^■^:::!i^«(?'
LIBRA.RY
OF TIIE
Theological Seminary,
PRINCETON, N.J.
BX 9070 .C34 1842 v. 7
Calderwood, David, 1575-
1650.
The history of the Kirk of
Gotland
Copvy
V
\
CALDERWOOD'S HISTORY
THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND,
VOLUME SEVENTH.
THE WODROW SOCIETY,
IXSTITUTED MAT, 1841,
FOR THE PUBLICATION OP THE WORKS OF THE FATHERS AND EARLY
"WRITERS OF THE REFORMED CHURCH OF SCOTLAND.
/
THE
H I S T 0 ll Y
OF THE
KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
BY
V
MR DAVID CALDERWOOD,
SOME TIME MINISTER OF CRAILIXG.
EDITED FROM THE ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT PRESERVED IN
THE BRITISH MUSEUM.
BY THE
REV. TnOx\[AS THOMSON.
VOLUME SEVENTH.
EDINBURGH:
PRINTED FOR THE WODROW SOCIETY.
M.DCCC.XLV.
THE EDINBURGH PRINTING COMPANY,
12, South St David Street.
CONTENTS
OF
THE SEVENTH VOLUME.
1609.
The bishops described in Latin and English verse
A vehement wind, . . • • •
Dunbar holds a convention of the Estates,
Favours granted to the bishops,
The bishops' directions sent to court.
Their memorial,
Their insincerity, .....
The ministers of Edinburgh time-servers,
Secretary Elphinston's conviction and doom.
His speech at St Andrews,
Observations on his former conduct, .
Dunbar keeps St George's day,
Mr J. Murrey transported and confined, .
Mr J. Hamilton and Paterson apprehended,
Mr J. Melvill's advice ancnt the conference,
Mr P. Simson's letter to the brethren of the conference,
The proceedings of the conference at Falkland,
The commission of the General Assembly,
Five of either side appointed to confer,
Reasoning upon the office of Constant Moderator and the
The commissioners' articles,
The conclusion,
Advantages gained by the bishops, ....
PAGE
1
3
ib.
4
5
ib.
8
10
ib.
13
15
18
ib.
21
ib.
24
27
28
29
Cautions, 32
34
35
37
VI
CONTENTS.
A Parliament,
Funeral of the Earl of Montrose, ....
Acts in favour of bishops, .....
Act of the commissariat and jurisdiction given to bishops,
Mr J. Carmichael's letter to Mr J. Melvill,
A justice-court in Dumfries, .....
The diet at Stirling deserted,
Mr W. Scott's letter to Mr James Melvill,
Mr J. Melvill's answer, ......
The bishops plot mischief at court, ....
The pulpits of Edinburgh made patent for the bishops,
Christmas kept in Edinburgh,
Mr J. Fairfoul confined,
Spottiswood made an Extraordinary Lord of the Session,
1610.
The Act of Apparel put in execution in part, .
The Assembly prorogued, ......
The proclamation.
PAGE
38
ib.
ib.
42
46
48
A commission to the archbishops to hold courts of High Commission, 57
Remarks upon it,
Mr J. Melvill threatened with removal, ....
Mr D. Hume's letter to Mr J. Law, ....
Another letter, ........
Dunbar deals with Mr J. Melvill,
The letter of the Bishop of St Andrews to the Presbytery of
Chirnside, .91
The king's missive, ......... 92
Preparations for the Assembly, 94
The sermons of the bishops, ....... i&.
The Earl of Dunbar reads the king's letter, .... 95
Measures to promote peace and concord, 96
Conclusions passed, ........ 97
The ministers bribed, ib.
The name of Presbytery proposed to be abandoned, . . 98
Heads and Articles of Discipline, 99
Form of the oath for persons admitted to a benefice, . . . 101
Effects of the conclusions of this Assembly, .... 103
List of those who subverted the discipline of the kirk, . . 104
The power of Presbyteries and Synods weakened, but not altogether
taken away, at the convention at Glasgow, . . .108
CONTENTS.
vu
Some ministers condemn the Assembly publicly,
A proclamation ratifying the Assembly,
Pirates hanged, .....
Mr R. Boyd's letter to Mr R. Bruce,
The diocesan Synod of Fife, .
Some ministers oppose the archbishop, .
They protest against the conclusions of the Assembly,
The Archbishop of St Andrews' missive to Mr J. Row, .
His cook killed in time of sermon, .....
The archbishop's letter to the Presbytery of Haddington,
The Presbytery of Haddington resolve to protest, .
The protestation, ....... . .
The diocesan Synod of Lothian, ......
Mr C. Lumsden chosen clerk, ......
The privy conference chosen, .... . .
'Some of the ministers retire from the synod, '. . . .
The nature and quality of diocesan synods described by Mr D.
Calderwood, .........
Mr D. Hume's eleventh letter to Mr J. Law, Bishop of Glasgow,
Tlie twelfth letter,
The Scottish bishops consecrated,
Mr A. Melvill's verses on the occasion,
Bancroft's death,
The Archbishop of St Andrews consecrated, ....
IGll.
The Earl of Dunbar's death,
Mr A. Melvill released from the Tower,
Mr \V. Oliphant made Lord of the Session,
Bishops consecrated, ....
Inventory taken of the Earl of Dunbar's goods
The diocesan Synod of Lothian,
Trial of persons admitted to the ministry.
Bishop of Dumblane craves a helper,
Mr P. Simson asks their advice.
The act against absent ministers ordered to be
The diocesan Synod of Fife, ...
Mr W. Cowper's ambition.
New Uctavians, .....
Errol set at liberty, ....
Mr Thomas Sydscrf s admission, .
put in execution.
PAGE
115
116
118
ib.
119
120
123
ih.
124
ib.
125
ib.
126
127
128
129
ib.
139
145
150
151
ib.
152
153
ib.
154
ib.
ib.
ib.
155
ib.
156
ib.
157
ib.
158
ib.
159
VIU
CONTENTS.
Arabella Stuart committed to the Tower
Mr J. Straiton warded,
Mr J. Chalmers' suicide,
His confession, ....
The Goodman of Humbie's death, .
1612.
The Bishop of Glasgow returns from court
Prodigies and accidents, .......
Disputes at court between the English and Scotch,
Death of Secretary Elphinston, ......
Lord Maxwell warded, ........
A parliament held,
A ratification of the acts of the Assembly of Glasgow,
A coUation of the act of Glasgow convention, with the ratification
thereof, .......
The Prince Palatine arrives in England,
Queen Mary's corpse transported to Westminster,
Prince Henry's death, .....
Burlie disgraced, ......
Commendation of Prince Henry,
1613.
The Bishop of Argyll's death.
The marriage of Lady Elizabeth, .
The ministers of Edinburgh rash venters of untruths,
A court of High Commission,
The Prince Palatine's departure out of England,
Maxwell's execution, .....
Burlie warded, ......
Cassillis and Creigh warded, ....
liOrd Waldoun's entertainment in the country.
The Bishop of Ross consecrated,
One of the king's ships burnt in Leith Road, .
Mr Gavin Hamilton's death, ....
Mr W. Cowper made Bishop of Galloway,
Liberty to the confined within the bounds of Glasgow,
Mr A. Duncan's supplication,
Mr R. Bruce's letter to Sir James Sempill,
PAGE
159
160
lb.
162
163
164
ib.
ib.
165
ib.
ib.
166
171*
174
ib.
ib.
175
176
ib.
ib.
177
ib.
ib.
178
ib.
ib.
ib.
ib.
179
180
181
ib.
183
CONTENTS.
IX
1G14.
A son born to the Palatine, ....
The death of Mr J. Mclvill
The English parliament refuses a subsidy,
Easter Communion commenced,
The King of Denmark comes secretly to court.
Rebellion in Orkney, .....
l?ebellion in Isla, ......
The archbishops apprehend some priests,
Oglevy and Moffet examined,
1G15.
The Earl of Orkney's natural son executed.
Counterfeit dealing against Papists,
The Earl of Orkney executed.
The Castle of Dumnivege taken,
Oglevy the Jesuit hanged, ....
Easter Communion enjoined, ....
jNfr G. Gladstanes' death, ....
Mr J. Spottiswood transported to the See of St Andrews
Sir James Maconnel's riots and rebellion,
Angus Ooge and his company hanged.
The Wliilliwhaes,
Mr Spottiswood inaugurated Archbishop of St Andrews,
Mr J. Malcolm summoned before the High Commission,
Three Papists presented to the gallows,
Argyll pursues Maconnel, .....
Mr J. Law inaugurated Archbishop of Glasgow,
Rochester committed to the Tower,
The archbishops give homage, ....
The uniting of the courts of High Commission,
The tyranny of the bishops in the High Commission,
1616.
A fiery dragon in the air, ....
Preparation for the king's coming to Scotland,
False rumours of conspiracies against the king,
The king's letter to the Bishop of St Andrews,
Mr John Murrey transported to Dunfermline,
The king's speech in the Star Chamber,
185
ib.
190
191
ib.
ib.
192
193
ib.
194
ib.
ib.
195
196
ib.
197
ib.
200
ib.
201
ib.
ib.
202
ib.
203
ib.
204
ib.
210
211
ib.
ib.
212
214
216
CONTENTS.
Mr Peter Blackburn's death,
The Bishop of Galloway inveighs against the chancellor,
liuntlv absolved bj the Bishop of Canterbury,
The Bishop of St Andrews spares Huntlj,
Mr W. Balcanqual's death,
The General Assembly indicted, .....
Doctors inaugurated, .......
The General Assembly held at Aberdeen,
Irregularity of its proceedings, .....
Conclusions for taking order with Papists,
The instructions proposed by his Majesty's commissioners, and
agreed to by the Assembly,
The conclusions in another form, as conceived by one of the com-
missioners from the presbyteries.
The new Confession of Faith,
A flood at Leith, ......
Preparations for the king's visit,
1617.
Somerset's relief from imprisonment.
The Cross of Edinburgh removed, .
The Earl of Errol absolved, ....
Alterations in the Royal Chapel, .
Mr W. Cowpex''s letter to Mr P. Simson,
The king's entry to Scotland,
The English service performed in the Chapel Royal,
The parliament fenced, .....
The Communion celebrated in the chapel after the English form.
Reasons to dissuade the ministers from assisting the bishops at
parliament, ......
The diocesan Synod of Lothian,
A meeting of bishops and ministers.
The parliament, ......
The ministers consult upon a protestation.
The true copy of the protestation,
The names of those who subscribed in the roll.
The king's feast to the English and Scotish nobility
The king entertained by the town of Edinburgh,
Mr A. Simson warded, .....
Mr D. Calderwood summoned before the High Commission,
The High Commission sits in St Andrews, . .
CONTENTS.
IX
Mr P. Ewart deprived, ....
Mr A. Simson's letter to the High Commission,
lie is deprived, ......
The proceedings of the High Commission against Mr D. Calder-
wood, ......
He is deprived, .....
His petition to the king,
The king's reception of it, . . .
He is charged to enter the Tolbooth,
The ministers of Edinburgh recant,
A meeting of ministers at St Andrews, .
The king at Stirling and Glasgow,
Mr D. Calderwood enters the jail of Edinburgh,
His supplication to the king.
The act for his banishment.
He is released from prison.
Lord Cranston intercedes with the king in his favour.
The king's progress through the AVcst of England,
John Murrey's child baptized in the Chapel Rojal,
Mr D. Calderwood endeavours to obtain his liberty or prorogation
His oflfers to the bishops, .......
They are ineffectual, ........
Mr J. Abernethy's enmity to him, ......
Mr J. Brown carried away by the captains of the waughters, .
The Assembly held at St Andrews, .....
The Bishop of St Andrews reviles some ministers in his sermon.
The overtures to please the king, ......
Mr A. Ramsay's inconstancy, ......
The constant plat, ........
Mr A. Simson's confession, .......
The death of Mr A. Forbes, Bishop of Aberdeen, ,
Bishops preaching on Christmas day, .....
1618.
A sudden meeting of the bishops and ministers,
A proclamation for observing of holy days,
Mr P. Forbes' letter to the Bishop of St Andrews,
His insincerity, ......
The king commands Good Friday to bo observed.
The Communion celebrated kneeling,
The king allows games upon the Lord's day, •
PAGE
260
ib.
261
ib.
267
268
269
270
271
ib.
272
ib.
273
274
ib.
275
276
277
ib.
279
281
282
283
284
285
ib.
286
ib.
ib.
287
288
289
290
291
296
297
ib.
298
xu
CONTENTS.
The advice of some ministers in Fife to the synods,
Irregular unions of parishes, .....
Perth Assembly indicted,
The proceedings of the Assembly held at Perth,
The Archbishop of St Andrews' inconsistent sermon.
The irregular form of the Assembly,
Mr J. Sandelands admitted clerk, . .
The king's letter, .......
The Archbishop of St Andrews' speech,
Dr Young's harangue, ......
The proposals of the ministers rejected, .
Reasoning upon the Five Articles,
The archbishop threatens the ministers, .
His imperious behaviour, .....
The articles presented to the Assembly by the ministers,
The manner of voting,
Acts, .........
The nullity of Perth Assembly, ....
Articles presented to be subscribed by ministers at their
Mr T. Ross executed, ......
The ratification of the acts of Perth Assembly,
A comet seen, .......
Tlie Archbishop of Glasgow's letter to the Presbytery of Ayr,
The Christmas sermons,
entry
1619.
Mr W. Struthers preaches against his people,
Mr A. Simson's letter to him, .....
His character, ........
Some citizens of Edinburgh cited before the High Commission,
Mr W. Cowper's death,
Argyll denounced traitor, ......
The death of Queen Anne, ... ...
Mr R. Dickson cited before the High Commission,
Mr R. Dickson deprived, ......
Collusion between Spottiswood and some oflficers of state,
A meeting of the citizens of Edinburgh before the Communion,
Mr J. Hall leaves Edinburgh, .....
The ministers of Edinburgh urge service at the tables, .
The Communion celebrated in Edinburgh kneeling,
Earls made,
CONTENTS. Xiii
PAO E
Contention in the Session of Edinburgh, . . . . 3G1
Diocesan Synods, 3G4
Mr A. Duncan and Mr T. Hog summoned before the High Com-
mission, .......... ih.
A declaration of the proceedings against liim, . . . 365
His second compearance before them, ..... 370
His sentence, ......... 374
His protestation, 375
His discussion with the bishops, ib.
Ho is put to the horn, 377
Mr A. Duncan's admonition to the High Commission, . . ib.
No preaching on the Sabbath afternoon in the Little Kirk, . 378
Queen Anne buried, ........ 379
Mr H. Bljth and Mr D. Forrester troubled for the administration
of the Communion, ....... ib.
Books against Perth Assembly brought secretly into Edinburgli, 380
The ministers of Edinburgh delators of their flocks, . . 381
Searching of houses for books, ...... 382
Sir James Skceuo summoned before the council, . . . 383
The High Commission renewed, ...... 384
Mr H. Blyth and Mr D. Forrester suspended and confined, . 388
Mr John Hay's report from court, ...... 389
A charge for giving up forbidden books, .... 390
Mr John Wemyss made a Senator of the College of Justice, . ib.
The magistrates of Edinburgh and the ministers reconciled, . ib.
The Marquis of Hamilton a procurator for conformity, . . 391
Patrick Ruthven set at liberty, ...... 392
Mr W. Scott and Mr J. Carmichael before the High Commission, ib.
Mr R. Bruce annoyed in various ways, .... ib.
The king commands the magistrates to be changed, . . 394
A diocesan Synod in Edinburgh, ...... 395
The magistrates of Edinburgh charged to wear scarlet robes, . 396
Doctor Barclay preaches against perjury, .... ib.
The conference between the bishops and ministers at St Andrews, 397
The king's letter, . ib.
The Bishop of Aberdeen's advice, 398
Mr J. Carmichael's advice, 399
"NVilliam Scott's advice, 400
Robert Balcanqual's advice, ....... ib.
The Bishop of Brechin's speech 401
The Bishops of Ross and Aberdeen on conformity, . . 402
XIV
CONTENTS.
Speech of John Carmichael against the conclusions of the bishops, 402
He debates with the bishops, 404
A middle course in receiving the Communion proposed by the
bishops,
Speech of the Archbishop of St Andrews in favour of conformity,
Meeting adjourned, .
Mr David Forrester called before the council,
His arguments against conformity,
He escapes deposition,
David Barclay's sermon at the dissolution of the meeting,
Welsh's letter to Bruce on the innovations, ....
Christmas day observed,
405
ib.
407
ib.
ib.
408
ib.
409
410
1620.
Ministers cited before the High Commission,
A clerk imposed upon the Session of the Kirk of Edinburgh, .
Some ministers in Fife cited before the High Commission,
The proceedings of the High Commission against Mr J. Scrimgeour,
Hsi defence,
His reasons, .......
His protestation,
Proceedings against Mr G. Grier, Mr J. Porteous, and Mr J.
Howie,
Proceedings against other ministers,
Patrick Cone apprehended, ....
Monsters born,
Sir J. Maccounel gets remission,
A court of High Commission held at Glasgow,
Proceedings against Mr W. Livingston, .
Proceedings against Mr J. Ferguson,
Their declinature,
Their sentence, ......
The king's direction to confine certain citizens of Edinburgh,
Some speeches uttered by the Bishop of Glasgow in his sermon.
Preparation in Edinburgh for Easter Communion,
Easter Communion, .....
A letter to Mr P. Galloway, ....
William Rig and others charged to ward,
They escape by the interference of the council,
A High Commission at St Andrews,
A diocesan synod there, ....
411
413
ib.
414
417
421
423
424
ib.
426
ib.
427
ib.
ib.
428
432
433
ib.
435
436
437
438
439
441
442
ib.
CONTENTS.
XV
PAGE
Mr A. Duncan and Mr W. Cranstoun deprived, . . . 443
Grange disperses books, ih.
Father Anderson apprehended and examined, . . . ib.
Colonel Gray embarks, 444
A court of High Commission, ib.
A proclamation for obedience to the acts of Perth, . . ib.
W. Rig and J. Mcin charged de novo, 447
A leet of ministers for planting of Edinburgh, . . . 448
The ministers of Edinburgh envy the meetings of good Christians, 449
Tilenus comes to England, 450
An Irish priest apprehended, ib.
A direction to ward Mr U. Bruce, ib.
Two ministers chosen to Edinburgh, 451
Mr A. Scrimgeour placed in Kiughorn, .... ib.
Supply craved for the Palatine's wars, 452
The Bishop of Aberdeen's invective, 453
A fast refused, ib.
Elders chosen, ......... 454
Mr P. Galloway renews the memory of the 17th December, . ib.
Preaching on Christmas, ....... ib.
1621.
A convention, 455
Foretokenings of some mischief, ...... ib.
Father Anderson set at liberty, 456
The offer of the English Parliament, ib.
The elders and deacons refuse to serve at the tables, . . ib.
Mr Ramsay and Mr Sydserf s auditory on Good Friday, . 457
Easter Communion, ........ ib.
A proclamation for grievances to the parliament, . . . 458
Means used for a petition from the town council to the parliament, 4G0
Earthquake, thunder, and eclipse of the sun, . . . 401
Sir Gideon Murrey's death, ....... 462
The declaration of the Lower House, ib.
A fast intimated, 463
The ministers' supplication presented to the Clerk of Register, 464
The Marquis of Hamilton comes from court, . , . 469
The commissioners to the parliament pre-occupied, . . 470
Mr A. Duncan and Mr A. Simsou warded in Dumbarton, . ib.
The ministers charged off the town, ..... 472
The ministers' resolution after the charge, .... 474
XVI
CONTENTS.
The ministers' informations and admonitions to the parliament,
Five reasons why the Five Articles of Perth ought not to
ratified,
An admonition to the parliament, ....
Another admonition,
The ministers' protestation, .....
A parliament held, ....••
Praise of the bishops by the Papists,
Ministers prohibited to enter without a bishop's license,
Marquis of Hamilton's speech, ....
Lords of Articles chosen, .....
The Five Articles passed, .....
The Laird of Preston opposes them.
Signs at the dissolution of the parliament,
Quarrel sought against the Laird of Preston, .
Ministers debarred at the last sitting.
Subscription to the Five Articles urged,
Mistakes in taking the votes, ....
List of those who voted for and against the Articles,
A ratification of the Five Articles,
Alarming tokens at the concluding of the Articles,
Report carried to court, . . . . •
The acts proclaimed, ......
Mr W. Arthur summoned before the High Commission,
The king's letter to the bishops, ....
The ministers of Edinburgh inveigh against the people,
Mr R. Bruce warded in the Castle of Edinburgh, .
Mr J. Welsh's death,
Mr A. Simson and Mr A. Duncan confined, .
The king's letter to the council, ....
The late harvest through unseasonable weather,
Mr T. Biggar troubled by the bishop.
An avowed mass, .......
The answer of the Lords about conformity,
Mr W. Forbes irregularly chosen to be minister of Edinburgl
Mr J. Murrey summoned before the High Commission,
Mr R. Bruce charged to ward in Inverness,
A new session chosen, ......
Christmas observed in Edinburgh, ....
475
be
CONTEXTS.
the king,
Dickson,
1622.
Mr J. Murrey confined, .....
Proceedings in the English Parliament,
A copy of a declaration and petition to have been sent to
The causes, ........
The effects, ........
The remedies, .......
lietter sent with the above petition,
The protestation of the House of Commons,
Mr 1). Dickson charged before the High Commission,
Mr D. Dickson and Mr G. Dunbar compear before the High Com-
mission. G. Johnson's excuse,
Mr G. Dunbar deprived and confined,
Mr D. Dickson and Mr G. Dunbar's declinature,
The proceedings of the High Commission against Mr D,
He is deprived, .......
He teaches at Eglinton, .....
He is confined at Turritt", .....
Doctor Forbes enters upon his charge in Edinburgh,
Mr J. Murrey and Mr J. Row confined,
A collection for France, .....
A Spanish ship, .......
Mr P. Galloway's arguments for kneeling,
The meeting before the Communion in Edinburgh,
Mr R. Bruce charged to enter into Inverness,
Good Friday kept, ......
Easter Communion at Edinburgh, ....
The Archbishop of St Andrews calm at the synod, .
A fast,
The Landgrave of Hesse's son in Scotland,
A fiery dragon, .......
Chancellor Seton's death, .....
G .Johnson summoned and deprived,
Jehu Smith cited,
The University of Oxford condemns certain propositions against
tyranny,
The decree of Cambridge Muses, ....
Sir George Hay made Chancellor,
Letter of the Lord Keeper in favour of Papists,
The king's letter to the English archbishops, .
Directions concerning preachers, ....
VOL. vn.
519
520
521
522
52^^
ib.
526
530
ib.
533
534
535
536
540
541
542
ib.
543
i6.
t6.
544
ib.
545
t5.
546
547
548
ib.
ib.
ib.
549
553
ib.
555
57
558
ib.
560
CONTENTS,
The fifth of August,
The visitation of Kinghorn,
Patrick Ruthven's liberty, .....
The diocesan Synod of Fife,
Mr A. Duncan's letter to the Archbishop of St Andrews,
The archbishop's answer, .....
Thanksgiving for peace in France,
The king's declaration anent Papists,
The king offended at Mr R. Boyd's admission,
Mr R. Bruce hardly used at Inverness, .
1623.
Mr R. Blair troubled, ....
Mr D. Dickson's liberty,
The English service in the New College,
Mr R. Boyd displaced.
Conference about embargoes on wool,
The prince goes to Spain,
A meeting of the bishops at St Andrews,
Mr Forbes' invectives, ....
A Dunkirk ship pursued and burnt,
A commission to hear grievances, .
The king's picture falls.
Articles proposed by the Spanish ambassador to the king,
A fast,' ........
The king's ships sent to rescue the Dunkirk vessel,
The Archbishop of Canterbury's speech to the king
The prince returns from Spain,
A meeting of council and the session of Edinburgh to
minister, .....
The protestation of some citizens, .
Patrick Scott's shifts at court,
A strange meteor, ....
The king's letter to the King of Bohemia,
The King of Bohemia's answer,
1624.
Noise of cannons and drums heard.
Death of the Duke of Lennox,
Death of the Earl of Lothian,
Tuesday's meeting before the Communion,
PAGE
562
ib.
563
ih.
564
565
ih.
ib.
566
ib.
567
ib.
569
ib.
570
ib.
571
572
575
576
ib.
577
ib.
578
580
choose a
to.
581
583
585
ib.
587
595
ib.
ib,
596
CONTENTS.
XIX
PAQU
Dr Forbes' misbehaviour in the kirk-session 59U
The ministers complain of their flocks, 600
The inhabitants of Edinburgh cited before the council, . . ib.
W. Kig's deposition 001
John Dickson's deposition, ....... 602
J. Mcin's deposition, 603
J. Hamilton's deposition, ....... 604
J. Millar's deposition, ........ 605
Dunfermline burnt, ........ 607
The king's directions concerning the persons cited, . . . ib.
The sentence given out against them, GOO
A proclamation airaiiist private meetings, .... 611
Four ministers coutiiied, ....... 614
The king urges extremity, . . . . . . . 615
J. Hamilton's conference with the ministers of Edinburgh, . ib.
The bishop's answer to the intercession of the ministers, . . 617
The honest men warded, confined, and deprived, . . . 618
The ministers importune John Dickson and William Simson, . 619
The town council sworn against private conventicles, . . 620
The king rebukes the council of Edinburgh, .... 621
Preparation for Christmas Communion, ..... ib.
Christmas Communion proclaimed, ...... 622
The fifth of August, 624
Mr R. Bruce returns from Inverness, ..... ib.
The king's wrath continues against William Rig, . . . ib.
The prince hurt bj a fall, ....... 625
A synod at ISt Andrews, . ib,
A synod at Edinburgh, ....... ib.
Papists favoured, ........ 626
John Hamilton and J. Dickson warded in the jail, . . . 627
The plague breaks out, ....... ib.
Bonfires for the prince's match, ...... 628
The council of Edinburgh subscribe conformity, . . . lb,
J. Hamilton and J. Dickson released, ..... ib.
Christmas Communion delayed, ...... ib.
1625.
A proclamation against forbidden books, .... 629
W. Rig's license to attend to his affairs, .... ib.
The Session rises, . . ..... 630
The Marquis of Hamilton's death, ib.
XX
CONTENTS.
The ministers of Edinburgh's avarice,
The King's Death,
Prince Charles proclaimed king, . . . ,
The ministers of Edinburgh commend King James,
The king's funeral, ......
Concerning the poisoning of King James,
FAOE
631
632
633
634
ib.
635
CALDEmVOOD'S IIISTOllIE
THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
M.DC.IX.
THE BISHOPS DESCRIBED IN VERSE, LATINE AND ENGLISH.
The bishops' intentlouns and corrupt proceedings being daylie
more and more discovered, notwithstanding of their faire pretences,
they were hated by all that had anie true afiectioun to religioun ;
and as men's mouthes were opened against them, so some men's
pennes were sett a worke in writting verse? in Latine and English.
In the beginning of Januar these verses following were cast in into
the Tolbuith, and other places : —
" Vina amat Andreas, cum vino Glascua amores,
Eos catus, ludos Galva, Brichajus opes,
Aulam Orcas, allura ]\Ioravus, parat Insula fraudcs,
Dumblanus tricas, nomen Aberdonius.
Fata Caledonius fraterni ruminat agri,
Earns adis parochos, o Catanec, tuos.
Solus in Argadiis priesul meritissimus ovis,
Vera ministerii symbola solus habes."
VOL. VII. A
2 calderwood's histoeie 1G09.
These verses were putt this Avay in English : —
Sanct Andrewes loves a cuppe of wine, so Glasgow with a
whoore,
Eosse companiej play Galloway, Brechin not to be poore ;
Orkney the court, ]Murrev the pot, the lies aye to deceave,
Dumblane to tricke, and Aberdeene a glorious name to have.
By chance Dunkell has lighted so, that Jacob he would be,
But, O good Cathnesse, when comes thou thy flocke to teache
or see ?
For light in doctrine they may all resigne it to Argile,
So faith has left the lowland cleane, gone to the hills awhile.
Againe these verses come in : —
" Ter quater et toto fuit unus apostolus orbe,
Nunc tot apostaticos Scotia sola foves.
Distat apostolico novus hie chorus ille ministros,
Pervigilis porcos hie habet, atque lupos.
Unus erat Satanae myste, pai's altera Christi ;
Unus at hie Christi est, csetera pars Satanae."
Which were this way in English : —
Thrise foure and one apostles were in all the world so Avide :
Als manic false apostat preests, O Scotland, thee doeth guide,
(or in Scotland now do byde ;)
But marke great odds, the apostles were good watchmen,
preachers fync.
These apostats are craftie tods, and filthie dogs and swyine.
Of these, one was a devill, I grant the rest were Christ's
indeid :
Of thir, one truelic preaclieth Christ, the rest are devilish
seed.
1G09. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 3
Bishops at this tymc : ]Mr George Gladestains, Bishop of St
Andrewes ; Mr Johne Spottiswod, Bishop of Glasgow ; Mr David
Lindsey, Minister of Lcith, Bishop of Kossc ; Mr Gawin Ilaimnil-
toun, Bishop of Galloway ; Mr Andrew Lainbe, Bishop of Brechin ;
Mr James Law, Bishop of Orkney ; Mr Alexander Dowglas,
Bishop of Murrey ; Mr Andrew Knox, Bishop of the lies ; Mr
George Grahame, Bishop of Duniblane; Mr Peter Blekburne,
Bishop of Aberdeene ; Mr Alexander Lindsey, Bishop of Dun-
kelden ; ^Ir Alexander Forbesse, Bishop of Cathaesse ; N. Bishop
of Argile.
A VEUEMENT "WIND.
Upon Thursday, the fyft of Januar, the wind did blow so
boysterouslie, that the like was not heard in the nieniorie of man.
Houses in burgh and land were throwne doun with the violence of
it ; trees rooted up, corne stackes and hay stackcs blowne away.
Some men passing over bridges were drivin over violentlie, and
killed. The wind continued vehement manic dayes and weekcs,
even till mid Marchc, howbeit not in the same measure that it
blowed this day.
A CONVENTION.
Upon the 23d of Januar, Dumbar came to Edinburgh. Upon
the 24th of Januar, beganne a gcnerall conventioun of the estats,
Avhich w'as holdin in Edinburgh, to heare the report of the king's
answere to the petitiouns of the last Generall Assemblie. The
Bishop of Glasgow, Mr Johne Spotswod, rehearsed at great lentli
the king's speeches concerning the approbatioun of all that was
done at the last Assemblie ; yea, he commended the same so farre,
that he confessed, that if he had beene there in his owne persoun,
he would nather have done more nor lesse than they had done.
What concerned Papists and Papistrie, " tliat," said he, " his Ma-
jestic has granted absolutelie, yea, hath sent the Eric of Dumbar
4 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1609.
armed with all autlioritle ncedfull, to doe as they craved ; but as for
the brethrein that are under the king's displeasure, who were
banished, iinprissoned, or confynned, that if they would make an
humble supplicatioun for their libertie, so gentle and clement was
his Majestie, that he would be readier to grant nor they to sute."
These things reported at lenth by the Bishop of Glasgow, and Mr
William Cowper, — Mr James Law, Bishop of Orkney, Moderator
of the last Assemblie, asked of the noblemen what they thought of
the report ? They all in one voice answered, they thought weill of
it, and praised God from their hearts, for giving them suche a reli-
gious and gracious prince, who had suche a respect to the glorie of
God, and good estat of his kirk, and hated everie thing that was
prejudiciall to the same.
After this flattering answere, three or foure things past to grace
the bishops : 1 . That they sould be examiners of pedagogues that
passed with noble and gentlemen's sonnes out of tlie countrie. No
man opened his mouth in the contrare, whether presbytereis or
bishops sould doe it, but the Erie of Marr. Item, That none sus-
pected of Poprie, that are young gentlemen, be entered to their
lands, except they have the bishop's recommendatioun to the In-
queist, and their testificat of their soundnesse in religioun. They
were fishing all this tyme for the comissariats, quots of testaments,
and other casualiteis, which belonged of old to Popish bishops. In
end, mentioun was made of the conference which was to be holdin
betweene the bishops and the ministers : for the Bishop of Glasgow
inveyghing against Papists, and others, who said that the offer of
the conference was but for the fashioun, and, therefore, in the
meane tyme, there was a dealing against Papists to hold it oif;
but, said he, their purpose was not to drift it, but a day was ap-
pointed alreadie by the Erie of Dumbar, and commissioners of the
Kirk, in Februar nixtocum ; and for that effect, advertisement sould
be made to all having cntreis. He would have made men beleeve,
that Papists were to be rigourouslie used, when as in truthe all
was but for the fashioun that was done at this meeting, that they
might gett the greater advantage at the conference, the king being
1G09. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 5
SO wclll thought of for putting at Papists ; as also, to clccrc the
king of all dealing with the Pope in former tymes.
TUB Bisnors directions sent to court.
After the dissolving of this convcntioun, the bishops conveening
together, thought it best to delay the day appointed for the confer-
ence, appearandlie that they might the better attend upon Secretar
Elphinstoun's tryell, and make preparatiouns for the same. The
Bishop of Galloway, Mr Gawin Ilanuuiltoun, was sent u[) to court,
to informe his ^lajcstie of all things necdfuU for the furtherance of
their course and advancement. The memorialls penned by Mr
Spotswod, then Bishop of Glasgow, now Bishop of St Andrewes,
but by the warrant and with the advice of the rest of the bishops
gent at that tymc, I have hcere set doun, just conforme to the
principall, writtin Avith ]Mr Spotswod's owne hand, and found
amons Mr Gawin Hammiltoun's writts immediatlie after his death,
which we have in our hands, to verifie the truthe of this copie.
MEMORIALLS TO BE PROPONED TO HIS MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTIE.
" 1. You sail relate the proceedings of the late convcntioun, and
what affectioun some that were present kythed therin, that his
Majestic may be forseene Avith men's dispositioun, for the better
choice of these to whom the effaires sail be concredited.
" 2. You sail remember the care we have had of rcclaminf; the
Marquis of lluntlic and Erie of Erroll from their errours, and the
small profite we have scene thcrof, and insist for his Majestie's
favour to the pctitioun of our letter.
" 3. Anent the ministers that are confynned, your Lordship
sail excuse the requcist made by us in some of their favours, shew-
ing how it proceeded ; and fin*thcr, declare that of late, they have
taikin course to give in supi)licati()uns to the counsell, for their
enlarging for a ccrtane tyme, for doing their particular bussinesses
at scssioun and otherwise in the countrie ; and that some of them
6 calderwood's historie 1609.
have purchassed licence by the votes of the counsell, howbeit we
oppouned. Therefore, beseeke his Majestic to remember the coun-
sell, that the confynning of these ministers was for fiiults done by
them to his Highness' self, and that they sould be acknowledged and
confessed to his Majestic, and his Highncsse' pleasm-e understood
therin, before the grant of anie favour ; otherwise, they sail undoe
all that has beene hitherto followed for the peace of the church.
" 4. Tuiching the erectiouns, it is our humble desire to his
Majestic, that the noblemen in whose favours the same have beene
past, may take order for the provisioun of their kirks, according to
the conditiouns made in parliament, or then discharge their erec-
tiouns, which seemes best to be done by an act in this ensuing
sessioun of parliament, for which his Majestie's warrant would be
had. And siclyke, some course would be taikin for the prelaceis
erected which have past, also the constant platt ; that the presen-
tatioun of ministers to the modified stipends at the vacancie of the
church sould be in his Majestie's hand, wherunto, though his
Majestie's expresse commandement was givin of before, no heed
was taikin by suche as had the charge of effaires.
" 5. Since this mater of the comissariats importeth so muche to
the reformatioun of our church governement, as this being restored
in a little tyme, the rest may be suppleed that will be wanting, it
sail be good to remember it by a serious letter to my Lord of
Dumbar, that we may know in due tyme what is to be expected.
" And since our greatest hinderance is found to be in sessioun,
of whom the most part are ever in heart opposit unto us, and
forbeare not to kythe it when they have occasioun, you sail
humblie entreat his Majestic to remember our sute for the kirk-
men's place, according to the first institutioun ; and that it may
take at this tyme some beginning, since the place vacant was even
from the beginning in the hands of the spirituall side, with some
one kirk-man or other, till now ; which might it be obteaned, as
were most easie by his Majestie's directloun and commandement,
there sould be scene a suddane change of manic humours in that
state, and the commoun weale would find the profite therof.
IGOi). OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 7
" 6. Ancnt our conference >vitli tlic ministric, your Lordship
will declare the tyme that is appointed, and the reasouns of the
continuatioun of the same.
" 7. Becaiis in the tynic of parliament cheefelie, it sould be
expedient to have the bishops teach in the pulpits of Edinburgh,
his Majestic would be i)leased to commend this to my Lord of
Dumbar by a particular letter; and to require also the ministers
of Edinburgh to desire their lielpe at that tyme, if it were for no
other end, but to testifie their unitic and consent of mindes to the
cstat.
" 8. Becaus tlie kirk of Leith lyctli destitut in a sort, through
the Bishop of Rosse his age, and the imprisonment of Mr Johne
Murrey, and that the said Mr Johne is no way minded, as appearit,
to give his Majestic satisfactioun, nather were it meete, in respect of
his cariagc, that he sould rcturne to that ministrie, and to insist
in his deprivatioun with the commissioners, might perhaps breed
unto us a new difficultie ; if his ISIajestie sail be pleased, we doe
hold it most convenient for the earand, that the said ^Nlr Johne be
conveened before the counsel! at his ^Nlajestie's command, and be
then charged to waird in the toun of Newabbey and some myles
about, having libcrtic to tcachc that people, amongst whom he sail
finde some other subject to worke upon than the state of bishops.
" And for the provisioun of Leith, that his Majestic will be
pleased to command the Presbyterie of Edinburgh, in regarde of
the Bishop of Rosse his age, and the said Mr Johne's transporta-
tioun by his Ilighnesse's appointment, to have care that the said
kirk of Leith be planted with all convenient diligence, by j\Ir David
Lindsey, sometymes minister of St Andrewes, for whom both the
people is earnest, and we may have sufficient assurance to his
Majestie's service. And incace the said presbyterie prove wilfuU,
that another letter to the same effect may be sent to the commis-
sioners of the Generall Assemblie, Avho may take order to see that
mater ended, if suche sail be his IMajestie's pleasure ; and this
Avould be done with all diligence convenient.
" We cannot but remember also, the misordcr creeping in the
8 calderwood's historie 1609.
countrie, that once was happilie repressed, wearing of gunnes and
pistolets ; and humblie beseeke his Majestie, that some new course
may be established, by searchers of suche persons, and a delating
of them to the counsell that they may be punished ; and that the
treasurer may have commandement to make choice in everie
countrie of certane that sail be thought fittest to searche, which
sail be knowne onlie to his Ilighnesse' self, and satisfie them for
their paines, to the end this insolencie may be restrained; particu-
larlie, it would be forbiddin in the granting of commissiouns, that
this libertie be not permitted, for this is one of the causes of their
so opin bearing, as said is.
" These particulars, your Lordship will have care to propone to
his Majestie at some fitt tyme, and see the answeres therof
dispatched accordinglie.
" Glasgow,
" By warrant, and at the desire of the
rest of my Lords the Bishops."
" Your Lordship sail remember my Lord of Cathnesse, and his
pensioun.
"My Lord, When your Lordship sail speeke for the helpe of
our kirks, by the fall of these men that possesse our livings, and
doe justlie incurre his Majestie's indignntioun by their haynous
offences, be pleased to remember the cace of Lanerk. The posses-
sors of the tithes be now excommunicated, and at home. Desire
his Majestie's favour for the grant of them to Mr William Birnie,
minister there, whose dispositioun your Lordship kens to his
Majestie's service ; and his Highnesse' letter to that effect to my
Lord Treasurer, that he may be possessed in the same with all
convenient diligence. Likewise remember the provisioun of
Cramound, and the Bishop of Dunkelde's interest to these tithes.
" Glasgow."
By these memorialls and dircctiouns may be perceaved the
treacherie of the aspyring prelats. If anic man had asked at them
1609. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 9
then, or will yitt aske, wherefore they sent up hard informatlouns
to the kin^, projudioiall ather to their hrethrcin of the ministric, or
other subjects, high or low ? they would have deepelic protested,
and protested diverse tynics, that they were innocent ; and yitt,
notwithstanding of the shew of reconciliatioun made at Linlithquo
last, they rcgrait to the king the small favour that some of the
confynncd had gottin, and urge the confynement of Mr Johne
Murrey, howbeit wairded in the Castell of Edinburgh, in a
barbarous part of the countrie, and his place to be filled by another.
They accuse counscllcrs, the Senators of the Colledge of Justice,
and the Lords of Ercctioun. They recommend to the king suche
as furthered their course, that the king may understand whom he
sail make choice of, as fitt instruments to advance their estat.
And whereas they have made, and make the world beleeve that
they are innocent of the dircctiouns that come from court, and
serve for the weale of their estat, the reader may heere perceave,
that howbeit the kuig was als earnestlie sett to sett them up in
their full estat, which they denied they were seeking as they would
wishe, yitt doe they direct the king, and lay doun overtures and
meanes which may be steadable to that end. As heere we see they
seeke that the presentatioun of ministers to modified stipends, and
the vacancie of the kirk, be in the king's hand, to the end none
sould be presented but suche as favoured their course, or at least
Avould not oppose, as the event this day doeth prove. They seeke
to have place among the Senators of the Colledge of Justice.
They seeke a Avarrant to teache in the pulpits of Edinburgh, spe-
ciallie in tyme of Parliament, and that the ministers of Edinburgh
may be moved to seeke their helpc, to the end that there might be
a shew of unitie betweenc them and the ministers of Edinburgh, as
also to corrupt the auditors. And yitt, now when they have gottin
that which they long gaped for, how seldome do they teache in
Edinburgh, even when they have stayed some five or six of them
too-ether a whole sessioun tyme ? AVe see how they spy out their
owne commoditie in seeking the commissariats, which they ob-
teaned soone after, as we sail see in the owne place. But there is
10 CALDEE wood's historie 1609.
one thing may make the reader to muse, what sould have moved
the prelats to seeke the wearing of gunnes and pistolets to be sup-
pressed. It appeareth, their guiltie consciences have made them
to apprehend danger, and feare to be shott. If we had all the
memorialls and dii*ectiouns which they have sent up to court from
tyme to tyme, we might have greater falshood and knaverie dis-
covered nor is lyke to come to our knowledge, or likelie to be
found in men of anie calling whatsoever.
THE MLKISTERS OF EDINBURGH PLACEBOES.
About the end of Februar, the ministers of Edinburgh aggredged
publictlie in sermoun Secretar Elphinstoun's fault. Manie woun-
dered that they were silent till that tyme, seing the knowledge of
that fact came to their eares before. It was thought they had
Dumbar's speciall directioun so to doe. They were als readie to
pleasure the court as anie men.
Secretar Elphinstoun proceedeth in the relatioun of his trouble
as followeth : —
SECRETAR ELPHINSTOUN S CONVICTIOUN AND DOOME.
" Being come to Falkland to my waird, and more hardlie used
nor I did expect, I directed to court my cousin Pitlourie, to putt
the Erie of Dumbar in memorie. My worthie freind the Lord
Burlie tooke the paines likewise to goe there to make all former
conditiouns sure. And as I was informed, his Majestic directed no
further, but that in a Justice court, to be holdin at St Andrewes,
(for I desired it sould not be in Edinburgh,) I sould become in
will, and his Majestic to declare his will at his pleasure. But when
my Lord of Dumbar came to Edinburgh, and found that Sir Wil-
liam Hart, (who had gottin a pi'omise of my place in the Court of
Sessioun to putt me to an assise,) and my Lord Collector to be
assessor, and a number of assise that, would convict me upon my
owne confessioun, which is more than to gett me in will, the Erie
1609. OF TUE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 11
of Dumbar having advised with the bishops, durst leave nothing
undone of" extrcmitie against me ; and the collector being more
circumspect nor the rest of his fellowes, and most desirous to have
me sure, resolved the erle, that none of my depositiouns made in
England would serve against me except I ratified them heere.
AVherupon the coming of the counscll to Falkland was appointed.
And although I had beene verie earelesse of that mater, becaus I
was certified that there was no more adoe but to take me judi-
ciallie in will, yitt knowing of their coming to Falkland, I imagined
at the first the cans of it, and was resolved to have past from everie
point of these depositiouns, except onlie the naiked veritie of the
dcid, wherupon no cr^me could follow. For most lawfullie I could
have come against my depositioun, becaus it was made extrajudi-
ciallie. And incace they would make the counscll of England a
judicatour, first, it was subscribed not before the counscll, but in
the Erie of Salisburie's cabinett, before so manie of the counsell as
are before mentiouned. Nixt, the counsell of England could be
no judge competent to me, lyke as I had lawfullie declynned them
of before. Farther, it was made upon the conditiouns above men-
tiouned, which I would have referred absolutelie to the Erie of
Dumbar's oath. Last, it was revocable, as made for feare of my
life, or perpetuall imprisounment in the Towre ; and if they would
have made my dittay treasoun, becaus it is so called in my depo-
sitioun, the calling of a deid treasoun iion mutat naturam facti. As
if I would confesse I had tratorouslle conspired to kill one of the
king's buckes, would not convict me of treasoun, or that I had
treasonablie brokin waird, being committed for fourtie pund of
civill debt. So the procuring of a commoun letter of recommenda-
tioun, contcaning no treasoun, prejudice to the king nor estat, could
never be treasoun. And wheras it was affirmed to tuiche the
prince's honour, the king did never refuse to acknowledge the
Pope as a Catholick prince, to whom he acknowledged himself
bound. And so it was no dishonour to him to write to him, seing
the greatest princes of Europ doe it ordinarilic, both of the reformed
rcligioun and others. That that letter was prejudiciall to his JMa-
12 calderwood's histopvIe 1C09.
jestle, his religloun, countrie, or state, it could never be verified ;
for except my owne depositioun, (revocked as I have said,) there
could be no other verificatioun ather by writt or witnesses. So,
no honest judge nor assessour that had ather conscience or honour
could have susteaned suche a dittay ; and if they would have made
it crimen falsi out of the Lawes of the Majestic, I would have denied
that my life could have beene judged by the Majestic, more nor an
hundreth kyne may be satisfactioun for the king's murther, which
the Majestic calles killing. I remember Mr Thomas Craig answered
to generaliter verum, generaliter falsum, in a civill mater, ' Quibus
casibus tenetur liceres prastare factum paternum,^ which is lesse nor
my life. Lastlie, that word ' Charta doinini regis'' is not to be
understood of a privat missive whereby the king or a partie is not
prejudged, but a charter or evident, whereby ather the king or a
subject may lose his right. If they would have made it out of the
decretalls, cap. 5, de Jadiciis, albeit it say, ' non esse immunem a
crimine falsi,' yitt according to all the doctors, it must be under-
stood to be 5C?'?/?^Mra damnosa ct fraud ulenta. For omne crimen falsi
is not capitale, ubincque et damnum neque esse jwtuit, but onlie to be
punishable arbitrio judicis pro ratione rei et personarum. And this
is the clcere resolutioun of Julius Clarus and all the doctors. So,
albeit I had never consulted anie advocat, nor had never anie
bookes to studie the mater, yitt the light of reasoun was so cleere
as no judge but Sir William Hart, whom I might lawfulHe have
declynned, would have susteaned suche a libell.
" The Erie of Dumbar fearing I sould alter upon this new alter-
atioun, sent the Lord Burlie unto me, who, as he dealt ever
honourablie with me, so I was plaine with him, that I would not
stand to my depositiouns made in England, and that I would
challenge the erle upon his oath, of the conditioun made unto me
at the subscribing therof. There was great intercessioun made
that I would have regarde to the Erie of Dumbar's credit, and the
advantage both my publict enemeis and his secreit ill-willcrs would
make, if that turne were not done to his Mnjestie's contentment ;
and that, however I might resist his Majestic at this tyuie, (wherof
1 609. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 13
the event, in respect of the lionest dispositioun of the jinlgc and
prineipall assessour, was uncertane,) yitt I would be keeped in
continuall prisoun ; and scing the Erie of Dumbar was willing to
secure all things promised before, a sentence of convictioini was no
more hurtfull to nie, nor ather a eomming in will, nor entering in
a contestatioun with the king, having so great enemeis both at
court and at home. In end, upon promises renewed, and my desire
of quietnesse, and that my enemeis sould acquire no more credit
by my troubles, and conditiouns past betuixt the Erie of Dumbar
and me to stand sure, I was content to abide at my former dcposi-
tiouns. So the Erie of Dumbar, in presence of the Lords of
ISkoone and Burlie, both after particular assurance and solcmne
oath to my self, renewed what he had promised before, anent my
life and estat, and that he knew perfy telle it was never his Majestie's
minde to take my life.
" Kixt followed my convietioun at St Andrewes, wherin I Avas
the onlie actor myself, to give his Majestic satisfiietioun, following
in everie point the Lord of Dumbar's directioun, brought to me
ather bv the Lord Burlie or the Lord Skoone."
" COPIE OF THE SPEECIIE I HAD AT ST A^^DEEWES, AT THE TYjNIE
OF MY CONVICTIOUN.
" There is none of your Lordships but understand suffieientlie,
that if I would stand eontentiouslie to my defences, no depositioun
made by me in England could prejudge me in anie tryell criminall
I was to susteane. Keverthelesse, as in all this actioun from the
beginning, I have preferred the truthe and his JSIajestie's inno-
cencie, to the preservatioun of my life and estat, so I am so farre
from retreating what I have said there, before that noble and most
grave counscll, that if in anie more cleere termes I could aggravat
the just desert of my owne haynous offence, and make his Majes-
tie's undefiled sinceritie and innocencie knowne to all the world, I
would most willinglie doe the same. I were not Avorthie life, if
my life, that has had no happinesse but under the glances of his
14 calderwood's historie 1G09.
benignitie, soulJ labour to be preserved -with tlie smallest imputa-
tioun that might staine his Majestie's honour. No man better
knoweth his Majestie's naturall clemencie, and how unwillinglie his
Majestie is forced with this sinceritie, to prosecute the truthe of this
calumnious imputatioun, which by my abuse of his trust is drawin
upon his most innocent Majestie. Therefore, I ratifie whatsoever
I have formerlie depouned; and if no otherwise his Majestie's
honour may be sufficientlie exonered, I willinglie offer my blood
and poore estat to expiat my offence, and to teache others by my
exemple to goe no farther in their master's service than they have
sufficient warrant."
" But immediatlie after the ratificatioun of my depositiouns In
Falkland, the Erie of Dumbar sent my Lord Burlie to court, to
shew his Majestie what satisfactioun I had givin, to procure me all
the favour he could, and to hold my freinds there bussie. Lyke as the
erle concluded, that immediatlie after my convictioun, my brother
sonne sould goe post to court for my remissioun, and that the
Lord Burlie sould stay his comming, and concurre with him to
that effect. And albeit it was promised to me by my Lord Burlie, in
the Erie of Dumbar's name, that Ropar's reversioun sould be safe
to me, yitt the said erle, fearing Sir Robert Ker's credit, made me
to yeeld to passe that to him, which was the best hope I had of
the releefe of my great debt, and helpe of my childrein.
" So, as I have in all this, from the beginning, allutterlie reposed
upon the Erie of Dumbar, and by his onlie meanes am brought in
this miserie, out of the wdiich, if, according to his manie promises,
he releeve me, I and all myne are the more bound to him ; other-
wise, there is a God in heaven will have regarde to his dealing, and
ather heere or hence he will suffer for it. The vile and detestable
ingratitude of Sir Alexander Hay, I am sure, the Lord will not
suffer unpunished. As for others of our natioun, who have little
regarde wherefore I suffer at Englishmen's hands, God forgive
them. The day will come, that they or theirs will weepe for it.
I pray God blesse his Majestic, and that his undeserved rigour
against me, (who I am sure is perswaded in his heart, I never
1G09. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 15
thought an unduetifull thought against him, his crowne,countrie, nor
estat,) be not hiyed to his charge in that great day, "when his
crowne and scepter Avill be hiyed at his fcete, and he must yeeld a
reckoning of his stewardship. And so may I be judged, if I liad anie
other course in all that, or anie other service that ever I was putt
in trust of by his ]Majcstie, but his INIajestie's weale and honour,
and the libertie and good of my countrie, which is miserablic
commlng in a vile servitude, the foresight wherof is all my wracke.
" This is the naiked truthe of all this mater, writtin in suche
haste, and at suche occasiouns as I could, in respect of my strait
keeping. And whatever for his Majestie's satisfactioun I have
writtin or said, upon the false promises and tratourous intysements
of these whom I trusted, different from this my cleere and true
depositioun, as God is my witnesse, it is false.
" J. Balmekinoth.
" Falkland, the 10th of May, 1G09."
It is to be observed, first, that when Secretar Elphinstoun, the
Erie of Lothian, and the Collector, Sir Johne Prestoun, were
directed from the lords convcened at Linlithquo, to the ministers
imprissoned in Blacknessc, who were to underly the tryell of an
assise, these three craved conference with Mr Johne Forbesse and
Mr Johne Wclshe apart from the rest, thinking that if they could
enduce them to confesse a fault, they would move the rest of their
fellow-sufferers. After manie speeches had past to and fro among
them, Secretar Elphinstoun said, " "We know wcill enough what
yee are doing. It is a shame to you to pretend constancic, or to
suffer for suche a mater that is so light, howbeit yee would make
men beleeve it to be a mater of great weight and importance."
Mr Johne "NVelshe answered, and said, "Weill then, since your
Lordship has spokin so, I will tell you some thing wherof I cannot
Weill tell the warrant : that your Lordship sail suffer for a more
shamefuU cans, in the sight of the world, er it be long." This
I have by the report of Mr Johne Ker, whom Mr Johne "Welshe
tooke by the hand, to be witnesse to the speeches which were to
16 calderwood's historie 1609.
passe among tlaem. And so yee see it come to passe : for when he
was accused crmiinallie, at St Andrewes, upon the 10th of Marche,
the Erie of Dumbar and sindrle of the nobihtie being present, the
king's advocat, Sir Thomas Hammiltoun, accused him of surrepti-
tious procuring and sending the king's hand-writt to the Pope, and
treasonable affixing of his Majestie's signet thereto ; of treasonable
traffiquing Avith forrainers, to the overthrow of religioun ; and
occasioun givin to Papists to intend the powder treasoun, and
other treasouns committed since his Majestie's going to England.
Nixt, it is to be observed, that when he was brought from Falk-
land to Leith, after his convictioun at St Andrewes, and was re-
ceaved by the toun of Edinburgh in their armour, when he came
to Leith Wynde foote, or the Neather Bow Port, he was com-
manded to light off his horse, for they would receave no ryding
prisoners, he excused himself with the infirmitie of the gutt in his
feete, and willed them to shew him that muche courtesie, as to
suffer him to ryde fordward. One of the toun standing hard be-
side, answered, " Pamfai'a, tantara, my lord!" Now, when some
directed from the counsell of Edinburgh not long before his fall,
requeisted hini not to mainteane one of his dependers against them
in an actioun they had against him, for they could be more stead-
able to him nor that man, he answered, " Pamfara, tantara !" This
taunt is now repeated to him with a taunt, and he was forced to
light off his horse.
Thridlie, it is to be observed, that the doome being delayed after
his convictioun at St Andrewes, till his Majestie's farther pleasure
were knowne, and pronounced in the Tolbuith of Edinburgh, upon
the 1st of Marche, in presence of the Justice and Lords of Coun-
sell ; after reading of his dittay and convictioun, that he sould be
beheaded, quartered, and demaimed like a tratour, and his mem-
bers to be sett upon the ports and cheefe touns, yitt he appeared
to have some good hope of releefe. lie would have spokin some-
thing, but could not utter his minde. The Erie of Dumbar com-
manded to remove him incontinent. After dinner he was convoyed
to Leith Wynde foote, and delivered to the Shireff of the Shyre.
1G09. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 17
But manie woundercd Avlicrcforc he was suffered, when he Avent
out of pAlinburgh, to carle his sword about him. It was thought
stranfre, that suchc a thin<T soukl be suffered in a condenuicd
tratour. Some thought, therefore, there was no danger; others,
that he was caried to Falkhind, that he might suf!cr there, where
the fault was committed : and [he] died after in displeasure, fearing
ever the worst.
Fourthlle, it is to be observed, that about this tyme the king's
reply to Mattha^us Tortus, with a monitorie preHice to the Em-
peror and all Christian princes, came furth in print. No mentioun
was made in that bookc of Sir James Elphinstoun's eonfcssioun of
depositiouns, which might have served to great use to have purged
him of Tortus his imputatiouns ; yea, when he was in England,
and had come in the king's will, the king could not be content till
he subscribed his depositioun, as Dumbar assured him, becaus the
not subscribing hindered the progresse of the king's answere to
Tortus' booke, wherof his depositioun behoved to be a part. He
therefore sett to his hand, in the presence of some noblemen and
others, as yee may see in his owne relatioun. Becaus the deposi-
tiouns were omitted in the answere to Matthasus Tortus, and upon
other conslderatiouns, manie doubted of the sinceritie of this pro-
ceeding against him, and suspected that he had taikin upon him
the cryme, to currie the king's favoui*, by keeping his credit. i^Ir
Andrew Melvill, indeid, in a letter, writtin the 23d of Marche, to
his nephew, !Mr James, setteth doun his opinioun in these words :
" De judicio Andreano quid ego scntiam, uno verbo accipe ; Ju-
glerie juglare fuit, est, et erit, ut ego prajsentio contra nos vero
seria omnia et serio. ' Nescit regnare, qui nescit dissimulare.'
* Since heart is free,' " etc.
Fyftlie, it is to be observed, that the bishops, notwithstanding
of his paines and diligence taikin at Linlithquo, and the manie pro-
clamatiouns penned by him spytefull eneugh against the ministrie,
they prove now at this tyme his great enemeis, and none so bussie
to seeke his overthrow. It may be, the small countenance he kythcd
in counsellin favour of Mr Johnc Murrey, or the like occasiouns, have
VOL. VII. B
18 calderwood's historie 1609.
givin him occasioun to seeke his reraovall out of the way, that
another statesman more foreward for their course may be placed
in his rowme. But then, we may see the deepe malice and hatred
of aspiring prelats, that seeke the overthrow of all that stand in
their way.
DUMBAR KEEPETH ST GEORGE'S DAY.
Upon the Lord's Day, the 24th of Aprile, Dumbar made a
solemne feast in the toun of Berwick. He v.as served as one of
the Knights of the Garter, by lords, knights, barons, and gentle-
men of good ranke. A great number of people, both Scotish and
English, were at that feast, Avhich was made according to the Eng-
lish fashioun. Beside this feast made in honour of St George, the
patron of England, he used certane ceremoneis in the kirk ; for he
went to the kirk in pompe, where were standing upon the altar
two chandlers, cache having a waxe candle burning, and a booke
upon the altar. He bowed himself reverentlie upon the altar,
in remembrance of St George. Therafter, he made reverence to
the king's picture placed beside, and then kneeled doun on his knee
before the altar, where was a man standing beside with a silver
basin, wherin he layed some peeces of gold. After this oiFering
made, he heard a sermoun, wherin was muche comraendatioun of
the king, and of the Erie of Dumbar. After sermoun, he went to
dinner, convoyed with lords, knights, barons, gentlemen, and
souldiours.
MR J. MURREY TRANSPORTED AND CONFYNNED.
The bishops, in their memorialls sent up to court with Mr
Gawin Hammiltoun, Bishop of Galloway, desired that Mr Johne
Murrey might be transported out of the Castell of Edinburgh, and
confynned in Newabbey and some myles about it, and that his
place in the toun of Leith might be filled with another, and that
with diligence ; which was obteaned. When the directioun came
1G09. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 19
from the king to the counsell, Mr Johnc was brought out of the
castell, and presented before the counsell. He was first removed ;
and the Erie of Dunibur, then present, dealt earnestlie with hisn
to goe the bishops' way, lor the king's pleasure, and his owne
peace and profile, which he promised sould be large, and tluit he
would not still insist in offending the king. He answered, "■ I will
not dissemble with your Lordship, nor deceave his Majestic : that
is the way wherin I Avill never walke, seing in my conscience, and
to my knowledge, I am perswaded it is wrong." So he was called
in, and the king's letter was read, wherin his confynement, with
all the circumstances therof, were sett doun, viz.. That he sould
within twentie dayes goe to Newabbey, and there keepe within
the compasse of foure myles ; preachc not, goe not to Lcith be-
fore his departure. He answered, " As for my calling, and the
libertie therof, I have it from the Lord Jesus. As for my con-
fyning, I have not by anie kinde of misbehaviour procured it. As
I was ever willing, so now, I submitt myself to the straitest tryell.
That is his Majestie's will, but I know not his Majestie's intentioun,
whom I never offended. It is the device of men maliciouslie dis-
posed against me, Avithout a just caus, for their owne particular
ends, with whom I might more than compare simplie ; for I may
preferre myself in all loyall obedience to his Majestic, both as a
minister and as a subject." These Avords he uttered with gravitie
and reverent respect to the counsell. Mr Johne Spotswod, the
cheefe contriver of his trouble, was standing behind him. The
bishops Avere dashed, the counsellers sorrowfull for suche rigourous
dealing against him, and Avould gladelie have mitigated some cir-
cumstances of his confynement, but feared, becaus the bishops
were as captors and delaters among them.
After he Avent out from the counsell, Chanceller Setoun gather-
ed some courage, and in presence of the Erie of Dumbar, the
bishops, and all that were present, he affirmed, that it Avas a most
unbrotherlie and barbarous dealing in the bishops, to putt one of
their brcthrein of the ministrie from the place Avhere he exercised
liis calling, and lifted his stipend, and cast him out to a farre re-
20 calderwood's histopje 1609.
mote and unknowne part, -where he had no provlsioun allowed to
him. His calling, qualitie, and the gentlewoman his wife's qualitie,
craveth another kinde of respect and charitable discretioun. They
answered nothing, for malice has no compassioun nor discretioun.
So Mr Johne went to Durafreis, which is distant fom^e myles from
Xewabbey ; there he made his residence, and helped the minister
in preaching, notwithstanding he was discharged by the king's letter
read in the counsell. He had not suche a faire occasioun to preache
at Newabbey. In the meane tyme, the bishops were carefull to
plant Mr David Lindsey, one of the ministers of St Andrewes, in
his rowme, notwithstanding of the protestatioun of the parochiners
made in the contrare ; for extruding and intruding of ministers
were become now familiar and ordinarie with the bishops, howbeit
they had not yitt gottin episcopall jurisdictioun, but onlie abused
the authorltie they had purchassed by false meanes from coiTupt
assembleis, viz., the j^ower of commissioners from the Generall
Assemblie.
He stayed in Dumfreis about a yeere and an halfe, preaching
ather in Dumfreis, or at the kirk of Traquire, on the other side of
Neth water, where the parochiners were for the most part Popish-
lie affected. At lenth, perceaving that his wife and children were
beginning to be wearie, and grow sickelie, and there was no end of
the bishops' malice, he resolveth to transport himself and his
familie to a more convenient part, after he had considered he could
be in no worse cace nor he was, incace he were challenged, all
meanes and maintenance taikin from him where he was before at
Leith, and holdin from him where he was confynned. So, with-
out licence of king or counsell, he transported himself and his
familie to Dysart, where he remained privatlie halfe a yeere, and
then came over to Saltprestoun, where he came furth in publict,
preached everie Sabboth day, and was never challenged by the
bishops ; for they had gottin a proofFe, that hard dealing could not
daunton him. So we see, how in tyme of truce, and after recon-
ciiiatioun made at Linlithquo with lifting up of hands, what hard
dealing the bishops have used against the said Mr Johne, howbeit
1G09. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 21
he was not convicted of anie cryme, ather at his first or last com-
peering before the counscll.
MR J. IIAaiMILTOUN AND TATERSONE APPREHENDED.
In the moneth of May, jNIr Johne Ilammiltoun, the Apostat,
some tyuic Professor of Theologic at St Andrewes, a great traffiquer
among noblemen, was apprehended, and a precst called Patcrsone,
■with liis masse cloths. Intcrteanement -svas alloAved them als long
as they were in waird. But ministers confynned in parts farre
distant from their owne parishes, ^Nfr James Melvill, !Mr Johne
^Murrey, Mr Charles Farholme, and others, w^ere putt to their shifts.
Patcrsone was apprehended in the Cannogate, at a masse, at which
were about threttie persons. So bold and peart were Papists be-
come, yea, they never practised so bussilie and opcnlie as at this
tyme, notN^nthstanding of all the great threatnings used to beare
them doun. They apprehended them not as meant seriouslie, so
Ions as the worthiest and best of the ministrie were Avorse intreated
than they.
MR J. SIELVILL's ADVICE ANENT THE CONFERENCE.
The tyme of the conference, which was to be holdin at Falkland
drawing neere, iNIr J. Melvill sent this advice following to the
cheefe that were chosin for the sincerer sort : —
" Cleere yourselves of particular respects, and other imputatiouns
which may be laved upon you, ather by suche as indeid know not,
or by suche as being blinded with prejudice, will not know your
upright meaning anent the peace of the kirk, and Christian unitie
araonjj the ministers therof.
" Dilate the greatnesse of that purpose committed to you by the
Generall Assemblie, who of their owne Avisdom, by the knowledge
of a great part of you, have by their ordinance brought you in this
conference, and your owne wants, Aveakenesse, and insufficiencie,
for performing anie thing answerable to the expected issue of the
22 calderwood's historie 1609.
same ; and in regard of the one and of the other, protest, that in-
cace offence be taikin of anie thing wanting in you, or proceeding
from you in the said conference, that the same may be covered
with the skirts of charltie ; and that yee, for anie suche caus, be
free of all blame and danger at the hands of all, as if the said con-
ference had never beene intended ; and modestlie intreat for suffi-
cient protectioun to that effect.
" Lett your commissioun be read, and before anie farther pro-
ceeding, agree upon the meaning and limits therof ; viz., that it
intends no farther, but to remove the eylasts and controverseis
among the brethrein of the ministrie of the kirk within this king-
dom, anent the externall governement and discipline, etc.
"Becaus that suspiciouns, alledged injureis, and familiaritie with
long distractiouns ruffled and hurt, have made the brethrein's heart
easilie to be accused, and swiftlie caried with suddane motiouns,
whereby by jangling, the handling of maters may be disturbed,
and the event of the conference misreported, and so the said dis-
tractiouns increased and augmented, it is the surest and safest way
for the weale of that purpose, that the maner of handling in plaine
and succinct forme passe by writt.
" Distinguish warilie the brethrein among whom the alledged
controverseis are ranking on the one side, the reformers of the
Kirk of Scotland, and their followers ; and on the other, the
brethrein who have left them, and their judgement established by
the kirk.
" Distinguish betwixt the controverseis of the kirk, and the
contrare assertiouns of privat brethrein, which are extracontroversiam
in the kirk, ather by plaine conclusioun and act, or ellis by custome
and practise.
" Affirme cleerelie and constantlie, that yee mainteane the dis-
cipline appointed and practised by the kirk, and that yee have
nather brotched nor givin out opiniouns nor practises different from
the same, rauche lesse contrare or prejudicial! thereto.
" Affirme that the brethrein on the other side have practised in
prejudice of the established discipline, and in maters of the kirk,
1609. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 23
not onlie without the warrant therof, but contrarc to the exprcsse
acts of the same, lyke as they have givin out brutes of intended
alteratiouns.
"Incacc they offer to impugne or improve the cstablislied dis-
ciphne, or anic part tlicrof, or present to consultatioun anie eekos
or alteratiouns Aviiatsomever, as commissioners of the Gcnerall As-
semblie, eonstantlie to cleave to your commissioun. And except
yce sail !?ee anIe evident advantage whereby your travell may be
compted acceptable to the said Assemblie, breakc not their gene-
rail in particulars ; but as privat brcthrein and schollars, offer to
defend the established discifjline, and Christianlie to impugne Avhat
can be said in the contrare therof.
*' For the effect conteaued in the former article, desire your
brethrein to sett doun, fullie and plainlie, their intended eekes and
alteratiouns ; and for qualificatioun of the eight article, omitting
particulars done to brethrein and their estate, exhibite in conveni-
ent forme these greeves following : —
" 1. The omissioun of the neccssarie dueteis committed to them
by the Generall Assemblie, anent planting of kirks, and provisioun
of ministers by a constant platt ; the removing of ofl'ences con-
ceaved by his Majestic against brethrein ; and intaiking upon them
to doe the speciall cf^aircs of the kirk by themselves, neglecting a
great part of their fellow commissioners, as also presbytereis and
provincialls, contrarc to the will and intent of the commissiouns of
the Generall Assemblie givin unto them, for the purpose above
writtin respective.
" 2. That the commissioners, voters in parliament, have nather
in their entrie, nor continuance and proceedings, keepedthe caveats
of the Generall Assemblie ; but have intended to have some of
them abolished, and others made voide, seeking no leave nor ad-
vice of the kirk heeranent : and lett everie brother be particular
heere, according to his knowledge.
" 3. The speeches uttered, and the promises made in the last
conference at Falkland, for the confort and relcefe of distressed
brcthrein, and restitutioun of interrupted Asscnibleis, have taikin
no effect."
24 calderwood's historie 1609.
MRP. SIMSONe'S letter TO THE BRETHREIN OF THE CONFERENCE.
Mr Patrik Simsone, deteaned by infirraitie of bodie, sent this
letter following to the brethrein of the conference for excuse, and
conteaning with all his advice and admonitioun : —
" Eight Eeverexd Brethrein in Christ Jesus, — Seing my
infirmitie doeth not permitt me to be present at your godlie meeting,
I have thought expedient with my letter to supplee my absence, as the
custome has beene in the church at all tymes, whensoever distance
of place, debilitie of bodie, or anie other urgent necessitie, com-
pelled these persons to be absent whom duetie and calling required
to be present. Therefore I will intreate you, brethrein, for the
merceis of Christ, to advise in good part this my short writting,
and to have in good remembrance these two things which our
Lord Jesus, as he craved cheefelie for his disciples in his last ex-
hortatloun, Johne xlii. 14, 15, to Avitt, Unitie and Sanctificatioun.
And lyke as these of our opinioun were cheefelie to be exhorted to
unitie, becaus that the marches of God's commandements were
brokin by some through words of fleshlie contentioun, rather rank-
ling the wound nor healing the sore of our diseased church, so like-
wise, some of the other opinioun were to be exhorted to sanctifi-
catioun, becaus pi'omises, oaths, and subscriptiouns, are the most
infringable bands of humane societie, and are lyke to the cords of the
sanctuarie of God, tying the beast that was to be sacrificed so fast
unto the homes of the altar that there could be no way of escaping ;
and if there were anie words cast furth, meaning a farre off, to in-
fringe and breake the cautiouns of the church, it were not amisse
to exhort these persons to sanctificatioun, and to keepe the oath
and covenant of God with all fidelitie and faithfulnesse. Lett these
things that are past, I pray you, be past over in love, and lett no
man thinke he is so compleitlie perfytted in all kinde of good gifts,
that nather can he spott a good worke through his infirmitie, nather
yitt that an evill worke can in suche wise spott and defile him that
he sould have no neid of publict or privat admonitiouns.
1G09. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 25
" Now, brethrein, seing yec arc mett at Falkland through the
permissioun of God, lett it not greeve you to heere these few sup-
plicatiouns in the name of Christ. 1. That there be no disputa-
tioun against the established church governement within the rcalmc,
becaus there is no particular commissioun from the Generall As-
scmblic so to doe ; as likewise, becaus it is more competent to
another gcneratioun to enter in rcckcnning in suche questiouns,
than to us, who are not onlie bound by our owne promises and
subscriptiouns, but also we have induced others by their travells to
submitt themselves unto the discipline as unto the undoubted ordi-
nance of God. 2. I exhort vou arjain, for the merccis of Christ,
that whatsoever subject yee rcasoun upon, yce absteane from
hote and contentious disputatiouns, the event whcrof hath bcenc
found so pernicious and hurtful!, that the church, even at that tyme
when both parteis seemed in sinceritie to protest, that it was veritie
and not victoric that they craved. So corrupt is our nature, ever
striving to have the badges of our owne honour spread out, even
in the day Avherin all other things sould be forgott, and the stand-
ard of Christ his everlasting truthe allanerlie sould be displayed
to the world. Have in good remembrance, brethrein, the disputa-
tioun at Montpclgard, anno 1586, wherin our brethrein of the
Frenche and German churches parted in wrathe, and the houre of
that sundering, dextrce fraternitis was refused by the Germans, and
dextrcE amicitice was not rcceaved by the Frenche church ; and the
grave exhortatioun of the noble lord Friderick, Duke of Wirten-
berg, could not prevaile so fiirrc as to make them part als iieaceablie
as they mett. Finallie, I intreat you, brethrein, for the merceis of
Christ, that yee have some regardc to these ravenous woolves that
are in expectatioun at one tyme or other to find occasioun to teare
us all in peeces. Remember of your gracious soverane, and irritat
not his jNIajestie in no cace so farre as in you lyeth.
" Finallie, lett not the hearts of our weake freinds he discouraged
by the new glaming flammes of hote contentioun, which seemed to
be somewhat refreshed by our late meetings, wherinto the hote fire
was not proved with the sharpe sword. The overtures of our first
26 calderwood's historie 1609.
meeting at Falkland, I pray God they may be throughlie conde-
scended upon in this meeting ; that the cautiouns of the church
may be inviolablie observed ; the brethrein who are absent out of
the countrie, or confynned within the same, may be restored to
their rowmes ; that we may be as the bodie of one holie Israel of
God, assembled to fight against Amalikits, Moabits, Canaaanits,
and suche other cursed natiouns, whose number multiplieth so
exceedinglie amongst us. Thus wishing upon the knees of my
heart a blessing to your present meeting, committs you and your
travells to the blessing of God."
The conference appointed by the last Assemblle was holdin the
fourth of j\Iay. The king's commissioners, Dumbar, Wigtoun,
Skoone, and Fentounbarns, were present. After reading of the
commissioun of the Generall Assemblie, the king's missive, and
Mr Patrik Simsone's excuse, the king's commissioners urged a con-
ference of five of either side, two of themselves being present.
The ministers demanded what v.'ere the controverted points of dis-
cipline, what in proper sense could be said to be the controversie,
and what not ; what brethrein were alledged to be on the one side
and what on the other ; and by what authoritie that conference
could make the generall commissioun speciall, or call in questioun
anie point of discipline established by the kirk and ratified by law
and practise. Muclie tyme was spent, but no cleere answere
returned. The sincerer sort stood to the commissioun, which was
to reasoun upon controverseis anent the discipline, but refused to
admitt anie thing for a controversie in di8cii)line which was estab-
lished by law. Some threatning words were uttered against them,
that they sould be sent from whence they come becaus they were
refractorie. The ministers standing for the established discipline
ur<Ted that the conference sould passe in writt, which was altogether
withstood by the bishops.
At lenth, when the bishops could not atteane to their intent, tAvo
questiouns were cast in confusedlle : First, whether the moderators
of presby tercis and provinciall assembleis sould be constant or cir-
cular. Nixt, whether the caveats sould be keeped or not. The
1609. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 27
bishops had a craftie convoy in this, for to make a Lord Bishop
voter in Parliament, loosed from all cautiouns, a constant modera-
tor, is in efiect to sett up a Papall bishop. To the first it was
answered, that it was agreed at the Assemblie of Linlitiiquo, that
the order sould stand as an Interim till the nixt Generall Assemblie.
To the secund it was answered, that the caveats were acts of the
Generall Assemblie, made for restraining the corruptiouiis of voters
in parliament, and could no more be called in questioun than anie
other act concerning that vote. After diverse assayes to draw the
ministers of the established order, but in vaine, the whole commis-
sioners considering the gencralitie of their commissioun, and moved
with other respects, continued their conference till the first Tuis-
day of August, and willed evcrie one of their number to advise
upon the said questiouns, and to be rcadie to propone their mindes
by word or by writt as they sail thinke fittest.
The proceedings of the conference, as they were formallie sett
doun at that tyme, heerc foUoweth : —
THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CONFERENCE AT FALKLAND, 4 JIAIJ
1609.
The Erics of Dumbar and Wigtoun, my Lord Skoone, and my
Lord Fentounbarnes, Collector, Commissioners for his Majestic ;
Mrs George Gladestains, Johne Spotswod, Alexander Lindsey,
Alexander Forbesse, Patrik Schairp, Robert Howie, Johne Mitchel-
sone, Ilenrie Philip, and George Hay, for the bishops; Mrs Patrik
Galloway, Johne Hall, AVilliam Scot, Archibald Oswald, Johne
Knox, Johne Carmichaell, Adam Bannatyne, Johne Wemes, and
"William Cowpcr, (Patrik Simsonc being absent,) mett in that
chamber which was her ^Majestie's for discharging a commissioun
directed from the last Generall Assemblie holdin at Linlithquo the
29th day of Julie, 1608 yeeres. In the which meeting, the said
commissioners proceeded as folio we th : —
Sessioun 1. After prayer and a short speeche uttered by I\fr
James Law, moderator, the commission of the Generall Assemblie
was read, wherof the tenour followeth : —
28 calderwood's historie 1609.
At Linlithquo, the 29th of JuHe 1608, post meridiem. As for
the secund caus of eyelasts Avhich are said to arise from dlversitie
of opiniouns, becaus the said diversiteis of opiniouns result upon
different judgements among the brethrein concerning the externall
governement and discipline of the kirk, which cannot so shortlie
be discussed and advised upon as the brevitie of this Assemblie
permitts. Therefore, it was the opinioun of the brethrein appointed
for the advising of the best overtures anent the distractiouns and
eyelasts that are entered in the hearts of the ministrie, that the
samine sould be delayed till a tyme more convenient, and in the
meane tyme, certan appointed to reasoun, treate, and advise upon
the same. Which likewise the Assemblie has thought expedient ;
and therefore they have elected and chosin the brethrein after fol-
lowing, viz., the Bishops of St Andrewes, Glasgow, Dunkelden,
Orkney, Cathnesse, Mrs Patrik Schairp, Robert Howie, Johne
Mitchelsone, Henrie Philip, George Hay, Patrik Galloway, Johne
Hall, Patrik Simsone, William Scot, Archibald Oswald, Johne
Knox, Johne Carmichaell, Adam Bannatyne, Johne Wemes, and
William Cowper, their commissioners in that part, to conveene
with his Majestic, or suche of his Majestie's commissioners as his
Hio"hnesse sail appoint, at suche tyme and places as they sail be
required by his Majestie, to treate, reasoun, and consult upon all
maters standing presentlie in controversie among the brethrein
anent discipline of the kirk. And whatsoever they agree upon, to
report to the nixt Generall Assemblie ; and in the meane tyme,
whill the nixt Assemblie, the advice of the brethrein conveened at
Falkland the 16th of Junie last bypast be observed, anent the con-
stant moderator.
Upon the margin, this is named, " A Commissioun anent E-cfor-
matioun of Discipline."
There was read also his Majestie's missive letter, and a letter of
excuse from Mr Patrik Simsone.
And therafter, a motioun was made by his Majestie's commis-
sioner, and propouned by the moderator, that five of either side
sould be putt apart, to sett doun an order of proceedour.
1609. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 29
After some reasoning upon the said propositioun, and some
objcctiouns against the same, it was admitted and followed. And
for the bishops were named St Andrewcs and Glasgow, Patrik
Schairp, Eobcrt Howie, and llenrie Philip ; for the ministers,
Patrik Galloway, Johne Hall, William Cowper, Johne Carmichael,
and William Scot.
The Erie of Dumbur, my Lord Fcntounbarnes, James Law,
moderator, and the ten which were nominated and chosin, re-
moved, and went into his Majestie's chamber, where the commis-
sioun was read againe ; which being considered, was thought verie
generall by some ; and for limitatioun therof, the particulars after
following were propouncd by the ministers. 1. That the brethrein
among whom the alledged controverseis were sould be particularlie
named, at least some way designed, whereby one partie might le
knowne by the other. 2. It was required that the alledged con-
troverseis sould be denominated and condescended upon.
For cleering of the first point, these for the part of the ministrie
declared, that they Avere one in judgement with the godlie fathers,
reformers of the Kirk of Scotland, and suche as had from tyme to
tyme in Generall Assembleis appointed the discipline, and obteaned
ratificatioun therof. As also, that they esteeme the discipline
appointed by the kirk, and ratified by the lawes of the countric,
to be most godlie and meete for the ruling of Christ his kirk
within this rcalme. These of the other opinioun came to no par-
ticular nominatioun nor designatioun, whereby their difference
from suche as had established the discipline might be perceavcd.
For better understanding of the secund, the ministers desired
that distinctioun be made betuixt maters standing in controversic
amongst the brethrein, and maters extra controversiam in the kirk,
in which cace, they take to be all things concluded in lawfull
Generall Assembleis. Item, That cleere difference might be made
betuixt privat brethrein's opiniouns and conceats, (putt cace their
number was great,) and maters in controversic in the kirk, scin<T
nothing can propcrlic be called a controversic of the kirk, but that
which has bcene rcceaved as a doubt before in some Generall
30 calderwood's historie 1609.
Assemblle, and depends as yltt undecided ; for there is an order
concerning caces, where brethrein doubt and crave reformatioun,
viz., that suche maters sould be propouned to the Generall Assem-
blie ordine decenter, animo adijicandi, non tentandi. In respect of
which order, it is no wise convenient, that the saids ministers
sould participat in a conference, with their brethrein's opiniouns
different from the judgement of the kirk, and syne report the
same to a Generall Assemblie.
Lastlie, seing the Assemblie at Linlithquo has directed commis-
sioun anent maters presentlie standing in controversie ccmcerning
discipline, which claus must of necessitie be referred ather to
maters that stand in controversie before that Assemblie, and in the
tyme of it, or ellis to maters called and receaved in controversie
before the same : It was demanded by the saids ministers, what
particular maters ather stood in controversie, or were called or
receaved into controversie.
The intentioun of this their dealing was to shew that the com-
missioun above writtin boore no warrant to the said commissioners,
ather to make particular questiouns and controverseis which had
not beenc heard in Generall Assembleis of before, or yitt to call
in controversie the acts, conclusiouns allowed, practised, or esta-
blished order of the kirk. This purpose was taunted among the
ministers themselves, and it was alledged, this forme of dealing
Avould be accompted a shifting of disputatioun, and so the blame
would ly upon the ministers.
It was answered, it was better to beare that unjust blame, than
to breake a whole cans which, if it were brokin, could not escape
to be hurt, seing the one partie were sixteene or seventeene, and
the other but nync. The other sort for the partie of the bishops
termed that forme of proceeding tergiversatioun, policie, querelling
of the Generall Assemblie, frustratioun of their good intentioun,
&c. Muche tyme and talke was spent heerabout, and some shor-
ing and boasting, but no cleere satisfactioun returned to the demand
and propositiouns above specified.
And so somwhat abruptlie it was said, they mctt ather for some-
1G09. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 31
thing or nothing ; and confusedlic was cast in, that some of the
brethrcin had reccaved the constant moderators, and others not.
So that was a controversie of the kirk, said they, whether the
moderator soukl be constant or circnhir, as they termed it.
Item, Some of the brethrcin thinkc that the cautiouns sould be
keeped, and others thinke that reasoun woukl that some of them
sould be abolished. It is a questioun then, forsuith ! whether the
cautiouns sould be keeped or not.
It was answered to the first, that the foi'csaid Assemblie at
Linlithquo, whcrefra this connnissioun was directed, had exprcsslie
provided, that the advice givin in the conference at Falkland sould
be observed till the nixt Generall Assemblie. And true it is, that in
that conference at Falkland, the meeting at Linlithquo, wherin the
intended innovatioun of the moderator was bcgunnc, was spycd,
and that mater to be farther treatted in the insuing Assemblie at
Linlithquo. Which Assemblie, Avhen it conveened, acquiesced in
the advice givin at Falkland. So that there is no warrant in this
commissloun to call the accustomed and established order of moder-
atioun in doubt.
And to the secund it was answered, that the cautiouns, after
long reasoning and advisement, had in presbytereis, provincial! and
Generall Assemblcis, they were solcmnelie concluded in two
Assembleis, one at Dundie, another at Montrose, his Majestic
being present at the one and at the other, and as yitt stand in
force unrepealed ; and can no more be called in questioun, by
vertue of this present commissioun, than the acts anent vote in par-
liament, or anie other acts of Generall Assembleis.
It was thought meete by the most part, that both these maters
of the raoderatioun and cautiouns sould be putt in questioun.
And so they that went apart re-entered in the place of conference,
and all being present, the moderator cunninglie demanded, whether
if the said maters sould passe in questioun or not ? It was answered
by the most part affirmative they sould, and so the questiouns were
conceaved as followeth : —
32 calderwood's historie 1609.
1. Whether In synotls or presbyterels, the moderatloun sould be
constant or not ?
2. AYhether the cautiouns sett doun In the Assemblels holdin at
Dundle and Montrose, for restraining the power of bishops, sould
be observed and sworne to or not ?
Therafter, the moderator desired, that one of either side sould
be named, to reasoun these two questlouns. But being late, no
nominatioun was made, but thankes givin, and so that sessioun
ended.
After the dissolving of that sessioun, the ministers mett by
themselves ; and having conferred a little anent the disadvantage
and danger, by suffering themselves to be separated in that former
sessioun, all were desired to think that night upon the meetest
remedie, and tymouslie to meete in the morning, which they did.
In that their meeting they concluded, 1. That Mr Patrik Gal-
loway sould be speeche man, and some others to assist him, as need
required. 2. That they sould suffer themselves no more to be
divided, but whatsoever sould be propouned, (althougli of lesse
Importance,) they sould take It to be advised by the whole, before
that anie answere sould be returned. 3. That in respect of the
members of that conference, and of the qualitie of the maters
called in doubt, that they would no wise dispute but in writt.
Sess. 2, 3Iai/ 5, hora 9, a7ite meridiem. The foresaid commis-
sioners conveened in the morning In the place before named, and
after prayer, the moderator propouned that one of either side
sould be named and appointed to reasoun the first questioun. Mr
Patrik Galloway being desired to speeke, answered, that It was
most convenient to reasoun the mater by writt, for the reasouns
following : 1. For eshewing of ydle and bote speeches, superfluous
digressiouns, and impertinent discourses, whereby brethrein may be
irritated, and tyme unprofitablie spent. 2. For avoiding of differ-
ent reports to be made by brethrein of different judgements after
the conference ended. And, therefore, he required the other
partie, that they would shortlie and cleerelie sett doun their opi-
niouns, In articles tuiching that mater, and reasouns "whereby they
1609. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 33
might confirmc tlic same ; promising that the said opiniouns and
reasouns sould be phiinlie and brothcrUe answered in suche succinct
forme as was possible they sould conceave and expresse in wrltt.
Manie things were objected against that answere and offer, but
all the objectiouns were answered. And so, the ministers standing
constantlie to their resolutioun, the other partie desired that they
might advise among themselves anent the premisses ; unto the
which desire the ministers agreed, and removed themselves, and
the other partie, with his Majestle's commissioners, satt still.
After their re-entrie, the moderator objected foure reasouns
against writting : 1. The custome of the Kirk of Scotland. 2. The
custom of conferences in other countreis ; and some coUoqueis
were named. 3. His Majestie's prohibitioun of writt. 4. Sindrie
inconveniences that might follow therupon, as namelie, that copeis
would passe abroad, and come into the hand of the enemeis, where-
by it could not faile but slander and skaith would come to the cans
of the religioun.
To the First it was answered, that whill the Kirk of Scotland
had adoe with the counsell therof anent the treatting and con-
cluding of the heeds of the discipline, they gave and receaved writt
one from another.
To the Secund, that the colloqueis named by them had verie
evill events ; and others treatted by writt, specified by the minis-
ters, had better successe, and made more for the advantage of
religioun.
As for the custome of countreis generallie alledged, writt is more
usual! than word, as may be seene of learned men's epistles, printed
colloqueis, and treatises of all ages.
To the Thrid, it is evident in his IMajestic's letter, that his Ille-
nesse' intentioun is to sattle all maters peaceablie ; and beside the
same there is nothing produced. Therefore writting, whereby
jangling of words, hote speeches, and tedious digresslouns, sail be
avoided, is the most fitt and safe way to come to his Majestie's
purpose.
To the Fourth, Incace of agreement, interchanged papers may be
VOL. VIL C
34 calderwood's historie 1G09.
rivvln or burnt, and the conclusiouns agreed upon, onlle putt in
writt, to remalne. If they can no wise agree, whatsoever sail passe
in writt may be with consent of all destroyed.
And after these answers, the ministers concluded, that reasoning
by Avord without a judge could not possiblie be had without tumult
in the tyme of treatie, and different and contraditorous reports
after breaking up of the meeting, whereby the present distractiouns,
the cans of religioun farther prejudged, Papists and all sort of
enemeis wishing, working, and watching for divisioun among the
ministers, so farre as they may. The mater being thus stand to
by the ministers, some speeches of terrour were givin out, and
therafter, the moderator propouned, that a short historie might be
sett doun with all consents of that meeting, and the proceedings
therin to some suche effect as followeth : That the commissioners
mett, the commissioun was read, two questiouns were agreed upon,
they for the part of the bishops offered to dispute therupon, and
the ministers refused. The ministers desired the last point to be
mended after this maner. That they for the bishops offered to
rcasoun by word and refused writt, and the ministers were willing
to reasoun by writt ; but when they sould be before a Generall As-
scmblie, judge ordinar to suche maters, they sould be readie to rea-
soun by word or writt, as it sould please the Assemblie toinjoyne;
but heere they could not reasoun by word becaus they wanted a
judge. This was refused, and so no historie was agreed on. But
the moderator desired, that his Majestie's letter and the commis-
sioun being layed aside, either of the parteis would advise upon
some overtures for the peace of the kirk. And for reporting tlierof,
three after noone was appointed for all to meete again. Thus,
after thanksgiving, the commissioners rose.
Immediatlie after dinner, the commissioners eonveenned by them-
selves, and after consultatioun, agreed upon some suche articles as
follow : —
1. That a declaratioun sould passe from this conference, to be
published in the kirks of Scotland, proporting, that the kirks within
this realme are weill constituted in doctrine and discipline, praised
1609. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 35
be God ; and that the discords and differences among tlic ministers
anent the one and tlie other aggrcdged and givin out by Papists,
atheists, and other encmeis, arc but shindcrous caUimncis tending
to seditioun, and to dcccavc the simple.
2. That the handUng of the discords and differences among the
ministrie be layed aside and spaired, and the saids differences
covered under the skirts of brotherUc patience and Christian -wis-
dom, Avhill first Papists and Papistric be proceeded against and
putt to a point.
3. Scing that the mater of bishoprick and hierarchic can not be
handled at this tymc but with advantage to Papistric and Papists,
and disadvantage to the established order of this kirk, which has
beene a special! meane whereby they and their kingdome have
beene dissipated and overcome, that purpose would be superseeded
whill the land were purged of them and their living.
4. That an humble supplicatioun sould passe from this conference
to his Majestic for grace and favour to these ministers that have
beene so long banished, keeped in prisoun, and confynned ; namelie,
that they might be relaxed, sett at libertie, and returned to their
places.
Sess. 3, eodem die, hora tertia, post meridiem. The whole commis-
sioners mett in the place above specified, and after prayer, the
moderator required the ministers to present their advice, as was
appointed before noone ; and Mr Patrik Galloway presented the
articles above writtin, which were read ; and after the reading
thcrof, some freatted, and preassed to specke. But authoritative
by the moderator and some others, that vehemencie was keeped at
under, and silence was commanded. Therafter, the advice of the
other partie was read, and all demanded what they thought of it ?
Little [was] said for it, and nothing against it. The moderator
desired the ministers to take up their articles ; which being done,
the conclusioun after following was agreed upon : —
^' At Falkland, the fijftof May, 1G09.
" The brethrein convccnned havino; read the commissioun G;ivin
36 caldeewood's histokie 1609.
them by the Generall Asseinblie, and considering the generahtie
therof, and how it is needfull for ending of all controverseis stand-
ing in discipline among the ministrie, that the particular points in
questioun be condescended upon ; have for the present agreed upon
two, viz., whether in synods and presbytereis, the moderator sould
be constant or not ; and whether the cautlouns sett doun in the
Assembleis holdin at Dundie and Montrose, for restraining the
power of bishops, sould be holdin and sworne unto or not. AVhich
two questiouns being propouned, becaus nather the brevitie of the
tyme permitts, nor is it for diverse causes thought expedient to
enter in the reasoning therof at this present, the brethrein continue
all treating of the same till the first Tuisday of August nixtocum,
appointed for their meeting to that effect in Stirline ; willing and
commanding everie one of the said brethrein' to advise and con-
sider gravelie of the said questiouns, and all the points therof; and
to be readie at their said meeting to propone their mindes ather
by word or writt, as they sail thinke fittest. And farther, to sett
doun in writt all the differences which they doe conceave in the
mater of discipline, that some solide course may be taikin with
commoun consent, for removing the same.
" In the meane tyme, it is thought expedient by the consent of
the whole number, that the Generall Assemblie be prorogued to
the first Tuisday of May nixtocum, to be holdin at St Andrewes,
if so it sail please his Majestic, that these effaires being brought to
some point, report may be made according as is ordeaned in the
said commissioun. And becaus his Majestie's most zealous care
for the good peace of the kirk, and the suppressing of Papists, and
all contrarie religiouns, doeth so manie wayes appeare, that we have
all exceeding great mater of thankes to be givin to the Almightie
God for the blessing bestowed upon the kirk in his Majestie's per-
soun, it is found meete that a letter of humble thankes be writtin
from this conference to his Majestic ; and that in all congregatiouns
of this kingdom, declaratioun be made by everie minister of his
Hienesse' good affectioun, and resolved minde to sattle the kirk in
peace and truthe, and to free the same of all the enemeis, and
1609. OP THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 37
their pernicious practises ; and that publlct thankes be givin to
God for his raerceis, and prayers conceaved for the happie pro-
gresse of his Majcstie's purpose.
" As also, the brethrein knowing: the irrcat dangers that the kirk
standeth in, through tlie enenieis of religloun, have thought meete
to recommend to all the ministers and presbytereis in this realrae,
carefull proceeding against Papists ; and suchc of the strangers
that resort from forraine parts to make intelligence to his Majestie's
commissioner, the Erie of Dumbar, or suche other of his Ilienesse'
counsell as they are best acquainted with, that they know zealous
of God's truthe, and faithfull to his Majestic. And above all
things, that they and cverie one of them intcrteane peace, freind-
ship, and brotherlie love with others, laying aside all jealouseis, sus-
piciouns, and other prejudices ; and that they communicat their
counsells and helpes to the advancing of religioun, and establishing
a good and solide agreement in the kii-k, Avhich the brethrein
present for themselves have solemnelie promised ; and likewise, to
labour others to the same, so farre as they can, that God may have
glorie, and his most excellent Majestic satisfactioun and content-
ment in all things."
This conclusioun and his Majestie's letter being writtin and sub-
scribed, the moderator gave thankes to God in the place where they
mett ; and Mr "William Cowper being requcisted by his Ilienesse'
commissioner, and some of the brethrein, went to the kirk of Falk-
land, and all that were there with him. He made an exhox'tatioun
and thanksgiving upon the last three verses of the 74 Psalme ; and
therafter, tlie 133 Psalme was sung, and thus all were dimissod.
The bishops gained this nuiche by this conference, that no
oppositioun was made to them at the ensuing parliament, at which
their commissariats were to be confirmed to them. Foure of the ten
that were upon the ministers' side, Mr Patrik Galloway, ^Ir Johne
Ilall, Mr AdamBannatyne,Mr AVilliam Cowper, joyned with the rest,
without the consent and knowledge of the cheefe of that number,
were justlie suspected to be secreit enemeis ; and if it had come to
disputatioun, it was feared by the rest, that they would have proved
38 calderwood's historie 1609.
prevaricators. Yitt they thought it wisdom to niisken, and to
drjve the conference to this point Avhich is above expressed. Mr
"William CoAvper and Mr Adam Bannatyne discovered themselves
after, wdien they tooke on the bishopricks. Mr Patrik Galloway
and Mr Jobne Hall were the cheefe instruments the king used to
further his course.
A PARLIA3IEXT.
The parliament sould have begunne the 13th of June ; but
becaus the Erie of Montrose had beene his Majestie's grand com-
missioner in the parliaments preceeding, and at conventiouns, his
Majestic thought meete that he sould be buried in pompe, before
anie other Avere named. So he was buried with great solemnitie.
The king promised to bestow fourtie thowsand merkes upon the so-
lemnitie of the buriall ; but the promise was not performed, which
drew on the greater burthein upon his sonne. The Erles of Marshall
and Marr repyned to accept that honour, and, therefore, the Erie
of Dumbar, farre inferiour to them, would not preasse to it. At
lenth, the Erie ISIarshall tooke the dignitie upon him. So the
parliament beganne upon the 17th day, the day after the buriall,
and continued till the 24th. Few of the ancient nobihtie were
present. Doctor Gudwine and Doctor Milburne, two English
doctors, taught in tyrae of parliament. It was the king's pleasure
that the archbishops sould ryde before the erles, and the rest of
the bishops before the lords, the first day ; but the last day, all
the bishops raid betuixt the honours and the erles. For this and
other respects, Montrose, Cathnesse, Glencarne, Mortoun, and
Cassils,came on foote to theParliament Hous,and protested against
the wrong done to them. Some acts were made against Papists,
but not so muclie for anie rigour meant against them in earnest, as
to grace the bishops, and to procure them the greater credit and
authoritie in the countrie. There Avere other acts also made in
their favours.
In the First act, it Avas ordcanncd that all noblemen and others,
1G09. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 39
"who hecrafter sail direct pedagogues with their sonncs to forraine
countreis, sail have a sufficient testinioniall from the bishop of the
diocie where the said pedagogue for the most part made liis resi-
dence latclie before.
In the Secund act, it was ordeanned that noblemen, barons, and
others, give order and directioun that the remaining of their sonnes
furth of the countrie sail be in places where religioun is professed,
or, at least, where there is no crucll inquisitioun ; and that, during
the tyme of their absence, they sail not haunt anie idolatrous exer-
cise of religioun ; and that suche persons as have not the moyen to
intertcane a pedagogue with their sonncs, sail send them to suche
places where religioun is professed.
In the Thrid act, it was ordeanned that no persons, excommuni-
cated for not conforming themselves to the religioun presentlie
professed, be suffered, ather directlic in their owne persons, or
covertlie and indirectlie by others, in their names and to their
behove, to enjoy the possessioun of their lands, rents, and revenewes,
but that the same sail be intrometted with, and uplifted to his
Majestie's use.
In the Fourth act, it Avas ordeanned that everie archbishop and
bishop, within the bounds of his own diocie, sail, once everie yeere,
give up to the treasurer, comptroller, collector, and their deputs,
and to the director of our soverane lord's chancellai'ie, a roll sub-
scribed with his hand, conteaning the names of all suche persons
Avithin his diocie as are excommunicated for religioun ; and that the
said treasurer and his deputs receave no resignations, nor grant
confirmations nor infeftments, in favour of anie of the persons
whose names sail be conteaned in the said roll ; and that the
director of the chancellarie and his deputs give out no breeves,
receave no retowres, direct no precept upon retoAvres or upon com-
prysings, in favours of anie of the saids persons, Avhill they produce
to the said treasurer, comptroller, director of the chancellai-ie, and
their deputs, a sufficient testimoniall subscribed by the said arch-
bishop or bishop, tcstifeing their relaxatioun from the said cxcom-
municatioun ; and that it sail be laAvfull to all lords of rcgahtcis, and
40 CALDER wood's historie 1609.
all superiors whatsomever within this kingdom, to refuse breeves
and precepts of dare constat in favours of suche persons. As also,
to refuse the entrie of tennents upon comprysing, whose names are
insert in the same roll.
In the Fyft act, all acts of parliament ather made in his Majestie's
minoritie, or since his acceptatioun of the governement in his owne
persoun, against Jesuits, Seminarie preests. Papists, sayers and
hearers of masse, and recepters of the said persons, were ratified
with some explanatiouns. Item, That all judges, members of court,
and officers whatsomever, professe the true religioun. All arch-
bishops, bishops, and presbytereis, were ordeanned to call before
them the said Papists, Jesuits, Seminarie preests, and their re-
cepters, everie one within their owne bounds respective, and to try
if they have controveened to the said acts ; and after probatioun,
to report the same to his Hienesse' advocat and Secret Counsell,
that they may be conveenned before them, aud punished.
In the Eight act, it was ordeanned, that none, in tyme comming,
be capable of provestrie or other magistracie within anie burgh,
but merchants and actuall traffiquers inhabiting within the said
burghes ; and that the said magistrats, and their commissioners of
parliament, sail weare at parliament-conventiouns, and other solemne
tymes and meetings, when their dignitie sail require it, suche comelie
and decent apparrell as his Majestic sail prescrive, whereby they
may be discerned from other commoun burgesses. And siclyke,
that judges sail weare suche an habite as his Majestic sail thinke
most meete and proper, als weill for Lords of the Sessioun, and
other inferiour judges in civill actiouns, as for the criminall and
ecclesiasticall judges, for advocats, lawyers, and others living by
law and practise therof. That everie preacher weare blacke,
grave, and comelie apparell. Lykewise, that all pryours, abbots,
and prelats having vote in parliament, speciallie bishops, weare
grave and decent apparrell, agreable to their functioun, dignitie,
and place. And becaus the king, by long experience, knoweth
better than anie king living, what is convenient for everie estat in
their behaviour and duetie, it was agreed, that what order he sould
1609. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 41
thinke meete to prescrivc for the apparrcll of the kirk men, agre-
able to their estat and moyen, the samine being sent in writt by
his Majestic to his Clerk of Register, sail be a sufficient warrant to
hira for inserting thcrof in the bookes of parliament, to have the
strenth and effect of an act thcrof, with executorialls of horning
to be directed therupon against suche persons as, within the space
of fourtie dayes after the publicatioun or intimatioun of the said
act made unto them, or charges used against them therupon, sail
not provide themselves of the apparrcll to be appointed by his
Majestic for men of their vocatioun and estate, to be used and
worne by them and their successours at the tymes and in maner to
be expressed in the said act to be made by his Hienesse thcranent.
By this act power was givin to the king to prescrivc what
apparrcll he pleased unto ministers, ather in the tyme of divine
service or out of it. So he might impose the surplice and the
baboun, yea, he might impose hood and bells by this act, so
slavishly were they addicted to flatter and pleasure him. Yitt
were not these strange formes of apparrcll imposed, becaus he had
the maine point, to witt, Episcopall jurisdictioun, to wonnc, and,
therefore, would not make a sturre for the apparrcll before the tyme.
In the Nynth act, it was ordeaned, that whosoever sail heerafter,
by word or writt, devise, utter, or publishc anie false, slanderous, or
reproachefull speeches, tending to the remembrance of the ancient
grudges borne in tyme of bypast troubles, or to the hinderance of
the wished accomplishment of the perfyte unioun of the kingdoms
of Scotland and England, or to the slander or reproache of the
estat, people, or countrie of England, or dishonour or prejudice of
anie counseller of the said kingdom, whereby hatred may be fostered
and mainteaned, or raislyking raised betuixt his Majestie's faithfull
subjects of this yle ; the authors of the seditious, slanderous, and
injurious speeches or writts, or disperscrs thcrof, after try ell taikin
of their offence, ather before his Majestie's Justice or the Lords of
his Hienesse' Privie Counsell, sail be severelie punished in their
persons and goods, by imprisounment and banishment, fyning, or
more rigorous corporall paine, as the qualitie of the offence sail be
42 calderwood's histoeie 1609.
found to merite at his Majestie's pleasure ; and all suche as hearing
or getting knowledge of anie suche speeches or Avritts, sail conceale
the same, and not reveele them to his Majestie's ordinar officers,
magistrats, or counsellers, whereby the authors or dispersers therof
may be punished, sail underly the lyke tryell and paine.
In the Elleventh act, becaus the bishops were restored to their
livings, jurisdictioun, and place, and had gottin the quots of testa-
ments within their owne dioceis respective, which before perteanned
to the Lords of the Sessioun, in recompence therof was assigned
to the Lords of the Sessioun out of the patrimonie of the crowne,
the customs, so farre as the same might be extended to the sowme
of ten thowsand punds of the first, readiest, most sure, and best
payment of the said customes. The king bestowed, as Mr James
Melvill was crediblie informed, upon the erecting of bishops and
bishopricks, above three hundreth thowsand punds sterline.
The commissariats were committed to them by the Sixt act of
this parliament, the tenor whereof followeth : —
6. — ACT OF THE COMMISSARIATS, AND JURISDICTIOUN GIVIN
TO ARCHBISHOrS AND BISHOPS.
" Our soverane lord understanding that, in all weill governed
republicks, the jurisdictioun, civill and ecclesiastick, are distinct
and diverse jurisdictiouns, that ought to be administred by the
persons to whom the same properlie belong ; and according to his
Hienesse' most loving and princelie afFectioun, borne always to the
Christian Eeformed Kirk within this realme, being most willing
that the same kirk sould bruike and joyse their liberteis, priviledges,
freedom, and jurisdictioun granted to them by his Majestie, (from
whom onlie their temporall jurisdictioun doeth flow,) and in that
regarde belonging to them, as one of the estats of parliament most
necessar to be mainteaned, for giving of their advice, counsel],
and assistance in all his Majestie's great and weightie effaires;
hath, with expresse advice and consent of the estats of parliament,
restored and redintegrated the archbisliops and bishops of this
1609. OF TUE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 43
rcalme to their former authoritie, dignitie, prerogatives, priviledges,
and jurisdictiouns lawfullie pertcaning, and sail be known to per-
tcanc, to them, (ahvaycs flowing from his Majcstie, als ■svcill as anic
other ordinarie jurisdictioun docth ;) and speciallie, to the juris-
dictioun of commissariats and administratioun of justice by their
commissioners and deputeis, in all si)irituall and ecclesiasticall causes
controverted bctwecne anie persons dwelling within the bounds
and dioceis of their prelaccis and bishopricks, with full power to
the said archbishops, bishops, and their successours, in all tymc heer-
after, to nominat and creat sufficient, wise, discreit, and learned
men, best acquainted with the law and practick of this realmc, to
serve and administrat justice in the said places of judicatorie, to
constitut clerks and all other under officers, so oft as the same sail
vaike by dimissioun, decease, dcprivatioun, or otherwise ; and to
provide othei's in their places with als great freedom and libertie as
anie archbishops or bishops in this realme formerlie have done ;
which commissars, to be nominated and created by them, sail judge
and decide in all causes belonging to their judicatorie, and wherein
the commissars presentlic in office are in use to decide ; keeping
the same style and forme which is presentlic observed, and that
maner of proceeding which sail be prescribed and injoynned unto
them by speciall injunctiouns, without anie alteratioun of the pre-
sent lawes, or introductioun of new and uncouth practicks upon
the subjects and lieges ; and sail have power of confirmatioun of
testaments, everie one of them within their owne bounds, the quota
therof to be payed to the archbishops, bishops, their chamberlans,
factors, and under-receavers, appointed by them. For the better
effectuating wherof, his Majcstie and estats of parliament ordeane
letters of horning to be givin and granted by the Lords of Sessioun
in that same verie forme that the commissars present have it, for
the executioun of all their sentences and decrcits which sail happin
to be pronounced by them, and compelling of persons to enter and
confirme the testament of their defuncts in the verie same maner
that formerlie has bcene done.
" And for mainteaning all things in better order, and the restrain-
44 calderwood's historie 1609.
ing of unlawfull divorcements over frequentlie practised within this
realme, to the high dishonour of God and slander of true rehgioun,
his Majestic, with advice and consent foresaid, has statuted and
ordeanned, that, in the burgh of Edinburgh, there sail be resident
alwayes foure commissars, two to be nominated and appointed by
the Archbishop of St Andrewes, and two by the Archbishop of
Glasgow, who sail have the onlie power to decide in all causes of
divorcement : As likewise, sail have power of reductioun of all
decreits pronounced by anie other commissars, to the hurt and
prejudice of anie of the lieges ; before whom it sail be onlie lawfull
to intend and pursue reductions of inferiour commissars, their
sentences and decreits, in prima instantia.
"And incace the saids commissars, to be appointed by the Arch-
bishops of St Andrewes and Glasgow, as said is, performe not their
duetie, the Lords of Sessioun sail have power to try, cognosce, and
determine in the same ; and sail judge upon all decreits and sen-
tences alledged to be wrongously pronounced by them, and that
becaus they are his Majestie's great consistorie : To whom his
Hienesse, with advice of the said estats, gives and grants an high
supreme commissioun for all suche causes, to judge and determine
of them in suche caces ; and declairs, that it sail be lawfull to the
said Lords of Counsell and Sessioun to advocat causes unto them-
selves from anie of the commissars, upon just and lawfull complaints
made to them by anie of the subjects, and not otherwise ; providing
alwise, that the said Sessioun sail ever be readie to give an accompt
to his Majestic that their advocatiouns have beene grounded upon
probable and lawfull grounds for the weale of the subjects.
" And that this foresaid act may be putt in present effect, his
Majestic, with advice foresaid, declairs all former erectiouns of
commissariats to be suppressed and extinct from this furth, and for
ever; all constitutiouns that have beene in former tyme for the
same, in whatsoever part of the realme the same hath beene erected,
and by whatsoever maner the same hath proceeded. Acts of Parlia-
ment, Secret Counsell, and others made theranent. And in like
maner, discharges and annuUs all presentatiouns, gifts, or disposi-
1609. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 45
tlouns made by his Ilienesse to the commissars present, or to anie
other, concerning the said commissariats ; and all rights acquired
by them by deccassc, diinissioun, or howsoever the same has vaiked ;
and all gifts and dispositiouns made in favours of their clerks and
members of court, by whatsomever maner of order the same has
proceeded : "With this provisioun alwise, that the commissars pre-
sentlie in office, their clerks, and other members of court, who sail
be authorised from the Lords of Scssioun, with testlmoniall from the
Lords of Sessioun of their sufficiencle and qualificatioun to their
severall places and offices, sail bruike and joyse the same, they
alwise rcceaving new prcsentatloun and gift of their offices from
the archbishops and bishops of their dioceis ■where they serve,
betweene and the first day of December nixtocum. Otherwise, if,
incace the said commissars, and other members of court, doe not
produce the foresaid testimoniall from the Lords of Scssioun, as
said is, it sail be lawfull to the archbishops and bishops to provide
other sufficient persons to the said places : The restitutioun of the
said jurisdictioun alwayes to be with expresse reservatioun of his
Hienesse, and his successours, their prerogative and supremacie in
all causes, ecclcsiasticall and civill, "within this realme ; providing
alwayes, that this present act sail no wise be hurtfull nor prcjudiciall
to the heretable right of the commissariat within the bounds of
Argile, perteaning to Archibald, now Erie of Argile, but the same
to stand in the same force, strenth, and effect, as it was before this
present act, and notwithstanding therof, or anie claus therin con-
teaned, prout de jurer
Item, An act, discharging the secretar's registers since Januar last.
Item, The Lord Maxwell and the Laird of Restalrig forefaulted ;
but no mentioun of Sir James Elphinstoun. Maxwell, for the
treasonable slaughter of the Laird of Johnstoun, raising of fire, and
breaking of waird. Restalrig, for concealing of Gowrei's treasoun.
Li the act for the commissariats, the jurisdictioun of the com-
missariats is acknowledged to be ecclcsiasticall. And yitt, without
knowledge or consent of the kirk, is this jurisdictioun committed
to the bishops, at the king's directioun, and by their owne device.
46 calderwood's historie 1609.
As they growed in greatnesse, their whole behaviour, actiouns, and
speeches, were altered, and numbers of the ministrie fell to them.
The more that they were established in their estate, the lesse was
the distresse of good men regarded. The people were made to
beleeve that the Bishop of Glasgow, Spotswod, at his last voyage
to Londoun before this parliament, was to bring home Mr Andrew
Melvill to teache in Glasgow, if he pleased ; and the bishop himself
said that he had left Sir James Sempill to perswade to the accep-
tatioun of that conditioun. But when good men were disappointed,
he excused the mater, and said the king had changed his minde,
and behoved to advise with the Erie of Dumbar concerning his
libertie. When he was asked why Mr James Melvill was not sett
at libertie ? he answered, Mr Andrew had but a blast ; but Mr
James was a craftie bydding man, and more to be feared nor Mr
Andrew. When these speeches were repeated to Mr Law, Bishop
of Orkney, by one of the confynned, his answere was short and
plaine, that except a conformltie were agreed upon at this dyet,
which was to be holdin at Stirline in August, " yee will all remaine
in the former distresse." These vantages gott they by the shew of
reconciliatioun that was made at the Assemblie, and the conference
appointed and continued, without any releefc or confort to the
ministers distressed for opponing to their advancing.
MR J. CARMICHAEL's LETTER TO MR JAMES MELYILL.
In the moneth of Julie, Mr Johne Carmichaell, one of the ten
minit;tcrs appointed for the one partie of the conference, sent to
Mr James Melvill this letter following, by which the reader may
take up the state of the tyme : —
" Right Reverend, — I have thought verie long to heare from
you this while bygane, since the departure of your godlie host. I
see no pitie nor compassioun in the hearts of men, how ever God
humble us. Blessed be He who is our El Shaddai, and our richc
reward. What I would write of anie purpose, will be fuUie suppleed
1G09. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 47
by thir present visiters, concerning our conference bygane in
Falkland, and to conic in Stirline. I would gladclic know your
mindc of the particulars past, and of the mancr of our dealing, and
resolutioun to doe all by writt ; and the danger of some of our
owne with whom wc are joyned, they will report. I have tane
some paincs this yeere bygane anent our maters, especiallie in try-
ing the ancients de Einscopatu, and the Papists, with all their
reasouns, with whom our Episcopall men closselie jumpe ; and I
hope to discover the nakednesse of their best authoriteis, and
reasouns wherin they most triumphe. At another tyme, by God's
grace, ye sail have some proofte hecrof, for the anascueastick part
is my speciall studic. How ever I know the course to be violent
on the other side, I would we sould be found roadie, and able to
give a faithfuU testimonie, with evidence of reasoun, for the peace
of our owne consciences in the day of our tryell. Alas ! deere Sir,
Ave want our Jonathan^ in thir caccs, who durst adventure against
manic Philistins. I Avould have bcenc glad to have beene his
armour-bearer. God can save us als weill by few as by manic ; if
we could sigh and mourne to our God, and powre out the water of
our hearts in his presence, and make violence on his kingdom, our
God yitt would aj^peare. "VVe must be yitt better upon our knees,
before the deliverance. Our lukewarmenesse feares me we sail be
spewed out. O admirable patience of our God, who has suffered
us so long ! Manic tyme my heart is cast doun and freatteth, to
see the universall defectioun of all. There is no man now to spceke
a word in seasoun. What Caesar commandeth to all is now heerc
an oracle. I am constrained to thinke them happie who are with
the Lord in this tyme, for they are tane away, that they sould not
see the misereis to come. Come, Lord Jesus ! come. Lord Jesus !
amen. His grace be with you, and give us all a confortable meet-
ing. If this conference and our communioun had not withholdin
me at this tyme, I had visited you with the rest. But Mr William
Scot's last advertisement and myne is, that wc sail have that
' Mr A. MelvilI._i\'o<e in the MS.
48 caldekwood's histoeie 1609.
earand quicklle there away, becaus they conceate us onlie opposite
to their course.
" Your owne Sonne,
" J. Caemichaell."
A JUSTICE COUET AT DUMFEEIS.
About the end of Julie, the Erie of Dumbar went to Dumfreia,
where he held a justice court, and hanged a number of border
theeves, apprehended before by Sir William Cranston, Captan of
the Guarde.
THE DYET AT STIELINE DESEETED.
The conference held not at Stirline in August, as was appointed
at Falkland. The bishops being established, in their moderatioun
permitted the dyet to expire, upon hope to gett their intentiouns
prosecuted more easilie at an Assemblie, lyke the two last holdin
at Linlithquo, for they saw no appearance of vantage to be gottin
by the conditiouns agreed upon at Falkland. It was in their
power to purchasse the appointment of conferences, and to disap-
point them, as pleased them.
MR WILLIAM scot's LETTEE TO MR JAMES MELVILL,
THE 16th of septembee 1609.
" I doubt not, most loving father, but if yee would censure us as
we deserve in thir things, yee might verie justlie esteeme us to be
voide of all sound affectioun that sould be Christians, obliged as
we are unto you, and to our father, south by. We trouble you
with prefaces. But what can we doe ? I beseeke you but cere-
moneis, (most deere unto me,) lett us understand with this trustie
bearer your minde particularlie, and wherin we may be more
steadable ; for we have great need to be advised and spurred. We
1 609. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 49
read and we scroll, but the verltle is wounded, and we make no
support, &c. September 16, 1609.
" Your verie Sonne, to the uttermost of his power,
'' Will. Scot."
MR JAMES MELVILL'S ANSWERE UNTO MR WILLIAM SCOT'S LETTER.
" I have receaveJ your short, but verie significative letter, of
your sound and ardent affectioun, both toward the cans and us that
are imprisouned for it.
" My deere and most loving sonne, you would be censured and
spurred ; but what I sould censure, I see not weill, and to spurre
a running hors I can not. And yitt, it is true, there is great need
of both to us all. But what sail we doe, seing God in his righte-
ous judgement, for our former negligence, contempt, and ingratitude,
has plucked away from us all heart and hand, occasioun and affec-
tioun, zeale and knowledge, spirit, courage, and actioun, so that
authoritie, money, craft, (for greater craft, policie, and catasophi-
satioun, was never used by ^Egyptians against God's people,) and
bussinesse of the world, carieth all siuceritic, truthe, and freedom
away, or rather overwhelmes, oppresseth, and beareth the same
doun to the ground ? I saw the craft of the truce taikin before the
last Gcnerall Assemblic, and the policie of this conference before
the parliament, onlie to make the brethrein secure and i-emisse,
that they might without impediment winne some farther ground,
and promote and establishe their estate. I can not be throughlie
informed what was done in the parliament ; but it is said and
givin out heere, that Avhatsoever the king would is effectuated to
him, and better service never done. Would to God at least
there had beene but some suche advertisement and protestatioun
givin in, or sett abroad, as was at the parliament at Perth ; and if
they would needs bring in questioun the cautiouns, I wish that all
done at these Assembleis, and so, the voting in parliament, (that
foundatioun of this rebuilded Babylon,) to have beene sliaikin.
But wishers and wedders are ill house-holders. And so, I feare,
VOL. YII. D
50 calderwood's histoeie 1609.
that hous of God, wlierof the stewartrle was concredlted unto us,
is glvin up, and a long vacance er it be taikin up again ; and dur-
ing that ydle tyme, more godlinesse and good learning forgott in a
"vveeke than was learned in a moneth before.
" If yee aske yitt, ' Men and brethrein, what sail we doe ?' would
to God we had the spirit of compunctioun, first to move us in
earnest maner, and zealouslie to aske ; then, I thinke, that some
thing might be yitt answered. As first, to cry and compleane to
Christ, filling heaven and earth with lamentatioun for the captivitie
and desolatioun of Sion ; and for her sake not to hold silence, till
the Lord had pitie on her. Secundlie, to publishe to all Christians
our just greeves ; how our kirk is oppressed by authoritie, circum-
veenned with craft, and keeped in thraldom, against God's word,
her owne constitutiouns and customes, and against the priviledges
that the statuts and lawes of our realme granted unto her.
Thridlie, I would have these Balaams, blinder than asses, with
honour and wealth, that for the wages of unrighteousnesse have
perverted the Lord's prophecie, these Judasses, sonnes of perdi-
tioun, who for money have betrayed Christ and his kingdom ;
these Esaues, that have sold their birtliright in Christ's inheritance
for a mease of pottage ; and, finallie, these Shemaiasses, imprisoners
and tormenters of their brethrein, after due admonitiouns, to be
painted out in their colours and proceedings. And last, alas ! if
that spirit of actioun, zeale, and coui'age, that some tyme mightilie
did raigne in our kirk, w ere kindled up again, that might make a
few from every presbyterie and province to conveene together in
the name of Christ, and censure these corrupters of the kirk to the
uttermost.
" But what talke I of these maters, seing your last conference
has prcoccupyed all these dealings, and cutt away the occasiouns
therof by approving the king's proceedings, with thanksgiving to
God therefore, and promising of peace, with brotherlie content-
ment and concord ? So all this is but wishes and words, lies non
est Integra. The cans is prejudged. A few can not doe it, and a
competent number of manie is not to be looked for till the Avenger
1G09. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 51
of the caus arise and make his musters. It is tyme, O Lord ; arise,
it is tyme ; for they have made thy word and hiw irrit and of none
availh They have led Jacob in servitude, and Judali in captivitie.
The heavenhe scepter of thy kingdom, the free preaching of thy
AVord, they have wrested out of thy hand, and subjected it to the
will and phantaseis of men ; and the hedge and walls of thy vine-
yaird, thy holie discipline, they have cuttcd, brokin doun, and de-
molished. AVc see no signes of remeed, nather have we anie pro-
phet to tell us how long.
" And yitt, my decrc bairns, and most faithfull fellow sufferers
and labourei's in this caus of Christ, lett us not be discouraged, but
heai'C the confortable voice of our Christ crying, ' Lett not your
hearts be troubled : yee beleeve in God, beleeve in me also. In
my Father's hous there are manic dwellings. I goe to prepare you
a place,' &c. Lett lis at least be as Jeremic carlcd to Egypt;
Ezechiel, Daniel, Chanania, MIshaell, Azariah, to Babylon. Lett
us have ever their exemples before our eyes, and preasse to prac-
tise their patience, pietic, wisdom, courage, and otlier vertues,
standing uprightlie and constantlie for the glorle of our God and
confort of his captived kirk, untill the tyme it please him to stirre
up a Zerobabel, Jehosuah, and Ezrah, for bringing again the cap-
tivitie therof, and purging and repairing of the temple and sanctu-
arle ; and a Nehemlas for reforming of the citie, and building up
again and repairing of the walls of his Jerusalem. The hope
wherof is muche encreassed and strenthenned among all the truelie
learned and godlie in Europ, by a voice sounding mightllic as it
were from the dead, against that sacreligious and accursed hler-
archie, — I meane Mr Brightman's Apocalypse, which has more
cleerenesse and spirituall force of demonstratioun for the trutlie in
sollde and learned sort, than all the hellish Jesuits and worldling
formalists against the same ; of whom yee will see my uncle's
judgement in his last letter to me, which I have sent you with the
bearer," &c.
In the margin of this letter, about the beginning, he has tliese
words, " For a counscUer and spcclall doer in that worke told me,
52 caldekwood's histoeie 1609.
that one bishoprick cost the king a thowsand pund sterline, and
more than he and I would spend all our dayes beside. The ad-
vancement of the whole worke for the space of eight yeeres may
be esteemed then to manie hundreth thowsands."
About the beginning of October, there came a warrant from the
king to give libertle to the president to have free waird in Falk-
land and a myle about, he finding cautioun not to escape under the
paine of fortie thowsand punds.
THE BISHOPS PLOTT MISCHEEF AT COURT.
Mr George Gladestains, Bishop of St Andrewes, Mr Johne
Spotswod, Bishop of Glasgow, and Mr James LaAV, Bishop of
Orkney, went to court about the beginning of October, where they
contrived shrewde maters, the discharging of the Assemblie ; ap-
pointed the indicting of a new Assemblie after a forme of their
owne, and the power of the high commissioun.
THE PULPITS OF EDINBUEGH MADE PATENT FOR THE BISHOPS.
In the beginning of November, a letter was sent from court to
the counsell and ministrie of Edinburgh, declairing his Majestie's
will, that their pulpits be patent to all the bishops that were to be
in the toun, or were desirous to teache. This article was sent up
before with Mr Gawin Hammiltoun, as we may see in the memo-
rialls above writtin which were sent up with him. Sindrie of the
bishops were providing for their winter residence in Edinburgh.
Manie meanes were used by the king to bring his bishops in credit
and estimatioun.
CHRISTMASSE KEEPED IN EDINBURGH.
Chanceller Setoun being sent for by the king, tooke journey to
court upon the 7tli of October, and returned in November, and
brought with him a commissioun for diverse maters, and among
1609. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 53
the rest, that the sessioua souUl rysc the 25th day of December,
and not to sltt doun till the elglit of Januar. This was the first
Christniasse vacance of the sessioim kcepcd since the Rcformatioun.
The ministers thrcatncd, that the men wlio devised that novcUie
for their owne advancement might receave at God's hand their
reward to their overthrow, for troubling the people of God with
beggerlie ccrcmoneis long since abolished Avith Poprie. Christ-
masse was not so wclll kcepcd by feasting and abstinence from
worke in Edinburgh these threttie yeeres before, an evill exemple
to the rest of the countrie.
MR J. FAIRFULL CONFYNNED.
Mr Johne FairfuU, minister at Dumfermline, was delated to the
king for praying for the distressed ministers Avithin and without
the countrie. The king appointed the Bishop of St Andrewes and
the Lord Skoone to try if he had done so. They find him guillie,
and therupon, after new advertisement from the king, he was
called before the counsell, and ordeanned to repaire Avithin six
dayes to Dundie, and to remaine there during the king's pleasure ;
which he obeyed. Confynning of ministers Avas now become so
comraoun, that it Avas thought a favour and a mitigatioun of a
heavier punishment Avhich might be inflicted, as the prelats made
men bcleeve, yea, and clamed thankes for their iutercessioun. The
merceis of the wicked are cruell.
SPOTSAVOD ^\2^ EXTEAORDINAR LORD OF THE SESSIOUN.
Upon the 20th of December, there came a Avarrant from the
king to discharge the cxtraordinaric Lords of the Sessioun upon
the sight of his letter, Avithout anie cans declared but his OAvne
pleasure ; Avhich was thought verie strange. The cxtraordinaric
lords at this tyme were these foUoAving, the Lord Elphinstoun, Sir
Robert jNIelvill, the Pryour of Blantyre, and Mr Peter Ivollock,
sometyme styled Bishop of Dunkelden. But it was cleerclie scene
54 calderwood's histoeie 1610.
in the nixt moneth what the mater meant ; for the Bishop of Glas-
gow, Mr Johne Spotswod, was placed in Mr Peter EoUock's place,
and the rest were restored to their owne places. We may see in
the memorialls sent up with the Bishop of Galloway in Februar,
that it was a device and sute of the bishops themselves to have
place in sessioun ; for they made no conscience to meddle ather in
civill or criminall maters. SpotSAVod, as he was the most ambitious
of the number, so he was the peartest, and the first that taketh the
place upon him, direct contrare to an article glvin in by his father
to the Generall Assemblle, anno 1572, that the preaching of the
Word, and admlnlstratioun of civill justice, were not compatible
in one man's person.
M.DC.X.
THE ACT OF APPAEELL PUTT IN EXECUTIOUN IN PART.
About the end of Januar, the Scotish Secretar, Sir Alexander
Hay, came from court with slndrle directiouns, and among the rest,
for the habite of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice, advocats,
clerks, and scribes ; which was proclamed in the beginning of Feb-
ruar, viz., that the Senators of the Colledge of Justice sould weare
a purple rob or gowne in judgement and in the streets when they
were to meete or were dissolved ; that advocats, clerks, and scribes,
sould weare blacke gownes in the judgement hall and in the streets ;
and that they beglnne betulxt and the 15th of Februar. Slclyke
it was ordeanned and published by proclamatloun, that the pro-
velsts and bailllffes of burghes and their counsellers sould weare
blacke when they satt in counsell and judgement ; that ministers
sould weare blacke cloths, and in the pulpit blacke gownes ; that
bishops and doctors of divinitie sould weare blacke cassikins syde
to their knee, blacke gownes above, and a blacke cralp about their
necke ; and that betulxt and the first of Marche. Upon the 15th
day of the moneth of Februar, the Lords of the Sessioun and the
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 55
bishops putt on their gownes, and came doun from the chanceller's
loodging, with tlieir robs, to the Tolbuith. All their robss, except
the chanceller's, were of Londoun cloath purple coloured, -with the
fashioun of an heckled cloke from the shoulder to the middle, with
a long side hood on the backe, the gowne and hood lynned with
reid satine. The people flocked together to behold them. The
bishops were ordeaned to have their gownes with lumbard sleaves,
according to the forme of England, with tippets and craips about
their craigs ; which was performed.
THE ASSEMBLIE TROROGUED.
Upon the 14th of Februar, the Generall Assemblie, which sould
have beene keeped at St Andrewes, according to the appointment
of the last Assemblie, Avas discharged by opin px'oclamatioun, and
no new dyet affixed, but reserved to his Majestie's farther resolu-
tioun. The pretended reasoun, forsuith, was distractioun betuixt
the fathers of the kirk, the reverend prelats, and inferiour ministers.
But the truCsCaus was, to make the ministrie secure, and to sur-
prize them unawars with an Assemblie, which was to be holdin at
Glasgow in the moneth of June, the appointment wherof was
concealed till the tyme did approache. The tenour of the pro-
clamatioun heere foUowcth : —
" J.VMES, by the grace of God, King of Great Britaine, France, and
Ireland, Defender of the Faith, to our lovits, &c., messingers, our
shirefFs in that pai't, conjunctlie and severallie, spcciallie constituted,
greeting. Forasmuche as the Generall Assemblie of the kirk is
appointed to be keeped at our citie of St Andx'cwes in the moneth
of May nixt ensuing ; and since these meetings and conventiouns
have beene at first ordeaned, and sensyne, by princes and estats
within the bounds of their kingdoms, commandements, and terri-
toreis, tolerated and permitted to be keeped for no other intent or
end, but that by the conveening of the clergie at suchc tymes, the
best resolutiouns might be taikin, not onlic for exterminating and
56 calderwood's histoeie 1610.
rooting out of all hereticall and erroneous opiniouns, but also for
removing and suppressing of all schlsmes, factiouns, and dlvisiouns
in the kirk, so as by an uniformitie of hearts, mindes, and affec-
tiouns in them that did conveene, the eiFaires of the kirk might be
advanced : Whereas on the other part, by too manie experiences
and prooifes it has beene tryed, that at suche meetings, ^vhere the
conveeners were in affectioun distracted, manie of them preferring
their will to the kirk's weale, wishing rather a combustioun than
anie profitable and expedient compositioun, not onlie hath no good
ensued therof, but upon the knowledge of this divisioun, the com-
moun enemie has taikin muche advantage, and it has greatumlie
increassed the groutli of contrare professors : In which regaird,
we, the nourish father of God's kirk within our dominiouns,
acknowledging our selves in duetie bound to preveene suche incon-
veniences, understanding of the present distractioun of minde
betuixt the fathers in the church and some of the ministrie, which
we being verie carefull and desirous to remove, did therupon
appoint a meeting of some commissioners of both sides, to have
confered, treatted, and resolved upon some fitt meanes for remov-
ino- of this distractioun, as the mindes of all them sould be pre-
pared before the Assemblie to meete ; that in suche unitie and
harmonic as the kirk might find the benefite of their conveening ;
and that the ky thing of their divisiouns might not bring a reproache
to their functioun, who ought to be teachers and paterns to others
of all love and amitie. And in respect we doe find this heartburning
still to continue, therefore, we doe hold it most expedient and
necessar, that the said Generall Assemblie, appointed in May
nixt, sail not be keeped at all, we being fullie resolved not to
appoint anie new dyet for holding therof, untill suche tyme as
upon assurance of a conformitie in the church, we may be fullie
perswaded, that by their meeting some good may be done, and
no harme ensue therof; which can not be avoided, so long as this
distractioun of mindes remaineth.
" Our will is heerefore, and we charge you straitlie and com-
mand, that incontinent these our letters scene, yee passe, and in
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 57
our name and authorltie, make publicatioun heerof by opln pro-
clamatioun at the mcrcat-croccs of the head burrowcs of this our
reahne, and other places needfull, wherethrough none pretend
ignorance of the same ; and that yee command, charge, and inhibit
all and sindrie persons of the ministrie of this our kingdom,
that they on no Avise presume nor take upon hand to conveene
and assemble together in our said citie of St Andrewes the day
foi'csaid, nor at no other day, tyme nor place, whill we signifie
and declare our will theranent, as they and everie one of them will
answere upon the contrarie, at their highest charge and perrell.
The which to doe, we committ to you, conjunctlie and sevcrallie,
our full power by these our letters, &c.
" Givin under our signet, at Edinburgh, the 13th day of Februar,
and of our raigne the elleventh, and fourtie-three yeeres, 1610.
" Per actum Secret i Cojisihj"
Not long after, a commissioun givin under the great scale to the
two archbishops, to hold two courts of high commissioun, was pro-
clamed at the Croce of Edinburgh, the tenour wherof followeth : —
" James, by the grace of God, King of Great Britane, France,
and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, to our lovits, &c., messinger?,
our shirefFs in that part, conjunctlie and severallie, speciallie con-
stituted, greeting. Forasmuche as complaint being made to us in
the behalfe of the ministrie of this our kingdom, that the frequent
advocatiouns purchassed by suche as were ather erroneous in reli-
gioun, or scandalous in life, not onlie discouraged the ministrie
from censuring of vice, but cmboldenned the offenders to continue
in their Avickcdnessc, using their advocatiouns as a meane to delay
and disappoint both tryell and punishment : we, for eshewing of
this inconvenient, and that the number of true professors may be
knowne to increasse, the antichristian eneraie and his grouth sup-
pressed, and all sorts of vice and scandalous life punished, and that
nather iniquitie nor delay of tryell and punishment be left by this
subterfuge, of discouraging of ecclesiasticall censures to proceed on
58 calderwood's historie 1610.
things so meete and proper for them, have, out of our duetie to God,
and love to his kirk, being the nourish father of the same on earth
within our dorainiouns, givin power and commissioun to the Reve-
rend Father in God, and our trustie and weilbeloved counseller,
George Archbishop of St Andrewes, priraat and metropolitan of our
kingdom ; and to our right trust cousin and counseller Alexander
Erie of Dumfermline, Lord High Chancellor of this our kingdom,
George Erie of Dumbar, Treasurer, George Erie of Marshall, Johne
Erie of Marr, Johne Erie of Montrose, Patrik Erie of Kinghorne ;
to the Reverend Fathers in God, Alexander Bishop of Dunkelden,
Peter Bishop of Aberdeen, Alexander Bishop of Murrey, Andrew
Bishop of Brechin, David Bishop of Rosse, George Bishop of Dum-
blaine, Alexander Bishop of Cathnesse, and James Bishop of Ork-
ney ; to our trust cousins and counsellors * * Lord Lindsey,
Simon Lord Eraser of Lovat, David Lord of Skoone ; and to our
trustie and weilbeloved counsellors, Mr Johne Prestoun of Penny-
cuike, President of our Colledge of Justice,. Sir Richard Cockburne
of Clerkingtoun, Knight, Lord Privie Scale, Sir Alexander Hay,
Knight, our Secretar, Sir James Hay of Kingaskone, Comptroller,
Sir Thomas Hammiltoun of Binnie, Knight, our Advocat ; and to
our lovits, Sir David Carnegie of Kinnaird, Knight, * * Dundas
of that Ilk, Alexander Irwing of Drum, * * Ramsay of Balmaine ;
Mr Johne Arthure, Mr Thomas Hendersone, Mr Adam King, and
jMr James Bannatyne, Commissars of Edinburgh ; Mr Johne
Wemes, Commissar of St Andrewes, Mr James Martine, Rector
of the Universitie of St Andrewes, Mr Robert Howie, Princi-
pall of the New Colledge there, Mr David Monypennie, Deane
of Facultie ; Mr Patrik Galloway, Mr Johne Hall, Mr Peter
Hewat, Mr Johne Mitchelsone, Mr Robert Wilkie, Mr Johne
Strauchan, Mr Andrew Leitche, Mr Henrie Philip, Mr Arthure
Futhie, and Mr Patrik Lindsey, Ministers, or to anie five of them,
the said archbishop being alwise one, within the whole bounds of
the province of St Andrewes. And to the Reverend Father in
God, and our trustie and weilbeloved counseller, Johne Archbishop
of Glasgow ; Alexander Erie of Dumfermline, George Erie of Dum-
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 59
bar, Johne Eric of Casslls, James Erie of Glencarne, Johne Erie
of Wigtoun, James Eric of Abercorne ; and to the Keverend
Fathers in God, Gawin Bishop of Galloway, Johne Bishop of Ar-
gile, Andrew Bishop of the lies ; and to our trustie cousin and
counseller, Walter Lord of Blantyre ; and to our lovits, Mr Johne
Arthure, Mr Thomas Ilcnrysonc, INIr Adam King, Mr James Ban-
natync. Commissars of Edinburgh ; David Forsyth, Commissar of
Glasgow ; Mr James Ilaliday, Commissar of Dumfreis ; Mr Johne
Hammiltoun, Commissar of Hammiltoun ; Mr James Hammiltoun,
Commissar of Lancrick ; Sir George Elphinstoun of Eastwod,
Knight ; Mr Patrik Schairp, Principall of the Colledge of Glas-
gow ; Mr William Birnic, ISlinister at Lanerick ; Mr Johne Hay,
Persoun of Renfrew ; Mr James Hammiltoun, Deane of Glasgow ;
Mr David Schairp, and Patrik "Walkinschaw, Subdeanc of Glas-
gow ; Mr Thomas Eamsay, jMinister at Dumfreis ; Mr Johne Bell,
Minister at Glasgow ; and Mr Walter Stewart, Minister at * *
or anie five of them, the said archbishop being alwayes one, within
the whole bounds of the province of Glasgow, to call before them
at suche tymcs and places as they sail thinkc meete, anie person or
persons dwelling and remaining within their provinces respective
above writtin of St Andrewes or Glasgow, or within anie dioceis of
the same, being offenders athcr in life or rcligioun, whom they hold
anie way to be scandalous, and that they take try ell of the same; and
if they find them guiltie and impenitent, refusing to acknowledge
their offence, they sail give command to the preacher of that parish
where they dwell, to proceed with sentence of cxcommunicatioun
against them ; which, if it be protracted, and their command by that
minister be not presentlie obeyed, they sail eonveene anie suche
minister before them, and proceed in censuring of him for his diso-
bedience, ather by suspensioun, deprivatioun, or wairding, according
as in their discretioun they sail hold his obstinacie and refuse of their
directioun to have deserved. And further, to fyne at their discre-
tiouns, imprisoun, or warde anie suche persoun, who being convicted
before them, they sail find upon tryell to have deserved anie suche
punishment ; and a warrant under the hand of anie five abovcnamed
60 calderwood's historie 1610.
of everie province respective abovewrittin, the said arclibishop of the
province being one, sail serve for a sufficient command, for the
captans and constables of our wairds and castells, and to all keepers
of jayles orprisouns, ather to burgh or land, within anie part of the
province respective abovewrittin, for receaving and deteaning suche
persons as sail be unto them directed to be keeped by them, in
suche forme as by the said warrant sail be prescribed, as they will
answere upon the contrare, at their perrell. And of all suche fynes
as sail be imposed upon anie offender, the one half to perteane unto
our self, and the other halfe to be imployed upon suche necessar
things, as our said commissioners sail be forced unto, by charging of
parteis and witnesses to compeere before them; and the superplus to
be bestowed at the sight of the said commissioners, by distributioun
among the poore. Commanding the Lords of our Privie Counsell,
upon sight of anie certificat subscribed by anie five of the saids
commissioners, within everie province, as said is, the said arch-
bishop of the province being one, ather of anie fyne imposed by
them upon anie partie compeering and found guiltie, and of the
contumacie and refusall of anie to compeere before them, that the
saids Lords of our Privie Counsell direct a summar charge of horn-
in"^ upon ten dayes onlie ; and that no suspensioun or relaxatioun
be granted, without first a testificat under the hand of the arch-
bishop of the province, conteaning the obedience and satisfactioun
of the partie charged, be produced. And incace of farther dis-
obedience or rebellioun of the partie who sail be charged for his
fyne or not compeerance, the saids Lords of our Counsell are then
to prosecute the most strict order, as is usuall against rebells, for
anie other cans whatsomever, with power to our saids commis-
sioners to proceed heerin ; as also, to take tiyell of all persons
that have made defectioun, or otherwise are suspected in religioun ;
and as they find anie just cans against them, to proceed in manor
foresaid. And als, whensoever they sail learne or understand if anie
minister, preacher, or teacher of schooles, colledges, or universiteis,
or of exhorting or lecturing readers within these bounds, whose
speeches in publict have beene impertinent, and against the estab-
lished order of the kirk, or against anie of the conclusiouns of the
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 61
bypast Generall Asscmbleis, or in favours of anie of these who arc
banished, Avairded, or confynned for their contemptuous offences :
■which being no mater of doctrine, and so muche idle tyme spent
without instructioun of their auditoric in their salvatioun, ought so
muche the more severelie to be punished, in regarde tliat they are
ministers, -who, of all others, sould spend least ydle talke, and
speciallie in the chaire of vcritic. And, therefore, after the calling
of them before the said commissioners, they arc to be qucstiouned
and tryed upon the points of that which is layed against them, and
punished according to the qualitie of their offence. And wheras
complaint sail be made unto them by anic partie that sail be con-
veenned before anie ecclesiasticall judicatour, for anic suche cryme
as he sail be then suspected of, or that the partie doeth alledge
alwise the mater it self to be unproper to that judicatour, or the
proceeding to have bccne unformall, or that the judicatour it self
has beene too partiall, and where the commissioners sail see anie
just caus, they are then to take tryell and cognitioun therof imto
themselves, and to discharge the said judicatour of all farther pro-
ceeding : Giving power also to our said commissioners to make
choice of a clerk and other members of court, and to direct out
precepts in name of the said archbishop, and his associats, within
everic province, for citatioun of anie partcis before them within the
bounds of the saids provinces, in anie of the saids causes above -
mentiouned ; which precepts are to be sealed with a speciall scale,
conteaning the armes of the said bishoprick : Giving also power
to charge witnesses to compeere before them, under the paine of
fourtie punds Scotish money : And upon the ccrtificat of the saids
commissioners, that anie of the saids penalteis are incurred by
them, the saids Lords of our Counsell are to direct the lyke charges
for payment of the same, as is appointed for the fynes ; as in the
said commissioun past our great scale, conteaning diverse others
heeds, clauses, articles, and conditiouns, and bearing date at our
court at Eoystoun, the 20th day of Januar last, at lenth is con-
teaned, wherof necessar it is, that publicatioun be made to all our
lieges, that none pretend ignorance therof.
62 calderwood's historie 1610.
" Our will is heerefore, and we charge you straitlie and com-
mand, that incontinent these our letters scene, yee passe to the
said burrowes within the provinces abovewrittin, and therin, by
opin proclamatioun, that yee make publicatioun of the premisses,
that none pretend ignorance. And als, that yee, in our name and
authoritie, command and charge all our lieges and subjects to
reverence and obey our saids commissioners in all and everie thing
tending to the executioun of this our commissioun, and to doe
nothing to their hinder or prejudice, as they, and ilk one of them,
will answere to us and our counsell upon their obedience, at their
highest charge and perrell. The which to doe, &c.
" Givin under our signet, at Edinburgh, the 15th day of Februar,
and of our raigne the 47 yeeres, 1610.
" Per actum Secreti Consilii."
This commissioun, and executioun therof, as it exalted the aspyr-
ing bishops farre above anie prelat that ever was in Scotland, so it
putt the king in possessioun of that which he had long tyme hunted
for ; to witt, of the royall prerogative, and absolute power to use
the bodeis and goods of the subjects at pleasure, without forme or
processe of the commoun law, even then when the Lower Pious in
England was compleaning in their parliament upon the injurie
therof. So our bishops were fitt instruments to overthrow the
liberteis both of the kii'k and countrie. The pretence of this com-
missioun was, the advocatiouns to the counsell, purchassed by suche
as were erroneous in religioun, or scandalous in life. But the true
intent Avas, to exalt bishops with an extraordinarie power never
knowne or practised within this countrie, that it might make way
for the ordinarie jurisdictioun episcopall, which they were long
hunting for ; and so the pretended remedie was worse than the
disease, for there needed no farther redresse of suche abuse, but to
discharge the counsell and sessioun to acknowledge suche advoca-
tiouns, that the proceedings of the lawfull judicatoreis of the kirk
established by law might have free course. Heere yee may see,
that one archbishop, with anie foure of the roll whom it sail please
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 63
him to associat to himself, may make up a judicatoric. They may
cite, at the first instance, anie offender to compcerc before them.
They have power to advocat causes from the ordinarie judicatorcis,
presbyterie, synod, sessioun, yea,Gencrall Assemblie, upon complaint
of anie persoun ather scandelous in life or erroneous in religioun. Is
this to assist and aide ? or rather, is It not to weaken or destroy the
ordinarie judicatorcis of the kirk ? One archbishop, with foure secu-
lar persons, may judge upon hcrcsie — may deccrne the sentence of
excommunicatioun, and may compell a minister to pronounce it,
howbeit he be not made acquaint with the formalitie of their pro-
cesse. One archbishop, with foure secular persons, may suspend
or deprive anie minister, howbeit bishops were as yitt but simple
ministers, without spiritual jurisdictioun over their brethrein. Was
not this to usurpe spirituall jurisdictioun, without consent of the
kirk ? They may impose fyncs without stint, waird without limita-
tioun of tyme. The Lords of the Counscll are charged to prose-
cute the most strait order against suche as will not compeere, or
pay their fyne, that is used to be putt in executioun against other
rebells. They have power to exerce the power both of the tem-
porall and spirituall sword, by coramissioun from the prince, with-
out consent ather of Generall Assemblie or the estats in parliament,
yea, without their knowledge. The bishops of England malnteane
their episcopall jurisdictioun, wherof they were in possessioun, by
this extraordinarie jurisdictioun, or power of a high commissioun,
from the prince. Our aspiring bishops make it a forcible meane to
acquire, or rather to thraw from the kirk, Avith the terrour therof,
episcopall jurisdictioun, wherof they had never possessioun ; and
this is the cheefe meane whereby they have mainteaned, and doe
still mainteane, ather extorted or usurped jurisdictioun to this day.
Mr Johne Spotswod, Bishop of Glasgow, and Mr Gawin Ham-
mlltoun, Bishop of Galloway, had so incensed the king against Mr
James Melvill, that he purposed to remove him from Newcastell to
Carlill, which Avould have beene verie greevous to him, becaus
thereby occasloun of intelligence both from his uncle in the South,
and from his frcinds In the North, would have beene talkin away.
64 calderwood's histoeie 1610.
But by the moyen he made at court, his removall was stayed. In
the meane tyme, it pleased God to move him to penne an apologie,
which, above anie thing he did, he wished to be weill done. It
was penned in Latine, in the monetli of Marche, and dedicated to
the king, but never sent to him. It is pithie, pathetick, and worth
the reading.
In the moneth of Aprile, Mr David Hume of Godscroft sent
this letter following to Mr James Law, Bishop of Orkney, after
manie other letters sent before : —
" Right deeeelie beloved Brother, — I receaved your letter
of the 12th of Marche, in Godscroft, the 20th day of the same.
Now have I gottin the first leasure to answere to it.
" First, then, anent the same heed, which, for eshewing of
contentioun, I permitt to be delete in that treatise of the sound-
nesse of our kirk discipline, which yee say, ' non satis est dixisse,'
and willeth me to prove. Give me leave, brother, it seemeth to
be satis dixisse in that place, where I sett me not to prove anie
thing of the whole narrative, in the nyne heeds and their under-
divisions : — 1. Nather the essentiall difference and bounds of pari-
tie ; 2. Nather the approbatioun of best instruments ; 3. Nather
conformitie of forraine kirks ; 4. Nather farthest oppositioun to
the enemie ; 5. Nather vacuitie of pompous rites ; 6. Nather law-
fulnesse ; 7. Nather use and utilitie ; 8. Nather confirmatioun in
parliaments ; 9. Nather subscriptiouns and solemne oath. Though
I know what contentioun might say anent them all, (which never
wanteth Avords,) cheefelie against that of best men, and that of
best kirks, I prove none. I take them all as cleere and knowne
to them who will speeke truthe, and deale honajide. But this first
of all I take pro confesso with them to whom I sj^eeke. For is it
not to our selves, to the Kirk of Scotland ? And is it integrum for
them to damne it ? If they doe, possum ne agere ex syngrapha ? So
that ather in respect of my purpose, which is not there to deduce
probatioun, or in respect of that generall acknowledging, which is
not yitt convelled nor impugned, nor so muche as reasouned against
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. C5
seriousHe, I could doe no other tlian s])eeke of it as confessed ;
and if anie would deuie it, then were it his to declare Avlierin it
were disconforme. And if yitt the burthein of probatloun lay on
me, could I use no other argument for the first, than the con-
fessioun of the partie ? Needed I other ? or can they refuse that,
or thinke they are evill dealt with, in that they are so urged ? Lett
them see and consider how they sail cshew it. For me, I can not,
and therefore, can not meditat anie other probatioun of it, till that
knott be first loosed.
" To the secund, anent the specifick difference of our kirk
discipline, Ictt me call to your remembrance, how in our first con-
ference neere by two yeeres since, your answere comming to this
point, that ' there was nothing altered, nor to be altered, in anie
ossentiall point of our kirk discipline,' I craved of you to declare
what yce called essentiall ; wherin as yitt I gott no answere. Now,
I his dippeth upon the point in effect, and turneth that over on
me to declare. Alwise, nather did I then demaund it captiouslie,
to keep anie vantage therby, nather will I now be nyce, to lett
you see what I then wrote to have sent you, but left it off till
we had agreed on the point, least I might have seemed to have
staved with a shaddow ; the rather, becaus it was yitt most direct
to our purpose. It was thus : I take Essence and Essentiall
in thir maters, as in suche maters it useth to be taikin, and can
be taikin. The mater we speeke of is Governement and Policie,
of which, how manie kindes there be, yce arc not to be taught
by me, nor how everle distinct kinde has its owne distinct essence :
The essence of monarchic, to be ruled by one (perhaps ;) of Aristo-
cracie or Oligarchic, by a number, the worthiest ; Policie or
Democracie, by the whole, the greatest multitude. In the first is
Solenesse, in the secund, Excellencie, in the third, Universalltie in
governement. Now, Governement is commoun to them all, called
(I take) by the politicks, summum imperium, (I must use the Latine
word,) and stands in stead of gcner or genus^ by the logicians so
termed. This placed in one, without companioun or equall, they
call ^lonarchie ; in diverse equalls, if they be fewest, (as excel-
VOL. VII. E
66 calderwood's historie 1610.
lentest commounlle are,) Aristocracie ; if they be meanest, or
the wliole number, Policie. So that in the first, Singularitie is
the difFerence and forme essentialh In the other two, Number
or Multitude, and Phn-aUtie : the smallest number in the first of
them, the whole in the last ; in both, equalitie, and pai'itie in par-
ticipatioun of this governement. From which differences they
receave their essence, (as in suche things essence can be,) whereby
they are what they are, and differ from others. And this of civ ill
orders in civill things.
" Now, Avhat names sail we borrow from these civill governements,
to apply to maters of kirk, out of the likenesse of these differences,
Unitie and Multitude, and that distinguished in fewest, and mani-
est ; and whole Inequalitie and imparitie in the first, Equalitie and
paritie in the last ? Or, if none of them be proper eneugh to that
effect, I leave to dispute. This seemeth sure, if we consider the
forme of kirk governement in Scotland, in Sessiouns, in Presbytereis,
in Synods, and Generall Assembleis, we find in them all that paritie
of governement, presiding, voting, constitutiouns making, cognos-
cing, censuring, sentence giving, concluding, &c., which kythes it
self to be the essence of it most resembling these two last, yea,
the last of these two, if we consider pastors by themselves, as a
certane bodie making one people as it were, and incorporatioun of
clergie, (as Papists, and bishops also, I trow, speeke,) separated
from the laick sort. But if we consider them in relatioun unto the
whole bodie of the kirk of Christ, and as a part therof within that
countrie, then must they be the fewest number, fittest and most
excellent, and so, rather resemble the former of the two. How
ever it be, paritie in pastors is cleere in both, a full paritie and free-
dom in conveening ; no pastor excluded in choosing, speaking,
reasoning, concluding, prosecuting ; all by the number and pluralitie
of votes, without controlling anie superiour among themselves,
there being no superiour in power of commanding, no preceeding
nor presiding, but in order for order's sake, subject again to
vicissitude and censure in the rest, the bridles of debording in
superioritie.
