Appendix: 1601, May

A. D. MDCI.

The General Assemblie of the Kirk of Scotland, haldin at Bruntiland, the 12 day of May 1601 ȝeirs. In the quhilk the Kings Majestie with his Commissioners of the Nobilitie and Burrowes, were present.

Sessio 1^a.

Exhortatioun being made be Mr Robert Wilkie, Moderatour [of the last Assemblie,] the brethren proceidit to the electioun of ane new Moderatour: and Mrs Patrick Galloway, Patrick Simsone, Patrick Sharpe, Johne Hall, and James Robertson, being put on leits; be pluralitie of votes Mr Johne Hall was chosen Moderatour hac vice.

[The eyes of the sincerest sort were upon Mr Patrick Simson, who was in leets with Mr Patrick Galloway at the first: But the King would have these leets changed, and a neutral man chosen; but Mr John Hall was not a neutral man, howsoever he caried himself outwardly. C.]

[In the tyme of Mr James Melvill's seiknes, the Generall Assemblie, apointed to be hauldin at Sanct Andros, was, be the Kings proclamation at Mercat crosses, commandit to be keipit with him at Brinteyland in the monethe of May. To the quhilk, whowbeit seik and vnable, it behoued him to wryt. The quhilk letter the King tuk out of the Moderators hand and sufferit it nocht to be read, but keipit it in his awin poutche, and hes it leyed vpe, as he is informed, amangs his priuie wryttes as yit, for what purpose tyme will declar. The copie wharof, word be word, he thought therfor guid to sett down, as follows.

To the godlie Fathers and Breithring convenit in this present Generall Assemblie at Brintyland, May 1601, James Melvill wissethe grace, mercie, and peace from God throw Jesus Christ, with the spreit of fredome, vprightnes, and fathfulnes.

Hauinge manie wayes a calling to be present with yow at this Assembly, (godlie fathers and deir breithring) and steyit onlie be infirmitie of body, ester a lang and soar siknes, I could nocht at least bot communicat my mynd with yow schortlie in wryt.

And, first, as concerning his Majestie: Sen it hes pleasit God to indew him with sic a rare and singular grace, as to resolue to bestow him selff, his stat, and all that God hes giffen him in possessioun, or tytle, for gloreseing of Chryst, King of Kings, in the meantenance of his gospell and trew religioun; and now to put hand to iustice against impietie, wrang, and all oppressioun, to kythe, in effect, the trew and ernest dispositioun of his hart: I think it all our partes to praise God vncessantlie therfor, and to concur and ioyne with his Maiestie in our calling to our vttermaist, namlie in steiring vpe and moving the harts of his peiple to his reuerence and obedience, yea, to bestow thair liues and all that they haue with his Hienes in that cause, and in all his Maiesties effeares that may serue for the weill therof. And trewlie they ar worthie to be accursed, and nocht bruik the nam of Christian nor Scottes men, bot esteimed enemies to God, Relligioun, and his Hienes, that will nocht willinglie yeild heirvnto, as Deborah cryes, "Curse Meror, sayethe the angell of the Lord, curse, because they cam nocht to assist the Lord against the mightie." I wald wis therfor for this effect, as in the dayes of Asa and Joas, kings of Juda, namlie according to the derectioun of guid Jehoiada the priest, that solemne covenants and bands, the Word of God and prayer going befor, war maid betwix God and the King, God and the peiple, and betwix the King and the peiple, beginning in this present Assemblie, and sa going to Provincialles, Presbyteries, and throw euerie Congregatioun of this land.

Nixt, as concerning the Ministerie of Edinbruche, I hald fast that aggreiment of the breithring conveinet in Brintyland in the monethe of Merche last; and wald beseik the breithring of the Assemblie till insist with his Maiestie, with the reasonnes sett down at that conference, and sic vther as God will furneise, ioyning prayer to God wha hes the Kings hart in his hand, wherby his Hines might be brought to yeild thervnto, as a speciall weill, nocht onlie of the Kirk, but of his Maiesties esteat and effeares (gif God hes giffen me anie eis to sie anie thing in tham.) For by that, that the cheiff blokhous of the Lords Jerusalem in this land can nocht, in my judgment, be weill fortefied without tham. In my conscience I knaw nocht brauer trompettes to incurage, moue and sett fordwart the peiple to his Maiesties obedience and assistance, when occasioun of his Maiesties wechtiest effeares may craue the sam. And trewlie, when I pas throw the formes of proceidings with myself to spy out what may befall in end, I can nocht sie gif it be weill, bot it wilbe repossessioun; for processes wilbe fund hard; transportatioun full of fascherie and inconvenients, and in end fectles wanting contentment: therfor the best mon be repossessioun, whervnto I pray God his Maiesties hart may be inclyned as the haill breitheringes ar I am sure.

Bot ther is heir an incident (deir breither) of graitter importance nor all the rest, wheranent I mon nocht onlie exhort yow, bot in the nam of Chryst charge and adiure yow, as yie will answer to Him vpon your fidelitie in his seruice, that yie endeuour to redres it. This is that interest quhilk Chryst sustenit be that act and decreit of Counsall, wherby the Ministers of Edinbruche ar deposit from pretching in anie tyme heirefter, because they refusit to pretche and giff thankes as was enjoyned to tham be the said Counsall; the graittest interest that euer Chryst sustenit in this land; for gif he hes nocht soll power to chuse, call, and depose his awin mesingers and ambassadours, he has na powar at all. His Maiestie hes schawin him selff, in my heiring diuers tymes, willing that this sould be amendit; bot I feir the decreit stands in the buiks without anie not thervpon. Forget nocht this, bot remember it as the graittest poinct yie haue to do. And let nocht, I humblie besik, his Maiestie and Counsall be miscontent with the bringing of this in heid; for the honour of Chryst, and feir of his just wrathe against sic as say, Nolumus hunc regnare supra nos, (Luc. 19. 14, 27.) constraines me; the quhilk I wis to be als far from his Hienes and honourable Counsall, as from my awin hart and saull; bot contrarie wayes, that in the fawour, and be the blessing of Chryst, his throne, as the throne of Dauid, may be established and florishe as the palme.

Now as to the rest, reuise your Caueattes, for corruptioun creipes fast on, and is corroborat be custom; sight the conclusioun of your last Assemblie, and sie giff maters hes proceidit conform thervnto or nocht, giff it may pleise his Maiestie to permit thir thinges to be done at this tyme, (quhilk indeid ar maist necessar to be done, vtherwayes it is nocht possible to keipe fra corruptioun). Fordar, the restraining of the fridome of our Generall Assemblies in the ordinar conventionnes thairof, wald be heavelie compleanit vpon and regratit to his Maiestie; for seing we haue full powar and expres charge of Chryst, the online King of his Kirk, to meit and convein togidder for the government therof, and hes our ordinarie conventiones annes in the yeir at least, and ofter pro re nata approven be his Maiestie in his lawes and Actes of Parliament, (Parl. 1592, Act 1.) Wharfor sould our meittings depend on licences, letters and proclamationes, namlie whill vther esteattes, as of barrones and brouches, ar permitted to vse ther priuilage frelie? Sall the Kirk of Jesus Chryst be les regardit, and restranit in hir fredome and priuilage, in a setlit and constitut esteat, vnder the protectioun of a rare Christian magistrat? God forbid!

