he did, and had layd his account with any danger, that may follow. The ſommer following, Jer. Ruſſell a gray frier and Thomas Kennedy a young man of Aire not above 18 years of age were at Glaſcow accuſed of hereſy: becauſe the Bishop Gawin Dumbar was thought cold in the buſineſs, M^rs John Lawder & And. Oliphant, and frier Maltman were ſent from Edinburgh, to aſſiſt p. 180him. The young man would have ſaved his life by denying the point… layd to his charge: but when he heard Ruſſel's anſwers, he falls upon his knees, and ſaith, Wonderfull, o Lord, is thy love and mercy towards mee a miſerable wretch! for even now I would have denied thee and thy ſon the Lord Jeſus Chriſt my only Saviour, and ſo have thrown myſelf into everlaſting condemnation: thou by thy own hand haſt pulled mee back from the bottom of hell, and given mee to feell moſt heavenly comfort, which hath removed the ungodly fear, that before oppreſſed my mind: now I defy death: do what yee pleaſe: I praiſe God, I am ready. The Frier reaſoneth a long time with his accuſers, and when he heard nothing from them, but bitter and menacing ſpeeches, he ſaid, This is your houre and power of darknes: now yee ſit as Judges, and we ſtand, and wrongfully are condemned: but the day comes, which will shew our innocency, and yee shall ſee your own blindneſs, to your everlaſting confuſion: go on, and fulfill the meaſure of your iniquity. At theſe words the Bishop was moved, and ſaid, Theſe rigorous executions hurt the cauſe of the Church more than wee think of: and therefore in may opinion, it were better to ſpare the mens lives, and take ſome other courſe with them. Theſe which were ſent to aſſiſt, ſaid, If he will follow any other courſe, than which had been kept at Edinburgh, he could not be eſteemed a friend of the Church. So he conſentes to their cruelty. All the time the fire was a preparing, Ruſell comforts the young man, and uſeth ſuch ſpeeches, Fear not brother: for he is more mighty which is in us, than he who is in the world: the pain which wee shall ſuffer is short, and light, but our joy & conſolation shall never have an end: death can not deſtroy us: for it is deſtroyed already by him, for whoſe ſake wee ſuffer: let us ſtrive to enter by the ſame ſtraite way, which our Saviour hath taken before us. The hearers were wonderfully moved with theſe and ſuch words, and ſeeing their conſtancy. Spotſwo. in the Hiſto. Lib. 2. At that time Geo. Buchanan was impriſoned for his poëſie written againſt the Franciſcans: but he eſcaped out of priſon. The Bishops intend to uſe the like cruelty in all parts of the realme: nevertheleſs day by day not only the learned, but even thoſe of whom ſuch gifts could ſcarcely have been expected, began plainly to paint forth the hypocriſy of friers, and ignorance of prieſts. Bishop Beaton becomes ſick, and commits his charge to his nephew the Cardinal which did ſucceed him. At his firſt entring, to shew his grandure, he calleth to Sant Andrews in Maje 1540. eight Earls & Lords, 5 Bishops, In May Anno 1540.4 Abbots with a great number of Barons, Priours, Deans and Doctours; and ſitting in a chaire ſomewhat above them all (becauſe he was a Cardinal) he ſpeaks of the danger of the Catholick Church by the increaſe of hereticks, and their boldneſſe even in the Kings Court, where they finde too great countenance. He named Sir John Borthwick (commonly called Captain Borthwick; and ſome call him Proveſt of Lithgow) whom he had cauſed to be ſummoned for diſperſing the English New Teſtament and books of Jo. Oecolampade, Melanthon and Eraſmus; and for maintaining diverſe hereſies: and the Cardinal craves their aſſiſtance in proceeding in juſtice againſt him. Among other articles theſe were read; 1. The Pope hath no greater authority over Chriſtians, then any other Bishop hath. 2. Indulgences granted by the Pope are but to deceive poor ſouls. 3. bb. prieſts and other clerks may lawfully marry 4. the hereſies commonly called the hereſies of England, and their new liturgy is commendable, and should be embraced &c. He appeares not, and is condemned for theſe particulars as p. 181an hereſiarch, and is ordained to be burnt in effigie, if he can not be apprehended. He ſled into England, and King Henry imploieth him in a commiſſion to the Proteſtant Princes in Germany for a confoederation in defenſe of their common profeſſion. Some years preceeding, King Henry had ſent the Bishop of S. Davids with ſome English books unto his nephew K. James, aiming to induce him unto the like Reformation: and in that year he craves a meeting at York, to treat of the common good of both kingdoms. The King was adviſed by the Nobility, to prepare for that journy: and he returnes anſwer, that he will come. But the Cardinal and clergy fearing the effects of that Conference, ſet themſelves againſt it: they caſt the ſeed of diſcord among the Counſellers, and propound unto the King the inconſtancy of promiſes from an hoſtile king: he needs not go into England for any benefite, ſeing he hath enough at home: they promiſe to give him yearly 30000 crowns from the Church; and of them, which are rebellious againſt the holy Father the Pope, and his lawes, he may make unto the Crown yearly above 100000 Crouns, if he will authorize ſuch a Judge as they would name, to proceed againſt them. Nor can there be any danger in arraigning them, ſeing it is known, that they do uſe the Bible in English, they talk commonly of the Popes power; they deſpiſe the Service of the Church; they deny obedience unto ſacred perſons, and are not worthy to live under a king. By theſe perſuaſions the king gives-over his journey to York. Wherefore king Henry was offended, and prepares an Army againſt Scotland: and James prepares another to inuade England. In time of theſe levies, the Cardinal gives unto the king a catalogue of above 300 perſons, whom in his inquiſition he had appointed unto death: but this bloody deſigne was ſtayd by that preparation, and taken away by the death of the king. For the ſum of the warrs is; when the Scots were paſt Solvay, a gentle man Oliver Sinclare shewes his Commiſſion, to be Commander in chieff: the Noble men refuſe to fight under his command, and were taken captives (the water flowing, they could not return) and King James hearing of their overthrow, died in ſorow within 3. dayes, on December 13. year 1542; leaving a Daughter Mary five dayes old, to be his heire. Then were various diſcourſes, what might be the iſſue of thoſe warrs: Every one talkes as he wisheth or feareth. Henry calleth for the captives unto White-hall, and shewes them, how God had offered them a moſt fit occaſion of firme concord, if their Queen were contracted with his ſon. They do promiſe to uſe their diligence, ſo far as they could, without prejudice of the kingdom and their own infamy: and ſo were diſmiſſed in January. Buchan. Hiſtor. Libr. 14. & 15. Then the Cardinall had more than hope, to be Regent: he cauſeth a Prieſt Hen. Balfour to write (as the Kings laſt will) that he and ſome others should be Governours; and the Queen Dowager favoureth him. But theſe who loved not his Inquiſition, and others calling to mind the former difficulties of the kingdom in the like caſe, chuſeth and declareth February 10. James hamilton Earle of Arran (who was one of theſe, whom the Cardinal had appointed unto death, and next heire of the …rown) to be Regent, during the minority of the infant Queen. He had two preachers Thomas Guilliam and John rough ſound in religion according to theſe times. The Card. was not content with the Regent, nor his preachers: he endeavoureth to moleſt him, and to ſtay the preaching of the Word. In March a Parliament was aſſembled: thither Ralph Sadler Ambaſſadour from England comes p. 182for common peace; and by the way to put in mind the former captives of their promiſes. The Contract of promiſe was once concluded: but the Qu. Dowager, the Card. and the Prelates do ſo wilfully oppoſe it, that with common voice of the moſt part, the Cardinal was removed, and shut up ſtrait in a chamber, untill the votes were asked: then the marriage was concluded; other conditions of peace were penned, and pledges were ordained to be ſent into England. The Cardinal was convoied to Palkeith, and there kept as in firme warde: by interceſſion of the Queen he obtaines liberty to go unto Seton, and afterwards was ſet at full liberty. In the ſame The firſt P…blick ſtep of Reformation.Parliament the rigour of Acts againſt them, who have English Bibles was taken off. The Prelates did obiect, that the Church had forbidden all languages in religion but three, Hebrew, Greek and Latine. The Lords demande, When was that inhibition made, ſeing Chryſoſtom complaines, that men will not uſe the ſacred books in their own language. The Bishops anſwer, Theſe were Greeks. The Lords reply, Chriſt commandeth, that his Word be preached unto all Nations, and therefore it should be preached in every language, which the Nation underſtands beſt: and if it should he preached in all tongues, why should it not be read in all tongues? In the end the beſt part prevailes, and liberty was granted to read the Bible, and to ſay prayers in the vulgar language. This was not a ſmall victory of the trueth, and thereby many ſimple ones receive information. Sundry treatiſes went abroad againſt the tyranny and abuſes of the Church of Rome, and many in forrein Nations praiſe God for the Regent. At that time the New Teſtament was ſo unknowen unto the multitude of prieſts, that they were not ashamed to ſay in their preachings, That book was written by Luther. Not long after, the Abbot of Paſley comes out of France, and prevailes ſo with his brother the Regent, that Frier Guilliam and hindred againwas put from preaching, and went into England; and John rogh went to Kyle; and all godly men were terrified from Court. Likewiſe the Card. hindereth the ſending of the pledges into England, and by his meanes and of his complices, the Regent was perſuaded to alliance with France. Yea the craftly inſinuations of the Card. and Abbot move the Regent, to ren ounce the profeſſion of the Goſpell, and ſubmit himſelf unto the Pope. Then every thing was done at the nod of the Cardinal: many were perſecuted: of whom ſome fled, and ſome were burnt, as An. 1546. in February Ja. huncer, Will. lambe, Witanderſon and Ja. rannelt burgeſſes of Sant Iohn ſtoun, becauſe they had eaten a gooſe on a fryday; and a woman, becauſe in her travelling she would not call upon Mary. John rogers a black …rier (who had faithfully preached the goſpell unto many in Anguiſe and Merns) was murdered in the ſea-tower of Santandrews, and then was thrown over the wall, and a report was ſpred, that he had broken his own George VVishartneck. In the year 1544. came home that bleſſed ſervant of Chriſt, George wishart, one of great learning, Zeal and modeſty: as I being young have heard of very antient men, he had been Schoolemaſter of Montros, and there did teach his diſciples the new teſtament in Greek: for this fault he was delated unto the Bishop of Brechen in time of the perſecution An. 1538. when he was ſummoned to appear, he fled; and after ſixe years returnes with more knowledge of the trueth and with more Zeall: He preached firſt in Montros within a private houſe next unto the church, except one; then in Dundie, where by authority of the Card. he was prohibited to preach: becauſe the town was ſo ready to forſake the Word of God for boaſt of a man, he foretold that a ſcourge was coming shortly upon them. p. 183From thence he went to Aire, and preached in the open fields at the church of Gaſtoun: for he was hindered by the Bishop of Glaſgow to preach in a Church. There he is informed, that within four dayes after his coming from Dundie, that town was infected with the peſt. Upon this occaſion he leaves Kyle with the grief of many, and returnes to Dundy, being confident, that in that viſitation they would hearken unto the comfort of the Word. Becauſe ſome were ſick, and ſome were clean, he ſtood upon the eaſt port, and preached both in the hearing of the ſick without, and of the cleane within. They hearken then unto him with ſuch comfort, that they wish to dy rather than live, thinking that poſſibly they could not have ſuch comfort afterwards. He ſpareth not to viſite the ſick both with bodily and ſpirituall refreshment. The Cardinal was enraged at this preaching, and hireth a frier to kill him: but Cod made his ſervant to eſpy the weapon under the friers goun, and to gripe his hand. The people would have uſed violence againſt the frier: but he ſtayd them, ſaying, He hath done mee no wrong, but rather good; and shewes, that I have need to take heed unto myſelf. The frier declares, who had ſent him, and was let go. When the plague ceaſeth in Dundy, he returnes to Montros, to viſite the Church there, and miniſtreth the Communion with both elements in Dun. From thence he was called by the gentle men of the Weſt, to meet them at Edinburgh, becauſe they intend to ſeek a diſpute with the Bishops. In the way he lodged at Innergoury in the houſe of James watſon, there it was revealed unto him, that he was to glorify God shortly by martyrdom; and not many shall ſuffer after him. When he told theſe things unto others in that houſe, he ſaid alſo, The glory of God shall triumph clearly in this realme, in ſpite of Satan but alas! if the people shall become unthankfull, fearfull shall their plagues bee. When he came to Edinburg; theſe of Kyle came not: he preaches ſometimes there, and ſome times in Lieth within privat houſes: at the entreaty of ſome he preached now in Brounſtoun, then in Ormeſtoun, and ſomtimes in Hadingtoun: in that town for feare of the Earle Bothuell few did hear him, and he foretold the deſolation, that came on that town. When he returned to Ormeſtoun, he told that he was to be apprehended shortly: the ſame night Bothuell comes with a number of armed men at the inſtigation of the Cardinal. Wishart yeelds himſelf, and is convoyd to Edinburgh, and then to Santandrews. There he was accuſed upon the doctrin of juſtifi…ation: he defends himſelf by the Scriptures. Nevertheleſſs he is condemned, and burnt March 1. year 1546. When he was in the fire, the Captain of the caſtle went near him, and in few words exhorts him to be of good courage, and crave pardon of his ſins from God. He anſvereth. This fire is grievous to my body, but touches not my ſoule: yet (ſaid he, pointing at the Card.) he who ſo proudly lookes out of his window, shall be shortly layd forth ignominiouſly. Many of the Nobility were rather provoked than afrayd with ſuch cruelty; and they began to think, Some thing muſt de attempted with hazert, rather than always ſuffer shamefully. So Normand Leſley (the eldeſt ſon to the Earle of Rothes, whom the Card. had much reſpected) and other 16 perſones conſpire his death. Buchanan (Lib. 15 Hiſtor.) ſaith, a private quarrel moved them. May 7. in the morning, when the maſons were wont to be let in to work, they kil the porter at the gate, and then (having locked the gate) they kill the Carldinal in his bedchamber. A noiſe ariſeth in the City; ſome would climb the walls: then the murderers lay the corps forth at the window, (whence p. 184he had beheld the burning of Mr Wishart) to shew, that their buſineſs was too late. The report is quickly ſpred: ſome ſaid, God had done juſtly, albeit the attempt was wicked. I paſſe over what was done by the Regent, to punish the fact, and how they keep the caſtle. If we will judge of the fact by the event, ſome of theſe murderers died in priſon, ſome in the galeys, ſome eſcaped, but all died miſerably. Nor did the poſterity of the Cardinal enjoy long proſperity: for his three daughters were Ladies of Crawford, Vain and Kelly in Anguiſe; and all theſe families are now ruined. He gave good eſtates unto his three ſons, but none of their poſterity have any heritage that he gave them: but I return to the hiſtory. Becauſe the Scots were intending a match with France, a fleet of ships ſent from England, arrive at Lieth unaworſe: they ſpoile Edinburgh and the country thereabout, and ſent their ships loadned with ſpoile again in the ſame year. The Regent and Queen bring ſome aid from France: but the country was a common prey to both the Nations; and they were divided among themſelves, ſome adhering unto England and their firſt Contract, and others pretending the old league with France, but indeed cleaving to idolatry: whereupon followed that infortunat battell at Pinky on the tenth of September An. 1547. The warrs continue ſome years betwixt the two Nations, and the Queen was ſent to France in April An. 1548. John Knox hapned to be within the caſtle of Saintandrews, when the laſt ſiege began; and was carried away to France with the others: becauſe it was made cleare, that he was not at the murder, nor did conſent unto the other crimes, he was ſet at liberty, and went to Geneva: thence he was called to the Miniſtry of Englishes at Frankeford. In the year 1553. Mary being Queen of England, peace was concluded with France, England & Scotland. The next year the Queen Dowager went to France, and procureth, that the Regent was moved to dimit his office: they terrify him, that within a few years he may be called to account of his intromiſſion; and in preſent contentation the King of France gave him the Dukedom of Chatterault. So he reſigneth his office in Parliament unto the Ambaſſadour Monſ. d'Oſell in favours of Q. Mary and her Curatours King of France and Duke of Guiſe. The Ambaſſadour delivereth inſtantly the ſame office unto the Q. Dowager. Then the Prelates thought, that none durſt open a mouth againſt them: but the provident eie of God brought from England in time of perſecution under Mary ſome learned men, as Wi: harlaw, John willock, &c. and Jo. Knox returnes in the end of the year 1555. Before his coming the beſt Another ſtep of Reformation.men thought it not a ſin, to be preſent at Maſſe: he by authority of Gods word perſuades them to abhor it. He abode at Dun, and was exerciſed dayly in preaching: then he went unto Calder, where the Lord Erskin, L. Lorn and James Priour of Sant Andrews ſon of James V. and ſundry other Noble men were his hearers. He went to Finlaſtoun, and preaches before the Zealous Earle of Glencairn: he miniſtreth the Lords ſupper wherever he preacheth. When the Bishops heard of this, they ſummon him to appear at Edinburg May 15. An. 1556. The Bishops aſſemble not, and he preaches in the Bishop of Dunkells loding with greater audience than ever he had before. There the Earles Marshall, Glencairn and others adviſe him to write unto the Regent an exhortation unto the hearing of Gods word. He obe…et… them: but it was in vain. He is called by his flock at Frankford to return: he goeth againſt the mind of many, but promiſeth to return, if they abide conſtant in the trueth. Then the Bishops ſummon him again: for no-compearance they burn him in effigie at the croſs of Edinburgh in p. 185July An. 1556. He wrote his appeal, and cauſed it to be printed, and directed it unto the Nobility and Commons of Scotland. William harlaw preaches publickly in Edinburgh: ſo did John Douglas a Carmelite, and ſometimes in Lieth. Paul meffin preacheth ordinarily in Dundy; and many leaving the Cloiſters preach in all parts of the Country; and the number of profeſſors of Reformation was multiplied. When the prieſts ſaw, that they were much deſerted, they complain unto the Bishops; and the Bishops judge it vain to ſummon theſe Preachers for hereſy: therefore they complain unto the Regent, and accuſe the Preachers of mutiny and ſedition. The Regent knew that the multitude of all ſorts were earneſt that way, and ſaith, It is ſafer to delay for a time all contrary courſe: let the hereticks have ſome way, and wee shall wait our opportunity. Buchan. Hiſt. Lib. 16.

V. After the death of King Henry, followes a bleſſed Reformation in Publik Reformation in England under King Edward.England: for he had cauſed his young ſon Edward to be well inſtructed by Do. Cox; and Edward L. Herford (who then was called Protectour of England, and Duke of Somerſet) both loved the Reformation, and did his endeavour that the true light of the Goſpell might shine everywhere. He had a good helper Tho. Cranmer archb. of Canterbury. The King alſo was of ſingulare gifts above his age; one of the rareſt Princes, that had been in many ages; yea it is doubted, if ever he had an equall in prudence, beſides his knowledge of Sciences and languages, Greek, Latine and French. So he as another Joſias purgeth the temple of the Lord from Popish idolatry and falſe invocation, and would have brought it to greater perfection, if time and life had anſwered unto his godly purpoſe. It may be eaſily conceived, how difficult it was to Reform all things at the firſt, when the greateſt part of the Privy Counſell, of the Bishops and Nobility were open or cloſe Papiſts: but his purpoſe was not to leave one hoo…e of the Romish Beaſt, and did forbid, that the Maſſe should be permitted unto his ſiſter. In …. is firſt year; by authority of Parliament the ſacrament of the Lords ſupper was adminiſtred unto the people with both elements; and Cranmer did tranſlate and in ſome meaſure purge the Miſſal and Breviary. In the ſecond year that book under the name The book of common prayer and adminiſtration of Sacraments was by act of Parliament, to be uſed in all churches and chappells; and that none practize, nor ſpeak againſt it, nor any part of it, Providing alſo, that they who are acquainted with other languages, may uſe that which they underſtand beſt, in chappells, but not in parish-churches. In this third year an Act was made againſt all books called Antiphoners, Miſſals, grailes, proceſſionals, manuals, legends, pies, portuiſſes, paimers and other books whatſoever uſed before, for ſervice in the Church of England in English or Latine, other than were then, or after shal be ſet forth by the King. Item, againſt all images of ſtone, timber, alabaſter or earth; graven, carved or painted in any church or chappell, except only images or pictures upon any tombe for monument only of any perſon, which had been of good reputation. The book of Common prayer was ſome what amended in the year 1552. He put the Popish Bishops and prieſts to ſilence, and removed them from their Benefices. Bo…er Bishop of London was removed, and for contumacy was condemned to perpetuall priſon in the Tower, and Do. Ridley became Bishop of London. Gardener was depoſed from Wincheſter &c. But he killed none; yea when the Counſell would perſuade him, to burn a woman Joan but…her, he ſaid, What? will yee ſend her quick to the Devill in her errours? p. 186When the Reformation was firſt intended, a generall Viſitation of the Bishopricks was made by certaine prudent and learned men, which were appointed Commiſſioners, for ſeverall Diocies; and unto every Company two or three preachers were adjoined. to preach at every Seſſion, and dehort the people from their wonted ſuperſtition, and inform them in the trueth. And that they might proceed the more orderly in their Comm…ſſions or viſitations, 32 perſons (as in the time of King Henry VIII) were appointed to preſcribe certain inſtructions and orders of Viſitation. The troubles in Germany at that time did contribute (by the gracious providence of God) to the furtherance of the Goſpell in England, Tho. Cranmer by Letters brought Martin Bucer, Paul Fagius, Peter Martyr and other learned men in the year 1548 and 1549: their coming was moſt acceptable unto the King & country. Fagius an expert Hebrician, and Bucer were ſent to be Doctors in Cambridge, and Martyr was deſigned Reader of Divinity in Oxford. But (as Theod. Beza in …eſp. ad. Fr. Balduin. Vol. 1. Tractat. Pag. 322 edit An. 1570. hath obſerved in epiſt. Buceri da…ed Cantabrig. Januar. 12 An. 1550) concerning the purity of rites, the advice of no forreiner was ſought: what they could do, they did not fail both by word and write, to adviſe the people to chuſe good Paſtours, and to endeavour more purity both in doctrine and rites: but ſome through mans wiſdom and vanishing thoughts would glue God and Belial with the leaven of Antichriſt. And John à Laſco a Polonian was then a preacher of a Dutch congregation in London: he in his preface before his book de Eccleſiaſtico ordine, ſaith, That moſt holy King was deſirous to have the whole Religion ſo reformed throughout a… the king …om, that he was carefull of no other thing almoſt: but becauſe ſome Lawes of the country were in the way; that the publick rites of Divine worship eſpecially, which had been in uſe under Popery, could not be purged out as the King himſelf would; and I was inſtant for the forrein Churches; it pleaſed them at laſt, that the publick rites should be purged out of the English churches by degrees, ſo ſoon as they could by the lawes; and in the mean time forreiners (which in this reſpect were not ſo tied unto theſe lawes of the Country) should order their churches freely, and without any reſpect unto the rites of t…e Country, if their doctrin were only Apoſtolicall: for ſo it may come to paſſe, that the English churches alſo might be moved by unanimous conſent of the Eſtates; to embrace the Apoſtolical purity: and ſome tooke t… is ſo ill, that they did ſtrive againſt the K… purpoſe. So far he. yea they did ſo ſtrive, and were ſo malicious, that they did accuſe the Duke of Somerſet, that he had changed the lawes of the realme, and had ſecret intelligence with forrein Ambaſſadours, without their knowledge, &c. And for theſe cauſes he was beheaded in the Tower An. 1552. So variance entereth among them, and coldneſs of Religion repoſſeſſeth many; and ſome have written, that the King was poiſoned. Certainly for a clearer manifeſtation of mens hearts, the King was viſited with long ſicknes, and died July 6. An. 1553. In time of his ſicknes he aduiſed with his Privie Counſell, who should have the government after him: for albeit his Father had appointed Mary to ſucceed, yet ſeing she is of a contrary religion, and it is doubted of the lawfulnes of her birth; and himſelf is of lawfull years, he accounts it proper unto him, to name his heire; and the rather, that it is to be feared, that she will not only ſub…ert religion, but the realm shall be thralled to a ſtranger, as Scotland is unto France. After deliberation it was decreed, to chuſe Lady Jane daughter of the Earle of Suffolk and of Mary p. 187daughter of King Henry. 7. So foure dayes after Edwards death, Lady Jane was proclamed Queen, by authority of the Counſel. Many of the Nobility and people were much diſpleaſed, not ſo much for love of Mary, as for hatred to the Duke of Northumberland, becauſe Lady Jane was married unto his fourth ſon. At this time Mary goeth into Norfolk and Suffolk and promiſeth unto them of the Reformation, that she shall change nothing in Religion as it was eſtablished by her brother. They take her part; She writes abroad for aid, and carryeth her ſelf as Queen. The Counſell c…v…e…ing at London, ſendeth ſom… forces under the conduct of Northumberland, to apprehend her. But then the Counſell perceiving the Mary the Pop…sh Queen overthrows all for a time.inclination of the people, and hearing that the Reformed of Norfolk and S…folk were for her, change their Sentence; they cauſe proclaime Mary Queen, and keep La. Jane in the Tower: When theſe newes were brought into the Campe, all men forſook the Duke: but when they receive Letters from the Counſell in name of Queen Mary, they take him, and bring him to London. Then he made open profeſſion of Popery, under hope to gaine the Queen's favour and liberty: but was beheaded. Ja. Thuan lib. 13. ad An. 1553. Cardinal Reginald Pool hearing at Rome, that King Edward was dead, haſteneth towards England, hoping to have the Crown by r…g…t (for he had pretenſions) or by marriage with Mary. The Emperour inuites him to come into Germany by his way; and entertaines him with great shew of honour, untill by his Ambaſſadour he had finished a Contract of marriage betwixt his ſon Philip & Mary: and by the Queens patent he became archbishop of Canterbury. Then another world was to be ſeen: proceſſions of joy were in Italy for regaining England u…to the Romane Se…. Pe Soave in Co…. Trud. Gardener, Tonſtall and other Popish Bishops were a…vance…: Cranmer, Latimer, Ridley and other Reformed Bishops were committed to priſon, and burnt: reading and printing of English Bibles and of late book… were diſcharged: the Supremacy of the Pope was ploclaimed: the Latine …aſ… was u…ed: the clauſe of prayer, that God would deliver the kingdom from ſedition and tyranny of the …ishop of Rome, was blotted out of the L…ta…: the Queen would not ſuffer her fathers name in publick prayers, becauſe he …ad made apoſta…y from the Church. Ja. Thua. lo. cit All temporaries tur… their clock…, wicked men reioice: good men are oppreſſed: ſome fi…d: ma…y were impriſoned: ſome ſterve in priſon: many hundreds were b…rn…: in a word, in no Kings time (beeing free from wa…e) were ſo many killed as in the five years reigne of Q. Mary by beheading, hanging, burning, racking and ſ…erving. That cruel Bishop Bonner beholding how joyfully the Martyrs ſuffered, ſaid to one of them, They call mee, bloody Bonner: a vengeance on you all: I would fain be rid of you: but yee have a delight in burning: if I might have my will, I would ſew your mo…ths, put you in ſacks, and drown you all. Gods revenging hand was …pon theſe p…rſecuters: Gardener the archperſecuter, being at dinner with the Duke of Norfolk, and hearing that Bishop Ridley and Mr. Latimer were burnt at Oxford, shewes no litle joy, and by and by was ſo ſmitten (none knowing how) that he was carryed from table to a bed: where he lay 15. dayes in ſuch intolerable torments, that in all that ſpace he could voide neither by urine nor otherwiſe, his tongue hangeth out, and ſo died. Do. Morgon, who condem…ed Ferrare Bishop of S. Davies, and vſurped his place, was ſ…itten, that when he would eat, nothing went down, but it burſted out again, ſomtime at his mo…th, and ſomtime at …is noſe. Do Dunning the bloody Chanceller at Norwich was taken away ſuddenly: the like befell B…rrie p. 188Commiſſarie of Norfolk, &c. Mary had her kingdom diminished by loſſe of Cales, which eleven English kings had kept, and the countrie was plagued with famine, that the ſubiects were glad to eat ackorns: she was never able to put the Crown on her husbands head: of all things both he and shee was moſt deſirous to have children, but she had none: once she was thought to be bigg with child; but of what she was delivered, it was known to few: then Philip left her; and she had neither the love of h…r ſubiects, nor his company, nor could marry another: at laſt she was diſeaſed; ſome called it a tympany; others call it melancholy, becauſe of her deep and continuall groanes: she died November 17. An. 1558. and her couſine the Card. died within ſixteen hours after her. Jo. Foxe in Acts. Enduring her reigne; La. Eliſabeth was kept in the Tower: Gardener and others ſought her death often; they accuſe her of treaſon, and would have ſtirred up King Phillip againſt her: but he preſerveth her, not for any love to her perſon or religion, but for reaſon of State, leſt she being taken out of the way, and the Queen dying without children, the kingdoms of Scotland, England and Irland might be annexed unto the Crown of France, by means of Mary Qu of Scotland, next heire of …ngland, and at that time affianced to the Daulphin of France: than which the Spaniard thought no thing could happen more adverſe to his affectation of greatnes. At firſt when She was locked up, she was much daunted: but being comforted afterwards she ſaid, The skill of a Pilot is not known but in a tempeſt. and a true Chriſtian appeares beſt in time of tentation. In the year 1558. they condemne her to be beheaded, and went to bring her to execution: by miraculous providence she was preſerved. The lieutenant of the Tower will not give them credite, and goeth to ask the Queen, whether it was her will? Mary ſaith, Not: and commandeth to ſet her at liberty. And is proclamed Queen.On the very day of Marie's death, Eliſabeth was proclamed Queen, and ſo of a priſoner was acknowledged by Counſell, Nobility and Commons to be the only Heire, and was crowned January 15, with many glad hearts: all the Bishops except Owen Bishop of Carlile, refuſe to perform the ſolemnities of the Coronation, becauſe of her Religion. At her coronation she did ſecure the kingdom by oath, that she shall not marry a ſtranger: nor would she make open declaration, what doctrine she would follow: only she ſet free all the priſoners for Religion (many hundreds) and promiſeth, that when she shall be eſtablished in her governement, to eſtablish religion by advice of Parliament and of learned & godly men: and cauſeth it be proclaimed, that in the mean time none shall alter any ceremonies, unleſs it be according to the rites of her own chappel: and theſe were as it was ordered in her fathers time. Speed & Cambden. She ſendeth to make account unto the Pope of her aſſumption. He anſwereth, That kingdom was held in fee of the Apoſtolick See, and it was her preſumption to vſurp the name of Queen. without his knowledge: therefore she deſerveth not to be heard, unleſs she renounce her pretenſions, and ſubmit herſelf unto his free diſpoſition. This ſoundeth harsh both to her and to the counſel, therefore she will treat no more with him PeSoave in conc. Tride. Then knowing the difference of opinions in religion among her …ubiects, and willing to ſatisfie both parties according to reaſon, she calleth a Parliament, and by common aduice appointeth a Conference of eight perſons on either ſide, that after debating of reaſons they might come to an happy agreement. The perſons were named; the day appointed; the queſtions were (for the firſt) concerning the vulgare tongue in Divine p. 189Service, and the communion under both kindes; order was preſcribed, that for avoiding heat of contention. they shall not diſpute by word, but both parties shall write their reaſons, and give them in the firſt day; and anſwers shall be prepared againſt the next day; and all to be in English, that every one may receive information. Both parties were content. But when the day was come, the Papiſts alledge, they underſtood not the ordinance concerning the diſputation in write, and they will diſpute by voice only. The ſecond day they were preſſed more inſtantly: but as deſpiſing authority, nor regarding their own credite, or rather being convinced in their conſciences, they ſtill refuſe. The third day both parties were required …o produce their books and opinions. All the Popish party (excep the Bishop of Weſtminſter) plainly deny to let their books be read: ſome ſpake unreverently. even of excommunicating the Queen. Sir Nicolas Bacon Lord Keeper, and Nicolas archb. of York were named by the Parliament, to be Iudges of the Conference: they take this carriage as a contempt both of Nobility and Commons, as alſo of her Roiall Majeſty. Then the Bishops were required to give their oath of allegiance and Supremacy, as in King Henry VIII. time. They refuſe this alſo. Wherefore the Bishop of Wincheſter, who had shewed more folly than others, was committed to the Tower (afterwards he was ſet at liberty). Boner Bishop of London (who was the chief butcher in Mary's time) was committed to the Marshall-ſea: ſome fled out of the Country; and others were charged to anſwer before the Counſell: ſome were confined; not one more impriſoned: and all the exiled bb. and others in Q. Mary's time were recalled. Franc. Maſon. Lib. 3. c. 1. A Parliament was held at Weſtminſter: where was much debate in matter of Religion, and hote ſtudy on both ſides. In the goodneſs of God, the Goſpell had the upper hand: the hope of the Popish falleth: their rage is abated: the ſupremacy of the Pope is denied: the bloody Statutes of Q. Mary are repealed: popish bb. were depoſed, and good men put in their rooms: the Maſſe is abolished; altars are appointed to be removed, and tables ſet for them: the zeal of many (pulling down the altars, before that Act) was approved. Jo. Foxe in Acts. In a brief view behold the hand of God toward her afterwards, 1. The king of France pretending right by his Queen Mary, intended to inuade England, but he was taken away. II. Philip king of Spain ſought her in marriage: she abhorred that, becauſe he had married her Siſter. Therefore he ſought to match her with Charles ſon of the Emperour Ferdinand; but to the end he might bring the Nation to the houſe of Auſtria: and becauſe She refuſed, he became her utter enemy, yet to her greater glory. 3. An. 1562. Arthur Pool of the houſe of York, intended to bring an Army from France into Wales: but he and his confederates were diſcovered before the execution of the plot, and were condemned. 4. As before, the French king, ſo again Philip ſought …ft, that the Popes would accurſe her, that ſo he might have pretext to inuade her kingdom. God hindered Paul 4. and Pius 4. from decerning it; and more followes.