IGIO. OF THE KIUIv OF SCOTLAND. G7
" This is it then, give it wliat name yee please, that giveth this
governement a being, that makes it to be suche a governement. This
is therefore the essence. This is it whereby it difFereth from other
disciplins not of the same sort. This is therefore the spccifick
difFercnco. By this it differeth, and is distinguished from the
Komish discipline and governement, Avhicli in that solemne Con-
fessioun we cleere and deteast, under the name of Hierarchic,
standing in supcrioritie of bishops, archbishops, and suche other
degrees of imparitie in power of governement plalne contrarie to
ours, and termining in monarchic or tyrannic, which yee please call
it, (for they are of one essence of a sole governement, and the
qualitic I thinkc changcth not the essence.) By this it difFereth
from that English discipline ; made up of that same hierarchic spokin
of there, (deteasted as said is,) contrare altogether to ours ; tending
through the same degrees (cardinalls excepted) to the like, or not
unlike sort of monarchic, ending in one or two archbishops ; and
if anie of these be above the other, or if both joyne, in anie other
superioritie. Now, this being the essence of our discipline, it is
eath^ to disccrne what is essentiall ; and so to sec that some esscn-
tiall part of our discipline is altered, or to be altered, and not onlie
some essentiall point, but the whole essence thereof (governement
by the whole pastors, and paritie in this governement) destroyed,
and so the Scotish discipline destroyed, yea, another brought in
contrare thereto, abhorred and deteasted by us, vowed and swornc
against Romish or English hierarchic, for all is one, and they
differ nothing in substance of the hierarchic and order sett doun
in that Confessioun. For doe not bishops (there deteasted) preasse
in, or are brought in alreadie, sett free chccfelie from their caveats,
clothed with authoritie of ordinance of dioceis, of dignitcis, of
lordships spirituall and temporall, of Secreit Counsell, with com-
missiouns, perhaps, (and Avho wote how ample ?) from his Majestic,
whereby authoritie is givin not accustomed in the Kirk of Scot-
land ; all derogative, yea, destroying the essence of paritie in
governement ? Or if this be yitt obscure, yitt it is clcerc, in this
1 Easy.
68 calderwood's histoeie 1610.
moderator breaking the bonds of paritle, to wltt, vicissitude and
censure ; by his perpetuitie and freedom from censure of the
brethrein of the presbyterie. Thridlle, is not the libertie altered
in all sorts of conventiouns, whereby this discipline is administred ?
The Generall Assembleis cast in non-entrie, the synods now and
then discharged ; the presbytereis threatned, charged, horned ? Is
it not altered in the few choosing of commissioners of Generall
Assembleis, by restraint of the choice to these moderators or their
clerks ? Is it not altered in the libertie of free speaking, reasoning,
voting, and concluding ; controlled by checkes, minasses ; or com-
pelled by feare of offence, by charges of horning, &c., by exemples
of wairding or banishing ? Doe not all these things alter the
essence, even the essence of the discipline and governement ?
" And though it were not so cleere, yitt if some shadow of old
formes be yitt left, as in the alteratioun of the Roman governe-
ment, when with Julius monarchic re-entred, though the people
conveenned, and had their forme of Comitia, though the senat was
yitt on foote, though consuls were chosin and had name and coun-
tenance ; yitt the force of authoritie and governement, the libertie
in choice of persons restrained, from free choice, to the recommen-
datioun of the emperour, and the truthe of the old estate taikin
away, none denyes, but the governement was altered, and the verie
essence of it changed, from popular to monarchicall. So, though
presbytereis remaine, though synods did, though Generalls also,
shadowes and shewes of our discipline, notthelesse that paritie,
freedom, and vicissitude taikin away, or the force therof brokin
and restrained, the essence and essentiall points therof are also
altered, as said is, or to be altered : Which not being lawfull to us
of the Kirk of Scotland, in respect of our foresaid oath, this forme
then creeping in, or thrusted in of bishops, &c., Is not lawfull to
us. And therefore, what ever glance they have, and how ever
desirable they be otherwise, we must all give a fareweill unto them,
and yee among the rest, procure als farre as in you lyeth the stay of
them, and continuance of our owne discipline ; which was the
conclusioun in my first letter, premittcd to my propositiouns.
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 69
"This I then wrote, and now, doeth serve to satlsfic your
demand, what I meaned by the specific difference ? I would have
proceeded to the rest of your letter, but that I consider, this being
the state of our questioun, and these things thus standing, there
needs no farther disputatioun. Chcefelie the greatest duetie, and
wherin I had travelled not little, and thought might have bred
greatest questioun, as then denyed, (that there was alteratioun of
discipline intended,) is now cleere, by thir high commissiouns
subverting all from the ground, as the report is, devolving all on
bishops' hands that have them, whereby all force of all other eccle-
siasticall judicatour is cleanc cutt off, and so our whole discipline.
Craving, therefore, your cleering of this point, which so affects
me, that it seemes I am in conscience, and all are by that same
oath bound and addebted, to stand for this discipline, and make all
oppositioun [that] were in our hands to the contrarie. Be [it
that] yee can have it weill at me, (I meane, this answered, and the
rest censured,) I sail have, God willing, my judgement at you
anent the rest of your letter. Which though in this regarde it be
no way necessarie, yitt, for your pleasure, have I thought theron.
Now wearied, I rest.
"Prestoun, 1610, Aprile 2.'
ANOTHER LETTER.
" Now, to the rest of your letter : out of that which has bceno
said, is also answered your nixt demand, Avhat paritie is, and
wherin it stands ; which is propouned verie purposelie, (for it is
fitt to knoAV,) but, I thinke, not verie necessarie. For it is Aveill
knowne, nather is anie (I trow) ignorant, what paritie has beene
in custome in the Kirk of Scotland ; to witt, not in living, not in
blood and birth, not in accompt among men, not in gifts or graces,
nather naturall nor spirituall wisdome, discretioun, knowledge,
utterance ; not in estimatioun of their gifts with men without or
within the kirk, with brethrein or others ; but in power of governe-
ment, and handling of ccclesiasticall maters ; which, I thinke, in
70 caldeewood's historie 1610.
these three sorts is to be considered : 1. Whether it be in respect
of their flockes, everie one has alike power over their owne flocke.
2. Or in comparisoun to others, none has more power over his
brother, nor his brother has over him ; no more jurisdictioun to
cite him, censure him, or cognosce upon him, condemne or absolve
him, punish or reward, admitt or depose, command or controll.
3. Or if it be in commoun things, the vote of one has no more
weight nor the vote of another, all in an arithmetical! equalitie,
and not geometricall, which I wote not if it sould be called
Equalitie, and not Proportioun ; rather, however, the Athenians or
others would use the word Equalitie, and thraw it to their owne
effect, by the first proper and true significatioun therof. By
this likewise may be taikin away the contentioun anent the words
gradus authoritatis, dignitatis, honoris, eminentice, potestatis, &c.,
whereas it may be, we have occasioun to see heerafter, if Saravia
in his reply has dealt so sincerelie, as a disputatioun seeking the
truthe craveth.
" To your reasouns against equalitie : and first. The first of them
draAvin from Scripture, and is, ' God ordeanned imparitie in the
Old Testament,' I will not call this argument weakc, if it be not so
when it is formed. Putt to then the propositioun : must it not be
this, if the argument be good ? ' What ever God has ordeanned in
the Old Testament, he has ordeanned the same in the New. But
he has ordeanned imparitie in the Old, therefore he has ordeanned
it in the New.' Now, this propositioun no man will avouche. For
how can they ? Pleases it Him not to alter formes ? his counsells re-
maine indeid ever, and his purpose is unchangeable. But is there
not varietie of actiouns, ordinances, formes, and orders, in all his
whole worship externall ? Does not even ornament, even decencie,
change ? How unseemelie now that was, then most seemelie ? Ellis
lett us bring in again all that old attyre, even to the High Preest's
bells, which who so would use, what sould he seeme to doe or be? And
who can dippe in His counsells, and give a reasoun of his actiouns,
and varietie in them ? It is for us to consider ; if He biddes or not
the continuance. If He doe, tell us where ? if he doe not, it tyes
us not, that he has once used. And this as I can frame the argu-
1610. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 71
ment, except yec tlunke otherwise. For tuichlng the paterne
wherof yee say, 'Where can wc gctt a better?' surelic no where,
where he has sett it doun ior a paterne. Otherwise, we but de-
ceave our selves in imitatioun, not knowing his regardc and cir-
cumstances, tymc, phice, naturalls of people, &c., as in all thccivill
law of the Jewes, S^c. But giving and not granting that the
Levitlcall prccsthood might be a paterne, it will not shape your
iniparitie thereby, nor be an excn)plar of anic other order, than
Christ has sett in his kirk under the Gospell, making the soverane
Sacrifieatour and High Freest, as he was appointed, not sub-
stantial!, but typicall ; not the bodie, but the shadow; not the
thing, but the signe, till Christ himself signified come; for other-
wise, there was no superioritie amongst the preests, the sonnes of
the familie of Aaron, as concerning their office of prcesthood ; but
onlie that order which David sett doun, distributing them in 24
classes, to serve by order throughout the yeere, (1 Chron. xxiv. ;)
which order no wise excluds paritie in office and calling.
" The Secund from Scripture is out of the New Testament, that
' Our Saviour did allow iniparitie :' yee must say, in these fore-
saids, or cUis we meete not ; and that he allowed it in the foresaids,
I see not, but by the contrarie, that he allowed clecrelie paritie,
and commanded it, in that ' Rcges gentium dominantur,^ &c., which
text I could never see yitt to be wrested out of our folk's hand,
and Saravia wrangleth in waste, eshewing the chocke, not recounter-
ing it, yea, verie evill eshewing it with all his subterfuges in my
opinioun, and I have considered it as I could. What Bcza sayeth,
' De Gradibusj I have not the booke at hand. The words yce
cite, cmineiitior gradus, will not import this iniparitie necessarilie ;
for nather will gradus nor emhientior, nor though be joyned, eminen-
tior gradus. All may be of other things nor power of governe-
ment heere sett doun. This I wait weill, Bcza is not of your
minde. Lett him be his owne exponer, for I wait not if we can
now divert to deduce all, how and wherefore he sayeth everic
thing. But for your questioun, ' Si cminentior gradus fuit a Christo
ad constituendam ecclesiam ordinatusf why sould his ordinance be
72 calderwood's historie 1610.
abrogated, ecclesia constituta ? Your owne words answcre it verie
Weill ; Quia ecclesia jam est constituta, the turne is done it was
ordeanned for ; which being done, it that it was ordeanned, for
that cans ceasseth of will ; nather is it abrogated by men, but
expired by the ordeaner's ordinance, the turne being done for
which it was ordeanned. And is it not to be seene so in other
things also ? The Dictator of Rome ordeanned to end a warre,
ceassed he not when it was ended ? Ay, so he did, except when
Caesar's tyrannic oppressed the commoun weale. And is it not
necessarie, that he who has instituted an office, and annexed gifts
unto it, when he maketh the gifts to ceasse, willeth that office to
ceasse ? But what this eminentior gi-adus can be, except it be the
Apostolat, I can not gesse, yitt even it had paritie in themselves ;
none of them above another in the things said. And what it was
above the offices instituted by it, what power it had beyond them
when they were instituted, and in what things, what even over the
multitude, (for all these things must be considered for the tryell
of gradus and eminentior, and right accommodating of it to the par-
ticular questioun,) wiU take a longer tyme, and perhaps more
curious disquisitioun, nor of necessarie importance to the questioun
we are upon ' Of Bishops,' which will not, I take, be deemed by
imparitie of the apostles, (though there were in them found im-
paritie,) in respect of the premisses.
" To the Secund and Thrid arguments from nature and from
reasoun, (being nature and reasoun, so sib as they are, and agreing
so weill in one voice, specking ever one language, and heere capable
of answere,) I will for shortnesse joyne in one. And this I say,
als muche as ever nature has made inequalitie, als muche it has
made equalitie among things ; and als muche it alloweth imparitie
in unequall things, als muche it alloweth of paritie among equall
things ; als muche decencie, comelinesse, and commoditie, as it
acknowledgeth or has placed in the one, als muche it acknowledgeth
and has placed in the other. Als seemelie it is to see distinctioun
iin inequall things, als seemelie it is everie way to keepe sutable-
nesse and equalitie in the equall things. That whatsoever dis-
10 10. OF TUE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 73
course, glorious In shew, rhetorick has found out, and exults In
dcehiming for the one, may with no lessc grace (with helpe of the
same rhetorick) be framed to the other, to sett it up no lesse on
tiie other side. But they are not for the tyme ; we agree in this,
and your discourse tends to this, * iEquall things ajquallie and
uncqnallie.' Lett us come neerer. One and the same things may
be both axjuall and uncquall, cache to other, equall in one thing,
and uncquall in another. Nather has ever nature instituted anie
so unequall in anie one point, that, therefore, it has made them
uncquall in all. But by the contrarc, how ever it has in anie one
thing unequalled or preferred to another, it has equalled it again
in some point, or perhaps postpouned it to the same. Wherefore
it is, that the same nature and reasoun also allowed als weill of
paritie among these unequall things, (in that whcrin they are
equall,) as of imparitie among the equall things, in that whcrin
they are unequall. Ileerefore, it will never be a good reasoun
thus to reasoun : ' Things are unequall in this, (pastors putt ' in
gifts,') therefore, they must be unequall in other things,' the said
pastors, scilicet, in power of govcrnemeut. But this rather ; God,
nature, order, institutioun, has made them, ordered them, instituted
them equall in this. Therefore, in this they must have equalitie,
be they never so unequall otherwise, nather must we compt it
unsecmelie or absurd. Try if it be not so. There is on the one
side, a cleere inequalltie of age, experience, wisdom, disci'ctioun,
knowledge, learning, utterance, actioun, wherin all God has un-
equalled all pastors, that I thinke there sail not be found without
anie inequalitie in anie of thir. Has lie, therefore, appointed als
manie degrees of power and governement, as there is inequalitie
in thir, and everie one of them ? It is not possible, for then sould
there be no end of degrees, as there is no end of inequalitie in thir.
" But has He instituted anie degrees at all of power amongst
pastors in respect of thir ; or has He accommodated anie degrees
of governement to these degrees of gifts ? Goe through the three
points of governement foresaid. 1. Over their flocke. Has God
ordeanned anie man becaus of age, to have greater power over
74 calderwood's historie 1610.
his flocke than the younger ? Sail the unequalitie of TImothie in
age make him unequall in that power ? Sail his unequall experi-
ence ? Sail in anie persons inequalitie of utterance or eloquence,
even of wisdom, discretioun, prudencie, learning, or other graces
and gifts whatsomever ? Doubtlesse the meanest minister in graces
and gifts has als great power over his owne flocke, as the greatest
in graces (yea, though they be graces for his functioun) has over
his. Nature impedeth not, reasoun approveth it, all men confesse
it, and your self doe acknowdedge it. Consider it in civill things.
Is it not siclyke ? A shirefF, for exemple, of meaner gifts, (though
belonging to his functioun,) has als muche power by his shirefship
in his shirefdom, as the shirefF of greatest power has in his, the
younger as the elder, the lesser in discretioun as the greater ; so
of proveists of burghes, so of bailliffes, of all kinde of offices in their
kinde. Sail we seeke a reasoun of this thing so cleere ? Is it not
als cleere ; he that ordeanned them, has ordeanned them with this
qualitie, to be equall in power over their owne ?
" 2. Come to the Secund, in respect of others. Sail a pastor,
becaus of his greater gifts, have jurisdictioun over another pastor?
Sail he, becaus of his greater age, experience, utterance, and so
furth ? Sett these comparisouns in other offices ; shireffs, proveists,
bailliffes foresaid ; nature and reasoun will both deny it, use and
custome will belie it. Searche the reasoun : it is the same insti-
tutcr has institute it.
" 3. Come to the Thrid, (voting in commoun maters :) heere, in
speciall, our reasoun seemeth to repyne ; and men declame against
our discipline, that in suche inequalitie of judgements, votes sould
have equall weight. But I beseeke you consider, why sould this
seeme strange to us, and against ather nature or reasoun, more nor
the former two ? Is not the ground one, (the ordinance of the in-
sti tutor ?) follie it is to denie it. Yitt, if they will say, nay, then
will the questioun be, what he has done ; not what nature or
reasoun admitts, which is the questioun we are now on. That
surelic I wounder how we are ather so untentie^ not to advert, or
^ Improvident, heedless.
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 75
SO wilful! not to acknowledge, this mater, so cleerc and customable
in all governements in the Avorld, in all republicks, in all ages, ever
was, still is, and never can be otherwise, where voting is. Was it
ever heard in maters handled by votes, — the vote of one was
accompted of greater weight, becaus of his greater gifts, than the
vote of another ? I Avould runne through exemples, if it were need-
full. Looke where the people has vote ; — are not all men's there
equall, nather in geometricall, but arithmeticall proportioun ? But
lett that dcraocracie I meane be odious, (for I see whereto yee
sound in the end of your letter :) is it otherwise in aristocracies ?
Is it in councels, in senats ? Had ever one senator's vote more
•weight nor another's ? Did Catoe's greater gifts give greater weight
to his vote nor the simplest senator's, in concluding and compting
votes ? They might change their votes, perhaps, perswaded by his
reasoun, and so ecke the number of votes ; but the weight remained
equall of one's as of another's. Is it not so of bishops ? is it not
80 of all men ? — so in generall councells ? Is there anic acconipt
made, but by the number of votes ? Sitt they doun to examine
who has maniest or greatest gifts ; and, by that, to make conclu-
siouns? Lett it be considered, that men may learne to be lesse
unique to our forme. And yitt, I darre eeke heere one thing, that
there was never a mater of anie great importance, namelie, in doc-
trine, or substantial! or accidental! points of discipline or governc-
raent, that ever past in conclusioun or constitutioun and act in our
Kirk of Scotland, but which was determined upon 6 /jt,o6ufiaBov, com-
mimibus omnium suffragiis ; as in the first councell of tlie primitive
kirk at Jerusalem, suche was the unanimitie and swcete harmonic
therof, which continued ever ti!! a worldlie, courtlie, and earthlie-
minded factioun of comraissiouners and bishops was drawin and
politicallie stirred up to the disturbance, first, and now utter over-
throw therof.
"But to see it yitt better; — if incqualitie of gifts sould rule this
imparitie, what gifts sal! we say sould it ratherest be ? Age I can
skarse call a gift ; and gray heares sould indeid, but doe not
alwayes, teache knowledge. Utterance and eloquence are not the
76 calderwood's historie 1610.
meetest things for governement : fitt they are to instruct; and,
therefore, if they make inequaHtie of power among pastors, it sould
rather make it in the first point, concerning the power over their
flocke. Experience without good considerance, and considerance
not applyed by Avisdom, are both to little or no purpose. Learning
is postpouned, in a whole pund weight of it, to an unce of mother
witt. Knowledge is manifold. To which sort of it all sail we give
this honour ? All these, in never suche measure without sinceritie,
are worse than nothing ; and wisdome, most pernicious in aspiring
mindes, not to governe weill, but to impyre ill. Sinceritie without
them is but neglected by maniest, &c. And so furth of others.
To which one of them, then, sail we attribut that weight ? Or, if
all must concurre, where is that happie man ? How sail we ken
him, to weygh his vote ? IIow sail we discerne him, to be governed
by him ? Sail it be, becaus he is a great man, or an archbishop,
perhaps ? Weill, I will say no farther : diverse will diverselie judge ;
and his markes are difficill to discerne, and to be agreed upon ; —
yea, who is perfyte in anie one of these gifts ; — what one, what
twelve, or though one were added ? Weygh, weygh it, I beseeke
you, brother, indifferentlie, and see how daylie experience teaches us
this point in everie thing ; how nature, how reasoun admitts it for
passable : but Avliat if even profitable, if, with a single ey, we looke
on other sorts of governement ? And, therefore, perhaps, has wis-
dom himself made choice of this sort of governement ratherest, in
that diversitie yee write of graces which he has givin, and thus
divei'sified, not to distinguishe degrees so muche, as to mixe gifts
in the governement of his kirk by manic, according, as by harmonic,
one Avith another; other Avhere they are good, suppleing where
defects are, ballancing and counterposing where imperfectiouns and
infirmiteis arc, rather than to concredit the governement therof
ather to one or to a few.
" We can give a reasoun, ay, and it is eneugh that he thus or
that way ordeanned things. Yitt may it be seene to the sight of
the eye, this equall power of governement in unequall things not
to be so farre out of purpose as we will declame, but of a wisdome
1610. OF THE KIEK OF SCOTLAND. 77
rather to be admired, letting men see their mutuall mister, and
making them furnishe mutuall helpe. Subtilitie and quickenesse
in one (least it may vanish) fixed -with the soliditie of another
soliditie, and grosser humour of this stirred up by the spiritinesse
of that other ambitioun ; heere soaring up to the cloudes, drawin
doun there by a counterweight wisdom and learning, least they
might debord ; in some, holdin in with more exquisite bonds of
sinceritie, in another sinceritie again, least it might become sim-
plicitie, sharpenned by the whetstone of the wiser and more learned.
Loe nature, loe the voice of reasoun. Sail we speeke of use ? Try
in experience, and lett us say, truthe. To so good use, all that
never other sort of governement proves perfytelie so effectuall to
edifie that bodie of the kirk, keepe it in so good a temper within,
propagat knowledge and order maners, thrust out and hold out
enemeis, and save it self from returning to these old corruptiouns
in auie countrie, lett invy say what it lyke.
" Now, where ye thinke that pastors can not be ejusdem dignitatis
et authoritatis, (talking the words as is said,) for power in governe-
ment, except they be ejusdem emmeriti; first, consider, what is
said, if all senators of Rome were ejusdem meriti; if they be so in
Venice ; if all bishops be so, who are equall to other notthelesse ;
if all archbishops ; yea, if it be so in anie thing. Secundlie, if
yee will establishe that for a rule, nt mensura meriti sit inensura
dignitatis et authoritatis, see if that sail not confound these digni-
teis yee would establishe by it, and make an archbishop perchance
inferiour to a bishop, a bishop to a simple minister ; and the infe-
riour that yee would compt so, to have jurisdictioun above his
superiour. See, I say, if civill magistrat, prince, or king, will
acknowledge that to be the voice of reasoun, and adventure their
crownes at the consequence therof. Indeid, if there sould be
degrees in kirk governement, it carieth the most appearance of
reasoun, that merit sould make it.
" But that is not the thing I trow your folke would clame to, not
seeking authoritie to shew merit, but to suche an office. As also,
if the authoritie of merit be in anie sort of governement, it can
78 calderwood's niSTORiE IGIO.
not be in bishops appearandlie ; where the place is regarded, it
must be in this paritie, where the merit is onlie regarded, and that
voluntarilie, not to domine, as Sara via throwes, (and how malicious -
lie throwes he it on Calvine and Beza eneugh, to disgrace his whole
worke, if it were no more, showing cleerelie, how little cleerelie he
deales :) or make domine but with a reverent yitt no more nor
brotherlie respect, not to the place or persoun, but to reasoun and
gift of God with the person ; not by necessitie obeying man, but
willinglie, weyghing the right and following it ; not for his, but for
its owne sake : natber perpetuallie, but when it approves it self as
reasoun, and when he gives light to it, which I take to be it that
Job meanes (when he had spokin, men held their peace) to consent,
as satisfied, not becaus that he spake that was right, but becaus it
was right that he spake ; that is, allowed not the right for the per-
son's sake, but the person for the right's sake ; wliere he vindicats
respect and reverence to his person, (perhaps,) but arising out of
his person, but of his wisdom, justice, integritie, &c., that is, his
merit. But this is hardlie to be found perfyte, or not at all in
this our imperfection of knowledge, and sight through a cloude, in
anie one person. Therefore can not that governement be com-
mitted to anie one, no, not to a few ; but in respect of this foresaid
mixture, is safeliest concredited to the whole pastors, and is as a
part and perpetuall adjunct of their office. And therefore that
justice of Aristotle's o/av£/x?;r/x'/j or distributive which yee crave, is
in this sort of governement most justlie measured to the duest
proportioun, to witt, of mercie : it most rightlie gives and distri-
buts to everie man, according to the said proportioun, their owne
due regard and reverent respect ; in greatest measure to the
greatest gifts, power and governement in cquall measure to the
whole, becaus whole are equall in it ; whereas to give the greatest
power of governement to greatest gifts, (to witt, that Avhich is
commoun to one severallie,) is iniquitie against all justice, and
lyker to tliat justice of Cyrus in his childhood, that gave the most
coat to the most childe, where he sould have givin everie one his
owne. So does that other sort of governement. It would per-
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 79
swadc to give tlie greatest coat (to witt, the greatest power) to
the greatest man, that is, to the greatest gifts. It was specious,
and might have beguiled a childc ; but he was leished* for it, and
we must learne to be otherwise wise.
" To conclude, then, Christ that has ordeanned governement in his
kirk, has made the power of it theirs to whom he has givin the
power, that is, to the whole pastors conjunct equallic, as we say.
To give this to others, or to proportioun it othcrwayes among
them, were to disproportioun in it, and iniquitie. Ycc alledge
otherwise. The qucstioun will be, whom to he has givin it ? the
trvell will be his Word. There will our arfiumcnts chocke. Yitt
this farre in the meane tyme for the proceeding, that it is not against
nature nor reasoun.
" To the Fourth argument, that paritie is against order, a verie
odious thing appearandlie, as though it were therefore unorderlie
and confused ; for they seeme to follow, and are ill, and als ill
insinuated. But what if they be not ill ay ? what is the mater
then ? why sould we contend for words ? Call it unorderlie, cull it
confused, or as yee please, if unorderlie and confused be not ay ill.
Now, that it is not ay ill, yee shew your self, when yee say, (citing
another,) ' Omne injinitum est inordinatum et confiisum.^ I am
sure, God (who mot be blessed) is injinitum, and injinitum is God.
If he be then inordinatum et confusum — inoidinatum et confusum are
not ay ill, and is not of necessitie a blemish to paritie, thouo-h it
1)0 also inordinata et confusa. And that it is no blemish to it, yee
clccre it better, saying it has no need of order, out of Licentius
and Augustine, ' Summa cBqualitas ordinem non desidcrat.^ Say
yee non desiderat ? Opus non habet, has no need of order. If it
liave no need, then it is weill eneugh Avithout it ; then is it not to
be comptcd for a defect and blemish, but for a propertie rather,
and commcndatioun, as is clcere in that Infinit, Avhich is not so
styled to reproache it, but to commend it. And that is sufficient
for answere.
" Yitt to try it a little farther, and to see with what reasoun men
' Lashed, flogged.
80 calderwood's historie 1610.
sound with so full mouth the words of Unorder and Confusioun
against this paritie so odiouslie, we sail weygh what is objected ;
and first, beginne at that definitioun of Augustine sett doun by you,
allowed by Bernard, Nazianzene, and if yee list, the same Licen-
tius. Where lett me premitt in this place, once for all, in due
reverence of vertue in men yitt as in men, if N. had sett it doun
with a good reasoun, it sould have beene als welcome to me, als
oreatlie respected, yea, more nor theirs, without reasoun ; and I
trow, yee will allow me to acknowledge reasoun onlie for the tuiche
of truthe, not the persons of men, which makes me also to thinke it
not amisse spairinglie to name men, as the muche naming of them
wants not suspicioun of attributing too muche to them, and imports
prejudice. To our purpose anent definitiouns in generall. I may
say this one word, they are verie kittle in their strict lawes, and
nothing worth without them, and furnishe als oft mater of conten-
tioun as the light they promise. And if we sould try this same
definitioun accordinglie, &c. But one thing in it I must compleane
of, ambiguitie, the mother of obscuritie, where light sould be,
leaving the minde verie perplexed a great fault ; for how sail we
expone that Parium impariumque rerum ? The sentence may be
parium, to witt, ^^er se, et separatarum ah imjJaribus, and then it
would follow, that there were some order parium rerum, which yee
denie, and would take away by this definitioun. The sentence may
be also, parium cum paribus sua quceque in loca dispositio, nempe,
])arium in sua, imparium in sua ; which must it not yitt induce
comparationem et ordinationem parium inter se ? For compared with
other things, with unequall things, they are not paria, Avill it not also
induce sua loca ? which both make still for order in paritie against
this alledged confusioun. And this for that first fault, doubtsome-
nesse of sense, and yitt, in either sense importing rather order in
paribus nor talking it away. Besides, this definitioun must be over
strict if it belong to order onlie, where paria and imparia are
digested in order together ; for that would import no order to be
where all were imparia ; which were absurd.
" Therefore we must seeke another definitioun : who would weill
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 81
defync order I darrc not presume, and thinkc it tlic worke of a
refynned ingyne. It is encugli how we know how the word is
used.
" To your argument, craving three things in order, 1. Primum ct
nltimian ; 2. Varietie ; 3. '^u/M/j,ir§ia, rravo^/xia, and proportioun ; whcr-
of, say yee, none is in paritie ; no Primus, except it be the moder-
ator, and he is by our Confcssioun but primus ordine. I must
answere, is it not encngh to make ordinem ? yea, docs it not inferre
order necessarilie ; ellis, how could he be first in order ? Tlien he
is but currens, say yee, from one to another ; first to day, last to
niorne. Give me leave to be mirrie Avith you, since it pleaseth
you to use suche words currant : our moderator stands or sitts
stone-still, runnes never a foote, (for that would indeid breake
order,) and has beene als fast and constant in good some tymcs as
their perpetuus, whom they call constant. But to what purpose
these words ; and what inconvenient is in that change ? Ccrtane-
lie great use and commoditie against ambitioun, the bane of all
good order, so that it helpeth to keepe order, lett be that it sould
take it away. Siclyke, when you demand who is sccimdus, who is
iiltimus ? may I not answere, he that happeneth so ? It is eneugh
to make order, yea, it is the right forme of order amongst equalls,
' lie that comes first to the hill,' &c. It serves for that order at
that tyme : and what if anie of them be the morne in another place ;
that takes not away order, but establishes it. See the exemple in
souldiours ranked ; are they not in good order ? What if the
rankes be changed ? is order taikin away for that ? Lett them
turne their toes where their hceles stood, yitt are they in als good
order, though he be hindmost that was foremost even now, and
contrare. Then, is it of necessitie for order, to have primum etulti-
mum ? then were there no order In circles and celestiall globes, ubi
lion est prills et posterius, initium aut Jinis, and therefore can not be
primum et ultimum. And consequentlie not in the starres, wherin
we acknowledge admirable order.
" 2. For Varietie, which yee say Is not but Unltie and Identitic, I
pray you appardoun me : identitie can not be said to be in paritie,
VOL. VII. F
82 CALDER wood's histoeie 1610.
at least ■which yee call summa identitas, which excludes all varietie
(and so, order) of persons, and manie other things.
" 3. Als little is that your summa imitas, which taketh awslj partes
and partitioun, which is in indivisible things onlie, as in the God-
head, and in suche onlie can take aAvay order, becaus of that exact
unitie ; whereas, if there be but als muche diversitie as is betweene
Totum et Partes, et Partium inter se, it is eneugh to gett order ; for
there may be or do partium, and it must be, yea, if we consider it is
not rather a diversitie and varietie imported of necessitie by equa-
litie. For the word importeth comparisoun and relatioun, which
can never be in suche identitie and unitie, but by the contrare,
in varietie and diversitie ; for relatioun must be among diverse
things. It that is cequale, must be cequale to some other thing ;
nather can we heare that word sooner, but als soone are diverse
things presented to our minde, ut est natura relatorum. As for
ffu/i/isrgza, it is onlie, at least cheefelie, among equall things of one
measure ; cyv et /xsreoy, aomici is most perfyte in unisone ; '^ra^^a.yuvia.
is but concinnitie, which may be in paritie, or not needfull, if yee
meane all concents and all concordances. As for proportioun or
ava'/.oyia, siclyke it is without necessitie to order, ratio et Xoyog is
eneugh, and that is als weill cequalis as incequalis. Yitt even anent
proportio et -Traoaymia, why may they not be in this governement
by paritie? Yee will say, becaus of the equalitie. Weill, lett it
be so ; suppone they be not in equall things, in so farre as they are
equall, may they not be in them notthelesse in that wherin they
are not equall ? for we have said no things are so fullie equall, but
they are unequall in some points, and anie inequalitie leaves a place
to that same order imparium rerum, at least, an order of place and
tyme, which is eneugh to gett an order.
"But to end these maters, I beseeche you take heed, what ever is said
against paritie in this governement, is said against paritie in generall,
so must we take away all paritie. At least, it is said against all pari-
tie in governement, and so, against all governement, in so farre as
paritie is in it ; wherof will follow against all policie in the particular
significatioun of it, that there is no order in it ; then, against aristocra-
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 83
cie,wherof all the members being equall to others, It must be comptcd
likewise without order. So have we the orders of l\ome without
order, their Comitia of their tribes, their senat It self; the senat and
whole republick of Venice, which is comptcd a weill ordered repub-
lick ; yea, the consulat of Rome, two of them equalls. Then no order
among them, say we ; then was it not a currant consulat : one the
day consul ; the morne, yce can not tell In what place. There,
Censors and Dictators all currant ; so a whole currant commoun
weale, yitt ay weill, till it was fixed and made constant fra that
running and currencic, In that so commendable monai'chle (for-
snlth) of perpetuus dictator, the image of the God head, and all
perfectioun of governement. But looke even on monarchic itself,
how unorderlie will it be found In manic points of it ! Beginne at
the principall (nixt the monarch himself) his counsell. Are not all
counsellers equall with others in votes, and in so farre as counsel-
lers ? There is paritle, therefore, no order in counsell. And if there
be a primus, lett it be so, yitt who is secundus ? who is tertius f who
is ultimus ? Then is not this primus ? And are they not all currant,
cliangable, and changed we see, at the prince's pleasure ? And
not to fyle my feete with ftirre gates, (as they say,) our sessioun or
senat of justice, no order In the world In it, by the same reasoun !
So have we now no order in monarchic nather ; and so, no order in
no kinde of governement or republick by these reasouns. But
since that were absurd, then must I acknowledge these reasouns
not good, and learne to take order in another sense, and know it is
comptable to equalitic also ; and that it Is a good order to keepe
equalltie In equall things, as to keepe Inequalitie in unequall things ;
and that, in the Kirk of Scotland, is not a reproachefuU confusioun,
but a lovable and good order due, and right varied, and weill pro-
portiouned in the right sort, (yea, als right, as in them that boast
so muche of order,) In conveening, in reasouning, In voting, de-
manding, answering, convenlentlie, fructuouslle ; yea, caus of better
order in instructing the people, in ordering of mancrs, and right
use of Christian behaviour, nor ever hcirarchie has done, where it
has beene continued, or Is appearand to be, (by anie thing we can
84 calderwood's historie 1610.
see,) where it may be brought in again. Alwise, I blame not your
argument in that it is logical!, (as yee seem to feare,) for I compt
a logicall argument a good argument, and logick it self a good
handmaid or servant to theologie, mastresse of all ; and in effect,
all argument and reasoun to be logicall, be it int email or extemall,
even these that yee subjoyne of fathers, councels, historeis, records,
registers, (which yee say yee have for you,) if they be good and
just weight ; and for that, we have to weygh them in the ballance
of the sanctuarie, and tuiche of the Word, when it sail please you to
produce them. Alwise, I protest to you, I have weyghed them as I
can, and surelie cannot thinke that yitt of them, but the contrare.
" Anent the Fyft and last argument, that paritie is against
policie, becaus it is a democracie : and if it be not, what forme of
governement is it ? say ye. I may heere first call to your remem-
brance my foi'mer declaratioun anent definitiouns, which who so
will seeke exact ; and theron exactlie appropriat names to everie
thing, must seeke some ather of a more refynned ingyne, more
bardie, and more confident in it than I am. I seeke the effect,
and use names as I may, nather ever have will to stand on words
which I thinke also to be reasoun ; and that suche exact pressing
of definitiouns, and use of words according to the pressed defini-
tiouns, gives als muche caus and mater of contentioun as hght in
things.
" I have (as I can) declared the effect, and use, and forme of
paritie in governement ; give it what name yee best please, it con-
tents me : but to searche out an odious name, throw on an applica-
tioun of that name, and by the name, conclude a blemish, is a
forme of doing rather muche used, nor weill and duelie. If there
be a blame in the thing, then shew it, and say it at the namest : if
there be none, why is a name sought out to disgrace it by ? But,
tell me in good sadnesse, thinke yee your self, that there is givin
to everie thing a proper name ? Thinke yee, names that are givin
will byde the tryell of a subtile definitioun ? Yea, these that they
have made and named, are they to be found mere and simple — purum
putum, as we say ? and not rather as the mediciners grant of their
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 85
complexiouns which they call foure, yitt not to be found exact,
ather sanguine, melancholick, phlegmatick, cholcrick ; but so mixed,
and in suche degrees, that out of that quadruplicitie ariseth a
strange multiplicitic of complexiouns, almost als manic as of persons
in the world, never two of them pcrfytelic concurring in all points?
Conferre me these great bodeis of commoun weales, their com-
})lexiouns, and constitutiouns of governement. I am dcccaved, or
yee sail find them not unlike. Where is that full constitutioun of
a mere monarchic ; and in what countric to be found ? Where is
tliat kingdom without all mixture of anie of the other, aristocracie
or policie ? Where is that king, that sole governour, that worthiest,
that best man onlie for the weale of the countrie, cheefclie procur-
ing his owne weale but by accident ; using his power but to that
end, and by the lawes onlie ? Where is that aristocracie of the
best ? that true policie of the Avhole people ? And if we goe to the
faults of these, where is, or Avhere ever was that tyrannic, to whom
the people gave, or themselves tooke that high degree of power
(men call absolute) of men's lives, goods, or libertie at their plea-
sure ; to slay, to take, to imprisoun, on their simple Avill ? AVhat
people ever acknowledged it ? What law ever ordeaned it? What
man ever clamed it ? Not the Turke, certanelie, and he is compted
principall in that cans. Yea, what perfyte definitioun is there yitt
sett doun, extending to all kings, and reaching no farther, which
is the law of a good definitioun ? who has sufficientlie explicated
summum iniperiiun 9 Avho anie of them, ather summum, ather m-
pcrium ? AVhat the word jwtestatem sufficientlie ? And as for
absolution, et injinitum, I would gladclie heere your minde of it, it
sounds so harskelie, (if not blasphemouslie,) at the first hearing in
the proper sense. And whill men moUifie it by iuterpretatiouns
to eshew that they bhid it, they band it, they limit it ; which, I
thinke, is to destroy it again, aud make it anie thing rather nor
absolute, or infinit in effect. Siclyke of Oligarchic, be it faultie,
be it faultlesse, as it is used for both. Siclyke Democracie,
nothing Icsse ambiguous, as comming from dn/Mog, which is popidu.f,
and then is not ill, when all the people governe (to vertue ;) or as
86 caldeewood's historie 1610.
plehsj and then Is ill, Avhen the baser sort draw all to them. In all
this, (ather the bad or the good,) hard it is to find the definitiouns
so exact, or themselves so perfyte, without anie mixture, in suche
sort, that politicks are constrained to acknowledge it ; and speck-
ing of governement, darre not simplie say, what kinde of thir
everie governement of anie republick is to be referred unto ; but
say, it has of aristocracie this, that point of democracie, this of a
kingdom, that of a tyrannic, all foure or moe perhaps in one repub-
lick ; which makes me thinke fittest to speeke spairinglie, in
appropriating of names to anie of these same civill governements.
" Now, in ecclesiasticall, it must be harder to sett doun a pre-
cise name, from anie of these being to it not so proper, but meta-
phoricall or analogicall, burrowed from this onlie. For nather
have we toX/j, properlie tane, nather, therefore, -TcoKnua; nather
a^iiog, therefore, in it to make aoirox^ana ; nather 5»;/xo5, for dr,fio-
y.oaria ; least of all, CaaiXivg, to make Catr/Xs/a, 'and /j^ovoc, for /Mom^xiay
save in our head, Christ ; that as with reasoun I am laith to appro-
priat anie of the names, so will I not contend for the name with
anie man, lett him give it what name he pleaseth. If he like call
it Aristocracie in the reasoun above said, if he call it Policie, I
impede not : if he will needs have it Democracie, rather lett him
be doing so, that he tooke Democracie in that good sense wherin
it is lawfullie taikin ; and meane not by the name, to draw on the
reproaches that are blowne out against the faultie Policie, which is
also called so. If he lyke to call it Mixture of Aristocracie and
Policie or Democracie, (as Aristotle acknowledgeth suche mixtures,)
it seemeth likest of all. How ever it be, lett us remember, that
men detracting anie of these governements, style it by the worst
name and defect of it; calling monarchic tyrannic, aristocracie
oligarchic, policie democracie, in the faultie sense. And heere,
they raine on railings against policie, for democraceis sake, and
under that name ; (cheefelie, suche as are themselves favourers or
flatterers of tyrannic,) als unjustlie as others doe : the like on
monarchic, for tyranneis sake. Which as yee doe modestlie for-
beare, for not offending me, and referres to politicks, when yee
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 87
say, * Lett them give their verdict on it,' so could I have beene
content yee had roundlie sett doun the authors, and their owne
Mords ; where I am dcccavcd or that distinctioun Avould have
cleered the self, and kythcd ^Yhat democracie they meaned of,
or eUis, the sentences of the Syssers (I love to use Scotish language,
als good as English, if my countreis love blind me not) to have beene
no verdicts,hutfalsc-dicts,(faliia dicta,)a.nd thenlettin them be kend
for the men they were, themselves partiall, their jureis perjured.
IIow ever it be, this I must needs call to your remembrance and
warrie observatioun, that a speciall cans that makes the demo-
cracie or i)olicie it self heare so ill is, that men thinke it an inept
thing, that manie of the multitude being altogether ignorant of
manie things, sould judge or vote of that wherof they are ignorant.
" Yitt some defend them in this, and not altogether out of pur-
pose, and, as I doubt not, yee knoAv weill enough by Aristotle in
his said Politicks. To which lett me eeke is this, Is it not so also
with that great and so praised monarchic ? Are they not, (manie
of the monarchs, I meane,) must they not all be vcrie ignorant of
manie things they take on them to be judges in? And if yee
answere, they whom they appoint to be judges are not ignorant, is
not that answere als competent to policie ; and may I not reply,
No more are they whom the people choose to be judges ignorant ?
Or if yitt that seemc harske, bccaus the people not having know-
ledge of a thing, can not convenientlie choose them that are fitt for
it, will not that same reasoun make against the monarchs in the
like cace ; yea, so muche the more against monarchs, as amongst
the people (force it is) there must be some skilfull of anie thing can
occurre ? With a monarch it cannot be so.
" Then, are the grounds good and solide, of the reasons that
postpone policie, and preferre monarchic so farre : 1. Becaus it is
so in bees, a king among them ; 2. So with God ? For the last
we must leave Ilim as incomparable. May it not be said, when
monarchs have that skill and Avill, even the best monarch yee can
devise, then sail we acknowledge the similitude ? For bees, what
then ? Manie als good beasts, in whom appearcs no king. Looke
88 calderwood's historie 1610.
on sheepe, on nolt, on hors, almost on all the rest : why sould that
singular be preferred to all ? Why compt we not the exemple of
the rest als conformable to nature, and als tits, imitats nature in
them ? Then, who can tell all the mystereis of that socletie ?
Who wait nor that king of theirs may be chosin by the rest ? If
we say, he is borne so, are we sure it is by successioun ? If it be
of nature, and he kend by his markes, then lett the monarch so
borne with suche and suche markes of monarchic be compted
naturall. Alwise that king of bees never come to his kingdom by
force nor his owne conqueisse, nather by electioun, the ordinar
originall of monarcheis, that the exemple can not be weill accom-
modated. And who wote if he be not rather a duke, as among the
Venetians, and tyed to a counsell, nor a king with absolute power ?
Sure it is, he has people that obey, but voluntarilie, for he has
no sting, nor meanes of compulsioun. But how ever that be, we
acknowledge no suche difference among men by nature. Degrees
of pre-eminencie are but brought in by merite, and sould be framed
to it, (by your alledgancie ;) and all confesse the furthest distance
betweene man and man (servituds) to be by and besides, if not con-
trare nature ; brought in but jure gentium, all men being free by
nature. And that this or that man is a monarch, the ground is not
nature but electioun or force, being in nature but as other men.
Nather can anie thing be of nature that is of force. But verie
conforme to nature is it by all appearance, that men alike free have
some participatioun In their commoun weale. This, and manie
suche other things, will be found, why that popular governement
or democratic (where it is in use) is not so farre to be compted
inferiour even to monarchic, to say no farther. So that not onlie
is it against policie, but most conforme to it, and vendicats therefra
that generall name of Policie, in a particular sort to itself, whether
Kar' i^oyjjv or not Ictt it be considered, for it would seeme so.
" Alwise, that verie eylast of ignorance of the multitude, which
is in that civill policie, is even taikin away heere, in this governement
of all ecclesiasticall discipline which we are now on. And this advan-
tage this hath above that popular, that in the popular, sutor may be
IGIO. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 89
ultra crepidam. Amongst pastors in the eccleslasticall it can not be.
The sutor may meddle -svitli the tailyeour's doublet, the tailyeour
with tlic shalping of his shoe, and both tailyeour and sutor must
as citiccns meddle Avith others' affaires, and many other things
wherein their daylie callings affbord them no knowledge ; farre
difterent from it, and altogether in^oyivrig : pastors, by the con-
trare, with nothing but that which is within the compasse of their
calling, o/xoysv/,; Avitli it, annexed to it, and adjunct of it, wherin he
is daylie versed by his verie calling, the ordinar mater of his
studie and meditatioun. So that in some of these may be grossc
ignorance of that wherof they cognosce, in none of thir can be
that extremitie of ignorance. In some of these is a rudenesse, bar-
baritie, imcapablenesse of informatioun ; in all these some manuring
of ingynes to conceave, and if naturall, tractable to apply what is
rightlie sifted and found out by reasoun. And this at the least
that can be said, though (if we will heare truthe) there must be
also a knowledge in pastors, if they be pastors. And there is even
a knowledge, and that measure of it in the simplest of them,
whcrby the wisest may receave admonishment not to be contemned
by the Christianlic modest ; and where that knowledge may seemc
to be laiking, supplccd with a worse gift, no lesse profitable in
governemeut, uprightnesse and sinceritie, to make up that har-
monic wherof I have spokin of before. And what if there were
greater defects ? Who has the wyte ? The admitters, that can
find no fitter ; or the providers, that sould procure fittnesse, — in-
structing youth, providing for the instructed ? AVhere is there not
then dcfecta ? Where not als great, yea, greater, more hurtfull to
the kirk and life of its spiritualnesse, and that by manic degrees ;
greater ignorance in teachers, ambitioun in governoui's that call
themselves so, self care, pompe, pride, partialitie, prosopolepsia in
both teachers and governours, sleuth, and neglecting the flocke ?
That it seemes to me there is no reasoun to despise the simplicitie
of the kirk of Christ of Scotland, nather to detract it with suche
odious names as democracic, in the sense they take it for ochlocracie
and popular confusioun ; muche lesse suche hard speeches as some
90 caldeewood's historie 1610.
of your folkes are said to use, calling it the inventioun of the
devill ; and that strangers who insult and declame have no caus of
insulting over it, nor mater of boast in the shewes and pompes
of their owne, God having blessed it beyond theirs in all efficacie
and spirituall blessing, which is the effect of governement, and
greatest tryell if a governement be good or not. That if this be
democracie, I say democracie is good, and better farre nor their
ather aristocracie or monarchic ; give it what name yee please, so
that it produce rae the best effects.
" To conclude then, by anie thing I can yitt see or consider in
this tryell, paritie of pastors is not against the Word, not against
nature, not against reasoun, not against order nor policie ; but by
the contrare, most conforme to the Word, most agreable to nature
and reasoun, standing best with order, best of all with policie, yea,
Policie, so properlie called. Which I againe referre to your good
considerance, craving pardoun for thir blotts, and manie raargina-
tiouns in this my halstening, and for anie faults anie wise escaped ;
but not to the faults. And the Lord of all pardouning pardoun
and reforme all that is amisse in all that sincerelie seeke him and
his truthe. Amen. To whom with you, &c. Aprile 10, 1610."
When the bishops became lords in parliament, counsell, checker,
sessioun, lords of temporall lands and regaliteis, patrons of bene-
fices, commissioners in the king's high commissioun, and conse-
quentlie, great and terrible to the ministrie and other professors,
then was it thought fitt tyme to convocat a Generall Assemblie,
but suche a one as they had devised themselves, and under colour
therof to throw out of the kirk's hand the power of all ecclesiasticall
jurisdictioun. To this effect was the Erie of Dumbar sent doun
with commissioun from the king, and with him three English
doctors. Doctor Ilamptoun, Doctor Mirritoun, and Doctor Hud-
sone. When he came to Newcastell, he dealt earnestlie with Mr
James Melvill to apply himself to pleasure the king, assuring him,
that he sould be als highlie advanced as anie minister in Scotland.
"Why may yee not be a bishop," said he, "als weill as manie
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 91
godlie and learned men ?" Mr James answered, " Becaus it is an
office direct contrarc to the Word." " Wherin ?" said the erle.
" In two points," said INIr James : " one, that a minister sould be
lord over his brethrcin ; another, that Christ's minister sould bearc
civill office in the commoun wealth." The erle desired him to read
the wry ttings, and heare the sermouns of the best learned. " I
have read and heard," said the other ; " but I perceave that it is
not God and his truthe that movcth men, but the honours, wealth,
and pleasures of the world, which I thanke God never moved me,
nor sould move anic faithfull minister." " Weill," said the erle,
" Mr James, I am no schollcr, and cannot reasoun in these maters ;
but seing I can not gett you to doe as I would, and so doe for you
as I would, I pray you be content with that I can doe for you."
He brought him to Berwick, and there he left him confynned.
The chanccller and sindric cries, lords, barons, and gentlemen, to
the number of sixteene hundrcth hors or thereby, accompaneid
the erle at his entrie to Edinburgh upon the 24th of May. The
proveist, bailliffes, counsell, and a number of burgesses, were attend-
ing in the utter clossc of the palace to welcome him. That same
day, after rysing of the counsell, there Avere two silver maces or
wands overguilded with gold, caried by two gentlemen, the one
before the Erie of Dumbar, the other before the chanceller. This
ceremonie was observed daylie after wheresoever they went.
Soone after, the presbytereis receaved their missives directed
from the king, and seconded with the bishop's letters to some of
them, for holding a Generall Asscmblie, which was a thing unlooked
for by reasoun of the last proclamatioun, and the rumors spread by
the bishops that we would never gett a Generall Assemblie again ;
but now were they surprized unawars.
THE COPIE OF THE BISHOP OF ST ANDREWES' LETTER TO THE
PRESBYTERIE OF CHIRNESIDE.
" Grace be multiplied unto you.
** Beloved Brethrein, — After my heartilic commendatlouns in
92 calderwood's historie 1610.
the Lord : I have receaved a letter from the king's Majestie anent
the directioun of commissioners to the approaching Generall Assera-
blie. And to the effect yee may understand my commissioun to
you for that effect, and the king's Majestie's pleasure, I thought
good, as having credit of his Majestie in these maters, to shew to
your moderator the authentick letter that has proceeded from his
Majestie's hand, and to send to you the note of the persons whom
his Majestie has thought fittest for that worke. This I beseeche
you, since our presbytereis in Fife, and, as I heare, the presbyterie
of Edinburgh, hath agreed to the king's desire, that yee will not
faile to send a free unlimited commissioun with these brethrein who
have also receaved their severall missives from the king's Majestie,
that yee seeme not to be singular and refractorie to reasonable
petitiouns. I hope that this my counsell sail be weill accepted of
you. And since suddane and wilfull conclusiouns have wrought
suche bitter effects, I hope yee will not provocke the king's Ma-
jestie to wrathe without anie necessar occasioun. Thus, I beseeke
God to blesse you all with the spirit of truthe and love to the end.
"Edinburgh, the 28th of May 1610.
" Tour lo\ing and assured brother,
" St Andrewes.
" To our trustie and weilheloved^
" The Moderator and Brethrein of the Preslnjterie of Chirnside.
THE king's missive.
" James Rex.
" Trustie and weilbeloved, we greete you weill. Albeit we,
justlie fearing the disorders that might arise in the Generall As-
semblie appointed to be holdin at St Andrewes, the * * day of
May nixt, by reasoun of the differences now in the church for
maters of discipline, did, by our letters published in Februar last,
desert the said meeting ; and speciallie declared that it was not
our minde to appoint anie new Assemblie before we were weill
assured of the peaceable inclinatiouu of these of the ministrie who
sould meete and conveene therat ; yitt, having beene latelie ad-
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 93
vertised of great confusioun arising in the church by reasoun of
the loose and unsattled governement which is therin, and being
intreated by sindrle of our good subjects, bishops, ministers, and
others, for licence to some generall meeting of the church, -vvherin
hope is givin us that some good course, by commoun consent, sail
be taikin for redresse of all misorders, and the divisioun of mindes
that so long continued among the ministrie, to the great scandall
of their professioun, sould ccasse and be extinguished, we have
beene pleased to yeeld to their requeists, and granted libertie for a
Generall Assemblic to be holdin at Glasgow the eight day of Junie
nixt. And, therefore, we will and require you to make choice of
the most wise, discreit, and peaceablie-disposed ministers among
you, to meete and conveene the said day and place, instructed with
sufficient commissioun from the rest, as in other Assembleis you
have beene accustomed ; and to advise anent the excommunicated
erles, Avhat order sail be taikin with them, for their satisfactioun of
the church. Anent the late erectiouns, to communicat to our com-
missioners the estat of everie church, within anie of the same, the
maintenance allowed thereto. An overture for supleing the churches
which are not sufficientlie provided ; and what is the best course to
be taikin for the readie payment of the ministers, so as they be not
distracted from their charge, and forced to attend the law for dis-
cussing of suspcnsiouns, and suche like questiouns arising therupon :
In which point we have had manic greevous complaints from diverse
of the ministers there, and understand our good purpose tuiching
them and their maintenance to have beene wonderfullie crossed ;
and that they be readie to give their best opinioun in all the former
points, and in everie thing elUs that sail be demanded of them, for
the good peace of the church. And becaus, by our letters, we have
particularlie acquainted the Archbishop of St Andrewcs of our pur-
pose heerin, and sent unto him a speciaU note of the names of suche
as we desire to be at our said meeting, it is our pleasure that you
conforme your selves thereto, and make choice of the persons that
we take to be the fittest for giving advice in all maters ; wherin
yee sail doe us acceptable service. We bid you fareweill.
"From our Court at Whitehall, the first of Aprile 1610."
94 caldeewood's historie 1610.
Some letters were sent also to particular persons, namelle, suche
as were chosin out by the bishops for that purpose. For howbeit
the king maketh mentioun in his missive of a note of the names
sent from him to the bishop, yitt, the note and roll of the names
was sett doun by the bishops ; for there is no likelihood that the
king was acquainted with the dispositioun of everie particular per-
son that was writtin to, or understood in what presbyterie they
made their residence.
Before the Assemblie conveenned, the Erie of Dumbar and the
bishops had three dayes' serious conference, contriving how to
order maters at the Assemblie. Upon Fryday, the eight of June,
and first day of the Assemblie, a fast was keeped ; but like the
fast that was indicted when Naboth's vineyaird was taikin from
him. Mr Johne Spotswod, Bishop of Glasgow, taught in the
morning upon these words of Jeremie, " I would have cured
Babel," &c. The maine drift of his discourses was to aggredge the
sinne of sacrilegious persons. By the way, he nipped also the laick
patrons. In end, he said this speeche : " Yee looke that I sould
speeke some thing of the purpose for which this Assemblie is con-
veenned. I will say no more but this, Religioun must not be main-
teaned after the maner it was brought in in this land. It Avas
brought in by confusioun ; it must be mainteaned by order. It
was brought in against authoritie ; it must be mainteaned by
authoritie," &c. Mr James Law, Bishop of Orkney, taught at ten
houres upon these words: Rom. xiv. 19, "Lett us follow these
things which concerne peace," &c. After he had shewed that peace
behoved to be joyned with veritie, otherwise, better to have no
peace, he tooke upon him to prove the lawfulnesse of episcopall
govemement. Passing by jus divmum, he stood upon these three
points, Antiquitie, Universalitie, and Perpetuitie. He proved the
fact by the continuall custome of the kirk and consent of the
I"'athers. Jus facti he passed by ; as also another questioun, how
farre the power of bishops sould be extended ; howbeit he had
proponed that heed in the beginning, and promised to treate upon
it. He concluded with a solemne oath and protestatioun of his
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 95
perswasioun of the lawfulnesse of episcopall govern ement. After
noone, the little clmplanc, Doctor Hudsonc, taught upon the be-
ginning of the secund of the Acts. For prooft'c of the superioritie
of bishops, he alledged Christ teaching his apostles, — some at his
head, some at his bosome, some at his feete. After the fore noone's
sermoun, Mrs Patrik Schairp, Johne Mitchelsonc, Patrik Lindsey,
Johne Spotswod Bishop of Glasgow, being removed, the Bishop
of Glasgow was chosin moderator by pluralitie of votes, all voting
for him except five that voted for Mr Patrik Schairp ; Avhich prog-
nosticat no good in this Assemblic. Dumbar, the bishops, manie
statsmen and noblemen, some ministers, — deemed by the simpler
sort to be opposite to bishops, howbeit they were not suche in
deid, — were nominated to be upon the privie conference.
Upon Saturday the privie conference mctt in the morning. The
rest of the ministers convcenned at eight hourcs, and satt looking
one to another till about ellevin. Dumbar presented to the con-
ference the king's letter, and caused it to be read twise. It con-
teaned, first a declaratioun of his affectioun to religioun, and oppo-
sitioun to the antichristian enemie, above all enemeis. Sccundlie,
a declaratioun of his care to establishe a solide forme of discipline
in the Kirk of Scotland : how that he had givin his presence to
sindrie Assemblies to that effect, after he had suffered anarchic to
bring furth suche evill effects, as that it could not be longer toler-
ated : that as he beganne first to found the governement of bishops
before his departure out of the countrie, so, since that tyme, he has
spaired no expences or travell to vindicat the jurisdictioun spiri-
tuall out of the hands of civill men. He compleaned that, not-
withstanding of the paines and travell that he had taikin, he had
found some letts to hinder the perfytting of that worke. AVhethcr
the letts arose of the wilfulnesse or ignorance of suche as would not
subject themselves to that governement, or of the lingering of the
other sort that were more plyable, he was not fullie informed.
That, therefore, he has conveened this present Assemblie, — not so
muche of necessitie, or as if their consent was muche requisite, — as
to manifest his earnest desire to have peace and concord in the
96 calderwood's historie 1610.
kirk, and to make these that sail oppose themselves heerafter in-
excusable. Therefore, he desired everie one to show their ford-
wardnesse to so good a worke, and to testifie their good-will to him,
and expect his favour. After the letter had beene twise read, the
president likewise made an harangue. After that he had ended his
harangue, they advised upon the points that were to be treatted in
the Assemblie : to witt, upon order to be taikin with excommuni-
cated Papists ; provisioun of ministers serving in the kirks ; of the
late erectiouns ; upon the meanes of peace and concord. At the
Erie of Dumbar's desire, they beganne at the last. After long
reasoning, it Avas committed to six bishops and six ministers to con-
ferre upon it apart by themselves : to witt, tlie Bishops of St An-
drewes, Glasgow, Orkney, Aberdeene, Brechin, * * * Ministers :
Mrs William Cowper, Jobne Hall, Patrik Schairp, Andrew Leitche,
George Hay, Johne Stratoun. There Avas some shew of oppositioun
made in the privie conference by Mr Johne Hall and Mr William
Cowper, etc., about the negative voice of bishops in ecclesiasticall
meetings ; and their oath made in the contrare was urged. Dum-
bar produced a letter sent from the king, wherin the bishops were
commanded ather to accept the whole office, or to quite their places.
They answered, they were willing; and none upon the conference
made farther oppositioun. They came furth to the Assemblie ; and
Mr Johne Spotswod, the moderator, excused their long stay at the
conference. Mr Peter Primrose, with some other ministers of the
AYest, were minded to protest against the proceedings of the Assem-
blie, and for the liberteis of the kirk. But he beganne no sooner
to breake off, Avhen the moderator interrupted him, after he smelled
his intentioun, and referred him to the privie conference : and why?
becaus it was hie noone, and tyme to go to dinner. But he and his
associats were so wrought upon, partlie by minassing, and partlie by
flatterie and faire Avords, that there was no dinne of a protestatioun.
The privie conference mett after noone, and agreed upon some
conclusiouns. These conclusiouns were propouned by the mode-
rator in opin Assemblie, and concluded. He alledged, that they
had past in the privie conference, none except two contradicting.
IGIO. OF TnE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 97
It was conjectured, that Mrs "Willliim Cowper and Joline Hall
were the two he meant of. But whatever was their part in con-
ference, their voice was never heard in the Assemblie, but when
they gave their simple votes. Tlie conchisiouns were not pro-
I)ouned or discussed severallie, or discussed at all ; so easilie did
the king and his bishops atteane to their intent. To draw them
on to condemne the Assemblie holdin at Aberdeene, Mr Spotswod
used this reasoun : " The brethrein banished have promised to
confesse a fault, if their fiict sail be condemned by a Generall
Assemblie : So, if we declare the Assemblie holdin at Aberdeene
to be null, they sail returne to their ownc congrcgatlouns." After
they had obteaned their intent, Dumbar produced the king's dis-
charge to kecpe presbytcreis. Then was there an outcry and noise
in the Assemblie among the ministers, Avho had notwithstanding
weakenned the power of the presbytcreis, and almost spoiled
them of all authoritie with their ownc consents. This was but a
skarcraw to putt them in feare, where they needed not feare ; for
presbytcreis could not be altogether abolished, till bishops' courts
were substituted in their rowmes, Avhich for the present could not
be brought to passe. Dumbar tooke occasioun upon the outcry
to promise, upon his honour, to procure, so farre as in him lay, to
gett that discharge recalled, providing they would subscribe the
conclusiouns which were past. By this cunning, he gott the
hands, als weill as the voices, of manic foresworne Balaamites.
Money was distributed among them, and givin largelie to suche as
served their turne, under pretence of bearing their charges. A
number of ministers brouglit from Orkney, Cathnesse, and Suther-
land, who had never scene the face of a Generall Assemblie, were
Weill rewarded, for comming so farre to doe good service. Mr James
Law, Bishop of Orkney, their captan, and the cheefe pcrswader
and procurer of their comming and consent, was careful! to see them
Weill served. AVhen Mr Johnc Balfoure, a minister in the South,
came to him, and compleaned he had gottin nothing, he answered,
" Yce have done no service to his Majestic, for ycc \otc(\, ]Vo7i liquet."
Johnc Lawder, minister at Cockburaspeth, comming too late, when
there was nothing resting to be dealt but ten pund, fourtie penneis
VOL. VII. G
98 caldekwood's iiistorie 1610.
lesse, was content to take that small sowme, and to dispense with the
want of fourtie penneis. The constant moderators, so manie as were
present, gott their hundreth puud, which was promised at the
first conventioun holdin at Linlithquo, where they were consti-
tuted perpetuall moderators of presbytereis. To some was pro-
mised augraentatioun of their stipends, namelie, to Mr Michaell
Cranstoun, minister at Cramound, which was also performed. Mr
Johne Hall, one of the ministers of Edinburgh, gott a pensioun for
liis prevaricatioun. Mr Cowper gott a bishoprick ; whether it was
promised to him at that tyme or not, we are not certane. Dum-
bar professed plainlie, he would have no man there to give anie
countenance of mislyking ; and had the king's guarde readie, to
committ suche as would oppose stoutlie to their proceedings. The
name of Preshyterie was rejected, as odious to his Majestic, as a
word which he could not heare with patience ; and, therefore, that
word must be absteaned from in their acts and conclusiouns. The
word Presbyterie was rejected politicklie, that the bishops might
bruike under doubtfuU phrases, and bereave the presbytereis of
their power, and assume in tryells, suspensiouns, depositiouns, ordi-
natiouns, cfec, suche ministers within the bounds where these
actiouns were to be performed. The ministers, howbeit content to
forbeare the word Presbyterie, never dreamed that the presbyteriall
meeting it self sould be deprived of their interesse in these actiouns ;
but tooke these two phrases, " The ministers of the bounds," or,
" The brethrein of the exercise," to meane nothing ellis, but that
classicall meeting of presbyters or ministers weekelie assembling ;
and, therefore, made they suche an outcry, when Dumbar presented
the king's discharge of the presbytereis. Some ministers charged
the conclusiouns to be contrarie to God's Word ; some alledged,
they were bound by oath to mainteane the established discipline.
Some answered, when it came to voting, they had no commissioun
from their presbytereis. Manie had limited commissiouns. Some
had commissioun to protest against whatsomever thing sould be
concluded prejudicial! to the acts of former Assembleis, as the
commissioners of Iladintoun, Mr James Carmichaell, &c. But
few did as they were directed or limited. To make all sure, there
IGIO. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 99
Avcre in this Assemblie, beside threttcin bishops, thrcttein noble-
men, fourtie barons and other gentlemen, who had no commlssioun
athcr from presbytcrie or synod.
The nixt day, that is, the Lord's Day, Doctor Hamptoun preached
before noone, upon Psahne 122. 1. He taxed sacrilegious persons,
and the governement of synods and presbytereis. Doctour INIirri-
toun taugiit after noonc, upon 2 Cur. i. 12. The substance of his
doctrine Avas, a defence of the calling of Bishops.
Upon Moonday, the moderator, Mr Spotswod, after he had
praised God for the happle successe they had found in the first
point, to witt, the meanes of peace and concord in the kirk, pro-
})ouned the other two, viz., talking order with Papists, and pro-
visioun for ministers. Both Avere referred to a meeting of foure or
five bishops, with Dumbar, who were appointed to make up a roll
of the excommuuicats and unplanted churches, and send it to the
king. So the Assemblie was dissolved, no new Assemblie ap-
pointed, and the 133 Psahne chanted.
The conclusiouns of this Assemblie, as they were extracted out
of the register by the clerk, and givin out at the same tyme, heere
follow : —
FOLLOW TOE HEEDS AND ARTICLES OF THE DISCIPLINE OF THE
KIRK TO BE OBSERVED IN ALL TYME COMMING.
*' In the first, it is declared, that the alledged Assemblie holdin at
Aberdeene is null in the self, spcciallie in respect it had not his
Majestle's allowance, and was discharged by his Ilieuesse' com-
missioner. And becaus the necessitie of the kirk craves, that for
order taiking with the commoun enemie, and other cffaires of the
kirk, there sail be yeerelic Generall Asscmbleis, the indictioun
wherof the Assemblie acknowledges to perteane to his ISIajestie,
by the prerogative of his royall crowne ; and, therefore, the Gene-
rall Assemblie most humblie requelsts his ^lajestle, that the
Generall Asscmbleis may be holdin once in the yeere ; or, at the
least, in respect of the necessitie foresaid, that his Majestic would
100 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1610.
appoint a certane tyme, at which the same sail be hokliu preclselie,
in all tyme comming.
" Item, It is thought expedient, that the bishops sail be mode-
rators in everie diocesan synod, and the synod sail hold twise in
the yeere, of the kirks of everie diocie ; viz., in Aprile and Octo-
ber ; and where the dioceis are large, that there be two or three
synods in convenient places, for the ease of the ministrie.
" Item, That no sentence of excommunicatioun or absolutioun
therefra be pronounced against, or in favours of anie persoun, with-
out the knowledge and approbatioun of the bishop of the diocie,
who must be answerable to his Majestic for all formall and im-
partiall proceedings therin ; and the processe being found formall,
the sentence to be pronounced at the directioun of the bishop, by
the minister of the parish where the offender dwelleth, and the
processe beganne. And incace the bishop sail be found to have
stayed the pronouncing of the sentence against anie persons that
have merited the same, and against whom the processe has beene
lawfullie deduced, the samine being tryed, and he convicted there-
fore in the Generall Assemblie, that advertisement sail be made to
his Majestie, to the effect another may be placed in his rowme.
" Item, That all presentatiouns be directed heerafter to the
bishop ; and upon anie prcsentatioun givin, or otherwise sute made
by anie to be admitted to the ministrie, the bishop is to require
the ministers of these bounds where he is to serve, to certifie by
their testificat unto him of the partie, suter, and his conversatioun
past, and abilitie and qualiflcatioun for the functioun ; and ujoon
the returne of their testificat, the bishop is to take farther tryell;
and finding him qualified, and being assisted by some suche of the
ministrie of the bounds where he is to serve, as he will assume to
himself, he is then to perfyte the whole act of ordinatioun.
" Item, In depositioun of ministers, the bishop associating to
himself the ministrie of these bounds where the delinquent served,
he is then to take tryell of his fact, and upon just cans found, to
deprive.
" Item, That everie minister, in his admissioun, sail sweare
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 101
obedience to liis Majestie, and Ordinar, according to the forme
sett doun in the conference keeped iu the yeere of God 1571
yeeres, wherof the tcnour foUoweth : —
THE FORME OF THE OATH TO BE GIVIN BY TUE PERSON PROVIDED
TO ANIE BENEFICE WITU CURE, THE TYME OF HIS ADMISSIOUN
BY THE ORDINAR.
" I, A. B., now nominated and admitted to C. of D., utterlie
tcstifie and declare in my conscience, that the right excellent, right
high, and miglitic prince, James the Sixt, by the grace of God
King of Scots, is the onlic lawfull supreme governour ot this realme,
als Weill in things temporall, as in conservatioun and purgatioun of
religioun ; and that no forrain prince, prelat, state, nor potentat, has,
or ought to have, anie jurisdictioun, power, or superioritie, pre-
eminence and authoritie, ecclcsiasticall and spirituall, within this
realme.
*' And, therefore, I utterlie renounce and forsake all forraine
jurisdictiouns, poAvcrs, supcrioriteis, and authoritcis ; and promise
that from this tymc furth I sail and will beare faith and true
allegiance to his Hienesse, his heyres and lawfull successours, and
to my power, sail assist and defend all jurisdictiouns, priviledges,
pre-eminences, powers, and authoritcis granted and belonging to
his Ilienesse, his heyres and lawfull successours, or united and
annexed to liis royall crowne. And farther, I acknowledge and
confesse to have and hold the said C, and possessioun of the
samine (under God onlie) of his ^Majestic, and crowne royall of
his realme ; and for the saids posscssiouns, I doe homage present-
lie unto his Hienesse, in your presence ; and to his Majestie, his
heyres and lawfull successours, sail be true, so helpe me God."
" Itcm^ The visitatioun of ilk diocie is to be done by the bishop
himself; and if the bounds sail be greater than he can overtake, he
is then to make speciall choice, and to appoint some worthie man
to be visiter in his place. And whatever minister, without just
caus and lawfull excuse made, sail absent himself from the visita-
102 calderwood's historie 1610.
tioun, or the diocesan assemblie, he sail be suspended from his
office and benefice ; and if he amend not, he sail be deprived.
" Item^ Exercise of doctrine is to be continued weekelie among
the ministers, at the tyme of their accustomed meetings, and to be
moderated by the bishop, if he be present, or then, by anie other
whom he sail appoint at the tyme of the synod.
" Item, The bishops sail be subject in all things concerning their
life, conversatioun, office, and benefice, to the censure of the Gene-
ral! Assemblie ; and being found culpable, with his Majestie's
advice and consent, to be deprived.
" Item, That no bishop be elected, but who has past the age of
fourtie yeeres compleit, at the least ; an actuall teaching minister
by the space of ten yeeres.
" Which whole articles being diverse tymes publictlie read in
the face of the whole Assemblie conveened, after voting, the samine
were ratified, approved, and concluded by the whole Assemblie,
and ordeanned to be observed in all tyme comming.
" Forasmuche as in this present Assemblie, it is alreadie statuted
that the exercise sail be moderated by the bishops in the meeting
of the ministrie, if they be present, or then, by anie other whom he
sail appoint at the tyme of the synod ; and becaus the nixt synod
is not to be holdin before the moneth of October nixtocum, there-
fore, it is ordeaned, that in absence of the bishops, the constant
moderators sail remaine in their owne places, whill the nixt synod
to be holdin in October nixtocum.
" Item, Becaus it is uncivill, that lawes and constitutiouns, ather
civill or ecclesiasticall, being once established and in force, by
publict and opin consent, sould be controlled or called in questioun
by anie persoun : Therefore, it is statuted by uniforme consent of
this whole Assemblie, that none of the ministrie ather in pulpit in
his preaching, or in the publict exercise, speeke or reasoun against
the acts of this present Assemblie, nor disobey the samine, under
the paine of deprivatioun, being tryed and convicted therof; and
speciallie, the questioun of equalitie and inequalitie in the kirk be
not treated in the pulpit, under the said paine ; and that everie
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 103
one of the commissioners present intimat this act in the first
meeting at their exercise, &c.
" Extract furth of the Register of the Acts of the Generall As-
semblie, by me,
" Mr Thomas Nicolsone,
" Commissar of Aberdcene, Clerk, Keeper,
and Extractor therof." ^
In these conclusions, anie man may see the governement of the
kirk altogether altered. The oi'dinar indictions of the Generall
Assembleis is abrogate, and made to depend on the pleasure of the
prince ; the provinciall synods are turned in diocesian synods or
visitations ; and as for the presbytereis, not onlie was the name
abolished, but also the power enerved and made obnoxious, by the
negative voice of the bishope. He may perfy to the worke of ordi-
natioun, with some ministers of the bounds where the persone is
to serve, without the presbyterie : he may suspend, depryve
ministers, associating to himself some of the ministers of the bounds
where the delinquent scrveth, without the presbyterie, if we lookc
to the words ; but indeed, if we looke to the meaning of that con-
vention, they tooke these words, ''the ministers of the bounds," to
be equivalent to the name presbyterie, which they behoved to for-
beir, for offending, forsuth, the king's Majestic. But their secrete
intent was, to steale from the presbyterie all power, and associ-
ate onlie so manic of the bounds as they pleased, whether they
were within the bounds of one presbyterie, or promiscuouslie
assumed out of diverse presbyteries. Soone after the dissolving of
this Assemblie, three of them went to England, and were conse-
crate to the office of a bishop, wherof the Assemblie never dreamed,
howbeit their perfidie be grosse eneugh otherwayes, in that they tycd
ordinatioun, suspension, deprivation, excommunicatioun, moderation
of synods and presbytereis, to the persons who were called bishops,
' From the close of this paragraph to the end of the work, the Ilistory is con-
tinued in a difi'ereut handwriting, wliich accounts for the slight change in the ortho-
graphy.
104
calderwood's historie
1610.
not in respect of their offices, but in respect of their benefices ;
and were chosin, or to be chosin, to vote in Parliament, and bound
with certane caveats or cautiouns. The names of commissioners
of presbytereis and others, noblemen or barrons, guiltie of this
great overthrow of the discipline of the kirk, deserveth to be holdin
in remembrance, to their perpetuall infamie, and, therefore, I have
heere insert them as foUoweth :^
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIE OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND, HOLDEN IN
GLASGOW, THE 8tH OF JUNE, THE TEAR OF GOD 1610 TEAKS,
IN PRESENCE OF THE KING'S MAJESTIE'S COMMISSIONERS, VIZ.,
The Earle of Dumbar. My Lord President.
The Archbishop of St Andrews. My Lord Secretarie.
Of the Nobilitie.
Earles. Lords.
Montrose. Lindsey.
Glencarne. Scoone.
Cathness. Blantyre.
Wigtoun. Kintail.
Kinghorne. Mr of TilHbartine. •
Abercorne. Comptroller.
Lothian. Kilsyth.
Of the Minister]) .
Orknat.
Bishop of Orknay.
Robert Stewart.
Mrs Patrik Waterstoun.
William Hair.
Andrew Dishinjjtoun.
Cathness.
Bishop of Cathness.
Mrs William Pope.
Thomas Paipe.
James Gray.
Andrew Ogsburie.
1 Instead of the names there is a blank page in the original, but the list which
follows is given fi-om the printed folio edition of Calderwood.
IGIO.
OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
105
Ross.
Mrs George IMonro.
Ilobert Hock.
Brechen.
Bishop of Brcchen.
Mrs Dugald Campbell.
Andrew Leitcli.
Richard JNIerchestoun.
James Eliot.
Akbroth.
Mrs Arthure Futhie.
Patrick Lindsay.
Andrew Drunimond.
Henrie Phillip.
Johne Guthrie.
DUNDIE.
Mrs David Kinneir.
Robert Rynd.
Murray.
Bishop of Murray.
Mrs James Dundas.
Thomas Dundas.
Patrick Dundas.
William Clogie.
Alexander Rauson.
AVniiam Reid.
Aberdeen.
Bishop of Aberdeen.
Mrs David Rait.
Archibald Bleckburne.
Robert Burnet.
John Logic.
John Reid.
John Gavein.
Robert Merser.
Mrs Abraham Sibbald.
George Hay.
James Hay.
Robert Maitland.
John Strauchan.
Robert Ross.
Robert Reid.
Alexander Guthrie.
Mernes.
ISIrs Andrew Ramsay.
James Rait.
Adam AValker.
Meegle.
Mrs Henrie Guthrie.
Alexander Kinninmouth.
David Brown.
Perth.
Mrs William Couper.
Archibald Moncreife.
Dunkelden.
Bishop of Dunkelden.
Mrs Silvester Ratray.
James Menzeis.
Alexander Ireland.
Auchterarder.
Mr James Burdoun.
Stirline.
Bishop of Dumblane.
Mrs William Stirline.
William Name.
St Andrews.
Archbishop of St Andrews.
Mrs David Monlpennie.
William jNIurray.
Simeon Durie.
106
caldeewood's histoeie
1610.
Univeesitee.
Mr Robert Howie.
Coupee.
Mrs James Martine.
Robert Buchanan.
John Caldcleuch.
Thomas Douglas.
Kiekalbie.
Mrs John Mitchelson.
William Murray.
Alan Lawmonth.
DxJMFEEMLmE.
Mrs James Stewart.
Andrew Forrester.
"William Paton.
Edestbuegh.
Mrs John Hall.
Peter Hewat.
Michael Cranstoun.
Linlithgow.
Mrs Robert Cornwal.
Alexander Keith.
Robert Gilmour.
Thomas Peebles.
Dalkeith.
Mr Patrick Tournour.
Hadintoun.
Mr James Carmichel.
DUMBAE.
Mrs Edward Hepburne.
John Lauder.
Thomas Hepburne.
Peebles.
Mrs James Logan.
Robert Levingstoun.
Cheenside.
Mr John Clappertoun.
DuNSE. Kelso.
Mrs James Knox.
Thomas Storie.
John Balfour.
Glasgow.
Archbishop of Glasgow.
Mrs Patrick Sharpe.
John Bell of Glasgow.
Andrew Boyd.
Paisley.
Mrs Johne Hay.
Archibald Hammiltoun.
William Birstoun.
George Maxwel.
DUMBAETOUN.
Mr Walter Stewart.
Hammiltoun.
Mrs Thomas Muirheid.
James Hammiltoun.
David Sharpe.
John Howison.
Laneek.
Mrs William Birnie
John Lindsey.
Robert Wilkie.
AlE.
Mrs Peter Prymrose.
John Makcorne.
William Wallace.
Ieaving.
Mrs Alexander Scrimgeour.
Michael Wallace.
I
IGIO.
OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
107
DUMFREIS.
Mrs Thomas Ramsay.
Kobert Huntar.
Robert Henrison.
Simeon Johnstoun.
Kirkcudbright.
Bishop of Galloway.
Mrs John Alkman.
William Hammiltoun.
Robert Glendlnnlug.
James Donaldson.
WiGTOUN.
Mr James Adamson.
Mrs John Watson.
Georjre Kinnax'd.
Argile.
Bishop of Argyle.
Mrs John Cameron.
Donald Makilroric.
Neil Campbel.
John Makcallum.
Nicol Makcalman.
Isles.
Bishop of the lies.
Mrs Patrik Stewart.
Robert Stewart.
Drumlanrig.
Glennrquhie, younger.
Wauchton.
Bombie.
Northberwick.
Caldcrwood.
Balnamoone.
Edinburgh.
INIungo Makcal.
Edwart Ker.
Perth.
Gawin Dalyel.
DUNDIE.
Mr William Ferguson.
Of Barones.
Minto.
Balmalne.
Gairntullie.
Duntreith.
Mr Samuel Cockburne.
Sir George Elphingstoun of
Blythswood.
Of Btirroices.
Aberdeen.
Alexander Ruthcrfurde.
St Andrews.
John Knox.
Glasgow.
James Forfeit.
Howbelt the power of presbytereis and synods was much enervate
by the conclusions of that cornipt crew, yit notwithstanding, it
was not altogether extinguished nor abolished. They encroache
108 calderwood's histopje 1610.
farther than was granted at that convention, more through the
cowardise and negligence of the ministrie than through anie right
they have ; which I prove by these considerations following : —
THE POWER OF SESSIONS, PRESBYTEREIS, AND SYNODS, AND GENE-
RALL ASSEMBLEIS WEAKENED, BUT NOT ALTOGETHER TAKIN
AWAY, BY THE CONCLUSIONS AGREED UPON AT THE CONVENTION
HOLDIN AT GLASGOW, IN THE MONETH OF JUNE, ANNO 1610.
Generall Assembleis may yit choose their owne moderator, not-
withstanding the act of Glasgow ; for the convention did not
appropriate the moderation to a bishop, farre lesse to an archbishop
or primate, of whom no mention was made in that Assemblie. It
was expresslie provided in the caveats agreed upon at Montrose,
that none that sould have vote in Parliament sould come as com-
missioners to anie Generall Assemblie, or have vote in the same
at anie tyme comming, except he be authorised with a commission
from his owne presbyterie to that effect. Farre lesse, then, may
he moderate, unlesse he be freelie chosin. When bishops and
superintendents were in our kirk, the first fyfteene yeere after the
Keformation, simple ministers were chosin moderators, and not ever
superintendents or bishops. The first thing, then, to be done in a
free Generall Assemblie is, to remove the bishops, to trie what
power they have granted to them by anie free and lawfull Generall
Assemblie, and to disable them atlier to vote or moderate till they
be denuded of all their unlawfull and usurped authoritie or power ;
or els we but mocke God and his kirk in joyning with them, and
betray the liberteis of our Generall Assembleis ; which being lost,
no other libertie can be recovered. Their naiked presence, let
never so great libertie be offered to reason and vote, taketh away
the libertie of Generall Assembleis, so long as they are thus armed
with power. For suppose a bishop be considered in anie Assem-
blie as a simple moderator or a simple voter in that case, yit by a
divided consideration it is to be rcmembred, that bishops out of
the Assemblie has power over all the members of the Assemblie,
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 100
in the High Commission or out of it, to try, suspend, depose,
imprison, transport, present to benefices, or conferrc to the pre-
sented. The Protestants alledge, there can be no free oecumenicall
councell, whatsoever libertie be offered or pretended, so long as the
Pope claimeth, usurpeth, or exerceth power over other bishops,
extra concilium, and they frcdd of their oath. The lyke reason
holds against our bishops.
It was supponed by the convention holdin at Glasgow, that the
petition to the king for an Asscmblic to be holdin once in the yeir,
or at a precise tyme, to be appointed by the king in all tyme com-
ing, would be granted. And therefore, by that convention, the
bishops were ordeaned to be subject in all things concerning their
life, conversation, office, and benefice, to the censure of an ordinarie
Generall Assemblie, holding precisclie at certaine tymes : other-
wayes they would never have tyed presby tereis and synods to them
in the maner they did. Seing this was their intention, the holding
of Generall Assembleis ordinarilie and at precise tymes failing, all
the power granted to them by that convention faileth, and is of no
force ; for they intended not at that convention to give them anie
power or authoritie, but that which another Assemblie might have
taikin from them, and the exercise wherof was lyable to the tryell
of an ordinarie Generall Assemblie.
He may, by the act of Glasgow, depute another minister of the
diocie to visite his diocie, but not to moderat the diocesan synods,
unless the visitation of the diocie and moderating the synode be
taken for one thing. It secmeth, indeid, that they are takin for
one thing ; for in that act it is ordeaned, that Avhatsoever minister,
without just cans or lawfuU excuse, sail absent himself fi'om the
visitation of the diocesian assemblie, (or, as in the act of Parliament
is exponed, from the visitation or diocesian assemblie,) sail be sus-
pended from his office and benefice : and if he amend not, he sail
be deprived. And this kinde of visitation of ministers assem-
bled at a diocesian synod is called by Sylvester, in his Summa, non
plena visitatio, distinguished from plena, when the bishop visit-
cth the particular kirks of his diocie. See we not that they use
110 calderwood's historie 1610.
no other visitation of the particular kirks of their dioceis but upon
rare occasiouns ? Chooseth not the bishop his owne clerk without
consent of the synode, substituteth a vicegerent when he pleaseth
Avlthout consent of the synode ; prorogueth the dyet at his owne
pleasure ; summoneth persones to compeir in his owne name, and
not in the name of the synode ; suffereth nothing to come in voting
but what he pleaseth, or the names to be called for giving voices
but when he pleaseth ; numbereth or pondereth them as he pleases ;
and when he hath numbered and they have pyped, he may dance
as he pleaseth ; and yit we Avill beare the world in hand, that there
is noe difference betuixt the provincial! assembleis we hae and the
diocesian synods we have now, but onlie, that the bishop is constant
moderator. If it be not anie episcopal! visitatioun, why suffer we
the pretendit bishope to substitute a vicegerent, seing that part
of the act which toucheth the synode in name of a synode, giveth
him noe such power, or to doe anie thing but that whilk a simple
moderator sould doe ? Episcopall visitation, and a provincial!
synode Avliich we had before, cannot consist together at one and
tlie self-same meeting, and with one and the self-same maner
proceiding. "NYe ought, therefore, to leave nothing to the bishope
at a synode but simple moderation, or els it is not a synod which
we hold, but a convention, wherin we subject our self to his epis-
copall visitation. It is true, his simple moderation taketh away
the libertie of the synode, becaus by a divided consideration, he
has out of the synode power over all the members of the synode.
But we preasse now noe further than the Act of Glasgow. It is
ordained by the Act of Glasgow, that all presentations be directed
heirefter to the bishope, but noe expresse mention maid of presen-
tations to benefices. So, by presentations may be meanit presen-
tations to the office of the ministrie ; and so much the rather, becaus
there is noe mention of collation of benefices in that act, but onlie
of presentations of sutes and ordination. So collation of bene-
fices was not taken from presbyteries by the Act of Glasgow, and
therfore, presbyteries are wronged by bishops for usurping this
their right. The act of parliament gave them that power without
consent of the kirk.
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTL.VND. Hi
By the Act of Glasgow, the bishope is to rcquyrc the ministers
of the bounds where the persone presented or suting admission is
to serve, to certifie by their tcstificate unto him what has bein his
conversation past, what is his abiUtie and quahfication for the
function ; and upon that testificate is to take farther tryeU. This
is a rediculous forme of proceiding, that efter testification of his
abilitie and quahfication, the bishope sail enter in farther tryall.
For what if he judge him not qualified efter their testificate of his
qualification? Yit, when the bishope cannot except against the
conversation, abilitie, or qualification of the persone presented or
suted, efter his own tryall, he will not proceid till the persone pre-
sented or suted sweare and subscryve some articles formed by him-
self, without anie warrant of a Generall Assemblie or act of Parlia-
ment. The presbyterie in such a case may proceid to admission
by themselfs ; for the act has not deprived them of the power of
admission swipliciter, but onlie ordered the mauer of proceiding ;
wherin if the bishope fiiile for his part, they are not debarred from
their part, and proceiding to the act of ordination, unles there Avere
holden anie ordinare Generall Assemblie once in the yeir, or at
precise tymes. For it was not the meaning nor intent of that con-
vention that the kirk sould ly destitute of a pastor for the bishop's
frowardnesse.
If the bishope be weill pleased, and find, efter his OAvn tryall, the
persone presented or suting admission qualified, he is to perfyte
the wholl act of ordination, but assisted by the ministers of the
bounds where the persone presented is to serve ; that is, by the
presbyterie, as was the meaning of that convention ; becaus the
king could not comport with the name (presbyterie) as was there
alledgit, howbeit it be a word used by the Holie Ghost in the
Scripture. May not then the presbyterie ordaine or admltt, in case
the bishope refuse the assistance of the ministers of the bounds, —
that is, of the presbyterie where the persone is to serve ? May not
it be interpreted refusall when he will not come to the bounds
where the persone trycd is to serve, and admltt him there, while
he may have their assistance ? for the act bindeth nut the assisters
112 calderwood's nisTOEiE 1610.
to assist in anie place whatsoever, whither the bishope will call
them, either in or out of the tllocie. Onerosa sunt restrinfjenda.
The Booke of Discipline, and acts of former Assemblies not yit
repealed, ordaine that ministers be admitted in the congregations
where they are to serve. But bishops doe admitt and ordaine, not
in the bounds, let be in the congregation where the persone pre-
sented or suting admission is to serve ; but in anie part of the
diocie he pleaseth, and some tyme out of his diocie, and without
assistance of the ministers of the bounds or presbyterie Avhere he
is to serve, and sometyme without the assistance or presence of
anie minister within the diocie ; as of late, a young man was
admitted in Leith to a kirk in Galloway, three ministers onlie
being present, not one of them a minister of Galloway.
Bishops may not, by the Act of Glasgow, deprive or suspend
ministers, but ^ associating everie one of them severallie, the minis-
trie of these bounds where the delinquent serveth ; and is there,
according to the act of parliament, also to take tryall of the fact ;
and upon just cans found, to deprive or suspend. All the bishops,
therefore, con veined together have not power to suspend or deprive
a minister, either in or out of the Court of Highe Commission,
ather associating to themselfs or not associating ministers ; nor yit
anie bishope in severall, but associating the ministrie of the bounds
where the delinquent served ; that is, according to the meaning of
that convention, the presbyterie where the delinquent served. Noe
minister ought therfore to acknowledge their sentence of deposi-
tion or suspension, they proceiding otherways nor is jjrescrybed in
the said act ; and the presbyteries ought to fortifie the minister so
de^n-ived. But if there be jus of deprivation, the presbyterie may
proceid by themselfs against the delinquent, if the bishope disdaine
or neglect their assistance or concurrence, he being lawfullie pre-
monished ; for the act doth not so tye suspension and deposition
of ministers to bishops, that the presbyterie may not suspend or
deprive, in case he will not doe his part or duetie ; namelie, seing
there is not anie ordinar Generall Assemblie to compleane unto
' Without.
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. H'^
upon him for his refractarinesse ; farre Icsse may the bishope,
without or against the will of the ministrie of the bounds or pres-
byterie Avhere the delinquent serveth, suspend or depryve ; and
the presbyterie may withstand his suspension or deprivation, and
fortifie the supposed delinquent in the discharge of his calling.
Howbeit it be ordained by the Act of Glasgow, that noe sen-
tence of excommunication or absolution be pronounced against or
in flivours of anie persone, without the knowledge and approbation
of the bishope of the diocie ; yit it is provydit, that incace the
bishope sail be found to have stayed the pronouncing of the sen-
tence against anie persone that has merited the same, and against
whom the processe has bein lawfullie deduced, the samine being
tryed, and he convicted in the Generall Assemblie fur the samine,
advertisment sail be made to his Majestic, to the effect another
may be placed in his rowme. If then the Generall Assemblie hold
not ordinarilie and at sett tymes, as was supponed wold be at that
convention, where presbyteries may compleane upon bishops stay-
ing the pronouncing of the sentence of excommunication or abso-
lution, they may proceid to pronounce the said sentences as they
find just cans. Nixt, the excommunication meant of in the act is
excommunicatio major ; presbyteries and sessions then may use ex-
communicatio minor.
Presbyteries may censure bishops in anie thing which concerneth
the lyfe, conversation, office, or benefice, seing that convention
intendit they sould be censured, and Generall Assembleis are not
had to censure them. Presbeteries may choose their owne mode-
rators when they are to treat about maters of discipline ; for by
the Act of Glasgow, onlie the exercise of doctrine is to be mode-
rated by the bishop, if he be present, or by anie other whom he
sail appoint at the synod.
Sessions of particular kirks may proceid after their wounted
maner, ther being nothing ordeaned in the contrare at that conven-
tion or conventicle.
Bishops, by the Act of Glasgow, have noe power to enter in pro-
cesse against anie offending minister or professor by themselves,
VOL. VII. H
114 calderwood's histopje 1610.
nor to enjoyne the presbytereis and synods to enter in processe.
Their processe must beginne in sessions, presbyteries, and synods,
and be ledd to the sentence, before they can have anie medling.
Nather when sessions, presbyteries, or synods, have entered in pro-
cesse, can they by that act advocat causes to themselfs, and such
ministers as it sail please them to associate unto themselfs indif-
ferentlie.
Bishops conveened together by themselfs, or with such minis-
ters as they sail please to call, have noe power to make anie act
or constitution, to impose taxations, &c.
By the word BiSHors, in the Act of Glasgow, is not meaned
Bishops by office, but by Bishops is meaned ministers, so called,
in respect of the great benefice or bishoprick, chosen or to be
chosen heerafter to vote in parliament in name of the kirk, circum-
scrybed with certalne caveats and acts of the Generall Assemblie.
To these, that convention tyed ordination, deposition of ministers,
excommunication, and absolution of offenders and penitents, mode-
ration of synods, and conventions for exercise of doctrine ; and
that onlie upon certaine conditions and suppositions, and with
certalne limitations, as was done before, in limitation of superin-
tendents, bishops, and commissioners of provinces, anno 1576 and
1586. That some ministers, by divyne or apostolicke institution,
ought to have power over other ministers and ther flockes, or to be
proper pastor of all the congregation of that diocie, was not
intendit, farre lesse declared by that Assemblie. Ther power,
therfore, is onlle a power deryved from that convention holdin at
Glasgow, and not immedlatlie from Christ; a power needing no
consecration, and which may be taikin away from them againe by
a lawfull Assemblie, without violation of anie divyne ordinance,
without deposition or degradation from the episcopall office, hoAV-
belt they justlie deserve deposition from their ministrie, and
excommunication. They may not then claim whatsoever belonged
to the bishops of old, ather by the erroneous interpretation and
mistaking of God's AYord or the canons of counsells ; or els what
needit such conditions and limitations be made at Glasgow ? But
IGIO. OF THE KlllK OF SCOTLAND. 115
simplie to consent to their consecration, and exercing all the plenarle
power which bishops in former tyraes claimed upon erroneous grounds.
And yit they command presbyteries and sessions, by their letters,
to doc that which they have not power to command ; for even
things lawfuU commanded by them ought not to be obeyed, for
therby, ane usurping power sail be acknowledgit. But they dis-
pense "with proclamation of bannes, private mariage, place and
displace professors in universities, strait intrants Avith oaths and
subscriptions not enjoyned by law or acts of Assembleis, ordeane
ministers in their chappells, yea, and soraetymes out of their diocies,
jirocurc blank presentations to benefices from court, usurpe the
collation of benefices, advocat causes from presbyteries to the High
Commission, overrule synods, and, in a word, doe what they please.
As they are guiltie of perfidious usurpation of a power which was
not granted, so is the ministrie of the pei'fidious desertion of Christ's
caus, yea, of concurrance and countenancing of them in exercing
of their usurped power, to the hardening of them in their wicked-
nesse, and pitifull decay of the glorie of God, and beautie of our
church.
SOME MINISTERS CONDEMNE THE ASSEMBLIE PUBLICTLIE.
When the nobilitie and bishops returned from the Assemblie,
Maister Patrik Simsone, in a solemne audience at Sterline in
tyme of sermone, layde to their charge so cleerlie their perjurie and
defection, that the bishops were in doubt whether to accuse him,
or to comport "with him ; yit their patience prevailed. In lyke
maner, coming to Edinburgh, Master Walter Balcanquall, one of
the ministers, did the same. He was called before the counsell,
■where, coram, he convicted Bishop Law of perjurie and apostasie,
so that he had not a word to answere ; yit he escaped with a simple
admonition. Master Patrik Galloway, in his fix'st sermon made in
Edinburgh after this Assemblie, glanced verie neir at the mater,
but withall flattering the king, after his wounted maner. Upon
these occasions, the bishops were moved to procure a terrible pro-
116 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1610.
clamatlon, that noe man, ather minister or professor, speeke against
the proceedings and conclusions of that Assemblie. The tenor of
the proclamation heir followeth : — ■
A PROCLAMATION RATIFYING THE ASSEMBLIE.
" James, by the grace of God, King of Great Britaine, France,
and Ireland, Defender of the Faith ; to our lovits, &c., messingers,
our sheriffs in that part, conjunctlie and severallie, speciallie con-
stitute, greeting. Forasmuche as ther be none who are ignorant
of the great harmonic anduniformitie of mindes amongst the nobilitie,
the fathers of the church, and a number of the most learned and
best affected of the ministrie, their late meeting, and Generall As-
semblie of the church of this our kingdome, conveened in our citie
of Glasco ; and since, with the generall applause of all them who
were then mett together, there were diverse and sundrie most
worthie ordinances and constitutions then established and concludit
for the Weill of the church, and preservation of good order, rule,
peace, and tranqulllitie within the same : And we, by our speciall let-
ter directed to the Lords of our Privie Counsell, having expresslie
willed and commandit them, upon the ending of the said Assem-
blie, for the more authorizing of the conclusions of the same, to
command all our subjects of whatsomever sort, condition, or func-
tion, that they doe obtemper, obey, and not contradict, oppone, or
impugne anie article, point, or head of these conclusions : And in
regard that, by speciall act concludit in the said Assemblie, all
ministers and preachers whatsoever are expresslie prohibited and
forbidden, either in private or in publict, to speake against, or im-
pugne anie of the conclusions made at that meeting, under the
paine of deprivation : Therefore, the saids Lords of our Privie
Counsell have ordeaned, and ordeane thir our letters to be direct,
in maner and to the effect following, as our act made therupon
beares.
*' Our will is heirfore, and we charge you straitlie and command,
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 117
that incontinent tliir our letters scene, ye passe to the Mercat
Crosse of our burgh of Edinburgh, and all other places needfuU ;
and there, by opin proclamation in our name and authoritie, that
yee command, charge, and inhibite all our subjects •whatsomever,
and in speciall, all teaching and preaching ministers, and lecturing
readers within this our kingdome, that none of them presume or
tak upon hand, either in thcr sermons publictlie, or in ther private
conferences, to impugnc, deprave, contradict, condemne, or utter
their disallowance and dislykc in anie point or article of these most
grave and wyse conclusions of that Assemblie, endit with such
harmonic, as they will answer to the contrare, at their highest
perell and charge. And that yee command all our sheriffs, stew-
arts, bailliffs, and their deputes, all provests and bailliffs of our
burrowes, and all others our officers and magistrats whatsomever
within our said kingdome, that if they doe heare or understand of
anie breache of this present commandement, by anie preacher,
minister, or lecturing reader, or other subject whatsomever, that
they faile not presentlie to committ the trespasser in this kynde
in some prisoun and waird, untill suche tyme as they, having
advertised the suids Lords of our Privie CounscU of the same, they
sail have their answere returned, what farther sail be done by
them. And where anie magistrat sail be found and tryed to have
beene unwilling, remisse, or slouthfuU in the execution of this
present direction, it is heirby declared, that their negligence and
connivence at anie suche fault sail make them als culpable heirof
as the principall offender, and they sail be accordinglie with all
rigour and severitie punished. And, heerwith, that ye command
all others our subjects of whatsomever qualitie, beiring noe office or
charge of magistracie, and so wanting power to apprehend and
committ the delinquent, that upon their hearing of anie one trans-
gressing this present command and proclamation, that they doe
certlfie the nixt magistrat, or some one of our Privie Counsell, of
the same ; otherwayes, they sail be reputed, holden, and accounted
guiltie of the same offence, and sail be punished as principall
tran5gressers in this kynd. The which to doe, we committ to you,
118 calderwood's histokie 1610.
conjunctlie and severallle, our full power, by thir our letters, de-
lyverlng them bj you duelie executed, and indorsed againe to
the beirer.
" Givin under our Signet, at Edinburgh, the 19th day of June,
and of our reigne the eight, and fourtie-three yeeres, 1610.
" Per actum Secreti Concilii, etc"
In the moneth of Julie, our Scottish gentlemen, who had gotten
lands in Irland from the king, went over to see their lott, and
manie went with them to take land of them.
PYRATS HANGED.
About the end of this moneth, threttie-six pyrats brought to
Edinburgh, wherof twentie-sevin were hanged in Leith, within the
sea-marke ; others were keeped for farther tryall. These who
were deteaned captives against their wills were sett at libertie.
MR ROBERT BOYD HIS LETTER TO MR ROBERT BRUCE.
Mr Kobert Boyde of Trocherig, a professor in Somer, being in
this countrie, and understanding what were the proceidings of that
Assemblie at Glasgow, in a letter writtin to Mr Robert Bruce, the
2d of September, hath these words following : —
" But as for me, hearing tell of the daylie decaying estate of
that once floorishing kirk of our land, what could I doe, but fol-
low the Lord's gracious calling in that kingdome, [meaning France,]
wherin he had made me to find so manie testimonies of his gracious
providence toward my selfe, and of his blessing on my weak and
unworthie labors ? Howbeit I confesse, that for my OAvne part,
and according to my naturall inclination, I wold wishe that I could
have becne profitable to my owne countrie, and to the kirk of God
within the same. And to that end have I now assayed by my
last and late coming to Scotland, if it wold be his Majestie's will
to give me a helper rather of my owne nation nor of another.
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 119
finding my selfe called by him unto that estate of lyfe, and moved
thereto by manie weightie considerations, that in that bchalfe, I
sould have noc stay nor hinder of my returne to the countrie, if it
wold please his merciful! goodnes to make yit agnine the light of
his countenance to shyne on his kirke heere, in that former frie-
dome and force of his Spirit, bringing home the captivitie of his
deere servaunts, loosing their bonds, setting them againe in theiv
owne stations, and yit opening their mouths to the praise of his
glorious grace, whose mouth he has heertofore opened with so
great a blessing toward his children, and rootting out (if not re-
newing and reviving them by true and humble repentance) these
rotten and stinking weeds, which his holie and pure hand never
planted in his courts. But I have found that the Lord's will and
disposition toward in that poynt has beene neither, and so I
rest therin, being now readie to returne to my function both in
kirk and schoole, as it sail please his goodnes to assist me, having
spendit longer tyme in this countrie by two moneth nor I thought
to have done at my coming."
In the moneth of September, Mr George Glaidstanes, Bishopc
of Saint Androes, held a diocesian in Anguse, where noe token of
discontentment was shewed by the ministers.
THE DIOCESAN SYNOD OF FIFE.
Upon the nynth of October, Mr George Glaidstanes, Bishope of
Saint Androes, held another diocesan synode in Fyfe, where
[the parties] were convocated by the bishop's letters, and conveened
by ministers. The confyned were absent, except Mr Johne Cow-
dane, who, upon a particular letter writtin to him by the bishope,
compeered. The bishope taught upon the first fyfteene verses of
1 Cor. iii. He inveighed against such as were contentious for
maters indifferent.
Efter doctrine, he desired the ministers to conveene in the yle
in the kirk, wherof before, the Assembleis were wont to be holdeu
in St Leonard's College. The seattes were covered with greene
120 calderwood's historie 1610.
cloths ; and on the eist side was a table sett, covered with greene,
and a greene velvet cushioun ; theron a chaire, and a cushioun be-
side the same; and a stoole for the clerk. After prayer, Mr Johne
Michelsone Avas chosen clerke. Therefter, he craved a privie
conference. At last, Mr Johne Malcolme, minister at St Johns-
toun, spake after this maner : " Seing we are heere conveened,
to sie Avhat sail be done to the glorie of God, and weale of
his kirk, he wold know by what authoritie, and upon what grounds,
the order of our kirk, established in so manie famous Generall
Assembleis before, and ratified by the king's acts, was altered ;
for we cannot sie that order altered but with greefe of heart,
seing we acknowledge it to be the onlie true forme of governc-
ment of Christ's kirk." The bishope, in a great anger, and
with contempt, answered, that he wold not have thought that
suche ane ao;ed man wold have uttered such a foolishe tale.
Could he be ignorant of the acts of the Assemblie of Glasco ?
lie wold be moderator, according to that warrant ; and he
supposed that none was of his judgement but himself. Wher-
upon other brethrein beganne to speake to the same purpose, Mr
William Areskine, Mr Johne Kinneir, &c. As the brethrein had
occasion to speeke, they styled him diverslie, " My Lord," " My
Lord Moderator," " Domine Moderator :" some spake of hand,
without anie title. Mr William Areskine said, " Domine, our
reverend brother and aged father has not spoken without a cans ;
for suppose we be come heer, thinking it his Majestie's will, yit we
are not myndit by God's grace to doe anie thing against anie good
order, or against our conscience ; and, therefore, we wold first sie
the warrand of your moderation, that if it be equitable, we may
proceede : otherways, if ye will tyrannicallie doe anie thing, it
were better for us to be absent nor present." The bishope answer-
ed, " Who sould informe you of the acts of the Assemblie ? I will
not satisfie anie of your hearts that way : if ye will goe your way,
upon your owne perill be it. If there were but thrie or foure to
remaine, I sould doe my duetie and service to the king's Majestic."
Mr Johne Kinneir said, " Thinke ye that this can be a meeting to
God's glorie, or to doc anie good, when ye will sitt to doe as ye
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 121
please, and will not -with patience heare the brethrein ? Ye will
find miscontentment in moe heere conveenned, if ye give us not
some warrant." The bishopc became more calme, and said, " It is
a strange mater, brethrein, that ye are so troubled about such an
indifferent mater. What mater who be moderator, if nothing be
scene but to the contentment of you all ? Tarie whill ye sie some
thing done. I sail promise before God, that there sail be nothing
done but with consent of the wholl, or most part of the Assemblie."
Mr "William Cowper said, " My Lord, it were weill done to goe to
the mater, and let the brethrein recieve contentment."
The first thing that was proponed was to choose a privie con-
ference. Some bi'cthrcin said it was not usuall in the assemblies
of Fyfe before. Mr William Buchanan said it was ane ease to the
assemblie, and ever a custom in Generall xlssembleis. It was con-
cludit by pluralitic of votes. The bishope nominated Mr William
Cowper ; the Assemblie nominated Mr Johne Malcolme. The
bishope nominated Mr Johne Michelsone ; the Assemblie nominated
Mr Edmund Myles. The bishope nominated Mr Andrew Foster ;
the Assemblie nominated Mr David Spence : and so twelve or four-
teen brethren Avere this way nominated. But when the privie con-
ference was mett, the bishope sent for Mr Robert Howie, alledging
that doctors sould be joyned with pastors, incase anie woi'ds were
castin. The maner of the tryall of the brethren was thus : fyve
or sixe brethren were removed, and it was asked what any man
had to say, either in their lyfe or in their oflfice ? When he had
asked ten or twelf in the catalogue, then he asked in generall if
anie man wold spceke ; therefter caused the beddall to cry at the
kirk doore, " Is there anie man to object anie thing against the
ministers of A. B. C, their lyf or ministrie, let them compeere and
spceke," &c. Thus Avere the brethren perfunctoriouslie, and for
the fashion, tryed. When the bishope wold have hasted to end the
assemblie, a brother said that the tryell of the books of the pres-
byteries was forgott. Some answered, that all the books were not
present. It was ordained that the books sould be brought as of
before.
Therefter, the bishope wairned them, if anie man spake against
122 calderwood's historie 1610.
the acts of the Assemblie he sould be deposed, and further pun-
ished, according to his Majestie's pleasour. The acts were read ;
the brethren were greatlie moved. Mr Johne Cowdane, who had
thitherto been silent, said, " We must either tyne a good con-
science in holding backe the truethe, or indanger our ministrie if
we speake. If it fall out that we must expone, ' Reges gentium
dominantur^ &c., as the ancient fathers and manie recent Avryters
have done, aganist the superioritie of bishops, what sail we doe in
this case ?" The bishope answered, " I told you, brethren, I came
not here to resolve questions ; but I will gett you fathers, and
recent Avryters also, maintaining the authoritie of bishops out of
the same place. Eeade Zanchius and Bucer, &c. Will anie man
come to me and sie what I have for me, I will lett him sie warrants
out of the word and fathers." Mr David Meavnes said, '' Our kirk
sounded all one trueth in this poynt, whill thir great livings came
in. Ye pretend the word, and let us sie noe warrant. We know
nothing ye seeke but gaine and preferment in this coui'se." The
bishope, in a great rage, said, " I beseeche Jesus Christ never let
me sie his glorie, if I wold doe as I doe in this course for all the
world, if I were not perswadit I had the warrant of the word. I
say more : the Lord judge me if I have gone so farre in this course
as I think the word of God, and the practise of the primitive kirk,
gives me warrant."
Mr William Cowper said, " My Lord, heare me ; and brethren,
I beseeke you in Chryst remember thir things are not so essentiall
poynts as to rent the bowells of the kirk for tliem. Are thir things
such as to cast your ministrie in hazard for them ? What joy can
ye have for your suffering, when ye suffer for a mater indifferent ;
as who sail be moderator ; who sail have imposition of hands ?
Whcrfore serves it to fill the people's cares with contentious doc-
trine concerning the governement of the kirk ? Were it not farre
better to prcache Chryst sincerelie, and to await on and sie what
the Lord will worke in thir maters ?" The bishope applaudit, and
said, " Noe honest man wold be of another opinion." Mr David
Spence said, " Noe honest man wold dissemble his judgment in
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 123
this mater; for a neutrall is not -worthie to live in a conimone
wealth, let he in tlic kirk of God. Can we, that have seen the
discipline of the kirk established by such -wortiiic men of God, after
long disputation, by the space of twentie-two yeeres, sworne and
subscribed to the same, call it now a mater indifferent ? For my
owne part I stand still perswadit, till I see reasoun out of God's
AVord to the contrare." The bishope answered, *' Live ye upon
your owne opinion, and let everie man be answerable what he is
doing. I tell you the danger, if you, or anie man, contraveene the
act." Mr Johne Kinncir said, '' There needeth no rcasoninjr : Ave
must lay our compt to byde the cxtremitie if we breake these acts.
And yit they are such, as we thinke in our conscience to be ao-ainst
equitie and reasone." " Noe wonder," said Mr David Spence ;
*' if I had the valour of fourtie shillings to plea before a judge, Avill
I make that man procurator for me Avhich, I know perfytlie, will
give my fourtie shillings to my partie ? "We know that these men,
for the most part, that were nominated to that Assemblie, were of
a ccntrarie judgement to us, and, therefore, would give them noe
commission from our presbyterie." Finallie, Mr David Mearna
said, " AVc can doe no lesse nor testifie our raiscontentment in thir
things, and protest before God that in our hearts wc are not satis-
fyed, and, thcrfore, await whill the Lord grant a better tyme."
The bishop said, " Doe so, and let us end. Now, where sail the
nixt Assemblie be?" Mr William Couper stoode up and desyred
it might be in Perth. AVherupon the bishop nominated St Androes
and Perth to be upon the leits. By pluralitie of two or three votes
it was concludit to be in St Androes.
I have hcere subjoyned the bishop's missive to Mr Johne Eow,
minister at Carnockc, wainiing him to come to the forsaid dioccsian
synods.
THE bishop's missive TO MR JOHNE ROW.
" Grace be multiplied unto you.
"Beloved Brother, — Forasmuch in the last Generall Assem-
blie the oversight of the dioces^ian synods was committed to the
124 calderwood's historie 1610.
bishops, and where the diocle is great, that they sould be holden
in sundrie places, for the ease of the brethren, I have thought
raeit, for the comraoditie of the brethren that reside on the south
side of Tay, that their synod hold at St Androes, upon the nynth
day of October nixtocum. "Wherefore I requeist you most ear-
nestlie to be present, the said day and place, that ye may concurre
to such things as are competent to that judicatorie, for your in-
teresse, and to abyde suche tryell as sail be thought fittest ; and
intimats to you withall, that the penaltie of your absence is sus-
pension from the ministrie for the first, if ye wilfullie absent your-
self. So, I committ you to the grace of God, and rests,
" Your assured brother in Chryst,
" St Androes.
"From the kirk of Dunn, 11 September 1610."
THE bishop's COOKE KILLED IX TYME OF SERMONE.
The Archbishop of St Androes reposing in his bed in tyme of
the afternoone sermone, the Sabboth after his diocesan synode in
St Androes, was walkeued, and all the kirk and toun with him,
with a cry of bloode and murther. For his sister sone, maister of
his houshold, with a throw of his dagger killed his cooke, whill as
he was bussie in dressing the Lord Bishop's supper. The dagger
light just under the left pape of the cooke, who fell doun dead im-
mediatlie.
The Bishop of St Androes held another diocesan synod in Hadin-
toun. He directed his missive to the Presbyterie of Hadintoun as
followes : —
THE BISHOP S MISSIVE TO THE PRESBYTERIE OF HA.DINTOUN.
" Grace be multiplied upon you.
" Beloved Brethrex, — Wheras the convocation of the dio-
cesan synods is committed to the care of archbishops and bishops
within ther owne diocie, and where the diodes are great, to divide
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 125
tliem, for the commoditic of the brethren ; so, as I have to my
paines applyed myself to the ease of the rest, I thought meete to
convocat my brethren of the ministrie of the diocie of St Androes
be-south Forth, to conveene at Hadintoun, and beginne that assem-
blie the first day of November nixt to come. And therefore am to
require so manle of your number as ai'e of that diocie to be present
there that day tymouslie, accompanied "with two or three commis-
sioners from everie paroche ; assuring you that I can doe no lesse of
duetie than to adjudge tlie wilful! absents to the penaltie appointed
by the last Gcnerall Assemblic, which, at the least, is suspension
from the ministrie. Thus, the grace of God be -with you. St
Androes, the 3 of October 1610.
" Your loving brother in the Lord,
" St Androes."
THE PRESBYTERIE OF HADINTOUN RESOLVE TO PROTEST.
The Presbyterie of Hadintoun, after the sight of this missive,
resolved upon three things : 1. That they sould penne a gentle
protestation in the fairest termes, backed with the best reasons
they could. 2. That the moderator present the same, jn-lmo quo-
que tempore, subscribed by him and the clerk in their names. And
if it sould not be rcceaved out of his hand, that then he sould utter
the substance of it by word ; and everie one of them, as God sould
offer occasion, promised to beare hand to him and urge the same.
Last, Albeit all were not resolved to suffer, yit all granted it was
expedient to suffer ; and, therfore, thought meete humblie to
refuse his judicatorie. The tenor of the protestation follows, as
it is registred in their presbyterie books : —
THEIR PROTESTATION.
" Forasmuehe as we have had als weill civill as ecclesiasticall
lawes, prescribing and authorizing the externall governement and
discipline of the kirk, agreeable to the Word of God, and have
126 calderwood's historie IGIO.
practised the same so manle yeers ; wherunto we have sworiie and
subscrybed at the king's Majestie's command, and of the Generall
Assemblie of the kirk, als weill in the Confession of Faith as Booke
of Policie of the Kirk : As lykways, at his Majestie's command,
and of the Generall Assemblie, have craved and obteaned of all earls,
lords, barons, and the rest of his Majestie's subjects within our
congregations, by their oaths and subscriptions, allowance, appro-
bation, and practise therof : And wheras of late, some distractions
and diversitie of opinions have entered amongst the brethren ; for
removing wherof, at the Assemblie holdin at Linlithgow, were
nominated twentie persons, to have mett, reasoned, and conferred,
and to have reported their judgements ; which report is not as yit
made, as was requyred to be done, for satisfying of the consciences
of the brethren : Therefore we desyre, in the name of God and of
his Sone Jesus Christ, that the said ordinare meane may be used
for our resolution in the said controversie ; and that the said dis-
cipline prescribed, confirmed, and practised, with good reasone, out
of God's Word, may be reteaned, ay and whill a better be shewed
out of God's Word ; so that we and our flocks may be preserved
from the infamous notes of inconstancie and perjurie. And in the
meane tyme, we requelst that we be not preassed and urged to
the accepting and practising of anie other discipline and governe-
ment of the kirk."
THE DIOCESAN SYNOD OF LOTHIAN.
The day following the diocesan synod conveened. The bishope
taught on Jude, Epist. 11, 12. After sermone he came doun to
the table. The first thing he propoundit was to have a clerk, refer-
ing it to the option of the brethren whether they wold have a
formall man, meaning a laick clerk, or a minister. Some cryed out,
that a minister was most seemelie for suche a meeting. Mr
Charles Lumisdane, Mr William Powrie, and Johne Lauder, were
nominated upon the leits. Mr James Carmichael, moderator of
the Presbyterie of Hadintoun, was silent all the tyme, albeit his
1610. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 127
brethren gave him manle signes to utter his commission. In end,
after the bishop had asked the notes of ten or twelve, he asked Mr
Johne Ker, minister at Saltprestoun, " Brother, whom think ye
meetest to be clerke?" He answered, "Sir, there is another
raater which must goe before the choosing of a clerke." He de-
mandit wliat it was ? The other answered, that their presbyterie
had givin commission to Mr James Carmichael, their moderator,
to present some few lynes in their name, which he hoped the
Assembhe would find to be reasonable. The bishope replyed, there
could nothing be receaved, neither by word nor writt, eonveni-
entlie, withuut a clerk. But when the clerk was chosin, he pro-
mised what they had to say, either by word or writt, sould be
heard : " Therefore I pray you," said he, " give your vote to one
of the three." The other answered, "I will not stand to give my
vote, under protestation, that it sail not be prejudiciall to that
■which sail be said or done by me or any brethren afterward." The
bishope answered, " It sail not prejudge you ;" and so he voted for
Mr Charles, and by pluralitie of votes Mr Charles was chosin clerk.
TherefterMr Johne rose to have urged his purpose. The bishope
espying him, called upon Mr James Carmichael. Mr James, by
a long and unprofitable harangue, hindered the reading of their
protestation, which, albeit it was smoothe, yit it Avas more sliarpe
and pertinent nor his speeche. Kixt, he proponed two articles of
his owne head without a commission ; viz.. That my Lord Bishop,
and others having credite, sould interceede with his Majestic to
gett strait caveats to restraine the ample authoritie of bishops.
Kixt, that suche a course sould be used as the distraction of affec-
tions might be avoydit. He came at last to the writtin commis-
sion of the presbyterie ; but he uttered the same welll sparinglie,
omitting the last clause. At evcrie occasion, he called the bishope,
" My Lord." The bishope said, " Seing he hath spoken so large-
lie his mynd by tongue, he needeth not to read his paper ;"
and beganne to answeir him. Mr Andro Makghie helped Mr
James, and answered to the bishop's reply. To whom Mr Archi-
bald Oswald preassed to succeede ; and becaus by his preface that
128 calderwood's historie 1610.
he meant, both in his owne name and in the name of the presby-
terie, to renounce his judicatorie, he ryseth in a furie, and sayeth,
" \Yhat is this that I am doing ? I am not come heir to reasone
and contend with words but to execute lawes ; and therefore I will
not heir you nor noe man speeke more in publict ;" and coramandit
him silence. Mr Archibald answered, " If ye will not heir me, but
command me silence, I sail obey, and be alwayes silent." The
bishope said, " I meane not to hinder you to speeke in the right
tyme and place. Ye sail be heard in the conference, with your
bills and protestations ; and if they be reasonable, they sail have a
reasonable answeir." He commandit all men to be silent whill
their names were called on, and so choosed the conference. The
thrie brethren forsaid thought that others sould have assisted them ;
but they found noe assistance as was promised them, both by their
owne brethren and the Presbyterie of Dalkeith. He nominated
ten for their conference, for he said often, " Ten or twelfe are suffi-
cient;" wherin he aimed at the forme of a chapter. There were
none chosen on the conference weill myndit except Mr Johne
Wemes. And so endit the first session. When the bishope is
going home, at the verie entrie of the kirk doore, he had almost
broken his legge ; for a great stone, almost sixe quarters everie
way, steeped downe with him alone, and fell doun in a troughe,
which was marvellous, howbeit two or thrie hundreth had went out
before him.
After noone, their requeist was handled in the privie conference,
and the three brethrein were accompanied with the rest of the
brethren of their presbyterie, and Mr Johne Adamsone. The
bishope gave them verie fair words ; prayed them to be peaceable ;
granted that which they craved was commendable, becaus it pro-
ceedit from good affection. But said he, "As for me, I darre not,
nor I will not, exeeme you from obedience; but will be content to
communicate my light with you, wherof I am weill assured." Mr
Johne Ker answered, they were als willing to communicat their
light to him, wherof they were als weill assured as he was of his ;
and therefore againe desired, that at the least he wold not burthein
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 129
their presbyterie with that yoke of obedience to his governement.
The bishope answeired, he neither Avoid nor could. jNIr Archibald
Oswald said, he wold not refuse to obey anie law of the kirk, so
farre as his weake bodie and tender conscience wold permitt him :
" But as for this mater, I will be plaine," said he ; "I am resolved
not to obey, becaus my conscience hindereth me." Mr Johne Ker
addit, " And I hope Ave be all of this myndc." The bishope an-
swered, " Obey or not obey upon your oAvne perill, for ye know it."
None of the brethren of the presbyterie of Hadingtoun Avere called
in that night in anie purpose except Mr James Carmichaell, who
did sitt, vote, rcnsone. The day folloAving, the bishope AA^as in-
formed that the brethren of the presbyterie forsaid Avoid refuse his
censure ; therfore he Avas loathe to medle Avith them Avhill he was
forced in a mater concerning the plantation of Northberuick ; but
they keiped thcmselfs fair. "When Mr Johne Ker was demandit,
he ansAveired, that he neither could nor Avoid vote in that place.
The bishope past to another. Daniel Wallace said lykAvays, he
could not acknoAvledge that place. Others of their number an-
swered the like, but not so distinctlie. James Reid removed hira-
Belf, and came in to his try ell at the bishop's command. The rest
of the presbyterie Avent out before they were called on. The con-
stant moderators Avere all almost continued. It Avas ordeaned, that
a Byble sould be bought to everie paroche from Andro Hart. Mr
Thomas Bannatyne was appointed minister of Northberuick by
pluralitie of eight votes, fourtcene or moe votes of laicks of the
number of the A'oters for him. Mr Archibald Simsone shcAV a
letter to some brethren, Avritten by his brother, Mr Patrik, advys-
ing Mr Archibald to tolerat and present himself to the synode,
Sindrie were content to take hold of this advyse, and coloured
their obedience with it.
THE NATURE AND QUALITIE OF DIOCES.VNE SYNODS DESCRYBED
ABOUT THE SAME TTME, BY MR DAVID CALDERWOODE.
First, We will consider the diocesan assembleis as Episcopall
VOL. VIL I
130 calderwood's historie IGIO.
visitations ; Nixt, as Counsells ; for they must be considered one
of these two ways.
As for the First consideration, diocesan synods are not Councells
properlie so called, but onlie episcopall visitations ; for that is a
Councell properlie so called, where the persons assembled have
everie one a part of the joynt power of jurisdiction belonging to
that Councell ; as everie senator has in the senate suffragium not
onlie consultivum, but also decisivum. But in the diocesan synods, the
bishops onlie have the power of jurisdiction. Therefore, Bellar-
mine, de Conciliis, Lib. i. cap. 4, sayeth, '■'■ Diacesana concilia sunt,
in quihus conveniunt presli/teri unius Episcopatus, et iis episcopus
prceest. Cujus generis paucissima extant, nee immerito ; nam vix did
possunt concilia, cum in iis ordinarie, nullus sit qui jurisdictionem
haheat, prater unum episcopum, qui prcBest^^
That they are Episcopall visitations, is evident by thir testi-
monies following : Summa Sylvestrina, in the worde, visitatio,
maketh two kynde of Episcopall visitations, plena, et 7ion plena.
The full episcopall visitation is, when the bishope visits all the
particular kirks of his diocie, for the which visitation, he tooke up a
duetie in everie paroche kirk, called procuratio, for his expences in
his travells. " Plena autem visitatio nan dicitur, (sayeth he,) si con-
vocetur Syyiodus." Lancelot, in his Institutions, defynes diocesan
synods after this maner : " Episcopalia concilia sunt, quce episcopus
in sua Dcecesi, singulis annis convocat, dum inter suos abbates, pres-
bgteros, aut clericos, cognoscit^' Gratian lykewise to the same pur-
pose, Decret., Distinct. 18, sayeth, " Annis singxdis, episcopus in sua
Dcecesi synodum faciat de suis clericis, nee non abbatibus ; et discutiat
alteros clericos, et monacliosj'' And againe. Distinct. 38, cap.
*' Quando, &c. Cum vero ad letainas, vel ad concilium venerint,
rationem episcopo suo reddant, qualiter susceptum ojfficium celebrent,
vel biiptizentr Doiberfeild, in his Fyft Booke of the Churche, cap.
14, descrybeth amplie out of Jovertus, the forme and maner of
holding diocesan synods ; and in that description, the bishope is
made judge of the doubts and complaints of the clergie and laitie.
Mania moe places might be alledglt ; but these are sufficient to
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 131
lett us sie, that diocesan synods arc not propcrlie to be called
Councells, but onlie Eplscopall visitations, where the bishopc cog-
nosccth, tryeth, discusseth. As for the rest that are present, they
are there, either to be tryed themselves, or to give information
against others who are to be tryed in their course, or to give their
advyse in anie other mater that sail be proponed, in case they be
requyred. As fellow judges, participant with the bishope In power,
they sitt not. In the act of Glasco, in the article of visitation, it
is thus ordeaned. That the visitation of everie diocie be done by
the bishope himself; and if the bounds be greatter than he can
overtake, that then he sail make spcciall choise of some worthie
man of the ministrie within the diocie to visite in his place ; and
whatsoever minister, without just cans and lawfull excuse made,
sail absent himself from the visitation of the diocesan assemblie,
he sail be suspcndit from his office and benefice ; and if he sail not
amend, he sail be depryved. That which is sett doun heer s^/n-
tactice, from the visitation of the diocesan assemblie, in the act of
parliament is sett doun excgitur, from the visitation or diocesan
assemblie ; exponing the one by the other ; comprehending both
in one clause ; confirming the authoritie of both with one sanction
of punishment, suspension, or deprivation. But the syntaxe is
cleere, to let us see, that diocesan synods are nothing but episcopall
visitations. And in the same article, there is power granted to
divide the bounds of the diocie. for the commoditie of visitation,
as in one article before, for the diocesane assemblie. Item, To
substitute a vicegerent. And who is this but the archdeacon ?
who, in the canon law, is called ociilus episcopi, becaus he doth
visite in the bishop's roome. For if he has power to substitute
anie in generall, he may substitute the archdeacone in special!.
Looke also to their practise. The catalogue of the names is
read at the first meeting, to note absents, but not at anie tyme
therafter, when anie mater sould be voted. If at anie tyme votes
be asked and numbered, and, according to pluralitie of votes, anie
thing concludit, that is, done onlie through permission and tolerance
of the bishope, un till he be settled in possession ; for he accounteth
132 calderwood's historie 1610.
not their votes suffragia decisiva, but onlie advises or informations,
uhich he may number or ponder as he pleases ; and, therefore,
sufFereth nothing to come in voting but what he Ijketh. If a mater
be but motioned onlie that is not to his contentment, he will pre-
sentlie threatten, as some of them have done, in thir words : " I
will not have this or that done ; I will anger you," etc. Have not
some of them also, being absent, substituted in their roome that
minister who possesseth the roome of old, the archdeacone ? , Doe
they not summon ministers to compeir at their synods in their own
name, and not in the name of the synode ? Doe they not choose
their owne clerks ? Doe they not threatten in their summones
and missives with censures in their owne name ? James, Arch-
bishope of Glasco, in a missive sent to the * * * 20th of Sep-
tember 1609, this writteth : "All excuse sett asyde, that I may
take order w^ith you as efFeirs, for tymes bygone and to come :
Certifying you by thir presents, that if you do not present yourself
there, and at that tyme, and when the rest of your brethren, God
willing, sail be assembled, I sail suspend you from your ministrie,
and sail take such other order with you as your contempt and dis-
obedience hath deserved." The synod has not power to suspend
the absent, but the bishope onlie. / will take order ; / will sus-
pend, letts us see the usurpation of a sole visiter, and not the simple
power of a moderator. This and other their lyke practises com-
pare it with that which is written in the Decretalls, Lib. i. cit. 33,
de majoritate et ohedientia, cap. " Quod super his, Abhates et sacer-
dotes, dicecesana tibi lege suhditos, qui ad tuum synodum venire con-
temnant, dumniodo, in ipsa synodo nan duras aliquid statuendum, quod
canones ohviet, institutis per censuram ecclesiasticum, ad synodum
illam venire compellas ; et dehitam tibi obedientiam et reverentiam ex-
hibere^^
May ye not see by this comparison the antichristian bishop sit-
ting, as a sole visitour, in the diocesan synods ; visiting by vertue
of his episcopall office, and as a bishop, and not vertue of anie office
of visitation annexed to his episcopall office ? And, therefore, his
office of visitation is constant and perpetual] in his persone. There-
1610. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 133
fore may he substitute a vicegerent without consent of the synode.
Therfore calls he the synode his synode, when he summones, in his
letters, to " compeir before us and our synode ;" just according to
the decretall above written, Qui ad tuum synodum venire contem-
7uint. It foUoweth then of tlie premises that the bishope, mode-
rator of the diocesan assemblie, is nothing els but a visiter of the
ministers of his owne diocie conveened to the diocesan assemblie ;
and that whosoever repaircth to the diocesan assemblies, repaireth
not as he wount to our former synods which we had in tyme of
libertie, but as a presbyter, to be visited by the visitor, his owne
bishop, in a superficiall, conjunct, and commone visitation of manie.
Whether ye submitt yourself to his visitation alone, or with others,
all is one ; for both the wayes ye acknowledge episcopall governe-
ment, which ye wold make men believe ye did not when ye repaire
to diocesan synods. But the premisses declare the contrare ; and,
therfore, remember your oaths and subscriptions against it.
As for the other consideration, putt the case the diocesan assem-
blies be not episcopall visitations ; yit are they not truelie and
verilie of the nature and freedome of our fonner synods, or of the
kynde of councells, as of oecumenicall, nationall, and provinciall,
that were in the ancient kirk, where maters Avere concludit by the
affirmative or negative voices of the greatest part. There was noe
one man had a negative voice to dashe the affirmative of all the
rest, or of the greater part ; like a Romane Tribune to say " wto,"
and to stoppe the making of anie ordinance, when the major part
had consented to anie thing. A ccrtane number of men are said
to be absolutelie judges, when they may determine and resolve,
and the power of judging rest whollie in them, and none hath
power to contradict their resolution. But the diocesan assemblie
has not power to conclude anie thing without the bishop's consent,
whether in making ordinances or pronouncing sentences. And if
we consider diocesan synods as episcopall visitations, he has not
onlie a negative power to stoppe the proceedings of the assemblie,
but also ane affirmative without the assemblie. lie appoints, he
sententiats, he censures, by himself as visitour.
13-4 calderwood's historie 16 10
But I hold me now upon the secund consideration, onlie giving
and not granting diocesan assemblies to be councells properlie so
called. 1 come jit farther, and putt the case the bishope had no
negative voice ; yit differ they from our former synods in freedome.
For, first, the consociation of presbyteries was without distinction
of diocies. Presbyteries were consociated promiscue, out of
diverse diocies. And, therefore, if bishops had beene moderators
of the synods, as they stoode before, manie might have reasouned
and voted freelie. This new consociation of presbyteries in the
synode, is distinguished by the limits and marches of the diocie ;
and, consequentlie, there is none in the synode but his owne
diocesan ministers, whom he may hurt and benefite when he
pleases. For suppose he were a moderator onlie in the synode, yit
by a divide consideration, he is their bishop, without the synode.
Kow, als long as there is onlie mentall separation of episcopall
office from the moderatorship, and not a reall separation in the
subject itself, in whose persone both the offices concurre, will anie
man thinke there can be freedome of voting ? But in verie deid,
there is not so much as a mentall separation. For, howbeit, in
the understanding a man may be considered to be a moderator
and not a bishope, for so sometymes it has beene, that synods had
moderators that were not bishops; but to consider in the under-
standing a man to be a bishop in a diocie, and not to be moderator
when they are conveened in the synod, is to deny a bishop to be a
bishop, as a bishop is defyned, defendit, and obtrudit now a dayes ;
is a negative mentall separation, a fals understanding.
2. The perpetuitie of moderatorship in the persone of anie man,
let be in the persone of a bishope, is prejudicial! to the libertie of
the synode. And, therfore, justlie did the old synods, not manie
yeers since, oppone to the setting up of bishops, as constant moder-
ators in their synods, notwithstanding they were threatned with
letters of homing. "What reason they had then, they have yit still ;
for noe lawfull assemblie has concludit anie suche thing, except
these men who pretend conscience, make no conscience to allow of
the Assemblie of Gla.sco. Yea, there is farre more reason to
1010. OF TUE KlUK OF SCOTLAND. 135
oppone now nor before ; because tlio synods are altered, other
consociations made, the bishop made moderator of his ownc dio-
cesan ministers, by vertuc of his cpiscopall office ; the wliich condi-
tion held not, when the bishops were urged to be moderators of
the synods gathered proraiscue out of diverse diocies, and when
they had no power of the church censures, as they claimc now, by
vertue of that act of Glasco.
3. If the bishope were but a simple moderator, he moderator,
he might not substitute another in his place, when he is absent,
without consent of tlie synodc. But the bishope claimcs this
power.
4. A moderator from whom noe appellation will be of force, and
who is not countable for his office, is prejudiciall to the libertie of
a synode. In the diocesan assembleis of the ancient kirk, if anie
difference grew betuixt the bishope and his clergie, or if anie found
themselves greeved Avith their proceidings, they had recourse unto
the provinciall counsells, where the archbishope, the inferior corn-
pro vincialls, and presbyters sitt. Thir are worne out of use, as
Gerson in his tyme did complaine, Epist. pacis, part 2, in this
maner, " Ubi sioit synodi provinciales secundum patrum constitutiones,
semel vel bis in anno celebrandcBr To thir, thir are not comt-
able, neither are they made comtable to the nationall assemblie, as
we may sie in the act of Glasco, ratified in parliament ; neither is
there anie fixed nationall assemblie ; a Generall Assemblie, depend-
ing upon the uncertane will of the prince, cannot be counted anie
ordinarie remeede for wrongs rcceaved in the diocesan assemblies.
Isather yit is he countable to his owne diocesan assemblie, as
reasone requyrs of a simple moderator, who has onlie a president-
ship of honour. As in the court of parliament of Parise, the
judgement of all controversies perteaneth to the court it self, and
the court commandeth, judgeth, and punisheth the president, als
Weill as anie other, if there be cans so to doe. Seing they are
neither countable to their ownc synods where they sit, nor to pro-
vinciall and nationall assembleis above them, they are absolute and
supreme govemours, and cannot but be prejudiciall to tlie libertie
136 calderwood's historie 1610.
of the synode. In a word, a moderator intruded under the pre-
tendit authorltie of a null assemblie, a moderator having power to
intrude a vicegerent, a moderator not subject to change, a moder-
ator not subject to tryall, a moderator not boundit with caveats
and limits, a moderator from whom no appellation will be of force,
a moderator choosing his owne clerke, a moderator sending out
summones in his owne name, a bishope moderator of his owne dio-
cesin ministers, is not a simple moderator, but a dominator, a lord
ruling in the kirk. I regarde not whether they demeane them-
selves modestlie for the present or not, seing they and their
successors have power to tyrannize, and the synods feele alreadie
their overruling power, the which is regrated by manie who con-
demne episcopall governement, and yit repaire to their diocesan
assembleis.
But what needs manie reasons to convince them, seing their
owne consciences doe condemne them ? for manie of them have
testified, that if they might doe other wayes, they would not
repair thither. And this much for the second consideration. In
the first consideration, we acknowledge a bishope as a holie visitor
cum singulari potestate. In the secund, we acknowledge a bishope
moderating, or rather overruling, with a negative power and un-
controllable. And so, everie way we acknowledge episcopall
governement, when we repair to diocesan assembleis. But the
trueth is, we acknowledge him in the first sort ; for, as I have
said, diocesan synods are not councels properlie so called, but
episcopall visitations.
It is objected, that by the reasons forsaid, we cannot lawfullie
repaire to the presbyteries. I answer, the bishop's depute-mode-
rator in the presbyterie has noe further power by vertue of the
act, than to moderate the censure of doctrine, and appoint a new
exercise ; for the presbyterie it self has noe farther power, by
vertue of that act of Glasco, the which is not greatlie materiall,
nor anie wayes hurtfuU. It is true, after the doctrines censured,
the presbyterie is suffered to pleade in maters of discipline; but
not to end or conclude. And, therefore, what power can this
1610. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 137
depute- moderator himself have ? It is a point of negligence, or
rather fearfulnes, that the prcsbyterie will not end their processe,
nor choose a moderator. But if ye be for urging the full exercise
of the power of order and jurisdiction, as if there were noe usurp-
ing bishope, and withholding of your owne consent from acceptance
of this deputed moderator, ye may still repaire ; for this deputic
has not a negative voice ; he is one of the number of the prcsby-
terie, and not anie incroaching stranger. He is not armed with so
manie powers as may make him so terrible to the prcsbyterie as the
bishope is to the synodc, and so to take away the libertie of speck-
ing and voting. He is not your visitor, to whose tryall ye neid to
submitt your self, as ye doe to the bishope, in the visitation of the
diocesan assemblie.
Nixt, the prcsbyterie is ane ordinarie divyne ordinance, as our
opposits themselfs confesse, who will have no other prcsbyterie to
be meant in the apostolicke tymes and the primitive kirk, but
companies of preaching presbyters.
3. Councells and assemblies are Conventus extraordinarii, sayes
Tilenus, Syntag. part 2, dissert. 3.
4. In the prcsbyterie I have the same station which I had be-
fore in the tyme of libertie. If the rest of my consociation receive
in anic corruption without my consent, I am not guiltie. The old
station I had in the former synods is taken away, becaus that con-
sociation is broken. If I take not to this new consociation, which
makes up the diocesan assemblie, I take me to a new station ; and
so I goe to give obedience. If it be allcdgit that the rest of my
fellowes in the old synodalls have ranked themselves in this new
consociation, I answer, they concludit noe such thing with com-
mone consent, neither am I boimd to follow them in anie thing
they doe severallie, and for feare, but conjunctlie, and cfter frie
deliberation. Neither had they power conjunctlie to conclude the
dismembering of themselfs, and resorting to diverse consociations
of diverse diocesan assemblies, for that belonged to a lawfull Gene-
rail Assemblie. As for the presbyteries whcrin the bishope himself
moderats, they are of a different nature from your presbyteries,
138 calderavood's histoeie 1610.
howbelt they be not there as a visitor, as he may be when he
pleases ; yit he ever there as a moderator, overruhng as he does in
the synode, becaus of his power, which his depute may not doe.
And, therefore, he ought to be simpliciter refused, or els we ought
not to resort.
5. The lesser corruption in the presbyterie sould not be anie
argument for a greatter in the s^aiode, but rather both are to be
eschewed, if anie man think he cannot repair to the one, unlesse
he also repaire to the other.
It is objected nixt, that their resorting to the diocesan assem-
blies is onHe toleration. But I demand, what effect worketh their
toleration, to the hinderance of the episcopall course ? Doe they
not in all their actions advance, sett forward, confirme, settle in
possession ? The bishope, als weill as the greatest favorers of
bishops, their actions worketh the like effect. Kixt, they are
bound by their oathe to defend the former discipline : to tolerate
is not to defend. 3. To tolerate is onlie to permitt others to doe
or use that which they think unlawfull to doe themselfs. To sub-
mitt your self to the bishope's censure and tyrannic, for refusing
the visitation, is to suffer. But to suffer your self to be tryed by
him, is not to suffer, but willinglie and activelie to submitt, and
give place to unlawfull authoritie in the kirk. 4. If ye doe onlie
tolerate, how can ye concurre with the bishope, to give out sen-
tence against others that come not ; for ye ought to have a greatter
warrant, nor your owne naked toleration of present corruption, to
give out sentence against your brethren, Avho cannot in their con-
science concurre with you in that pretendit toleration ? For they
are perswadit, and so it is, that it is a plaine approbatioun in out-
Avard action, with a conscience inwardlie repyning.
Ye will say, may we not protest when we compeir, and then sitt
doun? I answeir, that when the jndicatorie is presupposed to be
lawful!, and rightlie constituted, protestation may be used against
anie unlawfull ])roceiding, or wicked device ; and he that protests
may adhere to his protestation, toties quoties the samnie occasion
recurres ; and [he] continues still, notwithstanding, a member of
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAKD. 139
the same judicatorie. But Avhen a protestation is made against
the verie forme and constitution oftlic diocesan asscmblie it self,
to sitt doun efter protestation, as anie ordinarie member there, is to
doe a deid contrare to the protestation, and to become a member
of that politick bodie which, in your owne judgement, is monstrous
and niisshaippen.
Some alledgcs that it is expedient to be there, to oppone to cor-
ruptions. The parenthesis of the decrctalis above cited, " Dum-
modo in ipsa synodo, non ducas aliquid statuendum, quod canonicis
obviet institutis," alloweth them tliat much. But our corruption
it self, the nature, forme, and constitution of the diocesan assemblie,
will they digest the mother coi-ruption, and slay the broode ? Avill
they cutt the branches, and keip the roote ? It is knowne what
faint and fecties stroks they give ; and their oppositions will ever
be the more and more faint, the more they strengthen the mother
corruption by their concurrance. And what though you continue
stout for your self, for your owne tyme ; will the rest doe soe?
Will the successors doe so ? Doe ye not feele alreadie the con-
trare, both in your self and others ? Why then give place to
corruption that will be the baine of our kirk, and that under colour
of your owne alledgit stoutnes?
It may be demandit, Is there then nothing to be done ? I
answeir, we may lawfuUie compcir, and protest for the conditions
of a frie synodall assemblie. If the protestation be admitted, sitt
doun ; if not, depart, and suffer violence.
:MR DAVID nUME HIS ELLEVENTH LETTER TO MR JAMES LA"W,
BISHOPE OF GLASCO.
" I have sent you this also, anent the ' superior's command.'
" After my verie hartilie accustomed commendations : I must
call it to your good remembrance, bow my boy received from you
the treatise of indifferencie indeid, but not the other litle treatise
of superior's command ; whether yee had it not then readie, or
because ye wold better peruse it, which now I will pray you
140 calderwood's historie 1610.
delyver to this bearer, together with your even sharpest censure
therof; as that question is most needfull, and of great importance,
and wherin I would be lothe to erre, as errour in it caries manie
inconveniences on either part. For me, I wold not that anie
man had greatter reverence, or unfained regard towards all sort of
superioritie, even the lowest, and from it to the most supreme, by
whatever degrees, everie one in ther owne proportion to the
supremest, whose image is in all, and head over all unviolated, by
a due or not due respecting. Anent which, I endeavore to
give you there a full view, as in suche bounds I could, of my
judgement, to be in sadnesse corrected or confirmed by you, as I
hope ye will ; and pray you againe and againe not to disappoint.
I will looke also for your answere anent the rest, and that ye will
thlnke the mater worthie that ye sould take leasure to ; anent, 1.
The alteration of essentiall points of our discipline ; and, 2. The
comparing of paritie with imparitie, in the fyve or six poynts we
were on. Anent the first point wherof, (alteration I meane,) I
have upon your admonition reveilled your letter, and found that
there is indeid other heads of your answer in it, which I had not
minde of, yit suche as in order, for order's sake, and eshewing of
confusion, wold follow the decision of that, rather nor to be mingled
with it ; and, therefore, would seeme best, I sould abide your
answer anent that ; not the lesse to deale with you, as I doe ever,
without anie kinde of ceremonie. Anent the same your answers,
shortlie my opinion is this : First, where ye think that the governe-
ment of the kirk, the tyme of the oath, was in the hands of the
bishops and superintendents, that question will be de facto, and
we sail try it in the owne tyme ; yit, I trow, ye sail find yourself
to have mistaikin it. And as for bishops, not at all at that tyme,
noe nor superintendents neither, who at noe tyme, (at least, that I
may eshew unnecessarie contention,) not of long tyme were gover-
nors but governed, and but commissioners in effect, with borrowed
authoritie, answerable for what they did, and subject to censures ;
which, how farre it was from the acclaimed, avouched, and I thinke
strangelie practised Hierarchic j strangelie, I say, by anie tyme that
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 141
ever I heard of, and by anie kirk that of old we reade of, even the
Poplshe kirk itself, where bishops were, if not admittable or try-
able, yitt controllable somtymes by their chapter, or some num-
ber of their clergie, not eschewing the verie use of that word Hier-
archic, now usurped there in that Confession, detested by expresse
name. I will beseekc you diligentlie to consider it, and that
together, if the eschewing heirof, which I heare some use, be not
indeid a subterfuge, rather nor a right resolution ; to witt, that
the Hierarchic there meaned of is the Papisticall hierarchic onlic,
and not all hierarchic, seing there is neither anie other hierarchic
in substance ; for a Protestant hierarchic, is it not all one with a
Papistick hierarchic, in that it is a hierarchic, though the hierarchic
differ in points of religion, Papistick or Protestant ? neither can
ther be other. And where the words of the Confession arc ' his,'
(meaning the Pope's hierarchic,) with the declaration icicked, if the
word his, or the "word wicked, be put there, Biax^mexug, discretive,
as we speake, to distinguish the Pope's hierarchic from other hier-
archies, as though we detested the Pope's hierarchic, but allowed
of some Protestant hierarchic, or detested a wicked hierarchic, but
not a godlie hierarchic, I beseeke you, lett the rest of the things
there sett doun in the same sort be considered, and see if they be
so sett doun, and if that word his be not in them all rather used
as ane epithet adjoyncd to detest, and not put for limitation, to
restrict or distinguish. As where it sayes, * We detest and abhorre
his devilishe messe,' is that to limitat or distinguishe from another
messe that is not his, or is not devilishe ? Where it sayes, ' hia
bastard sacraments,' admitt we other fyve sacraments that are not
bastard? 'His canonization of men;' admitt we other canoni-
zation? ' His calling on angells, relicts, crosses, &c.,' as though
we abhorred these of his, but acknowledge some other worship ?
But this rather. We simplie detest them all as unlawfull ; and with-
all, confesse them to be his, that is, invented, at least avowed,
avouched, thrust In, andholdin in by him or his, for maintaining his
private authoritie or tyrannic, contrare or beside the Word. Neither
can it be other, in that, nor in the rest of the tenor of that Con-
142 calderwood's historie 1610.
fesslon ; so that as in the rest, the meaning is, We detest the
messe, for it is his, and not Christ's ; the incalling of angells, for it
is his, and not Christ's ; his rehcts, crosses, &c., so we detest his
hierarchic, for it is his, and not Christ's. For which interpretation,
I appeale also to yourself, if there was anie other judgement, esti-
mation, or understanding of the maters then in the Kirk of Scotland ;
or anie question, publict or private, surmizing therof ; which seing
it was not, and that, therefore, that must be the interpretation
therof, and seing it dipps also by name against hierarchic, I sie
not how hierarchic is not contrare to that oathe ; and, therfore,
how can it be brought in that oathe safe ? Yea, not though now
the kirk wold alter it ; for I see not how they may alter it. For
is that rule (now so frequent in men's mouths) true, ' They that
bound you, will loose you ?' Is that lawfuU ? Then might a man
breake all his vowes and oathes, to witt, loose himself, becaus him-
self bound him. He onlie, we must grant, has power to loose from
oathes, to whom they were made, and by whom, and who is a
verie sharpe exacter of them. That not the Pope, whom for his
usurping in that among other things, we detest ; not the kirk has
power to loose a single man, nor himself from anie oathe once
made.
" Secondlie, Anent that other interpretation, that the oath is in
generall words, to witt, ' The discipline of the Kirk of Scotland,'
without determination of anie present discipline whereby the
meaning is said to be, ' Whatever discipline sail happen to be in
the Kirk of Scotland therafter.' This interpretation seems verie
haistie, and looses the bridle to what not ? For then, are we not
sworne also to that religion that happeneth to be in the Kirk of
Scotland, if Papistrie be brought in heerafter as bishops are now ?
But was there ever such a confession, promise, or oathe, in the
world, in anie countrie, at anie tyme, to follow the religion and
discipline that sould happin to be for the tyme ? And is not the
intention of that confession to declare their present allowing and
beleiving ; and was not the meaning of all men in this cleere, to
IGIO. OF THE KIIIK OF SCOTL^V>fD. 143
testifie what they professed, find to bind thera both to doctrine
and discipline, as they were then and at that tyrae present ? And
what is this new interpretation? Is [it] not ane equivocation,
and flatlie that which we reprove in Jesuits ? That indeid anent
that subscription of yours in Tranent, (craved for no other cans
but to make sure anent discipline,) and these caveats injoynned,
accepted, and swornc to, before and sensyne, and (if that be true
which is said) Avas promised to by bishops at Linlithgow, ordeaned
to be enacted, and urged by j\lr Johne Hall against them at Glasco,
but eludit, by craving him to produce it ; and he not having the
act extracted, and the bookes and copie therof refused him. I
can never consider, but they have cither beene fraudfullie or equi-
vocallie (which is all one) conceaved, or are now fraudfullie and
equivocallie rejected and eludit, which sould not be.
" And this I protest, I wryte not to quarrell, but to see how it
can be suflScientlie cleered. For as touching the consent of the
kirk, which may be pretendit, as I have said, has it not bound it-
self as it cannot loose ? And putt the case it could, how is it made
cleere it wold ? For sail we count that which men call so at Lin-
lithgow and Glasco, I pray you, the will of the kirk ? How, I
pray you, of the kirk ? By their commissioners ? Are they not
propped out men of the bishops' owne wailing' to that effect ?
AVith what commission ? not to vote in these things, or to vote in
the contrare. So, not voting, or voting without power ; so not the
kirk. I passe by how, as is reported, votes were asked, who Avas
hipped, what reasoning was, and due weighing of so weightie a
mater; what considering or reporting of the ten men's mynds ap-
pointed before to conferre. Then, what willingnes, will ye lett me
know, either before or yitt ? Trust me, the most willingnes that
ever 1 heir of anie I speake with, (say els where what they will,)
ai»d the greattest reasone they pretend is ane unwilling willingnes
for fear of more evill forsuith ! Ye Avill say ane idle feir : let it be
so ; yit so apprehendit, and therefore a feir ; therefore noe willing-
• Selecting.
144 calderavood's historie 1610.
nes. And jit, if it be true there have been terrors givin out, if
minassings used, if hornings threatned, and some put in practise
from the beginning of their proceidings ; if confjning also, and all
these yit feared, how sail we call it ane idle feare ? How sail
we saj, that they will who so will, and for such causes will ?
What if thir be yit continued, and for all remonstrance to informe
men's conscience it be said, (at St Androes' table,) ' Ye sail be
sent to fetche home the lave, and I care not though ye all disassent
if I get but foure to follow ?' Or at Peblis, ' Heir sit I, Arch-
bishop of Glasco ; I sail garre you,' &c. And such lyke speeches
at Glasco, not sifting and examining things to find a trueth, nor
seeking consent, but impyring and commanding. Is there heir, or
sail we call it so a willingnes on the kirk's side, or humilitie, meek-
nes, and sobernes, on the bishops' side, to their brethren ? Yea,
•what spirit resembleth it most, and what think ye it likest ? What
is pryde if this be not ? And did the Popedom e grow to such pryde
in so short tyme, what must it turne to heirafter ? Certanlie, (to say
as I thinke, with leave,) there seems a curse powred on that state
of bishops (this long tyme at least) in the world. But above all
things, I beseeke you, sail I think it true that is so openlie reported,
datam et acceptam pecuniam, by bishops to their favourlzers with
their votes ? and his complaint that gott but nyne pund, ten shil-
ling, ' though I voted,' sayes he, * als weill as others ?' ' Et in
his artihus, res ecdesiasticcB agenda 9 aut sic actcs, rite actcB^ ut rata
habendiB sint ?' And sail it be counted the kirk's doing that is thus
done ? or consent, so throwne, crafted, boasted, bribed, to be
counted consents ? Die ingenue, what thinke ye if they be ? Or if
they be not, how is it so beleeved openlie and constantlie ? How
came such reports ? And what is the verie trueth of it, I beseeke
you let me know. This we know all, and ye heard and saw and I
also, acts alledgit to by your selves, and disallowed by the wholl
commissioners of all the presbyteries of a synode, viz., of Lothian,
at Dalkeith. And manie acts are holden up ; hardlie can sights be
cotten of them ; and some men have beene urged to acknowledsre
and allow them without seing of them ; who, when they craved
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 145
copies, were refused, and yit still insisted with to consent without
inquyring. Loe how it is, that I cannot think that this can be
counted either the kirk's doing, neither a willing doing ; neither
sie I the reasone of your evacuating of that oathe sufficientlie ;
neither a warrant for myself, not to count this our discipline the
discipline I sould yit acknowledge for onlie lawfull, most love, wishe,
and speake for, als farre as to a private man belongs, except ye
yitt informe me better.
