Appendix: 1602, Jan-July

Acts and Proceedings of the General Assemblies of the Kirk of Scotland, 1560-1618. Originally published by [s.n.], Edinburgh, 1839.

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'Appendix: 1602, Jan-July', in Acts and Proceedings of the General Assemblies of the Kirk of Scotland, 1560-1618, (Edinburgh, 1839) pp. 1098-1112. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/church-scotland-records/acts-proceedings/1560-1618/pp1098-1112 [accessed 24 March 2024]

A. D. MDCII.

The King appointed Mr Robert Bruce to come to Craigmiller to conferr with some appointed be him.

Mr Robert took Mr Patrick Simson with him to be a witness to their dealing. So upon the 15 of Januar they mett at Craigmiller. They propounded three things to him, That he would approve the book set out upon Gowries conspiracy; That he would purge the King in such places as the King should appoint him to preach in; That he would crave the Kings pardon for his long mistrust and disobedience. All the three were refused be Mr Robert.

After long conference, they gave him some articles and instructions in writt, and craved his answer in writt. The tenor whereof followeth.

Instructions for his Majesties Commissioners directed to Mr Robert Bruce.

Whether if he be throughly resolved now of the forme and manner of that treasonable attempt committed against his Majesty at Perth, and specialy of his Majesties honest mind, intention, and miraculous deliverance; and of Gowrie and of his brothers vile and bloody conspiracie, intended to the taking away of his Majesties life, as it is particularly sett down in the printed book, and acts thereanent, or not; as his doubting of that turne has been the principal cause of the doubt of many, and of his Hienes slander in that point: And if he be willing to utter in pulpit, in such places as shall be appointed, his resolution therein, according to the forme of the said articles, als clearly as any his Majesties good subjects have done; craving pardon, and excusing his long incredulity, and the slander ariseing thereupon; and wishing the people that any wife doubted thereof, as they were ever ready to conceive doubts upon unjust grounds, only moved be his exemple, so now to be content, be his means, rightly to be resolved thereof.
Sic Subscribitur,
JAMES R.

Mr Robert Bruce his answer to his Majesties instructions delivered to him be his Majesties Commissioners, who were sent for that effect.

Seeing his Majesties Commissioners have required me to give my answers in writt unto certain articles given to them under the name of instructions, I answer plainly, that as touching the matter, whereupon these instructions are past, I have already satisfied, first, his Majesties Ambassader, as was appointed me, whose satisfaction unto me was his Majesties satisfaction: Next, when his Majestie craved my resolution in writt be Mr Peter Hewat, who was sent to me for that effect, I gave my resolution in writt. And suppose that Mr Peter Hewat then brought me a warrant to come home; yet in respect his Majesties letter, directed at that same tyme to me be Mr Peter, commanded me not to repair within his Majesties realme, while his Majestie had first found satisfaction by my writt, I did sua, and stayed, till Mr Peter, who was his Majesties mouth to me, plainly testified by his own writt, that his Majestie was satisfied; yea, I stayed long after, and all to be certified of his Majesties satisfaction; and found, so far as I could learn be all men, that his Majestie would never put me to farther trouble touching that matter. So I cannot but marvell greatly, whereupon these articles should grow.

These men who put me to this business, doubtless invye my peace, and are no wayes wearied of my long banishment; yet I will look, that a christian duty shall be keeped to me, that the faith, that is given me, both by word and writt, shall not be violated. And if these bands cannot bind Christians, What shall I say? I have a body, and some goods, let his Majestie use these, as God shall direct him: But as to my inward peace, I would pray his Majestie in all humility to suffer me to keep it, as God of his mercy shall enable me; for I am of that mind, that no good subject has gone farther than I have gone: and, therefore, if my well were sought, the thing that I have said, behoved to give satisfaction to any rational man. This far for answer to his Majesties Commissioners.

The Second answer is perempture to the Articles, and not dilatour, as the first was.

Suppose this be my answer to yow, brethren, who are his Majesties Commissioners, (for it becomes me with yow to stand upon my right and lawfull defence) yet lest this manner of doing should appear only a tergiversation in me, I answer to the substance of both the articles directly.

