Declaration Concerning the Late Tumults in Scotland, Floating text 23 – Letter 8
At Holy-rood-house the 24. day of September Anno 1638.
FOrsomuch as a noble Marquesse, James Marquesse of Hamiltoun, Earle of Arran and Cambridge, his Majesties Commissioner, and the Lords of Secret Councell, by an act of the date of the twenty second of this instant, have by speciall warrant of his sacred Majestie, sworne and subscribed, with all humble and heartie affection and unanimously, the Confession of Faith, dated the second of March 1580. and at length insert in the Bookes of Privie Councell, of and according to the said date and tenour thereof, and according as it was then profest within this kingdome: Together with the generall Band insert therewith in the said bookes of Privie Councell, dated in Anno 1589. Like as also the said Lords of Councell, by their Act of the date of these presents, acknowledging his Majesties pious and gracious disposition and affection to the puritie of Gods truth, and as thereby they conceive themselves bound in conscience and humble dutie to use and follow forth all possible diligence, for procuring the subscriptions of all his Majesties Lieges thereto. And to this effect, have thought fit that the care and diligence in procuring thereof, be committed to some of his Majesties Councell, and others of the Nobilitie and Gentrie within the severall Sheriffedomes and Provinces of the Kingdome, in manner after specified: Therefore the said Lord Commissioner, and Lords of secret Councell, give power, warrant, and commission to such of their number, and others after-following, within the bounds after specified, viz. For the sheriffedome of Edinburgh principall, William Earle of Lothiane, Archibald Lord Naper, S. John Dalmahoy of that ilke, S. George Towers of Innerleith. For the Burgh of Edinburgh, the Provost and Baillies of Edinburgh, that are, or shall be for the time. For East-lothiane Robert Earle of Roxburgh, Lord privie Seale, Thomas Earle of Hadintoun, John Earle of Lauderdaill, Harrie Lord Ker, S. Patrick Murrey of Elibanke, S. Patrick Hepburne of Wauchtoun, and James Maxwel of Innerweik. For the Stewartie of Dalkeith, John Earle of Traquair, Lord Treasurer, William Earle of Dalhoussie, and S. James Macgill of Cranstonriddell. For the sheriffedome of Peebles, and Ettrick forrest, the said Lord Treasurer, and John Lord Yester. For the sheriffedome of Selkirke, the said Lord Treasurer, the Earle of Hadintoun, S. William Scot of Harden, and Generall Ruthven. For the sheriffedome of Roxburgh, the Lord Privie-seale, the Earle of Lauderdaill, the Lord Ker, S. Andro Ker of Greenhead, S. William Dowglas Sheriffe of Tiviotdaill, and S. Thomas Ker of Cavers. For the Sheriffedome of Bervick, the said Lord Privie-Seale, James Earle of Home, the Earles of Hadintoun and Lauderdaill, and Laird of Blacader. For the sheriffedome of Fyffe, John Earle of Rothes, Charles Earle of Dumfermeline, John Earle of Annandaill, John Earle of Wemes, Lord Fentoun, John Lord Lindsey, David Lord Balcarres, S. Thomas Hope of Craighall Knight Baronet, His Majesties Advocate, S. Alexander Gibson of Durie, Sir James Learmonth of Balcolmie, and S. Andrew Murrey of Balvaird. For the sheriffedome of Linlithgow, Alexander Earle of Linlithgow, James Lord Amont, S. John Hammiltoun of Orbeston Justice clerk, Dundas of that ilk, and M. George Dundas of Manner. For the sheriffedome of Lanerk, John Earle of Wigtoune, Archibald Lord Angus, Lord Fleeming, Robert Lord Dalyell, S. William Elphinstoun chiefe Justice, Sir James Carmichaell of that ilk Treasurer Depute, the said Justice-clerke, S. James Lokhart younger of Lee, Francis Douglas of Sandelands, Gawin Hamiltoun of Raploche, S. James Hamiltoun of Broom-hill, Robert Hamiltoun of Torrence, and Alexander Hamiltoun of Hags sheriffe. For the sheriffedome of Striveling, John Earle of Mar, William Earle of Airth, John Earle of Montrose, Alexander Earle of Linlithgow, John Earle of Wigtoun, John Lord Flemming, Alexander Lord Elphinstoun, James Lord Amont, and S. William Murray of Polmais. For the sheriffedome of Dumfreis, William Earle of Queinsberrie, Master of Dalyell, the Laird of Lag, William Maxwell of Kirkhouse, and John Dalyell of Newtoun. For the sheriffdome of Clackmannan, the said Earle of Mar, S. Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, S. Thomas Hope younger of Cars sheriffe. For the sheriffedome of Wigtoun, John Earle of Cassils, Alexander Earle of Galloway, Sir John Hamiltoun elder and younger of Barganie, S. Patrick Mackie of Larg, John Murrey of Broughton. For the sheriffedome of Air, Alexander Earle of Eglintoun, Alexander Earle of Glencarne, John Earle of Cassils, William Earle of Dumfreis, William Lord Crichton, John Lord Lowdoun, the Lairds of Barganie elder and younger, the Lairds of Gastoun and Cragiewallace. For the sheriffedome of Renfrew, Alexander Earle of Glencarne, Robert Vicount of Belheaven, S. Archibald Stewart of Black-hall, the Laird of Howston and Bryce Sempill of Cathcart, S. Robert Dowglas of Blaikester, and S. John Maxwell of Pooke. For the sheriffedome of Dumbartan, Argile, and Carbet, the said Earles of Montrose and Wigtoun, the Lords Lorn & Flemming, S. George Stirline of Keir, and S. William Stewart Captaine of the Castle of Dumbartane. For the sheriffedome of Perth, stewartries of Monteith and Strathern, the Earls of Airth, Montrois, Atholl, Perth, Tullibardin, and Kinnoul, Mungo Vicount of Stormont, the Lairds of Keir and Lawers elder and younger, the Lairds of Duncrub elder and younger, and Blair of Baltheiock. For the sheriffedome of Forfar, the Earls of Montrois, Kingorn, and Southesk, the Lords Carnaegie and Ogilvie, the Master of Spynie, Patrick Maule of Panmure, the Constable of Dundie, S. Andro Fletcher of Innerpeffer, the Lairds of Din, Ethie, Balnamoune, Aldbar, Bonnyton, Lethintie, and Innerquharratie. For the sheriffdome of the Mernes, the Earles of Mairshall and Southesk, the Lord Carnegie, S. Thomas Burnet of Leyes, the Lairds of Glenbervie, Arbuthnet, Morphie, Balmoyne, and Halkerton elder. For the sheriffedome of Aberdene, the Marquesse of Huntly, the Earles of Mairshall and Kingorne, the Earle of Kingorne for himselfe, and as Tutor to the Earle of Erroll, the Lords Forbes and Fraser, and Laird of Drum. For the sheriffedome of Banff, the Marquesse of Huntly, the Earls of Mairshall and Finlatter. For Elgine and Forres, the Earle of Murray, the Laird of Innes, Brodie of that ilk, and Dumbar, sheriffe of Murrey. For the sheriffedome of Innernesse, the Marquesse of Huntly, the Earle of Seafort, the Lord Lovatt, the Lairds of Grant and Makintosh. For the sheriffedomes of Caithnes and Sutherland, the Earles of Sutherland, Caithnes, and Seafort, the Master of Berridail, and S. Robert Gordoun. For Orkney and Zetland, the Earle of Cariet, S. John Buchannan of Scotiscraig, and Will. Stewart of Maynes. For the sheriffdom of Bute, the Lord Lorn and sheriff of Bute. For the Iles, the Lord Lorn. With power to them conjunctly and severally to passe to the severall bounds above-written, at such times & places as they shall think fit, and there to exhibit the said Confession of faith and generall Band above-specified, marked and subscribed by the Clerk of Councell, and to require all his Majesties lieges, of whatsoever rank and qualitie, to subscribe the said Confession of Faith, dated March 2. 1580. according to the said date and tenour thereof, and as it was then profest within this kindgdome together with the generall Band dated in Anno 1589. as they will be answerable to his Majesty and the said Lords, upon their dutie and obedience: and to make report of their said diligence betwixt and the thirteenth day of November next.