" Loe, also, my mynde summarlic, anent the points of all your
letters. Either I say my grounds or my stumbling-blocks to be
removed by you or allowed ; which I pray you doe, and think it
not mispent tyme that ye thus spend in freindlie and Christian
remonstrating, if it were but qui crraiiti comiter monstrat viam, ^c.
Neither will I say more nor has been said before ; onlie I must
hope ye be readie long since anent the answeir of my former two
letters, and there needs noe long processe. AVhich expecting, and
disposed not to cavill nor quarrell, (surlie,) but to try indifferentlie,
modestlie, and cheerfullie to accept when I can find light and right,
I committ you and all this mater most heartilie to our mercifull
God. So mote I find his mercie.
" Your verie lovinglie affected brother.
"Preston, October 26, 1610."
THE TWELTH LETTER.
" KiGHT LOVLXG BROTHER, — I havc travelled, ye know, this long
tyme, to find the trueth anent these maters controverted in our
kirk ; wrote to you to that effect ; and have receaved noe answer
of anie my letters anent that question since the secund of Apryle
last. I will not trow ye contemne that charitable duetie. I can
not think ye have wanted Icasure in so long tyme. It mio-ht
seeme presumption to think there can be noe answeir ; yit, what
fourth can there be ? And is it presumption to think so oft that
which we think trueth ; attributinrr force to trueth ; not arro"-atino-
anie thing to our selves ? Or what can this silence of yours doe,
VOL. VII. K
146 calderwood's historie 1610.
but nourishe such ane humour even in modestie it self? I have long
expected ; and now I heir ye are boun to court, which might
occasion longer delay. In the meane tyme, it cometh to my eares
more and more daylie that ye have satisfied me, which can not be,
but that some have seen that may satisfie me, or that he thinks
may satisfie me. But why sould I not rather have scene it my self
as the mater belongs most to me ? Though, indeid, it belongs not
onlie to me, neither am I cheeflie prejudgit by the report. Ye
have a tractable partie, I protest. Never man in Scotland nor
England wold fainer that oflSce of bishops were lawfuU for us, if I
durst trow it were lawfuU so to wish. Neither stand I on my
credit. I know I have erred, and can confesse when I have ; and
even here wold wish I may without error confesse error. On the
other part, I confesse also I never saw anie thing yit that could
persuade me to that course of bishops ; yea, the more I looke in it,
the lesse I like of it. >
" And now, last of all, by these your new consecrations so called,
wherof so often as I heare, so oft I thinke I am dreaming that
suche formes sould be used or avouched in Scotland by a Scotish
man, a Protestant, let be a minister, to heare speake of a sole su-
preme power in the hands of anie one man to admitt and depose at
his pleasour ; that anie darre take it on them to give, or anie darre
lak it on them to receave ; abusing also the people with the names
of Superintendents and Episcopus as goode Greeke and ill Latine,
otherwyse all one office, even as now they are usurped, being that
episcope of yours so manie ways unlawful!, so against your owne
giving out at the beginning, and in your progresse till now of late
against your alledgance to me, ' nothing to be altered in essentiall
points of diecipline ;' yea, beyond your act of Glasco, as I am in-
formed, and contrarie it. Which forme, is it not fraud e, though
the mater were good ? And are suche means used in works by God,
or imitated by his children ? Yea, is there anent the mater anie
suclie office in his Word, (except in the Apostles,) and if we weigh
it Avcill, was it even in the Apostles ? or ever dreamed of but in
antichristianisme (in mysterie) growing, or in substance floorishing.
1610. OF THE KIliK OF SCOTLAND. 147
or in dregges decaying, justlic cast out of this countrie, and not to
be brought in againe ; at least so counted, so spoken, so preached
by you all, noe evidence yit given by anie in the contrarie. This
is yit my errour to be examined if ye can, wherof part of the
grounds ye have, and were worthie your travail to winne that wold
fain be winne. Againe, therefore, in all solemne sort I must ask
of you as one whom I count of to have grcattest abilitie amongst
them of that opinion. Or if ye thinke that there be anie other
that hath greatter leasure or will to informe indeid without bitter-
nesse or malice ; either of Glasco or St Androes, Avho, I heare,
professes that he will give anie man satisfaction, he sail addebt me
all my dayes, and what is in me of power or ingyne, to bend in
favors of that office heereafter. Ye have my reasons, which ye
may communicate either in my name or in a suppressed, at your
discretion. Onlie this litle eik, for remembrance of him Avho is
said to excuse him anent the oath, as not being in the tymes when
it was made : First, that we are now on the question Avhat is law-
full for the Kirk of Scotland ; not to anie one onlie man of it. 2.
How sail be done with all that number which are manie that were
in that tyme ; how sail they excuse themselfs ? 3. Then how uni-
versities as republicts, commonalties, incorporations, are bound in
the present or in the postei-itie ? 4. If that excuse was not com-
petent to Saul in his fact against the Gibeonits ; and yit, how
accounted of by God not the lesse. 5. But the last I may not
slippe by, that I am informed, and trowes it sail be found sure,
what tyme that ever he be of, I say himself in sadness, has he not
allowed it sensyne ? has he not subscrybed it ? yea, first or second
among the subscrybers, expreslie craved, expreslie done, to testifie
his mynde, and bound him to this same discipline for obviating
this same (which is now done and was then denyed) superioritie
of bishops.
" Now, give me leave in love also to mention this by the way,
either for your considerance or my better satisfaction ; has not the
pretence of all these things beene the peace of the kirk and the
weale of it? What weale, then, can there be compted to have
148 calderwood's historie 1610.
tlirettein men impyring and dominelring over the rest of the
brethren, als good as they everie way ? I may call it so now,
(impyring and domineering,) for this sole power if supreme, is it
which is just so, and cannot be eschewed by the subterfuges and
abused words of your Saravia, whom I have wished oft that he
had not looked on your alone, to have these brethren subject to
them, yea, to their humours, and perhapps * * * they, the
threttein bishops I meane, being certanlie in noe excellencie of anie
gift beyond them : I say no farther. Manie ministers als good,
some better, over whom not tha lesse they must domine, command,
thrall, silence, depose at their pleasure. Is this the weale of the
kirk ? Is this your 'justice distributive,' wherof you wrot, pro-
portioned ad mensuram meriti ? Consider it, and then let men
mocke at our farre better discipline, which ye seeke to deface heirby.
" And as for peace, (which is never weill groundit, but upon
the good liking of the mynds,) will men's mynds coalesce by this
doing, either for the mater, (estate of bishops, I meane ?) Not
the tenth man lykes of it, either for the forme or convoy it is
brought in with. Everie man loaths the craft and fraud in it.
And certainlie, with this maner of doing, the Holie Ghost (blessed)
had never to doe, nor with noe suche wisdome. Manie have
borne with things by your pretences, that noe suche power was
sought, becaus they were so perswadit ; or becaus they would be
£0 perswadit, till it were manifest. Now ye have discovered your-
selfs. Can honest harts, thinke ye, beare with it anie longer ? Ye
know, they know it to be wrong. I say, they acknowledge it, and
professe it ; Avhat will make them to tolerate it ? Is it possible to
them, if there be anie^ zeale in them ? for I must give it that right
name, (give ye it what name ye please ;) and sail we presume all
duetie so cleere dcid, though it sould import perill of life, or what-
soever? Can we thinke that God has so cleene left them ? for is it
not leaving them, if conscience and knowledge repyne at it ? And
ye will, I trow, grant they sould resist, if they thinke it wrong in
their hearts ; and: that manie thinks it in their hearts, I am per-
swadit ye doubt not. If there be yit in them that meekenesse,
1610. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 149
that y eliding for fearc and floshlie ease, a heavle case it is indcid.
Yit, how unsure a bond of peace, the niynds staniling unperswadit
by you, uninformed ? a sure rule, make of it what you please,
pessimus custos diuturnifatis metus. And on suche plaistering, what
ruines must follow I How hard walkenning to the conscience is
force, when it sail remember it sould not have beenc forced ! harder
to you forcers of it, who sould farre lesse thus have forced it ; or
if ye lyke better, crafted it. There (at that tyme, I say, when it
sail walken) must kythe the full measure of miserie, in that honour
ye find so toylesome alreadie, Avhich I pray God, your eyes may
be opened now to see ; except ye retort it, and wishe the opening
of my owne. Wherin this advantage ye must neids give me, that
honour nor gaine have not blindit me ; faction and contention I
hate from my heart. And gaine and honour ai'e the fosterers of
them : for who will contend for nought ? who with suche disadvan-
tages, and even losses ? Sure I have disposed my heart with
instruction : I kisse it, if I can know it ; and runne to it, all
things sett aside. Either bring it, or blame me not since I now
seeke it ; neither let these reports be, that it is brought, and
satisfaction, where it is not given, which certainlie must not ly on
me, to the prejudice of the cans, and slander and offence of anie
otherwise. Loe me, have me, and make of me ■what ye like :
what can I fixrther? The Lord of all light lighten all hearts in
the impartiall searche, and seeking of the right. Amen.
"Prestoun, 1611, Martii 6.
" One thing I must explicate, that I wished to have beene at
your reading of Saravia. I meane not arrogating to myself, nor
derogating to your judgement ; hni plus vidcnt oculi, quam oculus ;
or if there had beene a cans, I might have beene of your minde.
Another thing I must remember, in your oath of consecration of
your residence. Is it so meaned ? If it be not moaned, is it not
mockerie ? et in re tarn seria ? "Weill, weill ; againe to God."
150 calderwood's historie 1610.
THE SCOTTISHE BISHOPS CONSECRATED.
The Bishops of Glasco and Brechin tooke journey to court soone
after the Assemblle of Glasco, to make report to the king of the
proceedings of the said Assemblie, and to gett thankes. The
Bishope of Galloway, Mr Gawin Hammiltoun, followed soone after.
They were all three consecrated verie solemnlie, by Abbots, Bishop
of London, according to the English forme. The bishops in
Scotland w^old not be content to be consecrated by the English
bishops, not in tyme of Poprie. The king triumphed. A banquet
was made. Gifts were bestowed, and glooves were distributed,
in token of the solemnization of the mariage betwixt the bishops
and their kirks. There was no mention made in the Assemblie of
their consecration, farre lesse anie Avarrant for them to take upon
them the office of a bishop, distinct from the office of a presbyter.
They did onlie ty ordination, jurisdiction, plantation to them, as
conjunct necessarilie with the presbyteries, (1 meane to such as
Avere styled bishops, by reasone of their benefices and titles therto.)
But they tooke upon them consecration to ane office ; and when
they returned home, they consecrated the rest of their fellowes. All
of them deserted their flockes, and usurped therefter jurisdiction
over the ministers, and people of their diocies, by vertue of their
consecration to ane office, and not by anie delegate power from
the Assemblie, Avhich might have beene taken away againe from
anie of them by another Assemblie, or they did fall from it,
incase they had beene anie ways deprived of the title to the bene-
fice, and vote in parliament. These three, to witt, Mr Johne
Spottiswode, Bishope of Glasco, Mr Andrew Lamb, Bishope of
Bi'echin, and Mr Gavine Hammiltoun, Bishope of Galloway, were
the thrie that brake off first, and boldlie accepted this consecration in
the moneth of November, Avithout Avarrant, yea, Avithout the know-
ledge or consent of the Kirk of Scotland. Wherupon were made
upon them these distiches folloAving, by Mr AndrcAv Melvine : —
1610. OF TUE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 151
De tribus lupis Gramplanis, indelebile charactere ad Tamesin
notatis.
Pra23ullbu8 stigma irapressum indelebile nostris,
Mancipia ut fiant pessima stigmatlca?.
Romuleis compuncte not is cui ternio servis ?
Luxui ? avaritia? ? non veneri atque gulaj ?
Anglia nonne lupos Cambris e montibus olim
Exegisti ? aiam te ne ego ferre lupos?
Verum fac te ferre lupos ; viciua de te
Quid meruit, per te prajda quod ipsa lupis ?
Alia —
Es Tamesino oleo Casa Candida, Glascua, et Esca,
(Alite at infausto) pingue peruncta caput.
Uncta nites Tamesino oleo Casa Candida pingui,
Unguine pingui itldem pinguior Esca nites.
Mota sed ha^c Camarina exhalat opaca Mephitim,
Ipse Caledonius quam fugit oceanus.
Unctus Glotta nites Tamesino opobalsamo, et ungis
Edenis liquido lubricum odere caput.
Glotta retro propera, versique relabere Ijmphis
In caput : is cauda est qui fuit ante caput.
Dona caput conde ut vites Edenis amarcam :
Faix fundo hajret olens fatide, odore necans.
Nate Deo surge, et vasorum interfice pestem,
Ne contage gregem perdat acerba lues.
BANCROFT S DEATH.
In the same moneth of November, Doctor Bancroft, Archbishope
of Canterburie, endit his life miserablie, in such paines and torment
of a stone and ulcer in his bladder, that his water came furth at
his fundament. He cryed to his servants to kill him. He was
the thrid of the Councel of England that died, and was brought
152 calderwood's historie 1610.
before the great Judge, before whom Mr Andrew Melvill sum-
moned them, that last tyme he was before them. But he was the
man against whom he directed the most of his speeches. He
altered his will and testament, and left his servants malcontent.
One of them made his epitaphe : —
" Heere lyeth Die ecclesice, suspected a Papist,
Who lived a Matchiavell, and died ane Atheist."
Doctor Abbots, Bishope of London, in his sermone on Sunday,
the 25th of November, did highlie commend him, amongst other
things, for setting up the crosse in Chapeside, and pulling doun the
presbyteries in Scotland. And thus endit one of the cheefe instru-
ments of the overthrow of the discipline of the Kirk of Scotland,
lyk as shortlle efter, another instrument was plucked away by
death in the height of his honour, viz., the Erie of Dumbar.
THE ARCHBISHOPS OF SAINCT ANDROES CONSECRATED.
In the moneth of December, the thrie consecrated bishops
returned home to Scotland, and consecrated the Archbishope of St
Androes, &c., efter the same maner that they were consecrated
themselfs, als neere as they could imitate.
Upon the first of November, before the going to of the sunne,
there were seen by twelve or threttein husband men, great companies
of men in thrie sundrie battells, joyning together and fighting the
space of ane houre, on certain lands perteining to my Lord Livings-
toun and the Laird of Carse. The honest men were examined,
in the presence of diverse noblemen, barons, and gentlemen, and
affirmed constantlie that they saw such appearance.
The Erie of Dumbar and the Lord Chancellour tooke journey
to court in the moneth of September. The Lord Chancellour
returned to Edinburgh upon the last of November.
\
1611. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 153
M.DC.XI.
THE ERLE OF DUMBAR's DEATH.
In the moneth of Januar, the Erie of Dumbar departed this
life at court, not without suspicion of poysoun, becaus my Lord
of Kiulosse, Lord of the Rolls, a Scotlishman, placed in that office
by the king at his going to England, had died a little before.
Howsoever it was, the erle was by death pulled doun from the
height of his honour, even when he was about to solemnize magni-
ficentlie his daughter's manage with the Lord AValdane. He pur-
posed to celebrate St George's day following in Bci-uicke, where
he had almost finished a sumptuous and glorious palace. But the
curse was executed on him that was pronounced upon the builders
of Jericho. He Avas so bussie, and left nothing undone to over-
throw the discipline of our church, and speciallie at the Assemblie
holden the last sommer in Glasco. But none of his posteritie
injoyeth a foote broade of land this day of his conqueist in Scot-
land. He endit his dayes in AVhythall, upon Wednisday, the
penult of Januar.
MR ANDRO MELVILL LETT OUT OF THE TOWRE.
The Duke of Bulloigne sent a letter to Mr Andro Melvill, dated
at Parise, the 30th of Januare, wherin he certified him, that he
had sent unto his Majestic, to obteane his libertie out of the Towre,
that he might come to Sedane. Libertie was granted to him to
goe from the Towre to the ship2)e. But becaus he was sicke,
when he was to come furth, libertie was granted to him to take
the frie aire for ten dayes, within the compasse of ten rayles about
Londoun, but he must not in the meane tyme come neere the
king's, queen's, or prince's court, least his freinds sould be mislyked
for his cans.
154 calderwood's historie 1611.
MR WILLIAM OLYPHANT MADE LORD OF THE SESSION.
Mr William Olyphant, the king's advocate, at the king's direc-
tion was made a Lord of the Seate, and placed in the Laird of
Edgell's place, who departed this lyfe the 18th of Januar.
BISHOPS CONSECRATED.
Upon the Lord's day, the 23d of Januar, some of the bishops
were consecrated by these who were consecrated before. Some
were absent by reasone of the storme. Some, as was alledgit, sturred
at the forme and order of the consecration ; yit afterward, upon the
Lord's day, the 24th of Februare, these who were not consecrated
before, at the first meeting at St Androes, were consecrated in Leith.
INVENTOR TAKEN OF THE ERLE OF DUMBAR HIS GOODS.
The chancellor, accompanied with some other noblemen, tooke
journey the elleventh of Februarfe to Beruicke, to take inventour
of the Erie of Dumbar his movables, as they had done before at
Halyrudhous, conforme to the king's commission directed to them
theranent.
The death of the Erie of Dumbar bredd ane alteration in state
effairs. The chancellour, with sundrie others of the councell, als
Weill bishops as others, tooke journey to court about the mids of
Marche, fearing alteration, and everie man seeking his owne
particular.
THE DIOCESAN SYNOD OF LOTHIAN.
Upon the 19th of Marche, Mr George Glaidstanes, Bishope of
St Androes, held a diocesan synod in Edinburgh. After exhorta-
tion and thanksgiving, the members of the privie conference were
chosen. In the second session, the forme of tryall of persones
1611. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 155
"Nvhich are to be admitted to the ministrie who had not exercised
publictlie, was concludit as followcth : —
" It is concludit, that whatsomcver pcrsone who has not exercised
publictlie of before, and desyrs to be admitted to the ministrie,
that before his admission, he be tryed efter this forme : First, that
he teache in Latinc privatlie. Nixt, that he teache in Englishe
privatlie. Thridlio, that he adde to the exercise, and exercise
publictlie, teache in pulpit popularlie. Last of all, that he be
tryed by positionea, and questions upon the controverted heads
and places of theologie ; and all these tryalls to preceide his
admission."
Mr Adam Bannatyne, minister at Falkirke, but now Bishope
of Dumblane, craved ane helper and fellow-labourer to be granted
to him upon his owne charges, in respect of the fiirre distance
betuixt his kirk and the lands of Kilconquhar, Avhich fell to him
by the death of the laird. But he was ordained, either to trans-
port himself, conforme to the act of transportation granted to him
at the last synode, that the kirk may be declaired to vaike ; or els
to dimitt the said benefice ; or els to serve in persone, and make
residence in his owne persone ; to teache and minister the sacra-
ments, all substituts and fellow-labourers being sccludit ; under
the paine of deposition : and the premisses failing betwixt and the
nixt synode, that he be deposed from all function of the ministrie at
the nixt synode. There was just cans to deale thus with Mr Adam
Bannatyne, becaus his parochc was destitute of the preaching of
the Word the halfo of the Sabboths of the year. No wonder it
was that he aspyred to a bishopricke, that made so little conscience
of his ministeriall function. He had said, that the Bishop of Dum-
blane, Mr George Grahame, the excrement of bishops, had licked
up the excrement of bishopricks. But Avhen Mr George Grahame
was transported to Orkney, he licked up his excrements, and hath
gotten the Deanrie of the Chappell Royall annexed to the Bishop-
rick of Dumblane.
Mr Patrik Simsone, minister at Stirline, sent to this synod, and
craved their resolution, if the celebration of the Lord's Supper with-
156 calderwood's historie 1611.
in the kirk of Sterline sould be continued, till the jarres risen late-
lie betwixt the neighbours and indwellers were settled and removed?
It was answered, that it sould be delayed till all neighbours were
reconciled, and that their reconciliation be reported to the nixt
sjnode. Heere we may see, that Mr Patrik Simsone, a man of
great account in our kirk, acknowledgit the authoritie of the dio-
cesan synods. But this proceedit rather of simplicitie, than anie
due consideration or sufficient ground.
It was voted by the whole brethren of this present diocesan
synode, that the exercise of the brethren sould be continued in the
ordinarie places where they are presentlie ; and that they be not
removed out of ordinarie places betwixt synodall assemblies.
Item, It was ordeaned, that the act of the Generall Assemblie
holden at Glasco, the 8th of June, 1610 years, against the absent
ministers from diocesan assemblies, and ordinarie visitation of
kirks, without just cans, or lawfull excuse, sould be put to execu-
tion against the absent ministers from the nixt synodall assemblie ;
viz., the minister that sail be absent without just cans, or laAvfull
excuse, sould be suspendit from his office and benefice ; and if he
mend not, sould be deprived. And this act to be intimated in the
whole conventions of the brethren, within this present diocesan
synode.
My Lord Archbishop of St Androes caused reade and intimate
to the whole brethren of this diocesan synode, his Majestie's will
and declaration anent the discipline that ministers have over their
parochiners, and anent the election of the sessions of kirks ; as at
more length is conteaned in his Majestie's will and declaration,
read and intimated by the said archbishope to the said brethren.
The bishops had so farre prevailed, that the authoritie that they
had purchassed at that woefull Assemblie holden at Glasco was
not controlled, or called in question even by the whole synods, let
be particular persons, some few excepted, who were confyned be-
fore the act of Glasco, or were since confyned, for not subjecting
themselves to their authoritie in the diocesan synods. Yea,
Gladestaines is not mentioned without the style of Lord and Arch-
IGll. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 157
bishope, howbeit noe mention was made of archbishops in the act
of Glasco. The name of Prcsbyterie in all the references of tho
synode is not once licard, but onlie, the Brethren of the Exercise,
or Convention of Brethren for the Exercise.
THE DIOCESAN SYNOD OF FIFE.
Upon Tuisday, the second of Apryle, the Bishope of St Androes,
Mr Gladestaines, sent missives to everie presbyterie of his diocie
■within Anguse, Mernes, Strathcrne, Fyfe, to warne all the minis-
ters be-north Forth to conveene at St Androes the first Tuisday
of Apryle, alledging he had his Majestie's warrant and command
80 to doe. This convention held in the Seinzie weeke.^ The
mater wherfore they were convocated was, to have some appointed
to advyse what way the uniformitie of discipline sould be esta-
blished in all the kirks of the diocie ; becaus, as the bishop affirmed,
we were to have noe moe Gcnerall Assemblies, and, therefore,
diocesan synods behoved to supplie their place, or want. So, some
were appointed to conveene for the end foresaid, and to report their
diliorence to the nixt Assemblie.
At this synode it was appointed, that at all synods heerafter
ministers weare gownes. Mr William Cowper gave in a bill,
craving transportation, becaus, as he alledgit, the toun of Perth
was not beneficiall to him. His college, Mr Johne Malcolme, and
other brethren of his presbyterie, Avondered, seing they never heard
of such a purpose, and the toun of Perth was not advertised that
he was to present such a bill. But whatsoever thing the bisho}) put
to voting, was concludit as it pleased him. So there was a visita-
tion of the kirk of Perth appointed for his sake. The ambitious
and covetous man was aiming at a bishoprick, and had intention
to be transported from Perth to St Androes, that his ministrie
there might be a steppe to the bishopricke. He said once in a
I)ublict audience before his Majestic and manic of the ministrie,
^ Week of holding synod.
158 calderwood's historie 1611.
that he had rather be hangit at the Mercat Crosse of Edinburgh,
ere one honest man of the rninistrie of Scotland tooke upon him
the office of a bishope. His letter to the Bishop of Dumblane,
Mr George Grahame, above written, expresseth verilie to us what
was his judgement of the bishops. But now, when he seeth that
their course hath prevailed, his heart, which was ever covetous
and worldlie from the beginning, suffered never his unsettled and
distempered braine, troubled with sundrie apprehensions and ima-
ginations, to take rest, till he gripped a bishopricke. He maide
it nyce in the beginning to accept the Bishopricke of Galloway,
now vacant through the decease of Mr Gawine Hammiltoun, who
died in great debt. When he was nycest, then was he the most
curious and bussie among the lawers and wryters, to understand
whether the union and incorporation of the Priorie of Quhittorne,
the Abbacie of Glenluce and Tungland, to the Bishoprick of Gal-
loway, was sufficientlie warranted by law or not. Seing he was
myndit to have a bishoprick, he wold first see it fatt and corpulent
with incorporations and unions.
NEVr OCTAVIANS.
About the end of Aprile, the chancellour and other councellors,
and the bishops that went up to court, returned. The handling of
the offices of the thesaurarie, comptrollerie, and coUectorie, was
committed to eight councellers, or anie foure of them, the chan-
celler being always one. The chancellour gott the custodie of the
Palace of Halyrudhous, with the Park adjoyning. The names of
the eight to whom the king committed these effairs were the Chan-
cellour, the President, the Secretare, the Advocate, the Bishope of
Glasco, the Lord of Scoone, Sir Gedeon Murrey, and Sir Johne
Arnot, Provest of Edinburgh.
ERROLL SETT AT LIBERTIE.
About the end of May, the Erie of Erroll, wairdit in the Castell
1611. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 159
of Edinburgh, and excommunicated for hia apostasle, was sett at
libertie, howbeit not relaxed from excommunication. The Erie of
Dumbar promised to the ministrie, that if he lay anie space under
the censure of excommunication, his lands and rents sould be pos-
sessed and intromctted with to his Majestie's use, and he sould
never be suffered to pass out of waird. But the turne being done
which the king and the bishops aimed at, promises were not keeped.
MR THOMAS SYDSERFE HIS ADMISSION.
Mr Thomas Sydserfe was admitted by the Archbishop of St
Androes to the ministrie in the Great Kirk of Edinburgh upon the
penult of May. lie acknowledgit the king supreme governour
over all persons and in all causes, and the archbishope to be his
lawfuU superior and ordinar, and therefter received imposition of
hands. This young man became a bitter enemie to sincere pro-
fessours, and is at this day so hated by the people for his arrogance,
malice, and bitter invectives, Avherewith his sermons, otherways
verie cold, are stuffed, that he laboureth by all means for trans-
portation. He is presentlie seeking the kirk of Libertoun with
such importunitie, that notwithstanding of the miscontentment of
the parochiners, made knowne to him by their letters to his shame,
he is not ashamed to persist.
ARABELLA COMMITTED TO THE TOURE.
About the beginning of June, Arabella, the king's cousigne,
being committed to the custodie of a nobleman in England, for
mariage upon a noble man's sonne in England, v/ho claimed right
to the crowne failing the king's succession, escaped, and her hus-
band lykwayes escaped out of the Toure. Whill they were readie
to passe in sundrle vessels for Dunkirk, they were persued by the
king's ships. Arabella was brought backe, and committed to the
Toure of London, but her husband escaped.
160 calderwood's histopje 1611.
MR JOHNE STRATOUN WAIRDIT.
About this tyme, Mr Johne Stratoun, minister of Forresse in
the North, was cited before the Bishope of St Androes and some
of his Majestie's counsell, to answeir for ane exercise, wherin he
taught against the state of bishops, the Bishope of Murray being
one of his auditors. But Mr Johne wold not acknowledge the
bishope to be his judge. Yit to let all men understand that he
was not ashamed of his doctrine, he sett doun his exercise in wn-itt.
His text fell by course to be in the beginning of the fourth chapter
of the First Epistle to Timothie. For this his freedome and libertie
he was wairdit in the castell of Innernesse.
Upon the fourth of June, Mr Johne Chalmers, latelie admitted
to the ministrie, to the kirk of Creith in the North, after he had
celebrate a mariage, went to his owne chamber ; and having shoote
the doore upon himself^ he strake himself twise with one of his
owne knyves in the craige. The first stroke did him litle hurt.
With the secund he cutted his wesand ; but by the providence of
God, his thropple^ was spaired. Some gentlemen of the paroche
being at the kirk missed him, sought him to and froe, and at last
came to the chamber doore. They found the doore barred but not
locked, and noe answeir was made to them when they cryed, w'her-
upon they brake up the doore. When they went in, they find him
sitting on his knees, and his hands lifted up to heaven ; but he was
not able for a space to speake by reasone of his weaknes, caused
through the great effusion of his blood. The day following he
spake more distinctlie ; and by the providence of God, the Marquis
of Pluntlie was ryding throughe Creith to the Bogie. He hierino-
of the accidentj went in to him, and questioned him upon manie
things, but speciallie, if he was brought in the doubt of his religion
by reiding of the doctors ; for he alledgit, that manie of our pro-
fession, through reiding of the doctors, were moved to doubt. Mr
^ Windpipe.
1611. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. IGl
Johne answeired, he never doubted of the religion which he pro-
fessed and preached, and tliat by reiding of the doctors he was
confirmed. He confessed, that the chcefe thing whei'by Sathan
gatt victorie over him was his owne covetousnes. The day follow-
ing, which was the presbyterie day, the exercise was made in his
chamber. Efter the doctrine, he was inquyred what he thought of
the doctrine ? lie answered, lie never rcceaved so much confort as
he did of that exercise. Efter tiiat, he gave a confession of his
unnaturall fact, shewed tokens of his repentance, and of the hope
he had to be forgiven ; and desyred them to absolve him in the
name of Chryst, wliich they did. Then he confessed, that the first
advantage Sathan obtained over him was by making excuses for
not keiping the presbyteries and other conventions necessarie :
Nixt, that he tooke a conccate of his owne inabilltie to teache, and
so left off teaching : Thrldlie, that he disdained prayer. That
lying in this estate, he could never have grace to take up himself
till he interprysed this wicked fact. He exhorted the ministers to
be warre of hypocrisic, to be diligent in their vocation, to cast
away great care of the world, and to stryve against ambition. He
desyred that Mr Leonard Leslie, persone of Bothnse, as a fitt man,
[should be appointed] to succeede him, and recommendit him to
the Lord Saltouu and the parochiners. Upon Fryday, he made
his testament. About the midst of the night, through the empti-
nes of his veines, he fell in a raiving ; but efter he was refreshed
with a litle sleepe he came to himself againe. The Laird of Corse
being sent for, he came to him upon Satterday, at night late. He
affirmed, efter he had conferred with him, that that journey was
the best journey that ever he made, and that Mr Johne had done
more good by his death nor he wold have done by his lyfe. On
the Lord's [day,] about four efternoone, his speeche failed, and he
continued speechles till Monday, during which tyme, he gave care
to the reiding of the AVord and prayer. Efter he had gotten some
refreshment by sleepe on Monday, he was asked how he was. He
answered, he was blyth, and said he had a desire to sing, becaus
he found that God had given his speeche to him againe to glorifie
VOL. VII. L
1G2 calderwood's historie 1611.
him ; and desyred the 124th psalme sould be sung. Which being
endit, he desired the 103d psahne to be sung ; efter that, he con-
ceived a prayer ; and so, continued in heavenlie conference, prayer,
and heiring of prayer, till about nyne or ten of the clocke. When
his speeche failed, he held up his hands, and gave up the ghost
about ellevin of the clocke. He confessed secretlie, that he was
unable to doe his duetie to his wife, which was a great greefe to
him. I have heir subjoyned his confession which he made that
same day that he committed the fact.
" I, Mr Johne Chalmers, grants and confesses my manifold
sinnes, whairin God left me for a tyme to the tentations of Sathan,
who in a great measure wrought against me, and brought me to
the attempting of this unnaturall fact against myself. And yit, in
the verie meantyme, the power of God and the Spirit of Jesus
Chryst so prevailed in me against him, that God not onlie with-
drew me from the fact, and spared me for a tyme, but also in my
greattest infirmitie and mids of my paine, has shawen his mervell-
ous power and strength in releiving me from Sathan, and giving
me finall end and victorie over Sathan, the world, and the fleshe ;
and has restored me to the sight of his mercie in the onlie blude of
Jesus Chryst, and so pacifyed my troubled conscience, that now I
find my onlie joy and felicitie to stand in the sight and presence of
God, through the onlie mercie of Jesus Chryst ; and awaits onhe
the resolution of my bodie from my soule for the possession and
inheritance of that glorie eternall wherof the Holie Spirit gives me
full assurance. Farther, I confes, that I had never anie trouble in
my conscience concerning the truthe of religion, which I ever pub-
llctlie professed and preached, save onlie that I was not so faithful!
in my ministrie as I ought. I acknov/ledge the religion presentlie
professed in this land to be that undoubted truthe of God, groundit
upon his Word, written in the books of Old and New Testament ;
and to be that true worship of God, onlie acceptable to him, and
brings salvation to man by Jesus Christ. I abhorre and detest all
merits of man as helpfull to salvation ; all doctrines invented by
man besyde the written Word. I confes, the cheefe and onlie
IGll. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1G3
mater of mj tentation whenipon Satlian wrought, to have becne
over great love of the workl, and excessive cares therof beguyling
and bhnding me, as though I had noe cares therof -where I had
over much ; which now I detest as dung, in respect of that excel-
lent and exceeding; jjreat riches which now I find in Jesus Chryst.
Kcqueisting also the faithfuU ministers of the Gospell by my
cxemple to leave the cares of the world, setting themselfs on the
Word of God, continuallie and faithfuUie preaching the Word, and
stryving for themselfs and the people against Sathan, whose cheefe
tentation is to stoppe the mouths of the preachers : which in
presence of God I testifie by this my subscription befor thir wit-
nesses undersubserybing.
"At Creith, the 4th of June, IGll."
" Lykwise it is most true, that during all the tyme of his greefe
of mynd, albeit he found not such confort in God as he wont to
have, yit never profained God's name, but most reverentlie spake
of His most divyne Majestic, as the wholl people with Avhom he
resorted will testifie.
" INIorover, when the doores were opened where he had inclosed
himself, he was found sitting on his knies, and his hands up to
heaven ; and howsoever he spake he glorified God, as sundrie gentle-
men that came in can testifie.
" jNIaister William Gordoun."
the goodman of humbie his death.
About the 24th of September, Sir James Lawsone of Humbie
ryding in Bakalvie sands, where manie other gentlemen were
passing their time, sunk doun in a part of the sands and perished.
He was found againe on the morne, but his hors was never scene.
It was crediblie reported, that the Erie of Dumbar committed bou-
gerie with this young man.
The act of parliament concerning taking more profite nor ten of
the hundreth was put in execution at the sute of some courteours.
One overture or other was daylie devised for extorting money from
164: CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1612.
the people. The people murmured, and the mater was meaned to
the king, but they found small ease.
A motion was made to the Lords of Session to receive ane Eng-
lish minister. The intention was, to bring in Englishe formes and
ceremonies amongst [us ;] but the motion was not insisted upon.
M.DCXII.
Master Johne Spottiswode, Bishope of Glasco, returned from
court in the moneth of Februar. He had complained to the king
upon the Marqueis of Hammiltoun, who had buffeted him for some
proude speeches. The king gave him the abbacie of Newabbey to
appease him, and a warrant to hold a Court of Conscience, as Avas
reported, wherunto anie man finding himself oppressed or wronged
by the ordinare judges might appeale ; but we saw noe execution.
In the moneth of Marche and Aprile fell furth prodigious works
and rare accidents. A cow brought furth fourteene great dogge
whelps in stead of calves. Another, efter the calving, became
Starke madde, so that the owner was forced to slay her. A deid
bairne was found in her bellie. A thrid brought furth a calfe with
two heads. One of the Erie of Argyle's servants being sicke,
vomited two toades and a serpent, and so convalesced ; but vomited
after a number of litle toades. A man dwellinor beside Glasco
murthered both his father and his mother. A young man going at
the ploughe neir Kirklistoun killeth his owne sonne accidentallie
with the throwing of a stone, goeth home, and hangeth himself.
His wife, latlie delivered of a child, running out of the house to
seek her husband, before she returned, a sow had eaten her child.
The Scottishmen lying at court were in danger of their ly ves by
reasone of the great malice of the Englishe conceived against them.
Sir Johne Eamsay's brother smotte the Lord Mongomerie's brother
on the face with a rod for a lie given him at the horse race. There
were present about ane hundreth Scotishmen, all in danger to be
massacred, if the Englishe had not beene stayed by a councellour.
1G12. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 165
James Maxwell, one of the gentlemen of the king's chamber, pulled
anc Englishman's care till it blcdd. Our countrie men durst not
repair so frcquentlie to the Exchange or comedies as they did
before. The Lord of Kinlosse was in great danger at a comedie,
but was convoyed secreitlie away by ane aged gentleman who was
Aveill acquaint with his fatlicr. This lybcll Avas affixed in open
places, " The Scotts doe whippc our noblemen with rods ; they kill
our fencers traiterouslie under trust." The Lord Sanquhar indeid
hyred two Scottish men to kill ane Englishe fencer, who sixc or
seven yeers before had putt furth his ey at the fencing. They
killed him in ane inncs, whill he was putting the coppe to his
heade. To content the Englishe, the king consented that San-
quhare sould be hangit. For the greater contempt to our nobilitie,
he was hangit among a number of theevs.
Mr James Elphingstoun, Lord of Balmirrinoche, latelie secretar,
endit his dayes about the end of Maij.
The Lord ]\Iaxwell returned to his countrie In the moneth of
Marche, with other two or thrie deboshed men, outlawed as him-
selfe was, Avithout the king's licence. Great searche Avas made for
him, but he was not apprehendit till the moneth of Julie, at Avhat
tyme he Avas apprehendit in Cathnes. From thence he Avas brought
by sea to Leith, and Avairdit in the jayll of Edinburgh the 19th of
September.
Upon the 16th of October, the parliament beganne to be holdcu
in Edinburgh. It Avas thought that the bishops procured the
chancellour to be constituted the king's commissioner that he might
be shifted from his office, wherat some of the[m] aymed. In his
harrangue before the parliament, he checked them. The bishops
Avoid have had eight hundreth thoAvsand punds of taxation granted
to the king, becaus now he had need of it Avhen his daughter Avas
to be maried upon Count Palatine. They drew on some of the
burroAvs to consent to the halfe of it, upon hope of some things to
be granted to them. But the greatter part of the burrowes, noble-
men, and barons, oppouned, and so noe more Avas granted but
three hundreth and threescore thowsand merks. Burlie his power
166 c ALDER wood's historie 1612.
of executing the act against unreasonable annualls was abridgit.
The acts of Glasco Assemblie were ratified, and under colour of
explanation, inlarged and altered, so that in effect they were new
effects ; the tenor wherof foUoweth : —
A RATIFICATION OF THE ACTS AJsD CONCLUSIONS SETT DOUN AND
AGREED UPON IN THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE OF THE KIRK
KEEPED IN GLASCO, IN THE MONETH OF JUNE, 1610. TOGETHER
WITH ANE EXPLANATION MADE BY THE ESTATES OF SOME OF
THE ARTICLES OF THE SAME.
" Forasmuche as in the parliament holden at Edinburgh, the
yier of God 1597, the estates of this kingdome remitted to his
Majestic, to consult and agree with the Generall Assemblie of the
kirk, upoun the authoritie and power which the archbishops and
bishops sould have in the policie and discipline of the kirk : Wher-
anent, efter that his Majestic and his commissioners had raanie
tymes most seriouslie conferred and advysed wuth the ministrie ;
at last, conclusion was taken in the Generall Assemblie holden at
Glasco, in the moneth of June, 1610 yeirs, determining all the
doubtfull and controverted points concerning the jurisdiction,
policie, and discipline forsaid, with full and uniforme consent of a
verie frequent number of godlie ministers ; assisted by the councell,
and concurrence of a great manie of best affected nobilitie, barons,
and commissioners of burrowes in this kingdome, in maner, sub-
stance, and effect following : With the explanation made by the
estates of parliament presentlie conveened, of some of these articles
resolved upon in the forsaid Assemblie of Glasco.
" In the first, the foi'said Assemblie acknowledgeth the indiction
of the Generall Assemblie of the kirk to apperteane to his Ma-
jestic, by tlie prerogative of his royall crowne.
'* And farther, ordaineth that the bishops sail be moderators in
everie diocesan synode. And the synode sail hold twise in the
yecr, of the kirks of everie diocie, viz., in Aprile and October ; and
where the diocies are large, that there be two or thrie synods in
1612. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1G7
convenient places, for case of the mlnistrie. And incase the
bishope of the diocie be absent upon anie necessarie occasion, in
that case, his place sail be supplied by such a worthie minister,
(bearing charge within the bounds,) as the archbishope or bishope
sail appoint.
" That noe sentence of excommunication, or absolution therof, be
pronounced against or in favors of anie persone, without the know-
ledge and approbation of the bishope of the diocie, Avho must be
answerable to God and his Majestic, for all formall and impartiall
proceeding therin ; and the processc being found formall, the sen-
tence to be pronounced at the direction of the bishope, by the
minister of the parochc where the offender dwelleth, and the pro-
cessc began.
'' That all presentations to benefices be directed heerefter to
the archbishope or bishope of the diocie, within the which the
benefice vacant by dimission, deprivation, deceasse, or otherwayes,
lyeth. "With power also to the archbishope or bishope to dispone
and conferre such benefices as fall in his diocie jure dcvoluto ; pro-
vyding always, in case anie archbishope or bishope sould refuse to
admitt anie qualified minister accepting the presentation granted
to him, and who has beene once receaved and admitted to the
function of the ministrie, being then still undeprived, presented to
them by the patrone. In the case of anie such refuse, it sail be
lawfull to the patrone to reteane the wholl fruits of the said bene-
fice in his owne hand ; and cither he or the parochc wanting a
pastor, by reasone of the not planting of the kirk, (in case the
refusall therof come to the bishope,) may compleane therof to his
archbishope. And if either the archbishope be the refuser, or els
does not give due redresse, being complcaned unto, in that case,
the Lords of his Majestie's Privie Counsell, upon the partie's com-
plaint of the refuse, and noe sufficient reasone being given for the
same, sail direct letters of horning, charging the ordinarie to doe
his duetie, in the receaving and admitting of suche a persone as
the said patrone has presented. It is always declared, that if anie
archbishope or bishope sail deprehend anie such persone as is \n-c-
168 calderwood's histohie 1612.
sented unto him, to have come within compasse of a Simonicall
paction with his patrone, in so farre as he hath either alreadie hurt,
or promised and bound himself to prejudge and hurt, the estate of
his benefice, in not reserving a sufficient maintenance for him and
his successors answeirable to the estate of his benefice, and the
bishope or archbishope sail understand the same, either by the
partie's oathe, or other cleere prooffe and evidence ; in that case,
they may lawfuUie refuse anie such persone presented unto them.
But if the partie who is presented hath reserved to himself and
his successors a sufficient maintenance, the setting of tacks, or pro-
mise to doe the same, or doing of anie thing els to his patrone, (being
not prejudicial! to that aforsaid maintenance,) sail noe Avays be
ascribed to anie Simoniacall paction, nor sail not serve for anie
reasone to the archbishope or bishope to refuse him. And in case
anie such question or controversie sail occurre betuixt the patrone,
the persone presented, and the archbishope or bishope, it is de-
clared that the Lords of Councell and Session sail be judges therto,
to decide upon the said Simoniacall paction, and qualitie of the
same, if anie such thing sail be objected against the partie pre-
sented.
" In deposition of the ministers, the bishope associating to him-
self the ministrie of these bounds where the delinquent served, he is
there to take tryall of the fact, and upon just caus found, to
deprive ; and the like order to be observed in suspension of minis-
ters from the exercise of the function.
" That everie minister in his admission sail sweare obedience to
his Majestic, and to his ordinar, according to the forme following : —
" ' I, A. B., now nominated and admitted to the kirk of C, testifie
and declare in my conscience, that the right excellent, right hlghe,
and mightie prince, James the Slxt, by the grace of God, King of
Scotland, England, France, and Irland, Defender of the Faith, is
the onlie lawfuU supreme governour of this realme, als Aveill in
maters spirltuall and ecclesiasticall, as in things temporall ; and that
no forraine prince, state, nor potentate, has, or ought to have, anie
jurisdiction, power, superioritie, pre-eminence, or authoritie ecclesi-
1G12. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 1G9
astlcall or spirituall, -within this reahnc. And, therefore, I utterlie
renounce and forsake all forrainc jurisdiction, power, superiorities,
and authorities ; and promise, that from this furth, I sail and will
beare faith and true alledgance to his Hienes, his heyres and law-
full successors ; and to my power sail assist all jurisdictions, privi-
ledges, pre-eminencies, <and authorities, granted and belonging to
his Hienes, his heyres, and lawfull successors, or united and annexed
to his royall crowne. And farther, 1 acknowledge and confes to
have and to hold the said C, and possession of the same, under
God of his Majestic, and his crowne royall of this realme ; and for
the saids possessions, I doe homage presentlie unto his Iliencs in
your presence ; and to his Majestic, his heyres, and lawfull suc-
cessors sail be true. So lielpe me God.'
" And als, that everie minister, in his admission, sail sweare
obedience to his ordinare, according to this forme following : —
" ' I, A. B., now admitted to the kirk of C, promise and sweare
to E. F., bishope of that diocie, obedience, and to his successors
in all lawfull things. So helpe me God.'
" And if the said benefice be at the presentation of a laicke
patrone, the persone presented sail give his oath as followeth : —
" ' I, G. H., now admitted to the forsaid benefice, testifie and
declare in my conscience, that the right excellent, right highe, and
mightie prince, James the Sixt, by the grace of God, King of
Scotland, England, France, and Irland, Defender of the Faith,
&c., is the onlie lawfull supreme governour of this realme ; als
Weill in maters spirituall and ecclesiastick, as in things temporall ;
and that noe forraine prince, state, nor potentate, has, or ought to
have, anie jurisdiction, power, superioritie, pre-eminencie, or autho-
ritie, ecclesiastick or spirituall, w ithin this realme. And, therefore,
I utterlie renounce and forsake all forraine jurisdiction, power,
superioritie, and authorities ; and promise, that from this furth, I
Ball and will beare faith and true alledgance to his Hienes, his
heyres, and lawfull successors ; and to my power, sail assist and
defend all jurisdictions, priviledges, pre-eminences, and authorities,
granted and belonging to his Hienes, his heyres, or lawfull sue-
170 calderwood's historie 1612.
cessors, or united and annexed to his royall crowne. And I doe
acknowledge and confesse to have and hold the said benefice and
possessions of the same, under God, by his Majestic, of E. F.,
lawful! patron of the same.'
" That the visitation of ilk diocie be done by the bishope him-
self, and if the bounds be greatter than he can overtake, that then
he make speciall choise of some worthie man of the ministrie with-
in the diocie to visite in his place. And whatever minister,
without just caus, or lawfull excuse made, sail absent himself
from the visitation, or the diocesan assemblie, he sail be suspendit
from his office and benefice ; and if he amend not, he sail be de-
prived.
" That the conventions of ministers for exercise sail be mode-
rated by the bishope, being present ; and in his absence, by anie
other minister Avhom he sail appoint at the synode.
" Which acts, ordinances, and declarations above written, his
Majestic finding to be verie agreable to the true religion professed
within this kingdome, and to the godlie and decent governement
of the kirk, ministrie, and whole members therof: Therefore, his
Hienes, with advyse and consent of the estats of parliament,
ratifies, approves, and confirmes all and sundrie the premisses ; and
ordaines them, and everie one of them, to be obeyed and observed
by all his Hienes' subjects, as inviolable lawes, in all tyme coming;
annulling and rescinding the 114th act of his Majestie's parliament
holden in anno 1592, and all and whatsomever other acts of parlia-
ment, lawes, ordinances, and constitutions, sentences and customes,
in so farre as they, or anie part of the same, are contrarie, or dero-
gatorie to anie of the articles above written, als essentiallie and
effectualHe in all respects, as if the said acts and consuetudes heer-
by abrogated were at length heerin expressed."
This Act of Ratification, under colour of explanation of the Act of
Glasco, allowed to the bishops further power nor was granted at
that convention ; and the bishops, soone efter this parliament, be-
ganne to be more imperious nor before. The omissions, additions,
and alterations of the Act of Glasco made by this ratification, may
1G12. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 171
be gathered by this collation following, wherby we may perceavc
the Act of Ratification may rather be called the Act of Irritation.
A COLLATION OF THE ACT OF GLASCO CONVENTION, ANNO 1610,
WITH TUE RATIFICATION THEROF IN PAJiLIAMENT, ANNO
1612.
By the Act of Glasgow the bishops are to be subject in all
things concerning their life, conversation, office, and benefice, to
the censure of the Gencrall Assemblie. So, not onlie by the
caveats agreed upon at Montrose, but also by the Act of Glasco,
they were made lyable to the censure of the Generall Assemblie.
Yit are they never called to account, but passed over with silence,
and countenanced in their usurped authoritie. This part of the
act is omitted in the ratification ; for which omission, our prc-
tendit prelats, as for unfaithfull dealing otherways, are comtablc.
Heir is to be observed, that the convention holden at Glasco
supponcd there wold be a Generall Assemblie holden ordinarilie,
at least, once in the yeere, as was expreslie craved, and ccrtanlie
looked for ; otherways, it had beene follie to make the bishops
subject to the censure of anie assemblie, the holding wherof was
not certaine. Wherupon it is to be presumed, that that convention
intendit not to give the bishops anie power, unlesse there were
Generall Assemblies holden ordinarilie, to take account of their
proceedings, and to censure them. Which not being observed, it
followeth, that they can claime no power or authoritie by the con-
vention holden at Glasco.
By the Act of Glasco the bishope may not depute another to
moderate the diocesan synode ; but by this ratification of the act
he may.
Noe mention was made of collation of benefices in the Act of
Glasco; but onlie of presentations, or sute otherways made to the
bishope, by anie that was to be admitted, and of ordination eftor
triall. But by this ratification, presentations to benefices are to be
directed to the archbishope or bishope, and power given to him
172 calderwood's historie 1612.
to give collation, and to dispone and conferre benefices fallen in his
diocie, Jure devoluto.
By the act of parliament ratifying the Act of Glasco, in case the
bishope refuse to admitt anie qualified persone presented to a
benefice, the patron e or paroche may complaine to the arch-
bishope ; and if the archbishope doe not redresse, the Lords of Ses-
sion and Councell may direct letters of horning to charge the
ordinare to doe his duetie. But noe power was given by the con-
vention holden at Glasco to one bishope, to redresse the complaint
made u^Don another bishope, nor anie mention of archbishops.
In this ratification, it is declared, that if the person presented
reserve to himself and to his successors a suflScient maintenance,
answerable to the estate of his benefice, the setting of tacks, or
promise to doe the same, or doing anie thing els to his patrone, not
prejudiciall to the forsaid maintenance, sail no ways be ascribed to
anie Simoniacall paction, nor sail not serve for anie reasone to the
archbishope or bishop to refuse him ; and the Lords of Councell
and Session sail be judges, to decide upon the said Simoniacall
paction, and qualitie of the same, if anie such thing sail be objected
against the partie presented. So, what the Lords of Councell and
Session sail think a suflficient maintenance, sail be accounted suflft-
cient, and Simonie sail be accomted noe Simonie. Noe such thing
in the Act of Glasco. Are not then the bishops consenting to this
act Weill worthie to vote in parliament in name of the kirk ?
By the Act of Glasco, the bishope is to requyre the ministers of
the bounds where the persone presented, or suting admission to
the ministrie, is to serve, to certifie by their testificate, his con-
versation past, abilitie, and qualification for the function, and
therupon to take farther tryall; and finding him qualified, and
being assisted by such of the ministrie of the bounds where he is
to serve, as he will assume to himself, he is then to perfyte the
whole act of ordination. But this order of proceeding is left out
in the ratification.
The forme of the oathe of obedience to the ordinarie at the ad-
mission of a minister was not conceaved at that convention holden
1G12. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 173
at Glasco, as it is in the act of parliament ; nor yit, that tlic pcr-
sone presented by a laick patrone sail sweare, that he acknow-
Icdgcth and confesscth to have and hold the benefice and posses-
sion of the same, under God, by his Majestie, of the patrone.
By the Act of Glasco the minister, at his admission, is ordeaned
to sweare that the king is the onlie lawfuU supi'eme govcrnour of
this rcalmc, als weill in things tcmporall as in conservation and
purgation of religion. But insteade of the words, " conservation
and purgation of religion," other words are placed in the ratifica-
tion, to Avitt, " maters spirituall and ecclcsiasticall."
By the Act of Glasco it was providit, that in case the bishope
sail be found to have stayed the pronouncing of the sentence of
excommunication or absolution, against or in ftivors of anie per-
sone, the processe being tryed to have beene lawfuUie deduced,
and he convicted in the Generall Assemblie for the same, that
advertisement sail be made to his Majestie, to the effect another
may be placed in his rowme. But by the ratification of the act, he
must be answerable onlie to God and his Majestie for all formall
and impartiall proceeding theranent. So where mention is made
in the Act of Glasco, of subjection to the censure of the Generall
Assemblie, of conviction, and tryall of their proceedings in the
Generall Assemblie, there is noe mention at all in the ratification.
By the Act of Glasco none sould be elected bishop who is not
past the age of fourtie years, and has not beene an actuall teaching
minister the space of ten yecrs. But that part is left out in the
ratification.
By the Act of Glasco the exercise of doctrine is to be continued
weekclie, at the tymes of their accustomed meetings. This part of
the act is left out in the ratification.
The bishops consenting to these omissions and additions without
the consent of the Generall Assemblie, wherto they were tyed by
the caveats, betrayed not onlie their perfidie, but also their in-
satiable desire of absolute jurisdiction, and to be exeemed from all
censure ; for the which they are countable to God and this his
kirk heer in earth. But we are to stand to the acts of the kirk in
kirk maters.
174 calderwood's historie 1612.
THE MARIAGE OE PRINCE PALATINE.
About the tyme of this parliament, the prince, Count Palatine
of the Rhene, repaired with ane honourable traine to England, for
solemnizing the mariage betuixt him and the king's daughter,
Ladle Elizabeth, conforme to the agreement made before. For
the solemnities I refere the reader to the English chroniclers, who
could best observe.
QUEENE Marie's corps transported to Westminster.
Upon the 7th of October the king caused transport his umquhile
mother's corps, who was beheadit in Februare, anno 1586, out of
the kirk of Peterborough in England, where she was obscurlie
buried, to Westminster in London, where she was buried of new,
amongst the rest of the princes, and a magnificke tombe buildit
above her. There was not seene for manie yeers before the like
tempest of cloud and raine upon the sea coast of England and
Flanders, as was seene that day. There died upon the coast of
Flanders and England about eight thowsand persons ; the most
part poore fisher men, the rest other sea-fairing men, merchands,
and trayvellers.
prince henrie's death.
About the second of November the king's eldest sone, Prince
Henrie, tooke sicknes, and departed this life upon the seventh ol
November, not without suspicion of poyson. It was bruted thai
he was poysoned with certaine graipes, presented to him by a foole
immcdiatlie efter he came bote from his pastyme in Whitchapell.
This prince was of good expectation, and deirlie beloved by all the
sincere professors of the true and pure religion, and therefore was
his death dolorous to them, but not verie greevous to the Papists
or Formalists. The Chancellor, the Bishope of Glasco, Mr Johne
1612. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 175
Spottlswode, and some others, were sent by the counccll to con-
dole. But before they came to Newcastle they were commandit to
returncj by a letter sent from the king ; wherat manie wondered.
It was alledgit that the king had begunne to relent of his greefe,
and that the sight of the Scottish subjects wold but augment his
greefe. Some thought it was done to disgrace the chancellour ;
and that it was procured by the Bishope of Glasco, who was in his
companie. The Bishope of Glasco returned, for obedience, as the
chancellour did ; but cftcr he had stayed ten or twelve dayes he
went up to court.
BURLIE DISGRACED.
About the same tyme, there came a warrant from court to the
Lords of Secrete Councell, to forbid the Lord Burlie, who was one
of the councellours, and upon the chancellour's faction, to repaire
to court, or to come to the Councell of Scotland, till his Majestie's
pleasure were farther declared. Burlie, when the chancellour re-
turned in maner forsaid, being in his companie, went forward to
court, not doubting to procure favour and credite, both to himself
and the chancellour. But he was debarred from the king's pre-
sence ; and efter he had waited on eight weeks or therby, was
directed to returne to Scotland ; and soone efter, to prepare him-
self to pas to Irland, to remaine there during the king's pleasure.
The commoun people was weill content, not onlie bccaus he was a
Papist, but also becaus he was ane oppressor ; for he sought com-
missiouns of the king to putt diverse penall statutes to execution ;
speciallie for taking more annuall than ten for the hundreth.
COMMENDATION OF PRINCE HENRIE.
In the beginning of December, sundrie epitaphs were made in
praise of Prince Henrie, and not without reasone, for he was both
wise and valorous. lie had great intelligence with princes, noble-
men, and great men professing the truethe everie where ; but
176 calderwood's historie 1613.
copied their letters with his owne hand, and left out their names.
So, when he was dead, the wryters of the letters could not be
knowne. He had bought three thowsand stand of arraes, and
layed asyde everie yeere eight or ten thowsand pund, noe doubt
for some great enterprise. He was buried upon Monday, the 7th
of December, with great pompe and magnificence.
M.DC.XIII.
THE BISHOPE OF ARGYLE's DEATH.
About the midest of Januar, the Bishope of Argyle died of a
cancer in his face.
THE MARIAGE OF LADIE ELIZABETH.
Upon the 14th of Februar, the Lord's day preceiding Fastings
Even, the mariage betweene the Count Palatine and the king's
daughter, Ladie Elizabeth, was celebrated with great solemnitie,
to [the] great contentment of the professors of the true religion.
THE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH RASHE VENTERS OF UNTRUETHS.
In the beginning of Marche, Secretare Hammiltoun informed
the ministei's of Edinburgh, that the Pope had excommunicated
the king ; wherupon the ministers, readie to flatter the court, and
please the king, informed the people. But it proved a lie, invented
onlie to grace the king ; for upon the 12th of Marche, the Bishope
of Glasco returned from court to Edinburgh, and reported that
the king was not excommunicated ; but the Pope had ane inten-
tion to have done it, but was stayed by his cardinalls.
1613. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 177
A COURT OF HIGH COMMISSION.
Mr William Coupcr and Mr Andro Lamb went up to court
in Aprile. All the bishops except these Avho went to court, the
Bishope of Aberdeeiie, who was deadlie sicke, and the Bishope of
the lies, ane aged man, conveenned, to hold a solemne court of
the commission in St Androes. They were interteaned by Bishope
Glaidstanes in the castle, which he had repaired, and wherin now
he was dwelling, where before, he dwelt in a lodging in the toun.
It was his custome to ryde on a horse with his footmantle to the
kirk, when he preached, and to the meetings of the kirk.
PRINCE palatine's DEPARTURE OUT OF ENGLAND.
About the midest of Aprile, Prince Palatine and his ladie went
out of England, toward the palatinate. She stayed twentie daycs
in the States' dominions, efter his departure from thence, and was
weiU interteaned by them.
maxwell's execution.
Upon the 21st of Maij, the Lord Maxwell was beheadit at the
Mercate Crosse of Edinburgh, betuixt thrie and foure efternoone.
lie died confortlcs, having none of the ministrie present to pray
for him, or to make exhortation to him or the people. He desired
them not ; neither was he content to receive information from them
touching his religion. This execution was procured by the Laird
of Jhonston's freinds, specialllc by Sir Robert Ker, Erie of Roches-
ter, the cheefe guyder of the court at that tyme. Papists, never-
thelesse, tooke boldnes to professe their religion in sundrie parts of
the countrie ; for it was weill knowne to them that Maxwell suf-
fered not for his Papistrie. There was a masse the same moneth in
Edinburgh, in James Stewart's house, which was called James of
Jerusalem. The preest and the said James fledd. Sundrie of
vol. VII. M
178 calderwood's historie 1613.
the companie were taken and wairdit ; James of Jerusalem [was]
efterward wairdit.
BURLIE WAIRDIT.
Burlie was called before the councell, and wairdit in the Castle
of Edinburgh, for appealing the Lord Scoone to the single combate,
howbeit he was under Jaw-burrowes.
CASSILISSE AND CREIGHE WAIRDIT.
The Erie of Cassilisse, and the young Laird of Creigh in Fyfe,
both Justicers of Peace, were called before the councell, and wairdit
in the Castle of Edinburgh, for ryott alledgit committed by them
in the execution of their office. The Justicers of Peace were
ofFendit, becaus they perceaved the councell and noblemen crossed
them in the execution of their office. The noblemen, indeid,
thought that this new office impaired their credite and freindship
in the countrie.
LORD WALDOUN'S INTERTEANEMENT EST THE COUNTRIE.
The Lord Waldoun, sone-in-law to the umquhile Erie of Dum-
bar, came to this countrie in the midst of August, and Avas weill
interteaned by our noblemen so long as he stayed.
THE BISnOPE OF ROSSE CONSECRATED.
Upon the first of December, Mr Patrik Lindsay, minister of
Saint Vigans in Anguse, was consecrated bishop in Leith, and suc-
ceedit to Mr David Lindsay, Bishope of Rosse.
ONE OF THE KING'S SHIPS BURNT IN LEITH RADE.
Upon the tenth of December, one of the king's great ships,
1G13. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 179
■Nvliich had Ij'en heere in Scotland sixc weeks before in the rade of
Leith, reddle to sett furth on the morne and to returne to Enn;land,
is sett on fire about the twelve houre of the day by ane Englishe-
man ; the sannne wilfuUle, and upon a madde humor, who had
layde tralnes of powder through the ship, when they were three-
score men or therby, and his owne sone in the shipp. But the
captane, George Wode, and some few with him, were on land.
The shipp and her whole provision was brunt ; onlie the bottome
with some of the munition were safe. Twentie-foure of the men
were brunt or perished in the sea ; the rest were sore mutilated
and laimed, notwithstanding of all the helpe could be made. The
fyre made the ordinance to shoot, so that none durst come neere
to helpe.
MR GAVIXE HAMMILTOUX HIS DEATH.
Mr William Cowper succeedit to jSIr Gavine Hammiltoun in
the bishopricke of Galloway. Mr Gavine forsaking his pastoral
charge of the kirk of Plammiltoun, Avas not content to imbrace the
bishopricke of Galloway, as it had of old annexed the abbacie of
Tungland, but procured a new annexation of other two benefices,
the abbacie of Glenluce, and priory of Quhitterne. Thus became
he a bishope, a double abbot, and a prior. After he was invested,
seldome did he preache. In the diocesan synode he held last
before his death, he was requeisted by the ministers to amend, and
to take him to a particulare charge. lie confessed his offence in
not preaching, but refused to undergoe a particular charge. When
feir of grosser corruptions to proceid from their estate was objected
to him, he acknowledgit there was just cans to feare ; saying, " Ye
count these corruptions great, but who lives sail sic grosser than
these." When jSlr Gilbert Powre, a brother of the ministrie of
Galloway, modestlie refused a carowsse offered by him, he abused
him in presence of other ministers, plucking his hatt from his head
in his furie, and casting it upon the ground. He dispensed with
the mariage of a gentleman in Galloway, named Nivene Agnew of
180 calderwood's historie 1613.
Mais, having his first wyfe alive, notwithstanding that the brethren
of the ministrie in open synod oppouned unto it as a perillous pre-
parative, tending to the overthrow of discipline in that rude diocie,
and to open a port to adulterers. When the raariage of his
daughter upon Campbell, Bishop of Argyle, was solemnized at the
Abbey of Glenluce, where he keeped his residence for the t3'me, he
vomited like a beast at the banket.
MR WILLIAM COWPER MADE BISHOP OF GALLOWAY.
Mr William Cowper succeiding to him, was not content with that
clustering of benefices together which had beene purchassed by his
predecessors, but laboured for the annexation of the Chappell
Koyall to the former foure benefices. After he had accepted the
bishopricke, he sett furth ane apologie in print to purge himself of
covetousnesse and ambition, and gave reasons wherefore he changed
his mynd in some things concerning kirk governement. Sundrie^
answered him in writt, becaus the presse was not patent to them
as to him. He was so vexed Avith answers, that he cast some of
them in the fire before he looked upon them. Yitt Mr David
Hume of Godscroft pressed him with a reply to his answer ; wher-
upon he sett furth his Dikaiologie, wherin he omitteth what he
thought good, and answereth onlie to suche passages of Mr David's
answers as pleased him. Wherupon Mr David wrott ane ample
rejoinder to his Dikaiologie soone after, but never printed, becaus
the gentleman wanted the commoditie of the presse. The more
that Mr Cowper laboured to purge himself, and to give reasons
for his change, the more he opened the mouths of men to speake
of him as he deserved. None fracker against the estate of bishops
in the purer tymes than he ; none now fracker for the present
course and corruptions of the tyme than he. The old say in o-,
Omnes apostata esto sors sui ordinis, was verified in his persone.
Whill he lived, he continued a non- resident, sometymes not once
in two yeers visiting his diocie ; and made his residence at the
foote of the Canongate, that he might be neere to the Chappel
1G13. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 181
Royjill, where he preached as Deanc ; neglecting his diocie, wherin
he ought to have preached as a bishop. But we "will have occasion
to make farther mention of him in the progresse of this Historic.
LIBERTIE TO THE CONFYNED AVITHIN THE DIOCIE OF GLASCO.
Upon the 9th of Februar, libertie to the confyned ministers within
the diocie of Glasco was proclamed at the Crosse of Edinburgh,
purchassed, as was declared in the proclamation, by the Bishop of
Glasco, to repaire to synods and presbyteries ; but bccaus it was
granted onlie but upon condition, to witt, upon assurance given to
his Majestic, that they wold heerafter carie themselfs in that dueti-
full obedience which they ow to his Majestic, and with that i-espect
which becomes them towards their superiors in the church, George
Johnstoun, minister at Ankrome, and Mr David Calderwodc,
minister at Crailling, could not gett the copie of the proclamation
a long tyme efter.
Mr Andro Duncane, somtyme minister at Caraile, efter eight
yeirs exile, for holding the Assemblie of Aberdeene, and declyning
the king's councell, putt up this supplication following for his re-
leefe ; wherupon he obtcaned libertie to returne to his native
countrie, where he remained a constant defender and maintainor of
the established discipline, and puritie of God's worship, to the end
of his life, notwithstanding of all the troubles and miseries he sus-
tcaned before, by long imprisonment, and the exile of raanie yeers: —
" Most Dread So"\':eraigne, — Please your royall Majcstie,
vouchsafe a gracious eare to me, your humble supplicant, lifting up
my hands to heaven day and night to Him who possesseth heaven
and earth, for your gracious Majestie's weilfaire, estate, raigne, and
royall postcritic ; who these manic yeers past, partlie by strait
imprisonment, and partlie by greevous banishment, have becnc
depryved of the libertie of your Majestie's kingdome, and my
native countrie ; beseeke your Majestic most humblie, on my
knees, that now, at length, it wold please your gracious Majestic,
182 calderwood's historie 1613.
according to your accustomed clemencie, to vouchsafe to relent
your Majestie's displeasure against me, and to grant me your Ma-
jestie's peace, in whom allanerlie, the perswasion of your Majestie's
clemencie, extendit to these often tymes who has wrought your
Majestic no small displeasure, has imboldned to undertake so farre
ajourney, both wearisome and expensive, to offer this humble suppli-
cation to your gracious Majestic ; hoping that the great Lord, whose
image and person your Majestic represents heere on earth, will be
effectuallie present with your Majestic; and not permitt your
royall Majestic to frustrate my expectation, or dismisse me from
your Majestie's presence with mater of a heavie heart ; having
come so manic hundreth myles, upon no small charges, all to begge
your Majestie's peace.
'' As to these proceedings which wrought your sacred Majestic
such displeasure, my purpose is not absolutlie to stand to the
justifying therof, being sorie I sould have done anie thing which
might offend my deare Soveraigne, the Lord's anoynted, whom I
serve in his glorious Gospell. Certainlie I was perswadit at that
tyme, that these things for which I have lyen so long under your Ma-
jestie's indignation, were not contrarie to your Majestie's pleasure ;
and, therefore, doubt not but your Highe Majestie will esteeme this
simplicitie of myne to have beene punished sufficientlie, both by
imprisonment and banishment these eight yeers and more. The
thing which for the present I most humblie begge at your Majes-
tie's hand, for that Lord's sake whose Lieutenant your Majestie is,
allanerlie, is your Majestie's peace : for as to my native soile and
aire, the enjoying therof is not so deare to me, I protest, (although
indeid verie deere and desired,) as that I wold desire it, or anie
thing els, but according to your Majestie's good pleasure : protest-
ing, in the meane tyme, and promising with all duetifull and
humble obedience, by God's gracious assistance, to be, and con-
tinue to the end, ane obedient, true, and affectionate subject to
your royall Majestie ; submitting myself in the Lord to whatsom-
ever thing your Highness' Majestic sail please to injoyne me.
" So, after my most humble and heartie snpphcation to the
1613. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 183
INfost High, the King of kings, for your ]\Iajestie's estate, ■\veilfaire,
and royall persone and posteritie ; and after most earnest begging
of your Majestie's most confortable answer ; I end, with all lowli-
ness, on my kness, vowing to be, and continue, by God's grace,
" Your Majestie's most humble, obedient, and weill
aftcctioncd subject, and daylie oratour, from my
heart, as evermore I have beene, to my life's end,
" A. D.
" Presented the 1st of Julie, 1613."
In what case Mr Robert Bruce was in the meane tyme, we may
collect out of his letter directed to Sir James Semple, Laird of Bel-
vise, in the moncth of Februar, the copic wherof followeth : —
" Right Honorable Cousine, — Ye must give me leave to
utter my freindlie counsell against you. To what purpose sould
ye and Mr Peter Ewart have put me in espcrance of libertic by
your letters ? Of yours I saw onlie one, and 1 have foure of Mr
Peter's assuring me of anc confortable ishue. And in tructh, I
gave such credite, and was so certainlie perswadit by him, that I
sent home my wife and children, and spoiled myself of all my out-
ward confurts, and exponed myself in the extremitie of the seasonc
in a cold lodging in thir miserable and barbarous parts, that I have
almost extinguished both my vitall and sensitive spirits. Why wold
ye not signifie his Majestie's will plainlie unto me or to Mr Peter
either ? His Majestie's pleasure wold have beene a law to me.
Yea, if his Hieness wold command me to the scaffold, I have a
good conscience to obey him, and it wold be more welcome to me
nor this lingering death that I am in. The tyme has beene, I
have done his Majestic acceptable service, as his Illencss owne
hand writts beside me will bearc record ; whilk I sail leave to my
posteritie as their rairest Jewells. I thanke God I was never
within the compass of a law, and yitt I am war^ used nor cither
^ Worse.
184 calderwood's historie 1613.
Papist or Atheist ; always I crave noe more of you but a Christiane
cluetie ; as I prayed you in my last letter so Avill I now. Feed me
not with anie complements : the worst sail ay be welcome to me
by His grace who susteans me wonderfullie. I am a man that has
tasted of manie afflictions, and I wait not who crosses me ; but be
it Papist or Atheist, bishop or minister, I will lay over all my ven-
geance where it belongs. As to my prayer in the end of my last
letter to his Majestic, Iheare by Mr Peter Ewart that I was quar-
rellit as if I had prayed for reconciliation in that particular. Indeid,
if it had beene so conceaved, I might have beene justlie quarrelled ;
but the Lord knowes the contrare is most true. I had no more
mynd of that treasoun at that tyme nor the bairne that is yitt
vmborne. As to the rest of my faults ye make in my other letters,
they are but bairnlie ; for suppose I wrott to you with my owne
scrubbing hand, yit it is not worthie to present his Majestic. I
waille^ the best hand that I can gett ; and for the omission of
my subscription, what mervaile, seing I wrott not the bodie? And
yit, the wrytter therof constanthe affirms that I subscryvit, whilk
makes me to think that ye have not receaved my closed letter to
his JMajestie, but the copie therof which I directed to yourself to be
perused, and not to be presented except ye know it wold not offend.
I pray you, cousine, if ye delite in my conversation, let the effect
declare it : let me find the fruict therof; and if ye be not able, let
me be in no war case nor I am in by your deid, for that were need-
less. Suppose ye have gottin new freinds, men, I grant, that are
more able to profite you in your outward estate, yet I will looke
that ye will observe a Christiane duetie toward me. So, wishing
you heartilie weill in the Lord, I take my leave, and rests,
" Your most loving cousine to his power in God,
" Mr Egbert Bruce.
" Innernesse, the 10th of Februare, 1 613."
1 Select.
lGl-4. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 185
M.DC.XIV.
SONE BOKNE TO THE PALATINE.
Ladie Elizabeth, spous to the Palatine, Avas dely vered of a man
chylde the first of Januar. Upon the 14th of Januar, according to
the king's direction, the canons of the Castell of Edinburgh -were
sliott, and the bells runge in signc of joy.
THE DEATH OF MR JAMES MELVINE.
Mr James Melvine, after he had suffered sevin yeers exile onlie
at the king's mere pleasure, endit his days at Bervick in the place
of his confynement in England. His disease ceased upon him when
the Bishope of St Androes sent for him to Edinburgh to conferre
upon the conditions of his home coming ; for Avhile he was in his
journey, he was forced, through the alteration he found in his bodie,
to turne backe againe. The paine of his disease was greevous and
vehement, arising (as the doctours affirmed) from a hudge quantitie
of teugh humours gathered together in his side in the forme of ane
aposteme, whcrin the melancholicke humour was predominant. Sun-
drie things were assayed for purgation both above and under, a\ hieh
procured intermission of paine, but not full cessation. He appre-
hendit death himself, and acknowledgit that he could not die in a
fitter tyme if God thought it good. The reasons of his content-
ment were, first, exemption from sinne and paine : for this purpose
he cited 1 Cor. ii. 5. The nixt was the testimonic of a good con-
science, and keeping fast the truthc without a breache, notwith-
standing of sundrie tentations. He often rejoyced in that speeche
of Paul, 2 Tim. iv. " I am now rcadie to be offered up," etc. The
thrid was, that at his death he confirmed the cause for which he
suffered to the conscience of the godhe, rejoycing with the apostle,
Philip, ii., to be offered up in a sacrifice for their faith. The fourth
186 calderwood's histoeie 1614.
was the sight of the face of God in glorie. His onlie refreshement
and releefe in the extremitie of his paine was pitthie prayer, both
night and day, with manie teares. After he liad begged mercie
and comfort to himself, he ever remembred the kirk in generall,
and in particular the Kirk of Scotland, applying the speeche of
Christ unto her, " O, if thou had eyes, to see the things that belong
to thy peace ! " He prayed for repentance to so manie of the min-
istrie as had made a shisme in the kirk, by ranversing that forme
of governement which once, upon the warrant of God's Word, was
established with uniforme consent, and Avherewith the kirk, for the
space of manie yeers, was happilie ruled. He ever remembered
his fellow-sufferers, and named them by their owne names in parti-
cular to God in his prayer. He was subject to sundrie swarfes
and swounds, which he himself called the forerunners of death.
Upon Wednisday, in the morning, the 19th of Januare, he con-
tinued so long in a swairfe that the beholders looked not for
recoverie. Yitt God blessing the meanes that were used, he re-
vived, and he said to them he was weill if they had lettin him
alone. Seing the time of his departure did draw neir, he resolved
to put his hous in order ; called on his children, who Avere all
present except one : and lifting himself up both in bodie and spirit
in the bed, appointed his eldest sone to be in his rowme as a father
to the rest, and left everie one a pledge of his fatherlie care and
affection. He had a speeche to everie one of them. To Ephraim
he wished the blessing of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying,
" God make thee as Ephraim ; that is, answerable to thy name,
fruictfull in good woi'ks of all sorts." To Johne, that he might be
gracious in the sight of God and man through God's grace. To
Isabell, that she might follow the footstepps of her mother in god-
lines, vertue, and all comlie behaviour. To Anna, humilitie and
meeknes ; and that according to her name she may insinuate her-
selfe in the acceptation and love of all.
After he had blessed his children, he remembered the kirk and
the king with teares, uttering these words, " The Eomishe Hier-
archic will shortlie undoe the religion in Scotland. I pray the
1614. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 187
Lord open the king's eyes that he may see it, and grant him grace
to amend it. In my life I ever detested and resisted it as a thing:
unhiwfull and antichristian, for Avhich I am heer in exile ; and now,
I take you all to witnesse, that I die in that same judgement." He
called to remembrance all his deere acquaintance in Christ, and
namlic, his loving uncle Mr Andro, to whom he gave a honorable
commendation for his literature, but much more for his sinceritic
and curage in the cans of Christ ; which he besought the Lord to
increase and continue to the end. He remembered affectionatelie
some gentlemen of Angus to whome he was obliged, and some of
the ministers of Fyfe and Lothian and the Marche, and some
gentlemen in the Marche, to whom he acknowledgit himself obliged.
He prayed earnestlie for his owne particular flocke, and prayed
earnestlie they might use the occasion Avell which they had for the
crowning of that worke which God had made him ane instrument
to beginne and prosecute. After he had blessed the toun of Ber-
vick, thanked the doctour for his paines, remembred some of hia
acquaintance at London ; he thanked God for the constancie of the
banished brethren, and prayed for perseverance to them to the
end. After these his speeches, he desired Mr Durie the minister
to conclude with a prayer, which he did.
The rest of that day he passed over somtymes in rest, as seemed
to the beholders, and sometymes in paine. About sixe of clocke
at night the Laird of Aitoun, a worthie gentleman, one of his
deere acquaintance, came to visite him. He was so affected with
his comfortable speeches that he stayed Avith him all that night.
"VValkening out of his sleepe about nyne hours at night, [he] found
his paine increasing and his strenth decreasing, wherupon he was
tempted Avith a fcare of impatience, and desired his wyfe to call
for the Laird of Aitoun, and the doctour, Mr Durie. He desired
the doctour for Christ's sake to use some meane to quenche the
paine, for he was unable to byde it. The doctour answered, he
had used all the mcnncs that the witt of man have devised; there
was not rcmeed but patience, which, said he, " God must give : ye
must crave, and we will helpe you." With a heavie sighe he sayeth,
188 calderwood's historie 1(314.
" Lord grant me it ;" and desired them to fall doun on their knees
to begge it. After the minister had ended the prayer, he cried
out with David, Psalme xxxix., " Take away thy plague, for j. am
consumed with the stroke of thyne hand :" and with Job, " Albeit
tliou wold slay me, yitt will I trust in thee." Being overmaistered
with the paine he fell over in a quiet sleepe.
About one of the clocke at night, he walkened, and said to his
sons, " I feare my owne weakenes : take heid to me, for I cannot
last long : goe walken the laird, the doctour, and Mr Durie." He
told the doctour that the paine had flitted from his side and backe,
and was come to his heart, saying, " Palpitat corT The doctour
replyed, that was a tokin his battell was neere ane end. Then he
cryed out with Simeon, " Lord, lett thy servant depart in peace :
myne eyes have seene thy salvation ; a light revealed to the Gen-
tiles, and the glorie of Israel," (Luke ii.) Then he said to the
minister, " Good Mr Durie, give me the last good night : commend
my soule and bodie in the hand of God, my Redeemer." The
prayer being ended, he comforted himself with sundrie passages of
the Psalmes, which he rehearsed in Hebrew; as namlie, that
passage of the 4th Psalme, " Lord, lift up the light of thy counte-
nance upon me ;" and the 27th Psalme, " The Lord is my light and
ray salvation ; what can I feare ?" and of the 23d Psalme, " Albeit I
walked through the valley and shadow of death, yit will I feare
none evill, becaus God is with me." When the candle, which was
standing behinde his backe, was sett before him, he said, " Light
aryseth to the righteous in the midst of darkenes," (Psalme cxii.)
" The Loi'd will lighten my candle ; he will lighten my darknes."
For the space of two houres, he was so vexed with paine at the
heart, that he had nae speechc, bot gave ever a demonstration and
signe with his hand, in token of his joy and feeling, when anie
comfortable sentence of Scripture was uttered to him. When
these words, (John xiv.,) were uttered, " Let not your hearts be
troubled; ye beleeve in God," &c., he lift up his hand to the
heaven. When mention was made of the fyve virgins that had
their lamps in rcadines to meete the bridegroome, he put his hand
1614. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 189
to his heart, and chopped upon it thrise. When he was putt in
remembrance of Paul's words, Romans viii., " Who sail separate
me from the love of God ? sail principalities, or powers," c^c., he
turned the backc of his hand to them all, and rejoyced in this,
that he sould be more than conqueror through Christ that loved
him. Feeling the painc to worke upward, and his care to faile
him, that he heard not so well as he did before, he cryed out, Avhen
they thought power of speeche had left him, poynting his hand to
his eare, " lie is heere, he is heere !" meaning death : " welcome,
welcome ! I am sure now I sail not goe backe againe." Being
asked if he were desirous to turne backe, he answered, " Not for
twentie worlds ;" comforting himself with these words, (Psalme
xxxvi.,) '' How excellent is thy mercie, O Lord ! therefore the
children of men trust under the shadow of thy wings. Thou
feeds them with the fatt things of thy house, and giveth them to
drinke of the rivers of pleasure ; for with thee is the well of life."
Being remembred of Paul's ravishing up to the thrid heaven, and of
the glorious revelations he gott there, he said, Everie one was not
Paul; yitt he was assured to be filled with glorie. When he
called to his rememberancc how Steven saw the heavens opened,
and Christ standing at the right hand of God, he prayed Steven's
prayer, " Lord Jesus, receave my spirit." Wlien anie passage of the
Canticles was read, he was much refreshed, for he had diligentlie
perused that part of Scripture, paraphrased it, and turned it into
metre.
After this maner was the morning putt off, his breath drawing
up continuallie in als great softnes and quyetnes as he had paine
before. AVhen they thought all his sense had failed, becaus
he lay so still, his sone asked in his eare : he answered, not with-
out great difficultie, he was singing the song of the Lamb. They
craved of him the last signe of his inward joy and reddiness to
depart : cheerfullie he lifted up both his hands, and said, " Sweet
Jesus, receave my spirit." After these words, he never stirred,
but sobbed softer and softer, till at lenth he surrendered the spirit,
and that so peaceablie and insensiblie, that none could perccave.
190 calderwood's historie 1G14.
Thus endit that faithfull servant of God, Mr James Melvine,
his dayes in exile, after he had spent a great part of his life in the
service of God, and suffering for the truthe. He Avas one of the
wisest directours of kirk affaires that our kirk had in his tyme,
and for that caus, was ever imployed by the Generall Assemblies,
and other publick meetings appointed by the king and the Gene-
rall Assembleis. He acted his part so gravelie, so wiselie, so
calmelie, that the adversarie could gett no vantage ; yitt the king
being bent to perfyte that worke which he had begunne, of the
advancement of the estate of bishops, called him up to court, noe
doubt by the instigation of the aspyring prelats, but suffered him
never to returne backe againe to his owne native countrie, least
his presence and action sould be anie impediment to his designes.
Thus was the man of God exiled, and deteaned in a forreine
countrie, without conviction of anie cryme, but onlie for feare of
these good parts that were in him. Of his manie imployments in
kirk effaires, yee may read in the preceiding storie.
THE ENGLISH PAELIAMENT EEFUSETH SUBSIDIE.
The king urged a taxation in the parliament of England to releave
him of his debts, which amounted to seventeene hundreth thow-
sand punds stirline. The taxation was refused, and some sharpe
speeches uttered which touched his cariage and govemement, and
some that had cheefe credite about him ; wherupon the king brake
up the parliament, committed the cheef speakers to the Towre.
Soone efter arose, that the Scottish people sould have beene mur-
thered in tyme of the parliament. In the meane tyme, the Erie of
Northamptoun, the king's counterfitt convert, and sone to the old
Duke of Northfolke, preferred by the king to great offices, departed
this life. It was suspected that he poysoned himself for some
treasonable attempt wherunto he was privie.
1614. OF THE KIHK OF SCOTLAND. 191
EASTER COMMUNION COMMENCIT.
Upon the fourth of IMarche, the ministers were commandit by
proclamation, with sound of trumpet, at the Crosse of Edinburgh,
to prepare the people for the Lord's Supper, and to minister it to
them upon Easter day, the 21th of Aprile. The people likways
were commandit to communicat that day at their owne paroche
kirks. The pretence of the charge was the tryall of Popishe recu-
sants ; but the true intent, as the sinceercst sort interpreted it,
was to try how the people wold bcare with alterations and inno-
vations in the worship of God. The most part obeyed, but not all.
THE KING OF DENMAKKE COME SECRETLIE TO COURT.
About the 23d of Julie, the King of Denmarke arryved at Yar-
mouth unlooked for, and went post to court, accompanied onlie
with one other, and Avas at his sister's, the queene's chamber doore,
before he was knowne to be in the countric.
The Earie of Orkney being wairdit in the Castle of Dunbartane,
his naturall sone, Robert Stewart, assembled eight or nyne score
dissolute men, took sundrie strengths in Orknay, went in to the
cheefc toun Kirkwall, fortified the steeple and the castle, ceassed
upon the king's girnell, intrometted with mailes and dueties, and
did what they pleased. The Lords of Secrete Councell directed
the Erie of Cathnes, as the king's lieutenant, against them, upon
the 13th of August, and appointed the thesaurer to furnishe all
things necessar. The erle craved onlie two great canons, powder,
and bullet, and tlucescore souldiours, to be sustained upon the
king's charges. So two great canons were mounted, and brought
out of the Castell of Edinburgh to Leith, where two shipps were
outrigged for transporting them and Caithnes his companie. Caith-
nes appointed his owne freinds and dependers to meete him in
Orknay. They landit upon the 23d of August, within a myle and
a halfe to Kirkwall, and intrenched themsclfs. Manie repaired to
192 calderwood's historie 1614.
the earle efter they were charged by proclamation to assist him as
lieutenant. As they were marching forward to Kirkwall, the
rebells, to the number of fyve hundreth or therabout, went out to
encounter them ; but being hotelie persued they retired, some to
the toun, some to their owne strengths, and deserted the said
Robert. The erle planted his canons, and shott at the castle of
Kirkwall and the steeple, and were answered againe by shotts out
of the castle. Upon the 14th of September, foure of these rebells
that were in the steeple went furth to speeke with the erle, but
were apprehendit and sent to Edinburgh. All rendered upon
IMichaelmas day, the erle promising to solist for their lives. The
two canons were brought up the streete of Edinburgh, and the
keyes of the castle of Kirkwall about their mouths, with sound of
drummes, trumpets, and shotts of ordinance of the castle, upon the
23d of November, and layde in their owne places within the castle.
The castle of Kirkwall was demolished at the king's command.
REBELLION IN ILA.
About the same tyme, there was some commotion in the West
lies, speciallie in the ile called Ila, raised by the Clandonald, who
tooke the castle of Dunmevege, and expelled Mr Andro Knox
the Bishope of the lies' servants. The bishope went to the ile
with sindrie gentlemen and freinds, and offered a remission in the
king or councel's name ; but they refused to render unlesse the
bishope wold procure them confirmation of their rights to their
rowmes and lands in Ila, which they heard some were seeking
from the king ; and wold have pledges from the bishope, to witt,
his owne sone and his cheefe the Laird of Ramfurtie ; threatning
otherways to kill the bishope and all that were with him. So, for
feir of their lives, they delivered the pledges, and the bishope sent
up advertisement to the king with post.
1614. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 193
THE ARCHBISHOPS APPREHEND SOME PREISTS.
About the beginning of October, Mr Johne Ogilbie the Jesuitc
"vvas apprchendit in Glasco. lie had seduced sindrie young men,
and of the better sort of the people, and said masse in sindrie
pUices -within the towne. When the bishope challenged him for
his hardines, he answered, that he hoped to have more friedome
ere it were long ; whcrupon the bishope buffeted him. About the
beginning of November, the Bishope of St Androes' sone, ISIr
Alexander Glaidstanes, apprchendit Moftet, a masse preist, at St
Androes, who was presented before the Lords of Secrete Councell
upon the 10th of December, and was waii'dit in the Castle of
Edinburgh. Some thing the bishope behoved to doe against Pa-
pists for honestie's sake, least they sould seeme to be advanced,
to persecute ministers professing puritie of discipline and God's
worship.
In the beginning of December, sundrie brascn pecccs brought
from the Castle of KirlcAvall to Leith, were brought from Leith to
the Castle of Edinburgh.
OGILBIE AND MOFFET EXAMINED.
Upon the 6th of December, threttene or forteene of the inhabit-
ants of Glasco were convicted for hearing of masse, and resetting a
masse preist, in court holden by the bishope, and thrie of the
Secrete Councell, who had gotten commission at the king's direc-
tion to try. The brute went, that they were to be beheadit,
drawne, and quartered ; but they were in noe danger. Ogilbie
the Jesuite was brought to Edinburgh, and examined by the
bishope, and some of the Lords of the Secrete Councel, to move
[him] to confes where he had beene resett, where he had said
masse, &c. He was not suffered to take sleepe some nights and
dayes together. His braines being light, some secrets were drawne
out of him, but came not to the knowledge of the people. Moffet
VOL. VII. N
194 calderavood's iiistorie 1615.
the preest was examined by tlie Bisliope of St Androes and his
associats.
M.DC.XV.
THE EKLE OF ORKNEY'S BASE SONE EXECUTED.
Upon the 6th of Januar, 1615, Robert Stewart, sone naturall to
the Erie of Orkney, with other fyve of his complices, convicted of
treasonablie taking, keeping, and defending of the castle of Ku'k-
wall, and other strengths in Orkney, were hangit at the Mercate
Crosse of Edinburgh, and died penitent. The said Robert con-
fessed, his father the erle, who then was wairdit in the Castle of
Edinburgh, commandit him to doe that which he did ; but granted
he gave him a contaremand before he entered in execution. The
gentleman, not exceiding twentie-two yeirs of age, was pitied of
the people, for his tall stature and comlie countenance.
COUNTERFITT DEALING AGAINST PAPISTS.
About the midst of Januar, a warrant was sent from the king, to
fyne some of the resetters of Ogilbie the Jesuite, and hearers of
masses in Glasco, and to banishe some others of them out of the
king's dominions. About the end of Januar, the king sent doun
a course to be used in trying of Jesuits, their resetters and hearers
of masse. This seemed rather a hinderance to the execution of
justice upon the persons presentlie guiltie, than to meane in earnest
the repressing of Papists.
THE ERLE OF ORKNEY EXECUTE.
Upon the first of Februare, Pati'ik Erie of Orkney was arraign-
ed in the Tolbuith of Edinburgh, and by ane inqueist of the nobles
and barones was convict of treasone, for the late rebellion in
1615. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 195
Orkney. It was thought, that if he had not twcntie daycs before
confessed that he Avas the author of the said rebellion, and come
in the king's will for the same, that hardlie could he have bcene
convicted by anie law. The wiser and elder sort of the nobilitic
withdrew themselfs from his assise. He had sent to the court to ob-
taine favour, but noc appearance of returning anie answeir. The
ministers finding him so ignorant, that he could scarse rehearse the
Lord's Prayer, intreated the counccl to delay his execution some
few dayes, till he Avere better informed, and rcceaved the Lord's
Supper. Their petition Avas assisted Avith the requeist of some
noblemen, and granted. So he communicate upon the Lord's day,
the 5th of Februare, and was beheadit at the Mercate Crosse of
Edinburgh upon Monday, the Gth of Februare. When Sir Robert
Ker, Erie of Rochester, Avas decourted, the king layde the blame
of his death on him ; but too late, as his custome was, Avhen
maters was past remedie. It is observed that this moneth is fatall
to the kins's blood.
THE CASTLE OF DUMNIVEGE TAKEN.
About the end of Januar, the Laird of Caddell, assisted Avlth
ane armie of Ilieland men, and two Englishe shipps out of Irland,
furnished with canon, poAA'der, and bullet, efter long treattie Avith
the rebells of Ila, landit sixe peece of canon, and shott at the castle
of Dumnivege. Anguse Ooge, the cheefe man Avithin the castle, and
fortcene with him, came furth upon their OAA'ne hazard, and com-
mitted themselfs to the lieutenant's mercie. The rest preassed to
escape by boates in the night ; Avhich when these that Avere in the
shipps perceaved, one of the boates AA'as sunke, and sevin swimming
to land, Avere apprehendit, but the other boate escaped. Sundrie
Avere slaine at the taking of the hous, both Avithin and Avithout :
these that escaped Avcre hardlie persued.
196 calderwood's historie 1615.
OGILBIE THE JESUITE HANGIT.
Upon the last of Februar, Ogilbie the Jesuite, one of the Ogil-
bies of the hous of Brunmure, was arraigned and pannelled before
the Proveist and Bailies of Glasco, the king's judges in that part.
At his examination before some of the counsell and the bishope, he
being asked whither the king being excommunicate by the Pope,
he might depose him, and loose his subjects from the oath of
alledgance ? answered, and subscribed his answeir with his hand,
that he thought the king and his counsel noe competent judges to
him in that mater, and, therefore, wold not directlie answeir to
them touching it ; but before the Pope, his ordinare judge, and
his substitutes. For this his declinatour he was convicted in pre-
sence of sundrie noblemen appointed by the king to be present.
He avouched boldlie that he regardit not the acts of parliament,
or the king's authoritie, so farre as they were repugnant to the
Pope's authoritie. Yit had he small courage when he came to
the scaffold ; died hartles and confortles ; wold not commend
himself to God, at the ministers' desire, but did it efter, at the
desire of the hangman. Some interpreted this execution to have
proceedit rather of a care to blesse the king's governement, than
of anie sincere hatred of the Popish religion. Some deemed that
it was done to be a terrour to the sincerer sort of the ministrie,
not to decline the king's authoritie in anie cans whatsoever. He
was the first preist or Jesuit that was execute since the bastard
Bishope of St Androes was hangit.
EASTER COMMUNION INJOYNED.
A charge [was] proclaimed at the Crosse of Edinburgh, with
sound of trumpet, fyfteene dayes before Easter day, to celebrate
the Communion at Easter in all tymes comming. The king by
his owne authoritie, without the advise or consent of the kirk,
injoyneth kirk orders. The ministers of Edinburgh had ministred
the Communion this yecr a litle before Candlemes.
1615. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 197
About this tyme the brute went, that fyfteene or sixtccnc per-
sons, to witt, Jesuits and their confederats, were come in this
countrie to bereave the king of his life. But [it] proved a lie
devised to grace the kinjr.
MR G. GLAIDSTANES' DEATH.
Mr George Glaidstanes, Bishopc of St Androes, departed this
life in the Castle of St Androes on the 2d of May. Manie tymes
before, becaus his face was disfigured, he had his night bonnet
drawne doun to his nose. "When the ministers of St Androes
inquyred if they sould pray for him publictlie, he answered, it was
not yit tyme. So he was never prayed for publictlie but the same
day that he departed, and that was done without his knowledge.
Unwilling was he to die, or to suffer anie honest man of the minis-
trie come neere him, either to walkcn his conscience or confort
him. At the desire of iiis wife and children he subscrived some
few lyncs, wherin he approved the present course, to procure the
king's favour to them. His fleshe fell off him in lumps. Notwith-
standing of the great rent of his bishoprick, he died in the debt of
twentie thowsand punds. This man was both ambitious and
covetous. Papists and haynous offenders were winked at for bribes
given to his servants and dependers. In his first diocesan synode
of Fife he satt in pompe, with his velvet cushion before him, and
his clerk, Mr Johne Mitchelsone, beside him. ♦ * *
MR J. SPOTTISWODE TRANSPORTED TO THE SEA OF ST AJS'DROES.
Mr Johne Spottiswode, Bishope of Glasco, returned from court
the 10th of June, and Avent to Glasco, secminq- altogether ignorant
who had gotten the gift of the bishopricke of Sant Androes till one
of his servants, waiting in Edinburgh upon the king's patent, sent
to him to come in hast to Edinburgh. When he came he seemed
to be miscontcnt, as desirous to remaine still in Glasco. But in
198 calderwood's historie 1615.
the meane tyme the gift passeth the scales, the tenor wherof heir
followeth : —
" Jacobus, &c. — Quia nobis motescit, archiepiscopatum Sancti
Andrew in manibus nostris per decessum quondam Georgii, ultimi
archiepiscopi ejusdera, nunc vacare, ac Reverendum in Christo
patrem, ac prasdilectura nostrum Consiliarum, Joannem Glascuen-
sem, Archiepiscopum, sufficienter qualificatum esse ad inserviendum
nobis in publicis negotiis, status et ecclesiaj regni nostri Scotiae ;
de cujus aptitudine et qualificatione ad hunc efFectum, diversis
hisce annis elapsis notitiam et experientiam habuimus : Igitur prae-
fatum Reverendum in Christo patrem, a sede et archiepiscopatu
Glascuensi, ad sedem et archiepiscojiatum Sancti Andrew, trans-
portaraus et transmittimus. Nee non damns et concedimus, durante
omnibus vita3 sure diebus, prredictum archiepiscopatum Sancti
Andrea?, integrumque beneficium ejusdem, omniaque alia beneficia
eidem annexata ; cum omnibus et singulis tcrris, mansionibus, cas-
tris, turribus, fortalitiis, maneribus, hortis, pomeriis, molendinis,
silvis, piscariis, annuis, redditibus, ecclesiis, advocationibus, dona-
tionibus, et juribus patronatuum, decimis tam rectoriis, quam
vicariis, fructibus, redditibus, probentibus, emolumentis, feudifirmaj
flrmis, aliisque censibus, firmis, canis, custumiis, commoditatibus,
casualitatibus, annexis, connexis, partibus, pcndiculis, et pertinen-
tiis, hujusmodi quibuscunque, tam spiritualitatis, quam temporali-
tatis, ejusdem, ubicunque eaedem sint et jacent infra dictum regnum
nostrum Scotire ; una cum jure, privilegio, et jurisdictione regali-
tatis libera, capellre et cancellaria? omnibusque et singulis, aliis
dignitatibus, honoribus, proeemincntiis, immunitatibus, jurisdictio-
nibus, et libertatibus, pertinen., et qua? pertinuerunt ad dictum
archiepiscopatum, ullis temporibus prasteritis, a prima fundatione
ejusdem ; et quae possessae et gavisa; fucrunt, sen possidcri aut
gavicri potuisscnt, per dictum quondam Georgium, Sancti Andreas
Archiepiscopum, aut aliquos alios suos praidecessores, virtute pro-
visionum dicti archicpiscopatus, aliorumque beneficiorum quorum-
cumque eid'cm, per quibus annexatorum ipsis dcsuper confectis :
Cum potcstate prajfato Joanni, tcncndi, gaudendi, et possidendi,
1615. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 199
dictum archicpiscopatum Sancti Andrea;, ac bencficlum cjusdem,
omniaquc alia beneficia cidem anncxata. Cum omnibus ct singulis
terris, mansionibus, et castri;?, turribus, ct fortalitiis, mancricbus,
hortis, pomeriis, molcndinis, silvis, piscariis, ccclcsiis, advocationi-
bu8, donationibus, et juribus patronatuum, jurisdictione, jure, ct
privilcgio regalitatis, libcrreque capellie et canccllaria?, omnibus-
que aliis honoribus, dignitatibus, praicminentiis immunitatibus,
jurisdictionlbus, ct libcrtatibus quibuscunque ; nee non rcclpiendi,
levandi, et disponendi, super omnibus et decimis tam rectoriis, quam
vicariis, feudifirma; firmis, aliisquc ccnsibus, firmis, canis, custumiis,
fructibus, rcdditibus, emolumentis, easualitatibus, profituis, et dc-
voriis, tam spiritualitatis quam temporalitatis, ad dictum archicpis-
copatum, aliaque beneficia eidem anncxata, pertinen. et spcctan.,
aut qua3 possessa?, gavisa?, et levatai fuerunt, per dictum quondam
Gcorgium, Sancti Andreas Archiepiscopuni, aut aliquos alios suos
pra^decessores quibuscunque, temporibus prreteritis ; cum omnibus
et singulis libcrtatibus, commoditatibus, liberc et quicte, etc.,
absque ulla revocationc, etc., Prrccipiendo Dominis nostri Consilii
et Sessionis, quatcnus concedant et dirigant alias nostras literas,
super simplice mandato decem dicrum solummodo, ad instantiam
dicti Reverendi in Cbristo patris, ad causandum ipsura, suosquc
factores et camei'arios, suo nomine, prompte reponderi ct obediri,
dc omnibus et singulis decimis, tam rectoi'iis, quam vicariis, feudi-
firma firmis, aliisque censibus firmis, canis, custumis, easualitatibus,
fructibus, rcdditibus, proficiis, proventibus, cmolumentis, et devoriia
quibuscunque, ad dictum archicpiscopatum, aliaque beneficia cidem
anncxata, pertinen. et spcctan. de cropa annoque Domini millesimo,
sexcentesimo, decimo quinto ; et similiter, de omnibus annis et
terminis futuris, durante vita sua ; et etiam, pro redditione ct
delibcrationc dicto Ivcvcrendo patri, aliisque suo nomine, omnia
casti-a, turres, fortalicia, mancres, mansiones, hortos, pomeria,
domes, asdificia, ct alia quaicumque, ad dictum archicpiscopatum
pertinen. et spcctan.
" Vobis, etc. Apud GrecnAviche, pcnultimo die mensis Maij, anno
Domini millesimo, sexcentesimo, decimo quinto ; rcgnorumquo
nostrorum annis quadragesimo octavo et decimo tcrtio."
200 calderwood's historie 1615.
Mr George Glaidstanes, Bishope of St Androes, was buried
upon the seventh of Junie in St Androes. A cannabie of blak
velvet was borne above the coffine bj four men ; and yit the corps
was not in the coffine, but buried soone efter his death. Mr Wil-
liam Couper made his funerall sermon, full of vile flatterie and lyes,
and knowne to be so by the people, and therefore was he derided.
It was reported that the king bestowed ten thowsand merks upon
his buriall.
SIR JAMES MACCONNELL's RYOTS AND REBELLION.
Sir James Makconneill escaped out of the Castle of Edinburgh,
where he had been wairdit the space of eighteen yeers. Upon the
twentie-fourt of Maij, the day efter, Anguse Ooge, his brother, and
eight or nyne of his complices, were brought to Edinburgh. It
was thought he escaped not without the privitie of these who had
crcdite. In the beginning of Julie he entered in Ila, with a
number of the men of the lies, and within three or foure dayes
efter his landing tooke the castle, slew the captane and other thrie
or foure. His forces increasing, he went out of Ha and spoiled
the lands belonging to the Erie of Argile, compelled their tenents
to pay him their mailes and dueties, and keeped about him fy ve or
sixe hundreth men.
ANGUSE OOGE AND HIS COMPANIE HANGIT.
Upon the eight of Julie, Anguse Ooge, brother to Sir James
jNIakconnell, and his complices, were hangit at the Mercate Crosse
of Edinburgh. They affirmed that George Traquaire assured *hem
in the chancellour and counsel's name, that they wold procLre the
king's favour and safetie both of their ly ves and lands, if they wold
render the pledges ; and desired them to keepe the hous till the
king's favour were obtained, or els they had not made resistance
to the king's lieutenant. Becaus tlie said George was not troubled
by the counsel or anie other, the people thought hard of it.
1615. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 201
THE WIIILLIWHAES.
About this tyrae, ccrtalne bair and idle gentlemen lay in wait
upon passengers, by the ways about Edinburgh, and in other parts
of Eist Lothian, and wold needs have money from them. The
commonc people called them Whilliwhaes.
MR SPOTTISWODE INAUGURED BISHOPE OF SANT ANDROES.
Upon the thrid of August, Mr Spottiswode made his progresse
to St Androes. Manie noblemen and gentlemen mett him, and
accompanied him. lie preached upon the fift of August before
noone. The efternoone was spent with fyres of joy and other
pastyms. The day following, that is, the Lord's day, Mr William
Couper, Bishope of Galloway, preached, and Mr Spottiswode was
inaugured Bishope of St Androes. Manie bishops, especiallie
suiFragants, were present.
MR J. MALCOLME SUMMONED BEFORE THE niGHE COMMISSION.
Upon Tuysday the 8th of August, Mr Spottiswode, Bishope of
St Androes, held a court of Ilighe Commission. Mr Johne Mal-
colme, minister at Perth, a grave, godlie, and learned man, was
cited to compeir before them for his Epistle Dedicatorie prefixed
to his Common tarie on the Acts of the Apostles, Avherwith not
onlie they themselfs, but also the king, howbeit the booke was
dedicate to the king, was offendit, as they alledgit. They found
fault with two points in it ; one, wherin he requeisted the king to
recall the banished ministers, alledging they were more faithfuU
subjects to his Majestic than those who had receaved great bene-
fices at his hands : another, wherin he regrated the corruption
brought in into the kirk by unlearned and unsanctified men. Mr
Johne, well accompanied with his parochiners, compeired ; exponed
his meaning, which was putt in writt. lie was desired to subscribe
202 calderwood's historie 1615.
it, that his Majestie might be satisfied. Becaus the bishops stiled
themselfs " Lords," he wokl not subscribe it till that title were
putt out, and the Avord " Wisdomes" putt in stead of it. The
declaration was sent to the king.
THRIE PAPISTS PRESENTED TO THE SCAFFOLD FOR A MOCKE.
William Sinclare, Eobert Wilkie, * * Cruikshanks, were
convicted upon the fourteenth of August, for resetting the Jesuits
above-named, and heiring of masse. The day following, betuixt
foure and five afternoone, they were brought furtli with their hands
bound to the scaifold, sett up beside the Crosse, and a gallouse in
it according to the custome of execution. Whill a great multitude
of people was gazing to sie the execution, there was a warrant
presented to the magistrats of Edinburgh to stay the execution.
So they were turned backe againe to their wairds. The people
thought this forme of dealing rather mockeric than punishment.
ARGILE PERSUETH MACCONNELL.
Upon the 16th of August, the Erie of Argyle came to Edin-
burgh, sent from court by the king, to passe upon Sir James
Makconnell. He had commission to wairne and raise the shireiF-
doms nixt adjacent, and to wage souldiers upon the king's charges.
One of the king's sliipps and foure pinnages were sent by sea with
canon, musket, powder, bullet, pick, and corslett. The counsell
gave them their direction upon the thrid of August. About the
midst of September, their forces drawing neere to other, Colene
Campbell of Kilbervie, and some with him, were surprised and taken
by Col Makgilespicke and his followers. Mr Donald Campbell,
that gentleman of the house of Caddell, accompanied with sixe or
seven hundreth men, went out of Argyl's carape, and surprised in
a sudden Col Makgilespicke and his companie, killed some, tooke
others, and hanged some. Col himself, and the most part, hardlie
escaped. Sir James, and so manie as might flie with him, fledd
1615. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 203
out of Kintyre to Ila. All his followers could not flie, bccaus Mr
Donald Campbell had ceassed upon manie of the boatcs. Argile
finding it dangerous to remaine longer in the feilds, Avinter drawing
on, for it was now midd October, and his companies dissolving,
practised Avith Col Makgilespicke. Col rendered the castle of
Dunnivege, Colenc Campbell of Kilbervic, and himself, to the eric.
Hm J. LAW IXAUGURED BISHOP OF GLASCO.
In the beginning of September, Mr James Law, BIshope of
Orkney, was inaugured Bishopeof Glasco. Mr George Grahame,
Bishope of Dumblane, w^as appointed, in October following, to suc-
celd in the sea of Orkney. Mr Adam Bannatyne, minister at
Fawklrk, and sometyme a vehement opposite against bishops, was
consecrated Bishope of Dumblane. lie had said before, that Mr
George Grahame, the excrement of bishops, had gotten the
bishoprick of Dumblane, the excrement of bishopricks : now, he is
not ashamed to lick up his excrements, and to accept that meane
bishoprick to patche up his broken lairdship. lie and Mr William
Murrey, persone of Dysert, and Mr Johne Abernethie, minister at
Jedburgh, made everie one their owne moyen at court for the
bishopricke of Glasco. But the king preferred Mr James LaAv,
for the good service he had done at the overthrow of the discipline
of the kirk. This man was ingadgit in debt likways before he
entered in that course, Avhich was a speciall motive, beside his
ambition and covctousnes.
About this tyme, twcntie-sixe shipps were suffered to come
through the narrow seas from Spaine to Dunkirk, with souldiers,
not without the King of Britaine his licence, as was alledgit.
ROCnESTEIi COMMITTED TO THE TOWRE.
Sir Robert Ker, Lord Sommersett, and Erie of Rochester, was
examined by some of the counsell of England, at the king's direc-
tion, for poysouning of Sir Thomas Ovcrberrie, imprisoned in the
204 calderwood's historie 1615.
Towre. At last, by speclall direction from the king, he was
degraidit of his honours, caried to the Towre by water, and putt
in at the Traitour Gate. He Avas privie to the poysouning ; but
MS ladie, the Erie of Essex' wife, and her mother, were the cheefe
actours. Sir Thomas was Rochester s cheefe counsellour, and
crossed the matche so farre as he miffht.
THE ARCHBISHOPS GIVE HOMAGE.
Upon the twentie-slxt of November, the Archbishops St Androes
and Glasco, after sermon made by Mr William Couper, Bishope
of Galloway, gave their oaths of alledgance as subjects, renuncing
all forraine authoritie, temporall or ecclesiasticall ; and of homage
for their archbishopricks upon their knees, holding up their hands
to the lord chancellour, who was then commissioner for the king,
and sitting under a cannabic of velvet in the Royall Chappell, in
presence of the secretare, advocate, manic lords of the Counsell
and Session, sundrie other noblemen, and other people who were
present.
THE UNITING OF THE COURTS OF THE HIE COMMISSION.
The courts of the Hie Commission were united in forme and
maner following, in the moneth of December ; — •
" James Eex.
" Our Soveraigne Lord ordeans a letter to be made under his Hie-
nes' great scale in due forme, making mention, that for sameikle as it
has beene heavilie complained to his Majestic, in the behalfe of
the ministrie of the kingdome of Scotland, of the frequent advoca-
tions made by the Lords of Counsell of the same kingdome, against
such as are either erroneous in religion, or scandalous in life,
wherby they are not onlie discouraged from censuring of vice, but
the offenders so muche the more emboldened to continue in their
wickcdnes ; using their advocation as a meane and delay, both to
1615. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 205
disappoint tryall and punishment ; knowing that manle of the
ministrie, in regard of the nieannesse of their provision, arc unable
to attend, and prosecute the dyet of such processe : The mater
controveened being also unproper to the counsell to cognosce upon :
For eschewing of the which inconveniences, and that the number
of true professors may be knowne to increase, the Antichristian
enemie and his grouth suppressed, all kinde of vice and scandalous
life punished ; and that noe cover of iniquitie, nor delay of tryall,
and punishment of the offender, be left, by this subterfuge of dis-
charging the ecclesiasticall censure to proceede in things so mere
proper for them ; or being otherways of a mixt naturc,_iu regard of
the danger and sequcle of law by reason of the offence committed ;
which in this case can noe way be so weill supplied, as by the par-
ticular choise of some nobilitic, clergie, other laicks and ministers,
being weill affected in religion, zealous in the caus of God, and
desirous to have all vice and sinne punished, and the increase and
grouth of the enemie stayed : And becaus the citation of the for-
said persons is oft tyms protracted or delayed by absence of anie
of our two archbishops of Scotland, either by sicknes, or for other
reasonable causes, so that by the absence of our Archbishope of
St Androes, the scandalous persons within the province and diocie
of St Androes can not be cited to compeir before our Archbishope
of St Androes as their ordinar ; and by the absence of our Arch-
bishope of Glasco, the offenders within the province or diocie of
Glasco cannot be cited to compeerc before our Archbishope of
Glasco ; sua that the scandalous persons, at the least, the most
part, escape all punishment : Therefore, for remeade heirof, out of
his duetie towards God, and love to His kirk, being the nurse-father
of the same upon earth within his ]\Iajestie's dominions ; and grelv-
ing, that either heretiks, schismatiks, or scandalous livers, sould find
anie subterfuge, colour, or escape the old ordinar course from the
ecclesiasticall punishment appointed by the lawes of his Hienes
against the offenders in such cases ; has given, granted, and com-
mitted, and by the tenour heirof gives, grants, and committs, full
power and commission to the most reverend fathers in God, and
206 calderwood's historie 1 615.
his Hienes' right trustie and wellbeloved counselours, Johne Arch-
bishope of St Androes, Primate and Metropolitane of Scotland,
and James Bishope of Glasco, conjunctlie and severallie ; and
Alexander Erie of Dumfermeline, Chanceller of our realme of
Scotland, Johne Erie of Marre, George Erie of Marshall, Johne
Erie of Montrose ; Peter Bishope of Aberdeene, Alexander Bishope
of Murray, William Bishope of Galloway, Patrik Bishope of Rosse,
Andrew Bishope of Brechine, Alexander Bishope of Caithnes,
Adam Bishope of Dumblane, Andro Bishope of Ai-gile, and George
Bishope of Orkney ; the Lord Binning, Secretai-e of our realme
of Scotland, * * * Lord Lindsay, William Lord Sanquhare,
* * * Lord Forbesse, Walter Lord Blantyre, Sir Richard
Cockburne of Clerkingtoun, Lord • Privie Scale, Sir Alexander
Hay of Quhitburgh, knight. Clerk of Register, Sir William Olyphant
of Newtoun, knight, our Advocate, Sir Gedeon Murray of Elibank,
knight, our Thesaurer-depute, Sir David Carnegie of Kinnaird,
knight. Sir William Livingstoun of Kilsyth, knight ; Maisters Pa-
trik Galloway, Johne Hall, Peter Ewart, Andro Ramsay, ministers
of our burgh of Edinburgh ; Mr Johne Ramsay, minister at * *
Mr Johne Hay, person of Renfrew, Mr William Birnie, minister at
Aire, Mr Johne Abernethie, minister at Jedburgh, Mr Edward
Hepburne, minister at * * Mr Johne Mitchelsone, minister at
Bruntisland, Mr Theodore Hay, persone of Peebles ; Maisters
Thomas Henrisone and Johne Arthure, commissars of Edinburgh ;
Mr Johne Weemes, commissar of St Androes, Mr William Hay,
commissar of Glasco, or anie fyve of them, the saids Archbishops
of St Androes and Glasco, or anie one of them, being of the num-
ber of the forsaids : To summoun or call before them, at such tyme
and places as they sail think most meete, all persoun or persons
dwelling within our countrie of Scotland, and within the provinces
of St Andrewes and Glasco, and diocies of the samme, being
offenders either in life or religion, whom they find anie ways to be
scandalous ; and speciallie, resetters and intercommoners with
Jesuits, Seminarie and Masse preests, or excommunicated Papists,
sayers and hearers of masse, recusants and not-communicants, in-
1G15. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 207
cestuous and adulterous persons ; and that they take tryall of the
saniinc ; and if they find them guiltic and impenitent, refusing to
acknowledge their oftence, they sail give direction and command
to the preachour or minister of that paroche where they dwell, to
proceede with the sentence of excommunication against them ;
which sentence, if it be protracted or delayed, and their command
by that minister be not presentlie obeyed, they sail then conveenc
anie such minister before them, and proceid in censuring him for
his disobedience, either by suspension or deprivation, or other ways,
according as in their discretion they sail hold his obstinacie and
refusall of their directions to have deserved. And farther, to
fyne at their discretions, imprisone, or waird anie such persons,
who being conveened before them, they sail find upon tryall, or
contumacie, their non-compeirance to have deserved such punish-
ments for the saids crymes ; and a warrant under the hand of anie
fyve above-named, anie one of the saids archbishops being always
one of them, sail serve for a suJBcicnt command to the captains
and constables of his Hiencs' wairds and castles, and to all kcipers
and jaylers of all prisons or wairds either within burghe or land,
within anie part of the said countrie, for receaving and deteaning
of such persons as sail be unto them directed to be keiped by them,
in such forme, as by the saids warrants sail be prescribed ; as the
saids offenders will answeir to the contrare at theii* perill. And
of all such fynes as sail be imposed upon anie offenders, the one
halfe to apperteene to his Majestic and his Hienes' treasurer;
another halfe to be imployed upon such necessarie charges as the
saids commissioners sail be forced unto, by charging of Papists and
witnesses to compeire before them ; and the superplus to be
bestOAved at the sight of the saids commissioners ad pios usus.
And that the saids letters be extendit in the best forme, with all
clauses needfuU ; and with command therin to the Lords of his
Ilienes' Privie Counsell of Scotland, upon the sight of anie certi-
ficate subscribed by anie five of the saids commissioners, the saids
archbishops being always two of them, either of fyne imposed
upon anie partie found guiltie, or of the contumacie or refusall of
208 calderwood's historie 1615.
anie partie to compeire before them, to direct a summare charge of
horning upon ten dayes onlie, for payment of the fynes to be im-
posed upon them ; and to direct his Hienes' letters and warrant
for present denuncing of persons that are contumacious, for their
contumacie and refusall to compeire, being lawfuUie called to that
effect : And that noe suspension nor relaxation be granted without
a certificat under the bishop's hands, of the partie charged of his obe-
dience and satisfaction. And in case of farther disobedience of the
partie who sail be charged for his fyne of non-compeerance, his Ma-
jestic then ordains his Lords of Counsell to prosecute the most strait
order, as is used against anie others his Hienes' rebells for anie
other cans whatsoever : With power to the saids commissioners to
proceid heirin, and als to take tryall of all persons that have made
defection, or otherways are suspected in religion ; and as they find
anie just caus against them, to proceede in maner forsaid. Com-
manding alsua, by thir presents, the captanes and leivtenants of
his Majestie's guardes, proveists, and baillies of burghes where the
said commissioners sail sitt, shereffs, and baillies of regalities, and
all others his Majestie's officers and ministers of the lawes, to
searche, seeke, take, and apprehend all and sundrie persons his
Majestie's leiges, whom the said commissioners sail think meete to
be presented to their judgement and tryall, upon a warrant sub-
scribed by anie five of the saids commissioners, anie of the saids
archbishops being alwayes one of them. And also, whensoever they
learne or understand of anie minister, preachers, or teachers in
schooles, colledges, or universities, or of exhorting and lecturing
reiders within these bounds * * * , * * *
against the present established order of the kirk or estate, against
anie of the conclusions of the bypast Generall Assemblie holden at
Glasco, acts of parliament, and speciallie the act of parliament
holden at Edinburgh in October 1612 yeers ; and, therfore, efter
calling before the saids commissioners, they sail be questioned upon
the points of that which is layed against them, and punished accord-
ing to the qualitie of their offence. And wheras complaints sail
be made unto them by anie partie that sail be conveened before
1615. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 209
anic ecclesiasticall jiulicatour, for anic suchc cry me as he sail be
suspected of, and the partie alledge there that the mater it self is
impertinent to that judicatour, and the proceedings to be and to
have been unformall ; or that the judicator it self has beene par-
tiall ; and when the salds commissioners sail sie a just caus, they
sail tak * * ^ lyk as it sail be leasome to Avhatsocver
persone or persons to appeale to the saids commissioners from anic
inferiour ecclesiasticall judge upon anic reasonable caus. Then,
and in that case, the saids commissioners to take cognition therin,
the case of appellation being found reasonable. AVith power also
to the saids commissioners to mak choise of the clerk, procurator-
fiscall, and other members of court ; and to direct precepts in name
of the saids archbishops and their associats for citation of anie
parties before them within the bounds of the said countrie in anie
of the causes or cases above named : Which precepts sail be sealed
with a speciall scale, conteaning the armes of the saids two arch-
bishops. And these presents sail be a sufficient warrant, both for
making and using the said scale. And to charge witnesses to com-
peer before them, under the paine of fourtie punds usuall money of
this our realme of Scotland ; and upon a certificat from the saids
commissioners that anie of the said penalties are incurred by their
contumacie, the saids Lords of Counsell sail direct the like charges
for payment of the same as is appointed for the fynes. Attour,
our said soveraigne lord, by the tenour heirof, dischargeth the Lords
of his riienes' Counsell and Session of all advocating to themselfs
from our ecclesiasticall judicatories anie of the maters of the quali-
ties abovewrittin ; but that they referre the samine to the decision
of the saids commissioners : And, gcnerallie, to doe all and whatso-
ever things the saids commissioners sail hold fitt and convenient
for his Ilienes' service lieirin, according to the intent and purpose
of his Majestie's commission. Charging likways and commanding
all and sundrie his Ilienes' leigcs and subjects whom it effeirs to
rcddilie answeir and obey the saids commissioners, or anie five
of them, anie of the saids archbishops being always one of them,
their officers and ministers, in all and sundrie things concerning the
VOL. VII. O
210 calderwood's histopje 1615.
premisses, under all lilest paine and charge that efter may follow :
and ordains our great scale to be appendit to the same. Wherto
these presents sail be a sufficient warrant.
" Givin at Roystoun, the 21st day of December, the yeir of God
1615 yeirs, and of our raigne 49 and 13 yeers.
" A. Chang. Binning.
" P. Murray. Alexander Hay."
THE TYRANNIE OF THE BISHOPS IN THE HIE COMMISSION.
At the first there were two courts of Highe Commission, wherof
the two archbishops were heads. But seing the Hie Commission
is their strongest hold, they thought good to make it stronger by
uniting the two courts in one at the renewing of the commission
occasioned by the death of the last archbishope, that all the sub-
jects within either of the provinces might be drawne to this one
court. The two archbishops, Mr Johne Spottiswode and Mr James
Law, some tyme ministers within the presbyterie of Linlithgow,
two prettie football men, have now, as we use to say, the ball at
their foote. They were both neere the point of suspension in the
purer tymes for the profanation of the Sabboth : now they have
power to suspend, deprive, imprisone, fyne, or confyne, anie minis-
ter in Scotland. In this court of Hie Commission they and the
rest of their fellow bishops maintained their usurped authoritie,
overrule ecclesiasticall judicatories, put in execution the acts of
Assemblies overruled by themselfs ; knowing verie weill they will
not gett concurrence in presbyteries or synods, the ordinarie judi-
catories of the kirk, to suspend or deprive ministers for not-con-
formitie or obedience to these acts. So the acts of unlawfull As-
semblies are violentlie obtruded upon the kirk by a judicatorie
which is not a kirk judicatorie ; and the bishops overrule the kirk
by a power never given them by the kirk.
161G. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 211
M.DC.XVI.
A FYRIE DRAGON IN THE LIFT.
Upon the 27th of Januar, about five efternoone, there was a
great fierie starre, m forme of a dragon with a taile, running through
the firmament ; and in the running giving great light and spouting
fyre, which continued a prettic space before it vanished. Others
describe it thus : that the night being fair and frostie, there arose
a great fierie light in the south-west, efter the setting of the sunne,
and ranne to the north-eist, having at the end therof, as it were,
the shape of the moone, and when it vanished out of sight, there
were two great cracks heard, as if they had beene thunderclapps.
There followed a great cahnnes and frost for eight or ten days,
but the moneth following was bitter and stormie weather.
PREPAILVTIOX FOR THE KING's COMING TO SCOTL^U^D.
The chancelour and secrctare returned from court, and came to
Edinburgh upon the 24th of Aprile, and the Bishope of St Androes
soone efter. Efter their returne, the brute went, that the king
was to come to Scotland the ycir following, which was confirmed
by the repairing of the Castle of Edinburgh and the Palace of
Ilalyrudhous not long efter ; and by proclamations, that none hunt
within eight myles to the king's houses, that noe wyld foule or
venison be slaine.
FALS RUMOURS OF CONSPIRACIE AGAINST THE KING.
About this time rumor went, that there were ten Jesuits landit
either in Scotland or England, who had sworne at the taking of the
sacrament to bereave the king of his life. The flattering ministers
of Edinburgh, without great advisement, made report of these news
212 calderwood's historie 1616.
in the pulpit. But it was a plaine fiction, made of purpose to
make everie man conceave weill of the king now, when he was to
indict a Generall AssembHe where moe innovations were to be
brought into the kirk.
Upon the 12th of June, the Marqueis of Ilunthe compeered
before the commission, but refused to subscrive the Confession of
Faith, or to give anie kind of satisfaction ; wherupon he was
wairdit in the Castle of Edinburgh, but was releived out of waird
upon the 18th day, by a warrant from the king, to come up to
court. The bishops seemed to be miscontent becaus the power of
the Hie Commission was vilipendit, as they alledgit. But it seemeth
the warrant to waird him and to releive him were both coyned at
one time ; yitt manie of the counsell, not privie to the mysterie of
the mater, voted that he sould be deteaned in waird, or at least
his libertie sould be referred to the Highe Commission. The votes
being equall, Chancelour Seatoun inclyned to Huntlei's side, wher-
upon he was sett at libertie. The Archbishope of St Androes sent
a letter to the king to informe him how they had wairdit the Mar-
queis of Huntlie. The king, in a letter sent to the bishope,
approved the proceeding of the Hie Commission against the mar-
queis, and declared that he had dispatched a letter to the marqueis
to come to court before he had receaved his letter ; and therefore
commandit that he sould be deteined still in waird, and if he were
releived to recall him againe. But the marqueis was alreadie in
journey.
THE KING S LETTER TO MR JOHNE SPOTTISWODE, BISHOP OF ST
ANDROES.
" Eight Reverend Father in God, right trustie and weilbeloved
Counselour : we greete you weill.
" We have received your letter of the 13th of this instant,
wherby ye and the remanent bishops doe give us accompt of the
Highe Commission's proceedings, and the causes moving them at
their last meeting to committ the Marqueis of Huntlie. And as
1616. OP THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 213
we are vvclll pleased both Avitli your assembllc, and that effect ther-
of, espcciallle at this time of so great defection and apostacie in the
North, so it is our pleasure that the said niarqucis be noe ways
releeved of his commandit restraint, but that he remaine therin,
notwithstanding our late letter sent to him, which being directed
and despatched befor we knew of his restraint, is not to be inter-
preted as a warrant for his releefe therof. So as, notwithstanding
the said letter, ye are still to dcteane him if he be in prison, and
otherways, to cans him re-enter the same. And selng now ye have
made so fair anc entrie and way to curb and correct Poperie, and
prevent the future growth and increase therof, so we are the more
eamestlie to pcrswade you to sett forward in so goode a course,
without fainting or wearying ; becaus at this time of the marqueis
his imprisonment, everie man will be in expectation of some reall
effect, and worke of reformation. "Wherfore you, and all the rest
of your coUedges, are to use the greatter care and diligence in your
proceeding against the Jesuits, Preists, and Papists in these parts,
and cheeflie against these of the said marqueis, his name, kin, and
dependance, by citation, or such other course as ye sail think most
fitt for their disco verie, persute, tryall, and punishment. Wherin,
as we doubt not but ye Avill perform e all that we can expect or
require at you, so may ye be confident of our spcciall approbation
and aide, to be conferred to anie lawfuU course that ye intend or
take for the same. In the meane time, among other particulars of
that letter sent unto us, we cannot but take speciall notice of the
devilishe disposition of Cornclet Gordon's wife, in railing so
wickedlie against a preacher, and using such speeches, to divert
people even at the church doore from entering to hcare the Word.
"Wherfor our pleasour is, that ye resolve upon the most expedient
course to bring her to Edinburgh, and she to be committed in the
Tolbuith therof; for if these speeches expressed in the said letter
be verified against her, we will repute her als infamous, odious, and
punishable, as anie witche. And unlesse by her punishment we
be confirmed of her guiltines, we must esteeme the information
made against her to be but an invention, and you too casilie to
214 calderwood's historie 1616.
have beleeved a lie. According to your desire, we have required
our deputie-treasurer to caus dispatche the guarde to persue Geicht,
and take his hous, and for punishing the rest, that being cited,
compeered not before our High Commission. We have willed
him to proceede against all and everie one of them, with all severi-
tie and rigour of law. And to conclude, wheras ye desire the
declaration of our pleasure concerning Mr Johne Murrey, seing
by his conformitle he has given you satisfaction, we are weill pleased
that ye place him in Dumfermeline, or els where, as ye sail think
most fitt. And so we bid you farweill.
"At Wantstrade, the 22d of June 1G16."
MR JOHNE MURRAY TRANSPORTED TO DUMFERMELINE.
In the end of this letter, mention is made of jNIr Johne Murrey
his conformitle, and therupon of his transportation to Dumfermeline.
The trueth is, he never promised conformitle. The occasion of his
transportation to Dumfermeline was this following : —
Efter that the toun of Dumfermeline was deprived of their
minister, Mr Johne FairfuU, through the malicious information of
his college, Mr Andro Forrester, who stirred up the chancelour
against him, the parochiners were earnest with the presbyterie of
Dumfermeline to concurre with them in sute for Mr Johne Mur-
rey, who had his residence for the time in Saltprestoun ; for the
better sort of the people went upon the Sabboth day to other kirks,
loathing to heir Mr Andro, for the wrong he had done to his
college, [and] the scandals both in his calling and conversation.
The man was beside both giftles and graceles. The brethrein of
the presbyterie concurring with the elders of the kirk, and the
Weill affected of the paroche, sent diverse times to Mr Johne their
requcists subscribed with their hands, and Mr Andro subscribed
with the rest. They cntreatted him likways by their ccmrais-
sioners to pittie their desolate estate. He yeildit, provyding he
might have a safe and frie accesse to them, Avithout anie medling
of the bishope in that mater. They dealt with the bishope to take
IGIG. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 215
noc notice of It ; but the bishope upbraidit them for presuming to
sccke one Avith -whom the king was offendit, and had opposed
himself to the king's service. Yitt they still insisted, and shewed
they had noe other meanc to gett a helper ; for Mr Forrester had
gotten his colleg's stipend amassed with his owne, by Chancelour
Seatoun his moyen, and was formallie presented to it Avith all the
ceremones accustomed. This was done to close up the entrie to
another. The bishope, iu end, through their Importunltie, and the
neeessitie they had of a helper, was content to winke. So Mr
Johne removed his familie from Prcstoun Pannes, and went to
Dumfermeline.
Foure yeers he ministred freelie as a voluntarc, without a stipend.
The people contested noe more with Mr Forrester, having content-
ment otherways. But he waxing proude, as if he had awed them
with authoritie of the bishope, beganne to inveighe against the
better sort, to vexe them, and greeve his helper, to whom he Avas
so much obliged, both for his voluntarie helpe, and procuring the
resort of the peo[>le to their owne kirk. AVhill he was in the
height of his humour, thinking himself safe in his place and pro-
vision, the Lord walkened his conscience, and forced him to con-
fesse that Avhich was knowne to noe man ; to wItt, that he had
sundrie times stollen out of the kirk boxe the silver gathered for
the poore. This he did, betuixt the secund and thrid bell, In the
sessioun-hous ; and went immediatlle to the pulpit, compared the
better sort of the people to Judas and Pilate, and himself to Christ,
allede;Ino: he was crucified Avitli their tounges. When he was thus
troubled in his mind, he concealed not this his haynous offence from
auie that came to visite him ; confessed God had never called
him to the ministric, but that he had craftilie insinuate himself,
and walked In it with hypocrisie and dissimulation all his dayes.
When the magistrats came to visite him, he cryed out ferfullic,
saying, they Avere come to take him to execution. From this time
furth, he durst never mint to anie exercise, but gave over both
place and stipend.
Thus was he, by God's mightie hand from heaven, noc man
216 calderwood's historie 1616.
having hand in the mater, thrust out of the ministrie with shame,
who had thrust out his college, and closed the doore to another
college in time comming. Then the presbyterie and parochiners
intreatted the said Mr Johne to take upon him the charge, seing
the Lord had so wonderfuUie redd the way to him. He re-
fused for sundrie reasons ; as, first, that the bishope wold suffer
none to enter there to enjoy the stipend, unlesse they entered
with his formalities, wherunto he wold never agrie. Nixt, the
burden was too great for one man. Through the importunitie of
the presbyterie and the parochiners, the bishope was moved to
wink. The cheefe impediment being removed, they dealt with
him to accept the charge. At length, he yeildit to beare the
burden, so farre and so long as he might, till the paroche provydit
a helper, or the Lord offered some other fitter occasion elswher for
him. So he was receaved as their pastour, two or thrie brethren
of the presbyterie being present, of whom he himself made choise,
passing by the moderator of the presbyterie, becaus he was the
bishop's substitute ; and continued foure yeers under the burden,
without anie helpe. Of the occasions of his removall from Dum-
fermeline, we will heir in the progresse of this Historie, in the end
of the 1621, and the beginning of the 1622 yeers.
THE king's speech IN THE STARRE CHAMBER.
Upon the 20th of June, the king had a speache in the Starre
Chamber. He protested in God's presence, his care had ever
beene to keepe his conscience cleere in all the points of his oath
taken at his coronation, so farre as humane frailtie might permitt
him, in points of justice and law : that he was so farre from press-
ing alteration of the commone law in parliament, that his desire
was, to conforrae the law of Scotland to the law of England, as
was prophecyed by his wise grandfather, Henrie the Seventh, who
fortold that the lesser kingdomc by mariage wold follow the
greatter, and not the greattcr the lesse ; and, therefore, maried his
eldest daughter Margaret to James the Fourth, liis great-grand-
1616. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 217
father. He confessed he Avas sworne to maintaine the law of the
land, and, therefore, were perjured if he altered it. But if he had
intention to unite Scotland to England, how could he doe it, with-
out altering their lawes, which he Avas sworne also to maintaine ?
He tooke in his conscience, that the Church of England, of anie
church that ever he read or knew of, present or past, is the most
pure, and neerest the privitive and apostolicke kirk, in doctrine
and discipline, and is surliest foundit upon the Word of God of
anie church in Christendome. He admonished the judges to keepe
themselves in their onati bounds ; " and for my part," said he,
'' I desire you to give me noe more right in my private prerogative,
than ye give to anie subject, and thcrin I will l)e acquiescent. As
for the absolute prerogative of the crowne, that is noe subject for
the toung of a lawyer, nor is it laAvfull to be disputed. It is
atheisme and blasphemie to dispute Avhat God can doe. Good
Christians content themselfs Avith his will, revealed in his Word.
So it is presumption and highe contempt in a subject to dispute
what a king can doe, or say that a king cannot doe this or that,
but rest in that Avhich is the king's revelled AviU in his laAV." He
said, the king onlie is to correct the chancerie, and none els ; and
therefore commandit, that noe man presume therefter to sue a
premunlre against the chanccreis, becaus noe prcmunirc can be
sued but at his sight, as he alledged. By the Avay, he sundrie
tymes snatched at the Puritans. Pie professed he loved the per-
sone of the Papist, being otherways a good man, and honestlie
bred, never having knoAvledge of anie other religion ; but he hated
the apostate and polypragmatick Papists. His speeche is extant
in print, and, therfore, I omitt other passages, referring the reader
to it.
MR PETER BLAIKBURN'S DEATH.
Mr Peter Blaikburne, Bishope of Aberdeene, departed this life
about the beginning of Julie, efter he had lyen a long tyme little
better than benummed. He was more mindfull of a purse and
218 caldeewood's histoeie 1616.
fyve hundreth merks in it, which he keept in his bosome, than anie
thine: eh.
THE BISHOPE OF GALLOWAY INl^EIGnETH AGAINST THE
CHANCELOUR.
Upon the Lord's day, the 7th of Julie, Mr William Couper,
Bishope of Galloway, discoursing in his sermon in the Great Kirk
of Edinburgh, upon the enemies of the kirk, inveighed against the
chancelour for maintaining of Papists. «He [was] animate to be
thus bold by a letter sent from the king to the counsell, wherin
his Majestie shewed that he wold not suffer the marqueis to come
neir him, but had directed him to returnc to his waird. The
bishope made mention of this letter, and therupon ranne out upon
the kino's fatherlie care and o;racious behaviour toward the kirk.
But the event proved all was but collusion.
HUNTLTE ABSOLVED BY THE BISHOPE OP CANTERBUEIE.
Upon the 8th of Julie, in the packald of letters that came from
the court, mention was made that the Marqueis of Iluntlie was
receaved in the Kirk of England's favour by the Bishope of Can-
terburie, and had receaved the Communion, notwithstanding of his
excommunication in Scotland; which was thought verie strange
by the people and by the bishops themselfs, in shew ane usurpa-
tion over them. But the wiser perceived well enough the mean-
ning of these proceedings.
THE BISHOPE OF SANT ANDROES SPAIRETH HUNTLIE.
Upon the 14th of Julie, the Archbishope of St Androes preach-
ing before noone in the Great Kirk of Edinburgh, said, he under-
stood the people looked that he sould speake some thing of the
Marqueis of Iluntlie's relcefe out of waird. "But," said he, " it is
not my purpose to speake against anic persons that are in eminent
1616. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 219
places, scing his Majestic has provydit that the like sail not fall
out hcirefter. Yitt," said he, "it behovcth the bishops and the
ministers to be borne with, to utter their grccfc, -when Papists arc
so farrc countenanced, not onlic in the North, but also in the verie
heart of the countrie." He was absent that day that Iluntlie's
libertie was granted in counsell, privie, as is likclic, to the letter
which Avas to be sent from the kins: to that effect.
MR WALTER BALCANQUALL HIS DEATH.
Upon the 19th of Julie, Mr Walter Balcanquall, one of the
ministers of Edinburgh, efter he had preached for the space of a
quarter of ane houre and more, his teethe fell doun upon his tounge,
and stopped him to speeke distinctlie as he wont to doe. He
was desired to ceasse, and end with the pronuncing of the blessing.
Before he endit, he had these Avords, " Beloved in the Lord, ye sie
that the impediment I have in my speeche cometh of my teethe,
which are loose. I am wcake, and cannot end my sermon as I
thought to have done. I beseeke you all for Christ's sake to pray
for me. It may be, I never come to this place againe. Therfore,
I take you all to witnesse, that whenever the Lord taketh me to
him, that I die in the f^iith and feare of God ; and I protest before
God and you all, that I die in the profession of that true doctrine
and discipline, which hath beene avowed and mainteaned in this
our reformed kirk in tymes past. For Christ's sake, stieke by
this tructh. The curse of God, I am assured, hangeth above all
them that are of a contrarie religion." Then he pronounced the
blessing, and efter was caried home by his owne sone, and some
other ministers. The people, both men and women, were sorrow-
fullj'and shedd manic tcares. He endit his daycs upon the 4th of
August, in the 68th ycere of his age, after he had spent 40 yeers
in the course of his ministrie ; ard was buried upon the fift of
Aujrust.
220 calderwood's historie 1616.
THE GENERALL ASSEMBLIE INDICTED.
Upon the 22d of Julie, the Generall Assemblie was indicted by
publict proclamatioun at the Crosse of Edinburgh, to be holden at
Aberdeene, and to beginne the 13th of August. The tenour
followeth : —
'' James, by the grace of God, King of Great Britaine, France,
and Irland, Defender of the Faith : To our lovits, &c., messingers,
our shereffs in that part, conjunctlie and severallie, speciallie consti-
tute, greeting :
" Forasmuche as the prelats and reverend fathers of the kirk,
forseeing that there is a great decay in religion, and a grouth and
increase of Poperie within this our kingdome ; and that the same
is like to produce manie dangerous effects against the estats, both
in kirk and policie ; and the saids prelats having gravelie advised
upon the best and readiest raeanes, both for preventing and sup-
pressing of this grouth of Poperie, and for the reforming of the
disorders and abuses flowing therfra, they have found that nothing
is more expedient for eifectuating their good worke than a national
assemblie, and meeting of the whole kirk. And by their petitions
presented unto us, they have humblie craved our licence for the
holding of the said assemblie ; likeas we, allowing of their goode
advise and opinion in this point, and being willing to hold hand
to them, in all and everie thing which may procure the goode of
the kirk : "We have most willinglie and freelie given and granted our
consent, licence, permission, and allowance, for holding of the said
assemblie, and ordeaning the same to hold at our burgh of Aber-
deene, and to beginne, God willing, upon the 13th day of August
now approaching, in this instant yeer of God, 1616 yeers.
" Our will is heirfor, and we charge you straitlie and command,
that incontinent these our letters scene, ye passe, and in our name
and authoritie make publication therof, by open proclamation at
the Mercate Crosse of the head burrowes of this our kingdome,
and other places ncedfull, Avherethrough none pretend ignorance of
1616. OF TITE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 221
the same ; and that ye warne all and sundrie archbishops, bishops,
commissioners from the kirks, and others having vote in the said
asscmblic, that they repair in due and lawfuU tyme to our burgh
of Aberdeene againe the said 13th day of August nixt, and assist
the said assemblie and meeting with their presence and votes ; and
doe and performe that -which to their charges in such cases apper-
teins, as they will answclr upon the contrair at their perill. Tlie
which to doe, we committ to you, conjunctlie and severallie, our full
[power] by these our letters, delivering them by you duelie execute
and indorsat againe to the beirer.
" Given under our signet, at Edinburgh, the 19th day of Julie,
and of our raignes the 44th and 14 yeirs, 1616.
" Per actum Sccreii Co7isiln."
The bishops gave out that the grouth and increasse of Poperie
was like to produce dangerous effects to the state both of kirk and
countrie, and that alreadie it had produced dangerous effects in
the North. This was done of policie, that the Assemblie might be
drawin with some colour farrc north to Aberdeene, where they
might gett numbers of northland ministers to vote with them in
things that were to be propoundit ; for they had found at the
Convention holdin last at Glasco, that it was both chargable and
fashions to draw them in so great numbers out of the North to the
South. They directed their missives to the presbyteries, wherin
they willed them to send their moderators with other commissioners,
and to furnishe them with expenses, under the paine of losse of
the assignations of their stipends for the nixt yeir ; and excused
themselfs for the suddane wairning, alledging, they could give noe
wairning till they had reccaved a warrant from his Majestic : as if
they had beene ignorant of this purpose, and had not bcene acquaint
with the plott of the suddane indiction, and maters which were to
be treatted in the nixt Assemblie ; whcras they were the cheefe
devisers of all these trickes. They Avcrc running, forsuith, post
hast to the North to extinguishe a fire broken up suddanlic, which
wold putt all the kirk on fyre if remedic were not provydit in tyme.
222 calderwood's historie 161G.
But the trueth is, tliere was noe new occasion offered requiring ane
Generall Assemblie to be holden in the farre North more than
manie yeers before, yea, lesse than at some tymes before. As for
anie insolencie committed by anie particulare person, it might have
beene redressed, either by the authoritie of the Counsel or of the
Highe Commission, their owne head court. But they understood
verie Weill few wold travell so farre out of the South and heart of
the countrie where they had maniest and greattest opposits, who
were also surprised with a suddane iudiction.
DOCTORS INAUGURATED.
Upon the 29tli of Julie, Mr Robert Howie, Mr Peter Bruce, Mr
James Martine, Principalis of the thrie colledges of St Androes,
Mr Patrik Melome, Mr Henrie Philip, Mr Johne Strang, Mr James
Blair, and Mr David Barclay, were inaugurate Doctors at St An-
droes. This noveltie was brought in amongst us without advise
or consent of the kirk. Mr Johne Carmichael, Mr David Mearnes,
and Mr Johne Dykes, refused to accept that degree. Doctor
Youne was the directour of the solemnities of this action.
THE GEISTERALL ASSEMBLIE HOLDEX AT ABERDEENE.
The Generall Assemblie, holden at Aberdeene, beganne the 13th
of August. A fast was indicted by proclamation and sound of
trumpet to be keeped this day. The Laird of Corse preached in
the morning, the Bishope of St Androes before noone, Mr William
Porbessc efternoone. Howbeit it beganne with preaching and
fasting, yitt the Holie Ghost was closed in packald of letters sent
from the court whereby they were directed. The king ordained
])y his letter the primate to rule the clergie, and his commissioner,
the Erie of Montrose, to order the laitie ; and desired them to
advise upon certain c overtures for the rooting out of Poperie, which
he promised to authorise by his lawes. So the primate stepped
to the moderator's place without election, against the practise and
1G16. OF TUE KIRK OF SCOTL.i>;D. 223
acts of our kirk not as yit repealed by the AssemLlie of Glasco or
anie other following. The secretarc and the Lord Carnegie were
the Erie of Montrose his assisters. The catalogue of the presby-
teries was not called, nor commissions considered, whether frie or
limited. A number of lords and barons decored the Assemblle
with silks and sateins, but without lawfull commission to vote,
liishops had noe commissions from presbyteries as they ought to
have had, according to the practise of our kirk. The moderators of
presbyteries came according to the bishops' missives, and a forged
clause of ane act made at a prctcndit Assemblle holden at Linlith-
gow the yeir 1606. Twentie ministers or therby, fyfteene laicks,
the whole bishops and councelours, together with the king's com-
missioner and his assisters, the secretare, and the Lord Carnegie,
were appointed to sitt upon the privie conference. The first foure
dayes were spent In preaching, renewing old acts, and making some
new acts against Papists, as if noe acts had bcene made against
Papists before at Assemblies or Parliaments. But thus wold they
protract the tyme, that ministers being wearied might withdraw
themsclfs, speciallie these that came from the farre South, and then
they might treatte of the maters they cheeflie aymed at.
In the secund session, eftcr Bishope Bannatyne had taught upon
the Epistle of Jude, 20, 21, 22, were read certaine conclusions,
agreed upon by the privie conference, for order taking with Papists.
" It is statuted and ordained, that whosoever hath confessed the
true religion presentlie professed within this realmc, and hath sub-
scribed the same, and hath communicated conforme to tlie order
observed within this realme ; and therafter sail be found either to
reason against the said true religion, or to ralle against the same,
or to be a seducer or pcrvcrter of others, or to recept or intcrteanc
Jesuits, traflflcklng Papists, or Seminarle preests, anie of the said
facts or deeds sail be a sufficient proofFe of apostasie ; and they sail
be punished as apostats, which facts and deeds sail be proved by
tlie oath of the partic committer ; and It sail not be leasome to
him to refuse to give the same.
" Iteiny If anie who have subscribed and communicated, and doe
224 calderwood's iiistorie 1616.
not haunt the ordinarie exercises, being admonished by his ordi-
narie pastor, trina admonitione directed from the session of the
church, the same sail be a sufficient cause to punishe him, as ane
holden and reputed to be ane apostate.
" Item, Who beareth and Aveareth idols, Agnus Dei, beeds,
crucifixes, or crosses, upon their persons, in their books, or in their
houses, being tryed and convicted, sail be reputed and holden as
apostats.
" Item, It is ordeaned, that in all tyme commlng heirefter, everie
minister who sail receive a Papist returning from his errour to the
true religion, that the minister, at the time of his receiving, in the
beginning take his oathe, that he sail declare the veritie in everie
poynt of the Confession of the Faith, as sail be craved at him ;
and that immediatlie therefler, he sail examine him particularlie,
upon everie head conteined in the Confession of Faith ; otherways
that he be not received.
" Item, Anent the Avives of noblemen, gentlemen, and others
professing Papistrie, who recept trafficking Papists, Jesuits, and
Seminarie preests, they sail be called for the same, (' before the
Highe Commission,' as some copies beare ;) and being convicted,
they sail be wairdit, ay and whill they find caution to absteane In
time comming ; without prejudice of all action competent against
their husbands, conforme to the law of the realme.
" Item, That a supplication be directed to his Majestic, craving
that the lawes and acts of parliament made against trafficking
Papists, Jesuits, and Seminarie preests, be putt in execution with
all rigour.
" Item., That everie minister give up the names of such of their
paroche as have past furth of the countrie, and not found caution con-
forme to the act of parhament ; to the effect they may be punished.
" Item, That the whole names of the excommunicats be delivered
to the bishope of everie diocie, to the end that the samine being
intimated at everie church, noe man recept them, or intercommone
with them ; and if they doe in the contrarc, they sail be conveened
before the Highe Commission, and punished.
1616. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 225
" Item, That cverie nobleman, gentleman, and burgesse, have
the reading of a chapter, and prayer for the khig's Majestic, efter
evcrie male ; and that the minister of cverie paroche hamit their
houses to sie the same observed."
In another copie I find this statuted and ordcaned, that " all
■who are suspected in religion sail be given up to the two arch-
bishops, that they may cite them before the Ilighe Commission."
In the thrid session, it was ordeaned that some learned of the
brethren of the ministrie be appointed to answeir the books and
pamphlctts sett out by Papists. This burden was layde upon INIr
AVilliam Scott, minister at Cowper, Mr William Struthers, minis-
ter of Edinburgh, the Laird of Corse, and the Bishope of Gal-
loway.
" Item, Becaus it is alledgit, that women take upon them to
teache schooles, and under colour of their teaching, preests cate-
chize the youth, and pervert them ; therfor, it is ordeaned, that
neither man nor woman teache young ones till they be tryed, and
have the approbation of the bishope of the diocie, and the presby-
terie where they dwell.
" Item, Anent pilgrimages to wells or chappells, the Assemblic
ordaines the names of the haunters to be givin to the moderator, and
by him to the bishope, that they may be called before the Ilighe
Commission, and punished ; and that ministers preache against
such abuses, and superstitious customes ; and that the Justice of
Peace be desired to await upon the days of their meetings, to
apprehend and punishe them.
" Item^ That the minister give up the names of idle sangsters
and minstrellers within the paroche, to the end they may be
called and punished as idle vagabounds, conforme to the act of
parliament.
" Item, Becaus Jesuits and preests, pretending to be apothecars
and doctors of physicke, and under colour of that pretendit pro-
fession, subvert the youth and the commone people ; therfore, it is
ordeaned, that none be suffered to exerce that office, unlesse they
have approbation of the soundnesse of their religion from the
VOL. VII. P
226 calderwood's iiistokie IGIG.
bishop of the diode, and of the universitie where they learned,
for their sufficiencie."
In the Fourth Session, the Gudman of Burlie compeered with
ane supplication from the Marqueis of Huntlie, craving to be ab-
solved orderlie from the sentence of excommunication. The
answeir was referred to his owne presence upon Tuysday nixt, and
the whole Assemblie was charged to stay whill that time. The
Bishope of St Androes presented a letter from his Majestic, another
from the Bishope of Canterburie, excusing Huntlie's absolution in
England. The reasons moving the Bishope of Canterburie :
1. His Majestie's sute, assuring him that he was fullie resolved.
2. The Bishope of St Androes had requeisted him diverse times to
further that man's conversion, whensoever occasion was offered.
3. He Avas resolved by the best learned in England, that he might
absolve him. 4. That he did it of brotherlie affection, and not as
claiming anie superioritie over the Kirk of Scotland. 5. He was
informed by the Bishope of Caithnes, there present at court, that
it wold be acceptable service to the Kirk of Scotland. But Mr
Alexander Forbesse, Bishope of Caithnes, denyed this. It was
still alledgit upon him, and he was threatned with deposition from
his bishopricke ; but his deposition turned to greatter preferment.
He was preferred to the bishopricke of Aberdeene, before all his
competitours, not long efter this Assemblie.
There was a Confession of Faith, penned by Mr Johne Hall and
Mr Johne Adamsone, presented to the AssembHe. The Bishope
of Galloway, Doctor Howie, Mr George Hay, the Laird of Corse,
and Mr "William Struthers, were appointed to revise it before it be
printed. This new Confession was devised, to thrust out the other
two Confessions, which both made but one. They left out manie
points of superstition damned in the Secund, which is called the
King's Confession. In the last clause, they bind the swearer to
protest this kirk to be the purest kirk under heaven, in trueth of
doctrine, and puritie of worship ; and so, consequentlie, to approve
all the corruptions alreadie brought in into our kirk.
Upon Satterday, the instructions from his Majestic concerning
IGIG. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 227
the discipllae and policie of the kirk were read ami concludlt in
one session, howbeit they were als maiiie in number as the articles
made against the Papists ; Avhcrupon they spent foure dayes, but
might have conchidit them in one houre. They drifted tyme to
make the Assemblie to wearie. A number of the ministrie forseing
and understanding what was to be proponit, and finding the
Assembhe made for the purpose, withdrew theniselfs before Satter-
day, and went off the toun ; others removed tlicmsclfs in the meane
time. They suffered all malcontents to depart. There rested
nothing then but to aske at those who were present, " What say
ye, my lord ? — what say ye, laird ? — what say ye, Mr Doctor ?"
It was answered, " Well, my lord." If anie man preassed to speake
unspeared at, the bishope wagged his finger, and that meaned
silence. The ministers roundit in the cares of others, " How can
we either vote or speeke heire freelie, having the king's guarde
standing behind our backs ?" They perceived theniselfs compassed
with terrour, and circumveened with policie. They looked onlie
for acts to be made against Papists, but they fand that the cheefe
purpose Avas, to make acts against Protestants and sincere pro-
fessors.
