History of the Reformation of the Church of Scotland
In this mean time did the Town of Perth, called Saint Johnston, embrace the Truth, which did provoke her to a new fury; in which she willed the Lord Ruthuein Provost of that Town, so suppress all such Religion there. To the which when he answered, That he could make their bodies to come to her Majesty, & to prostrate themselves before her, till that she was fully satiate with her blood: but to cause them to do against their conscience, he could not promise. She in fury did answer, That he was too mallapart, to give her such answer, affirming that both he and they should repent it. She solicited M. James Haliburntoun Provost of Dundie, to apprehend Paul Methuen, who fearing God, gave secret advertisement to the man to avoid the Town for a time. She sent forth such as she thought most able to persuade at Easter, to cause Montrosse, Dundie, S. Johnston, and other such places as had received the Gospel, to communicate with the Idol of the Mass, but they could profit nothing, the hearts of many were bent to follow the Truth revealed, and did abhor Superstition and Idolatry. Whereat she more highly commoved, did Summon again all the Preachers to appear at Sterlin, the tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord 1559. Which understood by us, we with all humble obedience sought the means how she might be appeased, and our Preachers not molested: but when we could prevail nothing, it was concluded by the whole brethren, That the Gentlemen of every Country should accompany their Preachers, to the day and place appointed; Whereto all men were most willing. And for that purpose, the Town of Dundie, the Gentlemen of Angus and Mernes, passed forward with their Preachers to S. Johnston, without Armor, as peaceable men, minding only to give confession with their Preachers. And lest that such a multitude should have given fear to the Queen Regent, the Laird of Dun, a zealous, prudent, and godly man, passed before to the Queen, then being at Sterlin, to declare to her, That the cause of their Convocation, was only to give confession with their Preachers, and to assist them in their just defense. She understanding the fervency of the people, began to use craft with him, soliciting him to stay the multitude, and the Preachers also, with promise that she would take some better order. He a man most gentle of nature, and most addict to please her in all things not repugnant to God, wrote to those that then were assembled at S. Johnston, to stay, and not to come forward, showing what promise and hope he had of the Queens favor. At the reading of his Letters, some did smell the craft and deceit, and persuaded to pass forward, until that a discharge of the former Summons should be had, alleging that otherwise their Processe of Rebellion should be executed against the Preachers: And so should not only they, but also all such as did accompany them, be involved in a like crime. Others did reason, That the Queens promise was not to be suspected, neither yet the Laird of Duns request to be contemned, and so did the whole multitude with their Preachers stay.
In this mean time that the Preachers were summoned, to wit, the second of May 1559. arrived John Knox from France, who lodging two nights only in Edinburgh, hearing the day appointed to his brethren, repaired to Dundie, where he earnestly required them, That he might be permitted to assist his brethren, and to give confession of his Faith with them, which granted unto him, he departed unto S. Johnston with them, where he began to exhort, according to the grace of God granted unto him. The Queen perceiving that the Preachers did not appear, began to utter her malice; and notwithstanding any request made to the contrary, gave commandment to put them to the Horne ; inhibiting all men, under pain of high Rebellion, to assist, comfort, receive, or maintain them in any sort: which extremity perceived by the said Laird of Dun, he prudently withdrew himself (for otherwise by all appearance he had not escaped imprisonment.) For the Master of Maxwell, a man zealous and stout in God's Cause (as then appeared) under the cloke of another small crime, was that same day committed to ward, because he did boldly affirm, That to the uttermost of his power, he would assist the Preachers and the Congr • gation, notwithstanding any sentence which unjustly was, or should be pronounced against them. The Laird of Dun coming to S. Johnston, exposed the case even as it was, and did conceal nothing of the Queens craft and falsehood: Which understood, the multitude was so inflamed, that neither could the exhortation of the Preachers, nor the commandment of the Magistrate, stay them from destroying the places of Idolatry. The manner whereof was: The Preachers had declared before how odious Idolatry was in God's presence: What commandment he had given for the destruction of the monuments thereof: What Idolatry, and what abomination was in the Mass. It chanced that the next day, which was the eleventh of May, after that the Preachers were exiled, that after the Sermon, which was very vehement against Idolatry, a certain Priest in contempt would go to the Mass; and to declare his malapart presumption, he would open up a glorious Tabernacle, which stood upon the high Altar: There stood beside, certain godly men, and amongst others, a young boy, who cried with a bold voice, This is intolerable, that when God by his Word hath plainly condemned Idolatry, we shall stand and see it used in despite. The Priest hereat offended, gave the child a great blow; who in anger took up a stone, and casting at the Priest, hit the Tabernacle, and brake down an Image: And immediately, the whole multitude threw stones, and put hands on the said Tabernacle, and on all other Monuments of Idolatry; Which they dispatched before the tenth man in the Town were advertised (for the most part were gone to diner) which noised abroad, the whole multitude assembled, not of the Gentlemen, neither of them that were earnest Professors, but of the rascal multitude, who finding nothing to do in that Church, did run without deliberation to the Gray and Black-Friers, and notwithstanding that they had within them very strong guards kept for their defense, yet were their gates incontinent burst up. The first invasion was upon Idolatry, and thereafter the common people began to seek some spoil. And in very deed the Gray-Friers was a place so well provided, that unless honest men had seen the same, we would have feared to have reported what provision they had, their sheets, blankets, beds, and coverlets were such, that no Earl in Scotland had better: Their naperie was fine, they were but 8 persons in the Convent, and yet had they 8 puncheons of salt Beef (consider the time of the year, the eleventh of May) wine, beer, and ale, beside store of victuals belonging thereto. The like abundance was not in the Black-Friers, and yet there was more then became men professing poverty. The spoil was permitted to the poor: For so had the Preachers before threatened all men, That for covetousness sake, none should put their hand to such a Reformation, that no honest man was enriched thereby the value of a groat. Their conscience so moved them, that they suffered those hypocrites to take away what they could, of that which was in their places. The Prior of the Charter-house was permitted to take with him even as much gold and silver as he was able to carry. So were men's consciences beaten with the Word, that they had no respect to their own particular profit, but only to abolish Idolatry, the places and Monuments thereof, in which they were so busy, and so laborious, that within two days these three great places, Monuments of Idolatry, to wit, the Black and Gray Thieves, and Charter-house Monks (a building of wondrous cost and greatness) was so destroyed, that the walls only did remain of all those great edifices. Which reported to the Queen, she was so enraged, That she did vow utterly to destroy S. Johnston, man, woman, and child, and to consume the same by fire, and thereafter to salt it, in sign of a perpetual desolation. We suspecting nothing such cruelty, but thinking that such words might escape her in choler without purpose determined, because she was a woman, set on fire by the complaints of those hypocrites, who flocked unto her as Ravens to a carrion. We (we say) suspecting nothing such beastly cruelty, returned to our own houses: leaving in S. Johnston, John Knox to instruct the people, because they were young and rude in Christ. But she, set on fire partly by her own malice, partly by commandment of her friends in France, and not a little by bribes, which she and Monsieur Dosell received from the Bishops and the Priests here at home, did continue still in her rage. And first she sent for all the Nobility, to whom she complained, That we meaned nothing but Rebellion: She did grievously lament the destruction of the Charter-house, because it was a Kings foundation, and there was the tomb of King James the first, and by such other persuasions she made the most part of them grant to pursue us. And then incontinent sent she for her French men: For that was, and ever hath been her joy, to see Scottish men dip one with another's blood. No man was at that time more frank against us then was Duke Hamilton, led by that cruel beast the Bishop of Saint Andrew's, and by those that yet abuse him, the Abbot of Kilvinning, and Matthew Hamilton of Milburne, two chief enemies to the Duke and to his whole house, but in so far as thereby they may procure their own particular profit. These and such other pestilent Papists ceased not to cast fagots on the fire continually, crying, Forward upon these Heretics, we shall once rid this Realm of them. The certainty hereof coming to our knowledge, some of us repaired to the Town again, about the two and twentieth day of May, and there did abide for the comfort of our brethren: Where after Invocation of the Name of God, we began to put the Town and ourselves in such strength, as we thought might best serve for our just defense. And because we did not utter despair of the Queens favor, we caused to form a Letter to her Majesty, as followeth.
To the Queens Majesty Regent, all humble obedience and duty premised.
AS heretofore with jeopard of our lives, and yet with willing hearts we have served the authority of Scotland, and your Majesty now Regent in this Realm, in service to our bodies dangerous, and painful, so now with most dolorous minds we are constrained by unjust tyranny purposed against us, to declare unto your Majesty, That except this cruelty be stayed by your wisdom, we shall be compelled to take the sword of just defense, against all that shall pursue us for the matter of Religion, and for our conscience sake: which ought not, nor may not be subject to mortal creatures, further then by God's Word man is able to prove that he hath power to command us. We signify moreover unto your Majesty, That if by rigor we be compelled to seek the extreme defense, that we will not only notify our innocence and Petition to the King of France, to our Mistress and to her husband; but also to the Princes and Counsel of every Christian Realm, declaring unto them, That this cruel, unjust, and most tyrannical murder intended against Towns and multitudes, was, and is the only cause of our revolt from our accustomed obedience, which in God's presence we faithfully promise to our Sovereign Mistress, to her husband, and unto your Majesty Regent. Provided that our consciences may live in that Peace and Liberty, which Christ Jesus hath purchased to us by his blood, and that we may have his Word truly Preached and holy Sacraments rightly ministered unto us, without which we firmly purpose never to be subject to mortal man: For better we think to expose our bodies to a thousand deaths, then to hazard our souls to perpetual damnation, by denying Christ Jesus, and his manifest Veritie, which thing not only do they who commit open Idolatry, but also all such as seeing their brethren pursued for the cause of Religion, and having sufficient means to comfort and assist them, do nevertheless withdraw from them their dutiful support. We would not your Majesty should be deceived, by the false persuasions of those cruel beasts the Church-men, who affirm, That your Majesty needeth not greatly to regard the loss of us that profess Christ Jesus in this Realm. If (as God forbid) ye give ear to their pestilent counsel, and so use against us this extremity pretended, it is to be feared, That neither ye, neither yet your posterity shall at any time after this find that obedience and faithful service within this Realm, which as all times you have found in us. We declare our judgments freely, as true and faithful Subjects. God move your Princely heart favourably to interpret our faithful meaning: Further advertising your Majesty, That the self same thing, together with all things that we have done, or yet intend to do, we will notify by our Letters to the King of France. Asking of you, in the Name of the eternal God, and as your Majesty tenders the peace and quietness of this Realm: That ye invade us not with any violence, till we receive answer from our Mistress and her husb • nd, and from their advised Counsel there. And thus we commit your Majesty to the protection of the omnipotent. From Saint Johnston, the 22 of May 1559.
Sic subscribitur. Your Majesty's obedient Subjects in all things, not repugnant to God. The faithful congregation of Christ Jesus in Scotland.
To the same purpose we wrote to Monsieur Dosell in French, requiring of him, That by his wisdom he would mitigate the Queens rage, and the rage of the Priests, otherwise that flame which then began to burn, would so kindle, that when some men would, it could not be slackened. Adding further, That he declared himself no faithful servant unto his Master the King of France, if for the pleasure of the Priests he would persecute us, and so compel us to take the sword of just defense. In like manner we wrote to Captain Serre la Bourse, and to all other Captains and French Soldiers in general, admonishing them that their Vocation was not to fight against us natural Scottish-men, nor yet that they had any such Commandment of their Master: We besought them therefore not to provoke us to enmity against them, and to consider that they had found us favorable, in their most great extremities. We declared farther unto them, That if they entered in hostility and bloody War against us, that the same should remain longer then their own lives, to wit, even in all posterity to come, so long as natural Scottish-men should have power to revenge such cruelty, and most horrible ingratitude. These Letters were caused to be spread abroad in great abundance, to the end that some might come to the knowledge of men. The Queen Regent her Letter was laid upon her Cushion in the Chapel Royal at Sterlin, where she was accustomed to sit at Mass; she looked upon it, and put in the pocket of her Gown: Monsieur d' Osel and the Captains, received theirs, delivered even by their own soldiers (for some amongst them were favorers of the Truth) who after the reading of them, began to pull their own beards, for that was the modest behavior of Monsieur d' Osell, when truth was told unto him, so that it repugned to his fantasie. These our Letters were suppressed to the utmost of their power, and yet they came to the knowledge of many. But the rage of the Queen and the Priests could not be stayed, but forward they move against us, who then were but a very few and mean number of Gentlemen in S. Johnston ; we perceiving the extremity to approach, did write to all brethren to repair towards us for our relief, to the which we found all men so ready bent, that the Work of God was evidently to be espied: the Tenour whereof followeth. And because that we would omit no diligence to declare our innocence to all men, we formed a Letter to those of the Nobility, who then persecuted us, as after followeth:
To the Nobility of Scotland.
The Congregation of Christ Jesus within the same, desire the spirit of righteous JudgmentBEcause we are not ignorant that ye the Nobility of this Realm, who now persecute us, employing your whole study and force to maintain the kingdom of Satan, of superstition and Idolatry, are yet nevertheless divided in opinion. We the Congregation of Christ Jesus, by you unjustly persecuted, have thought good, in one Letter, to write unto you severally. Ye are divided, we say, in opinion; for some of you think that we who have taken this enterprise to remove Idolatry, and the Monuments of the same, to erect the true Preaching of Christ Jesus, in the bounds committed to our Charges, are heretics, seditious men, and troublers of this Commonwealth, and therefore no punishment is sufficient for us; and so blinded with this rage, and under pretence to serve the Authority, ye proclaim War and destruction without all order of Law against us. To you, we say, that neither your blind zeal, neither yet the color of Authority, shall excuse you in God's presence, who commandeth none to suffer death till that he be openly convinced in judgment, to have offended against God, and against his Law written; which no mortal creature is able to prove against us: for whatsoever we have done, the same we have done at God's commandment, who plainly commands Idolatry, and all Monuments of the same to be destroyed and abolished. Our earnest and long request hath been, and is, That in open Assembly it may be disputed, in presence of indifferent auditors, Whether that these abominations, named by the pestilent Papists, Religion, which they by fire and sword defend, be the true Religion of Jesus Christ or not? Now this humble request denied unto us, our lives are sought in most cruel manner: And the Nobility (whose duty is to defend innocents, and to bridle the fury and rage of wicked men, were it of Princes or Emperors) do notwithstanding follow their appetites, and arm yourselves against us your brethren, and natural Country-men: yea, against us that be innocent and just, as concerning all such crimes as be laid to our charges. If ye think that we be criminal, because that we dissent from your opinion, consider, we 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 the whole world in their days. And will ye deny but that their action was just, and that all those that persecuted them were murderers before God? May not the like be true this day? What assurance have ye this day of your Religion, which the world that day had not of theirs? ye have a multitude that agree with you, and so had they: ye have antiquity of time, and that they lacked not: ye have Counsels, Laws, and men of reputation, that have established all things, as ye suppose: but none of all these can make any Religion acceptable unto God, which only depended upon his own will, revealed to man in his most sacred Word. It is not then a wonder that ye sleep in so deadly a security in the matter of your own salvation; considering that God giveth unto you so manifest tokens, that ye and your leaders are both declined from God. For if the tree shall be judged by the fruit (as Christ Jesus affirmeth that it must needs be) then of necessity it is, That your Prelates, and the whole rabble of their Clergy be evil trees: For if Adultery, Pride, Ambition, Drunkenness, Covetousness, Incest, Unthankfulness, Oppression, Murder, Idolatry, and Blasphemy, be evil fruits, there can none of that Generation which claim to themselves the title of Churchmen, be judged to be good trees: For all these pestilent and wicked fruits do they bring forth in greatest abundance. And if they be evil trees (as ye yourselves must be compelled to confess they are) advise prudently with what consciences ye can maintain them to occupy the room and place in the Lord's Vine-yard. Do ye not consider that in so doing ye labor to maintain the servants of sin in their filthy corruption, and so consequently ye labor that the devil may reign, and still abuse this Realm by all iniquity and tyranny, and that Christ Jesus and his blessed Gospel be suppressed and extinguished. The name and the cloke of the authority which ye pretend, will nothing excuse you in God's presence, but rather shall ye bear double condemnation, for that ye burden God, as that his good Ordinances were the cause of your iniquity: All Authority which God hath established, is good and perfect, and is to be obeyed of all men, yea, under pain of damnation. But do ye not understand, That there is a great difference betwixt the Authority which is God's Ordinance, and the persons of those which are placed in Authority; the Authority and God's Ordinances can never do wrong, for it commandeth that vice and wicked men be punished, and virtue with virtuous men and just 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, by reason that it is clothed with the name of Authority? Or shall those that obey the wicked commandment of those that are placed in Authority, be excusable before God? Not so, not so, but the plagues and vengeances of God taken upon Kings their servants and subjects, do witness to us the plain contrary. Pharaoh was a King, and had his Authority of God, who commanded his subjects to murder and torment the Israelites, and at last most cruelly to persecute their lives: But was their obedience (blind rage it should be called) excusable before God? the Universal plague doth plainly declare, That the wicked Commander, and those that obeyed, were alike guilty before God. And if the example of Pharaoh shall be rejected, because he was an Ethnic, then let us consider the facts of Saul: He was a King anointed of God, appointed to reign over his people; he commanded to persecute David, because (as he alleged) David was a Traitor, and Usurper of the Crown: And likewise commanded Ahimeleck the High Priest and his fellows to be slain: But did God approve any part of this obedience? evident it is, That he did not. And think ye that God will approve in you, that which he did condemn in others? be not deceived; with God there is no such partiality. If ye obey the unjust commandments of wicked Rulers, ye shall suffer God's vengeance and just punishment with them. And therefore, as ye tender your own salvation, we most earnestly require of you moderation, and that ye stay yourselves, and the fury of others, from persecuting of us, till our cause be tried in open and lawful Judgment. And now to you who are persuaded of the justice of our cause, who sometimes have professed Christ Jesus with us, and who also have exhorted us to this enterprise, and yet have left us in our extreme necessity, at least look out thorough your fingers in this our trouble, as that the matter appertained not unto you, we say, That unless (all fear and worldly respects set aside) ye join yourselves with us, that as of God ye are reputed Traitors, so shall ye be excommunicated from our Society, and from all participation with us in the Administration of Sacraments: the glory of this Victory which God shall give to his Church, yea, even in the eyes of men, shall not appertain to you, but the fearful judgment which apprehended Ananias, and his wife Sapphira, shall apprehend you and your posterity. Ye may perchance contemn and despise the Excōmunication of the Church now by God's mighty power erected amongst us, as a thing of no force: But yet doubt we nothing, but that our Church, and the true Ministers of the same, have the same power which our Master Christ Jesus granted to his Apostles in these words, Whose sins ye shall forgive, shall be forgiven; and whose sins ye shall retain, shall be retained, and that because they preach, and we believe the same Doctrine which is contained in his most blessed Word: and therefore, except that ye will contemn Christ Jesus, ye neither can despise our threatening, neither yet refuse us calling for your just defense. By your fainting, and by extracting of your support, the enemies are encouraged, thinking that they shall find no resistance: in which point, God willing, they shall be deceived; for if they were ten thousand, and we but one thousand, they shall not murder the least of our brethren, but we (God assisting us) shall first commit our lives into the hands of God for their defense. But this shall aggravate your condemnation, for ye declare yourselves both Traitors to the Truth once professed, and murderers of us and of our brethren, from whom ye withdraw your dutiful and promised support, whom your only presence (to man's judgment) might preserve from this danger. For our enemies look not to the power of God, but to the force and strength of man; when the number is mean to resist them, then rage they as bloody wolves; but a part equal or able to resist them by appearance, doth bridle their fury. Examine your own consciences, and weigh that Sentence of our Master Christ Jesus, saying, Whosoever denieth me, or is ashamed of me before men, I shall deny him before my Father. Now is the day of his Battle in this Realm, if ye deny us your brethren, suffering for his Names sake, ye do also deny him, as himself doth witness, in these words, Whatsoever ye did to any of these little ones, that ye did to me, and what ye did not to one of these little ones, that ye did not to me: If these sentences be true as concerning meat, drink, clothing, and such things a appertain to the body, shall they not be likewise true in these things that appertain to the preservation of the lives of thousands, whose blood is now sought, for profession of Christ Jesus? And thus shortly we leave you, who sometimes have professed Christ Jesus with us, to the examination of your own consciences. And yet once again of you, who blinded by superstition, persecute us: We require moderation, till our cause may be tried; which if ye will not grant unto us for God's Cause, yet we desire you to have respect to the preservation of your common Country, which we can no sooner betray into the hands of strangers, then that one of us destroy and murder another. Consider our Petitions, and call for the spirit of righteous judgment.
These our Letters being divulgate, some began to reason, Whether in conscience they might invade us, or not, considering that we offered due obedience to the Authority, requiring nothing, but liberty of conscience, and our Religion and fact to be tried by the Word of God. Our Letters came with convenient expedition to the hands of our brethren in Cuninghame and Kyle, who assembled at the Church of Craggie ; where after some contrarious reasons, Alexander Earl of Glencarne, in zeal burst forth in these words, Let every man serve his conscience, I will, by God's grace, see my brethren in S. Johnston: Yea, albeit never man should accompany me, yet I will go, and if it were but a Pike upon my shoulder; for I had rather die with that company, then live after them. These words so encouraged the rest, that all decreed to go forward, as that they did so stoutly, that when the Lion Herault in his coat of Arms, commanded all men under pain of treason to return to their houses by public sound of trumpet in Glasgow, never man obeyed that charge, but all went forward, as we shall after hear. When it was clearly understood that the Prelates and their adherents suppressing our Petitions so far as in them lay, did kindle the fury of all men against us: it was thought expedient to write unto them some Declaration of our minds, which we did in this form following.