VI. In Aprile An. 1558. Walter mill prieſt of Lunan in Anguiſe was VValter m…ll martyraccuſed by the Bishop of Santan drews for leaving the Maſſe, and that therefore he and John petrie prieſt at Innerkilor were condemned by the late Cardinal to be burnt, wherever they should be apprehended. Walter anſwered, I ſerved the Cure there before the Cardinals time 20. years, with the approbation of all the parishoners: but when the furious Cardinal perſecuted mee and many more for the preaching of Godsword, I was conſtrained p. 190to keep myſelf quiet, and I went about reproving vices, and inſtructing people in the grounds of Religion, for which cauſe now I am taken. When he was brought to triall in the Church before the Bishops of Santandrews, Murray, Briechin, Caitnes, the Abbots of Dumfermlin, Lundors, Balmerino, and Couper, and many Doctors of the Univerſity, he looked ſo feeble partly by age, and partly by hard uſage, that it was feared, none could hear, what he would anſwer; yet he delivered his mind with ſuch courage, that his enemies were amaſed. At firſt he kneeled to pray. Andrew oliphant a prieſt ſaid, Sir Walter mill, get up and answer, for you keep my Lord here too long. He continued yet praying, and when he aroſe, he ſaid, I should obey God more than man; I ſerve a mighter Lord then your Lord is: and whereas you call mee, Sir Walter, they call mee Walter, and not, Sir Walter, I have been too long one of the Popes Knights: now ſay what you have to ſay. Oliphant asked, What thinkeſt thou of prieſts marriage? He anſwered; I think it a bleſſed bond, ordained by God, approved by Chriſt, and free to all ſorts of men: but yee abhor it, and in the mean while yee take other mens wives and daughters: yee vowe chaſtity, and keep it not. Oliphant ſayd, Thou ſayſt; that there are not ſeven ſacraments. He anſwered, Give us baptiſme and the Lords Supper, take yee the reſt, and part them among you. Oliphant, Thou ſaiſt, the Maſſe is idolatry. He anſweres, A Lord ſends and calleth many to a dinner, and when it is ready, he tolleth the bell, and they come into the hall, but he turnes his back upon his gueſts and eates all himſelf, giving them no part; even ſo do yee. Olip. Thou denieſt the ſacrament of the altar to be the body of Chriſt really in flesh and blood. Mill. The Scripture is not underſtood carnally but ſpiritually, and your Maſſe is wrong: for Chriſt was once offered on the croſs for mans ſin, and will never be offered again: for at that time he put an end to all ſacrifices. Oliph. Thou denyeſt the office of a Bishop. Mill. I affirm, they whom yee call Bishops, do not Bishops works, nor exerciſe the office of Bishops, but live after their ſenſuall pleaſures, taking no care for Chriſts flock, nor regarding His word. Oliph. Thou ſpeakeſt againſt pilgrimage, and calleſt it pilgrimage to whoordom. Mill. I ſay, pilgrimage is not commanded in Scriptures, and there is no greater whoordom in any place, than at your pilgrimages, except it be in the common brothels. Olip. Thou preacheſt privatly in houſes, and ſomtimes in the fields. Mill. yea man, and upon the ſea too, when I was ſailing. Olip. If thou will not recant thy opinions, I will pronounce ſentence againſt thee. Mill; I know, I muſt die once: therefore as Chriſt ſaid to Judas, Quod facis, fac cito: yee shall know that I will not recant the trueth: I am corn, and not chaff: I will neither be blown away with the wind, nor burſt with the flaile, but will abide both. Then he was condemned of hereſy, and was kept two dayes, becauſe the Bishop could not find a Judge to condemne him to death. The Bish. ſent for Patrick Lermond of Dairſie Provoſt of the city, and willed him to condemne him, as being now condemned of hereſy. The Provoſt anſwered, I will do any thing at your Lordships. command, that belongs to my office according to juſtice: but I will not medle with the innocent ſervants of God, and preachers. The Bishop ſaid, Provoſt, you are Bailive of my Regality, and ought to judge all ſuch as tranſgreſſe within my bounds. He anſwered. Yes, and if your Lo. pleaſe, I will take him, and give him a faire aſſiſe of temporall men, who perhaps will abſolve him. I am conte…t, ſaid the Bishop, make mee quite of him any way you pleaſe. But ſome ſaid unto the Provoſt, It is dangerous to abſolve a man, who is already by the clergy condemned p. 191of hereſy: wherefore the Provoſt deſired …im to adviſe till the morne; and ere then he went out of the town, Wherefore the Bishop ſought this man and that, to be Judge; and at laſt ſet. Alexander Somervail one of his domeſtick ſervants, to ſupply the place of a Judge for the time, and he condemned him to the fire: and becauſe no…e in the town would ſell ropes for that uſe, the ropes of the Bishops pavilion were taken. When they brought him nigh the fire, they ſaid unto him in deriſion, Recant. He anſwered, I marvell at your rage, yee hypocrites, who ſo cruelly do perſecute the ſervants of God: as for mee, I am 82 years old, and can not live long by courſe of nature: but an hundred better than I, shall ariſe out of the ashes of my bones. which shall ſcatter the proud pack of you hypocrites and perſecuters of God's ſervants, and who of you thinkes yourſelf worthyeſt, shall not dy ſo honeſt a death, as I dy now: I truſt in God, I shall be the laſt, that shall ſuffer death in this Land for this cauſe. Out of a manuſcript Hiſtory writen by Lindſay, in the Bibliothek of the Colledge of Edinburgh. Oliphant commandeth him to go unto the ſtake. Mill ſaid, I will not go, unleſs thou put mee up with thy hand: for by the law of God, I am forbidden to put hand in myſelf: but will thou putto thy hand, and thou shall ſee mee go up gladly. Oliphant put him foreward: and he went with a chearfull countenance, ſaying, Introibo ad a…tare dei. then he craved liberty to ſpeak unto the people. Oliphant ſaid, You have ſpoken too much, and the Bishops are offended with ſo long delay Some youths ſtanding-by, willed him to ſpeak, and accurſed the Bishops. and all the executioners. He firſt prayed, and ſpake unto the people to this purpoſe, Deare friends▪ the cauſe, why I ſuffer tooday, is not for any crime layd to my charge: I acknowledge myſelf a miſerable ſinner before God: but I ſuffer for the defence of the truth of Jeſus Chriſt, ſet forth in the old and new Teſtaments: for which as many Martyres have offred their lives moſt gladly, being aſſured after their death to enjoy endleſs felicity, ſo this day I praiſe God, that he hath called mee of his mercy among others his ſervants, to ſeal up his truth with my life: which as I have received of him, ſo willingly I offer it to his glory: And as yee would eſcape eternall death, be no more deluded with the lies of the prieſts, monks, friers, Priors, Abbots, Bishops and others of the ſect of Antichriſt: but depend only upon Jeſus Chriſt and his mercy, that yee may be delivered from condemnation. The people made great lamentation, and were exceedingly moved with his words. When the fire was kindled, he cried, Lord have mercy on mee: pray, good people, while ther is time. And thus he departed, shewing a wonderfull courage. His death was the very death of Popery in this realme: for the minds of men were ſo greatly enflamed, that reſolving openly to profeſſe the truth, …hey did bind themſelves by promiſe a…d ſubſcription of oaths, if any shall be called into queſtion for Religion hereafter, they shall take arms, and joyn in defenſe of their brethren againſt the tyrannous and perſecuting Bishops.

VII. Immediately ſome Noble men and Barons did preſent unto the A ſupplication unto the Queen Regent.Queen Regent this ſupplication, the copy whereof I found in fair write (as ſundri…e other papers concerning theſe times, among the papers of John erski… Superintendent; in the hands of his great grand-child Alexander enskin of Dun) with this Inſcription, The ſubiects of this rea…m of Scot and wiſh unto the moſt Excellent Princeſs Mary Queen dovrier and Regent, all fe…icity, Moſt Noble Princeſs, It is not unknown, unto your Maieſty, our ard…ent deſire, to ſee the name of God glorified in this our native Countrie, and p. 192wee have often made humble ſuit unto your Grace, to have your good will and protection, to live quietly in free conſcience without oppreſſion of tyrany, according to the will of our God made manifeſt to us in his holy Scriptures: And becauſe ſome men, which moſt minuſtly have entred themſelves by title and name, as Miniſters of Gods Kirk, are conſpired together againſt the Lord and his anointed, to put down his name and honour, and to maintain moſt odious abominations, wee have forſaken them and their deteſtable miniſtry, knowing them to be accurſed of God; And according to the Scripture wee have received ſuch Miniſters as with humble mindes ſubmit themſelves, their doctrine and miniſtry unto the word of God and triall thereof, of whom wee have experience, that they do miniſter truly according to the inſtitution of our Saviour; And now, Madam, the Bishop of Santandrews by the corrupt Counſell of moſt wicked and ungodly perſons, hath given forth his letters of ſummons againſt our Miniſters to compear in Santandrews or otherwhere, ſuch day as he hath appointed in his letters (the copy whereof being required, was refuſed) to underly the moſt corrupt …udgement of them, whoſe Counſell in this cauſe he doth moſt follow, And knowing how dangerous a thing it is, to enter under the judgement of enemies, wee can not ſuffer them to enter under their hands, nor to compeare before them, unleſs they be accompanied with ſuch as, may be able to defend them from the violence and tyranny, where of wee have now experience: But to ſtop all tumults and other inconvenients, that may thereby occurre, wee moſt humbly offer ourſelves and Miniſters to come before your Grace and Counſell, to abide tryall in all things, that they have to lay unto the charge of us and our miniſters, according to the word of God; Beſeeching your Grace as you ought of duty, and as you are placed of God above his people, take our cauſe, or rather the cauſe of God, to be tryed moſt juſtly according to the holy Scriptures, before yourſelf; and put inhibition to the ſaid Bishop to proceed further. untill tryall be taken, as ſaid is: Unto the which, your Gr. shall find us at all times ready, as shall pleaſe you to command: and your Gr. good anſwer wee moſt humbly beſeech. Another ſtep of the firſt publik Reformation in Scotland.This ſupplication had no anſwer, as they did expect. Then the Counſell conveening, they did agree to hazard their lives and eſtates, in advancing the cauſe of Religion: and after deliberation what were fitteſt firſt to do, they conclude theſe articles, 1. that in all parishes the Curate should be cauſed to read the prayers and Leſſons of the old and new Teſtam. on ſundays and feſtivall days, conform to the book of Common prayers; and if the Curate be not qualified or refuſe, another shall be choſen to do the ſame. 2. preaching and interpretation of Scriptures shall be uſed only in private houſes after a quiet manner, untill God shall move the Queen, to grant further liberty. It was performed accordingly in many towns and parishes, to the great offenſe of the clergy, who complain unto the Regent, and were anſwered, that it is no fit time to enter into theſe matters, but ere long she wil find occaſion to put order unto them. Archbald Earle of Argile had been in the Councell at the making of theſe Acts; and the Bishop of Santandrews ſent a letter unto him, shewing the perill, whereinto he caſts himſelf by that open defection from the Church; willing him to rid himſelf of that defamed and perjured Apoſtat John douglas (whom the Earle had choſen to be his Miniſter) and offering to provide unto him a learned and wiſe Preacher, for whom he would lay his ſoule in pawne, that he shall teach no other but true doctrine and agreeable to the Catholick faith. p. 193The Earle anſwered; he feared no perill to himſelf nor his houſe, having reſolved to live in obedience to his Prince, and to ſerve God al…well as he could according to his word: as for the alledged defection, ſeing it hath pleaſed God to open his eies, and give him the knowledge of his truth, which he takes as a token of his favour, he will not forſake it for fear of any inconvenients: and that man he had named, he had heard him teach the doctrin of Chriſt, condemne idolatry, adultery, fornication and the like vices, as he is ready to give account, whenſoever he shal he cited: but to call him defamed and perjured, there was no reaſon, ſeing he was not declared to be ſuch by any Sentence; and if formerly he had taken any unlawfull oath, he had done much better in forſaking it, than if he had obſerved it: and whereas he had profered unto him ſome learned man, he gave him thanks, ſeing, is ſo great neceſſity of labourers in the Lord's harveſt: but he underſtood his meaning, and minded not to be led with ſuch teachers: In end he wished, he would not beginne the battell with him, whereof the event may be doubtfull, but that he knew, God is God, and shall bee ſtill, whatſoever the craft of man can work or deviſe. The Bishop receiving this anſwer, communicates it unto the chief of the clergy, who began to think upon other defenſes; and they ſummon ſome Miniſters to compear at Edinburgh the 20 of July, eſpecially Paul meffan Preacher …. So many people did conveen, that the Bishops thought beſt …delay all proceſs, except that they condemned the abſents, and ſummoned them to compear on September 1. with promiſe of pardon, if they will recant their errours. Buchan. hiſt. lib. 16. The feaſt of S. Giles was then approaching: for the cuſtom was on Septemb. 1. to carry the image of their Pa…-Saint through the town with drums, trumpets and other muſicall inſtruments, and to envite nighbours unto feaſting and great drinking. At that time the Clergy did entreat the Regent, to honour the ſolemnity with her preſence; and she fearing ſome tumult conſents to accompany the proceſſion: but when the time of ſolemnity was come, the image could not be found. This made a ſtay, till another little image was brought from the Gray Fri…rs: the people in mockery called it, young S. Giles. They go-on with this, and the Regent went with them till the proceſſion was nigh ended. So ſoon as she went to dinner, ſome young men drew neer, making shew to help the bearers, and perceiving by the motion, the image was fixed to the Fertor, they threw all to the ground: then taking the image by the heels, they dash it againſt the ſtones, untill they break it into pieces: the prieſts and friers runne away, to make shew of violence: but when no danger did appeare, they come to the ſtriet again. And albeit the clergy were out of all hope to ſtand; yet to put the faireſt face on their condition, they conveen, and delay their cenſuring, untill November 7. In the mean time, who were moſt foreward for Reformation, went through out the Shires, exhorting all men to take the Reformation to heart, and that they would not ſuffer themſelves nor friends to be oppreſsed by a few prieſts, and aſſuring them of victory, if the cauſe be handled legally; or if violence be vſed, they shall not be inferiour. VntoUnto ſo many who were willing, they offered a bonde to ſubſcribe, which they had drawn up conforme to the act of the Councell. The ſubſcribers were called The Congregation: which name became more famous. In November a Parliament for articles of the marriage betwixt Francis Daulphin of France and Queen Mary, was to be conveened: then they knowing by the return of the ſubſcriptions, that the Countrie for the moſt part was enclined that way, p. 194reſolve to make an end of the work, and draw up a ſupplication unto the Queen and Parliament, for promoting the Reformation. The Prelats hearing of it, were highly enraged, that any man durſt preſume to appear in ſo great a crime, and ſaid, They would not depart a jote from the decrees of Trent. But a little afterwards they made offer to commit the cauſe to diſpute; truſting to carry it, becauſe they were to be the Judges. The Congregation accepts the diſputation with two conditions, 1. the controverſies in debate shall be decided by Scripture. 2. ſuch of the brethren, who were exiled or condemned, might ſavely bee at the diſpute. Both theſe were refuſed: they would admit no other Canon, but the canon-law, nor would they diſpence with any Sentence, that they had pronounced. Then the prieſts propound other articles, but ſo unworthy (ſaith Buchan.) that they are unworthy of an anſwer, to wit, if the Congregation would continue in former reverence, acknowledge purgatory, prayers to Saints, and prayers for the dead, they shall be permitted to uſe the common language in prayers and adminiſtration of the Sacraments. They therefore did entreat the Queen, to preſent their Supplication unto the Parliament publickly. She anſwered, I think it not expedient at this time: for it will make the Eccleſiaſticall perſons adverſe unto the main buſineſs in hand: but how ſoon order shall be taken heerin, yee shall know my good mind. They were content to give place for a time: but withall they thought good to make proteſtation, ere the Parliament were diſſolued, in this manner; IT IS not unknown unto this Honourable Parliament, what controverſy is A Proteſtation made in Parliament 1558.lately riſen betwixt thoſe that will be called the Prelats and Rulers of the Church, and a great number of us the Nobility and Commonalt… of the Realme, for the true worship of God, for the duty of Miniſters, and the right adminiſtration of Chriſt Jeſus his holy ſacraments; How wee have complained by our ſupplication unto the Queen Regent, that our conſciences are burdened with unprofitable ceremonies; that wee are compelled to adhere unto idolatry; That ſuch as take upon them the eccleſiaſticall office, diſcharge no part thereof, as becomes true Miniſters to do; And finally that wee and our brethren are moſt jujuriouſly oppreſſed by their uſurped authority: And wee ſuppoſe it is ſufficiently known, that wee were of mind to ſeek redreſſe of theſe enormities at this preſent Parliament. But conſidering that the troubles of the time do not ſuffer ſuch Reformation as wee do by Gods plain word require, wee are enforced to delay that which wee moſt earneſtly deſire: And yet leſt our ſilence may give occaſion unto our adverſaries, to think, that wee repent of our former enterpriſes, wee can not ceaſe, to proteſt for remedy againſt that moſt uniuſt tyranny, which heretofore wee have moſt patiently ſuſtained. And ſo I. wee proteſt, that ſeing wee can not obtain a juſt Reformation according to Gods word, that it be lawfull unto us, to uſe ourſelves in matters of Religion and conſcience, as wee muſt anſwer unto God, untill ſuch time our adverfariers be able to prove themſelves the true Miniſters of Chriſts Church, and to purge themſelves of ſuch crimes as wee have already layd unto their charge; offering ourſelves, to prove the ſame, whenſoever the Sacred Authority shall pleaſe to give us andience. II. Wee proteſt, that neither wee, nor any other of the godly, that liſt to join with us in the true faith, which is grounded upon the inuincible word of God, shall in cur any danger of life or lands or any politicall pain, for not obſerving ſuch Acts, as heretofore have paſſed in favours of our adverſaries, nor for violating ſuch rites, as man without Gods commandement or word hath commanded. III. Wee proteſt, that p. 195if any tumult or uprore shall ariſe among the members of this realme, for the diverſity of Religion; and if it shall chance, that abuſes be violently Reformed, that the crime thereof be not imputed unto us, who now do moſt humbly ſeek all to be reformed by Order: but rather whatſoever inconvenient shall happen to follow, for lack of Order taken, it may be imputed unto thoſe, that do refuſe the ſame. IV. and laſtly wee proteſt, that theſe our requeſts proceeding from conſcience, do tend to none other end, but to the Reformation of abuſes in Religion only; Moſt humbly beſeeching the ſacred Authority, to take us faithfull and obedient ſubiects into protection againſt our adverſaries, and to shew unto us ſuch indifferency in our moſt juſt petition, as it becometh Gods Lieutenant to do unto thoſe who in his name do call for defenſe againſt cruell oppreſſors and blood-thriſty tyrants. This Proteſtation was publickly read: and they craved to have it inſerted in the common Regiſter: but that was denied by the adverſaries: nevertleſs the Q. Regent ſaid, VVee will remember, what is proteſted, and wee shall put good Order after this to all things, that now be in controverſy. With this anſwere they depart in good hope of her favour, and praiſing God, that she was ſo well enclined. But when the Parliament was cloſed, and a generall Peace was concluded betwixt Spain, France, England and Scotland, the Regents countenance was altered againſt theſe, which were for the Reformation. and she ſaid, Seing now wee are free from theſe vexations, which moſt troubled my mind, wee will labour to reſtore the Authority by ſome notable example unto that reverend eſteem, which it hath lately loſt. Then she takes the names of all the M…niſters, and cauſed ſummon them to compear at Sterlin May 10. 1559, and the Prelates become more inſolent, And they deviſed to ſend the Earle of Argile and L. James Stuart Priour of Santandrews into France with the matrimoniall Diademe. But theſe conſidering, how all the Comiſſioners were cut off or returned not, which were ſent unto the ſolemnization of the marriage, and what mightfall out at home in time of their abſence, delaid to take voiage from time to time.