THE INSTRUCTIONS PROPONIT BY HIS MAJESTIE S COMMISSIONERS,
IN HIS MAJESTIE'S NAME, FOR SUPPRESSING OF POPEIIIE, AND
ESTABLISHING GOOD ORDER IN THE KIRK; AND AGRIED UNTO
BY THE ASSEMBLIE.
Anent the Dilapidation of Benefices.
" First, That order be taken with the dilapidation of benefices,
and the progresse thcrof stayed ; and some meanes devised to
recover that which is lost. The Assemblie thought good that the
determination of this mater sould be referred to some of the most
wise and discreete of the ministrie, to consult and advise therupon.
And in the meane time it is statute, that noe bishope, minister, or
beneficed persone, sett or ratifie anie tacke under paine of depo-
228 calderwood's histoeie 1616.
sltion, while ordour be taken by the said commissioners ther-
anent.
Planting of Burrow Tonnes.
2. "That the cheefe burrow tonnes be planted with sufficient
learned, Avise, and peaceable men, especiallle such places as are now
vacant, as Aberdeene, Perth, Edinburgh, Bamfe, &c.
Planting of Noblemen^ s Dwellings.
3. " That the most learned and discreete ministers be appointed
and transported to the places where noblemen has their residence,
speciallie suspect of Papistrie ; and if the meanes of the provision
be small where they are transported, to take the rents and stipend
which they had before with them, till better ordour be taken.
And to this effect, the Assemblie ordains, that ilk bishope within
the diocie, with advise of their synode, sail transport ministers as
they think expedient.
Tryall of Children.
4. " That a speciall canon be made, that all archbishops and
bishops, in their visitation either by themselfs, or, if they may not
overtake the samine, by ministers of the paroche, make all young
children of six yeers old be presented to them, to give confession
of their faith, that it may appeir in what religion they are brought
up ; after the which, everie two or thrie yeirs, they sail be
examined, that when they come to fourteene yeers of age, after
sufficient grouth of knowledge, they may be admitted to the Com-
munion, and that punishment be appointed for them that presents
them not, or are neollo-ent in their instruction. This act was voted
and condiscendit to by the whole Assemblie.
Confession of Faith.
5. " That a true and simple Confession of Faith be sett doun, to
the which all sail sweare, before they be admitted to anie office in
kirk or common weill ; and all students in colledges.
1616. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 229
A Catcchismc for Kirks and Families.
6. " That a sliort and compendious catcchismc be made, which
everie kirk and familic sail have for the instruction of their children
and servants, wherof they sail give account before the Communion ;
and everie one examined conformc thereto. The making of this
catcchismc is connnittcd by the Assemblic to Mr Patrik Galloway,
jVIr Jolme Hall, ]\Ir Johne Adamsone, against October nixt, and
that noe other be printed or used.
A Cateclusme for Schooles.
7. " That all children in schooles sail have and learne by hart
tlie catechisme intituled, ' God and the King,' which alreadie by
act of counsell is ordained to be redd and taught in all schooles.
Anent a Leiturgie.
8. '' That a Leiturgie be made, and forme of divyne service,
which sail be redd in everie church in commone prayer, and before
preaching everie Sabboth, by the reider, where there is one ; and
where there is not one, by the minister, before he conceavc his
owne prayer, that the commone people may learne it, and by
custome serve God rightlie.
Celebration of the Communion.
9. " That the Communion be celebrate foUrc tyms ilk yeere in
the burrow touns and twise in landwart, and one of the tymes to
be at Easter yccrlie ; and if anie communicate not once in the
yeere, the act of parliament to stryke upon them with all severitie.
Uniformitie of Discipline.
10. " That there be ane uniformitie of discipline, and to that
effect, the canons of the former counsclls and assemblies to be
extracted ; and where the same are defective, to be supplied by
former canons and ccclesiasticall meetings ; for setting doun whcr-
ot^ the commissioners following arc ordained to convccnc with the
230 calderwood's historie 1616.
bishoi3s in Edinburgli, the fift day of December nixt to come ;
viz., the Laird of Corse, Mr Johne Reid, Mr George Hay, Doctor
Phihp, Mr David Lindsay in Dundie, Mr WilHam Scott, Doctor
Howie, Mr Johne Mitchelsone, Mr Patrik Galloway, Mr Johne
Hall, Mr Edward Hepburne, Doctor Abernethie, Mr Robert Scott,
Mr William Birnie, Mr William Areskine, or the most part of them.
Anenf Students in Divinitie.
11. " For the helpe of the posteritie and furtherance of rehgion,
that a speciall care be taken of the Divinitie Colledge in St Androes ;
and to that effect, that everie diocie sail furnishe two students, or
so raanie as may make the number extend to twentie-sixe ; and the
halfe therof to be children of poore ministers, to be preferred by
the bishope of the diocie ; provyding alwayes, that these that are
furnished within the province of Glasco, that is to say, the diocies
of Glasco, Galloway, Argyle, and lies, sail be brought up in the
Colledge of Glasco ; and not be astricted to St Androes but when
they passe Doctours onlie.
Publict Teachers.
12. " That none teache in pulpit publictlie before the people,
but these that has receaved imposition of hands ; and whosoever
does otherways be incapable of the ministrie.
Anent Baptisme.
13. "That everie minister sail minister the sacrament of Bap-
tisme whensoever it sail be required, under the paine of deposition,
the godfather promising to instruct the infant in the faith.
Anent the Registrie.
14. " That everie minister have a registrie of baptismes, manages,
and defuncts, within the paroche, to be presented to ilk synode ;
for doing wherof it is statute, that the ministers, their wyfes, and
executors, sail have the quottes, and confirmation of their testa-
ments frie."
1616. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTL-\ND. 231
THE CONCLUSIONS CONCERNING DISCIPLINE AND REPRESSING OF
PAPISTRIE IN ANOTHER FORME, AS THEY WERE CONCEAVED BY
ONE OF THE COMMISSIONERS FROM THE PRESBYTERIES.
" Our commission Is granted to the Archbishops of St Androes
and Glasco, and remanent bishops, and certane of" the minlstrle, to
conveene the first of December nixt to come In Edinburgh ; and
there to take order with the dilapidation of benefices, becaus the
lacke of maintenance Is thought not to be the least caus of so great
defection from the true rehgion.
" Item, That burrow tounes be provldit with goode ministers,
■who are learned, wise, and peacable men.
16 August, post meridiem.
*' The Assemblie ordeans that archbishops and bishops have
a care to sle the churches -where noblemen maks their residence,
and are suspected of Paplstrie, to be welU planted with suflScient
ministers ; and specialllc, the churches of Northberulcke, Cock-
burnespeth, and Paslay, and other churches where noblemen sus-
pect of Paplstrie dwells.
" Item, It Is ordalnit that ane Catechlsme unlversall sail be agried
upon ; and there Is appointed to make the same Mr Patrik Gallo-
way, Mr Johne Hall, ]\Ir Johne Adamsone ; and to have the same
in reddlnes betuixt and the first of October ; and it being printed,
none other but It to be printed herefter, used In famille, or taught
to balrnes.
" Item, Anent divine service, that a forme of service be sett doun
to be usit in churches ; and that there be a consideration of the
commoun prayers contcancd In the Psalme Bookes.
*' Item, Anent church discipline, the same is committed to the
Archbishope of Glasco and Mr William Struthers ; and to report
the same to the wholl commissioners, who sail try and examine the
same.
♦* Item, It is appoyntcd, tliat tlicre be bursars sent out of cvcric
232 calderwood's historie 1616.
diocie to the Colledge of Divinitle in St Androes, there to studie
their theologie, making twentie-sixe in number, wherof the halfe
sail be poore ministers' sonnes ; and the meanner diocies to be
helped by the greatter.
" Item, That Baptisme be ministred to all infants at the desire of
the parents, or anie other faithfuU brother, who is readie to give
ane confession of his faith ; at anie time betuixt sunne-rising and
doun-passing, not delaying the same to the time of preaching or
prayers.
17 Aug. ante meridiem.
" The Assemblie inhibits all ministers to sett anie tacks, or give
their consent to tacks, whill the commissioners take order concern-
ing dilapidation of benefices ; under the paine of deprivation and
excommunication.
" Item, It is ordained, that a speciall canon be made, that arch-
bishops, bishops, or other visitours of the churches, either by them-
sclfs or where they cannot overtake the busines, that the minister
of the paroche make all young childrein of sixe yeers of age to be
presented before them, there to give a confession of their faith, and
to instruct them in the grounds of religion ; and ilk other yeer
thairefter, whill they come to the age of 14 yeers, to examine them,
that they may be made fitt to partake the Holie Communion.
" Item, That the commissioners make that forme of prayer which
sonld be rehearsed by the bairnes, when they give their confession.
" Item, That a supplication be directed to his Majestic, anent a
civill punishment to be inflicted on parents that neglects to in-
struct their children, and present them to the minister, to give a
confession of their faith.
" Item, That the Ilolie Sacrament of the Supper of the Lord be
administred in burrow touns foure tymes in the yeer, and twise in
landwart; ane of the saids tymes to be at the terme of Easter.
" Item, That everie minister have a register of these that are
baptised, maricd, and buried within his paroche, under the paine
of suspension.
IGIG. OP THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 233
" Item, That a supplication be directed to his Majestic, craving
humblie that the extract furth of anie of these registers, under the
handwrltt and subscription of the minister or keeper therof, may
make faith, and be sufficient for probation in all causes."
The Marqueis of Huntlie was resolved to make a floorishe in
the end of the Assemblie. He came to Aberdeene upon Tuisday
at night late, and conferred with the bishops, before the king's
commissioner. After noone, the bishops proponit to the whole
Assemblie their conference, and the effect therof, viz., that the
marqueis had offered to subscryve the Confession of Faith, to give
due obedience to the ordinances of the kirk in all time coming,
and to communicate as occasion sould be offered. lie subscrived
tlie new Confession without reading, upon the bishop's assurance,
that it was all one with the first Confession, which he had sub-
scrived before. By reasone of his promise and subscription, the
Bishope of Glasco relaxed him from excommunication. The tenour
of the Confession heere followeth : —
THE NEW CONFESSION OF FAITH.
" We beleeve with our hearts, and confesse with our mouths,
these articles of rclimon followinjj : —
" That God is a Spirit, Immutable, Eternall, and Infinite, in
power, in wisdome, in goodness, in glorie ; from whom, by whom,
to whom, are all things ; in whom we live, in whom we have our
being ; who is one onlie God : and three persons, who are co-cssen-
tlall, co-eternall, and co-equali. The first is the Father, who is
of none : the second is the Sone, who from all a^ternitie is begotten
of the Father : the thrid is the Ilolie Ghost, who from all aterni-
tie proceedeth from the Father and the Sone. This glorious God,
from all Kternitic, out of his wisdome infinite, and knowledge,
Avho knew and decreed all things that were after to be done ; this
God, before the foundation of the world was layde, according to
the good pleasure of his will, for the praise of the glorie of his grace,
did predestinate and elect in Christ some men and angells unto
234 c ALDER wood's historie 1616.
fetemall fellcitie, and others he did appoint for aetemall condemna-
tion, according to the counsell of his most free, most just, and holie
will, and that to the praise and glorie of his justice.
" In the beginning of tyme, when God created of nothing all
things in heaven and in earth, visible and invisible, he made them
verie good ; and above all things, he made men and angels accord-
ing to his owne image, in righteousness and true holiness. But
some of the angels, of their owne free motive, sinned against God,
left their originall, forsooke their habitation, and abode not in the
trueth ; and thereby became damned devills.
" Then Sathan abused the craftie serpent for his instrument,
seducing our mother Eva : she tempted her husband Adam ; so
both disobeyed the commandement of God, and thereby made
themselfs and their whole posteritie the bondmen of Sathan, slaves
of sinne, and heirs of seternall condemnation.
" By this fall of Adam, all his posteritie are so corrupted, from
their conception and nativitie, that not one of them can doe or will
anie thing truelie acceptable to God, till they be renewed by the
will and Spirit of God, and by faith ingrafted in Jesus Christ.
" This our originall and native corruption, by regeneration in a
part is weakened and mortified ; yitt it is sinne indeid remaining
in us alwise, lusting against the Spirit, and tempting us to sinne
actuallie als long as we live.
" Albeit all mankind be fallen in Adam, yit onlie these Avho arc
elected before all tyme are in tyme redeemed, restored, raised, and
quickened againe ; not of themselfs or of their works, least anie
man sould glorie, but onlie of the mercie of God, through faith in
Jesus Christ, who of God is made unto us wisdome, and righteous-
ness, sanctification, and redemption ; that according as is written,
He that glorieth, let him glorie in the Lord.
" This then is life a^ternall, to know the true God, and whom
he has sent, Jesus Christ ; wheras vengeance sail be taiken of
them that know not God, and doth not subject themselfs to the
Gospell of the Lord Jesus Christ, by the obedience of faith.
" We beleeve that the rule of this knowledge, faith, and obcdi-
1616. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 235
ence, yea, and of the whole worship of God, and of all Christian con-
versation, is not the witt or will of man, nor unwritten traditions
whatsoever ; but the wisdome and will of God, which is suflicientlie
revealed in the canonicall Scriptures of the Old and New Testa-
ment, which are Genesis, Exodus, &c., exclusis Apochryphis.
" We beleeve that the authoritie of the HoHe Scriptures is
divine ; for they are all of divine inspiration, and has God for their
author. Their authoritie depends upon God, and not upon man.
They have power over all fleshe, and noe creature has power over
them. We are absolutelie bound to beleeve them for their owne
testimonie, which is the testimonie of God himself specking in
them ; and our faith dcpendeth not upon anie extcrnall testimonie
of the kirk witnessing of them. All things necessarie to salvation
are conteaned therin. All the doctrine of the kirk must be war-
ranted by them. All controversies of the kirk must be decydit
by them, as the livelie and plaine voice of God, who is supreme
Judge in maters of faith and worship.
" AVe beleeve that all points of faith and worship are so sett
doun in the Word of God, that what is obscurelie propoinit in one
place is most cleerlie expoundit in other places. Neither receive
we anie interpretation of anie Scripture in these maters which is
not warranted by other Scriptures.
" These holie writts arc delivered by God to his kirk to make us
wise to salvation by faith in Jesus Christ, whose pcrsone, office,
and benefits, they most cleerelie and fullie sett furth unto us.
" The Lord Jesus Christ is declared in Scripture to be the eter-
nall Sone of God, begotten from all eternitie of the Father ; by
Avhom he created the world, by whom also he does goveme and
sustaine all things that he has made ; and this eternall Sone of
God, when the fulness of time come, was made man of the woman
of the tribe of Juda, and of the seedc of David and Abraham ; even
of the blessed Virgine Marie, by the Holie Ghost coming upon her,
and the power of the Most High overshaddowing her ; by whose
marvellous and divine, operation the Sone of God was made man of
a humane bodie and soule, and in all things like unto us, sinne
236 calderwood's historie 1616.
onlle excepted. And yit, so he was made man that he ceased not
to be God ; and so is God that he is also man ; having both
the natures divine and humane united together in a personall
union. So that in one admirable persone the two natures are dis-
tinct and not confoundit, in respect of their essence, their essentiall
properties, and proper operations.
"And becaus of the union of the nature of man in one person
with the Sone of God, Christ, God and man, is to be adored and
worshiped of us ; for to Christ, God and man, all power in heaven
and earth is given ; and he hath gotten a name above everie name,
that at the name of Jesus everie knee sould bow.
" The puritie of the humane nature of Christ is to be ascrybed
to the supernaturall operation of the Holie Ghost, who separated
the seede of the woman from the naturall corruption ; and not to
the puritie of the Virgine mother ; for she doubtless was conceaved
and borne in sinne, and had neid of her sone to be her Saviour als
Weill as other women.
" The Lord Jesus Christ, as God and man, is the Saviour of his
kirk, which is his bodie ; and the fulness of him filleth all things,
neither is there salvation in anie other thing.
" This blessed Lord has fulfilled the whole law for us to our
behoove ; both doing all that the law requireth of us, and suffering
the punishment due to our disobedience, even to the curse of the
law and death of the crosse ; where, by the fulfilling of the law, our
redemption was sealed and consummated.
" We beleeve that as he dyed for our sinne and rose for our
righteousness, so he ascendit to heaven to prepare a place for us,
"and sitteth at the right hand of God to make intercession for us,
and is able perfytlie to save them that come to God by him : who,
albeit in his manhood he be so in the heaven that he is no more
in the earth, for the heavens must conteane him till he come to
judge the quicke and the dead ; yit, in his Godhead he is so present
everie where, by his power susteaning all things, and by his gracious
Spirit directing and governing his kirk militant on earth.
" We beleive that the Lord Jesus Christ was appointed and
IGIG. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 237
anointed of his Father to be the King, the Hiepreist, and Supreme
Teacher of his kirk.
" We beleeve concerning the propheticall office that he is the
onlie Maister and Teacher of his kirk, whom God by his ownc
voice from heaven coramandit us to hcare : who has revealed the
whole will of his Father touching our salvation, and wliat he has
heard of the Father he hath made knowen to us ; speaking nothing
to his kirk which he did not before heir of his Father, that his
kirk might learne to receive nothing in faith and worship which
she has not heard of him.
" As concerning his preistlie office : "\\'e beleeve that he is our
onlie mediatour, both of redemption and intercession ; and that by
the sacrifice of himself once offiired on the crosse, he has made a
full satisfaction for all our sinncs, and doth continuallie make inter-
cession for us to God. And therefore we abhorre that supposed
reiterating of the sacrifice of Christ in the masse. And we renounce
all kinde of intercession of saints and angels.
" As concerning the kingdome of Christ, beside his absolute im-
pyre, whereby he rules all things, we beleeve him to be our
eternall King, and onlie Head of his kirk universall. Neither he
nor his kirk hath anie neid of a Lcivtent-deputc in his place, seing
he is present in his kirk always by his Spirit, powerfullie working
therin ; calling, collecting, quickening, and graciouslie ruling her,
by the ministrie of the Word and sacraments, to the consummation
of the world.
"We beleeve that our communion with Christ our Plead is
spirituall, by that Ilolie Spirit which dwelleth powerfullie both in
the bodie and in the head, making the members conforme to the
head ; and it is noe ways corporall, or by anie fleshlie receaving of
his bodie.
" We beleeve that by vcrtue of this communion, Christ is ours,
and we are Christ's ; and his sufferings is our satisfaction, and by
it we have right, title, and interest to all the benefits which he did
promerite, and purchase to us by his sufferings.
" We beleeve that God justifies smners, by remitting of their
238 calderwood's historie 1616.
sinnes, and by imputing to tliem the righteousnesse and obedience
of Christ, whereby he fulfilled the whole law in our place, both in
doing the commandements therof, and ia suffering the curse therof,
which was due to us becaus of our disobedience.
" We beleeve that that righteousness Avhereby we are justified
before God is not inherent in us, but in Jesus Christ ; and that it
is freelle given to us of God's free grace, through our faith in Jesus
Christ.
" We beleeve that we are justified by faith, as it is an instru-
ment apprehending and applying the righteousness of Christ to us ;
and not as it is a qualitie, and virtue inherent in us. So that the
meritorious cans of our justification is not in the faith Avhich appre-
hendeth, but in the righteousness of Christ by faith apprehendit.
"We beleeve that albeit Ave be not justified by good works
before God, and can merite nothing at God's hand, yit they are
the Avay to the kingdome of God, and are of necessitie to be done
for obedience to God, for glorifying of his name, for confirming
ourselves anent our election, and for good exemple to others ; and
constantlie we affirme, that faith which bringeth not furth good
works is deid, and availeth nothing to justification or sanctification.
" We beleeve that the elect being renewed, or sealed with the
Holie Spirit of promise in such sort, that albeit they beare about
in their flesh the remnants of that originall corruption, and albeit
they offend through infirmltle, and through the entisements therof,
sinne greivouslle, to the great offence of God, yIt they cannot alto-
gether fall from grace, but are raised agalne through the mercie of
God, and helped to salvation.
" Concerning the certalntle of our salvation, we beleeve that
everle one of us in particular ought to be fullle perswadit therof,
giving credite both to the externall promise of the Word, and
internall witnesse of the Spirit. And as for the doubtlngs therof,
which we often find in our selfs, we doe not allow, but contrarie
way damne them, as the fruits of the fleshe fighting against our
faith.
" We beleeve that God has appointed his Word and Sacra-
IGIO. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 239
ments, as instruments of the llolle Ghost, to worke and confirme
faith in man.
" Wc beleeve that the Word of God ought to be preached, and
the sacraments administred, and all divine service, as praying and
praising, in all languages knowne and understood by the people.
" We beleeve that the Sacraments are certane visible scales of
God's eternall covenant, ordained by God to represent unto us
Christ crucified, and to scale up our spirituall communion -with him.
" We beleeve that the Sacraments are to be ministred onlie by
them who are lawfullie called thcrto by the kirk of God.
" We beleeve that the Sacraments have power to confirme faith,
and conferre grace, not of themselfs, or ex opere operato, or force of
the externall action ; but onlie by the powerfuU operation of the
Ilolie Ghost.
" We beleeve that there be onlie two sacraments appointed by
Christ under the New Testament, Baptisme and the Lord's
Supper.
" We beleeve that Baptisme is necessarie to salvation, if it can
be orderlie had, and, therforc, that not the want of it, but the
contempt of it, doth damne.
" AA'e beleeve that Baptisme sealcth up unto us the remission of
all our sinnes, wherof we are guiltie, either before or eftcr our
baptisme.
" We beleeve that Baptisme is to be ministred simplie in the
element of water, with the rite of dipping, washing, or sprinkling,
in the name of the Father, Sone, and Ilolie Ghost, according to
Christ's institution, without other elementall rites devised by man.
" We beleeve that the Lord's Supper is to be given to all com-
municants under the elements of brcade and wync, according to
Christ's institution.
" We beleeve that the elements of breade and wine in the
Lord's Supper are not transubstantial, or changed in the substance
of the bodic and bloode of Christ ; but that they are sacraments of
his bodie and bloode, thus changing their use and not their
substance.
240 calderwood's historie 1616.
" "We beleeve that the bodie and bloode of Jesus Christ are
truelle present in the holie Supper ; that they are truelie exhibite
unto us, and that we in verie trueth doe participate of them, albeit
onlie spirituallie, and by faith, not carnallie or corporallie.
" We beleeve that the Lord's Supper is a commemoration of
the sacrifice of Christ, which once offered did fullie expiate our
sinnes. With his one sacrifice once offered, we are all fullie con-
tent ; neither doe we seeke anie other expiatorie or propitiatorie
sacrifice ; but as for sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving, the sacri-
fice of a contrite hart, almes, and charitable deeds, these we ought
daylie to offer, as acceptable to God in Jesus Christ.
" We beleeve that the sacrifice and merite of Christ is not
applyed to us by the worke of the sacrificing masse preest ; but
that faith, which is wrought in our soules by the Holie Ghost, is
the meane Avlierby the sacrifice and merite of Christ is applyed to
us, and being applyed, becomes our satisfaction, atonement, and
merite.
" We beleeve that the soules of God's children which depart
out of this present life in the faith of Jesus Christ, efter the separat-
ing from their bodies, immediatlie passe to heaven, and there rest
from their labours untill the day of judgement ; at which time,
they sail be reunited with their bodies, to injoy life everlasting
with Christ. Likas, the soules of the wicked immediatlie passe
to hell, there to remaine untill the day of judgement ; which day,
being conjoyned with their bodies, they sail susteane the judgement
of everlasting fire. And beside these two, a thrid place for soules
we doe not acknowledge.
" We beleeve that there is ane holie Catholicke or universall
kirk, which is the holie comjjanie of all these who according to
the purpose of God's eternall election, since the beginning of the
world, were called, and to the end of the world sail be called, to
the kingdome of Christ, and to the communion of eternall life in
him.
" We beleeve that the true members of his kirk are onlie the
faithfull, who are chosen to life everlasting.
ICIG. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 241
" This kirk we beleeve to be but one, and that out of it there
is noe remission of sinnes to salvation.
" We beleeve that this kirk is partlie triumphant in heaven,
partlie militant on earth. The whole militant kirk on earth is
divydit in manie and diverse particulare kirks, which are visible
and conspicuous to the eyes of men.
" We beleeve not that all these particulare kirks on earth are
pure ; but these onlie which continue in the doctrine of the pro-
phets and apostles, according to the holie canonicall Scripture,
ministering the sacraments, and worshipping God purlie accord-
ing to the same ; and these be the true marks wherby a true visible
kirk on earth may be discerned and knowne.
" As concerning the w^orship of God, we confesse and affirme
that all religious worship or service is onlie to be given to God,
as his proper due and glorie, which he will communicate to noe
other ; beleeving firmlie that God is to be worshipped onlie accord-
ing to his own will, revealed in his word.
" And, therefore, Ave abhorre all will-worship, all invocation of
saints or angels, all Avorshijjing of images, crucifixes, relicts, and
all other things Avhich are beside the true God.
" We beleeve and confesse that God has ordained kings, princes,
and magistrates, for the good of the commonwealth, for the better
governing in the kirk, and to be nursfathers of the samine. And,
therfore, that all their subjects are bound in duetie to obey them
in all things they command lawfullie, not repugnant to the will of
God ; and that they are obliged to pray for them daylie, that
under them they may leade a godlie and a peacable life.
" We beleeve, and constantlie afiirme, that the Kirk of Scotland,
through the aboundant grace of our God, is one of the most pure
kirks under heaven this day, both in respect of trueth in doctrine,
and puritie in worshipe ; and, therefore, with all our hearts we
atljoyne our selfs therto, and to the religion publictlie professed
therin by the king's Majestic, and all his true subjects, and author-
ized by his Majestie's lawes ; promising, by the grace of God, to
continue therin to the end of our life, according to all the articles
VOL. vn. Q
2i2 calderwood's historie 161G.
■which are heir sett doun ; which as we beleeve with our harts, so
we confesse with our mouths, and subscribe with our hands, under-
standing them plainlie as they are heir conceived, without equivo-
cation or mentall reservation whatsomever : Swa may God helpe
us in the great day of judgment."
Efter the dissolving of the Assemblie, Mr William Struthers,
who wxnt without commission of the presbyterie of Edinburgh to
Aberdeene, and was a cheefe actour at it, notwithstanding he fell
out in his sermon, upon the 27th of August, in a great commenda-
tion of the Assemblie, and affirmed that all things were done in so
great wisdome, learning, gravitie, and godlines, they had left a
notable testimonie of their upright dealing to the posteritie to
come. The Bishope of Galloway affirmed the like. But litle
credite was given to anie of them ; for the ane was a bishope, and
the other a pensioner ; that is, a souldiour hired or waged to main-
taine their course.
Upon the 16th of September, there arose such a swelling in the
sea, in the Firth at Leith, that the like was not scene before for a
hundreth yeers ; for the water came in with violence beside the
bulwarke, in a place called the Timber- hoi fe,^ where the timber lay,
and caried some of the timber, and manie lasts of hering lying
there, to the sea ; brake in into sundrie low houses and sellers, and
filled them Avith water. The like flowing was in Dunbar, Mussel-
burgh, and other parts upon the sea coast. The people tooke this
extraordinarie tyde to be a forwairning of some evill to come.
In the end of September, Mr William Watsone, somtyme minis-
ter of Bruntiland, was transported to Markinche, and Mr Johne
Mitchelsone was placed in his rowme.
In October, manie craftsmen were sett on warke to repair the
king's houses, speciallie the Abbey of Halyrudhous and the Chap-
pell Royall. About the midst of this moneth, the organs which
were to be sett up in the Chappell Royall were brought to Leith.
Upon the Lord's day, the 17tli of November, Prince Charles
was installed with great solemnitie.
1 Holfe or howfc, a house or store.
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 243
A proclamation Avas made tliis moncth, that beasts be fedcl in
evcrie place, that there might be aboundance offleshe Avhen the
king came to the countrie.
In the beginning of December, the Bishops of Spalato his Apo-
logia for deserting the Roraane religion was brought hither in print,
lie himself was brought by Sir David Murrey of Abercairnie out
of the Low Countreis to Enofland.
Upon the 17th of December, Johne Erie of Marre was made
principall treasurer of Scotland, and the mace, Avand of silver, was
caried before him as treasurer, in that forme that it was caried be-
fore the umquhile Erie of Dunbar.
M.DC.XVII.
About the beginning of Januar, my Lord Sommersett was releived
of straite waird, howbeit still deteaned in theTowre Avith his ladie.
His jcAvells and silver plate were restored to him, and a pension
of thrie or four thousand punds sterline assigned to him indurinsf
his life, in recompense of certaine lands Avhicli he had belonging to
the prince. It Avas thought his life was spared becaus he Avas
privie to the poysonning of Prince Ilenrie. In the end of this
moneth, order Avas taken in Edinburgh for commodious lodjrino; of
strangers that Avere to come with his Majestic. The king had sent
to the counsel the motiA-^es of his coming to Scotland, to Avitt, his
naturall and salmond-like affection, and earnest desire to sie his
native and ancient kingdome of Scotland, and earnest desire to
discharge some of the points of his kinglie office, so farre furth as
he might commodiouslie, not offending his goode subjects, both of
the ecclesiasticall and civill estate. He promised, that what he
sould doe sould be done Avith the applause of all ; that he wold
redresse wrongs and heare complaints, if there were anie, which
could not be so Aveill done as Avhen he was present.
Upon the 26th of Februar, the Crosse of Edinburgli Avas taken
doun ; the old long stone, about fortie foots or therby in length, -^yas
244 calderwood's historie 1617.
translated, by the devise of certane mariners in Leith, from the
place where it stoode past memorie of man, to a place beneath in
the Highe Streete, without anie harme to the stone ; and the bodie
of the old Crosse was demolished and another buildit, wherupon
the long stone or obelisk was erected and sett upon the 25th of
Marche.
About this tyme, the Erie of Erroll, who had beene excommuni-
cated eight or nyne yeers before, was absolved upon some offers
given in by him to some bishops conveened at Perth.
Upon Wedinsday the 5th of Marche, the estates conveened in
Edinburgh. Sindrie harranngs were made by the chancelour, the
secretare, and some others, wherin the king's affection to the nation
was sett furth to the full, and a thankfull meeting requyred. Ther-
efter, the king's letter was redd. Efter long reasoning, and manie
overtures proponed, in end it was resolved, that there sould be a
taxation of two hundreth thowsand punds gathered the same verie
yeer, for the king's interteanement, when he came in the countrie.
In repairing the Royall Chappell of the Palace of Halyrudhous,
beside the place which was prepared for the organs, and the quir-
istours to sing, there was also carved the statues of the twelve
Apostles and the foure Evangelists, curiouslie wrought in timber,
which were to be gilted and sett up to decore the chappell. But
the people murmured, fearing great alterations in religion, wher-
upon the bishops dissuadit the king from setting them up in the
chappell. The bishops of England had either advised the king, or
els allowed his intention, as appeareth by this letter following,
written by Mr William Couper, Bishope of Galloway, and sent to
Mr Patrik Simsone, minister at Sterline : — •
" To the Rifjlit Honourable his loving Brotlier, Mr Patrik Simsone^
Minister at Sterline.
" Right Honourable and Loving Brother, — I received a
letter from Thomas Ewine of Crukspois, which albeit it wants
a subscription, yit, by the hand-writt, and the stile, and the pur-
pose, I knew it to be yours. Concerning images, we have gotten
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 245
them discharged, upon a letter Ave wrott subscrived by the bishops,
Mr Patrik Galloway and Mr Johne Ilall ; but yit, with a sharpe
rebuke, and checkc of ignorance, both from his IMajestie and
Canterburic, calling our stirring at them, ' Scandalum acccptum, sed
non dattonJ We beare the reproofe the more patientlie, becaus
we have obteaned that which we craved. What I wrott of
Augustinus Fumor, if I remember right, was not for images, but
other Romish toyes, of capes, surplices, altars, etc., wherewith our
kirk was not spotted two hundreth yeeres after him. For resist-
ance of these, and confirming also our refusall of images to be most
reasonable, and upon knowledge, I pray you take some paines,
that seing we cannot alway have yourself, your information may
helpe us. The king in his letter has boasted us with his English
doctours, who (as he sayes) sail instruct us in these and in other
points, except we refuse instruction. God make us wise and
faithful!, and keepe us from their usurpation over us, which now
is evidentlie perceived, and hardlie taken by us all. Concerning
your commission, I sail doe what I can, but St Androes will not
be here before the tenth or twelfc of Aprile. I pray againe, remem-
ber to helpe us out of your talent, and hast it in hither. So rests,
" Your owne in the Lord,
" May 26, 1017. W. B. of Galloway."
THE king's ENTRIE TO SCOTLAND.
Upon the 13th of May, the king entered into Scotland, accom-
panied with the Duke of Lennox ; the Erics of Arundell, South-
hamptoun, Pembrocke, Mongomcrie, and Buckinghame ; Bishops
Eli, Lincolne, Wenchester, and sundrie other barons, deanee, and
gentlemen. He stayed in Dunglass two nights, a night in Seatoun.
L^pon Fryday, the 16th, he came out of Seatoun to Leith, and
about foure after noone, out of Leith to the West Port of Edin-
burgh, where he made his entric on horsebacke, that he might the
better be scene by the people ; wheras before, he rode in the coache
all the way. The provcst, baillies, and counscll, and a number of
246 calderwood's historie 1617.
citizens, arrayed in gownes, and others standing with speat staves/
receaved him at the port. Mr Johne Hay, the toiin-clerk, had
a speeche to him at his entrie. A golden basen, with a purse full
of gold, was presented unto him. The cannons of the castle were
shott. He was convoyed, first to the Great Kirk, where the
Bishop of St Androes had a flattering sermone upon the 21st
Psalme, and thanked God for his prosperous journey. He knighted
the Pro vest of Edinburgh, Sir William Nisbet. When he came
to the Palace of Halyrudhous, the professours and students of the
Colledge of Edinburgh presented to him some poems made to his
praise, and in signe of welcome. It was bruted, that all colledges
were to be layde wast, except St Androes and Glasco, that they
might floorish the better, which moved them to present their
poems.
Upon Satterday, the 17th of May, the English service was begunne
in the Chappell Royall, with singing of quiristours, surplices, and
playing on organes.
Upon Monday, the 19th of May, the king crossed the ferrie at
Leith, stayed that night in Falkland. The day following, he
crossed Dundie ferrie, and stayed a night in the Constable of
Dundie his house. Efter that he returned from his pastyme in
Marowmont, he made his entrie unto Dundie upon the 22d of May,
and returned to the Palace of Halyrudhous upon the 25th of May.
THE PARLIAMENT FENSED.
Upon the 27th of May, the Parliament was fensed in the Tolbuith
of Edinburgh, and continued by the king's direction unto the 13th
of June.
THE COMMUNION CELEBRATE IN THE CHAPPELL AFTER THE
ENGLISHE FORME.
The noblemen, counsellours, and bishops, so manie as were in
' Shaiivpointed staves.
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 247
Edinburgh, were commandit to repair to the Palace of Halyrud-
hous, upon Whytsonday the 8th of June, where the conamunion
was to be celebrate after the Englishe forme. The chancelour,
Secretare Plammiltoun, Sir George Hay, Clerk of Register, the
Erie of Argile ; the Bishops St Androes, Glasco, Rosse, Brechine,
Dumblane, and sundrie others, communicated kneeling, not regard-
ing either Christ's institution or the ordour of our kirk. The
Bishop of Galloway refused, but continued not long in that moode.
Upon the Tuisday following, the king ordained the Lords of
Secrete Counsell to wairne the Marqueis of Hammiltoun, the Erles
of Marre and Glencarne, who were in the chapell, but communi-
cate not, and the rest of the bishops and noblemen who were in
Edinburgh, to prepare themselfs against the nixt Lord's day, to
communicate after the same maner.
Mr "William Struthers, one of the ministers of Edinburgh,
preached this day in the chapell before the king, and observed the
English forme in his prayer and behaviour.
REASONS TO DISSUADE MINISTERS FRO^I ASSISTING TO BISHOPS AT
PARLIAMENT.
At this time were penned these reasons following, to dissuade
the commissioners chosen by some synods and presbyteries from
assisting of the pretendit prelats with their advyses in this Parlia-
ment, which they seemed carefull to have : —
1. It is knowne that the sounder sort of the ministrie has op-
posed to the church's vote in parliament. A great number of them
has likeways, of late, subscrived a protestation against the same.
Neither has the Generall Assemblie at anie tyme, howbeit urged
in the contrare, ever granted to it, but upon condition that the
caveats be insert in the act of parliament, and inviolablie keeped.
But they have broken the caveats, accepted the place, and possesses
the same efter the same forme that Popishe prelats has done a huu-
dreth yeeres since. They have condiscendit alrcadio, in diverse
parliaments, to manic articles greatlie prejudicial! to the estate of
248 calderwood's historie 1617.
our kirk, for the which they remaine countable and lyable to the
sentence of excommunication. The caveats not being keeped, the
condition is not fulfilled. The condition not being fulfilled, they
are but usurpers, not lawfull representers of the church ; when the
kirk is now in great feare of innovations, they pretend resistance,
and seeks advantage of this poore kirk, when they]seeke assistance.
To assist with advyse thir usurpers, who have sitten so long wath
greefe of the kirk, is to overpasse the breache of the caveats, and
to approve their sitting, and their voting, present and bygane,
w^hich will prove to the long day, yea, has alreadie proven, a
greatter crosse to the church than either crosse or surplice.
2. It is to be feared that they make the meeting of thir commis-
sioners with the bishops a generall representative Assemblie, or
the equivalent of it. For, howbeit, by the canons of our church,
commissioners ought to be chosen by presbyteries, not by diocesan
synods, not to assist the bishops, but to meete among themselfs ;
not to advise onlie, but to vote also, if they wold make up a na-
tionall representative Assemblie : yit, seing the pretended prelats
are assisted with the secular power, they will take a shadow for
substance, and either give it afterward the name of a Generall As-
semblie, which now they conceale, as they did at the penult
Assemblie of Linlithgow ; or els they will alledge that a counsel of
bishops, assisted onlie with good advyses of presbyteries, is the
true and right nationall Assemblie : for doe not manie of the Epis-
copall sort affirme that bishops onlie has decisive vote in counsels,
and presbyters are onlie to attend them for information and advyse ?
And, therefore, in our neighbour countrie in the tyme of parlia-
ment, there is noc nationall Assemblie. There meeteth onlie a
certane number of the inferiour clergie, who sittes below in the House
of Convocation, like ciphers, giving naked consent of obedience to
these things which are decreed by the bishops in the over house.
And will ye unwittinglie be conforme ? Eemember, that suppose
the prelats were not usurpers, that there is a speciall caveat, that
they sail condescend to nothing in parliament that concerneth the
church, without the advice of a Generall Assemblie, and the direc-
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 249
tlon therof. Steppe not in, therefore, in the rowme of it, to colour
their proceedings. Beleeve not their fair promises, their deepe
protestations ; for if they meant as they pretend, they wold have
sought a Gcnerall Assemblie, and not have used such slight con-
veyances as ye see they doe.
THE DIOCESAN SYNOD OF LOTHIAN.
In the diocesan synode holden at Edinburgh by the Bishop of
St Androes his direction, there were fifteene commissioners chosen
to attend the parliament. When Mr George Gruer, minister at
Iladingtoun, demandit whether the meeting of the brethren and
bishops was to have the force of a Generall Assemblie, he received
noe anawere. They conveened upon the 13th of June, in the
Litle Kirk, and appointed some commissioners to declare to his
Majestic that they could not condescend to the five articles pro-
ponit by his Hieness, but with advise and consent of the Generall
Assemblie. The five articles were these which were concludit
after at Perth ; viz., kneeling in the act of receiving the sacra-
mentall elements of breade and wine at the Communion ; observa-
tion of some holie dayes dedicate to Christ ; episcopall Confirmation
or bishoping ; private Baptisme, and private Communion.
A MEETING OF BISHOPS AND MINISTERS.
Upon the 15th of June, some noblemen and bishops who had
not communicate before, communicate kneeling; yit not halfe of
the noblemen that were required. The ministers of Edinburgh
in the meane tyme were silent ; neither dissuadit the king privat-
lie, nor opened their mouth in publict against this innovation, or
badd exemj^le.
THE PARLIAMENT.
Upon the 17th of June, the king and the cstats, after their ryd
250 calderwood's historie 1617.
ing in pompe from the Palace of Halyrudhous to the Tolbuith or
Parliament House, about two afternoone, the Erie of Argile caried
the crowne, the Erie of Marre the scepter, and the Erie of Rothesse
the sword. After they had entered in, Mr Johne SpottisAvode,
Bishope of St Androes, had a short sermone, wherin he praised the
kinjr for his jrreat zeale and care to settle the estate of the kirk, and
exhorted the estates to hold hand to him. Thereafter, the king
himself had a harrangue, wherin he expressed the great desire he
had to visite this realme, to see the kirk settled, the countrie re-
duced to good order, lawes needing reformation reformed, for the
good of his subjects. The chancelour followed with his harangue.
The tyme being thus spent till fourc of the afternoone, they pro-
ceedit to the choosing of the Lords of the Articles. The noble-
men, speciallie' suche as feared a prejudice to their estate, and
namelie, touching the dissolution of the erectiouns, and of the
right they had to the tythes, were not content that they sould be
chosen, as the king and the bishops wold have them. The king
purposed once to dissolve the parliament, and the lords were readie
to depart. At last they were chosen, but not altogether to the
king and the bishops' contentment. But the king would in noe case
suffer the Laird of Dunipace to be one of the number, becaus he
had found him his opposite at the assise of Linlithgow, where the
ministers were convict of treasone. The king and the estates
came out of the Tolbuith after ten houres at night, and went doun
to the palace in great confusion, some ryding in their robes, others
walking on foote, and the honours not caried as before. The Lords
of the Articles satt everie day, except tlie Lord's day, and the
king himself was ever present.
THE MINISTERS CONSULT UPON A PROTESTATION.
The ministers mett diverse tymes in the Litle Kirk, where one
or moe of the bishops were ever present. Their cheif consultation
was about stipends and provisions to ministers. There were some
other ministers in the toun, who were more carefull of the spirituall
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 251
liberties of the kirk, and were myndit to have protested against
ane article, which was to passe in ane act of Parliament, prejudi-
cial! to the liberties of the kirk. The bishops assured them with
all attestations, there was no such thing intendit ; whereupon they
went all almost home, after they had attendit a good space.
Mr David Caldcrwode, minister of Crailling, went in to the
Litle Kirk, where otlicr ministers, to the number of foure or five
score, were consulting upon the augmentation of stipends. Ills
purpose was, to seeke some brethren ; always being present, and
hearing mention made of the Convocation-house of England by Mr
Andro Knox, Bishop of the lies, he protested that that meeting be
not acknowledgit by him, either as a Generall Asscmblic or anie
other meeting ajquivalent to it ; or anie wayes to be a meeting,
answerable to the Convocation-house of England in time of their
Parliaments. Thereafter, he desired them to consult upon maters
of greatter importance than augmentation of stipends. It was
answered, that noe alteration Avas to be feai'cd, and the bishops
had faithfuUle so promised. It was replyed by Mr David, that
they had proofe and experience sixtcene yeeres bygone of their
fidelitie in keeping their promises. They filled the cares of the
ministrie with overtures to be sett doun against Papists, and pro-
vision for ministers, when they were working some prejudice to
the kirk. And at this same present, there was alroadie past ane
article amongst the Lords of the Articles, that bishops sould be
elected by chapters, which is a mater ecclesiasticall, and contrare
to the acts of Generall Assemblies ; therefore, it is mecte they
advert the kirk receive noe farther detriment. Doctour "VVhyt-
foord and Doctour Ilammlltoun, clothed in silks and saterns, urged
the other purpose touching plantation of kirks, to interrupt INIr
David. Mr David finding them careless, and some of them sett
there of purpose by the bishops, to hinder anie good purpose, left
them with these words : " It is an absurd thing to sic men sitting
in silks and sateins, and crying povertle, povertie, in the meane
time when purltie is departing."
The archbishops being informed of the speaches that past, came
252 calderwood's historie 1617.
to their meeting on the morne, and protested before God, there
was no alteration intendit, or els they sail be content to be ledd
out to the Mercate Crosse, and be execute on a scaffold ; and yitt
the day following, there past ane article among the Lords of the
Articles, which was like to cutt the cordes of the remanent liber-
ties of our kirk : which when the brethren of that meeting under-
stood, howbeit otherways men not verie forward, yit Avere so
meased, that some of them resolved to make a protestation in open
parliament. The ministers of Edinburgh seemed als forward as
anie other. Two of them were appointed to penne the protesta-
tion, Mr Peter Ewart and Mr William Struthers. The ministers
assembled in the musicke schoole, and others who resorted not
before to their meetings in the kirk, becaus they wold not counte-
nance meetings, conveened to give advise unto bishops. The two
protestations were redd and considered. The protestation penned
by Mr Peter Ewart was preferred to the protestation penned by
Mr William Struthers ; but was thought needfull to be helped with
Uyo clauses taken out of the forme penned by Mr William Struthers.
Mr David Calderwode desired some clauses, importing a yeilding
to the bypast innovations made by the usurping prelats, to be putt
out of the protestation formed by Mr Peter, if they wold have the
concurrence of some brethren readie there to adjoyne themselfs
unto them. Mr Johne Adamsone and the said Mr David were
appointed presentlie, with commone consent, to reforme the said
protestation, by inserting some of the clauses formed by Mr Wil-
liam Struthers, and deleting other clauses offensive to some of the
brethren thair present. The tyme was short, for they appointed
it to be presented before their dissolving, for the day following was
the last day of the parliament.
Whill as they were in reforming the said protestation, the rest
of the brethren are consulting upon the maner of subscription, and
upon the presenter. Mr Patrik Galloway said often, he wold sub-
scrive it with his bloode ; yit he refused to put to his hand and
subscrive it with inke, least the king sould have scene his name at
the end of the protestation. It was therfore devised, that Mr
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 253
Archibald SImsone, as their scribe, sould subscrive in name of the
rest, and they sould sett doun their names in a roll lor his warrant,
which they sould give him in custodie. The protestation was sub-
scrived efter this maner, and the roll, apart from the protestation,
by so manie of the ministrie as were present at that meeting, or
could convenientlie be had in the toun ; for the greattest part and
best affected was gone home, upon the assurance made unto them,
as I have said.
Mr Patrik Galloway revealed the whole purpose that same verie
night, wherupon Mr Peter Ewart being in the king's palace, the
day following, Avas desired by the Bishope of St Androes to let
him have a sight of their supplication. The bishope reiding the
first lyne of it, where it made mention of some brethren of the
ministrie conveened, and made noe mention of anie bishope, rent
it in great despyte, and said, they were too malapert to conveene
without a bishope : he sould make the best of them weare a
surplice, seing they handled him efter that maner. The king asked
Mr Peter where the other coppie was ? he answered, he had noe
other. And the trueth is, that some brethren hearing what had
fallen out, appointed another brother, viz., Mr Archibald Simsone,
to present the other coppie, in case Mr Peter had anie wayes failed,
or beene impcdit to discharge his commission. When the lords
were conveening in the Parliament IIous, Mr Archibald presented
the other coppie to the Clerk of Register, to be redd by the estates :
but he refiised, and acquainted his Majestic therwith; wherupon
the king called for some of the bishops to the Inner IIous, and efter
some conference had with them, entered in the Utter IIous. When
this article was to be redd, his Majestic declared, that he wold
passe from it ; for he thought it verie prejudiclalltohis prerogative
and power to be bound to take advise. He wold doe in that
mater as he thought good, according to his prerogative.
THE TRUE COPIE OF THE PROTESTATION.
" Most gracious and dreade Soveraigne ; most honoin-able Lords,
254 calderwood's historie 1617.
and remanent Commissioners of this present Parliament : — We, the
ministers of Chryst's Evan<]^el, being heir conveened from all parts
of this your Majestie's kingdome, doe in all submission and rever-
ence intreate your Majestie and Honours' patient and favourable
heiring of this our reasonable and humble supplication. And first,
it will please your Hienes and honourable estats heir presentlie
conveened be informed, that we are heir a number of the ministers
out of all the parts of this kingdome ; and that the bishops have
protested since our coming to a great manie of us, that nothing
sould be agreed upon, or consented to, by them in this present
parliament in maters concerning the wholl kirk, the discipline and
order therof, without our speciall knowledge and advyse ; affirming
also, that neither they nor we have power of consent, in anie inno-
vation, of smallest change of the order of our kirk established,
without speciall advyse and determination of the General} Assem-
blie representing the bodie of the kirk of the kingdome had ther-
unto. Wherupon we resting in securitle, have receaved now a
sudden report, to our great astonishment, of ane article to pas in
conclusion, and to receive the force of a law in this present parlia-
ment, decerning, that your Majestie, with advyse of archbishops,
bishops, and such a competent number of the ministrie as your
Majestie out of your wisdome sail think expedient, sail in all tyme
coming have full power to advise and conclude in all maters decent
for the externall policie of the kirk, not repugnant to the Word of
God ; and that such conclusions sail have the strength and power
of ecciesiasticall lawes. Wherin it will please your Majestie and
honorable estates to heare our just greeves and consider our reason-
able desire, and not to put us, your Majestie's humble and loving
subjects, to that poore and simple point of protestation, which, if
remedle be not provydit, we must be forced to use for the freedome
of our kirk and discharge of our conscience.
" We then first pleade reformation and puritie in our kirk, in
doctrine, in ministration of the sacraments, in discipline, and all
convenient order, with the best reformed kirks in Europe, Avhich
may stand and have been acknowledgit rather as a paterne to be
1G17. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 255
followed of others, than that we soukl ecke our reformation from
anie that never attained to that perfection, which in the niercie of
God this long time bygone, under your llienes, Ave have injoyed,
and are able by reasone to maintaine the same.
'* Kixt, We pleade the libertie of our kirk, which by the lawes of
your Majestie's kingdome, and diverse acts of parliaments given
furtli in favour of the same, is established, with power of publict
meetings and Generall Assemblies, and allowance to make such
canons and constitutions as may serve for the comlie order and
decencie of the same ; all which, by this conclusion to be taken,
must be utterlie overthrowne.
" Thridlie, We pleade for the peace and tranquillitie of our kirk,
that being neerest the divyne and apostolicke institution, hath
lived without shismes or rentings in it selfe ; and by introduction
of anie noveltie not orderlie, nor as appertains, may be miserablie
rent, and our peace broken.
" Fourthlie, We have beene at diverse tyms sufficientlie secured
from all suspicion of innovation, as by your Majestie's letter the last
winter sent doun to this countrie, to take away all feare of anie
alteration which might arise upon your Majestie's lovinglie intendit
journey ; which letter, by your Majestie's speciall will and direc-
tion of the specialls of your Majestie's counsel, is elswhere intimated
in our pulpits. As also, by that proclamation given out the 26th
day of September 1G05, when rumours of ane intendit conformitie
with the Kirk of England was spread abrode : Wherin your Ma-
jestic sufficientlie avoydit all such suspicion ; and the hearts of all
honest men settled themselves in a confidence, that noe such thing
sould be attempted.
" These, and manie other reasons, have moved us, in all reverence,
by this our humble supplication, to intrcate your Ilicnes and
honorable estats, not to suffer the fornamed article, nor anie other
prejudiciall to our liberties formerlie granted, to passe at this tyme,
to the greefe and prejudice of this poore kirk, wherby the univer-
sall joy of manie thousands in this land, Avho rejoiced at your
Majestie's happie arriving heir, sail be turned to murning, Wher-
25Q calderwood's historie 1617.
in as we are earnest supplicants to God, to inclyne your Majestie's
heart this way, as the most expedient for the honour of God, and
the Weill of the subjects ; so, if we sail be frustrate of this our
reasonable desire, then doe we in all humilitie, with that duetifull
acknowledgement of our loyaltie to your Majestic as becomes, pro-
test for our selfs and all our brethren that sail adhere to our pro-
testation ; that as we are frie of the same, so must we be forced,
rather to incurre the censure of your Majestie's law, than to ad-
mitt or obtemper anie imposition that sail not fall from the kirk
orderlie conveened, having power of the same."
THE NAMES OF THESE WHO SUBSCRIBED IN THE ROLL,
JUNE 27, 1617.
Masters Patrik Galloway, Johne Hall, Andro Ramsay, "William
Struthers, Robert Scott, Jhone Balfoure, Robert Colvine, Thomas
Sydserfe, Henrie Blyth, George Grier, Jhone Aird, James Burnet,
Archibald Simsone, William Blacke, Simon Jhonson, William
Arthure, William Weems, George Dumbare, Jhone Scrimgeour,
James Inglis, William Knox, Jhone Smith, Michael Wallace,
Patrik ShaAv, Johne Alexander, Robert Murray, Charles Lumis-
daine, Patrik Hammiltoun, David Calderwode, Johne Ker, Walter
Whytforde, Jhone Chalmers, James Porteous, Luke Sonsie, James
Lamb, William Guild, William Dowglas, Jhone Merser, George
Chalmer, James Robertsone, Henrie Livingstoun, Jhone Christie,
Francis Collace, William Justice, Jhone Weyms, Alexander
Forrest, William Jamisone, Alexander Keith, Andro Balfour,
Robert Roche, Robert Hgeresse, Theodore Hay of Peeblis, Adam
Simsone, James Frenche, William Scott.
THE king's TEAST TO THE ENGLISHE AND SCOTTISHE NOBILITIE.
Upon the 19th of June, the day of the king's birth, he made a
feast to the Englishe and Scottishe nobilitie, in the Castle of Edin-
burgh, betuixt foure efternoone and nyne at night ; and therefter
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 257
came doun to the Palace of Halyrudhous, wherunto the people
resorted to sie the pastyms with fireworke.
THE KING BANKETED BY THE TOUN OF EDINBURGH.
Upon Thursday, the 2Gth of June, there was a timber-hous
erected upon the backe of the south side of the Great Kirk of
Edinburgh, which was decorcd Avith tapcstrle, where the toun
prepared a banket for the king and the nobilitie. The day follow-
ing, sundrie knights and gentlemen of good note Avere bankcted
in the same hous, and made burgesses. They danced about the
Crosse with sound of trumpets and other instruments; throwcd
glasses of wine from the Crosse upon the people standing about,
and endit with the king's scoll.
MR ARCHIBALD SIMSONE WAIRDIT.
Mr Archibald Slmsone, minister at Dalkeith, was summoned on
the Sabboth day following, efter the dissolving of the parliament,
to compeere on ^Monday before the Highe Commission. He corn-
peered, and was committed to walrd, for presenting the supplica-
tion or protestation above written, and not delivering the roll of
the names of these that consented to the protestation. The trueth
is, he had given the roll to Mr Patrlk Ilenrison, master of the
Song Schoole, wlio gave It to Mr David Caldervvode, minister at
Cralling. Mr David was jrone south to his kirk, but was forced
to returne Immediatlie, to compeere before the Highe Commission
at St Androes, the 8th of Julie, to which dyet he was summoned.
The tenor of the summons heir follows : —
" JiiONE, by the mercle of God, Archblshope of St Androes,
Primate and Metropolitane of Scotland; and James Archbishope
of Glaseo, to our lovits * * * * executors
helrof, conjunctlle and severallie, speciallic constitute, greeting.
" Forsamelkle as it is humblie meaned and showen to us by our
VOL. VII. R
25S c ALDER wood's historie 1617.
lovlt, Mr William Weemes, our Procutor Fiscall, that where upon
Fryday, being the 27th of June instant, there being a mutinous
assemblie of certane of the brethren of the ministrie assembled in
the Musick Schoole of Edinburgh, they caused a protestation to be
penned, to be given in to his Majestic and estats of parliament,
wherunto Mr Archibald Simsone, minister at Dalkeith, as pre-
tendit clerk, sett his hand, and subscribed the samine for himself,
and in name of the rest of the brethren assembled ; and for his war-
rant, most seditiouslie tooke all their hand-writts and subscriptions ;
and the said Mr Archibald beino^ cited before us and our associats,
commissioners appointed by his Majestie's Highe Commission, for
exhibition and production of the hand-writts collected by him at
that tyme, he declared in our presence that he had not the same
in his hands then, and that he had delivered the same to Mr Patrik
Henrisone, reader in Edinburgh ; and the said Mr Patrik Henri-
sone being present, declared that he receaved the samine subscrip-
tions from the said Mr Archibald, and that he had delivered the
samine to Mr David Calderwode, minister at Crailing ; and that
the said Mr David Calderwode as yitt retaines the samine, of pur-
pose to cans others of the brethren subscrive the samine seditious
protestation, in contempt of the Almightie God, and reverence he
ought to his Majestie, our Soveraigne Lord, and regard Avhich he
ought to have caried to his superiours ; and thereby has declared
himself a mutinous and seditious persone, unworthie to beare office
or function in the kirk, and ought and sould be censured and
punished therefor.
" Therefore, we charge you, that, incontinent this our precept
scene, yec i:)ass, and lawfuUie summoun, wairne, and charge the
said Mr David Calderwode, minister, to compeir before us and our
associats, commissioners appointed by his Majestie's Hie Commis-
sion, at St Androcs, the 8th day of Julie nixtocum, at eight hourcs
in the morning ; and there to exhibite and produce the roll, con-
teaning the hand-writts of the saids Assembleis, and others
subscrivers of the said protestation, wholl and uncancellit, as he
receaved the samine from the said Mr Patrik Henrisone ; and to
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 259
answeir for his mutinous and seditious assistance to tlie said Assem-
blie, and to heare and sic him punished by all censures that we, by
vertue of his Majestie's Ilie Commission, may impose upon him ;
and that under the paine of deprivation of him from all function
of the ministric. Certifying him, that if he corapeir not the said
day and place, he being lawfuUie summoned thereto, the said sen-
tence of deprivation sail be pronounced against him, and we sail
cans letters of horning be direct, for dcnuncing of him his Majes-
tie's rebell, and putting of him to the hornc. The quhilk to doe,
&c.
" Given under the signet of office of the said Hie Commission,
and subscribed by the clerk, at Edinburgh, the last of June, 1617."
THE HIGH COMMISSION SITTETH IN ST ANDEOES.
Mr Archibald Simsone, Mr David Calderwode, and Mr Peter
Ewart, one of the ministers of Edinburgh, attendit upon the dyet,
but it was continued till the 12th of Julie. The king come out
of Falkland upon Fryday, the 11th day, dyned with the Bishop of
St Androes in Dairsie by the way, and entered in St Androes after-
noone, went into the kirk, and heard Mr George Gladstains his sone,
the archdeane, his flattering sermone. The day following, the 12th
of Julie, there Avas publict disputation in the kirk, upon some theses
of the prince's power, made and susteaned by Mr David Lindsay,
then minister ofDundie, now Bishop of Brechine, at which the
king himself in a maner acted the part of a praises. That day
afternoone, the Hie Commission satt. Before the three brethren
above named Avere called on, the king sayeth to the bishops, and
other members of the Hie Commission, " We tooke this order with
the Puritans in England. They stoode out als long as they were
deprived onlie of their benefices, becaus they preached still on, and
lived upon the benevolence of the people affecting their cans ; but
when we deprived them of their office, manic yeeldit to us, and
are now become the best men we have. Let us take the like
course with the Puritanes heir." So they fell keenelie to worke,
and deprived that afternoone the three ministers above named.
260 calderwood's historie 1617.
MR PETER EWART DEPRIVED.
Mr Peter Ewart compeered, adhered to his protestation, and,
therefore, was deprived, and confined in Dundie.
Mr Archibald Simsone attendit upon the first dyet ; but seing
it continued to the 12th of Julie, he went home, and sent this
letter followins: for excuse : —
MR ARCHIBALD SIMSONE HIS LETTER TO THE HIE COMMISSION.
" Dum mihi, rcverendissimi domini et patres, pra3 Colica passione
quam ex itinere insueto prajsertim maritimo, nisi fallor, ad diem
dictum convenire non licuerit, banc epistolara quam dictavi, excu-
satoriam admittite. Novi nullum inter vos me odisse, nee ego
unquam quempiam odi, sed colui et dilexi. Causa tantum nos
distinguit. Ego iterum atque iterum testatus sum, conventum
ilium fratrum legitimum fuisse, vobis etiam consentientibus, pro-
testationem omnibus omnium generum liberam, in re aequa ex lege
canonico permissam : unde nos ab omnibus etiam adversariis, Protes-
tantes dlcimur. Petrus Evartus scripsit, ego subscripsi, jam rescribo;
neuter in hoc peccavit, neque quenquam fi'atrum assentientium aut
pcenitet, aut pudet : et ut vere dicam, eruditissimi hujus regni
pastores, reliquique omnes qui manum non admoverant, unanimi
consensu has imponendas ceremonias exerrantur. Videte quid sit,
mi patres, novam rupturam, priore vix de vobis ipsis composita,
in ecclesiam inducere. Onixe precor Deum, ut Regiam sacram
Majestatem moveatis, ne subitanea hac impositione novitatis, sere-
nitatem Scotlcanas charitatis in se obnubilet, et ne vos, tanquam
priraarios hujus Anglicans conformitatis administros, mutatis
mutandis more Anglicano publico odio, ne dicam, ludibrio exponat.
Non dicam cum Paulo, confundantur ; sed Eliensi curru in coelos
effcrantur, qui nos perturbant. Redeant si Anglici Prajsules, ut
dicam, ad suos, et suis tricis se oblectent ; nos Christiana puritate
et unitate gaudeamus. Quod si meae huic admonitioni non assen-
tieritis, quod absit, ego, cum Marco Attilio Regulo, Carthaginem
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 2G1
repetiturus, et ne eupcrbc insultera liberrlmc in ipsis carceribus,
si vultis victurus, et vitana banc jam f'erme finitam tcniiinare, si
Deus voluit conclusi. Si quid aliud vultis, dctur bine tabeHario,
egoque die mihi prescripto, si pra? valetudine possim, comparebo.
Valcte."
MR A. SIMSONE DEPRIVED.
The Bishop of St Androes was so enraged at this letter, that ho
delivered it to the king, ■\vherupon two of the guardc were directed
to bring him to St Androes, which was done with diligence. He
was deprived, and ordained to be wairdit in Aberdeene.
THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HIE COMMISSION AGAINST MR DAVID
CALDERWODE.
Mr David Calderwode was called on last. The conclusion of
his libelled summons was redd. To the first head, he answeired,
that understanding Mr Archibald Simsone was wairdit in the
Castle of Edinburgh, for not pi-esenting the roll of the names, he
went to the castle, and delivered it to him in his owne hand, and,
therefore, he could not exhibite the roll. Neither did he in that
short space of time seeke anle new subscriptions, nor could he,
becaus he had not the protestation to produce to the subscryver.
Then the king demandit what he had to answeir to the other
point, the assisting of that mutinous meeting? He anscred, " Sir,
when that meeting sail be condemned as mutinous, then it is time
for me to answeir for my particular assistance." Secretare Ham-
milton said to him, " Mr David, acknowledge your owne rashness."
In the meane time, these that were standing about putt upon him,
and buzed in his eare, saying, " Doc this ; come in the king's will ;
you will find it the best : his Majestic will pardoun you." Mr
David answered to the Secretare, " That which they had done Avas
not done rashlie, but with deliberation." " "What moved you to
pi'otest ?" said the king. " Ane article concludit amongst the
Lords of the Articles," said Mr David. " Can ye tell me," said
262 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1617.
the king, " what was the article ye protested against ?" " Yes, Sir,"
said he, "this was the tenor of it : That your Majestic, with ad-
vyse of the archbishops and bishops, and such a competent num-
ber of the ministrie as your Hieness thought expedient, might
make ecclesiasticall lawes." " What fault was there in that ?"
said the king. " It cutteth off our Generall Assemblies," said
Mr David. Then the king demandit, how long he had beene a
minister? he answered, "Twelfe yeers. Sir." Then said the
king, " Indeid, when I went out of Scotland yee were not a minis-
ter. I heard noe dinne of you till now. But heare me, Mr Cal-
derwode ; I have beene ane older keeper of Generall Assemblies
than ye. A Generall Assemblie serves to preserve doctrine in
puritie, from errour and heresie, the kirk from schisme, to make
Confessions of Faith, to put up petitions to the king and parlia-
ment. But as for maters of order, rites, and things indifferent in
kirk policie, they may be concludit by the king, with advyse of
the bishops, and a choise number of ministers. Xixt, What is a
Generall Assemblie but a competent number of ministers ?" He
answered, "As to the first point. Sir, a Generall Assemblie sould
serve, and our Generall Assemblies have served these fiftie-six
yeers, not onlie for preserving doctrine from errour and heresie, the
kirk from schisme, to make Confessions of Faith, and to putt up
petitions to the king or parliament, but also to make canons and
constitutions of all rites and orders belonging to kirk politic. As
for the second point; as by a competent number of ministers may
be meant a Generall Assemblie, so also may be meant a fewer
number of ministers conveened than may make up a Generall
Assemblie. It was ordeaned in a Generall Assemblie, with your
Majestie's owne consent, your Majestic being present, that there
sould be commissioners chosen out of everie presbyterie, not ex-
ceeding the number of three, to be sent to a Generall Assemblie,
and so the competent number of ministers is already defyned."
" What needit farther," said the king, " but to have protested for
a declaratour what was meant by a competent number?" He
answered, " In pleading for the libertie of the Generall Assemblie
we did that in effect."
1617. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 263
Then the king, having the protestation in his hand, challengcth
him for the last clause. lie answered, " Whatsoever was the
phraise of speechc, they meant no other thing but to protest, they
wold give passive obedience to his Majestic, but could not give
active obedience to anie unlawfuU thing which wold flow from that
article." " Active and passive obedience," sayes the king. " That
is, we will rather sutler than practise. Sir," said he. Then the king
said, " I will tell thee, man, what is obedience. The centurion,
when he said to his servants, to this man, Goe, and he goeth, to
that man, Come, and he comcth, that is obedience." He answered,
" To suffer. Sir, is also obedience, howbeit not of that same kind ;
and that obedience was also limited, with exception of a contra-
niand from a superior power, howbeit it be not expressed." Then
said the secretare again, " Mr David, lett alone ; confesse your
errour." Some of the bishops, and others standing about, pulled
on him, and rounded in his eare as before. He answered to the
secretare, " That deid was not done by me alone." " Answeir for
your owne part," said the secretare. He answered, " My Lord, I
cannot see that I have committed anie fault."
Then the king said, " Weill, Mr Calderwode, I will let you see
that I am gracious and favourable. That meeting sail be con-
demned before ye be condemned ; all that are in the roll sail be
fyled or ye be fyled. Howbeit ye be not last in the roll, I sail
make you last, provyding ye will conforme." " Sir, I have
answered ray lybell," said Mr David ; " I ought to be urged noe
farther." The king said, " It is true, man, ye have answered your
lybell. But consider I am here ; I am a king ; I may demand of
you when and what I will." He answered, " Surelie, Sir, I gett
great wrong, that I sould be compelled to answere here In judge-
ment to anie more than to my lybell." " Answer, Sir," said the
king. Then said he, " If noe better may be, I will answeir to your
Majestic." " I am informed," said the king, " ye are a refractarc :
the Bishop of Glasco, your ordinar, and the Bishop of Caithness,
the Moderator of your Presbyterie, testifie that yee have keeped
noe order : ye have repaired neither to presbyteries nor synods,
264 calderwood's historie 1617.
and is noe ways conforme." He answered, " Sir, I have beene con-
fyned these eight or nyne yeers, so my conformitie or not confor-
mitie in that point could not be knowne." " Good faith ! thou art a
verie knave," said the king. " See thir same false Puritans : they
[are] ever playing with equivocations." The Bishop of Glasco said
to Mr David, " If ye was confyned, how was ye at the meeting in
the Song Schoole ?" He answered, " Since I was confyned I ob-
tained a libertie, with exception of presbyteries and synods : that
meeting was neither a presbyterie nor a synode." Then said
Glasco, " Ye know, Mr David, ye contested Avith me not long
since." He answered, " True, eight or nyne yeeres since, when ye
were not a bishop authorized Avith ecclesiasticall jurisdiction, but
came under the colour of a visitour, to visite our presbyterie, but
to dresse your owne tui-nes ; and I declyned upon sufficient rea-
sons." "But ye were condemned," said he, "in the Generall
Assemblie which followed," meaning the Assemblie holden at
Linlithgow, in the yeere 1608. " I know not," said Mr David,
" whether I Avas condemned or not ; for I Avas confyned, and had
no accesse to complaine to that Assemblie, or to defend my decli-
natour." The trueth is, there Avas no such mater as the condem-
ning, either of that or anie other declinatour at that Assemblie ;
onlie the travells of the visitours Avere allowed, or, at the least, not
controlled in that Assemblie ; the bishops seeking in outward
shcAV reconciliation Avith their opposits, both in affection and
judgement, and therefore Avere they not challenged. Then said
the bishop, " His Majestic Avill relaxe you presentlie, that yee may
come to the presbyteries and synods." " I never refused," said Mr
David, " to come to presbyteries ; and if we (meaning himself and
George Johnstoun, minister at Ankrome) had gottin the extract
of our relaxation, Avhlch was proclaimed at the Crosse of Edin-
burgh, two or three yeers since, I had come to the presbyterie."
" Ye might have gotten it," said the bishop. " Not," said the
other, " for my consort, George Jhonson, Avhen he Avas urged by
the presbyterie, could not gett it ; and ye promised in the synode
to gett it to us, but ye did it not." Then said the king, " If ye
1G17. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 265
were relaxed, what wold ye doc ? will ye obey or not ?" He
answered, " Sir, I am verle farrc wronged, in that I am forced to
answeir such questions which are beside the libell ; yit seing I
must answeir, I say, Sir, I sail either obey, or give a reasone where-
fore I disobey ; and your iSIajestie knowes I am to ly under the
danger, as I doe now." Then said the king, " That is, to obey
either active or passive." " I can goe noe further," said Mr
David, and so he was removed.
When he was called in againe, his relaxation was intimate to
him, that he might repair to presbyteries and synods, and withall,
the sentence of suspension from the ministrie till October nixt
to come Avas pronounced, and the Bishop of Glasco ordained to
deprive him, in case he came not to the synod at that time, and
promised conformitie. " Now," said the king, " ye have time till
advise whill October, whether ye will conforme or not ; ye neid
not take paines to studie a text against Sonday for the people."
Then said Mr David, " I heard your Majestie this day, in the
publict disputations, disclame the power of deprivation yj>/7>«a77o.
Suspension priman'o is a degree to deprivation prtmai-io, and both
are ecclesiasticall censures." " It was not I, man, that pronounced
the sentence," said the king ; " I wold have removed, but they
wold not let me. It Avas the Bishope of St Androes that pro-
nunccd the sentence." Then said Mr David, " Please your
Majestie, then let me spcake to them." So he turned to the
Bishope of St Androes, and to the rest standing on his right side,
and said, " Neither can ye suspend or deprive me in this court
of Hie Commission ; for ye have no farther power in this court
than by commission from his Majestie. His Majestie cannot com-
municate that power to you which he elaimeih not to himself."
The king wagged his headc, and spake som thing to tlic sccretare.
Then he said to Mr David, *' Are they not bishops, and fathers of
the kirk ; and as ecclesiasticall persons clothed with tlie kirk's
authoritie, have power to suspend and depose ?" " Not In this
court, Sir," said Mr David : at which words, there aryseth a con-
fused noise, and therefore he extendit his voyce, that it sould not
266 calderwood's historie 1617.
be drowned with theirs ; and least he sould have beene stopped,
spak these words with one breath, '' They have noe power from
the kirk ; for all the power they have granted to them by the
Act of Glasco, which is all the power they have from the kirk, is
onlie that everie bishope in severall, associating to himself some
of the ministers of the bounds where the delinquent is, may sus-
pend or depose, and onlie in such and such cases. That is not,
nor can not be done in this court ; therefore, I miskcn your sen-
tence."
Efter the king had spoken some words to the Bishope of St An-
droes, the bishope said, " His Majestic sayeth, that if ye will not
be content to be suspendit spirituallie, ye sail be suspendit cor-
porallie." Mr David perceiving the king had putt the words in
his mouth, turned him to him, and said, " Sir, my bodie is in
your Majestie's hands, to doe with it as pleases your Majestic ;
but als long as my bodie is frie, I will teache, notwithstanding
of their sentence." Then said the king, " What, man ? howbeit,
I take not upon me to pronunce the sentence of suspension, yit
Regis est cogere : I have power to compell anie man to obey the
sentence of the kirk, when it is pronunced." " Sir," said Mr
David, " their sentence is not the sentence of the kirk, but a null
sentence in it self, and, therefore, I cannot obey it." Then Mr
Law, Bishope of Glasco, rounding in Mr David's eare, said, " Ye
are a wise man ! ye wait not who are your freinds." Mr David
rounded lykways to him, and said, " Wherfore brought ye me
heir?" for he saw it was their drift to have him give place to
the sentence. Others in the meane tyme were revyling him, and
calling him a proude knave ; others uttered other speeches which
he could not take up for confusion of their voices; others were
not ashamed to shake his shoulders, and dunche^ him in the
necke. The king demandeth, in the meane time, if he wold
absteane from teaching for a certaine time, in case he sould com-
mand him by his regall authoritie, as from himself? He answeired,
thinking his Majestic had beene still urging obedience to the
• Thump, punch.
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 267
sentence pronunced, being disturbed by shaking, touking,' con-
fused speaking of these that stoodc by, " I am not mynded to
obey." The king asked againe, " What if I command you ? ■will ye
not obey ?" lie answered as before, still thinking that his demand
was relative to their sentence onlie. Then againe the king said,
" "Will ye not obey?" He still answered as before, not knowing
that he required obedience to anie thing but to the sentence pro-
nunced, becaus the king repeated his first demand in full termes.
The king mistaking him, as if he had obstinatlie refused to cease
a certaine tyme from teaching at his owne command, was incensed,
and so he was removed the second tyme.
When he was called in againe, the sentence of deprivation was
pronunced, and he was ordained to be putt in closse waird in the
Tolbuith of St Androes, till his Majestie's farther pleasour were
knowne, as he tooke it ; but as Mr Edward Mairshall, clerk to
the Hie Commission, reported, till farther order were taken for
his banishment. The bishope addit, that he deserved to be used
as Ogilvie the Jesuitc, who was hanged for denying the king's
power. When he wold have answeired, the Bishope of St An-
droes said, " Noe answeir." Mr David said, " Noe answeir be it
then." The secretare said, " Mr David, if ye will answeir to
anie thing, answeir to your lybell." He answered, " My Lord,
I have answeired long since to my libell." The king in a great
rage said, "Away with him! away with him!" Mr David was
much moved that he gatt not libertie to answeir ; for howbeit he
could not resist closse waird or banishment, yit he was resolved
to oppone to the sentence of deprivation. Yit in effect he pre-
vented it, when he opponed to the sentence of suspension, and
alledgit that both were ecclesiasticall censures.
When the king had commandit to take him away. Sir David
Murrey, Lord of Scoone, tooke him by the arme, to leade him
out. They stoode a certaine space before the castle gate, waiting
upon one of the baillies of the toun. In the meane time, Mr
David said to Scoone, " My Lord, this is not the first lyke turne
' Tugging.
268 calderwood's historie 1617.
that has fallen into your hands." " I must serve the king," said
he. Then said Mr David to the ministers who were standing
beside, " Brethren, ye liave Christ's caus in hand at this meet-
ing ; be not terrified Avith this spectacle ; prove faithfull servants
to your Maister." Then came the commissar, Mr Thomas Henri-
sone, one of the members of the Hie Commission, out of the
chappell, and upbraidit Mr David before the whole companie
standing beside, saying, " Fy on you, man ! what is this ye have
done? Ye said often ye wold not obey the king himself, how-
beit he sould command you to cease from teaching for a tyme."
" Not so," said Mr David. " Yes, but it is true," said the com-
missar. Then began Mr David to think, that belike he had mis-
taken the king's demand. They went all forward from the castle
gate to the tolbuith. By the way, one demandit at Scoone,
" Where away with that man, my Lord?" " First to the tolbuith,
and then to the gallouse," said he. There accompanied them
about fourtie ministers and gentlemen. When they came neere
to the tolbuith, neither the baiilie nor the key could be had, and,
therefore, my Lord of Scoone sent Mr David up to his owne
lodging, which was neere to the tolbuith, and caused some at-
tend upon him. Mr Patrik Lindsay went up to him, and up-
braidit him, but he sent him packing away from him. At last,
the keyes were gotten, and he was putt in closse waird. That
night resorted to him ten or twelfe of ministrie, betuixt nyne
and ten of the clocke, to whom he reported what had past ; and
understanding by them that Mr Thomas Henrison's speeches were
confirmed, by a constant report in the toun, he formed the day
following the declaration and petition following : —
" Gracious and dread Soveraigne, — When I heard it con-
stantlie reported, that I refused absolutlie to desist from teaching
a certaine time, notwithstanding your Majestic sould command
me, I protest before God, I have mistaken your Majestie's
speeches, if your Majestic has uttered anie suche thing ; for my
mind was so distracted with the varietie of speeches of such as
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 269
were present, speeking to me at one time, that I could not jiidi-
ciouslie consider your Majestie's words. I conceaved noe further
for that present time, but that your Majestic did not command,
but demand, whether I sould acknowledge the sentence of sus-
pension pronunccd by the bishope, and obey it or not? Your
Majestie's owne commandcmcnt undoubtedlic I wold have obeyed,
and by thir presents in all humilitie offers my obedience. Be-
seeking your Majestic to sett me at llbertie, that I may give an
evident proofc of the same."
The Bishope of St Androes understanding by Mr Alexander
Ivinncir, that he was to send such a petition, desired to have a
sight of it. When he redd it, he said, " I think this sail doe the
turne ;" and tooke in hand to present it himself. Mr David sus-
pecting that he had purposlie taken it in hand, to the end he sould
not imploy another, sent another copie to the Laird of Dalhoussie,
and the Shereffe of Teviotdaill, whom he intreated to intreate Sir
Jhone Ramsay, Viscount of Iladingtoun, to present it to the king,
for the respect they caried to my Lord Cranstoun. But before he
gatt occasion, the_ bishope presented his copie. When the king
redd the first part, he said, " How could this be ? the man had all
his senses: the devill nor he had beene reid wode,' and by his
mynd, and then I had not beene so angrie at him." When he redd
the later part, he became calme againe, but the bishope incensed
him againe ; for the bishops could not be content to have the
obedience to the king's command expreslie distinguij>hed from
obedience to their sentence. The Viscount of Iladingtoun pre-
sented his copie in the bcd-chalmer efter that. The king made a
marke upon the edge of it, and said, '•' I will ken it by this marke
among a hundreth : I sail advise upon it." But the Viscount was
not cairfull to require an answcir efter.
The bishops and their favorers had given out that Mr David had
made a recantation, which could noe wayes be collected out of
the former petition ; for he offered onlie in it to desist for a certaine
^ Stark mad.
270 calderwood's historie 1617.
time from preaching, at his Majestie's pleasure or command, which,
as the case stoode with him in the meane time, he thought expedi-
ent. But he did not acknowledge their sentence, yea, did not
acknowledge that the king himself had power to sententiate in that
maner, and as a judge. Yea, the bishops were greeved, becaus he
wold not acknowledge their sentence ; for Mr Walter Whytfoorde
came to him upon Tuysday, when the court was to goe of the
toun, and said, " Doe but one thing, and the bishops wiU gett you
your libertie." " Will they get me my libertie ?" said Mr David.
He corrected his specche, and said, " They will labour to get it."
" Weill, what is it they wold have me to doe ?" said Mr David.
" To admitt their sentence," said he. " I will rather be banished
out of the countrie," said Mr David.
The Laird of Corse, now Bishope of Aberdeene, whether directed
by the bishops to speake with him or not, I am not certaine, said,
" Ye may obey anie unjust sentence, howbeit ye acknowledge it
not." " How can that be ?" said Mr David : " can I be silent,
seing their sentence is nidi ?" " Carie they not their power with
them whithersoever they goe ?" said Mr Walter. " Not," said Mr
David ; " for then they might bring the power of the Hie Com-
mission to the synode." By this conference the reader may per-
ceave, that the mistaking of the king's last demands, when he was
disturbed by these that stoode by, was accepted as a suflScient
excuse of his answeirs to them; and that the true cause of his
wairding or banishment was the not acknowledging of the sen-
tence of the Hie Commission. That day efternoone there was a
charge sent to transport him to the jayle of Edinburgh, to be
deteaned thair, till he found caution acted in the books of Secreit
Counsel for his departure out of the countrie, conforme to the
ordinance of the counsel given theranent. The tenor of the charge
heir followeth : —
" The Lords of Secrete Counsel having given order and direc-
tion for transportation of Mr David Calderwode, from his waird
within the tolbuith of this burgh of St Androes, to waird within
the tolbuith of Edinburgh, there to remaine, ay and whill he find
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 271
caution acted in the books of Secrete Counsel for his departure
furth of this reahne, conforme to the appointment and ordinance
of counsel given therancnt : Therefore, ordaincs the provest and
baillies of St Androes, upon sight hcirof, to render and deliver the
said Mr David Calderwode to the captane, leivtenant, or such of
the guard as sail be directed to them, to the effect they may-
transport and deliver him to the provest and baillies of Edin-
burgh, to be committed by them to vvaird, as said is. And for this
effect, ordaincs also the provest and baillies of Edinburgh, upon
sight heirof, to receive the said Mr David, and to committ him
prisoner to the said waird, thcrin to remaine untill he find caution
for his departure, as said is. Wheranent thir presents sail be a
sufficient warrand.
" Given at St Androes, the 15th of Julie 1617.
" SiiNCT Androes.
" BiNNlNGE."
THE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH RECANT.
Efter the thrie ministers were deprived in the Hie Commission,
Mr Johne Hall, Mr Patrik Galloway, and Mr William Struthers,
and Mr Andro Ramsay, ministers of Edinburgh, Avere sent foi*.
They craved his Majestie's favour on their knees, and declared,
that if they had knowne that his jNlajestie wold have taken offence
at them for their conveening and subscriving the Protestation, they
Avoid not have done it : and so gott a kisse of the king's hand. They
exhorted Mr Peter, and the said Mr David, to maintaine constantlie
that which they had done, promising to assist them. But they not
onlie professed their repentance for the good service they had
done to the kirk, but have also since practised and preached farre
contrare to that Avhich they avowed in their protestation.
A MEETING OF MINISTERS AT SANCT ANDROES.
The day following, that is, the Lord's day, the 13th of Julie, the
272 calderwood's historie 1617.
ministers wliich were written for, or sent by the synods, conveened
efternoone. The king was incensed at the bishops, specialUe at
the Bishope of St Androes, becaus they made him beleeve they
had so dressed all maters, that he had noe more adoe when he
came to the countrie but to give his presence. But now, finding
himself disappointed, he call them dolts and deceivers. To please
him, they pres^uted to the ministers conveened the five articles,
which were efter concludit at Perth. They answeired, they could
not medle with these maters, and desired they might be referred to
a Generall Assemblie. The king seemed to be content with the
answeir.
THE KING AT STERLINE AND GLASCO.
Upon Monday, the 21st of Julie, the king dined in Alloway, and
went backe to Stirline. Whill he was at Sterline, he heard the
regents of the Colledge of Edinburgh dispute upon some philosophi-
call theses. He was weill pleased with the dispute, and tooke upon
him to be Patrone of the Colledge of Edinburgh, gave it the name
of King James his Colledge, promised to provide a rent for it, and
ordained his armes to be sett upon the gates therof. Therafter he
went to Glasco. Whill he was at Glasco, there was a gentleman's
child baptized in the King's Presence Chamber, by an Englishe
bishope, the king himself being present.
After the charge sent to the baillies of Edinburgh, Mr David
Calderwode was delivered, efter three dayes imprisonment, to two
of the guard, to be transported to Edinburgh. He entered in the
jayle of Edinburgh the 18th of Julie. Howbeit sundrie oflfered
themselfs willinglie cautioner for him, that he sould depart out of the
countrie, the ordinance of the Counsell could not be had, whereby
they might understand the summe or time appointed. Neither James
Primrose, clerk to the Secrete Counsel, nor his servant, Laurence
Keir, who was in St Androes in the meane time when the charge
was given, nor Mr Edward Marshall, clerk to the Hie Commis-
sion, had anie such ordinance ; nor could the said Mr David gett
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 273
libertie, upon caution to remaine in the toun, till the appointment
of the counsell were made manifest. So he was forced to enter
and reniainc in the jaylc. The Bishop of St Androcs promised,
Avheu he came to Edinburgh, to give a warrant to the baillics to
let him out, upon caution that he remained in the toun. He came
on the morne efter he entered in] waird, but for noe intreatic
Avould give suche a warrand ; yea, he confessed cfterward to James
Cranstoun, sonne to my Lord Cranstoun, that the king and they
had a purpose to keepe him in closse waird till a shippe were
readie, and to transport him out of waird to the shippe imraediatlie.
It Avas reported, that their intention was, to send him first to
London, and from thence to Virginia. jNIr David finding himself
disappointed, formed this other supplication, to be sent to the
king : —
" Most gracious Soveraigne,
" In all humilitie I doe againe declare to your Sacred Majestic,
my mistaking of your Majestie's last speeches, when your Majestic
did demand of me, if I would obey your Majestic, and absteane
from teaching till October nixt to come, if your Majestic did com-
mand me ; for I protest before God, that I conceaved your Majes-
tic as still specking of the sentence pronunced, and not as from
your Majestie's self. If I had taken it as from your Majestie's
self, in all humilitie I wold have givin obedience. And to testific
the trueth of my most humble and readie submission, I am willing
to absteene during the time injoyned by your Majestic ; humblie
beseeking your Majestic to sett me at libertie, and relaxe me from
the last sentence of exile, and to mitigate the same in some mea-
sure, as it sail please your most gracious Majestic."
When James Cranstoun, sonne to my Lord Cranstoun, came to
visite Mr David, and offered to employ his credite for him, he
requeisted him to carie his petition to court, to seeke a gracious
presenter ; which he did most willinglie. Before he went to
Glasco, he intreattcd the Bishop of St Androcs for him. The
bishop desired him to seeke a presenter, and promised to assist.
VOL. VII. S
274 calderwood's nisTORiE 1617.
He went first to Sterline, and from thence to Glasco ; attendit
eight dayes. Noe man •would offer to present his petition, but
Robert Hay, one of the Bed-chahner, -who presented it secretlie.
The king answered calmelie, that he and the bishops had concludit
what sould be done in that mater. The Bishop of St Androes was
a secrete enemie, and undennyned the gentleman. Yit through
importunitie among noblemen, courteours, counsillours, bishops, he
obtained this act following :- —
" Apud Glascuayn, vigesimo septimo die mensis Julii, anno
Domini millesimo sexcentessimo decimo septimo.
" The which day, in presence of the Lords of Secrete Counsell,
compeered personallie James Cranstoun, sonne to William Lord of
Cranstoun, and acted and obliged him and his aires, as cautioner
and sovertie for Mr David Calderwode, minister at Crailing, that
the said Mr David, betuixt the date heirof, and the feast and terme
of Michaelmes nixt to come, sail depart, and passe furth of his
Majestie's dominions ; and not returne againe within the same,
without his Majestie's licence first had and obtained thereto, under
the paine of five hundreth merks.
" Extractum de lihris actorum Secreti Consilii S.D.N. Regis, per
me, Jacohum Primrose, clericum ejusdem, sub meis signo et suhscrip-
tione manualihus.
" Jacobus Primkoise."
Upon this act, he purchassed a warrant to the provest and bail-
lies of Edinburgh to sett Mr David at libertie. So he was
delivered out of the jayle the 28th of Julie. During the time that
he was in the jayle he found great fixvour, and that by the allow-
ance and direction of the magistrats, speciallie the provest. Sir
William Nisbit, and was encouraged with the kindlie visitations of
manle good Christians. He was noe sooner gone home, but a
letter is sent after him, penned by James Primroise, to intimate
to him, that it was his Majestie's will that he sould forbeare to
preache during his stay within the countrie ; and that sould have
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 275
bccne expressed la the act as one of tlie conditions. lie Avilled
him to be warrc that he involved not himself in a new trouble, and
60 frustrate the hopes of his releefe and reconciliation. He was
informed after, that the chancellour and secretarie fearing his
Majestic sould have blamed them, chydit him for omitting that
condition. But it was his minde, howsoever, to have desisted till
October, bccaus of his offer he made the king in his first petition.
A\'hen iNIr David heard that the king was to be in Carlile, he
went with my Lord Cranstoun to Carlile. My Lord, at the
requeist of his ladie, Dame Sara Cranstoun, a mother in effect to
the said Mr David, and at his ownc requeist, presented a petition
to the king in his favours. lie could find none to assist him either
nobleman or courteour ; onlie the Vicount of Pladintoun fore-
wairned the king that he was to present it. The Vicount was
diverted from assistance by Sir Johne Cranstoun, now Lord
Cranstoun, and his uncle, as Mr David collected by sindrie pra3-
sumptions. My Lord waited long upon the occasion, but could not
find it, till he Avas called in Avith the rest of the commissioners of
the borders ; and then he presented it at his first cntric. The
Bumme of it Avas, to have Mr David confyned Avithin his OAvne
l)aroche, and to offer himself cautioner, that he sould not resort
either to presby terie, or anie other meeting of ministers, publict or
private. The king entered in and continued purpose with the
commissioners ; Avhich being endit, my Lord Avas instant for a
gracious answere. The king inveighed against Mr David, and at
last repelled ray Lord Avith his clboAA'. Within tAvo houres after,
my Lord Avas called for againc, Avith others Avho had lands on the
borders, to be ansAverable for these that dwelt under them ; and
then againe at his goodnight, he sought a prorogation of the time
appointed for Mr David's departure out of his dominions to the
last of Aprile, that the winter seasonc Avere past, and his stipend
taken up, for the crope of yeere Avherin he served. The king
answered, Howbeit he begged, it Avere no mater : he Avould ken
himself better the nixt time. As for the seasone of the yeere, if
he droAvned on the seaes, he may thanke God that he had escaped
276 caldekwood's historie 1617.
a worse death. Yet my Lord being importunate for prorogation,
the king answered, " I sail advise with my bishops." When my
Lord was insisting with the king, the Vicount of Hadintoun, Sir
Johne Ramsay, being in my Lord's chamber, willed Mr David still
to hope, for princes were not wonne the first day. " If ye will
promise conformitie, I will yit travell for yom' releefe," said he.
" That is a verie hard condition," said Mr David. He groweth
bote, and among other speeches, he said, " I trow, ye dow not
heare the name of a bishope." " Yes," said Mr David merrilie, " 1
dow heare the name of the devill." He had said himself a little
before, when one was reproved for banning, " The devill may be
named to some goode purpose." He had beene at drinke a litle
before. When my Lord came in, he renewed at his goodnight his
promises to be an earnest solister for Mr David. But he so in-
censed the king with that merrie chamber conference, and perhaps
harder informations he had gotten from Mr David's unfriends, that
the king therafter, at dinner and supper, at Broomcastle and
other places, called Mr David a refractorie foole, who avowed that
he might abide the name of a bishop, nor the name of the devill.
The king entered in Carlile the 4th of August, and belike, some
informed the Vicount what was Mr David's minde of the 5th of
August.
THE king's PROGEESSE THROUGH THE WEST OF ENGLAND.
Some of the nobilitie went forward with the king. The Bishop
of St Androes went to the baines,^ pretending he was diseased. In
the meane tyme ariseth a scandal], that his wyfFe's maid was with
childe to him. When the king went through Lancashire, he re-
buked some of the sinccrer sort, for prohibiting lawfull recreations
and honest exercises upon Sondays, and other holie dayes, eftcr
the eftemoone sermon or service ; and gave order, that the people
gould not be barred from lawfull recreations at these times. This
J Bagnios, baths.
1617. OF TUE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 277
libertie was extcndit to all the sliyres -witliiti England, as the
declaration sett furth in [)i-int the yecrc following beareth.
JHONE Murray's child baptized.
Upon the 19th of August, Johne Murrey, groome of the king's
bed-chalracr, had a man child baptized in the Koyall Chappell,
about one eftcrnoonc or thereby. Mr WiUiam Covvper, Bishop of
Galloway, Deane of the Chappell, preached. There was playing
of organes, and singing of men and boyes, both before and efter
sermone. The bishope came doun, efter sermone, to a table
standing in the floore, covered Avith fyne linnen or Cambridge,^
where there was also a basen of silver and a lawer, with some
cuppcs. The infimt was presented by the Countesse of Eglintoun.
Efter the baptisme, some hippocrassc and wafrons were presented
to the noblemen and noblewomen, and others beside, to eate and
drinke.
Mil D. CALDERWOd's TRAVELS FOR HIS LIBERTIE, OR AT LEAST
PROROGATION.
Mr David Caldcrwode ceased not, notwithstanding of all the
former repulses and discouragements, to use all the meancs he
could for his libertie. My Lord Cranstoun gave in a petition to
the counsell for a prorogation of the time. The lords wold not
mcdle with the mater, but referred it to the bishops. My Lord
solicited the bishops to procure a prorogation from the king. They
answered, they could doe nothing whill they conferred with Mr
David himself. At my Lord's desire, Mr David went, and had
with him, to beare Avitnesse, Mr A\ illiam Struthcrs, jNlr William
Cranstoun, Mr ^Michael Cranstoun. There were present with the
Bishop of Glasco, in his lodging, the Bishops of Rosse, Orkney,
and Caithnes. They said, they could not write up in his favours
^ Cambric.
278 caldeewood's historie 1617.
for prorogation, except he wold condescend to three things ; first,
To confess he had ofFendit his Majestic, and to crave pardone for
his offence ; nixt, To repaire to the presbyteries ; thridlie, To re-
paire to synods. He answeired, he was never against repairing to
presbyteries ; he wold advyse upon repairing to synods. He could
not confesse an oifence in generall, for it might have beene applied
to anie particulare the king and they pleased, either the assisting
to the Protestation, or refusing of conformitie, or opponing to their
sentence. Then the Bishope of Glasco descendit to a particulare.
" Ye remember," said he, " his Majestie's demand which ye mis-
tooke, and answeired unreverentlie, was this. If I command you to
obey their sentence, will ye not obey me ?" " Noe," said Mr
David, " ye confound two demands, and unite them in one." So
he deduced all that past in the Hie Commission, efter the pro-
nuncing of the sentence of suspension to the second removall, con-
forme to that which is above written, which none of them could
controlL " So," said he, " I will not simplie, nor in generall
termes, confesse an offence, least it be applyed to anie particulare.
Neither yit will I confesse, that in anie particulare I have ofFendit,
except in my unreverend answeirs to his Majestie's last demand,
which I mistooke, if error or mistaking may be called an offence."
When they urged him to repair to the synods, the Bishope of Glasco
said, he sould have libertie to vote and reasone, but he must not
querrell everie thing. Mr Jhone Abernethie, Bishope of Caithnes,
said, " Come and say hie sum, and therefter doe as ye please."
He answeired, " That hie sum is the] question." Then said the
Bishope of Glasco, " We will not enter in disputation ; yit I wold
heir, wherfore ye will not grant to repaire to the synode." He
proved by Jesuits, canonists, and their own act of Glasco, that their
diocesan synods were but Episcopall visitations, not councels pro-
perlie so called ; and howbeit councels, yit not frie councels, in
respect the bishope had power over everie minister in the synode,
apart from the synode ; was moderator in respect of his Episcopall
ofnce ; was not countable to the synode, and we had not ordinare
Generall Assemblies to tak order with them. One wold have
1G17. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 279
proved the acknowledging of the synode due by acknowledgment
of the prcsbyterie. AVhcn Mr David wold have answered, the
Bishope of Kossc stayed him, and so that reasoning ceased. The
conference continued from nyne at night till elevin. At parting,
they desired him to advise upon better answeirs. lie sett douu
his answeirs to the articles in writt.
My Lord Cranstoun went doun to MrPatrik Galloway's house,
where some of them was at dinner the day following, and intreatted
them as before. They answered, it behoved Mr David to an-
sweii*, otherways he must confesse his fault simplie, repair to the
synods and presbyteries. They addit, which they urged not the
night before, he must promise conformitie. Some of them craved
a promise not to wryte against the established orders of the kirk.
" Further," said they, " his answeirs must not be called answeirs
to the articles proponed by the bishops, but oifers made to the
bishops." Mr Patrik Galloway said, " ]\Iy Lord, I will summe up
in two words all that he sould doe. Let him confesse simplie that
he has offcndit the king, and promise conformitie." My Lord was
moved, becaus he thought himsclfe mocked by them. Mr David
changed the name of Answeirs in the name of Offers, retean-
ing still the substance, the tenor wherof folio we th : —
OFFERS JiIADE TO THE BISHOFS BY 3IR DAVID CALDERWODE, THAT
THEY MAY THE BETTER INTERCEDE FOR PROROGATION OF THE
TIME APPOINTED FOR HIS BANISHMENT, OR ELS CONFYNEMENT.
" First, Wheras his Majestic did demand, if I wold desist from
teaching for a certane tyme, incase his Majestic sould command
me, as from his Majcstie's self, and I refused, I protest I am soric
and beseeks his Majestic to pardonc that my oversight, seing it
proccidit from misconception, and mistaking his Majcstie's speeches,
and seing I have given a prooffe of my obedience ; for I have
hithertills desisted from preaching.
" Nixt, I offer to repaire to the presbyteries, neither was I ever
unwilling to doe the same.
280 calderwood's historie 1617.
" Thridlie, I offer to seeke by all lawfull raeanes a resolution,
•whether I may repair to the diocesan synods or not ; and therefter,
sail give my last answeir, within the time prescribed to me."
My Lord Cranstomi sent these offers to the bishops. They
found noe other thing, but that Avhich he had answeir by the night
before. They sie, that he will neither confesse a fault for the pro-
testation, promise conformitie, nor acknowledge the sentence of
suspension or deprivation pronunced by the Hie Commission.
Yit it pleased them to send for Mr Wilham Struthers, and shewed
to him that part of the letter which they were to send up to the
king, which concerned IMr David, to beare witnes that they had
written in his favours. They sett doun in the letter the substance
of the offers, and that they hoped for his conformitie, howbeit they
had noe hope at all, as the Bishope of Glasco himself confessed
efterward to my Lord Cranstoun, before Mr William Struthers.
When the nixt counsel day approached, Mr David went with my
Lord Cranstoun, to understand what answeir was returned from
the Bishope of St Androes. But there was none as yit returned,
if the Bishope of Glasco may be beleeved ; for the Bishope of St
Androes was deteaned in his journey to the baines, ten days longer
than he expected, and that through the sicknes and departure of
his servant, Robert Blount ; and so had not yit mett with his
Majestie. Wherupon my Lord Cranstoun groundit a new peti-
tion, at the desire of the said Mr David, to be given in to the
counsel the 10th of September, for confynment within the paroche,
or els prorogation to the last of Aprile, in respects the bishops had
written a letter to the Bishope of St Androes, and the counsel was
not to sitt againe whill Michaelmes, the time appointed for his
banishment, and so he sould be frustrate of all hope of releefe ;
for the prorogation behoved to pas by act of counsel, as the act
of banishment did. The Bishope of Glasco seemed in the morn-
ing, to my Lord Cranstoun, content ; but efternoone, efter that
Abernethie, Bishope of Caithnes, and Bannatyne, Bishope of
Dumblane, had dyncd with him, the most my Lord Cranstoun and
the Laird of Aytoun could obtcanc of him was to assent to the
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 281
petition, if tlie counsel did consent. He knew vcric well the
counsel wold not medic in these maters. When the petition was
redd, the chancelour said, " We cannot medle in these maters ; it
belongs to the bishops : what they doe in it we sail allow." The
Bishope of Glasco answered not with allowance, as lie promised,
but said, he had written to the Bishope of St Androes concerning
that purpose, but the answeir was not returned. So Mr David
was left againe in the hands of the bishops, and cogged with their
cousenage.
Efter the counsel dissolved, Mr William Strnthers, at Mr David's
desire, and Mr Michael Cranstoun, at my Lord Craustoun's direc-
tioun, went to the Bishope of Glasco. The bishops condescendit
that Mr David sould have twentie dayes leasure, efter the returne
of the answeir from the Bishope of St Androes ; or if it were not
returned, twentie dayes efter the returne of the Bishope of St
Androes himselfe, that he might prepare himself for his depar-
ture, in case the prorogation to the spring were not granted by
his Majestic. The Bishope of St Androes returned about the end
of September. He promised before his departure to dcale for Mr
David. But now he reported, the king wold heare no man speake
of that purpose ; and that when anie of the Englishe ministers
came to him to congratulate his returne, his conimone answeir to
them was, " I hope you will not use me so unreverentlie, as one
Calderwode in Scotland did." He reported likways, that the king
wold have a Generall Assemblie holden, and the five articles rea-
soned and concludit ; but w.is not till appoint time nor place till
the commissioners were chosen. This was done of purpose, that
the Assemblie might be indicted or not indicted, as the bishops
sould find whether the commissioners chosen might serve or hinder
their purpose.
The Bishope of St Androes came to Edinburgh the nixt counsel
day, the first of October. My Lord Cranstoun wrote to him to
procure confynmcnt or prorogation to the spring to Mr David.
He wrote backe ane answeir, tooke God to witncs that he had
sutcd earncstlie for a supersedere till Marchc, but could not pre-
vaile. But consider, good reader, that if they made an officious
282 calderwood's historie 1617.
lie to the king, that they had hope of Mr David's conformitie,
■whether the king wold have granted a prorogation or not. But
they were inured to lie, and had a eustome to shew one letter,
but to have another secrete, which was not scene but by the
king, or their secrete agents.
Mr David went home to prepare himself for his departure,
thanking God he had used all lawfull meanes he possiblie could
for libertie to remaine with his owne flocke at home. The
bishops reported, that all the question betuixt them and him Avas
for repairing to diocesan synods ; which was not true. Neither
did they promise to obteane his full libertie, incase he wold pro-
mise to come to the diocesan synods ; but onlie that they wold
sute for a prorogation to the spring, incase he wold yeeld to the
thrie articles proponed to him ; and when the prorogation were
expired, they were purposed, noe doubt, to urge farther. How-
beit he was resolved not to repair to the synods, yet he required
onlie a tyme for resolution ; and his last answeir, which could not
have beene refused to a Jesuite, or a Seminarie Preist, partlie
least they sould reject all sutes made for him, partlie to try
whether they wold suffer him to teache in the time of the pro-
rogation, without the acknowledgment of their sentence of sus-
pension or deprivation, and, consequentlie, without reposition by
them, that so they might kythe in their owne colours ; for this
was the point, together with full conformitie, which they were
seeking ; for his libertie was offered, both in St Androes and
Glasco, incase he wold conforme, which they knew verie weill he
wold altogether refuse. But by this means they thought to be
avenged upon him for the frie speeches he used at a meeting of
some bishops and ministers in the New Kirk, in time of the last
parliament.
The Bishope of Caithnes, Mr Jhone Abernethie, was not idle
in the meane time : for he being minister of Jedburgh, a toun in
the farrest south, and Bishope of Caithnes, a diocie in the farrest
north, thought he could not sitt as a non-resident with ease in
Jedburgh, if Mr David had libertie to stay at home with his
owne flocke at Crailing, a village distant but two myles from
1G17. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 283
Jedburgh. lie laboured before, eight or nyne yeirs since, with the
Bishope of" Glasco, to have him dcnunccd rcbell, and putt to the
liornc, that he n)ight be constant moderator of tlic prcsbytcrie.
But it pleased God, that he gatt favour of the counsel, to be con-
fyjied ^vithin his owne paroche ; yit Mr Abernethie having now
attained to the bishopricke of Caithnes, could not rest satisfied
with the confyning of Mr David, but tooke hold of this occasion
to worke his overthrow by secrete instigation of the bishope,
namlic, ]\Ir Law, Bishope of Glasco. This bishope has his resi-
dence yit still in Jedburgh, that is, from the 1617 yeer of God
till the 1627, and has not all these yeers scene his diocie foure or
five times, at which time he went to gather his rents. The like
abuse has beenc rare in the time of darke Poperie itself: for where
read we of one that has beene a bishop of a diocie in the North
part of the countrie, and a paroche prcist in the South ?
5IE J. BROUN CARIED AAVAY CAPTIVE BY THE CAPTAINS OF TTTR
WAUGHTERS.
Mr Johne Broun, servitour to the Duke of Lennox, and admirall-
depute under him, went to the seaes about the beginning of August,
to lift the king's assise duetie of the fishe from the Hollenders,
who fished in our North seaes. He had with him for his warrant
the king's commission under the great scale, and Captaine David
Murrey, with one of the king's shipps. The captains of the
waughters desired him to come aboord, that they might consult
what was best to be done. After they had enterteaned him a
prettie space, they told him they had a commission to carie him
to Holland, and detained him. Captaine Murrey made noe im-
pediment, but returned, and sent advertisement to the king, who
was then at Carlile. The king sent to the Provest and Baillies
of Edinburgh, and others on the sea coast, to apprehend maisters
or skippers of Fleming shipps, to commit them to waird, and to
arrest their shipps. The like direction was sent to London. He
sent likewise to his ambassador, Carleton, lying in Holland, to
284 calderwood's historie 1617.
expostulate with the Estates, for the insolencie committed by the
captains of the two waughters, and to crave that they be sent
to him to be punished. Mr Johne Brown returned to Scotland
upon the 20th of October, and reported, that when he was sett on
land in Holland, noe man seemed to take notice cf him, nor wold
have done, howbeit he had stayed never so long.
THE ASSEMBLIE HOLDEN AT ST ANDROES.
The bishops held their diocesan synods for the most part in the
moneth of October, wherat were chosen commissioners for the
Generall Assemblie Avhich was to be indicted : a preposterous
order, but agreeable with the corrupt course which the bishops
had in hand ; for they would not indict an Assemblie till they
Avere first acquaint with the names of the commissioners, who were
chosen in their presence, and where they had authoritie. Yit there
was some nominated by the brethren of Fyfe, in the diocesan
synod holden at St Androes, the 5th of October, who mislyked
the Episcopall governement. But the bishope wold not allow their
nomination. The diocesan synode was not holden till the 4th of
November, upon which day, the Generall Assemblie was indicted
by open proclamation and sound of trumpet, at the Mercat Crosse
of Edinburgh, to be holden in St Androes, the 25th of that same
moneth. Yit seven diocies were absent. The Bishop of Murrey
was sicklie, the Bishop of Aberdeene deadlie sicke, the Bishope of
the lies was in Ireland. The Erie of Montrose was appointed by
the king to be his commissioner, but excused himself with sicke-
ness, by a letter sent to the counsel, foure or five dayes before.
The counsell sent a copie of the letter to the Bishope of St Androes.
The bishop returned answere, that the king's service must not be
neglected. So the Lords of Secrete Counsel gave commission to
my Lord Binning, Secretare, my Lord Carnegie, my Lord Kil-
syth, the Lord Advocate, and the Treasurer-Depute, conjunctlie, or
to anie three of them.
The firot day of the meeting, Mr Glaidstaues, Archdeane of St
1G17. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 285
Androes, teaching in the morning, exhorted the brethren of the
ministrie to doe nothing which might procure the stopping of their
mouthes. St Androes tcachino- in the morninfj, affirmed that the
state of rehgion -was in a farre better case now nor at anie time
before. He alledgit, the first reformers of rehgion had, in effect,
embraced Episcopall governement manic yeeres, and had continued
therin, if the death of the Regent, the Erie of Marro, had not in-
terveened, and a seditious fyrie man, Mr Andro Melvine, come
home, to disturb all good order : that Mr Andro and Mr James
Melvine had taken the contribution -which sould have supplied
Geneva, and given it to the Erie of Bothwcll, to fortific him against
the king. This shamelcs lie was confuted by ]Mr James himsclfe,
as ye may see in the precciding storie. He inveighed bitterlie
against manie worthie men of the ministrie, who Avere then resting
from their labours ; and said, some of them were profane doggs,
and deserved to be hanged. He forgate not the 17th day of
December, howbeit he approved the apologie of the ministers of
Edinbux'gh, and sett a sharper edge upon it himself. Sundrie
brethren purposed to have challenged him. In end, Mr Johne
Knox, minister of Melrose, was directed to admonishe him. He
accepted the gentle admonition, and in a maner gloried that noe
man durst be bold with him.
Efter the reading of the king's letter, wherin he willed them to
conforme to his desire, otherways, declared he wold use his owne
authoritie, the brethren of the conference were chosen. There
was some reasouning; but the king and the bishop's purpose was
withstood, both in the privie conference, and in the publict Assem-
blie. The bishope was greeved, and desired that some brethren
might be appointed to consider what sould be granted, to give his
Majestic satisfaction. Mr Patrik Galloway, and some others, were
appointed for this purpose. They devised these overtures follow-
ing : First, that the Communion be given to cverie one severallie,
out of the minister's hand. Nixt, if there be anie sicke person
wha had lyen bedfast the space of a yeere, the minister of the
paroche being earncstlic requested, sould minister the Communion
286 caldeewood's historie 1617.
to him, in presence of sixe elders, and other famous witnesses.
Item, to Avrite to his Majestic with all humllitie, to desire his
Majestic to hold them excused, in that they had not granted the
five articles ; and to promise to travell for farther information, to
give his Majestic satisfaction, so farre as in them lay. By reasone
of the shortnesse of the time, suddane convecning of the Assem-
blie, absence of manie diocies and commissioners from sundrie
presbyteries, the articles Avere remitted to farther inquirie, rather
than anie thing perfytlie concludlt.
******* «
MR A. Ramsay's inconstancie.
Immediatlie after the dissolving of this meeting at St Androes,
Mr Andro Ramsay, one of the ministers of Edinburgh, declaimed
publictlie in the Great Kirk against the innovations which were
like to be brought in, and used seven or eight reasons against
them. But now, he is become a defender and maintainer of them,
both by word and practise.
THE constant PLATTE.
The commissioners appointed by Parliament to sie the planta-
tion of kirks, and modification of ministers' stipends, conveened
in Edinbui'gh the 1st of November, and held their meetings this
Avinter. Time was protracted, and meanes wxre used to move
ministers with hope of augmentation of their stipends, to conde-
scend to the king's five articles.
MR A. SIMSON'S confession.
Upon the 10th of December, Mr Archibald Simsone, minister
of Dalkeith, who Avas wairdit in Aberdeene, compeered before the
bishops in Edinburgh ; confessed he had ofiendit, in that he had
1617. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 287
called the ceremonies of tlie English kirk, " Tn'cas Anglicanas,^^ in
his letter sent to the Hie Commission, in Julie last, and so obteaned
libertie to returne to liis owne kirk. But these heads following
were sett furth in his name, as subscrivcd by him, -syhich is not
unlikelie.
" 1. I, ]\Ir Archibald Simsone, minister at Dalkeith, declares,
that I am soric that I was present, and medlcd with the protesta-
tion that offended his Majestic.
" 2. As for my absence from St Androes, I protest before God,
and will testifie by manic honest witnesses, that the true caus of
my absence was sickness, contracted by long fasting and cold,
which I contracted upon the sea.
" 3. As for my letter written in Latine, that came in his Ma-
jestie's hands in St Androes, I declare, it repents me from my
heart that I sould have mentioned anie thing therin which touched
the order and state of the Kirk of England, which was offensive to
his Majestic.
" 4. For all which things wherin I have overseene myself, as
I have offended his gracious INIajcstie, so will I crave most humblie
his Majestie's fixvour ; and promises faithfullie in all time coming
never to doe the like. As also, earnestlie desires the Archbishop
of St Androes, and remanent Lords of his Majestie's Hie Commis-
sion, that I may be permitted to use my function of the rainistrie,
in my kirk of Dalkeith.
" 5. And this my declaration I have made to the Archbishop
of St Androes, and remanent Lords of the Hie Commission ; and
has subscryvit it with my hand at Edinburgh, the ellevcnth of
December 1G17.
{Sic siihscrihitur) " A. Simsone."
MR A. FORBESE, BISHOP OF ABERDEENE, HIS DEATH.
Upon the 14th of December, Mr Alexander Forbese, sometimes
Bishop of Caithnes, but of late Bishop of Aberdeene, departed
this liCe in Leith. Faine wold he have spoken with the Bishop
288 calderwood's histoeie 1617.
of St Androes ; but he being loathe to leave his play at the cards,
howbeit it was the Lord's day, the other departed before he came
to him. This bishop was impudent and shameles. He Avas not
ashamed, when the Lords of Session and advocats came out of the
Tolbuith at twelve houres, to follow them into their houses un-
called, and sitt doun at their tables ; therefore was he nicknamed
Colie *******
BISHOPS PREACniXG ON CHRISTMAS DAY.
The commissioners appointed for modification of stipends to the
kirks of the late erection dissolved the sooner, becaus it behoved
everie bishope to repaire to his owne diocie, and teache upon the
Kativitie of Christ, in their Cathedrall kirk, upon the 25th of
December, as the king had directed them to doe. The Bishope
of St Androes preached in the Great Kirk of Edinburgh that day.
Before he entered in his sermon, he commendit the king for his
care to maintain the puritie of religion, and circumspection that
nothing be brought in into the kirk but that Avhich is indifferent
of itselfe. He laboured to prove that festivall dayes were ob-
served with preaching and prayer, not long after the apostles'
times. Mr AYilliam Couper, Bishop of Galloway, preached as
Deane of the Chappell Eoyall, where the organes were played
upon. Mr Robert Wallace, minister at Tranent, being somewhat
diseased before, and hearing what the Bishop of St Androes had
said, tooke the newes heavilie to heart, and said, " God, if my
eyes were closed before I sie the miserie that is to come ;" and
whill he was regraiting to liis wife Mr David Calderwod's case, he
departed.
1618. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 289
M.DC.XYIII.
A SUDD.VJS'E MEITIXG OF THE BISHOPS AND MINISTERS.
Sundrie brutes went in the moneth of .Tanuar, that the king
was highlie incensed at the bishops, specialUe against the Bishop
of St Androes, (so hke) bccaus the five articles were not yeeldit
unto, and with the ministers for driving of the time. But he
will let the Kirk of Scotland know, what it was to have adoe
with an old king, or to abuse his lenitie, that he wold have noe
conventions of ministers to treatte, in times coming, of maters of
the kirk, but onlie the bishops, and suche of the miuistrie as they
sail thinke meete to assume to themselfs ; and that there was a
warrant sent doun from the king, to discharge presbyteries and
sessions of particular kirks, as mutinous conventions. These
brutes were spread, to prepare a way for the five articles. The
Bishop of St Androes couvocated the bishops, and the ministers
that were in Edinbui-gh for the time, upon the 2Gth of Januar, in
the Litle Kirk. The king's letter was redd, wherin he manifested
his will and pleasour, that the ministers of Edinburgh, in speciall,
the bishops themselfs, and suche others of the ministrie as might
be had for the present to conveene with them, sould approve the
five articles, and if they testified not their consent in writt, that
the bishops suspend them from their ministrie and their stipend.
It might be easilie perceived, that this letter was procured by
the bishops themselfs; for how could the king know whether anic
ministers of the countrie were to be in the toun, when his letter
sould be presented to the bishops, or at anie other time els, un-
lesse there had beene a dyet appointed ? Yea, it is liklie, that the
bishope had some subscrived blanks lying beside him, to fill up
as occasion required. The ministers answered, that in respect the
mater was of great importance, and the maner of proceeding
somwhat suddane and violent, it behooved them to be advised
VOL. VII. T
290 calderwood's histoeie 1618.
•with the whole brethren of the ministrie, and they sould doe what
in them lay to give his Majestie satisfaction.
Upon the 28th of Januar, the charge following was published
at the Mercat Crosse of Edinburgh, for observing some holie dayes,
notwithstanding that the Generall Assemblie had not as yit con-
sented, and acts of Parliament made against Easter and Christmas
were standing yit unrepealed : —
A TROCLAMATION FOR OBSERVING OF HOLIE DAYES.
" Forsameikle as it is the duetie of all good Christians to keepe
in perpetuall rememberance the great and inestimable benefites
which it hath pleased the Almightie God in his deir Sone, Jesus
Christ, and in his exceeding great love toward mankind, to bestow
upon them ; and in a reverend commemoration therof, to observe,
and spend some certane dayes in devotion and godlie exercises,
wherethrough the due respect and thankefull rememberance of
these so great benefits be never suffered to pass in oblivion : And
the king's Majestie acknowledging the innumerable favours and
blessings wherewith it hath pleased the divine majestie of God to
bless his Hienes from time to time : Therefor his Majestie, out of
his true respect to the honour of God, and to have Him honoured
by all his people, has thought meete and expedient, and by these
presents commands and ordaines, that according to the exemple of
the kirk, when the same was in greatest puritie, and most free
from corruption and crrour, there sail be an universall cessation
and abstinance throughout this whole kingdome upon the holie
dayes following, to witt, upon Christmas day, which was the day
of the Birth of Christ ; upon Good Fryday, which was the day of
his Passion ; upon Easter or Pasche day, which was the day of his
Resurrection ; and upon the day of his Ascension, and upon Whit-
sonday ; to the effect his Majestie's subjects may the better attend
the holie exercises which his Majestie, with advice of the Fathers
of the Kirk, will appoint to be keept at these times in the kirk.
And for this effect, his Majestie, with advice of the Lords of his
1618. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 291
Secrete Counsel, orueans, that letters be direct, charging all his
IMajestie's Iciges als Avcill in burgh as land, by open proclamation
at the Morcat Crosses of the hcadc burrowes'of his kingdom, and
other places necdfull, that they and everie one of them absteene
from all manor of husbandrie and handie labour on the saids holie
dayes of Christmas, Passion day, Pasche day, the Ascension day,
and Whitsonday, to the eftect they may the better attend the holie
exercises which sail be appointed to be keept these dayes, as said
is. Certifeand all and sundrie persons that sail contraveene and
doe in the contrarie heirof, that they sail be punished with all
rigour, as disobedient and rebellious persons, contemners of his
Majestic and authoritie."
When the bishopricke of Aberdeene was offered to Patrik For-
bese. Laird of Corse, he sent this letter following to the Bishopc
of St Androes : —
"Right Honourable, and my good Lord, — Your Lord-
ship's letter to me, and therin inclosed his Majestie's letter to your
Lordship, were delivered to me the thretteenth of Februar, at
night ; whereby, as I had good notice in what loving and gracious
estimation his Hieness hath me, his unworthie servant, giving
therof evidence in so liberall and princclie an offer of high employ-
ment, which is secondit with your Lordship's congratulation and
serious encouragement of undertaking : So, if I sould not make
high account therof, I might be esteemed the most ingratc and
senseless among men. Neither can my refusing of so undeserved,
unsought for, and unexpected favour, but draw upon me the im-
putation of an unexcusablc misregard, if I be mistaken in the
reasone of my hesitation, wherin I am so farre from disallowing the
office and degree of a bishop, (as hierupon some men might appre-
hend,) that they being conjunctlie elected, rightlie defyned, in
suche moderation of place and power as may putt restraint to
excessive usurpation, and practising accordinglie, I thinkc it not
onlie a tolerable and a carefull, but even a lawfuU and expedient
policie in the church, and verie weill consisting with God's written
292 caldeewood's histoeie 1618.
Word, the onlle rule whereto all the efFairs of his hous sould be
levelled. Neither wold I have your Lordship or anie man els to
thinke, I being so farre resolved in the mater itselfe, that becaus
what through prejudices possessing the minds of manie, (otherwise
zealous and godlie men,) what through the miscariage, perhaps,
of some men in that calling, it hath fallen to be so farre dislykit
of diverse, as my undertaking therof sould make me noe better in
their account nor a Demas, who, for imbracing of the world, was
slyding away from sinceritie, and all care of a good conscience ;
that, therfore, either for currying the applause of men, or for
eviting of manifold misconstructions and misdeamings, I wold
carnallie decline the calling. I know verie weill how great a
sinne it is to offend one of the least ones that beleeves in Christ.
But with that, I know also he is a man of a verie w^eake and un-
stayed conscience, who is either so tickled with populare applause,
as to be caried begesse to a thing without light, thus to strengthen
a commone giddines ; or is so terrified with misconstructions, as
therfor to omitt anie duetie, which the honour of God or the good
of his church requireth of him. I know that we must walke
through good report and evill report ; and he is a verie unfitt man
for a good purpose, either in Church or State, qui ponit rumores
ante salutem. I know how farre I have beene suspected alreadie.
Some, (otherwise goode and holie men,) becaus my calme, mode-
rate, and equall cariage in our bygone distraction, agreed not with
the vehemencie of their mind, [suspected] that therfore, forsuith,
I was taken with the love of such things as (God knowes) both
were, and still are, farre from my hart. But being privie to my
self, and having the testimonie of Him before whom I walked,
upon what respects, in so commone, and (as I think) so hurtfull a
heate on both sides, I have walked so ajquallie and amablie with
all men, I will never, God willing, repent me of that maner of
cariage.
" It is not for me in this age, wherin I am come, having beene so
stranglie exercised under the hand of my God, as I stand a gazing
Btocke to the world, and windshaken reid and weatherbeatten
1618. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 293
windstrav,' to mynd earthlie things now, which the Lord hutli so
farre disgusted to mc, and nie to them ; also, as if I durst choose
my owne course, I had rather have a cottage in sonic wildcrncs,
wherin to drive out the remanent of my dayes, than to be brouglit
anie more into the view of the world, and in the mouth of men.
And if I were so vaine as to be sett for honour, ease, or commo-
ditie, yit, alace I what honour could I looke for by accepting a
bishoprick, wherby the mind of men, who now both honours and
revei'ences me above either my place or merite, sail be turned to
account me a corrupted man and ambitious aspyrer? What ease
might I expect in so toilsome a task and heavie charge ? What
could be my commoditic in so dilapidate and dissipate an estate?
yit as in this calling, there is none of these to allure or tempt me,
or anie man having sense, so I protest uprightlie, it is neither the
feu' of disgrace, or unease, or discommoditie, that maketh me decline
the charge. I lay noe count for anie ease in this life, but the ease
of a good conscience. I never preached the Gospell for worldlic
gaine, or have I to this houre made anie gainc of that sort ; wherby
my reward is before me, and I hope my Lord sail hold my heart
still fixed on it. And as for misconstructions I might incurrc with
men, (if there were not other things to divert my mind,) wold
hope, by the grace of Ilim who is best acquainted with my inwards,
so to carie my self, as in short time not onlie to rubbc away anie
conceived prejudice against my persone, but even to make the
most averse to think perhaps more a3quitablie of the calling also.
For howsoever I neither darre nor will condcmne the judgment or
dealing of these men, who at the first, whill the mater Avas at deli-
beration, did modestlie oppose to the erecting of bishops in our
church, the experience of tyrannicall usurpation, giving in former
times noe small reason to fear the like evill hcirefter ; yit now, they
being established, and sett at the rudder of our church, I am so
farre from the judgment of them who wold have noe godlie nor
singularlie gifted men to accept of them ; and I think it farre liom
^ A whciit or oaten straw.
294 calderwood's histoeie 1618«
a Weill informed zeale, as it is rather, in my judgment, a sort of
transportation so farre with the love of their owne opinion, as rather
than anie other thing disagreeable to their opinion sould obteane
place in the church, or be graced by anie man's weill doing, they
wold putt us rather to perill to have noe church at all, by leaving
these rowmes exposed onlie to belHgods, hyrlings, and sycophants,
to the undoubted hazard not onlie of their owne personall mis-
cariage, but also of filling all the places of the church with the
ofscourings of the world, and dreggs of men. Neither can I deny,
but (as your Lordship wrote to me) I have (if anie other) a faire
and warrantable calling, so as if noe other thing did stay my reso-
lution, I could hardlie in conscience make exceptions against it.
" This is that, my good Lord, which maks all my scruple. The
present condition and course of things for furder, and we cannot
tell how farre a farder novation in our church, and that so peremp-
torlie and impetuouslie urgit on the one part, and so hardlie
received on the other, as betuixt these extremities, and undertak-
ing of a bishoprick, I sie none option left me, but either to incurre
his Majestie's displeasure, (which is the rocke, under Christ, I am
lothest to strike on,) or then to dryve both my selfe and my
ministrie in such common distast, as I sie not how hencefurth it
can be anie more fruictfull. I dispute not heir of the self-points.
But I am perswadit, if so wise, so learned, and so religious a king
as God has blessed us with, were fullie and frielie informed ; or did
throughlie conceave the said sequele of inforcing in our church,
that neither in the points alreadie proponed, neither in anie which
we feare are yit to insue for this intendit conformitie, wold his
Majestic esteeme anie of such force or effect, as therfore the state
of a quyet church sould be marred, the minds of brethren who for
anie bygone distraction were beginning againe to warme in mutuall
love, sould be of new againe, and almost desperatlie distracted,
the hearts of manie good Christians discouraged, the resolution of
manie weake ones brangled, mater of insolent insulting ministred
to Romanists, and to profane Epicureans, of a disdainfull deriding
of our wholl profession.
1618. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 295
" Your Lordship remembers the other ycere, when my Lords of
Glasco and Rosso refreshed our niynds with a vcric gratfull re-
lation of his Majestie's royall care and zeale towards our church.
One speeche speciallie chclrd our hearts, wherin his Majestie had
exhorted us to mutuall concord among our selfs, and that he sould
never urge anic thing upon us that might disturbe our quyct ;
wherupon, we were all joyfullie erected to the ccrtane hope of a
Eolide peace. Might it please God to hold his Majestie's mind on
this resolution, I think, then, in that calling, men might doe
goode, and his ^lajestie good service, and be answerable for a
peacable and weill governed church, for preservation of unitie in
sound doctrine, and holie worship, and for als obsequious and
loving (though poore) subjects, as anic king of the world might
glorie of. If wherin our church seemeth defective, his Majestie
Avoid so farre pitie our weaknes, and tender our peace, as to in-
force nothing, but which first in a fair and nationall counsell were
determined, wherin his Hienes wold neither make anie man
affray ed with his terrour, nor pervert the judgment of anie Avith
hope of favour, then men may adventure to doe service. But if
things be so violentlie carled, as noe end may appeir of bitter conten-
tion, neither any place left to men placed in rowmes ; but (instead
of procuring peace, and reuniting the hearts of brethren) stirrc
the coales of detestable debait, for me, I have noe courage to be a
partner in that worke. I wishe my heart -blood might extinguishe
the ungracious arising flamme In our church. But if I can doc
nothing for the quenching of it, then wold I be heartilic sorie to
adde a fellow therto.
" And this is it, my verie goode Lord, Avhich onlie terrifieth me
from undertaking that Avhich otherways, for the zeale of God's
hous, with all hazard, and with all my heart, I wold imbrace. So,
as your Lordship sail verie much oblige me unto you, if Avith his
Majestie's favour, and your Lordship's good contentment, I may
be permitted to retaine a private ministrie, carying with it noe
more difficultie but to ansAveir avcIU for my OAvne personall cariagc ;
and not to undergoe the ncccssitie, of not onlie bciug my self anc
296 calderwood's historie 1618.
actor, but either an urger and adactor also of my brethren, to the
things which sail be against their mynd, and perhapps against my
own light also, or then to incurre dangerous indignation. And in
anie case, your Lordship well knowes, ' Turpius ejicitur, quam non
admittitiir, hospes.^
" I may perhapps appeir to your Lordship to build up to my
self idle and unnecessarie feares ; but I have in all singlnes layde
before your Lordship my whole mind, which I remitt to your
Lordship's wise consideration : Beseeking God so to direct this
whole mater, as he may have glorie, his church may have good,
and I may injoy the peace of a good conscience. And thus, com-
mending your Lordship hartilie to the gracious direction and
eifectuall blessing of our Lord, I rest.
"Keith, 16th Febr. 16 18."
This hypocrite convoyeth his answeir so craftilie, that the
bishops might easilie perceive that he wold accept the bishoprick
nolens voleyis, as it was said of old. Nay, farther, we may sie a
presumptuous spirit in his letter ; for he thinketh that his accept-
ing may grace the office. He pretendit he is loathe to be an
urger of the ceremonies upon others ; yit we sail sie how loathe
he was, by the service he did at the Assemblie holden at Perth,
and the Parliament holden efter. Yea, in his last diocesan synode
holden this yeere, (1627,) howbeit the king doth not urge the
ceremonies, hath he threatned the ministers of his diocie, saying,
" Ye think there will be noe more dinne of conformitie : beguile
not your selfs ; I sail make the best of you conforme." It is
knowne weill eneugh that he undertooke not the ministrie till
bishopricks were in bestowing, and that he could find noe readier
meane to repaire his broken lairdshij). He pretendit he wold not
enter but with such and such conditions. Yet he entered by
election of a Chapter, which was condemned before in our kirk,
and without swearing to the caveats prescribed for commissioners
voting in parliament ; and was content to be consecrated, howbeit
1618. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 2t)7
consecration to such an office was not so much as dreamed [of] at
the Assemblic holdcn at Glasco.
THE laNG COMMjNJsTDETU GOOD FRYDAY TO BE KEEPED.
Thrie or fourc dayes before Good Fryday, the proveist and
baillies of Edinburgh were coramandit, by a letter from the king,
to 816 that the inhabitants observed Good Fryday conforme to
the proclamation. The baillies craved the ministers' advise. They
answcired, [it] was not directed to them ; let them doe as they
wold be answeii'ablc. Upon Wedinsday preceding Good Fryday,
the thrid of Aprile, the magistrats of Edinburgh sent the officers
through the toun to sie that there were noe worke nor ti'ading ;
yit was there noe other preaching but the ordinare. Mr Couper,
Bishope of Galloway, preached in the Royall Chappell, where
sundrie of the counselours and others conveened at the king's
direction.
THE COMMUNION CELEBRATED KNEELING.
Upon Easter day, the Communion was ministred by sundrie
bishops in their cathedrall kirks, to manic of the people kneeling
upon their knees, speciallie in St Androes. So they px-actised the
ceremonies as occasion offered, before the Generall Assemblie had
determined upon an answeir to the king. Generall Assemblies
were not now indicted but when they pleased. It pleased not them,
before both persons and maters were dressed before hand ; therfore
noe wonder that they feax'cd noe censure. The Bishope of Galloway
ministred the Communion in the Royall Chappell, where Chanccl-
our Seatoun, President Ilamiltoun, the king's Advocate, Mr Wil-
liam Olyphant, Sir Gideon Murrey, Treasurer-depute, Sir George
Hay, Clerk of Register, now Chancelour, and their followers, to
the number of fourtie-two persons, [were present.] About twentie
days before Whitsonday, the king willed the Lords of Secrete
298 calderwood's historie 1618.
Counsel to prepaire themselfs, with their freinds and followers, to
communicate in the Chappell Royall upon Whitsonday. So upon
Whitsonday, the 24th of Maij, the Bishope of Galloway ministred
the Communion in the Chappell Royall to the chancelour, the
president, the treasurer-depute, the advocate, and others the
king's servants. The bishope forbade the people to scarre from
communicating for the offering that they were to give, seing
these that offered little were notwithstanding accepted. This
day, Mr Patrik Galloway teaching in the Great Kirk of Edin-
burgh, alledgit, for observation of the five holie days urged by
the king, the exemples of the primitive kirk, and other reformed
kirks ; yit he confessed the Kirk of Scotland needlt them not.
He allowed teaching, and a text chosen for the purpose, but not
cessation from worke or trading. This man seemed so precise in
former times, that he wold not eate of a Christmas py.
THE KING ALLOWETH GAMES UPON THE LORD's DAT.
The king's declaration concerning lawfull sports and games upon
the Lord's day, and other holie dayes, given at Greenwiche the
24th of Maij, was brought to this countrie about the beginning of
June. In this declaration he relateth, how in his progresse the
last yeere through Lancashire, he rebuked some Puritans and
precise persons for prohibiting and unlawfull punishing of his
goode people, for using their lawfull recreations and honest exer-
cises. And becaus these his proceedings were traduced by Papists
and Puritanes, he thought good to cleere, and make his pleasour
to be manifested to all his good people in these parts, which he
did as followcth : —
" It is true, that at our first entrie to this crowne and kingdome,
we were informed, and that too truelie, that our countie of Lanca-
shire aboundit more in Popish recusants than anie countie of
England ; and thus hath still continued since, to our great regreete,
with little amendement ; save that now of late, in our last riding
through our said countie, we find, both by the report of the judges,
1G18. OF TDE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 299
and of the bishopc of that dlocie, that there is some amendement
now daylie beginning, which is not small contentment to us.
" The reporting of this growing amendement amongst them
made us the more sorie, when with our owne cares we heard the
generall complaint of our people, that they were barred from all
lawfull recreation and exercise upon the Sonday's efternoone, cfter
the ending of all divyne service ; Avhich cannot but produce two
evilU ; the one, the hindering of the conversion of manie, whom
their preists will take occasion heirby to vexe, persuading them,
that noe honest mirth or recreation is lawfull or tolerable in our
religion ; which cannot but breede a great discontentment in our
people's hearts, speciallie of such as are peradventure upon the point
of turning. The other inconvenience is, that this prohibition
barrcth the commone and meanncr sort of people from using such
exercises as may make their bodies more able for warre, when wc
or our successours sail have occasion to use them : And in place
therof, sets up filthic tiplings and drunkennes, and breeds a number
of idle and discontented spcaches in their alehouses : for when sail
the commone people have leave to exercise, if not upon the Son-
days and holie days, seing they must apply their labour, and winne
their living, in all working days ?
" Our exprcsse pleasour therefore is, that the lawes of our king-
dome, and canons of our church, be als weill observed in that
countie, as in all other places of this our kingdome ; and on the
other part, that noe lawfull recreation sail be barred to our good
people, which sail not tend to the breache of our aforsaid laAves,
and canons of our kirk. Which to cxpresse more particularlie,
our pleasour is, that the bishope, and all other inferior churchmen
and churchwardens, sail for their parts be carfull and diligent,
both to instruct the ignorant, and convince and reforme them that
are misled in religion ; presenting them that will not conformc
themselfs, but obstinatlie stand out, to our judges and justices,
whom we likwise command to put the law in due execution
against them.
" Our pleasour likwise is, that the bishope of that diocie take
300 calderwood's historie 1618.
the lik strait order with all the Puritanes and Precisians within
the same, either constraining them to conforme themselfs, or to
leave the countrie, according to the lawes of our kingdome and
canons of our kirk ; and so to strike aequallie on both hands, against
the contemners of our authoritie, and adversaries of our church.
And as for our good people's lawfuU recreation, our pleasour likwise
is : That efter the end of divine service, our goode people be not
disturbed, letted, or discouraged from anie lawfull recreation, such
as dancing, either men or women, archerie for men, leaping, vault-
ing, or anie other such harmles recreation ; nor from having of
Maygames, Whitson-Ales, and Morisdanses, and the setting up of
Maypoles, and other sports therwith used, so as the same be had
in due and convenient time, without impediment or neglect of
divyne service ; and that women sail have leave to carie rushes to
the church, for the decoring of it, according to their old custome.
But withall, we doe heir account still as prohibited all unlawful!
games to be used upon Sondays onlie, as beir and bullbaitings,
interludes ; and at all times in the meanner sort of people by law
prohibited, bowling.
"And likwise, we barre from the benefite and libertie all such
knowne recusants, either men or women, as will absteene from
coming to church or divine service, being therfore unworthie of
anie lawfull recreation efter the said service, that will not first
come to the church and serve God. Prohibiting, in like sort, the
said recreations to anie, that though conforme in religion, are not
present in the church at the service of God, befor their going to
tlie said recreations. Our pleasour lykwise is, that they to whom
it belongeth in office sail present and sharplie punishe aU such as,
in abuse of this our libertie, will use these exercises before the ends
of all divine services for that day. And we likwise straitlie
command, that everie person sail resort to his OAvn paroche church,
to heare divine service, and cache paroche by it selfe to use the said
recreation efter divine service. Prohibiting, likwise, anie offen-
sive weapons to be caried, or used in the said times of recreations.
And our pleasour is, that this our declaration sail be published by
1618. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 301
order from the blshope of the diocic, through all the paroche
churches ; and that both our judges of our circuit, and our justices
of our peace, be informed therof."
Upon the 14th of Julie, it was declared by publict proclamation
at the Crosse of Edinburgh, that it was the king's will and plea-
sour, that the' Lords of Secrete Counsell sail hold counsel in tymes
comming in the Palace of Ilalyrudhous.
The day folloAving, when they were conveened in the said
palace, there was a terrible thunder. The thunder brake within
the toun of Edinburgh upon a chimney head, over against the
Salt Trone. The maistcr of the hous and his wife were stricken to
the ground with the Avind and feare of it, but recovered within a
prettie space. With the same blast was broken a shott of the
lodging where the Laird of Corse, latlie consecrated Bishope of
Aberdeene, lodged, and a peece of the boord driven away.
After the Assemblie holden at St Androes, the bishops spredd a
report, that we wold never have the libertie of a Generall Assem-
blie againe. Wherupon some zealous brethren of the ministrie in
Fyfe, carcfull to prevent evill, and fearing that the articles would
be proponed to the synods in severall, penned the advise follow-
ing, or els, as appeareth, they penned the same before the last
synods in Aprile : —
ADVYSE TO THE SYNODS.
" If ice cast donn that ichicli ice have buildit, ice make our selfs
transgressours.
" When the five articles sail be motioned in the synode, for de-
termination to pas thcrupon, or farther preparation to that effect,
answeir nefjative, for the reasons following : —
" 1. The said articles lyeth yit as rejected, and condemned by
acts of the Generall Assemblie standing in force, and ratified and
confirmed by acts of parliament, and continuall practise of this
kirk this fiftie-eight yeers bygone. And true it is, that noe
302 calderwood's historie 1618.
synode mnj or ought to call in question, innovate, or annull, the
acts of the Generall Assemblie.
" 2. The said articles being moved in the last Generall Assem-
blie holden at St Androes, the same were of such importance, and
the reasoning theranent, that the Assemblie resolved to lay over
all to a more fidl meeting, and farther advertisment.
" 3. Humble sutes were made to his Majestic, for a Generall
Assemblie to be conveened in a convenient time, for farther treat-
ting of the said articles, wherof as yit the kirk has receaved noe
answeir ; in respect wherof, and of the dependence of these ques-
tionable maters, the synode cannot of reasone medle with the
same.
" 4. If a limitate synode sould presume to medle with articles of
that nature, it were a just reason to reject the whole members
therof from voting in a Generall Assemblie, nomine prejudicii.
" 5. The short sitting of the synode, the multitude of their ordi-
nare effairs, and the prejudice alreadie committed facto, before
anie conclusion agreed upon by the Generall Assemblie, suffi-
cientlie closeth their hands from treatting or medling with the said
articles.
" 6. If synods sail determine anent the five articles, it sail
make schisme in the kirk, of synods and anti-synods. For how-
beit the greattest part of the synods determine one way, the rest
are not bound to follow them, becaus, in a generall order, there
ought to be communication of reasoning and conferences before
voting ; which is not, nor cannot be, done in severall synods, but
in a generall onlie.
" 7. Howbeit the greattest part of the synods determine one
way, the rest are not bound to follow their determination, becaus
they determine, non communicatis consiliis ct rationihus cum cateris."
Upon the last of Julie, the platt of the commissioners appointed
by the last parliament to modifie and augment ministers' stipends
was dissolved, the commission granted by parliament expyring.
Neither the ministers, nor the noblemen and gentlemen which had
the tithes, Avere well pleased. The provision made for ministers in
1G18. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 303
manle places Avas verie uncertanc. All parties having interest
were not duclie caflit. So it api)earcJ, that for a lonj; time, the
ministers wold be putt to charges in pleading for their stii)ends.
They united sometyms two, sometyms thric kirks in one, to the
number of two hundreth or therby. The bishops, to currie the
favour of noblemen and gentlemen, or for gainc, consented to
these unions. Bannatyne, Bisliope of Dumblaue, gate from my
Lord of Maderdie a thousand merks to unite kirks, and save him
from great stipends. DunkcU united two or thrie kirks together.
Mr AVilliam Coupcr, Bishope of Galloway, condiscendit, for plea-
sour of his frcinds and allyc!«, to unite kirks which before liad beene
planted severallic, notwithstanding the ministers within his diocie
dealt with him, not to suffer such incommodious unions to passe.
lie procured the union of the kirks of Dunrode, Satua, planted
before by themselfs, in the person of Mr James Donaldsone, Avith
the kirk of Kirkcudbright, a burghe royall, and a paroche indif-
ferentlie peopled. lie imited the kirks of Kirkmabrecke and
Kirkdale, planted before with Mr Jhone Calender, with the kirk of
Anwerth, a kirk distant from the other two sixe miles of montan-
ous and hard way, the parochiners lying distant in some places ten
myles from it, which kirk was planted before with Mr Isaac Pater-
sone. These unions he brought about to please the Laird of
Bombie, and his brother Borge, the bishop's sone-in-law, for
Bombie was tacksman to the two kirks of Kirkcudbright and
Anwerth.
PERTH ASSEMBLIE INDICTED.
Upon the 3d of August, the Generall Assemblie was indicted
by publict proclamation at the Mercate Crosse of Edinburgh, and
all archbishops, bishops, ministers, and commissioners, were wairned
to be at Perth the 25th of this same moneth. Efter they had
spredd a report that we sould not have a Generall Assemblie
againe, to make the ministers secure and carles, they surprised
them with this suddane indiction. They themselfs were not igno-
304 calderwood's historie 1618.
rant that there was an Assemblie to be holden, and, therfore, at
the platte for augmentation of ministers' stipends were they bussie
bishops. Such as wold promise to vote to the five articles gott a
sudden dispatche ; others, for all the moyen they could make with
the noblemen, commissioners, were postponed, and gott either
small or noe augmentation. Some they prepared at home, in
their synods and presbyteries. When they had prepared the per-
sons, then thought they it hie time to have an Assemblie. They
were so sure of the men, that the Bishope of St Androes said,
efter the dissolving of the Assemblie, that he was disappointed
onlie of thrie votes of the men he looked sould have beene their
freinds.
THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASSEMBLIE HOLDEN AT PERTH
THE 25tH OF AUGUST 1618.
For obedience to the proclamation, and to the king's particulare
missives, the persones following conveened at Perth, the 25th of
August 1618. His Majestie's commissioners, my Lord Binning,
Secretare, Lord Scoone, Lord Carnegie. Their assessors. Sir
Gedeon Murrey, Treasurer-depute, Sir Andro Ker of Fairni-
hairst, Captaine of the Guard, Sir William Olyphant, the king's
Advocate, and Sir William Livingstoun of Kilsyth. Noblemen,
the Erie of Lothian, Lord Ochiltrie, Lord Sanquhar, Lord Boyde.
Barons, Waughtoun, Lutquharne, Glen Urquhart, younger, Clunie,
Gordoun, Bonnytoun, Wode, Wemys, Balvaird, Balcolmie, Bal-
carras, Balmanno, Bombie, Blakbarronrie, Lagge. Burgesses for
Edinburgh, David Aikenhead, George Fowlis ; for Perth, James
Aedie, Constant Malice ; for Dundie, Mr Alexander Wedderburne,
younger, Robert Clayhills ; for Aberdeene, Mr Johne Mortimer ;
for Sterline, Christophere Alexander ; for St Androes, Johne Knox,
Thomas Lentron ; for the Universitie of St Androes, Doctor Bruce.
Bishops, all except Argile and lies. Ministers, commissioners
from Presbyteries.
Intimation was made in the church of Perth the Sabboth day
1618. OF TUE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 305
prccculing, of a fast to be observed tlic first day of the Asscmblic.
The fast was little rcgardlt, saving that two sermons were made,
the first in the morning, by Patrik, Bishupe of Aberdccue, upon
Ezra vii. 23. He inlarged this ground, that nothing sould be done
or determined iu the ehureh by anie superior power whatsoever,
but that which is according to the commandement of the Almightie
King. The other at ten hours, by Johne, Archbishope of St An-
droes, in the Little Church, upon 1 Cor. ii. 16. lie discoursed for
tlie space of two hours, first, in defence of ceremonies in generall,
nixt, of the five articles in particulai'c. AVhat weight there was in
his discourse may be perceived by confering his sermon, which is
extant in print, with the confutation of all the reasons that were
alledglt at that Asscmblic, extant in ])nnt also. In his sermon,
he protested, that neither he nor his fellow bishops were the de-
visers of these ai'ticles, or motioners to the king to bring them
in. His words, as they are extant in print : " As to that which
is supposed of us at home, my self checflie, if I sail beleeve the
rumours that are going, I will borrow that notable man's speeche,
in a case not unlike, ' Mihi hacteniis prope modum fatale fuitputi-
dis his calumniis quotidie onerari. Ego autem, ut sancte testari pos-
sum, me inscio, ac ne optanti qiiidcm hcec praposita ita ah initioy in
animum indiui, invidiiim potius taccndo levare, qiiam excusationes
qncErerc minus sollicitas.^ This was my resolution, and I sould not
change it, but that I will not have a misconceate of my doings to
leade you into an offence. I, therfore, in the presence of the
Almightie God, and of this honourable Asscmblic, solcmnlie pro-
test, that without my knowledge, against my desire, and when I
least expected, these articles were sent unto me, not to be pro-
poned to the church, but to be inserted amongst the canons therof,
which then were in gathering. Touching which point, I humblie
excused my self, that I could not insert amongst the canons that
which was not first advised w'ith the church, and desired they
might be referred to another consideration. Neither did I heare
cfter that time anie thing of them, whill that protestation was
formed to be presented to the states of parliament. At what
VOL. VII. U
306 calderwood's historie 1618.
time, his Majestle taking the advantage of their misbehaviour
who penned the protestation, and proudlle stoode to the same,
resolved to have these articles admitted In our church; wherin
all my care was, to save the church her authoritle, and labour
that they might be referred to an Assemblie. Which was ob-
tained, upon promise that his Majestle sould receave satisfaction ;
and the promise was not made by me alone, but ratified by your
selfs, as ye remember, at St Androes, in the Assemblie that fol-
lowed, howsoever my advise tooke noe place. I joyned, efter the
dissolving therof, with my lords the bishops, to excuse the delay
that was made at that time. But our letter being evill accepted,
and another returninoj full of ano-er and indio-nation, which diverse
of your selfs have scene, I travelled at the ministers' earnest solli-
citation, by all the ways I could, to divert the troubles which
before this time most certanlie ye wold have felt ; and all that
hath proceedit since, ye know. So, as I spake before, I wold, if
it had beene In my power most willinglle have declined the
receiving of these articles ; not that I did esteeme them either
unlawfull or Inconvenient, for I am so farre persuadit of the con-
trarie, as I can be of anie thing. But I forsaw the contradiction
that wold be made, and the bussines we sould fall into. Therfore
let noe man deceive himself: these things proceede from his Ma-
jestic, and are his owne motions, not anie others."
It may be, as the bishope alledgeth, that he and his fellow
bishops were not the first devisers of the five articles to be obtrudit
upon our church. But we doe not beleeve, but he and the rest
offered their assistance and best endevours to the king, when they
Avere proponed to them. They were proponed not onlle to them,
but also to some ministers, before the protestation was penned, as
may appeare by the contents of the protestation it self. It is verie
liklie, that when they were to be proponed to the ministers con-
veened at St Androes, upon the 13th of Julie, the thrie ministers
were deprived by the Hie Commission, to extort with terrour the
consent of the ministers conveened. It Is false, that the ministers
conveened at St Androes, either in Julie or in November following,
1618. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 307
promised anie other satisfaction than that which -was agreeable to
reasone, and so farre as their conscience wold suffer them. As
for tlie letters which past betuixt the king and him, he may
make of them what he pleases. AVc know not Avhcther the king
Avas angrie in shew onlie, to gett his purpose effectuate, or if in
sadde earnest. Howsoever it was, he had noe just occasion of
anger offered him. We may not forsake the trueth ay Avhen kings
are angrie.
There was sett in the Little Church a long table, and at the
heade therof a short crosse table. At the crosse table were sett
chaircs for his jNIajcstie's commissioners and the moderator. At
the sides of the long table were sett furmcs for noblemen, barons,
burgesses, bishops, and doctors. The ministers were left to stand
behind, as if their place and part had beene onlie to behold. If
there wa.*} noe rowme in the Little Church for saitts, they might
have sitten in the greatter church. But this apparentlie Avas done
of policie, that they might carie some majestic upon their part,
to dashe simple ministers. Mr Johne Spottiswode, Bishope of
St Androes, placed himself at the heade of the table, in the
moderator's chaire, beside his iMajestie's commissioners, and tookc
upon him the office of a moderator without election. When Mr
George Crier, minister at Iladingtoun, desired that the order of
frie election might be kccped, the bishope answeircd saAvcilic,
the Assemblie was conveened within the bounds of his charge,
wherin, so long as he served, he trusted noe man wold take his
place.
After prayer, he notified to the Assemblie, that Mr Thomas Nichol-
sone, ordinare clerk, had dimitted his office in favour of Mr James
Sandelands. He commendit Mr James as a man qualified for the
office, and readie to further ministers in their actions before the
Lords of Session. So, without formall election or voting, efter he
had asked at some noblemen, bishops, the king's commissioners,
and some ministers, Mr James was called in, and his oathe taken,
to be faithfull and diligent in the discharge of his office. Mr
James Sandelands being admitted clerk, the brethren of the minis-
308 calderwood's historie 1618.
trie were wairnecl to give in their commissions before the sitting
doun of the Assembhe efternoone. So the names of the commis-
sioners were never knowne nor called upon, that they might be
knowne everie one to another, till the voting the five articles in
the end of the Assemblie, when the bishope tooke the roll in his
hand, and called on such names as were in it ; and then it was
knowne that manie of them had not lawfull commission.
It was asked, whether all noblemen, barons, and ministers that
were present, sould have power to vote ? It was answered, noe
ministers wanting commission ; but voice could not be denyed to
noblemen and barons, who were come upon his Majestie's missives.
But that was not eneugh, for noe barons ought to have voice in the
Generall Assemblie, but suche as are chosen commissioners with
consent of the presbyteries, and one baron onlie in the bounds of a
presbyterie, as was ordained, the king himself being present in the
Assemblie holden at Dundie, 1597. The other part of the answer
concerning ministers was not keeped.
The bishop fearing to be troubled with moe questions, com-
mandit silence, and required the king's letter, which was directed
to the Lords of the Privie Counsell and the bishops, to be redd.
Doctor Young, Deane of Winchester, by birth a Scottish man,
presented it. It was twyse redd in open audience, to move the
Assemblie partlie with allurements, partlie with persuasions. The
tenor of the letter, as they themselfs have sett it furth in print,
heir followeth : —
"James Eex.
" Eight reverend Fathers in God ; right trustie Cousines and
Counselours, and others our trustie and weilbeloved Subjects, we
greete you weill. — We were once fullie resolved, never in our time
to have called anie moe Assemblies there, for ordering things
concerning the policie of the churche, by reason of the disgrace
offered unto us in that late meeting at St Androes, wherin our just
and godlie desires were not onlie neglected, but some of the articles
concludit in that scornfull and ridiculous forme, as we wishe they
1618. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 309
had beene refused rather Avith the rest : Although at this tune we
suffered ourself to be intrcuttcd by you our bishops for a new
convocation ; and have called you together, who are now conveened
for the self-same busines which then was urged, hoping assuredlie,
that ye will have some better regard of our desires, and not permitt
the unrulic and ignorant multitude, after their wonted custome, to
oversee the better and more judicious sort; ane evill which we
have gone about with much paines to have amendit in these
Assemblies, and for which purpose, according to God's ordinance,
and the constant practise of all well governed churches in all ages,
we have placed you, that are bishops and overseers of the rest, in
the greatest rowmes.
" You pleade much, we perceave, to have maters done by consent
of the ministers, and tell us often, that what concernes the church
in generall sould be concludit by the advice of the whole : neither
doe we altogether dislyke your purpose ; for the greatter consent
there is amongst your selfs, the greatter is our contentment. But
we will not have you to thinke, that maters proponed by us of that
nature wherof these articles are, may not without such a generall
consent be injoyncd by our authoritie. This were a miskening of
your places, and withall, a disclaiming of that innate power which
we have by our calling from God, by the which, we have place to
dispose of things cxternall in the church, as we sail think them to
be convenient and profitable, for advancing true religion amongst
our subjects. Therefore, let it be your care, by all maner of wayes
and discrecte pcrswasions, to induce them to an obedient yeelding
unto these things, as in ductie both to God and us they are bound.