To the generation of Antichrist, the pestilent Prelates, and their Shavelings within Scotland,
the Congregation of Christ Jesus within the some saith,TO the end that ye shall not be abused, thinking to escape just punishment, after that ye in your blind fury have caused the blood of many to be shed: This we notify and declare unto you, That if ye proceed in this your malicious cruelty, ye shall be dealt withal wheresoever ye shall be apprehended, as murderers and open enemies to God and unto mankind. And therefore betimes cease from this blind rage: Remove first from yourselves, your bands of bloody men of war, and reform yourselves to a more quiet life, and hereafter mitigate ye the authority, which without crime committed on our part ye have inflamed against us, or else be ye assured, That with the same measure that ye have measured against us, and yet intend to measure to others, it shall be measured unto you; that is, As ye by tyranny intend not only to destroy our bodies, but also by the same to hold our souls in bondage of the Devil, subject to Idolatry: So shall we with all force and power, which God shall grant unto us, execute just vengeance and punishment upon you, yea, we shall begin that same war which God commandeth Israel to execute against the Canaanites, that is, contract of peace shall never be made till that ye desist from your open Idolatry and cruel persecution of God's children. And this we signify unto you, in the name of the eternal God, and of his Son Christ Jesus, whose Verity we profess, and Gospel we have Preached, and holy Sacraments rightly ministered, so long as God will assist us to gain stand your Idolatry. Take this for advertisement and be not deceived.
Notwithstanding these our Requests and Advertisements, Monsieur Dosell and his French men, with the Priests and their bands, marched forward against S. Johnston, and approached within ten miles of the Town; then repaired the brethren from all quarters for our relief. The Gentlemen of Fife; Angus, Mernes, with the Town of Dundie were there, they that first hazarded to resist the enemy: and for that purpose was chosen a place of ground, a mile and more distant from the Town. In this mean time, the Lord Ruthuen, Provost of the Town of S. Johnston, and a man whom many judged godly and stout in that action (as in very deed he was even unto his last breath) left the Town, and departed first to his own place, and after to the Queen; whose defection and revolt was a great discouragement to the hearts of many, and yet did God so comfort them, that within the space of twelve hours after, the hearts of all men were set up again. For those that were then assembled, did not so much hope of victory by their own strength, as by the power of him, whose Verity they professed, and began one to comfort another, till the whole multitude was erected in a reasonable hope. The day after that the Lord Ruthuen departed, which was the four and twentieth of May, came the Earl of Argyle, Lord James Prior of S. Andrew's, and the Lord Semple, directed from the Queen Regent, to inquire the cause of that Convocation of Lieges there. To whom when it was answered, That it was only to resist the cruel tyranny devised against that poor Town, and the inhabitants of the same. They asked if we minded not to hold that Town against the authority, and against the Regent. To the which Question answered the Lairds of D • n and Pitarro, with the Congregation of Angus and Mernes, the Master of Lindsay, the Lairds of Londy, Balvarde, and others Barons of Fife. That if the Queens Majesty would suffer the Religion there begun to proceed, and not trouble their brethren and sisters that had professed Christ Jesus with them, That the Town, they themselves, and whatsoever to them pertained, should be at the Queens commandment. Which answer understood, the Earl of Argyle and the Prior (who both were then Protestants) began to muse, and said plainly, That they were far otherwise informed by the Queen, to wit, That we meant no Religion, but a plain Rebellion. To the which when he had answered simply, and as the truth was, to wit, That we Convened for none other purpose, but only to assist our brethren, who then were most unjustly persecuted, and therefore we desired them faithfully to report our answer, and to be intercessors to the Queen Regent, That such cruelty should not be used against us, considering that we had offered in our former Letters, as well to the Queens Majesty, as to the Nobility, our matter to be tried in lawful judgment. They promised fidelity in that behalf, which also they kept. The day after, which was the five and twentieth of May, before that the said Lord's departed, in the morning John Knox desired to speak with the same Lord's, which granted unto him, he was conveyed to their Lodging by the Laird of Balvarde ; and thus began,
The Oration of John Knox to the Lord's.
THe present troubles, honorable Lord's, ought to move the hearts, not only of the true servants of God, but also of all such as bear any favor unto our Country and natural Country-men, to descend within themselves, and deeply to consider, what shall be the end of this pretended tyranny. The rage of Satan seeketh the destruction of all those that within this Realm profess Christ Jesus, and they that inflame the Queen, and you the Nobles against us, regard not who prevail, provided that they may abuse the world, and live at their pleasure, as heretofore they have done: yea, I fear that some seek nothing more, then the effusion of Scottish blood, to the end that their possessions may be more patent to others. But because that this is not the principal which I have to speak, omitting the same to be considered, by the wisdom of those to whom the care of the Common-wealth appertaineth.
1. I most humbly require of you, my Lord's, in my name, to say to the Queen Regent, That we in whom she in her blind rage doth persecute, are God's servants, faithful and obedient Subjects to the authority of this Realm: That that Religion which she pretendeth to maintain by fire and sword, is not the true Religion of Christ Jesus, but is express contrary to the same, a superstition devised by the brain of man, which I offer myself to prove against all that within Scotland will maintain the contrary, liberty of tongue being granted unto me, and God's written Word being admitted for judge.
2. I further require your honors in my name to say unto the Queen, That as oft before I have written, so now I say, That this her enterprise 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 eternal God, and his invincible Verity, and therefore the end shall be her confusion, unless betimes she repent and desist.
These things I require of you, in the Name of the eternal God, as from my mouth, to say unto her Majesty, adding, That I have been, and am a more assured friend to her Majesty, then they, that either flattering her, as servants to her corrupt appetites, or else inflame her against us, who seek nothing but God's glory to be advanced; Vice to be suppressed; and Veritie to be maintained in this poor Realm.
They all three did promise to report his words so far as they could, which afterwards we understood they did; yea the Lord Sempill himself, a man sold unto sin, enemy to God and all godliness, did yet make such report, That the Queen was somewhat offended, that any man should use such liberty in her presence. She still proceeded in her malice, for immediately thereafter she sent her Lion Herald with Letters, straitly charging all men to avoid the Town under the pain of Treason. Which Letters, after he had declared them to the chief men of the Congregation, he publicly proclaimed the same upon Sunday the 27 of May. In this mean time came sure knowledge to the Queen, to Duke Hamilton, and to Monsieur Dosell, That the Earl of Glencarne, the Lord's Uchiltrie and Boyde, the young Sheriff of Air, the Lairds of Craggy, Wallace, Sesnock, Carnell, Bar, Gairgirth, and the whole congregation of Kyle and Cuninghame approached for our relief, and in very deed they came in such diligence, and such a number, That as the enemy had just cause to fear; so have all that profess Christ Jesus, just matter to praise God, for their fidelity and stout courage in that need: For by their presence was the tyranny of the enemy bridled. Their diligence was such, that albeit the passage by Sterlin and six miles above was stopped (for there lay the Queen with her bands, and caused the Bridges to be cut upon the waters of Forth, Gudy, and Teith, above Sterlin ) yet made they such expedition through desert and mountain, that they prevented the enemy, and approached within six miles of our Campe, which then lay without the Town awaiting upon the enemy, before that any assured knowledge came to us of their coming. Their number was judged to twenty five hundred men, whereof there was twelve hundred Horsemen. The Queen understanding how the said Earl and Lord's, with their company approached, caused to beset all ways, that no advertisement should come to us: To the end, That we despairing of support, might condescend to such appointment as she required. And sent first to require that some discreet men of our number would come and speak to Duke Hamilton and Monsieur Dosell, (who then with their Army lay at Achtererdoch, ten miles from S. Johnston ) to the end, that some reasonable appointment might be had. She had persuaded the Earl of Argyle and all others, That we meant nothing but Rebellion; and therefore had he promised unto her, That in case we would not stand content with a reasonable appointment, he would declare himself open enemy unto us, notwithstanding that he professed the same Religion with us. From us were sent the Laird of Dun, the Laird of Inuerwhartye, and Thomas Scot of Abbotshall, to hear what appointment the Queen would offer. The Duke and Monsieur Dosell required, That the Town should be made patent, and that all things should be referred to the Queens pleasure. To the which they answered, That neither they had commission so to promise, neither durst they in conscience so persuade their brethren: But if the Queen would promise, That no inhabitant of the Town should be troubled for any such crimes as might be alleged against them, for the late mutation of Religion and abolishment of Idolatry, and for down-casting the places of the same; If she would suffer the Religion begun to go forward, and leave the Town at her departing free from the Garrisons of French Soldiers; That they would labor at the hands of their brethren, that the Queen should be obeyed in all things. Monsieur Dosell perceiving the danger to be great, if that a sudden appointment should be made, and that they were not able to execute their tyranny against us, after that the Congregation of Kyle (of whose coming we had no advertisement) should be joined with us, with good words dismissed the said Lairds to persuade the brethren to quiet concord. To the which we were all so well minded, that with one voice they cried; Cursed be they that seek effusion of blood; Let us possess Christ Jesus, and the benefit of his Gospel, and none within Scotland shall be more obedient Subjects then we shall be. With all expedition were sent from Sterlin again (after that the coming of the Earl of Glencarne was known, for the enemy for fear quaked) the Earl of Argyle and Lord James aforesaid. And in their company a crafty man Master Gauin Hamilton, Abbot of Kilwinning, who were sent by the Queen to finish the appointment aforesaid. But before that they came, was the Earl of Glencarne and his honorable company arrived in the Town: and then began all men to praise God, for that he had so mercifully heard them in their most extreme necessity, and had sent unto them such relief as was able without effusion of blood to stay the rage of the enemy. The Earl of Argyle and Lord James did earnestly persuade the agreement, to the which all men were willing: but some did smell the craft of the adversary, to wit, That they were minded to keep no point of the promise longer then they had obtained their intent. With the Earl of Glencarne came our loving brother John Willock, John Knox was in the Town before. These two went to the Earl of Argyle and Lord James, accusing them of infidelity, in so far as they had defrauded their brethren of their dutiful support, and comfort in their greatest necessity. They answered both, That their heart was constant with their brethren, and that they would defend that Cause to the uttermost of their power. But because they had promised to labor concord, and to assist the Queen in case we refused reasonable offers, in conscience and honor they could do no less then be faithful in their promise made: And therefore they required that the brethren might be persuaded to consent to that reasonable appointment; promising in God's presence, That if the Queen did break in any jot thereof, that they with their whole powers would assist and concur with the brethren in all times to come. This promise made, the Preachers appeased the multitude, and obtained in the end that all men did consent to the appointment foresaid; which they obtained not without great labors; and no wonder, for many foresaw the danger to follow: yea the Preachers themselves in open Sermon did affirm plainly, That they were assuredly persuaded that the Queen meant no truth. But to stop the mouth of the adversary, who unjustly did burden us with Rebellion, they most earnestly required all men to approve the appointment, and so to suffer hypocrisy to disclose itself. This appointment was concluded the 28 of May, and the day following, at two in the after noon, departed the Congregation from Saint Johnston, after that John Knox had in his Sermon exhorted all men to constancy, and unfeignedly to thank God, for that it had pleased his mercy to stay the rage of the enemy without effusion of blood; Also that no brother should be weary, nor faint, to support such as should after be likewise persecuted: for (said he) I am assured that no part of this promise made shall be longer kept, then till the Queen and her French-men to have the upper hand. Many of the enemies were at the same Sermon: For after that the appointment was made, they had free entry in the Town to provide Lodgings. Before the Lord's departed, was this Bond, whose Tenour followeth, as it was written and subscribed.
The second Covenant at Perth.
the Congregations of the West Country, with the Congregations of Fife, Perth, Dundie, Angus, Mernes, and Monrosse, being convened in the Town of Perth, in the Name of Jesus Christ, for setting forth of his glory, understanding nothing more necessary for the same, then to keep a constant amity, unity, and fellowship together, according as they are commanded by God, are confederate, 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 whole powers to destroy and put away all things that doth dishonor to his Name, so that God may be truly and purely worshipped. And in case that any trouble be intended against the said Congregation, or any part or member thereof, the whole Congregation shall concur, assist, and convene together, to the defense of the same Congregation or person troubled: And shall not spare Labors, Goods, Substance, Bodies and Lives, 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 pretence thereof, although it happen to be coloured with any other outward cause. In witnessing and testimony of the which, the whole Congregation aforesaid have ordained and appointed the Noble-men and persons under-written, to subscribe these Presents.
Sic subscribitur,
- Arch Argyle,
- James Steward,
- Glencarne.
- R. Lord Boid, Lord Wchiltrie,
- Matthew Campbell of Tarmganart.
The 29 of May entered the Queen, the Duke, Monsieur d'Osell, and the French-men, who in discharging their Volley of Hacquebutes, did well mark the house of Patrick Murray, a man fervent in Religion, and that boldly had sustained all danger in that trouble; against whose stayr they directed six or seven Shot even against the faces of those that were there lying; all men escaped, except the son of the foresaid Patrick, a boy of ten or twelve years of age; who being slain, was had to the Queens presence: but she understanding whose son he was, said in mockage, It is pity it chanced on the son, and not on the father; but seeing that so it is chanced, we cannot be against fortune. This was her happy entry in Saint Johnston, and the great zeal she beareth to Justice. The swarm of Papists that entered with her, began straight to make provision for their Mass; and because the Altars were not so easy to be repaired again, they provided Tables, whereof some before used to serve for Drunkards, Dicers, and Carders, but they were holy enough for the Priest and his Pageant. The Queen began to rage against all godly and honest men, their houses were oppressed by the French, the lawful Magistrates, as well Provost as Baylies, were unjustly, and without all order, deposed from their Authority: a wicked man, void of God's fear, and destitute of all virtue, the Laird of Kilfans, was entrusted by her, Provost of the Town: Whereat all honest men offended, left their own houses, and with their wives and children sought amongst their brethren some resting place for a time. She took order that four Colours of the Soldiers should abide in the Town to maintain Idolatry, and to resist the Congregation. Honest and indifferent men asked why she did so manifestly violate her promise? She answered, That she was bound to keep no promise to heretics: And moreover, That she promised only to leave the Town free of French Soldiers; which (said she) she did, because that these that therein were left were Scotishmen. But when it was reasoned in her contrary, That all those that took wages of France were counted French Soldiers, she answered, Princes must not be straitly bounden to keep their promises: My self (said she) would make little conscience to take from all that sort their lives and inheritance, if I might do it with as honest an excuse. And then she left the Town in extreme Bondage: After that her ungodly French-men had most cruelly used the most part of those that remained in the • ame, the Earl of Argyle, and Lord James foresaid perceiving in the Queen nothing but mere tyranny and falsehood, mindful of their former promises made to their brethren, did secretly convey themselves, and their Companies of the Town, and with them departed the Lord Ruthuen, of whom before mention is made; then the Earl of Menteth, and the Laird of Tullybardin, who in God's presence did confederate and bind themselves together, faithfully promising one to assist and defend another against all persons that would pursue them for Religion sake; and also that they with their whole force and power would defend the brethren persecuted for the same Cause. The Queen highly offended at the sudden departure of the persons aforesaid, sent charges to them to return, under the highest pain of her displeasure. But they answered, That with safe conscience they could not be partakers of so manifest tyranny as was by her committed, and of so great iniquity as they perceived devised by her, and her ungodly counsel the Prelates, This answer was given to her the first day of June, and immediately the Earl of Argyle, and Lord James repaired toward S. Andrew's ; and in their Journey gave advertisement by writing to the Laird of Dun, to the Laird of Petarrow, to the Provost of Dundie, and others, professors in Angus, to visit them in S. Andrew's the fourth of June, for Reformation to be made there: which day they kept, and brought in their company John Knox, who the first day after his coming to Fife, did preach in Carreal, the next day in Anstruther, minding the third day, which was the Sunday, to preach in S. Andrew's. The Bishop hearing of Reformation to be made in his Cathedral Church, thought time to stir, or else never, and therefore assembled his colleagues, and confederate fellows, besides his other friends, and came to the Town upon the Saturday at night, accompanied with a hundred Spears, of mind to have stopped John Knox from Preaching. The two Lord's and Gentlemen aforesaid were only accompanied with their quiet households, and therefore was the sudden coming of the Bishop the more fearful; for then was the Queen and her French-men departed from Saint Johnston, and were lying in Falkland, within twelve miles of S. Andrew's ; and the Town at that time had not given profession of Christ, and therefore could not the Lord's be assured of their friendship. Consultation being had, many were of mind that the Preaching should be delayed for that day, and especially that Io. Knox should not preach, for that did the Bishop affirm that he would not suffer, considering that by his Commandment the Picture of the said John was before burnt. He willed therefore an honest Gentleman, Robert Colwill of Cleisse, to say to the Lord's, That in case John Knox presented himself to the Preaching-place, in his Town and principal Church, he should make him be saulted with a Dozen of Culverings, whereof the most part should light upon his nose. After long deliberation had, the said John was called, that his own judgment might be had; When many persuasions were made that he should delay for that time, and great terrors given in case he should enterprise such a thing; as it were in contempt of the Bishop, he answered, God is witness that I never preached Christ Jesus in contempt of any man, neither mind I at any time to present myself to that place, having either respect to my own private commodity, either yet to the worldly hurt of any creature: But to delay to preach tomorrow (unless the body be violently withholden) I cannot in conscience: For in this Town and Church began God first to call me to the dignity of a Preacher, from the which I was re • t by the tyranny of France, and procurement of the Bishops, as ye well enough know, how long I continued prisoner, what torment I sustained in the Gallies, and what were the sobs of my heart, is now no time to recite. This only I cannot conceal, which more then one have heard me say when my body was absent from Scotland, That my assured hope was, in open audience to preach in Saint Andrew's, before I departed this life. And therefore (said he) my Lord's, seeing that God above the expectation of many hath brought my body to the same place where first I was called to the Office of a Preacher, and from the which most unjustly I was removed: I beseech your Honors not to stop me from presenting myself unto my Brethren: And as for the fear of danger that may come to me, let no man be solicit, for my life is in the custody of him whose glory I seek; and therefore I cannot so fear their boast nor tyranny, that I will cease from doing my duty, when of his mercy he offereth the occasion. I desire the hand and weapon of no man to defend me, only do I crave audience; which if it be denied here unto me at this time, I must seek further where I may have it. At these words the Lord's were fully content that he should occupy the place, which he did upon Sunday the tenth of June, and did treat of the ejection of the buyers and the sellers forth of the Temple of J • rusalem; as it is written in the Evangelists Matthew and John, and so he applied the corruption that was then, to the corruption that is in Papistry: and Christ's fact, to the duty of those to whom God giveth power and zeal thereto, that as well the Magist • ates, the Provost and Baylies, as the communalty for the most part within the Town, did agree to remove all Monuments of Idolatry, which also they did with expedition. The Bishop advertised h • reof, departed that same day to the Queen, who lay with her French-men, as is said, in Falkland. The hot fury of the Bishop did so kindle her choler (and yet the love was very cold betwixt them) that without farther delay conclusion was taken, to invade Saint Andrew's, and the two young Lord's aforesaid, who then were very slenderly accompanied. Posts were sent from the Queen with all diligence to Cowper, distant only six miles from Saint Andrew's, to prepare Lodgings and Victualls for the Queen and her French-men. Lodgings were assigned, and F • rriers were sent before. Which thing understood, counsel was given to the Lord's to march forward, and to prevent them before they came to Cowper: which they did, giving advertisement to all brethren with all possible expedition to repair towards them, which they also did, with such diligence, that in their Assemblie the wondrous Work of God might have been espied: For when at night the Lord's came to Cowper, they were not an hundred Horse, and some few Foot-men whom the Lord James, brought from the Coast • ide; and yet before the next day at noon (which was Tuesday the thirteenth of June) their number passed three thousand men, which by God's providence came unto the Lord's from Lowthiane the Lairds of Ormeston, Calder, Hatton, Lestarrig, and Colston, who albeit they understood at their departing from their own houses no such trouble, yet were they by their good counsel very comfortable that day. The Lord Ruthuen came from Saint Johnston with some Horse-men with him: The Earl of Rothesse Sheriff of Fife, came with an honest Company. The Towns of Dundie and S. Andrew's declared themselves both stout and faithful. Cowper, because it stood in greatest danger, was assisted with the whole Force. Finally, God did so multiply our number, That it appeared as men had rained from the clouds. The enemy understanding nothing of our Force assured themselves of Victory. Who had been in Falkland the night before, might have seen embracing and kissing, betwixt the Queen, the Duke, and the Bishop: But Master Gawin Hamilton, gaper for the Bishopric of S. Andrew's, above all others, was lovingly embraced of the Queen; For he made his solemn Vow, That he would fight, and that he would never return till he brought those Traitours to her Majesty, either quick or dead. And thus before midnight did they send forward their Ordnance, themselves did follow before three of the clock in the morning. The Lord's hereof advertised, assembled their company early in the morning upon Cowper-moore ; where by the advice of M. James Haliburtoun Provost of Dundie, was chosen a place of ground convenient for our defense: For it was so chosen▪ That upon all sides our Ordnance might have beaten the enemy, and yet we have stood in safety, if we had been pursued till we had come to hand strokes. The Lord Ruthuen took the charge of the horsemen, and ordered them so, That the enemy was never permitted to espy our number; the day was dark, which helped thereto. The enemy (as before is said) thinking to have found no resistance, after that they had twice or thrice made show unto us, as that they would retire, marched forward with great expedition, and approached within a mile before that ever their horsemen stayed, and yet they kept betwixt us and them a water, for their strength. It appeared to us, That either they marched for Cowper or S. Andrew's: and therefore our Horse-men in their Troope, and a part of the Foot-men with the Ordnance marched somewhat always before them for safety of the Town. The Lord's, with the Gentlemen of Fife, and so many of Angus and Mearns as were present, kept themselves close in a knot, near to the number of a thousand Speares. The Towns of Dundie and S. Andrew's were arrayed in another battle, who came not to the sight of the enemy, till that after twelve of the clock the mist began to vanish, and then passed some of their Horse-men to a mountain, from the height whereof they might discern our number. Which perceived by them, their Horse-men and Foot-men stayed incontinent, Posts ran to the Duke and Monsieur Dosell, to declare our number, and what order we kept: And then were Mediators sent to make appointment, but they were not suffered to approach near to the Lord's, neither yet to the view of our Camp; which put them in great fear. Answer was given unto them, That as we had offended no man, so would we seek appointment of no man; but if any would seek our lives (as we were informed they did) they should find us, if they pleased to make diligence. This answer received, were sent again the Lord Lindsay, and Laird of W • nchton, who earnestly requested us to concord, and that we would not be the occasion that innocent blood should be shed. We answered, That neither had we quarrel against any man, neither yet sought we any man's blood: only we were convened for defense of our own lives unjustly sought by others. We added further▪ That if they could find the mean, that we and our brethren might be free from the tyranny devised against us, that they should reasonably desire nothing which should be denied for our part. This answer received, the Duke and Monsieur Dosell, having Commission of the Queen Regent, required, That Assurance might be taken for eight days; to the end that indifferent men in the mean time might commune upon some final agreement of those things which were then in controversy. Hereto did we fully consent, albeit that in number and force we were far superior, and for testification hereof, we sent unto them our hand writs; and we likewise received theirs with promise, That within two or three days some discreet men should be sent to us to S. Andrew's, with further knowledge of the Queens mind. The tenor of the assurance was this.