VIII. In the next Spring, the Earle of Glencairn and Sir Hugh Cambell Troubles ariſe 1559.Shireff of Aire wereſent unto the Regent, to enquire the reaſon of that ſummons, and to entreat her, not to moleſt the Miniſters, unleſs they could be charged of falſe doctrine, or behaving themſelves diſorderly. The Regent ſaid with vehemency of paſſion, Maugre your hearrs and all that will take part with them, theſe Miniſters shall be banished Scotland, though they preached als ſoundly as ever S. Paul did. The Noble men beſought her in a humble manner, to think of the promiſes, Shee had made from time to time. In greater choler She ſaith, Promiſes of Princes should be no further ſtrained, than it ſeemes unto them convenient to performe. Then ſaid they, If this be your reſolution to keep no promiſes unto the ſubjects, wee can not any more acknowledge your authority, and will henceforth renounce all obedience unto you; and what inconveniences may ariſe of this, you may bethink yourſelf. This anſwer was unexpected, and calming herſelf a litle, she ſaid, Wee will think, how to remedy theſe evils in the beſt and quiet way. The ſame day report was brought, that a Miniſter had preached publickly in the Church of Perth: this did provoke her yet more, and calling the Lord Ruthuen Provoſt of the town, She commandeth him to go and ſuppreſſe theſe of the new Religion. He anſwered, that he would make their bodies and goods ſubject, but he had no power over their conſciences. She was more eommoved, and vowed, that she p. 196would make him and them repent of their ſtoutneſs. When the day appointed for appearing of the Miniſters, drew neer, the Profeſſours went with them from all parts of the country: in Anguiſe and Merns ſuch was their zeal, that ſcarcely any man abode at home, all crying, that they would go and give confeſſion of their faith with their Miniſters. So many came before the day, that the Regent was agaſt, albeit they came without weapons. Then She calleth for John Erskin of Dun, and employeth him, to diſmiſſe that needleſs multitude, and promiſeth to do nothing againſt any of that ſect. Nevertheleſs in the Counſell all the Miniſters were condemned and outlawed, which had not anſwered. John erskin ſeeing, how none can truſt her promiſes, did haſten unto the Gentlemen at Perth from Strathiern, Anguiſe & Merns, not as yet being ſevered; and excuſed himſelf of the advice he had given. Then they underſtood certainly, that no favour was to be expected from the Regent. VVhill they are in perplexity, John knox newly being returned into the country, comes to Perth, and in a Sermon takes occaſion to ſpeak againſt the worship of images, and exhorted the people unto conſtancy. After Sermon (this was May 11.) ſome people abode in the church, and then a prieſt, not ſo much for devotion, as for to try men's affection. would ſay Maſſe: he openeth a glorious caſe ſtanding by the high altar, wherin were many brave pictures. A young man ſaid, This is intolerable: the word of God condemnes it as idolatrie, and wee ſtand and ſee it uſed in deſpite. The prieſt gives the young man a blow: the young man goeth, and finding aſton, caſts it at the prieſt, and therewith breakes one of the images: whereupon a ſtur is raiſed, ſome fall upon the prieſt, and others unto the images, ſo that on a ſudden all was pulled down that had any mark of idolatry. Upon this noiſe in the church, the people of the town gather in great numbers, and run into the cloiſters of the Dominicans, Franciſcans and Carthuſians; where they ſaw by experience, that theſe were not poor men, as they had profeſſed: the plunder was left to poor people, the richer ſort abſtaining from any part of it: they demolished theſe glorious edifices with ſuch ſpeed, that within two dayes all the ſtones were removed. They of Couper in Fife hearing of this, did the like in their town, and defaced all the inſtruments of idolatry: which the Curate took ſo heavily, that the night following, he put violent hands in himſelf. When this was reported unto the Regent, She diſpatches Letters to the Duke, and others, Earls of Argile and Athol, willing them to come unto her with ſpeed; and she calleth for the French ſouldiers, entending to ſurpriſe Perth unaworſe; and vowed to deſtroy man, woman and child, and turne the town into duſt, and ſalt it with ſalt, as she was ſtirred up by the Prelats and prieſts crying in her ears, Foreward, foreward upon theſe hereticks, and once rid the kingdom of them. When they of Perth had intelligence hereof, they aſſembl… to publick prayers, and reſolue to ſend a Supplication in this manner; To the Queens Maieſty regent, all humble obedience and duty premiſed, As heertofore with ieopardy of our lifes, and yet with willing hearts; a ſupplication unto the Q. Regent.wee have ſerved the Authority of Scotland, and your Majeſty now Regent in this realm, in ſervice to our bodies dangerous and painfull, So now with moſt dolorous mindes wee are conſtrained by uniuſt tyranny purpoſed againſt us, To declare unto your Majeſty, that excep this cruelty be ſtayd by your wiſdom, wee shall be compelled to take the ſword of juſt defenſe againſt all that shall perſue us for the matter of Religion, and for our conſcience ſake: which ought not, nor may bee ſubiect to mortall creatures p. 197further than by Gods word man is able to prove, that he hath power to command us: Wee ſignify more over unto your Ma. that if by rigour wee be compelled, to ſeek the extream defenſe, that wee will not only notify our innocency and petition to the King of France, to our Miſtreſs and to her Husband, but alſo to the Princes and Counſell of every Chriſtian Realm, Declaring unto them, that this cruell, unjuſt and moſt tyrannicall murder intended againſt Towns and Multitudes, was and is the only cauſe of our revolt from our accuſtomed obedience, which in Gods preſence wee faithfully promiſe to our Soverain Miſtreſſe, to her Husband and unto your Majeſty, Regent; Provided, that our conſciences may live in that peace and liberty, which Chriſt Jeſus hath purchaſed unto us by his blood, and that wee may have his word truly preached, and holy Sacraments rightly adminiſtred unto us, without which wee firmly purpoſe never to be ſubject to mortall man. For better wee think to expoſe our bodies to a thouſand deaths, than to hazard our ſouls to perpetuall damnation, by denying Chriſt Jeſus and his manifaſt verity: which thing not only do they who commit open idolatry, but alſo ſuch as ſeeing their brethren perſued, for the cauſe of Religion, and having ſufficient means to confort and aſſiſt them, do nevertheleſs withdraw from them their comfortable ſupport; Wee would not, your Ma. should be deceived by the falſe perſuaſions of theſe cruell beaſts the Church-men, who affirm that your Ma. needeth not greatly to regard the loſſe of us, who profeſſe Chriſt Jeſus in this realme; If (as God forbid) yee give eare to their peſtilent counſell, and ſo uſe againſt us this extremity intended, it is to be feared, that neither yee nor your Poſterity shall at any time after this find that obedience and faithfull ſervice within this realme, which at all time yee have found in us. Wee declare our judgements freely, as true and faithfull ſubjects. God move your Princely heart, favourably to interpret our faithfull meaning; Further advertiſing your Ma. that the ſelf ſamething, together with all things that wee have done, or yet intend to do, wee will notify by our letters to the King of France; Asking you in the name of the Eternall God, and as your Ma. tenders the peace and quietnes of this realme, That yee inuade us not with any violence; untill wee receive anſwer from our Miſtreſs and her Husband and from their adviſed Counſell there. And thus wee commit your Majeſty to the protection of the Omnipotent. From Santiohnſtoun May 22. 1559: and it was ſubſcribed thus; your Majeſties obedient ſubiects in all things not repugnant to God, The faithfull Congregation in Chriſt Jeſus, in Scotland. They wrote alſo to Monſieur Doſell, entreating him, to mitigate the Queen's wrath, and the rage of the Prelats, or els that flam which then began to burn, might kindle ſo, that when ſome men would, it could not be ſlackned; and they add, that he declared himſelf no faithfull ſervant unto his Maſter the King of France, if for the pleaſure of prieſts he did perſecute the ſubiects. Likewiſe they wrot unto Captain Le Bourſe and to all French ſouldiers in generall, that their earand was not, to fight againſt naturall Scots men, nor had they ſuch command from their Maſter, and beſought them, that they would not provoke ſuch whom they had found favourable in their great extremities. The prieſts did ſuppreſs theſe Letters, ſo far as they could; and yet they were delivered unto the chief perſons, and came to the knowledge of many moe. But the wrarh of the Queen was not appeaſed, and the Prieſts push her forward againſt Perth, where were but a few gentle men for the time: they hearing of the intended extremity, did writte p. 198unto all their brethren to come unto their aid. Many were ſo readie, that the work of God was evidently ſeen. And becauſe they would omit no d…ligence to declare their innocency unto all men, they ſent a Letter unto ſuch of the Nobility, who at that time were their adverſaries, in this manner; A letter to the Nobility adverſariesTo the Nobility of Scotland, The Congregation of Chriſt Jeſus within the ſame, deſire the Spirit of righteous judgement; Becauſe wee are not ignorant, that yee the Nobility of this realm, who now perſecute us, employing your whol ſtudie and force, to maintain the kingdom of Satan, of ſuperſtition and idolatry, are yet divided in opinion, Wee the Congregation of Chriſt Jeſus, by you uniuſtly perſecuted, have thought good, in one Letter to writ unto you ſeverally. Yee are divided, wee ſay, in opinion: for ſome of you think, that wee who have taken this enterpriſe to remove idolatry and the monuments of the ſame, to erect the true preaching of Chriſt Ieſus, in the bounds committed to our charge, are hereticks, ſeditious men and troublers of the commonwealth, and therefore no punishment is ſufficient for us; and ſo blinded are yee with this rage, and under pretence to ſerve the Authority, yee proclame warr and deſttuction without all order of Law againſt us. VntoUnto you wee ſay, that neither your blind Zeal, nor the colour of Authority shall excuſe you in Gods preſence, who commandeth none to ſuffer death, till he bee openly convinced in judgement, to have offended againſt God and his written Law: which no mortall is able to prove againſt us: for whatſoever wee have done, the ſame have wee done at Gods commandement, who plainly commands to deſtroy and abolish idolatry and all moniments of the ſame. Our earneſt and …ng requeſt hath been and is, That in open Aſſembly it may be diſputed, in preſence of indifferent Auditors, Whether theſe abominations, named by the peſtilent Papiſts, Religion, which they by fire and ſword defend, be the true Religion of Jeſus Chriſt, or not? When t…is humble requeſt is denied unto us, our lifes are ſought in moſt cruell manner. And the Nobility, whoſe d…ty is to defend innocents, and to bridle the fury and rage o… wicked men, were it of Princes or Emperours, do notwithſtanding follow their appetites, and arm yourſelves againſt us your brethren and naturall country men; yea againſt us that be innocent and juſt, as concerning all ſuch crimes, as belayd unto our charges. If yee think, that wee be criminall, becauſe wee diſſent from your opinion, conſider, wee beſeech you, that the Prophets under the Law, the Apoſtles of Chriſt Jeſus after his aſcenſion, his primitive Church and holy Martyrs, did diſagree from all the world in their daies: and will yee deny but their action was juſt, and all who perſecuted them were murderers before God? May not the lyke be true this day? What aſſurance have yee this day of your Religion, which the world that day had not of theirs? yee have a m…titude that agree with you, and ſo had they: yee have antiquity of time, and that they lacked not [nor have yee ſo much as they had] yee have councells, laws and men of reputation, that have eſtabliſhed all things, as yee ſuppoſe: but none of all theſe can make any Religion acceptable unt… God, which only dependeth upon his own will, reveeled to men in his moſt ſacred word. Is it not then a wonder, that yee ſleep in ſo deadly a ſecurity in the matter of your own ſalvation, conſidering, that God gives unto you ſo manifeſt tokens, that yee and your leaders are both decli…ed from God? For if the tree shall be judged by the frute (as Chriſt affirmes, it muſt bee) then of neceſſity it is, That your Prelates and the wholl rabble of their clergy be evill trees: for if adultery, pride, ambition, p. 199drunkenneſs, covetouſneſs, inceſt, unthankfulneſs, oppreſſion, murder, idolatry and blaſphemy, be evill fruits, there can none of that generation, which claim to themſelves the tittle of Churchmen, be judged to be good trees: for all theſe peſtilent and wicked fruits do they bring forth in greateſt abudance. And if they be evill trees (as yee yourſelves muſt be compelled to confeſſe, they are) adviſe prudently with what conſciences yee can maintain them to occupie the room and place in the Lords vineyaird. Do yee not conſider, that in ſo doing yee labour to maintain the ſervants of ſin in their filthy corruption, and ſo yee ſtrive that the devill may reigne, and ſtill abuſe this realm by all iniquity and tyranny, and that Chriſt Ieſus and his bleſſed gospell be ſuppreſſed and extinguished, The name and cloke of authority which yee pretend, will nothing excuſe you in Gods preſence, but rather shall yee bear double condemnation, for that yee burden God, as if his good ordinances were the cauſe of your iniquity. All authority, which God hath eſtabliſhed, is good and perfect, and is to be ob…jed of all men, yea under pain of damnation: B…t do yee not underſtand, that there is a great difference betwixt the Authority which Diſtinguish between authority and the perſon,is of Gods ordinance, and the perſons of theſe who are placed in authority? The authority and Gods Ordinancss can never do wrong: for it commands that vice and wicked men be punished, and vertue with vertuous and juſt men be maintained: but the corrupt perſon placed in this authority may offend, and moſt commonly doth contrary to this Authority. And is then the corruption of man to be followed, becauſe it is clothed with the name of Authority? Or shall thoſe which obey the wicked commandement of theſe that are placed in Authority, be excuſable before God? Not ſo; not ſo, but the plagues and vengeance of God taken upon Kings, their ſervants and ſubiects do witnes unto us the plain contrary. Pharao was a King, and had his authority of God, who commanded his ſubiects to murder and torment the Iſraelites, and moſt cruelly to perſecute their lifes: but was their obedience (blind rage it …hould be called) excuſable before God? The vniverſall plague doth plainly declare, that the wicked Commander, and they which obeyed, were a like guilty before God. And if the exemple of Pharao shall be reiected, becauſe he was an ethnick, then conſider the facts of Saul: he was a King a…ointed of God, appointed to reigne over his people: he commanded to perſecute David, becauſe (as he alledged) David was a traitour and uſuper of the Crown; and alſo commanded Abimelech the hieprieſt and his fellowes to be ſlain: but did God approve any part of this obedience? evident it is, he did not. And think yee, that God will approve in you, that which he did condem in others? be not deceived. with God is not ſuch partiality. If yee obey the uniuſt commands of wicked rulers, yee shall ſuffer Gods vengeance and juſt punishment with them. And therefore as yee tender your own ſalvation, wee moſt earneſtly require of you moderation, and that yee ſtay yourſelves, and the fury of others, from perſecuting us, till our cauſe be tried in open and lawfull Judgement. And now to you, which are perſuaded of the juſtice of our cauſe, who ſomtimes have profeſſed Chriſt Jeſus with us, and alſo have exhorted us unto this enterpriſe, and yet have left us in our extream neceſſity, at leaſt look thorow your fingers in this our trouble, as if the matter appertained not unto you, wee ſay, that unleſs (all fear and wordly reſpect ſet aſide) yee join yourſelves with us, that as of God yee are reputed Traitours, ſo yee shall yee be excommunicated from our ſociety, and from all participation with us in the adminiſtration of ſacraments: the p. 198duplicate page p. 199duplicate page p. 200glory of this Victory which God shall give to his Church, yea even in the eies of men, shall not be appertain unto you, but the fearfull judgement that apprehended Ananias and his wife Saphira shall apprehend you and your poſterity. Yee may perchance contemn and deſpiſe the excommunication of the Church now by Gods mighty power erected among us, as a thing of no force: yet wee doubt nothing, but that our Church and the true Miniſters of the ſame, have the ſame power, which our Maſter Chriſt Jeſus granted unto his Apoſtles in theſe words, Whoſe ſins yee forgive, shall be forgiven; and whoſe yee retain, shall be retained; and that becauſe they preach, and we believe the ſame doctrine which is contained in his moſt bleſſed Worde: and therefore, excep yee will contem Chriſt Jeſus, yee neither can deſpiſe our threatning, nor refuſe us calling for our juſt defence. By your fainting, and by retracting your ſupport, the enemies are encouraged, and think that they shall find no reſiſtance: in which point, God willing, they shall be deceived: for if they were ten thouſand, and wee bu one thouſand, they shall not murder the leaſt of our brethren, but wee, God aſſiſting us, shall firſt commit our lifes into the hands of God for their defenſe. But that shall aggravate your condemnation: for yee declare yourſelves tratiors to the truth once profeſſed, and murderers of us and of our brethren, from whom yee withdraw your dutifull and promiſed ſupport, whom your only preſence (in mans judgement) might preſerve from this danger. For our enemies look not to the power of God, but to the power and ſtrength of man; when the number is mean to reſiſt them, then rage they as bloody wolves, but a party equall or able to reſiſt them by appearance, doth bridle their fury. Examin your own conſciences, and weigh that ſentence of our Maſter Chriſt Jeſus, ſaying, Whoſoever denieth mee or is ashamed of mee before men, I shall deny him before my Father. Now is the day of his Battell in this realm: if yee deny us your brethren, ſuffering for his Name ſake, yee do alſo deny Him, as he witneſſeth in theſe words, Whatſoever yee did to any of theſe little ones, yee did that to mee: and what yee did not to one of theſe litle ones, that yee did not to mee. If theſe ſentences be true, as concerning meat, drink, cloathes, and ſuch things appertaining unto the body, shall they not alſo be true in the things appertaining to the preſervation of the lifes of thouſands, whoſe blood is now ſought for profeſſion of Chriſt Jeſus? And thus shortly wee leave you, who ſom…imes have profeſſed Chriſt Jeſus with us, to the examination of your own conſciences. And yet once again of you, who being blinded by ſuperſtition, do perſecute us, Wee require modetation, till our cauſe may be tried: which if yee will not grant unto us for Gods cauſe, yet wee d…ſire you, to have reſpect to the preſervation of our common country, which wee can not ſooner betray into the hands of ſtrangers, than that one of us deſtroy and murder another. Conſider our petitions, and call for the Spirit of righteous judgement. When theſe Letters were divulged, ſome began to aske, Whether they might in conſcience fight againſt ſuch as offered due obedience unto Authority, and required nothing but liberty of conſcience; and that their Religion and facts be tryed by the Word of God? The Letters were carried quickly unto Kyle and Cuningham, where the profeſſours did conveen at Craiggy, and after ſome dubious reaſonings, Alexander Earle of Glencairn ſaid, Let every man ſerve his conſcience, I wil by Gods grace, ſee my brethren at Perth; yea albeit never a man will accompany mee, I will go; albeit I had but a Pik upon my shoulder: for I had rather die with that companie, then live after them. Then others p. 201were ſo encouraged, that all went with him: and when the Lion-herault in his coat of armes commanded all men under pain of treaſon to return to their own houſes, By publick ſound of trumpet at Glaſcow, not one man obeyed the charge. Becauſe it was known, that the Prelats and their party d…d ſuppreſſ their petitions ſo far as they could, and did kindle the rage of al men againſt them, it was thought expedient to write a Declaration unto them in this form; To the generation of Antichriſt, the peſtilent Prelats and their shavelings within Scotland, The congregation of Chriſt Jeſus, ſaith, To the end, that yee shall not be abuſed, thinking to eſcape juſt punishment, after To the Bishops.that yee in your blind fury have cauſed the blood of many to be shed; This wee notify and declare unto you, that if yee proceed in your malicious cruelty, yee shall be dealt with all, whereſoever yee shall be apprehended, as murderers and open enimies to God and unto mankind: and therefore betimes ceaſe from your blind rage: Remove firſt from yourſelves, your bands of bloody men of warr, and reform yourſelves to a more quiet life; and then mitigate yee the Authority, which without crime committed on our part, yee have enflammed againſt us; Or els be yee aſſured, that with the ſame meaſure, that yee have meaſured againſt us, and yet intend to meaſure unto others, it shall be meaſured unto you, that is, as yee intend not only by tyranny to deſtroy our bodies, but alſo by the ſame to hold our ſouls in the bondage of the devill, and ſubiect to idolatry, So shall wee with all force and power, which God shall grant unto us, execute juſt vengeance and punishment upon you, yea, wee shall begin the ſame war which God commanded Iſrael to execute againſt the Cananites, that is, contract of peace shall never be made, till yee deſiſt from your open idolatry and cruell perſecution of Gods children: And this wee ſignify unto you in the name of the eternall God and of his Sone Chriſt Jeſus, whoſe verity wee profeſſe, and Goſpell wee have preached, and holy Sacraments rightly miniſtred, ſo long as God will aſſiſt us to gainſtand your idolatry. Take this for advertiſement. This advertiſment did not ſtay them and their bands of ſouldiers with Mon. Doſell and his French men: they came within ten myles unto the Town: and brethren made haſt from all quarters for its relieff. The firſt that did hazard to reſiſt were the Gentle men of Fife, Anguiſe, Merns and the burgeſſes of Dundy: they made choiſe of a place of ground within a myle or more from the town. The ſame day May 24 the Lord Ruthuen leſt them, and went to the Regent, to the great diſcouragement of many: but they did comfort themſelves in God, and ſome ſaid, The hope of victory is not in their own ſtrength, but in his power whoſe verity they profeſſe. The next day came the Earle of Argile. L. James Priour of Santandrews and the Lo. Semple, from the Queen, to enquire the cauſe A parlee,of their meeting there. It was anſwered, Only to reſiſt the cruelty threatned againſt that poor town. They ask, Whether they intend to hold that town againſt the Regent? They anſwer, If the Queen will ſuffer the Religion there begun to proceed, and not trouble the town, that have profeſſed with them, the town, themſelves and whatſoever they have, are at her Majeſties commandement. They ſay, We were otherwiſe informed by the Queen, that yee intend not Religion, but a plain rebellion. It was anſwered, We have conveened for no other purpoſe, but only to aſſiſt our brethren, who now are unjuſtly perſecuted: and herefore we deſire you, to report our anſwer faithfully, and to be interceſſours, that ſuch cruelty be not uſed againſt us, ſeing we have offered in our former Letters, alſweell unto her Majeſty, as unto the Nobility, that our cauſe may p. 202bet tried in lawfull judgement. They do promiſe their fidelity. The next day, when theſe were returning, John Knox ſaid unto them, Honourable Lords, the preſent troubles should move the hearts, not only of the true ſervants of God, but alſo of all ſuch as bear any favour unto the Country and naturall Country-men, to deſcend within themſelves, and deeply to conſider, what shall be the end of this intended tyranny: The rage of Satan ſeeks the deſtruction of all thoſe, who within the realme profeſſe Chriſt Jeſus; and they that enflamme the Queen and you the Nobles againſt us, regard not who prevail, if they may abuſe the world and live at their pleaſure, as they have done: yea I fear, that ſome ſeek nothing more than the effuſion of Scots bloud, to the end, that their poſſeſſions may be the more patent unto others: but becauſe this is not the principall which I intend to ſpeak, omitting this to be conſidered by the wiſdom of theſe, to whom the care of the Commonwealth appertaines; 1. I moſt humbly require of you, my Lords, in my name to ſay unto the Queen Regent, that we whom she in her blind rage doth perſecute, are Gods ſervants, faithfull and obedient ſubiects unto the Authority of this Realm; and that religion which she pretends to maintain by fire and ſword, is not the true religion of Chriſt Jeſus, but is expreſſely contrary to the ſame, a ſuperſtition deviſed by the brain of men, which I offer myſelf to prove againſt all that within Scotland will maintain the contrary, liberty of tongue being granted unto mee, and Gods written word being admitted for Judge. 2. I further require your Honours, i… my name, to ſay unto the Queen, that as I have often written, ſo now I ſay, that this her enterprice shall not proſperouſly ſucceed in the end; and albeit for a time She trouble the Saints of God (for she fights not againſt man only, but againſt the eternall God and his invincible verity) and therefore the end shall be to her confuſion, unleſs betimes she repent and deſiſt. Theſe things I require of you in the name of the eternall God, as from my mo…th, to ſay unto Her Majeſty; adding, that I have been, and am a more aſſured friend unto her Ma. than they, who either flattering her as ſervants to her corrupt appetites, or elſe enflam her againſt us, who ſeek nothing but Gods glory to be advanced; vice to be ſuppreſſed, and Verity to be maintained in this poore realme. All the three Noble men did promiſe to report his words ſo well as they could. They did ſo: yea the L. Sempill (though an enemy to the Reformation) made ſuch report, that the Queen was offended at ſuch liberty, Immediatly She ſent the Lion-herault to charge all men to avoide the town under pain of treaſon. He did ſo May. 27. being ſunday. And the ſame day the Regent is informed, that the Earle of Glencairn was marched through the hills with twelve hundred horſemen and moe foot men (notwithſtanding her men had ſtopped the paſſages of Forth, Guide and Teith) towards Perth. Their coming was confortable unto the one party; and moved the other to ſend and require ſome diſcreet men, to come and ſpeak with Duke Hamilton and Mon. Doſel (lying with their army at Ouchterardor) that ſome reaſonable appointment might be had. The Lairds of Dun, Innerquharity and Abbots-hall were ſent, the town not as yet knowing of the Weſt-countrie men. The Duke and Doſell require, that the town should be patent, and all things be ſubmitted unto the Queens pleaſure. They anſwer, they had not ſuch commiſſion, nor could they undertake in conſcience to adviſe their brethren to do ſo: but if the Queen would be pleaſed, that none should be accuſed for change of religion, or for caſting down the places of the Friers, and ſuffer the begun Religion to continue, and leave the town p. 203free of French ſouldiers at her departing, they would endeavoure that the Queen shall be obeied in all things. Doſell perceiving, that they could not by violence attain their deſignes, diſmiſſeth the gentle men which faire words, and exhorts them to perſuade their brethren unto ſubmiſſion. They were all ſo glad, that with one voice t…ey cried, Curſed be they, that ſeek effuſion of bloud: let us profeſſe Chriſt Jeſus, and have the benefite of the Goſpell, and none of Scotland shall be more obedient ſubiects than we shall bee. That day the Companies of the Weſt came to Perth, and all men began to praiſe God, that he had ſo mercifully heard them in their extremity, and had ſent ſuch ſupport, that without effuſion of blood the rage of their enemies might be ſtayd. The ſame night the Earle of Argile and L. James were ſent from Sterlin, and coming the next day began to adviſe unto agreement: of which they were all willing, but ſome were ſuſpicious, that promiſes would not be keeped longer then their adverſaries ſaw their advantage. John willock came with them of the Weſt country: then he and Iohn knox went to the Earle of Argile and L. Iames, accuſing them, that they had deftauded the brethren of their dutifull aſſiſtance in ſuch neceſſity. They both anſwered, Their heart was conſtant with their brethren, and they would defend that cauſe to the uttermoſt of their power: but becauſe they had promiſed to endeavoure a concorde, and to aſſiſt the Queen, if yee shall refuſe reaſonable offers, in conſcience and honour we could do no leſs than be faithfull in our promiſe made; and therefore we yet require, that the brethren may be perſuaded to conſent unto a reaſonable appointment; and we promiſe in Gods preſence, that if the Queen shall break in any jote thereof, we with our whole power will concurre with the brethren in all time coming. So Maie 28. the appointment containing the forenamed conditions was concluded; and free entry was made unto the Queen, the Duke and the French men. Before the departing of the Congregation, A peace was madeIohn knox had a Sermon, exhorting them all unto conſtancy, and unfainedly to thank God, for that it had pleaſed his mercy, to ſtay the malice of the enemy, without effuſion of blood; and that none should be weary to ſupport ſuch as shall hereafter be perſecuted: for (ſaid he) I am aſſured, that no part of this promiſe shall be longer keeped, than the Queen and the French men have the upper hand. Many of the adverſaries were at the Sermon. And before the Lords went away, this bond was drawn-up; At Perth the laſt day of May, in the year 1559. the Congregations of the Weſt Country, with the Congregations of Fife, Perth, Dundy, Anguiſe, Merns and Montroſe, being conveened in the town of Terth in the name of Jeſus Chriſt, A new bond.for ſetting forth his glory, underſtanding nothing more neceſſary for the ſame, than to keep conſtant amity, unity and fellowship together, according as they are commanded by God, Are confederated and become bounden and obliged in the preſence of God, to concur and aſſiſt together in doing all things required of God in his Scripture, that may be to his glory; And at their whol powers to deſtroy and put away all things, that do dishonour to his name, ſo that God may be truly and purely worshipped. And incaſe any trouble be intended againſt the ſaid Congregation, or any part or member thereof, the whole congregation shall concur, aſſiſt and conveen together to the defenſe of the ſame congregation or perſon troubled: And shall not ſpare labours, goods, ſubſtance, bodies and lifes, in maintaining the liberty of the whole congregation and every member thereof, againſt whatſoever perſon shall intend the ſaid trouble, for cauſe of Religion, or any other cauſe depending thereupon, or lay to their charge under pretenſe thereof, although it happen to be coloured with any other outward cauſe. In witneſſing and teſtimony of the which, the p. 204whole congregation fore ſaid have ordained and appointed the Noble men and perſons underwritten, to ſubſcribe theſe preſents. It was ſubſcribed by the Earls Argile and Glencairn, and by the Lords James Stuart, Boyd, Uchiltry, and Mathew cambell of Tarmganart. The hiſt. of refor. li. 2 Immediatly after their departing, all the heads of the Capitu… …on were broken: ſome citizens were exiled, others were fined in great ſums, the Magiſtrats thruſt out of their office, new ones againſt the uſuall manner intruded; and four companies left for a garriſon; and theſe were charged to permit no other Service but of the Roman Church. Some deſiring matters to be carried more peaceably, told her theſe things would be interpreted a breach of the Articles. She anſwered, The promiſe was to leave no French Souldiers in the town, which she had done: for thoſe were al Scots men. It was replied, that all who took wages of the French King, would be called French Souldiers. She ſaid, Promiſes are not to be kept to hereticks, and if she could make an honeſt excuſe after the fact committed, she would take upon her conſcience, to kill and undo all that Sect: And Princes should not be ſo ſtrictly urged to keep promiſes. Theſe ſpeeches, beeing divulged, did procure to her much ill: nor did she after that time ſee a good day, but was deſpiſed and miſregarded by all ſorts of people. The Earle of Argile and L. James, thinking their honour touched by the breach of the peace, did forſake her, and went to the Congregation. Therefore they were charged to appear before Her Counſell: but they anſwer, Seing the Queen had broken conditions, which by warrant from herſelf they had made with the Lords of the Congregation, they would medle no more in ſuch dishoneſt courſes, and do their beſt to repair things. Thè Noble men were gone to Santandrews, and becauſe they feared ſome ſudden attempt; (for the Queen and the Frenches lay at Faulkland) they ſent to the Lairds of Dun & Pittarrow, and entreated them of Angulſe & Merns to meet at Santandrews Juny 4; and they went to Creil, whither all that had warning, came with great forewardneſs; and were not a little encouraged by John Knox: in a Sermon he told them, that then they ſaw it true, what he had ſaid at Perth concerning the Queens ſincerity, and exhorted them to be no longer deluded with fair promiſes of them, who had no regard of contracts, covenants nor oaths: and becauſe there will be no quietnes, till one of the parties were Maſters, he wished them to prepare themſelves, to dy as men, or to live victorious. By this exhortation the hearers were ſo moved, that immediatly they pull down altars, images and all the moniments of idolatry within the town; and the next day they did the like in Anſtruther: from thence they haſten to S. Andrews. The Bishop hearing what they had done, and thinking they would attempt the ſame reformation in the City, came to it well accompanied, to withſtand them: but when he had tried the affections of the people, he goeth the next morning unto the Queen. That day being ſunday John Knox preached in the Parish-church: he compared the eſtate of the Church which was at Jeruſalem, when Chriſt purged the temple unto the eſtate of the preſent Church, and declared what was the duty of theſe to whom God had given authority and power. He did ſo incite the hearers, that after Sermon they went and made ſpoil of the Churches, and raſed the monaſteries of the black and gray Friers. I will not ſcan, whither the acts of ſuch zeal was according to Gods law: but (to ſpeak hiſtorically) in ſuch paroxiſms and great revolutions the like practiſe is ſcarcely evitable, and certainly is contrary unto the Standing law of the Land, and is condemned by the adverſe party; and yet mantained, p. 205or at leaſt the Actors have been cleared by their own party having the Supream power, whether the practiſe was in good or evill; as appeareth by the Parliament of England in that ſame year juſtifying or abſolving all them who had done the like againſt the lawes made under Q. Mary, and Standing for the time un-repealed (as I hinted before); and alſo by the Parliament of England abſolving them, who had torn and burnt the English Bibles and Service-books, and had killed the Miniſters, &c. in the year 1553. which was contrary unto the Law of the Land made in time of King Edward 6. and Standing at that time unrepealed. The Regent hearing of thoſe things, gave preſently order unto the French Companies, to march toward Sant Andrews, and ſent proclamation to all the parts about, to meet her in armes the next morning at Couper. The Lords went thither the ſame night accompanied with a hundred horſe only, and ſo many foot: but ſuch was the readineſs of men, that before ten of the clock the next day they grew to 3000. Rothes and Ruthuen brought many Gentle men with them; ſome came from Lothian, and the towns shew great reſolution. The next day