Finalie, my deir breithring, charitie and the loue of Christ comands me to mak yow warning be my experience, that in all your speitches yie respect the trew profit of the Kirk, and of his Maiesties esteat ioynit therwith, and nocht present pleasuring. Now the trew profit is that qubilk hes the warrand in the Law and the Prophetes, whowsoeuer, the reasone of men think of it. We sould be the mouthe of God to all. His law sould be in our lippes, and trew wisdome in our mouthes. Our speitches sould be the speitches and oracles of God. And as the lawers sayes, It is scham to speak without a law; mikle mair, say we, It is scham befor God and his angeles, and befor the Kirk of God, to the dispensator of the heavinlie mysteries, to speak without Scriptoure and warrand of the Word of God. Tak head to this, wtherwayes when God beginnes to tak yow asyde and racken with yow, and ley on his hand, as I thank his fatherlie affectioun he hes done with me, yie will detest from your hart the facionnes of this warld, the wisdome of fleche and bluid, the exemple and maner of doing of this tyme in speciall; yea, yie will repent and rew that euer yie knew or followed tham.

In conclusioun, I ley down at your feit my Commissioun, as the pynnour does his burding when he is owerleyed. It hes spendit that wharon my numerous familie sould haue bein susteined; it hes greivit my mynd continualie, and now, in end, it hes brought me in extream danger of my lyff: wharfor I beseik yow burding me na mair with it, vnles yie wald haue my skine. Now the Lord Jesus, of the sam loue that moued him to giff his lyff for his Kirk, govern and keipe the sam fra the pollutionnes of this last age; and mak ws, and all the laborars within the sam, euer myndfull of that grait day, when he sall com and call ws to a compt of our dispensatioun. Amen.
From the bed of my Infirmitie, the 12 of May, 1601.
Melvill's Diary & C.]

[Mr John Davidson sent to the Assembly this letter following:

Grace and peace with upright judgement, and constant practice thereof in these dayes of trial. Amen.

Reverend brethren, How long shall wee fear or favour flesh and blood, and follow the counsel and command thereof, leaving the plain and known will of God in the mean tyme undone? Should our meetings be in the name of man? nay, should they not be in the name and authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom every knee should bow? Are wee not yet to take up ourselves, and to acknowledge and leave our former errours, negligence, and feebleness in the work of the Lord, by the miserable experience of these our woefull dayes of such dangerous designements, that forsitan ipse senex deploret talia Peleus? Yea, quam graviter ingemiscerent illi fortes viri, qui, propter gloriam et Ecclesiae Scoticanae libertatem, olim in acie decertarunt, si nostram nunc ignaviam (ne quid gravius dicam) conspicerent! But wee should have God the searcher of the hearts, before whom all things are naked and bare, before our eyes, and should walk before him, and be upright. Should James and John be seeking to sitt, one at the right hand, another at the left, and namely, when Christ is going to Jerusalem to suffer death? Is it tyme for Baruch to seek great things for himself, when the Lord is about to destroy the thing he planted, and threatneth his people with fearfull captivity? Is it tyme for us now, when so many of our worthy brethren of the Ministry are shamefully thrust out of their callings, without all order of just proceeding against them, et boni malis deputantur, as a Father sayes; and Jesuits, Atheists, and Papists, in great number daily flocking home, are suffered, countenanced, and advanced to great roomes in the realme, to the bringing in of idolatrie, and captivity more than Babylonical, with an high hand, and that in our chief city; in no corners, but in effect at the Mercat Cross of Edinburgh, without all due punishment for the same, according to the Law of God, and manifest lawes of the realme? Is it tyme now, I say, for us in the Ministry to be inveigled and blindfolded with pretence of preferment of some small number of our brethren, and that not to stand so much in the ordianance and election of the Kirk, as at the pleasure of the Court, to have vote in Parliament, to ride with foot mantles, and have the titles of Prelacies, and so to make the preparative in ourselves for that Hierarchie, as they call it, which the Papists mind with speed to enjoy? What is this else, but honorari intra palatium ad servitutem, as the ancient Father faith? Shall wee, brethren, with Sampson sleep still on Deliah's knee, till she say, The Philistines be upon thee, Sampson? Then worthily with Sampson may wee be made a ridiculous and ignominious spectacle to the Philistines, which the Lord in his great mercy avert. But Bonitoun is execute! A famous thief in the highest degree, for his vile thieft is punished! What is that to the cause of religion, whereof there was no question, as worthily there might have been? Is there no Papist, idolater, nor wilfull favourer and maintainer of Papists in Scotland, but Bonitoun? Speir and see. But the King, and the Kirk being yet sound in religion, What can the adversaries doe? Being sound, as ye say, there were the less danger. What is then our doubt? There is no doing, neither in Kirk, nor King, according to our callings. As for Seggene, as they say, it goeth light coupe: And it is but smal wisdom for the Israelites to let the Canaanites remaine among them, and wax strong. Therefore, if there be any zeal in us, laying all bygones aside, let us joine together as one man, and that before all other things to purge the land of this fearfull idolatrie; leaving all other things to be handled in the next Assembly to be appointed primo quoque tempore, for the same purpose, taking example of the children of Israel, who hearing but a bruite of the erection of a contrarie altar by their brethren of Reuben, Gad, and half tribe of Manasse, determined with all speed to have rooted them out with destruction, if the matter had been so. The matter with us is out of doubt: and, therefore, let us show our zeal for the Lord and his cause; otherwayes wee can look for no bless ing at the hands of God. Farewell, dear brethren in Christ. Amen.
Your brother in Christ to his power, or rather Gods power in him, to be forthcoming at Gods pleasure, in tyme and place.

Of one thing in special, dear brethren, I wish yow to beware, that ye doe not evil, that good may come of it, to wit, that ye consent no wayes to determine any thing de praesenti, touching the new planting of Edinburgh, in prejudice of the former brethren yet undisplaced by order, in respect of any promise de futuro, touching the punishment of Papists. For as punishment of Papists, and their displanting without order, cannot stand together; so their standing in their own roome will serve very greatly for the overthrow of Papistrie; weigh it when ye will.

Finally, if reason be refused, as God forbid, remember, that always melius et optabilius est egregium bellum pace impia, et a Deo distrahente.
Farewell again in Christ, Amen.

This letter was read and allowed in the Assembly; but the King alledged there was treason in it, and troubled him for it.

The Assembly began with small contentment to either partie. But the King, to acquire credit, and the good opinion of the people, specialy of such as doubted of his innocency in the last fact, made many protestations, not without tears in his eye, to be foreward for the Kirk, and liberty of the Gospel: whereupon followed a mutual band of love betwixt his Majestie and the Ministrie. For further satisfaction, it was approved both by the Court and many of the Ministry, which before was not only neglected, but also mocked, to wit, to rip up the causes of defection in all estates, and to advise upon the remedies. It was concluded, that a fast, and renewing of the Covenant with God, should beginne at this Assembly, and thereafter be keeped universaly in one week. C.]

Sessio 2^a. 14 Maij.

The quhilk day the brethren having entrit in consideratioun of the generall defectioun from the puritie, zeale, and practise of trew religioun in all estates of the countrey; and how that the same must of necessitie, at last, be concludit either in Papistrie or Atheisme, within short space, in the righteous judgement of God, except some substantious remeid be provydit therto in tyme; and because the evill cannot be weill curit vnlesse the originall springs and [speciall] causes therof be rypit vp: Therfor the brethren, after mature deliberatioun and weying of the causes of the said defectioun, hes found the principall causes therof to be, as followes.

Causes of the defectioun from the puritie, zeale, and practise of true religioun in all estates of the Countrey: And how the same may be most effectuallie remeidit.

The principall cause of this fearefull change, no doubt, is the just wrath of God kindlit against the haill land for the vnreverent estimatioun of the Gospell, and for the sins of all estates, and dishonouring of thair professiouns, and making the name of God to be blasphemed through the profane world without remorse.