The Assurance.
WE James Duke of Chattellerault, Earl of Arrane, Lord Hamilton; and my Lord Dosell, Lieutenant for the King in these parts, for ourselves, our assistaries, and partakers, being presently with us in company. By the tenor hereof promits faithfully in honor to my Lord's Archibald Earl of Argyle, and James, Commendater of the Priory of S. Andrew's, to their assistants and partakers being presently with them in company: That we and our company aforesaid, shall retire incontinent to Falkland, and shall with diligence transport the French men, and our other folks now presently with us, and that no French men or other Soldiers of ours, shall remain within the bounds of Fife, but so many as before the raising of the last Army lay in Disert, Kirkcaldie, and Kinghorne, and the same to lie in the same places only, if we shall think good. And this to have effect for the space of eight days following the date hereof exclusive, That in the mean time certain Noble-men, by the advice of the Queen and the rest of the Council may convene to talk of such things, as may make good order and quietness amongst the Queens Lieges. And further, We, nor none of our assisters being present with us, shall invade, trouble, or disquiet the said Lord's nor their assisters, during the said space. And this we bind and oblige us upon our loyal fidelity and honor, to observe and keep in every point above-written, without fraud or guile. In witness whereof, we have subscribed these presents with our own hands.
At Garlebanke the 13 day of June 1559.
Subscribed.
- James Hamilton.
- Meneits, Dosell.
And this received, we departed first, because we were thereto requested by the Duke; and so we returned to Cowper, lauding and praising God, for his mercy shown, and thereafter every man departed to his dwelling place. The Lord's and a great part of the Gentlemen passed to S. Andrew's, who there abode certain days, still looking for those that were promised to come from the Queen for appointment to be made. But we perceiving her craft and deceit (for under that assurance, she meant nothing else but to convey her self, her Ordnance, and French-men over the water of Forth ) took consultation what should be done for delivering S. Johnston from these ungodly Soldiers, and how our brethren exiled from their own houses, might be restored again. It was concluded, That the brethren of Fife, Angus, Mernes, and Stratherne, should Convene at S. Johnston the four and twentieth day of June for that purpose, and in the mean time were these Letters written by the Earl of Argyle and Lord James to the Queen then Regent.
Letters to the Queen Regent.
MAdame, after our hearty commendations of service, this shall be to show your Majesty, That upon the 13 day of June, we were informed by them that were Communers betwixt the Duke, Monsieur Dosell, and us, That we should have spoken unreverently of your Majesty, which we beseech your Majesty, for the true service that we have made, and are ready to make at all times to your Majesty, That of your goodness you will let us know the sayers thereof, and we shall do the duty of true Subjects, to defend our own innocence: As we take God to witness, of the good Zeal and Love we bear towards you, to serve you with true hearts, and all that we have, as well lands as goods; desiring no other thing for our service, but the liberty of our conscience to serve our Lord God, as we shall answer to him, which your Majesty ought and should give us unrequired. Moreover, please your Majesty, That the Duke and the Noble-men being in Sterlin for the time, by your Majesty's advice, solicited us to press the Congregation assembled at the Town of Perth, to Commune of Concord, where we did our exact diligence, and brought it to pass, as your Majesty knows. And there is a point, that we plainly see it not observed to us, which is, That no Soldier should remain in the Town after your Majesty's departing. And suppose it may be inferred, That it was spoken of French Soldiers only, yet we took it otherwise, like as we do yet, That Scottish-men, or any other Nation, taking wages of the King of France, are reputed and holden French Soldiers. Therefore seeing we of good will and mind brought that matter to your Majesty's contentment, it will please your Majesty of your goodness to remove the Soldiers and their Captains, with others that have gotten charge of the Town, That the same may be guided and ruled freely, as it was before, by the Ballyes and Counsel conform to their infeoffments given to them, by the ancient and most excellent Kings of this Realm, to elect and choose their officers at Michaelmas, and they to endure for the space of one year, conform to the old Rite and Custom of this Realm: which being done by your Majesty, we trust the better success shall follow thereupou to your Majesty's content, as the bearer will declare at more length to your Majesty; Whom God preserve.
To Saint Johnston, with the Gentlemen before expressed, did Convene the Earl of Monteith, the Laird of Glaneurwhair, and divers others, who before had not presented themselves for defense of their brethren. When the whole multitude was Convened, a Trumpet was sent by the Lord's, commanding the Captains and their Bands, To avoid the Town, and to leave it to the ancient Liberty and just Inhabitants of the same; Also commanding the Laird of Kilfawnes, put in Provost by the Queen, with the Captains aforesaid, To open the gates of the Town, and make the same patent to all our Sovereigns lieges, to the effect, That as well true Religion now once begun therein, may be maintained, and Idolatry utterly suppressed, as also the said Town might enjoy and brook their ancient Laws and Liberties, unoppressed by men of War, according to their old Privileges granted to them by the ancient Princes of this Realm, and conform to the provision contained in the Contract of Marriage, made by the Nobility and Parliament of this Realm with the King of France, bearing namely, That our old Laws or Liberties should not be altered: Adding thereto, If they foolishly resisted, and therein happened to commit murder, That they should be treated as murderers. To the which they answered proudly, That they would keep and defend that Town, according to their promise made to the Queen Regent. This answer received, preparation was made for the Siege and assault. For amongst all, it was concluded that the Town should be set at liberty, to what danger soever their bodies should be exposed. While preparation was in making, came the Earl of Huntly, the Lord Erskin, Master John Ballenden, Justice Clerk, requiring that the pursuit of the Town should be delayed. To speak to them were appointed, the Earl of Argyle, Lord James, and Lord Ruthuen, who perceiving in them nothing but a drift of time, without any assurance that the former wrongs should be redressed, gave unto them a short and plain answer, That they would not delay their purpose an hour: and therefore willed them to certify the Captains in the Town, That if by pride and foolishness they would keep the Town, and in so doing slay any of their brethren, that they should everyone die as murderers. The Earl of Huntly, displeased at this answer, departed, and was highly offended that he could not dress such an appointment, as should have contented the Queen and the Priests. After their departing the Town was again summoned: but the Captains supposing that no sudden pursuit should be made, and looking for relief to have been sent from the Queen, abode in their former opinion. And so upon Saturday the nine and twentieth of June, at ten of the clock at night, commanded the Lord Ruthuen who besieged the west Quarter, to shoot the first Volley, which being done, the Town of Dundie did the like, whose Ordnance lay on the east side of the Bridge. The Captains and Soldiers within the Town, perceiving that they were unable long to resist, required assurance till twelve hours upon the morrow; promising, That if before that hour there came unto them no relief from the Queen Regent, that they would render the Town: Provided that they should be suffered to depart the Town with Ensign displayed. We thirsting the blood of no man, and seeking only the liberty of our brethren, condescended to their desires, albeit that we might have executed against them judgment without mercy, for that they had refused our former favors, and had slain one of our brethren, and hurt two in their resistance, and yet we suffered them freely to depart without any further molestation. The Town being delivered from their thralldom, upon Sunday the six and twentieth of June thanks was given to God for this great benefit received, and consultation was taken, what was further to be done. In this mean time, zealous men considering, how obstinate, proud, and despiteful, the Bishop of Murray had been before, how he had threatened the Town by his Soldiers and friends who lay in Scone, thought good that some order should be taken with him, and with that place, which lay near to the Towns end. The Lord's wrote unto him (for he lay within two miles of S. Johnston ) That unless he would come and assist them, they neither could spare nor save his place. He answered by his writing, That he would come, and would do as they thought expedient; that he would assist them with his Force, and would consent with them against the rest of the Clergy in Parliament. But because this answer was slow in coming, the Town of Dundie partly offended for the slaughter of their men, and especially bearing no good favor to the said Bishop, for that he was and is chief enemy to Christ Jesus, and that by his counsel alone was Walter Mile our brother put to death, they marched forward: To stay them was first sent the Provost of Dundie, and his brother Alexander Halyburtoun Captain; who little prevailing, was sent unto them John Knox ; but before his coming, they were entered to the pulling down of the Idols and dortoir. And albeit the said Master James Halyburtoun, Alexander his brother, and the said John, did what in them lay to have stayed the fury of the multitude, yet were they not able to put order universally, and therefore they sent for the Lord's, Earl of Argyle and Lord James, who coming with all diligence, labored to have saved the place and the place and the Church. But because the multitude had found buried in the Church a great number of hid goods, of purpose to have preserved them to a better day (as the papists speak) the Towns of Dundie and S. Johnston could not be satisfied, till that the whole reparation and Ornaments of the Church (as they term it) were destroyed. And yet did the Lord's so travel, that they saved the Bishops Palace, with the Church and place for that night: For the two Lord's did not depart, till they brought with them the whole number of those that most sought the Bishops displeasure. The Bishop greatly offended that anything should have been enterprised in reformation of his place, asked of the Lord's his Band and hand-writing, which not two hours before he had sent unto them; which delivered to his Messenger Sir Adam Brown, advertisement was given, That if any farther displeasure chanced unto him, he would that he should not blame them. The Bishops servants that same night began to fortify the place again, and began to do violence to some that were carrying away such Baggage as they could come by. The Bishops Girnall was kept the first night by the labors of John Knox, who by exhortation removed such as violently would make interruption. The same night departed from S. Johnston the Earl of Argyle, and L. James, as after shall be declared. The morrow following, some of the poor, in hope of spoil, and some of Dundie, to consider what was done, passed up to the said Abbey of Scone ; whereat the Bishops servants offended, began to threaten and speak proudly: and as it was constantly affirmed, one of the Bishops sons thrust thorough with a Rapier one of Dundie, for because he was looking in at the Girnell door. This brute noised abroad, the Town of Dundie was more enraged then before; who putting themselves in Armor, sent word to the inhabitants of S. Johnston, That unless they would support them to avenge that injury, they should never after that day occure with them in any action. The multitude easily enflamed, gave the Alarm, and so was that Abbey and Palace appointed to Saccage, in doing whereof they took no long deliberation, but committed the whole to the merciement of fire. Whereat no small number of us were so offended, that patiently we could not speak, to any that were of Dundie or Saint Johnston. A poor aged matron seeing the flame of fire to pass up so mightily, and perceiving that many were thereat offended, in plain and sober manner of speaking, said, Now I see and understand that God's judgments are just, and that no man is able to save where he will punish: since my remembrance this place hath been nothing else but a Den of Whore mongers: It is incredible to believe how many wives have been adulterate, and virgins deflowered by the filthy beasts which have been fostered in this den; but especially by that wicked man who is called the Bishop. If all men knew as much as I, they would praise God, and no man would be offended. This woman dwelt in the Town nigh to the Abbey. At whose words were many pacified, affirming with her, That it was God's just Judgment. And assuredly if the labors or travel of any man could have saved that place, it had not been at that time destroyed: for men of greatest estimation labored with all diligence for the safety of it. While these things were done at Saint Johnston, the Queen fearing what should follow, determined to send certain Bands of French Soldiers to Sterlin, of purpose to stop the passage to us that then were upon the North side of Forth. Which understood, the Earl of Argyle and Lord James departed secretly in the night, and with great expedition preventing the French, they took the Town (before whose coming the rascal multitude put hands on the thieves, I should say Friers places, and utterly destroyed them) whereat the Queen and her Faction not a little afraid, with all diligence departed from Edinburgh to Dumbar. And so we with reasonable diligence marched forward to Edinburgh, for Reformation to be made there; where we arrived the 29 of June. The Provost for that time, the Lord Seaton, a man without God, without honesty, and oftentimes without reason, had before greatly troubled and molested the brethren, for he had taken upon him the protection and defense of the Black and Gray Friers ; and for that purpose did not only lie himself in one of the Colleges every night, but also constrained the most honest of the Town to watch those monsters, to their great grief and trouble. But hearing of our sudden coming, he abandoned his charge, and left the spoil to the poor, who had made havoc of all such things as was moveable in those places before our coming, and left nothing but bare walls; yea, not so much as door or window: whereby we were the lesser troubled in putting order to such places. After that we had deliberate certain days what was best to be done, and what order was to be taken for suppressing all Monuments of Idolatry within that Town, and the places next adjacent, determination was taken to send some Message to the Queen then Regent. For she had bruted (as her accustomed manner was, by advice of her counsel, ever to forge lies) that we sought nothing but her life, and a plain revoltment from the lawful obedience due to our Sovereign her Authority, as by the Tenour of these Letters may be seen.
FRANCIS and MARIE By the Grace of God, King and Qneen of Scots, Doulphin and Doulphinesse of Viennois:
To Our loved Lyon King of Arms, &c. Our Sheriffs in that part conjunctly and severally specially constitute, greeting.
Forasmuch as our dearest Mother Marie, Queen Dowager Regent of Our Realm, and Lord's of our Secret Council, perceiving the seditious tumult raised by one part of our Lieges, naming themselves, The Congregation; who under pretence of Religion have put themselves in Arms. And that Our Mother, for satisfying of every man's conscience, and pacifying of the said troubles, had offered unto them to appoint a Parliament to be holden in January next to come (this was a manifest lie, for this was neither offered, nor by her once thought upon, till we required it) or sooner, if they had pleased, for establishing of a Universal order in matters of Religion by Our advice, and States of Our Religion, and in the mean time to suffer every man to live at liberty of Conscience without trouble, unto the time that the said order were taken by advise of Our foresaid States. And at last, because it appeareth much to stand upon Our Burrough of Edinburgh, offered in like manner to let the inhabitants thereof choose what manner of Religion they would set up and use for that time, so that no man might allege that he was forced to do against his conscience. Which offer the Queen, Our said dearest Mother was at all times, and yet is ready to fulfill. Nevertheless the said Congregation being of mind to receive no reasonable offers, hath since by open deed declared, That it is no Religion, nor anything thereto pertaining that they seek, but only the subversion of Our Authority, and usurpation of Our Crown: In manifest witnessing whereof, they daily receive English-men with Messages unto them, and sendeth such like into England: And last of all, have violently intermitted, withtaken, and yet with-holds, the Irons of Our Coyning-House, which is one of the chief Points that concerneth Our Crown: And such like have intromitted with our Palace of Halyrud-house. Our Will is therefore, &c. That ye pass to the Market Cross of Our said Burrough of Edinburgh, or any other place within the same, and there by open Proclamation, in Our Name and Authority, command and charge all and sundry persons of the said Congregation, or yet being presently within Our said Borough, other then the inhabitants thereof, that they within six hours next after Our said Charge, depart forth of the same, under the pain of Treason. And as that ye command all and sundry persons to leave their company, and to adhere to Our Authority; with Certification, That such as do the contrary, shall be reputed and holden as manifest Traitors to Our Crown.
These Letters did not a little grieve us, who most unjustly were accused; for never a sentence of the Narrative true, except, That we stayed the Irons, and that for just cause; to wit, Because that daily there was such number of hard-heads printed, that the baseness thereof made all things exceeding dear; And therefore we were counseled by the wisest to stay the Irons while further order might be taken. The Queen Regent with all possible diligence posted for her Faction: Master James Balfour was not idle in the mean time. The Lord's, to purge themselves of these odious crimes, wrote to her a Letter in form as after followeth:
PLease your Majesty to be advertised, That it is come to our knowledge, that your Majesty hath set forth by your Letters openly proclaimed, That we, called by name, The Congregation, under pretence and color of Religion convene together to no other purpose, but to usurp our Sovereigns Authirity, and to invade your person, representing theirs at this present. Which things appear to have proceeded of sinister information made to your Majesty by our enemies, considering that we never minded such thing, but only our mind and purpose was and is, To promote and set forth the glory of God, Maintain and defend the true Preachers of his Word, And according to the same abolish and put away Idolatry and false abuses which may not stand with the said Word of God. Beseeching your Majesty to bear patiently therewith, and interpose your Authority to the furtherance of the same, as is the duty of every Christian Prince, and good Magistrate. For as to the obedience of our Sovereigns Authority in all Civil and Politick matters, we are and shall be as obedient, as any other your Majesty's subjects within the Realm. And that our convention is for no other purpose, but to save our Preachers and their auditors from the injury and violence of our enemies: Which should be more amply declared by some of us in your Majesty's presence, if ye were not accompanied with such as have pursued our lives, and sought our blood. Thus we pray Almighty God to save your Highness in his eternal tuition.
At Edinburgh the 2 of July, 1559.