And doe not think that we will be satisfied with excuses, or
delayes, or mitigations, and we know not what other shifts have
beene proponed ; for we will content ourselfs with nothing but
with a simple and direct acceptation of these articles, in the forme
by us sent unto you now a long time past ; considering both the
lawfulness, and undenyable convenicncie of them, for the better
furthering of pietie and religion amongst you. And it sould have
rather bccomed you, to have begged the establishment of such
310 calderwood's histoeie 1618.
things of us, than that we sould thus neede to be putt to urge the
practise of them upon you. These maters, indeid, concemeth you
of the ecclesiasticall charge cheefeHe.
" Neither wold we have called noblemen, barons, and others of
our good subjects, to the determining of them, but that we under-
stand the offence of our people hath beene so much objected,
Avherin you must beare with us to say, that noe kingdom doth
breede, or hath at this tyme more loving, duetifull, and obedient
subjects, than we have in that our native kingdom of Scotland ;
and so, if anie disposition hath appeared to the contrarie in anie of
them, the same we hold to have proceedit from amongst you, albeit
of all sorts of men, ye are they that both of duetie were bound,
and by particular benefits were obliged to have continued yourselfs,
and by your sound doctrine and exemplarie life, keipt others in a
reverend obedience to our conimandements. What and how manie
abuses were offered to us by manie of the ministrie there, before
our happie coming to this crowne, we can hardlie quyte forgett ;
yit we litle like to remember ; neither thinke we, that anie prince
living could have keept himself from falling in utter dislike with
the profession itself, considering the manie provocations that were
given to us. But the love of God and his trueth still upheld us,
and will by his grace so doe to the end of our life. Our patience
always in forgetting and forgiving manie faults of that sort, and
constant maintaining of true religion against the adversaries, (by
whose hatefull practises we live in greatter perill than you or anie
one of you,) sould have produced better effects amongst you than
continuall resistance of our best purposes. We wishe we be not
further provoked, and God's trueth which you professe, of obedi-
ence to principalities and powers, be not longer neglected and
slandered by such as, under the clocke of seeming holiness, Avalke
unrulie amongst you, shaking hands as it were, and joyning in this
their disobedience unto magistracie with the upholders of Poperie.
" Therefore, our hartie desire is, that at this time you make the
world see by your proceedings, what a duetifull respect and obe-
dience you ow to us, your soveraigne prince, and naturall king and
1618. OF THE KIIUv OF SCOTLAND. 311
lord ; that as we in love and care arc never wanting unto you, so
you, in a humble submission unto our so just demands, be not
found inferior to others our subjects in anie of our kingdomes ; and
that the care and zeale of the good of God his church, and of the
advancing of pietie and trueth, doth cheefelie meete us to the fol-
lowing of these maters, God is our witness. The which, that it
may be before your eyes, and that, according to your callings, ye
may strive in your particular places, and in this generall meeting,
to doe these things which may best serve to the promoving of the
gospell of Christ, even our prayers are earnest unto God for you.
licquiring you in this and other things to credite the bearer heer-
of, our trustie servant and chapplaine, the Deane of Winchester,
whom we have expreslie sent thither, that he may bring unto us a
true relation of the particular cariages of all maters, and of the
happie event of your meeting, which, by God's blessing, (who is
the God of order, peace, and trueth,) we doe ccrtanlie expect.
Unto whose gracious direction we commend you now and for
ever.
" Given at Theobalds, the 10th of Julie, 1G18."
After the reading of the king's letter, the Bishop of St Androcs
had a spceche, wherin he protested, that neither he nor the Kirk
of England had craved these novations, nor given counsell ther-
anent, and it was against his will that ever they were motioned ;
yit that now he is persuadit, that his Majestic will be more glaid
of the consent of this Assemblie to the five articles than of all the
gold of India. lie assured them on the other part, that incace of
their refusall, the whole estate and order of our kirk wold be over-
throwne, some ministers wold be banished, other some deprived of
their stipend and office, and all Avoid be brought under the wrathe
of authoritic. He advised them rather to consent in time, nor
cfterward to begge favour, by offering conformitie, as others had
done ; alledging that Mr Johne Shairp, one of the ministers
l)anishcd, for the disordered conventicle holden at Aberdcene, as
he called it, had written to liim the night before, to iuterccedc
312 calderwood's histoeie 1618.
with the king, for libertie to him to returne to his owne countrie,
offering to submitt himself to all good orders in tyme coming.
But the letter was neither redd nor seene. This is not the first
letter the bishop has alledgit he had in his pocket, to outface a
lie, " O," said he, " I know Avhen some of you are banished, and
others deprived, ye will blame vis, and call us persecutors ; but we
will lay all the burden upon the king, and if ye call him a perse-
cutor, all the world will stand up against you."
After his speeche was endit, he desired Doctor Young to speake,
if so be he had intention or commission to that effect. The doctor,
after his preface of insinuation, layde out the taunts and reproches
breathed out at court against the proceedings of the last meeting,
holden at St Androes ; his Majestie's hie displeasure kindled by
occasion therof, like a flamme of fire readie to consume all, except
it were quenched in this present Assemblie, by condescending to the
five articles. He carped at the state of our church, wherof he was
ignorant. It pleased him to bring in the Puritane and the Papist,
charged with conspyring, like Herod and Pilate, si non contra
Christum Domimim, tamen contra Christum Domini. In end, with
words framed for the purpose, and uttered in a murning maner, he
laboured to persuade the ministers to consent to the five articles.
Mr David Lindsay, Bishope of Brechine, in his defence of the
proceedings of this Assemblie, has sett doun his harangue, as it
was receaved at that time by one that stoode by, as he alledged, in
the tenor following : —
" Most Honorable, most Eeverend, Eight Worshipfull,
AND DEARLIE Beloved, — It might Weill become me, according to
the exemple of Elihu in the historic of Job, in the presence of so
Avise, so grave, so religious, and learned an Assemblie, to wait in
silence till the more ancient in yeers had spoken. But that I
know, that the soveraigne Majestic of our gracious lord and
maister the king, who hath regardit so much the lowliness of his
servant, as to send me unto you at this time, to be the messenger
of his will and pleasure now openlie redd in your eares, will pro-
1618. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 313
cure attention to a few words, which sail be uttcrctl, with the
uprightness and sinccritie of a heart whollic devoted, as unto the
gloric of God, and honour of our great maistcr the king, so, to the
happie, free, and Hoorishing estate of this church and kingdonie,
unto which I am tyed by so manic strong bands, that Moses the
friend of God, and Paul that chosen vessell of Christ, who are rc-
cordit in llolie Scriptures to have exceedit in their affection to the
l)cople of Israel, their deare countrie men, did not in that ow more
unto them, than that which you all well know I ow unto you.
And wold to God I were als able to pay so just a debt, as I am, and
ever sail be, most readie and willing to acknowledge it.
" Hie amor mens pondus 7neiwi, for from this love and duetie I
ow unto this place of my first and second birth, (God he best
knowcs,) how the sorrows of my heart have beene inlarged, since
the time of the last Generall Assemblie at St Androes, to heare
suche words of indignation and just displeasure, so often to proceede
out of the mouth of so good and gracious a prince, like Moses, the
meekest man upon the face of the earth. Sed verendum eiiam atque
etiam, quo exeat patientia tarn scepe Icesa. Words spoken against
those that are called to be ministers, ambassadours of peace, and
paterns of pietie and obedience, uttered in the eares of them who
labour indeid, as it becouicth so loyall and loving subjects, by their
humble and ductifull obedience to his sacred Majestic to outstrippe
those that went before them, and albeit they have the last, yit not
to have the least portion in our David's love. But as then, with
all good and wcll-aftectcd men, I much greeved, so now, I heartilie
rejoyce and praise God, that notwithstanding of all that is past, I
have lived to see this day a Generall Synode once more of the
Church of Scotland, called by the authoritie and expresse com-
mand and plcasour of our soveraigne lord the king, which is the
onlie true and best meanes indeid used in all ages, for extirpating
of all sects, errours, and heresies, and for the planting of trueth
and good order in the church of Christ. And I pray God, that all
things at this meeting may, by the direction of God's good Spirit,
and by your wisdomcs, be so caried, that ye abridge not yourselfa
314 calderwood's historie 1618.
and posteritie of so great a blessing, and procure, that not onlie
these things which are now required, but that other things more
difficult be injoyned and inforced upon you, upon strict penaltie,
by supreme authoritie.
" And therefore I desire, (as I am sent to that purpose,) with
the apostle, Titus iii., to putt you in rememberance that you be
subject to principalities and powers, and that you be obedient and
readie to everie good worke : to put you in rememberance, that by
the great blessing of Almightie God, you have to doe with so wise,
so potent, so religious, so learned a prince, the matchless mirrour
of all kings, the nursing-father of his church. That he, whose
wisdome and authoritie is in the composing of all differences both
ecclesiasticall and civill, so much required, respected, and admired,
not onlie by his owne people of his other kingdoraes, but by all
good Christians of forreine nations throughout the Christian world,
may not seeme to be neglected by you, his native subjects at
home, and you especiallie of the ministrie, who ought to be
exemples and pateraes of obedience unto others ; you whom he hath
so infinitlie obliged, by his so great bountie and constant love :
To putt you in rememberance, that as with noe small disreputa-
tion unto his Majestic, and diminution as it were of his princelie
authoritie, in the judgement and sight of the world, Avhose eyes
are bent upon these proceedings, he hath granted you so long
time by your Christian and godhe endevours with your severall
flockes, (whom you are to leade, and not to be ledd by them,) to
remove, (as you promised to his Majestic,) being heir amongst
you, and againe confirmed at your last Generall Synode, all those
scandals, which might be taken by the more ignorant and unad-
vised sort of your people, (to whom all innovation, though to the
better, may seeme at the first somewhat strange ;) so that now,
you wold be carefull, as muche as in you lyeth, to take away that
more dangerous and open offence and scandall, which by your
delay and refusall of obedience, you sail cast upon the sacred
person of our sovcreigne lord the king, the most constant and
zealous protector and defender of that faith and trueth which we
1G18. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 315
all professe, and for the which he hath suffered such open gainsay-
ing of the adversaries therof, the limbes of Antichrist ; as if ho
>vho hath laboured so much to exalt the sloric of this nation farrc
above all his predecessours in the eyes of the world, now going
about most of all, to humble us unto our God, and in performance
of the act of greatest devotion, according to his owne exemple, to
bring us unto our knees, did in so doing in anie wayes urge his
subjects to anie thing which might savour of superstition or idola-
trie : To remove the scandall from these who are in authoritie
amongst you, and are sett over you in the Lord, who by their
duetifull obedience unto God and their soveraigne, have alreadic,
both by their doctrine and practise, commendit those things which
are now required of you, to be both law full and expedient : To
take away that scandall and aspersion, which by the seeming rea-
sons of your former rcfusall or delay, you have cast upon others so
glorious reformed churches, as if the Holie Ghost and spirit of
reformation had beene given onlie, and hollie rested upon you ;
To remove that notorious and publict scandall, which by the fyrie
and turbulent spirits of some few privat men, lyeth heavie upon
the fervent and zealous professours of the glorious Gospell of
Christ, as if they also were disobedient unto magistracie, and in
this did seeme to joyne hands with the maine upholders and pil-
lars of Poperie. It hath wounded the spirits of good men to heare
it often spoken. Ne dicatur (iitinam ampUus) Gatlii, et in plateis
Aschelo7iis, nay, to see in print, that Ilerode and Pilate Avere now
reconciled againe, if not contra Christum Dominnm, yet contra
Christum Domini. Lastlic, to prevent that lamentable miscrie and
calamitie, Avhich God in his justice might bring upon this church,
in that you regardit not the blessed time of your visitation, and
despised the long-suffering and goodncs of God, and of so bounti-
full and rrracious a soveraifine.
" And so, to conclude, (for to stand now upon the particulars
were but actum agerc, and you nccde noe gleanings, eftcr so plenti-
full a harvest, or the light of a candle, being inlightcned by the
cleerc beams of the sunne ;) with that of Naaman's servants,
316 calderwood's historie 1618.
(2 Kings V.,) unto their lord and master, ' Father, if the prophet
had commandit thee a greatter mater, shouldest thou not have
done it ?' So, right reverend fathers and brethren in Christ, if
our most gracious soveraigne lord, who hath done so much for you,
had commandit you greatter things, so long as they might stand
with the will of God, and in noe ways be repugnant unto the
same, (for in that case, indeid, the apostle's rule holds inviolablie
true, Ail midag'/iiv /xaXXov &iu, jJ avd^uToig, that we must rather obey
God than men,) sould you not have beene readie your selfs, and
by your doctrine and practise have induced others, to obedience ?
Much more then, when he requireth of you but these few neces-
sarie things ; necessarie and expedient for the glorie of God, for
the advancing of pietie amongst you, for the honour and due
satisfaction unto our soveraigne lord the king, for the happie
establishment of order, place, union, and love amongst your selfs,
and in these united kingdomes. Therfor let me beseeche you, in
the bowels of Christ, to give all their due, Quce Casaris Ccesari,
qu(B Dei Deo. And as Constantino the Great (as Eusebius hath
it) wrott unto his churchmen that troubled his peace and other
weio-htie effairs, with their contentious humors, so let me intreate
you in the behalfe of our Constantino, qui dum rogat juhet : Date
illi dies tranquillos et nodes curce et molestiarum expertes^ that so he
may with much joy and contentment of heart yit once more, as
he proposeth, if not often, visite your coasts, and those places
which his soule so loveth. And that this poore church and his
native kingdome may be made ever more and more happie by his
coming, and long peacable and prosperous raigne : and God and
men say, Amen to it. Amen, Amen."
The ministers, defenders of the established order, perceiving the
drift of the discourses, and all other meanes to be prepared and
disposed for dashing of simple men, modestlie required foure
things : 1. That none be admitted to vote, but such as are autho-
rized with lawfull commission. The archbishope answeired, his
Majestic had written to noblemen and barons, willing them to be
present at this Asscrablie : if anie man had anie exception against
1G18. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 317
them, they sould be heard. It was rcplyed, that they were not to
except against their honorable pcrsones or presence, but ear-
nestlie to crave, that the order of the church might be observed,
wherby it is provyded, that without commission, none have place
to vote in Generall Assemblies. 2. That the libertie of the church
be not broken in the election of the moderator, and that a lawfull
lite be made to that effect. It was answcired by the archbishope,
that this Assemblie is convocate within the bounds of his diocie :
he wold understand who will take his place over his heade. So,
he intrudit himself in the moderator's office without election.
3. That the articles proponed in short and generall summes might
be putt in forme, and amplie extendit, as his Majestic wold have
them inacted, that they may be the better advised and considered.
The pretcndit moderator answeired, " Let alone these toyes :
trouble us not with needles questions ; we sail speake of these
things in the privie conference." 4. That some of either opinion
may be sett apart to collect and put in order the reasons of cither
side, for the more sure and easie information of the Assemblie.
The pretcndit moderator rejected this also as impertinent.
He proceedit at his owne pleasure, without advyse or informa-
tion of the provinces or presbyteries, to the nomination of the
privie conference, before that the clerk had received the commis-
sions. He nominated besides his Majestie's commissioners, their
assessors, and the noblemen, all the barons except thrie, all the
bishops, the commissioners of Edinburgh, Perth, Dundie, threttie-
seven doctors, and other ministers. The most part was such as
were alreadie resolved to yeeld ; others were not experitated in
the state of our church. Sume few of the other opinion were
taken in to try the force of their arguments in private, that in
publict they might either be evadit or suppressed. So there were
chosen to be upon the privie conference, the king's commissioners
and assessours, the Erie of Lothian, the Lord Ochiltric, the Lord
Sanquhar, the Lord Boyde. Barons, "NVaughton, "Weyms, Balcol-
mie, Bogie, Clunie, Glenurquhart Balcarras, Lagge, Bahnanno,
Bonnitoun. For the ministers, Mr Patrik Galloway, Mr Ilenrie
318 calderwood's histopje 1618.
Blyth, Mr Johne Weyms, Mr George Grier, Mr Johne Carmi-
chaell, Mr William Scott, Mr Alexander Glaidstanes, Archdeane
of St Androes, Doctor Philip, Doctor Strange, Doctor Bruce,
Mr Johne Hay, persone of Renfrew, Mr Thomas Muirheid, Mr
Michael Wallace, Mr Thomas Ramsay, Mr James Knox, Mr
Robert Henrisone, Mr Johne Guthrie, Mr Johne Malcolme, Doctor
Forbesse, George Dowglas, Mr Patrik Dunbar, Mr James Bishope,
Mr George Chalmer, Mr James Simsone, Mr Robert Sommer,
Mr David Lindsay, Mr David Monro, Mr Archibald Moncreefe,
Mr James Burdoun, Mr Johne Makenzie, Mr Johne Mitchelsone,
Mr Patrik Shaw, Mr James Hammiltoun, Deane of Glasco, Doctor
Hammiltoun. For the burrowes, Edinburgh, Perth, Dundie,
Aberdeene, Glasco ; and all the bishops. After the said nomina-
tion, the conference was appointed to conveene at thrie efternoone,
and the Assemblie at eight hours in the morning. So endit the
first session.
The conference conveened at thrie efternoone. The king's
letter was redd againe. The moderator secondit it with manic
terrours. To make them goe quicklie to worke, he affirmed, that
four articles were alreadie concludit, in the Assemblies holden last
at Aberdeene and St Androes, howbeit not in forme as his Majes-
tic required, and that kneeling onlie rested to be consented to. To
prove his alledgance, a minute was redd, containing the points
conferred upon at the places forsaid, and noe farther evidence was
produced. He addit, that his Hienes altogether refused the cau-
tions and conditions addit by the said Assemblies, as frustrations
of his intention. The moderator affirmed, his Majestic was still
ofFendit at the Assemblie holden at St Androes. For removing of
that offiince, he wold have had the article of kneeling putt to vot-
ing in the conference, without reasoning. But efter earnest deal-
ing, and much bussines made, by pluralitie of votes, it was concludit
that it sould be putt to reasoning.
For cleering the state of the question, the ministers, defenders
of the established order, required againe, 1. That the said articles
might be extendit to the full, and put in perfite forme. 2. That
1618. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 310
the partie of tlie other judgment wold prove them necessarie and
expedient for our church, according to the rule, " Affirmanii I'n-
cimihit yrohatio^ or otherways, improve our former order ah-cadio
established, as superfluous or confused. 3. That tyme and place
might be granted to all having calling and interest to reasone
frielic, and heare reasoning in presence of the Asscmblie, for their
better direction. 4. That the reasons of moment might be pro-
poned and answcired in wryting, and some few of either side
appointed to put them in due forme and order.
The moderator, notwithstanding of the reference of these condi-
tions to the privie conference, rejected them ; and as for the partie
persuer, and partie defender, in the reasoning, he determined by
himself, that the ministers, defenders of the established order, must
either prove the articles to be impious and unlawfull, or els they
must prove disobedient to his Majestic. It was replyed, that
poore subjects neither ought, nor convenientlie could dispute,
upon a question so affected with disobedience to their soveraigne,
as was there alledgit. But if reformation be intendit, and the
trueth of the articles proponed be sinceerlie to be searched, so farre
furth as they may prove good and expedient for this church, the
order agreed upon by his Majestic at Perth, 1597, cannot of I'ca-
sone be refused, viz., that maters touching reformation of externall
govemement be proponed ordine et dccenter, animo (cdificandi, non
tentandi, for searching the trueth, the undoubted ground of true
unitie. Notwithstanding of whatsoever could be alledgit, the
ministers standing for their possession were forced to be persuers,
and either to object against the said articles, or els to be reputed
disobedient to his Majestic, and to have noe reasone on their side.
The time being spent, some few reasons were alledgit by the
ministers, which were cutt of, rather by cavilling and quarrelling
at men's persons than solidlie answeired. The conference was
appointed to hold in the morning, at eight houres, notwithstand-
ing the said houre had beene appointed for the second session of
the Assemblie.
320 calderwood's histopje 1618.
Wednesday, 2Q>th of August.
The privle conference conveened at eight hours In the morning.
Much time was spent with the bishope's discourses, and other pre-
parations for making way to summare reasoning. Some few argu-
ments were proponed by the ministers against kneeling in the act
of receiving the sacramentall elements of breade and wine, but
answeired as before. The pretendit moderator, to cutt of reason-
ing, was instant that kneeling might be voted. The ministers
ailedgit that the proper use of the conference is, to prepare and
put in order maters that are to be debeatted in the face of the
Assemblie, and not to vote ; for it was ane intolerable noveltie in
the kirk, a great prejudice to publict voting, and a presumptuous
usurjDation, to vote and conclude maters belonging to the Avhole
church. And, therfore, it was required that the voting and
further reasoning might be reserved to the full Assemblie. The
pretendit moderator replyed, first, that Avas the custome of the
Lords of the Articles in parliament, to proceede efter that maner.
Nixt, that he wold not spair to committ twentie prejudices to
please the king. Farther, that the voting" in the conference was
onlie by way of advise, and not to determine. So, under colour
of advise, by pluralitie of votes, it was concludit in the conference,
that the gesture of sitting at the Communion sould be changit in
kneeling. All that were upon the conference, ten or ellevin ex-
cepted, voted for kneeling. Howbeit they called their votes
advises, yit none of them did retreate their advise in publict
Assemblie, except one. So this course was verie prejudiciall to
the libertie of the Assemblie, for loath are men that stand upon
their reputation to alter their judgment, or at least to professe it to
be altered in so short a time, to eschew the note of inconstancie.
The ministers standing for the established discipline required that
the articles might be formed. Efter long debate, it was concludit
by pluralitie of votes, that they sould be formed and extendit, as
they were to pas in acts. Some bishops and doctors were named
1G18. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 821
for that purpose. The conference was appointed to hokl at four
cfternoone.
The xVssemblic being frustrate of their dyct in the morning,
assembled at four cfternoone, at the call of the bell, beside the
moderator's expectation. lie shewed to them, that that houre was
appointed for the conference allanerlie; yit he told them, that
some were appointed to putt the articles in forme, and they were
to be produced before them. So he desired them to depart, that
maters might be expede, for ending of the Assemblic the morne.
It was declared by the ministers, in what maner the conference
proccedit, notwithstanding they opponcd to anie voting which
might be prejudicial! to voting in publict Assemblic. The rest of
this short time was spent in talking upon Simonie, the planting of
the kirk of Edinburgh, and order to be taken with beggers.
Tliursdai/, the 21th of August.
"William, Bishope of Galloway, had a sermone in the morning,
upon Kom. xlv. 19. He sett at nought the ancient order of our
church, somtimcs highlie commcndit by himself. He presumed
to catechize these who might have catechized himself. He extolled
his own new lijrht. This sermone was contrarie to that which he
had before the States of Parliament, a7mo 1606.
The second and last session of the Assemblic was holden efter
dinner. The king's commissioners and the bishops, masters and
rulers of the Assemblic, determined to end all this eftcnioone.
They assured them, that out of the house sould they not goc, till
his jMnjostie was satisfied of his desire. The pretendit moderator
aggredgit the necessitie of yeelding, and instantlie urged present
voting, without further delay ; stronglie inferring, that his Majes-
tic behoved to be satisfied, and assuring them, that his Hicnes
wold accept of noe other answcir but yeelding. To effectuate his
purpose, he blew out manic thrcatnings in most peremptorie
mancr. He insulted upon the ministers assembled, as if they had
beene hirlings, saying, " I know you all wcill eneugh. Ther is
VOL. Vll. X
322 calderwood's historie 1G18.
never a one of you will suffer so much as the losse of your stipends
for the mater. Think not but when the act is made I will gett
obedience of you. There is none of you that voteth in the con-
trarie mindeth to suffer. Some men," said he, " pretend conscience,
and feare more to offend the people than the king. But all that
will not doe the turne." Albeit he had formerlie affirmed, in the
case of requiring consent, that although the act were made, his
Majestic wold be mercif'ull in urging obedience therto, and they
knew him to be more favorable to his brethren than anie bishope
of England. He tooke it also upon his conscience, though it was
not true, that there was neither lasse nor lade, rich nor poore, in
Scotland, some few precise persons excepted, who were not onlie
content, but also wished that order of kneeling to be received, wher-
of he had proofe and experience in his owne citie of St Androes,
and in this toun, since he came hither. He made mention of a pam-
phlet casten in the pulpit of Edinburgh, wherin it sould have beene
affirmed, that the bishops were bringing in Papistrie, and that
goode professors wall fight in defence of their own religion. By
way of answelr therto, he confessed, that ceremonies make not the
separation betuixt us and the Eomane church, but their idolatrie,
the which, if the Romanists wold forsake, they wold meete them
midway, and joyne with them. And as if the ministrie had
knowne anie such professors disposed to fight for the religion, or
had beene of purpose to joyne with them, he dissuads them to
leane to such words, for he had seene the like of that before time,
at the seventeenth day of December. He wished, if such a thing
sould happen, it wold please his Majestic to mak him a captaine :
never anie of these braggers wold come to the feild.
After these blasts and terrors, the ministers, with modest impor-
tunitie, insisted that the maters depending might be better cleered
by further reasoning and advisment ; so much the rather, becaus
these maters had not beene reasoned in full Assemblie, for the
information of all those that had interest. After much dealing,
and manic earnest speeches and desires to be heard, some fashion
of libertie was granted to a few, but with such checks and limita-
1618. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 323
tions to the partic that preassed to propone and reasoun, that
quickUc they were cutt off, and sowrlie rcbidvcd, rather borne
doun with autlioi'itic than satisfied with reasone. iiis Majestie's
cheefe commissioner, Secretarie llanimiltoun, and the pretcndit
moderator, straitlie injoyned them either to propone a new reasone,
or els to hold their peace, when as the argument had cither not
beene proponed in conference, or, if proponed, not answcircd, or, if
answeired, not suffered to be rcplyed unto. And suppose all this
had beene done in the conference, yit all Avas new to the full
assemblie, and ought to have beene repeated and fullie discussed,
for information of all votters. Yea, manic ministers had not so
much as accesse to heare, or propone one argument. They had
noe seattes provydit for them, as the other partie had ; gentlemen
thronged in before them. The defenders of the articles were per-
mitted to discourse als long as they pleased, to gybe, mocke, and
cavill ; so light account made they of the maters in hand, or the
fearfull shisme which might insue upon such disorders, that their
behaviour was offensive to the beholders. The best arguments
and ansvveirs were taken from the authoritie of the king's sword :
he will ranverse all, except we yeeld. Or the authoritie of his
word ; as Avhen it was alledgit out of Zanehius upon the Fourth
Commandemcnt, that things indifferent, abused to idolatrie, sould
be altogether removed, the pretcndit moderator opponed the
judgment of the King of Great Britaine to the judgment of Zan-
ehius, or anie of the learned. In a word, the pretcndit moderator
professed plainlie, that neither their reasons nor their number
sould carie away the mater. These articles must be concludit,
and sould be concludit ; although there were none but the elleveu
bishops, with the authoritie of his Majestie's commissioners, they
sail impose them.
After some few reasons proponed and answeired, as said is, it
was confessed, that if his Majestic could have beene pleased, or
putt off, they wold have reasoned against these articles, and the
introducing of them in this kirk. Doctor Lindsay, now Bishfipc
of Brechine, being posed in conscience, confessed that they hud
324 calderwood's historie 1618.
neither Reasoun, Scripture, nor Antiquitie for kneeling. But to
avert the king's wrath, he thought it best to yeild. As he himselfe
confessed, he answeired this way : " On my conscience, I neither
know Scripture, Reasone, nor Antiquitie, that inforceth kneeling,
sitting, standing, or passing, as necessarie, but think them all indif-
ferent ; and, therefore, that anie of them may be lawfullie used,
when it is found expedient. And considering nothing to be more
expedient for the weill of our kirk, than to keepe peace with our
gracious soveraigne, and not to contend for such maters, I judge,
yeeldino; to his Hienes' desire the onlie best." Some velitation
there was about holie dayes, but nothing spoken of the thrie
other articles : boasting and posting confoundit all.
The ministers not being permitted to reasone, and persue their
arguments verballie, with such libertie as was requisite, and fearing
prejudice in voting, gave in some articles in writt, to be considered
before the Five Articles were putt to voting ; professing they were
readie to present in writt particulare reasons against everie one of
the said articles. The presenter, Mr Johne Scrimgeour, was com-
mandit to subscribe them, and was rebuked, as not having commis-
sion. They suspected that he was to present a protestation
against the proceedings of the Assemblie, for preventing wherof,
they had declaimed before against the protestation subscribed at
the last parliament, as treasonable and seditious. But when he
was perceived to seek a pen to subscribe, the pretendit moderator
received them out of his hands. Two of them were redd, but noe
wayes respected, the rest was suppressed. The articles heir
follow : —
THE ARTICLES PRESENTED TO THE ASSEMBLIE, AUG. 27, WITH
SOME QUOTATIONS ADDIT, FOR CONFIRMATION.
" Forasmuch as we have beene debarred of accesse, and from
hearing the proceidings of the conference, their reasonings, consul-
tations, and advisments, anent the articles proponed to this Gene-
rall Assemblie, \\herof all and everie ane of them ao neerlie
1618. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 325
toucheth us in our Christian resolution and offices of our niinistrie :
In most humble mancr, wc present to your considerations the
particulars heiraftcr specified, in the fearc of God, intreatting your
favorable answcir to the same.
" First, The articles proponed, if they be concludit, they doc
innovate and bring under the slander of change the estate of this
church, so adviscdlie established by ecclesiasticall constitutions,
acts of parliament, approbation of other kirks, and good liking of
the best reformed Christians without and within this kingdome,
and so evidentlie blessed with happie successe and sensible expe-
rience of God's greattest benefits, by the space of fiftic-cight yecrs
and above. So that we may boldlie say to the praise of God, that
noe church hath injoyed the trueth and puritie of religion in larger
libcrtie. And upon some such considerations, it pleased his
gracious Majestic to continue the Church of England in her esta-
blished estate, as may be scene In the conference at Ilamptoun
Court, and Thomas Sparke his bookc written therupon, — ' Ipsa
quippe inutatio etiam qucB adjuvat utilitate, iiovltate pcrturhat : qua-
proptcr qucB utilis 7ion est, pcrtnrhatione in fructuosa conscqueater
noxia est,' sayeth Augustine, Epist. 118. That is, Even a change
that is helpfull for utilitie, perturbeth with the noveltie ; wherfor,
consequentlie, a change that is not profitable is noysome, through
frultles perturbation. ' Rather a kirk with some fault, than still a
change,' it is said in the conference at Hamptoun Court.
" 2. The receiving againe of these articles so justlie rejected,
and so carfullie and long keiped furth of this kirk, grccvcth
reformed professors tenderlle affected to our reformation, and
giveth occasion to our adversaries to reprove our separation from
them, of rashnes, levitie, and inconstancie, and not onlie hindereth
their conversion, but strengthens their hope of our farther confor-
mitie with them. Quoties non mutarunt suam quisque sententiam f
Quod fcdificant hodie, eras destruunt. Hodie, lapidem locant infun-
damentum, connentoque conjirmant, quern postero die eruunt et confe-
runt. Ubique revocat tones, emcndationes, novi fatiis, alicc utque alia ;
quoties nova scntcntia placet asscrtiones, alius dcturbat alium^ confusio
326 calderwood's historie 1618.
confusioni permiscetur, atque interim ^ scinditur incertum studia in
contraria viilgus.^ Nee adliuc cernimus aliud, et quis nisi mente
captus, dicat istiusmodi artijices recedijicare ecclesiam Dei, quibus omnia
incerta,Jluxa, instahilia, contraria, quibus nulla dogmatum constantia
nulla animonim consensio f Antid. Coloraens. pag. 4. That is,
How oft have they not changed everie one their opinion ? That
vvhich they build to-day, they demolishe to-morrow. They place
this day a stone for a foundation, and make it sure with morter,
which they pull up the day following, and bruise in peeces. Everie
where there is re^'ocations, corrections, new births, diverse asser-
tions, as oft as a new opinion pleaseth anie of them. One throw-
eth doun another, confusion is mingled with confusion, and in the
meane time, the doubtfull vulgars are severed in contrarie factions.
Neither as yit doe we perceive anie other thing. And who will
say, except such a one as is beside himself, that such artisans
re^difie the kirk of God, to whom all things are uncertane, flow-
ing, unstable, contrarious, who have noe constancie in the heads
of doctrine, nor consent of minds ? &c.
" 3. They cannot stand in one profession with brotherlie kind-
ness, peace, and love, which must be tenderlie keipt amongst the
members of Christ's bodie, as the same consists of stronger and
more infirme, as may appeare in the apostolicall rules following :
First, ' All things are lawfull to me, but all things are not profit-
able. I may doe all things, but I will not be brought under the
poAver of anie thing.' 2. ' Let everie man be fullie perswadit in
his owne mind.' 3. ' Whatsoever is not of faith, is sinne.' 4. * Let
everie one understand, according to sobrietie, as God has dealt to
everie man the measure of faith.' 5. ' Take heade, least by anie
meanes, this power of yours be an occasion of falling to them that
are weake.' 6. ' Through thy knowledge sail thy weake brother
fall, for whom Christ died ?' 7. ' When ye sinne against the bre-
thren, and wound their weake consciences, ye sinne against Christ.'
8. ' Whatsoever ye doe, doe all to the glorie of [God.]' 9. ^ Give
noe offence, neither to the Jew, nor to the Grecian, nor to the
Kirk of God.' 10. ' Please all men in all things, not seeking
1618. OF THE KIRK Ofc' SCOTLAND. 327
your ownc profito, but the profitc of manic, that they may be
saved.' 11. ' Caus not your commoditie to be evill spoken of.'
12. ' Let all things be done honcstlic, and in ordour.' Tilings
indifferent (put the case men's invention were of tiiat nature) in
the case of scandall, cease to be indifferent, and arc as things morall,
Gal. ii. 3.
" 4. They give way to humane inventions, and bring the wrong
key of man's witt within the house of God, wherby toycs and
trifling ceremonies in number and force are multiplied, as men's
witts are variable to invent. Who requires these things at your
hands ?
" 5. The admitting of some openeth the doorc to the rest, and
the multitude of such make us inferior to the J ewes in two re-
spects: 1. Their ceremonies were all divine. 2. In number, fewer
than rituall Christians doe observe, betuixt the Pasche and the
Pentecost. Gersone complaineth, ' Quod multitudine levissimarum
ceremoniarum, vis omnis Spiritus Saudi quern i?i nobis vigere opor-
fuit, ct vera pietas, sit cxtincta ;' That with the multitude of frivo-
lous ceremonies, true pletie was extinguished, and the force of the
Spirit, which ought to be powerfull in us. Jewel Apolog. pag.
116. ' Sed quamvis hoc neque inveniri possit, quomodo contra Jidein
sunt, ipsam tamen rdigionem servilibus oneribus j>rcmiint, ut tolcr-
abilior sit conditio Judaorum, qui ctiamsi tempus libcrtatis non agno-
verunt legalibus, tamen sarcinis non humanis prcesumtionibus suhjici-
untur.^ August. Epist. 119. liowbeit it cannot be found that
they are contrarle to the fiilth, yit they presse doun religion it self
with servile burdens, so that the estate of the Jewes is more toler-
able, who, howbeit they did not acknowledge the time of their
libertle, are subject notwithstanding to the burdens of the law,
not to the presumptions of man. ' Quanto niagis acccdit cumido in
ccclesia, tanto magis dctrahitur non tantum libertati ChristiancB, scd
et Christi, et ejus Jidci.^ Confes. Orthod. cap. 27. That is. The
more that the heape of rites and ceremonies in the kirk incrcaseth,
the more is derogated not onlie from Christian libertle, but also
from Christ and his faith. Learned and grave men may like
328 calderwood's histouie 1618.
better of the single forme of policle in our kirk, tlian of the manie
ceremonies of the Kirk of England. Epist. before Basilicon
Doron.
" 6. They hinder asdification; for how meekle time and zeale
sail be spent upon the inbringing and establishing of these, als
much leasure and opportunitie sail Sathan gett, to sow and water
the tares of atheisme, shisme, Poperie, and dissention. Consider
the sentences following: 1. 'Let us proceede by our rule, that
we may mind one thing,' Philip, iii. 16. 2. ' Let us follow the
trueth in love, and in all things grow up in him who is the head,
that is, Christ,' Eph. iv. 15. 3. ' Give noe place to the devill.'
4. ' If ye be otherwise mindit, God sail reveale the same to you.'
5. ' Feede my sheepe.' 6. ' Tak head unto your selfs, and to
the flocke.' 7. ' Let noe roote of bitternes spring up, to trouble
you. ' 8. ' Fulfill my joy, that ye may be like mindit, having
the same love, being of one accord and of one judgment ; that
nothing be done through contention and vaine glorie, but that
in meeknes of mind everie man esteeme others better than him-
self.' 9. ' Doe all things without murmuring and reasoning.'
10. ' It was needfull for me to wryte unto you, that ye soukl
earnestlie contend for the faith which was once given to the
sancts.' 11. ' Whill men sleept, the enimie came, sowed his tares
amongst the wheate, and went his way.'
" 7. Maters of that nature bring inevitablie with them dis-
putations, divisions, contentions, as may be scene in all kirks where
such coales of contention getts entrie. The Pascha of the primi-
tive kirk, the Interim of Germanic, the rent of the Kirk of Eng-
land, our owne experience, since the strife of the externall gubei-
nation began among us, &c.
" 8. They bring a sensible blott, either upon the happie memorie
of our godhe and wise predecessours, in so farre as we depart
from that reformation so wislie brought in, appointed and estab-
lished by them; or els, upon our selfs, by resuming againe of
diverse superfluities without reasone, rejected by them for weightie
and necessaric causes. ' Magnum est hoc Dei munus, quod una, et
1618. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 329
religionem puram, et cntaxiam doctrines^ videlicet retinendce viJicidum,
in Scotiam intulistis. Sic obsecro et obtestor, hcec duo simul retinete,
jit uno amisso, alterum non din jicrmancrc posse, semper meviinei-itis.^
Bez. Epist. to Mr Knox. This ia <a great benefite of God, that ye
have brought into Scothind true rehgion, and good order, the band
that retaineth doctrine at one time. So I beseeche you and ob-
test, that ye rctaine these two together, so that ye remember, that
if the one be lost, the other cannot indure long. And againe, he
sayeth : * Quam rcctc illud quod disciplinam simul cian doctrina
conjungitis. Obsecro et obtestor ut ita pergatis, ne vobis idem quod
tarn multis, ut qui in limine impegerunt progredi non possint, imo,
etiam interdam ne velint quidem, quod huge miserrimurn est.' How
well was that done, that ye conjoyned doctrine and discipline to-
gether. Ibeseeche you and obtest that you goe forward, least it
happen to you, which has befallen to manic that could not make
a progresse, having stumbled in the verle entrie, yea, somtime were
not willing, which is most lamentable.
" 9. They sett loose the filthie minds and mouths of fleshlie
livers, to triumph against the most sound and best reformed pro-
fessours, and to rejoyce in their rotten opinions, and restored
opportunities of sensuall observation, of guysing, gluttonie, car-
rells, &c.
" 10. They are declared by this church to be contraric doctrine,
as may be scene in the first, second, and thrid chapters of the
First Booke of Discipline, in these words, ' We judge, that all
doctrine repugnant to the evangell sould be utterlic suppressed, as
damnable to man's salvation.' In the books of Old and New
Testament, we affirme, that all things necessarie for the instruction
of the Kirk, and to make the man of God perfite, is contained and
sufficientlie expressed. By contrare doctrine, we understand
•whatsoever men by lawes, councels, or constitutions, have im-
posed on the consciences of men, without the expresse commande-
mcnt of God's Word, as keiping of holie dayes commandit by man,
the feast of Christmas, and other feasts.
" 11. The commissioners of presbyteries heir assembled, suffi-
330 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1618.
cientlle understanding neither the presbyteries from whom they
have their commissions, nor the particulare churches of this
realme, either require, are willing, or consent to admitt these
novations. ' Conjitentur theohgij nihil esse per synodos ecclesiis, in-
vitis ohtrudendum.^ The divines confesses, that nothing sould be
obtrudit upon the churches by synods against their will.
" 12. The commissioners of presbyteries heir assembled, under-
standing the alienation of them from whom they received com-
mission from these articles, can by noe warrant bind nor oblige their
unwilling presbyteries and congregations to their votes. ^ Eccle-
siam dissentientem et invitam ohligare quis potest ?'' Who can bind a
kirk disassentingj and unwillino; ?
"13. There stand in force diverse Acts of Parliament in favour
of our present ordour; Jac. VI. p. 1, cap. 8 ; Jac. VI. -p. 6, cap.
68, and cap. 69. Itern, The first Act of the Parliament, 1592.
" 14. The ministers of this church, by order of the same, printed
and inserted before the Psalme Booke, at their admissions respec-
tive, promise, in the presence of God and of this congregation
assembled, to abhorre, and utterlie to refuse all doctrine alledgit
necessarle to salvation, that is not expreslie contained in the Old
and New Testament ; and according to the graces and utterances
that God sail grant unto them, to professe, instruct, and maintaine
the puritie of the doctrine conteaned in the sacred Word of God,
and to the uttermost of their power to gainstand and convince the
gainsayers and teachers of men's inventions. Item, To submitt
them selfs most willinglie to the wholsome discipline of this
church, by the which they were then called to the office and
charge ; promising, in God's presence, obedience to all admonitions,
secretlle or publictlie given, &c.
" 15. The subscrivers of the Confession of Faith, by their oath
therin conteaned, promise and sweare to continue in the obedience
of the doctrine and discipline of this church, and to defend the
same according to their vocation and power, all the dayes of their
lives, under the paincs conteaned in the law, and danger both of
bodie and soulc in the day of God's fcarfull ju(]gmeut; and to
1G18. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 331
abhorre and detest all contrarle religions, but cheeflic all kind of
Papistrie in gencrall, even as they are now damned and confuted by
the "Word of God and Kirk of Scotland. But in speciull, the Pope's
five bastard sacraments, ^vherof confirmation is one ; ■with all rites,
ceremonies, and fals doctrines addit to the true sacraments with-
out the Word of God, his absolute necessitie of baptisme, &c.
Which confession, and practise following therupon, is come to the
eyes of the world in print, and solemnlie renued in the covenant
celebrated in the Gencrall and Provinciall Assemblies, Presbyteries,
and Kirk-scssions, in the yeere of God 1596. And how sail anic
man be heard to spcake against that wherunto he hath formerlic
sworne and subscribed ? Sic the conference at Haniptoun Court."
The ministers, notwithstanding of the preceeding terrours, most
humblie and earnestlie requeisted the king's commissioners, that
the concluding of the articles might be continued, till their reasons
were sent in writt to his iSlajestic, and answeir returned. But
their humble requeist was despised.
Before the roll was callit, his INlajcstie's letter was redd againe
in open audience of the Assemblie, noe doubt, to the end the last
impression might incline the voters to consent. The ministers,
defenders of the established order, required againe, that none might
have place to vote but such as were authorized Avith lawfull commis-
sion. But that order was not admitted; yea, the pretendit moderator
answeired, that if all Scotland were present there, they sould vote.
The question putt in voting was formed somtime thus : " Will
ye accept or refuse the Five Articles ?" Somtime thus : " Will ye
consent to these articles, or disobey the king ?" The words chosen
to distinguishe the votes were, " Agrie, Disagrie, Non liquet." The
question proponed was affected with this strait condition, " lie
that denyeth one, denyeth all." The pretendit moderator certified
them, that whosoever voted against the articles, his name sould be
marked, and given up to his INIajestie. He tooke the roll of the
names in his owne hand from the clerk. First were called the
king's commissioners and their assessors ; then the noblemen,
bishops, and barons ; then the doctors and ministers ; and, last of
332 calderwood's historie 1618.
all, the burgesses. The doctors' and ministers' names were called
on without order, for he called first on these of whose consent he
was assured, without respect to the order of province or presby-
terie. As for exemple, on the Archdeane of St Androes, and Mr
Patrik Galloway, a man of manie pensiouns, when the ministers of
the North were called on. In callino; the names, he inculcated
these and the like words, " Have the king in your mind ! Remem-
ber of the king ! Looke to the king !" Some wanting commission,
of whose assent they Avere sure, were callit. Others, whose nega-
tive they feared, were pretermitted. In end, by pluralitie of votes,
the Five Articles were concludit. 1. Kneeling in the act of receiv-
ing the sacramentall elements of breade and wine. 2. Five holie
dayes ; the day of Christ's Nativitie, Passion, Resurrection, Ascen-
sion, and the Pentecost. 3. Episcopall confirmation. 4. Private
baptisme. 5. Private communion. His Majestie's commissioners
and their assessors, all the noblemen except Ochiltrie, all the
barons except Waughtoun, who went home, all the doctors except
Doctor Strange, all the burgesses, and a number of the ministers,
votted affirmative. One nobleman, one doctor, and fourtie-five
ministers, voted negative, some few, Non liquet. Doctor Lindsay,
now Bishop of Brechine, affirmeth, that fourtie-one onlie refused,
and four were Non liquet.
The cheefe reasoners against the articles in the conference, or in
open Assemblie, were Mr William Scott, Mr Johne Carmichael,
Mr Johne Weyms, Mr Alexander Henrisone.
The bishop proponed an act to be made, that all ministers at
their admission sould swear, that they have made no private paction
for diminution of the stipend modified by the commissioners ap-
pointed by the Parliament.
Item, A ratification of the catechism allowed at Aberdeene, and
printed since with priviledge.
Item, That everie minister have care, that the act against beggers
be observed in their paroche.
Item, That Mr William Scott and Mr Alexander Henrisone be
transported till Edinburgh.
1G18. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 333
THE NULLITIE OF TERTH ASSEMBLIE.
First, There were foure Jlocies absent, Orknay, Caithness,
Argile, and the lies, and commissioners from some presbyteries, by
reasone of the suddanc indiction, and late premonition.
2. The prctendit primate Uirurpcd the moderator's [)lace without
election.
3. The bishops, a great number of noblemen, barons, and some
ministers, wanting lawfull commission, caried themselves as mem-
bers of the Assemblie, and voted. Noe baron ought to have voted
without commission, according to the act made in the yeir 1597,
by which act, one barone onlie sould be elected out of the bounds
of a presby terie. By that act, noe burghe except Edinburgh may
send moe commissioners than one ; yit at this Assemblie, there were
two admitted for other burghcs. It was provided by the said act,
that a presbyterie might not direct moe nor three commissioners
to the Gcnerall Assemblie ; yit at this Assemblie, there were six
or sevin admitted out of one presbyterie ; as for exemple, Mr Andro
Alane and Mr James Burdoun were onlie chosen commissioners
for the Presbyterie of Ochtcrairder, yit Mr Adam Bannatyne,
Bishope of Dumblane, addit sevin or eight unto them. Their
names were called among the rest, and they voted. At St Androes,
in Aprile 1582, it was thought expedient that presbyteries sould
not be astricted to direct their moderator in commission, but that
libertie be left to them to choose whom they judge fittest for the
purpose. Nevertheless, at this Assemblie, some moderators of
presbyteries, not chosen by their presbyteries, voted onlie by vertue
of a forged clause foisted in an act of a prctendit Assemblie holdia
at Linlithgow, in the yeer 1606. To which Assemblie, neither the
bishops now will, nor the church then did stand. Farther, the
])resent moderators are of a new stampe, viz., the bishops' deputies
placed by them over presbyteries. When the king himself was
present, he claimed but one vote ; yit all his commissioners, and
their assessors, had everie one their scverall vote. The bishops
334 calderwood's uistokie 1618.
themselfs ought to have noe vote in the Generall Assemblle, unles
they have commission from some presbyterie, as was ordained in
the caveats. But they disdaine to take a commission. Farther,
they ought to have beene secludit, by reason of the prejudice com-
mitted by them, by practising the ceremonies before the determi-
nation of auie Assemblie.
4. Tliese that were authorized with commission, and voted affir-
mative, either had their commissions procured by the bishops, or
were the king's pensioners, or gaped for promotion, or had received
some benefite, or looked for it, or were wonne at the platt by pro-
raise of augmentation of their stipends, or had subscrived other
articles in private, or were not weill informed in their judgement,
for lacke of full and free reasoning ; or were circumvented with
promises made to them by the bishops, that they sould not be
urged Avith the practise, if tliey would consent to make ane act to
please the king. Some confessed they consented not simpliciter,
but to avert the wraith of authoritie ; some were threatened with
their owue diocesan bishops in private with deposition. Mr Wil-
liam Couper, Bishop of Galloway, upbraidit Mr James Simsone,
minister at Toungland, and Mr Thomas Provane, minister at
Leswalt, for voting according to the light of their conscience, and
the commission given to them by their presbyterie. Manie had
voted alreadie in the privie conference. Some voted at two sundrie
times, being twise called upon, as if they had not answered the first
tyme, some other names interjected betweene.
5. The Assemblie was preoccupyed with sermons, letters,
harangues, prepared for the purpose. The necessitie of yeelding
was inforced, under noe lesse paines than the wraith of authoritie,
imprisonment, exile, deprivation of ministers, utter subversion of
the estate and order of this church. Such as by the providence
of God had their mouths opened to reasone were checked, quar-
relled, rebuked, interrupted, boasted, and for their discouragement
it was plainlie professed, that neither the reasoning nor the number
of voters sould caric the matter away.
6. Notwiihctanding that it was craved, that the articles sould
1G18. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 335
be offered to voting severiiUie, becaus some perhapps might vote to
one, who wokl vote against the rest, yit were all the five oft'cred
rather obtrudit to voting at once. Yea, the prctendit moderator
said, his jNIajestie wold not be satisfied except all were granted ;
and that he that denyed one was to be holdcn as if he had denycd
all.
Seing we have heir made mention of some articles presented to
ministers, to be subscrived at their entrie, I have heir sett doun
the articles presented by the Bishop of St Androes to Mr Alexander
Martine, to be subscribed by him at his entrie : —
" I, A. B., now to be admitted to the ministric of C, faithfuUie
promises^ and solemnlie swears by thir presents, to observe and
fulfill the articles and conditions following : They are to say,
*' 1. That I sail be leill and true to my most gracious the king's
Majestic, and his successors, and to my power sail maintaine his
Hieness' right and prerogative in causes ecclesiasticall.
" 2. That I sail be obedient to my ordinar, the ♦ * and to all
superiors in the church, speake of them reverentlie, and in all my
private and publict, commend them and their estate to God's
mercifull protection.
"3. That I sail in all places, by conference, and where I sail
have occasion, in publict preaching, maintaine the present governe-
ment of the church, and jurisdiction episcopall; and sail by read-
ing be carefull to inform myself, to the end I may stand for the
same, against all the adversaries, opposites to the same.
" 4. That I sail be diligent to my power in the dueties of my
calling, be resident Avith my flocke, and not divert therefrom,
without the licence of my ordinar.
" 5. That I sail studie to advance the state of the church in
generall, and particularlic the estate of the church of C, wdicrunto
I am to be received, in all profites and commodities I can.
" 6. And, lastlie, that I sail live a peaceable minister in the
church, subjecting myself to the orders that therin are, or by con-
sent of the said church sail be {laicfullic) established ; and by all
336 calderwood's historie 1618.
meanes that I can use, procure others to the due reverence of the
same.
" Which things if I contraveene, (as God forbid,) I am content,
upon tryall and cognition taken by my said ordinar, without all
acclamation or gainsaying, to be deprived of my ministrie, and be
repute and hold a perjured and infamous persone for ever.
" Subscribed w^ith my hand at * * "
The word lawfullie, in the sixt article, is not insert in the prin-
cipall which was to be subscribed, as Mr Alexander Martine, to
whom the copie above written was given to be advised with,
assured me. There is noe law, civill or ecclesiasticall, ordaining
anie such articles to be subscribed by the ministers, at their entrie,
either to their offices or benefices ; and yit, the primate debarreth
whom he pleaseth from entrie, unlesse they sweare and subscribe
them, and has at this time the subscriptions of manie young men,
intrants to the ministrie.
Upon the elleventh of September, Mr Thomas Eosse, sometime
a minister, one of the Laird of Craigie's sones, beside St Johnstoun,
was execute at the Crosse of Edinburgh. He had beene recom-
mendit by some of the Lords of Secrete Counsell, and some of the
bishops, to the king, as a scholler, to be placed in some colledge.
Whill he was at Oxford about the time of the Commencements,
he sett up theses publictlie upon the cheefe gate of one of the
coUedges, wherin he offered to defend, that all the Scottish people
in England, his Majestic, his children, and some few others ex-
cepted, were vyle people, not worthie to be maintained in that
countrie : that they wold not faile, if remedie were not provydit,
to consume the riches and glorie of England, and wold become to
thera as the sevin leane kyne in Egypt, which ate the sevin fatt
kyne which Pharaoh saw in his dreame. Manie other reproach-
full words he used against his own nation. The Vice Chancelour
of Oxford sent him unto the king ; the king sent him home by
sea. When he Avas examined, and asked what sould have moved
him, lie answered, Necessitie made devise that, as a meane to
1C18. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 337
procure some bencfite of the king. lie confessed at his execution
that he was a man of a proud spirit, but tliought the punishment
grcattcr than the fault.
Upon the 21st of October, the acts of Perth Assemblie were
ratified by the Lords of Secrete Counsel!, and the ratification pro-
claimed at the Mercat Crosse of Edinburgh upon the 26th of
October. The tenor wherof followeth : —
" James, by the grace of God, King of Great Brittalne, France,
and Irland, Defender of the Faith, &q. — To our lovitts, * * *
nicssingcrs, our sherifts in that part, conjunctlic and severallie,
speciallie constitute, greeting. — Forsaraeikle as in the Generall
Assemblie of the kirk, holden latelie at our burgh of Perth, in the
moneth of August last bypast, which was countenanced by the
presence and assistance of certane commissioners for us, and of
diverse noblemen, barons, and commissioners from the cheefe and
principall burrowes of this our kingdome, there were certane
godlie and good acts made and sett doun, concerning the glorie of
God and governcment of his church, agreeable to that decent and
comelie order which was observed in the primitive kirk, when the
same was in the greatest puritie and perfection ; as namelie, an
act ordaining, that cverie minister sail have the commemoration of
the inestimable benefitcs received from God by and through our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ his Birth, Passion, Resurrection,
Ascension, and sending doun of the Ilolie Ghost, upon the days ap-
pointed for that use ; and that they sail make choice of severall and
pertinent texts of Scripture, and frame their doctrine and exhorta-
tion thereto, and rebuke all superstitious observation and licentious
profanation of the said dayes : An act anent the administration of
baptisme in privat houses, when the nccessitie sail require : An
act anent the catechizing of young children of eight yecrs of age,
and presenting them to the bishop to lay hands upon them, and
blesse them, with prayer for increase of their knowledge, and
continuance of God's heavenlie graces with them : An act anent
the administration and giving of the Ilolic Communion in private
VOL. VI r. Y
338 calderwood's iiistorie 1618.
houses to sicke and infirme persons : An act, that the blessed
sacrament of the Holie Communion of the bodie and blood of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be celebrate to the people humblic
and reverentlie kneeling upon their knees : An act for restraint of
Simonaicall pactions in the entrie of ministers, ordaining that ilk
minister sail, before his admission and collation by the ordinar,
sweare the oath contained in the said act : An act givand com-
mission to certane persons therin mentioned, to revise the labours
of these to whom commission was given in theAssemblie of Aber-
deene, for revising the Booke of Commone Prayers, and collecting
the canons of church discipline, and as they find the same worthie
to be allowed, to take order for approbation and publishing tlierof :
Which acts being scene and considered by us, and we finding that
the same has beene verie wiselie, gravelie, and with good delibera-
tion, made and sett doun for the weill of the kirk : Therefore we,
out of our true respect to the honour of God, and to have him
honoured by all our people, has by our authoritie royall, with the
advice of the Lords of our Privie Counsell, ratified, allowed, ap-
proven, and confirmed, and by the tenor of this our present act
ratifies, allowes, approves, and confirmes the acts particularlie
above writtin, in all and sundrie points, clauses, heads, articles,
and conditions therof; and ordains the same to have the force
and strength of lawes in all time coming, and to have effect and
execution in all places of this our kingdome. And in speciall,
that there sail be a cessation and abstinence from all kinde of
labour and handie-worke upon the five dayes above written, Avhich
are appointed to be dedicate to God's service, to the effect our
subjects may the better attend the holie exercises which are to be
keeped in the kirks at these times.
" Our will is heirfor, and we charge you straitlie and command,
that incontinent thir our letters scene, ye pass, and in our name
and authoritie make publication heerofj by open proclamation at
the Mercate Crosses of the head burrowes of this our realme, and
other places needfull, wherethrough none pretend ignorance of the
same. And that ye command and charge all our leiges and sub-
1G18. or THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 339
jects, that they and everie one of tlicni have a reverend and dueti-
full respect and regard to the observation of the premisses, and
that none of tliem presume or take upon hand, upon whatsoever
colour or pretext, to viohitc the same in anie point, but to give a
due respect and obedience thereto : And that they abstaine from
all kinde of labour and handie-worke upon the five dayes par-
ticularlie above written. Certefying them that sail doe in the
contrarie, that they sail be repute, holden, and esteemed as sedi-
tious, factious, and unquyett persons, disturbers of the peace and
quyet of the kirk, contemners of our just and royall commande-
ment, and sail be punished therefor in their persons and goods
with all rigour and extremitie, to the terrour of others, at the
arbitrement of the Lords of our Privie Counsel.
" The which to doe, we committ to you, conjunctlie and several-
lie, our full power by thir our letters, delivering them by you duelie
execute and indorsed againe to the bearer.
" Given under our signet, at Halyrudhouse, the 21st day of
October, and of our raigne the 16 and 52 yeers, 1618.
" Per actinn Secreti Co7isilii."
A COMET E SEENE.
About the midst of November, there appeared a prodigious
comete in the morning, in the south-east, broade, and streatching
with a large taile towards the north-west. It appeared fyne and
cleere some few dayes in the beginning, and cfter became more
dimme and obscure, and vanished away at last in the north. This
comete by appearance portcudit the warres of Germanic, whicli
begunne not long efter, and continueth yet to this houre.
Mr James Law, pretcndit Bishop of Glasco, in his diocesan
synods holden at Glasco and Peiblis, urged obedience to the
ordinances of Perth Assemblie. But the brethren conveened at
Glasco professed plainlie, they wold not acknowledge that As-
semblie fur a lawfuU Assemblie. At the Assemblie at Peiblis, ]\Ir
Johne Knox in his sermone, the second day, exhorted the brethren
340 calderwood's historle 1618.
to stand to the libertie and governement of the kirk established
before the erection of the late bishops, and that with teares. Yit
Christmas-day approaching, he urged the presbyteries with the
observing of that day, as may be scene by this letter following,
sent to the Presbyterie of Air : —
" TO HIS REVEREND AND WELBELOVED BRETHREN, THE MODERA-
TOR A^;D BRETHREN OF THE PRESBYTERIE OF AIR.
*' Welbeloyed Brethren, — ^Ye remember how earnestlie I
exhorted you at the last synode holden at Glasco, to give your
obedience to the king's Majestic, and the ordinances of the last
Generall Assemblie holden at Perth, wherof ye are not ignorant
nor forgetfull. The 25th day of December approacheth, upon
which day it is ordained, that everie one of you sould preache at
least one sermon, of the Nativitie and Incarnation of the Sone of
God, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Or if your people will
assemble againe, ye may preache another also. These, therefor,
are to intreat you, and if intreatie and requeisting will not move
you to doe your duetie willinglie and obedientlie, as becometh
good subjects and godlie pastors ; then, in his Majestie's name and
authoritie, for discharge of my duetie and service, I doe by thir
presents command you, all and everie one of you, to make due
and lawfull premonition to your parochiners, to assemble and con-
veene themselfs the said twentie-five day of December nixt to
come, at your severall paroche kirks ; and there, by publict preach-
ing, prayer, and thanksgiving, to worship God, and praise him
for the inestimable benefite of the birth and incarnation of his
Sone. Attesting also hereby your owne hearts and consciences,
that whatsoever punishment sail be inflicted by his Majestie's
authoritie upon anie of you that sail be tryed to disobey, or
whatsoever trouble or schisme sail arise in the kirk by your ob-
stinate and inexcusable refusing, all sail be impute justlie to
yourselfs, as being refractorie, and well deserving, by your contu-
inacie, to be punished not onlie by his Majestic, but also to be
1G18. OF THE KIIIK OF SCOTLAND. 341
deposed from your offices and places. I sail be verie sorle and
heartilie greeved to see the peace of our kirk troubled, the estate
therof endangered, and the unitic which sould be amongst yourselfes
devydit ; and I sail find myself licavilie persecuted by anie of you
who sail be tryed to be either authors or instruments of such
great evills. But hoping better of you, and that ye will in holie
wisdome and due obedience conforme yourselfs to that which hath
so much lawfull authoritie, and will prove so profitable ; I com-
mend you to the grace of God, and rests
" Your loving brother,
" J. Glasco.
" Glasco, penult November 1618."
A little before Christmas, letters were sent to the king from the
ministers and Presbyterie of Edinburgh, Avherin he assured himself
that they w^old, according to the acts of the Assemblie, preache
upon Christ's Nativitie upon Yule-day. All the ministers of
Edinburgh, excepted Mr Johne Hall, consented; but it was
thought sufficient that there sould be preaching onlie in two kirks,
becaus they doubted of the conveening of the people. The rest
of the presbyterie refused. The people of Edinburgh conveened
not, as the two pensioners, Mr Patrik Galloway and Mr William
Struthers, expected. The Great Kirk was not halfe filled, not-
withstanding the provest, baillies, and counsel's travells. Mr
Patrik, a man of a vaine-glorious humour, fretting becaus he was
not followed in his corrupt course, and countenanced by the
people, denunced judgements that day, and the Sabboth-day fol-
lowing ; the famine of the AVord, deafnes, blindnes, lamcnes, in-
abilitie to come to the kirk to heare and see, to full upon these
who came not to his Christmas sermon. The dogges were playing
in the midst of the flure of the Litle Kirk, for raritie of people,
and these were of the meanest sort. Mr Struthers was so dis-
pleased, that when he gott a sufficient auditorie upon the fift of
Januar, he burst furth with the effects of great pride and bit-
ternes lurking in his heart. Mr William Coupcr, Bishop of Gal-
n
342 calderwood's histoeie 1G19.
loway, preached in tlie Abbay Kirk. He was so impertinent, and
his arguments so frivolous, that the meanest in judgment made a
mocke at him. His bodie began to alter soone after, and he v;as
vexed, partlie with strange visions or apprehensions, and partlie
with the people that craved satisfaction, which he was not able to
give, speciallie to that religious and good Christian, Isobell Speir.
His sickness left him not till his death.
M.DC.XIX.
Upon the fjft of Januar, Mr William Struthers, teaching in
the Litle Kirk, made so virolent and bitter an invective against
the best professours of the toun, and worthiest of the ministrie,
that the like had never beene heard out of anie of the pulpits of
Edinburgh. What he could not expresse in words, he expressed
by his countenance and gesture. Teaching upon Psalme li. ver. 14,
he had these speeches : —
" The prophet David did use his tongue to sing joyfullie of the
Lord's righteousness : but the people of this toun does abuse their
toungs, to the blasphemation of God's name ; so that if a man Avere
passing through the streets, it is intolerable to heare the horrible
profanation of God's name, in so manie sundrie sorts of oaths.
Our part that is of the ministrie is direction, but it is your part
that is magistrats to correct. And, therefore, we desire you have
a care that this may be taken order with. There is another abuse
of the toung among you. It is a common custom of this toun
to make a table-talke continuallie of their ministrie ; and there is
none of you free therof. But we may weill eneugh beare with
your speeches of us, seing there is noe order taken with the
other. As for myself, I have resolved t(f be silent in this place of
these maters. It is the policie of the devill himself, when he can
say nothing against our doctrine, to make men take exception
against our persons ; for at all times at their tables, meetings, con-
ference and conventions, the subject of your speeche is the minis-
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 343
trie, calling us fleshlic, carnall, and corrupt men. Call us what ye
please, we teache you the way of salvation truelie ; and if we hold
up anie thing from you that God has communicate to us, God is
our judge. Ye doc not wisclie in this. Ye arc like these walking
in the way finding thornes thcrin, which are not thornes indeid,
but in the imagination of their owne braine : goes not by them,
nor removes them out of the way, but stands still, and goes noe
farther. Yea, they goe to the hedge by the way side, and cutt
doun breirs and thornes, and cast them in the way, and so makes
moe impediments to their owne selfs ; for we may see well enough
that all that ye sccke is to have your ministers silenced, impri-
soned, and banished. Ye ai'C a cruell and pitiles people, seeking
to breake the backe of your ministrie. There is enough of that
gear alreadie. Ilowbeit ye abused your former ministers, ye sail
not obteane that of us. AVe are of a more manlie and masculine
spirit. AVe tell you the trueth, if ye will not obey us, your blood
be on your owne heads, for we arc resolved to obey God, the
king, and the kirk ; for I am assured, that whosoever they be that
has suffered hitherto in these maters, has not suffered in God's
cans, but has unnccessarilie drawne doun a crossc on their owne
heads. Ye wold have us doc heir as they that Avere before us in
this place, to abuse it with everie clatter: for when anie private
man had received injurie in his goods by a courteour, then came
lie to the minister, and told him that the gospell was persecuted ;
and incontinent the ministers goe to the pulpits, and makes them
sound the trumpet, that Christians were persecuted. They were
so abused with your clatters, that they went to the pulpit M'ith
them. We will not doe so. What goode came of that, the event
proved at the 17th day of December. That day made the kirk
smart for it sensyne. I am sorie such things sould be registrate
in our chronicle, to our great shame. That was the blott of Edin-
burgh, and the blott of the Kirk of Scotland. They talke meikle
of these days : I know not what they were, for I was a lade at the
schoole in these joUie dayes. It is a punishment denunccd by
Jeremie, that the minister that speekcs lyes sould become the
344 calderwood's historie 1619.
taile. Nay, Christ is the head, we are the toung, ye are the
bodie ; but ye wold make us the taile. But it sail not be so. We
sail be the head, and ye the taile. Ye must receive instruction
from us, and not we from you. Yea, we will not onlie desire you,
but charge you ; for what master among you will be content to
receive direction from his servants? We care not for your
speaches, for they are but the talke of the taile, and it is not worth
the hearing ; for if we sould follow the wind of your speaches, we
sould saile all the points of the compass in an houre. The ministers
of Edinburgh must ather be asses, to beare what burdens the
people please to lay upon them, or studies/ to hammer upon what
they will. As for myself, I am resolved to be a studdie ; hammer
upon me as ye pleis, I care not. There is some countrie ministers
in this toun, and others preaching about, who has stayed here a
moneth or thereby. With what consciences they abide from
their owne congregations so long, I know not ; or what their
earand is heir, I cannot tell; for they goe about feasting from
house to house, seducing the people ; speaking against bishops,
and they themselfs are popes, for they have an anabaptisticall
spirit, who has not received the keyes of heaven, but has throwen
out of Christ's hand the keyes of hell, and sends men thither first
by summare excommunication. They wold not be content if we
sould come to their flocke, and doe the like, in going about and
seducing their people. I wold wishe they sould goe their way,
and make us quyte of them in God's name ; to goe home, and let
us alone."
In his prayer he prayed, " The Lord take out of his Majestie's
heart that rancor, for the ruffles he had received of the Kirk of
Scotland, and ministrie therof And, Lord, we j^ray thee, with
the prophet Jeremie, Let us not goe to the people, but bring them
to us."
Upon the tenth of Januar, betwixt the prayer and the reading
of the text, he had these words following : " I thought it absolutelie
nccessarie to advertise you of the misconstruction of our last
1 Stithies, auvils.
16J9. OF TIIK KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 345
Tuisday's sermon. To make an apologic, It were idle : and as fur
a Palinod, we have not learned the stile of it as yit, for we will
dl.-jgrace the snggestion of the Spirit of God so. Yc remember
the distinction we made of the people of this tonn, that there were
some godlie, and some profiine ; for thei*o is noe congregation in
the w^orld but has this mixture ; for Sodom had Lot, and the sons
of Noeh, Cham." But upon Tuysday, the 19th of Januar, he
explancd himself in these words : " We were hardlie interprete in
our last Tuisday's sermon we made in this place. We meant not
of everie one, but of a handfull of busie-bodics, that could not be
content, except they sweyed the Avhole estate of kirk and common-
weill at their will : but we leave them to their humors."
Upon occasion of this invective, Mr Archibald Simsone, minister
of Dalkeith, sent to him this letter following, upon the 18th of
Januar : —
MR A. SIMSON S LETTER TO -MR W. STRUTHERS.
'' Beloved Brother, — Please you, I have becne God's prisoner
these manie weeks by infirmitie of bodie ; and the receate of a
letter from an honourable barone yesterday has addit to my
vinacre gall, intituled, ' Certane humane sentences uttered by Mr
William Struthcrs,the fift of Januaric 1619 ;' which albeit they have
beene reported to me by some diverse preachours, yit till I hear
your interpretation of them, I darre scarselie beleeve. Can poyson
be drawn out of this honie-corabe ? David, pressed with the
guilt of one bloode, yit calls to God to be free from it : and sail you
involve you in a guiltiness of so muchc bloode of God's Uriahs,
•Nvarriours, and worthies, who has faughten and died in his cause ?
If ye were free of blood, then wold your toung speak joyfuUic
and confortablie ; your toung wold strengthen the weakc, and
uphold these that were rcadie to fall ; ye wold fill up with your
oile and your wine the sores and wounds of God's people. Ye
wold not be like the last of Job's frcinds, whose bellie is like new
wyne, and ciks to the speaches of the former, swelling in his ownc
conceattcd knowledge.
346 caldeewood's historie 1619.
" 1. Is this God's righteousness, to lay fearefull imputations
upon holie preachours, your predecessours, who died honourablie
in God, that they abused the pulpits with everie light report ?
'•' 2. Is this a joyfull song of God's righteousness, to say, the
devill can speake nothing against your doctrine ? It seames, he
allowes Weill of them, against whom he can make no contradiction.
" 3. Is it God's righteousness, to cast the blood of the people
upon their owne heads, whom Christ has redeemed Avith his
blood?
" 4. Is it the sono; of God's rio-hteousness, to call to mind the
seventeenth day of December, and to kendle up the wrath of a
gracious prince against obedient and loving subjects ; and speake
that in the pulpits of Edinburgh which was done when he was a
boy at the schoole ?
" 5. Is it God's righteousness, to sing that the 17th day of
December is a blott to Edinbui'gh, and to the whole Kirk of Scot-
land, Avherof they never knew till it was endit, and noe blood shed
in the tumult, nor for the tumult ? and yit ye will have it a blott
to our kirk, when as such tumultuous spirits invented it, as they
who reveils it.
" 6. Is it a song of God's righteousness, to call your flocke the
taile, and that the talke of the taile is not seemhe to be heard ? I
think that tale stinks afarre off.
" 7. Sing ye God's righteousness, to inveygh against your fellow
brethren, the countrie ministers, that they goe from house to house
to seduce your people ; calling them popes, and of anabaptisticall
spirits, pulling keyes out of Christ's hands ?
" 8. Sing ye God's righteousness, when ye affirme, all that
suffered for this cans has drawin doun a crosse on themselves ; of
whom a great manie are with the Lord, other banished, confyned,
silenced, whom I trust ye will not judge, being other men's
servants ; and their innocence God will cleir against all calumnies,
to have beene, and to be, honester men nor their accusers and
traducers ?
<' Brother, resolve me anent the trueth of these reports, and
1010. OF THE KIHK OF SCOTLAND. 347
Avliat Is your mind and meaning theranent ; for yc have need to
be a studic, for the mouths of all arc open against this your song.
I cannot belcive lighthc of you, that yc «re clianged so soone.
But charitic bids attend upon your answeir ; and I trust yc will
use me brothcrlic, and satisfic mc."
Noe answeir was returned to this letter by Mr Struthers. That
the reader may take up the humor and disposition of the man, I
have thought good in this place to sett doun the fashiouns of the
man. At the first, he Avas so eager an opposite to bishops, that he
could scarse give a note upon the chapter after meales, but he
wold inveighe against the state of bishops. When his pupill, now
Earle of Wigtoun, had stiled one of the bishops, " My Lord," he
bade him loose his points, and threatned to whippe him. At a
certane time, being in Glasco, when he saw the Bishop of Glasco,
now Bishop of St Androes, afarre off, he shunned to meetc him,
went in to a booth, and fell a swound. After they had given
him aqria vitce, and that he had recovered, they asked, what
accident had befallen him ? lie answered, he saw the character
of the Beast coming ; meaning the bishop. Yit he being ambi-
tious and aspyring, entered in Edinburgh by the bishops, and none
become so familiar with them as he ; yea, he gott a pension from
the king for service done, and to be done, for the advancement
and establishment of their estate. When the ceremonies Avere
first motioned he seemed to mislyke them altogether, and sub-
scribed the protestation which sould have beene presented to the
last parliament. But when it came to the practise, he Avas
amongst the first ; and Avas not content to practise for his OAvne
part, but inveighed against the people, because they would not
foUoAv his exemple ; traduced the Avorthie servants of God who
had preached in these pulpits before ; spake contcmptiblie of
the purer times, Avhcrin the godlie Avere conforted Avith a gracious
ministrie ; upbraidit the toun of Edinburgh Avith a tumult raised
the 17th day of December 1596, wherof the toun could never have
been convict, notwithstanding of the exact triall Avas made, as of
anie forethought purpose against the king or his counselours ; and
348 calderwood's histohie 1619.
if they had, it was not seemelie to hira to have called it to remem-
berance. There was never a Pharisee heard speake more arro-
gantlie from time to time, in his sermons and prayers, as these
speaches uttered by him at sundrie times may evidence : " As for
myself, though all the monarchs of the earth were before me, I
wold not be afFrayed ; yea, though the quintessence of man, his
glorie, majestic, power, etc., were all sett before me, I wold not be
affrayed." " If men knew the secrete stamps and influences wher-
with God scales and bedews ministers, people wold not prease to
direct them." " We deliver nothing to you but as God speeketh
to us, as we will sie the face of God for evermore." " We see the
Lord als cleerelie as I see the light before me ; doing his commis-
sions as men seing God, and seing that God seeth them." " We
are so taken up from our birth till our buriall day, that there is
not an houre's rest left to us." " As sure as ye see me presentlie,
als assuredlie is the Lord leaning presentlie upon my shoulder."
Seldome does he preach or pray publictlie but he breaketh out in
such pharisaicall speeches.
SOME CITIZENS OF EDINBURGH CITED BEFORE THE HIE
COMMISSION.
Upon the tenth of Februar, Richard Lawsone, James Cathkine,
and Jhone Meane, merchants and burgesses of Edinburgh, and
Mr Patrik Henrisone, reader, being summoned, compeered before
the Hie Commission. The burgesses were accused for not coming
to the kirk on Christmas-day, for opening of their booth doores,
walking before them in time of sermoun, disswading others from
goin"" to the kirk, and reasoning against preaching upon that day.
They answeired, they did nothing of contempt ; they reasoned to
receive instruction, and to try what warrant others had. They
were dismissed, with an admonition, to be modest in their speeches
and behaviour in time coming. Mr Patrik was accused for
absenting himself from his owne place that day, and placing
another in his rowme, to tak up the psalme. An act was made,
1G19. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 349
tlial he sould be doposcd, if he did the like bcerafter ; against
■which act he protCf^tcd. JNIr "NVilliuiu Coupcr, Bit^hop of Gallo-
way, sent up to the Ilighe Commission his advice, to make the per-
sons cited exemples to others. His sickenes had not walkenned
his conscience. But upon the 16th day of the same moneth, he
•\vas called before a higher commij-sion. But the Lords of the Ilighe
Commission thought it not expedient to medic with the profcs-
sours, speciallie the citizens of Edinburgh, at this time, when they
had intention to persecute ministers, as kythed soone eftcr.
MR W. COUPER's death.
Upon the 16th of Februar, Mr William Couper, Bishop of
Galloway, departed this life in the Canongate. He had never
abilitie to goe to the pulpit efter his Christmas sermon. He was
a man filled with self-conceate, and impatient of anie contradic-
tion ; more vehement in the wrong course than ever he was fer-
vent in the I'ight, wherin he seemed to be fervent enough. He
made his residence in the Canongate, neere to the Chappell
Koyall, wherof he was Deane, and went sometimes but once in
two yeers till his diocie. When he went, he behaved himself verie
imperiouslie. He abused and upbraidit that reverend preachour,
Mr liobert Glendinning, minister of Kirkudbright, for opponing
to the exacting of kirk penalties by his commissars, to their proper
commoditie, and to the prejudice of the poore. He exceedit all
bounds, in abusing that faithfull servant of God, Mr David Pol-
lock, minister of Glcnluce, yea, he professed in presence of his
fellow brethren that he loved him not. He abused ]\Ir James
Simsone, and ]\Ir Thomas Provant, for voting against the Five
Articles at Perth. He thrust in upon the paroche of Girtoun, one
of the kirks of his bishoprick, an ignorant and unqualified man,
Mr Alexander Forsell, the parochiners and all the ministers of the
diocie opponing. The man Avas so ignorant, that he proceedit to
the ministration of the sacrament without a blessing, whcrby
manie of the people absented them from the table, as profaned by
him ; and yit he caried a grudge at some of the brethren for op-
350 calderwood's historie 1619.
poning. He desired the Presbyterle of Kirkudbright to grant a
dispensation to James Lidderdale of 11a, to deteane In his com-
panle the woman with whom he had lyen in fornication. He sett
a tacke of the personage and vicarage of the Abbacie of Glenluce
to his brother, Andro Couper, who disponed the right of the tacke
to Johne Crawfurd of Skeldoun, sone-in-law to the said bishop. In
time of the last platt, he procured the union of some kirks in
favours of his fnends, as we have alreadie declared in the owne
place. It is thought, that if just calculation were made of the
commoditie extorted by him through his diocie, by advice of his
two covetous counsellours, Andro Couper, his brother, and Johne
Gilmour, wrytter in Edinburgh, for his use and theirs, by racting
of rents, getting of grassoumes, setting of tacks, of teithes, and
other like meanes, wold surmount the soume of an hundreth
thousand merks, or, in the opinion of others, almost the double ;
so that manie within that diocie, and the annexed prelacies, sail
hardlie recover their estates in their time. They curse his
memoriall, and for his sake, all the new start up bishops, as
hurtfuU to the countrie, and serving onlie to sucke out the
substance of men's estates. He disponed two kirks of the Chap-
pell Royall, Kirkinner and Kirkcowan, to his brother Andro.
So the pastors serving the cure were debarred from their stipends,
the possessours refusing to make payment, becaus of the said
Andro his arrestments. He was not content with the benefices
his predecessours had clustered together, till he gott the Deanerie
of the Chappell Royall annexed to them, before, or at his entrie.
Not long before his departure, he admitted to the ministrie his
servant, Mr Scott, in his bed-chalmers, at his bed-side. The
bishops gave imposition of hands of new againe, because, said they,
it behoved them to cover the infirmities of their brethren. He de-
parted without sense or feeling, and had died sleeping, if by the
advice of some phisicians he had not beene walkenned. He wold
follow or answer the words of others, and then fall off incontinent
from anie spirituall purpose. There had beene a lowde report of
his end made, if it had beene gracious and confortable. Upon the
]8th of Februar, his corps was caried-to the Gray friers, with sound
1G19. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 351
of trumpets. The Bishop of St Androes made the funerall ser-
moun in the Grayfrier Kirk. It was noc wonder to hearc one
bishope speake to the praise of another.
ARGILE DENOUNCED TRATOUR.
Upon the same day, the IGth of Fcbruar, Archibald Earle of
Argile was, with sound of trumpets, and two or three heraults of
amies, openhe declared tiatour and rebell, at the Mercat Crosse of
Edinburgh, for not com peering before the Lords of Secreit Coun-
sell. He was summoned upon the 18th of November last, at the
Crosse of Edinburgh, by two herauids of amies, with sound of
trumpet, to compeere before the Lords of Secrete Counsel, upon
three score daycs wairning, to answeir upon his defection from the
true religion, and confederacic with Sir James JNIakconell, and old
Makronald, to the prejudice of religion, and the estate of the
countrie. His license, which he had purchassed from the king to
pass out of the countrie, and to goe to the well of Spa for his
health, as he pretendlt, was revoked and annulled. But it was
constantlie reported, tiiat he had conference with the king sixe
houres, within two or three days before his departure. But he was
not long; after restored afraine.
THE DEATH OF QUEEN AJ^NE.
Anna, Queene of Great Britainc, after she had lyen long pained
with sickness, departed this life on the thrid of Marche. She had
appointed great riches to be convoyed to her brother, the King of
Denmarke ; but when it came to the king and counsel's knowledge,
after her departure, the shipp was stayed. It was crediblic
reported, that her Jewells, gold, silver, plate, and clothing, were
worth ten hunder thousand pounds sterline money. The Lords of
Secrete Counsel were advertised of her departure upon the 7th of
Marche, anel commandlt to putt on doole weeds, whicii they and
Buudrie noblemen did. But there was litlc or noe lamentation
among the people.
352 calderwood's historie 1619.
MR RICHARD DICKSON CITED BEFORE THE HIE COMMISSION.
Upon the Lord's day, the seventh of Marche, Mr KIchard Dick-
sone ministred the Communion in the West Kirk, beside Edin-
burgh, according to the laudable and ancient forme of this reformed
kirk ; exhorted the people to stand to their former libertie ; proved
that kneeling was not agreeable to the practise of Christ and his
apostles. Manie of the inhabitants of Edinburgh repaired to that
kirk that day, fearing the Communion wold not be ministred in
their owne kirks in that puritie. He was summoned upon the
eleventh of Marche, not without the instigation of the ministers of
Edinburgh, to compeere before the Hie Commission upon the 12th
of Marche. The tenour of the summones heer followetli : —
" JoHXE, by the mercie of God, Archbishop of St Androea,
Primate and Metropolitane of Scotland ; James, Archbishop of
Glasco : to our lovite, Gabriel Forrest, messinger, executor heerof,
conjunctlie and severallie, speciallie constitute, greeting. — Forsa-
meikle as it is humblie meanit and shawin to us by our lovit, Mr
Patrik Forrest, our procurator-fiscall, that wheras in the Acts of
Generall Assemblie holden at Aberdeene, the * * * day of
* * * * yeei's, it was concludit, that the Communion and
Lord's Supper sould be ministrate and celebrate yeerlie at the feast
of Pasche, and that ilk minister sould distribute to his parochiners
conveened for the time with his owne hand ; and last, in the
Generall Assemblie holden at Perth, the 25th day of August last
bypast, the haill Assemblie conveened for the time, considering
that we are commandit by God himself, that when we come to
worship him we fall doun, and kneell before the Lord our Maker :
And considering withall, that there is noe part of divine worship
more heavenlie and spirituall than is the holie receiving of the
blessed bodie of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour, like as the
most humble and reverend gesture of the bodie, in our meditation,
and lifting up of our hearts, becoraeth well so divine and sacred an
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 353
action : Therefore, notwithstanding our kirk had uscd> since the
reformation of religion heer, to celebrate the holie Communion to
the people sitting, by reason of the great abuse of kneeling in the
idolatrous v/orship of the Papists ; yit now, since all memorie of
past superstition is blotted out of the hearts of the people, (praised
be God,) in reverence of God, and in due regard of so divine a
mysterie, and in remembrance of so mysticall an union as we are
made partakers of thereby, therefore the Assemblie concludit and
thoufjht good, that that blessed sacrament be celebrate heerafter to
the people, humblie and reverentlie kneeling upon their knees ; as
the said Acts of Gcnerall Assemblie, intimate by open proclama-
tions ratified by our soveraigne lord, in themselfs at length beares.
Notwithstanding of the which acts, Mr AVilliam Arthure and Mr
Eichard Dicksone, ministers at the West Kirk of Edinburgh,
called St Cuthbert's Kirk, has prevented the said feast of Pasche ;
and upon Sunday last, which was the seventh of Marche instant,
has celebrate the Communion within their kirk to the people sitt-
ing : has not distribute the elements with their owne hands, as is
prescribed by the Acts of Gcnerall Assemblie, Avith the people to
receive the same kneeling upon their knees. As to the contrarie,
the said ISIr Richard Dicksone, in an exhortation made by him to
the people sitting at table, inhibite and forbade them to kneele,
and declared, that that conclusion of the Gcnerall Assemblie,
which has been practised by the most learned and godliest sort of
people within this kingdome, was in the self superstitious and
damnable, and inclined for the most part to idolatrie : And as he
discharged them to kneele, appearandlie, if anie of the communi-
cants present, for satisfaction of their owne consciences, and obedi-
ence of the act, had kneeled, he had charged them to rise up, and
receave the same sitting, or els had dimitted them : Which this
his exhortation he made publictlie and idlic, seeing there was noe
appearance of anie kneeling ; to the great contempt of God, by
whom we are commandit to kneele and fall doun, whensoever we
come to worship him ; to the contempt of his Majcstie, and of the
conclusions of the Gcnerall Assemblie, practised by the most
VOL. VII. z
354 calderwood's historie 1619.
learned and godlie men ; and giving an evill preparative to others
to commit the like : Which, if the like be committed, will bring a
great division, schisme, mutinie, and plaine disobedience to his
Majestie's kirk and their lawes : And, therefore, the said Mr
William and Mr Richard sould be seveirlie censured, and punished
therefor.
" Heirfor, we charge you straitlie and command, that incontinent
efter the sight of this our precept, ye pass, and lawfuUie summone,
wairne, and charge the said Mr William Arthure and Mr Richard
Dickson to compeere before us and our officialls, commissioners
appointed by his Majestie's commission at Edinburgh, in the
Bishope of St Androes his house, at eight houres in the morning,
to answere at the instance of the said Mr Patrik Forrest : That
is to say, the forsaids persons to heare and see the accusation for-
said verified and proven against them, and ilk ane of them ; and
the same being verified and proven against them, to heare and see
them deprived of all function of the ministrie, and to be censured
by all kind of censure, that we, by vertue of his Majestie's Hie
Commission, may impose upon them. Certifying them, that if
they compeere not the saids day and place, they being lawfullie
summoned thereto, we will decerne in maner forsaid, and raise
letters of horning, to be direct for denuncing of them rebells for
their contumacie and non-compeerance.
" At tour, that ye lawfullie summone, warne, and charge * *
* * to compeere the saids day and place in the houre of caus, to
beare leill and soothfast witnessing in the said mater, in sua farre
as they know, or sail be speared at them, ilk person under the
paine of fortie punds. The which to doe, etc., by this our precept,
etc.
" Given under our scale, at Edinburgh, the 10th day of Marche,
1619."
MR RICHARD DICKSON DEPRIVED.
Mr Richard compeered, and without anie long processe was
1G19. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 355
deprived, and ordained to enter his person in walrd within the
Castle of Dunibartane. Mr AA'illiani Arthure was commandit to
supercecd farther celebration of the Communion till Easter, and
then to celebrate to the people kneeling. He superceedit, but
celebrated after the old niancr. There satt in the Hie Commission
that day the Bishops of St Androes, Brechine, Ilosse, Mr AVilliam
Oliphant, the king's Advocate, and Mr Thomas Henrison^^,
Commissar.
COLLUSION BETWEENE SPOTTISWODE AND SOME OFFICERS OF
ESTATE.
Upon the Lord's Day, the 14th of Marche, the Bishop of St
Androes preached in the Great Kirk of Edinburgh, before noone,
where the chancelour, the president, and other noblemen, were
present. He threatned all estates, from the highest to the lowest,
with the king's wrath and authoritie ; which he had not done m ith
the boldness and libertie he used, if there had not beene collusion
betwixt him and some officers of estate, that the people hearing
him speake with suche authoritie to the officers of estate and noble
men, might tremble and give obedience to the acts of Perth
Assemblie, without a whisper in the contrare. He exhorted the
counselours and magistrates not onlie to give good excmple of
obedience to the people, but also to compell them to obey.
The king sent doun a command to the officers of estate, the
Lords of Secrete Counscll and Session, and the advocats, to take
the Communion in the Great Kirk of Edinburgh kneeling, upon
Easter day nixt to come, under paine of the losse of their office.
He sent a command likeways to the magistrats of Edinburgh to
communicate kneelinn:.
A MEETING OF THE CITIZENS OF EDINBURGH BEFORE THE
COMMUNION.
Upon Tuisday, the 23d of Marche, there was a meeting of the
356 calderwood's histoeie 1619.
honest citizens of Edinburgh in the Litle Kirk, according to the
use and custome they have had since the Reformation. The custome
■was, to conveene with their pastors upon the Tuesday before the
first Communion-day. If anie thing was amisse in the hfes,
doctrine, or anie part of the office of their pastors, everie man had
libertie to shew wherin they were ofFendit ; and if anie thing was
found amisse, the pastors promised to amend it. If they had anie
thing hkewise to object against the congregation, it was Ukewise
heard, and amendement was promised. If there was anie variance
amongst neighbours, paines were taken to make reconcihation,
that so both pastors and people might communicate in love at the
banket of love. When the foure ministers were removed, sundrie
complaints were given in against them, speciallie against Mr Patrik
Galloway and Mr William Struthers, for their invectives against
their flocke. They were called in. It was layde to their charge,
that they did intimate preaching upon holie dayes, without advice
of their session ; that they never informed the people of the lawful-
ness of the observation of festivall dayes, and yet made bitter
invectives against them. They were so farre from acknowledging
anie wrong, that they refused anie wayes to be controlled, or give
the people a reason for their satisfaction. It was demandit, how
could they celebrate the Communion with kneeling, not having
first informed the people of the lawfulness of it ? They could make
noe other answeir, but that it was concludit by the Assemblie. It
was replyed, that it behoved them to have a better warrant to their
conscience nor the conclusions of that Assemblie. They had
beene taught the contrare threescore yeers bygone : wold they
have them now to answeir without better information ? But noe
sufficient answeir was given. William Bigge urged the exemple
of Christ and his Apostles, who satt at the table. Mr Patrik
Galloway denyed that Christ satt anie maner of way. Mr Andrew
Ramsay granted that some way : Mr William Struthers mocked,
and with his gesture counterfitted the maner of Christ's sittinff.
William Bigge urged Christ's precept, "Divyde it amongst you,"
which excludeth kneeling, and proved it to be meant of the Com-
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 357
munion cuppe. Mr William Struthers and Mr Thomas Sydserfe
jeasted ; Mr Patrik Galloway assured them, he sould send up the
storie of that meeting to the king. Mr Andro Ramsay, moderator
of the meeting, at the desire of the other three, interrupted them,
and wokl not suffer them to speake, anJ utter their minde faille.
The misbehaviour of the pastors, and their frivolous answeirs,
confirmed the people in their former resolution, and the meeting
dissolved with iireat malconteutmeut.
MR JOHNE HALL LEAVETH EDINBURGH.
Mr Johne Hall wold neither preache nor give the Communion,
being resolved not to stay. He craved to be dismissed of his
ministrie with the king's favour, in respect of his age and infirraitie
of bodie, which was granted. Yit was he not so Infirme, but he
might have continued in teaching, for there Avas noe sensible decay
found in his gift. The trueth is, he wold not offend the king by
not conforming, for feare of losslug his pension, and on the other
side, he laboured to retaine some credite among the godlie. He
brooked tiie pension indeid, but the better sort of tlie people inter-
preted this forsaking of his station, efter he had helped to sett the
kill afire, to proceede onlie of love of ease, laisiness, and feare to
losse some part of his reputation, when his gift sould begin to
faile. So he left his ministrie in Edinburgh, never craving the
people's consent.
THE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH URGE SERVICE AT THE TABLES.
The foure ministers of Edinburgh continue in their resolution to
celebrate the Communion conforme to the act of Perth, notwith-
standing of the malcontentment of the people. The session being
conveened upon the twentie-fift of Marchc, ^Ir William Struthers,
moderator, biddeth the elders and deacons wait on at the doores
the nixt Sabboth, for gathering of tickets, and to serve at the
tables. Johne Meine answered, " Moderator, I heard by your
358 calderwood's historie 1619.
owne speache the last day, that ye were to give the Communion
to persons behaving themselfs five sundrie wayes : that is con-
fusion : God is not the author of confusion, but of order ; therefore
I will not be there, nor be a witness to it." Mr "William Struthers
said, " If ye count yourself unworthie to come, bide away : call ye
the order of God's kirk confusion ?" " Yes, Sir," said the other,
" I call it confusion, for it is not according to Christ's institution."
" Ye are over peart to call it confusion," said Mr Struthers ; " ye
are but an ignorant, and not worthie to brooke anie place heer."
" I thank God," said the other, '' ye count me worthie to be casten
out of this place." Mr Patrik Galloway sayeth to him, "Ye are one
of them that raises up this tumult." " Call me what ye please,"
said Johne Meine, " I must abide it." " What will ye say," said
Mr Patrik, " if I prove kneeling out of the Si^ripture ? heard ye
me the last day ?" " Yes, Sir," said Johne Meine, " and thought
ye proved nothing. If ye will yit prove kneeling at the Com-
munion out of the Scripture, I sail be content to goe with you.
Ye alledgit the nyntie-fift Psalm e, which was sixtein hundreth yeer
before the institution." " May it not content you," said Mr Gal-
loway, " which contents the Kirk of Scotland, for the Assemblie
has concludit it ?" " Sir, that is a point of Papistrie," said Johne
Meine, " to beleeve as the kirk beleeves. The prophet Habbacuc
sayeth, ' The just man sail live by his faith.' " " What will ye say
to this. Sir?" said Mr Galloway ; " the kirk has concludit it, and
the king and the Secrete Counsel has confirmed it." Johne Meine
smyling answered, " Sir, ye were wont to say to us longsyne,
* Thus sayeth the Lord,' but now ye change, and say, ' Thus
sayeth the king and the kirk.' " Mr Struthers beatting upon the
boord in furie, sayeth, ''What, Sir ! I command you silence ; I am
moderator heir." Johne Meine, directing his speache first to the
elders and deacons, sayeth, " Our pastors, who sould be our
teachers, are become our boasters :" and turning him to Mr
Struthers, he sayeth, " I spake not till I was called : if I had not
beene called, I wold have spoken little." Mr Struthers in great
passion uttered sundrie speaches to the elders and deacons. " What
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 359
is this ?" snyeth he ; " they sitt heir, and call maters confusion."
" There was never one of you," said Johne Meinc, " taught us out
of the pulpit concerning these things." '' What, Sir ! ye disdaine
to heirc us," said IVIr Struthers ; " ye count us hereticks." The
other answered, "Sir, I think there is not one in Edinburgh will
say, I contemne hearing, except ye now." jNIr Galloway said,
" There is nothing altered in substance, but onlie in rituall things."
" All that is inclosed in the institution is substantial! to me ; I
know noe rituall thing in it," said Johne Meine. They called on
the rest, to see if anie other Avoid bide away, and comraandit to
warne the old ciders and deacons to supplie the rowmes of the
absents, for sundrie of the deacons were at the saile.
THE COMMUNION CELEBRATE IN EDINBURGH AFTER THE POPISIIE
FORME.
The Communion was to be celebrate upon Easter day, the 28th
of Marche. To allure manie to come to the kirk, the ministers of
Edinburgh oft'ered them libertic to sitt, stand, or kneele, as they
pleased, and dealt with some in particularc ; but few was moved
with the offer. The inhabitants of the toun went out at the ports
in hundreths and thousands, to the nixt adjacent kirks. These
who did communicate either kneeled not, or, if they kneeled, were
of the poorer sortj who lived upon the contribution, and kneeled
more for aw nor for devotion ; or were members of the Secrete
Counsel, or of the Colledge of Justice. Some were deceaved with
the offer of the ministers, for when they came, the ministers used
all the meanes they could to caus them kneele. Some were dashed
and kneeled, but with shedding of teares for greefe. Cold and grace-
less were the Communions, and few were the communicants. The
chancelour, the president, and other Lords of Secrete Counsell and
Session, except Sir George Areskine, Lord Innerteill, and Sir
James Skcene of Currihill, and sundrie advocats, communicate in
the Great Kirk. Sir AVilliam Nisbitt, Provest of Edinburgh,
absented himself, resolved not to communicate kneeling. Mr
360 calderwood's historie 1619.
Patrik, after sermone, inveighed against those that scarred at the
Communion, for kneeling in the act of receiving the sacramentall
elements. Mr Patrik, after he had given thankes, and blessed the
bread, and his coUegue, Mr Andro Ramsay, satt domi on their
knees : first, he received himself, and then he delivered to Mr
Andro. Therafter, Mr Patrik delivered the breade to the commu-
nicants, and Mr Andro followed with the wine. Mr Patrik chal-
leno-ed some persons for not meaning to kneele, but a sillie hand-
maid stopped his mouth. There were fewer communicants in the
Colledge Kirk, yit the most part kneeled not. The Communion
was celebrate this same day in the Abbay Kirk, the West Kirk,
and in the kirk on the north side of the bridge of Leith, efter
the old forme, wheninto the inhabitants of Edinburgh resorted in
great numbers. Yit was there great confusion and disorder in
manie kirks, by reason of the late innovation. In some kirks, the
people went out, and left the minister alone : in some, when the
minister wold have them to kneele, the ignorant and simple sort
cryed out, " The danger, if anie be, light upon your owne soule,
and not upon ours." Some, when they could not gett the Sacra-
ment sitting, departed, and besought God to be judge betweene
them and the minister. It is not to be past over in silence, how
that when Johne Lauder, minister at Cockburnspeth, was reaching
the breade till one kneeling, a black dogge start up, to snatche it
out of his hand.
EAELES MADE.
Upon the penult of Marche, Balcleughe was made Earle, the
Vicount of Diriltoun was made Earle of Kellie, and President
Hammiltoun Earle of Melrose, noe doubt for the good service he
had done in advancing the state of bishops, and course of confor-
mitie.
1619. OF THE KIRIv OF SCOTLAND. 361
CONTENTION IN THE SESSION OF EDINBURGH.
The session of the kirk of Edinburgh being conveened upon
the first of Aprile, the bailHe, Alexander Clerk, complained that he
was forced, through the absence of the deacons, to cans other
honest men serve at the tables. ]\lr Patrik Galloway said, it was
not sufFerable that they sould sitt in that place, and be disobedient
to the session : they will have teachers, everie man according to
his owne humour. One answered, " Nay, Sir, there is none heir
that will be disobedient." " Yes," said Mr Galloway, " Johne
Meine heir." Jhone Meine answeired, " Sir, I shew my reasons
the last day." " Man, ye will be an Anabaptist," said Mr Gal-
loway, in a threatning and disdainfull maner. " I hope in God to
keepe myself als long from being an Anabaptist as your self," said
Jhone Meine. " What ! are ye comparing your self to an old
father of the kirk ?" said Mr Sydserfe. " He sould not rule as a
lord over his brethren," said Johne jNIeine. " What say ye ? will
ye say that we are lords over you ?" said Mr Sydserf. " Yes,
Sir," said Johne Meine ; " what will ye call it, if this be not a
lordlie governement, to command us in this maner ?" " Sir, ye
must goe to Flanders," said Mr Galloway. "Is not that tyran-
nic ?" said Jhone Meine. " What ! say ye there is tyrannic heir T
said Mr Sydserfe. " Yes, Sir," said Jhone Meine ; " I pray you
give it another name, if it be not tyrannic to a kirkman to take
upon him to banishe men, and send them to Flanders." Jhone
Byris, bailyie, father-in-law to Mr Sydserfe, start upon his fcete,
and said to Jhone Meine, " Ye are farre in the wrong ; ye may
hold your toung verie weill." Mr Patrik Galloway sayeth to
Johne Meine, "Ye must not sitt heir in this place; if ye will not
obey us, ye must be putt out." " I will not be displaced," said he,
"by noe particular man. Let them putt me out that putt me in
heir, and I sail not cummer you : as for anie particulare man, I
will not acknowledge their discharge."
The nixt session day, which was the 3d of Aprile, Alexander
362 calderwood's historie 1619.
Clerk renewed the former complaint, that there was none to serve
at the tables in the Old Kirk, till they sent doun to the Colledge
Kirk for some of their number to helpe. Jhone Inglis, merchant
and skinner, answeired, " Ye knoAV they were ay readie before,
but this novation is the occasion of men's unwillingnes now. Men
cannot serve contrarie to their mynd." Mr Struthers said, " Johne,
we thought som thing of you before, and now we know what is in
you," Then Bartle Fleaming said, " Think ye men will serve
con trare to their conscience ?" Mr Struthers said, "Barthole, we
thought somthing of you before ; now we count nothing of you.
Barthole, hold your peace : when ye are stillest ye are wysest."
Then said Jhone Meine, " This is a strange thing : ye will have us
to serve whether it be reasone or not." " Sir, lett us alone,'' said
Mr Galloway ; " I suffered eneugh of you last day. I say to thee,
man, thou art a verle Anabaptist." Mr Struthers said, " What,
Sir ! know ye the office of a deacone ? I will examine you pre-
sentlie :" and with that he turneth him to him. " Yes, Sir, I trow
I know somthing," answeired Johne Meine. " What is it ?" said
Mr Struthers. " It is to gather the poore folks silver, and to dis-
tribute it againe," answeired Johne Meine. " What more ?" said
Mr Struthers. " To serve the tables," answeired Johne Meine.
"What is the cans ye doe it not then?" said Mr Struthers.
" Becaus," said the other, " ye have left Christ's institution ; for
ye will be wiser than Christ, in setting doun a better forme of your
owne." Mr Struthers cryed out, " O horrible blasphemie ! O hor-
rible blasphemie!" Mr Thomas Sydserfe sayes, "If ye sould serve,
wherfor have ye left us?" Jhone Meine answeired, "We left you
not till ye left the trueth." « What !" sayes Mr Thomas, " call ye
us apostates ? I think ye sould be compelled to make it goode. Ye
mav als weill take us to the Mercate Crosse and choppe our fleshe
and bones together, like meatc for the pott, as to persecute us this
way with your tounges, calling us apostats, and saying we have
left the trueth." " Aggredge it as ye please," answeired Johne
Meine. " Know ye," said Mr Struthers, speaking in a proude
and loftie countenance, " the Sixt of the Acts, what the word
1G19. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 3G3
Deacon means? Know you the Greek word — and againe, know
you the Greeke word ? I say, man, ye are our servants ;" and then
scorning, he said, " We know nothing : we must goe doun to
Johne Mcine his booth, and buy books, and get a lesson from him
and Jhone Logan. They will learne us what we sail doe." Bar-
thole Flcaming rose up to speike. Mr Struthers said to him,
" Have ye redd the Sixt of the Acts ? Ye sould serve at the
tables. Ye think yourselfs verie wise : wold to God wc had als
meikle wisdome amongst us all foure, as everie one of you thinks
ye have." Barthole takcth out a New Testament out of his pocket,
and sought the words : then he said, " AVe served ay before till ye
came in and tooke our place over our heads, and wold serve your-
selfs." In the meane time, the ministers were ever commanding
silence. Mr Patrik Galloway takcth up the roll of the names of
the elders and deacons, m hich was lying upon the boord, saying,
" I sail keepe this : the king's Majestic sail be informed : there
cannot be a king in the countrie if this be suffered." Then Mr
Patrik Henrisone, clerk, craved the roll to call the names, that
they might know who wold serve, and who wold refuse. jNIr Gal-
loway answcired, " Ye sail not gett this : I sail keepe it : the king
sail be informed." Yit he delivered the roll, and badd the clerk
call the names, "that we may see who Avill refuse;" and caused
marke the names of the refusers.
When Jhone Meine was called, in a great rage he cryed thrise,
" Put him up there ! put him up there ! put him up there !" Johne
Meine answcired, " We know now who are our persecutors ;" yit
they were so moved, that none heard him, except those who were
not speaking themselfs. Then Alexander Clerk, baillie, said,
" Hold your tounge ; there is too much spoken ; I command you
silence, Sir." Jhone Meine answcired, " Ye may not command
me silence in this place." " What say ye. Sir ?" said the baillie ;
and with that start up on his feete, and said, " I command you
silence." " Ye may not command me silence in this place,"
answcired Johne Meine. "What say ye. Sir?" said Alexander
Clerk ; " may not I command you silence ? I command you
364 calderwood's historie 1619.
silence." Jhone Melne answeired, " Sir, ye may not lawfuUie
command me silence in this place : ye are but a sessioner heir, Sir,
ye may not ralgne over us." " What say ye, Sir ?" said Alex-
ander Clerk ; " I sail let you witt I am more than a sessioner ; ye
are but a verie false knave." Efter a little advisment, he said,
" Ye are but a gouke. Sir ; I sail fasten your feete. Sir." Johne
JMeine answeired, " I can beare all that. Sir, and all that ye can
doe to me, and more too. Sir ; but I will not hold my toung so
long as they (meaning the ministers) speake to me." " My joy,
Johne, hold your toung," said Alexander Clerk. So endit that
session.
DIOCESAN SYNODS.
The Bishope of St Androes held a diocesan synode in Fyfe,
upon the 6th of Aprile, at St Androes. Because of the report that
came from court, that the king was sore vexed with the gutt
and the gravell, and in danger of his life, he keeped a calme course
beyond all expectation, and endit the assemblie with one session.
But efter, when he understood the king was convalescing, he
threatned the ministers of the kirks neere adjacent to Edinburgh,
at a synode holden in Edinburgh, with banishment to the New
Found Lands, and losse of their stipends ; and tooke journey to
court foure dayes efter. The Bishope of Glasco, in his diocesan
synode holden at Glasco, tooke up the names of these that had
not conformed.
MR A. DUNCAN AND MR THOMAS HOGGE SUMMONED BEFORE THE
HIE COMMISSION.
Mr Andro Duncane, minister at Caraile, and Mr Thomas
Hogge, minister at Dysert, were summoned to compeer before the
Hie Commission in St Androes the 13th of Aprile.
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 3G5
A SUM3IARE DECLARATION OP THE PROCEEDINGS OF MR JORNE
SPOTTISWODE, ARCIIBISIIOPE OF ST ANDROES, IN THE HIE
COMMISSION, AGAINST MR THOMAS HOGGE, MINISTER OF CHRIST'S
EVANGELL AT DYSERT, THE YEIR OF GOD 1619, IN THE MONETH
OF APRILE.
The occasion upon the which the said Mr Thomas was troublit
by the said archbishope since the date forsaid, unto this present
yeir of God 1627, was taken by an observation or note, uttered
pubHctlie in the kirk of Dysert by the said Mr Thomas, in his
ordinarie course of exei'cise with the brethren of the presbyterie of
Kirkcaldie, who had conveened in Dysert that day.
The text of the exercise began at the 13th verse of the first
chapter of the 2d Epistle to Timothie, in these Avords, " Keepe the
true paterne of the wholsome words which thou hast heard of me,
in faith and love, which is in Jesus Christ."
The said Mr Thomas, speaking upon these words, in the second
place of the exercise observed, that the doctrine delivered by God's
servants to his people sould be conforme and agrieable to that pa-
terne which God has given in his Word; even as Moses was
wairned by God, when he was about to finishe the tabernacle, that
he sould make all things according to the paterne shewed to him
in the mount, Exod. xxv. 40 ; Heb. viii. 5.
In the application of this observation, the said Mr Thomas
dircctlie and plainlie impugned the Five Articles which had been
concludit at Perth, the yeir preceiding, as swerving altogether from
that true paterne of wholsome doctrine which the apostle so car-
fuUie rccommcndit to Timothie.
The argument alledgit by the said Mr Thomas against these
articles Avas this : That Avholsome doctrine, the true paterne
wherof the apostle recommends to Timothie, is summarlie comprc-
hendit by the apostle in two points ; namclie, in the doctrine of faith,
and doctrine of love. But so it is, that the forsaids articles swerves
from both these points : therfore, they swerve from the paterne.
866 calderwood's historie 1619.
The proposition is manifest by the expresse words of the text.
The assumption was proven efter this maner. First, they swerve
from the doctrine of faith, becaus they want the warrant of the
Word of God, which is the onlie sure foundation, and infallible
rule of true faith.
Secondlie, The forsaids articles swerves from the doctrine of
love, by reasone that by them a fearfull shisme had entered in the
Kirk of Scotland. Preachours were sett against preachours and
professors, and professors were sett against professours and preach-
ours, so that the unitie of the kirk was rent, and the peace therof
disturbed.
This is brieflie the summe of the said Mr Thomas his exception,
taken against these articles at that time ; to the which he sub-
joyned a deploration of the miserable estate of preachours and pro-
fessours, who had so readilie received a strange paterne of humane
traditions ; with ane exhortation to the brethren, to resent the
calamltie of the Kirk of Scotland, and to provyde speedie remedie
against the same, as they wold be answeirable to the Lord, their
JMaister, who had called them to be office-bearers in his kirk. When
the doctrine was censured by the forsaid brethren, Mr Jobne
Mitchelsone, minister at Bruntiland, now Doctor of Divinitie,
being moderator of the presbyterie, was greeved at the said Mr
Thomas his doctrine, but medled not with the argument to try the
strength of it.
Within few dayes therefter, the fornamed Archbishope of St
Androes being informed of fills doctrine, caused summone the
said Mr Thomas to compeer before him and his assessours, in the
Hie Commission in St Androes, the 13th day of Aprile, being
Tuysday, the yeir of God forsaid, to answeir to them for his doc-
trine delivered against the forsaid articles ; with certification if
he compeered not, he sould be denunced rebell.
The which day, the said Mr Thomas compeired before the arch-
bishope and his assessours in the Hie Commission, as namlie, Mr
Johne Weynis of Craigtoun, then Commissar of St Androes, efter-
ward Lord of Craigtoun, Mr Alexander Glaidstanes, Archdeane of
1G19. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 3G7
St Androes, and Doctor Howie, Prlncipall of the New Colledge,
with ccrtane others, satt within the kirk of St Androes, in the
session-house therof.
The said Mr Thomas being called, and the summounes redd by
Martine Bluk, clerk, the forsaid archbishope spake to the said Mr
Thomas in substance and eftcct as followes : —
" Mr Thomas, ye are summoned to compeer before us, to an-
sweir for your doctrine delivered before the brethrein of the exer-
cise of Kirkcaldic, against the articles concludit at Perth." Mr
Thomas answeired, that he was not holden to answeir to that
judicatorie for his doctrine, but declined it simpliciter, as incompe-
tent to him : and protested, that Avhatsoever he spake before them
sould be takin as spoken under that dcclinatour, to the end that
his compeirance before them sould neither be prcjudiciall to him-
self, nor to the libertie of the Kirk of Scotland. The archbishope
replyed, "Mr Thomas, take heid to your self; for in declyning
the king's authoritie, ye perill your craige. Remember Avhat
befell to your brethren at Linlithgow, who were so long wairdit in
the Blacknesse. They were condemned to die for their dcclina-
tour." Mr Thomas answeired, that he wold by the grace of
Christ adhere to his declinatour, whatsoever sould insue therupon ;
and protested, that he declined not the king's authoritie simpliciter,
in declyning that judicatorie, by reason that he was content to be
judged for his doctrine in a lawfull Generall Assemblie, which is
a judicatour authorized by the king, with consent of the cstats of
the countrey, conforme to the acts of parliament made theranent,
which acts were not then abrogated. Therfore, the said Mr
Thomas alledgit, that seing he submitted himself to the forsaid
judicatorie, which was authorized by the king in manor forsaid,
they could not justlic impute treasone to him, in declining the
authoritie of the Highe Commission, which were manifest sophis-
tication, a dicto secundum quid, ad dictum simpliciter, as logicians
termes it. And it is an ordinar thing in the kingdome of Scot-
land to the king's leiges, without ane derogation to the king's
authoritie, upon lawfull exceptions to decline judicatories autho-
368 calderwood's historie 1619.
rized by the king, and to use advocation. Tlie archbishope
replyed, " There is one sort of you of the ministriej that speaks
frielie before the people, as ye please ; but when ye are required
to give account of your doctrine, ye refuse to doe it." Mr Thomas
answeired, that he was readie to render the reasons of his doctrine
before competent judges, being neither ashamed nor affrayed to
maintaine the same.
The archbishope then demandit, if the said Mr Thomas had
spoken publictlie against the forsaids articles of Perth ? Mr
Thomas answeired, that he had indeid spoken publictlie before
the brethren of the presbyterie of Kirkcaldie against these articles.
The archbishope demandit againe, what the said Mr Thomas had
spoken against the forsaid articles ? Mr Thomas answeired, that
he had not compeered before them to accuse himself; and alledgit
that it had been their part to have lybelled his speeches, seing
they presumed to be judges of his doctrine : and the said Mr
Thomas protested against the informalitie of the processe, alledg-
ing that (givand and not grantand they were competent judges
to him) yit they could not lawfullie deduce a processe against
him upon the summounes, by reasone that the summounes were
conceaved in generall termes, and noe particulars were specified
in the summounes, which in effect were super inquirendis, to the
which he was not answeirable by the lawes of the kingdome.
The archbishope said, " Will ye not confesse, then, what ye have
spoken against the forsaid articles ?" Mr Thomas answeired, he
wold not deny his doctrine, if it were truelie rehearsed to him ;
otherwayes, he wold not confesse it to the archbishope and his
assessours, seing they intendit to trouble him for the same, and he
wold be loath to procure trouble to himself without necessitic.
The archbishope said, " Mr Thomas, it cannot content you to
declame vehementlie in your sermons against the estate and
course of bishops, but also ye pray ordinarlie efter sermon against
bishops, as belligods and hirlings." Mr Thomas answeired, that
he prayed ordinarlie against belligods and hirlings in the ministrie,
by the warrant of God's Word j and alledgit that his prayer was
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 369
conforme to the commone prayer conteaned in the Booke of Dis-
ciplhie, which was published fur the use of the Kirk of Scotland.
The archbishope replycd, that the prayer conteaned in the Booke
of Discipline made noc expresse mention of belligods, but of hir-
lings onlie. Mr Thomas answeired, that albeit in the prayer
alledgit there was noe expresse mention made of belligods, yit the
hirlings mentioned in that prayer were belligods, by reason that
they Avho laboured for hire onlie laboured for their bellies allanerlie,
and, consequentlie, their bellies were their God. The archbishope
replyed, " When ye pray against belligods and hirlings, the
people applyes that prayer to us that are bishops." Mr Thomas
answeired, that he could not be answeirable for the people's appli-
cation of his prayers, saying, that if the people had failed to
bishops, he had noe reason to trouble him for the alledgit offence
of the people. Then the archbishope in great indignation said,
" In short space that Booke of Discipline sail be discharged ; and
ministers sail be tyed to sett prayers, and sail not be suffered to
conceive prayers as they please themselfs." Therefter, the arch-
bishope demandit of the said ]Mr Thomas, if he wold take time to
be advised whether he wold conforme to the saids articles or noe ?
Mr Thomas answeired, that he wold have noe time, and that he
was resolved anent these articles ; affirming with Cyprian, that
^' l7i, causa tarn jitsta, non opus esset deliberatione.^' Then the said
Mr Thomas Avas removed, and being called, the archbishope
warned the said Mr Thomas apiid acta, to compeer before him
and his assessors, in Edinburgh, the 22d day of Aprile.
This is the summe of the said ^Ir Thomas his first dyet of com-
peirance before the said archbishope and his assessours in St
Androes, the yeir and day forsaids. Follows
VOL. VII. 2 A
370 calderwood's historie 1619.
'J'HE NARRATION OF THE SECOND COMPEIRANCE OF THE SAID MR
THOMAS, BEFORE THE FORSAID ARCHBISHOPE AND HIS ASSES-
SORS, IN EDINBURGH, THE 22d OF APRILE, THE YEIR OF GOD
FORSAID.
The which day, being Thursday, the forsaid archbishope and his
assessors, namlie, Mr James Law, Archbishope of Glasco, Mr
Andro Lamb, then Bishope of Brechine, the Bishope of Argile, as
the said Mr Thomas was informed, Mr Adam Bannatyne, Bishope
of Dumblane, Doctor Bruce, Principall of St Leonard's Colledge in
St Androes, Doctor Lindsay, then minister at Dundie, and Mr
Johne Mitchelsone, minister at Bruntisland, now Doctor of
Divinitie, were conveened in the Archbishope of St Androes his
lodging, and satt in the hall therof, in the Hie Commission.
The said Mr Thomas being called and compeirand, the clerk,
Mr Edward Marsliall, redd the minutes of the processe, which had
been begun at St Androes. Efter the reading of the saids minutes,
the Archbishope of St Androes verie passionatlie brake furth into
these speaches, directing them to his assessours : —
" Ye sie, that I had this man before me alreadie in St Androes.
I have dealt with him in time past both by promises and threat-
nings, but in vaine, for he will not be perswadit to conforme.
Heirfor I have keeped him under processe, which was continued
unto this day. This man is one of the great adversaries to
our course that is in the ministrie of the Kirk of Scotland ; for in
pulpit, he inveighes and prayes against us ordinarlie, and in his
private conferences he declaimes bitterlie against us. And where
ever he is at table, he taks occasion to dispute and reasone against
our estate, as unlawful!, and pernicious to the estate of Christ's
kirk, and so perverts simple persons that are unlearned. This man,
in his note to the Exercise, compared kneeling in the act of receiv-
ing the Sacrament of the Supper unto the bowing of the knee to
Baal ; and he compared the Kirk of Scotland to that man that was
woundit betuixt J erusalem and Jericho, of whom mention is made
1019. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 371
in tlic Gospell ; in the -which compjirison, he nuule us that arc
bishops to be robbers, and niurtherers of the Kirk of Scothuul ;
and he compared the wise and modest brethren of the ministric,
■vvho are peaceable men, to the preist and Levite that passed by
that woundit man, and supported him not, becaus these brethren
inveighes not against our estate and course, as he himself uses to
doe. And he compared preachours and profcssours of his ownc
humour unto the Saraaritane. Yea, albeit that I dealt verie gent-
lie with him at St Androes, in his last compeirance, yit he came
not to me efter that I had risen from the Hie Connnission. And
so soone as he returned to the pulpit of Dysert, being the Fryday
therefter, he fell in upon our estate, and inveighed against it with
noe lesse vehemencie than he had used in tyme past. And since
he came heir to Edinburgh at this time, he reasoned at table
against kneeling in the act of receiving the Sacrament of the Sup-
per, affirming that it was idolatrie."
Mr Thomas answeired, that he had been lltle obliged to the
archbishop's gentle dealing wherof he had bragged, scing the arch-
bishope had drawin him from his charge, and had put him to
paines, in causing him travell to St Androes, the weather being
stormie, and the way being deepe. As to the archbishop's alledg-
ances, Mr Thomas answeired, that he had indeid alludit to the
historic of Elijah, in his note to the Exercise, and had said, that not-
withstanding the Kirk of Scotland had made a fearful! apostasie
and defection from the puritie of the profession of the Word, yit
God, of his great raercie, had reserved to himself his owne seven
thousand, who had not bowed their knee to Baal. As to the com-
parison taken from the man that was woundit betuixt Jerusalem
and Jericho, Mr Thomas confessed that he had used that com-
parison, and alledgit that (givand not grantand, that the said arch-
bishope and his asscssours were competent judges to him) yit he
was not holden to answeir for these speeches at that time, nor for
anie other speeches delivered by him either publictlie or privatlie,
by reasone they were not libelled against him in the summoncs.
And [he] protested that no processe sould be Icdd against him that
872 caldeuwoob's historie 1619.
day, but conforme to the libelled sumraones, to the which he was
holden onlie to answeir, albeit they had been competent judges to
him ; alledging, that they behoved to libell against hira de novo,
if they intendit to trouble him for anie thing which was not
conteaned in the libelled suramones. The archbishope replyed,
^' We will lybell noe new summones, but will presentlie proceed
against you ; mend ye yourself the best Avay ye can." Mr Thomas
answeired, that he looked for noe other thing at their hands but
violence; and the said Mr Thomas excepted against Mr Johne
Mitchelsone forsaid, as his delatour to the Archbishope of St
Androes, and desired that the said Mr Johne might be removed
furth of the Hie Commission.
Upon this exception the forsaids assessors caused the said Mr
Johne to remove himself, which was done, against the Bishope of
St Androes his will. But the said Mr Johne went noe farther
nor to the Archbishope of St Androes his chamber, which was at
the end of the table about the which the commissioners satt, and
was called by them to the interlocutour ; for when the said Mr
Thomas had beene removed and called againe, he saw the said Mr
Johne sitting at table with them. And perceiving their proceed-
ings to be informall, violent, and confused, esteemed it neidles to
lake new exception against the said Mr Johne, havand at his entrie
before them declined that judlcatorie simpliciter.
Then the Archbishope of St Androes spake to the said Mr
Thomas in this maner : " Ye have taken exceptions against us all,
epeciallie against me, and Mr Johne Mitchelsone, alledging that I
am incensed against you, and that Mr Johne Mitchelsone has de-
lated you. For my owne part, I protest that I have noe malice in
my heart against you ; and in testimonie therof, I am content to pas
from all that ye have spoken against us hitherto, and it sail be re-
puted as not spoken, providing that ye will not spealie against our
course heirefter. If ye will not medle with us, we sail not medle
with you ; and becaus ye are meanlie provydit in Dysert heir, I
will promise before my assessors, to provide you to the first vacant
place in my diocie that ye can sett your eyes upon ; and my as-
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 373
sessours sail be witnesses against me, if I failc in performing of
my promise made to you." Mr Thomas answcired, that the arch-
bishope's practises were repugnant to his protestation, scing that
he was not singulare in his judgment anent the estate and course
of bishops. But there were manie pastors in the said archbishop's
diocie who had spoken als meikle (if not more) against the Articles
of Perth as the said Mr Thomas had done, and yit had not beene
conveened before the Hie Commission. And wheras the arch-
bishope had required him not to medle with the estate and course
of bishops, the said Mr Thomas answeired, that as God had called
him to be a preachour of hii* Woi'd, so, in preaching, he behoved
to follow the direction of the Word, and not the injunctions of
men. And declared that he was content to keepe his place in
Dysert, notwithstanding that he was insufficientlie provydit, and
that he Avoid not redeeme a greatter provision, at so highe a price
as was the lossing of the libertie of his conscience ; and so besought
the Archbishope of St Androes to doe him noe harme, professing
that he looked for none of the archbishope his goode. Then said the
archbishope to his assessors, " This man wold be licentiate to
preache as he pleases. It will profite us nothing to spend more
time with him ; let us proceede to the sentence."
Heir Mr James Law, Archbishope of Glasco, required at the
Archbishope of St Androes, and of the rest of the assessors, that
they wold suffer him to conferre with the said Mr Thomas apart.
This being granted, the Archbishope of Glasco and the said Mr
Thomas went apart to the Archbishope of St Androes his chamber.
And first, the said archbishope protested, that he favom*cd the said
Mr Thomas. Nixt, he advised the said Mr Thomas to accept of
the forsaid conditions, which the Archbishope of St Androes had
proponed so amplie in the Commission ; and the said Archbishope
of Glasco promised, that he and the rest of the assessours sould
deale instantlie with the Archbishope of St Androes, that the pro-
mises made to the said Mr Thomas, which are above rehearsed,
might be performed. In the end, the Archbishope of Glasco as-
sured the said Mr Thomas that otherwise he wold be troubled,
374 calderwood's historie 1619.
becaus lie perceavcd that the Archbishope of St Androes and his
assessors were fullie resolved theranent. Mr Thomas answeiring
to the Archbishope of Glasco, exhorted to kyth his favour in deed
and action, according to the doctrine of the Apostle Johne, as he
had protested by word, that he favoured the said Mr Thomas.
Nixt, Mr Thomas answeircd, that he had been called by God to
the holie ministrie, to serve Christ, and not please men. Thridlie,
the said Mr Thomas answeired, that if the Archbishope of St
Androes and his assessors were resolved to trouble him, that he
had resolved by the grace of God to suffer patientlie, and that he
had his Judge in heaven, before whom they behooved to answeir,
havand a hier commission than that was which they had receaved
from a mortall man heir on earth. Then the Archbishope of
Glasco, in returning to the Hie Commission, said to Mr Thomas,
" It is long to that day, and ye must suffer in the meane time."
When the Archbishope of Glasco and the said Mr Thomas had
returned to the Hie Commission, the Archbishope of Glasco reported
the summe of the conference. The Archbishope of St Androes
said, " I knew that ye wold not prevaile with him : let us give out
sentence."
The said Mr Thomas being removed and called, the fornamed
clerk redd the sentence, which was, that they had suspendit the
said Mr Thomas from his ministrie ; and had ordained him to goe
to Orkney within the space of fourtie days immediatlie therefter,
to be confyned there during the king's pleasui-e and -will.
The sentence being pronounced, the said Mr Thomas by word
appealed therfrom, as a sentence unjust and unlawfull, unto the
judgment of a lawful! Generall Assemblie, by reason that the
particulares upon the which they had given sentence against the
said Mr Thomas had neither been lybelled in the summones, nor
confessed, speciallie by the said Mr Thomas; neither had they
been proven against him, but alledgit allanerlie by the Archbishope
of St Androes.
Unto this appellation the said Mr Thomas subjoyned this pro-
testation immediatlie : —
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 375
" Ilcir I protest before the living God, that I am willing and
readie to imploy that talent which the Lord Jesus has committed
to me, for the a3difying of his kirk. If ye impede and hinder me in
the imployment therof, the Lord Jesus require it from you at that
great day of his glorious and fearfuU appeirance, and not from me."
This protestation being made, the Archbishope of St Androcs
and his assessors satt silent, and spake nothing. Then Doctour
Lindsay, now Bishope of Brechine, tooke the speeche, and wold
shoote his blunt bolt. The doctour'a speeche in substance Avas
this : " Mr Thomas, I have heard you all this time ye have beenc
before us, and as yit have spoken nothing to you. Now, with
the Archbishope of St Androes, and the rest of his assessors'
licence, I will tell you a historic, which is this : Latlie, two men
mett together, who had communicated efter diverse formes, the
one sitting, the other kneeling. He who had communicated
kneeling, demandit of the other who had communicated sitting, if
he had communicated with an uncovered head. He answeired,
* Yes.' ' Why then,' said the other, ' wold ye not communicate
kneeling ?'"
This historic being endit, Mr Thomas demandit of the doctor,
what he inferred upon it. The doctor said, " This I inferre ; it is
lawfull to communicate capping, or with an uncovered head ; ther-
fore it is lawfull to communicate kneeling." Mr Thomas denyed
the consequence. The doctor replyed, that he wold prove the con-
sequence, by. reason that capping and kneeling were both outward
gestures of reverence. Mr Thomas denyed that religious kneeling
was ane outward gesture of reverence onlie, and still denyed the
consequence. Then the doctor required Mr Thomas to get a
reasone why he denyed the consequence. IMr Thomas answeired,
that he was not holden to gett a reason, becaus that by the rules of
reasoning, ^^Affirmanti iiicumhit ■prohatior Yit seing the doctor had
Buccumbit in his probation, Mr Thomas said, that of his owne frie
will he wold render a reasone, naralie this : " Capping and kneel-
ing," said Mr Thomas, " are diversce species gestus ; therforc, that
which is attribute to the one is not alwayes competent to the
376 calderwood's historie 1619.
other." The doctor reply ed, " They are not diver scb species gestus^
sed individua ejusdem speciei." Mr Thomas answeired, that the
doctor's assertion was absurd, and was confuted by commone sense.
*' Tua geminatio,^^ said Mr Thomas to the doctor, " is individuum ;
therfore geminatio cannot be individuum, seing it is attribute both
to your geniculation, which, individuum, and to the geniculation of
others that kneels with you, which cannot be denyed to be indi-
vidual''
Heir the doctor left the argument, and the Archbishope of
Glasco spake, saying, " Mr Thomas, it is long since I learned my
logicks, and thir manie yeirs I have not been versed in these
quiddities and subtilities. As if I were speaking like a commone
professour that were noe scholler, I require you to shew me plainlie
and sensiblie a reasone, why kneeling ought not to be used in the
act of receiving the Sacrament of the Supper, as weill as capping."
Mr Thomas said, " The reason is easie to them that are desirous
to understand the trueth, and are not of a prejudgit opinion ;
namlie, capping in religious exercises is an outward gesture of
veneration or reverence onlie ; and, therfore, when capping is used
in the act of receiving the Sacrament of the Supper, noe exception
can justlie be taken against it : for what professour darre deny,
that reverence is due to the celebration of the Sacrament of the
Supper? But kneeling in religious exercises is a gesture of
adoration or divine worshipe, which is proper to God allanerlie.
Ileirfore, exception is justlie against kneeling in the act of receav-
ing the Sacrament of the Supper, by reason, that as the honour of
God is incommunicable, so religious kneeling, which is the gesture
of divine worship, is not to be used in the act of receiving the
Sacrament of the Supper ; for that were a parting of God's honour,
betuixt God himself and the sacramentall elements." The Arch-
bishope of Glasco, without anie more speache, said to Mr Thomas,
*'Now I understand your meaning."
Heir endit the secund and last dyct of the said Mr Thomas his
compeirance before the Hie Commissions.
Therefter, the Archbishope of St Androes caused summone the
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 377
said Mr Thomas, to compeir before liiin in his diocesan synode
holden in St Androcs, to heare and sic himself deprived of his
ministrie, for his obstinate rejecting of the Articles of Perth.
Mr Thomas knowing that the said archbishope proceides in his
diocesan synods as he pleases, and that he ^Yul<l not be declyned
exempting himself from all ccclcsiasticall censure, the said Mr
Thomas compeired not before that diocesan synode. Therfore the
archbishope deprived the said ^Ir Thomas in that diocesan synode,
upon the first citation, contrare to the canons and practicks of
ecclesiastick discipline, in all reformed kirks in anie age.
Afterward, the said archbishope caused denunce the said Mr
Thomas to the home, becaus he had not gone to Orknay, to be
confined there, conforme to the sentence of the Hie Commission ;
but the horning was not registrate.
For the more verification of the premisses, the said Mr Thomas
Hogge, minister of Christ's Evangell, has subscrivcd them with
his own hand.
At Dysert, the 12th of Januar, 1G27.
Mr Thomas Hogge, Minister of Christ's Evangell.
Mr Andro Duncane, minister at Caraile, compeered likwayes at
the first dyet ; declined, and at the second dyet stoode to his former
declinatour. The Hie Commission proceedit to the sentence of
deposition, and ordained him to enter in waird in Dundie. Efter
the sentence was pronunced, he gave in this admonition or pro-
testation foUowinor in writt : —
MR ANDRO DUNCAN S ADMONITION TO THE HIE COMMISSION.
" Now, seing I have done nothing in this busines wherof I have
been accused by you and detracted against, but has been serving
Christ Jesus, my Maister, in rebuking vyce : And thus in simpli-
citie and uprightnes of heart I protest (seing ye have done me this
wrong) for a reracid, at God the righteous Judge his hands, to
whom vengeance belongs, and who will repay ; and summoues yuu
378 calderwood's historie 1619.
before his dreadfull judgment- seate, to be censured and punished
for such unrighteous dealing, at such time as His majestic sail think
expedient : And in the meane time, declines this your judgment
simpUciter now, as of before, and appeals to the ordinare assemblie
of the kirk, for the reasons before produced in writt. Pitie your
selfs for the Lord's sake ; losse not your deare soules, (deare indeid
to Christ, and sould be deare to your selfs ;) losse them not, I
beseeche you, for Esau his pottage. Remember Balaam, who was
casten away by the deceate of the wages of unrighteousnes, and
forget not how miserablie Judas lost himselfe for ever, for a trifle
of money that never did him good. Fy on backe and bellie that
destroys the soule ! Better be pyned to deid by hunger, nor for a
litle peltrie of the earth to perishe for ever, and never to be
recovered, so long as the days of heaven sail last and the years of
eternitie sail indure. Sould ye be burriores of your brethren, the
sones and servants of the Lord Jesus ? This doing is not the doing
of the sheipheards of the flock of Christ Jesus. If ye will not
regard your soule nor conscience, looke, I beseeche you, to your
fame. Why will ye be miserable both in this life and the life
to come ?"
When the Bishope of St Androes had redd some few lines of
this admonition, he cast it from him ; and Mr Adam Bannatine,
Bishope of Dumblane, redd it, and said, that he had called them
Esaus, and Balaams, and Judasses. " Not," said Mr Andro ;
"reade agalne : I bade you bewar that ye doe not like them."
Alwayes there was noe mitigation could be had.
NOE PREACHING ON THE SABBOTH DAY EFTERNOONE IN THE
LITTLE KIRK.
The contention betuixt the ministrie and the people of Edin-
burgh continuing, there was noe teaching in the Little Kirk, where
Mr Struthers taught, upon the Sabboth dayes efternoone, the nynt,
sixteenth, twentie-thrid, and threttie days of May. Wherupon the
ciders complained to the ministers and magistrats, upon the thret-
1619. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 379
teenth, the sixteenth, and the twcntic of May ; but noc answeir
was given till the twentie of May. Then Mr Patrik Gallo-
way said, " We are so lightlied and disdained, revyled and
spoken of, that we can doe nothing ; not onlie by the commoner
sort, but also by these that governe and rule others. Yea, and
in this place, in our face, we have been upbraidit and called
apostats, and never one of you answeircd a word, but the baillie,
Alexander Clerk. That companion that stands there, (putting
out his hand to Johne Meine,) took witnes, when his bairne was
baptised, that he was not an Anabaptist ; but I will prove him an
Anabaptist. He is disobedient to the king's jVIajestie ; he does
not acknowledge the kirk, and is disobedient to us heir." Building
upon these slight reasons, he concludit, they were not to yeeld to
anie thing the session desired them to doe concerning teaching,
becaus they were so contemned. There was noe reply made to
liim.
QUEENE ANNE BURIED.
Upon the thrctteinth of May, Anna, Queene of Great Britaiue,
was buried at Westminster with great pompe.
MR HENRIE BLYTH AND MR DAVID FORRESTER TROUBLED FOR
THE MINISTRATION AT THE COMMUNION.
The Bishope of St Androes being at court, a command was sent
doun from the king to Mr James Law, Bishope of Glasco, to cans
cite Mr Henrie Blyth, minister of the Canongate, and Mr David
Forrester, minister of the north side of the bridge of Leith, before
the Hie Commission, to depose them from their ministrie, and to
confine Mr Henrie Blyth in Inncrnesse. Mr Henrie Blyth meancd
their case to the presby tei'ie of Edinburgh, and indii'ectlie touched
the ministers of Edinburgh as the instruments of their trouble.
The ministers of Edinburgh desired him to be plaine. He
answeircd, " AVe arc surlie informed, that the ministers of Edin-
burgh have complained by letter to the king of the people, becaus
380 calderwood's historie 1619.
they wold not kneele at the receiving of the sacrament ; but went
to other kirks, and received it sitting as before. Therfore his
Majestic has thought goode to remove us from our ministrie, who
ministred the sacrament efter that maner. So your complaint is
the occasion of our trouble." Mr Struthers answeired, they could
doe noe lesse than they did, seing they were more persecuted by
the calumnies and misbehaviour of the people than anie ministers
of Scotland. " I wold intreate you to have sure warrant for you,
before ye resolve to suffer." Manie speeches past concerning the
Assemblie of Perth, and the indifferencie of things that were urged,
which were all denyed. The Bishope of Glasco being earnestlie
solicited, wrott up to the king for a delay, till the two ministers
above named were dealt with at moreleasure. He was not willing
to medle with them, not so much for anie respect he caried to
them, as becaus they were not within his diocie or province, and
he wold not seeme to be a depute to the Bishope of St Androes ;
for he used the ministers of his own diocie otherwise. Farther,
the two ministers abovenamed were not eager opposites to the
course of Episcopacie, but gave way to it, and were familiar
enough with the bishops. But the ministers of Edinburgh could
not suffer anie neighbour minister beside them, that ministred the
Communion according to the institution and laudable practise of
our kirk ; nay, not so farre, as the inhabitants travelled abroade to
seeke the Communion where it was ministred in puritie. Always
they were spaired all the moneth of June, tiU answeir returned
from the king.
Upon the second of June, persons of whatsoever degrie were
charged, by proclamation at the Crosse of Edinburgh, to give obe-
dience to the Five Articles, and were discharged to wryte, scatter
abroade, or rcid anie libells, pamphlets, or books, sett out against
the Assemblie of Perth, or against ministers obedient to the acts
of the said Assemblie, under the paines to be called before the
Justice, and punished without favour. In the proclamation, the
king reputed the opponcrs to the conclusions of the forsaid
Assemblie, enemies to God and to hhn. It appearcth that the
1619. OP THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 381
king was informed, that some books were brought hither. The
bookes intituled " Perth Assembhe" were brought hither in Aprile,
and were landit in Bruntiland. It pleased God, that howbeit Mr
Johne Mitchelsone was inquisitive to know what bookes were in
the fatt, the customer wold not suffer him to medle with them.
When they were brought from Burntiland to Leith, the Bishop of
St Androes coming immedlatlie efter, saw the fattes, but tooke no
notice of them, becaus they were lying in the shore, among other
fattes brought out of France, conteaning Frenche waires. The
books were keeped closse, till the present suspicion vanished.
THE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH DELATORS OF THEIR FLOCKES.
Upon Thursday, the ellevenlh of June, a letter sent from the
king was delivered about the evening to the Provest, Baillies, and
Counsel of Edinburgh, wherin he rebuked them sharplie for suf-
fering the inhabitants of the toun, speciallie some seditious persons,
to speak unrcverentlie of him and their ministers ; willed them to
cleere themselfs of their owne disobedience, and to wryte up the
names of such persons as had contemned their ministers, and called
them apostats, for their obedience to his service, that they might
be punished according to the lawes. The day efter, the counsel
conveened in the Litle Kirk, sent for Mr Struthers, Mr Ramsay, and
Mr Sydserfe. Mr Galloway was absent. After the king's letter
was redd, the ministers were asked if they had sent anie such hard
information to the king, or understoode who had sent it ? They
denyed stltllle, and seemed ignorant ; and yit it was true that they
had sent a letter subscrived with their hands, wherin they assured
the king that he might gett als great vantage now of the toun of
Edinburgh as he had at the 17th day of December. INfr Andro
Ramsay offered to let them sle the letter which they sent up; but
the rest of the ministers were not content. They protested they
were sorrowfuU that maters were come to such a height, but gave
not the counsel contentment. The provest desired them to give
up the names of such as had upbraidit them. They refused, yit in
382 calderwood's historie 1619.
their letters to court, they singled out such as pleased them. The
counsel resolved to send Mr Johne Hay, toun-clerk, a man that
had great credite with the Bishop of St Androes, and had kneeled
himself, to informe the king. It was thought he might Weill doe
something for the magistrats, and the bodie of the toun. But if
he did noe worse, at least he wold leave everie particular man
against whom the king, bishops, or ministers, had exception, to
beare his owne burden. But worse was suspected, becaus he did
what in him lay to maintaine the corruptions of the time.
SEARCHESTG OF HOUSES FOR BOOKS.
The same day efternoone, Sir Andro Ker, appearand of Fairni-
herst, Captane of the Guard, efter the king's letter was redd in
the counsel, was directed immediatlie to search Andro Hart,
James Cathkine, and Richard Lawsone, booksellers, their booths
and houses, for all writts, books, and pamphlets, as it pleased them
to call them, sett out against Perth Asserablie, which was spredd
in the beginning of June. So the captaine searched their booths
and their houses, but found neither them nor the author, Mr David
Calderwode, as was intendit ; for the author was in the meane
time lurking in Cranstoun, in a secrete chamber appointed for him
by my Ladie Dame Sara Cranstoun, who was manie wayes steadable
to him. He removed from place to place as the Lord had provydit
for him, till the 27th of August, that he embarked at Newheaven,
and sailed to Holland. In the meane time, that James Cathkine's
house was searched, he himself was keeped in strait waird in the
Goathouse at London. He went to persue his lawfull trade and
vocation. Before his departure, he was advertised of his trouble,
by one who had learned so much of Gilbert Dick, Mr Patrik Gal-
loway's great familiar. He had no sooner landit, but he was
apprehendit, and presented before the king, and tryed by ques-
tions furnished by the ministers of Edinburgh, Mr Patrik Galloway
speciallie. His verie publlct speeches uttered upon the Tuisday
before the last Communion were sett doun in writt, and he
1G19. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 383
examined upon them. But the Lord assisting him, he professed
his judgement plainlic, and purged himself of other cahunnies. The
Bishop of 8t Androes assured him that by that time Ins house was
searched, and if anie of these bookes above named were found in his
house, it wold goe hard with him. But the Lord had provydit
otherwise ; for Avhen his house was searched, howbeit there
was five or six Perth Assemblies lying above the bed-cloths where
JSIr David had wont to ly, they were not perceived. After James
Cathkine had suffered hard intertainement awhyle in the Goat-
house, and they were disappointed of their pur[)Ose in searching of
his house, the Bishop of St Androes procured his libertie, that he
might be the more acceptable himself to the people, at his owne
retnrne from court.
SIR JAMES SKEENE SUMMONED BEFORE THE COUNSEL.
About this same time, a warrant was sent from the king, to
warne Sir James Skeenc, one of the Lords of the Session, before
the Lords of Secrete Counsel, to heare and sic himself deprived, for
not communicating kneeling at Easter. He compeered the 22d of
June. After protestation of his affection to the king and his ser-
vice, he purged himself of contempt of the king's proclamation,
and alledgit he was examining witnesses at the direction of the
lords, in time of the preparation sermon. The lords accepted his
excuse, and wrote to the king in his favours. Some ascribed his
not conforming, not to conscience, but to the dissuasions of his
mother-in-law, and her daughter, a religious gentlewoman.
Upon the 23d of June, a new warrant or command [came] from
the king, to search suche citizens' houses in Edinburgh as were
suspect to have anie of Perth Assemblies.
Upon the 29th of June was brought a new commission from
the king, or the Hie Commission renewed in ampler forme. Ad-
vocations and suspensions, granted to such as were in processe
before the bishops and ministers, were the pretendit occasion of
renewing the Commission. But the true intent was, to force
384 calderwood's historie 1619.
ministers and other professors to practise the Five Articles, and to
establish the tyrannous usurpation of bishops ; for since bishops
were advanced by the king, the Lords of Counsel and Session
advocated noe causes ecclesiasticall from ecclesiasticall judica-
tories, for feare of offending the king, but referred usuallie to the
bishops, and left ministers in speciall to their rigour. The tenor
of the renewed Commission heere followeth ; —
THE HIE COMMISSION RENEWED.
" Our Soveraigne Lord ordaines a Letter of Commission to be
past under his Hieness' great scale of the kingdorae of Scotland,
bearand, that forsameikle as it has beene complained by the arch-
bishops, bishops, and other ministers of that his Majestie's king-
dome, that advocations and suspensions are frequentlie granted
by the Lords of Counsel and Session to suche as be in processe
before them and their ecclesiasticall courts, for offences com-
mitted, whereby offenders are imboldened to continue in their
wickedness, using the said advocations and suspensions as meanes
to delay their tryall and punishement : Therefore, that noe such
subterfuge be left unto impious and wicked men, his Majestic, as
being supreme governour over all persons and causes, both civill
and ecclesiasticall, within his Hieness' dominions, nixt, and imme-
diatlie under Christ, to have given, granted, and committed, like
as by the tenour heirof his Majestic gives, grants, and commits
full power and commission to the Right Eeverend Fathers in
God, his trustie and weill-beloved counselours, Johne Archbishop
of St Androes, Primate of Scotland, and James Archbishop of
Glasco ; to his Hieness' right trustie cousincs and counselours,
Alexander Earle of Dumfermline, chancelour, Johne Earle of
Marre, Treasurer, George Earle of Marishall, Johne Earle of
Montrose, and Thomas Earle of Melrose, his Majestie's Secretarie
of Scotland ; to the Right Reverend Fathers in God, Alexander
Bishop of Dunkeld, Patrik Bishop of Aberdeene, Alexander
Bishop of Murrey, Andro Bishop of Galloway, Patrik Bishop of
1619. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 385
Rosse, David Bishop of Brcchine, Adam Bishop of Dumblane,
Johne Bishop of Caithness, Andro Bishop of Argilc, and George
Bishop of Orkney : To his Ilieness trustic counsclours, AViliiam
Lord Sanquhare, Arthure Lord Forbess, James Lord Ochiltrie,
Sir Richard Cockburne, Lord Privie Scale, Sir George Hay, Clerk
of Register, Sir William Olyphant, Advocate, Sir Gcdeon Murrey,
Treasurer-Depute, Sir Andro Ker, Captaine of his Majestie's
Guard, and Sir William Livingstoun of Kilsyth, Knight : And to
his welbeloved Sir Johne Learmonth of Balcohnic, Peter Bruce,
Deane of the Chapter of St Androcs, Mr James Ilammiltoun,
Deane of the Chapter of Glasco, Doctor Alexander Glaidstaines,
Archdeane of St Androes, Doctor Thodore Hay, Archdeane of
Glasco, Mr David Sharpe, Chantour of Glasco, Doctor Henrie
Philip, minister at Aberbrothe, Doctor Robert Howie, Provest of
the New Colledge of St Androes, Doctor James Blair, Professor
of Divinitie in the said colledge. Doctor William Forbese, minister
at Aberdeene, Doctor Johne Strange, minister at Erroll, Doctor
Archibald Hammiltoun, minister at Paslcy, Masters Patrik Gallo-
way, Andro Ramsay, and William Struthers, ministers at Edin-
buro-h, Mr Johne Strachane, persone at Kincardine, Mr Johne
Guthrie, minister at Perth, Mr Coline Campbell, minister at
Dundie, Mr Johne Bell, minister at Glasco, Mr Andro MoncriefFe,
minister at Abernethie, Mr Walter Whytfoord, person of Moffet,
]Mr James Logane, persone of Ettlestoun, Mr Andro Drumraond,
minister at Panbroyde, Mr Johne Ogilvie, minister at Aitkin-
coldroun, Mr Johne Makcornc, minister at Straitoun, Mr David
Cunninghame, minister at * * ♦ Mr Johne Weymes, Commissar
of St Androes, Mr Thomas Henrisone, Commissar of Edinburgh,
and Mr James Hammiltoun, Commissar of Glasco, or anie five of
them, the Archbishops of St Androcs and Glasco, or <anie one of
them, being of the number of five always : And summonc and
call before them at the times and places they sail thinks most
convenient, all persons dwelling within the kingdome of Scotland,
and within the provinces of St Androes and Glasco, that are
oft'enders in doctrine, life, or religion, or anie of these holden to
VOL. VII. 2 B
386 calderwood's iiistorie 1619.
be scandalous, and speciallie the intercommuners and resetters of
Jesuits, Seminarie and Masse prelsts, hearers of masse, and ex-
communicate Papists, recusants or not-communicants, incestuous
and adulterous persons, all obstinate contemners of the discipline
of the kirk, and persons excommunicate for the samme : To take
triall of the fornamed offences, and as they sail find anie person
guiltie or impenitent, to give direction to the minister of the
paroche where he dwells to proceede with excommunication
against him : And if the minister obey not the said command,
to censure him by suspension, deprivation, or wairding, as they
think meete. And farther, to fine, imprison, or waird anie such
persons as they find guiltie of the saids crimes, or that sail be
contumacious, and refuse corapeirance when they sail be charged.
With power likwise to the said commissioners to summone and
call before them all ministers, preachours, doctours, or masters
of schooles, colledges, and universities, and all exhorting and
lecturing readers within the bounds forsaid, that sail be delated to
them, for preaching and speaking in publict against the present
established order of the kirk or estate, or against anie of the
conclusions of the bypast Generall Assemblies of the kirk ; spe-
ciallie of the acts of the Generall Assemblie holden at Perth in
the moneth of August 1618 yeirs ; and all disobeyers of the said
acts. Likwise, writers of pamphlets in the contrarie of anie of
the constitutions of the kirk, and printers of the saids books and
pamphlets, or of anie other books without his Majestie's licence, and
warrant of such as his Majestic has authorised with the granting
of licence in such causes. And whomsoever that efter triall sail
be found guiltie of anie of the premisses, to punishe them by sus-
pension, deprivation, fyning, wairding, and imprisoning, as they
sail find the qualitie of the offence to deserve. As also, with
power to them to receive and discusse all appellations made to
them from anie inferior ecclesiasticall judges : And to inhibite
the saids ecclesiasticall judges to proceede in anie mater which
they sail hold to be improper for them, or wherin they sail per-
ceive the said judges to have behaved themselfs partiallie, advo-
1619. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 387
eating the saids maters to tlicir owne judgment : And commanding
the captane and leivtenant of his Majestie's guard, the provest and
bailhes of the burghes where the saids commissioners sail happen
to sitt, shereffs and baillies of regalities, to searche, take, and
apprehend all such offenders, and to present them to the saids
commissioners, upon a warrant subscribed by anie fyve of them,
(one of the saids archbishops being always of the number.) And
charging the captaines and constables of his INIajestie's wairds and
castles, jay lers, and keepers of prisons in burghe or land, to receive
and detaine all persons directed to them in such forme, as by the
said warrant sail be prescribed, as they will answeir to the con-
trarie at their perill. Kequiriug also the Lords of his Majestie's
Privie Counsell, upon the sight of a certificate subscryved by anie
five of the saids commissioners, (one of the saids archbishops being
always one,) either of fyne imposed upon anie partie ; or upon
their refusing to compeir before the saids commissioners, to direct
a summarie charge of horning upon ten dayes, for payment of
the fynes that sail be imposed upon them. And to direct others
letters for denuncing of persons that sail refuse to compeer before
the saids commissioners, of the which letters, noe suspension or
relaxation sail be granted, without a testimonie under one of the
archbishops' hands, of the partie's obedience and satisfaction. And
with power to the saids commissioners to choose clerks, procutor-
fiscalls, and other members of court ; and to direct precepts, in
name of the said archbishops and their associats, for citation of
anie partie before them, in anie of the causes abovenamed ; which
precepts sail be sealed with a speciall scale, conteaning the amies
of the saids archbishops. And with power to summone witnesses
in anie of the saids causes, under the paine of fourtie punds money
of the realme of Scotland. And if the witnesses refuse to com-
peir, the saids Lords of Counsell sail direct charges for payment
of the penalties they sail incurre, upon certificate of the saids
commissioners, of all such fynes as sail be imposed, the one halfe
to perteine to his Majestic, and his Ilienes' treasurer, and the
other halfe to be bestowed upon such necessarie charges as the
386 calderwood's histome 1619.
salds commissioners sail be forced to : And the superplus therof to
be bestowed at the sight of the saids commissioners ad pios usus.
And generallie, all and sundrie other things Avhatsomever to doe,
which they sail think to be convenient for his Majestie's service,
and according to the intent of the said commission. Attour, his
IMajestie, by the tenor heirof, discharges the Lords of his Hienes'
Privie Counsel and Session, of all advocation from all ecclesi-
asticall judicatories of anie maters of the qualitie abovewritten.
But that they reserve the triall and answeir, and obey the saids
commissioners, or anie five of them, (one of the saids archbishops
being one,) their officers and ministers, in all and sundrie things
concerning the premisses, under all hiest paine and charge that
efter may follow.
" Given at our mannour of Greenwiche, the 15th of June, and
of om* raignes of England, France, and Irland, the sevinteinth,
and of Scotland the fiftie-two. Subscrived by the king's owne
hand.
{Sic suhscrihitur) " Al. Caxcell. Marre.
" Melrose. George Hay."
MR HENRIE BLTTH AND MR DAVID FORRESTER SUSPENDIT AND
CONFINED.
The Bishope of Glasco being threatned by the king in outward
shew, (as bishops have beene some times before at their owne pro-
curment,) for delaying the execution of the sentence against Mr
Henrie Blyth and Mr David Forrester, held a court of Hie Com-
mission upon the 2d of Julie, assisted with the Bishops of Rosse,
Galloway, Dunkeld, the Earle of Melrose, president, the treasurer-
depute, the clerk of register. They were accused of contempt of
his Hienes' authoritie interponed to the acts of Perth Assemblie,
of disobedience to the said acts ; and speciaUie, for giving the
Communion without kneeling, and entysing the people of Edin-
burgh to leave their own kirks, and come to theirs. They an-
sweired, they had the lawes and acts of parliament for the maner
1G19. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 389
of their celebration, and the practise of the kirk these fiftie yeers
bygone ; and that there was noe act of parliament, nor yit of anie
Generall Assemblic, noe, not of the Assemblie holden at Perth,
inhibiting or discharging the former practise. And as for the
people of Edinburgh, they notised none of them. Noe sufficient
reply was made to them by the Lords of the Hie Commission ; yit
were they suspcndit from their ministrie during the king's pleasour,
and were commandit to enter to their severall wards within ten
dayes, Mr Henrie Blyth to Innernesse, and Mr David Forrester
to Aberdeene. Sundrie of the commissioners protested, the sen-
tence was pronunced against their hearts ; but they could not
helpe them, becaus it was the king's will. So saying, they both
blamed the king and themselfs.