ANd because many did conceive, though falsly that these pretended Innovations had made some alteration in the Religion which was sworne at the first in the said Confession, Our Commissioner and Councell knowing well that suggestion to be made by those who were enemies to all peace, and onelyonly to that end that Our subjects might be kept from returning to their obedience, did declare most truly and justly that Our intention; and so accordingly the oath which they had now taken was to defend the true Religion and Confession of faith as it was professed in that Kingdome, and sworne unto in the yeare of our Lord 1580. by which they did assuredly conceive that all Our good people would rest fully satisfied. The Act of Councell containing that short explication here followeth.
Apud Holy-rood-house 22. Septembris Anno 1638.
THe which day a Noble Marquesse, JAMES Marquesse of Hammiltoun, Earle of Arran and Cambridge, his Majesties Commissioner, and Lords of secret Councell, in all humble and heartie affection unanimously swore, and subscribed the Confession of Faith above-written, dated 2. March 1580. according as it was then profest within this Kingdome: Together with the generall Band above specified, dated in Anno 1589. Whereupon S. Thomas Hope of Craighall, his Majesties Advocate, in his Majesties name asked instruments.
WIth all these Our gracious proceedings the Lords of Our Councel were so fully satisfied themselves, that they did verily beleeve that there would remaine no more scruples in the minds of Our good subjects, and that nothing now could keep them from a cheerfull and thankfull returning to their former obedience. Their own resentment and satisfaction they testified both by an act of Councell, and a particular Letter directed to Us for that purpose, which here do follow.
The Act of Councell.
THe Lords of secret Councell having read and maturely considered his Majesties letters, and particular declaration of his pleasure anent the annulling of the Service Book, Book of Canons, and high Commission, discharging the pressing of the practice of the five Articles, making all persons, Ecclesiastick and Civill, of what title or degree soever, lyable to the tryall and censure of Parliament, generall Assembly, and other Judicatories competent, anent the not administrating to Ministers at their entry any other oath then that which is contained in the Act of Parliament anent the subscribing and renewing the Confession of Faith, subscribed by his Majesties Father of blessed memory, and his houshold, in Anno 1580. and Band following thereupon, anent the indiction of a generall Assembly, to be holden at Glasgow the 21. day. of November, 1638. and Parliament at Edinburgh the 15. of May, 1639. and anent his gracious goodnesse in forgetting and forgiving all by-gones, and indiction of a Fast for craving of Gods blessing to this Assembly; find themselves so fully satisfied therewith, and the same to be so satisfactory for removing all the feares of the subjects anent innovation of Religion or Lawes, that we hold our selves bound in duty, not only to acquiesce therewith, as the best meane to secure both Religion and Lawes, but also to use our best endevours that all his Majesties good subjects may likewise rest satisfied therewith: And that they with us, and we with them, may testifie our thankfulnesse for so great a grace and goodnesse with all the heartie expressions of dutifulnesse and loyalty; And that our true sense hereof may the more clearly appeare to our sacred Soveraigne, Wee doe by these humbly and heartily make offer of our lives and fortunes in the defending and assisting of his Majesties sacred person and authority, in the maintenance of the foresaid Religion and Confession, and repressing of all such as shall hereafter presse to disturbe the peace of this Kirk and Kingdome.
In witnesse whereof we have heartily and freely subscribed these presents with our hands.
At Holy-rood-house the 22. day of September, 1638. Sic Subscribitur.
HAMMILTOUN.
Traquaire,
Roxburgh,
Mairsheall,
Mar,
Murray,
Linlithgow,
Perth,
Wigtoun,
Kingorne,
Tullibardin,
Hadington,
Annandail,
Lauderdail,
Kinnoul,
Dumfreis,
Southesk,
Belheaven,
Angus,
Lorne,
Elphinstoun,
Naper,
Dalyell,
Amont,
J. Hay,
S. Thomas Hope,
S.W. Elphinstoun,
Ja. Carmichael,
J. Hammiltoun,
Blackhall.
The Letter of Our Councel.