And for further purgation hereof, it was thought necessary that we should simply expose as well to her Majesty, as to the whole people what were our requests and just petitions: And for that purpose after that safe-Conduct was purchased and granted, we directed unto her two grave men of counsel, to wit, the Lairds of Pittarrow and Cuninghamehead, to whom we gave commission and power, first to expose our whole purpose and intent, which was no other then before, at all times we had required; to wit, First, That we might enjoy the liberty of conscience. Secondly, That Christ Jesus might be truly preached, and his holy Sacraments rightly ministered unto us. Thirdly, That unable Ministers might be removed from Ecclesiastical Administration: And that our Preachers might be relaxed from the Horne, and permitted to execute their charges, without molestation unto such as either by a general Council lawfully convened, or by a Parliament within the Realm the controversies in Religion were decided. And for declaration that her Majesty was hereto willing that the Bands of French-men, who then were a burden intolerable to the Country, and to us so fearful, that we durst not in peaceable and quiet manner haunt the places where they did lie, should be sent to France their native Country: Which things granted, Her Majesty should have experience of our accustomed obedience. To these Heads she did answer at the first so pleasantly, that she put both our Commissioners in full esperance that all should be granted, and for that purpose she desired to speak with some of greater Authority; promising, That if they would assure her of their dutiful obedience, that she would deny nothing of that which was required. For satisfaction of her mind, we sent again the Earl of Glencarne, the Lord Ruthwen, the Lord Uchiltrie, and the said Laird of Pittarrow, with the same Commission as before. But then she began to handle the matter more craftily, complaining that she was not sought in a gentle manner. And that they in whom she had put most singular confidence, had left her in her greatest need. And such other things pertaining nothing to the Commission, she proposed to spend and drive the time. They answered, That by unjust tyranny devised against them and their brethren (as her Majesty did well know) they were compelled to seek the extreme remedy, and therefore that her Majesty ought not to wonder though godly men left the company, where they neither found fidelity nor truth. In the end of this communing; which was the twelfth day of July 1559. She desired to have talked privately with the Earl of Argyle and Lord James, Prior of S. Andrew's ; for else (as she alleged) she could not but suspect that they pretended to some other higher purpose then Religion. She and her crafty Counsel had abused Duke Hamilton, persuading him and his friends, That the said Earl and Lord James had conspired, first to deprive our Sovereign her daughter of her authority, and thereafter the Duke and his Successors of their pretended Title to the Crown of Scotland. By these invented lies she inflamed the hearts of many against us, insomuch that some of our own number began to murmur. Which perceived, as well the Preachers in their public Sermons, as we ourselves by our public Proclamation, gave purgation and satisfaction to the people, plainly and simply declaring what was our purpose, taking God to witness, That no such crimes were ever entered into our hearts, as most unjustly was laid to our charge. The Counsel after consultation, thought not expedient that the said Earl and Lord James should talk with the Queen in any sort; for her former practices put all men in suspicion, That some deceit lurked under such coloured communing. She had before said, That if she could by any mean sunder these two from the rest, she was assured shortly to come by her whole purpose. And one of her chief Counsel in those days (and we fear but too inward with her yet) said, That ere Michaelmas day they two should lose their heads; and therefore all men feared to commit two such young plants to her mercy and fidelity. It was therefore finally denied that they should talk with the Queen, or any appertaining to her, but in places void of all suspicion, where they should be equal in number with those that should talk with them. The Queen perceiving that her craft could not prevail, was content that Duke Hamilton, and that Earl of Huntley, with others by her appointed, should convene at Preston, to Commune with the said Earl and Lord James, and such others as the Lord's of the Congregation would appoint, to the number of an hundred on each side: Of the which number, eight persons only should meet for conference. The principals for their party, were the Duke, and Earl Huntly, the Lord's Erskin and Somerwell, M. Gawin Hamilton, and the Justice Clerk. From us were directed the Earls of Argyle and Glencarne, the Lord's Ruthuen and Lord James, Boyde and Uchiltrie, the Lairds Dun and Pittarrow. Who Convening at Preston, spake the whole day without any certain conclusion: For this was the practice of the Queen and of her faction, By drift of time to weary our company, who for the most part, had been upon the fields from the tenth day of May: That we being dispersed, she might come to her purpose, in which she was not altogether deceived: For our Commons were compelled to scatter for lack of expenses: And our Gentlemen partly constrained by lack of furnishing, and partly hoping some final appointment, after so many Communings, returned for the most part to their dwelling places, for reposing of themselves. The Queen in all those Conventions seemed that she would give liberty to Religion; Provided, That wheresoever she was, our Preachers should cease, and the Mass should be maintained. We perceiving her malicious craft, answered, That as we would compel her Majesty, to no Religion; so could we not in conscience, for the pleasure of any earthly treasure, put silence to God's true Messengers: neither could we suffer that the right administration of Christ's true Sacraments should give place to manifest Idolatry, for in so doing we should declare ourselves enemies to God, to Christ Jesus his Son, to his eternal Veritie, and to the liberty and establishment of his Church within this Realm: For your request being granted, There can no Church within the same be so established, but at your pleasure, and by your residence and remaining there, ye might overthrow the same. This our last answer we sent unto her with the Lord Ruthuen and Laird of Pittarrow, requiring of her Majesty in plain words, to signify unto us, What hope we might have of her favor towards the upsetting of Religion? We also required, That she would remove her French-men, who were a fear to us, and a burden most grievous to our Country; and that she would promise to us in the word of a Prince, That she would procure no man to be sent in. And then should we not only support to the uttermost of our powers to furnish Ships and Victuals for their transporting, but also upon our honors should we take her body into our protection. And should promise, in the presence of God and the whole Realm, to serve our Sovereign her daughter, and her Majesty Regent, as faithfully and as obediently, as ever did we Kings within Scotland. That moreover we should cause our Preachers give reason of their Doctrine in her audience to any that pleased to impugn anything that they did or taught. Finally, That we should submit ourselves to a lawful Parliament. Provided that the Bishops, as the party accused and our plain enemies, should be removed from judgment.
To no point would she answer directly, but in all things she was so general and so ambiguous, that her craft appeared to all men. She had gotten assured knowledge that our company was scattered (for her French-men were daily amongst us, without molestation or hurt done unto them) and therefore she began to disclose her mind, and said, The Congregation hath reigned these two months past; Me myself would reign now other two. The malice of her heart being plainly perceived, deliberation was had what was to be done. It was concluded, That the Lord's, Barons, and Gentlemen, with their chief domestics, should remain in Edinburgh that whole Winter, for establishing of the Church there. And because it was found, That by the corrupting of our Money the Queen made to her self immoderate gains, for maintaining of her Soldiers, to the destruction of the whole Common-wealth: It was thought necessary, That the Printing irons, and all things pertaining should be stayed, for fear that she should privily cause to transport them to Dumbar. In this mean time came assured word, first, That the King of France was hurt, and after that he was dead. Which albeit it ought to have put her in mind of her own estate and wicked enterprises: for he that same time in the fullness of his glory (as she her self used to speak) had determined most cruel persecution against the Saints of God in France, even as she her self was here persecuting in Scotland: and yet he so perished in his pride, That all men might see that God's just vengeance did strike him, even when his iniquity was come to full ripeness. Albeit we say, That this wondrous work of God in his sudden death, ought to have daunted her fury, and given unto her admonition, That the same God could not suffer her obstinate malice against his Truth, long to be unpunished: Yet could her indurate heart nothing be moved to Repentance; for hearing of the staying of the Printing irons, she raged more outrageously then before, and sending for all such as were of her faction, exposed her grievous complaint, aggravating the same with many lies, to wit, That we had declared that which before she suspected: For what could we mean else but usurpation of the Crown, when we durst put hands to the Coining-house, which was a portion of the patrimony of the Crown. She further alleged, That we had spoiled the Coining-House of great sums of money. To the which we answered, both by our Letters sent to her and her Counsel, and by public Proclamation to the people, That we without usurpation of any such thing, justly appertaining to the Crown of Scotland, did stay the Printing irons, in consideration that the Common-wealth was greatly hurt by corrupting of our money. And because we were born Counsellers of this Realm, sworn to procure the profit of the same, we could do no less of duty and of conscience, then to stay that for a time, which we saw so abused, That unless remedy were found, should turn to the utter detriment of the whole body of this Realm. And as to her false accusation of spoil, we did remit us to the conscience of M. Robert Richeson, master of the Coining-house, who from our hands received silver, gold, and metal, as well Coined as un-Coined, so that with us there did not remain the value of a Bawbee, or Farthing. This our Declaration and purgation notwithstanding, she, partly by her craft and policy, and partly by the labors of the Bishops of Saint Andrew's and Glasgow, procured the whole number that were with her, to consent to pursue us with all cruelty and expedition, before that we could have our company (which then was dispersed for new furnishing) assembled again. The certainty hereof coming to our knowledge the Saturday at night, being the 25 of July, we did what in us lay to give advertisement to our brethren: but impossible it was that the Wast, Angus, Mernes, Straitherne or Fife, in any number could come to us. For the enemy Marched from Dumbar upon the Sunday, and approached within two miles of us before Sun-rising upon Monday. For they verily supposed to have found no resistance, being assured that the Lord's only with certain Gentlemen remained with their private houses: calling upon God for counsel in that straight, we sought what was the next defense. We might have left the Town, and might have retired ourselves without any danger, but then we should have abandoned our brethren of Edinburgh, and suffered the Ministry thereof to have decayed; which to our hearts was so dolorous, that we thought better to hazard the extremity then so to do. For then the most part of the Town appeared rather to favor us then the Queens faction, and did offer unto us the uttermost of their support, which for the most part they did faithfully keep. The same did the Town of Leith, but they kept not the like fidelity. For when we were upon the field, marching forward for their support (for the French marched nigh to them) they rendered themselves without further resistance. And this they did, as is supposed, by the treason of some within themselves, and by persuasion of the Laird of Lestarrig, who before declared himself to be one of us; and notwithstanding that same day rendered himself undesired to Monsieur Dosell. Their unprovided and sudden defection astonished many, and yet we retired quietly to the side of Cragingate, which place we took for resisting the enemy. In the mean time divers mediators passed betwixt us, amongst whom the Lord Ruthuen for our part was principal. Alexander Erskin did much travel to stay us and our Soldiers, that we should not join with them of Leith, till that they, as is said, had rendered themselves to the French. The said Alexander did oft promise that the French would stay, provided, That we would not join with those of Leith. But after that they were rendered, we heard nothing of him but threatening and discomfortable words. Before it was eight of the clock in the morning, God had given unto us both courage, and a reasonable number to withstand their fury. The Town of Edinburgh, so many as had subject themselves to discipline, and divers others besides them, behaved themselves both faithfully and stoutly. The Gentlemen of Lowthiane, especially Calder, Hatton, and Ormeston, were very comfortable, as well for their counsel as for their whole assistance. Some Gentlemen of Fife prevented the French-men, other were stopped by reason that the French had passed Leith. Always the enemy took such a fear, That they determined not to invade us where we stood, but took purpose to have passed to Edinburgh, by the other side of the water of Leith: and that because they had the Castle to their friend, which was to us unknown, for we supposed the Lord Erskin, Captain of the same, either to have been our friend, or at least to have been indifferent. But when we had determined to fight, he sent word to the Earl of Argyle, to Lord James, his sisters son, and to the other Noble-men, That he would declare himself, both enemy to them and to the Town, and would shoot at both, if they made any resistance to the French-men to enter into the Town. This his treasonable defiance sent us, by the Laird of Ricarton did abate the courage of many, for we could not fight, nor stop the enemy, but under the mercy of the Castle and whole Ordnance thereof. Hereupon was consultation taken, and in conclusion, it was found less damage to take an appointment, albert the Conditions were not such as we desired; then to hazard battle betwixt two such enemies. After long talking, certain heads were drawn by us, which we desired to be granted.
- First, That no member of the Congregation should be troubled in life, lands, goods or possessions, by the Queen her Authority, nor any other justice within the Realm, for anything done in the late Innovation, till a Parliament (which should begin the tenth of January) had decreed things in controversy.
- 2. That Idolatry should not be erected, where it was at that day suppressed.
- 3. That the Preachers and Ministers should not be troubled in their Ministry where they are already established, neither yet stopped to preach wheresoever they should chance to come.
- 4. That no Bands of men of War should be laid in Garrison within the Town of Edinburgh.
- 5. That the French-men should be sent away at a reasonable day; and that none other should be brought into the Country without consent of the whole Nobility and Parliament.
But these our Articles were altered, and another form disposed, as followeth.
At the Linkes of Leith, the 24 of July, 1559.
It is appointed in manner following:IN the first Congregation and their company, others then the inhabitants of the said Town, shall remove themselves forth of the said Town the morrow at ten hours before noon the 25 of July, and leave the same void and rid of them and their said company conform to the Queens Majesty's pleasure and desire.
Item, The said Congregation shall cause the Irons of the Coyning-house taken away by them, be rendered and delivered to Master Robert Richeson; And likewise the Queens Majesty's Palace of Halyrud-house to be left, and rendered again to M. John Balfour, or any other, having her Majesty's sufficient power in the same matter, as it was resolved; and that betwixt the making of these Articles, and the morn at ten of the clock. For observing and keeping of these two Articles above written, the Lord Ruthuen, and the Laird of Pittarrow have entered themselves pledges.
Item, The said Lord's of the Congregation, and all the members thereof, shall remain obedient subjects to our Lord and Ladies Authority, and to the Queen Regent in their place; And shall obey all Laws, and laudable Customs of this Realm, as they were used before the moving of this tumult and controversy, excepting the cause of Religion, which shall be hereafter specified.
Item, The Congregation, nor any of them, shall not trouble or molest a Churchman by way of deed, nor yet shall make them any impediment in the peaceable brooking, enjoying, and uptaking of their Rents, Profits, and Duties of their Benefices, but that they may freely use and dispose upon the same, according to the Laws and Custom of this Realm, to the tenth of January next to come.
Item, The said Congregation, nor none of them, shall use in no ways from thenceforth any force or violence in casting down of Churches, Religious places, or apparel thereof, but the same shall stand harmless of them, unto the tenth day of January.
Item, The Town of Edinburgh shall without compulsion use and choose what Religion, and manner thereof they please, to the said day; so that every man may have freedom to use his own conscience to the day aforesaid.
Item, The Queen shall not interpose her Authority to molest or trouble the Preachers of the Congregation, nor their Ministry (to them that please to use the same) nor no other of the said Congregation, in their bodies, lands, goods, or possessions, Pensions, or whatsoever other kind of goods they possess; nor yet suffer the Clergy, or any other, either Spiritual or Temporal Jurisdiction to trouble them in any manner of sort, privately or openly, for the cause of Religion, or any other action depending thereupon, to the said tenth day of January within written; and that every man in particular live in the mean time according to his own conscience.
Item, That no men of War, French nor Scots, be laid in daily Garrison within the Town of Edinburgh, but to repair thereto to do thsir lawful business, and thereafter to retire them to their Garrisons.
This alteration in words, and Order was made without knowledge and consent of those whose counsel we had used in all such causes before: For some of them perceiving we began to faint, and that we would appoint with unequal conditions, said, God hath wonderously assisted us in our greatest dangers: He hath stricken fear in the hearts of our enemies, when they supposed themselves most assured of Victory: Our case is not yet so desperate, that we need to grant to things unreasonable and ungodly; which if we do, it is to be feared, That things shall not so prosperously succeed as they have done heretofore.
When all things were communed and agreed upon by mid persons, the Duke, and the Earl of Huntlie, who that day were against us, desired to speak with the Earls of Argyle and Glencarne, the Lord James, and others of our party; who obeying their requests, met with them at the Quarrell holes betwixt Leith and Edinburgh, who in conclusion promised to our Lord's, That if the Queen brake to us any one jot of the Appointment then made, that they should declare themselves plain enemies to her, and friends to us. As much promised the Duke that he would do, in case that she would not remove her French-men at a reasonable day; for the oppression which they did was manifest to all men. This Appointment made and subscribed by the Duke, Monsieur Dosell and the Earl of Huntlie, the 25 of July, we returned to the Town of Edinburgh, where we remained till the next day at noon, when after Sermon, dinner, and Proclamation made at the Market Cross, in form as followeth, we departed.
Form of the Proclamations.
FORASMUCH as it hath pleased God that Appointment is made betwixt the Queen Regent and us the Lord's Protestants of this Realm; We have thought good to signify unto the chief Heads of the Appointment; which be these:
- First, That no member of the Congregation shall be troubled in life, lands, goods, or possessions by the Queen, by her Authority, nor by any other justice within this Realm, for anything done in this late Innovation, till that a Parliament hath decided things that be in controversy.
- Secondly, That Idolatry shall not be erected where it is now at this day suppressed.
- Thirdly, That the Preachers and Ministers shall not be troubled in the ministration, where they are already established, neither yet stopped to Preach wheresoever they shall happen to travel within this Realm.
- Fourthly, That no Bands of men of War shall be laid in Garrison within the Town of Edinburgh.
The chief Heads of appointment concerning the liberty of Religion, and conservation of our brethren, we thought good to notify unto you by this Proclamation; that in case wrong or injury be done by any of the contrary faction, to any member of our Body, complaint may be made unto us, to whom we promise, as we will answer to our God, our faithful support, to the uttermost of our powers.
At this Proclamation, made with sound of Trumpet, were offended all the Papists: for first they alleged, It was done in contempt of Authority. Secondarily, That we had proclaimed more then was contained in the Appointment. And last, That we in our Proclamation had made no mention of anything promised unto them. To such murmurs we answered, That no just Anthority could think itself contemned, because that the truth was by us made manifest unto all, who otherwise might have pretended ignorance. Secondly, That we had proclaimed nothing which was not finally agreed upon in word and promise betwixt us and those with whom the Appointment was made, whatsoever the Scribes had after written, who in very deed had altered both in words and sentences our Articles, as they were first conceived: And yet if their own writings were diligeutly examined, the self-same thing shall be found in substance. And last, To proclaim anything in their favors, we thought it not necessary, knowing that in that behalf they themselves would be diligent enough. And in this we were nothing deceived, for within fifteen days after, there was not a Shaveling in Scotland, to whom Tenths, or any other Rents pertaineth, but he had that Article of the Appointment by heart, That the Church-men should be answered of Tenths, Rents, and all other duties; and that no man should trouble or molest them. We departing from Edinburgh the 26 of July, came first to Linlithqow, and after to Sterlin, where after consultation, the Band of defense, and maintenance of Religion, and for mutual defense everyone of the other, was subscribed of all that were there present.
The tenor of the Bond was thus:
WE foreseeing the craft and sleight of our Adversaries, who try all manner of ways to circumvient us, and by privy means intend to assayle everyone of us particularly, by fair heights and promises, therethrough to separate one of us from another, to our utter ruin and destruction. For remedy thereof, we faithfully and truly bind us in the presence of God, and as we tender the maintenance of true Religion, That 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 with consent of the rest, or common consultation thereupon: and how soon that either Message or Writing should come from her unto us, with all diligence we shall notify the same one to another; so that nothing shall proceed therein without common consent of us all.
At Sterlin the first day of August, 1559.
This Band subscribed, and we foreseeing that the Queen and Bishops meant nothing but deceit, thought good to seek aid and support of all Christian Princes against her tyranny, in case we should be more sharply pursued. And because that England was of the same Religion, and lay next unto us, it was judged expedient first to prove them; which we did, by one or two Messengers, as hereafter, in its own place, shall be more amply declared. After we had abided certain days in Sterlin, the Earl of Argyle departed to Glasgow ; and because he was to depart to his own Country (with whom also passed the Lord James ) to pacify some trouble, which by the craft of the Queen was raised in his absence; he required the Earl of Glencarne, Lord Boyd, Lord Uchiltrie, and others of Kyle, to meet there, for some order to be taken that the brethren should not be oppressed; which with one consent they did, and appointed the tenth of September for the next convention at Sterlin.
While these things were in doing at Glasgow, Letters and a servant came from the Earl of Arran, to the Duke his father, signifying unto him, That by the providence of God he had escaped the French Kings hands, who most treasonably and most cruelly had sought his life, or at the least to have committed him to perpetual prison: For the same time the said French King, seeing he could not have the Earl himself, caused put his younger brother, a child of such age as could not offend, in strait prison, where he yet remained, to wit, in the Month of October, the year of our Lord 1559. Which things were done by the power and craft of the Queen Dowager, at the time that the Duke and his friends were most ready to set forth her cause. These Letters received, and the estate of her two sons known, of whom one was escaped, and the other cast in vile prison, the Duke desired communing with the said Earl of Argyle ; who partly against the will of some that loved him, rid unto the Duke from Glasgow to Hammilton, where abiding a night, he declared his judgment to the Duke, and to his friends, especially to Master Gawane Hammilton. The Duke required him and the Lord James to write their friendly and comfortable Letters to his son; which they most willingly did, and thereafter addressed them to their journey. But the very day of their departing, came one Boutancourt (from the Queen Regent with Letters, as was alleged) from the King and Queen of France, to the Lord James, which he delivered with a bragging countenance, and many threatening words: the Tenour of his Letter was this:
The King his Letter to the Lord James.
MY Cousin, I have greatly marvelled when I understood the troubles that are happened in these parts. And yet I more marvel, That ye, in whom I had whole confidence, and who has the Honor to be so near the Queen my wife, and has received from the late King my Father, from the Queen my wife, and from me such graces and favors that ye should be so forgetful, as to make yourself the Head, and one of the principal beginners and nourishers of the tumults and seditions that are seen there: The which because it is so strange to me, and so far against the profession that ye at all times have made, I cannot well believe it. But if it be so, I cannot think but ye have been enticed and led thereto by some persons, that have seduced you and caused you commit such a fault as I am assured you repent of already, which will be a great pleasure to me, to the effect I may lose a part of the occasion I have to be miscontent with you▪ as I will you to understand I am. Seeing you have so far deceived the esperance I had of you and your affection toward God, and the weal of our service, unto the which ye know, ye are as much and more obliged then any other of the Lord's there. For this cause, desiring that the matters may be duly amended, and knowing what ye can therein, I thought good on this manner to write unto you, and pray you to take heed to return to the good way, from which ye have declined, and cause me know the same by the effects, That you have another intention then this, which the follies by-past maketh me now to believe, doing all that ever ye can to reduce all things to their first estate, and put the same to the right and good obedience that you know to be due unto God and unto me. Otherwise ye may be well assured, that I will put to my hand, and that in good earnest, that you and all they who have done and do as ye do, shall feel (through your own fault) that which ye have deserved and merited. Even as I have given charge to this Gentle-man, present bearer, to make you know more largely of my part: for which cause I pray you credit him, even as ye would do myself. Praying God, my cousin, to have you in his holy and worthy protection.
Written at Paris the 17 day of July 1559.
The same Messenger brought also Letters from the Queen our Sovereign, more sharp and threatening then the former: For her conclusion was; Vous en sentires la poincture a iamais.
His credit was, That the King would spend the Crown of France, if that he were not revenged upon such seditious persons. That he would never have suspected such inobedience, and such defection from his own sister in him. To the which the said Lord James answered first by word, and then by writing, as followeth:
The Lord James his Letter to the King.
Sir,
MY most humble duty remembered, Your Majesty's Letters I received from Paris the 17 of July last, importing in effect, That your Majesty doth marvel that I being forgetful of the graces and favors shown me by the King of blessed memory, your Majesty's father, and the Queen my Sovereign, should declare myself head, and one of the principal beginners of these alleged Tumults and Seditions in these parts, deceiving thereby your Majesty's expectation in all times had of me, with assurance, That if I did not declare by contrary effects my repentance, I, with the rest that had put, or yet putteth hand to this Work, should receive that reward, which we had deserved and merited.