MR JOHNE hay's REPORT FROM COURT.
Within two or thrie dayes efter, Mr Johne Hay, toun-clerk,
returned to Edinburgh, and reported that the king wold not tak
anie evill conceate of the people of Edinburgh, howsoever he was
hardlie informed of them ; but wold beare with them a whyle, till
they were better informed. That he gave in defences for the toun,
which the king wold have in writt, and subscribed by him. That
if the defences were true, the king confessed the toun was greatlie
abused, but said he wold send doun his direction with the Bishope
of St Androes. The bishope followed about the midst of Julie,
but went over to St Androes incontinent.
A CHARGE FOR DELIVERIE OF FORBIDDEN BOOKS.
Upon the 16th of Julie, all that had anie of the infamous books
sett out against the proceedings of Perth Assemblie, and his ^la-
jestie's authorltie interponed therto, Avere charged, by proclamation
at the Crosse of Edinburgh, to deliver them to the clerk of Secrete
Counsel, betuixt and the twentie-sixe day of the said moneth, that
the said books may be used as his Majestic had directed; with cer-
390 calderwood's histoeie 1619.
tlfication, if they failed, they sould be persued. His Majestie's
direction was, to burne them at the Crosse of Edinburgh ; but few
or none were dehvered.
MR JOHNE WEEMS MADE A SENATOR OF THE COLLEDGE OF
JUSTICE.
Efter the departure of Sir Alexander Drummond of Meidope,
one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice, Mr Johne Weyras,
Commissar of St Androes, recomraendit by the Bishope of St
Androes to the king, gott the presentation to the vacant place,
and the Lords of Session purposing to recommend another to the
king, were disappointed. They resolved to send up to the king
before he be admitted, but they were prevented. The presenta-
tion was sent home, and he was admitted, and satt doun among
the rest, the 27th of Julie. This man was franke for the episco-
pall course, which was a sufficient commendation or qualification to
King James. This new senator had not long before stoUen a
booke out of James Cathkine's boothe.
THE MAGISTRATS OF EDINBURGH AND THE MINISTERS RECONCILED.
The controversie betuixt the toun of Edinburgh and their
ministers was debaitted at this time before the Bishope of St
Androes, and the president, Secretarie Hamiltoun, as his Majestie's
commissioners appointed to that effect. These that were for the
toun desired that it might be decidit, whither they were guiltie of
these things which was layde to their charge by his Majestic,
through the information of their ministers, or not. The two com-
missioners desired the mater to be referred to them. These for
the toun refused, unlesse the ministers wold confesse they had done
the toun a wrong, or lett them sie the copie of that letter they
sent up to the king. The ministers made manie excuses, wherfor
they might not produce the copie of the letter, and alledgit that it
was not pertinent to the toun to sie. Efter they had sitten two
1
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 391
days, the mater was referred with great difficultle, and not with-
out great intrcattie, to the two commissioners. They decerned,
that they be more freindUc to others than they have been, and in
eigne therof, to take others by the hand. Nixt, wheras there was
noe preaching in the New Kirk on the Sabboth day efternoone,
nor upon Tuisday, but once in f'yfteene dayes, it was ordained that
there sould be preaching everie Sabboth efternoone, and everic
Tuysday, in the Little Kirk. Thridlie, that nothing be done in
anie thing concerning preaching or discipline but by the advise
of the whoUe session ; and in maters of great importance, of the
counsel and session together. Wherupon they dranke, and shooke
hands. But the reconciliation was not so hartie as it was formall
and ceremonious. The ministers were sharplie rebuked by the
two commissioners, for their oversight and behaviour to the
towne. This they did to please the magistrats and the counsel.
THE MARQUEIS OF HAMMILTOUN A PROCUKATOUR FOR
CONFORMITIE.
The Earle of Pembrocke came to Edinburgh upon the 10th of
August, past his tyme five or sixe dayes. He was intertained by
sundrie noblemen in the meane time. The ISIarqueis of Ilammil-
toun tooke journey with him toward England upon the Lord's
day, the 15th of August. Before he entered into his journey, he
sent for the provest and some of the counsel ; willed them, seing
his Majestie was better informed of their behaviour than the minis-
ters had informed him, to sie how they could give his Majestie
contentment, in making the bodie of the toun obedient to the
ordinances of the kirk. Sir "William Nesbit, provest, answeired
to the marqueis, it was not their calling to informe the people
concerning maters of religion, and the worship of God ; but what
concerned them they sould doe, so farre as they might with a safe
conscience.
392 calderwood's historie 1619.
PATRIK RUTHVEN HIS INLARGMENT.
About this time, Patrik Ruthven, brother to the Earle of Gowrie,
was lett out of the Toure, efter he had been detained there mania
yeers, for the treason alledgit attempted by his brother, the Earle
of Gowrie.
MR W. SCOT AND MR J. CARMICHAEL BEFORE THE HIE
COMMISSION.
Upon Fry da J, the 20th of August, Mr William Scott and Mr
Johne Carmichael compeered before the Hie Commission sitting
m St Andi'oes, and holden by the bishope, assisted with some
doctors. The bishope urged them with an oath, whether they
were privie to the wry ting of the book intituled " Perth Assembhe,"
or had anie hand in it. They refused to take an oath. Mr Wil-
liam Scott asked, If anie man wold urge the Bishope of St Androes
to give his oath whether he committed adulterie or not, wold he
purge himself by an oath ? They were challenged likeways for not
obeying the acts of Perth Assemblie, but used their owne defences.
They were dismissed with threatnings to conforme in time coming.
They were weill accompanied with the honestest sort of their
parochiners.
Mr Robert Bruce having stayed at Innernesse, after his entrie
to his confinment, for the space of four yeers or therby, teaching
everie Sabboth day before noone, and everie Weddensday, and
reading and exhorting at the prayers everie evening, came to
Aberdeene at the intreattie of the magistrats, hazarding upon an
old licence which he had before he entered into Innernesse. But
within a quarter of a yeer, he was charged to returne to Innernesse
againe, which charge he obeyed. Efter the death of Mr Johne
Straquhane, minister of the Forresse, he supplied the vacant place
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 393
at the desire of the magistrats. He was glade of anie occasion to
remove from Inncrnesse, partlic bccaus of the contempt of the
magistrats, partlie to eschew contention with the pastor, who evcrie
yeer raised some new trouble to him ; but most of all, becaus a
hagbute was shott at hiiu out of a fisher's house in the Fisher's
Streete, whill he was going to the feilds, with his two servants.
If by the providence of God he had not stoode still a litle, to
behold a pyet nest, Avhich he thought curiouslie made, the bullet
had pearced them all thrie, for it went hard by their bellies. The
knave, efter long scarchc, was found under the Ij'ue, and efter
triall, found to be the old Ladle Sutherland's officer's sone. The
oflficer himself was in the toun in the meane time, and promised
to find caution under what soume it pleased Mr Robert to enter
him, when and where he pleased ; which offer Mr Robert accepted.
He went out of Innernesse to the Forresse, 1613 yeer, and stayed
till August, and then came to his owne house of Kinaird, efter his
sone had brought him his licence. Notwithstanding that some
times he felt God's presence so sensiblie to beare him up and confort
him, that he could not containe himself in the night from break-
ing out in these words, " I am the happiest man of one that ever
was borne ; happie that ever I served God ;" yit was he sometimes
exercised with sicknes, and infirmitie of bodie, and sometimes vexed
with the ministers of Linlithgow and Sterline presbyterie, namlle,
by * * * * minister of Sterline, for finding fault with
changing from kirk to kirk for the bishop's pleasour; and Mr
Alexander Keith, for invcyghing against drunkcnncs, his guiltie
conscience applying to himself the doctrine delivered by Mr Robert
in generall. The thrid yeer, the ministers of Edinburgh, and
some others of Lothian, traduced him, as one that behaved himself
as a generaU bishopc, vaging from place to place without a war-
rant. The ministers of Edinburgh alledgit, that in his doctrine at
Cramond he counted them false apostles. He was charged to
remove out of Sterline, where he was resident for the time, and
taught, bccaus they were destitute of an ordlnarie pastor, by an
act of counsel at the king's direction, and to rcmaine at his owne
394 calderwood's historie 1619.
house in Kinaird, and to keepe within a mile about it. So he
came to Kinaird in Marche this yeere, (1619,) teached in the
gallerie, till at last he wearied ; sent to the counsel and purchassed
a licence, not without great opposition of the bishops, to remove to
another dwelling-house which he had, called the Monkland. Efter
he had transported his familie, he preached in the paroche kirk. Mr
James Law, Bishope of Glasco, greeved at the resort of people to
heare him, sent to Mr Patrik Wakenshaw, and commandit him,
under paine of deprivation, to keepe his owne place. So Mr
Robert was forced to retire out of Monkland, partlie for want of
occasion to exercise his gift, partlie becaus he was delated to the
king for keeping fasts in his house — a great crime, forsooth ! — and
yit, he had but two fasts all the time he was at Monkland, wherat
Mr Robert Boyde, Principall of Glasco Colledge, and Mr Robert
Scott, minister of Glasco, were present. The persons assembled
exceedit not the number of twentie. So the man of God was
tossed from place to place.
THE KING COMMANDETH THE MAGISTRATS TO BE CHANGED.
Upon the 17th of December, a letter was delivered to the pro-
vest, baillies, and counsel of Edinburgh, another to the baillies and
counsel of the Canogate, both sent from the king, wherin he willed
them to change the magistrats at the nixt Michaelmes, and to
choose none other but such as wold conforme themselfs to the acts
of the late Assemblie, as they will answeir to him upon their obe-
dience. Howbeit this direction was prejudicial! to their liberties,
and the weill of raanie citizens, yit were the provest, the baillies,
and the treasurer changed, and Alexander Clerk was chosen
provest. He had indeid not onlie given proofFe of conformitie, by
kneeling at the last Communion, but also threatned honest men
in the session, for pleasour of the ministers.
1G19. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 395
A DIOCESAN SYNOD IN EDINBURGH.
The Bishope of St Androes held a diocesan synode at Edinburgh,
in the Little Kirk, upon Tuysday, the 26th of October. In his
eermon upon Ileb. xiii. 17, he had these speeches: Obedience to
pastors was neecssarie. They Avere to be reverenced and obeyed,
howbeit they were traitours as Judas, licentious as the sones of Eli,
and profane as Arius ; and their flocks ought to submitt themselfs
to their judgments in maters spirituall, where the "Word of God is
not expx-esse in the contrare, otherwise there wold be noe order
in the kirk, but great confusion, and all authoritie wold be con-
temned. In case the brethren and the people gave not obedience
to their pastors and superiors, he protested they wold ruinate the
kirk ; and cited them before the throne of God, in case of disobe-
dience. He was conscious to himself that he was bot a traitour,
profane, and licentious. Amongst other effects of his profanitie,
he made noe scruple upon the Lord's day immediatlie preceeding,
to come out of Kinghorne to Eruntiland, send for the mariners
who were in the kirk at the sermon, and to come over the water
in Staise's boate. He landit at Leith in the fornoone, with a fair
wind, in time of sermon, played at the cards eftemoone, in time of
sermon. And yit this profane villane, with an impudent face,
darre seeke obedience and reverence, neither having lawfuU autho-
ritie, but usurped, nor urging things lawfull, but superstitious and
idolatrous. AVith a cauterized conscience, he was not affrayed to
make mention of the throne of God, which sould have made his
guiltie conscience to have trembled. Efter sermone, he choosed
young men and formalists to sitt upon the conference. Efter noone,
he said, "I will appoint a meeting to hold the 23d of November,
at St Androes, where my brethren the bishops sail be present. I
sail send for such ministers as refuse to conforme. We sail sie
what reasons they have. Either we sail putt them out of Scot-
land, or they sail putt us out. It were better that both they and
we were hangit, (heare the villane !) or the Gospell decayed. We
396 calderwood's historie 1619.
■vvill be as zealous as themselfs. He was a false lying knave that
made ' Perth Assemblie,' for there was not one man there but he
w^as called on." Yit he excepted Mr Johne Murrey, whom, he
said, he omitted of purpose. " We must all goe one way," said
he : " Mr Moulins, the learnedest man in France, when he was in
England kneeld : his Majestie's heart rejoyced when he heard
of it."
THE MAGISTRATS OF EDINBURGH CHARGED TO WEARE SCARLET
ROBES.
Upon the 22d of November, the provest, the four baillies, the
deane of gild, and the treasurer, were commandit, by a charge from
the king, to prepare everie one of them a reid robe of scarlot lyned
with furring, and the provest to have a chaine of gold beside, against
Christmas nixt, and to weare the same upon Sondays and holie
dayes, as the major and aldermen of London doe.
Upon the 23d of November, before the bishops and ministers
conveenedat St Androes, Doctor Lindesay was consecrated Bishope
of Brechine, in the Castle of St Androes. This was the rewaird
Doctor Resolutus gatt for his booke intituled "Resolutions for
Kneeling," which were answeired and solved, as they might easilie
have beene, soone efter»
In the meane time. Doctor Barclay teaching in the paroche kirk
of the toun, upon Eccles. v. 3, 4, 5, he insisted upon the danger of
breaking vowes ; 1. Affirming, that howsoever vowes in things
unlawfull were nullities, yit in things indifferent they were irrevo-
cable, and did bind necessarlie. 2. That noe excuse wold serve
before the angel. Though it were a thing in our owne power, and
which we needit not to have vowed if we had pleased, yit the vow
being past, it doth bind us ever to the strict performance. 3. That
objection of lossing geare, and overthrowing wife and children, is
noe warrant at all to breake a vow. That these who will save all
by breaking their vow sail surlie lose all ; for the curse of God sail
lie on that wliich by such meanes they gett or save. " God,"
1619. OP THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 397
sayeth the text, " sail destroy the works of thine hands." With
a sore and smarting conscience might they stand before him, that
had broken their oath to lose their fieare.
THE CONPERENCE BETUIXT THE BISHOPS AKD MINISTERS AT ST
ANDROES, THE 23d, 24tH, 25tH OP NOVEMBER, 1619.
Efter that the Archbishope of St Androes, Mr Spottiswode, had
made a short prayer, he brake off with these speeches : " Brethren,
I presumed to call you together to this meeting, without the king's
knowledge, (so like !) but certifying his Majestic of my intention.
He interpreted my dealing to the best, and therfor has sent his
trustie servant, my Lord Scoone, to be present at our meeting ;
and with him his letter, for farther declaration of his pleasour at
this meeting. As for my part, I confes I could be content that
the Church of Scotland could hav'C wanted these things. But
Being his Majestic doth urge them, and that without his displeasour
we cannot tolerate your i-cfusall anie longer, the things themselfs
being indifferent, and now established by an act of th€ kirk, you
must not think that we meane to suffer in this cans with you,
although ye sould incurre great troubles heirefter ; for I will preferre
the unitie of the kirk before your children, wifes, estate, &c.,
and what hisMajestie's expresse commandment is, ye sail heare by
his owne letter." The clerk heir began to reid his Majestie's letter
presented by my Lord of Scoone ; but becaus the clerk failed, the
bishope tooke it from him, and redd it perfytlie, the summe whcrof
was this : —
" Having heard of your meeting the 23d ot November, I have
sent our trustie servant, the Lord of Scoone, to signifie our plea-
sour more fuUie unto you, and to certifie us againeof your proceed-
ings heiriu. And I doe command you, as you will be answeirablc
to me, that ye depose all these that refuse to conforme, without
respect of persons, no ways regarding the multitude of the rebel-
lious ; for if there be not a sufficient number remaining to fill their
places, I will send you ministers out of England. And I charge
398 calderwood's historie 1619.
you to certifie us of your proceedings, betuixt this and the thrid of
March nLxt to come."
Efter this, the archbiohope sayes, " Brethren, I have not called
you together for disputation, to irritate one another, but that we
may lay our heads together, to advise of the best course for the
peace of the kirk, Avhich is disturbed with a dangerous contention.
Wherfor, I will desire of everie one of you your advise to fur-
ther this peace; and heirin, I will begin at you, my Lord of
Aberdeene." Then the Bishope of Aberdeene had a speeche to this
sense : —
" In these fearfull and unpleasant divisions of our kirk, I will
consider, First, the Cans ; Nixt, the Danger ; Thridlie, the Reme-
die. First, for the Caus, I can heirin excuse neither side ; some pre-
venting the decreit of the kirk, presuming to preache and practise
some of thir things before the kirk had determined them, in
which precipitation I cannot excuse them ; others, againe, albeit
the kirk has determined the controversie, doth still refuse obe-
dience, wherin I cannot excuse them. For howbeit I could have
wished that these things had never beene urged, and that the
church might have been without them, yet seing in their nature
they are indifferent, and the king, whose authoritie requires them,
hath also gotten an act of the kirk on his side, I think it reasone
he sould be obeyed. And if there were nothing farther, but that
the Assemblie of the kirk decreed them, it is sufficient to move
obedience to anie reasonable person. The nixt thing is the Danger,
which is great, according to the varietie of persons to be con-
sidered in our kirk : for there are some Atheists, some Papists,
and some weaker professors. 1. Atheists I call these, who though
in the former estate of our kirk they seemed to professe religion,
and were keeped in within the compasse of some lawes, but never
made conscience of anie religion. The nixt danger is by Papists,
of whom I can speake by experience, who, when they are desired
to come to the church, and to joyne with us in the worship of God,
they answeir, ' If you hold on the gate that you are going, we will
nieete er it be long.' The last danger is, in respect of weake ones,
1G19. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 399
who, seing such a distraction of opinions, and contrarietie amongst
ministers, doubt of all religion, and cannot tell what side to take
them to. The remedie, in my judgment, is to submitt peacablic
ourselfs to his Majestic's desire, since the things are indifferent.
And he hath obtained an act of the kirk on his side, which may
be a sufficient warrant to anie reasonable person for conformitie ;
and, therfor, it were goode that lovinglie brethren sould conferre
one with another, that so they might come to agreement."
Efter this, the Archbishope of St Androes asked another bishop's
advise in this mater, to whom the bishope answeired, " My Lord,
since the things are indifferent, I sic not a reason but they sould
be obeyed ; and the rather, for the feare of the inconvenience ;
for it is seldome to be observed, but that shisme endeth in
heresie."
Then the archbishope urged the Bishope of Brechin e's opinion,
to whom he answeired, " My Lord, light and unitie sould goe to-
gether ; and, therfor, I hope that a brotherlie conference on both
sides may be a goode meane to bring peace."
Then he turned him toward the ministers, and began at Mr
Johne Carmichael, earnestlie craving his advise. Mr Johne an-
sweired efter this maner : " If I may frielie speake my mynd,
(speaking of these things as they are esteemed,) I have found,
that in all times, the uroino; of things indifferent hath filled the
kirk with contentions, which these who have agreed in the founda-
tion could never be brought to one judgment, in other lesser
maters that ai'C not neccssarie. Sccondlic, the judgment of famous
divines of all times hath been, that these who agrie in the founda-
tion, sould beare one with another in things indifferent. I remember
to this purpose a speeche of Sozemene, ' Turpe est its, in adiaphoris
contendere, qui in pracipuis ChristiancB relif/ionis capitihus consen-
tiunt.'' And when in the Germane Interim, counsel was taken to
banishe those worthie men who could not yeild to the things was
counted indifferent, I call to mind the speeche of Ilermannus to
Cassander, ' Et tunc audeas eos in cxilium ire juhere, propter rituiun
et consuetudinem diversitatem, qui una nohiscum in proecipuis Christi-
400 caldebwood's histoeie 1619.
an(E religionis cajjitihus consentiunt.^ And on occasion, in England,
I have had the judgment of some learned men in this same case,
and amongst others, of Bishope Pahane, BIshope of London, whose
words were to me, ' If I were charged,' sayeth he, ' on an oath,
I wold take my oathe, that the Kirk of England might weill want
these ceremonies ; and that seing we hold them indifferent, and
our brethren hold them unlawfull, we are bound to beare with
them, becaus by the rule of the apostle, ' The stronge sould
beare with the weake.' Thridlle, it hath been the practise of the
Kirk of England to tolerate diverse of these brethren, though
differing from them in these things, as Mr Grinhame was tolerate
to his dying day. Wherfor my advise is, that though we differ
in judgment In these things, yit that we live together, promoving
the caus of the Gospell in the faithfuU discharge of our places,
not irritating or provoking one another. And thus may the peace
of the kirk be weill procured ; for unitle of religion may weill
consist in diversitie of ceremonies." Efter this, Mr Johne Car-
mlchaell departed, being ill at ease, and went to his lodging.
The archbishop urged Mr William Scott's advice, to whom he
answeired, " I have not that dexteritie of uttering my minde that
some others have, and thereby comes to passe, that my words are
wreasted to another sense than I intend them ; of which I have
late experience, when my words at Perth were caried to the king
in another sense than ever I spake ; and, therefore, I could desire
that I were spaired at this time." But being still urged to give his
advice, he spake after this maner : —
" I have," sayeth he, " continued In my ministrie manie yeers,
spending moe goods nor ever I gained thereby. And now, the
infirmities of my bodie and mind doth so increase, that I doe
verilie think the time be neer of my relaxation. And If his Ma-
jestic be pleased soonner to discharge me, I am readie to under-
go his will in that case, before I embrace these things that are
urged."
The archbishop craved Mr Robert Balcanquall's advice; to
whom he answeired, " My Lord, I sould think it fitt that advice
1G19. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 401
Avere sought at other reformed churches, the mater being of so
publict a nature." To whom the bishop replyed, " Our kingdome
is a nionarchie, and monarchs are jealous to admitt other nations
to medic in their effiiirs. Our king is wise enough to govern his
kingdome, without advise of other nations." " Yea," sayes Mr
Robert, " but, my Lord, the deposed and banished ministers being
constrained to goe to other countries, occasion other nations to
think of our church as of an apostatick church, and his Majestic
escapes not without censure, becaus they are not made acquainted
with our proceedings." Then the archblshope ansvveired, " Mr
Robert, I tell you, his Majestic needs not the reports of anie
countrie to uphold his respect. Nay, I am perswadit, that Pro-
testant churches of other countries doe so highlie respect him,
that there is none of them who will not give him leave to sett
doun what they sould professe. And If they that are banished
goe to Monsieur du Moullne, or wise men, they will tell them
that they are fooles to leave their places for suche trifles. It
may be indeid, if they goe to Mr Johne Welshe, and such like,
he will greete and M'cepe with them, and say, ' All Is wrong in
our kirk!' Manic men, when they have litle in themselfs, will
pretend to be zealous for the kirk, to gett themselfs respect
among the people ; nay, there be some that have their chopplnes
of wine among wifes." And heir the Bishop of Aberdeene Inter-
rupts him, saying, " Good, my Lord, be patient : passion did
never good in these maters." But the archbishop said, " My
Lord, ye must beare with me, for I sic some of them heir: I can-
not forbeare. I meane not J\lr AYIllIam Scott, and Mr Johne Car-
mlchael ; they are modest and wise men. But fooles, fooles are
they, that at a chopplne of wine with wifes hath beene bold to
say, 'The king will die, and the imnce is otherwise myndit:'
but they sail all be hangit or the king die ;" or such like speeches
was, but I pass by them.
Doctor Lindsay, Bishop of Brechine, had a speeche to this
sense : " Wheras it is alledgit, that unitle of religion may consist
with divcrsitie of ceremonies, it is true In the Catholick Kirk, but
VOL. VII. 2 c
402 calderwood's historie 1G19.
not in a particular kirk under one regiment, that cannot be spe-
ciallie, when cliversitie is not onlie in practise, but in doctrine.
For when one side holds them indifferent, the other necessarie, the
one must needs be an heresie, and therefore not to be tolerate in
the same kirk."
The Bishope of Rosse then spake efter this maner : " I am per-
swadit that diversltie of ceremonies may consist with unitie of
religion, not onlie to the Catholick, but in particular churches,
so it be not contrarie to the acts of the same church. But
seing these things are established by the acts of the Assemblie, it
is most just and equall to require them of all the members of that
church."
The Bishope of Aberdeene sayeth, " It may be, some of the
brethren wold more wiUinglie speake their minde, if they were
not in the presence of so manie. I wold think it fitt to rcmitt the
debaitting of the mater to some few on either side, namlie, seven
and seven ;" whom when the archbishop wold have nominated for
both sides, the Bishope of Aberdeene intreatted him onlie to name
seven for his owne side, and to suffer them to name the other
seven for their side, and to appoint the meeting at eight houres of
the nixt morning. And thus much for the first day.
The nixt day, being Wednesday, Mr Johne Carmichael went to
the Bishope of Aberdeene, before the meeting, telling him that by
reason of his iufirmitie, he could not continue with them, and
therefore intreatted him faithfullie to relate his minde to the rest
of the bishops. He first redd to him a modest and zealous letter
of Doctor Humfrey, exhorting some in place to move the queene
for toleration of the faithfull and painfull ministers, or removall of
the ceremonies. And wheras the bishop preassed the act of the
Assemblie for these things, he spake to him in this maner : —
" My Lord, if ye preasse that act of the Assemblie on us, ye
must fifive us leave to answeir for our self. Surelie, when we are
gone that are present, it may be, it seeme of more force ; but if ye
preasse us therewith, we sail be provoked to speake that which
will discontent you, and make it cleere to be noe law. 1. Your-
1G19. OF THE KIIIK OF SCOTLAND. 403
self confessed after, at Aberdeene, that if the brethren had beene
faithfiiUie dealt with, you had not gotten halfe of them on your
side. 2. Ye know it was jiromised by the archbishope, that it
sould not be a snare to the kirk efterward ; and therefore he
desired onlle the brethren to give way for the present, for the
king's satisfaction. 3. He alledgit that the act was not conceaved
in the ternies of a law, ' We ordaine,' but onlie in these words,
' It seems meete or convenient,' therin setting doun your judg-
ment, and not a law or a decree. In respect of which tenor and
forme, one of the bishops did efterward come to a number of us,
who were for the present together, and said, ' Sle how we have
sett doun this act of geniculation, in words which may give the
king contentment, but yit, such as may not inforce a law to be a
snare to brethren.' And now, I came not hither to flatter, where-
fore I must tell you, so long as ye suffer us to be quyet, we do
not urge you with these things. But if ye strait us witli that
act, under pretence of a law, we sail be forced to make knowne to
the world how that act was driven on, upon what promises and
conditions it was convoyed, and how, by the manor of inacting, it
is noe law. So that if ye trouble us in this mater, we sail make
the Avorld to know ye molest us without law. And furtlier,
whereas ye call thir things indiftbrent, if ye urge us with them,
I hope by the grace of God that we sail make it manifest to tiie
world, both by word and writt, that thir things are not indifferent,
but simplie unlawfuU. Our suflferings, when we cleir ourselfs,
will doe you moe evill nor goode. And think not, by these mcanes,
to promove the king's cans, but to hinder it. I came not to
flatter you. If ye will needs putt us to this pinche, ye know what
to expect." Then the Bishop of Aberdeene answeirs, " But you
sic how earnest the king is, and what a charge he hath sent. We
could wishe toleration ; but how sail we doe with the king, to gett
him satisfied?" ^Ir Johne answered, " My Lord, for the king,
if ye have anie love to tlie kirk or brethren, you know wcill
enough how to satisfie his ^lajcstie ; and I leave that to you, and
also intrcattcth your Lordship, that since ye know my niinde fullic
404 calderwood's historie 1619.
ia these things, because my infirmltie will not suffer me to be pre-
sent, I pray, consider what I have said, and certifie the rest of the
bishops of the same at your meeting."
At eight boures, the brethren being about to meete, there was
a report that the Bishop of Aberdeene was earnest with the rest,
to deale with his Majestie for toleration, at least, for longer time,
to be advised in these difficulties.
When the brethren mett at eight houres, Mr Johne Carmichael
was drawn to the meeting, notwithstanding of his infirmitie. At
his coming, he found them reasoning, not so much in soliditie, as
by cursorie velitations ; wherupon he said, " If it be your intent
to have these things fullie reasoned, I pray you tell us plainlie,
that we may agrie in some course, to have these things fullie dis-
coursed. His desire was, that they might reason by wryting,
which is the onlie way to end the controversie ; verball reasoning
was not so goode." This was refused, and the act of the Assemblie
still poused,^ to prove them things alreadie agreed. To whom he
answered, " I pray, preasse us no more with that act ; ye know
what we can say of it. If we be not urged, we are loath to pro-
voke you ; but since ye move us, I must tell you what I said of
it to the Bishop of Aberdeene ; " and so repeatted the same in
publict which he had said in private.
The Bishop of Glasco hearing that that act was not begunne in
the forme of a law, in the words, " We ordaine," but thir words,
" We think mcete," answeired, that in that law they did imi-
tate the apostles' decree. But it was answered. That could not
excuse them ; for the apostles affirmed it, not onlie to seeme meete
to the kirk, but to the Holie Ghost, and therefore binding jure
divino. But the same words spoken by an ordinary church, that
it " seemeth good to them," is not a binding rule, but their par-
ticulare judgement. Efter manic more discourses to litle pui-pose,
seven and seven were thought too manie to come to agreement.
Therefore three on either side were appointed against efternoone ;
for the ministers, Mr Johne Carmichael, Mr William Scott, and
^ Puslicd, thrust fonvard.
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 405
Mr David ]\Iearncs ; for the other side, the Bishopc of Brechine,
Doctours Bruce and Howie.
In the eftcrnoone, after lonix reasoning; at that meetinfT, the
bishops urged the brethren to yceld to some raiddes, for satisfying
the king, since they could not be moved to yeeld till all their
desire. And the particulare that was craved was, that everie
communicant may rcceave from the minister's owne hand the
elements, and not divide them amongst them, according to the
usuall maner. To which Mr Johne Carmichael answeired, " Will
ye promise, if we sould yeeld so farre unto you, that noe more
sould be urged on us?" Then they answered, " That is more nor
Avc can promise." Then said he, " Why Avill you trouble us with
motions that will not end the controversie ? If we wold yeeld to
you in this, ye wold but pcrswade the king that we were coming
toward you." Wheriipon their answeir was, they could not make
anie middes, but desired they might injoy their ministrie, and
dischairge their duetie therin, as they had beene in use ; and to
this effect a supplication was framed. Mr Johne Carmichael said
also to this eft'ect : " We have served, some fourtie, some moe
veers in the ministrie, with some measure of fruit. Conformitie is
litle above a yecr old ; unles it be found more profitable for the
kirk than our ministrie of so manie yeers, it were a hard thing to
deprive us of it."
The supplication was givin to the bishops at foure houres, who
consulted with my Lord of Scoone anent an answeir therunto ;
and after long consultation, the ministers were called in, unto whom
the archbishop spake to this effect : —
" Brethren, seing the things required are indifferent, and seing
•we have used all meanes to bring you to conformitie, but you
make your owne excuses ; some pretend one thing, some another,
but no wayes giving a sufficient reason ; and wc thinkc it strange,
that men sould stand out in their practise, wherof they cannot
give a reason. For my owne part, although I be not a great
bchollar, yit I can give a reason of what I practise. For holic
dayes, I grant, some arguments may be framed against thcni,
406 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1619.
though they may be easllie answered. But for the other contro-
versie of bowing our knee to our Saviour, it is the worst contro-
versie that ever was debated in a Christian kirk. Wherefore I
must tell you, he that will not conforme himself in these things indif-
ferent, must seeke his ministrie in another kingdome than Scot-
land. And, therefore, prepare yourself to give an answeir the mome
at nyne houres, when we sail have a sermon before we depart. It
may be, that light will come in one night, which hath not come
before." Wherunto answeired Mr Alexander Kinnear thus : —
" My Lord, I hope ye will not preasse us anie farther, than the
end of our coming expressed in your letter. We were sent for
onlie to give our advise, and we have done it. We hope, there-
fore, ye will not urge us with anie further at this time." To whom
ray Lord of Scoone answeired : —
" There is one above the Bishope of St Androes, that hath sent
to take your answeirs ; and I must have your answeirs, that I may
carie them to his Majestic." Then said a brother, " My Lord, we
have given our answeir alreadie, for which we were called."
Then the Archbishope of St Androes said, " Ye have said indeid
that ye can yeeld us noe middes ; but by way of supplication, ye
desire to continue in peace, as ye have done. But ye must meete
us the mome at the time appointed, and resolve us farther." Then
said a brother, " My Lord, urge us no farther. It is winter
Aveather, short dayes, and we are farre from our owne places, and
has beene longer keept than we expected : we have done all we
were sent for." Then said my Lord Scoone, " If anie of you goe
away before you appeare to-morrow, I will take your absence for a
plaine denyall, and so relate it to the king." Then said my Lord
of Aberdeene, " I sie no reason the brethren sould have a preju-
dice of their coming at this time, seing they are sent for to another
end." The Lord of Scoone answeires, " The king appointed me
to take their answeirs."
Then the Archbishop of St Androes being moved, as appeared,
by Aberdeene's speache, and conscious to his owne letter, he and
Aberdeene joyned together, and contested with my Lord Scoone.
1(519. OF THE KlUK OF SCOTLAND. 407
But in end, they resolved to consider the king's letter, and to reade
the same to the ministrie at tlieir nixt meeting, becaus my Lord
of Scoone had not the letter prcsentlie on him.
AVherefore the ministers were desired againe to meete, but none
came to that meeting, partlie becaus they had given an answeir,
partlie becaus there was noe particulare place sett doun ; onlie Mr
Alexander Ilcnrisone was called, being neerc by where they mett,
but litle or nothing was said to him, becaus he was himself alone ;
onlie he heard my Lord of Scoone breathe out great threatnings
against the absence of the ministers, asking the bishope what
answeir he sould give his Majestic. AVho answered, " Ye sie the
brethren conveened were quyet, honest, modest men : the like I
may say of all the rest of this part of the countrie, except the
Presbyterie of Dumfermline, and Mr Johne Scrimgeour." And
for further satisfaction of my Lord of Scoone, the bishops promised
to testifie by their letter to his Majestic my Lord Scoone's ijiith-
full imployment. Whcrin also they were to requeist his Majes-
tic to have patience whill the 3d of Marche, which time they
promised to give his ISIajestie more evidence of their service,
whereby they were in good hope to prevail e.
Efter this meeting of the ministers, Mr Henrie Blyth and Mr
David Forrester were called. ]\Ir Henrie being absent, the bishope
gave him his testimonie that he was a modest man, and that all
that had come to him was for nothing in himself, but onlie becaus
the people of Edinburgh wold not acknowledge their owne pastors,
but come to him.
Then Mr David Forrester was called, to whom the archbishope
said, " Mr David, I have received a letter from the king concern-
ing you ; therfor ye must answeir whether ye will conforme or not,
before I say anie more." Then said Mr David, " My Lord, it is
a thing I Avill not say I will doe it ; nor will I say I will never
doe it. But yit I cannot be persuadit of the lawfulnes of it ; for I
was brought up under that reverend man, Mr Patrik Simson, from
whom I sucked the contrarie from my childhood. I was taught
by him that sitting was a sacrainentall ccreraonie, signifying our
408 calderwood's historie 1619.
spiritual famillaritie with Christ our Heade ; which I hold agree-
able to the Scripture, and therfor not to be altered."
Then the archbishope said, " Mr David, weill, I must tell you, I
have a charge to depose you."
Then the Bishope of Aberdeene said, " My Lord, I pray you
give me leave to doe that which, if ye faile me, will doe me harme.
I will take his depositioun out of your Lordship's hands into mine
owne ; for this I must needs say, though he be not yit fullie
resolved, yit he is somwhat more tractable than when he came till
us. And though he stand on his owne conscience, as everie good
Christian sould doe, yit is he als modest, and subject to heare rea-
son, as the youngest scholler in Scotland." And thus he escaped
deposing for that time.
There Avere present at this meeting nyne bishops : St Androes,
Glasco, Aberdeene, Orkney, Galloway, Argile, lies, Dumblane,
Dunkeld. They had agried amongst themselfs in secrete what
part everie one of them sould act in publict. Becaus it Avas thought
the Bishope of Aberdeene had retained a peece of his old credite
in the hearts of the better sort, he was thought the fittest man to
steppe in some times as a midd man, that so they might draw the
non-conformitans to yeild somwhat. Yea, St Androes himself,
when he saw he could not effectuate his purpose, seemed als calme
as anie of the number. They knew weill eneugh it was but follie
to assault manie at once with censures, knowing verie weill that
everie one wold encourage another. And therfor they dissolved
this time with calmnes, intending to follow furth their wonted
course in singling out such as pleased them, and to draw them
befor the Hie Commission.
Mr David Barclay, at the dissolving of the meeting, teaching
upon his ordinarie text, Eccles. v. 7, had these speeches : " Wicked
men somtimes doe not onlie deny the benefite of just lawes, but
also frame unjust lawes to oppresse the poore. Be not astonied.
Good men are accustomed to be astonied and shaken fi-om their
constancie when they sie such unjust proceedings. But they must
not be astonied, but pull up their courage. There is a highe above
1
1619. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 409
highe ; and though one highc, even the highest on earth, sould
faile us, and sett against us, tlicrc is a higher taks our part. Ther-
fore, in all our wayes let us rcmeiubcr two high ones, a highe above
a highe, that if the one faile us, we be not like them that have
none els to rest on."
Seing the pretendit primate made mentioun of Mr Johne Welshe
at his conference in a disdainfuU and scornfuU maner, I have sub-
joyned his letter, sent about this same time to Mr Robert Bruce,
M'herin he declareth what was his judgment touching the innovations
brought in into our kirk, becaus the judgment of that man of God,
and f^iithfull souldiour of Christ, is more to be respected than the
priraat's and Monsieur Mouline's both.
" Eight Reverend and deirlie beloved Brother, — I wold
not let this occasion pas to wryte to you by this bearer, your kins-
man, whose comportment in this countrie hath always been with
honour, giving testimonies of true religion and godlines in the
places of his sojourn, which for some time was with me. The
' Xullitie of the Assemblie at Perth' being sent to me, hath taken
all pretext of ignorance and excuses away, and I judge them blessed
Avho, in a desertion so universall, keeps their garments cleane,
Avithout spott ; of the which. Sir, ye are one, whose testimonic to
the trueth, and against the defection brought in, is knowcn to all
the churches. The persecution there is lamentable ; but, without
all question, when the chafFe is discovered, he will not lett the rod
of the wicked remaine for ever upon the backe of the righteous.
It is noe mervaile, if, efter so long a peace, so great a libertie, and
the jowisance of the Gospell in such abundance, at the last he send
the fyrie triall. What my mynd is concerning the roote of thir
branches the bearer will shew you more fuUie. They are noe more
to be counted orthodoxes, but apostats. They have fallen from
their callings by receiving antichristianes, and bnnging in of idola-
trie to make the kingdome culpable, and to expose it to judgments
fearfuU for such a highe perfidie against an oath so solemnlie
exacted and given ; and arc noe more to be counted Cliristians,
410 calderwood's historie 1619.
Ijut strangers, and apostats, and persecutors, and therfore not to be
heard anie more, neither in publict, nor In consistories, colledges,
nor synods ; (for what fellowship hath light with darknes ?) So,
with the measure the Lord hath given, I recommend you to that
sufficient grace, and your whole familie.
" Your loving Brother, and unworthie to be called the
Servant of Christ,
" Mr Johne Welshe.
"From St Joan, this 20th of * * 1619."
CHRISTMAS-DAY OBSERVED.
In the beginning of December, there was a charge jiroclaimed
at the Crosse of Edinburgh for the observation of Christmas-day.
That day, Mr Patrik Galloway, teaching in the Great Kirk, proved
the best he could the lawfulnes of observing that day, and rejected
disdainfuUie all arguments alledgit in the contrare. But the people
disdained him and his reasones, and the learned knew him to be
but an arrogant Ignaro. There was a phreneticke man stoode up
in the meane time, and objected to him the pensions he had of the
king. His cheefe reasone for preaching upon that day was, that
ministers sould preache in season and out of season. But there
was noe preaching in the Old Kirk on the Lord's day, the second of
Januar, becaus he alledgit that he was not weill at ease ; v/herupon
the people said, Mr Patrik preached out of season, but preached not
in season, becaus he preached upon Christmas-day, and preached
not two Sabboth-days efter. Noe intimation was made by the
ministers that anie of them wold teache that day, as was done the
two yeers before, nor wairning made by the magistrats. The
other pensioner, Mr William Struthers, taught in the Little Kirk.
Manie booth doores were open in time of sermon.
I
1020. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 411
M.DC.XX.
MINISTERS CITED BEFORE THE HIE COMMISSION.
r Master Johne Wcyms, Mr Johne Scrimgeour, Mr Johne Giles-
pie, jNlr James Home, Mr George Grier, Mr James Porteous,
were summoned to compeir before the Hie Commission for not
preaching upon holie dayes, and not ministering the Communion
conforme to the conclusions of Perth Assemblie. The copie of the
summones given to Mr George Grier, minister at Hadintoun, heir
followeth : —
" Johne, by the mercic of God, Archbishope of St Androes, Pri-
mate, and Metropolitan of Scotland ; and James, Archbishope of
Glasco, to our lovits, ***** executors heirof, coujunctlie and
scverallie, speciallic constitute, greeting. Forsameikle as Mr George
Grier, minister at the kirk of Hadintoun, being diverse and sun-
drie times required to conforme himself in obedience to the acts of
the last Generall Assemblie holden at Perth, upon the 25th day of
August 1618 yeirs ; spcciallie, preaching to the people the storie
of Christ's nativitie, passion, and resurrection, upon the dayes ap-
pointed therto by the said Assemblie, and ministering the holie
sacrament of the Communion according to the forme prescribed :
Notwithstanding of the saids acts, the said Mr George does con-
tinue wilfull and obstinate in his disobedience to the saids acts, by
the which great offence is given to manie of his Majestie's leiges,
and occasion given to disobey the authoritie and discipline of the
kirk : And, therfore, the said Mr George has most evidcntlic and
contemptuouslie contraveened the saids acts of Generall Assemblie,
and ought and sould be deprived of all function in the ministric,
and decerned to incurre the whole censures and paines conteaned
in the said acts, and which we, by vertue of his Majestie's Tlio
Commission, may impose upon him for his contumacic and dis-
412 calderwood's historie 1620.
obedience : Thairfor we charge you straitlie, and commands, that
incontinent efter the sight heirof ye pas, and lawfullie summoun,
wairne, and charge the said Mr George Grier to compeir before us
and our associats, commissioners appointed by his Majestie's Hie
Commission, at Edinburgh, the 26th day of Januar instant, in the
Bishope of St Androes his lodging, at ten hours before noone, to
answeir at the instance of Mr Patrik Forrest, our procutor-fiscall :
That is to say, the said Mr George to heare and sie the premisses
verified and proven against him ; and the samme being verified and
proven, the said Mr George decernit to be deprived of all function
of the ministrie in all time coming, and to be punished by all cen-
sures and paines that we, by the saids acts of Generall Assemblie,
and by vertue of his Majestie's Hie Commission, may impose upon
him. Certifeing him if he failyie, Ave will decerne in maner forsaid,
and cans letters be directed for denuncing him his Majestie's rebell,
for his contumacie and non-compeirance.
" Given under our scale, at St Androes, the 17th day of Januar
1620."
Two gentlemen of the paroche of Hadintoun excused Mr George
Grier's not-corapeirance, alledging his sicknes. The rest of the
ministers compeired, and appointed Mr Johne Scrimgeour to
answeir in name of the rest. The Bishope of St Androes began to
deplore the rent that was in the kirk. He affirmed, that it was
against his heart to urge conformitie, but his Majestic blamed him
for his lenitie. He was calme, becaus there was not a full number
to make up the court ; for there were none present but the Bishops
of St Androes, Glasco, and the lies, and Mr Walter Quhytfoord.
Therfor they were dismissed, and wairned to compeir against the
1st of Marche, betuixt and the which time, if they conformed not,
they sould be deposed. But he caused the clerk make an act,
bearing their consent to deprivation the said day, in case they con-
formed not, howbeit they all with one voice had protested, that
willinglie they wold never renunce their ministrie. Becaus Mr
Johnc Weyms alledgit he was not singular, but that all the breth-
1G20. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTL^VND. 413
ren of the shire where he was minister agrietl with him in judg-
ment and practise, the bishope tooke occasion to cite others against
the nixt time. Mr Johne Scrimgeour, notwithstanding of the
bishop's threatnings, celebrate the Communion upon the 6th of
Februar, according to Christ's institution, and the former practise
of our kirk, becaus it was his custome to celebrate the Communion
everie quarter of tlie yeer. Manie inhabitants of Edinburgh re-
sorted to it.
A CLERK IMPOSED UPON THE SESSION OF THE KIRK OF
EDINBURGH.
Upon Thursday, the 16th of Februar, the counsel of Edinburgh
constituted Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger, clerk to the session
of the kirk, notwithstanding that the ministers opponed. The
ministers protested, that it sould not be prejudiciall to the liberties
of the kirk. The commissioners for the counsel protested, it sould
not be prejudiciall to the liberties of the counsel. The ministers
of Edinburgh did not so much when the liberties of the whole kirk
Avere encroached upon. Justlie therfor are they, and the session
of the kirk, brought under bondage by these who never durst pre-
sume in purer times to usurpe so farre over their ministers. Farther
his protestation was but onlie for the fashion ; there was noe seri-
ous meaning to seeke redresse.
SOME MINISTERS IN FIFE CITED BEFORE THE HIE COMMISSION.
Upon Monday, the 21st of Februar, Mr Johne Chalmers, Mr
Johne Murray of Stramiglo, Mr William Areskane, Mr James
Wilsone, Mr William Murray, Mr James Bennitt, and some other
ministers in Fyfe, were summoned to compeir upon Thursday, the
14th of Februar, in St Androcs, to heare and sie themselfs de-
prived for not observing holie dayes, and not ministering the Com-
munion according to the order prescrived at Perth. All corapeered
except Mr Johne Chalmers, minister at Auchterdeer, who was ex-
414 calderwood's historie 1620.
cused by sicknes. The Bishope of St Androes said, It was a
lowne sicknes : he wold not be sicke to come to the Communion in
Kinghorne. The bishope made a haraunge to these who corn-
peered, and efter urged them with conformitie. They refusing,
the bishope respyted them till Pashe, and inhibite them to cele-
brate the Communion unles they conformed ; with certification, in
case they conformed not betuixt and that time they sould be de-
prived.
Upon the 1st of Marche the Bishope of St Androes, assisted by
the Bishops of Dunkeld, Galloway, lies, Dumblane, Mr Thomas
Ilenrisone, commissar of Edinburgh, and Doctor Blair, held a
court of Hie Commission in Edinburgh, in the Bishope of St
Androes his lodginor.
THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HIE COMMISSION AGAINST MR JOHNE
SCRIMGEOUR, MINISTER AT KINGORNE, THE IST OF MARCHE
1620; SETT DOUN BY HIMSELFE.
St Androes. Mr Johne Scrimgeour, minister at Kinghorne,
being called on, St Androes shew the reference to the day, alledg-
ing he had promised either to conforme, or quite his ministrie, as
the act, at his last compeirance, Januar 26, proported.
Ans. He answeired, " I am over sore straited ; for to conforme
I never saw reason ; for my ministrie, it was not mine, and so I
could not give it/'
St Androes. " The act beares so, and ye must stand to it :" and
the act was redd bearing so.
Ans. " Where there is an act in judgment, it must either rise
of the processe redd, and so it may bind ; or it must be by consent of
pai'tie : noe processe was redd, noe consent craved of rae, noe
word written in my presence ; so noe act could be." And whill
the clerk alledgit the summones was redd, he, contra, and he ap-
pealed the Bishop of lies' testimonie.
St Androes. " We pass from the act : then, Avhat say ye to the
1G20. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 415
summones ?" (and they "vvcre rcdJ.) " Will ye conformc to the
act of Perth in the sacraments, ministration, and dayes ?"
Ans. "Before I answeir to the questions, I pray your discretions
to weighe the reasons of my refusall, which is not of anie contra-
dictorie mind. My education from my childhoode, receiving it
some fourtie yeers so, being perswadit by the trueth, vowing, pro-
fessing, and practising in all maner of band binding me therto. For
dayes likewise, as I have scene all the ministrie most cagcrlie sett
against them ; therefore, I think it is great wrong to urge anie of
them."
St Androes. " The kirk may change the policie therof, and things
rituall and indifferent, as occasion and uecessitie craves."
Ans. " This wold take a long time to speake of the kirk, her
power, things rituall and indifferent, and what this policie may be."
St Androes. " Even this same change anent the sacrament's ad-
ministration ; so sayes Knox ; his Majestic marked it."
Ans. " Produce anie thing of Knox may make for kneeling at
the Supper, and keeping holie dayes."
St Androes. " Fetche the booke." And it being brought, he
redd, about the end of his Historic of the Kirk, these words, as I
remember, " The church may change rites and ceremonies that
ingenders superstition and profanation."
A71S. " True, and so they changed from kneeling, and dayes
keeping, because of superstition and prophaness ; and so means
Mr Knox, and so practised he."
St Androes. " Sitting at table workes these."
Ans. " Then will I yeeld all to you. It will never be proven."
St Androes. " One sitting at table, and giving the cuppe to a
woman, takes her about the necke, and kisses her."
Ans. " That was noe superstition, nor proves it profainness ;
these must rise from the action itself. The Earle of Iluntlie and
his ladie being at masse, his brother wold in the verie mcane time
lean on upon my ladle's gentlewoman : will that prove the masse
l)rofaine ? A Papist wold deride it, and say, it were a noji causa.
But I will prove both superstition and profainness in these two
416 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1620.
articles rysing from them. For kneeling, sundrie Papistick bodies
has thanked God for the old world come againe ; some so con-
fusedlie giving and receiving, and crying, ' The devill a bitt I have
gotten!' For dayes, who cannot sie it?"
Dumhlane. " That is upon the people's ignorance not taught.
Martyr commends kneiling."
Ans. " If superstition and profainness be ministred by the cans of
the action, teaching is in vaine, and evill, as heer it is. For Martyr,
when I sie the place, I sail answeir to it." — The place was not
shewed.
Dumhlane. " Most of the reformed kirks has kneiling."
Aris. " None but England, and Papists and Lutheranes. France
and Holland is against it, as in their Confession, * Genujlexionem,
propter suspicionem idolatria, adversamur.^"
Dumhlane, " It is ' periculum^ "
Ans. " The better for me."
Dumhlane. " Beza, in an epistle to som€ brethren of England,
shews, they sould tolerate their ceremonies, ruther than leave their
ministrie."
Ans. " What Beza speaks, the place may be seen. Beside,
England's case and ours are farre different, speciallie then and now.
Marrie, Beza in another epistle, I think to the Bishop of Londoun,
exhorts him not to urge the brethren with them."
St Androes. " Ye gather the countrie to your communion,, as
from Edinburgh, St Androes, James Traill from the north of Fife,
the Laird of HalhiU."
Ans. " I shew my part before, I never sought one of them. I
could not stand at the doore to hold them out."
Dumhlane. " It is forbidden in an act of Generall Assemblie, and
ye make meikle of them, that anie sail be received from another
paroche, without the minister's testimonial!."
Ans. " I wold the acts of the Assemblie were keeped. But that
was where in neighbour paroches, some persons were in some
offence and slander, and justlie refused by their owne ministers.
But was it ever quarrelled, but with great confort practised, sun-
1620. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 417
(Irie ministers celebrating at sundric times, the saints resorted to
neighbour kirks, as they were moved, and were verie lovinglie
received ; and to speak iVeelic, wlicn the ministers of Edinburgh
comes to semel in anno, sail all the Lord's people be bound thereto?
What if they wold preach but once a raoneth ; sould they heare
noe oftener?"
Commissar Ilenrlsone 8])ake something heir, which I passed
lightlie. It was litle mater, and I have forgotten it.
St Androes. " Will ye conforme to the articles, as they are in
the summones ?"
Ans. " I cannot : I know noe conformitie but with Christ in his
death, and suft'erings, and in glorie."
St Androes. " Will ye refuse them then ?"
Ans. " Indeid will I."
>S'/ Androes. " Will ye testifie that by writt ?"
Ans. " Yea." So an act was penned by St Androes to this
effect : " Mr Johne Scrimgeour, minister, being conveened before
the Hie Commission, and inquired if he wold conforme himself,
and minister the Lord's Supper by kneeling, and keepe Yule-day,
as the king had commandit, answeired, he refused, as not being
persuadit by anie reason that ever he saw, and was sorie in his
heart the king's Majestic sould urge him with anie thing he could
not be resolved in conscience to doe." Heir I spake something of
the king's mindc, as not notorious. It was answered, it was shewed
by proclamation at the Mercate Crosse. I replyed, it was a small
warrand.
St Androes. " Remove you, and ye sail heare what sail be de-
cerned." I removed, and efter a little Avhile, called in againe.
St Androes. " Ye are deprived of all function of the kirk, and
within sixe dayes to be confynned in Dundie."
Ans. " It is a verie summarie and peremptorie sentence. Ye
might have advised better, and heard what I wold have said."
St Androes. " Ye sail be heard."
Ans. " By your good leave then, let me speak in plainness. I
remember Mr James Nicolsonc being at our synod in Dysert, the
VOL. VII. 2 D
418 calderavood's historie 1G20.
last time he was in Fife, sundrie of the counsell being present,
things were craved, and that in the king's name, albeit these now
were scarselie suspected. The brethren in publict distracted, and
reasoning and alledging pro et contra, there was a pi'ivie conference
appointed for working concorde. At the which, myself being one,
the forsaid lords being present, the purpose being layde doun by
jSIr James, by way of great regrate and greefe, that so gracious a
king sould be so ractt, as refused of his just demands, brethren
intending concorde so hardlie interprete, etc. ; my answeir was
then, and my petition, as it is now, that ye wold consider wiselie
what were the meetest way to pacific the troubles of this kirk,
and that sould worke his Majestic soundest contentment, and
speciall honour; viz., to regaird us ministers as his naturall and
loyall subjects, giving us the commone benefite of the lawes of
the land, which was, not to force us to anie point hrevi manu,
but to deale with us by reasone ; and if it overcome us, then we
behoved to yeeld. We were thought in the land men of judg-
ment ; brought up by our parents at schooles ; could reason, and
give account of our doing, obeying, and not obeying. ' Thus ye,
(said I to Mr James,) and the rest dealing for his Majestic in
maters of the kirk, sail procure his Hieness' honour and content-
ment, your owne credite and confort : otherwise, to force us with
violence of horning, wairding, as now, depriving, what honour to
the king, or credite to you? In all our sufferings, we will be the
more confident.' Mr James acknowledgit this, and the lords
present consenting thereto, and promised it sould be so : And so
craves of you.
" Besides, what was Mr James his judgement of this English
conformitie, the king's supremacie, this episcopacie, I can testifie
to have beene such as mine owne is now, as in God's presence I
lie not. And what was his judgement before his death, and what
his greefe for the things he saw then approaching, there are can
witness, and has witnessed.
" I doubt not ye remember at the Asserablie of Dundie, and
cfter at Montrose, the mater being moved of the commissioners.
1620. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 419
what were the pretences for the kirk's benefite, to have some men
of wisdome indowed with competent rents knowne to his Alajestie,
and so, having accessc to dealc for the brethren's benefite and con-
fort ; for kirks planting, ministers provyding, counsell and lawcs
assisting tlie worke, &c. IIow all this was suspect by some
brethren, fearing and foreseing this episcopacie and Englishe con-
formitie: with what protestations and oaths this was denyed, brethren
suspecting blamed, and hardlie used for this wairning. Now, what
falls out, and how truelie they suspected, and what was meant
indeid, thir things shewes.
" Suppone, I pray, it had been said to you, ' Sirres, the time
will come ye will sitt as great lords, clothed with strange autho-
ritie and majestic ; call and conveene, judge and condemne your
faithful! brethren, casting them out of their ministrie, and exposing
them to the outmost contempt of the world, for not kneeling at
the Communion, for not keeping Yule ;' what wold ye have an-
sweired ?
" Remember farther, into what blame and slander ye bring the
kirk, as to be reproached of all the kirks of Europe, for our incon-
stancie, and falling from our profession ; and how this cannot but
upon a verie necessitie follow us, and is brought in by you. We
Avere in a most happie unitie : ye separate from us, and as ye doe,
so ye maintaine your doing against us with all ye can, justifying
yourselfs, and condemning us as seditious, disobedient, disloyall,
[U'oude, foolishe, standing for trifles with so gracious a prince,
j)leasing and following the foolishe multitude, seeking a praise to
oursclfs. Af{aine, we cannot be silent thus so hardlie used in word
and worke, drawing against us the sword of authoritie. We are
forced to pleade against you, and so proclame to the world, that
some of us baited with the honour of the world, and profite therof,
ambitious, worldlings, mcn-pleasers, has start from us, snaires us
by their doing, exercising all violence and iniquitie against us.
Some will trow you, and some will trow us, and so discredit to
our kirk, and the workers of it."
420 calderwood's historie 1620.
St Androes, " Indeed e, ye sett out your pamphlets against us,
and darre not vowe them."
Ans. " That is, becaus of your violence, otherways we sail vowe
them to the whole world. I compare you and us to some societie,
as sixe or seven, of whom the one half sayes of the other, they are
theeves ; these againe of them, they are murtherers. Are not all
guiltie by their mutuall testimonie ? Thus ye bring guilt upon us
and your selfs.
" I appeale you before the Lord Jesu, as ye sail answeir to him
in the day of visitation ; lay these doings with that then. Ye are
now masters of the Assemblie, and has gott the scourges in your
hands, to cast out buyers and brockers out of the house of God.
Foresie what ye sail answeir to him for this doing. If ye hope
then to have the confort of this, as a worke weill pleasing his Ma-
jestic, and may thanke him that ye have cast out Mr Johne
Scrimgeour, and others like, out of the Lord's vineyaird, as idle
and ill workemen, and if then, the favour of men may ease you."
St Androes. " That will not doe your turne now," or, " That will
not helpe you :" some suche word.
Dunkeld. " I pray you, advise till efter, and take better resolu-
tion."
Ans. " Are ye sitting there to deprive me of my ministrie ? Ye
sould advise better."
Dunkeld. " In good faith, I cannot helpe it."
Galloway. " Mr Johne, we have done for you, and I have done
for you, and ye will be wilfull, and keepe a schisme in the kirk."
Ans. " What ever did ye for me, I thanke God, I was als able
to doe for you. As for my keeping a schisme, ye doe wrong to
say so. Ye sail not be able to quyte you of it. We were all in a
sound walke in the trueth : ye have leappen from us ; ye make
echismes."
St Androes. " I grant we were weill, if it had pleased the king,
who must be obeyed. And when otherwise it sail please his Ma-
jestic, I sail returne to my former doing."
Ans. " From your words I prove ^\e are ill now ; for if weill, (if
1620. OF THE KIllK OF SCOTLAND. 421
wise,) we wold hold so ; tor he is wise that is wcill, and can hold
him so. This change from good is ill, being contrarie to the
former ; kneeling to sitting, keeping of days to not keeping.
" As for the king, I professe not to scanse his power. But of
his Christian miude and resolution, I can beare testimonie, having
sometimes place to reasone with his Ilieness, and of this same
point of his interest in the maters of God, wherin I professed
Christ, Sovereigne and onlie director of his house. ' Your ^lajcstic,
(said I,) subject to him, but in rowme and dignitie nixt to him.
His Hieness answered, * I sail never challenge place nor power
beyond that, to direct anie thing anent the maters of God.' And
feeing I have had place to tell other men's maters to his Majestic,
and could, I may say truelic, have dimmed to these great prefer-
ments, I wold requeist you of your love and brotherhood, to be
more favourable interpreters of his Hieness' minde towards me,
and us your brethren, than thus to expose us to the contempt of
the time, and others hurts and inconveniences."
St Androes. " I tell you, Mr Johne, the king is Pope now, and
so sail be."
Ans. " It is an cvill [title ?] ye give him."
St Androes. " This cannot stay the sentence."
Ans. " Then take in my reasons in writt :" and I gave them out of
my hand, which he redd at leasour. They are these following : —
" 1. The reasone of the censure being from Perth Assemblie,
giving it be lawfuU which yit is disputable, yit the sentence of
geniculation was sub forma consilij, et non prcscepti ; et traditio eccle-
siastica suh forma consilij, et noji prcccepti, libera esse dicitur.
" 2. What was consented to was plainlie protested to give satis-
faction to his Majestic, and not to snare anie brethren.
" 3. For geniculation the reasone was allcdgit for the prayer's
caus, which yit is left frie to stand or sitt at it : Ergo^ Meikle more
sould the other be frie.
"4. The Assemblie setts doun noe expresse forme of ministra-
tion of the Lord's Supper, observation of holie dayes, at least noe
warrand of anie of the formes practised where alteration has taken
422 calderwood's historie 1620-
place. Neither is there anie warrantable forme directed nor ap-
proven bj the kirk beside that which is in print before the Psalme
Booke, according to the which, likas I have always done, so now I
minister that sacrament.
" 5. The said Assemblie having onlie and properlie power to
appoint convenient censurs against the controveeners of their owne
acts and constitutions, has left the same frie of all sanction, paine
generall or particulare. Likas manic of the affirmative voters
solemnlie declared, that if they had knowen anie hard censure to
pas therapon they had never voted to anie such constitution.
" 6. According to the rule, ' Ejusdem est exegui, cujus est condere,^
it has beene the custome of all lawfull councels, and inviolablie
observed by the Generall Assemblie of Scotland, that they in their
meetings has execute their owne acts, or, as occasion has required,
committed the execution of the same to certane commissioners
authorised to that effect, presbyteries or provinciall Assemblies,
and has never given place to that Papall pride. Ad canonum vir-
tutem, ordinem, interpretationem, dispensationem, 8fc. requiritur Papa ;
ad iiifallibilitatem decisionis, Concilium.
" 7. As there is noe censure ecclesiastick appointed in the cases
above specified, so is there noe act of parliament ordaining punish-
ment for the alledgit transgressions libelled : but by the contrarie,
diverse acts of parliament, allowing and commanding his Hienes'
subjects of this kingdome to receive the sacraments, keepe dayes
efter the manor observed by us.
" 8. The constitutions of this kirk in their due tenors and full
extent, viz., anent the conclusion of a particular mater, the penaltie
against the contraveeners of that conclusion, and the execution
therof, plainlie and properlie proceeds from one and the same
authoritie, viz., of lawfull consent of authorised commissioners
orderlie mett for holding an Assemblie. Neither is there anie
lawfull power before them for making, establishing, and executing
constitutions of that land ; meikle lesse may or sould some few
number of a Generall Assemblie, efter dissolving therof, eike, alter,
impair, or presume to execute their acts without their owne war-
rand.
1620. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 423
" 9. As I have received my ministrie by the lawful! order of this
kirk, and by solemne oath and promise, given at ray admission, has
submitted my self to the Generall and Provinciall Assemblies and
presbyteries as judges ordinaric to allow my proceedings, correct
my faults if anie be, &c. : so I stand most humblie submitted to
his Majestic and the said Assemblies respective, and of reason ought
to be judged by noe other in the particulare libellit."
St Ajidroes. " Take up your reasons againe." And so delivered
them to me, and wold not ingrosse them in the processe, saying,
"If ye will not conforme, I cannot helpe it. It is against my
hart : the king must be obeyed. The lords has given the sentence,
and will stand to it."
Ans. " Ye cannot deprive me of my ministrie. I receaved it not
from you : I receaved it from the whole synod of Fife, and for anie
thing ye doe, I will never think my self deposed from it." I
craved transportation from Kinghorne, if the place ofFendit, by the
neernes to Edinburgh.
St Androes. " Indeid, Mr Johne, I will be a Papist in that. The
order of the minister has character indclebilis. But ye are discharged
onlie of the present function of it. But whenever it sail please the
king, ye may use the same without anie new imposition of hands.
As for your transportation, that may be efterward upon your good
behaviour, but cannot be now."
Ans. " Then receive this, and rcade it." And I gave in this
protestation : —
" Protests before the Lord Jesu I get manifest wrong, my rea-
sons and allegations not considered nor answered : And attests
you before his glorious appeirance to answeir for this, and such
violent and wrong doing, thus maliciouslie and fraudulentlie op-
pressing me ; and plainlie protests my cans sould been heard, as I
pleadit, and pleads ; and challengs exceptionem fori, ad legitimiun
forum et judiccm. Lik as I appeale the Lord Jesus his eternall
AVord, the king my dread soveraigne, his lawes, his kirk, constitu-
tions, kingdome, counsels, and assemblies of both, and that I stand
minister of the Evangel, and onlie by violence am thrust thcr-
from."
424 calderwood's historie 1620.
Si Androes. " Ye must obey the sentence pronounced."
Ans. " For Dundie, it Is farre of, and I am not able for farre
journeys, as phesicians can witnes, if neede be ; and litle wait ye
what is in my purse."
St Androes — Galloway. " The constable is there, and Doctor
Lindsay, with whom ye may conferre."
Ans. " I purpose not to scafFe^ my meete at my cheese, nor am
I now to learn at Doctor Lindsay."
St Androes. " Then where will ye choose your confining ? "
Ans. " At a litle rowme of my owne, Bowhill, in Auchterdeere
paroche."
>S'i^ Androes. " Then weyt at Bowhill during the king's pleasure.
But it is neere Mr Johne Chalmer."
Ans. " It is farre enough from him."
Mr Johne Scrimgeour continued teaching in Kinghorne, not-
withstanding of the sentence of the Hie Commission.
MR G. GRIEE, MR J. PORTEOUS, MR J. HOWIE.
Mr George Grier his name was scraiped out of the summones,
at the Earle of Melrose's desire ; Mr James Porteous, minister
at Laswade, was suspendit till the nixt Assemblie, becaus the
bishops feared that the people wold communicate with him at
Easter nixt ; Mr James Howie, minister at Dumbar, gave in some
reasons which he sent before to the meeting at St Androes, in-
larged. The bishope undertaketh to answeir his reasons betuixt
and the Paslie ; but his answeirs were so frivolous, that Mr James
Avas confirmed in the trueth.
Upon Tuysday the second of Marche, the Bishope of St Androes,
before he came to the Hie Commission, went to the counsel, and
purchased a warrand to the guard, to apprehend an Englishe
preachour, named Mr Hubert ; but he was convoyed out of the
way. When he came to the Hie Commission, Mr Johne Weyms,
> Extort.
1G20. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 425
Mr David Ilowlc, Mr Samuel Slncler, Mr Alexander Klnnelr, ^Ir
Alexander Smith, Mr William Meffane, Mr Alexander Home, Mr
James Daise, Mr James Burnet, jNlr Francis Collasse, Mr Johne
Clapperton, ministers in IMarchc and Lauderdaille, compeired. lie
urged them with conformitie, and reviled Mr Andro Ramsay,
minister at Haymouth, howbeit absent, becaus he had celebrate
the Communion conforme to the laudable practise of our kirk the
Sabboth preceiding. They refuse. The bishope in great passion
sayeth, " I will divide you in thrie ranks : some of you have been
ministers before I was bishope ; ye looke for favour, but leane not
too much to it, least ye be deceived. Some of you I have admit-
ted, and ye subscrived to things alreadie concludit, and to be con-
cludit. Some of you, at your transportation from one kirk to an-
other, have made me the like promise. I will continue you all till
Easter, and in the meane time, sie ye give not the Communion.
There is," said he, " a banished minister, called Mr David Calder-
wode, who is not content that he be banished, but still provoketh the
king to harder dealing. It is to be feared, if the king understood
where he is, he will send for him." Upon Fryday the 3d of
Marche, he sent for Mr Johne Weyms, and the moderators of the
thrie presbyteries, Dunse, Chirnsyde, and Ersletoun, and had a
long speeche unto them. " Ye sie," said he, " Avhat a fire is in
our kirk. Ye that are grave, wise, learned men, wold doe weill to
give good exemple, and yeild to some things for the king's plea-
sour, if it were but to make your tables short, and to give the
elements out of your own hands." JVIr Johne Weyms answeired,
" That were as evill as kneeling, for that were to doe directlie
against the Insiitution ; therfor we will never doe [it."] Then said
the bishope, " Doctour Lindsay's booke now come forth, will re-
solve you of all these things." Mr Johne answeired, " It had
beene good he had not written anie thing, for he shames himself,
and never brings argument nor reason for him." " He purposed
to have written uoe more," said the bishope, " were not that knave,
who now is lo^^'ppen over sea, with his purse weill filled by the
426 calderwood's historie 1620.
wifes of Edinburgh, had written Perth Assemblie. It had been
good it had never been written. Seing I can obtaine nothing at
your hand, grant me this one thing, that ye will be quyet, and not
hinder others Avho have promised, sworne, and subscribed." They
made litle answeir.
PATRIK CONE APPREHENDIT.
Upon the 8th of Marche, Patrik Cone, sone to the Goodman of
Auchrie, servitour to the Earle of Erroll, was apprehendit in Leith
by the baillies. He had latlie come out of France, and refused to
open his chist to the customers. The customers opened it, and
found in it sundrie Popishe treatises and works, and diverse mis-
sives directed to sundrie noblemen, and others of inferiour ranke ;
and amongst the rest, one to the Clerk of Registrie, Sir George
Hay, now Chancelour. He was presented before the Lords of
Secrete Counsel the day following, with his packalds and books.
One of the packalds was directed on the backe to the North,
another to the South. The letters within were looked upon in the
backs, but not opened. The man, howbeit, professing himself a
Papist, and occasion was given to make farther searche, was dimit-
ted with the letters, and noe more done.
MONSTERS BORNE.
Upon the 14th or 15th of Marche, a woman in Leith was de-
livered of a monster, which from the waist up was well propor-
tioned, but from the waist doun had the forme of a fishe, with a
taile. The monster was either dead borne, or died soone efter.
About the same time, the belman's wife of Leith was delivered
of a bairne having two heads, and thrie armes, both the heads
breathing life, and uttering a small, weake, murning voice. It
expyred within 24 hours efter the birth.
1020. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 427
Sill JAMES MAKCONXELL GETTETII REMISSION.
About this time, sure report was brought from court, that Sir
James jNIakconncll had gotten his remission under the Great
Ssale, and a remission to the Laird of Makdonnald, who con-
voyed him out of the Castle of Edinburgh, Avhcn he brake waird,
and fledd to the archduke. It was tliought strange, that such an
oppressour and murthercr of men under trust, and speciaUie of
that worthie and valiant man, Makclene, howbeit not verie gracious
to the king, sould have gotten such favour.
Upon Tuysday the 28th of Marche, Mr James Law, Bishopc of
Glasco, assisted with the Bishops of Argile, Galloway, and Dum-
blane ; and ministers, Mr Thomas Muirheid, ISIr James Hammil-
toun, iNIr Archibald Hammiltoun, Mr David Shairp, Mr Daniel
Cunynghame, Doctor Whitfurd, minister of ISIoffet, and Doctor
Hay, minister at Peiblis, held a court of Hie Commission in
Glasco. Mr Robert Scott, minister of Glasco, Mr William Living-
stoun, minister at Lanerck, Mr Johne Ferglsone, minister at
Ochiltrie, compeired before them. INIr James Inglis, minister of
Dalie, was excused by reason of his infirmitie, by a testimoniall
sent from the presbyterie. The bishope hardlie accepted the
excuse, but Mr James resolved to compeir efter.
Mr Robert Scott was first called. * * * *
******** *
******** jK
THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HIE COMMISSION AGAINST MR W.
LIVINGSTOUN.
Mr William Livingstoun was called on. When his libell was redd,
he alledgit that he was not lawfuUie cited, becaus that a conveni-
ent time was not granted to him, to advise upon an answeir at his
corapeirance. A commissar, for a trifle of geare, will give sixc
days' Icasure ; but he was cited upon Satterday, was to prcache
428 calderwood's historie 1620.
tvvise on the Lord's day, and was to ride to Glasco upon Monday.
But they wold not admitt this exception. They urged obedience
to the articles. He plainlie refused to have adoe Avith them, or
with their course, which he affirmed to be defective and offensive.
They urged him to take a time to advise. He refused, becaus he
doubted not, and wold not dissemble to w^eaken others. They
urged him with the authoritie of the Assemblie. He answeired,
he was not bound to doe good for that Assemblie, much lesse
evill ; he wold doe good, becaus it is goode, but not for it. " What
can ye say against the Assemblie ?" said the bishope. " It was
neither frie, nor full, nor formall," said Mr William : " It stoode
not," said he," of such as had power to inact ; and I thank God, I
saw it, and the proceedings of it : the neglecting of lawfull com-
missioners that gatt noe vote, the taking in of others who had noe
commission." The bishope seemed to misknow that, and the rest
of that kind. When they proceedit to the sentence of deposition
and confyning, he answeired, that their sentence came not from a
just power, Avas not for a lawfull caus, nor deduced efter a right
maner ; and if the Assemblie had been a lawfull Assemblie, as it
was not, yit none might execute the acts of it, but either it self, or
such as had a commission from it. But they that satt were neither
the Assemblie, nor had or could shew a commission or power from
it ; and therfore might not execute the acts of it, farre les inflict
a punishment which was not in the act, nor was not the mind of
the Assemblie. He declined their judicatorie, as the other two
did.
THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HIE COMMISSIOjST AGAINST MR JOHNE
FERGISONE ; SETT DOUN BY HIMSELFE.
"At Glasco, the 28th of Marchc 1620, the clerk, Mr Edward
Mairshall, having redd the summones, the bishope desired me to
answeir. I first protested, that they wold heare me patientlie,
beare with my weaknes, and tender the tendernes of my con-
science ; which being promised, I shew them, I was called to the
1620. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 429
function of the ministrie unlocked for by me or anie ; I had found
the blessing of God upon my labours ; I had felt what an evill and
a good conscience meant, in some measure ; and sonitinics had
tasted of the terrours of my conscience, which maks me now, that
I darre not for my life medle with a jote in anie thing against my
light. How I was brought before this judicatorie, I said, I knew
not ; whether by the hand of God or the malice of men. As for
men, I had done them noe wrong. I had Avalked singlie in my
calling, as I could, without offence till anie. Therfore I tooke it
as the Lord's call, shooting me furth at this time, howbeit weake,
to beare witnes to his trueth, and to this cans, which I was will-
inglie and freclie to give ; and therfor to testifie there, I misliked
the whole course, and all these things in it : my conscience could
not approve them, neither could I practise them.
" This being premittcd, they urged me to answeir peremptorlle
to the summones. INIy first answeir was, I was not holdeu to
answeir, in respect I was not lawfuUie cited. I was demandit,
•when I was cited ? 1 answeired, * Upon Fryday.' The bishope
replyed, it was sufficient ; yea, howbeit he had summoned me
yesternight, if he had been in the toun. I answeired, Avas thrie
days sufficient, in so great a mater as deposition from a ministrie,
the flocke neither cited, if they had ought to alledge against me, as
edicts were served at my admission ? The archbishope replyed, it
was neidles to cite my flocke : I was summoned for my owne fault,
and not for theirs.
" In end, they repelled this answeir, and urged me to give rea-
sons why I wold not conforme. I shewed them I was not come
there to reason ; it was a mater belonging to a whole kirk. The
bishope objected against my light, that it might be erroneous. I
replyed, it might be so, yit my light behoved to warrand my
conscience. The bishope demandit, what light I had by their
light ? I replyed, it might be their light was great, mine weake,
and therfor I requeisted tliem to beare with my weaknes. He
called to mynd our refusing to reasone in a synodall assemblie,
which I acknowledged was true, that it was not pertinent to a
430 calderwood's historte 1620.
provinciall, to dispute that which belonged to a nationall assemblie.
In end, the bishope demandit, if I wold let him sie anie Scripture
wherin I was forbidden to kneele. I told him {ut anted) I come
not to dispute. The Bishope of Galloway urged me more straitlie
by discourse, what reasone I had for me not to conforme. I
answeired him, it was sufficient to me, howbeit there were noe
more to bear me out, that thir things were scandalous, unexpedi-
ent, destroying the thing which we were building, turning from a
better to a worse. To the which, he incensed, made this reply :
if I teached that doctrine to my people, he wold affirme that my
doctrine was pernicious doctrine. To the which I replyed, if there
Avere anie there that wold challenge my doctrine, I wold stand to
the defence of it, for I had taught the Gospell of Christ in puritie,
as I could.
" Efter this, the Bishope of Glasco urged me to give in some
other defence, for the former was not relevant. I intreatted him
to spaire me, to tender my weaknes, and to accept of my former
answeir. At which time, (how it came in, I remember not,) this
question was amongst us. The things were not maters of faith.
To the which I replyed, they were maters of conscience, and by
consequence maters of faith ; and I cannot find how a man can
keep the faith, and tyne a good conscience. The bishope replyed,
these two were different, not one. I answeired, yitt they were
knitt together, and so the one cannot be without the other. I
was urged againe to give reasons against thir particulai's. Ut
antea, I answeired, I wold not reasone. Upon the which, the
Bishope of Glasco tooke occasion to say, ' Truelie, Mr Johne,
I must tell you, by all your reasons, I find you the shaldest man
that ever I had to doe with:' and the least wind of reasone in a
strono- man's hand wold ding doun all that I had to say. I ac-
knowledged my weaknes, and requeisted them all to tender my
conscience. Efter that, he said, that conscience, if it were not
erroneous, wold cause me obey my superiours in kirk and com-
monweill. I answeired, conscience band me to obey God, and
my superiors in God ; yit I behoved to obey God rather tlian man.
1G20. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTLAND. 431
" I was urged la end to goe to some other defence. I requeisted
them oft to spare me, and urge noe farther, >vhill in end I was
constrained to give my second defence, which was, that scing the
niatcr was ecclesiastick, and I was obliged in the discharge of
the duties of my calling to the assemblies of the kirk, thcrfor I
was urged to decline their judicatorie as unlawfull, in maters con-
cerning my calling ; thcrfor, I declined their authoritic. The
Bishope of Dumblane replycd, ' It is an appellation, Mr Johne.'
' I know,' I answeired him, ' it was a direct declining of that
seate, as no direct judge to my calling.' The Bishope of Glasco
bade me cast doun my dcclinatour, which I did. The Bishope of
Dumblane requeisted me not to doe so, in regard I wold incense
the king's Majestic against me. I told him, it was sore against
my heart to give offence to auie one. I was urged to subscryve it,
as I did frielie.
" In end, the Bishope of Glasco required me, if I had aught more
to say. I prayed him and them all to construct all I was doing
in good part, and in end, to be warre to medle with my calling ;
doe with my persone as it pleases them, as they wold be answeir-
able to the cternall God. * Weill,' said the Bishope of Glasco,
* Mr Johne, ye commend us to the judgments of God; we will
commend you to the mercies of God.' I answeired, ' I pray you
mistake me not; I commend you not to his judgments. I tell
you, ye must be answeirable to his judicatorie, how ye doe Avith
me.' To the which the Bishope of Glasco replyed, ' We will be
doing in the meanc time.' In end, they desii'ed me to remove.
In my removing, I requeisted them all to consider what I had
said ; I desired God to give them light ; and prayed them to take
heid what they did, as they wold be answeirable to God. So we
were all remitted till efter noone.
" In the eftcrnoone, I was cited to heare the sentence, which
was pronounced by the Archbishopc of Glasco, which was deposi-
tion from my ministrie, and wairding. To the which sentence I
answeired, first, I did not acknowledge their deposition, as I had
not received my ministrie from them. Whcrupon they tookc occa-
432 calderwood's histoeie 1620.
sion to demand If I wold then exercise my ministrie. To the which
I answeired, als long as anie wold heare, (God willing,) I sould
teache. The bishope with terours minassed me, that if I did, he
sould send up my name to the king's Majestic, and bade me expect
the straittest punishment of the law. Tuiching the second part
of their sentence concerning my wairding, I acknowledgit the
king's power over my persone, and therfore willinglie submitted
my persone to his Majestic, to doe with it as seemed good to him,
and such as had authoritie from him."
THE COPIE OF THEIR DECLINATOUR.
" In respect the fault libelled concerns my office of ministrie,
which I received by the lawfull ordour of this kirk ; and by solemne
oath and promise given at my admission, has submitted my self to
the Generall and Provinclall Assemblies and Presbyteries, as judges
ordinare, either to allow my proceedings, or to correct my faults,
I stand most humblie submitted to his Majestic and the said as-
semblies respective J and by reason, ought to be judged by noe
others In the particulars libelled. Therfor, seing it has been the
custom of all lawfull counsels, and inviolablie observed by the
Generall Assemblies of Scotland, that they in their meetings has
execute their owne acts, or committed the execution therof to
certane commissioners : And seing the alledgit acts containe noe
paine, or hard censure to follow therupon ; neither has the As-
semblie given power to commissioners to execute these acts; neither
is there anie act of parliament, ordaining punishment for the alledgit
transgressions libelled, but by the contrare, allowing and command-
ing his Hienes' subjects of his kingdome to preache, and receive the
sacrament efter the maner observed by us : Notwithstanding wher-
of, the libell threatens not onlie deprivation of all function of the
ministrie, but punishment by other censures and paines that may
be Imposed by vertue of the Hie Commission : Further, his Ma-
jestic and Thrie Estats, James VI., pari. 8, act 131, discharges
all judgments or jurisdictions, spirituall or temporall, which are
1620. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 433
not approven by his Majestle and Thrie Estates conveened in par-
liament, and decerns the samine to cease, ■whill the nature thei'of
be first scene and considerlt by his Ilienes, and his said Thrie
Estats conveened in parliament, as said is, and be allowed and
ratified by them : Certifyin": them that sail proceede in using and
executing of the said judgments and jurisdictions, or in obeying
the same, not being allowed and ratified as said is, they sail be
repute, holdcn, calllt, persued, and punished as usurpers and con-
temners of his Hienes' authoritie, in exemple of others. And
true it is, that this commission v;as not approven in parliament,
notwithstanding one parliament interveened since it was first used.
Thairfor, what ever censure ye may incurre for using, I wold not
incurre the like for obeying. For the reasons forsaide, and others
to be eiked, if neid be, I decline the said commission, as noe
wayes competent judges in the case above specify ed; and hum-
blie submitts ray self to be judged by the lawes of the Generall
Assemblie."
Mr Johne Fergisone was ordained to enter in waird in Perth.
Mr Robert Boyde, Principall of the Colledge of Glasco, and Mr
Johne Chalmers, his brother-in-law, intreated the bishope for an
ease of his waird. The bishope consented, provyding he ministered
not the Communion the nixt Sabboth-day to the rest of his paroch-
iners who had not communicate the first day. But he went home,
and ministered the Communion. Mr AVilliam Livingstoun was
ordined to enter in waird in Minin Abbey. He went home, and
offered the Communion to his flocke : they refused, fearing to be
cutt of from all benefite of his ministrie. Mr Robert Scott was
continued till efter Pasche, at the earnest solicitation of the people
of Glasco.
THE king's DIRECTION TO CONFINE CERTAN CITIZENS OF
EDINBURGH.
Upon the penult of Marche, the king gave out this direction
following, to confine ccrtane citizens of Edinburgh, for incouraging
VOL. VII. 2 E
434 calderwood's historie 1G20.
troubled ministers when they were cited before the Hie Commis-
sion : —
" Eight trustie and welbeloved Cousines and Counselours, and
right trustie and welbeloved Counselours, we greete you weill. —
Wheras diverse of our burgh of Edinburgh, out of a peevish
humour, in contempt of good order, leave their ordinarie pastors ;
and following deprived or silenced ministers, receive of them the
Sacrament : We have conceived a most just indignation against
them, which we deferre to expresse by anie exemplarie punish-
ment, hoping that at this approaching Easter their conformitie to
good order sail testifie their amendment. But in respect there be
some who continuallie assist the refractorie ministei's in all their
disobedience, and spare not to countenance them in all their publict
doings, yea, even to accompanie them, when they are cited before
our Hie Commission, therby incouraging them to stand out
against the orders of the church, in contempt of our authoritie :
And although we have so long had patience with them, as to ex-
pect, that by lenitie and admonition they might have been reclaimed
from their rebellious humour, and reduced to an obedient and due-
tifull kind of behaviour : Yit seing lenitie prevails not with them,
we have thought good by thir presents to will you to remove the
specialls of these evill weads out of that feild ; and send William
Rigge, merchant, and James Cathkine, unto Caithnes; Richard Law-
son to Aberdeene; Robert Meiklejohne, skinner, to Dunkeld ; Johns
Meine to Wigtoun, in Galloway ; and Thomas Inglis, skinner, to
Montrose : Willing and commanding everie one of them not to
exceede the bounds to him limited, without our speciall warrand,
under all highest paine and punishment. The like course we in-
tend to take with others who sail be found culpable of the like
offence. And not doubting of your care in the premisses, we bid
you fairweill.
" Given at our Mannour of Theobalds, the penult of Marche,
1620."
1020. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 435
SOME SPEECHES UTTERED BY THE BISHOPE OF GLASCO, IN SER-
MOXE, BEFORE IIIS DIOCESAN SYNODE AT GLASCO, THE 4tH OF
APRILE, UPON JOHNE ii. 17.
" This house elswhuir is called holie. The Lord calls his
montainc a holic montaine. Then I wold spearc, wherfor may we
not call a day holie, that is appointed for preaching and prayer,
seing his house is called holie, for the holie use ?"
Upon zeale, he said, that where the zeale of the house of God
cate up Christ, now the zeale of people in thir daycs eattes up
the kirk. That as Christ was crucified betuixt two theevs, so
is his kirk now, betuixt Papists and schismaticks.
" The zeale now is blind, and for by-respects, that they may
gett credite with people, and the purse filled, as Judas gatt the
bagge. And as Diogenes wold be singular, and bath in snow and
water in winter, that the people come flocking about, pityand and
cryand, ' Come out !' but Plato,, more learned nor himself, said,
' Goode people, goe home ; let him alone, and he will come out of
will ;' they will say," says he, " that they suffer for righteousnes,
even as Dioscorus, when he suffered for haeresie, cryed out, 'I
suffer for righteousnes' sake !'"
He said, it faireth best with the kirk when philosophers were
princes, and princes philosophers, and godlie prelats hang at
princes' eares like precious Jewells.
He tooke God and his angels to witnesse, that the things in
question in our kirk were neither commandit nor forbidden in
(rod's Word, but left indift'erent, and might lawfuUie be done. He
tooke it upon his salvation, that they were but trifles that all the
strife was for ; and that the pamphletter's pamphlete, (meaning
the NuUitie of Perth Assemblie,) that called kneeling Idolatrie,
Avas but a fals lie.
He compaired manie to Avicennae's maide, that from her young
ycirs was fedd on poyson, and it hurt her not. But Avherevcr sho
came her breath was pestiferous, and infected others.
436 calderwood's HisTOPJE ]620.
He said to the full assemblie, " Ye sie how some are handled ;
looke for the like if ye obey not. And for me, what I doe in thir
I sail never repent ; and I hope in God I sail never repent it."
He Avoid not yeild to the synod's requeist for the deprived minis-
ters, who were deprived some few days before, to strike a terrour
in the assemblie. When he said to Mr Robert Scott, " Ye will
resolve better ;" he answeired boldlie in the face of the synode, he
was resolved alreadie, and desired him not to looke for anie other
resolution of him. Whether at this assemblie, or at another before,
I am not certane, he said to Mr James Inglis, minister at Dailie, if
he conformed not, he sould close his mouth, and banishe him the
king's dominions. Mr James answeired, " I sail be als readie by
God's grace to suffer, as ye sail be to persecute, and one day will
make manifest whether ye doe welll or not." The bishope answeir-
ed, " We sail be doing whill that day come." The like speeche
he used to Mr Johne Fergisone, and at another time to Mr Thomas
Hogge,
PREPARATION IN EDINBURGH FOR EASTER COMMUNION.
Upon Thursday, the sixt of Aprile, Mr Patrik Galloway desired
that the elders and deacons conveened in session might be asked
what wold be their part in the celebration of the Communion at
ICaster. William Rigge, one of the cheefe citizens of Edinburgh,
being asked, he asked againe, Efter what maner Avoid they minister
it? Mr Thomas Sydserfe, moderator, ansAveired, "Efter Avhat
maner ye please to receive it ; sitting, standing, or kneeling."
" Then," said William Rigge, " for avoiding of confusion, let a tyme
and place be appointed for these to whom ye Avill give it sitting."
Mr Thomas cried out, " O thou monstruous schismaticke ! can thou
tell Avhat a schismaticke is ? I will examine thee presentlie." Wil-
liam Rigge riseth, and ansA\-eireth coldlie, " I am readie to be ex-
amined." " O," said Mr Thomas, " thou art an ignorant ; thou
art not Avorthie of the place thou art in." William answeired, "It
is true, Sir, I am not worthie of my place ; and I troAV, Sir, ye
1G20. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 437
think your self uinvorthie of your place also." ]Mr Thomas was so
ashamed of his owne misbehaviour, pride, and bitternes, -which had
caried him so farre out of the way, that he craved God and him
mercie upon the Satterday efter, and promised never to doe the
like. Some of the elders promised to come ; others to come, but
not to communicate. Two or tlirie of the deacons promised to
serve. The ministers appointed another meeting the raorne. The
baillies joyned with the ministers at that nixt meeting, and again
the ministers offered to give it to everie one sitting ; but concealed
that they wold give the elements out of their owne hands. Upon
the Sabboth-day following, the ministers offered publictlie to give
the elements to the communicants sittinfj, standinj;, or kneelinor.
Yit Mr Patrik Galloway affirmed, that if it were given to his
choise he wold take it kneeling rather than anie other way, becaus
most confort was to be had that way : it was the humblest maner,
" and we have the best warrant for it," said he ; and cited for his
warrant the 95 Psahne, and Philipp. ii., and the kneeling of Christ
in the garden, when he swatte bloode. Upon Tuysday, the elleventh
of Aprile, the citizens being conveened according to the custorae,
some of them desired that the communicants might be suffered to
distribute the elements among themselfs. The ministers answeir-
ed, it lay not in their hands to grant that. Then some of the
citizens protested they wold not receive it efter that maner.
EASTER COMMUNION.
Howbeit the ministers made ofTer in the session, and in the
pulpits, to give the elements to the communicants sitting, yitt did
they frette within themselfs at such as satt, and Mr Patrik in a
maner threatned them. He staired a simple woman in the face,
when he was to give her the elements ; the woman being dashed,
went to her knees. He gave the thesaurer a shaive^ of breadc ;
the thesaurer made it to serve other five that were nixt him. Mr
> SUce.
438 calderwood's historie 1620.
Patrik perceiving his owne errour, wold have given everie one of
them the element of breade againe; but they ansvveired, they
were alreadie served. When Thomas Aldinstoun's wife had
divided that part of the breade which she had gotten, Mr William
Struthers, ministring in the Colledge Kirk, pulled it out of her
hand as she was lifting it to her mouth, and gave her a portion
out of his own hand. The most part of the communicants in
the Old Kirk were the Lords of Counsel and Session, and their
folloAvers. There were about sixteen hundreth communicants in
the Colledge Kirk, where the ministers served from ten hours
efter the sermon was endit, till four efternoone, wearied more with
corporall service than spirituall exhortations. None kneeled but
about twentie persons. It was thought that they had gotten none
to kneele in their kirk, if they had not brought out the poore out
of the hospital!, to begin, and give goode exemple. Being aged,
poore, and ignorant persons, they durst not refuse. Sundrie of
them, when they were kneeling, knocked on their breasts, lifted
up their eyes and hands. The last day of the Communion onlie
sevin kneeled, of which number were Mr Patrik Galloway's wife,
and her daughter, Mr Alexander Cumine, a Papist, and two women
in Mr Pape's house, another Papist.
Mr Patrik Galloway's idle speeches and frivolous reasons in his
sermon upon Easter-day, procured these lynes following to be sent
to him : —
A LETTER TO MR PATRIK GALLOWAY.
" I received information of your Pasche preaching, but sounding
more to warre nor peace, which I trust ye will not scale with
your bloode. Ye provoke, as Golias, all other wise myndit, to
answeir your strong arguments, or rather stroe^ arguments. I
have examined them ; your precept, your prophecie, your band
and debt, and your last munse. And truelie, I will not put pen
' Peevish.
1020. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 439
to paper, to answcir one who has neither Logickc nor Theologic ;
and, therfor, I wold give you a Letter of Marke, to say what you
please. But one thing I will say, that as in the pregnancie of
your youth ye stirred up the lords against the king at the Raide
of Riven, so in the dottage of your age ye wold stirre up the
king against the Lord's servants, both pastors and people. But
1 trust ye sail gett your wages ; that is, an ill conscience, that sail
beate you to the end, and the king sail give you noe thanks. So
I rest, praying God to be mcrcifull to you, if it be possible.''
•WILLIAM RIGGE, RICHARD LAWSONE, &C., CHARGED TO WAIRD.
Upon the 25th of Aprile, William Rigge, James Cathkine,
Johne Menie, and Robert Meiklejohne, skinner, burgesses of Eden-
burgh, were charged to enter in their severall wairds or confinraent,
without citation, tryall, or conviction before the counsel, onlie for
satisfaction to his oSIajestie. When that mater was proponed in
counsel, Chancelour Setoun said, they could not proceede so in-
orderlie, for it was neither reasonable nor according to law. The
president, Secretarie Ilammiltoun, answeired, " My Lord, ye must
not frame the question so. It must be framed in these termes,
' Whether will ye give obedience to the king's letter or not?'"
So the act was made without contradiction. Johne Inclis
escaped, becaus he was named Thomas in the king's letter. None
were suspected of giving up their names to the king but the
ministers of Edinburgh. There was noe cans knowne Avherfor
Robert Meiklejohne was charged with the rest ; but becaus he
satt at table the last yeir, when Mr Patrik Galloway delivered
him the element of breade. The coppie of the summones heir
folio we th : —
" James, by the grace of God, King of Great Britaine, France,
and Irland, Defender of the Faitli, to our lovitts, A\'alter Richie,
Kintyre, purse vant, messengeirs, our shcreffs in that part, &c. —
Forsamcikle as wc arc crediblic infomied, that William Rio-rrc.
440 calderwood's historie 1620.
merchant, Eichard Lawsone, and James Cathkine, booksellers,
Johne Meine, merchant, Thomas Inglls, and Robert Meiklejohne,
skinners, and burgesses of our burgh of Edinburgh, doth not onlie
assist the ministrie who are refractorie to the order and constitu-
tions of the kirk made and concludit at the Assemblie of Perth, in
all their disobedience, and spairs not to countenance them in all
their publict doings, but ever to accompanie them where they are
cited before the Hie Commission, and therby incouraged them
to stand out against the orders of the kirk, in contempt of our
authoritie : And although we have so long had patience with
them, as to accept, that by lenitie and admonition they might
been reclaimed from their rebellious humours, and reduced to
an obedient and duetifull kind of behaviour : Yit seing lenitie
prevaileth not with them, we are constrained to take the nixt
course, wherby others may be affray ed to fall in the like oiFences
heirefter.
" Our will is heirfor, ye pas, summone and charge the said
"William Rigge and James Cathkine to addresse themselves to
the countrie and bounds of Caithnes, within the space of threttie
days nixt efter they be charged by you therto. And also, that
ye command and charge the said Richard Lawsone to addresse
himself to our burgh of Aberdeene : And the said Johne Meine
to addresse himself to our burgh of WIgtoun, in Galloway, within
twentie dayes nixt efter they be charged by you therto. And
siclike, that ye command and charge the said Thomas Inglis
to addresse himself to our burgh of Montrose. And the said
Robert Meiklejohne to addresse himself to our citle of Dunkeld,
within fifteene days nixt efter they be charged by you therto.
And that they remaine and keip waird within the bounds above-
written limited unto them, and that noe ways they transcend the
saids bounds, without our speciall warrand had and obtained to
that effect, under the pain of rebellion, and putting them to our
home. And if they failyie, &c., that ye denunce the disobeyers
or rebells, and put them to our home, and escheate all their
movable goods, &c., by thir our letters.
1620. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 441
" Given under our signet at Halwind Hous, the 19th day of
Aprile, and of our raigne the 53 and 18 yeirs, 1620.
" Per actum Secreti Consibj."
The honest men being informed that the counsel of Edinburgli
desired to be acquaint with the mater, they went to them, and
presented the cliairge ; which being redd, they were removed, and
called in againe, and inquired if they were fric of the things con-
tained in the charge. They answeired, when the troubled minis-
ters came to the toun, they had companie with them, and walked
in the streets with them. It was asked, if they accompanied
them to the Hie Commission. They answeired, that they had
not done it, but liad neglected so good a ductie. The counsel
forbade them to speeke anie more of that mater, and laboured to
gett a promise of them not to offend in tyme coming against anie
thing .contained in the charge. They answeired, they wold not
make a law to themsclfs : if they transgressed anie law, they were
lawbyding. Jhone Byres, Jhone Inglis, and Mr Johne Hay, clerk,
were directed bie the toun to the bishope, to intreate for them.
The counsel willed the lionest men to be at the session the nixt
day. There the ministers of Edinburgh purged themselfs before
the session. Mr Patrik Galloway affirmed, that one of the coun-
sel's self (meaning Mr Johne Hay) had delated their names to
the king. Mr Johne purged himself to the honest men, and left
the blame upon the ministers themselfs. But neither the one nor
the others were to be beleeved. Always, both counsel and ses-
sion sent to the bishope to intreate him. The bishope seemed to
be altogether ignorant of the charge, yit he wrote to the chan-
celour and secretarie, to supercede farther execution till the first
of June ; and promised to wry te to the king in their favours,
and to take the mater in his owne hand. So they escaped at
that time.
442 calderwood's historie 1620.
A HIE COMMISSION AT ST AXDROES.
Upon Fry day the 21st of Aprlle, the Bishope of St Androes,
assisted with Mr Johne Weyms, a senator of the Colledge of
Justice, the archdeane, Mr Glaidstanes, Doctor Howie, Doctor
Bruce, Doctor Blair, held a court of Hie Commission at St An-
droes. To terrific the synode, which was to hold shortlie efter.
Doctor Barclay was deprived of the exercise of preaching within
the diocie of St Androes ; Mr David Mearnes was confined in his
owne paroche, and commandit not to minister the Communion till
Martimes ; and to resolve betwixt and that time, or els he needit
to looke for no other thing but deprivation : Mr William Areskine
was ordained to be confined in Anguse. The archdeane, Mr
Alexander Glaidstanes, latelie come from court, reported that the
king had sent two letters to the two archbishops, commanding
them to goe forward in deposing of disobedient ministers, and
threatning to punishe them civillie, that were deposed for non-
conformitie.
A DIOCESAN SYNODE HOLDEN AT ST ANDROES.
The Bishope of St Androes held a diocesan synode at St An-
droes the 25th ofAprile. He said to the ministers conveened,
" Seiner we are all mett, I will cans these that have conformed
censure others that have not conformed." So he went to the
calling of the names. But the non-conformitans, efter they had
answeired to their names, went out all but seven or eight. The
bishope inraged, inquired all these that stayed, and amongst the
rest, at Mr David Andersone, whither they had ministred the
Communion according to the act of Perth? Mr David an-
sweired, " Not." Then the bishope demandit, what was the rea-
sone ? He answeired, " My parochiners will not receive it efter
that manner from me." " Is that the Laird of Torrie," said the
bishope, " that bade you say so ? Tell him, I bade him goe hang
1G20. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 443
himself." " My Lord, yc arc in the wrong to the gentleman," said
Mr David ; " for howbcit he has land in my paroche, he is not my
parochiner. He never bade me say such a thing, nor conferred
with me in that mater." The bishope said againe, " Ye may tell
him yit againe, ] bade him goe hang himselfe. Albeit I were not
in the place I am in, I think my self als honest a man as anie
baron in Fife." Thus the proude prelate abused that worthic
and religious gentleman, Mr Patrik Wardlaw, Laird of Torrie,
in the face of a synode. It is observed, that he has this word
of hanging frequent in his mouth, both in private and publict :
what will be his owne end, God knows, but weill deservs he to be
hansfit.
31 R A. DUNCAN AND 3IR W. CRi^JS^STOUN DEPRIVED.
Upon the 10th of May, he held a court of Hie Commission at
St Andi'oes, and deprived Mr Andrew Duncan, minister at Carailc,
whom he had suspendit before in Edinburgh, and an aged minis-
ter, Mr William Cranstoun, minister at Holketle.
GRANGE DISPERSETH BOOKS.
About this time, William Circadie, Laird of Grange, dispersed
about fourscore coppies of a booke which he himself had com-
piled against the entrie and usurpation of bishops, and the conclu-
sions of Perth Assemblie. The bishope sent a copie to the pre-
sident. The president sent a charge to him, to keepe waird in his
owne house. But he wjs noe farther troubled, partlie becaus he
was alliaed to the president, partlie becaus he was repute foolishe
and phantasticke.
FATHER ANDERSON APPREHENDIT AND EXAMINED.
Upon the 18ih of May, Father Andersone, a traffecker amongst
the Papists of this countrie, was apprehendit with his masse-cloths,
444 calderwood's historie 1620.
books, and writts, and was examined upon the 23d of May before
the Bishops of St Androes and Glasco, the provest and baillies of
Edinburgh, and some of the ministers. He answeired boldlie and
directlie to generalls ; professed himself to be a preist, and that
he had manie times said masse, but would not reveale what houses
or compaine he haunted.
COLONELL GRAY IMBARKETH.
About the end of May, Colonell Gray, a ranke Papist, imbarked
at Leith with his captans and souldiours, to the number of fifteen
hundreth, levied for the King of Boheme's use.
A COURT OF HIE COMMISSION.
Upon Wednesday the seventh of June, the Hie Commission
conveened in the Bishope of St Androes' house in Edinburgh.
Mr Archibald Simson, minister at Dalkeith, cited, compeered not ;
but the Earle of Mortoun sent a letter of requeist in his favours.
A PROCLAMATION FOR OBEDIENCE TO THE ACTS OF PERTH.
Upon Monday the 19th of June, this charge following for obe-
dience to the conclusions of Perth Assemblie was published with
sound of trumpet at the Crosse of Edinburgh, at the hearing
wherof, manie of the people spaired not to say, they understood
now what was the price of their conscience : — -
" James, by the grace of God, King of Great Britaine, France,
and Irland, Defender of the Faith, to our lovits, * * *
* * messengers, our sherefFs in that part, conjunctlie and
severallie, speciallie constitute, greeting. — Forasmeikle as we, out
of a true and unfained zeale to God's honour, and for the ad-
vancement and promoving of true religion amongst all our sub-
jects of this our kingdome, did, at our last being in those parts,
1620. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 445
propone certane articles to be embraced and practised in this kirk :
And amongst others, these two speciallie ; That yeirlie a thankfull
commemoration sould be made of the inestimable benefits be-
stowed upon mankind in the Birth, Passion, Resurrection, and
Ascension of our Lord and Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, and
the descending of the Holie Spirit, upon the days which have
been accustomed to be keepcd by all Christians, for the said com-
memoration, from the vcrie primitive times of the kirk untill this
present day : And that the holie sacrament of the Communion
sould be heirefter ministred and received reverentlie by all the
communicants upon their knees : Intending noe other thing ther-
by but the better instruction of the people in the principall grounds
of the Christian faith, and exciting of them to a true, devote, and
religious behaviour, in the Avorshiping of Almightie God : Lik as
for the better determination of these articles, we did call a Gene-
rail Assemblie of the kirk, first at our citie of St Androes in the
moneth of November, in the ycir of God one thowsand six hun-
dreth and seventeen yeirs ; and efterward at our burgh of Perth
in the moneth of August, the yeir of God one thowsand sex
hundrcth and eighteen yeirs ; where the same articles being
reasoned and discussed at length, were concludit and agreed upon,
as in the acts made theranent, and by our proclamation published
therupon, doth appeir. Nottheles, diverse turbulent and refractorie
spirits, als Avell of the ministrie as people, preferring their owne
conceats and opinions to the ordinances of the gcncrall kirk, have
incited diverse of our good subjects to misconstrue our intentions
and proceldings in the said maters ; and by their pamphlets, libells,
and other seditious speeches in publiet and private, have traduced
the salds ordinances as superstitious, idolatrous, and contrarie to
the worship prescribed in God's Word ; inducing therby manie
of our subjects to a manifest disobedience and contempt of the saids
ordinances, and causing a miserable breachc of the unltie of the
kirk, to the great offence of God, and misrcgard of all author! tie
both civlU and eccleslastick : And albeit Ave have with long patience
and lenitie attendit the obedience of our direction therin, using all
446 calderwood's historie 1620.
calme and gentle means to perswade ministers and others to their
duetie in that behalfe, nothing hath hitherto appeared upon the
parts of manie but a wilfull and an obstinate contempt, -which we
neither will nor can oversie. But we are resolved by the rigour
and force of our lawes and justice to punish ; and accordinglie to
have the saids ordinances obeyed by all our subjects, of whatsoever
degree, ranke, or estate.
" For which purpose, our will is, and we charge you straitlie and
commands, that incontinent these our letters seen, ye pas to the
mercate crosses of the head burrows of this our kingdome, and
other places neidfull ; and there, by open proclamation, make new
intimation to all our leiges and subjects of our expresse will
and pleasour, concerning obedience to be given to the acts and
ordinances of the forsaid Assemblie. And that ye command and
charge all and sundrie our leiges and subjects, als weill ministers as
others, that they, and everie one of them, obey and observe the
acts and ordinances of the said assemblie : Especiallie the acts
made anent the commemoration of the benefits of our Saviour,
upon the days prescribed, and anent the reverend receiving of the
holie Communion. And that they in noe ways presume, nor take
upon hand to violate and transgresse the same acts, upon whatso-
ever colour or pretext, under the paines following : to witt, Everie
minister that sail failyie in the premisses to be called and conveened
before the Lords, and others of the Highe Commission, and other
ordinarie judges of the kirk ; and to be punished by deprivation,
suspension, confining, and wairding, at the discretion of the said
judges of the kirk. And to everie other persone that sail refuse
to come unto the kirk, and to heare preaching the days particu-
larlie abovewritten, under the paine of payment of the somme of
threttein shillings, four pense, as a penaltie modified to be taken of
them, and everie one of them that sail so transgresse, toties quoties.
And siclike, for everie person that sail refuse to communicate in
the reverend maner that is prescribed by the acts of the said as-
semblie, under the paines of payment of the soumes of money efter
specified, according to their ranks, qualities, and degries : That is
1G20. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 447
to say, everie earlc, under the palnc of an hundreth punds ; everic
lord, under the palne of an hundreth merks ; everie baron or
lah-d, under the paine of fiftie punds ; and everie other person of
Avhatsocver ranke or degree, under the paine of twentie punds, or
Ics, at the discretion of the judges before -whom they sail be called,
conveened, and punished in nianer forsaid, without favour. And
the said paines sail be taken up, and applyed ad pios usus. As
also, that ye command, charge, and inhibite all and sundrie our
Iciges and subjects of whatsoever ranke, qualitic, or dcgrie, that
none of them presume nor tak upon hand to impugne, detract, or
oppone to the ordinances of the said assemblie, in private nor pub-
lict ; but that they behave themselfs as bccometh goode and
Christian subjects, eschewing everie thing tending to sedition
or disobedience, and as they wold be esteemed good and peacable
subjects ; and under paine to be called before the Lords of our
Privie Counsel, and to be punished, efter triall of their offence, at
the discretion of the saids lords. The which to doe we committ to
you, conjunctlie and severallie, our full power, by these our letters,
delivering the same, by you duelie execute and indorsatt, againe
to the bearer.
"Given under our signet, at Halyrudhous, the 8th day of June,
and of our raignes the 53 and 18 yeirs, 1620.
" Per actum D. Secreti Consilij.'"
^y. RIG AND JonxE meine charged de novo.
In the beginning of Julie the Bishope of St Androes wrote to
the counsel, shewing that some of the citizens of Edinburgh, who
were charged to enter to their wairds, had given him thanks for
interceeding for them at the king's hands ; but William Rig and
Johne Meine came not to him to acknowledge ; wherupon they
were charged upon the thrid of Julie, William Rig to goe to Caith-
nes within threttie dayes, there to keepe confinment, and Johne
Meine to the West Countrie, within twentie days. They went to
the bishope, and conferred with him, but he gatt noe vantage of
448 calderwood's historie 1620.
them. He wrote to the counsel in their favours, and so they were
noe farther persued.
A LEITE OF MINISTERS FOR PLANTING OF EDINBURGH.
Upon the Lord's day, the loth of October, there was a meeting
in the counsel-house of Edinburgh, of the old and new counsel, and
the old and new session, and als manie other citizens as the hous
could containe, to make a leite of ministers for planting of their
kirk. Mr Patrik Galloway, moderator, at the first, said, that in
his judgment there was not a minister in Scotland, but he might
be had to be minister of Edinburgh ; yit in time of the leiting, he
said, " Take heid ye put none in the leite but such as ye will be
sure to gett." There were sevin nominate ; Mr David Dickson,
minister at Irwine, Mr Andro Cant, Mr Colene Campbell, Mr
Robert Balcanquall, Mr Robert Wilkie, Doctor Strange, and Mr
James Fairlie. Mr Patrik Galloway asked, if Mr David Dickson
was conforme. It was answ'cired, he had all the thrie properties
which he required before ; that is, was of a holie life, could preache
and governe. He asked at Mr Struthers, his brother-in-law, " Is he
conforme ? will the bishope receive him ? We will have none to
come heir but suche as will obey the king and his lawes." Mr
Struthers answeired, he wold not answeir for that. Others
answeired, he sould looke to the King of Heaven, and obey him
first. Siclike, when Mr AYilliam Scott and Mr Johne Carmichaell
were nominate, Mr Patrik said, " Name not the men ye will not
gett." So the case of the kirk of Edinburgh was pitifull, in that
it was defraudit of the travells and paines of the worthiest
preachours of the land, for non-conformitie, and none suffered to
be their pastours but such as were hirlings, tempoi'izers, and
inferiour in gifts to the others. Thrie of the citizens wold not
vote at all to the election, becaus it was not frie, of which number
William Rig was one. He alledgit, there were manie honest citi-
zens of the toun had als great interest as office-bearers in choosing
their pastors. Johne Maknaucht, one of the baillies, in the
1 G20. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 449
audience of five or sixe, sayeth to him, " None sould vote heir
without a calling." William Rig answeired, " They have als good
a culling, according to the Scripture, as anie heir." " I know
Scripture als weill as yourself," said the baillie. " And this is in
Scripture," said William Rig. " Ye are but a giddie-headit com-
panion," said the baillie. " I say again, Sir Baillie," said William
Rig, " I will take that of you." He caried some respect to him,
becaus of the office he was in for the present, howbeit otherwise
he was inferior to him in all other respects, either for civile,
naturall, or religious parts, and did not querrell him efter, when he
Avas baillie himselfe. There were four chosen out of the sevin to
be heard, viz., Mr Andro Cant, Mr Robert Balcanquall, Doctor
Strange, Mr Robert AVilkie.
THE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH INVY THE MEETINGS OF GOOD
CHRISTIANS.
About this time, the ministers of Edinburgh inveighed bitterlie
against the private meetings of some good Christians in Edinburgh,
who conveened to deplore the iniquitie of the time. They called
the meetings Privie Conventicles ; the conveeners, Brownists,
Anabaptists, Shismaticks, Separatists. Mr Thomas Sydserfe sent
to Nicholas Balfour, daughter to umquhile Mr James Balfour,
minister of Edinburgh, to advertise her, that she was to be banished
the toun, for intcrteaning such meetings in her house ; and revyled
her despytfullie, when she came to conferre with him. The day
efter, he inveighed against these private meetings, which he called
Conventicles, and said, they had gotten outlandishe ministers,
(meaning Mr Hubert, the Englishe preachour,) who teache that
the king sould not be prayed for, becaus he governeth not accord-
ing to their humours ; and that they committed treason who heard
them, and revealed not.
VOL. VII. 2 F
450 caldeewood's historie 1G20.
TILENUS COME TILL ENGLAND.
About this time, Tilenus, a Silesian by birth, a Professor in
Sedan, came to England, looking for great preferment and benefite,
for a pamphlet intituled " Parcenesis ad Scofos Genevensis discipUna
zelotas^'' wherin he defendit the state of bishops and the Five
Articles. The booke was confuted soone efter by Sir James Semple
of Beltrise, and by the author of the booke intituled " Altare
Damascenum.'"
AN IRISHE PREIST APPREHENDIT.
About the end of October, Edmundus Cana, an Irishe man by
birth, a young man of thrittie yeirs of age, having another younger
with him carrying his masse-cloths, a portable altare, a flagon of
wine, and other necessars requisite for the masse, was apprehendit,
and committed to waird in the Tolbuith of Sterline ; and within
four or five days was sent to the Bishope of St Androes.
A DIRECTION TO WAIRD MR R. BRUCE.
Mr Robert Bruce being delated to the king, for keeping fasts in
his house when he was in Monkland, and celebrating the Com-
munion conforme to the old practise of this reformed kirk, was
ordained by a letter directed from the king to the counsel, which
was redd before them the 25th of October, to be cited and urged ;
and if he had not obeyed the Acts of Perth Assemblie, to be
wairdit in Aberdeene. Chancelour Seatoun said, it was not their
part to judge in kirk maters : the bishopes have a Hie Commission
of their owne to try these things. Secretarie Hammiltoun said,
""Will ye reasoun, whether his Majestic must be obeyed or not?"
Chancelour Setoun answeired, " We may reason, whether we sail
be the bishops' hangmen or not." So the mater was referred to
the bishops. But the death of Mr Robert's wife following soone
efter, he was spaired for a time.
1G20. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 4')l
TWO MINISTERS CHOSEN TO EDINBURGH.
Upon the Lord's clay, the 5th of November, there was a meethig
in Edinburgh, efter the eftcruoone sermon, of the provest, baillics,
counsel, old and new session. The ministers desired that two out
of the four before selected might be chosen ; and yit all the four
were not heard. This cousenage was perceived and opponed unto,
yit tiie ministers and their assisters putt it to voting, and made
choise of Mr Robert Balcanquall and Doctor Strange. There
Avere threttie-two citizens or therby who uttered their mind frielie
and at length, becaus the election Avas not frie, but restrained to
conformitans. Upon the Tuysday following, Mr Sydserfc inveighed
against these who wold not vote, but to such as could not be had ;
and reasoned efter this maner : They wold have noe preachours,
and then, noe preaching, and then, noe faith ; and so all sould
turne to atheisme, if their advise were folloAvcd. But he and his
collegs made the greattest impediment themselfs of frie election ;
for they wold suffer none to be planted in Edinburgh but such as
Avere conforrae. When Mr Robert Boyde Avas placed Principall
in the colledge, and taught in the Greyfrier Kirk, yit could they
not indure him. The two ministers chosen, for all thebusines that
was made, refused to accept the charge.
MR ALEXANDER SCRIMGEOUR PLACED IN KINGHORNE.
lu the beginning of November, Mr Johne Scrimgeour being
advertised that the Bishopc of St Androes Avas to send Mr
Alexander Scrimgeour to Kinghorne, to be received minister,
praeoccupied the place, and teached thrise that day ; but he sould
have entered. The bishope sent to the counsel Avith diligence, to
procure that the guard might be sent to apprehend him ; but he
escaped. Through intercession of freinds, the bishopc was in-
duced to relaxe him from the home, and save him from caption,
proA'yding he Avoid kecpe confinment at his OAvn house in the Bow-
452 calderwood's historie 1G20.
hill. So Mr Alexander came to Kinghorne, to enter himself in
that charge, none of the people consenting, except Jhone Boswald,
Laird of Pittedie, who loved not Mr Jhone for his frie and just
rebuks. He rose up efter sermon, and took Mr Alexander by the
hand.
SUPPLIE CRAVED FOR THE TALATES^'s WARRS.
The convention appointed for supplie of the Bohemian warres
was holden at Edenburgh, the 23d of November. The first day,
there was contention among noblemen about their places ; Anguse
claimed the place before Huntlie, but the convention decerned for
Huntlie, becaus he was a marqueis. Anguse tooke instruments,
that his right be not prejudged. The Lord Maxwell, latlie made
Earle of Niddisdaile, and declared by proclamation to succeede
his father, made Earle of Mortoun, by reason of Mortoun's for-
faultrie, anno 1581, was opponed to by sundrie, alledging that the
forfaultrie was reduced, and that his father was never in posses-
sion of that place. Li end, it was agried that Maxwell sould
sitt behind the chancelour's bake, till the controversie were de-
cided. The second day, the chancelour, the president, the Earle
of Mortoun, and the Bishope of St Androes, had their haraungs.
In end, it was thought meete to referre the mater to a parliament,
and to send up a faire excuse to the king, namlie, becaus there
was skarsetie of money within the countrey. Howbeit, some
thought that some of the nobilitie had some other respects of their
©wne. But about the beginning of December, the king sent doun
his answeir, that he wold have the supplie to come of frie will,
and therfor wold not appoint a parliament for that end. Wher-
upon the noblemen and barons were written for, to conveene in
Edinburgh, the 23d of Januar. About the fourth or fift of Decem-
ber, the report was brought thither that Prague, the cheefe toun of
Bohemia, was taken, and the king and queene, Count Palatine
and his ladie, were fledd.
1620. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 453
THE BISnOPE OF ABERDEENE's INVECTIVE.
Upon the Lord's day, the 26th of November, Patrik Forbesse,
Laird of Corse, Bishope of Aberdeene, preaching in the Little
Kirk of Edinburgh, said there were men that in a peacablc time
were counted unworthie to have a place in the kirk, to gett thera-
selfs a name, did draw disciples efter them ; and to be counted
singulare, maintained strange errours, to witt, of Brounists, Fami-
lists. Anabaptists, Separatists. And yit was he not able to name
among all the ministers of Scotland one tainted with these opin-
ions. Farther, he said ihey were like the salamander that delited
to live in the fire ; becaus there were maters brought into the kirk
which Avere disputable, they wold breake the peace of the kirk,
and sett all on fire. That they counted none religious but such
as spake evill of the king, and men in authoritie. He began, con-
tinued, and endit, not ashamed to lie, with these and the like
odious imputations, saving that he had a short exhortation for
contributing to the warres in the Palatinate.
A FAST REFUSED.
Upon the 14th of December, the sinceerer sort of the session of
the kirk of Edinburgh urged a fast, as they had done often before,
for the state of the churches in Germanic. The ministers an-
sweired as before, that they had sought licence from the bishope,
the bishope had advertised the king, and the king had answeired
Avith silence, becaus he doubted of the Palatine's right to the
croun of Bohemia. It was replyed, that other kirks and presby-
teries had not sought licence of the bishope. Mr Galloway said,
" Let me answeir these men. We have not that friedome and
libertie that other kirks have, becaus Edinburgh lost their libertie
at the 17th day of December." He brake out in the like speeches
upon the Lord's day, the 17th of December.
454 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1620.
ELDERS CHOSEN.
Upon Thursday, the 21st of December, the elders and deacons
were chosen out of the leits which were made upon the 14th day.
The old and new counsel conveened with the session. Ignorants
or time-servers were chosen, and the better sort for the most part
rejected. This corrupt forme of choosing elders and deacons had
entered but two yeirs before, to the great prejudice of the libertie
of the congresration.
MR GALLOWAY RENEWETH THE MEMORIE OF THE 17TH DAY.
It was concludit in the session, that there sould be preaching
in the Grayfrier Kirk, upon the Lord's day, the 17th. But Mr
Galloway alledgit, becaus it was the 17th day of December, it
was a dismall day to begin preaching on in that new buildit kirk.
So he harped maliciouslie upon the tumult raised in Edinburgh
the 17th day of December, not of prepensed malice, but of feir of
a massacre. If there had been anie guiltines, it became not pastors
to be bloodie mouthed.
PREACHING ON CHRLSTMAS.
Mr Patrik wold not preache upon the Lord's day, the 24th of
December, (belike, becaus it was a dismall day ;) yit he preached
the day following, and alledgit for the lawfulnes of observing that
day, the preaching of the angels to the sheeph cards, and praising
of God that day. It behoved him to say some thing for holie
days, to please the king, for his sone had spent these five yeirs
bypast much money to him : how els sould he gett the breache re-
paired ? For howbeit he was an extraordinar octarer,^ and tooke
fiftie of the hundreth in the yeir, yit had he to doe with all his
peeccs. In time of sermon, there were betwixt the Strait Bow
^ Usurer.
1G21. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 455
and the Nether Bow a hundreth booth doores open ; eight mer-
chant booths, the rest booksellers, skinners, hat-makers, apothe-
caries, bakers, and sellers of sweetmeats.
It was constantlie reported, that there were above two hundreth
preista and Jesuits in the countric at this time. Two were kecpcd
in the castle of St Androes, and weill interteaned, till word came
from the king to sett them frie. In the meane time, the Papists
resorted to the Spanish ambassadour's masse at London.
M.DC.XXI.
A CONVENTION.
The nobilitie conveened not at the time appointed, so frequent
as at the last convention. There conveened onlie eight noblemen
and foure bishops. The king's letter, which was redd at the other
convention, was redd at this also, wherin mention was made, that
the Palatine, without his counsel and consent, had accepted the
croun of Bohemia. Yit becaus [ofj the palatinate, Avhich was his
sone-in-law his propertie, and his daughter's dowrie, he craved the
suplie of a voluntarie contribution. They excused themselfs the
best they could, offered to doe what they might at a parliament,
and sent up the Bishop of St Androes Avith their excuse. The
prophane prelate entered in his journey from Leith the Lord's
day, the 28th of Januar.
FORTOKENNINGS OF SOME MISCHEIFE.
Upon Tuysday, the Gth of Februar, about four afternoone, there
was a tenement of land brunt in Hackerstoun's Wynde. A fire
breaketh up in the Cowgate, but was soone stayed ; and in a
baker's house, in another part of the toun. The people apprehendit
by these thrie fyres arising in one day, that some mischeefe was to
follow. About the same time, or ncir thcrby, there came in a
456 calderwood's historie 1621.
great whale fishe at Montrose ; which was also apprehendit to be
a forerunner of some trouble.
FATHER ANDERSON SETT AT LIBERTIE.
Upon Tuysday, the 13th of Februar, the counsel sett Father
Anderson at libertie, at the king's command. The king com-
mandit to furnishe him with honest apparrell, to pay the charges
he was at in the Tolbuith, to give him an hundreth punds sterline,
and to put him in the first ship that sailed to France. It w^as
alledgit in the king's letter, that the King of France his ambassa-
dour had procured him his libertie.
THE OFFER OF THE ENGLISHE PARLIAMENT.
About the beginning of Marche, it was constantlie reported, that
the parliament of England had offered to the king a subsidie of
two hundreth and thrie score thousand punds sterline, and to sus-
taine threttie thousand men for the recoverie of the palatinate,
providing the king wold give commission to put the law in execu-
tion against the Popishe recusants ; and that the king answeired,
he wold choose a fitter time, alledging, that it was meetest to take
order first with those that hurt the commonwealth at home.
Upon the 14th of Marche, the parliament was indicted by procla-
mation, to be holden the first of June.
Upon Monday, the 26th of Marche, the Bishope of St Androes
came to Edinburgh at night. The day after, he presented the
king's letter directed to the counsel, to sie the solemnities of
Easter keeped by the counsel and the Colledge of Justice.
THE ELDERS AND DEACONS REFUSE TO SERVE AT THE TABLES.
Upon Thursday, the 29th of Marche, the ministers of Edin-
burgh urged the elders and deacons with service at the tables on
Pasche day. Some answeired one way, some another, and excused
1621. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 457
themselfs with absence out of the toiin. Johne Fleaming answeired
phiinlic, he wold not come, becaus the Communion was not given
according to Christ's institution. The pro vest bade him remember
liis oath. He answeired, lie had made noe oath to obey corrup-
tion.
MR RAMSAY AND MR SYDSERF S AUDITORIE ON GOOD FRYDAY.
This day, Secretarie Hammiltoun, President of the Session, re-
queisted in the king's name the Lords of the Session, reddie to
depart of the toun, to refreshe themselfs in time of vacants, to stay
and kcepc Good Fryday and Easter ; yit manic went away.
They and their dependers made up the greattcst number of the
auditorie in the Old Kirk, upon Good Fryday, where there were
about fourtie women at Mr Andro Ramsay's sermon. In the Litle
Kirk there were about twelve women, and thrie score men, where
Mr Thomas Sydserfe preached ; wherat he raged. They began
their sermons about halfe ten, as if it had been a Sabboth-day.
EASTER COMMUNION".
Upon Easter day, Mr Patrik Galloway, preaching in the Old
Kirk, had a thin auditorie. The tables were filled but four times.
The chancelour distributed the breade to four or five ; but Mr
Patrik gave it to them all over againe, to make sure worke. The
lords and their dependers communicated at the first table, and
kneeled. At the nixt two, some satt, and some kneeled ; at the
last, all satt. There were about twentie women, and all did sitt.
AVhcn Mr Patrik was to give the element of the breade to Georjic
Keath, who was sitting, and the rest beside him kneeling, he said
to him, " Can ye tell what that is ?" The other answeired, " I come
not heir to be instructed of you at this time." He biddeth a cer-
tane woman kneele, when he was to give her the element of the
breade. She answeired, " I will either receive it sitting, or not at
all." In the Colledge Kirk, all the communicants did sitt, except
458 calderwood's historie 1621.
Mr William Strutters, and Mr Thomas Sydserfe, and Mr Thomas
Sydserf s wyfe, Mr Johne Pape, a Papist, and his wyfe, Jhone
Gilmour, a Papist, and David Mitchell. The provest kneeled in
the Old Kirk, but the baillies communicate not at all. The nixt
Sabboth-day, Mr Patrik gatt scarse five score of communicants,
and these were of the meanner sort of the people. The officers
were desired to invite these that were going to other kirks, but
they refused. Two onlie kneeled in the Colledge Kirk. Mr Patrik
willed the provest and baillies to provide another minister for them-
selfs ; he wold stay noe longer, for he saw his ministrie was con-
temned. Mr James Law, Bishope of Glasco, discharged anie to
come to the table upon Easter day, except these who purposed to
kneele ; wherupon the Principall of the Colledge, Mr Robert Boyde,
the regents, and the schollers, and the toun minister, Mr Robert
Scott, communicated not. Mr Johne Mitchelson, minister at
Bruntiland, enraged at the people for their sitting, caused remove
the stooles and furmes. Yitt none wold receive it knieling, except
an old wife or two. The Communion was celebrated in Dalkeith,
Musselburgh kirk, the Pannes, Duddingstoun, upon the eight of
Aprile, and sixt of May, wherunto the inhabitants of Edinburgh
resorted in frequent companies ; wherupon the auditorle of the
kirks of Edinburgh became rare and thinne. Manie of the pro-
fainner sort of the toun were drawen out upon the sixt of May, to
May games in Gilmertoun and Rossellne ; so profanltie began to
accompanie superstition and idolatrie, as it hath done in former
times. Upon the first of May, the weavers in St Paul's Worke,
Englishe and Dutche, set up a highe May pole, with their garlants
and bells hanging at them, Avherat was great concurse of people.
A PROCLAMATION FOR GREEVANCES TO THE PARLIAMENT.
In the beginning of May, or upon the last of Aprile, there was
a charge published by proclamation at the Mercate Crosse, com-
manding all that had sutes, articles, or petitions, to propone to the
parliament, give them in to so manie of the counsel as his Majestie
1G21. OF Tllli KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 409
had appointed, betulxt and the 20th day of May, that they may
passe under the king's hand ; with certification, that otherwise
theysall not be heard in parliament. The tenor heir followeth : —
"James, by the grace of God, King of Great Britane, France,
and Irland, Defender of the Faith, &c. — Forasniuche as we know
Weill, that the happines, strength, and glorie of a monarchic, fric
from tyrannic and confusion, is buildit upon the mutuall love bc-
tuixt the king and his subjects ; expressed by the one in a fathcrlic
care to maintaine his couutrle in a secure peace, flourishing with
religion and justice ; and by the others, in a loyall and submissive
obedience to their prince's will and commandemcnt, accompanied
with a hcartie and ali'ectionat ottering of all supplic and ayde to
the upholding and increase of his estate and honour, with their
goods and bodies : which reciprocall bonds, (as layde in by nature
and birth upon king and people,) albeit noe new contract can ty or
shake of, yit are they with solemnitie in a sort renewed at the
assemblies of parliaments, whairin the subjects, according to the
occurrent necessities of the prince's effairs, offer to him their best
supplie and helpe ; and he rcturneth to them satisfaction, and
ease of their just greevances, pardons for transgression of the laws,
ratifications and acts in favours of particulare persons, estats, and
incorporations, with the establishment of such new lawes as the
time doth require. And we having now appointed a parliament
in our kingdome of Scotland, to be holden and begin upon the first
day of June nixt, wherin, as the importance and necessitie of our
aides giveth us just hope for to looke for a supplee to be granted
to us by our subjects in our said kingdome. In a greatter measure
than hath been at anie time hcirtofor : so are Ave most willinii:
that they sould have all contentment, in having either generall
lawes, or particulare acts authorized by our royall consent, -which
being ryplic advised, sail be found expedient to passe. But
becaus our long experience hath taught us, how that diverse per-
sons, partlie by ignorance, and partlie by fraude, are accustomed,
presuming upon the short time of the sitting of our parliament.
4 GO calderwood's historie 1G21.
to give in manie bills and articles to these who are appointed to
sitt upon the same, containing mater prejudicial! to our croun, or
others our good subjects, which shortnes of time and multitude of
busines permitteth not to be so narrowlie examined as neede were :
And for this cans, we have appointed a certane number of our
counsel to meete some days before the said parliament, and to
consider of all bills, petitions, and articles, which sail be exhibite
to them by our Clerk of Register. Therfor, our will and pleasour
is, that all such as intend to give in anie articles to be past in this
approaching parliament, deliver the same to our Clerk of Register,
before the 20th day of May nixt ; otherwise the same sail not be
received, redd, nor voted in our said parliament, except the same
be past under our hand. And that ye make publication heirof at
the Mercate Crosse of our burgh of Edinburgh, to the end that
none of our subjects pretend ignorance.
'' Given at our Palace of Westminster, the 21st of Aprile
1621."
All other corporations of the kingdome, or private persons, as
they had to doe in parliament, keeped their ordinarle meetings
according to their wonted priviledges, and the tenor of the pro-
clamation, to prepare their petitions and articles to be presented
to the parliament. But the ministers was denyed that libertie
which they were wont to have of a Generall Assemblie, to send
commissioners with articles to the estats conveened in parliament.
Howbeit great was the necessitie from time to time, and now in
speciall, Avhen Papists were become so bold, and ministers were
divydit.
MEANS USED FOR A PETITION FROM THE TOUN COUNSEL TO THE
PARLIAMENT.
Upon Monday, the 7th of ISIay, some of the best affected pro-
fessors in Edinburgh conveened, to advise what to doe to prevent
the ratification of the acts of Perth Assemblie at the insuinj?
1621. OF TDE KIllK OF SCOTLAND. 461
parliament. They sent tlirie elders, and other thrle professors, to
crave the concurrence of the ministrie and session, to requeist the
toun counsel to put a sup})lication to the parliament to that effect,
Avith the rest of their petitions. AVhen they came to Mr Struthers,
he said, " The Five Articles -which have bredd this rent in the kirk
are come from the Papists." He and the rest promised concur-
rence, all except JVIr Patrik. He said it was perillous to medle
-svith the king's busines ; and if the king gatt knowledge that he
did anie thing in that mater, he wold call him a fals knave, as he
had done alreadie, for dipping in these maters ; and that such a
sute from the toun wold be prejudiciall to the rest of their sutes.
Yea, when the thric ministers went doun to him on Wednisday,
the 9th of May, he made them alter their purpose, which was
casie to doe. When the elders proponed the same mater to the
session, upon the 10th of May, the provest and baillies who were
present aj)plaudit to it ; but Mr Patrik, howbeit he was not mode-
rator, wold not suffer it to be voted, and said, the toun had indig-
nation enough alreadie drawen upon them. Mr Ramsay said,
there were thrie sorts of communicants : one satt, another kneeled,
the third ranne from their owne ministers ; and these last made
the rent in the kirk. Upon Fryday, the ellevinth of May, there
was an advise sent to the toun counsel with one of their own
number ; but the provest caused him returne it backe to him that
gave it, who was waiting at the doore. At the same time, a
supplication was given in to the counsel by one of their owne
number, to Avhom it was delivered. The provest asked, how he
durst receive it? He answeired, verie weill, becaus it was verie
reasonable. It Avas caried from hand to hand, redd privatlie, and
at last riven in peeces, and the answeir given which Mr Patrik had
given before.
EARTHQUAKE, THUNDER, AND ECLIPSE OF THE SUNNE.
About this time there was a great earthquake in the toun of
Montrose and therabout, to the great terrour of the inhabitants,
4G2 calderwood's historte 1G21.
so that manie for fear fledd out of the toun. Some was slaine with
the thunder there ; and in the west countrie about Hammlltoun,
upon the elleventh of May, there was an eclypse of the sunne,
about eio'ht hours in the mornincr.
SIR GEDEON MURRAY'S DEATH.
Sir Gedeon Murray, thesaurer-depute, was deUited by the king,
for some offences committed in his oflSce against the king and his
leiges, for which he Avas to be tried. Melanchohe seased upon him
in such a measure, that he refused to take meate, howbeit sundrie
came to him, and did what they could to encourage him, by as-
suring him of the king's favour. He departed this Hf the 28th
of June, efter he had keeped his hous twentie dayes or therby,
stupified and silent, or at least speaking litle, or to noe purpose.
Sundrie reports went of his death, and among the rest, that he
poisoned himself. But the ministers of Edinburgh reported in
pulpit otherwise, viz., that immediatlie before his departure, it
pleased God to open his mouth, and to confesse that he was sore
troubled in his conscience for his sinnes, but God had now assured
him of remission. This man put his hand to the pleughe of the
ministrie, but returned bake his hand.
THE DECLARATION OF THE LOWER HOUSE.
It was constantlie reported heir, that some who had spoken frielie
in the Lower House of the Englishe parliament were committed to
the Toure. The commons of the Lower House, to justifie their
owne proceidlngs, made this declaration following, upon the 4th of
June : —
" The commons assembled in parliament, taking into their most
serious consideration the present estate of the king's children abroade,
and the generall afflicted estate of the true professors of the same
Christian religion professed by the Church of England, in foreine
1G21. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 4G3
parts, and being touched with a true sense and fellow-feeling of
their distresses, as members of the same bodie, doc with one unani-
mous consent, in name of themselfs and of the whole bodie of
the kingdomc whom they represent, declare to his most excellent
Majestic, and unto the whole world, their heartic grcevs and sorrow
for the same ; and doe not onlie joinc with them in their humble
and devote prayers unto Almightie God, to protect his true
church, and to avert the dangers now threatened ; but also, with
one heart and voice doe solemnelic protest, that if his Majcstle's
pious indevoures by Ircattie to procure their peace and safetie
sail not tak that good effect that is desired in the treattie, Avhcrof
they beseeche his Majestic humblle not to suffer anie long delay,
that then, upon signification of his Majestie's pleasour in parlia-
ment, they sail be readic to the uttermost of their powers, both
with their lives and fortunes, to assist him : So as, that by the
divine helpe of Almightie God, (who is never wanting to those
who in his feare sail undertake the defence of his own caus,) he
may be able to doe that by his sword, which by peacable treatties
sail not be effected."
A FAST INTIMATED.
Upon the Lord's day, the 17th of June, intimation was made
eftcr sermon in Edinburgh, of a fast to be keeped through all the
kingdomc the nixt two Sabboth-days, for the generall contempt of
the Word ; tlic preservation of the king and his children ; the
preparation of the Turke, lying in wait to invade Europe, and
seeking advantage of the division of Christians ; and the persecu-
tion of the kirk in Germanic and France. But noe mention was
made of our defection from our first zeale, love, and puritie ; the
breache of the covenant, and the troubling of ministers for non-
conformitie. Yit wairning was given by the advise and direction
of some few to all the ministers that had not conformed, to have a
Humiliation the Sabboth before the parliament, with consent of
the presbyteries, if it can be had ; where it cannot be had, with con-
464: calderwood's historie 1621.
sent of the session ; where neither can be had, that everie minister
have it apart by himselfe.
Some ministers considering that we wanted the libertie of Gene-
rall Assemblies, which were wont to send commissioners to the
parliament with articles, agried upon a supplication, which was
presented by Mr Andro Duncan in their name, upon the nynth of
Julie, to Sir George Hay, Clerk of Registrie, as was appointed by
the proclamation. The tenor of the supplication heir followeth : —
THE ministers' SUrPLICATION PRESENTED TO THE CLERK OF
REGISTER.
" May it please your Honours, in this present parliament, as-
sembled under the highe and excellent Majestic of our deare and
dreade Soveraigne, to accept and consider the humble petition of
your wearied and broken-hearted brethren, ministers and people,
obliged under higher paines than losse of life, libertie, goods, and
fame, for Sion's sake not to hold their toung, but to call and cry
to the God of heaven, and the gods of the earth, that peace may
be within her walls, and prosperitie within her palaces.
" Although it were more expedient to weepe than to say ought,
when wc sie the Lord's armie disordered, his companie broken, and
the chocke betuixt Christian and Turke, Protestant and Papist ;
some of his worthies put from their places, and others turned, if
not to the enemie's campe, yit labouring for his cans : Nevertheles,
having this happie occasion of his Hienes' fatherlie care, provi-
dence, and inclination, to distribute justice and mercie amongst his
JNIajestie's people, to whom by right pertaines the worthie conforts
and advantages which the King of kings hath inclosed in his royall
scepter, to be delivered furth and disix)sed according to the occa-
sions presented, and the reciprocall consideration in his Hienes'
late proclamation expressed ; as also, of this Hie Court, and of
your Honours' compassionate intercession for our quietness and
deliverance from injuries alreadie felt and further feared : We
are even forced to speake, though not as TertuUus, or they who
1G21. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 4G5
care not for the lossc of much inward peace of their soules and
consciences, so that they may gaine their supposed victorie. Yit
holding our selfs within the bounds of that Christian moderation
which follows God, without injurie done to anie man, it is not be-
seeming our ministeriall calling to secrete the trueth, wherof we
are perswadit, and by a cowardlle kind of silence and truethles
modestie to betray a goode cause.
" As touching our own greevances, and others concerning our
sclfs, we have locked up our hearts with patience, and our lipps
with taciturnitie, rather than we sould impeshe your Honours at
this time with our just complaints of wronged innocencie, by so
manie great I'eproaches, shamles calumnies of sedition, disobedi-
ence, hypocrits, sectaries, &c. ; deprivations, and rigorous practises
inflicted upon some, as if we alone had troubled Israel, by holding,
forsooth, these principles, and maintaining these opinions, wherupon
Shismaticks and Puritans build their heresies, and despise better
than themselfs. And for noe other causes knowne to us but for
our constant care, as God has dealt to everie man his measure of
faith, to build the house of God, according to the holie paterne pre-
scribed from his holie montaine : Our conformitie with the Kirk
of Scotland, and the best reformed kirks of other countries, and
our loyall obedience to his IMajestie's lawes, declaring and approv-
ing the true kirk, the true members and ministei's therof, and the
doctrine, sacraments, and discipline, to be ministred and professed
within the same. As for the vehement outcries against our cause,
and the sundrie foule maters laide to our charge in word and writt,
we pas them all, as swyne's fleshe dressed efter a diverse fashion ;
and we looke for squall hearing at your Honours' hands, and for
Paul's libertie from King Agrippa, ' Thou art permitted to speake
for thy selfe.' In this confidence of our good caus, and persuasion
of your Honours' love to the trueth knowne by your selfs, we
])reasse not to offend anie; but being provoked to defend our selfs,
leaving to the Lord, who sail judge the quicke and the dead,
to persuade them that have their eyes upon us impartiallie, to
judge our labours in the ministrie for the true religion, and against
VOL. VII. 2 G
466 calderwood's historie 1621.
the enemies and adversaiies therof ; our harmles conversation and
blameles, as it pleases the Lord to assist us under our infirmitie.
" The reasons wherby we are upholden in our course and pro-
testations and just defence against the opposition intendit, are all
made patent to the eyes of the world, noe ways to lay open the
nakednes of our mother, to the scandall of the enimie, or justlieto
offend anie otherAvise myndit. But that the multitude of our pro-
fessors be not tainted with the venome of maliciousnes, contrarie
to the sincere milk which they have received, by a swift running
speate^ of humane eloquence, more fitting to deceave the eare than
to worke grace in the heart. If accusing were forborne, we sould
desist from speaking. If the sword of persute were putt up, we
could soone be discharged of our buckler. But being persued, if
we defend not, Ave die with shame, and are guiltie of our OAvne
overthroAV.
" The praise of all paines wislie taken, the steppe of all callings,
and croun of commendable sufferings, is to doe and suffer in the
caus of Christ's spouse, and for the maintenance of the salvation
of our own soules. That one thing we cannot suppresse, our
heart's desire to have and hold religion in libertie and puritie.
And for that effect [we] better like of the single forme of policie
in the Kirk of Scotland, and the reformed kirks of other countries,
than the manie ceremonies retained by some. Yea, love and fear
compelleth us to put your Honours in mynd, that as it hath been
in all ages the holie disposition and happie practise of all God's
people, to sett continuallie before their eyes his inestimable good-
nes towards his kirk, her case and condition in her militarie
troubles, and in consideration of the one, and the other duetie
required and expected at your hands, wherethrough, in the riches
of God's mercies, they have been safe from that dreadful! mine
that hath justlie overtaken the carles and the Avicked : So now,
in time of dangerous distraction, it wold please your Honours to
sett before your eyes, how wonderfuUie the Lord's love and rich
1 Flood.
1621. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 407
grace hath been powrcd upon his kirk, in this nation, and by the
meanes of religion, upon our gracious soveraigne, your Honours'
ancestours of blessed mcmorie, your selfs, your freinds, and upon
this estate, the present estate of such a loving mother, crying in
her bloodie distresses for helpe at your hands. And in regard of
blessings abundantlie received in the days of her libertie and
hcaltii, what is due from your son-like affections, places of credite,
and honorable callings, in your highe conventions -where God
stands in the assemblie of gods, highe judges among the gods, to
your well-deserving mother, in whose wombe we were conceived,
and brought up on her knees to the condition wherin we now
stand at ease and peace in the days of her distresse. Our humble
petition to your Honours is, that as ye respect the glorie of
Christ's kingdome to be continued in this land, the adoi'ning of
his Majestie's croun, and the quietnes of his loving and loyall sub-
jects, the endles praise of your selfs, and the floorishing of your
honorable estats, with the pai'ticulare confort of so manie ministers
and congregations Avithin this realme : This poore kirk, in the day
of her teares, greefe, and feare, by your tymous intercession at his
Majestie's hands, (and the Lord give you favour in presence of
the king,) and your uttermost endevours debtfuU to God's hon-
our, and Christ's kirk, in this happie occasion now presented, may
obtaine in this parliament her most reasonable desirs.
" A sufficient and readie execution of former acts of parliament
made against the fearful! blasphemies of God's name, proHining
the Lord's day, and contempt of his sanctuarie and service, so
universallie overflowing the land, not onlic in the persons of poore
ignorants, in a maner tycd to these horrible cryms by a cursed
custome, and beggarlie necessitie ; but even in the more honorable
sort, whose damnable exemple Incourages their followers to sinne
without feare ; Avith such additions as may represse and restraine
these trying abominations in all, without respect of persones.
" A safe libertie to injoy the profession of our religion, as it is
reformed in doctrine, sacraments, and discipline, and hath been
openlie professed, sworne, and practised, by prince, pastors, and
468 calderwood's historie 1621.
people of all ranks, your predecessours of worthie memorie, your
selfs; and we all yit living, these tliriescore yeirs bygone and above.
" A full deliverance from, and a sufficient defence against, all
novations and novelties in doctrine, sacraments, and discipline ;
and speciall, in such as by constitutions of the kirk, confessions of
faith, liberall lawes of the countrie, oathes, and subscriptions, and
long continued practise, hath been condemned and cast out, as
idle rites and Romishe formalities, under whatsoever pretence they
pleade for re-entrie.
" That noe act pas in derogation or prejudice of the acts
alreadie granted in favour of reformation, libertie of assemblies,
convenient execution of discipline, &c., or for corroboration of
new opinions against the same, whether Episcopacie, or ceremonies
the shaddow therof, which for the peace of the kirk by heavenlie
wisdome sould be repelled, rather than ratified.
" That all ministers that are removed from their charges be re-
stored to their places, functions, and stipends.
" The happines to live under his Majestic and his heires, ordi-
narie judges and rulers appointed by lawes and custome, and
established by the acts of parliament. That our cans be lawfullie
cognosced, according to order and justice, before anie sentence
pas against our persons, places, and estates ; and not to be judged
by anie judicatorie foreigne, and not established by the lawes of
our countrie.
" We trust, that as Abraham composed the variance betuixt his
owne and Lot's servants, Moses intercedit betuixt the Hebrewes,
and Constantine betuixt the ministers of the kirk, so the Lord
sail give you courage to intercede with his Majestic and his
Hienes' fatherlie disposition, to sett the pillars of the earth that
were shaken ; and to take of the heavie burdens, the burthensome
ceremonies, the burthensome censures, and the burthenous abuses,
which manie have groned under ; and with a readie and royall
hand to quenche the beginning fire of deprivation of ministers by
ministers, of hindering God's substantiall worship by him com-
mandit, and withdrawing from the people the appointed foode of
1621. OF THE KIRK OP SCOTL.VND. 4G9
their soulcs, anJ necessaric raeanes of their faith and salvation ; of
sinyting manie a true sheepheard, and committing the flocke to
manie woulfes and bUnd guyds ; of leaving the Papists, and sup-
pressing the best ministers, whcrby they get rest to mischeeve the
kirk, and build up their owne synagogue ; and that for the sake of
ceremonies, noe more necessarie for the Spous of Christ than faird-
ing for a chast matrone ; more readie to crosse the commandcment
of Christ, wlierby we are charged to pray to the Lord of the har-
vest that he wold thrust furth labourers into his harvest, than for
the asdification of the bodie of Christ.
"Thus humblie commending the innocencie of our selfs, peti-
tioners, and our just right and possession of that reformation which
Ave earnestlie crave to be continued to your honorable charitable
judgment, we pray God, for Christ's sake, to enable you to doe
that which may be acceptable to himself, profitable to his kirk, and
confortable to your owne soules, at that day when we must all
appeare before the judgment-seate of Christ, that man may receive
the things which are done to his bodie, according to that he hath
done, whether it be good or ill : And to blesse his Majestic and
royall issue with peace and trueth for ever : And your Honours,
with sound religion and loyaltie in this life, and endles glorie with
Christ for ever."
The Clerke of Registrie with great difficultie was intreatted to
receive this supplication. "When he received it subscribed by the
presenter, he professed he doubted whether he wold exhibite it in
parliament or not.
THE MARQUIS OF HAMMILTOUN COME FROM COURT.
Upon the 18th of Julie, the Marqueis of Hammiltoun came to
the Palace of Halyrudhous, accompanied with sundrie of his
froinds. The Lords of Secrete Counsel went down to him, and
keeped counsel with him in the Abbay. He had his first meeting
in private with the officers of estate and some others, and consulted
how to prevent and stoppe all opposition at the insueing parliament
against the ratification of the acts of Perth Asscmblic.
4 70 calderwood's historie 1621.
THE COMMISSIONERS TO THE PARLIAMENT PR.EOCCUPIED.
Upon the 20th of Julie, there was a more generall and publict
meeting, wherat all things were agried upon which might serve for
peacable resorting to the parliament ; and the day appointed, to
witt, the 23d, prorogued to the 25th, that the king's agents might
have time to deale with commissioners. The bishops sent furth
their spyes to try the inclinations of noblemen, commissioners of
shyres, barons, burgesses ; and as they were found affected, wrought
upon to be present or absent, or to resolve wislie against the day
appointed, speciallie such as had broken estates. These whom
they feared most they wold have had them to beleeve that opposi-
tion Avas needles, and caused come to their eares privilie that
Perth Articles wold be ratified. So some were dashed, and despair-
ing, cryed out, " Our opposition will doe us evill, and the cans
noe good." Others who were of a more servile and base spirit
resolved to follow the multitude and the mightie. Some noblemen
obtained licence to returne home, which was easilie granted.
MR A. DUNCAN AND MR A. SIMSONE AVAIRDIT IN DUMBARTAN.
Upon the Lord's day, the 22d of Julie, Mr Alexander Simson,
minister at Mertoun in the South, preached in the Grayfiier Kirk,
being desired by Mr Patrik Sandes to supplie his place. Teaching
upon Ezekiel iii. 17, he spared neither king, bishope, nor minister,
and found fault with the watchmen of both the countries for not
admonishing the king to forfeare his oathes, and omitting to putt
him in mind of the breache of the covenant. He and Mr Andro
Duncane were apprehendit the day following by the captaine of
the guard, and were presented before the counsel efternoone. Mr
Alexander concealed nothing that he had said. He wold not
answeir to the Bishope of St Androes, nor acknowledge him as
judge. The bishops that Avere present he called belligods, and
enemies to the Kirk of Christ in this land, and denunced the
1621. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTL.VND. 471
judgments of God against them if they repented not. He was
removed, but not called in againe. So the bishops wold have had
him publictlie punished. Some bade hang him to be a terrour to
the rest ; others, better acquaint with his disposition, thought not
that expedient, for he cared not for the world : it was his joy to
die in that cans. It was therfor ordained that he sould be caried
to Dumbartane, there to be walrdit during the counsel's will, and
to live upon his owne expenses.
Mr Andro Duncan was accused for presenting the supplication
abovewritten to the Clerk of Registrie, subscrived with his OAvne
hand in name of others. They asked for the number. He an-
sweired, " Give me leasure, and I sail gett you such a number as
you perhapps cannot think of: farther, if noe man will subscrive
it, I will stand to it." The Bishope of St Androes said, " My
Lords, Mr Andro is disobedient. First, he was suspendit and con-
fined, and efter deposed, and becaus of his disobedience was de-
nunced to the home. And yit, notwithstanding of his deposition,
he preached the weeke before in Caraile ; and notwithstanding of
his confining in Dundie, he had broken waird." As for his preach-
ing In Caraile, he confessed. As for lying at the home, he dcnyed
that ever he was at the home. As for breache of waird, he an-
sweired, that for obedience' sake he stayed in Dundie, separate
from his wife and sixe childrein an halfe yelr, and the winter ap-
proaching, forced him to draw homeward, thinking that either they
had forgotten, or wold pittie him. As also, that he had received a
letter from the Bishope of St Androes to be at a meeting of some
ministers. When he had answeired to all that the bishope could
object, he requeisted the lords not to imprison him upon his owne
charges. But the sentence was resolved upon before ever he corn-
peered. So he and Mr Alexander were convoyed by the guarde
to the Canongate, where they were forced to stay that night, and
were not suffered to goe to their owne lodging ; and the day fol-
lowing were convoyed by three of the guarde to the Castle of
Dumbartan, where they entered upon the 2Gth of Julie.
The welU-affectcd ministers conveened out of all the quarters of
472 calderwood's histoeie 1G21.
the countrie, directed the same day, to Avitt, the 23d of Julie,
eight or nyne of their number to the Commissioners of Burrows,
who were conveened in the Litle Kirk, to requeist them to stand
to the liberties of the Gospell. They I'eceived faire words, but noe
performance. One of the Bishop of St Androes his domesticks
being present, went down and informed his maister, his maister
informed the counsell ; wherupon the ministers were to be charged
by proclamation at the Crosse to depart off the toun within twentie-
foure houres, under the paine of rebellion, least they staying, sould
procure the opposition of manie to the ratification of the acts ;
wheras other subjects of the countrie, that had adoe in that the court
of the parliament, were suffered to repaire to and remaine in the
burgh. The tenour of the proclamation heir foUoweth : —
THE MINISTERS CHARGED OFF THE TOUN.