And, first, whereas it is said, that I am the principal cause, and, consequently, the principal author of his Majesties slander: This is a very heavy imputation, I grant, and if any of my actions could produce this effect, as a proper effect flowing immediatly from them, surely, be all laws, I behoved to merit great punishment. But how is this proved, I pray yow? Because I doubted? I doubted, I grant, but not simply; for, as his Majesties subject, I never refused to doe the duty of a subject; but as the mouth of God to utter in pulpit, under the authority of my calling, here I behoved to stand, till I got very good light: for I am commanded to speak there from the Word, and from my oun perswasion; to speak as the oracles of God, and to doe nothing with a doubting conscience: so my deed cannot produce this, as a proper effect. Yea, how should it be my deed, seeing it was never in my mind? yea, the very flat contrarie, if I had known guiltiness, as I knew not; yet notwithstanding, to have procured his Majesties peace, both inward and outward, be all humble and loving duties that lay in my power. So seeing God, and my conscience speaks for me, and clears me of that imputation, I regard the slander the less; because he is only allowed, whom God commends: And I had rather give my life, ere it could be made out be any necessary consequence in the world. But will ye suffer me to tell yow the truth, what was the great and principall cause of the people doubting? The strait trying (urging?) of the Ministrie, the variety of reports, and the spairing of Henderson. These are the true causes, so far as I can gather. I had been very malicious, if that mind had been in me; for I would have been very loath, that any should have dealt so with myself.

Now, next, as touching my preaching: I had never a calling of God, as yet, to any place in this land, save to Edinburgh. There I found his Majesties blessing in some measure. Place me there, where God placed me, and I shall teach as fruitfull and wholesome doctrine to the honour of the Magistrat, as God shall give me grace; but to goe through the country, and make proclamations here and there, it will be counted either a beastly fear, or a beastly flatterie in me. And in so doing, I should not exeem doubts neither, but raise greater; doe no good to the cause, but great harm: for the people look not to words, but to grounds. And, as to myself, I will ever be a partial and spairing blazer of my own infirmities; others will be far better heralds of my ignominy, than myself. My incredulity has turned already to my paines.

And if it were leasome to ask, I wold gladely know these good subjects, that say, They have uttered this forme of article from the pulpit, as it is touched here. I would with they would put their hands to it, that we might trust them; for write is the surest and most diuturnal testimony: otherwayes, they who speak so, and make his Majestie believe they doe, but abuse his Majestie with words, and mask a feigned heart with the vail of fairded language, thinking thereby to devolve the whole weight of the former imputation upon me; but God in his own tyme, I doubt not, shall clear me of it. And I beseech the true and living God to teach me the art of right and dutifull obedience, and from my heart to render all the humble and submissive duties, that an obedient subject ought to render to his Prince, and to make me faithfull, and upright to the end to him that called me.

The Commissioners of the Generall Assembly wrote this letter following to the Presbytrie of Sanct Andrews, the 20 of Januar. The letter was dyted by Mr George Gladestanes, general, and officious, more to purchase credit to the King and themselves, than out of fear of any danger apprehended be them; yet, as Mr Andrew Melvill noted upon the back of the letter, they would cry, Hannibal ad portas.

To the right worshipfull brethren, the Presbytrie of Sanct Andrews, Grace and peace from God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Right worshipfull brethren, The manyfold arguments of the fearfull judgements of God, so evidently approaching, and tending to the troubling, as well of religion, as of the estate of this country, makes us to requiest yow most effectiously, as ye tender the Gospel, the good of the estate of the countrie, and your own quietness, and as ye will answer to the Lord upon your fidelity in the administration of his kingdom, that ye stirr up your graces to a zealous, wife, and faithfull diligence in your calling, according to the necessity of the tyme, that, be your labours, and good exemple, the people may be brought to seek the Lord with unfained repentance: for this wee certifie yow, the chief hope of this care, so far as we can perceive, will stand only in our tears, and earnest prayers; and neglect no ordinary mean, whereby your travels and credit may serve to strengthen the cause.