SIR, It grieves me very heavily that the crime of ingratitude should b • laid to my charge, by your Majesty; and the rather, Th • t 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 touching the repentance, and declaration of the same by certain effects, That your Majesty desires I show. My conscience persuades me in these proceedings to have done nothing against God, not the dutiful obedience towards your Majesty, and the Queen my Sovereign. Otherwise it should not have been to be repented and also amended already, accord • ng to your Majesty's expectation of me. But your Majesty being truly informed and persuaded, That the thing which we have done, maketh for the advancement of God's glory, without any manner of derogation to your Majesty's due obedience; We doubt not but your Majesty shall be well contented with our proceedings, which being grounded upon the commandment of the eternal God, we dare not leave the same unaccomplished, only wishing and desiring, your Majesty did know the same, and the truth thereof, as we were persuaded in our consciences, and all them that are truly instructed in the eternal Word of our God, upon whom we cast our care from all dangers that may follow the accomplishment of his eternal will, and to whom we commend your Majesty, beseeching him to illuminate your heart with the Gospel of his eternal Truth, to know your Majesty's duty towards your poor Subjects, God's chosen people, and what you ought to crave justly of them again: for then we should have no occasion to fear your Majesty's wrath and indignation, nor your Majesty's suspicion in our inobedience. The same God have your Majesty in his eternal saveguard.
At Dunbartane the 12 of August 1559.
This answer directed to the Queen our Sovereign, and Francis her husband, the Queen Dowager received, and was bold upon it, as she might well enough, for it was supposed, That the former Letters were forged here at home in Scotland. The answer read by her, she said, That so proud an answer was never given to King, Prince, nor Princesse. And yet indifferent men, thought that he might have answered more sharply, and not have transgressed modesty nor truth: For where they burden him with the great benefits which of them he had received, if in plain words he had purged himself; affirming, That the greatest benefit that ever he received of them, was to spend in their service, that which God by others had provided for him; no honest man would have accused him, and no man could have been able to have convinced him of a lie; But Princes must be pardoned to speak what they please.
For the comfort of the brethren, and continuance of the Church in Edinburgh, was left there our dear brother John Willock ▪ who for his faithful labors and bold courage in that battle, deserves immortal praise. For when it was found dangerous that John Knox, who before was elected Minister to the Church, should continue there: the brethren requested the said John Willock to abide with them, lest that for lack of Ministers, Idolatry should be erected up again. To the which he so gladly consented, That it might evidently appear, that he preferred the comfort of his brethren and the continuance of the Church there to his own life. One part of the French-men were appointed to lie in Garison at Leith, (that was the first benefit which they gate for their confederacy with them) the other part were appointed to lie in the Canon-gate, the Queen and her train abiding in the Abbey. Our brother John Willock the day after our departure preached in S. Giles Church, and fervently exhorted the brethren to stand constant to the Truth which they had professed. At this, and some other Sermons was the Duke, and divers other of the Queens faction. This liberty of Preaching, and resort of all people thereto did highly offend the Queen and the other Papists. And first they began to give terrors to the Duke, affirming, That he would be reputed as one of the Congregation, if he gave his presence to the Sermons. Thereafter they began to require, That Mass might be set up again in S. Giles Church, and that the people should be set at liberty to choose what Religion they would. For that said they was contained in the appointment, That the Town of Edinburgh should choose what Religion they listed. For obtaining hereof were sent to the Town the Duke, the Earl of Huntly, and the Lord Seaton, to solicit all men to condescend to the Queens mind, wherein the two last did labor what they could, the Duke not so, but as a beholder, of whom the brethren had good hope, and after many persuasions and threatenings made by the said Earl and Lord, the brethren stoutly and valiantly in the Lord Jesus, gain-said their most unjust Petitions. Reasoning, That as in conscience they might not suffer Idolatry to be erected, where Christ Jesus was truly Preached; so could not the Queen nor they require any such thing, unless she and they would plainly violate their Faith, and chief Article of the appointment. For it is plainly appointed, That no member of the Congregation shall be molested in anything; That at the day of the appointment they peaceably possessed. But so it was, That we the brethren and Protestants of the Town of Edinburgh, with our Ministers the day of the appointment, did peaceably enjoy Saint Giles Church, appointed us for Preaching of Christ's true Gospel, and right ministration of his holy Sacraments. Therefore without manifest violation of the appointment, you cannot remove us therefrom, until a Parliament have decided the Controversy. This answer given, the whole brethren departed, and left the foresaid Earl, and Lord Seaton, then Provost of Edinburgh, still in the Tolbuith. Who perceiving that they could not prevail in that manner, began to entreat that they would be quiet, and that they would so far condescend to the Queens-pleasure, as that they would choose them another within the Town, or at the least be content that Mass should be said, either after or before their Sermon. To the which, answer was given; That to give place to the devil (who was the chief Inventer of the Mass) for the pleasure of any creature, they could not. They were in possession of that Church which they could not abandon, neither yet could they suffer Idolatry to be erected in the same, unless by violence they should be constrained so to do. And then they were determined to seek the next remedy. Which answer received, the Earl of Huntly did lovingly entreat them to quietness, faithfully promising, That in no sort they should be molested, so that they would be quiet, and make no farther uproar. To the which they were most willing, for they sought only to serve God, as he had commanded, and to keep their possession, according to the appointment: which by God's grace they did, till the month of November, notwithstanding the great boasting of the enemy. For they did not only convene to the Preaching, daily suppl • cations and administration of Baptism, but also the Lord's Table was ministered, even in the eyes of the very enemy, to the great comfort of many afflicted consciences, and as God did strongly work with his true Ministers, and with his troubled Church: so did not the devil cease to inflame the malice of the Queen, and of the Papists with her. For that after her coming to the Abbey of Halyrud-house, she caused Mass to be said first in her own Chapel, and after in the Abbey where the Altars before were cast down. She discharged the Common-Prayers, and forbade to give any portion to such as were the principal young men who read them. Her malice extended in like manner to Cambu • kenneth, for there she discharged the portions of as many of the Canons as had forsaken Papistry: She gave commandment and inhibition, that the Abbot of Lyndors should be answered of any part of his living in the North, because he had submitted himself to the Congregation, and had put some Reformation to his place: By her consent and procurement was the Preachers Chair broken in the Church of Leith, and Idolatry was erected in the same, where it was before suppressed. Her French Captains, with their Soldiers in great companies, in time of Preaching and Prayers resorted to Saint Giles Church in Edinburgh, and made their common deambulation therein with such loud talking, as no perfect audience could be had. And although the Minister was there-through oft times compelled to cry out on them, Praying to God to rid them of such Locusts, they nevertheless continued still in their wicked purpose devised and ordained by the Queen, to have drawn our brethren of Edinburgh and them in cumber, so that she might have had any coloured occasion to have broken the League with them. Yet by God's grace they behaved themselves so that she could find no fault in them, albeit in all these things before-named, and in everyone of them she is justly accounted to have gain-said the said appointment. We pass over the oppressing of our brethren in particular, which had been sufficient to have proved the appointment to have been plainly violated. For the Lord Seaton, without any occasion offered unto him, brake a chase upon Alexander Whitlam, as he came from Preston, accompanied with M. William Knox, towards Edinburgh, and ceased not to pursue him, till he came to the Town of Ormeston. And this he did, supposing that the said Alexander had been John Knox. In all this mean time, and while that moe French-men arrived, they are not able to prove that we brake the appointment in any jot, except that a horned Cap was taken off a proud Priests head, and cut in four quarters, because he said, He would wear it in despite of the Congregation. In this mean time, the Queen, then Regent, knowing assuredly what force was shortly to come unto her, ceased not, by all means possible to cloke the in-coming of the French, and to inflame the hearts of our Country-men against us. And for that purpose she first wrote unto Duke Hamilton, in form, as followeth.
The Queen Regents false flattering Letter to Duke Hamilton.
MY Lord and Cousin, after hearty commendations, We are informed that the Lord's of the West-land Congregation intend to make a Convention and assembly of your kin and friends upon Gowan Moore, besides Glasgow, on Monday come eight days, the 28 day of August instant, for some high purpose against us, which we can scantly believe, considering they have no occasion on Our part so to do. And albeit we know the Appointment was made against and without Our advise, yet we accepted the same at your desire, and have since made no cause, whereby they might be moved to come in the contrary thereof. Like as we are yet minded to keep firm and stable all things promised by you in Our behalf. We think on the other part, it is your duty to require them, that they violate not their part thereof in no wise. And in case they mean any evil towards Us, and so will break their promise, We believe ye will at the uttermost of your power convene with us, and compel them to do that thing which they ought, if they will not; praying you to have yourself, your kin and friends, in readiness to come to us, as ye shall be advertised by Proclamation, in case the Congregation assemble themselves for any purpose against Us, or the Tenour of the said Appointment: Assuring you, without they gather, and give first occasion, We shall not put you to any pains in that behalf. And that you advertise Us by writ what we may trust to herein by this Bearer, who will show you the fervent mind we bear to have good concord with the said Congregation, what offers We have made them, and how desirous we are to draw them to the obedience of Our Sovereigns Authority, to whom you shall give credit: and God keep you.
At Edinburgh the tenth of August, 1559.
The like Letter she wrote to every Lord, Baron, and Gentleman, of this Tenour.
The Queen Regents Letter to the Barons.
TRusty friend, after hearty commendations, We doubt not but you have heard of the Appointment made beside Leith, betwixt the Duke, the Earl of Huntlie, and Monsieur Dosell, on the one part; And the Lord's of the Congregation, on the other part: Which Appointment We have approved in all points, albeit it was taken without Our advise, and is minded to observe and keep all the contents thereof for Our part. Nevertheless, as We are informed, the Lord's of the Congregation intend shortly to convene all such persons as will assist them, for enterprising of some high purpose against Us, Our Authority, and Tenour of the said Appointment; which we cannot believe, seeing they neither have, nor shall have any occasion given thereto on Our part. But in case against all reason they should mean any such thing, We have thought it good to give warning to Our special friends of the advertisement We have gotten; and amongst the rest, to you, whom We esteem of that number, praying you to have yourself, your kin and folks in readiness to come to Us, and so forth, as in the other Letter above sent to the Duke, word by word.
After that by these Letters, and by the decitfull surmising of her soliciters, she had somewhat stirred up the hearts of the people against us, then she began openly to complain, That we were of mind to invade her Person, That we would keep no part of the Appointment, and therefore she was compelled to crave assistance of all men, against our unjust pursuit. And this practice she used, as before is said, to abuse the simplicity of the people, that they should not suddenly espy for what purpose she brought in her new bands of men of War, who did arrive about the midst of August, to the number of 1000 men: The rest were appointed to come after with Monsieur de la Brosse, and with the Bishop of Ammians, who arrived the nineteenth day of September following, as if they had been Ambassadors: But what was their Negotiation, the effect did declare, and they themselves could not long conceal; for by both tongue and pen they uttered, That they were sent for the extermination of all those that would not profess the Papist call Religion in all points. The Queens practice and craft could not blind the eyes of all men, neither yet could her subtlety hide her own shame, but that many did espy her deceit; and some spared not to speak their judgments liberally, who foreseeing the danger, gave advertisement, requiring that provision might be found, before that the evil should exceed our wisdom and strength to put fit remedy to it: For prudent men foresaw, That she pretended a plain conquest; but to the end that the people should not suddenly stir, she would not bring in her full force at once (as before is said) but by continual traffic purposed to augment her Army, so that in the end we should not be able to resist. But the greatest part of the Nobility, and many of the people, were so enchanted by her treasonable soliciters, that they would not hear nor credit the truth plainly spoken. The French then after the arriving of their new men, began to brag: then began they to divide the Lands and Lordships according to their own fantasies; for one was styled, Monsieur de Argyle ; another, Monsieur le Prior ; the third Monsieur de Ruthwen ; y • a, they were assured, in their own opinion, to possess whatsoever they listed; so that some asked for the Rentalls and Revenues of divers men's lands, to the end that they might choose the best: And yet in this mean time she was not ashamed to set out a Proclamation in this form:
A Proclamation set forth by the Queen Regent, to blind the vulgar People.
FOrasmuch as We understand that certain seditious persons have of malice invented and blown abroad divers rumors and evil brutes, intending thereby to stir up the hearts of the people, and so to stop all manner of reconciliations betwixt us and our subjects being of the number of the Congregation, and consequently to kindle and nourish a continual strife and division within this Realm, to the manifest subversion of the whole State thereof; And amongst other purposes, have maliciously devised for that effect, and have persuaded too many, That We have violated the Appointment lately taken, in so far as anymore French men since came in, and that we do mind to draw in great Forces of men of War forth of France, to suppress the Liberty of this Realm, oppress the inhabitants thereof, and make up strangers with their lands & goods. Which reports are all (God knoweth) most vain, feigned, and untrue: For it is of truth, That nothing hath been done on our part since the said Appointment, whereby it may be alleged that any part thereof contravened; nor yet was at that time anything commoved or concluded to stop the sending in of French-men, as may clearly appear by inspection of the said Appointment, which the Bearer hereof hath present to show. Whatsoever number of men of War be arrived, We have such regard to Our honor, and quietness of this Realm, that in case in the room of every French-man that is in Scotland, there were an hundred at our command, yet should not for that any jot that is p • omised be broken, or any alteration made by our provocation, but the said Proclamation truly and surely should be observed in every point. If the said Congregation will in like manner faithfully keep their part thereof: Nor yet mean we to trouble any man in the peaceable possession of their goods, & rooms: Nor yet to enrich the Crown, and far less any strangers, with your substance; for Our dearest son and daughter the King and Queen, are by God's provision placed in the room where all men of judgment may well consider they have no need of any man's goods. And for Our Self, we seeking nothing but dutiful obedience unto them, such as good subjects ought to give to their Sovereign, without diminution of your liberties and privileges, or alteration of your Laws. Therefore We have thought good to notify unto you Our good mind foresaid, and desire you not to give ear nor credit to such vain imaginations, whereof, before God, no part entered in our conceit, nor suffer yourselves be thereby led from your due obedience, assuring you, ye shall ever find with Us truth in promise, and a motherly love towards all you, behaving yourselves as Our obedient subjects. But of one thing We give you warning, That whereas some Preachers of the Congregation in their public Sermons speak irreverently and slanderously, as well of Princes in general, as of Our Self in particular, and of the obedience of higher Powers, inducing the people by that part of their Doctrine, to defection from their duty; which pertaineth nothing to Religion, but rather sedition and tumult, things direct quite contrary to Religion. Therefore We desire you to take order in your Towns and bounds, that when the Preachers repair thither, they use themselves more modestly in these behalfs, and in their Preaching not to meddle so much with Civil Policy, and Public Government, nor yet name Us, or other Princes, but with reverence, otherwise it will not be suffered. And seeing you have presently the Declaration of Our Intention, We desire likewise to know what shall be your part to Us, that We may understand what to trust for at your hands, whereof we desire a plain Declaration in writing with this Bearer, without delay.
At Edinburgh the 28 of August, 1559.
This Proclamation she sent by her Messengers thorough all the Country, and had her solicitors in all parts, who painfully travelled to bring men to her opinion; amongst whom these were the principal; Sir John Ballenden, Justice Clerke, Master James Balfour, Officiall of Lowthian ; Master Thomas and Master William Scots, sons to the Laird of Balwerie ; Sir Robert Carnegie, and Master Gaw • n Hammilton, who fo • fainting of the brethren's hearts, and drawing many to the Queens fa • tion against their native Country, have declared themselves enemies to God, and Traitors to the Common-weal: But above all others▪ Master James Balfour, Official for the time, ought to be abhorred; for he of an old professor, is become a new denier of Christ Jesus, and manifest blasphemer of his eternal Verity, against his knowledge and conscience, seeking to betray his brethren and native Country into the hands of a cruel and unfaithful Nation. The answer to this former Proclamation was made in form as followeth.
To the Nobility, Burgess, and Commonty of this Realm of Scotland, the Lord's, Barons, and others Brethren of the Congregation, wisheth increase of all wisdom; with advancement of the glory of God, and of the Common-wealth.