was foggy: about noon the aire began to clear: then the Frenches ſent ſome to view the fields; and theſe returning began to …aint of their courage: wherefore a Poſt was ſent to Falkland, to shew the Regent, that the Lords were ſtronger than was ſuppoſed, as alſo that there was mutiny in their own army, ſome openly profeſſing, that they would not fight againſt their Country-men for pleaſure of ſtrangers. Theſe newes moved her to yeeld unto a treaty of peace: ſo Lindſay and Waughton were employed by the Duke (who commanded the Scots in the Regents army) to confer with the Lords: they would not ſuffer the two to Another treaty of peace.come neer their army and ſaid, They knew, the Regent had ſent theſe forces againſt them, and if they will invade, they shall find them ready to defend: but they profeſſing their purpoſe of peace, and that they were ſent for that effect, were admitted: the Lords ſay, They had been ſo oft abuſed by the Regent's promiſes, that they can not truſt her words any more: But if She will ſend away the French men, and give ſuretie, that no violence shall be uſed againſt them of the true Religion, they shall not be unreaſonable. They reply, The Frenches can not be ſent away, untill the French King were advertiſed; and She can give no other ſecurity but her own word, nor ſtands it with her honour, to do otherwiſe. Becauſe peace could not be concluded, truce was made for 8. dayes, upon condition, that the Frenches shall be removed into Lothian; and before the expiring of that time ſome shall be ſent to Santandrews with authoriſed power to make a firm peace. This truce was ſigned in name of the Queen by the Duke and Doſell Junie 13. So the Lords of the Congregation did firſt remove, and at Couper they had a publick thankeſgiving unto God, that their enemies were diſappointed: and the next day the Armie was diſmiſſed, and the Lords went to Santandrews, waiting (but in vain) for the makers of the peace: and in the mean time complaints were brought dayly from Perth, againſt him, whom the Regent had ſet in the Provoſts place, and did oppreſſe them. The Earle of Argile and Lord James did advertiſe the Regent, and craved that the town may be reſtored to their former liberty. No anſwer was returned: wherefore the Lords went and ſumoned the Provoſt, Captains and ſouldiers to render the town, aſſuring Perth ſe… free.them, if they will hold out, and any one of them be killed in the aſſault, all their lifes shall pay for it. The Provoſt anſwered at firſt, they had promiſed to keep the town, and they will defend it to the laſt drop of their p. 266blood. So they anſwered the ſecond ſummons, being confident, that the Regent would ſend relieff. But when the beſiegers began to play upon the weſt and eaſt parts of the town at once, they within profered to depart, if relief came not within twelve hours. Thus the town was yielded, and reſtored to their liberties Junie 26, The next day they conſult what to do with the Bishop of Murray, who was then dwelling in Scone, and having many Scone is burnt,ſouldiers there about, had deſpitefully threatned the town: The Lords wrot unto him, that unleſs he come and aſſiſt them, they could not ſave his Palace. But theſe of Dundie conſidering his pride, and eſpecially how violent he had been againſt Walter mill, would march to Scone: ſome perſons were ſent to hinder them: but becauſe they had found in the Church a great parcell of his goods hid, to preſerve them, the multitude could not be ſtayd till the ornaments (as they terme them) of the Church were deſtroyed. The Lords did ſo prevaile, that for that night the Church and place were ſpared, and they brought away the multitude. The ſame night the Bishops ſervants began to fortify again, and to do violence unto ſome carrying away what baggage they had gote: and the next day ſome few perſons went again, to behold what they were a doing: the Bishops ſervants were offended, and began to ſpeak proudly, and as it was affirmed, one of the Bishops ſons with a rapier thruſt thorow one of Dundy, becauſe he looked in at the Girnell-door. When this was reported, the towns men of Dundie were enraged, and ſent word to the inhabitants of Perth, that unleſs they would ſupport them to avenge that iniurie, they would never concur with them in any action. The multitude was eaſily enflammed, and quickly ſet all the palace in a fire. Many were offended, and an antient woman hearing them take it ſo ill, ſaid, Now I ſee, Gods judgements are juſt, and that no man can ſave, where God will punish: ſince I can remember, this place hath been nothing els, but a den of whoremongers: it is incredible how many wifes have been abuſed, and young women de flowred by theſe filthy beaſts, which have been foſtered in this Den: and eſpecially by that wicked man who is called The Bishop: if every one knew alſwell as I, they would praiſe God, and no man would be offended. With theſe words many were pacified. Hiſto. of Reforma. The day preceeding, news was brought, that the Regent had ordered a garriſon to lye in Sterlin, to ſeclude the Congregation of the one ſide of Forth from the other: the Lords made haſt to prevent that, and riding all night came early in the morning, where the altars and images, and abbey of Cambuskenneth were thrown down: and on the fourth day marched toward Edinburgh, doing the like at Lithgow. The Lord Seton being Proveſt of Edinburgh had undertaken the protection of the black and gray Friers: but hearing of the ſudden coming of the Lords, he fled, and the Monaſteries were plundered before they came, and God put ſuch a fear into the adverſaries hearts, that they did all flee to Dumbar. Then the Regent gave forth a Proclamation, declaring, that where as a ſeditious …umult was raiſed by ſome of the Lieges under pretenſe of Religion, she had made offer to call a Parliament in January next or ſooner, for eſtablishing an univerſall Order, and in the mean time to ſuffer every man to live at liberty of conſcience. But they reiecting all reaſonable offers, had by their actions clearly shewd; that it is not Religion they ſeek, but the vſurpation of the Crown, as appeares by that they had received and ſent meſſages from and into England, and now have poſſeſſed the palace of Halirudhouſe, and the Mint-houſe: Wherefore She commanded all perſons to forſake them, and live obedient unto authority, or els they shall be reputed traitours to p. 207the Crown, As alſo that party cauſed it be rumored, that theſe Lords had conſpired to deprive the Queen Regent, of her authority. and the Duke of his tittle of ſucceſſion unto the Crown. Theſe rumors prevailed ſo, that many began to shrink away. Therefore they did clear themſelves by their Letters unto the Regent, and open proclamation unto the people, declaring, that theſe miſreports had flowed from their enemies, and were moſt falſe, ſeing their intentions were no other, but to abolish ſuperſtition which is contrary unto the Word of God, and to maintain the P…eachers of the truth from the violence of wicked men: And if She would uſe her authority to that effect, they shall continue als obedient ſubjects as any within the realme. Then the Regent truſting to gain ſome what by conference, did offer a ſafe-conduct to any they pleaſed to ſend. Two A Conference,were ſent to petition liberty of their conſciences, the removing of unable Miniſters, licence of publick preaching without moleſtation, untill by a general Councell lawfully conv…ned, or by a Parliament within the realm all controverſies of Religion shall be decided; and to remove the French Souldiers. Theſe propoſitions were not pleaſing, yet made She no shew of diſlike, but uſing gracious words, she craved to ſpeak with ſome of greater authority, and namely the Earle of Argile and Lord James: For (ſaid She) I ſtill ſuſpect, there is ſome higher purpoſe amongſt them than religion. The Lords would not conſent, that theſe two should go unto her, becauſe one of her chief attendants, was ſaid to have bragged, that before Michaelmes theſe two Noble men shall loſe their heads. This not ſucceeding, it was agreed, that ſixe perſons on each ſide should meet at Preſton. The firſt day nothing was concluded: for the Queen ſeeming to yeeld unto the free exerciſe of Religion, would have it provided, that where she hapned to come, the Miniſters should ceaſe, and the Maſſe only be uſed. It was anſwered, This were to leave them no Church: for the Queen might change the place of her reſidence, and ſo could there not be any certain exerciſe of Religion. The next day the Lord Ruthven and Pittarrow were ſent with this anſwer, As they could not impede her to uſe what Religion she pleaſed, ſo could they not conſent, that the Miniſters of Chriſt should be ſilenced upon any occaſion, much leſs that the true ſervice should give place to idolatry: wherefore they humbly crave (as they had oft) liberty to ſerve God according to their conſcience, and to remove the French Souldiers; or els there can be no ſolide peace. The Queen ſaid, She wished peace, but gave a direct anſwer to none of the points. At this time the Commons were ſcattered for want of victualls; and Gentle men being conſtrained by lack of furnishing, and partly hoping for a finall agreement, had returned after ſo many months unto their dwellings: but the Noble men reſolved to abide at Edinburgh, till matters were fully compoſed. Now newes came that Henry II. King of France was dead. This put the Lords in better …pe, but made them more careleſs: for as if there were no fear, many w…nt home, and they who remained, lived ſecure without any watch. But the Queen became more watchfull, obſerving al occaſions of advantage: and hearing of the ſolitude in Edinburgh, haſteth thither with her companies. The Lords hearing thereof, are doubtfull: if they leave the town, the Church, which was then eſtablished in ſome meaſure, would be caſt down: therefore with the ſmall number they had; they put themſelves in order at Craigingat, to impede the Frenches. The Duke and Earle of Morton were conveying the Queen, and would have compoſed things: only that p. 208day they kept the parties from an open conflict. The next day the Queen (having lodged in Lieth) prepared to enter the town at the Weſt port, and the Lord …rskin (who till then had been neuter, and had the Caſtle) threatned to play upon them, unleſs they ſuffer the Queen to enter without trouble. Hereupon after conſultation it was thought ſafer to take an appointment, albeit the conditions were not ſuch as were wished, than to hazard battell betwixt two ſuch enemies. After long talking, five articles were penned, which they craved; 1. No member of the Congregation should The articles of appointment …n Lieth.be troubled in life, lands, or poſſeſſions, by the Queen's authority no… any Judge, for any thing done in the late Innovation, till a Parliament (which shall begin January 10.) had decreed things in controverſy. 2. idolatry shall not be erected, where it is at this day ſuppreſſed. 3. Preachers shall not be troubled in their Miniſtry, where they are already eſtablished, nor ſtopped to preach, whereſoever they shall chance to come. 4. No bands of men of warr shall be layd in garriſon within Edinburgh. 5. French men shall be ſent away at a convenient day, and none other shall be brought without conſent of the Nobility and Parliament. Theſe articles were granted: and the Queen addeth, 1. the members of the congregation (excepting the indwellers of Edinburgh) shall leave it the next day before ten a clock. 2. they shall render the Mint-houſe at that time. 3. the Church-men shall take up and freely diſpoſe of the tyths and other profits of their Benefices until January the tenth. The next day July 25. the Lords went to Sterlin: The Duke and Earle of Huntley met with them at th… Querry-hols, promiſing if any part of the appointment shall be violated, they shall join New Policies.all their forces for expelling the Frenches. The Queen was thereafter more carefull then formerly, to obſerve the conditions; but went about many wayes to re…ſtablish the Maſſe, and bring the favourers of Religion into contempt. In Edinburgh she employeth the Duke and Huntley and Setoun to deal with the Magiſtrates, to appoint ſome other Church for their preaching, and let the Church of S. Giles be for the Maſſe. They anſwer That were a violation of the articles. The others reply, The Queen will keep all the conditions, but craves this as a favour only; or at leaſt, that they will permit the Maſſe there before or after noon. They anſwer, They will never yeeld, that the Maſſe enter there again; or if violence shall be uſed, they muſt ſuffer, and uſe the next remedy. Then another device was invented: the French Captains and Souldiers made their walks in time of prayer and preaching, and did laugh and talk all the time, that the preachers could not be heard. This was patiently diſgeſted, knowing that they ſought an occaſion of trouble. In Lieth they cut the pulpite into pieces, and ſet up the Maſſe; and in the Abbey-church by force they hindred the Common prayers, and whereſoever they came, they made diſturbance: and withall they diſperſed a rumor both in France and in the Country, that the Congregation intends an open rebellion, and to ſet up Lord James in place of the lawfull Queen. At the ſame time letters were brought from the King and Queen unto L. James, full of exprobrations and menacings. Ere the Letters were delivered, the Lords had drawn up a third band at Sterlin August 1. in this manner; Wee foreſeeing the craft A third b…nd.and ſlight of our adverſaries, who try all wayes to circumveen us, and by privy means intend to aſſault every one of us particularly, by fair heights and pro…ſes, thereby to ſeparate us one from another, to our utter ruin and deſtruction: For remedy thereof, wee faithfully and truly binde us in the preſence of God, and as wee tender the maintaining of true Religion, p. 209that none of us shall in time coming paſs to the Queen Dowager, to talk or commune with her, for any Letter or meſſage ſent by her unto us, or yet to be ſent, without conſent of the reſt or common conſultation thereupon: and how ſoon either Writing or meſſage shall come from her unto us, with all diligence wee shall notify the ſame one to another, ſo that nothing shall proceed there in without common conſent of us all. And becauſe they had obſerved, that the Regent and Bishops intend nothing but deceit, they reſolve to ſeek the aid of Chriſtian Princes, if they shall be any more p…rſued; and firſt they would begin with Queen Eliſabet as neareſt and of the ſame Religion: and ſent two Meſſengers into England. They appoint the next meeting at Sterlin September 10. and go to their own houſes for the moſt part. Now what were the contents of the Kings Letters (which for brevity I omit) may appear from the anſwer of Lord James, which is L. Iames his Letter to the Kingthus; SIR, my moſt humble duty remembred, Your Majeſties Letters I received from Pariſe July 17. importing in effect, that your Ma. doth marvell, that I being forgetfull of the graces and favours shewed mee by the King of bl. memory, your Ma. ſelf, and the Queen my Soverain, have declared myſelf head and one of the principall beginners of theſe alledged tumults and ſeditions in theſe parts, deceiving heerby your Ma. expectation in all times had of mee; with aſſurance, that if I do not declare by contrary effect my repentance, I with the reſt that have put, or yet put hand to this Work, shall receive that reward, which wee have deſerved Sir, It grieves mee very heavily, that the crime of ingratitude is laid to my charge, by your Ma. and the rather, that I perceive the ſame to have proceeded of ſiniſter information of them (whoſe part it was not to have reported ſo, if true ſervice paſt had been regarded) and as for repentance and declaration of the ſame, by certain effects, that your Ma. deſireth I shew; my conſcience perſuades mee, in theſe proceedings to have done nothing againſt God, nor the dutifull obedience toward your Ma. nor the Queen my Soverain: Otherwiſe it should not have been to be repented, and alſo it should have been repented already, according to your Majeſties expectation of mee: But your Ma. being truly informed and perſuaded, that the thing, which wee have done, makes for the advancement of Gods glory, without any manner of derogation to your Majes. due obedience; Wee doubt not but your Ma. shall be well contented with our proceedings: which being grounded upon the commandement of the eternall God, wee dare not leave the ſame unaccomplished, only wishing and deſiring, your Ma. might know the ſame and the trueth thereof, as wee are perſuaded in our conſciences, and all them, that are truly inſtructed in the eternall word of our God, upon whom wee caſt our care from all dangers, that may follow the accomplishment of his eternall will, and to whom wee commend your Ma., beſeeching him to illuminate your heart with the goſpell of his eternall truth, to know your Majes. duty toward your poor ſubiects, Gods choſen people, and what you ought to crave juſtly of them again: for then wee should have no occaſion to fear your Majes. wrath and indignation, nor your Majes. have ſuſpicion of our obedience. The ſame God have your Ma. in his eternall ſafeguard. At Dumbartan Auguſt 12. 1559. This Letter was delivered unto the Regent: she opened it, and having read it, ſaid, So proud an anſwer was never given to King nor Princeſſe. and Buchanan ſaith, but contrarily, many did judge it within the bounds of modeſty, eſpecialy where he was upbraided with graces and favours, whereof he had not received any, but ſuch as were common unto all ſtrangers. At that time p. 210came a thouſand ſouldiers from France to Lieth, and reporte, that moe were coming; and the Earle of Arran eldeſt ſon to Duke hamilton came thorough England; having heard in France, that the Cardinall of Lorrain the Qeen Regents brother had ſaid in the Parliament of Paris, (as he was inveying againſt the Proteſtants) that they shall shortly ſee punishment executed on ſome, who is in honour equal to Princes; and calling to minde, that lately he had ſpoken freely with the Duke of Guiſe in the cauſe of Religion; came away privately, and after his departure his younger brother was apprehended and impriſoned. And he dealeth with his father to forget old quarrells, and joyn with the Lords of the Congregation. and ſo both came to the meeting at Sterlin. Where the Lords underſtand, that the Queen was fortifying Lieth for a Magazin and a ſafe haven for receiving French ships, as again 2000. men were landed under the command of Mon. de la Broſſ, and with him the Bishop of Amiens under the colour of Ambaſſadours. When theſe were come, the Regent was heard ſay, Now shall I be avenged on the enemies of the Saints and of Authority. And the French men began to brag, as if all were their own; one was called Monſieur de Argile, another, Monſieur Le Prior, &c. and the indwellers of Lieth were put forth, both Proteſtants and Papiſts. And nevertheleſs the Regent cauſed to make a proclamation, that she intendes not to violate the Appointment in the leaſt point, but only to preſerve peace and dutifull obedience, if the Congregation will likewiſe keep their part. Theſe which were called Ambaſſadours, kept up their commiſſion, ſaith the hiſtorie of Reforma. but Buchanan ſaith, they craved from twelve Lords, which were at Edinburgh, a day to be appointed for hearing their commiſſion: and it was anſwered unto them, They ſought not peace, but war: for what els did ſo many armed men declare? nor could they be ſo ſimple, as to come into Con…erence, where they might be forced to accept conditions at the pleaſure of their enemies: but if peace was their aime, they should diſmiſſ their banded companies, that ſo it may appear, they y…eld unto equity, and not forced by the ſword; and on the other ſide they would uſe the like diligence. No more was heard of their commiſſion. The Regent ſent many letters both unto them which were indifferent, and to theſe which were for the Reformation, ſolliciting them ſeverally to come unto her: the one ſort would not receive her Letters, according to their bond: and from their meeting they ſent the reaſons of their refuſing, and declared their intentions, and complained of the violation of the appointment, eſpecially in bringing ſo many Frenches, fortifying of Lieth, and putting out the Indwellrs. Many Declarations and proclamations did paſſe on both ſides untill Octob. 21. when the Noble men and others after warning being frequently conveened in the Tolbuith of Edinburgh, the queſtion was propounded, Whither she that contemptuouſly refuſeth the moſt humble requeſts of the borne Councellers of the realme, being alſo but a Regent, whoſepretenſes threaten the bon…age of the whole common wealth, ought to be ſuffered ſo tyrannically to domineer A Sentenſe of ſuſpenſion againſt the Regentover them? After deliberation it was concluded without any contrary vote in this manner: At Edinburgh October 21. 1559. The Nobility, Barons and Burgeſſes conveened to adviſe upon the affaires of the Commonwealth, and to aide and ſupport the ſame, perceiving and lamenting the enterpriſed deſtruction of their ſaid Common wealth, and overthrow of the Liberties of their native Countrie, by the means of the Queen Regent and certain ſtrangers her privy Counſellers, plain contrary unto our Souverain Lord and Ladies mind, and direct againſt the Counſell of the Nobility, to proceed p. 211by little and little even to the uttermoſt ruin; So that the urgent neceſſity of the Commonwealth may no longer ſuffer delay, and earneſtly craves our ſupport. Seing therefore that the ſaid Queen Regent (abuſing and overpaſſing our Soverain Lord and Ladyes commiſſion given and granted unto her) hath in all her proceedings purſued the Barons and Burgeſſes within this realme, with weapons and armour of ſtrangers, without any proceſs and order of Law, they being our Soverain Lord and Ladies true Lieges, and never called nor convinced of any crime by any judgement lawfull; as …. at Santiohnſtoun in the month of May she aſſembled and cauſes thereofher armie againſt the town and inhabitants thereof, never called nor convinced of any crime, only becauſe they profeſſed the true worship of God, conform to his ſacred word. 2. in the monethmonth of Ju…y laſt, without any order or calling going before, invaded the perſons of ſundrie Noble men and Barons with force of arms, conveened at Saintandrews, only for the cauſe of Religion, as is notoriouſly known, they never being called nor convinced of any crime. 3. again layd garriſons the ſame monethmonth upon the inhabitants of the ſaid town, oppre…ſing the Liberties of the Queens true Lieges: for fear of which her garriſons, a great part of the inhabitants thereof fled from the town, and durſt not reſort again unto their houſes & heritages, untill they were reſtored by a…ms; they notwithſtanding not being called nor convinced of any crime. 4 further at the ſame time did thruſt-in upon the in habitants of the ſaid town, Proveſt and Bailifs againſt all order of election, as lately in this month of September she hath done in other towns of Edinburgh and Jedburgh and d…verſe other places, in manifeſt oppreſſion of our Liberties. 5. Declaring herevill mind toward the Nobility, Commonalty and wholle nation, she hath brought-in ſtrangers, and dayly pretends to bring greater force of the ſame, pretending a manifeſt conqueſt of our native rooms and Countrie, as the deed itſelf declares; in ſo far, as she having brought-in the ſaid ſtrangers without any advice of Councell & Nobility, and contrary to their expreſſe minde ſent to her in Writing, hath placed and planted her ſaid ſtrangers in one of the principall towns and parts of the realm, ſending continually for greater forces, willing thereby to ſuppreſſe the Common wealth and liberty of our native countrie, to make us and our poſterity ſlaves to ſtrangers for ever: which, as it is intolerable to Commonwealths and free Countries, ſo it is very preiudiciall to ou… Soverain Lady and her Heirs whatſoever, in caſe our Souverain Ladie deceaſe without Heirs of her perſon. And to perform theſe her wicked enterpriſes conceived (as appeares) of inveterate malice againſt our whole countrie and nation, cauſed (without any conſent or advice of the Councell or Nobility) to coin lead money, ſo baſe and of ſuch quantity, that the whole realm shal be depauperated, and all traffique with forrein Nations everted thereby. 6. She placeth and maintaineth againſt the pleaſure of the Counſell of this realme, a ſtranger in one of the greateſt Offices of credite in this realm, that is, in keeping the great Seal thereof, wherein great perils may be engendred to the Common weale and Liberty thereof. 7. Further, ſent the great Seal forth of this real…e by t…e ſaid ſtranger, againſt the adviſe of the ſaid Counſell, to what effect, God knoweth 8. And hath alſo by this mean, altered the old Law and cuſtom of this our realm, ever obſerved in the Graces and pardons granted by our Soveraines to all their Lieges, being repentant of their offences committed againſt their Majeſties; or the Lieges of the Realm; And hath introduced a new captious ſtile and forme of the ſaid pardons and Remiſſions, conform p. 212to the practiſes of France, tending thereby to draw the ſaid Lieges of this realm, by proceſſe of time, into a deceivable ſnare, and further shall creep-in the whole ſubuerſion and alteration of the remanent Lawes of this realme, contrary to the Contents of the Appointment of marriage 9. And alſo Peace being accorded among the Princes, retaineth the great Army of ſtrangers, after commandement ſent by the King of France to retier the ſame, making excuſe that they were retained for ſuppreſſing the attempts of the Lieges of this realm; albeit the whole ſubjects thereof of all eſtates, is and ever have been ready to give all dutifull obedience to their Soverains and their lawfull miniſters proceeding by Gods Ordinance; And the ſame Army of ſtrangers not being paied their wages, was layd by her upon the necks of the poor Commonalty of our native Country, who were compelled by force to defraud themſelves, their wives and children, of that poor ſubſtance which they might purchaſe with the ſweat of their brows, to ſatisfiy their hunger and neceſſities, and quit the ſame to ſuſtain the idle bellies of her ſtrangers; through the which, in all parts roſe ſuch heavy lamentation and complaint of the Commonalty, accuſing the Counſell and Nobility of their ſloth, that as the ſame oppreſſion wee doubt not, hath entred in before the Juſtice Seat of God, ſo it hath moved our hearts with pitty and compaſſion. And for redreſs of the ſame with great offenſes committed againſt the publik weell of this Realm, wee have conveened here, as ſaid is; and as often before, have moſt humbly and with all reverence deſired and required the ſaid Queen Regent, to redreſs theſe enormities, and eſpecially to remove her ſtrangers from the necks of the poore commonalty, and to deſiſt from enterpriſing of fortification of Strengths within this realm, againſt the expreſſe will of the Nobility and Counſell of the ſame; yet wee beeing conveened the more ſtrong for fear of her ſtrangers, who, wee ſawe, preſume no other thing, but with Arms to purſue our lifes and poſſeſſions, Beſought her to remove our fear of the ſame, and make the town patent to all our Soverain Lord and Ladies Lieges▪ The ſame would she no way grant unto: but when ſome of our companie in peaceable manner went to viewe the town, there was great and ſmall munition shot forth at them. And ſeing that neither acceſſe was granted unto us by her, nor yet she would joyn herſelf unto us, to conſult upon the affairs of our Commonwealth, as wee be borne Counſellors to the ſame, by the antient Lawes of the Realm: but fearing that the judgements of the Counſell would reform, as neceſſity required, the foreſaid enormities, she refuſeth all manner of aſſiſtance with us, and by force and violence intends to ſuppreſſe the Liberties of our Commonweall, and of us the favourers of the ſame. Wee therefore, ſo many of the Nobility, Barons, and Proveſts of our Boroughs, as are touched with the care of the Commonweale (unto the which wee acknowledge ourſelves, not only born but alſo ſworn protectours and Defenders, againſt all and whatſoever inuaders of the ſame) and moved by the foreſaid proceedings notorious, and with the lamentable complaint of oppresſion of our Commonalty, our fellow-members of the ſame; Perceiving farther, that the preſent necesſity of our Commonweal may ſuffer no delay, being conveened (as ſaid is) preſently in Edinburgh, for ſupport of our Commonweal, and ripely conſulted and adviſed, taking the fear of God before our eies, for the cauſes foreſaid, which are notorious, with one conſent and common vote, every man in order, his judgement being required, in the name and authority of our Soverain Lord and Lady, ſuſpend the ſaid Commisſion granted by our Sòverain to p. 213the ſaid Queen Dowager, diſcharging her of all adminiſtration or authority she hath or may have thereby, untill the next Parliament, to be ſet by our advice and conſent: And that becauſe the ſaid Queen, by the foreſaid faults notorious, declares herſelf enemy to our Commonwell, abuſing the power of the ſaid authority, to the deſtruction of the ſame: And likewiſe wee diſcharge all members, of her ſaid authority from henceforth; and that no Coin be coined from henceforth, without expreſſe conſent of the ſayd Counſell and Nobility, conform to the Lawes of this realm, which wee maintain▪ And ordain this to be notified and proclaimed by officers of Arms in all head-Boroughs within the realm of Scotland. In witnes of which our common conſent and free Vote, Wee have ſubſcribed this preſent Act of ſuſpenſion with our hands, day, year and place aforeſaid. And it was ſubſcribed in this manner, By us the Nobility and Commons of the Proteſtants of the Church of Scotland. The next day this Act was proclaimed with ſound of Trumpet: and then they ſent a Letter unto the Regent, shewing her, what they had done, and they add, And how beit wee have determined with the hazard of our lifes, to ſet that Town at liberty, wherein you have moſt uniuſtly planted your mercenary ſouldiers and ſtrangers, yet for the reverence wee bear unto you, as being the mother of our Queen, wee earneſtly beſeech you to depart thence at this time, when wee (conſtrained by publick necesſity) are by force of arms to recover it. Wee further requeſt you to bring forth of the Town with your ſelf, all that carry themſelves as Ambaſſadours, and are come into the Countrey, either for taking up of controverſies, or aſſiſting the government of publick affairs, within the ſpace of 24. hours, And to cauſe the Captains & Lieutenants and ſouldiers (whoſe blood wee would gladly ſpare, becauſe of the old amity and friendship betwixt us and the Realm of France, which the marriage of our Soverain Lady to that King, ought rather to increaſe than diminish) to remove themſelves within the ſame ſpace. This Letter was ſubſcribed by the Nobil…y and Barons October 23. After defiance on both ſides, Octob. 25. the town was ſummoned, and all the Scots and French men of whatſoever degree were commanded to leave it within the ſpace of twelve hours. Some broils and diſcouragements.But God would not as yet put an end to theſe troubles untill mens hearts were more diſcovered, and his Hand were more ſeen and acknowledged. The people were earneſt to invade; many were but too forward, and for haſt to make their ſcalads, they made choiſe of St Giles church, and would not give place to publick Prayers nor preaching; which and other diſorders gave occaſion unto the Preachers, to affirm, that God would not ſuffer ſuch contempt of his word and abuſes of his Grace, to be long unpunished. Their moſt ſecret determinations were revealed, and overthrown. The Duke's friends did terrifie him, and by his fear many others were troubled. The hired ſouldiers made a mutiny, becauſe they wanted a part of their wages. Whoſoever had any ſilverveſſell, did profer to give it unto the Minthouſe, but John hart and others of that faction ſtole away the inſtruments. They ſent to Berwick, to borrow money: inſtantly 4000 Crowns was lent and delivered to Sir John Cocburn of Ormſton: the Regent had notice of it, and ſent the Earle of Bothvel to intercept it. He had promiſed before to be for the Country: but then he goeth, wounded the gentle man, took him priſoner and all that he had. The Earle of Arran and a grea… party of the horſemen went forth to recover the priſoner: they took the Earle's houſe: but himſelf was gone. In abſence of the Horſemen, theſe of Dundie and foot men went with ſome Ordance to shoot at Lieth. The French men p. 214knew, that they were but few, and that the Horſemen were gone another way, and with expedition came forth upon them. The ſouldiers fled without ſtroke of ſword, and left the Ordinance to their enemies, who followed unto Lieth-winde. Upon the firſt alarm all men in Edinburgh made haſt for relieff: but then was a shout, All the Frenches are entred. This crie did amaſe many, and they fled to the weſt port. The Earle of Argile and his men did ſtay them fleeing, and Lord Robert Stewart Abbot of Halirudhouſe iſſued forth upon the Frenches, and cauſed them to turn and flee. At that time the cruelty of the French men began to diſcover it ſelf: for they ſpared not the aged, maimed, women, nor Papiſt; and of the ſouldiers ten only were killed. Then many were deiected: and with great difficulty were moved to abide in the town. October 31. Wiliam Maitlane of Lethington Secretary to the Regent, perceiving that the Frenches ſought his life (for ſomtimes he had freely oppoſed their cruelty) conveyed himſelf away, and coming to Edinburgh, exhorted the Lords and others unto conſtancy, and moſt prudently layd before them the dangers enſuing, if they shall depart from that Town. They ſtayd untill November 5: then was another skirmish: but the ſouldiers could ſcarcely be moved to go forth; and they went diſorderly, and were repulſed with the loſs of 25. or 30. of their number: and then ſuch dolour and fear overtook the hearts of the moſt part, that they could admit of no conſolation: only they appoint to meet the next day at Sterlin, and there to take conſultation. On wednesday November 7. they Encouragement, and reſolution.meet in the Church of Sterlin: John Knox had a Sermon on Pſa. 80. v. 5. 6. 7. In his expoſition he declared, wherefore God in wiſdom ſuffers ſometims his choſen people to be expoſed to mockage and danger, even to appearing diſtruction, to wit, that they may feel the vehemency of his indignation; that they may know, how little ſtrength is in themſelves; they may leave unto the following generations a teſtimony both of the wicked's malice, and of the maruellous work of God in perſerving His little Flock by other means than man can eſpy: he sheweth how fearfull a tentation it is, when God heares not the prayers of his people; and a difference betwixt the elect and reprobats under ſuch a tentation: and in the end he did exhort them all to amendement of life and to carneſtneſs of praying. The mindes of the hearers were wonderouſly erected. After dinner the Lords conveen in Counſell; where (after invocation of Gods name) it was concluded 1. that William Maitlan shall go to London, and declare their condition unto the Queen and Counſell) and the Noble men should have their next publick meeting at Sterlin December. 16. In the mean time the French men domineer in Edinburgh: the Regent gave the houſes of the honeſteſt Burgeſſes unto them as a part of their reward▪ the Earle of Arran was proclamed Traitour: great practiſes were uſed againſt the Caſtle: but the Captain (as he had refuſed to be for the Lords and country, ſo) would not give over unto the Regent. Advertiſement was diſpatched to the Duke of Guiſe, deſiring him to make expedition, if he would have the full conqueſt of Scotland. He had at that time greateſt power to command in France, (the King Francis being but 15 years of age) and without delay ſent another Army of horſe and foot with the Marques D'Elbeuf and Count Martiques: they embarked at Diep, and were diſperſed by tempeſt: 18 Enſignes were caſt away upon the coaſt of Holland; and only the ship wherein were the two principalls with their Ladies was violently driven back to Diep, confeſſing, that God fought for the defenſe of Scotland. After the meeting at Sterl in, the Duke, the Earle of Glencairn, and other noble p. 215men went to Glaſcow, and cauſed all the images and altars to be pulled down: and conveening in Counſell gave forth this ProclamationTwo proclamations of the Councell.:

FRANCIS and MARIE King and Queen of Scots, Daulphin and Daulphineſs of Viennoys, to our lovets …meſſengers or sherifs in that part conjunctly and ſeverally ſpecially conſtitute, greeting.

For ſo much as it is underſtood by the Lords of our Privy Councell that be reformed, of the ſuſpenſion of the Queen Dowrier's autority, the ſamine is by conſent of the Nobility and Barons of our realm, now by Gods providence devolved unto them: And their chieff and firſt charge and ſtudy is, and should bee, to advance the glory of God, by maintaining and upſetting true preachers of the Word, Reforming of Religion, and ſubverſion of idolatry; And there are diverſe of the clergy, who have not as yet adioined themſelves unto the Congregation, nor made open teſtification of their faith, and renunciation of idolatry; Our will is heerfore and we charge you ſtraitly, and command that incontinently, theſe Our letters ſeen, yee paſs and in our name and authority command and charge all and ſundry of the clergy, who have not as yet adioined themſelves to the Congregation as ſaid is, by open proclamation at all places needfull, That they compear before the ſaids Lords of Counſell in Santandrews the … day of … and there give open teſtification of their converſion with plain confeſſion of their faith, and renunciation of all manner of ſuperſtition and idolatry; With certification unto them, if they fail, they shal be reputed and holden as enemies to God and true Religion, and the fruits of their Benifices shall be taken away, one part thereof to the true preachers who miniſtrate truly the word, and the remanent to be applied to the forthſetting of the Common well of our realm. The which to do we commit to you conjunctly and ſeverally Our full power by theſe our letters delivering them by you duly execute and indorſed again unto the bearer.

Given under our ſignet at Glaſgow the penult day of November and of our reignes the firſt & ſeventienth years.

Nevertheleſs ſome Bishops intend a new perſecution whereupon the Counſell ſend forth another proclamation in this manner:

FRANCIS and MARIE by the Grace of God King and Queen of Scots, Daulphin and Daulphineſs of Viennois, To our lovets … our shirefs in that part conjunctly and ſeverally ſpecially conſtitute greeting.

For ſo much as the Lords of our Counſell underſtanding the great hurt and iniquity, that in times paſt hath proceeded to the members of Chriſts Church by maintaining and upholding of the Antichriſts lawes and his conſiſtory, boaſting and fearing the ſimple and ignorant people with their curſings; gravatures and ſuch like others their threatnings, whereby they ſate on the conſciences of men, of long time by gone, Ordained that no conſiſtory should be afterward holden, hanted nor uſed, Having reſpect that there be enough of Civil ordinary Judges, to the which our Lieges may have recourſe in all their actions & cauſes; And not the leſs the ſaid Lords are informed, that certain wicked perſons within the City of Brechin, malevolent members of the ſaid Antichriſt, contemptuouſly diſobey the ſaid ordinance, and ceaſe not ſtil to hold conſiſtory, and execute his peſtilent lawes within the ſaid City in contempt of VsUs and our authority; Our will is therefore and wee charge you ſtrairly, and command, that incontinent theſe our letters ſeen, yee paſs and in our name and authority, command and charge the Commiſſary and Scribe of Brechin, and all other members of the ſaid Conſiſtory, and others our Lieges whatſoever having intereſs, That none of them take in hand, to hold any conſiſtory p. 216for adminiſtration of the ſaid wicked lawes, or aſſiſt there to in any way from thence forth, VnderUnder the pain of death, As yee will anſwer to us thereupon. The which to do we commit to you conjunctly and ſeverally our full power …

Given under our ſignet at Dundy the 14 day of December, and of our reignes the ſecond and 18 years.

Theſe two Proclamations are not (that I have ſeen) in print: but I have them by mee, as yet with the Signet whole and entire; which I received (as I have hinted before) among the papers of John erskin of Dun. The difference of the time in the Date is clear, for the Queen was marryed in the beginning of Decemb. An. 1558..And I make uſe of them here againſt the impudent ſlaunders of An obſervation out of the premiſſes.that malevolent Author who in that Latin Hiſtory (lately printed) calleth the Reformation of the Church of Scotland, a tumultuous and Vandal Reformation; howbeit out of theſe Proclamations and all other proceedings heertofore, it appeares clearly, that whatſoever was done, had the authority of the Publick Convention of the Eſtates, and leſſer things were done by the Counſell; but the Queen being a Minor and not in the Country ftom her infancy, and being under the tutory of her Vncle a ſtranger and an enemy of Religion, who had given his power unto ſtrangers for oppoſing Religion. And all the antient Churches as yet ſtanding both in burroughs and country do bear witnes, that they did not at that time throw down any neceſſary church, but only the abbeyes and monaſteries and their churches.

IX. About the 20. of December Robert Meluill of Raith (who was ſent with Lethintoun into England) returnes, and shewes, that the Queen of England had granted a ſupply, and appointed the Duke of Norfolk A treaty with England: and the Frenches make trouble to their own loſſe.to treat at Berwick with the Commiſſioners of the Scotish Nobility. When the Regent was advertiſed of this concluſion, she with her Counſell reſolves to make an end of the warre before the English ſupport could be in readineſs, and to begin at Fife. Thereupon the French men take their journy by Sterlin, and ſpoil where they come: when they had paſſed the bridge, the ſtorm was ſo bitter, and the ſnow had fallen ſo deep, that they could not paſſe thorough the midle of the country, but reſolve to march by the coaſt, and ſo unto Santandrewes, and to have fortified the caſtle and City. The Lord James ſtuart and others hearing that they were paſſed Sterlin, ſent ſome Forces with the Lord Ruthuen to withſtand them; and in his company was the Earle of Sutherland, being directed (as he profeſſed) by the Earle of Huntly, to offer his aſſiſtance, but his principall commiſſion was for the Regent, as afterward was made known. But he was not long time in their company: for in the firſt rancounter of the Scots and French men at Kingorn, Sutherland was hurt in the arme, and went back to Couper. The French men being the greater number, took Kingorn, and the Scots return to Dyſert, where they continued skirmishing for three weeks, that the enemies could not march further, and the country was preſerved from the ſpoil, ſo ſoon as the Regent heard, that Kingorn was taken, she ſent poſt to France, shewing, that thouſands of the hereticks were ſlain, and the reſt were fled, and requiring that ſome of her friends would come and take the glory of that Victory. So Martiques was ſent again with two ships. A day was appointed by the Noble men to meet at Couper for ſending Commiſſioners, to treat with the Duke of Norfolk: unto this meeting went the Noble men that were at Dyſert: and ſixe were ſent to Berwick: both parties did quickly agree upon a league for defenſe of both kingdoms, whoſoever shall inuade either of them. The contract p. 217was dated Fabruat. 27. The capacity of a Treaty with England shewes what a conſiderable part of the kingdom the Congregation was at that time. The Frenchmen at Kingorn, hearing that the Noble men were gone from Dyſert, march a long the coaſt, and at Kincraig they ſee a fleet of ships: they apprehend them a ſupply from France: but they were by and by informed, that it was a fleet of Englishes, and alſo that an Army was coming by land. Wherefore they fearing to be ſevered from their fellowes at Lieth, made the greater haſt by night and day, and came to Lieth on the third day, loſing more of their company by the way than they had killed of their adverſaries; as they had done more evill to their friends: for of all that were profeſſed enemies unto them, only the Laird of Grange had his houſe blown up with powder: but others of their faction were forced to furnish them; or the ſouldiers took the readieſt they could apprehend. When complaints were made to the French Captaines, they ſcornfully anſwered, Theſe were the Congregation-mens goods. Or if they made faith, that theſe were their own goods; they were railed upon, as unworthy and niggard cowards, that made more account of their goods than of their friends. And the profeſſours of religion had put their goods out of the way. But this ſpoil made that faction joyn the more willingly with the defenders of their liberty. At that time the Barons of the Merns were buſy in the Reformation of Aberdien. The Earle of Huntly withſtood: but when he heard of the advancing of the Englishes, he ſent unto the Lords, craving to be admitted among them: as alſo he heard, that Proclamations were ſent through all the country, charging all the ſubjects to meet in arms at Lithgow the laſt day of March, and thence to paſſe in perſuite of the French enemies. At that time the English forces conſiſting of two thouſand horſe and 600 foot entred into Scotland, and the Scots army joyned with them April 4. An. 1660. The ſame day the Regent removes her family to the caſtle of Edinburgh, the Lord Erskin knowing, that she was of intention to have the Frenches Maſters of that ſtrength, would not deny her entry, but he was ſo circumſpect, that both she and the caſtle were ſtill in his power.

X. The Noble men then wrote unto her humbly again and again entreating Mediation of peace. An. 1560that she would diſmiſſ the French ſouldiers, and profering that they shall be ſafely conveyed into France; and promiſing never to forſake dutifull obedience unto their Queen, nor reſiſt the King her husband, in any thing that shall not tend to the ſubverſion of the liberties of the Kingdom; and beſeeching her, to weigh the equity of their petition and the inconveniences of warre. The English Generall did in like manner direct two gentle men unto the French men, in Lieth for the ſame purpoſe. Both were anſwered with delayes; but would not be delayed; and aſſault the town, and were repulſed twice with the loſſe of two men. The King of France hearing, what they were doing in Scotland, ſent unto Queen Eliſabet, requiring to bring back her Forces, and he would render Calais, which was taken in her ſiſters time. The Queen anſwereth, That fisher town is not to be weighed with the hazard of Britanne. Then the Kings Counſellers were deſirous of peace; but thought it diſgracefull to treat with his ſubjects. Wherefore he entreats the Queen to mediate a peace: ſo the English Secretary, and a Doctour Wotton Dean of Canterburry were ſent with the French Ambaſſadours into Scotland. While theſe were upon Queen Regent dieththeir journy, the Queen Regent dieth through diſpleaſure and ſicknes, in the caſtle of Edinburgh Juny 10 An. 1560. Before her death she deſired to p. 218ſpeak with the Duke, the Earls of Argile, Glencairn, Marshall and Lord James: unto them she bemoaned the troubls of the realm, and entreated them to ſtudy peace, and to perform theſe particulars, that were lately written in that Letter unto her: then burſting forth into tears, she asked pardon of them all: and diſpoſing herſelf for another world she ſent for John willock the Preacher of the town, and conferring with him a pretty ſpace, she profeſſed, that she did truſt to be ſaved by the death and merites of Jeſus Chriſt only. Shortly after her death, truce was made for hearing the Ambaſſadours, and peace was concluded at Edinburg: among other articles the 8^th was, that the King nor Queen shall depute no ſtrangers in the adminiſtration of Civil and common Juſtice, nor beſtow the publick Offices upon any, but born ſubjects of the realm. 9. that a Parliament shall be held in the month of Auguſt next: for which a commiſſion shall be ſent, and it shall be as lawfull in all reſpects, as if it had been ordained by expreſſe command of their Majeſties; providing all tumults of warre be diſcharged, and they who ought by their places to be preſent, may come without fear. So on July 16. both Frenches and Englishes did return home, and a ſolemne thankeſgiving that day was in the Church of S. Giles, by the Lords and others profeſſing true Religion.

XI. In the midſt of theſe broyls the Counſell did nor forget the condition of the Church, and (as it is ſaid expreſſely in the beginning of the firſt The Reformation goethon.book of Diſcipline) on the 29 day of Aprile in that year 1660. they gave Order unto the Miniſters, to conveen, and draw up in writing and in a book, a common order for reformation and uniformity to be obſerved in the diſcipline and policy of the Church. This they did as they could for the time, before the 20 day of May: but it was not allowed by the Counſell untill January 17. following. After the ſolemn thankeſgiving in July the Commiſſioners of Borroughs with ſome Nobles and Barons were appointed The firſt plantation of Miniſters and Superintendents.to ſee the equall diſtribution of Miniſters, as the moſt part shall think expedient: ſo one was appointed unto every chief burgh and City: they appointed five, whom they called Superintendents. What was their office, appeares by the firſt book of Diſcipline, wherein it is written thus; Wee conſider, that if the Miniſters, whom God hath endowed with his ſingular graces among us, should be appointed to ſeverall places, there to make their continuall reſidence, that then the greateſt part of the realm should be deſtitute of all doctrine, which should be not only the occaſion of great murmur, but alſo be dangerous to the ſalvation of many: and therefore wee have thought it a thing expedient at this time, that from the whole number of godly and learned men, now preſently in this realm, be ſelected ten or twelve (for in ſo many Provinces we have divided the whole) to whom charge and commandement should be given, to plant and erect Kirks, to ſet, order and appoint Miniſters (as the former preſcribes) to the countries, that shal be appointed to their care, where none are now. And by their means your love and common care over all inhabitants of this realm, to whom you are equally debtors, shall evidently appear: as alſo the ſimple & ignorant, who perchance have never heard Ieſus Chriſt truly preached, shall come to ſome knowledge: by the which many that are dead in ſuperſtition and ignorance, shall attain to ſome feeling of godlineſs, by the which they shall be provoked to ſeek farther knowledge of God and his true Religion and worship: where by the contrary if they shall be neglected, then shall they not only grudge, but alſo ſeek the means where by they may continue in their blindnes, or return to their accuſtomed idolatry: p. 219and therefore we deſire nothing more earneſtly, than that Chriſt Jeſus be once vniverſally preached throughout this realm; which shall not ſuddenly bee, unleſs that by you, men be appointed and compelled, faithfully to travell in ſuch Provinces as to them shal be aſſigned. Here they deſigne the boundes for ten Superintendents, and then it is added, Theſe men muſt not be ſuffered to live as your idle Bishops have done heretofore: neither muſt they remain, where they gladly would, but they muſt be preachers themſelves, and ſuch as may not make long reſidence in any place, till their Kirks be planted and provided of Miniſters, or at leaſt of Readers. Charge muſt be given to them, that they remain in no place above twenty dayes in their viſitation, till they have paſſed through their whole bounds: They muſt preach thrice at the leaſt every week; and when they return to their principall Town and reſidence, they muſt be exerciſed likewiſe in preaching and edification of the Kirk: and yet they muſt not be ſuffered to continue there ſo long, that they may ſeem to neglect their other Kirks: but after they have remained in their chief town three or four months at moſt, they shal be compelled (unleſs by ſicknes they be retained) to re-enter in viſitation: In which they shall not only preach, but alſo examine the life, deligence and behaviour of the Miniſters, as alſo the order of their kirks, and manners of the people: They muſt further conſider how the poor be provided, how the youth be inſtructed: They muſt admonish, where admonition needeth, and redreſſe ſuch things as by good counſell they may appeaſe: And finally they muſt note ſuch crimes as be hainous, that by cenſure of the Kirk the ſame may be corrected. If the Superintendent be found negligent in any the chief points of his office, and ſpecially if he be negligent in preaching of the word, and viſitation of the kirks, or if he be conuicted of ſuch crimes, as in common miniſters are damned, he muſt be depoſed without reſpect of his perſon or office. Though Bishop Spotſwood profeſſe to ſet down all the book of Diſcipline, yet of all this that I have written, he hath but foure lines, but he omits not the bounds of each Superintendent. Then after the manner of the election of the Superintendent, it followes in the book thus; the Superintendent being elected and appointed unto his charge, muſt be ſubiect to the cenſure and correction of Miniſters and Elders not of his chief town only, but alſo of the whole Province of which he is appointed overſeer. If his offence be known, and the Miniſters and Elders of the town and province be negligent, then the next one or two Superintendents with their miniſters and elders may conveen him, and the Miniſters and Elders of his chief town (provided it be within his own province or chief town) may accuſe or correct aſwell the Superintendent in theſe things that are worthy of correction, as the miniſters and elders, of their negligence and ungodly toleration of his offence. Whatſoever crime deſerves depoſition or correction of any other miniſter, deſerves the ſame in the Superintendent, without exception of perſons. He hath alſo curtailed theſe rules: for what cauſe he hath ſo done, he who pleaſeth to confer the two, may gueſſe.