Deal with all noblemen, barons, and other chief men within your bounds, that they may apprehend the danger imminent to religion, the liberty of the countrey, and their own particular estate, if the saction of the Spainard prevail in this isle. Perswade them of the Kings honest mind, and stedfast resolution, to hazard his estate, life, and crown, in the cause of religion; with the standing and salling whereof, he acknoweledges his standing and falling to be inseparably conjoyned. Assure them also of his Majesties foreward resolution to execute justice against all sorts of malefactors, horners, and rebells of all estates.

Mark carefully the actions of all men, specialy such as, either for religion, or mislyking of the present government, or for necessity of their own estate, are inclined to novations, and troubling of the Kings estate; and that ye see in any kind of extraordinary business by their custome; and make the Kings Ministers advertised thereof; and cease not, in the mean tyme, to bring them to a quieter mind: and be not slow to make all such intelligence as ye can, that be ordinary means, so far as is possible, the dangers may be prevented. For this effect, in all your ordinary meetings at Presbytries, inquire among yourselves particulary, what every man knowes in the premisses, and take order for sending word thereanent to the Kings Ministers; as ye shall, God willing, be more specially acquainted with the particulars that shall happen to fall out here, as far as may be divulgat without great danger.

We beseek yow, brethren, take not these advertisements so carelessly as in tymes past; for the state of things goes harder, then thart wee should neglect them. The Lord give yow wisdom, and bless your labours.
From Halyrudhouse, the 20 day of Januar 1602.

Be your brethren and fellow labourers, the Commissioners of the General Assembly, David Lindsey, Mr John Hall, Mr Andrew Lamb, Mr Robert Pont, Mr John Knox, Mr John Abernethy, Mr Patrick Galloway.

Notwithstanding of this fair shew, the inhabitants of Dumfreis accused for going to messe, in the beginning of the same month, were for the most part suffered to return home without punishment, after many mirrie mowes past, becaus, as was alledged, they would not swear to their own turpitude; though, not long before, one of the Pokileis gentlemen was executed upon his own oath for other matters; and, not long after, in the month of March, Maxwell was wairded for the fashion and some others: but the Papists were not much moved with the matter. Mr John Hammilton, the apostat, taught in Maxwels galrie publickly, a little before, upon Luke 9. 58. The foxes haue holes, and the birdes of the heauen nests, but the Sonne of man hath not whereon to lay his head.

In the beginning of Aprile, the Erle of Marr directed a letter to Mr Robert Bruce, at the Kings direction, to come to Brechin with diligence. Immediatly before the receit of the letter, he was exercised in prayer with shedding of tears.

When he came to Brechin, as soon as the King saw him, he raise, and came foreward to the place where he stood, and looked, as appeared to Mr Robert, very lovingly. He caused void the house, none remaining, but the King and Mr Robert. The King asked, if he was resolved. He answered, Yes. He asked, next, what moved him. Mr Robert answered, Sundrie things, namely, my Lord of Marre his deep swearing; for I thought, said he, that a christian of his quality should not manswear himself, for all the geir in the world. How could he swear, said the King, he neither saw, nor heard. I cannot tell yow that, Sir, said Mr Robert, but indead he swore very deeply. The King wold understand what was the forme of the oath; which he repeated to him. What was the cause then, said the King, ye would not trust me? Sir, said Mr Robert, your Majestie took no paines to informe. I sent, said the King, Sir Thomas Areskine to yow. As for Sir Thomas Areskine, said Mr Robert, I trusted him in a part; but there were other things that I thought hard. What was that, said the King? That part, which concerned the Master of Gowrie, and your Majestie, said Mr Robert. Doubt ye of that, said the King? then ye could not but count me a murtherer. It followes not, if it please yow, Sir, said Mr Robert, for ye might have some secret cause. The King deduced the whole tragedie from the beginning. Mr Robert uttered his doubt, where he found occasion. The King heard him gently, and with a constant countenance, which Mr Robert admired.