THe love of our native Country craveth, the defense of our honors requireth, and the sincerity of our consciences compelleth us (dear brethren) to answer in some part to the last Writs and Proclamations set forth by the Q Regent, no less to make us and our Cause odious, then to abuse your simplicity, and to work your final destruction, conspired of old, and now already put to work. And first, where she allegeth, That certain seditious persons have of malice invented and blown abroad divers rumors, tending thereby (as she allegeth) to stir up the hearts of the people to sedition, by reason that the French-men are crept in of late in our Country. True it is (dear brethren) that all such as bear natural love to their Country, to you their brethren inhabitants thereof, to our houses, wives, children, the esperance of our posterity; and to be short, To our Common-wealth, and to the ancient Laws and Liberties thereof, cannot but in heart lament, and with mouth & tears complain, the most crafty assaults devised and practiced, to the utter ruin of all these things forenamed. This is so manifestly gone to work, that even in our eyes, our dear brethren, true members of our Common-wealth, are most cruelly oppressed by strangers; in so far, as some are banished their own houses, some robbed and spoiled of their substance purchased by their just labors in the sweat of their brows, some cruelly murdered at the pleasure of these inhumane soldiers, and altogether have their lives in such fear and dread, as if the enemy were in the midst of them; so that nothing can seem pleasant unto them which they possess in the bowels of their native Country; so near judged every man (and not without just cause) the practice used upon their brethren, to approach next unto them, their wives, children's, houses, and substances, which altogether are cast at the feet of strangers men of War, to be by them thus abused at their unbridled lusts desire. Now if it be sedition (dear brethren) to complain, lament, and pour forth before God the sorrows and sobs of our dolorous hearts, crying to him for redress of those enormities (which elsewhere is to be found) which altogether do proceed of the unlawful holding of strange Soldiers over the heads of our brethren. If this to complain be sedition, then indeed (dear brethren) can none of us be purged of that crime; for as in very heart we condemn such inhumane cruelty, with the wicked and crafty pretence thereof, so can we not, nor dare we, neither by mouths speaking, nor yet by keeping silence, justify the same. Neither do we here aggravate the breaking of the Appointment made at Leith (which always hath manifestly been done) but herein we remember what oath we have made to our Common-wealth, and how the duty we ought to the same compelleth us to cry out, That the Queen by wicked and ungodly counsel goeth most craftily about utterly to oppress the same, and the ancient Laws and Liberties thereof: As well against the King of France his promise, her own duty, in respect of the high promotions that she hath received thereby: which justly should have caused her to have been in deed, that which she would be called (and is nothing less in verity) to wit, a careful mother over this Common-wealth. But what motherly care she hath used towards you, ye cannot be ignorant of. Have ye not been, even from the first entry of her Reign, ever smitten and oppressed with unaccustomed and more exorbitant Taxations then ever were used within this Realm? Yea, and how far was it sought here to have been brought in upon you and your posterity, under color to have been laid up in store for the wars. The inquisition taken of all your goods, moveable and immovable by way of Testament, the seeking of the whole C • ale and Salt of this Realm to have been laid up in store, and in garnell, and she alone to have been Merchant thereof doth teach you by experience some of her motherly care. Again, What favor to our Common-wealth doth she at this instant bear, when even now presently, and of a long time by-gone, by the Ministry of some (who better deserve the Gallows then ever did Cochran ) she doth so corrupt the good money, and hath brought it to such business, and such a deal of strife, that all men that had their eyes open may perceive an extreme beggary to be brought there-through upon the whole Realm. So that the whole exchange and traffic to be had with Forraigne nations (a thing most necessary in all Common-wealths) shall thereby be utterly extinguished, and all the gains received thereby is, That she therewith entertaineth strangers upon our heads. For brethren, you know that her money hath served for no other purpose in our Common-wealth this long time bygone. And the impunity of those wicked Ministers (whom lately we spake of) hath brought the matter to such a licentious enormity and plain contempt of the Common-weal, that now they spare not plainly to break down and convert the good and weighty money Coined in our Sovereigns lesser age into this their corrupted skruife and baggages of Hard-heads and Non-sunts, most like as she and they had conspired to destroy all the whole good Coine of this Realm; and consequently that part of the Common-weal. Besides all this, their clipped and r • nged Sols which had no passage these three years past in the Realm of France are commanded to have course in this Realm, to gratify thereby her new-come Soldiers, and all these things together are done without the advice or consent of the Nobility and Counsel of thi • Realm; and manifestly there-through against our ancient Laws and Liberties. Thirdly, her last and most weighty proceeding, more fully declareth the motherly care her Majesty beareth to our Common-weal and us, when in time of Peace, without any occasion of Forraigne Wars, thousands of Strangers are laid here and there upon the necks of our poor members of this Common-weal. Their idle bellies fed upon the poor substance of the Commonaltie conquest by their just labors in the painful sweat of their brows, which to be true, Dumbar, North-Barwick, Travent, Pres • on, Panes, Missilburgh, Leith, Cannongat, Kinghorne, Kirkcaldie, Disert, with the depauperate souls that this day dwell therein can testify. Whose oppression as doubtless it is entered in before the Justice-seat of God, so ought it justly to move our hearts to have pity and compassion upon these our poor brethren, and at our powers to provide remedy for the same. And albeit her strangers had been garnished with money (as you know well they were not) yet can there here lying be no ways but most hurtful to our Common-wealth, seeing that the fertility of this Realm had never been so plentiful that it was able of any continuance to sustain it self and inhabitants thereof, without support of Forraigne Countries, far less able besides the same to sustain thousands of strangers wherewith it is burdened, to the dearthing of all victuals, as the murmur and complaint of Edinburgh this day doth testify. But to what effect the Common-weal is thus burdened, the end doth declare. For shortly were they brought to the fields against our Sovereigns true Lieges, even us your brethren, who (God knoweth) sought nothing else but peace of conscience, under protection of our Sovereign, and Reformation of these enormities, for no other cause but that we would not renounce the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and subdue our necks under the tyranny of that wicked Man of sin, the Roman Antichrist and his forsworn Shavelings, who at that time most tyrannically oppressed our souls with hunger of God's true Word, and rest our goods and substances, to waste the same upon their foul lusts and stinking harlots. But (O dear brethren) this was not the chief pretence and final scope of her proceedings (as these days do well declare) for had not God given in our hearts to withstand that oppression, with weapons of most just defense, thou, O Saint Johnston and Dundie, had been in no better state then your sister of Leith is this day. For though we in very deed (God is witness) meant then nothing, but in the simplicity of our hearts, the maintenance of true Religion, and safety of our brethren, Professors of the same, yet lay there another serpent lurking in the breast of our adversaries, as this day (praise to God) is plainly opened to all that list to behold, to wit, To bring you and us both under the perpetual servitude of strangers. For we being appointed, as ye know, touching Religion to be reasoned with all in the Council, at the day affixed, and no occasion made to break the same on our side (as is well known) yet come there forth writings and complaints, That this day and that day we were prepared to invade the Queens person (when in very truth there was never such thing thought, as the very deed hath declared.) But because she was before deliberate to bring in French-men to both our destructions, that you should not stir therewith, she made you to understand, That those Bands came only for safety of her own person. O craft, brethren! O subtlety! But behold the end: They are come (yet not so many, no not the sixth part that she desired and looked for) and how, not only with weapons to defend her person, but with wives and children to plant in your native rooms, as they have already begun in the Town of Leith, the principal Port and Staple of this Realm. The gernall and furniture of the Council, and seat of Justice. And here will they dwell, till they may reinforce themselves with greater number of their fellow-Soldiers, to subdue then the rest, if God withstand not. And yet her Majesty feared nor shamed not to write, if they were a hundred French-men for everyone of them that is in Scotland, yet they should harm no man. Tell thou now Leith if that be true; If this be not a crafty entry to a manifest conquest fore-thought of old, judge you dear brethren: Thus to fortify our Towns, and even the principal Port of our Realm, and to lay so strong Garrisons of strangers therein, not only without any consent of the Nobility and Council of this Realm, but also express against their mind (as our Writ sent to her Majesty beareth record) if this be not to oppress the ancient Laws and Liberties of our Realm, let all wise men say to it. And further, to take the Barn-yards new gathered, the Gernalls replenished, and to sit down therein, and by force to put the just possessors and ancient inhabitants there-from, with their wives, children, and servants to shift for themselves in begging, if they have no other means, they being true Scottish-men, members of our Common-wealth, and our dear brethren and sisters, borne, fostred, and brought up in the bowels of our common and native Country, if this be not the manifest declaration of their old pretence, and mind towards the whole Scottish Nation; let your own conscience (brethren) be judge herein. Was all Leith of the Congregation? No, I think not, yet were all alike served. Let this motherly care then be tried by the fruits thereof: First, by the great and exorbitant Taxations used upon you, and yet ten times greater pressed at, as ye know. Secondly, the utter depravation of our Coine, to purchase thereby money to entertain strangers, French Soldiers upon you, and to make them strong holds, lest you should sometime expel them out of your native rooms. Thirdly, by the daily re-enforcing of the said French Soldiers in strength and number, with wives and children, planting in your brethren's houses and possessions. Indeed her Majesty is, and hath been at all times careful to procure by her craft of fair words, of fair promises, and sometimes of buds to allure your simplicity to that point, to join yourselves to her Soldiers, to daunt and oppress us, that you the remnant (we being cut off) may be an easy prey to her sleights: Which God of his infinite goodness hath now discovered to the eyes of all that list to behold. But credit the works (dear brethren) if ye will not credit us, and lay the example of Forreign nations, yea, even of our brethren, before your eyes, and procure not your own ruin willingly. If you tender true Religion, you see how her Majesty beareth her self plain enemy thereto, and maintaineth the tyranny of those idle bellies the Bishops, against God's Church: If Religion be not persuaded unto you, yet cast you not away the care you ought to have over your Common-wealth, which you see manifestly and violently ruined before your eyes: If this will not move you, remember your dear wives, children and posterity, your ancient heritages and houses, and think well these strangers will regard no more your right thereunto, then they have done your brethren of Leith, when ever occasion shall serve. But if you purpose (as we doubt not but that all those that either have wit or manhood will declare and prove indeed) to brook your ancient rooms and heritages, conquered most valiantly, and defended by your most noble Progenitors, against all strangers, invaders of the same, as the French pretendeth plainly this day, if ye will not be slaves unto them, and to have your lives, your wives, your children, your substance, and whatsoever is dear unto you cast at their feet, to be used and abused at the pleasure of strange Soldiers, as you see your brethren's at this day before your eyes. If you will not have experience some day hereof in your own persons (as we suppose the least of you all would not gladly have, but rather would choose with honor to die in defense of his own native room, then live and serve so shameful a servitude) then brethren let us join our forces, and both with wit and manhood resist their beginnings, or else our liberties hereafter shall be dearer bought. Let us surely be persuaded, when our neighbors houses be on fire, that we dwell not without danger. Let no man withdraw himself herefrom, and if any will be so unhappy and mischievous (as we suppose none to be) let us altogether repute, hold and use him (as he is in deed) for an enemy to us, and to himself, and to his Common-weal. The eternal and omnipotent God, the true and only revenger of the oppressed, be our comfort and Protectour against the fury and rage of the Tyrants of this world: And especially from the insatiable covetousness of the Cardinal of Guyse, and the Hamiltons. Amen.
Besides this our public Letter, some men answered certain heads of the Queens said Proclamation on this manner.
If it be sedition to speak the truth in all sobriety, and to complain, when they are wounded, or to call for help against unjust tyranny before that their throats be cut, then can we not deny, but we are criminal and guilty of tumult and sedition. For we have said, That our Common-weal is oppressed, that we and our brethren are hurt by the tyranny of strangers, and that we fear bondage and slavery, seeing that multitudes of cruel murderers are daily brought into our Country without our counsel, knowledge, and consent. We dispute not so much whether the bringing in of moe French-men be violating of the appointment (which the Queen and her faction cannot deny to be manifestly broken by them in moe causes then one) as that we would know, if that the heaping of strangers upon strangers, above us, without our counsel or consent, be a thing that may stand with the Liberty of our Realm, and with the profit of our Common-wealth. It is not unknown to all men of judgment, That the fruits of our Country, in the most common years, be no more then sufficient reasonable to nourish the born inhabitants of the same. But now seeing we have been vexed with wars, taken upon us at the pleasure of France, by the which the most fruitful portion of our Country in Corn hath been wasted. What man is so blind, but that he may see, That such bands of ungodly and idle Soldiers can be nothing else but an occasion to famish our poor brethren. And in this point we refuse not (which is the chief) the judgment of all natural Scottish-men. The Queen Regent alleged, That although there was an hundred French-men for one that is in Scotland, yet she is not minded to trouble any unjust possession. Whereto we answer, That we dispute not what she intended (which nevertheless by probable conjectures it is to be suspected) but always we affirm, that such a multitude of French-men is a burden not only unprofitable, but also intolerable to this poor Realm; especially being treated as they are by her and Monsieur Dosell: For if their wages be paid out of France, then are they both (the Queen, we say, and Monsieur Dosell ) traitors to the King and Counsel; for the poor Commons of this Realm have sustained them with the sweat of their brows, since the contracting of the Peace, and somewhat before.
What motherly affection she hath declared to this Realm, and to the inhabitants of the same, her works have evidently declared, even since the first hour that she hath borne Authority. And albeit men will not this day see what danger hangs over our heads, yet fear we that ere it be long, experience shall teach some, that we have not feared without cause. The cruel murder and oppression used by those whom now she fostereth, is to us a sufficient argument what is to be looked for when her number is so multiplied, that our force shall not be able to gainstand their tyranny. Where she complaineth of our Preachers, affirming that unreverently they speak of Princes in general, and of her in particular, inducing the people thereby to defection from their duty, &c. And therefore that such a thing cannot be suffered. Because this occasion is laid against God's true Ministers, we cannot but witness what course and order of Doctrine they have kept, and yet keep in that point.
In public prayers they recommend to God all Princes in general, and the Magistrates of this our native Realm in particular. In open audience they declare the Authority of Princes and Magistrates to be of God, and therefore they affirm that they ought to be honored, feared, and obeyed, even for conscience sake; provided that they command nor require nothing expressly repugning to God's Commandment and plain Will revealed in his holy Word. Moreover, they affirm, That if wicked persons abusing the Authority established by God, move Princes to command things manifestly wicked, That such as can and do bridle those inordinate appetites of misled Princes, cannot be accused as resistaries of the Authority, which is God's good Ordinance. To bridle the rage and fury of misled Princes in free Kingdoms and Realms, they affirm it appertaineth to the Nobility, sworn and borne Counselors of the same, and also to the Barons and people, whose votes and consents are to be required in all great and weighty matters of the Common-wealth; which if they do not, they declare themselves criminal with their misled Princes, and so subject to the same vengeance of God, which they deserve, for that they pollute the seat of Justice, and do as it were make God author of Iniquity. They proclaim and cry, That the same God who plagued Pharaoh, repulsed Sennacherib, struck Herod with worms, and made the bellies of dogs the grave and sepulcher of the spiteful Jesabell, will not spare misled Princes, who authorize the murderers of Christ's members in this our time. On this manner they speak of Princes in general, and of your Majesty in particular. This only we have heard one of our Preachers say, rebuking the vain excuses of such as flatter themselves by reason of Authority; Many nowadays (said he) will have no other Religion nor faith, then the Queen and Authority had: But is it not possible that the Queen be so far blinded, that she will have no Religion, nor no other faith, then may content the Cardinal of Loraine? And may it not likewise be true that the Cardinal is so corrupt, that he will admit no Religion which doth not establish the Pope in his kingdom? But plain it is, That the Pope is Lieutenant to Satan, and enemy to Christ Jesus, and to his perfect Religion. Let men therefore consider what danger they stand in, if their salvation shall depend upon the Queens faith and Religion. Further, we never heard any of our Preachers speak of the Queen Regent, neither publicly nor privately. Where her Majesty declareth, It will not be suffered that our Prerchers meddle with Policy, or speak of her, or of other Princes, but with reverence: we answer, That as we will justify and defend nothing in our Preachers which we find not God to have justified and allowed in his Messengers before them; so we dare not forbid them openly to reprehend that which the Spirit of God, speaking in the Prophets and Apostles, hath reprehended before them. Helias did personally reprove Ahab and Jesabell of idolatry, of avarice, of murder, and such like: Isaiah the Prophet called the Magistrates of Jerusalem in his time, companions to thieves, Princes of Sodom, bribe-takers, and murderers; he complained that their silver was turned into dross, That their wine was mingled with water, and that Justice was bought and sold. Jeremiah saith, That the bones of King Jehoiakim should wither with the Sun. Christ Jesus called Herod a Fox; and Paul calleth the high Priest a painted wall, and prayeth unto God that he should strike him, because that against justice he commanded him to be smitten. Now if the like (and greater) corruptions be in the world this day, Who dare enterprise to put to silence the Spirit of God, which will not be subject to the appetites of misled Princes.
We have said before, That the tenth of September was appointed for a convention to be holden at Sterlin, to the which repaired the most part of the Lord's of the Congregation. At that same time arrived the Earl of Arran, who after he had saluted his father, came with the Earl of Argyle and Lord James to Sterlin, to the said convention; in which divers godly men complained of the tyranny used against their brethren. And especially that more French-men were brought in to oppress their Country. After the consultation of certain days, the principal Lord's with my Lord Arran, and the Earl of Argyle past to Hammilton for consultation to be taken with the Duke. And in this mean time came assured word that the French-men had begun to fortify Leith ; which thing, as it did more evidently discover the Queens craft, so did it deeply grieve the hearts of all the Nobility there, who with one consent agreed to write unto the Queen in form as followeth.
we are credibly informed that your Army of French-men should instantly begin to plant in Leith, and to fortify the same, of mind to expel the ancient inhabitants thereof, our brethren of the Congregation, whereof we marvel not a little, that your Majesty should so manifestly break the Appointment made at Leith, without any provocation made by us and our brethren. And seeing the same is done without any manner of consent of the Nobility and counsel of this Realm, we esteem the same not only oppression of our poor brethren, and in-dwellers of the said Town, but also very prejudicial to the Common-wealth, and plain contrary to our ancient Laws and Liberties. We therefore desire your Majesty to cause the same work enterprised to be stayed, and not to attempt so rashly and so manifestly against your Majesty's promise, against the Common-wealth, • he ancient Laws and Liberties thereof (which things, besides the glory of God, are most dear and tender to us, and only our pretence) otherwise assuring your Majesty, we will complain to the whole Nobility and Commonalty of this Realm, and most earnestly seek for redress thereof. And thus recommending our humble service unto your Highness, whom we commit to the Eternal Protection of God, expecting earnestly your answer.
At Hammilton the day and year aforesaid:
By your Majesty's humble and obedient servitours.
This Letter was subscribed with the hands of the Duke, the Earls of Arran, Argyle, Glencarne, and Menteth ; by the Lord's Ruthwen Uchiltrie, Boyd, and by divers others Barons and Gentlemen. To this request she would not answer by wret, but with a Letter of credit she sent Sir Robert Carnegie, and Master Danid Borthwike, two, whom amongst many others, she abused, and by whom she corrupted the hearts of the simple. They travelled with the Duke, to bring him again to the Queens Faction: Labrosse and the Bishop of Amians were shortly before arrived, and, as it was bruted, were directed as Ambassadors, but they kept close their whole Commission; they only made large promises to them that would be theirs, and leave the Congregation. The Queen did grievously complain, That we had intelligence with England, and the conclusion of their Commission was to solicit the Duke to put in all in the Queens Will, and then she would be gracious enough. It was answered, That no honest men durst commit themselves to the mercy of such throat-cutters as she had about her; whom if she would remove, and join to her a Council of natural Scottish-men, permitting the Religion to have free passage, then should none in Scotland be more willing to serve her Majesty then should the Lord's and Brethren of the Congregation be. At the same time the Duke and the Lord's wrote to my Lord Erskin, Captain of the Castle of Edinburgh, in form as followeth.
Letter to the Lord Erskin.
MY Lord and Cousin, after our hearty commendations, this present is to advertise you, That we are credibly informed that the Army of French-men now in this Realm, without any advice of the Council or Nobility, are fortifying, or else shortly intendeth to fortify the Town of Leith, and expel the ancient inhabitants thereof, whereby they proclaim to all that will open their ears to hear, or eyes to see, what is their pretence. And seeing the faithfulness of your antecessors, and especially of your Father of honorable memory, who was so recommended and dear to the Estates and Counselors of this Realm, through affection they perceived in him towards the Common-wealth thereof, that they doubted not to give in his keeping the key, as it were, of the Council, of the Justice and Policy of this Realm, the Castles of Edinburgh and Sterlin, we cannot but believe ye will rather augment the honorable favor of your House by steadfast favor and loyalty to our Common wealth, then through the subtle persuasions of some (which care not what after shall come to you and your House, at the present would abuse you to the performance of their wicked enterprises and pretences against our Common-wealth) utterly destroy the same. And herefore seeing we have written to the Queen to desist from the enterprise, otherwise that we will complain to the Nobility and Commonalty of the Realm, and seek redress thereof; We likewise beseech you as our tender friend, brother and member of the same Common-wealth with us▪ that in no wise you meddle with, or assent to that ungodly enterprise against the Common-wealth: And likewise that ye would save your body, and the jewels of this Country, committed to yours and your predecessors loyalty and fidelity towards your native Country and Common-wealth, if ye thinki to be reputed, hereafter one of the same: And that ye would rather be brother to us then to strangers; for we do gather by the effects, the secrets of men's hearts, otherwise unsearchable unto us. Thus we write, not that we are in doubt of you, but rather to warn you of the danger, in case ye suffer yourself to be enchanted with fair promises, and crafty Counselors: For let no man flatter himself; we desire all men to know; That though he were our father (seeing God hath opened our eyes to see his Will) if he be enemy to the Common wealth, which is now assailed, and we with it, and all true members thereof, he shall be known, and as he is indeed enemy to us, to our lives, our houses, babes, heritages, and whatsoever is contained within the same: For as the Ship perishing, What can be safe that is within? So the Common wealth being betrayed, What particular member can live in quietness. And therefore in so far as the said Castles are committed to your credit, we desire you to show your faithfulness and stoutness, as ye tender us, and whatsoever appertaineth to us. And seeing we are assured ye will be assailed both with craft and force, as now by warning we help you against the first, so against the last ye shall not miss in all possible haste to have our assistance, only to show yourself a man. Save your person by wisdom, strengthen yourself against force: And the Almighty God assist you in both, that one aid the other, and open the eyes of your understanding to see and perceive the craft of Satan and his supposts.
At Hamilton the 29 day of September, 1559.
By your Brethren.
The Duke and Lord's understanding that the Fortifications of Leith proceeded, appointed their whole Forces to convene at Sterlin the 15 day of Octob. that from thence they might march forward to Edinburgh, for the redress of the greatest enormities which the French did to the whole Country, which by them was so oppressed, that the life of all honest men was bitter unto them. In this mean time the Lord's directed their Letters to divers parts of the Country, making mention what danger did hang over all men, if the French should be suffered to plant in this Country at their pleasure. They made mention farther, How humbly they had besought the Queen Regent, That she would send away to France her French-men, who were a burden unprofitable and grievous to this Common-wealth, and how that she notwithstanding did daily augment their number, bringing wives and children, a plain declaration of a plain conquest.
The Queen Regent perceiving that her craft began to be espied, by all means possible travelled to blind the people; And first she sent forth her pestilent Post forenamed, in all parts of the Country, to persuade all men, that she offereth all things reasonable to the Congregation; and that they refusing all reason, pretended no Religion, but a plain revolt from Authority. She tempted every man, in particular, as well those that were of the Congregation, as those that were neutralls. She assaulted every man as she thought most easily he might have been overcome. To the Lord Ruthuen she sent the Justice Clerk, and his wife who is daughter to the wife of the said Lord, what was their Commission and credit, is no further known, then the said Lord hath confessed, which is, That large promise of profit was promised, if he would leave the Congregation, and be the Queens. To Lord James, Prior of Saint Andrew's, was sent Master John Spens of Condie, with a Letter and Credit, as followeth.
The Memoriall of Master John Spens of Condie, the thirtieth of September.
1. YE shall say, That the Queens great favor towards you moveth her to this.
2. That she now knoweth that the occasion of your departing from her, was the favor of the Word, and of the Religion, with the which, albeit she was offended, yet knowing your heart▪ and the hearts of the other Lord's firmly fixed thereupon, she will bear with you in that behalf, and at your own sights she will set forward that Cause at her power, as may stand with God's Word, the common policy of this Realm, and the Princes honor (note good Reader what venom lurked here, for plain it is that the policy which she pretended, and the Princes honor will never suffer Christ Jesus to reign in this Realm.)
3. To speak of the occasion of assembling of these men of War, and fortifying of Leith, you must know, That it was given to the Queen to understand by some about her, that it is not the advancement of the Word and Religion which is sought at this time, but rather a pretence to overthrow or alter the authority of your Sister, of the which she believeth still that ye are not participant: and considering the tenderness betwixt you and your Sister, she trusted more in you, in that behalf, then in any living. But before the Earl of Arrane arrived, and that the Duke departed from her faction, she ceased not continually to cry, That the Prior sought to make himself King; and so not only to deprive his Sister, to make himself King, but also to defraud the Duke and his house of their pretension. But foreseeing a storm, she began to seek a new wind.
She further willeth him, to offer the sending away of the men of War, if the former suspicion could be removed, she lamented the trouble that appeared to follow, if the matter should long stand in debate, she promised her faithful labors for reconciliation, and required the same of him. Requiring further, Faith, Honor, and kindness towards his Sister, and to advertise for his part, what he desired; with promise, That he might obtain what he pleased to desire.
To this Letter and Credit the said Lord James answered as followeth.
MADAME,
I Received your Highness Writ, and have heard the credit of the Bearer, and finding the business of such importance, that dangerous it were to give hasty answer. And also your Demands are such, That with my honor I cannot answer them privately by myself, I have thought good to delay the same till that I may have the judgment of the whole Council. For this point I will not conceal from your Majesty, That amongst us there is a solemned Oath, that none of us shall traffic with your Majesty secretly, neither yet that any of us shall treat or deal for himself particularly: Which Oath, for my part, I purpose to keep unviolated to the end. But when the rest of the Noble-men shall convene, I shall leave nothing that lieth in my power undone, that may make for the quietness of this poor Realm: Provided, That the glory of Christ Jesus be not hindered by our concord. And if your Majesty shall be found so tractable, as now ye offer, I doubt not to obtain of the rest of my brethren such favor towards your service, as your Majesty shall have just occasion to stand content: For I take God to record, That in this action I have neither sought, neither yet seek any other thing then to increase God's glory, and the Liberty of this poor Realm to be maintained. Further, I have shown unto your Messenger what things have misliked me in your proceedings, even from such a heart as I wish to God you knew fully, and all men else. And this, with hearty commendation of service to your Majesty, I heartily commit your Highness to the eternal protection of the omnipotent.