Laik of care and diligence vpon the part of the Ministrie, in the discoverie of them that makes apostasie to Papistrie; and negligence in executioun of the lawis and discipline aganis sick as happins to be discoverit.

Want of Pastours, and vnplantit kirks, and displanting of kirks, quhilk hes bein provydit, be diminutioun of the Thrids.

Neglecting of places that are of cheisest importance to the interest of religioun, in not planting sufficient Pastours therat, sick as [are] her Majesties house, the Princes house, the Erles of Huntlie, Erroll, and Angus houses, and places of thair cheisest residence; the Lord Hoomes house, the Lord Herries house, and chiese places of thair residence; the towne of Dumfreis, and vthers of the Nobilitie and [of] greatest power within the countrey.

The ovir hastie admissioun of men to the Ministrie, befor they be knowin to be of sufficient gifts and experience to discharge fruitfullie that high calling [in] thir difficile tymes.

The negligence of the Ministrie in advancing of thair knowledge, be ever continuall and constant reiding of the Scriptures, and controversies of the tyme; quherthrow they might be able to bring the consciences of thair auditours in subiectioun to the obedience of the Gospell, and convince of the adversarie.

Negligence in the lyves of the Ministrie, not frameing thair conversatioun in gravitie as paterns of lyfe to the peiple; bot frameing themselves excessively to the humours of men, especiallie in communicatioun at tables, and giving sometymes examples of intemperance, [and] in the light and prodigall abulzements of thair families.

The distractioun of mynds quhilk is supposed to be in the Ministrie; [and] the distractioun quhilk is supposed to be of his Majesties mynd from some of the Ministrie.

The advancing of men suspect in religioun, and knawin to be evill affectit to the good cause, vnto offices, honours, [and] credit in Court, Counsell, and Sessioun, and vther rowmes of great importance within the countrey.

The desolatioun of the Kirk of Edinburgh through the want of Pastours.

The continuall residence and intertainment of the Ladie Huntlie, a knowin and profest Papist, of Margret Wood, sister to the Laird of Bonytoun, and vthers knawin and prosest Papists, in his Majesties Court and companie.

The educatioun of thair Majesties children [in] the companie of obstinat and profest Papists, sick as the Ladie Livingstoun.

The negligent educatioun of the children of noblemen, and sending them out of the countrey vnder the charge of paedagogues suspect in religioun, or, at the leist, not weill groundit and confirmit therin, to be brocht vp and instructit in places quher Papistrie is prosest.

The impunitie of skippers, mariners, and awners of shipes, that, vnder the name of passingers, transports from vther places, and brings within the countrey Seminarie Preists, Jesuites, and vther traffiqueing Papists, with thair coffers, and bookes; and the impunitie of sick quho convoyes and sparsells the bookes through the countrey.

The decay of Schooles and of the educatioun of the youth in knowledge of good letters and godlines, speciallie a landwart, for lake of provisioun sufficient to intertaine a qualified Schoolemaster in places neidfull.

That men suspect in religioun, and challengit therfor be thair Presbytrie and Pastours, hes accesse to Court dureing the tyme of thair processe.

That the late reconcileit Papists are not vrgeit to performe the conditiouns aggreit to be them at thair reconciliatioun to the Kirk.

Remedies of the former Evills.

The Generall Assemblie, having entrit in the consideratioun of the causes of the said [great and] fearefull defectioun of all estates of persons within this land from the true and sincere profession of the Gospell, [presentlie] sounding within the same; and having found the principall causes of this change to be, no doubt, the just wrath of God kindlit against this land, for the vnreverent estimatioun of the Gospell, and for the sins of all estates, and for the dishonouring of their professioun, and making the name of God to be blasphemit be the profane world without remorse: quhilk horrible judgements hes fallin in every estate, for the contemptuous heiring of the Word of God, in so farre as ther is none hes worthilie esteimit the said precious Word according to the dignitie therof: Therfor, and for removing of the former evills, and causes, and farther judgements, if they be not preventit be speidie repentance, the Assemblie hes [concludit and] ordainit a generall humiliatioun to be keipit solemnlie throughout the haill land, with fasting and prayer in all severall congregatiouns, two severall Sabboth dayes, both in burgh and land, within the realme; and lykewayes in burrow townes, throughout the haill weik betuixt the saids two Sabboths; and the cause of the said humiliatioun to be [intimat to be] only the sins of the land, be the quhilk the professioun of the Gospell hes bein dishonourit, and the wrath of God provockit: quhilk generall humiliatioun is ordainit to be vpon the last two Sabboth dayes of Junij nixt to come.

The vnplantit kirks wald be effectuallie recommendit to his Majesties care, whose authoritie only is able to accomplish that worke; and, for the better furtherance therof, that his Majestie wald cause take heid that the thrids be keipit vnvitiat.

Nothing more necessar nor to have his Majesties housse, the Princes house, the Erles houses, and places of thair residence, and vthers places of chiefest importance, as the Towne of Dumfreis, to be weill plantit with learnit, wise, and godlie persons: and quher the laik of provisioun mycht be a hinder to the present planting, as at the Erles houses, it were requisite for a time, that the meitest for that purpose, not being in places quher the cause may be so farre interest be the want of a resident Pastour, sould be transportit fra thair awin places, to remaine for ane quarter or halfe and ȝeir, that ane substantious meane may be found out for ane constant provisioun and planting of these rowmes, be whose labours, in the meane tyme, the Erles and thair families might be confirmit in the trueth, and the enemies debarrit from thair companies, and therafter to returne to thair awin charges; the Presbytries, in the meanequhill, taking ordour for the helping of thair kirks in the tyme of thair absence: And to that effect, ordaines Mr George Glaidstanes to be direct to awaite vpon the Erle of Huntlie; Mrs Alexander Lindsey and William Couper vpon the Erle of Erroll; Mrs James Law and Johne Spottiswood vpon the Erle of Angus; Mr Johne Carmichell vpon the Lord Hoome; Mrs David Lindsey and Johne Hall vpon the Lord Herreis.

That ane petitioun be givin in to his Majestie and Secreit Counsell, desyring, that these quhom his Majestie knowis, or sall know heirafter, to deale in favours of profest traffiqueing Papists farther nor the lawes of the countrey sall permitt, salbe countit and haldin as men suspect in religioun, and sall not have the honour to be in his Majesties house, Counsell, or Sessioun.

Item, That it be craveit lykeways of his Majestie and Secreit Counsell, that all Papists, men and women, challengit be the Kirk for thair religioun, and not satisfieand the Kirk for the same, be dischargeit from resort to court, quhill they have satisfied, and bring from the Presbytrie of thair bounds a sufficient testimoniall of thair obedience.

Item, For discovering of the adversaries of the true religioun lurking within this countrey, it is ordainit, that every Presbytrie, immediatlie after the dissolving of this present Assemblie, take vp the names of the non communicants within thair bounds, and send them to his Majesties Ministers with all expeditioun, subscryvit be the Moderatour and Clark of the Presbytrie, and Minister of the paroch; and that from this tyme furth, at every Provinciall Assemblie, the names of the non communicants be tane vp, and sent to his Majesties Ministers.

Item, That it be inquyrit anent the late reconcilit Lords to the Kirk, be the Presbytries quher they make residence, whither they have keipit and performit the articles subscrivit be them at thair receiving, and that they be vrgit severallie to performe every ane of the said articles; and if they refuse, that the Presbytries certifie the Kings Majesties Ministers therof.