At last, the King urgeth him to preach the articles, which were sent to him. Mr Robert answered, He had given his answer already to these articles, and had offered to the Ambassaders that which all men thought satis faction, yea, more than preaching. What is that, said the King? That I will subscribe my resolution, said Mr Robert. Trust ye it, said the King? Yes, Sir, said Mr Robert. If ye trust it, why may ye not preach it, said the King? I shall tell yow, Sir, said Mr Robert. I give it but a doubtsome trust: for I learne this out of Bernard, in doubtsome things to give an undoubted trust, is temerity; and in undoubted things to give a doubtsome trust, is infirmity. But this is undoubted, said the King. Then bear with my infirmity, said Mr Robert. But ye say, it is more than preaching, said the King. Sir, I ought to preach nothing, but the Word of God, said Mr Robert. Obedience to Princes, suppose they were wicked, is in the Word of God, said the King. I durst lay a waiger, there is no express Word of King James the sixth in the Scripture. Yes, said Mr Robert, if there be a King, there is word for yow also. The whole Kirk has done it already, said the King, ye must not be singular. Sundrie have not done it, said Mr Robert. Shew me one, said the King? Your Majestie must bear with me, said Mr Robert; for it were against the rule of charity to harme my brethren.

He desired the King to conveen the Ministry to see what they would injoine him to doe. That needs not, said the King, none darr, or will refuse, but ye; and, therefore, ye are the sole and only ground of my slander. Mr Robert, to clear him of this imputation, said, I have offered to subscribe my resolution in what language your Majestie pleaseth, which none have done, but I; and this is a diuturnal and constant testimonie. Where is your resolution, said the King? I sent it in writt to your Majestie, said Mr Robert. That which ye sent was to general, said the King, But what fault find ye in my articles? I cannot remember all; but one thing I remember, said Mr Robert, ye would have me to resolve according to your book, And who can do that? There is never a false word in that book, said the King. Yes, Sir, there are sundrie. Well then, said the King, wee shall put out that clause out of the article. What other fault find ye? I cannot remember now, said Mr Robert. Have ye not the articles, said the King? I gave them to Sir Patrick Murrey, said Mr Robert. I am sure, said the King, ye have keeped the copie.

Mr Robert, perceiving the King drift was to urge him with farther, thought it not expedient to produce the copy. Well, said the King, stay here, till Sir Patrick come. Yet, after supper, Mr Robert got licence to returne home, till the next advertisment.

Sundrie other things past betwixt the King and him in conference, as namely, Mr Robert desired, that he and others of the Ministrie be not urged to hurt their consciences; and that his Majestie would not think that honest men would sell their souls, howbeit their bodies and geir shall be at his command. I understand not what ye mean, said the King, be the selling of your souls; but I sall gar the best of you say, and gainsay. That may be, Sir, said Mr Robert, and that yet they say not against conscience. Ye shall not find the like in me, said the King, my saying shall be alwise one. It setteth not to compare with your Majestie, said Mr Robert.

He prayed in heart all the tyme thus, O Lord, keep my heart unto thee, and save me from the danger that this traitorous and false heart is lyke to cast me into.

Mr John Davidson being informed that the King had granted, at the Commissioners requiest, to give releife, in case he would suit for it, wrote this letter following upon the 22 of June, to be sent to the King, who was, for the tyme, at Sanct Johnstoun, with a number of the Nobility and Commissioners of the Kirk.

Grace and peace, with a long and prosperous government. Amen.

Sir, As it was your Majesties will more than a year since, that by warding I should be restrained of my wonted liberty, till your Majesties mind should be known to the contrarie; so, in all submission and reverence, I have obeyed the same to this hour, (although to the great impairing of my health, and hinderance of the things of this life;) wherefore, this is most humbly to crave of your Majestie, that it may please your Majestie to restore me now again to my wonted liberty of a free subject of your realm, to doe my lawfull affaires, as occasion shall serve, which, by all appearance, I am not long to enjoy, if God prosecute his intended summonds of removing to a far better freedom, wherewith daily in a manner I beginne to be charged. And your Majesties loving answer in writt for my warrant most humbly beseeks.
From my warding place at Salt Prestoun, the 22 of June 1602.

Your Majesties most humble and loving subject, testified in the sight of God and man, by his continual publick, domestic, and privat prayers. John Davidson, Christs Minister at Salt Preston.

The King perceived, that there was no confession of a fault. When Mr John Hall, who seemed to be a friend to Mr John Davidson, would have extenuated the fault, the King said, I am gentle, and courteous, but not a leper. So Mr Davidson was disappointed.