At Saint Andrew's, the first of October.
Sic subscribitur. Your Majesty's humble and obedient Servitour. I. St.
This answer received, she raged, as hypocrisy useth when it is pricked, and perceiving that she could not work what she would at the hands of men particularly, she set forth a Proclamation, universally to be proclaimed, in the tenor as followeth.
The Queens Proclamation.
FOr so much as it is understood by the Queen, that the Duke of Chattellawralt hath lately directed his Missives into all parts of this Realm, making mention that the French-men late arrived with their wives and children, are begun to plant in Leith, to the ruin of the Common-weal, which he and his partakers will not pass over with patient beholding, desiring to know what will be every man's part. And that the fortification of Leith, is a purpose devised in France, and that therefore Monsieur de la Brosse, and the Bishop of Amiens, are come to this country. A thing so vain and untrue, that the contrary thereof is known to all men of free judgment. Therefore the Queen, willing that the occasions whereby her Majesty was moved so to do, be made patent, and what have been her proceedings since the appointment last made on the Linkes beside Leith. To the effect that the truth of all things being made manifest, every man may understand how unjustly that a desire to suppress the liberty of this Realm is laid to her charge; we have thought expedient to make this discourse following. First, although after the said appointment, divers of the said Congregation, and that not of the meanest sort, hath violently broken the points thereof, and made sundry occasions of new cumber. The same was in a part winked at, and overlooked, in hope that they in time would remember their duty, and abstain from such evil behavior, which conversion her Majesty ever sought, rather then any punishment, with such care and solicitude by all means, and in the mean time nothing was provided for her own security. But at last by their frequent Messages to and from England, their intelligence then was perceived, yet her Majesty trusted the Queen of England (let them seek as they please) will do the office of a Christian Princesse, in time of a sworn Peace, through which, force was to her Majesty, seeing so great defection of great personages, to have recourse to the Law of Nature. And like as a small Bird, being pursued, will provide some nest, so her Majesty could do no less in cases of pursuit, but provide some sure retract for her self and her company, and to that effect chose the Town of Leith, as a place convenient therefore: because it was her dearest daughters property, and no other person could claim Title or Interesse thereto, and also because in former times it had been fortified: About the same time that the seeking support of England was made manifest, arrived the Earl of Arrane, and adjoined himself to the Congregation, upon further promise then the pretended quarrel, or Religion that was to be set up by them in authority, and so to pervert the whole obedience, and as some of the Congregation at the same time had put into their hands, and taken the Castle of Brochtie, put forth the keepers thereof. Immediately came from the said Duke to her Majesty unlooked for, a Writ, beside many others complaining of the fortification of the said Town of Leith, in hurt of the ancient inhabitants thereof, brethren of the said Congregation, whereof he then professed himself a Member. And albeit that the Bearer of the said Writ was an unmeet Messenger, in a matter of such consequence, yet her Majesty directed to him two persons of good credit and reputation, with answer; Offering, If he would cause amends to be made for that which was committed against the Laws of the Realm, to do further then could be craved of reason. And to that effect, to draw some conference, which by his fault and his Colleagues took no end; nevertheless they continually since continue in their doings, usurping the authority, commanding and charging free Boroughs to choose Provests and officers of their naming, and to assist to them in the purpose they would be at: and that they will not suffer provision to be brought for sustentation of her Majesty's houses. A great part have so plainly set aside all reverence and humanity, whereby every man may know, That it is no matter of Religion, but a plain usurpation of the authority: and no doubt but simple men of good Zeal in former times, therewith falsely have been deceived. But as to the Queens part (God who knoweth the secrets of all hearts well knoweth, and the world shall see by experience) that the fortification of Leith was devised for no other purpose, but for recourse to her highness and her company, in case they were pursued. Wherefore, as good Subjects that have the fear of God in their hearts, will not suffer themselves by such vain persuasions to be led away from their due obedience: but will assist in defense of their Sovereigns quarrel, against all such as shall pursue the same wrongfully. Therefore her Majesty ordaineth the officers of Arms to pass to the Market-Crosses of all the head Burroughs of this Realm, and there by open Proclamation command and charge all and sundry the Lieges thereof, that none of them take in hand to put themselves in arms, nor take part with the said Duke or his assistaries, under the pain of Treason.
These Letters being divulgate, the hearts of many were stirred, for they judged the Narration of the Queen Regent to have been true, others understood the same to be utterly false. But because the Lord's desired that all men should judge in their cause, they set out the Declaration subsequent.
The DECLARATION of the Lord's, against the former PROCLAMATION.
WE are compelled unwillingly to answer the grievous accusations most unjustly laid to our charges by the Queen Regent, and her perverse Counsel, who cease not by all craft and malice to make us odious to our dearest brethren, natural Scottish-men, as that we pretended no other thing, but the subversion and overthrow of all just authority, when God knoweth we sought nothing, but, That such authority as God approveth by his Word, be established, honored, and obeyed amongst us. True it is, that we have complained (and continually must complain, till God send redress) That our common Country is oppressed with strangers; That this inbringing of Soldiers with their wives and children, and planting of men of War in our free Towns; appeareth to us a ready way to conquest. And we most earnestly require all indifferent persons to be judge betwixt us and the Queen Regent in this cause, to wit, Whether our complaint be just or not? For, for what other purpose should she thus multiply strangers upon us, but only in respect of conquest: Which is a thing of late divised by her and her avaricious house. We are not ignorant that six years ago the question was demanded of a man of honest reputation; What number of men was able to daunt Scotland, and to bring it to the full obedience of France? She alleged, That to say that the fortification of Leith was of purpose devised in France, and that for that purpose were Monsieur de la Brosse, and the Bishop of Amiens sent to this Country; Is a thing so vain and untrue, that the contrary thereof is notorious to all men of free judgment. But evident it is, whatsoever she alleged, That since their arrival Leith was begun to be fortified. She alleged, That she seeing the defection of great Personages, was compelled to have recourse to the Law of Nature, and like a small bird pursued to provide for some sure retract to herself and her company. But why doth she not answer for what purpose did she bring in her new Bands of men of War? Was there any defection espied before their arrival? was not the Congregation under Appointment with her? Which whatsoever she alleged, she is not able to prove that we have violated in any chief point, before that her new throat-cutters arrived, yea, before that they began to fortify Leith, a place, saith she, most convenient for her purpose; as indeed it is, for the receiving of strangers at her pleasure: for if she had feared the pursuit of her body, she had Inche, Colme, Dumbar, and Blackness, Forts and Strengths already made; yet all these could not so well serve her turn as Leith, because it was her daughters property, and none other could have title unto it, and because it had been fortified oft before. That all men may know the just title her daughter and she had to the Town of Leith, we shall in few words declare. It is not unknown to the most part of this Realm, that there hath been an old hatred and contention betwixt Edinburgh and Leith; Edinburgh continually seeking constantly to possess the liberty of Leith which by donation of ancient Kings they have long enjoyed: And Leith, by the contrary aspiring to a liberty and freedom in prejudice of Edinburgh. The Queen Regent, a woman that could make her profit at all hands, was not ignorant how to compass her own business, and therefore secretly she gave advertisement to some of Leith, that she would make their Town free, if that she might do it with any color of Justice. By which promises the principal men of them did travel with the Laird of Lestarrig, a man neither prudent nor fortunate, to whom the superiority of Leith appertained, That he should fell his whole Title and Right to our Sovereign for a certain sum of Money, which the inhabitants of Leith paid, with a large Taxation more, to the Queen Regent, in hope to be made free, in desp • ght and defraud of Edinburgh: Which Right and Superiority when she had gotten, and when the Money was paid, the first fruits of their liberty they now eat with bitterness, is, That strangers shall possess their Town: This is the just Title which her daughter and she might claim to that Town. And where she alleged, That it was fortified before; we ask, If that was done without the consent of the Nobility and Estates of the Realm, as now she and her crafty counsellors do, in despite and high contempt of us the lawful and borne Counselors of this Realm. How far we have sought support of England, or of any other Prince, and how just cause we had and have so to do, we shall shortly make manifest unto the world, To the praise of God's holy Name, and to the confusion of all those that slander us for so doing: For this we fear not to confess, That as in this our enterprise, against the Devil, Idolatry, and the maintainers of the same, we chiefly and only seek God's glory to be notified unto man, sin to be punished, and virtue to be maintained: So where power faileth in ourselves, we will seek it wheresoever GOD shall offer the same: And yet in so doing, we are assured neither to offend GOD, neither yet to do anything repugnant to our Duties. We heartily praise God, who moved the heart of the Earl of Arran to join himself with us his persecuted brethren. But how malicious a lie it is, That we have promised to set him up in Authority, the issue shall declare: God we take to record, That no such thing hath entered into our hearts, neither yet hath the said Earl, neither any to him appertaining, moved us unto any such matter: which if they should do, yet are we not so slender in judgment, that inconsiderately we would promise that, which after we would repent. We speak and write to the praise of God's glory; the least of us knoweth better what obedience is due to a lawful Authority, then she and her counsel doth practice the Office of such as worthily may sit upon the Seat of Justice: For we offer, and we perform all obedience which God hath commanded; and we deny neither Toll, Tribute, nor Fear, to her nor her Officers, we only bridle her blind rage, in the which she would erect and maintain Idolatry, and would murder our brethren, who refuse the same: But she doth utterly abuse the Authority established by God, she profaneth the Throne of his Majesty on earth, making the Seat of Justice, which ought to be the Sanctuary and Refuge of all godly and virtuous persons unjustly afflicted, to be a den and receptacle to Thieves, Murderers, Idolaters, Whoremongers, Adulterers, and of Blasphemers of God, and all godliness. It is more then evident what men they are, and long have been, whom she by her power maintaineth and defendeth; and also what hath been our conversation, since it hath pleased God to call us to his knowledge, whom now in her fury she cruelly persecuteth. We deny not the taking of the houses of Brochtie ; and the causes being considered, we think that no natural Scottish man will be offended at our fact. When the assured knowledge came to us that the Fortification of Leith was begun, every man began to inquire, What danger might ensue to the rest of the Realm, if the French should plant in divers places, and what were the places that might annoy us. In conclusion it was found, That the taking of the said house by French men, should be destruction to Dundie, and hurtful to S. Johnston, and to the whole Country; and therefore it was thought expedient to prevent the danger, as that we did, for preservation of our brethren and common Country. It is not unknown what enemies those two Towns have, and how gladly would some have all good order and policy overthrown in them. The conjectures that the French-men were of mind shortly to have taken the same place, were not obscrure: but whatsoever they pretended, we cannot repent that we (as said is) have prevented the danger; and would God that power had been in the same manner to have foreclosed their enterprise at Leith: For what trouble this poor Realm shall endure before that those murderers and unjust possessors be removed from the same, the issue will declare. If her accusations against the Duke, and that we refused conference, be truly and simply spoken, we will not refuse the judgment of those very men, whom she allegeth to be of such reputation. They know that the Duke did answer, That if the Realm should be set at liberty from the bondage of those men of War, which presently did oppress it, and was so fearful to him, and to his brethren, that they were compelled to absent themselves from the places where she and they made residence: That he and the whole Congregation should come and give all dutiful obedience to our Sovereign her daughter, and unto her, as Regent for the time: But to enter into conference so long as she kept above him and his brethren that fearful scourge of cruel strangers, he thought no wise man would counsel him. And this his answer we approve, adding further, That she can make us no promise which she can keep, nor we can credit, so long as she is forced with the strength, and ruled by the counsel of France. We are not ignorant that Princes think it good policy to betray their subjects by breaking of promises, be they never so solemnly made. We have not forgotten what counsel she and Monsieur Dosell gave to the Duke, against those that slue the Cardinal, and kept the Castle of S. Andrew's, which was this, That what promise they list to require should be made unto them; but as soon as the Castle was rendered, and things brought to such pass as was expedient, that he should chop the heads from everyone of them. To the which the Duke answered, That he would never consent to so treasonable an act, but if he promised fidelity, he would faithfully keep it. Monsieur Dosell said in mockage to the Queen in French, That is a good simple nature, but I know no other Prince that would so do. If this was his judgment in so small a matter, what have we to suspect in this our Cause? For the question is not of the slaughter of one Cardinal, but of the just abolishing of all tyranny, which that Roman Antichrist hath usurped above us; of the suppressing of Idolatry, and of the Reformation of the whole Religion, by that vermin of shavelings utterly corrupted. Now if the slaughter of a Cardinal be a sin irremissible, as they themselves affirm; and if faith ought not to be kept to heretics, as their own law speaketh, What promise can she that is ruled by the counsel and commandment of a Cardinal, make to us that can be sure? Where she accuseth us, That we usurp Authority to command and charge free Boroughs, to choose Provests and Officers of our naming, &c. We will that the whole Boroughs of Scotland testify in that case, Whether we have used any kind of violence, but lovingly exhorted such as asked our support to choose such in Office, as had the fear of God before their eyes, loved equity and justice, and were not noted with avarice and bribing. But wonder it is with what face she can accuse us of that, whereof we are innocent, and she so openly criminal, that the whole Realm knoweth her iniquity: In that case hath she not compelled the Town of Edinburgh to retain a man to be their Provost most unworthy of any Regiment in a well-ruled Common-wealth? Hath she not enforced them to take Bailiffs of her appointment? and some of them so meet for their Office in this troublesome time, as a sowter is to sail a Ship in a stormy day. She complaineth that we will not suffer provision to be made for her house: In very deed we unfeignedly repent that before this we took not better order that these murderers and oppressors whom she pretendeth to nourish for our destruction, had not been disappointed of their great provision of Victualls which she and they have gathered, to the great hurt of the whole Country: But as God shall assist us in times coming, we shall do diligence somewhat to frustrate their devilish purpose. What both what she and we pretend, we doubt not but God (who cannot suffer the abuse of his own Name long to be unpunished) shall one day declare, and unto him we fear not to commit our Cause. Neither yet fear we in this present day, that against us she maketh a malicious lie, where that she saith, That it is not Religion that. we go about, but a plain usurpation of Authority. God forbid that such impiety should enter in our hearts, that we should make his holy Religion a cloke and covertour of our iniquity: From the beginning of this controversy, it is evidently known what have been our requests; which if the rest of the Nobility and Commonalty of Scotland will cause to be performed unto us, if then in us appear any sign of Rebellion, let us be reputed and punished as traitors. But while strangers are brought in to suppress us, our common wealth and posterity; while Idolatry is maintained, and Christ Jesus his true Religion despised, while idle bellies, and bloody tyrants the Bishops are maintained, and Christ's true Messengers persecuted; while finally, virtue is contemned, and vice extolled; while that we a great part of the Nobility and Commonalty of this Realm are most unjustly persecuted, What godly man can be offended that we shall seek Reformation of these enormities (yea, even by force of Arms, seeing that other ways it is denied unto us ) we are assured that neither God, neither nature, neither any just Law forbiddeth us. God hath made us Counselors by birth of this Realm, Nature bindeth us to love our own Country, and just Laws command us to support our brethren unjustly pursued, yea, the Oath that we have made to be true to this Common-wealth compelled us to hazard whatsoever God hath given us, before that we see the miserable ruin of the same. If any think it is not Religion which now we seek, we answer, That it is nothing else but the zeal of the true Religion which moveth us to this enterprise: For as the enemy doth craftily foresee, That Idolatry cannot universally be maintained, unless that we be utterly suppressed, So do we consider that the true Religion (the purity whereof we openly require) cannot universally be erected, unless strangers be removed, and this poor Realm purged of those pestilences which before have infected it. And therefore in the Name of the Eternal God, and of his Son Christ Jesus, whose Cause we sustain, we require all our brethren natural Scottish-men prudently to consider our Requests, and with judgment to discern betwixt us and the Queen Regent, with her faction, and not to suffer themselves to be abused by her craft and deceit, That to lift their weapons against their brethren, who seek nothing but God's glory, Or yet to extract from us their just and dutiful support, seeing that we hazard our lives for preservation of them and us, and of us and our posterity to come: Assuring such as shall declare themselves favorers of her Faction and enemies unto us, That we shall repute them, whensoever God shall put the Sword of Justice in our hands worthy of such punishment as is due for such as study to betray their Countries into the hands of strangers.
This our answer was formed and divulgate in some places, but not universally, by reason of our day appointed to meet at Sterlin, as before is declared. In this mean time the Queens Posts ran with all possible expedition to draw men to her devotion. And in very deed she found more favorers of her iniquity then we suspected. For a man that of long time had been one of our number in profession, offered (as himself did confess) his service to the Queen, to travel betwixt her Majesty and the Congregation for concord; she refused not his offer, but knowing his simplicity, she was glad to employ him for her advantage. The man is Master Robert Lockard, a man of whom many have had and still have good opinion, as touching his Religion. But to enter in the managing of such affairs, not so fit as godly and wise men would require: he travelleth not the less earnestly in the Queen Regents affairs, and could not be persuaded, but that she meant sincerely, and that she would promote the Religion to the uttermost of her power. He promised in her name, That she would put away her French-men, and would be ruled by the counsel of natural Scottish-men: when it was reasoned in his contrary, That if she were so minded to do, she could have found Mediators a great deal more fit for that purpose. He feared not to affirm, That he knew more of her mind, then all the French or Scots that were in Scotland ; yea, more then her own brethren that were in France. He travelled with the Earl of Glencarne, the Lord's of Uchiltrie and Boyd, with the Laird of Dun, and with the Preachers, to whom he had certain secret Letters, which he would not deliver, unless that they would make a faithful promise, That they should never reveal the thing contained in the same. To the which it was answered, That in no ways they could make such a promise, by reason that they were sworn one to another, and altogether in one body, That they should have no secret intelligence, nor deal with the Queen Regent, but that they should communicate with the great Counsel whatsoever she proposed unto them, so they did answer unto her, as by this answer written by John Knox to the Queen Regent may be understood. The tenor whereof followeth.
To the Queen Regent.
MADAME,
MY duty humbly premised: Your Majesty's servant, Master Robert Lockard, most instantly hath required me and others to whom your Majesty's Letters, as he alleged, were directed, to receive the same in a secret manner, and to give him answer accordingly; but because some of the number that he required, were, and are of the great Counsel of this Realm, and therefore are solemnly sworn to have nothing to do in a secret manner, neither with your Majesty, nor with any that cometh from you, or from your Counsel. And so they could not receive your Majesty's Letters with such conditions as the said Master Robert required, therefore thought he good to take back to your Majesty again the said Letters close; And yet because, as he reporteth, he hath made to your Majesty some promise in my name, at his request, I am content to testify by my Letter and Subscription, the sum of that which I did communicate with him. In Dondie, after many words betwixt him and me, I said, That albeit divers sinister reports had been made of me, yet did I never declare any evident token of hatred nor enmity against your Majesty. For if it be the office of a true friend to give true and faithful counsel to them whom he seeth run to destruction for lack of the same, I could not be proved enemy to your Majesty, but rather a friend unfeigned. For what counsel I had given to your Majesty, my Writings, as well my Letter and Addition to the same, now Printed, as divers others which I wrote from S. Johnston, may testify. I further added, That such an enemy was I unto you, that my tongue did both persuade, and obtain, That your authority and Regiment should be obeyed of us in all things lawful, till you declare yourself open enemy to this Common-wealth, as now, alas, ye have done. This I willed him moreover to say to your Majesty, That if ye following the counsel of flattering men, having no God but this world and their belly, did proceed in your malice against Christ Jesus his Religion, and true Ministers, that ye should do nothing else but accelerate and hasten God's plague and vengeance upon yourself and those that followeth you. And that ye (if ye did not change your purpose hastily) should bring yourself in such extreme danger, that when ye would seek remedy it should not be so easy to be found as it had been before. This is the effect and sum of all that I said at that time, and willed him if he pleased to communicate the same to your Majesty. And the same yet again I notify unto your Majesty by this my Letter,
written and subscribed at Edinburgh, the 26 day of October 1559.
Sic subscribitur. Your Majesty's to command in all godliness, John Knox.
Postscriptum.God move your heart yet in time to consider, That ye fight not against men, but against the eternal God, and against his Son Jesus Christ, the only Prince of the Kings of the earth.
At which answer, the said M. Robert was so offended, that he would not deliver his Letters, saying, That we were ungodly, and injurious to the Queen Regent, if we suspected any craft in her. To the which it was answered by one of the Preachers, That time should declare whether he or they were deceived, if she should not declare her self enemy to the true Religion which they professed, if ever she had the upper hand, then they would be content to confess, That they had suspected her sincerity without just cause. But if she should declare her malice no less in times coming then she had done before they required that he should be more moderate, then to condemn them whose conscience he knoweth not, and this was the end of his travel for that time. After that he had troubled the conscience of many godly and quiet persons. For he and others who were her hired posts, ceased not to blow in the ears of all men, That the Queen was heavily dealt with, That she required nothing but obedience to her daughter, That she was content that the true Religion should go forward, and that all abuses should be abolished, and by this mean they brought a grudge and division among ourselves. For many (and our brethren of Lowthian especially) began to murmur, That we sought another thing then Religion, and so ceased to assist us certain days, after that we were come to Edinburgh, which we did according to the former Diet the 16 day of October. This grudge and trouble amongst ourselves was not raised by the aforesaid M. Robert only, but by those pestilents whom before we have expressed, and M. James Balfoure especially, whose venomous tongues against God and his true Religion, as they deserve punishment of men, so shall they not escape God's vengeance, unless that speedily they repent.