Item, For eschewing of farther evill quhilk might come to the estate of the religioun be the evill educatioun of the ȝouth foorth of the countrey, it wald be cravit of his Majestie and Secreit Counsell, that such noblemen and vthers as directs a paedagogue with thair sonnes furth of the countrie, that thair paedagogue be knowin godlie and of good religioun, [learnit] and instructit in the samein, and approvit of his religioun be the testimoniall of his Presbitrie: that thair remaining out of the countrey be in the places quher the religioun is presentlie prosest, or, at the least, quher ther is no restraint of the same be the crueltie of Inquisitioun: that dureing the tyme of thair absence they sall not haunt any idolatrous exercise of religioun: and such [as] hes not the moyen to sustaine a paedagogue with thair sons foorth of the countrey, that they send them to such parts quher ther is no restraint [of religioun: and in caice thair sonnes, after thair departing out of the countrey, haunt these parts quher the profession of the trew religioun is restrainit,] that they find caution not to intertaine them: And in cace any that passes out of the countrey imbrace any religioun except that quhilk is presentlie profest within this realme, that they sall not be able to bruik moyen, heritage, honours, nor offices, within this realme; and this to be ane exceptioun aganis the service of thair breives, and at the tyme of admissioun of them to any office or honours: And in cace any of thair parents contraveine any of the premisses, that they incurre such paine as his Majestie and Secreit Counsell sall modisie; and that such as are already out of the countrey, [either] be callit back againe befor ane day to be appointit be his Majestie and Secreit Counsell, or els that thair parents be subiect to the lyke conditiouns befor sett downe.

Item, It wald be craveit of his Majestie and Secreit Counsell, that all skippers, mariners, and awners of ships, be inhite that they bring in any Jesuites, Seminarie Priests, declarit fugitive traitours and rebells within the countrey, bot such as they know to be of true religioun, or hes sufficient testimoniall of the honestie of thair religioun fra the places quher they have bein conversant, vnder the paine of escheiting thair haill goods; and vnder the same paine, that they delyver them in the hands of the Magistrat of the towne or port, quher they sall happin to arryve at, ther to be keipit, ay and quhill they be examinat and tryed, and his Majesties warrand obtainit for thair libertie after they have bein tryed [and fand] honest in religioun; and sall keip them, thair bookes, goods, and geir in shipboord, ay and quhill they receive ane warrand from the ordinar Magistrate for the releiving of the same; and to that effect, that they sett none vpon land bot in commoun ports, quher ther is ane Magistrate to receive the passengers from thair hands.

Item, That his Majestie be dealt earnestlie with anent the removeing of his dochter out of the Ladie Levingstouns companie, in respect of her obstinate continueing in the professioun of Papistrie: for the quhilk cause, his Majestie being requeisted [be] the haill Assemblie, promised that his Hienes dochter sould be transportit, betuixt and Mertimes nixt to come, to his awin house.

And because the non planting of kirks is a great part of the wyte of the defectioun from the puritie of religioun, and that the best way for the planting of the saids kirks, is the furtherance of the constant platt for locall stipends to be appointit to every kirk within this realme: Therfor the Assemblie hes ordainit the brethren following, viz. Mrs David Lindsay, James Nicolsone, Robert Pont, Patrick Galloway, George Glaidstanes, Johne Nicolsone, or any thrie of them, to conveine [upon the first day of Junij] with my Lords Chancellar, Secreitar, President, Collector, Comptroller, Sir Patrick Murray, and Mr George Young, to treate and advyse on sick overtures as, be thair commoun consent, salbe found most meit and expedient for advancing of the said work of the constant platt, and to lay downe such grounds as they sall find most meit and profitable for prosecuting of the same; and to report thair diligence to the nixt Assemblie.

[The King was head strong, notwithstanding, to have the Ministers of Edinburgh transported. When that matter came before the privie Conference, the brethren were all earnest with the King for reponing of them in their own places. The King said in a rage, What! Are there not some of yow that said to me, when I put them out, Now, Sir, if ever they anger you again, blame yourself.

The day after, the privie Conference desired a number of the brethren to be sent from the Assembly to assist them in that suit: But before they came, it was voted in the Conference; and all voted to transportation, except Mr Andrew Melvil, Mr John Carmichael, Mr John Knox, and Mr Patrick Simson.

When that matter came before the Assembly, the Moderator, Mr John Hall, formed the state of the question thus, Whether it were more expedient to let Edinburgh lie destitut, as it is presently, or to transport the three Ministers, Mr William Watson, Mr James Balfour, Mr Walter Balcanquall, in respect of his Majesties declaration; and rehearsed the proceedings in the Conference: but Mr John Knox rehearsed the same in a more favourable manner.

Mr Robert Wallace and Mr George Gladestanes were appointed to reasone; but the King himself answered, and replyed most to Mr Robert, or to any other that spake in that matter. The Kings chief argument was, That he himself, who was a chief parishoner in the chief City, could not be edified be them. As for the causes, he would not utter them, lest he should leave a blot upon the Ministrie.

Mr Adam Colt answered, That be that reason, when he is angry at any Minister in the countrie, he may, if he will, have him transported; the preparative whereof had already past in Sanct Andrews, which was very dangerous. The King called him a seditious knave, and asked, why he supponed such a thing; I suppone, said he, Mr Adam Colt should steal neat, then he should be hanged.

John Johnstoun of Elphinstoun and George Heriot had a commission from the Town of Edinburgh, to sute for their own Ministers, and to protest against the planting of any other.

The King sent a menacing letter to the Town Counsel, with a postscript written with his own hand, wherein he threatned to remove the Session, and remember the 17 day of December. So the Counsel renewed their commission, and referred the matter to the Assembly: Five and fiftie voted to their transportation, and eight and twenty against it, six, non liquet.

The two Commissioners of Edinburgh protested, That their transportation should not be prejudicial in tyme coming to their reponing, when it should please the King and the Kirk to be pleased with the same. The King promised to submit himself for Mr Walters part, to Mr Patrick Galloway, Mr Robert Pont, and Mr David Lindsey; and that he would be content the other two be planted in their rooms, who are to come to Edinburgh. As for Mr Robert Bruce, said he, I can say nothing of him, because he is out of the countrey. C.]

Sessio 3^a. Eodem die.

The Kings Majestie having declarit his intentioun and desyre to have a Minister for his Hienes house, in respect of the deceise of Mr Johne Craig, and Johne Duncansones old age, and another to the Queines Majesties house, and ane vther to the Princes house, the Assemblie nominat for his Majesties and the Queines house Mrs Henrie Blyth, John Fairfull, Peter Hewat, and Andro Lamb; for the Princes house, Mrs James Nicolson, James Law, and Johne Spottiswood.

[The Assemblie ratifies the acts made in the Assemblies of befor, anent the discharging of particular applicatiouns to be made in the exercises, and of the forbidding of ȝoung men not admittit to the Ministrie to preach in the cheise places of the countrey; and ordaines the same to be put in executioun, under the paine of incurring the censures of the Kirk. C. & B.]

Sessio 4^a. 15 Maij.

The Assemblie adjoynes the Presbitrie of Kirkudbright to the Ministrie of Nithisdaill, ay and quhill ther be sick a number of kirks plantit within the saids bounds as may constitute a lausull Presbytrie among themselves.

The Assemblie ordaines the Commissioners to recommend vnto his Majestie the provision of competent livings to the saids kirks; and nominates Mrs Johne M^cBirney, George Greir, and William Airthur, to be plantit therat.

Anent the questioun referrit fra the Presbytrie of Couper to this present Assemblie, concerning the cause persewit be the said Presbytrie aganis Elizabeth Pitcairne, for satisfactioun of the adulterie committit be her, and provin against her, conforme to the decreit of the forsaid Presbytrie; quho being vrgeit to satisfie the Kirk therfor, producit ane decreit of adherence obteinit against her husband befor the Commissars of Edinburgh, ordaining her husband to adhere to her, and be consequence exonering her of adulterie: The Assemblie ordaines the Presbytrie to put thair awin decreit to executioun, notwithstanding the decreit of adherence.