Mr Robert Bruce, after his conference with the King at Brechin, was confined in the parish, where he had his dwelling place, and suffered to preach no where else. He received a letter from the King to come to him to Perth, the 24 of June.

When he came, and entred the Kings chamber, no other was suffered to enter, but Sir Patrick Murrey. The King asked where the articles were. Mr Robert answered, that he had redelivered them to Sir Patrick Murrey. Sir Patrick produced them.

After they were read, the King asked, if he was willing to preach according to these articles. Not, Sir, said Mr Robert, if it please yow. Why, sayes the King? Because my preaching is the matter of my instructions, and commission. No Prince hath power to give instructions to another Princes Ambassader: I am the Son of Gods Ambassader, and Preacher.

But, said Mr David Lindsey, ye offered to preach to that effect before ye went out of the countrey. Whereupon Sir Patrick produced Mr Roberts letter, which was read in the audience of the King and Commissioners. Well, said Mr Robert, ye refused this offer; so I am not bound to it. Will ye goe from the thing ye have offered, say they? Well, said Mr Robert, will this letter satisfy you; shall I be no farther urged, in case we condescend to this letter ? Nay, quoth the King, ye may say all this, and not be resolved. Say truely, was ye resolved at that tyme, or not? Not indead, said Mr Robert. How say ye then, that ye will give thanks for my deliverance that day, said the King? Yes, Sir, said Mr Robert, I have cause to give thanks for your preservation, suppose ye had cast yourself in danger. I told yow that, quoth the King, ye see what he meant. Are ye now resolved ? Yes, Sir, said he. That is but the duty of a subject, when ye have done, said the King. Are ye resolved to preach ? I am discharged to preach the pleasures of men, said Mr Robert. Place me where God placed me, and I shall teach fruitfull doctrine, as God shall give me grace. But we have not had that custom to be injoyned to preach, nor I dar not promise to keep that injunction; it lies not in my hand to make a promise; I know not certainly what God will suffer me to speak, I may stand dumb: Therefore, Sir, leave me free, and when I shall find myself to be moved be Gods Spirit, and to have the warrant of his Word, I shall not fail to do it.

That is plain anabaptisme, that is a caball, and tradition, sayes the King, ye shall preach as the rest have done; or else I cannot be satisfied, ye shall goe. I pray your Majestie, said Mr Robert, set doun your disjunctive, and the one, God willing, shall be as welcome to me, as the other: I have racked certainly a peice of my heart to please your Majestie. Now seeing your Majestie cannot be satisfied, except I make shipwrack of all, let me goe in Gods name. Suppose I have some commodities, as other mean gentlemen have in your Majesties countrie; yet, Sir, I never desire to have seen your Majesties face, or your countrey either, except I had been certainly informed that your Majestie was satisfied.

What warrant had ye, who informed you, said the King? If it please yow, Sir, said Mr Robert, I had first a warrant from the mouth of both your Ambassaders, who assured me their satisfaction should be yours. I trust, saith the King, they will not say it, suppose of all this new kindness that is knitt up betwixt yow. Surely, Sir, said Mr Robert, I am perswaded, they will say it. And here is a brother, meaning Mr Patrick Simson, that has heard my Lord of Marr say as much.

Beside this, if it please yow, Sir, I have your Majesties warrant. What, sayes the King, my letter ? Your Majesties letter, said Mr Robert, willeth me to send in my resolution in writt, and thereupon promised to be satisfied, and so I did; and therefore I ought not to be urged any farther. My letter bears no such thing, said the King. If it beareth not, Sir, it shall turne to my own paines, said Mr Robert, I have it beside me.

The King went into his cabinet, and walked up and doun a reasonable space. In the mean tyme the Commissioners dealt with Mr Robert, almost each one after another. He wold gladely have gone out of the house; but the door was locked, so he behoved to stand, till the King came out of the cabinet.

At last, the King comes out. The Commissioners say to him, Sir, seeing it is so, that Mr Robert alledgeth such promises, ye shall leave the preaching free to his own will; but letters come to his subscription in the room thereof. Are ye content, said Mr David and the rest, to subscribe the Kings innocence, and their guiltiness? Not in these terms, answered Mr Robert.