"At Halyrudhous, the 23d of Julie 1621. — Forsameikle as it is
understandit to the Lords of Secrete Counsel, that some restless
and busie persons of the ministrie, neglecting the charges of their
owne kirks, and folks over the which they are bound in conscience
before God, and duetie before men, to be carefull and diligent
watchmen and overseers, has latelie made their addresse to this
burgh of Edinburgh, where the estats of the kingdome in the high
and soveraigne court of parliament are now assembled : And there
some of thir ministers has not oulie ingyred, and in a maner
intruded themselfs in the pulpits therof without a lawful! warrant
or calling, but instead of wholesome doctrine for ^edification of the
present auditor, has fallen out in most injurious and unduetifull
speeches against the sacred person of the king's Majestic, labour-
ing thereby, so farre as in them lay, to possesse the hearts of the
auditour with some badd opinion and construction of his Majestie's
unspotted life and conversation : And not content therewith, they
have their privie conventicles and meetings within this burgh ; has
obtrudit themselfs upon some of the estates of parliament, and in
publict audience has prejudged his Majestie's most religious, sin •
1G21. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 473
cere, and lawfull proceidlngs, using soUstations against his Majes-
tle's just intentions; and has not onlie directUe, manifestlic, and
avowedlio, done what in them lyes to call the sinccritie of his
Majestie's disposition towards the true religion in question, but to
inculcate and foster the same badd opinion in the hearts of his
Majestie's good subjects, and so to crosse and hinder all his Majes-
tie's proceedings in this parliament, -which has noe other ayme but
the gloric of God, puritie of religion, and weill of this kingdome.
In which three points, the bypast experience of his INIajestie's most
liappie govemement will cleere the sinceritie of his Majestie's most
religious disposition towards the glorie of God and the weill of his
people, and will vindicate his Majestic from the malignant asper-
sions of his Majestie's unduetifuU subjects. And wheras this forme
of doing in a kingdome, where the puritie of religion has suche a
free and uncontrolled libertie and progresse as it has in this king-
dome under his Majestie's most godlie, wise, just, and happie
government, is not suffered nor allowed, and has noe warrand of
law, custome, nor observation elswhair, but may draw with it manic
dangerous consequences, and raise up emulation and distastes be-
twixt his Majestic and his good people to their danger and harme :
Therefore, the Lords of the Secrete Counsell ordaining letters to
be direct to command and charge the whole ministers presentlie
being in this burghe, except the ordlnarie ministers of this burghc,
and suche others as upon notorietie of their lawfull adoes heir sail
procure a warrand from their ordlnarie, and fallying him, from one
of the archbishops, to remaine and byde still heir, by open procla-
mation at the Mercat Crosse of Edinburgh, to remove and depart
out of the said burgh within twcntle-foure houres next after the
said charge. And that they on noe wayes presume to repaire
agalne therunto during the time of this parliament, under the paine
of rebellion. And if they or any of them failyle, the said space
being past, to denunce, etc. Which denunciation, to be used at the
Mercat Crosse of Edinburgh, sail be as suflficient as if it had beene
used at the IMercate Crosses of the held burgh of the shire where
they dwell, ('ertifying them also, that after their denunciation
474 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1621.
tliej sail be taken, apprehendit, wairdlt, and punished according-
lie."
THE ministers' RESOLUTION AFTER THE CHARGE.
The bishops were bound by their caveatSj to doe nothing in
parliament •without the advise of the Generall Assemblie. But
they laboured by all meanes that there sould be noe Generall
Assemblie, to whose advise or consent they may be astricted. Yit
before the last parliament, when the erections of the abbacies was
to be called in question, ministers were invited and desired to come,
to advise and assist : but now, when the Five Articles wei'e to be
ratified in parliament, they are so farre from seeking their advise or
consent, howbeit they understood verie weill that the Assemblie of
Perth, and the acts therof, were not acknowledged by the most part
of the ministers and congregations ; and that they had noe warrand
from that Assemblie to seeke anie ratification, that they procured,
as ye may sie, this charge to be fried of all that Avere contrarie
niyndit. There was at this same tyme a Hieland man, Alan
Makeldow, cheefe of the Clan Cameron, a sorcerer, a murtherer,
declared rebell and outlaw, and charge given to bring him into the
counsel, and offer of five thousand punds to the apprehender, or of
pardon, if he were lying under the danger of the lawes. Wher-
upon it was ryfe in the mouths of the people, that the parliament
could not end weill, the beginning was so evill favoured : they
were banishing God and bringing in the devill. Some zealous
men of the ministrie understanding that suche a charge was to be
published, thought good that a Protestation sould be made by
word at the Mercate Crosse of Edinburgh, immediatlie after the
proclamation. Others thought it not expedient. So a number of
the ministrie, about threttie and above, conveened in a private
hous, and resolved to leave Informations and Admonitions to the
estates ; and if the Informations and Admonitions Avrought not the
effect intendit, they agried upon a Protestation to be presented to
the estates conveened. Howbeit it was granted by proclamation.
1G21. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 175
that 80 manie ministers as might procure a warrand from tlic
bishope might bide still ; yit when some craved his license, the
blshope wold not grant it, unlcsse they wold make a promise to
make noe interpellation nor intercession, private nor publict, against
the Five Articles. So, seing they could not stay by reason of the
proclamation, nor depart with silence, they resolved as foUoweth : —
THE ministers' INFORMATIONS AND ^VDMONITIONS TO THE
PARLIAMENT.
" We, the ministers of Jesus Christ in his Hieness' kingdome of
Scotland, being conveened from the quarters of the countrie, to
concurre for the Avcill of the kirk, and according to the ancient
custome therof observed before in parliaments, to consult upon
welghtie effairs, as the present case requireth consideration : And
being charged at the Mercate Crosse of Edinburgh to remove
furth of the said burrow within twentle-foure houres immediatllc
following the said charge ; as also, justlie fearing harder sequels to
follow upon such beginnings, have concludit, according to the
necessitie layde upon us, to leave our Informations and Admoni-
tions to the honourable Lords of Parliament ; attesting them, in the
name of our Lord Jesus, to remember the labours and sufFerinjrs
of their honourable predecessors, and to doe in the maters in hand
as they wold be accepted at his glorious appearance ; and praying
to the Father of Lights to open their eyes, and to incline their
hearts to try things that differ, and approve things expedient."
The Informations and Admonitions left behind them were these
following : —
" Your Honours assembled in this present parliament ought to
abstalne from ratification and all corroboration whatsoever of
Perth Assemblle, and acts therof, for the reasons following, and
manie moe alledglt, and to be produced, if your great adocs
could permitt : —
"1. It is but an Assemblle single, and in itself divytied. 2. In
the forme of proceeding, not onlie different from others, but
476 c ALDER wood's histoeie 1621.
directlle against the order established by the kirk. 3. In effect,
contrarious to all Generall and Provincial! Assemblies, Presbyteries,
and Sessions, as they are institute and have been holden in Scot-
land since reformation of religion within the same. 4. The caried
sentence and acts therof are repugnant to the forme of religion
received, beleeved, professed, established, and defendit by this kirk,
and whole bodie of this realme, by your honourable predecessors
of worthie memorie, and yourselfs, and practised universallie, and
in the severall paroches of this kingdome, these sixtie yeers and
above. Non est a consuetudine recedendum facile^ nisi ratione adver-
setur. Muche lesse from a knowen truthe, directed and blessed by
God in suche abundance of benefits, as the land hath injoyed with
religion. Noe kirk, Protestant nor Lutheran, nor of other profes-
sion. Papist or whatsoever, will goe in a change, without some evi-
dent (at least apparent) reason of the Word. The change but of the
old calender for the Pope's new one (and that is but a small thing)
made a great hurly-burly both at Riga, in Croma, and at Augusta.
" 2. Such ratification sould crosse and directlie prejudice the
acts of Parliament 1592, and the provision expressed in the end of
the act of Parliament 1597, and all other acts sett doun in favour
of the jurisdiction of the kirk, libertie therof, assemblies, and disci-
pline : Item, His Majestle's proclamation, published and printed at
command of his counsel, 1605 : Item, The Protestation made at
Perth, 1606, and all others made before and since : Item, The
covenant made by the ministers and professors of this kingdome,
1596 and 1597, and all other bands, wherby pastors and flocks
have obliged themselfs, in persons and continuall practise, to stand
to the forme -of religion receaved and practised. Tales legum
mutationes wold prove legum vulnera. Qnce in suo statu eademque
manent, etsi deteriora sunt tamen rectiora sunt. Reip. quam quce per
renovationen ml meliora inducantur. And with what credite and
constancie could your Honours confirrae separation from your
fathers, and the breache of ancient unitie and conformitie with
your owne kirk, when it may be truelie said, ' Melius atque rectius
olim provisum, et quce convertuntur, in deterius mutantur .?'
1G21. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 477
" 3. The reformers of this kirk, and such as by a long conti-
nuance follow them, laid a sure foundation, and buildit upon the
same, -svithout errour, notwithstanding of difficill times. It were
our wisdome to goe fordward, and not backward ; to strengthen,
and not to weaken. David left not the arke where Saul left it,
nor Solomon where David. If our fathers were in the way, our
change is errour, and out of the way. And sail we say now, that
our sound and ancient profession is prisons rigor^ cuiquam pares
non sunt homines? Constantin's course was more commendable.
Perfecit Constantinus quod Philippusjaniccpperat. It were our duetie,
if our forbears had done wrong, to practise the rule, Quoi illicUa a
prccdeccssoribus inveniuntur^ admissa in melius revocari oportet.
" 4. Observation of dayes, kneeling, etc., as they are straitlie
injoyned, are voide of the necessarie properties required by the
wisest fathers in a lawfull ceremonie, ut Jidci congruat, saluti pro-
Jiciat, disciplincB conducat. So, in this kirk, neither are they neces-
sarie, expedient, nor fitting the fraime of our reformation. They
edifie not, they divide and destroy : in so farre as ceremonies being
tcdes rcligionisj they are signes to the adversaries of the trueth, that
we repent our reformation, which is not ; and presnges our returne
to their damned corruptions, which by the grace of God we meane
not, in substance or ceremonie. To reinduce them, say the divines
of Germanic, is to disturb the peace of the kirk, to greeve the
godlie, to wound the weake, to countenance Poperie by shew of
inclination towards it, or commoderation with it. In neighbour
kirks where they most prevaile, their removall is most earnestlie
sought.
" 5. In Perth Assemblie, they are concludit not as lawes bind-
ing either to fault or paine, but as admonitions or institutions.
Magnum est discrimen inter Ecclesiastica decrcta, et politica, quorum
necesse est ilia minus ohstringere consciencias. Nam in ecclesiasiicis
spectanda est dra^ia. In politicis autem, parendum est, quamvis tu
earn ara^iav non videas. Such ceremonies are Juris privati non
])uhlici. Ilk man is bound in conscience by word, first to discerne
what is indift'erent, and then to direct himself in the right use of
478 calderwood's historie 1621.
everle indlvlduall thing for his owne edification. And if ministers
and professors be restrained from that searche, and brought under
a compelled obedience by the law, that were to revive the ancient
servitude of German adiaphorisme, wherewith the godlie wold
never suffer themselfs to be intangled. Nulla lex sibi solum consci-
entiam justitia sua debet, sed its a quibus obsequium expectat.
" 6. Our forbears finding the controverted ceremonies to be the
mousswebbs of Poperie, and like the mowdiwarts in Thessalie,
that overthrew a whole toun, Quod in papain dolendum, in reforma-
tione avferendum putarent, they not onlie tooke away Baal, but the
calves of Dan and Bethel. They thought it noe wayes meete to
follow Pilat's policie to please the Jewes with scourging of Christ,
that they might keepe him alive. And will the Papist be pleased
with scourging the doctrine by invections, etc., and taking again e
some of these ceremonies? Will that preserve us against their
heate breathed out against us as hereticks, and make us lurke
unJer mitigation, as if we were now but schismaticks ? ' Non est
ad hunc modum in religione agendum,^ (sayeth one.) ' Tota enim re-
purganda est et ad vivum emendanda.^ And another sayeth, ' Atqui
prastaret sepultam esse docirinam ad tempus, quam sic Jlagellari.^ It
is to be feared, that before long, that men disaffected to the an-
cient order sail further presume to give out other doctrine als
well as new ceremonies.
" 7. Ratification wold compasse a great manie ministers and
professors of this kirk betweene two dangerous straits : Either to
practise against the trueth, as they understand it, and have walked
in it, and against the personall bands whereby they have obliged
themselfs to stand constantlie to the obedience of it, or els to fall
under the breache of a civill law, more hardlie perhapps to be
persued than the lawes against heresie, blasphemie, breaking of
the Sabboth, etc. In such a case, as we are always readie in our
goods and bodies, to the increassing and upholding of his Majestie's
honour and estate, so, according to our possibilitie, and the oc-
curant necessitie of his Hieness' effairs, we cheerfullie oflfer our
best supplies and helpe. And for ease of our just greevances, and
1G21. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 479
fears of our Christian libertie from constraint of ceremonies, Ave
Immblie begge to have returned ratification of our ancient liberties
of religion. Ceremonies sould be persuadit by reason, and not
inforccd by compulsion. Propter externos ritus disciplince homines
pics Jerire, neque Domini est voluntas, neqiie purioris ecclesia mos.
In the name of the Lord Jesus, we require your Honours, that at
this time ye walke in the maters of the kirk, as one day ye sail
be judged duetifull, according to the Scriptures following : ' Be-
ware of men, beware of evill workers.' ' Let noe man beguile
you with intysing words.' * Stand fast in the faith; quite you like
men.' ' Be strong.' * Stand fast in the libertie wherewith Christ
hath made you free, and be not entangled againe with the yoke of
boundage.' ' Hold fast the forme of sound words.' ' That good
thing which is committed unto thee, keepe.' ' Contend earnestlie
for the faith Avhich was once given to the saints.' * Seing ye know
these things before, beware least ye fall from your owne stead-
fastness.' ' Strengthen the things which remaine, that are readie
to die.' ' Remember how thou hast receaved and heard.' ' And
hold fiist, and repent.' ' If thou watche not, I will come upon
thee suddanlie, like a theefe in the night, and thou sail not know
what houre.' ' They have noe courage for the trueth upon earth,'
Jer. ix. 3."
FYVE REASONS WHERFORE THE FYVE ARTICLES OF PERTH OUGHT
NOT TO BE R.VTIFIED IN THIS PRESENT PARLLVMENT.
" First, Becaus that Assemblie was not lawfuUie constitute,
wanting a fundamentall priviledge of a lawful! Assemblie, in re-
spect that, contrarie to the act of Generall Assemblie holden ajino
1600, and anno 1568, bishops, barons, and burgesses voted not,
being authorized with commissions from synods, presbyteries, nor
sessions of kirks. His Majestie's letter directed to particulare
barons and burgesses, without commission from their incorpora-
tions, could not give them vote in parliament, much lesse in the
Generall Assemblie.
480 CALDER wood's historie 1621.
*' Secondlie, Putting the case that these articles were indif-
ferent, yit the Assemblie hath erred, in respect it hath concludit
CDntrarie to the apostolick rule in things indifferent ; which is, that
the practiser sould not compell him that for conscience refuseth
to practise, but also, least he offend him, sould forbeare to practise
himself, ' Propter conscientiam non tuam, sed ipsius, dico^ (1 Cor.
X. 29.) ' If thy brother be greeved for thy meate, now walkest
thou not charitablie. Destroy him not for thy meate for whom
Christ hath died,' (Rom. xiv. 15.)
" Thridlie, Becaus the foresaid articles being determined in
alteram partem per circumstancias impeditivas in themselfs, are
unlawfull. The observation of it drawing with it a revolt, and a
returning backe againe to Popish rites and ceremonies, a violation
of our profession, subscriptions, and oathes, whereby we renunced
them, a confirming of Papists in their errours, and putting them
in hope of our coming to them in more substantial! points, a
greeving of the hearts of all zealouslie affected, a preparative in
the hearts of the commontie, (who measure religion more by exter-
nall maske of ceremonies, than by substantiall points of doctrine,)
to the receiving againe of Avhole Poperie; a terrible renting of
his kirk, inducing atheisme in place of religion, the people not
knowing what to beleeve. And seing the observation of Yule
obtrudit, which before discharged by act of parliament in all
pulpits of Scotland, was sufficientlie declared to be the invention
and tradition of man, to be will-worship, superstition, interteaning
the people in an errour anent the birth of Christ, leading them to
all sort of excesse and profanation : And geniculation, the first
of the fyfteene ceremonies of the masse, teste Bellarmino, a gesture
invented and ordained onlie by Antichrist, more than 1300 years
efter Christ, as the principall externall worship of their breaden
God, now enforced in the celebration of the Lord's Supper, under
pretence of indifferencie, more reverence, and humilitie. As
though we were not forbidden, pracepto negativo, to presume to
give or receive the Communion more reverentlie than Christ and
Jiis disciples did. Or tliat we were not commanded, prcecepto
1G21. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 481
ajfinnati'vo, to imitate Christ in all his religious actions, neither
miraculous nor admirable, nor having a particular reason restrict-
ing them to that time ; as though we were not warranted, pracepto
coniparativo, ratiier to imitate Christ with a table-gesture, in that
holic banket, than Antichrist with a gesture of adoration inductive
to idolatrie. Or as though a man were able to give a reason why
the surplice, the crosse, and the elevation of the brcade, may not
als Weill be received, (being of more antiquitie.) And if the min-
ister having a surplice, Avith crossing elevate the brcade, and the
people bow their knee, what want we of a raesse ? Uhi semel deerra-
tum est, in prceceps devenitur.
"Fourthlie, Bccaus, if the Ilighc Commission be emboldenned, by
ratification of this parliament, to deprive ministers that will stand
out against these ceremonies, being the greattest number of the
best qualified, most painfull, and fruitfull of their calling in the
land, what a lamentable desolation sail it draw upon this church !
What a wound sail it be to everie godlie heart, to see their faith-
full pastors deprived, wairdit, and banished, for giving the Com-
munion as Christ gave it, and refusing to give it after the forme
of Antichrist ? Is this a time to obtrude antichristian ceremonies
in the kirk, wlicn the bloodie sword of Antichrist is imbrcwed
in the blood of so manie thousand Protestants in France and
Germanic ?
" Lastlie, Becaus It was never scene, that this parliament con-
firmed the Acts of an Assemblie, which they knew was called in
question, not onlie by a great number of the speciall of the minis-
trie, but also by the greattest part of the most zealous professors
of the whole bodie of the kingdome ; as is manifest by the prac-
tise of Edinburgh, seeking the Lord's Supper in thousands without
the citie."
ANE ADMONITION TO THE WELAFFECTED NOBILITIE, BARONS, AND
BURGESSES, COMMISSIONERS IN THIS PRESENT PARLIAMENT.
" Doe not your Honours now at last perceive how mightilie the
VOL. vir. 2 u
482 calderwood's historie 1621.
mysterle of iniquitie, the spirit of Antichrist, the power of dark-
ness and delusion, prevails amongst us, in the judgement of God,
presuppose not in the intention of man, which we presume not to
searche, but leave it to the Lord, the searcher of hearts ? If
Papists goe free who used to be fyned ; if professors be counted
Puritanes, and religion disgraced ; if patrons of Poperie be sett at
libertie, and the faithfull committed ; if Seminarie preests goe
abroade, and true pastors be confined and imprisoned ; if sea-ports
be patent to foreine Papists, and banished ministers \y unrecalled ;
if sundrie statsmen be small friends to true pi'ofession, and not
unfriends to Papistrie ; if time-servers and men-pleasers usurpe
commission for Christ's kirk, being her greattest enemies; if
Papists doe encroache, and professors grow cold; if it be dis-
charged, that searche be made for messe preests, or that these foxes
being discovered, sould be apprehendit, as your Honours may try,
whose intelliofcnce is better ? Is not heere the sound of the feete
of Poperie at the doores, wherinto the Lord hath long threatned
to cast us ? The discipline of Christ's Kirk is alreadie weill neere
destroyed, and turned Antichristian, by the usurpation and tyran-
nic of our prelats. The worship of God is nixt, and now among
your hands, which, if ye suffer to be polluted by the Romishe
leaven of their unhallowed rites, as sundrie of the ministrie unwise-
lie have done, we may justlie feare the corruption of doctrine ; and
so all is gone.
" Consider, then, that the touchstone to try your love to the
trueth is at this time the act concerning these cursed ceremonies,
counted indifferent by manic, but in effect pernicious ; the bring-
ing backe wherof, by the confession of all, even of the urgers, is at
least unnecessarie and untymous, and so, in religion, abominable
and impious. But if we will say the trueth, it is, 1. A returning
with the dogge to the vomite; 2. To Papists and professours
scandalous ; 3. Contrare to the Word, as is largeHe proven by
sundrie, and so presumptuous ; 4. In regard of the present use,
whersoever they are received, proving superstitious ; 5. By reason
of the oathe of God, which heirby is despised, blasphemous ; 6. In
1G21. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 483
regard of the consequences, damnable and devilislie ; and for the
maner of their establishing by violence and craftiness, to all men
who have ejes, odious.
" Which as your Honours in God's mercie have marked, so
have you done weill, that being privilie tried, ye have not dis-
sembled your dislike, both of the caus and of the crooked convoy
of it ; for well might ye know when supplicants were sent to
prison, and trueth Avas misconstrued, and counted treasoun ; when
ministers were discharged of the toun, for fear of requcisting your
Honours to stand for the Lord, litle good was to be looked, efter
so godless a beginning. It rests now, that ye be constant and
settled in the love of the trueth. By threatnings, by allurments, by
hopes, by fears, touching your selfs and your faitiifull pastors, and
other endless ways of darkness, they studie to draw away and
divert you, either to make you vote against Christ, or to be neu-
tralls and 7i07i liqucts ; or to slide away, and deny your presence ;
by one meanes or other to draw you under the curse of Meroz, for
not helping the Lord against the mightie. But the busier they
are, the lesse freedome in this parliament ; the lesse worth in their
causes, the greatter is your triell, who stand to give testimonie to
Christ ; your faith the more precious, and your reward the more
glorious. For God hath said, ' He that overcometh sail inhcrite
all things, and I will be his God, and he sail be my sone.' But the
fearfuU (that is, suclie as for the fearc of man darre not give testi-
monie to the trueth of God) and the unbelieving sail have their
])art in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the
second death."
ANOTHER ADMONITION.
" Please your Honours, take heed what ye doe at this pcremp-
torie time concerning the establishing of the unlawfull act of the
pretendit Asscmblie of Perth. Christ hath putt his caus in your
hands. Be faithfull now, or never. Beware of bringing backe,
and casting in again of this stumbling-blocke. The glorie of God,
the standing of the kirk of this land, your owne soulcs, and the
484 c ALDER wood's historie 1621.
soules of manle thousands for whom Christ Jesus died, is now in
hazard, and depends muche (if ye looke to outward meanes) upon
your fidelitie, Avherof ye sail not want witness, neither in heaven or
earth. The eyes of men and angells are upon you ; the eyes of
those who murne for the miseries of God's Kirk are lono-lno: for
confort from you. And the Great Judge of the world, the
Almightie, our God, whose eyes are as a flamming fire, doe behold
everio man's part in this present parliament. Your votes, your
names, your acts, sail be registrat to all posteritle. Ponder, there-
fore, the weight of the cans wherewith ye medle, and the fearfull
inconveniences which doe accompanie, and sail follow, the ratifica-
tion of the Acts of that pretendlt Assemblie, that will befall the
kingdorae of Christ, his ministrle, the best part of sincere profes-
sors, your friends and familiars, your children and posteritie, and it
may be also your owne persons, both splrltuallie and clvUlle. For
if, according to your places, in prudent and humble maner, ye doe
not resist the establishing of that act by all lawfull meanes, ye
cannot cleanse yourselfs of despising the oath and covenant of
God, solemnelie sworne and subscribed by all estates, and of
drawing doun the undoubted curse of God, which hastens now to
come upon us, ye cannot be guiltless of incouraging and Im-
boldenlng the Papists to higher attempts than we are warre of;
yea, and of the greevlng of the hearts of the king's best subjects,
of brangling their faith, and casting them in perplexltie, how to
serve both God and their native king. Ye cannot be guiltless of
the thrusting out of falthfull ministers, and bringing in of young
boyes, hirelings, and tim-servers, to the overthrow of the gospell,
and the slaughter of soules. Ye cannot misse to draw the whole
laud In a snare, and in speclall the weaker Christians, who, by
the force of civlll law, must either suffer their goods to become a
prey to worse subjects than themselfs, or at least, their meanes and
estates to be so pilled and impaired by fines and penalties, as in a
short time they sail neither be able to serve tlieir king, their coun-
trie, nor their owne necessities ; or els, to controll and inthrall
their consciences, to the destruction of their soules. Now is the
time wiselie to prevent these things ; which if ye doe, time sail ajj-
1621. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 485
prove you, God and good men sail acknowledge you in this point
better Christians, better statesmen, better servants of God, more
loyall and wise subjects to the king, better friends to kirk and
comraonweale, than they who, upon whatsoever pretences, sail
cither urge or ycekl to the contrarie. Kesist, therefore, the esta-
blishing of ceremonies, as a rc-cntrie of Papistrie. Our neighbour
countrie gi'ones under the yoke which now is presented againe to
their neckes, and wold redccmc the libertie which you have had,
and yit, in some measure, injoy. It cost your predecessors manie
a teare with God, and their uttermost endeavours with men, to
purchase and transmitt this libertie unto you, and Christ hath
bought it with his bloode for you. Count not so lightlie of it, as
to lose it for a moment ; but stand fast in the libertie wherewith
Christ hath made you fi-ee, and be not intaugled again with the
yoke of bondage. Good subjects have noe just cans to feir for
offence of a good king in maintaining God's right and their owne,
so long as their cans is honest, and their defence lawfull. Stand,
therefore, for the tructh, and confesse Christ before men, as ye
wold that he sould confess you before the Father."
The Protestation agreed upon, in case the Informations and Ad-
monitions above written had not wrought the effect intendit, heir
foUoweth :
THE ministers'" PROTESTATION.
" We, tlie Ministers of Jesus Christ, in his Hieness' kingdome of
Scotland, being conveened from all the quarters of the countrie, to
concurre for the weill of the kirk, and, according to the ancient
custome therof, observed in parliament, to consult upon the
Aveightie effairs, as the present case requires tymous consideration :
And being charged at the Mercate Crosse of Edinburgh to remove
off the said buruh within twentie-foure hourcs immediatlie follow-
ing the said charge; as also, justlle fearing harder sequels to follow
upon such beginnings, have concludit the last remedLe of protesta-
tion, wherof the tenour followes : —
" May it please your Honours in this present parliament
486 calderwood's histoeie 1621.
assembled, under the Right Highe and Excellent Majestic of our
deir and dread Soveraigne : We have now before our eyes the fore-
seene and foretold bitter fruits of these alterations of the kirk, and
just feare of further evills to ensue upon suche dangerous beginnings,
so meikle the more, as we are deprived of that ordinarie aide of
the Generall Assemblie, vt^herunto properlie belongs to propone at
parliament the kirk's eflfaires. And although for supplement of
that pitifull defect, in humble maner we did offer our reasonable
supplication, conforme to his Hieness' proclamation, we can have
noe place to be heard in our lawful! and religious desires, in this
hard and heavie case. The sensible danger of our untymous
silence, in these dayes of the growth of sinne, decay of grace, con-
tempt of the gospell, and troubles abroad, moved by the most part
by the patrons of that bloodie Councel of Trent ; and the con-
science of our inevitable compeirance before the judgement-seate
of Christ, to give an account of our stewardship, compells us, as
from highe extremitie, to declare to your Honours our bounden
and heartie affection to hold fast our ancient faith, and forme of
religion received, beleeved, and defended by the Kirk of Scotland,
the king's Majestic, and the estats, the whole bodie of this realme,
your forbears of worthie meraorie, and yourselfs, as God's eternal
trueth, and onlie ground of our salvation, and of our happie peace
and prosperitie, by God's undeserved mercie so long continued.
As also, our unfained detestation of all formes and ceremonies,
manic or few, that enemies of the trueth may cast in our teeth, as
signes of repentance of our reformation, or anie part therof, or
presages to them of our returne to their damned superstition,
either in substance or ceremonie therof. And likewise, in the
name of Jesus Christ, who sail render to everie man according to
that he has done in the fleshe, to require your Honours to stand
steadfastlie for the said ancient religion, forme of doctrine, sacra-
ments, and discipline, as they have beene ministred in this kirk
ever since reformation of the religion ; for the jurisdiction and
libertie of the true kirk, Generall and Provinciall Assemblies,
Presbyteries, and Sessions, as they are established by the lawes
and kirk of this kingdome ; and against all usurpation, and corrup-
1621. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 487
tion of spirituall governement, and unnecessarie ceremonies, as the
Five Articles of Perth Assemblie ; and whatsoever is as apples of
strife, and deadlie destroyers of the kirk of Jesus Christ.
" Otherways, if it sail happen (as God forbid) that anie mater
be proponed, put in article, or concludit in this present parliament,
in prejudice of the said religion, and acts of parliament past in
favours of the samine, with sorrow, and sore against our heart, we
will be constrained to use the remedie of protestation ; like as
adhering to the protestations to the parliament holden at Perth,
in the yeer of God 1606, and to the protestation used in the last
parliament, holden at Edinburgh, 1617, and to all others protesta-
tions whatsoever made in favours of this kirk, and against all hurts
and injuries intendit against the samine : By thir presents, we
solemulie protest against all and whatsoever articles, acts, and
others whatsoever, sail be propondit, concludit, and published in
or fro this present parliament, in prejudice of the jurisdiction and
libertie of the kirk, assemblies therof, order established, or anie
part therof, or in favours of the usurped governement, and damned
hierarchic of ceremonies and alterations whatsoever, conccrninir
the ministration of the sacraments, or anie other point or practise
of discipline reccaved in this kingdome. And for due execution
heirof, wills and requeists our welbeloved brother, Mr David
Barclay, to subscribe and present the samine as effcirs, in open
face of parliament, to the Lords of Articles, being convccned, and,
if need be, to affixe the same upon the Parliament House doorc,
or Mercate Crosse of Edinburgh : To the effect that our reason-
able disassent from all and whatsoever may in anie sort prejudge
the forme of religion established in this kingdome may be notori-
ously knowne.
"At Edinburgh, the 25th day of Julie, 1621 yeirs.
" Mr David Barclay,
*' Minister of the Evangell, in name of the
brethren of the ministrie professing the
religion as it has been reccaved and
practised since the first Reformation of
the same in this kinn-domc."
488 calderwood's historie 1621.
The Informations and Admonitions above written made such
impression in the hearts of manie, that few wold have consented
to the ratification of the Five Articles in parliament, if they had
beene left to their owne libertie, and not wrought upon by the
Marqueis of Hammilton, the king's Grand Commissioner, Secre-
tarie Hammiltoun,, the bishops,, and others that were sett on worke
by them.
THE PARLIiUlENT.
Upon Wednesday, the 25th of Julie, the estates marched in
state from the Palace of Halyrudhouse to the Parliament House,
the Tolbuith of Edinburgh. The Erie of Anguse caried the
crowne, the Erie of Marre the scepter, and the Erie of Kothesse
the sword. When they were ryding up the streete, a Papist
directing his speeche to the Bishop of St Androes, cryed aloude,
" God blesse you, my Loi'd, with all your brethren, and favourers
of your course ; for you and they are furthering the way to content
his Majestic, and us all that are Catholicks, which God prosper !
None resists but a number of evill disposed ministers." His words
were not heard but by the nelrest, by reason of the noise of the
people. He aud another bursted out likeways in these speeches :
" When I come to Rome or to Avinion, to report how I have
heard the ministers of Scotland discharged out of Edhiburgh by
open proclamation at the Mercate Crosse, in time of parliament,
the newes will be so joyfull, that scarselie will they be beleeved by
the Catholicks." George Fowles, one of the commissioners from
Edinburgh, riding up the streete with the rest, fell from his horse.
The horse fell above him, and bruised him. He was caried home,
and lay in his bed a long time, with sore bakes and sides. But a
worse than himself was chosen commissioner for him, Andro Scott,
the chirurgien. Alexander Clerk was the other commissioner,
conforme also, and corrupt eneugh. The Commission was caried
before the Grand Commissioner in a velvet pocket, by the Lord
Binning, eldest sonne to the Erie of Melrose. It was rccomraendit
1621. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 489
to the care of the double gunrJc -vvithln and without, that noe
minister wanting the bishop's license be suffered to enter into the
Parliament House. Efter the members of parliament -were placed
in their owne ranks, that such ministers might be removed, in case
anie had been suffered to enter, the Bishop of St Androcs, efter a
verie short prayer, redd a passage of Scripture, Rom. xiii. 7, and
had a harangue, to persuade the estates to grant the taxation.
The Grand Commissioner, the IMarqucis of Ilammiltoun, followed
with his harangue, lie laide open the king's great and extraor-
dinar cffairs ; his continuall debursements for supplying the King
of Boheme, the queene, and their mother ; and continuall sending
ambassadors to France, Germanic, and Spaine, to travell for peace
among Christian princes; his extraordinarie aydes given to the
German princes, to retaine them Avithin the band of friendship and
alliance ; the charges of maintaining a sea navic under the conduct
of Sir Robert jNIansfield. lie addit, that his Majestic sustained
and suffered more for the persecutions and afflictions of the Pro-
testants, and for the defence of the reformed kirks, than did all the
princes of the world besides. Sundrie insinuations he used for
a large supplie, and amongst the rest, that he had a warrant to
give way to a good advise, whereby money might abound in the
countrie efter the taxation. He spake of the Five Articles, under
the name of maters of kirk discipline, which had been concludit in
former assemblies, and practised in the primitive kirk, and were
not forbidden by the Word of God ; and, consequcntlie, able to be
defined by the prince, who hath lawfull power to command in
things indifferent. He said, he doubted nothing of their good
affection, and concurrence to his Majestie's reasonable desires, and
that he wold let his Majestic know everie man's part. He pro-
mised in the king's name, that if they wold consent to the Five
Articles they sould never be urged with moe ceremonies. Chan-
cellour Setoun followed in the thrid place. Efter he had discoursed
upon the honour of the auditorie, the qualitie of the royall throne,
where the Commissioner satt, and had given the states everie one
their owne due, he repeated some things touched by the Grand
490 calderwood's histoeie 1621.
Commissioner and the Bishop of St Androes, concerning the
necessitie imposed of a liberal! taxation, and expediencie to give
way to the ordinances of the kirk. He alledged for his purpose
that Numa was both king and priest. In end, he exhorted them
to goe cheerfuUie to the election of the Lords of the Articles.
The Grand Commissioner, the noblemen and the prelats, the
chancelour, the thesaurer, the secretarie, and clerk of register,
went into the Inner-House to choose the Lords of the Articles.
The choise was not made of persons most indifferent, of best judg-
ment, and noe wayes partiallie affected to anie partie, as beseemeth
free parliaments and counsels. The bishops choosed eight of the
nobilitie, Anguse, Mortoun, Niddisdaill, Wigtoun, Roxburgh,
Balcleugh, Scoone, Carnegie. These choosed eight bishops, St
Androes, Glasco, Dunkeld, Aberdeen, Brechine, Dumblaine, Argile,
Orkney ; and these together choosed eight barons and eight
burgesses : barons, the Constable of Dundie, Sir Johne Hammil-
toun of Lettock, the Laird of Inchmartine, Lyes, Burnet, Sir
Bobert Stewart, the Laird of Hatoun, the Laird of Lagge, the
Laird of Prestoun ; burgesses for Edinburgh, Alexander Clerk,
Andro Scott ; for Perth, Andro Gray ; for Dundie, Mr Alexander
Wedderburne ; for Aberdeene, Mr David Rutherfurd ; for Culrose,
Sir George Bruce ; for Glasco, James Inglis ; for St Androes,
Ilenrie Arthure ; for Sterline, Duncane Patersone. The officers
of estate, the chancelour, the thesaurer, privie seale, justice-
clerk, the king's advocate, and the clerk of register, men readie
to serve the king's humour, for the benefite they had by their
offices, and hopes of greatter preferments, satt and voted with
them, howbeit not chosen.
The Lords of the Articles ought to have begun at the efFairs of
the kirk, according to the custome ; but they treate first of the
taxation, hoping to induce such as were not affected to the cere-
monies to a large subsidie, upon hope to be fried of the Five
Articles. The Grand Commissioner had another harangue before
them to the same purpose that [was] before. Three days were
spent in reasoning, voting, presenting petitions, receiving answers,
1G21. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 401
and setting down conditions in favour of men fearing their ownc
hurt. But the Five Articles were quicklie past over, without
regard had to the discontentment of the subjects, the present rent
of the kirk, the sufferings of ministers, and the like inconvenences,
which were like to increasse, by ratifying an act, or rather a simple
advise of a null Assemblie, by a law. All that were upon the
articles consented to the Five Articles, except the Laird of Pres-
toun, commissioner for East Lothian, the Laird of Lyes, Burnet,
commissioner for the Mearnes, and Duncane Patersone, provest
and burges of Sterline. It was thought that the Erie of Mortoun
absented himself purposelie. Howbeit, the mater was caried away
by pluralitie of votes, yit the Bishop of Aberdeene was not content
that there was a contrare vote, and therefore brake furth in these
words, " My Lords, there is some that must ever be singulare."
He had said before in his harangue, that the Kirk of Scotland was
in better ease without these ceremonies than with them ; " yit
seing his Majestic will have them brought in, I protest upon my
salvation and condemnation, there is no danger in using them.
They are indifferent in themselfs, and, therfore, whosoever refuseth
to give his Majestic obedience in using of them are contentious,
and troublers of the peace and unitie of the kirk, and therefore
worthie to be punished." He protested likways, that they w-ere
not to be urged with anie moe ceremonies, as the marqueis had
promised before. It was replyed by a nobleman, that he was too
liberall in his promises, without assurance of performance, for his
Majestic wold not bind himself efter that sort. The cabinet
counsel met daylie in the Abbay by sixe in the morning, and satt
till nyne, to drcsse maters that were to be treatted amongst the
Lords of the Articles.
Notwithstanding there was good appearance that the articles
sould pass in parliament, being agreed unto by the Lords of the
Articles, yit the king's cheefe agents thought good to hold the
parliament sitting, and the Lords of the Articles bussied with
some thing for the fashion ; that they might have leasure to deale
with the members of parliament, and to procure their consent to
492 calderwood's historie 1621.
the Five Articles. The cheefe ringleaders, viz., the Marqueis of
Hammiltoun, the secretare, and the bishops, imployed some
treacherous intelligencers, to try such as were yit unknowne to
them. These insinuated themselfs in the meetings of noblemen,
commissioners of shires and burrows, and other occasional! meet-
ings, rarer or more frequent, as occasion was offered. They
counterfitted a dislike of Perth Articles, where they found anie to
dislike them. So they learned men's names, natures, intentions.
They wold seem to approve the things they heard, least they sould
be suspected ; and when they thought they were not suspected,
they wold dissuade men craftilie from good motions and resolu-
tions, with shew of agrement in the generall end. At night, they
returned to their directours, and informed them what was everie
man's disposition, that the ringleaders might know with whom to
deale, or caus deale. AVherupon the noblemen, commissioners of
shires and burrowes, were requeisted in an imperious maner to
forbeare their meetings ; or rather, were restrained from the
necessarie use of the ancient priviledges granted to the severall
states, to conveene by themselfs in time of parliament, for advis-
ing, reasoning, and preparing themselfs the more deliberatlie to
vote in publict It was promised, that they sould have inspection
of whatsoever was past amongst the Lords of the Articles for their
better information, at the least twentie-foure houres before the
publict meeting ; and they were injoyned not to meete without
the Grand Commissioner's speciall consent. The Lords of the
Articles were treatting in the meane time concerning sumpteous
banketing, silk pasments, or other maters of small importance ; or
went to hunting, hawking, or fowling, some of them, when their
raindes Avere sett upon nothing lesse than games or pastimes. The
Grand Commissioner, the secretare, the elleven bishops, (Murrey
and the lies were absent,) laboured with the commissioners, voters
in parliament ; none so busie as the secretare, both night and day.
Some were allured with faire promises to promise consent ; others
were so terrified, howbeit otherwise well affected, that they left
the toun ; some to eschew importunate requeists departed off the
1021, OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 493
toun. Sir Joline Plammiltoun, Laird of Prestoun, having voted
against the Five Articles, in presence of the Lords of the Articles,
the marqueis, his checfe, and the secretare, dealt Avith him to recall
his vote in publict. The more earnest they were, he -was tlie
more constant, and answered, lie was readie to serve his Majestic
and them with his life, lands, and all that he had ; but he wold not
offend God wittinglie and willinglie for the pleasure of man, and
make to himself a hell in his owne conscience. The Bishop of
Duniblane was sent to him efter, and efter him the Lord Scoone,
but they prevailed not. Then the secretare desired him to absent
himself. He answered, " I will not : I will stay and bcare witness
to the trueth. I will render my life and all that I have before I
recall one word that I have said. But if ye will charge me with let-
ters of horning, or with a macer to waird, or to depart, I will
obey." " Weill, Sir," said the secretare, " ye sail not bring me with-
in that compass. We sail make both you and your Instructour
(meaning Mr Johne Ker, miiiister at Salt Prestoun) to repent It."
Some who obstinatlle refused when they were chosen by their
shires to accept commission, and had taken Instruments upon their
rcfusall, yea, had sworne, neither to ryde nor vote in parliament at
that time, were induced both to behave themselfs as commissioners
and to vote for the Articles. The Laird of New Listoun refused
to accept a commission ; yet was he admitted commissioner, and
by his affirmative vote, frustrated the negative of the right com-
missioner, that honourable baron, the Laird of Dundasse his vote.
In the meane time, the king lying neere to York, of purpose to
receive speedie advertlsment, was Informed how maters went.
The brute was spred, that the parliament was to sitt longer nor
was looked for. But suddenlie, Avithout the knowledge, and beside
the expectation of manic of the members of parliament, Saterday
the 4th of August was appointed to be the last ryding day. L^pon
Satterday the 4th of August, betwixt three and foure In the morn-
ing, there was a pltlfuU cry heard in the streets of Edinburgh,
people crying, "Fy for helpe ! fire, fire!" Manie were raised out
of their beds with the sound of the commone bell, and come furth
494 CALDERWOOd's HISTORIE 1G21.
in armes, barefooted to the streete, thinking verilie that the people
had made some insurrection. These that Avere in the highest
places, and had their hands deepest in the present course, were in
greatest perplexitie, till they understood e that the people had noe
other intention but to quenche a fire, whereby a tenement of land
at the new well in the Cowgate was brunt without recoverie.
This accident was taken for a forewairnino; to the estates to take
heid what they did. Manie people being conveened in the utter
court of the Palace of Halyrudhouse to behold the solemnitie,
observed, that when the Lords were mounted upon their horses, a
swanne did flie over their heads from the north toward the south,
flaffing with the wings, and muttering her naturall song. The
people whispered among themselfs, shaking their heads, that they
feared a badd conclusion of that parliament. The Laird of Pres-
toun, of whom we have made mention before, being sett upon
horsebacke, the secretare sent his brother, Mr Johne Hammiltoun,
accompanied with a number of his servants, to command him to
light, and to let him have his footmantle againe, which he had
borrowed from him before the parliament. But the Laird of Pres-
toun, thinking the footmantle not seemlie, becaus it Avas onlie of
cloth pasmented, had borrowed from another one of velvet. So
they came to him and craved the footmantle imperiouslie. He
answered, " This is not my Lord's footmantle : his is of cloth ;
this, ye see, is of velvet : if ye please, I sail send presentlie one of
my servants to my chamber up in the toun, where my Lord's foot-
mantle lyeth foldit up, and it sail be rendered to him." They
reported his answeir to the secretare. But they went again at the
secretare's direction with a new charge, and said, " My Lord affirms
that which ye ride on is his, and, therefore, ye must light." He
answeired, " If ye make me light, I sail make all Scotland heare
of it." Then they called him to sweare that it was not my Lord's.
He answeired, " Ye sail not make me sweare : goe tell my Lord, I
sail be als true as anie Hammiltoun in Scotland." The secretare
sent to him the thrid time again to understand what place he wold
take in ryding or sitting. When he perceived that the secretare
1621. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 495
wold pick a, quarrel, if he had taken that place that day which he
did the other day amongst the most honourable of the barons, and
so accuse him of disorder, and therupon charge him to waird, or
not ride, he sent his answeir, that he sould take such a place as
sould not be quarrelled ; and so he did, riding amongst the mean-
est barons. So the sccretare, fullie bent to disgrace him, becaus
he wold not grant to recall his vote, was disappointed. They come
riding up the streete before halfe the toun of Edinburgh was gather-
ed to attend upon them.
When they Avere entered into the Parliament House, the noble-
men, according to the custome, went in to the Inner-House, and
came furth to the Utter-House by degrees to their places. But
the Erles of Mortoun, Buchane, and the Vicount of Lauderdaill,
stayed in the Inner-House till the kirk's part was acted, and God's
worship tln'ough her sides had received a deadlie wound ; and
tlien came furth to their owne places to play their part in civill
maters. Mortoun and the Vicount lay by, more for the pleasure
of the marqueis nor for fcare to displease the king. The Erie of
Buchane was restrained by his father, the Erie of Marre, and in
token of restraint, brusted furth in teares, as is reported. There
was a question betuixt two lords, both lovers of the trueth. It
was thought they wold rather losse their votes than quite their
claime ; yit they packed up the controversie for that time for the
love that they had to the trueth. The eutrie to the Parliament
House was straitlie keeped, least anie minister sould enter Avithout
the bishop's pasport. The Bishop of St Androes his domestick,
Andro Hay, was sett over the inner barre to debarre all ministers
that Avere suspected readie to present a protestation. The Bishop
of St Androes required the chancellour and marishall of the house
to discharge all ministers that Avere within. One being challenged
by the marshall, ansAveired, " My Lord, ye take me for the Avrong
man : the bishop himself brought me in." Mr David Barclay,
minister at St Androes, was the man that Avas appointed by the
ministers to give in the protestation. He gott entrie but Avith
great difficultic, als farre as the uttermost barre, Avhere he stayed
496 calderwoob's historie 1621.
almost halve an houre waiting upon occasion to come neerer ; but
in end was removed from the barre, and putt out at the doore.
He being debarred of accesse, fixed a copy of the protestation
above written upon the doore of the Tolbuith or Parliament House,
and another upon the Crosse.
Efter that all were sett in their owns places, the Grand Commis-
sioner, the Marqueis of Hammiltoun, had an haraunge, wherin he
was earnest in exhorting them to yeeld to the Five Articles con-
cludit at Perth Assemblie ; made apologie for the king's sinceritie
in religion ; attested, there was nothing under the heaven could be
so acceptable to his Majestic, as that the Kirk of Scotland wold
receive the Five Articles ; and said, he wold ingadge his honour,
faith, and credite upon that princelie word which his Majestic past
him, That if they wold receive these Five Articles at that time, his
Hieness wold never burden them with anie more ceremonies during
his liftime. The chancellour following, shewed that it was the
customc in all parliaments, that maters of the kirk sould be first
treatted : commendit the king's care he Irad of religion and the
kirk ; proved as he could the articles to be lawfull, and alledgit,
they required not much reasoning, being alreadie concludit by
learned bishops, fathers, doctors, and pastors, conveened at Perth
for that effect. But in verie deed he was mocking ! The Grand
Commissioner did againe affirme that his Majestic willed him to
signifie to them, that these articles being once concludit, he wold
urge noe other rite nor ceremonie ; and therfore willed them to
shew their loyaltie by according to these ; and requeisted them to
take heid how they voted. Noe place was left for reasoning.
The promise made to the nobilitie to have inspection of the conclu-
sions of the Lords of the Articles, twentie-foure houres at least
before the publict voting, was tymouslie remembered by * * *
that they might give their voting with advisement, and not give
sudden judgement like als manie ciphers, as they were like to be
made by that forme of suddane proceiding. But this motion and
all further deliberation was bitterlie repelled. Albeit the Five
Articles were different in themselfs, and the most part had sundrie
1G21. OF TUE KIIIK OF SCOTLAND. 497
opinions concerning them, yit were tlicy trussed up all in one
bundell, that the weightiest might scenie to be of noc greater
Aveight than that Mhich Avas least resisted, and so were redd to the
voters. The like course was putt in practise at Perth Assemblie ;
the like also in another case was used at the same parliament ; for
all were most willing to the ordinar taxation, but sundrie thought
liard of the cxtraordinar. Yit both were propouned together.
The voters were discharged here, as at Perth, to give anie reason
for their votes, that so the conclusion might pass by number, and
not by weight of voices. They were directed to expresse their
voices in these words, " Agkie," " Disaguie." It came to pass
that the wyde opening of the mouth at a, the second syllabe of
Disagrie, did eate uj? the first syllabe, speciallie in these who did
speake with a low voice, being threatned and boasted with minass-
ing eyes and looks of the secretare ; and so the negative were
noted as affirmative, Agrie for Disagrie. In calling the roll and
marking the votes, the distinction of the three severall estates Avas
not observed, but the names promiscuouslie called, that the conclu-
sion might be made up of pluralitic of personall votes, without
respect had to their corporations. The Duke of Lennox was called
first, and the Erie of Marre voted for him affirmativelie : nixt
followed the elleven bishops, who likways all agreed; and efter
voted the noblemen. The Erie of JNIelrose, secretare, voted for
two Englishmen that were never in Scotl.and but within this halfe
yeir ; the one was made Vicount of Dunbar, the other Vicount of
Falkland, in time of the convention holden in November 1620.
My Lord Carnegie voted for my Lord Cranstoun and for my Lord
Pamsay affirmative, but not according to their minde, as is reported.
This kind of voting by proxies came in but of Uite among us. In
the last parliament, the king procured an act to be made, to
dispense with the penaltie of noblemen that cannot be always pre-
sent at the parliament ; and that in time to come they send their
voices with some of their ajqualls in honour. AVhen the chancel-
lour desired some that spake not out distinctlie for fearc, to speake
out friclic, the secretare said, " Nay, my Lord, let them alone ; those
VOL. vn. 2 I
498
caldekwood's historie
1621.
that will not speake out, let the clerk marke them as consenters :"
and so were some of them incleid. How the votes were gathered,
the clerk will be answerable to God one day, and some of them
have alreadie made their answeir to the Great Judge. But if they
had wanted their proxies, and the votes of the officers of estate,
they had succumbit. We will heir subjoyne the names of the
voters, to the honourable rememberance of the disassenters, and
ii^nominie of the assenters.
THE NAMES OF THE COMMISSIOXERS AT THIS PARLIAMENT VOTING
FOR OR AGAINST THE FIVE ARTICLES, OR NOT VOTING AT ALL,
BECAUSE NOT PRESENT.
bishops.
St Androes,
(
Grants.
Argile,
Glasco,
Gr.
Orkney,
DUNKELL,
Gr.
Caithness,
Aberdeene,
Gr.
ROSSE,
Brechine,
Gr.
Galloway,
Dumblane,
Gr.
NOBLEMEN.
Duke of Lennox,
Erie
of
Kellie, Chan
Marre his procurator.
Gr.
Wigtoun,
Chancelour,
Gr.
Kinghorne,
Anguse,
Gr.
Roxburgh,
Erroll, Marre his pro^.,
Gr.
Abercorne,
Marshall, Marre his
pro*'.
, Gr.
Balcleugh,
Marre,
Gr.
Melrose,
Kotheise,
Refuses.
Lothian,
Mortoun.
Perth,
Buchane.
Eglintoun,
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
Mentelth,
Ref. Niddisdaill,
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
Gr.
Ref.
Gr.
1621.
OF TUE KIKK OF SCOTLAND.
409
AVintoun,
Gr.
Tillibardinc,
Gr.
Ivinlithgow, Eglintoun
his
procurator,
Kef.
Kintaile,
KlCF.
Boyde,
Gr.
Spynie,
Gr.
Gray, Spynie his pro""..
Kef.
Ogilvic,
Gr.
Scone,
Gr.
Carnegie,
Gr.
Kosse,
Kef.
Yester,
Kef.
Cathcart,
Kef.
Garleis,
Gr.
Cowper,
Kef.
Burlie,
Kef.
Balmerinoche,
Kef.
Elphingstoun,
Kef.
Torphichin,
Kef.
Ilalyrudhous,
Gr.
Sanquhare,
Gr.
Forbese, Elphingstoun his
pro''.. Kef.
Kinlosse, Sanquharehispro"'., Gr.
Kiuclevin, Carnegie his
pro""., Gr.
Cranstoun, Carnegie his
pro'"., Gr.
Kanisay, Carnegie his pro'"., Gr.
Dingwall, * * * his pro*"., Gr.
Ilairesc.
JNlontrose.
Glencarne.
Olyphant.
Colvine.
Lowdoun.
Lovatt.
Borthwicke.
Blantyre.
Clerk of Kegister, Gr.
Privie Scale, Gr.
Justice-Clerk, Gr.
Advocate, Gr.
sherifdomes.
Innernesse, George Monro Fotheringhame, and the
of Tarrell, Kef.
Cromartie.
Nairne.
Elgine.
Bamfe, Laird of Carnowsell, Gr.
Aberdeene, Bruinx, Gr.
Kincarne, Lairds Arbuthnot
and Lyes, Kef.
Forfare, Lairds of Powrie,
Constable of Duudie, Gr.
Perth, Lairds of Duntrub
and Inchraartine, Gr.
Stratherne.
Mentcith.
Fyfe, Lairds Newtoun and
Balfour, Kef.
Kinrosse.
Clackmannan.
500
calderwood's historie
1621.
Sterline, Lairds of Dimijiace
and Keir, Ref.
Hadintoun, Laird of Pres-
toun and Sir Robert Hep-
burne,
Ref.
Lanerche, Sir Jhone Ham-
miltoun and Calderwode, Gr.
Renfrew, Lairds Bishoptoun
and Foulwode, Ref.
Dumbartane, Ardoche and
Lusse,
Ref.
Argile.
Bute, Kilcattan and Paul
Hamiltoun.
Air, Cam ell and Blair, Ref.
Kyle, Stewart.
Carict.
Cunninghame.
Wigtoun, Barnbaroch and
Bombie, Gr.
Kirkudbrio-ht.
Dumfreise, Hempsfieldand
Lao-fje, Gr.
Annandaill.
Linlithgow, Newlistoun, Gr.
Dundasse, Ref.
Edinburgh, Lugtoun, Gr.
Hatoun, Ref.
Berwik, Swintoun and Wed-
derburne, Ref.
Roxburgh, Laird Riddell
and the SheriiFe, Gr.
Salecreke, Galasheils and
Torwodlie.
Peibles, Traquair and Sir
Robert Stewart, Gr.
EDESTBURGn, Alexander
Clerk,
Perth, Adam Gray,
DuxDiE, Mr Alexander
Wedderburne,
Aberdeene, Mr David
Rutherfurd,
Glasco, James Inglis,
St Androes, Henrie Ar-
thur e,
Dysert, David Simsone, Ref
Linlithgow, Andro Bell and
John Glen, Ref
BURROWES.
Hadintoun, Mr James
Gr.
Cockburne,
Ref.
Gr.
Churchaldie, Thomas
Lamb,
Ref.
Gr.
Montrose, William Ram
-
say,
Ref.
Gr.
Cowper, Robert Pater-
Gr.
son e,
Ref.
Gr.
Anstruther, Robert Mer-
ser, Ref.
Dumfreise, Johne Corsser, Gr,
Innernesse, Mr Johne
Rosse, Ref.
Air, Hew Kennedie, Ref. Brechine, David Lindesay, Gr.
1G21.
OF TllE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
501
IiiwiNE, Kobcrt Browne, Ref.
Elgine, Mr Johiie Ilay, Gr.
Jedburgh, Mr Johne Ru-
thcrfurd, Ref.
KiRKUDBRiGHT, Davld Ar-
not, Ref.
WiGTOUN, Johne Tumour, Gr.
PiTTiNWEiME, Wal. Airth, Ref.
DuMFERMLiNE, ]\Ir Tliomas
Wardlaw, Ref.
DuMBARTAJjJE, Thomas
Fallowdaill, Ref.
Renfrew, William Suni-
mervaill.
Lanercke, Gavine Blair, Ref.
Arbroth.
Bruxtiland, "William
Meiklejohne, Ref.
Peebles, James William-
sone, Gr.
Craill, Alane Cunning-
hame, Ref.
KiNGHORNE, James Bos-
wald, Ref.
TiiAYNE, Hector Dowglas, Gr.
Anstruther Wester, Ro-
bert Richardsone, Ref.
Selcraike, AMlliam Eliot, Gr.
C ULROSE, Sir George Bruce, Gr.
Dunbar, George Purves, Ref.
Bamfe, Mr Alexander
Craig, Gr.
QuUlTTEliNB.
Forfare, Mr David Peirsone.
RoTHSAY, Matthew Spence.
FoRRESSE, AVilliam Forsyth.
RUTUERGLEN, JllOUe Pill-
carton, Or.
NoRTiiBERWiCKE, Georgc
Buillie, Ref.
CULLOME.
Nairne, Walter Hay.
Lawder, Charles Murray, Gr.
iNNERitEiTHiNG, William
Blaikburne, Gr.
KiLRiNNiE, Normand Lind-
say, Ref.
Sanquhaiie, Nicole Cun-
ninghame, Gr.
Annand, David Miller, Gr.
LoCH5L\.BEXE.
Sterline, Duncan Pater-
sone, Ref.
Klntore, Jhone Leslie.
Innercromartie, Jhone
Badzenot.
A ratification of the five articles of the generall as-
SEMBLIE OF THE KIRK HOLDEN AT PERTH, IN THE MONETH OF
AUGUST 1G18.
" Our Soveraigne Lord, with advise and consent of the cstats
of parliament presentlie conveencd, ratifies and approves t e
502 calderwood's historie 1621.
ficts of the Generall Assemblle of the Kirk holden at Perth, the
25th (lay of August, the yeir of God 1618 yeirs, and concludit
the 27th of the same moneth, Sessionc secunda ; wherof the tenor
followeth : —
" 1. Seing we are commandit by God himself, that when we
come to worship him, we fall doun and kneele before the Lord our
Maker ; and considering withall, that there is noe part of divine
worship more heavenlie and spirituall than is the holie receiving
of the blessed bodie and blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ; like as the most humble and reverent gesture of the
bodie in our meditation, and lifting up of our hearts, best be-
cometh so divine and sacred an action : Therefore, notwithstanding
that our kirk hath used, since the reformation of religion, to cele-
brate the Holie Communion to the people sitting, by reason of
the great abuse of kneeling used in the idolatrous worship of the
Sacrament by the Papists ; yit now, seing all memorie of bypast
superstition is past, in reverence of God, and in due regard of so
divine a mysterie, and in rememberance of so mysticall an unioun as
we are made partakei's of, the Assemblie thinketh it good that that
blessed Sacrament be celebrate heirafter meeklie and reverentlie
upon their knees.
" 2. Iie7n, If anie good Christian visited with long sickness, and
knoAvne to the pastor, by reason of his present infirmitie unable
to resort to the kirk for receiving of the Holie Communion ; or
being sicke, sail declare to the pastor upon his conscience, that he
thinkes his sickness to be deadlie; and sail earnestlie desire to
receive the same in his house, the minister sail not deny to him
so great a confort, lawfull wairning being given to him the night
before, and that there be three or foure of good religion and
conversation, fric of lawfull impediment, present with the sicke
person, to communicate with him; who must also provide a con-
venient place in his house, and all things necessarie for the reverend
administration therof, according to the order prescribed by the kirk.
" 3. Item, The minister sail often admonishe the people, that
they defFerre not the baptisme of infants anie longer than the nixt
1621. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 503
Lord's day efter the cliild be borne, unless upon a great and rea-
sonable caus declared to the minister, and by him approved : as
also, they sail wairne them, that Avithout great caus, they procure
not their children to be baptized at home in their houses, (In
which case, the minister sail not refuse to doc it, upon the know-
ledge of the great need, and being timelie required thereto,) the
baptisme sail be administred efter the same forme, as it sould
have beene in the confrrco^ation. And the minister sail the nixt
Lord's day efter anie suche private baptisme, declare in the kirk,
that the infant was so baptized, and therefore ought to be receaved
as one of the true flockc of Christ's fold.
" 4. Item, Forasmuche as one of the most speciall meancs for
staying the increase of Popcrie, and settling of true religion in
the hearts of the people, is, that a speciall care be taken of triall
of young children their education, and how they are catechized ;
Avhich in time of the Primitive Kirk was most carefullie attendit,
as being most profitable, to caus young children in their tender
yeers drinke in the knowledge of God and his religion, but Is now
altogether neglected, in respect of the great abuse and errours
which crept into the Popishe Kirk, by making therof a Sacrament
of Confirmation : Therefore, that all superstitions buildit therupon
may be resclndit, and that the mater itself being most necessarle
for the education of the youth, may [be] reduced to the primitive
integrltie, it is thought good that the minister in everie paroche
sail catechise all young children of eight yeers of age, and see that
they have the knowledge, and be able to make rehearsall of the
Lord's Prayer, Beleif, and Ten Commandements, with answers to
the questions of the Small Catechisme used In our kirk ; and that
everie bishop in his visitation sail censure the minister who sail
be found remlsse therin. And the said bishops sail caus the said
children to be presented before them, and blesse them with prayer
for increasse of their knowledge, and continuance of God's heaven-
lie graces on everie one of them.
" 5. Iteniy As we abhorre the superstitious observation of festl-
vall dayes by the Papists, and detest all licentious and profane
504 calderwood's historie 1621.
abuse therof by the commoun sort of professors, so we thinke that the
inestimable benefits received from God, by our Lord Jesus Christ,
his birth, passion, resurrection, ascension, and sending doun of the
Holie Ghost, was commendablie and godlie remembred at certane
particular dayes and times by the whole kirk of the world, and
may be also now. Therefore, the Assemblie ordaines that everie
minister sail upon those dayes have the commemoration of the
foresaid inestimable benefites, and make choice of severall and per-
tinent texts of Scripture, and frame their doctrine and exhortation
therto, and rebuke all superstitious observation and licencious pro-
fanation therof.
" Which articles and ordinances our Soveraigne Lord, with advise
of the estates, statues and ordaines it to be obeyed and observed,
by all his Majestie's subjects, as lawes in time coming ; annulling
and rescinding whatsomever other acts of parliament, constitutions,
and customes, in so farre as they are derogative to anie of the
articles above written."
It is to be marked, that the last words wherin the acts made in
former times against superstition were rescindit and annulled, so
farre as they were derogatorie to anie of the articles above written,
were neither voted nor redd in parliament. Always it appeareth
by their owne confession, that some of them was concludit repug-
nant to the former acts of parliament concerning God's worship ;
which some doe altogether deny. Nixt, howbeit it was usuall
and ordinarie in all parliaments since the Reformation, and was
now necessarie, that the liberties of the kirk were ratified, the
libertie of assemblies and discipline, of triall and punishment of the
adversaries of true religion, yit no mention was made in the rati-
fication of them. Others acts made at this parliament Ave omitt.
The ratification of the priviledge of the burrowes was denyed to
suche commissioners of burrowes as disassented from the articles,
and was cjrantcd to others.
1621. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 505
GOD APPEARED ANGRIE AT THE CONCLUDING OF THE ARTICLES.
When all the acts were now concludit, and the ringleaders were
insulting upon the defenders of the ancient orders ; gaiping for
thankes and rewaird, and wishing everie one to have wings to flie
to court with the report, the Grand Commissioner rising from the
throne to ratifie the acts by touche of the scepter, at that same
verie moment the heavens sent in at the windowes of the house,
which was darke before, by reason of the darkness of the day, an
extraordinarie great lightning : efter the first, a second, and after
the second, a thrid more fearefuU. Immediatlie efter the liglitenings
followed an extraordinarie great darkeness, Avhich astonied all that
were in the house. The iightenings were secondit with thrie lowde
cracks of thunder. Manie within the Parliament House tooke
them to be shotts of cannons out of the castle. It appeared to all
that dwelt within the compass of ten or twelve myles, that the.
clouds stoode right above the toun, and overshadowed that part
onlie. The beacon standing in the entrie of Leith haven Avas
bcatten down with one of the blasts of thunder. Efter the lighten-
ing, darkness, and thunder, followed a showre of hailstones extraor-
dinarie great ; and last of all, raine in such abundance, that it made
the gutters runne like little brookes. The lords were imprisoned
about the space of an houre and an halfe. Servants rode home on the
footmantles, and the maisters withdrew themselfs, some on coache,
and some on foote. So the Five Articles were not honoured with the
carrying of the honours, or ryding of the estates in ranks. In the
meane time, the castle thundered with their fyred cannons, accord-
ing to the custome used at other parliaments. This Satterday,
the 4th of August, was called by the people, " Black Satterday."
It began with fire from the earth in the morning, and endit with
fire from the heaven at even. AVhen the feare was past, then
durst atheists scofFe and say, that as the law was given with fire
from Mount Sinai, so did these fires confirme their lawes. — O hor-
rible blasphemie !
506 caldeewood's histoeie 1621.
REPORT CARIED TO COURT.
That same night the parliament endit, the Lord Scoone and
Doctour Young posted to court. Scoone cousened the doctour,
and prevented him. But Sir George Hay, Clerk of Registre, now
chancelour, prevented them both by a letter. Always Sir David
Murray, Lord Scoone, was made Vicount of Stormonth, for that
and other good services. The day following, the Erie of Marre
tooke journey to court. The Bishop of St Androes went to Leith
that night that the parliament endit, and according to his custome
of profaining the Lord's day, crossed the ferric at Leith upon the
Lord's day, the 5th of August.
The people hearing that the Marquels of Hammiltoun was ap-
pointed the king's commissioner for holding of the parliament,
called to rememberance the prophecies following, and had them
frequentlie in their mouths during the time of the parliament : —
" O wretched Scott, when Keggow turns thy king !
Then may thou doole and dolour daylie sing ;
For from the South great sorrow sail he bring,
Therfore o'er Scott right short sail be his ring."
And, —
" The time will come, I trow, as Thomas sayes,
Heardmen sail hunt you up through Gartings Gill,
Casting the padle, and letting the pleughe stand still."
THE ACTS PROCLAMED.
Upon Monday, the 20th of August, the acts of parliament were
proclamed at the Mercate Crosse of Edinburgh. The tempest,
raine, thunder, and lightening, were renewed, and continued all the
time of the reading of the acts at the Crosse. Als soone as the
ratification of the acts of Perth was endit, Doctour Barclay affixed
1021. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 507
a coppie of the protestation above Avritten upon the Crosse, and
another upon the kh-k doorc, the thrid upon the Palace gate of
Ilalyrudhous, wherupon he tookc instruments with all necessarie
solemnities, using the words following : — " Heir, in the name of
the brethren of the niinistrie professing the religion as it hath beene
practised in our kirk since the reformation of the same, I protest
against all these things that have beene concludit in prejudice of
our priviledges since the first reformation therof ; and adheres to
my former protestation made and affixed on the Tolbuith doore
and other places, and to all the protestations made in favours of the
kirk in the time of preceiding parliaments."
MR W. ARTHDRE SUMMONED BEFORE THE HIE COMMISSION.
The same day, Mr William Arthure, minister at the West Kirk,
went over to St Audroes to compeir before the Hie Commission,
becaus he refused to give some proofe sermons in Edinburgh, seing
he was putt on the leits. He answered, he was resolved not to
conforme, and, therefore, it was not expedient he sould accept that
charge. The bishop willed him to advise better, and shewed him
a letter which the king had sent to him, wherin he injoyneth him
rigourous execution of the acts. The copie of the letter heir
foUoweth : —
TUE king's LETTER TO THE BISHOPS.
" Right Reverend Fathers in God, right trustie and welbeloved
Counselours, we greete you weill. — Salomon says that everle thing
hath a time, and, therefore, certanlie the last letter which we
received from you was written in an unseasonable time, being
fraughted with nothing but greeves and expressions of affection,
like the Lamentations of Jeremie, in that verie instant when both
we and ye had winne so great and so honourable a victorie against
the enemies of all religion and good governement ; considering also
the verie time, which was the evening of the fyft of August. The
508 calderwood's histoeie 1621.
greatest mater the Purltanes had ever to object against the church
governement was, that your proceedings were warranted by noe
law, Avhich now by this last parliament is cutted short ; so the
heirafter, that rebellious, disobedient, and seditious crew must
either obey or resist both God, their naturall king, and the law of
their countrie. It resteth, therefore, with you to be incouraged
and conforted by this happie occasion ; and to losse noe more time
in preparing a settled obedience to God and us by the good endea-
vours of our commissioner, and others true-hearted subjects and
servants. The sword is now putt into your hands : goe on there-
fore to use it ; and let it roust noe longer till ye have perfited the
service trusted to you, or otherwise we must use it both against
you and them. If anie or all of you be faint-hearted, we are able
eneugh (thanks to God) to put others in your places, who both can
and will make things possible which ye think so difficult. Ye
talke of the increase of Papistrie : yourselfs can best witness what
direction we gave for suppressing of them by the Bishop of Dum-
blane when he was last with us. We appeale the conscience of
everle one of you if we have given anie toleration In that caus, or
required either our counsell or you to be slow or slacke in that
bussiness. But as Papistrie is ane disease in the minde, so is
Purltanisme in the braine. So the onlie remedle and antidote
against it will be a grave, settled, uniforme, and well-ordered
church, obedient to God and their king, able to convert them that
are fallen away, by j^lucking out weeds of errour out of myndes,
and confirme the weaker sort by doctrine and good exemple of life.
To conclude, we wishe you now to goe forward in the action with
all speede, and not to shew yourselfs counterfuted now when ye
had never so little reason, we having for your further incourage-
ment given commandement by our letters to our counsel to assist
you, als Weill in the repressing of obstinate Purltanes as In the
execution of all wholesome lawes made against all Papists, special-
lie traffecking preests and traiterous Jesuits; and Ave expect to
hcare hereafter from time to time what ye have acted, and of your
good successe, and not to be troubled anie more with questions and
1621. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 509
conceits. The persons which ye arc presentlle to begin with are
the more rebelHous and seditious sort, as they sail deserve ; and as
for these that sail pretend greater calmness, but yit not resolved to
obey, they must be putt to it within a reasonable time, and in the
meane while transported from places of danger. Thus, wishing
you stout hearts and happie successe, we bid you fairwell.
" Given at Bussard, the 12th of August 1621."
TUE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH INVEIGH AGAINST THE PEOPLE.
The ministers of Edinburgh, since the dissolving of the parlia-
ment, inveyghed bitterlie against the people, and charged them
lalselic, that they desired to heir none but suche as wold speake
cvill of the king. iNlr William Sti-uthers said, " We are persecute
with your toung : we are sett up as a paper on a butt that is holed
and shott through by you. Lord, thou knowes it is for speaking
of the trueth. If it be not true which I speake. Lord, confound
me heir where I stand I"
MR R. BRUCE TV^AIRDIT IN THE CASTLE OF EDINBURGH.
Upon the 29th of August, which was the counsel day, there was
a letter redd in the counsell which was sent from the king, whcrin
he willed Mr Robert Bruce to be cited for breaking the bounds of
his confynment, and coming to Edinburgh in time of parliament to
move sedition. lie was summoned to compeiron the 19th of Sep-
tember. He compeired, and was accused in the summons which
Avas redd, of contempt, sedition, and breaking of his confinement.
He summed up the libell in few w'ords, to witt, a challenge of a
seditious contempt, which he denied absolutclie, and sliewed that
he was never mindit to contcmne the meanest magistrate, let be
the greattest, for he had layde his count never to come within the
compas of lawes. He shewed he had his Majestie's letters yit
keeping, wherin he acknowledged himself so muche obliged to him
for his good service, that he thought the quarter of Scotland too
510 CALDER wood's HISTOEIE 1621.
litle to give him in recompense ; and that, notwithstanding he had
exhausted him in his living, state, and person, and left him nothing
but these vitall spirits and his breath, which, said he, appearandlie
he is seeking, but not so readie to seeke as he was prepared to
render. He desired his innocencie to be tried, and being found
innocent, he cared not for suffering. If they pleased, he bade them
assay, if he was not prepared to suffer their theeve's hole, or their
axe, and to let them see that both God and grace was with him in
great mercie. He was onlie carefull not to suffer as a malefactor.
The chancelour answered, the king was not mindit to seeke his
life. Mr Robert was removed, and called in againe. The chan-
celour passeth from the contempt and sedition, and challengeth
him for breaking of his confynment. He answered, " Seing I am
so straited, I desire to see my accuser, that a forme of law may be
keeped. I could never yit gett the benefit of a law. Some of my
servants have runne away with my moyen, others deteane it, and
ly in waird. My name is daylie heard of. Scarse can I get one
to doe for me since his Majestic entered in thir courses against
me." They wold give him noe accuser. Then he said, " If ye
will pose me, my Lord, on my conscience, and aske as a friend and
lover of me, and not as a judge, for I desire to be under noe crime,
I will tell your Lordship truelie. I went out of my confyne, but
driven to it by necessitie ; for since God tooke my helper from
me, I had none to doe for me. I wrotte to the secretarie for a
license, but come noe speede. It was a matter of twentie thow-
sand merks for which I come. A day was propped to me, which
I behoved to keepe, and I come verie secretlie. I was more con-
spicuous when his Majestic was in this toun at the other parlia-
ment, yit it was never imputed to me." The chancelour confessed,
that if he had written to him for a license to come in, he could not
have refused. He was called in againe, and a warrant delivered
to him, to enter his persone in waird in the Castle of Edinburgh.
The bishops absented themselfs from the counsel that day, howbeit
they were his delators. He was detained in the castle till the be-
ginning of Januar.
1621. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 511
Mil J. welshe's end.
Mr Johne Welshe, nunistcr at St Jean in France, Avas forced,
efter the taking of the toun, to come to Zeland, from whence he
sent to the king supplications for licence to returne to his native
countrie for his health's sake. He gott libertie to come to London,
that he might be dealt Avith. When he came to London the king
sent the Deaue of Winchester, Doctour Young, to him. The
deane made manie faire promises to him in the king's name, and
laboured to draw out of him a generall approbation of the present
governement of the church, suppose it were never so superficial!,
to give the king contentment. But he gave a fair confession to the
trueth, and wold not yeeld so much as a hoove. The deane said, he
durst not but report his speaches to the king. lie answered, The
king could not be ignorant of his minde : he had suffered for op-
posing to these corruptions, and had found confort in his sufferings.
So libertie was denyed to him to returne to his native countrie,
howbeit he was not able to preache in a pulpit, by reason of his
disease ; and so endit his dayes at London, after the exile of manie
yeers, with the deserved name of an holie man, a painfull and
powerful! preachour, and a constant sufferer for the trueth.
MR A. SIMSON AND MR A. DUNCAN CONFYNED.
Upon Wednesday, the 2d of October, Mr Andro Duncan and
Mr Alexander Simson were dismissed out of the waird by the
Captane of Dumbartane, by a warrant sent from the counsel. Sir
Johne Stuart, Captane of Dumbartane, beyond all expectation
interteaned them courteouslie, and wold take nothing for their
interteanement. Upon the 10th of October they compeired before
the counsell. Mr Alexander was confynned in his owne paroche ;
Mr Andro was ordained to make choise of anie paroche of Scot-
land to be confined in, except his owne and Edinburgh. He
choosed Kilrinnie, which is nixt adjacent to his owne.
512 calderwood's histoeie 1621.
The same day, the 10th of October, there was a letter redd in
the counsel directed from the king, wherin he willed the Lords of
Secrete Counsel and Session, and members of the Colledge of Jus-
tice, to be advertised before Christmas next, to resolve upon obedi-
ence to the Five Articles, under the paine of deprivation from the
offices and dignities which they had of his Majestic. The copie of
the letter heir foUoweth : —
"Right trustie and welbeloved Cousines and Counselours, and
right trustie and welbeloved Counselours, we greete you weill. —
Wheras the church orders concludit at Perth are now established
for law, we are resolved that none having promotion by us sail be
disobedient therto. And becaus that we have said in our Bagr/.r/.ov
Au^ov, that we wiU have reformation to begin at our owne elbow,
which is our privie counsel, the states of justice, and members
therof, we have thought goode by these presents to signifie our
pleasure unto you ; which is, that ye goe through our whole privie
counsel and session, requiring everie one of them, and the members
therof, to conforme themselfs to the saids orders, which we hope
they will readilie doe. But if anie counselour or sessioner sail re-
fuse or make difficultie, ye sail assure him, that if within fourteene
dayes before Christmas nixt he doe not resolve to conforme him-
self, he sail loose his place in our said service. And if anie advo-
cate or clerk shall not at that time conforme himself, he is to be
suspendit from the exercise of his place or office, and the feyes or
casualities therto belonging;, to such time as he be conforme. It
is also our speciall pleasure, that ye take strict order that noe
magistrats nor officers of burghes, nor shereffs, nor sherefF-deputs,
clerks, or officers, be chosen throughout all our kingdom, but such
as are in all points conforme and give due obedience to the saids
orders. And expecting your speciall diligence heirin, as ye will
doe us most acceptable service, Ave bid you fairwell.
" Given at our Mannour of Hamptoun, the 29th of September,
1G21."
1G21. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 513
THE LATE ILVRVEST THROUGH UNSEASONABLE -SN-EATHER.
The weather was veric unseasonable at and since the last parlia-
ment, till the end of August, whieh made the harvest late. The
unseasonable weather besinneth ajraine in the beginning of October.
The sea swelled and roared ; waters and brooks Averc aloft. Houses,
and women, and children, and much come, was caried away with
the speates of water. The river of Tay swelled so high, that it
went over the fair statelie bridge beside Perth, newlie complete.
In the meane time, the water of Almond, and a loche be-west the
toun, come doun upon the toun on the west hand, which was als
dangerous as the river on the east. The toun was invironed with
water a mile in compass, so that noe man could passe out for five
or six dayes, neither could the inhabitants goe from house to house,
because the waters covered the whole streets. Ten arches or bowes
of bridge, with their pillars, were broken doun upon the 4th of
October, and one onlie left standing, for a monument of God's
wrathe. The young children were lett doun at windowes in cords
to boats. Their stuffe, malt, and meale, was spoiled. The people
ascribed this judgment inflicted upon the toun to the iniquitie
committed at a Generall Assemblie holden there. In this toun
was holden also another Generall Assemblie, the yeir 1596, wher-
upon followed the schisrae which yit endureth. In this toun was
also holden the parliament at which bishops were erected, and the
lords rode in their scarlet gownes. The bridge of Berwicke, which
was newlie built of stone, was broken doun by the violence of
Tweede. The king had sent doun with Doctor Young a dictum
to be sett up upon the bridge; to witt, these words following:
" Hoc lino ponte duo regna coijunxi : Deus dm conjuncta servet."
Sir William Boyer, mayor of the toun, stayed the taking aAvay the
ccntries, and putting in the key-stone, till the king's skoll were
drunk at that part of the bridge. The Lord's day was appointed
lor this solemnitie, but the Lord prevented the day ; so neither the
key-stone was putt in, nor the dictum sett up. The harvest Avas so
VOL. VII. 2 K
514 calderwood's historie 1G21.
late, that scarse were the cornes inned in the best parts of the
countrle at Hallowmas. There was never seene in this countrie in
so short a time suche inequalitie of prices of victuall ; never greatter
feare of famine, nor scarsitie of seede to sow the ground. Neither
was the fewell well winne.^ Everie man was carefull to ease him-
self of suche persones as he might spaire, and to live als retiredlie
as possiblie he might. Pitifull was the lamentation not onlie of
vaging beggars, but also of honest persons. There was a solemne
fast keeped the 21st of October in the kirks of Edinburgh, and the
weeke following there was preaching ilk day, till the next Sabboth.
Some cheefe counselours, namelie, the secretare, came not to the
kirk upon the weeke dayes. It may be they doubted how the king
wold accept of the fast.
MR T. BIGGAR TROUBLED BY THE BISHOP.
In the end of October, the Bishop of St Androes received a
letter, as he alledged, directed from the king, commanding him
to urge all ministers, readers, and schoolmaisters, to conforme, or
els to depose them, without respect to age or infirmitie. Wherupon
Mr Thomas Biggar, reider of Kinghorne, was called before the Hie
Commission. The bishop refused to give him time to advise upon
a resolute answere, and wairdit him in the Tolbuith of St Androes.
Within few dayes he suffered him to goe home upon condition to
keepe himself within the schoole, and neither reid in the kirk, nor
discharge the office of a clerk to the session.
AN AVOWED MASSE.
Upon the 21st of November, the Laird of Letterfurle, surnamed
Gordoun, dwelling within sixe miles to Strabogie, had a publict
masse in his house at noone day, the gates standing open, to which
ciglit score of persons were wairned, of which number were some
1 Dried — referring to the peat used chiefly for fuel.
1G21. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 515
of his owne tenants compelled to be present. But noe order was
taken with them for it.
THE ANSWEIR OF THE LORDS ABOUT CONFORMITIE.
Upon the 22d of November, the day appointed for the Lords of
Secrete Counsel and Session to give their answcir for their obedience
to the Five Articles, all the ordinarie Lords of the Privie Counsel
conveened, and some noblemen who were written. Efter the king's
letter was redd, the chancelour inquired at everie one of them
what was their resolution. They answered, It behooved them to
obey the king's lawes and acts of parliament. The chancelour
turning him to the bishops who Avere present, to see the business
performed, said, " You that are bishops sould take order with these
things, which are mere spirituall, and not trouble the counsel with
them. You sould first call men before your courts, and then, if
there be caus, complaine." When the lords come furth, some of
them said, that if they had been farther urged, they Avoid have
answeired, as Mr David Calderwode did to the king; that is, that
they Avoid obey passivelie, and not activelie. The day foUoAving,
the advocats and the clerks Avere called upon. The chancelour
intimated to them what Avas done by the Lords of Secrete Counsel
and Session. The king's letter Avas redd. Then were they desired
by the chancelour, that as they Avoid be frie of the punishment
contained in the letter, they Avoid prepare themselfs against Christ-
mas to give obedience to the king's laAves. He assured himself
they Avoid doe as the lords had done. So they Averc dismissed Avith
this gentle and generall admonition, Avithout particulare inquirie.
The same day, the Erie of Argile Avas, by open proclamation at
the Mercate Crosse of Edinburgh, Avith sound of trumpet and
Lyon-IIeralds, declared the king s frie leige.
516 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1621.
MR W. rORBESSE UNORDERLIE CHOSEN TO BE MINISTER OF
EDINBURGH.
About the beginning of December, the provest, baillies, tlie new
and old counsel of the toun of Edinburgh, the new and old session,
and manie of the citizens, conveened to choose a minister, one of
the four that was given them in leits before, and had made their
proofe sermons ; to witt, Mr Theodore Hay, Mr James Lightoun,
both formalists, Mr Andro Cant, and Mr William Arthure. Mr
Andro Cant was thrise sent for to give proofe : at last he came,
[and] assured the magistrats he wold not conforme. But the
bishop and they still urging, he preached. He deplored the
miseries of our kirk and the corruptions of the time in so gracious
a maner, that manie shedd teares. The ministers of Edinburgh
were greeved and galled at the heart, invyed the man for his liber-
tie, not-conformitie, and the applause he had of the people. The
votes inclined to Mr Andro. But the provest, David Aikenheid,
reported from the bishop, that the king wold not be content of tha
man by anie man, because he had heard of his seditious sermons.
Upon the 12th of December, the provest, a coi'rupt man, convocated
the old and new counsel, obtained all their consents except seven
or eight, to Mr William Forbesse, minister of Aberdeene. The
day following, he named him to the session of the kirk. Efter
the session dissolved, the provest and ministers mett privilie, and
concludit to make new wairning from the pulpits the nixt Lord's
day, to the old and new session, the old and new counsel, to con-
veene upon the 18th of December, to agrie upon a ncAv leite. The
ministers gave wairning in name of the session, but without
acquainting the session. Mr Patrik Galloway beating in great
anger and furie upon the pulpit, said. That a few phantasticall
persons hindered the plantation of the kirk, and that they wold
have none but men efter their owne humours, suche as will preache
against the king and the Assemblie. Mr Thomas Sydserfe seconded
him upon the Tuysday following. At the meeting, the provest
1021. OP TUE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 517
s.iiil, " Let us not make leites anie longer, but let us choose one
tliat may be had." This motion was withstoode, but the provest
and ministers prevailed by votes. None were suffered to vote
except the members of session and counsel. Some opponcd, and
alledgit there Avas an lionest man alreadie chosen with commoun
consent, meaning Mr Andro Cant, and none other sould be chosen,
till he were placed. If they and the bishops wold intrude anie
other, they protested they did not consent. So Mr William For-
besc not being heard, was chosen by pluralitie of votes of the old
and new counsel, old and new session, the rest of the citizens, to
the number of two hundreth persons, their voices not craved, as
hath beene the custome in the election of their pastors, but oppon-
ing in the contrare. Great was the discontentment of the most
religious people within the toun. Upon Fryday, the 21st of
December, the provest and counsel directed Johne Macknaught
and William Nimmo, two of their owne number, to Aberdeene, to
desire Doctor Forbese to come to them in haste.
MR J. MURRAY SUMMONED BEFORE THE HIE COMMISSION.
Upon the 12th of December, the Bishop of St Androes sent an
officer to summone Mr Johne Murray, minister of Dumfermline,
to compcir at St Androes in the great castle, upon Tuysday the
18th of December, to heare himself removed from the ministrie,
unless he conformed to the acts of Perth ratified in parliament.
By reason of his absence, the officer affixed the summones upon the
doore of his dwelling-house. But Mr Johne preached the day he
sould have compeired. Sundrie of the paroche went to St
Androes, to intreat the bishop for him. But before they came,
the bishop not having a competent number to hold a court, ordained
him to be summoned de novo to the third of Januar. For all the
bishop's boasting, Mr Johne preached not upon Christmas-day
which intcrveened.
518 calderwood's historie 1621.
ME R. BRUCE CHARGED TO WAIRD IN INNERNESS.
The same day, Mr Robert Bruce, who was in waird in the castle
of Edinbui'gh, was sent for to compeir before the counsel. The
king's will was intimate to him, to witt, That he goe home to his
owne house, and to remaine there till the 12th of Aprile, and then-
to transport himself to Innernesse, and within four miles about,
during the king's pleasure.
A NEW SESSION CHOSEN.
Upon Thursday the 20th of December, the elders and deacons
of the session of the kirk of Edinburgh were chosen. The
provest cancelled the names of some honest men that were given
np in leite by the present session, viz., Doctor Jollie, Doctor
Arnote, Doctor Kinkede, Doctor Sibbet, all foure doctors of
medicine ; Johne Hammiltoun, apothecarie, Richard Lawson and
James Cathkin, stationers, etc. So the provest and ministers
conspiring, made choise of suche as were ignorant, or could serve
the time.
CHRISTMAS OBSERVED AT EDINBURGH.
The ministers of Edinburgh agreed secretlie among themselfs,
that there sould be noe more sermons upon Christmas-day, but
one in the Old Kirk. But the provest, more officious than needit,
insisted with the ministers, till Mr Johne Guthrie promised to
teache in the Litle Kirk. Mr Galloway freatted within himself,
becaus he looked for a great auditorie, if there had been noe more
sermons but his owne. He had a rare auditorie indeid, and there-
fore exclaimed against those that come not to the kirk that day,
and said. They were to be accursed with Cain : they wold not
stay till God had cutted them off, but cutted themselfs off from
the kirk, and societie of God's people. In time of sermon, a hun-
1622. OF Tin: KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 519
(Ireth and sixe booth-doores or therby stoode open. Efter ser-
nioun, the provest and baillies went arrayed in their best apparell,
M ith the chancclour, to the feast he had prepared for them.
Upon the 29th of December, Mr Johne Murrey was agalne
summoned, and Mr Johne l\ow, minister of Carnocke, to compeir
before the Hie Commission, in the castle of St Androes, upon the
thrid of Januar, to heare themselfs censured, for nonconformitie
to the acts of Pertli Assemblie.
M.DC.XXII.
MR J. MURREY CONFINED.
Upon Thursday the thrid of Januar, the Hie Commission satt
in the great hall of the castle of St Androes, where "vvere con-
veened sundrie bishops, doctors, and ministers. But neither Mr
Johne Murrey, minister of Dumfermline, nor Mr Johne Row,
minister of Carnocke, comjiecred. Some commissioners sent from
their parodies compeired, and intreatted that they might be suf-
fered to remaine in their owne places, but prevailed not. It was
ordained, that Mr Johne Murrey must be removed instantlie from
the ministrie at Dumfermline, and be confined in the paroche of
Fowlcs, within Stratherne, and that Mr Johne Row be confined
within his owne paroche of Carnocke. Bishop Spottiswode began
to utter himself to sundrie, that he durst not be answeirable to
the king for suffering him to be placed in Dumfermline, or to re-
maine there ; and therefore wold be forced, if Mr Johne removed
not willinglie to some obscure place farre from Edinburgh, to
compell him to remove. He pretendit two reasons : first, that the
said Mr Johne, by his exemple and advise, disswadit the Prcsby-
terie of Dumfermline from conformitie. This was untrue, for all
the ministers of the presbyterie, except two or thrie, were opposite
to conformitie of themselfs. The other, that he fostered the
people of Edinburgh in their schisme, as he called it, and discon-
520 calderwood's historie 1622.
tentment at their ministers, receivinor them to the communion at
Dumfermline. But the true caus was the opposition he made to
their courses both in pulpit and presbyterie, when he was minister at
Leith, which the bishop and his fellows could never digest. The
bishop continued three yeirs boasting efter this maner, but was
stayed from execution, by the intercession of friends, and the hope
he had of jMr Johne his removall to some other place. In end, ap-
prehending that he Avas but slighted by the requeist of his friends,
[he] resolved upon this violent course, and charged him to com-
peu- before the Hie Commission, to heare and see himself deposed
from the ministrie of Dumfermline, for his contumacious disobe-
dience in not conforming to the acts of the kirk and parliament,
and for hindering others also to give obedience. But Mr Johne
resolved not to compeere, partlie because he was loath to coun-
tenance by his compeirance such an unlawfuU judicatorie; partlie
because he understood perfitlie, that whether he compeired or not,
the sentence wold be one and the same. They gave out sentence
against him, and decerned, that betwixt and such a day, he sould
remove from Dumfermline, goe to Stratherne, and keepe confyne
within two miles to Fowles. He removed not, notAvithstanding
the sentence, till the bishop procured a warrant, wherin he was
charged upon the paine of rebellion to the king's Majestie to re-
move. So he was forced to leave Dumfermline, and goe to his
confyne. Immediatlie efter, the bishop sent Mr Henrie Makgill
to Dumfermline, a man whom the people had never scene before,
nor heard tell of, and thrust him upon them, without consent either
of presbyterie or kirk-session.
Efter that the Lord Digbie, the king's ambassadour directed to
the emperour, had returned to England, and reported that the em-
perour had altogether refused to quite the Palatinate, or to remove
his forces out of it, and an ambassadour was sent from the Estates
of the United Provinces, to assure the king that so soone as he
entered in alliance with the King of Spaine, they wold submitt
themselfs to him, he advised with the counsel of England what
was best to be done. It was concludit that the parliament, which
1G22. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 521
was raised and continued till Februar, sould sitt doun the 20th of
November. But when they were conveencd, the king and they
could not agrie, for he had forbidden the Lower House to raedle
with the effairs belonging to the prerogative of his crowne ; the
manage of his sone, the contracting of peace or warrc, patents or
gifts given by him till his courteours, till they had his Avarrant.
Wherupon the Lower House resolved to rise, and because some of
their liberties were touched, they made a protestation ; wherupon
the king published his, for dissolving of the parliament upon the
sixt of Januar.
A COPIE OF A DECLARATION AND PETITION TO HAVE BEEN SENT
TO HIS MAJESTIE FROM THE LOAVER HOUS OF PARLIAMENT ;
PREVENTED BY HIS MAJESTIE, BUT EFTERWARD PRESENTED.
"Most gracious and dreade Soveraigne, — We, your humble
and loyall subjects, the knights, citizens, and burgesses now
assembled in parliament, who represent the Commons of your
realme, full of heartie sorrow to be deprived of the confort of your
royall presence, the rather, that it proceeds from the want of your
health, wherin we all unfainedlie doe suffer : in humble maner call-
ing to minde your gracious answer to our former petition concern-
ing religion, which notwithstanding your Majestie's pious and
princelie intentions, hath not produced the good effect which the
danger of this time seemes to us to require : And finding how ill
your ^[ajestie's goodness hath been requited by princes of different
religion, who even in times of treatie have sought all opportunitie
to advance their owne ends, tending to the advancement of their
owne religion, and subversion of ours : By reason wherof, your
evill-affected subjects, the Popish recusants, have taken too much
encouragement, and are increased day lie in their number and their
intluencies ; we cannot but be sensible therof, and therfore humblie '
represent what Ave conceive to be the cause of so great and grow-
ing mischeefe, and what may be the remedies."
522 calderwood's histoeie 1622.
THE CAUSES.
"1. The vigilancie and ambition of the Pope of Rome, and his
dearest sone, the one ayming at als large a monarchie as the other
at a spirituall supremacie : The devihshe positions and doctrins
wherupon Poperie is built and taught with authoritie to their fol-
lowers, for advancement of their temporall ends.
" 2. The distressed and miserable estate of the professours of
true religion in forreine parts.
" 3. The disastrous accidents of your Majestie's children
abroade, exprest with rejoycing, and even with contempt of their
persons.
" 4. The strong confederacie of the princes of Popish religion,
ayming namelie at the advancement of theirs, and subversion of
ours, and taking all advantages conducing to that end, upon all
occasions.
" 5. The great and manie armies raised and maintained at the
charges of the King of Spaine, cheefe of that league.
" 6. The expectation of the Popishe recusants for the matche of
Spaine, and feeding themselfs with great hope of the consequence
therof.
" 7. The interposing of forreine princes and their agents in the
behalfe of Popishe recusants, for connivence and favour unto them.
" 8. The open resort to Poperie, and which is worst, to the
chappells of forreine ambassadours.
" 9. Their more than usuall concourse to the citie, and their
frequent conveenings and conferences there.
" 10. The education of their children in manie severall semi-
naries and houses of their religion in forreine parts appropriated
onlie to English fugitives.
"11. The grant of their just forefaultours by your Majestic, as a
rewaird of a sute to your servants, but beyond your Majestie's in-
tention compoundit or transferred for at such meane rates, as will
amount to litle less nor a toleration.
1G22. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 523
" 12. The licentious printing and dispersing of Popibhe and
seditious books, even in time of parliament.
" 13. The swarmes of preists and Jesuits, the common inccndiors
of all Christendom."
THi: EFFFXTS.
"And from those causes or bitter rootcs that we humblie oflfer
to your ]Majestie, we foresee and feare there will necessarilie follow
vcric dangerous cflccts both to church and state.
*' For the Popishe religion is incompatible with ours ; and in re-
spect of their positions it drawes with it unavoydable dependance
upon forrcine princes. It openeth too wide a gate for popularitie
to anie who sail draw so great a partie. It has a restless spirit,
and will strive for a toleration. If that sail be obtained, they
must have an equalitie ; from thence they will aspire to a superi-
oritie, and never rest whill they gett the subversion of true re-
lijrion."
THE KEMEDIES.
" The remedies to these growing evills, which we offer in all
humilitie to your excellent Majestic, are these : —
" That seing this inevitable'neccssitie is fallen upon your INIajes-
tie, which noe wisdomc nor providence of a pious and peaceable
prince can with honour avoide, your Majestic wold not omitt upon
this just occasion epeedilie and effectivelie to take your sword in
hand.
" That wan-e being once undertaken upon so just and honour-
able grounds, your Majestic wold persue it, and more publictlie
avow the ayding of those of our religion in forrcine parts, which
wold reunite the princes and states of the union, disheartened and
disbanded by these disasters.
" That your Majestic wold propose to yourself to manage that
Avarre with the best advantage, by diversion or otherwise, as in
524 calderwood's histoeie 1622.
your deepest judgement sail seeme fittest ; and not to rest upon a
warre in these parts onlie, which will consume your treasure, and
discourage your people.
" That the bent and point of that warre be against that prince
(whatsoever opinion of potencie he hath) whose armes and trea-
sure has first intendit, and since maintained the warre in the
Palatinate.
" That for the securing of your peace at home, your Majestie
will be pleased to review that part of our humble petition formerlie
delivered to your Majestie, and heirunto annexed, and to putt in
execution, by the care of commissioners to be heirunto speciallie
appointed, the lawes alreadie and heirafter to be made, for the
preventing of dangers by Popishe recusants, and their wonted
evasions.
" That to frustrate their hopes for [a] future age, our most noble
prince may be timelie and happilie maried to one of your owne
religion.
" That the children of the nobilitie of this kingdome, and of
others evill affected and suspected of their religion, now beyond
seas, may be furthwith recalled home, by the meanes and at the
charges of their parents and govern ours.
" That the children of the Popishe recusants, and of suche whose
wyffs are Popishe recusants, be brought up during their minoritie
with Protestant schoolmasters and teachers, who may sow into
them in their tender yeirs the seede of true religion.
" That your Majestie wold be pleased speedilie to revoke all
former licenses for suche children and youth to travell beyond seas,
and not grant anie such license heirafter.
" That your Majestie's learned counsel may receive command
from your Hieness carefullie to looke to all former grants of recu-
sants' lands, and to annull them, if by law they can ; and that your
Majestie will stay your hand from passing anie such grant heir-
after.
" This is the summe and effect of our humble declaration, which
(noe wayes intending to incroache upon your Majestie's undoubted
1G22. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 525
and royall prerogative) Ave doe with the fulness of all duetie and
obedience submitt to your royall and princelie consideration.
" The glorie of God whose caus it is ; the peace of true religion
in which we have becne borne, and wherin by (Jod's grace we are
resolved to die ; the safetic of your Majestic's pcrsone, who is the
verie life of your people ; the happiness of your children and poste-
ritie ; the honour and good of church and state, dearer unto us than
our owne live?, liave kendled tlicse affections, truelic devoted to
your jNIajcstie.
" And seing out of our duetie to your Majestic, we have alreadie
resolved to give, at the end of this session, an entclr subsidie for
the present releif of the Palatinate onlie, to be payed in the end of
Februarie nixt, which cannot weill be effected, but by passing of a
bill in a parliamentarie course before the feast of Christmas, we
most humblie beseeke your Majestic, as our assured hope is, that
ye will then also vouchaf to give leave, in your royall absence, to
such bills as before that time sail be prepared for your Majestic's
honour, and the generall good of your people ; and that such bills
may also be accompanied, as has becne accustomed, with your
Majestic's gracious pardon, which proceeding from your owne mere
grace, may by your Ilieness' direction be draAvne to that latitude
and extent as may best sort with your Majestic's bountie and
goodness. And that onlie fellownes and criniinall offenders may
not take benefite therof, but that onlie your good subjects may
receive ease thereby. And if it sail so stand with your good plea-
sure, that it may extend to the releif of all debtts and duetics to
the crowne, before the first ycir of your Majestic's raigne, to the
discharjje of alienations without licence * * # before the
first summones of this parliament, and of cancelled wairdships,
and not shewing of liveries # # * * before
the twelveth yeir of your Majestic's raigne.
" AVhich gracious favours w old much confort your good subjects,
and ease them from vexation, with little losse or prejudice to your
owne profite. And we, by our daylie and devote prayers unto the
Almightie, the great King of kings, sail contend for a blessing
52Q calderwood's histoeie 1G22.
upon such endevours, and for your Majestie's long and happie
raigne over us, and for your children's children efter, for mania
and manie generations."
THIS PETITION BEFORE WRITTEN, BEFORE IT WAS SENT UNTO HIS
MAJESTIE, BEING PREVENTED BY HIS MAJESTIE BY A LETTER
SENT TO THE SPEAKER OF THE LOWER HOUS ; IT WAS NOTWITH-
STANDING SENT THERAFTER, AND WITH IT THIS FOLLOWING
LETTER.
" Most gracious and dreade Soveraigne, — We, your
Majestie's most humble and loyall subjects, the knights, citizens,
and burgesses, assembled in the Commouns House of Parliament,
full of greefe and unspeakable sorrow, through the true sense of
your Majestie's displeasure expressed by your Majestie's letter
latelie sent unto Mr Speaker, and by him related unto us, yit con-
forted againe with the assurance of your grace and goodness,
(wherin with confidence we all rest and rely ;) in all humilitie be-
seekiiig your most excellent Majestic, that the loyaltie and dueti-
ftdness of als faithfull and loving subjects as ever served or lived
under a gracious soveraigne, may not undeservedlie suiFer by the
misinformation of uncertaine reports, which are ever unfaithfuU
intelligencers. But that your Majestic wold, in the cleirness of
your owne judgement, first, vouchafe to understand from ourselfs,
and not from the partiall information of anie others, what our
humble declaration and petition, resolved upon by the universall
voice of the whole house, and purposed with your gracious favour
to be presented to your gracious Majestic, doth containe ; upon
what occasion we entered into consideration of these things which
are therin contained ; with what duetifull respect unto your Ma-
jestic, and unto your service, we did consider therof, and what
was our true intention therinto. And that when your Majestie
sail thereby truelie discerne our duetifull affections, ye will in your
royall judgement frie us from those heavie charges wherwith some
of our number are burdened, and wherin the whole house is in-
1G22. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 527
volved. And wc humblie bcsccche your IMnjcstlc, that ye will nut
heirafter give credite to private reports against all or anie of the
members of our house, untill your jNIajestie have beenc truclie in-
formed tlierof fi"om oursell's ; and that in the mcane time, and ever,
we may stand upright in your Majestie's grace and good opinion,
than which, noe worldlie consideration is or can be more deare
unto us.
" When your Majestic had re-assembled us in parliament by your
jSIajestie's royall commandement, soonner than we expected, and
vouchafed by the mouth of thrie honourable lords to impart unto
us the weightie occasions moving your Majestic thcrunto, from
these we understoode these particulars : That notwithstanding
your princelie and pious endevours to procure peace, the time was
now that Janus temple must be opened ; that the voice of Bellona
must be heard, and not the voice of the turtle ; that there was noe
hope of peace or anie truce to be obtained, noe not for a few dayes ;
that your Majestic must either abandoun your owne children, or
ingadge yourself into a warre ; that the Lower Palatinate was
seazed upon by the armie of the King of Spainc, as executor of the
Banne there, in qualitie of the Duke of Burgandie, as the Upper
Palatinate was by the Duke of Bavaria ; that the King of Spaine,
at his owne charge, had now at least five severall armies on foote.
That the princes of the union were disbandit, but the Catholicke
league remained firme, whereby those princes so dissevered were
in danger, one by one, to be ruined ; that the state of these of
our religion in forrcine parts was miserable ; and that out of these
considerations wc were called to a warre, and furthwith to advise
for a su})plie, to keepe the forces of the Palatinate from disband-
ing ; and to forsie the meanes for raising and maintaining of the
bodie of an armie for the warre, against spring.
" We, therefore, out of zeale to your Majestic, and your posteri-
tie, with more alacritie and celcritie than ever Avas presented in
parliament, did addresse ourselfs to the service commandit to us.
And although we cannot conceive that the honour and safetie of
your Majestic and posteritie, the patrimonie of your children invadit
528 calderwood's historie 1622.
and oppressed by their enemies, the welfair of religion and state of
your kingdomes are maters at anie time unfitt of our deepest con-
sideration in time of parliament ; and although before this time we
were in some of these high points silent, yit being now invited
therunto, and ledd on by so just an occasion, we thought it our
duetie to provide for the present supplie therof ; and not onlie to
turne our eyes on a warre abroad, but to take care for the securing
of our peace at home, with the dangerous increase and insolencie of
Popish recusants, apparentlie, sensiblie, and visiblie did leade us
unto. The consideration wherof did necessarilie draw us truelle
to represent unto your Majestic w^hat we conceaved to be the
causes, what we feared wold be the effects, and what we hope
might be the remedies of these growing evills. Amongst the
which, as accidents unavoydable, we fell upon some things which
seeme to touche the King of Spaine, as they have relation to Popish
recusants at home, and to the warres abroad, maintained in the
Palatinate against your Majestie's children, and to his severall
armies now on foote, yit as we conceaved without touch of
dishonour to that king, or anie other prince, your Majestie's confe-
derate. In the discourse wherof, we did not assume to ourselfs
anie power to determine of anie part therof, nor intendit to
incroache or intrude upon the sacred bounds of your regall authori-
tie, to whom, and to whom onlie, we humblie acknowledge it doth
belong to resolve of peace or warre, and of the mariage of the most
noble prince your sone. But as your most loyall subjects and
servants, representing the whole Commons of your klngdome, w^ho
have a large interest in the happie and prosperous estate of your
Majestic and your royall posteritie, and of the floorishing estate of
our churcli and commonwealth, did resolve out of our cares and
feares truelie and plainlie to demonstrate these things to your
Majestic, which we were not assured could come otherwise so fullie
and cleirlie to your knowledge : And that being done, to lay the
same doun at your Majestie's feete, without expectation of anie
other answeir from your Majestic touching these points, than what
at your good pleasure, and in your time, sould be held fitt.
1G22. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 529
" This being the cftcct wc had formerlie resolved upon, and these
tlie occasions and reasons inducing the same, our humble sute to
your ]Majcstie, and confidence is, that your Majestic will be gra-
ciouslie pleased to receive at the hands of these our messengers, our
former humble declaration and petition, and vouchafe to readc
and favourablie intcrprete the same ; and that to so much therof as
conteaneth our humble petition concerning Jesuits, preists, and
Popish recusants, the passing of bills, and granting your royall and
gracious pardoun, you Avill vouchafe an answcir.
" And Avheras your Majestic seemeth, by the generall words of
your letter, to restrain us from intermcdling with maters of governe-
ment, or particulars which have their owne due motion in ordinarie
courts of justice, the gcneralitie of which words, in the largeness of
the extent therof, (as we hope, farre by your Majestie's intention,)
may involve those things which are the pi'oper subjects of parlia-
mentarie actions and discourses ; and wheras your Majestic doth
seeme to abridge the ancient libcrtie of parliament, for fricdome
of speeche, jurisdiction, and just censure of the House, and other
proceedings therin, (whcrin, we trust in God, we sail never trans-
gresse the bounds of dutifuil and loyall subjects ;) a libertie, which
we assure oursclfs so wise and just a king will never infringe, the
same being our ancient and so undoubted right, and an inheritance
received from our antecessours, without which we cannot frielic
debate, nor cleirlie discerne of things in question before us, nor
truelie informe your Majestic; and in which we have beene con-
firmed by your Majestie's most gracious former speeches and
messao^es. AVe are therefore now ajjain inforced in all humilitie
to pray your Majestic allow the same, antl therby to take away
the doubts and scruples your Majestie's last letter and the
Speaker have brought upon us. So sail avc, your loyall and loving
subjects, acknowletlge your Majestie's justice, grace, and goodness,
and be readie to performe that service to your Majestic, which
within the true aftcctions of our hearts avc professe; and powre out
in our daylie and devote prayers unto the Almightie, for your
Majestie's long life, happie religious raigne, and prosperous state,
and for your royall postcritic after you."
VOL. VIL 2 L
530 calderwood's historie 1622.
THE PROTESTATION MADE IN THE LOWER HOUSE BY THE COM-
MONS, AND INSERTED IN THEIR CLERK's BOOKS ABOUT FIVE
HOURES OF CLOCKE AT NIGHT, BEING THAT MORNING DISMISSED,
AND LICENSED TO GOE HOME, TILL THE EIGHT OF FEBRUAR.
" The Commons now assembled, being justlle occasioned tlier-
unto, concerning sundrie franchises and liberties of parliament,
amongst other things not here mentioned doe make the Protesta-
tion following : —
"That the franchises, liberties, priviledges, and jurisdictions of
parliament, are the ancient and undoubted birthright and inherit-
ance of the subjects of England ; and the arduous and urgent
effau's concerning the king's estate, and defence of the realme and
Church of England, and maintainance and making of lawes, and
redresse of mischeefs and greivances which daylie happen with-
in tliis realme, are proper subjects, and mater of counsel and
debate in parliament ; and that in the handling and proceeding in
these bussines, everie member of the House has, and ought to have,
friedome of speeche, to propone, treate, reason, and bring to con-
clusion the same.
" And that everie such member of the said House hath the like
fredome from all impeshment, imprisonment, and molestation, other
than by censure of the House itself, for or concerning anie bill,
speaking, reasoning, or declaring anie mater or maters touching
the parliament, or parliamentarie causes or bussines. And if that
anie of the saids members be complained of, or questioned, for anie
thing said or done in parliament, the same is to be shewed to the
king, by the assent and advise of all the Commons assembled in
parliament, before he give credite to anie private information."
MR DAVID DICKSON CHARGED BEFORE THE HIE COMMISSION.
Upon the 6th of December last bypast, Mr David Dickson,
minister at Irwine, being in Glasco, the bishop sent one of the
1G22. OF THE KlUIv OF SCOTLAND. 531
ministers for him. At tlieir meeting, the bishop slicwed to him
that he had received a letter from the king, to take order with him
and Mr George Dunbar, and some others, not oulie because they
liad not embraced the ceremonies, but also because they had done
what they could to hinder the inacting of the articles of Perth As-
semblic at the parliament. (So like; as [if] the king knew what
was evcrie man's part, either in the one or the other, but as he
Avas informed by the bishops I) lie addit, that howbeit he was
loath to trouble him, because he was diligent in his ministrie, yit
the mater stoode so, that either he or he behoved to be deposed ;
wherof he thought good to advertise him. Mr David answeired,
" If ye will trouble me, I trust in God I sail have peace in my
suffering." Then the bishop desired to know j\Ir David's reasons.
" I wonder," sayeth he, " that one whom I know to understand
reasone, one who has taught philosophic, sould have taken suche a
course as ye have done. If I knew my course were sin full, or if
anie man wold shew me it to be so, I had rather suffer with you
or the like, than brooke my estate, and doe as I doc. But I am
persuadit it is not so ; and, therefore, produce your reasons." Mr
David answeired, " The first reasone I have wherefore I may not
obey these injunctions is, because there is noe reason ■why they
sould be commandit. Mr Johne Bell, one of the ministers of
Glasco, formed the argument thus : AVhatsoever is commandit
without reason, may upon good reason be disobeyed : But so it is,
etc. Ergo." — The bishop answeired, that in substance of religion
it was true, but not in ceremonies. Then said Mr David, " I will
draw the proposition a little straitter. Though in maters civile,
which concerne tcmporall losse or gaine, the not seing of a reason
of the conmiandement is not a sufficient reason to disobey, yit in
maters that concerne Christ's kirk, religion, and the worship of
God, whether substance or ceremonie, whatsoever is imposed upon
the flocke of Christ, universallie, solcmnelie, and ordinarilie, to be
done in and about the worship of God, and may not be left undone,
behoveth either to have a knowne and sufficient reason for the in-
junction of it, or cllis, lawfuUie a man may refuse to give obedience
532 calderwood's historie 1622.
or It." This was agitfite awhile. Then, at parting, the bishop
tenewed his threatning. Mr David answeired, that he entered in
his ministrie before the Assemblie holden at Perth, and since that
time had beene considering the controversies of our kii-k, as the
Lord had inabled him ; and found, that Avith a good conscience he
could not obey these injunctions, but was readie, by the grace of
God, to suffer what fleshe and bloode could doe to him. So they
shedd.'
Upon the secund of Januar efter, the bishop's page come to Mr
David's dwelling-house, and delivered him summones to compeir
before the Hie Commission in Edinburgh, the 9th of Januar;
which he received verie cheerfullie. Mr David, and some of his
brethren, not knowing the sett day of the summones, were occupyed
in fasting and prayer, when the young man came with the summones
to him. Mr George Dunbar, minister at Air, George Jhonson,
minister at Ancrome, and Mr Thomas Abernethie, minister at
Ekfoord, were summoned to compeir the said day. It appeared
the dyet was so casten, that Mr David and Mr George could not
preache upon the Sabboth and keepe it ; therefore, Mr David re-
solved to teache the day following efter the summones. lie
choosed for his text this passage of Scripture, wherupon he preached
first Avhen he was called to the ministrie at Irwine, to witt, 2 Cor.
V. 11, " Knowing, therefore, the terrour," &c. He preached at
the first time but the halfe of the verse. It was ever his earnest
desire since that time, that before it pleased the Lord to remove
him, either by death or otherwise, it might please His majestic to
enable him to teache the other halfe of the verse, " But we are
made manifest to God." He obtained his requeist. During the
whole time of the sermon, there was weeping and lamentation :
ficarse one Avithin the doores could hold up their heads. That
Avhole day, the women were going up and doun the kirk-yaird,
and under staires, greeting, as if their husbands had beene newlie
buried. The like weeping was upon the raorne, when Mr David
^ Separated
1G22. OP TUE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 533
"was lcaj)Ing upon his horse. The provest, baillies, and counsel of
the toun, thought it a duetie required at their hands, to pcnne a
supplication to be presented to the Plie Commission, bearing testi-
nionie to his faithful! labours and holie conversation ; and, con-
sequentlie, to let tlie Commission see how injurious they wold be
to God and their soules if they removed him. All the honest men
of the toun that were present, and could write, subscribed this
supplication. Eight or nyne men of good qualitie were appointed
to accompanie Mr David. "While they were on their journey, and
resting at Linlithgow, Mr Gavine Barclay, sone to the Laird of
Pierstoun, sent post hast by the bishop after them, came to Mr
David Avith this commission. That if he Avoid sute continuance with
his people till he were better advised, it sould be granted ; but if
he wold not, he sould putt him an hundreth miles from the doores.
INIr David desired the young man to returne this answeir, " Con-
tinuance Avith my flocke, I am not that man that I Avill refuse, if
either myne OAvne or the requeist of others may procure it ; but to
crave continuance for further advisement I cannot, except I wold
dissemble, for I am fullie resolved in that mater." When they
Avere entei-ed into Edinburgh, the men of IrAvine Avent to the
bishop's lodgings, reported Avhat good Avas done by Mr David's
travells, and told Avhat Avas, and Avhat was like to be, the estate of
the congregation. Some of the bishops seemed to be moved, and
the honest men hoped of a good ishue ; but the event proved other-
Avise.
MR D. DICKSON, MR G. DUNBAR, COMPEIR BEFORE THE HIE
COMMISSION. GEORGE JHONSON'S EXCUSE.
Upon the 0th of Januar, Mr David Dickson and Mr George
Dunbar ccmpeired before the Hie Commission, but Avere continued
till the morne at ten houres. George Jhonson sent his excuse,
that he could not travell, partlic by reason of the alteration of
the estate of his bodie, partlie iu respect of the present storme.
Ill this letter he willed them to consider, that he had beene preach-
534 calderwood's historie 1G22.
ing these fiftie yeirs against the Romishe ceremonies, and if he
sould build now againe the thing that he had destroyed, he sould
make himself a transgressour. " I am now going to the grave,"
sayes he ; " but it is like ye will deale with me as a Turke did
with a Christian shoomaker. The Turke commandit him to
renunce Christ, or els he wold kill him. The shoomaker answeired,
he had his shoes to make ; he could not be at leasure to doe these
things : Avhernpon the Turke killed him."
MR G. DUNBAR DEPRIVED AND CONFINED.
The day following, the honest men of Irwine came in to the
Bishop of St Androes efter sermon, and found him rising, and
putting on his clothes. A little space efter, the rest of the bishops
came to him, and all satt doun to worke together ; whereby the
honest men collected, that St Androes had neither private nor
publict prayers that morning. There were conveened the Bishops
of St Androes, Glasco, Galloway, Dunkell, Aberdeene, lies, Caith-
nes. Mr George Dunbar was first called on. Efter the reading
of the summons, wherin he was threatned to be deprived of his
ministrie, and some words had past about conformitie, he gave in
a declinatour. The bishops were inraged, and alledgit he had
denied the king's authoritie ; called for the provest and baillies to
putt him iu closse prison. St Androes preferred Father Ander-
son, the late Jesuit, before him, as a better subject ; called him
and all the Puritanes of Scotland lyers. He answeired, "We
disclaim not the king's authoritie ; we disclaime your authoritie
and this judicatorie, and appeals to the king, authoritie established
by the king, and the lawes of the realme, which in all humilitie we
will obey, either activelie or passivelie." They proceid notwith-
standing to the sentence of deprivation, and ordained him to be
wairdit in Dumfreise. The copie of the declinatour heir follow-
eth :—
1622. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 535
MR D. DICKSON AND MR G. DUNBAR 8 DECLINATOUR.
" Forsameikle as the Assemblies of this Kirk standing in force,
are ratified by the lawes of this kiiigdome, has respective and
propcrHc belonging to them onlie lawfiiU power and libertie to
try, admitt, and ordaine, qualified persons to the service of the
ministrie, and to suspend and remove therefrom such as sail happen
to be found faultie and insufficient ; and to exerce the "whole juris-
diction and discipline of the kirk, according to the order estab-
lished: By vertue wherof, and by reason of the solemne oath of
God astricting the whole kingdome, and speciallie the ministrie
therinto, the lawfull Generall Assemblies, Provincialls, and Pres-
byteries, has lawfull power and libertie in maters of admission and
deprivation to or from ecclesiasticall functions : Nevertheless, we
have received a copie of a libell, whereby we are summoned to
answcir at your instance, in the cause of deprivation, contrarie the
])riviledges and liberties of the kirk, lawes of the countrie, and
commendable course and practise hitherto observed within this
kirk and kingdome. Heirfore, we most earnestlie and humblie
desires you, that ye wold wiselie consider, and cease to trouble us
Avith such commandcmcnts, as may intend prejudice, or prove
hurtfull, to the kirk and kingdom of Christ within this realme.
Otherwise, for the obliged respect and duetie we carie to the kirk
and lawfull Assemblies therof, we will be forced to decline you, as
judges noe wayes competent in the cans ly])elled. Like as we,
being most willing to eschew the meanest degree and imputation of
contempt, have disposed ourselfs to come in your presence, to
declare unto you the necessitie of our subjection to the judges and
judicatories before specified ; and in that respect to testifie our
declining from you, as incompetent judges in the cause ly belled.
And by thir presents we simpUciter decline you, oflfering ourselfs
most willinglic to a lawfull and ordinarie judgement appointed and
established by the lawes of our kingdome, concerning us and our
536 calderwood's historie 1G22.
efFalrs, and that for the reasons following, and others to be alledgit
in time and place : —
" 1. Because the right of our triall, cognition, and giving of
sentence in the caus expressed in the lybell, stands in the poAver
and priviledge of the Assemblies lawfull respective above written,
which by noe law nor canon of the kirk as yet extant are cancellit,
annulled, or declared expired, much lesse translated or devolved in
your persons, to try, cognosce, appoint punishments, and execute
sentence at your pleasure.
" 2. Because this forme of judicatorie is mixed of civill and
ecclesiasticall persons, for the inflicting of civill and ecclesiasticall
censures upon the parties conveened before you, to the prejudice
of that distinction that sould be betuixt civile and ecclesiasticall
judicatories, according to the Word of God, and established order
of this kingdome ; wherby it is out of all question, that noe civile
person can sitt or cognosce upon the deprivation of a minister, as
also, that noe minister or ecclesiastick person may inflict anie civill
punishment, nor yet anie such ecclesiastick censures as belongs to
a whole Assemblle, meikle less, in their owne names lybell edicts,
summone parties, impose dyets of compeirance, lead pi'ocesse, give
out sentences, not onlie different, but in manle respects contrarie
to the formes of proceiding received and practised in the kirk's
efFairs, as the lybell wherby we are summoned imports."
THE PROCEEDINGS OE THE HIE COMMISSION AGAINST
MR D. DICKSON.
Before Mr David Dickson was called, the honest men of hia
paroche presented a supplication. Therafter he was called on.
The Bishop of St Androes began with faire speaches, called to
rememberance what good hopes were conceived of him when he
was a regent of the CoUedge of Glasco, when he was bishop of that
sea ; and pretendit in Avords, that he was glade for the good word
he heard of him since his entrie to the ministrle. Thus it pleased
God to open the mouth of his enemie, to give him a testimonie in
1622. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 537
the audience of the specialls of his flocke who were present, toge-
tlier with Mr James Robertsone, his brother-in-law. Then the
Bishop of St Anclroes caused the clerk read the summones ; which
being redd, he desired Mr David to answeir. Mr David besought
them, first, to expone all his Avords to the best sense, and suffer
himself to be the cxponer. Then he asked, if Mr George Dunbar
had given in a declinatour or not. Ilis intention was, if they had
judlciallie confessed it, he might judiciallie adhere to it. The
Bishop of St Androes asked at him, " Wold he follow his foot-
steppes ?" Mr David answeired, " I must know first what he has
done before I can answeir to that." " We will not satisfic you
in that," said St Androes ; " doe ye for yourself." Mr David
answeired, " I sail doe so then, God willing ;" and taketh out of his
pocket a copie of the declinatour, which, by God's providence, he
had with him, reserved for his owne private use. Sundrie of the
bishops whispering in his eare, as if they had beene his freinds,
said, " Take it up, take it up." Pie answeired with sobrietie,
" I layde it not doun to that end, to take it up againe." Then
St Androes asked, if he wold subscribe it. Mr David professed
his readiness to subscribe. Then the bishop biddeth let the clerk
reade it. The clerk had scarse redd three lines, when the bishop,
in anger, sayes, " I see all is one ; they have agreed upon it."
Then he burst furth in cursing and railing speeches, full of gall
and bitterness, expressed livelie in his countenance. He turneth
him to Mr David, and sayeth, " These men will speak of humilitie
and meekness, and talke of the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God
is the spirit of humilitie and obedience, but ye are ledd with the
spirit of the devill. There is moi'c pride in you than in all the bishops
of Scotland, I darre say. I hanged a Jesuit in Glasco for the like
fault." Mr David answeired, " I am not a rebell ; I stand heir as
the king's subject. I oifer myself, in my declinatour, to tlie ordi-
narle judicatorie established alreadie by the king's lawes. Grant
me the benefite of the law, and of a subject; I crave noe more."
The bishop seemed to take no notice of these words, and fell to his
banning, saying, " Your parochiners come to me this day, and
538 calderwood's historie 1622.
craved continuation upon hopes ; but now your declinatour cutteth
off all favour." Mr David, turning him to thera, asked if they had
putt them in anie hope concerning him? A number of them
answeired alowde, "Nay, nay !" Then Mr David was comraandit
to remove. Efter his removall the Bishop of Glasco had a tedious
haraunge, wherin he reported that manie had interponed their
requeists for Mr David, namelie, the Erie of Eglintoun and his
ladie, Mr David's father, and Mr James Robertoun, to whom he
had promised, under condition of secrecie, that if Mr David behaved
himself weill before the Hie Commission, he sould be suffered to
returne home againe. But by his declinatour he hath spilt all :
he has made it immedicahile vulnus ; and said, he was glade that
his parochiners and Mr James Robertoun were present to be
witnesses of his part. Heir a great lie ; for the Countess of Eglin-
toun had an expresse promise of him, that if Mr David caried
himself quyetlie when he came to the toun of Edinburgh, he sould
not be called upon before the Hie Commission. And, indeid, Mr
David behaved himself so, that they could find noe fault with his
behaviour. Efter Glasco had endit his haraunge, the bishops
desired Mr James Robertoun, his brother-in-law, and the honest
men of Irwine, to goe out, and move him to take up his declina-
tour againe. Mr James Robertoun craved a reasonable time,
because it was not likelie he could be draAven from his reasons in a
short time. The bishops answeir, " That cannot be granted." The
Bishop of St Androes beganne where he endit, spewed out the malice
of his minde against Mr David's person and doctrine : he called him
a schismatick, an Anabaptist, one that had misled them, and filled
them with phantasie. But they Avere othcrways perswadit. Robert
Broun, the toun-clerk, hearing the bishop's blasphemous railings,
testified his miscontentment by a creinge^ of his shoulders. St
Androes perceiving, sayeth to him, " What, are ye, Sir, are ye led
away with the same vanitie also ? Reade the Scripture, reade St
James. Ye have the faith of God in respect of persons. Because
1 S]inig.
1(322. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 530
your minister sayes so and so, ye will say so also." They went
out, told Mr David what the bishops had desired them to doe, but
did not as they desired, because they knew what was his resolu-
tion. Within a little space, INIr David is called in againe. The
Bishop of St Androcs saycs to him, " Thou art a rebell, a breaker
of the fyft command, disobedient to the king and us, Avho may be
your fathers both one way and other. Ye sail ride with a thicker
backe before ye ding the king's crowne off his head." Mr David
answeired, " Farre may such a thought be from me. I am so fiirrc
from that, that by God's grace there sail not be a stroke come from
the king's hand that sail divert my affection from him." " It is
I'uritane taile," saith St Androcs : " Ye call the king your king,
but he must be ruled by you." The Bishop of Aberdcene posed
Mr David with two questions ; first, " Whether will ye obey the
king or not?" Mr David answeired, "I will obey the king in all
things in the Lord." " I told you that," sayes Glasco ; " I knew
he wold eike to his limitations." Aberdeen's other question was,
" May not the king give this authoritie that we have to als manie
sutors or tailours of Edinburgh, to sitt and sie whether ye be
doing your duetie or not?" "IVIy dcclinatour answeirs that," said
Mr David. The Bishop of St Androes continuing in his railing
against Mr David his person and doctrine, " The devill," sayes he,
" will deceive, he will draw anew with him ; he has Scripture
enough." He called him knave and swinger, a young lade, one
that as yit might have becne teaching bairnes in the schoole.
" Thou knowest Aristotle," sayes he, "but thou hast not theologic."
Because he perceived Mr David gave him noe stiles, but once
called him "Sir," he gnashed his teethe, and sayeth, "Ye might
have called me My Lord, Sir. Long syne, when I was in Glasco,
ye called me My Lord ; but I cannot tell how you are become a
Purltane now." Mr David stood silent all the time ; once he
lift up his eyes to heaven, which St Androes called a proud looke.
lie answered at last, " I have beene eight yeirs a regent in the
Collcdge of Glasco, and four yeirs a minister : these amongst whom
I have lived knowcs I am not the man ye call me. Say to my
540 calderwood's historie ] 622.
person what ye please ; by God's grace It sail not touch me."
" Ay," said St Androes, " ye glorie in your suffering. There will
be that will suffer more for a good caus than ye will doe for an
evill." " Noe," sayes Mr David, " I glorie not in my suffering ;
but if ye will trouble me, I hope to have peace in my suffering, as
I said to the Bishop of Glasco in his owne gallerie." Thus he
answeired, becaus in the conference he had with Glasco in his
gallerie, upon the sixt of December, he reported that noe man
needit to interceede for Mr David, for he desired to suffer, he
gloried in his sufferings ; as if he had had some ground out of Mr
David's owne words, which was untrue, as ye may sie by the con-
ference itself above written. Glasco said, " Enough of that els."
At length St Androes gives out the sentence in these words, " We
deprive you of your ministrie at Irwine, and ordaine you to enter
in Turreff, in the North, within twentie dayes." " The will of the
Lord be done," said Mr David : " Though ye cast me off, yit the
Lord will take me up. Send me where ye please. I hope my
Master sail goe with me ; and as he hath beene with me heirtofore,
he will be with me still, as with his owne weake servant." " Sweith
away ! " said the bishop, as if he had been speaking to a dogge :
"Pack, you swinger!" and crying to the doore-keepei', he sayes,
" Shoote him out !" Robert Broun, toun-clerk of Irwin, when they
were to goe furth, had these speeches, " Is that doolefull sentence
of divorcement pronounced? As for you, Mr David, the Lord
strengthen you to suffer ; but as for you. Sirs," turning him to the
bishops, " God turne all your hearts." With these words they are
turning their backs and going out. St Androes cryes, " Who Is
that ? I sail take order with you, Sir." So endit that graceless
convention. Efter the sentence was pronounced, they stayed not,
but come furth to the calsey, and Avere at the honest men's backs
before they were aware. So It appeireth, they neither began nor
endit with prayer. They used noe formall processe against Mr
David ; for the procurator-fiscall, Mr Patrik Forrest, at whose
instance he was summoned, was not present. He was neither
accused nor convicted. They asked not so much as, " Will ye
1G22. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 541
obey the acts of the Assemblie?" but railed onhc, and gave out
the sentence, without mention of anie cause. The bishops, efter
they came furth, canvassed his words, to sie if they could gett anie
vantage. They confessed themselfs that they found noe words to
take offence at, but onlie, that he will obey the king in the Lord,
when he answeired to Aberdeen's first question ; which imported,
said they, als much as [that] the king commandit not in the Lord.
Mr David continued teaching till the twentie dayes were ex-
pyred, and then, becaus he had declined the ecclesiasticall stroke,
not medling with the civile authoritie. he tooke instruments of his
removing, and readiness to obey the king's civile commandement,
and entered in his journey ; Avherby he stopped the mouths of
these who had said that he had declined the king's authoritie.
Efter that, at the Erie of Eglintoun's earnest requeist, the bishop
granted Mr David libertie to come to Eglintoun, and to visite
now and then his farailie in Irwine, but not to preache there. So
Mr David teached in the great hall of Eglintoun, weekelie, and
sometimes in the closse, when the hall could not conteane the
people which resorted to him out of Irwine, and other parts of his
paroche. This libertie they injoyed about two moneth, till the
Bishop of Glasco sent upon the elleventh of Aprile a charge to him
to remove to his waird. The weeke immediatlie preceeding, when
the synode conveened at Glasco, he promised to the ministers of
Glasco, Mr Johne Bell and INIr Robert "VVilkie, to the commis-
sioners sent from Irwine, and fourtie other ministers, all requeisting
for favour to Mr David, that he sould not be haistie in charg-
ing him, and pretendit a greatter care and love of Mr David
than anie of them did. But he failed filthilie of his promise ; for
the day after he had made it he wrote two letters, one to be
directed to the Earle of Eglintoun, another to the toun of Irwine,
to assure them that he wold charge Mr David in all haste. The
Provest of Irwine, commissioner for the toun, whill he was going
out of Glasco homeward, received the bishop's letter from the
young man whom he had imployed to carie it to Irwine. The
provest, marvelling what the mater could mean, breaks up the
542 calderwood's historie 1022.
letter, and finding that the bishop had broken promise, goeth
presentlie to Mr Johne Bell and Mr Robert Wilkie, who wold
not believe him till he shewed them the letter. Then they went
to the bishoj?, and putt him in minde of yesterda}''s promise, but
prevailed not ; returned to the provest, and some others who were
with him, and confessed, howbeit both formalists, that they were
ashamed of the bishop and his doing. The Earle of Eglintoun
having received his letter, came to the bishop, and requeisted the
charge might be delayed, at least till he returned from Edinburgh.
The bishop promised to doe so, and renewed the same promise to
Lord Rosse. To the one he made the promise upon the Fryday,
to the other upon the Satterday ; and yit, the day efter, that is
upon the Sabboth-day, at the ringing of the thrid bell, rydeth out
of the toun, and delivereth the charges to a messenger, command-
ing him to goe west on the morne and charge Mr David. Neither
religion nor civilitie could bind the bishop to fidelitie. In the
charge were committed two manifest falsets ; for, first, they make
the narrative, that they depryved him of his ministrie within this
kingdome, wheras, in their sentence in the Hie Commission, they
deprived him onlie of his ministrie at Irwine. Nixt, as the sen-
tence Avas pronunced in the Hie Commission, they ordained Mr
David onlie to enter into Turreff, in the North, without mention
of confining him within the bounds of that litle clauchan. But in
the charges they command him to addresse himself to TurrefF
within fyfteene dayes, and to passe out of the bounds of it. Mr
David addressed himself to the place of his confyning, for obe-
dience to the civile part of the charge.
DOCTOR FORBESE ENTERETH TO EDINBURGH.
Mr William Forbese preached in Edinburgh upon the Lord's
day, the 13th of Januar, upon Rom. xiv. 17. He affirmed con-
fidentlie, the ceremonies were maters of moonshine ; that the king
might command them, and sould be obeyed. Being advised by
the ministers of Edinburcfh not to be vehement at the first entrie
1G22. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 543
in defence of the ceremonies, he tempered himself upon the Tuys-
d:iy following. He Avas received upon Thursday, the 21st of
Marche, efter the bishop's sermon. Efter the dissolving, the
provest and baillies, the bishops and the ministers, went all to a
bankett prepared for the purpose, and satt so long, that the session
of the kirk satt not fur discipline that day. But the godlie had
sorrowfull hearts, both for the forme of his entrie, and his corrupt
disposition ; which was not long concealed, but burst furth from
time to time, and that with such bitterness and furie, that he
fostered the malcontentment of the better sort ; but in end ^Yearied,
and went from them als unordcrlie as he entered.
MR J. 3IURREY AND MR J. ROW CONFINED.
Upon the sixt of Februar, Mr Johne Murrey, minister at Dum-
fermeline, was charged, by letters of horning direct from the coun-
sel, to repaire to the paroche of Fowles within fyfteene dayes, and
to remaine there confyned. ]Mr Johne Row was charged to keepe
within the confines of his owne paroche.
A COLLECTION FOR FRANCE.
About this time there was a collection through the countrie for
the Kirk of France. It began in Edinburgh upon the twelf, and
endit upon the twentie-sixt of Februar. The Nonconformitanes
exceedit all others vcrie fiu-re in their liberalitie. The servants
maids and boycs were not behind for their part, for they contri-
buted foure thousand merks. The sumrae of the whole amounted
to threttie or threttie-five thousand merks. The ministers were
forced to confesse that the Nonconformitanes were the honestest
men in their flockes.
A SPANISH SHIP.
About this time there came in a Spanishe shipp of warre at
544 calderwood's histopje 1G22.
Montrose, under colour to mend somewhat faultishe in It. But it
was judged by manie that it Avas sent to gett intelHgence of the
estate of the countrie, and to deliver some remembrances to the
King of Spaine his friends, gold, powder, and bullets.
MR p. galloway's new AND OLD ARGUMENTS FOR KNEILING.
Upon the Lord's day, the 17 th of Marche, Mr Patrik Galloway,
preaching upon the fourth of the Revelation, proved the lawful-
ness of kneeling at the Communion, by the falling doun of the
twentie-foure elders before the throne ; and affirmed they were
ignorants that were contrarie myndit. The Lord's day following,
he said he had betrayed the Scripture if he had beene silent, where
it was so plaine for knelling. To make all sure, he brought in his
old warrants out of Psalm xcv. ; Isa. xlv. ; Philip, ii.
THE MEETING UPON TUYSDAY BEFORE THE COMMUNION IN
EDINBURGH.
Upon Tuysday, the 17th of Aprile, the generall meeting of ses-
sion, counsel, and honest citizens of Edinburgh, before the Com-
munion, was holden in the Litle Kirk. Mr Andro Ramsay,
moderator, efter he had declared the ends wherefore they were
conveened, before the ministers were removed, he said, " Our doc-
trine comes not under your censure ; yit our lives and conversa-
tion we submitt, for modestie's sake, to be censured, howbeit we
are not bound to submitt it either." They remove. The citizens
were thrise inquired what they had to object against their life and
conversation. Mr Thomas Gray, an advocate, stoode up and said,
" I heard a minister of Edinburgh (meaning Mr Patrik Galloway)
teache erroneous doctrine two sundrie Sabboth-dayes, building two
arguments for kneeling at the Communion upon a false ground."
The provest commandit him silence verie imperiouslie, and threat-
ened him with wairding. James Weill, merchant, stoode up and
said, " I reverence our ministers so farre as they will follow Christ ;
1622. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 545
but I will not follow them In knecllnfj at the receiving of the sacra-
nient, or in keeping holie daycs." The provest commandlt thcni
both silence, and caused call in the ministers, to whom he said,
" The clerk hath asked, if anie man had anie thing to object
against your life or conversation, but all have keeped silence."
James Weill answeired, "My Lord, all have not keeped silence,
for some of us have spoken." The provest, yit more inraged, said,
" What a clattering fellow this is !" and threatened to waird him.
INIr Thomas Gray desired again to be heard. The provest called
him capped, and called for the officers to waird him. He insisted,
and said, " I crave license of the moderator to be heard, that 1
may improve the false doctrine which I heard delivered, which I
sail doe with jrood reason."
MR R. BRUCE CHARGED TO ENTER IN INNERNESS.
Mr Robert Bruce could gett rest in no place. When he was in
Sterline he behoved to remove to Monkland, but was not suffered
to remaine long at Monkland. After he had buildit, repaired, and
plenished his owne paroche kirk of Lairber, and had taught in it a
ycir or two, they removed him from it also. There rested nothing
but his owne house wherin he dwelt, yit becaus they saw it was
a confort to him, they removed him from it also. He had beene
charged to enter in Innernesse ; the counsel had written to the
king to suffer him to be wairdit in his owne house till the winter
season Avere past. This answeir was returned about the end of
Marche : '•' It is not for love of Mr Robert that ye have written,
but to intcrtcane a schisme in the kirk. We will have noe moe
Popishe pilgrimages to Kinaird ; he sail goe to Innernesse." So he
was forced to addresse himself to his confine, and entered in his
journey on the 18th of Aprile.
GOOD FRYDAY KEEPED.
The ministers of Edinburgh began their Good Fryday sermon
VOL. VII. 2 m
546 calderwood's historte 1622.
at nyne hours, as if it had beene a Sabboth-day. Mr Patrik came
not to the kirks of Edinburgh upon the week days for a twelfe
moneth before, yit he came to countenance this sermon.
EASTER COMMUNION AT EDINBURGH.
Upon Easter day, the 21st of Aprile, Mr Patrik, preaching upon
1 Cor. xi., said, that the Kirk of Scotland had wont to sitt, but so
did noe other reformed kirk; the Kirk of France stood; the worthie
Kirks of England and Bohemia kneeU. Therefore the kirk, the
parliament, the king, and the estates, have thought good that
conformitie be keeped with the best reformed kirks ; and have
ordained, that the Kirk of Scotland sould kneele at the receiving
of the Communion. To therselfs be it said, to God be it said, to
the king be it said, if ye kneele not, and let it be upon your owne
pcrlll, for now there is a law established by act of Parliament for
it. Efter sermon, he came to the table to consecrate the elements.
There were four cupps full of Avine, where two might have served ;
for there were about two hundreth and fiftie communicants onlie
in the Old Kirk, and had thrie ministers to attend upon them.
Mr Patrik rysing up efter the consecration, taketh hold of the
table for helpe, overturueth the foure cupps and the two basens
that had the bread in them, for the table was lowse and not sure
sett. The bread and the table-cloths were all wett. It behoved
the Deane of Gild to runne and gett new provision of table-cloths,
breade, and wine. Among all the two hundreth and fiftie there
was not a man of honest countenance but the President, Sir
William Oliphant, the Advocate, Sir Henrie Wardlaw, the Pro-
vest, the Deane of Gild, Dame Dick, and the Maister of Warks'
wife, and two baillies, who communicate not : plaids, gray clocks,
and blew bonnets, made the greatest shew. The ministers had
gotten at the last parliament all the inhabitants within the ports,
parochiners either of the West Kirk or of the Abbay Kirk, which
amounted to the number of two thousand and two hundreth com-
municants, joyned to their flocke. Of these, for the most part,
d
1C22. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 547
consisted the communicants of the Old Kirk for that day. All
kneeled who were present, except foure simple persons, and Mr
Andro Ramsay's wife, who satt ; howbeit her husband kneeled,
and the two baillics who did not communicate. All the com-
municants of the Colledge Kirk satt, except Mr Alexander More-
sone, Mr Alexander Peirson, Johne Gilmour, Mr Thomas Syd-
serfe's wife, and a slight gentlewoman ; and the three ministers.
Doctor Forbesse, Mr William Struthcrs, and Mr Thomas Sydserfe,
who all kneeled. Upon the 28th of Aprile, Mr Thomas had fewer
communicants, and these of the basest sort in all Edinburgh. Yit
manic of them satt, Avhich greeved him to the heart, till at last his
furie brake out upon a poore woman. Efter he had given her the
element of the breude, he said, " Can thou tell what that is ?
Bow, bow!" Before she gate the cuppe he wold have her to
knecle. The woman Avas greeved, and wished she had not come
there. lie said to a simple man, " Sitt ye so raisleirdlie ? bow
doun and kneelc." The man answeired, " If I doe wrong, ye have
beene teaching me wrong these fourtie-three yeirs bygone." Mr
Patrik's owne gesture was marked to be this that same day ; he
bowed the one legge, had the sole of his other foote upon the
ground, and satt withall upon the furme. None kneeled this day
in the Colledge Kirk but the three ministers. Mr Patrik was
forewarned, if he behaved himself so imperiouslie he wold gctt
fewer communicants in time coming. He offered the nixt day to
give it to the communicants sitting, standing, or kneeling ; but he
had few to receive it, partlie because of his imperious cariage the
day before, partlie becaus the Communion was celebrate that day
in Dalkeith, Duddingstoun, and Tranent, to which places manie of
the people of Edinburgh resorted.
ST ANDROES CALME AT THE SlTsODE.
Upon Tuysday, the last of Aprile, the bishop held a diocesan
synod in St Androes the space of two houres. He rebuked some
ministers that urged kneeling too much upon the people. It Avas
548 CALDEEWOOD's HISTORIE 1G22.
reported that the Bishop of Canterburle had written to him, and
desired him not to urge the ceremonies now when weightier effairs
were in hand. Others report, that he said onlie that the execu-
tion of the acts was delayed by reason of the king's great effairs at
that time. Howsoever it be, Sathan and his instruments can
choose their owne fitt times for their best advantage.
A FAST.
Upon the Lord's day, the 12th of May, there was a solemne
fast keeped in the kirk of Edinburgh, and the weeke efter there
were two sermons in two kirks everie day. But the Chancelour
and Secretar, howbeit they were in the toun, came not to the
sermons on the week days. The causes of the fast were, grouth
of sin, appeirance of dearth and famine, the troubled estate of the
Kirks of France, Germanic, and Bohemia ; but noe mention was
made of the rent that was in the kirk at home.
THE L.'VNDGRAVE OF HESSEN'S SON IN SCOTLAND.
The Landgrave of Hessen his eldest sone of the second manage
came to Edinburgh the 29th of May. His lodging and intertaine-
ment was not looked to with that respect that became.
A FYRIE DRAGON.
Upon Monday, the 3d of June, there was a fyrie dragon, both
great and long, appeared to come from the south to the north,
spouting fire from her, halfe an houre efter the going to of the
sunne.
CHANCELOUR SETOUN's DEATH.
Upon the 16th of June, Mr Alexander Setoun, Earle of Dum-
fermeline, and Chancelour of Scotland, departed this life efter
1622. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 549
fourtecne dayes sicknesse. Howsoever he was Popishllc disposed
in his rcHgion, yit he condemned manie abuses and corruptions in
the Kirk of Rome. He was a good justicier, courteous and
humane both to strangers and to his owne countrie people, but
noe good friend to the bishops. The Bishop of St Androes looked
to have succeedit to him in his office, and gave over the place he
had in the session to his sone.
GEORGE JHONSON SUMMONED AND DEPRIVED.
George Jhonson, minister at Ancrome, and Mr Thomas Aber-
nethic, minister at Ekfoord, were summoned to compeir before the
Hie Commission the 28th of June. The tenor of the summons
here folio wes : —
" JoHNE, by the mercie of God, Archbishop of St Androes,
Primate and Metropolitane of Scotland ; and XoiES, Archbishop of
Glasco, to our lovits, Johne Murrey, * * * executors
heirof, conjunctlie and severallie, speciallie constitute, greeting. —
Forsameikle as George Jhonson, minister at Ancrome, and Mr
Thomas Aberncthie, minister at Ekfurd, being diverse and sundrie
times most earncstlie required and desired to conforme themselfs
in obedience to the acts of the last Generall Assemblie holden at
Perth, upon the 2oth day of August, 1618 yeirs; and speciallie,
in preaching to the people the storie of Christ's Nativitie, Passion,
and Ivcsurrcction, upon the dayes appointed therto by the said
Assemblie, and in ministering the HoHe Sacrament of the Com-
munion according to the forme prescribed : Notwithstanding of
the which acts, the forsaids persons, and ilk ane of them, does con-
tinue wilful! and obstinate in their disobedience to the saids acts,
by the Avhich great offence is given to manie of his Majestie's
lieges, and occasion to disobey the authoritie and discipline of the
kirk ; and therefore the saids persons, and ilk ane of them, has
most evidentlie and contemptcouslie contraveened the saids acts
of Generall Assemblie, and ought and sould be deprived of .all
550 caldeewood's histoeie 1622.
function of the ministrie, and be decerned to incurre the whole
censures and paines conteaned in the saids acts, and which we, by
vertue of his Majestie's Hie Commission, may impose or inflict
upon them, for their contumacie and disobedience.
" Heirfore, we charge you straitlie and commands, that incon-
tinent efter sight heirof ye pass, and lawfuUie summone, wairne,
and charge the forsaids persons, and ilk ane of them, to compeir
before us and our associats, commissioners appointed by his Ma-
jestie's Hie Commission, at Edinburgh, the 28th day of June nixt,
at ten houres, to answeir at the instance of Mr Patrik Forrest, our
Procurator-Fiscall : That is to say, the foresaid persons, and ilk
ane of them, to heare and see the premisses verified and proven
against them ; and being verified and proven, the forsaids persons,
and ilk ane of them, decerned to be deprived of all function of the
ministrie in time coming, and to be punished by all censures and
paines that we, by the saids acts of Generall Assemblie, and by
vertue of his Majestie's Hie Commission, may impose upon them :
Certifying them, and ilk ane of them, if they failzie, we will de-
cerne in maner forsaid, and caus letters be direct, for denuncing of
the forsaids persons his Majestie's rebells, for their contumacie and
non-compeirance ; as ye will answeir to us therupon. The which
to doe we committ to you, conjunctlie and severallie, our full power,
by this our precept, subscribed by our clerk. Our scale is affixed.
"At Edinburgh, the 18th day of June, 1G22."
George Jhonson sent this excuse following : —
" Wheras I am cited before your lordships now the second time,
for some alledged omissions in my ministrie, wherby evill exemple
is given to my brethren, and I therfore threatned with deprivation
and horning, my answeir is as it was in winter last : If my age of
seventie-three yeirs, with my infirmities, viz., swelling in both my
legges, my fever accustomed efter my travcll in the free air, with
other miseries following age, which I referre your lordships to the
consideration of; having moreover past a jubile of yeers in the
1622. OF THE KIRK OF SCOATLND. 551
ministrie, never being depryved, nor yit suspendlt, (howbcit oft
accused,) may not liold me excused from couilng to Edinburgh
Avith manifest hazard of my health and life, I offering in my last
letter to compeir where thir two may be safe, to give an answeir
to your lordships, or anie competent and indifferent judge. If thir
reasons, I say, cannot satisfie your lordships, I take me to God's
mei'cic, not being guiltie of anie committed crime, cither to be
layde to my charge, or yit to my conscience. Yit expecting your
brotherlie sentence, I rest your servant in the Lord, this 25th of
June, 1622.
" Ingerere violentiam natural ominosum est. Qua3 parentibus
fcccritis eadem, etc. Pueritia apud omnes mcretur favorem, com-
miscrationem senectus. Calumniatorem oderis.
" Geouge JiiONSON, Minister at Ancrome.
" I am ofter nor thrise charged by my patrone to come in for
weiglitie causes with my Lord of Roxburgh, with Castlesidc, and
with Mr James Law, but durst not hazard. Lastlie, I am charged
before an Ileid Court to be holden in Ancrome, upon the 28th of
this instant, where I have to ])crsue and defend maters of weight
anent the kirk, and other things.
" George Jhonson."
They proceedit notwithstanding to the sentence of deprivation,
the tenor whcrof here followeth : —
" At Edinburgh, the 2^th day of June, 1622 yeirs.
" JoHNE, by the mercle of God, Archbishop of St Androcs,
Primate and Metropolitane of Scotland ; James Archbishop of
Glasco ; Patrik Bishop of Aberdeene, Andro Bishop of Gal-
loway, Patrik Bishop of Rosse, Johne Bishop of Caithness, com-
missioners appointed by his Majestle's Hie Commission, and beand
present. Anent the summones raised at the instance of Mr Patrik
Forest, Procurator-riscall, against George Jhonson, minister at
Ancrome, makand mention, that where he being diverse and sun-
552 calderwood's historie 1622.
drie times most earnestlie required and desired to conforme him-
self in obedience to the acts of the last Generall Assemblie holden
at Perth, upon the 15th day of August, 1618 yeirs ; and speciallie,
in preaching to the people the storie of Christ's Nativitie, Passion,
and Besurrection, upon the dayes appointed therto by the said
Assemblie, and in ministering the Holie Sacrament of the Com-
munion according to the order prescribed. Notwithstanding of the
■which acts, the said George does continue wilfull and obstinate in
disobedience to the said acts, by the which, great offence is given
to manie of his Majestie's leiges, and occasion to disobey the
authoritie and discipline of the kirk : And, therfore, the said
George has most evidentlie and contempteouslie contraveened
the said acts of Generall Assemblie, and ought and sould be
deprived of all function of the ministrie, and decerned to incurre
the whole censures and paines contained in the saids acts, and
which we, by vertue of his Majestie's Hie Commission, may im-
pose or inflict upon him, for his contumacie and disobedience ; as
the summones at lenth beares. The said Mr Patrik Forrest, Pro-
curator-Fiscall, being personallie present, and the said George
Jhonson, defender, being laAvfullie summoned to this day, oftymes
called, and not compeirand, the saids Lords of his Majestie's Hie
Commission, by their decreete, deprives the said George Jhonson
of all function of the ministrie in time coming. And siklyke,
decernes and ordains the said George Jhonson to enter himself to
waird in Annand, in Annandaill, betwixt and the * * *
day of * * * 1622 yeirs, and therin to remaine
during his Majestie's will ; and ordaines letters to be direct from
his Majestie's Privie Counsell, charging him, under the paine of
horning, to the effect forsaid, for the causes above mentioned.
Becaus the said George Jhonson being lawfullie summoned to this
day, to have compeired before the saids Lords of his Majestie's
Hie Commission, to have heard and scene the premisses verified
and proven, to have heard and scene himself decerned to have
beene deprived in maner foresaid, or els to have shewen a reason-
able cause why the samine sould not have beene done ; with certi-
1G22. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 553
fieation to hlin and he failyed, the saids Lords wold deccrne in
maner forsaid, he compcired not to that effect, as Avas clcerelie
knowen to the saids Lords of his Majestie's Hie Commission. In
respect wherof, they decerned in maner forsaid.
" Extract forth of the Registre of Hie Commission, by Mr
Thomas Marshall, Clerk of the samine, witnessing hcirunto my
signe and subscription manuall."
He continued teaching everie Lord's day, not knowing that they
had deprived him, till they intrudit not long after a young man,
Mr AVilliam Bennct, in his place, as vacand by deprivation of the
said George.
Mr Thomas Abernethie compeired. What past betwixt him and.
the Hie Commission was not weill knoAvne. His brother, the
Bishop of Caithness, dressed the mater weill enough, and Mr
Thomas was delayed for the fashion till the 9th of Julie, as for
the fashion he was joyned with George Jhonson in the sum-
mones ; but George Jhonson was the man at whom Glasco and
Caithness had their propped shott.
JOIINE SMITH CITED.
Johne Smith, minister at Maxtoun, was cited to compeir before
the Hie Commission ; but at the intercession of Mr Andro Ram-
say, one of the ministers of Edinburgh, he was spaired.
The king being informed that a young student had delivered in
his sermoun some positions concerning the duetie of subjects to
their princes, which seemed to him dangerous ; viz., That subjects
might oppone to them, and stay their crueltie, if they proved
tyrannes, caused examine him. The young man alledged the
authoritie of Para3us wryting upon the 13 cap. of the Epistle to the
Romanes. Wherupon he was connnitted to prison ; and the king
caused call in Para^us' Commentarie upon that Epistle, and burnt
it openlie at Paul's Crosse.
The Universitie of Oxford, at the king's desire, gave out a decrie
upon the 5th of June, wherin they condemned the positions fol-
554 caldee"wood's historie 1622.
lowing, as maintained by Jesuits and Puritans ; the thrid as
supponing false grounds, the rest as erroneous and seditious.
Proposition 1. Bishops and pastors may and ought, with the
consent of the Church, deliver to Sathan their magistrats, being
impious and unjust, if they be contumacious, untill they repent.
Propos. 2. Subjects, not being private persons, but placed in
inferiour magistracie, may lawfullie defend, even by armes, them-
selfs and the commonwealth, and the Church or true religion,
against the superiour magistrate, observing these conditions : 1.
When the superiour magistrate degenerateth into a tyranne.
2. Or by force will compell themselfs or other subjects to mani-
fest idolatrie and blasphemie. 3. When an hay nous injurie is done
to themselfs. 4. If otherwise, they cannot be safe in fortunes, life,
and conscience. 5. That they seeke not their owne under pretence
of religion. 6. Observing always the weill ordering of an un-
blamable protection, according to the lawes.
Propos. 3. It is not lawfuU for meere private subjects, without a
lawfull calling, to take armes, either to invade tyrannes before
danger, or to defend themselfs in danger, or to revenge themselfs
after danger, if they may be defendit by ordinarie power.