Anent the citatioun vsit be the Presbytrie of Couper aganis the auld Laird of Kynneir, to have ansuerit for the abusing of Mr Robert Inshaw, Minister of Kilmanie, in the solemnizating of the mariage of his dochter, and in antedating of ane testimoniall sent to Mr Henrie Balfour, Minister at Collessie: The Assemblie, in respect of the Laird of Kynneirs absence, referris the tryall of the said matter to the Presbytrie of Couper.

Sessio vltima. 16 Maij.

It being meanit be sundrie of the brethren, that ther was sundrie errours that merited to be correctit in the vulgar translatioun of the Byble, and of the Psalmes in meetter; as also that ther are sundrie prayers in the Psalme Booke quhilk wald be altered, in respect they are not convenient for the tyme: In the quhilk heids the Assemblie hes concludit as followis:

First, Anent the translatioun of the Byble: That every ane of the brethren quho hes best knowledge in the languages, imploy thair travells in sundrie parts of the vulgar translatioun in the Byble, that neids to be mendit, and to conferre the same together at the Assemblie.

Anent the translatioun of the Psalmes in meeter: It is ordainit, that the same be revisit be Mr Robert Pont, Minister at Sanct Cuthberts Kirk, and his travells to be revisit at the nixt Assemblie.

It is not thocht good, that the prayers alreadie contenit in the Psalme Booke be altered or delatit; bot if any brother wald have any vther prayers eiked, quhilk are meit for the tyme, ordaines the same first to be tryed and allowed be the Assemblie.

The Generall Assemblie, for causes and consideratiouns moving them, hes ordainit Mrs James Balfour, Walter Balcanquell, and William Watsone, to be transportit out of thair awin places of thair Ministrie in Edinburgh, and plantit in such places as the Commissioners deput be this present Assemblie think expedient: And lykewayes ordaines the said Commissioners to plant such vthers of the Ministrie in thair places in the Kirk of Edinburgh, as salbe found expedient for the advancement of the glorie of God within the same.

The Commissioners for the Towne of Edinburgh, viz. Johne Johnstoun and George Heriot, protestit in the name of the said Towne, that seeing the Generall Assemblie hes ordainit thair Ministers above namit to be transportit furth of Edinburgh, the said Towne sould be frie of thair burdein fra this tyme of thair present transportatioun; and that the said transportatioun sould not be prejudiciall to them in any tyme heirafter, bot that they might be reponit in thair awin places, quhen it sould please his Majestie and the Kirk to lyke weill therof: quhilk protestatioun his Majestie and the haill Assemblie willinglie aggreit vnto; quhervpon the said Commissiones askit instruments.

The Assemblie hes ordainit, that, in every Assemblie to be conveinit in all tyme comeing, such as sall happin to be appointit Commissioners from the Generall Assemblie to indure quhill the Assemblie nixt therafter, sall give ane accompt of thair proceidings dureing the haill tyme of thair commissioun, in the beginning of the Assemblie, befor any vther cause [or matter] be handlit; and thair proceidings to be allowit or dissallowit as the Assemblie sall think expedient.

[The generall Commissioun was renewed, as followeth. C.]

The Generall Assemblie having rypelie weyit the necessitie of the appointing Commissioners fra this present Assemblie, not only to advyse and awaite vpon such affairs as salbe for the weill and vtilitie of the Kirk of God, bot also for giving advyse to his Majestie anent the halding furth of the enemies of the samein, quhen they salbe requyrit be his Hienes therto: Therfor, the brethren conveinit in this Assemblie hes givin and grantit, lykeas, be the tenour heirof, gives and grants thair power and commissioun to thir brether, viz. Mrs Alexander Dowglas, Johne Strauchane, Peter Blackburne, George Monro, James Nicolsone, Andro Leitch, Alexander Forbes, Patrick Simsone, William Couper, Alexander Lindsay, George Glaidstanes, William Scott, Johne Caldcleugh, Robert Wilkie, David Lindsay, Robert Pont, Johne Spottiswood, Johne Hall, James Law, Johne Knox, Johne Abernethie, Johne Hay, Gawin Hamiltoun, Alexander Scrymgeour, David Barklay, and the Kings Majesties Ministers, or any nyne of them; giveand, grantand, and committand vnto them thair full power to plant such kirks in Burrow Townes as are destitute [of Pastours] in generall, and speciallie to plant the Kirk of Edinburgh, quhich is vacand be transportatioun of the Ministers therof; with power also to plant Mrs James Balfour, Walter Balcanquell, and William Watsone, Ministers transportit out of Edinburgh, with his Majesties advyce, in such convenient places as they sould find expedient for the glorie of God; with power also to transport any of the Ministrie within the realme from their awin places quher they presentlie serve, and to plant them in the said vacand places of the Kirk of Edinburgh; in the planting quherof they fall take the advyce of the Presbytrie of Edinburgh, according to the acts and statutes of the Generall Assemblie made of befor:

Attour, If it sall happin the Kings Majestie to be greivit at any of the Ministrie for quhatsoevir enormitie committit be any of them aganis his Majestie, with power to them, or any nyne of them, as said is, to try and cognosce thervpon, and to take such ordour theranent as they sall find most meit to the glorie of God and weill of his Kirk:

And, finallie, with power to them to present the greivies and petitiouns of this present Assemblie to his Majestie and Secreit Counsell, and generall Conventioun of the Estates and Parliaments, if any sall happin to be; and to crave redresse of the samein: Promitten de rato.

The Assemblie ordaines Mrs James Nicolsone, James Robertsone, Alexander Lindsay, and William Couper, to take tryall anent the vnioun of the kirk of Forgundie to the paroch of Arngosk; and if they find the samein to have bein done of auld, and [to be] commodious for the peiple, to ratifie the same.

Forsameikle as, in the Generall Assemblies haldin of before, it hes bein verie wiselie considderit, that ther hes bein nothing more profitable for advancing of the glorie of God by the preaching of the Gospell, then appoint ing of Commissioners for every schyre within this realme, whose care and diligence sould be partly to try the life, doctrine, and manner of conversatioun of the Ministrie in the bounds committit to thair visitatioun; and partly to plant the kirks quhilk as ȝet ly destitute of the comfort of the Word, be dealing with such as hes the Kirk livings in thair hands, for ane reasonable moyen to sustaine a Minister at every kirk within this realme: quhilk loveable custome this present Assemblie being myndfull to prosecute, therfor hes givin and grantit, lykas, be the tenour heirof, gives and grants thair full power and commissioun to thir brethren, [to visit the bounds particularly after specified,] viz. to Mrs Robert Pont and Robert Durie for Orknay and Ʒetland; to Mr George Glaidstanes for Cathnes and Sutherland; to Mrs Alexander Dowglas and Alexander Rawsone for Ross; to Mrs George Hay and Andro Crumbie for Murray; to Mr George Glaidstanes for Aberdein; for Angus and Merns, Mrs Robert Wilkie and James Nicolsone; for Perth and Stratherne, Mrs Thomas Dowglas and Johne Fairfull; for Fyfe, Mrs James Nicolson and Robert Howie; for Louthian, Mrs Patrick Simsone and Harie Livingstoun; for Mers and Teviotdaile, Mrs James Gibsone and Adame Colt; for Cliddisdaill, Mrs David Lindsay and Johne Spottiswood; for Irwing and Air, Mrs Gawin Hamiltoun and Andro Knox; for Anandaill, Mrs Johne Knox, Patrick Shaw; for Nithesdaile and Galloway, Mrs David Barclay, Alexander Scrymgeour, and Nathaniel Inglis: with power to them to try the brethren of the Ministrie within the bounds particularlie above designit, in thair lyfe, doctrine, qualificatioun, and conversatioun; and how they have behavit themselves twiching the rents of thair benefices, whither they have sett tacks of the same, but consent of the Generall Assemblie, or not, and so dilapidat the same; to depose such as deserves depositioun; to plant Ministers in such places as hes not bein plantit heirtosoir: and to that effect to deale with the taksmen of every paroch kirk for provisioun of ane Minister to thair kirks; and to report to the nixt Generall Assemblie ane ansuer of the taksmen in write, containing the planting of the kirks quherof they possesse the teinds; and to report thair diligence to the nixt Assemblie: Promitten de rato.