XII. The Parliament (as was appointed in the Treaty) ſate down in The Reformation is eſtablisht by Parliament, and the Confeſſion of faith.Auguſt at Edinburgh: there were preſent ſixe Bishops, twelve Abbots and Priors, nineteen Earls and Lords with many Barons, and of Commiſſioners of Burghs none were abſent. Many Lords both of the one and other Eſtates did abſent themſelves contemptuouſly, ſaith the author of the Hiſtory of Reformation. The firſt thing they treat was a ſupplication of the Barons, gentlemen, burgeſſes and other true ſubiects of the realm, profeſſing the Lord Jeſus, for a Reformation of Religion. So ſoon as it was read, the p. 220Barons and Miniſters were called, and command given unto them, to draw into plain and ſeverall heads the ſum of the doctrine, which they would maintain, and deſire to be eſtablished, as wholeſom, true, and only neceſſary to be believed. This they willingly accept and on the fourth day, to wit, Auguſt 17. they preſent the Confeſſion, which afterward was regiſtred in the firſt Parliament of King James 6. and is commonly ſeen alſo in the Harmony of Confeſſions. When the Confeſſion was read firſt by the Lords of the articles, and then in audience of the whole Parliament, all were bidden in Gods name, to obiect, if they could ſay any thing againſt that doctrine; ſome Miniſters ſtanding-by ready to anſwer, if any would defend Papiſtry, or impugne any article. No obiection was made: then a day was appointed for concurrence in that and other heads: that day the Confeſſion was read again, each article ſeverally, and the votes were asked accordingly. The Papiſticall Bishops ſaid nothing. Three Lords Athol, Sommerwell and Bortwick ſaid, Wee will believe, as our fathers believed. The Earle Marshall ſaid, It is long ſince I had ſome favour unto the Trueth, and ſince I had a ſuſpicion of the papiſticall Religion: but I praiſe my God, who this day hath fully reſolved mee in the one and the other: for ſeeing the Bishops, who for their learning can, and for their zeal that they should bear unto the verity, would, as I ſuppoſe, have gainſaid any thing, that directly repugneth unto the verity of God: Seing, I ſay, the Bishops here preſent ſpeake nothing againſt the doctrine propoſed, I can not but hold it for the very truth of God, and the contrary to be deceivable doctrine: and therefore ſo far as in melyeth, … approve the one, and condemne the other: And yet more I muſt vote by way of Proteſtation, that if any perſon Eccleſiaſticall shall after this oppoſe themſelves to this our Confeſſion, that they have no place nor credite; conſidering that they having long advertiſment and full knowledge of this our Confeſſion, none is now found in lawfull free and open Parliament, to oppoſe themſelves to that which we profeſs: and therefore if any of this Generation pretend to do it after this, I proteſt, that he be reputed one that loveth his own commodity and the glory of the world, more than the Trueth of God, and the ſalvation of mens ſouls. After the voting and eſtablishing of the Confeſſion by the whole Body of the Parliament, there were alſo read two particular Acts, one againſt the exerciſe of the Maſſe, and the abuſe of the ſacraments, and the other againſt the ſupremacy of the Pope: theſe were ſeverally voted and concluded then; and renued in the Parliament An. 1567. With theſe Acts Sir James Sandelanes Knight of the Rhodes (who had been neutrall hetherto) was ſent into France for obtaining ratification; and was ordered to clear the Noble men and others from the imputations of diſſoyalty, and to pacifie the mindes of their Soveraines. But he found his ambaſſage and himſelf contemned, the Guiſians checking him bitterly at his firſt audience, that he being a Knight of the holy Order, had taken a Commiſſion from rebells to ſollicite ratification of execrable hereſies. I will not ſtay here upon the reaſonableneſs of this anſwer, nor to conſider who gave it; only this is added by my author, that more care was given unto three perſons, the Bishop of Glaſgow, the Abbot of Dumfernlin and the Lord Seton, who went away with the French Army. The Countrie then was greatly troubled for this cold entertainment of their Commiſſioner: for they were ſenſible of their own weakneſs, if France would invade again, and they were doubtfull of England, becauſe their laſt ſupport was with ſo great charges and hazard; and the Earls of Morton and Glencairn (who after the Parliament were ſent to give thanks unto the Queen Eliſabet, and to entreat the continuance of her love) had given no advertiſement: In time of this doubtfulneſs, newes was brought that young King Francis p. 221was dead: then ſorowfull were the hearts of the Popish faction, and the Countrie were confident to have their Queen at home again; as God brought it to paſs in deſpite of all the attempts, that that faction did uſe in the contrary. After the death of the King, a Convention of the Eſtates was called to meet in January 1561. then was Lord James Stuart appointed to go in their names unto the Queen: Commiſſion was given to ſeverall Noblemen and Barons in ſeverall parts to pull down the abbeys and cloiſters that were yet ſtanding, and to demolish all moniments of idolatry throughout the Country. Then alſo the book of Diſcipline was preſented, and the Miniſters ſupplicate the Convention to eſtablish it. Alexander anderſon Subprincipall of the Vniverſity at Aberdeen was called to obiect againſt it. He refuſeth to diſpute there, in matters of faith, pretending (for excuſe) a ſentence of Tertullian. The Miniſters reply. The authority of Tertullian can not preiudge the authority of the Holy Ghoſt, commanding to give a reaſon of our faith, to every one that requires it: and for the preſent it is not required of him, nor of any man to diſpute in any point of our faith, which is fully grounded upon Gods word, and all that wee believe, is without controverſy contained in the holy Scriptures: But it is required of him as of other Papiſts, that they will ſuffer their doctrin, conſtitutions and cermonies come to a tryall; and eſpecially that the Maſſe and the opinions, which they teach the people concerning it, be laid to the ſquare of the firſt inſtitution, that the world may know, whither their teachers had offended or not, in that which they have affirmed; whither the action of the Maſſe be not expreſſely repugnant unto the laſt Supper of the Lord Jeſus? whither the ſayer of it commit not horrible blaſphemy in vſurping The ſayer of Maſſe is a blaſphemerupon the offices of Chriſt? Al. Anderſon denied, that the Prieſt takes upon him Chriſts office. A maſſe-book was brought, and it wat read out of the beginning of the Canon, Suſcipe Sancta Trinitas hanc oblationem, quam ego indignus peccator offero tibi vivo Deo et vero, pro peccatis to…ius Eccleſiae, vivorum et mortuorum. Then ſaid the Miniſter, If to offer for the ſins of the whole Church, be not the proper office of Chriſt only, let the Scripture judge: and if a vile man, whom ye call prieſt, proudly takes the ſame upon him, let your own books witnes. Al. Anderſon ſaid, Chriſt offered the propitiatory, and none can do that; but we offer the remembrance. It was anſwered, We praiſe God, that yee deny a ſacrifice propitiatory in the Maſſe; and we offer to prove, that in moe than an hundred places of your Papiſticall Doctors, it is affirmed, that the Maſſe is a ſacrifice propitiatory. But whereas ye alledge that yee offer Chriſt in remembrance; we aske firſt, Unto whom do yee offer him? and next, By what authority are ye aſſured of well-doing? In God the Father falleth no oblivion: and if ye will shift and ſay, that ye offer, not as if God were forgetfull, but as willing to apply Chriſts merits to his Church; we demand of you, What power and commandement have ye to do ſo? We know, that our Maſter commanded his Apoſtles to do what He did, in remembrance of him: and plain it is, that Chriſt took bread, gave thanks, brak the bread, and gave it to his diſciples, ſaying, Take, eat.....here is a command to take and eat, to take and to drink: but to offer Chriſts body either for remembrance or application, we find not: and therefore we ſay, To take upon you an office, which is not given unto you, is uniuſt vſurpation, and not lawfull power. Then Alexander vſeth ſome words of ſhifting: but the Lords require him to anſwer directly. Then ſaid he, I am better acquainted with philoſophy than with Theology. Then John Leſley, (then Parſon of Vne, and immediatly p. 222was ſent by the Bishops and their faction to be agent in their buſineſs with the Queen, and thereafter was called Bishop of Roſſe) was demanded to anſwer unto that argument. After ſome litle pauſe, he ſaid, If our Maſter hath nothing to ſay unto it, I have nothing: for I know nothing but the Canonlaw: and the greateſt reaſon, that ever I could find there, is, Volumus, and Nolumus. The Nobility ſeeing, that neither the one nor the other would anſwer directly, ſay, Wee have been miſerably deceived; for if the Maſſe may not obtain remiſſion of ſin to the quick and to the dead, wherefore were all the Abbeys ſo richly doted and endowed with our lands? Hereby it is clear, (as alſo by what is written of the Parliament) that the Papiſts had liberty to plead for their Religion; and were required to ſay what they could, not only with ſafety and aſſurance of protection; but they did appeare, and shew their weakneſs. At that time the book of Diſcipline was not allowed nor reiected, but delayd; and thereafter it was approved by the Counſell for their own part, but not authoriſed; and ſome additions were noted, and this proviſion expreſſely added, That the Bishops, Abbots, Priors, and other Beneficed men, who had already adioined them unto the Religion, shall enioy their benefices during their lives, they upholding and ſuſtaining the Miniſtery and Miniſters for their part. The iſſue of this proviſion was; many Church-men gave away and ſold their Manſes, gleebs, tyths and other things, to the prejudice of the Church; ſo that the entertainment of Miniſters was very ſmall; in many places nothing at all; and the gleebs could hardly be recovered.

XIII. At Edinburgh December 20. An. 1560. was the firſt Nationall aſſembly: where conveened the Miniſters and Commiſſionares from Shires The firſt aſſembly of the Church.and Burghs about the number of 44. perſons. 1. They deſigne Miniſters and Readers unto ſeverall parishes throughout the Countrie. 2. It was appointed, that in time coming the election of Miniſter, Elders and deacons shall be in the publick church, and premonition to be on the ſunday preceeding. 3. It is found by the law of God, marriages may be ſolemnized betwixt parties of the ſecond or third degrees of conſanguinity, and others that are not prohibited by the word of God: and therefore to deſire the Lords and Eſtates to interpoſe their authority, and make lawes thereupon. 4. It is appointed that for punishment of fornication the law of God be obſerved▪ and theſe shall make publick repentance, which vſe carnall copulation betwixt the promiſe and ſolemnization of their marriage 5. that earneſt ſupplication be made unto the Eſtates of the realm, and to the Lords of Secret counſell, that all Judges ordinary and Judiciall Officers, as Lords of the Seſſion, Shireffs, Stewarts, Balives and other ordinary Judges be profeſſours of the trueth according to the word of God; and all Miniſters of the word to be removed from ſuch Offices, according to the Civill law. 6. To ſupplicate the Parliament and Secret Counſell, that, for eſchuing the wrath of the Eternall, and removing the plagues threatned in His law, Sharp punishment be ordained againſt idolaters and mantainers thereof, in contempt of Gods true Religion and Acts of Parliament, namely, which ſay Maſſe, or cauſe it to be ſaid, or are preſent thereat. And a catalogue of their names is writen. They appoint Comiſſioners to attend the Parliament (if any shall be called) with theſe ſupplications. It is to be obſerved from the fift Act, that Miniſters of the word were forbbidden to be Judges in Civil cauſes: which is againſt the former practiſe, when Bishops and other prelats were Lords of Parliament and ſat in Civill Courts. No Parliament was called, as was expected: but a Convention of Eſtates was appointed to p. 223be in May before which time Papiſts reſort to Edinburgh in great numbers, and began to brag of their power. The Commiſſioners which were appointed In a Convention of the Eſtates An. 1561. Papiſtry is again forbidden.by the Aſſembly of the Church, conveen May 17. An 1561. and draw up theſe articles to be preſented unto the Convention; that idolatry and all monuments thereof should be ſuppreſſed throughout the realm; that the ſayers, maintainers and heare…s of the Maſſe should be punished according to the Act of Parliament. 2. That c…rtain proviſion be made for maintenance of the Superintendents, Miniſters and Readers; that Superintendents be planted where none are; That punishment be appointed for ſuch as diſobeied or contemned the Superintendents in their function. 3. That punishment be appointed for the abuſers and contemners of the Sacraments. 4. That no Letters of Seſſion, or warrant from any Judge be given, to anſwer or pay tythes unto any perſon, without ſpeciall proviſion, that the parishoners retain ſo much in their hands as is appointed for maintenance of the Miniſtry; And that all ſuch as are given heretofore, be called in and diſcharged. 5. That the Lords of the Seſſion or any other Judges proceed not upon ſuch Precepts or warnings paſt at the inſtance of them, which lately have obtained fues of Vicarages and Manſes and Churchyards; and that ſixe a kers (if ſo much there be of the Gleeb) be always reſerved to the Miniſter, according to the appointement of the book of Diſcipline. 6. That no Letters of Seſſion nor other Warrants take place, untill the ſtipends contained in the book of Diſciplin for maintenance of the Miniſters be firſt conſigned in the hands at leaſt of the principalls of the parishioners. 7. That punishment be appointed againſt all ſuch as purchaſe, bring home or execute within this realm, the Popes Bulls. The Tenour of the Supplication was this▪ Pleaſe your Honours, and the Wiſdoms of ſuch as are preſently conveened with you A ſupplication of Barons & burgeſſes.in Counſell, to underſtand, that by many arguments we perceive, what the peſtilent generation of that Roman Antichriſt within this realm pretends, to wit, that they would erect their idolatry, take upon them Empire above our conſciences, and ſo to command us the true ſubjects of this realm, and ſuch as God of his mercy hath (under our Soveraine) made ſubject unto us, in all things to obey their appetites. Honeſty craveth, and conſcience moveth us, to make the very ſecrets of our hearts patent to your Honours in that behalf, whichs is this, That before ever theſe tyrants and dumb dogs empire above us, and above ſuch as God hath ſubjected unto us, that wee the Barons and Gentle men profeſſing Chriſt Jeſus within this realm are fully determined to hazard life and whatſoever we have received from God in temporall things; Moſt humbly therefore beſeeching your Honours, that ſuch order may be taken that we have not occaſion to take again the ſword of juſt defence unto our hands, which we have willingly (after God had given Victory both to your Honours and us) reſigned over into your hands; to the end, that Gods goſpell may be publickly preached within this realm, the true Miniſters thereof reaſonably maintained, idolatry ſuppreſſed, and the committers there of punished, according to the lawes of God and men. In doeing whereof your Honours shall finde us not only obedient in all things lawfull, but alſo ready at all times, to bring under order and obedience ſuch as would rebell againſt your juſt authority, which in abſence of our Soverain wee acknowledge to be in your hands, beſ…eching your Honours with upright judgement and indifferency to look upon theſe few ar…icles, and by theſe our Brethren to ſignifie unto us ſuch anſwer again, as may declare your Honours worthy of that place, whereunto God (after p. 224ſome danger ſuſtained) in his mercy hath called you. And let theſe enemies aſſure themſelves, that if your Honours put not order unto them, that we shall shortly take ſuch order, that they shall neither be able to do what they liſt, nor to live upon the ſweat of the browes of ſuch as are not debters unto them. Let your Honours conceive nothing of us, but all humble obedience in God. But let the Papiſts be yet once again aſſured, that their pride and idolatry we will not ſuffer. This Supplication was ſent by the Maſter of Lindſay, the Lords of Lochinvar, Pharniherſt and Whittengham, Tho. Menzies Proveſt of Aberdien and Ge. Lovell burgeſs of Dundy. The Lords and Counſell made an Act & ordinance anſwering to every head of theſe articles, and commanded Letters to be anſwered thereupon. At this time Lord James Stuard had returned from France, and brought Letters from the Queen, praying them to entertain quietnes, and to ſuffer nothing to be attempted againſt the Contract of peace which was made at Lieth, till her own coming home, and to ſuffer the Religion publickly eſtablished to go forward, &c. This ſecond fall got Satan, after he had begun to trouble the Religion once eſtablished by Law. The Histor. of Reformat. Lib. 3. That book cloſeth with theſe words, The books of diſcipline have been of late ſo often published, that we shall forbear to print them at this time, hoping that no good man will ref…ſe to follow the ſame, till God in a greater light eſtablish a more perfite. By theſe and many paſſages of the book it is cleare, that at that time they did not judge it to be the conſtant rule of Diſciplin in all time coming: and ſo we will find, that within few years, the Aſſembly thought upon another Order.