After our coming to Edinburgh, the day forenamed, we assembled in Counsel, and determined to give new advertisement to the Queen Regent of our convention, and in such sort, and so with common consent we sent unto her our Request, as followeth.
The second Admonition to the Queen Regent.
MAdame, Your Majesty may call to mind, how at our last Convention at Hamilton, we required your Highness in most humble manner to desist from the fortifying of the Town of Lieth, then enterprised and begun, which appeared to us (and yet doth) an entry to a conquest and overthrow of our Liberties, and altogether against the Laws and Customs of this Realm, seeing it was begun, and yet continueth without any advice and consent of the Nobility and Counsel of this Realm. Wherefore now, as oft before, according unto our duty to our Common-wealth, we most humbly require your Majesty, to cause your Strangers and Soldiers whatsoever, to depart the said Town of Lieth, and make the same patent, not only to the inhabitants, but also to all Scottish men, our Sovereign Ladies Leiges; assuring your Highness, That if refusing the same, ye declare thereby your evil mind towards the Common-wealth, and Liberty of this Realm, we will (as before) move and declare the causes unto the whole Nobility and Commonalty of this Realm. And according to the oath which we had sworn for the maintenance of the Commonwealth, in all manner of things to us possible, we will provide remedy therefore, requiring most humbly your Majesty's answer in haste with the Bearer, because in our eyes the act continually proceeds, declaring your determination of conquest, which is presumed of all men, and not without cause. And thus after our commendation of service, we pray Almighty God to have your Majesty in his eternal tuition.
These our Letters received, our Messenger was threatened, and withholden a whole day, thereafter he was dismissed; without any other answer, But that she would send an answer, when she thought expedient. In this mean time, because the rumour ceased not, that the Duke usurped the authority, he was compelled with the sound of trumpet at the Market-Cross of Edinburgh to make his Purgation as followeth, the 19 of October.
The Purgation of the Duke.
FOrasmuch as the Duke of Chatellarault, understanding the false report made by these about the Queen Regent against him, That he and his son the Lord Arrane, should pretend usurpation of the Crown and authority of this Realm, when in very deed, he, nor his said son never once hath made any show of any such thing, but only in simplicity of heart, moved parly by the violent pursuit against Religion, and true Professors thereof, partly by compassion of the Common-wealth, and poor Commonalty of this Realm, oppressed with strangers; he joined himself to the rest of the Nobility, with all hazard, to support the common Cause of the one & of the other; and hath thought expedient to purge himself and his said son in presence of you all, as he had done in presence of the counsel of that said crime of old, even by Summons laid to his charge the second year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lady: Which accusation hath continued ever against him, as guilty of that crime; he therefore now openly and plainly Protesteth, That neither he nor his said son, sues nor seeks any preeminence, either to the Crown or authority, but as far as his puissance may extend, is ready, and ever shall be, and his son also, to concur with the rest of the Nobility his brethren, and all others, whose hearts are touched to maintain the common causes of Religion, and Liberty of their native Country, plainly invaded by the said Regent, and her said Soldiers, who only do forge such vain reports, to withdraw the hearts of true Scottish-men from the succor they owe of bounden duty to their Common-weal oppressed. Wherefore exhorting all men, that will maintain the true Religion of God, or withstand this oppression or plain conquest enterprised by strangers upon our native Scottish-men, not to credit such false and untrue reports. But rather concur with us and the rest of the Nobility, to set our Country at liberty, expelling strangers therefrom, which doing, ye shall show yourselves obedient to the ordinance of God, which was established for maintenance of the Common-weal and true members of the same.
The 21 of Octob. came from the Queen Regent M. Robert Forman, Lion King of Arms, who brought unto us a Writing in this Tenor and Credit.
AFter commendations, We have received your Letter of Edinburgh, the 19 of this instant, which appeareth to us, rather to have come from a Prince to his Subjects, then from Subjects to them that bear authority. For answer whereof, we have presently directed unto you this Bearer, Lion Herald King of Arms, sufficiently instructed with our mind, to whom ye shall give credence.
At Leith, Octob. 21. 1559.
Sic subscribitur. Mary R.
His Credit is this.
THat the Queen wonders how any durst presume to command her in that Realm, which needeth not to be Conquest by any force, considering that it was already Conquest by Marriage. That French-men could not justly be called strangers, seeing that they were Naturalized; and therefore that she would neither make that Town patent, neither yet send any man away, but as she thought expedient. She accused the Duke of violating his promise. She made long Protestation of her love towards the Common-wealth of Scotland, and in the end commanded, That under the pain of Treason all assistaries to the Duke and unto us, should depart from the Town of Edinburgh.
This answer received, credit heard, preconceived malice sufficiently espied, consultation was taken what was expedient to be done. And for the first, it was concluded, That the Herald should be stayed, till further determination should be taken.
The whole Nobility, Barons and Burgesses then present, were commanded to convene in the Tolbuith of Edinburgh, the same one and twentieth day of October, for deliberation of those matters, where the whole cause being exposed by the Lord Ruthuen, the question was propounded, Whether she that so contemptuously refused the most humble request of the borne Counselors of the Realm, being also but a Regent, whose pretences threatened the bondage of the whole Common-wealth, ought to be suffered so tyrannically to domineer over them. And because that this question had not been before disputed in open assembly, it was thought expedient that the judgment of the Preachers should be required; who being instructed in the case, John Willock, who before had sustained the burden of the Church in Edinburgh, commanded to speak, made discourse as followeth:
Affirming, first, That albeit Magistrates be God's Ordinance, having of him Power and Authority, yet is not their Power so largely extended, but that it is bounded and limited by God in his Word.
And secondarily, That as subjects are commanded to obey their magistrates, so are the Magistrates commanded to give some duty to their subjects, so that God by his Word hath prescribed the Office of the one and of the other.
Thirdly, That albeit God hath appointed Magistrates his Lieutenants on earth, and hath honored them with his own Title, calling them God's, That yet he did never so firmly establish any, but at his pleasure, he seeing just cause, might deprive them.
Fourthly, That in deposing of Princes, and those that have been in Authority, God did not always use his immediate power, but sometimes he useth second means, which his wisdom thought good, and Justice approved: As by Asa, he removed Maacha his own mother from Honor and Authority which before she had used. By Jehu, he destroyed Joram, and the whole posterity of Ahab. And by divers others he hath deposed from Authority those whom before he had established by his own Word. And hereupon concluded he, That since the Queen Regent denied her chief duty to the subjects of this Realm, which was, To minister Justice to them indifferently, to preserve their Liberties from invasion of strangers, and to suffer them to have God's Word freely and openly preached amongst them. Seeing moreover that the Queen Regent was an open and obstinate Idolatresse, a vehement maintainer of all Superstition and Idolatry, as also she openly declares the Country to be conquest, and no more free. And finally, That she utterly despiseth the counsel and requests of the Nobility: he could see no reason why they the borne Counselors, Nobility, and Barons of the Realm might not justly deprive her from all Regiment and Authority amongst them.
Hereafter was the judgment of John Knox required, who approving the sentence of his brother, added, first, That the iniquity of the Queen Regent and disorder, ought in no wise to withdraw neither our hearts, neither yet the hearts of other subjects from the obedience due unto our Sovereign.
Secondly, That if we deposed the said Queen Regent rather of malice and private envy, then for the preservation of the Common-wealth, and for that her sins appeared incurable, That we should not escape God's just punishment, howsoever that she had deserved rejection from honors.
And thirdly, he required, That no such sentence should be pronounced against her, but that upon known and open repentance, and upon her conversion to the Common-wealth, and submission to the Nobility, place should be granted unto her of regress to the same honors from the which for just causes she justly might be deprived.
The Votes of every man particularly by himself required, and every man commanded to speak as he would answer to God, what his conscience judged in that matter, there was none found amongst the whole number, who did not by his tongue consent to her deprivation. Thereafter was her Processe committed to Writing, and registered as followeth.
Articles against the Queen Regent.
the Nobility, Barons and Burgesses convened, to advise upon the affairs of the Common-wealth, and to aid, support and succor the same, perceiving and lamenting the enterprised destruction of their said Common-wealth, and overthrow of the liberties of their native Country, by the means of the Queen Regent, and certain strangers her privy Counselors, plain contrary to our Sovereign Lord and Ladies mind, and direct against the counsel of the Nobility, to proceed by little and little, even unto the uttermost ruin; So that the urgent necessity of the Common-wealth may no longer suffer delay, and earnestly craveth our support. Seeing therefore that the said Q. Regent (abusing and overpassing our Sovereign Lord and Ladies Commission given and granted to her) hath in all her proceedings pursued the Barons and Burgesses within this Realm, with Weapons and Armor of strangers, without any Processe and order of Law, they being our Sovereign Lord and Ladies true Lieges, and never called nor convinced of any crime by any judgment lawful. As first, at S. Johnston, in the month of May, she assembled her Army against the Town, and the Inhabitants thereof, never called nor convinced of any crime, only because they professed the true Worship of God, conform to his most sacred Word. 2. And likewise in the month of June last, without any order or calling going before, invaded the persons of sundry Noble-men and Barons with force of Arms, convened at S. Andrew's, only for Cause of Religion, as is notoriously known, they never being called nor convinced of any crime. 3. Again, laid Garrisons the same month upon the Inhabitants of the said Town, oppressing 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 and heritages, until they were restored by Arms; they notwithstanding never being called nor convinced of any crime. 4. Further, at that same time did thrust in upon the heads of the Inhabitants of the said Town, Provost, and Bailiffs, against all order of Election, as lately in this month of September she had done in other Towns of Edinburgh and Iedburgh, and divers other places, in manifest oppression of our Liberties. 5. declaring her evil mind towards the Nobility, Commonalty, and whole Nation, she hath brought in strangers, and daily pretends to bring in greater force of the same, pretending a manifest Conquest of our native rooms and Country, as the deed itself declareth; in so far, as she having brought in the said strangers without any advise of Council and Nobility, and contrary to their express mind sent to her in Writing, hath placed and planted her said strangers in one of the principal Towns and parts of the Realm, sending continually for greater Forces, willing thereby to suppress the Common-weal, and liberty of our native Country, to make us and our posterity slaves to strangers forever; which, as it is intolerable to Common-wealths and free Countries, so it is very prejudicial to our Sovereign Lady and her Heirs whatsoever, in case our Sovereign Lady decease without Heirs of her Person. And to perform these her wicked enterprises, conceived (as appeareth) of inveterate malice against our whole Country and Nation, caused (without any consent or advise of the Council and Nobility) to coin lead Money, so base, and of such quantity, that the whole Realm shall be depauperate, and all Traffique with foreign Nations everted thereby. 6. Again, she so placeth and maintaineth against the pleasure of the Council of this Realm, a stranger in one of the greatest Offices of credit in this Realm, that is in keeping of the Great Seal thereof, wherein great perils may be engendered to the Common-weal, and Liberty thereof. 7. Further, lately sent the Great Seal forth of this Realm by the said stranger, against the advice of the said Council, to what effect, God knoweth. 8. And hath also by this means altered the old Law and Custom of this our Realm, ever obser-served in the Graces and Pardons granted bo our Sovereigns to all their Lieges, being repentant of their offenses committed against their Majesty's, or the Lieges of the Realm. And hath introduced a new captious style and form of the said Pardons and Remissions, conform to the practices of France, tending thereby to draw the said Lieges of this Realm, by process of time, into a deceivable snare, and further shall creep in the whole subversion and alteration of the remanent Laws of this Realm, contrary to the Contents of the Appointment of Marriage. 9. And also Peace being accorded amongst the Princes, retaineth the great Army of strangers, after commandment sent by the King of France to retire the same, making excuse that they were retained for the suppressing the attempts of the Lieges of this Realm; albeit the whole subjects thereof of all estates, is, and ever hath been ready to give all dutiful obedience to their Sovereigns, and their lawful ministers proceeding by God's Ordinance: And the same Army of strangers not being paid in wages, was laid 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 satisfy 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 Counsel and Nobility of their sloth, that as the same oppression we doubt not hath entered in before the Justice Seat of God, so hath it moved our hearts to pity and compassion. And for redress of the same, with other great offenses committed against the public weal of this Realm, we have convened here as said is: and as oftentimes before have most humbly and with all reverence desired and required the said Queen Regent to redress the said enormities, and especially to remove her strangers from the necks of the poor Commonalty, and to desist from enterprising of fortification of Strengths within this Realm, against the express will of the Nobility and Council of the same; yet we being convened the more strong for fear of her strangers, who we saw presume no other thing, but with Arms to pursue our lives and possessions, Besought her to remove the fear of the same, and make the Town Patent to all our Sovereign Lord and Ladies Lieges. The same in no wise would she grant unto, but when some of our company in peaceable manner went to view the Town, there was both great and small Munition shot forth at them. And seeing therefore that neither access was granted to be used, nor yet she would join herself to us to consult upon the Affairs of our Common-wealth, as that we be borne Counselors to the same by ancient Laws of the Realm: But fearing lest the judgment of the Counsel would reform, as necessity required▪ the aforesaid enormities, she refuseth all manner of assistance with us, and by force and violence intendeth to suppress the Liberties of our Common-weal, and of us the favorers of the same. We therefore, so many of the Nobility, Barons, and Provests of our Boroughs, as are touched with the care of the Common-weal (unto the which we acknowledge ourselves, not only borne, but also sworn Protectors and Defenders, against all and whatsoever invaders 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 Common-weal may suffer no delay, being convened (as said is) presently in Edinburgh, for support of our Common-weal, and ripely consulted and advised, taken the fear of God before our eyes, for the causes foresaid, which are notorious, with one consent and common vote. Every man in order his judgment being required, in the Name and Authority of our Sovereign Lord and Lady, suspend the said Commission granted by our said Sovereign to the said Queen Dowager, discharging her of all Administration or Authority she hath, or may have thereby, unto the next Parliament; to be set by our advice and consent: And that because the said Queen, by the foresaid faults notorious, declareth her self enemy to our Common-weal, abusing the Power of the said Authority, to the destruction of the same: And likewise we discharge all members of her said Authority from thenceforth; and that no Coyn be coined from thenceforth, without express consent of the said Council and Nobility, conform to the Laws of this Realm, which we maintain, And ordain this to be notified and proclaimed by Officers of Arms, in all head Boroughs within the Realm of Scotland.
Sic subscribitur. By us the Nobility and Commons of the Protestants of the Church of Scotland.
After that this our act of suspension was by sound of Trumpet divulgate at the Market-Cross of Edinburgh, we dismissed the Herald with this Answer.
MADAME,
WE received your Answer, and heard the credit of Lion King of Arms, whereby we gathered sufficiently your perseverance in evil mind towards us, the glory of God, our Common-weal, and Liberty of our native Country. For safety of the which, according to our duty, we have in our Sovereign Lord and Ladies name suspended your Commission, and all administration of policy which you may pretend thereby, being most assuredly persuaded, That your proceedings are direct contrary to our Sovereign Lord and Ladies will, which we ever esteem to be for the weal, and not for the hurt of this our Commonwealth. And as you will not acknowledge us our Sovereign Lord and Lady, their true Barons, and Leiges for your Subjects and Counsel, no more will we acknowledge you for any Regent or lawful Magistrate unto us, seeing, if any authority ye have by reason of our Sovereigns Commission granted unto you, The same for most worthy reasons is worthily suspended by us, in the name and authority of our Sovereign, whose counsel we are of in the affairs of this our Common-weal. And forasmuch as we are determinate with hazard of our lives to set that Town at liberty wherein you have most wrongfully planted your Soldiers and strangers; For the reverence we owe to your person, as mother to our Sovereign Lady, we require your Highness to transport your person therefrom, seeing we are constrained for the necessity of the Common-weal, to follow the same by Arms, being denied oft the liberty thereof by sundry requisitions made oft before. Again, we desire you cause depart with you out of the said Town, any person having Commission in Embassy, if any such be, or in Lieutenantship of our Sovereigns, together with all French-men Soldiers, being within the same (whose blood we thirst not, because of the old amity and friendship betwixt the Realm of France and us; which amity by the occasion of the marriage of our Sovereign Lady to the King of that Realm, should rather increase then decrease.) And this we pray your Highness and them both to do, within the space of twenty four hours, for the reverence we owe to your persons. And thus recommending our humble service to you, we commit your Highness to the eternal protection of God. At Edinburgh, the 24 of October 1559.
Your Highness humble servitors
The day following we summoned the Town of Leith by the sound of Trumpet, in form as followeth.
I Require and charge in the name of our Sovereign Lord and Lady, and of the Counsel presently in Edinburgh, That all Scots and French-men of whatsoever estate and degree they be, depart out of the Town of Lieth within the space of twelve hours, and make the same patent to all and sundry our Sovereign Ladies Leiges: For seeing we have no such hatred at either the one or the other that we thirst the blood of any of the two, for the one is our natural brother, born, nourished, and brought up within the bowels of one common Country, and with the other our nation hath continued long amity and allie, and hopeth that so shall do, so long as they use us as friends, and not strive to make slaves of friends, which this strengthening of our Towns pretendeth. And therefore most heartily desire, that one and the other to desist from fortifying or maintaining of this Town, in our Sovereigns and their said Councils name, requiring them to make the same free within the space of twelve hours.
Defiance given, there was skirmishing, without great slaughter, preparation of Scales and Ladders was made for the Assault, which was concluded by common consent of the Nobility and Barons. The Scales were appointed to be made in Saint Giles Church, so that Preaching was neglected, which did not a little grieve the Preachers, and many godly with them. The Preachers spared not openly to say, That they feared the success of that enterprise should not be prosperous, because the beginning appeared to bring with it some contempt of God and of his Word; other places, said they, had been more apt for such Preparations, then where the people conveaned to Common-Prayers and unto Preaching. In very deed the audience was wonderfully troubled all that time, which (with other disorder espied amongst us) gave occasion to our Preachers to affirm, That God could not suffer such contempt of his Word and abuses of his Grace, long to be unpunished. The Queen had amongst us her assured espies, who did not only signify unto her what was our estate: but also what was our counsel, purposes, and devices. Some of our own company were vehemently suspected to be the very betrayers of all our secrets; for a boy of the Officials of Lowthian, Master James Balfour, was taken carrying a Writ, which did open the most secret thing that was devised in the Council; yea, those very things which were thought to have been known but to very few. By such domestical enemies were not only our purposes frustrate, but also our determinations were oft times overthrown and changed. The Dukes friends gave unto him such terrors, that he was greatly troubled, and by his fear, were troubled many others. The men of War (for the most part were men without God or honesty) made a mutiny, because they lacked a part of their wages. They had done the same in Linlithquow before, where they made a Proclamation, That they would serve any man, to suppress the Congregation, and set up the Mass again. They made a fray upon my Lord Argyles Hie-land men, and slew one of the principal men of his Chamber, who notwithstanding, behaved himself so moderately, and so studious to pacify that tumult, that many wondered, as well of his prudent council and stoutness, as of the great obedience of his company. The ungodly Soldiers in hatred of goodness and good men, continuing in their disorder, mocked the Laird of Tullibarne, and other Noble-men, who exhorted them to quietness. All these troubles were practiced by the Queen, and put in execution by the Traitours among ourselves: Who albeit then lurked, and yet are not manifestly noted, yet we doubt not but God shall make them known to their confusion, and to the example of others. To pacify the men of War a collection was devised: But because some were poor, and some were niggards and avaricious, there could no sufficient sum be obtained. It was thought expedient that a Coyne-House should be made; That every Noble-man should Coyn his Silver-work and Plate, to supply the present necessity. And there-through David Forresse, John Hart and others, who before had charge of the Coyning-House, did promise their faithful labors. But when the matter came to the very point, the said John Hart and others of his faction stole away, and took with them the instruments apt for that purpose; Whether this was done by the falsehood and feebleness of the said John, or the practicing of others, is yet uncertain. Rested then no hope amongst ourselves, that any Money could be furnished: And therefore it was concluded by a few of those whom we judged most secret, That Sir Ralph Sadler and Sir James Crofts, then having charge at Barwick, should be tempted, If they would support us with any reasonable sum in that urgent necessity. And for that purpose was the Laird of Ormeston directed unto them, in so secret manner as we could devise. But yet our counsel was disclosed to the Queen, who appointed the Lord Bothwell (as himself confessed) to wait upon the returning of the said Laird, as that he did with all diligence, and so being assuredly informed, by what way he came, the said Earl Bothwell foreset his way, and coming upon him unaware, did take him, after that he was evil wounded in the head, for neither could he get his led Horse, not his steel Bonnet; with him was taken the sum of four thousand Crowns of the Sun, which the forenamed Sir Ralph and Sir James most lovingly had sent for our support. By the brute hereof coming to our ears, our dolour was doubled, not so much for loss of the Money, as for the loss of the Gentlemen whom we suspected to have been slain, or at the least, that he should be delivered to the Queen hands. And so upon the sudden the Earl of Arrane, the Lord James, the Master of Maxwell, with the most part of the Horse-men, took purpose to pursue the said Earl