[About the end of the Assembly, the King discoursed upon the duty of good Kings, in making and executing good lawes; confessed his own negligence, craved Gods mercy, vowed solemnly, holding up his hands, to execute justice faithfully, to defend religion, to discredit all such as, in tymes coming, shall press to hinder him in the execution of justice, or attempt any thing to the prejudice of religion; and desired all that were present to vow to assist him to that effect; which they did. Many were moved to tears.

Mr Hall desired the brethren to give his Majestie a meeting be entertaining a good estimation of him in the hearts of the people; which he defired them to vow, be holding up their hands. And this, indeed, was the thing that was aimed at be his vowes, and protestations, viz. to winne the hearts of his subjects, which were alienated in a great measure from him, for sundrie causes.

It was desired lykewise, that this mutual covenant should be intimat to the people the next Sabbath. C.]

The nixt Assemblie is appointed to be haldin at Sanct Androes, the last Tuesday of Julij, the ȝeir of God 1602 ȝeirs.

[Upon the Lords day, the 24 of May, Mr John Davidson was charged to compear before the Counsell upon the 26 of May. The King sent a letter to the Counsell to cause him be warded in the Castle of Edinburgh, in any case whatsoever.

He compeared, and being urged to answer, Whither the letter that was shewed to him was his? He granted. Being removed, a charge in writt was sent forth to him, to enter in ward in the Castle of Edinburgh, before seven hours at night, under the pain of rebellion. After he had written a letter to the King, at the desire of some brethren, he went to the Castle, and entered in ward.

Upon Wednesday the 27th, Mr Patrick Galloway, Mr John Hall, Mr Peter Hewat carried his letter to the King, and brought back with them the warrant following, to transport him to his own house, there to remain till farther tryall.

Wee, be the tenor hereof, in respect of Mr John Davidson, Minister, his present disease and infirmity, transport his ward, from our Castle of Edinburgh, to his own lodging in Prestounpannes; and ordaines, that he shall not pass forth at the door of the same to any other part, but to his own yard adjacent therto, till he be farther tryed in that matter, for which he is challenged, under the pain of disobedience. Be these presents, subscribed with our hand, at Dalkeith the 27th of May 1601.
REX.

Mr Davidson wrote a letter to the King at the desire of his moyeners, alledging it was the Kings mynd.

Grace and peace.
Understanding be the brethren of your Majesties gentle acceptation of my rude letter, and that your Majesties will was, that by writt I should supply conference by presence, for declaration of my purpose in that letter to the General Assembly, and of my dutiful mind and sincere affection toward your Majestie in the same, I have most willingly acquiesced to your Majesties will and pleasure theranent; protesting in the entry, without flatterie, or fear what your Majestie can doe to me, for freedom of speech in truth, according to my calling, that your Majesties salvation, and welfare in soul and body is most dear to me; and that of purpose I would not minister occasion of anger or grief unto your Majestie, by thought or deed, by word or writt, for all the good in this world: for we should make conscience of this matter, as the Apostle teaches. And full sorie am I, if I might amend it, for the manyfold grieves that your Majestie has, from tyme to tyme, in that weighty charge, that no flesh can be privie to, but yourself; which, I am affraid, shall make many mourn, that now take little true thought, or care of the matter, when they may not amend it; whereof as I have the testimony of conscience, so my continual and hearty prayers to God, publick and privat, for your Majesties long, prosperous, and happy standing in the fear of God, will witness the same to the world, in despite of devil, and man; yea, I am of that mind, that God shall once move your Majesties heart to acknowledge, that, according to my rank and mean gifts, I have been a faithful subject to your Majestie, and a true servant of God, before ye goe out of this world, notwithstanding all the misconstruing of my good meaning, saying, and doing toward your Majestie, by misreports; for, otherwise, very small is the occasion that ever yet your Majestie had to try my loyalty and sincere affection by any familiar proof. True it is indead, that partly my plainness, and partly conscience in my calling to condemne sin and iniquity in all persons, (whereunto naturally all flesh is subject) moves your Majestie now and then to have my manner of dealing in some jealousie, which otherwise, no doubt, is most wholesome for all men, and namely for persons in high estate, whom oft tymes flatterie has brought to ruine, as histories of all sorts and daily experience doe declare.

Now as touching that letter: The drift and end thereof (wherunto the whole letter is to be referred) is to move the Assembly, to whom it is directed, to discharge their ecclesiastical office to the uttermost for repressing and removing of idolatrie, which now so manisestly begines to sett out the head in this land. The whole discourse of the letter serveth as an amplification of arguments to this purpose, by certain interrogatours, and proleptick answers to tacit objections, that some Ministers might make to the contrair; and in end, if any of them will yet be hinderers hereof, that the Kirk esteem and use them as enemies, and schismaticks; of which my meaning, my speeches in the last Synodal of Lothian, in Tranent, had to Mr David Lindsay in particular, in name of the rest of the Commissioners, (then all but he absent) may be a most plain commentary, where, in effect, I had the same words, that are in the end of that letter, touching egregium bellum &c. as Nazianzen useth the same in the Greek tongue, in the lyke case; whereof, with much more spoken to that effect, in most plain terms, let the quhole Assembly bear witness. And I am perswaded, that Mr David himself, being demanded of the truth hereof be your Majestie, shall not deny it.

And so the whole speeches of that letter, in my intent and purpose, are properly to the Assemblie, and of their duties to assist your Majestie, according to their callings, effaldly and zealously to the rooting out of idolaters and idolatrie, not be way of blood, for I mean not so, except they offer violence to your Majestie, (which God forbid) but by execution, otherwise, of good laws made thereanent, for their departing forth of the land, for avoiding of trouble of the Kirk, and common weal, and otherways wilfully polluting the land, the law of God, and laws of the realme may strike upon the obstinat rebellers of what rank soever they be.

The cause why I subscribed not the letter was only, lest the baseness of the person might bring any prejudice to the cause in hand, as some tyme, in lyke cases, cometh to pass, as we read in Plutarch De cult. Institut. of one Demosthenes in these words translated in Latine. Lacedemone vero Demosthenes quidam in Senatu autor sententiae fuit satis salutaris, et rei de qua agebatur satis idoneae, ad quam repudiandam, pro dignitate authoris, visus eft Senatus propensior &c.

Thus candide and truely I have exponed my meaning in this case, beseeking your Majestie benevolently to accept thereof, and, according to your promise made in the Assembly to the great comfort of all the godly in Scotland, and answering in a manner to the contents and requiest of my letter, couragiously to goe forward in prosecuting the same, as your Hienes has begunne better, both touching administration of justice, and mislyking of the adversaries, and their course, nor wee of the Ministry in our callings, and other estates in theirs, have yet assisted, and concurred with your Majestie to that effect.