Propos. 4. If a tyranne, as a robber or a ravisher, sail violentlie
assault subjects meerlie private, and they can neither implore ordi-
narie power, nor by anie way escape the danger, it is lawfull to de-
fend themselfs and theirs against the tyranne, as against a private
destroyer.
The Universitie of Oxford condemneth these and like proposi-
tions, as false, impious, and seditious, what wryter soever defend
them. It also teacheth and defendeth, according to the canon of
the Scripture, that subjects ought not in anie sort resist their king
or prince by force and armes. Neither is it lawfull for them to
take armes, either offensive or defensive, against their king or prince
in the cans of religion, or in anie other mater whatsoever.
Moreover, the famous Convocation of Doctors, Proctors, Maisters,
Eegent, and Non-regent, with one consent hath decried, that all
Doctors and Maisters of the Universitie of Oxford, together with
16:22. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 555
Batchelours in Law and in Physickc, sail subscribe to the censures
and decrees aforesaid.
The famous Convocation of Doctors, Proctors, etc., hath yit
further decreed, that everie one to be admitted to degrees in what
facultie soever, sail before admission subscribe to tho trueth of
these ; and further, at the same time take a corporall oath that he
doth not onlie for the present from his heart condemne and detest
the forsaid propositions, but that he will condemne and detest them
for ever. The forme of the oath followcth in these words : —
" You sail sweare, that from the heart, and in good fliith, you
consent to the decree of the Convocation had on Wednesday,
being the 25th of June, in the yeir of our Lord 1622, against pro-
positions false, seditious, impious, then and there condemned ; and
that you sail not teache, defend, or hold openlie or secretlie anie of
the forsaid conclusions or their meaning. Neither sail you aide
anie suche teacher or defender with helpe, counsel, or countenance,
but sail hinder him to the uttermost of your power. So God you
helpe, the holie Gospells of God being touched."
The books of Commentaries of David Para^us upon the Epistle
of St Paul to the Romanes, wherin all the forsaid fidse, impious, and
seditious propositions are by Paneus himself expoundit and de-
fendit, was by authoritle burned on Thursday, the sixt of June, In
the yeare of our Lord 1622, in a solemne convention of all the
Doctors, jSIasters of CoUedges, as also of the publlct readers of the
said Universltie of Oxford.
THE DECRIE OF CAMBRIDGE MUSES IN A FULL CONVENTION,
3 JULIE, 1622.
The Vice-Chancelour had scarselie mentioned the king's autho-
ritle and the people's subjection, -when it was generallle In a low
voice said, " We stay not till the proctors put the question to
voices. Everie soule is subject to the higher powers. There isnoc
power but of God. The powers that be are of God ordained.
556 calderwood's historie 1622.
"\Yhosoever opposeth himself to power, resisteth God's ordinance.
They Avho resist gett to themselfs condemnation." So that they
all as one man consented to the forme of their decrie.
" It is a pious assertion, that a king in his kingdome is inferiour
to God onlie, he being truelie a monarche in all things nixt unto
God, to whom he ringeth, sweareth, and is bound to none other.
God alone looks to him that he doe not sin ; God alone taketh
vengeance if he doe sin. ^Vliosoever sail cover strange courses
with the vizard of religion, be he of a damned faith, and condemned
to the fire. And let them know that they are guiltie of a capitall
crime, who, pretending God's caus, are authors of commotion
among the people.
" To the people, supplications ; to the Inferiour governours, coun-
sels ; to both, prayers are left : nothing els. God hath separated
the empires of kings and his owne from intermedlings tribunitiall.
It doth surmount all impietie to violate pietie, under pretence that
it sould not be violated.
" D. Parjeus, Buchananus, Bucanus, the author of Vindicioe in
Tyrannos, be they for this caus infamous for ever. If anie other
have written the like, being first brandit with this our censure, be
they condemned to the fire, and places of stenche. Let noe man
praise, reade rashlie, or have to himself these execrable heads.
Whosoever sail be otherwise, let him be condemned to pay that
mulct which the Universitie sail impose. If, being commandit, he
will not forsweare this opinion, be he charged with heresie, and
let the commonwealth looke to his treason.
" This is the censure of the Muses, D. Maus, Master of Peter-
hous, being Yice-Chancelour."
When the proctors had redd, all the whole senate often cried out,
" It pleaseth us : write. So we beleeve, so we censure, so we vow."
The ministers of Londoun were urged to subscribe these lynes
following, to testifie their dislyke of the same opinions ; which
they did without scruple : —
" The power of kings and monarches being absolute, and inde-
1622. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 557
pendant of anie but Almlglitie God ; who ought not by anie to be
questioned but by God himself, Avho onUc is the disposer of kings
and crownes, placing them where it pleaseth him : And yit of late,
by reason of a sermon preached at Oxford by a young schollcr,
the question is awaked againe, which we hoped weill might other-
Avise have sleipt his last ; and have authors avowed, as namelie,
Partus' Vindicioe contra Tyrannos, and such others, for the depos-
ing of kings in some cases by the nobles or people, or subor-
dinate magistrates : Of which authors, some doe beare the name
of Protestants, whereby the religion professed in this royall
monarchic may receive some scandall, and heirafter be subject to
calumnie : Therefore, we, the Bishop and Clergie of Londoun, in
respect of our dueties to God and his sacred Majestic, and by reason
of our locall vicinitie to the royall throne, receiving soonner notice
of the accident, doe not onlie so farre as in us lyeth condemne the
forsaid authors for their opinions, and the rest, as scandalous and
blasphemous against God and the soveraigne power established by
him ; but also, are bold to begin unto the rest of our brethren an
holle vow and protestation before God and all the world, that their
opinion, namlie, that anie earthlie power, by anie meanes what-
soever, may lawfullie depose kings, or dispossesse them of anie
authoritie they have over their people, is a seditious opinion, false
and hereticall. And we protest further, that whillest we live, we
will defend and perswade the contrarie, as occasion sail serve to
the king's people, and by our penncs and wrytings oppose the con-
trarie written by anie other ; and if there be occasion, will scale
it with the last testimonie of our blood and lives."
SIR GEORGE HAY MADE CHANCELOUR.
In the moneth of Julie, Sir George Hay, Clerk of Registre, who
was at court when Chancelour Setoun died, was made Chancelour.
The secretare's brother, INIr Johne Ilammiltoun, servant and a<T^ent
to the ]Marqueis of Ilammiltoun, was made Clerk of Kcgistre. So
the Bishop of St Androes and sundrie noblemen were disappointed.
558 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1622.
The king gave a warrant to sett at libertie Papists and recusants
imprisoned for religion in England ; wherupon the Lord Keeper
directed his letter to the judges as followeth : —
" After my verie heartie commendations to you.
" His Majestic having resolved, out of deepe reasons of state,
and expectancies of like correspondencies from forreine princes to
the professours of our religion, to grant some grace and conni-
vence to the imprisoned Papists of this kingdome, and commandit
me to passe two writts under the Great Scale for the same pur-
pose, requiring the judges of everie circuite to inlarge the said
prisoners, according to the tenour and effect of the same : I am to
give you to understand from his Majestic, how his royall pleasure
is, that upon the receate of the said writts, you sail make noe
nyceness or difficultie to extend this his princelie favour to all such
Papists as you sail find imprisoned in the javells of your circuite,
for anie their recusancie whatsoever ; or for having or dispersing
Popish books, or for hearing of messe, or anie other part of re-
cusancie which doth concerne religion onlie, and not mater of state,
which sail appeare unto you to be meerelie or totallie civile or
politicall. And so, I bid you most heartilie farewell.
" Your assured loving freind,
" Jo. LiNCOLNE, C. S.
" Westminster Colledge, this 2d of August, 1622."
TUE king's letter, AND DIRECTIONS CONCERNINa PREACHERS,
DIRECTED TO THE ARCHBISHOPS IN THE BEGINNING OF
AUGUST.
" James Eex.
" Most Keverend Father in God, our right trustie, and right
welbeloved, we greete you weill. — Forasmuche as the abuses and
extravagancies of preachours in the pulpit have been in all times
repressed in this realme, by some acts of counsel or state, with the
advice and resolution of grave and learned prelates, in so much as
J
1C22. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 559
the vcrle licencing of prcacliours luul beginning from an order of
Starre Chamber, the 8th day of Julie, in the 19th yeire of King
Ilenrie the Eight, our noble predecessour : And wheras, at this
present, diverse young students, by reading of late wryters, and
ungroundit divines, doe broatche manie times, unprofitable, unsound,
seditious, and dangerous doctrines, to the scandall of this church,
and disquieting of the state and present govemement : We,
upon the humble representation unto us of these inconveniences,
by sundrie grave and reverend prelats of this church, and also
of princolie care and zcale for the extirpation of schisme and disscn-
tion, growing from these seeds, and for the settling of a religious
and peaceable govemement, both of church and state, doe by our
speciall letters straitlic charge and command you to use all possible
care and diligence that these limitations and cautions herewith
sent unto you concerning preachours, be duelle and straightlle
irom henceforth observed, and put in practise by the severall
bishops of their severall diodes within your jurisdiction. And to
this end, our pleasure is, that you send them furthwith severall
coppies of these directions, to be by them speedilie sent and com-
municated to everie persone, vicarc, curate, lecturer, and minister
in everie cathedrall or paroche church within their severall diodes ;
and that you earnestlie require them to imploy their utmost in-
devoures in the performance of this so importunate a bussiness :
letting them know that we have a speciall eye to their proceedings,
and expect a strict account therof, both from you and everie one
of them. And these our letters sail be a sufficient warrant and
discharge in this behalfe.
" Given under our signet, at our Castle of Winzor, the 4th day
of August, in the 20th yeer of our raigne of England, France, and
Ireland, and of Scotland the 56th."
560 calderwood's historie 1622.
TO THE MOST REVEREND FATHER IN GOD, OUR RI&HT TRUSTIE
AND RIGHT INTEIRLIE BELOVED, THE LORD ARCHBISHOP OP
TORKE.
" Directions concerning Preachours.
"James Eex.
" That noe preachour under the degree or calling of a bishop,
or deane of a cathedrall or collegiate church, and they upon the
king's dayes onlie and sett festivalls, doe take occasion by the
expounding of anie text of Scripture whatsoever, to fall into anie
sett discourse or commounplace, otherwise than by opening the
coherence and division of his text, which sail be comprehendit and
warranted in essence, substance, effect, or naturall inference, within
some one of the Articles of Religion sett furth in the yeir 1562,
or in some one of the Homilies sett furth by authoritie in the
Church of England, not onlie for a helpe to the non-preaching,
but withall for a paterne and boundarie, as it were, for the preach-
ing ministers, and for their instruction for the performance therof,
that they furthwith reade over and peruse diligentlie the said
Book of Articles and the two Books of Homilies.
" That no person, vicare, curat, or lecturer, sail preache anie
sermon or collation heirafter upon Sondays and holie dayes, in the
efternoone, in anie cathedrall or paroche church throughout the
kingdome, but upon some part of the Catechisme, or some text
taken out of the Creede, Ten Commandements, or the Lord's
Prayer, funerall sermons onlie excepted. And that those preach-
ours be most incouraged and approved, who spend the efternoone's
exercise in the examining of children in the Catechismes, and in
the expounding of the severall points and heads of the Catechisme,
Avhich is the most laudable custome of teaching in the Church of
England.
" That no preachour, of what title soever under the degree of a
bishop, or deane at the least, doe from hencefurth presume to
preache in anie populare auditorie the deepe points of Predestina-
1G22. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 561
tion, Election, Reprobation, or of the universalitie, cfficacic, resisti-
bliitie, or unrcsistibilitie of God'ss grace; but leave these theamcs
to be handled by learned men, and that moderatelie and raodestlie,
by way of use and application rather than by way of positive
doctrine, as being fitter for the schooles and universities than for
simple auditories.
" That noe preachour, of what title or denomination soever, sail
presume from henccfurth, in anie auditorie within this kingdome,
to declare, limite, or bound out by way of positive doctrine in anie
lecture or sermon, the power, prerogative, jurisdiction, authoritie, or
duetie of sovei'aigne princes, or otherwise medle with these maters
of state, and the references betwixt princes and the people, than as
they are instructed and presidented by the Ilomilic of Obedience,
and in the rest of the Homilies and Articles of Ivcligion sett furth,
as before is mentioned. But rather confyne themselfs whollie to
these two heads of faith and good life, which are the subject of the
ancient sermons and homilies.
" That no preachour, of what title or denomination soever, sail
causleslie, or Avithout invitation from his text, fall into bitter in-
vectives and undecent railing speeches against the persons of either
Papists or Puritanes ; but modestlie and gravelie, when they are
occasioned therunto by the texts of the Scripture, free both the
doctrine and the discipline of the Church of England from the
aspersions of either adversarie, especiallie where the auditorie is
sus})cctcd to be tainted with the one or the other infection.
" Lastlie, that the archbishops, bishops of the kingdome, whom
his Majestie hath good cans to name for this former remissness,
be more warrie and choyse in licensing of preachours, and revoke
all grants made to anie chancclour, officiall, or commissar, to pass
licences in this kind ; and that all the lecturers throughout the
kingdome (a new bodic severed from the ancient clergie of Eng-
land, as being neither persons, vicares, nor curats) be licensed
henceforward in the Court of Faculties onlie, upon recommenda-
tion from the bishop of the diocie under his hand and scale, with
VOL. VII. 2 N
5G2 calderwood's historie 1622.
a fiat from the Lord Archbishop of Canterburie, and a confirma-
tion under the Great Seale of England.
" And that such as transgress anie one of these directions be
suspendit by the Lord Bishop of the diocie, or in his default, by
the Archbishop of the province, ah officio et benejicio, for a yeer and
a day, untill his Majestic, by advise of the nixt Convocation, sail
prescribe some further punishment."
By these directions or injunctions, ye may sie Papists and
Arminians, howbeit never so bussie in poysoning and infecting the
people, must not be raedled with, but suffered to seduce and
pervert unstable soules ; and the Puritane is joyned with the
Papist for a colour onlle.
THE FYFT OF AUGUST.
Mr Patrik Galloway preached upon Monday the fyft of August,
but not upon the Lord's day before. He complained upon the
raritie of the audltorie ; but said. If there were but foure to give
God thankes for the king's deliverie that day, he sould be one of
the foure. It was replyed by one of his hearers under thoume,^
that if others had beene als well rewalrdit for keeping that day,
there wold have been enow to heare him.
THE VISITATION OF KINGHORNE.
The Bishop of St Androes, preaching upon the sixt of August,
at the visitation of Kinghorne, the Presbyterie of Kirkaldie being
present, called Mr Johne Davidsone the maddest man that ever
he knew. " For," sayes he, " beside his unquietness otherwise,
he wrott a booke intituled ' De Hostibus Christt/ where he brought
in the king last as the grcattest enemie of all ; " that he presented
the booke to the king, that the king, efter he had redd it, cutted it
in peeces, and burnt it. Farther, he said, " I will not urge you
to obey the ceremonies ; yit I protest, except ye obey them ye
^ Umk-r thunilj ; that is, speaking under breath, or aside.
1G22. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 563
sail never come to heaven, for disobeying the king's lawes and the
kirk's." Ills purpose In specking so cahuelle was to procure their
favour to their minister. Efter sermon, Mr Johne Mltchelsone
and their intrudlt minister, Mr Alexander Scrlmgeour, desired
that none brooke place In the session that wold not kncele, or els
there wold be noe order gotten of them. The bishop answeired.
There was too great a rent in the kirk alreadie : it Is not time now
to urge these things : and placed these whom Mr Alexander
Scrlmgeour had displaced ; and then desired the honest men
Avhom he placed in the session to take jSIr Alexander, the intrudlt
minister, by the hand ; Avhich they did, with these words, " We
never acknowledgit you to be our minister whill now;" and
invited the bishop and the ministers to the banket. So by the
bishop's deceatcfull words, and shew of opposition to Mr Alex-
ander Scrlmgeour and Mr Mitchelsone, the simple men Avere
induced to accept the minister intrudlt in the place of Mr Johne
Scrlmgeour, their lawfull pastor. The nixt Lord's day, the bishop
having returned from Edinburgh, preached againe In Kinghorne,
and jrave the honest men the banket. Efter dinner he went to
his coatche, and forward in his journey, according to his custome.
PATRIK RUTHVEN's LIBERTIE.
Upon the 12th of August certane report was brought hither,
that Patrlk Ruthven, brother to the Earle of Gowrle, Avas sett at
libertle out of the Tower.
THE DIOCESAN SYNOD OF FYFE.
In the diocesan synod of Fyfe, holden at St Androes in the
beginning of October, it was ordained, that ministers teache noe
other doctrine upon the Lord's day eftcrnoone but some part of
the Catechismc. This Howed from the directions above written,
which were given to the two English archbishops.
564 calderwood's historie 1622.
MR ANDRO DUNCANE HIS LETTER TO THE BISHOP OF ST ANDROES.
" To the Bishop of St Androes, this bill to be delivered
in hand.
" My Lord, — It might be supponed, that seing I have beene so
manie yeers under sentence of banishment and imprisonment, I
might now at last, in my old dayes, looke for some pittie and ease ;
and so raeikle the rather, in respect that favour is now extendit
to enemies of the trueth and estate, commandement being given
out to sett them at large out of their wairds and prisones. AVe
that are Christ's servants and ministers then might be worthihe
blamed, if Ave expected lesse than these liave alreadie obtained. I
must therefore requeist it wold now at last please you not to trouble
me, although I goe and serve my Maister in that calling he has sett
me in. King Adonibezeck's judgment sould affray merciless soules.
Hall binks are slidderie, ye know, and earthlie courts are kittle ;
and king's minions are sett up on highe skelfes, but slipperie and
dangerous. I have seene one right highe mounted in your rowme
and course, that gatt a foule and shamefull fall. Pitie your poore
soule, and looke up to Him that can do this, the Mightiest. I be-
seeke you, remember ye have overthrowne my poore estate ; but
what racke of that ? ye have hindered God's Avorke to be done in
manie and manie places. The Lord of Heaven give you remorse.
I beseeche you, as ye tender your owne salvation, play noe more
the bun'io upon your brethren : that is the devill's part. Returne,
amend, and disappoint manie. If ye pertaine to God, thir lynes
will doe you noe ill. God make you seeke mercie and mend.
" Yours to be commandit in all good,
" Andro Duxcax,
" Minister of God's Word at Craill.
" I beseeche you for an answeir with the bearer.
" Anstruther, 23d of October, 1C22."
1022. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTL^\JfD. 565
THE bishop's ANSAVEIR AT THE END OF THE LETTER.
" Brother, — I am sorie to sie you insist in your follies. Our
kirk has not need of" such spirits, speciallie at this time. Ye sail
doe Weill to be quiet, least ye fall into the hands of worse burrioes
than I have beene. I mynd to die without remorse for anic thought
or deid 1 have ever had or kythed to you or anic of the brethren.
I returne you your owne letter to feid upon. Fairwcll.
" To Mr Andro Duncan at Anstruther."'
THANKSGIVING FOR TEACE IN FRANCE.
The Bishop of St Androes holding a diocesan synode at Edin-
burgh upon the 12th of Xovember, it was ordained, that in all the
kirks of the diocie there sail be publict thanksgiving to God upon
the 22d of Xovember, for the peace concludit bctweene the King
of France and the Protestants ; speciallie for that God had made
our king an happie instrument to bring it to passe. But it was
commonlie talked, that the King of France was driven to peace
through nccessitie, having spent much money, and lost mauie noble-
men and jrentlemen in the warre.
THE king's DECLARATION ANENT RAPISTS.
Upon the 14th of November, the king's letter, sent to the bishops
or Lords of Secrete Counsel, was redd, wherin he declared, that ho w-
beit for certane causes of estate he had given toleration or freedome
to some imprisoned Papists in England, yit it was never his mynd
to give libertie of conscience to Papists, farre Icsse occasion to
Puritanes, therby to repyne against his lawes ; and, therefore, it
was his will, that the law sould be putt in execution without delay
against both Papists and Puritanes, that both may be made obedient
to the lawes.
566 calderwood's historie 1622.
THE KING OFFENDIT AT MR R. BOYD S ADMISSION.
Upon the 23d of December, the Provest, Baillies, and Counsel
of Edinburgh, were challenged, by a letter from the king, for ad-
mitting Mr Robert Boyde to be Principall of their Colledge, and
commandit to urge him to conforme or to remove him. They sent
to court to the courteour who sent the challenge in the king's
name, and desired him to intreate the king not to take in ill part
Mr Robert's admission, in respect of his gifts and peaceable dis-
position.
MR R. BRUCE HARDLIE USED AT INNERNESSE.
Mr Robert Bruce was so hardlie used at Innernesse, that he was
forced to remove out of it ; for he could not gett convenient lodg-
ing, or at least keepe it long, for wairning to remove. The Lord
Enzie vexed him with reproachfull speeches against the servants
of God, and finding fault with his doctrine as treasonable. It w^as
likelie, also, that he wrought him fasherie about his lodging. Mr
Johne Gordoun, minister at Stradoun, stirred the Lord Enzie
against him, for noe other cans but becaus Mr Robert, one day
discoursing upon the dolour of the mind, shewed they were unskil-
full physicians that wold take a drink of wyne, or Wallace booke^
to reade upon, as meete physick for such a disease. Mr Johne
being present without Mr Robert's knowledge, applyed the doc-
trine to himself, and belshed out reproachfull speeches against Mr
Robert. Yit through intreattie, Mr Robert w^as induced to returne
from the Channonrie to Innernesse. When my Lord Enzie came
to Edinburgh he had peace and rest, but when my Lord Enzie
went home againe, his battaill was renewed. At last, a fashion of
reconciliation was made by my Lord Lovat's meanes.
J Eook ravrating the exploits of Sir William Wallace;— or Eomance in general.
1623. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 567
M.DC.XXIII.
MR R. BLAIR TROUBLED.
Upon Tuysday, the fourth of Januar, the Bishop of Glasco and
Mr Johne Cameron, -with thcu' associats, examined Mr Robert
Blair, one of tlie Ixcgcnts of the Colledge of Glasco, upon some
dictats to his schollers, Avhcn he Avas teaching the Ethicks and the
Politicks. Cameron hating him for his sinceritie, searched mater
of accusation amongst the schollers' notes. They accused him of
two points : First, That he had taught that the people did Avcill in
rescucing Jonathan out of the hands of Saul ; "which he did not
deny, but wold have exponed himself thus, that they had not done
Aveill to rescue him by force of amies. But they ■\vold not suffer
him to expone himself, but sent up his deposition to the king. Mr
Robert perceiving to what height their malice tcndit, quite his
])lace. But Cameron himself was so misliked by the people, that
he was forced not long efter to remove out of Glasco.
MR D. Dickson's libertie.
Whill j\Ir David Dickson remained at Turreff, in the North, my
Lord Eirlintoun and the toun of Irwine laboured for his libertie.
At last they obtained of the Hie Commission libertie to him to come
to Glasco, either to-Ratisfie the bishop within three moneths, or els
to returne to his waird. The Moderator of the Presbyterie of
Irwine, and the Provcst of the toun of Irwine, by conference with
some of the bishops that were at the making of the acts, collected
this to be their meaning ; that if Mr David wold cleere himself of
declinning the king's authoritie, and the injurie done to him, the
bishops wold not quarrcll him for their part, nor trouble him for
the ceremonies, but suffer him to goc to his fiocke. Mr David
leaved his familie in Turreff, least the bishop sould take advantage of
568 calderwood's historie 1623.
the Incommodltle of the winter, and fasherie to returne backe to his
waird, and strait him with some hard conditions. When he came
to Glasco, my Lord Eglintoun tooke him up to the bishop's, to
"whom he rehearsed the motives of his coming, and the promises
made to him by his freinds in the bishop's name. The bishop
said he wokl deale noe more with him but in writt, becaus he had
the rest of the bishops to satisfie. But the true caus was, that if
he gatt anie vantage, he might have it extant in writt. Mr David
draweth up an apologie of his declinatour, which the ministers of
Glasco presented in his name, upon the 10th of Januar, the same
day of the moneth that the dechnatour itself was given in before the
Hie Commission in Edinburgh. Howbeit it was conceaved in
gentle termes, at the desire of Mr David's owne freinds, who con-
demned him of rigiditie, yit was Glasco out of patience when he
redd it, and said, He looked for the confession of a fault, and for
an apologie ; and sent backe a froward answeir with the presenters.
Wherupon Mr David caused draw up a number of coppies, and the
report to come to the bishop's eares, that the countrie sould know
that he came, and gave satisfaction touching the king's part, and had
submitted himself als farre as anie of his minde could be required
to doe. Mr David was tempted night and day for twentie dayes
together, by Mr Cameron, by brethren of his owne minde, by
noblemen and gentlemen that favoured him, to take up the declin-
atour till they Vfere wearied, and the bishop out of hope to prevaile.
When Mr David saw noe appearance of his releefe, he Avent backe
againe to his confine, and remained there till the prince went to
►Spaine. Then tlie bishops, and others who were forwai'd to ad-
vance the king's course, were ashamed of themselfs. My Lord
Eglintoun and the toun of Lwine continued still soliciting the
bishop, till at last, without Mr David's knowledge, the bishop was
moved by way of a missive letter to my Lord of Eglintoun, to give
my lord leave to send for him, and promised that he sould stay till
the king challenged him once, but noe longer. The letter was sent
to Mr David about the end of Julie.
1G23. OF TUE KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 569
THE ENGLISH SERVICE IN THE NEW COLLEDGE.
Upon the 15th of Januar, Mr Robert Howie, Prhicipall of the
New CoUcdge of St Androes, Doctor Wcdderburne, and Doctour
Melvine, were directed by a letter from Doctour Young in the
king's name, to use the Englishe Liturgie morning and evening in
the New Colledge, wlicre all the students were present at morning
and evening prayers ; which was presentlie putt in execution.
MR R. BOYDE DISPLACED.
Upon the last of Januar, the Provest, Baillies, and Counsel of
Edinburgh, were rebuked by a letter sent from the king, for Mr
Robert Boyde. They were commandit of new again to urge him
with conformitie, and if he refused, to remove him, his Avife, and
familie, out of the toun. The king's words answeiring to their
letter of recommendation were these following : —
" On the contrarie, we thinke his byding there Avill doe much
evill ; and, therefore, as ye will answeir to us in your obedience,
we command you to putt him not onlic from his office, but out of
your toun, at the sight heirof, unlesse he conforme totallie. And
when ye have done, thinke not this sufficient to satisfie our wrathe,
fur disobedience to our former letter." Mr Robert Avas sent for to
tlie counsel. The king's will Avas intimate to him, Avhich the
counsel said they Avoid not withstand. Mr Robert quitte his place,
and tooke his leave. lie was chosen Principall the 19th of Octo-
ber before. The ministers of Edinburgh invyed him for his not-
conformitie, and the applause he had both of the peo[)le and of the
learncdcr sort, for his gifts both for the pulpit and for the schooles.
When the Bishop of St Androes, at a conference Avith the minis-
ters of Edinburgh, was commending them for the harmonic that
was among them, Mr Andro Ramsay ansAveired, " But there is one
string out of tune," meaning of INIr Robert Boyde. He invyed
570 calderwood's historie 1623.
lilm, becaus sundrle noblemen, lawers, and countrie ministers, who
came upon occasion to the toun, resorted frequentHe to Mr Robert's
lessons in the schooles, and sermouns in the kirk, and not to his
lessones and sermones, howbeit both taught in one collcdge, and
in one kirk.
CONFERENCE ABOUT RESTRAINT OF WOOLL.
Soone efter, the Lords of Secrete Counsel were rebuked by a
letter from the king, for desiring him in name of the estats to urge
noe more the restraint of the wooll, seing it was so farre against the
libertie of the realme. He thought them too presumpteous in their
requeist ; and that if he had beene in Constantinople, they might
have sent commissioners to him, let be to London, to treate upon
that mater before himself. Wherupon the Lords of Secrete Coun-
sel nominated three out of everie estate, to conferre upon that
mater before the king, either suche as were at court alreadie with
the king, or as wold not offend.
THE PRINCE GOES TO SPAINE.
Upon the 19th of Februar, the prince embarked at Dover, and
went through France to Spaine, accompanied onlie with the Duke
of Buckinghame, his secretare, Mr Cottingtoun, Mr Porter, and
other two or three. The king injoyned the ministers of Edinburgh
to pray for him, and for his safe returne. They obeyed, but spake
never a word of matching with idolaters, and speciallie with
the King of Spaine, the Pope's cheefe suppost. The whole ile of
Britaine, speciallie the professours of true religion, Avere astonished,
and feared alteration both in the state of the kirk and the common-
weale. The formalists themselfs were ashamed of the lavishe
commendations they had given in former times of the king's sin-
ccritie and constancie in religion, and care to defend the same by
word, by writt, and by deed. About the midst of Aprile, we heard
that he come safe to Madrede, the thrid of Marche, and was honour-
ablic received by the king and his nobihtie.
1023. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND.
A MEETING OF THE BISHOPS AT ST ANDROES.
Upon the 22cl of Apvilc, there was a meeting at St Androcs,
where the Bishops of St Androcs, Brcchinc, Aberdeene, Murrey,
Rosse, and Dumblane, and some ministers written for, conveened.
Yit none of the ministers of Edinburgh came, becaus (as some of
themselfs reported) the end of that meeting was, to see how farre
wc might goe with the Papists, and what is questionable betwixt us
and them. For it was affirmed by some, tliat there were but two
or thrie points substantial! wherin we differed, and that we might
agrie Avith them in ceremonialls for peace sake ; yit noe such mater
was trcatted in publict. They appointed a fast to be keeped uni-
versallie the last Sabboth of June, and the first Sabboth of Julie.
Complaints were given in upon some Papists in the North, who
Avoid not have their children baptized by ministers, and for sundric
other abuses. The bishops promised to Avryte up to the king, to
sic what sould be done Avith them ; and that Avas all the redresse
Avas made. AVhat farther they did at that meeting, I am not cer-
taine, becaus the reports are diverse. It Avas reported, that it Avas
agreed that noe minister sould be urged heerafter Avitli obedience
to the Five Articles ; and on the other side, that it Avas not expe-
dient to be rigorous Avith Papists, during the time the prince Avas
in Spalnc.
MR FORBESE HIS UNTYMOUS INVECTIA''ES.
Upon Tuysday, the 29th of Aprile, Mr William Forbese, one
of the ministers of Edinburgh, preaching upon Philip, ii., invevghed
ngainst these that wold not communicate Avith their ministers that
kneeled. He said, they refused their owne salvation, served the
Antichrist, and sould never gctt Christ : that they were ignorants,
and had ignorant teachers, Avhom they rcceavcd in their houses,
and did Avryte and instruct them, that none Avcre so bold and so
peart as these who least could defend A\liat they did affirme; that
572 calderwood's historie 1623.
none could instruct the auditorie so well as he and his brethren ;
that kneeling at the receaving of the sacramentall elements hath
ever beene received since the dayes of the Primitive Kirk ; that
all that teached the contrarie wold be scourged out of all schooles
of learning, for ignorance and want of learning. And yit, this
bragadoceo sett never penne to paper for defence of the contro-
verted ceremonies. It is knowen weill enough, he has beene soone
j)utt to silence at disj^uting. He had nothing at this present time
but bitter railing, and naked assertions without proofes. When
others were silent and ashamed of their conformitie,becaus of the great
appearance of the matche with Spaine, and the badd effects likelie
to follow, yit he, more popishlie disposed, if not altogether, than
the rest of his collegs, wold not let conformitie rest, or the cere-
monies vanishe away, so farre as in him lyeth.
A DUNKIRKER PERSUED.
A Dunkirker, persued by two waughters, arrived at Leith, the
22d of May, but within sixe or sevin dayes the wind blowing
westerlie, both the Dunkirker and the waughters hoised up their
sailes, and went to the seas. Upon the 6th of June, the Dun-
kirker, earelie in the morning, cometh up the Firth again, and
three waughters efter her, to witt, the Admirall of Zeland, and
other two. The waughters demandit of the Dunkirker their
prisoners ; this being refused, they persued the Dunkirker, and had
utterlie undone it, if the water had served, or if the gunner in the
admirall's ship had not played the knave ; for the admirall's ordi-
nance misgave at the fii'st onsett. Sevin or eight were slaine in
the Dunkirker, and three or foure on the other side. The Magis-
trates of Edinburgh went doun with the citizens at the counsel's
command, to inhibite them to fight anie more in the king's waters,
which was obeyed. The principals of both sides compeii*ed before
the counsel. The admirall made excuse for fighting within the
king's waters, and craved restitution of the prisoners. The lords
answeired, they wold informe the king what had past, and accord-
1G23. OF TUE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 573
lug to his pleasure they soul J have reason. The Dunkhkcr, for
greatter securitie, came within the harberie of Leith, and the
waughters waited on this nioneth, and the raoneth of June follow-
ing, upon occasion to fight. In the mcane time, they apprchendit
a Scotts boate carcing out of the harberie some of the Dunkirkcr's
men, with some of her provision, which was thought to be of great
importance. Upon the thrid of Januar last bypast, there was a
charge given from the Lords of Secrete Counsel to the captaines
of the waughtei's, which had lyen an halfe ycir and more in the
hai'bcrie of Leith waiting upon the Dunkirkcr, to deliver their
sailes, that the Dunkirker might have the llbertie of two tides to
pass furthj- becaus it came first in ; and that within twentie-foure
houres, under the paine of treason. The captaines seemed to
accept Weill of the charge, and answeired, they w^old advise upon
an answeir. But two houres before the expyring of the tyme,
that is, betwixt twelf and one eftemoone, upon the 4th of Januar,
they lioised up their sailes, Avent out of the harberie to the raide,
and there stayed.
A DUNKIRKER BURNT.
Upon the Lord's day, the 4th of May, the Dunkirker made her-
self readie in the morning earlie, it being full sea and full moone,
to goe out of the harberie. They hired a pilote, a man of Leith,
named Lawsone, to direct them the best way bctuixt the land and
the Inch, that they might be free of the waughters. Ikit the cap-
taine was so farre from following the advise of the pilote, that he
putt a cord about his necke, and wirried him. The ship runneth
aground prcsentlie upon the INIusslescape, within two pair of butt
lengths to the bulwarkc. The waughters came as neere as they
could by sixe in the morning, discharged their cannons, and played
upon her. The Dunkirker was stopped quite through.
They assault againe efternoone, when the sea filled. The chan-
celour, president, and other lords that were in Edinburgh for the
time, sent some cannons out of the castle, and caused the inhabit-
574 calderwood's historie 1623.
ants of Edinburgh to Le wairned with the beatting of the drumme,
to attend upon them. This was done betuixt nyne and tenne at
night. In the meane time, the Vice-admirall came to the Dun-
kirker, and finding all the men flcdd, cutted the cords and sailes,
tooke doun the King of Spaine his colours, and sett up the Prince
of Orange his colours ; then retired backe, minding at full sea to
come and take her away. But the lords preveened them, caused
man her, and take doun the Prince of Orange his colours, and sett
up the King of Britaine's. Upon Monday, the 5th of IMay, the
citizens of Edinburgh were again charged as before to attend upon
the king's service, and upon the cannon. Some few went doun
with their swords, and their clocks about them. The president,
chyding the provest and baillies, said, "I always said to his Majes-
tic, that Edinburgh was but a nest of tratours. I sail write to his
Majestic of this your rebellion." It was answeired, " Your lord-
ship may write what you will, but we sail be found loyall subjects.
Edinburgh is not bound to serve in such a service without their
burrow-rudes." The cannons were planted neer St Nicholas chap-
pell. The captaines of the waughters sent to the lords, to assure
them, that if they went home without the ship, which was their
lawfull prise, they wold be hanged : they wold rather die there
with credite. The lords refused to give the ship ; caused take out
all her gunnes and artillerie, emptle her of water, mend all her
stoppes, that they might bring it the more easilie into the harberie.
Thus was the Monday and a part of the Tuysday spent. The
lords, viz. the Chancelour, the President, Mortoun, Balcleughe,
Lothian, the Clerk of Register, and JNIerchistoun, Treasurer-
Depute, went not to bedd for two nights : upon occasion, they
went to checke the watche, but found none. Wherupon the presi-
dent enraged, sent up at midnight in all haste to his lodging in
Edinburgh, for twentie-foure muskets, twentie-foure pickes, twentie-
foure corslets, and caused arme his owne attendants with them ;
and caused a proclamation be made betuixt one and two in the
night, charging all the inhabitants of Edinburgh to come doun to
Leith in their armes, under paine of death. But the provest and
1623. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 575
baillics went not doun till two cfternoonc, and some few cfterthem,
with their swords iind clocks about them. But Mr Thomas llamil-
toun, Secretar, and President of the Session, was so enraged, that
princelike, he bade them goc out of sight, and wold not speake to
them. About fourc cfternoonc, when it was full sea, all the skip-
pers of Lcith were sett on worke to bring in the Dunkirkcr shipp,
called St Ambrose. It was a sport to sic the lords and their
gentlemen hailing St Ambrose Avith a rope in to the harberie.
But they laboured in vaine, and out of time, for the water began to
fall. Tl>e Hollanders sent to the lords, and craved their testimoniall
under the Great Scale, that they had used their diligence for the
overthrow of that ship, but were impeded by their forces. The
lords delayed their answeir till the morne, minding at the nixt tide
to have St Ambrose within the harberie ; committed the charge of
her to the skippers of Leith, who took in hand to man her with
musketters, and bring her in at the nixt tide ; and efter, went up
to the toun, bccaus they had not sleeped two nights before. But
upon Wednesday, betweene two and three in the morning, the
Hollanders shott their boates, came to the Dunkirkcr, requeisted
all the men that were within, as they loved their lives, to goe furth,
for they wold sett her on fire, Avhich they obeyed. Then they
tooke doun the king's colours, and efter they had kissed them, and
delivered them, they sett her on fire in foure sundrie parts. The
president was advertised, but before he came halfe way to Leith,
the ship was past all recovcrie. So he returned, and the counsel
conveened prcscntlie, and directed their informations to the king.
The Hollanders stayed till Fryday, and then hoised up their sailes.
A COMMISSION TO HEARE GREIVANCES.
Upon Monday, the 19th of ^lay, there Avas a proclamation at
the Crosse of Edinburgh with sound of trumpet. The summe of
it was this : —
"Forasmuche as there is noe earthlie thing so deare unto us as
576 calderwood's historie 1623.
the Weill and good of our subjects ; and understanding that in our
kingdomes of England and Ireland, our subjects have suffered
wrong under pretence of the lawes : We, out of our incomparable
wisdome, for preveening the like evill in our native and ancient
kingdome of Scotland, have ordained a number of our right trustie
cousines and counselours to sitt everie week twise, for hearing all
the greevances of our subjects : Sir George Hay of Kinfanes,
Knight, Chancelour, Johne Archbishop of St Androes, James Arch-
bishop of Glasco, Johne Earle of Marre, William Earle of Mortoun,
Robert Earle of Niddisdaill, Robert Earle of Roxburgh, Thomas
Earle of Melrose, Johne Vicount of Lauderdaill, David Vicount of
Stormount, Sir Johne Naper, Treasurer-depute, Sir William Oly-
phant, Advocate, Sir Johne Hammiltoun, Clerk of Registre, and
Keeper of the Rolls."
This commission tooke noe effect, yit it served to feede the con-
ceate of the people, discontented for the present at the appearand
matche of Spain e, and consequences therof.
THE KING S PICTURE FALLETH AND BREAKETH.
Upon Fryday, the 20th of June, the king's picture in the hall
of the Palace of Linlithgow fell doun upon a Germane's picture,
and brake in peeces. The like befell the King of France his pic-
ture in that same place, sixe weekes before his death.
ARTICLES PROPOUNED BY THE SPANISHE AMBASSADOUR TO THE
KING.
About the 25th of June we were informed here, that there came
an ambassadour from Spaine to England, with a great traine ; that
he had commission to crave these articles following to be granted,
before the mariage of the prince : First, that libertie of conscience
sould be granted throughout all the king's dominions, and free
exercise of the Roman religion to the Catholicks. Nixt, that the
king sould declare himself enemie to all the King of Spaine's
1G23. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 577
enemies. ThriJlic, that the prince be crowned King of Eng-
land. Fourthlie, that tlie king sould recall all his subjects out
of the Netherlands, and leave them for the King of Spaine his use.
Fyftlie, that the king wold rcnunce the title, " Defender of the
Faith." Upon the 27th of Julie, we were informed that the king,
with advise of the counsel, four persons onlie excepted, had sub-
scribed those articles upon the 20th of Julie, and had sworne
soleniiilie to observe them, in Whythull Chappell before the altar,
in presence of sundrie bishops. But these ncwes proved efter
uncertaiue, because the mariage came not to pass. Yea, it is
reported, that the prince gott but a verie slender sight of that
ladic.
A FAST.
The famine increassed daylie, till at last manie both in burgh
and land died of hunger. !Manie poore came to Edinburgh for
succour, of which number some died in the streets. The fast
Avas observed in Edinburgh the last Sabboth of June, and first of
J ulie. The causes of the humiliation were, the present famine, the
feare of idolatrie to creepe in againe, the danger the prince was in
both for bodie and soulc. But the malne sinnc, to wItt, the erect-
ing of the state of bishops, the beginning of defection, and ground
of farther defection like to follow, was not touched. The sermons
began everie day in the weeke at sevin houres, and endit at nyne,
becaus the Lords wold not (as they alledged) prejudge the king's
Iciges, for anie reason they heard the ministers of Edinburgh
allcdgc. Immcdiatlle efter the fast was endit, that same night, the
7th of Julie, there was such a fire in the heaven, with thunder and
fire-fiaught, that the hearers and beholders thought verilie that the
day of judgement was come.
THE king's ships SENT TO RESCUE THE DUNKIRKER.
Upon Monday, the 7th of Julie, two of the king's ships arrived
at Lcith, received the ordinance which was taken out of the Dun-
VOL. VII. 2 o
578 calderwood's historie 1623.
kirker, loosed out of the raid the 13th of Julie, and arrived the nixt
day at Aberdeene. Efter they had shewen their commission to
the captaines of the two Avaughters, who Avere lying at Aber-
deene, they yceldit, and suffered the Dunkirker to faire with them
without molestation. They came altogether to Leith upon the
21st of Julie, and stayed till the Dunkirker had taken in the ordi-
nance, which was taken out of the other Dunkirker which was burnt.
Upon the 26th of Julie, the two Englishe ships, the Dunkirker,
and the waughters, weighed anchors, and hoised up their sailes.
When they were lying at anchor in Downes raid, the Dunkirker
weighed anchor in the night. The Hollanders followed, but were
not able to overtake her, yit shott some ordinance, whereby two
of the waughters which were lying at Dunkirk being wairned,
loosed, encountered with the Dunkirker, slew the captaine and
other sixteene persons. The captaine of the English Admirall,
named Beast, hearing the shotts, came and rescued the Dunkirker,
and brought her backe to Downes road. The waughters followed ;
all anchored in the rode that night. About breake of day, they
hoised up the sailes of the king's ship. When the ship was under
saile before, the Admirall of the Hollanders not looking for anie
harme, Captaine Beast shott off all the ordinance he had on the
one side, and slew to the number of three or foure score persons.
The waughters went to Flusheine, and there layde out all their dead
men on the streete, naked, saying, There was the intertainement
they had received, for the great respect they caried to the King of
Britaine's ships. But Captaine Beast was well received at court,
and commended for his beastlie service.
THE BISHOP OF CANTERBURIE HIS SPEECHE TO THE KING, EFTER
THE PRINCE HIS DEPARTURE.
" May it please your Majestic, — I have beene too long silent,
and am affrayed that by silence I have neglected the duetie of that
place wherunto it hath pleased God to call me, and your Majes-
tic to place me in. But now I humblie crave leave that I may
1623. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 579
discharge my conscience toward God, and my duetic toward your
Majestic. And, therefore, I besceke you, Sir, give me leave free-
lie to deliver myself, and then let your Majestic doc with me as
you please.
" Your Majestic has proponed a toleration of religion. I be-
sceke you, Sir, take in your consideration what your act is, and what
may be the event of it. You labour to settle that most damnable
and hereticall doctrine of the Homishe Church, and VVhoore of
Baby lone. How hate full will it be to God, and greevous to your
subjects, the true profcssours of the Gospell, that your Majestic,
who hath so often disputed and learnedlie writfcn against these
Avicked heresies, sould now shew yourself to be a patrone of these
doctrines, which your pen hath told to the world, and your owne
conscience told to yourself, to be superstitious idolatrie and detest-
able. Adde heirunto what you have done, by sending the prince
to Spain, without consent and privitie of your counsel, and appro-
bation of your people. And, Sir, although you have a large
interest in the prince, as the sone of your fleshe, yit hath the people
a greatter, as the sone of your kingdome, upon whom, nLxt after
your Majestic, are their eyes fixed, and weilfiirc depends ; and so
tenderlie his going apprehendit, that, beleeve me. Sir, howsoever
his returne may be faire, yit the drawers of him into that action so
dangerous to himself, and so desperate to the kingdome, will not
pass away unquestioned and unpunished. Besides this, the tolera-
tion which you endevoure to settle by proclamation, it cannot be
done without a parliament, unless your Majestic will let your sub-
jects sie that you will take unto yourself a libertie to throw doun
the lawes of the land at your pleasure. "What dreadfull conse-
quence these things may draw after,. I beseeche your Mnjcstie
consider ; and above all, least by these tolerations, and discounte-
nance of the true profcssours of the Gospell wherwith God hath
blessed us, and under which this kingdome hath manic ycirs
floorished, your Majestic doe not draw upon yourself in particular,
and on the whole kingdome in generall, God's heavie wrath and
indignation.
580 CALDERWOOD's HISTORIE 1623.
" Thus, in discharge of my ductle towards God and your
INfajestie, and the place of my calling, I have humblie taken
boldness to deliver my conscience. And now. Sir, doe with me
■what you please."
THE PRINCE RETURNETH FROM SPAINE.
Upon the 13th of October, the president received a letter from
Sir Thomas Areskine, wherin he w^as informed, that Johne Murrey,
Vicount of Annan, had written to him, that the prince was come
to his house at Gilfoi'd, and was to meete the king at Roystoun,
the Lord's day, the 5th of October. The president shewed the
letter to the ministers of Edinburgh, wherupon they conveened,
and appointed Mr Johne Guthrie, some time their college, latelie
consecrated Bishop of INIurrey, to preache in the Great Kirk efter-
noone, that the people might conveene, and give thankes to God.
Efter sermon, there was shooting of ordinance, ringing of bells,
setting on of bonfires, with the greatter contentment, that the
prince was not maried upon the daughter of Spaine.
The session and counsell, old and new, of Edinburgh, with a
number of inhabitants, conveened upon the 18th of November.
AVhen Mr Thomas Sydserf, moderator of the meeting, had declared
what Mas the end of their conveening, to witt, to provide ministers
for the vacant places, James Cathkine, merchant and stationer,
alledgit, that Mr Andro Cant sould fill one of the places, becaus he
was orderlie and formallie chosen by common consent of the old
and new session, and the rest of the citizens who were present in a
great number ; and that it was said by some of the ministers them-
selfs, that when they were bringing in the last minister, [they]
wold make a way for bringing in of Mr Andro Cant. " But as
yit," said he, " we could never heare that he was sent for, or anie
travell taken for him." Mr Thomas answeired, Travell was taken,
but they could not come speede. The provest, Alexander Clerk,
Master of the Hospitall, said, " I know there has beene als meikle
labour made to gett him to be minister of Edinljurgh as men could
1G23. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 581
make, but [It] prevailed not." Then James asketl, Whennlay the
fault that he come not ? Air Thomas answeired, The fault was not
in thera ; the higher powers must be obeyed. Then said James,
" There is noe fi'iedome or libertie in leiting or choosing of minis-
ters, therefore, we will protest for libertie and freedome ; and that
there be nothing done at this meeting which may prejudge the
lawfull calling of Mr Andro Cant to the ministrie of Edinburgh,
and disassent from your proceedings." Therupon he desired an
instrument of the clerk, Mr Johne Hay, and held up his hand with
the money. Mr Johne Hay said, he wold give noe instrument,
unless he were commandit. Then said James, there were notares
anow present; therefore, seing the clerk refused, he wold take
instruments in the hand of some of them that were standing by ;
and so he did, in the hand of James IVIurrey * * * Mr
Thomas said, that was a forme they used not. James Cathkine
stayed till Lawrence Henrison, Johne Dickson, Johne Hammil-
toun, and Johne Mcine, had uttered their minds likewise, shewing
that they disassented from their proceedings ; and so went out
altogether. The tenor of the protestation heir followeth : — ■
^^ Apud Edinburgh, ]Sth Nuvemhris 1G23.
" The which day, in the meeting of the counsel, old and new
session of the kirk, old and new of the burgh of Edinburgh, holden
in the New Kirk of the said burgh, for leiting of three ministers to
have becnc heard, and therafter one of them to have beene chosen,
as the forme is, to supplic the vacant place of Mr Johne Guthrie
in the ministrie of the kirk of the said burgh : Unto the which
meeting, the whole honest neighbours, inhabitants of the said
burgh, were wairned publlctlie, upon the Sabboth Immediatlie prc-
cciding, by the ministers, out of the pulpits of the whole four kirks
of the said burgh, to resort to the said New Kirk at the bellring-
ing, and there to give their information, voices, and consents, to
the nomination and IcItinjT of the said three ministers. And efter
the action was recommendit to God by Mr Thomas Sydserfc,
moderator of the said meeting, he intimate the caus of their
582 calderwood's historie 1623.
meeting to so manie of the congregation as were there con-
veened; and amongst manie other circumstances, he desired
that noe man sould be there proponed to them to be put upon the
leit, but such as they could gett, viz., conforme ministers ; and
therafter urgit the reading of the rolls of the counsels and sessions.
Before the reading wherof, James Cathkine, one of the present
Masters of the Hospitall of the said burgh, desired of the said
moderator to be heard to utter his mind anent that meeting ; and
having obtained libertie to that effect, he said, * Moderator, seing
ye have declared the end of your meiting is, to have a vacant place
in your ministrie onlie to be filled at this time, there is noe necessi-
tie for a leit to that effect, becaus Mr Andro Cant was verie
orderlie and formallie called and chosen to be a minister of Edin-
burgh, by commoun consent both of kirk, session, and counsel, old
and new, with the full and whole consent of all the congregation
there present, which were a verie great number ; and therefore he
ought now to fill the said vacant place. As also, at the bringing
in of Mr William Forbese to this ministrie, when opposition was
made therunto by sundrie weill disposed Christians in this burgh,
it was declared at that meeting by some of yourselfs of the minis-
trie, that the inbringing of Mr William Forbese wold be a way
for the bringing in of Mr Andro Cant. But since that time, we
could never heare that he was sent for, or anie labour made for the
bringing of him hither.' The moderator ans weired. That there
was labour made for bringing of him hither, but they could come
noe speede ; for we wold als faine have had him as ye wold, but
we could not gett him. The provest, Alexander Clerk, being like-
wise present, affirmed the same, and said, ' Master of the Hospi-
tall, I know there has beene als meikle labour made for getting of
Mr Andro Cant to be minister of Edinburgh as men could make,
but could not prevaile.' Then asked the said Master of the Plospi-
tall, Wherin was the fault that he came not ? The moderator
answeired, That the fault was not in them, but that the higher
powers must be obeyed. Then said the said Master of the Hospi-
tall, Seing there is noe libertie or freidome in leiting or choosing
1 G23. OP TllE KIRK OF SCOTL.VND. 583
of ministers for the present time, he for himself, and in name of
the honest men undernamed, protested against anie thing that
sould be done in this present meeting, that might prejudge the
hiwfuU calHng of Mr Andro Cant to the ministric of Edinburgh.
And therupon he det^ircd an instrument, under the note of Mr
Jolinc Ilay, the commoun clerk of Kdinburgh, there present, and
did offer to him ane testaire for taking of the samine ; which the
said Air Johne Hay refused to accept, or to give the said instru-
ment, except he were commandit by that place, which command was
likewise denyed by the said moderator. In respect whcrof, and all
and sundrie the premisses, the said Master of the Ilospitall, i'or
himself, and in behalf of the persons following, viz., * * *
Avho adhered to the said protestation, asked instrimicnts at the
hands of me, notare-publict undersubscrivand, in presence of the
witnesses likewise undersubscrivand."
PATRIK SCOTT HIS SHIFTS AT COURT.
Patrik Scott, a landit gentleman beside Falkland, having wasted
the moyen that he had, had noe other meanes to recover his estate
but by some unlawfull shift at court. He sett furth a recantation,
under the name of a banished minister, Mr David Calderwodc.
But soon efter come forth a Latine work, intituled, " Alfai-e Da-
mascenum" which testified to the world, that he was farre from
mynding anie recantation, and that he was yit living ; for the re-
cantation was sett furth upon a report that he was dead. The
trueth is, he was deidlie sick, and if he had died, the recantation
had gone for current as his. But the devise turned to the shame
of the devisers. He confessed himself that the king furnished him
mater, and he sett it doun in forme. This course failing, he went
over to Holland ; sought the said Mr David at the Hague, at Delft,
at Amsterdame, and other tonnes, in the moneth of November,
pretending to such as he thought fiivoured the said Mr David, that
he had a thousand punds to deliver to him, which was collected
among weill affected people at home ; and offered money to some
584 calderwood's historie 1623.
to reveale where the said Mr David was. Noe doubt, the man was
employed to seeke his life, and to murther him privatlie, which
was easie for him to doe, if he had beene there under cloud of
night, when the said Mr David was to come from tlie Scottish inne
to his owne chamber ; either by shootting him in the water, or
otherwise, not fearing evill of the man he had never scene before.
Efter he had stayed at Amsterdame tvventie dayes, and inquired
diligentlie, he was informed that the said Mr David was at home
in his owne native countrie of Scotland ; and so he returned to
court disappointed. His dependance for the most part was upon
the Vicount of Annan, a man unknowne likewise to the said Mr
David. By whom he was houndit out, I leave that to the reader
to judge. But that ye may know the conditions of the man, I will
heir sett doun one of his notable tricks. There was an English
man purchassed a peece land in England, and tooke a day for pay-
ment of a part of the money. "When the day came he had not the
money in readiness ; his partie straited him with extremitie of the
law. He went up to Londoun, and walking in Paul's Church sad
and pensive, made his mone to a Scottish man Avalking there ;
offered to him, if he could procure the king's protection, a reward
for his paines. The Scottish man answeired, he had noe moyen or
credite at court. *' But," said he, " I see here one walking hard
by ; his name is Mr Scott, he can doe your turne." Efter the
English man had delated the mater to him, Patrik Scott said,
" That Avill cost great charges, but I will gett it done for you."
The English man asked what he wold have ? Patrik Scott craved
fiftie punds sterline. The English man said. That was too much,
for three hundreth punds will doe all my turne. " But I will give
you," said he, " all that I have ; that is, threttie punds sterline, and
my horse, that is worth five punds sterline." Patrik Scott taks
the mater in hand, and appoints him a short day. The English
man keeped preciselie, and delivered to Patrik Scott the threttie
punds sterline and his horse. Patrik Scott giveth him a packald
as it were of letters sealed, which must be delivered to the persons
to whom they are directed, " who will doe your turne." But when
1G23. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 585
tlie first letter was delivered, there Avas nothing written in it ; the
rest likewise were all blanke. The honest man, disappointed ot"
the protection he was seeking, was apprehendit and cast in prison.
Efter the death of King James he sett out a pamphlet full of lyes,
intituled. Vox Vera, but als true as Lucian's Vera Ilistoria. For
all his godless and uulawfuU shifts, he dyed soone efter so poore,
that he had not wherewith to beare the charges of his buriall ; but
it behoved the Bishop of Kosse to beare the charges of it, for the
good service he had done to the king and the bishops.
A STRANGE METEOEE.
Upon the Lord's day, the last of November, about nyne houres
at night, there appeared like a rainbow in the west, the moone
shyning cleerlie in the east, with some raine in the meane time,
wherat manie wondered.
THE king's letter TO THE KING OF BOHEMIA.
" Sir, my most deare sone. — AVe have beene carefull, and are at
this present, to performe the promise which we made unto you, to
imploy all our power to re-establishe you in your estates and dignities.
And having, by the patience and industrie which we have used,
reduced maters within a more narrow circle, and of a lesser extent,
than the generall in the which they were treatted hcirtofor ; having
tliought meete to give you knowledge of such things whcrof hope
is given to us, that we sould in all appearance obtaine them, to the
end you might have a recourse to your wisdome ; and efter a mature
deliberation, may make a choice agreeable to your providence,
honour, and safetie of your estate, duelie weyghing and examining
all circumstances. And, therefore, we represent unto you these
propositions : And, first, your submission to the emperour under
convenient limitation, which first sail be granted and agreed, in
conformltie to that which is honourable, with a safe-conduct, and
assurance requisite and sufficient for tiie frie and safe going and
586 calderwood's historie 1623.
returne of your person and traine. This being done, will make you
offer of a * * * and full restitution of the Pala-
tinate to the person of your sone, and that you sail be his admi-
nistrator during your life ; and that efter the death of the Duke of
Bavaria, your sone sail be established in the electorall dignitie.
And for the better confirming of the said amitie, and assuring of
your present possession, and injoying of all, to the contract with us
presentlie to be made, and also to serve for a preparative for the
bettering of the said conditions to your person, which in aU lik-
wise will be when the mariage sail be resolved and concludit, that
a mariage be made betwixt your eldest sone, our grandchild, and
one of the emperour's daughters. In contemplation wherof, they
have approached and decried neerer, to witt, that the electorall
dignitie sail come again to your person efter the Duke of Bavaria's
death. In which treattie of mariage, to cleere the principall diffi-
cultie, which consisteth in the education of your sone with the
emperor, we have taken from them all hope heirin, wherwith we
assure ourselfs ye will be content ; and have proposed, that he sail
have his education in our court with our sone, and with and in the
presence of the Infanta. We have exactlie shewed you the estate
of this negotiation, which cheefelie concerns you and yours, to the
end ye may cast your eyes upon the necessities and bare conditions
and maner of living which dependeth upon the courtesie and assist-
ance of others ; and that you may judge advisedlie, whether your
readie entrance to the possession of your owne, and to a kinde of
present libertie of living, with assurance in time to recover the
possession of all, sail not be more convenient for you, than a
hazardous long expectation upon other uncertain meanes. The
latter wherof if you preferre, for anie consideration whatever before
the other, we pray you to consider, by what probable and forcible
meanes we may undertake to reduce your condition to that estate
that you wishe and promise yourself ; wherin we doubt not but you
will weigh our forces, and cheefe of our allyes, and suche wherof
we may hope and be assured of, to the end, that if it sail happen
that we cannot attaine to the inteir of that Avhich we desire, by
1623. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 587
way of trcattie, and that wc soukl take another course, you may
be partaker als wcill of our counsel, as of the issues and uncertaine
events. And forasmuche as we are desirous, first, to consider with
you, your person and estate, as we are also obliged to have regard
to the riglit of ouronlie daughter, and inheritance of your children,
with the hope of their prospcritie, by what way it may be more
easilie established, and by what meanes provision may best be made
to that effect. And heirin we remaine. Sir, my most deare sone,
" Your most affectionate father,
" Ja. Kex.
" From AYhythall."
THE KING OF BOHEMIa's ANSWEIR.
'* Sir, — I take as a great honour and favour your Majestie's letter
delivered to me by the hands of your ambassadour, Carletoun. He
hath further expressed your Majestie's intention touching that
which concerneth my restitution unto my honour and patrimoniall
estate ; that you continue firme and constant in conformitie to your
promises, to labour and effect by one way or other, so that the
restitution be intirc and totall, als weill in that which concerneth
the electorall dignitie as the Palatinat. And that the proposition
which your Majestic makes by your letter, to content myself to be
administrator to my sone, and he with the * * ♦ of the
dignitie and the present possessions of the Palatinate, is but in all
events.
" If so be your Majestic could not obtaine the totall restitution,
the desired effect of your intentions leaving me, nevertheless, to
choose the lesser of the two evills, (if I may be permitted to ternie
them so;) the one, of the totall restitution of my estate, but with
diminution, or rather annihilation, for so in effect it will be, in re-
spect of my person, of the electorall dignitie; the other, of the
recoverie of both by warre, the events whcrof are uncertane. First,
I most humblie thank your Majestic, for the paternall care which
you continue and shew in this occasion, and which doth more con-
588 calderwood's historie 1623.
fort me and my deare wife in our afflictions, than the feare of
humane events can grieve us, or incline us to be willing to recover
the losse of our goods, with the losse of our honour. I will, there-
fore, use the libertie which your Majestic is pleased to give me, in
answeiring everie particular point of your letter. In the first
wherof, I observe the proceidings of my enemies, who require a
j)ersonall submission (intendit to precede all other things) in the
safe-conduct of the emperour; wheras by naturall order used in
like occasions, the restitution, which is materiall and substantiall,
ought with reason to precede the other, being but a point of cere-
monie : at the least, it is necessarie that all things be resolved and
concludit under such assurance as sail be held convenient ; and
then, if the intention on the emperour's part be reall and sincere,
and without anie * * * to take advantage upon my
person, (as the Emperour Charles V. did upon the Landgrave
Ilessen, under the subtilitie of the distinction of a syllabe in his
safe-conduct, eveicht for evoeicht^ the said submission may als weill
be made by a deputie as otherwise. Wherby I sail be fried from
the apprehensions which the bloodie execution of Prague, and
other cruelties exercised by the Imperialists, may justlie impresse in
the minde of him who is willing to loose himself by a gayetie de coer.
Besides, a simple consent to such a submission, under the specified
condition to yeeld the electorate to the Duke of Bavaria, will be
sufficient to prejudice my cans for ever. For the two Electors of
Saxon and Brandenburg, who have alwayes protested against the
translation of the electorate, and the other princes of Germanic
who have the like feeling, will disavow their protestations in regard
of him who sail abandon his owne * * * and instead of
fiivourino- me, (upon some breache, treattie, or otherwise,) may be
my oposites. Moreover, the experience of things past teacheth us,
what issue we may heirafter expect of the like conditions consented
to on our part, the emperour having manifestlie abused us in two
things alreadie : First, in the instrument which he signed for the
conditionall resignation of the crowne of Bohemia in the yeere
1G21 ; then, in my ratification of the suspension of armes this last
1 ()2'i). OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 589
sommcr. The first having served the cmperour to celebrate his
treattic then on footc uith liethlem Gabor; the second, to intimi-
date the Electors of Saxon and Brandenburgh, and other princes
of the Lower Saxonie, that they might not undertake anic thing
against the cmperour : both the one and the other being divulgated
to the same effect, according to the knowledge which the cmperour
had of these dcsignes, before anie thing Avas therin resolved or con-
cludit. And so will the emperour in all appearance make his pro-
(ito of this present proposition, and strike with one stroke two
blowes, by hindering the progresse of Gabor on the one side, and
by continuing [on] the other the intimidation of the princes of
Germanic, who may with reason now excuse themselfs, if they
warre not for him Avho hath bund himself hand and foote, and con-
sented to a submission which being once yecldit unto, Avill be
always in the emperour's power to breake, or goo on, as he sail
hold it expedient for himself. I darre also promise myself, that
your ^lajestie will have a regard, that by such submission and
treattic, my imdue })roscription and banishment, which being in
])rejudice of the constitutions of the empire, arc therefore held by
the Electors of Saxon and Brandenburgh of noe validitie, be not
approved, and therefore a marke of infamie sett upon me and my
posteritie.
" Touching the second point, your Majestic may be pleased to
reveale, that on the part of Spaine, hope hath alliances given me
from the beginning, of a totall and intire restitution to my person.
Yea, the Erie of BristoU hath assured me by his letters from
!Madrid, in November 1622, when the mariage was not so much
advanced as at this time, that the King of Spaine, in case of a
refusall of a totall restitution, Avoid joyne his forces Avith those of
your Majestic against the cmperour, to constraine him therunto.
And yit, in steade of the said restitution, the translation of my
electorate Avith the Duke of Bavaria Avas since at Ratisbone agreed
and congratulated to him from BruxcUes ; the Infcriour Palatinate
dismembered, by the grant of the Bergstraet, one of the best peeces
thcrof, to the Elector of Mcntz, the Superiour with the Balivets,
590 calderwood's histoeie 1623.
granted to the Duke of Newbridge, thereby to Ingadge them
further in the quarrell, by the particulare defence of that which
generalHe the Imperialists have usurped upon rae. They confiscat
and seaze upon the goods of my subjects, and of these that follow
my partie, sparing neither widowes nor orphanes. It seemes there-
fore necessarie, above all things, to have sufficient assurance for
the totall restitution of my Electoi'ate and Palatinate, before anie
new treattie of manage be proposed, ivhich treaties, as they are
ordinarilie handled and managed by the House of Austria, they use
to draw to length and delay, with the onlie ayme to the augmen-
tation of their greatness, without respect to civile honestie, word,
or promise. I have a doulefuU experience in my owne hous, in the
person of one of my neere predecessours, Frederick the Second,
who contributed more to the first foundation which Avas layde for
the greatness of the House of Austria, than anie other Germane
prince ; and for recompense, was allured and drawen for the space
of manie yeeres with treatties and promises of mariage, without anie
intention (as was seen by the effects) ever to bring them to execution.
Seing, therefore, that he who had so weill deserved of the House of
Austria, which in all externall appearance held him in greatter esti-
mation than anie other Germane prince, was nevertheless unworthi-
He used by them by a treattie of mariage, he that has beene unduelie
putt in the banne of the empire, and spoiled of all my honours
and goods, by the eagerness, hatred, and usurpation of the em-
perour himself, whose daughter is propouned for the mariage in
question, know not what to hope, but the same effect of fraude and
deceit, which my fornamed predecessour [felt,] with a sorrowfull
repentance of the evill when it was past remedie. And the em-
perour wanteth but two or three yeers leasure, which he sail easilie
gaine by a treattie of mariage, to establish in Germanic the trans-
lation of my electorall dignitie and patrimoniall estate, without
anie hope ever to recover the like opportunitie as at this time, that
my pretensions are prejudiced by a long interposition of time, and
that the memorie of the undue proceiding of the publication of the
banne against my person, and the said translation of the electorall
1G23. OF TDE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 591
(llgnitic, niul hazard of my patrimoniall inheritance, are yit fresh in
the minds and afiections of the princes of Germanic, ^vho are by
the consideration of their owne interests moved with the greater
compassion to sie the wounds of my miseries yit fresh and bleeding,
and with passion and earnest desire to see them remedied.
" And in this place I will say something to the latter point of
your Majestie's letter, wherin ye commandit me to consider the
meanes probable and facible, wherby my condition may be reduced
to the former estate; and to wcygh your Majestie's forces with
those of your allyes and others, wherof your Majestic may hope to
be assured. If your Majestic hopeth for my restitution in Ger-
manic as an effect of the mariage of Spaine, nothing els is to be
done but to attend the events with patience. And if you continue
to distinguish betwixt the Spanish and the Imperitilists, there is no
more to be said in this subject. But as they have with joint con-
sent conspired my ruine with the same forces, the same counsel,
and the same designes, if your Majestic sail be pleased to unmaske
the * ♦ * and hidden malice of the Spanyards, as in the end
you found the open and declared violence and hostilitie of the Im-
perialists who beseiged your Majestie's garrisons in my townes
taken into your protection, I will use the libertie your Majestic
has given mc, to discourse of your Majestie's forces, and these of
your allyes ; and what may further with good probabilitie be hoped
from other freinds and^ weill-willcrs. In the last ranke I place
what may be hoped from the princes of Gerraanie, to witt, the two
Electors of Saxon and Brandenburgh. In effect, all the others,
except these of the Catholick league, have sufficientlie declared
their disavowing of the emperour's proceiding against me, and
their opinion is, that the peace of Germanic dependeth upon my
restitution. Beside the levies they made in the beginning of last
sommer, though by one Lockie, a president of the Duke Christian of
Brunswicke, they were soone after dismissed, had certanlie noe want
of anie thing to be converted to my ayde, but the countenance of
some great prince to support them against the power of the House
of Austria. The same affection still is remaining among them, and
592 calderwood's historie 1623.
the same resolution to embrace the first good occasion which sail
be presented for the libertie of Germanie. Neither will there want
hands for accomplishment of such a worke, when it sail be under-
taken openlie an 1 earnestlie, seing the number of those who have
their interests conjoyned with mine is great and mightie ; for the
greatter part of people, both horse and foote, which marched under
Catholick bands, were of a contrarie religion to the Catholick, and
of affection, (as it is notorious to all the world,) inclined more to
the ruine of those leagues than to their preservation. But the con-
duct of some powerfull prince is necessarie, als weill to the princes
as to the men of warre, as we have seen by experience the last
yelr. The King of Denmark is he upon whom all have sett their
eyes ; but he being a prince full of circumspection, and unwilling
to enter in the play alone, answereth to all instances which are
made to him to that end, that as other princes have their eyes
upon him, so he hes upon your Majestic.
" Concerning the forces of your Majestie, it is not for me to
judge ; but since you have commandit me, I Avill weighe them by
the ballances of commoun judgement. That the felicitie wherwith
God hath blessed the person of your Majestie, having conjoyned
the three crownes of Scotland, England, and Irland upon one head,
the power of one of the three alone having done heirtofore great
maters in the effairs of Europe on this side the sea, yea, when it was
counterballanced by the others, gives d^iionstrations what your
Majestie may doe with the joynt forces of the three together, when
you sail be pleased to take a resolution therin, cheeflie the question
being for the interest of your owne children ; and by the voluntary
contribution which we have alreadie had in our support from your
Majestie's subjects, we may easilie comprehend what may be pro-
mised of them, when the publict authoritie of your Majestie sail be
conjoyned with their particular affections, there being noe prince
in the world more loved and reverenced of his subjects, nor more
soveraigne over their affections and meanes, for the suretie of your
person and royall house. Touching the allyes, it is to my great
greefe that the unhappiness of the time hath separated a great
1G23. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 593
part of them. The united princes of Germanic, who make profes-
sion of the same rehgion, ^Yherof they acknowledge your Majestie
protector and defender, but the same affection remaineth in them
intire and firme, though they have been constrained to yeeld to the
present necessitie of their effairs; and the occasion presenting
itself, your Majestie may make account of them. There rests the
States of the United Provinces, to whom we have had recourse in
our afflictions, who support tliemsclfs by the helpe of God, the
situation of the countrie, and forces of the people alone, untill this
time, against the puissance of the King of Spaine, secondlt by the
Imperialists. And instead of fainting under such a burden, and
giving eare to the overtures and submissions which from day to
day are presented to them, they now putt themselfs to the offensive,
by a good fleete prepared, and readie to sett saile toward the West
Indies, to the end they may at the least interrupt the peaceable
and ancient returne of the gold and silver out of these parts, by
the which the House of Austria doth continuallie advance his
greatness. The designe is commendit by all good men, and lovers
of the publict libertie, as the sole and onlie mcancs to cast to the
ground the fearefull power of Spaine, even as a great tree of a
large extent cult up by the rootes. But it is held too great for
such a litle extent of countrie as this is, and yit practicable, and to
be done by forces answeirable to the importance of such an enter-
prise. And if your Majestic wold be pleased to use the forces and
meanes of this estate by sea anti land, to the opposition of their
enemies, and, by consequence, of myne, their profession of a loyall
and sincere affection, with the hazard of life and goods for the
service of your Majestie, groundit upon the experience of things
past, their present increase, and the judgement which may be
made of the future, makes me assured, that your Majestie may
absolutelie dispose of them, and by their meanes, (being firmelie
conjoyned with your Majestic,) give the law to Europe.
'" It is in obedience to your command that I haveinlarged myself
60 farre in this discourse, which I will end, with my most humble
thankes for the continuance of your gracious andpaternall bountie,
VOL. VIL t V
591 calderavood's historie 1623.
particularlie sheAved in the care you have of the education of my
eldest sone in your court, who, with all the rest, are at your Majes-
tie's disposing. And we hope to live (notwithstanding our doolful
and hard condition) to yeeld into your Majestic the fount of a
devote and filiall gratitude ; and I will remaine, till the last of my
life,
" Sir, your most * *,
" Friderick.
<' From the Hague, the 20th of December, 1623.
" Postscript.
" I am advertised from good parts, that the Elector of Mentz,
and other princes of the Popish league, are verie instant with the
Electors of Saxon and Brandenburgh, to persuade them to acknow-
ledge the Duke of Bavaria as Elector of the Impire ; which, if
they sould attaine, it were easie to judge how much it wold pre-
judge my effairs, and the commoun cause of the impire. I,
therefore, most humblie beseek your INIajestie, that ye Avoid be
Weill pleased to prevent and hinder such an evill, by the interposi-
tion of your good offices, and exhortations to the said two secular
electors, be it by some ambassadour, by serious letter, or such
other Avay as you sail hold meete and suitable to the importance of
tlie mater, which, above all, requireth singular celeritie ; so your
Majestic sail increase more and more my obligation, and that of
the publict of Germanic.
" Your sone,
" Friderick.
"From the Hague, the 20th of December, 1623."
As there was a great morraine and death of beasts in the
beginning of this yeir, great dearth and famine efter, so in the end,
there was great death of persons of all rankes, but speciallie of the
poore, which dyed through famine in the feilds and the hie wayes.
1624. OF Tin: KiuK or Scotland. 595
M.DC.XXIV.
noise of cannons and drummes heard.
About the midst of Januar, four gentlemen of good credite,
liaving gone out of Stirline souie two miles or therby, to pass their
time, heard sensiblie like the shotts of manie muskets, and efter
that, taking better heid, like the beatting upon drummes, and
playing upon piffers, and the sound of trumpets ; and last of all, the
shott of great cannons, so that for feare they went backe again to
the toun, and reported what they had heard.
THE DUKE of LENNOX HIS DEATH.
Upon the 23d of Februar, we were certanlie informed, that upon
the IGth of Februar, the first day appointed for the parliament in
England, the king making himself readie for ryding, sent to the
Duke of Lennox, to bidd him also make readie, and to come to
him. The duke finding himself somewhat drowsie, and his head
heavie, commandit his chamber-boy to draw the curtaine, and to
walkcn him at the time appointed. AYhen they come to him at
the time appointed, they found him dead. His death was dolorous
both to English and Scottish. He was weill liked of for his cour-
tesie, meekness, liberalitie to his servants and followers. He
opposed so farre as he might to the Spanishe matche. The king
could never induce him to medle with the effairs of our kirk. The
brute went that he was poysoned.
THE EARLE OF L0TIILA.N'S DEATH.
Upon Satterday, the Gth of -Marche, Sir Robert Ker, Earlc of
Li)thian, went up earlie in the morning to a chamber in the Place
of Newbottle, pretending he was gone to lay accounts and write
596 calderwood's historie 1G24.
missives, and commandit that none come toward him for an houre.
He barreth the chamber doore, and cutted his owne thi'oate with a
knife, efter he had given himself sundrie wounds with his dagger.
Some imputed this desperate course to the great debtts which
were lying on his hands, others to consulting with magicians and
witches.
tuysday's meeting before the communion.
Upon Tuysday, the 23d of Marche, the counsel, session, and
citizens of the toun of Edinburgh, conveened, according to an
ancient custome, which has been observed as a preparative before
the Communion. According to this custome, the ministers removed
themselfs willinglie, that if anie man had ought to object against
them, they might utter their mindes freelie. The provest, Alex-
ander Clerk, caused the clerk, Mr Johne Hay, to aske if anie man
had anie thing to lay to the charge of their pastors, either concern-
ing their doctrine, or their life and conversation ; which he did
once, twdse, thrise. Then Johne Dickson, merchant and flesher,
stoode up, and asked license of the provest to speeke, which was
granted. Then said John Dickson, " My Lord, my speeche is
against one of our pastors, to whom I Avishe noe evill, more than
to my owne soule. Kow, my Lord, there soundeth an uncouth
voice in our pulpits, which we never heard before. Mr Forbese
aflfirmes in his doctrine, that we and the Papists may be easilie
reconciled in manie points of the heads controverted betwixt us and
them. This is contrarie to the doctrine which we have beene
taught, and contrarie to that which Mr William Struthers hath
affirmed in his sermons, to witt, that there can be noe agreement
betwixt us and the Papists, more than betwixt light and darkness,
betwixt Christ and Belial, betwixt the Kirk of God and idoles.
This, my Lord, wold in time be taken heid to." Jhone Fleamine,
merchant, addit, that Mr Forbese said, " We may be reconciled,
especiallie, in the head of Justification." David Aikenheid
alledgit, that their doctrine fell not under the people's censure,
1024. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 597
neither did it ai)[)crt:unc to tlmt place to medic with the niatcr :
if anie man had anie thing to object against their doctrine, let
them come to themselfs privatlie, and admonish them. James
Cathkin, merchant and stationer, answeired, that the speeches
challenged were uttered in publict, and therefore craved a piii)liet
information. Mr Johnc Ilay said, it was not formall proceeding.
lie was a clerk, and he sould know formalitie or informalitie.
Thomas Macallow answeired, that he was a clerk also, and some-
what before him ; and that he thought publict uttering of uncouth
novelties, such as that was, and in such a place, sould be likewise
delated publictlie, and speciallie to that meeting. Mr Johne Hay
replyed, that there was great difference betwixt him and the said
Thomas, and that ho was an hote litle man. Thomas answeired,
he knew noe difference, but that he was a meikle man, and he a
litle. Mr Johne said, he sould caus the secretar take order with
him. Thomas answeired, he beleived the secretar wold not follow
his direction. David Aikenheid and Mr Johne Hay still insisted,
and said, that place was impertinent. Joseph Millar, apothecarie,
rose up and said, " My Lord Provest, this is a mater of great con-
sequence : it sould not be easiiie past over, without farther tryall ;
but that the trueth may be cleired, and these who are offendit
satisfied, therefore it were good to have the judgement of the rest
of the ministrie, who having taught the contrarie, cannot but be
carefuU to vindicate the trueth from errour."
This advise was followed. Johne Tnglis, merchant, was directed
to Mr Forbese, to will him not to take it in evill part to stay a litle,
whill he were sent for, and to desire the rest of the ministers to
come in. He answeired in great passion, " Goe tell them I will
not dainyie to come to them ;" and with that runneth to his
liouse. The rest were not a litle displeased that they were so long
holden at the doore. When they came in, it was told thom what
exception was taken at Mr Forbese his doctrine ; and that it was
of such consequence, that they thought it meete to have their
advise and judgment how it sould be handled. The honest men
looked for their assistance, but they tooke it for a commoun caus,
598 calderwood's historie 1624.
touch one, touch all, and answeired. The people had noe power to
judge of their doctrine ; and albeit they removed willlnglie, that
"was done more for custome, than to subject themselfs to such cen-
sures. It was answeired. That it was a thing verie pertinent to
God's people to trie the doctrine : they were commandit to trie
the spirits ; Christ's sheepe sould heare his Toice, and not follow
the voice of strangers. The men of Berea tryed Paul's doctrine,
and conferred it with the Scriptures ; the judgement of discretion
appertaineth to all Christ's sheepe ; as for the judgement of juris-
diction, they claimed it not ; they craved onlie their judgement how
the mater sould be tryed, and the person, if found guiltie, tryed.
But the honest men could obtaine noe good answeir of them.
Then they went to another purpose. James Cathkine having
craved audience, said, "David sayeth in the 122d Psalme, 'I
rejoyced when they said unto me. Let us goe to the house of the
Lord.' Let us have the Communion celebrate efter Christ's insti-
tution, that we may likewise goe to the house of the Lord rejoyc-
ing." The ministers gave noe answeir. Then he said, " We may
tume the words, and say. With sorrowfull hearts may we goe to
the house of the Lord." Johne Meine * * * having craved
licence of the provost, said, " It was desired this time twelf-moneth,
that there might be a way found that the rent might be taken
away. I pray you, let us have the Communion efter the old
maner, that we may communicate altogether." " See ye that
now !" sayeth Mr Andro Ramsay, laughing. " Sir, are ye laugh-
ing," said Johne Meine, " when we out of the greefe of our hearts
are powring out our complaints to you ? Ye will answeir to God
for that." Nothing could be obtained of the ministers but quar-
relling at their informalitie, in that they did not first admonish Mr
Forbese privatelic. But it was answeired as before ; so they
went to the blessing. But Johne Meine went out, and wold
have noe part of it, bccaus they had refused assistance and con-
currence to so reasonable desires.
1624. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 599
DOCTOR FORBESE HIS MISBEHAVIOUR IN THE KIRK-SESSION.
Upon Thursday, the 25th of Marchc, Doctor Forbese, becaus
some of the ciders and deacons of the kirk refused to attend upon
the celebration of the Supper, denunced hcavic judgements, and
threatned the vengeance of God sould light upon them. To Johne
Dickson he said, "Ye want witt, ye sould be catechized ; ye are an
ignorant, and getts over much libertie to censure the doctrine of
your pastors." Johne Dickson Avillcd him to remember of the
love wherof he was specking in his sermon that day. " Love
and knowledge must goe together," said Mr Forbese. To James
Name he said, " Ye must be catechized ; ye are an ignorant, a
recusant, ye sould be punished. Ye are a bairne, howbeit ye have
hair on your face, and must be catechized." To Johne Smith he
said, " Ye are a bairne ; ye sould not speak, but be catechized."
To William Rig, bailife, he said, " Ye are a debosht vagercr ; ye
sould be catechized." The bailife answered, he had beene catechized
by verie honest, worthie, and learned men, of whom some were
with the Lord, and some were yit alive. Mr Forbese said, he was
learneder nor anie of them, and wold catechize them that catechized
him ; that they were but mercenarie men and pensioners. "Bring
out your Gamaliel," said he ; " produce him, if ye have anie in your
house, that we may see him." The bailife answcired. They were
frier of these imputations nor himself. " O Mr Bailiffe !" sayes he,
" O Mr llig I O jNIr Bailiffe ! ye are a great magistrate, O, a great
clerk," In end, he bade them all come doun to the Magdalene
Chappell, that he might catechize them, and threatned they sould
all smart. Manic moe like speeches he uttered, with unbridled
clioler and rage, as if he had been bereft of his witts. Yit durst
he never urge a tryall of the words that were layde to his charge,
but onlie outfaced the mater with threats and bragges ; and for all
his bragges could not produce one sufficient reason for their Com-
munions profaned with confusion and disorder, and polluted with
idolatrie and superstition. Heate rysing betwixt the ministers and
the people, the Communion was celebrate at Easter following.
600 calderwood's histoeie 1624.
THE MINISTERS COMPLAIN OF THEIR FLOCKE.
The ministers, spcciallie Mr Forbese and Mr Sydserf, were
vehement in their invectives against the people all this moneth.
Mr William Struthers, in a letter sent over to the Bishop of St
Androes, had these words : " Although we were trode under foote
bj our people, we have none to Avy te but your Lordship ; for when
we meaned ourselfs to your Lordship before in the like case, we
gott litle mends, and your Lordship kythed verie partiall toward
them in their favours. Therfore, albeit they sould carie themselfs
never so unduetifullie towards us heirafter, we are not myndit to
make our mone to your Lordship theranent, neither will I write
anie thing to your Lordship in accusation of my flocke." And yit
was he accusing by way of pretention as pithilie as he could. The
rest of the ministers likewise, in their generall letter to the bishop,
requeisted him to purchasse their dimission out of Edinburgh from
the king. This requeist imported a verie greevous complaint.
SIX OF THE INHABITANTS OF EDINBURGH CITED BEFORE THE
COUNSEL.
The king being incensed by information sent either from the
ministers of Edinburgh themselfs, or from Mr Patrik Galloway,
or the Bishop of St Androes in their name, sent doun a direction
to a select number of the Secrete Counsel, to try the behaviour of
some citizens at the meeting which was holden the 23d of jSIarche.
So, upon the last of Aprile, sixe of the citizens, to witt, William
lUg, bailliffe, Johne Dickson, flesher, Johne Hammiltoun, apothe-
carie, Joseph Millar, advocate, Johne Meine and William Simson,
merchants, were charged everie one severallie by a macer to com-
peer before the Lords of Counsel appointed for the tryall, viz.,
Chancelour Hay, the Earle of Marre, treasurer, the Earle of
Melrose, secretar, Sir William Olyphant, the King's Advocat, the
Bishop of St Androes, and the Bishop of Diimblane. Johne
1()24. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 001
ricaniinc, merchant, was out of the tonn, or els he had becne
■\vairned. The provest, bailiffs, and ministers, were wairncd like-
wise to be present. The honest men were charged before noone
to compeir aftemoone.
W. rig's DEPOSITION".
"William Rig, bailiffe, Avas first called on by the maccr. The
chancolour demandit, if he affirmed that the place where the meet-
ing was holdcn was a meete place, and the persons there convcened
fitt persons to judge of their ministers' doctrine ? He answeired,
" We convecncd that day according to a laudable custonic, which
hath beeue observed in the kirk of Edinburgh ever since the Kc-
formation, as I am informed ; which meeting before the Commu-
nion was thought verie neidfuU to remove such jarres as had fallen
out cither amongst the ministers themselfs, or among the people, or
betwixt the ministers and the people. For which cause the Sab-
both prccciding, to witt, the 21st of Marche, we were all publictlie
wairned from the pulpits by the ministers themselfs, before noone,
to resort to the East Kirk. Therefore, I thought the meeting in
that })lace verie warrantable." As to the second point, he an-
sweired, that it became everie Christian to have the judgment of
discretion, whereby he may discerne whether that which is de-
livered be agreeable to the trueth or not, as the Bereans did.
We are commandit by Johne the apostle, 1 Epist. cap. iv., not to
bcleeve everie spirit ; but to trie the spirits, whether they be of
God or not. As for my brethren's part, I thought they had verie
good reason to utter their regrates and complaints in that place, for
the uncouth doctrine that was not wont to sound out of our pul-
pits, albeit now often delivered by some of our pastors ; and, there-
fore, that ministers might be demandit for a reason of their doc-
trine, and in cases needfuU might also be admonished by the
people ; both which, Mr A\'illiam Struthers, being moderator, seem-
ed to decline. Sundrie speeches past betwixt him and everie one
that was there. But this was the substance of his answeir to the
602 calderwood's historie 1 624.
chancelour. AVhill he was removing and going to the doore, the
chancelour called him again at the Bishop of St Androes his desire,
as appeared, and asked if he was one of them that desired the
Communion to be rainistred efter the old maner? He expected
noe such question, and therefore could not suddenlie call to mind
whether he had done it or not. But because it was a thing he
approved in his heart, he resolved rather to confess than to deny
the words, which perhapps he had spoken. So he answeired, " My
Lord, I think I did." The chancelour asked againe, did he ? He
answeired again, " My Lord, I think I did." The chancelour
caused the clerk, James Primerose, sett doun his deposition, and
so he was removed. The bishop had a minute of interrogators for
everie one that was to be examined, furnished, noe doubt, by the
ministers of Edinburgh. Finding noe vantage otherwise to be had
of his behaviour or his words, he thought he had him now in a
hose nett, in that he sould have craved the Communion to be cele-
brate in a forme contrarie to the act of Parliament. But the trueth
is, he spake noe such mater, as the provest, baillifFs, and others
that were present, could beare witness. But if he had, his simple
desire or requeist could not have made him lyable by law to anie
punishment. He was noe soonner removed but he began to call
himself to rememberance, and resolved to cleere himself, if he were
called in againe. But he was not called.
JOHNE DICKSON S DEPOSITIOiSr.
Johne Dickson being called in, the chancelour asked him, what
Avere the words that he spake of Mr Forbese in the Little Kirk ?
He answeired, " My Lord, there was a laudable custorae used
before the Communion, that all the knowne eylasts in the congre-
gation sould be taken away, and that the ministers, elders, and
deacons, sould be tryed of their diligence. The pastors were re-
moved, the clerk commanded by my Lord Provest to demand of
the companie, if they had anie thing to lay to the charge of their
pastors, in doctrine, life, or conversation, which he did once, twise,
1024. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTLAND. G03
thrlse. Then I rose up at the last, and asked leave of my Lord
Provest to speake." So he repeated the words above written,
whicli he had uttered at the meeting. Then said the chancelour,
" Ye speeke these words to us now calmelie, but ye were full of
hatred and cholcr when ye spake at that meeting." lie answcircd,
" My Lord, noe more than I ain now, and noe man that heard
me will say otherwise of me." Then said the chaneelour, " Ye
separate yourself from the kirk." He answeired, " My Lord, I
never separated myself from the kirk, and never thinks to doe. I
know there is noe man nor woman living but they are sinfull,
nor anie kirk so pure but there are some faults in it. As for
my self, I had rather live in the Kirk of Scotland than in anie
other kirk." " I knoAV," sayeth the secretar, " ye have been intised
by some to utter these words of your pastors." He answeired,
" My Lord, the doctrine being flatt contrarie, and so public tlie
delivered, moved me, when I heard the clerk demand thrise."
Being asked, if he desired the Communion to be ministred accord-
ing to the old forme, he answeired, "I wishe for myselfe it had
beene so, but I spake it not."
J. meixe's deposition.
Johue Meine was called on. The chancelour asked, what was
his part upon that Tuysday's meeting ? He answeired, " My Lord,
my part was verie litle : I desired the Communion to be ministred
cfter the old maner." "Why noe. Sir?" said the chancelour.
" Why noe, Sir ?" said the secretare, smyling and laughing : " Why
sould ye not be served according to your humour?" Then said the
Bishop of St Androes, " Johne Meine is one of those that kcepe
privat conventicles. He keeped a Brownist minister in his house,
teaching, and keeping conventicles." Johne Meine directed his
answeir to the chancelour, and said, "My Lord, he never tauo-ht
in my house ; but I wishe at God they were moe preachings and
prayers than there are." " Have ye not als good teachers as are
in the land ?" said the chancelour : " may ye not be slaiked with
604 calderwood's historie 1624.
your owne ?" " These men ye heare and follow, preache to you by
the spirit of the devill," said the Bishop of St Androes. " I wold
not that for all the world," answeired Johne Meine. St Androes,
directing his speeche to the rest of the lords, said, " I was once sett
upon the Brownist minister in his hous, but narrowlie missed him :
he is now dead in Irland; we are well quyte of him." " Have ye
anie more ?" asked the chancelour at Johne Meine. He answeired,
" When Mr Andro Ramsay was laughing and sporting at us, I
said, Sir, ye will answeir to God for that." The chancelour said,
" Yea, Sir, Avhen your minister smyleth, will ye call him before
God's judgement-seate for that ?" He answeired, " If it were not
for respect of that judgement, I could goe als farre in that way as
others doe."
J. hammiltoun's deposition.
Jobne Hammiltoun was called in. To him it was objected, that
he called Mr William Forbese hia doctrine poysonable, and so had
censoriouslie and presumpteouslle condemned him of heresie, before
either he was heard, or condemned by a lawfull judicatorie. He
answeired, " My Lord, please your Lordship, I called not his doc-
trine poysonable. I sail declare to your Lordship in trueth and
veritie what were my words, and in what sense, and upon what
occasion uttered. That point which then was questioned anent the
easie reconciling of the controversies betwixt us and the Papists,
and namelie, in the point of Justification, being to manie of God's
people in this congregation scandalous, and suspect of unsoundness,
as directlie contrare to the doctrine delivered by our pastors here-
tofore, and in expresse termes repugnant to Mr William Struthers'
doctrine delivered immediatlie therafter upon the same mater, and
smelling of too great partiallitie to Papists and Papistrie, at thir
times speciallie, when Papists are daylie abounding amongst us,
and Poperie increassing, when God's people cannot be vehementlie
enough inflammed to the hatred of that spirituall Egypt and
whoorish Babylone, some honest hearted and zealous Christians
1024. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAKD. G05
luimblie and In all modestle craved, that this offence mij^ht be pon-
dered and considered by the rest of their godlic and learned jjastors,
and their consciences satisfied anent this scruple. It was answeired,
It became us not, who were the people and flocke, to medic with
our pastors' doctrine, or to censure them in points therof. To
which I answered, directing my spceche to my Lord Provest, My
Lord, it is verie important to us to trie our pastors' doctrine, and
to inquire in the soundness and integritie therof, as I may cleerlie
illuistrate by this similitude : If your Lordship had ncid to iinploy
me or anie other to give your Lordshi[) pliy.sick, sould not your
Lordship have verie good reason to try the potion, whether it be
good and healthsome medicine, and not poyson ? Even so have we
neid to try the doctrine of our pastors, which is the physicke of our
soules, bv that oood and wholesome medecine of the sincere milk
of God's Word. And this was all I spake ; and most humblie
submitt myself to your Lordship's censure, if I spake anie thing,
but that which all faithfuU Christians will subscribe unto, and
which I may justific by expresse Scripture ; as when it is said,
1 Epist. John, iv. chap., 1 verse : ' Dearlie beloved, beleeve not
cverie spirit ; but try the spirits, whether they are of God.' The
Bcreans are expresslie commcndit. Acts xvii., becaus they searched
the Scriptui-es daylie, to know whether these things which Paul
taujiht were so or not."
JOSEPH MILLAR S DEPOSITION.
Joseph Millar, procurator, was called on, and demandit by the
chancelour what was his part ? He confessed that he was present
at the meeting, and shewed that it was an ancient custome used
in the kirk of Edinburgh, and that he had been present at it
manie yeers before, and that the ministers warned the inhabitants
to be present. Then he told upon what occasion Johne Dickson
and others spake, and how he himself answeired to David Aiken-
heid, to witt, that he approved the answer given him before by
others, to Avitt, that a publict fault craved publict admonition.
GOG calderwood's historie 1624.
Then the chancelour demandit tauntinglie, as appeared, if he was
there as procurator for Johne Dickson? He answered, he was
not there as procurator for him or anie man, but as a neighbour
and inhabitant, wdth other honest men. Therafter the chancelour,
at the Bishop of St Androes his suggestion, sitting neerest him,
demandit, if when the provest commandit him silence, he answeir-
ed, My Lord, it is not relevant ; give me leave to speeke the
trueth ? He answeired, "Neither did the provest injoyne me
silence in particular, nor gave I such answeir ; and if he had, I
would have satisfied his Lordship Avith a more seemlie answeir.
When Mr Johne Hay, clerk, interrupted him at that meeting,
w^hill he was going about upon some occasion to approve a trueth,
saying, Joseph Millar, are ye come to make sedition ? he answered
nothing, but pittying the man's evill disposition, I meant nothing
lesse."
William Simson was called on. What he deponed I have not
learned, nor what he spake in the kirk, but that he objected, that
Mr Patrik Galloway came seldome to the session.
Everie one deponed the trueth simplie, not looking for anie
harme. If they had feared anie danger, they might have putt
them to probation ; but meaning ingenuouslie and simplie, they
deponed the trueth, everie one for their owns part ; for they had
not received anie lybelled summones, which made them the readier
to relate everie one their owne part. None of the magistrats or
counselours who were present, and ear-witnesses, could improve
their deposition. William Rig confessed more than he spake.
Wherupon he went to James Prymrose, the clerk, the day follow-
ing, to see his deposition, that he might have it mendit, if it were
possible, in that point wherof he was free. The clerk told him,
it was out of time, for it was alreadie sent away to the king.
Then said William Eig, "Let the Lord doe in it as he thinks
best ; for I know he can overrule all our actions, and can turne
this to the best, if he seeth good."
1G21. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. G07
DUMFEKMELINE BRUNT.
Upon the 26th of May, a young boy in Dumfermeline shootting
a gunne, a litlc peece of the hint flieth upon a thacke liouse, -which
casiHc kindled. The fire incrcasscd with the violence of the wind,
which was veric vehement. The fire beo;an at twelf houres, and
brunt the whole toun, some few sclat houses excepted, before foure
efternoone ; goods and gear within houses, malt and victuall in
malt-kills and barns, were consumed with the fire.
THE KING S DIRECTIONS CONCERNING THE PERSONS CITED.
The king's answeir concerning the sixe burgesses of Edinburgh
was not sent doun till the scvinth or eight of June, becaus the
king was bussied with maters of great importance in the English
Parliament. He commandit the above named counselours to de-
prive William Rig of his oflfice, to fyne him in a great somme, fiftie
thousand punds at the least, as is constantlie reported ; to waird his
person in the castle of Blacknesse, to detaine him in that castle till
the somme were payed, and efter to confine him in Orkney. Sic-
lyke, to fyne and confine the rest, and to deprive so manic as had
an office, of the office. When the above named lords received the
king's letter, they began to apprehend whereto such a preparative
might tend, but out of time ; for some of themselfs had prescribed
this course to be followed, at least the Bishop of St Androes, or
the Bishop of Dumblane, or both. But when the lords perceived
how rigourous the king's will was, they wold deale noe farther in
that mater by themselfs, but drew it in before the whole counsel.
So they were cited to conipeir before the Lords of Secrete Counsel
the tenth of June.
To prevent the sentence, William Rig caused James Prymrose
forme a bill, wherin he referred himself to the testimonie of the
ministers themselfs, and others that were present at the meeting,
that he spake not that which he confessed doubtinglie the other
608 calderwood's historie 1624.
day before. His friends travelled with the ministers, and with the
provest and bailiffs, to testifie the trueth.
J. hammiltoun's and j. Dickson's conference with their
MINISTERS.
The day preceiding, that is, the ninth of June, the provest, three
bailiffs, the deane of gild, Johne Smiler, Gilbert Kirkwode, and
some others of the counsel, and the ministers, conveened in the
Lower Counsel-house. Johne Hammiltoun and Johne Dickson
sustained manie and hard accusations of their ministers, for their
misbehaviour toward them in word and deid, viz., of keeping to the
overthrow of the trueth ; prlvat preaching and praying ; of having
and reading seditious pamphlets sett out against them and their
proceedings, without revealing them or finding fault with them,
but rather allowing them. They were posed upon their conscience,
whether they were guiltie or not, but refused to answeir ; but onlie
Johne Hammiltoun said, he was never at anie meeting, but such
as Avoid byde the tryall of anie law. Both answered, they were
desired to come to that meeting to declare and testifie, that in that
Tuysday's meeting they had noe malicious purpose against their
persons, much lesse a purpose to disgrace their ministrie. When
it was demandit, what they had to say for bygones ? Johne Dick-
son answered, that he simplie * * and knew not wherin he
said wrong : if he had erred in the forme, he wold have wished to
have knowne how to have done it better ; and wished that he had
privatlie gone to ]Mr Forbese for that mater, which he wold have
done, if he had thought the other course could have bredd anie
offense. This was a confession of a fault in the forme, and gave
occasion to the ministers to travell further with him, as weaker nor
the rest ; and so it proved. Yit it is to be marked, that Mr
Struthers said at that time, if Johne Dickson charged not Mr
William Forbese with affirming that the Papists and we may be
reconciled in all the controversies, it was noe accusation. So by
these words, he both clccred Johne Dickson, and said Amen to Mr
1G21. OF TQE KIllIC OF SCOTLAND. 609
Forbese. For there is litle difierence whether they say, in all
controversies, or in manic, so long as the nianie are not specified ;
and, indeid, Justification, which is one of the weiglitiest, was
reckonned as one. Johne Ilannniltoun said, there could be noe
wrong in answering to so lawfuU a demand in time and place, and
namlie, in a mater of so great importance. They were both
removed. William Kig being within, because he was then a
bailifte, conferred with the ministers, and satisfied them as seemed.
AVhen they Avere called in againe, the provest asked, if they wold not
desire the ministers to interceede for them ? Johne Dickson
answered, " They are our pastors ; if they will not deale, let them
doe as they list." Johne Hammiltoun answered, " "We will rcquelst
them." AN'hereupon they rise suddenlie, and interchange familiar-
lie some words with them in the floure. They thought they were
satisfied, and expected they wold deale for their releef.
THE SENTENCE GIVEN OUT AGAINST THE PERSONS CITED.
Upon the tenth of June, five of the burgesses compeired before
the counsel. Joseph ^Millar was not cited, but spaired at the inter-
cession of James Prymroise, Clerk to the Secrete Counsel, and
that without the knowledge of the said Joseph. The provest,
bailiffs, and ministers, were wairned likwise to be present. Mr
Patrik Galloway, as mouth to the rest, had a haraunge before the
lords, wherin he shewed, that his Majestic had written to him twise,
to incourage his brethren, and desired them to take in patience
that injurie which they had receaved at that meeting, for he wold
take order with it. " As for ourselfs," said he, " we desire nothing
but a peaceable ministrie. Therefore, seing William Kig has
acknowledged his oversight, has given us full satisfaction, has pro-
mised amendiment, and a peaceable and quiet behaviour in time
coming, we are to intreate your Lordships that the sentence may
be mitigate ; for his Majestic has putt the power in your Lordships'
hands, and the sword to be used as neid sail crave. W'herefore we
onlie desire, that our ministrie may be made by your Lordships
VOL. VII. 2 Q
610 caldeewood's historie 1624.
peaceable, or els that we may have a peaceable departure." This
haraunge he had In presence of the honest men, which was rather
an accusation nor an intreattie or requeist ; for it might import,
that except order were taken with the rest, they could not brooke
tlieir ministrie in peace. William llig impugned not that part
which concerned himself. His silence was a mater of accusation
which lay heavie upon his conscience efter, for he had confessed
noe such mater. His constancie to the end of his trouble was a
sufficient proof of his honestie. They were all removed. It [was]
questioned in the counsel, whether Mr Patrik's haraunge sould be
extendit to the rest or not. At length it was agreed, that in regard
Mr Patrik named none but William Rig, that he meaned not that
the rest sould have anie mitigation. Some desired that he might
be called in againe to declai'e his meaning, but it was refused. Mr
Patrik himself confessed to the provest and bailiffs, that he knew
not Weill what he spake before the counsel. They were called in
again. The sentence ordained by the king against William Rig
was mitigate, and he ordained onlie to keepe his owne house, till
he sould heare farther of the king's will. In the meane time, they
absolved him from that for which the king wold have them pro-
ceeding against him to the rigour, and withall, wrote to the king in
his favours. Johne Dickson and William Simson were ordained
to enter in the Tolbuith of Edinburgh, Johne Meine within
the toun of Elgine, Johne Hammiltoun within the toun of Aber-
deen : and wherefore ? for ryot and misdemeanour, forsuith !
But if there had been omission of a private admonition, yit
cannot that prove misdemeanour or ryot ; for it may proceede of
ignorance or simplicitle : and howbeit it proceede of corrupt
affection or malice, yit it is never punishable by anie law, civile or
ecclesiasticall, because it is expedient that sinne be repressed.
Farther, there was noe need of privat admonition ; for a seducer is
like a man that has the pest ; therefore, we may not rest secure
upon privat admonition, but ought to wairne everie man to be
warre of him, according to the Lord's command, Deut. xiii. 6.
Again, private admonition serveth to prevent publict scandall ; but
Mr Forbese his assertion was uttered in pulpit, in audience of three
1624. OF THE Kllilv OF SCOTLAND. GIL
thousand, and the noise of it was licard in sundrie corners of the
kingdonie. Yea, Avho can tell whose minds were infected with it
in the meane time, or sensyne ? The meeting was usuall and ordi-
narie for such complaints. As for craving the Communion to be
celebrate eftcr the old forme, a haynous transgression, forsooth !
to crave that favour which subjects will doe in manie civile cases.
Where there are penall statuts standing above their heads, what
fault to request their ministers to doe, as the farre greatest number
of the ministers of Scotland still doeth ? The act of Parliament
ratifying the act of the Assemblie was alledgit to be made in
favours of the kirk, as all the late ratifications arc : but the
fourtie[th] person Avithin the Kirk of Scotland had not kneeled.
The Kirk of Scotland then accepted the act of ratification as a
benefite, but rejected it. If there had been anie fault or breache
of a law in that point, none of the five committed it except one,
neither was it anie point or article of their lybell.
The ministers of Edinburgh alledging before the counsel, that
they could have noe peace with the people, so long as other minis-
ters, epeciallie the deprived and silenced, resorted to the toun, and
keeped private conventicles, a charge was given, which was pub-
lished the day following, the ellevcnth of June, by open proclama-
tion at the Mercate Crosse, and some ministers were summoned to
compeir before the counsel the 24th of June. The tenor of the
proclamation heir followcth : —
A PROCLAMATION AGAINST PRIVAT MEETINGS.
'' James, etc. — Forsameikle as it is knowne to us, that none of
our intentions or actions can be so acceptable to God, as the zealous
worship of his holie name, and the unfained profession and propa-
gation of true religion ; our greattest care and constant endevoure
has ever beene, during the whole course of our raigne, to preserve
the same, to be established and maintained in sincere puritie in all
our dominions, and ruled and exercised with that discipline which
best agrees with the Word of God, and lovable custome of the
612 calderwood's historie 1624.
primitive church, and the best reformed churches of our age. And
wheras we thought, that by exterminion of Popish idolatrie furth
of this our native kingdome, and prescribing convenient orders for
church govemement, we had attained to the wished end of that
great and good work which we so heartlUe Intendit, for disposing
the minds of all our good subjects to an uniform profession of true
religion, and obedience to lawfull discipline : We have of lateknown,
to our unspeakable greefe, that a number of our subjects, some of
them misledd by the turbulent persuasions of restless ministers,
either deprived of their functions, or confined for just causes, or
such as leave the due conduct of their owne flocks, to debauche and
seduce their neighbours' ; manie affecting hypocriticallie the glorie
of puritie and zeale above others, and some corrupted by the badd
exemple of the former, have casten off the reverend respect and
obedience that they owe to our authoritie royall, and to their
pastors ; contemned and impugned their doctrine, disobeyed and
controlled their ordinarie discipline, absteaned to heare the Word
preached, and to participate of the sacraments ministred by them
in their owne paroche, and have disorderlie strayed to other congre-
gations ; and in end, numbers of them have assembled themselfs in
privat houses in Edinburgh, and other places, to heare from intrud-
ing ministers, preachings, exhortations, prayers, and all sort of
exercises fitting their unrulie fantasies, in anie times, at the verie
ordinarie houres when their owne pastors were, according to their
lawfull callings, preaching in their paroche churches : Likas they
have assumed to these their seditious conventicles the name of
Congregation, and done what in them lyes falslie to imprint in the
hearts of our people a perswasion, that we doe persecute the sincere
professours of true religion, and introduce corruption in the church
govemement : And in our calling to mind, that in our owne and in
our fathers' age, such pernicious seeds of separation, singularitie of
blind or fained zeale, have brought furth damned sects of Anabap-
tists, Families of Love, Brownists, Arminians, Illuminats, and
manic such pests, enemies to religion, authoritie, and peace, and
occasioned the murther of millions of people, and infinite other
1G24. OF THE KIKK OF SCOTLAND. 613
disturbances, harmes, .and confusions, in manic Christian churches
and estates; for remeid whcrof, and preventing the dangers -which
might insue by preposterous lenitie in the cure of so pestilent and
infective a disease,
" Our will is, and we charge you straitlie and commands, that
incontinent thir our letters scene, ye pass to the Mercat Crosse of
our burgh of Edinburgh, and others places needfull, and in our
name and authoritie command, charge, and straitlie prohibite, that
none of our subjects, of whatsoever estate or qualitic, presume or
take upon hand to meete or conveene in anie private house or
place, to anie preaching, exhortation, or such religious exercise,
except these of their ftmiilie or their freinds resorting for lawful!
cans, to eate or lodge within the same ; but that they keepc their
owne parochcs, or repair to the ordinar churches of the places
where they sail happen to have their lawfuU efFaires to doe, there
to heare the Word preached, and discipline orderlie exercised ; and
that they attempt not to impugne, by discourse or disputation,
by word or writt, the true rehgion or lawfull discipline of the
church, approveu and authorized by our laAves and acts of parlia-
ment, or slander us with their fals suggestions, as persecuting the
profcssours of true religion, wherof we have ever studied with
happie successe to procure and establish the libertie ; or to miscon-
strue our good intentions, or calumniat our royall actions and
ordinances : But that they containe themselfs within the bounds
of that duetie and obedience which becometh fliithfuU subjects to
yeeld to us, their lawfull and native soveraigne, ever readie to
protect and cherish all our loving and duetifuU people.
" Certifying them, and everie one of them, that if anie heirafter
sail be duelie verified to doe in the contrare in anie of the pre-
misses, they sail be esteemed and reputed seditious, turbulent, and
rebellious persons, contemners of our authoritie, disobedient to the
lawes of the church and kingdome, and punished in their persons
and goods with all extremitie, in exemple of others. And we also
command, tliut this declaration of our royall will and pleasure be
imprinted, published, and affixed in all convenient places to be
614 calderwood's histoeie 1624.
appointed by the Lords of our Secrete Counsell ; and that all magis-
trates, officers, and others having authoritie from us, caus observe
and execute the premisses ■svithin the bounds of their jurisdiction,
and advertise the Lords of our Privie Counsel of everie thing
requisite for observation therof, and punishing of the controveeners,
as they will be answerable to us at their perill. The which to
doe, &c.
" Given under our signet, at Halyrudhous, the tenth day of June,
and of our raigne the 54th and 23d yeirs, 1624.
^^ Per actum Secreti Consihj."
This proclamation was penned, as is reported, by the Bishop of
St Androes, wherin is falslie alledgit, that some of the persons
suspected absteaned from hearing the Word preached.
Nixt, that they had their privat meetings manie times at the
ordinar houres, when their lawfull pastors were preaching in their
paroche churches : Thridlie, that they assumed to their conven-
ticles the name of Congregation. A number of godlie Christians
conveened sometimes, when they had occasion of a sound and
zealous minister, to stirre them up in these times of defection, and
recommendit to God the desolate estate of this poore kirk ; for the
pulpits of Edinburgh soundit all the contrarie way.
FOUR MINISTERS CONFINED.
Mr Johne Murray, Mr Robert Boyde, Mr Johne Ker, Mr
Thomas Hogge, were summoned to compeir before the Secrete
Counsel the 24th of June. Mr Johne Murrey compeired not,
becaus he was hurt by a fall off a horse, but was ordained to be
straitlie confined within the paroche of Fowlis, where he was con-
fined before. Mr Robert Boyde was confined within the bounds of
Carict ; Mr Johne Ker, within his owne paroche of Saltprestoun ;
Mr Thomas Hogge, within the bounds of Dysert and Kirkaldie.
The narrative of Mr Thomas Hogge's summones was this follow-
ing : —
1G24. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. G15
" Forsamelkle as we are credlbrie Informed, that there be diverse
persons resident in our burgh of Edinburgh, or frequcntlle coming
there, as namelie, Mr Thomas Ilogge, a deposed minister, who
hinders the obedience of our people to the lawes, and stirres them
up to continue in their disobedience and disconformitie to the orders
of the kirk, highhe to our offense, contempt, and misregard of
our royall authorltie. Our will is heirfor," &c.
THE KING URGETH EXTREMITIE.
The king sent doun to the Lords of Secrete Counsel a sharp
letter, wherin he rebuked them for their lenitie, and commandit
them to putt in execution his will against the burgesses : to waird
AVilliara Rig in Blackncsse, and to fine him in a great somme ; for
he assured himself that he was neither full nor drunken when he
confessed that which he deponed at the first compeirance ; and
ordained that he sould be deprived of his office. And siclyke, to
putt in execution his will against the rest.
J. HAMMILTOUN'S CONFERENCE WITH THE MINISTERS OP
EDINBURGH.
Johne Hammiltoun and John Meine dealt with the ministers
particularlie, to intreate the counsel and the bishop for retreatting
of the sentence, or at least for delay of execution. They promised
to write to the bishop. The letter was so generall and fectless,
that the provest and the bailiffs refused to assist it with their letter.
They gatt a sight of it, but Johne Hammiltoun himself could not
gett a sight of it. Johne Hammiltoun, notwithstanding, insisted
with the ministers to renew their letter, and to make it more
speciall ; and at his desire, the provest sent for the ministers to
come to the Lower Counsel House, where were conveened the
provest, the bailiffs, the deane of gild, INIr Johne Hay, the toun-
clerk, and some others of the counsel ; Mr Andro Ramsay, Mr
AVilliam Struthers, Mr William Forbese, Mr Johne Maxwell, and
Mr Thomas Sydscrf, ministers. The ministers asked at Johne
616 calderwood's historie 1624.
Hammlltoun what he craved ? as if they had beene ignorant. He
answeired, " Sirs, it is not unknown e to you what we crave, nam-
lie, that ye wold deale for us, to releeve us out of this danger that
hangeth over our heads. And to that effect, seing ye seeme to be
satisfied, that it wold please you to renew your letter to the bishop,
to the end my Lord Provest may second it." They answeired,
they wold altere nothing. Then said Johne Hammiltoun, " We
neid not to looke for releefe by you." " The blame lyeth upon
yourself," answeired the ministers ; " for we must have somewhat
to say to the counsel, namelie, that ye have satisfied us in that
which is desired." " If that which is desired," said he, " be not
reasonable, ye sould informe them." " O," said they, " but ye must
communicate with us ; for in not communicating, ye make a
schisme and separation from us." " I hope none in this toun will
say so," said Johne Hammiltoun ; " and ye doe evill, that putteth
the people in mind of schisme, that knoweth noe such thing : for
neither in affection nor action doe I separate from anie of my
brethrein, in anie civile mater or behaviour, nor from the kirk, in
anie thing wherin I ought to joyne with them." " He knoweth
not what schisme is," sayeth Mr Forbese. " I am sorie," sayeth
Johne Hammiltoun, " that ever w^e had such caus to know it ; yit
this well I know, I am noe schismatick." " How so ?" say they.
'' Becaus," said Johne Hammiltoun, " Non est schismaticus qui
schisma patitur, sed qui schisma facit." " What say ye to that ? "
sayes Mr Thomas ; " he makes us schismaticks." " Noe, Sir," said
Johne Hammiltoun, " I onlie defend myself, whom ye will have to
be reputed so." Mr Thomas urged him to declare his mind,
whether kneeling at the receiving of the Sacrament was idolatrie or
not. Howbeit he knew his answeir wold be unpleasant unto them,
in end he said. It had a great appearance and shew of idolatrie.
They urged him to reason with them. He answered. It was a
veric unfitt time ; for feare of danger, or hope of releefe, might
blind them, or make them grant that which they wold repent efter;
but if he were free, he sould not be refractorie in hearing reason,
and receiving instruction. " Ye must doe it presentlie," say they,
1G24. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTLAND. 617
" or els noc dealing for you." Then said Johne Ilammlltoun,
" Sirs, scing ye esteeme these things ye doe indifferent, which in
tlie sight of God I neither esteeme so, nor darre esteeme, I think
ye sould, and I desire ye wold, out of Christian duetie, be pleased
to spair us." Then they desired him to take a time to advise.
" Not," said he ; " that is needless ; for in re tamjusta non est opus
(kliberatione. We have used all the meanes we can, may, or darre,
to procure our releefe; we will committ the event to God, who
Avill doe what His majestic thinketh best. Thus the case standeth
with me ; either I must rackc my conscience, or ruinate my estate."
" Wold we have you to racke your conscience ?" sayes Mr
Struthers : " Ye are a malicious calumniator." " I am neither the
one nor the other," said Johne Ilammiltoun : " The thing itself is
undenyable ; for in not doing the one, follows necessarilie the other.
Seing noe better may be had, may it please you to deale with the
counsel for eight dayes prorogation, becaus, before the bishop's
answeir to your letter be sent, the time will expire." Tiiey refuse,
and went from him, howbeit Mr William Struthers had promised
that morning in his owne hous, to goe to the counsel to intreate
for him, as he desired. At parting, Johne Ilammiltoun said, " The
Lord, I trust, will take order with this mater in his owne time."
The bishop, instead of procuring for the honest men, impudentlie
made a mone for himself and for the ministers, in his answere to
their generall letter, as the woulf complained that the lambe had
troubled the fountaine, and made the Avater so muddie that it
could not be drunk.
The tenour of his answeir heir followeth : —
" Loving Brethren, — I received your letter intreatting me to
rcqueist for these of your flocke who are in this trouble. I be-
lecve, although I wold requeist, the counsel sould not be yeelding ;
and knowes certanlie, that his Majestic will offend with the Icnitie
alreadie shewed. For his Hicness apprehends these maters othei'-
wise than is conceaved by manie. You sail therefore pardon me
that I raedle noe more with that bussiness, whill I heare how his
618 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1624.
Majestie taketh it. There is time enough if they will amend,
neither is their trouble so great in all that is inflicted, as either
yours or my owne. So, trusting ye will excuse me in this, I
commend you to God.
" Your assured brother,
" St Androes.
"21st June, 1624."
It appeareth by the bishop's answeir, that they made a fashion
of intreatting the bishop, but in such a maner that he might easilie
tak up their mind. And therefore they wold not shew their letter
to the supplicants themselfs ; and as for the counselours, they
refused altogether to intreate them. The Lords of Secrete Coun-
sel assured the honest men, that there was noe releef for them but
by the intreattie of their ministers ; and yit, like woulfes rather
than like pastors, behave they themselfs toward the best of their
flocke. Alwayes it was evidentlie tryed, that the honest men
were thus hardlie used, not so much for that which was layde to
Mr Forbese his charge, which was never brought to tryall, but for
not countenancing their ministers at their Communions, profained
with disorder and confusion, and polluted with idolatrie and super-
stition. They had great reason to refuse ; becaus the Kirk of
Scotland is bound by the Confession of Faith to maintaine the
order of ministration which was receaved in this kirk when the
Confession of Faith was first subscribed, which order is registred
in the First Booke of Discipline, and in our Psalme Books, and is
still practised by two parts at least of the congregations of Scot-
land, still opponing to these innovations. It became everie good
Christian to oppone so farre as they might lawfullie, keeping them-
selfs within the compass of their owne callings.
THE HONEST MEN WAIRDIT, CONFINED, AND DEPRIVED.
Upon the second of Julie, the Lords of Secrete Counsel, to
give the king contentment, directed a charge to William Rig to
1024. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. (U9
enter his person in waird in tlic castle of Blacknesse, and deprived
him of" his office of bailiverie, and made him uncapable of anie
ofKce within the toun hcirafter ; -which was a mater nothin"-
belonging to them, but touched the hberties of the toun ; yit they
made noe mention of his fyne. He entered in Blacknesse upon
the sixt of Julie, and was detained in waird till Januar. The
king, not content with his wairding in Blackness, sent doun a
t^harp letter to the counsel in the end of this moneth of Julie,
Mherin he still insisted upon the fyne of fiftie thousand punds.
The king hated him more nor the rest, because he was informed
that he was the chccfc ringleader of the Nonconformitanes in
Edinburgh, and that he contributed largelie to the printing of
books which crossed the course of conformitie. The Bishops St
Androes and Dumblane gaping for his fyne, or for some great
brybe, were not idle instruments. Johne Dickson and William
Simson were depryved of their offices, Johne Dickson of the
office of an elder of the kirk, AVilliam Simson of the office of a
dcacone, and both declared uncapable of these or anie other
offices in time coming. This punishment, no doubt, Avas devised
by David Aikenheid and Mr Johne Hay, who wold rule both
counsel and session as they please, and therefore wold be ridd of
all such as they think will oppose to their corrupt courses. The
ministers likewise strove so farre as they can that none beare
office within that toun, either civile or ecelesiasticall, who are not
conforme, or at least will not communicate, yea, or will not further
them in the course of conformitie. Johne Meine was charged to
enter in Elgine of Murrey, the place appointed for his confine,
which he obeyed. John Hamiltoun obtained three prorogations,
one efter another, by moyen of his patients, and so he drave the
time over till the ellevinth of November.
THE MINISTERS IMPORTUNATE UPON JOHNE DICKSON AND
WILLIAM SIMSON.
The ministers having gotten two of the weakest of the number,
620 CALDERWOOD'S HISTORIE 1624.
Johne Dickson and William Simson, in the Tolbuith, wrought
continuallie upon them till they gott their promise to communicate.
So long as they stoode out, Johne Dickson acknowledged he sould
prove verie unthankfull if ever he past by the javell doore without
thankful! remembrance of the" confort he found in that prison.
If he found the like confort in yeelding, either both are deceitfull,
or the first onlie true, and not easilie recovered againe. And yit,
notwithstanding of his yeelding, was he not releeved out of the
javell till he was sicklie, and then onlie suffered to keepe his owne
house.
THE COUNSEL TAKEN SWORNE FOR PRIVIE CONVENTICLES.
Upon the 29th of Julie, the provest, bailiffs, and diverse of the
counsel, were wairned to come doun to the Palace of Halyrud-
hous to the Lords of Secrete Counsel. When they compeired,
the chancelour said, " There is a letter come from his Majestic,
shewing, that he is informed that there are conventicles keeped in
Edinburgh. We here of the counsel have purged ourselfs by our
oaths to be free of them ; we desire you all to doe the like." He
beginneth at the provest, Alexander Clerk, and relateth that the
king was informed that there were diverse sects of religion croppen
in among them, as of the Brownists, Waderdowpers, and siclyke,
which were not tolerable ; and had their privat conventicles. The
provest and bailiffs being taken sworne, purged themselfs. Then
the chancelour desired Mr John Hay, clerk of the toun, to call
on the rest of the counsel. He called on Johne Fleamine, and
bade him come forward within his sight, invying the honest man
for his sinceritie and freedome in counsel. When the chancelour
demandit if he was at anie of these conventicles ? he desired the
chancelour to defyne what he called a conventicle. " Ye say
Weill," said the chancelour; "it is a private meeting of men and
women to a private religious exercise in time of publict sermon."
He answeii'cd, "I was never at anie privat exercise in time of
publict sermon. I have been, I confess, at supper sundrie times
1024. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 621
with frelnJs and neighbours ; and when we could have the occa-
sion of some honest minister, we used to have the prayer said
before or efter supper, a chapter redd, and sometimes some lessons
given us upon it." The chancelour wished all the toun did the
like. The rest were posed likewise, and all cleered themsell's.
THE KING REBUKETH THE COUNSEL OF EDINBURGH.
At the same time, the king sent doun a letter to the magistrats
and counsel of Edinburgh, whcrin he rebuked them for not
regarding his will and pleasure in giving obedience to the Five
Articles, and not holding hand to punish such as refused to give
obedience ; and threatned, if they were not more carefull in tynie
coming, both of the one and the other, to remove out of the burgh
the session and all other courts of justice. The wiser sort knew
well enough that the session and courts of justice could not be
established so weill in anie toun of Scotland as in Edinburgh, and
that it were noe policie to ruinate the cheefe citie of a kingdome
which hath been of so long a standing. Yit some politicians, who
made their vantage of conformitie, made the simpler to ajiprehend
the danger more deeplie than they needit. But a great number
was resolved to stand out against conformitie, howbeit he sould
bume the toun to ashes.
PREPARATION FOR CHRISTMAS COMMUNION.
Immediatlie efter followed a charge upon the second of August,
which was proclamed at the Crosse of Edinburgh, commanding the
Lords of Privie Counsel, all the members of the Collcdjre of Jus-
tice, and the inhabitants of the toun of Edinburgh, to communi-
cate kneeling upon the 25th of December, which is commonlie
called Yule Day, which never [was] done in Edinburgh nor noe
other kirk of Scotland since the Reformation. The wairdinir of
honest men, the noise of the great fines that were to be imposed
upon them ; fiftie thowsand punds upon AVilliam Rig, twentie
(j22 calderwood's histoeee 1624.
thousand merkes upon Johne Hammiltoun, the feare of the re-
movall of the session, made the king conceave that all, some few
excepted, wold jeeld, and if Edinburgh yeeldit, that the rest of
the countrie wold follow their exemple. As for the few that wold
refuse to conformc, extremitie Avas intendit against them. Yit the
number was greatter nor he or his informers did apprehend. But
it came not to a tryall, for the Lord disappointed him of his inten-
tions. The tenour of the proclamation here followeth : —
CHRISTMAS COMMUNIOX PROCLAilED.
" Jaiies, by the grace of God, King of Great Britaine, France,
and Irland, Defender of the Faith, to our lovits, * * * messin-
gers, our sherefFs in that part, conjunctlie and severallie, speciallie
constitute, greeting. — Forsameikle as the Generall Assemblie of the
Kirk, holden at our bui'gh of Perth in the moneth of August 1618
yeers, and assisted with our owne commissioners, and with diverse
noblemen, barons, and commissioners from the speciall burrowes of
this our kingdome, having duelie considered that there is uoe part
of divine worship more heavenlie and spirituall, than is the holie
receiving of the blessed body and blood of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ, and that the most humble and reverend gesture of
the bodie best becometh so sacred an action : Therefore, in rever-
ence of God, and in due regard of so divine a mysterie, it was
thought meete and ordained by the said Assemblie, that that
blessed sacrament sould be celebrate therafter to the people rever-
entlie upon their knees ; as an act of the said Assemblie beares.
Which being presented to the consideration of our estats of Parlia-
ment conveened at our burgh of Edinburgh, in the moneth of
August, the yeer of God 1620 yeers, they ratified, alloAved, and
approved the said act of the Assemblie, and interponed their autho-
ritie therto, whereby it receaved the vigour and strength of a law
and statut of our kingdom. And although publication was made
therof, and all our subjects commandit to give obedience, and to
conforme themselfs therunto ; and we expecting, that in a mater
1624. OP THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 623
of this kind, importing so hlghlie the honour and worship of God,
none wold have kythed refractorie and disobedient : Nevertheless,
it is of trueth, that some of the commouns of our said burgh of
Edinburgh, misledd with their owne conceats and opinions, and
with an hypocriticall affectation of puritie and zeale above others,
having casten off all reverence of the law, and obedience to our
royall authoritie, have not onlie separate themselfs from the kirk
of our said burgh by their refusall to participat of the said sacra-
ment with their owne ministers there, conforme to the order of the
kirk authorized by our Parliament, as said is, but they disorderlie
stray to other congregations, highlie to our offense, scandall of their
profession, and to the fostering and entertaining of a schisme and
disorders in the kirk. "With their which proud contempt of God
and us, we having hithertills comported, ever looking that our long
patience sould have reclaimed thir people from their opinions and
fantasies, and reduced them to their acknowledging of their dueties
first to God and nixt to us : AVe have notwithstanding found our
patience to be abused, and thir unduetifull people the more obdured
in their opinions ; whervvith we have resolved noe longer to com-
port, but to take such course therin as our humour and justice re-
quires, and their contempt deserves. And, therefore, we have com-
mandit, and by thir presents commands, that the Communion be
celebrate in all the kirks of our burgh of Edinburgh at Christmas
nixt ; and that all persons, als weill of our Privie Counsel, Session,
magistrats of our burgh of Edinburgh, and all others of the com-
munitie of the same, be all present, and take the Communion
kneeling ; wherin if they failyie, we, for that their contempt of
God and us, will not onlie remove the session, but also all other
courts of justice, from our said burgh.
" Our will is hcrefor, and we charge you straitlie and command,
that incontinent thir our letters scene, ye pass to the Mercat
Crosse of our said burgh of Edinburgh, and there, by open procla-
mation in our name and authoritie, make publication of the
premisses, that none pretend ignorance of the same. The which to
doe, we committ to you, conjunctlie and severallie, our full power,
624 calderwood's historie 1624.
by thir our letters, delivering them by you duelie execute and
indorsed again to the bearer.
" Given under our signet, at Halyrudhous, the 29th day of Julie,
and of our raigae the 58 and 23 yeirs, 1624.
" Per actum Secreti Consilii."
THE FYFT OF AUGUST.
Upon Thursday, the fyft of August, the people conveened so
rarelie, howbeit it was an ordinar day of preaching, that Doctor
Forbese doubted whether he sould teach or not. It appeareth,
the people were ofFendit at the proclamation, which was redd upon
the Monday before.
MR R. BRUCE RETURNETH FROM INNERNESS.
Mr Robert Bruce having obtained licence from the counsel,
returned in the moneth of September from Innernesse, to doe his
domestick efFairs. The conditions of his licence were so strait,
that he purposed to goe backe to his confine, unless he obtained a
prorogation. But the winter being driven over, and the king dying
in Marche, he was not urged to returne backe, and so continueth
teaching, where he can have occasion, to this houre.
THE king's WRATH CONTINUETH AGAINST WILLIAM RIG.
The chancelour receaved letters from the king concerning Wil-
liam Rig, meaning nothing but extremitie. But they were not
redd in counsel, becaus the chancelour wold have had his friends
using some meanes for pacification of the king. It was ordained
this counsel day, the 22d of September, that all burghes sould be
charged by open proclamation to choose conforme men, or such as
wold conforme, to be magistrats, under the paine of incurring the
king's displeasure.
1G24. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. G25
THE PRINCE DAMASHED WITH A FALL.
In the bcpjinning of October, wc heard that the prince, ryding
at hunthig, had gotten a sore fall ; that he lay speechless a great
space, and was caricd to the nixt hous, which was Mr Banks, a
silenced minister's hous. He hnving studied physick since he was
silenced, used his skill and such meanes as he had for the prince
his recovcrie. Efter that the prince recovered, he exhorted him
to be thankfull to God for all his deliveries, and desired he
might procure him libcrtie to open his mouth again. But he was
forgotten.
A SYNOD AT ST ANDROES.
Upon the first Tuysday of October, the Bishop of St Androes
held a diocesan synode at St Androes, where an act was made, that
in respect manic persons, in contempt of their ownc ministers, went
to other kirks to communicat, that none hereafter be admitted,
unless they have received a testimonial! from their owne minister.
And if anie minister give them the Communion with[out] their
minister's licence, he sail be deposed.
Itevi, That all persons, of ^hat rank soever they were, sould
present themselfs to the examination, or els be debarred from the
Communion.
Item, That none be admitted to the ministrie but those who had
an inclination to conformitic.
A STNODE AT EDINBURGH.
Upon the second Tuysday of November, the bishop held another
pynode at Edinburgh. But the thrid part of the ministers were
not present, bccaus the time was anticipate, and waiming was
given onlie to the most corrupt presbyteries ; which was done of
purpose, that the bishop and the ministers of Edinburgh might pass
VOL. VII. 2 11
f
626 calderwood's histoeie 1624.
some acts Avithout opposition. The Presbyteries of Chirneside,
Duns, Hadintoun, and some others, were not walrned. These that
conveened conchidit, howbeit not without opposition of some who
were present, that noe minister sould give the Communion to anie
of other congregations, unless they had their owne minister's testi-
monial!, under the paine of deposition. This was made to force
the inhabitants of Edinburgh to communicate in their owne kirks,
by debarring them from other kirks. Item, That in all kirks there
sould be a portion of Scripture redd by the minister, except there
were a reader, before the minister entered in his sermon. Item,
That all persons, of whatsoever ranke or qualitie, present themselfs
to the examination, before the receiving the Sacrament of the
Supper. These acts were of noe force, because manic of the
ministers were absent, through default of warning. There was an
article left to be resolved upon at the nixt Assemblie, because it
Avas thought too difficill, to witt, that expectants, and young men
who were to enter in the ministrie, must have skill of the languages,
Hebrew, Greeke, and Latine ; be able to make an exercise or com-
moun head in Latine, and expone a chapter of the New Testament
out of the Greeke, and a chapter of the Old Testament out of the
Hebrew text in Latine, upon fourtie- eight houres' advertisement.
The bishop himself was not able to doe it.
PAPISTS FAVOURED.
Not long efter, the Marqueise of Huntlie came doun from court,
])resented the king's letter to the Lords of Secrete Counsel, pur-
chassed in favours of three persons dwelling beside Aberdeene,
that the sentence of excommunication be not pronunced against
them, and that the Bishop of Aberdeene take noe vantage of them
by reason of their horning ; and that, becaus he understood that
they were kinsmen to the Bishop of Rosse, surnamed Panter, who
had done good service to his mother. The Bishop of St Androes
received a letter sent from the king at the same time, willing him
to write to the Bishop of Aberdeene to that effect ; and to take
1G24. OF THE KiKK or Scotland. G27
order with three ministers in the North, who were most earnest in
the [)rocesse of excommunication against tlicm, viz., ]Mr Andro
Cant, Mr David Forester, Mr Johne Rosse, one of the ministers of
Aberdeen. The Lords of Counsel could not relaxe them from the
home as Counselours, yit they relaxed them as Sessioners.
JOIIXE HAMMILTOUN AND J, DICKSON WAIRDIT IN THE JAVELL.
Johne Ilammiltoun and John Dickson were ordained to enter
their persons in waird in the javell of Edinburgh, conforme to
a letter directed from the king. So they entered in the javel upon
the elleventh of November. So Johne Dickson, notwithstanding
of his yeelding to communicate, hath noe greater libertic than the
other Avho stoode out. The king is not content with communicat-
ing, but he will have all to communicate kneeling at Christmas
nixt ; and therefore the time approaching, he will have them to be
committed to the javel, to strike a terrour in the hearts of others.
As for ^^ illiam Simson, it was thought that he had satisfied the
liishop of St Androes with promises to the full ; yit we hearc not
that he has communicat as yit kneeling.
THE PEST BREAKETH UP.
"Whill the king is preparing the way for Christmas Communion,
by changing the magistrals, imprisoning and confynning honest
men for their non-conformitie, and threatening by his proclama-
tions, the Lord sendeth an impediment to the execution unlookcd
for. For upon the 28 th of November, the pest brake up in sundrie
houses in Edinburgh, to the great terrour of the Avholc toun. It
began in Paul Hay, a merchant's hous, a moneth before, and was
not knowen till now ; therefore the more dangerous, becaus hard
to discerne the uncleane from the cleane. Upon the last of
November, the chancelour, the president, and other Lords of Coun-
sel and Session, meeting together, resolved to rise, and continue the
Session till the eight of Januar.
628 calderwood's nisToniE 1624.
BONFIRES FOR THE FRINGE'S MATCHE.
Upon the 29th of November, we were advertised from court,
that the articles and conditions of match betuixt the prince and
the King of France his sister were agreid upon, wherupon bonfires
were sett out in Edinburgh.
THE COUNSEL OF EDINBURGH SUBSCRIBETH CONFORMITIE.
Mr John Hay, comraoun toun-clerk of Edinburgh, who was
Bent up to court with sundrie petitions to the king, returned, and
according to the king's direction, desired the whole counsel of the
toun to subscribe obedience to the acts of Perth. Yit Su' William
Nisbit, the old provest, and some others, subscribed not.
J. HAMMILTOUN AND J. DICKSON. LETT OUT OF THE JAYLE.
John Hammiltoun and John Dickson gave in their supplication
to the Lords, intreatting for license to attend upon their families, in
time of so dangerous a plague which was now broken up in the
toun. Their petition could not be denyed. So efter they had
been detained nynteene dayes in the javell, they were suifered to
come furth, to attend upon their families. For the same reason,
J ohne Meine obtained libertie to returne from Elgine, the place of
his confyne, to attend upon his familie.
CHRISTMAS COMMUNION DELAYED.
Tlie pest breaking up, the session being dissolved, lords, lawers,
wrytters, and other inhabitants departing off the toun, Christmas
Communion was delayed, and King James altogether disappointed.
Kings may propone, but God dispones ; or, as we use to say to a
proverbe, " The king bids saile, but the wind cryes. Ho !"^ How-
^ Stop.
1G25. OF THE KIUK OF SCOTL^VND. 629
bcit the Lord had not castcn in this impediment, it was liklic that
there wold not have beene manic conununicants by reason ot" tlic
superstition of the time, let be kncclers. But the Lord wold have
hi.s hand in the bussiness, to let the world see that he ean overrule
kings. This pest raged not ; few houses were infected with it ; so
that it appeared that the cheefc end wherefore the Lord had sent
it, was to disappoint the king by scattering the people.
M.DC.XXV.
A PROCLAMATION AGAINST FORBIDDEN BOOKS.
Upon the 4th of Januar, there was a proclamation made at the
Crosse of Edinburgh, making mention, that there Avere sundrie
seditious persons who had written certane pamphlets and books
tending to treason and sedition against the king, which were
printed in the Low Countries, and were to be brought in Scotland ;
and, therefore, all magistrats of sea})orts, customers, searchers, and
other officers, to suffer noe ships coming furth of the Low
Countries to come within barberies, nor anie merchant or passen-
gers to come on land, till first the ships were searched for these
seditious writts, pamphlets, and books ; and that the samine be
presented to the Lords, to be sighted by such as were appointed
to that effect. The proclamation made noe mention of the titles
of the books. But by the providence of God, the books were
brought out of the ship a day or two before it was searched, and
keeped closse till the approaching Easter Communion ; to witt,
"An Epistle to a Christian Brother;" "An Exhortation to the
Kirk of Edinburgli ;" " A Dispute about Communicating, where
there was kneeling and confusion."
w. rig's licence to attend upon his effairs.
About the beginning of Januar, the counsel gave a warrant to
AVilliam Eig, who was wairdit in the Castle of Blackncsse, to re-
630 calderwood's historie 1625.
pair to his owne house at Mortoun, which lyeth within two miles
of Edinburgh, to attend upon his doraestick efFairs for the space of
fourtie dayes, becaus the pest was in Edinburgh. Before the
fourtie dayes expyred, it pleased the counsel to confine hira in his
owne house of Atherny in Fife.
THE SESSION RISETH.
Upon the 7th of Januar, the Lords of Session satt doun to
keep session in Edinburgh. Howbeit the pest wold breake up by
some new infection, at the height or change of the moone, they
preassed not to ryse till the fourth of Februar, that one or two of
Fosterseate, one of the Senators of the Colledge of Justice, his
servants were sicke, and the sicknesse apprehendit by Foster-
seate himself to be the pest. But it was thought, that by reason
that the advocates were idle, becaus the subjects, for feare of infec-
tion, resorted not to the burgh, that they rose, and intimated the
dissolving of the session by open proclamation at the Crosse of
Edinburgh.
THE MARQUESE OF HAMMILTON's DEATH.
Upon the sixt of Marche, sure report was brought hither from
court, that the Marqueis of Hammiltoun was dead. Small regrate
was made for his death, for the service he made at the last parlia-
ment. The brute went that he was poysoned. Soone efter.
Doctor Eglcsheim fledd to West Flanders, and avowed it in print,
and that Buckinghame was guiltie of his death. He alledgeth in
the printed book, intituled " The Forerunner of Revenge upon the
Duke of Buckinghame," that there was a roll of names found neare
to Westminster in King Street, about the time of the Duke of
Richmond's death, wherin the names of all these noblemen who
have died since is expressed ; and amongst the rest, the Marqueis
of Hammiltoun, and nixt him. Doctor Eglesheirae himself, in these
words, " The Marqueis of Hammiltoun, and Doctor Eglesheime to
1625. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTL.LND. 631
cinbalrae liiin/' This roll \Yas brouglit to the marqueis by luy
Lord Oldbarrc's daughter, cousinc-gcrnianc to the said marqueis.
Fjirther he allcdgeth, that tlie brute went through London, before
my Lord Duke of" Richmond's death, or his brother's, or my Lord
of Southampton, or of the marqueis, that all the noblemen that
were not of Buckinghame's faction were to be poysoned, and re-
moved out of his way. Farther he reporteth, that a mountebanke,
by Buckinghame's mcanes, pi'ocured letters, patents, and recom-
mendation from the king, to practise his skill through all England ;
and that the said mountebanke offered to sell poysone to kill men
and beasts. Item, That before the Christmas before the marqueis his
death, one of the prince's footmen said, that one of the great ones
at court had gotten poyson in his bellie, but he could not tell who it
was. Efter he was dead, he swelled in sik sort, that his bellie
become als bigge as the bellie of an oxe ; his armesals bigge as his
thighes ; his nose could not be seen for the swelling of his cheekes ;
his breist, neck, shoulders, and amies, full of blisters als great as
one's fist, which were of sixe diverse colours, and full of waters of
the same colours. The marqueis wold not accomplishc the matchc
betuixt his sone and the duke's neicc, Avhcrupon the duke thus
revenged himself upon him.
THE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH'S AVARICE.
About this time arose great discontentment betuixt the provest,
bailiffs, and counsel of Edinburgh, and their ministers, becaus the
ministers had procured the king's letter and direction to the ma-
gistrats and counsel, for augmentation of their yeerlie stipends.
They were not content with twclf hundreth merkcs for evcrie one,
beside their house male, which was more than their predeces-
sours, worthier than they, had, but importunatlie craved two
thowsand. The people detested them for their ambition, their
avarice, and malice at honest and godlie professors. They were well
fingerfcdd in other men's houses, howbeit they had sufKcicnt to
maintaine them at home.
632 calderwood's HiSToraE 1625.
THE KING S DEATH.
Upon the penult of Marclie, by reason of a boysterous and vehe-
ment wind blowing in the night, and a hie tide in the sea rysing
above the accustomed maner, the ships in the harberie of Leith
were so tossed, that manie of them dashing one ujion another,
were broken and spoiled. Some mariners and skippers, rysing in
the night to rescue them, were drowned. The like harme was done
in sundrie other parts upon the coast side alongs the Firth, in Salt-
prestoun, Kirkcaldie, Ardrosse, and other parts ; salt-pannes were
overthrowne, ships and boats broken, colheughes beside Culross
drowned. The like of this tempest was not scene in our time, nor
the like of it heard in this countrie in anie age preceiding. It was
taken by all men to be a forerunner of some great alteration. And,
indeid, the day following, to witt, the last of Marche, sure report
was brought hither from court, that the king departed this life, the
Lord's day before the 27th of Marche, about the noontide of the
day, at Theobald's. Being disappointed of the Christmas Com-
munion through the breaking up of the pest, he resolved to have
the Communion celebrate at Easter, in Edinburgh, conforme to the
Act of Perth, with great solemnitie. There was noe great appear-
ance that he wold have brought the multitude to conforme ; not-
withstanding of all his terrours and threatnings to remove the
Session. The constancie of the honest men that were troubled
gave them good exemple. Whatsoever were the grounds of his
hope, he failed in the performance, for the Lord removed him out
of the way, fourteene dayes before the Easter Communion. The
honest men that were troubled looked for nothing but extremitie.
John Hammiltoun and John Meine were ordeaned to enter into their
confynes. Johne Hammiltoun gave in a supplication to the counsel
for prorogation, but it was refused. But before the time that he sould
have entered, the king dyed, and then neither he nor Johne
ISIecne sought anie farther prorogation. William Kig continued
confyncd in his ownc house of Atherney in Fife, fearing to be
brought within the danger of the great fyne which the king wold
have had exacted of him, till the 20tli of September 1626.
1G25. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTLAND. 633
The king lay all the time of his sickness almost silent. What
he spake was to litle purpose : " Sone Charles, Sone Charles !"
and the like. lie tooke his viaticum after the Enfrlish fashioun.
lie lay speechless from the Fry day at night till the Lord's day fol-
lowing, to witt, the 27th of Marche, groningand sighing hcavilie.
The last words he used, before he became specchlesse, was by way
of answeir to some courteours, willing him to take courage, for he
Avoid be well again. " By God's wounds !" said he, " I will dye if
ye had all said it !" Doctour Egleshcime, in his printed bookc,
setteth doun two vehement presumptions that he was poysouucd,
to witt, by a plaister or plaisters layde to some parts of his bodie,
and by a white powder sprinkled in his drinke, both done by
Buckingham's mother, without the advise of the doctors ofphysicke.
The English bishops and deancs have becne so spairing in the
commendation of his death, that we may easilie conjecture how he
dyed ; for suche is their flattcrie, that they wold rather have eeked
nor omitted. In the time of his sickness, Buckinghame caused
baptise a gryse in the chamber where he lay sickc, with the cere-
monies requisite, godfathers and the rest ; and cfter it was bap-
tized, it was chassed up and doun the chamber. The pretense of
this horrible profanation or mockcrie of the Sacrament was to
make the king to laughc. But it was said by mauie that heard of
it, that it was plaine magickc.
PRINCE CHARLES PROCLAMED KING.
The same day, the counsel being yit still in Edinburgh, having
had a counsel the day before. Prince Charles was proclaimed king,
bctuixt sixe and sevin hours at night. The chancelour, the Earle
of Marr, treasurer, the Vicount of Lauderdaill, the Erie of Melrose,
president and secretar, my Lord Balmarinothe, and the Bishop of
Glasco, were upon the Crosse with the heralds and trumpeters in
time of the proclamation. The act of counsel making mention of
the king's death, and acknowledging Prince Charles to be our
undoubted soveraignc, with promise of loyaltie, fidelitic, and obe-
634 calderwood's historie 1625.
dience, was redd, and all that were present bidden hold up their
hands in token therof. The Earles of Mortoun and Roxburgh
were at court in the meane time.
THE MINISTERS OF EDINBURGH COMMEND KING JAMES OUT OP
MEASURE.
Upon the Lord's day following, the ministers of Edinburgh
commendit King James for the most religious and peaceable prince
that ever was in the world ; yea, some of them said, that if he had
not beene a king but a commoun man, he was the best man in the
kingdom. Mr John Adamsone said. King David had moe faults
than he had ; for he committed both adulterie and murther, wherof
our king was not guiltie. Mr Struthers laboured with all the art
he had to move the people ; but they were not much moved with
sorrow and greef for his death.
THE king's FUNERALLS.
The funeralls were continued till the 7th of May, which was
performed with great magnificence for mater, but without forme
and order. The funerall night was so tempestuous with thunder
and raine at London, and about, that the like passed the remem-
berance of man. The chancelour, the treasurer, the treasurer-
depute, the president, the Bishop of St Androes, and sundrie others,
went to court efter his death, and were manie of them at the
buriall.
Mr George Eglisheme, doctor of physick, a Scotish man by
birth, and physician to King James, fled out of England to West
Flanders, and sett furth a book which was printed in the yeere
1626, wherin he offered to prove, that the Marqueis of Hammiltoun
and sindrie other noblemen were poysouned by the Duke of
Buekinghame, George Villicrs. The booke is intituled, " The
Forerunner of Revenge upon the Duke of Buekinghame, for the
poysoning of the Most Potent King, James, of happie memorie,
1G25. or THE kirk of Scotland. G35
King of Great Britalnc, and the Lord INIarqucis of IlannnlUoun,
and utlicrs of tlie iS'obilitie ; discovcrd by ]\Ir George Kgleyhemc,
one of King James his Physicians for his IMajestie's persoun above
the space of ten yeeres." The booke consists of two pairts. The
first contcaneth his liumblc complaint to the Most Potent ^Monarch,
Charlcsj King of Great Britaino, in the end whcrof lie has these
words : " Your Majestic may find most just forces of reasoun to
accuse him in my petitioun to the Parliament, which sail serve for
a tuichstone to your Majestic, and a tuichestone to me and manie
other Scotish men. Which, if it be neglected, will make your
Majestic to incurre suche a censure amongs all vertuous men in
the world, that your Majestic will be loath to heare of, and I ara
astonied to expresse at this time. A serpent lurketh in this grasse.
No other way there is to be found to save your honour, but to
give way to justice against that tratour Buckinghame." The other
part contcanes a petition or humble supplication to the Most
Honourable the Nobilitie, Knights and Burgesses of both the Houses
of Parliament ; the first part wherof concerneth the poysoning of
the Marqueis of Hammiltoun. The other part concerneth the
poysoning of the king, which hcere followeth word by word : —
CONCERNING THE TOYSONING OF KING JAMES, OF HAFPIE MEMORIE,
KING OF GREAT BRITAINE, ETC.
" The Duke of Buckinghame being in Spaine, advertised by let-
ters, how that the king begoud^ to censure him in his absence
freelie, and that manie spoke boldlie to the king against him ; and
how the king had intelligence from Spaine of his unworthle cariago
in Spaine ; and how the Marqueis of Hammiltoun, upoun the sud-
daine newes of the prince his departure, had noblelie reprehendit
the king, for sending the prince with suche a young man without
experience, and in suche a private and suddainc mancr, without
acquainting the nobilitie or counsel therewith, wrote a vcrie bitter
1 Began
636 CALDER wood's historie 1625.
letter to the Lord INIarquels of Hammiltoun, conceaved new ambi-
tious courses of his owne, and used all the devices he could to
disgust the prince his minde of the matche with Spaine, so farre
intendit by the king, made haiste home : where, when he came, he
so caried himself, that whatsoever the king commanded in his bed-
chamber, he controlled in the nixt chamber ; yea, receaved packets
to the king from forraine princes, and dispatched ans weirs, with-
out acquainting the king therewith not in a great tyme therafter.
Wherat, perceaving the king highlie offended, and that the king's
minde was beginning to alter towards him, suffering him to be
querrelled and effronted in his IMajestie's presence, and observing
that the king reserved my Lord of Bristow to be a rod for him,
urging daylie his dispatche for France, and expecting the Erie of
Gondomar his comming to England in his absence ; feared muche
that the Erie of Gondomar, who, as it seemed, was greatlie
esteemed, and wonderfuUie credited by the king, would secund my
Lord of Bristow's accusations against him. He knew also that the
king had vowed, that in despite of all the devills of hell, he would
bring the Spanishe matche about againe ; and that the Marqueis of
Quechosa had given the king bad impressions of him, by whose
articles of accusation the king himself had examined some of the
nobilitie and privie counscll, and found out in the examinatioun,
that Buckiughame had said after his comming from Spaine, that
the king was an old man, it was now tyme for him to be at his
rest, and to be confynned to some parke, to passe the rest of his
tyme in hunting, and the prince to be crowned. The more the
king urged him to be gone to France, the more shifts he made to
stay, for he did evidentlie see that the king was fuUie resolved to
rid himself of the oppressioun wherin he held him.
" The king being sicke of a certane ague, and that in the spring,
which was of itself never found deidlie, the duke tooke his oppor-
tunitie, when all the king's doctors of physick were at dinner,
upoun the Moonday before the king died, without thair knowledge
or consent, offered to the king a whyte powder to take, the which
the king long tyme refused ; but overcome by his flattering impor-
1G25. OF THE KIRK OF SCOTL.VND. G37
tunitlc, at Icnth tookc it, drunkc it in wync, and iinmctliatlic
become ■worse and worse, falling into manie soundings, and paines,
and violent fluxes of the bellie, so tormented, that his Majestie cryed
out aloud, ' O thi.s wliyte powder ! this whytc powder I "Would
to God I had never taikin it ; it will cost me my lyfe !' In lykc
nianer, the Countesse of Buckinghame, my Lord of Buckingham's
mother, upon the Fryday therafter, the physicians also being
absent, and at dinner, and not made acquainted with her
doings, applycd a plaister to the king's heart and breast, wherupon
his Majestic grew faint, short breathed, and in great agonie. Some
of the physicians returning after dinner to see the king, by the
offensive smell of the plaister, perceaved something to be about
the king hurtfull to him, and searched what it could be ; found it
out, and exclaimed that the king was poysouned. Then Buck-
inghame entering, commanded the physicians out of the roome,
caused one to be committed prisoner to his awin chamber, and
another to remove from court ; querrelled others of the king's
servants in the sicke king's owne presence so farre, that he offered
to draw his sword against them in the king's sight. And Buck-
ingham's mother kneeling before the king with a brazen faice, cryed
out, 'Justice, justice. Sir I I demand justice of your INIajcstic.'
The king asking for what, she answered, ' For that which their
ly vcs is no sufficient satisfactioun : for saying that my sonne and
I have poysouned your Majestic.' * Poysoning me ?' said the king.
With that, he turning himself, sounded, and she was removed.
The Sonday therafter, the king died, and Buckinghame desired
the physicians who attended the king to signe with their hand-
writ ts a testimonie, that the powder which he gave the king was a
good and a safe medicine ; which they refused to doe. Bucking-
ham's creatures did spread abroad a rumour in Londoun, that
Buckinghame was so sorie at the king's death, that he would have
died ; that he would have killed himself, if they had not hin-
dered him. Which your petitioner purposelie inquired of them that
were neere him at that tyme, who said, that nather in the tyme of the
king's sicknesse, nor after his death, he was more moved than if there
G33 calderwood's historie, etc. 1625.
had never happennecT atlier slckenesse or death to the king. One
day, when the king was in great extremitie,he road post toLondoun,
to persew his sister-in4aw, to have her stand in sackecloth at Paule's,
for adulterie. Another tyme of the king's ague, he was bussie con-
try ving and conchiding a mariage for one of his cousins. Immediat-
lie after the king's death, the physician who was commanded to his
chamber was sett at libertie, with a caveat to hold his peace ; the
others threatned, if they keeped not good tongues in their heads.
But, in the meane tyme, the king's bodie and head swelled above
measure, his haire, with the skin of his head, stucke to the pillow,
his nailes become loose upon his fingers and toes. Your petitioner
needeth to say no more to understanding men. Onlie one thing
he beseecheth, that taiking the tratour, who ought to be taiken
Avithout anie feare of his greatnesse, the other maters be examined,
the accessories with the guiltie punished."
END OF VOLUME SEVENTH.
THE EDINBURGH PRINTING COMPAXV,
12, South St David Street.
Date Due
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The history of the Kirk of Scotland.
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