The King urgeth him the more earnestly, and saith, I will not only have yow clearing me, but my whole company. As for your Majesties company, said Mr Robert, they have no need of my clearing, neither will they seek it. I am bound to your Majestie, and will doe all that lieth in my possibility. Then ye must subscribe my innocency, said the King. Your own conscience, Sir, can doe that best, said Mr Robert; it is very hard for me to doe it. Why is it hard, said the King? Laith was Mr Robert to answer, lest he should irritat him; but he insisted.

Then, said Mr Robert, your Majestie will not be offended, if I speak freely. Not, said the King. I was reading, said Mr Robert, upon Amandus Polanus, touching the slaughter of the magicians, whom the King of Babell commanded to slay. Amandus disputeth the question, Whether the King of Babell did well, or not. First, He saith, animi gratia, it would appear that he did well, for he had the plain Law of God for him in many places; yet he concludes against the King, that he did not well: for howsoever he had the Law, yet he looked not to the Law, nor had regard to God, nor his glory: Therefore, saith he, howsoever the Magistrat hath the sword, and may most justly execut; yet if he has nothing before his eyes, but his own particular, God, nor his glory, he is a murtherer.

Now, Sir, I pray yow, what can I, or any man say, what your Majestie had before your eyes, or what particular ye had. It is true that, saith the King; and, therefor, I will give yow leave to pose me upon the particulars.

Then, first, if it please yow, said Mr Robert, had ye a purpose to slay my Lord? As I shall answer to God, I knew not that my Lord was slaine, till I saw him in his last aganie; and was very sorrie, yea, prayed from my heart for the same.

What say ye then, concerning Mr Alexander, said Mr Robert? I grant, said the King, I am art and part of Mr Alexanders slaughter, for it was in my own defence. Why brought ye him not to justice, said Mr Robert? seeing ye should have had God before your eyes. I had neither God, nor the devil, man, before my eyes, said the King, but my own defence. Here the King began to frett. He took all these points upon his salvation, and damnation: and that he was once minded to have spared Mr Alexander; but being moved for the tyme, the motion prevailed.

Farther, Mr Robert demanded of the King, if he had a purpose that day in the morning to slay Mr Alexander? The King answered upon his salvation, that day in the morning he loved him as his brother.

Mr Robert, be reason of his oaths, thought him innocent of any purpose that day in the morning to slay them; yet becaus he confessed he had not God, nor justice, before his eyes, but was in a heat and mind to revenge, he could not be innocent before God, and had great cause to repent, and to crave mercy for Christs sake.

In end, Mr Robert yielded to subscribe his resolution, according to the act of Parliament; which he did partly, becaus, in his judgment, it was the duty of a subject to reverence the laws of the countrie, except he knew them certainly to be contrary to the Word of God:

Next, He thocht he was bound to free himself of that imputation which was laid to his charge, partly be the King himself, partly be others directed to him from the King, That come death, come life to him, come what would come of him, the whole blame should lye upon him, in respect he was the author of the slander:

Thirdly, Becaus he made a faithfull promise to him, that no more should be craved of him.

So upon these three respects he gave his resolution in writt, not that he was persuaded in his conscience, for any thing that he could learn by himself, or from Gods Spirit, after prayer, as he himself recordeth in the history of the proceeding; but, in respect there was a strait and publick law, he thought good to follow it, till God gave him farther light.

All the Commissioners, and Mr Patrick Simson, who accompanied him, subscribed as witnesses. Hereupon a warrant was granted for him to travell abroad in the countrie, providing he come not near Edinburgh be four myles.

About the end of July, Mr Andrew Melvill making the exercise upon Eph. 5. 11. (And have no fellowship with the vnfruitful works of darknes, but euen reproue them rather) touched the present corruptions of the Kirk; and namely of the Ministrie of Sanct Andrews.

They complain to the King. The King went to Sanct Andrews the July after, and commanded him to keep ward in the Colledge.

Apud Sanct Andrew, undecimo die mensis Julij, anno Domini 1602.