And so, for my own part, ready to satisfy farther at your Majesties pleasure, I will continue my earnest and hearty prayers to God, for your Majesties long and prosperous reigne amongst us; for I desire never to see another King of Scotland with mine eyes. I speak it truly, from my heart, whereof, what I spake publickly, at the last foresaid Synodal, exhorting all the brethren never to forget your Majestie in their publick nor private prayers, which was most gladely accepted of them all, let all that then were present bear witness.

And so craving pardon for my long and ill scribled letter through my weakness, I take my leave of your Majestie, expecting your Majesties loving answer, with a warrant in writt, for restoring me to my wonted liberty, by this poor bearer, my wife.
From my house at Saltprestoun, the penult of May 1601.
Your Majesties most humble subject in the Lord, and presently warder within my own house, at your Majesties ordinance and command,
MR JOHN DAVIDSON.

Upon Munday the first of June, he received some farther relief, to wit, to exercise his calling in all the bounds of his parish, not that the King was content with his letter; but only, as he said himself, for slanders sake, and giving offence to the people. The copie of the Kings warrant followeth.

Wee, be the tenor hereof, doe dispense with Mr John Davidson, Minister at Prestoun, to pass, and to teach at his ordinary kirk, to visit the sick, and to doe whatsoever belongs to his function, in quiet manner, within his own parish, so that he transcend not the bounds thereof, but use this our dispensation during our will allenarly; notwithstanding of the command to keip waird within his own lodgings, and yard, wherewith wee dispense, he keeping himself quiet within the bounds foresaid. Be this present subscribed by our hand, at Dalkeith the last of May 1601.
JAMES REX.

Upon the penult of May, the Erle of Marr, and the Abbot of Kinloss, Ambassadors, returned to Scotland. The proceedings betwixt them and Mr Robert Bruce sent for be them to come to England, may be gathered out of the letter, which Mr Robert sent to his wife, the 5 of June. The copy whereof here followes.

My Heart, I received your letters the last Thursday at night, one dated on the third of June, the other dated on the second, whereby I understand, that ye are desireous to know the particulars how far I have condescended.

Ere I come to the particular itself, at my first entrie to the Ambassader, wherein I was crossed very industruously (judaslie ?) be Mr Andrew Lamb, suppose I covered it, I showed my Lord of Kinloss what I was content to doe, and not content to doe. I was content, seeing that the Parliament, which is the great Assise of the country, had found and tryed these persons to be guilty, and that upon their conscience, and so the civil tryal had gone before me, I was content to find myself satisfied to rest there, and to speak nothing to the contrair: for it becomes a subject to reverence the law of the countrie, namely, where he knowes nothing certainly to the contrary; and this is not only my judgement, but the judgement of the whole honest brethren of this countrey. When I was at London, they shewed me, that they were urged touching Essex, as I was urged touching Gowrie. And as they were content to reverence the law, to trust and rest satisfied touching the tryal of that great Assise, that past against Essex; so am I content to content me, for the present, with that tryal that past against Gowrie. And as they were not content to publish Essex his treason from the pulpit, from their own knowledge, and from their own persuasion; no more was I content, but resused to publish it, from my knowledge, and from my perswasion: for as to me, I was never perswaded of it, and showed my Lord of Kinloss, and my Lord of Marr, that it was not possible to any man to be fully perswaded, or take on their conscience, but so many as saw and heard. And, at the first, both the Lords said, that they would not urge me, neither with my conscience, nor with a full perswasion, nor with preaching neither; and to trust and reverence the law, I was well content, as becomes a subject.

With that they were content at the entry, and continued content a long tyme, till near the end. A little before their away going, they began to cast at my hand; and my Lord Kinlosse be name (many ?) shew me plainly, that the King would not stand content with my distinction. I behoved, either to find myself fully perswaded, and resolved to preach it, or else there was no liberty for me.

Then I began to find fault, that they were once content and satisfied with my answer, as I had written both to France and Scotland: and now since they had drawen such service out of me, as indead was very steddable to the cause, they cast at my hand, and keeped not touches to me, and sought of me things impossible, yea, the very perswasion, that I could not get to the articles of my own belief, that they craved of me in so doubtsome a matter. What? sayes my Lord, Are ye not fully perswaded of the articles of your belief? Not, my Lord, said I, as I should be. If ye and I both were fully perswaded, that there were an hell, wee would doe otherways, than wee doe. And so, after many sharp and spitefull taunts, and speeches, both publickly and privatly, wee dismissed our conference; so that I looked for nothing, but extremity.

I durst not byde from my Lords table for suspicion; and when I was at it, I know myself, if I was grieved, or not. I found, indead, great courtesy be some of the servants, namely, of Mr John Archbald, but, indeed, otherwayes I found myself not in my own element. There were certain honest men waiting on, that would sain have convoyed me homeward. They urged me to spear, and to know, when it should be leasome for me to goe; but they would tell me nothing, neither whether I should goe backward or foreward, home or afield; and to terrifie me the more, they would not have yow to come to me in English ground. I boor with all this, as I might. I took Mr Andrew Lamb, and one Montgomerie, a Scotishman also, who uttered his mind clearly to me, and oft tymes upbraided me, to fee if they could draw speeches out of me; but I thank God, suppose it was not without a battell, I suffered their persecution. So I continued a long tyme, and still haunted my Lords house notwithstanding, while it came to the point of their away going.

Upon the point of their away going, they took up themselves. And, first, Mr Edward sends for me. And I and he entered in conference, and he shewed me, that he trowed, that preaching should not be sought of me, in respect it was not needfull; because the matter was already buried: and as to my perswasion, they should make no mention of the fulness of it; they should only hold them in general, that I was content, and resolved to trust and reverence the tryal that was already tane in the Parliament. Hold yow in the general, say I, move no particulars to me, and I shall move none to yow; so he dismissed me, only said this, My Lord will speak with yow himself the morne. Quhat needs that, said I, can ye not say all that he can speak? for I have no will, that my Lord and I should cross other. Sayes he, ye may hold yow on the general, as ye have spoken to me; for that is one, my Lord will speak with yow. Well, since it can be no bet ter, I shall make me for it. So upon the morn, which was the very day that he went away upon, my Lord sent for me, and I came to his Lordship.

And so to be short, My Lord beginnes, I thought meet, Mr Robert, sayes he, to hear out of your own mouth, how ye are yet resolved touching this matter; for I must make my report thereof to this Majestie. My Lord, say I, your Lordship knowes, that his Majestie, in the Castle of Stirline before the Counsell, urged me with a full resolution: for suppose I said to his Majestie, as your Lordship remembers, that I was in the way of resolution; and if Andrew Henderson died constantly with this deposition I should find myself also fully resolved: but his Majestie chapped ay on that word fully, and because I was not fully; therefore he banished me. Wheresore, if your Lordship stand upon such terms as to crave a full perswasion or resolution of me, I have that same answer to give. So my Lord answers me, We will not trouble yow with that, neither with conference, neither with a full perswasion or resolution; but answer me, sayes he, to this only, Whether are ye resolved to trust it, or not? I shall answer your Lordship directly, said I, in respect of the civil tryal that is already past in the Parliament, I think it becomes me, and I am already resolved to trust it, and reverence it. That is enough, said he, now that satisfieth me, I shall once put yow and the King together, and ye shall dress out the rest of it among yow; so we agreed fully in terms.

But Mr Edward and I entered after what my Lord should mean by yon words, to put me and the King together. He means, said Mr Edward, that he will make yow once a Scotish man, and then let the Kirk and yow just out for the rest of it. Yea, but my Lord, said I, that is not enough, for that is but the beginning of a plea; for his Majestie may press me with giving in of my bill, and preaching of it, as he did the rest; and, if I refuse, put me in a straiter ward, and trouble me worse, nor I am: Therefore, I pray you, betray me not, but deal faithfully with me. Sayes he, The worst that shall be, shall be banishment again. Yea, but, my Lord, said I, I have no will to come in that hazard; for if ye banish me again, ye will not let me look here away.