Most Sacred Soveraigne,
IF ever faithfull and loyall subjects had reason to acknowledge extraordinarie favours, shown to a Nation, and in a most submissive and heartie manner give reall demonstrations of the grace vouchsafed; then doe we of your Majesties Councell, of this your ancient Kingdome, unanimously professe, that such acts of clemency vouchsafed us, cannot proceed from any Prince, saving him who is the lively image on earth of the great God Authour of all goodnesse. For return of so transcendent grace, fortified with the reall expression of unparallel'd Pietie, royall inclination to Peace, and universall love, not onelyonly to those of our number, but likewise to all your Majesties loyall Subjects, wee doe all in one voyce, with all resentment can bee imagined, in all humility render our most bounden thankes, and offer, in testimonie of our full satisfaction and acquiescence herewith, to sacrifice our lives and fortunes in seconding your Sacred Majesties commandements, and repressing all such as shall hereafter preasse to disturbe the Peace of the Kirk and Kingdome. And for some small signification of our alacritie and diligence in your Sacred Majesties service, we have all, without the least shadow of any scruple, subscribed the Confession of Faith and Band appointed to be received by all your Majesties loyall Subjects, sent the act passed in Councell, with our other proceedings, which wee doe most humbly represent to your Royall view. And wee beseech your Majestie to be pleased, to be perswaded of the unviolable devotion of all here subscribers, who doe all in all humilitie pray for your Majesties most happie and flourishing reigne.
Sic subscribitur.
HAMMILTOUN,
Traquair,
Roxburgh,
Mairsheall,
Mar,
Murray,
Linlithgow,
Perth,
Wigtoun,
Kingorne,
Tullibardin,
Hadintoun,
Annandaill,
Lauderdaill,
Kinnoull,
Dumfreis,
Southesk,
Belheaven,
Angus,
Lorn,
Elphinstoun,
Naper,
Dalyell,
Amont,
J. Hay,
S. Thomas Hope,
S.W. Elphinstoun,
Ja. Carmichael,
J. Hammiltoun,
Blackhall.
IT is not for men to judge of other mens hearts, and of their secret desires, but We doe challenge the most rigid Covenanters to name any one particular ever desired by them, in any of their supplications, remonstrances, protestations, declarations, written or printed, exhibited to Us, Our Commissioner, or Councell, which is not in this Our gracious Declaration granted to Our people: For not onelyonly all and every one of their particular grievances any way petitioned against by them, are hereby discharged and removed, but even the two generall things, which they made the people beleeve was the summe of all their desires and expectations, viz. a free Generall Assembly and a Parliament are indicted, and in that order upon which they stood so earnestly, first the Assembly, and then the Parliament: And besides all these, their owne Confession of faith, the ground as they pretend, of their Covenant renewed and established.
Who would not now have expected a happie period to all the distractions of that Kingdome, upon this Our gracious assenting to all their owne desires? But the divellish obstinacie and malice of those factious spirits, who did see that all their designes were utterly defeated, and that their hopes for compassing of them were now a bleeding and drawing their last breath, if they could not finde some meanes to blindfold Our peoples eyes, and so keepe them from discerning and acknowledging Our grace and goodnesse towards them: They presently before the houre that this Our Declaration was to be proclaimed, filled Our peoples minds and eares with fearfull expectations of most terrible things to be delivered in this Our Proclamation, and so destructive of the lawes and liberties of that Church and Kingdome, especially of their late sworne Covenant, that presently they wrought the people to a detestation of Our Declaration, before they knew what it was: They presently erected a large scaffold under the Crosse where Our Proclamation was to be made, upon which were mounted, not one or two from every Table, to protest in the name of the rest, as heretofore they had done, but a great number of Earles, Lords, Gentlemen, and others, with their swords in their hands, and hats on their heads▪ not without jeering and laughing during all the time of Our Proclamation; which no sooner was ended, but with a most insolent and rebellious behaviour they assisted one Johnston in reading of a most wicked, treasonable, and ignorant Protestation, which within few dayes after they printed and We doe here insert, as being confident that all subjects in the world who shall come to read it, will abhorre and detest it, if ever they did feele in their owne hearts the least touch or taste of a Princes favour and clemencie, or carry any affection to loyaltie, justice, and government: The very reading of it will bring every good subject and religious honest man so farre out of love with it, as it needeth no further confutation then the very perusall of it: For who can endure to heare Scripture so grossely abused, the holy name of God so solemnely invocated as a witnesse to such notorious falshoods; to their rebellious courses and Covenant those attributes of infallibilitie given, which are onelyonly proper to the sacred Scripture; and royall authoritie affronted with such peremptorie asseverations, ignorant and senslesse reasons, the falshood and inconsequence whereof must needs appeare upon first view to any one who shall cast his eye upon them? The Protestation followes, thus.