The Kings Majestie, for certain causes and considerations moving his Hienes, ordaines a macer, or other officer of armes, to pass, and, in his name and authority, command and charge Mr Andrew Melvill, Principal of the New Colledge of Sanct Andrews, to remaine, and containe himself in ward, within the precinct of the said Colledge, and in no wife to resort nor repair without the said precinct, while he be lawfully and orderly relieved and free be his Majestie, under the pain of rebellion, and putting him to the horn; with certification to him, if he faile, and doe in the contrair, that he shall be incontinent thereafter denunced rebell, and put to the horn; and all his moveable goods escheit to his Hienes use, for his contemption.
THOMAS FENTOUN, Messenger.

Be the Queens intercession he got liberty to travell abroad within six myles of Sanct Andrews.

The learned of that Presbytrie handled the controverted heads in the Schooles of Divinity, as if they had been confuting the Papists only; when as their chief purpose was to clear the controversies arising in our Kirk, whereby the Ministers in that province were much edified. This exercise galled the Court Ministers; but, because it was done in the Latine tongue in the Schooles, and in shew against Papists, it could not justly be found fault with.

In the beginning of August, Mr Robert Bruce was written for to come to Falkland.

When he came, Mr Alexander Lindsey, now Bishop of Dunkelden, assured him, the King was to send him to the North to travell with the Erle of Huntlie for his conversion; and, if he refused, the King would charge him to teach in Sanct Johnstoun upon the 5 of August. Mr Robert answered, He could not be urged with the last, in respect he had the Kings promise and his hand.

Mr Alexander assured him, that the King counted the thing that was done, but the duty of a subject; but he had not gottin of him as yet the duty of a Pastor, which it behoved him to have. Is it so, said Mr Robert? assure the rest of the Commissioners, that I will take me to them particularly, and lay all the blame upon them, of whatsoever sall fall forth; and signifie to them from me, that I count this a breach of promise, and an ill effect of the last agreement.

After that Mr Alexander had declared Mr Roberts mind to the Commissioners, he returned to Mr Robert with this answer, That they would deal with the King what in them lay to put that matter to the last point, or to put the King of the last point; advised him to give the King good answers touching the Northland voyage; and if he feared any danger in it, they promised to divert the King from it.

The King being informed of Mr Roberts resolution, urged him only with the Nortland voyage. Mr Robert craved a tyme to advise. The King appointed him to come to him to Stirline within 20 days.

Mr Robert went to the King in Stirline, and prayed the King to bear with him; for it behoved him to see his soverty before he went. Farther he said, he knew not whether his Lordship was desireous of him, or not; and that he knew certainly, that Mr John Hammilton the apostat, a busie trafficking Papist, a man no wife answerable to his Majesties lawes, was in the North; that so long as the Marquess of Huntlie covered him with his wings, there could be no surety for him in these parts. The King willed him to come to Falkland the 15 of September, where and at what time he doubted not but Huntlie would satisfie him touching his sovertie.

Mr Robert, in his jurney toward Falkland, upon the 15 of September, is advertised, that Huntlie was not at Court, but returned homeward; whereupon he returned back to his own house.

The true intent of the King and Commissioners was to send him far north, lest his presence in the south parts should be an impediment to their course of Episcopacie.

The fyft day of August being be act of Parliament ordained to be solemnly keeped, without anie constitution of the Kirk made thereanent, was neglected be sundrie Ministers of Fyfe. They were summoned publickly at mercat crosses to compear before the King and Counsell. The narrative of the proclamation was soulle and fearfull.

Mr James Melvill resolved to declyne, after the old manner, if they had been brought before the Counsell; which the King vowed should be capital. Mr James found himself well resolved, whereof the place, where he medi tated and prayed, held him daily in remembrance.

The King understanding be Mr Patrick Galloway, what was his resolution, called him and the rest calmelie and friendlie before the Commissioners, none of the Counsell being present. After a word or two speaking for the fashion, they were dismissed.

The General Assemblie, howbeit appointed at the last ordinary Assembly for the fashion at Sanct Andrews, the last Tuesday of July, was prorogued be the King to the tenth of November: for now it was the custom, that the King appointed the Assemblies, when and where he pleased, by proclamations at the Mercat Crosses. C.]