So, my Heart, howsoever they gave me fair words after this, and said, they should warrant, it should never come to this; yet assure yow, I fear them greatly; for it was in the mouth of many of their servants, as I tryed, what satisfaction the King could get for my obstinacy, if I preached it not, and come to a publick consession, as well as the rest. Mrs Bowes spake with my Lord of Marr, even in the by going, when I was at Esk, and requiested his Lordship for me, and shewed, that it was not reasonable that I should be urged to preach it; yet he gave so cold an answer to that, that she had no good hope of it. Therefore, I pray thee be wife; and if they will assure thee, that the King is satisfied, as they are satisfied with this general, and that there is no farther to be laid to my charge, I will come in, and verifie to his Majestie the thing that I have spoken. But if they say only, that they will bring us together, and let the Kirk and us agree amongst ourselves, I count not that a benefit; let me stand where I am.

Take no warrant that way; for I had rather yet be banished England and Scotland be his Grace, ere they were able to staine the glory of my Ministrie; for this has been my petition to God, ever since I came out of France, and I took the sacrament of the Lords body in France upon the same condition, that the Lord Jesus should lead me safely out of this temptation, without impairing of my union with him, without the hurt of the peace of my oun conscience, and without the loss of the credit of my holy ministrie in the hearts of his dear children. The Lord encrease my faith to look for this, for I desire not my country otherwise.

So ye have both the general, and particular, and all that was done be me, so far as I can remember. If they will speak otherwise, God will judge lyars in his own tyme. Therefore, advise with God, what ye may doe; for, I thank God, it is the weale of his work in me, that I respect above my own pleasure: for if ye can try that they mean not sincerely, the sooner that ye come to me, it is the better, that while wee have this licence, I may denude myself of such things as I may put safely off my hands in the persons of my children. So the Lord give us both an holy wisdom, and holy hearts to God, and in God to other.

I have no cause, neither to try, nor to distrust of Gods providence, wherefore I should chuse iniquity before affliction: Therefore the Lord establish my heart be multiplying of his powerfull Spirit upon me, that I may dwell with him, and in him for ever. I commend yow and your children to the Word of his grace.
Off Berwick, the 5 of this instant of June.
Your loving husband, not wearie, I assure you, of the Lords cross, but wearie of the treacherous flatterie of men.

Mr Archibald Oswald, Minister at Pentcaithland, having visited Mr Robert at Berwick, reported to friends, that Mr Robert remained still of the same judgement he was of before, save that he would acquiesce in the sentence of the Parliament; and that he had sustained great assaults with the good brethren at London, namely, Mr Philips misinformed be Mr Andrew Lamb, who accompanied the Ambassaders.

Upon the 19 of June, the Kings birth day, Mr Walter Balcanquall reentred to the exercise of his Ministrie in Edinburgh.

About the end of this month, Mr Patrick Galloway was removed from Court at the Queens instance.

At this tyme, the King promised to Mr John Hall, that the book called "A declaration of the Kings mind toward the Catholicks," should never be set forth.

The syst day of August was solemnly keeped in Edinburgh be appointment of King and Counsell, with preaching before noon, and after noon, for the thankfull remembrance of the Kings delivery that day.

Upon the 25 of September, Mr Peter Hewat, one of the Ministers of Edinburgh, went to Berwick, with the Kings letter, and licence to Mr Robert Bruce to return home. But the letter injoyned him to send first his resolution in writt, that the act standing against him might be delete. Mr Robert desired to hear from his Majestie, that he was satisfied with his letter, and that he would be no farther urged.

Mr Peter returneth, and went again with an answer out of his Majesties oun mouth, That he was satisfied with his resolution. Yet Mr Robert was jealous, and stayed long in Berwick till he tryed the soundness of the Kings mind, while Mr Patrick Symson, Minister at Stirline, assured him be letter, that he might boldly come home; for there would be no farther craved in that matter.

Mr Patrick writes to Mr Robert this letter following.

Right honourable and loving brother in Christ, I have waited this long tyme for some certainty in your affairs, and I was very spairing to write before I knew what to write. Now it has pleased the Lord to bring your turne to some end; for my Lord of Marr, after long travells, obtained a licence for you, to returne to your own native countrey, to travell in any part thereof, to doe your leasome business, only Edinburgh excepted with some myles thereabout; together with a dispensation with the act of Counsell, made anent your inhibition to preach in any part of this country; which part of the act also the whole Generall Assembly conveened at Bruntiland found sault with: and the Kings Majestie promised, that that part of the act should be delated. Alwise, Sir, after this licence was obtained, it pleased his Majestie to pass another, which is already sent unto yow. Yet, least ye should be in any doubt of my Lord of Marrs part, I will assure you, first, that my Lord of Marr made the chief travells to obtain it; next, that be obtained the first licence, only a blank was left into it, containing the number of myles about Edinburgh, where his Majestie would not have yow to repair. Before this blank was filled, another licence was past, and sent to you.

I have spoken my Lord in your turne, who is not grieved, that any other person have the name and honour of the travels that his Lordship has tane, only he is glad of your returning; and if ye please to have ex abundanti the licence his Lordship obtained, ye shall have it, together with his Lordships own letter, wherein I doubt not, but ye shall perceive, that he is minded to procure all friendship unto yow, at his Majesties hands, that lies in his power. My Lord hes been plain with me, that, for the present, the King cannot be moved to agree, that ye should return to Edinburgh. Alwise, brother, the heart of the King is as a boat upon the waters, and the Lord stireth the rudder of it, as his Majestie pleases: Therefore, Sir, this present sall be to beseek yow to make no delay of your returning, to the end wee may enjoy the benefit of your presence and Ministrie, if it please the Lord, which strangers have enjoyed this tyme bypast. Thus remitting all other things till meeting, commends you to the protection of the Almighty.
From Stirline the 29 of September.
Yours to command in Christ,
PATRIK SIMSON.

Mr Robert desired Mr Patrick to bring with him the Erle of Marrs warrant, with the advice of some good brethren.

Mr Patrick went to Berwick, and delivered to him a letter from the Erle of Marr, with credit, whereupon he chiefly depended, and came in the countrie. He looked to have been set at liberty within eight days, after he came; but he was commanded to keep ward within his own house in Kinnaird.

The Synod of Fife.

In the Synod of Fife holdin at Sanct Andrews, the grieves for the present corruptions entred in the Kirk, were penned, and Commissioners appointed to present them to the next Generall Assembly. The Lord opened the mouth of Mr James Melvill to speak freely.

Sir Patrick Murrey the Kings Commissioner sent Mr Robert Wilkie, Rector of the University to him, to assure him, that the King had commanded him to give his letter sent to the last Assembly to the Advocat, to libell an accusation thereupon against him, and to will him to be more calme, but to no purpose.

Sir Patrick reported to the King, that since Mr James sell sick he was become more sierie nor Mr Andrew. The King, hearing that he was not affraid with threats, said he was become phrentick.

Mr Henry Blyth was summoned to compear before the King and Commissioners, for finding fault in pulpit, with giving remissions for blood, and recent murder, and worse remissions also, as he termed them in general. The bruit went indead in the mean tyme, that the King had given Powre Ogilvie a remission for trafficking against the country and religion, and for counterfiting the Kings hand writt, and great feal.

Mr Henrie compearing was desired only to be wiser in tymes coming.