XIV. Auguſt 19. An. 1561. The Queen arrives at Lieth: very many The Queens arrivall.of all ranks come to congratulate her ſafe return: much mirth was that week in Halirudhouſe and Edinburgh. On Sunday Auguſt 24. when preparation was for the Maſſe in the Chappell-Royal, the hearts of the godly were ſtirred, and ſome ſaid openly, Shall that Idol be ſuffered to take place again within this realm▪ It shall not. One carrying the candle was ſore affrighted. No Papiſt durſt ſpeak againſt them: but Lord James took upon him, to keep the Chappell-door: when the Maſſe was ended, the Prieſt was convoied betwixt the Lords of Coldingham & Halirudhouſe unto his chamber. The next day the Queen comes into Privy Counſell: Some were ſent unto the Noblemen ſeverally with theſe or ſuch perſuaſions; Alas, will you chaſe our ſoverain from us? She will incontinently return to her Galeys, and then what will all Nations ſay of us? may we not ſuffer her a litle while? I doubt not, but she will leave it: if we were not aſſured, that She may be won, we should be as great enemies to the Maſſe, as ye can bee: her Uncles will go away, and then we shall rule all at our pleaſure: would not we be as ſorry to hurt the Religion as any of you would bee? With theſe perſuaſions the fervency of many was abated: and An Act concerning Religion.an Act was made wherein her Majeſty ordaines Letters to be directed and proclaimed, that all the ſubjects should keep peace and Civil ſociety, while the Eſtates of the realme may be aſſembled, and her Majeſty shall have …aken a finall order by their advice, which her Majeſty hopeth, shall be to the contentment of all, the Law bidding that none should take in hand privately or openly any alteration of the State of Religion, or attempt any thing againſt the ſame, which She hath found publickly & univerſally ſtanding at her arrivall, under pain of death; With certification, that if any ſubjects shall come in the contrary, he shall be held for a ſeditious perſon and raiſer of tumults; and her Majeſty commandes with advice of her Secret p. 225Counſell, that none of the Lieges take in hand to moleſt or trouble any of her domeſtik ſervants, or perſons whatſoever come out of France in her Company at this time, in word, deed or countenance, for any cauſe whatſoever, either within her palace or without, under the ſaid pain of death. This Act was proclaimed the ſame day; and immediatly the Earle A publick▪ Proteſtationof Arran makes publick proteſtation, thus; In ſo far as by this Proclamation it is made known unto the Church of God and members thereof that the Queen is minded, that the true Religion and worship of God already eſtablished, proceed forward, that it may dayly increaſe, Untill the Parliament, that order may be taken then for extirpation of all idolatry out of this realm; We render moſt hearty thinks to the Lord our God for her Majeſties good mind, earneſtly praying, that it may be increaſed in her Majeſty, to the honour & glory of his Name, and good of his Church within this realm; And as touching the moleſtation of her Highneſs ſervants, we ſuppoſe, that none dare be ſo bold as once to move their finger at them, in doeing their lawfull buſineſs: and we have learned at our Maſter Chriſt's School, to keep peace with all men: And therefore for our part we will promiſe that obedience unto her Majeſty (as is our duty) that none of her ſervants shall be troubled, moleſted or once touched by the Church or any member thereof, in doing their lawfull buſines: But ſeeing God hath ſaid, The idolater shall die the death, Wee proteſt ſolemnly in the preſence of God, and in the eares of all people, that heare this Proclamation, and eſpecially in the preſence of you, Lion herauld and the reſt of your Colleagues, maker of the proclamation, that if any of her ſervants shall commit idolatry, shall ſay Maſſe, participate therewith, or take the defence thereof (which, we are loath, should be in her Highneſs company) in that caſe, that this proclamation is not extended to them, in that behalf, nor be a ſavegard nor girth to them in that behalf, no more than if they commit ſlaughter or murder, ſeing the one is much more abominable & odious in the ſight of God, than is the other; but that it may be lawfull to inflict upon them the pains contained in Gods Word againſt idolaters, wherever they may be apprehended without favour. And this our proteſtation we deſire you to notify unto her, and give Her the copy hereof, leſt her Higneſs may ſuſpect an uproar, if wee all shall come and preſent the ſame. At Edinburgh day & year foreſaid. This Proteſtation did ſome what exaſperate the Queen and others following her in that point. When the Lords (of the Congregation, as they were called) came to the Town, at Court cooleth zeal.the firſt they were much offended that the Maſſe was permitted, and each did accuſe theſe, that were before him: but when they tarried a short ſpace, they were as quiet as others. Wherupon Robert campbell of Kings-cleugh ſaid unto the Lord Ochiltry, My Lord, you are come now, and almoſt the laſt of all the reſt, and I perceive by your anger that the fireedge is not off you yet: but I fear, that when the holy water of the Court shall be ſprinkled upon you, you shall become as temperate as others: for I have been here now five dayes, and at the firſt, I heard every man ſay, Let us hang the prieſt: But after that they had been twice or thrice in the Abby, all that fervency was paſt: I thinke, there is ſome inchantment where with men are bewitched. And it was ſo: for on the one part the Queen's fair words ſtill crying, Conſcience, it is a ſore thing to conſtrain Conſcience; and on the other part the perſuaſions of others blinded them all, and put them in opinion; that the Queen will be content to hear the Preaching, and ſo she may be won: and ſo all were content to ſuffer her p. 226for a time. The next ſunday John Knox in Sermon shewes what terrible plagues God had ſent upon Nations for idolatry; and one Maſſe is more fearfull unto him, than if ten thouſand enemies were landed in any part of the realm: for in our God is ſtrength to reſiſt and confound multitudes, if we unfainedly depend upon Him, as we have experience heretofore: but when we join hands with idolatry, it's no doubt, but both Gods amiable preſence, and comfortable defence will leave us: and what shall then become of us, &c. Some ſaid, Such fear was no point of their faith: it was beſides his text, and a very untimely admonition. The Writer of The hiſtory of Reformation addeth by way of anticipation, that in December An. 1565. when they which at the Queens arrivall maintained the toleration of the Maſſe, were ſummoned upon treaſon, exiled, and a decriet of forfeture was intended againſt them, the ſame Knoxe recited theſe words in the audience of many, and beſought Gods mercy, that he was not more vehement and upright in ſuppreſſing that idol: for (ſaid he) albeit I ſpake what was offenſive unto ſome (which this day they feel to be true) yet I did not what I might have done; for God hath not only given mee knowledge and tongue, to make the impietie of that idol knowen, but he had given mee credite with many, who would have put in execution Gods judgements, if I would have only conſented thereunto: But ſo carefull was I of common tranquillity, and ſo loath to offend thoſe, of whom I had conceived a good opinion, that in private conference with deareſt and Zealous men, I travelled rather to mitigate, yea to ſlacken that fervency, that God had kindled in them, than to encourage them to put their hands unto the Lords work; wherein I confeſſe unfainedly, that I have done moſt wickedly, and from the bottom of my heart do ask of my God grace & pardon: for I did not what in mee lay, to have ſuppreſſed that idoll at the beginning. After that Sermon, the Queen ſent for I. Knox, and (none being preſent, except the Lord James, and two gentle men in the end of the room) ſaid unto him; That he had raiſed The Queen acuſed Io. Knox and his anſwersa part of her ſubiects againſt her mother & herſelf: that he had written a book againſt her juſt authority [she meaneth the treatiſe againſt the Regiment of women] which she had, and would cauſe the moſt learned in Europe to write againſt it; That he was the cauſe of ſedition and great ſlaughter in England; and that is was ſaid to her, All that he did was by necromancy. John anſwereth, Madam, it may pleaſe your Majeſty to heare my ſimple anſwers: and firſt, if to teach the word of God in ſincerity, or to rebuke idolatry, and to preſſe a people to worship God according to his word, be to raiſe ſubjects againſt their Princes, then I can not be excuſed: for it hath pleaſed God of his mercy, to make mee (among many) to diſcloſe unto this realm the vanity of the Papiſticall religion, and the deceit, pride and tyranny of that Roman Antichriſt: But Madam, if the true knowledge of God and his right worshipping be the chief cauſe, which muſt move men to obey their juſt Princes from their heart (as it is moſt certain; they are) where in can I be reprehended? I think, and am ſurely perſuaded, that your Ma. hath had, and preſently hath as unfained obedience of ſuch as profeſſe Chriſt Jeſus within this realm, as ever your Father or your progenitours had of thoſe, that were called Bishops. As for that book, that ſeemeth ſo highly to offend your Ma. (it is moſt certain) I am content, that all the learned of the world judge of it: I hear, that an English man hath written againſt it, but I have not read him: if he hath ſufficiently confuted my reaſons, and eſtablished his contrary propoſitions with as evident teſtimonies, p. 227as I have done mine, I shall not be obſtinat, but confeſs my errour & ignorance: but to this houre I have thought, and yet thinks my ſelf alone more able to ſuſtain the things affirmed in that my work, than any ten in Europe shall be able to confute it. The Queen ſaid, you think, that I have not juſt authority. John anſuereth, Pleaſe your Ma. learned men in all ages have had their judgement free, and diſagreeing from the common judgement of the world: and ſuch have they published both by pen & tongue; and not withſtanding they have lived in the common ſociety with others, and have born patiently with the errours and imperfections, which they could not amend. Plato the Philoſopher wrote his book of the commonwealth, in which he condemnes many things that were maintained in the world, and required many things to have been reformed: and yet he lived under ſuch Politicks, as then were univerſally received, without further troubling any State: So, Madam, am I content to do, in uprightnes of heart, and with the teſtimony of a good conſcience have I communicated my judgement unto the world: if the realm finds no inconveniences in the regiment of a woman, that which they approve, I shall not further diſallow than within my own breſt, but shall be aſwell content to live under your Majeſty, as Paul was to live under the Roman Emperour: and my hope is, that ſo long as yee defile not your hands with the blood of the Saints of God, that neither I nor that book shall either hurt you nor your authority: for in very deed Madam; that book was written moſt eſpecially againſt that wicked Mary of England. But, ſaid the Queen, you ſpeak of women in generall. John anſuereth, Moſt true it is, Madam: and yet plainly appeares to mee, that wiſdom should perſuad your. Ma. never to raiſe trouble for that which to this day hath not troubled your Ma. neither in perſon nor in anxiety: for of late years many things which before were holden Stable, have been called in doubt; yea they have been plainly impugned: But yet, Madam, I am aſſured, that neither Proteſtant nor Papiſt shall be able to prove, that any ſuch queſtion was at any time moved in publick or private: and if I had intended to trouble your State, Madam, becauſe you are a woman, I might have choſen a time more convenient for that purpoſe, than I can do now, when your preſence is within the realm. But now, Madam, to anſwer shortly unto the other two accuſations, I heartily praiſe my God through Jeſus Chriſt, that Satan and the wicked of the world have no other crimes to lay to my charge, than ſuch as the very world knowes to be moſt falſe and vain: for in England I was reſident the ſpace of five years only; two years at Berwick, ſo long in New-caſtle, and a year in London. If in any place, during the time I was there, any man shall be able to prove, that there was battell, ſedition or mutiny, I shall confeſſe, that I was the malefactor, and shedder of the blood. I am not ashamed further to affirm, that God ſo bleſſed my weake labours then in Berwick (where then commonly was wont to be ſlaughter, by occaſion of quarrells among ſouldiers) there was as great quietnes all the time that I remained there, as there is this day in Edinburgh. Where they ſlaunder mee of Magick, or any other art forbidden of God, I have witnes (beſides my own conſcience) all the Congregations, that ever heard me, what I ſpeake both againſt ſuch acts, and againſt theſe that uſe ſuch impiety: but ſeing the wicked ſaid, that our Maſter the Lord Jeſus was poſſeſſed with Beelzebub, I muſt patiently beare, albeit that I a wretched ſinner be unjuſtly accuſed by theſe, that never delighted in the verity. The Queen ſaid, you have taught the people to receive another Religion than their Prince can allow: and how p. 228can that doctrin be of God, ſeing God commandeth ſubjects to obey their-Princes? Religion riſeth not from Princes.Madam, ſaid he, as right Religion took neither originall nor antiquity from worldly Princes, but from the Eternall God alone; ſo are not ſubjects bound to frame their Religion according to the appetite of their Princes: for often Princes are the moſt ignorant of all others, in Gods true Religion, as we read in the hiſtories, both before the death of Chriſt Jeſus, and after: if all the ſeed of Abraham had been of the Religion of Pharaoh, unto whom they were a long time ſubject, what Religion had there been in the world? If all men in the dayes of the Apoſtles had been of the Religion of the Roman Emperours, what Religion had there been upon the face of the earth? Daniel and his fellowed were ſubjects to Nebuchadnezzar and Darius, and yet they would not be of the Religion of the one nor of the other: for the three children ſaid, Wee make it known to thee, o King, that we will not worship thy Gods: and Daniel did pray publickly unto his God, againſt the expreſſe commandement of the King: and ſo Madam, you may perceive that ſubjects are not bound to the Religion of their Princes, albeit they are commanded to give them obedience. Yet, ſaid the Queen, none of theſe lifted their ſword againſt their Princes. John anſwereth, Yet, Madam, it can not be denied, but they reſiſted: for who obey not the command, do in ſome ſort reſiſt. But they reſiſted not by the ſword, ſaith the Queen. John ſaid. God had not given them power nor means. The Queen ſaith, Think you, that ſubjects having power, may reſiſt their Princes? John anſwereth, If Princes exceed their bounds, and do againſt that, for which they should be obeied, there is no doubt but they may be reſiſted, even by Power: for there is no greater honour nor greater obedience to be given to Kings, than God hath commanded to be given to father & mother: but ſo it is, that the father may be ſtricken with a phreneſy, in which he would ſlay his own children: now Madam, if the children joyn themſelves together, apprehend the father, take the ſword or what other weapon from him, and finally bind his hands, and keep him in priſon, till that his phrenzy be overpaſt; thinke yee, Madam, that the children do any wrong? or that God will be offended with them, that have ſtayd their father from committing wickednes; It is ſo with Princes, that would murther the children of God, that are ſubiect unto them. Their blind Zeal is but a mad phrenzy: therefore to take the ſword from them, to bind their hands, and to caſt them into priſon, till they be brought to a more ſober mind, is no diſobedience againſt Princes, but juſt obedience, becauſe it agreeth with the word of God. At theſe words the Queen ſtood as it were amazed, more than a quarter of an hour and then ſaid, Well, I perceive, that my ſubiects shall only obey you, and not mee; they shall do what they liſt, and not what I command; and ſo I muſt be ſubject unto them, and not they unto mee. Knox anſwereth, God forbid, that ever I take upon mee, to command any to obey mee, or yet to ſet ſubiects at liberty, to do what pleaſeth them: but my travell is, that both Princes & ſubiects obey God: and think not; Madam, that wrong is done unto you, when you are willed to be ſubject unto God: for it is He, that ſubiecteth people under Princes, and cauſeth obedience to be given unto them: yea God craves of Kings, that they be as nurſing▪fathers to the Church, and commands Queens to be Nurses unto his people: and this ſubiecton unto God. and nourishing his troubled Church, is the greateſt dignity tht flesh can have upon the face of the earth; for it shall carry them to everlaſting glory. The Queen ſaid, Yea, but yee dre not p. 229the Church, that I will nourish: I will defend the Church of Rome: for I think, it is the true Church of God. Knox anſ. your will, Madam, is not reaſon, nor doth your thought make that Roman harlot to be the immaculate ſpouſe of Jeſus Chriſt: and wonder not, Madam, that I call Rome an harlot: for that Church is altogether polluted with all kind of ſpirituall fornication both in doctrine and in manners: yea, I offer myſelf further to prove that the Church of the Jewes, when they manifeſtly denied the Son of God, was not ſo far degenerated from the ordinances and ſtatutes, which God gave by Moſes & Aaron unto his people, as the Church of Rome is declined, and more than 500. years hath declined from that purity of Religion which the Apoſtles taught and planted. The Queen ſaid, My conſcience is not ſo. Knox anſ. Madam, conſcience requires knowledge, and I feare, of right knowledge you have but little. The Queen ſaith, I have both heard and read. Knox ſaith, Madam, ſo did the Jewes, which crucified Chriſt Jeſus, read both the Law and the prophets, and heard the ſame interpreted, after their manner. Have yee heard any teach but ſuch as the Pope and his Cardinals have allowed? and you may be aſſured, they will ſpeak nothing to offend their own State. The Queen ſaid, yee interpret the Scriptures in one manner, and they in another: whom shall I believe? who shall be Judge? Knox anſ. Believe God, that ſpeakes plainly in his word; and further than the word teaches you, yee shall neither believe the one nor the other. The word of God is plain in itſelf: and if there appeare any obſcurity in one place, the Holy Ghoſt, who never is contrary to himſelfe, explaines the ſame more clearly in others places; So that there can remain no doubt, but unto ſuch as obſtinatly will remain ignorant. And now Madam, to take one of the chief points, which this day is in controverſy betwixt the Papiſts and us, for example. They alleadge and boldy have affirmed, that the Maſſe is the ordinance of God, and the inſtitution of Jeſus Chriſt, and a ſacrifice for the quick and the dead. Wee deny both the one and the other, and affirm, that the Maſſe, as it is now uſed, is nothing but the invention of man: and therefore it is abomination before God, and no ſacrifice that God ever commanded. Now, Madam, who shall judge betwixt us two thus contending? it is not reaſon, that either of us be further believed, than we are able to prove by unſuſpect witneſsing. Let them lay down the book of God, and by plain words prove their affirmatives, and we shall give unto them the plea granted. But ſo long as they are bold to affirm, and prove nothing, we muſt ſay, albeit all the world believe them, yet they believe not God, but do receive the lies of men for the trueth of God. What our Maſter Chriſt Jeſus did, we know by his Evangeliſts: what the Prieſts do at the Maſſe, the world ſeeth. Now doth not the Word of God plainly aſſure us, that Chriſt Jeſus neither ſaid Maſſe, nor commanded to ſay it at his laſt Supper, ſeing no ſuch thing as the Maſſe is mentioned in the wholl Scriptures. The Queen ſaid, You are too hard for mee: but if they were here, whom I have heard, they would anſwer you. Knox anſ. Would God the learnedſt Papiſt in Europe, and he that you would beſt believe, were preſent with your Majeſty, to ſuſtain the argument, and that you would abide patiently to hear the argument reaſoned to the end: for then I doubt not, but you should hear the vanity of the Papiſticall Religion, and how ſmall ground it hath within the word of God. The Queen ſaid, Well, you may perchance get that ſooner than you believe. Knox ſaid, Aſſuredly if ever I get that, I get it ſooner than I believe: for the ignorant Papiſt can not patiently p. 230reaſon, and the learned and erafty Papiſt will never come in your audience, Madam, to have the ground of their Religion ſearched out: for they know, they are not able to maintain any argument, except by fire & ſword, and their own Lawes be judges. The Queen ſaid, So ſay you; and I believe, it hath been to this day. John anſ. How oft have the Papiſts in this and other realms, been required to conference, and yet could it never be obtained, unleſs themſelves were admitted for Judges: and therefore I muſt ſay again, that they dare never diſpute, but where themſelves are both Judges and party: and when you shall let mee ſee the contrary, I shall grant my ſelf deceived in that point. At departing, Iohn ſaid, I pray God, Madam, that you may be as bleſſed within the Commonwealth of Scotland (if it be the pleaſure of God) as ever Debora was in the Common wealth of Iſrael. Of this long conference, whereof we only touch a part, were diverſe opinions: the Papiſts grudged, and feared what they needed not. The godly reioiced, thinking that at leaſt She would have heard the preaching: but they were utterly deceived: for She continued in her Maſſing, and quickly mocked all exhortation, The Hiſto. of Reforma. lib 4.

XIIII. In Edinburgh it was the cuſtom, that when the annuall Magiſtrats were choſen at Michalmes, they cauſed to publish the ſtatutes & ordinancies of the town: and ſo in that year one of the ſtatutes was, No adulterer, fornicator, no noted drunkard, no maſſe-monger, no obſtinate Papiſt, that corrupteth the people, ſuch as prieſts & Friers and others of that ſort, should be found within the town after 41. Hours under pains contained in the Statutes. When this was reported unto the Queen, She cauſed without any examination of the matter, to charge the Provoſt and Bailiffs to ward in the caſtle; and immediatly commandement was ſent to chuſe other Magiſtrates. The electors at firſt did refuſe: but when charge was ſent after charge, at laſt they obey; and a contrary proclamation was made at the queen's command, that the town should be patent to all the Queen's lieges. So murderers, adulterers, and all profain perſons got protection by the Queen, under colour, that they were of her Religion, whereas before they durſt not be ſeen in day light upon the ſtreets. The Queen's command being thus obeied, the prieſts took more boldneſs, and November 1. They go to Maſſe with all their pompe. The Miniſters in Sermons declare the inconveniences, that were to follow that coleration. The Nobility through affection unto their Soverain move the queſtion, Whether Subjects may ſuppreſſe the idolatry of the Prince? Some Noble men and Officers of State conveen with ſome Miniſters, and argue together. The concluſion was, becauſe the one would not yeeld unto the other, that the Queſtion should be formed, and Letters directed to Geneva for the judgement of that Church. The Miniſters offered to undertake the labour: but the Nobles layd it upon Secretary Lethington, but it was to drive time, as the event declared. The Queen's party do urge, that Shee and her houshold should have her Religion free in her own chappell. The Miniſters ſayd, Such liberty shall be their thraldom, ere it be long. But neither could reaſon nor danger move the affections of ſuch as were ambitious of credite, The ſecond Nationall aſſembly.In December the Superintendents and Miniſters do conveen unto the Nationall aſſembly, as it was appointed; and the Nobility will not conveen: Some Miniſters were ſent unto them: ſome of them made one excuſe, and ſome another; and ſome call it into doubt, Whither it be expedient to hold ſuch aſſemblies. For gladly would the Queen and the Secret Counſell had all the aſſemblies diſcharged. The one party ſay, It is ſuſpicious to Princes, p. 231that ſubiects keep conventions without their knowledge. It was anſwered, Without the knowledge of the Prince the Church does nothing: for She perfitely underſtands, that there is a Reformed Religion within the realm, and that they have their order and appointed times of meeting. Yea (ſaith Lethington) the Queen knowes that wel enough, but the queſtion is, Whither the Queen allowes ſuch conventions. It was anſwered, If the liberty of the Church shall ſtand upon the Queen's allowance or diſ-allowance, we are ſure, not only to be deprived of aſſemblies, but of the publick preaching of the Goſpell. This was mocked, and the contrary The lawfulneſſe of aſſembliesaffirmed. Well (ſaid the other) time will try the trueth: but this I will adde, Take from us the freedom of aſſemblies, and take from us the Evangel: for without aſſemblies, how sbal good order and vnity of doctrin bee kept? It can not be ſuppoſed, that all Miniſters shall be ſo perfect, but ſome shall have need of admonition, both for manners & doctrine, as ſome may be ſo ſtiff▪necked, that they will not admit the admonition of the ſimple; and ſome may be blamed without offence committed: and if there be no order in theſe caſes, it can not be avoided, but grievous offenſes shall ariſe: and for remedy it is neceſſary, to have generall aſſemblies, in which the judgement and gravity of many may correct & repreſſe the follie & errous of a few. The moſt part both of the Nobility and Barons conſent heere unto, and conclude, that the Reaſoners for the Queen shall shew unto her Ma. that if She was ſuſpicious of any thing handled in the Aſſemblies, it would pleaſe her Ma. to ſend whom she would appoint, to hear what was propounded or reaſoned. The Queen ſent none. In time of this aſſembly the Earle Bothwell, the Marques d'albuff the Queen's uncle and John Lord of Coldingham brake up Cutbert Ramſay a Burgeſs's doors in the night time, and ſearched the houſe for his daughter-in-law. The Nobility and Aſſembly were offended, and ſent unto the Queen this Iupplication; To the Queens Majeſty, to her Secret Counſell, Her Highneſs faithfull and obedient ſubjests, The profeſſours of Chriſt Jeſus, his holy Evangell, wish the Spirit of righteous judgement. The fear of God contained in his holy word; the natural and unfained love we bear unto your Majeſty; the duty which we owe to the quietnes of our Country, and the terrible threatnings, which our God pronounces againſt every realm and city, in which horrible crimes are openly committed, Compell us a great part of your ſubjects, humbly to crave of your Ma. upright and true judgement, againſt ſuch perſons as have done, what in them lyeth, to kindle God's wrath againſt this whole realm: the impiety by them committed is ſo hainous and horrible, that as it is a fact moſt vile and rare to be heard in this realme, and principally within the bowels of the city, So should we think ourſelves guilty of the ſame, if negligently or for worldly fear wee put it over with ſilence: and therefore your Ma. may not think, that we crave any thing, when wee crave that open malefactours may condignly be punished; but that God hath commanded us to crave, and alſo hath commanded your Ma. to give unto every one of your ſubjects: for by this linke hath God knit together the Prince and people, that as he commands honour, fear & obedience to be given to the powers eſtablished by Him, ſo doth he in expreſs words command & declare what the Prince oweth unto the ſubjects, to wit, that as he is the Miniſter of God, bearing the ſword for vengeance to be taken on evill doers, and for defence of peaceable and quiet men, So ought he to draw the ſword without partiality, ſo oft as in Gods name he is required thereto. Seing it is ſo, Madam, that this crime p. 232ſo recently committed, and that in the eyes of all the Realm now publickly aſſembled, is ſo hainous: for who heertofore hath heard within the bowells of Edinburgh, gates and doors under ſilence of night broken, houſes ripped or ſearched, and that with hoſtility, ſeeking a woman, as appeares to oppreſſe her; Seing (we ſay) this crime is ſo hainous, that all godly men fear not only Gods diſpleaſure, to fall upon you and your whole realm, but alſo that ſuch licenciouſneſs breed contempt, and in the end ſedition, if remedy in time be not provided: which in our judgement is impoſſible, if ſevere punishment be not executed for the crime committed. Therefore we moſt humbly beſeech your Ma. that all affection ſet aſide, you declare yourſelf ſo upright in this caſe, that ye may give evident demonſtration to all your ſubjects, that the fear of God, joyned with the love of common tranquillity hath the principall ſeat in your Majeſtics heart. This further Madam, in conſcience we ſpeak, that as your Ma. in Gods name doth crave of us obedience, which to render in all things lawfull we are moſt willing, So in the ſame name do we the wholl profeſſors of Chriſts Evangell within this your Mas. realm, crave of you and of your Counſell sharp punishment of this crime. And for performance thereof, that without delay the principal actors of this hainous crime and the perſuaders of this publick villany, may be called before the Chief Juſtice of this realm to ſuffer an aſſiſe, and to be punished according to the lawes of the ſame: and your Majeſties anſwer moſt humbly we beſeech. This ſupplication was preſented by ſundry Gentle-men. Some Courtiers ask, Who dare avowe this? The Lord Lindſay anſwered, A thouſand Gentlemen within Edinburgh. Others adviſe the Queen, to give a gentle anſwer, till the Convention were diſſolved. And ſo the Queen ſaid, Her uncle is a ſtranger, and hath a young company with him: but she shall put ſuch order unto him and all others, that heereafter they shall have no occaſion to complain. The Histor. of the Reformat. libr. 4.Two aſſemblies, An. 1562.

XV. In Juny 1562. The aſſembly gives order to draw up a Supplication unto the Queen, for abolishing the Maſſe and other ſuperſtitious rites of the Roman Religion; for inflicting punishment againſt blaſphemy, contempt of the word, profanation of the ſacraments, the violation of the ſabbath, adultery, fornication, and ſuch other vices, that are condemned by Gods word, and the lawes of the countrey have not taken notice of: And it was petitioned, that the actions of divorcement should either be remitted to the judgement of the Church, or truſted to men of good knowledge and converſation; And that Papiſts be excluded from places in Counſell and Seſſion. The draught of this Supplication was judged by the Courtiers to be tarte in ſome expreſſions: and they took upon them to write another, containing the ſame things, but in a more acceptable phraſe. It was preſented by the Superintendents of Lothian and Fife; and when the Queen had read ſome of it, she ſaid, Here are many faire words, I can not tell what the hearts are. And ſo for our painted oratory we were termed flatterers and diſſemblers: but we received no other anſwer. Ibid. Spotſwood ſaith, Her anſwer was, that she would do nothing in prejudice of the Religion she profeſſed, and hoped, before a year were expired, to have the Maſſe and Catholick profeſſion reſtored through the whole Kingdom: And thus she parted from them in choler. In this aſſembly was appointed an Order of Viſitation, for regulating the Superintendents, to wit, for examination of Miniſters lives and doctrine, then of the elders. And ſome were appointed to viſite the Churches in the Shires, where were p. 233no Superintendents, as George Hay to Viſite Carrick and Cunningham, John Knox to viſite Kile and Galloway, &c. Alexander Gordon Bishop of Galloway did profeſſe the Reformed Religion, and in this aſſembly petitioneth the Superintendency of Galloway: It was denied unto him. At that time the Abbot of Corſrainell ſought diſputation with John Knox: it continued three daies at Maiboll: the Abbot made choiſe of the matter, to prove the ſacrifice of the Maſſe, eſpecially from Melchiſedek's offering (as he alledged) bread and wine unto God. The Papiſts looked for a revolt in Religion, and they would have had ſome occaſion to brag of their diſputation. According to the appointment of the preceeding aſſembly, the next conveenes at Edinburgh December 25. John Knox made the prayer for aſſiſtance of Gods Spirit. In the 2. and 3. Seſſions Superintendents and then Miniſters were removed and cenſured ſeverally. Complaints were made; that Churches want Miniſters; Miniſters had not ſtipends; wicked men were permitted to be Schoolmaſters; idolatry was erected in ſundry parts of the Nation. For redreſs of this laſt, ſome ſaid, A new Supplication should be preſented unto the Queen. Others ſaid, What anſwer was given to the former? One in name of the Queen ſaid, It is well knowen, what troubles have occurred ſince the laſt Aſſembly, [The Queen viſiting the North was troubled by the Gordons, and the Earle was killed at Coriechy] and therefore it is no wonder, though the Queen hath not anſwered; but before the Parliament in May they doubt not, but ſuch order shall be taken as they all shall have occaſion of contentement. This ſatisfied the aſſembly for that time. The Lord Controller required the Commiſſioners of Burghs to declare by word or writ, what courſe they would take for entertaiment of their Miniſters. Decemb. 29. inhibition is made to all ſerving in the Miniſtry, which have entred being ſlaunderous before in doctrine, and have not ſatisfied the Church; and which have not been preſented by the people unto the Superintendent, and he after tryall had not appointed them unto their charge; And this Act to have ſtrength aſwell againſt them, that are called Bishops, as others pretending to any Miniſtry within the Church. Decemb. 30. the aſſembly gives power to every Superintendent within his own bounds, in their Synodall aſſembly and with conſent of the greater part of Miniſters and elders, to tranſport Miniſters from one Church to another; and ordaines the Miniſter ſo decerned, to obey. And ordaines the Superintendents to hold their Synods twice in the year, to wit, in Aprile and October. Commiſſion is given to the Superintendents of Anguiſe, Lothian, Glaſcow and Fife with Da. forreſt to travell with the Lords of Secret Counſell concerning the cauſes, that should come in judgement of the Church, and what order of execution shall be taken therein. Ordaines the communion to be miniſtred four times in the year within burghes, and twice yearly in the Landward. Alſo that uniformity shall bee kept in the miniſtration of the Sacraments, and ſolemniſation of marriage, and burialls according to the book of Geneva. By this book is meaned that book called The common order; which was conform to the English Church in Geneve, and was uſually printed before the Pſalmes in Meeter. Likewiſe a ſlaunder was raiſed upon Paul Meffan Miniſter at Jedburgh; commiſſion was given to John Knox and certain Elders of Edinburgh, to go into that town, and try the ſlaunder, and report the truth unto the Seſſion of the Church of Edinburgh, to whom with the aſſiſtance of the Superintendent of Lothian commiſſion is given to decern therein. His woman-ſervant had brought forth a child, and would not tell, who was the p. 234father of it; but ſaid, She was forced in an eevening, and knew not by whom. The Matter could hardly be tryed: but at laſt the womans brother was brought to examination; and Paul ſeeing that, though before he had alwayes denied the fact, yet then fled, ſo taking the crime upon him; and the man made the matter ſo plain, that all doubt was removed. Then thoſe Judges, for this odious crime, did deprive him of all function within the Church of Scotland, and for his contumacy in not appearing before them, did excommunicat him. The author of the The Hiſtor. of Reformat. ſaith, this is recorded, not only for a warning & example unto others; but likewiſe that the world may ſee, what difference is betwixt the Church of God, and the Romish Church, ſeeing many of their Bishops and Prieſts, yea and Popes are known to be guilty in ſuch crimes, and no way cenſured.

XVI. The Papiſts at Eaſter An. 1563. began to ſay Maſſe more boldly than before, namely, John Hamilton Bishop of Santandrews, the Prior 1563. Maſſe is practiſed.of Whithern, and many other prieſts & monks. This was offenſive to many: and therefore the Shirefs and others, which had civill power (eſpecially in the Weſt parts) reſolve, that they will not complain to the Queen nor Counſell, but execute former proclamations againſt the ſayers of Maſſe and ſo ſome prieſts in the Weſt were apprehended. The Queen The Queē conferrech a I. Knox.was offended, and ſent for John Knox to come to her in Lochlevin, and dealt with him, that he would perſuad the people, and eſpecially the Gentle men of the Weſt Country, not to punish any man for uſing what Religion they pleaſe. John anſwereth: If her Ma. would punish malefactors according to the lawes, he could promiſe quietneſs upon the part of all, which profeſſe the Lord Jeſus within Scotland: but if she thought to delude the lawes, he feareth, ſome will let the Papiſts underſtand, that they shall not be ſuffered to offend Gods Majeſty without punishment. When …he Queen heard theſe and other words to this purpoſe, she takes another courſe, and directes ſummons againſt Maſſe-mongers in the ſtraiteſt form with expedition, to compeare on May 19; one day before the Parliament. The Bishop of Santandrews, the before named Prior, the Parſon of Saucher, and others do compear. At firſt the Bishop refuſeth to anſwer before Civill Judges; yet in end they all come into the Queens will: and She deſignes them to ſeverall priſons. Then ſaid ſome, See what the Queen hath done: the like was never done within this realm: we doubt not but all shall be well. Others fore ſpake things, as it came to paſſe; that it was but deceit, and ſo ſoon as the Parliament is ended, the Papiſts will be ſet at liberty: and therefore adviſed the Nobility, that they be not abuſed. Many had their private buſineſs to procure in the Parliament, eſpecially the Act of oblivion, and they ſaid, They might not urge the Queen at that time: for if they did ſo, she will hold no Parliament, and what then may become of them and their friends? but let this Parliament paſſe over, whenſoever the Queen craves any thing (as She muſt do before her marriage) Religion shall be the firſt thing, that shall be eſtablished. Much was ſpoken againſt A Parliament.that politicall delay: but in vain. An act of oblivion was paſt of all things done in the publick cauſe from the year 1558. till September 1. in the year 1561; Manſes and gliebs were appointed for Miniſters; adultery to be punished with death of both perſons: but nothing for eſtablishing of admonition unto the Nobility.Religion. In time of this Parliament, John Knox ſaid in a Sermon before ma…y of the Nobility and other members, My Lords, I praiſe my God throgh Jeſus Chriſt, that in your preſence I may powr forth the ſorow of p. 235my heart, yea, yourſelves shall be witneſſes, if I make any ly in things by paſt from the beginning of Gods mighty works within this realm: I have been with you in your moſt deſperat tentations: ask your own conſciences, and let them anſwer before God, if that I (not I, but Gods Spirit by mee) in your greateſt extremity willed you not, ever to depend upon your God, and in his name promiſed unto you victory & preſervation from your enemies, if yee would depend upon his protection, and prefer his glory before your lives and wordly commodities: in your moſt extreme dangers I have been with you: Santiohnſton, Couper-moore, and the charges of Edinburgh are yet recent in my heart: yea that dark and dolorous night, when all you, my Lords with shame & fear left this town, is yet in my mind, and God forbid, that ever I forget it: What was my exhortation unto you? and what is fallen in vain of all that ever God promiſed unto you by my mouth, yee yourſelves live, and teſtify. There is not one of you, againſt whom death & deſtruction was threatned, perished in that danger; and how many of your enemies hath God plagued before your eies? shall this be the thankfulneſs, that yee shall render unto your God? to betray his cauſe, when yee have it in your hands to eſtablish it, as you pleaſe? Yee ſay, The Queen will not agree with us. Ask yee of her, what by Gods word yee may juſtly require; and if She will not agree with you in God, you are not bound to agree with her in the devill. Let her plainly underſtand ſo far of your mindes, and ſteal not from your former ſtoutnes in God, and he will proſper you in your enterpriſes. But I can ſee nothing, but a recooling from Chriſt Jeſus, that the man that firſt and moſt ſpeedily fleeth from Chriſts Enſigne, holdes himſelf moſt happy. Yea, I hear ſome ſay, that we have nothing of our Religion eſtablished, by law nor Parliament: albeit the malicious words of ſuch can neither hurt, he trueth of God, nor yet us, that thereupon depend; yet the ſpeaker of this treaſon committed againſt God, and againſt this poor common wealth, deſerves the gallowes: for our Religion being commanded, and ſo eſtablished by God, is received within this realm in publick Parliament. And if they will ſay, It was no Parliament, we muſt and will ſay, and alſo prove, that Parliament was als lawfull a Parliament, as ever any that paſſed before it in this realm. I ſay, If the King then living was King, and the Queen now in this realm be lawfull Queen, that Parliament can not be denied. And now, my Lords, to put an end to all, I hear of the Queens marriage: Dukes, Brethren to Emperours, and Kings ſtrive all for the beſt gain. But this, my Lords, will I ſay; note the day, and beare witnes hereafter; Whenſoever the Nobility of Scotland, who profeſſe the Lord Jeſus, conſents, that an infidell (and all Papiſts are infidels) shall be Head to our Soverain, ye do ſo far as in you lieth, to banish Chriſt Ieſus from this realm; yea, to bring Gods vengeance upon the Country, a plague upon yourſelves, and poſſibly yee shall do ſmall confort to your Soveraigne. This manner of ſpeaking (ſaith the Hiſtory of Reformation) was judged intolerable: both Papiſts and Proteſtants were offended at it, and ſome poſted to give the Queen advertiſement, that Knox had ſpoken againſt her marriage. Immediatly he was ſent for: he goeth, and none was ſuffered to enter into the Cabinet, but Another conference of the Queen with I Knox.Io. Ersk in the Superintendent of Anguiſe. The Queen in vehemency of paſſion and with teares, ſaid, Never Prince was ſo uſed: I have born with you in all your rigorous manner of ſpeaking; both againſt myſelf and againſt my Uncles: yea, I have ſought your favour by all poſſible means: p. 236I offered you preſence, whenſoever it pleaſed you to admonish mee; and yet I can not be quite of you: I vowe to God, I shall be once revenged. Her paſſion and tears ſtayeth her ſpeach. When opportunity ſerves, he anſwereth; It is true, Madam, your Majeſty and I have been at diverſe controverſies, in which I never perceived your Ma. to be offended at mee: but when it shall pleaſe God to deliver you from that bondage of darknes and errour, wherein you have been nurished for lack of true doctrine, your Ma. will find the liberty of my tongue nothing offenſive: without the preaching place (Madam) I think few have any occaſion to be offended at mee: and there (Madam) I am not maſter of myſelf, but muſt obey him, who commandes mee to ſpeak plain, and flatter no flesh upon the face of the earth. But, ſaith the Queen, what have yee to do with my marriage? Iohn ſaith, If it pleaſe your Ma. to hear mee, I shall shew the trueth in plain words. I grant, your Ma. hath offered unto mee more than I required: but my anſwer was then as it is now, that God hath not ſent mee to wait upon the Courts of Princes, nor upon the chambres 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, Madam, … preaching repentance, of neceſſity it is, that the ſins of men be noted, that they may know, wherein they offend: But ſo it is, that the moſt part of your Nobility are ſo addicted to your affection, that neither Gods Word, nor their Common wealth are right…y regarded: and therefore it becomes mee to ſpeak, that they may know their duty. The Queen ſaith, What have you to do with my marriage? Or what are you within the Common wealth? Iohn anſwereth, I am a ſubject born within the ſame, Madam: and albeit I be neither Earle, Lord nor Baron, yet God hath made mee (how abject ſoever I be in your eies) a profitable and uſefull member within it: Yea, Madam, to mee it appertaines to forewarn of ſuch things, as may hurt it, if I foreſee them, noleſs than it doth any one of the Nobility: for both may vocation and office crave plainneſs of mee: and therfore Madam, to yourſelfe I ſay, what I ſpake in publick, Whenſoever the Nobility of this realm shall be content, and conſent, that you bee ſubject to an unlawfull husband, they do as much as in them lieth, to renounce Chriſt, to banish the truth, to betray the freedom of this realm, and poſſibly shall in end do ſmall comfort unto yourſelfe. Then was the Queen more grieved. The Superintendent ſpoke what he could, to mitigate her paſſion, but all was but caſting of oile into the fire. The next day the Queen requires the judgement of the Lords of the Articles, whither that Manner of ſpeaking deſerves not punishment. But they adviſe her to deſiſt. After the Parliament, the Bishop of Santandrews and the other Papiſts that were impriſoned, were ſet at liberty. The Queen went to ſee the Weſt-country and Argile, and uſed the Maſſe whereſoever she was on ſunday. In the mean time the Nationall aſſembly was held at Perth Iuny 25: there were Superintendents, Miniſters and commiſſioners of the Churches. Prayer The V. Aſſembly, An. 1563.was made by Io. willock Superintendent of the Weſt. Superintendents and Miniſters were cenſured. Io. Knox and his Colleagues gave account concerning Paul Meffan; and their ptoceedings were approved. The ſame day Da. ferguſon Miniſter at Dunfernlin deelares, that he had ſpoken with Paul Meffan, and that he was ſorowfull for his grievous offenſe, and that he not only acknowledgeth the equity of the Sentence pronounced againſt him, but was willing to underly whatſoever punishment the Church would lay upon him, &c. After long debate, the Aſſembly condeſcendes, p. 237that a confortable anſwer shall be directed unto him; and in the meantime they vill ſolicite the Lords of the privy Counſell for him. 3. It was decerned, that no privat contract of marriage, though carnall copulation follow, shall have faith in judgement, untill the contracters shall ſatiſfy as ſcandalizers of the Church, and untill famous & unſuſpect withneſſes teſtify of the Marriage, or it be confeſſed by both patties; and if neither probation be brought, nor both parties confeſſe; they shal be cenſured as fornicatours. 4. If any perſon find himſelf hurt by any Sentence given by Miniſter, elders and Deacons of any Church, he may within ten dayes appeal unto the Superintendent and his Synod; and there the Superintendent shall cognoſce, whither it was well appealed; And if the party yet alledges, that he is wronged by the Superintendent & Synod, he shal within ten dayes make appellation to the National Aſſembly; and from thence no appellation is to be made: And if he juſtify not his appeale before the Provinciall Synode, they shall impute a fine upon the appellant beſides the expences of the Party, and that fine shall be delivered unto the deacons of the Church for uſe of the poor, where the firſt ſentence was given; And ſo in the Nationall aſſembly. 5. Supplication is to be made unto the Queens Maj. and Secret Counſell for union of Churches two or thry, if they be but two or thry myles diſtant, and cauſe the in habitants reſort unto one of them, becauſe of the Scarcety of Miniſters, and the ſmall number of parishoners. 6. The inſtruction of youth shal be committed to none in Univerſities nor in any other place, but ſuch as profeſſe the true Religion; and if any now occupy ſuch a place, they shall be removed. 7. No work shall be printed nor published in write, concerning the doctrin of Religion; untill it be preſented unto the Superintendent of the boundes, and approved by him or ſuch of the moſt learned, that he shal appoint: and if any of them doubt of any point, the work shall be produced before the Nationall aſſembly. 8. Every Superintendent shall cauſe warn the Shires and towns within his Juriſdiction, to ſend their Commiſſioners unto the Aſſembly, declaring unto them the day and place; and that they shall conveen on the firſt day of every aſſembly. 9. Commiſſions are given to the Bishops of Galloway, Caitnes & Orknay, for one year, to viſite and plant Churches within their own bounds ſeverally. That year was a great noiſe of buſineſs for a Letter, which John Knox wrote and directed throughout the country, in this manner; The ſuperſcription was, Wherſoever two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the mist of them. It is not unknown unto you, Dear Brethren, what confort and tranquility God gave unto us in times moſt dangerous, by our Chriſtian aſſemblies & godly conference, ſo oft as any danger appeared unto any member or members of our own body. And how that ſince wee have neglected, or at leaſt not frequented our Conventions and Aſſemblies, the adverſaries of Chriſt Jeſus his holy Evangell, have enterpriſed and boldned themſelves, publickly & ſecretly to do many things odious in Gods preſence, and moſt hurtfull to the true Religion, now of Gods great favour granted unto us. The holy ſacraments are abuſed by profain Papiſts; Maſſes have been and yet are ſaid openly, and maintained: The blood of ſome of our deareſt Miniſters hath been shed without fear of punishment, or correction craved by us. [Robert Pont a Miniſter was ſtrucken in the head with a weapon by Captan Lawder] And now two of our dear brethren, Patrik craunſton and Andrew armſtrong are ſummoned to underly the law in the Tolbuith of Edinburgh the 24 day of this inſtant October as for a forethought fellony; pretended murther, and for invading the Queens Majeſties palace of Halyrud-houſe, with unlawfull convocation, p. 238&c. Theſe terrible ſummons are directed againſt our brethren, becauſe that they with two or more, paſſed to the Abbey upon ſunday Auguſt 25. to behold and note, what perſons repaired to the Maſſe. And becauſe upon the ſunday before (the Queen being abſent) there reſorted to that idol a raſcall multitude, having openly all, even to the leaſt divelish ceremonies (yea, even the conjuring of their accurſed water) that ever they had in the time of their greateſt blindnes; But becauſe (I ſay) our ſaid Brethren paſt (and in that moſt quiet manner) to note ſuch abuſers, theſe fearfull ſummons are directed againſt them, to make (no doubt) a preparation upon a few, that a door may be opened to execute cruelty upon a greater multitude▪ And if ſo it come to paſſe, God (no doubt) hath juſtly recompenced our former negligence & ingratitude towards him & his benefits, in our own boſoms. God gave us a moſt notable victory of his & our enemies; he brak their ſtrength, and confounded their counſells; he left us at freedom, and purged the realm, for the moſt part from open idolatry. But we (alas!) preferring▪ the pleaſure of flesh & blood, to the pleaſure & commandement of God, have ſuffered that idol the Maſſe publickly to be erected again: and therefore juſtly ſuffers he us now to fall in that danger, That to look to an Idolater going to his idolatry shall be reputed a crime little inferiour to treaſon. God grant, that we fall not further. And now I, whom God of his mercy, hath made one among many, to travell in ſetting forward his true Religion within this realm, ſeeing the ſame in danger of ruine, can not but in conſcience crave of you, my Brethren of all ſtates, that have profeſſed the trueth, your pr…ſence, confort and aſſiſtence at the ſaid day in the town of Edinburgh, even as yee tender the advancement of Gods glory, the ſavety of your Brethren, and your own aſſurance; together with the perſervation of the Church, in theſe appearing dangers. It may be (perchance) that perſuaſions be made to the contrary, and that yee be informed, that either your aſſembly is not neceſſary, or that it will offend the upper powers, and my good hope is, that neither flattery nor fear shall make you, ſo far to decline from Chriſt Jeſus, as that againſt your publick promiſe, and ſolemne band, yee will leave your Brethren in ſo juſt a cauſe; and albeit there were no great danger, yet can not our aſſembly be unprofitable, for many things requiring conſultation, which can not be had, unleſs the wiſeſt and godlyeſt conveen. And thus doubting nothing of the aſſiſtance of our God, if we uniformly ſeek his glory, I ceaſe farther to trouble you, committing you heartily to the protection of the Eternall. From Edinburgh October 8 1563. This Letter was directed, and many prepared themſelves to conveen. One copy came into the hands of Henry Sinclare (then entituled Bishop of Roſſe, and) Preſident of the Colledge of juſtice: he being a Papiſt ſent it unto the Queen at Sterlin: who shewes it to the Counſell of the Cabinet; and they conclude, that it imports treaſon: wherefore the Queen thought to be avenged of that her great enemy. Some Courtiers endeavoure to perſuade Jo. Knox to confeſſe a fault, and ſatisfy the Queen at her own will. He denieth a fault. In the midſt of December the Queen comes to Edinburgh. John Knox was ſent for, to appear before the Counſell: many went with him, ſo that the ſtaires and inner-cloſſ was full of people, Secretary Lethingtoun ſaith unto J. Knox, The Queen's Majeſty is informed, that you have travelled to raiſe a tumult of her ſubjects againſt her: and for certification, there is preſented unto her your Letter: yet becauſe her Ma. will do nothing, without good advertiſement, She p. 239hath conveened you before this part of the Nobility, that they may witneſſe betwixt her and you. The Queen ſaith, Let him acknowledge his handwriting, and then shall we judge of the contents. He owneth the Letter. Then ſaith the Secretary, you have done more than I would have done. John anſwereth, Charity is not ſuſpicious. He is commanded to read the Letter: he doth read it with a loud voice. The Queen's Advocate is commanded to accuſe him; and the Queen ſaid, Heard ye ever my Lords, a more deſpitefull and treaſonable Letter? None did anſwer, untill the Secretary ſaid to J. Knox, Art you not ſory from your heart, and do you not repent, that ſuch a Letter hath paſſed your pen? John anſwereth, My Lord Secretary, before I repent, I muſt know my offenſe. Secretary, Offenſe? if ther were no more, but the convocation of the Queens lieges, the offenſe can not be denied. Knox, Remember yourſelf my Lord, there is difference betwixt a lawfull & an unlawfull convocation: if I be guilty in this, I have oft offended, ſince I came laſt into Scotland: for what convocation of Brethren hath been untill this day, unto which my pen hath not ſerved? and before this, no man laid it to my charge. Secretary. Then was then, and now is now: we have no need of ſuch convocation, as then. Knox, The time that hath been, is even now before my eies: for I ſee the poor flock in no leſs danger, than it hath been at any time before, excep that the devill hath got a vizard upon his face: before he came in his own face, diſcovered by open tyranny ſeeking the deſtruction of all, who refuſed idolatry; and then, I think, you will confeſs, the Brethren lawfully conveened themſelves for defenſe of their lifes▪ And now the devill comes under the cloke of juſtice, to do that, which God would not ſuffer him to do by ſtrength. The Queen, What is this? mee thinks, you triffle with him. Who gave you autority to make convocation of my lieges? is not that treaſon? The Lo. Ruthuen, No, Madam: for he makes convocation of the people, to hear praier and Sermon, almoſt dayly: and whatever your Ma. or others think of it, we think it no treaſon. The Queen, Hold your peace, let him anſwer for himſelf. Knox, I began to reaſon with the Secretary (whom I take to be a better Logician than your Ma. is) that all convocation is not unlawfull; and now my Lord Ruthuen hath given the inſtance: which if your Ma. will deny, I shall make myſelf ready to prove. The Queen, I will ſay nothing againſt your Religion, nor conveening to your Sermons: but what authority have you, to convocate my ſubjects, when you will, without my commandement? Knox, I have no pleaſure to decline from my former purpoſe: but to ſatiſfy your two queſtions, Madam, I anſwer, that at my will I never conveened four perſons in Scotland; but at the Order, that the Brethren had appointed, I have given diverſe advertiſements, and great multituds have aſſembled thereupon. And if your Ma. complaines, that this was done without your Ma. command, So hath all that God hath bleſſed within this realm, from the beginning of this action: and therefore I muſt be convinced by a juſt law, that I have done againſt the duty of Gods Meſſinger, in writing this Letter, before that I be either ſory, or repent for the doing of it, as my Lord Secretary would perſuade mee: for what I have done, it is at the commandement of the Generall Church within this realm: and therefore, I think, I have done no wrong. The Queen, you shall not eſcape ſo: is it not treaſon, my Lords, to accuſe a Prince of cruelty? I think, Acts of Parliament may be found againſt ſuch whifperers. Many do grant, that this is true. Knox, But wherein can I be accuſed? p. 240The Queen, Read this part of your Letter, This fearfull ſummons is, directed againſt them, to make (no doubt) a preparation upon a few, that a door may be opened to execute cruelty upon a greater multitude. What ſay you to that? Knox, is it lawfull, Madam, to anſwer for myſelf? or shall I be condemned before I be heard? The Queen, Say what you can: I think, you have enough a do. Knox, I will firſt deſire of your Ma. and of this honourable audience, Whither your Ma. Knoweth not, that the obſtinate Papiſts are deadly enemies to all, that profeſſe the Evangell of Jeſus Chriſt, and that they moſt earneſtly deſire the extirpation of them all, and of the true doctrine, which is taught within this realme? The Queen held her peace: but all the Lords with common voice ſaid, God forbid, that either the life of the faithfull, or the ſtaying of the doctrine ſtood in the power of the Papiſts: for experience hath taught us, what cruelty is in their hearts. Knox, I proceed then, ſeing I perceive, that all will grant, that it were a barbarous cruelty, to deſtroy ſuch a multitude as profeſſe the Evangell of Jeſus Chriſt within this realm, which they have attempted to do by force once or twice, as things done of late dayes do teſtify: whereof they being (by Gods providence) diſapointed, have invented more crafty & dangerous practiſes, to wit, to make the Prince pa…ty, under colour of law; and ſo, what they could not do by open force, they shall perform by crafty deceit: for who thinks, my Lords, that the inſatiable cruelty of the Papiſtes (within this realm, I meane) shall end in the murthering of theſe two, now unjuſtly ſummoned, and more unjuſtly to be accuſed? I think, no man of judgement can ſo eſteem, but rather the direct contrary, that is, by this few number they intend to prepare a way to their bloody enterpriſe againſt all: and therefore, Madam, caſt up when you liſt the Acts of your Parliaments, I have offended nothing againſt them: for in my Letter I accuſe not your Majeſty, nor yet your nature of cruelty; but I affirm yet again, thas the peſtilent Papiſts, which have enflammed your Ma. without cauſe againſt theſe poor men, are the ſones of the devill, and therefore muſt obey the deſires of their father, who hath been a murtherer from the beginning. Oneſaid, you forget yourſelf; you are not in the pulpit. Knox, I am in the place, where I am commanded in my conſcience to ſpeak the truth: and the truth I ſpeak; impugne it who ſo liſteth: And heer unto I add, Madam, that honeſt, meek & gentle natures (in appearance) may be by wicked & corrupt counſelers, changed & altered to the direct contrary: exempls wee have, of Nero, whom in the beginning of his empire, we find having naturall shame; but after his flatterers had incouraged him in all impiety, alledging that nothing was either unhoneſt or unlawfull in his perſon, who was Emperour above others; when he had drunk of this cup (I ſay) to what enormites he fell, the hiſtories bear witnes. And now, Madam, to ſpeak plain, Papiſts have your ears patent all times: aſſure your Ma. they are dangerous counſelers, and that your Mother did find. The Queen. Well, you ſpeak fair heer, before my Lords, but the laſt time I ſpake with you Secretly, you cauſed mee to weep many tears. And ſo was a rehearſing of what was ſpoken in the Cabinet, when John Erskin was preſent. After the Secretary had conferred with the Queen, he ſaid, Mr. Knox, you may return to your houſe for this night: Knox, I thank God, and the Queen's Majeſty: and, Madam, I pray God, to purge your heart from Papiſtry, and to preſerve you from the Counſell of flatterers: for howſoever they ſeem pleaſant to your ears and corrupt affections for the time, experience p. 241hath taught into what perplexity they have brought famous Princes. The Queen reteereth to her cabinet. John Knox went home. The Counſell voteth uniformly, that they could find no offenſe. The Queen is brought again, and commandeth to vote over again. All did refuſe, to vote over again. The next day a new aſſault was made on J. Knox, to confeſſe an offence, and put himſelf in the Queen's will; with this aſſurance, that his greateſt punishment should be, but to go within the caſtle of Edinburgh, and immediatly he shall return to his houſe. He ſaid, God forbid, that by my confeſſion I condemn theſe Noble men, who in their conſcience, and in diſpleaſure of their Queen have abſolved mee: and further I am aſſured, ye will not in earneſt deſire mee, to confeſſe an offenſe, unleſs thereby ye would deſire mee to ceaſe from preaching: for how, can I exhort others to peace, if I confeſſe myſelf an authour of ſedition. Hiſto. of Reformation Lib. 4. On December 25. the ſixth Nationall Aſſembly conveenes The VI. National Aſſemblyin Edinburgh, where were many Noble men, the Superintendents &c. John Willock Superintendent of the Weſt is …hoſen Moderator. The petitions of the Miniſters and Commiſſioners were deſpiſed by ſome Counſelers with theſe words, As Miniſters will not follow our counſell; ſo will we ſuffer Miniſters to labour for themſelves, and ſee what ſpeed they come. The Noble men ſaid, if the Queen will not, wee muſt: for both thirds and two parts are rigorouſly taken from us a…d our tenants. One ſaid, if others will follow my Counſell, the Guard and the Papiſts shall complain als long as the Miniſters have done. Then the former sharpneſs was coloured, and the ſpeaker alledgeth, that he meaneth not of all Miniſters. Chriſtopher goodman [an English] anſwereth, My Lord Secretary, if you can shew, what juſt tittle either the Queen hath to the third, or the Papiſts to the two parts, then I think, I could reſolve, whither she be debtour to Miniſters within burgh, or not. The Secretary replieth, Ne ſit peregrinus curioſus in aliena Republica. Goodman anſwereth, Albeit I be a ſtranger in your policy, yet I am not ſo in the Church of God: and therefore the care doth no leſs appertain unto mee here, than if I were in the midſt of England. The Hiſt. of Reformation Lib. cit. This debate was becauſe the Popish prelates were permitted to enjoy their tyths enduring their life, ſo that a competent ſtipend were provided unto the Miniſters: and when the Queen returned home, at the demand of the Counſell the Prelats condeſcended to quite the third part of the tyths for entertainment of the Queen's family, and the proviſion of Miniſters: but the Guard received the thirds, and gave nothing or little unto Miniſters: and they had oft complained of their want. In all theſe quick reaſonings I. Knox ſpoke not a word: but thereafter he ſaid, I have traveled, Right honourable, and beloved Brethren, ſince my laſt returning into this realm, in an upright conſcience before my God, ſeeking nothing more (as he is witnes) than the advancement of his glory, and the ſtabillty of his Church within this realm; and of late dayes I have been accuſed as a ſeditious man, and as one that uſurpes to myſelf power that becomes mee not: true it is, I have given advertiſement to the Brethren in diverſe quarters, of the extremity intended againſt the faithfull, for looking to a prieſt going to Maſſe, and for obſerving thoſe that tranſgreſſe againſt juſt laws: but that here in I have uſurped further power than was given mee, till that by you I be condemned, I utte…ly deny: for I ſay, by you, that is, by the Generall Aſſembly I have all juſt power to advertiſe the brethren from time totime, of dangers appearing, as I have powr to preach the word of God in the pulpit of Edinburgh: p. 242for by you was I appointed unto the one as unto the other: and therefore in the name of God I crave your judgements: the danger that appeared unto mee in my accuſation was not ſo fearfull, as the words that came to my ears were dolorous to my heart: for theſe words were plainly ſpoken, and that by ſome Proteſtants, What can the Pope do more, than to ſend forth his letters, and require them to be obeied? Let mee have your judgements therefore, whither I have uſurped any power to myſelf, or If I have obeied your commandement. Ibid. John Knox is removed: and then the Lord Lindſay, the Lairds of Kilwood, Abbotshall, Cuninghamheed, the Superintendents of Anguiſe, Fife, Lothian, Weſt and Galloway, M^rs John Row, W. Chriſteſon, Ro. Hamilton, Chri. goodman with the moſt part of the aſſembly did declare, that they remember very well, that Jo. Knox would have had himſelfe exonered of the foreſaid charge, and that the Church at that time would not ſuffer him to refuſe it, but that he should continue, as before, to advertiſe from time to time, as occaſion shall be given. An extract of the Acts of tbe nationall aſſemblies. 3. The Noble men and Barons preſent, do finally conſent, that for their own parts, the tenants or labourers of the ground shall have their own tyths upon compoſition. 4▪ It was thought needfull for confirmation of the book of diſcipline, that certain commiſſioners or any three or four of them▪ shall reviſe it, and conſider diligently the contents thereof, noting their judgements in write, and reporte the ſame unto the next aſſembly, or if any Parliament shall interveen, they shall report their judgements unto the Lords of the Articles. 5. All Miniſters and Readers having Manſes at their Churches shall make reſidence there. 6. Concerning Thomas duncanſon, who was Schoolmaſter and Reader in Sterlin, and having committed fornication, had made publick repentance, it was ordained, that he shall abſtain from that office in the Church, untill the Church of Sterlin make requeſt for him unto the Superintendents, and he shall marry the woman, if she require it. 7. Alexander Jardin Miniſter at Kilspindy having committed fornication, and therefore ſuſpended by the Superintendent of Fife; and thereafter had made publick repentance, and married the ſame woman, Is again ſuſpended from all function in the Miniſtery untill the next Aſſembly, and then to receive his anſwere. 8. Commiſſion was given unto five Miniſters to take cognition of a complaint given by the Superintendent of Fife againſt Ge. Leſly Miniſter at Stramiglo, and to decide therein, and to notify their Sentence unto the Superintendent of Anguiſe. In this year by paſt was great death and dearth through all the Country, that the prices of corne and flesh was triple above the cuſtom. The writer of The Hiſto. of Reformotion ſaith, God did ſo according to the threatning in the law, punish our ingratitude, that ſuffered them to defile the Land with that abomination, that he had ſo potently purged by the power of his word; and for the riotous feaſting both in City and country: but alas! who lookes to the true cauſe of our calamity! Likewiſe in the winter following fell great rain, which in the falling freezed ſo vehemently, that the earth was but a shot of ice; the fowls both great & ſmall could not flee, but freezed and died; and ſome were layd by the fire that their feathers might diſſolve. This froſt is ſaid to have been in January An. 1563. to wit, according to the old account, which was not changed in Scotland, untill the year 1600. and then was changed; but continueth in England untill the year 1660.